REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTION

3 1833 00855 1738

GENEALOGY
942.4501
SH84T
1890

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2014

https://archive.org/details/transactionsofsh22shro

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

PIQPSHIUE AEGHlOLOGiCAL

AND

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

ESTABLISHED 1877.

A L L R I Q II T S R E S 1! R V K D .

2 n d S E Pi IBS,

VOL. II., 1 8 90,

P K 1 N T ED F 0 R THE S 0 0 I E T Y

S H R K W S B IT R Y :
A D N l T T A N D N A U N T 0 N , T H E S Q U ARE
O S W E S T K V :
WOO D A L I, , M 1 N S II A L L A 37 U .Co,

191^430

WO0DALL, Ml N S II A L L , A X D C
PRIN T ERS, E TC,
OSWESTRY AN D WREXHAM,

1 4 2 2 6 8"

■

SHROPSHIRE ARCH/EOLOGICAL AND
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

CONTENTS of 2nd Series, Vol. II.

Page.

Motes on Shropshire Birds. By Wm. E. Beckwith ... 1, 303

The Poll-Tax for the Town and Liberties of Shrewsbury,

1380. By Rev. W. G. Dimock Fletcher M.A., F.S.A. 17

i The Merchants' Gild of Shrewsbury. By the llev. C. H.

Drinkwater, M.A ... ... ... 29

The Pipe Roll for the fifth year of King Henry II., 1159.

By R. Ll. Kenton 60

Petition of Humphrey Kynaston, gent, 1618. By the Rev.

W. G, Dimock Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A. 68

\ inquisition of the Liberties of the Town of Shrewsbury, 1515.

By the Rev. W. G. Dimock Fletcher, M.A.. F.S.A. ... 72

Shropshire Topographical Maiius* :iptsin the British Museum.
Edited by the Rev. W. G. Dimock Fletcher, M.A.,
F.S.A 76

Churchwardens' Accounts of the Town of Ludlow. Trans-
cribed by Llewellyn Jones ... ... ... .. 105

Acceptances of the Royal Pardon at the Restoration, 1660.

With introduction by the Rev. Thomas Auden, M.A. 141

Gift of the Church of Hannier to Haghuiond Abbey, A.D.

1106-77. By the Rev. Canon Lee, Vicar of Hanmer 159

Papers relating to the Trained Soldiers of Shropshire in the

reign of Queen Elizabeth. By William Phillips, F.L.S. 215

Fragment of an Early Mystery Play. With Prefatory note

by Dr. Calvert ... ... ... ... ... ... 295

History of Shrewsbury Hundred or Liberties. By the late
Rev. John Brickdalb Blakeway, M.A. Edited by the
Rev. W. G. Dimock Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A.

Broughton, anciently Burghton ... ... 819

Clive 333

The Crypt of Old St. Chad's Church Shrewsbury, Report
of the Excavations made 1889-90. By J. Nurse,
architect. With introduction by the Rev. Thomas
AudeNj M.A., F.S.A 359

ILLUSTRATIONS.
Arms and Armour (2 Plates)
Plans of Old St. Chad's, &c, (6 Plates)

253
. S61-367

SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The aunual meeting of the Society was held at the Shirehall,
Shrewsbury, on Saturday, February 1st. Mr. Arthur Sparrow, F.S.A.,
presided, and there were also present—Mr. Stanley Leighton. M.P.,
F.S.A., Mr. James Watson, M.P., Mr. R. LI. Kenyon, Rev. T. Auden,
Rev. C. H. Drinkwater, Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher, F.S.A., Alderman
Southam, Mr. W. Phillips, Mr.W. Burson, Mr. J.M. Harding, Mr. W.W.
Nauntou, Mr. Parry- Jones, Mr. Sand ford Corser, Mr. J. Nurse,
Mr. Oldroyd, Mr. W. T. Southam, and Mr. Goyue, Secretary.

REPORT OF THE COUNCIL.

The report was read by Mr. Goyne, as follows: —

J lie Council of the Society in presenting their annual re]>ort, are glad to be
able to speak favourably of its financial josition. It is true that the statement
of accounts shows a small adverse balance, but this may be regarded as ouly
temporary, arising from the recent settlement of a large outstanding account
due to the printers of the Transaction*. With regard to these Ti'ansacticn.%
the Council are glad to think that recent numbers have fully maintained the
interest of those issued in former years. This bas been largely due to what may
be described as the opening of two new veins of County History-. The first of
these is the collection of Blake way MSS. in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. It
will be remembered that at the last annual meeting a special fund was started
to pay for the copying of these MSS. for publication in the Transactions ; and a
portion of them has already appeared. A statement of this fund, attached to
the general statement of accounts, shows that of £48 collected, only £12 has at
present been required to be spent. The other new vein of county history is that
afforded by the municipal records of Shrewsbury itself. For several months
past, a small committee, appointed by the Corporation, has been engaged in
sorting and cataloguing these records, and, by permission of that body, several
interesting papers have already been, or are in process of being, given to the
world in the pages of the Transaction*. The Council have recently had the
administration of another special fuud, raided for exploring the ancient crypt in
Old St. Chad's Churchyard. The work has been carried to a successful com-
pletion under the superintendence of Mr. J. Nurse, to whom the Council desire
to express their great obligation ; but as it did not fall within the vear covered
by this report, it is not further alluded to here. Since, however, it is convenient
to refer to it while still recent, and in fact this annual meeting has been held
later than usual in consequence of it, a special report will be presented by Mr.
Nurse on the subject. In conclusion, the Council would call attention to two
recent publications bearing upon .Shropshire Local History, "The Visitation of
Shropshire in 1623," issued by the Harleian Society, and the M Parish Registers
of Broseley,'' by Mr. Alfred F. C. C. Langley. — Thomas Auden, M. A., Chairman.

The President then said : Before moving the adoption of the report
which we have just heard, I must heartily thank the Council of this
Society for so kindly wishing me to take the chair at this annual

VI

meeting. I consider it a great honour to have been asked, and one
that I thoroughly appreciate. The whole of my life I have been
interested in Archaeology and antiquarian pursuits, and I have been
especially interested in all that relates to Shropshire and the neigh-
bouring county of Stafford, where, for many years, I lived. Your
chairman at the last annual meeting (Sir Oflley Wakeman) spoke of
the large number of old manor houses existing in this county, and of
the great interest attaching to them. I agree 'with him that the
history of these manor houses, and of the manors attached to them,
could it, as I am sure it can, be written, would let in a flood of light
upon the days gone by, and we should be able to realise how our
fathers lived 300 or 400 years ago, and what sort of surroundings they
had as regards this county and its inhabitants. I am induced more
to speak upon this subject, because I have been now for some time, at
intervals, engaged in tracing the devolution of the manor of Church
Preen, the parish in which I live ; and in the course of my researches
I have come across many most interesting particulars, and I hope I
shall not weary you if 1 speak chiefly in reference to my own parish.

The Record Office is, as you know, a vast storehouse of antiquarian
knowledge, and there are few parishes in the kingdom the history of
which may not receive light from a systematic search in the treasures
it contains. (Hear, hear.) Eyton, that learned and wonderful man
whowrotcour County History, owed much to the Record Office ; but, un-
fortunately,his work only carries us down to the end of the 13th century
or thereabouts. Since that time the history of the county has to be
written, and whoever undertakes this laborious task, or an instalment
of it, will still find the Record Office an unfailing source of information.
In the same Record Office 1 fell accidentia upon the report of a Com-
mission that was held at Hughley in the 3'2nd Elizabeth ( 1500.) Preen
was a cell of Wenlock Abbey ; and in 1583, or three years before the
dissolution of Wenlock, the prior of Wenlock, either with or without
the concurrence of the prior of Preen, sold the manor of Preen to one
Gyles Cirrote. No doubt this was done by the prior of Wenlock to
avoid the confiscation of Preen with the rest of the Abbey property.
The Hughley Commission appears to have been held by the Concealed
Land Commissioners with the object of proving that the priory of
Preen was independent of Wenlock — that in fact the prior of Wenlock
had no right to sell it to Cirrote. Now, as the sale took place in 1533,
and the Commission at Hughley was held in 1590, a period of nearly
60 years had elapsed ; and as the witnesses summoned had to speak
of events that occurred at a period so long antecedent, they were
nearly all very old people. Their ages are indeed remarkable ; and it
speaks much for the salubrity of the neighbourhood of Preen. In all,
87 witnesses were examined. Of these, 11 were on behalf of the
Crown, and 16 on behalf of the defendant, William Dickins, the son
and heir of Humphrey Dickins, who in 1500 had bought the manor of
Preen from Gyles Cirrote. The united ages of these 27 witnesses was
2,120 years, or an average of 78§ years each ; ten were between 80
and (J0, three over 90, and one old lady had reached the patriarchal

vii

age of 100. (Applause.) The remaining ten witnesses were the
tenants of Preen. I have had the whole of the evidence transcribed,
and it contains much of great interest. Several of the witnesses
speak of the prior of Preen being punished by the prior of Wenlock
for misdemeanour. One of them, William Persons, curate of Preen,
(who seems to have been appointed when the prior left, soon after the
sale), says " that he kno'weth that the Prior of Preene for a falte or
offence which he had comytted was sent for by the Pryor of Moche
Wenlocke, and was by him ponished for his said offence in the Chapter-
howse of Moche Wenlocke aforesaid, and made his obedyance there.'"
(Laughter.) Another witness says that he "was there ponished and
deteigned under corection in the Sextry by the space of aboute one
fortenighte or eighte dayes. And by the Pryor of Moche Wenlocke
another monck of the said howse called Sir Richard iiishwyck was
appoynted duringe that tyme to serve and saye servyce and prayers in
his rome at Pryne aforesaid, and that the Pryor of Preene was under
the obedyence of the Pryor of Moche Wenlocke and called him Mr."
(Laughter.) It appears that the Prior of Preen thought himself injured
by the sale of Preen by the Prior of Wenlock, for one witness says,
" After the suppression of the said Priorie and the puttinge out of the
said Castle, he, the said Don John Castle, went to London in companie
of this examynates father to complayne of the wronge to him done
and obteyned an annuytic of four markes or three pounds by year
during his lief, and immedyatie afterwardes the said Don John was
placed in the Priorie of Dudley, and there contynued till the suppres-
sion thereof, and then came to Moncke Hopton where he lived as
curate till he died." The evidence of another witness is curious and
interesting. He says " that he hath hard that the said Priorie was
founded and given to three to be howse of praier of the order of St.
John the Baptiste, and saith that he sawe the pycture of a heade
called the heade of St. John Baptiste in the church or Priorie of
Pryne, where the same contynued and was offered unto untill the
dissolution of the said Priorie ; and hath hardc by credyble reporte
that the said John Castle had a common seal whereupon was engraved
the picture of the said St. John, wherewith he sealed the wry tings or
leases of such landes as he graunted who were parcell of the said
Mannour or L. of Pryne." I may remark in reference to this image
that St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of Church Preen, and
that at the east end of the Church are two corner brackets, upon one
of Which, I imagine, the image of St. John stood, and on the other,
probably, that of the Virgin Mary. The Kev. Mackenzie Walcott
thought that an ankerhold might have existed at Preen at the close
of the 13th century, and that a legend relating a vision that befel the
recluse, and taken from the chronicle of Lanercost, referred to the
Preen ankerhold. I have not. at present, been able to discover among
the Assi/e Rolls any record of the decision arrived at after the close
of the Hughley Commission ; but the result was that Preen continued
in the possession of the Dickins family : probably there was some
compromise. I quite hope that the labours of the committee who are

vm

now examining the municipal and county records may throw some
light upon this point, as the trial probably took place at Shrewsbury,
and, in this case, the Assize Rolls should record the result. In the
evidence of the various witnesses, there are many incidental allusions
to the state of the parish for the 50 years between the dissolution and
ihe time of the Hughley Commission.

Preen appears to have been very much more densely populated
than it is now ; and indeed, it we may judge from the register of
births and deaths in the various country parishes, and also from the
remains of manor houses, and tradition, this seems to have been the
ease in most of the agricultural parishes in Shropshire. Three
hundred years ago there were few parishes without their Church and
manor house, in the latter of which the squire lived, well content with
his patrimony of 1,200 to 1,500 acres ; and in those days the labourers
required to farm the laud all lived on the land ; now, alas, times are
changed, and in consequence of the higher wages obtained in the
manufacturing towns, and the poverty that sunless seasons and foreign
competition have caused to the owners and occupiers of land, the
sturdy agricultural labourer of old days seems destined to be as rare
as the Dodo.

It seems to me that it would be well, as far as practicable, to pre-
serve the traditions of every country parish. (Hear, hear.) We can
little understand how much that we should have rejoiced to have known
has been lost simply through neglecting to record every little circum-
stance and tradition that conies often to the knowledge of most of us.
Among other sources of information, I may mention the names of
holds. These ofren tell their own story. At Preen, on the high'
ground commanding the Apedale Valley, we have a field called Castle-
yard, and below it another called The Butts. There are many
indications to show that some kind of building— probably a castle —
existed on the site of the Castleyard, even if the Butts below, where
doubtless the archers practised, had not given us corroborative evidence.
I hope some day that I may be able to speak more definitely on this
point.

Hitherto I have alluded to the treasures of the Record Office,
but there are many other sources of information which are well-known
lo archaeologists, chief among them the Bodleian Library and the
British Museum ; and 1 must congratulate this Society upon the work
they have undertaken at the Bodleian, in transcribing the Blakeway
MS3., which are of great value. I have myself had portions, refer-
ring to parishes in which 1 am interested, transcribed, and I can speak
as to their great interest. There is a curious pamphlet in the
Bodleian in reference to Preen, printed in 1727, entitled, " Leases for
?A years to be granted of an estate capable of such improvements
that the lessees will be entitled to the gain of six hundred pounds for
the payment of one. " It seems that 150 ycais ago there were, as
there are now, wild speculators; but it is difficult to think that any-
one could be found sufficiently credulous to believe the wonderful
statements that are to be found in this pamphlet. The proposal was

IX

to build " two furnaces for melting iron metals," which were to pro-
duce 1,000 tons of iron each, the profit on which was estimated at
the prodigious sum of £50,000 per year ; but large as this sum is, the
promoter claims to have stated it " at a moderate rate to
avoid the imputation of any extravagant calculation." (Laughter.)
This large profit would be made in consequence of the great
quantity of ironstone to be found at Preen (which, I need
not say, only existed in the imagination of the promoter), the
quantity of wood existing, that might be made at cheap rate into
charcoal, and the proximity to the river Severn, which would save
much in carriage. But the great interest of the prospectus consists
in the light it throws upon the aspect of Preen 150 years ago. It
tells of the number of houses, the extent of the holdings, and the
rent per acre ; the six fish ponds (fish ponds that once supplied the
Prior with fish) ; the small town ; the farmhouses clustered together ;
and it finishes by saying, " It is a most delightful and pleasant situa-
tion, and so very healthful that the inhabitants live to a great age."
This part of the prospectus is, at any rate, true. Not many years
ago, an old woman resided at Preen and the neighbourhood who lived
to be 100 years old — a similar instance of longevity to the old lady
who gave evidence at the commission.

It may interest some of you to know that we have in
the churchyard of the parish Church of Preen one of the
largest yew trees, if not the largest, in England. I very
carefully measured this tree last week, and its proportions are
as follows : — Girth round tree at ground, 40ft. 5in. ; one foot from
ground, 30ft. 10in.; at four feet, 21ft. 9in.; at seven feet, 22ft. The
tree is at least 50ft. high, and its branches measure 61ft. Gin. across,
or a circumference of nearly 200ft. The trunk of the tree is hollow,
and measures 5ft. Gin. across inside. It is of this width for 10fc., and
will hold inside 21 men standing upright. Notwithstanding the
decay of the trunk, the tree is, to all appearances, thoroughly healthy,
and every year throws out fresh wood. Fortunately the size of this
tree was recorded in 1780, and also in 1833 ; in the former year it
measured 32ft. 2in. round at ground, and 19ft. at four feet from
ground, showing that the growth in 109 years has been 2ft. 9in. In
1833 the measurement at ground was 36ft., and at four feet from
ground 20ft., so that in the last 56 years it does not appear to have
increased in size. The only yew tree that I know at all comparable
in size to the Preen Yew is the famous tree at Qrowhurst in Sussex.
This tree is stated to be 33ft. at ground ; ours is over 40ft. The
Crowhurst tree is, however, 26 A-ft. at five feet from the ground, and
<>ur tree is 22ft. at seven feet. 1 saw the Crowhurst tree some two
or three years ago ; it did not then strike me as possessing anything
like the vigour and health of the tree at Preen. As to the age of our
tree, it is difficult to form an opinion, but 1 think we may be sure
that when Preen Church was built in the 13th century it was a giant
tree.

1 am sure that I must have wearied you, for I have, I am

afraid, digressed from my duty as chairman. (" No, no.") I now
beg to move the adoption of the report, which is very satisfactory to
us all. It shows that the Society is solvent and has done good
work. (Applause).

The Rev. T. Auden, in seconding, said he desired to thank the
chairman for his address. (Hear, hear). In one paragraph of it,
Mr. Sparrow said he hoped some day to be able to speak more
accurately on a particular point, and he could only hope that he
would give them the result of any further investigation, as well as
what he had said now, in the pages of their Transactions — (applause)
— because there was nothing more important, and nothing more
useful, than to publish old parochial histories, and histories of manors,
such as the chairman had brought before them in outline that
afternoon. (Hear, hear). There was nothing he need add on
his own account, but in the name of the Council he should like to
thank those, whether members of the Society or outsiders, who had j
assisted the Couucil in carrying out the two special matters they had |
had in hand during the past year. First of all, there was the fund
for copying the Blakeway manuscripts and others relating to the j
county, which work had been very successful. They had some £-18 \
given to them, but it had only been necessary thus far to spend £12,
so that he hoped they would have enough to carry on for some con- |
siderabie time to come. Then, in the name of the Council, he should
also like to thank the large number of non-members — the outside
public — who took such a kindly interest in the excavations in Old
St. Chad's Churchyard, and enabled the Council to carry the work to j
a successful issue. — The report was then adopted.

THE RECORDS OF SHREWSBURY.

Alderman Southam, in moving the re-election of the Council, said it j
was his good fortune, at the last meeting, to mention the great j
importance of trying to rescue from positive destruction the records \
of the borough of Shrewsbury ; and he knew they would all be glad
to hear that his suggestion had been acted upon, and that a very
able committee had worked arduously and well, and had obtained a
vast amount of valuable information as to the records of the ancient
borough. He felt, and no doubt the committee felt, assured, when
they came to look at the matter, that the records had been within
measurable distance of absolute destruction. Posterity would have
blamed them if they had allowed the records to become so bad
as to be illegible — (hear, hear) — and he thought the Society had
done a good work, if it never did anything further, by placing these
records in thoroughly good condition, and sorting them in such a way
that anyone who liked to look over them could always be able to get
valuable information at a small cost. — In reply to Mr. Stanley
heighten, M.P., Alderman Southam said the work had been done
voluntarily by a committee, who were not yet in a position to publish
the result of their labours. — The Rev. T. Auden said that at present
the work was in a comparatively rudimentary state. The committee

were engaged in the process of looking over the records sufficiently
to see what they were, and then carefully tieing them up, with a note
outside showing the contents. A few of the papers of special interest
had already appeared in the Transactions. The committee reckoned
the other day, from the progress they had then made, that they had
gone through between a third and a half for the tirst time ; but there
remained a great deal to be done yet. — Mr. Stanley Leighton asked
who had possession of the county records. — Mr. Goyne replied that
they were in the custody of the Clerk of the Peace. — The Rev. W. G. D.
Fletcher remarked that the borough records went back to Henry III ;
but those of the county were not nearly so old. — Mr. Phillips said
the committee had not been authorised to go into the county records
at all. — Alderman Southam said he was much obliged to Mr. Auden
for the information he had given. Owing to increasing age he himself
had not felt justilied in joining the committee, though he took a deep
interest in the work. ^Hear, hear). — Mr. James Watson, M.P.,
seconded the re-election of the Council, which was carried unani-
mously.

Mr Stanley Leighton proposed a vote of thanks to the auditors
(Mr. Oldroyd and Dr. Calvert), and the other officers, for past services,
and moved their re-election. He hoped that the work of auditing would
become more and more serious, as he hoped that the finances of the
Society would grow and grow. (Hear, hear.) There was an enor-
mous amount of archaeological work within the sphere of the Society.
He confessed that sometimes, as one of the Fellows of the Society of
Antiquaries, he felt a little jealous that the London Society
should find it needful to think of raising a fund for exploring
the ruins at Wroxeter. He thought that the rich county
of Salop ought to have sufficient esprit de corps to do the
work for themselves. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the local Society
would get more and more support. lie did not mean to say that it
did not get good support already — he meant that they should en-
deavour to increase the number of subscribers. Such a work as that
alluded to by Alderman Southam ought to have this effect, namely,
the great work of cataloguing and indexing the records of Shrews-
bury, and, as he hoped, the records of the county, which were in the
hands of the public officers. (Hear, hear.) — Mr. Kenyon seconded
the re-election of the auditors, and the motion was unanimously
carried. — Mr. Oldroyd briefly responded.

THE EXCAVATIONS AT OLD ST. CHAD'S.

Mr. Nurse read a paper on the excavations at Old St. Chad's,1 as
stated in the report of the Council. — The Chairman moved a vote of
thanks to him. (Applause.) He stated that there was nothing more
interesting in the whole of the excavations than the discovery of the

1 Printed at length in the Transactions,

xil

two ancient coffins, which were of very early date, as they were
formed of separate stones. It was unfortunate that these graves had
been covered up, but he supposed it was impossible to avoid it.
With regard to Mr. Nurse, he had not only evinced great care in
looking after the excavations, but had prepared several drawings very
skilfully.-The Rev. G. H. Drink water, in seconding, said the committee
had come to the conclusion that, had it not been for Mr. Nurse, the
work could not have been carried out. (Hear, hear.) In the course
of the operations there was found a stylus, which was a most in-
teresting relic. It was as perfect as if it were only made recently.
These instruments were used as late as the 13th century. When the
labourers employed in the churchyard came across the stylus, they
stated that they had found a bodkin — (laughter) — and he (Mr.
Drink water) would have been glad if they had found a good many
more of them. (Hear, hear.) He believed they were exceedingly
rare — at least in a perfect state — and he thought that a similar dis-
covery to the one in Shrewsbury had not been made anywhere in the
kingdom. — The motion was then carried, the Chairman remarking
that the relics would be placed in the Museum. — Mr. Kenyon suggested
that the stylus should be engraved for the Transactions. — The Chair-
man said this ought to be done. — He also expressed a hope that the
Committee appointed to examine the borough records would under-
take those relating to the county, when they had finished their
present task. — Mr. Phillips remarked that it would be time to
think about the county records in twelve months' time. The
borough records, which are of the highest possible interest, were in a
terrible state of confusion, and, therefore, involved a considerable
amount of labour. When these were completed, the Committee, he
thought, would not hesitate to undertake the county records. — Mr.
Phillips then proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, remarking
that the Society was most fortunate in obtaining the services of a
gentleman who was in full sympathy with its work.— The Rev. W. G. D.
Fletcher seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously ; and,
after the Chairman had responded, the meeting terminated.

ANNUAL EXCURSION.

On Tuesday morning, July 8th, under cloudy skies and threatenings
of a downpour, a party of some twenty-live ladies and gentlemen
(members of the Shropshire Archaeological Society and their friends)
left the General Station, Shrewsbury, en route for Bromfield and Lud-
low, on the Society's annual excursion. Mr. F. Goyne, the secretary,
was, as ever, most watchful that all arrangements were punctually
and agreeably carried out, and to his attention to details on the way,
the interest, success, and pleasure of the " outing" was largely due.
Among the party were — Rev. T. Auden, F.S.A. (Chairman of the
Council of the Society). Mrs. Auden, Miss Auden, Miss Salwey, Rev.

\

xiii

J. G. Swainson, Rev. A. T. Pelham, Rev. R. W. Gleadowe, Rev. C. H.
Drinkwater, Rev. J. Wright, Mr. J. Barker, Mr. J. Dovaston, Miss
Ada Dovaston, Mr. Heather, Mr. W. Phillips, Mr. Oldroyd, Mr. W. E.
Harding, Miss Radermacher, Mr. F. W. Pearce, Air. Sandford
Corser, Miss Corscr, Mr. Bradley, and Mr. Goyne.

Bromfield station was reached shortly after eleven o'clock, in a
gleam of sunshine, which one was only too ready to accept as
augury of the day to follow. From Bromlield the party at
once drove in a couple of brakes past the tumuli on the "Old Field,"
along a pleasant mile of tho southern end of tiie beautiful Corve
Valley, and, crossing the Corve stream, drew up at Stanton Lacy for
the purpose of inspecting its fine old Saxon church. All strolled
round and about the church, the Vicar (Rev. L. R. C. Bagot) and the
Rev. T. Auden both kindly pointing out and explaining its objects of
interest. It is a cruciform building ; the west end of the nave and
ihc north transept are of Saxon work, the remaining part of
the structure is mainly of the Early Decorated style. On the south
side of the chancel, at the base of the outer wall are two ancient
arched tomb recesses under which lie dilapitated full-length stone
etligies, which are supposed to be memorials of the last of the Lacys,
anciently lords of this manor. The church contains several
interesting epitaphs.

Among other objects in the Church that attracted the attention of
tiie party is the west window, representing SS. Peter and Paul, the
peculiarity of which is that in the faces of the two saints are
reproduced likenesses of two gentlemen once locally well known,
namely, the late Rev. Dr. Bowles, vicar of Stanton Lacy, and his
friend, the late Mr. Clement, of Shrewsbury. Before quitting the
Church, the Rev. T. Auden briefly recapitulated the chief points of
what is historically known about the pluce. The Manor of Stanton
Lacy," he said, "belonged in Saxon times to Si ward, and at Domes-
day to Roger, boh of Walter de Lacy, Norman Baron of Lacy and
Campeaux, under Odo, Bishop of Bayeux This Walter founded the
Monastery of St. Peter, at Hereford, and died in 1085 from a fall while
superintending its erection. Roger possessed more than a hundred
manors, among which Stanton Lacy was one of the most important.
It passed, like Ludlow, from the De Lacys to the De Mortimers,
Earls of March, and became Crown property when an Earl of March
came to the throne as Edward IV. Shortly before Domesday, Walter
de Lacy gave two-thirds of the tithes of Stanton Lacy to his Monastery
at Hereford ; and Domesday speaks of the Church as endowed with a
hide and a half of land. In L290, it was visited by Bishop Swinfield,
on which occasion the Prior of Llanthony, in Monmouthshire, who
was at that time Rector, provided hay and straw for the Bishop's
suite. It was still connected with Llanthony at the dissolution of
monasteries in Henry VHP's reign. The patronage then passed
through various hands till 1G20, when it was purchased by William
Craven, created Lord Craven a few years later. It is now in the gift
of Lord Windsor."

At the invitation of the Vicar, the party passed from the Church to
the adjacent Vicarage, erected by Dr. Bowles, some 60 years ago,
to view the fine carved oak panelling and oak cornices, &c, in the
library.

From Stanton Lacy the party next proceeded, by way of Peaton
and Bouldon, to Heath Chapel, quitting the brakes at Bouldon,
and doing the remaining distance up the hill on foot. Heath
Chapel consists simply of nave and chancel, without tower
or belfry, and forms one of the most perfect specimens of Early
Norman architecture in this district, if not in this country. It is,
indeed, conjectured by some authorities that the main building is
Saxon, and that the door-way, which is unmistakably Early Norman,
was the introduction of a later age. Upon the flat buttresses or ribs at
the eastern end of the building, are marks vividly suggestive of the
uses to which these ancient stones have at one time been put— the
sharpening of arrow points, and these signs are curiously confirmatory
of the theory that this old Chapel was originally provided here for the
use of the foresters in the Long Forest that anciently surrounded this
region. The windows are few, small, and of lancet shape, as though
intended quite as much for purposes of defence as for light. Inside,
the Chapel is plain, and bare. The font is roughly hewn out of the
block, tub-like, and devoid of all ornament, except a very
primitive border round its upper edge. The pews are of oak,
blanched with age and decrepit by use, and are but a
very slight advance upon the simple low seat anciently extend-
ing along the inner wails. With reference to "The Heath," the
Rev. T. Auden stated that " it was held in early times by the Barons
of llolgate, under the Prior of Wenlock. In the middle of the 13th
century the tenant of the Barons was William Fitzjohn, who, among
other misdemeanours, in 1248 imprisoned Herbert de Crofton, with
his wife and son, at the Heath, and stole from Herbert's house at
Crofton eight cattle, six sheep, five cartloads of corn, two carts, and
five cartloads of other chattels, for which he was ordered to be sent to
gaol, as well as make restitution, but he contrived to escape by pay-
ing £2 and restoring one cow and two carts. This William Fitzjohn's
son sold the main part of his property to John Fitz-alan (3), from
whom it passed to the Earls of Arundel."

Nordy Bank was the next spot visited. A walk up narrow, winding,
hill-side lanes brought the party to this most interesting and com-
manding elevation, whereon are the remains of an important military
encampment, probably Roman (although some hold that it is really
British, assimilated by later Roman occupation), and described by
Hartshorn (in Salopia Antiqua) as one of the most perfect in England.
It commands the valley of the Corve, and has manifestly been a very
important station. Having arrived at the top, the party were
addressed by the Rev. A. T. Pelhain (Rector of Cound), who kindly
described the salient features of the encampment. When the Romans
sought to subjugate and hold this part of the country, they encountered
the fierce opposition of the Silures, one of the strongest and most war-

XV

like of the aboriginal tribes, and many were the deadly conflicts that
marked the struggle. Tims it happens that the Roman remains of
camps are found scattered over these hills, for the Silures stubbornly
contested every inch of their country,and retreated from camp to camp
only before the superior arms and military tactics of the invading
legions. At length they were subjugated by the Romans under the
direction of Agricola, and henceforth the conquered country was held
by the Roman forces placed in stationary camps, which were connected
by military roads. Nordy Bank was such a stationary camp, having
a military road connecting it with Uriconium. This road
is still in existence, the places located upon it being Pitchford,
Frodesley, Wall, Rushbury, the Roman Rank, Hungcrford, Tugford,
and the Ford (the last-named just below Nordy Bank). The natural
site of this camp is, as was also pointed out by the Rev.
A. T. Pelham, eminently adapted for purposes of defence,
and particularly for holding the valleys which radiate round
and slope up to it. There are no traces of buildings upon the hill, a
circumstance not surprising when we bear in mind that the military
force anciently occupying it as a garrison was most probably sheltered
in huts of wood, and the great earthworks alone remain to attest the
extent and importance of Mordy Bank as a Roman military station.
It is a parallelogram in form, though the corners are to some
extent rounded off, and was well supplied with water, pos-
sessing a fine spring. In the conversation which arose upon various
points suggested in Mr. Pelham's interesting remarks, the
hev C. H. Drinkwater expressed the view that as a camp it was really
of British origin. The party, retracing their way down the
hill-side, met the conveyances on the road between the Bank
and Bouldon, and being soon all re-seated, the route was con-
tinued. It was intended to make a short halt at the site of
Corfham Castle, associated in English history with Henry II. and Fair
Rosamond ; and Mr W. Phillips had kindly prepared a paper on the
subject, but it was, unfortunately, crowded out by want of time.
From Corfham, of which nothing now remains except a double moat,
the party went on to Diddlebury, where the Church was a great
attraction. It is of Saxon foundation, and was among the earliest
grants made by Roger de Montgomery to his Abbey of Shrewsbury.
On the north side of the nave is a door which is probably Saxon, and
the inside of the north wall is covered with herring bone work, while
nearly all the styles which followed are represented in different parts
of the edifice. At the south side of the entrance to the chancel, and
nearly in line with the crown of the pillars of the aisle, was noticed a
corbel from which no doubt formerly sprang the supporters of a rood
loft. It was stated by the Vicar (the Rev. A. Pope), who
kindly showed the visitors over the edifice, that there was
some suggestion a-fout for the restoration (or re-building) of the
fine old tower on its ancient lines, a sum of money having been
bequeathed for that purpose. Such a work may not be altogether
unnecessary, for that the tower has betrayed signs of weakness

xvi

from time to time is pretty plainly evidenced, not only by what we
may call facial furrows and fractures, but by the massive fashion in
which it has been buttressed. Here the Rev. T. Auden reai the
following brief historical sketch of the place: — " Diddlebury was
originally only a member of Gorfham Manor, but became by degrees
the more important place. Before 1086 the Church belonged to
Shrewsbury Abbey, being one of the first grants of Earl Roger and
Adeliza, his second countess, but in 1117 it was in the hands of the
monks of Seez, and in 12^6 the advowson passed to the Bishop of
Hereford, who allotted ten marks to be paid annually out of its
income to Seez, and gave the patronage and remaining income to his
Chapter, to whom it still belongs. There was also a chapel within
the Castle of Corf ham, and in 1384 Richard Ludlow, vicar of Diddle-
bury, exchanged preferments with John Davyes, perpetual chaplain
of the Free Chapel within the Castle of Corfham. Corfham Manor,
which included Diddlebury, was given by Henry II. to Walter de
Clifford, father of 1 Fair Rosamond.' From the Cliffords it passed to
the Stranges of Blackmere. At the close of the 14th century the
family of Baldwin, which had been located here for a considerable
period, rose to importance, and by degrees became possessed of the
greater part of Diddlebury. Richard Baldwin sold it at the end of
the 18th century to Frederick Cornwall, of Berrington, co.
Hereford. Among the inscriptions discovered a few years ago in the
Beauchamp Tower in London, scratched on the walls by various
prisoners, occurs the name of Thomas Bawdewin, with the words 'As
vertue maketh life, so sin eauseth death/ and a pair of scales. This
was a member of the Diddlebury family, who was associated with the
Earl of Shrewsbury, then in charge of Mary Queen of Scots. He was
buried at Diddlebury, and allusion is made in his epitaph to this
imprisonment in the Tower. The Black Monks of the Order of
Grandmont — a division of the Benedictines — had a house here, their
principal settlement being at Alberbury, also in this county."

At Culmington, a pleasant variation was imparted to the day's
programme by the hospitable welcome given to the party by
the Rev. H. C. Bowker, the rector of the parish, who invited all to
afternoon tea at the Rectory — an invitation readily accepted. After
the agreeable rest thus afforded, the party proceeded to the church,
accompanied by the rector, and explored its several points of anti-
quarian interest. It is mainly of Norman and Early English work,
and has a curious double piscina. The tower and spire are peculiar,
the latter being partly a truncated octagon, with a short stumpy
spire projecting above it. On the south side of the chancel is— ex-
tremely rare in our Shropshire churches — a low-side window. Various
theories have been advanced to explain the presence of this kind of
side-light, some finding its supposed purpose in the facility it might
afford for persons outside the church to view the "host " within, when
mass was being celebrated, while others see in it only a convenience for
the ringing of the Sanctus bell ; but after all no entirely satisfactory
explanation of the matter has yet been forthcoming. The church con-

xvii

tains an oak chancel screen of Perpendicular date, of simple but good
design. The parish registers have been well preserved here, and date
from the later half of the sixteenth century, the only hiatus in their
continuity being, as not seldom happens, the interregnum of the
Commonwealth. The Manor of Culmington, as pointed out by the
Rev. T. Auden in the short paper which he read on the subject, is
mentioned in Domesday as having belonged in Saxon times to Edric,
and as then possessed by Earl Roger, who in 10SG endowed the church
of Quatford with a third of his tithes in Culmington and Seifton.
The remaining two-thirds were probably reserved for the parish
church. The manor was given, like Diddiebury, by Henry II. to
Walter dc Clifford, who presented the church to Haughmond Abbey.
In 1248, the then abbot resigned his right to the grandson of the
donor. In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries the Stranges occur
as presenting to the living, and from them it passed to the Talbots,
Earls of Shrewsbury. Since the fifteenth century it appears to have
repeatedly changed hands down to modern times. It is now in the
gift of J. D. Allcroft, Esq.

Here practically ended the day's itinerary. The drive was now
towards Ludlow, through delightful scenery, seen at its best in the
light of the summer evening. Ludlow was reached about half-past six,
and the party assembled at the Feathers Hotel, where dinner awaited
them. After discussing this refreshment, the interval till the hour of
the train's departure for Shrewsbury was pleasantly utilised by most
of the party in visiting either the Castle or the Church. Then,
about a quarter to nine o'clock, the homeward railway journey
was made, Shrewsbury being reached about ten.

iviii

LIST OF MEMBERS, 1890.

Adnitt, Mr. H. W., Shrewsbury
Allen, Very Rev. Canon, Shrewsbury
Audcn, Kev. T., M.A., F.S.A., Shrewsbury

Bradford, Right Hon. Earl of, Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire
(President.)

Bkownlow, Right Hon. Earl, Belton, Grantham
Babington, C. C, Esq , F.S.A., F.R.S., 5, Brookside, Cambridge
Baldwyn-Childe, Rev. Prebendary, M.A., J. P., Kyre Park, Tenbury
Barker, John, Esq., Old Grammar School House, Shrewsbury
Barnes, Thos , Esq., The Quinta, Chirk
Barnes, Col. J. R., J. P., Brookside, Chirk-
Burton, Rev. J., M.A., Had ley Vicarage, Wellington, Salop
Beacall, W., Esq., J. P., Sunfield, Shrewsbury
Ben thai I, F., Esq., F.S.A, Hexton, Ampthill, Bedfordshire
Benthall, E., Esq., Glantwich, Ystalvfera, Swansea Vale
Benthall, Colonel, Furze well House, Torquay
Beresford, Robert de la Poer, Esq , M.D., Oswestry
Bibby, J. J., Esq., D.L., J. P., Hardwicke Grange, Shrewsbury
Borough, J. C. Burton, Esq., B.A., D.L., J. P., Ohetwynd Park,
Newport, Salop

Bridgeman. the Hon. and Rev. Canon, M.A., J.P., The Hall, Wigan
Bridgeman, The Hon. and Rev. J.. M.A., J. P., Weston under- Lyziard,
Shifnal

Broomhall, J., Esq., J. P., Surbiton, Surrey
Burdj Rev. J., M.A., Chirbury Vicarage, Salop
Burr, George, Esq., Oaklands, Shrewsbury

Bulkeley-Owen, Rev. T. M., B.A., J.P., Tedsmore Hall, West Felton
Burson, Mr. W,, Whitehall Street, Shrewsbury
Burton, Rev. R. Lingen, Clifton, Ashburne, Derbyshire

Cleveland, His Grace the Duke of, Raby Castle, Durham

Calcott, John, Esq., Oakley Street, Shrewsbury

Calvert, E., Esq., LL.D., Shrewsbury

Cholmondeley, Rev. R. H., M.A., Hodnet Rectory

Clark, G. T., Jilsq., F.S.A. , Talygarn, Llantrissant, Pontyclown, R.S.O

Clay, J. Cecil, Esq., Market Drayton

Clayton, Rev. Prebendary, M.A., The Rectory, Ludlow

Clowes, Rev. Albert, M.A., Clee S. Margaret, Bromfield, Salop

Cock, Alfred, Esq., Q.C., 8, Kensington Park Gardens, W.

XIX

Colville, H. K., Esq., Linley Hall, Broseley, Salop

Curbet, Sir V. R., Bart., J. P., Acton Reynald Shrewsbury

Corfield, Major F. Channer, Ormonde Fields, Codnor, Derbyshire

Oorser, G. Sandford, Esq., Shrewsbury

Cortissos, C., Esq., Shrewsbury

Cranage, J. E., Esq., Ph. p., Wellington, Salop

Corbett, John, Esq., M.P., lmpney, Droitwich

Darby, Mrs., Adcote; Shrewsbury.

Donaldson-Hudson C, Esq., J. P., Cheswardine, Market Drayton
Dovaston, Adolphus, Esq., Twyford, Sunnyside Road, Ealing,

London, W.
Dovaston, J., Esq., West Felton

Drinkwater, Lie v. C. H., M.A., St. George's Vicarage, Shrewsbury
Duignan, VV. H. Esq., Rushall Hall, Walsall

Egcrton, Rev, Canon, M.A., Middle Rectory, Shrewsbury
Egerton, Rev. W. H., M.A , The Rectory, Whitchurch, Salop
Eyton, T. Slaney, Esq., D.L., J.P., Walford Hall, Baschurch

Feildcn, Rev. 0. M., M.A., Frankton Rectory, Oswestry
Fletcher, Rev. W. G. Dimock, M.A., F.S.A., St. Michael's Vicarage,
Shrewsbury

Foley, P. H., Esq., M.A., F.S.A., Prestwood, Stourbridge, Worcester-
shire

Foljambe, Cecil G. 8., Esq , M.P., F S.A., Cockglode, Ollerton,
Newark

Fortey, Chas., Esq., Ludlow, Salop

Fisher, Ed., Esq., F.S.A. Scot., Abbotsbury, Newton Abbot.

George, Mr. E., Column Villa, Shrewsbury

Gleadctwe, Rev* R. W., B.A., The Rectory, Frodesley, Salop

Gough, Miss, St. Winifred's Cottage, Shrewsbury

Gregory, G. W., Esq., Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury

Griffin, Harcourt, Esq., J.P., Pell Wall, Market Drayton

Griffiths, George, Esq., Weston, Shifnal

Guildhall Library, London, E.C. — C. Welsh, Esq.

Creensill, Frank, Esq., Marina, Douglas, Isle of Man

Harlech, Plight Hon. Lord, Brogynfcyn, Oswestry

Hill, Right lion. Viscount, Hawkstone, Salop

Harding, W. E., Esq., Shrewsbury

Harding, Mr. J. Millard, The Square, Shrewsbury

Hawkins, Miss, St. Mary's Court, Shrewsbury

Herbert, Hon. R. C, M;A., D.L , J.P., Orleton, Salop

Heywood-Londsdale, A. P., Esq., B.A., D.L., J .P., Shavington,

Market Drayton
Hignett, T. II., Esq., Shrewsbury

XX

Hodges, E., Esq., Edgmond, Newport, Salop

How, T. M,, Esq., Shrewsbury

Howells, T. Middleton, Esq., Highfield, Shrewsbury

Humphreys, J. 11., Esq., F.R.C.S., J. P., Shrewsbury

Hyslop, W. Campbell, Esq., Strettou House, Church Stretton

Jebb, Arthur Trevor, Esq., J. P., The Lyth, EUesmere, Salop
Jones, Morris C, Esq., F.S.A., Hon. Sec. Powys-Land Club, Gungrog,
Welshpool

Jones, H., Esq., 1, Church Court, Clement's Lane. London, E.C.
Juson, Mrs., Monklands, Shrewsbury

Kknyon, Right Hon. Lord, Gredington, Whitchurch, Salop
Kenyon, R. Lloyd, Esq., M.A., J. P., Pradoe, West Felton, Oswestry
King, Roff, Esq., Islington, Shrewsbury
Kynaston, Rev. W. C. E., M A, J. P., Hardwicke, EUesmere
Kittermaster, Rev. F. W., M.A., Bayston Hill Vicarage, Shrewsbury
Kynnersley, T. F., Esq., Leighton Hall, lronbridge, Shropshire

Langley, Alfred F., Esq., Golding, Peterston Super Ely, Cardift
Laing, Mr. J., Shrewsbury

Leach, F., Esq., B.A., Highfield, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury
Leighton, Stanley, Esq., M.A., M.P., F.S.A., Sweeney Hall, Oswestry
Leslie, Henry, Esq., J. P., Bryntanat, Llansantffraid, R.S.O., Mont-
gomeryshire

Lee, Rev. Canon, M.A., Hanmer, near Whitchurch, Salop
Lewis, Mr. Henry, Oswald Road, Oswestry
Lichfield, Very Rev. Dean of, D.D., The Deanery, Lichfield
Lloyd, Yen. Archdeacon, M. A., Edgmond, Newport, Salop
Loxdale, James, Esq., Castle Hill. Aberystwyth

Mainwaring, S. Kynaston, Esq., D.L., J. P., Oteley, EUesmere
Minshall, Thomas, Esq., J. P., Castle View, Oswestry
More, R. Jasper, Esq., M.A., D.L., J. P., M.P., Linley Hall, Bishop's
Castle

Morris, Mr. W. B., Shrewsbury
Morris, S. M., Esq., Swan Hill Court, Shrewsbury
Moss, Rev. Prebendary, M.A., The Schools, Shrewsbury
Myers, Rev. E., F.G.S., Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury

Naunton, Mr. W. W., Shrewsbury

Norton, Rev. F. C, Ditchling Vicarage, Hurstpierpoint

Oldroyd, H. J., Esq., Shrewsbury
Oswcll, A. E. Lloyd, Esq., Shrewsbury

Owen, A. C. Humphreys, Esq., Garthmyl, Montgomeryshire
Owen, Rev. R. Trevor, M.A., Llangedwyn, Oswestry

Powis, Right Hon. Earl of, Powis Castle, Welshpool

Parry, Rev. W., D.C.L., Fitz, Salop

Parry-Jones, J., Esq., Beechfield, Oswestry

Payne, W. B., Esq., Shrewsbury

Peele, E. C, Esq., Kingsland, Shrewsbury

Pelham, Rev. A. T., M.A., Cound Rectory, Shrewsbury

Phillips, W., Esq., F.L.S., J. P., Canonbury, Shrewsbury

Piper, E. J., Esq., Shrewsbury

Pigott, Rev. E. V., M.A., Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent

Poole, T. Frank, Esq., Kingsland, Shrewsbury

Potts, E. B., Esq., Broseley

Purton, Rev. J. S., B.D., Chctton Rectory, Bridgnorth

Ralph, Rowland W., Esq., The Hawthorns, Shrewsbury

Randall, Mr. J., F.G.S., Madeley

Rickards, Rev. Thos., M.A., Cressage

Robinson, C. B., Esq., Franktori Grange, Ellesmere

Robinson, Brooke, Esq., M.P., Barford House, Warwick

Robinson, Mr. J., St. Mary's Place, Shrewsbury

Rowland, G. J., Esq., 14, Parkdale, Wolverhampton

Rocke, Rev. T. Owen, B.A., 10, Royal Crescent, Cheltenham

Rouse- Boughton, Sir C. H., Bart., D.L., J. P., Downton Hall, Ludlow

Rousc-Boughton, Miss, Larden Hall, Much Wenlock

Sutherland, His Grace the Duke of, Lilleshall
Salt, G. M., Esq., Shrewsbury
Salwey, Alfred, Esq., D.L., J. P., Ludlow
Salwey, T. J., Esq., The Cliff, Ludlow

Sandford, Humphrey, Esq., M.A., J. P., The Jsle, Shrewsbury
Sandford, Folliott, Esq., Shrewsbury

Severn Valley Field Club — Rev. R. C. Wanstall, Condover Vicarage

Smith, Hubert, Esq., Belmont House, Bridgnorth

Smith, J. Owston, Esq., Dogpole Court, Shrewsbury

Smith, F. Rawdon, Esq., Spring Bank, Madeley, Salop

Southam, Hbt. R. H., Esq., The Hollies, Shrewsbury

Southam, S. C, Esq., Elmhurst, Shrewsbury

Southam, T., Esq., J. P., The Hollies, Shrewsbury

Southwell, C. J., Esq., Hook Field House, Bridgnorth

Southern, F. R., Esq., J. P., Ludlow, Salop

Sparrow, Arthur, Esq., F.S.A., D.L., J. P., Preen Manor, Shrewsbury
Spaull, W. H., Esq., Oswestry

Stanicr, F., Esq., J. P., Pcplow Hall, Market Drayton

Stanton, George, Esq., Coton Hill, Shrewsbury

Swainson, Rev. J. G., M.A., Wistanstow Rectory, Craven Arms

Tasker, Mr., St. John's Hill, Shrewsbury
Taylor, R., Esq., J. P., Abbey House, Shrewsbury
Thursfield, T. H., Esq., J. P., Barrow, Broseley
Trouncer, T. W., Esq., Astley, Shrewsbury

xiii

Vaughan, H. F. J., Esq., B.A., 30, Edwardes Square, Kensington.
London

Venables, li. G., Esq., The Lodge. Ludlow

Wakeman, Sir Offley, Bart., M.A., D.L , J.P.. Cound
Walker, C. C, Esq., J. P., Lilleshall Old Hall, Salop
Watts, W. W., Esq., M.A., F.G.S., Broseley, Shropshire
Watson, J., Esq., M.P.. J. P., Berwick House, Shrewsbury
Warner, Rev. Prebendary, VI, A., Gun Vicarage
Webb, T. Esq , 30, Broadwater, Tunbridge Wells
Whiltaker, W. Wilkinson, Esq., Cornbrook House, Manchester
Whitcombe, Robert H., Esq., Bcwdley

Williams, Philip, Esq., J. P., Hinstock Hall, Market Drayton

Williams, Pryce, Esq , Moore, n*ar Warrington

Williams, E., Esq., Broom Hall, Oswestry

Wingfield, C. G., Esq., D.L., J.P.. Onslow, Shrewsbury

Wood, Rev. J. Cooper, M.A., The Give Vicarage, Shrewsbury

Wood, \\. H., Esq , F.S.A., F.R.G.S., Penrhos House, Rugby

Woods, Sir Albert VV., C.B.. F.S.A., Garter King of Arms, Queen

Victoria Street, London
Woodall, Mr. E., Oswestry and Border Counties Advertizer, Oswestry
Withers, Mrs., Swan Hill, Shrewsbury
Wright, Philip, Esq., Wellington Hall, Churchstoke
Whittingham, E., Esq., Newport, Salop

Members are requested to notify any change of residence, or error
of description, to the Secretary, Mr. F. Goyne, Dogpole, Shrewsbury.

SOCIETIES WHICH EXCHANGE
TRANSACTIONS.

Birmingham and Midland Institute.
Cambrian Archaeological Association.

Cumberland andWestmorelandArchaeologicaland Antiquarian Society.
Derbyshire Archaeological Society.
Essex Field Club.
Folk-Lore Society.

Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire.
Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society.
Powys-Land Club.

Royal Archaeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.

Society of Antiquaries of London.

Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Somerset Archaeological Society.

Surrey Archaeological Society.

Sussex Archaeological Society.

Worcester Diocesan Archaeological Society.

Win. Salt Archaeological Society.

Yorkshire Archaeological and Topographical Association.

Copyright Office, British Museum.

Natural History Department, British Museum.

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NOTES ON SHROPSHIRE BIRDS.

By WILLIAM E. BECK WITH,

Continued from p. 216 '2nd Series, Vol. I.

GREAT TIT, Parus major.

This handsome lively bird is a general favourite ; for though
not quite so familiar as the Blue Tit, it often comes about houses
in winter. During autumn, the kernels of the yew-berry form a
staple article of food among the Tit family ; and, in order to
obtain them, the berry is taken to some convenient bough or
stone, where the red pulp is knocked off, and the apparently
hard stone is cracked in an incredibly short time by repeated
blows of their tiny bills. Where yews abound, a busy llock of
Croat, Blue, and Coal Tits is usually to be found when the
berries arc ripe ; and in the churchyard at Eaton Constantine,
the tombstones were soiled and stained every autumn by these
birds using them as anvils. The low tapping sound that on still
autumn days is frequently to be heard in woods is made by the
Tits engaged in this operation, or when they are extracting the
seeds of a holly-berry, or splitting open a beech-nut. Besides
the above, the Great Tit is fond of the seeds of the giant parsnip
so often grown in shrubberies, and of the sunflower. It also
takes peas, pecks holes in apples and pears, eats currants and
raspberries, and obtains the seeds of the snowberry by taking
the white ball to a neighbouring branch and dividing it. All
these, however, form but a small portion of its food, which for
the most part consists of insects and caterpillars. And in the
destruction of these pests, no family of birds is more useful, as
t hey are resident with us. and are daily engaged in searching
for them at every stage of their existence. Yet many people,
when they sec a Titmouse among their fruit-trees, imagine
that it is after the bud.s only, and persecute the tribe
accordingly.

The grave accusation of killing bees has frequently been brought
against the 'Pits, and it is, I fear, well substantiated. Mr William

Vol. II., 2nd S. A

2 BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE,

Phillips, living at Kirigsland, near Shrewsbury, has kindly given
me the following note on this subject : — " A few years ago I
kept bees, and in the early part of the year I observed a number
of dead ones lying near the bee-bench. On examining them, I
found the abdomen had been entirely emptied, nothing being-
left but the mere shell, which in some cases was separated from
the body, but more generally attached to it. The operation
appeared to have been performed with great dexterity, the
hole on the underside through which the contents had been
sucked being comparatively small. I was unable to account for
this destruction, and kept a look-out as I daily passed the hives.
One morning I observed a Great Tit alight on the top of the
hive — a common -straw one — begin to peck vigorously, which
disturbed the bees, and as they came to reconnoitre, they were
seized by Master Tom and disembowelled.''

Letters have also appeared at various times in The Field and the
British Bee Journal, convicting the Blue and Coal Tits of the
same propensity ; but the writers have generally concurred that
with all three species it is an exceptional piece of mischief, usually
practised in early spring, when bees are often weak, and insect
food scarce. And in corroboration of these opinions I may state
that, when living at Eaton Constantino, though we kept bees and
encouraged birds of all kinds in the garden, I never knew them
visit the hives or molest the inmates. A pair of these Tits built
an extraordinary nest in a distised beehive at Leaton Knolls, in
the summer of 1885. The hive had been left slightly projecting
over the bench, and through the aperture thus formed, the birds
obtained ingress. Inside, upon the bench, they collected such a
quantity of leaves, wool, and hair, that the whole of it was
covered to the depth of four or five inches. In the centre of
this mass, and in a small depression prettily lined with fine hair,
eight eggs were deposited.

The Great Tit prefers nesting in holes of trees, rather than in
walls and buildings. A pair built in a hollow tree at Charlton
Hill for six successive years, and in each season eight eggs were
laid. The lien bird belonging to this nest, though frequently
looked at and even handled, merely hissed at the intruder, but
never forsook it. When a large number of eggs is found in a
Tit's nest, it is doubtless the result of two birds occupying the
same, or sometimes the nest of the weaker is usurped by the
stronger. An instance of this occurred to Mr. Bourne, in May,
1882, when he found a Great Tit at Astley Abbots, sitting upon
seven eg^s of its own, and thirteen belonging to cither a Blue or
a Coal Tit.

In the woods about the Wrekin I have often found small flocks
of Great Tits in winter, numbering from twelve to twenty indi-
viduals, their time being chiefly spent in turning over leaves in
search of insects and seeds.

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

3

BLUE TIT, Parus caeruleus.

In most of its habits this Tit closely resembles the last species,
but it is even more quaint and amusing. At no time can Blue
Tits be seen to better advantage than in winter, when, if a bone,
or an apple or pear be suspended from a twig, it will be constantly
visited by these birds, which assume every kind of grotesque
attitude, often an inverted one, when partaking of their meal, i
fear that with many gardeners the unfortunate Blue-cap is by no
means a favourite ; yet its misdeeds are really very few. In
Yarrell's British Birds, Professor Newton remarks : — " There are
few birds which are commonly believed to do more harm than
this, and by nearly all gardeners it is regarded as one of their
worst foes. They see it busy at work on a fruit tree, bud after
bud coming under its scrutiny, while the protective covering of
each drops on the ground, and shows the destruction done.
Content with such imperfect evidence, they go their way vowing
vengeance on the Blue-cap, and when they get the chance are
mostly as good as their word. In many parishes in England a
price not long since used to be paid by the churchwardens for
the heads of this species and its congeners under the general name
of Tom Tits, on account of the loss they were believed to inflict
on the gardeners. Yet none can be more mistaken than these
men. If they watched more closely, they would see that while
all the buds were looked over, some of them only were picked
open. Often a single bird, or the whole family-party, will alight
on a tree, and after a very brief survey, will go on to the next,
where perhaps a prolonged stay will be made. To man's eyes
the two trees are just alike, and the buds at the same stage of
growth — there is no seeming difference between any two on the
same bough. The bird, however, knows better : the germ of the
one is sound, that of the other infected, and hence the choice it
uses. Hardly any portion of the bud itself is eaten ; the egg or
the insect already lodged there is the morsel sought. The bud
of course, when picked open is in most cases utterly destroyed,
but with it is also destroyed the potential destroyer of more buds
than any one can tell. The damage of which the gardener thinks
he sees the doing has really been done before, perhaps some
months before. There can, in truth, be little doubt that this
Titmouse, with others of the genus, is a very great benefactor to
the horticulturist, and hardly ever more so than when the careless
spectator of its deeds is supposing it to be bent on mischief."'
Nothing could more accurately describe the habits or the utility
of this bird than the above ; and 1 only wish I could agree with
the learned Professor when he subsequently adds, and though
it has been often credited with eating corn, small seeds, and other
vegetable matter, especially in winter, the assertions that it does
so seem to be rather founded on exceptional instances, if they do
not rest on imperfect observation.;' 1 fear, however, that those

i

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

who have peas in late summer will find that the Blue Tit is
remarkably fond of them, and that careful netting is required to
keep it out. Growers of fruit, too, will deplore the small holes
pecked in their apples, pears, and plums ; though I trust the
droll sight of the evil-doer standing astride upon the fruit, and
vigorously digging into it will atone for the mischief. At Eaton
Constantine Rectory there was a large pear tree, whose fruit did
not ripen till late in autumn, which was a perfect feasting-place
for Blue-caps ; and most of the fruit bore evidence of their taste.
Besides insects and garden produce, this bird, like others of the
family, is exceedingly fond of the kernels of the yew-berry, as well
as of the seeds of the holly, hip, giant parsnip, and sunflower ;
and it also eats the seeds of the various kinds of poppy, which it
obtains by drilling a hole through the capsule.
Few birds arc more whimsical in choosing a nesting place than
this Tit, and the more extraordinary the site the better pleased it
seems. For ten successive years a pair built in a small crevice
underneath my bedroom window, whore the entrance was so
narrow that, when feeding their young, the one old bird with its
bill full of caterpillars clung 10 the wall, and with a crentle twit
called its mate out. These birds almost invariably brought the
small green caterpillars that roll themselves up in rose and fruit
trees. They reared only one brood in a season, and these fled
about the 5th of June.

The following extract shows how these birds, when protected,
will return for generations to a favourite breeding place.
In Yarrell's British Birds, Professor Newton states : — " With
equal persistence will this species year after year use as
a nursery the same hole, and a remarkable instance of this kind
is on record. In 1778, according to one account, in 1785,
according to another, it is said that a pair of these birds built
their nest in a large earthenware bottle which had been left to
drain in the branches of a tree in a garden at Oxbridge, in the
township of Hartburn, near Stockton-on-Tees, and safely hatched
their young. The bottle having been allowed to remain in the
same position by the occupiers of the farm, then and still a
family of the name of Callender, was frequented, for the same
purpose and with a like result, until 1822, when, the tree
becoming decayed, the bottle was placed in one nearby, and the
tenancy continued until 1851. In that year the occupiers of the
farm omitted drawing out the old nest , as had been their constant
practice before the breeding season, and in consequence the birds
chose another place: but in 1852, they returned to the bottle,
and have since annually built in it, or in a second bottle, which
has lately been placed close by it, up to the present year, 1873,
with the exception of one season, when a pair of the Great Tit-
mouse took possession of their inheritance."
The Blue Tit is doubtless migratory to a certain extent in autumn,

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE

5

but this is much more noticeable some years than others, and in
those of 1874, 1S78, 1880, 1883, and 1886, it was more than
usually abundant. These migrants, however, never seem to
come about houses, but to lead an entirely sylvan life.

COAL TIT, Partis ater.

This Tit much resembles the two last in its habits ; but though
common, it is not so numerous or so familiar a species. Its
fondness for beech-nuts and yew-berries sometimes induces it to
visit gardens, but usually it is only in woods and bushy places
that it can be looked for with success. In the shrubberries at
Radbrook, near Shrewsbury, where I am now living, I have
observed this bird feeding upon the red berries of the honey-
suckle ; but it does not appear to care for fruit, and insects are
its principal food.

During the breeding season the Coal Tit retires to secluded woods,
where it builds in a hole in a stump or tree, placing its nest so
that it is difficult to examine without destroying it.
It is certainly to some extent migratory, and is much more
common in winter than at other times. At this season small
flocks are often to be found either by themselves or mixed up
with other kinds.

Professor Newton in YarrelFs Birds, has pointed out that Merrett,
in 1GG7, called this species the Coalmouse, giving it the latin
name Carbonarius. The modern way of spelling Cole is therefore
manifestlv wrong ; and the bird ought to be "known as the Coal
Tit.

MARSH TIT, Pmtis palustris.

This, the least numerous of the Tit family, leads a different kind
of life from the others, and except for a short time after the
breeding season, before the old and young ones have separated,
it is generally found either alone or in pairs ; though in large
woods 1 have sometimes seen a party of four or five together. At
the same time it is by no means solitary in its habits, for it often
associates with other species. In late summer and autumn, this
bird feeds a good deal on the seeds of the thistles, and it is
amusing to sec a family party engaged in pulling the heads of a
spear thistle (Garduus lanceolatus) to pieces. It also eats, as
Stevenson has observed, the seeds of the snowberry, now so often
planted in shrubberries and game-coverts. In common, however,
with the others, as a rule it prefers insects to other kinds of food.
The nest of this bird, like that of the Coal Tit, is extremely
difficulty to find. Mr. Bourne observed that when it could not
find a hole suitable for its purpose, it excavated one in some
rotten stump. Its eggs closely resemble those of the Blue and
Coal Tits. So far as Shropshire is concerned, the trivial name
Marsh applied to this species conveys a wrong impression ; for

6

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE

nowhere is it to be found more frequently than in the extensive
woods on and around the Wrekin.

LONGTAILED TIT, Parus caudatus.

I have never seen these birds feeding upon seeds of any kind,
and their habits are so exclusively arboreal that they are seldom
seen upon the ground. Their time, indeed, is spent in roving
through woods, or flitting from tree to tree ; and every one
familiar with rural scenery must have been delighted at their
quaint appearance as they pass by. Sometimes the party is
so large that two or three families have evidently joined toge- j
ther ; and these do not separate until the following spring. I
Merry and joyous at all seasons the Longtailed Tit seems abso- !
lutely unaffected by the cold, and it never seeks food or protec-
tion from man. j
A merciful Providence has ordained that in cold weather a higher |
temperature exists in woods than in the open country ; the |
ground, therefore, is not so hard frozen, the snow does not re-
main upon the trees, and there are always bare spots to which His
creatures can resort for food and shelter.

The peculiar and beautifully-shaped nest of this Tit doubtless
gives origin to its provincial name of canbottle. It is frequently
built in gorse bushes, or, failing these, in briars, blackthorns, or
an}' kind of bush that comes into leaf early ; and occasionally
amongst ivy against the trunk of a tree. I have long remarked
how very seldom one finds an old nest of this bird, or sees the ,
remains of it in winter. Perhaps many of them share the fate |
of one 1 knew of a few years ago, and which I intended to take j
after the young ones had vacated it; but on going to the place, I
found a pair of Chaffinches pulling it to pieces, and carving oft' j
the materials to construct their own nest.

In my List of Shropshire Birds I expressed an opinion that the
Longtailed Tit rarely laid more than thirteen eggs. Upon see- j
ing this statement, however, the late Rev. R. VV. Eyton, who
was an observant naturalist, and at one time a zealous collector
of eggs, wrote and told me that upon one occasion he had found
a nest containing sixteen eggs.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING, Bombycilla garnda.

Thisisa very rare and uncertain winter visitor, its erratic migrations
apparently depending upon severe weather in high northern
latitudes. Hence hard winters pass by here with only a few of
these birds being noticed. Then comes a year when in the
northern and eastern counties they are plentiful. Sometimes,
too, as was the case in 1803, they come early in the winter, before
cold weather has set in. In those seasons when the Waxwing
has been numerous, it has seldom reached Shropshire, as the
following table which represents all or nearly all the specimens
obtained during the last forty years shows : —

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

7-

Four birds killed out of a flock of seven or eight at Clungunford by
the late Rev. John Roeke, in February, 1829, — this being^ the
only instance of more than one having been seen at a time.

One killed prior to 185G, near Oswestry, and now in Lord Hill's museum.

One killed by the late Mr. C. G. Blunt, at Underdale, near Shrewsbury,
in the winter of 1862-3, — this, no doubt, being the bird mentioned
by Rocke, as seen by him in the flesh, and killed in a garden in
or near Shrewsbury.

One killed by the late Mr. Charles Meredith, at Donington, near
Wroxeter, on the -it li November, 1863.

One killed at Ironbridge, and sent to Franklin for preservation on the
9th November, 1863, — this being the only winter since 1829,
when two were obtained.

One killed at Walk Mill, near Leebotwood, on the 10th December,
1866.

One killed near Wellington, about the year 1871, by Mr. A. Webb.
Thus in these years ten specimens only are recorded as having
been obtained, and three or four as having been seen ; though it
is possible that Eyton and Rocke, who unfortunately speak very
vaguely on the subject, may have known of a few more instances.
If further proof were wanting, however, to show that Shropshire
is almost beyond the range of the wanderings of this biid, it is
to be found in the following facts : — In the winter of 18-19-50,
when nearly six hundred Waxwings were killed in Britain, none
were found in this county ; and in 1866-7, when one hundred and
forty four were killed in Norfolk alone, only a solitary specimen
was obtained in Shropshire. Yet speaking of the latter winter,
Professor Newton says that these birds extended their wanderings
into the south-western counties.

When seen here this bird has usually been feeding upon haws,
and it was when shooting Fieldfares in a hawthorn bush, that
Mr. Meredith killed his bird.

Mr. Ruddy has not, hitherto recorded the Waxwing for Merion-
ethshire.

P1KD WAGTAIL, Motacilla Yartellii.

Few birds afford a better example of partial migration than
the Water Wagtail ; for though it is common in winter,
the number to be found then is proportionately small to those
that spend the summer here, About the end of February a sud-
den influx of birds dressed in their spring plumage takes place ;
and these, from the brightness and intensity of their markings,
contrast strongly with those that have wintered here, and that
have scarcely begun to assume their nuptial attire.
Nor is their migration southward in autumn less noticeable, as
in August and September they are found in large and small
parties, either flitting along the banks of streams or tripping about
round cattle and sheep, and busily engaged in catching the in-
sects disturbed by the animals.

8

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

In hard weather those that stay here suffer severely ; for, though
they pick up a precarious existence about houses, farmyards,
drains, and ditcher, many of them perish. The food of the
Water Wagtail consists almost entirely of insects; but the late
William Franklin, so well known as an artistic bird-stuffer, told
me that he had repeatedly seen it catch small fish in the Severn,
and I have frequently known it come in numbers to feed upon
the small fry that are left dead and dying upon the fields after
that river has been flooded. A few summers ago a pair of these
birds nested twice in the grounds at Kinnerley Rectory, and the
Rev. J. B. Meredith assured me that the young of the second
brood were fed not only by their parents, but also by the elder
brethren of the previous hatch. Probably such instances of foster
parentship among birds are not so uncommon as is generally
supposed.

GREY WAGTAIL, Motacilla bocmda.

In North Shropshire this elegant bird breeds by the small brooks
running from the Wrokin, along the banks of the river Worfe
and seme of its tributaries, as well as by the numerous streams
in the neighbourhood of Oswestry and Llanymynech. A pair are
also occasionally found in other places, but in this district it is
rather a rare bird during the summer months.
In the south, the Grey Wagtail is much more evenly distributed,
and there arc few streams by which it does not nest ; though it
shows a decided preference for the rapid ones that flow among
the hills. During the breeding season, indeed, I have noticed
that this bird and the Water Ouzel are frequent companions.
Sometimes it builds in the side of a quarry-hole or in the fissure
of a cliff, but generally underneath some overhanging ledge of a
bank, or in a shallow hole. The old birds, as long as they have
eggs, go so stealthily to and fro from their nest, that it is difficult
to find; but as soon as the young are hatched, the anxiety of the
parents soon betrays their treasure.

This Wagtail is, however, best known as a winter visitor, the
number of those that have spent the summer here being greatly
augmented in autumn by arrivals from the north ; but even then,
though it is common, it is so solitary in its habits that two are
seldom seen together until spring approaches.
The Grey Wagtail is almost exclusively an aquatic species, pro-
curing its food among the mud and stones at the edges of pools and
streams, and though it sometimes alights upon a post or runs
along a rail, it rarely perches in trees unless the precincts of
its nest are invade I. This Wagtail often catches small fish ; and
since J came to live at Lladbrook, I have frequently seen a pair
catching them in the brook here. The depredations, however,
committed in this way, are so small as to be harmless.

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

9

RAY'S WAGTAIL, Motacilla Rayi.

This bird in its habits is much more nearly allied to the Pied
than to the Grey Wagtail ; but it differs from both in being a
summer visitor only to this country. Except on its first arrival,
and again, before taking its departure south, it frequents upland
fields and meadows, rather than the vicinity of water; and its
nest is usually placed upon flat ground like a Lark's, and not on
the side of a bank or in a hole. In April, this and the Pied
Wagtail are generally to be seen in ploughed fields where culti-
vation is going on ; and it is curious how soon the birds find this
out. Scarcely has the waggoner begun to work than first one,
then two or three Wagtails come bobbing over the hedges, often
from different directions, till a little party of seven or eight Pied,
and three or four Yellow ones are flitting round. the horses, and
picking up the insects from the freshly turned soil. At this
season they render no mean service to the farmer, for both the
grubs of the turnip moth (Agrotis) and the daddy longlegs
(Tipula), two most destructive enemies to his crops, are speedily
seized upon. It is, however, needless to write in praise of the
Wagtails, for their lively actions, chaste plumage, and joyous
ways, everywhere gain them friends, and truly they deserve our
friendship, as no birds add more to the beauty of rural scenery,
or lead more useful and innocent lives.

On the 20th April, 1880, I was walking through some meadows
near Cressage, where several pools, locally known as " slads," had
been left by a recent flood At the edge of one of these were
a Wheat ear, two Yellow Wagtails, and a Common Sandpiper,
while floating on the water were three Blackheaded Gulls. A
curious group — the birds in their bright nuptial plumage, with
a fresh green background of bank and hedge, forming a lovely
spring landscape.

TREE PIPIT, Anthm arboreus.

Although this and the next species closely resemble each other
in plumage, an infallible distinction exists in the shape cf the
hind claw, which, in the present arboreal bird, is short, stout,
and curved, whilst in the terrestrial Meadow Pipit, it is long,
slender, and straight. In their habits the two birds also differ
most essentially ; for the Tree Pipit is a summer visitor only to
this country, and, during its stay, is found in valleys, parks, and
along hedges, in the fertile parts of the county, where there are
numerous scattered trees.

Here in spring the male may be seen repeatedly rising from a
branch of a tree for some distance into the air, then beginning to
sing, he descends to his perch again, or sometimes to the ground.
Meanwhile the female is engaged below with her nest, which is
usually built on the slope of a bank at the foot of a low bush.
To the Oologist the eggs of this bird give an infinity of trouble.
Vol. 11., 2nd S. A 1

\

10

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

Hewitson says of them : — " Amongst our land birds there is no
species the eggs of which present so many or such distinct
varieties as those of the Tree Pipit. No one would at first
believe them to be the eggs of the same species ; and it was not
till I had captured the bird upon each of the varieties, and also
received them from Mr. H. Doubleday similarly attested, that I
felt satisfactorily convinced upon the subject."
Many people also confuse this bird with the Wood Lark, a very
different and much rarer species.

Perhaps the Tree Pipit is now more numerous than in former
days. Eyton, writing of it some fifty years ago, did not consider
it common in this district.

MEADOW PIPIT, Anthus pratensis.

In many ways this Pipit reminds us of the Pied Wagtail, for
though in its manner and place of breeding it is widely different,
the birds that remain here during winter are generally to be
found, intermixed with Wagtails, by pools in half-flooded
meadows, or, in severe frost, by the sides of streams, and even
in farmyards and about heaps of refuse. In the breeding season
the Meadow Pipit is very plentiful upon Whixall Moss, the Clee
Hills, the Longmynds, and all such like wastes, where for five
months in the year it is the principal bird inhabitant. At this
time it is rarely found in enclosed districts; yet it lingers about
its old haunts with the greatest pertinacity, even after reclama-
tion has almost entirely altered their natural features A remark-
able instance of this happened one day in June, 1ST 5, when I
found four Meadow Pipits' nests that were built near together
among the stunted gorse bushes on Charlton Hill.
In spring and autumn, at the time of its partial migration, this
bird is often found in small flocks ; and though usually a ground-
loving bird, at those seasons, after having been once or twice
disturbed, it often alights in trees.

ROCK PIPIT, Anthus petrosus.

Since writing my former papers, I have seen a Shropshire-killed
specimen of this Pipit, Mr. James Watson, having given Henry
Shaw's grandson permission to shoot birds at Berwick, the latter
killed a Pipit there on t lie 23rd November, 1877. Shaw at once
saw that it was not a common one, so it was duly stuffed,
labelled, and put away. One day on looking over his birds, we
found it, and, suspecting what it was, forwarded it to Mr. J. E.
Harting for identification, who pronounced it an immature
example of this species. It is still in the possession of H. P.
Shaw, of Shrewsbury.

The Rock Pipit is found all along the coast of North Wales; but
it so seldom wanders far away from the sea, that it can only be
regarded as a very rare and accidental visitor inland.

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

11

SKY LARK, Alauda arvensis.

Who is there that does not rejoice to hear the first notes of the
Lark as it climbs into the air heralding alike the approach of
spring and of bright lengthening days? Truly in the early
months of the year, the Sky Lark, while serenading his mate,
charms us with his aerial flight and exuberant song.
After the summer is past, however, all this is changed ; and,
when walking over the fields in autumn, we can scarcely recognise
in the birds that rise around us with uncertain quavering flight,
the same which some months before we were wont to see soaring
high np in the vaults of heaven.

In October and November, Larks congregate in vast flocks,
which are afterwards augmented by migrants, and they are then
to be seen scattered over fields, or, if repeatedly disturbed,
flocking together as they rise. xVt this time they commit con-
siderable damage in wheat fields, for by scratching up the soil,
they expose the young shoots, and then nip them oft'. I for
some time thought the object of this scratching was to obtain
the parent corn ; but on opening a number of Larks shot in corn
fields, it was evident that they had been feeding upon the tender
blade, and not upon the seed. This mischief is frequently attri-
buted to the Rook, but a glance shows the different style of work.
The Lark by scratching makes a saucer-shaped hollow, so as to
expose the shoots ; the Rook with its powerful bill digs a circular
hole in order to obtain the grain. Besides which the two birds
attack the corn at different times — the Rook, before it vege-
tates, the Lark just as the wheat is peeping through the surface.
The Sky Lark seldom perches, though sometimes, especially in
spring, it may be seen standing on the top of a closely clipped
hedge ; and it is one of the few birds that sing when sitting on
the ground. In winter it cats the shoots of the young clover,
but it prefers the seeds of a troublesome weed, the Knot or
"Pig" grass (Polygonum aviculare). In severe weather great
numbers of Larks die, their legs and feet being often covered
with a mass of frozen earth and snow, showing that the poor
birds had resorted to some place where the ground was slightly
thawed to try and obtain food. In such seasons I have frequent^
known them picked up dead, on roads and walks, as if they had
fallen when flying.

WOOD LARK, Alauda arhorea.

This is a rare and extremely local bird in Shropshire. Eyton
was unable to find it about Eyton-on-the-Wealdmoors ; and when
Rockc stated that it was "not nearly so common as the Sky
Lark, though a good many arc at times to be found distributed
over the county," it is greatly to be regretted that he did not
mention where and under what conditions they occurred. In
by-gone days, when lark-netting was much followed round

12

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

Shrewsbury, the late Henry Shaw, though he constantly examined
the spoil, could never find this species among the hundreds of
Sky Larks that were taken, nor does it form part of the bunches
of small birds hawked about by youthful gunners in winter. It
does not, therefore, appear to pass by at the periods of migration,
or to visit us in winter, a season at which Mr. Ruddy considers
it a rare visitor to Merionethshire. The only localities, 1 believe,
which it inhabits at the present day are Aldenham Park, near
Morvillc, several places in the neighbourhood of Baschurch. and
some fields by Moelydd hill, near Oswestry. And, as its local
distribution may arise from some essential portion of its food
being only found on particular soils, it may be worth noticing
that Aldenham lies upon the old red, Baschurch upon the new
red sandstone, and Moclydd upon carboniferous limestone. I
have never been fortunate enough to see or hear this bird ; but
writing from Woodhill of those at Moelydd, Mr. G. J. Dumville
Lees says : — " The Wood Lark is rather numerous on some rough
broken ground where low oaks and underwood grow. They
remain throughout the year, and usually keep in pairs, but in
wild stormy weather congregate in small parties of six or seven."
The nature of the ground at Aldenham and Baschurch, which
they frequent, is very much the same as that described by
Mr. Lees.

Hewitson, in his Eggs of British Birds, says : — "The note of the
Wood Lark, one of the earliest of the year, has a peculiar charm
— a wild cadence, which to my ear is not surpassed by any bird
of summer." He also mentions that the eggs of this species are
frequently misrepresented in collections by varieties of the Tree
Pipit.

The Wood Lark is easily distinguished from the Sky Lark by
its smaller size, by having a yellowish white streak over the eye,
extending to the occiput, and by its short tail, which is square,
and not forked at the end.

SNOW BUNTING, Plectrophanes nivalis.

The Snow Bunting is a very rare winter visitor, btit it is some-
times found on our higher hills, and, in severe weather, about
the homesteads on their slopes. The most likely localities for it
to occur in are the high ground in the south and west of the
count}', and that adjoining the Welsh borders. The only recent
instance, I believe, of this bird having been obtained is one
which Mr. Walter H. Meire, of Cruekticld, saw at Habberlcy,
near Pontcsbury, and which he shot, but unfortunately did not
keep ; as, however, he compared it with the figure and
description in BewicVs Birds, there can be no doubt about its
identity. This Bunting appears to be a scarce and accidental
visitor to North Wales, for a bird of such attractive plumage
could hardly escape notice, and some individuals would be killed;

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

13

yet the Shrewsbury birdstuffers, who get many Welsh specimens,
seldom receive it, and Mr. Ruddy considers it rare in Merioneth-
shire. It does, however, occur in parts of Wales, for Mr. A. T.
Jebb, writing to me in 1889, says that on two occasions within
the last seven years he has seen it upon the Rhiwlas hills, in
the parish of Llansilin, about three miles from the borders of
Shropshire, and that his keeper saw seven one winter on a spur
of the Berwyn mountains. I have also known two specimens
killed near Welshpool, and occasionally the bird is observed on
the coast in the neighbourhood of Barmouth and Towyn.
The Snow Bunting docs not appear to proceed so far south on
the west as on the east side of England. Mitchell states that it
is sometimes abundant in Lancashire, whilst its scarcity in Wales
shows that it comes little further ; yet Stevenson writing of it
in Norfolk, which is nearly in the same latitude as Shropshire,
Montgomeryshire, and Merionethshire, calls it a common winter
visitor.

COMMON BUNTING, Emberiza miliaria.

Eyton, writing of this species in 1839, remarked that it wTas
"common in Shropshire and North Wales." And again, in
18G5, liocke, writing from Clungunford, says: — "Common in
many parts of the county, though I do not often, see it in this
district." The late Henry Shaw also, who was an excellent field
naturalist, frequently told me that this Bunting used to be found
on all the high ground round Shrewsbury, and that in winter,
numbers were killed in stackyards, and brought to him with
other small birds as food for tame hawks and owls.
Now, however, this bird is very rare, though there are many
places in both divisions of the county apparently well suited to
its habits.

Mr. G. U. Paddock informs me that he has twice or thrice seen
it between Wellington and Newport, but he considers it rare
there. In the winter of 1S84-5, one was caught in a sparrow
net at Grinshill ; and though I have never succeeded in rinding
this conspicuous bird about Coalport or Whixall, it is probable
that a few still exist there, and in 1S76, some eggs which could
scarcely belong to any other bird, were taken on the edge of
Acton Burnell park. I have only once been fortunate enough
to meet with this Bunting in Shropshire, and that was in March,
1884, when about a dozen frequented some corn stacks in a field
on Charlton Hill, clinging to the sides and pulling out the ears
in much the same manner as the Yellow Hammer. This was a
very suitable locality for them to have bred in, but several
searches after them during the ensuing summer proved fruitless.
At a period when most small birds are increasing in numbers,
more especially the granivorous ones, as their natural enemies
have decreased, and they do not sutler from starvation in winter,
the scarcity of the present bird, which fifty years ago was

14

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

common, is a curious yet inexplicable fact. This appears to be
equally the case in North "Wales, for Mr. Ruddy, writing from
Pale, says that it is a scarce bird there, though it is more
common near the sea.

Some years ago I was very familiar with this bird in the south
of England, where, on the then half-wild half-reclaimed commons
lying between Crawley and East Grinsteacl, it was very common.
There, in summer, it inhabited the waste parts, building among
the heather and long grass, and in winter, retired to the small
enclosures to feed about the stacks. In autumn, the young-
birds, together with those of the Red-backed Shrike, might be
seen in groups perched on the telegraph wires running along the
Brighton Railway.

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING, Emberiza schanicliis.

The habits of this bird during the summer months are so de-
cidedly aquatic, that it is, in consequence, much more common
in North than in South Shropshire, and even in autumn and
winter, when it joins flocks of Finches and other birds, it leaves
them at night to roost among reeds and rushes. About Ellesmere,
Wera, and Whitchurch, this Bunting is numerous; and near the
former place, I have on several occasions, when looking for
plants, found five or six nests in a day. This Bunting
also breeds about Berrington and round Bomere Pool, the
only localities south of the Severn where it is at all numerous.
The nest is built either in a tuft of rushes, on a low stump, or
upon the ground, and it usually contains five handsome richly
coloured eggs. For three years in succession I found a nest in a
small bog, and almost in the same spot, by Bomere Pool, during
the first week in May. Each time it was placed on a low stump,
and twice contained five eggs, the third time, the same number
of young birds. This bird often also builds in and around osier
beds. The hen bird belonging to those mentioned above was
very anxious of her charge, and fluttered about, when frightened
from her nest, as if wounded and unable to fly.
The Black-headed Bunting is a partial migrant, and is to be
found in small flocks in autumn, though by no means numerous
during the winter months. The term Reed Bunting or Reed
Sparrow, often applied to it, is objectionable, as it leads many
people to confuse it with the Reed Warbler.

YELLOW BUNTING, Emberiza citrindla.

This familiar bird, though common at all times, is also a partial
migrant — the bright fresh-coloured birds which appear in Feb-
ruary and March bearing a strong contrast to the dull looking
ones that have wintered here. And no dembt Eyton, though he
docs not mention the season, was comparing migratory with
resident birds when he remarked that "specimens obtained in

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

15

Anglesey, near Holyhead, were of a much brighter yellow than
those obtained at the same time of year in Shropshire."
The Yellow Bunting is remarkable for breeding until late in the
summer, later, perhaps, than any other small bird. It is by no
means unusual to find its nest in August ; and, writing to me in
1889, Mr. G. H. Paddock says, " I know of three nests now, one
with two eggs, and the others with three eggs — yet this is the
27th of August,"

Probably these late nests are often the results of previous losses,
to which a bird that constantly builds in ditches along roadsides
is peculiarly liable, for I have observed that the eggs in them
are fewer in number, smaller, and less richly coloured than those
found earlier in the summer, the breeding powers of the bird
having become exhausted.

CIRL BUNTING, Emberiza cirlus.

The extreme rareness of the Girl Bunting in this county fully
confirms Mr. A. G. More's statement in the Ibis for 1865, that
it is only an accidental visitor north of Worcestershire and
Herefordshire. As Shropshire is separated, however, from both
of these counties only by a purely artificial boundary, and as
Armitage and Ley in their paper on Rare Birds in Hertfordshire
in the Woolhope Club Transactions for 1869, say:— "This
species is native in Herefordshire, and not merely an accidental
visitor in the winter months," it is very likely to be occasionally
found along the southern borders. Through the kindness,
indeed, of Mr. Henry Gray, I am able to record one instance of
its having occurred there. Writing from Ludlow, in 1882, he
says :— "Un the 23rd June, I saw a beautiful male Girl Bunting
near this town and within the Shropshire boundary. It was
sitting on a hedge by the road, and allowed me to approach near
enough to see its black throat; so I have no doubt of its identity.
I think it had a nest near, but I could not find it."
It is remarkable that this bird, which, during the summer
months, is almost entirely confined to the south of England,
should occasionally wander northward in winter. This, however,
appears to be the case, for Gray mentions two killed in Scotland
in winter; Clarke and Roebuck record seven instances of its
occurrence in Yorkshire, five of which were in January, February,
and December ; while Mitchell, writing of it in Lancashire, says: —
"At Urmston, Mr. C. E. Keade states that fifteen or twenty years
ago the Girl Bunting was occasionally found in winter with the
flocks of Yellow Hammers and Finches." I may also add that
the specimen I have mentioned in my former list, and which was
the first recorded for Shropshire, was shot on the 11th January,
1879, during intense frost.

The Buntings are remarkable among British land birds for the
rich colouring of their eggs. They are an unobtrusive harmless

16

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

family, for though they occasionally take grain, insects con-
stitute their principal food.

CHAFFINCH, Frinrjilla ccelebs.

Some of the apparent mischief committed among the buds of
fruit trees, which is usually attributed to the Titmouse or Bull-
finch, is really the work of the Chaffinch, though as it is done by
a pair or even a single bird, it is not noticed. The Chaffinch,
however, pecks into the buds of apples, pears, and plums, as well
as those of currants and gooseberries ; but whether for the sake
of tho germ itself, or of some germ destroying grub, is a matter
of uncertainty. The following, however, is an instance of how
bud-eating birds may be wrongly judged, and the apparent
injury done by them prove beneficial. In April, 1881, my
attention was called to the way in which the birds were taking
the buds of the fruit trees at Leighton Vicarage ; and, on my
visiting the garden, the havoc seemed to have been great. I
picked up a number of fallen buds, and, on placing them under
a microscope, discovered a tiny thread-like mark in more than
seventy per cent. — evidently the trace of a minute caterpillar.
The birds, in this case, although they had doubtless ruined a
number of healthy buds, had checked the ravages of an attacking
insect, for the Rev. W. YYingfieid told me that his fruit crop the
following autumn was above the average. In testimony, too, of
the little damage done by birds in this way, I may add that
when living at Eaton Constantine, our fruit was almost invari-
ably better than our neighbours', yet the birds which were
plentiful were left in peace.

In spring, nearly all kinds of small vegetables, and some flower-
seeds, require protecting from the Chaffinch ; and in autumn it
does mischief among crops of cabbages and turnips which are
left for seed. In spring, too, it eats the buds, probably for
the most part tainted, of several forest trees, and is frequently
to be seen darting into the air after a passing insect, like a Fly-
catcher. In autumn, it collects in large Hocks where beech mast
is found, and comes into gardens to eat the seeds of the sunflower.
It is also very useful at this season to the farmer, by feeding
upon the seeds of several kinds of weeds, especially those of the
the Knot Crass, Lakewecd, and Wild Buckwheat (Polygonum),
Dock (Jiume.r), and Lambtongue, which latter comprehensive
term in Shropshire includes all the common kinds of Goosefoot
(Chenopodiiun J, and Orache (Atriplex).

After frost sets in the Chaffinch quickly conies to stackyards
and houses, where the females often become exceedingly tame.
The nest of this bird is usually a model of compactness and
neatness, but it varies considerably, and occasionally it is built
in a loose untidy fashion. The eggs, too, though usually spotted,
are sometimes of a pale spotless blue, the produce, no doubt, of
a young or unhealthy bird;

17

THE POLL-TAX FOR THE TOWN AND
LIBERTIES OF SHREWSBURY, 1380.

By the Rev. W. G. D1MOCK FLETCHER, M.A., F.S.A.

Amongst the Shrewsbury Corporation Records, pre-
served in the Town Hall, and now in the process of
sorting and indexing by the Record Committee ap-
pointed by the Corporation, are a number of Subsidy
or Tax Rolls of various dates. One of these is the Roll
of the Poll-Tax for Shrewsbuiy, which is without date,
but no doubt is of the year J 380, early in the reign of
Richard TJ. This document throws great light upon the
topography of Shrewsbury at that time, as also the
approximate population, and is therefore of considerable
value and interest.

To defray the cost of disastrous wars with France
and Spain, the parliament, which met at Northampton
in November, 1380, granted a Poll-Tax on every person
above fourteen years of age. To this Tax, says Green,1
"the poorest man contributed as large a sum as the
wealthiest, and the gross injustice of such an exaction
set England on fire from sea to sea." The sequel is
one of the best known incidents in history. The in-
surrection in June, 1381, of the Kentish-men under
Wat Tyler, the sacking 0f the Savoy and the Temple,
the beheading of Archbishop Sudbury and Sir Robert.
Hales the King's treasurer, the conference with the
young king in Smithfield, and the suppression of the

1 Short Jlistory of the English People, chap, v., sec. 4.

Vol. II., 2nd S.

18

THE POLL-TAX FOK THE TOWN

revolt, — are familiar scenes. The collection of the Poll-
Tax was not successful ; it produced only £22,000, and
had to be abandoned.1

The returns for the Poll- Tax of 2 Richard II. are
preserved in the Public Record Office, arranged in
counties, and are usually perfect. That for the West
Riding of York was published in 1882, and contains
25,000 names. The Shropshire return has not been
printed. These rolls contain the names of the parishes,
and of every person in each over the age of fourteen.

The return here printed contains no names of persons,
but simply a list of the streets in Shrewsbury, and the
number of persons over fourteen years of age dwelling
in each street.

The Collectors of the Tax were Richard de Graftton,
Walter de Brim, Hugh Donsowe, and John le Tyeler, —
all persons of importance in the town, (a) Richard de
Graft ton2 occurs as party to the composition of 1389,
being then one of the t welve most wealthy and sufficient
persons in the town. Re was, no doubt, of the same
family as Robert Grafton, bailiff in 1390 and 1401, and
a burgess of parliament in 1386 and 1390; John Grafton,
bailiff in 1460 ; and Adam Grafton, Master of Battle-
field College and Archdeacon of Salop. His Arms
were, Per saltire sable and ermine a lion rampant or.

(b) Of Walter de Brim 1 have met with no record.

(c) Hugh Donsowe3 occurs as bailiff in 1382 ; and
another of the same name had been bailiff in 1305 and
1314. In 1392-3 he had a quit-claim of a tenement in
Corvisers' Row (Pride Hill) in Salop, on the High
Pavement. He married Acmes, daughter of Hugh
Acton. His Arms were, Argent on a chevron between

1 Hallam's Europe during the Middle Ages, chap. viii. part 3.

2 See Owen and Blakcway, i. 171, 526-7, 517 ; Phillips's Shrewsbiiry,
174; Fletcher's Battlefield Church, p. 1"> ; S. A. Transactions, 2nd
Series, vol. i., pp. 335-6.

3 See Transaction*, xi. 92 ; Owen and Blake way, i. 526 ; Phillips,
173-1.

\

AND LIBERTIES OF SHREWSBURY, 1380.

19

three cross crosslets fitchee sable three mullets pierced
or. (d) John le Tyeler1 in 1389 was a party to the
composition of that year, being one of the twelve most
wealthy and sufficient persons of the town. In ]390,
he was elected one of the twelve first Aldermen of
Shrewsbury; and in 1394 served the office of Bailiff.
His arms were, Per saltire sable and or a saltire ermine.

The Roll is most valuable for the light it throws
upon the street topography in the reign of Richard II.
It tells us, " In the first place, in the same town of
Salop and the suburbs of the same are reckoned 15
streets and lanes (strate et venelle), of which the names
are under written, with the number of persons dwelling
in the same ; beggars without deception, as in the
commission is contained, excepted." These streets are
as follows : — The street of Coleham outside the town ;
La Wyle, and a small lane leading to St. Chad's Church,
with another lane lying by St. Alkmund's Church ;
Beyond the walls (ultra muros), and a lane called
kylnlone and corn chepyngstrete ; SchoplacLe ; Romal-
sani ; The lane called knokynlone ; Doggelone ; The
suburb of ffrankvill ; The street called Mardesole ; The
street called the High Pavement (Altum Pavinentum) ;
The suburb called Castelforiate ; Doggepolle ; The street
called flyschestrete ; Chepyngstrete ; The Liberties of
the Town, Moele Bracy, Egebaidon, Pohley, and Henne-
cote ; The hamlets of Schelton, Nowton, Sutton, and
Monkemeole.

The Tax was also taken "from persons wandering
and flying from street to street and from place to place,"
of whom there were 100. Altogether "there are in
the Town and Liberties of Salop, computing in the
whole as well men as women of the laity, of the age of
14 years, 2,083 persons ; and the said collectors received
from each person 4d. ; whence the total sum received

1 See Owen and Blakeway, i. 169, 170, 174, 526 ; Phillips, 159,
160.. 174.

20

THE POLL-TAX FOR THE TOWN

amounts to £34 13s. 4d." If we double the number
of persons who, being 14 years of age, paid the Tax,
we shall perhaps arrive approximately at the population
of the Town and Liberties at that time, which I con-
jecture to have been about 4,166, excluding the clergy.

It is curious to observe that in the reign of Richard II. ,
there are only four places named as being in the Liberties
of the Town, viz., Meole Brace, Edgebold, Pulley, and
Hencote. Four places are described as Hamlets, viz..
Shelton, Newton, Sutton, and Monkemeole (now Crow-
meole). In the Liberties. 88 persons were taxed, and
in the Hamlets 63. The extent of the Town Liberties,
in the reign of Henry VII., as given in Phillips's
Shrewsbury, page 154, names no less than forty-seven
places as being within the Liberties. As will be seen
presently, in the reign of Charles II. , the places then
within the Liberties were sixty-three in number.

In the following list [ have tabulated the old streets
as given in the Poll- Tax Roll, with the respective
numbers of the persons taxed and amounts contributed ;
and have added in another column a tentative list of
the modern names of the streets which now represent
those recorded in the old Roll.

Streets named in the Poll-Tax Koll. Modern Names of Street. persons received.

aged 14.

£ s. a.

1. Colnham Coleham 51 0 17 0

2. LaWyle Wyle Cop , 308 5 2 S
Small lane leading to St. Beeches Lane and Back Lane

Chad's (anciently Bispestan)

Lane by St. Alkmund's St. Julian's Steps

3. Ultra miiros The Quarry, Quarry Fields, 180 3 1 4

and Augustine 1 riara (?)
Kylnlone Princess Street

Corn ehepyngstrete The Square

4. Schoplache Shoplatch 88 19 4

(anciently Sote-place)

5. Roinalson Barker Street 71 13 8

6. Rnokynlone Hill's Lane 42 0 14 0

7. Doggelone Claremout Street 77 15 8

8. Orankvill Frank well 94 1 11 4

9. Mardesole Mardol 128 2 2 8

10. Altum Pavimentum Pride Hill and Castle Street(?) 368 6 2 8

11. Castelforiate Castle Foregate 116 1 18 8

12. Doggepolle Dogpole and St. Mary's Street 1'29 2 3 0
IS! (lysehestrete Fish Street (formerly But- 60 10 0

cher Row, and sometime
called The Shambles)
14. Chcpyngstrefce Market Street 120 2 0 4

AND LIBEJITIES OF SHREWSBURY, 1380. 21

Streets named in the Poll-Tax.

MikWii Names of Streets.

16.

Liberties :
Moele Bracy
Egebaldon
I'ohley
Hennecote
Hamlets :
Scbelton
Nowtpji
Sutton
Monkemeole
Wanderers and fu
place to place

Number of
persons
ased 14.

88

£ s.
1 9

Meole Brace
Kdgebald
Pulley
Hencote

Sheltou
Newton
Sutton
Crowmeole
ritives f rom street to street and from

63

100

1 1 0

I 13 4

2083
persons
aged 14
paid 4d.
each.

£34 13 4
Total sum
received.

The foregoing list of street-names should be compared
with that given in Phillips's Shrewsbury , page 58, which
is compiled from an old Rental of the Town, dated 30
Henry III., 124G, — upwards of one hundred and thirty
years before the Poll-Tax list, — and with Mr. Hughes's
notes upon the Rental, in the Transactions, vol. ii., p.
404. Several streets, which we might have expected
to find, are not named in the Poll-Tax Roll, e.g., Vill
de Claremont, Monk's Foregate, Corvisors' Row, Rous-
hill, Hey-street, Stalles, Murivance, &c. ; nor are the
Shuts given. The " 15 streets and lanes " must there-
fore comprise many smaller streets and shuts leading
out of them. In 1779, there were thirty-three streets
in Shrewsbury, exclusive of shuts or alleys.1 The streets
of the town were first paved in the reign of Henry III,
P254, the King granting a lease of the tolls for three
years for so doing.2

" La Wyle " must have comprised the old " Wyle
Cop " and " under the Wyle," both now merged in the
general term Wyle Cop.

" Doggeione," or Dog-lane, is generally stated to be
the modern Claremont Street ; but in the Cartulary of
Haghmond Abbey3 it seems to be also called " Hunde-

1 Phillips's Shrewsbury, p. G4.

2 Ibid, p. G5.

3 See 'J'ransactions, i., 202.

22

THE POLL-TAX FOR THE TOWN

strete." Kunde-stret occurs in the Rental of 1246 ;
and Hound-street is in Speed's map, 1610, the street
opposite the Theatre, now Bellstone.

The High Pavement (Altum Pavimentum) had the
largest population of any street in Shrewsbury ; and it
must therefore have been a much larger district than
that assigned to it by Mr. Hughes, viz., the upper part
of Pride Hill. In Speed's map, 1610, Castle Street
opposite St. Marys Church is styled the High Pavement.
From the absence of Corvisors' Row and Castle Street
in the Roll, as well as from the large population, is it
not probable that the district called " Altum Pavimen-
tum" included the modern Pride Hill and Castle Street '

c< Fyschestrete " probably corresponds with the
present Fish Street, which was lately called Butcher
Row, and formerly the Shambles. The name in the
Rental of 1246 is " Stallaoium carnificum." In 1746,
that part of Butcher Row which extended from the north
side of St. Alkmund's Church to St. Julian's Church
was called Old Fish Street, and the part from thence on
the west side of these Churches to High Street was
called New Fish Street. In 1779, Old Fish Street was
known as Berrington's Square.

It is not easy to see why the Quarry and district
•without the town walls (which was probably the street
"ultra muros") was joined in the same group with
Kyln-lone and Cornchepy ing strete.1

For these notes on the old street names of Shrewsbury
I am much indebted to Phillips's Shrewsbury, chap, iv.;
.as also to several papers in the Society's Transactions,
especially to il The Shrewsbury of Past Ages" vol. iv.
p. 99., and vol. xi., p. 89.; " Shrewsbury Street Names
Past and Present," vol. ii., p. 404.; and " Extracts from

1 It has been suggested that " Ultra muros" was not t lie Quarry,
and that there were then no houses built outside the outer walls,
except the Augustine Friars ; but was more probably the modern
High Street, or some street lying outside the inner walls. See Salopian
Shreds and Patches, September and October, 1880.

AND L1BERTJKK OF SHREWSBURY, 1380.

23

the Cartulary of Haghmoii Abbey, co. Salop," vol. i.,
pp. 194-213. To these reference should be made.

A Court Roll for 9 Richard II., 1385-6, names all
the streets, &g , given in the Poll-Tax Poll, excepting
Knockin Lane, Monk-meole, and Sutton, — and adds
Coton, Stalles, Newebold, and Muryvale. A Court
Poll seven years later (16 Richard II., 1392-3) names
all the streets and hamlets, &c, mentioned in the Poll-
Tax Roll, with the exception of Knockin Lane, and adds
Stalles, Newbold, Heystrete, Muryvale, and Coton.

A Court Roll of -4 Edward IV., 1465, omits Kylnlane,
Cheping street, and the hamlets, &c, and. adds Baker-
rowe1, Coton, and Stall us. Cornchepyng Street is called
Cormarket, Knockin lane is called Knokyn street, and
Ultra muros is Extra muros.

A Court Book for the years 1668-1674 gives the
following list of streets and places as then being within
the Town and Liberties ; — villa salop, 1668 : Abbey
fforyate east end, Abbey fforyate west end, Coleham,
Stone Bridge, Under the Wilde, Wilde Cop and Milke
Street, Dogpole, High Street Warda Lap :, Come
Markett, and Kill Lane, Merrivance per muros, ffrank-
well, Mardall, Knunkin Street, liamulsham and Clere-
mont hill, Doglane, Le Stalls, Shoplach and St. John's
hill, Cotton, Castle fforyate, High Pavement cum Bay ley
et Rotten Lane, Corvisors Rowe, High Street Warda
Castr:, Old ffish Street. New flish Street and Butcher
Row, Dogpole and St. Mary's Churchyard, libertates
ward.e lapid.: Sutton, Meolbrace, Eaton iuxta
Pitchford Newton and Pitchford, Pulley Vetus, Pulley
florens', Darvall, Nobould, Newton and Edgbold,
Whittley and Whelbach, Hanwood parva, Woodhall
Woodhouse and Painhon, Betton and Alkmere, Longnor
super Sabrinam. libertates ward.e wallic.e :
Munkmeol and Cooshill, Hanwood magna, Shelton and
Oxon, Onslow, Woodcot and Horton, Bickton and

1 The present High Street was anciently called Baker-row, also
Hey-strect. In a Court 11 oil of 1439, " Bakrowe and Hey-street"
arc bracketed together.

24

THE POLL-TAX FOR THE TOWN

Callcott, Up Rossall, Downe Rossall, Preston Monford
and Dinthill. LIBERT AT es wahd^e casti^e : Hencott,
Leaton, Wollascott, Almere alias Almon parke, Newton
sur le heath, Alderton, Sansall. Smethcot, Adbright
Hussey and Battlefeild, Haston, Merrington, Hadnoll,
Hardwicke, Shotton, Brought on, Yorton, Clive, Acton
Reynold, Grinsell, Harlscot, Astley, Adbright llee and
Pimley, Berwicke magna et parva, Lea Hall et Preston
Gobalds, Adbrighton.

This list names upwards of thirty streets and lanes in
the town ; and no less than sixty three places as being
within the Liberties, in the year 1668. It would be
interesting to ascertain how the Borough gradually
acquired its power over all these outlying places, and
brought them within the Liberties.

The Court Rolls of 9 and 16 Richard II. and 4
Edward IV., and the Court Book above referred to, are
also preserved amongst the Corporation muniments.
The streets are usually named on the Bolls of the
" Curia Magna," at which Court presentments from
the several districts were made. The records of the
"Curia parva" consist largely of fines for smaller
criminal offences.

EXTENSION OF THE POLL-TAX POLL FOR SHREWS-
BURY, TEMP. RICHARD II.

Compotus Ricardi do Graffton Walteri de Brim'
Hiigonis Donsowe et J ohannis le Tyeler collectorum
subsidij domino Regis concessi in Villa Salopie [et
libertatiseiusdem1] videlicet de qualibet persona laica
hominc et femiria etatis xiiij annorum iujd.

In primis in eadem villa Salopie et suburbio eiusdem
computantur Strata et venelle xv. quorum nomina
sunt subscripta cum numero personarum comoran-
tiura in cisdcm mendicantibus absque fraude prout
in comissione eontinetur cxceptis.

1 These Avords in parentheses have since been erased.

AND LIBERTIES OF SHREWSBURY, 1380.

25

Colnham.

La Wvlc.

Ulf muros.
Kvlnlono.

Schoplache.

Romalsam

Knukvn lone.

Hog^'o lone.

In Strata de colnham extra villain Salopie compu-
tantur per predictos collectores xl. et xi. persone
tarn virorum quam mulierum etatis xiiij. anriorum
de quibus dicti collectores receperunt de qnalibet
persona iiij. d. undo summa dictorum denariorum
se extendit ad xvij.9.

Summa xvijs.

Item in la Wyle et una parva venella tendente ad
ecclcsiam Sancte Cedde cum altera venella iacente
ad ecclesiam Sancti Almundi computantur et
viij. persone tarn virorum quam mulierum dicte
etatis de quibus dicti collectores receperunt de
qualibet persona iiijr/. unde summa recepta se
extendit ad vli. ijs. et viijrf.

Summa ijs. et viijcZ.

Item ultra muros et in una venella que vocatur
kylnlone et corn chepyngstrete computantur £
persone utriusque sexus predicte etatis de quibus
dicti collectores receperunt de qualibet persona
myl. unde summa recepta se extendit ad tip et xvjt/.

Summa et xvjd

Item in Schoplache computantur et viij. per-
sone tam virorum quam mulierum etatis de quibus
dicti collectores receperunt de qualibet persona iiijc/.
unde summa recepta se extendit ad xx. ixs. et iiij c? .

Summa xx. \xs. iiijd

Item in Romalsam computantur g et xj. persone
utriusque sexus predicte etatis de quibus collectores
predict! receperunt de qualibet persona iiijc?. unde
summa recepta se extendit ad xx.iijs. et viijc/.

Summa xx.iijs et viijrf.

Item in venella que vocatur Knokynlone computan-
tur xl. ij. persone utriusque sexus dicte etatis de
quibus dicti collectores receperunt de qualibet
persona iiijci unde summa recepta se extendit ad
xiiij 8.

Summa xiiij s.

Item in venella que vocatur Doggolone computantur
fij. et xvij. persone dicte etatis de quibus dicti

26

THE POLL-TAX FOR THE TOWN

fTr.ink vill'

Manlesol*

A It vim
Pari ttentuin.

Castflforiate.

collectores receperunt de qualibet persona iiijcZ. undo
summa recepta so extcndit ad xx.vs. et viij.

Summa xxvs. et viijcZ.

Item in suburbio ville Salop quod vocatur ft'rankvill
computantur jg. et xiiij. persone dicte etatis de
quibus dicti collectores receperunt de qualibet
persona iiijci. unde summa recepta se extendit ad
xxxjs. et iiijd

Summa xxx.j.s. et iiijo7.

Item in Strato1 qui vocatur Mardesole computantur
*J et viij. persone utriusque sexus dicte etatis de
quibus dicti collectores receperunt de qualibet
persona i'uyl. unde summa recepta se extendit ad
xlij.s-. et viijJ.

Summa xlijs. et viijcZ.

Item in Strato qui vocatur Altum Pavimentum
computantur ^Vlij persone et viij. de quibus dicti
collectores receperunt de qualibet persona dicte
Strato iiijcZ. unde summa recepta se extendit ad
vjZi. et ijs. et viijd

Summa v']li. et ijs. et viijti

Item in Suburbio ville Salopie quod vocatur Castel-
foriate computantur x* et xvj. persone utriusque
sexus dicte etatis de quibus dicti collectores recep-
erunt de qualibet persona iiijc/. unde summa recepta
se extendit ad xxxv.iijs. et viijd

Summa xxxv.iijs. et viijd.

Doggepoiio. Item in Doggepoli' computantur ^x et

ix. persone

utriusque sexus dicte etatis de quibus dicti collec-
tores receperunt de qualibet persona iiijo7. unde
summa recepta se extendit ad xi.iijs.

Summa x

ffyschestrete.

Item in Strato qui vocatur le rVvsehestrete compu-
tantur j" persone utriusque sexus dicte etatis de
quibus dicti collectores receperunt de qualibet
persona iiij</. unde summa recepta se extendit ad
xxs.

Summa xxs.

1 Stratus and Strata seem to bo both used in this Roll for Street.

AND LIBERTIES OF SHREWSBURY, 1380.

27

chepyug«trete. Item [n Chepyngstrete computantur "t persone
dicte etatis de qui bus dicti collectores receperunt
de qualibet persona iiijc/. unde summa recepta se
extendit xls. et iiijc?.

Sum in a xls. et iiijc/.

roeieoi5^-y Libertas ville Item Moele Bracy E^ebaldon' Pohley
Fohiey. et llennecote computantur 5j« persone et vni. dicte
etatis de qui bus dicti collectores receperunt de
qualibet persona iiijti unde summa recepta se ex-
tendit ad xx.ixs. et iiijcZ.

Summa xx.ixs. et iiij'/.

Amlestal1op vil1' Item in Amlettis de Schelton Nowton Sutton et
Monkemeole libertatis ville Salopie computantur
g et iij. persone utriusque sexus xiiij. annorum
etatis de quibus dicti collectores receperunt de
qualibet persona iiijd unde summa se extendit ad
xxjs.

Summa xxjs.

Item in eadem villa Salopie inventi sunt de vagan-
tibus et fugientibus de Strato ad stratum et de loco
ad locum per dictos collectores tarn de viris quam
de feminis etatis xiiij. annorum " persone de quibus
dicti collectores receperunt de qualibet persona iiijdL
unde summa recepta se extendit ad xxxiij. et iiijcZ.

Summa xxx.iij. et iiijc?.

Et sunt in villa et libertate Salopie computantes in
totali summa tarn de viris quam de feminis laicis
etatis xiiij. annorum ^ ^ ^ et iij. personis. dicti
collectores receperunt de qualibet persona iiijrZ. unde
summa totalis recepta se extendit ad xxx.iiij/?. xiiijs.
et nijcl.

Summa totalis personarum m. m. j^. et iij.

On the back of the parchment roll is endorsed a list
of streets and names of persons, some of them now
illegible, probably sub-collectors of the Poll-Tax. Those
which can be made out are as follows : —

Schehon —
Meole bracy —

Coton —

28 THE POLL-TAX FOR THE TOWN OF SHREWSBURY.

Castelforyate — Johannes de Hadenhale, Syndere Will' Haden-

hale Owanus Syne Roger us ffysche.
—Johannes Woll, Johannes malpas, Johannes

beton'.

ffistreete — J ohannes Allescok.
Chepynstreete — Thomas Hampton;
Doggelone —
Mardevole —

ffrankevyle — Johannes ftysche, Willielmus de Coton.
R om oldesham —
Shoppelech —

La Wyle— Ricardus atte Home, Rogerus Lacheford.
Colnham — Galfridus Syggewykes, Baron' ffysche.
Doggepull — Iernard le coupere.
Muryuale —
Byhinde Walles —

\

6V

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY,

By the Rev. 0. H. DRINK WATER, M.A., Vicar of
St. George's, Shrewsbury.

The six membranes which form the " Rotulus Gildas
Mercatorum in Burgo Salopie" are among the earliest
in point of time, if not the very earliest, existing
documents of that nature in possession of the Corpora-
tion of Shrewsbury. One of them is dated in the 9th
year of King Edward I. (Nov. 20, 1280— Nov. 20,
1281), and another contains a marginal note (which,
however, is not by a contemporary, but by a subse-
quent hand) which gives A.D. 1304 as the date of the
comment.

These parchments contain little more than a list of
names, but these names are of no slight importance, as
being of those men, to whom, under God, we owe
much of our town's prosperity, for they were her
principal merchants, or tradesmen, as we should now
call them, who formed the ruling body before the
creation of any other form of municipal government.
Only Jet us bear in mind the main difference between a
tradesman of the 14th century and one of this 19th.
A trade then was not taken up at hap-hazard, as is
frequently the case now, but entered upon only after a
long and painful apprenticeship, in which the youthful
aspirant was required to become acquainted with every
collateral as well as direct branch of the " mystery "
into which he sought to he initiated, and only attained
to his " freedom'7 after he had satisfied the " Gild " of
his faithful service and full competency.

Vol. I., 2nd S. C

30

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

Such tradesmen or merchants, for the mercedem they
offered to their customers was of their own procuring,
if not of their own handicraft, were worthy of all
honour, for they had " borne the yoke ;; in their youth.
And so, when such men combined together for mutual pro-
tection, advancement of their craft, the welfare of the
community of which they formed a part, or even for
the exclusion or prosecution of " foreigners," they fully
deserved the honours which a thankless posterity has
but tardily granted to them. Among them will be
found the progenitors of many a county family and
many a man distinguished in Parliament, by military
service, in the law, in the Church, and in .Uterature. As
merchants they were not disdained by the wealthy and
titled landowners of their age, who frequently appren-
ticed their younger sons to some trade, and allied
themselves in marriage with the daughters of those
who had acquired wealth by the pursuit of some gainful
and honest industry.

In these membranes may be found recorded names
which no one may despise, and although many of the
families have in the course of ages become extinct, their
memorial has not perished with them. This will be
amply apparent when we. come further on to tabulate
the surnames and designations mentioned in this
ancient roll.

But perhaps sufficient has been said on this point ;
let us now look to the meaning and intent of the
expression " Gilda Mereatorum." " Gild," says Thomas
Blount (a native of Worcestershire, who was born at
Bardesley in LG 18, and buried in the chancel of Orleton,
in Herefordshire, botli of which counties border upon
Shropshire) — "Gild in Saxon signifies a Fraternity or
Company, and conies from the Saxon word Gildan,
which is to pay, because every one was ' Gildare,' i.e.,
to pay something towards the charge and support of
the Company. And from thence came Guild-halh,
that is, the flails of the Society or fraternity, where
they meet and make orders among themselves. The

THE MERCHANTS' GTLD OF SHREWSBURY.

31

original was thus, viz., it was a law among the Saxons
that every Freeman of fourteen years old should find
sureties to keep the peace or be committed, whereupon
certain neighbours entered into an Association, and
became bound for each other, to produce him who
committed an offence, or to make satisfaction to the
injured party ; which that they might the better do,
they raised a sum of money among themselves, which
they put into a common stock, and when one of their
pledges had committed an offence and was fled, then
the other nine made satisfaction out of the stock by the
payment of money, according to the quality of the
offence. And because this Association consisted of ten
families, it was called a Decennary; and from hence
came our Fraternities. But as to the direct time when
these Fraternities had their origin in England, there is
nothing of certainty to be found, since they were in
use long before any formal licences were granted to
them for such meetings. Edward III., in the 14th
year of his reign (A.D. 1340) granted licence to the
men of Coventry to erect a Merchants' Gild and a
Fraternity of Brethren and Sisters, with a Master or
Warden, and that they might make Chantries, bestow
alms, do other works of piety, and constitute Ordinances
touching the same, &c. So Henry IV., in the fourth
year of his reign (1402-3) granted licence to found a
Gild of the Holy Cross at Stratford-upon-Avon."

So far Blount, who acknowledges the lack of formal
evidence for the institution of Merchant Gilds earlier
than the 1 4th century. That, however, they did exist
in the 13th is plain from the documents now for the
first time transcribed, which will be appended to this
paper. At the outset, however, all of them were no
more than voluntary Associations or Sodalities, lacking
the authority and formality of a Charter or licence, or
even the power in law to enforce their rules and
ordinances upon any recalcitrant or offending member.
In a valuable and learned paper contributed to the first
volume of our Transactions, by the Rev. W. C,

32

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

Sparrow, LL.D., entitled " The Palmers' Gild of
Ludlow," some very interesting particulars are given
with respect to the origin of Gilds in general. He
derives them, and rightly too, from times more remote
than the 13th century, or than those of the Anglo-
Saxons, even those of the ancient Romans themselves.
If we grant this, we may go back still further, and assert
that they arose from the very nature of things, for
individuals who, by force of circumstances, were brought
into contact with one another, were forced to ally
themselves for mutual benefit and protection. Thus
ex. gr. the earliest settlers of Home itself were of various
tribes, fugitives and outcasts from every quarter, and
when, in the very infancy of the city, they found them-
selves surrounded by hostile races united under their
respective heads or leaders, they saw that to be without
organisation was to invite certain and immediate de-
struction, and as "the necessity of government, gave
them rulers," so the obligation of obedience and
mutual protection consolidated their simple institutions.
Romulus is said to hare divided the people who flocked
to him into three tribes, to each of which certain duties
and prerogatives were entrusted. These tribes were
again subdivided into curies and gentes, which must be
regarded as smaller political bodies rather than as
combinations of persons of the same kindred. In after-
ages this principle was further developed by the insti-
tution of collegia, and 11 the persons who formed a
collegium were called college? or sodales. The word
collegium properly expressed the notion of several
persons being united in any office or for any common
purpose (Liv. x. 13, 22 ; Tacit. Ann. iii. 31) it after-
wards came to signify a body of persons and the
union which bound them together. . . Some of these
corporate bodies resembled our companies or guilds ;
such were the fabrorum, pistorum, tOc. collegia. Others
were of a religious character, such as the pontificum,
augurum, fratruin arvalium, collegia"

In accordance with these ancient examples, all the

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

33

Gilds and Confraternities in our native land were for
mutual benefit and protection, but they had besides a
religious basis or connection, for the whole framework
of Anglo-Saxon Society was religious. Voluncary associa-
tions or Sodalities answering to modern Clubs were
common among them. The principal objects of these,
as T have already hinted, were mutual protection,
assistance under unusual pecuniary calls, and con-
viviality Sharon Turner tells us of an instrument
made in the establishment of a Gild of Thevns at
Cambridge. " By this every member was to take an oath
of true fidelity to each other, and the Gild was always to
assist him who had the most just claim. If any of the
Gild died, all the Gild-scipe was to carry him wherever
he desired, and if any neglected to attend on this occa-
sion he was fined in a syster (? sextarius) of honey, and
the gild-scipe was to furnish half of the provisions at
the interment, and every one was to pay two pence for
alms, and what was suitable was to be taken to
St. Etheldrytha, &c." These Gilds are also sometimes
alluded to in the laws. That much good fellowship
was connected with them can be doubted by no one.
The fines of their own imposition imply that the
materials of conviviality were not forgotten. " That
in mercantile towns and seaports there were also Gilds
or fraternities of men constituted for the purpose of
carrying on more successful enterprises in commerce,
even in the Anglo-Saxon times, appears to be a fact
generally acknowledged by old writers." Domesday
Book mentions the gihalla or guildhall of the burghers
of Dover " in quibus erat gihalla burgensium," for says
Sir Henry Spelman, " Gildarum nomine continentur non
solum miriores frate nutates et sodalitia sed ipsa? etiani
eivitatum eommunitates. hide hodie iUarum pr&toria
publiciquc concessus cedes Gildhallas vocant id est
gildce aulas et qiice Jlansatiearum urbium mercatoribus
Londini assignantur, G/ldhallam Teutonicorum nuncu-
pant, vulgo the Stilyard." Under the name of Gilds
are included not merely the lesser fraternities and soda-

34

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

lities, but even the main body of the citizens them-
selves. Therefore they call the head quarters and
houses of public assembly to this very day Guildhalls,
that is, the halls of the Guild, and that which in
London is assigned to the Hanse merchants they
designate the Guildhall of the Germans, or in common
parlance — the St il yan I .

The Merchants' Gild of the town of Shrewsbury was
of the latter sort- — it was the main body of the better
class citizens themselves. Men of every trade, profes-
sion, and handicraft are found in the lists which follow.
The very Theyns themselves, who ruled the body and
regulated the assessments, are found enrolled amono- its
members, and at least one who is styled " dominus "
(whether a secular or ecclesiastical >S\V is not apparent),
with scores who very probably were lords of the
several manors from which they took their designations,
but who, nevertheless, appear in the lists among their
humbler brethren, distinguished only by the payment
of larger fines than the others. This appellation of
Theyn is derived from the Saxon Thenian, ministrare,
and seems in its full meaning to have denoted men of
high rank deputed by the king to administer various
oflices. They were in the time of Edward the Con-
fessor of two kinds, barones Regis and thaini minores.
After the Conquest, the higher rank was for the most
disused, but the lower was retained, as appears by a
certain writ of William the 1st, wherein " Willielmus
Rex salutat Hetmannum Episcopum et Stewinum et
Britwe et onmes The no* meos in Dorcestrensi pago
amabiliter &c." Skene says it is the name of a dignity
equal with that of an earl. Camden (however, with
greater probability), says "they were ennobled only by
the office which they administered." The eleven
Theynesmen, to whom the collection of the il quatuor
denarii" was entrusted, were all inhabitants of the
town and neighbourhood, and were assessed in propor-
tion to their property equally with their brethren of
the Gild. Theyn in a general way signifies a freeholder.

1912430

THE MERCHANTS' GILD 0E SHREWSBURY. 35

but here it may be taken as equivalent to what, in
modern times, would be styled " Commissioner of Inland
Revenue." No hint is given as to the ultimate destina-
tion of the sum collected, but we may safely take it as
having gone to the king, us an ordinary subsidy for the
expenses of the government, or for the wars which he
was waging: with the Welsh and Scotch. " Merchants'
Gilds existed in England at a very early date, even in the
Anglo-Saxon times, "but of this fact we have no evidence,
as I have before stated, beyond allusions in the laws, but
one of them certainly existed at York in the time of
Henry I. (1100-1135), for at this date the Gild of
Beverley was constituted after its model. It became the
general rule to confirm the Gild of one town by granting
to it all the liberties which another town enjoyed. Some
are mentioned which had received this confirmation
under Henry II. (1154-89), Winchester, Shrewsbury,
Andover, Southampton, and Wallingford ; under Hi chard
I. (1189-1199), Gloucester; under John (1199-1216),
Helleston and Dunwich ; under Henry III., Hereford.
But a Merchant Gild was existing here much earlier
than the time when it received its confirmation, namely
in the eleventh year of King John (A.D. 1210), and in
all probability it was founded in the period before the
Conquest. In the charter granted to the town by
Henry III., in 1227, it is ordered that the burgesses
and their heirs may have (i.e., may continue to have) a
Merchant Gild, and that no person who did not belong-
to that Gild should purchase merchandise in the l>orouo'h
without the consent of the burgesses. (Walford.) Of
the statutes, ordinances, and privileges of the Merchant
Gild of Salop we have no account, they were probably
much the same as in other places. In an inland
town there was no need for- any special provisions.
Whether they had the right of coinage, staple -right or
immunity from tolls, we know not, but they certainly
had " all the liberties and free customs to such Gild
appertaining," which placed in fact " a monopoly of
trade in the hands of the brotherhood of the Gild,"

3G THE MERCHANTS* GILD OF SHREWSBURY

and it is pointedly stated with regard to the town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed that only the better inhabitants,
the merchants, were Gild brethren and citizens, but in
Shrewsbury, in the 13th century, there was no such
monopoly of privilege among the better class, for nearly
fifty distinct occupations are mentioned, among which
we find colliers, tinkers, butchers, and a groom, as well
as mercers, goldsmiths, glovers, and an apothecary.
Every one of the Theynesmen however held office under
the king either as burgess of Parliament, provost, or
bailiff, as the notes will shew.

[The reader will note that the greater part of the
Latin abbreviations have been extended, and a note of
interrogation (?) has been appended to words, which are
doubtful or partly undecipherable. The membranes are
given in the order in which they are now stitched
together, which may not be their proper order, but anv
re-arrangement would be only conjectural as they are
not all dated. The docket number or date is 1281, and
the 6th membrane is endorsed " Estreats, 9 E. I. " This
word " estreat," in latin extraction, " is used for the copy
or true note of an original writing ; and especially of
amerciaments or penalties set down in the rolls of a
Court, to be levied by the bailiff or other officer upon
every man for his offence. ' ' See Termes de la Ley, 1 671.]

FIRST MEMBRANE.

ROTULUS de Gilda Mercatorum in burgo Salopie ad nouam
assisam primus dies sessionis fait dies dominica proxima post
festum sancti Barnabe Apostoli anno regni regis Edwardi nono
(June loth 1281) _

Rotulus de illis qui quatuor denarios sunt pacatur.
N om i n a T h ey nesm en

Rogerus Pride1 ij° Ricardus Roitcv2 iij°, Johannes de Lodelawe3 j°,

1 A Roger Pride is said by Prynne to have been burgess of Parliament in
7 Edward 11., and another Roger Pride was bailiff in 1312 and 1310.

- Richard Borrey was provost between 1211 and 12.V2, and again in 1277,
and bailiff about 1300.

3 John de Ludlow, burgess of Parliament 1300.

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

37

Johannes le Vileyn1 Henricus Borrey ij°, Ricardus filius Ric' (?)
Pride- j°, Hugo Colle,3 Symon Grane'gos4 iij°, Johannes filius
Rofcerti5 ij°, Ricardus filius Roberti Pride ij°, Thomas Lareneys ij°.

Joliannes Rnssel6 ij°

Alan us Gamel7 v°

Johannes Hughe8 iiij0

Henricus Borrey ii°

Petrus le justice iij°

Johannes Hay mom iij°
Ricardus filius Thome cirote-

carii iij°
Willelmus filius Willelmi le

Kent9

Hugo Selk iij°

Henricus Burgeys iij0
Willelmus filius presbyteri

(erased) iij°

Ricardus filius Alani iij"

Willelmus le loxmith (erased ) iij0

Alanus filius Waited le Wclbe iij"

Rogerus de Asterleg iij0

Adam Dugyn de foricta iij0

Petrus Gerad filius Alcxandri ij°

Willelmus filius Ade Fekyle ij°
Willelmus filius Ricardi Ha-

gerwas10 ij°

Petrus filius Thome Wysdom ij°
Henricus filius Henrici Ser-

gant ij"
Nicholas filius Roberti le

Grys ij°
Adam filius Hugonis filii Gal-

fridi ij°

Johannes filius Thome Pally ij°

Ricardus filius Thome Pally ij°
Ricardus Katel ij°
Rogerus filius Rofoce11 (era-

sed) ij°
Hugo filius Walteri le deyer

(partly erased) ij"
Nicholas filius Warini Goch ij°
Henricus filius Willelmi de

Style ij"
Laurentius filius Ricardi
Borrey ij"

Ricardus filius Ricardi Stury 12 ij"

Thomas filius Hugonis Colle13 ij"
Willelmus filius Nicholai

Goch ij°
Alanus filius Johannis le

Taylor ij"

Johannes filius Alani Gamel14 ij"

Willelmus filius Alani Gamel iij"

Willelmus filius Stephani iiij"

Willelmus filius Reyneri iij"

Willelmus Bydy iij0

Robertus le Gaschoyne iij"
Johannes filius Willelmi

Balle iij0

Adam Wefloc iij0

Johannes Frydey iij"

Adam Pangy iiju

Petrus Pangy ijj°

Johannes filius Johannis le
Wylen15

1 John lc Willeyn, provost temp. Hen. III.

2 Richard Pride, provost twice, temp. Hen. III.

3 Hugh Colle, provost temp. Hen. III.

4 Simon Granegos, bailiff temp. Hen. III.

5 Johannes Roberti, provost in 1293, afterwards bailiff as John Roberd.
c John Russel, provost temp. Edward 1.

7 Alan, son of Gamel, provost temp. Hen. III.

8 John, son of Hugh Edw. 1.

» Ralph le Kcntc, bailiff circa 1300.

10 John Hagwas 13-21.

11 Reiner 7>,(///«>^, provost temp. Hen. III.

12 Richard Stury, bailiff 1294. n Thomas Colle, bailiff 1332.
14 John Gamel, provost 1293, bailiff 1304, 1311.

18 John le Willeyn, provost temp. Hen. III.

Vol. I., 2nd S. D

38 THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

Rogerus filius Johannis le
Wylen

Nicholas filius Johannis le
Vylen

Johannis Lowth

Johannes de Frankevile

Johannes Hagenvas

Willelmus le lockesmit cenior

Thomas filius Petri

Thomas filius Ricardi Ber-
nard

Ricardus filius Alani Gamel
Willelmus filius Willelmi
Styvoy

Rogerus filius Thome Mew-
erel

Willelmus Styvoy
Ricardus Crowe1
Johannes filius Ade Perle2
Ricardus filius Warini le
mercer

Willelmus filius Ranulphi de
Novoburgo

Galfridus filius ejusdem Will-
elmi

Willelmus filius ejusdem
Willelmi

Nicholas filius ejusdem Will-
elmi

Galfridus filius Johannis

Bonel
Hugo filius
Hugo filius

(erased)
Robert us

Traye

Symon filius Alani Reymont
Thomas filius Alani Reymont
Willelmus filius Ricardi le

Don f owe3
Willelmus Kovt (erased)

Ju

j°
iiij0
iij°

u°

iij°
iiij0

iiij0
ij0

ij°
ij°
ij°
ij°
j°
j"

Johannis Boncl
Henrici le Celer

Treye (erased)

3°
vj°

Johannes filius Henrici le

Kent
Henricus Karite
Rauulphus filius Ranulphi de

Cholenham
Willelmus filius Willelmi

Schakely
Nicholas filius Reyneri rum
Robertus filius Ricardi le

Donfowe
Johannes filius Johannis

Rossel4
Willelmus Goch junior5
Robertus filius Petre le Vylen
Nicholas filius Galfridi Bonel
Colynus filius Galfridi Bonel
Johannes Aldevyn
Thomas Kylot
Rogerus filius Hankyni de

Koten
Hugo de Parys
Willelmus filius Willelmi

Choupemon
Johannes filius Johannis le

Taylor
Willelmus Pochelot
Willelmus filius Henrici Kari-
ter

Henricus filius Henrici Cle-
mentis (erased)

Clemens filius Henrici de-
mentis0

Laurentius filius Walteri
Towth

Adam le Blewer

Willelmus filius Willelmi le
prestes sone

Ricardus filius Ricardi le
Halte

Hugo filius Ranulphi de
Stafford

iij°
iij°

ij°
ij°
"j"
ij°

ij°

ij°

ij°
ij°

3°

»3°

ij°

ij°
ij°

ij°

ij"

ij°

1 Ricardus Crawe, provost temp. Hen. III.

2 John de Perla, bailiff in 1291).

3 Hugh h Don/owe, bailiff V.m, 1314, and 1318.

4 See Note 9.

6 William Goch, probably the senior, appears as provost thrice, temp.
Hen. III.
6 Alan Clement, bailiff 1298.

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

39

Willelmus filius Johannis le

Redee
Rogerus Campeneys1
Huge Campeneys
Alaiius Corde
Petrus Corde

Johannes filius Roberti
Pride3

Willelmus filius Willelmi le
Chyle de Cholenham

Johannes filius Willelmi Ros-
sel le Taylor

Reginald us de Porta3

Rlcardus filius Walteri Towht

Rogerus Bon piscator

Kot Alhale

Alanus filius Nicholai Rey-
neri

Willelmus Herwy

Rogerus Greythe

Petrus Greythe

Ricardus filius Roberti filii

Walteri
Johannes filius Rogeri Baroni
Thomas filius Thome le

Ganter
Harao Turet

Petrus filius Rogeri le Shuere
Willelmus filius Hugonis le
Vylen4

Willelmus filius Willelmi filii

Stephani
Rogerus filius Willelmi filii

Aldithe eissor

ij°
ij°
ij°
ij°

»j°

ij°

ij°
ij°
U°
U°
»j°

»j°
ij°
ij°
ij°

ij"

u°

IJ1

Nicholas filius Tymme de

Frankevile
Willelmus d (erased)
Petrus filius Michel de Roshul
Johani) is filius Thome Totyfer
Alanus Pride

Gilbertus filius Ricardi fabri

de Cholenham
Nicholai filius Nicholai le

Flynt

Rogerus filius Wylly Gout
Walter us filius Walteri
Thowt

Thomas filius Thome Glopsy
Ricardus le Parmonter de

Mardefol
Johannes Begeth
Laurentius filius Bron Ballart
Willelmus filius Choioe (era-
sed) Cut
Johannes filius Ade Glopsi
colyur

Henricusfilius Willelmi Roto-
lond

Johannes filius Petri Wistard
Alanus filius Petri Wistard
Michel filius Micheli le gunir
Willelmus filius Nicholai Pek
Stephanis filius Johannis pis-
cator is

Nicholas filius Ade Dunys

apotecarius
Robertus filius Willelmi le

pannarius de Derlaston

ij"

ij°

{hi dor so)

Sciendum est quod Johannes de Lodelawe senior filius Nicholai
Lodelawe finivit v. marcas et pacau' totum

T
U°
ij°

vj°
j°

i°

j°

3°
j°
>]"

ij°
ij

de

SECOND MEMBRANE.

ROTULUS de forincesis qui secundo tercio sederunt ad Nonam
assisam in burgo Salopie primus dies sessionis fuit dies domi-

1 Hugh Champeneys, provost 1224, Thos. Champeneys, 1282.

2 Robert Pride, provost temp. Hen. III.

3 Roger de la Yato=de porta, bailiff 1360.

4 Hugh le Vileyn, provost 1246.

40

THE MERCHANTS* GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

nica proxima post festum sancti barnabe apostoli anno regni
regis Edwardi ix°

Henricus le tailur. ij° xx.s' pac di' m' et iterum di' m'
Waririus filius Ade Ret. ij° x.s' pac' xl.d. et iterum xl.d.'
Alanus corvisarius de forieta. ij° x.s' pac' xl.d.' et iterum xx.d.'
Hankynus de Harlescote. iij" di' m' pac' xx.d.' et iterum xx.d.'
Adam frater Franceys. iij0 j. marc1 pac xl.d.' iterum xl.d.'
Willelmus Scathelok.

Johannes carpcntarius de Shitford. iij" di' marc' pac' xij.d.' iterum
xij.d. iterum xij.d. et iterum iijs. viijd. et sic quietus de fine.

Johannis Wodcmon. iij" di' marc' pac' xii.d.' et iterum xv.d." et
iterum xv.d.'

Willelmus Bolemuchy. ij" di1 marc' pac' xxvj.d.' ct iterum xxvj.d.' et

ob, et iterum v.s.' et sic quietus de fine
Rogerus le ITauekerus. iij" d' marc,' pac' xx.d.' iterum xx.d.'et iterum

xl.d. et sic quietus de fine
Willelmus de Bechton. iij" di' marc' pac' xij.d.' et iterum xiij.d.' et

iterum xx.d.'

Ricardus de Golden, iij" xxli sol' pac' v.s.' iterum v.s.' it iterum v.s.'

et iterum v.s.' et sic ejuietus de fine.
Henricus le Celer dc Wigornia. iij" di' marc' p' xij.d.' et iterum xx.lid.

et iterum iiijors' et sic quietus de fine.
Warinus le celer. iij° di' marc' p' xij.d.' ct iterum xxud.' et iterum xx^d.'
Willelmus de Mudle sutor. iij". di' marc' p' xij.d. et iterum xij.d.'
Rogerus le Colior. iij". pac' p' xx.d.' et iterum xx.d.' et iterum xx.d.'
Ricardus filius Ricardi Renen. iij. di' marc' pac' p' xij.d.' iterum xx.d.

iterum xx.d.'

Walterus films Elie de Polileg. iij. di' marc' pac' xij.' et iterum xv.d.
et iterm xij.d.

Symon carpcntarius sub Wila. ij. j. marc' pac' di' marc' iterum xl.d.
Willelmus Yachan. ij" x.s.' pac' v.s.' et iterum v.s.' et sic quietus
de fine

Henricus carpcntarius sub Wila. ij. di' marc' paean' ij.s.' iterum ij.s.
Ricardus filius Willelmi dc Oistcsethe corvisarius. j° pac' de fine

prius sma (?) xx.d.' et debet xl.d.' adhuc. pac1 xjc.d.' debet xx.d.''
Stephanus Greythe. iij. di.' marc' pac' xxlid.' iterum xxlid.' et iterum

xx.d.' est'

Willelmus Rachebon de Mudle. ij. di' marc' pac' xx.d.'et iterum xx.d.'
Thomas Goderich de Shelton filius Ricardi. ij". di' m' pac' p' xijd.' et

iterum iiijs'et sic quietus de fine.
Radulphus dc Cotes, iij. di' marc' pac' xijd.' iterum xx.d. et iterum. xx.d.'
Hugo filius Ricarde le carrere. j". di' m' propter suns pac' xl.d., et ipse

H. pacavit xx.d.'

Thomas filius Willelmi Simanes. j" di' m.' propter suu.' (?) pac' xij.d.'

iterum xij.d.' et ipse Th. pac. ij.s. et iiij.d.
Th. filius Dauwe babel. j°. x.s' propter suus, (?) pac' ij.s. ct vi.d.' ct

iterum ij.s. et vi.d.' et ipse Th. pac' ij.s.' et vi.d.' et iterum ij.s.'

vi.d.' et sic quietus de fine

THE MERCHANTS* GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

41

Ricardus filius Alani le bonde, ij° di' marc' pac' suus' (?) pac: xijd' et ipse

R. pac' xx. d.' et iterum ij.s.'
Laurentius filius Ade Godlek. j°. di' marc' propter suus (?) pac' xij.d.' et

iterum xij.d.'

Rogerus dc Worthin servieus Dauwe. ij° di' marc' pac' totum.
Thomas parmintarius sub Wila. iij° di' m' pac' xx.d.' et iterum xx.d.5

et iterum xx.d.' et iterum xx.d.' et sic quietus dejine.
Rogerus Rese. ij" xl.s.' pac' xx.s.' et iterum x.s.' et iterum x.s.' et sic

quietus dejine

Henricus cissor, ij". xx.s.' puc' di' marc' et iterum di' m"

Willelmus de Wigornia le oeler. ij". j. in' pac' di' et iterum xl.d.' et

iterum xl.tV et sic quietus de fine.
Adam Kech filius Willelmi de Worthin, ij". xx.s.5 pac' x.s.' et iterum

v.S.' et iterum v.s.' et sic quietus de fine.
Gaifridus Anken. ij". xl.s.' pac' xx.s.' et iterum x.s.'
Willelmus servieus Heurici Charite. ij" j. m. pac'di' m'et iterum xl.d.'

et iterum xl d.} et sic quietus de fine.
Walterus de Bruges ij° xx.s.' puc' x. sol'
Willelmus de Hereford, ij" xl.s.' pac' xx.s.'
Robert us Kelingh. ij" xx.s.' pac' x.s.' et iterum v.s.'
Reginaldus Porchet1 balle. ij° duas m.' pac' j. m.' iterum di5 m.! et

iterum xl.d. et iterum xx.d.' et debet xl.d.'
Symon cissor. ij° xx.s.' pac' di' marc et iterum ij.s.' et vi.d.5
henricus cementarius. ij" di' marc' pac' xl.d.5 et iterum xx.d.'
Rogerus Bole ij" di' m' pac' ij.s.' et iterum xxviij.d.'
Willelmus sciviens Radulphi. ij" di' marc1 pac' xx.d. et iterum xx.d.'
Nicholas filius Hugonis de Westbury. ij° di' m' propter ejus pac!

viij.d.' et ipse iterum xx.d.' et iterum xxviij.d.' et iterum ij.s.'' et

sic quietus de fine.
Thomas le hoppere de Burleton. ij" di' marc' pac' ij.s.' et iterum xx.d.'
Philippus Tintcor. ij" j. m' pac' di' marc' et iterum xl.d.'
Hiice de Colenham. ij 0 di' m' pac' ij.s.' et iterum xxviij.d.'
Johannes nepos Johannis le carpentarius. ij" x.s.' pac' ij.s.' et iterum

iiij.s.' et iterum ij.s.' et debet ij.s.' est'
Robertus Teggemon. ij" x.s.' pac' xl.d'

Jurdanus le herwythte. ij". xxts pac' di' m' et iterum di' m.'
Johannes filius Nicholai de Halmundester. ij" di' m' pac' ij.s.' et
iterum xij.d.'

Rogerus filius Johannis de Radeleg. ij" di' m' pac' xxud.' et iterum xx.d.'
Ricardus le specer. ij° duas m' pac' j. m' et iterum di' m' et iterum

xl.d. et debet xl.d.'
Ricardus dc Montegomory, ij° di' m' pac' p' xx.d.' et iterum xx.d.'
Gilbertus filius Dcde de forieta. ij" j. m' pac' v.s. et iterum v.s.'
Robertus de Canener. ij" x.s.' pac' v.s. iterum ij.s.' et vj.d.'
Adam de Chatewalle. ij" di' m' pac' ij.s.' et iterum xxviij.d.' et iterum

ij.s. iiij.d] et sic quietus dejine.

Reginaldus or Rcinor Porchet, provost temp. Hen. III.

42 THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

Adam le/emere. ij° di' m.' pac' ij.s.' et iterum xxviij.d.'

Ricardus de Wemme. ij" j. marc' pac' v.s.' et iterum v.s.' et iterum

xx. d.' et debet xx.d.' est'
Willclmus Mondrem. ij" di' m' pac' xx.d.' et iterum xxx.d.' et iterum

ijs.' vi.d.' et sic quietus de fine.
Rogerus de Wemme q' alibi (erased)
Thomas le colleycr q' alibi (erased)

Philippus films de Cantelop. j° pac' de fine prius sua xl.d.' et xl.d.' debet
Henricus Tintan de Sutton molendarius. ij. x.s' pac' xl.d.' et iterum xl.d.
Willelmus Rossel de Frankevil ij° x.s.' pac' xl.d.' et iterum xl.d.' et

iterum xl.d.' et sic quietus de fine.
Ricardus Alius Johannis de Ballina carpentarius. j° pac' ij.s.' et vj.d.'

de fine prius sm' (?) et adhuc tan turn debet, solvit ij.s vj.d." et sic

quietus de fine.

Henricus Aurifaber famulus Thome Aurifabri ij° x.s.' pac' ij.s.' et

vi.d.' et iterum ij.s. vi.d. est'
Johannes filius Ricardi Wallensis carpentarius. ij° di' m' pac' ij.s.' et

iterum ij.s.' et iiijd.'
Ricardus Lupus. ij° x.s.' pac' xl.d.' et iterum xl.d.' et iterum xl.d. et

sic quietus de fine.
Willclmus filius Stephani de Colemere ij" xx.s.' pac' x.s.' et iterum v.s.'
Thomas Glunt. (?) ij" di' m' ij.s. et iterum ij.s. et iiij.d.' et iterum

ij.s." iiij.d.' et sic quietus.
Walterus fiilus Hugonis de Endon ij" pac' ij.s.'et iterum ij.s.'et iiij.d.'
Elyas le Mercer de Brocton. ij" di' m' pac' ij.s.' et iterum ij.s.'
Adam frater Ricardi le mercer de Wemme. ij" di' m' pac' xx.d.'

iterum xx.d.'

Thomas taylar, Lj° di' m' pac' xl.d.' et iterum xx.d.'
Johannes Dam. ij" x.s.' pac' xl.d. et iterum xl.d.'
David filius David prepositi de Castro Episcopi. ij° di' m' pac' xx.d.'
et iterum xx.d.'

Willelmus Sinetrex (1 Sineox) filius Willelmi de Wulfancrost. ij° x.s.'

pac' xl.d. et iterum xl.d.' et iterum xl.d. et sic quietus define,
Robertus le hore de Cawes. ij" di' m' pac' xx.d.' et iterum ij.s.'
Thomas Marescall de Bakelar. ij. di' in' pac' ij.s. et iterum xx.d.'
Ricardus Pamie (?) Pistor ij° di' m' pac' ij.s.' et iterum ij.s.' et iterum

ij.s' viijid,1 et sic quietus de fine.
Johannes Geffrey. ij° x.s.' pac' xl.d.' et iterum xl.d.' et iterum xl.d.'

et sic quietus.

Willelmus Caretarius de Hereford, dictus Hamund, ij" di' m' pac' ij.s.'

et iterum xxviij.d.'
Willelmus Cokin filius Ade de Knokin ij" di' m' pac' ij.s. et iterum

ij.s.' et iij.d.'

Ricardus Russel de Jluunninli/e (I) ij" j. m' pac' xl.d.' et xl.d-' et iterum

di" in' et sic quietus de fine.
Johannes Seys. ij° x.s.' pac' v.s.' et iterum ij.s. et vj.d.'
Johannes le Vox. ij" di' m' pac' ij.s.' et iterum ij.s.'
Rogerus Gunemon. ij" di' m' pac' xx.d.' et iterum xxx.d.'
Robertus Carpentarius de Erilwardin. ij" pacavit xx.d.' et iterum xl.d.'

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

43

THIRD MEMBRANE.

ROTULCJS de forinsecis de Gilda mercatorum Salopp' ad
nonam Assisam primus dies sessiorris dies dominica proxima
post festuin sancti Barnabe apostoli. anno regni regis Edwardi
nono. isti subscript! fuerunt qui pro (?) finiverunt (?)

Ricardus le forber de Tibriton receptus est pro m' gilda et finivit di'

m' pac' xxvj.d.' et ob.'
Hicke qui fuit serviens Ricardo Borrey. finivit di' m' pac' xxvjd.

et ob.'

Philippus Carpentarius de Felton juxta Lodelawe. finivit di' m' pac'
xxvj.d. et ob.'

Henricus le spicer de Leycester. finivit xl. sol' ad iv gildas. pac' x.s'
et iterum x.s.1

Willelmus de Chalewehulle1 qui fuit serviens Johannis de Lodelawe.

finivit di' m' pac' xxvj.d.' et ob.'
Petrus le potter Salopp.' finivit viginti solid' pac' di' m' et iterum di

m1 et debet di' m.'
Hamo filius Ythenart2 de Wcnloc. finivit viginti sol.' pac' di' m.'
Robertus de Clywe cissor Salopp.' finivit, di' in' pac' xxvj.d' et ob.'
Johannis de Hodenct barber Salopp.' finivit di' m' pac' xxvj.d.' et ob.'

et iterum xxvj.d. et ob.' et iterum xxvij.d. et ob.'
Petronilla de Borton. finivit. decern solid' pac' xlud.'
Gylus Pride, finivit viginti sol' pac' xl"d.'
Alexander lc bakere. finivit decern solid' pac' xP'd.
Thomas le Donfowe. finivit viginti solid.' solvit v.s.' et iterum v.s.'
Nicholas de Eton pistor Salopp.' finivit unam m' pac' iiij.s.' iiij.d.' ob.'
Johannis de Derbi qui fuit serviens Willelmi Pride, finivit quindecim

sol' pac' v.s.' et iterum v.s.'
Willelmus le Marchale de foro. finivit di' m' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.
Ricardus le bolger sub la Wyle versus Bisbestanes. finivit di' m' pac'

xxvj.d.' ob.'

Philippus le Molendarius. finivit di' m' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.' it iterum
xxvj.d.' ob.

Rogerus Herbart Molendarius. finivit di' m' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.'
Rogerus qui fuit serviens Johannis Louth finivit vij. sol.' vjd.' pac'
xxx d.'

Thomas qui fuit serviens Johannis le Marchale. finivit septem sol.'vi.d.'

pac' xxviij.d' et iterum xxviij.d. est'
Ricardus de Scholton, le mason, finivit x. sol' pac' xl.d.'
Petrus carpentarius de Ordcsleye. finivit di' m' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.' et

iterum xxvj.d.' ob.
Hugo Witlac de Moncford le mercer, finivit xv. sol.' pac' v.s.'

1 Probably Cheney hill, near Newport,
J Or Ychenhart.

44

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

Galfridus de Ford, pistor. finivit x. sol' pac' xP'd.'
Hicke de Norton, le mercer, finivit x. sol.' pac' xl.d.'
Johannes tabernarins servicns Rogeri Campenejs. finivit di' m.' pac'
xxvj.d.' ob.'

Rogerus filius Hamonis pistor Salopp.' finivit xv. sol.' pac' v.s.'
Ricardus de Aschford carpentarius de Oollenham. finivit x. sol.' pac'

xl.d.' et iterum xl.d.'
Willelmus de Harleg parmintarius. finivit xx11 sol.' solvit di' marc' et

iterum di' w? et quietus de fine.
Ricardus filius Walteri de Bedlesworthin.1 finivit x. sol.' pac' xl.d.' et

iterum xl.d.' et debet xl.d.'
Leuwelinus pictor. finivit x.s.' pac' xlud.'
Willelmus de Bruges corvisarius. finivit xv.s.' pac' v.s.'
Johannes de Harlascot' carpentarius. finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj.d. 'ob.'
Ricardus de la minnede. finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d.'
Johannes marescallus de Ballina finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d.'
Rogerus filius Thome fabri. finivit v.s.'
Robertus le petler' de Grimesbi. finivit xx^s.' pac' di' m.'
Willelmus Cadi, finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj.d.' ct iterum xxvj.d.'
Ricardus lc specer serviens Philippi le specer. finivit xxlis.' jjac

di' m.'

Walterus de Wenlok pistor. finivit iiij.s' pac' xlij.d.'
Adam de Lodelawe. finivit vij.s.' et vj.d.' pac' xxx.d.'
Thomas filius coci. finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.'
Adam de Sutton, finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d.'
Thomas carpentarius de Hodenet. finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d/
Adam de Rotelinghop' pistor, finivit x s.'pcic' xl[id.'
Ricardus Bereward, finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d.'

Rogerus Murinor carpentarius di' marc' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.' et iterum
xij. d.

Robertus Calenox. pistor. finivit d' marc' pac' xxvj.d,' ob.'
Galfridus de Radingcs, le mercer, v.s.' pac' xx.d.'
Johannes de la Pole, finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d.'

Stephanus de Rowelowe, faber. finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj d.' ob.'
Rogerus tannator de Frankevil.' finivit xv.s.'^ac' v.s.'
Nicholas le comber, finivit iv.s ' pac xvj.d.' et iterum ij.s.' viij.d.' et sic
quietus de fine.

Philippus de Wontenor pistor. finivit iiijors.' pac' xvj.d.' et iterum

xvj.d.' quietus de fine.
Willelmus Boulc de Betton. finivit iiij.s.' pac xvj.d.' et iterum xvj.d.'
Robertus Bilrek faber. finivit iiijors.' ad quatuor gildas, pac' xij.d.'
Ricardus de Wonkeslowe,2 cissor. finivit iiijors.' pac' xvj.d.'
Willelmus filius Philippi pistor, di' marc' pac1 xxvj.d.' et iterum

XXvj.d.' EST. '

1 Belswai'dine, near Cressage.

2 Longslow, near Market Drayton,

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

45

Adam filius Rogeri de Stretton. finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d.'

Johannes de Duddeleg' le mercer, finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.'

Thomas bercarius Ricardi Borrey. finivit iiij.s 'pac' xvj.d.'

Thomas cocus fratrum predicatorum. finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.'

et iterum xvj.d.' ob.'
Reginaldus filius Henrici tannatoris. finivit Iiij.s. * pac' xvj.d.'
Willelmus le forner. finivit iiij. sol.' solvit xvj.d.
Willelmus le coupere de Blakeway, v. sol.' solvit xx.d.' et iterum xx.d.'

et debet xx.d.' est'
Johannes frater Thome Prin. pistor. finivit iiij. sol.' pac1 xvj.d.'1
Adam aurifaber. finivit v. sol. pac' xx.d.'

Ricardus scriptor de Burleton. finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj. d.' ob.'
Willelmus le garnusur. finivit di' marc.' pac' d'm in et sic quietus in
perpetuum.

Alanus cirotecarius de Castel-foryate. finivit xx. sol.' ad quatuor gildas
pac v.s.' et iterum v.s.' et iterum v.s.' et debet v.s.'

Thomas de Dreyton. finivit xl. solid' pac' j. m' et iterum j. m' et
debet j. m.'

Philippus de Leayton. finivit di' marc.'

Ricardus le taylor filius Ricardi le yonge de Stafford, finivit vj.s.
pac' ij.s.'

Johannes tonsor dictus picard. finivit xx4i sol.' solvit' di' marc'
Thomas de Dalileg. finivit di' marc' solvit xxvij.d.' et ob.'
Willelmus Trigel. finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj.d.' ob.'
Willelmus filius Willelmi de Hereford de forieta castelli. finivit iiij.

solid' pac' xvj.d.' et iterum xvj.d.' et debet xvj.d.'
Hugo lo dunfowe.1 finivit v. sol' pac' xx.d.' et iterum xl.d.' et sic

quietus de fine.
Willelmus de Wemme. finivit xxx. sol' pac' viij.s.'
Johannes de Ramesbury carpentarius, finivit v.s.' pac' xx.d.'
Ricardus filius Willelmi le Blake de Worthin. finivit xx. sol' pac' di'

m.' et iterum di' m' et debet di' m'
Robertus filius Ynoins de Wemme. finivit di' marc' pac' xxvj.d.' et ob.'

et iterum iiij.s. v.d.' ob.' et sic quietus de fine.
Hugo filius Philippi le hatebond.'2 finivit v.s. pac' xx.d.' est'
Calfridus de Kant' aurifaber. finivit xv.s.' pac' v.s.' et iterum

v.s.' est'

Ricardus de Halchton finivit di.' m.' pac' xxvj. d.' et ob.'
Thurstanus de Pichtord finivit xl. sol.' etpacavit prius comitati xxu.s.'

et iterum xxu et sic quietus
Adam Dod pistor de Polileg. finivit iiij.s.' pac' xvj.d.' et iterum xvj.d.'

et debet xvj.d '

(N.B. — Another Membrane seems to have been attached to the
foot of the above which is missing).

1 Hugh lc donfowc, bailiff 1314 and 1318.

8 Hugh llathebronde, provost temp. Hen. III.

Vol. 11., 2nd S. E

46 THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

FOURTH MEMBRANE.

Hugo Reyner. ij

Walter de Bruges. ij

Adam de la Rone. j

Ricardus Gamel. ij

Willelmus Gamel. ij

Willelmus Selk. j
Henricus filius Alani filii

Stepliani. j

Willelmus Dunfowe. iij

Rogerus Champeneys. ij

Alanus Pride. ij

W. Randulf. ij

Johannes do Prylecot ij
Willelmus Reyner
Gregorius de Monteg (? Mon-

tegue) iij
Johannes filius Nicholai de

Lodelawe. j

Willelmus Vachan.1 ij

Henricus le tailur. ij
Baldwiniis de Mardefol.

Ricardus filius Alani. iij

Willelmus Pichelot. ij

Ricardus Russel. ij

Johannes Pride. ij

Ricardus filius Ricardi Stury- j

Galfridus filius W. Rondolf.3 j
Willelmus f rater ejus.
Nicholas f rater ejus.

Alanus le tailur. ij

Johannes Balle. iij

Johannes filius Alani Gamel4 ij

Willelmus filius J. Balle. j

Alanus Bal. j

Petrus le justice. iij

W. le loxmit. ij

Alanus Stramv clone, ij

Johannis Hagerwas5 ij

W. Stinob ij

Henricus Blenchoxe (or-axe) j

Reginaldns Pychet ij
Willelmus lilius Willelmi lox-

mith. ij

W. filius Willelmi Gob (?) ij

Nicholas frater ejus. j

Willelmus Hagerwas. ij
Willelmus filius Stephani.

Johannis Robilot. j

J. filius Galfridus (sic) Bonel. j
Thomas frater ejus.
Johannes filius Petri le jene

0 Jeue) 3

W. Bidi. iij

Clemens filius Henrici de-
mentis, j
Thomas Taylar. ij
W. de Colemar' ij
Nicholas filius J. le ruard (?). j
Robertus filius W. Palm de

Derlaston ij
Alanus filius Petri filii de-
mentis, j
Robertus Punch de eadem. j
Walterus de Bruges. ij
Robertus le vileyn. iij
W. filius Hugonis villani. ij
Willelmus Onge. j
Alanus Gentil.' ij
Thomas filius Rogeri Reyner. j
W. filius J. Balle. j
Johannes filius R. Legs j
Lauren ti us filius Laurentii

Edwyn. j

Rogerus Bole. ij

Henricus aurifaber. ij

Willelmus aurifaber. in

Ricardus Crowe.0 i

Hamond le taylur. i
Hugo Verindre

Rogerus filius Willelmi Adde it

Petrus le parminter i

Nicholas Col pern

Alanus Talreng (?)

W. Wachclon iif

Robertus Parmintarius i

J. filius Th. glomri$) \

1 William Vahhan, provost 12SS. 2 Richard Stury, bailiff 1294.

3 Geoffrey Roiulolph, provost temp. lien. HI., bailiff 1300.

4 John Gamel, bailiff 1307. 5 .John Hagwas, bailiff 1321.
6 Richard Crawc, provost temp. Hen. III.

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

47

J. filius Willelmi le taylur ij

Thomas Baldwyn j

Simon cissor sub Wila ij.

Thomas Enge j.

Ricardus le Galeys ij

Kicard us filius Ricardi Meph ul) j

Hugo filius Ricardi lo car-
pentarius j.

Philippus de Cantelop' j.

Warinus de la Tur1 ij.

Ricardus filius Ricardi le

gynur j.

Ricardus Katel de Ball hies (?) ij.

Ricardus le locker ij.

Ricardus parmintarius de

Mardefol ij.

Nicholas Legs ij.

Adam parmintarius filius H.

de Cotes ij.

Thomas parmintarius sub

Wila iij.

Robcrtus le taverner ij.

Adam Wenelok iij.

Robcrtus Kelmith ij.

J. le Kent ij.

Robertus Wiscard ij.

Ricardus frater ejus ij.

Thomas Wisdom iij.

Th. cirotecarius ij.

Roger us Rose ij.

Adam Dugyn iij.

WiHelmus le kent iij.

Galfridus Chiken ij.

Rogerus Nicoles iiij.

Rogerus Yunoins iij.

Nicholus filius Adc Bilbe ij.

WiHelmus de Welinton ij

J. filius Ade Dugyn j.

Adam filius Th. carpcntarius ij

WiHelmus Hamund ij.

WiHelmus Smet'x (?) ij

Th. faber de Bakelar' . ij

Radulphus de cotes iij.

WiHelmus de Mudle ij.

Ricardus Bungy ij.

Stophanus Grcthe iij

Petrus Grey the ij.

Rogerus Grey the ij.
Rogerus filius Radulphi de

Cotes ij
Reginaldus Carpentarius de

Northfor' ij
Ricardus serviens Rogeri

Nicoles ij.
. . . le brewer ij.
WiHelmus le lok j.
Galfridus de Cotes carpen-
tarius ij.
Thomas filius W. Sumanes j.
Symon frater ejus ij.
Stephanus le baker' ij.
Ricardus le Wolf de Shepeue ij.
Radulphus Rogech^e (yrie) iij.
Johannes cirotecarius filius

J. de Kemesleye j.

Alanus cirotecarius sub Wila ij.

Petrus filius Th. Wisdom ij.

WiHelmus filius presbiteri iij.
Walterus filius Elye le cos-

tantin ij.
Henricus filius Willelmi le

gost _ j.
Adem parmintarius de Novo-

burgo ij.

Ricardus de Montegomori iij.
WiHelmus cocus fratrum pre-

dicatorum ij.

Johannes Mokyn ij.

Johannes Baret ij.

WiHelmus Moudrem ij.

Johannis carpentarius senior iij.

Symon carpentarius ij.

Robertus carpentarius ij.

Henricus carpentarius ij.

Hugo carpentarius de foricta ij.

Ricardus de Pimbelcg ij.
Johannis Barun de Colen-

ham j.

Ricardus filius Alani Baruni j.

Johannis filius Willelmi Bidi j.

WiHelmus Barun j.

WiHelmus de Mudle iij.

1 Solvit atl Gildam fcenbam die dominica proxima ante festum exaltaconis
pacru) crucis anno xxxij [Sept. L3th, 130-4. ]

48

THE MERCHANTS* GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

Johannis filius Rogeri Barim iij.

Gilbertus filius Ricardi fabri ij.

Johannis Old wyn(orAldewyn) ij.

Willelmus de Steplton ij.
Ricardus filius Roberti filii

Walteri ij.

Willelmus de Lechton iij.

Radulphus de Colenham iij.

Johannes Friday iij.

Johannes Schery iij.

Ricardus de Colenham lj.

Walterus Tandy ij.

Hankinus de Colenham ij.

Willelmus Was ij.

Henricus Tincan ij

Nicholas Kech ij

Johannes le vox pistor ij.

Thomas le hoppere ij

Willelmus le seler ij.

Thomas Scheri ij.

Willelmus de Stiyele j.

Thomas parvus pistor ij.

Philippus de I/bacia (?) j.

Johannis filius Ricardi le vox j.

Willelmus Stywoy. (erased)

Nicholas Venel. ij.

Alanus Corde. ij.

Willelmus Marcallus subWila. ij .

Ricardus le teyntrer. i j .
Ricardus le gonvicer.

Nicholas Bonel le tanner ij.

Petrus Corde. ij.
Rogerus le Lakes, (erased)

Rogerus de Wemmele mercer, ij.

Henricus Rotilon j.

Henricus Wits wire ij.

Jordanus le mercer. ij.

Elyot le mercer. ij.

Johannes le tayler le mercer, ij.

Willelmus filius Ade Schile. ij.

Rogerus Fcrlc le mercer. ij.
Johannes Perle.1

Ricardus Rossel le mercer. ij.

Symon Reymont. j.

Willelmus Cokin ij.

Rogerus Menerel iij.
Adam de Worthin ij. pac' x s.}

et sic quietus. ij.

Nicholai Way (or War) j.

Robertus de Worthin ij.

Henricus Chese ij

Johannis Wodemon. iij.
Thomas le colleyer

Willelmus Rek ij.

Johannes Geffrey ij.

Adam de Chatewalle ij.

Hugo Folery j.

Ricardus Poune ij.

Rogerus filius Bone ij.

Alanus de JDuton (? Jutou) iij.

Thomas le So?it (? Font) ij.

Willelmus Squier ij.

Willelmus de Lake iij.

Willelmus Herur. ij.
Willelmus filius Willelmi

Crure j.

Willelmus filius W. le spicer j.

Warinus le celer iij.

Ricardus filius Warini le

mercer. j.
Willelmus de Lilleshul

mercer. ij.
Willelmus filius Ade filii

Ywon\ ij.
Willelmus filius Willelmi le

marchilt sub Wila j.

Alanus filius Alani Ywe2 j.

Michel filius Ricardi Meth j.

Galfridus filius Johannis Bonel j.

Hugo f rater ejus. j.

Nicholas filius Willelmi Pothoc ij.

Ricardus Pally ij.

Alanus filius Alani Kech j.

Willelmus f rater ejusdem j.
Alanus filius Johannis Hay-

mon ij.
Willelmus filius Willelmi le

Blake de Worthin ij.

FIFTH MEMBRANE.

* John do PerVa, bailiff 1296.

a Ywe, probably same as Ivo or Ivo.

the Merchants' gild of Shrewsbury. 49

Willelmus filius Willelmi

Chonpemon j.
Nicholas filius Johannis

Hay mon j.

Johannes Hay mon vj.
Willelmus quondam serviens

Henrici Kariter ij°

Johannes Seyus ij.
Adam filius Ricardi de

Stretton ij.

Petrus Michel ij.

Johannes Begefeh ij.

Ricardus Goldwyn iij.

Henricus Kariter iiij.

Willelmus filius ejusdem ij.

Henricus Kylot j.

Thomas Kylot ij.

Petrus Gerard ij.
Rogerus filius Willelmi le

Blake de Worth in ij.

Elyus carnifex iij.

Johannes de Moneford ij.
Thomas Spyrewich. filius

Petri Colle
Robertus Tync' filius Alexan

dri Oter vj.
Ricardus filius Ricardi de

Mcle j.
Johannes filius Willelmi de

Bruges clericus

Reginaldus de Porta ij.

Rogerus de Forde j.

Thomas Gluitt ij.

Henricus le mason ij.

Ricardus filius Waited Towth ij.

Petrus le mason j.

Phillipus le teynterer ij.
Rogerus filius Jordani pisca-

toris de Frankewile ij.

Hugo le teynterer ij.
Lauren tins filius Waltcri

Thowt ij.
Nicholas filius Symonis de

Frankevile ij.
Ricardus filius Ywonis1 de

Scholton ij.
Willelmus Rossel do Franke-
vile ij.

Ricardus filius Ricardi Rewe

de Scholton iij.

Adam de Welynton ij.

Willelmus Warrant ij.

Willelmus Styrch vj.

Robertus le orpet ij.

Hugo filius Thome Goderich ij.

Adam filius Ricardi Was j.
Willelmus filius Reginaldi

Malafant j.
Alanus filius Philippi Zor^/n?'

(? Jordani) de Frankevile j.
Henricus filius Henrici Wyke

de Scholton j.

Rogerus filius^Wylly de eadem ij.
Thomas filius Johannis filii

Juliane de eadem j.
Nicholai filius Jordani pisca-

toris de Frankevile ij.

Robertus le May iij

Walterus filius Walteri Towth ij.
Philippus filius Rogeri le

haweker j.
Willelmus filius Philippi

Borrey j .
Ricardus filius Alani le bonde

de Scholton ij.

Thomas Gorich de eadem iij.
Johannes filius Thome le

palmer ij .

Laurentius Godlcch j.
Johannes filius Willelmi

Manning j.
Hugo filius Johannis Hos-

bonde le gorwicer j.

Ricardus Alhale ij.
Willelmus filius Stephani

filii Alexandri le gorwicer j.
Willelmus Bolfing de Collen-

ham ij,
Ricardus serviens Mabille

Michel ij.

Adam Pangy iiij.

Rogerus de Ast'leye iij.

Thomas filius Petri iij.

Henricus Borgeyse iij.
Johannes le Waleys le Corde-

waner ij.

1 Hen. fil. Ivonis, provost or prtotor temp. Hon. III.

50 the merc Hants' gild of Shrewsbury.

ROTULUS de forinsecis qui primo sederunt ad Gildam mer-
catorum in villa Salopie. primus dies sessionis fuit dies domi-
nica proxima ante festum exaltacionis sancte crucis, anno
regni Regis Edwardi tricesimo secundo. (Sept 13th, 1304).

Rogerus de Brakbelye finivit lx.s' ad iiij Gildas.

Willelmus de Nesse finivit . . . iiij ad tres Gildas.

Thomas de Bikedon'1 finivit xs.s' ad iij Gildas.
Robertus de Leycester specer finivit xxs.' ad ij Gildas pacand'.
Adam de Preston Gobals2 le mareehal finivit x.s.' pacand' ad ij. Gildas.
Thomas de Colton carpentarius finivit x.s.' pac' ad ij Gildas.
Ricardus de Lodelowe carpentarius finivit x.s.' pac' ad ij. Gildas.
Rogerus de Lusthcote3 carpentarius finivit di' m' pac' ad ij Gildas.
Ricardus filius Wyart de Loghton finivit di' m' pac' ad ij Gildas.
Rogerus de Staunton finivit xx.s.' pac' ad ij Gildas.
Rogerus filius Walteri de Cliva carpentarius. finivit di' m' pac' ad ij
Gildas.

Willelmus de Bykenhalle scriptor. finivit di' m.' pac' totumad primam
Gildam.

Willelmus de Wilderhop carnifex. finivit x.s' pac' ad tres Gildas.

Johannes de Mekelege finivit xx.s' pac' ad iij Gildas.

Ricardus del Bakhous de monkeforytie finivit x.s.' pac' ad ij Gildas.

Ricardus de Ka finivit x.s.' solvend' ad ij. Gildas.

Johannes le Botinton. finivit di.' m.' pacand' ad ij Gildas.

Henricus de Eccleshall cocus. finivit xx.s. pacand' ad iij Gildas.

Willelmus filius Willelmi del Ecokzete finivit j.m.' pac' ad ij. Gildas
sub hacce promissione quod non pandoxabit per aliquem alium
nisi ipse dominus Willelmus fecerit in villa Salopie residentiary

Willelmus filius Ade le comber de Waliton (erased) confratim (?)
finivit j.m' sub eadem promissione.

Michael Baret de Essex le tayllur finivit x.s.' pacand' ad ij Gildas.

Ricardus de Tunstal marescallus. finivit x.s.' pac' ad ij Gildas.

Ricardus dominus de Loton finivit xx.s.1 pac' ad iij Gildas.

Willelmus de Eyton Daunt (?) pac' di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Galfridus de Stretton super Burner onca finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.

Adam be Modlycote pistor. finivit di' m' pacand' ad ij Gildas.

Robertus le Lanwidcr mercer finivit xx.s.' pac' ad ij Gildas.

Johannes de Ecriria (?) finivit xx.s.' pac' ad ij Gildas.

Hugo le fourbur finivit j m.' pac' ad ij Gildas. iterum xl. d.'

Willelmus de Mortonefinithc parmcntarius sub Wylaxx.s'ad ij Gildas.

Adam de Walcote pistor finivit x.s.' pac' ad ij Gildas.

Ricardus de Wythinton piscator finivit xx.s.' ad ij Gildas iterum xl.d.'

Willelmus de Su'tton juxta Murival finivit di' m' et j.d' ad ij Gildas

Ricardus filius Yose piscator finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas

1 Thomas do Bykedon, baililT circa 1300 and in 1318 and 1310.
3 i.e., Priests' town of Godebald, one of the 3 wise clerks of Roger do
Montgomery.

s Lustcottin Kushbury parish.

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

51

Rogcrus filius Matilde de Manfoelmer' finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas
Willelmus le Ben piscator, finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas
Rogerus de Muriden finivit j. m' ad ij Gyldas
Johannis de Bampton taylur finivit di5 m' j.s.' ad iij Gildas
Thomas filius Crebarn le Wolbyer del Wychchirche finivit di' m' j.s.
ad iij Gildas

Willelmus de la Grene finivit j. m' ad ij Gildas pac.'
Radulphus de London corvisor finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Ricardus de Esthop, sutor, finivit viijs.5 ad ij Gildas.
Ricardus Foly de Hereford finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Adam de Stretton pistor. finivit di' m j.s. ad ij Gildas.
Thomas le Corsedc finivit di' m' j.s' ad iij Gildas.
Willelmus de Corvedale piscator finivit xx.s.' ad iij. Gildas.
Adam le Grom finivit xx.s' ad ij Gildas.
Ricardus de Hamohirche pistor finivit j. m' ad ij Gildas.
Rogerus de Ragedon finivit di' m5 ij Gildas
Willelmus de Upton finivit x.s.' ad ij Gildas.
Hugo de Caldelballe finivit xx.s. ad ij Gildas.
Ricardus de Besford finivit iiij li' ad ij. Gildas.
Thomas de le Halle finivit j. m' ad ij. Gildas.
Johannes filius Rogeri Basesone finivit xx.s' ad ij. Gildas.
Thomas filius Henrici de la Clive finivit c.s' ad ij. Gildas.
lthel de Pontesburi, faber, fiuivit di.' m.' ad ij. Gildas
Philippus Ongel faber. finivit di.' m' ad ij Gildas.
Rogerus de Haghemon finivit di.' m.' ad ij. Gildas
Thomas Fope de Lilleshull, finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Johannes filius Willelmi Fanote de Darlaston, walker, finivit j. m' ad
ij Gildas

Henricus Fangy finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.

Willelmus de Wythinton, barber, finivit di.' m.' ad ij Gildas.

Willelmus de Preston, bercarius, finivit di.' m' ad ij Gildas.

Thomas de Frankevile, bercarius. finivit di.' m' ad ij Gildas.

Ricardus de Upton, faber, finivit x.s' ad ij Gildas

Willelmus filius Willelmi le smyth. de Mudle finivit di'm'ad ij Gildas.

Walterus filius Henrici de Cliva. finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas

Rogerus le Vouk pistor finivit j. m' ad ij Gildas.

Rogerus filius Henrici de Cliva finivit xx.s.'* ad ij Gildas.

Ricardus de Wenelok pistor. finivit ij m' ad ij Gildas, iterum xl.d.'

Thomas Sithin tayllur finivit di' m' j.s. ad iij Gildas.

Willelmus de Seldes cirotecarius (?) finivit j. ni' ad j. Gildam.

Robertus de Wyeh, sutor, finivit xxx.s.' ad iij Gildas.

Thomas Beth carnifex finivit x.s' ad ij. Gildas.

Johannes de Ellesmcrc finivit xx.s.' ad j. Gildam. iterum xl.d.'

Ricardus Natol finivit j. m' ad ij Gildas.

Willelmus filius Rogeri de Halaston juxta Ideshale finivit di' m' ad ij
Gildas.

Johannes filius Reginald! de Hacton finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Johannes de Acton Burnel, specer finivit di' in' ad ij. Gildas.
Henricus filius Stephani Serft de Legth finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.

52

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

Hugo de Spyre (?). f — finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Willelmus Natol pistor finivit x.s.' ad ij. Gildas.
Thomas Whamlclot (?) smyth finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Adam evins (?) finivit j. m' ad ij. Gildas.

Johannes cocus Willelmi vaglin (? Yaghan) finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Alexander de finivit xx.s.' ad ij Gildas. iterum v.s'

Johannes del Neuport tannur finivit j. m' ad ij Gildas. iterum xl. d.
Coc carpentarius (?) de colh'm finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Willelmus de Hotales pistor. finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.
Johannes filius Johannis de Eyton, carnifex, finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Thomas de Artesleg carpentarius finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Henricus de 8 ton' (?) carpentarius finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.
Hugo de Moddlicote le Wallere de Frankeuille. finivit di' m' ad ij
Gildas.

Johannes de Meole pistor. finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.

Henricus filius Willelmi Stynolb. finivit di' marc' ad iij. Gildas.

Adam filius Willelmi Driselon (? Bruseley) finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Willelmus de Hondfot marechal. finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Willelmus le barbere de Romaldesham finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Henricus de Lesleye finivit xl.s' ad ij Gildas.

Johannes de Motehale. finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Stcphanus Buggel piscator. finivit di' m' j. s.' ad iij Gildas.

Nicholas de Grunnesby piscator. finivit xx.s.' ad ij. Gildas.

Ranulphus de Wem pistor finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Johannes Sclione (?) piscator finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.

Willelmus de ffonton (?) finivit x.s' ad ij. Gildas'

Stephanus de Astcl hopper' finivit x.s.' ad ij. Gildas.

Ricardus le AValeys pistor finivit di.' m.' ad ij. Gildas.

David del Whitchurche mercer finivit j. m' ad ij. Gildas. pacand' v.s.'

Sellof le harpour. finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.

Lucas lc sadeler. finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Willelmus Las pistor finivit viij.s' ad ij Gildas.

Dauid le leche finivit viij.s' ad ij Gildas.

Rogcrus de Healcs pistor. finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Adam de Bykedon finivit x.'s.' ad ij Gildas.

Ricardus de Ellesmere finivit x.s' ad ij Gildas.

Thomas de Lynton finivit x.s' ad ij. Gildas.

Hugo de OnJerlolle (?) carpentarius, finivit di' m' ad ij. Gildas.

Willelmus de Ardestont (?) finivit ij. m.' ad ij. Gildas.

Rogerns de Calbes marechal. finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas.

Rogerus de Sine finivit xx.s. ad ij. Gildas.

Johannes filius Touneri (? Tynceri) de Lodelawe, senior finivit j. m'

ad ij. Gildas.
Ranul})hus le Shcrere finivit x.s.' ad ij. Gildas.
Johannes le Vachan finivit ij. m' ad ij Gildas.

de Hadclegh. finivit xls' ad iij Gildas.

i . . . pistor finivit di'm' ad ij. Gildas.

Thomas de finivit di' m' ad ij Gildas,

Johannes de Willileg finivit di' m' ap ij. Gildas.

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

53

BAPTISMAL NAMES.

From the preceding lists it maybe gathered that there
was, six centuries ago, as there is now, a certain fashion
in the bestowal of Christian names. Prominent indivi-
duals of one generation left a mark upon succeeding ones,
who showed their estimate of the popularity of kings
and nobles, bishops and emperors, in this practical way.
Kings' names seem to have been in most favour, and
all the kings, with but one exception, after the Conquest,
received this compliment. William, John, and Bichard
head the list, a " saint " and a Norman earl come next,
then Henry, so that among the first six favourite names
are found all the kings, except Stephen, whose name
occurs rather low in the list. The name John, too, may
owe its prominence to his having shared the honour
with an apostle, for we may not think that he was more
revered than his lion-hearted brother, Richard. The
same reason may have given Thomas a preponderance
over Henry, although the memory of the assassinated
Archbishop was fresh enough in the minds of a people,
who regarded him as both " saint " and martyr," The
name lloger may be due to the Norman Earl, whose
rigid rule in Shrewsbury was combined with much
liberality to the church. The comparative paucity of
scriptural names may be due to the blind ignorance
of the times. Of the rest, some are Norman, others
apparently, Saxon, Danish, and Celtic, in just such
proportion as might have been expected from the mixed
state of society. In fact, the date of the documents
themselves might have been approximately gathered
from the lists. Johns would not have been so numerous
fifty years earlier, and forty years later the name Edward
would not have been conspicuous by its absence. It is
difficult to account for the disuse of the name of the
pious king, the " Confessor," as he was styled, unless
we imagine that in these western parts he was less
known, and consequently less revered than in the east.
Three female names, only, are found, Matilda, due
possibly to the Empress, Petronilla, to legendary Church

Vol. II., 2nd S, F

54 THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

history, and J uliana, to the Saint. I subjoin the names
in the order of their most frequent recurrence and the
number of times they are found : — Willekrms, 187 ;
Johannes, 121 ; Ricardus, 112 ; Thomas, 72 ; liogerus,
G2 ; Henricus, 51 ; Adam, 44 ; llobertus, 36 ; Alanus,
34 ; Nicholas, 32 ; Hugo, 30 ; Petrus, 2G ; Walterns,
16; Philippus, 15; Galfridus, 14; Radulphus or
Randulphus, 12; Stephanus, 11 ; Symon, 9; Pveginaldus,
8 ; Warinus, 7 ; Alexander, 5 ; David or Dauwe, 5 ;
Hamo, 5; Jordanus or Jurdanus, 5; Laurentius, 5;
Elyas or Elyot, 4 ; Gilbertus, 3 ; tlankynus, 3 ; Plitce
or Plicke, 3 ; Michel, 3 ; Clemens, 3 ; Colynus, 2 ; Koc
or Kot, 2 ; Reyner, 2 ; Rofoce (Rufus) 2 ; Wylly, 2 ;
Aldithe, 1 ; Raldwinus, 1 ; Bron ( 1 Bran) 1 ; Crebarn, 1 ;
Dede 1 ; Franceys, 1 ; Gregorius, 1 ; Gylus, 1 , Ithel, 1 ;
Juliana, 1 ; Leuwellinus, 1 ; Lucas, 1 ; Matilda, 1 ;
Petronilla, 1 ; Sellop, 1 ; Thurstanus, 1 ; Tymme, 1 ;
Vose, 1 ; Wyart, 1 ; Ynoins, 1 ; Ythenhart, 1 ; Ywon,
or Ywo, 1 .

[The difficulty of deciphering the sixth membrane, which has
suffered from damp, makes a few of the above to be doubtful, but this
applies merely to the more unusual names. Every care has been
taken to make them correct. The list has been revised at least a
dozen times, and every doubtful name subjected to especial scrutiny.]

SURNAMES AND DESIGNATIONS.

As contemporary records of matters connected
with Shrewsbury in the 13th century are practically non-
existent, it is plain that very little can be done to identify
the majority of the individuals whose names are here
set forth. A few of them occupied positions of honour,
and some others are recorded as having acted as wit-

o

nesses to deeds preserved in the Haghraon Cartulary
or in that of the Abbey Parish Church estate. Many
of the surnames also appear as those of families promi-
nent as townsmen in subsequent ages.

Surnames in the loth century had not become
general, it was a time of transition, and so many of
the persons mentioned in the lists are only distinguished

\

THE MERCHANTS* GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

55

from their fellows by their own Christian names
and those of their fathers, and thus, such names
as " William the son of William" and Thomas the son
of Peter, elude all attempts at identifying them. This
difficulty is but slightly alleviated when to either father
or son some designation is appended, and " William, the
son of William, the prieste's sone," in one record is
paralleled by " William the son of William, the
presbyter " in another. Identification becomes easier
when, in addition, the place of birth or origin is given,
and thus " Richard the son of William of Cristesethe
cordwainer " would be readily distinguished from any
other Richard son of William. Many of the designations,
however, do not convey any meaning to modern ears.
We may not know what mean " le forber, le orpet, le
donfowe, or le ruard," but, for all that, they serve to
distinguish families, whose ancestors, for some reason
unknown to us, adopted one or other of them, and for
whom they thus became the surname. Thus " le hore "
is the name of a family, members of which appear else-
where, and " Dauwesone," a surname in St. Julian's
records seems more familiar from finding " Dan we " in
these, Rofoce may be the phonetic equivalent of Rufus,
and Wylen or Vylen of the Latin Villanus. That Kot
(or Koc) Wefloc, Katel, Dam and Wits wire are Saxon
or Danish, is as plain as that Goch, Was, Hagerwas,
Kech, Michel, Mokyn, and Balemuchy are due to our
proximit}r to the Welsh border. A good many unmis-
takable Norman names also appear among the inferior
tradesmen, which seem to show that the Conqueror, or
his kinsman, Roger, did not succeed in finding estates
for every one of his motley following, and a large
number had to revert to the occupations with which they
had, previous to a.d. 106G, diverted themselves. Scores
of other names cannot, with any degree of certainty, be
ascribed to either Saxon or Dane or Norman or even
ancient British, and must remain of doubtful derivation.
The whole list, which I subjoin, is well worthy of study
and comparison. I give, as with the Christian names,

56

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

the number of times of recurrence, coupling together
such names as seem identical : —

Adde, Aldwyn or Oldwyn, 2, Alhale, 2, Anken.

Babel, Bal or Balle, 5, Ballart, Baldwyn, Balemuchy,
Baret or Bariter, 2, Baron or Barun, 5, Basesone,
Begeth, Bernard, Beth, Bidi or Bydy, 3, Bilrek, Bilbe,
Blenchoxe, Bole or Boule, 2, Bolting, Bon or Bone or le
Ben, 3, Bonel, 7, Borgeyse or Burgeys, 2, Borrey, 5,
Buggel, Bungy.

Cadi, Calenox, Calpen (?) Campeneys, 3, Charite
(cf. Karite) Chefe or Chese, Chiken, Chonpemon, 2,
Chowe, Clement, 3, Cokin, 2, Colle, 2, Corde, 4, Crowe,
2, Crure, Cut.

Dam, Druselen, Dugyn, 3, Dunfowe, 5, Dunys.

Ebone, Edwyn, Enge, Evins (?)

Fangy, Fanote, Farel, Fekyle, Folery or Foly, 2, Fope,
Friday or Frydey.

Gab or Gob, Gamel, 7, Geffrey, 2, Gentil, Gerad or
Gerard, 2, Glopsi or Glopsy, 2, Glover, Gluitt or Glunt,

2, Goderich or Gorich, 3, Godlich or Godlik, Goldyn or
Gold win, Goch, 3, Gont, Greythe, 6, Granegos',
Gunemon.

Hagerwas, 4, Haymom or Haymon, 4, Hamund, 2,
Herbart, Herur, Herwv, Hosbonde, Hughe.

Karite (cf. Charite) 4, Katel, Kech, 3, Kelingh,
Kelnich or Kelmith, Kout or Kovt, Kylot, 3.

Lareneys, Las, Legs, 2, Lordan, Lowth, 2, Lupus.

Malafant, Manning, Marcallus, Meph or Meth,
Menerel orMewerel, 2, Michel, 2, Mokyn, Mondrem or
Moudrem, 2, Murinor.

Natel, 2, Nicoles, 2.

Oldwyn, (cf Aldwyn,) Ono-a or Ongel, Oter.

Palin, Pally, 3, Pamie, Pangy, 3, Pek, Perle, 3,
Pichelot or Pochelot, Porchet or Pychet, 2, Pothoc,
Poune, Pride, 8, Prin or Perin, Punch or Pinche,
Pye.

Rachebon, Bandulph, Bese, 2, Reymont, 3, Reyner,

3, Renen, Rogechyrie (?) Robilot, Rotilon or Rowlond, 3,
Rossel or Russel, 7, Rulfus or Rofoce.

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

57

Selk, Seys or Seyus, 2, Sergant, Schery or Scheri, 2,
Schone, Semanes or Sumanes, Sincox, Sinetrex or Sme-
trex, Sithin, Serfeor Serft, Schakely, Spirewich, Squiar,
Spachelok, Scathelok, Stury, 2, Styrch, Styvoy or
Stywoy, 2, Strauwelone, Stinob or, Stynolb, 2.

Talreug, Tandy, Thowt or Towth, 4,Tincan or Tintcan,
2, Tyncer or Tintcor, 2, Teggemon, Totyfer, Traye,
Trigel, Turet.

Vachan, 3, Vaglin (?) Venel, Verindre, Vose.

Wachelon, Walrant, Was, 2. Way or War, Wefloc,
Wenelok, Whamlelot, Wiscard or Wistard, 3, Wiblac,
Witswire, Wodemon, 2, WTyke, WTylly, 2, Wisdom or
Wysdom, 3.

Yunoins, Ywe, Ywon or Ywo.

DESIGNATIONS AND TRADES.

The designations are, in many instances, as difficult
to account for as the surnames. If we possessed
dictionaries of all the dialects spoken in England and
other northern nations, (Scandinavia, Normandy and
Brittany,) in the 12th and 13th centuries, we might be
able to throw some light upon them, but even then to
discriminate between trades and agnomina or nicknames
would be no easy task. Some of them would still
have to be referred to that tendency to bestow un-
meaning appellations, which has always been common to
mankind.

We must, therefore, of necessity, class designations
and trades together; to separate them absolutely would
require more knowledge than we now possess. The
majority of them became surnames in after ages ; a few
had already passed from the one category to the other,
when the lists were made. We find ex.gr., Glover as
a surname and a trade, as well as le ganter and
cirotecarms, and possibly " gont." Some of the trades,
moreover, became extinct, or changed their character,
and were otherwise named. The two first are properly
agnomina : — Dictus hamond, dictus picard, le basesone,

58 THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

le gost, le priestes sone,le blake, le grys, le halte, lejene
(? jeune) le redee, clericus, propositus, scriptor, le gunir,
legynur, le hawekerusje haukerus,le hawker, le justice,
le palmer, le vylen, le ffynt, le Galeys, le waleys, le wallere
(the Welshman) le kent, le Gaschoyne, le boemon (or
botmon) le bonde, le celer, (or seler) le chyle (le child,
elsewhere rendered infans)^ corsede,lecostantin,ledon-
fowe le farner, le forber(or fourbur,) le hoppere,le hore,le
lakes, le may, le orpet, le remere, le ruard, le vox, le
welbe. Apotecarius, aurifaber, le baker, le bakere, le
barber, bercarius, le blewer, le brewer, carnifex, carpen-
tarius, le carrere, cementarius, cissor, cocus, le colier, le
colleyer, le comber, corvisarius, le coupere, le deyer, le
faber, le ganter, le glover, le gorwicer, le grom, le har-
pour, le leche, le loxmith, le locker, le lok, le marchale,
marescallus, le mason, le mercer, moiendarius, pannarius,
parmentarius, le parmenter, le petler, le pictor, piscator,
pistor, le potter, le sadeler, le sherere, le specer, or spicer,
sutor, taber nanus, le taverner, tannator, le tanner, le
taylor, le tayleur, le tailor, le teynterer, le tyncer, le
walker, le wodemon, le wolbyer.

PLACES.

It only remains to give a list of the places mentioned ;
some of these are only places of origin or birth places.
The greater part are names of towns and villages in the
county, and some indicate the locality or street where
the person lived. Such as are partly undecipherable
are marked by a note of interrogation thus (?)

Acton-Burnel, Albacia (?) Ardcstont, Astef (Astley)
Asterley.

Bakhous, Ballina, Ballivis, Brampton, Bechton
(Bicton) Bedlesworthin (Belswardine) Besford, Betton,
Bikedon, Bisbestanes (Beeches Lane) Blakeway, Borton,
Brakbclye, Brocton, Brug, Bruges, Burleton, Byken-
halle.

Caneney (?) Catewalle, Chatewalle, Cantelop,
Calderballe, Castrum Episcopi, Cawes, Calbes, Chalewc-

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.

59

hulle, Cliva, Clywe, Clive, Colton, Colharn, Collenham,
Colenham, Cholenham, Cotes, Colemere, Coruedale,
Cristesethe.

Dalileg, Darlasbon, Derlaston, Derbi, Drayton,
Duddileg.

Ecokzete, Ecreeton;, Ecriria (?) Ellesmere, Erilwardine
(Ellerdine) Esthop, Essex, Eyton, Eyton Dianut (?)

Felton juxta Lodelawe, Ford, Forde, Forieta, Forieta
Castelli, Foro de, Frankewile, Frankevile.

Golden, Grenedela, Grimesbi.

Hadlegh, Hacton (?) Haghmon, Halaston jaxta Ides-
hale, Halchton, Halmundest, Hamcburche, Halle de la,
Harlascote, Harlescote, Heales, Harleg, Hereford,
Hodenet, Honclfat.

Kemesleye, Ka, Koten, Knokin.

Lakelar, Lake. Lanwider, Leayton, Lechton, Legth,
Lesleye, Leycester, Lilleshul, Lillesliull, Lodelawe,
Loghton, London, Loton, Laton, Lnsthcote, Lynton.

Mardefol, Mekeleye, Mele, Meole, Monnminaye,
Montegomery, Motehal, Meliden, Minnede, Mudlicote,
Mortonefinitbe, Munfoelmer, Moneford, Mudle, Monte-
gue, Mnridon.

Nesse, Nor'forieta, Norton, Novoburgo.

Ordesleye.

Parys, Pimbeleg, Picbford, Polileg, Porta, Preston ,
Preston Gobals, Pontesbnry, Pyre (?) Prylecot.

Radeleg, Ragedon, Radinges, Roshnl, Romesbnry,
RomaHesham, Uotelinghop, Rowelowe, Rone de la.

Salopp', Shittord, Shelton, Schelton, Scholton,
Shepene, Sincleton (?) Seldes, Stafford, Steplton,
Staunton, Style, Sutton, Stretton.

Tibriton, Tur de la, Tunstal.

Underbille, Upton.

Waliton, Welinton, Wilderhop, Wemme, Wem,
W igonn'a, Wila sab, Westbury, Worthin, Wych,
Wenloc, Weiielak, Wentenor, Willileg, Wistanton,
Wonkeslowe (Longeslow near Market Drayton) Wul-
fancrast, Wytbinton, Wycbcbnrcbe, Whitchurch.

60

THE PIPE ROLL FOR THE FIFTH YEAR OF
KING HENRY II., 1159.

By R. LL. KENYON.

William Fitz Alan gives account of the firm of
Shropshire.

1. — -In the treasury £80 & 32s & 7d.

2. — And in alms newly fixed for the Knights Templars 1

mark.

3. — And in fixed alms for the Canons of Bridgnorth 10/-

4. — And to the Monks of Malvern 2/-

5. — And to the Sick of Shrewsbury 30/-

6. — And in payment of the Porter of Bridgnorth 30/5.

7. — And in payment of the Porter and Warder of Shrews-

bury GO/10.

8. — And in the custody of the Castle of Stratton £4.

9. — And in payment of Bertum the Cross-bow-man 23s/4^d.

and in lands granted

10. — to Hugh do Pirariis £42.

11. — & to John lc Strange £7*10 of the King's interest.

12. — & to the Abbot of Haghmond 71/4.

13. — & to Godfrey de Gamag. £14.3 and £7 for last year.

14. — & to the Monks of Shrewsbury 683/8d.

15. — & to Robert de Girros 35/-
1G .— & to Hamo le Strange £4.

17. _ & to Wido le Strange 110/-

18. — & to Earl Reginald 113/4.

19. — And in payment of Hoel son of Oen £3G by the King's

writ.

20. — And in stores (munitione) lor the Castles of Wales £18.4

by the King's writ.

21. — And to Roger de Powis £7 by the King's writ for stores

for Castles.

22. — And Gaufr Peccm (to Geoffrey Peccatum) 20/- by the

King's writ.

PIPE ROLL FOR FIFTH YEAR, HENRY II.

Gl

23. — And in payment Coterellorum de Carlecoel £15.5.

24. — And he has of superplus 17/10.

25. — Richard de Bealmes owes 10 marks plac Saisine (for a plea
of seisin).

26. — Nova Placita et Novce Conventiones.

27. — The same Sheriff gives account of 100 marks of his

own tallage. He has paid it into the treasury & is
quit,

28. — The same Sheriff gives account of 38 marks of tallage

of the Knights of Shropshire. In the treasury
£18 13 4.

29. — And in remissions by writ to Roger Corbet 10 marks

And is quit.

30. - -The same Sheriff gives account of 100s/- of tallage of the

Abbot of Shrewsbury. He has paid it into the
treasury & is quit.

31. — The same Sheriff' gives account of 50 marks of Tallage

of the Borough of Shrewsbury. He has paid it into

the treasury & is quit.
32 —The same Sheriff gives account of 100s/- de Monet (for

Coinage). He has paid it into the treasury & is quit.
33. — The same Sheriff gives account of 10 marks of Tallage

of the Borough of Bridgnorth. He has paid it into

the treasury & is quit.

Land of the Earl of Chester.

34. — Simon Fitz William gives account of £29-1 of land of the

Earl of Chester.
In his own superplus £3(3 11 10
And in the treasury £147 16 2 in 3 tallies.
And in the King's Court to Ralph Fitz Stephen £28 by

the King's writ.
And in payment of the Countess for a year & a half

£45.

And in Elem. Comitis (in the Earl's alms) £37 11 4 J
And he has of superplus 20s/ld.

Danecastr.

3D. — Alan & his companions give account of £15 of the firm
of Danacastr. (Doncaster) for \ of a year. He has
paid it into the treasury & is quit.
Vol. 11., 2nd S. G

62 THE PIPE ROLL FOR THE

40. — The heirs of Adam son of Suein owe £45 for the firm of
Dane Castr.

The first 12 entries on this roll correspond exactly
with those of the previous year, the only change being
that Bertum the Crossbow man was paid for only part
of the year instead of the whole year. His work was
probably finished, as we do not find anyone engaged to
succeed him, and as his pay was Id. a day, we may
ascertain exactly the time of his dismissal, or of his
transfer to another place, by counting 280^ days from
Michaelmas 1158, at which the period begins for which
this Pipe Roll accounts.

13. — Godfrey de Gamagres had a orant of Stottesden
Manor about March, 1158, but as the income was not
allowed to him that year, he gets a year-and-a-half's
income now. In the same year he had a smaller grant
from the King in Herefordshire, where he had inherited
land under the De Lacys. He owned the important
castle of Gamaches in Normandy, and these grants were
presumably rewards for assistance given in the acquisi-
tion of the throne by Henry II. What more is known
of him and his family may be found in Eyton iv, 143.
No other new grants of land in Shropshire appear this
year.

20. — The Castles of Rhuddlan and Basincwerk in
Flintshire were manned and fortified by the King after
his Welsh expedition in 1158, and it was probably for
these that the Sheriff of Shropshire supplied stores in
obedience to the King's writ. Lhoyd's Cambria, p. 151.
- 21. — Roger de Powis had, in 1160, the custody of the
Castles of Overton in Flintshire, and Edeyrneon in
Merionethshire, for the King, and very likely it was for
these that he was supplied with stores from Shropshire.
He had a claim on Whittington by virtue of his descent
from a dispossessed Welsh owner of it, and about 1171
it was granted to him by Henry II, in whose service he
was constantly employed. The Fitz Warines recovered
it from his grandson under an English title in 1204.
Eyton xi, 31.

FIFTH YEAR OF KING HENRY II., 1159.

63

22. — It does not appear how Geoffrey Peche earned
his 20s. His father, Hamo, who was still alive at this
time, had, in or about 1 1 34, married a Peverel, and
obtained with her some land in Tern and Ercall, in
Shropshire, as well as land in Cambridgeshire ; he had
in his own right a Barony in Suffolk. The name
Peccatum or Sin, which was translated into the French
Peche, is said to have been given by the monks of
Coventry to Robert, a married chaplain of Henry I, who
was made Bishop of Chester (which included Coventry
and Lichfield) in 1121, to mark their detestation of him
for being a married priest. This Bishop certainly left
one son, Richard, whom he made Archdeacon of Coven-
try, and who, in 1161, was unanimously elected Bishop
of Chester. Whether Hamo Peche, Geoffrey's father,
was another son of Bishop Bobert does not appear, but
Bishop Bichard Peche witnessed one of Hamo's charters.
Ei/ton ix, 70 ; Diocesan History of Lichfield pp. 57, 74.

23. — Coterelli are said in the book of notes, published
by the Pipe Boll Society, to be " tenants holding in
viUenage ; their persons, issues, and goods were dispos-
able at the pleasure of their lord," but in this place,
Eyton (x, 356,) understands by the word " not a class of
inferior tenants of the soil, but a band of soldiers fitted
for predatory warfare, and placed in garrison at Carreg-
hova," which is the place represented by Carlecoel.
From entries in subsequent Pipe Robs, we find that the
garrison of this place consisted of one knight and twenty
soldiers (servientes), a porter, and warders. Carreghova
is a detached portion of Denbighshire in the parish of
Llanymynech, and includes Llanymynech Hill. The
Castle there was built by Ptobert de Belesme, Earl of
Shrewsbury, and forfeited to the crown on his rebellion
in 1102. Henry II maintained a garrison there from
1159 to 1163, when it was taken and destroyed by the
Welsh. In 1194 it was restored to protect the silver
mine which Bichard I worked there for a year or two,
and it is last mentioned in 1213, soon after which it was
probably destroyed.

64

THE PIPE ROLL FOR THE

24. — The payments detailed above exceed £265 5s.,
the firm of the County, by 17s. 10|d. The Sheriff
remits the £d, and carries 17s. lOd. to his credit for next
year.

25. — The account of the firm of the County being now
finished, a new heading is this year introduced, " Nova
Placita et Novas Conventiones." Placita means primarily
pleas or legal proceedings, and hence is used for the
revenue derived therefrom, the tines or fees paid then
(as now) at all stages of the suit. Conventiones means
agreements, and the fees paid for obtaining the royal
license to make them, or for the royal confirmation of
them when made, or for having them recorded on the
great Roll of the Exchequer, fees which were of a similar
nature with our stamp duty, but which were at this
time, apparently, arbitrary in amount. Nova means
belonging to the present year. But under this head of
" Pleas and Agreements of the present year " all sorts of
miscellaneous revenue was entered on the Pipe Rolls.
Madox Exchequer, i, 123, 210, 214, 470, &c.

27. — This year a Donum was levied from all tenants
in capite by knight's service, prelates, and boroughs.
In later times the word donum was used principally for
tallage, or a tax raised upon the King's demesne lands,
and the boroughs of which he was lord, only ; but in
earlier times the word is used as here, to signify gener-
ally any tax. According to the Red Book of the
Exchequer, written in Henry Ill's time, the donum of
this year, 1159, was, in fact, a Scutage. and the second
recorded tax of that kind ; the first was in 115G, when
20s. was assessed upon every knight s fee for the army
of Wales. In that year only those prelates were
assessed who were bound to military services ; but in
1159? two marks (2Gs. Sd.) were charged on every
knight's fee, and prelates exempt from military service,
like the Abbot of Shrewsbury, were nevertheless charged
with the same tax, according to the land held by them
in capite ; and the boroughs were assessed at whatever
sum the king's justices or commissioners thought they

FIFTH YEAR OF KING HENRY II., 1159.

G5

ought to pay. In both years the object of the clonum
was the support of the army of Wales. The Donum
paid by the Sheriff this year was 100 marks, by which
it would appear that he owed the service of 50 Knights'
fees for the manors he held of the King in Shropshire.
Madox Exchequer i, 625, 732.

28, 29. — The rest of the Knights of Shropshire were
only assessed at 38 marks, and of these, 10 were excused
to Roger Corbet, Baron of Cans Castle. Domesday
Book states that five Knights held of the Manor of Cans,
and none of the other two manors, Minsterley and
Alberbury, held in capite by the then Roger Fitz Corbet.
Accordingly, in 1159, Roger Corbet owed for the service
of five Knights. He was in the Kings service on his
accession to the throne, and assisted him at the siege of
Bridgnorth in 1155, so it was doubtless in recognition
of his merits that he was excused the donum of this year.
This left 28 marks (£18 13s. 4cl.) due from the rest of
the county, which the Sheriff collected and paid into
the treasury. Eyton vii, 5.

30. — Earl Roger de Montgomery had granted to the
Abbey of Shrewsbury exemption from all military service
and also from all taxation except such as should be levied
on his own demesne lands ; and this charter was con-
firmed by William Rufus. The Earl's demesne lands
having passed into the possession of the Crown, Henry
II was entitled to talliate the Abbey as often as he
talliated his own tenants. It had, this year, to pay
100s., or 1\ marks, being equal to the amount charged
on 3j Knight's fees. Dugdale's Monasticon iii, 520, 521.

31. — The Borough of Shrewsbury paid 50 marks. It
already was incorporated as a borough, but the charter
which it then possessed has been lost. Whatever
privileges it may have conferred, the borough was not
exempt from the jurisdiction of the Sheriff of Shropshire,
and was liable to arbitrary tallages at the will of the
Crown. In 1156, the tallage and aid imposed on it
amounted only to .Oil 13s. 4d., of which £2 10s. was
remitted because part of the town was then lying waste.

66

THE PIPE ROLL FOR THE

The charge on the county in that year, of Danegeld and
tallage, amounted to £145 Is. lOd. In 1159, the
charge on the whole of the county, excluding the
borough of Shrewsbury, comes to only £103 13s. 4d.,
while the borough of Shrewsbury paid £33 6s. 8d.,
showing, apparently, an enormous increase in its pros-
perity, compared with that of the rest of the county.

32. — In or about the year 1158 there was a great
re-coinage. Money had hitherto been struck at a great
number of different places, and in Stephen's reign
numbers of the barons had assumed to themselves the
right of coinage. Henry called in all these coins, and
greatly diminished the number of mints in the Kingdom.
Shrewsbury, however, was one of the mints which he
retained, and at which coins of this his first coinage
were struck. At every re-coinage, a certain proportion
of all bullion brought in for coinage was retained to pay
the expenses of the coinage, and to give a profit to the
King. The earliest account showing the amount so
retained is of the 6th year of Henry III, when it was 6d.
in the pound. In 1159 the Sheriff paid into the
treasury £5 for the coinage at Shrewsbury. The coinage
at that time consisted exclusively of silver pennies.
Some of those then struck at Shrewsbury are still in
existence in the British Museum and elsewhere.
Ruding's Coinage, i, 243.

33. — The inhabitants of Bridgnorth appear to have
possessed certain franchises and rights in common as
early as the reign of Henry I, but it seems probable that
they exercised them by custom only, and that a charter
of Henry II. of the year 1 157, by which these "franchises,
customs, and rights,'" are confirmed to them, is their
earliest charter. (Eyton, i., 290). This would explain
why, in 1156, when Shrewsbury was talliated separately,
Bridgnorth was not distinguished from the rest of the
county, but, in 1159, after the grant of the charter, it
was put on the same footing as Shrewsbury, though
paying only a fifth of the amount paid by that borough.
Its ratable value at present is rather less than a seventh,

FIFTH YEAR OF KING HENRY II., 1159.

67

and its population rather less than a fourth of that of
Shrewsbury.

34. — The account of the land of the Earl of Chester
(who had died in 11 53, leaving his son a minor, and
therefore a ward of the King's"*, though entered at the
end of the Shropshire Pi pe Roll, has nothing to do with
it or with William Fitz Alan, Sheriff of Shropshire.
The Countess of Chester was daughter of Robert, Earl
of Gloucester, the Empress's brother, and therefore
cousin to Fitz Alan's first wife. Ralph Fitz Stephen
was one of the King's chamberlains, and was one of the
itinerant justices in 1176-7. Eytonyii, 235, 364 ; i, 295.

39. — The firm of Doncaster also has no connection with
Shropshire, and is entered here presumably for conve-
nience sake only.

This account was the last rendered by William Fitz
Alan. It was passed at Michaelmas 115U, and he died
about six months afterwards, and was succeeded as
Sheriff by Guy le Strange.

68

PETITION^OF HUMFREY KYNASTON, GENT.,

1618.

By The Rev. WM. GEO. DIMOCK FLETCHER, M.A., F.S.A.

To the right wor11 Edward Donne & \
Thomas Wingfeild BaylifTes of Shrewsbury J

The humble petition of
Humfrey Kynaston gent.

Most humbly beseecheth yor woi-pp9 yor most humble ]joore
petition*, Humfrey Kynaston, that wheras yor sayd petition1
nowe remayneth in ward for his oftences donne & comittud by
him in the tyme of the last Assises held wmin this Towne, and
wortheley comitted by yor worlls unto warde for rhe same, the
wch offences were these ensuingc, vizt.: goinge & wandringe in
the Towne wlhout any £ood or lawfull occacons, for abusinge
the highe Shirrohes officers & servames dyvers tymes, & one
tyme most especially, when the reverend Judges of Assises did
dyne w* the highe Shirroife, in assulting one of the highe
Snirroftes s'vantes and in breakinge of a Pasty of vencson then
reddy to be s'ved to the Shirroftes table, and for abusinge dyvers
others of Ids matiea subieetes then havinge busynes & beinge
resident w* hin the sayd Towne, the weh oliences yor sayd most
humble petition1 most humbly confesseth doe des've greater
punishm10 than he bath alreddy susteyned, yett forasmuche as
yor sayd most humble petitioii* is nowe most harteiy sory for his
savd offences, and hopcth fcherbydoth promise never to offend
in like case hereafter, but will followe Ids occupacon where w'hall
he was brought upp. anil never leave his trade to followe idlenes,
Ins most humble desyre unto yor wor''is is that ytt Avoid please
the same to restore him to bis form1' lib'tie agayne. And thus
for Godes love :

Yor worl>ps most humble petition1

HUMPHREY
KYNASTON.

PETITION OF HUMFREY KYNASTON, GENT. , 1618. 69

The foregoing Petition of Humfrey Kynaston, which
is one of a number of Petitions to the Bailiffs of Shrews-
bury, for the year 1617-18, presented by prisoners lying
in prison for their release from further imprisonment,
is preserved among the Corporation muniments, and
requires but little explanation.

There are several Humfrey s named in the pedigree of
the Kynastons entered at the Heralds' Visitation of
Salop in 1623, but the only one that seems likely to be
the petitioner is one Humfrey Kynaston, fourth son of
Edward Kynaston, of Marton by Baschurch, by
Katherine his wife, daughter of William Lloyd, of
Melverley. Edward's eldest son and heir was John
Kynaston, of Marton, who married Brigitt, daughter of
Francis Kynaston, of Oteley, by whom he had several
children. The Kynastons of Marton1 were a younger
branch of the Kynastons of Hordley, and were, in
common with all the Shropshire Kynastons, descended
from Blethyn ap Kynuyn, Prince of Wales, who was
slain at Welshpool in 1073.

That he was a younger son seems probable from the
fact of his being brought up to a trade, as he tells us in
his Petition lie was, and which was by no means unusual
for younger sons of good families in the 16th and 17th
centuries. However, he left his occupation "to followe
idlenes," and got into trouble, and was committed to
ward by the Bailiffs. Whether his Petition and prom-
ises of amendment produced his release or not, we know
not. I cannot trace Humfrey Kynaston' s subsequent
history, but we may hope that the committal to prison
of this young member of an ancient Shropshire family
proved to be for his good in the end !

Of the Bailiffs who committed Humfrey to prison, we
have a few records. Edward Donne occurs as Bailiff in
1604,1617, and 1628, in which year he died, whilst
serving the office for the third time. His Arms were,

1 See Pedigree of Kynaston in the Visitation of Salop, 1G23, printed
by the llarleuin Society, pp. 291-299. .

Vol. II., 2nd S. H

70 PETITION OF HUMFREV KYNASTON, GENT. , 1618.

Azure a wolf rampant argent. Thomas Wingfield occurs
as Bailiff in 1617 and 1623, and as Mayor in 1641, on
the death of Hugh Harris. He was also one of the hrst
Aldermen of Shrewsbury in 1638 ; and in 1642, was
named by King Charles I. in a letter as being disaffected
to the royal cause.1 He was son of Thomas Wingfield
of Loughborough, in Leicestershire, and married
Elizabeth, daughter of John Hunt, and was ancestor of
the Wingfield s of Preston Brockhurst and Onslow. He
died in 1642, and was buried at St. Chad's ; his wife, in
1633. His Arms were, Argent on a bend gules cotised
sable three pair ot wings conjoined of the first.

Several of the prisoners' petitions for release from
imprisonment contain interesting admissions. John
Hackett was committed " for using unseemely speeches
and unreverent demean or towards Mr. Thomas Owen
towneclark of this Towne and his wieffe, in calling him
drunken ro^ue, and other unreverent words used towards
his wief." John lieu' was guilty of abusing the master
Wardens of the Fraternity of Cloth workers (William
Heylin and Richard Burche) and not performing his
promise made unto them and before the Bailiffs. Sybbell
Bloomer and Ales Smith had been " wandringe abroad
w*hin this Towne idely," and neglected to " fall to some
honeste and lawfull course of gettinge their livinges."
Thomas ffox was guilty of breaking down the hall door
of the Fraternity of Shermen. Being drunk and
disorderly was not unknown 270 years ago. John
Edwards, tailor, was committed to the stone gate, for
that he " being somewhat overseene in drinke did abuse
himself and others, at undue time of the night, to the
disturbance of the neighbourhood, and contrary to the
good governor* of this Towne, and your good wor?3
proclamacon." Nicholas Jones, butcher, was put in ward
" for being abrode at an undue tyme of the night, and

1 See Owoi and Blakeivai/, i., 407, 431, 577; ii, 242.

PETITION OF HUMFREY KYNASTON, GENT., 1618. 71

for usjng undecent speeches towards the kynges maties
sworne Watchmen." John Yardeley, corvisor, " for
walking abroade at undue tyme upon Sunday night."
William Swifte " for being overtaken wth drinke and
abusinge himselfe in his dronkenes." Charles ftox
Sherman was committed to ward in the Welsh gate for
that he " upon the Saboth day, after nyne of the clocke
att nighte, contrary to yor worshipps speciall comaund,
dyd in myne owne dwellinge house, beinge a victualer,
receave seu'all of my neighbours & their wives, who for
their Recreation for a smale space dyd dawnse &drynke,
kepynge very good and civill order. ' ' From the petition
of Anne Hunte, it seems doubtful whether food was
supplied to prisoners committed to the gates ; she
complains that she hath remained in prison " enduring
greate penurie for wante of ffoocle, having nothing of her
selfe, nor of anye other persone to releeve her, and there-
fore shee lamentably like to perishe; " wherefore she prays
for speedy delivery out of her inprisonment. The whole
bundle of petitions throws light on the manners and
customs of the early part of the seventeenth century.

72

INQUISITION OF THE LIBERTIES OF THE
TOWN OF SHREWSBURY, 1515.

Edited by the Rev. WM. GEO. DIMOCK FLETCHER, M.A., F.S.A.

The following is the translation from the Latin of an
Inquisition taken at Shrewsbury in October, 1515,
before certain Commissioners, whose names are not
preserved, who were directed to inquire into the extent
of the Liberties of the Town of Shrewsbury. The draft
of this document only is preserved amongst the Records
belonging to the Corporation, and the names of the
Commissioners and Jury have not been filled up in it.
The Inquisition is vain .able, as giving many details about
the places lying within the Liberties ; it names the
parish and hundred within which each place is situated,
and the amount to which each was wont to be taxed to
the Lay Subsidies. It should be noticed that villa is
here translated "town," and villata, 11 township." It
is presumed that the draft is a fairly complete represen-
tation of the original Inquisition, which might, perhaps,
be found in the Public Record Office.

INQUISITION indented taken at Shrewsbury in the county
of Salop on Tuesday next before the Feast of All Saints in the
seventh year of the reign of King Henry VIII, before

Commissioners of our said lord the king'. By
virtue of a commission of our same lord the king to them thence
directed and of this inquisition consequent to inquire of and
about divers articles in the same commission specified, by the
oath of who
say upon their oath that the town of adbrichtley is within
and of the parish of St. Alkmund within the town of
Shrewsbury aforesaid in the aforesaid county. And also

INQUISITION OF THE LIBERTIES OF SHREWSBURY. 73

that the township of longnorle is within and of the parish
of the Church of St. Chad bishop within the said town of
Shrewsbury. And that the said township of Longnorle is from
ancient time a hamlet of Withington in the aforesaid county.
They also say, that the towns of b^kedon, hoshall subterior,
and caldecot are within and of the parish church of St. Chad
aforesaid. And that the towship of berwik is within and of
the parish of the collegiate Church of Blessed Mary of Salop.
And that the town of rosshall which is called roshall
superior is within and of the parish of Saint Chad aforesaid.
And that the town of leeton is within and of the said parish
of Blessed Mary. And that the hamlet of wolascot is within
and of the parish of Blessed Mary aforesaid, and is a hamlet of
Hoshall aforesaid in the aforesaid county. And that allerton
is a hamlet of the townships of Burghton and Yorton. And
that the said townships of burghton and yorton are within
and of the parish of Saint Chad aforesaid. And that the
township of clyve is within and of the parish of Blessed Mary
aforesaid, and is in the hundred of Pymhill. And that the
township of sonesawe is within and of the parish of Blessed
Mary aforesaid. And that the township of harlescot is within
and of the parish of Saint Alkmund aforesaid And that the
township of ASTLEY is within and of the parish of Blessed Mary
aforesaid. And that the townships of etox parva, xeutox and
beche are within and of the parish of Saint Chad aforesaid,
And that they are hamlets of Acton Burnell, Pitchefford and
Acton Pygot in the county aforesaid. And that the township
of be it ox commonly called betton strange with part of its
hamlet of pulley are [as follows] namely, the said town of
Betton is within and of the parish of Saint Chad aforesaid, And
the said part of the hamlet of Pulley is within and of the parish
of St. Juliana the Virgin within the said town of Salop. And
that the township of whelbach is within and of the parish of
St. Chad aforesaid, and is a hamlet of Harley and Kenley in
the county aforesaid. And that the town of horton with its
hamlets of wodcote pari of onneslowe and hanwood magna,
And the said Horton and part of Onneslowe are within and of
the parish of St. Chad aforesaid And that the town of preston
with its hamlet of dyntehill is within and of the parish of St.
Alkmund aforesaid.

Also the Jury aforesaid say that the aforesaid town of
adbiughtley together with attychm and okynton are within
the hundred of Bradfford in the county aforesaid, and that the
tenants residents and dwellers within and of the aforesaid town
of Adbrightley should be taxed, and have been used to be

74 INQUISITION OF THE LIBERTIES OF

particularly taxed, to a certain entire xvth and xth to our lord
the King in the county aforesaid by the laity in times past
granted for their moveable goods and chattels within the same
town and hamlets, namely, the said town of Adbrightley to
viijs. vjd. And that the aforesaid hamlet of loxgxorle should
be taxed, and has been used to be taxed, with the aforesaid
town of withington, within the hundred of Bradford aforesaid,
to a certain xvth and xth as above, namely, for Longnorle
aforesaid to vjs. viijd. And that the aforesaid towns of by kp:dox
roshall subterior and ualdecot, together with part of
ONNEslowe, being within the aforesaid parish of Saint Chad in
the county aforesaid, should be taxed, and have been used to
be taxed separately to a certain xvth and xth as above to xlijs.
And that the township of berwik is within the hundred of
Pymhyll aforesaid, & should be taxed, and has been used to be
taxed, to a certain xvth & xth as above to xxvs. And that
the aforesaid town of roshall superior is within the hundred
of Pymhill, and should be taxed, & has been used to be parti-
cularly taxed, with the town of etox within the same hundred,
to a certain xvth & xth as above to xvijs. And that the aforesaid
town of leetox is within the hundred of Pymhill aforesaid, and
should be taxed, and has been used to be taxed separately by
itself to a certain xvth & Xth as above xijs. And that the hamlet
of wolascot is within the hundred of Pymhill aforesaid, and
should be taxed, and has been used to be taxed separately by
itself to a certain xvth & xth as above to iiijs. And that allertox
is within the hundred of Pymhill aforesaid, k, should be taxed,
& has been used to be taxed separately by itself to a certain
xvth cS: xth &c. as above to vs. And that the said townships of
broughtox & YORTON are within the hundred of Pymhill afore-
said, and should be taxed, & have been used to be taxed
separately by themselves to a certain xvth xth &c. as above to
xxviijs. And that the aforesaid township of clyve is within
the hundred of Pymhill aforesaid, and should be taxed, and has
been used to be taxed separately by itself to a certain like xvth
& xth to xls. And that the aforesaid township of soxdesawe is
within the hundred of Pymhill aforesaid, and should be taxed,
and has been used to be taxed separately by itself to a certain
like xvth xth to xvs. j }d. And that the aforesaid township of
harlescot is within the hundred of Pymhill aforesaid, and
should be taxed, & has been used to be taxed separately by
itself to a certain like xvth & xth to xviijs. And that the
aforesaid township of ASTLEY is within the hundred of Pymhill
aforesaid, and should be taxed, and has been used to be taxed
separately by itself to a certain like xvth & xth to xxs. And

THE TOWN OF SHREWSBURY, 1515.

75

that eton PAiivA neuton' & beche are within the hundred of
Condover, and should bo taxed, and. have been used to be
particularly taxed, to a certain like xvth & xth to vs. iijd. And
that the aforesaid township of betton together with the afore-
said part of pulley aforesaid are within the hundred of Condover
aforesaid, and should be taxed, and have been used to be
particularly taxed, to a certain like xvth & xth to xijs. xjd. And
that the aforesaid township of whelbache is within the hundred
of Condover aforesaid, & should be taxed, and has been used to
be taxed separately by itself to a certain like xvth & xth to ijs.
And that the aforesaid town of horton, together with its
hamlets of wodcot part of onneslow and hanwood magna, is
within the hundred of fforde in the county aforesaid, & should
be taxed, & has been used to be taxed separately by itself to a
certain like xvth & xth to xxixs. And that the aforesaid town of
pkeston' with its hamlet of dynthill is within the aforesaid
hundred of fforde, & should be taxed, and has been used to be
taxed separately by itself to a certain like xvth & xth to xixs. iijd.

And the Jury aforesaid also say that the tenants residents &
dwellers within and of the town of PYm'eley within the hundred
of Bradford for their goods and chattels moveable within the
same town of Pymeley should be taxed, <fc in times gone by have
boon used & accustomed to be taxed, to a certain like entrie
xv,h cS: x,h, to the sum of vijs.

In witness whereof as well the aforesaid Commissioners as
also the aforesaid Jury of the same Inquisition indented, have
atlixed their Seals. Dated on the day year & place abovewritten.

[Indorsed : " An Inquisition of the Towne libtis 7° II. S."]

76

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL
MANUSCRIPTS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

The following is a Catalogue of the Topographical
Manuscripts relating to Shropshire preserved in the
Library of the British Museum. Where no other
reference is given, the numbers relate to the Additional
MSS. The other collections of MSS. referred to are
the Hargrave, Lansdowne, Harleian, Sloane, and
Cottonian MSS., and the Additional Charters. The
Catalogue is extracted from the British Museum Class
Catalogue of MSS., Topography, vol. iv.

SHROPSHIRE.

27,770. Translation of Domesday Book. Salop.

Harg. 313. 14. Hie annotantur Tenentes terram de
Rogero de Eelysme Comite in Sciropessia, et
nunc de Rege Angliae. Ibid. 47 b. xv.

Harg. 313. 44. Ces soimt les Franchises et les Usages
qe la Communalte du Counte de Salop cley-
merit aver de droyt et de ancyane Usage du
tens deut nule memone ne exist, fol. 130b.

30,318. Transcripts of Charters and other deeds
relating to co. Salop, from the 12th to the
17th century; with drawings of seals, and
indexes of persons and places. Paper; ff. 129.
18th century.

30,324. Collections by Edward Lloyd of Trenewith,
relating to co. Salop, viz : —

1. Lists of Inquisitions, Escheats, &c,
tempp. Hen. III. — Rich. Ill; includ-
ing, at f. 55b, a list of Sheriffs of the
county. 1154-1731, f. 2.

2. " A K a lender of the Records in the
Tower relating to Shropshire, a.d,
1705[6]." f. 139.

SHROPSHIRE MANUSCRIPTS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 77

30,319. Transcripts of Deeds relating to co. Salop,
from the 13th to the 17th century, but the
greater part of them of the 1 6th century ;
with careful drawings of seals. Paper; ff. 102.
18th cent.

30,322. Transcripts of charters, inquisitions, etc.,
relating to co. Salop from the 14th to the
17th century ; with indexes. Paper.

30,325. Collections by Edward Lloyd relating to co.
Salop, viz : —

1. Calendar of records in the office of the

Remembrancer of the Treasury. 2
Hen. IV.— 12 Chas. II. [1400-1660.]
f. 1.

2. Extracts from charters in the Heralds'

College, and from Plea Rolls, &c,
f. 107. a.d. 1708.

30,317. Transcripts of Charters and other deeds
relating to places in co. Salop, tempp. Hen.
IV. — Chas. II., viz: — Bishop's Castle, f. 1 : —
Clun Hospital, f. 21 ;— Ercall School, f. 35;—
Newport School, f. 38; — Oswestry, f. 61; —
Shrewsbury, f. 74 ; — Shrewsbury School,
f. 115 ;— Ludlow, f. 176 ;— Wenlock f. 217.

5,S2S. Salop, County of. v. Religious Houses.

Notes by B. Willis and W. Cole respecting
religious houses there, f. S4b.

6,354. Tabular arrangement of Domesday Book
relating to lands there, p. 47.

Add. Ch. 916-OSO ; and 1,035—1044. Charters relating to
lands there.

Lansd. 1. CO. Inquest of enclosures in the county of
Salop. 1517.

5,50S. Letter of the Committee of Sequestrations
to the treasurers. 1648. f. 113.

30,331. " Arms, Inscriptions; &c, in the churches of
Shropshire. Copied by Mr. Ashmole An°
166j." A copy of Ashmole MS. 854., pp.
169-235 ; with careful drawings of the coats
of arms. Paper ; ff. 81. 18th cent. Small
Quarto.

Vol. II., 2nd S. I

78 SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

30,316. Letters on the dedications of churches in co.
Salop. 1740-1.

2 1,018. "Ecclesiastical notes and descriptive accounts
of parishes within the Archdeaconry of Salop,
with illustrations, comprising views of cc.
churches, chapels, parsonages, crosses, and
fonts, and upwards of dcccc. armorial bear-
ings of the lords of manors, patrons of livings,
ministers and proprietors, with other in-
teresting particulars " [in the handwriting of
Thomas Farmer Dukes ?] Paper. 10th cent,
folio.

30,311 — 30,331. Collections relating to co. Salop, made in the
18th century by William Mytton, of Halston,
and Edward Lloyd, of Trenewith.

21,019—21,023. " The Antiquities of the county of Salop, with
the State thereof. Collected principally by
Edward Lloyd of Dre Newydd, near Oswes-
try, in the county of Salop, barrister-at-law,
about 1700, and by William Mytton of
Halston, Esq., about 1730." In five volumes
with indexes. A transcript of the present
century, corrected for the press by T. F.
Dukes [?]. Paper. Quarto.

30,327. Notes and extracts by Edward Lloyd, from
various records and historical and other
works, chiefly in illustration of the history
of co. Salop. Paper ; ff. 94. 18th cent.
Sm. Quarto.

30,329-30. Extracts relating to co. Salop, by Edward
Lloyd, from Dugdale's P>aronage.

30,326. Extracts relating to co. Salop, by Edward
Lloyd, from the Cotton ian MSS. Paper ;
ff. 110. Much injured by damp.

21,010-1. Drawings of churches, &c. in Shropshire,
with notes 1779-1834.

30,323. Collections from MSS. in the Ashmolean and
Bodleian collections relating to co. Salop.

24,569. Church Notes kc. in co. Salop, &c.

24,820. Papers relating to Shropshire ; consisting of
copies and extracts from charters, nonae rolls,
pleas, &c, with law cases and notes chiefly

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 79

connected with Wenlock Priory, Ludlow, and
Shrewsbury. Latin and Eng. Paper ; 19th
cent. Folio, (see also 24,818.)

Harl. 2,129. 182. Notes taken in in Com. Salop

ff. 84, 84b (inserted.)

Harl. 608. 34. Acheley in Com. Salop, rated 16 die
Junij, 1558. for Thomas Horde, f. 20b.

Harl. 358. 30. Donatio cujusdam Placeae Terre cum
Edihcijs, infra Dominium de Adbrighton-
Husee juxta Salop, facta Rogero Yve de
Leeton Rectori Capellae S. Johannis Bapt.
de Adbrigton-Husee in Comitatu Salop, per
Henricum IV. Angliae Regem ? 54.

Adderlev, co. Salop, Briefs for rebuilding the
church, 33, 37, 40, 44 and 52 Geo. III.
B. xxxiii. 3, xxxvii. 2, xl. 4, xliv. 7, lii. 7,

Harl. 2,129. 238. Randle Holme, His notes taken in
Adderley Church in Com. Salop, 154. a. b.

Harl. 2,129. 167. Notes taken at Alberburie in Com.
Salop, 76-75 (inserted.)

Harl. 5,848. f. 41. Are divers Coats of Arms and other
Church Notes relating to Albrighton in
Shropshire, sometime in the possession of
that great family of Pychford Szc.

Alveley, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
church 3 Geo. III. B. III. 5.

6,041. Arleye, co. Salop (?) Abstracts of charters
relating to land there ; temp. Edward III.
f. 27 b.

Aston, Church, co. Salop. Briefs for rebuild-
ing the chapel, 33 and 40 Geo. III. and 5
Geo. IV.

B. xxxiii. 7 ; xl. 9 ; C. v. 6.

28,733. Abstract of Deeds concerning an estate in
Aston, 1679-1814. f. 49.

Lansd. 260. 7. A note that Aveley is in most old deeds
called Anvillers fo. C9.

Harl. 2,113. Notes taken in Atherley Church, in Com.
Salop, 16 Jan. 1580. 91-92b.

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

Baschurch, co, Salop. Brief for rebuilding
the church, 30 Geo. III. B. xxx. 4.

Harl. 5,848. £< Belingsley on the east bank of Severne, the
Possession of Tho. Aston of Aston co. Chester,
Esq., &c. formerly of Walter1 Besyne Ld.
thereof, who married Mabel 3d daughter and
heir of Warine Burwarderley Ld. of Asteley,
co. Staff." In the church two coats of arms,
f. 43.

6,165. Berwick co. Salop. Inquisitio de Manerio.
43 Edw. III. p, 101.

28,732. 1. Grant from Sir John Botetourt to his
tenants in the manor of Bobington and
Whytemere [co. Salop.] of right of common ;
17 Edw. III. [1343.] Lat., with translation,
f. 1.

Bradford, co. Salop, see Ashford, co. Midd.

Harl. 608. 76. Brecton, in Com. Saloppe ; percella pos-
sessionum nuper Monastery de Wombridge.
ratid, 2 die Julij, 1558 for William Horner,
f. 47.

Bridgnorth, co. Salop, v. Lichfield, Bishops of.
Briefs for rebuilding S. Mary Magdalen
Church, 31, 36 Geo. III.

B. xxxi. 4 j xxxvi. 2.

Harl. 5,848. Divers Arms and Inscriptions from Bridg-
north Church, of the Hordes, Stapletons,
Buckleys of Cheshire, Goldsmiths, Langleys,
Fermours, &c.

30,317. List of the burgesses of Bridgnorth 26 Edw. I.
—12 Edw. IV. [1208-1472.]

28,732. Copies of documents relating to Bridgenorth,
etc:— lSth-19th cent.

2. Charter or conlirmation of earlier royal
charters to the town of Bridgenorth ; 4 Jac
I. [1606.] Lat. f. 2.

28,731. 3. Copy of Iving John's charter to Bridge-
north, f. 10.

4. Copy of Thomas Mytton's translation of
the charter of Bridgenorth granted by James I.,
f. 23.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. Si

28,732. 5. Foundation deed of the Clergymen's
library at Bridgenorth, in execution of the
will of the Rev. Hugh Stackhouse ; with list
of the books; 1 July, 1743, f. 13.

28,731. 1. List of the Bailiffs of Bridgenorth co. Salop,
compiled from corporation records, and from
charters belonging to Thomas Whitmore, by
William Hardwicke, 1814, f. 2.

30,345. Collections for a history and description of
Bridgnorth, co. Salop, by the same. Paper ;
ff. 52. 19th cent. Large Folio.

6,276. Bromfield co. Salop. Grant of it to Charles
Fox, 32 Hen. VIII. f. Lb.

Brook House in Wem, co. Salop.

Brief for a fire there. 60 Geo. III. B. lx. 6.

27,765. A. vol. vii. Description &c. of Buildwas
Abbey, co. Salop. 19th century.

30,344. Collections for a history of Burcot and Wor-
field, co. Salop, by William Hardwicke,
Registrar of the Royal Peculiar of Bridgnorth.
At f. 227 is an abstract of returns of chari-
table donations in co. Salop, from 1786.
Paper ff. 264. xix cent. Folio.

6,276. Burford, co. Salop. Notes respecting, f. 63.

Burton, Salop, see Condover.

6,041. Cans, co. Salop (?) Abstracts of charters
relating to land there, f. 8b.

6,276 Caynham co Salop, v. Broughton (John).

Carta qua manerium de Caynham venditur
J. Addams, 32 Hen. VIII. f. 42.b.

Lansd. 70. 4 Notes of several records to prove that
Cause Castle is not in Montgomeryshire, but
in the county of Salop. 1592.
RarL 433. 3 600. Grant of the Castelle and Lordship of
Cawes within the Countie of Salop and
Marches of Wales, to Thomas Mittone and
his heires mailes for ever. Voven the 11th
day of Decembre, a° primo.
Harl. 607. 107. Parochia de Cellatyne in Com. Salopp,
nuper Frntornitatis B. Marie infra Ecclesiam

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

de Cellatyne rated 6 die Juli], 1557, for John
Davye. 45 b.

6,041. Chelmarsh co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to land there, f. 9.d.
Cheswardine co. Salop. Briefs for rebuilding
the church, etc., 39, 44, 49, 50. 53, and 58
Geo. III.

B. xxxix. 2 ; xliv. 3 ; xlix. 2 ; 1. 11 ; liii. 5 ;
lviii. 4.

Chetton, co. Salon. Brief for rebuilding the
church, 15 Geo. 111. B. xv. 1.

Harl. 2,129. Handle Holme. His notes taken at Chet-
wynd in Shropshire, f. 154. B. b. 154. A. B.

Chipnall in Cheswardine co. Salop. Briefs
for fires there, 42 and 45 Geo. III. B. xlii. 2 ;
xlv. 6.

6,041. Chirbury co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to land there, temp. Edw. III. f. 30b.

28,733. Copies of documents relating to Claverley,
co. Salop, by William Hardwicke, viz. : —

4. Notes of charities, f. 45.

5. Charter of freedom of toll to the in-

habitants of the manor ; 34 Car. II.
[16S2.] f. 47.

6. Abstract of deeds concerning Skinner's

estate in Aston and Claverley ; 1679-
1814. f. 49.

. 28,742. 1. :< Index to the Court Rolls of Claverley,
[co. Salop.] from October 7th, 1768, to 16th
October; 1787." f. 1.

2. Minute books of manor courts of Claverley,
1797-1811. f. 18.

29,245. Extracts relating to Claverley co. Salop.

6,041. Cleobury, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to land there, temp. Edw. III. f. 9. b.

6,041. Clifton, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to, temp Edw. III. f. 9. b.

Lansd. 35. 8. Names of the Commissioners appointed
and the substance of articles to be by them
inquired into, within the Queen's manour of
Clonne, in the county of Salop. 1582.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

83

Lansd. 43. 68. Articles for the farmers of Clunne Forest
concerning the tenants claiming common
there, 1585.

30,317. Deeds relating to Clun Hospital f. 21.
15th-17th cent.

Clun, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
church 29 Geo." II. A. ii. 3.

Harl. 606. 223. Condover et Burton in Com. Salop.

percella possessionum nuper Monastery
Salopp. rated, ult. die Maij, for Henry Yyner.
103b.

Harl. 607. 1S3. Condover Vicaria in Com. Salopp. rated,
28 die Julij, 1557. for Henry Fyner. 76.

Coreley, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
church, 30 Geo. II. A. iii. 3.

Harl. 1,087. 5. Genealogia diversorumClamantiumManer-
ium de Cresseche in Comitatu Saloppe. eis
ut dicunt linealiter incumbens. 66b. 64.

Donington Wood co. Salop. Brief for re-
pairing the chapel, 6 Geo. IV. C. vi, 7.

6,041. Dowles, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to land there, f. 10.
Brief for rebuilding the church. 9 Geo. III.
B. ix. 6.

SI. 1,044. ? Salop. .21. Original chirograph, by which
Ralph Atte Merke of Draytone, grants to
Nicholas Atte Merke, his brother, five acres
of land in Draytone, for a term of years.
Dat. at Draytone, Monday after Nativity of
S John Baptist. 26 Edw. III. [1352] ; in
Latin, fob 419-430.

Drayton in Hales co. Salop. Briefs for re-
building the church 22, 26 Geo. III. B.
xxii. 2 ; xxvi. 5.

Brief for a fire there, 47 Geo. III. B. xlvii. 3.

6,041. Earnwood, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to, temp. Edw. III. f. ]0.

Harl. 2,063. 5. The customs of Edgcmonden, in Com.

Salop, used there tyme out of mynde. f. 22.

Harl. 2,129. 242. R. Holme. His notes taken in Edgmund
Church, a mile from Newport in Com. Salop.
170b. 171.

84

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

30,317.

Add. 4,526.

Hail GO:

Ellerton. Paper Mill. co. Salop. Briefs for a
fire there, 30, 33 Geo. III. JB.xxx. 2; xxxiii. 5.

Ercall, Child's, co. Salop. Briefs for rebuild-
ing the church. 42, 46, 51, Geo. III. B. xlii.
5 ; xlvi. 7 ; li. 10.

Deeds relating to Ercall school, f. 35. 15th-
17th cent.

Felton West, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding
the church, 23 Geo. 111. B. xxiii. 4.

Frodcsley, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding
the church, 50 Geo. Ill B. 1. 5.

5. A composition touching the tythes of
Harley. p. 85.

Hat ton, Cold, co. Salop. Brief for a fire there
47 Geo. III. B. xlvii. S.

Helton in Worficld, co. Salop. Brief for a fire
there 53 Geo. III. B. liii. 11.

117. Hemyngton, in Com. Salopp. percella
possessionum nuper monastery de Brewood
in Com. Staff, rated, 10 die Julij, 1557. for
John Harford. 50b.

Hilton in Worfield, co. Salop. Brief for a
fire there, 48 Geo. III. B. xlviii. 8.

Hinstock, co. Salop. Briefs for fires there,
44, 54, 57, Geo. 111. B. xlv. 6 ; liv. 5 ; lvii. 10.
Hodenak, co. Salop. See Hertford, co. Herts.

6,041. Hughlcy, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to, temp. Edw. III. f. 9.b.

Hail 2,129. 292. Randle Holme. His note taken at
Ighfield in com. Salop, f. 223, 224.

6,041. Kedewing, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to. f. 15.

Kemberton, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding

the church, 7 Geo. III. B. vii. 5.

Brief for a fire there, 51 Geo. III. B. li. 2.

Cott, Titus B. xi. ? Salop. 133. A writ to summon a jury
concerning certain lands in Kenteston, in
controversy between Christoph. Plunkett and
Roosic Bellew 10 Hen. VI. f. 196,

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

85

6,041.

6,032.
6,276.

6,276.

6,041.

6,693.
5,752.

6,276.

Hart 433.

30.317.
Hail. 433.

Marl. 4,220.
Vol. II., 2nd S.

Kery, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters re-
lating to lands there, f. 15.

Kinnerley, co. Salop. Brief for repairing the
church and rebuilding the tower. 10 Geo. III.
B. x. 9.

Kinnerslev, co. Salop. Brief for afire there,
32 Geo. III. B. xxxii. 4.

Knockin. co. Salop. Brief for a fire there, 31
Geo. II. A. iv. 2.

Lee Broekhurst, co. Salop. Brief for re-
building the church, 24 Geo. III. B. xxiv. 7.

Leigh-Cumbrey, co. Salop. Extracts from
charters relating to. ff. 101. 113.b.

Llanymynech, co. Salop. Note relating to the
lease of a house there, 16 Eliz. f. 63.

Llwynymaen Mill, in Oswestry, co. Salop.
Briefs for a fire there, 54, 59, Geo. III.
B. liv. 9 ; lix. 11.

Ludford co. Salop. Order of court respecting
the occupation of the manor house of Ludford
by Ed. Fox, son of Kath. Depden, 1582. f. 59.

Ludlow, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to land there, temp. Edw. I FT. f. 26b.

Grant of rent, from. 1 Jac I. p. 105.

Receipts for wheat etc., delivered for the use
of the garrison there. 1642. f. 375.

Note concerning (he incorporation of the
town. f. 5b.

1239. The Executors of the Testament of
John Hosier, late of Ludlowe, have license to
founde a chauntery in the Paroche Churche
of St. Laurence of Ludlowe.
Deeds relating to Ludlow, f. 176. 15th-] 7th
cent.

2028. Warrant for the delyverance of King's
Letres Patents of a Chauntery founded by a
woman ol Ludlowe. f. 20Sb.

71. i. An original Record of Fines at the
Assizes at Ludlow, from 14 J. I. to the 13 C. I.
xvii.

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPH ICAL MANUSCRIPTS

30,317.

Harl. 6,12].
Harl. 433.

24,820.

Hail. 60S.

6,041.

6,0 11.
Harl. 433.
9 F. 1.

Hail. 2,129.

List of the Bailiffs of Ludlow, 1461-1595,
occur at ft'. 19, 174, Paper, ft'. 221 xviiith
cent. Folio.

4. Inscription over the Inner Gate of Ludlow
Castle. 40.

979. To John Alcok, Bishope of Worcestre,
Agnes Beaux wedue of Piers Beauxe, &c,
licence to Found a Chauntery within the
parish churche of S. Laurence of Ludlowe, &
to rnortesse thereunto land of the valewe of
10 marcs.

Papers relating to Ludlow, xixth cent.

Madeley, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
church, 30 Geo. III. B. xxx. 5.

19. Manerium de Marshe in Com. Saloppe ;
percella possession urn nuper Monastery de
Wenloke, rated, 16 die Junij, 1558 for Stephen
Hapnolde. lib.

Melverley, co. Salop. Briefs for inundations
there, 11 and 22 Ceo. III. B. xi. 7 ; xxii. 1,

Meeshall, in Ton^, co. Salop. Brief for a fire
there, 59 Geo. III. B. lix. 10.

Middleton, co. Salop, Abstracts of charters
relating to, temp. Edw. III. fo : 34.

Middieton-Scriven, co. Salop. Brief for re-
building the chinch, 42 Geo. III. B. xiii. 7.

Millenheath, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to, temp. Edw. III. f. lib.

311. To Edward Cower for kepeing of the
manor of More, <!ce. ? Salop.

2. De Eschaetria Carucatae Terrae, apud la
More, infra Prebend am de Erdyngton, juxta
Briggenorth, in com. Salop, temp. Ed. III.

Moreton-Corbet. co. Salop. Brief for a fire
there, 54 Geo. III. B. liv. 4.

Mnckleston, co. Salop. Brief for a fire there,
39 Geo. III. B. xxxix. 1.

259. J\. Holme. His notes taken in Mux ton
orMucleton Church, in the county of Salop.
78,

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

87

6,041. Munslow, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to. tern p. Ed. III. f. 26b.

Harl. 2,075. 23. A printed Brief granted by K. Charles II.

to the relief of the Inhabitants of Newport
in Com. Salop, upon Occasion of a great Fire
there. It bears Teste, 24th May anno Regni
18. 108 A. 108 B. b. 110 A. 110. B. b. 112 A.b.

6,165. Newport, co. Salop. Extenta temporalium
abbatiae de Lilleshall ibidem. 27 Edw. III.
p. 77.

Harl. 2,063. 6. Extracts from Deeds relating to the
Towne of Newport (Novus Burgns) in Com.
Salop. 23,

Harl. 1985. 22. Deeds relating to the Town of Newport
in Com. Salop, transcribed A.D.1648. 251-240.

30,317. Deeds relating to Newport School, f. 38.
15th-17th cent.

Deeds relating to Nordley 14th- 17th cent.

Norton, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters
relating to, temp. Ed. 111. f. 33.
Briefs for rebuilding the church. 41, 45, 50,
54, and 58 Geo. III. B. xli. 6 ; xlv. 8 ; 1. 7 ;
liv. 8 ; lviii. 3.

Harl. 2,095. 24. Copies of the Writt and Fine concerning
8 Acres of Pasture, and Common of Pasture
in Nortone in Com. Salopie, which Richard
Sutton Esq ; sold to William Grosvenor Esq;
for 41 pounds, anno 39 Eliz. 40.

Harl. 2,129. R. Holme. 260. His note taken in Norton
Church, in the County of Salop. 78.

Oldbury, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
chapel, 47 Geo. III. B. xlvii. 7.

30,317. Deeds relating to Oswestry, f. 61. 15th— 17th
cent.

Harl. 1,981, 65. A Book in folio, compiled by the
command of the most noble Thomas Howard,
Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Anno Domini
1635, by John Davies of ' Midleton : and
relates wholly to the Town and Barony of

30,320.
6,041.

88

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

Oswestrie in Shropshire: describing the
antient and modern state thereof, in the
order following : —

1. Of the Antient and Moderne Names of

the Towne and Borroush of Oswestry.

1.

2. Oertaine Observations of Things & Places

remarkable in or neere the same. 5.

3. 01 the Baronrie & Honour of Oswestrie,

and the Barons thereof since the
Conquest of England. 8.

Next follows a collection of Charters and
other writings, relating to the Barony
of Oswestre, or to the Barons thereof :
being thus entitled,

4. Catalogus Manerionum quae a Doininis

Fitz-Alanis & Arundeliae Comitibus
in Com. Salopiae & alibi intra
Marchia Walliae tenentur ; quotquot,
unquam mihi occurrebant. 18.

5. Extracta sunt haec quae sequuntur, a

quod am dum Esehaetoris ofiicium
gessit, in Comitatu Salop, de Rotulis

Ctiriae D'ni Regis in Scacario. 21.b.
This Tract specinVs many Lands, Manors,
&c. held antiently of the said Noble
Family.

6. Sharta-gutter : or Charta brevis Willelmi

D'ni Fitz-alan Burgensibus suis de
Blanc-monster concessa. 24.

7. Charta EdmundiComitis Arundell. Bur-

gensibus suis de Oswaldestre. ibid.

8. Kinge Henry 1 Vth's Pardon to the Earl

of Arund ell's Tenants in Wales, &
the Marches thereof, anno regni
sexto. 24.b.

9. Thomas Earl of Arundell his Pardon to

his Tenants of Bromneld, Oswestre,
& Chirk: anno 7 1\. Henr. IV. 25.
JO. A Release of 100 lib. from Thomas, Earl
of Arundell to the Burgesses of
Oswestrie: an. 8 lien. IV. 26.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

89

11. Kinge Richard the Second his Charter

to the Burgesses of Oswestrie : anno
regni 22. 28.

12. Thomas Earl of Arundell <fec.his Charter

to the English Burgesses of Oswestry,
dat. 11 Febr. ann. 2. regis Henrici IV.
taken from the Inrollment thereof
made in the Court of that Town. 33.

13. A Charter of Inspeximus to the Bur-

gesses of the said Town from William
Earle of Arundell &c. 38.

14. William, Earl of Arundell his Charter,

to the Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, &
Ironmongers of Oswestrie. ann. 19
Henrici VI. 44.

15. Amies painted in a Charter or Book of

Constitutions compiled by Order of
the Right Honorable Philipp Earle
of Arundell & Surrey, for the Bur-
gesses of Oswestrie. 44b.

16. The Tenor of the said Charter or Book,

dated 22 Maij,anno 24 R. Elizabethan
45.

17. A Revocation of the former Constitu-

tions, dat. 12 Junij, ann. 30 Eliz. 51b.

18. Clamium Henrici Howard Comitis

Northampton. super Compotum
liogeri Owen Militis, nuper Auce-
comitis Comitates Salop, computan-
tis de exitibiis Officij praedicti, viz. a
festo S* Michael is Archangeli, anno
R. R. nunc Jacobi primo, usque ad
idem Festum tunc proxime secpiens,
de tenentibus ipsius Comitis de
Clonne et Purslow, &c. 62.

19. Original Letter of John Davies the

Compiler of this Book, to Thomas
Earll of Arundell & Surrey, Earle-
Marshall of England &c, setting forth
that he had accomplished his lord-
ship's commaund in transeribeinge
the Charters heretofore graunted by
his noble Aunccstors unto the Towne

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

of Oswestrie, now extant among their
Records : the Coppies whereof, to-
geither with such Notes and Ob-
servations of his owne (concerning
the antient and moderne names of
Oswestri ; and of some PJaces and
Things remarkeable in, & neare the
same ; togeither with a short Dis-
cource of the Baronrie and all the
Barons thereof, since the Conquest :)
as the scantnesse of the Times &
Helpes could affoord, all which he
humbly presenteth unto his good
Lordship. This Letter is dated from
his poore House at Midlton near
Oswestrie, the 15tii of Deer. 1635.

Harl. 1,970. 33. Percells beim* at Firme in the hands of
the Recevor of Oswastrev, tern. R. Mariae.
92b.

35. Covenants made between Edward Sutton
Lord Dudley & Powys, & Rafe Brereton.
Squire, Stewards of the Lordshipp of Oswas-
tree ; Edward Trcvarr, Constable of the same
Lordshipp ; and John Trevor, Lieutenant
there : touching the better government of
the Lordships of Powis and Oswaldestre,
made A.D. 1534.

30,328. Notes and extracts, by Edward Lloyd, from
Warton's " Historia Sacra," charters relating
to Oswestry, and other historical works and
records relating to co. Salop. Paper, tf. 115.
18th cent. Small Quarto.

Harl. 247. 54 Term, pars Hundredi de Oswald-
estre. i.e. de Harriottis, &e, solutis per
Tenentes. 190b-lS7.

Harl. 1,241. 103. Church Notes taken at Oswaldestre.
There is no Table at the end.

6,276. Overton, co. Salop. Memoranda of rents
from 15S9. f. 62b.

Harl. 433. 1169. Sir Richard Surlande hath the free-
Chapel within the Castelle of Plasshe.
Prees. co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
Church, 29 Geo. IT. A. ii. 2.

IN THK BRITISH MUSEUM. 91

Poutesbury. co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding
the church, 6. Geo. IV. C. vi. 10.

Pool Hall, in Muckleston, co. Salop. Briefs
for fires there 38-4-3 Geo. ill. B. xxxviii. 3 ;
xliii. 7.

Lansd. 255. 122. A note concerning the manor of Purle-
bach. f. 453.

30,313. Deeds relating to the manor of Pulverbach,
co. Salop. Latin.

Quatt, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
church, 1st Geo. III. B. i. 6.

30,320. Transcripts of deeds chiefly relating to
Nordley, Quatt manor, and Wotton, co.
Salop, from the 14th to the 17th century.
Paper, ff. 46. 18th cent. Small Quarto.

G,276. Rock, co. Salop. Charter relating to the
manor. 5 Edw. VI. f. 15.

Harl. 2,129. 181. Xotcs taken in St. Tallyman's (leg.

Alkmunds) Church in Salop. 84-83. (inserted)

G.27G. St. John, in Ludlow, co. Salop. Charter
relating to the manor, 5 Edw. VI. f. 15.

Selattyn, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
church, 12 Geo. III. B. xii. 3.

Harl. 2,044. G. Indenture made 20 June ann. 8 Eliz.

betweene William Shelley, Esq., & Jane his
Wife, Daughter & Heire of John Lyngen, Esq;
and Anthony Harper, gent, about a Demise
of the Mannour and Towneship of Shelve, in
the county of Salop. 12.

Shifmall, co. Salop. Brief for a fire there, 57
Geo. 111. B. lvii. G.

Cott. Vit» C. 1. Codex chartaceus in folio, foliis constans 302.

1. Ordinances made by John (Alcock) Bishop
of Worcester, Anth (Wideville) E. Rivers, &c.
for the government of the town of Shrews-
bury. April 10, 1478.

30,317, Deeds relating to Shrewsbury (town & school)
ff. 74-115. 15th-17th cent.

Harl. 433. 422. To the Baillyfts and Burgesses of the
Towne of Salope, as much.

92

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

2L024. Muniments relating to the Town of Shrews-
bury and the Free Schools. I7th-19th cent,
fol. viz : —

1. Names of the bailiffs of Shrewsbury

1377-1661. Vellum, f. 2.

2. " Names of villages and places within

the franchises of Shrewsbury."
arranged under wards, f. 10.

3. " A perfect copie of the composition of

the worthy towne of Shrewsbury,
granted by Henry ye G of famous
memory and confirm'd by authority
of Parliament anno dommi 1445," a
copy made in the year 1627. f. 15.

4. " The second graunt of the Charter of

Salop. Graunted and confirm'd by
the late Queene Elizabeth/' f. 36.

5. The names of the bailiffs in Shrewsbury;

1372-1665, accompanied by heraldic
and historical notices, f. 57.

6. The names of the mayors of Shrewsbury,

1638-1741. f. 69."

7. "Charter of the Town of Shrewsbury

14ofChas. 1." f. 71.

8. Lists of the sheriffs for the county, and

of mayors and bailiffs, f. 94.

9. Gifts to charitable uses. f. 106. b.

10. " Charter of King Charles [I] to the

town of Shrewsbury." f. 111.

11. Oaths on taking office, f. 121. Paper.

17th-19th cent, Folio.

30,321. Transcripts of charters relating chiefly to
property in and around Shrewsbury, co.
Salop, from the 13th to the 17th century ;
with drawings of seals and indexes. Paper,
ff. 73. 18th Cent,

28,732. Grant by Henry VI. , to the burgesses of
Shrewsbury, of certain tolls and custom
dues, in aid of the fortification of their
town; 1442. Latin, f, 5.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 93

Harl. 7,363. 1. Statutes of the Grammar School, at
Shrewsbury, and other documents relative
to it f. 59.a.
24,820. Papers relating to Shrewsbury. 19th cent.

Brief for rebuilding S. Alkmond's Church, 33
Geo. III. B. xxxiii. 8.

Briefs for rebuilding Brace Meole Church, 39,
50 Geo. III. 13. xxxix. 5; I 8.
Brief for rebuilding S. Chad's Church, 29
Geo. III. B. xxix. 4.

0,276. Snitton, co. Salop. Charters relating to, 32

Hen. VIII. ff. 51-79.
6,041. Stanton-Lacy, co. Salop. Abstracts of charters

relating to, temp. Edw. III. f. 28.

Stapleton co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding the
church, 26 Geo. III. B. xxvi. 7.

6,276. Steventon, co. Salop. Grant of the manor
36 Hen. VIII. f. 10.

28,731. 5. Memoirs of Stockton in the hundred of
Brimstree, co. Salop, f. 40.

6,276. Stoke, co. Salop.

Notes respecting, f. 63.

Lease of the manor from W. Foxe to

Geo. Foxe. 3 Edw. VI. f. 66.
Charter relating to the manor. 5

Edw. VI. f. 15.

6,693. Stoke-Milborough, co. Salop.

Grant of a rent from the manor. 1
Jac. I. p. 105.

Harl. 607. 255. Cert, terr. in Stokeley in Com. Salopp.

dat. ad inveniend. lura. infra parochiam
predict. 104.

Sutton-Maddock; co. Salop. Brief for re-
building the church, 2 Geo. III.
B. ii. 6.

Harl. 60S. 70. BrothyncinparochiadeSutton-Maddocke
in Com. Snloppe, percella possessionum nuper
Monasterij do Wombridge, rated, 28 die Junij,
1559. 44.b,

Tong, co. Salop.
6,402. Note relating to lands there, f. 15.
Vol. IT., 2nd S. K

SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

5,830. Notes respecting the college, f. 5.

Harl. 607, 299. Nuper Servicium B. Marie infra paroch-
iara de Wellyngton. in Com. Salop, rated, 24
die Novembris, 1557, for John Staynton.
132. b.

24,478. 8. Abstract of Samuel Garbett's MS. " History
of Wem," co. Salop, f. 268. 19th cent,

Harl. 433. 935. The King hath founded a chauntre in
the Chapelle of Hedistastone, in the parish of
Wem me, in the Countie of Salop.
Lansd. 511. 16. "Carta facta anno 8. Edw. IV. in qua,
inter alia, concessum fuit, I. quod Villa de
Wenlocke in comitatu Salop, esset liber
burgns," etc. fo. 50.

30,317. Deeds relating to Wenlock. f. 217. 15th-17th
cent,

Wenlock. Charter. Salop, see Plymton, Devon.

22,083. 6. Commission of Lord James [Beauclerk,]
Bishop of Hereford to view the church of
Westbury, co. Salop, previous to alteration ;
dat. 17 Sep. 1753 ; with signature and seal.
Followed bvthe answer of the Commissioners;
dat. 27 Sep. 1753. If. 21. 23.

Weston under Red Castle, co. Salop. Brief
for rebuilding the chapel. 30 Geo. III.
B. xxx. 1.

Harl. 2,129. R. Holme. His Notes taken in Weston-
Chappell in the County of Salop. 171. b.
5,830. Whitchurch. Church Notes, fo. 9.

Harl. 2,129. 257. R. Holme. His Notes taken in Whit-
church Church, in the countv of Salop,
177-178.

158. Notes taken in the parish church of
Whitchurch in Com. Salop. 70b. 71.

Harl. 5,848. Whitechurch, a market Towne, anciently
belonging to the Ld, Strange of Blake weare,
by whose daughter and heirc it came to the
Talbots Earl of Shrewsbury, &c. f. 42.b.

Whittington, co. Salop. Briefs for rebuilding
the church. 29 and 40 Geo. III. B. xxix. 7 ;
xl. 6.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

95

28,732.
6,693.
Add. 4,563.

Harl. 607.

Harl. 2.223.

28,833.

29,245.
28.732.

6,041.
30,320.

6,181,

Grant of the right of common to the tenants
of Whytemere Manor, co. Salop. 1343. f. 1

Wieston [? Weston], co. Salop. Grant of
lands there 43 Eliz. p. 335.

Records (25 ) among which are, Privileges of
the valley of Wiggemore, in the county of
Salop.

306. Willington. Vicaria in Com, Salopp.
rated, 24 die Novembris, 1557, for John
Staynton. 135b.

Wombridge, co. Salop. Brief for rebuilding
the church. 5 Geo. IV. C, v. 3.

14. Adnotatio ex Recordo circa Villain de
Worfeld, in agro Salopiensi; per Thomam;
Talbotum. 348.

Copies of documents relating to the vicarage
of Worfield, co. Salop, including the endow-
ment, 1394, terriers, 1012-1718, parish rolls,
1564, 15S6, proceedings in a tithe case, 17S6,
and deeds, etc ; collected by William
Hardwicke.

Extracts relating to Worfield, co. Salop,

4. " Particular Cases and Precedents taken
out of Worfield Court Rolls, anno 1718;"
from the time of Elizabeth, f. S.

Wotton [Wooton ?], co. Salop. Abstracts of
charters relating to, temp. Edw. III. f. 28.

Deeds relating to Wotton. 14th-l7th cent.

Worthen, co. Salop. Brief for a lire there.
58 Geo. III. B. lviii. 5.
Wrockwardine, co. Salop. Briefs for re-
building the church. 49. 55. 58 Geo, III.,
& 2. Geo. IV. B. xlix. 11; lv. 5; lviii. 1;
C. II, 1.

Wroxeter, co. Salop.

Letters concerning Roman inscrip-
tions found there, 1752-1755. ff,
30-42, 45-59.

Brief for rebuilding the church. 33
Geo. II. A. vi. 5.

96 SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

Grant to Guy Godolphyn and John Smythe,
of LoDdon, of the Hundred of Bradford, co.
Salop, and manor of Ashford, co. Midd., 44
Eliz, [1602] fo: 105.

Confirmation of a charter granted to Plvmton
by Edw. I. The like confirmations to Guilde-
ford, Northampton, Norwich, Andovere,
Tewkesbury, Colchester, Southampton, New
Windsor, Wenlock, Ipswich, Grantham, &c

Enrolment of the release by Mary de S* Paul,
wife of Ailmer de Valence, late Earl of
Pembroke, to Edward III, of the castles and
towns of Hertford cV: Haverlord, the manors
of Higham Ferrers [co. Northt.], Monmouth
and Hodenak [co. Salop.] 1 Edw. III. [1326],
f. S3.

SHROPSHIRE CHARTERS.

Add. Charter 978. Carta Johannis filii Juddse de Munshulle,
concedens Thoraa?, filio suo, tota terras et tenementa
in Wyxhale, (in com. Salop.) qiue habuit ex dono et
feoffamento Wiilielmi lilii Henrici de Wentnell et
AuvicaB quondam uxoris Wiilielmi Haylyne. Dat. ap.
Wyxall in festo S. Joh. ante Portam Latinam 2
Ric. II. Testib. Nicholas de Sangforto, Williclmo
lilio Johannis, et Thoma de Sultone. [Sigilum deest.]

Add. Charter 1,035. Counterpart of Indenture between Charles
Foxe of Bromfield co. Salop, esquire, and John Savage
son and heir of Sir John Savage of Rock Savage, co.
Chester Knt., to the effect that if the said John
Savage shall keep all covenants in an Indenture
between the same parties, dat. 4 June 29 Eliz., then
his bond for £1,500 given to the said Charles Foxe
shall be void. Dat. 24 Nov. 30 Eliz. [1587.] (with
a seal.)

Add. Charter 1038. Counterpart Indenture of Lease by
llumfrey Robinson of Lynches co. Salop gent, to
Thomas Brisco, of Helvgv co. Salop yeoman, of the
messuage &c. called lielygy Hall for the term of 99
years, or three lives, in consideration of a fine of Two
hundred and fifteen pounds, and the yearly rent of
£1 6s. 8d, Dat. 25 May 14 Charles I. [1638.]
(Seal wanting.)

Add. 15,553.

Add. 4,569.

Add. 15,062.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

97

RELIGIOUS HOUSES IN SHROPSHIRE.

The following is a Catalogue of the Manuscripts
relating to the Religious Houses formerly in the
County, and is excracted from the British Museum
Class Catalogue of MSS., Religious Orders &
Monasteries, vol. II.

SALOP.

Salop, see also under Hereford, 11057-11059.

Salop, see also under Stafford. Harl. 3868.

11,057. 11,051). Pensions to the religious of the dissolved
monasteries, co Wore., Salop, Stafford and
Hereford, and receipts on account of the
same, 32-38 Hen. VIII,

Harl. 3,868, Imperfect, and wrongly called in the old
Catalogue part of a Register of Lichd Abbey,
from p. 275 to 310. formerly in the possession
of Peter Le Neve, Norroy. In bis hand-
writing are marginal explanations, and at
the end a more complete table of contents
by the same person, tho' none of the articles
mentioned in the first page, and beginning
of the 2nd, are in this curious fragment,
which in fact has nothing to do with
" Abbatis de Lichf. Regist." but they refer to
4790 ; with the foliation of which they agree
as far as fol. 72, and beginning again at 311 :
being a collection of Records of divers Abbey
Lands, &c, in the Diocese of Lichfield, [i.e.
com. Staff. Derb. Warw. Salop,] the most
material of which are Gervase Pagnell's
confirmation, &c. to Dudley Priory, a cell to
Wenlock Abbey, and divers other charters
&c, relating to the same, and their several
churches, viz. Wimbome, Tresel, and
Seisdon, co. Staff. &c, 275 & 6.

Extracts from the Class Catalogue, under the heading
of "Single Houses," relating to the Religious Houses of
Shropshire, as follows : —

Haghmon Abbey, co. Salop. (Aug.)

Harl. 446. Fragmentum Registri Chartarum Monastery
dc Haghmon in Agro Salopiensi. (Aug.)

98 SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

Lansd. 229. 78. Excerpta e registro monasterij de Haghe-
mon in Com' Salopiae. fo: 104b. 107.
120. Excerpta e registro evidentiarum monas-
terij de Haghemon. fo: 160 162b.

Lansd. 259. 20. Ex registro evidentiarum monasterij de
Hagheman Canonicorum Regularium in
Comitatu Salop, fo : 62, 64b.

liarl. 2,188. 113. Collectanea paucula ex Archivis Monas-
terij S. John Evang. de Haghemon in Com.
Salop. 123,124.

Harl 3,868. 285 to 286b. Staunton Church belonging to
St. Haghman's Abbey in Shropshire, & a
curious Bull of Pope Alexander of all the
grants, lands and liberties, &c. of that Abbey,
A° 1172.

Harl. 6,068. 3. Cai'tae diversae concess. ecclesia de Hage-
mon, monachis de Aberconwy & Stratflur.
10,11,12.

Hales Owen Abbey, co. Salop. (Praemonstr.)
5,811. Notes concerning it ; and names of the
abbots, p. 65.

Lilleshall Abbey, co. Salop. (Aug.)
6.165. Extenta temporatium 27, 30, 49 Edw. III.
pp. 69, 77, 93.

6,750. Sketch of. f. 140.

Harl. 2,060. Carta Fundationis Monasterij de LiileshulL
per Philippum de Belmeis. 54.

Harl. 3,868. 295 to 299. Confirmation Charter of Hen. IL
to Lilleshull Abbey. Charter of K. Stephen
of St. Alkmund's Collegiate Church, &c. of
Salop, & divers other grants and confirma-
tions to that Abbey. The original Register
of which, with other numerous deeds, &c,
are now in the possession of the Marquis of
Stafford at Trentham.

6,165. Norreys (Roger) Abbott of Lilleshall.

Extenta temporalium abbatiae, post mortem
ejus, 49 Edw. 111. p. 93.

Harl. 2,060. 26. Collectanea ex Cartulario Domus de
Lilleshull, penes Uicardum Leveson Militem
Balnei.

IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 99

Shrewsbury. (M. Bened.)
Hark 6,131. In folio 13 is the Charter for the foundation
and endowment of the Monastery at Shrews-
bury.

Harl. 6,690. 4. Carta Rogeri Comitis de prima fundatione
Monasterii Salop, ac aliae Cartae illuc spec-
tan tes. 45-64.

Lansd. 447. Salopsbury. Transcript of the Foundation
Charters.

Harg. 239. 17. The Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul near
Shrewsbury, p. 544.

Harl. 2,868. 2S1 to 284b. Divers grants and confirmations
of lands and churches, &c, in Shropshire,
to the Monastery of St. Peter, Salop.

30,311. Transcript of the Chartulary of Shrewsbury
Abbey ; with copies of a few other charters
prefixed. Latin, paper, ff. 379. 18th. cent. 4°

5,828. Notes of the Abbey by B. Willis & others,
pp. 204, 205.

6,165. Extenta temporalium abbatiae postmortem
Adae, Abbatis, 29 Ed. III. p. 81. Extenta
maneriorum abbatiae post mortem Henr. de
Alston, Abbatis, 35 Edw. III. p. 89.

Harl. 2,063. 35. Ex Cartnlario Abbatiae St. Petri de
Salop, in manibus Ric. Leueson, Militis
Balnei, a.d. 1638. 226.

Harl. 433. 245. To Richard Lawrence those six S . . . ds
yerely which th' Abbott and Convent of
Salop were wont yerely to pay for the YY ode
called Lethywode.

873. Warrant for the striking of two tailles,
to be levied upon th' Abbot and Convent of
Shrcwesbury.

30,323. Extracts from copies of Chartularies of
Shrewsbnrv Abbey > in the Bodleian Library,
ff. 35. 38. "

Wenlock Priory, co. Salop. (Chin.)
6,165. Extenta temporalium post mortem Henr.
! Myons, Prions 43 Edw. III. p. 97.

6,032. Grant of a salt-pit etc., to it, from W. Mal-
bank. f. 94.

100 SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

15,644. Receipt by B. Bartrand to the Prior, 1441.

24,820. Papers relating to Wenlock Priory, xixth
century.

Harl. 2S0. 12. f. 77b. Abbates, priores et fundatores de
.... Wenlock, &c.

Harl. 2,079. 30. How the family of Malbanc procured
or purchased an Anniversary to be celebrated
for them, by the Monks of Wenloc. 61.

Battlefield, coll. of St. Mary Magdalene (co.
Salop.)

Lansd. 447. Transcript of Foundation Charter.

24,844. fo. 44. Appointment by John Husey, Master of St.

Mary Magdalene College, [Battlefield,] near
Shrewsbury, of Collectors of Alms; temp.
Henry VIII.

Brewood, co. Staff. ? nunnery.
6,69S, p. £92. State of the priory at the dissolution, with
6,714, p. 1*3. valuation of goods, etc.

Bromfield.

Harl. 607. 282. Cella sive Prioratus de Bromefelde in
Comitatibus Salop. & Heref. percella posses-
sionum nuper Monastery Sti. Petri Gloucestr.
rated 17 die Novembris, 1557 for Stephen
Hadnall. 123b.

Ludlow.

6,276. St. John Baptist, Ludlow, Carta?.
? Worn bridge.

Harl. 3,868. Henry IPs grant of Sutton Church to the
Canons of St. Leonard de Womburgh, with
the confirmation of the same, and Lepington
Church, in L23L, 1262.

Wigmore, co. Heref. (Aug.)
Cott.,Cleop. C. iii. 20. Excerptum e chronico abbatiae de Wig-
more. 308-31 3a.

Harl. 5,855. 7. Extracts from the Register of the Abbey
of St. James de Wigmore. 87-94.

Harl. 433. 1392. Thomas Abbot of the Monasterie of
St.! James of Wigmore hath an Acquytaunco
of the gadering of alio dismes & taxes.

Lansd. 229. 60. Excerpta e Registro de Wigmore. fo
42b, 44b.

JN THE BRITISH MUSUUM.

101

Lansd. 259. 13. " Extract' ex Abbathia de Wio^cmore."

Harl. 5,804. 14. An Extract from the Records of the
Abbey of Wigmor, mentioning Edward the
Confessor's Engagement to William the
Conqueror, to appoint him his Heir, with
other incident histories, k an account of the
foundation of the said Abbey. 35.

Lansd. 447. 5. t! Extractum ex abbathia dc Wigmore."
f. 64.b, 65.b.

6. Genealogia fundatorum supradictae ab-
batiae S. Jacobi de Wigmore f. 65b, 68.

Harl. 2,000. 57. Genealogia Fundatorum Abbatiae S.

Jacobi de Wiggemor, extraeta ex Libro
ejusdem Abbatiae. 259.

Lansd. 147. Wigmore. Transcript of the Foundation
Charter.

Harl. 3,648. Collect, e registris de Wigmore et Llantonia
&c. xvii. cent.

Wigmore, Abbatia S. Jacobi de Genealogia
fundatorum, viz. Mortumari.

Oott.,J uliuSjC.vii

Harl. 1,240. Wigmore. Liber Niger

"Excerpta ex libro abbatiae de Wigmore.
fol : 245.

SHROPSHIHE GENEALOGICAL MSS.

JlIIERE is no Class Catalogue of the various Heraldic
and Genealogical Manuscripts in the British Museum.
The following list of MSS., probably not complete, has
been compiled from various sources.

Harl. 615. Genealogyes of Gentlemen of Hereford, Wooster,
Gloster, and Shropshire, taken by Robert Cooke,
Clarencieux, at his Visitation 1569 : copied for Alex-
ander Evesham : folio.

Harl. 1,241. A copie of the Visitation of Shropshire, taken by
Richard Lee, Richmond Herald, in the year 1584:
with additions to 1620: copied by Thomas Hanford,
1661.

Harl. 6,172. Another copy of the Visitation of J 5 34, ; with
additions to 1666.
Vol. U., 2nd S. L

102 SHROPSHIRE TOPOGRAPHICAL MANUSCRIPTS

Harl. 1,396. The Visitation of Shropshire, taken by Robert
Tress well and Augustine Vincent , Deputies to William
Camden, Clarencieux, in 1623 : with other collections
made by John Withie.

Harl. 1,982. Another copy of the Visitation of 1623, with
additions.

Harl. 1,472. An imperfect copy of the Visitation of 1623.
21,025. Duo-dale's Visitation of Shropshire, taken in 1663:

copied in 1693. The Arms only, and not Pedigrees,

are given.

Harl. 1,984. f. 189b. Shropshire Pedigrees.

Harl. 5,178-9. ^ Pedigrees, kc, relating to the Visitations,
Harl. 5,848. v forming a genealogical collection for the
Harl. 7,510. J county.

Harl. 1,157. Pedigrees of Shropshire families, chiefly of
Welsh Descent, circa 1623.

Harl. 6,153. Pedigrees of families of Shropshire and Wales.

Harl. 1,982. "Visitation of Shropshire taken 33 Eliz." [in
which year, 1590, it was not visited.]

Harl. 2,163. f. 19b. " The original Visitation of 1591," written
narratively. [Shropshire was not visited in 1591.]
J. Chaloner's collection of Shropshire Pedigrees.

Harl. 1,112. The Names and Arms oi all the Knights,
Esquires, and Gentlemen, who appeared at the
Visitation of 1623.

Harl. 1,161. Part of Pedigrees registered at the Visitation of
1584.

Harl. 1,983. Pedigrees from the ^Visitation of 1623, with
additions ; also Church Notes, Extracts from Deeds,
&c. ; the Arms Coloured.

14,314. Pedigrees and Arms, from the Visitations of 1584 and
1623, with additions.

21,017. ) Arms and Pedigrees of Shropshire families, by
28,616. J W. Riley and 1\ Sandford, 1695.
21,00S. Arms and families of Shropshire.

Lansd. 879. Funeral Certificates of Shropshire, &c, begun
1 March 1600. [Vide also Harl. 2,041.]

Detached Seals, lxix. 4—102; lxx. 1—100; lxxi. 1-120;
...lxxii. 1 — 22. Sulphur cists of seals relating to
>• ■ Religions Houses and Corporations in co. Salop, fcc.

TN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 103

MISCELLANEOUS MSS.
The following Manuscripts are, with few exceptions, not
entered in any Class Catalogue, but are chiefly taken
from the printed Indexes to the Catalogues of MSS. in
the British Museum, 1854-1875, 1876-3 881, and 1882-
1887.

31,929. ff. 114-148. Notes relating to co. Salop, and chiefly to

Bridgnorth, by R. W. Eyton.1
31,931-2. Collections relating* to co. Salop, being chiefly

extracts from the Pipe-rolls, notes of Inquisitiones post

mortem, transcripts of charters, and extracts from

various records ; by R. W. Eyton.

33,226. Transcript of Additional Notes to The Antiquities of
Salop, by Robert William Eyton, written by Mr.
Eyton in his own copy of the work. Paper ; fl. 84; 4to.

21,01 1-21,025. Collections for a History of Shropshire, by T.

F. Dukes & D. Parkes.
9,459. Collections for Shropshire, by Rev. S. Lysons.
15,920. Collections for Shropshire, by W. Upcott.
24,509. Church Notes, by Joseph Hunter.
28,730. f. 16. List of M.P.s for Salop, Edw. I.- Geo. IV.

28 730 f 1^ } ^sts °f Sheriffs, Henry T. — Geo. IV.
5,832. f. 181. High Sheriffs, 1647-1652.

25,460. Report on Church furniture and plate in Salop, 1553,

24,539, f, 89. Words used in Salop, 19th cent.

25,244, f. 74. Proof of Salop forming no part of the Marches
of Wales. 17th cent,

33,057. f. 13. Petition of prisoners at Shrewsbury, offering to
serve by sea or land. [1724-1754.]

Eg. 2,042. f. 252b. Verses in honor of Queen Elizabeth, a list
of the owners of the castle, the names of the Council
and Lords President of the Marches of Wales, as
they were set up in the chapel of Ludlow Castle by
Sir' Henry Sydney, Lord President, 1573-4.

32,007-9 Sermons in shorthand by Job Orton, dissenting
minister of Shrewsbury, [died 1783.]

1 There are 25 Volumes in MS. of the Kev. R. W. Eyton 's Collec-
tions in the British Museum.

104 SHROPSHIRE MANUSCRIPTS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

E». 2,541. f. 276. Speech of Charles I. to the gentry and
freeholders of co. Salop, 28 Sept. 1642.

Harl. 6,016. f. 97. Domesday Book, Shropshire.

31,371. Water colour drawings and plans of Monastic build-
ings, churches, &c, in Shropshire, by Mackenzie
E. C. Walcott. ff. 72.

32,344. Transcript of High Ercall parish register, 1630-4.
1636, and 1663-5/ ff. 15-20.

24,844. f. 44. Appointment by John Husey, Master of St.

Mary Magdalene College, near Shrewsbury, of collec-
tors of alms ; temp, lien, VIII.

91 mo 91 01 r ) Drawings °f churches, &c, in co. Salop, by D.
fi'Sril: 'Vi?" > Parkes, with notes & copies of inscriptions.

21,180-21,181. [ m9.^

21,236-7. Drawings of churches, by Rev. E. Williams.
1792-1S03.

21,018. Collections with drawings for the Archdeaconry of
Salop, by T. F. Dukes ; 19th cent.

32,479. L. Rubbings of Sepulchral brasses in co. Salop, col-
lected by Francis Douce.

Maps, &c., vol. xxx vi. Maps of the County, and prints and
drawings of towns, seats, villages, &c, in co. Salop.

Add. Charters, 20,220; 20,434-20,447; 22,628-22,631; 23,851-
23-853; 23,973.

Deeds relating to lands, &c., in co. Salop.

Add. Ch. 24,884. Grant of land in Stone-Acton and Gretton-

in-llushbury, 1421.
Add. Ch. 25,043-6. Acquittances for rents of Crown lands, &c,

in co. Salop, 1580-1595.
Add Ch. 20 568. Grant of land in Melverley, 1554.
Add. Ch. 26,743. Renunciation of claim of villenage by the

lord of Whitchurch, 1244.
Add. Ch. 26,748. Grant of lands in Soulton-in- Wem, 13th
century.

Add. Ch. 26,759. Grant of lands in Halston-in- Whittington,
1299.

Reference should also be made to the Rev. Mackenzie
E. C. Walcott's paper, entitled " An Introduction to
the Sources of Salopian Topography," published in the
Transaction*, ii. 297-316.

105

CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS OF THE
TOWN OF LUDLOW.

Transcribed by LLEWELLYN JONES.

Continued from p. 284, 2nd Series. Vol. I.

1607 to 1608.

Churchwardens. Thomas Heath and Edward Colbach.
Receipts.

Item for token money on Lowe Sondaye,

1607 ... ... ... ... ixs. xd.

Item the third of Maye for tokens ... vijcZ.
Item for token money this ester ... xls. ob'

Item for the grave1 of Edmond Lloyd gent vjs. viijd.

Graimted to Thome Surwode widdow the

title of a pewe in the middell north

Rainge neere the pulpit on the south e

side wch Pewe was Surrendred to us

by Mrs. Ann Devaver for that purpose

and Rec. for the same ... ... viijs.

Graunted to Anne the wiffe of Richard

Benson gent to William Rascole & marry

his wiffe to Elizabeth the wiffe of John

Edwards and Janne Kascole a pewe in

the west ende of the Church surrendred

to us by Richard Rascole gent for that

purpose and Rec. for the same ... iijs.
Note. — In respect the same pue is in
a corner of the church.
Granted to Thomas Porter a pewe under

the Clockhowse beingc the surrender

■>i widdow millarde and Richard winde

tor that purpose and Rec. for the same xxci

1 The receipts from graves amount to £5.
Vol 11., 2nd S. M

106

CH URCH WARDENS' ACCOUNTS

Disbursements.

Item to William Crumpe for his wagis for

tendinge the Clocke & Chimes and

kepinge Clene the ledes ... ... xiijs. iiijd

Item to Thomas Uooe for his whole yeres

wagis for Swepinge the church and

whippinge of dogges &c. ... ... viijs.

Item to Bonde the glasier for puttinge

theglasein order and soe kepinge them

the whole yeare ... ... ... xxxvijs.

Item for a Breckfaste for the sidemen ... ,. „
Item to fraunces hinton for a new I for

the second bell Clapp' ... ... vjt/.

Item for a boorde wch is yoused in the

belhowse .. ... ... xjc?.

Item for a hucke ... a plate for the

Church callens ... ... ... iyl.

Item to a man to Empe the grate at the

Callens ... ... ... ... iiijd.

Item for a Lounge Ladder beinge forty &

three Rounds ... .. .. ixs.

Item to Thomas Clarke for himself &

his three men for on Daves worke in

mendinge of the belles
Item to Clarke for a boorde and a Rayle

to mend where hit was needful in the

bellhowse ... ... ... x<i.

Item to hinton for a plate to hould in the

brase of the seccond tenner... ... \xd.

Item to the Ringers upon St. James his

daye ... ... ... ... iijs. iiijd.

Item to the Ringers the firste of August iijs. iiijd.

Item to the Ringers the tifte of November iijs. iiijd.

Item to the Ringers the 24 of March ... iijs. iiijd.

Item for to newe belropes wainge xxxix1 xij.s. iiijd.

Item for xiij1 of Red led to ocker the

Church and porche ... ... iiijs. yd.

Item to Mra Lane for to dosen and ix

pounde of Candles ... ... xjs.

Item for a pounde of waxCandlesdcli vered

to Cromp ... ... .. xxcZ.

Item to John havorde for mendinge the

dext in the boddy of the Church ... vj(7.
Item to him for a walenut boorde to make

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW. 10!

the dext in ray laddy Ewers1 pewe & a

planke to inlardge the dore of the same

pewe ... ... ... ... xiijc?.

Item to Mr Parker for five yardes of

danders bayes and Inckell2 to put

abonght my Ladyes seate ... xiiijs.

Item for mattinge my Ladyes gent wemen

pewe ... ... ... ... xxd.

Item for a mat and a tumpe for my ladyes

pewe ... ... ... ... viijrZ.

Item for the Ringinge Daybell ... ij-s.

Item for a locke & Caye to my Ladyes

pewe and a kaye for the gentwomens

pewe ... ... ... ... xijr/.

Item for makinge new the Clapp' of the

lady bell... ... ... viij.s. iiijf/.

Item to hinton for mendinge the I clapp'

of the second tenner ... ... iijs.

Item to Clarke for mendinge the whele of

the fore bell ... ... ... viijc?.

Item for mendinge the I of the grete bell

Clapp' ... ... ... ... xviijr/.

Item for lyme and workema'shype in the

showmakers Chauncell ... ... . vd.

paid to William hill mercer for greene

bayis for my Ladye Lucknors pewe by

the order of the Company ... ... ixs. 'ni\d.

xxvij0 die Octobris 1607
" It is at this daie agreed by Mr Bayliffs
" and the rest of the p'ishio'rs wfc the
" full consent of Mr Parson the Church -
" wardens & sidemen that Mrs Gregorie
"& Mrs hook wief of Thos Hooke and
" Mrs harries shall have and injoy the
" pewe in the Church called Mr8 bailitfs
" pewe one by them now injoyed by a
" form' order to the bailiffs wives for
" the tvme bein^ oraunted durinsre sucli
tyme as the pewes wher'm they lately
" kneled be holden from them and wch
" were to them the said Mrs Gregorie

1 The wife of Lord Euro, Lord President of the Marches, 16074616.
: A Crewel or Worsted.

108

OH UttCH WARDENS' ACCOUNTS

" Mrs hook & Mrs harris graunted by
" order as by the church bok of this
" p'ish app'eth In Consideracon that
<: they were removed from their pewes
"for the placing of the right ho: the
" Lady Ewer and this order to be
" p'fected at the next accompt of the
" Churchwardens of this p'ish."

It is ordered the ixth day of Aprill 1608
by the Bayliffs & parisshioners that the
two palles shalbe in the custody of the
church wardenes & y' yf they be lent out,
the benefytt &, wages for them shalbe
receaved and dulye accompted for to
the use of the parishe ; And whereas
the lawe dooth alowe but three peales
to be Ronge for anyone y* Diethc hit is
by the parishe the same day ordered
that yf any more pealles then three be
Ronge for any that then halfe the
benefytt of those extraordynary pealles
shalbe accompted for by the church e-
wardenes to the use of the parishe

1608 to 609.

Churchwardens. Richard Wilkes and Thomas Blashfield.

1609 to 1610.

Churchwardens. Richard Heath & Richard Nightingall Jim.

Amongst the grants of pews in this year are the following : —
Graunted unto Mr William Lane & Jane

his wiflfe halfe the pewe wch M* Shroley

by the surrender of Ed. ttbx of ludford

Esquier for that purpose in the north

sid of the Churche & have Rhd for the

same ... ... ... ...

Graunted unto the Company of m'cers

taylores glovers & hatters1 8 pewes one

the north sid of the Church wch were

erected of purpoos for the use of that

Company unto Mr Rie bayly Mr Thomas

Candland & Mr Ed. Crowther the pewe

Popularly called " The Company of Stitchaien."

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW.

109

to kneel in that the Company hath lent
unto Sr Ed. ffox knight the second
pewe unto Mr Ric. ffisher Mr Samuell
p'ker &> Mr Wm gregori the third pewe
unto Mr Cotton Mr Ric. nightin-

gall Mr goorge barnes & Mr Ric. bevan
the fourth pewe unto Evan wahan Ric.
Wilkes Sz Thomas Watkeis the fifte
pew unto Rowland voyle John powes
k> William griffith the sixt pewe unto
John bedowe Thomas Whit bye John
Jones & John patchett the other two
pewes for those that have not bine
stewards of the Company & have
Receved for the same ... ... xs.

Receipts.

Hhd for Extraordanary peels ... ... xijd.

Disbursements.

payd William Crump his years wages for
tendingc the clock & chimes & keep-
inge Clene the leads ... ... xnj,,?- 'id.

payd Thomas Rooe for his whole yeares
wages for swepinge of the Church &
whipinge of dogges ... ... vnjs-

payd unto the parytor1 when I was sworno iiijr/.
vj quicrs of w* pap' for to make a booke

for the Churchwards' taccompt ... []$.
payd John Clark to make the booke &

p'chuient to Cover him ... ... xhij<^.

payd seoson for him & his boy for two
dayes work to fasten the north pinakell
& to mend the leads ... ... iijs.

payd hinton for 5 Cram pes of Irone to
fasten the pinakle waing 24 lbs at 2d
p' H ... ... ... ... iiije.

payd Season for xviij li. of lead to fasten

the Crampes of Irone ... ... ijs. iij^.

payd for a Ringe of lime & loade of
lime to mend the but of penakel & the
edge of the uper leeds ... ... xiiijd

1 Apparitor — a messenger that served the process of the Spiritual
Court .

110

CHU KC H WA RD1 X S ' ACCOUN TS

payd hime for 5 li. of sowder to mend the

uper leads one the powle ... ijs. xjc/.

payd for 5 loads of lyme to point the steple

& the head of the hye Churche ... iijs, 4c/.

payd a mason & v workman to help hime

for poinctinge the head of the steaple

\vthin & \vthout & the garyson & the

peanakells of the hy Churche ... is. vjc/.

payd for Ringinge one St. James day ... iijs. id.

payd for Ringinge the 5 of August ... iijs. 4-/.

payd for Kin^-inge the 5 of November ... iijs. 4c/.

payd for Ringinge the 24 of M'che ... ijs. vjc/.

payd lor a kather for the mason to stand

in to point the steple ... ... iij,?. vjc/.

payd for a loadc of tille to mend the

house in the Church yeard by Mr bay-

lyefi's apointment1 ... ... vs.

payd for vj longe matts to knell one in the

Chansell at the Communyon ... xviijc/.

A not for the Bell'2

I t'm payd c for clay e .. . , . . ... ij s.

It'm payd for gathering horsdeung ... iiijci.
It'm payd for heye ... ... ... ijcZ.

It'm payd for vj pownd of tallow ... xviijc/.

It'm payd for cords to strentg1 the moulds xxcZ.
It. payd for two pownd Sz halfe of virgin

wax ... ... ... ... ijs.

It. payd for halfe of rosen ... jcZ.

It. p(1 for drawes for the Bell head ... • vjc/.

It. pd for caringe of acartlod of Bricke

fro. Staunton ... ... ... x(/.

It. pd for packthird to whip a rope to help

downe wth the bell ... ... i]d.

It. payd for alio bestowed on the company

wch did help downe wth the Bell ... viijcZ.
It. payd for lights at the plucking downe

of the bell ... ... ... iiijc/.

1 We learn from the Corporation Books that this house — "wherin
Kichard hooke deceased lately kept Schoole " — was in future to be
kept to the use of the parish, and to be employed at the discretion of
the Bailiffs and Company (Corporation) for the time being, as they
shall from time to time appoint.

2 This account is attached to the Disbursements.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW. ill

It. payd owen Price for watching the

mettell ... ... ... ... viijd.

It. payd owen Dier and Thomas Bromley

for up the mettell ... ... viijd.

It. pd John Sutton and Jobe for watching

the mettell on night ... ... viijc?.

It. payd Jenking Pewttering for going to

orlton for keysell to stock the bell ... n\'y/.
It. for a pownd and halfe of Sope to licker

the stock e ... ... ... vjd

It. payd the company that did helpe to

drawe up the Bell... .. ... xijtZ.

It. payd John Robinson carpend' for losing

downe and hangingc up of the bell being

v days worke ... ... ... vs. vjc/.

It. payd keysell of orlton for three days

worke in stocking of the bell ... ijs.

payd Mr Thomas langford for the caredg

of a cart lod of Bricke from Staunton i j ^ .

It. payd morgon Powell Laberar for a days

worke about the bell ... ... in]d.

Sma xxiijs. xjc/.
more Carried By William Coxe of Staun-
ton wth his . . , . a Lode of Bricks

graties

1610-1611.

Churchwardens. Richard Rowdier and Hen rye Goughe.
Receipts.

Graunted to Mr Thomas Rlashefylde the
alley \vch leadythe unto his pewo Sc
receavyd &c. ... ... ...

Disbursements.

It. for the hyer of a horse ... ... xija.

It. for the workers of the same ... vjc/.

It. for why to paper ... ... ... ]d.

It. for wyer from Bewdley for the chymes

and for nayles ... ... ... ij«s. vj^/.

It. for Bayes Incle Tacks k> Workeman-

shyp for the L. Presydents pewe ... xs.
It. for mondinge the whele of the second

teanor bell whop to lyne the whele, for

nayles,& for sett inge up of all the greate

wavnescott in the Shewmakers Chawn-

1

112 CHURCHWARDENS ' ACCOUNTS

cell mendinge the heade of the Beere,

for a borde atthe Churche Callends &

for mendinge the dore to ffrauncs Bybbe ijs. vjd.

It. for mendinge ij Bald Rybbes against

the kings holydaye ... ... vjcZ.

It. for a newe Commyon boke bough te at

Worcester pryce ... ... ... viijs.

It- for hyer of horse ijc dayes ... ... ijs.

It. for myne pwne chardgs then ... ijs.

It. to Rowland Tayler for his halfe yeres

wags ... ... ... ... xY]d.

It. for newe Kownds for the longe ladder

wch were broken in the L. Presydents

worcke in makinge the ij° grete stone

wyndowes in the castle ... .. viijd.

It. to ij° men for attendinge & keapinge

the glasse wyndowes upon my Ladyes

funeral 1 day e ... ... ... xijc?.

It. for a matt to lye under the L. Presy-
dents sete in the highe Chawncell ... iiijrf.
It. for wrytinge & castinge of these bokes

wee beynge illyterate

Receipts £18 (j 3
Payments £18 10 G

1611 to 1612.
Churchwardens. John Saunders and Ellis Beadowe.

Disbursements.
To Crumpe for mendinge the bell owes of

the organs ... ... ... ijs

To Season for mending the glasse of the

Lower Windowes .. . ... ... xx,«.

To Bonde for mending tho glasse of the

upp' windowes and lyme thereunto ... xxvijs. hip/.
To Crumpe & Ringers for ringinge at my

Lords Cominge to towne ... ... ijs.

Ifor the cloth of Mr Landons surples ... xxs.
To Jn havard for setting up the deske for

Jewells workes ... ... ... vjrZ.

for two cliaynes & navies for the same

Desk & to tye the booke ... ... y\d,

for a cord for the wicket ... ... iiij^/.

for mending the hinge of the Church

Callends Dore ... ... ... iiij^.

\

OF THK TOWN 01 LUDLOW. 113

for a bucket for the baldrip of the great bell iiijd.
To Mr Crowther for keeping the Register

book of Cristnings wedings& burials... ijs.
To Mr Thomas Turn'1 esquier town Clerk

of this towne for Regis tringe of thes

aceompts ... ... ... iijs. iiijcZ.

for two keyes for the pooremans box &

mending the locks ... ... xijti

Receipts £20 14 5
Payments £16 3 5

1G12 to 1613.
Churchwardens. Thomas Edwards and Richard Baker.

1613 to 1614.
Churchwardens. John Gee and John Ambler.

1614 to 1615.

Churchwardens. Valentyne Dawes and Edward Powis, Jun.

Receipts.

Grauntes of the pewes in the Gallery

Imp" Graunted to Mr Alexander Robertes

and Margret his wief ec Thomas their

sonne that part of the gallery \vch hee

of his owne cost & Charges did erect cc

build for and during their three natural!

lyves if they doe remaine in towne &

pay church dutyes and have reced ... ijs.
Graunted to Edward littleton esquire and

mary Ins wief & to Mr Edward letelton

ther sonn lor ther naturell lives a pewe

next adioyning to Mr Robertes & have

rec. for the same ... ... ... xls vs.

Graunted to Mrs Margrett Greene the

second pewo of the gallery wholly to

her selfe for terme of her naturall lief

and Rec.2 ... ... ... xvs.

1 Turner.

2 The 3rd pew whs granted to Thomas and Mary keye for 35s.,
ihe 4th to Richard and Jane Wilkes for 15s., the 5th to Richard
Hull and Win. Bowdlcr for 35s., the Oth to Ed. Colbac for 30s., the
Tin to Thomas blashtield for 30s., the 6th to Jonas and katherine Doe
for 30s., the 9th to Thomas and Joyse Browne and Henry Howld for
30s. In each case for life, provided the grantees pay Church duties.

Vol. 11., 2nd S, N

114

CHU ECH W A RDE N S ' A CCO US TS

Graunted to John Powell & Margery his

wief and John Clarke and his wief the

10th pewe of the gallery in consideration

of their pewe to make the stayers
Graunted to Mr9 Margrett Greene soe

much grownd in the south He & a voyd

pewe at the upper end of that He to

pitch postes & erect stayers for and in

consideration that out of her good zeale

she is purposed at her owne cost &

charges to erect and Build a gallery

and to hestow it one the schooiemaster

& usher successively & to the sch oilers

and yonger sort of people & to others

wch Wante pewes in the church freely of

her owne good will & have reced1 ... xijd.
Disbursements.

Impr's to the Chancier to have a day for

the repayring of the windowes ... xixd.
ffor ringers on the kinges hollydav iij.9. iiijV/.

payd for the turning of the stayers of the

Clockehowse & for boords ... ... xvjs. iiijc?.

payd to bond the glassy er ... ... xls.

fior a cord for the winding doore at the

Colledge ... ... ... ... \jd.

To John Dunne for Coloringe the Clocke-
howse ... ... ... ... xvjc?.

To Addames for refreshing the Diall ... xiiijs.

To ffox for Remooving the Diall & clocke

& carpenters worke ... ... xvjs>- iiijd.

To John havard for mendyng the belles

& setting up the Dyall .. ... xxd.

1 The books of the Corporation show that Mrs. Green in 1618
made a further gift, as follows: — "It is at this day ordered that
whereas the bailiffs and burgesses of this towne have heertofore
granted to Thomas Kay Batehelor of Divinity or publique Prccher one
tenemts in the ould street duringe his codtinuance wth us and whereas
also the said tenem* is in great decay towards the reedifyinge whereof
that vertuous matron margaret Greene widowe hath given the som of
twenty pownds and the said Mr Kaie hath disbursed great somes of
money : that Mr Parson Crowther wth the assistance of or towne
clerke & Mr Gregory shall see what or townesmen will voluntarily
bestowe towards this Charitable worke besides what the xij <t xxv
have alreddy best o wen."

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW. 115

To the Chanceler ffor delivering in the

terrier1 ... ... ... ... vijd.

payd John Lloyd ffor blowing the Organs xvjc/.
for Bourdes for the church kalendes ... XV.H-
paid Thomas Rooe for iij quarte's wages v]s.
paid .John lloyd half yeares wages ... xvjc?.
paid for the coulleringe of the curraine of

the organs and iij cords to draw the same xijr/.
paid to a workman for mendinge the

second tenor about the Brasses of him xijc/.

1615 to 1616.
Churchwardens. William Becke and William Lloyd,

1616 to 1617.
Churchwardens. Thomas Colricke and Henry Childe.

1617 to 1618.
Churchwardens. Adam Acton and John Crump.

Disbursements.

paid good man havord for makinge the
parsons puge2 and other thinges by
hin? don ... ... ... ... xxvjs.

Item for making a dore and a frame for
the same dore wich is to goe to the
Littell organe ... ... ... iij.?. vjd

paid good man bond for his whol years
wages for the glasing of the church ...

paid Thomas Clarke for mending & stop-
ping the way to the organs3 ... iiij.s. vj<^.

1 Terrier or Terrar, a land roll or survey of lands.

2 The items areas follows: — G yds. of wainscot at 2s. 6d., 15s.;
boards for the bench and iloor, Is. Gd. ; moving steps, &c, 2s. ; a
pair of portal hinges, lOd. ; nails, lOd.

3 Tlie following extracts from the Corporation Minute Books may
here prove interesting, as showing, amongst other things, the salary
paid to the organist and choir about this period : — ■

Apud Turrim ib'm die Sabot scilit xvij° die Octobr Anno Regni
line" Elizabeth &c, xxxij0 1590.

At this day George Sponsley is ellected by this company to serve in
the quire in the place of the Base and to have for his wages iiijfo*. to
him paied quarterly And also the said George Sponsley shall in
consideracon of the said sallarie use daily morninge prayer bet wen
sue & seven of the clocke.

116 CHURCH WART>EXS* ACCOUNTS

paid Mr Keyes for glasinge the windows

under the galerye wch Alrs greene made xvs. viijr/.
paid John doonc for Coleringe the portch

and the windows & for lyme ... iiijs. vjr/.
paid lioyd for Ins whole yeres wages to

blowe the organs .. ... ... ijs. viijri.

for mendinge Jobs bell ... ... xviij<7.

paid to Mr Parson Crowthe' ... ... ijs.

paid to Mr Towne clerke* ... ... iij.s. hip/.

1618 to 1619.

Churchwardens. William Reynolds and John pachett.

Receipts.

rec. for the grave of Robertt Jones' girle vjs. viijr/.

rec. of Mr Robert Townesend for the rent

of the brickciose dueatt Mychellmas last viijs.
rec. of Mr Richar Cane for a stone in the

scollers Chauncell there to be reserved

for himself ... ... ... iiijs. iiijri.

Apud Turrim ix° die Aprilis 1603 Anno p' Regis Jacobi &c. primo

It is at this daie agreed that George Pingle organist of this towne
shall well and diligentlie instruct the queresters or singinge boies of
or qucere in singinge \vthiu our church accordinge to the scienc of
musick and that the vestrie house wvm the chauncell of the said
church be allowed him for to instruct them in accordinglic. In con-
sideracon whereof the wages of the said Pingle is agreed to be nowe
increased and inlarged over and besides the wags he hath alreadie to
xxs. p' ann And that Griffith Rainolds Singinge man shall likewise
from henceforth have his wages increased vjs. viijri. p. ann.

Apud Novam Mansione' xiij die Decembris 1G0G.

It is at this daie ordered that Mr Bailiffs shall have allowaunc for
Coats and breeches for the parsons followinge John Jobbe Richard
Crompe Willm Chirme Roger hill Richard Adams Willm Heat he
fraiincs Smith Rich Rowland qucrresters and a Coat to Thomas Roe
and one other to Christopher Short for being execucon' at the last
gaole delivy for that s'vic and purpose onelic.

Apud novam mansionem xix die Septembris 1618.

It is at this day granted that Richard Heynes shall read morninge
praier wthin or p'ish Church of St. Lawrence wthin this towne of
Ludlowe and have the accustomed wages for the same being xxvjs.
viijr/. p' ann and also to have a singinge man's place wthin the quicr
of the said church and to have for his paines therein xiij.1?. iiijr/. yearely
the first payment to be made at Christide next.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW,

117

rec. for the grave of Mr Leacke ... vjs. viijc/.

Grauhted to Mr John Jones and Mary his

wif half a little pew next the goeing up

to the pulpitt late the kneelings of M.r

Badclam and rec. for the same ... ij.s. vjfZ.

Disbursements.

ffourty three pownd of Candles ffor the

Church ... ... .. ... xvjs. ij^-

payd to John havard for alteringe the

Counties1 pewe and for a ledge and

nayles to doe the same ... ... x<7.

payd for vje longo matts bound \vth brier

to kneele on at the Comunion ... iijs. iiijr7.

payd to Thomas Clarke and his men for

puttinge a sill under Mrs Greenes gallery

and for new wether boordinge all the

windows in the steeple ... ... ixs. \]d.

payd to Roger Voughan for fourty five

lbote of seasoned boords and nayles for

the same worke ... . . ... vs. xd.

Pd. Cords for the litle organs ... ... [\d,

ffor the hier of a ladder ... ... vj(7.

ftbr bread and wine for the monthly

Comunions ... ... ... xxiijs. iiijcZ.

payd to the Ringers the xxiiijth of March iij.?. \'ri]d.

Payd to Mr Colbach for one peece of

Timber ffor the lady Chancell ... vjs. viijd

ffor two greate rafters to Thomas ansley iijs.
payd to Hoe for his yeares wages for

sweepinge the church every day in the

weeke ... ... ... ... xiiijs.

payd to John Lloyd for blowinge the

organs this yeare ... .. ... ij.s. v'njd.

To the parritor for one oath ... ... iiijcZ.

To Richard Willson for mendinge the locke

over the high Chancell ... ... ijd.

Payd for the pitch inge and Caryinge of a

greate stone behind the Doore of the

Uhurchcallens ... ... ... iijd.

x The Countess of Northampton, the wife of the Earl of North-
ampton, Lord President 1G17-1630.

118

CH U RC HW A R DENS ' ACCO UNTS

Payd for fowre new baldricks and buckells

to the pad maker the iiijth of June ... xijs.
ffor procuringe a Commission to find the

ould Churchwardens booke ... viijcZ.

ij pownd of Tallow to liquor the baldricks yjcZ.
ffor Cuttinge and turninge the brases

mendinge the other gudgins horseinge

and mendinge the Rest of the bells ... vs.
payd to the Ringers on Saynt James day iijs. iiijcZ.

payd to the Ringers upon the Vth of august iijs. iiiyl.

payd to the Ringers when they expected

my lords Comeinge in September ... vjf?.
Payd to the Ringers when Mr Justice

Came the xjth of November ... vj.s.

more for one to attend his Comeinge on

the steeple ... ... ... iijcZ,

1619 to 1620.
Churchwardens. Will'" Powis and Thomas Crowther.
Disbursements.

to Ba}die for v Daies work for himself for

mendinge the leads ... ... vjs. viijcZ.

paid to his Brother for hetingc the iornes xviijd
paid for coles to heat the iornes .. xviijc/.

Too yards and half of blewe Linen clothe

for to shadow the organes ... ... ijs. iijcZ.

paid for marts and tumpes to katherin

James for my lord and the counsell pewes x vjcZ.

One lock & keye and hinge for leonard

loyd his deske ... ... ... xvjc£.

paid for a now Comunion Booke ... ixs. vjti

paid to bond for mendinge nixonsLanterne ijs.
paid to John havord in puttinge up ye dioll xij(/.
paid to Wm harp' for drawinge of xviij

barres of iorne for the window ov' the

wedinge dore and for the same iorne... xs. vjd.

paid for a peece of wood to keepe the clock

bowse together and on prichell for the

great bell ... ... .. vj<i.

paid to lewis Gwillm for mendinge the lock

of the great dore or' the church ... vjcZ.
paid to VVm hill for dooes heare for stuff-

inge the countise pewe .. ... viijrf.

paid xMr Cossens sonne for Blowinge the

orgaiis for halfe a yere ... ... xvjd.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW. 119

payd to Bonde mor for glasinge in respect
it was a great wyndye yere by the
allowance1 ... ... ... xs.

1620 to 1621.

Churchwardens. Edward Jones and Henry Blashfield.

Receipts.

Imprimis surendered by Mr3 M'garett

Greene widow the second pewo in the

north gallerrv unto Mrs Margarett

Dawes the wife of the Wor11 Mr Valen-
tine Dawes now Bayliffe for her natural]

liffe and Receaved for the same ... xs.
Whereas Jane Lewis the wifFe of Edward

Lewis gent beinge interressed for Tearme

of her liffe unto the pewe scituated in

the midle He in the church of Ludlowr

wherein the right honorable the counties

of northampton wif to the now lord

p'sedent doth kneele hath for sev'all

yeares past at the instant and desier of

the then Bayliffes sidmen and church-
wardens of the said towne left and

dep'ted from her usuall kneclinge in

the said pewe to thend the same pewe

might henefurth be and remaine as

well for the use of the said honorable

Lady as such others as maye hapen to

be the wile of the lord p'sident for the

time beinge in Consideracon whereof be

it now reimembred and testified that

Edward Jones and Henry Blashfild

Churchwardens of the said Towne have

graunted unto the said Jane Lewis Too

partes .... partes devided of the

pewe wherein she now usually kneeleth

beinge the second pewe westward from

the other pewe aforesaid viz. the Too

partes or kneelings thereof northward

Too have and to hold the same too

partes for and duringe the Tearme of

her naturall liile

Bond was paid annually 50s. about this date.

\

120

CHURCHWARDENS' ACCO U NTS

Graunted unto Jane the wiffe of John

Humfries one kneelinge in the pewe of

mathew millard deceasedforhernaturall

liffe adioyninge to the pewe of Richard

maund nere the almes house pewes and

receved for the same „ . ... xviijd

fYor the grave of Mrs Clebury at the ap-

pointement of Mr Walter langford and

At1" Thomas Edwards then BaylifFes have

undertook to intreat the p'ish to f orgeve

the vjs. viijii due to the p'ish and to be

the Churchwardens dischardge

Disbursements.

Item payd to Emanuell Craswell for

mending the great organs by the ap-

poyntement of Mr Walter Langford and

Mr Tho. Edwards then Baylieffs1 ... viijK.
Item for bords and mending the Lady

Whitelocke Pue ...
Item payd John havord for a newe wayne

scott dore to the pulpitt
To Mr Cowsins boy for blowing the organs

the whole yeere
Item payd for ringing uppon the fower

kings hollidayes ...
Item "payd for a service booke for Mr

Cowsins ...
Item one doore made newe to the organ

Loft and a locke and key for the same
Item payd Mr Samuel I Lloyd for dornecks2

to make the Curteri of the great organs
Item £iven to Mr Craswell by the ap-

ijs.

vs.

xiijs.

iiij,/.

iiijs.

v)d.

iiijs.

. vjrf.

xijs.

1 These repairs were ordered by the Town Council on the 19th
February 1619, as appears by the accompanying resolution : —
apud nova' mansione' xix°, die IFebr 1619.

"It is at this day ordered that where the great paire of organs
4k vvthin the p'ish Church of this towne are now much decaied that the
" Churchwardens & sidemen doc send for an experienced & skilfull man
•'for that purpose and to cause the same organs to be well amende. t
" at the Charge of this towne and upon knowledge of the Charge that
" shall arise for the doing thereof a sessment to be made
41 accordingly."

r A kind of linen.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW.

121

poyntmt of Mr Walter Langford and

Thomas Edwards then bayleiffs ... vs.

Item to a messenger to fetch Mr Cowsins

from Stretton ... ... ... xijV.

Item for an arrest of Mr Craswell ... . iyd.

Ite' putting in the p'sentment ... xvjV.

1621 to 1622.
Churchwardens. Samuel! lloyd and John Brasier.
Disbursements.

Item paed for ij load of lei me to poynt

about the batelments
Item for xxvj li of chalke
Item for greene to Collor the pulpit t ...
Item paed for a salterbooke ofalargevolum
Item paed for a brasson Candlstick with

xij branches for the mydle He
Item for ij branch is for the sid lis with cups
Item for askrud1 Candlstick for the deske

to Read service at morninge pra}Ter ...
Ite' for a Cord to hange the Candlstick

in the mydle He ...
Ite. for a boxe to bringe Candlsticks downe

from London
Ite. for Caredge of the Candlstickes from

London beingc a quarter of a C. and

xiiij//. at xijs. apacke
Item for iij yards of Wenscott for the

backc of the pulpitt vjs : for the pulpitt

doore ijs. for the seate ijs. v]d., for the

frise boord and Setinge up the worke

xviij^. for Iron Cramps to fasten the

wenscott and staples and boultiiijJ. ... xijs. iujd.

Iem deliv'ed to an Irishman by the apoynt-

ment of Mr. bayly blashfild for Releefe

to pase to his Cuntrey 2 ... ... iiijV.

0

i?-

vd.

r\
\J

0

o

v']d.

iiijs.

m]d.

xvjs.

y]d.

0

xs.

0

0

ijs.

0

0

xd.

0

is.

0

0

ijs.

iijV.

1 A screwed.

2 The following minute shews that the Corporation had previously
exercised a greater power than the ordering of a small donation to an
itinerant out of the funds of the Church : —

Apud Turru ibm die Saboti scilit duodecimo die m'rii anno regni
Rue Jrdizabcth <fec. xxxiij.1'

It is ordered that there shalbe a (-olleccon in the Churche ev'y
scconde Sondaye for the Charitable Devocions of the p'isheners for
the relief of the poore prisoners until the nexte Gaole deliv'y.

Vol. II., 2nd S. O

122

CH U RCH WARDENS' ACCOUNTS

Item for makinge of a balricke ... j.s. iiijV.

Item for hanginge up of the lantarne at

the north doore ... ... ... vHj^.

Item for a Cord to hange up the lantarn xd.
Item for a table of Consanguinity and

afinity ... ... ... ... iiij^.

Item paed Thomas Crumpe for mend inge

the pavment in St. Johns Chauncell

and mendinge the ij formes in the bel-

free ... ... ... ... o ]s. o

Item for a lathar for to reach the pulle of

the chimes ... ... ... ijs. iiij<£

Item for mending the seate in the queris-

tors pewe for setinge up a post in St.

John's Chauncell for mending of the

mats in the Councell's pewe and mend-
inge of the windinge doore at the Coleg:

for mending the latch of the Church

skalians doore and for a stone for the

Councells pewe doore ... ... o o xd.

Item payed for lyming the Church to

Thomas Crumpe — 4 dayes worke ... ijs. v]d.

Item for iij yards of greene kersy for the

pulpit /:. ... ... ... ixs. ixd.

Item for iiij ozs. and a dram of greene

silk to make iij yards and halfe qrter of

shortt fringe for the cushinge and ij

yards qrter and halfe of lounge fringe

ijs. ja£ an ozs. ... ... .„ viijs. ixd.

Item paed to j\Ir9 barns for making the

fringe ... ... ... ... j.9. yd.

Item a yard of greene p'petuana1 to bottom

the Cushinge ... ... .. ij$. Yjd.

Silk to Sett one the fringe ]d. tenter hooks

and Inckle for loups yi. ... ... ijd;

Item to Thomas Crumpe for making the

Cloth and Cushinge ... ... xd.

Item for halfe an ozs. and halfe a quarter

of Silke to make the tasels for the

Cushings xv^. for greene Gotten for the

same purpose vjd. for making to MrB

barnes xi]d. ... ... ... ijs. Yd.

1 Perpetuana — a sort of serge.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW,

123

Item for ij yards iij quarters of greene

perpetuana to make a border for the

pulpitt ijs. v'}d. yd. ... ... vjs. xd.

Item ij yards iij qrters of Lonnge greene

fringe for the same waynge iij ozs. lese

dram ijs. Y]d. an oz-;. ... ... vijs. iiija7.

In silke to sowe one the fringe i\]d. a dozen

of hooks \\]d. payed for the makin^e \]d. js.
Item paed for 28 quartes and a pint of

Clarett for the monthly Comvnion . . . xixs.

1622 to 1623.

Churchwardens. — Henry Pritchard and John Gregorie.1
Receipts.

It. for the grave of the Caterer his brother

law ... ... ... ... vjs. viijc?.

It. for the grave of Mr. Jones the Atturny vjs. viijci

It. rcceaved of Mr. Richard Cam for the

Churchowse for one yeare the some of iiijs.
Granted to Thomas Eyton Esqr Judith

Eyton his wife one whole pew in the

galery on the north sid wch was built

by Alexander Roberts Esqr lately in the

possession of Thomas ffowler Esqr

desessed & Elizabeth hopton widow &

Elizabeth hopton the yonger & by

them forfeicted for want of Inhabitinge

in towne & payinge church duties also

one other Little pew at the back of

William Lloyds his pew wherein the

said William lloyd hath a passage into

his pew for terme of their naturall Lives

& if they shall remain in towne and pay

church Duties <fc receaved for the same xxs.

Disbursements.

Itt. paid for ringing at the Returne of the

Prince from Spame ... ... iijs. injd.

to Crumpe for ringinge on Sfc Jame's day

the Kings holliday ... ... iijs, hip/.

paid Crumpe for ringinge for the Gowries

Conspiracy beinge the Kings holliday iijs, iiijV,

1 Died during his year of office

124 - churchwardens' accounts

It. paid for a Rope to hang the waight of

the Turning dore in the Church yard...
Ittm paid for Kinging at two sev'all times

at the Lord Presidents corning in
It. paid for ringing at the Countesse her

coming to Towne .. .
It. spent on the Sidemen
Paid Bond for 100 foote of glasse ...

1623 to 1624.

Churchwardens. William Rascoll and Richard Blcwe.

Receipts.

It'm Surrendered by Johan Sherwood

widdowe uppon the xxiijth day of March

1624 all that her seate in the north

my die He upon the sowth syde of the

same He betweene the seate of Mr

Richard Davies on the west syde and

the seate of John Jones on the East

syde neere the pullpitt

To hould to the use of William Sher-
wood her sonne and Margrete his wief

lor terme of theire if all Lyves and

granted upon the same srrender and

uppon sight of sev'all acts under

teste of the Sev'all Courts of Audiens

and Delegats1 above fourth and of the

Contynnance of the pos'sion of the said

Johan Sherwood ever sithence the said

acts made many ycares Last past unto

the said William Sherwood and Mar-

grette his wief The said whole seate soe

surrendered by the said Johan Sher-
wood for tearme of the if rail Lyves of

the said William and Margrett and rec.

for the same ... ... ... iijs. iiij^.

Hec. for Craves2 ... ... ... xiiij1 vjs. virp/.

1 The Audience Court belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury
and the Audience Court of the Archbishop of York. The High Court
of Delegates formerly the Court of Appeal from the Ecclesiastical and
Admiralty Courts— abolished by 2 & 3 Win. TV. c. 92.

2 In this year 43 people were buried inside the Church.

xy \d.

viiijar.
xxij^.
js. viij^.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW.

125

Disbursements.

It'ra for a Corde to hange the Lanthorne

at the Sowth Church doore... ... ijtf.

It'm for 4 Crooked plates for the chymes xipz\
It'm for a payer of Ciippers to twiste the

wiers of the Clocke and Chymes ... iiije/.
It'm paied to Lewys Gwii'm for a hooke

and three Cacthes for the said Chymes iiijs,
It'm for a mayne locke springe for the

Chymes ... ... ... ... ijs.

It'm for a Rownd ringe for the spindle of

the Chymes ... ... ... iiijtf.

It'm for viije Cletts of Iron and nayles for

the said Chymes ... ... ... viijd,

It'm for the hire of 2 Laborers for pulling

asunder the Chymes and setting to-
gether the same ... ... ... ijs.

It'm paied to Greene the Bellfounder

towards his Chardgs bv the appoyntmfc

of Mr Baylietfs ... ... " ...

It'm paied to Ed\vd Baker for leathering

a late breaehe in the Chyme Rope ...
It'm for mending and peecing the gable

for the Chymes ...
It'm for wyer for the Clocke and Chymes
It'm to Edward Baker for 3 yards of gable

Hope for the Chymes & for leathering

of 4 yards of the same Gable and for

shutting & leathering of the chyme

Hope in 2 places
It'm to Lewys Gwilim for xxiiij1' barres of

Iron for the wyndowes vvaighing xliiij

pownds ...

It'm to him for hanging the forebell and

lor 2 hooks to Challong Doore
It'm for Kingers upon the day that King

Charles was p'claymed
It'm to the organist for worke done in

amending the orgaines
It'm to Old field for Cominq- to see the

decayed Bells
L'm for Basing of twoc bells ...
It'm for a Ladder for the oriell
It'm to Thomas Crumpe for Hinging the

belles to cntertaync Sr E. Chamberlayne

at his first Oominer to Ludlowe

11JS.

injaf.

ijs.

iiijs.

xip/,

vjs.

viijrf.

xijs.

iiijs.

iijs.

iiijV.

xij//.

vs.

ijs.

ijs.

xij^r.

■

126 .churchwardens' accounts

1624 to 1625.

Churchwardens. — Edmond Gregory and William Evans.
Receipts.

Imprimis Collected by sessment for both

the Lewnes ... ... ... lis. 2d,

Item receaved of Mr Robert Tounshend

for the rent of the brick close due ev'y

third yere ... ... ... 0 <S 0

Item receaved of Mr Richard Hall the

some of xxs. wch was given by Mrs

Anderv Highs for repracons of the

•Church ... " ... " ... ... 1 0 0

Ite for the ould brick of the furnace in

wch the bells were Cast ... ... 0 4 0

Item for a paire of traces woh were

bought for the use of the takinge upp of

the bells & sould againe beinge over

worne ... ... ^ ... ... 0 0 10

Imprimis graunted to Sr John Walter

knight, Lord Chief Barron of his Courte

of exchequer at Westminster and to

William Walter esquier his sonne and

heyr all that pewe seat, or kneeling

place wthin the p'ish Church of St.

Lawrence in this towne of Ludlow on

the South side of the midle range or

lies there Duringe the naturall lives of

them the savd Sr John Waiter and

William Walter ... ... ... 0 0 0

Graunted the third day of Janery 1625 to

Thomas Moore and rl'rauncs his wief

for theyr natural I lieves all that midlmost

pewe of the three pewes under the

clock house surrendered to us for that

purpose by katherine posterne widowe

and have receaved for the same the

some of ... ... ... ... iijs.

Graunted the xxth day of Aprill 1625 to

Martha the wief of the right worship-
ful! Edward Waties Esquier one of the

kings mats Justices of his mats Coun-
sel 1 in the marches of Wales and to the

worshipfull Edward ffox Esquier and

Anne his wief one whole pewe in the

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW. 127

north He for terme of theyr naturall

lives upon the surrenders of Justice

Wattes and Thomas Blashfield gent.

and Jane Wilxe wydowe and receaved s d

lor the same ... ... ... 3 4

I te a grave for John Jones of the bell ... 0 6 8
Item a grave for M* John LLoyd under

the pentice ... ... ... 0 6 S

Disbursements.

Item payd to workmen for fetchinge a

ladder and reareingof him and to helpe

to remove him from wyndowe to wyn-

dow to mend the glassc wyndowes that

the last Churchwardens left unmended

and for mendinge and poyntinge the

two Corners of the Chauncell under the

broad Arrowe head Sz for lyme for the

same ... ... ... ... 0 2 6

Ite payd to the Chauncelor for that wee

wore Called in to theyr Courte the next

Courte after wee were sworne because

the last Churchwardens had answered

by theyr p'sentment that the glasse

wyndowes were then repay ringe as the

Judge of the Courte did Informe us

and yet noe such matter therefore wee

payd for frees then ijs. ij^. & we were

Called in againe by reason of theyr

p'sentment that the wyndowes were in

repayringe to certiffie that wee had

mended the wyndowes and for that

xxij^. ... ... ... 0 4 0

Item payd to Mr Thomas Coulbach C'lre1

for a newe booke Conccrninge prayer &

fastinge cvy AVensday xd
payd to R. Williams for two newTe books

more to give thankes that the plague is

neere seased in the kingdome xij</. 0 1 10
Ite payd to John Crowe for a Gable to let

Oowne the bells at the price of iiijtf. the

pound wch wayd six score and seven-

teene pounds wch Came to ... ... 2 5 8

1 Clerk.

128

CEURCH WA RDENS' ACCOUNTS

Payd to "Margery Vaughan for three Locks
for the greate Cheste in the vestery and
two for the Church gate and for pound -
inge of swvne out of the Churchyeard
&c. ..." ... ... ... 0

Item payd to Thomas Davies & Wra Pos-
terne for the house to Cast the bells in 0

Item payd for wier for the Chimes to
Thomas Peers and widowe Vaughan
beinge most of them broken wth takinge
downe the bells ... ... ... 0

Ite payd to Ribalds for throweinge out of
stones out of the place where the bells
were Cast and for makinge yt Cleane
and for takinge downe of a p'ticon
betweene Davies and Posterne and for
settinge up the p'ticon wall againe &
for makinge up a wall of stone that was
broken Downe into Davies garden to
make the syte of the furnace and for
Carrieing of eight hundred & a half of
brick out of Mr fishers Crab mill to the
Carte and for Carrieinqe of yt in to the
bell founder againc & for fillinge up the
pit againe were the bells were Cast ... 0

Ite payd to John Done for poyntinge the
w}mdowe ovr the weddinge Church Dore
and for Colloringe of him stone Collor
and for whi tinge all the body of the
Church and for Colloringe of the wyn-
dowes and the greate pillers up to the
boules of them wth red lead and for
whitinge the porch and Colloringe him
wth red lead againc and for Poyntinge
the two wyndowes in the Porch and
Colloringe them stone Collor on the out
side and to poynt and Crest the top of
the body of the Church and Chauncell
and all other needful! places there to be
poynted wth lyme and for puttinge a
stone in the bench in the porch and for
mendinge one of the buteryes of the
Church ...

Item payd to Marmaduke Pardoe for
mending the organs ... ... 0

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW.

Item paycl to William Baker for Drawe-
inge the artickles for the Castinge of
the two bells and makeinge of six three
quarter wheeles and stocks and hange-
inge of them and for Draweinge and
fayer writinge of them & for makinge two
bonds and two acquittancs for the same 0

Ite payd to ffrauncs Bibb, for three Dayes
worke and a half to make redy a prop
of xxiiijcr foot Longe and Draweinge
him up in the steeple and placinge him
there and for Draweinge up a barrell
and planks and boords to stand upon
to wynd the bells Downe and up agayne
and placinge them there and for one
Dayes worke and a half to wynd them
downe aqainc for himself & another
workeman ... ... ... 0

Payd to people to Carry up the poule to
make the prop in the steeple and the
barrels to Drawe downe and up the bells
from the widowe groves house to the
Church ... ... ... ... 0

lte payd to ffrauncs Bibb flor making a
scale to way the bells wth placinge of
the beame and borroweinge of waights
and brinsfeinge them home aq-aine and
for raysing up the bells to way them
and hclpinge to way the bells and for
navies to make scale ... ... 0

Item payd to Roynald at groves for a
peece of tymber to make a barrell to
wynd downe the bells ... ... 0

Ite payd to ffrauncs Bibb for makinge the
barrell to let Downe the bells ... 0

Ite payd to Edward Baker for three newe
bell ropes togeather to take up the
stocks and wheeles & other things ... 0

Ite payd to John Comer fur a beame to
waigh the bells and to frauncs Bebb to
make the beame ... ... ... 0

payd to John Crowe for two payer of tracs 0

lte payd for certen wooden burrs ro fasten
the glasse in the oriell and other places
in the Church ... .., ... 0

Vol. IT., 2nd S.

130 CHURCH WA PvDENS ' ACCOUNTS

Payd to Burd and Brompton for Drawe-
in<re downe the bells to be Cast and

o

Draweinge them up againe ... ... 0 2 8

Item payd to John Crowe for six newe

bell Roaps ... .., ... 2 4 8

Ite payd to Edward Rawlins for Carrie-

inge of five loads of Brick from Mr
. fiishers Crabb mill to the bell founder

and for Carrieinge of sixe loads of Clay

to him ... ' ... ... ..' 0 ?> 2

payd to Mr Lacy and the workmen at the

forge for makinge newe the Clapper of

the greate bell all savinge the eye of

him and all the Iron that was broken

of wee sould to helpe to pay for him

and yet wee payd besides the money

wch wee had for the ould Iron ..\ 0 16 7

1025 to 1626.
Churchwardens. John Lythall and Edward Edwin.

Receipts.

ffor graves1 ... ... ... xijli. yjs. viijc?,

ffor Tocken money ... ... ... ijli.

of Mrs Cam widow ft or one ye are of the

Church howsse ... ... ... iiijs.

Granted the xth of Janeary 1626 to James

hunt of the Bell ffor tearme of his

naturall Life one kneling which was the

kneling of John Jonncs his wiffs ftbrmer

husband deaceased in the midle He neare

the ffbunt toward the south dore and

Receivd ffor the same to the use of the

parish ... ... ... ...

Granted the viijth daye of ffeberary 1626

to Johan the now wife of Henry Hould

flibr term of her naterall LifTe one knel-
ing in the galery which was the kneling

of Mary hould Late deceased and Red.

ffor the same to the us.se of the parish xijd.
Granted the ix daye of Aprill 1627 to

ftraneis the now wifte of Richard

1 The list of graves contains this item ; — " The grave of a prisoner
ffrom John Daves hows vis. viijc/."

OF TflE TOWN OF LUDLOW* 131

Edwards gent and now high BayMe of

this tovvne of Ludlow ffor tcarm of her

naterall Lifife one halfc pew Surendered

by her husband for that purpose being

in the midle lie and south Rainge and

Reced to the usse of the parish ... x\\d.
Granted the xth daye of Aprill 1627 to

margret the now wiffe of Adam Ac con

gent and to Alee the now wiffe of
Richard Selman gent, for
stayd for Mrs Sol- tearin of theyr naturall

man because Hie Lives OllC halfe pewwhich
Churchwardens j }f Mr Thomas

doc not a grce L
for Tier Leryes Late deceased be-

inof in the midle He and

north Jiainge provided that the Right

honuerabl the now Countice of North

hampton shall have the usse thereof

during her Residence in towne for her

gcntell women Rd of the prish in Regard

of the promise ... ... ... ijj,

(•ranted the xviijth daye of Aprill 1G27 to

M15 Chester Beliilgham for tcarm of her

naturall Life one halfe pew in the north

galery & halfe a little pew at the Bak

of M.r William Loyd his pewen wh is

wer the pewes of Thomas hatton Esquier

hat deaceased and Received to the usse

of the p'rish1 ... ... ... xs.

Disbursements.

To Thomas Thomson in earnest lor poynt-

ing the Steple ... ... ... iiijr/.

payd him for three woks work ... xviijs. \\\<1.

ti or Eggs ... ... ... ... vs. vd.

1 bed cord to bind the ehayer... ... xijd

1 buket payle to Gary morter ... ... iiij</.

1 Sitfe to Sift Limo ... ... ... iiijV/.

payd Thomas Marsh ffor a policy ... xnd.
payd Richard Clarke ftor Eayght dayes

worke in the steple ... ... viijs. viijdL

Som of prawntos of pewes ij//. viijs. i i i j r/.

132 CH U RC B W A ftDEXs' ACCOU NTS

ffor vij dayes worke ftbr shralycs boy ... iijs. vjcZ.

payd ffor a man to work with Thomas j

day ... ... ... ... x\](L

vij load of Lime at xd ... ... vs. xd.

ffor glovers shreads and ffier to boyle

them ... ... ... ... iijs. iiijr/.

payd ffor three bushelis of malt ... xvs.

ftbr stroung work ... ... ... iiijr/.

ffor ffier ... ... ... ... v )d.

payd Richard Lewes ffor 43lj 2GH & 21Ji

all 90n ffbwer score & ten11 3d ... xxijs. vjc/.

one Iron pin ffor the polley ... ... vjd.

1 kayc ffor the stayer ff'ont Dore of the

steple ... ... ... iiijd.

to Walter stead ffor a Hope to hang the

Chayer ... ... ... ... iijs. iyl

payd Richard Lewes ffor iiij Cramps 22//.

at 3d ... ... ... ... vs. vjc?.

CM. of Lead & Soder ... ... xijcZ.

payd ffor xiij1' of Lead ... ... xxrZ.

payd Richard Edwin ffor 30" halfe of Lead

at ... ... ... ... iijs. xd.

payd Thomas Thomson ftbr poynting the

Steple and Seting of xxv Cramps ... iij//.
payd phillip harp1- ffor xn halfe of lead ... xviijcZ.
payd Richard Lewes ffor 971' of Crampes

& Tap1' wedges at 3d ... ... xxiiijs. iijrf.

payd him more ffor I) a C1 lesse 2U of

Cramps & wedges at 3d being 541' ... xiijs. vjd.

7 pines ffor the Chimes ... ... vijc/.

xiiij li of lead ... ... ... xxijcZ.

payd Richard Lewes ffor Cramps and hoks

ffor the Dore of the steple ... ... vjs.

payd Richard Lewes ftbr Irones for the

Callen Dores ... ... ... xvd.

nayles and a springe ffor the Chimes ... iiijtZ.
payd Franncis Lib ftbr mending the Calen

Dores ... ... ... ... xvd.

payd Kichard hill of Bromfild ftbr mend-
ing the Claper of the treble bell ... vijs.
piiytl for the making Cleane of the Chan-

eell at the Burial! of John ft'ox his wife iiijcZ.

1 Half a hundred.

1

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW. 133

ftbr a kayo to the vestory doro ... viijc?.

ffor tow Kopps To Thomas peirce ... viijs.
a loke l'for the Churchyard gate ... iiijc?.

iiij matts in the Justices pews ... vii'yl.

payd ffor the Removing of the great Lather iiijc?.
Salit oyle ... ... ... ... vjcZ.

oyle ffor the Chimes... ... ... ijc?.

ffor a Rope ffor the Clock ... ... iiijs.

payd John havort ffor mending the top of

the beare ... ... ... xd.

ftbr two Boks ffor thanksgivinge ... ijs.

ffor a matt in my Lords pew ... ... viijc?.

payd John ffox for mending the Chims... xs.
payd the Chancier when wee wer Caleclin

to Ivepayer or Churchyad ... ... xixd.

payd bibs sonne ffor going to the Rock to

Icvenes ffor a Rope ... ...

payd ffor the Rope to Ievencs ... xixs. iiijc/.

payd Richard Lewes ffor a kaye to the

organs upon p'does1 going away ... iiijcZ.
payd ffr. Bib ffor stoping the waye to the

orgones ... ..." ... ... vjc?.

ffor a Cord to the Coledge Churchyard

gatts ... ... ... " ... ijd

payd at the Delivering in of my Lord

bishops presentment ... .. ijs. vjcL

To Thomas Roe ffor his whole ycares wages xiiijs.
To John Loyd ffor blowing the orgones... vs.
To John Clarke ffor binding the great

Bible ... ... ... ... xiiis. iiij d.

ffor binding tow Boks of Comon prayer. . . vijs. viijci.

to Mr Baxter ffor tow Bokes of prayer ffor

staye of the plage. . ... ... ijs. iiijc?.

to John ffox ffor mending the Baldripp

of the second Bell .. ... ... vja7.

at or acount in the Easter weke ... vs.

ffor the wrighting of tow ]>rcsentments... ijs.
payd ttichard Lewes ffor a boke to the

Lille orgones ... ... .. \'uy.L

ffor wrighting the to boks of a seasment iiijs.
payd ffor v pints of wine ffor the Sacre-

ment the iiijth of May 1627... ... ijs. ijci.

1 iWdoe's.

134

GH U 11CH WARDENS ACCOUNTS

ld Bread

ffor Cramps and Irenes ffor the wlieles of

the great bell
ffor a great Staple ...
To Mr Parson Col bach ffor keping the

Regester Bofce
To Mr Richard Mitt on To wen Clark ffor
the ingrocing of the acount flayer in the
Church Boke
To Griffith Regnales ffor his whole

yeares wages
ffor washing the Communion Table cloth
payd Richard Clench the elder ffor keping
the Chimes and Cloke ffor the yeare
past 1G25 by order of the sidmen upon
his pcticcon
ffor his wages ff'or the whole yeare
p'd Richard Clench the younger more
the 23 September ffor wier ffor the
Chimes ... ... ... vt]d.

oyle iVor the bells ... y]d.

Slips to ty the Balripps ... iij<7.
Lether ff'or the Baldripps ijs. vjd
ffor Ringing at Whisontid and Easter ..
ffor Ringing upon Candlemas Daye being

the Coronation
ffor wine for the Sacrements
The Hirst of May iij pints. ...

vli.

iiijth June j gall of wine

1JS.

ijs.
iij s.
ijs.
i>.
ijs.

xijd
viijJ.

the second of Julii iij quarts
vjth of August v quarts
iijd September 3 quarts

1 October 3 quarts
Vth November iiij quarts
iij December v pints
7 Janearii G quarts vs.

2 of lleberarii 3 quarts ijs.
in Bread

payd the aparetor ffor his flees when he
brought the Book of Articles

payd the Chancier for Continence of the
Cause tell nex Court when we wer
Called ffor not Reparing the Church-
yard

payd ffor the Dismision of that Cause ...

iiijj.

viijc/.
xkd

vjd
xij(/.

y ill

iijs. iiijcZ.
v]d.

ijs.

iijs. iiij<£

vjs. viijc?.
xijd.

vs.

vjs. viij<7.

iijs. ixc?.
ixs. iiij

iijs. iiijd.

vs. xd.

ii\]d.

iiijdf.
vijrf.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW.

1:35

Disbursements ffor the galery in the
Steplc mad and built this prsent yeare

payd Samewell Arden and ffrancis Bib in

Ernest ...
pd ffrancis Bib ffor vj dayes and a halfe

to Lokc timber
payd ftrancis Bib ffor making fframing &

Rearing the gallery
payd him more

payd George polter ffor viij Tonn of

Timber at vijs, vjdf.
iij C. of plankes at viijs. vjd ...
Tow 0. of Bords ... " ...
flor sawing and Cutting of ij Loung peces

of Timber for
more payd him of this acount.
more fior iiij 0. of Jesse viij ffout of

plankes at viijs. vj(7. p. C. ...
1 0. of xijd nayles ...
payd Richard Leowes ffor a payer of

hinges ffor a Dore with in the steple...
a kayo to the Litell orgon Dore
3," of Lead to ffasten the hooks
payd Tliomas pearce flor a lok for that

Dure

payd ffor the Carag of planks ffrom my

felowes howes
payd Richard Lcowes Smith

vl.

vjs.

iijW

XX VS.

xjs.
xiiij.s.

xxxiijs.

xviijtZ.

vjV.
yyd.

xiijr/.
iijri.
vj<J.

xd.

vj,/.

iiijd naylcs
vjd wedges

viijcZ ^

iiij d. j

vjtf.J

ftor Cramps ffor the whole of

the great bell ...
ffor plattes and one Cramp ...
ffor a great staple ...
payd ffrancis Bib ffor the mending of the
Tow wholes that wer broken and ffor
puting up the pillers a bout the galery
Eye

payd John havert ffor torning of 32 pillers
and 4 great pillers about the ey of the
galerii ... ... ...

payd John Colier for his man a day to
put up hinges ffor the Dore in the steple

payd Walter 'Stead ffor navies

vijs.

11JS.

vijs.
iijs.

vijd

136

CHURCH W A RDENS' ACCOUNTS

payd Richard Leowes for Cramps and

tow hoks ffor the galery ... ... vijs.

To ffrancis bib ffor to dayes worke more ijs.

ffor tow C. of viiyl. navies ... ... xvjcL

payd Richard Leowes ffor a hok & a hing

to draw up the End of the galery to

goe into the steple ... ... xijdL

More for iij Cramps to ty the Rafters of

the out gallery to the windoes ... x\j^
ffor a staple ... .. ... Yu'yi.

To Thomas Thomson ffor ix dayes worke

ffor making of a Dore throw the Steple

and other worke ... ... ... ixs.

To bibs sonn ffor going ffor Sam'ell Arden x viijcJ.

ffor sawing a pece of Timber in the wood xviijcZ.
Spennt at the Garage of to load of Timber viijti.
To Thomas Thompson for one days worke xijcL
Spennt at the Rearing of the gallry upon

the Laborers ... ... ... vijs.

for ocken ponies ffor the wind ... \]d.

ffor halfe a C. of Bords to Richard Cook iijs. vjo7.

ffor frilling the Sawpitt & Garage of

Timber ... ... ... ... viijcL

Spent in going to Bleathwood... .., xd,

payd ffrancis Brompton ffor Garage of v

load of Timber iij at iij.?. vj<7.- — xs. vjcZ.

ij load at iiijs. viijs. xviijs. yjcZ.

Mr Larkin tow Load at ... ... vijs. vjdL

and one Load at ... ... ... iiijs.

payd Thomas Lyall ffor Garage of tow

Loung Somers1 upon a thrust wayne... xvijs. viijc?.

Spent in Loading the timber ... ... xviijd

Spent at the Receving of the Somers

whom ... ... ... ... xviijcZ.

payd Rawlines ffor Carag of a peeo of

Timber ffrom the Castle ... ... vjc?.

Receipts £52 14 10
Payments £50 1 8

It is at this Daye ordered by the Churchwardens and p'ish
that in respect the p'ish have had occasion to use p'tc of the
top of the high Chauncell for awayc to the galery wher they
Ringc that so" much of the said Rooffe of the said. Chauncell
and galery wch is so used to the use of the p'ish shalbe by the

1 Summer — a pirdcr.

OF THE TOWN OF LUDLOW.

137

said p'ish for ev' maynteyned and the new Churchwardens to
pay to Mr Parson Colbach for his damages for this yeare sus-
teyned vjs-. ]d. and Mr Parson to keepe his doore and lock
there.

Then it is ordered by the Churchwardens and p'ish that the
Church howsc in the poss' of Mrd Cane shalbe for the only use
of the p'ish and thatt the Churchwardens that now arc shall
enter upon the same to thuse of the p'ish.

Xote. — The following interesting minute is copied from the
minute books of the Corporation : — •

Apuct riovani Mansionem xij° die Julii Anno Dni 1G2G.

It is at this day ordered that Mr Baylieffs (calling unto them the
Churchwardens and Sidemen of the p'ish) shall cause a sufficient
graunt to be entreel for the repayring of the chamber over the
Church porch on the South side to be made a sufficient place for a
librarie, according to the Lord Bishoppes graunt k desire.

1626 to 1627.

Churchwardens. Richard Wilks and Ralph Hackluite.
Receipts.

It. f«>r some of the old tymber sold of

t lie Church Callends wch was left ... y'n^d.
Item Receaved for old lead and smale

peeces of new lead at one

pennye ob. p' pounde ... ... iiijZi. js. ixd,

Graunts of pewes1 ... ... ... xxxvjs.

It is at this day ordered that the Church-
wardens that nowe be shall pave to Rd

Pond the som of xxs. towards his great

losses by the greate wynds this yeare.
Ordered that the Churchwardens that

now is shall enter upon the howsc in

the Churchyard or p'sently sue for the

same upon the Cost of the p'ish.

1627 to 1628.
Churchwardens. Walter Steade and Jonas Doe.

Receipts.

Graunted unto Anne Blashfield wvdowe
the 22th of November 1628 that kneel-
inge place or moitie of the pewe wherein
her nather kneeled together wth a litle

1 Amongst the grants is one to " Richard Mitton, Town Clerk
of Ludlow."

138 CHURCHWARDENS* accounts

alley to passe through to the said pewe
for the tcarme of her life and was by
her father surrendered to us for that
purpose and reccaved for the same ...
Graunted unto John Crosse and to Joan
his wife and to the longer liver of them
both for the tearme of theire naturall
lives the one halfe of a pewe beinge the
second pewe in the Gallery built by M1'
Allexander Kobt's wch half is the half
next the pullpitt and was s'rend'red by
Mr Wm Rascal I to us for that purpose
& receaved for the same

Disbursements.

Item for a newe Comunion bookc
Item payd for a lader for the Church ...
Item bestowed upon Richard Lane & his

4 men for theire advice about the

pinacle in bread and beere to them and

to the Ringers
Item to him1 for 4 dayes work for trus-

seinge up the whole 5 bells...

1628 to 1(320.

Churchwardens. Phillip Clark and Richard Cupper.
Receipts.

Graunted to Edward Turscott 28 of

August 1 G 29 the knealing in the seate

that was his mothers' being the second

pew next the church dore ov' against

the Almes people pewes & have receaved

for the same ... ... ... x\]d.

Graunted the loth Febreary 1620 to John

Cupper one knelinge in the pew next

under the staires at the North dore

wch was the knelinge of his wiefe

Catherine lately deceased and rccieved

for the same ... ... ... xi\d.

Graunted the 8th of Aprell IGoO to Mr

Ricliard flletcher scholemaister of the

tfree schole for tearme of his naturall

licfe, if soc longe that hec continue in

towne one whole pew under the Clock

IP-

viijj. vj</.
J*

iiiji-.

Francis Bibb.

OF TJilS TOWN OF LUDLOW,

139

howsc \vch was lately the pew of Valen-
tine Dawes gent deceased Provided that
George Betts esq1' stuard of his Mats
Howshold shall have a place their so
long as He continueth in Towne and
have receaved for the same ... vj.s'.

Graunted 13en of March 1G29 to Wni
Robart Horn minister of God's word
for tearme of his natural! liefe on kneal-
inge place next to the dore wch was
taken out of the Alloy & beinge the
first knelinge in the pew where in
Thomas Taylor hath two knealings and
receaved for the same ... ... iijs. iiijcZ.

Disbursements.

paid by the appointment of the sidemen

to Richard Lane for his paynes and his

opinion in veiwinge the pinackle1 ... iijs. iiij^/.

paid the Ringers for ringing when the

sidemen were up on the steeple wth

Lane for to veiwe it ... ... xij<^.

paid a man to fetch Lane from Wistenstow xij</.
paid ffrancis Bibb for a dore for thentry

into the steple and for his worke ... xxijV.
payd John Havord for a post for the diall

in the Church yard ... ... xviijW.

paid Mrs Smith for mendinge. the strake

of the diall ... ... ...

payd Mr Lawrence & George Atkinson for

gilding the king's Armes the pulpitt &

the clock howse & payntingc the rest

on the church walles ... ... ix/v. x'n]s. iiijV.

payd Thomas Havort for the frame for the

king's Armes & for the 10 Comaund-

ments ... ... ... ... iiij/?. xs.

for iiij plates of Iron for the kings armes xijd.
for puttinge the Iron into the wall wth

lead for to hould the box ... ... vjV.

for making a new poore mans box ... ijs.

1 A pud novam ftfansioncm tertio die Septemh™ 1629.

It is at this day ordered That Thomas Heath, Ellis Bede Valentyne
Dawes and Adam Acton gent, shall wyne wth the Churchwardens and
sidemen to conferr and agree \vl1' a workman for amend in ge of the
Steeple and pinaeles thereof.

140 CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS OF LUDLOW.

payd to the ringers for ringing at Wm

Smithes fast'ning of the pinnackle ... vjV.
paid to Wm Smith for mendinge the

Pinackle. . ... ... ... xs.

paid for colloringfe mending Kr Draydons

surplise ... ... ... ... Y]d.

payd for Ringing at the Countesse her

coming from Bewdley to Ludlow .. xijV.
paid for ringinge twise for the king at

Candlemass & on the 27th of March ... vj.s. viijV,

for a Rope to hang the Candles at

Chrismas ... ... ... xd.

payd Bibb for the timber & worke of the

Church porch & putting it up ... xvs.

payd John Collier for 5 dayes worke for

hewing of stone & coyning under the

hiH'\vth it at 1¥ the day ... ... vs. xd.

payd to John Collier & iiij other workemen

for makinge the Cawsey that leadeth

from the new do re unto the Church and

also to ij° other men lor digging Sz car-

ringe of stone to them for the pavement xviip. Yd.
payd Bibb for the timber & the worke for

the new dore into the Churchyard &

the putting it up & for the Iron worke xxvj.9. viijrf.
payd Griffith Raynolds and William

Chyrme for enquiringe & taking the

names of all the Communicants in the

Towne ... ... ... ... iijj\

Memorand' that it is ordered & agreed

uppon by the Churchwardens k> other

or the parish of Ludlow the 27 day of

fteay IGoO that at the request of Mr

Tho: Colbatch Parson of the same that

the said parish from time to time heer-

after shall save & harmelesse keepe the

said Tho : Colbatch from all damages

that shall heerafter happen unto him

from the fall of one piniiclc that is loose

over the highe Chauncell or by any

other casualty that may come from the

Steeple of the said Church unto the

Chauncell wch the Parson for the time

beinge is under to repaire

( To be Con tin vol ).

141

ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON
AT THE RESTORATION 1660.

With Introduction by Rev. THOMAS AUDEN, M A.

The restoration of Monarchy in England, in the year
1660, formed a great crisis in the history of the Nation,
from whatever point regarded. It was essentially
of the nature of a reaction, and, therefore had in it
elements of exaggeration, — joy that was destined to
fade, and hopes which were doomed to disappointment; —
but it is hardly possible to overestimate its importance
both politically and religiously, for it was a reaction in
both these aspects. Cromwell's rule was almost
entirely personal ; his power centred in his own tower-
ing individuality; in everything but the name he wras
an absolute monarch, holding the reins of both domestic
and foreign policy in his own firm hands; and when those
hands relaxed in death, there was no one ready to take
them up, and the authority which he had wielded
simply melted away. Among neighbouring nations the
result was the revival of hopes of aggression ; at home
it took to a great extent the form of a Jononno; for the
return of a reign of law, as opposed to a military
despotism. In the words of Palgrave1

He rests : And the storm-clouds have fled, and the sunshine of nature
repressed

Breaks o'er the realm in smiles, and the land again has her rest.

But, as the words just quoted suggest, the reaction
of the Restoration was very largely religious. Puritan-
ism, with all its back bone of high principle, was

Visions of England, Cassell's Edition, p. 125.
Vol. II., 2nd S.

142

ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

unnatural ; it put a strain upon men which they could
not hear, and the inevitable result was a swing of the
pendulum in the opposite direction.

In a word, the effect of the Commonwealth upon the
nation as a whole was to develop a longing for a sense
of freedom.

Oliver Cromwell died September 3rd, 1658, and this
event was speedily followed by the retirement of his
son, Richard, whom he had appointed as his successor
in the office of Protector. The destinies of the nation
then rested mainly in the hands of General Monk, and
he determined to throw in his lot with those who
desired the restoration of the Monarchy.

Charles II. was at this time in Flanders, which
belonged to the kingdom of Spain, but by tiie advice
of Monk, with whom he was now in communication, he
removed into Holland, and took up his quarters at
Breda. On his way thither, he was met between
Antwerp and Breda by Sir John Grenvile, and to him
he committed for transmission to the General several
impor'ant dispatches. These were : — 1 " To our trusty
and well -beloved General Monk, to be by him com-
municated to the President and Council of State, and
to the Officers of the armies under his command."

" To our trusty and well- beloved, the Speaker of the
House of Commons."

To the Peers —To the Fleet,—" To the Lord Mayor,
Aldermen, and Common Council of our City of
London," — and lastly, " His Majesty's Declaration."

This Declaration was as follows : —

Charles R.

Charles, by the grace of God, king of England, Scotland,
France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. To all our
loving subjects of what degree or quality soever, greeting. If
the general distraction and confusion, which is spread over the
whole kingdom, doth not awaken all men to a desire, and
longing, that those wounds, which have so many years together

1 They will bo found at length in Clarendon's History of the
Rebellion.

AT THE RESTORATION, 1660.

143

been kept bleeding, may be bound up, all we can say will be
to no purpose. However, after this long silence, we have
thought it our duty to declare, how much we desire to contri-
bute thereunto : and that, as we can never give over the hope,
in good time, to obtain the possession of that right, which God
and nature hath made our due ; so we do make it our daily
suit to the divine Providence, that he will, in compassion to
us and our subjects, after so long misery and sufferings, remit,
and put us into a quiet and peaceable possession of that our
right, with as little blood and damage to our people as is
possible ; nor do we desire more to enjoy what is ours, than
that all our subjects may enjoy what by law is theirs, by a full
and entire administration of justice throughout the land, and
by extending our mercy where it is wanted and deserved.

And to the end that fear of punishment may not engage any
conscious to themselves of what is past, to a perseverance in
guilt for the future, by opposing the quiet and happiness of
their country, in the restoration both of king, and peers, and
people, to their just, ancient and fundamental rights; we do
by these presents declare, that we do grant a free and general
pardon, which we are ready, upon demand, to pass under our
great seal of England, to all our subjects of what degree or
quality soever, who, within forty days after the publishing
hereof, shall lay hold upon this our grace and favour, and shall
by any public act declare their doing so, and that they return
to the loyalty and obedience of good subjects, excepting only
such persons as shall hereafter be excepted by Parliament.
Those only excepted, let all our subjects, how faulty soever,
rely upon the word of a king, solemnly given by this present
declaration, that no crime whatsoever committed against us, or
our royal father, before the publication of this, shall ever
rise in judgment, or be brought in question, against any of
them, to the least indamagement of them, either in their lives,
liberties, or estates, or (as far as lies in our power) so much as
to the prejudice of their reputations, by any reproach, or terms
of distinction from the rest of our best subjects ; we desiring
and ordaining, that henceforward all notes of discord, separa-
tion, and difference of parties, be utterly abolished among all
our subjects, whom we invite and conjure to a perfect union
among themselves, under our protection, for the resettlement
of our just rights, and theirs, in a free Parliament, by which,
upon the word of a king, we will be advised.

And because the passion and uncharitableness of the times
have produced several opinions in religion, by which men arc
engaged in parties and animosities against each other; which

144 ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

when they shall hereafter unite in a freedom of conversation,
will be composed, or better understood ; we do declare a
liberty to tender consciences ; and that no man shall bo dis-
quieted, or called in question, for differences of opinion in
matters of religion which do not disturb the peace of the
kingdom ; and that we shall be ready to consent to such an
Act of Parliament, as, upon mature deliberation, shall be
offered to us, for the full granting that indulgence.

And because in the continued distractions of so many years,
and so many and great revolutions, many grants and purchases
of estates have been made to and by many officers, soldiers and
others, who are now possessed of the same, and who may be
liable to actions at law, upon several titles ; we are likewise
willing that all such differences, and all things relating to such
grants, sales, and purchases, shall be determined in Parliament,
which can best provide for the just satisfaction of all men who
are concerned.

And we do farther declare, that we will be ready to consent
to any Act or Acts of Parliament to the purposes aforesaid,
and for the full satisfaction of all arrears due to the officers
and soldiers of the army under the command of General Monk;
and that they shall be received into our service upon as good
pay and conditions as they now enjoy.

Given under our Sign Manual and Privy Signet at our
Court at Breda, the 4/14th day of April, 16G0, in the twelfth
year of our reign.

Clarendon1 thus describes the reception of these
despatches by the House of Commons. " The House
immediate]}' called to have both letters read, that to
the General, and that to the Speaker, which being-
done, the declaration was as greedily called for and read.
And from that time 1 Charles Stuart ' was no more
heard of ; and so uni versal a joy was never seen within
those walls." In Calamy's2 account there is a
characteristic supplement to these statements of
Clarendon, which is interesting as supplying the
religious aspect of t he transaction, as well as the merely
political. "The new* Parliament meeting presently
appointed a day of fasting and prayer for themselves.

1 History of the Mcbellion (Oxford, 1843), ]>. 903.

2 XonconformitfS MfnioHat (1802), Vol. i. p. 19.

r •

AT THE RESTORATION , 1660. 145

The House of Commons chose Dr. Gauden, Mr. Calamy,
and Mr. Baxter, to carry on the work of the day. The
very next morning, May 1, 1660, they unanimously
voted home the king, who being sent for from Holland,
Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Bowles, and others, were
deputed by the Parliament and City to attend him.
His Majesty gave them such encouraging promises, as
raised in some of them very high expectations, When
he made his entrance, May 29, 1660, as he passed thro'
the city towards Westminster, the London ministers, in
their [daces, attended him with acclamations, and by
the hands of old Mr. Arthur Jackson, presented him
with a richly adorned Bible, which he received, telling
them 1 It should be the rule of his government and of
his life.'"

It is beyond the scope of this paper to point out how
little were realised the hopes which Charles excited in
all the different parties winch united to welcome him.
Suffice it to say, that his welcome was beyond precedent
enthusiastic and universal ; and this was largely due to
the assurances contained in his " Declaration. ;'

Among the Shrewsbury Municipal Records is pre-
served a bundle of parchment strips, tied together,
which are the original declarations of those in the town
and neighbourhood, who availed themselves of the
King's offer of pardon. They are all according to the
same form, which is as follows : —

" In pursuance of the gratious declaracon of his most
Excellent Matie and my Sovraigne Lord Charles the Second bv
the grace of God King of England Scottland Ffrance & Ireland,
Defender ofye faith &c. given under his Maties Signe Manuel
privy Signett att his Court at Breda the 4/1 4th of April last
and the fourth of May last ordered by the Comons house to be

printed and published, I of in the County of

Salop doe with most humble and harty thankffiillness

lay hold upon his Mtics free and generall p'don by the said
declaracon granted And I doe hereby publiquely declare that
I doe lay hold upon that his Mtios grace & favour and that I
am and will continue his Mtics loyal obediant Subject. In
testinionv whereof 1 have hereunto subscribed my name this

146

ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

day of Juno in the twelfth year of his MtieS raigne and in

the yeare of our Lord 1060.

This declaracon was publiquely made and subscribed the
said day of June by the above named before

The only noticeable variation from this form is in the
case of Gabriel Lloyd '; of Poole, in the County ot
Mauntgondy." Probably from the fact of his belong-
ing to another county, his acceptance is described as
not only " published, made and subscribed before mee
Jo : Walthall Esq1', Mayo1' of Shrewsbury," but also as
" filed and recorded in the Excheq1' of Shrewsbury."

All the Declarations bear date from the Oth to the
9 tli of June, inclusive, and are in excellent preserva-
tion, only two or three of the names being difficult to
decipher.

They number altogether 87, and as they may be
regarded as an epitome of the Puritanism of this part
of the county, some idea may be derived from them as
to the social grades of which it took the firmest hold.
An analysis of the trades and professions mentioned,
shows that the number embraced 5 esquires, 17 gentle-
men, and 3 clergy ; but far the larger part were engaged
in some form of business, ranging from glovers and
drapers down to handicraftsmen. To these must be
added a small country contingent, consisting of 4
yeomen and 3 husbandmen ; and lastly, a few7 soldiers.
It is clear from this, that although Puritanism had its
adherents to some extent in all grades, its strength lay
in the great middle class, which has so often proved itself
the backbone of England. It is a fact pointing in the
same direction, that of the 87, all were sufficiently
educated to write their name, except 14 who affixed
their mark instead of their signature.

It should also be noticed, that although most of the
declarations bear at least one seal, these seals are
used in a very indiscriminate way. Declarants fol-
lowing some humble trade make use of an elaborate
coat of arms, while among those witnessing the

AT THE RESTORATION, 1 660.

147

declarations, the same person uses a different seal in
different cases. It is clear that by the middle of the
17th century, the use of a particular seal had ceased to
be any certain clue to the identity of the person who
used it.

The following list embraces the names (1) of those
— three in number — before whom some of the de-
clarations wTere made, but who were not themselves
declarants; and (2) of the declarants, arranged in order
of date. In each case, notes (which are the work of
Miss Auden) have been added, wherever anything could
be found to throw light upon the history of the person
in question. In every instance where the residence is
not expressly stated, Shrewsbury is to be understood.

WITNESSES.

J aim Walthall esqr., " Maior " of Shrewsbury, who witnessed
several of the declarations was a draper. He was one of the
48 assistants mentioned in Charles l.'s charter in 1638.

His arms are given in Owen and Blakeway, as "per pale argent
and sable, a saltire surmounted of another engrailed, both
counter changed," but the seal he uses is, " on a chevron, 3
(?) garbs. Crest, a lion rampant."

Charles Benyon was bailiff in 1625 and 1634, a Mayor in
1644 and 1651. He was one of the aldermen appointed by the
Charter of 1038, and is there called simply, gentleman/ His
arms are given as, " vairee argent and sable, on a chief or, 3
mullets of the 2nd. Crest, a Lrnhin, segreant." These arms were
borne in 1663 by Daniel Benyon of Ash. Charles Benyon,
however, uses a seal of a lion rampant, much resembling" the
crest of the coat of arms used by John Walthall. In 1621
Charles Bennion, gentleman, held part of the Chapel-yard field
on Coton Hill.

Thomas Hunt, governor of Shrewsbury Castle was a man of
some note. He was of a Puritan family" being son of Richard
Hunt, and a sisfcr of Rowland Heylyn,' alderman of London.
His grandfather was Thomas Hunt, of Goldston, near
Cheswardine. The Hunts of Boreatton are his descendants.
He was living in St. Julian's parish in 1649, when he rilled
the office of churchwarden. In 1647, he was member of a
committee formed to overlook matters connected with the
Church, and in 1657, when he was Mayor of Shrewsbury, he
took an active part in attempting to persuade Henry

148

ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

Newcombe to become minister of St. Julian's. He is then
called Captain Thomas Hunt. In 1G42, he had been removed
from the town council, for having "taken upon himself to be
captain of the Militia," and for having been active against the
King; but in 1G45, he was restored to the office of alderman,
and in 1654, he succeeded Humfrey Mackworth, of Betton, as
Governor of Shrewsbury.

Elinor, wife of " Capt. Hunt," was buried in St. Julian's in
164G, and in 1640, Elizabeth, daughter of "Mr. Thos. Hunt."
was buried there.

In receiving the declarations he does not seem to have been
careful as to what seal he used ; out of the seven which he
witnesses, four are sealed with his own arms, ,£ a saltire counter-
changed. Crest, a talbot sejant, tied to a halbert on two, his
seal is a stag ; and on one a coat of arms in very good preser-
vation, " 3 mullets, in chief 3 leopards' heads. Crest, a
leopard's head couped, collared with 3 mullets." This is the
coat of arms of the FewtrelK

June G, ] G60. DEC LA RANTS.

Richard Smith, of Great Ness, gentleman. Before John
Walthall, Esq., maior of Shrewsbury.

This seal is nearly obliterated, all that can be now traced is two
martlets at the base of the shield, with what may be the end of a
cross or bend ber ween them. The arms of Smith of Morville arc
" sable, abend between 6 martlets argent" and Richard was a general
name in that family.

Edward Bawdewin, of Didlebury, Esq. Before John Walthall.

He was son of Thomas Bawdewin, of Diddlebury, and Gertrude,
daughter of Ilobqrt Corbet, of Stanwardine. His wife was Mary,
daughter of Edward Lutwieh. In 1663, his arms were entered at
the Heralds' Visitation, with 20 quarterings, but his seal on the
declaration is nearly obliterated.

Gabriell Lloyd of Poole, in the County of Mountgondy,
gentleman. Before John Walthall.

One of this unusual Christian name lived in Shropshire a few years
earlier : — Gabriel Lloyd, of Ellerton, Esq., was buried in 1632 in
Chcswardine Church. His arms were "a chevron between 3 dolphins
nahuit," but the seal of this declaration is too much crumbled for its
design to be made out. It apparently had lettering upon it.

June 7.

Captain Edward Turner. Before John Walthall.

There was a family of this name settled at Shrewsbury and at
Astley. Sir Timothy Tumour was a man of some note in the 17th

AT THE RESTORATION, 1660.

149

century. He was a staunch Royalist, and suffered heavily for his
loyalty. His eldest son Timothy, however, took the side of the
Parliament, and formed one of the garrison of Wem. He was
severely wounded at the taking of Lilleshall House.

Benjamin Hinde, mercer. Before John Walthall,

He was son of William Hinde of Bunbury, co. Chester, Clarke, and
was admitted freeman of the Mercer's Company in 1636. In 1640
he was one of the Wardens, and in 1663, his son Samuel was ap-
prenticed to him. Two tokens issued by him are still extant. His
seal is nearly obliterated, but seems to have been the Hinde coat of
arms " on a chevron, 3 escallops, on a chief a lion passant."

Richard Bagot, Esq. Before Charles Benvon and John
Walthall.

He was Mayor of Shrewsbury in 1661 (when he is described as
draper), but was displaced by the Act for regulating Corporations.
He witnessed one of the declarations signed on the 9th of June alone,
and 8 others with Charles Benyon. His seal is " ermine on a chief 3
demidions rampant." This is however, not the coat of the Staffordshire
Bagots, to which family Richard Bagot belonged, he being 3rd son of
Walter Bagot, of Blythfield, co. Stafford, and Elizabeth Cave, his wife.
He was brother of Sir Hervey Bagot, Bart., and of William Bagot,
who also had settled in Shropshire. His sister Lettice was the wife
of Sir William Owen, of Cundover, and another sister, Mary, the wife
of John Cotes, of Woodcote. The Bagot arms are '■'■ermine, two chevrons,
argent."

Daniell Jenckes, gentleman. Before John Walthall.

There was a family of this name settled in Shrewsbury, early
in the 17th Century. Rowland Jenks was Bailiff of Shrewsbury
in 1612.

Henry Frisby, ensigne to Captain Turner, his mark. Before
Charles Benyon and John Walthall.

This is not a Shropshire name, but is not uncommon in
Northamptonshire. He uses the same seal with the 3 leopards'
faces and three mullets as Thomas Hunt uses in one place.

Hobert Lathrop, of Atchani, gentleman. Before John
Walthall and Thomas Hayes.

Francis Whitcombe, of Berwick Mavison, married Jane, daughter
of Thomas Lathrop, of Leigh, co. Stafford, and the William Whit-
combe who made his declaration the following day was their son.
Robert Lathrop was her brother, he being the eldest son of Ralph
Lathrop. of Yoxall, and Mary Aston, his wife. He seals with his
coat of arms, " Gyronny of eight, gules and sable, an eagle displayed
argent. Crest, a bird with wings close."

Vol. II., 2nd S. n

150 ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

Daniel Pughe, cloathworker. Before John Walthall.

His seal has the initials D.P. intertwined. He was dead in
1672, when his son Daniel was apprenticed to Thomas Whitacres,
goldsmith.

William Cary, Trumpet, of Shrewsbury. Before John
Walthall.

This, seal is almost obliterated, but seems to have been some
animal.

Humfrey Mackworth, Esquier. Before John Walthall and
Thomas Hayes.

Third son of Humfrey Mackworth, of Betton Strange. His father
was a Parliamentarian of note, who, in 1647 was governor of
Shrewsbury. Charles II., in 1651, wrote to him from Tong Norton,
before the battle of Worcester, summoning him to deliver up the
castle and town, but his reply to " The Commander in Chief of the
Scottish Army," was : — " I resolve to be found unremovable the faith-
ful servant of the Commonwealth of England, and if you believe me
to be a gentleman, you may believe that I will be faithful to my
trust. What principles I am judged to be of, I know not, but I hope
they are such as shall ever declare me honest, and in no way differing
from those engaged in the same employment with me."

Humfrey Mackworth. junior, was baptised at St. Chad's, 31 May,
1G31, and admitted to the Schools in 1638. He became a colonel
under the Parliament, and was M.P. for Shrewsbury in 1651 and
165G.

John Buttree, draper. Before John Walthall and Thomas
Hayes.

He was of St. Julian's parish, and was Churchwarden in 1656 and
1659. The parish books of St. Julian's state that in 1656 " the land
extending from the end of the French wall next St. Alkmond's
Churchyard straite over to the Buttreys of the Church wall, unto the
further part of the east end of the sayd Church was let unto John
Buttrey draper for 21 years at a yearly rent of 6s. 8d." Mr. Buttrey
was to fence this at his own cost, and only to use the land for a
garden or a grass plot. In 1663, "Captain Buttrey" was among
those supposed to be disaffected towards the King, but no definite
charge seems to have been made against him. He died in 1691, and
was buried at St. Julian's. He is there called in the register "Mr.
John Buttree of St. Chad's."

His seal has on it an animal, apparently a lion rampant.

John Evansox, gentleman. Before John Walthall,
His seal is apparently a stag statant.

AT THti RESTORATION, 1660.

151

June 8.

Giles Carington, Corp11 in the Company of Coll. Thomas
Hunt, now governor of Shrewsbury, his mark. Before
Charles Benyon.

Michael Betton, pewterer.

Several members of the family of Betton were living in Shrewsbury
in the 17th century. "Captain Betton " was accused of disaffection
in 1663. This was probably either Michael or John Betton, who were
both, in company with Francis Tallents, John Bryan, and live others
imprisoned in the Castle for some days. Michael Betton seals his
- pardon with a skull, and the legend " Memento mori."

Edward Bold, within the liberties of Shrewsbury, yeoman.
Before Charles Benyon.

His seal is an anchor in outline.
Edward Grinsell, Tanner. Before Charles Benyon and
Richard Basfot.
His seal has apparently had lettering upon it.

In 1G23, William Grinsell, of Astley, disclaimed the title of
gentleman.

William Juckes, draper. Before Charles Benyon and Richard
Bagot.

His seal is a bird. There was a family of this name at Middle,
and at Cound.

Thomas Davies, innholder. Before Richard Bagot.

He uses the same elaborate seal of arms as Thomas Hunt and
Henry Frisby make use of, viz : the Fewtrell arms.

John Laxgley, gentleman. Before Charles Benyon and
Richard Ba^ot.

He was of the Abbey. Flo was born in 1577, and admitted lo the
Schools 1580. He married Eleanor, daughter of Sir Henry Bromley,
of Shrawardinc, who died in 1628. John Langley died in 1 GG 1, and
was buried at Holy Cross. His seal is the same as that just
mentioned.

John Archer, corviser. Before Charles Benyon and Richard
Bagot.

In 16S7, he was among those whom James 11. ordered to be elected
aldermen. Probably he was then an old man, whose place, the king
thought, would soon be vacant. His seal is an archer, drawing a bow,
evidently a badge, and not a crest.

Benjamin FARR,maulstcr Before Charles Benyon and Richard
Bagot.

He also uses the Fewtrell seal. Benjamin Farre, son of George

152

ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

Farre, of Bridgnorth, smith, was in 1639, apprenticed to George
Farre, of Shrewsbury, tailor. This may be the same man, or perhaps
his cousin.

William Whitcombe, of Berwick, Esq. Before Charles Benyon
and Richard Bagot.

He was son of Francis Whitcombe, of Berwick Mavison, and Jan:
Lathrop, his wife, and nephew of Robert Lathrop, of Atcham.
He again uses the Fewtrell seal, as does Bcnjanin Newell.

Benjamin Newell, Glover. Before Charles Benyon and
Richard Bagot.

He was apprenticed to his father, Thomas Newell, glover, in 1637.
He became a freeman of the Glovers1 Company, and in 1661 was one
of the wardens.

Thomas Burchwood, clothworker. Before Thomas Hunt.

He alHxes Thomas Hunt's seal, a saltire, to his signature. He was
buried at St. Julian's, Jan. 6, 1GS6.

Henry Hubball, rnaulster. Before Charles Benyon and
Thomas Hayes.

A son of his was baptized at St. Julian's in 1655, and in 1662, he
was himself buried there. He again uses the Fewtrell seal. His son
Samuel was made a freeman of the Mercers' Company in 1671.

Thomas Billings, rnaulster. Before Charles Benyon and
Thomas Hayes.

John Dickson, innholder, his mark. Before Charles Benyon
and Tho. Hayes.
His seal is a bird, possibly in punning allusion to his name.

Richard Allatt, Glover. Before Charles Benyon.

Of the same family as John Allatt, who in 1796, founded Allatt's
school. Richard, son of Mr. Richard Alctt and Mary his wife, was
baptized in St. Julian's in 1677.

Isaacke Kino, husbandman, his mark. Before Charles Benyon.

Isaac, son of Isaac King and Ann his wife was baptized at St.
Julian's in 1676. Henry, son of Isaac King, deceased, was in 1695
apprenticed to Henry Gorsuch. There is lettering on his seal but
only S. V. I. is legible.

Hugh Cooke, Taylor. Before Charles Benyon.

He was a freeman of the Tailors' and Skinners' Company, and
from 1641 to 1665 was their clerk; in 1619 lie was one of the
Wardens.

AT thl; restoration, 1660. 153

Hichard Heath, Vicar of St. Alkmorid's. Before Charles
Benyon.

He was Vicar from 1550 to 1GG2, when he was ejected by the Act of
Uniformity. He afterwards lived in Shrewsbury till the Five-mile
Act obliged hirn to leave the town, when he retired to Wellington,
where he died May, 166G. He was M.A. of Christ's College, Cam-
bridge, and was remarkable for his knowledge of Oriental languages.
His seal has his initials upon it.

George Fantome, Tailor, his mark. Before Charles Benyon.

He was a freeman of the Company of Tailors and Skinners, and one
of their stewards in 1658.

Edward Roybould, of Shifnall, dyer. Before Charles Benyon.

His seal seems to have on it some design relating to his trade.

John Wood, corvisor, his mark. Before Charles Benyon.

This seems to have been a common name ; John Wood, cutler,
John Wood, baker, and John Wood, attorney, all occur in Shrewsbury
in the 17th century. John Wood, baker, was Churchwarden of St.
Julian's in 1G7G, and John Wood, attorney, died Mayor of Shrewsbury
in 1685.

June 9.

Edward Meredith, of Westbury. Baker. Before Charles
Benyon.

Thomas Poole, Draper. Before Charles Benyon.

Richard Toole was vicar of St. Chad's from 1G37 to 1G44 ; probably
Thomas was of the same family.

John Lowe, senior, gentleman. Before Charles Benyon.

He was one of the assistants in Charles T's charter of 1638, but was
accused of disaffection to the King in 1G42. He was a draper, and
Mayor of Shrewsbury in 1656. Tossibly the person of the same name
who appears as Vicar of St. Alkmimd's from 1684 to 1734, was John
Lowe, junior.

Moses Leigh, Gierke. Before Charles Benyon.

He was vicar of Holy Cross in 1G49-50, when he went to Norton
in Hales. On the death of Timothy Hammond in 1671, he returned
to his former living, and died there in 1G76.

Tromas Garrett, Bricklayer. Before Charles Benyon.

William Maddox, of Hunckington, gentleman. Before
Charles Benyon.
His seal is a bird with raised wings, very poorly executed. He was
probably of a family of the name, settled at Astley, and atShawbury.

Edward Jones, baker. Before Charles Benyon.

154

ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

Arthur Ward, of Hynton,in ye Parish of Pontesburie, gentle-
man. Before Charles Bonyon.

He was son of Francis Ward, of Hinton, and Catherine Onslow, his
wife.

He does not use a seal.
Thomas Hayes, the Elder, gentleman-. Before Charles Benvon.

He was son of Silvester HayeSj of Wolverhampton. In 1622, he
was admitted a burgess of Shrewsbury ; in 1G38, he was one of the
aldermen, and in 1649, mayor of Shrewsbury. During his mayoralty
the plague visited the town, and he so distinguished himself by care
and wisdom during the trying time that at the close of his year of
office, the Corporation presented him with a silver tankard, and a high
cup and cover, engraved with the arms of the town.

He lived in St. Julian's parish, and took considerable part in
parochial matters, being churchwarden in 1G32. He was twice
married. His first wife was Winifred, daughter of Edward Hatton,
of Shrewsbury. Their son, Thomas Hayes, the younger, was baptized
at St. Julian's in 1G26. The younger Thomas lived in Holy Cross
parish, where he was churchwarden in 1G57. His second wife, Anne,
was daughter of Christopher AVhichcote, of Stoke, in the parish of
Burford, and sister of Dr. Benjamin Whichcote, Provost of King's
College, Cambridge. He died in 1062, and was buried at St. Julian's.

His seal of "on a chevron between 3 wolves' heads, erased at the
neck, 3 besants," is very perfect on one of the other declarations.

Creswell Tayleur. of Rodingtowne, Esq. Before Charles
Benyon.

He was son of John Tayleur, of Longdon upon Tern, and
Margarett Cress well, his wife, of Lcdshall, co. Stafford.
He uses no seal.

Michell Lee, Glover. Before Charles Benyon.

There was a family of this name long resident in the town,
probably connected originally with Thomas Lye, Abbot of Shrews-
bury. Michael Lee was warden of the Glovers' Company in 1658.

' John Browne, Clothier. Before Thomas Hayes and Charles
Benyon.

He was Churchwarden of Holy Cross in 1646 and 1647.

Gough, in his history of Middle, speaks of John Browne of Little
Ness, who representod the county in Oliver Cromwell's Parliament,
but this is hardly likely to be the same.

His seal bears the initials F. B.

Samuell Gough, Tanner, his mark. Before Charles Benyon.

Thomas Hickocke, Carpenter, his mark. Before Charles
Benyon,

He seals with an anchor, similar to the one used by Edward Bold

AT THE RESTORATION, 1660.

155

SAxMUELL Hordley, maulster. Before Charles Benyon.

George Luellein, cloth worker.

In the remodelling of Corporation in 1664, he was nominated
one of the Town Councillors, and also in James II. 's charter of 1685.
His seal has had lettering upon it.

George Langley, Trooper in the Regiment of Coll. Edward
Moimtague and Troop of Cant. Thomas Inglesby. Before
Charles Benyon.

The Christian name George occurs more than once in the pedigree
of the Langleys of Broseley ; two were living in the 17th century.

John Partridge, souldere in Cap11 Thomas Ingoldebise Troope
of horse in the Rigment of Coll. Edward Mountague,
quartering in Shrowesbury. Before Charles Benyon,

Philip Bunney, Taylor.

Gough, in his history of Middle, relates that in the attack of the
Parliamentarians upon Albright Hussey one Sunday afternoon, in 1642,
William Preece, called Scoggan, who was in charge of the garrison
there, "seeing one Phillip Bunny among the enemyes, who was a
taylor, borne in Hadnall, hee touke a fowling gun, and called to
Bunny, and said, ' Bunny have at thee ! ' and shott him through the
legge, and killed his horse. The Parliament soldiers took up Bunny
and departed."

He was steward of the Taylors' and Skinners' Company in 1653.

John Bennet, weaver. Before Charles Benyon.

William Bennett, vicar of St. Chad's from 1G81 to 1721, was son
of William Bennett, clothworker, of Shrewsbury. Probably John
Bennett was of the same family.

Edward Fewtrell, gentleman. Before Charles Benyon.

The Fewtrell family had many branches, and there is nothing to
show to which Edward Fewtrell, belonged. William Fewtrell, of
AYrickton, disclaimed the title of gentleman in 1623, but Piiehard
Fewtrell, of Downe, entered his pedigree then. Be uses the seal of
arms of his family.

Francis Tallents, elcrke. Before Charles Benyon.

He was son of Philip Tallents, of Pleaseley, in Derbyshire. He was
born in 1619, and admitted of Peterhouse College, Cambridge in 1G35.
lie afterwards migrated to Magdalene College, where in 1042 lie was
elected Fellow. In 1649 he was appointed one of the 12 Cambridge
preachers, and in January, 1653, he became Sriear of St. Mary's,
Shrewsbury, lie was formally reappointed in the Kestoration, but
in 1662 preferred to give up his cure, rather than apply for episcopal
ordination. After some years spent in educating private pupils, he-
returned to Shrewsbury, and with John Bryan ministered to the

15G ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON

Nonconformists of the town. Tn 1G85, during the revolt of the
Duke of Monmouth, he was imprisoned in Chester Castle, and on his
release retired to London. In 1687, he returned to Shrewsbury, and
in 1691, preached his first sermon in the newly-built chapel in High
Street. lie died in 1708, and was buried at St. Mary's. He was
four times married, but left no children to survive him.

Thomas Oram, Tanner. Before Charles Benyon.

He was Churchwarden of Holy Cross in 1677.

John Haward, Baker. Before Charles Benyon,

Hugh Eyton, Glover. Before Charles Benyon and Thomas
Hayes.

He was warden of the Glovers' Company in 1645. In 1651, his
son Joseph was apprenticed to him, and in 1658, he also took John,
son of William Tylor, clerke, deceased, late of Holy Cross. He was
himself Churchwarden of that parish in 16-10.

His seal has an ornamental design, very similar to the one used by
John Browne.

John Gregory, Souldier in the Regiment of Collonnell John
Streeter and Companie of Captaine Edward Turner, and
nowe in the Towne of Shrewsbury. Before Charles
Benyon and Thomas Hayes.

John Wilcox, husbandman. Before Thomas Hayes.

In 1655, John, son of Samuel Wilcox, deceased, at the Crickett
(near Ellesmere), was apprenticed to George Farre, Taylor, but a note
is added that he '• departed without freedom." Possibly he gave up
tailoring as uncongenial work, and at the time of this declaration, was
a farmer.

Caleb Price, Feltmaker. Before Thomas Hayes.

Thomas Orton, gentleman, of the Abbey Foregate. Before
Thomas Hayes.

He was probably the person who appears as churchwarden of Holy
Cross in 1685, or he may have been the Thomas Orton who was
buried in St. Alkmund's in 1674.

His seal seems to be a bird with the wings raised.

Isaac Downes, cloth worker. Before Thomas Hayes.

Samuel Webb, gentleman. Before Thomas Hayes.

He was probably some connexion of Adam Webb, next mentioned.

Adam Webb, gentleman. Before Thomas Hayes.

He was one of the assistants in MJ38, and in 1618, was one of the
captains appointed to put the town in a position of defence, against
any sudden attack of " malignants and cavaliers." He tilled the

AT THE RESTORATION, 1660, 15?

ce of Mayor in 1654, and was probably son of John Webb,

erman, of Salop, who was buried in St. Chad's in 1G20.

[n Hill, Adam Webbe, gentleman, was living in the Castle

regate.

;wis Porter, Taylor, his mark. Before Thomas Hayes.
JORGE Wood, weaver. Before Thomas Hayes.
iluam Heath, sadler. Before Thomas Hayes.
hx Wingfield, gentleman, of Alclerton. Before Thomas
Hayes.

He was probably son of Thomas Witigfield, Mayor of Shrewsbury
1641, who died in 1642, and on whose tomb in old St. Chad's were
> same arms as John Wingfield uses : Wingfield impaling Prince,
e family of Wingfield lived for many generations at Preston
ock hurst.

)WARD Tarbox, yeoman, his mark. Before Thomas Hayes.
hx Hoptox, gentleman. Before Thomas Hayes.
For his seal he used his coat of arms, a lion rampant, but the
•ss crosslets litchee of the background arc not visible. The Hoptons
re a wide-spread family in Shropshire, and John was not an
common name among them.

mr Hood, corviser. Before Thomas Hayes.

William, son of Adam Hood and Ann. his wife, was baptized in
Julian's in 165G.

\thaxjell Banister, innh older. Before Thomas Hayes.

He kept the Kind's Head, probably the one mentioned in a MS. of
'. George Morris,1 as being in High Street, "on this side the passage
.ding to Kiln Lane." He was living in St. Julian's Parish in 1672,
en lie was Churchwarden. His three wives were buried there,
ice in 1G73, Elizabeth in 1682, Margaret in 1683. In 1684, he
Tried, also at St. Julian's, a fourth wife, and he was buried there in
35, being then described as gentleman. He seals with his coat of
nSj a cross flory.

hx Deakix. gentleman, of Atcham. Before Thomas Hayes
His seal is a bird standing.

[OMAS Wright, of Downton, Freemason, his mark. Before

Thomas Hayes.
He uses a seal of arms : " a lion rampant, on a chief embattled,
ozenges."

nx Huffa, of Give, yeoman. Before Richard Bagot.
Probably of the family mentioned in Cough's History of Middle.

Transactions, vol. v., p. 10*2.

158 ACCEPTANCES OF THE ROYAL PARDON, 1660.

Josiah Willis, mercer. Before Thomas Hunt.

In 1650, he was admitted a freeman of the Mercers' Company, he
having married Elizabeth, widow of Mr. William Felton, a free
Brother, and in 1661, his son, Josiah, was apprenticed to him. A
token issued by him is still extant. His seal bears his initials.

John Jones, yeoman, his mark. Before Thomas Hunt.

William Ballance, husbandman, his mark. Before Thomas
Hunt. v

He seals with a stag, the same being also used by both Thomas
Horrell and Thomas Hunt, on the following declaration.

Thomas Horrell, sargant in Capt. Edward Turner's Companie
in the Regiment under the Command of Coll. John
Streetcr. Before Thomas Hunt.

Robert Herman, souldier in the Regiment of Collonnell John
Streeter, and in the Companie of Captaine Edward
Turner. Belore Thomas Hunt.

He affixes Thomas Hunt's seal, its with coat of arms, to his name.
Owen Davis, souldier, nowe under Commaund of Thomas
Hunt, Esquire Governour of the Towne and Castle of
Shrewsbury. Before Thomas Hunt.
His seal has apparently been a bird.
John (?) Giitins, (?) hostler, his mark. Before Thomas Hayes.
Thomas Harris. Draper. Before Thomas Hayes.

It is needless to say that this was not the Royalist baronet of that
name, who benight Boreatton from the Onslows, but probably the
Mr. Thomas Harris buried at St. Julian's in 1665. Both lived in
St. Julian's parish, and one was churchwarden in 1651.

159

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER TO
HAGHMOND ABBEY, AD. 1166-77.

By the Rev. Canon LEE, Vicar of Hanmer.

HAGHMOND CHARTULARY.
Fol. 95—102.

These Charters referring to Hanmer Church are printed
by permission of the Rev. J. D. Corbet, late of Sundorne
Castle, Salop.

Halghton,1 juxta Hanmere2 est cum Hanmere ubi datur
Carrucata3 terre. Halghton, juxta Aston Abbot, est ibidem.
Hama est cum Herdewille.

Donatio4 ecclesie* de Hanmere.

1 This is a very common name : so much so that there are two
within the bounds of Hanmer parish, one spelt Halton, meaning alta
(ripa), and being a watershed between the Severn and Dee ; the other
spelt Halghton (formerly Halchdyn), referring to the salt springs
which run into the Wiche Valley. It is the latter with which we are
now concerned.

2 This name appears now for the first time, and seems to refer to
the lake, which is 260 feet above the sea, and therefore justifies its
description, hean (dative singular of heah) mere (high lake). The
former name of the village, Chad-hull (the wooded hill of Cadda),
1 1 1 en cef or w a rd d i sappears .

3 "As a general rule it must be reckoned as 210 acres." See
Ey ton's Salopia xii. 183, and Introduction to Cheshire Domesday
(2nd ed.), p. 29. The word "carrucata" is not found in the
Shropshire Domesday (Eyton).

4 In 1086 the Manors of Ellesmeles and of Beddesfeld, both of
which had belonged to Earl Edwin, and had been worth respectively
£10 and £18 17s. 4d., had changed their conditions, one being worth
£20, the other being found " wasta," and worth only £3. Jt is
probable that Beddesfeld (which docs not include Bettisfield) was torn
from the Barony of Malpas by Gruffydd ab Cynan. As the name is
not met with again, we may notice here that the Mercians seem to
have thought that Bedd was a personal name, and so called it Beddes'
clearing. The bedd is really that "grave in Clydir" which Taliesin
mentions in the 6th century (see Archceologia Cambrensis, 4th Series,
No. 28), and which is now the name of a held in Penley called " Carn y

Vol. II., 2nd S. S

IGO

GTFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEE

1. llenricus,0 Dei gr'a Rex Anglie, et Dux Norman' et
Aquitan' et Comes Andegav' omnibus iidelibus suis francis &
Anglis Salutem. Sciatis me dedisse et co'cessisse in liberam,

wren." This fact shows us that the northern half of Penley was in Bed-
desfeld. The "Caput hujus maneni" was at a place about % mile south-
west of Hanmer village, and the field name is still preserved. Accord-
ing to tradition, it stood upon the Gwern (alder bed) estate, otherwise
called Oronimos (? corona) moss) or Waen wen (white meadow). Guided
by these names we see that the valley bounding Hanmer Township
on the south, west, and north, beginning at the Striste wood, S. W.
of Bettisfield Park, and running out by Whitewell in Iscoyd, must
have belonged to it. (At that time Gredington consisted of three
heights, and the vill was probably where the modern house now
stands, or upon that plateau. That a change was made at some date,
at present unknown to us, but probably later than Edward I., is
proved by the word New-ton, which is found in or near the Long-
Wood.) In Ey toil's Salopia x., 232, we are told that " Ellesmere was
the most important of several Border Manors which King Henry I.
bestowed on William Peverel of Dover." AVe shall afterwards find
that the greater part of Beddesfeld was included in this grant.
" William Peverel, as well as his brother, Hamo Peverel of High
Ercall, was cleceased before the year 1138, and the heirship of these
mighty Barons was ostensibly divided between their brother's
(Robert's) sou, William Peverel II., and Walcheline Maminoht, who,
I think, was their sister's son. "Orderieus (lib. xiii. Bohn, vol. iv.,
p. 201), describing that outbreak against Stephen, which took place
in the summer of 1138, gives the following local and personal
particulars :—" Gualchelinus autem cognomento Maminot tenuit
Doveram. Guiilielnius vero juvenis cognomento Pevercllus quatuor
oppida liabebat : id est Brunam, Elesniaram, Obretonam, et Guiten-
tonam, et his turbidus augebat rebellantiiim turmam." These four
castles were perhaps Bryn, Ellesmere, Overton, and Whittiugton.
The subsequent demonstrations of William Peverel in the cause of
tho Empress were not on the borders of Wales, but in the South of
England. This noble youth sickened with civil war, but, still animated
witli an heroic spirit of self-devotion, at length found his grave in
Palestine. In Eyton, vii. 291, it is stated that w Ralph de Gernons,
Earl of Chester, was poisoned by the partisans of Stephen in December,
1153." It is important to remember this, because Wm. Peverel II.
was accused of it, and ir was said that the co-heirs were therefore
excluded by Henry II. ["Gilbert Peche was the oldest co-heir of
JZiigKn Pevej£L( Eyton ix., 7).] It is clear, says Eyton (x. 231) that
Ellesmere was one of those manors from which the co-heirs of Peverel
were excluded, on the restoration of Henry II. Ellesmere came to
that king's hand, as a Manor "of ancient demesne." It was on the
same ground that the king claimed the " donacio " of Hanmere
Church. AVe must note that A.D. 115.") is given as the date of the
building ('( re-building) of Overton Castle by Madoc ab Marcdudd,
Prince of Powys Eadog. Knolton would seem to have been the site

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY A.D. 1166-77. 161

puram et p'petuam eleuaosina' Canonicis fr'ibus Hamonensis"
eccl'ie in sustentac'oem eoram eccl'iam de Hanmere etc'. Test08

of the Saxon Castle. " Madoe ap Meredyth acted in alliance with the
King, and received the King's pay (Eyton, x. 322) in 3 Henry II,"
and commanded the fleet which harassed the coast of North Wales.
(Eyton, ii. 108.)

5 There is no mention of a Church in Domesday book, but that does
not of course prove that there was not one.

6 This was Henry II. If 11 60 was the date of the grant, in which
year the "King visited Shrewsbury ; and being there, expedited four
several grants to Haghmoud Abbey (Eyton's Itinerary of King He-nry II.,
p. 198.); if so, it was not confirmed till 1172, for in a rescript addressed
to Alured, the Abbot, in that year, by Pope Alexander 111., enumerating
and confirming endowments up to that date, there is no mention
made of Hanmer. In 1175, the King was at Shrewsbury. In 117(5,
he was moving about in the provinces; his parliament was held at
Northampton in that year, at which his own son Henry — crowned
in 1169 — presided. (Parry's Parliaments and Councils of England,
page 15.) "Justiciars were appointed, ifec., the country being divided
into six districts, nearly corresponding to our present circuits, and
three Justiciars appointed for each (Wales, of course, excepted). The
chief object of the appointment was that they might get money for
the King by means of fines or fees, wherever a chance might oft'er ;
and amongst their other duties was that of ascertaining what churches
were in the gift of the crown, their situation and annual value, who
were the incumbents, and by whom they were presented." (Lingard's
Hid. of England, ii., p. 213.)

7 The original founder of this great house was the first William
fitz Alan, son of Alan fitz Flaald, in or about 1130.

8 The witnesses of this donation were all of great note, but whether
they held lands in that part of the Welsh March, docs not appear.
Richard de Luci, justiciary with Robert de Bellamont in 1167, was a
man of great integrity, and a distinguished soldier. He had been a
supporter of Stephen, but was trusted by Henry, who left him as
Guardian of the Realm, during his own long and frequent visits to his
French possessions. (Lyttleton's Henry II., 4to edn., Vol. 2, page 18;
Speed's Hist., 501; Carte, Vol. 1., 660.) He built the castle of
Chipping Origar in Essex, but died without male issue, and his
numerous estates were divided between his two daughters. (Camden,
by Gough, Vol. 2, p. 119.) Lucy of Charlcote is not of this family.

Hugo de Lad II., son of Gilbert, son of Emma, a daughter of the
first Walter, was the 5th Baron of that great Norman house. Stanton
Lacy, Ludlow, Ewias, and other estates were confirmed to him in
1163, by Henry II. When the order was given in 1165-6, for every
tenant in capite of the crown to return a list of all who held under
him by knight's service, Hugo de Lacy complied, and accordingly we
find, in the Liber Niger of the Exchequer, a statement of this
Shropshire Barony. He was Constable of Ludlow. He was in the
various expeditions to Ireland, and acquired the whole of Meath, of

162 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

Ric'o cle Luci, liugone de Laci, Roberto Marmion',et c,apud
Salopesburiam.

CONFIRMACIO D'CI REGIS.
2. Ex9 dono Roberti10 filii Sinionis advocacionem11 medie-

which, Camden says, he was styled Earl. While building his eastle
of Derwath there, he was murdered in 1185. A life-like picture of
him is given by Giraldus Cambrensis, in his Conquest of Ireland,
lib. II., cap. XX.

Robert Alarm-ion's date is given as 1144 — 1218 by Eyton, in his
Index to the Court, Household, and Itinerary of Henry II. He attests
a charter at Ohi villi (Chevaillec), in 1174. The Fermor of South-
hampton charges the Crown (Mich., 1176), for various vessels
chartered from their port; amongst others, one ship for Robert
MarmioD. This implies an embassy or mission of some sort {Eyton,
p. 206). In the Liber Niger (Hearne, p. 50), "Carta Episcopiaj Lon-
donise dc Militibus,i\:c., Robertus de Marmion, dimidium militem/'page
171, Carta Episcopatus Wigorimc, "Robertus Marmion duo milites sed
unum negat," p. 206-7, " Ware-wic' Scire. Carta Roberti Marmion.
Hoc est vetus feoft'amentum Roberti Marmion de anno Sz die quo Rex
Henri'cus fait vivus et mortuus [accedunt nomina]. Summa XI
milit. et quarta pars I militis ct quinta pars I militis de vcteri
feoftamento. Post mortem Regis H. de novo feoftamento [accedunt
nomina]. Summa Novi feotl'amenti V milit & quartam partem I
militis." In Public Records, Appx. 31st Report, p. 359, he is Sheriff
of Worcester, 31 Henrv II., dc dimidio anno, 32, 33, 31, 35 and I.
Ric. L"

9 Ex dono ; we may suppose that he had compensation elsewhere.

10 Robert Eitz Simon was elder son of Simon Fitz Robert, alias Pcche,
Lord of Davcntry, who was second son of Robt. de Clare, Steward to
Henry I., by Maud de St. Liz. Lady of Bradham (cf. " The Norman

'People.")

Speaking of Richard Peche,Bishop of Coventry, the writer of the Lich-
field Diocesan History says, at page 57, '; Pcche, like some other of our
Bishops, seems to have remembered his kith and kin, not by giving
them good livings or canonries, but by settling them as permanent
tenants on the episcopal lands.'' Robert Fitz Simon, who was first
cousin of the Bishop, seems to be a case in point. His name occurs
frequently, and that of his brother in the Salop Pipe Rolls. He
seems to have had other lands about Hanmer. The name " Clare
Pool," remains still to the South of Welsh Hampton. In the
Calendarium Genea logician (Longmans, 1865), we find, k' 11. Henry
III., Robertus filius Walteri defunctus," and " cxtenta Urrarum."

Authorities differ as to the descent of the Lords Eitz Walter of
Daventry from him or from his uncle, Walter Fitz Robert.

It should be noticed that the name of Symons is common in and
about Hanmer.

11 In the Domesday account of Bcddesfeld, in Dudestan lid., wc
find, "do hoc manerio calumniat ep'us de Cestre II. bidas quas tene-

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77. 163

tatis12 eccl'ie de Han mere et unam carrucatam terre in Agatonia
de laico13 feodo.

CONFlRMxYCIO RICARDI14 EP1SCOPI DE EADEM
3. Ricardus Dei gr'a Coaentr,15 ep'us Om'ibus s'ce m'ris

bat S. Cedd. t'pr' Cnuti regis, sed ex unc usque modo se plaugit
amisisse." The same statement is repeated under Riseton Hd., with
the addition " Comitatus ei testificat q'd s'cs Cedde (Cadda) injuste
perdidit." If we suppose Robert fitz Simon's possessions to have
formed part of this, tliey may have been border lands granted to the
de Clares by one of the Norman kings, or have been the marriage
portion of his mother, whose name has not reached us. In either
case the Bishops of Coventry would be glad to have an acknowledg-
ment of their claim. If distinct from the Domesday hides, the gift
to Fitz Simon of endowment and advowson also would seem to have
been considerable.

12 u In the year 1043 Leofric, Earl of Mercia, gave Eitune, with
the pertinences (Bangor Monachorum) ; also Chaddle-hunte [the
Chase of Chad-hull] and Halletune," which were the two medieties
of Hanmer parish, " to his newly-founded Monastery at Coventry.''
(Kemble's Codex Dipluuiaticiis, vol. vi.) 256-273 ; Thorpe's Diploma.'
tarium Anglicanum ^Evi Saxonici^ 351.)

Hanmer, therefore, under whatever name, was originally, like St.
Chad's, Shrewsbury (Eyton, vi. 361), and like Ellesmere, a Saxon
Collegiate Church. Perhaps Wlphere bestowed lands upon it in
memory of S. Cadda ; but the Halletune carucate dates from the
British times. One of the names found there — and part of it still
belongs to the Church — is Cad. Helig. There was a moated house
upon a Roman way, and Helig was a well-known benefactor of the
Church in the 7th century.

13 "Lay fee "is when land i.s held in fee of a lay lord by the
common services to which military tenure was subject as distinguished
from the ecclesiastical holding in frank almoign, or by Divine service.
The latter were the tenures by which all the old religious houses,
deans and chapters, and the parochial clergy also held their lands, and
even to this day, according to Blackstone and some writers, if an
ecclesiastic, holding by those tenures, alienes in fee, the
alienee, it is said, holds the land by fealty (de laico feodo) and not in
frank almoign. Blackstone quotes from Bracton a form of Writ in
which the point of enquiry was " utrum tantum terra) sit libera
elcmosyna pertinens ad ecclesiam ipsius aut laicum feodum."

Either, therefore, R. fitz Simon had received a grant of the half of
Hanmer from the ecclesiastical body upon whom it had been
originally bestowed (for grants in frank almoign existed long before
the Conquest) or it had been surrendered by the ecclesiastics to the
heirs of the original grantor, and by him or them granted out afresh
to R. fitz Simon as a lay fee.

11 This Bishop was son of Robert Peche, who was youngest son of
Robert de Clare (vid. supra), and Bishop of Ely (?) [Norman People],

164

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEE

eccl'ie filiis salutem. Quia comp'imus in visitacione10 n'ra
quam p'sonalit' excercirnus in Mon. (sic) de Haghmon', qd
illius loci fr'es regulares p.' modicitate17 possessions et defectu
victualium non vacant conternplac'oi ut deberent sed diseurrunt
p' patria' p'necesariis vitc eorum querend, et i'o ad petico'em
d'ni18 Henr' Regis & Dauid19 P'ncipis ecd'iarn p'ochialem20 de

and bore gu. a fesse between 6 crosslets arg. (Bedford.) In the
Lichfield Diocesan History, page 57, it is stated "for three years the
see was kept vacant by the King, and then — A.D. 1121 — Robert, a
married chaplain, was appointed. The monks, who were then bitter
in their hatred of married priests, and ruthless in slandering them,
blasted the new bishop with the title of Peccatum or Peche (1121-
112G). He was buried at Coventry, where he left his son Richard
(Stubbs) Archdeacon, and probably another son, Geoffrey, a monk.
The old English clergy had up to this time married and lived in
their parsonages much as their successors do now ;" and at page 2-11,
"Richard Peche, son of the former Bishop of that name, was, not-
withstanding his birth, the first bishop unanimously elected by both
Chapters — Coventry and Lichfield.5" He held the see from 1 161 to
1183 (Stubbs.)

• 15 Sec Lichfield Diocesan BisL, page 52. "Of Peter himself we know
little, until A.D. 1075, when he attended the Synod of London. It
was then agreed that the seats of bishops should he fixed in large
towns. Lichfield was but a village. Peter, therefore, transferred his
episcopal chair to Chester, which contained between 400 and 500
houses. For many centuries afterwards his successors were commonly
called Bishops of Chester.but none of them were ever enthroned there."
Page 53, "Robert de Lymesey, who succeeded in 10SG, took his
bishop's stool to Coventry in 110-2, by papal licence."
10 According to Eyton, this took place in 1175 or 117G.

17 "On account of their meagre fare and short commons,"' Eyton
notices (vii. 299) that the whole income from the demesne lands of
Haghmond, viz., £'19 19s. Id., was reserved for the use of the Hospice
or Guest room. The alms for the poor were scanty indeed. On
Maundy-Thursday (czena Domini) 40s. were distributed by ordinance
of the original founder. By the same ordinance seven paupers, who
prayed daily for the founder, divided £6 13s. 4d. among themselves
in a year, or one halfpenny each per week.

Giraldus, writing "De rebus a sc gestis,'" lib. ii. cap. 5, relates
that the monks and prior of St. Swithun threw themselves one day
prostrate on the ground, and in the mire, before Henry, complaining
with many tears and much doleful lamentation, that the Bishop of
Winchester, who was also their Abbot, had cut off three dishes
from their table. How many has he left you ? said the King. Ten
only replied the disconsolate monks. Et ego (inquit rex) in curia mea
tribus ferculis contentus sum. Percat cpiscopus vester nisi ad hunc
numerum ferculorum meorum redigat fercula vestra."

18 After his defeat on the Ceiriog in 11 05, Henry calls in the
spiritual arm, in the form of Norman monks, to support his cause

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A. P. 1166-77. 165

Ilanmara nunc vacantem21 cu' o'ibz ad cam p'tinentibus de as-
sensu Capit'li p'petuo Et Abb'i22 Will'mo vice Monasterii sni de
n'ri Dc'o Mon. de Haghmon' et fri'bz ib'ui Deo servienribus et
servituris in postern' ad eorum sustentaco'em auctoritate ponti-
fical!23 appropriamus et inp'p'rios usus concedimus retinendam

upon tlie Welsh Border. This Abbey had taken the part of the
Empress against Stephen.

10 " Davydd ab Owain Gwynedd, Prince of North Wales, was the
3rd son of Prince Owain Gwynedd. On the death of his father in
1169, his eldest brother, Ionverth Drwyndwn, was unanimously
rejected on account of the blemish , in his face, and the second sod,
Hywelj who was, however, illegitimate, seized upon and kept posses-
sion of the Principality for two years, when lie was defeated by
Davydd, and slain. In 1173, Davydd received in marriage Emma, the
sister of King Henry, on which occasion he sent a thousand Welsh
to Normandy to assist his brother-in-law. In 1177, he received the
Lordship of Ellesmere (Eminent Welshmen); and since it is in that
capacity that his name appears in the Chartulary, we seem to have a
date fixed before which Hanmer was not made over to Haghmond.

20 " The parish Church of Hanmer," here mentioned, may have
been built by Henry II. at this time. The pillars in the present one
(1888), which dates from 1490, are thought by some persons to be of
early English architecture.

21 " Now vacant," and probably for many years before. The state
of English parishes during the reigns of the early Norman Kings was
very unsettled and different from our present notion of things. The
monks, who called themselres the regulars, were favoured. Walter
Mapes says, " 36 mother Churches were destroyed in forming the
new forest. The Conqueror took away much land from God and men,
and made a sacrifice of it to the wild beasts, for he loved the tall
stags as if he were their father." " Whenever a bishopric or living-
fell vacant, it was held for months, and sometimes for years, by the
King. Mansel, Chaplain to Henry III., held no less than 700 livings
atone time." (Hume's Hist, of England, cap. xii.) The interests of
the people, therefore, were little regarded.

Giraldus tells the following story in his Itinerary through Wales,
vol. ii. cap. 1 2 : — "Ojmi de Cevelioc .... being with King Henry II.
at table at Shrewsbury, Henry, as a mark of peculiar honour and
regard, sent him one of his own loaves ; he immediately brake it into
small pieces, like alms-bread, and having, like an almoner, placed
them at a distance from him, he took them up one by one and eat
them. The King requiring an explanation of this proceeding, Owen,
with a smile replied, ' I thus follow the example of my lord," keenly
alluding to t he avaricious disposition of the King, who was accustomed
to retain for a long time in his own hands the vacant ecclesiastical
benefices."

-2 Abbot William stands third on the list of Abbots of Haghmond,
approved by fly ton. His date is 1 176-82.
'->:! "Auctoritate pontilicali." See Note 6,

LOG

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

Haghmon' tradidirmis possessionem d'ce eccl'ie de Hannemere
cum om'ibus p'tin, ad earn absque alicujus reclamacione. Seel
dc'us Abbas et successores sui Want solicitam curam qd bene
serviatur de cetero d'ce [ecclesie] sicut decet Et concedimus
qd in d'eo Man' sit unus confr'm Sacrista sub Abbe24 et c.

CONFIRMACIO 25 ECCLESIE CATHEDRA LIS
COUENTR F EADEM.

4. Omnibus S'ce inatris eccl'ie filiis p'sens scriptum visuris
vel aildituris fr*20 W. Couentr' prior humilis et ejusdem loci
Conventus Sal'm in Domino sompit'na'. Isov'it univ'sitas v'ra
nos Cartam ven'abilis p'ris Ric'i Ep'i Couentr' sub hiis v'bis
inspexisso Rie'us Dei gr'a Couentr' epus' et c'. ut in carta
proxima presedenti. Nos vero concessionem donaco'em et
inducc'onem p'dc'as ratas et gratas h'entes eas auctoritate eccl'ie
n're Cathedralis conlirmamus imp'petuu'. In cujus rei testi-
moniu' p'senti Scripto sigillum. Capitulari n'ri duximus appon-
endum. Valete semp'.

24 "Qui possit baptizare tarn Juda?os quam parvulos in dicto
Monasterio : et liabeat jus parochiale in familiares et domesticos
ejusdem ministrando eis ecclesiastica saeramenta. In cujus rei testi-
monium et robur sigillum nostrum apposuimus." Eyton, in Salopia
vii. 292, says that tliis is Bishop Peche.

25 Why should the consent of the Prior of Coventry be required?
See note 12, where the gift of Chaddlehuute and Halletune to that
Monastery is recorded. We must therefore conclude that in a formal
donation, like the present one, all outstanding claims were considered
and settled. How the two medic ties of Hanmer, together with Eyton
(P>angor Monachoruni) were separated from Coventry, we have no
information.

"In the year 1093, Hugh, Earl of Chester, gave to the Abbey of
St. Werberg (Chester) Salthonam, and all its belongings, Ecclesiam
de Bruera, Croctonam, et tcrtiam partem de Westona." (Dugd. i. p.
201. Loud., 1GS2.) These names are all found here; Salthonam is
Halghton : Croxton and Bruera are in the townships of Hanmer and
Tybroughton, and the third part of Weston (now Whitchurch) would
be lscoyd. The only reason against this district being the one referred
to is the absence of any notice in the Chartulary of Earl Hugh's grant.
At present Saughton, and the neighbourhood of Chester are generally
named as the locale of the grant.

20 We could wish that the humble Prior of Coventry had left us
Ins name, instead of a single letter, which docs not represent it. The
first Prior after 1113 was Laurentius, who died 1179 [Priorista in
Monasticon, 1st cdn., vol. i., page 304.] " Initial letters of names
(used in charters) are sometimes mere general expressions as A and
R in common conversation." Et/ton xii. 1 S5 ; and viii. 125, N is
given as the initial letter of the Abbot's name, at Lilbshall, in the
confirmation of Pope llonorins 111. (1 21 6-27), but Alan occurs as
Abbot in 1220, 1221, and November, 1224."

TO HAGIIMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1 166-77.

167

HAGIIMOND CHAETULAEY.
Fol. 95—102.
Halghton beside Hanmere is with Hanmere, where is given
a carucate of land. Halghton next Aston Abbot is there.
Hama is with Herdewille.

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMERE.

(Charter 1.) Henry, by the grace of God King of England,
and Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, and Count of Anjou
to all his faithful men French and English, greeting. Know ye
that I have given and conceded in free, pure, and perpetual
alms to the Canons brethren of the Church of Haghmond, for
their support, the church of Hanmere, &c. Witnesses : Richard
de Luci, Hugh de Laci, Robert Marraion, &o, at Shrewsbury.
CONFIRMATION OF THE AFORESAID KING.

(Charter 2.) Of the gift of RDbert fitz Simon the advowrey of
a mediety of the Church of Hanmere, and one carucate of
land in Halghton of lay fee.

CONFIRMATION OF RICHARD THE BISHOP OF
THE SAME.

(Charter 3.) Richard by the grace of God Bishop of
Coventry to all the sons of holy mother Church, greeting.
Inasmuch as we have noticed at our Visitation which we held
in person in the Monastery of Haghmond that the regular
brethren of that place, on account of their small income and
want of food, have no leisure, as they ought to have, for con-
templation, but are wandering through the country in search of
the necessaries of life: We therefore, at the request of the Lord
Henry the Kingand of David the Prince, with pontificalauthority,
appropriate the parish church of Hanmer now vacant with all
its appurtenances,according to the assent of our Chapter, to the
aforesaid Monastery of Haghmond, for the support of the
monks there serving God, and to serve him for the future, and
we concede it for their proper uses to be held for ever; and to
the Abbot William as representing his Monastery of Haghmond
we have given possession of the said Church of Hanmere with
all things pertaining to it without reclaim of any man; but let
the said Abbot and his successors be strictly careful that
the said [church] be well served for the future, as is fitting.
And we concede that in the said Monastery one of the
brethren shall be Sacristan under the Abbot, &:c.

CONFIRMATION OF THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH
OF COVENTRY FOR THE SAME.

(Charter 4.) To all sons of holy mother Church who shall
sec or hear the piesent writing brother W., the humble Prior

Vol. H., 2nd S. T

168

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

of Coventry and the Convent of the same place, everlast-
ing salvation in the Lord. Let it be generally known that
we have seen the Charter of the venerable father Richard,
Bishop of Coventry, in these words : Richard by the grace of
God Bishop of Coventry &c. as in the charter next preceding.
We for our part by the authority of our Cathedral Church
confirm for ever the concession, gift, and induction aforesaid,
holding them ratified and acceptable In witness whereof
we have caused our capitular seal to be appended to the
present document. Health be ever with you.

At this point there is a break in the Chart iilary,
which we must endeavour to fill up.

In 1177, the various persons who claimed authority
in Maelor Saesneg were the Prince of North Wales,
Davydd ap Owen ; the Prince of Powys fadog, GrufYydd
ap Madoc ; the representative of Tudor Trevor (the
great tenant of the March) Sir Roger de Powys, whose
chief seat was Whittington Castle : the English King
ruling (in the intervals of Welsh raids) either directly
or through Norman tenants. The Saxon interest was
extinct in Earl Edwin, to whom Beddesfeld, Burwar-
deston, and Hurdingberie had belonged ; and in the
Saxon owner of Ouretone, whom Pennant {'Tours in
Wales it. 289) mentions, but does not name. Eyton (xi.
49) thinks it probable that Rhys Sais held the Castle
under him. What hold '; Sanctus Ceclde " retained upon
Eiton we do not know. The struggle between Sir Roofer
de Powys and FitzWarinfor the possession of Whitting-
ton was becoming more and more acute, the King being
himself undecided how to act. We may sympathize
with the difficulties of those who wish to understand
the situation of affairs when we find the Pipe Rolls
and the Welsh Annals telling two different stories.
Yet these facts cannot be denied, that Roger Powys or
his sons held on to Whittino'ten till 1200, and that —
with the exception of two Norman families — the lands
in Maelor Saesneg were almost exclusively held by the
descendants of Tudor Trevor till 1750, or thereabouts.

The scale inclining at last against Roger de
Powys, the English Kings, moved both by policy and

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1106-77.

169

by previous stipulation, provided lands for that family
elsewhere. Owen, the third son of Roger de Powys,
received in 1198 some lands which had formed part of
the Manor of Oureton in 1066. But that name is not
given to it in Domesday. It is called a " hnis terre "
in Walps, which " quidam Walensis Tudur " holds
under Roger (Belesme) the Norman Earl of Shrewsbury.
This was the only part of Maelor that had been in the
Saxon County of Sciropescire. In shape it was a long
slang which ran from Ouretone to the end of Fens
Moss ; and probably this modern name is the Domesday
word. It is a " finis terre," which elsewhere applied to
water, referred in this case to an almost impassable
forest and morass called in Saxon times the Black-wal-
hurste. According to Eyton (x. 93) Welshampton had
in 1255 lost -Jth of its Domesday hidage. This also,
we may be sure, formed part ot the grant, and perhaps
covered the ground lying between Bettislield village
and the Sarn leading into Shropshire, still called Black
hurste ffordd. The grant to Owen is thus described : —
" By a deed yet extant David de Hampton granted to
John de Hanmere the Fens Wood, dated Monday next
the feast after All Saints, A.D. 1198, 10th Richard I."

This David, called also le Clerk, was Baron of Malpas
(being son of William le Bel ward by a daughter of
Hugh Kevelioc, Earl of Chester), and as such also
" de Hampton " in Malpas. The interest of that family
in Beddesfeld had now been wholly or in large measure
extinguished, but was revived in the person of this
David, by the fact that he had married for his first
wife Catherine (Angharad), second daughter of Owain
Fychan of Maelor, who was nephew to GrufFydd Maelor,
the ruling Prince of North Powys. We may conclude
therefore that jure uxoris he was " de Hampton" in
Salop also, and as such was able, when required by the
Kino\ to make the grant to Owen. The extent of
these lands may be judged by the fact that the writer
was informed by the present owner of Bostock Hall in
Whixall (till lately in Prees) that that house used once

170

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

to be in the parish of Hanmer. This then is the origin
of the township (now parish) of Bettisfield being in-
corporated with Hanmer. Its real name is Llys Bedydd;
and in Saxton's map of L 570 that side of Hanmer,
where Bettisfield park lies, is only known as Halton,
being part of the Domesday Beddesfeld. After 1198,
though how soon we do not know, the newly acquired
township began to be called Bettisfield (or Bechefield),
a variation, as it seems, of Beddesfeld, until in the reign
of Richard II. we find it fully established. The greater
part of the Fens moss and wood has now, however,
been assigned to Bronin^ton.

The name Owen us or Ewenus is, we are told, the
same as John, and there being no de Hanmere family
at that date, and the vill of Hanmere belonp'in£r to the
Prince of Powys, and moreover, the grant in question
referring to lands that were apart from that vill, the
only right by which anyone could have borne the name
would be this, that he was Hector of the Church. In
John de Hanmere, therefore (if correctly quoted) we
may recognize Owen ab Roger de Powys, one of the
first Rectors holding under the Abbey, and possessed
of this inheritance, by which the parish was so much
enlarged. At a later date, when we begin to hear of a
Manor of Hanmere, we shall find this large grant
recognized and joined with it, in the words " Gwely
Owen cum Hanmere.'"'

Speaking of the annexation of Great Buildwas, which
had been originally in Cound parish, Eyton says (vii.
324) " this change of a parochial boundary, so rare in
occurrence, must be attributed to the influence of a
Cistercian House, backed by that of the Diocesan
Bishops, its founders." This makes it all the more
remarkable that there should be no reference to the
Gwely Owen (Owen's dwelling) in the Chartulary, unless
it be under the head of Northewode, but that is very
meagre.

The next important grant, of which at present we
have not been able to find the record, was made to

TO H AGHMONt) ABBEY, A.I). 1166-77.

171

Wion, a son of Jonas of Penley, and nephew to Sir
Roger de Powys. There are many notices of him in
the Pipe Roll in connection with Wellington. In
A.D. 1194 Wion ap Jonas has the King's mandate for
7 librates of land there, which he held* till 1210. He
had also much to do with Whittino'ton, Overton, and
Denbigh. The evidences of this grant are to be found in
the names Wyon Ruding, Maes Wion and Mount Sion
(Sionas or Jonas) which remain still on the east side of
Hanmer lake ; and in the fact that in the list of the
members of the Manor of Ellesmere after North -wode,
sometimes written Rugge[ = ridges], and before Lunehale
(Lyneal),the name Maes wy an always occurs. And this is
the only name by which Hanmer is known in State docu-
ments till well on into the 14th century. This grant,
whenever made, was extinguished about 1284, the Wyon
family taking the Welsh side when Edward I. conquered
Wales, and being therefore obliged to surrender their
lands to one of his followers.

Eyton (x. 244) states that on March 27, 1284, the
Vills of Herdewyk and Merton, within the Hundred
(i.e., the Franchise) of Ellesmere, were extended by an
Inquest, over which Roger le Strange himself presided,
and which was ordered by the King. The reason of
the above inquiry appeared in two Patents of May 9,
1284. . . . These estates had previously been tenanted
by Ener ap Wyon, Griffit Gogh, and other Welshmen,
adherents of Llewelyn, and rebels against King Edward.
In the same year, in the same Manor of Ellesmere, and
for the same reason the Wyon family and others were
dispossessed in Hanmer.

About A.D. 1200 other grants of lands (or their con-
firmation) were made to Jonas of Penley, above named,
and to a Cuhelyn (whom we have not yet identified) of
Overton, which places are therefore described in the
15th century as Gwely Jonas and Gwely Cuhelyn.
It will be noticed that these three Gweliau cover the
ground occupied by the Domesday 'Minis terra? ;" they
are also, with the three names Cly-ley, Pen-lie, Clai,

172

Gf FT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

still to be traced along the line of Clydir, which would
seem to be the land of the clawdcliau [see Arch. Camb.,
5th Series, No. 17, p. 37], meaning the earthworks by
whichBangor was protected on the west. These are all
connected by the " grene lane" in Overton (so called
temp. Edward II.), by the Maesllwyn lane in Hanmer ;
and by a fragment of a lane in Halghton and Penley.
In Powys Fadog (ii. 132) Gruffydd ab Ednyfed receives
the Hen glawdd for his inheritance. It seems probable
that Clydir was the locality, more especially as Halton
which adjoins Clyley was the inheritance of his descend-
ant in the 15th century.

During the reigns of John and Henry III., the
influence of the Welsh Princes must have been pre-
dominant in Maelor. " David ap Owen was odious for
his cruelty " [Canon R, Williams]. There are no
evident marks of his presence here, but Hales, in
Worcestershire, bears his son's name, " Hales Owen,'1
to this day. He was imprisoned from 1197 to 1204
(in which year he probably died), by his nephew
Llewelyn ap Iorwerth, who was the true heir to the
Principality. It was therefore with Llewelyn, who
reversed the action of Offa, that the Border had to deal.
In 1202 he married for his second wife, Joan, a daughter
of King John [Eyton (vi. 1G0) proves that Llewelyn's
mother was a Corbet], and the Manor of Ellesmere, of
which Hanmer was a member, was bestowed upon him
as a dowry. At Bettisfield and in Willington the word
Tethwellyn occurs, which is interpreted " Llewelyn's
Display." To the east of Hanmer lake, upon a rising
ground, is the Plas Shonnett (Janet's place), as if they
had had a hunting box there, and some woods on the
south of Croxton pool are called the Cae Shonnett.
Quick to discern who his friends were, he dealt severely
with the Maelor family, who claimed lordship over the
vills of Hanmer, Gredington (where the name Bryn
Vechan still remains), Col ton, and Overton.

Can we suppose that the Norman Church establish-
ment at Hanmer would fare better I Though the Welsh

TO HAT4HMOND ABBEY, A. L>. 1166-77. 173

were honourably distinguished from the English by
their respect for Churches, and sacred places, yet it
could not be expected that Llewelyn would err on the
side of leniency towards men who were placed there for
the very purpose of holding him in check. Accordingly
we hear of no new Rectors. In the Norwich Taxatio,
or Pope Innocent's Valor, the name of Hanmere does not
occur, which seems to show that the Church was in
abeyance ; though it may also have arisen from the
absolute penury of the place, wasted by one side and
the other. Gieseler's Ecclesiastical Hist., iii. 106
(note) Math. Paris, ad. arm., 1234-40.

" Llewelyn died in 1240, His son Davydd in 1246,
" Llewelyn II (ab Gruffydd ab Llewelyn) in 1282, and
/'Davydd II., in 1284." Henry III. gained some
important concessions from Llewelyn II. at the begin-
ning of his reign, but in 1255 he recovered, in the space
of a single week, from the enemy all the conquests
which they had made during the late reigns in the

interior of North Wales In 1267, he was

obliged to succumb before the overpowering forces of
England, and to accept a treaty of peace on the most

ignominious terms Having refused to pay

homage to Edward on his accession to the English
throne (1272), his territories were invaded in 1277, by
an immense army under Edward, who at length starved
him into submission, imposing conditions which deprived
him of most of his territories. In 1282, the Welsh
again took up arms, and Llewelyn was slain. He had
married Eleanor de Montfort in 1278, and left one
daughter [called Catherine Lackland, who was after-
wards married to Malcolm, Earl of Fife]. In 1284,
with the death of Davydd II., the conquest of Wales
was completed. (Ptobert Williams's Eminent Welshmen.)

With these dates before us, we can better appreciate
the statement that Walter de Engmere, or Hangmere,
was offered the Rectory of Oswestry in 1269 by John
Fitz Alan III. Eyton's Salopia, x. 340 ; Owen and
Blake way's History of Shrewsbury; Llyfr Coch St. Asaph,

174

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEE

With the decline of the Welsh power the Abbot of
Haghmond would be anxious to re-establish his hold
upon Hanmer, and to that end perhaps the Upton
family first came there.

The following pedigree, taken from Eyton, Salesbury
MSS., Guttyn Owen and Gruff Hiraethog, is suggested.

IVO or JOHN.

Pagan Fitz John,
Lord of Upton
Magna, Salop,
circa, 1138.

I

Walter (hence Walter's or Water's=f=His wife's name was
Upton) between 1155-6, attests Richildis, a des-
Wm. Fitz Alan's deed of gift to cendant and co-heir
Haghmond. He was living in of Iiobert Venator,
Oct., 1200, but died before the Lord of Pulverbath
end of 1201. in 10SG. They had

two children.

Matilda=Herbert

Fitzalan.

:William, son and heir, Knighted 1203. Not
long before 1223 gave to Haghmond Abbey a
meadow in Upton called Longrie. This was
confirmed by his three sons. He probably
died 1223.

Walter de Upton s. and heir of
AVillinm occurs as a witness
in 1223. The Pipe Roll of
1231 mentions him the same
as Walter de Hupiton who
gave a meadow to Worn-
bridge Priory. The Feodary
of 1240 enters Walter de
Hopton as holding a knight's
fee in Hopton or Upton, of
the Barons of Wem. The
interest of the family at
Whittingslow would seem to
have gone to his younger
brother, for a contemporary
Tenant-Roll gives Nicholas
de Opton and his Co-parcen-
ers as holding \ a fee under
Can til u pe in that manor.
Testa de Nevill, p. 4G n.

] . I
Philip Nicholas !t de Upton juxta Cru-
witness gelton " witness to deed in

to deed in 1223 makes a grant to Hagh-

1223. mond. Witnesses, Madoc de

? Abbot Sutton, W. de Terne, Kegi-

of Salop. nald de Terne, Wm. Crasset

of Halecton (Harl. MS. 446:
Qiiatern xii.,fo. 11). Nicholas
was also a benefactor to
Shrewsbury Abbev (Salop
Chartulary, No. 121), be-
queathing together with his
body to that house an annual
rent of 5s., three acres of his
own demesne, and the right of
paUonagc of his Chapel of
Upton. He probably died
between 1240- -8 {Eyton viii.
55).

[Eyton (viii, 55) cannot tell in what way Waters-
Upton now went to Co-parceners, for it would appear
that persons of the name of Upton succeeded to
Nicholas de Upton at Whittingslow. By a deed,
circa 1250, Reginald de Upton, son of Reginald de
Tyrne, and William de Tyrne confirm and ratify to
Shrewsbury Abbey the donation and concession which

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. HGG-77 . 175

Nicholas, formerly Lord of Upton, had made. In the
above, Reginald Fitz Reginald and William Fitz
William, we have clearly two Co-parceners in Upton.
They were probably cousins, and had married two
sisters, in whose right one at least of them was thus

seised of property before his father's death

William de Tytnele obtained ingress into the Manor of
Upton, for by a fine of November, 1272. Thomas de
Honton, having claimed under a writ of mort d'ancestre
a messuage, a virgate, and 3s. rent in Upton Water
against William de Tytnele (tenant thereof), renounced
his said claim for seven merks. " The Bradford Tenure-
Roll (circa, 1285), gives Upton as a member of the
Barony of Wem, and William Tyteley as holding the
same by service of one knight's fee/' " Another state-
ment is made in the Hd. Roll of 1255 (Eyton viii. 56),
as to the dependency of Upton upon Wem."]

We have mentioned Walter de Engmere as Rector of
Hanmer in 1269. He was probably succeeded by
Thomas de Macclesfield, but it is also probable that his
own predecessor was Philip de Upton. Whether the
personal names of any of these was Tyrne it is impossible
to say. J. Salesbury writes of John de Upton that he
was " Clericus," Rector ecclesia? de Hanmer, by appoint-
ment of Edward I., who also granted bim the Rectory
of Upton : that his chief seat was Barsfield, near Shifnal ;
that he was the eldest son of Sir William Upton, Lord
of Upton and Barsfield, son of Sir Philip Barsfield, knt.
His estate was purchased by the Tettwts. " In the
Cae Ceiriog MSS., we find "Sir John Upton, offeiriad
(priest) o Maes-ffield." This is Oswestry, which is called
Maxse-feld twice in Brampton's Chronicon, fol. 787. We
are also told in Harl. MS., 1971, p. 102 (quoting Guttyn
Owen, and Gruff IJiraethog), that he was the son of
Philip Upton, who was P'sone of Hanmer. The letters
B. and M. were frequently mistaken for one another
[Lipscumb's Hist, of Bucks, vol. iv., p. 58] which will
account for Salesbury 's name " Barsfield."

Eyton is more severe (Salopia, xi., 208 note), " this

Vol. II., 2nd S. U

176

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEtf

tampering with initial letters I have often before
exposed." It leads us to conjecture that Thomas de
Maxsefelde got his territorial name from that place as
well as from the one in Cheshire, of which he was
Bailiff. In Lowers Curiosities of Heraldry, page 205,
we read, " The title of dominus (Sir) was not limited to
Knighthood, for the great Baions used it ; so also did
Ecclesiastics, even those holding very small benefices."
Several instances will be noticed in this paper of priests
bearing the title : to these may be added from Cheetham
Wills and Inventories, pt. L, page 50, " Cicile Bothe
(1557), of Dunham Massie, has for a witness Sir Thomas
Strettwell, Curate," and on page 52, " Sir Henry
Bentley, P'iste, is a witness to the will (1520) of
Chas. Mainwaring, of Croxton, Middlewich."

We may perhaps therefore assume that there was a
connection between the later and earlier family of
Upton ; that Walter de Hangmere was one of them,
and that Philip de Upton (P sone of ITanmere) rather
than William (as Salisbury states) was the father of
John, and consequently of Thomas de Macclesfeld ; also
that William de Upton was their near relation. Eyton
says (viii. 56) that this William was juror on Hodington
Inquest in 1274, and on a Withington Inquest in 1283.
Probably he was the second of the Co-parceners of
Upton named in 1255. In a fine of July, 1283, he is
probably the person called William de Tyrne of Opton,
who married Agatha . . . evidently a co-heiress who
had brought him some property at Eaton upon Tyrne.

I

Walter de Enpfinere,
Parsone of Tlang-
meve inl2G0.

I

Phillip do Upton,
P'sone of Hanne-
mere before 1209.

William de Tyrne,
of Opton.

Thomas de Macclesfeld^Millieent —
"Clericus llegis." " Dpmus | under hus-
Thoiuse," or " Ty Goch " is hand's will
on the south edge of Ilanmer " has all my
township, on a moated site lands in
a

John de Uptonn=Ha\vys, d. of
Sir John Upton, j Gwerfyl, ux.
offeiriad o Maes- Einion ab
fold (Oswestry)," Gwilym (an
culled by the Welsh i 1 leg i t i m ate
b

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1 1 66-^7. 17?

by the paddock called " Cae
Pcrcyn."

*' Firmarius Maneriorum
de Maccle^feld & Ouertou."

Will dated 29 Edw. I.,
died 1302. His brother,
Master John de Upton, one
of his executors, to whom he
" leaves his bay mare which
" is at Overton, and another
" horse which is there.'' He
bore " gules, a cross engrailed
ermine."

. . . . my

other lands
and teue-
m ents in
Wales." To
act with the
Exors. of
will.

laitv,

Macclesfeld "Y Person coch
cwtta (C e iriog
M.SS.)

Alienated Han-
mer Church lands
in 1313 (Harl.
MS. 1972, p. 127).

1328, Hector of
Hanmer to be
Penitentiary for
the Welsh speak-
ing clergy and
Ap., 1239," (sic.)
L ichfidd Diocesan Re<j inter.

In Salesbury MS. he is
also said to have been
" Eector of Upton," on
presentation of Edward I.
? he is the John, Parson of
Upton Waters, who was
disseised of a considerable
estate in High Hatton,
Eyton VIII., 58.

1341, Eccliam de Han-
mere, vacautem per mor-
tem Magistri Johis de
Upton ultimi Rector, ejus-
dem. (Lichfield).

son of Gwen
WynWyn Pr.
of Upper
Powys.

Hawys bad
been married
before to Jenaf
Fychan, by
whom she had
two daughters
(Powys Fadog
VI., p. 351).

The father
of Gweriyl
was Oweu
alias John,
the grantee of
the Fenswood

Oweu Goch, o.s.p.
ut fertur.

I

Davydd-

Philip

Cicely—
has 3
boys.

Isabel

I

Millicent=Thos. de
Davenport 1287.
She is called Ag-
neta in Marriage
Settlement.

I

Brother
Kobert "
'my son''

I

Master Jordan
" receives 10
oxen in 1302,"
succeeds
Roger at Mac-
clesfield and
holds lands in
Worthenbury
and Overton.

Koger s. &
h. living
1273, died
before
1307=F
Isabel de
Oweby.Lu
1312 he
o.s.p.

The Uptons seem at first to have been Foresters.
See Eytons Salop I., 299. "a. d. 1220, May 10,
Henry III. at Worcester, orders the Sheriff of Salop to
aid the Burgesses of Bruges (Bridgnorth), in the
enclosure of their town, allowing them out of the Boyal
Forest, near Bruges, as much of old stumps and dead
timber as would suffice to make two stacks (rogos) the
same to be done with as little injury as possible to the

178

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEK

forest, and Hugh cle Upton and Roger de Becheson
(Badger), to be the Visors on the occasion."

In Kennett's Glossary of Parish Antiquities, it is
said that " when the liberty of house bote, hey-bote,
firewood, or any the like privilege was granted within
the bounds of a forest, it was not to be broken, but
* ad visum forestiorum.' The profits of this ' visus '
were teimed from the King, in the case of all royal
forests." In all inquisitions taken of the state of
forests, the Vividarius or Forester was one of the Jury,
" Inquisitio capta de foresta de Bernwode ; domini Wal-
ter Upton, John Graundon, Yividarii," 14. Henry III
(1229). In Hanmer the Uptons were distinctly a
clerical family, all of them being in minor orders, and
John Upton a priest ; passing on the living by the aid
of one influence or another, from father to son, and
from brother to brother, as if it belonged to them.
With the friendship of the King, and of the Lestrange
family, this is not to be wondered at*

One name remains to be noticed as belon^ina' in some
sort to Hanmer, and yet we have no evidence that he
was there, that of Sir John de Havering.

Though the name occurs so frequently from the
Conquest till the end of the 14th century, the family
history is very fragmentary. In Nicholas' SynoiJsis of
the Peerage, 768-9, he discusses this John de Havering
(son of a Wm. de II.), who was of Atte Bower, in Essex.
Lord of the Manor of Grafton, 56 Henry IIL, Governor
of Caernarvon Castle, 1283 ; Justiciar of North Wales,
1300 ; died in or before 1318 (Rymer's Feeder a, hi., 739),
leaving one daughter, Elizabeth f who had married
Matthew Besilles, 8 Edward, IL (Maud d. and h. of
William de Albrincis had married Hamo de Crevequer,
4th Baron, Constable of Dover, 19 Henry IIL, who
died 1262, and was buried in the chancel of Ightham
Chinch, Kent. Hasted (vol. ii., p. 66., n. (a) ascribes
to Crevequer, u gu, a plain cross or," which, he says,
may be seen on the roof of the Canterbury Cloisters,
and " impaled with Abrincis " in All Saints' Church in

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77. 179

that city). There was a Richard de HaveriDg, Senes-
chal to Simon de Montfort, who witnessed a grant of
his in 56 Henry III., and was at Ellesmere with the
aforesaid Simon (Earl of Leicester). Richard de
Havering died 4 Edward I (1276), seised of the manor
of Grafton, Northants, &c. Collectanea Topog et
Gmealogica, v., 288.

"William de Havering is his next heir, eei 25
(? legitimate). Hanged at Northampton (Esch. 24
Edward I., No. 76) for felony before Robert Mailer,
Justice for Gaol delivery."' Glover, quoted by Pap worth
ascribes the armorial bearing of " Arg. a lion ramp, tail
forked and nowed. gu. collared of the first " to Sir
Richard Havering of Halt on Park. The (( vivarium"
de Halghton is mentioned in one of the Haghmond
Charters, fol. 95, of the date 1380. We have already
mentioned that the Maes Wyon grant was absorbed by
a later one (circa 1280 A.D.) made to Thomas de
Macclesfeld. It is probable, from tracing the eastern
boundary of this later grant, which followed the course
of the " altam viam " [meaning not the old Roman way,
but the recently constructed Whitchurch and Ellesmere
road], that the area within Halton Ring (see Arch. Ca mb.,
4th. Series, No. 32, p. 281), was cut right in two, and Sir
John de Havering was recompensed by lands in Essex.
This agrees with local tradition. Goronwy may have
reclaimed the abridged vivarium of Halton, and held it
for more than a century and a half, but of this we have
at present no certain proof. It has been suggested as
a memorial of the de Havering family that to this day
it is at the Sign of the Lion (though there are two of
them) , that the traveller stops to slake his thirst. In
a Nerquis MS. of the date of Edward II., the overflow
of Han-mere is called the Wlf. bers, and this — taken in
connection with the fact that the western banks are
still called the great and little Blethins — seems to
point to Llyn Bleiddian, as a British name for the lake,
Saxonised by Gervase into W Here's mere. Having
established that one, we look round for Havering mere,

i80 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

and think that it is found in a low piece of ground to
the immediate south of Halton, having within it the
Springs-wood, the source of the Eoden, which is a
feeder of the Hafren. Was it then from here that
the Havering family got their name %

Though we believe the Haverin^s to have been of
British ancestry (A.C. 5th Series, No 20, page 282),
yet at Hanmer they represented the Norman King.
We must not therefore fail to notice at this date the
removal from the scene of another o-reat name
in the ancient lords of the place. Gruffydd
Maelor, Prince of Powys Fadog, had died in 1270,
leaving his widow Emma (Audley), "decern libratas
redditus de Meylor Seysnek, et partem Domini-
carum de Overton." This was confirmed by her four
sons, and it probably represented the whole of their rent
from English Maelor (except the Bangor tithe, which
was given to Owen), for in the deed it is stated
that the "Manor of Overton, with the vills of Hang-
mere, Lannerpanna, Colton, and all the vills situated in
Maillor Saisenec, are reserved to her." At her death
in 1278 (her eldest son having pre-deceased her), the
lordship of the place was taken into the hands of the
King, and a Bailiff appointed. The site strongly
entrenched called Bailiff's House, half cut through by
a road, can still be clearly seen near Tarts-hill. It
stands within " Caput 13 field, and at the top of what is
still called 11 Cumbers Park," preserving to us the name
of the place where the Princes of Powys Fadog lived
when they came to visit Hannemere.

In Powys Fadog i. 1 GO we read, In the same year,
A.D. 1202, Madog (ap Gruffudd Maelawr) gave to God,
the blessed Mary, and the Convent of Yalle Crucis
" omncm parturam tociu3 t're mce scilicet Maltur Saesnec
et provincie de Maylaur et Yale et Nanhendu et Ken
y lleid (Cynllaith) excepto hoc quod heredes ear'dem
p'viciar' ad opus suu' sibi occupavern't, ita ut jam
p'd'cus co'vent communitate' pasture h at ubiq'm p'd'cis,
p'vi'ciis in quib' nulli alii religiosi viri habeant potestate

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77.

181

aliq'am v'l facilitate' h'endi aliquid v'l emendi v'l con-
ducendi." In Dugdale's Mo)iastico?i, edn. 1825, vol. v.,
p. 720, this is not noticed, nor have I been able to find
elsewhere if this benefaction, as regards Maelor Saesneg,
was enjoyed by that Abbey until the dissolution.

In the Princes of South Wales, page 250, the follow-
ing charter is quoted : — " By deed dated at Dynasbran
on the morrow of St. Thomas the Apostle (Dec. 22)
1270, Madoc, Llewelyn, Owen, and Griffin, sons of
Griffin, Lord of Bromheld, conceded to the Lady Emma
their mother, for the term of her life, all the lands and
tenements which the said Griffin their father ga ve to
her during his life, namely the country of Mailor
Saisenec, with the appurtenances, the manor of Overton
with the mill and stream and all other appurtenances,
the vill of Hagneme' (Hanmer) with the appurtenances,
Lannerpanna with the appurtenanees, Colton with the
appurtenances, and all the vills which are situate in
the country of Mailor Saisenec ;" and at the death of
Emma in 1277 (5 Edward 1.) by an Inquisition then
held, it was found that she had held " decern libratas
redditus de Meylor Seysnek, et partem dominicarum de
Overton ad terminum vitas sure."

Grant without date, but probably c. 1281 A.D., by
the Freeholders of Hanmer to Thomas de Macclesfeld
of certain waste lands, to him and his heirs for ever.

Sciant omnes, tarn prresentes quam futuri, quod nos Bledyn
films Yorvverth, Yonverth Goych, Ener filius Ener Alius Bledyn,
Bledyn filius Ener, David filius Ener, Adam filius Ener, Ener

filius Eden Oweyn, Eynon filius Wyon, filius Eynon

Phelipp filius Bledyn, David filius Yevan filius Wyon, Yevan
filius David filius W}'on, David filius David filius Wyon, et
Madoc filius David dedimus. concessimus, et hac pnesenti
charta nostra confirm avimus Thome de Macclesfeld, et here-
dibus suis vol suis assignatis quandatn placeam terra; de vasto
nostro de Hannemer cum pertincntibus juxta Cronimos infra
has divisas, incipientes ubi Wyon Ending cadit in Cronimos,
sequendo sepem dicti Wyon Ending' versus Boreara usque
domum dicti Thome, et sic de domo ilia sequendo magnam
viam usque Overbeck, et sic inter boscum et planum directe

182

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HAXMER

usque viani que venit de Broningtou versus Hannerner, et sic
sequendo illam viam usque campum qui vocatur Maes-tre-
budd-wledic, et sic sequendo sepem dicti campi descendendo
usqe Cronimos, et sic sequendo Cronimos versus Boream inter
humidum et siccum, usque Wyon Paiding, cum tota parte
totius vasti, quod vocatur Tholn Hannerner, quam Yorwerth
Goych habuit et habere debuit, habendum et tenendum de
nobis et heredibus nostris, predicto Thome, et heredibus snis
ct assignatis, libero, quiete, bene et in pace, hereditarie, in
bosco, in piano, in aquis, et omnibus liber tati bus, commoditati-
bus, et asiamentis ville de Hannerner existentibus ubique,
reddendo inde annuatim predictus Thomas et hercdes sm et
assignati nobis et heredibus nostris unam rosarri, in festo
Nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptiste, pro omni servitio, sect,
exactione, consuetudine, et demanda quacunque ; et nos
predicti Bledyn filius Yorwerth, Yorwerth Goych, Ener Alius
Ener filius Bledyn, Bledyn filius Ener, David filius Ener, Adam

filius Ener, Ener filius Eden Oweyn, Eynon filius Wyon

filius Eynon, Phelipp filius Bledyn, David filius Yevan filius
Wyon, Yevan filius Davd, filius Wyon, David filius David filius
Wyon et Madoc filius David, predictam terram et tenemen-
tum predicto Thome et heredibus suis, vel assignatis, nos
predicti et heredes nostri contra omnes homines et sectarios
Warrantabimus, adquietabimus, et defendemus in perpetuum.
In Cujus rei testimonium presenti scripto sivigilla nostra
apposuimus hiis testibus, Roberto de Crevequer, tunc ballivo de

Overton, Oweyn iilio Wrenoch, David filio et Tudor

fratre ejus, Yachan, Ryrith fratre ejus, Yorwerth Goych

fratre eorum, Yorwerth iilio , Eynon filio, ,

Kenewrych Iilio Lewelin, Bledin filio Madoc, Ychel filio
Tudor, David fratre ejus et multis aliis.

[The stream that joins the Wlf-bers — ITanmer brook —
at the Gwern, is made up of three feeders; 1, the
Vary n Vowell (Broughton MSS.), which drains the
Whit-moss; 2 and 3 meet at Sam Gwenlliant (Nerquis
MS., quoted in Arch. Camb. for Oct., 1888, page 350),
now called Waen Wen, and of these 2, the Cwm-BERS

runs down from Mynydd C w m-ddu (Powys Fadog -) ,

while 3, called the Gwen-lliant, or white stream
(Nerquis ]\LS.), bounds TTanmer Township on the
south, rising at the S.W. corner of Bettisfield Park, at
a point formerly called the Striste wood, and in the
Parish Map " Cronimos." (This last name, like that

TO HAGHMOXD ABBEY, A.D. 116G-77.

183

of Waen Wen, being found at several points in the
peaty valleys seems to be indentical with Gwern) . It
is at iA quandam placeam terre, &e , ubi Wyon Ruding
cadit in Cronimos," that the boundary of this grant
begins. Wyon, the former Grantee, must have cleared
away much of the ancient forest since his name attaches
to the Ruding or Ridding, which as we shall see, runs
down to Hanmer village, still retaining its name of
Maes Wyon, at the S.E. corner of the Mere. " Sequendo
Sepem Dicti, &c. ,'5 will bring us to an old site with
three sides of a moat remaining, where the name " Cae
Percyn Croft" still remains. This is the :i domus
Thomoe," one of the old Rectory houses of the parish.
The " Magnam Viam" proceeding thence must be
the new Ellesmere and Whitchurch road just made
(see Welsh Roll, 10 Edward!., quoted in Arch. Camb. for
October, 1888, page 347). Over-beck (upper brook)
may be the R,ed-broc, but more probably is one of the
small streams which drain towards the Chequers, in
Bronington. At any rate the boundary must'go so far
eastward as to return " inter boscum et planum directe
usque viam que venit de Bronington versus Hannemer."
This is the Maesllwyn lane, doubtless a British road
connecting the Maelor system of earthworks. The Maes-
tree-budd-Wledic is probably the large square camp, now
called Caer Gvvyn (Arch. Camb. for October, 1889,
page 34G), following " Sepem dicti campi," we descend
into Cronimos below the Cae Shonnett Wood, and
work our way " inter humidum et siccum versus
Boream," so passing the London Apprentice, and reach-
ing Wyon Ruding -at its northern point, i.e., Croxton-
house. Besides this is the " vastum quod vocatur
Tholn Hannemer." At the date of Leland's visit to
Hanmer, when he describes the lake as being a mile
long, an arm of it must have run up over the School
croft quite behind the Church. The higher ground to
the west of this is called The Hoo, or promontory, in a
map of 1730 ; and a field beyond it again, where the
Mere had its outlet 350 years ago, must since then
Vol. II., 2nd S, y

184 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

have been raised to a higher level, perhaps with soil
brought from the lower part of the Striga lane. If
this was so, the name Tholn is probably a mistake for
Tloln, and the place mdictated is 11 Hanmer IToo."]
From the Gascon "Rolls, 22nd Edward I.

Rex dilecto et fideli suo Reginaldo de Grey Justieiario suo
Cestrensi, salutem. Quia per vos et etcertiorari volumus et
plenius mformari de quot et quibus tarn eqnitibus quam
peditibus potentioribus et validioribus ad arma de comitatu de
Flint et de terra nostra de Dyffryn- Clwyd, et etiam de terris
dilecti et fidelis nostri Henrici de Lacy Comitis Lincolniensis
de Ros et Ryvoniog in instanti negotio nostro Vasconirc
poterimus melius nos juvare, prout dilectus et fidelis noster
Robertus de Staundon, justiciarius noster North wallice, et
Thomas de MaJdesfeud, clericas noster, quibus in hoc negotio
plenius exposuimus voluntatem nostram, vobis referre
peterunt, viva voce. Yobis mandamus quod vocatis coram
vobis sine dilatione omnibus illis de predictis comitatu et
terris per quos super premissis melius poteritis informari, eligi
faciatis de partibus iilis totos hujusmodi homines potentes et
validos quot ibidem poteritis invenire, quos sic electos ex parte
nostra diligenter requiratis et ipsis rirmiter injungatis quod
sint prompti et parati, videlicet quilibet eorum secundum quod
statum deceat, apud Salopiam in crastino Sancti Alichaelis
proximo future ad faciendum quod eis ibidem tunc mandabi-
mus et injungi faciernus. Et de numero et nominibus equi —
turn et peditum per vos sic electorum nobis sub sigillo vestro
distincte et aperte constare faciatis. Et hoc nullo modo omit-
tatis. Teste Rege, apud . . . . xxx die Augusti.

At this date it was common for deacons, sub-deacons,
and even acolytes to hold benefices of great value, which
did not prevent them being married, and engaging in
any secular business. [The "parish chaplain," alias the
curate, would necessarily be in Priest's Orders.] The
term Clericus covered all these minor orders ; but
Thomas de Macclesfeld was ci Clericus Regis " or King's
Clerk. In Kennett's Glossary of Parochial Antiquities
it is stated that ''Manors of ancient demesne were not
let out, but held in hand, and at these the King had
free chapels exempt from Episcopal jurisdiction ; also
that he reserved in his own hands the right of presen-

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77. 185

tation to the livings." This right, as we have seen,
Henry II. had given to the Abbey of Haghmond in
1178 ; but since then, owing to unceasing Border frays,
it had partially, if not wholly lapsed. Hanmer must
have been a continual battle field : " le Brim had been
chased over the Border by Llewelyn II." (Jane Williams'
History of Wales). The lands made over to Thos. de
Macclesfeld by the Hanmer landowners are "waste."
In the charred stumps found every day in Fens Moss
we have evidence that Edward I.'s policy of burning
the forests, and so clearing his passage into AYales
began here. To nominate one of his faithful followers
who happened to be in minor Orders to the Rectory of
Hanmer would therefore be regarded as the natural
u spoils of war." In an Inquisition taken at Chester
10 May, 16 Edward I., of " services found due to the
King in his Welsh wars,'" there are the following
entries : — w Bur<jus de Maclisfield, viii. h'oies, modo
supradicto. Forcsta de Macclesfeld, de quolibet hoie
tenente ibidem, unit5 hoiem peditem, mo' : supradicto."
Maelor Saesneg is not named, being reckoned still with
Ellesmere. See Rymer's Fa? lent, torn, ii., p. 72, C{ de
excrcitu Regis summonendo contra Lewelinum, Princi-
pem Walliss." de Episcopis, p. 74 ; de summ Abbatum,
page 75.

The Charters numbered 5, 6, 7, respectively, form a
separate group, the two latter being dated A.D. 1343,
and the other A.D. 1347 ; but in order to make their
meaning clear it will be necessary to refer to the
pleadings in No. 8, and to the explanations in Nos. 9
and 11. From various passages in these it appears that
the Abbey had lost its rights in Hanmer during the
years that Richard de Brooke (A.D. 1305-23) and
Nicholas de Longelnor (1325-46) had been Abbots of
Haghmond. In claiming restitution, reference is made
to Charter No. 4, in which the Prior of Coventry gives
his consent, &c. ; but the fust Abbot named, as being-
seised of Haumere, is said to be William, who held the
post in 1225 ; and to prevent any mistake, it is added

186 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

that Henry, the son of John, was the King, by whom
the grant of Hanmer was made. The only conclusion
we can dra?*' is that during the earlier years of the
13th century, Hanmer was so completely lost to the
Abbey that a new grant by Henry III. was made, but
if so, it is remarkable that such grant is not included
in the present series of Charters, and is only referred
to incidentally. From William the list proceeds to
Richard in 1305, with the sole omission of Engelarcl,
who was intruded by the Crown in April, 1*241, during
the minority of John Fitz Alan, but by cession or death
(Eyton, vii. 300) the office was vacant in August of the
same year. Each of these Abbots, ten in number, is
said to have been "seised of Hanmere in time of peace."
In times of war, therefore, their rights lapsed. Another
point that has been noticed is that although Henry II.
granted the Church, there is mention made of only one
mediety ; and that the confirmation of his grant seems
to refer only to one mediety, as if there was another in
different patronage.

The Gwely Owen, to which we have already referred,
and by which such a large addition was made to the
extent of the parish, seems to show that Hanmere did
not cease to be a Collegiate Church with its donation
to Haghmond, but that it became a Port ion ary benefice
upon a new system, in which its Welsh and English
inhabitants should each be represented. In a grant of
2 John (Cart. p. 2, m. 2(5, n. 123), which was cancelled
the same year, this passage occurs : — " Sciatis nos
concessisse Varenneco et Wennoneo filiis Meuric de
Powys pro servitio suo ipsis et heiedibus suis Witinton
et Overton &c. . per servitium qa Rogerus pater prsefati
Meuric et Jonas Prater ejusdem Rogeri facere solebant
Henrico Uegi, patri nostro, de ferendis mandatis noslris
per Walliam, et ca conditione qd sialiquis p'd'tas terras
calumniatus faerit et eas versus nos disrationaverit'
satisfaciemus inde per escambium, donand. ipsis Were-
neco et Wennoneo vel hereclibus suis, vel ei qui versus nos
terras illas disrationaverit." (G. Morris's MSS. Eyton.)

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77. 187

It is probable that Owen died about this time, for
without any mention of him, and in fulfilment of the
pledge to give the grantees satisfaction in another place,
we find (Julius, C. II. Cott. Lib,), " Wrenocus Alius
Meurici tenet octo libratas terre de Balliva Domini
Regis Johannis pro decern Libratis in excambium de
Wytinton qd Fulco filius Warini tenet, et debet esse de
servitio Latinarius in Anglia et Wallia." So that the
service or serjeanty of Grono, which was that of being
Latiner or interpreter to the King, was transferred from
the Manor of Wytinton to those lands that were oiven
in exchange for it. (Morris, ut supra.) Eyton (ii. 114)
quotes from " the Testa de Nevill, p. 56, a return of the
year 1211, in respect of Griffin de Sutton's serjeanty,
that he held Kowton, Ellerdine, Sutton and Brocton,
of the gift of King Henry II. by service of being
Latinarius between England and Wales." The state-
ment in Powijs Fadog, vol. iii. p. 382, that " Maurice
or Meurig cle Powys died without issue " does not agree
with the Escheat Rolls of 5 John. Whether the
" Wennonus " of the grant above quoted would melt
down into the (Gwely)-Owen of later years, I must
leave to others to decide (in the Pipe Roll for 10
Richard I., " Wenonwen fil. Oeni'"'" occurs), but the
coincidence of the dates, and the singular circumstance
that the lands are not named or identified, seem to
point to waste lands of which little was known ; such in
short as the Black- wal-hiust e(Haglnnond Chartularyfol.
154), in the L>omesdav Manor described as "finis terre/'
The date " Ap. 1239 " in the Lichfield Register
after the appointment of 11 the Rector of Hanmer to be
Penitentiary for the Welsh-speaking Clergy and Laity
in 1328," seems either to point to the "servitiuin"
of the Gwely Owen grant, confirmed by Llewelyn in
1239 ; or to the grant made to Wion ap Jonas about
the same date. That this last was the one by which
Hanmer was most afiected appears from its giving a
name to the place for at least a century and half. In an
Inq. ad quod damnum, 2 Edward II., No. 122, sixteen

188

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEIl

hamlets are enumerated as members of the Manor of
Ellesmere, of which the eight last are Herdewike,
Crikott, Ellesdene, Stokes, Hugg, Mayswyan, Luneyale,
Grenhulle." It is added that " the custom," or duo
called " potura satellitum," payable by certain tenants
(" t'pe pacis ") was worth J£5 6s. 8d., but it was not
levied in war time, being then involved in the general
obligation to victual the Castle guards."

We have had the names of several Uptons mentioned
as Verderers, and inasmuch as the Abbey was indebted
to the family for many benefactions, it is probable that
their first settlement at Hanmer was acceptable to the
Abbotand Monks, if not made at their immediateinstance.
In the quickly recurring periods of peace and war it
would seem that thev managed to establish themselves
and to succeed one another in tolerable regularity.
Thomas de Macclesfeld is only known to us as brother
of John de Upton. Both names occur in a deed at
Macclesfeld in 1287, wherein Thomas de Daveneport
acknowledges to have received from Thomas de Mac-
clesfeld, Bailiff of the same place, together with his
daughter Agneta, the fulfilment of all bonds and agree-
ments made between them. Among the witnesses to
this is " Magister Joh'es de Upton." Another deed of
1270 is a convention between Gilb' hT Gilb' de Heedes-
sley and Matilda his wife on one part, and Jordan de
Puiliston and Maria his wife on the other part. Thorn'
de Maclesfeld, CTicus, is one of the Avitnesses. In the
Macclesfeld Rolls, 14 Edward I., Thomas, Cl'icus de
Macclesfeld assart av it 15 acras juxta le Stubbys. In
Inq. p. m., 34 Edward 1., the death of Thomas de
Uptone, P'sona de Add i sham, occurs.

In the Chamberlain's Accounts for 31 Edward I.
(Cestr.) under the head of " Quaxlam expens. neces-
sarian," there follows : " Nich'o de Ungate pro
expensis cujusdam stellonis missi de Macclesfeld
usque Cestr' post decessum Thorn a3 de Maclesfeld (Fir-
marii Maneriorum de Maclesfeld et Overton) videlicet
quarto die Januarii a° Regni regis Edwardi 31 (1302-3)."

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A. IX 1166-77.

189

His brother John de Upton had married Hawys,
daughter of Gwerfyl, eldest daughter of Owen, the
grantee of Gwely Owen, by Einion ab G wily in, a
natural son of Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Powys. Hawys
had two daughters by her first husband, Ieuaf Fychan,
Constable of Knokyn, and by John Upton had three
sons, Owen Goch, Daniel, and Philip. Of the first,
Collins says that he had the Manor of Hanmer in 1302,
" ut patet diversis scriptis." As there, was no Manor
of Hanmer till some eighty years later, this statement
seems premature. As the eldest son of Hawys he would
inherit a portion of the Gwely Owen, and perhaps live
at the Fens Hall, which stood on an ancient site in the
Burgh vill, now part of Bronington. [Who were Roger us
de Felines, Attiliator Regis in Castro de Bello Marisco
Chamberlain's Accounts, North Wall., 13 Edw. I., and
"Thomas de Fennes with Agnes his wife," who pay a fine
for 16 acres of land in Thelwell. 1 Edw. II./' Appendix
to 27th Report, P. R. 0. ?] Upon the death of his
uncle Thomas de Macclesfeld, he may have occupied
the Ty Coch, one of the Rectory houses of the parish,
while his father lived upon the carucate in Agatonia.

With his sister-in-law, Milicent de Macclesfeld in pos-
session of the lands wasted in the late war, which had
formed the Maes Wyon, and been GIVEN (under com-
pulsion) to tier late husband by the Welsh landowners;
with the prospective inheritance of his sons in the
Gwely Owen, and his own settlement in the parish
already ; with the friendship of the Lord of the Manor,
Roger l'Estrange (one of the heads of that powerful
family, to whom the King and Henry III. were so
deeply indebted at that time for loyal support against
de Montfort) ; with these advantages it seemed natural
that John de Upton should be appointed Rector of the
parish, provided there was no insurmountable objection.
The Abbe\T, whatever its own predisposition, would be
afraid of the Bishop's censure for appointing a married
man, having recently been rebuked by him for some lax
proceedings.

190

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

The plan eventually hit upon was to induce the
Abbey to forego their newly-recovered power of presen-
tation for one turn, and allow Roger le Strange to
nominate. The monks fell into the trap, and woke up
to find that by the Statute of Mortmain they had lost
the Church of Hanmere.

In 1291, when Thomas de Macclesfeld was Rector,
Pope Nicholas' Taxatio (a valuation which, however, un-
just at the time, has proved a very Domesday of the
Church) had returned rlanmer at the " Taxatio " of
£10 0 0 ; the " DecimaB " (or tenth) being £{ 0s. Od. ;
that is (see Eyton, ii. 139) "the proportion of its
income which should be allotted to the Vicar before
the Impropriators received the residue." We may
judge how far money went in the 12th, 13th,
and 14th centuries by the following market prices : — ■
An ox, 6s. 8d. in 1209, a heifer, 4s. in 1274, a sheep,
Is. in 1209, a hog, Is. 8d. in 1174, a goose, 3d. in
1321, a quarter of corn about Is. 6d. in 1170 " (Ei/ton,
xii. 190). It is probable that John de Upton sent no
" decimal " (tithes) to Haghmond, and further, he pro-
ceeded to dispose of his own and his acquired lands.

The following deed is stated to have been (A.D. 1640)
in the custody of Roger Davies, Esq., of Dungrey. It is
also in Harl. MS. 1972, p. 127.

Sciant p'sentes et futuri qd ego Joh'cs de Upton Cl'icus dedi
conccssi ct hac p'senti carta mea confirmavi Audoono fil'
Hawissiso fil' Aniani o'es terr' ct ten' qu.is vol ego habui sea
tenui in tota villa de Halghton cum omnibus suis pertinenti-
bus et quinquo tenementa in villa de llanm'cum omnibus suis
pertin' ct quatuor pecll' terro moe in Gredinton cum omnibus
suis p'tin' ct unum tcnementum in villa de Gwillynton cum
suis p'tin' in messuag' terr' p'tis bosc' vast' pastur' aquis marlc-
riis serviciis redditibus villains eif eorum catall' ac corum
sequel' decibus cu' acciderit ct o'ibus aliis appendiciis ad d'tam
terr' et ten' quoquomodo spectant' cum o'ibus bonis meis mobili-
bus ct imobilibus in d'tis terr' et ten' existen'sine ullo re tin-emt0
H'iiuV ct Tenend' d'to Audoeno ct lieredibus ejus mascul' de
CDi'p'e suo legittimo p'creat de me et hered'meis bene pacilice
integre et hereditar' faciend' indc capitalibus d'nis feodi iliius
pro serviciis inde debit' et consuet' reddendo inde mihi ad tota'

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77.

191

vita' mea' decern libr' singulis annis ad festura Nativitat'
sci' Joh'is baptist' et ann'ciaco'is beat' Maria? p' equal' p'c'ones, et
si contingat p'd'c Audoenus cu' heredib' mascuf de corp'e suo
legittie p'creat' obiere tunc volo et concedo et hac p'nti cbarta
mea confirmo ql1 o'es terr'et ten' p'd cum c-'ibus suis p'tin' ut p'dm
est, Dauid et rh'o filiis p'dtse Hawissia? et fr'ibus d'ti Audoeni
integre remaneant. Hend' et tenend' d'tis Dauid et Ph'o et
heredibus de corp'ibus suis legitti'e p'creat'. Et si contingat
p'd'tm Dauidem et Plrum hered' de corp'ibus suis legitti'e
p'creat' human' natur' debitu' solvere tunc volo et concedo qd
post decessu' p'd'torum Audoeni et Dauid et Ph'i o'es terr' et
ten' p'd' cu' suis p'tin' mihi et rectis heredibus meis integre
rev'tant sine condico'e alicujus. Et ego vero p'd'tus Joh'es et
heredes mei o'es p'd' terr' et o'ia p'd'ta ten' cu' oi'bus suis p'tin'
ut p'dm est dicto Audoono et hered' mascul' de corp'e suo
legitti'e p'creat' in forma p'd'ta contra o'es gentes warrantizab'
acquietabim3 et defendemus in forma subscripta imp'p'm.

In cujus rei testimonium huic p'nti charte mee sigillu' meu'
apposui. Hijs testilv d'no Ric'o de Pyvelesdon, milite, Johe de
Hynckle tunc ballivo de O'wton, Jer. Voel, Owain ap Grono,
Dauid ap .... nynio Vechan Eign Vychan, Grono Vychan,
Gruff f're ejus, Owain Vychan, Ll'n ap Jeuaf, Dauid ap Gruff,
Gruff' ap Jevan, Dauid ap Mad' Mad' et Ll'n fr'ibus ejus,
Ryn Vychan et multis aliis. Dat' apd Hanm' die lune post
festu' Martini Confessor Anno regni regis Ed' fil' regis Ed'
sexto.

In the Collections for Blakeway's History of Salop
(Bodleian), in reference to this Hector of Hanmer, it is
stated, " some say that he was a priest, others that he
was a knight, but he was neither, but because he farmed
ye Rectory of Upton of y° Abbot of Haghmond, he was
called by some Sir John Upton." This paragraph
seems to show that his name was territorial, and not
personal. Eyton notices (viii. 177, 8), the case of a
man having one personal and four territorial names ;
and (ii. 116) of women having d ifferent christian names,
by which thev were known at different times. As the
Uptons hod given the presentation of Waters Upton
to the Abbey of Shrewsbury, it is natural to find some
of the family beneficed there, and Eyton (viii. 58),
suggests that " Sir John de Halton, Chaplain, who was
admitted on July 14, 1318, may be that John Porson

Vol. II., 2nd S. ' w

192

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

of Upton Waters, who occurs in 1345 as having been
disseised of a considerable estate in High Hatton."
With respect to the deed of gift in 1313,it is to be noticed
that in Halghton there was the carucate (say 240 acres)
with tenements in the vills of Hannemere,Gredinton,and
Gwillinton, the acreage of which can be ascertained in
the Church books, because they still bear the significant
name Cae Percyn = Parson's field. In the Valor of
1538 these lands are represented by seven acres, and in
a Terrier of the Gleabe belonging to the parish of
Hanmer, exhibited 21st August, 1 663, we find " There
is noe Gleabe lands belongs to ye Vicar, but only or
about the third part of a day math or Acre of lands; "
signed by Richard Heath and Brian Suker, ye old
Churchwardens (Cestr). In the pleadings (Charter
No. 8) the Abbots Richard de Broke and Nicholas de
Longnor are said to have been in " peaceable possession
of Hanmere." What a wide margin must be allowed
to these words may be judged by the appointment of
John de Upton (with which apparently Edward I. had
nothing to do) ; by his alienation of the Church lands ;
by the omission of Hanmer in A.D. 1320, Feb. 27, from
the Royal ratification of properties belonging to Hagli-
mond ; by the statement in Inq. p. m. 1349, that
Roger TEstrange was seised of the Rectories of Bangor
and Hanmer ; [" According to the Inquisitio Nonarum,
taken in 1341, Ellesmere with most of its members was
then reputed to be in Wales, and so free from the
current impost." Eijlon, x. 248 1 also by Roger
l'Estrange's presentation to the living in 1341, as
follows (Lichfield Diocesan Register) : — " Institutio
eccl'ie de Hanemere. Item ii: idns Januarij Anno D'ni
T ceo xli. aptid Brewode, Thorn' fil' Thomas de Ondes-
lawe Cl'icns adinissus fuit ad eccl'iam do Hanem'e, vacan-
tem,et institutus in eadem ad p'sent' d'ni Rog'i Lest range
d'ni de Ellesme' mil it' veri ejusdem ecc'lie patroni, et
incipit vacare die Mercurij in crastino Circumcisionis die
p' mortem Magistri Joh'is de Upton ultimi Pectoris
ejusdem. Et mandabatur olficiali Archidni de inducendo,

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77. 193

et idem admissus juravit obedientiam." In the same
Register, lib. i., fol. 191, col 1, we find that Ondeslawe
was a deacon in 1342.

In an account of the Calvary Cross in Hanmer
Churchyard (Arckceologia Cambrensis, 4th Series,
No. 27), to which Mr. M. Bloxham assigned the
probable date of 1350, a manuscript of Gruff Hir-
aethog was quoted. The real reading of this is
probably : " Graved in a stoe by the noryd in the wal of

the chhe in text hand [the words omitted].

Upon the ston Kros the next syd to the Chirche the same
to be a lybert." This word is used by Thos. Churchyard,
in his Worthenes of Wales, A.D. 1587, when describing
the arms of one Waters, " full at his feet a goodly
Greyhound lyes, and at his head there is before your
eyes three Libbarts' heads, three cups, two Eagles,
splay 'd, a fayre red Crosse, and further to be sayd a
Lyon black, &c/' If libbart means leopard, there are
two of them. We may suppose that the cross was put
up to the memory of Roger FEstrange, who died in
1349, as lord of Ellesmere and of Maillor Saisnec, and
having been so lately possessed of the advowson of the
Church, he might well be thus remembered at Hanmer.
It bears on its north face the old device of 1' Estrange
of Knokyn, " two lions pass, gard." But these
are upon a shield which is held with both hands by
a figure which some have thought represented John
de Upton. His own shield is given in Harl. MS., 1995,
p. 8 (Index, p. 196), 124, as"" or 3 martlets." This
may have been the seal attached to the Dungrey deed.
Upon a tile at Sundorn there is a shield (as supposed)
of the Uptons, viz., 6 Crosslets (3, 2, 1), between a fess
sable ; and J. Salesbury gives Upton these bearings,
" arg. a chevron, between 3 roses gu." Let us hope
that associated with FEstrange in life and in death
John do Upton was able to adopt the motto, " In terris
peregrinus eram, nunc incola ccoli."

It has been noticed that those who lay around the
Cross were for the most part Bettisfield people, and it

104 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEE

was thought that this might point to some ancient con-
nection between those who erected the Cross and the
inhabitants of the Gwely Owen. It is however more
likely to have arisen from the fact that the Fowler and
FitzGerald families, who owned Bettisiield (Llys
Bedydcl) in the 17th and 1 8th centuries, were Roman
Catholics.

CONFI RM ATIO27 DTE ECCLESIE 1)E H ANN EM ERE PER
ROGER UM EPISGOPUM COUENTREN' ET
LICHEFELD.

Charter 5. Univ'sis p'sentes l'ras mspectur' Rogerus2S per-
mission Divina Coueutr' et Licli' Ep'us salutem in eo qui est
on'u' vera salus. Noveritis nos l'ras fr'is W. quondam prioris
Couentr' et ejusdem loci Conventus Sigillo Capit'li ip'ius loci
ut prima facie app'ebat signatas sub tenore qui sequitur in-
spexisse : Om'ibus se'e matris eccl'ie tiliis kc. ut supra. In
cujus rei testimonium nos Rogerus Ep'us suprad'cus Sigillum
n'rm presentibus duximus apponendu'. Dat' apud Heywode29
ij° Id. Junij Anno D'ni mill'mo cccxlvij0.

LICEXTIA DOMINI REGIS P' EADEM ECCLESIA.

Charter 6. Edwardus^0 Dei gr'a Rex Anglie et Francie et
D'us Hibernie Om'ibus ad quos p'sentes l're pervenerint Sal'm

27 The Scribe seems to have misplaced these deeds.

2S " This Bishop was Robert de Norbury, who was intruded upon the
See by Pope Julius XXII, He was consecrated at Uales Abbey,
June '27th, 1322, and lived a diligent life till 1359. -Norbury 's
Register is still in excellent preservation at Lichfield. In 1348, the
three spires were then nearly finished." (Lichfield Diocesan History,
pp. HO-3.)

29 It is dated on the 2nd day of June, 13 17, at Heywode, of which
Thos. Pennant thus writes in his Journey from Chester to London,
page 93 : "Opposite to the back front of the house of Shugborough,
on the banks of the Sow, stand the small remains of the antient
mansion, which Leland says belonged originally to Suckborrow, with
a long beard, and who (as some say) gave it to the Mitre of Lichfield.
It must have been in very early times, for the manor of Haywood, in
which this is included, belonged to the See in 1085, the 20th of
William the Conqueror, and so continued till the reign of Edward VI.,
who bestowed it on Lord Paget. The house was till that time one of
the palaces of the Bishops."

30 Edward 111.

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77.

195

Sciatis qd de gr'a n'ra sp'ali concessimus et licenciam dedimus
pro nobis et heredibus n'ris quantum in nobis est dil'co &
rideli n'ro Rogero le Straunge qd ip'e advocac'oem e'ccl'ie de
Hanenicre que de nobis tenetur in capite31 vt dicitur dare
possit et assignare dil'cis nobis in Xp'o Abbi Sz Co'ventui de
Haghmon' H'end' et tenend'32 eisdcm Abbi et Conventui et
suecess' suis do nobis et heredibus n'ris imp'petuu' Et eisdein
Abb'i et Conventui q'd ip'i advocac'oem p'd'cam a p'fato Rogero
recip'e et eccl'iam illam appropriare et earn sic appropriatam
in p'prios usus ten ere possint sibi et successoribus suis p'd'cis
de nobis et heredibus n'ris imp'petuu' sicut p'd'cum est tenore
p'senciu' si'lit' licenciam dedimus specialem Statute de t'ris et
ten' ad manu'33 mortuam; non ponend' edito non obstante34

31 " in capite." We have shown above that the intruded Rector
must have been the one who held the living from 1 302-41. We shrill
find in the pleadings that the Lord of Ellesmere, from A.D. 1276,
until July 31, 1311, was a Roger l'Estrange. His brother Hamo, the
Royalist and Crusader had left it, ultra vires, to him in 1274 (but it
was confirmed in 1276), having himself received it from "the
enfranchised King on February 21, 1207, in reward of the faithful

services he was then rendering to the Crown to be held

by the said Hamo and Ms heirs until such time as the King should
provide the said Hamo, out of his escheats, with 100 librates of land
in some competent situation." (Eyton's Salopia, x. 241.)

Probably one of the first acts of Hamo l'Estrange was (with the
Royal consent) to give Hanmer to the Abbey of Haghmond. When
therefore in A.D. 1302 the Statute of Mortmain was broken (vide
supra), the Church of Hanmer reverted to the Crown, and whs held in
capite by the tenant of the manor. The King's licence was, therefore
required before it could be alienated from the Manor, and made over
to the Abbey. From the time of Hamo, who died (as it is supposed)
in the service of the Cross, between 1270-4, the l'Estrange' family
claimed, and not without reason, to have bestowed the Church of
Hanmere upon Haghmond.

32 " Habendum et tenendum.'' These words are found in deeds from
about 1 170.

33 Tn his Ecclesiastical Law, Vol. ii, p. 1971 (n), Sir Robert
Phillimore says, "Fifty years after the civil establishment of the
Church of Constantino, Valentinian, the elder, enacted the prototype
of mortmain laws, restraining among other regulations, the prodigality
of bequest by women to the Church, and twenty years afterwards

Theodosius the Great issued a similar edict.'' ''In England

(page 1973), the first enactment on the mortmain is to be found in
Magna Charta, cap. 36, now repealed." The provisions of this enact-
ment being speedily evaded, it was supplemented by 7 Edward 1., st
2, called the " Statute de viris religiosis." ''The Statute imposed

196

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

Nolcntes qd p'd'cus Rogerus vel heredes sui aut p'fati Abbas et
Oonventus seu success' sui r'one p'missorum sen p'd'ci Statuti
p' nos vel heredes n'ros Justic' Escaetores Viceeomites aut alios
Ballivos seu rninistros n'ros qtioscumque inde occ'onentur
molestentr in aliq° seu gravent*. In cujus rei testi'oniu' has
l'ras n'ras fieri fecimus patentes.35 Teste meip'o apud Westm,'
duodecimo die Maij Anno regni n'ri Anglie sextodecimo,
Kegni v° n'ri Francie iij°.

DON AGIO DICTE ECCLESIE PER ROGERUM36 LE
STRAUKGE.

Charter 7. A touz q'e cest i're verrount et orrount Rog'
lest'nge Seigno1" do Knokin de Elesme' et Maylor Saysenok
Salutz en n're Seignu1" Purse nos desirom effectualment par-
feare la cuerrouse volente quauoms devancer n're Abbeye de
Haghmon' et les possessions de ycele acrestre q' no' Cbanoigns
& chapeleins illeq's y puissent plus peysiblement en bone
deuocion Dieu s'uir et pur no' prier et pur nos heirs Cosyns &
pur no' Auncestres les auoms g'ntes lavoweson' de la eglise de
Hanem'e od toux ses apurtn'nces de quele aueweson' poy sor-
roient nos dits Cbanoigns eidez en viure ou vesture sils la dite
eglise de Hanem'e ne lur fuyt ap'prie & unie a lcur' Abbeye
de Haghmon' P'qci' p'mettons q' a quei' hour 1' abbe de
Haghmon' se vorra medlei' deu's n're Seint Piere le Pp'e ou lc
honurable piere en dieu lcuesq0 de Cestreet ses Chapistres pur
congie et gaunt auoir dauenir la dite eglise en p'pres vs & cele
unir a lour Abbey p' voye de rcstitucion' ou en altre manere

obstacles, even to the surrender of a Monastic tenancy to the
Suzerain.'' (li//!o?u xii. 192.) "When therefore the Abbey allowed
Roger rEstrarige, lord of Ellesmere (and therefore of Hanmer), one
presentation to Hanmer Church, the grant by which they held the
same Church from Hamo 1 Estrange became utterly void.

34 " non obstante." It will be seen Jatcr on that even the King's
consent could not override the law.

;'5 There had been three before this, the first by Henry II, circa,
1177, the others by Henry III, probably in 1225 and 1267, which are
often referred to, but the Charters are not included in this series.

36 Roger L 'Estrange, of Knokvn I, was son of John FEstrangc VI.
lie succeeded his uncle, Eubule l'Estrange, in the lordships of Elles-
mere and Maillor Saisnec in 138'), and as these grants were "to him
and his heirs,5' he was a Baron of great importance.

As this donation is dated A.D. (1313). and Roger died in 1310, it
seems evident that he did not wish his estate to be burdened by the
unjust possession of Church property. We are reminded of Walchelinc
lMaminot's restoration of land in Ellesmere to the Monks of iSalop,
u Sciatis quod, Are., avunculus mens injustc abstulit terrain a

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A. D. 11G6-77.

197

Solomc q' ley do Seinte eglise mieltz vorra soffrir Nous des
noz biens demeyne y mettroms lo alrrient et aquiteroms la
nioite des costages et dcspenses q' serront featz entour' lap'-
prisementz vnion et restitution' susditz Mais voloras q' labbe
de Haghmon' deyns uii Mois p'schein ap's qil eyt la possession'
de la dite eglise de Hanemere receuant les fruyts dicele Soit
tenuz p' la Pre aSeale de son Seal et od le cornin seal de son
Chapitr' fcare son Couent et confreres securs dauoir dan en
altre vint liures dargent dez p'fitez de la dite eglise de Hane-
m'e en acres de lour' vesture37 & de lur Cusyne ensi qe le dite
Couent supportant pur no' et noz vne p'p'etuele chanterie no:
soit tenuz en plus volentrine memoir' auoir en lur deuocions
& priers Esc'pt a Ellesmere le dossyme iour' de Nouembr lan
du regne le Roi Edward tierc' ap's le conquest sessyme.

CONFIRMATION OF THE SAID CHURCH OF HAXNE-
MERE, BY ROGER, BISHOP OF COVENTRY
AND LICHEFELD.

(Charter 5.) To all who shall see the present letters, Roger,
by Divine permission, Bisliop of Coventry and Liehefeld,
greeting in Him who i* the true health of all men. Know ye
that we have inspected the letters of brother \Y., formerly prior
of Coventry, and of the Convent of the same place, signed with
the Capitular seal of the same place, as appeared on the surface,
of the lollowing tenor: " To all sons of holy mother church." &zc,
as above. In witness thereof, we, Roger, the Bishop abovesaid,
have caused our seal to be affixed to these presents. Given at
Heywode, on the 2nd day before the Ides of June, in the year
of our Lord one thousand three hundred and forty seven.

Monachis, etc. Quod ego audiens studui liberare animam avuncul
mei et animas eorum qui hoc ci concilium dederunt de poena istius
peccati ; reddidique, itc. : et ideo precor omncs qui post me venturi
sunt, ut banc terrain nulla unquam cal'nmpnia impediant, &c."
(.Uonasticon, iii. 522, No. XIT.)

37 " For their clothing and for their kitchen.'' The Monks are true
to themselves. The religiosi viri (vid. infra) found so little favour with
William of Wykeham in i 380, when founding- New College, Oxford,
that he says, Raving diligently examined and compared the various
rules of the religious orders and compared them with the lives of
their several professors, he was obliged with grief to declare that he
could not anywhere find that the ordinances of t lie founders according
to their true design and intention were at present observed by any of
them." (Historic Toicns : Oxford, by C. \V. Boasc, page 75.)

Hardly anything can have been left over from the proceeds of the
living to provide for the proper care of the parish.

198

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMEB

LICENCE OF THE LOUD KING FOR THE
SAME CHURCH.

(Charter 6.) Edward by the grace of God, King of England
and France, and Lord of Ireland, to all to whom the present
letters shall come, greeting. Know ye that of our special grace
we have granted and given licence for us and our heirs, as far
as in us is, to our beloved and faithful Roger le Straunge, that
he may be able to give and assign the advowrv of the Church
of Hanmere, which of us is held in chief, as it is said, to our
beloved in Christ the Abbot and Convent of Haghmond : To
have and bold to the same Abbot and Convent and their succes-
sors of us and our heirs for ever ; And to the same Abbot and
Convent that they may be able to receive the aforesaid advowrv
from the aforesaid Roger, and to appropriate that Church, and
to hold it so appropriated to their own proper uses to them-
selves and their successors aforesaid of us and our heirs for
ever, as is aforesaid, by the tenor of these presents we have
given special licence ; the Statute put, forth as to lands and
tenements not to be placed in a dead hand notwithstanding ;
Not willing that the aforesaid Roger or his heirs, or the afore-
said Abbot and Convent or their successors, by reason of the
promises or of the aforesaid Statute, should by us or our heirs,
our Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, or other Bailiffs or Ministers
whomsoever therein be hindered, molested in any way, or
troubled. In witness whereof we have caused these our letters
patent to be made patent. Witness ourself at Westminster,
on the twelfth day of May, in the year of our reign over
England the sixteenth, and over France the third.

DONATION OF THE SAID CHURCH BY
ROGER LE STRAUNGE.

(Charter 7.) To all who shall see and hear this Writ Roger
Lcstraunge, Lord of Knokin, of Elesmerc, and May lor Saysenok,
greeting in our Lord. For that we desire effectually to accom-
plish the hearty good will which we have to advance our
Abbey of Haghmond, and to increase the possessions thereof
(so) that our Canons and Chaplains there may be able more
peaceably in good devotion to serve God, and pray for us and
tor our kinsmen and tor our ancestors, we have granted to them
the advowson of the Church of Hanemere with all its appur-
tenances, with which advowson they would then be aided in
victuals and clothing if the said Church of Hanemere were38

3S Not (nc) in MS.

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77. 199

appropriated to them and united to their Abbey of Haghmond ;
wherefore we promise that at such time as the Abbot of Hagh-
mond shall please to apply to our holy Father the Pope, or the
honorable Father in God the Bishop of Chester and his
Chapter, to obtain licence and grant to have the said Church
to their own use, and to unite it to their Abbey, by way of
restitution, or in any other manner, according as the law of
Holy Church will best sutler, we of our own property will add
the almoigm and will acquit the moiety of the costs and
expenses which shall be incurred about the appropriation,
union, and restitution aforesaid; but we will that the Abbot of
Haghmond, within one month next after that he shall have the
possession of the said Church of Hanemere, receiving the fruits
thereof, shall be bound by letter, sealed with his seal and with
the Common Seal of his Chapter, to make his convent and
co-brothers secure of having from year to year twenty pounds
of silver of the profits of the said Church of Hanemere, for
increase of their clothing, and of their kitchen ; so that the
said Convent, supporting for us and ours a perpetual chantry,
shall be bound to have us in more willing momory in their
devotions and prayers. Written at Ellesmere, the twelfth day
November, in the sixteenth year of the reign of King Edward
the Third after the Conquest.

In 1328, Aug. 9, Roger had confirmed the Vill of
Caldecote to Haghmond, and mentioned that his father,
John le Strange VI., had released the Abbey from a
rent of two wether sheep (multones, Haghmond
Chartulary fo. 42.)

The conclusion of this part of the story is given us in
the following extract from " Lichfield Dio. Register, Q.
124: "Item v. Idus Octobris, anno D'ni 134.9, apud
Hey wood Magr Joh'es de Brimham, clericus, admissus
f'uitad eccl'iam de Hanmere vacantem, et institus (sic) in
eadem ad presentaco'ein nobilis viri D'ni Edwardi Regis
Anglice et Francioe illustris primogeniti Principis
Wallise, Dueis Cornubise, et Comitis Cestriae, ejusdem
eccl'iai ratione dominii de Maelor Saesnek in manu sua

existentis hac vice veri patron i et vacabat

dicta eccl'ia in vigilia Exaltaeo'is Sc're Crucis ultima
proeterita per mortem D'ni Joaiinis Ondeslowe, ultimi
Rectoris ejusdem, et mandatum Officiali Archidiaconi
de inducendo. Et idem admissus juravit obedientiam.'j

Vol. II., 2nd S. X

200

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

There was, however,' very little for the Rectors to
succeed to, and we find that John de Brimham was
King's Chamberlain at Chester. Matthew Hannemere
was Vicar of Northop, and held other appointments.
Sir William Smethcote soon exchanged the living with
Walter de Clifford (who was perhaps a wealthy man),
and then Richard Colfox (in conjunction with Richard
FEstrange), revived the "Mortmain Act " infraction,
and for a time the Monks would have to content them-
selves with " pauca fercula."

PLAC1TCM FRO DICTA ECCLESIA IN T'MINO SANCTI
HILLARIJ ANNO RR. HENRICT Yu PRIMO,
RO. CXXIJ039.

(Charter S.) Abbas40 de Haghmon' p' Joh'em Rowburste41
attorn' suu' pet' v'sus Ric'm Lestraunge42 de Knokin militem
advocaco'em eccl'ie de Hanem'e ut jus eccl'ie ip'i' Abb'is s'ci
Joh'is evangete de Haghmon' p' br'e d'ni Regis de Recto quam

39 I do not find on the De Banco Roll, Hilary, 1 Henry V., Roll
122, the entry relating to the Abbot of Haghmond and the Church of
Hanmer, nor is it on the Coram Rege Roll, or the Plea Roll of the
Exchequer.

40 This was Richard Burnett, 26th Abbot of Haghmond. His date
is 1420-63.

41 One of the many difficulties connected with this subject arises
from the similarity of names at Haghmond and Hanmere. The
Roden rises in the latter and runs near the former. At both there is
a Roden sike and a Roden hurste. [The only will in the English
language which appears in the Haghmond Chartulary (fob 23) is that
of William Bromshill of A stun Rogers, who was High Sheriff of Salop
in 1408. " I woll, pray, require, and beseech allmy feoffees to make
an estate of my landes in Aston Rogers Arc. to the Abbot and Convent
of Haghmond to hold to the said Abbot and Convent that they pray
for my sowle and for the soules of my auucestres .... also 1 woll

that they sell my landes in and that the money be holly

geven to the makinge of the Churche and of the Stepill of Worthinge
also I woll that my feoffees estate a tenement, with appur-
tenances in Medewe to John Rodenhurst and to his heires to have
and to hold Arc. 7th Henry VI.'' The will has been drawn up by an
attorney, and presumably by John Rodenhurste himself.]

42 Richard l'Estrahge, Baron of Knokin, Arc. (son of John, son of
Roger 1L) was great grandson of the linger last mentioned. He was
born in 13S1. An Jnq. p. m. states that when his father died in 2
Henry IV., ho was under age. On 17th Sept., 6 Henry V., "Rex

TO HAGHMOND ABBKY, A.D. 1166-77. 201

idem Ric'us ei injuste deforc' &c. Et uiide die* qd quidam
Nich'us quondam Abbas do Haghmon' p'decessor p'd'ci nunc
Ablvis fuit se'itus de p'd'ca advocacoe' p'd'ce eccl'ie do Hanm'e
ut de feodo & jure eccl'ie sue s'ci Joh'is evangete de Haghmon
p'dict' tanqa p'sona imp'sonata in eadem eccl'ia de Hanmero
ut de advocaco'e sua p'pria ct eande' eccl'iam de Haumere

concessit Ric'o lc Straunge do r\nokyn Chivaler quod dare possit Ric'o
Colfox, John de Wythyngton, Thorn a? de Altyngham, Cl'icis, manerium
de Overton Madoc, et terram de Maillor Saisiiec in Wallia, una cum
feodis militum, advocacioxibus eccl'iarum, chaceis, etc. in feodo, ct
quod idem Ric'us, Joh'es et Thomas eadem p'missa concedere possint
p'fato Ric'o et Constantite uxori ejus et heredibus suis in perpetuum "
(Patent Roll). The same Constantia, who was living in 1433-9
(Ministers' Accounts Com. dc ffiynt), made her will by his special
licence in 11 ... . (Harl. MS., 2.073a). He afterwards married
Elizabeth, daughter of Lord Cobham, by whom lie had one son, John,
born in 1443. Richard PEstrange died A.D. 1448, aged 59, and
Elizabeth (who was re-married to Roger Kynaston) in 1402 (Harl.
MS., page 2022.) Some descents of the family are heie given.

John PEstrange III., of Ncss:
and Cheswardine, Salop, entered upon
public life as early as 1212 ; obt. 1269
[Eyton, x. 274.)

: Lucia d. of Robert de Tn
Vol. exxi., p. 12Sb.)

;oz {Dodsirorthi

I • I
John IV.^fJoan d.of Haino

The Writ Roger de Royalist &

" diem Somery. Crusader
Clausit" received
did nor. Ellesmere
issue till 1267-
Feb. 20, o s. p.

1276.

Alice—. . .
c. 1200-1.

Roger

Lord of
Elles-
mere 1270; o.s.p. 1311 ;
"took David Priuee of

"Wales prisoner in 12S2."

I

Hawys=f=Gruff ap
<Aj Gwen-
^ wymvyji
before
1270
(Ei/to>i
x., 274.)

Alianore1— John PEstrange V.=f3Mautl, d. and h. of Roger d'Eiville (Dugdale.)
{Eyton. Inq. p.m., Aug. 8
x.279.) & Sep. 8,1309.

John l'Estrange VI.?
" A grant of Elles-
mere made to him
for life " from the
Crown in 1319
(Pat. 12 Edw. II.,
pars. 2,m..9dorso);
" diem clausit ,"
Feb. 0, 1311.

phi Ver

1)011.

=Isolda Hamo de Hun-=f=Margaret
stanton ex donoJ/ til. Radul
D'ui Johan' Lc^

strange et
Isoldai fratris
et SQioris per
chartam datnm
apud Knokin,

3 Edw. II.
(II. Spelman.)

I

Eubule— Alicia

" received
Ellesmere

and Maelor
Saesneg

A.D. 1329 ;
o.s.p.

d. of
H. dc
Lacy.

202 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

tenuit in p'prios usus sibi et success' suis imp' pet uu' p' co'soli-
daco'em nup' cp'i loci iilius dioc' te'pe pacis te'p'e E. nup' Regis
Angl' p'avi d'ni Regis nunc &,g. capiend' inde explec' ut in
grossis decimis, minutis dec'is ©blaco'ibus obvenco'ibus et
aliis emoluments et p'ficuis d'ce ecel'ie de Hanm'e p'tinentibus
ad valenc' &c. Et p'd'cus Nich'us quonda? Abbas postea obiit
post cujus mortem quidam Uic'us nup' Abbas loci p'd'ci succes-
sor p'd'ci Nich'i quondam Abb'is &c. el'cus fuit et creatus in
Abb'em de Haghmon' Et post ip'm Ric'm nup' Abb'em quidam
Johannes nup' Abbas ejusdem loci successor ejusdem Ric'i
nup' Abb'is &c. elc'us fuit et creatus in Abb'em loci p'd'ci Et
post ip'm Joli'em nup' Abb'em Szc. quidam Nich'us nup' Abbas
loci p'd'ci Successor ejusdem Johannis nup' Abb'is et ultimus
p'decessor p'dci nunc Abb'is fuit el'cus et creatus in Abb'em
loci p'd'ci Et post ip'm Nich'm nup' Abb'em fee. Successor
p'd'ci Joh'is p'd'cus nu'c Abbas electus fuit et creatus in Abb'em
loci p'dci Et qd sit tie jus ip'ius nu'c Abb'is et ecel'ie sue S'ci
Joh'is Evangeliste de Haghmon' p'dict' offert &c. Et p'd'cus
Ric'us p' Wili'm xVrmeston" attorn' suu' ven' et defend' jus suu'

a |

Roger I.=j=
ret. 22, Aug. 15,1322. Baron
of Knockin 1323. Suc-
ceeded to Ellesmere and
Maelor Saesneg in 1329.
on death of his uncle
Kubule ; pbt. 1319.

John VIL— Matilda
In "Nomina Villarum" ot 1316,
the vill of Nesse l'Estrangc
is assigned to John, .i minor
in the King's custody ; o. p. p.
May 28, 1323.

Roger II. =p Alicia
Nat. 1326, Icq. p.m. G Ric. II. I Inq. p.m. 9 Kic, II.

rot.

John l'Estrange VIII.^Mabilia, d. and h. John de Mohun.
Inq. p.m. 21 Ric II. J

i . . C 7

Constantia = ruchard=j=Llizabeth, d. of Roger, Lord Cobham.; re-married
obt. 9 Roger Kvnaston.

Aug. 28
Hen. VI.

1

John ^Estrange IX.^p Jagneta, d. and h. of Richard, Karl Rivers,
years, May 20, 1448; obt.

15 Oct.
infra.)

17 Edw. IV. (vide

Johanna
d. k h.

Geo. Stanley,

fO HAGHMOXD ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77. 203

q'n' &c. et sei'am p'd'ci Nich'i quondam Abb'is &c. p'decess'
p'd'ci nu'c Abb'is &c. de cujus seisina && ut de feodo et jure
eccric sue s'ci Joh'is Evanget0 de Haghrnon' p'dict' totu' <kc.
maxi'e de p'd'ca advocaco'c et pon' se hinc inde in magnam
assisam d'ni Regis Et pet' recogn' inde fieri utrum ip'e roajus
jus h'eat tencnd' advocaco'em p'd'cam sic1 earn tenet an p'fatus
nunc Abbas H'end' et tenend' p'd'cam eccl'lain de Hanmere in
p'prios usus sibi et successoribus suis imp'petuu' ut de jur'
eccl'ie sue s'ci Joh'is Evangetc de Haghmon' p'd'ce sicut ecci'iam
iliam de Hanmere h'ere et tenor' petit Et p'd'eus nu'c Abbas
similit' Postea soil* isto eodem t'mino ad sect' p'd'ci nu'c Abb'is
hie competent'43 p'd'eus Ric'ussolempnit' exact' ad capiend' diem
audiend' inde elec'onem magne Assi'e p'd'ce non venit sed in
contempt' Cur' recessit Ideo considerat' est qd p'd'eus nu'c
Abbas recup'et sei'am suam versus p'fat' Ric'm de advocaco'e
p'd'ca Et qd idem nu'c Abbas h'eat et teneat et teneat (sic)
p'd'cam ecci'iam de Hanmere in p'prios usus sibi et success'
suis imp'petuu' quiete de p'fato Ric'o et Jiercdibus suis
imp'petuu' Et niehil de mi'a ip'ius Ric'i quia ven' p'mo die p;
Sum' «fcc. Sed quia dubitat1' de fraud e inde hit' p'fat5 nu'c Abb'em
et p'd'c'm Ric'm Lestraungc p'locuta contra Statutu' quo cauetur
ne terr' aut ten' ad manu' mortuam14 deveniant quoquomodo
p'cept' est vie' qd venir' fac' hie in Octab' Purificac'onis b'e
Marie p' Justic' xij &c. de visneto de Hanm'e p' quos etc. Et
qui p'd'c'm nu'c Abb'em nulla &c. ad recogn' sup' Sacr'm suu'
quale jus idem nu'c Abbas h'et in advocaco'e p'd'ca et quis
p'decessorum suorum fuit in sei'a et p'd'cam ecci'iam de Han-
mere tcnuit in p'prios usus sibi et success' suis ut de jure
eccl'ie sue S'ci Joh'is euangetc de Haghmon' p'd'co temp'e d'ni
Henr' quondam Regis Angi' fi Hi Regis Joh'is p'genitoris D'ni
Regis nu'c Et int'im advocac'oeni p'd'cam in manu d'ni Regis
capiat lta qd neuter p'd'ec-rum nunc Abb'is et Rici Lcstrau'ge
ad cam manu' appon' donee &c. et scire faciat capit' d'nis
feodi illius med' et inmed' qd tunc sint hie audiend' iilam
recogn' &c. Et int'im cosset execuc'o &c. Ad quern diem
ven' p'd'eus Abbas p' attorn' suu' p'd'c'm Et Jur'a p'dict' posita
fuit in respect' hie usque ad hunc diem scilicet a die Pasche in
xv dies tunc p'x' sequent' nisi Justic' d'ni Regis ad assi'am in
Com' p'd'co capiend' assign1 p' formam statute &c. die Yen'is
p'x' post fm p'petuc et felieitatis apud Salop' prius venisscnt
&c. Et m° ad hunc diem hie ven' p'd'eus Abbas p' attornat'

43 Sic : comparentis.

44 The Statute of Mortmain crops lip again in spite of the King's
" non obstante " in Charter 6.

204

GIFT OF THE CHUIiCH OF HANMEK

suu' p'dict' Et p'fati Justic' ad assi'as coram quibus &c. mise-
runt hie recordu' suu' in hec verba Postca die et loco infra
content' coram Hugone Huls et Thoma Henar' Justic' d'ni
Regis ad assi'as in Com Salop' una cu' Rogero Horton' hac vice
capiend' assign' ven' Abbas de Haghmon' infra noi'at' p' attorn'
suu' infra noi'at' Et Jur5 inpanellati exact' silit' ven' Et sup'
hoc p'clamac'o p' d'no Rege f'ca est qd si aliquis sit qui infor-
mare velit Justic' Servient' aut Attorn' d'ni Regis vel Jut'
p'd'eos p* ip'o D'no Rege in hac p'to ven' et aud' & nullus venit
&c, ijde' Jur' ad verit0' de infra content' dicend' el'ci triati et
jurat i dicu't sup' sacr'm suu' quod quidam Will'ms quondam
Abbas de Haghmon' et post ip'm Wili'm quidam Rad'us quon-
dam Abbas ejusdem loci successor ejusdem Will'mi Et post
ip'm Rad'm quid' Herveus quonda' Abbas ejusdem loci succes-
sor ejusdem Rad'i Et post ip'm Herueum q5d' Gilbertus quondam
Abbas loci p'd'ci successor ejusdem Heruei Et post ip'm Gilbertu'
quidam Alexander quond' Abbas loci p'd'ci successor ejusdem
Gilbert! successive seisiti fueru't de advocaco'e eccl'ie de
Hanm'e undo infra lit mencio ut de feodo et jure eccl'ie sue
s'ci Joh'is evangete de Haghmon' vn' silit' fit mencio tanqa p'sone
imp'sonate in cadem eccl'ia de Hanm'e ut de advocaco'e sua
p'p'a et candem eccl'iam de Hanm'e tenuerunt in p'p'os usus
sibi et success' suis imp'petuu' temp'e pacis te'p'e d'ni Henr'
Regis quond' Regis Anglie hi' Regis Joh'is p'genitoris D'ni
Regis nu'c capiend' indo explec' ut in grossis decimis minutis
decimis oblaco'ibus obvcnco'ibus et aliis emoluments et p'heuis
eidem eccl'ie de Hanmere p'tinent' ad valenc' &c. Et post ip'm
Alexandrum quidam Jolves quondam Abbas ejusdem loci
success' ejusdem Alex1 Et post ip'm Joh'em quidam Alanus
quondam Abbas ejusdem loci success' ejusdem Joh'is Et post'
ip'm Alanu' quidam Henr' q°ndam Abbas ejusdem loci success
ejusdem Alani successi'e sei'ti fuerunt de p'd'ca advocaco'e, ut
de feodo et de jure eccl'ie sue s'ci Joh'is evangetc de Haghmon'
p'd'ca tanqa p'sone imp'sonate in eadem eccl'ia de Hanm'e ut de
advocaco'e sua p'pria et eccl'iam illam tenuerunt in p'prios
usus sibi et success' suis imp'p'm tcm[)'e pacis temp'e d'ni
Edwardi quondam Regis Anglie iiiii Regis Henr' p'genitoris
d'ni Regis nu'c capiend' hide explec' ad valenciam *k;c. in for1
p'd'ca Et post ip'm Henr' quidam Gilbertus quondam Abbas
ejusdem loci success' ejusdem Henr' fuit sci'tus de p'd'ca advo-
caco'e ut de feodo et jure eccl'ie sue s'ci Joh'is Evangcte de
Haghmon' p'dict' tanq:l p'sona imp'sonata in eadem eccl'ia de
Hanmere ut de advocaco'e sua p'pria et eccl'iam illam tenuit
in p'prios usus sibi et success' suis imp'petuu' temp'e pacis
temp'e D'ni Edwardi lilii Regis Edwardi quond' Regis Anglie

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 11G6-77.

205

Sc'di post Conquestu' p'genitoris <fni Regis nu'c capiend' inde
explec' ad valeneiam &c' in fora p'd'ca Et post ip'm Gilbertu'
quidam Ric'us quondam Abbas ejusdem loci success' ejusdem
Gilberti Et post ip'm Ric'm p'd'cus Nich'us quondam Abbas
&c. Do cujus sei'a p'd'c'us nu'c Abbas narravit success' ejusdem
Ric'i successive sei;ti fuerunt de p'd'ca advocaco'e ut de feodo,
et jure eccl'ie sue sc'i Joh'is Evangete de Haghmon' p'dict tanqa
p'sone imp'sonate in eadem eccl'ia de Hanmere ut de advocaco'e
sua p'pria et eccl'iam illain tenuerunt in p'prios us us sibi et
success' suis imp'petuu' te'p'e pacis temp'e d'ni Edwardi nup'
Regis Anglie proavi D'ni Regis nu'c capiend' inde explec' ad
valenc' &c' in fora p'd'ca Et ultimo d* sup' sacr'm suu' qd non
est aliqua fraus sive collusio int' p'fatu' nu'c Abb'em et p'd'c'm
Ric'm Lestraungede Knokin milite' de advocaco'e p'd'ca pToeuta
I'o cons' est qd p'd'cus nu'c Abbas he'at execuco'em &c.

PLEA FOR THE SAID CHURCH, IN THE TERM OF
St HILARY IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE
REIGN OF KING HENRY THE FIFTH,
ROLL 122.

(Charter 8.) The Abbot of Haghmond, by John Rowhurste
his attorney, demands against Richard Lestrange of Knockin,
Knight, the advowson of the Church of Hanemere, as the right
of the Church of the same Abbot of S* John the Evangelist of
Haghmond, by the Writ of tire Lord the King of right, which
[advowson] the same Richard unjustly deforces from him, etc.
And whereof lie says that, ono Nicholas, formerly Abbot of
Haghmond, predecessor of the aforesaid now Abbot, was seised
of the aforesaid advowson of tile aforesaid Church of Hanemere,
as of fee, and in right of his Church of S* John the Evangelist
of Haghmond aforesaid, as parson impersonate in the same
Church of Hanmere, as of Ins own advowson, and held the
same Church of Hanmere to his own uses, to him and his
successors lor ever, by the consolidation of the late Bishop
diocesan of that place, in time of peace, in the time of Edward
late King of England, great grandfather of the Lord the King
that now is, &c, taking t he esplees (profits), as in great tithes,
small tithes, oblations, obventions, and other emoluments and
profits to the said Church of Hanmere appertaining, to the
value, kc. And the aforesaid Nicholas formerly Abbot after-
wards died ; after whose death one Richard, late Abbot of the
place aforesaid, successor of the aforesaid Nicholas, formerly
Abbot, ■fcc. was elected and created Abbot of Haghmond ; and
after the same Richard late Abbot, one John, late Abbot of the

206 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANilER

same place, successor of the same Richard Abbot, &c, was
elected and created Abbot of the place aforesaid ; and after the
same John late Abbot, Szc, one Nicholas, late Abbot of the
place aforesaid, successor of the same John late Abbot, and
last predecessor of the aforesaid now Abbot, was elected and
created Abbot of the place aforesaid ; and after the same
Nicholas late Abbot, &c, successor of the aforesaid John, the
aforesaid now Abbot was elected and created Abbot of the
place aforesaid. And that such is the right of the same now
Abbot and of his Church of Sfc John the Evangelist of Haghmond
aforesaid he offers [to prove], &c.

And the aforesaid Richard, by William Armeston, his
attorney, comes and defends his right when, &c., and the
seisin of the aforesaid Nicholas formerly Abbot, kc, predecessor
of the aforesaid now Abbot, fee, of whose seisin, &c, as of fee,
and in right of his Church of Sl John the Evangelist of
Haghmond, aforesaid, and the whole, &c, especially con-
corning the aforesaid advowson, and he puts himself therein
on the great Assize of the Lord the King. And he prays
recognition thereof to be made, whether lie has greater
right to hold the advowson aforesaid as lie holds it, or the
aforesaid Abbot to have and to hold the aforesaid Church of
Hanmere to his own uses, to him and his successors for ever, as
in right of his Church of S* John the Evangelist of Haghmond
aforesaid, as he prays to have and hold that Church of Hanmere.
And the aforesaid now Abbot likewise [purs himself on the
great Assize].

Afterwards, to wit, in this same term, at the suit of the afore-
said now Abbot here appearing, the aforesaid Richard having
been solemnly called to take a day for hearing the election
therefor of the great Assize aforesaid, did not come, but
departed in contempt of the Court. Therefore it is considered
that the aforesaid Abbot shall recover his seisin against the
aforesaid Richard of the advowson aforesaid, and that the same
now Abbot shall have and hold the aforesaid Church of
Hanmere to his own uses, to him and his successors for ever,
quit from the aforesaid Richard and his heirs for ever. And
nothing as to the amercement of the same Richard, because he
came the iirst day by summons, &c. Rut because it is doubted
whether there may be fraud preconcerted therein between the
aforesaid now Abbot and the aforesaid Richard Lestraunge
contrary to the Statute whereby it is provided that lands or
tenements shall not come to a dead hand (mortmain) in any
wise, it is commanded to the Sheriff that he cause to come
here in the Octave of the Purification of the Blessed Mary by

to Haghmond abbey, a.d. 11G6-77. 207

[before ?] the Justices twelve men, fee, of the vicinage of Han-
mere, by whom [the truth of the matter may best be inquired of],
&c, and who [are] not [bound to] the aforesaid Abbot by any
[affinity], to recognise upon their oath what right the same now
Abbot has in the advowson aforesaid, and which one of his
predecessors was in seisin, and held the aforesaid Church of
Hanmere to his own uses, to him and his successors, as in right
of his Church of Sf John the Evangelist of Haghmond, in the
aforesaid time of the Lord Henry, formerly King of England,
son of King John, progenitor of the Lord the King that now is.
And in the meanwhile let him take the advowson aforesaid
into the hand of the Lord and King, so that neither of the
aforesaid now Abbot and Richard Lcstraunge shall put hand
to it until, &c. And he shall make known to the chief lords of
that fee, mediate and immediate, that they shall then be here
to hear that recognition, Sec, and in the meanwhile let
execution cease, &c.

At which day the aforesaid Abbot comes by his attorney
aforesaid. And the Jury aforesaid was placed in respite here
until this day, to wit, from the day of Easter in fifteen days
then next following, unless (nisi .... prius) the justices of the
Lord the King appointed to take Assizes in the County afore-
said, by the form of the Statute, &c., should first come on Friday
next after the feast ofPerpet.ua and Felicitas at Shrewsbury, See.

And now at this day the aforesaid Abbot comes here by his
attorney aforesaid. And the aforesaid Justices for Assizes
before whom &c. have sent hither their record in these words :

Afterwards on the day and at the place within con-
tained, before Hugh Huls and Thomas Hevar, Justices of the
Lord the King appointed to take Assizes in the County of
Salon, together with Roger llorton for this occasion, comes
the Abbot of Haghmond within named by his attorney within
named. And the Jurors impanelled, having been called, like-
wise come. And hereupon proclamation is made for the Lord
the King that if there be any one who wishes to inform the
Justices, the Serjeant, or Attorney of the Lord the King, or the
Jurors aforesaid, for the same Lord the King in this behalf, he
should come and be heard ; and no one comes, &c.

And the same Jurors, having been elected, tried, and sworn
to say the truth concerning the matters within contained,
say upon their oath, that one William, formerly Abbot of
Haghmond, and after the same William one Ralph, formerly
Abbot of the same place, successor of the same William,
and after the same Ralph one Hcrvey, formerly Abbot
of the same place, successor of the same Ralnh, and after

Vol. 11., 2nd S. Y

208

GIFT OF THE CHTJTICH OF HANMEB

the same Hervey one Gilbert, formerly Abbot of the place
aforesaid, successor of the same Hervey, and after the same
Gilbert one Alexander, formerly Abbot of the place aforesaid,
successor of the same Gilbert, were successively seised of the
advowson of the church of Hanmere, whereof mention is marie
within, as of fee and in right of their church of Sl John
the Evangelist of ITaghmond, whereof mention is likewise
made, as parsons imparsonees in the same Church of Han-
mere, as of their own advowson. and held the same church of
Hanmere to their own uses to them and their successors
for ever in time of peace, in the time of the Lord Henry
the King, formerly King of England, son of King John, pro-
genitor of the Lord the King that now is, taking the
explees thereof, as in great tithes, small tithes, oblations,
obventions, and other emoluments and profits to the same
church of Hanmere appertaining, to the value, &c. And after
the same Alexander one John, formerly Abbot of the same
place, successor of the same Alexander, and after the
same John one Alan, formerly Abbot of the same place,
successor of the same John, and after the same Alan one
Henry, formerly Abbot of the same place, successor of the
same Alan, were successively seised of the aforesaid advowson,
as of fee, and in right of their church of Sfc John the Evan-
gelist of Haghmond aforesaid, as parsons imparsonees in
the same church of Hanmere, as of their own advowson, and
held that church to their own uses to them and their suc-
cessors for ever in time of peace, in the time of the Lord
Edward, formerly King of England, son of King Henry,
progenitor of the Lord the King that now is, taking the
explees thereof, to the value &c. in the form aforesaid. And
after the same Henry one Gilbert, formerly Abbot of the same
place, successor of the same Henry, was seised of the aforesaid
advowson, as of fee, and in right of his church of Sfc John
the Evangelist of ITaghmond aforesaid, as parson imparsonee in
the same church of Hanmere, as of his own advowson,
and held that church to his own uses to him and his succes-
sors for ever in time of peace, in the time of the Lord Edward,
son of King Edward, formerly King of England, the second
after the Conquest, progenitor of the Lord the King that now
is, taking the explees thereof, to the value, &c. in the form
aforesaid. And after the same Gilbert one Richard, formerly
Abbot of the same place, successor of the same Gilbert,
and after the same Richard the aforesaid Nicholas, formerly
Abbot &c., concerning whose seisin the aforesaid now Abbot
has narrated, successor of the same Richard, were successively

TO HAGHMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1 160-77.

'209

seised of the aforesaid advowson, as of fee; and in right of their
Church of Sfc John the Evangelist of Haghmond aforesaid, as
parsons imparsonees in the same church of llanrnere, as of
their own advowson, and held that church to their own uses,
to them and their successors for ever, in time of peace, in the
time of the Lord Edward, late King of England, great grand-
father of the Lord the King that now is, taking the issues
thereof to the value, &c. in the form aforesaid. And lastly
they say upon their oath that there is no fraud or collusion
preconcerted between the aforesaid now Abbot and the afore-
said Richard Lestraunge of Knockin, Knight, concerning the
advowson aforesaid. •'.

Therefore it is considered4' that the aforesaid now Abbot -
shall have execution, &c.

The uncertainty about Thomas cle Macclesfield extends
to his wife ; we do not know to what family she be-
longed, nor the date of her death. We have only her
beautiful name and the fact that her husband be-
queathed all his lands to her. She was living 10
Edw. 11. (Appendix 27th Report, Welsh Records, page
112, where she is erroneously described.) Their son
Roger de Macelesfeld, who was living in 1273, was
married before 1307 to Isabel, daughter and heiress to
Tlios. Orreby, of Gaws worth, but obiit sine prole before
1312. Their next son, Jordan de Macelesfeld, Clericus,
succeeded and had by his wife Lucy three sons, Thomas
living in 1337, but o.s.p. before 1356 ; John, who suc-
ceeded his father in 1350, but o.s.p. before 1309 ; and
Jordan living in 1337, but dead before 13G9 ; also three
daughters, Margaret, who married John de Moreton,
and had a son Richard, who succeeded his uncle John
de Macelesfeld in 13G9, being then 21 years old " In
1370, this R. de Moreton had a grant from Edward 111.
of all the lands which had formerly belonged to Master
Jordan de Macelesfeld, of whom he was next of kin and
heir." " The other two daughters of this Jordan were
named Mary and Millicent." (Dodsworth MSS., Bod-
leian Library, vol. xxxix., Fitton Deeds) " Agnes, a

5 This is the judgment of the Court.

210

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HANMER

daughter of Thomas cle Macclesfeld was married to
Thomas son and heir of Roger de Davenport m 1287,
the marriage settlement being witnessed, among others,
by Magister Joh'es de Upton." (Moreton MSS.)

A link between the latter and Roger l'Estrange
(brother of Hamo) is suggested by the name Hawys.
Roger's sister of that name had married Griffin, eldest
son of Gwenwynwyn, Prince of Upper Powys. before
1270 (Eyton, x. 274), and her grand-daughter, Hawys
of Powys (as the following extracts will show) carried
the inheritance to John de Cherlton in 1309-10. In
Powys Fudog, hi. 384, we find that "Einion, an illegi-
timate son of the same Gwenwynwyn, had married
Gwerfyl" the eldest of the three co-heiresses of the
Gwely Owen (;f the others being Gwen ux Rhys Goch
and Eva ux. Uowel ab Madoc,") and that they had one
daughter, Hawys, who married for her second husband,
John de Upton. If her eldest son (xVudoenus) Owen,
was of age in 1302 — but this is uncertain, and we
should rather depend upon the fact that all three sons
were of age in 1313 — Hawys of the Gwely Owen would
be a generation younger than Hawys i' Estrange, after
whom she was called perhaps, and who may have been
her godmother. In Powys Fadog, i. 79, Gwenwynwyn
is said to have died in 1218. The same date is given
in Edward Hamer's History of Liang urig, and that his
son GrufYydd, t hen under age, married Hawys, daughter
of John l'Estrange III., in 1242. (Receptee forensecse
30 Edw. I. Household expenses of the Lord Prince 30.)
" De D'na Hawis de la Pole tenen custocl terrarum qtue
fuerunt Audoeni de la Pole ad firmam ex commissione
Regis usque ad legitimam setatem heredum dicti Audoeni
pro cxx. li. annuatim sol vend' ad terminos paschas et Sci.
Mich, pro firm a ilia totius anni prsesentis XXX ; " and
in LJyton, viii. 215, we find <k Kogerus le Straunge et
Hawis de la Pole .... Stretton Maner, cum eccl'ia
&e, Ellesmere Manor, cum &c." " This was the widow
of Griffm ap Gwenwynwyn. Her eldest son, Owen de
la Pole, better known as Owen of Arustle, Prince of

TO HAGHMON4) ABBEY, A.D. 1166-77.

in

Upper Powys, had died in 1293, leaving two infant
children, Griffin ap Owen and Hawys. The custody of
these children was committed first, that is in 1295, to
their grandmother Hawys. This is noticed (at supra)
in 1302; hut in 1 Edward II. (1307-8), though she
was still, living, the custody of Pole Castle and of all
the lands late Owen de la Pole's, is committed to
Griffin de la Pole, alias Griffith Yachan, 5th son of
Hawys, and uncle to the children. In 2 Edward II.
(1308-9) Griffin ap Owen died without issue, and his
sister Hawys, becoming Princess of Powys, married
John de Cherleton. In November, 1310, her grand-
mother Hawys died, and the dower which she had held
o.ut of the estates of Griffin ap Gwenwynwyn passed at
once to the wife of John de Cherlton," (JEyton, vol vi.,
p. 61) called " Hawys Gadarn " in Powys Fadog ii. 12.
The marriage of John de Upton being contrary to the
prejudices of that era, and his three sons being conse-
quently unable to take his name, they were known (as
in the Dungrey deed) by their Christian names only ;
and being the heirs, more or less remotely, to the Gwely
Owen, it was in accordance with Welsh customs that
they should be known in that way. In the Chamber-
lain's accounts for 1302-3, after the death of Thomas
de Macclesfeld, there is this entry, 11 eidem domino
Waltero (Peginard) Thos. super eodem per mantis
Audoeni Gough xiii. die Maie, an. eodem 30 Edw. I."
He seems to have been named Owen after the Grantee
of the Fens wood, and Goeh as belonging to the Tudor
Trevor Sept, for the names " Land of the Gouo-h," and
" Isle of Gough," besides " Ty Goch " and " Eed broc,"
all of which occur in Maelor, seem to point to a family
cognomen, rather than to the red hair or red face of
individuals. Many writs of the period are addressed
to Thos. de Macclesfeld. and there is one (MS. Cott.
Claud, C. ii., fol. 69) to a " John de Upton, summon-
ing him to perform military service. Muster at London
7 July, 25 Edw, I." There is no reason why this should
not be the one who was afterwards Rector of Hanmer,

212

GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF HAXMEft

but we should notice that there were at tho.t date three
others of the name living in Salop (Eyton, i. 141 ; ii.
328 ; vii. 58). There is also an Inq. p. m. 30 Edw. I.
of a John de Upton de hered. Philippi Burnel. In the
Cae Ceiriog MSS., after describing the subject of this
notice as priest of Maes = feld, it is added " yr hwn a
elwid y Person coch cwtta = who was called the short
red Parson,"' to distinguish hirn from a darker one.
The translator adds, " this description of a former
Hector of Hanmer is truly Welsh.'' From another
point of view, if he had served as a soldier he may
have worn afterwards part of his regimentals, and these
words would be another form of the enquiry " know now
if this be thy son's coat or no ? " (see Mathew Paris,
A.D. 1196). On the other hand there was an order of
Archbishop Peckham to Anian, Bishop of St. Asaph in
1284 (Wilkins's Concilia ii., p. 104) "Sacerdotes insuper
gerant de csetero capas clausas." " In the Synodals of
a Bishop of Placentia, A D: 1298, Clerics are to be clad
in decenti habitu, scilicet in cappa clausa vel cotta "
(Ducange) " I do not know that the Cotta was ever
anything but white, but one finds curious variations at
times." (11. S.) In the Lichfield Register of 1336, 1 15a,
we find " to prevent the practise, bred by poverty, of
Vicars ministering k sine Habitu chorali ' a yearly sum
is to be paid out of (this) Rectory for choral Vestments,
and Vicars to be fined for not being habited " " Goch
cwtta " (red short) would describe the proper form of
the Oxford M.A. hood, and " Magister " is always the
prefix to " Joh'es de Upton." From this date till 1G00,
" Sir" is reserved for those Clerics who had no academic
degree. In Dr. Smith's Clwisticvh Antiquities (s. v.
Hood) the Rev. R. Sinker, of Trinity College, Cam-
bridge (to whom I am indebted for the quotation
from Ducange) cites an " injunction of a Council of
Metz, 8S8 A.D., lor monks to wear capse (in the
sense of hoods.") With respect to John de Upton's
descent there is a passage in Dwnn page 46, quoting an
old Welsh book, " Upton .... Rees ap Owein ap

TO HAGIIMOND ABBEY, A.D. 1 1 G 6 - 7 7 . 213

Gwraig Rees ap Owein oedd Elizth verch Harry Wiriot
o verch Sr Rees ap Thomas." Reynolds of Oswestry
(c. 1724) also gives him a Welsh ancestry from Meredith
f? ab Cynan) Lord of Rhiwirieth and Coed Talog, and
brother of Griffith Prince of North Wales ^qui obiit
1137). If correct, this was probably maternal. Owen
is said to have died " sine prole," but in Lewis Dwn,
" Rhys ap Owen Upton" occurs. By their fathers
deed of gift in 1311, it would seem that in the event of
Owen's death the two younger sons were to divide the
inheritance. This is singular if the word Efell [ = twin]
which is found in the Harl. MS. copy of this deed, after
Owen's name, implies that he and David were twins.
In Harl. MS. 1971, p. 126, an "eldest sonne Robert
Goch is said to have purchased land ab1^ Hanmer, and
o.s.p., and did In tale it on Phillip and David, or whether
of them he pleased to give it after, as apereth by a deed
in custody of Mr Peter Ellis, lawyer and antiquary,
1G20." Possibly this Robert was the twin brother, but
his death must have been before 1311. In most of the
pedigrees, David, the Ancestor of Overton of Overton,
and Davies of Dungrey, has two immediate successors
of the same name, for whom wives are provided by the
Welsh Heralds. If this is correct, the 5th generation
of David was contemporary with the 4th of Philip ab
John Upton in 1450. In a Dungrey pedigree (penes
J. P. Earwaker, Esq.) " Davyd Voel of Wern in
Hanmer, son and heir of Oavydd ap John Upton had
employment upon the maritime coasts in Wales, in the
warrs with the Welsh, and there he married Myfanwy,
daughter of Groilo Vychan of Anglesey" (who was
drowned March 23, 1382). "David (Vychan) his son
is ' of the Wern,' 11th Henry IV.," so it is probable
that this property was purchased from the Macclesfeld
heirs about 1390. In (Vie Ceiriog MSB,, Philip ap
John Upton marries Annesta, younger daughter of
David ap Ririd, of the family of Jonas of Penley. This
is the same family to which the Grantee of the Maes
wyon belonged, and as the boundary line of the waste

214 GIFT OF THE CHURCH OF LI ANMER, A. D. ] [66-77.

lands given to Thomas de Macclesfeld, circa 1284, seems
drawn so as to exclude Hanmer itself, it is possible that
this lady was an heiress of such part of the Maes wyon
as had not been lost by the rebellion of Ener ap Wyon.
In Chester deeds, 44 Edward III. (1371) an indenture
between David ap Philip and Howell ap Owen Voel
occurs. In Ministers' Accounts, 43 and 44 Edward III.,
we have " ffeod et vad. de novo constituta cum annui-
tate Dauid de Hanm'e et soluta dicto Dauid Narratori
pro. placitis Domini in eisdem Comitatibns (Chester and
Flint) pro ffeodo suo GGS viiid." This is the first
appearance of the name of Hanmer as a personal name,
if it is so really, and not a mere statement of the place
where he lived. In compot Joh'is de Wodehonsc Camer-
arii Cestr, 1 and 2 Richard II., under the head of
Annuities to Joh'es de Davenport, Dauid de Hanmere,
Alanus Cheyre,40 Chevr, there follows "Et de 7 55n 3V
solut. diversis personis de annuitatibus eis concess ad ter-
minos vita: eorum et arr. earundem, vidilicet Johi de
Davenport, Narratori, pro placito Domini in Com. Cest
et fflynt 1 00s Dauid Hanm'e alto narratori GGS 8d. This
John de Davenport was the son of Agnes, daughter of
Thomas de Macclesfeld, and had perhaps inherited
part of the Maes wyon. In the Patent Rolls for 24
July, 11 Richard II., we rind this entry, " Littera et
Br'e. de intendend. &c. pro Joh'e Hanmere cui D'os
Rex oflicia Escaetoris et Interprets in Com. de fflynt
concesserat quamdiu se bene gesserit, cum omnibus
vadis &c." In the word " Interpres " we see a reference
to the S])ecial " servitium " attaching to those lands
which had been granted to members of the de Powys
family in order to compensate them for their losses at
Whittington.

40 In 30 Edward III., there is a grant from t lie King in Norman-
French, addressed to our beloved Clerk, John de Brunham, our
Chamberlain of Chester (also Hector of Hannemere) bestowing 40 li.
per ami. upon Sir Alan Cheyre (of the King's body guard at the
battle of poictiers) for the term of his life.

(To be continued).

215

PAPERS RELATING TO THE TRAINED
SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE IN THE REIGN
OF QUEEN ELIZABETH,

With Notes by WILLIAM PHILLIPS, F.L.S.

Several rolls of papers relating to the mustering,
arming, and training soldiers in Shropshire during the
reign of Queen Elizabeth exist in the Corporation
Records of Shrewsbury, which we are permitted to
print in these Transactions, and which cannot fail to
interest the Shropshire antiquary*. It is true that they
may in some instances appear nothing more than dry
lists of names ; but it would be a great mistake to
conclude they are of small value. We shall find
mentioned in them men who were once famous in the
county, ancestors of the best families, whose names are
still borne by their successors, residing on the same
estates to this day. We shall see that they were
called upon by the reigning monarch to discharge
important public functions, both in judicial and military
life, the details of which are now for ever lost, but the
residual benefits of which we of the present day largely
share. We shall learn some of the details of levying
troops for home and foreign service ; the proportion
contributed by each Hundred of the county ; how they
were armed, and the method of their training. We
shall see how the bow and the pike were gradually
superseded by the several forms of matchlock, arquebus,
caliver, and musket ; and simultaneous with these
changes of weapons, how heavy armour was thrown
aside for such light protection as allowed the active
limb and the vigorous arm fuller play.

In the rank and file of the levies we shall recognise
in the outlying townships of Shrewsbury Hundred, as

Vol- " , 2nd s. *

216

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

well as within the narrower limits of the town walls,
names of families that are as common in the present
day among the yeomen, and tradesmen as they were
then. There will appear numerous instances of Welsh
families taking up their abode within the town and
liberties, and inter-marrying with the English : thus
showing how the racial prejudices were breaking down,
and a gradual amalgamation was taking place.

We shall have before us actual indications, like the
remoter ripples of disturbed waters, in the numbers
and dates of levies, of important historical facts, which
marked the history of Elizabeth's reign, and governed
her wise and resolute policy, more especially in the
eventful year 1588, when the great Spanish Armada
threw its shadow over Enoiand.

It is true that in some cases names are mentioned of
persons appointed to the discharge of important official
duties, who can now be found with difficulty in genea-
logical tables of old families, and of whom little or
nothing is known beyond what is incidentally recorded
in these papers ; but even these slight fragments of
personal history are to be valued, as we should prize a
coin or a weapon washed up by the sea from the galleon
of the Spanish Admiral.

The series of papers is not continuous, some being
absent which might have been expected to be preserved,
yet these may possibly be discovered hereafter. For
the sake of some decree of order we shall arrange them
as follows : — 1st, The Royal Commissions for musters
of the early part of the reign ; 2nd, The manner of
arming and training ; and 3rd, Preparations in the
Town and Liberties of Shrewsbury for the Spanish
Armada.

I. . Royal Commissions for raising Armed Troops in the
early part of tlte reign of Queen Elizabeth.

It is believed that King Alfred first established a
national militia in the kingdom, and by his prudent
discipline made all the subjects of his dominions soldiers;

ttt THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

217

but we are unfortunately left in the dark as to the
particulars of this celebrated regulation. The feodal
military tenures were established for the purpose of
protection, and sometimes of attack against foreign
enemies. All land was held upon a strictly military
principle. It was the representative of authority, and
the holder or the owner took rank in the army of the
State according to the nature of his connection with it.
It was first broadly divided among the great nobility
holding immediately under the Crown, who, above and
beyond the ownership of their private estates, were the
Lords of the Fee throughout their presidency, and
possessed in right of it the services of knights and
gentlemen who held their manors under them, and who
followed their standard in war. Under the lords of
manors again, small freeholds and copyholds were held
of various extent, often forty shillings and twenty
shillings value, tenanted by peasant occupiers, who
thus, on their own land, lived as free Englishmen,
maintaining by their own free labour themselves and
their families. The entire body of the English free
possessors of the soil was interpenetrated by a coherent
organization which converted them into a perpetually
subsisting army of soldiers.1 By the great Statute of
Winchester it was enacted "that every man have
harness in his house to keep the peace after the antient
assise, that is to say, every man between fifteen years
of age and sixty years shall be assessed and sworn to
armour according to the quantity of his lands and goods
— that is, to wit, for fifteen pounds lands, and forty
marks goods, a hauberke, a helmet of iron, a sword, a
dagger, and a horse. For five pounds lands, a doublet, a
helmet of iron, a sword, and a dagger. For forty shillings
lands, a sword, a bow and arrows, and a dagger. And all
others that may shall have bows and arrows. Review
of armour shall be made every year two times, by two
constables for every hundred, and franchise thereunto

Froude's IliUonj of England, vol. i., p. 11

21 8 TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

appointed ; and the constables shall present to justices
assigned for that purpose, such defaults as they do find."1
Although some details were altered by subsequent
Statutes, this obligation to military service remained,
and it was usual for our Princes from time to time to
issue commissions of array, as they were called, and
send into every county officers in whom they could
confide, to muster and array (or set in military order)
the inhabitants of every district ; and the form of the
commission of array was settled in Parliament. About
the reign of King Henry VI II., or his children, lieu-
tenants began to be introduced, as standing representa-
tives of the Crown to keep the counties in military
order, for we find them mentioned as known officers in
the Statute 4th and 5 th Philip and Mary, though they
had then not long been in use, for Camden speaks of
them in the time of Queen Elizabeth, as extraordinary
magistrates, constituted only in time of difficulty and
danger. But the introduction of these commissions of
lieutenancy, which contained the substance of the same
powers as the old commissions of array, caused the
latter to fall into disuse.2 So far as Shropshire is
concerned, sve shall see that in the commissions issued
by Elizabeth in 1562 and 1577, the practice of appoint-
ing lieutenants had not become an invariable rule. The
existence of the Council of the Marches, and its juris-
diction over the border counties, of which Shropshire
was one, led to the appointment of the Lord President
of that Council, and certain of the justices associated
with him, as commissioners of array ; and at a later
date, 1586, the successor of Sir Henry Sidney in the
office, Henry, Earl of Pembroke, was named lieutenant
within the Principality and Dominions of South Wales
and North Wales, the Marches thereunto adjoining,
and the several counties of Worcester, Monmouth,
Hereford, and Salop, and of all corporate and privileged

1 Statute of Winchester 13 Edward I. (12S4) c 6.

2 Blackstonc's Commtntar'u^, vol. i., p. -ill, ed. 177G.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

219

places within the same. As lieutenant he issued in-
structions to the Sheriff and Justices of Peace of each
county to see to the musters and arrays, and to report
to him their proceedings therein.1

An appropriate introduction to these commissions
would be an explanation of the circumstances in the
history of the country, which gave rise to their being
issued, but this would take up too much space. We
must be content therefore to remind the reader in the
briefest possible manner, of a few of the leading facts.
In March, 1562, there commenced in France a vigorous
persecution of the Protestants, by the Duke of Guise,
which they, led on by Prince Conde, as resolutely
resisted. In a short time a bitter war spread through-
out the country, and much intolerance was exhibited
on both sides. For a time Queen Elizabeth held aloof,
although she and her Protestant subjects looked on
with intense interest, she occasionally trying to calm
the conflict by counsel and advice. The Pope, as was
natural, sided with the Roman Catholics, and promised
large pecuniary aid, urging them on to the destruction
of the Huguenots, who, when they found they were
losing ground, turned to Queen Elizabeth for help,
promising that they would yield up to her Havre de
Gras, which had fallen into their possession. The
English Ambassador at Paris had, from an early stage
in the conflict, urged upon Elizabeth to obtain this
town, and to hold it as a material guarantee of the
restoration of Calais by the French,2 the loss of which
was felt so keenly by the Queen and the whole English
nation. Although the treaty of Gateau- Cambrcsis bound
the French to deliver up Calais, Elizabeth had good

1 I'ransactions Shropshire Arch ecological Society, vol i., N. S., p. 432.

2 "He could wish that these men (the Catholics) would drive the
Protestants to such case at length, as thatM. De Maligny would admit
them (the English) into the fort of Ncwhaven (i.e. Havre de Gras),
which, if the English had in their hands, he is sure the French would
gladly restore Calais to have it again." Throgmorton to Cecil.
Calendar of State Papers, 15G2, p. 36.

220

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

reason to foresee that France never would voluntarily
fulfil the articles of that agreement. Much money had
been spent on the fortifications, long leases had been
granted of the lands, and many inhabitants had been
encouraged to build and settle there, by assurances that
it never would be restored. The Queen, therefore,
concluded that could she get possession of Havre, a
place which commanded the mouth of the Seine, and
was really of greater importance than Calais, she should
easily constrain the French to execute the treaty.1 No
doubt she desired to render aid to the Protestants, who
were fighting the battle of faith and freedom, but the
predominating idea, prompting her to give the asked
for assistance, was the one indicated, and the first
commission given below, dated the month before
Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick, entered into Havre
de Gras with an English Army, is an evidence of her
purpose.

The copy of this commission is written on paper, in a
bold official hand, for the use of the Bailiffs of Shrews-
bury. It is addressed to Sir Henry Sydney, Lord
President of the Marches of Wales ; Sir Andrew
Corbet, knight, Charles Fox, and William Gateacre,
Esquires, commending them to enquire and report to
the Court of Exchequer as to how far the statute passed
in the 4th and 5th years ot the reign of Philip and Mary
entitled an Act for the having of horses, armour, and
weapons, had been observed in the County of Salop.

We learn from the words of the Commission that an Act
of Parliament, had been passed in the 33rd year of
Henry VIII. , which laid down that the wives of men
of a certain income were bound to wear such kind of
apparel as was specified therein, and that such men were
" to keepe and find one great, stoned, trotting horse,"
and was not otherwise to be charged to maintain and
keep any horse or gelding. By the later Act of Philip and
Mary, this obligation was altered as follows : — Every

1 Hume's History of England, Vol. v., p. 70.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 221

temporal person possessed of property of the yearly
value of one hundred marks was required to "have,
"keep, and maintain one gelding, able and mete for a
" light horseman, with sufficient harness and weapons
" for the same."

The Commissioners, three or two of them, are given
full power and authority, as well by the oaths of 12
men, as by such other ways and means they can, to make
a true and perfect inquisition into any breach of this
enactment ; a report of which is to be made to the Court
of Exchequer before the Treasurer and Barons, that
due execution thereupon may be made, according to
the order and laws of the realm. The Sheriff and all
Bailiffs, constables, and other officers, ministers and
subjects, are charged and commanded to aid and assist
the Commissioners, as "they and every of them tender
" Her Majesties pleasure, and will answer to the con-
trary."

No. I. Copy of a Royal Commission to Sir Henry Sydney
Knight, Sir Andrew Corbet, Knight, Charles Fo:c, and
William Gatcacre, esquires.

xxiii. August, iv. year of Elizabeth (1562),

Elizabeth by the grace of God Queen of England Ffrance
and Ireland, Defendor of the Fay the &c. To our trusty Righte
Welbeloved Henry Sydney, Knyght, Lord Presydent of our
Counsaill within the Principalitie and Marches of Wales, And
to our trusty e and welbeloved Andre we Corbet, Knyqhte,
Charles Foxe, and William Gateaerc, esquyers, Gretinge.
Whereas at the parly anient begon and holdyn at Westminster
the xxth day of January, in the fourthe and fyvetli yere of the
late Raigne of Kinge Phelipp and Queen Marye, and ther
controlled and kepte untill the seventhe day of March thence
nexte followynge, in the statute intitled An Act for the havyng
of horse armour and weapons, yt is enacted by the sayd Kinge
and Queue's majesties, with th'assent of the hordes Spiritual
and temporal, and the commons in the same parlyament
assembled, that every -person which, by virtue of the act made
in the parliament holden at Westminster in the xxxiij yere of
the Raigne of King Henry theyght, was bound by reason that

222

TRAINED SOLDI EES OF SHROPSHIRE.

hys wiffe sholde were suche Kynde of Apparaill, or other
things, as is in the same statute specially mencioned and
declared, to keape and fynde one greate stoned trotting horse,
And }'S not, by the forsayd Act, of having horse armour and
weapons otherwise charged to maynteyne, and keape any horse
or geldinge, other than the sayd greate stoned trotting horse,
shall, from the fyrst of may in the yere of our Lord God A
thousand fyve hundred fyftie and eighte, have, kepe, and
maynteyne one gelding, liable and mete for a lyghte horseman,
with suft'ycient harnes and weapons for the same, in suche
maner and forme as every temporall person having Lordshippes,
houses, lands, ineadowes, pastures, or woodes of estate, of
enherytance, or freholde, of the cleare yearly value of one
hundredth marks, is charged and Appoynted to fynde and
maynteyne, as in the same Act more at large Apperith; Know
ye, that we mynding the Reformacon of the decay and dyff'ur-
nyturo of all kynde of horses for service within our Realme,
and thexecucon of the sayd Statute for the Apparaill of mens
Wyfes, have, of our espeeall trust and confydence in your
Approved Wysdomes, fydelyfcies and dyscrecons, Assyigned
and Appoynted you to be our comyssoners ; and by these
presents unto you three, or two of you, full power and Aucto-
rytie, aswell by the othes of xij men of our Countye of Salop,
aswell within Lyberties as without, as also by all other wayes
and means you may or can, to enquere of all and singuler the
premysses, And of all and every offender in Any of them, and
of the particularities of the same sethens the xvth day of thys
instant moneth of August ; And thereof to cause A true and
perfecte Incpiysycon to be made, in forme Aforsayd, which,
together with thys our Comysson thereunto Annexed, you
three, or two of you, shall Retorne into our corte of Eschequer,
Before the treasorcr and Barons of our sayd corte, to thentente
that due execucon ther upon may be made According to the
order and lawes of our Realme. And We further charge And
comaundo the Shyriff of our said Oountie of Salop, and All
Bayliffes, constables, and other our offycers, Mynysters and
subjects, of our sayd Countie, that they, and every of them, Be
unto you, and every of you, Ayding and Assisting in the due
execucon of thys our Comysson, As they, and every of them,
Tender our pleasure. And wyll answer to the contrary. In
Witness whereof we have caused these our Letters of Comys-
son to be Sealed with our greate Seal, YVytnesso our self at
Grenewyche, the xxiiij day of August, in the fourth yere of our
Raigne.

per ipsam Regiriam &c. Marten.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

223

Attached to the last document is a communication
from Her Mnjestie's Privy Council dated at Greenwich,
25th of August, 15G2, requiring and commanding the
Commissioners to have special regard to the trust of
Her Majesty herewith committed unto them ; warning
them against partiality and affection either to their
friends or themselves, clearly intimating that after the
returns were sent in enquiry would he made as to their
upright dealings therein. Among the Privy Councillors
whose names are attached to it, the two most important
are Sir Nicholas Bacon, lord keeper of the great seal,
and his brother-in-law, Sir William Cecil, chief sec-
retary ; both appointed to their oflices immediately on
the accession of Elizabeth to the throne.

No. IT. Copy of an Order from the Privy Council enforcing
attention to the Royal Commission.

xxvth August, 1562.

After our harty commendacons: Where the Queues majestie
doth presently addresse unto you eertayne her majesties
severali Commyssions under the Great Scale of England, for
the due enquiry and puttyng yn execucon of eertayne neces-
sary Statutes, heretofore made for the having and maynteyning
of eertayne horses, mares, and geklinges, within the Realme,
her majesf,ie hath wylled us expressely to recommend this
service (tending so moche to the benefyt and defence of the
Realme) unto yon. Wherefore, in her highnes name, We
Requyre, and command you to have speciall Regard e to the
trust of her majestic herwith corny tted unto you for thys
service : So as no partialitie, or affection, eyther to your trends,
or to your owne partieuler cases, contrary to the sayd Lawe,
may, in anywise, hynder the due execucon of the same. And
herein we wishe you to have the more Regarde, for that we
meane, after retorne of your Doings in the premisses, to cause
eftsoncs Inquyry to be had of the upright Dealings herein. And
wolde be sorry to fyndo in any of you any lacke of your parte
in a matter so necessary to be well executed. And so now byd
you farewell: ftYom Grenewiche the xxvth of August 15G2:
your loving frendes.

Racon, C. S. i.e. Gustos Sigilli. Haward. Ab. Cave. E. Knollys.

E. Clvnton. E. Rogers, W. Cvcill.
Vol. II., 2nd S.* a A

224

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

As already intimated, there is considerable difficulty
in identifying some of the commissioners who are
mentioned in these papers, owing to the few and scanty
collateral sources of information, and the large amount
of time required to search such as do exist in the Public
Record Office and elsewhere. Should the better informed
reader be able to add anything to the attempt now
made, or to point out any error committed, the writer
will only be too happy to hear from him. At the time
these gentlemen were designated to the duties specified,
it was enough to mention the name and degree of each,
without further description, for we may take it for
granted they were, as a rule, the heads of their respec-
tive families, and well known in the county.

Sir Henry Sidney, Knight, was the son of Sir William
Sidney of Kent, who fought with honour and distinc-
tion on the field of Flodden, and was connected on his
mother's side with the Duke of Suffolk. He was born
1529, Henry VIII. being his god-father, and was from
infancy bred and educated with Prince Edward, who
treated him as a companion, with the greatest familiarity,
often even sharing his bed. When scarcely 21 years of
a^e he was knighted alono- with William Cecil, after-
wards the able and trusted minister of Queen Elizabeth,
and the same year was sent ambassador to France. On
his return he was made chief cup-bearer to King
Edward VI. for life, and married Mary Dudley, daughter
of the Earl of Northumberland, one of the victims of
Mary's harsh reign. Edward VI. died in Sidney's arms
at Greenwich, 6th July, 1553. Queen Mary made him
vice -treasurer and general governor of all the revenues
in Ireland, and he was soon afterwards invested with
the temporary government of that kingdom as lord
justice. In the second year of the reign of Elizabeth
(April, 1563) he was selected to preside over the
Council of the Marches of Wales, a post of great
responsibility considering the unsettled condition of the
Welsh border. During the reign of Henry VIII.
Rowland Lee, Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, had

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

225

done much to repress disorder while holding the office,
but the weakness and inefficiency of his successors had
allowed the country to relapse into a state unworthy
of civilisation. Excesses, extortion, and violence re-
mained unchecked. The Council had to deal in many
instances with men who were tenacious of old vested
rights, whose insubordination had been the cause of
many strifes and impositions. They were hostile to an
authority which was intended especially to curb and
restrain them, hence they often attempted to dispute
its jurisdiction, and would carry their causes to West-
minster, where they expected more easily to escape
justice. Sir Henry Sidney entered upon his work with
energy and judgment ; he looked carefully into the
administration of the law ; he saw that justice was done
to the oppressed; he put a stop to bribery and collusion,
as well as every other kind of corruption. He was a
high-minded, noble-spirited man, fierce and overbearing
when opposed, but mild and forgiving when his authority
was respected ; calm and just in his decisions, but in-
tolerant of oppression and wrong towards the weak and
unprotected. What the Archbishop of Dublin said of
him later on, when Sidney asked to be relieved from
the distasteful work of governing Ireland, was true of
him even at this early period : "In all the realm there
was no such pilot in stormy weather." Order was
maintained so long as his personal presence influenced
the Council and controlled the administration ; but, his
work in Ireland frequently calling him away for longer
or shorter periods, it became at once evident that the
efficiency of the Council lay in its head.

One of the results of his residence in Shropshire was
that he became intimate with all the leading families,
and bein^ an excellent iudo*e of character, he suo-o-ested
to Cecil the names of those whom he considered worthy
of promotion to public posts, and no appointment was
made without consulting him.

After a brilliant career of unrewarded devotion to
public work, in which he spent nearly all his income,

L

226

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

he died in 1586, at Ludlow Castle, whence his body
was carried in great state to Worcester, where it was
placed in the Cathedral Church. It was finally con-
veyed to his house at Penshurst, in the church of
which place it was interred on the 21st of June.

Sir Andrew Corbet, Knight, of Moreton Corbet, '; was
a distinguished character in his day ; " many particulars
of his life will be found in Owen and Blakeway's His-
tory of SJirewsbio'i/. He was Marshal of the Marches
of Wales, and in 1551 was She rift of Shropshire. He
married a daughter of Sir Robert Nedeham, of Shaving-
ton, died in 1578, and lies in Moreton Corbet Church1.

Charles Fox, Esq., of Cainham and Bromiield, near
Ludlow, was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1583. He was
Secretary of the Council of the Marches, to which post
he was designated by the Queen in 1574. 2 He married
a daughter of Sir Edward Leio4iton of Wattlesborouo-h.3

William Gatagre [Gatacre], Esq., was of an ancient
family, seated at Gatacre, in the parish of Claverley,
from the time of Edward the Confessor. We presume
this was the son of Robert Gattacre by Johanna,
daughter of John Howard (Hard or Horde, as it is
variously written) of Bridgnorth. He married Elianor,
daughter of William Mitt on, of Weston, Super Lidizard.4
In the Claverley Church Register, William Gatacre's
death is recorded Dec. 22nd, 1578 ; and the inscription
on his tombstone is 22nd Dec, 1577, the latter being-
old style.

We have on the back of the copy cf the foregoing
commission two forms of returns made by the Commis-
sioners to Her Majesty's Privy Council, the first stating
the result of their inquisition so far as the Town and
Liberties of Shrewsbury were concerned, and the

1 Blakeway's Sheriff's of Shropshire, p. 87 ; Owen and Blakeway's
History of Shrewsbury, vol. i., pp. 350, 300, 370.

2 Olive's History of Ludlow, p. 311.

3 Blake w ay 's S h e > • ifs , p. 91.

* Vis. Shrop. (1023), p. IDS.

IN THE TllilGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

227

second the form of Indenture sworn to by the Com-
missioners and Jurors. The "Town and Fraunches "
of Salop, send a most satisfactory report. No person
or persons that we can find u hath offended the said
estatute or any branch or article therof." It would be
interesting to know whether a report equally satisfac-
tory was made from each of the other Hundreds of the
county. We may reasonably assume that there was,
for the men of Salop were distinguished at that period
both for their loyalty and their military ardour.

No. III. The Form of Return made by the Commissioners for
the Town and Liberties of Salop.
(Written on the back of a copy of the Royal Commission).

Pleasith it your higlmes to be advertised/ That we by virtue
of theis the Queue's majesties Letterrs of Comyssion to us
directed/ have aswell, by the othes of good and lawfull men of
the countie of Salop as may appere by the inquisition herunto
annexed, as also by all other ways and means we can dely^ently
within the Town & Liberties of Salop enquired of all and
singular the articles and braunchcs in the same Letters of
comyshon mentioned and conteyned/ and that there ys no
person or persons within the seid Towne or riraunches of Salop
that we can finde which hathe offended the seid estatute or
any braunche or article therof.

No. IV. A Form of the Indenture sworn to and sealed, by
the Commissioners and Jurors, of an Inquisition mads
in the Toivn of Salop,

(Written on the back of a copy of the Royal Commission
beneath the last).

Ville de An enquisicion indented taken at the Towne of Salop
Salop. the day of the iiijth yer of the reign of our
Soveraign Latlye &c. before Sir Andrew Corbet,
Kuyght, Charles Ffoxe, esquyer, and the Bayliffs of
the T6wne of Salop by virtue of the Queue's majesties
Letters of Comyssion to theym directed and herunto
annexed/ by the othes of A, R,/ sworne and charged
upon the articles and contents in the seid Letters of
Comyssion/ Say upon theire othes/ That there ys no

22$

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

person or persons within the seid towne of Salop or
ffranches of the same which hathe or have offended
the seid estatute or comytted any offense contrarye
to the provisions and effect of the same estatute/
In wyttnes wherof asweli the seid Comyssioners as
also the seid Jurors to either parte of this inquisicion
theire Seales separately have putt the day and yere
above seid.

Returning to the condition of foreign affairs : as
the small French garrison inarched out of New-
haven, which it was then called, sometimes also,
Havre de Gras, the English army under the Earl of
Warwick entered unopposed, and at once began to
put it in a state of defence. That was in Sep. 1562.
We are now coming to the position of affairs in June
the following year, when the next Commission was
issued. In the months which had elapsed critical and
important changes had taken place in the position of
the persecuted Huguenots. A pistol ball fired from
behind a hedge by the boy Pottrol had closed the
career of the Duke of Guise under the walls of Orleans,
and thus the Catholic confederacy was shattered • the
Due d'Aumale had died from a wound received at
Dreux ; the Grand Prior had caught a fatal cold in the
same battle ; thus three of the six brothers who a few
months before held in their hands the fortunes of
France were no more ; while of the other great leaders
Montmorency was a prisoner in Orleans ; Conde a
prisoner in Paris ; St. Andre and Navarre were dead.
The whole position was changed. Concessions were
made to the Protestants such as the English Govern-
ment had suggested, the hostile armies were under
the command of Conde, and peace was signed in
Paris on the 25th of March. The Earl of Warwick,
was told that the objects of the late war having been
attained his presence in Havre was no longer required.
On his refusing to depart the united French forces pre-
pared to compel him to retire. Conde, however, offered
in the name of himself, the Queen Regent, and the entire

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

229

nobility of France, to renew solemnly and formally the
clause in the Treaty of Cambray for the restoration of
Calais in 1567, to repay Elizabeth tha money she had
lent him for the war, and to admit the English to
free trade and intercourse with all parts of France.
Elizabeth was furious and would not hear of it ; and
the English people were as furious as the Queen. M. de
Bricquemant was sent over to explain Conde's position
and renew his offers. It was all in vain ; Elizabeth
said that " she would have Calais delivered over; she
would have her money paid down ; and she would keep
Havre till both were in her hands. The result of this
was that the French troops that had watched Havre
through the spring were reinforced by the very troops
that had fought against each other under Guise and
Conde, and the situation of Warwick became critical.
English ships were hurried to sea, recruits for the
garrison were raised wherever volunteers could be found,
and the Privy Council determined to maintain in Havre
a constant force of six thousand men, and a thousand
pioneers, sufficient it was hoped with the help of the
fleet to defy the utmost the French could do.1 It was
about this time, June 5th, that the following call to
prepare 500 soldiers arrived in Shropshire. The Com-
mission was addressed to eighteen of the most eminent
men, all Justices of the Peace, who were to meet
together and consider their latest ' levy of general
muster,' and thereupon without requiring [a general
assembly of the whole, and with the least trouble to
the people, to devise how with most expedition this
could be done. They were to choose the most able men
for service ; and some of the best in degree in the shire,
exclusive of Barons, were to be selected to take charge
of the men as captains and conductors."

The Queen is emphatic in expressing her meaning
that she will have the principal of her nobility in the
realm " to have charge and office over this army ; " and

1 Froude History of England, vii., p. 48,

230

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

she resolutely determines to have no Captains of this
or any other shire at this time but such as be ei gentle-
men of understanding, worship, and credit." Having
selected the ablest and meetest to take charge, inferior
gentlemen of knowledge and experience for the war
were to be in readiness to serve as lieutenants or petty
captains.

Every hundred of these soldiers are to have 40 of
their number armed with corselets and pikes ; 30 with
" Almayne Ityvetts," jacks, or coats of plate, and black
bills ; and the remaining 30 are to be archers and
" Ha.geebutterSj" with their artillery, shot, morions, and
skulls.

The justices are with all expedition to certify to Her
Majesty or her council of their doings, with the names
of the Captains and under Captains.

No. V. Copy of a Letter from Queen Elizabeth requiring that
500 soldiers be put in readiness in the county of Salop,

xxvii June 5th ye.xv of Elizabeth, 1563.

Trusty and welbeloved, we grcte you well. The just causes of
our present chargeable ati'ayres for the kepyng of our pocessions
of the Towne of Newehaven, and to prevent the frenchemen's
intencons, which t hoy have utterly and forever to detayne
Oallyce and the terrytoryes from thys Crownc, contrary to all
Ryght, — ar so notorious to all wyse and good subiects of thys
llealme, as the same nedo not further to be declared, but, for
the suerty and honor of our hoole Realme, yt ys sene very
necessary, and not to be delayd, to put yn Uedynes some
convenient force and number ot men of warre for a just armye.
And, therefore, havyng consydered of such thyngs as thereunto
are Eequysyte, we have presently thought mete to wyll and
eomand you our Justices yn that our county of Salop, to
assemble your sclfes together, and to consydcr your Latest levy
of gcnerall musters, and thereupon, without any generall
assembly or trouble of our peple, to devysc amongest your
selfes how, with most cxpedicion, and Lest trowble, the number
of fyvc hundred soldyars myght be put yn a Kedynesse, and
so, they only mustered and no more ; which, also, we wold
have to be chosen of the most ablest e men for servyce that
may bo chosen, and that sume of the best yn degree, yn that

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

231

shyre, beyng no barons, and yet mete to take charge of men,
may be ordered to be the capteynes and conductors of the
same, when so ever cause shall so Requyre : havyng no Lesse
in charge than too hundreth, and not above iij hundretb, and
the same to put hym selfe yn a Redynesse ; for our meanyng
ys, to have the pryncypall of our nobylytye of our Realme to
have charge and offyce over thys army, as already they ar so
accorded, and Resolutely determyned, and therofore we lyke-
wyse yntend to have no captaynes, either there or yn any other
shyre, of this our Realme, at thys tyme, but such as be gentyl-
men of understandyng, worship, and credyte : wherof we pray
you have such yerncst Regard amongst your selves as no
partyculer Respecte be had yn such our tyme of the servyce of
our countrye, but that the most hablest, and metest, may be
appoynted to take the charge, and that under them, ynferyor
gentyllmen of knowledge and experyence for the warre, may
be also commanded to be yn a Redynes to serve as Lyeutenants
or pety captaynes ; and for the armynge of thes men our
meaning ys, that, of every hundred to be made Redv, forty
therof to be armed in corseletts and pyks, thrytye with almayne
Ryvetts, Jacks, or cotes of plate, and blacke billes, the rest to
be archers and Hageebutters, with ther artylary and shot, and
moryons and skill les. And heryn we Requyer you, though
many of your company beyng justeses be absent out of that
shyre, yet not to forbore to provide heryn, withall expedicon,
and as sone as you can possyble to certyfye us, or our cownsell,
dystynctley and particularly of our (? your) doynges with the
names of the captaynes, and undercaptaynes : given under our
signet, at our manor of Grenewyche, the xviith day of June, the
fyveth yere of our Raigne.

To our Trusty and welbeloved the Sheriff and Justices of
Peace of our Cownty of Salop.

Bradford Andrew Corbett ^

Arthure Maynwaryng V.KniglitS. Bradford c

Bycbard Newport J Brymster xxix

w.lv -xt Stoterton } . ,

William Yonge -d j 4.1 rxxxix1

0 Bryagenortlie )

Oswestry k Willm Charletpn Overes xv

Pvmhill , ^ , Manuslowc )

Thorn's .Eyton Wenloeke fxvllJ

Andrcwe Corbet

Thorn's l^owell Ludlow xx

Humfrey Onyslowe Condover xxiij

1 The bracketed Hundreds mean that each contributed the number placed
after them.

Vol. II., 2nd S. BB

232

TR AINED SOLDI EES OF SBROPSIIIRE.

Brymstrye George Blunt Kn. \
Stortorton Thorn's Farmer f
Brydgnorth Will'm Gatagre (
Overes Will'm Talbot )
Rychard Cornewalle

Mounslowe Rychard Newport
Ludlowe Charles Fox
Wenlocke Thorn's Eyton
Condov" Thorn's Screven
Ffurde. Humfrey Onyslowe.
Salop. Ed. Leyghton.

Adam Otley.

Symond Kemsey

Fforde

xxvi

Salop

xxxvi.

Oswestry

XXXV

l yniiiiii

xxxiiij

Purslowe

xxxvi

Clonne

XX

Chyrbury

xiiij*

In Ev'y Hundreth, xl Corsletts,
wherof x to be armed by the shyre,
xxx Billes armed \vth Jacks, &
almo' Ryvetts stylle cotes, the rest
Hagebutters and Bowes, furnyshed
\vth Shote & Powder.

Purslowe.
Clonne.

Churbury

Charles Fox.
Symond Kemsey.

Thorn's Scryven
Simond Kemsey
Ed. Leyghton

Item : hyt ys agreed that the contrey shall prepare for ev'y
soldyer for hys furneturo xxx3, to be leveyd by the constables
of ev'y towne, and by theme kept without delyvery nntyll they
goo, and then the furnetnre to be placed by the captayncs &
comyssioners.

The eighteen gentlemen of Salop named in this letter
to cany out the Queen's commands comprise members
of the most ancient and honourable families, some of
whom have left their mark on the history of the country.
The majority either had served previously to this time, or
were destined to serve at a later date, the important
and responsible duty of Sheriff.

It should be remarked that all were probably chosen
with regard to the proximity of their residences to the
Hundreds lor which they were named, or from their
possessing property or rights within such Hundreds,
which will form a clue to their identification.

* It will be observed that the total of the numbers given amounts to 502, but
in tlio MS. there are indications that those marked with an asterisk have had a j
added afterwards. 1 have therefore deducted one lrom each, which makes the
number right.

iN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

233

Sir Andrew Corbett, Knight, has been already noticed,
p. 22G.

Sir Arthur Maynwarymg [Mainwaring or Manwaring],
Knight, was of Ightfeld, Salop, son of Sir Richard
Mainwaring, Knight, by Dorothy, daughter of Robert
Corbet, of Moreton Corbet. He married Margaret,
daughter and co-heiress of Sir Kanulph Mainwaring,
of Pever, Cheshire. He was Sheriff of Shropshire this
very year, although not so described in the Commission ;
he appears also in that office in 1577, and is named in
a commission of that date. Ightfield remained in this
family's possession till 1712, " when Arthur Mainwar-
ing, the well-known associate of the wits of Queen
Anne's reign, died without lawful issue."1

Sir Richard Newport, Knight, was Sheriff in 1552,
previously to his being knighted. He was a son of
Thomas Newport, Sheriff in 1550, and a member of the
Council in the Marches of Wales, out of which body it
appears to have been the policy of the Crown for" many-
years to select the Sheriffs of Shropshire ; and this
circumstance accounts for that office, as yet regarded as
an honour and distinction, being confined for so great a
length of time to so very few families. Sir Richard
Newport greatly augmented the estates of his family
by marrying the only child of Chief Justice Bromley,
who had obtained extensive property about Wroxeter,
from the spoils of the Abbey of Shrewsbury, on the
dissolution of the monasteries.2 He died in 1570, and
was buried in Wroxeter Church, where there is a fine
altar tomb to his memory.3

William Yong, Esq., was of Caynton, near Newport,
Salop, and was Sheriff in 1548. He was a great-
grandson of Sir William Yonge, Knight, Sheriff in
1492. 4

1 Blakeway's Sheriffs, p. 83.

2 Blakeway's Sheriffs, p. 88.

3 Transactions Shropshire Archaeological Society, vol. iii., p. 2G9.

4 Visitation of Shropshire, 1623.

234 TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

The family was originally of Ludlow, and afterwards «
Newport, and one of them obtained Caynton b
marriage with the heiress of William de Cayntoi
Sheriff in 1346.1

William Charleton, Esq. This person is difficult t
identify. He appears in the list as if appointed for th
Oswestry and Pimhill Hundred, but this is probabl
owing to an error in copying from the original documem
and those two Hundreds should have been writte
opposite Andrew Corbet, Thomas Powell, and Hunifre
Onslow ; if this supposition be right, then Williar.
Charleton would stand for the Bradford Hundred
which, being an extensive one, would very properf
have had six justices appointed to it; and within i
we may seek for the family to which he belonged. Ii
the Shropshire Visitation of 1623 there is a Willian
Charlton of Apley Castle, son and heir of France
Charlton by Cicilia, daughter of John Fitton of Gos
worth, Co. Cheshire ; he married Elizabeth, daughtei
and heiress of Robert Alen of Salop, and died in 1506
This, in all probability, was the William Charletoi
mentioned in our list.2

Thomas Eyton, Esq., was undoubtedly of Eyton -on-
the-Wildmoors, and Sheriff during the latter part of the
year 1567 only, in consequence of the death of Thomas
Charlton, who served the first part of the year, and
whose sister he had married. He was fourth in descent
from Nicholas Eyton, Sheriff in 14-10, and represented
the Borough of Wenlock in Parliament.

Thomas Powell, Esq., was of All Stretton, son and
heir of John Howell ap Sander, by Catherine, daughter
of Robert Ireland of Shrewsbury; he married Margery,
daughter of Thomas MaimcelL3 His younger brother
Richard, Alderman of Shrewsbury, and a wealthy
merchant, bought Worthen from Edward, Lord Stafford,
and was sheriff in 1594.

1 Blake way's Sheriffs, p. 80.

2 Visitation of Salop, 1623, p. 101.

3 Ibid, p. 406.

IN THE REIC4N OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 235

Humfreij Onslow, Esq., was of Onslow, Sheriff in
1566, and Bailiff of Shrewsbury, near which town his
residence was situated, in 1544-9, 1555, 1560, and
1570. It is said he nearly re-edirled St. Chad's Church
in 1571, where his distinguished nephew, Speaker
Onslow was buried.1 It was of him Sir Henry Sidney,
in his well-known letter to his son Philip, while at
Shrewsbury School (3 566), said, " remember me to old
Maister Onslowe, and my cousin his sonne," by the
former of whom is meant the present man.2

Sir George Blunt, Knight, of Kinlet, was Sheriff of
Shropshire in 1564. 11 In his youth, according to the
fashion of the day, he served with distinction in the
French and Scottish campaigns of Henry VIII. and
Edward VI., and was well received in the court of the
former, his sister having" married two noblemen of high
rank, Gilbert, Lord Talboys, and Edward, Lord Clinton
and Say ; and being also mother of Henry, Duke of
Richmond, the King's favourite son."3 He was a
member of the Council of the Marches of Wales,4 and
died in 1582.5

Thomas Farmer, araiiger, was of Flay Park (or Hord's
Park), Sheriff in 1559. He "was fourth son of Richard
Fermor (sic), merchant of the staple of Calais, whose
remarkable story — the cruel manner in which he was
deprived of his estates and thrown into prison by
Henry VIII. , for an act of humanity to a Romish priest,
and his tardy restitution by the means of Will Somers,
jester to that capricious tyrant — may be seen in our
peerages, under the Earls of Pomfret, his descendants.
Thomas Fermor was seated at Somerton, in Oxfordshire,
but resided occasionally in this county by virtue of his
marriage with a great Shropshire heiress, Frances, only

1 Owen and Blake way's History of Shrewsbury, i., p. 195.

2 Blake way's Sheriffs, p. 40G.

3 Blakeway's S twig's, p. 89.

4 Owen and Blakeway's History, i., p. 350.

5 Visitation of Shropshire, 1G23, p. 55.

236 TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

child of Thomas Hord, of Hord's Park,"1 near Bridg-
north, by whom he became possessed of considerable
estates in this county. This is the Mr. Fermor a Roman
Catholic mentioned in the letter of Mr. Brown, the
Puritan draper of Shrewsbury, to the Queen, complain-
ing of the attempts being made by certain of his religion
that tended " no lesse than to the removinge of your
Majesty . . . and t o the settinge up of a forene, unleful
and ungodly governor : such hathe byne, is, and wilbe
the fruts of the wicked generacion of Papists " (Owen
and Blake way i., p. 363). But all that is all edged
against him is that he resorted with many others unto
Sir Thomas Stanley's house [Tong Castle), who was also
a Bom an Catholic.

William Gatager, Esq, see p. 226.

William Talbot, Esq. We are unable to trace this
person in the Visitation of 1623, unless it be the last of
the three sons of Sherrington Talbot, by Maria,
daughter of John Washbourne, of Wichenford,
Worcestershire, which does not seem probable.

Richard Cornwall, Esq. is named in the Commission for
the Hundred of Overes (now Overs), in which he resided,
being Baron of Burford. He was, we presume, Sheriff
of Shropshire in 1549, 1555, and 1562. 2 He was son
of Sir Thomas Cornwall, Knight, Baron of Burford,
Sheriff in 1500, by Ann, daughter of Sir Richard Corbet,
Knight, of Moreton Corbet. He married Jane, daughter
and co-heiress of Sir Henry Wogan, Knight, of
Pendergast, by whom he had a son, Edmund Cornwall,
Esq., Baron of Burford, Sheriff in 1580, called the
Strong Baron, from his extraordinary stature and

1 Blakeway's Sheriff^, p. 88.

- Blakdway, in his Sheriffs of Shropshire, docs not say that the
Richard Cornwall, who was Sheriff in 1549, was also the Sheriff of
that name in 1555 and 15(52, as stated above, but it is hardly possible
that between the earlier date and his son Edmond holding the ollice
in 15S0 there was another Richard in the held ; nor do the genealogies
make mention of a second person of that name in the interval.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

237

muscular power.1 The Corn walls held their land by
haromj, but were not summoned to Parliament.

Charles Fox, Esq., is the same person as already
noticed, p. 226.

Thomas Screven [or Scriveri], Esq. A family of this
name was seated at Frodesley, one of whom, a namesake
of the above, and probably his father, was Sheriff in
1497. If so, he would be a son by Elianora, daughter
of Sir Edward Croft, Knight, and son-in-law of John
Leighton, Esq., of Wattlesborough, having married
that gentleman's eldest daughter Elizabeth. Whether
lie was the Sheriff of 1527 or not we are unable to say.

Edward Leighton, Esq., of Wattlesborough, son of
John Leighton of the same place, was knighted in 1591, 2
and was an eminent man in his day. He was Gustos
Rotulorum of Shropshire, a Knight of the Shire, a
member of the Council of the Marches, and served the
office of Sheriff in 1568, and possibly in 1588 also,
although Blake way does not recognise the Sheriff1 of
this name on that date as the same individual. Sir
Edward was related at no great distance (at least
according to the notions of that genealogical age) to the
famous Earl of Leicester, to whom he probably owed
much of his success in life. We shall have to return
again to him when we come to speak of enforcing levies
for military service in the Town and Liberties of
Shrewsbury. He died in 1593."

Adam Oteley , Esq. This was the son and heir of
William Oteley, of Pitchford, Sheriff in 1500. The
present man married Maria, daughter of Richard Man-
waring of Ightfeld, Salop, and died IG Oct., 1578.
Father and son lie in Pitchford Church.

Simon Kcmsey, Esq., was probably of Pontesbury,
son of Stephen Kemsey, by Elizabeth, daughter of John

1 Owen and Blakcwav's History of Shrewsbury, i, p. 3G5.

2 Appendix to Metcalf's Book of Knights, p. 220.
a Blakcway's Sheriff*, p. 91.

238

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Brocton of Henley. He married Katharine, daughter
of Thomas Jenings of Walbourne (Walleybourne).1

It does not appear that any of the five hundred men
ordered to be put in readiness in the above commission
were despatched to the war ; they were only placed in
a state of readiness. On July 23rd, about a month
later, a letter under the great seal, was addressed to
the Sheriff and Justices of Peace of Shropshire, requiring
three hundred men to be sent in ten days to Portsmouth.
The condition of affairs cannot be better told than in
the words of one of our modern historians.-

A terrible plague had broken out in Havre amongst
the English troops. It was first noticed on the 7th of
June ; by the 27th, men were dying at the rate of sixty
a day. " By the 29th of June, the deaths had been five
hundred, and the corpses lay unburied or floated rotting
in the harbour. The officers had chiefly escaped ; the
common men, worse fed and worse lodged, fell in swathes
like grass under the scythe, and the physicians died at
their side. The Prince of Conde, notwithstanding the
last answer to de Foix, had written on the 26th of June
a very noble letter to Elizabeth. ' To prevent war,' he
said ' the King and Queen, the Princes of the blood, the
Lords of the Council, the whole Parliament of Paris,
would renew the obligation to restore Cal ais a t the
eight years' end'. It was an offer which the Queen of
England could accept without stain upon her honour,
and by agreeing to it she would prove that she had
engaged in the quarrel with a chief eye to the glory of
God and the maintenance of the truth. Elizabeth had
fiercely refused, and when this terrible news came from
Havre, she could not — would not — realise its meaning.
She would send another army, she would call out the
musters, and feed the garrison from them faster than
the plague could kill. Cost what it would, Havre should

1 Visitation of Shropshire, 1G23, p. 283.

2 Summarised from Fronde's History of England, Fall of Wolsey
to Spanish Armada, vol. vii, p. 68.

IN THE RETGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

239

be held. It was but a question of men, money and
food ; and the tarnished fame of England should be
regained/'

ie And worse and worse came the news across the
water. When June ended, out of his seven thousand
men Warwick found but three thousand fit for duty,
and the enemy were pressing him closer, and Montmor-
ency had joined the Rhingrave."

" On the 1 1th of July, but fifteen hundred men were
left. In ten days more, at the present death-rate,
Warwick said he would have but three hundred alive.
Ship after ship arrived at Havre with its doomed freight
of living men, yet Warwick wrote that still his numbers
waned, that new comers were not enough to repair the
waste."

" A general attack had been arranged by the enemy
for the morning of the 27th of July. Lord Warwick
knew that he would be unable to resist, and with the
remnant of his men was preparing the evening before to
meet a soldier's death, when a boat stole in with letters,
and he received Elizabeth's permission to surrender at
the last extremity.'"

It will be seen from the dates given that at the time
the letter below was despatched to Salop she had not
made up her mind to yield, and that before the date
mentioned when the men were to arri ve at Portsmouth,
Warwick" and his emaciated garrison would have
returned to England.

It sets forth the fact that Her Majesty had sent her
Admiral of England to the seas with the navy, as well for
the preservation of Newhaven as of the right of Calais,
and it was necessary to increase the liumber of soldiers
under his command. Three hundred are to be " armed,
appointed, and weaponed," in such manner as was
prescribed in Her Majesty's former letter, under the
leading of such "a mete captain," as the Sheriff and
Justices were to choose ; and they and the captain
were to choose such petty captain, and other officers,
as the captain approved of. Also money for coats* or

Vol. II., 2nd S. CC

240 TRATNED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

cloaks for the men and conductors is to be gathered
destrained. If the Sheriff, or any of the receiver
Revenue, or collectors of subsidy, have any sums
money in their hands, the Sheriff and Justices n
command them to deliver as much as will pay for
coats and cloaks, and the customary allowance
travelling, viz : — Towards every cloak, 4d., and a
penny for every mile, from the place of assembly,
Portsmouth. The Justices of Peace are to testify
the payment, which shall be a sufficient discharge i
the exchequer; for which purpose she has given no
and commandment to " our right trusty and welbelo^
our Thesaurer " (Treasurer) of England. If, for wan
money, the Justices shall be constrained to pay
same, upon letters sent to the Council of the Marc
of Wales, order shall be immediately taken for paym<

The whole of the soldiers are to be delivered toget
at one time, and at such place as the armourer r.
then be, where the accutrements may be made to
They are not to be later at Portsmouth than the 3rc
August, when the Admiral. Sir Adryane Poinin<xs, wo
be present to take charge of them.

This was " given under our signet, at our Castle
Ludow, the 23rd day of July, the vth year of
reio-n."

o

No. YI. Copy of a Letter from Queen Elizabeth requir
300 Soldiers for the War in Normandy.

xxiii July 5th year of her reign.

Trustye and Welbeloved we grete you well ; whereas
have sent our Admyrall of england to the seas with our mv
as well for the preservaoon of the towne of Newhaven
normandy beinge in our possesson, as of our Rights of Calls
and fynde yt very neccesary to have our army under his e
duccon to be increased with more nomber Wc therfore \
and comaund you that of the nomber of men Lately Appoyn
by our Letters from us and our righte trustic and right \
beloved the Lordes of our privye counsaiU, you do put
A Redynes with hall spede possible within that our countj
Salop p Thre hundreth Souldyers, armed, Appoynted, \

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 241

weaponcd, in soche sorte as they were last prescrybed by our
said Letters, under the conduct and Leadinge of soche a mete
captayn as you shall chose and thinke convenyent for that
porposc, And that yon permitt and suffer the said eaptayne so
by you appoynted to joyne with you in ellecting and good
chosinge of that nomber, and to have soche petye capteyne
and other officers under hym as he can best lyke withall. And
because we wolde that all manner expedicon sholde be used in
the spedy accomplyshment of the premisses, we further woll
and requyre yon, and ncvertheles straitly charge and command
you, that no longe delaye be used for money for the coates or
clokes of the same Souldyers, and conducte of the whole
nombcr, but that the same be, by your common helpes and
industryes, gathered and destrained ; And if you, the Shiriff of
that our countye, or an)* of our Receavors of Revenues, or any
collectors of our subsedy beinge within our said countye shall
have any somes of money in your or their handes, that you,
the said ShirifYe and Justices of peace do geve stray grit charge
and comandement to them and every of them, as they, and every
of them, woll for the contrary answer at ther uttermost perylls
upon sighte of these our Letters, not to faile, but, out of hande
ot the same, to delyver so mochc money as shall and oughte
to serve, towarde the charge of the coates or clokes, and conduct
of the same nomber, accordinge to the usuall allowancs her-
toforc accostomed, viz. towards every coate or cloke iiijd, and
eveiy mylc halfe a peny, from the place of their assembly to
the towne of Portesmouth, which said conducte moneyys to be
defyv'ered to the said capteyn, and t hands of you our said
Justices of neas, or some of you, testyfeinge the payment therof
by your order shalbe to the said Shireffe or to Any other that
shall pay yt a sufficient dyscharge into our eschcquer as for that
porpose we have geven notice and eomandmcnt to our right
trusty and welbeloved our Thesaurer of England. And if for
wante of money in our said officers handes you our said justices
shalbe constrayned to dcfraie the same upon your Letters sent
to our counsaill in our marches of Wales order shalbe taken
iraediatly for Repayment of so moche as proporcionable shall
amount to our part, as before without delay, eyther at Portes-
mouth or at our cvtye of Jjondon, all which soldycrs our
pleasure ys to be delyvered together at one tyme and at soche
place wher the urmure of ther furnytnre presently doth Re-
mayne ; To thend t hat the same may more conveniently be
made fytt for ther wearinge. Gcving you further to understand
that you tako soche order for the spedy accomplyshment of
the premisses as the nomber of Souldyers appoynted fVaile not

242

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

to be at the said towne of Portesmouth by the iij day of
August nexte comynge, at the furthest, And before, if they
possybly may, At what place our Adryane Poynyngs, Knighte,
hath charge and order howe by means of certeyn vessells there
Remaynynge for that purpose to dyrect the said nomber to the
said Admyrall there to serve upon the seas under Hym as he
shall directe them. Not fayling Herof as you tender our
service And vvoll for the Contrary Answer At your uttermost
perills. Given under our signet, at our castell of Ludlow1 the
xxiij day of July, the vth yere of our Reigne.

And her Highnes Counsaill in the Marches of Wales.

To our trusty and welbeloved the Shiriff and Juctices of
peace of our County of Salop, and to every of them,

A considerable interval (fourteen years) exists between
the date of the foregoing Commission and that of the
next one found in the Shrewsbury Borough Records,
We therefore give extracts from a code of instructions
enacted by Queen Elizabeth, with the advice of her
Privy Council, for carrying out military Commissions,
dated 1572. This must have reached Shropshire,
although no copy of it has been found. It will serve to
shew the gradual changes introduced, with a view of
increasing the efficiency of the forces.

1 The concluding words of this letter may at first sight lead to the
supposition that the Queen was " at her Castle of Ludlow " at this
date, but the explanation is that the Council of the Marches possessed
the privilege of annexing the broad seal, as will be seen from a state-
ment in Olive's History of Ludlow :— " There was likewise the
seal of the Marches, as appears from the close of a charter for the
manumission of a villain in Orleton, in Herefordshire, in Edward IV's
time: .... which seal was laid aside by statute 4th Henry VII.,
whereby it was enacted that all grants and writings of lands or
things, pertaining to the earldom of March, should be under the broad
seal; for this had been a privilege annexed to the estate and posses-
sions of the Mortimers, Earls of March, from whom Edward IV. was
descended, and then abrogated." There arc several communications
from the Council of the Marches to the Bailiffs of Shrewsbury headed
" from the King," probably Edward VI., which conclude with the
same formula.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

243

" Instructions for the execution of the commission directed to
all the Justices of the Peace in the countie of . . . forgenerall
musters, and trayning, of all manner of persons, hable for the
warrs, to serve as well on horseback as on foote.

The principal intent of the queens majesti is to have perfect
knowledge of the number, qualities, liabilities and suthciencie
of all her subjects, from the age of 16 years and upwards that
may be found hable to beare armour, or to use weapon on horse-
backe or on foot ; and out of that total and universall nomber
being viewed, mustered and registered, to have a convenient
nomber of the most hable, to be chosen and collected, to be by
the reasonable chardge of the inhabitants in everie shire trycd,
armed and weaponed, and so consequentlie taughte and trayned,
for to use, handle and exercise their horses, armere, shott and
other weapons, both on horsebacke, and on foote, for the service
and defense of her majestie, her crown and realm, against all
attempts both inward and outward."

"Precepts issued by the Commyssion ; the constables of every
hundred or other like officers, to name every householder
and his sons, servants, apprentices, journeymen, or any other
sojourners or indwellers remaining in the houses ; and that
the said houskeepers are to bring all such persons with the
armour and weapons at such time as called for; and it shall be
noted what kind of service for the war every such person shall
be mete, wherein is meant not to omytte to note what number
of thorn maie serve for laborers or pioneers, and who are also
carpenters, smythes, or such like artificers, so as there may be
some use had of their liabilities for service of their countrie, as
cause shall require, though theie shall not have armour."

Prelates, lords of Parliament, and privy councillors not to be
exempt, but must " sende liable servants and household
men."

And lev the more encrease of hable men to be furnished with
armour and weapons, the commission shall cause the meaner
sorte of freeholders, franklyns, fermors, or merchants, being not
of sufHcient vale we of freeholde or of goods to have one whole
furniture of armour or weapons, to be treated withall by good
persuasion, and for the love of their countrie to be induced to
joyne together by two or three or more, in the provision of a
furniture, either of a pikeman, archer, or harquebusier, to serve
as occasion shall require. And furdermore they shall persuade
all manner of riche tfarmours and freeholders to keep in their
house persons mete for archer ie and shott, &c."

The commissioners are to selecte " Captaynes and petty -
Captaines.

244

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

"Item, there shall be regarde had howe to divide and dis-
tribute the use of the weapons, in the sorting of the bands, that
there rnaie be in every hundred footmen, at the least forty e
harquebusiers, and twenty archers, if so it may be con-
venientlie procured, and to that end, the said commissioners shall
use all good perswasions,and shall give some good example in the
countrie, exercise in games and matches, to encrease those two
weapons foreseyenge,that the archers maie be men of strengthe,
and so the more liable to shootein the longe bowes,and because
it is not lawful for any person, but such as by the statute are
thereto licensed, to shoot in any hand-gonne, or arquebuss, her
majestie is pleased, that all such as shalbe appoynted by the
commissioners to be harquebusiers, to use their saide weapons
without daunger to the lawes, so as there do nott use the same
otherwise than others may do that are by the statute licensed,&:c."

" For the preservation of the armour and weapons, the com-
missioners are empowered to appoynte some good order, how
the armour and weapons lymitted to serve, shall be kept to
contynue serviceable, and shall appoynte speciall men in every
hundred or wapentake, to be named surveyors of the armour
and weapons that shall belong in commune to the parishes and
towneshipps, both for the safe kepinge of the same in the
custodie of honest persons, and for the kepinge thereof alwaies
furnished clean and readie for service, and it may also be
appoynted, that the same surveior in every hundred may from
tyme to tyme in good reasonable sorte repayer to the houses of
all other persons chargable to have armour and weapons, to see
that the same be duiie and clean kept, so as at the tyme of the
musters, theie may be perfectlie redie and without defect, &C."1

Onv next commission is not a, copy, but an original
on parchment, bearing the great seal of England, written
in Latin, dated from " Gorambury, 3 1st day of May, in
the 19 th year of our reign," with " A Generall direction "
appended to it in English. It is addressed to Sir Hemy
Sidnev, Knight, Lord President of the Council within
the principality and Marches of Wales, and " to her
beloved and faithful Bailiffs of her town of Salop for the
time being, Andrew Corbett, Knight, Arthur Main war-
ing, Knight, Edward Leighton, Esquire, George Lee
and Richard Prince, aldermen of the same town." It

1 The original is in the Harlcian Library in the British Museum,
No. 6,8-14. We quote the above extracts from Mcyrick's Ancient
ArmovT) iii, p. 36, 37.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

245

makes no allusion to any special reason arising out of
the circumstances of the times why it is issued, but
explains at great length and in verbose style the duties
to be performed ; nor are we aware of any reason beyond
the necessity of having the military forces in a condition
of readiness in case of need. The state of Europe
presented many causes of anxiety, and complications
might have arisen at any moment which would have
required the cumbersome machinery of the military
engine to be set -in motion, so that forethought and
preparation were necessary.

It must have • been not a little flattering to the
burgesses of Shrewsbury to have their " Bailiffs for the
time being " associated with the Lord President in this
important military commission ; nor is it difficult to
detect the policy of such a compliment. The affluence
of her merchants and tradesmen, the largeness of her
population, and the fact that she was the Capital of an
important midland county, made Shrewsbury worthy of
conciliation. But even these considerations might have
been overlooked had not the Lord President been on the
most friendly terms with the leading inhabitants.
During the nine years, or thereabout, that he was lord
deputy of Ireland he was very frequently in the town,
and ever met with a hearty welcome. The etiquette of
the period was that we see surviving to this day in the
city of London, and consisted of the Burgesses through
the Bailiffs offering a lavish hospitality to all persons of
distinction who visited the town ; hence the corporation
accounts abound in charges for " cowemfetts," tarts,
apples, sometimes an ox, and various wines such as
<4 sak," " gasken," " Iepokras," &c, bestowed upon
their visitors. In these entertainments Sir Henry
Sidney largely shared, as well as his lady and his son
Philip ; and doubtless made handsome returns in one
form or other by using his vast influence for the benefit
of the burgesses. In 15G2 is the following entry : —
" Paid for wine, an ox, feeding of horses, and other
necessaries, given to Sir Henry Sidney. Knight, lor4

246

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

President in the Marches of Wales, while he was here
in the town in the month of August, on account of his
favour to the town, £12 10s. Sd."1 Ceremonial honours
were also awarded him on his arrival and departure.
In 1573, it is recorded in the old MS. Chronicle,
preserved in the library of Shrewsbury School, that
" This yeare, at the comminge in of Sir Harry Sydney,
lord presydent of Wales, from London, there was shott
of (oft) in a ryaltie (a royal salute), 18 chamber peces at
a voyde place under the Wyld Copp, adjoyning unto
Master Sherar's house ; and also a ly tell from the same,
at the foot of the Wyld Copp, was an excellent oracion
made unto him by one of the scollars of the Free Scoole."

No. VII. Royal Commission for Musters, addressed to Sir
Henry Sidney, L.P., the Bailiffs of Shrewsbury for the
time being, Sir Andrew Corbett, Sir Arthur Mamuaringe,
Edward Leighton, George Lee (Leigh), and Richard Princt,
1577}

Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queen of England, France
k Ireland, defender of the faith, &c, to her well-beloved &
faithful Henry Sidney, knight, Lord President of her council
within the principality and Marches of Wales, and to her beloved
and faithful Bailiffs oflier town of Salop for the time being, Andrew
Corbett, Knight, Arthur Manwaringe, Knight, Edward Leighton,
esqr, George Lee, and Richard Prince, aldermen of the same
town, greeting. Know ye that we, confiding very much in
your approved fidelity and prudent circumspection, have
assigned and constituted you our Commissioners and deputies,
giving and granting to you, seven, six, live, four, three, or two
of you, by tenor of these presents, full and absolute power and
authority to array, inspect, and prove, and cause to be armed
and protected, all and singular, men at arms, and men capable
of bearing arms, as well horsemen as foot soldiers, and bowmen,
and musketeers, above the age of 1G years and below the age
of GO, in the said town of Salop, as well within the liberties as
without ; also to assign horses, arms, and other warlike instru-
ments agreeable to the state and person of each, according to
the form and ellect of the statutes and ordinances beforctimes

1 Owen and Blakcway, i., p. 334.

2 Translated by the Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher.

tN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

247

thence levied and provided; And to teach, inspect, and exercise
all those Tiros and men unwarlike and ignorant of military
things, to the use of the aforesaid horses, arms, and warlike
apparatus, according to military art ; And diligently to do,
carry, and expedite, and cause to be done, all and singular
other things, which you shall deem to be especially proper and
opportune to the levying, showing, and inspection, and also to
the training and instruction, and exercise of our subjects in
military affairs, for our better service and defence of this our
kingdom, So that the same men at arms, and men capable of
bearing arms, horsemen, foot soldiers, and musketeers, and
others, the aforesaid men, for the defence so arrayed, inspected,
and protected, may be ready and prepared to serve us as often
as, and when it shall be necessary. We have assigned, more-
over, any three or two of you, to all and singular of you, not
being lords or peers of our kingdom, or Counsellors in our privy
Council, mutually and in turns, yourselves to inspect, prove,
and array, and to order and see, in arms and horses suitable
to warlike apparatus, so that all and singular of you may be in
form aforesaid as is aforesaid ready, inspected, arrayed, and
prepared, and you may be continuously prepared to serve us in
like manner as is aforesaid. AND THEREFORE we command
you that you shall diligently exert yourselves about the premises,
and execute all and singular these things, all days and places,
from time to time, at your discretions, in form aforesaid. \Ye
give, therefore,1 to all and singular our officers, ministers, and
subjects whomsoever, as well within the liberties as without, by
tenor of these presents, firmly in the commands, that they be
in all things diligent in exerting themselves, helping and obey-
ing you and each of you in the execution of the premises. And
that you will have made in the premises together with the
names and surnames and the number as well of horsemen, foot-
soldiers, bowmen, and musketeers, and of all arms and other
warlike instruments fit for war, by you in the form aforesaid,
inspected and armed, as of the parishes and wards in which
they dwell and of the different armours and warlike instru-
ments, with which each of them is armed and furnished [and
that] you duly certihe us and our council attending about our
person, as quickly as you are able, after the date of these
presents in writing under your seals, or [the seals] of three or
two of you, and your hands subscribed to the same. LASTLY,
wc give firmly in commands that for the better expedition and
execution of these presents in all things, and in each thing done

1 p'tia in original, qu. for propterca.

Vol. II., 2nd S. TO

248

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

according to the tenor of the Articles and Instructions to these
presents annexed, as of other Articles and Instructions what-
soever, which by our privy council when it was necessary, or
by six of them in writing, signed by their hands at anytime
hereafter to be directed. IN WITNESS whereof we have caused
these our letters to be made patent Witness me myself at
Gorambury, the xxxj day of May, in the 19th year of our reign.
By the Queen herself &c. [Great Seal affixed.] Powle.

No. VIII. A GENERALL direction towchinge the musters
appointed by her mats privye Counsaile for the
cities and Townes corporate pretendinge liberties
howe they shall procede in thexecution of her
highnes comission.

WHEREAS THE QUENES matie dothe presentlie send
comissons for generall musters to be taken and had within the
countie of Salopp directed to sundry gent, chosen for that
purpose and for preparation of horses and Armor and other
necessaries mete for the service and defence of the Realm
accordinge to the laudable ordinaunces and Statutes of the
same in such cases provided ; And for the trayninge and
exercise of sundrye persons apte and mete for service with
further aucthoritie and direction to provide in all things both
accordinge to the instructions at large now sent unto them in
the xv yere of her matic reign : As also accordinge to such
farther instructions, as shall be at any time after sent
unto them signed with the handes of any six of her matie privy
Counsaill as shuld be thought mete. We have thought yt good
therefore for your better instruction not onelie to give you
knowledge hereof But also in her mate name to requier you to
use conference with her mate said comissioners for the musters
appointed for the said countie to thend ye may be the better
instructed howe and in what good order ye shall from tyme to
tyme procede. And wee do also require in her mate name every
of the said Comissioners of the said countie to confer with you
and to instruct and directe you in what best sorte ye shall
provide in the said musters accordinge to the contente of the
instructions which the comissioners have and shall have from
tyme to tyme in that behalf. And thereupon to deliver to you
in writing signed with their handes as before is said such
specoall articles to be extracted out of the generall instructions
as shall seme mete and in all other thinges to give you from
tyme to tyme advice and aid for the furtherance of this good
and necessarie service without delaie. AND wee will that you
diligentlie and faithfullie observe and to your uttermost to

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

249

perform the said instructions for advancement of the service
thereby intended in like sorte as yf the same had byn directed
unto you by particular writinge from us.

The only persons calling for notice in this Commission
are the two Bailiffs " for the time being," and the two
Aldermen of Shrewsbury. The two Bailiffs this year
were John Dawes and Puchard Owen, of whom very
worthy deeds are recorded in the Old Chronicle : —

This yere the foresaid Bayiyfts master Dawes and Mr. Owen
rcpayryd and bewtyrieed soondrie places of this towne of Salop
as the front of the Walshe gate and uppon the same bridge
made serte' shopps wth a prety ten'nt in place of the cadge —
wch cadge beinqe old and fallen to decaye they causyd to be
remoovyd and newc buylt and placyd under the frount of the
saide Walshe gate over creeples lode.

Also they conveyd the coondit heades at the upper ennde of
Mardoll and at the aple mareket in the Heye streete wch before
were open and nowe in bewtyfull man' to beholld also forty-
fyeed the corn' of Rowsell towne wall wch before lay open in
ruyinows man' and verey dangerous for passingers especially
for childre' and nowe made plesaunt for all people wth soondry
other good deads as in carefull foreseinge the repapringe of the
foondac'ons of the brydgs as also repayringe and bewtyfie'ng
the sayde towne as are not unknowe' to the inhabitaunts to
the good ensample of thosse wch shall after followe.1

John Dawes is called in the same record " senior,"
but whether he is the same man who served the office
of Bailiff twenty years before (156G-7) we cannot say :
nor do we know whether he was the one who served in
1584-5.

Richard Owen is in the same document described as
Draper, and was Bailiff also in 1585-6.

George Lee, Alderman, was the second son of John
Leigh, of Ellesmere, co. Salop, Yeoman, whose father
originally came from High Leigh, co. Cheshire. George
Leigh, married Mary, daughter of Thomas Sturry, of
Rossall, in the parish of St. Chad (his elder brother
married another daughter of Mr. Sturry) ; he was a

Transactions Shropshire Archaeological Society, hi., p. 279.

250

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE.

Merchant of the Staple of Calais, was admitted a
Burgess of Shrewsbury in 1551, and was elected to the
office of Bailiff three times, viz., 1 564, 15G8, and 1574.
Ontheoccasion of the Herald's Visitation in 1569, George
Leigh entered his pedigree as resident of Shrewsbury,
his arms being Argent, a lion rampant gules.1

Richard Prince, Alderman of Shrewsbury, was son
of John Prince, master of St. Giles' Hospital, by Alice,
daughter of John Bradley of Wedlock, He was of the
Abbey Forgate, Shrewsbury, admitted a burgess in the
same year as George Leigh, 1551, and is styled in the
Burgess Loll literatus, the usual designation of persons
of a literary education, who had not yet graduated.
He paid £2 6s. 8d. for his fine. He was admitted to
the Inner Temple May 4th, 1554, his sureties for good
conduct being William Jeynens of Walborne (Wailey-
bourne) near Longden, and William Leigh ton of Plash,
who afterwards rose to be Chief Justice of North
Wales. Richard Prince was twice married ; first to
Margaret, daughter of Gregory Manchester, of Man-
chester ; and second to Dorothy, daughter of the
second of his sureties, William Leigh ton of Plash, by
whom he had a large family. He rose to a high position
in his profession, and was employed by the Biugesses
of Shrewsbury to protect the nave of the Abbey
Church, being the ancient parish Church of the Abbey
Foregate, from the gripe and greed of the first lay
possessors of the monastery. An old deed in the parish
Church bears witness to the gratitude of the wardens
(1551) for the services he rendered to them in this
business, in which a grant is made to him of two
chambers over the north door for 60 years, at the yearly
rent of 8d., thus expressed : — "in consideration of the
good service, labour, and travayll of the said P. P.
heretofore had and clone to the said parocheners intyme
of necessyte concernyng the parish Church aforesaid."

1 Owen and Blakeway, i, p. 8S0.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZA BETH.

251

In these chambers it is believed he afterwards carried
on his studies. When Elizabeth granted the Manor of
the Foregate, which the crown lawyers discovered was
not disposed of, July 1st in the 20th year of her reign,
to Robert Newdigate Esq., of Hawnes, co. Bedford,
and Arthur Fountayne of Salle, co. Norfolk, gent., these
grantees the day following conveyed it to Richard
Prynce, Thomas Hat ton, and Thomas Rock, gentlemen,
and the heirs of their survivor. Mr. Hatton proved to
be this survivor, and the manor continued in his family
till 1654, when his grandson conveyed it for the sum,
as is said, of £12, to Sir Richard Prynce, Knight, son
of the original grantee. Richard Prince was one of
those who contributed JC25 to the defence of the
kingdom in 1588, when the Spanish Armada threatened
our shores. He was the builder of the line old mansion
called the White Hall, near the Abbey Church.1

We give the following return (No. ix.) of foot soldiers
for the County of Salop, exclusive of Shrewsbury and
its liberties, in the form of the original, as nearly as
ordinary type will allow ; it affords a good illustration
of the proportion of men from each Hundred, their
different kinds of dress and equipment, and the propor-
tion of defaulters in the same. The captains of com-
panies are not given in the column allotted to them,
otherwise we should have become acquainted with many
more Salopians of the time. The old Chronicler says,
referring to this levy, "This yeare were men prest to
go into Ireland owt of this towne of Shroesbery and
Shropshyre." An order was issued by the Bailiffs that
a general Presentment should be made on the 30th of
May in this same year of all able-bodied men above the
age of sixteen, with their arms and furniture, within
the Town and Liberties of Shrewsbury, which will
appear in the next sectiou.

1 See Some Account of Shrewsbury, p. 518 ; and Owen and Blake-
way, vol. ii., \). 139.

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ARMS AND ARMOUR.

TLATK /?.

AKMS AND ARMOUR.

IN THE II EI OX OF QUEEN ELIZABETH".

253

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE I.

Fig. 1. A skull, made of steel, worn by Archers in 1554. From
Meyrick.

2. A Combed Morion, made of steel, 16th century. Adapted

from Meyrick.

3. A Peaked Morion, made of steel, 16th century.

4. Two Pikemen, with Jacks and Peaked Morions. From a

contemporary painting, representing the departure of
King Henry VIII. from Calais in July, 1544. (En-
graved by the Society of Antiquaries, 1788).

5. A steel Gorget, adapted from a contemporary portrait of

Sir Philip Sidney, painted by Sir Antony More.
G. Steel Armour for protecting the arms, called in the Present-
ments of Arms Splents, with Pauldron attached for
protecting the shoulder. Taken from a recumbent
figure of Sir Thomas Cornwall, in Burford Church,
Salop, who died A.D. 1508.

7. An old Powder-horn of the 17th century. From Hewett's

Ancient Armour.

8. Another in the Shrewsbury Museum, shaped like a fish,

presented by Sir V. R. Corbet, Bart,, Moreton Corbet.

9. An Archer and Halberdier, clothed with Jacks and Pointed

Morions, from the contemporary painting mentioned
above, No. 4.

10. A Hagbutter and a Billman, with Pointed Morions. From

same source as last.

11. A Halberdier, having on his head a skull with narrow brim.

From same source as last.

12. A Billman and Hagbutter, from the same source as last.

This uniform varied but little through Elizabeth's reign.

Pig. 13
14

17

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE II.
J- Forms of Bills common throughout the 16th century.

\ Halbards. Two of the many slightly differing forms used

15. ( throughout the 10th century. These are sketched from

16. ( two in the Ludlow Museum, which had been preserved
I for many years in the Police Othee of that town.

( ^ > Two examples of Pikes used in the 16th century.

10. Hagbut, an early form in which the leaver applying the
match is without a spring, having to be moved by the
hand. From Meyrick's Ancient Armour.

20. A Match-lock of the form used in Queen Elizabeth's reign.

« is a crooked iron leaver which, in the upper part,
was split into two divisions, between which a burning
blow match b was placed, and held fast by a screw.

254

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

c, the trigger, which when pressed, released a spring,
and caused the leaver to fall, which carried the match
to the priming in the pan d.

21. A Brigandine Jacket, which was lined throughout with

overlapping steel plates, the rivets appearing on the
outside, giving it an ornamental character,
a, one of the steel plates with its rivet holes.

22. A gentleman in Plate Armour. From the tomb of Sir

Robert Needham, Knight, Adderley Church, died in
A.D. 156G.

23. A padded coat or Jack of the 16th century.

II. Arming and Training the Soldiers.

It is necessary in order to form a correct notion of
the military forces of Queen Elizabeth s reign that we
should give some attention to their clothing and armour,
and the method of their training, as far as we can
ascertain the character of these from contemporary
sources of information. We shall confine our remarks
chiefly to the infantry which formed then, as now, the
great bulk of the army.

By the important Statute of Winchester it was
enacted " that every man have harness in his ho'use to
keep the peace after the antient assise — that is to say,
every man between fifteen years of age and sixty years
shall be assessed and sworn to armour according to the
quantity of his lands and goods — that is, to wit, for
fifteen pounds lands and forty marks goods, a hauberke,
a helmet of iron, a sword, a dagger, and a horse. For
ten pounds lands and twenty marks goods, a hauberke,
a helmet, a sword, and a dagger. For five pounds
lands, a doublet, a helmet of iron, a sword, and a dagger.
For forty shillings lands, a sword, a bow and arrows,
and a dagger. And all others that may shall have bows
and arrows. Review of armour shall be made every
year two times, by two constables for every hundred
and franchise thereunto appointed ; and the constables
shall present, to justices assigned for that purpose, such
defaults as they do find."1 In the Commission of 1572

1 12Tvichard II. cap. G ; 11 Henry IV. cap. 4; vide Froude i., p. G3.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

255

already quoted, the humbler ranks were not to escape
their contributions : " The meaner sorte of freeholders,
franklyns, fermors, or merchants, being not of sufficient
valeue of freehold or of goods, to have one whole furni-
ture of arms or weapons, to be treated with all by good
persuaison, and for the love of their countrie to be
induced to join together by two or three or more, in
provision of a furniture, either of a pikeman, archer, or
harquebuser, to serve as occasion shall require."

The custody of the arms so provided, during the time
the men were disembodied, was committed either to
the men who provided them, or into the hands of
" honest persons," chosen for the purpose. In a letter
dated from Middle, near Shrewsbury, without a signa-
ture, in 1588, the writer says that after a view of the
soldiers which he is directing to be taken, has been
made, those to whom the letter is addressed are to
11 committ the custody of all such Armour and furniture
as do apperteyne to the trayned nomber, unto suche
owners as do stand chardired with the same. Th'others
for the north and Irish services, for that the chardge
therof apperteyneth in generall to the inhabitants of
your severall divisions, to the Church of every parish,
or unto suche substanciall men of creditt, of the same,
as to your wysdoms shall seem convenient, by them to
be kept in such readynes that the same may be ready
upon an howers warning for her highines said service."

When the inspection was ordered, or any levy was
made in some special emergency, the constable or
constables of the Hundred brought their Presentments
of men, arms, and furniture, and delivered them at the
appointed head-quarters ; and these formed the basis
for ordering any additional arms and furniture that
might be necessary to complete the outfit. We possess
such returns in the Shrewsbury Ilecords for the years
1573, 79, 88, 90, and 9G. Some of these are rolls of
many small papers, being the actual rough returns
made by the constables of the several Guilds, Wards of
the Town, and townships within the Liberties. It

Vol. II., 2nd S- EE

250 TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

appears to have been the practice to re-write these in
book form, and in a clear hand, in which the spelling
of names is improved upon, and the arrangement more
orderly. We have selected for printing that for 1580
as being one of the most complete.

The senior Bailiff now in office, Robert Ireland, was
the eldest son of Thomas Ireland (who purchased the
Manor of Albrighton at the dissolution of the monas-
teries) by Jane, daughter of William Oteley (or
Ottley) of Pitchford, co. Salop. He married Elizabeth,
daughter of Thomas Scriven,and was Bailiff three times,
viz., 1566, this present year, and in 1592. He contri-
buted £25 to the national loan for the defence of the
country against the Spanish Armada in 1588. He was
a member of the Company of Mercers.

His fellow Bailiff, John Perche, gent., was son of
John Perche of Calais, Merchant of the Staple. He
married Ellen or, daughter of Thomas Sherar, esquire,
of Shrewsbury, and was a member of the Drapers'
Company. His pedigree was entered by the herald in
1584, his arms being G. on a chevron O. between 3
fleurs de lys A. as many chess rooks S. He must have
been held in high esteem by bis fellow townsmen, having
been elected to the office of Bailiff four times, viz., this
present year, and in 1588-98 and 1602; he was also
employed by them first of all to accompany Mr. Powell
to Chester to see Mr. Justice Bromley relative to
retaining the popular Dr. Edward Bulkeley as curate
of St. Mary's Church, and public preacher of the town,
who had been appointed a prebendary of Chester
Cathedral ; and secondly, to travel to London in 1584
with Mr. W. Weale with a view of obtaining a new
charter for the town from Queen Elizabeth. It was on
this last journey he found the roads so foul, and the
weather so bad that the gelding ridden by his servant
died on the morrow of bis return to Shrewsbury.
Owen and Blakeway i., p. 378.

The other Commissioners are Edward Leighton, of
whom we have already spoken, Richard Mitton, Robert
Ireland the elder, and Richard Purcell.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 257

Richard Mitton, Esq., was the son of William Mitton,
of Vaughan's Place, afterwards of Coton Hill, by Cecilia,
daughter of Henry Delves, of Doddington, Co. Chester.
He was six times Bailiff of Shrewsbury, died at the
advanced age of 99 years, and was buried at St. Chad's
Church 25th November, 1591 (Owen and Blakeway ii.,
p. 233). At the time of this general muster he was
88 years of age.

Ilobert Ireland, gent., the elder, Alderman of
Shrewsbury, was the son of David Ireland. He married
Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Pontesbury of Albright-
lee ; was a member of the Mercers' Company ; Bailiff
in 1554; died October G, 1599 ; and was buried at
St. Chad's Church, Shrewsbury.

Richard Purcell, gent., Alderman of Shrewsbury,
Draper, belonged to the family of that name seated at
Onslow. He was Bailiff in 1565, and is honourably
mentioned in the Old Chronicle under the year 1586,
in these words : — " This yeare, and the 24th day of
November, departed this present lyffe, master Richard
Purcell of Salop, Alderman, beinge a worthie gentill' of
a lovinge and gentill nature, being a liberall releev1" of
the poore, and at all tymes the poore man's frinde."
(Transactions Shropshire Archceological Society, iii.,
p. 308).

No. X.

gaUibo'

bille
gallon.

(tlje ^oolic oi gm'aKc musters foe
Ibc satb totoiic # UbTics.

•

The vewe of the gen'all musters
for this Towne ot Salop and the
Lib'ties thcrof taken the xth daye
of June Anno llegni Kegine

(Jemnore

Qoh'xx Jrlanb ar'
Jtofj'is Jjcrcbe, gen'

258

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Elizabeth &c. xxij, before Rob'te
Irian d, esquier, & John Perche, gent.'
baillifs of the said Towne ;
Edward Leighton, Richard Mitton,
esquiers ; Rob'te Irland th elder &
Richard Purcell gent.' aldermen,
Comisson's by vertue of her maties l'rs
of comisson to them & others in that
behalf directed.

John Perche1, gent, in armor
Corslett wth Bill, Bow, & sliefe
of arrows, sword and dagger.

Richard Mitton2, esquier, in ar-
mor.

Richard Purcell3, gent. Armor
Corslett <fc Bill & shefe of arrows
sowrd and dagger.

Willim Lowe4, gent. Warden, in
armor one blacke bill one stille
coate, two salletts <k tow
seniles.

John Beds, his s'vant.

Richard Owen,5 thonger (the
younger) Warden, in armour
one bill, sword & dager.

1 See above. 2 See above. 3 See above.

4 Bail iff in 1572. A patent was granted to him by Robt. Cook Clarenc' m
15S6. Gules, a wolf passant argent.

5 Within tbe twenty-six years, from 1559 to 1585 inclusive, the office of Bailiff
of Shrewsbury was tilled seven times by persons named Richard Owen, and in
several instances the name is recorded in Owen and Blakeway's History without
a word of explanation as to which of the four branches of the Owens, whose pedi-
grees are to be found in the Visitation of 1623, they belong. The Old Chronicle
affords some help in identifying them by adding their occupation. We give the
list in the order of date in the words of Owen and Blakeway and add the occu-
pation from the Chronicle.

" 155\ Richard Owen, Jun.,1 Arms:— S-3 Nags' heads erased A." " Barbur
Baylitr."

" 1562, Richard Owen, Junr., Arms: — V. a chevron between 3 wolves' heads A. a
crescent for difference, thereon a label of three points." " Mercer."
«' 1564, Richard Owen. Senr., Arms as in 1559 " - - " Sherman." )

«« 156S, Richard Owen, Senr." " Sherman." >

1573, Richard Owen, Senr." "Sherman." )

" 1576, Richard Owen, "Draper."

4< 1585, Richard Owen, as in 1576," - "Draper."

"We learn from this that the Bailiff of 1576 and ]5S5 was the same man, and
that he belonged to the Drapers' Company ; but we are not out ot our difficulty,
for we find in this company three of this name, thus described : —
Richard Owen the younger, Warden ot the company.
Richard Owen, the elder, gent.
Richard Owen, Junr.
In the Presentment of Arms of seven years latcr,(15S6) these three appear to be
still living and are described in the roll of the Drapers as follows : —
Richard Owen. 6enr. gent.

Richard Owen, gent, of tho Stalls. [Mardol Head.]
Richard Owen of Kiln Lane [Princess Street]
To which of these we ought to refer the present man it is difficult to say.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

259

George Ph'es,1 his s'vant.

Willim Hall well, Warden, in ar-
mor a bill, a bowe & a sbefFe
ofarrowes; a scull, a swoord
& a dagcr.

John Harries.

John Capp, Warden, in armor a
bill, a poolle axe, a swoord & a
dager.

Richard Pull, his s'vant.

Thomas Sherer, gent., in armor
a murreon, a scull, a plate
coate, a harqubus & two blacke
bills.

Richard Cham. 1

Thomas Pton - his servants.

Meredith Lewis)

Richard Owen, thelder, gent., in
armor a stiched coate, a sal-
let t <fc a bill

Richard Masone ) , . ,
n„ , > his servants.

1 liomas .Nicolas \

Roger Birington, gent., in armor
one paire of brigendines, two
paire of splentes, two salletts,
two pollaxes, a sword <fc a dager

Richard Tydder, his servant.

Willi'm Tenche, gent., in armor a
stille coate. a paire of splents, a
scull, a bill, sword & a dager.

Edward Poyner, his servant.

Richard Powell, gent., in armor
one Almon Rivett wth splents,
vj bills.

Thomas Come, his servant.

Thomas Purnell, gent., in armor
one bill, halfe a shurte of male,
and a sallett.

Edward Hare)

Henry Dunc[ his s'vants.

John Nicolls)

George Proud, gent., in armor one
oylett coate, a scull, a speare
& a bill.

Arthur Harries, his s'vant.

David Lloyd, gent., in armor a

stille cappe, a halberte & sword

and dager.
John Dawes
Thomas Wollaston i
Morgan Jones I his s'vants.
Roland Langley )
Thomas Chorlton, gent., in armor

a stiched coate, a sallett, a paire

of splents & a bill.

Roland Jencks I , . , ,
TTtr-Mj t 1 > his s vants.
Will'm Jencks j

Will'm Weale, gent., in armor a

bill, a scull, sword & dager.
John Davies, his s'vant.
Roger Harries, gent., in armor a bill,

a sallett, & a paire of splents.
Hughe Beacoll, in armor a bill, a

scull, a stiched coate, swoord

& dager.

Will'm Jones, in armor a black

bill and a scull.
Thomas Robins,
George Harries,
Edward Owen, in armor a sword

his s'vants.

Thomas Talbot, his s'vant.
Michae.ll Chambers, gent. , in armor
a black bill, a sword & a dager.
Roger Marshall j
John Hordley j- his ser.
Arthur Jylles j

Nicholas Proud, in armor a bill &

a styched coate.
Steven Crosse
Robe'te Stevens
Richard Lewis, in armor a bowe,

a sheffe of arrows, a bill, sword

& dagger.
Caddr ap Griffith]
Davvid Taylor Uer\
George Leceter J
Will'm Hearinge, in armor a bill,

a sallett, a paire of splents & a

jacke.

i Phelips.

260

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Ffrauncis Willes.
John Nevett.

John Lewis, drap' in armor two
bills.

Richard Gardner, in armor a bill,

a sheeffe of arrowes, a breast

plate, & a paire of splents.
James Knowsley \
John Gardner f ,
John Dyer (
Narman Store )
Thomas Studley, in armor a bill,

a sword & a dager
Will'm Boyer, in armor a bill, a

sword & a dager.
Will'm Harries, in armor a bowe,

sheelTe of arrowes, a Kaliver.
Edward Mynton, in armor a pollaxe
Richard Dawes, gent, in armor a

bowe a sheflfe of arrowes & a

hand gonne.
Edward Harries, in armor a bowe

& arrowes.
Thomas Browne, a jacke, a brest

plate sword & dager.
Richard Browne, his sonnc.
Rob'te. Bromley one bill.
Jeffrey Jones, one Jacke, one bill,

sword & dager.
Roger Bruton, his ser.'
Edmond Barkley, sword cfc dager
Richard Betton I ^ ^
Edward Goughe J
Richard Jones, sword & dager.
Thomas Bagley, sword & dager.
Homfrey Newton, his ser.
John Hunt, sword & dager.
John Tenche, sword & dager.
Ffraunces Tenche, his ser.'
Thomas Ashley, a bill.
John ap Richard.
John Newton, sword & dager.
Will'm lunge, bowe & arrowes,

sword & dager.
Richard Owen, Junr, bowe &

arrowes, sword & dager.
John Betton.

Thomas Benion, two swords, two

dagers.
John Smith.
Edward Hosyer.

Thomas Dune a pollaxe, a bill, &

a sword.
Andrew Lewis, sword & dager.
Rob'te Jeffres.
John Browne, a bill.
Rob'te Pope.

John Baker, a sallett, a jacke, a
scull, a paire of splents, a poll-
axe, a bill, a shurte of male.

Hughe ap Homfrey.

Homfrey Beanos, a bill, a scull.

John Beanes )

Roger Harries j

Will'm Luter, a bill.

John Ph'es, a jacke, a paire of
splents & a bill.

Will'm Jencks, a bill.

Will'm Harries, Junr, sword &
dager.

John Walker, sword & dager.
Will'm Irland, sword & dager.
John Barnes, an Almon rivet, a

pollaxe, sword & dager, a sallett

& a scull.
Richard Chirwell.
Margaret Beanes, wid., a bill, a

sallett.

David Salter, sword & dager.

Richard Bucknoll.

Ellize Keffine a bill.

Thomas Heyline.

John Coton, sword & dager.

John Foxe, sword & dager.

Myllcs Puller.

Thomas Mackworth,sword & dager
Thomas Heines.
Richard Teggine.

IJterccrs.

Robte. Irland,1 thongcr, esquier,

in armor
Robte. Irland,2 thelder, gent, in

armor.

1 See above 4 See above.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

261

Will'm Peers, gent, in armor a

pallctt, a scull, a jacke, & a bill.
Will'm Peers, junr. his sonne.
Ilomfrey Downton )
Richard Wycherley { servants'
John Oklcy, gent, in armor foure

bills & a Corslett.
Ffraunds Legge, his servant.
Adam Mitton, gent.
Will'm Wilkes.
Thomas Thorncs.
Richard Thurlowe, a bill, sword,

& dager.
Piichard Thurlowe, his sonne
David Lloyd, his servant.
Richard Tedstill, a jacke, a bill,

sword & dager.
Richard Cucrton ) , . ,
Robte. Clarke Jhl88er-
John Davies, armor.
John Benion, his ser.
George Ph'es, [Phelips]1 a bill.
Roger 1 Hedge, a bill, sword &

dager.
Phcllip Pidgcon.
George Wyne, his ser.'
Thomas Jones, two poleaxes & a

bill.

Richard Gittins, sword <fc dager.
Will'm Lea | , .
Robte. BettonfhlSSer'
John Webbe, bill, sword, and
dager.

Richard Garret ( hisser '
George Pickestoc j
Roger Jones, als' m'cer, a bill.
Edmund Mynd, sword Sc dager.
Richard Atkis.

Will'm Collins, sword & dager.
John Downes, [his servant,]
John Robinson, sword & dager.
Thomas Edwards, [his servant.]
John Reynolds.
Richard Byos, [his servant.]
Edward Baker, a bill, sword &
dager.

Thomas Vincent, [his servant.]
George Trevnnant, a bill, sword
& dager.

John Lloyd, a bowe & arrowes,

sword & dager.
Robte. Tegine, [his servant.]
Robte. Allen, sword & dager.
Richard Beacole ) n . n
Richard Paddie } P,,s servants.]
Thomas Mitton, sword & dager.
Will'm Mitton, [his servant.]
Thomas Puller.
George Pkine

Randle Latham, sword & dager.
Theoder Hunte, [his servant.]
Will'm Grene, sword & dager.
Homfrey Grene, [his servant.]
Robte. Gardner, bowe & arrowes

sword & dager.
Richard Yemons, caliver, sword &

dager.

Homfrey Howie, bowe & arrowes.
Gregore Freer.
James Waterford.
Simon Grimes.

Richard Wildinge, sword &

dager.
Richard Tayler.
Jeffrey Lloyd.
John Langle}7 I r,
Edmund Lloyd j L 1
Thomas Freer.

his servants.

§>hmmn.

Richard Mehen, a bill, a head pece.

Thomas Mehen ) , .

rJ _j ■» ir v > his sones.

Edward Mehen j

Edward ap Jenn'., his servant.

Robte. Taylor, a bill.

Richard Illedge ) , , . , n

„, • r> i } ! nis servants.
V frauncis Baker j J

Mrs. Owen, widow, a Corslett, a

poleaxe.

Homfrey ap John ap Jenn.'

Robte. Gittins.

1 In the Constablo's return this name is written unabridged as in brackets.

262

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Thomas Gittins, his sonne.
Thomas Fysher,a poleaxe, & sword.
Richard Thomas, a halberd, a bill,

& a sword.
Roger Spristowe.
Walter Jones.

John Hemes, a bill, a poleaxe &
a scull.

Richard Heines, [his son.]

Richard Ryder, a paire of Almon
Rivetts, a sallet.

Griffith Almon \

Robte. Higgons )

Homfrey Anderton, a bill, a scull.

Thomas Rowdier, sen1', sword & a
dager.

John ap Homfrey.

Adam Whittakers, two paire
Almon Rivetts wth theire fur-
niture.

Roger Whittakers.

Edward Bent.

John Rowdier, a bill.

John Webster, a bill.

Edward Noniley.

Richard Webster.

gdward Harcott ; | rHarecourti

Homfrey Harcott I L J

Thomas Laurens, a bill & a poleaxe.

Randle Stevens, a poleaxe & a
sallet.

Richard Langley, a jacke, a paire

of S]>lcnts, & a bill.
Reignold Langley, [his son.]
Huehe Cley.

Will'm Higginson, a bill, a sword.
John Dager, a holberd.
Edward Maddoxc. [his man.]
Robte. Richardson.
Roger Dughtie [his man.]
Richard Ty 1st on.
John ap Thoinas ) men
Thomas Grifhth j L J
Homfrey Hughes sword, dager ft
glove.

Richard Bromley | rhjs n)0n i
Richard Hughes )
Robte. Whittakers.
Richard Anderton, a bill.

Richard Menlove.

Richard Blower.

Mathew Morice)n • t

Richard Blower Khlsmen-l

John Grinsell, two swords.

Will'm ap Jenn.' ) rj . -,

Thomas Suker } L-11S meiLJ

Will'm Lingam.

John Underwood ) M . n

Will'm Walker f L'lls men"]

Will'm Groves, senr.

Will'm Groves, his sonne.

Richard Fallowes.

John Nicolls 1 r. . n
n r> i f his men.
George Poole J L J

Thomas Harries.

Richard Hey ward ) r, . -,

Robte ap Williams [ L 'J

Will'm Bowdler a bill man fur

nished wth an Almon Rivet.

Robte. Corbett,

Robte. Cole.

Roger Wiswall, a gleve.

Will'm Wiswall, senr.

Will'm Wiswall, junr.

Richard Taylor.

Thomas Porter.

Griffith ap David.

Raffe Wiswall, a bill, a poleaxe.

Abraham Wiswall) n . -,

Isacke Wiswall K'"S m°"-]

Thomas Barton, a bill.

George Phe's, [Phelips] a bill.

John Biekerstafte.

Edward Buughe.

Richard Whittakers.

Homfrey Whittakers.

Thomas Corbett.

George Taylor.

Robte. Gittins, junr.

Richard Higgons.

John Gittins.

Robte. Keffine, a gleve.

Daniell ap Edward.

Robte. Browne.

John Soden.

John ap Res.

Mathew ap Hocll.

John Tydder,

\

IN THE IlEIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 263

John Jonson.
Will'm Hotchkis.
Richard Pue.
Richard Jonson.
David ap Edward.
John ap John.
Richard Bowdler, a bill.
Thomas Hastie, a bill.
John Stoken.
Thomas Heines.
Hughe Jones.

Edward Ph'es [Phelips] a bill.
Roger ap Hughe.
David ap John.
John Suker.
Richard Hardinge.
John ap lies.
John ap David.
Roger Whittakers, a bill.
John Chitwood.
John Morrics.
Morice ap Rob'te.
Hugh ap Jev'n. [Jevan.'j
Robte. Lawrence.
Roger Heines.
Edward Re veil.
Hughe Re veil.
Edward Baxter.
Richard Lowe.
John Scott.
Richard Braine.
Thomas Spristowe, a bill.
Griffith ap Richard.
Richard ap Owen.
Roger Wilson.
Edward Wilson.
Edward Holmes.
Rob'te Cooke.
David Bcnion,
Richard Finche.
Will'm Shawc.
Hughe Evans.
John Evans.
John Whittakers.
Richard Aston.
John Petton.
Thomas ap Res.
Homfrey Sherer.
John Coton.
Vol. II., 2nd.

Richard Clarke.
Roger Tytley.
Ellice Mathewes.
Richard Mathewes, a bill.
Thomas Boycott.
Richard Hey ward.
Richard Calcott.
Thomas Whitfoote.
Robte. Eyre.
Thomas Wilde.
Richard Chapman.
John Owen.
Richard Evans
Will'm Harries.
John Hackley.
Will'm ap Rece ap Ethell.
Robte. Davies.
Henry Davies.
Richard Apley.
James Anderton.
John Davies.
John Williams.
John Kerrie.
Will'm Tenche.
Lewis ap Jen'n.
Will'm ap David,
Hugh Gardner.
Richard Fysher,
Hughe Lloyd.
Jen'n ap David.
Hughe Tilston,
Roger Colle.
Roger Hotchkis.
Edward Howell.
Thomas Grimes.
Griffith ap Roberte, senr.
Hughe Goughe.
Thomas Morice.
Robte. Fisher.
Morice ap Bcnion.
John Davies.
David ap Griffith.
Jen'n ap Rece.
Jen'n ap David.
Roger Meredith.
John Lewis.
Will'm Morrice.
Robte. Howsley.
Hughe Stevens.

FF

264

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

John ap Benion.

Homfrey ap Benion.

Edward Thomas.

John ap D'd ap Meredith

Jeffrey Wis wall.

David ap Morrice.

Roger Jucks.

Arthur Atkin.

Griffith ap Roberte.

Richard Hardinge.

Roger Newton.

Thomas Adderton.

Will'm Cowres.

Abraham Griffies.

Rob'te ap Owen.

Thomas Bowdler.

John ap Griffith.

Thomas Dager.

Morice Foxe.

Edward Bromall.

Will'm Ekine.
Roger Calcott,
Richard Petton.
Richard ap Thomas.
John Tilston.
Richard Botfild.
Jolm ap Thomas.
Will'm Longe.
Richard Harcott.
Thomas Cole.
Thomas Scriven.
John ap Roberto.
Homfrey Lloyd.
Thomas Fallowes.
John Hughes.
Richard Heath.
Thomas Coton.
Will'm Burche.
M crick Vaughan.
Will'm ap Richard.
David ap Nicolas.
Gilbert Meredith.
Thomas Allen.
John Wilson,
Richard Meriton.
Will'm Robinson.
Leonard Leo.
Homfrey Mounford.
Richard Pue.

Richard Aston.
Rob'te Bedowe.
Will'm Poyner.
Will'm Jen'n.
Will'm Tyller.
J'nn. ap David.
Richard Lowe.
Griffith ap Res.
Rob'te Pue.
Will'm Clarke.

Richard Belton, gent, in armor, a

Launcelot Howells"\

John Hussey ( , .

x -1 \xt i i > his ervants.

John \Yycherley [

Roland Tysdale )

Phellip Teggiue, a poleaxe.

Thomas Bedo., his ser'.

Homfrey Wildinge a halberd & a

bill.

his ser.

bill.

ser.

Lewis Jen'ns
Richard Adams
Phellip Wilding
Will'm Beddoe" J
Peter Wright,
Rob'te Smith, thelder, a
John Horton, a bill.
John Horton, hissonne.
Thomas Tenche, a bill.
Richard Pyper \
Rob'te ap Llew' L .
David ap Edward j 153
Richard Owen J
John Blackwey, bowe & arrowes

& a sword.
Roger Blackwey, his sonne.
George Churche, a jack.
Will'm Hurst]
Will'm Baker I his ser.
Will'm Roo J

Alexander Barnes, a bowe & a bill.
Thomas Barnes, his sonne.
Roger Sherer, sword & dager.
Adam Bromall, a bill.
Will'm Griffies.
Homfrey Calcott.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

265

John Webbe.

Richard Smith.

Adam Powell.

Roger Downe, a bill.

Thomas Owen.

Edward Beddoe.

Thomas Carles, a bill.

Homfrey Goldsmith.

Thomas Coton, a bill.

James Cryer,

Will'm a}) David.

George Chorlton.

Will'm Illcdge.

Richard Wright, a bill.

Thomas Onslowe, a bill.

Arthur Bromley, two bills.

Kob'te Jones.

Thomas Bromley.

Homfrey ap Thomas.

Thomas arrowsmith, a bill & a

gorge tt.
Roger Chirwell, a bill.
John Worrall.
Richard Jones, a bill.
Raffe Kydcr.
Roger Llovd.
Will'm Ph'es.
Richard Goldsmith.
Adam Downe.

John J axon, a sword & a dager.

Thomas ap John.

John Gardner, a bill, sword &

dager.
John Groves.
Richard ap Hughe.
David ap Richard, a bill.
Edward Hilton.
Phellip Onnislowe.
Robte Tenche, a sword & dager.
John Mehen.
John Smith, a bill.
Thomas Franckton.
Will'm Davies.

David Longden, a bowe shefo &

of arrowes.
Edward Lloyd, a bill.
Hugh Arrowsmith, a jacke.
Hughe Taylor a bill.
Richard Golborne.

Raffe Higginson, a bill & a sword.

Will'm Bromall.

Thomas Parre.

Edward Francke.

John Tibby, a bill.

George Hardinge.

Homfrey Grome.

Arthur Taylor.

Peter Maddox.

Thomas ap Roger.

Thomas Downe.

Will'm Daxe.

Thomas Downe.

Arthur Butler.

Rob'te Howeils.

Rob'te ap David.

Rob'te Jones,

Richard Jones.

John Wildblood.

Richard Mehen.

David Keffine.

Roger Warter, a bill,

Will'm Tumor.

Huge ap Reignold.

John Ambler, a bowe & arrowes.

Will'm ap Roland.

Thomas Howeils.

Richard Gardner.

Will'm Barnes, a bill, a hand-

gonne & bow & arrowes.
Roger ap Thomas
Richard Pentrine.
Thomas Morice, bow & arrowes.
John Davies a bill.
Edward Teggine.
Edward Taylor.
Griffith Evans.

Rob'te Smith Jun., sword & dager
Peter Studley.
Thomas Jones.
Jen'n Jones.

Edward Lightbound, sword &

dager.
Edward Jones.

John ap Res, bowa & arrowes.
Richard Whittakers.
Johu Reve.
John Jones.

Richard Foxo, sword & dager.

266

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Thomas ap Hoell.
John Powell.

Reignold Davies, bow & arrowes.
Thomas ap Edwarde, bow & ar-
rowes.

William Ph'cs a bill, a dager, a

gleve.
Robte Poyncr.
Roger Browne.

John Tydder, a bill, sword &

dager.
Will'm Poole.

Richard Jevans, sword & dager.
Will'm Reignolds.
Will'm Fermor.
Gilbert Buterye, a bill.
John Buttery.

John Bentley, oue sallet & dager.
Thomas Bentley.
George Sponley.

Richard Leaton, a bow, a bill & a

dager.
Jeffrey Tarpley.
John Hill.

Hugh Benion, a bill, sword k

dager.
John Paine.
Will'm Higgiiison.
John Bleaste.
Richard ap Richard.
Roger Ludlowe, a bill.
John Ludlowe.
Richard Lewis, a bill.
Jen'n Nicolas, a bowe, a bill, a

sword, & a dager.
Owen ap Hoell.
George Grainger, a dager.
Robte ap Res.

Roger Bemon, a bowe & a dager.
John Davies.
Griffith ap Richard.
Roger Bulley. [Bolley]
Roger Porter.
Thomas Ashley.

Hughe Gittins, a bowe, a bill <t a
dager.

Phellip Bagley.

Edward Goughe.

Thomas Lloyd, a dager.

Ffrauncs Wood.

Thomas Wykes, a dager.

Henry Grimes.

John Griffies.

Richard Sponley.

Rob'te Pickine.

Will'm Trevor.

Richard Benion.

Will'm Grinley, a dager.

Edward Hathernwatt.

Thomas Poyner, a bill, & a dager.

Thomas Ashley.

Homphrev Leaton, a bowe & a

bill.
Will'm Hemes.

Richard Robinson, a bill & dager.

Richard Leaton.

Richard Pole.

Richard Tidder.

Edward Robinson.

Robte ap Hoell, a bill.

Edward ap Edward.

Thomas ap Richard.

Jen'n Griffith.

Edward Dycher.

Homphrey Hitchine, a dager.

George Benion.

Richard Wellins.

Thomas Ho wells, a bill & dager.

Roger Williams.

Richard Sherer.

Wydowe Langley, a jacke.

Richard Tidder.

Widowe Dycher, a bill, a jacke,

& a sword.
Thomas Ashley.
Thomas Eslmore [Elsmar].
Henry Grinnoe [Grynoughe]

a bowe.
Will'm Rodnest [his man.]
Thomas ap John [his man.]
Thruston ap Ll'en [Lleellyn] his

man.

gathers.

Homphrey Wilkox, sword & dager*

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

267

Henry Balle.

Thomas Trigge, sword & dager.

Kob'ert Mason, his man.

Phellipp Howie, a polcaxo.

Ffrauncis Smith.

John Gonghe, bowe & arrowes.

Peter Jaxon, a dager.

John Howie, a bowe & arrowes.

John Lighe.

Robert Clarke.

Ffranncs Tenche, a bill & a sallet.

Homphrey Jucks.

Rob'te Hughes.

Homphrey Crosyer.

John Smoivte.

John Hassoll.

Richard Elsmore.

Edward Lowe.

Roger Lowe.

David ap Edward.

Thomas Ph'es. [Phellipes].

Rob'te Beanes.

Thomas Ph'es [Phellipes.]

Kob'cte Balie.

Richard Gillowe.

Richard Meriden, a bill & a jacke.

Roger Ffraunce, a bill.

Roger Nettles.

Thomas West.

Richard Lee.

David Price.

Nicholas Balle.

Richard Wyned,

Richard Allen.

Griffith ap Homphrey.

John Bromall.

Will'm Gardinge.

Ffraunccs Tipton.

Homphrey Gardiner.

John Genowe.

Thomas ap John.

Thomas Longslowc.

Richard Wevar.

Lewis Lloyd.

Adam Chesshcr.

Rob'te Gittins.

John Bowers.
Rob'te Gill, a gleve.
Clemond Ellesmore.
Jeffrey Peintrine.
Thomas Nellells.
Thomas Balle.
John Oliver.
Will'm Yomons.
Thomas Heath.
Hughe Howie.
Joysophe Walker.
Edmond Hencks.
Richard Mynton.

gamers-

Thomas Higgons, a bill, a sallet.

Thomas Yemons.

David Jones, a bill.

John Meredith.

Rob'te Rolles.

Thomas Onslowe.

Raffe Hemies.

Roger Ph'es, [Phellipes] a bowe a

sheffe of arrowes & a pole axe.
Richard Ph'es.
Lenord Chapman.
Griffith Barnett.
John Bate.
Griffith ap Edward.
John ap Richard, a haberde.
Will'm Otley.
Richard Benet.
Will'm Fawckner a bill.
Homphrey Fawckner.
Jeffrey Keffine.
David ap Jen'n.
John Higgons, a halberd.
Nicholus Onslowe.
Edward Powell a bill.
Gilbert Wood, a bill.
Thomas ap Rees.
David Picke, bow & arrowes.
Adam Clarke, sick.
Will'm Connie, bowe & arrowes.
Thomas Poyner.
Thomas Porter.
Hughe Lloyd, bowe & arrowos.
Hugh ap Jem.

268

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

John Poyncr.
Edward ap David.
John Malle a bowe.
Richard Meyne.
Henry Mele.
David Pothunc.
Meredith ap Jen'n.
Will'm Hobbie.
Will'm ap Owen.
Homphrey ap Edward.
Thomas Srnoute.
X'poer Powle.
John Hencks.
John ap Thomas.
Edward Clarke.
Thomas Clarke.

Thomas Hinton, a bill.

Jen'n ap Hughe.

Homphrey Hinton.

John Baughe, a bill.

Richard Hamons, a bill.

Will'm Autley.

Will'm Leceter, a bill.

John Nicolls, a bill.

John Perrie, a bill.

David ap Cadd' [Cadwaleter].

Roger Langley.

Peter Baker,

Thomas Worrall.

John Longworth.

John Tilsley.

X'opher Cowckley.

Edward Skott, sword A; d tiger.

Richard Hussey.

John Hamies.

Thomas Hussey.

Will'm ap Roland, a bill.

John Male.

Homphrey Coton.

Thomas Poyner.

Reignold Jonson, a bill.

Will'm ap Edward.

Roger Hussey.

Hughe Jenns a bill.

Will'm ap DM. Lloyd.

Thomas Skott, sword & dager.

Thomas Land.

Richard Harries.

Rob'te Beddoe, sword & dager.

Handle ap Thomas.

George Bonnet.

Hugh ap Griffith.

Thomas Widder.

Richard Manninge.

John Manninge.

Will'm Manninge.

Thomas Betton.

David ap Jen'n,

David Maddox.

Thomas Connie, bow & arrowes.
Will'm Beddoe.

Jen'n ap David, sword & dager.
John Clease, [Close] sword &

dager.
Thomas Chorlton.
Thomas Beddoe.
Thomas Jen'ns

Richard Penne, sword & dager

bow & arrowes.
Roger Lacke [Lake].
Thomas Jen'ns.
Hughe ap Richard.
John ap Griffithe, sword & dager,

a paire of splents.
Thomas Mathewes.

Richard Botrioid, a pole axe.

Roger Homphreys.

Thomas Clarke, bowe & arrowes.

Edward Clarke, thelder, a bill.

Roger Jones.

John Gittins, a bill.

Will'm Gittins.

Richard Blackmore, a halberd.

John Clarke, a jacke & a bill.

Griffith ap David.

Jeffrey ap David.

John Jones.

Richard Gittins.

Hughe Vanie, sword & dager.

Edward Clarke, Junr.

Jeffrey ap Thomas.

Richard Medlicott, a bill.

INT THE RETGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 269

Thomas Paine, a bill.

Evan ap Hoell, a bill.

Thomas Phellippes, a bill.

Moricc ap Griffith, a bill.

Thomas Kiton, bow & arrowes.

Thomas Jones, sword & dager,

Richard Lidyley,

Richard Stubbe, a bill.

Thomas Hamons, bow & arrowes,

Hughe Phellippes, a bill.

Thomas Meredith, bow & arrowes.

Richard Beddoe.

Will'm Hughes, bow & arrowes.

Phcllip Batho.

Thomas Vaine, a gleve.

Thomas Goodale, a bill.

Will'm Medlicott.

Thomas Hughes, sword & dager.

Thomas Hotchkis, sword & dager.

Hugh ap Jen'n, a bill.

Edward ap Roberto, bow and

arrowes.
Jermyrie Hughes, a bill.

£arpmters i* Sclera,

Thomas ap Roberte, bow & ar-
rowes.

John Edwards, a speare.
Will'm Convyne.
RalVc Sandford, a bill.
Richard Lidlcy.
Roger Smith, a bill.
John Evans, a bill.
"Will'm Wynes, bow & arrowes.
Thomas Fleetwood, a bill,
Will'm Bould.
Nicolas Crippine.
Will'm Medlicott.
Robte Meredith, bow & arrowes.
Richard Walker.
Richard Rofte.
Richard Brodshowe.
Richard Williams.
Richard ap Mathewe bow & ar-
rowes.
Roger Bould.
Thomas Wayne.
John ap Rice, bow and arrowes.

Thomas Bould.

John ap Hoell a bill.

Randle Sandford, bowe & arrowes.

John Quaile.

Jen'n ap Res.

Jen'n ap David.

John Mansell.

John Wilkoxe.

Roger Bould.

Thomas Smith.

Thomas Tydder.

David ap Roberte.

John Skonnce, a bill.

David ap Edward.

John Welshe.

Will'm ap Res.

Jen'n ap David.

John Gill.

Griffith Morgane.

David ap John.

David ap John, soyer.

Griffith ap Hoell.

Griffith Jones.

Will'm ap Hoell.

Will'm Rooffe [Goffe.J

Randle Jones.

David ap Robarte.

David ap John.

Griffith ap Robarte.

John Meredith.

Edward Wynne.

Thomas Forrest.

Thomas ap David.

Edward Fletwood.

David ap Jen'n.

Thomas Myles.

Edward Bould.

Richard Piggine.

Hughe Peerse.

Richard Allen.

Hughe Bonckley.

Owen ap Monies.

John ap Robarte.

Steven Pavyer.

Andrewe Sandford.

Will'm Reiguold.

Richard Corwyne.

George Wilkox.

270

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

JfJfUicjjtrs goners &ota-
pers Joimers*

Griffith© ap Madclocke, a jacke a

bill, sword & dager.
Richard Dycher.
Hughe Braine, a bill a dager.
Richard Horton.

Gillam Wisbecke, sword & target.
Roland Connye.
Thomas Lloyd.

Thomas Lloyd, a bill & dager.

Roger Broxon, his man.

Richard Williams.

Will'm Chapman.

Owen, his man.

Thomas Mynard, a dager.

Samuell Wisbecke.

Will'm Hurst, two dagers.

Hughe Underwood.

John Manwaringe, sword & dager.

Jeffrey Haukman.

John Malle.

Thomas Simkis, a bill.

Andrew Barker.

Rob'te Meredith.

Thomas Whatmore, a dager.

Thomas Clarke, a dager.

Sailers & printers.

Thomas Thrope, a gleve, a paire

of splents.
Randle Rolles, a sword, a dager,

a bill & a jacke.
Morgan ap Hughe.
John Bailie, a bowe, arrowes, a

gleve, a pole axe, a paire of

gauntletts.
John Cley.

Roffe Skillistorne, a bill.
Homfrey Smithe.
Jeffrey Cley, a bill.
Homfrey Cley.

John Massic, a bowe & arrowes.

Roger Cley.

Will'm ap Thomas.

John Firrett, bowe & arrowes.

Arthur Orton, a bill.

Richard Tydder.

David ap Griffith.

Simon Smithe.

John Baker.

Roger Hotchkis.

John Hotchkis.

Owen Lloyd, a gleve.

Richard Oliver.

Homfrey Tompkis, a bill.

Abraham Key, bow & arrowes.

Smithes-

Roger Williams, a bill.

Richard Stringer.

Rafte Wilkes.

John Hey wood, a bill.

Nicolas Pane.

Will'm Stringer, a bill.

Richard Stringer.

Jen'n ap Hoell, a sword & dager.

John Frenche.

John Resse, bow & arrowes.

Homfrey Dashfild.

Thomas Adams.

Thomas Rice.

Homfrey Phellipes.

James Blundell.

David Jones.

Richard Browne.

Simon Cooke, a bill.

John Braine, a bill.

Thomas Nonyley.

Will'm Clempson, sword & dager.

Hughe Pilson.

Adam Brodshowe.

John Taylor.

Rob'te Pharford, a dager.

Hughe Griffies.

Rob'te Hughes.

Ellice Andrewes.

banners.

Roger Ncttells, a bill, a gleve.

John Ncttells.

Arthur Downton.

Rob'te Street, bow & arrowes.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 27 1

David ap John.

George Higgons, a bill, a coat of

fence.
Owen Griffies.
George A my as.
John Mason.
Nicolas ap Harrie.
Edward Higgons.
Richard Higgons, senr., a bowe &

shefe of arrowes.
Thomas Benion, a bill, a sword,

& a dager,
John ap Thomas.
David ap Hughe.
Richard Jucks.
Jeffrey ap Owen.
Edward Wigge.

Richard Montgomery, a bill, a

jacke, sword & dager.
Ilomfrey ap Reignold.
Richard Tenche.

John Lewis, sword & dager, & a

bowe.
Henry Griffies.
Richard Anderton.
John Spoiiley.
Ffrauncs Halliwell.
John ap Benion.
Oliver Anderton.
John Irpe, a poleaxe, a bill.
Ilomfrey Gellowe.
Ilomfrey Jones, alias Hughes.
Roger Petton, sword & dager.
Roger Heines, a bill.
Will'm Suker.
Will'm Proud.

Richard Reignold, a bill, sword,
a dager, harqu', & murrion.

Ffoweke Larrence.

Robte Ryder.

Thomas ap Hughe, a bill.

Kd ward ap Hughe.

Richard Harries, bow & arrowes.

Howell ap Edward, a bill.

Robte Husycr, bowe & arrowes.

Thomas Shercr.

Thomas Gardner, a pole axe.

David ap Owen, a bill.

David ap ftoell, a bill.
Vol. II., 2nd S.

►his s'vants.

David Taylor, a bill.
Richard Phellipes, a bill.
Henry Calcoct, a bill.
John Heines, sword & dager.
Richard ap David, bowe & ar-
rowes.

Pattericke Browne, a bill.
Thomas Grifiies.
Arthur Griffies.

&Ij0S£ fodJ arc ixzt of noe

Cotuit.

<Sioue ioliuh.
James Barker, gent, a sword, a

dager, a halbard, a bowe &

arrowes.
Will'm Waringe,
Robte ap Res,
Thomas Bentley,
John Cowp,
Thomas Jonson,
Mathias,
Will'm Jenyns, gent.
Homphrey Hobbie.
Robte Heywood.

Thomas Lewis, gent, a jacke,

sallet, & bill.
Roger Heywood.
Rob'te Heywood.
Richard Halliwell.
Rob'te Harries.
Henry Pattricke.
Thomas Griffies.

Nicholas Gibbons, sword & dager.
Tymothie Burton.
John Bird.

Richard Evans, gent, sword &
dager, bowe & arrowes.

Hughe Davies, cobbler.

Thomas Burton, gent, caliver,
flaske it tyche boxe.

Will'm Blaekmor/

Hughe Howie,

Roger Licke, Miis s'vants.
Hughe Bromley
Jeffrey Griffies,

GG

272

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Roger Kirrie.
Thomas Jonson.

Richard James.

Richard ap Jen'n.

Larrance Batho.

Will'm Remond.

Randle Stonnyard [Stanyard.]

Cadd'r ap Griffith.

Howell ap Thomas.

Lewis ap Res.

John ap Richard.

Thomas ap David.

John Meane, a bill.

Ry chard Allen.

Griffith ap Hoell.

Jen'n ap Hughe.

Richard ap David.

Henry James.

Lewis ap Howell.

Thomas ap David.

Meredith ap Ellis.

John ap Res.

Richard Davies.

Rob'te Persifall.

Mnxh WLdlk-

Thomas Higgons, junr.
Griffith ap Morries.
Will'm Jones.
Owen Morgan.
Morgan ap Jn'n.
Richard ap Jolm.
John ap LFen.
David ap Blissa.
Rob'te ap David.
Richard Gou^he.
David ap Jen'n.
Rob'te ap Hoell.
Will'm ap Griffith.
Morice ap John.
Jen'n ap Richard.
Will'm Hotchkis.
Jen'n Bedo.
Thomas Mathewes.
Will'm Eyton.

Richard Edge.
John ap Ellis.
Adam Eiton.
John Evans.
John Davies.

Jranhbillc.

John Biston, gent., bowe I
arrow es.

Richard Powell, gent., sword i
dager.

Arthur Sturry, gent., bow I

arrowes.
Hughe Davies, Senr., a bill.
Edward Griffie3.
George Bet ton, a bill.
Thomas Femes.
Jolm ap Robarte.
Robarte ap Res.
John Bruster, a bill.
Rob'te ap Griffith.
Roger Otle}'.
Edward Mathewes.
Thomas BackhousB.
Rob'te ap William.
George Masidoe,

Mavb €-;>st.'

Will'm Petton, two bowes.

John Hardinge

John Cleatone.

James Baker.

Roger Evans.

Edmund Henks.

Roger Harnes.

Edmund Clarke, a bowe & a:

rowes.
Adam Powell.
Richard Medlicott, gent.
Edward Davies, esqr., a pycki

three bowes with shefes <

arrowes, a partisan & a hea

pece.
Lewis Davies }
Oliver Bedowes Vhis men.
John Adams J
Phellip Ekine.

IN THE RElGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

273

Richard Grilles, gent.

John Mitton, gent., a paire of

almon Rivetts & a bill.
John Llynmon.
Will'm Bennett.
John Bromall.
Nicholas Webbe.
Adam Webbe.
Thomas Phellipes.
Henry Hencox.
John Oryar.

Peter Edwards, sword & dager.

Richard Hames.

Thomas Formbie.

John Cartwrighte.

Will'm Davies.

Thomas Tidder.

Richard Swaine.

Griffith ap David, a bill.

John Pare.

John Genowc, a bill.

John Edward.

Hughe Churche.

John Stanley.

Will'm Meiser.

Richard Jonson.

John Waine.

<£otoiT.

Oliver Alexander.

Will'm Goodale.

Richard Goodale [his son.]

Griffith ap Rotheroughe.

Clemond Vickermond.

Thomas Tievenor.

Edward Whodde [Hyde, Mercer]

Thomas Swaine, senr.

Thomas Swaine, junr.

Hughe Dutton, gent., in armor,
a brest plate, a backe pece & a
Ballet.

Thomas Dudlaston'

Richard Hollins

Rob'ie Wallers, in anoor a sallet,
sword and dairer.

his s'vants.

John Way n wright.

Thomas Wildblood.

Will'm Berd.

John Halle.

Thomas Mycley.

Hugh Mycley, his sone.

Leonard Symons.

Will'm Hatchett, in armor, a

sallet, a by 11 & jack.
Richard ap Davies, his man.
Rob'te Hatchett.
Wm Crompe.

Ric. Wright, in armor, a peer of

Scottish splents.

Henrie Ekyn.

John Menlove.

Roger Menlove ) y ^

Nicholas Menlove) b'

Jem, Wotall, a woman.

John Ranshawe ) , •

t 13.1 j } his men.

Lewys ap Richard )

Houmfrey Smithe, in armor a jack.

Wm Wolfe.

Wm Wolfe [ his sons.

Ric. Wolfe )

Roger Symons.

John Pouke.

Thomas Maninge

i Manmge)
,p Richard)

Rob't. aj
Richard Felton.
Edward Lythe,

his men.

(SrmsxlL

Richard Allen.
Willia' Cuerton.
Wm Cuerton, in armor a byll.
Wm Butler, in armor a byll.
John Edge.
Thomas Madox.
Wm Madox
Homfrey Madox
Houmftrcy Ginery.
Raphe Ncwenes, in armor a byll.
Ric. Newens.

William Newens, in armor a byll.
John Kyvart.

John Felton, in armor a byll.

his sons.

274

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

John Felton ^
Richard Felton — ab. Hiis sons.
Rondnll Feltou J
Griffith Morys, sycke.
Richard Halle, ab.
Roger Allen, ab.
Anne Brynley, a woman.
Maude Tuuney, a woman.

fjabnutt.

Richard Tyler, in armor a jac, 2

salletts, a by 11.
Renard Aston
Thomas Noncley [his men.
Rob't ap Ric' J
Houmffrey Tyler, in armor a byll.
James Tyler, his sone.
William Ryder.
Richard Ryder, his son.
Allen Twys, in armor a byll.
Ric' Twys.

Thomas Taylor, in armor a sal let .

Philip Taylcr, his son.

John Hufta, smithe.

Richard Drurye.

Thomas Gekey.

John Dod, in armor a pykc.

James Bowers.

Thomas Bowers, his son.

John Piken.

Richard Turner.

Robt. Whitell,

Harry Massic.

Robert Goodman, his s'vant.
Roger Bowers.

Lawrens Warde, in armor a sword

Hasten,

John Colborne.

Ric'. Blowre, in armor a sword &

dager.
Ric'. Harp.

Georg • Harpjhissons>
Ric . Harp )

John Coton, in armor a byll, a
scull.

George Coton, his son.
Hughe Gilbart, his s'vant,
John Hughes, in armor a sword
& dager.

& dager.

Smctbcot.

John Hotchkys, in armor a byll.

Richard Walford, in armor a byll.

Ric'. Walford ) , .

W'm. Walford sous.

Richard Bureows.

Jeffrey Lopington, in armor a

byll & a sallet.
Edward Evans.

Roger Spendlove, in armor a
bowe a shelf of arrowes.

Richard Wood.

Roger Wood, his s'vant.

Thomas Vaughan, in armor a
sallet,

Ric. Vaughan, his son.

Houmfrey Madox,

Thomas Witcherley, in armor a
iake a sallet.

Roger Peyte.

Thomas Felton.

Thomas Drurie.

Wm, Drurie, his sono.

John Toffie.

Ric. Vickars, in armor a calliver.
Andrewe Husband, in armor a

bowe & arrows, a byll.
Ric. Madox, his s'vante.
William Sturdie, carpenter.
Barnard Sturdie, his s'vante.
Robt. Drap.
Thomas, his s'vant.
John Chester, in yeres.
Ric. Witcherley, in armor a sword

& dager.
Davie, his servante.
Rog. Witcherley.
Thomas West, no somons.
Wm. Witcherley.
Houmffrey Ownslowe.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

275

Thomas Collett, his s'vante.
Thomas Baughe, in armor a by 11 .
Roger Lockeley, his s'vante.
Johii Mendlove.
John Heynes.
Richard Drurie.

Richard Russell, in armor a forest
byll.

Richard Russell, his son.
Win. Vicars, in armor arrows.
Hughe Chirme, in armor bowe &
arrows.

Roger Russell, in armor a sword
& dager.

^U'OQhton.

Nichaell Lyster, in armor a
corslet t, Almon ryvet wth sper,
apprtenncs, a byll, 2 bowes, 2
seiVe of arrowes.

Gabryell Lyster, not able.

Robt. Amys.

Robt. Pothan.

Thomas Stoke.

Roger Pitchford, in armor bowo

& arrows.

James Marshc, in armor a skulk

John Marsh, | , .

. , > his sons.

Roger Marsh, j

Richard Ffraunces.

Robt. Makyn.

Thomas Rydley, armor for a man

& a byll.

Ffrauncys Rydley, his brother.

Edward, ) . . ,

mm m > his s vants.

I nomas Morrowc, j

Thomas Garner, in armor a byll.
jjortcm.

Ric. Ilancox, in armor a pole axe.

Thomas Hancox, his son.

James Hancox, in armor a byll.

William Hancox, ) , .
l? , . Ins sous.

Robt. Hancox,

Robt. Smith.

Wm. Witcherley.
Ric. Witcherley,
James Witch erlev,
John Wod.
Thomas Higgynson.
Georg. Nonylie, single
John Pryden.
William Pryden
John Pryden
Ric. Madox.

his eons.

his sons.

JUbrrton.
John Dounton, in armor a jack,

a byll.
John Dounton, his sone.
Georg. Dounton, in armor a byll.
Thomas Dounton, in armor a byll,

bowe & arrowes.
George Downton, in armor a byll.
Thomas Amyes, in yeres.

Rob't Hussey, gent., in armor
bowe & arrows, a sword.

Ric. Hussey, his son, under age.

John Tylley, his man, ab.

Roger Parks, in armor a bowe &
arrows, a p'ivie cote, a sword &
dagar.

Evan ap D'd, his man,

Thomas Conninge,in armor a byll.

John Connino-e) , .

r>. ^ • ° M11S SOUS.

Ric. Connmge j

William Nightingall, in armor,
byll.

Richard Nightingall, his sone.
William Griffies, his s'vante.
John Cotchet, in armor a poleaxe,
a sallet.

Owen ap Jon, his s'vant, single.
Adam Foster, a blynd man.
Rob't Foster, his sone, a sword &
dagar.

John Reynolds, in armor a sword
& dagar, a jack, a javelyn.

Reynold, his sone.

Anne Hussey, a woman, armor a
jake.

276 TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE.

John Hussey, in armor, a sword
& dagar.

Thomas Rane, in armor a bowe &
arrows,

John Conninge, in armor a bow
& arrowes, sword & dagar.

Richard YVyther, his s'vant.

Nicolas Syb. mylner.

Ricliard Foster, in armor bowe k
arrowes.

$ertokke grctc & <3crUrickc
little.

John Clarke, in armor, a byll.
Thomas Clarke.

Richard Higgins, in armor a byll.
John Betton, in armour a jacke.
Ric. Bykerstaff, his man.
Allen Manninge, in armor a byll.
Thomas Manning, his son.
Thomas Betton.

Thomas Manning,a sword Sc dagar.
Ric. Sanforthe, his man.
Thomas Sanbrok.

$cvUnkc circt. *t3crU)ikt little.

William Clarke, in armor a jacke,

a poleaxe, a gonne.
John Clarke, his sone.
Richard Juke, his s'vant.
Morys Jones.

Nycolas Betton, in armor a byll.
Thomas Hussey, in armor a byll.

^Ututon.

George Trcvenite.

Thomas Jukes, in armor a sallet.

Thomas Wilkes, a byll and dagar.

John Wilkes, his son.

Richard Yewyn.

Thomas Yewyn.

John Juks.

Adam Juks, his son.

JVbriQhthuseni.
Edward Hussey, csquier, 3gonns.

John Hudstone,
Phillip Hill,
Thomas ap Thomas,
Wm. Sharpe,

Hughe ap William, Uiiss'vants.
Roger Bromley,
Griffith ap John,
George ap Thomas,
Thomas Hunt,
Ric. Moyne, in armor, a byll, a

sallett.
Roland Moyne.

Arthure Haywarde, in armor a

byll.
Thomas Uttoii.

Lawrenc Shawe, in armor a byll,

a scoll.
Fraunces Shawe, his sone.
Edward Sandbroke.
Ye van Ryder.

JJieston (Sobalbs.

Roger Luter, gent
Evan ap Thomas,

Arthur Luter, \hh s'vants.

Richard Gennoe,

John Loppington, in armor a byll.

Ffrancys Loppington

William Forton, in armor a byll.

John Williams, a bowe and 6

arrowes.

John Williams, ( , •

t?j j iifi i ■ } his sons.

Edward \\ llhams, j

Richard Douns, in armor a jacke,
a byll, a sword & dagar.

Edward Biethyn.

James Spristowe.

Roger Drurie, s'vante to ser. [sir]
Harrie Minister there.

Houmtirey Fallowes, in armor a
bowe & arrowes, a byll.

H oumiTrey Duddleston.

Roger Beflbrd.

John Lye.

Richard Dunford.

John Foster.

Thomas Meredith, s'vant to Mr.
Dracot.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

277

) s'vants to
s, ab. j Mr.

Lea.

John Croft, ab.
Jolin Partridge,
Evan ap Morrys.
Jeffrey Shelvox.

William ap Rees, in armor a jacke,

a scull.
Ffrancs Harding, his man.

Mr. Beanard Chambers, in armour
2 curriers, a bowe and arrows.

John Tylsley, \

John Thomas, Vhis s'vants.

Edward Rayns, J

Adam Col fox, in armor, a by 11.

William Col fox, in armor a sword
and dagar.

Nicolas Colfox, his man, ab.

Ffrauncs Peate, a bowe & arrows.

Hie. Thurlen ) , . ,

„. , , , i , his s vants.

Richard lryshe )

John Peate.

John Hones, in armor a bowe and

arrows.
John If oner, thonger.
Roger Bryd, in armor a bowe &

arrowes.
Thomas Whylle.

Adam Tylslej7, in armor a sword.
George Bcbiton, in armor a byll.
John Bcbiton
Richard Bebiton
John Jenkyn, ab.
Thomas Reynolds.
Thomas Donney.
John Spristo, his man.
Raphe Williams, in armor, a bowe

& arrows, a bill.
John Williams, his sone.
John Corlcs.
Richard Corles.
Gri tilth ap Morvs.
Wm. Spristowe.
James Gate.

Jijcncot.
Richard Felton.
Morn s ap Richard.
John Bowers.

his sons.

SBoUascott.

Richard Goughe.
Richard Wollascott, bow & ar-
rows.
William Webster.
William Bold, armour a byll.
Raffe Luter.

Thomas Maunsell, in armor a

gleve.
Edward, his man, ab.
Thomas Madox, in armor a byll,

a sallet.
Roger Alye, his man.
Rob't Olyver, in armor a byll.
John Morgaine.
Thomas Cany.

Roger Downton, in armor a gleve.

Richard Bentley.

Richard Palmer, armor a byll, a
sword & dagar.

Rob't Palmer, his sone.

Richard Madox, in armor a byll,
a sallet.

Ric. Phetherbie.

Peter Madox, hii man.

Thomas Madox, a byll.

Morgan Clarke, his man, ab.

Thomas Madox.

Roger Collet.

Thomas Collet, his sone.

Thomas Collet, weaver.

Ric. Kylvart.

George Calkot, his s'vant.

Thomas Grvnsyll, armor, a jacke,
a byll.

Owen Tyther, his man.

Katheryn Tanye, widow, in ar-
mor, a jacke, a byll.

Thomas Tannye, her sone.

Reynold Prees, her man.

Elizabeth Dckyn, wydowe, a byll.

Peter Dckyn, her sone.

Ffrancys, her man.

George Collet, in armor a jack, a
sallet, a byll.

278

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Thomas Collet.

William Key.

Roger Collett, sick.

John Collet, his brother, ab.

John Luter, his s'vant,

William Bntler.

Thomas Aspeley.

Ffrauncys Tompson.

Bartland Wever, his man.

James Tompson his sone.

John Tannye.

Thomas Tannye, his sone.

John Smithe.

John Tompson.

John Potter, weaver.

Beaton.

William Bryd, ) mastres Ives'
John ap Lee, » s'vants.
Richard Felton, in armor a pike

& a jack.
Olyver Pod more.
John Gennot.

John Hordley, Mr. Chambers'

s'vant, ab.
Nicolas Whither, in armor a bill,

bow & arrow es.
Rychard Whyther, his sone.
Mathewe Hyckvn, a byll.
Ric. Shelvock.
Robt. Whiston.
Win* Wyther, lame.
Nicolas Burke.
Peter Moyne.
John Myryton.

William Felton, armor a bowe &

arrowes.
William Ives, impotent.

$mnlet>.

Richard Horner, in armor 2 peere
of splents, 22 shelle arrows, a
byll, a saliet.

George Man. \

Roger Hunte. vhis s'vanrs.

William Rylton. j

Mr. Thomas Ponsburie, ab.

William Robinson, a bowe and

arrowes.
Ric. Robinson.

Virion ani) Catulcot.

Edward Philli])S, in armor a byll.
Phillip ap Thomas, ) , . ,
Thomas ap Richard,) ills s vants"
John Tyther in armor a spear &

arrowes.
Roger Tyther, his sone.
Thomas Tyther.
Ric* Tyther, in armor a bill.
John Spunley, his sone in lawe.
Thomas Nicols, ther s'vant.
Robt. Howell in armor a sword.
David ap Owen, his man.
Thomas Tyther.
Thomas Poyner.
Thomas Birtche, a gleve,
Thomas Birtchie, his sone.
Jevan Gittins.
Wm. Nesse.
Roger Nesse.
Lewvs Lloyd.

Roger Adams, in armor a spere.
Ric. Adams, his sone.
Hughe Nicols.

Mrs. Katheryn Sturge, armor 2

bylls, a spere.
David Jones,
rl nomas Ambler,
John ap Williams,
John Davics, a sword.
John Harris, in aamor a byll, a

bowe & arrows.
John Harries, his sone.
John Pickstoke, in armor, a bowe
& arrowes.

Tyther, in armor a han-
gonne forinshed.

her s'vants.

Hughe

JJreston inonbart & Jlimtlc

Hat ric Calcot, in armor, a skoll,

a shurte of male, a spere.
John Calcot, his man.
John Hussey.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

279

John Fallows, f his
Roger Fallows, jsones in lawe.
Richard Groves,
William Calcot.
Richard Sway no.
Thomas Wight.

John Lee, in armor, a morys

pike.
John Gate.
Ric. Sponlev.

Ric. Sand ford, gent, armor, a

plate, cote, and 2 bills.
Roger Gryffithes, armor, a bvll,

& a head peec.
Thomas Griffithes, his sone.
Hughe Bradock, armor, a by 11, a

Ballet.
Ric. Ffallows, his man.
Hughe Jeffreys, armor a bvll, a

sallet.

James Nonvlve, ) , •

,->. „, r ? nis men.

Ric. Tompkys, I

Roland Mylward, armor a bvll.

Jlotunc jlossall
Mr. Thomas Sturrie, armor a
brest plate & scu'e, hangone &
a by 11,

John Mason, \ , .

William Baterbie, I •
HounirlYey ap Lloyd, j b <l
Ric. Paweson. armor, bvll and

scule, bowe & arrowes.
Griffith Gron'noe, his man.
John Xesse.
George Niightingall.

elicit on \v (Dxen.
Thomas Davies, thelder, armor,

a jacke & a bowe
William Sponlev, armor, a bvll.
John Ffcrncs.
Thomas Corbyn.
-John Davies, thonger.
Thomas Davies, thonger.
Adam Sponlev, ab.

Vol. II., 2nd S.

Edward Sponlev.
William a]) D'd.
Thomas Hyll.

(Dmtslotue.
Mr. Ric. Purcell, armor a jack.
Rees Tyther, ) , .
and Hughe, } hlS men'
Mr. Edward Ownslowe, armor.
Thomas Williams, j ^.
Thomas Baker, )
Edward Ownslowe, a bvll.
George Bloure.
Adam Fforten, 1 by 11.
Richard Chidloe, 1 bvll.
Griffithe ap Rees, his man.

(IBrmcot nxib gjorton.
John Hosyer, armor.
Thomas Hosyer, his son.
Robt. Passand,!
Edward Poole, -his men.
William Bland, J
Ric. Waringe, bow <fc arrows.
Hughe Sponley. his man.
Peers Polle.
Thomas Byder.
John Crompe.

Thomas Rvder, of Hortou, ij
bylls.

William Ryder, his sone.
Thomas Maunsell, a bvll.
Nicolas Ryder a by 11.
William I arles, a by 11.
Roger ap Evan.
David ap Evan.

Roger Wood, a bvll.
John Benyon, a spere, and pole
axe.

John Cadwalleder, his man.
Thomas Tyther.
Edward Tyther, his sone.
Robt. Benyon, armor a jack.
Thomas John, "j
Hughe ap Rob'te, Ihis men.
William Phillips.)
Harrie Broke.

UH

280

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

John Ownslowe, armor, a peere

of splcnts, a by 11.
Arthur Medlicot, liis man.
Roger Gittins, a byll.
Thomas Medlicot, a byll. a sallet.
William Tipton, a byll.
Ric. Luter.
Ric, Owens.
Thomas Meredith.
Wydowe Ownslowe, armor.
Houmffrey Ownslowe, her sone.
Edward Phillips, a sallet.
Thomas Hayford, his man.

pttlc $rtito(wb & the

John Jaundrell, a byll, ab.

Thomas Jaundrell.

Roger Cowper, bowe & arrows.

John Meredith.

Thomas Bright.

Robt. Phillips a byll.

Thomas Phillips,

Win. Carles.

John Carles, bowe & arrows.
Morvs Jones, his s'vante.
William Tybbey.
Clement Wycherley, a byll &
sallet.

Ffrauncys Edwards, his (s'vant.
Thomas Jaundrell.

SUhitlcg ami SHhclbidi:
Roger Phillips, a sallet, a byll.

Thomas Powell, | , . , *

, , ~ ' > his s vants.
Richard Owens, j

Thomas Edwards.

John 11 yd ton.

John Hancoke, a byll.

Ric. Emery.

William Warter.

Thies too townships have a

sallet & a byll.

-prase itteoh.

Mr. Arthur Mackworthe, armor
wth all things furnished for 1
man.

John Browne.

William Clowes.

Mathew Goldsmithe.

William Sherer, bowe & arrows, a

byll.
George Bright.
John Jeffe, a byll.
John Worall.

Thomas Griffithes, bowe & ar-
rows.

William Hickyn, his man.

Arthur Ffrauncs,boweand arrows.

Edward Kerrie.

John Ffranke.

John Emery.

Thomas Evans, his man.

John Phillips.

John Kerrye.

John Williams.

Howell Lloyd.

Davie Morrys.

John Everall.

Ric. Ducke.

Mr. Edward Ireland, bowe &
arrows, a rapier & dagar.

Thomas Bolde, a bowe and ar-
rows.

Thomas Wykie, a bowe.
Ffrauncis Croket.
Richard Vikers.
Kaffe Ft u ret.
Jen'n ap David.

PuUcjj

Richard Suker,
Thomas Suker, his s'vant,
Richard Betton,
Arthur Symons.
Thomas Goughc,his s'vant
Arthur Durnenge,
George My 1 ward, sword &
Arthur M vlward, | , .
William Mylward, j 1118
Jolin Mylward, a byll, bow

arrows.
Ric ap Richard.

Tliiet

pgOHS

have
amongst
them in
armor 1
siillet, J
i nek, .<
perre of
Rjilcnts, n
Rorpet, a
l>l:u:k l.yll

s vants

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

281

William Dagar, bow & arrows.
Arthur Suker, a pick fork.
Houmffrey Nocke.
John Mylward, sword & dagar.
John Corles, a bowe.

4>bolb.
Root, Sherer.
John Sherer.
John Kenwick.
Thomas Donne.
Ivicluu'd Donne, his .sonc.
Arthur Jones.
John Donne.
Adam Donne, his sonc.
Arthur Donne, a sword <fc dagar.
John Warain.

George Russell, a byll.
Edward Beuyon,

John ap Robart.
William Jennins.
Thomas ap Edward.

jetton, (Sutton, Qnktmot.

Tliomas Mackworth.

Richard Heynes, armor a jack, a

byll, a sal let.
Robt. ap William.
William Whod.
Richard Davies, his s'vante.
Thomas Heans, a pole axe.
Foulke Ellys, his s'vant.
Richard Betton, bowe & arrows.
William Prowde, ab. armor a jake,

a sallet.
Thomas Mylward, ab.
Edward Betton, armor a black

bill, a stitched cote.

An Abstract of the foregoing Presentment shewing the able men, their
Occupations and Distribution, in the Town and Liberties
of Shrewsbury.

OCCUPACONS.

Smithes

28

Drapers

124

Tanners

55

Mercers

Those w rh are

free of hoe Occu-

Ironmongers

67

paeons w'"in the Towne.

30

Goldsmiths

::.)

Stone Ward

Shermen

254

Col ham

22

Covisors

130

Ward Wallie

'. 24

Wevers

75

Frankville

16

Barbors

11

Ward Castyle

. 50

Glovers

49

Bakers

48

1195

Taylors

56

Bochers

39

Acton Reynold

32

Carpenters

69

Grinshill

20

Tylers

:}

Hadnall

22

Fletchers

... i

Haston

12

Boyers

... i

Smethcot

7

Cow per s

i

.., j.

... |

21

Olive...

. 32

Pyn's

San sow

5

Arrow head makers

., 1

Broughton

16

Stringers

-J

Sadlers

... (

24

146

Pointers

... )

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

Brt. forward

146

Down Rossall ...

• 8

Yorton

16

Shelton and Oxen

10

Alderton

5

Onslow

11

Harlescott

21

Wodcot and Horton

17

Bcrwickc grete & Berwick

Monke Meole & Goshill ...

10

little

17

Han wood

11

Newton

8

Little Han wood & the

Abright hussey

18

Hamlet

14

Preston Gobalds

27

Whitley and Whelbech ...

8

My den

30

Brase Meole

22

Hencot

3

Pulley

7

Wollascott

5

Pulley, Old Lib'ties

16

Astley

4-1

Nobold

10

Leatou

15

Newton and Edgebold

5

Pymley

7

Betton, Sutton, Mkemor...

1 1

Bicton & Cawicott

30

Preston Monvart & Dyntle

12

1768

Up Rossall

9

Total Male Population above
In the Town Proper

xvi. &

5 under Ix. capable of bearing

arms

1195

In the Liberties

573

Total - - - 1768

Phillips in his History of Shrewsbury, p. 68, says : —
" Nothing appears relative to the number of the
inhabitants [of Shrewsbury] upon which a probable
conjecture may be formed, until the year 1695." We
infer, therefore, that this and the other Presentments,
did not come under his notice.

An Abstract shewing tin

Helmets

Body
Armour

'Skulls

Steel cap
Head pieces
Sallets ...
Morions

'Almaine Ryvetts
Jacks ...
Corslets

Stitched coats ...
Plate coat
Brigandinc
Steel Coat
Coat of fence ...

number and character of the Furniture
and Weapons.

26 fOyletCoat
1 Privy Coat

3 Shirts of Mail ...

46 Body J Splents

Armourl Scottish Splents

3 Breast plates

38 Back plate

6 { Gorget...

6 /Bills ...

2 [Glaive Bills

1 Weapons^ Black Bills

2 Forest Bills
1 I Pikes ...

1
1

16"

i

3
1
2

284
11
7
1
3

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

283

Weapons

Morion Pike

i

Calivers ... 3

Spear ... ...

o

Hand-guns ... 4

Javelin

1

Guns ... ... 1

<j Halberd

g Weapons -

Bows Ill

Partisan

1

Arrows, sheafs of, 120

i onaxe

97

Swords .. 129

Pickfork

1

Daggers ... 137

L Harquebus

1

Various.

Rapier

1

Touche Box

1

Flask, Cali

vcr, -

1

Gauntlets

1

Target

1

From a glance at the above abstract of arms and
furniture, it will be obvious thai every kind of weapon
and every fragment of clothing was included in this
return. We have already seen that the statute of 4th
and 5th of Philip and Mary had determined the out-
lit of the trained soldiers, and that Queen Elizabeth had
made, with the advice of her Privy Council, such other
changes from time to time in the proportion of different
kinds of weapons as were required by the improvements
of lire arms, and the fashion of armour. The Pike, the
Bill, the Bow, and some form of Musket, were the arms
of the rank and iile from the beginning to the end of
her reign. In the Commission of 1563, every hundred
men were to have 40 armed with pikes, 30 with bills,
and 30 were to be Archers and Hagbutters, whereas in
a Commission issued m 1572, only nine years later, it is
laid down that there should be in every hundred men
at least 40 harquebusiers, and 20 archers. A short
description of the outfit of these, illustrated by figures,
will assist the reader to realise their appearance.

ARCHERS.

We will notice in the first place the equipments of the
bow- men (see Plate I. fig. 0) who in previous reigns
had formed an important element in the fighting power
of the country. In the proportion of these we see a

284

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

slow and gradual decline, attributable, doubtless to the
improvements in the fire arms. The long bow was for
centuries the national weapon of the Englishman, with
which he had won many hard-fought battles, and of
which he was justly proud. Over and over previous
sovereigns had done all they could to encourage its use,
and reward efficiency in those who practised with it,
while some of the ablest men had sounded its praise,
even from the pulpit. Roger Ascham, the tutor of
Elizabeth, had been rewarded by Henry VIII. for a
treatise written on this weapon, and Bishop Latimer
had raised his voice in praise of it in a discourse
delivered before King Edward VI., from which it is well
worth giving a quotation, as illustrating the popular
estimate in which the long bow was held.

Bishop Latimer says (printed in 1549) : — The arte
of shutynge hath ben in tymes past much estemed in
this realme, it is a gyft of God, and he hath given us
to excell all other nacions wit hall. It hath bene Goddes
instrumente, whereby he hath given us manye victories
agaynste oure enemyes. A wonderous thynge, that so
exelente a gyft of God shoulde be so lyttle estemed
I desire you, my Lords, even as you love honoure, and
glorye ol God, and intende to remove his indignacion,
let there be sent fourth some proclamacion, some sharpe
proclamacion, to the Justices of Peace, for they do not
thyr dutye. Justices now be no justices ; ther be many
good actes made lor thys matter already. Charge them
upon ther allegiance that thys singular benefit of God
may be practised, and that it be not turned into toll-
yng, and glossy ng, and — wythin the townes ; for they
be negligente in executying these lawes of shutynge.
In my tyme my poor father was as diligent to teach me
to shute, as to learn any other thynge ; and so I thinke
other menne dyd thyr children. He taught me how to
drawe, how to lay my bodye in my bowe, and not to
drawe wyth strength of arms, as other nacions do, but
wyth strength of bodye. I had my bowes bought me
according to my age and strength, as I encreased in

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

28 a

them, so my bowes were made bigger and bigger, for
men shall never shute well excepte they be brought up
in it. It is a goodly arte, a holesome kynde of exercise,
and much commended in phisike. Marcilius Scinus, in
hys boke de Triplici Yita (it is a greate while sins I
red hym no we) ; but I remember he commendeth
thys kinde of exercise and sayth, that it wrestleth
agaynste many kyndes of diseases. In the reverence
of God let it be continued. Let a proclamacion go
forth, charging the justices of peace, that they see such
actes and statutes kept, as were made for thys purpose."1
Nor was the long bow such an inefficient weapon as
we in these days may be led to believe. We have it
on the best authority that an ancient bow in skilful
hands would cany four hundred yards. The historian
Froude, when quoting the directions to villages for
maintaining each " a pair of buttes," given in a statute
passed 33 Henry VI II., cap. 9, in which it is ordered
that no person above the age of twenty-four shall shoot
with the light flight arrow at a distance under two
hundred and twenty yards, confesses that he found
difficulty in believing that these figures were accurately
given, until he had read a passage in Holinshed's
Description of Britain, in which it is said that the
strength of the English archers had so notoriously
declined that the French soldiers were in the habit of
disrespectfully turning their backs, at long range,
bidding them shoot, whereas, says Holinshed, il had the
archers been what they were wont to be, these fellows
would have had their breeches nailed unto their
buttocks."2 In the Journal of King Edward VI it is
stated that a hundred archers belonging to the King's
body guard shot at an inch board singly, two arrows
each, and afterwards all together. Some of these
arrows pierced through this, and into another board

1 Meyrick's Ai^cient Armour, vol. iii., pp. 7, 8.
- History, of Knylaml, vol. i, p. OS.

286

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

placed behind it, although the wood was extremely solid
and firm.1

A well trained archer shot at least twelve arrows in
a minute, and seldom missed his mark at two hundred
and forty yards.2 And a further merit urged by the
advocates of this weapon was its extreme lightness,
being no burden to the soldier in long marches, and not
so readily affected by wet weather as the arquibus.

Bows varied considerably in quality as will be seen
from the fact that an act passed in the 8th Elizabeth,
c. 10, mentions three kinds, and the several prices
which were to be charged for them. ;: Bows of foreign
yew were to be sold at the price of six shillings and
eightpence, a second sort at three shillings and four-
pence, and a third kind at two shillings."3

The length of a bow was the breadth of an archer's
span between his outstretched arms, which in a well
proportioned man would equal his height. When bent
an English bow measured about half that length, and
the arrow pointed with steel, and feathered, was a
yard long.4

The archer was also provided with a sword and dagger,
and he is represented in Meyrick's work as carrying a
maul, but there is no such weapon specified in the
commissions already given. He wore on his head a
" skull," which was an iron head piece without a visor
or beaver, resembling a bowl or a bason. (Plate I,
fig. 1.) This was changed at a later date for a morion.
(Plate I, fig. 3.) Oil his body he wore a "Jack"
(Plate 11, fig. 23), a kind of quilted coat made of thick
linen or leather, padded inside with various substances,
such as folds of linen cloth, sometimes as many as thirty,
and a deer skin included, to render it a sufficient
protection to the wearer. The late Mr. Burgess quotes

1 Mcyrick I hid., p. S.

'2 Demmin's Arms mid Armour, p. 4G9.

3 Meyrick, vol. iii, p. l)Q.

4 Demmin's Arms and Armour, p. 469.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

287

an inventory of Sir John Falstaff, which is as follows: —
" I Jacke of blaeke linen cloth, stuffed with mayle ;
IV Jakkes stuftyd with horn ; I Jakke of black cloth
lyned with canvas, mayled"1

ARQUIBUSERS.

In the Commission of 15 63, the firearm is the Hasr-
> .. .

but, in that of 1572, it is the Harquibus ; in the former

there wei'e to be fifteen per cent of the soldiers armed with

the Hagbut, and in the latter there were to be forty

per cent armed with the Harquibus. Meyrick uses these

names as synonymous,2 but it is much more probable

that the latter arm was an improvement on the former,

as stated by Demmin ;3 for it appears hardly likely

that the official name of a weapon used in a royal

commission would be changed in the space of ten years

without such sufficient reason. The earliest gun was

an iron barrel fixed in a wooden stock, with a vent hole

at the breech, to which a lighted match was applied by

the hand. There followed this, a similar weapon, but

provided with a simple iron lever without any spring,

in which to fix the slow match, which, when moved

brought the match to the touch-hole more accurately

than could be done by the hand of the soldier

while maintaining his aim.4 Then followed a further

improvement in which the lever carrying the match

was jerked down on the pan containing the priming by

a spring, moved by a trigger.5 The arquibus was

probably the last of these, but authors are not well

agreed as to the date of the improvements, and when

each in turn became an arm of the service. The caliver,

which is frequently mentioned in the Shrewsbury

Presentments of Arms, resembled the arquibus, except

that it had a larger calibre, or bore (hence the French

name piece de calibre,) and was smaller and lighter.

1 Archivologicai Journal, vol. xxxvii, p. 73.

2 Meyrick's Antienl Armour, vol. iii, p. 19.

3 Dcmmin's History of' Arms and Armcur, p. 513.

4 See Plate II, fig.'TSf. 5 See Plate IT, fig. 20.

Vol. II., 2nd S. I?

28S

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

The arquibuser carried twelve charges of powder in small
wooden cylinders appended to a bandoleer or shoulder
belt, a bag or pouch containing the same number of
balls, and a pound of priming powder in a flask,
suspended on his right side. (Plate I, figs. 7 and 8.)
The slow match was carried wound round the bandoleer.
On his head was a sallet or a morion (Plate I, figs. 2
and 3,) and his body was protected by a corslet, which
Grose1 describes as consisting of a gorget, back and
breast plates, skirts of iron, called tasses or tassets
covering the thighs. These skirts were made, says
Meyrick, of overlapping plates, much as represented in
Plate II, fig. 22. He was also provided with a sword
and dagger.

The position of the Arquibusers in line of battle was
usually in front of the battalion, and when the charge
was made they were sheltered under the long pikes of
their comrades,2 and it is affirmed that they attained
great skill and aptitude in the use of, what we consider
now to have been, a cumbersome and clumsy weapon.

the pikemen. (Plate I, fig. 4.)

The pike, which was much used throughout this reign,
and was considered to be a very formidable weapon,
especially in resisting cavalry, consisted of a long wooden
shaft or staff, with a finely pointed flat steel head a foot
and a half in length. The Scottish pike was appointed,
by act 44th of the Parliament of the year 147G, to be
six ells, i.e., eighteen feet six inches : 1 and it is probable
that the English pike was quite as long. Thepikeman,
like the arquibuser, wore on his head a morion, which
is frequently called by the name sallet or salad, from a
head piece which, Baron de Cosson says,3 had ceased to
be used at the end of the fifteenth century, although
the name continued to be used in the reign of Elizabeth,

1 Milit. Anti</. ii, p. 254.

2 Boutell Arms and Armour, p. 1G3.

3 Archcpolvgical Journal, xxxvii, p. 4G4.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. 289

and was applied to widely different head pieces. The
morion varied in shape at different periods, being. some-
times combed, (Plate I, fig. 2,) at other times peaked,
(fig. 3). He wore on his body a corslet in 1580, as we
have already seen by the return lor that year for Shrop-
shire, in which "200 corslet ts furnished with pikes, sword
and dagger," are supplied. In the Commissions of 1563
and 1572 the proportion was the same, viz., 40 per cent.

A striking description of the mode of fighting practised
by the pike men is quoted in Dr. Meyrick's work, which
is worth reproducing1 : — " But what after I learned es-
pecially touching their order, their armour, and their
manner as well of going to offend, as of standing to defend,
I have thought necessary here to utter. Hackbutters
have they few or none, and appoint their fight most com-
monly alwaysa-foot. They come to the field wellfurnished
all with jack and skull, dagger and buckler and swords
all broad and thin, of exceding good temper, and
universally so made to slice, that as I never saw none
so good, so I think it hard to desire better. Hereto
every man his pike, and a great kircher wrapped twice
for thrice about his neck, not for cold but cutting.2 In
their array towards joining with the enemy, they cling
and thrust so near in the fore rank, shoulder and
shoulder together, with their pikes in both hands
straight afore them, and their followers in that order
so hard at their backs, laying their pikes over their
foregoers' shoulders, that if they do assail undiscovered,
no force can well withstand them. Standing at defence
they thrust shoulders likewise so nigh together, the
fore rank well nigh to kneeling, stoop low before, their
fellows behind holding their pikes with both hands, and
therewith in their left their bucklers : the one end of
their pike against their right loot, and the other against

1 It is taken from a curious and rare journal of the Protector's
expedition into .Scotland, written by W. Patten, who was joined in
commission with Cecil, as Judge Marshal of the army, printed in
1548. Meyrick's An. Ar. hi., p. '2.

2 That is to save his neck from being cut.

290

TRAINED SOLDIERS OE SHROPSHIRE

the enemy breast-high ; their followers crossing their
pike-points with them forward ; and thus each with
other so nigh as space and place will suffer, through the
whole ward, so thick, that as easily shall a bare finger
pierce through the skin of an angry hedge-hog, as any
encounter the front of their pikes."

the billmen. (Plate I, figs. 9, 10, 11, and 12.)

The Bill, Black Bill, or Brown Bill, as it was
variously called, was a kind of Ilalbert, and differed at
different periods even more than the pike. The cutting
part wTas usually like a woodman's bill, from the back
of wThich projected a pike, and another at the head
(figs. 13 and 14). The denomination black or brown
arose from its colour, the one from a black varnish with
which this weapon was frequentlycovered,the other from
its being often brown with rust.1 In the Presentments
of Arms there are mentioned the following, all of
which may be classed under the bill : — the pollax, the
halbert (figs. 15 and 16), the glavebill,the forest bill, and
the halbert-bill. Some latitude must be allowed for the
choice of terms made by the several constables to
designate the weapons they had to report, but even then
they must have differed considerably. The handles of
bills were from five to six feet long. Sir Roger Williams
in his " Brief Discourse of War re," published in 1590,
says " there ought to bee, amongst 1000 pikes. 200 short
weapons, as halberts, or bills ; but the bills must be of
good stuffe, not like our common brown bills, which are
for the most part all yron, with a little Steele, or none
at all ; but they ought to be made of good yron and
steel, with strong pikes, at the least 12 inches long,
armed with yron to the midds of the staff e, like
halberts. . • • Both Bills and Halberds ought to
be the proof of the caliver."2 The Commission of 15G3
does not specify the head piece of the Billman. Meyrick
represents him as wearing a morion, and on his body a

1 Grose, vol. i., j>. 110.

2 Hewitt's Amifiii Armour, vol. iii, p. 559.

IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

291

coat of plate. " Almayne rivets, Jacks, or coats of
plate " are commanded to be used by them in the last
named Commission. Almayne rivets was an improved
kind of armour so called because it was originally
procured from Germany, though afterwards made in this
country, and because the rivets holding together the
over-lapping plates of the part below the waist were
made to slide, enabling them to play freely one over the
other, and so giving more freedom to the wearer.
" King Hemy VIII. in the 38th year of his reign had
Almaine armourers in his pay, as we learn from the
following entry in a book, preserved in the Remembrance
office, Westminster, containing an account of the royal
expenses of that year. "Item, for the wages of the
almaine armourers of Greenwich/'1 The "coats of
plate" with which the Billmen were to be clothed were
probably what were called the Brigandines, which were
made of a strong material lined with in with small steel
plates overlapping each other and riveted through, the
rivet heads being visible and forming an ornamental
design (fig 21). The Billmen also carried swords and
daggers.

In addition to the arms and accoutrements mentioned
in the Commissions which we have endeavoured briefly
to explain, a large number of terms occur in the Present-
ments of arms and furniture requiring to be noticed,
which will be best done in a glossarv to be found at the
conclusion of this paper. It is not an easy work to
determine some of them, notwithstanding the numerous
treatises in existence on the subject, for authors do not
always agree in opinion amongst themselves.

On the subject of training the soldiers some inform-
ation will have been conveyed already by what has been
said, and the following interesting instructions, evidently
a copy of those sent into other counties by authority,
were attached to some paper dated 1588, and will
complete all we have to offer under this head.

Grose's Milit Antiq. ii, p. 254.

292

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

No. XL Heads of Instructions for the muster master to be
sent into Inland Counties and maritime.

Having made Choise of an apte man to supplye the place of
muster master lie shall enter into a muster booke the names
and surnames of the persons of every band enrolled with their
severall weppons. He shall likwise eertifie trulie unto her
majesties lyvetennant the aptnes of the persons enrolled, and
in what sorte they be furnyshed with severall weapons, to
th end he may give order for the reformer of th'one and th'other.

And whereas the Chardge of the Trayninge doth Chyflie
consist in towe things, the one in the oft assembling of the
said band, and th'other in the ex'ency of powder, for the avoid-
inge of this incoiivenyens concerninge the first poynt. It is
thought meete that the shott of every band shalbe trayned at
such tyme as the livetennant shall appoynt and then the rest
of the said bands to be vewed and trayned together with the
shott at the direction of the said livetennant for the said poynt,
which is for the avoidinge of powder. It is thought convenient
that the first trayning be made with falce fyer, and that every
shott shall have allouannce onlie of three pounds of powder,
which will serve sufficiently both to trayne aparte and together
with bands.

And to th'end the trayninge of the shott aparte may be the
better performed to the ease of the countryes every eaptayne
shall make choyse of four or live of those which shalbe
appoynted to be shott in the several bands, suche as he shall
thynke most apt to be instructed by the said Captayne, and
muster master, in such sort as they may be throwlie taught
and mad sufficient to trayne the rest of the shott, according
to such direccon as they shall receave from the muster master,
who also shall deliver unto these selected persons for trayners
the forme and manner of the same in writ-tinge, to th'entent one
uniforme order may be generallye observed there.

The said Chicle trayners shall carry the title of Corporalls,
wherof, in every band consisting of 80 or 100 persons, four
corporallsshalbcappoynted,eclietohaveunderhym20or 24shott.

Ffor the more ease of the countrye every captayne shall
appoynt his corporall to trayne his shott in some such place as
maye most fyttlie be chosen, nere to the habitacons of the
shott allotted unto hym, accordinge to a direccon seut her-
withall to be observed by the corporalls.

It is also thought mete that the muster master himselfe
shall take a vewe of the whole bands at suche tyme as they
shalbe mustered together by order of her matics livetennant, at
the least two severall tynies which, for the ease of the countrye,

INT THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH,

293

may very well be done one some holie days in the afternone
after coraon prayer, but not one the saboth daye.

At the first tyme he shall take a vewe of their persons and
weapons, and, yf he finde any defect of one or the other, he
shall admonishe and warne them to see the same reformed
against the next generall assembly.

The second tyme he shall instruct them in suche martial!
exercise as by him shall be thought meete, and take an account
of the severall corporalls. how they have profited the shott
comitted to there Chardge.

And yf any of the enrolled men shall happen to decease, or
by sicknesor other wyse [be] made unable to serve, order most
be taken that theire places maye be supplied with able men,
sorted with like weapons, so as the like nomber be alwayes
complet and furnished.

And to th'end a speciall choise be made of fite and able men.
It, is not ment that the service of any persone whatsoever
shalbe excuse to any rctayner to be exemptid in service, if
otherwise he be thought fett. It shall not be amise, therefore,
in so muche as these bands are appoynted for the gard of her
matie persone, to signifie unto you That you make choise of
suche as are houshoiders, resident within Shere,1 and of the
welthyer sort, havinge able bodies and well affected in religion,
And that th'othe2 of the supremacy maye be ministered3 to the
Captaynos, and other officers, and souldiers under them, whom
you may give to understand that in case they shall withdrawe
themselfes from this speciall service, there shaibe a note taken
of them, to th'end they maye be imployed in foren service, when
ther shaibe any occas'on to send souldiers out of the Realme.

It is also thought mett, if her matie livetennant shall so thynke,
that the corporalls appoynted over the shott may have charge and
oversight of the peces comitted to them, to be thefhetter] kept,
and had in redines; you shall further consider with thejadvice] of
the levetennant yf some of the said shott may be sett one hourse-
back,and, in steed of Calyvers, to be furnished \vtb musketts.

The leaders and captayncs whoo are appoynted to instruct
and trayne the shott shall cause ane halbert to be sett uppe in
the playne, wherby every shott maye passe in that order wch
Firenchemen callc a la file, and as wee terme yt, inclemucke4
at wildegeesc, and so passinge by the halbcrte to present his
peece, and make offer, as thoughe he would shott ; and theose
which doe not be have them selfes with their peces as they

1 Living within the County. 2 The oath.

3 Supplied. The paper is torn and the word undecipherable.

4 AVe are unable to explain this word.

294

TRAINED SOLDIERS OF SHROPSHIRE

ought, to receave particuler instruccons and teachinge. This
exercise would be used two or three meetings at the least for
ignorant people. In which tyme may be diserned those that
cannot frame themsealves in any lickly whood to prove shott.
In whose romes the capttaynes maye require otheres to be
placed, whoe are more apt therunto. Afterward to teache them
how to hould their peeces from indangeringe them selfes and
their fellowes, to putt in their mattches, and to acquinte them
with falce fyers, by primminge only the pane,1 And not
chardginge the peeces, which will move the Eye with the iiashe
of the fier, ymboulden the parties, and make every thinge
familier and readie to them. Then give the peece halffe his
chardgc, and acquiete them in Skyrmishinge wyse, to come
foreward and retier orderlie again, after, to proceade to the full
chardge, and lastlie to the bullett, to shott at a marke for some
tryfle, to be bestowed one hyme that best deservith the same.

Wth this order and pollicie men shall in short tyme be
exersiced, and with the xtb parte of the chardges, and to the
greate ease of the countrye, and savinge of powder, for that in
this manner yt is founde that two pounds of powder will serve
one man for foure days exercise of trayninge, and to nomber
which by reason of the Churl is hnes of the pees, and not beinge
mad acquanted therwith by degrees or ever after,so dischardged
as either they winke or pull theire heads from the peaces,
wherby they take noe perfect level!, but shoot at Randome, and
so never prove good shott.

DIRECCONS FOR CORPORALLS.

That for every corporall there may be a but of xxtie fete
broede, and xvj fete highe, erected in some convenient place
remote from the highe waye or other comcn frequentid place,
and in the middest therof to sett a Rundell of bourde, of a
yarde and half brode, with certain blacke Kundells, and a whit
in the middest, against which the souldieris to levie2 his peece
for his better ayrae and readie dischardginige.

That the Souldier be placed xv paces from the but, and
instructed how to stand comelie to his peace, and that hee
finde his marke reedilie through the sight of his pease, and so
know how to bringe the payne3, standinge upon the mouthe of
his peese, his marcke,and sight of his peese, unto one direct lyne.

That every souldier shalbe lymitted by the said corporall howe
many shott hee shall dischard, above which nomber he maye
not shotte.

1 The pan in which powder was placed to ignite the charge.

2 To raise. 3 i.e., pin or foresight on the muzzle.

(To be continutd)\

295

FRAGMENT OF AN EARLY MYSTERY PLAY.

By the kind permission of Professor Skeat, the Editors
are enabled to reproduce from the Academy of
January 4th and 11th, 1890, the interesting fragments
here printed, together with a description of the MS. in
which they occur. The local interest attaching to
the fact that the MS, was found in the Library of
Shrewsbury School will, it is hoped, draw attention
to the paper, illustrated as it is by Professor Skeat5 s
valuable notes : —

(Printed in Academy, January 4th, 1890.)

It is my privilege to be permitted to bring to
public notice an interesting discovery lately made by
Dr. Calvert, of Shrewsbury, in the library of the
school. He has happily recovered a part of three
scenes in a set of old Yorkshire Mystery plays, hitherto
entirely unknown, and of considerable antiquity. In-
deed, I suspect that we have here the oldest existing
MS. which gives us specimens of English Mystery
plays. The MS. of the Chester plays dates only from
1591, and that of the Coventry plays from 1534. The
Wakefield MS. is older, viz., of the fifteenth century,
and that of the York Mystery plays is supposed to be
about 1430-40. The fragments in the Shrewsbury MS.
are demonstrably older than the last of these, and
belong, so far as I can judge, to the beginning of the
fifteenth century.

The MS., marked " Mus. iii. 42 " consisted originally
of 43 leaves. The 3 fly leaves at the beginning have
nothing to do with it. There were 5 quires of 8 leaves
and I quire of 3 leaves. Leaf 9 has been cut out,
leaving 42 leaves. The signatures, all in a late hand,
are quite wrongly marked, and may be disregarded.
Leaf 1 is a palimpsest leaf; but the original writing-
can bo t raced, and the wordsare the same as on leaf 2, back.

The first 3G leaves are taken up with Latin anthems,

Vol. 11. 2mi .t.i

29 G FRAGMENT OF AN EARLY MYSTERY PLAY.

&c, all carefully set to music, and written in a clear and
regular hand/with rubrics. The contents are as follows: —

1. " Centum quadraginta," kc. (Rev. xiv, 3, 4), followed by
"Cedentem (for Sedentem) in superne maiestatis arce/'&c: leaf 3.

2. In die purification-is, ad preces : " Hodie, Beata virgo,"
&c. ; leaf 3, back.

3. In die palmarum : " En rex venit mansuetus," &c.} with
'•Gloria iaus " ; leaf 4, back, and 5, back.

4. In die palmavum". " Passio domini " j leaf 7, back.

5. In vigilia Pasche : " Rex sanctorum angelorum" ; leaf 14.

6. In die PascJte, ad -process : " Salue, festa dies " ; leaf 15,
back.

7. In die Pasche : " Crucifixum in carne " ; 17, back.

8. In die Pasche, Ad vesperas : "Laudate, pueri" ; 18'

9. In iranslacione sancti Gedde : " Salue, festa dies"; 23, back.

10. In die Ascencionis : " Salue, festa dies " ; 25, back.

11. In die Pentecost' : " Salue,'' &c. ; 20.

12. In ebdomada pentecost' Feria ija, iija, & iiija cantabiUtr
istecantus ad process': Sancti spiritus Assit nobis gracia ; 49.

13. In festo corporis cristi : " Salue "; 32, back.

14. In festo dedicacionis ecclesie : "Salue,"; 35, back.

I note that Langland clearly followed Anthems 3 and
4, which he quotes in Piers Plowman, B. xviii. 1-G8.
His gloria laus (in 1. 8) refers to six elegiac lines,
beginning —

" Gloria laus et honor tibi sit, rex criste redemptor,
Cui puerile decus promsit hosanna pinm."

Cf. Hymns Ancient and Modern— "All Glory, laud, ,7&c.

But on leaf 38 the real interest begins with a rubric
from Luke ii. 8, followed by English verses, in a smaller
writing, but by the same hand. Of this portion Dr.
Calvert made a transcript, which he sent to Dr. Clark,
who, again, sent it on to me. In this it was duly noted
that certain words, or pairs of words, occurred frequently
in the margin, and the puzzle was to elucidate these. I
could make nothing of them, beyond guessing that they
belonged to imperfect lines. On this, Dr. Calvert very
kindly procured us permission to inspect the MS.,
whereupon the full significance of these "side-notes"
at once appeared, and 1 was enabled to solve the whole
problem.

FRAGMENT OF AN EARLY MYSTERY PLAY. 297

The fact is that there are three distinct fragments.
Eich of these contains portions of a scene in a play.
These portions all belong to one actor, and the ''side-
notes " give, in fact, his catchwords or cues.

This actor doubtless performed all three parts. He
was the Third Shepherd in the play of "The Angels
and Shepherds " ; he was the Third Mary in the scene
at the sepulchre ; and he was one of the two disciples
who went to Emmaus. Moreover, of these two, he was
certainly Cleophas, as I shall show.

That he was the Third Shepherd appears from the
heading — iijws pastor.7' That lie was the Third Mary
appears from the heading — "iijet ma," i.e. , " tertia
maria," which was very puzzling to read ; and that he
was Cleophas appears from the fact that he had to sing
in the chorus of the apostles at the end ; and the words
suit him better than they do St. Luke, who, according
to tradition and the Coventry Mysteries, was Cleophas's
companion.

The dialect is clearly Northern, and I fully believe it
is Yorkshire, in particular. It is obviously allied to the
York Mystery plays, with one stanza of which the
Shrewsbury MS. agrees, though there is a wide general
difference. Perhaps the fragments belong to the lost
set of Beverley plays (see York Mystery Plays, ed. Miss
T. L. Smith, p. xliv., &c.) The language is just that of
the York plays, as exemplified in such characteristic
words as these : man u must" ; mynnes me " 1 remem-
ber " ; in hy " in haste " ; nem " to name" ; tha/r " he
need " ; frely fade " noble creature " ; (jaynest
" nearest " ; bedene " at once " ; mil of red " at a loss
what to do " ; samyn V together " ; withouten trayne ;
apart; mased 11 astonished" ; couthe 11 could" ; and the
like. We even find at for to with the infinitive, a
strong mark of Northern dialect.

In the coincident stanza (York Plays, xv. 120-131)
this MS. has an oldev reading. It corrects the line —
" And it will herbar [harbour] foiirty pese " to " That
may herbar an hundrith pese," which reads bettor and

298 FRAGMENT OF AN EARLY MYSTERY PLAY.

preserves the alliteration. The whole is written
seriously and poetically, with skilful alliteration, and
clearly exhibits an old and valuable text. I hope to
print the whole text in a future letter.

Walter W. Skeat.

(Printed in Academy, January 11, 1890.)
Scene I. — THE ANGELS AND THE SHEPHERDS.

Pastores erant in regione eade?/i nigilawtes & custodientes
gregera suum, Et eccc angelus do»iini astitit iuxta illos t
timuerunt timore magno. [Luke ii. 8, 9 ; written in red.]

Tertius pastor.1

[ii. Pas.] We ! tib !
Hi. Pas. Telle on !

[ii. Pas.] pe nyght.

Hi. Pas. IT Brether, what may pis be
J)us bright to man ec best ?

[ii. Pas.] at hand.

Hi. Pas. 11 Whi say 3e so ?

[ii. Pas.] warand.

Hi. Pas. II Suche si-$t was never sene
before in oure Iewery ;
Sum merueles wil bit mene,
Jjat mu;/ be here in hy,

[ii. Pas.] a sang :

Hi. Pas. 11 30 lye bothe, by pis li$t,
and raues as recheles royes ;
hit|was an angel bri3t
pat made })is nobullc noyes.

[U. Pas.] of prophecy.

Hi. Pas. 11 he said, a barn schuld be
In pe burgh of bedlem born ;
And of ])is, mywnes me,
Ourc fadres fond be-forn.

[ii. Pas.] lewus kyng.

Hi. Pas. 11 Now may we se pe same
even in oiire pase puruayecl ;
pe angel nemed his name,

1 Written " iij us pastor " in the MS. All the parts given in full
belong to the Third Shepherd, whom I denote by " Hi. Pas." Of the
other parts, only the catch-words arc given ; and there is no clue to
the speakers. I insert " ii. Pas.,'" &c., by conjecture. Note that
" We " is an interjection, and " Tib " is a name. See York Mysteries
for explanations.

Fragment of an larly mystery play. 290

* ( rist saueour " he saied.

J ;;. Pas.] not raue.

Ht Pas. II 3one bright nes wil vs bring
vnto \>at blisful boure ;
I'ur solace schal we syng
To soke ourc saueour.

Transcamus usque bethelem. Et uideamus hoc verbum quod
factum est quod fecit dominus & ostendit nobis. [This versicle
is imted for voices: from Luke ii. 15.]

[//. Pas.] to knawe.

Hi. Pas. For noting thar vs drede,
Hut thank god of alle gode ;
[)is Light cue?' wil vs lede
Vo fynde pat frely fode.

[ii. Pas. Now wat 30 what] I mene,1

Hi. Pas. 11 A ! loke to me, my lord dere,
a lie if I put me noght in p?'ese,
To suche a prince wit/i-out [en] pere
haue I no presand pat may plese.
' But lo, a horn-spone haue I here
\kit may hcrbar an hundrith pese ;
|>is gift I gif pe with gode chere ;
suche dayntese wil do no disese.
r Fare wele now, swete swayn,
God graunt pe lifyng lang!
[L Pas. And go we hame agayn,
And mak mirth as we gang.]2

Scene II.— THE THREE MARIES AT THE
SEPULCHRE.

Hie incipit officium Resurrecckmis in die pasche [in red].

Tertia Maria [MS.iijct ma.]
lieu redempcio israel : ut quid mortem sustinuit [in red],

[ii. Maria.] payne.

Hi. Maria. Alias ! he pat men wend schuld by
Allc israel, bothe knyght & knaue,
Why sutfred he so forto dy
Sit he he may alle sekenes saue ?

1 The words " now wat ye what " are supplied from the York
Mysteries xv. 119. Before the next line is a star, which star refers to
some lines in a later hand, which were to he sung here, viz.,
S.iluatovem, christuni dominum, infantem pannis inuolutuwi, secundum
sermonem angelicum.

- 1 supply these two lines from the York Mysteries, and assign them
to the First Shepherd instead of to the Third, because the MS. has here
two blank lines, showing that the Third Shepherd did not speak them.

300 FRAGMENT OF AN EARLY MYSTERY PLAY.
Heu, cur ligno fixus clauis :

fuit doctor tarn suauis ?
Heu, cur fuit ille natus :
qui period it ems latus ?
[ii. Maria.'} is ought.

Hi. Maria. Alas! pat wo siiche bale schuld bide
J>at sodayn sight so forto see !
pe best techer in world wide
with nayles be taccbed to a tro !
U Alias ! pat euer so schuld be-tyde
Or pat so bold mon born schuld be
For to assay oure saueow side
And open hit with-oute pite,

lam iam ecce. Iam properemus ad tiimulum vngentes dilccti

corpus sanctissimum [noted for voices].

Et appropiantes aepulcro cantent [in red].

O deus, quis reuoluet nobis lapidem ab hostio monumenti

[noted for voices; from Mark xvi. 3].

[ii. Maria.] him leid.

Hi. Maria, he J>at ])us kyndely vs has kend
vn-to pe bole where he was hid,
Sum socoui"^ sone he wfl vs send,
at help to lift away ph lid.
lialleluya schal be oure song,
Si theft. c?ist oure lord, by angellws steuen,
Schewus him as mon here vs among
and is goddis son, heghest in heuen.

[A red line here.]

[ii. Maria,] was gon.

[Angelas.] Surrexit christus spes nostra. : precedet vos in
galijeam [in red ; cf. Matt, xxviii. 7],

Hi. Marie. " Crist is rysen," wittenes we,

by tokens pat we haue sen pis morn ;
Ouiv hope, oure help, oure hele is he,
And hase bene best, si the we were born.
Illf we wil seke him for to se.
lettes noght ))is lesson be for-lorn,
" But gosc euen vn-to galilee,
])erc schal 30 fynd him 30W beforn."

[A red line here.]

Scene III. — THE TWO DISCIPLES GOING TO
EiMMAUS.

Feria sccunda in ebdomada pascho discipuli i?isimul cantent
[in red].

FRAGMENT OF AN EARLY MYSTERY PLAY. 301

[Chorus] Infidclis incursum populi fugiamus ihesum
[ihesu ?] discipuli ; suspenderuzzt ihesum patibulo ; nulli par-
cent oius discipulo [noted for voices].

[A red line here.]

[A Disciple.] fast to fle.

Cleophas1 But if we fle, J>ai wil vs fang,
And ful felly J>ai wil vs flay ;
Agayn to Emanse wil we gang
And fonde to get pe gaynest way
V And make in mynd euer vs amang
Of oure gode maister as we may,
Low he was put to paynes Strang;
On J)at he tristed con him betray.

[A red line here. Probably Jesus enters here.]

[Jesus.] but agayn.

Cleophas. H By wymmen wordis wele wit may we,
Christ is risen up in gode aray ;
For to oiuv-self pe so the sa)^[d] he,
Where we went in pis world away,
))c(t he schuld dye & doluen be,
And rise fro pe dethe pe third day ;
And pat we my3t pat si^t now se
he wisse vs, lord, as he wele may.

[Jesus?] resou?i ri3t.

Et quoniam tradiderimt eum summi sacerdotes & principes
nos^ri in dampnaciotie [m] mortis & crucifixeruwt eu?)i [in red ;
from Luke xxiv. 20],

Cleophas. Right is pat we reherce by raw
pe maters pat we may on mene,
how prestis & princes of ourc la we
Fill tenely toke him, horn be-twen,
And dampned hi??i with-onten awe
For to be dedo with dele be-dcne ;
)>ai crucified him, wele we knaw,
at caluary with caris ke.ne.

Dixerimt ecia?)i se visione??i angeloritm vidisse : qui dicu?it eu?/i
viuerc [Luke xxiv. 23].

[/wit!?.] wraist.

Ch'ophas. ]>e wymmen gret, for he was gon,
1'iu jet pay told of meruales mo;
|>ai saw angelhw stondyng on po ston,
And sayh how he was fame horn fro.
HSithen of oures went ful gode wone

1 The name is not given, but it must bo Cleophas. The " other
disciple " on the journey was (traditionally) Luke, who wis not one of
the twelve,

302 FRAGMENT OF AN EARLY MYSTERY PLAY.

To se pat sight, & said right so ;
Herfore we inurne & makis pis mon,

Now wot pou. wele of alle oure wo.
[Luke ?] in pese.

Mane nobiscum quoniam advesperascit, et inclinata est iam
dies. Allcluva.

[Noted for voices ; from Luke xxiv. 29.]
[Jesus.] wight.

Amend oure mournyng, maister dere,
And fonde oure freylnes for to f elle ;
Herk, brother, help to hold him here,
Ful nobel talis wil he vs telle.

[Luke ?] lent.

Cleophas. 'iAnd gode wyne schal vs wont non,
For ))er-to schal I take entent.

[Luke.] he went.

Cleophas. If Went he is, & we ne wot how,
For here is noght left in his stid ;
Alias, where were oure wittis now,
With wo now walk we, wil of red.

[Luke.] [he brak] oure bred.

Cleophas. TOure bred he brak & blessed hit ;
On mold were none/' so mased men;
Whew pat we saw him by us sit.
pat we couth e noght consayue him pen.
[Luke.] .......... ay.

Quid agamus uel dicamus, ignorantes quo eaimts, qui doctorem
sciencie et patrem consolacionis amisimus ? [noted for voices.]

[Luke.] gode state.

Cleophas. If We schal horn telle, with-outon trayn,
Bothe word & werk, how hit was ;
I se horn sitt samyn in a playn,
Forthe in apert dar I not pas.

[A red line here. Cleophas and Luke join the other disciples.]

[Luke ] wife.

Cleophas. If We saw \\\m holle, hide & he we,
])erfore bo still, & stint 30ure strife ;
bat hit was crist ful wele we knewe,
He cutt oure bred with-outen knyfe.

Gloria tibi, domine, qui surrexisti a mortuis, cum patre & sancto
spiritu in sempiterna sccula. Amen [noted for voices].

Scene IV.— THE INCREDULITY OF THOMAS.
[No break in the MS.]

Cleophas (sings in chorus). Frater Thoma, causa tristicie,
nobis tulit summa leticie [end of scene].

303

NOTES ON SHROPSHIRE BIRDS.

B t WILLIAM E . BE CKWITH.

Continued from p. 16 2nd Series, Vol. IL, Part I.

MOUNTAIN FINCH, Fringilla montifringilla.

A regular and sometimes a plentiful winter visitor ; a few ap-
pearing in October, and many more arriving in November, when
they resort to beech woods to feed upon the mast. About Sun-
dornc, Haughmond Hill, Berwick, and Ellesmere, I have at
times seen very large flocks busily seeking after this food.
While with us, Bramblings exhibit a close affinity to Chaffinches
in their habits, frequenting arable fields in open winters, and
resorting in frost and snow to outlying stacks or to stackyards ;
but rarely, like the more familiar bird, to the immediate vicinity
of houses. In January, 1884, a season when these birds were
unusually abundant, numbers of them, together with Chaffinches
and Linnets, visited some clover fields near Eaton Constantine
day after day ; and on shooting some I ascertained that they
were feeding almost exclusively upon the seeds of that trouble-
some weed, the Knot Grass {Polygonum aviculare).
In spring flocks of Bramblings are often to be found in woods
where they eat the young buds of the larch and other trees. I once
found two or three hundred engaged in this way at the foot of the
Wrekin, on the 27th March ; and as many of them had partially
assumed the dark plumage of the breeding season, the trees clad
with their fresh leaves, and thronged with these handsome
birds, afforded an exceedingly pretty sight.

Mountain Finches often resort to roost in large numbers among
evergreens. The bird-stuffers in Shrewsbury have sometimes
received dozens of them from Berwick, where they had been
caught in sparrow-nets in the shrubberies. The latest date on
which I have noticed this bird in spring was in 18S0, when a
small party of seven or eight frequented a wood by Croesmere
Merc, near Ellesmere, up to the 19th April.
TREE SPARROW, Passer montanus.

Although common throughout the county at all seasons of the
year, this bird is most numerous in autumn and winter, when
migrants arrive. Then, in company with other small birds, it is
Vol II., 2nd S. KK

304 BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

found in flocks about stubbles and weedy fields or round out-
lying stacks. In very little indeed does it resemble the Common
Sparrow ; and even in hard weather, it seldom comes nearer
houses than is necessary to procure food. For many years I re-
marked this characteristic difference at a farm-house near the
Wrekin. In frost the House Sparrows came by dozens to rob the
poultry by the kitchen door, but the quiet unobtrusive Tree
Sparrows, which were plentiful, never accompanied them, pre-
ferring to peck about the refuse in the stack-yard.
This retiring and shy habit leads it also to choose different
roosting and building places, for, when netting sparrows at
night, at Eaton Constantine, we never caught this bird about
houses, but usually obtained some if we tried hedges or the ivy
against the church.

The Tree Sparrow breeds, as circumstances allow, either in
colonies, two or three pairs together, or alone. In the soft
sandstone rocks about Bridgnorth it is to be found breeding
together in some numbers ; and here it usurps the hole drilled
by the little Sand Martin, in just the same way that the Com-
mon Sparrow deprives the House Martin of its nest. I have
also seen several pairs nesting together in rocks at Eyton-on-
Severn and in Hawkstone Park. Large hollow trees are often also
inhabited by a few of these birds, as well as holes in the pollard
willows that so frequently grow by the sides of streams, whilst
occasionally a pair will nest in the thatch of a cote or shed in a
field. The Revd. J. 13. Meredith informs me that he has found
the Tree Sparrow's eggs in the deserted nest of a Magpie, and it
sometimes erects a domed structure in a fir tree ; but I have
never known it build round houses or in farm buildings, and in
this respect it differs entirely from the Common Sparrow.
Unless the old birds are captured, or distinctly seen, there is no
means of distinguishing the eggs of the Tree from those of the
House Sparrow ; although in this case identification is more par-
ticularly necessary from the fact that both species sometimes breed
together. The two birds are very different, for not only is the
Tree Sparrow smaller and neater in appearance, but its head is
reddish brown or liver coloured, and it has a conspicuous black
spot on the cheek.

I do not think this bird has any of the mischievous propensities
of its relative ; indeed, it is rather useful than otherwise,
as it feeds principally upon the seeds of weeds. The Tree
Sparrow appears to be rare or little known in North Wales.

COMMON SPARROW, Passer domesticus.

No bird has profited more by the silly destruction of hawks and
owls than the ubiquitous Sparrow ; and as these birds have de-
creased, the Sparrow has increased, only in a fifty-fold degree.
And oven now, when large sums are annually spent in attempt

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

305

,r ' to reduce its numbers, few people try the cheaper and by far
ii rc effectual plan of encouraging its natural enemies. In the
t<t indard newspaper for January 22nd, 1890 it was stated that
m Cheshire, the Wirral Farmers' Club had paid during the past
vcar from a farthing to a half-penny each for ten thousand of
these birds ; and that during the last five years the same Club
ha i thus procured the slaughter of seventy thousand Sparrows.
Vet it does not appear that the members have either tried them-
selves or asked the neighbouring landlords to endeavour to re-
duce these pests by preserving the small birds of prey. The
Sparrowhawk, especially the male, is rightly named as a dire foe
to the Sparrow ; for, leaving larger game to his more powerful
consort, he contents or used to content himself with attacking
and harassing small birds, which, from his repeated raids, day
nfter day, could never enjoy their repast in peace. Now, how-
ever, the gamekeeper has almost exterminated or driven away
the hawk, and the agriculturist and gardener are left to view
with dismay and to bewail the damage done to their crops.
The Barn Owl was also a large consumer of Sparrows, which it,
no doubt, caught when they were at roost; but the Owl, as a
resident, is fast disappearing before the inane demand for its
beautiful plumes.

For some reason or other Sparrows do not like to take up their
abode with Starlings. At Eaton Constantine numbers of
Sparrows used to breed in the ivy round the Rectory ; but some
years ago several pairs of Starlings came to build there, and
soon after the Sparrows almost deserted it. I thought this
might be attributed to the gardener taking their nests, but
Mr. William Phillips assured me that not only had he and his
family noticed the same thing to occur in Shrewsbury, but that,
upon the Starlings being disturbed, the Sparrows had returned.
Still it is difficult to understand why two birds of habits so
entirely different should disagree ; and, for my own part, I have
never seen that the Sparrows suffered violence, although they
occasionally do so, as Gray, in his Birds of the West of Scotland,
writing of the Starling, says : — "I have seen it repeatedly alight
on the rough stones of a house to which it clung while it thrust
its head and neck into a hole and dragged from it in succession
five young Sparrows, which it leisurely swallowed on the roof of
the house. 1 have more than once been a witness to such thefts
when stationed at a window only a few feet distant from the
nest. Similar observations have been made by Mr. John Levack
in Cnmbrac."

And in the Field for May 31st, 18S4, a correspondent, signing
himself J. B. II. (Northampton), writes: — "Last week I saw a
Starling fly from the roof of my house to the nest of a House
Sparrow in some ivy close by, and carry off one of the young
ones ^about a week old) which the Starling placed between his
claws au I quickly devoured."

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

At present the mischief done by Sparrows is beyond calculation ;
and, as is the case with all animals, whenever the balance of
nature is disturbed, and they become too numerous, the good
done by them compensates in only a small degree for the evil.
In assessing the damage committed by these birds, it has, how-
ever, always appeared to me that a distinction should be made
between the Sparrow that dwells in the country and the Sparrow
that inhabits the town. The former bird, in spring, and as long
as its broods require feeding, consumes a vast quantity of insects,
together with their larvse ; and, as neither old nor young eat
fruit, they do not do material harm until the peas arc podded.
In fact, during the early months of the year, they are useful
birds. The town Sparrow on the other hand is just as useless.
For, spending its time in populous places, it prefers to gain a
living, during the greater portion of the year, by pecking among
street refuse, or by eating the young shoots of vegetables in
suburban gardens, rather than by searching after insect food.
And thus it lives until its instinct tells it that the grain is
ripening, when it quickly joins its country relatives, and a
Sparrow in the streets is rarely to be seen. It is at this time,
before the corn is cut, and as long as it is unstacked, that these
birds do so much damage, for by constantly fluttering among
and alighting upon the straw, they thresh out and waste more than
they consume. Now also, the difference between the two birds
is conspicuous, for, while the country Sparrow is frightened by
the bird-scarer, and, if pursued with a gun, becomes shy and
wary, the town bird, reared and brought up among the noises of
the streets, or the din and clamour of machinery and railways,
pays no attention to the bird-clapper or the report of fire arms ;
so that in their case, although a few birds may be shot down,
the remainder resume their feast.

Yet, should a hawk glide over the field, or alight in a neighbour-
ing tree, it is amusing to see the terror of the thieves, some
hiding on the ground, others scurrying off to the nearest shelter,
from whence they emerge only in fear and trembling. The hawk,
however, has perhaps attacked a stray chicken, or the game-
keeper has seen it kill a partridge, and therefore it must be
destroyed, even though its death entails many annual payments
for Sparrows' heads, and an unknown loss of grain.
The nesting sites chosen by the Sparrow are extremely varied.
It is not only that niches and spouts of all kinds about buildings
are brought into requisition, but it frequently breeds in the
deserted nest of a rook or magpie, or, again, with Tree Sparrows
in hole;* in rocks and hollow trees, whilst its constant practice of
turning the poor House Martin out of its mud tenement stirs up
against it a universal enmity. Often, too, several pairs construct
untidy domed edifices composed of straw, moss, and feathers,
amid the branches of a tree, and in ivy and other climbing
shrubs ; the nests in most instances being carefully repaired in

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

307

autumn, so as to afford the birds comfortable roosting places
during the winter months. Like the Robin, the Sparrow is not
a bad foreteller of the weather, for whenever a party of Sparrows
fly in a cluster into a low tree or bush, tumble hurriedly down
it and away again at the bottom, chirping and quarrelling all
the time, rainy or unsettled weather usually follows.

GREENFINCH, Coccothraustcs chloris.

This is a common species at all seasons, though to a certain
extent it is migratory during autumn, the large flocks of bright-
coloured males being very noticeable on their return in February
and March, when they frequent outlying stacks or fields of
newly sown grain.

The Green Linnet is a rather, though not a very, mischievous
bird, for in spring it takes vegetable seeds, later on peas, then
corn, and afterwards turnip, cabbage, and mangold seed, whilst
at the same time, it feeds a good deal upon insects and the seeds
of weeds. It is also fond of wild berries, of which it eats those of
the holly, hip, yew, and ivy, as well as sunflower seeds in gardens.
In winter, these birds resort in such numbers to woods and
coverts where there are ivy-covered trees or evergreens, that they
must travel for a considerable distance ; and thus they often
fall a prey to the wandering Sparrow Hawk.
Gray relates a pleasing instance of a Greenfinch, that, having
built upon a branch much exposed to the sun, surrounded its
nest during a hot day with freshly plucked leaves, in order to
shade its young ones from the heat.

Most birds carefully remove not only the mutings of their off-
spring, but also any one of them that may die in the nest ; and
the necessity for this is evidenced by the following note : — One
summer I knew of some young Greenfinches, one of which died
in the nest, and was not thrown out. Its remains were soon
swarming with maggots, and these, after devouring the dead
bird, ate their way into the bodies of the living ones, who
perished most miserably.

Perhaps these maggots were larvre of the fly that lays its eggs
upon sheep, and which, as soon as they are hatched, begin to eat
into the skin, and, if not destroyed, eventually through it and
into the vitals of the animal.

The Green Linnet is a lover of richly cultivated districts, and is
rarely seen on high or waste ground. Its strong and somewhat
untidy nest is often to be found at a moderate height among
evergreens in gardens, or along hawthorn hedges. When sitting,
the females become so familiar that they may be easily watched,
and the eggs, which differ a good deal both in size and colouring,
identified.
HAWFINCH, Coccothraustcs vulgaris.

When Rocke wrote his Notes on Shropshire MirJs in 1S65-6, he
considered the Hawfinch to be only a winter visitor ; nor could

308

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

I, when writing my list in 1879, obtain any evidence of its
breeding here, though subsequently, in a Paper published in
1881, I was enabled to record instances of its having bred at
Tick wood, near Ironbridge, Cound, and Oakley Park, near
Ludlow. Now, however, in 1 890, it has increased so rapidly that it
may be fairly termed a not uncommon resident throughout the
county. And this is not an apparent increase, due to the greater
number of observers and the greater consequent attention paid to
Natural History, for the damage done by the old and the young
birds to green peas forces itself upon the attention of the most
unobservant gardener.

Although generally distributed there still seem certain localities
which these birds prefer, and where, having once bred, they have
established themselves and increased year after year. This has
been the case round Shrewsbury and about Buildwas, Ironbridge,
Coalport, Market Drayton, and Ludlow. I have notes, too, of
its nest, or more frequently of its young, having occurred at
Hatton Grange and other places near Shifnal, and near Welling-
ton, Newport, Edgmond, Ellcsmere, Petton, Whittington, Oswes-
try, Charlton Hill and Dryton, near Wroxeter, Eaton Constantine,
Leighton, West Felton, Shawbury, Astley Abbots, Neen Savage,
Much Wenlock, Harley, Cressage, Church Stretton, and Holdgate.
Writing of it in March, 1885, from Sansaw, near Grinshiil, the
late Rev. F. Gartside Tippinge said : — " As far as I can ascertain,
Hawfinches first appeared here ten or twelve years ago — that is,
an old gardener of mine, who first noticed their depredations at
that time, was convinced that there was not more than one pair.
Since then they have increased year by year, until last year my
gardeners had hard work to keep a pea. They would come by
flocks in the dinner hour, and in that time destroy a whole long-
row. This year my keeper and gardener have killed twenty-
seven or more (for at first they kept no account), by hiding, two
at a time, on each side of a yew tree, the berries of which they
are fond of. They are exceedingly cunning, and it is next to
impossible to get near them with a gun in the open. Their nests
have never been found yet, though all my men are of opinion
that they breed in the woods near, as the young birds accompany
the old ones in their summer raids." And in the May following,
Mr. Tippinge again wrote : — " It may interest you to hear that
a pair of Hawfinches are breeding in my orchard in an apple tree
near a garden wall. There are five eggs in a nest of the roughest
description — just a few twigs laid across a fork and an adjoining
branch. The male bird is very handsome. The nest is in about
as solitary a place as could be imagined."

I have several times seen the nest of the Hawfinch in apple and
other trees of moderate height. I am inclined, however, to
think that, as a rule, this bird builds either in high trees or upon
some large horizontal branch, so that the nest is very difficult to
find, and that this accounts for the rarity of its eggs, not only

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

309

in local collections, but also among the spoils of the bird-nesting
boy. In this opinion I am confirmed b}' a writer signing himself
" Auceps " in the Field for May 11th, 1SS9, who, in giving an
interesting account of finding the nests of the Hawfinch in East
Yorkshire, says they were seldom less than fifteen feet from the
ground, and frequently much higher.

In July, 1882, a pair with their young came to eat the peas in
the garden at Eaton Constantine Rectory ; and from that time
up to 1889 one or two broods visited us every summer bent
upon the same purpose ; yet diligent and repeated searches after
the nests were fruitless, and, as the old birds were not to be seen
in the months of May and June, I have no donbt they retired to
some solitary tree in which to build and to bring up their young.
The insatiable greediness of these birds for green peas compels
them to throw off some of their shyness ; still they are extremely
cautious in their manner of approach. At first, when the brood
is weak, they are brought into some neighbouring tree, whence,
if all is quiet, the whole family fly down among the peas, keeping
well out of sight among the haulm ; but as they get stronger,
they fly round and round, and then suddenly drop among them.
When disturbed, they fly straight away, but return again in a
short time. Besides peas, the Hawfinch eats strawberries ; but
I cannot learn that it injures other garden produce, although
writing of it in Norfolk in 1663, Sir Thomas Brown said it was
chiefly seen in summer about cherry time, and Stevenson
mentions one shut in a greengage plum tree.

In autumn and winter, large numbers of Hawfinches are some-
times found where there are holly or yew bushes, the thick
foliage of which affords them concealment while they eat the
berries. These assemblies are not, however, migrants pursuing
any direct course, but merely wanderers attracted by a plentiful
supply of food, as these birds are rare in northern latitudes. In
addition to the above the Hawfinch is very fond of the berries of
the Portugal laurel and the ivy ; but though it eats haws, I do
not think it shows any great predilection for them.
Daring the severe frost in 188-1-5, I was greatly interested with
three of these birds that frequented the garden at Eaton Con-
stantine. All the berries were gone, so they were obliged to
come and eat the bread put along the drive for the little birds.
Even then, in spite of hunger, their innate shyness never forsook
them. Alighting in some lime trees, they reconnoitred for a
while, then Hew down into some laurels beloM', from underneath
which they presently walked forth, took a few hurried mouthfuls
of meat, and then flew away, but only to repeat their visit in a
few minutes. After the snow had gone, these birds came to pick
grit off the walks ; and, so far as I could sec, they usually walked
about, giving a hop only now and then. Indeed their movements
on the ground strongly reminded one of a miniature parrot.
The Hawfinch is said to be very rare in North Wales; but Mr,

310

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

G. J. Dumvillc Lees informs me that it has been known to breed
near Welshpool, and Mr. Thomas Ruddy, that it visited the
gardens at Pale in the summer of 1888. Probably it is increas-
ing, therefore, throughout the Principality.

Everyone who has examined a Hawfinch will have noticed the
peculiar shape of some of the primary feathers, and perhaps it is
these that cause the rustling sound which the bird makes when
flying.

In captivity this bird entirely changes its character, and becomes
tame and familiar. I knew of one reared from the nest that
was a most engaging pet, though gifted with a somewhat large
appetite. This bird laid several eggs, and a pair, I should say,
would be an interesting addition to an aviary.
The eggs of the Hawfinch, though larger than those of the
Greenfinch, have much the same character ; and I have seen
some varieties that were not unlike the eggs of the Red-backed
Shrike. They are very commonly five in number.
The nest is, as Mr. Tippinge remarks, a loose, flat, untidy
structure, rather like that of the Bullfinch, but composed of
coarser materials.

GOLDFINCH, Carduelis elegans.

All lovers of nature must rejoice that the beautiful Seven-coloured
Linnet is now protected during the breeding season, in which it
is illegal for anyone to catch it or to take its young ones ; and
this protection is particularly serviceable to a species, whose
lovely plumage, sweet disposition, and lively song render it so
attractive for the cage that it is everywhere sought after by
bird-catchers.

At present, though not plentiful as a species, it is commonly
distributed over the county, its quarters being changed according
to the season of the year. During the nesting time it seems to
prefer the proximity of houses, where it is fond of building a
neat and elegant nest in various kinds of fruit trees, often at a
considerable height from the ground, or in evergreens.
Until its young ones grow strong, the Goldfinch feeds on insects,
and the seeds of chiekweed and groundsel, in gardens. As soon,
however, as the brood can travel, enclosed districts are rapidly
deserted for rou<_ih grass fields, half-cultivated hill-sides, moors,
commons, and the banks of streams, where the seeds of the
teazle, thistle, and ragwort are found. In places such as these
a single brood, or perhaps two or three families together, are to
be seen busily engaged in feeding on a patch of weeds, or show-
ing off their bright plumage as they flit from plant to plant. At
this soason these birds are nowhere more numerous than alon<?
the sides of the Longmynds ; and in the summer of 1S89, I
noticed them very frequently in the neighbourhood of Church
Stretton.

In autumn again, a season when many of them migrate south'
ward, the remainder unite in small parties and seek the

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

311

vicinity of woods and streams, where they feed upon the seeds of
the various kinds of Polygonum and Rumex, or join with the
Siskin and Redpoll in eating those of the alder. In spring they
feed on the young expanding buds of the larch. By consuming
the seeds of many troublesome weeds, the Goldfinch spends its
life in actively doing good, whilst its varied colours add to the
charms of our rustic scenes.

From its sociable and affectionate ways it is, however, sad to
say, easily attracted by the call bird of the bird-snarer, and
great numbers fall victims to his lures. How easily landed
proprietors and their tenants might further the object of the
Legislature in protecting this useful bird, and forbid any such
men to roam over their land.

SISKIN, Carduelis spiitus.

Although an annual winter visitor from November till the end
of February or the early days of March, the pretty Siskin is
very irregular in its numbers. During some years it is not un-
usual to find flocks of twenty or thirty ; whilst in other seasons
small lots of six or seven only are to be seen. But as its food
consists principally of the seeds of the alder and birch, it is
always more plentiful where these trees are common; and,
for the like cause, it is somewhat local in its distribution. In
the neighbourhood of the Wrekin and around Ellesmere, I never
fail to find it, though from its silent habits it is very easily passed
by when in high trees. I have also occasionally noticed it
searching among the debris left by a Hood, or eating the seeds
of umbelliferous and other plants ; and in spring, like several
kindred species, it subsists chiefly upon insects and the buds of
trees. When feeding, the Siskin assumes all kinds of odd
positions often hanging back downwards like a Titmouse.
It is usually an exceedingly tame bird. Once, when I wanted
to obtain a pair, I shot one out of a flock of fourteen or fifteen.
To my surprise the others ilcw round and again alighted in the
same tree, and on my firing a second time, they again came
back, after which I left them in peace. When alarmed, the
Siskin utters a rather musical call-note ; but luckily for it, bird-
catchers do not care to ensnare it, and men who eagerly pursue
Redpolls 'eave Siskins unmolested.
LINNET, Linota cannabina.

In early spring large numbers of Linnets resort co covers and
upland plantations to roost, and here, before retiring, they fly
round and round in a united flock, now and then alighting upon
the top of a tree. On this they remain for a few minutes
preening themselves, and then all, as if by signal, break forth
into such a concert of musical twitterings, such an outburst of
bird melody that is not to be equalled at this time of year. As
the season advances these assemblies disperse, and enclosures are
Vol. IT. 2nd. LL

312

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

deserted for hills and moorlands, where, in company with the
Stonechat and Meadow Pipit, the Linnet rears its young, the
numbers of the bird being regulated by the abundance or
scarcity of the golden gorse amongst which it so delights to
place its nest. And when the gorse is clad in all its glorious
wealth of yellow bloom, the lively Linnet is everywhere to be
seen, its brightly tinted plumage and wild sweet song lending an
additional charm to the breezy waste. So devoted, indeed, is
this bird to gorse for building in, that I have frequently known
it nest in a small clump by the side of a pool or stream, or, when
the bushes have been stunted, almost upon the ground ; and for
two successive years a pair reared their young in a solitary bush
of double blossomed gorse in our garden. The Linnet also builds
in hedges and low shrubs, but rarely far away from unenclosed
or high land. Its nest is usually composed of finer materials
than that of the Green Linnet; and once I found one on
Haughmond Hill, chiefly built of moss, and very prettily lined
with rabbit's fur. The eggs, as Hewitson remarks, are somewhat
difficult to distinguish from small specimens of the eggs of the
Green Linnet. When the breeding season is over the Linnet
again returns to fields and gardens, where it does untold good
by eating the seeds of weeds ; in fact, when it is joined in
autumn by large flocks of migrants which remain far into
November, and which usually feed in stubble fields upon the
seeds of the charlock or kedlock, chickweed, groundsel, thistle,
dock, goosefoot, knotgrass, and several kinds of polygonum, its
utility in checking these noxious plants can hardly be estimated.
This bird is the Greater Redpoll of Montagu, Bewick, and other
authors.

MEALY REDPOLL, Linota canescens.

This is an extremely rare winter visitor and I am not aware of
its occurrence since the year 1865, when on the 1st April, I shot
a solitary specimen in a small dingle near Eaton Constantino.
I gave it to the late John Rocke, who afterwards showed it to
Gould. Although when I killed it the bird was alone in an alder
tree, I had seen on the previous day four or five Redpolls, near
the same place, that seemed larger and lighter in colour than
the Lesser Redpoll.

In subsequent years, however, on shooting several of these large
looking birds, which very nearly equalled the Mealy Redpoll in
measurement, but had little or none of the mealy plumage, I
submitted them to Gould, who considered them to be a large
variety or race of the Lesser Redpoll, and not to belong to this
species. Hancock, in his Birds of NorUcumbcrland and Durham,
writing of the British Redpolls says: — " Perhaps our three
species of Linaria ought to rank merely as races, for with the
exception of size and degree of greyness there is no good charac-
ter to distinguish them, and indeed in these respects the dif-

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

313

ference is only one of degree. The Lesser Redpoll has the
feathers margined with a little white, the Mealy Redpoll with
more white, and the Arctic with most white, hence, the last
species is the whitest and most mealy looking, and it is likewise
distinguished by the rump and belly being of a pure white,
while in the other two so-called species these parts are also
white, but more or less streaked with brown. In length, the
Lesser Redpoll is rarely more than four and a half inches, the
Mealy Redpoll five inches, and the Arctic Redpoll five and a half
inches."

And to these remarks I may add that my birds, which Gould
maintained were Lesser Redpolls, measured as nearly as possible
five inches ; so that, if examples of the Lesser bird occur almost
equal to this one in length, they form another link in the chain
of evidence that the two are merely races of one species. Eyton
says of the Mealy Redpoll : — -'At different times I have obtained
several of these birds in Shropshire, but have never observed
them in large flocks, the utmost number I have ever seen to-
gether being ten or twelve, in company with the Siskin, in which
point they differ in habit from both the Greater and Lesser
Redpolls."

This, however, is not a constant distinction ; for Hancock, in his
work above referred to, describes it as "occasionally appearing
in large flocks." In food and general way of living the Mealy
and Lesser Rodpolls closely resemble each other.

LESSER REDPOLL, Linota linaria.

This bird, although resident, is found only sparingly in summer,
whilst as a winter visitor it is always common, and sometimes
abundant, throughout the county. Perhaps, too, it is more
plentiful in the breeding season than it is usually supposed to
be, as a quiet retiring bird of unassuming habits and sober
plumage, which usually frequents the tops of trees, is not easily
detected after the foliage is expanded. When preparing my
former paper on Birds in" 1879, Henry Shaw told me that he had
no doubt that Redpolls bred regularly in the gardens and park
at Hawkstone; but writing in 1890, Lord Hill kindly informs
me that he has only once found its nest lately. It does, how-
ever, breed in many places, for Rocke says of it at Clungunford: —
" Very common, and as I often see them about here in the
summer, I have every reason to believe that they nest with us
regularly." Miss M. Auden has also sent me word that a pair
of Lesser Redpolls built a nest in which one egg was laid,
in the garden at Ford Rectory, in April, 1S7S ; Mr. Bourne
kindly presented me with a nest, which had contained eggs, and
had been taken near Coalport ; Mr. G. H. Paddock has found
this Redpoll breeding in the neighbourhood of Newport ; I have
for some years observed it in summer about the Wrekin ; and in
June, 1884, I saw a pair by Colemere Mere, which were feeding

314

6orne young ones close by. The Lesser Redpoll, too, appears to
have exactly the same habits in North Wales, for Mr. Ruddy
says that a few pairs nest about Pale, and that he sees large
flocks there in winter.

The nest which Mr. Bourne sent me was of the most delicate
structure, being composed outwardly of very fine grasses mixed
with moss, and copiously lined with the white down off the
catkins of the willow, which looks like cotton wool. As infor-
mation concerning the distribution of the Lesser Redpoll in this
county during the breeding season is much needed, I quote from
Hewitson's Eggs of British Birds, the usual situations in which
it builds : — " In the position of its nest," he says " this species
differs from those allied to it. Its nest is usually placed, like
that of the Chaffinch, upon the boughs of a low tree, or single
thorn, a hazel bush bordering the outskirts of mountain woods,
sometimes in alders by the margin of a stream, and occasionally
upon the branches of a crab tree, when forming part of a high
hedge. Mr. (Professor) A. Newton tells me that it breeds yearly
near Thetford, building its nest close to the trunk of the tree, in
plantations of young larch firs of no great height ; but that he
once found a nest at least sixty feet from the ground, and this
was placed near the outer end of a branch."
The food of this Redpoll is principally, in winter, the seeds of
the alder and birch, and at other times those of umbelliferous
and composite plants.

After a tree has been well looked over, many of the flock descend
to the ground to search after the fallen fragments.
Like the Siskin, the Lesser Redpoll often hangs back downwards
from a twig, and it is so tame that a whole party may be watched
from the distance of a few feet.

As I have followed Yarreirs nomenclature in this paper, I have
adhered to the specific name linaria for the Lesser Redpoll,
although it now seems clear that Linnaeus applied it to the
Mealy Redpoll, and that the present species ought to be known
as rufescens, the name given to it by Yieillot.
MOUNTAIN LINNET, Linota montium.

This bird is a very rare resident, and one which in this county
is restricted to the high hills in the south. Eyton, writing of it
in 1838, says it is occasionally found in Shropshire ; but Rocke,
though he lived in a district well suited for observing this moor-
loving bird, could not find it breeding except upon the Longmynds.
And this is, I believe, the only locality where the birds, together
with their nests, have been obtained.

According to A. G. More in The Ibis, for 1865, Shropshire is one
of the most southern counties in which it breeds ; though R.
M. Lingwood informed him that a few nested on the Black
Mountains, or Matterell Hills, in the west of Herefordshire, and
Sir John Crewe confirmed Garner's statement to the cilect that

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

315

it nested regularly in Staffordshire. Mr. William Pinches in-
formed H. Shaw that the Twite, as it is called, seldom left the
hills, and that even in frost and snow, it descended only far
enough to procure food, adding that at such seasons it was
sometimes found within the precincts of hill-side farms. Shaw
himself also observed that he scarcely ever saw one among the
countless specimens of supposed rarities, sent to him by youth-
ful sportsmen, as the result of chance shots fired into unfor-
tunate flocks of small birds in winter.

The Mountain Linnet can be told from the Common or Brown
Linnet by its more slender form, long forked tail, and yellow
bill, which can easily be seen with the aid of a field-glass.
Neither, again, has the Mountain Linnet any red upon the head
or breast ; though in summer the males have the rump tinged
with red or reddish orange.

The nest of this bird is said to be almost invariably built upon
the ground among heather, or underneath, but not in a bush.
This is, however, no characteristic difference, as I have found the
nest of the Common Linnet in precisely similar situations.
My sole acquaintance with the Mountain Linnet was one winter
on the shores of Morecambe Bay, where about a dozen came to
feed on the seeds of the weeds on a railway embankment. In
appearance they were very much like the Common Linnet ; but
they kept chiefly on the ground, and appeared to prefer perching
on rocks or stones to trees.

According to Eyton this bird is common in North Wales ; but
Mr. Ruddy has not found it near Cor wen.

BULLFINCH, Pyrrhula vulgaris.

In all thick woods and dingles, and often by brooksides, among
brakes of gorse and briars, as well as along tangled hedges, and
in shrubberies, the handsome Bullfinch is to be found duriug
the greater portion of the year. For although previous to
the breeding season, it roves about hedges in the more open
country, and to the horror of most gardeners, frequently visits
their gardens ; as soon as building-time approaches, it returns
to its usual haunts, and constructs its shallow nest in some thick
bush, often in a wild rose or honey-suckle. In winter this bird
is somewhat gregarious ; and small flocks are to be seen in woods
flying before the intruder, or heard from a neighbouring thicket.
Its habits at all times are almost exclusively arboreal ; and
though in captivity it is said to be fond of the seeds of thistles
and such like plants, its natural food i3 principally the eggs and
larvae of insects, and buds and seeds of trees.
Whether this bird is, above all others, destructive to the buds of
fruit trees is a question that has long been, and still remains, in
dispute. The hasty gardener upon seeing a party of Bullfinches
among his trees, the buds whereof are just expanding, takes his
gun and fires at them, thereby, destroying more buds than the

316

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

unfortunate birds would have done in the season. Upon open-
ing one of his victims, he finds vegetable matter in its crop,
which is at once pronounced to be the remains of buds — no
matter whether flower or leaf buds, sound or containing embryo
insects — so the birds are condemned, and are slain year after
year. He does not care to notice if the birds come to him every
spring, or what effect their absence has upon the ensuing crop.
A careful observer might so discriminate with advantage ; and
also note that like the Blue Tit, the Bullfinch does not fly in-
differently from tree to tree, but returns repeatedly to one
whilst it passes by another.

At Eaton Constantine, Bullfinches frequently visited our garden,
though they did not always come ; usually there were seven or
eight of them, sometimes many more. They generally stayed for
two or three weeks ; but as 1 have stated when writing of the
Chaffinch, their visits were not followed by a dearth of fruit.
At Radbrook, too, in the spring of 1889 there were Bullfinches
in the gardens of ourselves and our neighbours ; yet the
fruit crop, especially the plums, was a most abundant one.
I do not for a moment assert that birds never eat healthy
buds — most probably they do — but to attribute the failure, or
partial failure, of a fruit crop entirely to them, when no notice
has been taken of inclement weather, or of a frost at a critical
period in the spring, is not only unjust, but is the result of hasty
and inaccurate observation.

Besides, to kill birds in order to save a few apples or plums is a
cruel and selfish policy. Without them, one of the chief
pleasures of country life would be gone ; and without their aid
our fruit trees would eventually be ruined. The verdure of our
fields would also he marred, for in the war against the insect
host, man, unaided, is powerless.

The Bullfinch sometimes exhibits great affection for its eggs
and young ones, so great, indeed, that one which built in the
gardens at Pale would allow Mr. Ruddy to stroke it when sitting.

CROSSBILL, Loxia curvirostra.

A bird which is seldom seen except in woods of fir and pine, on
the seeds of which it feeds, is necessarily a local one, and for
many years the Crossbill has been rare in Shropshire.
Its habits and movements are so erratic, however, that it may
appear, even in considerable numbers, at any season of the year.
It is, therefore, a visitor which those who live near woods such
as have just been mentioned should look for. This bird seems
to pursue no fixed line of migration but to wander about either
in large or small flocks, and it has been found breeding in many
parts of England, including several of the southern counties.
I may, perhaps, note that the piesence of fully feathered indi-
viduals in summer is no proof of their having bred here, for even
in the north of Europe the Crossbill builds in February and

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

317

March, so that these may be birds which have migrated south
after their breeding season was over. Speaking of this peculiarity,
Wheelwright, who under the title of "An Old Bushman," has
given so interesting an account of the Crossbill's nesting habits
in his Ten Years in Sweden, says : — " The pairing season begins
with us in January, the birds to breed in February. This is
rather dependent on the season, but when we do get the nests
we never take the first later than the beginning of March, and
after April we never take one with fresh eggs."
In this county the Crossbill has been known to breed upon at
least one occasion, and this was at an unusual time of year. In
September, 1879, Mr. Alfred Homfray, who then lived at Llany-
blodwel, discovered a nest in some ivy against a fir tree. It
was built of twigs of the fir, lined with hair, and was very open,
like a Woodpigeon's. When first found, it contained eggs ; and
the young ones, which Mr. Homfray frequently saw, flew in
safety. He thinks they bred there the next year, as he frequently
saw and heard them ; and in the following severe winter, five
came to feed in front of his window. The fact of this nest
having been found in September, suggests the question whether
these birds, having reared a brood in the early months of the
year, build a second time in autumn. The similarity of the
Crossbill's nest to that of the Wood pigeon was noticed by
Strickland, who communicated it to Hewitson.
On July 2Sth, 1888, the Rev. J. B. Meredith observed some
birds eating his peas at Kinnerley, and, upon shooting two of
them, found that they were Crossbills. Writing on the 14th
August following, he says : — " I have twice seen three Crossbills
since 1 shot those I sent to you, and yesterday there were
seven, which I think are a fresh party flying about." From
the clean way in which the pea pods had been opened in his own
and a neighbour's garden, Mr. Meredith at first supposed the
mischief to have been the wTork of Hawfinches.
The accounts of this interesting species are somewhat meagre, but
it does not appear to have been so numerous in Shropshire of
late years as it has in other places. Eyton, writing in 183S,
says: — "Occasionally found on fir and pine trees during the
autumn and winter, especially those which stand high, as at
Hawkstone and Pimhill ; arrives in September;" and Rocke, in
confirmation, says: — "I have not met with this bird for some years.
Formerly they appeared in large flocks and remained for days in
the larch plantations." Since this latter diite they have only
occurred in small numbers. The Rev. W. Houghton and Mr.
G. H. Paddock inform me that two or three have been seen near
Newport and Market Drayton. I have before alluded to some
seen by Mr. W. Phillips on Shawbury Heath ; and the Rev. R. E.
Haymes has obtained specimens at Hopesay. The Crossbill is one
of those quiet silent birds that may very easily be passed by. One

8

BIRDS OF SHROPSHIRE.

I saw near Cressage uttered no note, and my attention was drawn
to it only by the constant dropping of pieces of larch-cone, which it
nipped off, and then held upon the branch with its foot, until it
had picked out the seeds.

It appears to be a rare visitor to North "Wales, for though in
the winter of 18S7-8 Mr Ruddy observed large flocks in the
neighbourhood of Pale, he had not known them there before,
although he has lived with Mr. Robertson for twenty years,
neither has he seen them since.

Both male and female Crossbills go through various changes of
plumage before assuming their adult dress, and there is little
doubt that they breed whilst in these intermediate stages.
The males gradually obtain a plumage more or less mixed with
red, the wings and tail being brown, and the females change
from brownish green to yellowish green.

The two birds mentioned above as given to me by Mr. Meredith
were a male in red and a female in brownish green dress. Both
of them had been breeding, and as there are several woods of fir
about Kinnerlcy, they may have nested there.
It is curious that the Crossbill has never been found in the
extensive pine woods about the Wrekin, and on Wenlock Edge,
but there is no record of its having been seen in either of these
localities.

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY HUNDRED OR
LIBERTIES.

By the late Rev. JOHN BRICK DALE BLAKE WAY, M.A.

Continued from 2nd Series, Vol. L, p. 406.

BROUGHTON, anciently BURGITTON.

A small parish within the Liberties of Shrewsbury,
containing the Townships of Broughton and Yorton.

Mr. Reynolds, in his Commentary on Antoninus,
would suppose this place the Roman Rutunium, but he
adduces no proof. An alleged similarity in the names
and the proper distance from Wroxeter are his only
grounds for this untenable position.

The Church of St. Chad of Shrewsbury held Bnrtone
in the hundred of Bascherche in the Saxon times, and
at the general survey. It was rated to the Danegeld
at 2 hides, but there were 5 carucates1 in tillage, 2 of
which (as I conceive) were occupied by 3 villans. The
excess of carucates over hides and the quantity of land
assigned to each villan bespeaks much attention in the
ecclesiastics to the improvement of their estates and
the comfort of their tenants. Burtune, in the hundred
of Bascherche, occurs likewise in Domesday under the
possessions of St. Mary, to which it also belonged in
the days of the Confessor. It was rated to the Dane-
geld at 5 hides, yet no more than 3 carucates1 were
accounted for, the half of one of which was holden by
a priest, and the other two and a half by 7 villans.

1 [Not carucates (carucatnc), but teams (carucrc). — En.]

Vol. II., 2nd S. MM

r

320

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

The surveyors note that there was room for 3 more
carucates [teams], and that there was a wood capable of
fattening 24 hogs.

This is a great difficulty. I can find no place except
the place before us to which both these entries can
refer. Yet its extent is far unequal to the existence
of 7 hides. I can only conjecture that St. Mary's
Broughton is the present Clive and Sansaw.1 They
do not occur in Domesday, nor does St. Mary in any
subsequent record appear to have any connection with
Broughton except, as will be seen hereafter, in a way
which adds some strength to the present conjecture.
It is certain that Broughton was a place of much greater
consequence in days of yore than it is at present, and
the two names are in effect the same, Brovgh being one
of the modes in which more recent times have en-
deavoured to represent the guttural sound of the Saxon
burh, so difficult to be pronounced by modern organs.
We learn from Camden (Britannia, ed. Gibson, p. 283)
that Burton in Gloucestershire is in ancient grants
Burgtone.

Yorton is a township of Broughton. At the time
of Domesday a separate manor and township. It
is there written Jartune,2 and was then holden (as
it had been in Saxon times) by the Church of St, Chad
of Salop. It was rated at 2 hides, but the land com-
prised 4 carucates [teams], one of which was occupied
by a priest and a villan.

Yorton passed through the same hands with Brough-

1 [Mr. Blakeway is right in his conjecture. The Burtone and
Lartunc described in Domtsday as held by St. Chad's are equivalent
to the modern Broughton and Yorton, places which now form the
parish of Broughton ; whilst the Burtune, described in Domesday as
held by St. Mary's, is undoubtedly Clive and Sansaw, two townships
to this day in the parish of St. Mary. Cf. Eyton x. 160, 1G2.— En.]

2 In the printed Domesday Lartune, as Loclehul, when the original
has Joclehul. The J and L of Domesday are so much alike, that it
is almost impossible for any who are not assisted by local knowledge
of the present names of places to avoid sometimes confounding them.

BROUGHTON.

321

ton. In 2 Edward I. the Dean and Canons of St. Chad
are found to hold it in socage of the Bishop of Chester.1
]n the Inquisition of St. Chad's possessions, 1326, is a
list of the Dean's tenants in Yorton. Its tithes, which
were a part of the property of the deanery of that
church, were demised with those of Broughton for 61
years to Humphrey Onslowe, Esq., in 34 Hen. VIII. ;
and in 2 Edward VI. the reversion was leased to Beston
for 21 years, as is stated in the account of Broughton.
In 21 Elizabeth, land and tithe held by Roger Bromley,
and the advowson of the churck, were granted to Sir
Christopher Hatton, but I am not sure that we can
certainly conclude from these words that there was
actually a church at Yorton. The clerks of that day
seem to have inserted almost any words into royal
grants which the purchasers of such grants suggested.
One of the prebends of St. Chad was called the prebend
of Yorton. Under the rental of it, in the grant to
Beston, are included : — " Diverse yearly rents issuing
out of lands there to the amount of 5s. 4cl., and the
ferm of the tithe of sheafs, hay, and all other tithes
there, demised to Bromley as above mentioned, amount-
ing to 16s. 8d., which sum was to be divided between
four of the prebendaries." In 28 Edward I. it is found
that Broughton and Yorton are held of the Dean and
Canons of St. Chad in free socage, and that the Dean
himself holds it of the Bishop of Chester without any
service ; and in the Inquisition of the possessions of
St. Chad's in 1326, among the tithes belonging to the

1 [The Pimhill Hundred Roll of 1255 says that " the Dean and
Canons of St. Chad, Salop, hold iv hides in Burhton and Iyarton of
the fee of the Bishop of Chester. They owe no suit, and have a
Franchise, the Jurors know not by what warranty." The Pimhill
Tenure Roll of 1279 says that " Broughton and Yourketon are held
of the Dean of St. Chad's, Salop, in free socage," and that " the
Dean holds of the Bishop of Chester free of any service." It is sur-
mised that St. Chad's held its manors, both before and after the
conquest, immediately under the Bishop of Chester. Of. Rot.
Hundred, ii. 75; hyton, x. 1G2. — Ed.]

322 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Dean, is the whole tithe of the town of Burton, also
18s. of the lordship.

From the manner in which the Church of Broughton
lies unenclosed and open to the adjoining fields, without
any appearance of a churchyard fence, it should seem
to have been a mere feldeyrie or chapel of ease (on
which, see Whitaker's History of Whalley, p. 4G). The
field-kirk, indeed, had no right or place of sepulture,
whereas a few graves are huddled together on the south
side of Broughton Church, but they are all of late date,
and Mr. Dawson expressly speaks of it as a church in
the fields. It was, however, a place of note in the days
of Popery, if the indulgences recorded in a paper pre-
served in Gongh's History of Middle, and thence
printed in Phillips's History of Shrewsbury, p. 94, refer
to it. But concerning this there is some difficulty.
That paper purports to contain the " Statutes, indul-
gences, and pardons granted to the holy chapel of our
lady of Broughton, in the county of Salop," and Mr.
Gough, the historian of Middle, who lived in the
neighbourhood, expressly says, it was " afterwards "
(i.e.. after the destruction of a small monastery, of
which more presently) accounted a chapel in the parish
of St. Mary. Yet it is certain that the Broughton which
belonged to St. Chad was dedicated to St. Margaret ;
and the Inquisition of the town liberties in 7 Henry
VIII. expressly states that the townships of Burghton
and Yorton are within and of the parish of St. Chad.

Mr. Gough, already quoted, says that "Broughton did
formerly belong, as some say, to a small monastery,
which stood on a bank cast up by men's hands near
Broughton church," though he intimates his own belief
that it was a castle which stood on the bank, and gave
name to the place, "Broughton quasi Burghton." I
have already intimated that the most diligent searcher
into our provincial antiquities was assailed by the same
difficulty that now perplexes us.

William Mytton, writing to Browne Willis in 1741,
says: — " In my last I sent you word that Broughton

BROUGHTON.

323

was dedicated to St. Margaret, but looking over some
papers drawn up by an old attorney in my neighbour-
hood, he says 'tis dedicated to St. Mary, and mentions
old bulls of two Popes, viz., St. Julian (sic) llnd and
Leo Xth, which tell the occasion of its being built, and
in short, makes a long story of it. This he says he
found in the minister's study of that parish after his
death, but whether this was the original or a copy I
can't say, and so I leave it to your choice."

By the old attorney, Mr. Mytton evidently means
Gough, who states himself to have found the paper
quoted above in the study of his old schoolmaster, Mr.
Wm. Sukar, minister of Broughton, after his decease.
The mistake of J ulian for J ulius proves further the
identity, but Mr. Gough was no attorney. My opinion
is that St. Mary's Burtune in Domesday is the present
Clive and Sansaw,1 but it is not improbable that that
collegiate church might retain an oratory in Broughton
in token of its former connection with the place, and
that this oratory stood on the spot indicated by Gough,
and for which the Dean of St. Marv's might have
interest enough with tiie sovereign pontiffs, Julius II.
and Leo X., who filled the papal chair at the commence-
ment of the 16th century, to procure the p>rivi leges
contained in the paper preserved by Gough. That
document states that "the holy chapel of our Lady of
Broughton was begun by the revelation and power of
God, and the miracle of our Lady," but the particulars
of this legend are not recorded. Every person who
visited the chapel, and recited a pater noster and ave
mafia before the image of the Virgin, and every bene-
factor to the building and support of the chapel, were
to receive 1,5002 days of pardon, with clear remission.

1 | See p. 320 ante, note 1.— Ed.]

2 By th: Council of Lateral), one bishop present at the dedication
of a church might grant indulgence only for 10 days, if more
bishops were present, for a year, and no longer (Stavcly on Churches,
p. 06). This pardon then of four years and two months required the
intervention of the Pope.

324 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

But it should seem that the prayers which were to be
followed by these valuable privileges must be pronounced
on the feasts peculiarly appropriated to the Virgin
Mary, viz., her conception (Dec. 8), nativity (Sep. 8),
purification (Feb. 2), annunciation (Mar. 25), assump-
tion (Aug. 15), and the octaves of those feasts. Per-
mission was also to be purchased at this chapel, for
each individual to choose a priest, who should, once in
his lifetime and again at the hour of death, grant him
clear remission and absolution of all his sins, nothing
excepted. As a further inducement to the faithful to
contribute by their bounty to this chapel, an obit with
dirge and mass of requiem was kept four times in the
year for all those who had entitled themselves to become
the objects of its benefits. These privileges, it is added,
were granted by Pope Julian (Julius) Unci and Leo Xth,
and lately confirmed by 15 cardinals of the court of
Rome, and most of the bishops of England. This con-
firmation, then, must have taken place in the interval
between the death of the last of those Popes and the
English Reformation, a space of only seven years ; yet
so little was that event in contemplation of the person
who drew up this advertisement (for such, in fact, it is),
that he concludes with a declaration " that the prayers
which shall be said and done within the holy chapel,
shall endure there for evermore.5' Almost immediately
after this unlucky prediction, the stately fabric of papal
superstition, — eremites and friars

white, black, and gray, with all their trumpery . . .
were brushed away by the rude hand of reformation ;
and what candid and attentive peruser of the document
just quoted can pronounce that reformation either
wanton or unnecessary 1 I am no unqualified panegyrist
of the English Reformation . Its great author was truly
— monstrum nulla virtute redemptum, and many of its
chief instruments were compassed about with human
frailty. Dee]), and I fear, irreparable, has been the
wound it gave to Christian unity. Most important
would have been the benefits resulting, had it been

BROUGHTON.

325

attainable, from a reform without a separation from
the Church of Rome. Neither would I willingly paint
the errors of that church in colours darker than the
truth. I revere in her the traces of primitive antiquity,
and I would emulate the models of sincere piety which
she has produced both in her clergy and laity. But
masses for the dead, absolution of all sins, " nothing
excepted," pardon of " all punishment due in purgatory
for faults and offences committed against God and man "
(the terms of the form annexed to the paper just
quoted) — surely enormities in doctrine such as these,
leading by inevitable conclusion to equal enormities in
practice, are enough almost to excuse the lustful violence
of a Henry, quite sufficient to vindicate the tear of pity
we shed over the infirmities of a Cranmer, and the
raptures of deathless veneration with which we contem-
plate the sufferings of a Ridley. " But the Church of
Home never taught that these absolutions were of any
avail without the sincere repentance of him who was
their object!'' I grant it. I am assured that an en-
lightened Romish priest would rate their effects at a
value not much higher than that at which they would
be prized by a sober Protestant. And I know that an
enlightened Methodist teacher, and a sound divine of
the English Church would differ little in their estimate
of the comparative value of faith and works. But as
in that I can complain that an ignorant congregation
are deluded by ignorant and interested teachers into a
false reliance on faith alone without works, so do I con-
tend in this, that the benefits of a pardon were too
ostentatiously blazoned, and the necessity of repentance
too studiously suppressed. That neither of these per-
nicious doctrines produce their full effect upon morality,
or, we trust, upon salvation, we ascribe to that con-
science of good and ill, that lamp of the Lord implanted
by God within us, which, as it were instinctively, warns
the sound mind from gross aberration in practice :

" Cum ventum ad verum est, sensns moresque repugnant,
Atque ipsa utilitas justi prope mater et axpii."

326

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

But I return to the history of Broughton, from which,
if I have too long digressed, it is not, as Mr. Gough
observes upon the same occasion, without a pardon.

The later Deans of St. Chad's, who appear to have been
much absent from their preferment, seem to have been
much in the habit of leasing out their deanery. We
have an instrument of this kind, dated Feb. 28, 1 542-3, 1
by winch Master George Lee, brother of the Bishop of
Lichfield, lets his deanery to ferm to Humphrey Onslow.
Esq., of Onslow, for 61 years. This lease, which was
made by consent of his chapter, is absolute for the term,
and not dependent upon the life of the lessor. The
tithes of the townships of Broughton and Yorton are
expressly excepted, and reserved to the dean and his
successors. But they were almost immediately after-
wards, viz., on the 3rd day of the following April,
demised to "Roger Bromley of Broughton, gent., and
Johan his wife, by a lease in which " the ferm of the
Church of St. Margaret of Broughton, with all the
glebes thereunto belonging, viz., a croft adjoining in
the Netherfelde, a nook of land in the Wyndemyll
fylde, another nook in the Crassefelde (T suppose the
field abounding in cresses), and 2 acres of meadowe in
Brode medowe, and all tithes, pensions, portions, obla-
tions, and all other profits belonging to the said church,"
are demised to them for their lives, rendering to the
dean and his successors 24s. at Michaelmas, 6d. yearly
for synodals, and to a chaplain celebrating divine offices
in the said church, <£4 6s. Sd. yearly, besides divers
other rents paid yearly to certain of the prebendaries.

The rapacity of Henry spared, as is well known, the
collegiate churches. Sated by his unhallowed spoil, or
touched in conscience, or sensible of the utility of such
parochial establishments, he left the world without this
additional guilt upon his soul, but he had given his

1 [Cf. Owen and Blakeway ii. 201-2, for this and the next men-
tioned leases. — En.]

BROUGHTON. 327

ministers an example, upon the atrocity of which they
were eager to improve. In the first parliament of his
innocent successor, they were all thrown clown by a
single enactment of the unprincipled Somerset; and as
they were chiefly situated in large towns, it is to this
statute that we are to ascribe that general inadequacy
of provision for the incumbents of the most populous
parishes, to which Mr. Studley, minister of St. Chad's
in the portentous times immediately preceding the
great rebellion, mainly attributes the progress of Puri-
tanism which led to that event.

On this dissolution, the whole property of St. Chad's
college was leased 22 June, 2 Edward VI., to George
Beston, Esq., for 21 years.1 The ferm of St. Margaret
of Broughton, as already described, and valued beyond
reprises at £6 IGs. 8d, being part of the deans portion,
is included in this demise from the Crown, but subject
to the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Bromley. They were
probably dead in 21 Elizabeth, when the queen granted
the advowson of the church and tithes of St. Margaret
of BrouHiton, belononno; to the late college of St. Chad,
to her favourite, Sir Clnistopher Hatton.-

In 1713, Richard Lyster, Esq., was seised in fee of
the rectory and parsonage of Broton in fee, and was
entitled to all the tithes of every description, great
and small.

[Mr. Blakeway has inserted in his manuscript the
following newspaper advertisement, undated : — " To
he sold by auction in lots, in a few weeks, the Manor
of Buoughtox with the Rights, Royalties, and Appur-
tenances thereof, and the donative of the Parish Church

1 \Cf. Owen and Blakeway ii. '205, for this lease.— Ed.]
' [Queen Elizabeth, 1 1th" April, 1579, granted all the possessions
of the deanery, which then remained in the crown, to Sir Christopher
Hatton, who conveyed them the next day to Thomas Crompton and
John Morley \ as they did 30th April, 1580, to Thomas Owen and
Uowland Watson, esquires, of Lincoln's Inn. Of. Owen and Blake-
way ii. 209, 210.— Ed.]

Vol. II., 2nd S. NK

328

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

of Broughton, together with several Lands, Farms, and |
Hereditaments in the Parishes of Bronghton and Middle. |
in the County of Salop ; and also the tithes of the |
township and parish of Broughton. The Broughton j
estate lies on each side the road leading from Shrews- !
bury to Wem, about 5 miles distant from each place, j
Further particulars will appear in a future paper, I
and may be known by application at Messrs. Lloyd and I
Williams's Office, Shrewsbury."

BROUGHTON.

I. — The Parish of Broughton consists of the townships of
Broughton and Yorton.1

II. — There are 2 constables — one for each township.

III. — There is no house in Bronghton above the character
of a farm house.

IV. — The whole lies in the liberties of Shrewsbury, except j
one piece of land called the Hall marsh, near Bilmarsh, in the I
hundred of Pimhill.

V — No, except the above-named Hall Marsh in the Parish
of Middle.

VI. — No.

VII. — There is one manor called the Manor of Broughton, j
which is co-extensive with the parish.

VIII. — Rich. Lyster, Esq., of Rowton, is the Lord of the
Manor. He holds no courts, but a Court Leet is held in
Shrewsbury, as the parish is in its Liberties.

IX. — About 800 acres.

(Signed) L. Gardner.

Broughton Register begins 15S6, but contains no entries of
special interest.

[It seems doubtful iu whom the Manorial rights arc now vested, i
The Directories state that Viscount Hill is Lord of the Manor. Mr. |
Blakeway describes Robert Lyster, Esq., of Rowton, as then being
lord ; and, if this were so, he is now represented by Lord Rowton. of
Rowton Castle.

Lord Hill sold his property in Broughton to J. Wilson, Esq., of
Beobridge, and his executors sold it to Mr. Rd. Barber, of Harlcscott,
who now owns it. Robert Gardner. Esq., sold his property in

1 [For the Questions, to which these are Answers, see under
Albrkuiton, 2nd Scries, Vol. I., pp. 101-2.— Ed.]

BROUGHTON. 329

f'.r u^hton (or more strictly, Yorton), partly to J. J. Bibby, Esq., of
|j : Iwicke, but the great bulk of it to William Nevett, Esq., in 1873.
V|r. Nevett's estate in Yorton consists of about 335 acres, and his
-o was built by Mr. Davies.
it! Bilmarsh is a well, flowing out of the hollow trunk of a tree,
. i called "The Captain's Well/' The legend connected with it, if
v;v, is not now remembered. The parish of Broughton contains
ibi at 800 acres.]

THE CHURCH.

[The early records as to the Chapel of Broughton are scanty, as it
« ts a mere dependency of St. Chad : and the Diocesan Registers
contain no records of its pre-Reformation Incumbents. There was
j robibly a Church at Broughton at the time of the Domesday
Survey, which was, no doubt, served by the Yorton priest mentioned
in that record. Some account of the 16th century leases of the
( 'hurch, glebe, and tithes of St. Margaret of Broughton will be found
in Owen and Blakcways History, ii. 202, &c. In 1548 the King's
Surveyor reported as follows :— " Also the said churche of Broughton
is a parishe churche in the conn trie, distaunte from the said town
miles : and the deane and collegians of the said collcgiatt churche,
having the profetts of all the tenths of the said toune of Broughton
and Yarton, have byn allwayes chardged to fvnd a curatt there to
minister : and have demised the said xtb? to Roger Bromley, who is
bounde by his lease to find the curatt there, and to paie suche
further somes for the same, as in his lease above declarde maie
appere."

The old church was stripped of its roof and left to decay, in the
year 1857, when a new church was erected. In a circular issued by
the Vicar in that year, it is stated to be the most dilapidated church
in the county, as well as the dampest and coldest. The church was
a very small building. The east wail remains, with two lancet
windows ; also the south wall, which contains a door-way and window,
and a piscina; and portions of the west wall. The real motive for
destroying the old building was the dampness of the burying ground ;
but the act cannot be defended.

In the old churchyard is the base of a Cross, and several tombstones.
Amongst others are these : — Isabell Hales, daughter to George and
Isabell Strange of Bridgnorth, and wife to John Hales of Broughton,
died 1815; Isabell Brid, died 2 Oct., 1802; Edmund, son of Richard
and Elizabeth Parr ; Charles, son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Maddock,
died 1823, aged 16, &c.

The new church was erected by subscription, some distaucc away
from the old church and on higher ground, on a site given by Robert
Gardner, Esq., in the year 1858, and was opened in April, 1859. It
consists of chancel, nave, and bell turret, and contains a tablet to a
member of the Ncvctt family. The church is dedicated to St. Mary.
There is a most interesting prc-Rcformation chalice, with possibly a

330 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

later stem and cover, belonging to the church. The patronage is
vested in Viscount Hill. E. Percivale, Esq., is lay impropriator,
having purchased the titles from Lady Charlotte Lyster.]

INCUMBENTS OF BEOUGHTON.

(From MS. Top. Salop, C. 9).
BROUGHTON.

Thomas Newnes, of Middle ; rector of Broughton in 1577. See

Register of Middle. See also Clive.
William Sugar, minister 1628 ; sep. 17 Nov., 1G75. [He

married Mary Otley on 16 Oct. 1628. Curate also of

Clive and Grinshill.]
James Doughty, curate; sep. 12 May, 1730, Holy Cross.
Sutton. See Newtown.

[William Bagley, minister 1754 to 1778; Incumbent of the
Clive ; died 22 Feb., 1783, and buried 28th at Preston
Gobalds.]

Thomas Moses Lyster. See Oldbury.

Francis Salt. [Signs the Register as Curate in 1810-11 ; and
as Minister from 1815-1836. Qu. also Headmaster
of Wem Grammar School. M.A. Ch. Ch., Oxford. Born
at Bridgnorth, 1795; died 14 April, 1841. Son of
the Rev. Francis Salt, of Bridgnorth.]

[William Boulton, M.A. Ch. Ch., Oxon. Headmaster of Wem
Grammar School, 1839-1878. Born at Bridgnorth,
1808; died 22 April, 1S80. Son of Mr. William
Boulton, of Bridgnorth.

Francis Barney Parkes, B.A. Ch. Ch., Oxon. Signs the Register
as Curate in 1836. Perpetual Curate 1840-1855.
Afterwards Rector of Southwick, Sussex, 1858-1873,
and Vicar of Atcham, 1873-1881. Born at Lopping-
ton, 1S12; died 24 Sept., 1881. Son of the Rev.
Richard Parkes, Vicar of Hanmer and Loppington ;
and grandson of Mr. Pryn Parkes, of St. Martin's,
co. Warwick.

John Wood, M.A. Ch. Ch., Oxon. Incumbent of Grinshill, 1849,
and of Broughton 1855 to 1864. During his incum-
bency, in 1857, the old church was unroofed, and the
new church erected. Born at Grinshill, 1801 ; died
18 May, 1864. Son of Mr. John Wood, of Grinshill.

John Hawkes worth. Formerly a barrister-at-law. He died
at Wem in 1876.

feROUGITTON. 331

John Wright, M.A. St. John's Coll., Camb.; Vicar of Broughton

187G. Also Vicar of Grinshill since 1874.
The following also sign the Registers as Curates of Broughton: —
Edward Powys, Curate, 1781.
William Clarke, 1782.
Thomas Jones, 1783.

R. Howell, 1700-4. [Qu. Richard Howell, of Wem.]
D. Evans, 1707-1800.
Richard Walker, 1800-9.
John Kynaston, 1826.

Viscount Hill is patron of the Vicarage of Broughton. There is
no Vicarage house ; but the living has usually been held with other
preferment. For this addition to Mr. Blakeway's list of Incumbents
I am indebted to the Rev. John Wright, M.A. — Ed.]

BROUGHTON REGISTER EXTRACTS.

^Extracted from Geo. Morris's MS. Shropshire Registers, <fcc, in the
Shrewsbury Free Library).

The Register begins 1586.

1586. Wm. Witcherley, yeoman, buried Oct. 15.

158S. Richard, son of James Witcherley, bapt. March 5.

1580. George, son of James Witcherley, bapt. June 22.

1503. Jane, daughter of James Witcherley, bapt. April 8.

1505. William, son of James Witcherley, bapt. .Mar. 16.

1508. Mychael Lyster, gen., buried Dec. 14.

1603. J ohn, son of James Witcherley, bapt. Sept, 25.

1605. Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Otley, buried Dec. 12.

1608. Edmont Towers of Preston Gubbals, and Margaret

Hancox, mar. Nov. 1.

1600. Elizabeth Lyster, widow, bur. May 3.

1618. William Wicherley, bur. May 4.

1620. John, son of Joseph Wicherley, buried Feb. 22.

1621. John, son of Joseph Wicherley, bapt. June 7.
1623. Adam, son of Joseph Wicherley, bapt. Jany. 25.
1625. Joseph Wicherley, of Broughton, bur. Oct, 24.
1628. Wm. Sugar and Mary Otley, mar. Oct. 16.
1635. George, son of James Wicherley, bur. Jan. 14.
1640. James Witcherley, bur. Sept. 14.

1662. Richard Witcherley, bur. Dec. 6.

1675. William Sugar, minister of Broughton, Curate of Clive

and Grinsell, bur. Nov. 17.
1678-0. Thomas, son of John Oatolcy and Sarah his wifo,

bapt, Feb. 5.

332

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

1681. Joshua Barnet, clerk of Ercol and Margaret Cooper of
Wem, widow, rnar. Oct. 24.

1683. Daniel, son of John and Mary Witcherley, bapt. May 6. j

1718, Mr. Thomas Barnes, of St. Alkmond's, and Mrs. Abigail
Nevett, of St. Chadd's, mar. May 13.

1727-8. Mr. John Barnes, of Wem, and Mrs. Elizabeth White-
head, of Wellington, mar. March 13.

(Additions from the original Registers).

1715. Mr. John Horwell, of St. Julian's, and Mrs. Mary

Chapman, of St. Chad's, mar. July 21.
173S. Richard Herbert, of St. Mary's, and Mary Reynolds, of j

St. Chad's, mar. Sept. 29.
1761. Nehemiah Huffa, of Olive, and Margaret Embrey, of

Grensill, mar. Feb. 1. Witnesses : Anne Kilvert,

John Embrey, junior, and John Kilvert,
1807. John, son of Mr. Thomas Rogers and Mary his wife,

bapt. May 24 ; born 22nd.

[The earliest Register is lost. The present one commences only in
1705. Vol. I. extends from 1705 to 1774, Vol. II., 1775 to 1812, :
Vol. IU., 1754 to 1811, Marriages; Vol. IV., 1815 to 1837, Marriages. !
These names occur in the earliest existing Register : — Hales, Ebry, |
Eaton, Newnes, Kilvert, Edwards, Maddock, Garmson, Painter, Miles, S
Yeoman s, &c.

A Court Book of the Shrewsbury Municipal Court Leet, preserved
amongst the Corporation Records, and dated 1647-8, names these j
inhabitants of Broughton : — Thomas Lister, Joshua Richardson,
Richard Frees, John Ford, and Francis Gough ; and of Yorton : —
Thomas Heath, William Crosse, "William No wans, Roger Gittyns. and
William Wood.

A Court Roll of 1649-50 names Joshua Richardson, gent., John
Soudlyn. and John ffoord, as then living at Broughton.

In 1580 there seem to have been 16 men in Broughton and 16
men in Yorton, over the age of 16, capable of bearing arms. Their
names and particulars of their arms will be found at page 275 ante.]

clive. 333
CLIVE.

A chapelry in the Parish of St. Mary, Shrewsbury,
consisting of the townships of Clive and Sansaw, each
having a separate constable and being a separate manor.
There can scarcely be a doubt that Clive was an ancient
possession of the collegiate Church of St. Mary, from
times antecedent to the Conquest, but Domesday passes
it by in silence, unless, as I conjecture, it was that part
of Broughton which then belonged to that church,1 and
our few public records of property for nearly two
centuries after are almost wholly confined to catalogues
of the tenants by military service. I find no mention
of this place before the Iter of Henry III., in which it
is recorded to be " elemosina Regis capelle sue de
Salop." In the Hundred-Roll of Pimhill 28 Edward I.2
more fully: "the dean and canons of St. Mary hold
the vills of Clive and Sansawe of the King in frank-
almoign : and the men of Clive and Sansawe hold it of
the said canons in free socage."

In the reign of Edward III. John le Strange of
Whitchurch, a potent baron, had molested the men of
this chapelry and the contiguous one of Astley, in the
occupation of certain land which they had assarted, or
cleared from the waste. As their landlords were a
spiritual body, he probably thought to commit this
outrage with impunity. The dean of St. Mary's, how-

1 [Clive and Sansaw, both in Saxon times and at Domesday, formed
that part of Broughton which belonged to St. Mary's. The Manor is
thus described in Domesday: — "The Church of St. Mary held and
holds Burtune. There are live geldable hides. One priest has there
half a team, and seven villans with two teams and a half ; and there
might yet be there three teams more. There is wood for fattening
24 hogs. In the time of King Edward it was worth 10s. It is now
worth 15s." In 1205, the Pimhill Hundred-Roll describes this estate
simply as Clive : — " The Dean and Canons of St. Mary, Salop, hold 4
geldable hides in Clive, and it is the King's alnioign to his chapel of
Salop. It does suit to County and Hundred, and pays 2s. for Stret-
ward and inotfee." Cf. Eyton x. 1G0. — En.]

2 [Eyton calls this "the Pimhill Tenure-Roll of 1279." Cf. Eyton
X. 101.— Ed.]

334 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

ever, procured a writ of privy seal directing him to
place things in their former state, and the lord of
Whitchurch found it necessary to bind himself in a
recognizance of £40 to comply with this mandate. The
substance of an instrument bv which the college released
him from this bond upon condition of his performing its
stipulations, is as follows : — " Covenant made between
Monsr John Le Strange of Blankminster and Sir Tho.
de Baddebye, dean of ye free chapel of our Lady of
Salopirs and ye chanons of ye same chapel, lords of ye
towns of Astleys, Sonsawe and Clyve : viz. que le dit
Monr Johan ad empris de fair reseisir & restitution
avoir as dits Dean & chanons of all y° lands assarted &
occupied by their tenants & neifs in ye same towne, &
also of yc woods & wast belonging to ye sd chapel in ye
sd towns, & to distrain their tenants & neifs to make to
them their rents & services due : to do which he has
been commanded by the king by writ of privy seal & as
he is bound hereto in £40 : ye dean &c grant that y° sd
obligation be void if he perform it. 18 Edw. III. Done
as Salopirs."

As tenure in socage, though the most beneficial, is
the humblest of all tenures, we must not expect to find
any great families among the ancient proprietors of
Clive, Thomas Russel, otherwise called de la Clyve,
was town clerk of Shrewsbury (clericus burgi Salop) in
the beginning of the 14th century, and it seems from
the numerous bequests, among which is one of 12d. to
the chapel here, was evidently a person of opulence and
consideration. As late as 7 Henry VI. I find a John
Russel of Sonsawe, who was, I presume, one of his des-
cendants. This seal1 is appended to a release of actions
dated 7 Henry VI. from Jn. Eussel of Sonsawe and
Emelyn his wife to Ralph Frebody of Smethcote and
Margaret his wife, to which the releasors say, " sigilla

1 [The seal, a cross between four birds, and legend of which
"coniuno" alone is legible, is tricked in the MS., but is not here
copied. — Ed.]

335

nostra apposuimus ;" but this, which evidently appears
to have been a common seal, is the only one which was ever
a (Fixed to this instrument, {cart. pen. Jos. Loxdale ai m.)

The most ancient family that has occurred to me,
after that of Russel, as connected with this place,
is that of Wycherley, of whom Roger Wycherley of
Clyve is stated to have lived in 10 Henry IV.; and the
family was of sufficient consequence to have its pedigree
entered il in the ancientest visitacion book of Shropshire
remairing in the Heralds' office," which Dugdale had
seen, i.e., I suppose the visitation of 1584.

Another ancient family at Clive was that of Gery,
who may perhaps mount up beyond the Norman
Conquest, since Gheri, a free man, qui dare & vendere
potuit, who had the uncontrolled dominion over his
property, enjoyed Octune and Etbritone in the time of
the Confessor. But the earliest mention of the family
of Gery, as connected with this place, is in 27 Henry VI.,
when Richard Gery is entitled of Clive. In 38 Henry VI.
he occurs as of Clyft, and with the addition of'gentilmon.'
He probably removed to Shrewsbury, as in 14 Edward
IV. I find Rich. Gery called son and heir of Rich. Gery
formerly of Salop ; and the same Christian name was
continued for several descents, since in 34 Hen. VIII.
(if this be not, as I suspect, an error of my transcript
for Henry VI.) is Rich. Gery of Clyve, gent., son and
heir of Rich. Gery, lately deceased. All these appear
in the Waring evidences of lands in Shelton. Mary,
the daughter and co-heir of Rich. Gery of Clyve, married
Wm. Wycherley of the same place, who was living in
3 and 4 Philip and Mary.

The family of Wycherley is chiefly remarkable for
having produced the celebrated William Wycherley,
who, however unduly he may have been extolled by his
contemporaries, and however mean his productions may
now appear, must certainly be regarded as the father
of our modern comedy. Such particulars as I have
been able to collect of this writer are subjoined. The
annexed pedigree will sufficiently explain the subsequent

Vol. II., 2nd S. 00

336 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

descent of his property to Robt. Embrey, who was
stated at his death in 1786 to be lord of the manor of
Clive, though I understand that Mr. Gardner of Sansaw
lays claim to the manor.

What Cicero says of a famous oration of an old orator j
whom he commends, is perhaps applicable to the extra-
vagant praises which have been bestowed upon the !
comedies of Wycherley : — Ci Hrcc de incestu laudatur j
oratio puerilis est multis locis : de amore, de tormentis,
de rumore, loci sane inanes : veruntamen nondum tritis i
nostrorum hominum auribus, nec erudita civitate tolcr-
abiles." Brutus 32. What he says afterwards is very
true: " Quo nihil est melius, id laudari, qualecunque
est, solet." 86.

This parish having given birth to that rare production
of nature, an original genius, in the person of William j
Wycherley, the lather of modern comedy, we shall
perhaps be pardoned in deviating from our usual course
in presenting our readers with a few particulars of his j
life. He was, however, much indebted for his future
eminence to the care taken of his education by his \
father, and that father was in every way so remarkable I
a person, and the first of his family who emerged from i
the yeomanry of the country, that a sketch of his history
may not be unacceptable.

The following account of Mr. Wycherley the father
is chiefly derived from two MS. authorities. 1. Rich.
Gough of Newton, in the parish of Middle, completed
his account of that parish about the beginning of the \
last century. The author was a respectable farmer,
who amused the leisure hours of his declining age by
committing to paper every particular which he could
collect concerning the history of his neighbours, none
of whom were too high or too low for his notice. It is
written with a characteristic garrulity and simplicity,
which render it not uninteresting, though it sometimes
excites a smile at the expense of the honest author, and
may occasionally remind the reader of the Memoirs of
P. P., clerk of this parish.

CLIVE. 33?

2. The Rev. Samuel Garbet, M.A., second master of
Wcm school, began the history of that parish about
1740. This is in point of research, judgment, and
diction, a very superior performance to Gough's, and is,
in fact, a very excellent production. A part of it has

stolen into print in the Monthly Magazine for

i t seems to be the work alluded to by Mr. Archdeacon
Plymley in his Agricultural Survey of Shropshire, under
the title of a 11 History of the Hundred of Bradford."

Daniel Wycherley, then, was the eldest son of
Daniel Wycherley of Olive, in this parish, by Margery
his wife, daughter and heir of Wm. Wolfe of Acton
Reynald. From the Visitation of this county in 1663
it appears that the family had been seated at Olive at
least as early as 1410. He was born about the year
1617. (This date is taken from his age at the time of
his death, as stated by Mr. Garbet, but I should
suppose him to be older. In the register of admittances
to the Free Schools of Shrewsbury, the name occurs in
1616, but I will not affirm that this was our Daniel
Wycherley. It may have been a person of both these
names, a Batchelor of Divinity, whom we learn from
Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy was ejected from his
fellowship of Queen's Oollege, Oambridge, and from the
rectory of Hemingstone in co. Suffolk for his loyalty ;
he may have been of this family, though I cannot
connect him with the Wycherleys of Olive.)1 Having
been well educated in all sorts of learning that the
country could afford, Daniel Wycherley went to London,
where, after remaining for a time in the service of some
person belonging to the law, he at length obtained an
office in the exchequer.2 All this must have taken

1 I find mention of this name in Camden's Epistles, p. 42, where
Gontev writing to that antiquary says, I enclosed my letter in that
of our friend Mr. Yechcrley.

2 " Having the prospect of obtaining a teller's place in the King's
Exchequer, his aunt in Acton furnished him with £100, which pro-
cured the place." — Gough. The reader will not require any proof that
it could not be a teller s place which was obtained at so easy a rate.

338 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

place before the breaking out of the great rebellion,
since before that event he also became steward to John
Powlett, fifth Marquis of Winchester, an appointment
which furnished him with an occasion of greatly in-
creasing his fortune, and of acting a more conspicuous
part on the theatre of the world than he would other-
wise have done. The share which the Marquis took in
the civil wars is well known. He was a singular
character. Tt was said of his family that its represen-
tatives were alternately fools and wise men. The
enthusiasm of this nobleman was evinced by the stout
resistance of Basinghouse, on every pane of glass in
which he caused to be inscribed his motto : Aymez
Loyaulte. For that Walty he was thrown into prison
and his estates were confiscated. In this emergency
the talents of Mr. Wycherley for business proved emin-
ently serviceable to his employer. With great despatch
he procured the sum requisite to pay the marquis's
composition (so says Gough, but I cannot, however,
find the name of the marquis in the list of those who
compounded for their estates ; and indeed, we can
hardly suppose that so capital a delinquent, whose
house had withstood the Parliamentary forces for above
two years, would be admitted to make any composition).
He thereby gained the uncontrolled management of his
vast estates, was enabled to remit considerable sums of
money to the exiled monarch (Garbet) . Absolute power
of any kind is very unfavourable to honour and probi ty ;
and if Mr. Wycherley's contemporaries may be credited,
he did not pass through a situation of great temptation
with an unsullied character.1 However this may be,
he was enabled to make the great purchase of the
Manors of Wem and Loppington. Gough, who spares
nobody, would insinuate that this sa'ie was founded on
a fraudulent and collusive transaction between Wycher-
ley and a Mr. Hessell, the Earl of Arundel's steward.
Mr. Hessell had, according to him, a commission to sell

1 Ho was admitted of the Inner Temple, November 25, 1G53.

339

the copyhold tenures of Wem to the copyholders in
order to raise money for the payment of the earl's com-
position. But this measure not proving so productive
as was expected, he was at length obliged to sell the
manor to Wycherley, who had obliged him with certain
advantageous purchases of the lands of his principal,
the Marquis of Winchester. This statement is, how-
ever, entirely erroneous. The Earl of Arundel never
compounded, as he acted quite a neutral part in the
great convulsions of his country ; also, it is certain from
Sir. Garbet's MS. that the sale did not happen to take
place till July, 1665, five years after the restoration.
" So," says Gough, " Mr. Wycherley became lord
of the manor, and was by some persons called Lord
Wycherley; he was afterwards put into the commission of
the peace for this county, and wrote himself Esqi lire. And
now I've brought tins Esq. to his zenith or vertical point.
u Parva quidem crescunt lente, summisque negatum
Stare din." Ovid.

The justices of the peace it was done. p. 150.

The remaining years of Mr. Wycherley's life were
clouded with litigations. Besides a tedious and un-
successful contest with the Marquis of Winchester, son
of his patron, who called him to give an account of his
stewardship, and a suit with the free schools of Shrews-
bury about the maintenance1 of Olive chapel, lie was
engaged for nine years, from 1673 to 1682, with the
copyholders of Wem, from whom he demanded an
augmentation of their fines, and in which he was ulti-
mately victorious ; but the expenses of these various
suits compelled him to sell his estates ; like Swift's
fictitious hero, Gulliver, " he was almost ruined by a
long suit which was decreed for him with costs." In
1684 lie conveyed the Manors of Wem and Loppington
to that odious instrument of tyranny, the infamous
chief justice Jeffreys, " and after that," says Gough5
" Mr. Wycherley was no more called My Lord Wycher-

1 [Or rather, patronage of Clivo chapel. — Ed.]

340 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

ley." Domestic uneasiness aggravated the misfortunes
of Wycherley. By his wife Bethia, daughter of William
Shrimpton of Whitchurch, in Hampshire, and " gentle-
woman " to the Marchioness of Winchester, he had a
numerous family, four sons and six daughters. Besides
the extravagancies of his eldest son William, which are
well known, his second son George, rector of Wem,
died in the Fleet prison, and his daughter Elizabeth
died distracted from disappointment in a matrimonial
connection. Notwithstanding these vexations and con-
tests he lived to a great age, being, according to Garbet,
above 80 years old at the time of his death. He was
buried at the Clive 7 May, 1697. But as late as the
year 1703, at the court held for St. Mary's peculiar, on
Sept. 13th, " Mr. Wm. Wytcherley " was cited to prove
the will of his father, Daniel Wytcherley, Esq.

The person of Mr. Wycherley was prepossessing. He
was of a large stature and a comely countenance, his
hair white with age. His behaviour was genteel and
courteous. i{ I have heard him much commended," says
Gough, " that he never contended with persons unable
to deal with him, but with great persons." In effect,
though his character has not been delineated by the
hand of friendship, it seems probable that after making
reasonable deductions for that calamy which is apt to
pursue the rapid increase of wealth, we should not have
much severely to arraign in his public conduct. His un-
kind ness in the parental relation forms a juster ground
of censure. It is alluded to by Dryden in his Discourse on
Satire : " Horace," says he, " gives the best character
of a father which I ever read in history, and I wish a
witty friend of mine, now living, had such another."

But on this it is impossible now to decide with
certainty. The virtues of that witty friend were not
calculated to create much esteem or affection, and the
resentment of the father was not unfounded, if it be
true that the dramatist intended to depict the litigious-
ness of his character, by the Widow Blackacre in the
" Plain Dealer."

CLIVE. 341

The exact date of William Wycherley's birth is so
much CDnnected with his literary history, that it would
b * desirable to ascertain it, but this is a point of some
difficulty. If we might believe Mr. Oldys's account of
his age at the time of his death he must have been born
in 1G34 ; but Garbet places his birth about 16 Car. I.,
1040 ; and this, though he does not state the document
on which it is founded, seems nearer the truth. His
father seems to have determined to give him the
education of the first gentlemen of his time, and sent
him to make the grand tour at an early period. On
his return he resided a short time at Queen's College,
Oxford, where, though he was never a member of the
college nor entered upon its registers, he resided in the
Provost's Lodge, and was entered in the public library
under the title of philosophies studiosus in July, 1660.
(Quaere, who was provost of Queen's ?) Hence he
removed to the Inner Temple, of which he was admitted
a member 4 November, 1659. Whether it was intended
that he should study the law as a profession does not
appear. If it was, he soon frustrated the design, and
turned his attention to the muses. Burlesque poetry
had been recently introduced into this country from
France, and the success of Cotton's Travestie of the
^neid had given it an extensive circulation among us.1
Wycherley availed himself of the prevailing taste, and
produced Hero and Leander in burlesque verses, 1669,
of the merit of which I am not able to speak, having
never seen it. Hence the transition was not difficult
to the drama. His " Love in a Wood " made its first
appearance in 1672, and was followed in each of the
three succeeding years by the " Gentleman Dancing
Master," the " Plain Dealer," and the 4 'Country Wife,"2

1 It is scarcely credible that the most sacred subjects could not
escape this pollution. " La Passion de notre Seigneur en vers bur-
lesques " appeared at Paris in 1G49. See the life of Cotton in
Hawkin's ed. of Walton's Angler.

2 I cannot imagine how the annotator on the Tatler, No. 3, should
say the tl Country Wife " »vas first acted in 1G83,

342 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

which last appeared in 1675, and closed the dramatic
race of our author.

His contemporaries vied with each other in applaud-
ing these pieces. The fastidious Rochester allows : —
" None seem to touch upon true comedy
But hasty Shadwell and slow Wycherley."

The great Dry den in the preface to his " State of
Innocence," 1674, writes thus : — Many .... theatre,
and again (p. 52, and Dryden iii. 335).

Yet when one turns to the productions that called
forth these lofty encomiums, one is almost tempted to
exclaim with Horace : —

" At vestri proavi Plautinos et numeros et
Laudaveie sale3 : nimium patienter utrumque,
Ne dicam stulte. mirati." [Horace, Ars Poetica, 270-2.]

Wycherley told Pope that he wrote these plays in
the above order at the respective ages of 19, 21, 25,
and 31 or 32. But either his memory, which was a
very bad one, deceived him, or he was actuated by the
mean vanity of representing himself as as early an
instance of premature talents as the youthful poet to
whom he was addressing himself. It is surely incredible
that he was in the habit of keeping his plays from 14
to 9 years in his desk before he produced them to the
public. This would be an obedience to the precept of
Horace of which we have seen few examples. His age
when he wrote the last piece is the only date to which
we can give implicit assent.

The first of these pieces is really beneath criticism.
To the " Country Wife," which is said to have been
drawn from living characters,1 and to which no one can
deny the praise of sprightly and bustling intrigue, and

the manner in which is thrown into the

way of her gallant by Horner's perpetual efTorts to
keep her from his, is original and comic. Through the
inimitable acting of Mrs. Jordan this play still retains
a place on our stage.

1 "In the Country Wife . . . Country Wife," Oldys MS. notes on
Langbaine. For North I am informed we should read South Tid worth.

CLIVE.

343

But in the "Plain Dealer" we seek in vain for the
usefulness of satire which Dryden highly commends.
Its satire is directed against sincerity and frankness of
character., a censure from which its original, the cele-
brated Misanthrope of Moliere, is by no means exempt.
(Ilousseau alleged this objection to the Misanthrope,
from which D'Alembert has attempted to vindicate
Moliere, in his reply to the Citizen of Geneva, but with
no success. He has shown indeed how the play might
have been formed to convey a most useful lesson; but
his arguments to prove that it might have been so
constructed evidently show that it does not in its
present form produce this effect). Manly, the hero of
Wycherley Js piece, who has been supposed to be intended
for a portrait of himself, renders the virtue and inde-
pendence to which he pretends disgusting by vulgar
brutality and causeless petulance. It is needless to
observe that the brightest pages of our author are de-
formed by that gross and undisguised obscenity which
was taken for wit by Charles, and is a conspicuous
proof of the barbarism of the English court at that
period. v

How then may we account for the high reputation
which Wycherley so long enjoyed ? He was the first
who brought the familiar conversation of common life
upon our stage Even Shakespeare has rarely exhibited
the unrestrained ease of common life. The inimitable
character of Justice Shallow is the only instance I at
present recollect, for even his Falstaff, unrivalled as it
is, much less his Mercutia or his Beatrice, which are, 1
think, alleged by Johnson, are not such characters as
one meets with in real life. Wycherley opened a new
career in the drama, and his productions appeared when
the nation, weary of the solemn hypocrisy of the fana-
tical period, was not disposed to be very delicate in its
choice of amusement. This was the true foundation of
Wycherley's fame, which succeeding writers, dazzled
with the splendour of his name, adopted without
examination. Fame then was cheap, and the first
Vol. II., 2nd S. PP

344 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

comer sped : Dryden eulogised the conquest of Granada,
nor can it reasonably excite surprise if the modern
reader, who comes to the perusal of his works with his
expectations raised by these exalted panegyrics, should
experience a woeful disappointment. I am far, however,
from wishing to pluck every laurel from his brow He
was certainly a man of talents. Many of his faults
were the defects of the age in which he lived, and on
that account obtain our indulgence, but can never
expect, after the great models which have succeeded
him, to obtain the extravagant applause which they once
drew forth. In a word, we may well apply to this
subject the remarks of Horace on y° merits of the
ancient dramatists of his time, and which Wycherley
himself adopted as ye motto to his first play, little
thinking that it would ever be applicable to himself : —

" emendata videri

Pulchra qui et exactis minimum distantia miror ;
Nec veniam antiquis, sed honorem et praemia posci."

[Horace, Epist. II., i. 71-2, 78.]

But we should form a very imperfect notion of
Wycherley's character if we considered him merely in
the light of a man of letters. His greatest merit in his
own days, and that to which he owes perhaps no small
share of his fame, was his character as a man of fashion.
Pope, who knew him well, says that he possessed Vair
noble, that is, as he explains himself, a certain air of
dignity, accompanied by an entire ease of manner,
perfectly unconscious of superiority and devoid of affec-
tation,— such an air, says lie, as all noblemen should,
and so few really do possess, and of which he cites the
Duke of Bucks as an example.1 It is no wonder then,
that with a winning and graceful exterior, and all the
talents which embellish society, and a lively and brilliant
flow of conversation, Wycherley embarked in all the
pleasures of a gay and dissipated court, and enjoyed

1 Oldy's MS. he adds "see Voltaire." The meaning of this refer-
ence I do not comprehend.

CLIVE. 345

what is called la bonne fortune. He is even supposed
to have shared with the monarch himself in the favours
of the celebrated Duchess of Cleveland, who is known
not to have been very constant in her amours. The
us. inner in which their acquaintance commenced was as
follows. This incident gives one a curious and not very
idvantageous idea of the manners of that period, in
which licentiousness was not refined from any of its
crossness. But when we are told that she used to
visit him at his chambers in the Temple, dressed like a
country girl, in a straw hat, with pattens on, a basket
or box in her hand, etc., it is difficult to avoid classing
this story with those anecdotes which have a very
slight foundation in truth. However faithless she
might occasionally be to her regal lover, we cannot
doubt that her intrigues were conducted with the
utmost privacy, and can never believe that, well-known
as she must have been, she would adopt a disguise
which would only heighten her very uncommon and
exquisite beauty, and attract the eyes of all passengers
in the streets.

These excesses, the company with which he associated,
and the figure which he supported, so far exceeding the
allowance which he received from an austere father,
quickly involved our author in pecuniary embarrasments.
From these he was extricated by his marriage, of the
steps leading to which we have a curious story. ( Here
insert it.)1 The lady was Letitia, daughter of the
Earl of Had nor, and widow of the Earl of Drogheda ;
but her jointure of £1,800 a year, though it released
him from his more pressing difficulties, probably added
little to his happiness. She was extremely jealous of
her handsome and gay husband, and it is related that
after he had obtained her permission to dine at a tavern
with some of his old companions, she would engage a
room on the opposite side of the street, from which she

1 [Mr. Blakeway has unfortunately left several gaps in his account
of Wycherley, which we have no means of iilling up.— Ed.]

346 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

might watch his motions and detect the introduction
of any improper company, a circumstance which may
seem to be alluded to in the Country Wife, where

. . . . though it is evident that if this conjecture be
founded in truth, this passage must have been added
long after the first representation of the piece. It was
on the death of this lady, I presume, that Wycherley's
distresses returned ; since we are told that he passed
seven years within the walls of a prison : a woeful and
gloomy contrast to the glittering scenes which he had
once adorned. For this tedious confinement his father
has been condemned, but with what justice it is
impossible to determine, since we neither know the
ability of the old man to relieve him, nor how far the
conduct of the son deserved relief. {Here insert the
account of his being released), and see Malone's Life of
Dryden, p. 190, n. In the great revolution which
ensued, I conceive Wycherley to have adhered to the
abdicated monarch. To this he would be led as well by
his obligations to James II. as his peculiar intimacy
with Dry den. He did not, however, like that great
poet, publish his dissent. He contented himself with
enjoying his own sentiments in private. His spirits
broken by imprisonment and disappointment, the
brilliant characters with whom he had passed the
morning of life departed from the scene, he was content
to pass his declining years without any further struggles
for public notice; in the possession of an easy fortune
which his father's death put him into the possession of,
and in the enjoyment of that reputation which he had
acquired in the court of Charles. He did not, however,
relinquish all attention to poetry, though it was now
rather the amusement of his leisure hours than the
occupation of a profession, and he cherished all a fathers
fondness for these productions of his old age.

Pope, now rising fast into celebrity, was introduced
to the veteran author, who submitted these precious
manuscripts to his correction. The young poet, with the
[assurancejof our author's own Manly, and with the cons-

CLIVE.

347

ciousness of superior talents, exercised with so much
vigour the office of a censor over these wretched rhymes,
(vet see the effect of prejudice, Hill represents Pope as
guilty of mean servility to Wycherley ; Richardson's
Correspondence,) — that the old bard's vanity took the
alarm ; and the result was not unlike the affair of Gil
Bias and the Archbishop in the admired romance of
Le Sage. Pope has given us a curious account of
Wycherley 's mode of composition. [Here insert it).

With his native county and his patrimonial estates
our author kept up but little connection, though a walk
in the grounds of San saw is shewn in which he is said
to have written one of his plays. In his correspondence
with Pope, we find the few following notices of his
visits hither.1 {Here insert them).

The last transaction of his life was an act of cruelty
to his heir, but of justice to his creditors. He appears
to have had only a life interest in his estate, with a
power, however, of settling a jointure upon any wife in
proportion to the fortune which she should bring him.
Aware of his approaching dissolution, and very desirous
of availing himself of this power to raise a sum of

1 Among John Dennis' letters, printed in the Familiar and Courtly
Letters, 8vo, 1700, are several addressed to Wycherley. The first of
these it- directed to him at " Cleve near Shrewsbury." He says,
'•When 1 venture to write to you, I consider you, not as the greatest
comick wit that ever England bred, sent purposely to cheer the ears
of the wittiest men, and to ravish the hearts of the most beautiful
women, — no Sir : — that in writing to you 1 may assume some
spirit, I only consider you as the humble hermit at Cleve ; humble
even in the full possession of all those extraordinary qualities,
the knowledge of which has made me proud." " None but such real
greatness as yours can capacitate a man to be truly humble." " When
I receive your answer, I shall then believe, what you were pleas'd to
tell me when 1 saw you last ; that you are much more humble in the
clear air on your mountain at Cleve, than when you are in fog and
sulphurous smoke in Bow Street."

Wycherley in reply says, — " Though I receive no rents here, yet
I must own if 1 did, 1 could not receive greater satisfaction than I
had from yours with even a letter of exchange;" and the whole
correspondence runs in the same hyperbolical strain of panegyric, that
it looks like a reciprocation of sarcastic irony.

348

HlSTOtlY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

money sufficient to pay off his debts, he commissioned
his relation, Captain Shrimpton, to find out a lady who
was willing to sink her fortune upon these terms. The
lady, she was Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Joseph
Jackson, gent., of Hertingfordbury, was procured, and
the marriage celebrated in the 81st year of Wycherley 5s
age, if we may believe Oldys, but in his 79th year
according to other accounts. (See Memoirs of Mrs.
Oldfield). Soon after which our author died, on the
1st January, 1715. This date and Oldys' statement
of the age of Wycherley is confirmed by a MS. addition
to the Athence in tire Bodleian Library, p. 977, by
Rawlinson. He was buried in a vault at St. Paul's,
Covent Garden. In his person Wycherley was remark-
ably handsome, a circumstance of which he was suffic-
iently sensible. There is a mezzo-tinto of him at the
age of 28, by Smith, after a picture by Sir Peter Lely,
which it is said he was wont to survey in his declining
years with an emotion of regret, and a mournful sigh of
Quantum rnutatus ! Lord Chesterfield, says Oldys,
. . . . marks of age. This portrait seems to be the
same referred to by Granger, iv. 44, and the testiness
of which Oldys speaks is very conspicuous in our
author's correspondence with Pope.

The old ballad of "My Father was born before me,"
which appeared in 1G72, agrees in so many respects
with the personal history of Wycherley, that I cannot
but conjecture that it was intended for him, though in
this case we must suppose a few circumstances have
been altered to prevent the resemblance from being too
glaring. As this once noted song is now but little
known, and as it is not without some merit, it is here
subjoined for the reader's consideration. ( Here insert it ),

Mr. Ireland,1 born at the Trench Farm, near Wem,

1 A letter from Mr. Kuerten Jeffreys, dated at Shrewsbury, Sep-
tember 25, 1801, gives the following information, picked up, lie says,
from two old people at Wem : — "The poet Wycherley married on his
death-bed a young woman from London, supposed to be a stationer's
daughter, which he was induced to do in consequence of his brother

CLIVE. 349

and the birth-place of Wycherley ; — his mother was
a daughter of the Hev. Thomas. Holland, 30 years
minister at Wem, and the grandson of Philip
Henry, — educated by Mrs. Shrimpton, relict of
Wycherley.

By the Inquisition taken 19 June, 9 Charles I., after
the death of John Gardiner, he is found to have died
seised of two messuages, four cottages and divers lands,
&c, in Clive, late Wycherley, holden of the King of
the late college of St. Mary in Salop. (Co. Es.)

CLTVE.

I. — The Chapelry of Clive consists of the Townships of Clive
and Sansaw.1

II. — There are two Constables, one for each Township.

III. — In the Township of Clive is Clive Hall, formerly the
residence of the Wycherley 's. The poet and dramatic writer

and heir having displeased him. His widow married Captain Shrimp-
ton, with some property left her by the poec, and survived her second
husband. She spent several summers at the Trench Farm, near
Wem, Her manners and conversation were coarse and unrefined,
strongly indicating a birth of low origin.

The poet's brother married Miss Hill of Soulton near Wem, by
whom lie had two children, Hill Wycherley, a boy, and Ann. The
former died in London of the small pox [29 Feb., 1752, set 22], and
was brought down to Wem for interment, which was performed by
candlelight. Ann married Thos. Jervis from the neighbourhood of
Drayton, a man of low origin ; she died also without issue at Whit-
church. One part of Hill Wycherley's estate descended to Daniel
Wycherley of Whitchurch, or some distant relation there, whose
descendants now enjoy it. The other part (supposed the hereditary
part) went to two branches, Nehemiah Huffa and Mrs. Cadman ; the
latter was niece to the poet, and left her property to Mr. Embrey of
Grinshill, deceased, whose daughters now possess the Clive estate.

N.B. — Mr. John Ireland, 47, St. Ann's Place, Knightsbridge, was
personally acquainted with a Mrs. Jackson, supposed to be a sister of
Mrs. Shrimpton's. He was likewise acquainted with other branches
of the Wycherley's family, and can most likely give a better account
of them than any person in this neighbourhood."

Ireland is the author of " Hogarth Illustrated," is a native of Wem,
and was formerly apprentice to Mr. Isaac Wood, late of Shrewsbury.

1 [For the Questions, to which these are Answers, see under
Albhighton, 2nd Series, Vol. I., pp. 101-2. — Ed.]

350 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

of that name in Charles II.'s time lived here. It is now the
property of Mr. Charles Harding, a farmer.

In the Township of Sansaw is Sansaw House or Hall, the
residence of the Gardners. It is now occupied by the Rev.
Laurence Gardner.

IV. — The Chapelry is in the Liberties of Shrewsbury.

V. — Uncertain. There is now a dispute between Sansaw
and Grinshill upon this point.

VI. — No.

VII. — There are two Manors, Clive and Sansaw: each manor
co-extensive with its Township.

VIII. — The Rev. Laurence Gardner is the lord of both
Manors. He holds no Courts; but a Court Leet is held in
Shrewsbury every half-year, and Townships are in its Liberties.

IX. — About 1,450 acres.

(Signed) L. Gardner.

[The Clive Hall estate, formerly the residence of the Wycherleys,
on the death of Hill Wycherley 29 Feb., 1752, went to his cousins,
Nehemiah Huffa (son of Peter Huffa and Frances Wycherley), and
Elizabeth Cadman (daughter of Joseph Cadman and Mary Wycherley).
Nehemiah Huffa married Margaret, widow of Robert Embrey of
Wellington, and daughter of John Kilvert and Elizabeth Russell, but
died in November, 1705, without leaving- issue, when his estate went
to his step-son, Robert Embrey of Grinshill, who was his wife's son
by her first husband. Robert Embrey was also devisee of Elizabeth
Cadman, who died 9 July, 1773, and so came into possession of the
whole estate. He died S July, 1786, and his trustees in 1S01 sold
the property to Charles Harding. On his death, it came to his son,
George Harding, whose trustees sold it to his nephew, Thomas
Meares, Esq., of Clive Hall, the present owner of the Clive Hall estate.

The Sansaw estate, formerly the residence of the Gardners, a family
descended from Thomas Gardner of Sheinton, in the 15th century,
came in 1S04 to the Rev. Laurence Panting, D.D. (son of the Rev.
Stephen Panting and Josina, daughter and heiress of the Rev.
Laurence Gardner), who took the name of Gardner. At his death 27
July, 1841, it came to his nephew, Robert Panting, Esq., who also
took the name of Gardner, and married Jane Eliza, daughter and
heiress of Anthony Kynnersley, Esq. Their son Thomas Kynnersley
Gardner, Esq., of Sansaw and Leighton, sold the Sansaw estate to
J. J. Bibbv, Esq., of Hardwickc, who is the present owner.

The Rev. Laurence Gardner, D.D. (who died in 1841), claimed to
be lord of the Manors of Clive and Sansaw.

The area is 1,198 acres, and the chief landowners are J. J. P>ibby,
Esq., of Hardwickc, Thomas Meares, Esq., of Clive Hall, the widow
of John Hall, Esq., of Holbrook, and George and John Thorniley,
Esqrs., of Shooter's Hill.]

CLIVE.

351

clive register begins 1671.

1 »;77. Joseph, son of Joseph and Anno Wycherley,Oet. 2S,bapt.
IU78. Mrs. Frances, daughter to Mr. Daniel Whycherley,
buried 17th Oct.
(On a blank leaf in a different handwriting
Wm, son of Mr. John Wycherley and Marv his wife,
bapt. at Wem, Feb. 2, 1684),
1 GOG. Robert, son of Adam Whycherley, buried Sept. 8th.

1097. Daniel Whycherley, Esq.,"buried"May 7th.

1098. Jane, daughter of John Gardner, gent., and Jane his

wife, Sept. 15, bapt.

1099. Thomas the son of Richard Smith of Sansaw and

Martha, bapt. 3 March, 1699.
1700. Bathia Whycherley, May 10th, buried.
1701-2. Jane Whycherley, buried January 26th.
1703. Roger Whycherley, May 28th, buried.
1707. Adam Whycherley, buried July 21st.
1743. Elizabeth, daughter of George and Ann Wytcherley,

bapt. April 24.

[Further entries from "Extracts from Shropshire Registers, &c., by
Geo. Morris," a MS. in the Shrewsbury Free Library.]

1679. Samuel Orpe, Curate, signs Register.
1684. Ralph, son of John Gardner, Esq., and Jane his wife,
bapt. March 5.

1697. Elizabeth Walker, gent,, of Acton Reynold township,
bur. Nov. 27.

1713. Thomas, son of John Gardner, Esq., and Elizabeth,

bapt. May S, and bur. July 4.
1713. May 23, Edward Lloyd and Susannah Scarlett of

Worthing, married.
1783. The Rev. Wm. Bagley, minister of this chapel, died

Feb. 22, 1783, and was buried at Preston Gobbals in

yc porch [on the 2Sth, bet. SO.]

The Rev. John Rowland succeeds him.
1788. Mrs. Emma Gardner, buried at St. Mary's, July 14 _
1657. Au°\ 3, A long memorandum signed by the principal

parishioners, about the pews in the chapel.

[In the Registers are a number of affidavits of burials in Woollen,
from 1079 to°10S2, and also a list headed :—

" The benefacance (?) of the most of the inhabitants of the Clive
the 17th day of November 1071 as folio weth . . . ." with note

at foot " There was collected upon this Breefe for rendering oure

prisoners frome the Turks £1 6s. 8d. by the Minister Mr. Suker and
the Chapel Wardens John Onslow and Richard Locklee."]

Vol. II., 2nd S.

352 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

INCUMBENTS OF CLIVE.

(From MS. Top. Salop, C. 9).
CLIYE.

Mr. Witcherley patron1 1726. Willis.

Thomas Newnes, curate 1578, See Broughton.

Sir Thomas Yvans, 1594. (Shrewsbury regr).

William Sugar, 1636, ob. 1675 [bur. 17 Nov.,
1675, at Broughton. He was also minister
of Broughton and Grinshill. He married
Mary Otlev at Broughton on 16 October,
1628.]

John Williams.

Thomas Tither was elected to this curacy vice
Williams, and £4 a year was allowed him.
(Salop Exchequer).

Samuel Orpe also occurs in 1679 [and in

1682.]
Thomas Ankers, 1691.
William Griffyth, 1692.
William Joban, resigned 1694,
Francis Price, 1709, 1724.
Samuel Betton, 1725, 1746. See Astley.
William Bagley, 1746, ob. 22 Feb., 1783 [bur.

28th, at Preston Gubbalds, in the porch,

aged 80. Curate of Preston Gubbalds, 1737.]

[* But this was not an end of Mr. Wicherley's suites at Law, for
hee had a greate suite with the towne and sehooles of Shrewsbury,
about maintenance for the Minister of Olive Chappell. The case was
faire, if his designes had been soe ; but to endeavour to prove it a
donative, and himselfe patron was such an idle thing that his owne

children laft att it Mr. Wicherley began his suite by

English Bill in the Exchequer, in London, but hee had soe bombasted
his matter with the title of donative, and his claim of Patronage, that
he could doe nothing but spend money. . .

From Gough's History of Middle, pp. 86, 87.

"Here doeth the accounts of Richard Locklee begin in the year 1G87
since the clerkship was bestowed of him by the patron of the Clive
Mr. D. Wyehcrhj Esq. being the first day he served which was on
the 22th of January in the year 1G87 under Mr. Sukers Minister of
that place for the pabtizinging of children and for the burials of the
dead Anno Domini. "William Maddox and John Ward Churchwardens."

From Clive Register, with the words underlined erased after-
wards.— Ed.]

1679, May 24.

1729, May 9.

cLive. 353

1783 May 15. John Rowland, resigned 26 John Flint, Esq., Mayor,

*• ' J „ ' ° and Rev. James Atcher-

Oct., 1810. ley, head schoolmaster.

[Son of the Rev. John Rowland of Llanddewi
Brefi, co. Cardigan ; born 1745 ; matriculated
at Jesus College, Oxford, 8 April.. 1767; a
master of Shrewsbury School 55 years ;
rector of Llangeithio, co. Cardigan ; died
1816. Gf. Gent Mag. lxxxvi. i. 284; and
vol. for 1852, p. 99.]

1811, May 1. Laurence Gardner, M.A. Mayor, Aldermen, & Assistants

[Son of the Rev. Stephen Panting, Vicar of
Wellington and of Wrockwardine, by Josina
his wife, daughter and heiress of the Rev.
Laurence Gardner ; he took the name and
arms of Gardner on succeeding to the Sansaw
estates in 1804; bapt. at Wellington, 11
June, 1767 ; d.s.p. 27 July, and bur. 3
August, 1844; also Rector of St. Philip's,
Birmingham ; D.J), and Fellow of St. John's
Coll. Camb. He married at Wrockwardine,
21 Feb., 1799, Martha, dau. of Edward Pem-
berton, Esq., of Wrockwardine, but left no
issue. He was succeeded in his estates by his
nephew, Robert Panting, Esq.]
[1846. William Jeudwine, M.A., St. John's College, Cam bridge;

adm. M.A. Oxford, com. causa, 1861; Vicar of
Chicheley, Bucks. 1860-1881 ; afterwards of Aspley
Guise, Wo burn ; died 1888; he resigned

Clive in 1S54, and in 1857 published " The Clive
Chapelry ; a plain statement of facts relating thereto,
in a letter to a kinsman. By Wm. Jeudwine, M.A,"
1855. William John James, M.A.

1863, Henry Forster Welch ; Vicar of Pattishall, near Tow-

cester, 1873, when he resigned Clive.
1873. John Cooper Wood, M.A., and late scholar of St.

John's College, Cambridge ; formerly Head-master of
Hales Owen Grammar School ; rector of St. Kenelm-
in-Romsley, 1807-1872; Vicar of Grinshill, 1872-3.
The present incumbent. In 1SS5-7, he made a
thorough restoration of Clive Church.
For this addition to Mr. Blake way's list of Incumbents, I am
indebted to the Kcv. John Cooper Wood, M.A. — Ed.]
THE CHURCH.
[There are no means of ascertaining the date of the foundation of
tho Chapel at Clive, as it was associated with the Koyal Peculiar of

354

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

St Mary's, whose capitular muniments are wholly lost. The Diocesan
Registers do not give the pre-Reformation Incumbents, who were
presented and instituted by a secular power. We can therefore only
expect to find incidental notices. It is, however, probable, that a
Church existed at Clive at the date of the Domesday Book, and was
: erved by the priest mentioned in that record. The Chapel is dedi-
cated to All Saints.

On 8th October, 1543, Arthur Kelton of Shrewsbury (who was a
poet), and Thomas Kelton, his son, had a lease for 30 years from the
the Dean and Chapter of St. Mary's of all their tithes belonging to
the deanery (including Clyff and Sensawe), reserving a rent of
£22 lis. Id., of which £4 was for the tithe of Clyff and 15s. for the
tithe of Sensawe. Arthur Kelton died in 1519, in which year,
March 3rd, Thomas Kelton surrendered the lease of 1543, and
received a new lease for 21 years. (See Owen and Blakeway ii., 330, &c.)

King Edward VI., by letters patent dated 10 Feb., in his 6th year,
granted to the bailiffs and burgesses of Shrewsbury the tithes of
sheaves, grain, and hay, arising in the town's fields, &c, of Sansaw,
Cliffe, &c, lately belonging to the dissolved College of Blessed Mary,
for the support of the Free Grammar School of King Edward VI. in
Shrewsbury. Queen Elizabeth by indenture dated 23rd May in her
13th year granted to the said bailiffs and burgesses (inter alia) the
premises demised for 21 years to Thomas Kelton, and lands in Sansall
of the annual value of 8s., for the better maintenance of the said
Free Grammar School, also towards the maintenance of divine service
in the Chapel of Clive, £5, &Ci

By an Act of Parliament 38 Geo. III., for the better government
of the said school, it was enacted {inter alia) that the governors
might augment the salaries of the curates of St. Mary's, Astley, and
Clive, etc.; and that the right of presentation to the benefices belong-
ing to the school should be in the mayor, aldermen, and assistants of
Shrewsbury for the time being; but that in such presentation to the
curacy of St. Mary's, Astley, and Clive, preference should be given
to persons brought up at the said school, and who should be graduates
of the Universities, and also sons of a burgess of Shrewsbury.

The Charity Commissioners reported (about 1830) that the property
then held by the governors consisted of (inter alia) the tithes of Clive
and Sansaw, which were let to yearly tenants at rents amounting
annually to £347 13s., and a chief rent at Sansaw, paid by the
Rev. Dr. Garder, of 8s.; but they note that "part of these tithes
are in dispute, the question being whether a few acres of land are or
are not in the township of Clive." They also paid to the curate of
Clive the yearly stipend of £45, in 1827 and 1828. (See Charity
Commissioners' Report, Salop, vol. xxvii., pp. 369, &c.)

In 1580, and previously, there were great disputes between the
parishioners of St. Mary's and the inhabitants of Astley aud Clive,
who endeavoured to free themselves from the burden of contributing
to the repairs of the window in Trinity aisle in St. Mary's Church.

clive. 355

The parties appealed to the Council of the Marches, who decided
against Astlev and Clive. (See Owen and Blakeway, ii., 362).

Tlie chapel at Clive consisted of a nave, without transept or separate
chancel. In 1849-52, a partial restoration was effected by the Rev.
V'illiam Jeudwine, the incumbent ; the west gallery was removed,
with a low ceiling and old pews ; three windows on the south side and
a west window were inserted : a turret with two bells, and a new font,
and stone pulpit added ; the carved panels of this pulpit are now
inserted in the wall of the new porch, and the old font was buried
beneath the new one. The total cost was about .£425.

In 1S85-7, the Chapel was thoroughly restored by the Rev. J.
Cooper Wood, the incumbent, Mr. Chas. J. Ferguson being the
architect, at the cost of between £5,000 and £6,000, the bulk of
which was contributed by J. J. Bibby, Esq., and Thomas Meares, Esq.
A new porch, chancel, vestry, and organ chamber were added, and
chancel arch inserted. The Church was lined throughout with
dressed ashlar work, the interior of the walls having been removed to
the outer skin of ashlars. The old roof was replaced by one of carved
oak. The nave was laid with woodblocks, and the chancel with marble.
The wood work of the seats, screens, choir stalls, pulpit, lectern, and
reredos is of oak, and enriched with exquisite carving by the best
English carvers. The reredos is an alabaster panel, representing
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. A two-manual organ was given by
John Hall, Esq., of Holbrook. A mortuary was added, and the
churchyard extended, laid out, and wailed. The restoration was
most thorough and effective ; and the carved wood work is as fine as
any in the county.

The west window of the chapel is filled with stained glass repre-
senting the Ascension, and was erected in 1876 in memory of Charles
and Elizabeth Harding of Clive Hall, by their daughter Catharine.
Two windows on the south side are also filled with glass, representing
four of the apostles. A plinth on the west and on parts of the north
and south sides of the chapel marks an earlier and smaller building
than the present one. It seems to show an original entrance at the
west end. The porch on the north side has a Norman arch, with a
mitred figure above.

In the Churchyard are many tombstones to members of the Russell,
Wycherley, Ravenshaw, Huffa, Harding, and other old Clive families.
Amongst others are these : — John Wycherley, gent,, third son of
Daniel Wycherley, Esq., died 20 June, 1691. Daniel Wycherley, Esq.,
died 5 May, 1697, in his Slst year, Frances, wife of Peter Huffa, Esq.,
and daughter of John Wycherley, gent., died 11 March, 1759, aged
81. Nchemiah Huffa, died Nov. 8th, 1765, in his 58th year.

daughter of William and Elizabeth Russell, and wife

of John Dickin, of Acton Reynold, died 22 April, 1739, aged 40.

The inscriptions have been carefully re-cut and preserved.
The patronage of the Vicarage was formerly vested in the Truscees
of Shrewsbury School, but has been purchased from that body by
J. J. Bibby, Esq., of Hardwicko, in whom it is now vested. — Ed. J

356 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

PEDIGREE OF WYCHERLEY.

[The following Pedigree of Wycherley of Clive, &c., is given in the
Blakeway MS. in tabular form, but for convenience is (with some
additions, to make it more complete), here printed in narrative
form. — Ed.]

I. Roger Wycherley, of Clive, living 10 Hen. IV. His son,

II. John Wycherley, of Clive, living 2 Edw. IV. His son,

III. John Wycherley, of Clive, living 16 Hen. VII. His son,

IV. William Wycherley, of Clive, living 8 Hen. VIII. His son,

V. William Wycherley, of Clive, living 3 P. and M., married

Mary, daughter and co-heir of Richard Gerey, of Clive,
and had issue, three sons :

(1) Richard, of whom next.

(2) William.

(3) Roger.

VI. Richard Wycherley, of Clive, living 21 Eliz., married

Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Richardson, of Whit-
church, and had issue, three children :

(1) Daniel, of whom next.

(2) Mary.

^3) Joseph ; father of Thomas ; father of Thomas of Lacon ;
father of Daniel, who died 1764, and married Beatrice
Henshaw (she died 1809), by whom he had issue, two
daughters, Mary, wife of John Brookes, and Beatrice,
wife of Richard Smith.

VII. Daniel Wycherley, of Clive, died Dec, 1659, married

Margery, daughter and heiress of William Wolfe, of
Acton Reynald, and had issue, live children :

(1) Daniel, of whom next.

(2) John.

(3) Elizabeth.

(4) Alice.

(5) Mary.

VIII. Daniel Wycherley, of Clive ; purchased the Barony of

Wem, the Manors of Wem and Loppington, and Clive
in July, 1G65 ; J. P. for co. Salop ; died 5 and bur. 7 May
1097, in his Slst year, at Clive, M.I.; married Bethia,
daughter of William Shrimpton, of Whitchurch, and by
her, who was buried at Clive 10 May, 1700, had issue,
six children :

(1) William, of Clive, son and heir, the dramatist; born at
Clive, 1C40 ; died 1 Jan., I715-G, bur. at St. Paul's,
Co vent Garden ; married first, Letitia Isabella, widow
of Charles, second Earl of Drogheda, and daughter of

clive. 357

John Roberts, first Earl of Radnor, Lord-Lieutenant
of Ireland ; and secondly, in 1715, Elizabeth, daughter
of Joseph Jackson, of Hertingfordbury, who rem.
Captain Shrimpton.

(2) George, rector of Wem, which living was sequestered in

1 654 ; died in the Fleet prison, and bur. 3 Jan., 16S9;
by Dorothy his wife, he had a daughter, Letitia
Isabella, who was born 28 Nov. and bapt. at Wem,
17 Dec, 1GS0, and died in 1685.

(3) John, of whom next.

(4) Henry.

(5) Elizabeth, died insane, because not allowed to marry

one Mr. Pyke.

(6) Frances, bur. at Clive, 17 Oct., 1678.

IX. John Wycherley, third son; died in vita patris 20 June,

1G91 ; M.I. at Clive. By Mary his wife, he had issue,
four children :

(1) William, of Wem; bapt. at Wem, 2 Feb., 1684; buried

there 12 July, 1745 ; married Anne, daughter of
Thomas Hill, of Soulton, near Wem, and by her, who
died 22 Feb., 1731, and was buried at Wem, had
issue, two children, — [1] Hill, bapt. at Wem, 8 Aug.,
1729, died s.p. in London, 29 Feb.. 1752, ret. 22, and
was buried at Wem, March 17th; [2] Ann, who
married Thomas Jervis, and died s.p. at Whitchurch.

(2) Daniel. (3) Frances, of whom next.

(4) Mary, born 1678, died 10 Nov., 1735, set. 57, at Clive,
M.L; married Joseph Cadman, of Clive. and had issue,
an only daughter, Elizabeth, co-heir to her cousin
Hill Wycherley, born 1707, died 9 July, 1773, ;ct. 66,
when she left her estate to Robert Embrey.

X. Frances Wycherley, mar. to Peter Huffa, of Clun, and had

issue, t wo sons :

(1) Peter Huffa, bapt. at the Clive, 8 July, 1705.

(2) Neheiuiah Huffa, of the Clive ; co-heir to his cousin

Hill Wycherley ; bapt. at the Clive, 12 March, 1707 :
died s.p., and buried there 11 Nov., 1765, M.I. He
married at Broughton, 1 Feb., 1761, Margaret, widow
of Robert Embrey, of "Wellington, and daughter of John
Kilvert and Elizabeth (who was daughter of William
and Elizabeth Russell, of Clive, where she was bapt.
6 Jan., 1707), his wife.

Margaret Huffa, widow of Nehemiah, died 10 May,
1771, ret. 40, and was buried at Grinshill, M.L By
her first husband, Robert Embrey, of Wellington
(who was born in 1723, and married at Grinshill,
4 March, 1751), she had a son,

358

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Robert Embrey, of Grinshill, who became seised of
the whole estate by devise from Nehemiah Huffa and
Elizabeth Cadman ; he was bom in 1755, and died
8 July, 1786; the trustees of his Will in 1801 sold

bis estate to Charles Harding ; he married

Boodle, and had an only daughter, Margaret, who
became wife to the Rev. J. Pitchford.
Robert Embrey, at his death in 1786, is styled lord
of the Manor of Clive.
Arms of Wycherley: Per pale, argent and sable, three eagles
displayed comiterchanged.

Crest : An eagle displayed sable ducally gorged argent.
Quartering Beeston, Betton, Gerey, and Wolfe.
See Pedigree in Harl. MS. 1396, fo. 328; and Harl. Soc,
Vis. of Salop, 1623, ii. 512.

[Wycherley's Dramatic Works have been published in the Mermaid
Series of the best plays of the Old Dramatists, in a volume edited,
with an Introduction and Notes, by W. C. Ward, and a portrait after
the picture by Sir Peter Lely, 1888. His Poems were published in
1704, and again in 1728. The best account of his life is perhaps
that given by Lord Macaulay, in his essay on " The Comic Dramatists
of the Restoration."

The Shrewsbury Corporation muniments give the following parti-
culars about Clive : —

In 1614 were assessed : John Huffa, William Russell, Widow
Onslowe, James Smith, Will. France, Mr. Adam Weel for tithes,
Edward Clarke the licke, Thomas Gardner, and Mr. Richard Onslowe.

In a Court Book of 1647-8, these names occur: Thomas Heath,
John Huffal, Edw. Onslowe, Robt. Hilton, Wm. Robinson, Wm.
Russell, Thos. Lockley, John Webbe, John Boycott, Thos. ffelton,
Thos. Witcherly, Thos. Witcherley, yom., Geo. Hincks, Wm. Onslowe,
Joseph Witcherly, Daniele Nowan, and Rich. Lockley.

In a list of the " Names of Inhabitants of the Town and Liberties,"
undated, but probably about 1660-70, these names occur under Clive :
Joseph Witcherley, Howell Hughes, Roger Russell, Roger Gittins,
Rd. Lockley, Joseph Smythe, Geo. Dod, John Hoggins, Daniel Sturdy,
Wm. Watkys, John Webb, Roger Gittins, and Daniel Thomas; and
under Sansaw : Mr. Thos. Gardner, Richd. Smyth, and Wm. Jones.
Mr. Wm. Suker, clerke, occurs at Broughton ; and Rd. Witcherley at
Yorton.

In 1703, Peter Huffa and Samuel Gregory, of " Clive and Sandsall,"
were assessed to the Land Tax. — Ed.]

359

THE CRYPT OF OLD ST. CHAD'S CHURCH,
SHREWSBURY.

REPORT OF THE EXCAVATIONS MADE 18S9-90.
By J. NURSE, Architect.

With Introduction by Rev. THOMAS AUDEN, M.A., F.S.A".

It was hoped that it would be possible in this Intro-
duction to throw some new light on the subject to
which it refers. It was anticipated that entries would
be found in Parish records of St. Chad's, which would
give some information as to the maintenance and use of
the Crypt under the old Church, of which the remains
have now been brought to light. A diligent search,
however, among the Archives of the Parish, with the
kind assistance of the Vicar (Rev. E. S. Carpenter)
and the Senior Churchwarden (Mr. R. Hughes), has
failed to produce any such records. The old Parish
books of St. Chad's, likely to contain such entries,
either do not exist, or have been removed from the
Church, and the knowledge of their whereabouts has
been lost. All that can be done therefore in this
Introduction is to put the readers of the Transactions
in possession of sufficient facts from the past history of
the Church, to enable them to fully understand Mr.
Nurse's report.

The spot on which Old St. Chad's Church stood
must have been one of the most important sites of the
town, in every period of its history. It is one of the
highest points of the peninsula formed by the winding
of the Severn, and when unobstructed by buildings,
the view from it embraced a prospect not easily
surpassed. It is not surprising, therefore, that when
the peninsula formed the British settlement of Ren-
voi. II., 2ml S, RR

3G0

THE CRYPT OF OLD

gwern, the spot was occupied by the Palace of the
Princes of Powys, who ruled there. But in the latter
part of the seventh century, Pengwern fell before the
arms of the Saxon Offa, King of Mercia ; and to him
tradition ascribes the erection here of the first
Christian Church, which he dedicated to St. Chad,
then recently canonized. But it is almost certain that
a Christian Church existed in Pengwern before it
passed into Saxon hands, and this may well have been
its site. Not only is this antecedently probable, but it
receives confirmation from the two ancient graves
discovered in the course of the excavations, to which
further allusion will be made hereafter. From their
position east and west, there can be little or no doubt
that they were Christian burials, and though nothing
was found to give a clue to anything like an exact date,
the method of sepulture points to a period earlier than
the time of Offa.

Whether, however, there was a Church upon the site
in British times or not, there can be no doubt as to the
Saxon period. This fact may now be considered proved,
not only by tradition or written historical record, but
by the discoveries made in the recent excavations. The
original architecture of the Crypt was undoubtedly
Pra3-Norman, and the conjecture may be hazarded that
we are now enabled to look upon walls and pillars
which formed part of that Christian structure which
King Offa is said to have dedicated to the memory of
the great Mercian Bishop. Or, if that first Saxon
Church was a less substantial building and soon passed
away, we have, at least, in the work now brought to
light, the remains of the building which took its place.

But the time came when underground Churches
ceased to be necessary or desirable. Though wars and
rumours of wars continued to prevail, the contest was
henceforth between armies which professed the same
Christian faith, and not between the representatives of
Christianity and of heathenism. And so, as both civiliza-
tion and faith made progress, there began to grow up

2

ST. CHAD'S CHURCH, SHREWSBURY.

361

everywhere the imposing Churches which are still in so
many places the glory of the land. Shrewsbury formed
no exception to this rule. Already in Edward the Con-
fessor's time four important ecclesiastical foundations
existed within the walls, of which St. Chad's probably
took the lead ; and within less than two centuries after
the Conquest, there commenced to rise upon its site the
magnificent edifice which remained till nearly the close
of the last century, and which would have been stand-
ing now, but for the almost incredible folly of the
parishioners of that day.1 The exact date of the
erection of at least a considerable portion of it is inferred
from a grant made by King Henry III., in the year
1226, for the work of re-buiiding the Church, then out
of repair. Tn 1393 it was partially burnt down ; and, as
usual, various additions were made to the fabric from
time to time, down to the period of the Reformation.
The accompanying view, taken probably about the year
1780, shows the North transept. This was built over, and
upon the lines of, the Crypt which has been excavated,
with the exception of the chamber marked A on the
plan. This chamber must have been outside of the
building ; but it is conjectured that when the structure
ceased to be used for purposes of worship, and became
only a Crypt under the larger Church, this chamber
was filled up — possibly at a comparatively early period.

Among the objects discovered during the excavations,
beyond the Crypt itself, the most interesting were the
two ancient graves already alluded to, which are
marked R on the plan, and of which further details are
given on plate 5. 2 It will be seen that the enclosure

1 The Tower foil, July 9th, 17S8, and the remainder of the Church
was taken down immediately afterwards, with the exception of the
Lady Chapel, then known :is t he Bishop's Chancel.

2 Headers of the late Rev. J. \V. Waiter's Old Shropshire Oak will
remember how, in a story of early Christian life in Shrewsbury, lie
describes one of his characters as laid to rest by loving hands, " in
that portion of Peugwern Powisa, which we now know by the name
of Old St. Chad's." Vol. I. ]). 300. It is an interesting coincidence
with the discovery of these graves.

362

THE CRYPT OF OLD

in which the body rested in eacli case was not in any
sense a coffin, but simply a cyst built of separate stones,1
with only the soil underneath, and covered with slabs
of stone. The bones in the longer grave were apparent-
ly those of a man in the prime of life ; those in the
shorter evidently belonged to a man, or possibly a
woman, more advanced in years. From the ringer bones
having been found close to the shoulders, they seem to
have been interred with the arms crossed on the breast.
A very careful examination of the soil was made, with a
view of finding some clasp, or other relic, which might
assist in determining the date of the interment, but
nothing whatever was found except considerable traces
of a layer of charcoal under the body. Possibly those
who rest there were among the Princes of Powys, who
once reumed in ancient Pen^wermor Priests who minis-
tered at its altars ; but whether this were the case or not,
as they lay there with their faces towards the dawn, close
beside a Christian edifice, which we indeed call early, but
which was of far later date than their time, they were,
at least, a silent witness to the growth and development
of that Faith, which binds the centuries together, and
was the common heritage of them and of ourselves.

THE OLD CHURCH OF ST. CHAD, SHREWSBURY.

To the President and Members o f the Shropshire Archceological
and Natural History Society.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

In presenting to you a Report of the excavations made
under your directions in the old Churchyard to discover the
ancient Crypt, it may conduce to the clearer understanding of
the subject if I first preface my remarks and particulars with a

1 In my former Parish of Ford of which the Churchyard was only
consecrated in 1SG1, having been previously an open green, sloping
from the Church down to the brook, the late Sexton often told me
that, in digging graves in the upper part, he had more than once
come upon very old skeletons: " they lay east and west, and he
always knew when he was getting to one by the stones which they
had round them."

ST. CHAD'S CHURCH, SHREWSBURY.

363

short extract from Owen's History of Shrewsbury, and give
you briefly a description of the Sheets of Drawings and
sketches to scale prepared by me to illustrate the subject.
Archdeacon Owen writes (p. 165) : —

" Under the North Wing was an ancient Crypt supported
on a row of short thick pillars with round arches. It was
called the Diuiery, and is still perfect, although filled up with
rubbish."

And again on page 169, he gives the dimensions of the
Church as follows ; —

" The whole length East to West, 160 feet, (assumed to be
inside).

" The whole length of Transept North to South, 94 feet.

"The whole breadth of Nave and Aisles, 53 feet."

As to the Drawings, the Doable Sheet, iVo. 1 is a general plan
of the east end of the old Church, including the Transept and
Tower, with the new boundary line to Princess Street and
Belmont, as these streets were widened by the Corporation in
1794; the Lady Chapel with its great side arches, now blocked,
formerly opening into the chancel and the south transept ; one
pier (the S.E.) of the great central tower, with the stair turret
on the outer gable of the south transept, for approaching the
tower over the arch opening to the Lady Chapel ; also the
remains of the ancient Crypt as now cleared of the rubbish.

Sheet jSto. 2 shews elevations of east and west walls of the
Crypt, and the remains of the central supports of the groined
roof.

Sheet No. 3 shews detail to a larger scale of the ancient
bases and shafts.

Sheet lYo. 4 shews a plan and elevation of the entrance to a
smaller chamber, eastwards, through the side wall of the Crypt,
5ft. 6in. thick.

Sheet iVo. 5 has a plan and section drawn to scale, and a
sketch of the two stone cysts discovered on the west side of the
Crypt, outside the wall.

On October 10th, 1839, labourers were employed by the
Council of the Society, who commenced to probe the ground
with iron bars, hoping by that means to find the groined roof or
to hit upon the walls. The rectangular space (near the N.E.
pier of the tower, marked on No. 1) was first discovered closed
with rough flags, slightly below the surface; the rubbish with
which it was nearly tilled was partly excavated and probed to
a depth of 17ft. Several other excavations were made to a con-
siderable depth, but nothing of consecuaence was found. These
wore lilled in and the work was on the point of being aban-

364

THE CRYPT OF OLD

doned, when a further trial excavation was made in a line
with the north wall of the tower, embracing the area of the
N.E. and S.W. piers, with the result that remains of founda-
tions of the S.W. pier were discovered; a deeper cutting
through the mass of rubbish (chiefly building refuse) revealed
the end of a piece of stone with tapering sides, roughly resem-
bling a mullion. Efforts were made to raise it, but without
success, so that recourse was had to carefully removing the
rubbish from around it, with the gratifying result that it was
discovered to be an angle pillar that remained in sitiv. It stood
with a slight tilt, as it was left when the tower fell, crushing
in and destroying the north transept, and with it the vaulting
of this chamber. On clearing the rubbish to the bottom, the
base was also discovered, quite perfect. This excavation
further revealed the fact that there was but a small portion of
the walls left (the height at this point being onhT 2 feet), showing
clearly that the greater part of the material had been removed
for use elsewhere. Your Council, after consideration, deemed
the finding of this pillar and base with a part of the wall of
sufficient importance to warrant them in following up the clue
thus obtained, and directed the excavations to proceed, keep-
ing close to, and exposing, the wall lines everywhere ; by so
doing, the general outline was discovered, with very grati-
fying results. Ultimately it was determined to cut down the
trees that nourished over the ruins, and to clear out the whole
of the central mass of rubbish. By permission of the Yicar of
St. Chad's this was proceeded with ; the rubbish and soil being
deposited and levelled over a portion of the churchyard, there-
by somewhat raising it and improving its general appearance,
and leaving it ready for seeding with grass at the proper time.

The clearance of the rubbish brought to light what remained
of the central supports of the groining, of which there should be
three, but one of them has been completely removed. The two
others had been cased, but they contain within the case a short
length of the ancient purple-red stone shaft, very much
crushed, and in each case their ancient bases, quite perfect; in
fact so fresh and nearly free from injury are these bases every-
where in the ruins, that they might have been executed only
yesterday. It is noticeable that one (marked G) is some lGin.
out of its true line, east ami west, with those on either side.
The casing material of this is old red stone, making the pillar
in appearance not 12 J in. as originally, but 21in. in diameter. It
is built in courses, starting on the old base as a foundation, an
indication of a very early failure. The other is cased chielly with
GrinshiU white stow, making the pillar 2ft. lOin. in diameter,

ST. CHAD'S CHURCH, SHREWSBURY.

365

laid on a rough foundation outside the ancient base. This is
an indication of a later repair, it being generally assumed
as a fact, that Grinshill white stone was not used in this
locality until the 12th century. A water-colour drawing in
the vestry of the new Church, shows clearly the use of red and
white stone, and helps to fix the date when the white was used
for building purposes in this Church.

On reference to the general plan No. 1, the situation of the
Crypt will be seen to occupy the whole space under the north
transept of the later or transition Norman Church, a very
unusual situation. Its length is 30ft. 7in., divided into four
bays, its width, 22ft. 7m., divided into two bays, giving an
ordinary quadripartite vault of rather weak construction. The
span of the arches being unequal, the groin point of the longitu-
dinal arches would not rise to the same height as the transverse
arches, unless the former were stilted. Some stones found in
the debris would indicate vaulting of rubble work of a very heavy
nature. An opening (B) hi the thick wall on the east side
gives access to a smaller chamber A, extending 7ft. 9in.
further eastwards, and lift. wide. Part of this wall on the
north, and the Crypt at O' has been destroyed by building the
new boundary wall to Princess Street. At the south end of the
Crypt D, this bay appears to have served the purposes of an
ambulr ory, or, if a more ancient origin is assigned to this
eharnl »* it may properly be called the Vestibule. The
ancient entrance was at EE, there being the foundations of steps
here. At F are some steps of white Grinshill freestone, not
much worn, probably erected at the end of the 16th century,
as a more convenient approach for the use of the chamber as a
Dimcry (i.e. a dark place), for storing away planks and barrows,
as a store for lime, and the making of mortar for repairs when
needed. At G are the remains of the ancient pillar, cased with
red stone, and at J, that cased with white stone ; at H the
pillar and base are entirely gone. At K is a narrow door
opening, which may probably have been connected with circular
stairs in the space L, and thus may have given access to the
Church, by means of the Chantry Chapel on the north side of the
Chancel. M M M are piers that supported the great central
tower at the crossing ; N the pier now standing. The north-
west pier, marked |VSx> was tne onc that failed, and led to the
destruction of the Church, on July 9th, 1788. At O 's il large
semi-elliptic arch, formerly open from the chancel to the Lady
Chapel, now blocked with masonry, p is a similar arch, of
greater span, over which are the steps formerly used for access
to the tower. O is the stair turret on the south side, con-

366

THE CRYPT OF OLD

nected with the steps just mentioned, and having remains of
the jamb of the early English triplet window that adorned the
gable of the beautiful south transept. At R were the two
ancient stone cysts, the sides of which were formed of red stone
slabs, set on edge in the ground, and the covering was of the
same material ; the bottom had a thin layer of charcoal laid on
the natural earth. They contained human remains, the larger
cyst having apparently been opened,and the remains disarrang ed.
The foundations of a great buttress rested partly upon the head
of the cysts. On sheet No. 5 is an enlarged plan and perspec-
tive sketch of these cysts.

On referring to the general plan of the Crypt, it will be
noticed that the pillar on the second base of the west wall is
prostrate. This was so found in the excavation. and has not been
disturbed. The front portion of this only is semicircular, the
sides are partly straight, and the back quite straight, exactly
fitting the sinking in the base on which it Avould be bedded.
The pillars on the angles have the same peculiarity, being
prepared to lit the right angle ; this will be made clear on
reference to the details on Sheet No. 3. The Saxon method
of dressing the stone with an axe, as distinguished from the
later work when chisels were used, is clearly noticeable on
these pillars, whilst a still coarser kind of walling, with thick
and uneven beds (almost rubble work in places), indicates a
work possibly of still higher antiquity than Saxon.

During the excavations a few articles of interest have been
found, which will, I understand, be placed in the Shrewsbury
Museum in a special case. The following is a list of them : —

A Bronze Stylus (Roman), very perfect, 5 inches in length.
See Plate 4.

Coins. — 1. A Nuremberg token1 or Counter, 15th century. Ob.
A shield charged with 3 Hours de lys. Legend, AVE maria gratia
pl. lieu. Latin cross with fieur de lys termination.

2. A Nuremberg token or Counter, 16th century. Ob.
me llo manu. A Manfaced and winged lion, regarding a picture
representing a Bishop with a pastoral staff, liev. NOVENI,
NOVENI, NOVENI. A t re foliated space enclosing an orb and cross.

3. Small coin. Apparently an Irish farthing of Charles I.

1 A similar Nuremberg token was found in a garden on Belmont.
It is of the 16th century, and has on the obverse a meaningless
repetition of letters, and on the reverse a trefoliated .space enclosing
an orb and cross, with a legend, perhaps intended for " Hans
Schulter."

ST. CHAD'S CHURCH, SHREWSBURY.

367

Ob. GIRO, d.g, mag. BRi. Crown and sceptre. Rev. fra. et.
h ib. rex. Crowned harp.

4. Small thick coin or weight, of James I. Ob. I R.
ma. brit. A king crowned, with sceptre and orb. Rev. A
crown xxn s.

5. A portion of a very small and thin coin, much worn, but
having slight remains of design upon it.

6. A very thin coin, much worn, apparently silver.

7. A farthing, George III., date 1773.

8. Five half-pennies, George II. and III.
Two wig curlers of pipe clay, 3in. long,

A flat circular plate of lead, U-in. in diameter.
Some bits of old glass, much iridated.

A small piece of metal, probably a bit of the bells destroved

in the fire of 1303,
A small glazed pot, labelled : Scarlet, Perfumer.

Several encaustic and plain tiles were found in the excava-
tions, the designs being very similar in some cases to those
found at the Abbey Church, which are now re-laid near the
vestry door of that Church, and under an arch on the north
side of the new chancel. The examples preserved range from
the 11th to the 15th century.

A collection of curious and interesting bowls of old tobacco
pipes, stamped with the makers' names, initials, or dates, were
also found, which will be placed in the Museum, with the other
objects discovered.

It will be observed that the history of the building has been
but slightly touched upon in this Report: and in concluding it,
I venture to bo very bold, and claim for the Council of the
Society the merit of having explored, and opened up to view,
the remains of the most ancient and correspondingly interest-
ing structure in the. County town. It has been suggested that
the Chamber was even of British origin, and was afterwards
converted to sacred uses. This would not be an improbable
conjecture, bearing in mind that on this identical spot stood
the palace that had been the residence of a long race of British
Princes, and which is said by Archdeacon Owen to have been
burnt down in the Saxon wars. ] am,however, inclined to ascribe
its construction to the Saxon period, at the time St. Chad was
Bishop of Lichfield, in the middle of the 7th century. Possibly
it was built by Wolfcre himself, King of Mercia, for a
distinctly religious purpose; and was in fact the Saxon Church
erected for a Christian community.

There are several points strongly in favour of this view.

The plan is peculiar — divided as its length is into four bays.

368 OLD ST CHAD'S CHURCH, SHREWSBURY.

If one on the south end is assumed to be cut off and used as a
vestibule at the entrance, it would leave three bays, which may
be called the nave, immediately in the centre of which would
come the opening into the smaller space, which would form the
chancel eastwards. The wails are of rough hewn masonry, of
massive thickness, necessary to resist the thrust of the very
heavy rubble stone vaults. The bases of the several columns are
plain in detail, well spread, and are laid on the gravel or sand
without further foundation. The pillars are slender (12-J in.
in diameter), worked with, a tool peculiar to the Saxon masons,
namely the axe, and in one piece of stone, in height 3ft, llin.
The period is also evidenced by the long and short work,
as well as the baluster shafts in one piece of stone, a method
of construction usually ascribed to them; again there are the
two interments in the stone cysts outside the west wall,
observing orientation. If the crypt had been erected by the
Normans, they would have constructed these columns in
courses and bonded them with the walls. They would have
made them also of larger dimensions, like the smaller pillar
which has been cased with red stone, and this particular
casing is not unlikely to have been their work.

To prevent accidents, a light iron fence has been placed
around the excavations, and a rough plank approach has been
made to the stone steps at the N.W. angle, giving a tolerably
safe means of access for anyone wishing to descend to the
interior.

It remains for me, in taking leave of the subject after three
months' labour, to express the pleasure I have felt in directing
the progress of so interesting an excavation, under the
direction of the Council, and to thank the Chairman and
members, individually for the personal assistance, kindness,
and courtesy shown to myself throughout.

I have the honour to be,

My Lords, and Gentlemen,

Your faithful Servant,

JOHN NURSE.

Architect.

Dogpole, Shrewsbury,

January 29th, 1S90.

m : }