GENEALOGY
942.4501
SH84T
1896

REYNOLDS HISTORT^
GENEALOGY COLLECTION

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OK THR

SHROPSHIRE ARC 1LE0L0GICAL

AND

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

ESTABLISHED 1877.

ALL RIGHTS HB3J5IIVJJI)

2 - 2. S-

•PART III (S^d

2nd SERIES,
VOL. VIII., 1896

PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY

SHREWSBURY:
A I) N I T T AND NAUNTON, T H R SQUARE

OSWESTRY:
WO OP ALL. Mi N SHALL aN V Co.

±312424

ODALL MINSHALL, AND CO

PRINTERS, ETC.,
OSWESTRY AND W~R E X H A M .

1 42274

SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

CONTENTS of 2nd Series, Vol. VIII.

Change in Landownership in Shropshire. By Stanley

Leighton, M.P., F.S.A 1

The Armorial Bearings of Shropshire Corporations. By

A. C. Fox-Davies 15

The Merchants' Gild of Shrewsbury. The Two Earliest Rolls,
1209-10 and 1219-20. Transcribed and annotated by
the Rev. C. H. Drinkwater, M.A 21

The Shropshire Lay Subsidy Roll of 1327. With Introduc-
tion by the Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A., and
Notes by Miss Auden. Chirbury Hundred 44

Selattyn : A History of the Parish. The Rectors (continued).

By the Hon. Mrs. Bulkeley-Owen 61

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

Meole Brace ... ... 99

Onslow 146

Preston Mont ford 150

Pulley 153 and 164

Pimley 160

Preston Goballs 165

The Drapers' Company Charter, 12 Jan., 1461-2. By the

Rev. C. H. Drinkwater, M.A 175

In Memoriam : The Hon. and Rev. George Thomas Orlando
Bridgeman, Honorary Canon of Liverpool. By Mrs.
Baldwyn-Childe 191

"A Description of ye Glee, ye L'dships, Comoners and
Strakers adjoynd, made about 1612, 10 Jac." Tran-
scribed by the Rev. Ralph C. Purton, M.A 195

The Ottley Papers relating to the Civil War. Edited by

William Phillips, F.L.S 199

Ruyton Church. By R. Lloyd Kenyon 313

IV

ILLUSTRATIONS)
Armorial Bearings of Shropshire Corporations. To face page 15
Facsimile Signature of John Jones ... ... ... M 61

„ „ „ Henry Sacheverell, D.D. ... „ 66

Portrait of Dr. Sacheverell To face page 78

Playing Cards, 6 and 10 of Diamonds :—

Sacheverell arriving at Selattyu ... ... 1

Sacheverell receiving Institution to Selattyn J

81

Meole Brace Church, taken down 1799 „ „ 127

St Mary's Almshouses, Shrewsbury, erected 1450,

taken down 1825 „ „ 175

The Hon and Rev. Canon Bridgeman „ „ 191

Facsimile Signature of Prince Rupert ... ... ... „ 242

„ „ „ Sir Francis Ottley „ 244

„ „ „ Richard Hosier ... ... ... „ 253

Plan of the Capture of Shrewsbury, 1645 ... To face page 274

Ruyton^Church ... ... ... ... ... ; „ 313

SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The Annual General Meeting of this Society was held at the Shirehall,
Shrewsbury, on Saturday, March 28th, 1896. Mr. Stanley Leighton,
M.P., F.S.A., presided, and there were also present — Sir Offley
Wakeman, Bart , Major Hebcr-Percy, Captain Williams-Freeman, the
Revs. T. Auden, F.S.A., C. H. Drinkwater, Prebendary G H. Egerton
and W. G. D. Fletcher, F.S.A , Dr. Calvert, Messrs. R. Lloyd Kenyon,
J. Bowen-Jones, Humphrey Sandford, S. Clement Southam, H. R. H :
Southam, W. Burson, G. Griffiths; and F. Goyne (Secretary).

ANNUAL REPORT.

The Secretary read the Annual Report of the Council as follows: —

In presenting their Annual Report the Council regret to announce the loss
by death of two valued members of their body. Mr. John Calcott had been
prevented by increasing deafness from taking much part in the work of the
Council during the last few years, but he was formerly most regular in his
attendance at the meetings, and at his death he showed his appreciation of the
objects aimed at in the work of the Society by a valuable legacy of scientific
books to the Shrewsbury Free Library. Archdeacon Lloyd, whose more
recent death has left an unusually wide gap in almost all departments of public
life in Shrewsbury and the neighbourhood, was not only a member of the
Council, but a Vice-President of the Society. As such, he not only took deep
interest in its work, but his wide and accurate knowledge of antiquity,
especially as connected with Shropshire, made his advice of great value. His
interesting paper on " The Shrewsbury Churches," read at the Annual Meeting
four years ago, will be in the recollection of many, and he possesses a still
more permanent memorial in the careful and conservative restoration which
St. Mary's Church received during his tenure of that benefice. The Council
regret that they have also lately lost the services of another member of their
body, Mr. G. S. Corser, who has resigned on grounds of health. As regards
the work of the Society during the past year, the Transactions have been
issued with regularity, and, it is believed, have maintained their interest. The
Couucil have also been in communication with the Camera Club with a view
to securing a photographic survey of the county, and tha subject is still under
tho consideration of that body. The Council have further directed their
attention to the ueccssity of continuing the good work already done by Miss
Jackson and Miss Burno in connection with tho Folk-Lore of the county.
There arc still many unrecorded customs and superstitions of which it is
desirable to take note before they vanish in the light of advancing education.
The Council have appoiutod one of their number, Mr. S. Clement Southam, to
give speoial attention to this subject. In tho early part of the year the Council

received a communication from the Free Library Committee of the Corporation
on the subject of the Shrewsbury Museum. Since the handing over of the
contents of the Society's collection, on the formation of the Free Library a
dual control had existed which was not satisfactory ; and the result of the
negotiations referred to was a resolution unanimously passed at a special
general meeting held for the purpose, March 29th, 1895, that the whole of the
contents of the museum, together with all printed and written books in the
Reference Library, belonging to the Society should be transferred to the
Corporation as absolute owners for the use of the public. The Council wish to
take this opportunity of alluding to another matter, though it belongs to the
current year, not that covered by this report, namely, the course of lectures on
English Gothic Architecture, just given for the benefit of the Society by Mr.
D. H. S. Cranage, F.S.A., the author of the "Architectural Account of the
Churches of Shropshire," now in course of publication. They have pleasure
in recording the success of the lectures, and in expressing their sense of
Mr. Cranage's great kiudoeBS in giving them. In conclusion the Council
desire to express the hope that all discoveries of matters of archaeological
interest in the county will be commuuicated to them for investigation °and
permanent record, and that those who value such pursuits will use their
iufluence with their friends to secure increased support for the Society.—

(Signed) Thomas Adden, M.A., F.S.A., Chairman of the Council.

The Statement of Accounts showed a deficiency of £50 3s lOd.

The Cuairman moved the adoption of the Report and Statement
of Accounts. Ho said that he wished to join with those who drew
up the Report in expressing his own personal regret as well as the
regret of the Society at the loss they had sustained by the death of
Archdeacon Lloyd, who was a very practical and accurate archaeolo-
gist, and tho work which ho did for that Society and also for local
archa)ology was very considerable indeed. (Applause). Ho was glad
to know that the Society was arranging for a photographic survey of
the county. He could not help thinking that they should endeavour
in every possible way to use the photograph ; it was a very cheap
way of getting an accurate account of places which from one reason
or another passed away, and now that they had lost their library of
books, they had no means of retaining those photographs except by
handing them over to the Corporation of Shrewsbury, who would be
very pleased to keep any valuable antiquities, photographs, or illus-
trations which they might receive. (Hear, hear). The Statement
of Accounts was one that called for some consideration on the part of
those belonging to the Society, for it appeared that on the whole
there was a considerable deficiency ; but he did not see how they
could spend much less than they did at present. He did not see
that there was any waste, or any expenditure on superiiuities. They
had a very small income, and they had great results ; but at the
same time, ho could not help saying that if they could enlarge the
Society they might be able to do a greater work than they had
hitherto undertaken. (Applause).

Tho Rev. T. Audbn, in seconding the motion, said that allusion
had been made in the Report to tho loss which the Council had
sustained more especially by the death of tho lato Archdeacon Lloyd,
and he should like to montion another loss among tho Vice-Presidents,

vii

namely, the Rev. Canon Bridgeman, of Wigan, who took a great
interest in the Society, and had at different times contributed to the
Transactions. The subject of his life and work would very soon
appear in that journal from the pen of Mrs. Baldwyn-Childe. Reference
had been made to the question of economy in regard to the Society's
work. He might say that they had been trying to practise economy,
and at the last meeting of the Council the question was brought
forward, when a way was thought of by which they could economise
to a small degree ; but what they really wanted was additional
members. (Applause). There was still a considerable number of
persons in good positions in the county, whose names were conspicuous
by their absence in the list of members ; but he had already heard of
soveral new ones, and he had succeeded in finding one or two himself
in the last few days, so that he hoped they would soon be in a better
position. It should be remembered that there was always a leakage
going on from deaths and other unavoidable causes, and it was
necessary to fill the places of those who were taken away. The only
way in which they could really succeed in getting additional members
was by each of the existing members trying to persuade his friends to
join. (Hear, hear). He ventured to put this in a letter which he
had sent out, and was thankful to say that it had already borne some
fruit. (Hear, hear). He should like to mention in connection with
the transfer of books to the Corporation that at the last meeting of
the Free Library Committee it was suggested by a member, not
connected with that Society, that, in consideration of the great
benefit which, directly and indirectly, would accrue to the Corporation
through getting possession of these records, there should be some
recognition, and it was unanimously resolved that a subscription of
three guineas be paid by the Free Library to the Society in considera-
tion of the gift. He hoped that so good an example would be followed
in other ways. (Hear, hear). He was glad to say, with regard to
another subject alluded to in the Report, that the lectures on English
Gothic Architecture had been a success in every way. The meetings
had been well attended, and he hoped they would gain as a net
result something like £20. (Hear, hear). Mr. Cranage, when he
was kind enough to make the offer to give the lectures, said he was
very anxious not merely to secure an audience, but to create a real
interest in the work of that Society, in which he himself took a very
deep interest (Applause).

The motion for the adoption of the Report and Statement of
Accounts was then put and carried unanimously.

Sir Offley Wakeman moved that the following be elected Vice-
Presidents of the Society : —Lord Hawkesbury, Lord Kenyon, Sir
Walter Corbet, Dart, and Mr. II D. Greene, Q.C., M.P. He remarked
that it had been suggested to him by a high authority that he should
take that opportunity to bring before the Society a matter which had
been in the clouds for the last few months, but which was now about
to take a more definite form. Some time ago, partly owing to the
suggestion of Mr. Fox Davies, he was asked to take the necessary

viii

steps for obtaining a proper and authorised grant of Arms for the
county. It had been the custom for some time past for the county
to use the borough Aims, but since it was possible for the county to
obtain a grant of Arms for themselves, it was hardly becoming to go
on using those belonging to the borough. (Hear, hear). Last summer
he broached the subject to the late Chairman of the County Council
(Mr. S. K. Mainwaring), and since then he had spoken to the present
Chairman, and in each case received a favourable answer. He had
also spoken to the Rev. T. Auden and the Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher on
the matter. As to the financial part of the business, he proposed
that it should be a condition that no expense should fall on the
public. (Hear, hear). That would not be at all right, and he would
himself undertake to indemnify them from any expense, though,
perhaps, he should ask some of his friends to help him in the matter.
(Hear, hear). He had been in communication with the College of
Arms, and thought there would be no difficulty on their part ; in fact,
lie was in a position to say that the county would be able to receive
a grant from them which would not depart widely from the old
historical loggerheads. If the Society would give their approval to
the proposal, it would strengthen his hands when the matter came to
be mentioned to the County Council.

The Rev. Prebendary G. H. Egerton seconded the motion, which
was unanimously adopted.

THE COUNCIL.

Mr. Lloyd Ken yon proposed the re-election of the old Council,
with the addition of the Hon. and Rev. G. H. F. Vane, the Rev. H.
Stokes, and Mr. D. H. S. Cranage ; and, in doing so, remarked that
he did not quite understand how an addition to their number was
going to get them out of their financial difficulties. They owed over
£50, and the ordinary expenses were fully up to the ordinary income.
Ho thought the Council would have to take into consideration whether
it would not be advisable to publish less numbers of the Transactions
for a few years until the Society was out of debt. (Hear, hear).
With regard to the proposed grant of Arms, he thought it was quite
right that the county should be put on a proper historical footing.

Mr. H. R. H Southam seconded, and asked whether some of the
outstanding subscriptions could not be got in.

The Secretary replied that the Council had considered the matter,
and had decided that the assets of the Society were not worth more
than the sum stated in tho Balance Sheet. — The motion was carried.

election of auditor.

On tho proposition of Captain Williams-Freeman, seconded by
Mr. Giui'TiTiis, l)r Calvert was re-elected auditor, and a cordial vote
of thanks was passed to him for his services during the year.

ix

chairman's address.

Tho Chairman then delivered the following address : — At the
annual gatherings of this Society our object is not so much to transact
business and to pass accounts as to take note of what we hive
accomplished, and to discuss in a tentative way what in the future
wo might, under favouring circumstances, take in hand. In the
modest and admirable words of the preface to Owen and Blake way's
History of Shrewsbury \ we may say, " We have cleared away some
errors, but we cannot flatter ourselves that none remain for the
olucidation of future enquirers." (Hear, hear). In historical and
archaeological pursuits, the student looks at the past through tho
spectacles of the present, and as in each successive generation the
standpoint is moved, so is the perspective changed, the colouring
modified, the horizon enlarged. We note among the antiquaries of
to-day a commendable dosire to consult original documents, and to
verify references. " It is not imaginable," says an accomplished writer,
11 to those who have not tried, what labours an historian, that would
bo exact, is condemned to. He must read all, good and bad, and
remove a world of rubbish before he can lay the foundation." The
unique situation of Shrewsbury, the centre not only of Shropshire,
but of Wales — (laughter) — and the special facilities of communication
with which our railway system has endowed it, seem to favour the
idea of a federation of the Archaeological Societies of the Principality
with the Society of this county. At all events, the long and intimate
association of, and co-operation between, the inhabitants of Salop and
Montgomeryshire, tho fact that the Powysland Club overlaps our
boundary, and certain financial reasons which affect both Societies,
afford some grounds for hoping that at some time or other the
Shropshire and Powysland archaeologists may agree to use at least
011$ common volume for their publications. A rich, in other words, a
large, society has great advantages, especially with regard to illustra-
ting its papers and maintaining its staff. I tkink that the illustra-
tions both in our volumes and those of the Powysland Club might be
improved both in number and quality. The value of engravings can
hardly be too highly estimated. They give a far more definite idea of
things than letterpress. They explain a building, a monument, a
costume, a portrait, indeed any artistic work which we desire to
roscue from oblivion, better than the most exact, elaborate, and
technical description. One of our Shropshire antiquaries, Farmer
Dukes, compiled a list of books connected with this county, and also
of portraits and ongravings. The time has come when this catalogue
may bo largely supplemented. There is a wealth of original portraits
often unnamod, sometimes misnamed, in our country housos, in our
public buildings, museums, and libraries. They would well repay
the trouble of listing, and possibly of reproducing in a sketch cata-
logue. Of lato years thcro has boon established in London a National
Portrait (Jallery. A local portrait gallery, in tho shapo of a book
illustrated with sketches of the originals, notices of the lives of the

local celebrities, and references to the houses in which they are to be
found, would be a great contribution to the history of this county.
(Hear, hear). I have often spoken both here and elsewhere on the
importance of preserving parochial registers by printing and indexing
them. I make no apology for repeating myself on this occasion.
The process of publishing these registers is going on slowly and un-
certainly ; the process of decay is also going on slowly and certainly.
This is a subject that has not been much, if at all, attended to by
the fathers of the Church — the Bishops. They are overwhelmed
with work of another kind. Anions ordinary people there is much
ignorance bolh of the importance and the extent and difficulty of the
work. I commend this practical task to all Archaeological Societies.
It lies within the legitimate sphere of their operations It is of
pressing urgency. At a meeting of the Royal Archaeological Institute
here last year one of the members, who was an expert in this parti-
cular line, said there were only fifteen monumental brasses in Shrop-
shire. I should like to see this statement verified. I suspect that
there are more, and I am glad to note our Society is reproducing tho
brasses in its publications. In the British Museum there are two
magnificent volumes of the sepulchral monuments of Shropshire by
Williams. I do not know whether the work is absolutely perfect ;
but certainly since his time many more might be added. A most
valuable aid would be afforded to local history if the illustrations in
these volumes could be reproduced on such a scale as to be included
in a portable volume. In such a volume we should have an interest-
ing evidence of tho changes in religion, ideas, and taste. I have
now lightly touched on many points, but by no means exhausted the
subject, not for the purpose of criticising what we have done and are
doing, but with tho object of pointing out what an immense store-
house of material wo have still within our reach j and the trained
antiquaries in this room aro well aware of the many departments of
our work to which I have not alluded to at all. (Applause).

On the motion of Mr. H. Sandford, seconded by Mr. Clement
Soutiiam, a voto of thanks was passed to Mr. Stanley Lcighton for
his interesting addivss, aftor which the meeting terminated.

THE ANNUAL EXCURSION.

The Annual Excursion in connection with tho Shropshire Archaeo-
logical and Natural History Society took place on Wednesday, Juno
17th, 18%, and although tho pleasure of the outward journey was
somewhat marred owing to the rainfall during tho morning, the
excursion was exceedingly interesting and enjoyable. A very attrac-

XI

tive programme had been arranged, and the party included the Rev.
T. Auden, F.S.A., Miss Auden, Miss Corser, the Rev. A. Thursby
Pelham, Mr. W. Phillips, F.L S., Mr. Humphrey Sandford, the Rev.
J. Neale, Captain Williams-Freeman, Mr. S. Clement Southam, Mr.
L. A. C. Southam, Mr, George Griffiths, Weston, Mr. E. Griffiths,
Mr. Herbert Southam, Mr. Richard Phillips, Mr. J. Nurse, Mr. W.
Bowdler, and Mr. F. Goyne (Secretary). The rain in the early
morning had the effect of deterring a number of members from joining
the excursion. The party met at the Shrewsbury Railway Station at
ten o'clock, and travelled in a saloon carriage by the 10-5 train for
Church Stretton. On arriving at Church Stretton, although there
was a heavy downpour of rain, the excursionists entered the carriages
which were in waiting at the station, and a move was made for Long-
ville by way of Hope Bowdler and Wall. A heavy mist hung over
the hills. On approaching Longville the rain abated, and the party
alighting proceeded across the fields and through the woods to

WILDEItHOPE, t

which was formerly the seat of the Smallmans. but is now used as an
ordinary farmhouse. It dates from the latter part of the 16th
century, and has some very elaborate plaster ceilings. When all had
assembled in the large " kitchen," the Rev. T. Auden read the follow-
ing short paper on Wilderhope, wrhich had been prepared by the
Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher, F.S.A. :—

The early history of Wilderhope is given in Eyton's Antiquities,
vol. iv., p. 100, &c. There is also a description of the house in
Mrs. Stackhouse Acton's Castles and Mansions of Shropshire, p. 44.
The house is an interesting and well-preserved specimen of a stone
liouso built in the latter end of Elizabeth's reign. According to
Mrs. Stackhouse Acton, it was finished in the year 1593. The
building is entirely of stone, with some beautiful plaster ceilings, the
details of which it is difficult to make out, owing to the ceilings
having been whitewashed over. The initials " FS." occur in the
centre of a circle, with a legend which looks like " 1ST. VEM. AN.
DROIT. V. " round the circle. The initials "FS." and "ES." occur
four times, also " IESU " in a shield, fleur-de-lis, portcullis, roses, and
three feathers (Prince of Wales's). Mrs. Acton states that the motto
is "Mai mea Dea est," also "ES. FS. RS. 1601," but I have not
found RS. 1601, nor can I follow her reading of the mctto. In a
small panelled room adjoining the kitchen is the date 1672, and the
letters " T. S. I." on panelling over the fireplace, thus showing when
the room was panelled, and who did the work. There may have been
an inscription outside the house over tho front door, but if so,
constant painting and whitewashing have obliterated it, if there ever
were any. Tho house was, if not erected, at all events renovated by
Francis Smalman of Wilderhope, who was buried at Rushbury, 25th
July, 1590, and whoso will was proved in tho P.C.C. on 3rd August,
1599. The letters " FS."and <;ES." on the plastered ceilings evidently

Xll

stand for this Francis Smalman and Ellen his wife. He had no legiti-
mate issue, but by his will he "gave the glass in the windows of the
house wherein he dwelt at Wilderhope to his nephew Stephen Smal-
man." He did not dispose of Wilderhope in his will, so probably he held
it only as tenant to his brother Thomas Smalman, of Elton. This
Thomas Smalman, who is described in his will as "of the Inner
Temple, esq," died 22 June, 1590, and was buried in the Inner
Temple Church. By his will, which was proved in the P.C.C. on
2nd March, 1590, he devised his lands in Wilderhop and in Rush-
burie, which he had purchased from Rowland Lacon, Esq., and
Richard Parramore, to his son Stephen in tail male, with remainders
over to his other sons ; and directed that his brother Francis should
have a lease of the lands in Wilderhope lor such a term as Stephen
should grant him. From an Inquisition taken after the death of
Thomas Smallman on 9 January, 1590-1, it appears that Francis
Smallman had a lease of a messuage and lands in Wilderhope, formerly
Richard Parramore's, for 40 years from Michaelmas 1584 ; and that
Thomas Smallman in 1583 levied a fine and purchased the reversion
of these premises from Richard Parramore, and also the farm of
Wildertop and lands there from Rowland Lacon, Esq. He thus
became possessed of the Manor of Wilderhope ; and in 1586 he
bought Nether Stanway and Neenton.

The initials "T.I.S." in the small panelled room refer to Thomas
Smalman (great-grandson of Thomas referred to) and Jane his wife,
a daughter of Sir Richard Prince. Thomas was a lieutenant in the
Royalist army, and compounded for bis delinquency in May, 1649,
and on 23rd June was fined £140, which he paid on 6th Aug., 1650.
He afterwards lived at Neenton, where he was buried 4th December,
1693. He must not be confounded with his uncle, the celebrated
Major Thomas Smallman, of whom Mr Wm. Phillips has given a full
account in the "Ottley Papers," printed in the 1 ransactions. Wilder-
hope was finally sold in 1720 to Thomas Lutwyche, of Lutwyche. It
now belongs to Mrs. Hippisley.

The Smallmans are a family of great antiquity in Corvedale. One
Richard Smallman held lands in Long Stanton as early as 1229.
Richard, son of John Smalemon of Shipton, occurs in connection with
land in Thonglands in 1315; and in 1327 he was assessed to the
Subsidy in respect of lands in Rushbury and Shipton.

Mr. Auden announced that since he had left home Mr. Griffiths of
Weston, had put into his hands a copy of a letter written by the late
Rev. John Wakefield, Vicar of Hughley, to Lord Bradford, which
contained some particulars which he had gathered in reference to his
own parish.

He first referred to a rock near Wilderhope, called " Ippikin's
Rock," which, ho asserted, was the last of three on the Wcnlock Edge,
above tho Lower Hill Farm, and lay in the direction of Church
Stretton. Ippikin was a famous robber, and not very sparing of
human life when it seemed to stand in the way of his "professional "
success. He lived in a cave near the top of a rock, which was very

Uk
Xlll

difficult of access, with a large band of followers. Lights were often
seen in the cave by the people of the valley, but as there were a
number of large forests around which were the resort of robbers, the
peaceable people of the district were not much induced to provoke
their displeasure by meddling with them. He was, however, killed
at last, and his ghost was said to haunt the favourite rocks for some
time after. An old inhabitant had stated that his father could
remember when a large portion of the Kenlcy, Preen, and Cardington
parishes was a thick wood or forest, and squirrels could jump from
tree to tree from one end to the other. Another matter of interest
in the letter was the reference made to " The Major's Leap."

After a battle, either of Bridgnorth or Worcester, a soldier of the
Royiilist party, Major Small man, being pursued by a part}r of Parlia-
mentarians, fled in the direction of Much Wenlock, in the hope of
reaching his own house at Wilderhope, near Lutwych, by tiring his
pursuers. Being too closely followed to entertain any hope of escap-
ing them he rode to the top of Wenlock Edge, and leaped from a
rock which is situated near Blakeway Farm. The Parliamentarians,
supposing him to have been killed by the fall, and not being able to
learn the result except by going miles round, rode away. A crabtree
broke his fall, but caused the death of his horse. The major escaped
unhurt, climbed along the rock through the wood, and made his
escape under cover of the Edge and the wood to his own house at
Wilderhope.

Mr. Auden remarked that in reading the letter he had inverted the
terms, since Mr Wakefield had described Major Smallman as a
Parliamentarian, which was quite enough to cause his ghost to walk,
for it was clear lie was a Hoyalist. (Laughter). — A cenversation took
place as to the plaster work on the ceilings, and it was pointed out
that at the period from which it dated there was one set of Italians
who did the ceilings.

After examining other portions of the interesting old house, the
walk was continued through the fields to

LUTWYCHK,

originally belonging to the family of that name, and now the property
of R. B. Benson, Esq. On arriving at Mr. Benson's delightful
residonce the visitors wero invited by Mr. and Mrs. Benson to partake
of light refreshments before examining the various objects of interest
which the building contains. A stone cup, found in the neighbour-
hood of Lutwyche, and which was said to belong to tho Neolithic
ago, was exhibited by Mr. Benson. Mr. Auden said he had had an
opportunity of showing tho cup at a meeting of tho Society of
Antiquaries, and the general opinion was that it is British It was
found, in sinking a well, at Longvillo, in blue clay, 30 feet below
tho surface It was very curious and interesting. Mr. Phillips
pointed out that tho doubt which existed as to tho cup being British
was due to the fact that it was found in a deep deposit of clay.

xiv

Mr. Benson then gave a brief description of Lutwyche, which dates in
part from 1587. In front of the house are the letters and figures — 1
" E. L., 1587." The house was built about that year by Sir Edward 1
Lutwyche. The plaster decorations in the hall were very fine, and
were probably done by Italian artists in tlic 17th or beginning of the
18th centuries. About 1776 the house and estate passed out of the
hands of Lutwyche, and were owned by a Mr. Langford The house f
was then of red brick and gabled, as it is now, but Mr. Langford
covered it with stucco. His (Mr. Benson's) grandfather removed the J
stucco from tho walls, and took up the court-yard in adding two <
rooms. Lutwyche was purchased by his (Mr. Benson's) great-great- I
grandfather about the year 1806. When the house was restored
there were enough of the old bricks to be used outside, but the
builder thought he was doing the right thing by using the old bricks J
insido and the new ones outside. (Laughter). Mr. Benson then
described some interesting paintings, including Captain Kiou Benson, ?
who was killed at the battle of Copenhagen, Judge Lutwyche, and
others.

On leaving Lutwyche, Mr. and Mrs. Benson accompanied the party f
in the carriages to Easthopc Church, where they were met by the $
Rev. J. 0. Crosse, the son of the Vicar. There was a church here as %
early as 1291, when it was valued at under £4 per annum, and paid j
3s to the Vicar of Cound, but nothing of so early a date remains in
the present building except the font. The east window is decorated,
and in the south wall is a low side window of the 14th or 15th ;
century, with the hinge still in situ. The woodwork is especially
noticeable. The pews bear the inscription : — " Edward Ball of
London gave this pullpitt and pewes to this parishe wheare he was |
borne: June: 28: Anno Domini: 1623." Opposite to this is: —
" It is God that worketh in us both to will and also to worke : even \
of good will: E.B. : June: 28: Anno Domini: 1623." The most |
remarkable feature of the church is the ancient hour-glass, which is \
on iron scroll-work four inches in height, and six inches in breadth. J
The height of the glass is eight inches. To the middle is attached, I
projecting at right angles, an iron plate bearing the date 1662. The ^
front and lower margins represent sections of Gothic mouldings. In '
the centre is a heart-shaped perforation, with a perforated "S" shape
marking on each side. At the point where the date-bearing plate
unites witli the stand is a fleur-de-lis. The stand and glass are
suspended from the pulpit by a strong twisted iron bent bracket arm.
In the churchyard, under a yew tree, are two ancient crosses, said to %
mark the graves of two monks of Wenlock, Little is known of the
history of Easthopc Church. Its patronage in early days was in the
lauds of the load of the manor. In 1383 William Garmston was \
deprived of tho bonefico, he having murdered John do Easthopc, tho
patron. In 1777 tho advowson passed to tho Lutwyche family.

Before leaving the churchyard Mr. Audon tendered, on bohalf of
the visitors, thanks to Mr. Crosse, for accompanying them in the
church. He at the same time expressed their deep thanks to

XV

Mr. and Mrs. Benson for their kindness and hospitality. After
the miserable drive they had, it was a pleasant "haven of rest" when
they found themselves at Lutwyche.

The earriages then proceeded past Larden (the residence of Mr. R.
J. More, M.P.), and tho Moor House, and a halt was made at

SHIPTON HALL,

which is now unoccupied. It is a most delightful place. In 1549
the Manor of Shipton, which had belonged to the Prior of Wenlock,
was devised by John Lutwyche to his cousin, Edward Mytton, of
Worcester ; but William Mytton, who was Sheriff in 1456, is described
as of Shipton. The hall was for many generations the seat of the
Myttons, and is a fine specimen of the architecture of Elizabeth's
reign. Shipton Church, close to the hall, and which has the unusual
feature of an Elizabethan chancel, was not entered, as the key was
kept at a distance of a mile from the church. The Church was
originally a chapelry of Wenlock Abbey, and after the Dissolution,
was granted to Sir Thomas Palmer, Knight, subject to the payment
of 53s. 4d. for the stipend of one chaplain for the cure and other
observances celebrated at Shipton. He was executed for treason in
Queen Mary's reign. From Shipton the drive was continued to

UOLGATE.

Hero the church contains a fine Norman doorway, and a remark-
ablo fyj>f, dating from the same period. Near the church is a large
■■rtTfieial mound, probably marking an early settlement, and adjoining
are the remains of the medieval castle originally founded by Helgot,
one of William the Conqueror's followers, and last used as a garrison
of the Royalists in the Civi1 War. In Domesday Holgate was called
Stanton. Henry f. was entertained at Holgate by Herbert Fitz
Holgate. It passed to Robert de la Mare, who died in 1193 at
Bencvento, on his way home from the Crusades. Later it passed to
Thomas Mauduit, who had licence in 1222 for a weekly market. In
1253 tho Baron had his own Court and his own gallows. About
1258 Holgate was alienated to Richard Plantagenet, King of the
Romans, who conveyed it to the Knight Templars, who had a settle-
ment at Lidley (Cardington). In 1284 it was held by Bishop Burnell,
and in 1292 the old castle was not valued, because it yielded nothing.
It passed later through the hovels to tho Duko of Norfolk. Leland
says : " Holgate Castlo standeth under Clee hilles .... tho
Duko of Norfolk exchanged it for other lands with Mr. Dudley." It
was too dilapidated in 1015 to be worth holding by the Parliament;
but was earlier held for the king. With regard to Holgate Church,
Mr. Audeu explained that it had three prebends in 1210 — the first
and third wore in tho hands of the Abbot of Shrewsbury, and tho
second in the hands of (he Lord of Holgate. In 1290 Richard do
Eyton, prebendary of Holgate, gave Bishop Swinfield oats and hay

XVI

when at Stanton Lacy and Stokesay. The church is mainly Norman,
with windows of a later period. The west tower was added in the
13th century, the lower part being Early English, and the upper
part Perpendicular. In the west wall there is a curious opening.
The church has lately been restored, and Mr. Auden said he was glad
to seo that its interesting features had not been destroyed in the
restoration.

After leaving Holgate the drive was continued to Church Stretton,
and the party returned in the saloon carriage to Shrewsbury, by the
6-55 p.m. train. The expedition was greatly enjoyed by all, and the
arrangements made by Mr. Auden and the secretary (Mr. Goyne)
greatly enhanced the pleasure of the excursion.

SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL

AND

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 1896.
f^rfsitJcnt :

THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF BRADFORD.

"yFt're* IPust cents

HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF SUTHERLAND
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF POUTS
THE RT. REV. THE LORD BISHOP OF

LICHFIELD.
THE RT. HON. LORD BARNARD,
THE RT. HON. LORD HARLECH.
THE RIGHT HON. LORD KEN YONT.
THE RIGHT HON. LORD HAWKESBURY,

THE HON. R. C. HERBERT.

THE HON & REV. J. BR1DGEMAN, M A.

SIR VV. O. CORBET, BART.

SIR C. H. ROUSE BOUGHTOtf, BART.

SIR OFFLEY WAKEMAN, BART.

STANLEY LEIGHTON, ESQ., M.P. F.S.A.

ARTHUR SPARROW, ESQ., F.S.A.

REV. CANON W. II. EGERTON. M A.

REV. CANON O. H. EUERTON, ALA.

R. LLOYD KEN YON, ESQ.

A. P. HEY WOOD- LONSDALE, ESQ.

H. D. GREENE, ESQ., Q C, M.P.

tsToimctl

VERY REV. CANON ALLEN, Shrewsbury.
REV. T. All DEN, M.A., F.S.A., Condover.

(Chairman).
W. BE AC ALL, ESQ., Shrewsbury.
E. CALVERT, ESQ., LL.D., Shrewsbury.
D. H. 8. CRANAGE, ESQ , M A , Wellington.
REV. C. H. DRINKWATER, ALA., Shrewsbury
REV. W. G. D. FLETCHER, M. A , F.S.A.,

Shrewsbury.

S. M. AIORRIS, ESQ.. Shrewsbury.
REV. E. MYERS, F.G.S., Shrewsbury.
E. 0. PEE LIS, ESQ., Shrewsbury.
REV. A. T. PELHAM. M.A., Couml.
W. PHILLIPS, ESQ., F.L.S., Shrewsbuiy.'
S. C. SOUTUAM, Esq. Shrewsbury.
RliV. II. STOKES, M.A , Stapleton.
HON. & REV. G. H. F. VANE, ALA., Wem.

T. SLANEY EYTON, ESQ

^tutorial (gTommtttee :

E. CALVERT, ESQ. LL.D. REV. T. AUDEN, M.A., F.S.A.

W. PHILLIPS. ESQ., F L S. REV W. G. D. FLETCHER, M.A., F.S.A

^iou. J±LUi'tonal jSecretaru :

AIR. W. H. ADNllT, SHREWSBURY

E. CALVERT, ESQ., LL.D.

^IBanluta

MESSRS. EYTON, BURTON, AND CO., SHREWSBURY.

jsecretnrg ;

MR. F. GOYNE, DOGPOLE, SHREWSBURY

XV111

LIST OF MEMBERS, 139G

H

Adnitb, Mr. H. W., Shrewsbury
Allen, Very Rev. Canon, Belmont, Shrewsbury
Auden, Rev. T., M.A., F.S.A , Condover Vicarage, Shrewsbury

Bradford, Right Hon. Earl of, Weston, Shifnal ( President )
Brown low, Right Hon. Karl, Bolton, Grantham
Barnard, Right Hon. Lord, Raby Castle, Darlington
Baldwyn-Childe, Rev. Prebendary, M.A., J. P., Kyre Park, Tenbury
Barnes, Thomas, Esq., The Quinta, Chirk
Barnes, Colonel J. R., J. P., Brookside, Chirk
Beacall, W., Esq., J. P., Sunfield, Shrewsbury
Benson, Ralph B., Esq., J. P., Lutwyche Hall, Much Wenlock
Benthall, E., Esq., Glantwrch, Ystalyfera, Swansea Vale
Beresford, Robert de la Poer, Esq., M.D., Oswestry
Bowdler, W., Esq., Penybont, Sutton Lane, Shrewsbury
Bowen-Jones, J., Esq., Ensdon House, Montford, Salop
Bridgeman, The Hon. and Rev. J., M.A., J.P., Weston-under-Lizard,
Shifnal

Browne, W. Lyon, Esq., J.P., Ashley House, Shrewsbury
Bard, Rev. Prebendary, M.A, Chirbury Vicarage, Salop
Bulkeley-Owen, The Hon. Mrs., Tedsmore Hall, West Felton
Bulkeley-Owen, Rev. T. ML, B A., J. P., Tedsmore Hall, West Felton
Burson, Mr. W., Holywell Terrace, Shrewsbury
Burton, Rev. R. Lingen, Little Aston Vicarage, Sutton Coldfield,
Birmingham

Burton, E. R. Lingen, Esq., Whitton Hall, Westbnry

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

Caradoc and Severn Valley Field Club

Cavan, James, Esq., M.A., Eaton Mascott Hall, Shrewsbury

Chance, A. F., Esq., M.A., The Schools, Shrewsbury

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

Churchill, Rev. C. J. S., M.A., The Schools, Shrewsbury

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

Clarke, Rev. J. II. Courtney, M.A., Tong Vicarage, Shifnal

Clay, J. Cecil, Esq.. Market Drayton

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

Clowes, Rev. Albert, M.A., Birkenhead Avenue, Kingston-on-Thames

Cock, Alfred, Esq., Q.C., FS.A., 8, Konsington Park Gardens, W.

Cock, James, Esq., Kingsland, Shrewsbury

XIX

Colville, H. K., Esq., Bellaport, Market Drayton

Corbet, Sir W. 0., Bait , Acton iicynald, Shrewsbury

Corficld, Lieut.-Col. F. Channel', J. P., Ormonde Fields, Codnor, Derby

Corser, G. Sandford, Esq , The Crescent, Shrewsbury

Cranage, D. H. S., Esq., M.A., F.S.A , The Old Hall, Wellington, Salop

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

Davis, Rev. J., The College, Cleobury Mortimer

Dovaston, Adolphus, Esq., Twyford, Sunnyside Road, Ealing,

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

Drinkwater, Rev. C. H., M.A, St. George's Vicarage, Shrewsbury
Duignan, W. H., Esq., Gorway, Walsall

Ebrall, Saml., Esq., Kingsland, Shrewsbury
Kgcrton, Rev. Canon C. 11., M.A., Middle Rectory, Shrewsbury
Egcrton, Rev. Canon W. II., M.A., Tlie llcctory, Whitchurch, Salop
Eyton, T. Slaney, Esq , D.L., J P , Walfo d Hall, Baschurch

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

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

Fortey, Charles, Esq., Ludlow, Salop
Gill, Arthur, Esq., Shrewsbury

Cough, Fred. H., Esq., Chilton Moor Vicarage, Fence Houses, Durham

Greene, H. D., Esq., Q.C., M.P., The Grove, Craven Arms j

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. Welch, Esq.

Greensill, Fnmk, Esq., 4, Windsor Terrace, Douglas, Isle of Man

Harlech, Right Hon. Lord, Brogyntyn, Oswestry

Hawkkhb\jhy, Right Hon. Lord, F.S.A., Cockglode, Ollerton, Newark

Hall, Rov. G. T., M.A., The Schools, Shrewsbury

Harding, W. E;, Esq., Shrewsbury

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

Heber-Percy, Major Algernon, J. P., Hodnet, Salop

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

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

Drayton
Hignctt, T, II., Esq., Oswestry
Hodges, E , Esq., Edgmond, Newport, Salop
How, T. M., Esq., Ncarwoll, Shrewsbury

x*

Howells, T. Middleton, Esq., Highfield, Shrewsbury
Hughes, Edward, Esq., Glyndwr, Bcrsham Head, Wrexham
Hughes, H. H , Esq., Shrewsbury

Hughes, W. H., Esq., G, Telford Avenue, Streatham Hill, London,
S.W.

Humphreys-Owen, A. C, Esq., M.A., M.P., J. P., D.L., Garthmyl,
Montgomeryshire

Jones, Miss Edith A , Shelton House, Shrewsbury

Jones, H., Esq., 1, Church Court, Clement's Lane, London, E.G.

Jones, J, Parry, Esq , Bccchfield, Oswestry

Jones, Sidney G., Esq., Severn Bank, Shrewsbury

Juson, Mrs , Monklands, Shrewsbury

Kenyon, Right Hon. Lord, Gredington, Whitehureh, Salop
Kenyon, R. Lloyd, Esq., M.A., J. P., Pradoe, West Felton, Oswestry
King, Roff, Esq., Islington, Shrewsbury

Kittermaster, Rev. F. W., M.A., Bayston Hill Vicarage, Shrewsbury

Lichfield, Right Rev. The Lord Bishop of, The Palace, Lichfield
Lane, Cecil N., Esq., C.M.G., J.P., Winston Hall, Albrighton, Wolver-
hampton

Langley, Alfred P., Esq., Golding, Peterston Super Ely, Cardiff
Leighton, Stanley, Esq., M.A., M.P., F.S.A., Sweeney Hall, Oswestry
Leslie, Mrs., Bryntanat, Llansantffraid, Oswestry
Lewis, Mr. Henry, Oswald Road, Oswestry
Lloyd, Major Francis, Aston Hull, Oswestry
Longuevillo, T., Esq., Llanforda, Oswestry

Minshall, Philip H., Esq., J. P., Bronwylfa, Oswestry
Morris, S. M., Esq., Belle Vue House, Shrewsbury
Moss, Rev. Prebendary, M.A., The Schools, Shrewsbury
Myers, Rev. E., F.G.S., The Parsonage, Shrewsburyj

Naunton, Mr. W. W., Shrewsbury
Newman, Mr. H. F., High Street, Shrewsbury
Norton, Rev F. C , Ditchling Vicarage, Sussex
Nurse, John, Esq., Dogpole, Shrewsbury

Oswell, A. E. LLoyd, Esq., Shrewsbury
Oswestry Free Library

Powis, Right Hon. Earl of, Powis Castle, Welshpool
Pcele, E. C, Esq., D.L., J. P., Cyngfeld, Shrewsbury
Pelham, Rev. A. Thursby, M.A., Cound Rectory, Shrewsbury
Phillips, Richard, Esq , Pride Hill, Shrowsbu ry
Phi-Alps, W., Esq., F.L.S., J.P., Canonbury, Shrewsbury

xxi

Pickering, T. E., Esq., M.A., The Schools, Shrewsbury
Poole, T. Frank, Esq., Kingshmd, Shrewsbury
Potts, E. B., Esq., Broseley

Purton, Rev. Ralph C, M A., Kempsey, Worcester

Robinson, Brooke, Esq , M.P., Barford House, Warwick
Rogers, Henry Exell, Esq., J. P., Shrewsbury
Rowland, G. J , Esq., 14, Parkdale, Wolverhampton
Rouse-Boughton, Sir C. H., Bart., D.L , J. P., Downton Hall, Ludlow

Sutueuland, His Grace the Duke of, Lilleshall

Salt, G. M., Esq., Quarry Place, Shrewsbury

Salter, J. B , Esq., Castle Street, Shrewsbury

Salwey, % J., Efiq>, J. P., The Cliff, Ludlow

Sandford, Humphrey, Esq., M.A., J P., The Kle, Shrewsbury

Sand ford, Folliott, Esq., Belmont, Shrewsbury

Science and Art Department, London, S.W.

Sitwell, Willoughby Hurt, Esq., Fcrney Hall, Craven Arms

Smith, H. Percy, Esq., Tong Priory, near Shifnal

Smith, F. Rawdon, Esq., Eastfield, Ironbridge

Soutbam, Herbert R. H., Esq., Sutton Lane, St. Giles, Shrewsbury

Southam, S. Clement, Esq., Elmhurst, Shrewsbury

Southam, Mrs., The Hollies, Shrewsbury

Southwell, W. L., Esq.. Astbury Hall, Bridgnorth

Sparrow, Arthur, Esq., F.S.A., D.L., J. P., Preen Manor, Shrewsbury

Stanier, F., Esq., D.L , J. P., Peplow Hall, Market Drayton

Stokes, Rev. Hudlestone, M.A., Stapleton Rectory, Salop

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

Tayleur, J., Esq., Buntingsdale, Market Drayton
Taylor, R., Esq., J. P., Abbey House, Shrewsbury
Thursfield, T. H., Esq , J P., Barrow, Broseley
Timmis, Percy Freeman, Esq., Dry ton, Wroxeter
Twemlow, T., Esq., Peatswood, Market Drayton

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

Vane, Hon and Rev. Gilbert H. F, M.A., The Rectory, Wem
Vcnables, R, G., Esq., B.A , J. P., Oakhurst, Oswestry

Wakeman, Sir Oftiey, Bart., M.A., D.L., J. P., Yeaton-Pevcrey

Walker, C. C, Esq., J P., Lilleshall Old Hall, Salop

Walton, F. R. B , Esq., 19, Crescent Place, Shrewsbury

Watts, W. W., Esq., M.A, F.G.S., 28, Jermyn Street, London, S.W.

Wcyinan, H. T., Esq., Ludlow, Salop

Whitakcr, W. H., Esq,, Totterton, Lydbury North

Whitcombe, Robert H., Esq., Bewdley

I

xxii

Williams-Freeman, Captain, Ivy House, Meole Brace
Williams-Vaughan, E., Esq , Broom Hall, Oswestry
Wood, R. H., Esq., F.S.A., F.R.G.S., Belmont, Sidmouth, S. Devon
Woods, Sir Albert W., K.C.M.G., C.B., F.S.A., Garter King of Arms,

College of Arms, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C.
Woodall, Mr. E., Oswestry and Border Counties Adwrtizer, Oswestry
Wright, Philip, Esq., J. P., Mellington Hall, Churchstoke

HONORARY MEMBERS.

The High Sheriff of Shropshire! , f n.

rni hi r,M t 1 Juuniii? year of ottico
Tito Mayor of Shrewsbury j ? J

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

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

XX111

SOCIETIES IN COMMUNICATION WITH
THIS SOCIETY.

Archaeological Section of Birmingham and Midland Institute.
Cambrian Archaeological Association.

Cumberland and Westmoreland Archujologicaland Antiquarian Society.

Derbyshire Archaeological Society.

East Riding Antiquarian Society, Yorkshire.

Essex Field Club.

Folk-Lore Society.

Glasgow Arclueological Society.

Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire.

Kent Archaeological Society.

Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society.
Powys-Land Club, Montgomeryshire.

lloyal Archaeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.

Sheffield Arclueological Society.

Society of Antiquaries of London.

Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

Somerset Arclueological Society.

Surrey Archaeological Society.

Sussex Archaeological Society.

Worcester Diocesan Archaeological Society.

William Salt Archaeological Society, Stafford.

Yorkshire Archaeological and Topographical Association.

Bodleian Library.
British Museum.

Natural History Department of British Museum.

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CHANGES IN LAND OWNERSHIP IN
SHROPSHIRE.

By STANLEY LEIGHTON, M.P., F.S.A.

" Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis." Four
hundred years ago, towards the close of the Feudal
period, red deer and roe were running wild over the
Forest of Clan. On the slopes of the Stiperstone range,
before modern miners had recommenced the work of
their Roman predecessors, Hock stow deer forest ex-
tended right up to Caus Castle. The antlers found in
the meres round Baschurch and Ellesmere show the
presence of red deer in North Shropshire also. What
was the population of the county at that time we can-
not accurately ascertain, but the inhabitants were not
scattered as now broadcast over the land, but were
gathered together for protection in the walled towns, or
in villages which nestled under the battlements of
castles. Few were the outlying residences, and these
were usually surrounded by a moat. Contrasting with
the wildness of the surrounding scenery (for there was
then no model farming), some forty or fifty castles gave
point to the landscape, some of them well-built, and
covering several acres in extent; but more imposing than
the strongholds of the landowners in scale and state-'
liness were the Abbeys of the Religious Orders, of
which Shropshire had her fair proportion. An honest
study of what remains to us of the past helps us to
observe the continuity of change, both in the outward
appearance of the land and the personality of its
inhabitants. The twelve Abbeys and Priories of
Shropshire, the hospital of the Knights Templars, and
a number of friaries are all gone. The forty castles of
Shropshire are all gone as residences of importance. I
Vol. VIII. 2nd S?' A

•Jt

2

CHANGES IN LAND OWNERSHIP

can only recall three or four which have a vestige of
roof left upon their walls. Stokesay is a beautiful but
dismantled shell. Shrewsbury Castle, of which Leland
said " it hath been a stronge thinge, but is now much
in ruin," suffered still further disfigurement in the
beginning of this century at the hands of Laura, Coun-
tess of Bath, and her architect Telford, the famous road
engineer. Wattlesborough is used as a farm house, and
its square Norman tower is covered with a modern roof.
Apley Castle is used as a stable, and little but the
foundation is left. Broncroft has been modernised. Of
the four walled towns of Shropshire — Shrewsbury,
Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Oswestry, hardly a vestige of
gate or wrall can now be traced. The original owners
have passed away with their castles. Compare the feudal
baronage of Shropshire with its modern peerage : —
Fitzalan, Audeley, Boteler, Burnel, Charlton de Powys,
Corbet of Caus, Fitz-Herbert, Fitz-Warin, Lacy, Mor-
timer, Pantulf, Say, Stafford, Strange, Montgomery. All
these once-famous names are unfamiliar now. When
Noel Hill, the eldest son of Thomas Harwood, was
created Lord Berwick of Attingham in 1784 he was the
only resident peer in the county. There were, indeed,
two Irish peers, Kilmorey and Clive ; but, as far as I
know, no resident English peer, unless Earl Gower of
Lilleshall be counted. In the appendix will be found
lists of the Tudor, the Georgian, and the Victorian
peers of Shropshire and it will be observed how short
has been the family tenure of hereditary rank. But
ruins and dismantled houses each have their own story
to tell, which will generally repay the trouble of
discovery. Stokesay points to the rise of commerce,
one of the powerful factors in England's greatness. Its
builder was Laurence, a clothier, of Ludlow, who adopted
the name of his town, and erected this charming cas-
tellated mansion in 1290. " It was not," says Eyton,
"till the reign of Edward I. that mercantile wealth
could thus readily be exchanged for territorial im-
portance/' After passing by heirship to the Vernons,

IN SHROPSHIRE.

3

Stokesay again fell into mercantile hands, and was
purchased in the reign of Elizabeth or James I. by the
aldermanic family of Craven, who sold it about 1870
again for money made in business to the family of
Allcroft, its present owners. In feudal as well in modern
times wealth often came through heiresses, and there
are few families with large possessions which do not
owe much to female inheritance — a fact which, I sup-
pose, inspired the old punning legal rhyme —

" Fee simple, simple Fee,

And all the Fees in tail,
Are nothing when compared with thee,

Thou best of Fees, Fc(e)male "

Whether the duties and the dangers of feudal superiority
brought its possessors more quickly to extinction than
the conditions of modern pre-eminence is a problem
worthy of consideration. Special advantages, whether
social, political, pecuniary, or literary, seem perilous to the
envied owners. Eyton concludes a notice of the Fitzalans
with these words : — " Having now given some account
of eight successive representatives of Alan Fitz Flaad,
this retrospective observation suggests itself, viz., that
not one of these eight Fitzalans attained the age of
sixty years ; only two passed the age ot fifty ; three
died between forty and fifty ; one between thirty and
forty; and two others died under thirty/' The fate of
tbe Staffords who inherited Caus Castle from the Cor-
bets, and having inter-married with the Plantagenets
stept into the highest grade of nobility, is equally in-
structive. In the second generation Edmund, the fifth
earl, having succeeded a brother who was murdered,
and two other brothers, who died childless, was himself
killed at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. His son,
who was made Duke of Buckingham, was slain at
Northampton in 1460. His son was slain at St.
Alban's. His son was beheaded at Salisbury in 1483,
and his son was beheaded on Tower Hill in 1521. The
Royal House of England for the last eight centuries has
been represented by seven families, but never during

4-

CHANGES IN LAND OWNERSHIP

all that time by a purely English dynasty in the male
line. The Conqueror William was a Norman ; Stephen,
a Frenchman ; Henry II., an Angevin or Plantagenet ;
Henry VII , a Welshman or Owen ; James I., a Scotch-
man or Stuart ; William III., a Dutchman of the House
of Orange ; George I., a (Juelph or Hanoverian ; and the
Prince of Wales represents the distinguished German
House of Coburg. The feudal scheme of society, the
outgrowth of surrounding circumstances rather than of
settled policy, linked enormous duties with corresponding
position. Kecognised and customary obligations, which
could not easily or safely be avoided, appertained to the
ownership of land, almost the only form in which at
that time wealth could be capitalised. There is danger
to any State when the conditions of political service
dissociate property from public responsibilities. In old
England the castle represented military duty. The
abbey represented religious, educational, and civil obli-
gations. The towns, with their exclusive guilds and
chartered privileges, were the guardians of municipal
government and the protectors of trade. The custom of
primogeniture, economical in its primary idea, is demo-
cratic in its direct consequences. While the eldest son
of a baronial house was endowed with the land, almost to
the exclusion of his brethren, he was at the same time
ladened with specific military and civil responsibilities.
The cadets of the house, equally noble in blood, but
according to our English custom, simply commoners,
were obliged by the necessities of their position to seek
a livelihood in trades or professions. There was no caste,
and as the ranks of the barons and knights were ever
and anon recruited from the professional and mercantile
classes, so the trades and professions were as often
recruited from the younger sons of the nobility. In the
great Council of the nation, the Bishops and Abbots
were life peers, as numerous and influential as the here-
ditary nobility, and they were summoned by a similar
writ. Whether a summons was regarded, as a burden
or a privilege, is not quite clear, nor is it certain

IN SHROPSHIRE.

5

by what means an ecclesiastical or lay peer could
assert his right if he failed to receive his summons.
Certain it is that the Abbots of many Religious Houses,
as well as the owners of land by baronial tenure, were
sometimes summoned and sometimes passed over. The
lesser landowners were represented by knights of the
shire in the House of Commons, and the citizens of the
towns by burgesses. Shropshire returned two Knights
of the Shire, and Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth two
burgesses each from 1295. In 1472 Ludlow was made
a Parliamentary Borough, Wenlock in 1478, Bishop's
Castle in 1585, so that the county returned in all 12
members to Parliament, instead of its present quota of
5. What a shrinkage of relative importance in the
council of the [nation !

In the Appendix I have given large extracts from
Leland's Itinerary ; here I will only give a few quota-
tions. The Shropshire " Black " country, at present
the most important area in the county, with its 50,000
inhabitants, he thus alludes to : —

Yerne is made yn certen Places of Shropshire and especially
yn the wooddes betwixt Belvoys (Buildwas) and Wenloke,

Colys be digged hard by Ombridge (Wombridge) where the
Priory was.

It will be remembered that the delimitation of the
boundary between England and Wales was not finally
completed till the 28th year of Henry VIII. A statute
passed in 1537 introduced the shire system into what
are now the counties of Brecknock, Radnor, Mont-
gomery, Denbigh, and Flint. The parishes of Elles-
mere, Oswestry, Chirbury, Clun, and others were
definitely appropriated to Shropshire. Under Mont-
gomeryshire, Leland writes —

Clune Castoil longyngo to the IMo of Arundel, somewhat
ruinous. It hath been both stronge and well builded, Clune
was a lordship itself a fore the now Acto. (28 Henry VIII.)

By Clune is a great Forest of redde dere ana rois longynge
to the Lord of Arundol.

6

CHANGES IN LAND OWNERSHIP

All Chirbyri Hundred by the new Acte is adjecte to Shrobb-
shire. It apperithe in the Acte what Lordshippes be adjoyne'd
to the v new Shires.

I am glad to note here that the Castle of Clun has
lately been purchased by the present Duke of Norfolk,
and thus a descendant of the famous Shropshire family
of Fitzalan, and the holder of the Feudal Barony of
Clun and Oswaldstree, is again a Shropshire man.

Leland gives a list of some of the landowners in
Shropshire in his day. It is not a complete list, but it
is instructive. He mentions only 29, and in 18 cases
he adds an estimate of their incomes. The list is headed
by the name of Sir John Talbot of Albrighton Park,
without mentioning his reputed income.

Amongst the others occur the names of

£

Corbet of Morton 800 merk of land = 520
Sir Robert Needham of Shavington 260
Newporte of Archaul (High Ercall) 200
Vernon of Hodnet 140
Mitton of Cotton by Shrowsbyri 135
Oteley of Pitchford |
Lee of Langley j

There are eight others who are credited with an
income of between £50 and £100 a year, and three
more with <£40.

Comparing Leland's list with the modern Domesday
Book of 1873, I can find only six of the same names ;
while the comparison of incomes shows the enormous
relative depreciation in the value of money,

In 1873

£

3 Shropshire landowners are credited with over 30,000

£

2 „ „ under 30,000 and over 20,000

8 „ „ „ 20,000 „ „ 10,000

27 „ ;, 10,000 „ „ 5,000

104 „ „ „ 5,000 „ 1,000

I pass now to another standard by which we may
measure the progress of change. Christopher Sax-

IN SHROPSHIRE.

7

ton's Elizabethan map of Shropshire marks twenty-
four parks, not probably all deer parks, but fenced
enclosures used for cattle as well as game, and in all
cases indicating a residence of importance. There are
now (1895), I think, ten deer parks in Shropshire, but
only one, Oteley near Ellesmere, which I think
was disparked at one time, is identical with any
in Saxton's list. Eight, however, of his parks are still
represented by mansions. Between the reigns of
Elizabeth and Victoria several new parks have been
made and have since been disparked. (See appendix.)

As illustrating the devolution in the ownership in
land, the map of Basil Wood of the White Abbey
is useful. It was made about the year 1715 and
professes to mark the country houses in the county, and
in the margin are the names and the arms of 200
owners. This map is not exhaustive of the subject,
and there are mistakes as well as omissions ; never-
theless it is astonishing to notice how many of the 200
names enumerated have disappeared, and how many
new names and houses have sprung up in the in-
terval. For instance, neither Hawkstone nor Atting-
ham appear in this map, and three-fourths of the
families whose names and arms are recorded are no
longer represented in the male descent. I give the
list in the appendix.

The names of those who, during the troubled period
of the Civil War, took part on one side or the other,
prove that ths Rebellion was a struggle not of class
against class, as was the French Revolution, but of the
supporters of one Theory of Government and Religion
against the supporters of another. Amongst those who
in Shropshire favoured the Parliamentary side are to be
found : —

The Earl of Bridgewater, President of the Court of the Marches

of Wales, and a patron of Richard Baxter
The Earl of Denbigh

General Mytton of Iltilston, and his brother-in-law Myddolton
p(* Chirk Castle

>

8

CHANGES IN LAND OWNERSHIP

Corbet of Adderley
Corbet of Stanwardine
Matthew Herbert of Oakley
Park

Mackworth of Betton
Give of Styche
Lloyd of Aston
Powell of Park
Baker of Sweeney
Evans of Treflach
Hunt of Shrewsbury, after-
wards of Borreatton
More of Linley

Jones of Kilhendre(a Regicide)
Charlton of Apley
Mitton of Shipton
Edwardes of Greet

Cotton of Bellaport
Forester

Harcourt Leigh ton of Plash

Fowler

Norton

Pierpoint of Tong

Young of Cainton

Kinnersley of Badger

Leigh ton "Owen of Bragginton

Botterell

W aring

Wingfield

Betton

Amongst the waverers were
Lord Herbert of Chirbury •
and the Owens of Condover.

I have pointed out how entirely the castles have
disappeared as residences. It is difficult to put one's
hand on an inhabited house of the fourteenth century,
and not easy to find one of the fifteenth and the six-
teenth centuries. The most ancient residence in Shrop-
shire still used, I believe to be the Priors house at
Wenlock, and it is certainly one of the most interesting.
Since the dissolution it has passed through many hands,
and is now, happily, in the possession of Mr. Milnes
Gaskell, who well knows how to preserve its character.
I will mention a few other old houses : Plash, near
Cardington, can show some remains of Tudor Gothic,
intermixed with Elizabethan work, and it has not been
much touched during the last two centuries and a half,
until it was lately carefully restored. Condover is the
largest and best example of the later Elizabethan style
in the county. The Whitehall, however, in Shrews-
bury, is perhaps as a whole more characteristic, because
its surroundings, its gate-house, its dovecot, its walled
gardens and its stables are still pretty much as they
were. There is a good example of an early seventeenth
century dovecot and barn at Hodnet. Whitton Court,
near Ludlow, Lydston, in Claverly, Madeley Court,
Lutwyche, Belswardyne, Shipton, Upton Cressett, ana1

IN SHROPSHIRE.

9

Plowden are among the sixteenth and seventeenth
century houses which are still maintained as residences.
But, generally, we must seek for old examples of
domestic architecture in farm houses, and in many of
these the original character is well preserved. Black
and white timbered houses are to be found all over
Shropshire, especially in the towns, and, above all
other towns, in Shrewsbury. Pitchford ranks as the
best specimen of a country house in this style as a
whole, but the frontage of Park Hall, near Oswestry,
will bear comparison with any fagade of this class in
England. Marsh or March, in the parish of Westbury,
is a small black and white house, and has been excel-
lently restored quite recently, and the same may be
said of the Black Birches. Melverley Church, Halston
Chapel, and Park Hall Chapel, are examples of the use
of this style in ecclesiastical buildings The stately but
ruinous shell of Moreton Corbet is a fine Jacobean
design of first-rate order. The house was burnt down
before it was inhabited, and has never been rebuilt. I
draw near to my conclusion, and return to the point
from whence I began, that acquaintance with the lpcal
evidences of history makes us admit that there are
fewer old things of man's contrivance in the world than
some people think, Go into any house, and how little
can you lay your hands upon which has been in that
house for a hundred years. You may see, in any well-
appointed mansion, books and furniture, and swords
and armour, and lace and jewellery, and silver and
pewter, linen and tapestry, and pictures, but how little,
even though it be old, has been in the place for long ; how
little has been seen and handled by those who lived there
centuries ago. There were few books, few pictures, few
ornaments in a country house even in the eighteenth
century. The old inventories testify to the simplicity,
not to say ruggedness, of the lives of our ancestors. So
when people bring treasures of art, and especially when
they bring portraits to an old house, they should not
be ashamed of labelling them, in order that old things
Vol. VIII., 2nd S, " U

10

CHANGES IN LAND OWNERSHIP

which have been purchased may not be mistaken for
old things which were brought into the house when
they were new, and have grown old in the same place.
A mansion may be built in a year — a home cannot be
made in a year or in a generation. When a man
rebuilds his house by way of making a good job of it,
instead of carefully repairing the existing habitation he
destroys a homeliness which he will never see again.
More harm has been done by too lavish reconstructions
than by neglect. Shropshire has largely benefited in
every generation trom new comers, who have added to
its material prosperity and pleasant associations.

" The fair new homes of England,

Homes of the strong and free,
Of a race that still for ever will

The new world's masters be."

I think that in this county the ancient and the
modern fairly combine together and every day grow into
closer harmony. Certainly people are not now so set
upon pulling down in order that they may rebuild as
they were in other days. There is greater rever-
ence for the past, and a better reading of its story.

" The old-world homes of England,

What tales their walls can tell
Of hopes and foars in by-gone years

To those that road them well."

APPENDIX.

Eyton's List of Shropshire Castles.

Alberbury
Bishop's Castlo
Bridgnorth
Carroohova
Caus

Oloobury Mortimer

Corfham

Ellosmero

Holgato

Kinnorloy

Knockin

Ludlow

Middlo

Norton

Oswestry

Pulvorbatch

Qimtford

Rod Castle

Kay ton

Shniwardino

Shrewsbury

Snead

Stapelton

Stretton

Wem

Wattlesborough

Whiteliurch

Whittington

Castellated Mansions.

Acton Burnell
Aploy

Braeo Moole

Charlton

Cheswardine

Dawley

Hopton

Longnor

Moreton Corbet

StokeHay

Tirley

Withyford

Wroxotor

IN SHROPSHIRE.

11

Religious Houses, with their value at the Dissolution, from Stevens's
continuation of Dugdale's Monasticon.

Gross.

i>ei/.

£

£

ShrAWftVnirv Ahhfiv

615

532

Wenlock Priory

434

401

fll ii tiffin

Halesowen

337

280

Prccmonstratensian

Haughmond

294

259

Augustine

Lilleshall

327

229

Augustine

Buildwas

129

110

Cistercian

Chirbury Priory

87

66

Augustine

Woombridge Priory

72

65

Augustine

Breewood

31

17

Cistercian.

To which may bo added Alberbury, suppressed by Henry VI. as an alien
Priory of the Grandimontensian order, and the House of the Knights of
St. John at Halston.

The Abbots of Shrewsbury, Lilleshall, and Haughmond were summoned to
the House of Peers from time to time.

Tudor Peerage of Shropshire in Henry Viii's Reign.

Stafford. Duke of Buckingham. Dukedom extinct in 1521. Barony

of Stafford in 1637.
Fitzalan. Earl of Arundel. Extinct in male line 1580.

Grey Baron. Grey de Powis. Extinct 1552.

Earl of Shrewsbury.

The Baronies of Talbot, Furnival, and Strange of Blackmere fell into
abeyance between 3 daughters and coheirs in 1616, and but a small portion
of the Shropshire estates remained attached to the Earldom afterwards.

The Earl of Derby might perhaps be added to the list as owner, through
the Stranges, of Knockin and Middle.

Peerage of Shropshire in George 17s Reign.

Newport. Earl of Bradford. Extinct 1762.

Herbert. Marquess of Powis. Extinct 1748.

Pierpoint. Duke of Kingston. Extinct 1773.

Talbot. Duke of Shrewsbury. Extinct 1718.
Earldom reverted to kinsman.

Peerage of Shropshire in Victoria's Reign.

Noel Hill of Attingham. Baron Wilson, Berners. Barony called out

Berwick, created 1784. of abeyance 1832.

Clive. Irish Barony of Clive, created La wley, Wenlock. Created Baron 1839

1762. Clive, Windsor. Barony called out
Baron Herbert, created 1794. of abeyance 1855.

Earl of Powis, created 1804. Hamilton Russell, Boyne. Baron
Bridgeman. Created Baron 1794, Brancepeth created 1866.

Earl of Bradford 1815. Acton. Baron, created 1869.

Hill of Hawkstone. Created Baron Gore. Harlech Baron, created 1876.

1816, Viscount 1842. Hill-Trevor. Baron, created 1880.

Forostor. Croatod Baron 1821. Corry, Rowton. Baron, created 1880.

The following poers havo land in Shropshire, but are not resident, and are
therefore not included in the foregoing list : —

Earl of Shrewsbury Lord Barnard

Earl Craven Earl Brownlow

Marquess of Bath Duke of Sutherland

Earl of Tankervilie Lord Stafford

Names of Shuopmhirk Landowners mentioned in L elands " Itinerary,"
Temp. Hen. VIII., With estimates in some casos of thoir incomos. Tnoso

12

CHANGES IN LAND OWNERSHIP

printed in italics are believed to be extinct in the male line or to have sold
their Shropshire estates.

!imwf*m ft-' » £

Sir John Talbot of Albrighton Park

Corbet of Morton Corbet, 800 merk of land = i 520

Corbet of Lee, 100 merk 75

Gorbet of Longnor 40
Sir Richard Mainwaring of Highfeld (Ighiftld)

John Dodde of Cloverley, 100 merk 75

Sir Robert Nedham, 400 merk 260
Orosvenor of Bellaporte

Newport of ArchaiU (Ercall) a lordship with Park 200

Leighton of Leighton

Leighton of Wattlesborough

Leighton of Plash

Leighton of Rodimer (Rodington)

Mitton of Cotton (Colon near Shrewsbury) 135

Trentham of Shrewsbury 50

Thornes of Shrewsbury 50

Oneslow of Oneslow 40
Oteley of Pitchford , 100

Skriven of Frodesley, 100 merk of land 70

Lee of Longner (Langlty) 100

Laken of Wyley 170

Gataker of Gataker 100 merk of land 65

Wolridge of Dudmistre {Dudmaston) 65

Haughton of Beckbyri 40

Young of Cainlon, 100 merk 65

Vernon of Hodnet 140

Cotton of Cotton 50
Chorleton of Apley
Chorlton of Wombridge

Amongst the other names to be found in Leland's " Itinerary " are

Brooke a lawyer at Church Stretton
Ld. Powys (i.e., Qrey de Powis)
Duke of Buckingham of Caus Castle
Earl of Arundel

Earl of Derby as owner through the Lords Strange of Knockin

Sandford of Sandford

Dudley

From Eraan, Bowen's map of Shropshire, dedicated to Henry Arthur
Herbert, Earl of Powis, Lord Lieutenant of the county, and published in
1751. The italics represent failure of male descent or disposal of estate.

Seats of Nobility, etc. Seats of Nobility, etc.

Tong Castle. Duke of Kingston Halston. Mytton Esq.

Pepperhill. Earl of Shrewsbury Morton Corbet. Corbet Esq.

Shefnal. Earl of Stafford Borreatton. Hunt Esq.

High Arcol di Eyton. Earl of Brad- Morvil. Weaver Esq.

Oakley Park. Earl of Powis [Jbrd Willoy. Forester Esq.
Shenton Place. Lord Kiltnorey Whit more Wm*

Halosowon. Lord Dudley Coudvixr. Barnstou Esq.

Haughton. Briggs Bt. Porkington, Owen, Esq.

Aldenham. Acton Bt. Park Hall. Charlton Esq.

Hawkston. Hill Bt. Aston. Lloyd Esq.

Longner. Corbet Bt. Montgomeryshire West Coppice it- Onslow. Powis Esq,

Haniage Orange. Fowler Bt. Chetwin. Pigott Esq.

Wattlesborough. Leighton Bt. Linloy. Moro Esq.

ft

IN SHROPSHIRE.

13

Parks marked in Christopher Saxton's map, 16th century. They
probably not all deer parks.

Adderley

Blackmere

Cardiston

Cheswardyno

Oleobury

Haughmond

to which Speed
Bridgnorth, and

Eman. Bowen's

Belserdyne

Condover

Cheswardyne

Ercall

Frodesley

Harnage Grange

Acton Burnell
A ploy
Attingham

High Ercall

Hodnet

Kenwick

Langley

Lyleshall

Oakley

Otelcy

Plash

Pepperhill

Shawbury

Shavington

Shelvock

Shrawardine

Staunton

Tong

Upton

Wylley

adds Dean, near Ludlow, Stokesay, Shifnall, Linley, near
Ighfield.

3 Map, 1751, marks the following : —

Haughmond
Langley

Linley, near Bridg-
north
Lilleshall
Loton

Oakley

Pepperhill

Shrawardine

Shawbury

Shavington

Stanton

Present (1895) Deer Parks:—
Borreatton Longner

Chetwynd
Hawk stone

Loton
Oteley

Stokesay
Tong

Weston (Stafford-
shire)
Willey

Upton Cresset

\lawley

Weston (Stafford-
shire)

Condover

Cound

Eyton

Disparked Parks: —

Frodesley Langley
Haughmond Millichope
Kinlet Pitchford

Walcot

Whitton near Lud-
[low

Basil Wood's Map 1715. List of 200 Shropshire gentlemen, to which in the
margin of tho map their coats of arms are added. Those whose names are
printed in italics have disappeared in the male line, or have sold their estates.

Astley, Bart.
Adams
Adams
A ndrews
Acton, Bart.
Acton

Earl of Bradford
Blount, Bart.
Brings, Bait.
Bridgcman, Bart.
Boycott

Baldwin (now
Childe)

Baldwin
Baldwin
Bcntall
Biggs

Berrington
llird
Botcnjle
Brown
Brown
Burton
Corbet, Bart.
Corbofc

Corbet

Fox

Hayward

Corbet

Fleetwood

Jenks

Cole

Fowns

Jones

Clyve

Forester, Kt.

Jones

Cornxvell

Cornell

Jones

Cotton

Gardner

Jenkin

Charleton, Bart.

Orosvenor

Jobber

Charleton

Grant

Ireland

Charleton

/foiling*

Karver

Coats

Herbert

Kinaston

Clough

II arnadge

Kinaston

Chetwood, Bt.

Harwood

Kinardsley

Church

Haynes

Llewellin

Calcott

Hunt

Lloyd

Harris

Littleton

Cressett

Harris

Littleton

Cartwright

Hanmor

Langley

C 'lay ton

ffamner

Lloyd, Bart.

Duties

Hill

Lloyd

Donne

Hill

Langley

Delves, Bart.

Hopton

Langley

Eyton
Edwards

Holland

Lacon

Holland

Leighton, Bart.

Ed wards

Haynes

Lister

Fowler, Bart.

Hibbins

Lea

Finch

Hosier

Lloyd

14

CHANGES INT LAND OWNERSHIP.

Lutler (query Owen

Plowden

Scott

T ..11 t^lp v \

Owen

Pope

Stanier

Aliddlctoii

Ottley

Pygott

Weald

AT itft wi

Mti yitu a

Ottley

Price

White

M yttoii

Oakley

Prynce

Whitmore

Ml VI In ft IM/O

Parke

Presland

Wale or Waley

AT n 7 7) itm vi 77 n

(of Powis

Pugh

Wingfield

Ightfield)

Powis

Ridley

Wooldridge, Bart.

Mostin

Powit, Earl of
Phillips

Scarlett

Ward

Moore

Skrimshyre

Young

Mackworth

Phillips

Yates

Ld. Newport

Powell

C3 ' ' '

oevern

Newton

Pulley

OtltpflGUirijb

Additional names : —

Avon (?)

Jones

Ld. Pierpoint

Vaughan

Acton

Lea

Bryges ( Briggsj

Wylde
Weaver

Acton

Langley

Revell

Baugh

Moseley

Duke of Shrewsbury Waring

Brooks

Muckleaton

Slaney

Wallcott

Botterell

Moore

Smallman

Waring

Child, Kt.

Mirrick

Smith

Weld

Bendy

Newton

Spratt

Walker

Jedd

Oiven

Solty

Wilbraham

Griffiths

Owen

.... Bart.

Williams, Bart,,

Griffiths

Prince

(now Williams

Gibbon

Powell

Taylure

Wynn)

The test here adopted is whether the name is now to be found in Burke's
Landed Gentry.

In Kelly '8 Directory for Shropshire for 1891 will be found a "list of the
principal seats in Shropshire " He mentions 218, and I leave my readers to
oompare his list with Basil Wood's. I cannot identify 20, of the same names.

15

THE ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF
SHROPSHIRE CORPORATIONS.

By A. C. FOX-DA VIES.

(Editor of " Fairbairn's Book of Crests " (Revised Edition), and anthor
of "The Book of Public Arms" and "Armorial Famiiies."

We Salopians are proud of many things, some rightly,
some wrongly. Among those of the latter kind are the
"three golden leopards' faces in an azure field," so familiar
within the confines of the county. They are lovingly
and colloquially referred to as cats' heads and logger
heads and tiger heads, in fact almost anything rather
than by their proper name.

"Azure, three leopards' faces or," by an incorrect
practice which seems to have often conferred on the
county the arms of the county town, are frequently
spoken of and by many considered to be as much the arms
of Shropshire as of Shrewsbury. And labelled as the
arms of Shropshire, they occupy the largest and the
central shield upon the present seal of the Shropshire
County Council. By the laws of arms, a coat of arms
can only be borne by an individual or by a Corporate
Body having the power to use a common seal. A county
formerly was simply a geographical division, and there
was no administrative body capable of petitioning for or
obtaining a grant of armorial bearings. And in spite of
the highly coloured sheets of county arms which are to
be bought, no county in England possessed armorial
bearings or the right to obtain them prior to the passing
of the County Councils Act,

With towns, however, it has been different. There
&re six corporate towns in the county of Salop > —

1G

ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF

Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Oswestry, Bishop's
Castle, and Much Wenlock. The two first-named alone
possess the right to bear arms. Both these towns
exhibited arms at the Visitations of the Heralds and
had them duly confirmed and allowed for all time to
come. The other towns let the opportunity slip by
them, and their only way of now obtaining the right is
by petitioning for a grant of arms in the usual manner.

The arms of Shrewsbury are Azure, three leopards'
faces or. Of the origin of the charges I confess I am
uncertain. The arms of Ludlow are Azure, a lion
couchant guardant between three roses argent. The
origin here is not far to seek. Edward of York was Earl
of March, and we get the white lion of March between
the white roses of York as the arms of Ludlow, one of
the most important towns within the marches.

The limit within which the right to use the corporate
arms of a town exists is well expressed by the clause
which always figures in a grant of this character. The
arms are granted " to be borne and used for ever here-
after by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the

said Town of and their successors in

office in their corporate capacity on Shields, Banners,
Seals, or otherwise according to the laws of Arms,
without the let or interruption of any person or persons
whatsoever." The older arms exist by the virtue of
their usage, which was confirmed and legalised by their
being recorded at the Heralds' Visitation, held by
warrant from the Sovereign in the sixteenth and seven-
teenth centuries. The visitations put an end to the
assumption of arms by mere motion and such a practice
has since been illegal. If no arms were allowed at the
visitations a formal grant is now the only way in
England of obtaining the privilege and right of bearing
arms either in the case of individuals or corporate bodies.

Bridgnorth has no arms in spite of the fact that they
are used and that arms are quoted for the town in
Burke's General Armory. The two seals were recorded
at the Visitations, but they were simply recorded as

SHROPSHIRE CORPORATIONS.

17

seals and not as coats of arms. The legend upon the
one is u Sigill com muni tatis de Bruges." The design
upon this shews, issuing from battlements, an embattled
gateway with a portcullis surmounted by three towers,
the centre one taller than the others and tripled-towered.
The foregoing was of course at that time the common
seal of the borough, though the design upon the other
seems to have found greater favour. This has the
legend " Sigillum officij ballivor' libertatis ville de
bruges." At the base is a mount (or perhaps it may
represent waves of the Severn as in the common seal of
Shrewsbury) and thereupon is an embattled gateway
with portcullis, and rising from the battlements, a tower
pyramidically domed. On the dexter side of the tower
is an escutcheon of St. George, and on the sinister an
escutcheon of France and England quarterly. This is
nothing more than the device upon a seal and is not
a coat of arms. But the design is generally placed
upon a shield to do duty as the arms of Bridgnorth.
The motto is " Fidelitas urbis salus Regi," which of
course bears witness to the gallant stand made by the
town for the king during the Civil Wars.

Burke in his General Armory . doubtless copying
from Berry's Encyclopedia Ileraldica, whilst giving a
note saying that the seal (evidently referring to the
former of the two) shews a castle only, quotes a coat of
arms for the town, " Azure, a castle argent, a canton of
the last." But no use is ever made of such a design, it
is not recorded at the College of Arms, and has clearly
originated in a mistake somewhere. A rather in-
teresting note is added to the drawings of the seals in
the Visitation Books — % * These are the seales now used by
towne of Bruges in the countie of Salop, aunciently so
called, but of late times corruptly nominated Bruge-
north or Brugge-north, when indeed that attribute
of North ought to be Morfe, as standing upon the side
of the forest of Morfe in the said countie."

In like manner, but equally without authority, the
design upon the seal of Oswestry is frequently placed

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. 0

18

ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF

upon an escutcheon and denominated a coat of arms.
" Oswald's tree" is the derivation of the name of the
town, and the design upon the seal bears witness
thereto. It represents a figure of King Oswald,
crowned and seated upon a throne, holding in his dexter
hand a sword and his sinister grasping the branch of
a t^ee, presumably that upon which he suffered. The
funny point is that only half the background of the seal
(that on the dexter side) is diapered and the nature
of the tree would puzzle a botanist. The legend runs :
— " Sigillum commune de Oswaldestre."

The seal of Bishop's Castle is comparatively insigni-
ficant. It has no legend. It represents a domed
castle with the letters I. H. (Jacobus Bex) above, and
the date 1609 below.

Wenlock is the last, and its old time style was " The
franchise of Wenlok." The older and larger seal bears
the legend, "Sigillum comune burgi de Wenlok." It
is very ancient, and is stiil in existence and in use. .
The design is a triple canopy. In the centre is a saint
seated, crowned with a nimbus, and supporting in his
arms a crucifix. On the dexter side is a crowned
figure, the right hand holding a book and the left a
crosier : at his feet is an animal, possibly a dog. The
sinister compartment shows the figure of St. George
standing upon the dragon, but the engraver has made
the saint left-handed, for he holds the shield upon his
right arm, and his sword in his left hand resting upon
his shoulder. At the base of the seal are three escut-
cheons, the centre bearing a lion rampant, the dexter a
stag trippant, and the sinister a chevron between three
blackamoors' heads. The last-named is, of course, the
coat of Wenlok of Wenlok, an ancient family now
extinct in the male line, but represented through
marriage with an heiress by the Lawley family, now
Barons Wenlock. The lion rampant may be the arms
of Fitz Alan or de Montgomery, Earls of Arundel, and
anciently feudal lords of the district, but I can hazard
no suggestion as to the stag.

SHROPSHIRE CORPORATIONS.

19

The smaller seal of Wenlock is a pun upon the
name, the design being a fetter-lock, and the letters
W.E.N.

In colours of blue and gold the fetter-lock is set up
as the badge of the Corporation in the old Council
Chamber at Much Wenlock, but elsewhere, as the
"arms of the town," an escutcheon, charged with the
three inescutcheons from the seal, can be seen. This
is what does duty upon the County Council seal.

To the present County Council seal there are many
objections. It contains seven escutcheons, and the
scroll which winds around it bears the names they are
supposed to do duty for.

The central escutcheon, the largest in size, bears the*
arms of Shrewsbury, labelled Shropshire, to which
they do not belong, and never will. Of the other six,
Shrewsbury and Ludlow are of course correct. Of the
remainder, Oswestry, Bishop's Castle, and Bridgnorth
show the designs of their seals placed upon escutcheons
and dignified into the semblance of coat-armour, which
they are far from being. Wenlock has gone still further
afield, for a coat of arms as quoted above has been
invented for it. It is of no authority, and has not
even the excuse to offer that it is the design upon
the seal. Thus of the seven escutcheons, five are
illegal, violating the laws of arms and the law of the
land.

By crowding these seven escutcheons upon the
limited field of the seal, the detail becomes minute and
almost indecipherable. This is a fault a seal should
avoid. The appearance of the seven shields would in-
dicate that it was the intention to f-ignify simply an
associated body of the six corporations. But these
corporations still exist as corporate bodies. The
County Council is another body, representing the
entire county.

But the most glaring error lies in the use and
assumption by the county of the arms of Shrewsbury.

The County Council is a corporate body, and

20

SHROPSHIRE ARMORIAL BEARINGS.

capable of legally bearing arms, and upon its seal it
should be typified by one shield showing a legal coat
of arms for the county.

The proper and the legal way to obtain such arms is
by petitioning for a grant of arms in the formal and
usual manner. Such a grant could be obtained in
which the leopard faces, so familiar to us, would be
retained, but with the addition of some heraldic
ordinary, which would constitute the design a separate
coat of arms from the time-honoured insignia which
belongs, and must always so belong, to the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough of Shrewsbury
for the time being.

21

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SHREWSBURY.
THE TWO EARLIEST ROLLS.

Transcribed by the Rev. C. H. DRINK WATER, M.A.

Some five or six years ago I undertook the transcrip-
tion of six very early rolls of the Merchants' Gild,
which were then thought to be the earliest documents
extant. (See vol. ii., 2nd s., p. 29, &c.) The careful
collation and examination of the whole of the archives,
which has since been made by the Record Committee
appointed by the Corporation, have brought to
light some still earlier in point of date, and conse-
quently more interesting ; in fact, the very documents
which the Historians of Shrewsbury had examined,
and to which they refer in their first volume (p. 102).
The earliest of these now submitted bears date the
11th year of King John (A.D. 1209-10), and the other
is of the 4th year of his son Henry (A.D. 1219-20).
They are so well described by Owen and Blakeway
that it would be presumptuous for me to add any-
thing to what they have said. The following is their
account : —

The (Merchants') Gild existed antecedent to the Charter of
1227, and the proof of this assertion is found in a set of
parchment rolls preserved among the archives of the Corpora-
tion. They are nine in number, all sewed together, and are
the earliest oxtant in those archives. . . . The first begins
thus — (here follows tho Latin heading, and after it this transla-
tion) : The names of thoso who are in Gild Merchant in the
burgh of Salop, and whose fathers were not before in tho
liberties of the Gild in the 11th year of King John and whose
fine is 5s. 4d. Then follow thirty names, after each of whom
is set viiid and somotimos viij'1 primo, importing cither that
they paid so much of their line, or rather, perhaps, that 3d.
was their first contribution to the burdens of the town.

22

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP.

They who first entered the Gild : Nine names. Hence it
may be inferred that the gild had a previous existence, that
the former thirty were previous members of it, and that these
nine became so for the first time in the 11th year.

Of foreigners who entered the gild and of "their fine : Fifty-
six names. The fines paid by these foreigners vary : half a
mark, eight shillings, ten shillings, and they are set down in
the following manner.

There is no need to copy the two instances, as they
will be found hereafter.

These entered at the last assize or session for the first time :
Fifty-nine names. These appear to have been foreigners
(i.e., non-residents) who now first became members of the gild,
so that we may suppose the former fifty-six had been so
before. The fines of both these classes are about the same,
' but very few payments are specified from the last. On this
roll are endorsed upwards of three hundred other names,
apparently in continuation of the list on the front of it.

Second Roll. — Memorandum of a gild merchant of the
burgh of Salop at the fourth session in the 11th year of King
John, on the feast of St. Bartholomew. Of those whose
fathers were in the gild on whom an assessment of 22d. (32d.)
is set. . . . This second roll is endorsed : Memorandum of
the last who entered the assessment of the gild for the first
time in the 4th year of Henry III. Three hundred and fifty
names : Of families who afterwards made a figure in the town
or left their names to its streets, &c.

Yet, notwithstanding the general accuracy of the
historians, some slight discrepancies will be observed
between my renderings of the headings and what they
have given, especially in their numeration, owing
possibly to the extreme care I have taken to ensure
verbal and literal accuracy. Every doubtful or obscure
word has been scrutinized, not once only, but many
times, and every word to which any the least suspicion
could attach is now given in italics. In some places
the ink has faded, and in others the parchment has
suffered from either fire or some corrosive fluid. These
places are left blank, the lines being indicated by dots,
so that the number of missing names may stil) be
calculated.

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP.

23

The description which Dr. Cunningham {Growth of
English Industry and Commerce, University of Cam-
bridge Press, 1890, p. 20G, ff.) has given throws much
light upon the objects for which these Merchant Gilds
were formed. He says —

The object of these associations appears to have been the
regulation of trade. Free tenants of all sorts had indeed the
right to buy and sell victuals in all English towns without
paying toll, but the members of the gild obtained a similar
freedom in regard to goods of every kind, and as they paid for
the privilege they were careful to secure it for themselves
exclusively . . . none but members were to buy and sell,
or, at any rate, the gild had such supervision over all buying
and selling that those who infringed their privileges were
liable to be fined by the gild. But while their privileges were
thus exclusive, they were also inclusive ; the members of the
gild had a right to claim to have a part with another member
in a successful bargain. If he fell into poverty he might
count on their aid, and if he was imprisoned, or even unjustly
accused, they would assist him. Through membership in a
gild merchant the trader obtained a status which was recog-
nised outside the limits of his own town ; and each body of
burgesses sought to obtain a " most favoured gild " clause, and
to have its members put on the same footing for purposes of
trade as those who carried on business to the most advantage.
. . . These <plds had thoir own laws, and Courts in which
civil causes might be determined ; but it appears that
mercantile business was more usually transacted in the
ordinary burgh courts in which questions connected with the
torms of payment and the recovery of debts could usually be
settled.

Dr. Cunningham goes on to speak of the gilds
increasing in power and so gradually overshadowing the
burgh authorities, of their various privileges, of the
filial relations between various towns, and of their
growing importance, but as his remarks, fortified as
they are by reference to documents and authorities, are
somewhat lengthy, it may be sufficient to refer our
readers to his most interesting and learned history for
other details, which throw much light upon our own
early Gild history and municipal commerce.

24

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP.

A few notes have been appended, and tables of
Christian and Surnames, together with a list of places
and trades, will be found at the close of the paper.
The Historians of Shrewsbury have noticed that in the
fifth roll, and in some of the earlier ones, a few female
names occur. Unfortunately, in the two documents
now submitted, the female names are only found in the
damaged or faded portions, and we cannot ascertain
what proportion they bore to the whoie number. That
these females were trading on their own account, and
were persons of some consideration, is quite evident.
The husband (vir) of one lady and her servant (homo)
are only known by their subordination to her authority.
These peculiarities will be more manifest in the lists,
but they afford to the advocates of female emancipation
precedents of a certain value. Much that was said in
the latter part of my previous paper will be found
applicable to this, and so no repetition is needed. It
is very gratifying to find that a few of the early
surnames have survived to our own times ; that others
have perished ought to be no matter of surprise when
we consider the lapse of time between King John's day
and our own, at least six centuries and three-quarters.
The proportion of patronymics strictly so called, and
surnames, will be a very interesting study. It was
towards the end of the a^e of transition that these lists
were made. Baptismal names were becoming surnames,
and designations arising from localities or occupations
fust hardening into names of families which eventually
made a mark in the after history of our ancient town
and county.

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38 THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP.

BAPTISMAL NAMES

With Times of Recurrence (Females Marked " F.")

Abelard, 1 ; Abelot, 2 ; Ada,F, 1 ; Adam, 42 ; Adelm, 2 ; &do?i, 1 ;
Agnes, F, 1 ; Alanus, 31 ; Aldredus, 2 ; Alexander, 12 ; Alicia, F, 1 ;
Alnred, 2 ; Aluric, 1 ; Andegi, 1 ; Andrew, 15 ; Avelina, F, 1 ; Ayner,
1 ; Bald, 2 ; Barct, or Daret, 1 ; Bartholomews, 4 ; Bernard, or Berner,
10 ; Bertram, 1 ; Bodi, 1 ; Bogge, 1 ; Bradoc, 1 ; Brun, or Brunnus, 3 ;
Bruniger, or Brunigi, 2 ; Bungns, 1 ; Cherri, 2 ; Clemens, 9 ; Cradoc,
1 ; Cutt', 1 ; Dercm, 1 ; Dorman, 1 ; Driw, 4 ; Edda, or Eddose, 8;;
Edda, F, 2 ; Edwardus, 2 ; Edwinus, 9 ; Elias, or Helias, 2 ; Everard,
4 ; Fierlin, 1 ; Galfridns, 15 ; Gamel, 1 ; Gilbertus, 21 ; Godfridus, 6 ;
Godwinus, 8 ; Golda, F, 3 ; Gryffanus, 1 ; Gylwardus, 1 ; Hadebrand,
1 ; Hamon, or Hammond, 12 ; Hefewis, 1; Helote, 1 ; Henricus, 31 ;
Hemming, 5 ; Herbertus, 14 ; Hildebrand, or Hildebront, 5 ; Hoel, or
Howel, 4 ; Hufle, 1 ; Hugo, 44 ; I von, 8 ; Ida, F, 3 ; Jacobus, 8 ;
Jermanus, 1 ; Jeruord, 2 ; Jeruas, 3 ; In a, F, 4 ; Isabela, F, 1 ;
Johannes, 77 ; Jordanus, or Jurdanus, 19 ; Joseph, 3 ; Julia, F, 1 ;
Laurcntius, 6; Lefwig, 2; Leurich, 3; Luarch, 1 ; Lucas, 2; Maiot,
or Mayote, or Mayace, 4 ; Martinus, 14 ; Nicholas, 23 ; Nigellus, 1 ;
Odo, 3; Ordwin, 1 ; Osbertus, 1 ; Pain, G; Peel, 1; Pctrus, 54;
Philippus, 20 ; Polle, 1 ; Badulphus, 4 ; Kanulfus, 2 ; lleginaldus, 2 ;
Regine (?) 1 ; Reinerus, 24 ; Richard, or Ricardus, 102 ; Rilot, 1 ;
Rimild, 3 ; Robertus, 72 ; Roger us, 77 ; Rondulfus, 2 ; Samson, 2 ;
Sandi, 1 ; San ton, 1 ; Segin', 1 ; Seward, or Si ward, 9 ; Simon, or
Simand, or Simeon, or Suman, 11 ; Stephen, 3 ; Swain, or Swein, 7 ;
Thandi, 3 ; Thomas, 37 ; Tibba, F, 1 ; Tirri, 1 ; Thurgar, 1 ;
Thurstan, 12 ; Umfre, or Umfrey, 3 ; Vler, 1 ; Vincent, 1 ; Walter,
43 ; Warun, or Warinus, 47 ; Widie, 1 ; Wien, 1 ; Wilcinus, 7 ;
Willelmus, 180; Wilot, 1 ; Wimond, or Wimmund, 5 ; Wiscard, 1 ;
Ydanus, 1 ; Yohan, 1.

SURNAMES AND DESIGNATIONS.

Agam, 1 ; Agat, or Agett, 3 ; Alba mentula, 1 ; Albus, 2 ; Ascone,
1 ; Ikcun, 5 ; Bailard, 3 ; Ballc, 1 ; Bareill, or Barul, 3 ; Barsebas,
1; Barun, 2; Benne, 2; Benut, 1; Bibbc, 5; Bidi, 5; Bil, 5;
Bille, 1 ; Blanet, 1 ; Blund, 8 ; Bodi, 1 ; Borei, or Borey, 7 ; Botild',
2 ; Brill, or Drin, 1 ; Brito, 1 ; Brose, 1 ; Brucche, 3 ; Brun, 7 ;
Bruning, 1 ; Bulbef, 1 ; Bulchcnet, or Buleheuct, 3 ; Bulle, 1 ;
Bunel, 2 ; Bungus, 2 ; Caiok, 1 ; Calpin, 1 ; Canut, 1 ; Cass', 1 ;
Cct, 1 : Cincrard', 1 ; Clech, 6 ; Clubbe, 1 ; Coch, 7 ; Cochct, or
Cochot, 2; Cognatus, 1; Colle, 4; Cox, 3; Crassus, 1; Cruche, 4;
Cruselage, 1 ; Culkin, 2 ; Cumpain, 1 ; Cuti, 1 ; Deubcl, 2 ; Deunan,
1 ; Dcunard, 1 ; Dodin, 3 ; Echenefot, 1 ; Eliot, 2 ; Extraneus, 1 ;
Fairwin, or Feirwin, 3 ; Ferthing, 2 ; Fillot, or Fillol, 5 ; Fimbel, 1 ;
Foce, 1 ; Foliot, or Boliot, 1 ; Fremund, 1 ; Fridei, 1 ; Gangelard, or
Gangclart, 3 ; Hadebr', 1 ; Hagerwas, 6 ; Hareuot, 1 ; Helot, or
llilat, 1 ; If oo, or Hot, or Hoc, 3; Hope,; Imering, 1 ; Infans, 2;

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP. 39

Jagow, or Jagoe, 1 ; Joye, 6 ; Juuenis, 3 j Kech, or Keck, or Kek, 5 ;
Kcmpe, 4 ; Ketto, 2 ; Land, 2 ; Leffi, 3 ; Lenten, 2 ; Leye, 1 ; Lib',
1 ; Loiboi, 1 ; Lolim', 1 ; Longus, 2 j Luffe, 1 ; Luneken, or Luuekin,
1 ; humtor, 1 ; Lunet, 5 ; Marscallus, 2 ; Menerel, 5 ; Midewinter, 1 ;
Niger, 2 : Nope, 1 ; Oulam, 4 ; Palmer, 4 ; Pede, or Peden, 3 ; Perle,
5; Pilche, 3 ; Pride, 5; Punchot, 1; Puttoc, 3; Quech, 1; Rassel,
or Hossel, or Russel, 7 ; Richemon, 1 ; Ruflus, 13 ; Saceli, or Sac', 7;
Saddoc, 1 ; Sathcrei, or Sacherei, 2 ; Scet, 2 ; Sclo, 1 ; Scler, 1 ;
Serich, 2 ; Shitte, or Sitte, 4 ; Slite, 1 : Sprungan, or Springan, 2 ;
Sprot, 1 ; Suilard, 4 ; Sunbel, or Simbcl, 3 ; Sumerei, 1 ; Talpin, 1 ;
Tangi, 1 ; Tece, 1 J T'ece, 1 j Tipet, 2 ; Troit, 1 ; Uling, or Ulnig', 3;
Voce, or Wos, 2 ; Waggere, 2 ; Wallensis, 1 ; Whitemon, 1 ;
Wideryard, 2 ; Wild, 1 ; Wildegos, 2 ; Wildeng, 1 ; Winepeni, 2 :
AYise, 1 ; Wiscard, or Wiscart, 2; Witherwart, 1.

DESIGNATIONS AND TRADES.

Anglic', 1 ; Aurifaber, 6 ; Blank', 1 ; Brech, 1 ; Cacti', 1 ;
Cumerarius, 1 ; Carnifex, 5 ; Carpentarius, 5 ; Cisor, 3 ; Citaredor, 1 ;
Clerieus, 4 ; Coifarius, 2 ; Crumpe (lc), 2 ; Cum pannis, 2 ; Eschaetor,
1 ; Faber, 3 ; Ferrator, 2 ; Furner, or Furnator, or Fum', 10 ;
Forinsecus, 1 ; Ganta, 1 ; Grocer, 1 ; Haubcrger, or Halberger, 3 ;
ttifans, 1 ; Lorimarius, 8 ; Macer, 1 ; Maid', 1 ; Malier, 2 ; Mercer,
25 ; Milesand', 1 ; Mineator, or Minur, 4 ; Molinarius, or Molen-
dinarius, 2 ; Monachus, 1 ; Parmentarins, 1 ; Pelliper, 3 ; Plctor, or
Pinctor, 6; Piscator, 13; Pistor, 25; Poucer, «; Puncher, 1; Rus-
mongere, 1; Scissor, 14; Seller, 1; Scrrator, 2; Tailiator, 1;
Tannator, or Tanur, 4 ; Tawere, 3 ; Tinctor, 3 ; Turneator, or
Turner, 5 ; Ulnig', or Ulniger, 3 ; Vic', or Vicecomes, 2 ; Viccr, 2 ;
Vigilator 1 ; Villanus, 10; Vinetor, 2; Wanter, 7.

PLACES.

Actouna, 6 ; Akes, 2 ; Baden', 1 ; Bikcdun, 6 ; Bispestan, 1 ;
Boseus, 1 ; Brainesford, 3 ; Broy, 3 ; Bru'one, 2 ; Brustoll, or Bris-
towe, 2 ; Cantelop, 1 ; Cholelnim, or Colaham, 5 ; Chotes, 5 ; China,
2; Cota, 1 ; Crucccrn, 1 ; Dratton, 3; Foriet, 12; Frankeuila, 1 ;
(ilowcester, 2 ; Hadenal, 1 ; Hereford, 4 ; Hibernia, 2 ; Hispania, 1 ;
Inter-Pontes, 1 ; Kent (le), 2 ; Longedun, 3 ; Newnham, 1 ; Nortun',
1 ; Parus, or Paris', 2 ; Pers/tore, 1 ; Versoncr, 1 ; Picht'ord, 1 ;
Presburi', 1 ; Presowa', 1 ; Prcstcota, 1 ; Runialdsham, 1 ; Sclda,
1 ; Soca, or Sota, 1 ; Solton, 4 ; Soteplace, 1 ; St. Juliana, 1 ;
Stretton. 3; Wcstburi', G; Wigornia, 2; Wila, G; Wing', 1;
Yortun, 1.

BAPTISMAL NAMES.

Some of these arc very curious. One can scarcely think of them
aa distinctive names given in baptism, yet we have no valid reason to
entertain a contrary opinion. Many of them are found later as sur-
names, and in that light only can we extend them. They are also

40

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP.

shortened in the text, and some appear in the genitive case. I give'
instances in alphabetical order.

AndegV may represent a nominative Andegus, or even Andegaviug,
and be connected with Andegavia or Anjou ; Bald? is for Baldus;
Buret, (which in more modern times is found as a surname, Barrett) ;j
Bodi and Bogye, do not elsewhere appear ; Bradoc, is still a sur-
name on the Welsh border ; Bruniger, Bung as, Clarri, Cutti, Derem}m\
only, as far as I am aware, found in this document; Dorman, afterwards
a surname, Doreman or Doorman ; Driw, Celtic; Fierlin not found
later; Gamel is a surname at the close of this century, Gamul;|
Golda. a female name, but Hie' Golde is found temp. Ed. II., and]
John Golde, temp. Hen. I. It may be linked with Goldyn, Gold win,'
and Godwin, and considered as the etymon of those more familiar j
appellations ; Hadebrand, may be a shortened form of Handebrand, |
though Hugh Hathebronde is found among our Provosts temp.
Hen. III. ; Ilefewis, Hdote, and Ilujle require explanation ; Lefwigl
and Maiot are also inexplicable ; Polle may be a rendering of Paul;]
Regine may stand for Reginaldi ; Rilot and Rtmild are unusual;
Sandt \Santon ',and Segin', do not elsewhere appear, it is much too early
for Saudi' to be a familiar abbreviation of Alexander ; Xhandi, Tirri,
and Tier may be equated with the preceding three; and so may!
\\idie, Wien, and WiLot ; WUcard is a surname in 1280-1 ; while'
Ydanus may be intended for Jordanus.

SURNAMES AND DESIGNATIONS.

Some words included under this title are probably patronymics,']
and some merely agnomina or nicknames.

Again and Agat, to which Ascone may be added, afford no clue toj
their origin ; Alb'i mentul.a (with the white beard or chin, though^
mentula has another meaning) was mentioned by Owen and Blakeway;1
Albus has perhaps a similar descriptive reference ; Baitard appears]
afterwards as Ballart ; and Bareill, or Band, may have the same |
origin : Benne and Bennt may be abbreviations of Benedictus ; Bibbt%\
Bidi, Bilt and Blanet appear later ; Blundus contains an allusion to!
the colour of the hair or the complexion; Bodi was found as a
baptismal name, and may be a patronymic ; Borey has come down to]
modern times ; Botild\ Brin, Brito, Bro&e, and Brucche are of]
difficult etymology; Bruning is the origin of our modern Browning;]
Bulbef, Buleheuet, and Bulle seem to have a common etymon, but if]
Buleheuet be the correct form, it would seem to be a 13th century
way of writing Bullhead, or rather Bullheved ; Bund becomes Bonel
in 1224 and 1280, and Bung as is Bungy ; Caiok is a very queer word,
but the reading is uncertain ; Calpin, Cass', Get, Clech, and GtubU
are not easily explained ; Ginerard indicates the profession, a harp
player ; Coch is the same as rufus or rutins ; and Cochot some
derivative of the same root; Gognatus implies relationship; and
Cox may be a local form of Cocus, both Cox and Colic are still found; j

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP.

41

Crassus implies good living, and is the opposite of Macer, unless the
latter is a trade ; Cruche may be connected with Crux ; while
Crmtlage, Calkin, Cumpain (with which compare Cum Pannis), and
Cuti, together with Deunan, Deunard, and Dodin, have not survived;
Deubd is still a surname in Somerset ; Echenefot may be equated
with Hareuot, and both be regarded as descriptive agnomina ; of the
rendering Eli d, as well as of the derivation (it may be read Gliot), I
am rather doubtful ; Extraneus afterwards became L'Estrange ;
Fairwin, Ftrthing, Fillot, Fimbel, Face (unless this be another form
of Vose or Woce), Foliot, Fremund, seem more familiar ; Fridei is
Friday in 1 "280, without, perhaps, any reference to the week-day;
Gangelard, or Qangelart, is not elsewhere found, and Hadebr', which
may be Handcbrand, is found among the baptismal names and, as I
have there said, appears as llathcbronde among the Provosts, temp.
Hen. III. ; Hagenvas may be of Celtic origin, and mean "ugly boy ;"
Hureuot (i.e., H are foot) denotes swiftness; Helot, Hoo (or Hot),
Inuring, Jagow, may be explained by others, I have nothing to
offer; Keck and Ketto may be of Celtic origin; LeJJi, Leye, Lib'
(unless it be for libertus), Loiboi, Lolim\ Luffe, Lumtor, and Lunet are
beyond conjecture; Luffe however survives; if Luuekin (Low ckm)be read
aright, it conveys a laudable sentiment ; Midwinter explains itself, but
why it occupies the place of a surname is puzzling (as a season it meant
Christmas in Anglo-Saxon) ; Nope is a bird in some districts, but hero
an inexplicable surname ; Oulam, Pede, Pilche, and Punchot are not
found later, but Perle and Pride are prominent names for many
generations ; Puttoc, afterwards Pothoc, may be intended for Pot-
hook, but Paddock, pronounced locally Puddock, is a toad or large frog;
Quech (six) must be fathered on our Celtic neighbours, for Saxon or
Norman throats were unequal to it ; Richemon docs not stand for
rich man, in spite of the similarity of sound ; Saceli may be for
Saeelli, and Sac' be an abbreviation of Saccrdos ; Sadoc may have
come from the East with Jtarsebas, but Sacherei, Sect, and Silo are
probably of Saxon stock ; Selcr appears otherwise as Celcr, Celler,
and Seller (see below among the trades) ; Sericli, Sliitte, Sitte, and
Stite afford scope for learned conjecture ; Springan, or Sprungan,
may refer to the mighty arbalest which in turn harassed besieger and
besieged ; the race of Sprot is not yet extinct, though Suilard,
Sunbef,\indSumerei have disappeared ; of Valpin (? Calpin), Tangi, Tece,
Tece, Pipit, and / tret I can oiler no explanation, but Teeee, as a
surname, was well known 30 years ago; Uling or Uluig' (for it may
be read either way), seems to be a form of Aulnager, Alnager,
Ulnigcr, a measurer of woollen cloth and an oflieial sworn to enforce
and observe the statutes ancnt the staple ; Fo.se may be a form of
Foee, but we learn nothing from the change of initial ; It Waggcre is
possibly an ancient way of spelling wagoner ; and Walleuds is
mediieval Latin for Welshman ; Whitemon and Wideryard are
tempting, but wo must not presume ; Wilde and Wildegos were in
the first instance probably agnomina ; Wttdeng has survived ; Wiue-
Vol. VIII. 2nd S. K

42

THE MERCHANTS* GILD OF SALOP

peni was remarked by Owen and Blakeway and may ue a way of
spelling Winpcnuy, Richard Winnepeni was Provost, temp. Hen. III.;
it is not, however, more amusing than Wildegos ; Wise and Wiscard
are not unknown to after ages ; and Witherwart (a word of Teutonic
appearance) can only have charmed away excrescences for a genera-
tion or two, as he does not afterwards appear.

DESIGNATIONS AND TRADES.

The index I have made of " Designations and Trades," because of
the impossibility of separating them, invites a few remarks. Anglic* j I
may stand for Anglicanus, but the last letter is doubtful ; Aurifabcr
is a goldsmith, and it speaks well for the civilization of that day that
as many as six arc mentioned, though there may be repetitions ; j ?
Blanker is not elsewhere found, but it may stand for blanketer, a | \
maker of blankets ; Breeh lies under the same disability ; CaclC may
be the abbreviation of cacherellus, a " bum bailiff," which was after-
wards shortened to cachcrele, a catchpole ; Ctsor, another form of
Scissor, a cutter, or tailor; Citaredor is a harper; Coif anus, if for
Coiftarius, a capper, or cap maker, or, just possibly, a dresser of hair,
Coiffeur) Crumpe' for Crumper, a pouchmaker, cruma being a pouch
or purse ; Cum pannis is puzzling, though the meaning is not so, he
may have been clad in patchwork, or have been a peddler of cloth, I
have compared itabove with Cumpain or Cumpani ; Esch ea t oi , an official
who '' observed the escheats due to the King in the county f Ferrator
M a farrier; Fum\ Furneator, an oven maker, or an iron founder; Forin*
secus a foreigner, but here merely an outsider ; Cauta is usually a green
goose, but here a glover (see Wanter below); Grocery " originally a
wholesale merchant (grossier) who speculated in various things at
markets and fairs;" llaidterger, which I have coupled with Hal-
berger, most likely a tavern-keeper, other meanings are — a maker of
woollen cloth, a maker of coats of mail, which were called hauberks ;
Infans, as a designation, afterwards produced the surname le Childe,
or Childe ; LorimaHus, a maker of bits, spurs, and such-like small
ironware; AJacer, a spice-seller, but in Piers Ploughman he is one
who carries a spear or club, he may notwithstanding have been only I
a spare man and the opposite of crassus ; of Maid' I can make
nothing, unless it be another form of malier, which I take to be a $
maker of coats of mail ; Halliwell, however, says, ' Male, a budget
or portmanteau, a box, or pack," and makes it an Anglo-Norman
word, and then malier might be a trunk-maker; Merar is literally a
trader, but was gradually restricted to dealers in wares suitable for
clothing ; Mtlesand' is a very strange designation, yet Millesant is
another spelling of Milliccnt, a female baptismal name ; Mineaior, or
Minur, an illuminator, a painter in minium, red lead, or vermillion,
rede miniator, or possibly a miner ; Molinarius, or Molendinarius, a
miller; Mouachus, a monk; Paimentarius, a parchment maker;
Pelliper, pelliparius, a leather seller or skinner; Pictor, or Pinctor, a
painter ' Piscalor, a fisherman ; Pistor a baker ; Poucer (which Owen

THE MERCHANTS' GILD OF SALOP.

43

and Bkkeway read Ponccr), a pouch or wallet maker ; Puncher, as a
trade, is not found, it may be a designation, or an agnomen ; Ru?-
mongere, probably a dealei in rushes ; Seller, a saddler, same as
Hellarius ; Serrator, a sawyer' ; Scissor, a cutter or tailor ; Tailiator
the same, though there may have been some distinction ; Tannator,
tt tanner; Tawere, a maker of white leather; Tinctor, a dyer;
Vumeator, or turner, a turner, unless the former stand for tannator,
a cooper ; Ulniger, or Alnager, an official who takes cognisance of the
measurement of cloth ; Vic\ or Vicecomes, is a sheriff ; Vicer, for
vicar, vicarius, a deputy; Vigilator, a watchman, a wakeman ;
Villnnm, or villeyn, generally homo adscriptus gleboe, but here a
designation without that strict original meaning ; Vinetor, either a
vintner or a vine-dresser, probably the former ; Wanter, possibly a
mole-catcher, want, wont, and oont mean a mole in the vernacular,
but more likely a glover, for there would scarcely bo seven mole-
catchers in the Gild, whereas seven glovers would not be at all
extravagant. The F. Gant, a glove, from L. vvantus, makes gantier
gantcr, and ganterie ; wantus is of German origin, answering to
Swedish wante ; wantus becomes gant by a common change of w
into g ( Bracket ).

PLACE-NAMES.

Actouna, probably Acton Burnell ; Akes, unknown ; Aqua Solis and
Baden' may refor to Bath : IHkeduft, is Bicton, 3 m N W. of Salop;
Bispestan, Beeches Lane ; Uoscus, liroy, and Braimsjord, unknown
(a Brailesford in Derbyshire) ; BriConc, possibly Broughton ; Brustolt
and Bristowe, Bristol ; Cantelop is Cantlop ; Colaham and Choleham,
Coleham ; Chotes, or Oota, possibly the " island " of Coton ; Cluna,
Clun ; (Jruccern, unknown in Salop ; Dratton\ Market Drayton ;
Foriet, Abbey Foregatc; Franktuila, Frankwell; Inter- Pontes, a plot of
laud between the Eastbridge and another bridge nearer to the Abbey,
now Mcrivale ; Longedun, either Longdon, near Pontesbury, or near
Lilleshall ; Nexvnham, near Hanwood ; Norton, indeterminate ;
/Ashore, Personcv, and /Vfsonra, unknown in Salop ; Pichford, now
Pitchford ; Prestbury, not in Salop, but in Cheshire ; Prestcota, near
Baschurch ; Rumaldesham, a hamlet of which Barker Street forms a
part, now within the borough ; Selda, Mardol Head ; Soca, Sota,
probably represent Shoplach ; Wigornia is Worcester ; Wila, the
Wyle ; Wing\ unknown ; and Foitcn, about 7 m. N. of Shrewsbury.

44

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY SUBSIDY ROLL
OF 1327.

With Introduction by the Rev. W. G. D. FLETCHER, M.A., F.S.A.

(Continued from 2nd Seizes, Vol. V,, page 36%),

Chirbury Hundred is the fourth of the Hundreds
named in this, the earliest of the Shropshire Lay
Subsidy Rolls. In the main it may be said to represent
the Domesday Hundred of Witentreu. It contains
nothing which that Domesday Hundred did not con-
tain. When the Hundreds of Shropshire were re-
arranged by Henry I., the better opinion is that the
Hundred of Witentreu was then only changed in name.
At a later period some few changes were made ;
Church Stoke, Leighton, and Montgomery were
annexed to certain Hundreds in Montgomeryshire ;
several ancient members of Worthin were put into the
Hundred of Ford ; and Edenhope into the Hundred of
Clun. Chirbury Hundred was, unlike that of Oswestry,
an integral part of the County of Salop ; it was
governed by English law or custom; it owed suit to
the County, and was in general responsible like other
Hundreds. The Seigneury of Chiibury Hundred was
conferred on Raldwin de Rollers, on his marriage with
Sibil de Faleise, the King's niece; but early in the
reign of Henry III. it was resumed by the crown.

It only remains to add that the notes concerning the
persons named in the Subsidy Roll, as well as the
historical matter relating to each place, which add so
much to tho interest of the Roll, are entirely the work
of Miss Auden.

THtt SHROPSHIRE LAY SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327. 45

HUNDR' DE CHYRBUK',
MARTONE.

[Marton.1 — According to the Domesday book this manor was held
before and after the Conquest by St. Chad's Church, Shrewsbury,
and under it by a Saxon Alward, who held several other manors in
this neighbourhood under Earl Roger de Montgomery. His property
was afterwards escheated to the Crown, and St. Chad's lost its
seigneury over Marton, which became annexed to the Honour of Mont-
gomery. The De Boilers, lords of Montgomery, held the overlordship
till 1*207, and later it passed to the Cantilupes. The manor was held
under them by the Hunalds, lords of Frodesley. In 1240, William
Hunald held half a knight's fee in Marton, but in 1248 he was dead,
leaving a widow Loretta, and a young son Thomas. In 1255,
William is said to have held two hides here, doing suit to Chirbury
Hundred, and victualling the Guards of Montgomery Castle. Thomas
Hunald appears in 1263 in a lawsuit regarding the land of six
tenants at Marton. The Hunalds retained some connection with
Marton in the 14th century, but the chief family actually in Marton
seems to have been the Purcels, who were among their tenants early
in the 13th century. In 1266, Muriel, widow of Richard Purcel, son
of Richard, appealed against the alleged murderers of her husband,
who was killed in an affray with Peter Corbet of Cans, and others.

Roger Purcel occurs in 1281, and Richard, son of Roger Purcel, in
1301 and 1318. Griffin son of Griffin also appears in 1318. He
may be the Grithn Shyrreve of the Subsidy Roll. Richard de
Wotherton and Thomas de Dudston took their names from neigh-
bouring hamlets.]

s d s d

Ric'o Puacel ... xij Thorn' Lax... ... vj

Ric'o fil' Rog'i ... xij Ph'o fil' Griffini ... vj
Joh'e de AlVieye ... xxqu Will'o Pecokes ... vj
GryfYyn Shyrreue ... xij Thorn' DunthuU' ... vj
Rog' fil' Ph'i ... xx Griffino de Howewor xij
Joh'e le E ewe wor ... xx Ric'o de Woderton' ... xvj
Dauid Shyrrene ... xx « MViil'o' fil Rog'i vj

Will'o Crose ... viij .^jj,'m -! Thorn' de Dode-
Hekyn Curteys ... x ( ( stone ... viij

Rog' Mabbemon ... xvj

Joh'e fil' Simonis ... xij p'b' Sm xix8 vjdqu
Hawys... ... vj

WORTHYN.

[WoimiHN.2 — This was at Domesday part of Roger fitz Corbet's

5 Kytou xi. 80.

2 Eytou xi. 95,

4G

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY

groat estate, in which lie had succeeded Earl Morcar the Saxon. It
consisted of 1 4 hides, and comprised 1 3 berewicks, and possessed 2
mills, and a wood 2 leagues long, enough to fatten 200 swine. Roger
held a portion in demesne, and his tenants, Picot held 3 hides,
Rcinfrid 3£, (loisfrid H, and Grento half a hide.

In 1236-7, Thomas Corbet withdrew Worthen from Chirbury
Hundred, and established it on an independent footing. In 1256,
1272, it was represented at the Assizes by 6 Jurors. In 1270,
Thomas Corbett received license from the King to hold a weekly
market on Wednesdays at Worthen, and two yearly fairs, one on the
eve, day, and morrow, of the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June
28, 29, 30), and on the eve, day, and morrow, of the Exaltation of
the Cross (Sopt. 13, 14, 15). He had as early as 1246 procured a
grant of free Warren in his demesnes of Worthen and Forden. He
died in 1274, leaving his son Peter his heir. It was stated on his
death that he had appropriated to himself new Forests at Horsemor,
Lelutcley, Espeley, Wyrtenhall, Rotbeche, Woxsebeche and Cals-
beehe. In 121)2, Peter Corbet's rights to these chaces and to other
privileges in Chirbury Hundred were called in question by Hugh de
Louther, one of the King's lawyers, but the matter was finally
decided in his favour.

Peter Corbet died in 1300, and was succeeded by his son Peter,
who died in 1322, leaving Worthen among the estates settled on his
widow, Beatrix, on whose death it passed to the Lords Staffords, co-
heirs of the Barony of Cans. The name of Goodale occurs among
the chief tenants of Worthen in 1300, and later a daughter of Richard
Coodall and Anna Corbet is mentioned in the Iforaldi? Visitation as
wife of one the Kerry family of Worthen.

Alice de Hampton took her name from a hamlet of Worthen, after-
wards held by a branch of the Corbets. The original parish of
Worthen seems to have been formed in Saxon times, and included
Shelve, Buttington, Leighton, Trelystan, and possibly Ratlinghope.
In 1319, Richard do Stafford was rector of Worthen, and Prebend of
Lichfield. He was killed in 1372 by Thomas Watkyns, Richard
Batkyn being an accomplice. He may have been a son of William
of the Subsidy Roll.]

s

(1

s d

Adam Brodeye
Rog' Grobbe
Ric'oGodai'
Thorn' de Lauton...
Gall'r'o Sutore ... iij
Will'o Batokyn ... ij
Ypkyn MauncoP ..

Rog' fir Petri ... ij
WiirofU' Walt'i ...

xxq'
xviij
xvjq'

XX

u

Kic'o le Barcar' ... xx
Alic' do Hampton' ... xviij
Joh'e Leuedymon ... ij

u

xvq'

ob'

SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327.

47

CHYRREBUR'.

[CmiUiUiiY.3 — Before the formation of the Hundred of Chirbury,
this was the head of that of Witentreu. It was held by Edward the
Confessor in Saxon times, and passed at the Conquest into the hands
of Earl Roger do Montgomery. It, probably later, formed part of
the Honour of Montgomery, till the time of Henry III., when it
again bceame a Royal Manor. In 1255, it was held as a manor of
Royal (L?nesne, but several tenants held land by tenures made by
Codescall dc Maghelines, Castellan of Montgomery from 1223 to
1227. John tiiz Richard owed, among other things, a week's castle-
guard at Montgomery, in time of war, and was bound to provide an
attendant on the hunting expeditions of the Lord three times yearly.
William fitz Richard owed the same two services, and in addition, was
bound to convey Writs any whither in Shropshire, for the Lords of
Montgomery. Possibly the David fitz AVilliam of the Subsidy Roll
may have been son of this William. Beside three other larger
holdings there wrere in 1255, 23 burgages in Chirbury, held at a rent
of 9d. each, payable to the Lords of Montgomery.

The Priory of Chirbury was founded for Augustine Canons about
the close of the 12th century, by Robert de Boilers, Lord of Mont-
gomery. The Canons originally settled at Snead, near Bishop's
Castle, then a member of Robert de Boilers' manor of Church Stoke,
but they apparently very soon migrated to Chirbury. The two
next succeeding Lords of Montgomery oppressed the Priory, but the
King when the Manor came into his hands, treated the Canons more
liberally In 1227, Henry III. gave a Charter to the Priory, granting
many privileges of free pasturage in the Royal pastures of Mont-
gomery. Another deed of the same year gave the Canons the tithes
of pannage of the woods of Montgomery, and the tithes of Mont-
gomery mill, both in the parish of Chirbury. In 1254, the King-
gave 50 oak trees from his woods to Chirbury Priory, the Sheriff
paying 75s. for their carriage.

In 1271 the Prior was prosecuting John Bernard, William de Lake,
and others, for having come to the Prior's house in Shrewsbury,
insulted the Canons, and carried away goods to the value of 100s.
Ten years later the Canons obtained the King's license to remove back
to Snead, on the ground that their ministry had becu in many ways
interrupted at Chirbury, but this license was not acted upon, proba-
bly as the Borders grew there peaceable after the Conquest of Wales.
In 1285, Bishop Swinfield visited the Priory, and censured the laxity
of discipline he observed there. Four years later, however, he com-
mended the Canons for piety, charity, and hospitality. The following
year, he was entertained by the Prior for two days, as he went from
Alherbury to Bishop's Castle in the visitation of his diocese.

At the Dissolution of Monasteries, the income of the Priory was
givcu as £00 8s. 7|d. including tithes from the Chapelrics of Forden,

a Eyton xi. 57.

48

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY

Hissington, Snead, Church Stoke, and the Chapel of St. Mary's Well.
The original parish of Chirbury included with the exception of
Worthcn, probably the whole of the Domesday Hundred of Witentreu,
and several of its chapels are now in the Diocese of Hereford, though
in the County of Montgomery.

In 1531-5 Oliver Middleton was Prior of Chirbury, and John
Middleton was Vicar ; apparently they were brothers, and of the
family of Middleton, of Middleton, in Chirbury parish.

Walter and William de Wotherton took their name from the
Manor of Wotherton in Chirbury parish, which as early as 1220 was
held by Feoffees, bearing the name of de Wotherton.]

Dauid fil' YVill'i
WiU'o Fabro
Hug' fil* Math'i
Thorn' le Bo tiler
Rie'o fil' Hug'
Ric'o Ovveyn
St'ph' Freund
Walt'o Buncan
Adam Dod
WiU'o Janitore

d

|g

xviij
xviij

«j
xlj
xij

IX

xij

IX

B ROM LOWE.

Joh'e fil' Thorn'
Margaret' le Somter...

Walt'o de Wo-
s'bt' J derton' ...
ibid'm ) WiU'o de Wo-
derton' ...

d

IX

vij
ix
viij

X111JS vj(

[Bromlow,4 Parish of Worthen. — This member of Worthen has
little history apart from that of the manor as a whole. Its tenants
appear occasionally, but do not seem to have been of note. In 1256,
William, son of Richard Pigot, occurs in a lawsuit concerning 11
acres in Bromlow.

Thomas de Loclo and Thomas Whyspon took their names from
Lucid oy and Whitsborn, near Bromlow.

The family of Aston of Aston Rogers held land here. In 1256,
Margery, widow of Roger Aston, has three tenants of half a virgato 1
each in Bromlow, and a rent of 5s. 4d. from Whitsborn and Lockley.

Later there was a family of Hagar at Bromlow, who intermarried
with many of the neighbouring families, including that of Draper of
Aston and Bromlow, one of whom, Humphrey Draper, is called Con-
stable of Chirbury. The name Waring is to be found later at
Onslow, when Richard Purccll of Winsbury married the only
daughter of Thomas Waring of Onslow.]

4 %tou xi. 108.

SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327.

49

Rog' de Mydel'ton
Rog' Hog'...
Will'o Bulloc
Ric'o Pygot
Will'o Dulle
Thorn' Gogh'
Rog' Geffes

d

xi.j

x\j

xi.i
xij
xij

xnj

Thorn' de Locle
Rog' de le Broke
Will'o Bercar'
Ric'o Waryng'
Ric'o Alote
Thorn' Whyspon

s d

xnij
xiiij
viij
vi(j

XU

WYLMYTON*.

[Wilmington,6 Parish of Chirbury. — This has very little history of
its own. In 1255, a hide was held here under the Lords of Mont-
gomery by Sibil and Margaret de Wilmington, and 5 nokes by David
do Stockton. This latter held the land through Agnes de Mont-
gomery and her second husband, Stephen de St. Albans, who had
usurped the place of Matilda de Montgomery, the rightful possessor.

Matilda and her husband, Robert
apparently with doubtful success.]

Blundel, tried to oust him, but

Ph'o fil' Elye

Rog' Joppe

Joh'e fit' Rog'i

Rog'Brobbe(?Grobbe)

Ric'o de Lydom

Ric'o Goldwyr

Joh'e le Palfrey mon...

d

xviij

xi.!
xvj

XV

xiJ

X

> s'bt'
ibid'm

Kic'o de Wyl-
my ton' . . .

Ric'o de Long-
gedon' ...

IX

Vllj

p' Sma xxj9 vijd

WESTON' P'STES.

[Priest Weston,6 Parish of Chirbury. — This was held at Domesday
by Robert Corbet. It had been held in Saxon times by six thanes as
six manors. It passed later to the Barony of Longdon. In 1255,
Lowellyn de Kolbocho (of Colcbatch, near Bishop's Castlo) " held
Weston of the Barony of Longdon, and owed suit to tho Hundred of
Chirbury, and was bound to victual tho Guards of Montgomery in
return for a right of pasturage which ho enjoyed over the Fee of
Montgomery."

William Botreaux (IV.), Lord of Longden, exchanged it with
Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and in 1315 rents from
free tenants at Priest Weston were part of tho estate of Edward
Burnell. The Canons of Chirbury had a small estate here, and at

6 Eyton xi. 166.
6 Eyton xi. 92.
Vol. VIII., 2nd Si,

F

50

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY

Hagley a member of Priest Weston, from which Adam de Hagley
derived his name.]

s d s d

Walt'o de Weston' ... xij Ric'o Broun ... xij

Thorn fil' Hug' ... xx AM fiT Phi ... xij

Joh'e de Weston' ... xvj Adam de Haggeleye xvj

Ph'o de Eggedon' ... xviij Hogyn ... ... xij

Ric'o hT Ade ... xiij Will'o Reuen ... xij

Ric'o fil' Thorn' ... xiij Walt'o le Whyte ... xij

WYNNESBUR'.

[Winsbury,7 Parish of Chirbury. — This is notmontioned in Domes-
day, and first occurs in 1227, when it was reported that it was held
by tho heirs of Walter le Fleming, of Walford and Stanwardine,
under the King, and that two of them were not yet married. In
1240, Richard Purcell and his co-parceners held half a fee in Wins-
bury and Stanlow, and in 1248, there seem to have been five sharers
in the estate. In 1255, Winsbury was "held by the heirs of Walter
le Flamanc, as half a knight's fee, by doing three weeks' guard at
Montgomery in war-time, and suit throughout the year to Chirbury
Hundred, and by attending the Lords of Montgomery thrice yearly
in the chace."

One of the co-heiresses of Walter le Fleming married Hugh de
Wothcrton, and another Richard Purcel. In 1316, William de
Wynesbury is alone mentioned as Lord of Winsbury, but the Purcel
family continued to have an interest here till much later.

John de Wynnesbury of the Subsidy Roll was probably John, son
of William de Wynnesbury, who succeeded his father in 1323.]

s d s d

Joh'e Brodeye ... ij Ric'o Dryt... ... xij

Adam fil' Hugonis' ... xviij Alano fil' Henr' ... xi]

Adam le Swon ... xviij Walt'o fil' Rob'ti .., xviij
Joh'e do Wynnesbut* xij

BYNNE WESTON'.

[Binweston,8 Parish of Worthen. — This was chiefly held in demesne
by the Corbets. In 1295, Peter Corbet assigned it us the dower of
Joan, tho widow of Thomas, his eldest son. In 1303, tho manors of
Worthen, Shelve, and Binweston aro treated as distinct, as they are
also in 1316. In 135G, Binweston belonged to a Sir John Corbet,
who left it to his son John, though the main line of tho Corbets of
Cans ciinio to an end on the death of Peter Corbet in 1322, and tho
Barony was divided between Lord Stailord, who had ono moiety,

7 Eyton xi. 107.

8 Kyton xi. 108,

SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327.

51

while the other was divided between Robert de Harley and Edmund
do Cornwall. Philip de Hockleton took his name from Hockleton
near Chirbury, which throughout the 13th and 14th centuries was
held by a family of de Hockleton under the Lords of Montgomery.
The family of Hockleton, whose pedigree was entered at the Heralds'
Visitation of 1589, claimed descent from the de Hockietons.]

s d s d

Ric'o (Jl'ico ... xviij Adam fit' Ric'i ... xv

iMarg' relict' Rob'ti xv Thorn' Crekes ... xijqu

Will'o fir Kog'i ... xxj Ric'o fil' Ric'i ... xx

Will'o de London' ... x Ph'o de liokei'ton ... xqu

Margaret' Eryd ... xqu Ric'o Toxtor' ... xij

ASTON E PYGOT'.

[Aston Pigot,9 Parish of Worthen.-— This member of Worthen was
held as early as 1180 by a Ralph fitz Picot, and possibly it wTas in
1087 part of the three hides in Worthen held under Roger fitz Corbet
by one Picot. Robert, son of Ralph Pigot, occurs early in the 13th
century as making a grant to Haughmond Abbey of land at
Medlycott, and the family continued for some generations at Aston
Pigot. In 1255, Robert Pigot held Aston under Sir Thomas Corbet.
Robert's son and heir, Howel Pigot, occurs frequently between 1292
and 1316. His chief estate seems to have been at Woolaston, near
Alberbury.

Richard Pas, who occurs among the tenants of Aston Rogers in
1256, was possibly of the same family as the Isabel Paas of the
Subsidy Roll.]

s d S d.

Henr' Sotrych' ... xv Will'o Dun ... vii)

Edm'do de Longgedon' x s»^t» ) Math'ole Whyte viij
Gilb'to de Oke ... xxj -^j>m f Ric'o fiT Joh'is x
Isabel!' Paas ... xiiij J Rog' Durauntes ix

Will'o Sond .,. xiij

Will'o Broun ... xij p'b' Sma xlvij8 ijdo'qu

Will'o Magges ... viij

Rog' Wylkyn ... xviij

HOPE.

[Hope.10 — Hope near Worthen was originally within the limits of
the Stiperstones Forest. It was early held by tenants bearing the
name of De Mope, who were among t he retainers of the Corbets of
Caus. In 1255, Robert de Hope held the manor under Thomas

fl Eyton xi. 105.
10 Eyton xi. 114,

52

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY

Corbet, but at the close of that century Hope was in the hands of

Peter Corbet, and in 1 370 it appears as still held by a branch of the
Corbcts.]

s (1 s d

Joh'e Valkes ... ij Lewelino .., xij

Will'o Bole ... xviij Henr' Bouche ... xj

Joh'e Ballart ... xj Thorn' Bercar' ... xvjo
Adam I in bard ... xvjqu

Leigh

WALTONE.

[Walton,11 Parish of Worthen. — This member of Worthen was with
held by the family of Hager under the Corbets of Cans.
Henry Hager occurs in a deed relating to land here in 1199. He
seems to have been succeeded by Hugh, and he in turn by Thomas
Hager, who left two sons, Hugh and William. In 1255, Hugh held
Walton under Sir Thomas Corbet. He is one of the witnesses of
Thomas Corbet's charter to Alberbury Priory in 1262, and is men-
tioned in the following year as with him in the Border warfare. In
12G7, mention is made of the Welsh having set fire to Walton and
Leigh, to Hugh's great loss. William, the brother of Hugh, occurs
constantly in connection with Thomas Corbet and his son Peter, as
agent and accomplice of their doings. In 1274, Adam Hager held
Walton, and occurs among the men-at-arms of the Barony of Caus.
He seems to have been succeeded by John Hager, who is called Lord
of Leigh and Mind town in 131G, but the Priory of Chirbury is then
said to hold Walton.]

Adam fil' Rob'ti ...
Will'o Passeauant
Rog' fil' Ric'i ...
iiic'o fil' Henr' ..
Will'o fil' Ric'i ..

d

yjqu

ixo'
vijqu
xiijob'
xiiijob'

Rog' Bouche
Adam fil' Henr' ..
Ric'o fil' Ph'i
Thorn' de Wylmyn-
ton ...

d

ixob*
xiijqu
xviij qu

viijo'qu

MARYTON'.

[Marrington,12 Parish of Chirbury. — This was in 1086 among the
manors of Robert fitz Corbet. The Saxon tenants had been two
franklins, El ward and Aluric. A moiety of Robert Corbet's estates
passed to tho Fitz Herberts, who became lords of Marrington, with
tenants bearing the name of De Marrington. Richard de Mereton
occurs in ] 203, and for four generations it was held peaceably by his
descendants, till about 12G0, when the three sisters of William do
Marrington (I.) gained possession of his estates during the minority

11 Kyton xi. 112.

12 Eyton xi. 88.

SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327. 53

of his son William (II.). This led to several legal proceedings, but
in 1272 William's claim was made good. The son of his aunt
Christina, wife of Baldwin de Boilers, held land also in Harrington
and in Rorrington. That in Harrington was stated in 1299 to be
held by service of providing one soldier in war time at the moat of
Poole, with a bow, 2 arrows, and a bolt (trivolo), for a night and
day ; and by appearing thrice yearly at Pontesbury Manor-Court.
In 1374, the whole of Harrington was held under John de Charlton
of Powis by Hugh de Boilers.

According to the Heralds' Visitation, Margaret de Boilers, daughter
of Hugh Bowdler, married Ralph Hiddlcton, and their grand-daughter
married David Lloyd, the ancestor of the family of Lloyd of Har-
rington, who built the fine half-timbered house there.]

s d s d

Thorn* de Whateleye ij Marg' de Aldeport ... xij

Ric'o de Bromlowe ij Dauid Molendinar'... xij

Thorn' fiT Willi ... ij Alie Vidua ... vj

Edde Voii ,.. xij Heyne ... ... xij

MOKELWYKE.

[Mucklewick,13 Parish of Hissington. — This, though in the parish
of Hissington, is in the county of Salop. It is not mentioned in
Domesday. In 1255, it was held as half a hide by the heirs of
Robert de Overs at 2s. rent, payable to Hontgomery Castle. In
1316, it was reported to be held by the King.

Hissington, the parish church, was held by the Priory of Chirbury.
After the Dissolution of Monasteries, the tithes seem to have passed
if) some way to the Corporation of Shrewsbury. There is a note
among the Municipal Records of Elizabeth's reign that the "tythes
and landes in hyssington are in mortgage to Mr Foxe." Priam Lloyd
of Harrington married Katherine, daughter of Edward Fox and
Elizabeth Leigh ton of Wattlesburgh.

David de Broke probably from Brook's Hill near Hucklewick. The
tithes of Broke and Hucklewick are mentioned with those of Hissing-
ton, but have been afterwards eiased.

Shelve is the next parish to Hissington, and both lie almost under

the shadow of Corndon.]

s d s d

Hug' Corndonn .. xij Ric'o fiT Ade ... vj

Joh'e fiT Walt'i ... xij Adam Dun ... xi)

Walt'o de Shelue ... vj liowelo fiT Dauid .. xij

Dauid de Broke ... vj Thorn' fiT Ade ... vj

Thorn' fil Walt'i ... xij Hug' Dun .., xij

Ey ton xi. 165

54

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY

ASTONE ROGER.

L Aston Rogers,14 Parish of Worthcn. — This member of Worthen
was held early by Henry de Aston, who was suceeeded by his son
Roger, who was a man of considerable note. In 1255, he held Aston
under Sir Thomas Corbet, and the Hundred Roll notes that he had
then been blind for seven years, and unable to walk or ride. He
died that year, leaving John fitz Peter de Aston, his nephew, his
heir. This John fitz Peter also held land at Eyton, near Alberbury,
In 1316, Henry de Mortimer of Chel marsh was lord of Aston-juxta-
Caus, and in 1391 it was held by his great-grandson, William de
Mortimer.

In 1429 William Bromshill held land here, which he gave by will,
together with his land at Minton, to Haughmond Abbey. He
directed that his lands in Hope, Aston Pigot, Worthcn, Luckley, and
Hampton should be sold, and the proceeds devoted to the building
of Worthen Church and steeple, and he gave a tenement in Meadow-
town to John Rodenhurst.

Richard Bagod of the Subsidy Roll may have been of the same
family as Richard Bagot of Aston Pigot, who occurs in 1221 Several
of the Pigot family, according to the Heralds' Visitation, seem to
have intern arricd with thePauntons, who seem from the Roll to have
been settled here.]

Ric'o Bagod
Adam fir Rog'i
Will'o de Paunton . . .
Willo Wyse
Isabeir de Ingwardyn
Henr' de Paunton' . . .
Ph'ode Aston'

XVllj

xviij

Xij

m

Thorn' le Mareschall ij

s'bt' ( Rog' Bust ... x

ibid'm-j Ric'o Bercar' ix

( Madoco Shery viij

p' Sma lij8 ijdob'

RORYTONK

[Rorrinoton,15 Parish of Chirbury. — This was a divided manor at
Domesday, part being held under Robert fitz Corbet by a tenant
Leuric, the other by Osulf under Roger fitz Corbet. The Saxon owners
had been Aluric and El ward. Robert Corbet's share passed to the
Fitz Herberts In 1255, William do Mariton held a half virgate in
Rorrington, and Roger de Longedon another. Both tenants while
they had pasturage of the King's land used to victual the watchmen
of Montgomery, but when the right of pasturage was suspended they
withdrew the service.

The Longcdons were of Longden, near Pontesbury. In 1361,
Edward de Longdon held land at llorrington.]

14 Eyton xi. 106.

15 Eyton xi. 93.

SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327.

55

s d s d

Rog' fir Marger' .. xij Ric'o de Longgedon' xij

Ric'o Shyrrene ... xviij Isota ... vj

Joh'e fil' Rog'i ... vj Rob'to fir Will'i ... vj

Cecil' Lucas ... xij Griffino Bercar' ... xij

Jul' relict' Ric'i ... ij Walt'o de Rorylon... xij

WODERTONE.

[Wotherton,16 Parish of Chirbury. — This was held at Domesday
by Alward, son of Elmund. It had in Saxon times been held by a
franklin, Elmund, and after the Conquest retained the same high
value (£i) as in King Edward's reign. In 1087, it possessed a priest,
and a valuable mill. Al ward's manors seem to have escheated
to the Crown, some time before the days of Henry I. The tenants
of Wotherton, who took their name from the manor, were men of
considerable importance, Hugo de Wotherton, in 1203, being a
knight, and in 1206 security for Baldwin de Boilers, lord of Mont-
gomery. In 1255, Wotherton was held by Henry de Wotherton as
half a knight's fee, by doing three weeks' ward at Montgomery
Castle in war-time, and hunting thrice yearly with the lords of
Montgomery. He also held a messuage in the " town of Chirbury."
The elder line of De Wotherton ended in 129G, on the death of John
de Wotherton, in four heiresses, his sisters — Eva, wife of Richard
Hord ; Matilda, wife of Walter de Hockleton ; Sibil, wife of Owayn
do Brompton ; and Amice, wife of William le Seneschal. Richard
Hord bought the share of Amice in Wotherton, Dudson, and Iloden-
hurst in 1303, and later another share, as on his death in 1326 he
was found possessed of three-fourths of the hamlet and mill of
Wotherton. The estate remained with the Hords of Walford till the
death of John Hord in 1398, when Wotherton, Walford, and his
interest in Stanwardine-in-the-Wood, Chelmick, and Rodenhurst
passed to his heirs, Fulk Sprcnchose and John Gotmondof Yockleton.
The younger branch of De Wotherton continued here for a consider-
able time. John do Wotherton occurs on a local jury in 1274.]

s d s d

Ric'o fil' Ade ... xiij Joh'e de Woderton'... xvj

Ric'o Martyn ... viij Ric'o do Brokes ... xij

Ric'o fil' Rob'ti ... xiiij Griffino Brodeyo ... xij

Ric'o Gybbe ... xv Will'o Gogh' ' ... xij

Thorn' fal' Ade ... xix Will'o Brayn ... xv

SHELUE.

[Shelve.17 — This member of Worthen was famous in the 12th and
13th centuries for its lead mines. In 1182, it furnished Ilunry II

18 Eyton xi. 74.
» Eyton xi. 110.

!

56

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY

with 110 cartloads of lead for the Convent Church of Amesbury,
and in 1183 and 1185 with 60 loads more. In 1255, Sir Thomas
Corbet was said to have withdrawn Shelve from Chirbury Hundred.
In 1300, on the death of Peter Corbet, Shelve was valued at
£1 l is. IGd. / er annum. It possessed a water mill, 16 tenants-at-
will,' and several cottars. On the division of the Corbet estates,
Shelve went to the Barleys, though the Earls of Stafford held the
advowson of the Church. 1

Petro de Shelue ...
Rog' Tappynch
Will'odoBrykenhal'
de Greoteuiore

Rog

s d
xvjo'q11
xvjo'qu
xvijob'qu

XVj

Thorn' le Stotherd
Ric'o de Castro
Ph'o de Shelue
Wiil'o Reuen

d

xo'

XX
XV
XX

MUNETONE.

[Muneton.18 — This Domesday manor is now lost, and its exact
sit uation can only be guessed at. It was held by El ward in 1087,
having been held by a franklin, Godric, and it had not depreciated in
value since the Conquest. In 1221, Adam de Brerlawe and William
Passavant occur in connection writh land here, and in 1255 Adam de
Brerlawe and Adam Passavant held a virgate at Muneton under
William de Cantilupe, which together with part of Eyton, near
Alberbury, owed service to Montgomery Castle. The same Adam de
Brerlawe seems to have held land also at Wigmore and Brerlawe,
near Westbury, under the Boterells of Longden. In 1316, John
Hager was lord of Muneton in Chirbury Hundred. The overlordship
passed from De Cantilupe to Zouche of Haryng worth, who in 1395
held Moneton and Eytm Stokes as half a knight's fee.

Richard Passavant was probably a descendant of William of 1221,
Possibly the William Passavant of Walton of the Subsidy Roll was
of the same family.]

Thorn' Aleokes

Alcoke

Ric'o Passeauant

d
xvj

XX

xij

Ric'o de Mapeles
Ph'o Molendinar'

RYTTONE.

[Ritton,19 Parish of Wentnor. — This was a member of Wentnor in
the Hundred of Rinlan, a manor of Roger fitz Corbet. It became the
property of Build was Abbey by the gift of a Corbet, probably Robert
Corbet. In 1354, the Abbey proposed to exchange Ritton with the
Earl of Arundel, but the matter does not seem to have been carried out.
The Abbey apparently retained an interest here till the Dissolution.]

18 Eyton xi. 78.

19 Eyton xi. 191.

SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327.

57

3 d

Will'o Al cokes ... xij

Martin o ... xij

Hug' de Ryttone ... vj

Joh'e Martyn ... vj

Ric'o fir Ph'i ... xij

Henr' de Cote ... vj

Will'o de Actone ... vj

s d

s'bt' / Rob'toChampe-
ibid'mj neys ... viij

j Nich'ode Brugge x
I DaykyndeLutle x

p' Sma xlv8ob'q*

RY STONE.

[Rhyston,20 Parish of Church Stoke.— This, like Church Stoke, in
which parish it is, was held in Saxon times by Siward, and in 1087
by Elward. It passed early to the Crown, and in 12 19 and 1254 was
assessed to the Royal Tallages. In 1255, Rhiston was held by
several tenants by service of doing ward at Montgomery Castle for
three days in war-time ; doing suit every three weeks to the Hundred
of Chiibury and to the Court of Montgomery ; of hunting with the
lords of Montgomery thrice yearly, and of victualling the guards of
Montgomery Castle. Yarford ap Cadogari also held land in capite at
Rhiston by service of finding one archer in ward of Montgomery
Castle for a day and night in time of any Welsh war. He died in
1300, possessed of 36 acres of land at Rhiston, and 2 of meadow, and
50 acres of land and 8 of meadow at Brampton. His heir was his
eon, Yarford.]

s d s d

Youan ap Heyne ... xij Yarefes ap You an ... xij
Youan ap Hychcokes viij Youan ap Yarefes ... xij
Pauid ap Reryth' ... ix Gryfiyn Vaghan ... x

BROMPTONE.

[Brompton,21 Parish of Church Stoke. — This is generally included
with Rhiston, and has little separate history. In 1318, the two had
a common grievance that the Custos of Montgomery obliged them to
do suit at the King's Court of Halston, instead of at that of
Chirbury, as their ancestors had done. The tenants of both manors
seem to have been almost wholly Welsh. In 1224, Robert fitz
Madoc was tenant in capite of Brompton, and left two sons, Owen
and Meyrick.

In 1345, William de Boilers and certain co-parceners held land in
Brompton which Meuric de Hope had held in 1240. The Thomas de
Boudlers of the Subsidy Roll would be of this family. According to
the Heralds1 Visitation of 1623, the Bowdlers continued at Brompton

20 Eyton xi. 71.

21 Eyton xi. 71.
Vol. VIIL, 2nd S.

G

i

58

THE SHROPSHIRE LAY

into the 17th century, but they used the surname Gethin in place of
that of Bowdler.]

s (1 s d

Rob' to Vaghan ... viij Adam ap Youan ... xij

'Gorgon.no w .. xiij Madoco ap D'd ... xij

Dauid fil' Gorgonnow x Wautlyana ux' Wyn xviij

Thorn' le Boudlers ... xviij D'd ap Youan ... xviij

Briano ... xij D'd ap Gwyn ... viij

DODISTONE.

[Dudston,22 Parish of Chirbury. — This was probably among the
'Domesday possessions of Robert fitz Corbet, as it belonged later to
his heirs, the Fitz Herberts. About 1225, Hamo de Wotherton
granted to Alan de Boilers a half virgate at Dudston, on payment of
3 merks down, and a yearly rent of 6d. Alan de Boilers also acquired
from William de Milson another half virgate held by Simon de Dudston
and a croft called Ham. Before 1227, Alan de Boilers, Clerk, gave
.all his land at Dudston, together with his body, to Lilleshall Abbey.
This land the Abbot leased to Henry de Wotherton, son of Hamo, at
£d. annual rent, and to William de Milson for 20s. paid down, and a
jearly rent of 12d. paid at St. Alkmund's Church at Michaelmas.
In 1240, William de Milson was the sole tenant of Dudston, which
4ie held as a whole knight's fee. He was prevented by infirmity
from appearing at the Inquest of the Chirbury Hundred in 1255, and
in 1260 he was dead. His heirs seem to have been John Godard and
William fitz Hugh. The seigneury of Dudston passed from the Fitz*
Herberts to the Barons Charlton of Powis. In 1374, Dudston was
held under John de Charlton (III ) by two co-parceners, apparently
by name Henry de Wynnesbury and Walter de Dudston.

The Prior of Chirbury held a messuage and land in Dudston,
which remained to the Priory till the Dissolution.]

s d s d

Will'o le Webbe ... xviijo' Ric'o Andreu ... ij vjob'

Nich'o Virly ... ij qw Thorn' fil' Willi ... ' vj

Ph'o fil' Ade ... xviij Ph'o de Caldemor'... xij
Thorn' le Tayllour xij

MYDDELTONE.

[Mid dlkto n , 23 Parish of Chirbury. — This was a divided manor at
Domesday. Three virgates of it were retained under the Earl by the
Saxon owner Ertein, while another three were held under the same
over-lord by Robert fitz Corbet. The Saxon owner of theso latter had
been Edric Sylvatieus. The former portion came into the hands of

22 Eyton xi. 157.

23 Eyton xi. 84.

SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327.

59

Henry I. and became a parcel of the Honour of Montgomery, but
later it was held directly under the Crown. In 1200, Robert fitz
Madoc offered a fine of 15 merks to King John, that he might "have
seizin of such lands as his father had held by right hereditary on the
day when he put on the habit of religion." In 1203, Robert fitz
Madoc sat as a Juror, and apparently a Knight, in some principal
causes. In 1224, Baldwin de Hodnet, seneschal of Montgomery, was
commanded to give Robert fitz Madoc such seizin of Middleton and
Brompton as he had when he set out to see Llewelyn on the King's
affairs. A little later Robert fitz Madoc was dead, and the King, at
Llewelyn's request, ordered Godescall de Magheliner, Bailiff of Mont-
gomery, to deliver to his widowr such portion of his goods and
chattels as was customary in those parts, she having been nurse to
Llewelyn's daughter, the King's niece. Robert seems to have been
succeeded by a son, Owen, but in 1250 the estate was in the hands
of co-parceners. In 1255, Roger fitz Elyas, idam Falc, Osbert and
Philip, sons of Heylin, and Gytha, widow of Heylin, held it by
service of providing a man with bow or lance in ward at Montgomery
Castle for 15 days in war-time; going thrice yearly to hunt with the
Lords of Montgomery, and victualling the Guards of Montgomery.

Roger fitz Elyas occurs on jury lists from 1250 to 1274, and Roger
J£lys of Middleton, his son, in 1292. Madoc Falk, mentioned in 1272,
was probably a son of Adam Falk.

Robert fitz Corbet's portion of Middleton devolved to the family of
Botreaux, under whom it was held about 1150 by Grenta de Middle-
ton, son of Leuewine. A second Grenta de Middleton occurs in 1227,
who was succeeded by his son Roger. In 1255, Roger fitz Grant held
two-thirds of Middleton under Reginald Botreaux, Baron of Longden,
and owed suit to Chirbury Hundred, and victualled the Guards of
Montgomery in return for pasturage on the lands of Prince Edward,
the Lord of Montgomery Castle. In 1274, Roger fitz Grant's estate
at Middleton was apparently in the hands, by conquest, of Llewelyn.
He died in 1281 ; Roger was dead, leaving his two virgates at
Middleton and Kinton to his son, Philip de Middleton, who in 1316
.appears as lord of the whole vill of Middleton.]

s d

Thorn' lyghtfot' ... xij Howelo Andreu

Rog' de kynton' ... xv Joli'e Breye

WiU'o Bercar' ... xij Leulino

Adam Seys ... xiij Madyn le Crouther'

WALCOT'.

[Walcot,24 Parish of Chirbury. — This was at Domesday simply a
hide of wasteland without a tenant. In 1252, mention occurs of
Roger de Walcot, and in 1301 of William de Walcot. In 1249, there

s (1
xiij

Eyton xi. 161.

60 THE SHROPSHIRE LAY SUBSIDY ROLL OF 1327.

was considerable litigation over a tenement at Walcot and lands in
the neighbourhood, which Peter de Montgomery had left to his
infant daughter Matilda, which had been misappropriated by her
mother Agnes and her stepfather, Stephen de St Albans. Matilda
became the wife of Robert Blundel, who in 1255 held land in Wil-
mington by service of a lb. of pepper, and who was then in the
service of Prince Edward in Scotland. In 1256, Robert and Matilda
bought 2 carucates and 25 acres of land and 3 mills in Bishop's
Castle, Chirbury, Walcot, Lydbury, and Whitecote from Robert and
Christina de Hamp . . ., paying £10, and granting a life tenure of
such land as Robert and Christina had held in Chirbury and Walcot,
at a rent of 2s. and a lb. of pepper. Robert Blundel became a knight,
and occurs frequently in connection with the Barons of Caus.

A virgate and a half in Walcot was in the 13th century in the
hands of the De Hockletons.

This Walcot must not be confused with that in the parish of
Lydbury North, from which the family still remaining in Shropshire
took their name.]

s

(1

S (1

Adam Oweyn ... iij
Thorn' de Walcot' ... ij
Ph'o Oweyn .. ij

Walt'o Dod

xvnj

p' Suma xviij8 iijdqtt

p'b* Sma Totius Hundr'.

xiij

i" ix8 vjdob'q*

(To be continued).

IH3 3Fi

61

SEIATTYN: A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

to the Rectory of Selattyn, by Thomas Lloyd, Esq.,1
upon 3 August, and the Register tells us " John Jones
successit, Aug. 6, 1678." Canon St. Asaph, 1681.

His early history is somewhat uncertain. Fosters
Alumni says he was the son of Richard Jones, of
Selattyn, and was born in 1650. There is no entry of
his baptism in the Register, nor in that of St. Martins,
to which parish, more likely, his family belonged.

We find in Selattyn Register, that in 1656 " Susanna
ye daughter of Mr. Richard Jones of Weston by Ellen
his wife was Christened ye 2nd day of October."

The Weston here mentioned is Weston Hall, a half-
timbered house, at Weston Rhyn, which was formerly
a part of St. Martins parish.

In the first half of the 17th Century there are a
number of entries of this family in Selattyn Register.
They are as follows : —

1613. Prudons, dL of Robert Johns by Sina his wife, chris.
28 Feb.

1G18. Elizabeth d. of Thomas Johns of Sfc Martyn's Parish
by Elizabetli d. of Robert, his wife chris. 14 Nov.
1623. Robert Johns gentleman, was buried 2 June

By the Hon. Mrs. BULK ELEY-0 WEN.

Continued from 2nd Sen en, Vol. VII., p. 234.

1678.

S. T. B. The Bishop's
^('^Certificates, St. Asaph,
record his presentation

i Pub. Itcc. Office.
Vol. VIII., 2nd S.

6 2 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH,

1624. Margaret d. of Thomas Johns Gent, and of Jane
Davids his wife chris. 1 Octr

1627. Robert son of Thomas Johns Gent. & of Jane Davids
his wife chris. 14 Octr

1635. Sina Jenings widow, late wife of Robert Johns Gent
was bur. 26. April.

She was probably of the Dudleston family, who were
then living at Day well, par. Whittington ; by virtue of
the marriage of Philip Jennings, of Dudleston, with
Jane, dau. and heir (1584) of Robert Lloyd, of Day well.

Selattyn Register records the burial of Elizabeth,
wife of Richard Jennings, 28 Dec, 1G52. And the
baptism of Christian, daughter of Phillip Jennings, of
Duddleston, gent., by Christian his wife, 22 Feb., 1657.

1658. Rees ye son of Mr Thomas Jones of Day well by
Isabel his wife chris. 2 Feb.

1659. Elizabeth the Wife of William Johns of Weston bur.
13 March.

The family of Johns or Jones of Weston Rhyn claim
descent from Gwynfrych, 2nd son of Cadell Deyrnllwg,
Prince of Powis, through Jevan, 4th son of Ednyfed
tjiam, of Llys Pengwern, in Nantheudwy1.

They were a Royalist family. On April 14, 1647, we
have the " Petition of Edward Jones, of St. Martins,
in the Lordship of Oswestry, co. Salop, to the Commis-
sioners for compounding. That he has been in arms
against the Parliament, by reason whereof he is rendered
delinquent and his estate under sequestration. He is
comprised within the articles agreed on at the surren-
der of Harley Castle in Salop. Prays to be admitted
to a favourable composition according to these articles."

"Received 14 April, 1647, and referred to the sub-
committee."2 From the Catalogue of Compounders we
learn that he had to pay j£74 5s. Od.

There is a Tablet in St. Martins Church, to one
Edward Jones, of Weston Hall, so late as 1817. He
was the last of his name.

1 Hist. Powis Fadog, vol. 1, p. 31 G.

2 Calend. State Papers, Domestic,

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

63

Edward Jones,1 AnnJones,;
d. 1817. heir to her brother,

d. at Oswestry,
1816.

=j=Edward Birch, of Oswestry,

(He purchased a dwelling-house
in Willow street, from the heirs of
Robert Lloyd, of Swanhill, dec.)

Anne Birch, =j=William Birch Price, of Felton Butler, par.
d. and heir of Weston Hall, (it. Ness. (He assumed the name of
St. Martins, and Mytton Birch before Price on his marriage), d.
Hall, parish Fitz. Mar. 10 Jany., 1842, aged 65.
setts, elated 4 April, 1815,
d. 1845, aged 65. I .

E. Birch Wm. Jones Mary Vaughan Price=^Edward Humphrey Dymock,
Price, Price, d. and heir, mar. of Penley Hall, co. Flint,

d. inf. d. inf. 1843, d. s.p., 1891. Clerk in Holy Orders, b.

1813, d. s.p. 20 Sept., 1874.

Edward Williams-Vaughan, of Broom Hall, Oswestry,
Esq. , is the present owner of Weston Hall.

But to return to our Rector. Foster says he
matriculated at S. Johns College, Oxford, 6 May, 1670,
aged 20, and that perhaps he was a B.A. from St, Mary
Hall, 9 Feb., 1G74-5.

The name of " Johannes Jones, Salopiensis, pauperis
filius," appears in the entrance book of S. John's under
the year 1669, but the Principal says — " he may have
been entered on our list before he came into residence
or matriculated.' 1

If the above facts are correct, Browne Willis must
be wrong in stating that he was Vicar of S. Martins
in 1665, of which he was deprived, and Vicar of Llan-
silin in 1667. He was, however, Canon of St. Asaph,
1681.

We have no record of his marriage, the baptism of
his two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth, nor of the
burial of his wife.

Their existence is proved by the following adminis-
tration to his will : —

Vicesimo Octavo die emanavit commissio Margareta Gibson

1 This is probably " Edward Jones, the son of Mr. Richard Jones
by Elizabeth his wife, born 16 May, 1740."— Regist. of S. Martins.

64

SELA1TYN : A H1ST0RV OF THE PAfUSH.

(uxori Edmundi Gibson. S. T. P.) et Elizabeths Jones, solute,
liberis naturalibus et legitimis Johannes Jones, Sacre Theologie
Bacalaurii nuper Rectoris de Selattin, in Comitatu Salopise,
vidui, defunct i, habentis, &c., ad administranda bona jura et
credita dicti defuncti, de bene, &c, juratis.1

Our Rectors daughter, Margaret, was the wife of
" Edmund Gibson, son of Edmund Gibson of Knipe,
co. Westmorland ; pp. Queen's College, Oxford ;
Matric. 29 Oct., 1686, aged 17; B.A. 1691; M.A.
21 Feb., 1694-5 ; Fellow 1695 ; Librarian at Lambeth
and D.D. 18 June, 1702; a student of Middle Temple
1694; Rector of Stisted, Essex, 1700; of Lambeth
1703; Precentor of Chichester, 1703, and Canon
residentiary; Archdeacon of Surrey 1710; Master of
St. Mary's Hospital (in the Deanery of Storington),
Governor of the Charterhouse 1716, and of the Council
of the King; Bishop of Lincoln 1716, and of London
1723 until his death at Bath 6 Sep., 1748, aged 79;
bur. in Fulham Church Sep. 17."2

He is said to have had twelve children, seven of whom
survived him.3 Their names are given in a Chancery
suit between the Gibsons, Bettesworths, Thomas
Turner, Humphrey and Mary Edwards, and John
Jones, who appeared as plaintiffs against the Bishop of
St. Asaph, Thomas Lloyd of Aston, and others, con-
cerning Sir Nathaniel Lloyd's bequests to the poor of
Oswestry and Whittington.4

Bishop Gibson's eldest son, Thomas, predeceased
him, leaving a widow, Mary Gibson. The Rev.
Edmund, second son, matric. at Ch. Ch. 11 Deer., 1730,
aged 17, B.A. 1734, d. 17th April, 17711; George matric.
1732, Rev. William 1733 (Sinecure Rector of Llanfor
1746), and Robert 1739.5

1 P. Ct. C. Admon. Act Book, 1710, March 28.

2 Foster's Alum. Oxon.
8 Diet. Wat. Biog.

4 Trial in Chancery, 19 July, 1745.

6 Foster.

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH. 65

The will of Sir Nathaniel Lloyd, together with the
plaintiffs of this lawsuit, seem to point to some
relationship between the Rector of Selattyn and the
Lloyds of Aston, which may account for the bestowal
of the living upon John Jones.

Sir Nathaniel Lloyd, Fellow of All Souls, and
Master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, was the son of
Ilichard, fourth son of Andrew Lloyd of Aston.

His mother must have been a Jones, for in his will
(1740) he gives "to the poor of Mortlake, Surrey,
where my grandfather and grandmother Jones were
buried, £25."

He states that he " gave to my cousin, John Jones,
in 173-, ,£500 towards setting him up, he was specially
recommended to me by my good Grandmother Jones."

He gives " to Mrs. Gibson, who is my Mothers God-
daughter, Jb'100 & the rest of my Plate." She wras the
daughter of the Rector of Selattyn.

I give to Mrs Turner of Old Port one hundred guineas.

She was the daughter of llossendale, brother of
Thomas Lloyd of Aston, who died 1754.2

I give the residue of my personal estate of what nature &
quality soever to & amongst all the sons & daughters of the
Lord Bishop of London &; the Dean of the Arches,3 Mr.
Turner's children, the grandchildren of Cousin Tom Lloyd
& John Jones ; now I know where it goes, such who shall
not accept their share, these to go to the Turners.

Executors— Dr Kinaston4 & M.r Gre^nley.

Selattyn liegister states that " John Jones, Bachelour
of Divinity, Rector of the Parish 32 years, died Feb.
15, & was buried 17th of the same, A.D. 1709."

2 See chap, iv., Oldport.

a John Bettesworth, Dean of Arches 1710—1751. I do not know
their relationship to the Gibsons. The children were Thomas,
Edmund, and Margaret.

4 Edward, third son of Edward Kinaston of Oteley, co. Salop,
Advocate-General of the Arches Court of Canterbury. Bap. Elles-
mere 1G78. Will dated 23 July, 1745.

66 SELATTYN I A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

1710. /-) Born at Marl-

borough, Wilts,
1 67 4. Educ.
M ar lborough

1^/7*S?7&j/y School; Matric.
* "6// Magdalen Coll.
Oxford, 28 Aug. 1689, "aged 15 ;" Demy of his
Coll. 1689—1701; Fellow 1701—1713; B.A. 30
June, 1693; M.A. 16 May, 1696; Pro Proctor
1703; B.D. 4 Feb., 1707-8; D.D. 1 July. 1708;
Appointed Delegate of Appeals 1706 ; Sen. D. of Arts
1708; Bursar 1709; Incorp. at Cambridge 17141 ;
Vicar of Cannock, co. Stafford ; Preacher at S.
Saviour's, South wark, 1705 ; Rector of Selattyn, 26
June, 1710—13; Rector S. Andrew's, Holborn, 13
April, 1713 — 1724; Died at Highgate 5 June, bur.
11th June, 1724, at S. Andrew's, Holborn.

The family of Sacheverell were of great antiquity in
the counties of Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, War-
wick, and Dorset,2 and Doctor Sacheverell is stated to
have belonged to the Dorsetshire branch of that family.

The arms of Cheverell only differ from those of
Sacheverell in a tincture.

Those of Cheverell are — Arg., on a Saltire az., 5
water bougets of the field.

Those of Sacheverell are — Arg., on a Saltire az., 5
water bougets or. Crest —A goat statant ( sometimes
passant ) ffpr.P

Bloxam tells us that " Joshua Sacheverell died
Rector of S. Peter's Church, Marlborough, leaving a
numerous family, in very low circumstances," and that
M Mr Edward Hearst, an Apothecary, who was his
godfather, adopted Henry as his son and sent him to

1 Foster's Alum. Oxon. Encyclop Brit. (Ed. 1888). Bloxam vol. iii.
(Ed. 1879).

2 Nichols' Leicestershire, vol. iii., pt, 1, p. 510 ; Hutching' Dorset
shire, (3rd Ed.) i., p. 4H.

3 Barko's Armory.

SELA/TTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

67

school at Marlborough, and afterwards to Magdalen
Coll., where he became a Demy, and where he soon
distinguished himself by a regular observation of the
duties of the House, by his compositions, good
manners, and genteel behaviour, qualifications which
recommended him to that Society of which he became
a Fellow."

His enemies, on the other hand, accuse him " of
ingratitude to his relations and of turbulent behaviour
at Oxford."

Swift, in his Journal to Stella,1 disproves the first of
these accusations.

Janry 22, 1711. Did I tell you that Sacheverel has desired
mightily to come and see me ? but 1 have put him off ; he has
heard that I have spoken to the Secretary in behalf of a
brother whom he maintains, and who desires employment.

. . . Last night I desired Lord-Treasurer2 to do some-
thing for that brother of Sacheverel's : he said he never
knew he had a brother, but thanked me for telling him, and
immediately put his name in his table-book. I will let
Sacheverel know this, that he may take measures accordingly,
but he shall bo none of my acquaintance.

Janry 31, 1711. When I came home to-night, I found a
letter from Dr. Sacheverel, thanking me for recommending his
brother to Lord-treasurer and Mr. Secretary3 for a place.
Lord-treasurer sent to him about it ; so good a solicitor was 1,
although 1 once hardly thought I should be solicitor for
Sacheverel.

March 17, 1711. Dr. Sacheverel came this morning, to
give me thanks for getting his brother an employment.
It was but seven weeks since I spoke to Lord-treasurer for
him. . . . We dined together at my printer's ... I
little thought, and I believe so did he, that ever I should be
his solicitor to the present ministry, when I left Ireland.

The accusation of u turbulent behaviour ,; was
probably grounded upon the following rebuke : —

A.D. lG92-o. Janry. 31. Comparuit Sacheverell, Semicom.
coram Vice-Prcesidente et tribus Decanis, et admonitus est

1 Vol. i., p. 477.

2 Hurley, Earl of Oxford.

V St. John, aftorwurda Lord Bolingbroke,

68 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

propter contumacium et contemptum ersfa Decanum Artium
V. P. Reg.1

It must be remembered that he was then only a high-
spirited lad of 18,

He must have profited by the admonition of his
superiors, for we find the President of his College,
Dr. Hough (afterwards Bishop of Lichfield), u had a
great esteem for him and greatly assisted his advance-
ment in life."

Joseph Addison was a contemporary and " Chamber-
fellow," and one of the intimate friends of Henry
Sacheverell. Addison dedicated to him one of his
poems.2

Sacheverell translated from Virgil's first Georgic
into English verse, beginning at il Tmprimis venerare
Deos." This he dedicated to John Dryden, Esq.3

A.D. 1703, July 17 Mr. Sacheverell electus est in Leeturem
Academicam indotatum. V. P. Reg.

Probably about this time he became public tutor,
and had "the care of the education of most of the
young gentlemen of quality and fortune that were
admitted of the College, and in that station trainee
many persons eminent for their learning and abilities.4"

Amongst his pupils was Robert Lloyd of Aston
(M.P. for Salop, 1710), the Patron of Selattyn, who
presented H. Sacheverell to that living after his Trial.

We cannot do more than touch here upon the Trial.
It will be remembered that it was the result of his two
sermons on passive obedience and non-resistance, one
of which was preached at Derby Assizes, 14 August,
1709, entitled "The Communication of Sin/' which
was dedicated to his kinsman, George Sacheverell,
High Sheriff of Derby, and to the Gentlemen of the

1 Bloxani, vol. iii.

2 Ibid, vol. iii.

3 Examtn Pocticuni, London, 1693.

p. go;j.

4 Nichols and JJloxain.

See Wood's A then., vol, iv.,

SKLATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

69

Grand Jury. And the other before the Lord Mayor,
Sir Samuel Garrard, the Aldermen and Citizens of
London, at S. Paul's Cathedral, 5 Nov., 1709, entitled
" The Perils of False Brethren both in Church and
State. ' '

Swift1 asserts that the prosecution of Sacheverell
was provoked by the Lord Treasurer, Godolphin, whom
under the name of " Volpone " he had attacked in one of
his sermons, and Burnet, Sacheverell's bitter enemy,
gives the same reason for it.2

Before his trial the Doctor applied to the President
and Fellows of Magdalen College for a testimonial,
which was granted, and of which the followingis a copy: —

Whereas our letters of testimonial have been desired by
Henry Sacheverell D.D. and Fellow of St. Mary Mag. Coll. in
Oxford we the President and Fellows of the said College do
hereby certify to all persons whom it may concern that the
said Henry Sacheverell is a person of sober life and conversa-
tion, well affected to the present Constitution both in Church
and State, to her Majesty's person and government, and to the
Protestant succession as by law Established. That he hath
always expressed a laudable zeal against popery, and hath never
in his discourses to the best of our knowledge manifested any
ungrateful sense of the great blessings which the Church and
State, the University, and particularly the College of which, he
is a member, gained by the late happy revolution. In witness
whereof we the said President, and Fellows have hereunto set
our Common Seal, the 18 January in the 8th Anne, 1709-10
(Ledger YY., p. 47.)3

We see from this document that his College sup-
ported him loyally.

His opinions were well known in Oxford, four years
before his sermon at Derby. Hearne's Diary tells us : —

A.D. 1705. Decr 23.

This morning preached at Sl Mary's Mr Sacheverell of Mag.
Coll. upon " In Perils amongst false brethren" in the prose-

1 " Memoirs relating to the Change in Queen's Anne's Ministry,
1710."

2 Hist, of His Own Time (Ed. 1734), Book vii., p. 538.
a Bloxam, vol. hi.

Vol. VIII. nd S- I

I

70 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

cution of wh words he did, with a great deal of courage and
boldness, shew the great danger the Church is in at present
(notwithstanding the Parliament voted it to be none) from the
fanatics and false brethren, whom he set forth in their proper
colours.1

Hearne's description of the sermon at S. Paul's is
very graphic : —

A.D. 1709. Nov. 11.

On Saturday last being the day of the Powder Plot, Doctor
Sacheverell preached at S. Paul's where he thundered most
furiously against the fanatics for condemning the King of
high treason, against his supreme subjects, as he expressed it.
He spoke very freely of the Toleration act, and charged the
Mayors and Magistrates with want of zeal for the Church, and
played particularly and expressly upon the Bishop of Sarum,2
whom he hoped was no great friend to popery ; but by his
Exposition, he said, on the Articles, one would think he was
half channelled over. There were about 30 Clergymen in the
Choir, among the rest the minister of Battersea, who is lately
come over to our Church. Sacheverell having heard of his
conversion, levelled his arguments and anathemas most
virulently against him and the whole tribe of them, insomuch
that all the congregation shook again at the terrors of his
inveterate expressions. The Whigs, says he, are conformists
in faction, half-conformists in practise, and non-conformists in
judgement; formerly they laboured to bring the Church into
the Conventicle, but now they bring the Conventicle into the
Church, which will prove its inevitable ruia

Hearne then comments upon the rejection of the
proposal to print the sermon, by the majority of the
Court of Aldermen on 12th Nov., and gives it as
his opinion that Sacheverell was H only a man of much
noise but little sincerity.,, He says, however, that : —

A.D. 1709. Dec. 5.

Notwithstanding the great clamours raised against Dr
Sacheverell's sermon . . . yet it is come out verbatim as it
was preached. And to confirm what he said about the
doctrine of non-resistance there are reprinted two old sermons
of Bishop Burnet, in which tho same doctrine is advanced as

1 Bloxain, vol. iii.

2 Bp, Burnet.

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

71

high, notwithstanding this Bishop for secular ends has since
renounced this doctrine and declared against it, as severall
others have done for the same ends ; and Dr S. himself is not
to be excused, he having taken the oaths ; whereas resistance
is allowed upon no account, and what is usually said about the
abdication is all sham and trick, the King having no more
abdicated, than his brother, King Charles II. did, when he was
forced to retire out of his Kingdoms.

This Dr S. preached yesterday se'nnight at Lowthbury
Church,1 where there was so great a concourse of people, that
they had asked to have pulled down the Church doors and
windows to hear him. Here it must be remarked that Dr S.,
as he is a man of little or no learning, so he is remarked for
severall blunders and odd mistakes in this Sermon, and par-
ticularly for making comets burst their orbs, which is reckoned
absurd, as what he once observed in another Sermon about
parallel lines meeting,2

The first motion against the two sermons was made
on 13 Dec, 1709,3 by John Dolben, Esq., M.R for
Lescard, Cornwall, son of a former Archbishop of York.
This gentleman figures as the 11 Knave of Hearts " in a
set of playing cards about Dr. Sacheverell. Underneath
are the lines : —

Here an Archbishop's son ye Church impeaches,
Whose Sire if living would abhor such speeches.4

On 14 Dec, Sacheverell was called before the Bar
of the House, and ordered to be taken into the custody
of the Sergeant-at-Arms, and Mr. Dolben was sent to
the Bar of the House of Lords to impeach him.

12 January, the Sergeant-at-Arms delivered up the
Doctor to the Deputy of the Gentleman Usher of the
Black Rod.

14 January, he was released on bail, himself in a
recognizance of .£6,000, and his two sureties (one of

1 S. Margaret's, Lothbury.

2 Bloxarn, vol. iii.

3 The dates of procedure arc taken from " Account of what passed
most remarkable in the last Session of Parliament relating to the
Case of Dr. Sacheverell." Printed 1710.

4 Satirical Prints and Drawings in Brit. Mus., No. 1540.

72 SELATTYN I A HISTORY OP THE PARISH.

whom was Dr. Lancaster, the Vice Chancellor of the
University of Oxford), each in <£3,000.

25 January, he delivered his answer to the Impeach-
ment in the House of Lords. Hearne tells us that it
was contained "in 19 presses of parchment, and took
three-quarters of an hour in reading." He says " the
Dr. vindicated all his points from Councils, Fathers,
the 39 Articles and Homilies, and from the most
learned Bishops."

27 February his trial began, and continued till the
23 March, 1709-10.

It is unnecessary to describe here the enthusiasm it
aroused on the part of the people. Crowds attended
him daily from the Temple to Whitehall, striving to
kiss his hands, shouting " Sacheverell and the Church
for Ever," " God bless the Queen, God preserve the
Church of England."

If such a demonstration appears strange to us, we
must remember that only 50 years had passed since
the Restoration of King Charles II. , when the Church
of England was restored to her people. Many still
living could remember the bitter days of persecution,
such as those described by Evelyn, in 1657.

I went to London with my wife to celebrate Christmas Day
. . . Mr Gunning1 preaching in Exeter Chapell ... as he
was giving us ye Holy Sacrament the Chapell was surrounded
by souldiers, and ail the Communicants and assembly surpriz'd
and kept prisoners by them, some in the house, others carried
away ... As we went up to receive the Sacrament, the
miscreants held their muskets against us as if they would
have shot us at the Altar2 . . .

Lady Went worth, writing to her son, Lord Kaby,
Minister at Berlin, " 24 Feb., 1709-10," tells him,
amongst other gossip, that

Sochcverel is to be trycd next Thursday : thear is very
deforent oponycons of him. VVostminstor Hall is full of
Scaffolds.

1 Afterwards Bishop of Chichester and of Ely.

2 Evelyn's Diary (cd. 181 J), vol. i., p. 308,

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

73

And on 6 March, 1709-10, she says—

Sechevereli will make all the Ladys turn good huswivs ;
they goe at seven every mornin.1

Daily services were much frequented in Queen
Anne's reign, the hour for Morning Prayer in the
London churches being often as early as six or seven
o'clock, on weekdays.

Hearne tells us, " A.D. 1709-10, March 2," that the
Doctor " was prayed for by name at Bride's &
severall other Churches in London ... & in the
Country ;" and that " the Queen was present both on
Monday & Tuesday" at his trial, and that " the mob
both in London & elsewhere (as well as the most
considerable persons of distinction that are famed at all
for integrity) are altogether for the DV

Prayers were also desired in the Queen's Chapel
14 for Dr. Henry Sacheverell under persecution," by Mr.
Palmer, for which he was removed from his post." 2

Marc h 4th. The managers against Dr S. finished all the
articles on Thursday and the evidence was summed up by Mr
Lechmore,3 a man of parts, but a most vile stinking Whig. . .

The sentence was pronounced on Thursday, March 23.

It forbid the Doctor " to preach during the Term of
3 years next ensuing," but was no bar to the perform-
ance of his other ecclesiastical duties.

The two sermons for which he was impeached were
ordered to be burnt before the Royal Exchange, but
Sacheverell' s friends, wishing to justify his cry of " the
Church in danger, easily succeeded in obtaining an
order from the House of Commons, two days before, to
burn five other books by Matthew Tindal and Clendon,4
which had given great offence by their aspersions upon
the clergy.

1 " Went worth Papers," pnb. 1883.

2 Lathbury's Hist, of Nonjurors.

3 Nicholas Lechmere, Esq, M P. for Appleby.

4 Books Condemned to be Burnt, by J. Farcer.

74 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

Lady Wentworth writes to her son, 7 April, 1710 : —

The Saturday I got into the House of Lords . , . and
truely from that day's debate I did not think the Doctor
would have got off so triumphantly, for all that spoke then
for the Dr were Lord Haversham, Notingham, jernsey, and
Lord North and Grey.1

The voting was, as we know, 69 Peers voted him
guilty, and 52 not guilty. The Bishops were almost
equally divided, six voting in his favour, and seven
against him.

The bonfires and illuminations and public rejoicings
in London cannot be described here. In Shrewsbury
those in favour of the Doctor were accused of causing
riots, and were the occasion of a letter to the Earl of
Bradford, dated 31 March, 1710, which was signed by
Robert Corbet and othsrs.2

Lady Wentworth tells her son, " Midsummer Day
17101 ''I—

Sfc Cheverel is very much adored, the Bisshop of Salsberry
as much dispysed, which I am not sorry for, its justly come
upon him.3

Doubtless she was amongst "the ladies who flocked
in crowds to the Churches where he read prayers."

Salmon,4 a contemporary writer, makes the following
comments : —

I do not pretend to any great intimacy with Dr SacheverelL
but being employed in compiling y° first four volumes of
State Trials, and receiving an intimation yl there were some
omissions and alterations in that of the Doctor, published by
authority,6 particularly as to the Republican principles there
advanced, and the scurrilous language given him by some of
ye managers, I went to his house in Holborn, and enquired, if

1 Wentworth Papers.

2 Bibliography of Dr. M. Sacheverell, by F Madan, 1884.

3 Wentworth Papers.

4 Abridgement and Critical Review of the State Trials, p. 843,

5 The Try al of Dr. Henry Sacheverell, pub. by Jacob Tonson by
order of the House of Peers, 23 March, 1709-10. The publishing of
Parliamentary Reports without an order was illegal until 1771.

selattyn: a history of the parish. 75

he could furnish me with any materials that would set his
case in a truer light : He answered, that the printed Trial was
no more his Trial, than it was my Trial, etc., intimating, that
the whole must be altered to do him Justice ; and that the
real Trial was preparing to be printed in Holland ; but the
turn of times prevented the Design.

He was a tall, fair, personable man and spoke gracefully :
no man road divine Service better — to create in people a just
veneration for y° Service of y* Church, and I have heard
several excellent discourses from him in ye Pulpit, his voice
and action exceeding just.

The Dr had a good reputation at Oxford as to his Parts,
Learning and Morals, and had some persons of Distinction
under his Tuition at Magdalen College of which he was a
Fellow.

That the Sermons for which he was impeached are far from
being so scurrilous as Bishop Burnet's History (who abuses Dr
Sacheverell) etc.

Sacheverell's trial may not have been printed in
Holland, but his famous sermon was translated into
Dutch, as we learn from the correspondence of Thomas
Pitt, Governor of Madras for the East India Company,
the founder of that illustrious family. Whilst on his
way home from Madras, Thomas Pitt had a narrow
escape from shipwreck in a Danish ship on the coast of
Norway, and he was detained for a long time at
Bergen.

He writes from there to his eldest son, Robert
Pitt :—

1710. June 20th. Bergen,

We are alarmed by vanetye of news but none good for us.
. . . Yesterday we had news by a Russ . . . that the
Confederate Army was intirely routed (which God forbid) for
rom what I heare and inferr from the Sermon of Dr
Sacheverell, which is printed in High Dutch, and makes a

§reat noyse in these parts, our nation is ripe for confusion and
cstruction ; which God provent, and 1 hopo no child or
relation of mine will have a finger in it.1

1 Hist. MSS. Com. 13th Report, Appon., part iii. The MSS. of
J. B. Forteseue, Esq., preserved at Dropraore, vol i., pp. 47, 48.

ii

76 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

Robert Pitt, M.P. for the Borough of Old Sarum,
and George Pitt, M.P. for the Borough of Wareham,
co. Dorset, both voted in favour of Sacheverell,

The Sacheverell controversy was fruitful in literature.

The Library of S. Paul's Cathedral contains no fewer
than 159 pamphlets on the subject.1 Bloxam collected
for the Library of Magdalen College, Oxford, no less
than 107 sermons and pamphlets.

Both public and private libraries abound with them,

At the beginning of his trial the Doctor published a
collection of " Prayers and Meditations on the Day of
his Trial." Price one penny. Amongst the petitions
was the following beautiful prayer : —

0 Thou God of patience and consolation, grant me patience
and resignation under my sufferings. Give me Christian
courage to perform the cause which I have in hand.

Trimmel, Bishop of Norwich, one of Sacheverell's
opponents, speaks of his publication of these prayers as
presumptuous.2

At the close of the trial, he published " Prayers of
Thanksgiving for his Great Deliverance out of his
Troubles, 1710."

A number of satirical engravings concerning the
High and Low Church parties were issued in the reign
of Queen Anne. Many of these prints are very rare.
The British Museum3 contains no fewer than 29 in
which Dr. Sacheverell figures.

The first of this collection

No. 1495. " The Jacobites Hopes or Perhin riding
in Triumph" A.D. 1709,

represents Dr. Sacheverell, habited as a Jesuit, riding
as postilion upon one of two asses attached to a car in
which Prince James Francis Edward is seated. The

1 Notes and Queries, G January, 1894, "The Sacheverell Contro-
versy," by W. Sparrow-Simpson.

2 Lathbury'w Hist, of Nonjurors.

3 Catalogue of Satirical Prints and Drawings in the Brit. Mus.j
vol. ii., 1689—1733.

SRLATTYN ; A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

77

Doctor is blowing a trumpet, the banner of which has
the monograms "E.R," and " A.R " (those of the
Prince and of Queen Anne). The asses are named
" Non Res "[istance] and " Pass[ive] Ob "[edience].

No. 1496. " Needs must when the Devil drives"

represents the Prince riding in a coach with six horses.
" H. Sach[everell]lio,,, blowing a trumpet u tantive hi
Oh," rides as postillion.

No. 1498. 44 The High Church Champion & his
two Seconds,"

represents Sacheverell seated at a table listening to the
Devil, who flies in the air behind his seat, and receiving
the Pope's benediction while he is composing his
sermon " In Perils among False Brethren." On the
table is a book " Ye Communication of Sin." Below
are these lines : —

Tis these False Brethren plague ye Chureh & State

Princes dethrone & Civil War create

And the just power, of Parliaments debate.

Such pamper Yl Priests plead ye Pretenders cause

Support his Faction & despise the Laws,

And cry High Church is ruin'd <fe undone

If Persecution don't through Britain run.

What tho' this Emblem may have little in't
Yet since you bought ye Sermon, buy ye Print.

The reply to the above is

No. 1499. " The High Church Champion Pleading
his own Cause or the Pope & the Devil Vanquish *d by
a Flurt from the Drs. Pen" (No. 1.)

The Doctor is represented seated at a table, on which
is a letter beginning

Most dread Sover-Having.

He is Hurting his pen at the Devil, who is flying away;
at his side is a Bishop, or probably Sacheverell wearing
a mitre ; on the ground are a Papal tiara and cope.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S, " K

78 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

A trumpet, the banner of which is embroidered with
a serpents head, projects over the table. Below are
the lines : —

I no such Seconds need to Plead my Cause,
Scoffs I contemn & trample on Applause
False Brotherhood's the object of my hate
Satan's the Prince on whom these mungrels waite
Him I dismis to his Dark Region Hell
With thousands of False Bretheren to dwell
And to the Triple-Crown Tie be as civil
And hence Fie kick it headlong to the Devil.
Whilst Wealth & Honour, Fame, & Great Renown
I wish the Queen, the Church, the Imperial Crown,
View well the Emblem, mind the Matter in't
And for the Sermons Frontspeice, buy Ye Print.

No. 1500. "High Church Champion pleading" dec
(No. 2.)

Sacheverell seated at a table, with a book before
him, flurting his pen. None of the other figures in
No. 1 are represented in this print.

No. 1501. " To the Unknown Author of the High
Church Champion" dec.

Nos. 1503, 1504, and 1507 contain allusions to
Sacheverell.

No, 1510. u Portrait of Henry Sacheverell,
holding an Engraved Portrait of Charles J."

Below the portrait of the King are the lines : —

To preach up Truth, some say tis not a time
False Brethren allwaies think ye Truth a Crime.
But since ye Truth offends, I'll vex you more
And show ye face of Truth you' ve wronged before.

No. 1511 alludes to Sacheverell.

No. 1513. A satire on Sacheverell.

No. 1514. A youth seated at a table apostrophizing
the Portraits of " Car I. Rex. Ann Req. & Hen
Sache."

^ Below are lines written by a youth of 15 on the
sight of the three pictures.

SELATTYN t A HISTOKY OF THE PARISH,

79

No. 1519. Sacheverell Portraits (Feb. 1710).

An oval woodcut of the Doctor in the centre of six
other portraits, i.e., five of his counsel and one of his
solicitor.

No. 1520. " Aliquid pro Nihilo Ducunt. Cic."
(Feb. 1710.)

A plan of the House of Lords and a King enthroned,
before whom stand Sacheverell and one of his counsel ;
by the throne is another- Below are verses.

No. 1522. Portrait of Six Bishops and Dr.
Sacheverell (No. 1). (March 20, 1710.)

The six Bishops who voted him " Not guilty."
Those of York, London, Durham, Rochester, Chester,
and Bath and Wells.

No. 1523. Portrait of the Same (No. 2).

A Dutch copy of No. 1522. It has inscriptions in
English, French, and Dutch, and an alphabetical list of
the Lords and M.P.'s in England and Wales who voted
for the Doctor.

No. 1524. Portrait of the Same (No. 3.)

No. 1525. A Historical Emblematical Fan in
Honour of the Church of England.

It was said that " when Sacheverell was the pet of
the ladies, nothing would serve for fan-mounts but
representations of the Church Martyr at the bar."

S. Paul's Cathedral, the Queen, six Bishops, and Dr.
Sacheverell, Martyrs, and many other figures are
represented on this fan.

No. 1527. il The Living Man's Elegie or Dr.
Sach'ivereWs much lamented Silence." (March 23, 1710.)

Lines on a scroll under an arch, over which is a
portrait of Ben. Hoadley, D.D.

Epitaph

Here lies Sacheverell, who would have thought it
Jacks and Highflyers did not, tho' they wrought it.
From Fiercely Preaching in a railing way
He's now debarr'd, then laugh and go your way.

80 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

Sacheverell'e advocacy of " passive obedience " had
exasperated so many that they rushed into the opposite
extreme of extolling Hoadley.

No. 1531. u The Funeral of the Low Church;1 tic.

A funeral procession, in which Dr Pede and three
other men lead, saying, " Would we had let Sacheverell
alone."

No. 1535. " The 3 Pillars of ye Church:1

Portraits of Sacheverell, of Francis Higgnis (or
Higgins), M.A., Prebend of Christ Church, Dublin,
who is mentioned in Swift's works, and of Philip
Stubbs, M.A., Rector of Woolwich and S. Alphege,
London Wall, Chaplain of Greenwich Hospital, and in
1715 Archdeacon of St. Albans,

No. 1537. " Aminadab, or the Quakers Vision"

contains allusions to Sacheverell and reflections on Sir
Samuel Garrard, who denied that he had sanctioned
the printing of the sermon preached before him as Lord
Mayor.

No. 1538. " The Whigs Unmask* d11
contains a portrait of Sacheverell.

No. 1539. " The Coffeehouse Mob.11
Allusion to the Doctor in the verses.
No. 1545. " An Answer to the Liveing Man's
Elegy."1

Emblematical of the Church, of the six Bishops, and
| of Sacheverell.

No. 1546. Cards about Dr. Sacheverell.

Twenty-six cards, the suits of Diamonds and Hearts.2
Most of them depict the career of Sacheverell.

The Six of Diamonds represents Sacheverell arriving
at Selattyn, and being received by his parishioners.

1 No. 1527.

2 Tlio Clubs and Spades " have fallen into tho hands of Mr.
William l4' razor of Dublin." Sec Notes and Qutritu, April 7, 1894.

' Hun fits Mutim aitd Eduction .

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

81

The goats on the mountain side may be typical of
Wales, or may be an allusion to his family crest.

Selattyn is frequently spoken of as being in Wales,
on account of its being in a Welsh Diocese.

The Ten of Diamonds. Sacheverell receiving from
the Bishop of St. Asaph institution to the living of
Selattyn.

This Bishop, William Fleetwood, was one of the
seven who voted against Sacheverell. He was spoken
of by Queen Anne as " My Bishop."1

Queen Anne was known to be on the side of
Sacheverell. The following anecdote in a letter of
Peter Wentworth, Sep., 1710, confirms this : —

Lord Kent [i.e., Henry Grey, 12th Earl of Kent, creat. Duke
of Kent April, 1710] seem'd to be in great perplexity how to
vote in the Doctor's tryal. Cornwall told him the surest way
to know the Queen's mind was to ask her himself. He took
his advice, and the Queen told him she thought the Commons
had reason to be satisfied that they had made their allegations
good, and the mildest punishment inflicted upon the Dr she
thought the best. He went away and voted for the severist.
Cornwall went to him the next clay, and when he told him
what he had done, Cornwall told him he might expect to have
his key sent for very soon. The Duke said no 'twas the
wisest thing he had done a great while, notwithstanding he

knew he had acted against the Q n's opinion . . . but

Cornwall was in the right and his Lordship deceived, as he

own to him afterwards, but told him the Q n had dismist

him with all the marks of kindness2 . . .

No. 1549. M Wonder upon Wonders1' (1710).

An address presented to Queen Anne from the City
of London. Amongst the clergy are Dr. Sacheverell
and Dr. Atterbury.

Sacheverell is mentioned several times in the verses.
Hearne tells us in his Diary that Dr. Sacheverell's
" speech at his trial was none of his own, but was

1 See Swift's " A Pretended letter of thanks from Lord Wharton to
the Bishop of St. Asaph."

2 Wentworth Papers, 1705—1739.

82 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

penned by Dr. Francis Atterbury " (afterwards Bishop
of Rochester).

This may be true, but Nichol and Bloxam are both
mistaken in saying that Dr. Sacheverell bequeathed
£500 to Dr. Atterbury in his will.

No. 1570. il The III Oculists of Great Britain:'

Portrait of Dr. Sacheverell as the principal oculist.

We now come to Sacheverell as Rector of Selattyn.
The Bishop's Certificates, St. Asaph,1 tell us he was
presented to the living 26 June, 1710, by Robert
Lloyd, Esq., his old pupil at Magdalen.

The sentence pronounced against him at his Trial
merely concerned his suspension from preaching for
three years, it being " carried by one voice that he be
in that time capable of any further preferment ; he is
likewise to exercise any of his other priestly offices
besides preaching."2

His journey to Selattyn was a great triumphal
progress, as even his enemy Burnet was forced to admit
" he was followed by such Numbers, and entertained
with such Magnificence, that our Princes in their
Progresses have not been more run after than he was."3

His route appears to have been a very circuitous one.
The following extracts from an unsigned letter never
before printed are very interesting : —

♦London, June 29, 1710.

To Wm Robinson Esq.5

1 Public Record Office.

2 Hearno's Diary.

3 Hist, of His Own Times, vol ii., p. 553.

4 Brogyntyn MSS.

5 Son of John Robinson of Gwersyllt and Acton, by Elizth , d. and
heir of Sir Gruffydd Jeffreys of Acton, Kt, and grandson of John
Robinson, Vice- Admiral of North Wales. Col. in Royal Army,
Knight of the Royal Oak, 16G0 ; M.P. Beaumaris, 1G61—1679.
Went with Charles II. to the Continent. Pari, confiscated his
property, restored by the King. Bur. Crcsford 1680. (See Hist.
Powis Fadog.)

SELATTYN I A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

83

at Gwersillt, near Wrexham
Denbighshire

(Chester post)

. . . My last left Dr Sachevell at Eccleshall in Stafford-
shire at Dinner, he was invited from thence to Newcastle,1
where he was met by a good number on horseback & Greated
by the Corporac'on, where he lay that night, the People
shewing ye same demonstrac'ons of joy as they had done at
all other places. The next morning at the Request of the
whole Parish he Baptized a child by his own name, Captn
Dyot another Gent & a young Lady of ye best ffashion in ye
place being gossips, & the Church was fuller than it has been
in the memory of man. Afcer which ho left ye place & was
reced at Nantwich, wth ye same herde, having refused sev1
invitations by ye way, to wait upon ye Bpp of Chester2 at
Broxton, where he was received by ye excellent Prelate wh
ye highest marks of Respect, & lay there [that] night, &
proceeded on his journey next day, and was met at Holt, ye
1st Village in Denbighshire by Geo. Shakerley Esq. attended
by a very numerous train of Gents, Clergy & Householders,
who thanked him for ye gfc services he had done & conducted
him to Crossfold, to Mr Shakerly's house, where he & ye
Company were nobly entertained, ye Bells ringing in all
places he past, proclaiming his Welcome & particularly at
Holt, ye inhabitants excused ye ringing only one Bell, assuring
ye Dr it was as ye ffanatick moderac'on & Reformac'on of 41.
had left yra, & thanked ye Dr for saving ye one Bel.

The rest I refer.

His reception at Wrexham and Shrewsbury is
further described in a Tract entitled

" Dr. SachevereVs Progress from London to his
Rectory of Salatin in Shropshire'1 "in a letter from a
gentleman that accompanied him." London 17 10. 3

Page 13 :—

We met with nothing out of the common course of civilities
till we came to VVrexam, a Corporation Town in Shropshire,4
which being near the Drs new Living, made unusual Prepara-
tions to Entertain us & burned effigies of Mr Hoadley etc in

1 Ncweastle-under-Lyme.

2 Sir William Dawes.

3 Brit. Mus.

4 Wrexham, in Denbighshire

84 SEL ATT Y N : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

the Bonefires \vh were lighted at our going through the Town.
An Unchristian Practice, wh the Doctor abhor d & wh made
him make the best of his way out of it, for Salatin, the Place
which his Rectory lies in, & within a Mile of \vh we were met
by upwards of 3,000 of the best men of that side of the
Country, who conducted us to Mr George Shakerly's House,
where we lay & were handsomely entertained. So much for a
Journey that has been the most grateful & pleasant I ever met
with. . .

Yr assured friend & serv1,
J. K.

The following letter from the same Tract describes
his entry into Shrewsbury, and from thence to Bridg-
north, but this seems to have been subsequent to his
Induction at Selattyn.

Bridgnorth, July 6th.

Sir . . The Dr having been invited to Shrewsbury on
the 3rd Instant was met at Monford Bridge, three miles off
this Town by — Kinaston Esq.,1 Corbet Kingston Esq.,2 Mr
Owen,3 Mr Cressit,4 Mr Cresswell,5 M' Mitton6 & all the neigh-
bouring gentlemen & others, & was conducted to the town by
above 5000 Horse, after which he was nobly entertained there.7
as well as at Mr Owen's of Cundover from whence we arrived
at this place8 ... we were met with one of the Candidates9

1 Probably John Kynaston, who, with Robert Lloyd of Aston, was
M.P. for co. Salop, 1710. It is possible that the letters signed
" J K." are by him.

2 Corbett Kynaston, M.P. Shrewsbury, 1713—20.

3 Roger Owen of Condover, Sheriff Shrop., 1708.

4 Edward Cressett of Upton Cressett and Counde, Sheriff Shrop.,
1702.

5 Richard Cresswell of Sydbury Hall, Sheriff Shrop., 1711. M.P.
for Bridgnorth

6 Probably Richard Mytton, great-grandson of the Pari. General
who mar. Letitia, d. of Roger Owen of Condover. He died 1731.

7 A letter from Rich. Cresswell, signed " R. C. Junior," says " Dr.
Sacheverell comes from Condover on Wednesday, the 5th July, &
doth me the honour to dine that day at the Cock & Castle in Bridg-
north. I beg the favour of all clergymen & others that are well
wishers of him or his doctrine, to accompany him into Town about
twelve o'clock." (Sheriffs of Shropshire, p. 167 )

8 Bridgnorth.

9 Richard Cresswell. In 1710, Sir Humphrey Briggs, Bt , was.
M.P. for Bridgnorth, who voted against Sacheverell.

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

85

for the next Parliament with abl 3500 horse & near 3000 foot
with white knots edged with gold, & 3 Leaves of gilt Laurel, in
their Hats, & the Hedges 2 miles from the Town being dressed
with the finest of Flowers, & lined with People ; & the two
Steeples Dress'd out with Fifty Pounds worth of Flags &
Colours. On the morrow we shall likewise go to Ludlow,1
whither we are likewise invited, & where there is not one
Dissenter in the Town.

The Doctor was Instituted & Inducted, this day Sevennight,2
when he gave a handsome Entertainment to all that were
present at the Ceremony, wh is all from Sir
Y'r very humble servant
J. K.

It would be very interesting to know something of
this Banquet. Selattyn Rectory at that time was so
small, it could have held but few guests ; perhaps the
Doctor entertained them in the Tythe Barn. There is
no record of him at Selattyn ; his name does not
appear in the Register ; whether he ever officiated in the
Church is unknown. Most of the services at that time
were in Welsh, and probably the parish was left
entirely to the care of the Curate.

His visit to Selattyn at this time could only have
lasted for a day or two at the most, as his reception at
Shrewsbury was between June 29th and July 3rd.
Whether he ever revisited his parish is unknown.

His ride through Oswestry is described by Pennant3 :

The crowd in Oswestry was so great, that a good old
woman could only see a small part of the holv man, yet con-
soled herself with having a sight of his ever-blessod wig as he
rode along.

At Shrewsbury " the public crier proclaimed his
coming, and the bells rang out their loudest peals. . .

1 Both Members for Ludlow, Sir Thomas Powys, Kt., and Acton
Baldwyn, Esq., voted for Sachevercll. The Churchwardens' accounts
of Ludlow have the following entry : — "1713. To the Ring™ for
Dr Sacheverell ; sentence being expired 0. 5. 0." (Shrop. Arch.
Trans., vol. v., p, 96.)

2 Juno 29th.

3 Tour in Wales, vol. i , p. 301 (Ed. 1810).

Vol. VIII., 2nd S- h

86

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

On his arrival he was conducted to the Raven and
entertained after old Shropshire fashion." A charac-
teristic reply is reported of him, with reference to
some of the ministry who did not wish to make such a
display, but who desired to wait upon him at night,
"that he would have no Nicodemuses."1

The practice of christening children after the Doctor
appears to have prevailed in Shropshire, as well as in
other places,2 though T have found no record of it in.
the registers.

The author of the Old Shropshire Oak tells us that —

Wherever the Doctor went people were desirous to have
their newborn infants christened with a name so revered, and
having been transmitted through several generations, it is not
yet extinct in this town [Shrewsbury, 1825.3]

A writer from Shrewsbury, who signs himself
"RE.D.," states that—

His popularity was so great in the Town that people con-
tinued to christen their children with his name . . so
recently that a respectable man, called Sacheverell Phillips, is
still living in the prime of life. His unwieldy appellation is
familiarly abbreviated into Shev."4

Before 20 July, 1710, Sacheverell was at Oxford.
Hearne, writing under that date, tells us —

Last night the Judges came to Town, & a little before
they came Dr Sach1 returned from his parsonage (Salattyn) &
was" conducted into Oxford by the Sheriff of the County & a
great many others, in all about 500. This was purposely laid,
that ho might by coming at such a time have the bigger
numbers, & thereby add to the grief of his enemies.

Hearne also tells us that the Doctor stayed at
Oxford " near a month."5

From Oxford he went to Marlborough, his old home.

1 An Old Shropshire Oak, by Waiter, vol. iii.

2 At Pontefract, children were christened Sacheverell. (Notes and
Queticsj January 6, 1894.)

8 Ibid.

* Notes and Queries, April 9, 1892.

• JMoxam, Hearne s Diary.

SELATTYN J A HISTORY OF THE PARTSH.

87

Peter Wentworth, writing to his brother, Lord
Raby, at Berlin, says —

5 Sep. 1710. They tell a Story which was lately happen'd
when Dr Shachevel was at Marlebourgh & treated highly &
presented by the people. The Duke of Summerset1 being
there invited him to come & dine with him the next day, but
that night he received letters from Court wch did not please
him, so he came early that morning in a pett for London &
order' d his Steward to lock up his doors, so the Dr went away
without a dinner.

Those that tell this Story most favourably, say the Dr sent
to know what time his Grace wou'd give him leave to pay his
respects to him, & he sent him word at ten the next morning
& went away by six.2

After this rude behaviour on the part of the Duke,
I have nothing to record about the Doctor until the
following year, when he was probably residing in
Southwark or London, and appears to have become
much involved in politics.

Swift describes the situation sarcastically in his
Journal to Stella, Aug. 24, 1711 : —

And Sacheverell will be the next Bishop ?3 He would be
glad of an addition of £200 a year to what he has, and that is
more than they will give him for ought I see. He hates the
new Ministry mortally, and they hate him, and pretend to
despise him too. They will not allow him to have been the
occasion of the late change ;4 at least some of them will not ;
but my Lord- Keeper owned it to mo t'other day.

Two years after, 23 March, 1713, the Doctor's
suspension expired. " The day was celebrated with
great rejoicings in London and several other places.

1 Charles, Gth Dnko K.G. He was commonly called "The Proud
Duke of Somerset." (Seo Burkts Peerage.)

2 " Wentworth Papers."

3 Of London.

4 The new Parliament, under a Tory Ministry, met 25 Nov., 1710.
The satirical Print at the TJrit. Mus. No. 1531 refers to this :—

" Triumphant Tories now assume their powers,
And Fill those Places which we once called ours.
Whilst we Poor Whigs our wretched Fate bemoan,
And wish we'd let Sacheverell alone.

88

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

On the following Sunday he preached at his Church in
Southwark."1 And Bloxam tells us " that at that time
his reputation was so high that he was enabled to sell
the sermon . . for the sum of £100, and upwards of
10,000, it is said, were soon sold."2 Swift says that
Sacheverell told him the bookseller intended printing
30,000 copies.3

On the 13th April, 1713, he was presented by
Queen Anne to the Rectory of S. Andrew's, Holborn,
which was then valued at i'400 a year.

The church had been lately rebuilt, and there was a
"good Parsonage House in the Churchyard." The
parish was very large, and, in the words of Stow,
u from this Church of S4 Andrew, up Old-bourn Hill
be divers fair builded Houses, amongst the which stand
three Inns of Chancery."4 The gentry had at that
time not forsaken that part of London. Dr William
Fleetwood, the Bishop who had inducted Sacheverell
to Selattyn, followed him to Holborn in 1714, on being
translated to the see of Ely.5 Ely House, formerly
called Ely's Inn, then stood in Holborn.

Browne Willis tells a story of the way in which
Sacheverell became Rector of S. Andrews : —

When the impeachment was over, the Ministry took very
little notice of him, & treated him with g1 indifference, but
upon the Rectory of S. Andrew's, Holborn, being vacant, the
Doctor applied to them for the Living, but they had no regard
to his solicitation, upon wh he wrote to Dr Swift, with whom
he had a very slender acquaintance, to request his Interest
with the Government for that Parish, & set forth how much
he had suffered for them & their Cause. Dr Swift immediately
carried the letter to Lord Bolingbroke, the Secretary of State,
who railed much at Sacheverell, calling him a busy inter-
meddling Fellow, a Prig, & an Incendiary, who had set the

1 Hist, of Nonjurors. This sermon was entitled " The Christian
Triumph, or the duty of praying for our enemies."

2 On Palm Sunday, Bloxam.

3 Journal to Stella, April 2, 1713.

* Survey of London, bk v., p. ^51.
6 He died 1 Aug., 1723,

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

89

Kingdom in a Flame, wh could not be extinguished, & there-
fore deserved Censure instead of a Reward. To wh Swift
replied, true my Lord, but let me tell you a short story.

In a sea right in the reign of Charles II., there was a bloody
engagement between the English & the Dutch Fleets : in the
heat of \vh a Scotch Seaman was severely bit by a Louse in his
neck, \vh he Caught, & stooping down to crack it between his
nails, many of the sailors near him had their heads taken off
by a Chain Shot from the Enemy, wh scattered their brains
& Blood about him. Upon this he had compassion upon the
poor Louse, returned him to his place, & bid nim live there at
nis Discretion, for as he had saved his Life, he was bound in
gratitude to save his. The recital of this, put my Lord
Bolingbroke into a Fit of Laughter, who, when it was ovei,
said, " The Louse shall have the Living for your story," &
soon afterwards Sacheverell was presented to it.1

On the 29th May, 1713, Sacheverell was appointed
by the House of Commons to preach before them at
S. Margarets, Westminster, which he did from
I. Peter, ii., 16. He was thanked by them for his
sermon.2

We next hear of the Doctor in October, 1714, when
* 'on the Sunday before the Coronation of King
George I., he preached a Sermon at Sutton, near
Birmingham, for which he was severely censured " by
Tindal.3

il The accession of George I. was scarcely acceptable
to the County of Shropshire. The result in Shrewsbury
was the burning of the Meeting-house in High Street,
with the old party cry of * Down with the Whigs.
Sacheverel for Ever.' So firm a hold did the Kector
of Selattyn's name still retain in the county."4

Dr. SachevereHs proceedings against Winston cannot
be passed over entirely.

They began at his Trial. It will be remembered
that the 3rd Article for which the Doctor was im-

1 Browne Willis (Edit. 1801). Quoted from Supp. to Swifts
Works, 1799, vol. ii.

2 Nichols's Leicestershire, vol. iii.
8 Ibid.

4 Old Shropshire Oak^ vol. iii.

90 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

peached was " That the Church of England is in great
Peril." One of the books produced to prove this was
the " Sermons and Essays of Mr. Whiston," which had
been condemned as containing erroneous teaching as
to the Trinity.

William Whiston had formerly been Chaplain to
Moore, Bishop of Norwich, and was Rector of Lowes-
toft 1698—1701, which he resigned to be Deputy at
Cambridge to Sir Isaac Newton, whom he shortly
afterwards succeeded as Lucasian Professor of Mathe-
matics.

He endeavoured to prove that Arianism was the
Creed of the Primitive Church until the 4th Century,
and challenged Dr. Sacheverell to prove the contrary.
His chief works were An Essay on the Epistles of
Ignatius1 and Primitive Christianity Revived.2 His
books were answered by Dr. Allix and others. His
heterodoxy became so notorious that he was deprived
of his Professorship and expelled from the University
in 1710.3

His works were censured by Convocation for
Arianism, under Dr. Atterbury in 17 11. 4

In 1718-19, he was living in Hatton Garden, which
was in Dr. Sacheverell's parish, and appears to have
done his best to annoy the Doctor. Dr. Winston's
own version of the proceedings is as follows : —

Upon Friday, Janr? 23, 1718, Mr Whiston as usual attended
the sorvico at Sl Andrew's Church, & was permitted peaceably
to do so till abl the middle of the service — Mr Bloxam then
reading Prayers. But about this time Mr Whiston perceived
that Dr Sach1, who sat in his own seat close by the Desk &
Pulpit, & at a great distance from him, stood up, & looked
earnestly at him, as if he had a mind to speak or send to him
. . , whereupon the Under-Clark, Mr Wood, was sent by
Dr Sach1 to warn & Carry him out of the Church . . he

1 Cambridge, 29 Feb., 1709-10.

2 In four vols.

8 Encydop. Brit. (Ed. 1888.)

4 Smollett, vol. ii., p. 205 (Ed. 1820).

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

91

Came to Mr Whiston into his Seat where was his Wife &
another Woman, & took him by the Arm & desired or
required him to go out of Church for so was his Orders :
saying " That it was better to go out peaceably & quietly than
to make any disturbance." Mr W. told him that he did not
intend to go out of Church ; that it was his Parish Church &
that he supposed it was lawful for him to come thither . . ,
that he would not go out of the Church without some legal
Authority. At last Dr Sach1 called aloud to Mr Whiston two
or three times " Go out of my Church, go out of my Church,
Mr Whiston." To wh Mr W. replied "That without some
Authority he would not go out," whereupon Dr S. came in
some Passion out of his Seat & came round very near to Mr
W's seat (Dr Humphreys being a little behind him) & said,
" I wonder Mr W. you come here when you Deny the Divinity
of our Saviour & of the Holy Spirit ?" To wh Mr W. made no
other answer than this, "That it was his Parish Church, & he
hoped he might come & worship God there, & that he would
not go out without some legal Authority ?" Upon this Dr
S. went away & said the Service should cease " & that he
would see whether Mr W. or he should govern in that place."

Mr" Humphreys then tried to make peace, to whom the Dr
reply'd, h Madam, be pleased to meddle with your own Busi-
ness." A woman then said to Mr W. " She wondred why he
would affront the Rector in such a manner : That he was an
old Rogue, & looked like an old Rogue" & a man said "That
he had denyed the Divinity of Our Saviour, that he had done
a great deal of mischief, & he wondred how he could have the
face to stay there & not go out of the Church ?"

Dr Sach1 & Dr Humphreys then retired to the Vestry, but Mr
W. continuing sitting in his seat, the Reader at last resumed
the Service & they returned ; the Service was no more dis-
turbed & Mr W. stayed till the end.

The Tract further states that " On the Lord's Day
following Mr. W. went according to his usual custom
to the same Church," when the doorkeepers refused
him a seat, so he stood through the morning and
evening service.

Dr. Humphreys preached against him, whereupon
Mr. Whiston wrote him " a very temperate letter,"
dated Cross Street, Hatton Garden, S, Paul's Day,
1718-19.

Hearing the doors of the seats were to be locked

92 selattyn: a history of the parish.

against him, Mr. Whiston did not go to Church the
rest of the week.1 He went on Sunday, and had to
stand both morning and evening as before.2

Doubtless Mr. Whiston describes his own conduct
as favourably as possible, and unfortunately we are not
in possession of Dr. SachevereU's version of the affair.

Whiston's life was spent in controversy. In 1721,
he wrote to the Earl of Nottingham upon his false
views, and in 1747 he finally left the Church of
England and became a Baptist. He died in London,
22 Aug., 1752.8

But to return to Dr. Sacheverell. He married in

June, 1716, Mary , the widow of his kinsman

George Sacheverell, who, dying in 1715, had left him a
considerable estate at Callow in Derbyshire.4

During the last years of his life he lived at a house
of his own — The Grove, Highgate.5

His death appears to have been the result of an
accident, as we learn from a News letter, amongst the
Rawlinson MSS. at the Bodleian : —

1722-3, Janr* 10, Last Monday the Revd Dr Sach1 sent a
message to the Bp. of Rochester to enquire after his health, &
to acquaint his lordship that on Friday last, after having given
some Charity money to an indigent family, returning to his
own house, he had an unfortunate fall on the stone steps
loading to his door, whereby he broke two of his ribs, of which
ho is in hopes however of doing well,

1722-3, Jan? 14. The Uevd Dr Sach1 is in a fair way of
recovery.

1724, June 1. The Revd Dr Sach1 is so ill that he is given
over by his physicians.6

1 Mattins was daily at six in winter and seven in summer, Evoii'
song at three ; and there was a weekly Eueharist.

2 Tract entitled, " Mr. Winston's account of Dr. SachevereU's Pro-
ceedings in order to exclude him from St. Andrews Church in
IJoIborn." Printed 1719.

3 Rncyclop. I Wit.

• Nichols's Leicestershire, vol. iii.

fi Bloxam, (Rioted from Pricket t's Uist. of Highgate, p. 111.
0 Bloxam,

SELATTYN I A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

93

" He died after a long indisposition, June 5, 1724,
at his house in Highgate, and was privately interred
on the 11th in the Vault of St. Andrew's Church,"1
whence his coffin is said to have been stolen.

The Gentleman'' s Magazine tells us that on

Saturday 26 [Sep., 1747] Three men were committed to
Wood Street compter, & the sexton and grave digger of Sl
Andrew's, Holborn, to Newgate, for stealing 150 leaden Coffins
out of that Church, amongst them that of Dr Sacheverell.2

The Doctor wrote his own Epitaph, which was
revised by Bishop Atterbury, and so forbade the
placing of any inscription on his tomb : —

Sepulchrale hoc Elogium
Henricus Sacheverell. S. T. P. sciipsit,
Et ipsa ferme moribundus,
Nec postea quidquam Scripturus,
Istos nimirum honores dulcissimo amico
persolutos voluit ;
Quibus in Supremus tabulis
interdixit sibi.3

Sacheverell lived at a time when monumental tablets
were a record of fulsome flattery. That he desired
none such was surely a refutation of the charge of
vanity, brought against him by his enemies.

Over the vault in the chancel of St. Andrew's is
simply the following statement —

Infra jacet Honricus Sacheverell S. T. P. hujusce Ecclesias
Rector. 4

His will is as follows5 : —

In the Name of God Amen. I Henry Sacheverell D.D. of
Sl Andrew's Holborne do make this my last will & Testament
hereby revoking & annulling all former & other will & wills
by me at any time heretofore made.

Imprimis. I do commend my soul to my gracious and
mercifull Creator & Redeemer hoping through his merits for

1 Nichols.

2 Notes and Queries, 25 Oct., 1890.

3 Nichol.

4 Bloxam.

ft Somerset House, Will Ronuioy, 180.
Vol, VIII., 2nd S.

94

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THIS PARISH.

pardon of all my sins & a joyful Resurrection of my body
which 1 desire may be buried with all privacy in my vault at
S. Andrew's Church with no other Inscription but this set
upon a Plain Marble underneath the Communion Table viz1
(Infra jacet Henricus Sacheverell. S. T. P. hujuscoe Ecclesioe
Rector obijt) with the Addition of the month & year when it
shall please God I shall dye, & I do hereby subject & charge
all my real & personal Estate whatsoever to & with the pay-
ment of all my just debts wh I shall owe at the time of my
decease & also to pay to my sister Susanna Banner what shall
remaine due to her or her husband as was agreed upon their
Marriage Also I do will & desire that my Estate & lands
lying in or near the Parish of Wildon in the County of Bedford
may be sold for payment of my Debts & to that use I do
devise all my said Estate & lands in or near Wildon aforesaid
■& all my Interest therein to Charles Chambers1 & Thomas
Bayly both of the Parish of S4 Andrew Holborne Gents & to
the Survivour of them & to the heirs of the Survivour In
trust that out of the Rents & Profits of the said Estate till
sale, or by the moneys arising out of the Sale thereof when
Sold, they or the Survivor of them do pay my said Debts & I

the said Estate in or near Wildon to my dearest wife Mary
Sacheverell her executors, Administrators & Assigns, but my
Will & Desire is that the said Mr Charles Chambers & Thomas
Bayly & the Survivor of them & the heir of the Survivor be
allowed all such costs, charges & Expenses out of the said
Estate as they or either of them shall be at any ways relating
to the trust so reposed in them & for the more speedy sale of
the Said Estate I do request & desire my said dear wife to
joyn in the Sale thereof, she having an Estate for life therein
& to sell such life Estate. Also I do further will & devise all
my Estate & Interest in the Mannor of Callow a'ls Cawley &
Lands & Premisses in the Co. of Derby to the said Charles
Chambers & Thomas Bayly & the Survivour of them & to the
heir of the Survivour in Trust that they or the Survivour of
them or the heir of such Survivour do sell the same & out of
the money arising by such Sale or out of the rents & profits of
the said Estate till sale thereof raise & pay the surae of £200
to the President & Scholars of S* Mary Magdalen College at
Oxford ; to be disposed of by the said President & Scholars as
they shall think fit & afterwards to raise & pay the further

1 "An attorney near Hutton Garden who mar. the rich relict o'
Dr. Sacheverell." Gentlemen's Mayazme p. 275.

do hereby give & devise the

•lus of the money arising by

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

95

sum of £200 to the Revd Mr Joseph Trapp & then to pay the
surplus, rents & profits of the said Estate in the saia Co. of
Derby or money ariseing by Sale thereof as aforesaid after
payment of the said two severall sums of £200 to or to the use
& benefit of my said dear wife, her Executors, administrators
& Assigns. And whereas I have lately purchased a Copyhold
Messuage or Tenement with a garden & appurtenances at
Highgate held of the Mannor of Cantlers1 wh I have sur-
rendered to the use of my will, now 1 devise & give the .said
Messuage & Tenement with its Appurts to my said dear wife
Mary Sach1 & her heirs for ever. Also I give to the said Mr
Trapp my Books & I do desire him to see all my writings &
Compositions (except what are published or ordered in my
lifetime to be so) destroyed. Also I do give to the said
Charles Chambers & Thomas Bayly a Legacy of £50 apeice &
I do also give & becjueath unto the said Mr Thomas Bayly my
Gold Watch & Saphir Ring, & lastly I do give & bequeath
unto my said dear wife all the rest & residue of my real &

Eersonal Estate whatsoever to the use of my said dear wife
er heirs, executors <Sz Administrators & do hereby make &
appoint my said dear wife sole executrix of this my will,
desiring the said Mr Chambers & Mr Bayley to assist her
therein. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand &
seal this tenth Feb. 1723.

H. Sacheverell, signed &; sealed.

Witnesses John Abbot, Joseph Sayer, & Thomas Burnet.

Codicil. That my dear wife Mary Sach1 shall have &
enjoy all such books & manuscripts as she usually kept in her
own possession, & that sho shall be at liberty to choose such &
so many out of my other books as sho shall think proper for
her own benefit or use &' whereas I have not in my said Will
made any mention of my servants or such of them as shall live
with me at the time of my decease, & the reason why I have
not done so is in regard 1 think proper to recommend them to
my said wife to give unto them or any of them so much or
reward them in such mannor as she after nvy decease in her
discretion shall think fit, & save as aforesaid I do hereby
ratify and confirm all & whatsoever is contained in my said

1 Now called Cantlowcs. Lottie's Hist, of London, vol. ii., Appcn. E.
"The Prebendal Manors of S. Paul's." Cantlers is the 10th stall on
the right side. Probably named after Roger Cantelupc, or Cantlow,
prebend 1249."

96 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

Will. In Witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand &
seal this 28 May, 1724. H. Sacheverell.

Witnesses, Mary Simmonds, Thomas Bavly.

Proved, Will & Codicil, London, 3 August 1725, P. C. 0.
by Mary Sacheverell, widow.

The portrait of Sacheverell now in Magdalen College-
Hall was bequeathed to the College by William
Clements, Vicar of South Brent, Lecturer of S.
Stephen's, Walbrook, and S. Benet, Sherehog, in 1742,
and Librarian of Sion College, where he died, 8 Aprilr
1799.

He was the son of Henry Clements of the Half Moon
in S. Paul's Churchyard, bookseller, who published
Sacheverell's sermons.

With this imperfect sketch we must leave the only
Rector of Selattyn who won for himself a place in
English history.

SACHEVERELL PEDIGREE.

Cheverel^. . . dau. of Courtney.

William Cheverel of Chantmarle,=FJoan, d. and coheir of John Chantmarle.
and East Stoke, Co. Dorset. \

Walter Choverel, ob. 22 Edw. IV.=j=Christian, d. of Henry Russell of
(escheat). j Berwick.

John Cheverel, ob. 2 Hen. VII. =y Margaret, d. of John Wykes of Bindon,
(escheat). Co. Dorset.

a I

i From HiiU hins' Dorset, (.Inl etl.), i , p. 414 ; Nichols' Leicexta xhiie, vol. iii., pt. 1, p. 510
Visit. Dorse l. shire, U>2'.\. llarl. JSoc, vol. xx., p 81.

SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH. 97

Roger Cheverel^
leased tene- |
inents in Stoke
Hyde, 3 Hen.
VII.

Anne, or Agnes, d. and
coheir of Thomas Raves
of Ditchford Media, Co.
Wore., by Elizabeth, d.
of David Brayles, by
Agnes, d. and coheir of
Urian de St. Pierre.1

Nicholas=Jane, d. of
Cheverel John Gawen
of North in

of Ovvre
Moyne,
o. s. p.
1548.

ton,Co. Wilts,
ob. 1548.

Ill
4 mar.
daus. ,

a nun.

Christopher Cheverel of Chant-
marrell,- ob. s.p. 1572.

Isabel, d. and heir of William
Wotton of Barton Davy,
Co. Somerset, or . . . .
Walton of Walton, Co.

Somerset.

II I I

3 mar. daus.,
1 a nun.

Christopher Sacheverell
o.s.p.

Hugh Saeheverell;
of Chantmarrell.

Christopher=Anne, d. of
o.s.p. Fitton.

:Anne, d. of

Deerim

William. Hugh. St. John.

Robert Saoheverellnrd- of

of Barton, Co.
Dorset.

Guppic.

I

John Sacheverell=j=Anne, d. of Thos.
of Buckland, Co. j Jessop of Chil-
Dorset, living 1623.3 I comb, Co. Dorset.

Christopher^. ... d. of ....

Williams of Tina,
I Co. Dorset.

I i

A eon and dau.

I

John Sacheverell, Rector=pDeborah. d. of

of East Stoke, 1615-
1051, Rector of Lang-
ton Maltravers, Co.
Dorset, 1644, ob. 25
April, 1651.

Dale.

John Sacheverell, born 1613,:
S. John's Coll., Oxford, pre-
sented to Rectory of Brimp-
ton,Co. Somerset, by Bishop
of Winchester, which he
quitted before the Restora-
tion, and afterwards ob-
tained the Chapelry of Win-
canton. Co, Somerset.

=lst wife, . . . d. of John Smith the regicide.

2nd wife, .... d. of William Harvey of
Langton in Purbeck. (2 sons).

3rd wife, . . . d. of . . . Hussey of Shaftes-
bury, widow of Henry Derby, attorney,
o.s.p.

I I I I

Theophilu8. Timothy. Philologus. Anno.

' Vuil. Shrop., p. 425.

The tlrst montiomul in Vint. Dorsttt.
-» He entered I'ed. at Vixit. Domet., 1023.

98 SELATTYN : A HISTORY OF THE PARISH.

b I

Joshua Sacheverell, King's Coll. and St. Catherine's Hall,=f living

Camb., B.A. 1667, Rector S. Peter's, Marlborough. j in 1711.

Mary, widow of Ceorge Sacheverell a son ap-
of Callow and of New Hall, Co. pren. to a
Warwick, Esq. She mar. thirdly London
Charles Chambers of Holborn, mercer, d.
gent., who died 20 May, 1749, young,
aged 88. She d. 6 Sep., 1739,
aged 75, and was bur. at S.
George's, Bloomsbury.

I " ~ ~'~ ~ " ! I

Thomas, appren. to attorney a dau. d. Susanna lived at=. . . . Banner,

at Beaconstield, lived ex- young. Worcester,
travagantly, d. abroad.

Henry Sacheverell, D.l).,=
born 1674, mar. 1716,
died 5 bur. 11 June,
1724, o.s.p.

99

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY HUNDRED OR
LIBERTIES.

By the late Rev. JOHN BRICKDALE BLAKEWAY, M.A., F.S.A.
Edited by the Rev. W. G. D. FLETCHER, M.A., F.S.A.

Continued from 2nd Series, Vol. VI., p. 414.

MEOLE BR/ICE.

Eddid held Melam in the Confessor's time. The
Norman commissioners are so succinct in their descrip-
tions, and so unceremonious with respect to the most
exalted personages of the Saxon period, that there is
some reason to believe that under this brief designation
is intended Queen Edith, that monarch's consort. The
grounds for this opinion will be stated under the article
of Cleobury Mortimer, which with Kinlet in that
neighbourhood, and Pulley in this, had been also the
property of this Eddid, and were become, by the time
that Domesday was compiled, a pait of the possessions
of the powerful Ralph de Mortimer,1 a near kinsman,
and distinguished favourite of the Conqueror. The
description of this manor in that Survey runs thus : —

The same Ralph holds Melam in the hundred of Sciropisberie:
Eddid held it : Three hides are rated to the Dane geld : The
demesne consists of three carucates;2 and three carucates are

1 [Queen Edith's estate near Shrewsbury, consisting of Meole,
Edgobold, and a great part of Pulley, had probably passed from hor
hands to thoso of William fitz Osborn, Earl of Hereford, had been
forfeited by his son Earl Roger de Bretolio in 1074, and had then
been granted by King William to Ralph de Mortimer. Cf. Eyton, vi.,
350— Ed.]

2 [Not carucates in this and tho two following places, but ox-teams. —
En]

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. N

100 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

occupied by six servants, four female servants, six villeins, and
three bordars: besides, half a carucate is holden by one
radman. Six burgesses in the city are regardant to this
manor. Here is a mill of the annual value of 20s.

The manor was valued in the reign of the Confessor
at <£7, but at the time of the survey at J6 1 3 5s. 6d.

The church of St. Mary of Shrewsbury was possessed
of a virgate (sixty acres) of land in this manor, during
the Saxon times, and continued to hold it when
Domesday was compiled. It was valued at 4s. at both
these periods1.

As the Mortimer family was not implicated in the
revolt of Robert de Belesme, they appear in the very
confined list of those Shropshire proprietors who con-
tinued to hold their estates in an uninterrupted series
from the time of the Norman Conquest, and Hugh de
Mortimer, who died in 1185, 32 Hen. II. {the son ot
Ralph, the first possessor), granted the advowson of
Meoles Bracy (so the name is written in the chronicle
of Wigmore priory preserved by Dugdale) to the canons
of that house.

The part of that chronicle which relates to this
donation was written, I conceive, about the beginning
of the thirteenth century ; and the manor had then,
we see, obtained the distinctive appellation which it
still retains : how much earlier it had received that
addition I have not found. The name Brace is derived
from the family of Bracy : of whom Aldulphus de
Braci, apparently a kinsman of Fulke fitz Warin,2
attested that nobleman's foundation charter to Alber-
bury priory (Ashmol. MSS., 461, 462) ; and another of
the same name, son of the former, lived in 9 Joh., 1207

1 [Nothing further is known of St. Mary's virgate in the manor of
Meole. The Church may have surrendered or exchanged the land.
Cf. Eyton vi., 359.— Ed.]

2 See the (Jestes of Cluarino and his sons in the 1st vol. of Leland
Coll., in which the connection of Bracy and Fitz Warin is conspicuous,

In the Testa de Nevilt, Robert de Bracy holds one hide in llallefest
of the see of Worcester.

MEOLE BRACE.

101

(Dodsworth MSB., p. 140, Leland Collect., v. 234;, and
in 1241, when he witnesses a grant by Odo de Hodnet
to the Abbey of Shrewsbury. He held this manor
under the Mortimers,1 and I presume aspired to hold it
independent of that family, for in the former of those
years, from Easter term at the end of the 9th of John
to Trinity at the beginning of the 10th of that King
(1207-8), Roger de Mortimer demanded against Audulf
de Brasei the manor of Moles, whereof his (Mortimer's)
ancestors have been seised from the time of the Conquest
of England, as well as in the time ot King Henry
the grandfather (Henry I.) as afterwards to the time
of King Henry the father (Henry II.), in whose time
Hugh de Mortimer, father of the demandant, was
seised. (Dodsworth's Collect., vol. 94, fo. 36.) I have
not seen the result of this suit2, but it evidently ended
in establishing the superiority of Mortimer, under
whom the great family of Cantilupe appears to have
enjoyed one moiety of the manor.3 In 19 Hen. III. (1235)

1 [Eyton thinks that, in Mortimer's hands, Edgebold and a great
part of Pulley became so involved in Meole that all three manors
were occasionally described as Meole. Hugh de Mortimer of Wigmore
was seised of this collective manor of Meole in 1155, but subsequently
enfeoffed William Martel, a knight, therein. William Martel gave
the manor to Audulf de Braci, upon whose death Roger de Mortimer,
son and heir of Hugh, seised upon Meole as his own demesne. Ibid,
350-1.— Ed.]

2 [The litigation lasted from April, 1203, to January, 1211. In
1208 William de Cantilupe, tho King's Senoschal, put in a claim to
the manor. Tho result was that a fine was levied in January, 1211,
between Roger de Mortimer "and Audulf de Braci (son of Audulf
named above), in which Roger recognizes Audulf's right to the manor,
but so that William de Cantlup shall hold tho whole manor under
Roger at tho sorvico of a knight's foe, and Audulf shall hold under
William do Cantlup a moiety of the manor at the sorvico of half a
knight's foe, but not the capital messuage which Cantlup was to hold.
For this fine, Cantlup paid Mortimer 30 J marks. There seems to
have been some treachery on Cantilupe's part. This transaction,
however, held good for ages. The whole proceedings are carefully
given in Eyton vi., 350-5. It should bo noted that Cantilupe's. first
wife was Mascolina, daughter of tho first Audulf do Braci. — }Sl>.1;

3 [At tho Assizes of November, 1221, Gilbert do Moles, Roger

I

102

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Wm de Cantelow answered for his fees in Shropshire
by ye hands of William reeve of Mole. (Testa deNevill).
In the escheats of I Edward I. (1273) is an Inquisition
and extent of the lands and tenements which belonged
to George de Cantelupo in the manor of Melesbracy,
taken there Tuesday the feast of St. Lucy the virgin
(December 13th), 2 Edward I., by which he is found
to have died seised of a moiety thereof. The jurors
upon this occasion were Roger de Pudeslawe, Richard
de Ottenye, William Marscot, Engelard Forester of
Poleley, Adulph de Bracy, Ranulf de Harpecote, Alan
Sprenehose, John le Fraunceis, William de Tirlwoode,
William de la Lake, Roger de Yarton, and Nicholas
de Wodecote, gentlemen or yeomen chiefly of the
vicinity.1

William de Cantilupe,2 governor of Pulverbatch Castle=f=Sibil, w. of Geoffrey
1 John, ob. 23 Hen. III., 1239. I Pauncefote.

a I

Sergeant of Meola, and William Provost of Meeles are mentioned.
The last occurs in 1235 as an officer of Cantilupe's (Cf. Assize Roll, 6
Hen. III., m. I; T esta de Nevill, p. 61). In 1240, William de Cantilupe is
recorded as holding Meeles under Ralph de Moitimer, by one knight's
fee (Testa de Nevill, p. 45). In 1254, Henry III. grants free-warren
to Robert de Cantilupe, who held under William, in all his demesnes
at Meulcs (Rot. Vascon, 38 Hen. III., p. 2, m. 8 ). In 1262, John de
Bracy of Mele occurs as dead. At the Assizes of 1267, William de
Horton was found to have disseised Audulf de Bracy of six acres in
Moles. Cf. Eyton vi., 356-7.— Ed,]

1 [This Inquisition states that there was a fortified dwelling, called
a Tower, at Meole, and other buildings very poor. The demesne
lands realized £1 9s. 4d. per annum. The boscs of Hanleg and
Haywode, though within the manor, were also within the forest.
(Cf Inquis. p. m. 32 Edw. I., no. 63b.)

On George de Cantilupe's death, the manor of Meole went to his
sister Milicent, wife of Eudo la Zouche. In 1280 Milicent, then a
widow, mpleaded Audulf de Bracy for half a knight's fee in Meles-
bracy. On the death of Edmund de Mortimer, it was found that
William de la Zouche held a knight's fee in Meoles of the deceased.
Cf. Eyton vi., 357.— -Ed.]

2 | William de Cantilupe's first wife was Mascolina, daughter of
the first Audulf de Bracy. — Ed.]

MEOLE BRACE.

108

Saint Thomas de Cantilupe,1
app. Lord Chancellor 1265,
Bishop of Hereford 1275,
ob. 1282. Some make him
son of the 2nd William.

a\

William de Cantilupe=j=Milicent, dr. of Hugh
de Gournay, relict
of Almaric, Earl of
Evreux.

I I !

Walter, Bishop of Worcester John. Nicholas de Cantilupe.
from 1236 to 1266.

Julian, w. Robt. William de Cantilupc^Eva, d. and coh. St. Thomas, ac-
de Tregoz. died at an early age i of Wm.deBraosa, cording to some,

in 39 Hen. III., 1254. ob. 40 Hen. III.

Joan, sister and coheir, md. George de Cantilupe, born

Henry de Hastings. 1251, ob. 1273.

John de Monte=Milicent, sister =Eudo de la Zusche, of Harringworth,
alto, 1st h. and coheir. which he got by his wife.

A MS. in Dugdale's Warwickshire (art. Grey Friars
of Coventry), apparently of the best authority, repre-
sents St. Thomas as brother of loan, the wife of Henry
de Hastings ; yet I see not how this can possibly be.
George de Cantilupe, the eldest son of the third
William, was not born till 1251, and fourteen years
afterwards we find St. Thomas (who according to the
supposition of the record in Dugdale must have been
his younger brother) appointed to the office of Lord
Chancellor.2

Eudo la Zusche, who married the co-heiress, was a
younger son of Alan de Zusche of Ashby, descended
from the counts of Bretagne — and, as his wife appears
to have had no issue by her first husband, the property

1 [St. Thomas do Cantelupe, who was born circa 1218, and died
1282, was a son of William de Cantelupe, second baron, and Milicent
de Gournay. See Diet. Nat. Biog.—ED.]

2 Ibid.

*

104 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

descended to the children of her second marriage. On
the 1st of March, 2nd Edw. I., 1273-4, the King
certifies to his escheator on this side Trent that he has
taken the fealty of the said Eudo who has married
Melisenta, &c., as above, for her purpart j, and directs
him to give the said Eludo seizin of the same; viz.,
Eyton co. Bedford, Molesbracy co Salop, &c. (Dugdale
MSB., B. 1) ; and in Dodsworth's MSS., vol. 71, is the
partition of the inheritance of George de Cantelupo,
enrolled in Chancery in the time of Edward I., in
which Meoles Bracie is valued at £13 19s. 8d.ob.

The next record in which I find mention of this
manor is a feodarium of the hundred of Shrewsbury of
the 7th of Edw. I., in which it is stated that Audulph
le Bracy (so it is written) and the heirs of George de
Cantelowe hold the manor of Meole Brace of Roger de
Mortimer by the service of one knight's fee. Audulph
le Bracy holds in demesne one carucate of the annual
value of forty shillings, and one mill and a half of the
annual value of 25s., also possessions in Pulley, New-
bold, and Newton (which will be inserted under their
proper heads), and the heir of Cantelowe has half
the manor of Mola, where is a carucate in demesne,
and a mill, and possessions in Pulley, &c., as above.

From the tenour of these extracts it is nearly certain
that Braci and Cantilupe were the heirs general of
some family who held this manor under the Mortimers
at an earlier period, but every memorial of such prior
family has hitherto eluded all my enquiries.

In 40 Edw. III. (1366) Agnes, widow of Robert
Bracy of Meole Bracy, conveys lands here to Philip de
Lanelye, vicar of St. Alkmund, and another chaplain
feoffee. (Bowen's MSS.)

In 12 Edw. III. (1338) there was a fine between
Robert Bracy and Agnes his wife, complainants, and
Roger de Aston, chaplain, deforciant, of a moiety of the
manor of Meolebracy. It is acknowledged to be the
right of Roger, who grants it to Robert and Agnes in
tail, remainder to John, son of Thomas Colle, in fee.

MEOLE BRACE.

105

The Zouches appear in process of time to have
acquired the whole of this manor, for in a Calendar of
all the knight's fees which belonged to Edmund de
Mortimer, late Earl ot March (the third Earl), taken in
1414 (llarl. MSS., 704), one knight's fee is enumerated
in Meiers Bracy, which William de Souche holds, and
which is extended to the value of 100s. ; and in the
following year, 3 Hen. V., the Inquisition after the
death of William la Zouche finds that he died the 3rd
day of November last past, seised of the manor of
Meole Bracy, leaving his son and heir, William, aged
13 years. (Dugd. MSS., A. 1, in Ashm, Lib.) By an
Inquisition ad quod Damnum of 7 Hen. V. it is found
that William la Zouche held on the day of his death
a moiety of the manor of Mulbracy in his demesne as of
fee, valued at £18 a year. In the 10th year ot the
same King, however, John Holland, Earl of Hunting-
don, and William Carnoll, Esq., and Elizabeth, his
wife (late wife of William la Zouch, lord of Meole
Brace), were joint lords of this manor, and held a court
here, on the Friday after St. Barnabas. I can give no
account of this joint-tenancy.

La Zouch was one of those sobriquets or nick-names
which great men assumed when they set forth on a
pilgrimage to Palestine. Mauduit (Ill-taught), Plan-
tagenet (Broom -stalk), &c, were of this number. The
ostensible motive to this was a principle of religious
humility : but it was also of use to conceal their quality,
and so to keep down the price of their ransom in case
they were taken prisoners. Zouch is the stock or body
of a tree. Moliere makes Arnulphe, in the School for
Wives j call himself Monsr. de la Souche, from an old
trunk of a tree on his estate.

Et (Tun vieux tronc pourri de votre metairie

Vous faire dans le monde un nom de seigneurie.— A. 1, S. 1.

The noble possessors of Meole probably intended
under this humble designation to imply that they were
of the old stock, de la Souche, of the Counts of Bretagne.

106 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Eudo la Zouche, of Harringworth=pMilicent Cantilupe.

, ; !

I I I

William la Zouche of full age^pMaud Lovel. Eva, w. of Elizabeth, w. of

1299, summoned to Parlia-
ment 1323, ob. 1351.

Maurice de Nicholas Poyntz.
Berkeley.

Eudo la Zouche, ob. v. p. 1325, in which year he killed=j=Joan Inge.
Roger le Beler of Leicestershire.

William, Lord Zouche,=fElizabeth Ross, her will
b. 1321, ob. 1381. I dated 1408.

I II I

William, Lord Zouche=F. . . Alan la Thomas la Zouch Edmund.

b. 1341, ob. 1395.

Zouch. of Ightham, co.

Kent, ob. 1406.

William, Lord Zouche,=T=Elizabeth, dr

b. 1375 ob. 1415. md. secondly, Wm. Carnoll, Esq.

William, Lord Zouche, b. 1402, ob. 1462. =f Alice St. Maur.

William, Lord Zouche=f=Catharine Sir Joh n Zouche Margaret, Elizabeth.

Leinthall. ancestor of the w. of

Zouchesof Codner, Sir Thos.
co. Derby. Tresham,

and St, Maur, ob.
1466,

I

John, Lord Zouch and St. Maur, b. 1458,=f Joan Dinham,
attainted 1 Hen. VII., restored, ob. 1526. |

Jonn, Lord Zouch and St. Maur and Cantilupe, ob. 1550.
A court was holden for the Manor of Meole Braoy in his
name, Oct. 7, 24 Hen. VIII.

In the beginning of the reign of Hen. V., a Mr,
Venables, in the right of his wife, held land in the
manor of Meole under the Lord Zouch : for among the
rolls of Bailiffs' Accounts in the Exchequer of Shrews-
bury is one, of which it is difficult to conceive how it
has found its way into that repository, entitled, " Visus
compoti Rogeri Skyle capellani, Resceptoris Willelmi
Venables & Isabell uxoris sue de terris & tenementis
infra libertatem ville Salop & com' ejusdem de anno
r. r. Eienrici §** post conquestum primo & incipiente

MEOLE BRACE.

107

secundo, in which after the receipts of rents1 in Shrews-
bury and the suburbs, amounting to <£16 17s. ljd., and
of rents of Meolebracy, Neuton, Neubold, and Ege-
baldenham, amounting to £7 5s. 6d., and of William
Wolascote, farmer, of Lynches, 33s. 4d., follow the
payments and allowances, amounting to £22 7s. 8|d.,
among which is 12d. paid to lord de la Suche for rent
of Assise of Meole & 2d. for parchment for the court of
Meole.

Among these is : —

Paid to the abbot of Salop for Frydes forlong 2s 6 To
Robert Trentham pro dimid' toga empt' Johanni Perie G3 5d

Solut' Johanni Dun pro alia dimid' ejusd' toga G8

[Why Mr. Venables should purchase half a gown at one
shop, and the remainder at another, does not. appear.]

For hedging (clausura) a garden in Mardesoll 7d

Making a gate at le Conyngyorde 4d

Expen' Will'i Arthour & aliorum de servientibus domini
venient' ad Salop super negotium domini per diversas vices
. . 12d

Pro cariagio graminis usq' ad Blasebarne de Wyne milhull 5d
Solut' Agneti Tour pro cervisio de se empto ad usum
domine 18s

Pro pargameno empt* per J ohannem Schrardyn pro curia de
Meole 2d

Pro pastura unius equi in parco de Schrawardyn 12d
Solut' Abbati de Hagmond proredditu de Sturye3oles 3s 10d
Johi Glouere pro speciobus (spices) emptis domine 12d
Vriano Senitpiare 6s 8d

Pro sirpis emptis pro aula in adventu domini 3d
Pro pise & coda empt' 3umtu domini 2d
Solut' domine quos ipsa solvit pro debito suo apud Salop •
6«8d

Pro reparacione domorum d'ni in Colneham 3s 10d
Pro ciretheciserapt' domino ldob.

Pro cariacione fimi ad Sabrinam 4d [I suppose the emptying
of a privy]

1 Among these are, of the abbot of Salop for rent of part of a
garden in Colneham 408. Of the vicars of Sfc Mary's for a tenement
in Ratonslow — there is no sum set opposite to this item. Ratonslovv
is now tho School lane. De Reginaldo do Mutton pro termino sancti
Michaohs solut' pro 1 bovic' (?) 7d vol unu' bovic' ad elcctionem
domini. This is Raynold Mytton, the ancestor of tho present family.
Vol. VIII., 2nd S, O

108 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES,

Pro falcacione de Sturiesoles 2" 8d

Pro expensis domini in essentia sua apud Salop, videlicit in
pane, vino, cervis' & carnibus emptis eoaem tempore 308 6d

Pro pane vino cervic' carnibus, prebend' equorum. & aliis
rebus emptis in essentia domine apud Salop 45s 8d ob.

Pro tabula Thome servientis domini custodientis placeam
domini apud Salop 9d

Solut' servientibus pro mundacione placie d'ni in adventu
domine 2d

Solut' pro expens' Willi Arthour & Marton & aliorum apud
Salop de servientibus domiui in adventu Justiciar' domini
Regis 2s 4d

Solut' pro pilio [perhaps a hat] empt* magistro tuo de
Roberto Horsley 28 Gd

Pro tabula Thome servientis domini magistri sui apud Salop
9s a festo nativitate sancti Johannis Bap't'e usque festo Sancti
Michaelis Archangli, viz. pro qualibet septime 9d
Pro factura ferri apud Sturysoldes 4s 9d
Sol' pro redd' de Sturiesolds ballivis ville Salop ld
Pro antiquo debito domino Hans Goldsmyth 20" [I suppose
a Fleming settled at Shrewsbury.]

Pro 1 equo locat' ecjuitandi usque cestriam quando districtio
capta fuit per duas vices 20d [There is frequent mention of
hiring horses to Chester, marking the residence of this gentle-
man and lady in that county. They appear to have been much
in debt, and to have lived beyond their means. Hence perhaps
the distress just mentioned.]

Abbati Salop pro redditu de Fridayes forlong 3s 6d
Pro cariagio fimi ad Sabrinam quum Dominus Furnyvale
fuit ibidem 3d [This was, I suppose, the famous John Talbot,
Earl of Shrewsbury, who appears to have made use of the
house of Mr. Venables, during some visit to this town.]
Pro reparacone domus magistri sui apud Mardesole 12d
Pro stipendio 1 equi ad Edlaston per iii dies Rogero Skyle
computant ad negoc magistri sui 12d

Pro mundacione fimi exo'poito aule magistri sui 4d
Pro cariacione spinar' & trowys ad claudend' sepes magistri
sui apud sturyos clos &; colneham & pro clausura eorundem
2s 10d

Sol' domine apud Edlaston G8 8d

Ricardo Ellesmere corns' pro sotularibus emptis domine &
Willelmo Arthur & aliis 38 4d

[On the back of the roll are receipts de Joh'e Schraward
ballivo do Mulbracy, Newton, Neubald, &c]

Received tie Rob'to Lee do ITffynton 7s Ga

*MEOLE BRACE.

109

Solut' pro magistro suo collectoribus tax' domini Regis in
ville Sal' 69 3d

Pro speciebus &; 1 speculo 8d

On Thursday before the exaltation of the cross,
7 Hen. VII. (14th Sept., 1491), William Worthynton,
esquire, as attorney to Robert Plumpton, knight, son
and heir of William Plumpton, knight, delivered seisin
of this manor with all the lands and tenements, &c,
thereunto belonging, to Elizabeth Worthynton, widow,
one of the daughters of Katherine, formerly daughter
of William Plumpton, knight, and on the morning of
the Friday after Michaelmas following, John Browne of
Worfeld entered upon the said manor. (Lib. A. in
Scacc, Salop.)1

Sir Wm. Pluuipton=j=

(See Lyaon's | |
Derbyshire, Sir Robt. Plumpton Catherine, w. . . .=p
p. 146.) \_

Elizabeth, w. . . . Worthington

20 Dec, 10 Eliz. (1567), Edward Waturs of Salop
gent, demises to Richd Owen of the same, mercer, for
£30 for 21 years at a rent of throthene shillings & 4d
a leasow called Kenteseye lying between a lane called
Theves lana & the water called Meole water within the
liberties of Shrewsbury & now holden by Thomas
Burnell, draper.

In a deed of the preceding year it is described to
lye betwyn one lane leadynge from Meole fyld to the
ferine ground of Sotton, which lane is commonly called
Theves lane on their syde & meole brocke on the other
syde, & extendynge in leinthe from a season fyld of
Meole Brace, &c.

1 Cantilupe left to Zouch, aold to Mackworth, sold to Edwards.
In 1418, John Arthur occurs lord of Brace-meole; in 17 Edw. IV.,
1477, Richd. Arthur occurs lord of Clopton and Brace-meole; in
1491, Plumpton and Worthington ; in 1516, Richd. Hosey ; in 1585,
Kichd. Grosvenor sells to Judge Owen, who sold in 1590 to Thos.
Shorer, who sold in 1601 to Thos. Newport, who sold in 1601 to
Berrington. This I take to be Bracy's manor.

110 HISTORY OP SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

27 Apr., 27 Eliz. (1585), Richard Gravenor,1 other-
wise Grosvenor, of Sholer in com' Salop, Esq., sells to
Thomas Owen of Lincoln's Inn in fee the manor or lord-
ship of Brace Meole, with all lands, rents, services, &c,
also the woods called Heyward coppice, Handley
coppice, and Gittins coppice, — three messuages, lands,
&c, in or near Shrewsbury, holden by the bailiffs of
that town, and all other lands, &c, in the town,
parishes, fields, or hamlet of Shrewsbury, Meole Brace,
Pulley, Newbold, and Cruck Meole.

18 May, 32 Eliz., Mr. Owen,2 then serjeant-at-law,
reciting that he was seised of the above premises in
fee, and Thomas Shearer, gent., reciting that he was
seised in fee of the manor of Oke, co. Salop, and of
several messuages lying in the township, village, or
hamlet of Oke, — and the said parties reciting that they
had agreed that Owen should convey to Shearer the
premises bought by him from Gravenor (except Hey-
ward coppice and a tenement in Salop lately holden by
one Wm. Weale) until he, Shearer, had paid Owen
£1040, — It was now agreed, that they should levy a
fine of the manor and lands in Meole Brace, &c. , and in
Oke, &c., to Langley and Cam, and that they the said
conusees should render back to Owen an annual rent of
JC69, — and to Shearer the manors, &c, in fee, with a
proviso that for every £100 paid by Shearer to Owen
in his lifetime, £6 1 3s. 4d. of the annuity should cease,
and so for every £100 of the £1 ,040.

21 Oct., 41 Eliz., "In cons'on of £1260, Gerard
Shearer of the Oakes gent, covenants to convey the
manors of Oke and Brace Meole to Francis Newport
Esqr of High Ercall [and William Wolley gent, and the
heirs of Newport] subject to the payment of the
annuity of £69 to Roger Owen Esqr of Lincolns Inn."

1 Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas Gravenor, married William
Mackworth.

2 Judge Owen, in his will, 1595, mentions "one Annuall rent of
Throseore & nyne pounds yssueing out of the Manor Lands & Ton'ts
of Meole Brace, Pulley, & other things in tho said County."

MEOLE BRACE..

Ill

Same date. Articles between Mr Newport, and
Thomas Berrington gent, of Moathall reciting the last
mentioned articles : it is agreed that Newport and
Wolley should (within 6 months after Shearer should
levy a fine of Oakes and Brace Meole) assign over to
Berrington the manor of Brace Meole and the premises
in Pulley Newbold and Oruckmeole in fee : in con-
sideration of which Berrington covenants to exonerate
the Oaks from the £69 annuity, and to lay it upon
Brace Meole, &c, and his capital messuage of Moathall
in ye p'sh of Pontesbury : and on a tenement in great
Han wood.

16 Nov., 41 Eliz., Gilbert Shearer conveys the
manor of Okes otherwise Hooks, formerly the estate of
his father Thomas, — and the manor and premises of
Brace Meole, &c., to Newport and Woolley and the heirs
of JNewport.

In 1642 this annuity of £69 belonged to Sir William
Owen of Condover, Knt., who then settled it on his
second son Edward in fee.

In 1734 it belonged to William Owen, Esq., who
then granted it to Corbet Kynaston, Esq., in trust for
the use of himself and Anne, his wife, for their lives,
remainder to the heirs of his body, and in default of
such issue, remainder to the vicar of Condover for ever.

At the court of John Holand, Earl of Huntingdon,
and Wm. Cornell, Esq., and Eliz., his wife, relict of
Wm. la Zouche, lord of Meole Bracy, 10 Hen. V., the
warden of the fraternity of the holy cross in the church
of St. Alkmund was presented for lands in Meole called
Prydesland, in the holding of Roger Mutton : as were
the prior of St. John Baptist, Frankvile, and the vicar
of St. Alkmund : Agnes de Peynton was presented for
Peynton : John Perle was amerced 12d. for enclosing
Gamelesfeld.

At a court holden Tuesdav before St. John ante

«/

portam Latinam, 6 Hen. VI., John Conway of Peynton
and Agnes, his wife, were amerced 2d. for non-appear-
ance, and John Perle 12d, for keeping enclosed

112 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Gameslesfeld and Priors close, which ought to be
common from Michaelmas to Candlemas for 2 years :
and ye 3d year common from the time of carrying the
hay to Michaelmas.

In the 35th of Eliz., Thomas Sherer, Esq., was lord
of this manor ; a little court and court baron being held
by Richard Kalywell, gent., steward thereof, on the
23rd of May in that year. At this court it was
presented that Anne Shearer, widow, had day at the
last court to make a gate at the newe field, which she
had not yet done, and the penalty is ordered to be
levied. John Francke had day at the last court to
repair his house, and the penalty is ordered to be
levied. John Dager of Condover is amerced for fishing
in the water of the lord. " Item presentant quod
Arthurus Griffithes custod' & ligabat boves & vaccas
suas & alia averia & catalP sua in camp' venal' in
Anglie' did keepe and tye his beasts and cattells in the
corne filds ad nocument' vicinorum suorum, ideo in
misericordia domini 2s 6d." John Shearer, clerk, is
amerced the same sum for a like oSence.

At a court of John, lord Zouche and Seynt More, 7
Oct., 24 Hen. VIII. (1532), John Waters, gent., and Wm.
Sherer are presented for houses out of repair : Richd.
Blore for overcharging the common with cattle :
George, Earl of Shrewsbury, for detaining 19s. lOd.
which the lord of Mule used to have from the town of
Edgebould.

Nevertheless, in the 7th of Hen. VIII., Richard
Hosey was lord here : for then a precept issued from
the Crown to Tfros. Corn way le, Knt. , Sheriff of Shrop-
shire, wherein reciting that it was found by an
inquisition taken at Bridgenorth Tuesday after Easter
in the said 7th year, before Sir Thos. Blunt, Knt., and
others Justices of the Peace, that tl Oliver Kynaston
late of Mule Brasie gent, Tho. Kynaston late of Shrews-
bury gent, Edw. Persys late of the same laborer, David
Dee late of Powys in the march of Wales taylor,
Wrn Noryse late of Mule aforesaid myles (qu. miller)

kEOLE BRACE.

113

Tho8 Norrice late of the same laborer, Wm Hotchkis
iate of Pulley husbandman Wm Nickolls of Salop
schrever and other evil disposed persons with force and
arms to wit with swords staves bows and arrows on
the 27th of December in the year aforesaid expelled th
said Richard Hose senior out of the manor of Mule
Brace whereof he was lawfully seised in his demesne as
of fee, the king commanded the sheriff to restore the
said Hose to his possession : whereupon the said sheriff
by his writ, dated from Barford, reciting that the
premises were within the liberties of Shrewsbury, com-
manded the bailiffs Bob* Dudley and Bogr Thornes to
execute ye kings precept in this behalf.

1 Jan., 29 Hen. VIIL, The B* Honble John Zouche
knight lorde Zouche Senior and Cant' (i.e., Cantilupej
demises to Arthure Makworth of Mule brace the chief
messuage, manor, castell, and ferine thereof, with all
lands, woods, fishings, fines, &c, &c., thereto belonging.
To hold to him, Mary his wife, Bichard his eldest son
now being of the age of 6 years and John his second
son of the age of 5 years and the longest liver of them,
yielding and paying to Lord Zouch yearly at his manor
of Harryngeworth ill I 7s. llfd. Arthur Mackworth
has paid ,£10 fine for this lease and exonerates lord
Zouche of 2s. 6d. for sui t of court yearly to the court of
Shrewsbury, £l Gs. 8d. yearly to Thomas Bramley
gent steward of the manor for his fee : and if the
sd Thomas Bramley shall die, or be lawfully avoided of
his fee, and if that 19s. lO^d. of free rent goyng out of
the manor of Egebolt now reteyned from lord Zouche
by the erle of Shrewsbury be recovered, then Arthur
Mackworth shall pay Ld Zouche either or both of those
sums/' John, late Lord Zouche, father of the present,
had granted to Arthur Mackworth an annuity of J£4
out of this manor. It is now covenanted that he shall
not demand this as long as he, his wife, or two sons
hold this lease, because he has had it better cheape in
consideration of his agreement not to demand it.

From a MS. in the possession of Sir Digby Mack-

114

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

worth, Bart., drawn up by Thomas Mackworth, Esq.,
of Betton, in the reign of Charles II., I learn that
John, Lord Zouch, conveyed the castle and manor of
Meole Brace, and several other lands in Nobold and
Newton, to Arthur Mackworth, 9t but he reserved to
himself and to his heirs the royalties hereafter men-
tioned, viz., to have and give in armes and in conusance
the Asse-head, which was before annexed to the said
castle of Meole Brace." As the compiler of the MS.
from which this extract is taken was of the family of
Mack worth of Betton, he appears to have had no access
to the ancient documents of his kinsmen of Meole
Brace, which had before his time passed into other
families. We are, therefore, left in ignorance as to
the origin of this cognizance of the ass's head,1 and are
unable to ascertain the date of this alienation of the
manor, or from which of the two Lords Zouch of the
baptismal name of John it proceeded.

The gallant behaviour of Sir James de Audeley and
his four esquires at Poictiers, when, following their
master, they placed themselves in the front of the
battle, and cut their way through the French army,
even to the marshal's standard, is known to every
reader of the history of those times. From one of
these brave gentlemen the family of Mackworth claim
to descend, the other three being Delves, Fowlehurst,
and Hawkestone. Other accounts, however, substitute
Dutton for Mackworth, and this I take to be the
truth. All these five families do indeed bear the frett
of Audley in their coat armour; but as the four
esquires of Poictiers were all of them confessedly
Cheshire men — to a connection with which county
Mackworth can have no pretensions, being derived from

1 An ass's head argent, tied round the mouth with a cord azure,
charged on the neck with a fleur de lys vert, is given in Edmonson as
the crest of Zouch of Wiltshire. From the terms of the grant above
referred to, it appears that it could have belonged only to that
branch of the family which was possessed of the castle of Meole
Brace.

MEOLE BRACE.

115

the castle of that name in Derbyshire, which continued
in the Mackworths of NormantoD till the middle of the
17th century — we must look elsewhere for their
armorial bearings. Accordingly we find from the MS.
already quoted that it was not till the year 1404,
nearly half a century after the battle of Poictiers, that
John Tuchet, Lord Audley, the heir general of the hero
of that famous day, granted a coat of arms to John
Mackworth and Thomas Mackworth, his brother, for
that they and their ancestors had done brave service to
him and his ancestors : quod illi & illorum majoris
operam fortem sibi & suis majoribus prestitissent. This
deed, which, says the MS., 4< is enrolled in the tower of
London— the original being in the custody of Sir
Thomas Mackworth [of Normanton, baronet] — and the
other part was in the possession of my grandfather,
Richard Mackworth, till it was burnt with his other
writings at Sutton," shews the true date of the arms of
Mackworth, which are, in fact, ingeniously compounded
of the two coats of Audley and Touchet blended
together.

[The Arms of Audley, Touchet, and Mackworth, are here tricked
in the MS.]

This John Mackworth (the grantee of the coat of
arms) was Dean of Lincoln and Chancellor to the
Prince of Wales, and gave his inn, now called Barnard's
Inn, in Holborn, to the chapter of his cathedral church.
An Harleian MS. (6,829, fol. 65) gives his epitaph from
a marble tomb in that church : —

Joh'es Mackworth decretor' doctor, cancellarius illustrissimi
principis Henrici filii Regis Henrici IVU & Decanus Eccl'ie
d e Marie Lincoln.

From the expression of the MS. it might be supposed
that the John Mackworth of the text was an esquire
and a military man, but this does not appear to be the
case. The original grant is printed in Blore's History
of Rutland, p. 224. It is in French, and the cause
which Lord Audeley assigns for making this grant of
arms to the two brothers is " that they are descended

Vol. VIII., 2nd s. P

116 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

from good and valiant persons, and that their ancestors
had done good service to bis ancestors."

" From a younger brother of the house of the Mack-
worths, supposed to be one of these armigers of the
Lord Audleys, there descended ore Thomas Mack worth,
who was groome of the privy chamber to Henry VII.,
as appears from his petition to the King for a ranger's
place in the chace of Sutton in the County of Warwick
which I now have : and by the marriage with Anne a
2 cosen to the Lord Zouch hee first came into Shrop-
shire and was possessed of the castle and lordshipp
of Bracemeole.,, MS. ut sup?\ If by the word
''possessed" in this extract it is meant that this
Thomas Mackworth was lord of the manor, this asser-
tion is inconsistent with the former one of John, Lord
Zouch's conveyance of it to his son Arthur. He might,
however, occupy the castle as tenant to that nobleman,
his relation, as is said, by marriage. It is at least
certain that he was resident and possessed of land here
in that reign, as appears from an indenture of demise

made at Meole brace, dated the 8th day of in 22

Hen. VII., between Thomas Mackworth and Anne his
wife, on the one part, and Elizabeth Worthington on
the other part. This is all that is said of that deed in
the MS., and it is impossible to conjecture what its
import may have been, but Elizabeth Worthington
occurs as lady of the 'manor by grant from another
family several years before the date of this last men-
tioned transaction.1

Thomas Mackworth, the groom of the chamber, must
have been in much favour with his sovereign if it be
true, as stated in the MS. so often quoted, that Prince
Arthur, happening to lie at the Castle of Meole Brace
on his way from Shrewsbury to Ludlow, stood god-
father to his son, and gave him his own name,

Prince Arthur was born in I486, in 1493 he was

* See p. 109 ante.

MEOLE BRACE.

117

constituted Justice in the counties of Salop, &c, and
the Marches of Wales. Two years later his father
brought him to Shrewsbury, to introduce him, no
doubt, to the subjects of his u new-intrusted scepter,"
and between this time and his death at Ludlow in
1502 he may have resided several times here, or passed
between the two towns, of which our annals take no
notice. (I find him at Chester in 1498. J So that this
anecdote enables us to fix the birth of Arthur Mack-
worth with sufficient certainty within the compass of a
few years.

Of his two sons, Thomas died before his father,
leaving issue who " by the fraud of their grandfather
were disinherited after their father's decease," says the
MS. From Thomas, adds the same authority, comes
the family of John Mackworth the dyer in Shrewsbury,
who sold the Dayhouse and some lands in Nobold
which he had by his father.

" William, the other son, mortgaged all his father's
land in Meele brace, Nobold, and Newton to one
Thomas Harris of Lincoln's Inn, the younger, as
appears by his deed, 35 Eliz., most of which is since
come to be the inheritance of Sir Francis Edwards,
Bart., as bought by his grandfather, old Mr. Edwards,
and some is possessed by Mr. Berrington of Motehall."
Ibid.

Memorandum that Humfrey Mackworth upon New
Year's Day, 1G82, being treasurer at bar of the
Christmas of the Middle Temple, together with Th.
Montgomerie, Esq , treasurer under the bar, and the j
rest of the officers and gentlemen of that honourable
society, waited upon his majesty (ore tenus) to wish
him a happy new yeare, and to assure that as that
society had in the worst of times by a loial address and
abhorrence given an example of loialty to other inns of
court, soe in all the changes of the government of
theire society, the middle temple is still truly loiall,
which, as lawyers he thought they were more obliged
to declare publickly : and soe concluded with a hearty

118

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

prayer for his majesty and the royall succession in the
right line.

Upon Jan. 15 after, though the Gazette says the
20th, his majesty was pleased to confer the honor of
knighthood upon him. His Majesty was pleased to
express that he heard a very good character of him, so
bad him kneel down, &c, and with the sword of my
Lord of Aran, D. Hamilton's son, conferred the honor
of knighthood upon him. The sword my Lord Aran
after, at the Dog Taverne in Drury lane, presented to
Sir H. Mackworth, being one of the Kings swords with
eleven crounes upon it, which the King had formerly
given my Lord Aran. He paid fees £81 13s. 4d. to
Mr. Duppe, chiefe gentleman usher.

The words of his speech are as follows, viz. : —

V May it please your majesty, &c."

[It is in the common style of such addresses. They
refer to their abhorrence of the late traitorous and
hellish association, and talk of their attendance at
Westminster making them the best witnesses of His
Majesty's great justice and clemency ; of the presence
of his most illustrious royal brother being the best
security to His Majesty's person and government ; and
conclude with praying that there may never be wanting
millions equally loyal to sacrifice their lives and for-
tunes for his safety, and for the preservation of the
royal succession in the right line, &c]

[Here follow in the Blakeway MS. four pages of short tabular
pedigrees of the family of Mackworth, which however it is quite
unnecessary to reproduce here, as a full Pedigree of Mackworth has
already been printed, under Betton Strange, in the Transactions,
2nd Series, vol. i., pp. 3i)0 — 396, to which reference should be made.
The short pedigrees here given add nothing to the full pedigree there
printed. — Ed.]

Arthur Mackworthe of Meole Brace, gentleman,
was living in 1583, when his son William was
admitted a burgess of Salop, and must have been a
very aged man if he were indeed godson to the Prince
of Wales.

MEOLE f BRACE.

119

Arthur Mackworthe, of Meole Brace, gent.=f=Mary Barker.

I

William Mackworthe, of Salop, gent. ;-f Elizabeth, dau. of Nicholas
adm. of Salop School, 1502 ; adm. a Orosvenor.
burgess of Salop loH'A.

Mary, b. Arthur Mackworthe, b. 1575 ; adm. Eleanor, b. Martha, b.
1574. of Salop School 15i)3. 157G. 1578.

I j t r

Sialia, i.e., Cicely, Jane, b. Edward, 2nd son- Richard, 3rd Ursula,
b. 1581. 1582. son.

On the 7th of March, 40 Eliz. (1597-8), William
Mack worth, gent., of Brace Meole, Elizabeth, his wife,
and Arthur, his son and heir, sold to Thomas Edwards
of Shrewsbury, Esq., the manor of Meole Brace, and
the manor house or capital messuage called the Castle
of Meole Brace, and all houses, lands, tenements, &c,
in Meole Brace, Nobold, Newton, Pully, and Edgbold.

30 Aug., 41 Eliz. (1599), Philip Draycott, Esq., son
and heir-apparent of John Draycott of Paynsley, Co.
Staff., Esq., and Win. Blundell of Crosby e, Co. Lane,
Esq., quit claim to Thomas Edwards of Shrewsbury,
Esq., all their title in ye rectory of Meole Brace and ye
advowson of the vicarage, and in a tithe croft and lands
thereto adjoining lying in Jonesfield in ye sd parish of
Meole Brace, also in various tenements in Shrewsbury.

27 Aug., 1702, Agreement between Ilobt. Harvey,
junr., of the Inner Temple, Esq., and Thomas Edwardes
of Salop, Esq. : —

Whereas Sir Francis Edwarde barfc of Grantham c5. Line,
nephew of ye sd Thomas, did 21 Aug., 1700, convey the
Manor of Meole Brace & its lands & appurts., & all his
messuages in Newton, Nobould, Edgebold, rulloy, Coleham &
Frankwell, — y° farm called the Coates in Rushbury p'sh, —
the College in Shrewsbury, — to feoffees to yc use of himself for
life, — remr to his wife Susanna for life,— remr to their son &
heir Francis in tail male, remr to himself Sir Francis in tail
male, remr to the issue of himself & Susanna, & on failure of
such issue, a moiety of ye premises shod go to ye r* heirs of Sir
Francis, or otherwise as he shod direct by will, k> the other
moiety in like manner to dame Susanna's heirs or devisees

120 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

And whereas ye sd Sr Francis & his wife are now dead, &
Harvey is her eldest brother & heir, & as such entitled to ye
reversion of ye sd moiety, It is agreed in cons'on that Thomas
Edwardes make a settlement of his Manor of Greete, — that
Harvey will levy a fine of his moiety aforesaid to y° use of ye
sd Thomas in tail male, remr to his brothers. Benjamin
Edwardes of London, Herbert Edwardes of Salop, gents., &
Jonathan Edwardes of Marton, elk., in tail male successively,
remr to y° right heirs of Sir Francis.

And whereas y° sd Thomas did 29 Fob., 1G89, on his
marriage with Mary his wife, settle his Manor of Greete, &c,
to himself & wife for life, remr to his right heirs — This settle-
ment of Greete is now extended to ye children Thomas
Edwards may have by any other wife.

In 1727, Sir Francis Edwards conveyed the tithes
of Egebold and Newton to John Craig, gent., who, in
1744, conveyed them to Jonathan Scott. (From the title
deeds of Scott of Betton).

Jonathan Scott had an estate at Edgebold in ye p'sh
of Meole Brace, which in 1672 he settled on his
marriage with Elizabeth Stone, widow, daughter of
Edw. Tong, gent. He further augmented this, in
1692, by a purchase there and at Newton from Joshua
Ireland, gent., which was finally completed in 1718.

The elder branch of Mr. Edwards's descendants (who
were raised to the baronetage in the person of his
son, Sir Thomas) terminated in a daughter married to
the Lord Viscount Malpas, who sold this manor in the
year 1779 to John Bather of Shrewsbury, gent.,1 whose

1 [The Conveyance to Mr. Bather of the Manor of Meol Brace,
othcrwiso Brace Meole, with the Court Baron perquisites of Court,
and all and singular other members, rights, and royalties and appur-
tenances to the said Manor and the Advowson, is dated 25th March
(19 Ceo. III.), 1779.

This deed is made between the Right Honourable Lady Hester
Malpas, otherwise called Hester Cholmondeley, of the City of Bath,
wklow and relict of the Right Honourable Ceorge Cholmondeley,
Esquire, commonly called Lord Viscount Malpas, lately deceased, and
also only child and heiress of Sir Francis Edwards, late of the Town
of Shrewsbury in the County of Salop, Baronet, deceased, Dame

MEOLE BRACE.

121

grandson, the Rev, Edward Bather, is now lord of the
manor, and patron and incumbent of the vicarage.
" The Hanly in this p'sh."

W. Linden, M.D., published in 8vo. in 1768 "a
medical and experimental history and analysis of the
Hanly s spa saline purging and chalybeate waters near
Shrewsbury. v

[Amongst the Shrewsbury Corporation muniments is preserved a
Writ of Bight Patent, dated at Westminster 23 July, 8 George II.,
addressed to the Mayor and Recorder of Shrewsbury to do full right
to John Adams of the Manor of Meole Brace otherwise Mecl Brace,
with the appurtenances, and of 40 messuages, 20 cottages, 2,000
acres of land, 400 acres of meadow, 200 acres of pasture, 50 acres of
wood, 300 acres of furze and heath, 40s. rent, and common of pasture
for all manner of cattle, with the appurtenances in Meole Brace
otherwise Mecl Brace, Nobold, Edgmond, and Newton, Newton
Common, Pulley, the town of Shrewsbury, and the parish of Meel ;
And also of Tithes of corn, grain, and hay arising in Meel, Nobold,
Edgmond, Pulley, and Newton ; And the Advowson of the Church of
Meole Brace, which he claimeth to hold of us by fee service of one
penny by the year for all services, which William Turner deforceth.
A Court was held 23 July, and was adjourned to 25 July, 1734, when
John Adams and William Turner appear, and demands against Sir
Francis Edwardes, Bart., the manor of Meole Brace, &c, and doth
call to warrant Thomas Jones, who claims to be tenant, but doth not
appear, and is therefore in mercy, &c.

The descent of the Manor of Meole Brace hi the families of
Edwardes and Bather can thus be traced. I. Thomas Edwardes, Esq.,
of The College, Shrewsbury, the purchaser of the Manor and estates
of Meole Brace in March, 1597-8, and of the advowson in the follow-
ing year, died 19 March, 1G34, and was buried at St. Chad's. By his
wife Anne, dau. and heiress of Humfrey Baskerville, and relict of
Stephen Ducket, he had issue a son Thomas Edwardes, who wras
created a Baronet on 21 March, 1644. II. Sir Thomas Edwardes,
Bart., died in April, 1660, and was bur. at St. Chad's, leaving by his
2nd wife Cicely, dau. of Edward Brooke of Church Stretton, with
other issue three sons : (1) Francis, 2nd Bart., who succeeded him
in the title and estates ; (2) Thomas, ancestor of the 5th and 6th

Hester Edwards, otherwise Wyse, of the City of Bath aforesaid, widow
of the late Sir Francis Edwards, and mother of the said Lady Hester
Malpas, of the first part, Thomas Mason of the Town of Shrewsbury
aforesaid, Merchant, of the second part, and John Bather of The Bank
in the said County of Salop, Gentleman, of the third part. — Ed. J

122 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Baronets ; and (3) Rev. Jonathan, Vicar of Meole Brace, ancestor of
the present line of Baronets. III. Sir Francis Ed ward cs, 2nd Bart,
b. 13 May, 1643, was a Colonel of Foot in King William III.'s
service, and died in Ireland in 1G90. By his wife Eleanor, dau. of
Sir George Warburton of Arley, Bart., he had issue a son Francis,
3rd Bart. IV. Sir Francis Edwardes, 3rd Bart., b. 29 Nov., 1670,
resided at Grantham, and died in Oct., 1701. He married Susanna,
sister of Robert Harvey of Stockton, and left issue, (1) Francis, who
succeeded him as 4th Bart., and (2) Eleanor, who married her cousin,
Sir Henry Edwardes, 5th Bart, of Greet and The College in Shrews
bury. V. Sir Francis Edwards, 4th Baronet, b. 1698, died 5 August,
1734, and was bur. at Meole Brace. He married, 20 June, 1726,
Hester, daughter and coheir of John Lacon, Esq., of West Coppice,
and had issue an only daughter and heiress, — VI. Hester Edwardes,
who mar. 19 Jan., 1747, George Viscount Malpas, and sold the
Manor, Advowson, and estates of Meole Brace 25 March, 1779, to
John Bather, Esq.

See Pedigrees of the Family of Edwardes in the Vis. of Salop, 1623,
the Baronetages, and Owen and Blakeway's Shrewsbury, ii., 259.
The Arms of Edwardes are, Gules a chevron engrailed between three
tigers' heads erased at the neck argent. This family is descended
from Tudor Trevor, Lord of Hereford, Whittington, and Both
Maelors, and Founder of the Tribe of the Marches, by his wife
Angharad, daughter of Howell Dha, King of South Wales, a.d
907.

I. John Bather, Esq., who purchased the manor, advowson, and
estates of Meole Brace in 1779, was the son of Edward Bather of
Walford, by Katherine, dau. of John Edwards of Great Ness ; he
married Elizabeth Hawkesford, and dying 31 Jan., 1810, was suc-
ceeded by his grandson, — II. The Venerable Edward Bather (son of
the Rev. John Bather, who died in vitd patris, 26 Oct., 1796), Vicar
of Meole Brace and Archdeacon of Salop. On the Archdeacon's
death without issue, 3 Oct., 1847, the estates came to his nephew, —
III. The Rev. Edw. Bather (son of John Bather, Esq., of Dinthill,
Recorder of Shrewsbury, who died 8 Nov., 1839), Vicar of Meole
Brace. He died without issue, 15 March, 1851, and was succeeded
by his brother, — IV. John Bather, Esq., of the Day House. He
married Isabella Beilby, and died 21 May, 1886, leaving, with other
issue a son, — V. Edward William Bather, Esq., Barrister-at-law, of
Davenham Cottage, Northwieh, Co. Chester, and The Hall, Meole
Brace, the present Lord of the Manor, and owner of the estates, and
Patron of the Advowson of Meole Brace.

The name Bather, or Bathoe, is of some antiquity in Shropshire,
and at an early date occurs as Ap Atha. The following Pedigree,
which is compiled from various sources, shows the position of the
several members of the family who have been Lords of the Manor and
Vicars of the Church of Meole Brace. The Roman numerals prefixed
show the Lords. For several dates in it, the Editor is iudebted to
the kindness of E. C. Peele, Esq. — Ed.]

MEOLE BRACE.

123

ROBERT BATHER, or Bathoe, of Adcott Hall, co Salop ;=j=Jane.
died 12 Nov., 1720 ; bur. at Great Ness. I

Edward Bather, of Walford,=pKatharine, dau Oi l-1 d i

parish of Baschurch ; b.

1703 ; d. 9 June
1776 : bur. at Great Ness.

of Great Ness
aged 80.

bur. there 9 Dec., 1773,

| John Bather, of Meole Brace, =f=Elizabeth, dau. of Richard

E3q. ; a noted carrier; pur-
chased the Manor of Meole
Brace in 1779: bapt. 30
Juno, 1726, at Little Ness ;
d. 31 Jan., 1810; bur. 5
Feb. at Meole Brace, M.I.

Hawkesford, of Shrews-
bury and Ivetsoy ; m. 1
Jan., 1750, at S. Julian's,
Shrewsbury ; d. 6 April,
1785, n-t. 52.

I

Margaret, m. at
Baschurch, 27
Juno, 1754, John
Brayne of
Shrewsbury.

Rev. John Bather, M.A., Ch. Ch., Oxon ;
Vicar of Meole Brace 1778-1796 ; bapt.
23 Oct., 1751, at St. Chad's ; d. 26 Oct.,
1796 ; bur. 1 Nov., at Meole Brace, M.I.

pMartha Hannah, dau. of Rev.

) James Halifax, D.D., Rector of
Whitchurch; b. 2 Sept., 1757 ;
d. 30 Aug., 1824 ; bur. 4 Sept.,
at Meole Brace, aged 66 ; M.I.

Emma, dau. of= ||. Ven. Edward Bather, M.A., Oriel=Mary, dau. of the

Rov. Robert Coll., Oxon. ; Vicar of Meole Right Rev. Samuel

Hallifax.M.A., Brace 1804-1847 ; Prebendary of Butler, D.D., Lord

J. P., Vicar of Lichfield, and Archdeacon of Bishopof Lichfield

Standish with Salop, 1828 ; Lord of the Manor m. at St. Mary's,

Hardwick, co. of Meole Brace ; b. Shrewsbury, 27

Gloucs. ; d. 14 1780, and bapt. 2 Ap., 1780 ; d. March, 1828 ; d. 26

Dec, 1825, set. 3 Oct., 1847, bur. 8th, at Meole Dec, 1853, set. 54.

42. (1st wife). Brace, M.I. (2nd wife).

Join Bather, of l)inthill,=i=Elizabeth, dau. of

Esq., Barristor-at-Law,
and Recorder of Shrews-
bury; bapt. 30 Sept.,
1781 ; m. 20 Dec, 1814 ;
d. 8 Nov., 1839, at Chel-
tenham, bur. 15th, at
Meole Brace.

Rev. G eorge Gi pps,
M.A., Rector of
Ringwold,co. Kent;
d. 6 Oct., 1880, aet.
93.

Martha, bapt.
16 Jan., 1783;
bur. 5 April,
1823.

Rev. Edward Bather, M.A., Merton=Maria, dau. of Rev. Charles
Coll., Oxon; Vicar of Meole Brace Powell, Rector of Munslow;
1847-1851 ; Lord of the Manor of Meole m. there 14 Nov., 1848.
Brace ; b. at Dinthill, 2 July, 1817 ;
d. at Bournemouth, 15 March, 1851,
ret. 33.

Vol VIII. 2ml S

Q

124 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

George Bather Artnur Henry Ven. Henry Francis=^Elizabeth, Mary,
of Wroxeter; Bather, of the Bather, M.A., St. dau. of the Rev.
d. 13 Sept., Hall, Meole John's Coll., Camb.; T.D.Atkinson,
1885. Brace; d. 25 Vicar of Meole Brace Vicar of Ruge-

July, 1892. since 1858, Canon ley, co. Stafford.

Residentiary of Here-
ford, and Archdeacon
of Ludlow; b. 8 Feb.,
1832; m. 6 August,
1857.

IV Joli n Bather, of the Day-
house, Meole Brace ;
Lord of the Manor and
Patron of Meole Brace;
M. A. and Fellow of St.
John's Coll., Camb.; b.
7 Jan., 1819; d. 21 May,
1886 ; M.I. at Meole
Brace (second son).

Isabella, dau. of William
Beilby, M.D.; b 9 Ap.,
1829; m. atSt.Thomas',
Edinburgh, 18 Septem-
ber, 1851 ; d. 16 June,
1886.

Emma, d. unm. 23

Jan., 1877.
Louisa, m. Rev. T. C.

Powell, rector of

Munslow.

Rhoda, d. unm. 12

May, 1893.
Elizabeth, married

Thomas Bather of
Willcote, Great Ness.

Edward William Bather of:
Chelford, co. Chester ;
Barrister-at-Law, Lord of
the Manor and Patron of
Meole Brace ; b. 10 Jan. ,
1854; m. 30 Sept., 1886.

-Muriel, dau. of
Spencer Bickham
of Oakwood, Al-
derley Edge.

I

Rev. William Henry
Bather, M.A., Pemb.
Coll., Oxon; of Ells-
tree, Herts.

Edward J ohn Bather.

John Herbert
Brayne Knollys
Bather. Bather.

Arthur
George
Bather,

Maria isabella,ra,
Rev. Edward
Grainger Hall,
M.A.
Ellen Louisa.
Constance Hannah.

THE CHURCH.

[Sir Hugh de Mortimer, some time between 1155 and 1174, gave the
advowson of the Church to Wigmore Abbey. The Taxation of 1291
states that the Rectory was worth £12 per annum, and the Vicarage
45.— Cf. Eyton vi., 357-8.— Ed.]

9 May, 5 Hen. VI. [qu. VII., 1489] Sir Owin ap Gruff, vicar of
Mele Bracy, demises to Sir David ap Jevan Lloit, rector of
Wentener, Hugh Walker of Salop, merchant, and Roger Mon-
gomery of Salop, literate, the whole vicarage of Mele Bracy,
with all profits, tithes, &c, for 7 years, at a rent of £6. The
Vicar covenants to celebrate daily in ye sd church during the
term, and duly and honestly to keep the care of the

MEOLE BRACE.

125

parishioners (curam parochianorum debite & honeste cus-
todire) ; if he refuse so to do, the lessees to hire (conducere)
a fit chaplain for those purposes, and to retain the portion of
his salary out of ye rent of £6. The lessees to bear all the
ordinary burdens of the church. H. T. : Johes Poyns', Roberto
Scherer, Will'mo Herde, & M. A.

It should seem as if the vicar had got into debt.

By indenture of 22 Aug., 11 Elen. VIII. (1519), between
John, abbot of Sl James of Wygmore and the convent of the
same place, rectors of the parish church of Meolbracy, on one
part, and master John Constable, dean, and the chapter and
vicars of Sfc Chad in Salop, Robert Bayley, John Foster, and
Richard Maunsell of the other part, reciting that William, late
abbot of the said monastery, and his convent demised to one
John Styche, chaplain, John Charnoll, and Katherine his wife,
all tithes of sheaf and all other profits belonging to the said
abbot and convent, in right of the church of Meole bracy, to
hold for three years and so from three years to three years
during the life of Charnell and his wife, and the longest liver
of them, at the yearly rent of 100s, — now the present abbot
and convent demise to the said dean, chapter, and vicars, and
Bayly, Foster, and Maunsell, all the said tithes of sheaf, and
the rectory aforesaid, with all appurtenances except the presen-
tation of the vicarage, to hold for 99 years, to commence from
the expiration of the former lease, at the same rent. [Seal
tricked.]

The tithes were afterwards demised to Reginald Corbet
gent.; and Edward VI., on 14 Decr 3t0 regni, granted them
( inter alia) to Hugh Edwardes and Wm Knight of London,
mercers, who on ye 8th of Febr., 4 Edward VI. (1550), granted
them to Robert Alen of Salop, draper.

30 Aug., 1599, Philip Draycott, Esq., son and heir of John
Draycott of Paynsley, Co. Staff., Esqr, and Wra Blundell of
Crosbye, Co. Lane, Esqr, release to Tho. Edwards of Sal., Esqr,
their right in the rectory and church and advowson of the
vicarage of Meole Brace, with all tithes, &c, and divers
tenements in Shrewsbury.

7 Sept., 39 Eliz., Richard Banister of Wem, Esq., granted to
Wm Adams of the same, yeoman, the next presentation to the
vicarage of Meole Brase ; and 11 Nov., 1598, Adams assigns it
to John Raynolds of Forten, Co. Sal., yoman.

Ponsbury Deanery.

V. Brace Meol. Harl. MSS., 6,826. '

,The tithes of corn are all impropriated to the patron Sir
Francis Edwards, except in some certain closes, where the

126

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

vicar has the whole tithes : who also enjoys all the small tithes
of the parish, and several acres of glebe worth about £6 or £7
per annum. The value of ye vicarage is about £40 a year.

Extracted out of the Registry of the Consistory Court of
the Diocese of Hereford : —

Brace Meelle

The presentment of the Vicar ther of the Terrier of the
Glibe Land made the xixth day of July 1607. I say fyrst that
the p'sonage ys reputed to have byn impropriated to the
Abbey of Wygmor And ys now the inherytance of Thomas
Edwards of Salop wthin the Liberty of the Towne of Salop
Esquyre Whom I do repute & take to be the Patrone of the
Vicaredge Also there belongeth to the sayd Vicaredge of
Glybe Land to the Quantity of xvi* bushells sowynge Salop
Met or thereabowts wch I suppose to be abowte viii acars or
therabowts whereof three Bushells Sowynge or thereabowts
lieth in one Inclosure called by the Name Bradwall Hill. Also
there ys three lyttle Pyckes beyng half a Bushell sowynge or
thereabovvtes old Salop Met wch lythe in one Inclosure in
Wythymore fFyld Wyd'ynge uppon a croft called Cutlars Croft
wthin the Township of Newton. Also there ys on Land in
Inclosure adjoynynge to a Place called the Yeld towards
Wytley beynge viien Peckes or therabouts old Salop met beinge
wthin a Pasture of the Township of Newton forsaid old Salop
met Also ther ys one p'cell of Land to the Quantyte by
Estymac'on of on Bushell & a half sowynge or therabowts
lynge in Inclosure wth a Pasture called Snelson Fyld wthin the
Township of Newton Also ther ys viii Bushells Sowynge or
therabowtes ouli Salop Mett lyinge in the Myddill iylde of
Brace Meelle as the Fild dothe lye Also there ys in Pulleys
Fildo on Bushell and a half sowynge Salop Mett or there-
abowts beynge two Buttes of Glybe Land, On But, beyond a
Place called the More the other Rudge ys beyond a Croft
called Mony Bridge Croft No pasture in Inclosure but the
Croft aforesaid called Bradwall Hill wth the Churchyard &
Orchard And a lytle lytic (sic) inclosure at the Churchyard
syde towards the Water Smalc fedynge but the Com'on Fildes
A Very lytle Com'on beyingo to the Towne of Brace Meele
Also I say that ther belongeth to the Yicaredge One howse
wherein the Yicar now dwelleth, on barne Moreover ther
belongel-.h to the sayd Yicaredge the Teyth Corne of all the
Whom Closses throughout all the Parish of all Man'er of
Grayne that ys sowed uppon them wth the Teyth Wole &
Lamb, Teyth Hempe & Flax, Teythe Gysse, Teyth Pyges, The

MEOLE BRACE.

127

Ester Booke, Teyth Egges All the Teyth Hay belongynge to
the Parish, Her bach, The Teyth Wod of all the Cop'ces wthin
the p'ish of Brace Meole, Teyth Garleck & Iny'ons, Teyth
Aples Teyth Pers, Teyth Wardens Mortmains & of ev'y stalles
of Bees in Lew of the Teyth 2ijd Also ther belongeth to the
Vicar for every Buriall wthin the Chansall vis viiid and what
Privates belongeth to the sayd Vicaredge as yet I know not.

Jo Sherer vicar ib'rn
Arthur Jeffes ) ^, , ,
Arthur Hicken ] Churchwardens

Examined

Tho" Clarke Regar

[The old Church, of which an illustration is given, was taken down
in the year 1799. In 1724, its roof was ceiled, the walls new
plastered, and a gallery erected. In 1789, its roof and the inside of
the Church were repaired, the south side of the chancel cased, and the
windows enlarged and glazed. On taking down the old Church, a
sepulchral stone of rude sculpture, 2ft. Bin. in length, was found
under the gallery staircase. (See an engraving in Gentleman s Magazine,
1807, vol. 77, p. 809.) A new Church was erected in 1799, an ugly,
red-brick, cruciform structure, consisting of nave, chancel, and
transepts ; this in its turn was taken down in 1 869 ; it lay to the south-
west of the modern Church, and its site is marked by stones. The
two stones to the Edwardes family were in the chancel of the Church.
The dedication is doubtful, whether to All Saints or Holy Trinity.

The present Church was erected in 1867, and was consecrated on
Trinity Sunday, May 19, 1869. It consists of nave and apsidal
chancel, with tower at the north-west corner containing three bells,
vestry on the north-east side, and porch on the south side. The
windows are as follows : —

In the chancel : Three windows.

The subject of the centre one is Christ on the Cross, with repre-
sentations of Angels, Apostles, and Kings on the north side, and
Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs on the south side. This was the gift of
Edward Haycock. The north chancel window depicts Old Testament
scenes, and was given by George Burr in memory of William Burr.
The south chancel window has New Testament scenes, and was erected
by subscription. These windows were the work of Morris and Co.

In the nave : On the south side : —

'1) Faith in the centre, with Enoch and Elias on either side. Below
is this inscription on a brass :— " In memory of Arthur Henry Bather,
late Assistant Accountant General of Navy, died July 25, 1892,
aet. 62, erected by Henry F. Bather, Vicarius."

(2) Hope in the centre, with Noe and Simeon on either side, and
this inscription : — " In memory of Mary Flavcl of Pulley, died
March 11, 1868, nt. 85."

)

128 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

On the east wall of the south aisle : —

The Annunciation : In memory of Emma and Rhoda Bather, 1894.
By Kempe.

On the south side : —

Martha and Mary : "In memory of the sisters Sarah and Mary
Ann Peake, 1887." By Powell, White Friars.

In the Tower of the Church are these mural tablets : —

John Bather, Vicar of this Church, died 26 Oct., 1796, set. 45,
Erected by Martha Bather, his widow. [Latin Inscription.']

Martha Hannah, widow of the Rev. John Bather, M.A., late Vicar
of this parish, and dau. of the Rev. James Hallifax, D.D., Vicar of
Whitchurch, born Sept. 2, 1757, and died Augt. 30, 1824.

Martha, their dau., died Ap. 2, 1823, set. 40.

Mrs. Elizabeth Bather, wife of John Bather, Esq., died 6 April,
1785, set. 52.

John Bather, Esq., died 13 Jan., 1810, set. 83.

John Bather, of the Day House, born Jan. 7, 1819, died May 21,
1886.

Isabella Bather his wife, born Ap. 9, 1829, died June 16, 1886.

Emma, wife of the Rev. Edward Bather, M.A., Vicar of Meole
Brace, and dau. of the Rev. Robert Hallifax, of Standish, Co.
Gloucester, died Dec. 14, 1825, set. 42.

Edward Bather, M.A., 20 years Archdeacon of Salop in the diocese
of Lichfield, and 43 years Vicar of this parish, died Oct. 3, 1847,
set. 67,

Mary, 2nd wife of Edward Bather, and dau. of Samuel Butler,
D.D., Lord Bishop of Lichfield, died Dec. 26, 1853, set. 54.

John Bather, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, and Recorder of Shrewsbury,
died Nov. 8, 1839, set. 58. He was second son of the Rev. John
Bather, M.A., Vicar of this parish, and married Elizabeth, dau. of the
Rev. George Gipps, M.A., Rector of Ringwold, Kent, by whom he left
5 sons and 4 daus.

Also Elizabeth, wife of John Bather, died Oct. 6, 1880, set, 93.

The Rev Edward Bather, M.A., Vicar of this parish, died at
Bournemouth March i5, 1851, set. 33.

John Allen, A.M., 20 years Vicar, died March 20, 1778, set. 70.
Katherine Octavia Powlett, born Oct. 27, 1806, died Feb. 15, 1810.
Charles Armand Temple Powlett, born March 1 1 , and died Aug.
26, 1809.

Children of Rev. Charles Powlett and Anne his wife.
John Evans, M.D., of Shrewsbury, died 1 March, 1821, in his 70th
year,

Jane, his wife, died 2 July, 1826, in her 62nd year.

Penelope Seddon, his sister, died 22 Sept., 1805, in her 50th year.'

MEOLE BRACE.

129

Elizabeth Bishop, wife of John Bishop, of Shrewsbury, died Dec
24, 1805. J
John Bishop of Shrewsbury, died Dec. 4, 1812, set. 68.

Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Robert Richards of Edgbolt, died 21 Jan
1802, set. 78.

Sarah, wife of Allan Cunningham, died 9 Aug., 1794, set. 41.
Erected by her sons Allan and Richard.

Elizabeth Powell, of the Abbey in Shrewsbury, formerly of Bridg-
north, died 26 June, 1834, set. 76.

Elizabeth, relict of Rev. Charles Peters, died in Shrewsbury, July
2, 1863, jet. 84. J

Rev. Charles Peters, A.M., Rector of the 2nd portion of Pontes-
bury, formerly Fellow of Queen's Coll., Oxon, and Rector of St.
George's and Roseau, Dominica, died Ap. 7, 1824, set. 56.

George Peters, 2nd son of Rev. Charles Peters and Elizabeth, died
May 20, 1824. set. 15.

Elizabeth, widow of Rev. Jonathan Peters, Vicar of St. Clement's,
near Truro, Cornwall, born July 21, 1736, died Jan. 22, 1814.

Mary Floyd, died 8 Nov., 1782, set. 69, widow of John Floyd, Esq.,
1st Dragoons, who died in Germany Sept. 12, 1759. They had issue
4 children ; the youngest, Thomas Floyd, was Lieutenant R.N.

Sarah Reynolds, died Nov. 24, 1798, set. 81, for 41 years a friend
of Mary Floyd, buried at Sidmouth.

Elizabeth, dau. of Richard and Elizabeth Juson, of Nobold, died
May 12, 1807, set. 6 months.

Elizabeth, wife of Richard Juson, died Jan. 16, 1808, set. 25.

Elizabeth, dau. of Richard Juson and Elizabeth Dick en his 2nd
wife, died March 30, 1817, set. 2 months.

Elizabeth Dicken, 2nd wife of Richard Juson, died Ap. 27, 1853,
set. 63.

William, youngest son of Richard Juson and Elizabeth Dicken of
Red Hill, died Feb. 18, 1857, set. 36, and was interred in the Shrews-
bury General Cemetery.

Mr. Thomas Hiles, of Pulley, died 31 Jan., 1804, set. 54.

John, son of Thomas Hiles, died July 15, 1809, set. 21.

Sarah, relict of Thomas Hiles, died 18 Jan. 1831, in her 81st year.

Rev. John Cotton, M.A., 47 years Vicar of this parish, and 24
of St. Alkmund's, died Dec. 26, 1757, set 73.

Elizabeth, wife of John Cotton, died Nov. 11, 1742, set. 51.
Also eleven of their children.

Mr. John Cotton, Alderman of Shrewsbury, died May 14, 1766,
set. 51.

(On Flat Stones in the Chancel of the Old Church, now part of the
Churchyard.)

136 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Sir Francis Edwardes, 4 Bart.,
Lord of the manor & Patron of this Church,
died 5 Aug., 1734, set. 3G. Also
Hester his widow, daughter of John Lacon, Esq., of
West Coppice, died 10 Oct.. 1805, set 98.
Hester, their only child, relict of George Viscount Malpas,
died 1 Sept., 1794, eet. 67.

Sir Henry Edwardes, 5 Bart., of Greet, and The College
in Shrewsbury; died 26 March, 1767, ait, 74.
Eleanor, his wife, daughter of Sir Francis Edwardes, 3rd Bart.,
died 23 Feb., 1759, set. 59.

In the Churchyard are monumental inscriptions to the families of
Bather, Beck, Blunt, Crane, Edwards, Evans, Flavel, France, Harper,
Harris, Harrison, Hiles, Homfroy, Hotchkiss, Hughes, Lloyd, Min-
shull, Parker, Prichard, Scarth, Southam, Sutton, <fcc, &c.

(In the Shrewsbury General Cemetery.)
Arthur Henry Bather, died 25 July, 1892.

Lucy Elizabeth, his 1st wife, dau. of Charles James Blomfield,
Bishop of London, died 5 Sept., 1864.

John Bather, of the Day House, born 7 Jan., 1819, died 21 May,
1886.

Isabella Bather, his wife, born 9 April, 1829, died 16 June, 1886.

Margaret Elizabeth Bather, died 26 May, 1862, Eet. 3£ years.

Emma Bather, died 23 Jau., 1877, set. 60.
Rhoda Bather, died 12 May, 1893, a3t. 68.

The old Vicarage House was rebuilt in 1670, and the present
Church stands on its site. The present Vicarage was erected in
1869. The Register Books commence in 1681.

The following Certificates of Church ornaments and goods, <kc,
belonging to the Church of Meolc Brace in the year 1553, are
extracted from the originals in the Public Record Office : —

(Exch. Q.R, Church Goods, 6 Edw. VI., Salop, 8-10, m. 8.)

These be the ornaments and goodes of the chirche of Meolle Brace
p'sentyd by the Vicar and the ij Wardens wyth ij onest men of the
pareshe.

In p'mis a challysse of sylvyr weying v ounces & di,

It. a Crosse of brasse.

It. a Cruett of powtur

It. ij chandylstykes of brace

It. iij peyr of vestments on of greyn satten on of dornyx and on of
Red wostcd and dornyx
It. a cope of sylke
It. iij awter cloythes
It. iij belles

George Mybroard and Robert Sherer Wardens
Jlobert Sherer clerk Vicar ther

MEOLE BRACE.

131

Rycliard Medlycott John Sherer
D. Dfis Robert' sthcrcr Vic;iri'
Rycliard Medlycott
(Exch. Q.U., Church Goods 7 Edw. VI.,' Salop 8-12, m 8.)
Thy* Byll indentyd made the xxiij day of May Ano H R. Edr.
Sott. vij° betwen Sf Adam Mytto' Knyght John Corbet of lye esquyer
Ac Iiogr Lewys comytssioners by v'tue of the Kyng's matg Ires of
oomyssion to theuk amongst other directed of the on p'tye and
S Kobart Stherer clerk Vicar of Meolle Brace, Rycliard Medelycot,
Rycliard Stherer, Warden of the parish Clmrche of Meolle, Arthur
Mac worth, John Stherer, P'ishioners of the sayde p'ishe of the other
p'tio Wytnessyth that ther be remaynig w'hyn the seyd Clmrche
on chalice w* pate't wcyeng v owencs And iij small belles, wch
Chalic & bells the sayd comyssioners on the Kyngs ma*8 behalf
Stray tly chargeth and commandyth them savely and suerly to kope
unsolde no other wyse beselyd untyll sucche tyme as the Kyngs
nv\u pleasure be unto them further signified And declaryd.
Robar. Stheb. clerke
Arthur Mack worth
Rychard Medlycott

* * * * —Ed.]

EXTRACTS FROM THE PARISH BOOK OF MEOLE BRACE.

ICS., For two bookes for the Queen & Prince— l8 Meole
Brace— Ould Pulley— Nobould— Newton & Edgbould
1081. For the King's decl' 6d
1684. For a booke of Hommiles 78 6

1745. Aug. 8. Lancelot Taylor cur. of Ditton Priors & Hannah

Broughton of Abdon m.
1740. Mr3 Mary Staunton wid. bur: from Sl Chads May 18
1749. Aug. 31. Thomas Natchett, a soldier in Lord Rothes's

reg1 of dragoons quartered in Shrewsbury, & Elizabeth

Adams of Leominster widow, married

1749. 26 Dec. WIU Unvick of S4 Julian's p'sh & Elinor

Eddowes of this p'sh m.

1750. 19 Nov. Sarah Cotton d. J. C. v.s.

1751. 3 Sep. Mr Edw. Bright of Montg? p'sh & Mrs Anne

Marie Price of Forden p'sh m.

1752. ol Aug. M'* Eth Dawes spinster set. 72. s. from S*

Marys (she was dau. of yd Rev, Mr Tho. Dawes, B.D.,
sometime minr of Sfc Marys.)
1 1 Dec. Mr Tho. Anderson was shot to death in Kings-
land within this p'sh & was bur. ye same day in Sl
Mary's ch' yd. Ho was y° youngest son of Geo. A.
Esq0 a Yorksh. gent. & suffered for desertion from
gen. Ligoniers rog. of drag, quartered in Shrewsb.
Vol. VIII., 2nd & R

132 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

1757. 29 Dec. Rev. Mr John Cotton vie. 49 yr sep.

1758. 27 Jan. John Allen M.A. vie. of Lyons hill c5 Heref,

instit. Induct. 14 Feb.

1759. 27 Feb. Dame Elenor Edwards w. of Sr Henry

Edwards bar* sep.
1778. Allen rev. Jn° sep. 23 Mar.

1 Apr. John Bather inst. 4th pres. by Jn° B. of ye
Bank who purchased ye adv. from L. Malpas
1789. Ch' beautified & repaired

1794. In ye spring of this year an exact enumerat'on was
taken by ye vicar ye males 379 females 390. total 769
without including any residents in the house of ind:—
our own poor in wch were 13. This population the
vicar has reason to believe is nearly double to what
it was 50 yr8 before.

1796. Rev. Jn° Bather ye much respected vicar for 18 yrs s. 1
Nov.

27 Dec. Hen. Cay Adams M.A. inst. ind. 31 Dec.
1780. 2 Apr. Edw. s. John & Martha Hannah Bather bapt.

FURTHER EXTRACTS FROM MEOLE PARISH.

Christenings.

Weddings.

Burials.

1710.—

4

3

8

1711 —

6

3

8

1712. —

7

3

8

1713. —

G

1

9

1714. —

3

4

6

1715.—

5

5

11

1716.—

4

3

8

1717 —

8

2

5

1718. —

G

4

11

1719. —

8

6

15

1720.—

8

8

10

1721. —

6

9

10

1722. —

11

G

12

1723. —

11

19

9

1724 —

13

18

G

1725.—

7

20

9

1726.—

8

24

14

1727.—

9

24

17

1728. —

8

32

14

1729. —

7

30

20

1730. —

14

28

20

1731. —

U

31

13

MEOLE brace.

133

Christenings.

Weddings.

Burials.

1732 —

18

31

6

1733 —

8

44

7

1734.-

17

32

10

1735.-

8

31

3

1736. —

13

22

10

1737. —

6

27

15

1738 —

11

17

11

1739 —

10

28

6

1740 —

9

36

13

1741.—

29

13

1742. —

11

22

13

1743. —

1744. —

"i

31

6

INCUMBENTS OF MEOLE BRACE.

(From MS. Blakeway 15, fo. 4.)
MEOLE BRACE.

[Temp. Richard, chaplain of Moles, S.D.
King John, This appears from two deeds in
1199—1216.] the chartulary of Shrewsbury
Abbey, 167 and 186. By the first
of these, Richard, chaplain de
Mola,sells to William Talpeny clerk,
of Salop," & to whomsoever heshall
assign it,& to whomsoever his assign
shall assign it," and their heirs,
his land in the street of Colnham ;

Saying to the king at the term of
[oketisday one obolus. By the
second the said Talpenni grants
the above land, which he acknow-
ledges to have purchased of Richard,
chaplain of Moles, with the money
of Nicholas de Coleham, to the
said Nicholas and his Assign. H.
T.: Luke son of Walter, and Wala'
Poncer,1 provosts of Salop. This
land afterwards became the pro-
perty of the abbey.

[Lucas de Coleham, son of Walter, and Walam Poncer occur as
Provosts of Shrewsbury, probably in the reign of King John. See
Owen and Blakeway i., 523. — El).]

134

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

1277. Sir Adam de Berecroft, chaplain.

1284,5 id.Ju. Adam de Sutton, chaplain.

1300, 14 Cal. & n.„ : i n u »

Mar Gilbert de Humbr , priest.

1320, Sep. 6. Walter de Bokenhull, priest.
1320, Jan. 22. John de Kynton.

[1333-4.] Ralph Braci, 7 Edw. III.
1349, Aug. 7. Sir John de Ellesmere, priest

Sir William de Emynchope: on

his death, 1359,

Sir John Portz ; resigned 1361,
then called Purs. See Bucknell.

1359-60,
Mar. 2.
1361-2,

Mar. 11.

Abbot &
Convent of
Wigmore.
The same.

The same.

The same.
The same.

The same.

The same.

Thomas Everard, priest. The same.

Sir Owin ap Gruffudd.
Sir John Montegomery, res. 1421.
1421-2,Feb.6. Sir William Phelyppes, chaplain.

Sir Will. Shelve, probably the
same; res. 1421.
[William Shelve occurs vicar of Meolbracy 7 Hen. VI.,
e cartis Joh. Cotes arm.]
1425,

Aug. 10.

1427,
Oct. 16.
1428-9.
Mar. 12.

Sir Richard Worthyn, chaplain,
res. 1427.

Sir John Tumour, chaplain (see
Burwarton) ; res. 1428.

Sir William Phelyppes, chaplain.

Sir William Chyld (qu. if the
same), res. 1442.

1442, Nov. 9. Sir William Schelve, chaplain.

Sir William Phileppes, apparently
the same, res. 1460.

1460,May 2. Sir William Shery, res. 1460.

1460, Nov. 31. Sir John Glover, chaplain, deprived
Jul. 13, 1474, ob' incontinentiam
t'ornicationem & incestum cum
quadam Agnete quondam ser-
viento tua, Sibilla Greney, & aliis
tuis spiritualibus liliabus.
1475, Ap. 9. Sir Owen ap Griffith.

In 5 Henry VII , he grants a lease
of his vicarage, with all oblations,
&c, lor 7 years, at a yearly rent of

The same.

The same.

The same.

The same.

The same.
The same.

The same.

MEOLE BRACE.

135

£6, and he is to celebrate divine
service and take the cure of the
souls of the parish, or else the
lessees shall pay a fit chaplain out
of the rent,

Robert Sherer occurs vicar in
1534-5. (Valor Eccl. Hen. VIII.)
sep. Dec. 18, 1573.

John Sherer (see Hanwood), sep. Patr. Laur.
16 Apr., 1618. [His wife was bur. Bannester,
9 Nov , 1597. He had 5 children, Esq.of Wem,
the eldest bapt. at Meole Brace, ut creditur.

Richard Poole (see Hanwood and
St. Chad's), sep. at St. Chad's
7 March, 1643-4. Rector of Han-
wood 1627-37, and vicar of St.
Chad's 1637-44. On 2 Nov., 1627,
he has a dispensation to hold with
Meole Brace the rectory of Han-
wood, distant not more than 5
miles, Rymer, viii., 252. [He
was b. at Salop, 1594, " filius
plebeii," matriculated as " pauper
scholaris" at Gloucester Hall.Oxon,
24 Jan., 1611-12, then aged 17;
B.A., 1615 ; M.A., 1618. See Owen
and Blakeway's Shrewsbury, ii.,
215. By Elizabeth his wife he had
2 daughters, Rebecca and Abigail,
both bapt. at St. Chad's.]
Nicholas Prowdo(seoDiDi)LEBURY).
After 11 or 12 years he removed
to Diddlebury, and afterwards was
preferred in Ireland, where he died.

SHe was Archdeacon of Cashel in
reland, but left on account of the
rebellion there ; and in 1644 was
appointed Minister of St. Mary's,
but was ejected when Shrewsbury
fell into the hands of the Par-
liamentarians. He was B.D. See
Owen and Blakeway, ii., 378.]
Brian Ambler (see Liduuiiy and
Lidham), removed to Lidbury. [He

15 Dec, 1573.]

LI" 1589 Elizabeth
• v • Banister of Wem
widow

136 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

was postmaster ot Merton Coll,,
Oxon, 1650; rector of Lydham,
1661, and vicar of Lid bury North,
1667, where he was buried 18 Sept.,
1686. By Mary his wife he had 2
children, and by Frances 10 chil-
dren, all bapt. at Lid bury North.
He was, perhaps, son of John
Ambler, vicar of Lid bury North,
who was bur. there 21 Sept., 1627,
aged 82.]

1661, Richard Warter, sep. 3 Oct., 1678, Dame
Oct. 28. under ye Communion Table in ye Cecilia
Church, aged 41. A native of Edwards,
Shrewsbury. In his time ye Vicar- widow,
age House was burnt down and mother, and
rebuilt. [He matriculated at Mer- curator of
ton College, Oxford, 10 March, Sir Francis
1656-7 ; B.A., 1661 ; M.A. from Edwards,
Queen's College, Cambridge, 1665. Bart.
He married Martha, dau. of John
Ofrley, of Ince, Co. Chester, gent.]

1679, John Lowe, B.A. (see St. Alk- Sir
March 31. mund), resigned 1680. Curate to Francis

Dr. Hayward at St. Chad's, and Edwards,
afterwards vicar of St. Alkmund's Bart,
[from 1684, until his death 29
April, 1734. He was buried at St.
Alkmund's May 1st, aged 82 years
and 9 months. His widow, Mary
Lowe, was buried at St. Alkmund's
29 Nov., 1735, aged 84. Their son
Robert was bapt. at St. Alkmund's
in 1684, and their daughter Mary
bur. there in 1688. He was son of
Jeremiah Lowe ; born at Bridg-
north, 1651 ; matric. at All Souls',
Oxon, 11 Dec, 1668, then aged 17,
as " pauper puer ;" B.A., 1672.]

1680, Jonathan Edwards (see West- Sir
Nov. 9. bury), ob. 1705. Brother to Sir Francis

Francis Edwards, Patron of the Edwards,
Vicarage. Afterwards rector of the Bart,
second portion of Westbury. He
livedatMarton,inr he parish of Chir-

) 1 1

MEOLE BRACE.

137

1705

1709-10,
Mar. 6.

1758,
Jan. 27

1778,
April 1.

bury. [He was the son of Thomas
Edwards, afterwards created a
Baronet; born at Shrewsbury c.
1657-8; matric. at Balliol Coll.,
Oxon, 26 March. 1675, set. 17;
B.A. from Hart Hall 1678. He
married, in 1691, Mary, dau, and
coh. of Thomas Bray, of Marton,
and had 2 sons. His grandson,
Sir Thomas, became 7th Baronet.]
Richard Cock, ob. Aug. 9, 1709, at Sir
Brompton, where he was born ; Francis
buried at Berrington Aug. 13th. Edwards,
Curate here for 10 years. Bart.
John Cotton, M.A. (see Hanwood Sir
and St. Alkmund's) sep. 29 Decern- Francis
ber, 1757. [Rector of Hanwood Edwards,
1716-34; and vicar of St. Alk- Bart,
mund's, Shrewsbury 1734-57. He
married, at Sutton, 26 May, 1712,
Elizabeth Marigold, and had issue
14 children, bapt. at Meole Brace.
His wife Elizabeth died 11, and
was bur. at Meole Brace 14 Nov.,
1742, set. 51. He was son of
Richard Cotton and Sarah, and
was bapt. at St. Julian's, Shrews-
bury, 24 Feb., 1685. He died 26
Dec, 1757. In the tower of the
present Church are two monu-
ments to his family.]

John Allen, M.A. Vicar of Lyons- Lord
hall, Co. Hereford ; sep. 23 March, Malpas.
1778.

John Bather, sep. 1 Nov., 1796; John
son of John Bather, of Shrewsbury, Bather,
gent. [Inducted 4 Ap., 1778; of The
matriculated at Christ Church, Bank.
Oxon, 6 June, 1768, then aged 16 ;
born at Shrewsbury, 1751 ; d. 26
Oct., 1796, aged 45 ; Mon. Inscr. in
the tower of Moolo Braco Church.
He married Martha Hannah, dau
of the Rev. James llallifax, D.D.,
vicar of Whitchurch. 1 Lis widow
diod 30 August, 1824.]

I

I

138

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

1796, Henry Cay Adams, M.A. [Vicar Martha
Dec. 27. of Stoddesdon 5 Aug., 1804; son Hannah
of John Adams, gent.; born at Bather,
Shrewsbury, 17G3 ; matriculated at widow and
Pemb. Coll , Oxon, 15 Dec, 1781, executrix of
then aged 18; B,A. from Ch. Ch., Rev. John
1785 ; M.A.. 1788.] Bather.

1804, Edward Bather [inducted 22nd; Martha

May 20. son of the Rev. John Bather vicar Hannah
of Meole Brace ; born at Shrews Bather,
bury, 1780; matric. at Oriel Col-
lege, Oxford, 15 June, 1798, then
aged 18 ; B.A., 1803 ; M.A., 1808 ;
Archdeacon of Salop,28 Jan., 18528;
Prebendary of Lichfield, 15 Nov.,
1828; died 3 Oct., 1847, set, G7 ;
bur. at Meole Brace ; Mon. Inscr.
in the tower of Meole Brace
Church He married 1st, Emma,
dau. of the Rev. Robert Hallifax,
of Standish, Co. Glouc, and 2nd,
Mary, dau. of the Right Rev.
Samuel Butler, RD., Lord Bishop
of Lichfield. He was Lord of the
Manor of Meole Brace, and Patron
of the Vicarage. He was the
author of " Hints on the art of
Catechizing, to which is prefixed a
Charge on Scriptural Education
delivered in 1835," " Sermons on
Old Testament Histories," &c.

1847. Edward Bather, M.A., Merton Coll., Edward
Oxon; son of John Bather, Esq., Bather,
Recorder of Shrewsbury, and
nephew of the preceding Vicar ;
b. at Din thill, 1817, d. at Bourne-
mouth, 15 March, 1851, aged 33;
Lord of the Manor of Meole Brace,
and Patron of the Vicarage. He
mar. Maria, dau. of the Rev. Chas.
Powell, rector of Munslow.

18&1; Thomas Bucknall Lloyd, M.A., St. John
John's Coll., Camb. ; son of John Bather,
Thomas Lloyd, Esq., of Shrewsbury, of the
by Harriet, dau. of the Right Rev. Day-house.

fort I

MEOLE BRACE.

139

v Samuel Butler, D.D., Lord Bishop
of Lichfield ; Vicar of St. Marys,
Shrewsbury, 1854-88 ; Incumbent
of Berwick. 1876-77; Rector of
Edgmond, 1888 ; Prebendary of
Lichfield, 1870; Archdeacon of
Salop, 1886. He mar, Sophia
Elizabeth, dau. of the Rev. Percival
Spearman Wilkinson, of Mount
Oswald, Durham.

1854s James Eell, M.A., St. Oath. Coll., John
Nov. 28. Camb.; resigned Meole Brace, 1858; Bather.
Warden ot Holy Trinity Hospital
and Curate of Chapel Lawn, Clun,
1863-68 ; Rector of Brotton Parva,
Co. York, 1868-94; died 1894.

1858. Henry Francis Bather, MA., St. John
John's Coll., Camb. ; youngest son Bather,
of John Bather, Esq., Recorder of
Shrewsbury; b. 1832; Rector of
Sutton since 1887 ; Prebendary of
Hereford, 1878 92; Rural Dean of
Pontesbury, 1883-92; Prebendary
of Eau Withington ; Canon-resi-
dentiary of Hereford, and Arch-
deacon of Ludlow since 1891. He
mar. 1857. Elizabeth Mary, dau. of
the Rev. T. D. Atkinson, vicar of
Rugeley, Co. Stafford. The present
Vicar of Meole Brace.

For many of these additions I am indebted to the Ven, Archdeacon
Bather.— Ed.]

EXTRACTS FROM THE REGISTERS OF MEOLE BRACE.

(From the late G. Morris's Shropshire Registers, <fcc.)
N.B. — The old Register is lost.

1678, Oct. 3. Richard Warter, Vicar, bur.
1681, Ap. 3, Mrs. Martha Warter, bur.

1689, Collected for y° Irish Protestants, £1 17s. 2d.

1690, July 3. Collected for ye Irish Protestants, 17s. 3d.

1689, Oct. 15. Mr. Thomas Owen and Mrs. Mary Walthol,

both of Pontesbury, mar.

1690, Sept. 17. Henry Purslowe and Anne Corbet, both of

Worthin, mar.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. S

•A

140 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

1694, Sept. 17. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Robert Whittingham,
Curate, bur.

1694, Sept. 18. Mary, dau, of Mr. Robert Whittingham, bur.
1701, Nov. 1. Robert Jones, of ye Dairy house, bur.

1708, July 20. Mr. Edward Lloyd bur.

1709. Mr. Richard Cock, died at Brompton Aug. 9, bur. at

Berrington 11th.
1709, Mar. 6. John Cotton, A.M., Vicar, instituted, inducted
13th, set. 24.

1711, Oct. 12. Mrs. Elizabeth Webb, widow, bur., aged 50.

She bequeathed £5 to be distributed to the poor at
her burial.

1711, Jan. 13. Mrs. Jane Lloyd bur., aged 84.

1712, May 26. John Cotton, Vicar, and Elizabeth Marigold, of

St. Chad, mar, at Sutton chapel.

1713, June 8. Robert Betton, of Pulley, yeoman, bur., aged 74.

1713. Elizabeth, dau. of John Cotton, Vicar, and Elizabeth,

b. Nov. 9, bapt. 28 ; bur. 1752.

1714. Thomas, son of ditto, b. Nov. 5, bapt. 26 ; bur. 1734.

1715. John, son of ditto, b. Nov. 23, bapt. Dec. 14.

1717. Sarah, dau. of ditto, b. April 6, bapt. 12; bur. May 6,

1719.

1718. Martha, dau. of ditto, b. April 28, bapt. May 20 ; bur.

1735.

1719. Mary, dau. of ditto, b. Aug. 8, bapt. 28.

1720. Sarah, dau. of ditto, b. Oct. 25, bapt. Nov. 15 ; bur. 1750 ;

being the 7th child born, and 6th now living.

1721. Jane, dau. of ditto, b. Dec. 5, bapt. 27; bur. 1740;

being the 8th child born, and 7th now living.

1716. John Cotton, Vicar, inducted to Rectory of Hanwood,

Sept. 4.

1719. N.B. — 4 Dutch Elms were planted on ye West side of
y° Vicarage.

1722. Jan. 29. Mr. John Topp, of Westbury, and Mrs. Ursula

Offley, of Pontesbury, mar.

1723. William Hurred, a souldier of Brigad' Stanwix's Reg*

was encamped in Kingsland within ys p'sh, mar. Sept.
23. This Rog1 was encamped from ye latter end
of June till y° last day of Septr.

1723. Edward, son of John Cotton, Vicar, and Elizabeth, b.

June 26, bapt. July 17 ; bur. 1724 ; being the 9th
child born, and 8th living.

1724. Edward, son of ditto, b. July 1, bapt. 23 ; being the

10th child born, and 8th living.

MEOLE BRACE.

1725. Richard, son of ditto, b. Nov. 1, bapt. 22 ; being the
11th child born, and 9th living.

1727. Elinor, dau. of ditto, b. April 28, bapt. May 19; bur. 1730.

1728. Priscilla, dau. of ditto, b. Jan. 30, bapt. Feb. 24 at St.

J ulian, where her father was bapt. upon the same day
of the same month 43 years before, viz., Feb. 24, 1685.

1730. Elinor, dau. of ditto, bur. Jan. 14 ; d. 12th.

1732. Jonathan, son of ditto, b. June 5, bapt. 28 ; bur. 1740.

1734. John Cotton, Vicar of this parish, and Rector of Han-
wood, was inducted to St. Alkmond's June 15.

1734, Aug. 8. Sir Francis Edwards, Bart., Impropriator and
Patron of ye Vicarage, bur., aged 36.

1734. John Cotton, Vicar, resigned Han wood Rectory, Oct. 17.

1734, Jan. 8. Thomas Cotton, son of John Cotton, Vicar, and

Elizabeth, bur., a3t. 20 : a Student of Magd. Coll.,
Camb. (bur. from St. Alkmond's.)

1735, May 8. Martha, dau. of ditto, bur. from St. Alkmund's.
1740, Dec. 20. Jonathan, son of ditto, bur. from St. Alk-

mund's ; d. 17th.
1740, Jan. 20. Jane, dau. of ditto, bur. from St. Alkmund's
d. 17th.

1742, June 1. Richard Corbet of Much Wenlock, and Mrs.

Mary Skrymster of St. Chad's, mar.
1742, Nov. 14. Elizabeth, wife of John Cotton.Vicar, bur., set. 51.
1745, May 21. Mrs. Francis Waring, spinster, bur. from St.

Chad.

1589, 31 Eliz. The Patronage and Impropriation of Meole
Brace was in the hands of Elizabeth Bannister of
Wem, widow.

1663. Mr. Joseph OfHey lived at y8 Dairy house, whose niece

1669. The Castle House at Meole burnt down.

1722. A short account of some of my Predecessors in the
Vicarage of Brace Meole alias Meole Brace, collected
partly from ye Register and partly from information
of ancient parishioners and others.

John Cotton.
1. Sherer, Mr, John, had 5 children bapt. here, the
eldest of them Dec. 15, 1573, from which time to his
death was upwards of 45 years, tho' 'tis uncertain when
he became Vicar,yet it is probable that he was so for that
space of time, and Mr. Robert Sherer, clerk, buried
Dec. 18, 1573, might be his father and possibly his pre-
decessor. He bur. his 1st wife Nov. 9, 1597, married
another April 16, 1618, being succeeded by

142 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

2. Poole. Mr. Richard, who continued Vicar 25 years,
he was also Rector of Hanwood, which benefice he held
together with this during 10 years, viz., from ye latter
end of 1627 to ye hitter end of 1637. He afterwards
became Minister of St. Chad, which he held together
with Meole Brace to his death. He was buried in St
Chad's Church, March 7, 1643-4.

3. Prowde, Mr. Nicholas, succeeded in ye beginning of
1644. After 11 or 12 years he removed to Diddlebury,
which place he held with another in that neighbour-
hood, and was afterwards preferred in Ireland, where he
died.

4. Ambler, Mr. Brian, followed about the latter end ot
1655, and about 7 years after became Vicar of Lid-
bury North near Bishop's Castle, being succeeded here

by

5. Warter, Mr. Richard, a native of Shrewsbury. In
his time the Vicarage House was burnt down and
rebuilt. After about 16 years he died here aged 41,
and was buried Oct. 3, 1678, under ye Communion
Table in ye Church.

6. Lowe, Mr. John, then Curate to Dr. Hayward at St,
Chad's, and afterwards to this day Vicar of St. Alk-
mond's, was instituted Vicar of y8 Church to prevent a
lapse, and continued so for about 3 months till ye
intended Vicar obtained Deacon's orders and Priest's,
and yn resigned [he died April 29, 1734, set. 83, bur.
St. Alkmond's.] for ye benefit of

7. Edwards, Mr. Jonathan, brother to Sir Francis
Edwards, Bart., Patron of the Vicaridge. After some
time he became Rector of ye 2nd Portion of Westbury.
Mr. Robert Whittingham and Mr. Richard Cock were
successively his Curates here ; he lived at Marton, on an
estate of his own, in y p'sh of Chirbury, and there
died 1705.

8. Cock, Mr. Richard, succeeded, having been Curate
for about 10 years. He continued Vicar but 4 years,
dying at Brompton, ye place of his nativity, Aug. 9,
1709, and was buried at Berrington, Aug. 11.

These were all married men ; and had all of them issue,
except Mr. Warter and Mr. Cock. None of them were buried
here, but Mr. Sherer and Mr. Warter.

The Monumental Inscription on Mr. Warter, as copied on
the first page of the Register, states that he married Martha,
dau. of John Offley of luce, in Co. Pal. of Chester, gen., and

MEOLE BRACE.

143

Jane his wife. He died Oct. 3, 1678, jet. 41. Stone under
Communion Table.

On stone next adjoining : — Jane, relict of Reece Lloyd of
(Jounce in the p'sh of Llangadva, Co. Montgomery, gent., and
dau. of Peter Middleton of Middleton in Co. Salop, Esq. Also
Edward Lloyd, gent., son and heir of sd Reece Lloyd. He was
bur. July 20, 1708, and she Jan. 13, 1711-12, in the 85th year
of her age.

OTHER EXTRACTS FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS.

1734, August. Sir Francis Edwards, Baronett, Impropriator
and Patron of this Vicarage, buried the 8th, aged 36.
He lies in a large vaulted grave within the Chancell
Rails. He was the ffourth Baronet of the Family,
and the first that was buried in this Church. His
Estate goes to his Lady, and for his only Daughter :
but the Title, for want of Male Issue, goes to Henry
Edwards, Esq., Town-Clerk of Shrewsbury, his Grand-
father's Brother's Son, now Sir Henry Edwards, Bart.
Lady Edwards sent the Vicar two Guineas for the
ffuneral and Chancell Ground.

1759. Dame Elenor Edwards, Wife of Sir Henry Edwards,
Bart., buried Feb. 27.

1767. Edwards, Sir Henry, from St. Ch acid's, buried Mar. 31.

1778. Allen, The Rev. John, of The Castle, St. Mary's, Vicar
of the Parish of Meole 20 years, and likewise of
Lyonshall in the County of Hereford, bur. March 23.

1780. Bather, Edward, son of John and Martha Hannah,

bapt. April 2.

1781. Bather, John (son of J. and Martha H.), bapt. Sept. 30.

1782. Bather, John, son of J. and Martha H., bapt, Sept. 30.

1783. Bather, Martha, bapt. Jan. 16.

1796. Bather, Rev. John, the much respected Vicar of this

Parish for 18 years, buried Nov. 1.
1810. Bather, John, buried Feb. 5.

1823. Miss Martha Bather, Meole Brace, April 5. 40. buried

by Hugh Owen.

1824. Rev. Charles Peters, Rector of Pontesbury, 2nd Portion,

Pontesbury, April 13. 56. E. Bather, Vicar.
1824. Pefcdr Beck, Esq., Kings! and, June 4. 63. John

Langley, Officiating Minister.
1824. Mrs. Martha Hannah Bather, relict of the late John

Bather, Vicar, Meole Brace, Sept. 4. 66. Hugh Owen.
1832. Samuel Beck, Shrewsbury, March 5. 22. E. Bather,

Vicar.

144 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

1836. John Yerrow Arrowsmith, of the Parish of St. Chad in
Shrewsbury, and Frances Scarth of this Parish were
married, Sept. 6.

1839. John Bather, Esquire, Dint Hill, Nov. 15. 58 years.
M. Kinsey.

1839. Mary Eleanor Scarth, Meole Brace, Oct. 12. 19 years.

M. Kinsey, Curate.
1847. Edward Bather, Vicar of this Parish, and Archdeacon

of Salop, Meole Brace, Oct. 8th. 67 years. Wm. S. Burd,

Curate.

1853. John Bucknall, son of Thos. Bucknall and Sophia Eliza-

beth Lloyd, Meole Brace, Esq., bapt. March 27.

1854. Edward William, son of John and Isabella Bather, Day-

house, Esq., bapt. March 5, by C. Wilkinson, Curate.

LThe parish of Meole Brace includes the townships of Pulley, Nobold,
Newton, and Edgebold. Some alteration was made in the parish
boundaries in 1885. The population at the census of 1891 was 1,608,
exclusive of the Schools. A census taken by the Vicar in the spring
of 1794 gave 379 males and 390 females, total 769, exclusive of the
residents in the House of Industry — nearly double the population 50
years previously. The area is about 2,488 acres. Meole Brace
probably takes its name from the Mill which anciently stood on the
banks of the Meole brook (or Rea river), which flows through the
parish. Mr. Duignan connects it with the Welsh word moel, a hill ;
but this derivation scarcely seems probable, looking at the nature of
the ground. (See Owen and Blakeway, ii., 5n ; Shrop. Arch. Trans.,
N.S., vi., 12). Brace is of course taken from the de Braci family,
who held the manor,

The following inhabitants were taxed to the Lay Subsidy of 1 Edw.
III., 1327, and paid the sums set against their names : — Meole
Bracy. Madyn de Meole 2s. 6d. ; Regin. de Lutle 12d. ; Adulph de
Bracy 5s. ; Walter le Foremo' 18d. ; William la Souche 8s.

From an early date Meole Brace occurs amongst the " Libertates
Wurdio Lapidesjo." In a Court Roll of 1392-3 it is called "Mole
Bracy"

The old Castle House and the Tithe Barn adjoining were burnt
down in 1669. The Castle Bank, where it probably stood, lies in the
Hall grounds. A mulberry tree was planted during the incumbency
of Archdeacon Edward Bather, and marks the place where some
remains were found. The present Hall was rebuilt and enlarged by
Archdeacon Edward Bather. The Day House (or Dairy House, as it
was formerly called) also belongs to the Bather family.

A Hospital for nine inmates, who each receive yearly £8 and a ton
of coal, was erected in 1844 by John Evans of Shrewsbury. It has
the inscription — "Evans's Hospital, Erected A. I). 1844."

The Shrewsbury School was removed to Kingsland in the parish of
Meole Brace in 1882. The School-house was originally erected in 1765.

MEOLE BRACE.

145

as a Foundling Hospital, for the reception of orphans from the
Foundling Hospital in London, at the cost of £12,000. This was,
however, discontinued, in 1774, and it afterwards seived as a place of
confinement for Dutch prisoners of war. In 1784, it was sold for
£5,500, for the purpose of a House of Industry or Workhouse, the
average number of inmates in 1824 being about 340. It was finally sold
to the Governing Body of Shrewsbury School, and was converted into a
School-house in 1882.1 The suburb of Kingsland (or Chingsland, as
it is written in a Norman grant) was long used by the freemen of
Shrewsbury as a pasturage for their cattle, and part of it by the
various Trades Gilds of Shrewsbury, who resorted in procession to
their various Arbours erected upon it on the second Monday after
Trinity Sunday. Since the removal of the School to Kingsland, the
suburb has become a fashionable neighbourhood, a number of large
dwelling-houses having been erected upon it.

MEOLE BRACE CHARITIES.

The Report of the Charity Commissioners for Salop, vol. xxvii.,
pp. 447-8, mentions the following Charities belonging to the parish of
.Nicole Brace : —

John Chessus, who died 19 June, 1762, left £10 for bread for the
poor, to be given on St. John's Day.

Samuel Povey, who died 19 Jan , 1770, left £10 10s. for bread for
tho poor, to be given on Easter Sunday.

Mary Jones, widow, left by her will in 1758 a rent-charge of £5 to
tho poor, which was void under the statute of 9 Geo. II., c. 36.

Jean Penaud, who died 25 Jan., 1828, left £50 to the poor, the
interest to be given annually by the Minister and Churchwardens.

Tho Benefaction Boards in the tower of the Church record the
above, and also the following : —

John Evans, of Shrewsbury, in 1842 left £100, the interest to be
given to the poor.

Mrs. Bather, widow of Archdeacon Bather, who died 26 Dec, 1853,
left £100, the interest to be applied for the benefit of Meole Day and
Sunday Schools, at the discretion of the Minister.

John Smith, Esq , of Radbrook House, by will dated Nov. 26, 1863,
left £100, the interest to be applied in bread, coal, or blankets for
the poor.

Mary Flavel, of Pulley, who died March, 1868, left £200, the
interest to be given to the poor. — Ed.]

[Wo are indebted to Mr. Wallace Heath, of Shrewsbury, for the
photograph from the original engraving of Meole Old Church, which
is here enlarged and reproduced. — Ed.]

* [See History of Mireiosbury School, 1889, p. 233, &c. — Ed.]

146

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

ONSLOW.

Onslow is written in Domesday Andrelau. It was-
then one of the estates of the Collegiate Church of St.
Chad, Shrewsbury ; as it had also been in the Saxon
times. Its arable land had been estimated at one hide
as early as the imposition of the Danegeld ; and it had
made no progress towards further cultivation during
the interval which elapsed between that period, and
the time of the Norman Survey, for in this last docu-
ment it was estimated only at one carucata,1 i.e., no
more than its former extent Indeed it had been
waste, though at the date of Domesday it was occupied
by three villans.

The fee continued in the Church in 24 Edw. L,
when, in the Iter of that date,2 it is found that Roger
Onslowe held Onslowe of the fee of St. Chad's by the
rent of 4s., the precise value at which it was estimated
at Domesday ; and a similar entry appears in the Iter
of Henry III.

11 Edw. Ill (1337), Thomas de Hampton and
Julian my wife, daughter of William de Bigdon, grant
to Agnes our daughter a messuage and virgate in
Ondeslowe. [Seal tricked.]

21 Rich, II. (1397), Richard, son of Roger Waryng
of Shelton, grants his lands in Wodecote to feoffees —
H. T. Thome de Ondeslowe, lord of Ondeslowe.

1471, Richd. Pursell of Onslow [which I suppose to
be Dinthill (Note by Bowen)], frankelyn, exchanges
lands with Robt. Onslow, lord of Onslow.

20 Nov., 15 Jac. I. (1617), Edw. Onslow of Onslow,
Esq., sells the manor and estate of Onslow to Thomas
Harris of Salop, Esq., for £2,220.

1G58, Sir Thomas Harris of Boreacton, Bart., sells
the manor of Onslow to Thomas Harper.

1 [Not carucata, but caruca (ox-team). — Ed.]

2 [Kyton assigns the date 1279 to this Iter or Pimhill Tenure Roll,
—Ed.]

ONSLOW.

147

Thomas Fownes, Esq., sold Onslow to Richard
Morhall,1 Esq., for 10,000 guineas [in 1763].

[This account of Onslow is meagre and imperfect. In Domesday,
one moiety of the Manor was in the Hundred of Bascherch, and was
held by the Church of St. Chad ; whilst the other moiety was in
Ruesset Hundred, and was held by Robert fitz Corbet under Earl
Roger de Montgomery.2 This latter moiety is not noticed by
Blakeway. The entries in Domesday are as follows : — " St. Chad's
Church held and holds Andrelau. Here is 1 hide, geldable. It was
waste. Here iij villains have one ox-team. It is worth 4s."
" Robert (fitz Corbet) holds Andreslaue of the Earl, and Ernui holds
it of him. The same (Ernui) held it, and was a free man. Here is 1
hide, geldable. In the demesne is one ox-team, and (there are) iij
villains with one team. It was worth 10s., now 12s. (per annum.)"

Earl Koger's moiety descended to the Boterells, as Robert Corbet's
co-heirs, and seem to have been held under them by the Arundels.
In the Ford Hundred Roll of 1255, John de Arundel is said to hold
one geldable hide in Ondeslawe under the Manor of Longedon.3 St.
Chad's moiety was also held by the Arundels.

In 1190 Adamde Hundreslawe occurs. In 1203 there was a suit
between John de Ondeslawe and William de Bikedon, concerning a
right of common between Onslow and Bicton. In 1236 Roger de
Ondeslawe occurs, also in 1256 and 1273, as a juror, and in 1284 as
holding St. Chad's moiety. Richard de Ondeslawe was a juror in
1256, and John de Ondeslawe in 1292, both for Ford Hundred,
whilst William de Onslow was juror for Pimhill Hundred in 1292.
This shows that the Domesday distinction between the two moieties
of Onslow, placing them in different Hundreds, lasted for centuries :
when both shares were absorbed in the Liberties of Shrewsbury, this
distinction was destroyed. In 1302, John le Mouner and Katherine
his wife granted two messuages and lands in Ondeslowe to Richard
Goumond and Agnes his wife.4

In 1327, the following inhabitants of Ondeslowe in the Hundred of
Pemenhuir were assessed to the Lay Subsidy : — John de Halle, Roger
Warynge, Hugh Crompe, John de Wallefes, William fil Alan, William
de Leton, and William le Dekene.

By an Inquisition taken in October, 1515, it was found that part

1 [Richard Morhall, of Onslowr, was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1770.
He was son of Thomas Morhall and Mary, dau. of Richard Lister of
Rowton, and was born 30 June, 1737. He married 26 Sept., 1768,
Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Eyton of Eyton, and died 11 Nov., 1806.
See Blakeway's Sheriffs. — Ed.]

2 See Eyton, vii., 171-2, and x., 169, 170.

3 Rot. Hiuidr., ii., 66.

4 Cf. Eyton, ubi sup.

148 HISTORY OF SHREWSBMRY LIBERTIES.

of Onneslowe was within and of the parish of St. Chad, and had been
taxed to fifteenths and tenths ; and that part of Onneslow was within
the Hundred of Ford, and had also been taxed to fifteenths and
tenths.1 On 28 Feb., 1543, the Dean and Chapter of St. Chad's
demised the revenues of their college for 61 years to Humphrey
Onslow of Onslow.2 He was admitted a burgess of Shrewsbury in
1519, and was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1566. St. Chad's moiety
seems to have been both rent-free and tithe-free. In the Court-Books,
Onslow appears amongst the Liberties of the Welsh Ward.

In 1580, the following inhabitants of Onnslowe occur amongst the
trained soldiers : —Mr. Ric. Purcell, Rees Tyther and Hughe his men ;
Mr. Edward Ownslowe, Thomas Williams and Thomas Baker his men;
Edward Ownslowe, George Bloure, Adam Ffortcn ; Richard Chidloe,
and Griffithe ap Rees his man.3 In 1587, these names occur under
Onslowe : — Edward Onslowe, Esq., and John Lingham and John
Minors his servants ; Edward Purcell, and Robert Powell and Hughe
ap Pue his servants ; Adam Forten, Edward Forten his son, and John
Sinithe his servant ; Richard Chidley, George Blower, and John
Roberts.4

Pedigrees of the families of Onslow of Onslow, and Purcell of
Onslow, were entered at the Heralds' Visitation of Shropshire in 1623.

Richard Morhall, the purchaser of the Manor and estate of Onslow
in 1763 from Thomas Fownes, sold it in 1780 to Rowland Wingfield, •
Esq., of Preston Brockhurst. The descent of Onslow in the Wingfield
family is as follows : —

I. Rowland Wingfield, who purchased Onslow in 1780, born 1728,
High Sheriff of Shropshire 1753, married 23 June, 1764, Mary, dau.
of Sir Walter Wagstaffe Bagot, 5th Bart., and had issue three sons
(1) John, (2) Charles, and (3) Rowland. He was succeeded by his
eldest son, — II. John Wingfield of Onslow, Lieut. -Colonel in the
Army, High Sheriff 1814, born 18 July, 1769, and died s.p. 31 Aug ,
1862. He was succeeded by his nephew, — III. Charles John Wing-
field (eldest son of Charles Wingfield and Emma, dau. of Richard
Jenkins of Bicton), of Onslow, J. P. and D.L., High Sheriff* 1873, born
21 Ap., 1838, died 5 May, 1891, married 1 Feb., 1865, his cousin
Jane Mary Anne, dau. of Clopton Lewis Wingfield, Esq., of Rhysnant,
by whom he had issue (with a daughter, Constance Adela) an only
son, — IV. Charles Ralph Borlase Wingfield, born 27 Oct., 1873, now
of Onslow.

The Arms of Wingfield are, Argent on a bend cotised sable three
pairs of wings conjoined of the first. Pedigrees of Wingfield may be
found in Burke's Landed Gentry and in Blakeway's Sheriffs of Shrop-

1 Cf. Transactions, 2 Ser., ii., 73.

2 Owen and Blakeway, ii., 201.

8 Cf. Transactions, 2 Ser., ii., 279.
4 Ibid., ill, 141.

ONSLOW.

149

shire. The family is one of great antiquity, having been seated in
Derbyshire at a very early date, and coming into Shropshire early in
the seventeenth century.

The oldest portion of the present House was built by the Onslows.
It was added to by Colonel John Wingfield (who died 1862); and
still further enlarged by Colonel Charles John Wingfield, the late
owner. — Ed.]

EXTRACTS FROM TKE REGISTERS OF ST. CHAD'S,
SHREWSBURY.
(From the late Geo. Morris's Shropshire Registers, <fcc.)

1620, Feb. 25. John, son of Mr. Tho. Wingfield, bapt,

1621, Mar. 7. Mr. Robert Onslow, of Byckonn, bur.

1623, Sept. 21. Rebecca, d. of Mr. Tho. Wynfild, bapt.

1624, Sept. 13. Edward, s. of Ric. and Kath. Onslowe, bapt.
1626, Apr. 27. Mary, d. of Ric. and Mary Onslow, bapt.
1626, July 27. Ann, wife of Mr. Arthur Onslow, bur.
1629, Oct. 29. Rebecca, d. of Mr. Tho. Wingfield, bur.
1629, Jan. 18. Mrs. Margaret Onslowe, widow, bur.

1633, Nov. 19. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Tho. Wingfyld, bur.
1642, Nov. 2. Mr. Tho. Wingfield, Alderman, bur.

1647, Mar. 12. Richard, s. of Mr. Sam. and Eliz. Wingfield,

bapt.

1648, Sept. 10. Richard, s. of Mr. Tho. and Eliz. Onslowe, bapt.

1651, Nov. 11. John,s.of Mr. Johnand Howard Wingfield, bapt.

1652, Mar. 17. Jonathan, s. of Mr. John and Howard Wing-

field, bapt.

1660, Aug. 21. Martha, d. of Mr. Samuel Wingfield, born.
1666, Dec. 7. Thomas, s. of Mr. John Winfield, bur.
1672, Feb. 4. Samuel Wingfield, Esq., of Preston Brockhurst,
bur.

1683, July 5. John, s. of Mr. John Wingfield, mercer, and
Eliz., bapt.

1687, Jan. 8. Thomas,s. of Mr. John and Margt. Wingfield, bapt.

1728, April 22. Anne, d. of Dr. Wingfield, bapt,

1728, Feb. 18. Mrs. Anne Wingfield, bur.

1741, Mar. 15. Anne, d. of Borlace Wingfield, Esq., bur.

1760, July 2. Rev. John Tombes Wingfield, of St. Julian's,

and Mrs. Barbara Fowler, mar.
1789, May 31. Lewis, s. of Rowland Wingfield, Esq.,a3t. 12, bur.

150 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBEKTIES.

PRESTON MONFORD.

[A blank page occurs here in the MS.]

Itin1 Hen. III., Robt. Hunger of Preston, used to do
suit at ye county and at Ford hundred, for Preston, in
ye time of Henry de Audley then sheriff : but upon
Robert's death, and ye entry of y* abbot of Lilleshull
by ye gift of Robt. de Bulers of Montgomery, ye said
suit has been subtracted for 20 years last past. 3 Hen.1

Carta venerabilis viri domini Roberti de Budlers2 de Preston
Moneford. Omnibus Sancte Matris ecclesie filiis ad quos
presens scriptum pervenerit Robertus de Budlers Salutem. In
nomine sancte & individue Trinitatis noscant omnes tarn
presentes quam futun quod ego Robertus de Budlers divino
intuitu pro salute anime mee & uxoris mee Hillarie Trussebut
& pro animabus antecessorum meorum reddo & quietum clamo
Deo & Sancte Marie Beate Virgini & ecclesie de Lilleshulle &
abbati & canonicis ibidem Deo servientibus Prestonam juxta
pontem de Moneford cum omnibus pertinentiis suis liberam &
quietam a me & meis heredibus sicut jus & feudum &
tenementum S. Alcmundi de Salop, quam Prestonam fateor &
recognosco me & antecessores meos injuste tenuisse & ab
ecclesia S. Alcmundi injuste alienasse : quapropter [qu. cum
contra] res ecclesiasticas minuere, substrahero <x alienare non
debemus, set sublata restituere & protegere Ego Robertus de
Budlers veniam petans a Domino Jesu Christo hanc predictam
redditionem de Prestona & quiet, clam, concedo & hac presenti
carta mea confirmo & sigilli mei impressione & appositione
conf. & ego [contra ?] & heredes mei hanc jam dictam reddi-
tionem & quiet, clam. & concessionem & sigilli appositionem
warantizamus& contra omnes homines warrantizamus. H. T. . ,
(Ex cartularis abbatie, ap. Dodsw. v. 109.)

1 [Henry de Audley waa Sheriff of Shropshire circa 1227 — 1232.
Robert Hunger seems to have been the Abbot of Lilleshull's tenant
at Preston, and died about 1235. See the Hundred Rolls, ii., 66 ;
Eyton, vii, 195.— Ed.]

2 [Robert de Budlers or Boilers was lord of Montgomery in 1176,
and died in 1203. By this Charter, ho quits claim to Lilleshalj
Abbey, the Vill of Preston, as the right and fee of St. Alkmund's,
and confesses that he and his ancestors had unjustly held and
alienated it from the Church of St. Alkmund, and seeks pardon for
that sin. — Ed.]

PRESTON MONFORD,

151

2 Edward II. (1308), Rog. le Fox films Joh'is de
Preston j'x' ponterrTde Moneford grants to his son
William ye clerk 6 & £ acres in cam pis de Preston,

S. D. Mich. fil. Reyneri Ruffi & Marg'ie ux' raee
grant to Ri. our son and his wife Alice, daughter of
Hen. de Echgebaldenham \ a virgate in Preston j'x'
pontem de Moneford. H. T. : D'n'o Godefrido tu'c
vicar, eccl. S. Alkm. Sal., Alano Spremhose, Rog. de
Hondeslowe.

[The foregoing account of Preston Montford is very incomplete.
At Domesday the Manor was a divided one 1 The larger portion
occurs in Knesset Hundred, and belonged to St. Alkmund's Church : —
" The same Church held and still holds Prestone. Here is one hide,
geldable. In demesne there is one ox-team, and two villains with one
ox-team. Its former value was 8s. ; it is now worth 5s. Eluuard
holds it " The smaller portion was in Baschurch Hundred, and was
held by Roger (either fitz Corbet or de Lacy, it is not certain which)
under Earl Roger: — " Roger holds of the Earl Prestone. Godric
held it, and was a free man. Here is one virgate of land. In
demesne is half an ox- team. It was worth, and is now worth iijs.
There is a wood capable of feeding ten pigs." The possessions of
St Alkmund's, about 1145, passed to Lilleshall Abbey. On August
31, 1199, King John confirms to Lilleshall Abbey their possessions,
including Preston juxta Moneford, as appurtenances of St. Alkmund's
Church.2 By an Inquisition taken in September, 1317, it was found
that Roger de Forde held a virgate in Preston-juxta-Moneford under
the Abbot of Lilleshall at the rent of 3s., and that Hugh de Forde
was his son and heir. From the association of the smaller part of
Preston with Montford (which also belonged to Roger at Domesday),
the whole of Preston got the name of Preston Montford. The con-
nection between Preston and Montford lasted no longer than
Domesday, except in name. Earl Roger's virgate in Montford seems
to have become annexed to the St, Alkmund's portion, going with it
to Lilleshall Abbey, and ultimately to have fallen with it into the
Liberties of Shrewsbury.3

In 1327, the following inhabitants of Prestone, in the Hundred of
Pemenhall, were assessed to the Lay Subsidy : — Roger de Prestone,
Richard de Shawebur', Alan de Staunton, William Addeson, Geoffrey
le Wodeward, John de Addesone, John Bercar', William Gogh,
William fil' Isabell, William fil' Fabri, and John Grey.

Preston Montford continued to belong to Lilleshall Abbey, until its
dissolution in 1538. The Minister's Accounts of 1541 show that the
Abbey had received 12s. for profits of the tithes of Preston Mountforth.

1 Cf. Eyton vii., 194-6, and x., 128-9.

2 Cf. Owen and Blakeway, ii., 206 ; Walker's Brief History of Lilleshall, 13.

3 Eyton, vii., 194.

Vol VIII., 2nd S T

152 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

In 1 580, the Book of the General Musters for Shrewsbury and the
Liberties names the following soldiers as residing at Preston Monvart
and Dyntle : — Harrie Calcot, John Calcot his man ; John Hussey,
John Fallows and Roger Fallows his sons-in-law; Richard Groves,
William Calcot, Richard Swayne, Thomas Wright, John Lee, John
Gate, and Richard Sponley.1 In 1587 these names occur under
Preston Monvert — John Fallowes, constable; Henry Calcott ; John
Hussey, Thomas Wighte, William ap William, John Calcott, and
Richard Lewis.2

The pedigree of Calcott, of Preston Mountford, wras duly recorded
at the Heralds' Visitation of Shropshire in 1623.

The estate came ultimately into the possession of the Hill family ;
and in 1829 Sir Rowland Hill, the then owner, conveyed it by way of
exchange to Col. John Wingfield of Onslow, Sir Francis Brian Hill
being then tenant. On Col. John Wing-field's death in 1862 Preston
Montford came to his nephew, Col. Charles George Wingfield, on whose
decease on 5 May, 1891, it passed to his son and heir, Charles Ralph
Borlase Wingfield, Esq., of Onslow, the present owner of Preston
Montford.

The Report of the Charity Commissioners for Salop, vol., xxvii.,
pp. 240-1, states that Widow Baugh, mother of George Baugh of
Shrewsbury, gave by will certain money for the purchase of lands in
Preston Montford rented at 20 marks per annum, one-third to be paid
to the Minister of St. Chad's and two-thirds to the poor of Shrews-
bury. Certain lands formerly belonging to Sir Rowland Hill and
since to John Wingfield, Esq., have been considered as charged with
the payment of £13 6s. 8d., or 20 marks. — Ed.]

EXTRACTS FROM MORRIS'S SHROPSHIRE REGISTERS.

MONFORD.
1590, March 21. Johan Calcot, widow, bur.

1642, May 4. Samuel, s. of Thomas Caukat, gent., bapt. ; bur. 11th.
1692, Feb. 27. Edward Bright & Mary Calcott of Ensdon, mar.

FORD.

1597, Feb. 1. Dorothy, d of Henry Calket, bapt.
1610, Feb. 19. Alyte, d. of Henry Calcott, bapt.
1632, Aug. 10. George Calcott of H. [? Horton], bur.

ALBERBURY.
1637, Feb. 28. Henry Calcot of Ford, bur.
1660, May 7. Sarah, wife of John Callcott of Ford, bur.
1381, Jan. 3. John, s. of Francis Calcott of Ford, & Eliz., bapt.
1682, March 18. Dorothy, d. of Fras. Calcott, gent,, of Ford, <fe
Eliz., bapt.

1686, Ap. 18. Elizabeth, wife of Michael Calcott of Preston Monford,
bur.

i Cf. Trans., 2nd Series, h\, 278-9.
» Ibid., hi., 140,

PULLEY.

153

PULLEY,

Pulley, anciently Poliley, is partly in the parish of
St. Julian and liberties of Shrewsbury and partly in
the parish of Brace Meole and hundred of Cundover.

That the use of a necessary of life once known to the
inhabitants of a country should ever become obsolete,
and that even while the soil continued to furnish the
material in inexhaustible abundance, can only be
accounted for by some of those tremendous convulsions
of civil society which extinguish all knowledge even of
the most useful arts. This was the case with fossil
coal. That our British ancestors were acquainted with
its use is certain : because, as Mr. Brand has observed,
in the mass of erudition which he has accumulated on
the subject in his History of Newcastle, vol. ii., pp.
241 et sqq., they had a primitive name for it, Glo ;
and the name of the place now before us proves the
same fact : Pwlliaw, pits, evidently alluding to the
coal pits upon Pulley common. Mr. Whitaker (History
of Manchester, bk. ii., c. 8, sec. 1) adduces other proofs
that the Romans and Britons used coal in this island ;
and the passage of Solinus, cap. 22, describing the
temple of Minerva at Bath — <l In cujus asde perpetui
ignis nunquam canescunt in favillas, sed, ubi ignis
tabuit, vertit in globos sicut" — can refer to nothing
but a fire of pit coal, and the agreement by which one
Wulfrede in the year 852 contracted to furnish the
convent of Peterborough with " sixty fodder of wood,
and twelve fodder of grafan " (Chron. Sax. sub ann.)
proves that the Saxon invasion had not interrupted
the use of this most important article, if Bishop Gibson
is warranted, as I conceive him to be, in rendering this
last word, carbo fossilis.1 It must then have been the

1 Groofan is certainly something dug up : but whether the mineral
coal, or that fossil wood found in mosses, particularly Whixall moss
between Worn and Whitchurch, and by many naturalists conjectured
to be the ba*is of coal, 1 would not undertake positively to pronounce.
I incline, however, to believe it coal. " Pulley, so-called perhaps from

154 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Danish devastations which destroyed all knowledge of
coal for nearly four centuries.

The whole of Pulley was in the Saxon times the
property of Edgitha, queen of Edward the Confessor.
But I suppose she held it as two manors, for its
division between two parishes is, in all probability, as
old as the original introduction of that mode of dividing
the country.

[mortimer's manor.]

At the time of Domesday that part of Polelie which
is in the parish of Meole was held in chief of the Crown
by Ralph de Mortimer, lord also of the manor of Meole.
It was rated to the Danegeld at one hide and a virgate.
What follows is not very intelligible. M The land is
five carucates.1 There are three radmans, and four
villans and 5 bordars with vii or carucates."1 If this
means that there were five carucates in the demesne,
and also seven carucates occupied by the radmans, &c,
the total makes a very unusual increase of tillage in the
course of less than a century. It is not easy to decide
what number is designed by viior ; the numerals evi-
dently denote seven, but the termination "or" seems
to belong to quatuor, foui\ Even nine carucates is a
great many to have sprung from one hide and a quarter.

The earliest notice I find of this place after Domes-
day is in the chartulary of Haghmon Abbey : — Maurice
de Pulilega grants to Haghmon abbey an acre in
Pulleley with the buildings thereon, lying between the
land of Osbern, and that of Isabella the mother of
Engelard. H. T. : Roberto Infante, Andrea filio

the Welsh ' pwll,' a ditch, there remaining to this day on Pulley
common a large entrenchment." (God. Edwards.) Pulley, Pyllau,
pits, plur. of pwll.

1 [Not carucates but ox-teams. " The land is sufficient for five
ox-teams. Here are three radmans, and foui villains, and five boors,
withj seven (qu. four) ox-teams. In King Edward's time, the
manor was worth 30s. ; its value afterwards and now was and is 10s."
Cf. Eyton, vi., 212.— Ed.]]

PULLEY.

155

Huberti, tunc prepositis Salopesbur', &c.x The two
persons last named are parties soon after to another
gift of land to another house of religion.

Ralph Marescall2 of Burton, by the assent of his wife
Isabel and for their souls' health and that of Thomas
his son, grants to God and the altar of St. Mary in the
abbey of Salop, a messuage with a croft thereunto
belonging in the town of Pulileg, viz., that messuage
which is before the house of Brun of Pulileg, to find
light before that altar, and that the custos of that altar
for the time being may manage (tractabit) the premises
at his pleasure. Witnessed by Ralph his son, and
Engelard de Pulileg. (C. A. S. 414.) This must have
been immediately before his death, since the confirma-
tion by IsabeJ, his relict, is attested by the same
persons (ih. 415).

In 37 Henry VIII. (1545) lands and tenements in
Pulley and Monks foriet were granted in free burgage
to Richard and Robert Tavernor. This was, I suppose,
Marescall's grant above mentioned.

This Ralph Marescall3 had a serjeanty in the royal
forest, and the Polileys were also connected with the
same department. Philip de Polileye was a forester of
fee in the forest of Lythewode in the reign of Edward I.
Engelard de Poliley occurs in the 18th of the same
King.

In the 7th of Edward I. (1278), on an hundred roll
of that year, it is stated that Audulph le Bracy holds
a moiety of the town of Pulleleg within the liberty of
the town of Salop, and that he hath there four free
tenants,, viz., Elgebard de Puleleg, William fitz John,
Roger Lance, and John the Welshman. Engelard de

1 [The date of this grant is c. 1222.- Ei>.]

2 In yo Vesta de N evilly 12 and 13 John, Ralph Marescoll and
Tho. do Bureton owe a serjeanty of keeping Biriwode, &e.

3 [MareschalPs estate in Pulley was in Teodulf's manor. Blakeway
lias very much mixed up the two manors in Pulley. Eyton's account
is more intelligible. Of. Eyton, vi., 206 — 213. — Ed.]

156

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Poliley occurs in 18 Edward I. (1289). It was,
perhaps, from the circumstance of his forester's residence
here that Henry III. had granted to the township of
Polilegh herbage in Lythwood, and that three parts of
the town had been laid to the royal forest. By the
Commission of 28 Edw. I. (1299) they were ordered to
be deafforested.

In 9 Edw. HI. (1335) it is found that Philip de
Polyley held on the day of his death Gs. of yearly rent
here by the service of keeping the King's hedge
(haiamj within the forest of Salop, and that William
de Polyley was his son and heir.

I find a William Pulleley of the Lythe in 14 Edw.
IV., but no further proof of their connection with the
place from which they derived their name subsequent
to the date last set down.

A property here was part of the possessions of the
Burnell family, for in 10 Edw. II. Sir John de Hanlo,
and Maud his wife, the heiress of that house, enfeoffed
Hugh le Despenser the elder, the reigning favourite of
the day, and Sir William de Handlo, clerk, among
other things in a rent in Polilegh. This was for the
purpose of a reconveyance in tail male, in consequence
of which it descended to their grandson, Hugh, Lord
Burnell, who died seised thereof in 5 Henry V.

Richard Launce of Polyley married Agnes, daughter
and heiress of Roger Yrons of Shelton.

18 Henry VI., " We John Launce of Polyley and
Roger Yve, son of Reginald Yve of Leton, coheirs of
Isabel and Johanna, daughters and heirs of Richard
Launce, late of Polyley, and Agnes, his wife, who was
daughter and heiress of Roger Yvors of Shelton, grant
all our lands, &c, in Shelton to Roger Yve, clerke, and
Richard Gery.

In the Meole part of Pulley is a farmhouse, now
much modernized and greatly reduced in its dimen-
sions, which appears to have been formerly a place of some
note, from the remains of a square moat, by which it was
surrounded, from an ornamented chimney, and from a

PULLEY.

157

pailour bearing evident marks of antiquity. The
windows were filled with roundels of stained glass,
descriptive of several months of the year— March, a
man digging, with a flaggon of liquor by his side;
April, one frightening birds from the corn ; June, a
labourer weeding corn ; September, threshing ; Novem-
ber, killing a pig, which is done not by our present
mode of sticking, but by felling with a hatchet ; and
December, an infant with crown and sceptre and covered
cup, also a cypher.

[In the M.S. are eight rough drawings in circles,
evidently representing the stained glass.]

On the main beam in the ceiling, in old English
characters, the pious wish and moral exhortation : —
" Plente and grace Be in thys place Sey well or ells be
stile, " and under the window was carved the devout
ejaculation, " Jhu Mercy, Lady Relpe."

This house I should assign as the residence of the
Polileys.

[teodulf's manor.]
Pulley in the parish of St, Julian.

The other of Queen Edgith s manors of Polelie was
included in the grant to Earl Roger, under whom it
was h olden at the time of Domesday by one Theodulf,
a small land-holder. It had been assessed to the
Danegeld at three virgates. It consisted of only one
carucate,1 which Theodulf occupied himself with the
assistance of one servant, but he had also two bordars.

In 37 Eliz. Richard Owen of Whitley died seised of
lands and hereditaments in Pulley holden of the Queen
by knight service as of her castle of Montgomery. This,

1 [Not carucate, but ox-team. Teodulf was probably a Saxon,
and soon displaced, His tenure at Pulley, being an Escheat in the
hands of the Earl or King, was constituted a Serjeantry, of which
Gilbert Ralph and Roger Bocharte were the first tenants. Roger
Bozard died in 1194, leaving two infant daughters and co-heirs —
Isabella, who married Ralph Marescall, and Alice, who married first
Thomas de Echingeham and afterwards Elias de Burton. — Ed ]

158 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

no doubt, was in that part of Pulley now under con-
sideration, which, as has been stated, belonged to the
Norman Roger de Montgomery.

The following belongs to the same head : —

Parcel of the late Monastery of Lilleshall : farm of one acre
of land with a curtilage in Pulley within the parish of S*
Julians demised to David Wotton at the will of the lord,— 6d
per ann.

This land was sould to Arthur Lowe by indenture dated the

1610 : & was by him sould back to the patentees by

indenture dated the . . , . ot June, 1611, & by tnem surren-
dered to ye King's Majestie 19tb June, 1611. (Rawlinson's
MSS. in bibl. Bodl. vol. of Several Places in England.)

Thomas Cotton, Esq., of Pulley, served the office of
Sheriff in 1678. He married Alice, one of the nineteen
children of Sir John Corbett, Bart., of Adderley. His
daughter and heir, Sarah, married Edward Owen, Esq.,
of Woodhouse.

[Blakeway has not kept distinct the two manors in Pulley.

Mortimer's Manor was that part of Pulley now in the manor of
Meolo Brace. After Domesday it does not appear as a separate
manor, nor as anything more than a member of Meole Brace. It
passed with Meole Brace to Mortimer's Feoffees, the Cantilupes and
Bracys, who thus became mesne lords of this part of Pulley. At the
Assizes of 1221, William, infant son and heir of Stephen de Purileg,
sued Aud.aH do Bracy for a virgate in Purileg. At the Assizes of
1256, John de Bracy was found to have disseized William de Rodene
and Alice, his wife, of half a virgate in Pulilegh.

Ttodulfs Manor was that part of Pulley which was afterwards in
St. Julian's parish, and now Bayston Hill. On Teodulf's forfeiture it
was constituted a Serjeantry by the tenure of keeping the Forest of
Lythwood, of which the first tenants were Gilbert Bocharte (or
Boschart) and his sons, Ralph and Roger. On the deaths of Gilbert
and Ralph, the land came to Roger Bocharte. He died in 1194,
leaving two infant daughters, Alice and Isabella Alice became the
wife first of Thomas de Echmgeham, and afterwards of Elias de
Burton ; whilst Isabella married Ralph Marescall. Elias de Burton
was dead in 1227, and from this time Ralph Marescall seems to have
obtained both shares of this manor. His widow, Isabella, was dead
in 1249, when it was found by Inquisition that she held 3| virgates
in Polilegh, worth Gs. per annum, by service of keeping the Forest of
Lye*(or Lythwood). Her son, Ralph Marescall, succeeded to Pulley,
but died about 12G2-3, leaving a son and heir, Engelard de Pulileg.
On Engelard's death in 1289, his son, Philip de Pulileg, succeeded to
Pulley.

PULLEY.

159

Pulley foreign and Pulley vetus were part of the old Liberties of
Shrewsbury. In 1327, the following inhabitants of Polileye in the
Liberties were assessed to the Subsidy: — John de Bettone, William
Neel, and Alice de Polileye ; whilst under Polyleye in Condover
Hundred the following were assessed : — William Enge, Reginald
Partrych, and William Bronnyges. In 1352, Richard de Polileye
paid 12d. on a taxation of the Liberties. In the Court Books, Pulley
Vetus and Pulley fforens. occur amongst the Libertates Wardse
Lapideae. Poliley occurs in 1385, and Pulhley in 1395, on the Court
Rolls of the Liberties. On an Inquisition of the Liberties taken in
October, 1515, it was found that Pulley was a hamlet of Betton, and
in the parish of St. Juliana the Virgin; and (in another part of the
Inquisition) that Betton and part of Pulley were within the Hundred
of Condover, and were taxed to fifteenths and tenths to 12s. lid.1
Amongst the Trained Soldiers of Shropshire in 1580, these names
occur :— Pulley : Mr Edward Ireland, Thomas Bolde, Thomas Wykie,
Ffrauncis Croket, Richard Vikers, Raffe Ffuret, Jeu'n ap David.
Pulley Old Liberties : Richard Suker, Thomas Suker his servant,
Richard Betton, Arthur Simons, Thomas Goughe his servant, Arthur
Durnengo, George Mylward, Arthur Mylward and William My 1 ward
his servants, John Mylward, Ric. ap Richard, William Dagar, Arthur
Suker, Houmffrey Nocke, John Mylward, John Corles.2 In 1587
there is a similar return for Pulley Old Liberties and Pulley New
Liberties 3

The Irelands of Lythwood sprung from Robert, second son of David
Ireland of Shrewsbury. See pedigree in Visitation of Salop, 1623
(Harl. Society, p. 271).

The old house above referred to was formerly the property of
Thomas Jelf Powys, Esq., and now of Mr. G. E. Kinnersly, and was
tenanted formerly by several members of the Hiles family, but now
by Mr. Wm. Thomas of Meole, Miss Norris occupying it. It contains
many old oak beams and marks of antiquity. On the east side it is
timbered, and there are vestiges of a moat. In the farmyard is an
old dovecot. The ornamented chimney and the carved inscriptions
are not now visible, but six roundels of glass remain in the parlour
window. They are as follows : — No. 1, unintelligible ; (2) " lady," (?)
in old English characters ; (3) an ornamented shield, with a scroll
across it, and a black and gold cable border round it ; 'A) a man
reaping barley, " August "(?); (5) a man weeding corn, "June;"
(6) a man threshing with a flail, "September."

The Meole portion of Pulley now belongs to several landowners,
Messrs. Bather, Kinnersly, Hiles, Lee, &c. ; and the St. Julian's
portion belongs to Mr. Hulton-Harrop and others. — Ed.]

1 Cf. Trans., 2nd Series, ii., 73, 75.
» Ibid , 280-1.
8 Ibid, HI, 142-3.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S

U

IGO

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

PIMLEY.

Pimley in the parish of Uffington, but liberties o.
Shrewsbury.

In a charter of inspeximus to the abbey of Salop,
2 Henry III. (122G), Fulke, the Sheriff of Shrewsbury,
is stated to have granted Pimlye to that religious
house in the time of Henry I., with the body of his
wife (i.e., for her sepulture within their precinct), with
the assent of his son Henry. But this grant should
seem not to have been acted upon ; I suppose from
some defect of title in the grantor — at least I find no
other trace of any connection between this place and
that abbey.1

Stephen fit Uverardi de Midelton2 grants to ye
Abbot of Haghmon partem meam de ripa de Pimbe-
lega ad quam firmatum est molendinum eorum &
tantum de terra mea quantum sufficit ad bene firman-
dum stagnum ejusdem molendini ; also grants quod
firment molendin' p'd'c'um ubicumq' voluerint inter
vadum subtus & proquinquius molendino & ipsum
molendinum ; also grants la mora que est inter pre-
dictum vadum k molendinum. H.T. : Will'o fil. Alani,
Hug' Pantulf, Will'o de Boter', Rob. de Girrons, Petro
filio Tor' [qu. Toret], Marscoto, Will'o de Wudeton,
Alano de Etlega, Will'o de Hercolou, Odo de Odenet,
Widone de Sauburi, Bob. fil Aerii, Rad'o Hose.

1 [This is an error of Blakeway's. Eyton points out that the
Scigneury of Pimley remained with Shrewsbury Abbey until the
dissolution. Fulke, who was a sort of Under-Sheriff to Rainald,
granted Pimelega to the Abbey between 1121 and 1136. His gift ia
recorded in the Confirmations of Stephen, the Empress Maud,
Henry II., and Henry III. Cf. Eyton, vii , 304 —Ed.]

2 [Stephen de Pimbelega, son of Unerarde de Midelton, was the
Abbot of Shrewsbury's feoffee at Pimley. On February 8, 1189, a
Fine was levied between Stephen de Pimbelg and the Abbot of
Lilleshall concerning a bosc in Hennechot and Pimbelg. The Canons
of Haughinond had a mill called Pimley mill, in Uffington Manor,
but situated on the rivulet of Pimley or Pimbroc ; and Stephen
makes three grants to them. Cf. Eyton, vi.} 3G8, vii., 304-5. — Ed.]

PIMLEY.

161

Stephen, son of Unerard de Midelton, grants to
Haghmond his part of ye bank of Pimbelega, &c.

Stephen de Pimbelega grants to the canons of
Haghmon permission to make their stank of the mill
and pool of Pimbeleg, upon his land there ; and to
raise and extend it there as much as they please, ita
quod tota gista aque vivarii — so that the whole stress
(qu. French jet d'eau) of the water of the pool may be
upon his land of Pimbeleg. He likewise gives them
leave to take of his land wherever they will, absque
nocumento terre culte, to strengthen, raise, and extend
their stank. Also that they may have their bays on
his said land, that the water of the pool may freely and
sufficiently issue, cum tota terra que est inter cursum
aque baiarum & ductum veterem de Pimber. And he
covenants that neither himself nor his heirs shall move
any claim against the canons on account of the loss of
water, que per cursum aque baiarum possit e venire
terre mee de Pimbel\ Likewise that neither he nor
his heirs shall ever fish in the pool. This grant is
attested by Sir John fitz Alan, Sir Thomas Mandut,
and Robert his brother, and therefore probably belongs
to ye reign of King John.1

By another deed he gives them as much of his tilled
land of Pimbel' as is between a certain oak marked on
both sides with a cross, across his tilled land strait to
a certain maple (acernum), which stands on the bank
of Pimbroc underneath towards the said brook, together
with the said two trees.

De donac'o'e molendini de Pimbel' sicut dl Rex Henr'
secundus : — Ex dono Roberti de la Mara etc. cum una mansura
in ipsam villam de Offinton cum molendino de Pimber quam
terrain cum molendino, pater suis eis antea donavit.

Vide indenturam de molendino & aliis ibidem dimissis
Nicholas Forbour Salop. & etiam composic'o'em inter Monas-
terium de Haghmon & Lileshill pro redundacVe aque ibidem.

1 [This deod, says Eyton, must havo passod aftor 1215, and so
twenty years later than the first of Stophen's three grants. — Ed.]

162

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

A fine1 in ye court of our lord y° king of Salop on Monday
in ye morrow of S* Michael 4 John (1202), before G. fil ....
earl of Essex and chief justiciary, Wm fitz Alan, Hugh Pantulf,
John Strange, Rob1 Corbet, Robfc de Boudles, &c, between
Stephen de Pimlegh, demandant, and ye burgesses of Salop,
tenants of y° whole pasture in Pimeley and Derfeld to ye hedge
of Pimlegh. Stephen grants it to yc burgesses, they^ paying an
annual rent of 1 lb. of cumin — per manus praepositorum de
Salop — and they pay him 6 marks of Silver. (E cartis penes
Joseph Loxdale de Salop, anno 1792.)

24Eliz. (1581-2), Anthonye Forster of Watling Sfc, gent.,
releases to John Young, junr, of Charney, co. Staff., gent., his
right in ye great tithes of ye towne fyld and territory of Rodon
in p'sh High Ercall.

30 Sept., 32 Eliz. (1590), Deed to declare ye uses of a hne.
John Yonge of Charnes, co. Staff., gent., levied a fine whin 3
yrs last past to Edw. Hussey, co. Sal., Esqr, and John Badeley
of Elerton Grange, co. Staff., gent., of all messuages, pastures,
&c, of ye sd John Yonge in ye p'shes, fieldes, &c, of Salop,
Uffington, and Pimley. It is now declared to be to y6 use and
for the promotion ol John Yonge the younger, son of y sd
John Yonge.

3 Jan., 1618, John Young of Pimley, gent., John Young,
junr, gent., son and heir-apparent of ye said John Young ye
elder, and Ellener, wife of Young, junr, sells to Sr Francis
Newport of High Ercall, Kt., ye sd tithes reputed or taken to
belong to ye late chapel of Roden, in which Wm. Horner of
London, dec'ed, and Ri. Horner, late of Pimley, dec'd, and y®
sd John Young had any estate.

11 Car. h (1635), Agg. to advise wh counsell what course to
take ag11 Mr John Younge for inclosinge Pimley wood out of
the Oulde Heathe, whereby y* inh'itants of this J. are hindred
there com'on of pasture in Pimley wood afsd — and of the
rioltie belongs to y* corporation.

Mr. Yonges case.

John Yonge, ye plf., lies seised of ye capital messuage or
reputed manor called Pimbley, and of a piece of wood ground
called Pimley wood, parcel of y* sd manor or capital messuage,
and thereunto adjoining, wch beyond memory was divided by

1 [This Fine is not noticed by Eyton. Stephen de Pimley had
been engaged in a suit with the bailiffs and burgesses respecting his
land at Pimley, and had established his right thereto. Cf. Eyton,
vii., 305.— Ed. 1

PIMLEY,

163

divers meare stones from a great common called the ould
heath, but left uninclosed by reason it was full of woods . . .
the plf. purposinge to sell ye sd wood, about Jan?, 1635,
inclosed ye sd Pimley wood and for 2 yrs quietly depastd y6
same.

The bailiffs and burgesses of Shrewsbury pretendg rfc of
common to ye sd wood, ordered ye fence to be thrown down :
whereupon ye sd John Yonge in Easter term, 1638, declared in
King's bench ag* them .... and had judgement ....

In Trin. term, 15 Car, I. (1639) ye sd John Young obtained
a similar judgem* agfc Houmfry Raven and ors as tenants unto
one Mr Tho. Jones of a parcell of ground called the Close
behind the Castle, clayming to have common of pasture in ye
sd Pimley wood.

Witnesses brought to prove, that a litell brooke runninge
from Hencot under the Bowebridge to be the uttermost extent
of ye soil belonginge to ye J. of Shrewsbury, and that the Owld
heath lyeth betwixte y6 sd Bowebridge and Pimley wood.

to prove that the owners of Pimley tyme owte

of minde, duringe the time of pannage have imployed a servant
constantly to keepe all sorts of cattel out of y* sd wood savinge
his owne and such as did asiste there.

Old Heath : This whole common was formerly belonging to
y* abbot of Lylleshall, and so were ye several lordships of
Abright Lee, Harlscote, and Hancot in ye p'shes of S* Alk-
mund and Sfc Mary, togr wh ye farme called Pymley in ye p'sh
of Uffington.

The M. of Abr. lee contiguous to ye waste (of Pymbley) was
granted to James Leveson, whose son Richard, 8 Mar., 7 Edw.
VI. (1553) grants it to Sir Rowland Hill and Jas. Barker for
£256 14s. 8d.

[Pimley is not mentioned in Domesday. Eycon is of opinion that
it was then included in the Manor of Upton, although it was in the
parish of St. Mary's, Shrewsbury.

Stephen de Pimley, before referred to, was succeeded in his estates
by his son, William de Pimbeleg. William had two sons, Geoffrey
and William. The Hundred Roll of 1255 states that " Geoffrey de
Pembeleg is lord of Pembeleg, and holds it of the Abbot of Salop for
5s. per annum." Pimley passed presently to the Burnells, and Bishop
Burnell by deed gave his manor of Pymbeleye to Thomas de
Wythington and his wife Isabella, which Isabella was c.onsanguinea of
the Bishop. Thomas de Wythington was living from about 1289 to
1318. The manor afterwards came to the Yonges.

Adam de Pembeley was assessed to the Subsidy of 1327, under
Downton. In a Court Book of 1508, the following inhabitants of

164 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

Pymley are named : Thomas Trentham, senior, William Yonge,1
William Humfreston, the Abbot of Salop, Thomas Otteley, and
William Clerke. In 1564 John Younge, gent., and Richard Horn
occur ; and in 1597, John Yonge, gent., and John Yonge, junior. In
t he Court Books it occurs amongst the Libertates Wardae Castrensis.

Pemeley was added to the Liberties of Shrewsbury by the Charter
of Henry VII.. dated 14 Dec, 1495.2 At an Inquisition of the
Liberties taken in 1515, it was found that the tenants, residents, and
dwellers within and of the town of Pym'eley within the hundred of
Bradford, for their goods and chattels moveable within the said town
of Pymeley were taxed to a certain entire fifteenth and tenth to the
sum of 7s.s

In the list of the Trained Soldiers of Shropshire in 1580, under
Pymley, occur these names : — Richard Horner, and George Man,
Roger Hunte, and William Hylton his servants, Mr. Thomas Pons-
burie, William Robinson, and Richard Robinson.4 In 1587, John
Yonge, gent., John Illedge, and Homfrey Blackey occur.5 This
Thomas Pontesbury was probably son of George Pontesbury of
Allbrightlee, and was buried at St. Alkmuud's 16 March, 1605.
(See Vis. Salop, 1623.)

The Pimley estate ultimately came to the Corbet family of
Sundorne. Pimley House was erected in 1849 by Andrew William
Corbet, Esq., for his residence during his mother's lifetime. He died
in 1856 ; and it has since been tenanted by Mr. Jonathan Scarth,
Captain Shackerley, and Mrs. William Sparrow. The present owner
of Pimley is the Rev. George Corbet, of Sundorne Castle. — Ed ]

ADDITIONS TO PULLEY.

[Mr. George Edward Kinuersly's estate in Pulley was purchased
about 1852 by his grandfather, Mr. Edward Kinnersleyof Newcastle,
Staffordshire, and of Binfield Manor, Berks, from the Hon. Henry
Wentworth Powys. He died 8 June, 1868, leaving a sou, Mr.
William Thomas Kinnersly, on whose death in 1876 the estate passed
to his son, Mr. G. E. Kinnersly.

Mr. Thomas Hiles's estate in Pulley belonged to his great-grand-
father, Mr. Thomas Hiles.

Mr. Hulton-Harrop's estate in Pulley belonged formerly to Mr.
Thomas Parr of Lythwood Hall, who sold it to the Rev. Robert
Hornby, from whose family it was purchased by the present owner. —
Ed.]

1 [Soe Pedigree of Young of Charnes in the Vis. of Stafford, 1614, and in the
Via. London, 1568 ; and also of Yonge of Caynton in the Via. Salop, 1623 —
Ed.]

2 [See Owen and Blakeway, i., 268, &c.— Ed.]

3 Shropshire Archaeological Trans, 2nd Series, ii, 75.

4 Ibid, 278.

» Ibid, iii., 140.

PRESTON GOB ALLS.

165

PRESTON GOBALLS.

The extensive donations of land settled upon their
ecclesiastical foundations by our Saxon ancestors was a
measure not merely of their piety, but of their poverty
also. They had little but land to bestow : and land
unoccupied and uncultivated was of trifling value
among a people whose numbers were extremely in-
adequate to the extent of their territory. That such
was the state of this place at the time when it was
granted to the Church of St. Alkmund in Shrewsbury
I infer from its name : Preston, the priest's town,
evidently implying that it had not, before that event,
attracted sufficient notice to have received any appel-
lation. The circumstances attending this donation are
lost in the obscurity of the ninth century, the date of
St. Alkmund's foundation, and therefore we are unable
to determine whether Preston had been a part of the
possessions of the Mercian kings, and bestowed upon
her rising church by its royal foundress, Edelfleda, or
whether it was one of the ten prebends granted to it
by King Edgar, but the latter seems the most probable
opinion.

Under the canons, Preston was so much improved as
to be assessed at four hides to the dane-geld ; yet it
was found to have been w^aste at the time of the
Norman Conquest. The cause of this, in the absence
of all records, it is impossible to ascertain — but many
circumstances conspire to shew that even Church
property in those days of commotion was not so sacred
as, from the terrors of superstition, one might suppose
it would have been : and the collegiate church of St.
Alkmund appears to have been in a condition peculiarly
undefended, and from the extent of its possessions, for
it was the richest of our Shrewsbury Churches, to have
been in a superior degree an object of the rapacity of
the Norman invaders.

In the numerous train which Roger de Montgomeri
brought over with him when he came to take posses-

166 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

sion of the Earldom of Shrewsbury was a priest named
Godebold. He was one of the three " wise clerks,"
whom, as Ordericus relates, the Earl retained in his
service, and by whose counsels he directed all his
measures. (Lib. iv., p. 522.) Thus, though devoted
to the service of religion, he maintained somewhat of a
secular character, and by the influence of his patron
was enabled, in common with his fellow chaplain Nigel,
the Earl's physician, to speculate largely in Church
property at the expense of the canons of St. Alkmund.
Among other of their possessions he is found in Domes-
day to hold from that church Frestone, which from
him has been denominated in all after ages, Preston
Gobalds, and which was then comprehended within the
Hundred of Bascherche. He retained one carucate1 in
his own demesne ; two more carucates were occupied by
two villans, three bordars, and two Norman settlers ;
and the commissioners were of opinion that there was
room for two more carucates of arable land. It was
then valued at ten shillings, which was, I suppose, the
rent that Godebold paid his landlords.

The place, however, subsequently reverted to St.
Alcmund's, and as part of its possessions was confirmed
to Lilleshull Abbey by King John in the first year of
his reign (in Aug., 1199). (Dugd. Mon.)

The Iter of Henry III.2 found four hides here holden
by the Abbey ; and the same religious house by deed
without date grants common in Prestone Gobald to
William Banastre. (Inter cart. R. Hill bar.11)

In 28 Edw. I. the Abbey holds Preston Gobolde
with its members, it was holden in chief of the King,
was gildable, and belonged to the church of St,
Alcmund. (Feodar. hund. de Pymhill.3)

1 [ (STot carucate, but ox-team, in this and the two following places.
—Ed.]

2 [Eytou terms it, the Pimhill Hundred Roll of 1 255. (7/. Eyton,
x.,' 171. —En.]

3 [Eyton assigns the date 1279 to this Pimhill Tenure Roll — Ed.]

PRESTON GOB ALLS.

167

In the Nomina Villarum, 9 Edw. II. (1316), Thomas
de Roshall is stated to be lord of the manors of Preston
Godale and Roshall. By the former is evidently
intended this place, but in what right the said Thomas
was lord of it, whether pleno jure or as lessee of
Lilleshull Abbey, I have not seen.

In 17 Edw. III. (1343), the Abbot and Convent of
Lilleshull grant pannage in their wood of Preston
Gobald to John of Acton Reynes and his wife. (Cart.
R. Hill bar*.)

Messuages in Preston Gobalds,late parcel of the Abbey
of Lilleshull, with the tithes of Mered en and Lee, were
granted to Edward Hosier 35 Hen. VIII. (1543) (MS.
Edwards), and he is called of Preston (which I suppose
means this place) in the Visitation. By writ of Privy
Seal dated 22 June in the following year, Edw. Hosyer,
gent., has licence to alienate to Richard Trentham,
John Makeworthe, Roger Luter, and Thomas Hosyer
lands and tenements in Preston Gobalds and tithes in
Mereden and Lee and others in Okyngton to his own
use in tail male and with remainders over. (Harl.
MSS., 1765.) Mr. Edward Hosier had an only
daughter, Elizabeth, married to John Dray cot, Esq.,
and to this gentleman and his wife he conveyed the
manor lordship and lands in 7 Eliz. (1564). In 13
Eliz. (1570) the manor, with tithes, oblations, and
lands here, were holden by Geoffrey Hosier, a relation ;
but this could have been only as a trustee, for in 21
Eliz. (1578) the manor and lands and the rectory were
alienated by John Draicott, gent., to Edw. Basset and
others to uses. (MS. Lethieull.)

Roger Luter,1 gent. , late alderman of Salop, is styled
of Preston Gobbolds in 38 Eliz. (1595).

1 [Thomas Luter married Kathcrine, one of the daughters of John
Corbet of Lee, Sheriff in 152G. Reginald Corbet, a grandson of John,
married Margery, daughter of Roger Luter, and had a daughter Ann
who was a year old at the Vis. Salop, 1584. Roger Luter occurs
Bailiff of Shrewsbury in 1514, 1519, 1543, 1551, and 1562. -En.]

Vol VI IT , 2nd S. V

168 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

[The manor and estate of Preston Gobalds seems to have passed to
the family of Jones of Uckington and Shrewsbury, whose pedigree
was recorded in the Vis. Salop, 1623. Thomas Jones (son of Edward
Jones and Mary Powell), aged 9 in 1623, became Lord Chief Justice
CP., married Jane dau. of Daniel Bavand of Chester, and was buried
at St. Alkmund's 3 June, 1692. He had issue (1) William Jones,
(2) Thomas Jones, and (3) the Rev. Edward Jones, Rector of Hodnet
and Canon of Windsor. This rector had a son, Edward Jones of
Stanley Hall, who ultimately succeeded to the Shropshire estates,
and a daughter, Catherine, who married the Rev. Penyston
Booth, D.D., Dean of Windsor, and left an only daughter and heiress
Catherine Booth, who married John Tyrwhitt, Esq. Edward Jones
of Stanley Hall died in February, 1753, and left an only son, Sir
Thomas Jones, Knt., who died s.p. 22 March, 1782, having devised
his estates to his cousin, Thomas Tyrwhitt, Esq. (son of John
Tyrwhitt and Catherine Booth).

The following Pedigree, which is compiled from various sources,
will show more clearly the devolution of the Shropshire estates in
the Jones family : —

SIR THOMAS JONES, Knt., Chief Justice C.P.,=j=Jane, dau. of Daniel

M.P. for Shrewsbury, 1661 ; bapt. at St. Alk
mund's, 13 Oct., 1613 ; bur. there 3 June, 1692.
M.I. [2nd son of Edward Jones and Mary
Powell, and set. 9 at Vis. Salop, 1623].

Bavand, of Chester.

William Jones=j=Grace

of Co. Denbigh;
bapt. at St.
Julian's, 15
Oct., 16-J7 ; d.
19 and bur. at
St. Alkmund's,
23 Feb., 1693.
M.I.

Thomas'" Jones,
Sheriff 1700 ;
M.P. for
Shrewsb u r y
1715; d. 31
July, and bur.
at St. Alk-
mund's, 12 th
Aug., 171 5,
aged 48. M.I.
His os t a t os
wont to his
cousin Charles
J ones.

dau.
of Sir
Peter

Thomas Jones:
Barrister -at-
Law of Lin-
coln's Inn ;
Pyndar bap. at St.
Bart., Julian's, 19
of Sept., 1639;
Chester, d. 1711.

-Jane
Wil-
kinson

I

Charles Jones,=
of Shrews-
bury ; Sheriff
1733 ; bur. 11
Ap., 1737,
ait. 66.

Eleanor
Meynck

Thomas Jones, of Shrews-
bury, &c; Sheriff 1745 ;
died. 8-. p. 22 Dec, 1745,
iiit. 32. His estates went
to his cousin Edward
Jones, of Stanley Hall.

Edward Jones-
Rector of
Hodnet, and
Canon of
Windsor

-Katherine,
widow of
Robert
Waith.

Edward;
Jones, of
Stanley
Hall, jure
uxoris ;
heir to his
cousin
Thomas
Jones in
1745; diod
Feb., 1753

:Mary, Catherine
dau. and mar. Rev.
heir of Penyston
John Booth,
Huxley, D.D.,
of Stan- Dean of
ley Hall. Windsor]

PRESTON GOBALLS.

10D

Sir Thomas Jones, Knt., of Stanley
Hall; Sheriff 17G0; d. s. p. 22
March, 1782. Demised his estates
to his cousin Thomas Tyrwhitt.

Catherine, d.=T=John Tyrwhitt, Esq., of

and h.

Co. Somerset.

Thomas Tyrwhitt Esq.; assumed the name and arms=j=Harriet Rebecca, dau.
of Jones, on succeeding to the estates of Sir Thomas of Edward Williams,
Jones, Knt.; created a Baronet 3 Oct., 1808 ; M.P. | of Eaton Mascott.
for Shrewsbury 1807 ; m. 1791 ; d. 24 Nov. 1811. j

a T quo
Tyrwhitt, Bart.

On Sir Thomas (Tyrwhitt) Jones' death in 1811, his estates came
to his son— Sir Thomas John Tyrwhitt, 2nd Bart., Sheriff 1816, M.P.
for Bridgnorth ; he married Eliza Walwyn, daughter of John
Macnamara, Esq., and died 5 Oct., 1839, leaving issue — Sir Henry
Thomas Tyrwhitt, 3rd Bart., who married Emma Harriet, Baroness
Berners, and died 26 Jan , 1894, leaving with other issue a son — Sir
Raymond Robert Tyrwhitt, Bart , of Stanley Hall, the present lord
of the Manor of Preston Gobalds, and Patron of the Advowson.

Two farms in the parish belonged to Robert Aglionby Slaney, Esq.,
of Walford Manor, and are now held by his grandson, Thomas Slaney
Eyton, Esq.

Preston Gobalds comprises the hamlets of Merrington, Romero
Heath which was enclosed c. 1810, Old Woods, and Lea Hall.

Lea Hall was anciently called Reyner's Lee, from Reiner de Lee
who held it under Lilleshall Abbey in 1196, and afterwards Lee near
Pimhill.1 The Pedigree of this family was entered at the Vis. Salop,
1623. Sir Richard Lee, Bart., of Langley and Acton Burnell, died in
April, 1660, leaving two daughters and coheirs. The elder of these,
Rachel Lee, married Ralph Clcaton, Esq., and had for her inheritance
the Lea Hall and other estates in Shropshire. These passed to her
descendants; and Lea Hall was ultimately sold to Sir Thomas
(Tyrwhitt) Jone*, Bart., and now belongs to his descendant, Sir
Raymond Robert Tyrwhitt, Bart.

There was also a member of Preston Gobalds called Cherlton,
which belonged to the Abbot of Lilleshall, and contained a hide of
land.2

The population of Preston Gobalds in 1801 was 314 ; in 1841, 388 ; !
and in 1881, 426. A Religious Census taken in 1676 shows that
there were then in Preston-Gobballs 133 Conformists, 9 Papists, and
no Nonconformists.3

1 Cf. Eyton x., 172-3.

* C'/: Eyton, viii., 219 ; x., 173.

a C'/' S. A. Trail)}., 2nd Ser., i., 82.

170

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

The following inhabitants of Prestone Gobald were assessed to the
Lay Subsidy of 1327 — Richard son of Roger, Thomas le Prees,
Richard son of Geoffrey, William de Peuynton', Richard Peynn,
Amclyna Dun, Juliana the widow, John Aletes, Roger son of
Geoffrey, John Rosotc, Roger Crompe, and John de Lee. By King
Henry VII. 'a Charter to Shrewsbury, dated 14 Dec, 1495, the
tenants and inhabitants of Preston Gobal are included within the
Liberties of Shrewsbury, and are to contribute to all aids, subsidies,
and tallages, &c, and from henceforth have the freedom of all fairs
and markets, &g.1 In the Court Books, Preston Gobalds is included
in the Liberties of the Castle Ward. The list of Trained Soldiers of
Shropshire in 1580 gives these names under Preston Gobalds — Roger
Luter gent., Evan ap Thomas, Arthur Luter, and Richard Genual his
servants, John Loppingtun, Ffrancys Loppington, William Forton,
John Williams and John and Edward Williams his sons, Richard
Douns, Edward Brethyn, James Spristowe, Roger Drurie, Houmffrey
Fallowes, Houmffrey Duddlcston, Roger Befford, John Lye, Richard
Dunford, John Foster, Thomas Meredith servant to Mr Dracot, John
Croft and John Partridge servants to Mr. Lea, Evan ap Morrys,
Jeffrey Shelvox, Wiliiam ap Rees, and Ffrancs Harding his man.2 A
similar list for 1587 gives 34 names under Preston Gubbolls,
including Mr. Dracott and four servants, — Lee gent, and four
servants, and Arthur Luter gent, and two servants.3

The report of the Charity Commissioners for Salop, vol. xxvii.,
p. 448, mentions that Richard Brethensleft by his will in 1777 £100
to the poor of Preston Gubbalds, and that the interest was annually
laid out by the Churchwardens in the purchase of coals for the poor.

THE CHURCH,

There was a Church here at a very early date, but it was probably
never reputed more than a mere dependency of St. Alkmund's till
after the Dissolution. Its Ministers are not named in the Diocesan
Registers, and their emoluments have no place in Church Valuations.4
The old Church, which was dedicated to St. Martin, was taken down
in 1866, except a portion of the East and South walls. A new aisle,
as large as the old fabric, was built at the side, and now forms the
main building. The old South doorway and window in Chancel still
remain ; the latter has two new lights inserted on the South side. The
present Church consists of nave of three bays, chancel, South aisle,
South porch, and Western tower. The old octagonal font is figured
in Eytom In the Church is a curious long stone slab ; and a monu-
ment to an ecclesiastic, with a cross patonco on his breast. In the
Vestry is a Library for the use of the officiating clergy, the gift of

1 Of. Owen and Blakeway, i., 268-9.

2 S. A. Trans., 2nd Scries, ii., 270-7.
1 Ibid, iii., 138-!).

* Of. Eyton, x., 172.

PRESTON GOBALLS.

171

Charles Mather, Esq. On the North wall is a brass in memory of
William Stevens Burdj M.A., Christ Church, Oxon, Vicar of Preston
Gubbalds 1849 — 1880, who was born at Leighton Buzzard 27 Dec.
1817, and died at Preston Gubbalds 27 August, 1880. The East
window was also erected in his memory. The Church is in the gift
of Sir Raymond R Tyrwhit-Wilson, Bart., and is endowed with a
portion of the Old Mills Farm, Criggion, consisting of 58 acres ; also
with a Kent-charge of £10 in the parish, and Tithe Rent-charge in
the Parish of Holy Cross, Shrewsbury, apportioned at £65 17s. 2d.
In the Churchyard arc the steps and shaft of an ancient Cross. A
Benefaction Table, 1794, states that Thomas Jones, Esq., gave £10 10s.,
Rev. John Jones £7, and Rev. John Muckleston £5 5s. In 1841,
Lady Tyrwhit contributed £10 10s., and R. A. Slaney, Esq., £10,
towards repairing the Church. The restoration in 1866 cost £1,600.
The Communion Plate consists of Silver Chalice and Paten ; also a
flagon ; and a two-handled silver Cup, one handle now missing. On
the Paten are the initials G. L, and RLx, the gift, probably, of some
members of the Lee family.

(Exch.Q.R. Church Goods, 6 Edw. VI., Salop 8-10, m. 10.)
The p'yshe of P'ston Gobbl :

Sr John Samerfyld curat ther John Haynes WilPm Symons Wardens
Will'm lopynton John Hayward p'sheners ther present the xvjth day
of August in the sixte yere of the Rayne of Kyng Edward the sixte
before Sr Adam Mytton Knyght Roger Luter & Ry chard Wyytacres
bailies of the towne of Salop that they have ij lytyll bells, iiij1 vest-
ments, ij albes, and a cope.

The color of the vestments ij green say, one white fusty an, another
of chainlet.

John S'merfilde

John Haynes Will'm lopynton

William Symons John Hayward

(Exch.Q.R, Church Goods, 7 Edw. VI, Salop 8-12, m. 6.)

This Indenture made the xxiiijth day of Maij Anno R.R. Edr. vju vij°
betwene Sr Adam Mytton Knyghte John Corbett esquier & Roger
lewes comissioners by vertue of the kings letters of comission to
them emongst other directyd ou the one p'tye & Sr John Somerfyld
curate ther Will'm trenthyn James Bryde John hayne John Hayward
& Will'm lopyngton p'yshners of the p'ysh off Preston Gobbs of the
other partye Witnossethe that ther ys remaynyng in the said p'yshe
churcho ij lyttyle bells wl bells the said comyssioners on the king's
majesty es behallft streytly chargyth & commandythe them sowely to
kepe unsolde no otherwise imbesyllyd untyll suche tyme as the
king's inatilJ8 plesurc be unto th°oi further signifyed and declaryd.
P. me Jhon Sumerfeld.

\

172

HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

INCUMBENTS OF PRESTON GOBALDS.

(From Blakeway's Parochial Clergy ; MS. Blake way 15, fo. 42 )

John Somerfeld, elk., was curate here 32 Henry VIII. (1540),
with a salary of £4 13s. 4d. which is allowed by the
Crown on the Ministers' Accounts of that year for the
dissolved abbey of Lilleshull. [He occurs also in 1553.]

John Billingsley, 1613.

William Tecka," curate, 1621 ; sep. 28 Jan., 1641.

Thomas Orpe, minister here after his ejection from Staunton
Hine heath. [Formerly Schoolmaster at Tarporley.
Vicar of Stanton-on-Hine-Heath, from which he was
ejected by the Parliamentary Committee, but restored
in 1662. Minister also of Battlefield. Died 9 Dec,
1677, aged 66. See Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy,
ii., 323-4. He was born at Wilkesley, Cheshire, 161.1.
Son of Thomas Orpe, pleb. Matriculated at St. Mary
Hall, Oxford, 13 Oct., 1632, then aged 21.]

John Billingsley, curate temp. Car. II., see Kinneuley,

John Gower, minister, 1663 ; sep. 27 Apr , 1672.

Richard Lloyd, minister, 1696. [Qu. M.A St. Mary Hall,
Oxford ; son of Thomas Lloyd, gent. ; born at Einstrey
1652; rector of Petton 1691.]

Samuel Pearson, son of the Vicar of the Abbey, is styled of
Preston Gubbalds, in his admission to burgesship 1721.
[Son of Rev. Samuel Pearson, M.A, ; bapt. at Holy Cross,
Shrewsbury, 29 Nov., 1684.]

Richard Poolmore, curate, 1736.

William Bagley, curate, 1737; ob. Mar., 1783. [Sometimes

signs Registers as " Minister."]
[Thomas Jones, curate, 1783-4.
R. Howell, curate, 1787-90.]

John Jones, curate, see Hanwoodj ob. 12 Feb., 1793. [Signs
as "Minister" 1787-91.]

Thomas Frank, B.A., 1800. [Signs Registers from 23 Oct.,
1797, to 1804, and from 1825 to 1835. Son of Edward
Frank, gent. ; born at Oswestry, 1755. Of Brasenose
Coll., Oxford, matric 27 May, 1773, aged 18; B.A ,
1777. Died at Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, 22 Jan., 1849.

J. Davies, curate, 1805-21.

B. Maddy, curate, 1836-1846.

H. Moller, officiating minister, 1846.

William Stevens Burd, 1849-80. Son of the Rev. George
Burd. Born at Leighton Buzzard 27 Doc, 18 17. Ot

PRESTON GOB ALLS,

173

Ch. Ch., Oxford, matric. 11 May, 1837, B.A. 1841, M.A.
1847. Died at Preston Gobalds 27 August, 1880.
Joshua Brownjohn, 1880-1892. Theological Associate K.O.L.
Died at St. Cross, Winchester, Oct., 1893. Formerly
Vicar of St. Benedict, Norwich, 1871-4, and Rector of
St. Stephen's, Ipswich, 187G-80. The East window was
erected in his memory; and there is a brass on the
North wall.

John Alexander Kelly, instituted 10 Nov., 1892. Of Trinity
Coll., Dublin, B.A. 1862, M.A. 1869. Born at Sandy-
mount, co. Londondery, 25 Aug., 1839. The present
Incumbent of Preston Gobalds,
For many of these particulars I am indebted to the Rev.

J. A. Kelly.— Ed.]

EXTRACTS FROM THE REGISTERS OF PRESTON GOBALDS.

(From G. Morris'.* MSS. Shropshire Registers, &c.)

(Commences 1559).

1560, Ap. 18. Edward, son of John Williams, bapt.

1560, Ap. Margaret, daughter of Adam Colfoxe, bapt.
1564, Sept. 21. Edward, son of Mr. Edward Owen, bapt.

1564, Oct. 5. Richard, son of William Colfoxe, bapt.

1570, Ap. 25. Robert and Thomas, sons of John Lee, bapt.
1570, Oct. 18. Elizabeth, daughter of George Ireland e, bapt.

1575, Oct. 5. Tymothie Edwards and Alse Colfoxe mar.

1577, Aug. 11. Leonard, son of Leonard Chambers bapt.

1578, Jan. 9, George, son of Leonard Chambers, bapt.
1581, Feb. 25. Reignold Corbet and Margery Luter mar.
1583, Ap. 14. Richard, son of Thomas Wollascot, gent., bapt.
1583, Feb. 14. Win. Tecka, clerk and Ellen Dairy e mar.
1585, July 2. Sara, daughter of Harry Calcott, bapt.

1587, Feb. 20. Roger, son of Mr. Robert Luther, bapt.

1590, Dec. 14. Edward, son of Mr. Robert Luther, bur.

1591, Ap. 25. Thomas, son of Mr. Robert Luther, bapt.
1591, June 11. Katherine, wife of Roger Luther, gent., bur.
1591, July 18. Mr. Rd. Thomas and Dorothy Wycherley mar.
1591, Aug. 4. Margaret, daughter of Hiwiftoy Leo, Esq., bapt.

1591, Jan. 22. Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Robert Luther, bur.

1592, Ap. 13. John Wycherley bur.

1092, July 23. Richard, son of Mr. Rd. Thomas of Leaton, bapt.

1593, Ap. 8. Marye, daughter of Humphrey Leo, Esq., bapt.

1594, June 2. Oyselie, daughter of Humphrey Lee, Esq., bapt.

1595, May 1. Mary, daughter of Thomas Corbet, gent., bapt.

174 HISTORY OF SHREWSBURY LIBERTIES.

1595, July 24. Samuel, son of Mr. Richard Thomas, bur.
1595, Oct. 7. Eleanor, daughter of Humphrey Lee, Esq.,bapt;
bur. 17 th.

1597, Dec. 3. Reignold Corbett, gent., bur.

1600, Sept. 14. Richard,zson of Humphrey Lee, Esq., bapt;

b. 7th.

1601, July 16. Thomas, son of Ellyn Scot, bur.

1601, Jan. 9. Yevan Lloyd of Dyther, bur., dyeing at Al-
brighton.

1604, July 10. Ann, daughter of Tho. Jukes, bapt. at Ad-
brighton.

1604, July 31. Thomas, son of Robert Goughe, bapt. at
Adbrighton.

1604, Aug. 9. Margaret, w. of Roger Thomas, bur.

1605, July 1. Rd. Kilverte and Margt. app^ Rees, mar.

1605, Roger Hussey and Ellen Peirte mar.

1606, Aug. 10. Robert, son of Roger Hussey, gent., bapt.

1607, June 11. Elinor, dau. of Huinfrey Sandford, gent., bapt.

1608, Feb. 26. Dorethee, daughter of Richard Kilvart, bur.

1612, July 26. Fraunces, dau. of Francis Kynaston, Esq., bapt.

1613, July 26. Edward, son of Francis Kynaston, Esq., bapt.

1614, Ap. 23. Fraunces, daughter of Roger Hussey, bapt.

1614, Nov. 15. Robert, son of Rd. and Margt. Kilvarte, bapt.

1615, Jan. 3. Edward Muckleston, gent., and Mrs. Mary
Corbett, mar.

1616, June 18. Robert, son of Richard Kilvarte, bur.
1616, July 8. Rd. Hussey, gent., and Anne Burde, mar.
1616, Sept. 13. Margt., wile of Rd. Kilvarte bur.

1616, Oct. 4. Mary, daughter of Roger and Ellyn Hussey, bapt.

1616, Mar. 6. Sara, daughter of Edw. Muckleston, gent., and

Mary, bapt.

1617, Sept. 21. Margt. daughter of Rd. Hussey, gent., and

Anne, bapt.

1618, Nov. 15. Andrew, dau. of Roger Hussey and Ellen, bapt.

1618, July 4. Frances, daughter of Edward Fowler, Esq., bur.

1619, Ap. 7. Margery, daughter of Edw. Muckleston, gent.,

and Mary, bapt.

1619, July 7. Barbara, dau. of Sir Francis Kynaston, Knt., bur,

1620, Aug. 8. Symon Meyricke and Mrs. Margt. Clyve, mar
1620, Jan. 21. Mary, daughter of Edw. Muckleston, gent., and

Mary, bapt.

1620, Mar. 9. Margt., dau. of Roger and Ellyn Hussey, bapt.

1621, William Tccka, curate, signs the Register. fj^S

1622, Feb. 24. Win. Colfox jr. and (Jycoley Spyscr mar. at

Battlefield.

175

THE DRAPERS' COMPANY CHARTER.

By the Rev. C. H. DRINKWATER, M.A.

Of the numerous Fraternities and Gilds which once
existed in Shrewsbury, the Drapers is the only one
which survives in any shape or form. It has undergone
the usual vicissitudes, but through them all has managed
to retain some of its property, now used for charitable
purposes, and to maintain its Hall, its furniture, and
ua fine old carved chest" full of books, papers, and
other documents, some day, it is hoped, to be carefully
examined and given forth to the world. When this is
done, some interesting revelations respecting its past
history and connexion with the municipality may be
hoped for. But among these documents we do not
expect to find its " Ancient Charter," foi that is believed
to have been destroyed by fire.

In the early years of the present century there was a
lawsuit, and search was made for the Charter, and that
it was not found we may conclude from the production of
an office copy in English made from the Records which
were then deposited in the Tower of London. This
office copy was found among family papers a few
months ago by a gentleman now residing in Wales,
whose father, at the time above referred to, held office
in the Corporation, and may be supposed to have
retained it when the trial was over. It was sent to me
as a curiosity, and finding it to contain, in addition to |
its main purpose, some matters of interest to anti-
quaries, I made enquiries respecting the original, with
the result above stated. Subsequently I found in the

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. w

176 THE drapers' company charter.

Shrewsbury Free Library, in one of the MS. volumes
compiled by the learned and industrious Leonard
Hotchkis, M.A. (Head Master of the Free School from
1735 to 1754), his transcript of the original Latin
Charter. This I am now able to set before the public,
and have added to it the " office copy " of the trans-
lation before alluded to.

In most respects they agree ; some slight inaccuracies
and one omission were noticed in the collation, but
nothing of importance. We may suppose Mr. Hotchkis
not to have had sufficient experience in reading docu-
ments of that remote age to have enabled him to
preserve the exact force of the abbreviations used, or
to distinguish between such as are somewhat alike, but
I think in extending them, according to the wish of the
Council, I have managed to obviate any mistakes which
would tell against the general accuracy of the whole.
The omission is of the clause whereby the King
authorised " the Master and Wardens and Brothers
and Sisters and their Successors to have a Common
Seal to serve for ever for their Businesses and Acts."
This seal, however, may still be found in the ancient
carved chest which exists among their property.

We shall miss some other items of great interest
which the parchment original would have given, such
as the additional seals attached, and the names of the
attesting witnesses, but we must be grateful for what
we have, and hope, when the contents of the chest are
overhauled, to obtain some further particulars of a
Company which has existed in our midst for more than
four centuries.

Drapers Salop' Pat. 1° E. 4 ps 3. m. 6.

Rux omnibus ad quos &c. Salutem. Sciatis quod cum dilecti
Nobis homines mistere pannariorum Ville nostre Salop' et
eoruni Predecessores et non modico tempore transacto intimain
et fraternam deleccionem habentes, adeo quo valebant
florescere et augere, intime affectantes ad laudem et honorem
Dei Summi et Individue Sancte Trinitatis, unam fraternitatem

THE DRAPERS* COMPANY CHARTER.

177

sive Gildam de seipsis facere fundare et stabilire preponentes
quedam divina servicia Ornamenta. Necnon alia diuersa
Caritatis opera ibidem per longum tempus elapsum annuatim
ad decus Altissime Sancteque Trinitatis infra Ecclesiam
Parochialem et Collegiatam beate Marie de Salop' pie ex-
hibuerunt invenerunt ac Caritative sustentaverunt et con-
tinuaverunt pacifice et quiete, ipsique metuentes et intiine
advertentes dictam fraternitatem non posse perdurare eo quod
fraternitas ilia rite et legittime non sit fundata et stabilita
quamquam eadem fraternitas pie et devote continuata
existeret, nobis humillime Supplicaverunt quatenus eorum
piis et devote intenco'ibus in hac parte velimus intime
delec'cois affectu benignissime confovere. Nos premissa de-
liberates et ponderantes et ut fraternitas sive Gilda de
hujusmodi hominibus Mistere predicte infra Villam predictam
perpetuis futurisque temporibus habeatur et inde sinentur
perseveret proinde volentes ac ad fundandam hujusmodi
fraternitatem sive Gildam de supradictis hominibus super
personam nostram ob devocionem quam penes Gloriosam
Sanctamque Trinitatem specialiter gerimus et habemus
assumentes nosque fundatorem fraternitatis sive Gilde illius
imperpetuum appellari, Volentes, ad laudem gloriam et
honorem Santissime Trinitatis volentesque ea que ad ejus
laudem vel honorem sunt vel esse possunt pocius Augmentari
quam minui ut singulariter tenemur de gratia nostra speciali
et ex certa sciencia nostra quandam fraternitatem sive Gildam
de prefatis ligeis nostris hominibus de dicta mistera panna-
riorum Ville nostre predicte ac quibuscumque aliis Christi
fidelibus de eadem fraternitate sive Gilda esse volentibus ad
inveniendum, et sustentandum unum Capellanum divina
singulis diebus pro statu nostro ac statu fratrum et sororum
ejusdem fraternitatis sive Gilde dum viximus et pro anima
nostra ac inclita memoria carissimorum patris nostri Ricardi
et Edmundi Nuper Comitis Rutelandie fratris nostri ac aliorum
progenitorum heredum et successorum nostrorum et (pro)
animabus fratrum et sororum ejusdem fraternitatis sive Gilde
illius postquam ab hac luce migraverimus et (pro) animabus
omnium lidelium defunctorum celebraturum ac ceteras
paupercs personas utriusquo scxus pro statu et animabus
predictis apud altissimum (altarem) similiter imperpetuum
exoraturi et deprecaturi in predicta Ecclesia Parochiaii sive
Collegiata fecimus fundavimus creavimus, ereximus et
stabilavimus ac per presentes facimus fundamus croamus
erigimus et stabiiimus perpetuis futurisque temporibus
duraturis, Propterea de uberiori gratia nostra concessimu^

178

THE DRAPERS* COMPANY CHARTER.

fratribus et sororibus fraternitatis sive Gilde predicte sic per
nos facte fund ate create erecte et stabilite quod fraternitas
sive Gilda ilia sic per nos facta fundata creata erecta et
stabilita fraternitas sive Gilda Sancte Trinitatis de hominibus
mistere pannariorum Ville nostre Salop' in perpetuum nun-
cuparetur et quod fratres et sorores fraternitatis sive Gilde
iliius sic per nos facte fundate create et stabilite sint per se
una Comumnitas perpetua corporata in re habeantque sue-
cessionem perpecuam et dilectos nobis Johannem Knight
bominem de mistera predicta Ville nostre predicte in
Magistrum ac Degorium watur et Ricardum watur alios de
Mistera ejusdem Ville in custodes sive Gardianos fraternitatis
sive Gilde illius ordinainus preficimus creamus pro anno
proximo futuro et volumus et concedimus quod iidem Magister
et Gardiani ac fratres et sorores fraternitatis sive Gildo illius
eorum successores quascunque personas eis grato anirno
adherontes in fratres et sorores fraternitatis sive Gilde illius
recipere et acceptare possint. Ac capellanus et pauperes
supradicti in Ecclesia Parocbiali sive Oollegiata predicta ut
predictum est pro statu animabus predictis celebraturi
et oraturi juxta ordinac'oem majoris et sanioris partis
eorundem fratrum et sororum et successorum suorum in hac
parte faciendum quodque fratres et sorores ejusdem fraterni-
tatis sive Gilde predicte et eorum successores ex nunc unum
Magistrum et duos Gardianos de se ipsis pro sana Gubernac'oe
ejusdem fraternitatis sive Gilde de anno in annum et quociens
pro commodo et honore fraternitatis sive Gilde illius fuerit
expediendum eligere possint ac ipsos ab eorum successoribus
removere et expellere Necnon alium magistrum et alios
Gardianos in omcia predicta eligere et facere valeant juxta
Ordinac'oem Majoris et sanioris partis eorundem fratrum et
sororum et successorum suorum in hac parte faciendum, Et
quod Magistri et Gardiani fraternitatis sive Gilde predicte cum
sic electi fuerint ac fratres et sorores ejusdem fraternitatis sive
Gilde per nos ut predictum est fundate et stabilite et suc-
cessores sui Magistri et Gardiani ac fratres et sorores frater-
nitatis sive Gilde Sancte Trinitatis de hominibus mistere
pannariorum Ville nostre Salop' imperpetuum nuncuparentur
lidemque Magistri et Gardiani ac fratres et sorores et eorum
successores per nomen Magistri et Gardianorum ac fratrum
et sororum fraternitatis sive Gilde Sancte Trinitatis de
hominibus mistere pannariorum Ville nostri predicte per se
sint persone habiles et capaces in lege ad perquirendum et
recipiendum in feodo et perpetuitate terras tencmenta et alias
possessiones quecunque tenendum eis et eorum successoribus

THE DRAPERS* COMPANY CHARTER.

179

imperpetuum. Ac eciam quod iidem Magistri et Gardiani ac
fratres et sorores et eorum successores per idem nomen et sub
eorum nomine placitare et implacitari respondore et responderi
possint in quibuscunque curiis placeis et locis nostris
heredum et successorum nostrorum ac in curiis placeis et
locis aliorum quorumcumque tarn coram nob.is heredibus et
successoribus nostris quam coram Justiciariis et Judicibus
Spiritualibus et temporalibas quibuscunque in omnimodis
accoi'bus realibus personalibus et mixtis sectis querelis
et demandis secundum leges et Consuetudines regni nostri
Anglic ad omnia alia facienda et exorcenda et recipienda
prout in eorundem modo quo ceteri ligei nostri persone
habiles et capaces infra idem regnum nostrum placitant
et implicitantur ac faciant et facere poterint in Curiis
et locis predictis Secundum leges et Consuetudines pre-
dictas. Necnon quod predicti Magistri et Gardiani ac
fratres et sorores et eorum successores1

congvegacoes licitatas et honestas de
seipsis ac Statuta et ordinac'oes licitas tarn pro dicto Capellano
et pauperibus supradictis pro statu et animabus predictis in
forma predicta celabraturis et deprecaturis quam pro salubri
Gubernaco'e fraternitatis sive Gilde supradicte secundum
necessitatem exigenciam quociens et quando opus fuerit facere
vaieant licite et impune sine oceasi'oe impedimento protur-
bac'oe vel molestac'oe nostri heredum seu successorum nostro-
rum Justiciarorum Escaetorum Vicecomitum Coronatorum
aut aliorum Ballivorum vel Ministrorum nostrorum vel here-
dum seu successorum nostrorum quorumcumque. Ac insuper
de gratia nostra speciaii et ex certa scientia et mero motu
nostro dedimus et concessimus et per presentes damus et
concedimus prefatis Magistro et Gardianis ac fratribus et
sororibus fraternitatis sive Gilde predicte omnia ilia terras et
tenementa redditus et servicia cum suis pertinentiis que nuper
habuimus simul cum Margareta Daking et liogero Webbe tarn
in Villa Salop' quam eciam in forieta Monachorum. Calneham
et Castelli forieta in suburbiis Salop' ac alibi infra libertatem
ejusdem Ville ex dono et ffeoffamenti Nicholai Gerard nuper
de Salop armigeri Ac etiam omnia ilia terras et tenementa
redditus servicia cum suis pertinentiis in Salop que nuper
habuimus ex dono et feoffamento hugonis Dyer alias dicti
hugonis Berewick, Habendum et tenendum omnia terras et
tenementa redditus et seruicia predicta cum suis pertinentiis

Clause omitted respecting a Common Seal.

180 THE DRAPERS* COMPANY CHARTER.

universis prefatis Magistro et Gardianis ac fratribus et sororibus
fraternitatis sive Gilde predicte et successoribus suis de nobis
et heredibus nostris per seruicia inde debita et de jure consueta
ad capellanum et pauperes predictos sustentandum et alia
pietatis opera faciendum imperpetuuin Et ulterius concessimus
et licentiam dedimus pro nobis et pro heredibus nostris quan-
tum in nobis est prefatis Magistris et Gardianis ac fratribus et
sororibus fraternitatis sive Gilde predicte et eorum successori-
bus quod ipsi terras tenementa et redditum ad valorem quad-
raginta librarum per Annum que de (nobis) immediate non
tenentur in Capite de quibuscumque personis vel persona ea
eis dare legare vel assignare et volentibus vel volente perqui-
rere et ea recipere et tenere possint sibi et successoribus suis
imperpetuum. Statuto de terris et tenementis ad Manum
Mortuum non ponendo edito aut quod expressa mencio de
specialitate et certitudine predictorum terrarum tenementium
reddituum et serviciorum inde de vero valore annuo eorundem
in presentibus minime facto existit non obstante Et hec de
gratia nostra speciali absque fine seu foedo ad opus nostrum
vel heredum nostrorum pro premissis vel aliquo premissorum
solvendo

In cujus rei &c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium xij die
Januarii. per breve de privato Sigillo et de dato &c.

Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery kept in the
Tower of London (to wit) the Patent rolls of the 1st Year of
the reign of King Edward after the Conquest of England the
4th p. 3. m. 6. it is thus contained.

For the Men of the\ The King To all to whom &c.
Mystery of Drapers of ■ Greeting Know ye that whereas
the Town of Shrewsbury J our beloved the Men of the Mystery

of Drapers of our Town of Shrews-
bury and their predecessors for no inconsiderable Time past
having a close and fraternal Affection insomuch that they have
been able to flourish and increase being earnestly zealous for
the praise and honour of Almighty God and of the holy
undivided Trinity and with the purpose of making founding
and establishing of themselves a Fraternity or Guild have
piously exhibited found and charitably supported certain
divine Services ecclesiastical ornaments and also have peace-
ably and quietly kept up divers other works of Charity and
piety there for a long Time past yearly to the Glory of the

THE DRAPERS* COMPANY CHARTER.

181

most high and sacred Trinity within the parish and collegiate
Church of the blessed Mary of Shrewsbury And they fearing
and deeply considering that the said Fraternity cannot continue
for that the same Fraternity is not rightfully and lawfully
founded and established although the same Fraternity may be
piously and devoutly continued have humbly besought us
that We would please to cherish with our most benignant and
especial Favour their pious and devout Intentions in this
Behalf We the premises duly considering and providently
desirous that there be a Fraternity or Guild of such Men of
the Mystery aforesaid within the Town aforesaid at all future
Times for ever and that it be continually kept up and taking
upon our own person to found such Fraternity or Guild of the
Men abovesaid on account of the Devotion which we specially
bear and have towards the glorious and holy Trinity And being
willing to be called for ever the Founder of the same Fraternity
or Guild to the praise Glory and Honor of the most holy
Trinity and desirous rather to augment than to diminish those
Things which are or may be to the praise or Honor of the
same as We are particularly bound of our special Grace and of
our certain Knowledge and mere Motion have made founded
created erected and established and by these presents Do
make found create erect and establish in all future times for
ever to continue a certain Fraternity or Guild of our aforesaid
liege Men the Men of the said Mystery of Drapers of our Town
aforesaid and other faithful Christians whomsoever willing to
be of the same Fraternity or Guild to find and support one
Chaplain to celebrate divine Service every Day for our Estate
and the Estate of the Brothers and Sisters of the same Fraternity
or Guild whilst living and for the Souls of us and of our most
dear Father Richard of famous Memory and of Edmund late
Earl of Rutland our Brother and of other our progenitors
Heirs and Successors and the Souls of the Brothers and Sisters
of the same Fraternity or Guild after they shall have departed
this Life and the Souls of all faithful Men deceased and also to
support certain poor persons of both sexes who shall likewise
pray and intreat for the Estate and Souls aforesaid at the high
Altar in the aforesaid parish or collegiate Church for ever
Moreover of our more abundant Grace We have granted to
the Brothers and Sisters of the Fraternity or Guild aforesaid
so by us made founded created erected and established that
the same Fraternity or Guild so by us made founded created
erected and established bo called for ever the Fraternity or
Guild of the holy Trinity of the Men of the Mystery of Drapers
of our Town of Shrewsbury and that the Brothers and Sisters

182 THE DRAPERS COMPANY CHARTER.

of the same Fraternity or Guild so by us made founded erected
and established be by themselves one perpetual corporate
Community in Deed and Name and that they have perpetual
succession and We ordain appoint and create our beloved
John Knight a Man of the Mystery aforesaid of our Town
aforesaid as Master and Diggory Watur and Richard Watur
others of the Mystery of the same Town as Keepers or Wardens
of the same Fraternity or Guild for one Year next coming
And We will and grant that the same Master and Wardens
and the Brothers and Sisters of the same Fraternity or Guild
and their Successors may receive and accept any persons
whomsoever well affectioned to them as Brothers and Sisters
of the same Fraternity or Guild And that the Chaplain and
poor persons aforesaid celebrate and pray in the parish or
collegiate Church aforesaid as is aforesaid for the Estate and
Souls aforesaid according to the Ordinance of the greater and
more discreet part of the same Brothers and Sisters and their
Successors in this Behalf to be made, And that the Brothers
and Sisters of the same Fraternity or Guild aforesaid and their
Successors henceforth may be able to elect one Master and
two Wardens from themselves for the wholesome Government
of the same Fraternity or Guild from Year to 7ear and so
often as for the Advantage and Honor of the same Fraternity
or Guild it shall be expedient, and them from their [offices] to
amove and expel and also may be able to elect and make
another Master and other Wardens into the offices aforesaid
according to the Ordinance of the greater and more discreet
part of the same Brothers and Sisters and their Successors in
this Behalf to be made And that the Master and Wardens of
the Fraternity or Guild aforesaid when they shall have been
so elected and the Brothers and Sisters of the same Fraternity
or Guild by us as aforesaid founded and established and their
Successors be called for ever the Masters and Wardens and
Brothers and Sisters of the Fraternity or Guild of the holy
Trinity of the Men of the Mystery of Drapers of the Town of
Shrewsbury And that the same Master and Wardens and
Brothers and Sisters and their Successors by the Name of the
Master and Wardens and Brothers and Sisters of the Fraternity
or Guild of the holy Trinity of the Men of the Mystery of
Drapers of our Town aforesaid by themselves be persons fit
and in the Law capable to acquire and receive in Fee and
perpetuity Lands Tenements and other possessions whatsoever
to hold to them and their Successors for ever And also that
the same Master and Wardens and Brothers and Sisters and
their Successors by the same Name and under their Name

THE DRAPERS' COMPANY CHARTER. 183

may plead and be impleaded answer and be answered in any
of the Courts and places whatsoever of us our Heirs and
Successors and in the Courts and places of others whomsoever
as well before us our Heirs and Successors as before any
spiritual and temporal Justices and Judges whomsoever in all
manner of Actions real personal and mixed Suits plaints and
Demands according to the Laws and Customs of our Kingdom
of England and to do exercise and receive all other Things in
the same manner as other our liege Subjects persons fit and
capable within our same Kingdom may plead and be impleaded
and perform and do in the Courts and places aforesaid
according to the Laws and Customs aforesaid1 And also that
the aforesaid Master and Wardens and Brothers and Sisters
and their Successors may have a common Seal to serve for
ever for their Businesses and Acts and that they and their
Successors may be able lawfully and with Impunity to make
lawful and honest Assemblies of themselves and lawful
Statutes and Ordinances as well for the said Chaplain and
poor persons aforesaid celebrating and praying for the Estate
and Souls aforesaid in Form aforesaid as for the wholesome
Government of the Fraternity or Guild abovesaid according to
the Exigence of Necessity so often as and when it shall be
requisite without the Hindrance Impediment Disturbance or
Molestation of us our Heirs or Successors J ustices Escheators
Sheriffs Coroners or other the Bailiffs or Ministers whomsoever
of us our Heirs or Suceessors Moreover of our special Grace
certain Knowledge and mere Motion We have given and
granted and by these presents Do give and grant to the afore-
said Master and Wardens and Brothers and Sisters of the
Fraternity or Guild aforesaid All those our Lands and Tene-
ments Rents and Services with their Appurtenances which
We lately had togother with Margaret Dakkes2 and Roger
Webbo as well in the Town of Shrewsbury as also in Monks-
foregate Calneham and Castleforegate in the suburbs of
Shrewsbury and elsewhere within the Liberty of the same
Town of the Gift and Feoffment of Nicholas Gerrard late of
Shrewsbury Escjuiro and also all those Lands and Tenements
Rents and Services with their Appurtenances in Shrewsbury
which wo lately had of the Gift and Feoffment of Hugh Dyer
otherwiso called Hugh Berewik3 To have and to hold all the

1 Clauso omitted See the Latin..

2 Daking.

8 Bcrewick.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S.

X

134 THE drapers' company charter.

Lands and Tenements Rents and Services aforesaid with all
their Appurtenances to the aforesaid Master and Wardens and
Brothers and Sisters of the Fraternity or Guild aforesaid and
their Successors of us and our Heirs by the Services therefore
due and of right accustomed to support the Chaplain and poor
persons aforesaid and to do other Works of piety for ever And
further We have granted and given Licence for us and our
Heirs as much as in us lies to the aforesaid Master and
Wardens and Brothers and Sisters of the Fraternity or Guild
aforesaid and their Successors that they may be able to
purchase Lands Tenements and Rents to the value of forty
pounds by the Year which are not held of us immediately in
Chief of any person or persons whomsoever willing to give
bequeath or assign the same to them And that they may be
able to receive and hold the same to them and their Successors
for ever the Statute passed for not putting Lands and Tene-
ments to mortmain or although express mention in these
presents is not made of the specialty and certainty of the
aforesaid Lands Tenements and the Services thereof and of the
true yearly value thereof notwithstanding and this of our
special Grace without Fine or Fee to the use of us or our Heirs
for the premises or any of them to be paid In Testimony
whereof &c. Witness the King at Westminster the twelfth Day
of January.

By Writ of privy Seal and of the Date &c.

10th June, 1824.

Translated from an Office
Copy of the Inrollment.

UENRY WM. HEWLETT,

Gt. James Street.

In the Calendarium, Rotulorum Patentium de Anno
1 Regis Edivardi Quarti (A.D. 1461, 2), there is
mention made of this Charter. The words are there
brief enough, but very significant — " Peramplae liber-
tates concessoe pannariis viVsq Salop' " — very great
liberties granted to the Drapers of the Town of Salop — -
words which seem to imply that the provisions of this
Charter were unusually liberal, such as were seldom
conferred on any fraternity. The trade in wool and in
woollen goods was of the very highest importance to

THE DRAPERS* COMPANY CHARTER. 185

the prosperity of the realm, and not merely more re-
strictions were placed upon the importation and exporta-
tion of the raw material and the manufactured article,
but it was fostered by ample privileges of every kind.
The London Drapers had been incorporated only 23
yeai'S before, and 5 years later, in 1466, 7, they received
only amplam confirmationem libertatum. The situation
of Shrewsbury on the borders of Wales may partly
account for the favour it received, and possibly the
King may have desired to strengthen the bonds of
attachment to his dynasty in the case of the inhabitants
of the most important town of the Marches. Neither
Hereford, Worcester, or Gloucester appear to have
received similar charters, or to have had such frater-
nities established by Royal Charter. Mr. Hibbert
says : — " There arose considerable competition for the
lucrative market which the expansion of Welsh industry
was every day rendering more profitable. The inhabi-
tants of Chester made a vigorous attempt to obtain the
erection in their city of "a staple for the cottons and
friezes of North Wales/' Shrewsbury was, however,
enabled to prevent the completion of the scheme
(Influence and Development of English Gilds, Cam-
bridge University Press 1891, page 92).

To the above copies there is now appended an Act of
Parliament of the 8 th year of Queen Elizabeth, which
throws some light upon the altered circumstances of
the Fraternity a century later. The religious and
charitable provisions of the Charter, though not
abolished, for they still exist, seem to have fallen into
the background, and are only incidentally referred to,
while the acquisition of wealth and the maintenance of
their commercial privileges have become the main
objects of their care. The trade with Wales had
been for many years a monopoly, and had risen to
such a height as to become an object of jealousy and
envy to others not so well qualified to carry it on as

186 THE drapers' company charter.

they were, and there had been much intrusion and
encroachment. This may be gathered from the
fact of a Statute having been passed in the previous
reign (Philip and Mary) to secure them against the
intrusion of others, giving them a monopoly of the
Welsh trade, and imposing heavy penalties upon such
as infringed it. Such intrusion was to be expected.
Increasing civilization had abolished many restrictions
in other matters, and the population, since the cessa-
tion of the Wars of the Roses, had increased rapidly,
and envious eyes regarded the Drapers as being some-
what out of date. It is interesting to note the signs of
their prosperity — that they were able " to set on work
above 600 persons at one branch of their craft — that
they had dealings in Foreign parts," and, incidentally,
that they were afraid of being compelled to restrict their
charitable relief, the area of which had evidently been
enlarged.

The following Act of Parliament concerning the
Drapers' Company of Shrewsbury was passed in the
year 1566.

Anno octavo Reginse Elizabethan
CAP. VII.

An Act touching Drapers, Cottoners, and Frizers of Shrewsbuij

Forasmuch as in the Town of Shrewsbury in the Drapery,
County of Salop, there hath been time out of mind of ^gj^;
man, and yet is, a Company, Fraternity, or Guild of Occupation
the Art and Mystery of Drapers ; which said Com- Drapers inj
pany, Fraternity, or Guild, hath been by a great time o^e^ <
lawfully Incorporated, and made a Body Politick : Liberties I
(2) which said Corporation and Fraternity, hath by thereof, &cj
reason of a certain Trade and Occupation of buying ^ ]
and selling of Welsh Cloth and Lining, commonly called Company
Cottons, Irizcs, and Plains, which thoy have had and have receive
used amongst them, been able not only to live thereby, otliera b°
but also have at their common costs provided Houses buying and
and other Necessaries for poor people within the said soiling of
Town of Shrewsbury, whom also with further relief ™f Un!nt]
they do weekly help and maintain : (3) And by the
same their Trade aforesaid, havo usod most commonly

luxh b

THE DRAPERS* COMPANY CHARTER.

187

to set on work above six hundred persons of the Art
or Science of Sheermen, or Frizers, within the said
Town of Shrewsbury, whereby as well they, as their
poor Wives and Families, are wholly maintained and
kept; (4) To the impeachment and hinderance of
which said Trade, divers Artificers, and other persons
within the said Town of Shrewsbury, not being of the
said Company or Mystery, nor brought up in the use
of the said Trade, have of late with great disorder,
upon a meer covetous desire and mind, intromitted
with, and occupied the said trade of buying Welsh
Cloth or Lining, having no knowledge, experience or The inconve-
skill in the same ; by reason whereof, the said ignorant "ie^f jhafc
and unskilful persons have and do buy commonly and x™*a do, that
daily such Welsh Cloth and Linings as is defective, deal in 'a
and not truly made according to the good Laws and Tfrajj® where
Statutes of this Realm in that behalf provided : (5) ignorant™
By means whereof, the said Trade is greatly decayed
and discredited, to the great loss and hinderance of
such poor Sheermen and Frizers, as were wont to be
set on work thereby, and of all others that were wont
to be maintained and relieved by the said Trade, as
well in making as working of the said Frizes, Cottons
and Plains, and to the great deceit, damage and
hinderance of all the Queens Majesties Subjects that
buy and provide the same, and to the slander and dis-
credit ol the said Commodities in Foreign Parts,
where, by the occasion aforesaid, they are grown out
of estimation and credit.

II. And where moreover in the Parliament holden
at Westminster, in the fourth and fifth years of the
Reign of our late Sovereign Lord and Lady, King The good in-
Philip and Queen Mary, upon good and deliberate |efc"^fcfefchof 4
advice, amongst other things it was enacted, That no &m( 5.
person or persons which should buy to sell again, by
way of retail, or otherwise, any of the said Welsh
Linings, should dress or work, or cause to be dressed
and wrought within his or their dwellinghouse or
houses, or in any other place by himself or his servant,
any of the said Welsh Linings, but should put the
same to some such person or persons as should be of
the Art or Science of Sheermen, Cottoners, or Frizers,
to bo by them wrought and dressed, upon pain of
forfeiture for every Welsh Cloth or Lining fnzed or
cottoned to the contrary, Six shillings and eight pence,

188 THE DRAPERS' COMPANY CHARTER.

as in the same Act doth appear : (2) Sithence which Bywhatfraa-
time, divers persons for the defrauding of the said thegodd k?"
Statute, have caused others to buy the said Frizes, tent of the
Cottons and Plains, and than to take the workmanship said Statute
thereof unto themselves, of such buyers, using the like 18 defeated*
fraud, by buying and turning work over unto the same
persons of whom they receive work, to the manifest
defrauding of the good intent and meaning of the said
Statute :

III. For remedy whereof, and for the benefit and No person in-
relief of the poor men that be Sheermen and Frizers, o?bltinF m
(2) Be it enacted by the authority of this present 8halToccupy
Parliament, that from and after the Feast of Easter the Trade of
next ensuing, no manner of person or persons what- fe^f(?ot
soever inhabiting and dwelling within the said Town to®s* &c° un.
of Shrewsbury, or the Liberties and Franchises of the less he be free
same Town, other than such as have, or shall have ^j*0*-^6?-
served as Apprentices in the said Occupation and

Science of Drapers, or be, or shall be free of the said
Science or Mystery, shall occupy, use, exercise or
frequent the said Trade, Art, Mystery or Science of
buying of the said Welsh Cloth or Lining, Cottons,
Frizes and Plains, nor having any Factor or doer for
him or them in the same, nor by any colour, engine or
fraud, by any Occupier of the said Frizes, Cottons,
and Plains, (3) upon pain that every person and
persons, inhabiting as is aforesaid, and occupying,
using or exercising the said Trade, Occupation or
Science of buying of Welsh Cloth and Lining, and not
authorised by this present Act, shall lose and forfeit
for every piece of the same Clothes so bought, Six
shillings and eight pence.

IV. And over that, be it further enacted, That no Hethatoccu-
person dwelling and inhabiting, as is aforesaid, and Tradeofbuy-
using and occupying the said Trade of buying of ing of Frizes,
Frizes, Cottons or Plains, shall use or exercise the Cottons, &c,
Faculty of Frizing or Cottoning, upon pain to incur erdsetoFrize
such like forfeitures for every offence, as is above or Cotton,
mentioned : (2) The moiety of all such pains and for-
feitures above mentioned, shall be to our Sovereign

Lady tho Queen, her Heirs and Successors, and the
other moiety to such person or persons as will sue for
the same in any Court of Record, by Action, Bill or
Plaint of Debt ; wherein no Protection, Essoin, Injunc-
tion or Wager of Law shall be allowed and admitted.

THE DRAPERS' COMPANY CHARTER.

189

V. Provided always, and be it further enacted by A Proviso for
the authority aforesaid, That this present Act, or any ct^dbefore
thing, sentence or matter therein contained, shall not the Trad°e°of
extend, or be in any wise prejudicial or hurtful to any Wing of
such person or persons as have heretofore used, occu- Welsh C1<>th.
pied, or frequented the said Trade, Art, Mystery or

Science of buying or selling of Welsh Clothes or
Linings aforesaid, but that every such person or
persons which hath or have used the said Trade or
Science as is aforesaid, shall and may have and enjoy
the like benefit, commodity and advantage, as well in
buying and selling the said Welsh Clothes and Linings
as otherwise, in as large, free and ample manner and
form, as if this Act had never been made.

VI. And further, to the intent the said poor Sheer- °hcecu$X of
men, Frizers and Cottoners, maybe the better relieved buying and
and maintained, (2) Be it enacted by the authority selling Welsh
aforesaid, That all and every person and persons occu- c*ofc^ *e!r
pying and using, or which hereafter at any time shall Iheermen1
occupy or use tne said Trade, Science or Art of buying ready money,
or selling of Welsh Cloth and Linings atoresaid, and

shall from the Feast of Easter next ensuing, deliver
any Welsh Cloth or Linings aforesaid, to be cottoned,
frized, dressed or wrough, to any Sheerman, Cottoner
or Frizer, shall deliver, content and pay to the said
Sheerman, Cottoner or Frizer, ready and present
money for all his said work, without any colour, traud
or engine whatsoever, and shall not deliver any Ware
or other thing whatsoever in contentation or satisfac-
tion of his said work, or any part thereof, (3) upon
pain that every person offending in that behalf, shall
forthwith lose all such Liberties, Freedoms and
Priviledges, which he hath or shall have, as one of the
said Company, Fraternity or Guild of the said Art and
Mystery of Drapers ; and also shall for ever after, be
utterly disabled and excluded to use, occupy or enjoy,
by himself, or by any other for him, or to his use, the
said Trade, Art, Mystery or Science of buying or selling
of Welsh Clothes or Linings ; This Act, or any other
matter or thing whatsoever to the contrary in any
wise notwithstanding.

There are words and phrases in the Act which are not
readily understood at the present day, some of which I
will endeavour to explain, ex. gr.

s

190 THE DRAPERS COMPANY CHARTER.

Welsh Cloths must mean woollen cloth, more or less
of the nature of what we now call flannel, serge, and
tweed.

Linings I take to be linens ; first manufactured in
England by Flemish weavers, under the protection of
Henry III., in 1253. Before that era, woollen shirts
were worn. The cultivation of both flax and hemp
was insisted on by Henry VIII.

Cottons. — When cloth is finished or rises to a regular
nap, it is said to cotton. This word may therefore be
regarded as denoting such cloths as had a nap raised
by teasles, and which were sheared to an uniform length
by the faculty of shearmen, or sheremen, whom they
employed in such numbers.

Frizes or friezes denotes a coarse narrow cloth much
in use. Garments having long wool were said to be
friezed. Archdeacon Nares says it was a sort of coarse
warm cloth, probably made first in Friesland.

Plains, or playns. — Cloth simply woven, without
any after- dressing.

Sheermen or Frizers (Scherman, tondeur) cloth
dressers, who clip off the nap uniformly.

Intromitted, interfered.

Essoin or essoine here signifies an excuse.

Wager of Law. — When one wages his Law (vadiat
legem) he shall bring with him so many of his neigh-
bours as the Court shall assign (Sir Edward Coke says
eleven) to swear with him, that they think he hath
sworn truly ; .' who in the civil law are called Compur-
gators. Coke on Littleton says it is called Wager of
Law because in old time the Party did engage with
Surety to make his Law by such a Day.

Engine or Ingine means contrivance, from Latin
ingenium.

N.B. — The illustration which forms the frontispiece to this paper
is a reproduction by Mr. H. Hughes, of Belmont, Shrewsbury, of a
water-colour in his possession, painted by Mr. Philip Brown about
1825.

191

IN MEMORIAM : THE REV. AND HON.
GEORGE THOMAS ORLANDO BRIDGEMAN,

HONORARY CANON OF LIVERPOOL.
By Mrs. BALDWYN CHILDE.

By the death of George Bridgeman, Rector of Wigan,
Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Lancashire have sus-
tained the loss of one of their most indefatigable and
learned recorders of family and place history. He died
at the Hall, Wigan. on Monday, Nov. 25th, 1895, and
although since 1888 his health has caused anxiety to
his friends, he worked bravely on, amid the arduous
duties and numberless calls of a large parish, \ and
literally died in harness.

His self-denying life, his devotion to his work, his
loving sympathy and kindness and courtesy to all, and
his enthusiastic interest in everything he undertook,
will be long remembered by his many friends and
parishioners. He lies buried near his wife's grave in
the Churchyard of Blymhill, Staffordshire.

The Hon. George Thomas Orlando Bridgeman was
the second son of the second (Bridgeman) Earl of
Bradford, and was born at Castle Bromwich August
21, 1823. " .

The family of Bridgeman hails from Devonshire, and
Edward Bridgeman was Sheriff of Exeterinl578. His
grandson and heir, John Bridgeman, was Rector of
Wigan from 1616 to 1643, Chaplain to King James I.,
and consecrated Bishop of Chester 1 6 1 8 .1

1 There is a picture of Bishop Bridgeman at the Hall, "Wigan, on
which is painted in one corner the " Earth " (a globe) and far above
it a sunny heaven, with a reference to Luke xvL, ver. 2G, and these
words, gratia dki pons 110.MINI — being a play upon the Biwhop's name
Bridgeman.

Vol. VI IT., 2nd S V

192 in memoriam: hon. canon bhidgeman.

He died at his son's house at Moreton, near Oswestry,
in 1652, and is buried at Kinnerley, Shropshire. His
son and heir, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, Lord Chief
Baron of the Exchequer, and afterwards Lord Keeper
of the Great Seal, purchased the advowson of Wigan
shortly after the Restoration, and the presentation still
remains with his descendant, the present Earl of Brad-
ford. By his marriage with the daughter and heiress
of John Kynaston of Moreton, near Oswestry, the
connection of the Bridgemans with this county com-
menced, and was further increased by the marriage of
Sir John Bridgeman (his grandson) with Ursula, sole
heiress of Boger Matthews of Blodwell, Shropshire.

Through the marriage of Sir Orlando Bridgeman of
Castle Bromwich, in 1719, with Lady Anne Newport,
the Bridgemans became possessors of Weston in
Staffordshire and the representatives (in the female
line) of the ancient Shropshire family of Newport of
High Ercall, which for many centuries has taken an
active part in the history of the county.

An ancestor of the Newports was living in Shrop-
shire in the reign of King John, and Thomas Newport,
Sheriff of Shropshire in 1404, obtained the Manor of
High Ercall by marriage with Anne, daughter and
sole heir of John de Ercalewe, whose arms the
Newports quartered.1 William Newport, Sheriff of
Shropshire 1472, greatly increased his family estate by
his marriage with Elizabeth, one of the four daughters
and coheirs of Sir John Burgh of Wattlesborou^h and
Mawddwy. Her descendants share with those of her
three sisters the representation of the ancient families
of Clopton, Mawddwy, the Princes of South Wales, and
the Princes of Upper Powys. Sir Richard, a member
of the Marches of Wales, became by his marriage with
the heiress of Lord Chief Justice Bromley the possessor
of the beautiful estate of Eyton-on-Severn, near
Wroxeter. Sir Francis, his son, built a fine gabled

Soe Bridgeman's History of (he Newport Family, pago G.

IN MEMORI AM : HON. CANON BRIDGEMAN. 193

house at High Ercall (which still exists as a farmhouse).
The date, 1608, and the builders name are recorded on
a stone inserted in the wall ; it was garrisoned for
Charles I. The Peerages which were bestowed on the
Newports are now extinct, and the immense posses-
sions which they inherited through the successive
heiresses of the Ercalls, Burghs, and Bromleys have
passed away to others.

Mr. George Bridgeman was educated at Harrow and
Trinity College, Cambridge, and took his M.A. degree
in 1845. He spent one year at the Theological
College at Wells, and in 1849 was ordained Deacon by
George (Murray) Bishop of Rochester, his title to Holy
Orders being Domestic Chaplain to his father. He
served the Curacy of South Fleet, and in 1850 the
curacy of Bolton-le-Moors in Lancashire.

The same year he was presented by Lord Forester
to the Rectory of Willey, with the perpetual Curacy of
Barrow.

1853 he was instituted to the living of Blymhill.

1863 was appointed Rural Dean of Brewood.

1864 he was instituted by the Bishop of Chester to
the important charge of Wigan in Lancashire.

1865 appointed Rural Dean of Wigan.
1868 became Honorary Chaplain to the Queen.
1872 Chaplain in Ordinary to Her Majesty.
1872 he was collated by the Bishop of Chester to an

honorary Canonry in Chester Cathedral, and in

1880 he was transferred to Liverpool, on the creation
of that Diocese.

Mr. Bridgeman was J. P. for the counties of Salop
and Stafford, Chaplain to the Wigan Volunteers, a
member of the Governing Bodies of Rossall School,
Cleobury Mortimer Agricultural College, Wigan
Grammar School, and Standish Grammar School.

He built the Rectory (the Hall) at Wigan from
designs by Mr. Street. He built a Nurses' Home
there, and largely contributed to various improvements
in the Parish Church.

194 IN memoriam: HON. canon bridgeman.

He was one of the original Vice-Presidents of the
Shropshire Archaeological Society, and was one of the
Trustees of the William Salt Library at Stafford and a
member of the Editorial Committee of the William
Salt Archaeological Society.

His contributions to the Transactions of the Shrop-
shire Archaeological Society were : —

Some Account of the Families of Beysin, Morehali and Clopton
Lords of Billing sley, co. Salop, vol. i., p. 281.

The Mitton and Ludlow Pedigrees, vol. ix., p. 391.

Some Account of the Family of Bromley of Eyton-upon-
Severn, vol. L, p. 1.

Some Account of the Family of Forester of Watling Street
and now of Willey in the County of Salop, vol. iii., p. 151.

To the Historical Collections of a History of Stafford
shire he contributed : —

The Manor and Parish of Blymhill, vol. i.-ii., 1880-1.

The Parish of Church Eaton, Orslow, High Onn, Little Onn,

Shushions, and Mars ton, co. Staff., vol. iv., 1884.
An Account of the Family of* Swynnerton, vol. vii., 1886.

History of the Church and Manor of Wigan, published by the

Chetham Society, 1888.
The Princes of South Wales (Wigan), 1876.
Tho Princes of Upper Powys, Collectanea Archceologia, 1862.
Ancient Lords of Mochain, Arch. Cambrensis, 1863.
The Welsh Lords of Kerry and Arwystli.
Genealogical Account of the Family of Newport of High

Ercall, co. Salop (Bridgnorth).
The Life of Bishop Bridgeman, Palatine Note Book, 1883.

(Edited) A Private Letter from Bishop Bridgeman concerning
Loans1 paid by the Clergy of the Diocese of Chester,
1620, 1622, 1624, 1634, 1636, 1639 (belonging to the
Earl of Bradford), 1885.

The Family of Simpson of Babworth (Manchester), 1890.

(Editor!) " Recollections of School Days at Harrow more than
Fifty Years Ago," by Kcv. li. J Torre (Manchester),
J 890.

A History of Weston (unfinished).

Contributions, Subsidies, and Ship Money.

195

" A DESCRIPTION OF YE CLEE, YE L'DSHIPS,
COMONERS AND STEAK ERS ADJOYN'D,
MADE ABOUT 1612, 10 J AC."

Transcribed by the Rev. R. C. PURTON, M.A.

The following Survey of the Forest of Glee is among
the Papers at Faintree, an estate once belonging to
Oliver Briggs, brother of Humphrey Briggs of Ernes-
tree Park, for whom apparently it was made. — R. C. P.

Here is showed wh'ch is the Forest Soyle. And adjoining
to which is the soyle of yc Wast of sev'all L'dships within the
Jurisdiction of the said Forest [margin].

The Forrest Wast of Lesclives, al's Cley, al's Cleys, al's Clee,
al's Browne Clee is the Top of all the Hill, and one slang
thereof doth extend and descend down to the Pale of Ernest ry
Parke between two places upon the Hill, the one whereof
lying southward is a dingle or Gutter extending from a Place
called Hay Meadow down to a place in y° Parke caJFd the Palo
Head, and the other is a Place near Cleobury way near Ditton
wood called the Driving out at the Head of a Place called ye
Sidelong Way lying northward and descending from thence
down to the Pale at ye South East Corner of Pugsmore, within
that Place is yd utter bound of y° L'dsh'p of Ditton. And
under y° rest of the s'd Gives al's Browne Clee there lioth
several wast woods and piles belonging to sev'all L'dsh'ps lying
under y° s'd Lesclives and within the Jurisdic'ion of y s'd
Forest, and severally known by the ancient meares and bounds
in manner as hereafter folio weth.

The Wast wood of ye L'dsh'p of Ditton doth reach up near
Cleobury way and ye s'd place called the Driving out and
extendeth from thence along Ditton wood head under the s'd
Clivos unto a mear Oak between Ditton wood and Cleobury
Wood at ye head of Cleobury wood near or over ag'st a Gate

196 A DESCRIPTION OF YE GLEE, &C.

called Colledge Gate, and from thence Cleobury wood
extendeth along the head thereof und'r the s'd Olives unto y*
upper Oak of ye Mear between Cleobury wood and Burwarton
wood, and from thence Burwarton wood extendeth along the
head thereof under the s'd Olives unto the Upper Oak of the
Mear between Burwarton wood and Loughton wood and soe
from thence the lower p'te of ye s'd Olives extendeth along the
Head of Loughton Wood to a Place which was called the New
Lodge, which the Earl of Shrewsbury did build, wh'ch Mr
Norton did lately pull down, and hath erected a new House in
y° place, and a warren of coneys about it near to a Place called
Bottrell's Cross, and soe from thence to and along ye head of
ye Wast Wood or soile of ye L'dship of Sl Milburge Stoake
under ye said Olives unto a place called ye Mouknop. And
from thence along ye Head of y" Wast Soile of Sl Margarets
Clee under ye said Olives near unto a Place called the King's
Shield and from thence along the Head of Waste Soile of the
L'dship of Abdon under ye said Olives unto a place called ye
Pale as afores'd.

Soe that this is the true Boundary of Lesclives, al's Cleys,
al's Cley, al's Clees, al's Clee, al's Brown Clee, and the true
mears and Bounds of ye Wast Woods and Soiles lying in ye
sev'all L'dships under y9 said Olives al's Brown Clee, as
appeareth by ye Antient and continuall Use thereof. And any
other mears were nev' truly known or accounted to lye above
ye s'd Woods and ye said Mear Oaks. It is to be noted that ye
s'd Lesclives, al's Cleys, al's Clee (Cley ?), al's Clees, al's Clee,
al's Brown Clco is an entire thing of itself and lyeth upon ye
top of ye Hill from ye Heads of Dittons and Cleoburys Woods
to about ye place called BottreFs Cross and above the afores'd
L'dships of Ditton, Cleobury, Burwarton, Looghton, Whethill,
Stoake Sfc Milburge, Sfc Margaret's Clee and Abdon in manner
as is before set forth and may appear by ye ancient and con-
tinuall Use thoreof for ye Commoners inhabiting in yc afores'd
sev'all L'dships have had always severall Use of Common upon
y" said Waste Soiles within their s'd severall L'dships as
belong to their severall Tenemts, and so de causa Vicinage over
the whole Forest and not otherwise, for if any of them did
Staff drive or turn out their Cattle unto any other of the Wast
Soiles then wherein they inhabited w'ch was their place of
true right of common, they were amerced and punished in yc
Swanimott Court.

And the rest of ye Cora'oners as namely the Inhabitants of
Cold West Heath Norncott Tugford Holgato Brochorton
Ashtield and Ruthall are com'o'ly called y° Strakers and have

A DESCRIPTION OF YE GLEE, &0. 197

right of Common upon ye fforest Wast or place called Les-
clives, al's Clees, al's JBrown Clee by reason of their Inhabitancy
within ye Jurisdiction of ye s'd Forest and in no o'r place of ye
s'd Forest other than de causa vicinage, as may likewise
appear by ye antient and continuall use thereof. But must
only Staff drive their Cattell over ye s'd L'ds'ps Wasts unto ye
Forest Wast called ye Clives or Clee or Brown Clee, and not
turn them off before they come thither whereby may appear
their right of Com'on to be there. And their common over
the rest to be only de causa vicinage.

For Cold Weston are and doe use to drive their Cattle
through a place p'cell of the s'd Hill called Stokes Gorst, and
from thence to a place called Whitstones, and from thence up
a Back Way between y6 Wast Soil of Sfc Milburge Stoake and
y" wast Soil of Sl Margarets Clee unto ye said place called ye
Mouknop, and may then and there turn out their Cattell to
ye Wast Soil called Lesclives or Hay Meadow (being p't of
ye s'd Clives) and not before, which plainly appeareth to be
ye lower Skirt of Lestclives of ye uppermost p'ts of ye L'dships
of Sfc Milburge Stoake and Sc Margarets Clee for that they
cannot put of their Cattel till they come to y3 s'd Clee above
ye s'd Mouknop whereby Cold Westons right of Com'on is
upon y1 Wast Soil called ye Clives al's Brown Clee and not
upon any of ye Wasts of ye o'r L'dships, but only de causa
vicinage, as ye rest of ye Strakers have their right of Common
as afores'd, as is well knownc to ye Country.

And tho Strakers Inhabiting in y" Townships of y9 Heath
Nornecott and Tugford are and have used to drive up their
Cattle along a way bctweene ye said AVastc Soile of Sl
Margaret's Clee and ye Waste Soile of Abdon, near unto a [
place called ye Kings Shield, and there are to put of their
Cattle in the s'd place called the Hay Meadow being p'cell of
ye said Clives al's Brown Clee as aforesaid, and if they Staff
drive or put them off before they come to that place they have |
been used to be fined and amerced.

And tho Strakers inhabiting in Brockcrton and Holgate are
and have always used to drive up their Cattle thorow Ernestry
Parks to a place called the Pinfold Close and from thence up :
tho pale side through a place called Abdon's Marsh to a place 1
called ye Pale Head and from thence up ye sidelong way to
y* s'd place above Ditton's W ood called the Driving Out which
was their Common and usual place to turn off their Cattle
before they can put them off. And then they may put of
their cattle above y9 s'd place and not before into y° said
Clives al's Clees al's Clee al's Brown Clee.

198

A DESCRIPTION OF YE CLEE, &C.

And the Strakers inhabiting in Ashfield and Routhall are
and have always used to drive their Cattell up Pugsmore and
the said Wast Wood of Ditton until they come to a place
where a Birtch did lately stand at Ditton Wood Head below
Cleobury Way, and then might turn out their Cattle above
that place, whereby most plainly appeareth that those places
are the uppermost parts of the Lordship of Ditton and the
lowermost part of the Forest Waste soile of Lesclives al's Clees
al's Clee al's Brown Clee. And it is to be noted that Strakers
did pay yearly Rents for their Common upon the said Clee
and some of them doe soe still which they call by yu name of
the Clee Rent.

The names of y\ sev'all Townships and Places which did
appear at y Court Swanimott of Humphry Brigges Esqr for
his Forest of Clee al's Brown Clee in the County of Salop, held
at Ernestry within the sd Forest ye 4th day of December in the
year of the Reign of our Sov'aign Lord King James of England
France and Ireland the fifteenth and of Scotland ye fifty-first,
before Richd Dod Esq. then and there deputed Steward &c.

Aston, Tugford, Nornecott, Heath, Sl Margaret's Clee, Stoke
Sl Milborow, Kingston, Bockleton, Newton, Downton, Cold
Weston, Bromdon, Whettle, Loughton, Burwarton, Cleobury
North, Middleton, Darrington, Sidnall, Ruthall, Holgate,
Brockhampton, Ashfield, Ernestry, Bottrell's Aston, Hey wood
and Norton, Pryor's Ditton.

All which Townships have Com'on of pasture on the Clee
Hill.

Note. — The rights here described appear to resemble the " Venville
tenure which still obtains on Dartmoor. The word " Mcare "
from the context is evidently the same as Mark, March, and signifies
boundary (A. S. Mearc, — the final sound being lost). As regards the
word " Strakcr," there is a M. E, word " shaken," to roam or wander,
which occurs in Piers Ploughman, which represents the dialect of this
neighbourhood. It is applied here, apparently, to the outlying
districts, and the inhabitants would have to travel some distance (Op.
our word "Tramp"). "Swanimott" represents A. S. Swan-gemot,
an assembly of ircrdmcn or "Swains" (Cj>. IUaclsto?ie, Bk. iii., cap. G).
For "de causa vicinage," Op. Itlacfotone, Bk. ii., cap 3. — K. C. 1*.

199

THE OTTLEY PAPERS RELATING TO THE
CIVIL WAR.

Edited by WILLIAM PHILLIPS, F.L.S.
(Continued from Vol. VII. f Second Series, p. 360.)

Before passing from the year 1643, a brief survey of
the general situation of the King's affairs in Shropshire
may be permitted.

The appointment of Sir Francis Ottley Governor of
Shrewsbury in January, and the strong garrison
established there under his command, kept in check
the element of discontent in the town, but not without i
much difficulty. It was found necessary that he should ,
exact from the inhabitants, on pain of death, a declara- j
tion of loyalty, worded in the most stringent terms.1

Most of the influential families in the county
espoused the Royal cause, but many of them assumed
a neutral position, and not a few were antagonistic.
Nevertheless the wealth, social influence, and military
power on the side of the King predominated, and
Shropshire was universally regarded as a Royalist
county. Up to the month of August no Parliamentary
garrison existed within its borders, Nantwich in
Cheshire being the nearest. This, however, was par-
ticularly active, Sir William Brereton making it the
base of his operations both for Cheshire and Shropshire.
An attempt was made by Sir Thomas Ashton to obtain
possession of it in January, which entirely failed, and
ho sustained a severe loss. It is probable that this
disaster led the King, in the following March, to appoint

1 Oil. St. Pap.» 16114,, p. 437.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. *

200

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

a more capable commander-in-chief in the person of
Lord Capel — a brave man, an experienced soldier, and
a great favourite at Court — to act in Shropshire,
Worcestershire, Cheshire and North Wales, under the
Prince of Wales. He commenced without delay an
inspection of the three garrisons, Shrewsbury, Ludlow,
and Bridgnorth ; ordered the defences of those towns
to be further strengthened, and a more careful watch
to be kept. Puckering, one of his officers, states that
he established, at Shrewsbury and Chester, powder
works,1 and " mills for iron," and that he was thus
enabled to supply powder to Prince Rupert, when he
sat down before Lichfield ; and that he raised his
regiment to 400 men, while Colonel Wynn raised a
regiment of foot in Denbighshire, and Sir Michael
Woodhouse raised another. With these forces he
occupied Whitchurch, where he would be able to secure
his line of communication between Shrewsbury and
Chester, and at the same time keep in check the
Nantwich garrison. It was not till July that he
occupied Oswestry, ordered the inhabitants to make
good the defences, and placed as Governor there
Edward Lloyd of Llanforda, thus securing the road
into Denbighshire.

The Parliament observed these precautions to retain
a firm hold of Shropshire with much concern. In
April they appointed a strong Committee of twenty of
their friends " for the Association of the counties of
Warwick, Stafford, and Salop."2 And in June was

1 Sir Francis Ottloy employed a " powder-man " before Lord
Capers appointment here Sec Letter xxiu.

2 10 April, 1643.

The Committee appointed by an Ordinance of Parliament for the
Association of the Counties of Warwick, Stafford, and Salop : —

William Pinpoint, Esq., of Tong Castle, M P. for Wenlock.

Sir John Corbet, of Stoke and Adderley, Knt. and Bart., M.P. for
Shropshire.

Sir Gilbert Cornwall, of Burford, Knight.

Sir Morton Brigges, of Haughton near Shifnal, Baronet.

M

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

201

issued a commission to Sir Thomas Middleton to be
Sergeant Major- General of the forces in North Wales.
The first step was to discover where they could
establish the most effective garrison for the annoyance
of their adversaries. Wem was the only town un-
occupied near the centre of the county, and although
only 10 miles from Shrewsbury and 8 J miles from
Whitchurch, they boldly determined to occupy it.
Garbett's account of this event is as follows : — " After
the taking of Bristol, July 26th, 1643, the gentlemen
above mentioned (Mr. Mytton, Mr. Mack worth, and
Mr. Thomas Hunt, M.P. for Shrewsbury), attended
by Mr. Richard Baxter, the famous dissenting minister,
having got a small body of troops about the latter end
of August, settled a garrison at Wem, being the first
the Parliament had in this county. To fortify the
town, a rampart, or wall of earth, was thrown up :
which began at Drayton gate, a little beyond Robert
James's house (which house was built for a sentry), and
ran along the side of Sandland's yard, and about four-
score yards into Cord wall, where it formed an angle,
defended by a wooden tower/' and so continued,

Richard More, Esq., M.P. for Bishop's Castle.
Thomas Mytton, of Shrewsbury, Esquire.

Robert Corbet, of S tan wardine-in-the- Wood, Colonel and afterwards
Major-General in the Parliamentary Army, Esquire.

Andrew Lloyd, Esq., of Aston, Colonel in the Parliamentary Army.

Thomas Nichols, of Boycot, near Pontesbury, Esquire.

Humphrey Mackworth, of Betton Strange, Esquire.

John Corbet, of Auson, Esquire.

Launcelot Lee, of Coton, near Alveley, Esquire.

Robert Talbot, Esquire.

Samuel More, of Linley, Gent.

Thomas Hunt, M.P. for Shrewsbury, Gent.

Hercules Kinnersley, of North Cleobury, Gent.

William Rowley, of Shrewsbury, Gent.

Thomas Knight, of Shrewsbury, Gent.

John Proud, of Shrewsbury, Gent.

John Lloyd, of Shrewsbury, Gent.

(K.P., 118-7, Phillips' Civil War in Wales, ii., 122. I have added

their residences, &e )

202

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

enclosing the town. The earth thrown out of the ditch
made the wall, which was strengthened by a palisade,
a whole coppice in the township of Lacon being used
for the purpose. All houses and buildings without the
wall were burnt, to prevent their giving shelter to the
enemy.1

The occupation of Wem was a challenge too bold to
remain long unaccepted by Lord Capel, although it was
not till October that he endeavoured to recapture it.2
He mustered all the forces that could be spared from
Shrewsbury and the surrounding garrisons, taking his
position on Prees Heath, midway between Whitchurch
and Wem, with 5,000 men, designing to attack it
before the defensive works were finished. But dis-
covering that Sir William Brereton with his Cheshire
forces had quitted Nantwich to defend Wem, he
suddenly changed his purpose and marched to the
former place to secure it in their absence. In this his
Lordship was mistaken. Sufficient strength remained
to keep him at bay, so that after some skirmishing he
| marched back under cover of the night by a different
route, evading Brereton who had discovered his tactics,
| and hastened to Nantwich only to find that Capel had
retired. A rapid march of twenty miles over a bad
! road, and the fact that night had overtaken the Parlia-
| mentary forces, compelled Brereton to allow his men some
t rest, before returning to protect Wem. He commenced
retracing his steps at four o'clock next morning. In
the meantime the Royalists had commenced their
attack upon Wem, in which there were only about 300
men under the command of Col. Mytton. These with
the assistance of the townspeople defied the Cavaliers,

1 Garbett's History of Wem, p. 216, in which the entire course of
the defensive work is precisely traced.

2 Puckering states that " a little before this my lord had shewn us
great gallantry and skill in storming and taking Loppington Church,
where the enemy had fixed a garrison, till my Lord forced them out,
and was the busiest among his soldiers in carrying faggots to tho
porch." (Duke of Beaufort's MS., Mist. MSS. Com.)

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

203

and it is asserted in an account of " W.B.,"1 " that one
of Colonel Mytton's drakes killed sixty of the King's
party at one shot." Puckering states that when at
break of day they were before Wem they dismounted
about eighty horse, stormed it, and some of their men
on the works laid hold of their cannon, but unluckily it
fell out " that notwithstanding all this, Wynn, Colonel
of the Welsh regiment, being there settled [i.e., killed]
Colonel Scriven of the trained bands, and Major
Broughton, of Sir Michael Woodhouse's regiment,
being shot, all the example and persuasion of my Lord
Capell could use to them did signify nothing, the
soldiers would not fall in again, but lost this glorious
opportunity of recovering Wem with so much ease and
good contrivance, as the greatest soldiers, and most
experienced in the world, could not have designed
better. Indeed this moved my glorious Lord's stomach
so much, that after sheding several tears of rage and
anger he would not remove out of those trenches,
which he had so lately mastered, although they made
many desparate shots at him, until he had taken out
his pipe, and his friends in a moment forced him
away."2 The Roundhead account avers that all the
time of the action lord Capel sat smoking his pipe
about half a mile from Wem, on the Soulton road.
Had he boldly led his men on to the attack, and
stormed several places at once, he could not have failed
of success ; there being only forty soldiers, and an
undisciplined rabble of men and women to oppose him.
The women particularly distinguished themselves,
which gave occasion to this rhyme : —

"The women of Wem, and a few musketteers
Beat the Lord Capel, and all his cavaliers."

By this time Brereton had returned towards Wem,
and Lord Capel, being in no humour to face him,

1 " A true relation of a great Victory obtained by the Parliament's
Forces against the Cavaliers near Chester."

2 Hist. MSS. Com.

204

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

marched in the direction of Shrewsbury by the Lee
Brockhurst road ; when at Lee Bridge, about two and a
hall miles from Wem, Brereton caught him up, and
a skirmish ensued. Favoured by the nature of the
ground, and night coming on, the Royalists were not
pursued.

Besides Colonel Wynn (of Melai, Denbighshire)
slain,1 Colonel Scriven, Colonel Willis, and Captain
Manly e wounded (the first mortally), there were taken
prisoners Captain Chapman, Captain Davies ; there
were six carriages of bodies taken away, and thirty
more left on the ground. The only important officer
slain on the Parliament side was Major Marrow.

This event had the natural effect of raising the
spirits of the discontented party in Shrewsbury, who
at once commenced to lay a plot for the betrayal of the
town ; but the Governor was too vigilant for them ;
he seized the ringleaders, and committed them to
prison, some of whom were afterwards executed. The
following entry in the Mayors Accounts, 29th Dec,
1643, relates, doubtless, to the gallows used on the
occasion : —

Item, for timber to make a gibett .. ... 0 9 0

It. for three men, theyer work at the same .. 0 3 6
It. for John Davies his time to carry the same... 0 16

In September a cessation of arms in Ireland was
arranged, by which a large body of troops was set at
liberty, and in an unfortunate moment the King
accepted their services in the war with his English and
Scottish subjects. On November 18th, 2,500 landed
at Mostyn to defend Chester, and on the 29th Lord
Byron joined them with a force of 1,300 men, and took
command of the whole. Hawarden Castle, taken by
Brereton on the 11th November, capitulated on the
2nd December ; Beeston Castle and Crewe House were

1 Colonel Willium Wynn was buried at St. Chud'a, Shrewsbury
Oct. 27. Owen and Blake way, ii., i>. 222.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

205

captured in rapid succession, and Nantwich was the
next place aimed at. Never since the beginning of the
war had the prospects of the Parliament in these parts
been more gloomy. Two of their Committee, " A.LL."
[Andrew Lloyd] and " R.C." [? Robert Corbet, of
Stanwardine], wrote to Humphrey Mack worth, Dec.
21st: — "The enemy are potent in Cheshire. Nant-
wich is surrounded, the country round about plundered,
19 colours more of the Irish come over, and no con-
siderable force to contend with the enemy." They
entreat Mack worth w to represent our forlorn condition
to ye Parliament, for whom we have desparately
engaged our estates and lives. We hope they account
us friends worthy of some consideration and pitty, and
not to suffer us to perish in ye midst of mereilis men."1
During the temporary cessation of operations on the
approach of Christmas, several persons of distinction
appear to have met together within the walls of
Shrewsbury, where the usual civilities to eminent
visitors were shown to them by the Mayor, Mr. Robert
Betton, junr. Lord Byron, who had recently been
created Baron Byron of Rochdale, as a reward for his
valiant services in the first battle of Newbury, and had
been still more recently made Field Marshall of
Cheshire, Shropshire, and North Wales, arrived here
the day after the date of his appointment : —

Nov. 30 (1643.)
Bestowed upon Lord Biron, a gallon of sack; vis
2U of Sugar, and 2 doss, [dozen] cakes, viiid

Sir Nicholas Byron, Governor of Chester, arrived the

2nd January-
Paid for l11 of sugar and 1 dossen of cakes bestowed on

Sir Nicholas Biron, iiij8.

Colonel Robert Ellice, of Groesnewydd, near Wrex-
ham, and no doubt many others, were here to discuss

1 Lord Denbigh's MSS,

206

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

the position of affairs, and congratulate each other on
the improved condition of the King's cause in Shrop-
shire and the surrounding counties.

1644.

The year 1644 at which we have now arrived, an
eventful one in the history of the war, when a new
commander in the person of Prince Rupert appears in
Shropshire, a large influx of Irish soldiers takes place,
and the official position of Sir Francis Ottley is
changed, affords us a much reduced correspondence.
This arose from the additional help in the performance
of his onerous duties rendered to the Governor of
Shrewsbury by Sir John Mennes/ Mr. Arthur Trevor,
and other officers appointed by Lord Capel ; and the
necessity of his laying much of his correspondence
before the council established for conducting the more
important business of the garrison. Early in January
Sir Robert Ellis was busily engaged in raising 1,200
men in Denbighshire and Flintshire, in which work he
was assisted by Captain Morris, and he is shortly after
found co-operating with Col. Sir William Vaughan in J
the capture of Apley Castle.

CLXXXIX. SIR ROBERT ELLICE TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1643-4.

Sir

I have thought it more proper for Mr, Thomas Atkis
to be a conductor ot the Artillery for the present then to be
with me, I entreat you to Assure him I will take a particular
care to Advance him upon all occasions, and I am confident
he will not repent the employment, nor my care of him, in all
things I shall testify my thanks to you for your favours ; the
Bargeman Richard Bartlam will bring my letter to you if he
have not done it already, I again humbly desire you to send a
guard along with the Bargo.

Ruabon Janry 13th Your humble Servant

1G43. For y° right Wor11 Sr Francis Robert Ellice

Oteley Knt, Shrewsbury

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR

207

CXC. THE SAME TO THE SAME.
1643-4.

Sir

I have a necessity of my Armes here for men who will
be raised before the Arms can be brought hither. If your
Town have occasion of my Men I shall with more willingness
bring them thither then any other place I know, being
engaged both to the Gentry, and others, for their love to me,
but I wou'd not have any March without Arms both for
disorder, & Scorn if they should be beset. I desire your
favour for Horses to Welch Pool, for the bringing of 200
Mosquetts ; by this you shall much oblige him who is bound
to be, Yr faithful Servant,

To his much honored Friend Sir Rorert Ellice.

Francis Oteley Knfc Govr of Shrewsbury,

CXCI. THE SAME TO THE SAME.

1643-4,

Sir

I moved you, att my being at Shrewsbury, for one
Steven Davis who hurt one by Oswestree, but the man being
now recovered, I desire Cap11 Morris may have his Soldier for
his Majties Service, so I humbly desire you to procure his
release. Pray send word to Cap1 Hosier that as soon as he
hath any considerable number of Men he would draw them to
Chirk Castle, whore I am now with as Many as Cap* Morris
and myself have raised, perhaps I shall have another employ-
ment will be worth the pains.

Chirk Castle I rest

Jany 16th 1643. Yr humble Servant

Robert Ellice

To y*5 right wor11 his much honor' d
Friend Sr Francis Oteley K>
Shrewsbury.

Captain George Hosier, alluded to in the above
letter, was the son of Richard Hosier of Cruckton,1 by
his wife Mary, daughter and co-heiress of Francis
Brooke, of Cotton, co. Salop, and was a Captain of

1 See clxxx., note.
Vol. V1L1., 2nd S.

AA

208

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

Horse in the regiment of Sir William Vaughan. He
was appointed, after the Restoration, Governor of
Shrewsbury Castle, where he dwelt, at which time he
enjoyed the confidence of Francis Lord Newport, the
Lord Lieutenant of Salop, by whom he was entrusted
to maintain the town against the frequent plots for its
betrayal. In 1663, Lord Newport writes to his friend
Sir Richard Ottley, son of the former Governor, " It
is believed there was a design lately for the surprise of
Chester Castle, and by what George Hosier writes to
me this last post, I believe no less for Shrewsbury
and he further adds, " 1 have written to George Hosier
that in that case he be aiding to you with his soldiers,
for their present securing in the Castle." He was
nominated a member of the Common Council of
Shrewsbury in the new Charter of 1664, a document
which never came into force. In 1665 he appears to
have held the Commission of Colonel. The date of his
death is not recorded, but he was dead in 1680. He
married Eleanor, daughter of Francis Smith, of Burton,
co. Salop, by whom he had Richard Hosier, who bought
the manor of Berwick, near Shrewsbury, from Samuel
Jones, Esqr., in 1699.

Walter Waring of Owlbury, near Bishop's Castle,
was the son of Edmund Waring of the same place, both
faithful to the cause of the King. The latter came
into possession of the estate by marrying the daughter
and heiress of Richard Broughton of Owlbury, Esq.,
to which property the writer of this letter succeeded
on the death of his father. It would appear that
loyalty ran in the blood of this family, for it is stated
that Walter's younger brother, Robert, a student of
Christ Church, Oxford, happened to be a junior
Proctor at the Visitation of that University by the
Parliamentary Commissioners, when he " boldly with-
stood their self-constituted authority." (Trans. Shrop.
Arch. Soc, v , 76.) The reference to the " Generalis-
simo " may be to Prince Rupert ; but this is only
conjecture. It is certain that the loyal county gentry

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR,

209

regarded with slight favour, and with no little sus-
picion, any attempt to supersede the local Commis-
sioners of Array ; while for the impetuous Prince they
moved much too slowly.

Walter Waring compounded for his delinquency by
paying J6511.

CXCII. WA. WARINGE TO THE SAME,

1643-4.

Sr

I shall desire you sometimes at yr leasure to Acquaint
us with yr freshest News, we recive it here so various if it be
good, & so encreased if bad, that I am doubtfull of all, & refer
it as Puritans do to the Text, which I account your lines ; this
day we were all sum'on'd to Ludlow by a single Sold [sole]
Commissioner cased with a Collonell ; if this may pass for
Current certainly the Array is Extinct, and we are all slaves to
the Genoralissimo ; I refer it to your Sago Wisdom that per-
chance can tell me, this was not done without the consent of
Others the Commissioners, & my Jelousy of his Ambition hath
bred in me these vain Surmisses : however I send you the true
Copy of his Warrant that Yourself may Judge of it and will
remain Your's to Serve you

Owlbury 17 of Jan. Wa. Warinqe.

Excuso me to Sr Thomas Eyton ; I cannot perform his
Commands this week, for on Fryday I shall be misled with a
tedious Mountain Journey; if you could hear of an Honest
Usurer that would trust out £100 by Candlemas, he might
preserve me from the spleen of Mra Eliz: Wrotesley ; my servis
to my Colonel &d Sr Richard Lee

Yra W: W:

For Sr Francis Oteley Knight
at his House in Shrewsbury
these.

Sir Thomas Eyton of Eyton, Knight, mentioned in
the preceding letter, was the son and heir of Sir Philip
Eyton of Eyton, Knt., by his wife Maria, daughter ol
David Yale, LL. D., Chancellor of Chester. He was
born 1606, admitted of Oriel College, Oxford, 1624,
Knighted October 10, 1642. He married Margaret,
daughter of Richard Thornes of Shelvock, Esq., by

210

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

whom he had a large family. His name appears to the
Declaration and Protestation agreed upon by the Grand
Jury to be presented to the King, August 8, 1642;
and is ninth on the list of those gentlemen of Salop
who signed the *■ Engagement and Resolution " for
raising and maintaining forces at their own cost for the
defence of the King and the country, 23rd October of
the same year. He served in the regiment of Colonel
Scriven, and died March, 1658.

The next letter is in the handwriting of Mr. Thomas
Edwardes of Kilhendre, who, as we have seen in a
previous letter from him (clxl), was engaged in the
exchange of prisoners, a task that had brought on him
much odium on account of the jealousies it provoked,
and which in disgust he declined further to perform.
The six months which have elapsed have not tended to
restore his composure of mind, and he writes this con-
fidential letter to his kinsman, Sir Francis, expressing
his determination to live a more secluded life. As a
specimen of the applications for help with which he
was assailed I may give a short undated letter from
Elinor Cound to Lady Ot.tley, requesting her ladyship
to use her influence with Mr. Edwardes to obtain the
release of the writer's husband— not from the enemy
as a prisoner of war, but from the Commissioners of his
Majesty for raising the subsidies, which it would appear
Mr. Cound had not paid.

Madam,

I would humbly desire the favour of your Ladyship
that you would be pleased to write to Mr. Edwards to desire
his best favour and assistance for the redeeming of my poor
husband who your Ladyship knows is no wise answerable for
the contribution of the whole towne, and whom I am willing
according to my best ability to ransome. Thus hoping your
Ladyship will compassionate my distress, with my best prayers
for our good Master, your Ladyship, and all yours, I rest

Your Ladyship's poor Servant
To the much honoured to be Commanded

Lady, the Lady Ottley Elinor Cound.

these present.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR,

211

CXCIII. THOMAS EDWARDES TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.
1643 4.

Worthie Sir,

Not omitting my respect to your selfe and good Lady
I writt unto you of a desire I had to see Sir Thomas Eyton
the rather for that I could have menconed him to a Con-
venient habitacon, yf hee bee resolved to remove. It is parte
of my owne dwelling, which, yf any frend of yours want, you
may commaund. I desire to confine my selte to a narrowe
. . . theis troublesome tymes and should the rather part
with it to a person of worth. I have revealed the secreet of
my most private thoughts unto youre selfe craving your
advise and assistance ; re saluting you with my service

I continue your
Janu. 17 aliseman to serve,

1643. Tho: Edwardes.

To the right Wor'pp my ever
honor'd kinsman Sir Francis
Ottley Knight, att the Coledge Salop, present.

A few contemporary letters from other sources may
be introduced here with advantage, as they will help to
a clearer conception of local events. The first is from
Sir John Mennes, reputed to be the rival of Sir Francis
Ottley, to Prince Rupert : —

. . . But for my part I can do his Majesty no service
here at all, being made useless by the insulting people, who
now tell us their power, and that three of the commissioners of
array may question the best of us, from which power good
Lord deliver me, and rather send me home from constable to
constable to the parish I was born in ! I have not heard from
my Lord Byron since his loss, but by a letter written to the
High Sheriff and governor, which in effect bids us be careful
of ourselves, as he wili be of those parts, for that the
gentlemen are somewhat troubled that they can expect no
help from him. Money is a thing not spoken of neither do I
perceive your Highness's last letter prevail at all with them,
more than yesterday night. They first proffered to give every
troop 6d, and, after some dispute, they would have made it up
to 12d if it would have been received. I must crave youi
Highness's pardon if I quit the place, for I have not where-
withal! to subsist any longer, having received but £22, now in

212

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

eleven months, and lived upon my own, without free quarters
for horse or man. The fortune I have is all in the rebels'
hands, or in such tenants' as have forgot to pay. The
ammunition is not as yet come from Worcester, that I can
hear of This inclosed was sent me from Stafford, whence I
hear they intend to draw more force this way from Coventry,
which will soon make the neuters of these parts declare them-
selves, and, T fear, startle some that have been accounted firm.
I hope your Highness will pardon this long scribble from the
most humblest of your servants,

Hebb, two in the afternoon. John Mennes.1

Prince Rupert was appointed Captain-General of
all the forces in Shropshire and the counties adjacent
January 6, and immediately afterwards informs the
Governor of Shrewsbury of the fact. The above letter
from Mennes was not calculated to give the Prince a
very favourable impression of the state of Shrewsbury,
and may account for the sharp tone pervading his
letter.

CXCIV. PRINCE RUPERT TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1643-4.

Sir

His Matie is pleased to entrust to my care his army in
Shropshyre and the countreyes adjacent, togather with his
interests there. In which command I cannot but with very
much apprehension thinke uppon Shrewsburie in your
Government, and the safetie thereof. Especiallie since I
understood of a late designe for the betraying thereof to the
Enemy, for which you have divers persons in prison, but I doe
not here they are brought to justice by any proceedinge
against them, soe that the punishment may goe to some, the
Example and Terror to all. I must strictly require from you
an accompt ot that place, which is the Head quarter of those
Countreyes, and where I intend to make my owne residence
duringe the time of my stay in that commaund, and therefore
must recomend to you the particulars foilowinge : and require
you to call togothor the Gentlemen and Townesmen to assist
you in such charges as will be requisite for the coveringe of

1 Warburton's Prince tiupert, ii., 371. 1 have not been able to
discover where " Hebb " in situated, but on the word of Warburton I
take the letter to be from Shropshire.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

213

the Castle of Shrewsbury, and the dividing and disposinge
thereof into Roomes capable and fittinge to receive the stores ;
soe as such amunicion as from time to time shall be sent into
those parts for his Maties service there may lye dry and safe.
I desire this to be done with all possible speed, for I have this
day sent awaie 50 Barrels of Powder to begin your stores.
Other proportions of that, and all other kind of amunicion,
will be speedily brought thither, and for the better security of
the stores, which are the sinewes of the King's busines, I pray
you, by the advice of Sir John Mennes, to consider cf an
accommodacon for such as shall be the Guard of that place,
by erecting of a Courte of Guard and hutts for the Souldiers,
for such numbr of men, and in such manner as you and Sir John
Mennes shall thinke best for his Maties service. I have no more
to say to you at present, but shall willingly receive yor Letters
from time to time concerninge yor affaires, and you shall be
sure of all possible assistance and encouragement from mee.

Your very Lovinge Freind

Oxon, this 25th day of Januarie, 1643. Rupert.1

The Governor of Shrewsbury
Superscribed For Sir Francis Ottley, K*

Governor of Shrewsbury.

To this Sir Francis Ottley sent the following reply: —

May it please your Highness.

Our country is heartily glad that his Majesty has
intrusted the care of our county into your hands. I shall be
obedient to perform your commands. All things shall be
performed with all expedition so far forth as the time and
season will permit, against your Highness's coming. Justice
hath been executed, and one of the corporals under my
command hanged for neglect of his duty in his place that
night as the enemy approached. The huts and the court of
guard shall be ready before your Highness's coming. There
is one other condemned, but judgment is deferred till your
Highness's coming hither. Our hearts do long for your

1 This letter is taken from Owen and Blakeway's History of
Shreivsbury, the authors having obtained it from the lato Sir John
Bickerton Williams of that town. The original does not appear at
present to be amongst the Ottley Papers at Pitchford Hall, nor could
George Morris have seen it there, otherwise he would have copied it.

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

resence to settle the distractions and complaints amongst us.
rest

Your servant ready upon all occasions humbly to serve you,

Francis Ottley.1
Shrewsbury, this last day of January, 1643.

A few days after Sir Francis had despatched the
above letter, Sir John Mennes wrote again to the
Prince, who had already left Oxford on his way to
Shrewsbury, but was detained on the road. Mennes's
letter is dated the 9th of February, in which he says
il that his Highness must be seen here, and I think
felt too, before this hard-hearted people will believe
you are coming."2

The first successes of the Irish troops, already men-
tioned, were followed up by a victorious encounter at
Nantwich and Middle wich, narrated by Sir Eobert
Byron to the Marquis of Ormond, in a letter dated
January 9th. In this engagement were slain 300 and
upwards, 274 taken prisoners, and a good store of
excellent arms and ammunition secured. Sir Robert
was wounded, as were also three captains, a lieutenant,
and 41 soldiers; 15 being killed.3

As a counterbalance to this, Colonel Mytton,
Governor of Wem, struck a successful blow in Shrop-
shire on January 12th, which is recorded in one of their
own papers. Obtaining private information that "the
inhuman upstart, Lord Byron,' 1 having besieged Nant-
wich, was sending " a strong convoy to Shrewsbury for
arms and ammunition/'4 Colonel Mytton allowed them
to pass through Ellesmere, then the nearest way open
between Chester and Shrewsbury, resolving to await
their return. "The rebels furnished themselves with

1 Warburton's Prince Rupert, ii., p. 368.

2 Ibid., p. 373. Mennes made mischief wherever he went. See
Archbishop of York's letter to Prince Rupert. Ibid., vol. iii. p. 55.

3 Carte's Coll., i., 34 ; Reprint in Phillips' Civil War, ii., 117.

4 ''True lielation of a Notable Surprise," &c. King's Papers,
140-9 ; ;ilso in Phillips.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

215

eight large barrels of powder, seven hundred weight of
match and other ammunition," and quartered the first
night at Ellesmere, eight miles from Wem, and sixteen
from Shrewsbury. Mytton marched from Wem in the
night, which, according to Puckering, was " very dark
and tempestuous," and fell upon the convoy in the
darkness, captured the whole of the ammunition, took
prisoners Sir Nicholas Byron, Governor of Chester, Sir
Richard Willis, Serjeant-Major-General of the Horse,
his brother Major Willis, Captains Offley, Hatton,
Dixon, and one other, besides 100 inferior officers and
men, and 250 horses and arms.

Another event adverse to the King, and affecting
the safety of Shropshire, took place about this time.
The Irish troops, flushed with victory, sat down before
Nantwich, but on the 25th (January) Sir Thomas
Fairfax marched from Manchester to release it, which
he was successful in doing. He took prisoners Major-
General Gibson, Sir Michael Ernely, Sir Richard
Fleetwood, Col. Geo. Monk, Col. Warren, Sir Francis
Button, Lieut. -Col. Sir Ralph Dove, Major Hammond,
14 Captains, 20 Lieutenants, 26 Ensigns, two Cornets,
besides non-commissioned officers, 1,500 common
soldiers, and six ordnance. It is said that 120 women
followed the Camp, of whom many had long knives.1

Other troops were on the way from Ireland, a large
detachment of which was designed for Shropshire, as
appears from a letter to the Prince from Sir John
Mennes : —

May it please Your Highness,

I have just now received a letter from my Lord Byron,
which tells me that 1700 foot are landed out of Ireland, under
the command of Tillier and Broughton. These his Lordship
intends to send hither, because they cannot make provision
there. I shall endeavour here to make what shift I can to
assist them, which must be in providing victuals — for money

1 Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Earl of Essex, llushworth, pt. iii.,
vol. ii., 302.

Vol. VII I. .2nd S

216

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

is a thing we hear not of — if your Highness be pleased to write
to the high sheriff, to command him to bespeake hose and
shoes for them. 1 know that may be readily done, or any
other thing that is not ready money. We have here about five
hundred suits of clothes, which 1 have stayed for your High-
ness. They should have been sent to Chester ; but their own
clothes were good enough to run to the enemy.1 The rebels
have forgot their late victory, and reassume their wonted fears
and jealousies, which I hope will continue to their confusion,
which I am sure will be much hastened by your Highness's
presence, which we all greedily expect, though none more
than

Salop, Feb. 10th Your Highriess's most humble servant,

The foot will be here within John Mennes.2

five days.

Brian Crowther was an influential and active
Royalist, and Justice of the Peace for the county of
Radnor, of which county he was High Sheriff in 1639
and 1645. " He was a gentleman of unblemished
respectability and honour ; many arbitration cases were
referred to his decision, and particularly a tedious and
prolonged litigation between Smalman and John
Crowther, his relative, at the instance of the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury," (Williams's History of Rad-
norshire.) He married the sister of Mr. Herbert Price,
of Brecknock. Symonds writes : — M Tuesday (Nov. 11,
1645) to Knighton, a pretty towne, Com. Radnor.
Here Mr. Crowder, the Sheriff of the Shire, lives."

CXCV. BUI: CROWTHER TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEV.

1643-4.

Worthy Sr

I am informed that one William Jones, a Lieutenant to
Sr William Brereton, was taken at the last Battle between my
Lord Byron and the Kebels at Namptwich, and is now a

1 " Eight hundred of the prisoners [Irish taken at Nantwich] took
the Covenant and enrolled themselves under Fairfax." Gardiner, i.
p. 295.

B NYarburton's Prince fiupert, ii.? 373.

RELATING TO TltE CIVIL WAR.

217

Prisoner in the Goal of Shrewsbury; lest he should be any way
exchanged or ransom'd I have purposly sent this bearer, one
of the Corporals of our Garrison now in Knighton, to inform
you that the aforesaid Will™ Jones (if he be apprehended) is
in our County indicted for Murder, Burglary, and several other
Crimes, and hath fledd for the same, and since for this two
years last hath born Arms against his Majesty, both in the
City of Gloucester and in the Castle of Brompton, both being
in Actual Rebellion against his Majesty ; Plundering also and
Pillageing divers of his Majesty's good Subjects ; that it may
appear he is Indicted I have sent you a Copy of the record,
My humble desire is that you will favour me so much as
to give license to this bearer to View the Prisoners in your
several Goals (who well knoweth the man), and upon his dis-
covery you will Cause him to be detained till a Yvritt be sued
forth for his removal into this County to take his Tryal, And
for this your Especiall favour not only expressed herein to me,
but also to our whole County, You shall ever engage me to
be, Sr Your humble Servant

Knighton 7 Feb. Bri: Crowther.

1643.

To his much honored Friend S' Francis Oateley
Knight at the Garrison of Shrewsbury
present these

with my Service.

Colonel Francis Billingsley of Astley Abbotts Manor,
co. Salop, was the eldest son and heir of Francis
Billingsley of the same place, by Bridget, daughter of
Thomas Vernon of Haslington, co. Chester. He
married Eleanor, daughter of Thomas Kerry of Bin
Weston, co, Salop, took up the Royal cause at an
early date, signed the Ingagement and Resolution of
the Gentlemen of Salop " in 1642, held a commission in
the trained bands of Bridgnorth as Lieutenant, after-
wards Lieut. -Colonel, under the command of the
Governor Sir Lewis Kirke, and fell in the Churchyard
of St. Leonard's, when the town was besieged, March
31, 1G46. He was buried at Astley Abbotts. His
sword was preserved by his [ family down to recent
times, and was presented to St. Leonard's Church by
Mr. Joseph Instone in 1884.

218

THE OTTLEY PAPEfcS

Mr. Hubert Smith considers that the Royalist
Colonel was not the son of Francis who married
Bridget Vernon, as stated above on the authority of
the late George Morris (MS. Pedigree, in possession of
T. S. Eyton, Esq.), but the son of the Francis who
married Eleanor Kerry. (S. A. Trans., vol. ix., p.
384.) 1 am unable to decide which is the correct
descent.

CXCVI. FRANCIS BILLINGSLEY TO THE SAME.

1643-4.

Sr

According to promise I shall now acquaint you that
Capt: Benett is so happyly recover'd from those desperate
wounds, which that desperate Fellow Co. Clyve,1 gave him, in
the Quarrel of Quarter Master Edge that we have Just
encouragement to hope, the danger of Death is passed — Yet
I have now received Commands from the Capt . . to desire

1 Robert Clive of the Styche, co. Salop, belonged to an old family
of distinction seated there for many generations, and was a remark-
able man, and a "desperate fellow," owing to his zeal, courage, and
activity on behalf of the Parliamentary cause in Shropshire and
Cheshire. He sat in the Long Parliament as M.P. for Bridgnorth,
and was appointed one of the Committee of Parliament for his native
county. Immediately after the capture of Shrewsbury, the Mayor
and Corporation "In regard of the great love and affection"
expressed to the town by " Andrew Lloyd of Aston, Samuel Moore of
Linley, Robert Clive of Stiche, and Robert Charlton of Apley,
Esquires, four of the comittyes of Parliament for the county of
Salop," bestowed on them their burg3sscship. At the surrender of
Bridgnorth to the Parliament in April, 1G46, the same three signed
the articles of capitulation as Commissioners for the Parliament. It
is said that while the Royalists were dominant in Shropshire, they
had so great a dread of Robert Clive, and the Roundhead garrisons of
W em and Nantwich, that they were profane enough to add a new
clause to the Litany : —

From Wem and from Wyeh
And from Clivo of tho Stycho
Clood Lord delivor us.

What the nature of the quarrel which led to Robert Clivo's assault
upon Capt. Benett was we are left to conjecture, but as Quarter-
Master Edge was mixed up with it it probably had to do with
providing commissary stores for the garrison of Bridgnorth in somo
way or other, to which Robert Clive objected.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

219

your favour that both of them may be secured, until such time
as a Councell of Warr may pass upon them. Which (being
well acquainted with Your inclination to do Justice) I presume
yow'll readyly grant. And if you please Also to Acquaint Sir
John [Mennes] with this request, you will further oblige both
the Capt: and also

Brydgnorth Sir Your Unworthy Brother

7 Feb. 1643. But most Humble Servant

To the very much honor'd Sr Francis Fran: Billingsley.
Ottley Knt. and Governor of Shrewsbury

p'sent these.

The urgent necessity for money to carry on the War
was daily increasing, and the Oxford Parliament
authorised the King to issue Privy Seals for a loan of
£100,000 in February. It also granted at a later date
an excise, in imitation of the excise ordinance at West-
minster. The Privy Seals were issued on printed
forms, with blank spaces in which to fill in the name of
the person, and the sum required from him. The one
addressed to Sir Francis Ottley has been preserved,
though somewhat damaged. A similar one exists
among the muniments of the Rev. John Walcott of
Bitterley Court, co. Salop. The sum required from
Sir Francis Ottley is small, owing, doubtless, to the
great sacrifices he had already made for his Sovereign.
The document bears a receipt on the back from Simon
Weston, on behalf of Thomas Edwardes, Esq., High
Sheriff of the county, dated May 13, 1644.

CXCVII. A PRIVY SEAL TO THE SAME REQUIRING A LOAN.

Charles R.

Trusty and welbeloved we greet you well, Whereas all
our Subjects of the Kingdome of England and Dominion of
Wales, aro both by their Allegiance and tho Act of Pacifica-
tion, bound to resist and suppress all such of our Subjects of
Scotland, as havo in a hostile manner already entered, or shall
hereafter enter into this Kingdome, And by Lawe your
Personall Service, Attended in a warlike manner for tho
resistance of this Invasion, may be required by us, which we

220

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

desire to Spare, Cruising rather to invite your Assistance for
the Maintenance of our Army in a free and Voluntary expres-
sion of your Affections to our Service, and the Safety of this
Kingdonie. And whereas the Members of both Houses of
Parliament Assembled at Oxford, have taken into their con-
sideration the Necessity of Supporting our Army, for the
Defence of Us and our People against this Invasion, and for
the Preservation of the Religion, Lawes, and Liberties, of this
Kingdome, and thereupon have agreed upon the Speedy
raisemg of the sum me of one hundred Thousand pounds by ;
Loan from particular Persons towards the which themselves
have advanced a very considerable proportion, and by their
Examples hope that our Well Affected Subjects throughout
the Kingdome will in a short time make up the Remainder ; 1
Whereby we shall not only be enabled to pay and recruite our
Army, but likewise be enabled to put our Army in such a
Condition as Our Subjects shall not Suffer by free quarter, or
the unruliness of our Soldiers, which is now in present
Agitation, and will (we no way doubt, by the Advice of the
Members of both Houses Assembled) be speedily effected.
We doe towards so good a worke, by the Approbation and
Advice of the said Members of both Houses there Assembled, ,
desire you forthwith to lend us the summe of thirty pounds1
or the value thereof in Plate, toucht Plate at five Shillings,
and untoucht Plate at four shillings and four pence per ounce ;
and to pay or deliver the same within seven daies after the
Receipt thereof, to the hand of Our highe Sheriffe of that our
County, or to such whom he shall appoint to receive the same
upon his acqittance for the Receipt thereof, who is forthwith I
to returne and pay the same at Corpus Christi Colledge in |
Oxford, to the hands of the Earle of Rath, the Lord Seymour,
Mr John Ashburnham, and Mr John Fettiplace, or any of
them, who are appointed Treasurers . . . and issuing thereof by
the said Members (by whose order only th s . . . sposed) I
and to give receipts for the same, the which we promise to
. . .all enable us, this summe to be advanced with speed, j
We are . . . . ur Selves to such Persons as your Selfe, of j
whose abillity and Affection . . . dence giving you this I
Assurance, that in such further Charges, that t . . . st
Defence shall inforco us to require of our good Subjects, Your
for . . . . s bursmonts shall be considered to your best
advantage And so presuming you will not failo to expresso

Filled up in writing.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

221

your affection herein, We bid you farewell. Given at our
Court at Oxford, the 14 day of February, in .the nineteenth
year of our Raigne 1643.

By the Advice of the Members of
Bv his Mats Com'and both Houses Assembled at

Salop, to 0xford
Sr Francis Oteley. [signed] Ed: Littleton, C.

Samp: Eure.

Sir Edward Littleton, Lord Keeper, was the son and
heir of Sir Edward Littleton of Henley, in the parish
of Bitterley, co. Salop, by Mary, daughter of Edmund
Walter of Ludlow, Chief Justice of South Wales. He
was born in Shropshire, and baptized at Munslow
March 5, 1589-90 ; became a gentleman commoner of
Christ Church, Oxford, 28 Nov., 1606, and took his B.A.
Ap. 28, 1609, Entering the Inner Temple he soon
became eminent in the profession of the Law, was made
Solicitor-General 1634, and knighted at Whitehall the
following year. January 27, 1639, he was appointed
Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and January
23 following Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, in the
place of Lord Finch, " for which place," says Clarendon,
" he was excellently fitted : being a man of grave and
comely presence, his other parts were over valued ; his
learning in the Law being his masterpiece." On
February 18, 1641, he was created a Peer of England
by the title of Lord Littleton, Baron of Munslow, co.
Salop. After the King established his Parliament at
Oxford, the Lord Keeper remained for some time with
the Parliament at Westminster, but in July he followed
the King, having first sent the Great Seal. He was
now created LL.D., made one of the King's Privy
Council, and received his commission of Colonel of a
Regiment of Foot. He died August 27, 1645.

A cousin of Sir Edward, Thomas Littleton, parson of
" Suckly," and Yicar of Hales Owen, took an opposite
side to the Lord Keeper, as appears from the Earl of
Denbigh's MSS. Basil, Earl of Denbigh, issued an
order dated April 16, 1644, to all commanders, officers,

222

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

and soldiers for the service of the Parliament, or under
his command, to forbear to molest, disturb, or seize
upon the person, goods or chattels of Thomas Littleton,
parson of Suckly, and Vicar of Hales Owen, " a
laborious painful minister, and well affected to ye
Parliament." He was the son of Thomas Littleton of
Stoke St, Milborough, uncle of the Lord Keeper.

" Sir Sampson Eure was of the family of Ralph, the
3rd Ld. Eure, who was King's lieutenant in the Princi-
pality of Wales in 1608. Sir Francis Eure, brother to
the above, married Ellin, elder daughter and co-heir
of William Maurice of Clenenny, the son, by Margaret
daughter and heir of John Lacon of Porkington, of Sir
William Maurice, Knt., of Clenenny. The Eures were
thus connected with the neighbourhood ot Oswestry.
The Barony of Eure became extinct in 1698." (Stanley
Leighton, Shrop. Arch. Soc. Trans., vol. iii., p. 139,
note).

CXCVIII. RALPH FREEMAN TO THE SAME.

1G43-4.

S<

The wisest (as those which are soe reputed tell mee)
are more curius to find & sease, a Judas att home, then serius
to distroy a knowen enimie abroad, and ye only way to shew
religion & to gayne honor, which to ye sons of fame are ye
noblest spurs," is loyaltie to there prince ; a gallant man daires
cutt ye thred of a brother, or sease a neybor, yt with a
betraying looke impudently gazes in the face of Majestie,
should that trator fortune suffer in ye action that gallant
brave man fall, hee on the ground lyes both as . brave &
gallant ; nor is more subject to Contempt then are ye holy
relicks of a temple which as if they were intier, should have a
reverence: for those pretending good-ons, 1 informed you of
att Shrowsbury, whoes companies you soe much desier there,
if you will be pleas'd to seale a warrant up in a letter for them
all my faculties att once shall doe you service.

I Rest yor moust
ffeb. ye 18th 1C43. humble Servant

Pray bo pleas'd impart your news. Raphe ffreman.

To yo worshipful 1 Sr flrancis Oily
present this with my service.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR

223

This somewhat ambiguous letter betrays a strong
feeling of discontent with the conduct of men whom
the writer does not venture to name, though it be in a
private letter, and thereby reflects the tone of mind too
prevalent at this time among the King's loyal subjects.

Prince Rupert arrived in Shrewsbury February 18,1
and at once set himself with his usual energy to
suppress the discontent of the garrison. He found an
angry populace, an unpaid army, and a divided com-
mand ; but the lack of money was the most serious
difficulty to contend with. From this had arisen free
quarter to the men, not unacceptable to them, but
highly vexatious to the better class of officers, and ten-
fold more so to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood.

One of his first acts was to instruct his Commissary
General, Sir William Bellenden, to provide large stores
of provision, and abolish free quarter.2 This is the
report of Sir William : —

May it Please Your Highness.

By Sir John Mennes letter, your Highness will
understand the success of my Lord Byron's proceedings and
ours since your Highness parted, and how much our condition
is bettered. Monday last we discharged tree quarters, not
without some growling amongst the soldiers; and whereas
your Highness did appoint 3s. worth of provisions to be given
each souldier a week, I have only caused issue so much as
comes to Is 10d, which I did by the advice of some of the
officers, it being sufficient with the shilling in money that

1 Mayor's accounts, 19th February : —

A note of Wyne, Cakes and Sugar bestowed upon Prince Rupert
his highness.

2 quarts of Sacko, ono q* clarott 1 q* white wyne at, xx'
Ono Sugar loffo 10u 4 xx»

3 doss, of bisketts vj*

3 doss, of ffyno cakes ... ... ... ... ... vj1

'ij-

pd. wch was bostowod on Prynco Rupert his Trumpeters xx8
a This letter appears to exonerate Prince Rupert from the charge
of sanctioning free quarter, Seo Owen and Rlakoway, i., p. 444.
Vol. VIII., 2nd S. 00

224

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

your Highness has appointed for them: more would have

caused a waste. Neither could we, without danger of mutiny,
hereafter have lessened the proportion once given them ; this
I hope your Highness will approve of. There comes in great
store of provisions, so that we do promise your Highness a full
magazine of corn at your return. I cannot as yet give your
Highness any account of the conclusion your commissioners
have made in North, Wales till Sir Thomas Hanmer and Mr.
Wayett return, which will be about the middle of the next week.

Your Highness's humble servant

Salop, March 30, 1 644. W. Bellenden.

CXCIX. AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GARRISON AND THE
SHREWSBURY CORPORATION.

1643-4.

A True Copy of the Agreement and Order made
betwixt the Govornour and Mayor of Shrewsbury
the 10th day of February 1643.
It is this day Agreed betwixt the Governour and his Officers,
subscribed on his part, and Mr Mayor, The Town Clerk,
Aldermen and others on his part Subscribed, that the
Governour should have for his Service done to that day by
himself and Officers one full Months full pay According to a
list then Shewed, with an Establishment of the pay due to
every Officer, which came to the value of four Hundred and
two pounds, and after that Day the Governour to have his full
pay after the rate of £20 a Week and all the rest of his Officers
in the said list named their half pay constantly paid thera
afterwards.

The Governour.1 Capt. Ottley.3

Major Butler.2 Capt. Owen.4

1 Sir Francis Ottlcy.

2 An officer of the garrison appointed by Sir Francis Ottley, part
of whose duty it was to inspect the repairs of tho fortifications. From
the Mayor's accounts we learn that he superintended the construc-
tion of a sentinel houso in Frankwcll during tho months of March
and April of this year, which Mr. Francis Sandford had previously
been engaged upon.

3 Already mentioned (Letter cm.) as the brother of tho Governor.
He was the second son of Thomas Ottley, Jusq., by his wife Catharine,
daughter of John Duckworth of Betton Strange ; born 2nd March,
1G02, now 22 years of ago.

4 Probably Capt. Thomas Owen of Whitley, near Shrewsbury,
taken prisoner at tho capture of the town, then a Lieut. Colonel.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

225

Capt. Needham,1 Mr Gibbons, Alderman.5

Advocate Trewis.2 Mr Foster, Alderman.6

The Mayor.3 Mr John Harding.7

The Town Clerk.4 Mr Lewis Davis.8

It will be observed that this agreement is dated the
day after the arrival of Prince Rupert. But the
document being signed by the Mayor and his friends
was not of much value, for the town had been already
exhausted, and even Rupert could not " get blood out
of a stone. "

Sir William Herbert, K.B., created Baron Powis of
Powis Castle, co. Montgomery (here called Red Castle,
from the colour of its walls, a name it had long borne,
though there was another of the same name in Shrop-
shire, once the residence of the Audleys), April 2nd,
1629, He died March 7th, 1655, aged 83. (G.M.)
The allusion to certain good news in Lord Powis's
short letter cannot now be traced, though it is not
unlikely that it was the appointment of Prince Rupert as
President of Wales, which took place on the 5th of
February, and must have been highly gratifying to
the owner of large estates in the Principality. It is
probable that the Prince was a guest at Powis Castle
in the following August, for we learn from the Weekly
Account that the Prince's own regiment of horse was

1 A member of the family of that name seated at Shavington, in
this county, and probably identical with Capt. John Needham, who
was killed while on guard with five men at tho capture of
Shrewsbury.

2 Advocato Trewis, or Treves, appears also as Mr. Treves, being
present at a sitting of the Commissioners of Prince Rupert Nov. 1 of
this year.

8 Robert Betton, Junior, Esq., son of Alderman Robert Betton,
Mayor in 1639-40, by Margaret Edwards.
4 Thomas Owen of Dinthill, near Shrewsbury, Esq. (See xxv. and

CXIV.)

6 See Letter xxiv., note.

6 Robert Foster, Alderman.

7 John Harding, an Assistant in the Charter granted by Charles L
to the town.

8 Also an Assistant in the same Charter.

226

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

quartered at Welshpool, and was surprised by
Middleton and Mytton in a night attack, nearly a
hundred of them captured, including a Captain, a
Cornet, and a Quartermaster, and 200 horses. A
month later Middleton marched from Montgomery
Castle to Welshpool, and on the 3rd of October took
Red Castle, seized Lord Powis, " the greatest blas-
phemer in the world," according to the Roundhead
reporter, " his brother, and a seminary priest, whom
they at Oxford will tell you, is employed to settle the
Protestant religion." Also they took forty horses, 200
arms, and about fifty prisoners, one hundred of them
escaping out of the Castle in the dark.1 Sir Thomas
Middleton sent Lord Powis to the garrison of Wem,
afterwards to Stafford, and finally on parole to London,
where he resided at his lodgings in the Strand.
The Sequestration Papers mention as paid in June,
1645, a Fine of £1,192, of which the county of Mont-
gomery paid £818 9s., the balance of <£373 lis. being
still due at that date. Sir Percy Herbert was fined
j£l,007. Lord Powis in his old age, infirm and weak,
had, in August, 1645, by Resolution of Parliament, M
a week allowed him for his maintenance in prison out (
of his estate, by the Committee of Sequestration. The
venerable nobleman lingered until 1655, when, as
above stated, he died at the advanced age of 8 3. 2

I receaved your letter of the 17 of this Month full of
very good nevves and for itt can send you nothing in retribu-
tion but thanks, and give you assurance that I am, and ever

CC. LORD POWIS TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1643-4?

Syr,

will bee
Red Castle this
20 of February.

Your most faythfull
frend. and humble servant
Powys.

For his most worthy
frend Syr Frauncis Otoley
at Shrewsbury, these.

The Kingdom's Weekly Intelligencer.
Montgomery Collections, 1 8iS 1, p. 307.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

227

John Talbot, 10th Earl of Shrewsbury (son of John
Talbot, Esq., by Eleanor, daughter and heiress of Sir
Thomas Baskerville, Knt., of Brinsop, in Hereford-
shire), resided at Longford, near Newport, Shropshire.
He married Mary, daughter of Sir Francis Fortescue,
K.B., of Salden Hill. Symonds in his 'Diary informs
us that Longford House was made a garrison by " the
rebells " in 1644, who held it till Prince Rupert took
it, at the same time he took Tong Castle. " Colonel
Young is Governor (May, 1645). Young's estate JC300
per annum, his wife a clothier's daughter." The Earl
was declared a Recusant, and all his property was
seized by the Parliament. He died Feb. 8, 1653-4.

CCI. THE EARL OF SHREWSBURY TO THE SAME.

1643-4 ?

Sf

This gentleman, Mr Witaker, is my very good frend,
and one thatt I have byn very much beeholdinge unto, for
the car hee had of my son's health ; hee is dessigneinge to
spend some tyme att Shreusbury and I can assure you hee is
a very stonch man ; whatt curtesie you shall please to afford
him shall be esteemed as done to your

very assured lovinge frend

Longford 21. ffe. . Shrewsbury.

To my very worthy frend
Sr ffrancis Oateley, Knt.
Governer of Shrewsbury

give thys.

CCII. OWEN GRIFFITHS TO THE SAME.

1643-4.

Noble Sir

Yesternight, being with the Governor of Worcester, 48

Erisoners of Waller's1 Company (all Horsemen) were brought
ere, taken at Pershore just in my way to Oxford, which hath

1 Probably engaged in a foraging expedition sent out from
Gloucester, now in the hands of the Parliament, which town was in
great distress, and an effort was made about this time to victual it,
without success. Gard. i., p. 320.

228

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

Stayed & stopt me a little of my J ourney, but now believing
the coast is clear I go on ; Waller himself with one Man by 3
in the Morning Yesterday called for a Farrier at Pershore, &
finding the Town naked, presently, his Forces a 1000 or
thereabouts, came in and Pillaged, and so ran away, but the
Country rose up and took these Prisoners, whereof 2 are
quartermasters, besides some Captains ; it is believed Waller,
designing to stop in Gloucester, the Prince being near, made
for Warwick Castle or Coventry, I pray God it be not to join
with Brereton, or some Other, in those parts upon the edge of
Cheshire, to do some mischief Elsewhere. I am

Woster 21: Feb: Your True Servant

1643. To the K: Wo?19 Sr Francis Ow. Griffiths.
Oateley Knight, the Noble
Governor of Sallop p'sent with all due Respects
& speed.

CCIII. INFORMATION LAID BY WM. CHILD AGAINST FR. BURNE

AND WIFE.

1643-4.

The Informacon of William Child of Aston Botterell in
the County of Salop, glover (now set forth a dragooner
for Aston Botterell) against firauncs Burne & his wife,
taken before the Bayliffs of Bridgnorth the 23th of this
instant ftebruary 1643
Saith — That he this Informer being p'duced for the Townshipp
of Botterell Aston to show himself before his mats Justics
of peace imployed for raysing Dragoneers for p'te of the
said County for his Mats service upon Munday the 13th
day of this month came into the house of the said ffrauncs
Burne to drinke, the said ffrauncs Burne then desired this
Informer to speake privately wth him cone'ininge his
imployment as to be instructed what he went aboute,
whether he went upon a good cause or not; but this
Informer refused soe to doe ; then the said firauncs Burne
fell upon this Informer in this manner, doe you know
what you goe aboute ? doe you goe upon your own will
or are you enforced to goe ? or to that effect ; to which
this informer replyed, he was not enforced ; then the
said Burne wished this Informer to be advised what he
did, & to be instructed ; and he replyed, he very well
know what he went aboute, & wold not be instructed by
him. Then the said Burne replyed againe, that he loved
this Informer so well, whereas he had heretofore killed

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

229

Calves at Botterells Aston, he shold kill no more there, or
to that effect; and thereupon both the said ffrauncs
Burne fa his wife, did vouch severall places of Scripture
to disswade this Informer's intencon, and this Informer
thrupon did instance unto them one place in Scripture to
this effect, viz1, As Solomon saith A good man giveth an
Inheritance to his Children, and the riches of the wicked
are laid up for the just ; and thereupon this Informer told
the said Burne he was a Round head, in the p'sence of one
Thomas Ilea, & one Patchet a tanner in Bridgnorth &
other p'swasions they both used to desswado this Informer
not to undertake the said service ; and further saith not.

Convenit cum originali
Exr p. Sc Xr Totti

According to an interesting MS. in the collection of
the Rev. John Webb, Apley Castle, to which our next
paper relates, was garrisoned some time in 1643, pro-
bably late in that year, by Lord Capel, who appointed
Lieut. Honer Governor of it, but the plundering and
exactions of Honer annoyed the neighbourhood so much
that Mr. Hanmer, who had married the widow of the
late owner, Mr. Francis Charlton, and lived with her
in the Castle, went to Shrewsbury to lay a complaint
against him. So far from getting any redress, he was
arrested and committed on the charge of High Treason.
When Prince Rupert came to Shrewsbury in the
beginning of 1644 he referred the subject to the
Commissary General, Sir William Bellenden, who
having heard the case of Hanmer and Honer made his
report to the Prince, which was to this effect : — That
Mr. Hanmer must consider whether he will man and
maintain Apley Castle at his own charge, or leave it
to another ; or have it blown up. If he shall choose to
keep it himself, and should hereafter lose it to the rebel
enemy, that then the damage that shall accrue to the
house in the recovery thereof, shall be refunded out of
the estate. This was dated March 9th, 1643-4. The
declaration he made was this : — " I Thomas Hanmer,
do hereby declare that with his Highnesse's good leave
and approbation, I will man, (Jefond, an<4 maintayno

230

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

my house, or Castle of Appley against the rebel enemy,
under the authority of this pretended Parliament at
Westminster, at my own proper charges in defence of
his Majesty's just cause. — Thomas Hanmer.'' " Let
this be done accordingly, signed Rupert/' " Testor
Will. Leven, Ad. General, Salop, March 14th, 1643-4."1
A few days after he armed his servants and some of
his tenants in accordance with his declaration. The
house was taken by the Parliament troops, who
plundered it to the amount of £1,500, and he was
again made prisoner. Ten days afterwards it was
recaptured for the King by Sir William Vaughan and
Sir Robert Ellis, and the conditions of surrender will
be found below. The Royalists sequestered the
estate, seized upon the remainder of the property,
estimated at £3,000 or .£4,000, dismantled the house,
and carried away the lead to cover the Castle of
Shrewsbury.

The Castle to which the above account relates was
built by Mr. Hanmer at a cost of J£6,000, and stood less
than two hundred yards from the present mansion of
Sir Thomas Meyrick, Bart. ; when it ceased to be
occupied, the masonry being of a substantial character,
the building was utilised for stabling and other pur-
poses. The moat which protected it has been filled up,
except a small part which now forms a fishpond. There
is a drawing of the old house in Mrs. Stackhouse
Acton's Garrisons of Shropshire.

CCIV. ARTICLES AGREED UPON FOR THE SURRENDER OF
APLEY CASTLE,

1643-4.
March 24th 1643.
Articles agreed upon betwoeno Coll Ellis & Sr Wm
Vaughan Knt for his wth Capfc Ww Brayno & Leiftenn1
Rich: Tayler & the rest of the officers in Garrisson in
Apley Castle.

1 Memo. C. W. in Herefordshire) ii., p, 50.

.RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

231

1 That the Couianders at Apley havinge yielded themselves &

their souldiers prisoners it is agreed unto by Coll. Ellis is
Sr Wm Vaughan that only ten of such as wee shall choose,
shall remayne prisoners as Hostages till theire others be
to the equall qualitie & number of those in Apley both
officers & souldiers released that are imprisoned having
taken Arms by his mat'ys comand either at Wem or any
other Garrison.

2 It is agreed by both sides that no souldiers that have served

in Ireland shaibe taken for any of the ten that are to
remayne prisoners, but may without breach of Articles
remayne in Sr Wm Vaughan his Regim't, if they will not
returne to" Weme.

3 The house is to be imediately surrendered and the souldiers

to march away to Weme without molestacon of his ma^a
forces, leavinge theire Armes & amunition, they march-
inge away with theire Clothes untouched.

Cap Brayne signed by

for Wm Vaughan

Captayn South- Hobt Ellice.

wood Sr I have sent you a copy of the

L. Taylor articles agreed upon at the delivery

for up of Appley : let me intreat you that

L Bayly and for the honour of souldery they may

the like for the be p'formed ; we have p'formed them on

rest. our pt, let me intreat the like from you,
and you thereby shall bind mee to bee

Yor Servant

Thomas Hunt.

Sir William Vaughan came into Shropshire in com-
mand of an Irish regiment early in 1644, and one of
his first recorded services was taking part with Colonel
Ellice in this siege and capture of Apley Castle. In
September following (28) he was appointed Governor
of Shrawardine Castle, the seat of Henry Bromley, Esq.,
where he earned for himself the cognomen of " The Devil
of Shrawardine,' ' a name not undeserved, for he pulled
down the Church and chancel, the parsonage house and
out-buildings, on the plea of military necessity. From
here also he raided the surrounding country with his
Irish soldiers, plundering the houses of friends and
Vol. VIII. 2nd ' DD

232

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

foes.1 It was on one of these raids that Colonel
Mytton, having received private intelligence, surprised
and took him prisoner with twelve lieutenants, and
other officers. His captor conducted him to the Castle,
where he undertook to negociate its surrender with
those he had left in charge, but Sir William Vaughan
was no sooner on the safe side the drawbridge than he
drew it up and left the Roundhead Colonel to do his
worst. The latter thought he had captured a gentle-
man— he found he had let slip a knave ; but he
retained his twelve lieutenants and other prisoners.
Sir William Vaughan is often heard of during the war.
lie was present at the attempt to regain Montgomery
Castle in September, 1644. Trevor, in writing to the
Marquis of Ormond, says : — " Sir William Vaughan
was the occasion of fighting the enemy in that place ;
but as my Lord Byron tells me, contributed not much
to the action/' (Cart's Coll. Orig. Lett., i., p. 64.)
In July, 1645, when the Parliamentary troops were
besieging High Ercall house for the second time he,
with what strength he could obtain from surrounding
garrisons, marched there to relieve it, which he suc-
ceeded in doing effectually. Mercurius Belgicus states
that " he behaved himself so gallantly that he totally
routed the besiegers, killed a hundred on the place,
and took 400 prisoners with all their baggage." When
the King came into Shropshire, shortly after the battle
of Naseby, Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir William
Vaughan, with 300 men, formed the royal escort. At
this time he appears to have held the rank of General
of the Horse in Salop, Worcester, and Stafford, con-
ferred on him by the King. According to Symonds
the King was in Ludlow August 7th (1645), and Sir
Marmaduke Langdale and Sir William Vaughan again
formed his escort. When Chester was besieged by
the Parliamentary troops under Brereton in November,
Vaughan was in command of a force of 1,700 horse and

J dough's History of Middle, \\ 10.

DELATING TO THE CIVII, WAR

233

1,000 foot at Denbigh, made up largely of Irish, with a
design to raise the siege, but Brereton was able to tell
oft a select force of 1,400 horse and 1,000 foot under
Colonel Jones, with which Colonel Mjtton with some
auxiliaries co-operated, and completely routed Vaughan,
driving him to seek shelter under the Castle, where he
rallied his men ; which he had no sooner done than
Mytton again put him to flight, and chased him eight
miles on the road to Conway, inflicting on his troops
severe punishment. It was estimated that above a
hundred of his men were slain, and about four hundred
were taken prisoners, with 1 1 divers men of quality/'1
At the end of the war Vaughan returned to Ireland,
where at the fatal battle of Kathmines on July, 25,
1649, serving as Commissary General of Horse, he fell
in the first charge, his death contributing much to the
calamity of the day.2

The Hon. Francis Newport of High Ercall, of whom
some particulars have been already given (note to
Letter vii.}, who comes before us in the next letter,
suffered so much after being taken prisoner at Os-
westry in June of this year, that a short narrative
gathered from the MSS. of Lord Denbigh should not
be omitted. He was first taken to Wem, where the
Parliamentary Committee of Shropshire wrote to Lord
Denbigh expressing their opinion that he should be
removed elsewhere, "in regard to an especial respect
this place bears unto my Lord Newport and his
friends but it would appear that Lord Denbigh had
given Mr. Newport an assurance that he should not be
removed till it was seen whether some exchange could
be found for him. He wrote to remind his Lordship of
this ; and in the meantime an important Parliamentary
officer, Lieut. -Colonel Pudsey, being a prisoner at
Shrewsbury, wrote to Lord Denbigh (11 July), stating
that the Governor of that town would accept no

1 True Informer, No. 51.

2 Clarendon Hist. Reb., vol. viii., p. 98.

234

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

exchange for him except Mr. Newport. So far as his
Lordship was concerned he agreed to the exchange,
but the Committee were of another mind, and wrote to
his Lordship (13th) deprecating the enlargement of
Mr. Newport, " he being an exceedingly potent man
in the county, and very active in raising men and
money for the King's cause," and request he will admit
of no exchange, but send him to the Parliament to be
dealt with, "he being a Parliament man (i.e., a
Member of the House), and so active against the
Parliament from the beginning/' The Committee had
their own way, and he was removed to Stafford. From
here he writes (27th) again to Lord Denbigh, com-
plaining that contrary to his Lordship's orders Sir
Gerard Eyton, Major Mauley, and himself are to be
sent to Eccleshall Castle, u where is no accommodation
in any respect fit for a gentleman," and requests that
he may be retained at Stafford, or sent up immediately
to London. The all-powerful Committee, however,
disregard the comfort of the prisoners and the wishes
of Lord Denbigh, and to Eccleshall they were sent.
The three prisoners write again to Lord Denbigh, from
whom alone they anticipate any consideration, in a
joint letter, complaining of their sufferings at Eccles-
hall, aggravated by all the circumstances " that tyranny
and baseness can be guilty of." " Our accommodation
is so untoward at present that we have scarce
philosophy enough to undergoe it ; but that doth not
so much beget this address as the noble sense we are
assured yor lordship is swayed by to any gentleman's
misfortune, which we throw ourselves upon as men
that would not owe a favour of that nature to any
other than yo'r lordship." In a postscript Newport
asks Lord Denbigh, if he must be sent to London, that
he may not be sent to the Tower, or to Peter-house,
but may be committed to some private house on his
own parole, or any other engagement.

Immediately afterwards the Commons passed a vote
that Sir Thomas Middleton, since relieving Oswestry,

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

235

and taking Mr. Newport prisoner, is to have all the
profit of Lord Newport's and his sons' lands, during the
war, for the maintenance of his soldiers.

CCV. FRANCIS NEWPORT TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1643-4.

Sir,

I am inform'd that some Troopers have brought a
Billet from you for 3 horses in my uncle sir Ri. Leveson's
stable : now, Sir, I am to let you know that my Father hath
procur'd a Protection from my Ld Capell, both for his owne
houses and stables and alsoe for my uncle Leveson's, and there
is likewise a particular ticked [ticket] procured from Captaine
Jenninges for the securinge of this Stable for my Uncle's use,
which I can assure you to bee very true, though the man that
had it delivered to him was soe foolish not to leave it there.
My desire to you is, Sir, in my Uncle's behalfe (who you well
know deserves not to be prejudic'd by any of the King's
servants) that you would give your assistance for the securinge
of the Stable and the Haye, and to withdraw the Billett now
granted, and you will much favour my Uncle and mee,

Yr humble Servant,

High Ercall, March 30. Fr. Newport.

To my much honord Kinsman
Sir Francis Oatley, Kl

Governo' of Shrewsbury, these.

[Printed in Owen and Blakeway's History of Shrewsbury.]

In March Sir Francis Ottley visited Oxford to pay
his homage to the King, when he doubtless took the
opportunity of explaining his position in regard to his
office of Governor of Shrewsbury, and defending himself
against the insinuations of incapacity made against
him. Mennes having Prince Rupert's ear, had done
all he could to prejudice his case in the Prince's
mind. But Charles owed much to the example of
fidelity and self-sacrifice set by Sir Francis in Shrop-
shire, which he had not been backward to recognise
and acknowledge. The King could satisfy the Prince
in no other way than by at length removing him in
favour of the Prince's own nominee, and could only do

236

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

justice to Sir Francis by conferring upon him some new
honour that would be a fair compensation for the loss
of his governorship.

Sir Francis returned to Shrewsbury on the 29th of
March, and was received by the Mayor and Aldermen
in the customary manner.

A note for Wyne Cakes and Sugar bestowed
upon S Fr: Oateley at his return from Oxford.

1 gn of Sacke at 20d vij8 viijd

1 Dossen of fyne cakes ... ... .. ... ijs

1 11 of Sugar rj8

xi8 viij

CCVI. MAJOR GOULDEGAY TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1644.

Noble Sr

1 formerly sent unto you by a Drum of Yours (being
thereunto invited by the recipt of a former courtesey from
you) for the exchange of two of my Souldiers now Prisoners
with you (Viz.) John Maxee and Thomas Robinson, but being
doubtfull whether you received it or no, Causeth me to be
further troublesome unto you, and to desire that you would so
much the more engage me to you as to send me these two
Men hither with a Paroll, and I do hereby promise you by the
word of a Gentleman imediately upon their coming hither to
enlarge 2 of your's here of like Quality, and shall remain

Wem this 30th of Yor Servant

April 1644. Major Wm Gouldegay

To Sr Francis Oteley

Governor of Shrewsbury
These p'sent.

Major Gouldegay distinguished himself in the battle
of Nantwich January 28th, 1G43, between Sir William
Brereton and Sir Thomas Aston, by dismounting his
dragoons, and turning his horses upon the enemy,
throwing them into the direst confusion, and thus con-
tributed to the defeat of the Royalists. It was on this

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

237

occasion the Roundhead Press accused Sir Vincent
Corbet of crawling away on all fours lest he should be
discerned, and then ran on foot bareheaded to Over,
six miles — probably a flight of imagination on the part
of "Our Own Correspondent/ ' rather than of the
worthy Baronet, though the rout of the Royalists was
complete.

Everyone has read the highly interesting letters
written to her son Edward by Lady Brilliana Harley
from Brampton Bryan Castle, before, and during, the
siege of that place in 1643. The letters were printed
by the Camden Society in 1854, from the MSS. in
possession of her descendant, the Lady Frances Vernon
Harcourt, which had been for many years neglected at
Eywood, the seat of the Harley •& in Herefordshire.
Lady Brilliana — her husband, Sir Robert Harley, a
determined and active Parliamentarian, being detained
by his duties in London — held Brampton Bryan with
conspicuous courage till her death, which took place
soon after the first siege in October, 1643. Dr.
Nathaniel Wright of Hereford, her physician, one of
her truest friends, held the castle in the second siege,
but surrendered it, at mercy only, to Sir Michael
Woodhouse, Governor of Ludlow, on the 17th April,
1644, after a resistance of three weeks, when there
were taken 67 men, 100 arms, two barrels of powder,
and a whole year's provisions. Three of Sir Robert
Harley's youngest children were among the prisoners.

Frequent mention is made in Lady Harley's letters
of a Mr. Phillips of Ledbury, who was very kind to her
in the midst of all her troubles, and after receiving
information from a messenger she had sent to Hereford
to observe the conduct of her enemies, she writes to her
son, u that all at Heariford cried out against your
father, and not one said anything for him, but one
man, Mr. Phillips of Ledbury said, when he heard them
speak so against your father, ' Well/ said he, ' tho
Sir Robert Harley be low here, yet he is above, where
he is/ " alluding to tho high estimation in which he

238

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

was held in London. Possibly the William Phillips of
the following letter was of this family. Lokere,
from whom Phillips had received the letters, is several
times mentioned as Looker or Loocker by Lady Harley,
he being the medium through whom she communicated
with her son Edward. She writes (April 10, 1640),
" I have sent you by Loocker some violet cakes and
again (May, 1643), li I received your letter very well,
which came by Looker. " What the correspondence
was found on Phillips we shall never know, but it could
have been of little importance at this time, for Lady
Harley was dead, and Brampton Bryan Castle had been
dismantled by the Royalist forces.

The number of these secret messengers must have
been great, as they were largely employed by both
sides during the war, and such a hazardous business
doubtless called forth much ingenuity to escape detec-
tion. Our local historian, Gough, gives a good account
of one of these men : —

This Richard Clarke was the son of Richard Clarke, of
Middle Wood, Hee was naturally ingenious. Hee had a
smooth way of flattering discourse, and was a perfect master
in the art of dissembling. Hee was listed for a soldier on the
Parliament side in Wem, whilst hee was yett but a mere boy.
There was nothing of manhood or valor in him, and yet hee was
serviceable to the officers of that Garrison by carrying of
letters to theire friends and correspondents that were in
Garrisons of the adverse party. Hee had an old ragged coate
on purpose which ho would putt on, and goe as a. beggar boy.
Hee carryed a short stick, such as boys call a dog staffe.
There was a hole boared in the end of it, and there the letters
were putt, and a pegg after them, and that end hee put in the
dyrt. If hee mett with soldiers, hee would throw his sticke
att birds, soe that it might goe over the hedge, and then goe
over to fetch it. When he came to the Garrison, he would
begg from doore to dooro, and consort himselfe with beggars
untill hee came to the place he was to deliver his letter.
When a maid came to the door, hee would disyre to speak
with the Master, from a friend. When the Master came hee
would give him his stieke, and goe; to cleano the stable untill
tho n uistcr brought his stick and then returne begging as
bcof'ore. {llidorij of Middle, p. 100, Shrewsbury edition.)

)

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR. 239

CCVII. THOMAS EDWARDES, HIGH SHERIFF, TO THE SAME.

1644.

Good brother,

This evening was brought before mee one William
Philips of Lentwardine who being tipling in this Towne &
discovered to have the letters inclosed. I examined him
whence hee had these letters & he saith they came from the
Lady Harley & were delivered him by a tenant of hers one
Lokere that lyves in Lentwardyne, hee would not confess any
more, but hee hath byn often noted to passe this Towne as a
comon Intelligencer from that Castle into these parts. Hee
would fayne have intreated mee to open these letters, bui
seeing to who they are directed, I would not adventure of my
selfe to doe it, but have sent him & the letters unto you. Not
doubting of your Vigilancy to advise with Sir Ren: Lee, Sir
Jo: Weld, or others, what to doe with them, and also knowing
your power to bee farre above myne in this Case & to your
wisdom e I send him and them, being

Your brother assured to serve
you

Stretton, May 10. Tho: Edwardes.

1644.

To the right wor.11

Sir Ffrancis Ottley, Knt.

Governour of the Towne of Shrewsbury these

present.

(Seal)

We shall now have our attention occupied for a
moment with the financial business between the
Governor of "Shrewsbury and the Corporation, which
appears to have been in a most unsatisfactory condition,
and which Prince Rupert was determined to bring to a
settlement. But Corporate bodies clothed with certain
legal rights and privileges conferred upon them by a
succession of Royal Charters extending over many
centuries were, in those days, not easily intimidated
even by a Prince of royal blood. It is a fortunate
circumstance that amongst the Ottley Papers there is
a transcript taken, at some period unknown, from the
books of the Corporation (the books not now to be

Vol. VI II., 2nd S. m

240

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

found), of all the more important resolutions bearing
on the business. . Several extracts have already been
given (following Letter lxvii.) of what was done by
the Corporation up to the beginning of 1643; a con-
tinuation of them from that period to the present will
convey a sufficiently clear idea without much comment.
The first relates to the latter part of 1643 ; the month
is not named.

The Corporation remonstrate to an order from Lord Capel,
commanding the Governor, Mayor, and Aldermen, to raise
money for tlio Pay of his Lordship's Troops, quartered in tho
Town.

An Assessment of £1000 ordered for Defences of the Town.

The Governour demanded £380, for a Month's Pay, for him-
self and Officers, which the Corporation Scruple the Payment
of.

1644.

The Corporation remonstrate to an Order from Prince
Rupert's Commissioners to pay £100, for work at the
Fortifications.

They disown a pretended Agreement said to be made
between Sir Francis Ottley and Them, for Payment of two,
Sums to him, the one of £775, and the other of £402 for the
pay of him and his Officers : and likewise called on him to
produce his Patent ; for as the Inhabitants of the Town were
all Soldiers, or maintained Soldiers under them, (if they did
not do their Duty in their own Persons) they conceive Soldiers
should not Contribute to Maintain their Superior Officers.

A copy of the agreement for the £402 has been
given, No. cxcix., dated 19 February.

It is now May, and no steps have been taken by the
Corporation to pay the Governor's claim. This claim
is fully set forth in the next paper.

CCVI1I. PAYMENTS DUE TO THE GOVERNOR.

1G44. ,

A breife note of the Agreement betwixt Sir
Francis Ottley Governor of Shrewsbury and Mr
Mayor of the said Town and also what hath
been received by the Governour from the Town,

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR. 241

since the time he first took the employment of a
Soldier upon him for the] defence of the said
Town.

Received at Several Times as by note1 may appear. 326 9 0

Upon the ninth of February Last 1643 uppon an

Agreement betwixt the Governor and Mayor,

the Governour did Agree, and was Content to

Accept, of one Month's pay for himself and all his

Officers, for all their former Servis done to that

Day, being then a year and half, which Month's

pay came to 402 0 0

Whereof received but only the Sum of 124 9 0

So there is due in Arrears of that month 277 11 0
It was likewise Agreed the 19th of February that \
after that Day the Governour should receive his /
demand, being £20 a Week, and all his Officers f
their half pay. )
Which, to this present day being the 10th of May, \
is 1 1 Weeks which comes to, for the Governour V 220 0 0

at £20 a Week, the sum of . . . j

And all the Officers half pay for the said 11 Weeks, 555 10 0
Due in all upon this Agreement betwixt 1 irr« 1 n

the Governour and the Mayor J AUo,i 1 u

The Mayor is forthwith to Satisfie Sir Francis
Ottley and his Officers According to their Agree-
ment, Salop May 1644.

1 The Particulars of what hath been received from the Town, since
the first Imployment by the Govenor.

The 25 of October 1642 ...

30

0

0

The 13 of January 1642 ...

10

0

0

The 28 of January 1642 ...

10

0

0

The 20 of May 1643 ...

60

0

0

The 24 of June 1643 ...

30

0

0

At Several times After

22

0

0

The 16 of February 1642 ...

50

0

0

The 24 of February 1643 ...

40

0

0

The 27 of February 1643 ...

5

0

0

The 8 of March 1643 ...

20

0

0

The 9 of March 1643 ...

5

0'

0

The 16 of March -"T643 ...

... 4

9

0

326

9

0

242

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

CCIX. PRINCE RUPERT S ORDER THAT THE GOVERNOR BE PAID.

1644.

1. That the Commissioners may hear and Examyne all Sr
Ffrancis Ottley's undertakings lor the quartering of horse and
foote within the Tovvne and Liberties of Shrewsbury, and
allsoe his bills of other Engagements.

2. That a Settled course may be taken hereafter for the pay-
ment of Sr ffrancis Ottley, his Officers and 800 Souldiers,

Shrowesbury this 16th of May 1644,
It is my pleasure that this Paper bee delivered to the Com-
missary Generall, to ye Commissioners & that they doe take a
speedie Course for Sr Francis Ottley's Satisfaction.

What the " settled course " the Commissioners were
to take is left us to conjecture ; there is nothing to
show that the Corporation paid the whole of the claim ;
and on the 1st November the Commissioners again sat
to consider the subject, and finally determined to con-
fiscate the rents arising from the Shropshire estates of
the " recusant " Earl of Bridgwater for the purpose.

Further extracts from the books of the Corporation
will present the case for the town, as against the Com-
missioners, who claimed heavier contributions than the
inhabitants could afford.

A Committee was appointed to draw up a statement
to lay before the Governor the financial position of the
Corporation.

A Committee appointed to acquaint the Governor of the
Poor Estate of the Town, and that they are not ablo to provide

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

243

and Maintain a Troop of Horse within the Town for the
Reasons following, viz.

1st When the Town was ordered by Prince Rupert's Com-
missioner to pay in Contribution Money they were
promised that no free quarter should be put upon them.

2nd Consider the Charge of Fortifications, buying of 8 Pieces
of Ordnance, making of Gunpowder, providing of Coals
and Candles for the Several Guards, and the payment of
Subscription Money, and Privy Seals.

3rd That the whole Revenue of the Town will not pay the
Coals and Candles for the Centrys.

4th Consider the Stopping and Decay of Trading, especially
that from Wales, in Cottons, Cheese, and Cattle, and from
hence to Wales in Malt, and other Commodities.

5th That the Horse here quartered in the summer have Eaten
the greatest part of the Meadowing and Pasture Ground
in and about the Suburbs of the Town, and that the Town
is not furnished with Hay.

6th That the Provision which they were used to havelbrmerly
for Hay, was from Montgomeryshire, which was taken
from them by the enemy.

7th That most of their horses were stolen from them by the
Soldiers.

8th That the Lands within the Town and Liberties are over
valued and will not give above half the Rent they were
formerly set at.

9th That the Town was indebted above £800 and paid use for
the greatest Part of it. Whereof the greatest part had
been incurred since his Majesty came there.

10th That notwithstanding .all these Losses and Charges the
Town was contented to pay an equal proportion with the
County for raising so many Horses as they shall think
fitt.1

This representation probably had some effect in
moderating the amount next assessed ; and the assess-
ment was at once complied with.

Ordered that the Assessment for £200 be forthwith levied
upon the Abler sort of People, according to the Order of
Prince Rupert's Commissioners, for payment of the Officers of
this Garrison.

1 These ten resolutions arc printed in Owen and Blakeway'a
History t but diftor somewhat in tliu wording, which I cannot account
for.

244

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

OCX. SIR FBANCIS OTTLEY TO LIEUTENANT RICHARD JONES.

1644.

Whereas Thomas Beiiyon one of yo'r Company in my Regim't
is ymployed as a Smyth in the Tovvne workes for the Sharp-
ininge of picks and other Tooles, and by consequence cannot
neglect the said ymploym't. Therefore you are hereby
authorized to give him Libertie to departe from his guard att
fower of the Clocke in the morninge the sev'all tymes it shall
fall to his turne to watch ; whereby he may followe his daylie
Service therein. And this shalbe his discharge and warrant
for you in that behalfe. Salop the xxjth day of May 1644.

This last paper, although one of no moment, is useful
as showing that the Governor had not yet ceased to
hold office, the exact date of his surrender of which has
never been really ascertained. Blakeway in his
Sheriffs of Shropshire states that "in the middle of
1644 he was glad to relinquish his post, and accept the
office of Sheriff for the ensuing year ; whereas in the
History of Shrewsbury we are told that it is certain his
government continued from February, 1642-3, to
November or December, 1644, The first date here
given is nearest the truth, but could we fix the date of
his successor we should be still nearer the mark.

In reference to his successor the authors of the
History of Shrewsbury write as follows : — " Richard
Baxter, the celebrated non-conformist, relates in his
Life, that in the summer of 1643, Sir Fulke Hunkes,
the brother of his Step- mother, was made Governor by
the King, ' But at last, the gentry of the county and
he agreed not ; he being too much a soldier, and too
civil for many of them, and they procured him to be
removed ; and Sir Richard Ottley first, and after Sir
Michael Ernley, made Governor. Sir Fulke was con-
fident when he went, that their drunkeness and
carelessness would shortly lose the town.' Here are

i ELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

various mistakes. The historical relations of Baxter
are as little to be depended upon as those of Burnet.
Not from any intentional falsification in either of those
eminent persons ; but because both of them, writing
from recollection, many years after the facts occurred
which they propose to record, and not distrusting their
memories, took no pains to ascertain the truth of what
they deliver. The mistake of Sir Francis's Christian
name is trivial, compared with the misstatement of the
date of his government, which, it is certain, continued
from February, 1642-3, to November or December,
1644."

I have given this paragraph entire to enable the
reader to judge the value of the criticisms I have to
offer. That Baxter was wrong in the date when Sir
Francis was Governor, and his Christian name, cannot
be questioned ; but that he was wrong in his statement
that Huncks was appointed to succeed Sir Francis in
the office, cannot be maintained, as the following
extracts from contemporary writers will show. Mer-
curius Civicus records that " by letters out of
Cheshire, dated the 7th of this instant, August, it is
advertised that Col. Mytton lately faced Shrewsbury
with his horse, and with another party kept Montford
Bridge towards the Welsh gate, within three miles of
Shrewsbury, and wheeled about the town with another
party through Crow-Meole and Brace-Meole, to Atcham
Bridge, where Col. Hunke, the Governor of Shrewsbury
lies, and drove away many of his horses, calves, and
sheep, and did much hinder Shrewsbury fair, which
was that day."1 In a letter from John Williams,
Archbishop of York, to the Marquis of Ormond, 20
August, 1644, occurs the following passage: — "The
Prince [Rupert] is recruiting amain, and will get up
arms and cannon ; ammunition will be found his
greatest difficulty, lie hath sent already horse and

1 Mcrau ius Civicux, No. 64, Aug. 15, 1G44 ; quoted by RolancJ
Phillies, vol. ii., j(. \%{.

246

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

foot to Shrewsbury (complaints and suspicions being
cast upon Hunkes, the new governor), and will, as we
hear, draw that way himself."1 Again, Samuel More,
the brave defender of Hopton Castle, a man well
informed on all that transpired at the time, in a letter
from Wem, 1 8th August, 1644, writes: — "Colonel
Broughton is made Governor of Shrewsbury, and Sir
F. Hunkes is gone to Chester."2

In the face of such evidence it cannot be doubted
that Sir Fulke Hunkes was appointed Governor of
Shrewsbury in place of Sir Francis Ottley, though he
could have held the post little more than a month. It
is also certain that Colonel Broughton succeeded him
for a short period, a fact not recorded by our historians,
Owen and Blakeway. It would further appear that
Sir Francis Ottley ended his governorship some time in
the month of July.

The occasion on which the next letter was written
was when Prince Rupert had gone towards York with
the object of relieving it, and the King was left to deal
with Waller. On the 28th of June the King was
manceuvering round Banbury, seeking an opportunity
to fight Waller to advantage ; " but Waller's tried
skill availed him here, and on the following morning
the Boyal army turned off towards Daventry, in the
hope of enticing Waller to leave the strong position
which he had taken up." The battle of Copredy
Bridge occurred the next day, in which Waller was
beaten, and lost his park of artillery. Notwithstanding
this success of the King, he thought it better to return
to his old quarters at Evesham, where he remained
some days, and on the 7th held a council of war which
determined him to attack Essex before help could reach
him.

1 Ormond's Letters, in ArcIuBoloyia Cambrensn, vol. xv., 3rd ser.,

p. 32:J.

2 Original Letters, in the possession of Stanley Leigh ton, Es(j.,
f[JP.) primed in Afonh/oMcryshire Collections, vol. viii., p. 372.

RELATING TO THR CIVIL WAR

247

CCXI. THE KING REQUIRES TEN TONS OF CHEESE.
1644.

Sr

His Matie being advanced to Evesham hath by his I/rs
from thence dated 6t0 Instantii Required me Speedilie to
p'vide and send Tenn Tonne of Cheese from these parts to be
delivered to the Mayor of Worcester, who shall give the
owners satisfacc'on for the same according to the Markett
Rates. I desire you therefore that you send in this night or
soe soone after as possiblie you can to Bayliffe Synges house
att Bridgenorth One Tonne of A good sorte of Cheese whether
ould or this Year's making, and there shall be an Officer
appoynted to Receive the same and to attend itt to Worcest'
and to Demand and Receive the moneys for itt there, which
shall upon his retourne bee speedilie paid to everie p'son who
shall soe send in. Letting you further know, that as I have
sent to his Matie an Account how I have p'ceeded in his
Com'ands by sending him a Catalogue of the names of the
p'sons and the p'porcons from them required Soe I must if
there be A. faile in any one — signifie the same to his Matie for
my owne Excuse : I rest

Yor Loveing ffreind to serve
Bridgenorth You L: Kirke

7° Julii 1G44.

Sir Lewis Kyrke, of London, Knt., was Governor of
Bridgnorth, and had to pay for his zeal in the Royal
cause £150. [G.M.]

The first Governor of Bridgnorth was Sir William
Pennyman, as appears from the following entry in the
books of the Corporation of that town : — " For wine
bestowed on Sir William Pennyman, Oolonell, who was
appointed by his Majesty, Governor of this Town, 10,
October, 1642, 38 4d." This is probably the same
person who at a later date was Governor of Oxford, of
whom Clarandon writes : — " Upon the death of Sir
William Penniman, who had been Governor of Oxford,
to the great satisfaction of all men, being a very brave
and generous person, and who performed all manner of
civilities to all sorts of people, as having had a good
education, and well understanding the manners of the
Court, . . - the King conferred that charge upon

Vol. VIII., 2nd S, f¥

i

248 THE OTTLEY PAPERS

Sir Arthur Aston." (Hist, iv., p. 550.) .It would
appear that before March 28, 1643, he had ceased to
hold the office in Bridgenorth. " The Town at this
Common Hall doth unanimously consent and also
desire, that John Bromley, Jlisqr may be Governor of
this Town, yf it may please the King's most Excellent
Majesty to confer that place upon him." But whether
the wishes of the Corporation were complied with there
is no evidence to show. In 1644 (the month not given)
an order of the Corporation mentions Sir Lewis Kirke
as Governor. He was probably appointed on the
advent of Prince Rupert in these parts. He was
an active and energetic officer, though not particularly
discreet. Thomas Dabridgecount, writing to Prince
Rupert, March 11th, 1G44, informs his Highness that
Colonel Kirke writes "from Bridgnorth that Tuesday,
the 1 4th is a day on which cattle are usually driven out
from Wales into the enemy's garrisons into Stafford-
shire, which he shall stop, until he has commands from
the Prince." ( Warburton, ii., p. 385.) Sir Michael
Woodhouse did the same thing at Ludlow, which
elicited a letter from the Archbishop of York, from
his castle at Conway, to Prince Rupert, preferring a
plea for his Highness's protection of the poor cattle
drovers, whom he calls " the Spanish fleet of North
Wales, which brings hither the little gold and silver
we have," from the oppression of Sir Michael Wood-
house, against whom they had petitioned. (Ibid., hi,,
56, ) Sir Lewis Kyrke was removed from the governor-
ship of Bridgnorth in the early part of 1646, in con-
sequence of insubordination and u violent opposition "
to the directions of Lord Asteley, regarding certain
matters of discipline in the garrison ; and Sir Robert
Howard was appointed in his place, which he held up
to the taking of the town by the Parliament in April
following.

Major Thomas Smallman (of Wilderhope, co. Salop),
the writer of" the two following letters, held a commis-
sion in the regiment commanded by Sir Francis Ottley.

BELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR,

249

Genealogists are almost unanimous in regarding
Thomas Smallman, son of Francis, by his wife Abigal,
daughter of Hugh Morris, of Lorian, co. Denbigh, as
the Major; but I venture to think they are mistaken.
That there were two of the name, differing in age by
24 years, both officers in the King's service, the older
uncle of the younger, and the latter heir of Wilderhope,
can be easily proved.

In a list of indigent officers " Certified out of the
County of Salop, by his Majesty's Commissioners
appointed by Act of Parliament for that purpose"
[1605], preserved among the Ottley Papers, there is
the following entry: — "Thomas Farnalls Cornett to
Major Thomas Smallman, in the Ilegt. of Sir Francis
Ottley." And in another paper in the same collection
headed : — " To his Most Sacred Majesty, the Humble
Petition of his Majesty's Lord Lieutenant, Deputy
Lieutenants, and all other Officers of the Militia of the
County of Salop " [1661], tendering their services at
the Restoration, there is subscribed the name ol
" Thomas Smallman, Lieutenant." The difference of
rank can only be explained on the ground that there
were two officers in the King's service of the same
name. At the time the two following letters were
written, which are without date, but from internal
evidence must be referred to 1644, Lieutenant Thomas
Smallman, baptized at Rushbury 3rd October, 1624,
was not of age, and it is hardly possible to believe he
could have risen to the rank of Major ; or, judging
from the tone of these letters, that they could
have come from the pen of so young a man. His
uncle, on the other hand, was 44 years of age, and
obviously, according to his second letter, more im-
pecunious than we can suppose the owner of Wilderhope
to have been, which had not yet been compounded for.

The following references are doubtless to the younger
man, the heir of Wilderhope, who appears to have
been not in the least inferior to his uncle in zeal for his
Royal master. In the report of the Proceedings of the

n MX %

250

THE OTTLEY PAPEKS

Committee of the Lords and Commons sitting at Derby
House, Oct. 10, 1648, Mr. Thomas Smallman was in
custody, and it was resolved that he be set at liberty
upon paying £20. On Nov. 24 following it was
resolved that M SmaJlman and Stockton be discharged
from Peterhouse upon giving security and Thomas
Smallman, of Wilderhope, co. Salop, entered into a
Bond for his personal appearance before the Committee
of Lords and Commons sitting at Derby House, when
summoned, under a penalty of £500. (Cal. St. Pap.,
1G48-9.) We further find the following in a list of
Shropshire compounders : —

A Particular of the Estate of Thomas Smalman of Wilder-
ton [sic] in the County of Salopp, Esqr for which he hath
compounded at Goldsmith's hall, 26mo die Junii 1649.
The Manor of Wilderton with appurtenances,

p. ann. ... ... ... ... 60 0 0

In Stanton Lacy, Newton, and Ludlow, and

Cheiff Rent in Thonglands ... p. ann. 40 0 0

The old family mansion of Wilderhope (variously
spelt as Wildertopp and Wilderton), on the Wenlock
Edge, three miles north-east of Rushbury, still
exists, and is now occupied as a farm house ; it is an
interesting specimen of an early seventeenth century
dwelling built of stone, On the ceiling of one of the
rooms are the initials F.S. E.S., and over the door 1601,
probably Francis Smallman, second son of Edward Small-
man of Neenton and Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir of
George Hopton of Bitterley ; " E.S." standing for his
wife, Ellen Smallman. If this be so, the house must
have been finished the second year after his death.

Three miles north of the house is a steep limestone
rock, conspicuous on the west side of Wenlock
Edge, which bears the name of Smallman' s Leap. The
tale runs that while most of his neighbours were on
the Parliamentary side, Major Thomas Smallman was a
zealous Poyalist; and that on one occasion a few of
Cromwell's troopers visited the house in his absence,
and returning home shortly afterwards he followed

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR 251

them by a circuitous route, and contrived to meet them
in a narrow defile on the road to Ludlow about night-
fall. By a sudden attack the Major is said to have
killed two or three of the troopers, and to have
recovered his property. It was not his fate to remain
long in peace. Another stronger body of Cromwell's
troopers surrounded his mansion at Wilderhope, when
he had only time to mount his horse, and being closely
pursued by them through Mogg Forest, he at length
reached a cliff on Wenlock Edge, where rather than
surrender himself he made a bold and daring leap into
the dale below. The horse is said to have been killed,
but the Major escaped with some bruises, and lived to
witness the Restoration. (Hubert Smith, Salopian
Shreds and Patches, Nov. 12, 1879.)

I am indebted for the following pedigree of the
Smallmans, embodying the Heralds' Visitation of the
County of Salop, 1663, to the kindness of the Rev.
W. G. D. Fletcher, of St. Michael's Vicarage, Shrews-
bury. It will enable the reader to understand what I
have advanced above.

Ludlow, 17 Aug., 1663.

Stephen Smallman^ Jane, daughter to Francis Lawley of
of Wilderhop, Esq. I Spoonbill, in Shrop., Esq.

Francis Smallman of=fAbigal, daughter to Hugh [Thomas Smallraan, Major,
Wildorhop,died a.o. | Morrice of Llorian in co. Bap. Acton Round, 14
1639. | Denbigh. April, 1598 Vis. 1623.]

4 Edward
3 Francis
2 Stephen

Thomas Smallman^Jane, daughter

of Wilderhop, a3t.
39 an. 17 Aug.,
1663.

to Sir Richard
Princcof Abbey-
foregate, near
S hrewsbury,
Knt.

I

Joyce, wife of
Ed. Priehard
of Burgeding
in Com: Mont.

Anne, wife
to Edward
Jones of
Luton in
co. Bed-
fordshire.

Abigail, aet. 2, anno. 17,
Aug. 1663.

III! I

1 brands \ Anne, ;et. 7 anno. 17,

2 Richard f died Aug., 1663.

3 Maurice ( young.

4 Francis )

CERTIFIED nv MR. THOMAS SMALLMAN

Extracted from the Visitation of Co. Salop, 1663, by mo George W
Marshall Rouge Croix, 9th Sept., 1893.

252

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

CCXII. THOMAS SMALLMAN TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.
1644.

Sr Ludlow

the 4th Sep1"

My humble Service presented to you : I believs you
have heard of our misfortune : which I had acquainted you
withall before this, but that I stay'd for the list of the
Prisoners from Shrewsbury, which my Quarterns hath ; my
humble request to you is that you will be pleased to use what
means you possibly can for the enlargem* of our Men [that]
are taken. I vow to God I never saw men behave themselves
more gallently then they did, and therefore 1 hope you will be
the more mindfull of them. In the mean time I desire you
would furnish me with some money to releive them. Coll:
Davileir wonders you did not send the Men to me you
promised and to that end hath sent my Quartermr, I desire
you would send what men you can by him with all Speed may
be, for I believe we shall go upon present Service, thus hoping
to hear from you ere long with my Service to my Lady and
the rest of my Friends, I humbly take leave and rest

Your Friend & Servant

To the right hon11 Sir
Francis Ottley Knt and Coll:
at Bridgnorth these.

Tho: Smallman

This reference to a defeat may be to that sustained
by a body of Royalist troops at Malpas, Cheshire, com-
posed of drafts from various regiments in Shropshire
and neighbouring garrisons, then on its way to Shrews-
bury, and thence to the King. Brereton being at
Nantwich received information of its movements on
Saturday evening, Aug. 24, marched on Sunday night
reaching Malpas at break of day, and immediately
charged the Royalists with such vigour and success
that they were completely routed, with the loss of
several of their field officers. Colonels Conyers,
Baynes, and Hesketh were slain, Sir Marmaduke
Langdale wounded, and many officers and men taken
prisoners. Brereton reports the event, and states that
the Royalists " were then upon their march towards

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

253

Shrewsbury, and so to the King ; but fled back towards
Chester, where they could not be admitted, but were
looked upon very scornfully, because they were beaten
back by so inconsiderable a number, which thev
exceeded ten to one." Brereton has tinged his sketch
with a little Parliamentary paint. (Kings Papers
172-8.)

CCXIII. THOMAS SMALLMAN TO THE SAME.

1644.

Humble Service p'sented : Mr Warring hath sent to me
to send [some] money to him to supply his wants in Prison,
which (had I been [able]) I should not failed to have done, we
have received [no] money since I came to Ludlow, whereby I
am sure [you] will conceive that I cannot be able to do what
I [desire], especially were I able I should not fail to relieve so
gallant a Man as Mr Warring is, [my] humble request to you is
that you would be pleased to [send] him some relief by this
bearer for the present [need. The] first money I receive I
shall both furnish him [with and] the rest to the Utmost of
my Ability, and in the [meantime I humbly] take leave & rest

Yor faithfull Servant
10th to Command

Tho: Smallman

To the right Wor11
Sr Francis Oatley Knk
and Coll at Bridgnorth
this.

This letter is much damaged, the words in brackets
are conjectural.

ccxiv. a receipt for cheese.
1644.

24th of September 1644.
Rec. of Rich: Meare of Buildas 1200: weight of Cheese wch is to
bee d'd. in Shrewsberry by the Constable, for his Mata use &
for wch hee is to roceave or to bee allowed att the Rate of 2d
tho pound.

By race

254

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

We find in the next document Sir Francis Ottley
was sitting as one of the Commissioners of Shropshire,
hut not as Governor. Tt may have been this which
led the authors of the History of Shrewsbury to state
that his government, " it is certain, continued from
February, 1642-3, to November or December, 1644."
But we have seen that long previous to this sitting of
the Commissioners he had been superseded in the
office.

CCXV. A SITTING OF PRINCE RUPERT AND THE COMMISSIONERS,

1641

Primo die Novembris An'o d'no 1644)
Att a Sitting of the Commission""51 of Prince Rupert
his hignesse in Shrewsbury

Present

The high Sheriff1 Sir Vincent Corbett

Sr ffrancis Ottley Mr Sandford5

Mr Owen2 Mr Treves.

Mr Lacon3
Mr Smith4

It is Ordered that all the Rents of the Lord of Bridgewater
that are unreceaved and to bee recaved within this County be
receaved by Sr Frauncis Ottley, for Satisfacon of all arreares

1 Mr. Thomas Edwardes.

2 Roger Owen, of the Council House, Shrewsbury, son and heir of
Sir William Owen, of Condover, Knt. Both father and son were
active adherents of King Charles, and both were punished for their
loyalty, the father not so severely as the son, the former being let off
on payment of £314, whilst the latter had to pay £700. Ro^er
married Alice, daughter of Gilbert Gerard, Lord Gerard, and was
buried at St. Mary's, Shrewsbury, March 1st, 1G60-1. — G.M.

3 James Lacon, of West Coppice, co. Salop, Esq. He compounded
for his estate by payment of £554, and died 1GG7. — G.M.

4 Probably Francis Smith, of Burton, co. Salop. — G.M.

5 Arthur Sandford, of Sandford, Esq., grandfather of the cele-
brated Herald and Genealogist. His name appears to the " Ingage-
ment and Resolution," above-mentioned. He was a zealous
supporter of the King, was taken prisoner at the capture of Shrews-
bury, Feb. 22nd, 1 G44-5, but died before the general sequestration of
property. His son and heir, Francis, who imitated his father's
example, had to compound by payment of £459. — G.M.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

255

due to him and his Officrs, bie former engagement lor quarter-
ing and Cloathing of his Souldirs, And the future pay of
himselfe, Officrs and Souldirs, hee rendering a accompt thereof
when he shall bee thereunto required by Prince Rupert his
highnes, or his Com8 for this County.1

John Prideaux, Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, was
elevated to the see of Worcester, Nov. 22nd, 1641,
and died July 20th, 1650, aged 72. [G.M.] He was
the fourth son of John Prideaux, of Stowford, Devon ;
educated at Exeter College, Oxford; Rector of his
College from 1612 to 1624; Vice- Chancellor from 1619
to 1621, from 1642 to 1626, and 1641 to 1642. He
was Chaplain to Prince Henry, King James, and King
Charles I. ; and Regius Professor of Divinity in Oxford.
Though much impoverished by the Parliamentary
sequestrators, he appears to have retained a cheerful
mind. Being once asked how he did, he replied,
Si Never better in my life, only I have too great a
stomach, for T have eaten that little plate which the
sequestrators have left rue ; I have eaten a great
library of excellent books, and have eaten a great deal
of linen, much of my brass, some of my pewter, and
now I am come to eat iron ; and what will come next
I know not.0 He was reduced to such distress that in
his will he could bequeath his children nothing but
" pious poverty, God's blessing, and a father's prayers."
(Alumni Ox.; Walk, Buff. Clergy; Southey's Book of
the Church.)

CCXV. THE BISHOP OF WORCESTER TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLE Y:

1644.

S'

I am intreated by Mr Hyde this bearer, to mediate for
him that he may be eased in some sort of the taxe that is layd
uppon him. Heeretofore the subduction of the mayntenance
of the ministry hath beene held Sacriledge, and their depress-

1 Abbreviated ia Owen and Blakeway. The original ia signed, but
not decipherable.

Vol. VI 11., 2nd S, GG

256

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

ing taken as an affront to their master (to whose Service they
are consecrated) wch hath never sped well. Of your zeal to
God's Church and Ministers none that know you doubt, which
makes mee confident you will doe in this case what you may.
I was sorry that you left Worcester so soone but trust wee
shall see you hear soone agayne. Thi3 bearer will in forme
you of occurences. With my devoted service to your Lady
and the blessing of god uppon you and yours, I rest,

Your faythfull freind

in Christ to be commanded

Wocest 9bl,B Jo. Wigorn

15to For the Right

Wors11 Sr Francis

Oatley.

Probably Randulph, or Randle, Hyde is the
person referred to, who was Rector of Billingsley,
co. Salop, in 1624, and of Sidbury in 1631, neither
of which places is in the Diocese of Worcester,
but we may suppose that he was a friend of the
kind Bishop who used his influence to save him
from the assessment. Randle Hyde, B.A., of St.
John's College, Cambridge, and M.A. of Oxford, was
the father of the learned divine, Thomas Hyde, D.D.,
Archdeacon of Gloucester.

Richard Meyer, collector of the Assessment of the
-parish of Buildwas, made his return to Sir Francis
Ottley, who preserved it amongst his papers, and hence
we have become possessed of an unique document.
Richard Meyer is the same man, although his name is
spelt Meare, from whom Lieut. -Colonel Richard Hosier
obtained 1,200 weight of cheese for the King's
service two months prior to the date of this return,
the receipt for which has also come down to us by the
same means. I am informed that a Richard Meire was
born at Berrington in 1G04, who died in 1673, an
ancestor of Mr. George Meire now living at Eyton-on-
Severn. It is not improbable that this is the same
individual who gathered the Assessment.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

257

CCXVI. ASSESSMENT OF BUILDWAS.
1644.

Mony payd by Richard Meyer for p'te of the
[Assessment] of Bylewas [Buildwas] in 1644.
Payd for two assesments at vjd p.u at xlvjH p. ) 2 6 0
an'u. the som ... ... .. ... ... J

p'd for one assesment at xijd p.H at xlvju p ann. ) 2 6 0

the som of J

p'd three assesments at iiij p.11 at xlvju p. ann. the I 2 6 0
som of ... .. ... ... ... ... J

pd one other assesment at vjd p.K at xlvj11 p. an. 1 j 3 q
to madley garrison... ... ... ... . . (

p'd into Wellington fieve severall times to \

Colonell Hosier use and Sr Willa' Vaughan in V 0 15 0

p . . . unto the value of ... ... ... ...J

sent into madley by Comand of major Curenffield i q 2 3

towards alsoe forsouldiers ... )

pd. towards the bildinge of the Sentery house and I q 13 0

gard of Bylewas Bridge /

the 17th of 9 ber 1644.
Payd by me Richard meyer to Mr Edward Evans t 2 4 9
Servants to Sr ffra. Ottley the som of ... ... )

It has been supposed that the Madeley Garrison
referred to in the above was at the house of Sir Basil
Brooke, Knt., a short distance from the town of
Madeley, the ruinous shell of which is still to be seen,
and is known as Madeley Court. It is a stone struc-
ture about the date of James I., or some portions as
early as Elizabeth, carrying the symmetry and solidity
of that period combined with not a little elegance in its
Italian details, and is altogether suggestive of a
knightly residence. It is surrounded by a high wall
enclosing a spacious court-yard, and what must have
been an ornamental garden, entered beneath an im-
posing gate-house. With a moderate force this place,
in the absence of artillery, was capable of defence
against a considerable body of men. But I have not
been able to discover any evidence that it was ever
garrisoned. In the parish register of Madeley there
occurs this entry : — " 1645. Careless, William, bd April

258

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

14, at which time ye Church was garrisoned by a p'ty
of ye Pari* commanded by Capt. Ferrington." It
seems probable, therefore, that they had driven out the
Royalists from the Church, and occupied it for the
Parliament. The situation is a commanding one, from
which it would not be an easy task to dislodge a
determined force.

When the Corporation of Shrewsbury decided in the
month of March, 1643, to fortify Montford Bridge, and
to set up turnpikes at the end3 of the bridges of the
town, they wrote to James Lacon of West Coppys, to
send them workmen who made the turnpikes at
Build was. (Owen and Blake way, i., p. 433.) The
sentry-house was a necessary addition.

The Privy Seal dated the 14th February appears to
have been unsuccessful in providing adequate funds for
the King's necessities; the following reads like a com-
promise, suggested by the sheer impossibility of exact-
ing all that was needed from an impoverished country.

CCXVII. UNPAID LOANS

1644.

Oxon Die Sabbathi 21° : Die Decembris
1644

Whereas L'rs were sent to severall p'sons for Loanes towards
the raiseing of 100 0001, and the Sheriffs of the severall
Gountyes to whom they were appointed to make paym1 thereof
were directed upon their default of paym1 to require them to
make their p'sonal appearance at Oxford. And because, as
passages now are, their appearance may be dangerous for
p'vention thereof, to such as are well Affected to his Ma*'8
Service, it is ordered by the Lords and Com'ons of Parlia1
assembled at Oxford, that the Sheriffe of each County, and
such others as shalbe i in ployed in the collectinge of the said
Loane moneys, where they shall find cause, may receave such
considerable p'portions as they can gett, upon every of the
said Let'res, in p'te of paym*, and give discharge accordingly,
And that the several! Sheriffs (soe as they doe not admit frivilous
Allogac'ons) may take the Answers of the said p'sons touching
the residue, and shall certifie the same, togeather with the
reasons Alleadged by them for Mittigac'on, to the Lords and

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR

259

Com'ons here assembled, to the end that according as the
same shalbe by them allowed, or disallowed, further course
may be thereupon taken ; But where the said p'sons to whom
such letters for Loane are directed shall not pay a considerable
p'porc'on the said Sheriffs are to p'ceed according to their
former direcc'ons.

Examd Nath: Smith Noah Bridges

When the usual time arrived for appointing the new
High Sheriff, the rival Parliaments each appointed its
own. The Westminster Parliament appointed Thomas
Mytton of Halston, who had served its cause so well,
then Governor of Oswestry. The exact date of the
appointment of Sir Francis Ottley by the King has not
transpired, but the following instructions to him
regarding the Loan show that it was prior to the 23rd
December, and therefore some days earlier than
Mytton's appointment.

CCXVIH. THE KING AND PARLIAMENT AT OXFORD ON
UNPAID LOANS,

1644,

Charles R

Trusty and Well beloved we greet you well : whereas
heretofore, by the advice of the Members of both Houses of
Parliament here Assembled, We directed our Letters to diverse
persons within the County of Salop, for the Loan of severall
sura m os of Money therein mentioned, towards the raysing of
one hundred Thousand pounds for the Support of our Army,
'for the defence of us and our people, against the late invasion
from Scotland, the sad Effects of which Invasion doe not only
still Continue but daily encrease and (unless speedily prevented)
are likely to grow worse to the Apparent Ruine and Destruc-
tion of this whole Kingdom, Which summs of Money, or the
Value thereof in Plate, by Our said Letters we desired should
be paid to the hands of the Sheriffe of our said County, or
such as he should appoint, for which purpose we sent the said
severall Letters to our late Sheriffe, with Schedule of the
particular Summes desired at the names of each particular
person appearing, together with another Letter from Us to our
said late Sheriff, desiring his case for a speedy Delivery of the
said Letters for Loane to the parties to whom they wore

260

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

directed, and to give Them notice that such as Should not
conform to our desires therein should forthwith doe, and be
dealt with as in the said Letters is expressed. And that such
Money or plate as Our said late Sheiiffe should receive, Should
be by him returned and payd here at Oxford at Corpus Christi
Colledge to the Hands of the Earl of Bath, the Lord Seymour,
Mr John Ashburnham, and Mr John Frettiplace, or any of
them (being appointed Treasurers, and to give you Receipts
for the same) with diverse other directions therein, as by our
said former Letters more at large appeareth ; whereof we have
yet had little or no Accompt, to the great prejudice of Us, and
the welfare and safety of Our Kingdomes. Forasmuch as our
continuall desires and endeavours for iJeaco cannot but have
the better success when it shall appearo to the World, that our
Army is in a condition to defend Us, and our Kingdomes
against all such as shall oppose that Peace (whereunto the
Service aforesaid being to furnish us with money to support
our Army, not only much conduceth, but will admit of no
delay) we do therefore hereby will and require you, that
immediately upon the Receipt of these Our Letters, you doe
make two severall Certificates in Writing, one to the said
Lords and Commons here assembled, another to our said
Treasurer, what is become of the said Letters and Schedules,
and to express the number of them, and the Persons names to
whom they are directed, and what summe or summes of
Money or the Value in Plate, you or either of you have
received, and of whom, and how the same is disposed of,
together with the names of such as have not payed, or shall
alleadge and pretend payment, and not shew such an acquit-
tance as in our said Letters is mentioned, together also with
the answers of all such defaulters of payment ; And what you
or either of you have done in the pursuance of Our said former
Directions. And these are further to require you or either of
you, that what Moneys you or either of you have already
received (and not returned hither or Otherwise disposed of by
Order and Direction from the said Lords and Commons here
Assembled, or by our Order with their approbation), and any
Considerable Summe that you shall hereafter receive (unless
it shall otherwise be or hath been ordered and directed to be
disposed of by the said Lords and Commons or by us by their
advice and approbation), you doe now forthwith so much as
you or either of you have already received, and what you shall
hereafter receive within fourteen days after the Receipt
thereof, return and pay to our said Treasurers here as afore-
said. And you shall also now, and from time to time

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

261

hereafter, send to our said Lords and Commons here assembled,
and our said Treasurers, severall true Certificates of all such
Moneys as you have received or hereafter shall receive, and of
whom, and the names of the defaulters of payment, together
with their answers, and your further doings in pursuance of
these and our former instructions concerning the premises.
And because we desire that all our Subjects should be equally
dealt withall, without respect of Persons ; these are further to
require you our now High Sherifte, that immediately upon
receipt hereof you give particular and personall notice to all
and every person (as well our Commissioners as others) that
have not payed or Satisfied the Summe or Summes of money
in the Letters to them directed, mentioned, that they are forth-
with to pay the same, or within fourteen days notice, personally
to attend the Lords and Commons of Parliament assembled at
Oxford, for such further procedings therein as shall be meet ;
In the collecting and receiving of which Money, and all and
singular the premises, we desire and expect your uttermost
endeavours, care, and dilligence, and an exact and perfect
Account thereof. And in regard of the danger and hazard of
miscarriage of papers, in respect of the obstructions of the
passages, these are to require you to make and send by
severall Conveyances Duplicates of all such Certificates, as you
shall now, or at any time hereafter make concerning the
Premises, one whereof to be directed to the said Lords and
Commons here assembled, and another to our said Treasurer.
And for your better Assistance in the premises, you or either
of you are hereby required, to desire all and every of our
Commissioners, not only to pay the summes of them desired,
but also to joyne their best endeavours with yours for the
accomplishment of the premises, whose Conformity and good
example in Payment will be more pre vai lent with Others. Of
all which fail you not, as you tender the Good and Welfare of
Us, and our Kingdoms. Given at our Court at Oxford ye 23th
of December 1644

To our Trusty and well beloved
the now, and last Sheriff e of
Salop.

By yc Advice, of y" members of
both houses of Parliament Assembled
at Oxford.

Ed. Littleton Co.
Samp, Euue,

262

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

The chief events in Shropshire this year are the
following. The Prince, as already stated, arrived in
Shrewsbury on the 18th1 of February, where he made
all necessary arrangements for settling the differences
of the garrison, and selected a detachment to accom-
pany him to the north, with others drawn from
elsewhere in the neighbourhood. In his official orders
he is styled : — " Prince Rupert, Count Palatine of the
Rhine, Duke of Bavaria and Cumberland, Earl of
Holderness, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the
Garter, Captain-General under his Highness Prince
Charles, Prince of Great Britain, and of all the Forces
of Horse and Foot within the Kingdom of England,
Dominion of Wales, and Town of Berwick," &c. He
appears to have had a large establishment, and to have
lived in state, the liveries of his footmen costing £200,
being equal to ,£600 of our money.2

While inspecting the various garrisons, he was ■ 4 On
the fifth of March, passing near Market Drayton,'*
when " he learned that Colonel Fairfax was there with
his regiment of seven hundred men. The Prince was
accompanied only by his own troop, but sending orders
for his regiment to move up, he dashed into the town,
drove in the mustering troops, and forced them into a
* close :' a few hours afterwards the cavalry arrived,
forced the close, and took the whole regiment prisoners."3
" He continued to dart about through the associated
counties, sometimes at night, sometimes at early morn-
ing, sometimes in broad noon ; with a troop or two of
cavalry, affronting strong towns, and daring whole
battalions. From Wem, Whitchurch, Tamworth, Edge-
baston, Hull, Lichfield (where Sawyer, an attorney,
served him with refreshments, on his knees) ; from

1 Gardiner states, on the authority of Dugdale, that he was here
on the 21st, but the Corporation accounts previously quoted leave no
room for doubt that his first arrival was on the 18th. Warburton
bays " about the 19," (ii , 370.)

* I hid, 371).

a jhut, 381)

T

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

263

all these places I find letters written anxiously by
Lord Denbigh's commanders, stating that Rupert was
coming." On the 8th of March he had returned to
Shrewsbury, and on the 15th he was at Bridgnorth, on
his way to Newark, where he arrived on the 20th,
raised the siege, and appointed Sir Richard Byron
governor. He then appears at Hereford (23rd),
Oxford (25th), and on the 29th was in North Wales
issuing his orders and proclamations. In the meantime
Aply Castle had been gained for the King.

The same day that Prince Rupert arrived in Shrews-
bury, Samuel More of Linley, with a small force of
twenty-six men, occupied Hopton Castle, the property
of Mr. Wallop, a Parliamentarian. Sir Michael Wood-
house drew out his forces from Ludlow, and after
several successive attacks compelled the garrison to
surrender unconditionally, the occupation by More
having only lasted a little over five weeks. The castle
was then so far demolished by its captor as to render
it incapable of further defence. According to Mer-
curius Britanicus, Sir Michael was guilty of great
brutality to the men taken prisoners.

Brampton Bryan Castle, Herefordshire, the seat of
Sir Robert Harley, situated about four miles south of
Hopton Castle, was immediately after besieged by Sir
Michael Woodhouse, and was surrendered to him on
the 17th of April. The gallant Lady Brilliana Harley
had shortly before caught a severe cold and died, other-
wise the defence might have been prolonged.

Longford House, near Newport, the property of the
Earl of Shrewsbury, which had been seized by the
Parliamentary troops, was, as we have already stated,
recovered for the King by an Irish force under Tillier,
April 2nd, and Tong Castle on the 5th.

May the 16th Prince Rupert is again at Shrewsbury,
on the 18th at Nantwich, the 19th at Whitchurch, the
20th at Chester, and on the 23rd beats the enemy in
a skirmish before Knutsford, wins the pass of Stock-
port, takes the town, and thereby relieves Latham

Vol. VUI, 2nd S. HU

264

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

House, so long and so bravely defended by the Countess
of Derby. The Prince soon afterwards left this part of
the country, clearing* his way towards York.

During this time little occurred in Shropshire till
June the 19th, when Colonel Mytton, constantly on
the watch to strike a blow at the enemy, surprised a
small force designed to escort ammunition from Oswes-
try to Chester for the Prince. It took place at Dudd-
leston, five miles north-east of the former place, where
he captured 27 prisoners; but what was of more import-
ance learned the weakness of the Oswestry garrison.

Four days later, Lord Denbigh and Col. Mytton,
taking advantage of there being but a small force at
Oswestry, marched to that town, and after meeting
with a vigorous but short resistance won it for the
Parliament, taking prisoners 14 officers, 19 non-com-
missioned officers, and 305 men, besides 80 townsmen
found in arms. A quantity of arms and ammunition
was also taken, and Mytton was appointed Governor.

Oswestry being but a short distance from Shrews-
bury caused its capture to be felt as an irritating
disaster by the garrison of the latter place, and Col.
Hunckes, the then Governor, made an effort to regain
it on July 2nd. Lord Denbigh, who was at Nantwich,
receiving prompt information of the movement, des-
patched Sir Thomas Middleton with all speed to raise
the siege, who performed his task successfully, routing
the enemy, and chasing them nearly to the walls of
Shrewsbury ; Col. Marrow, to whom Hunckes had
entrusted the command, was near being taken prisoner,
and would have been but for the speed of his horse.
Francis Newport, son and heir of Lord Newport, was
taken with other officers and men, and many arms
and much ammunition.

We are indebted to Gough, the historian of Middle,
for an account of an interesting incident that occurred
during the time Mytton was Governor of Oswestry : —

Prince Rupert came this way, with a great army, and made
his Rendezvous on Holloway Hills and took his quarters all

DELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

265

night at Cockshutt, and the next day he made his Rendezvous
at Ellesmere. Att which time Mr. Mitton of Halston was
Generall1 of the Parliament forces in this county, and was
a valiant and political commander ; and hearing the
Prince made only his rendezvous at Ellesmere, and in-
tended to go forward, the Generall, hoping to find some
straglers in Ellesmere that stayed behind the army, came with
a troop of horse throw byeways ; but when he came to the gate
that goes out of Oateley Parke,2 he found that he was come too
soone, for there was three or four troopes of horse at Oately
Hall, which got between him and home ; and, therefore,
when hee and all his men were come throw the gate, they
shott a horse dead up to the gate to keep it from opening; but
the others soone broke downe three or four ranks ot pals, and
followed so close that all the Generall's men, before they came
to Ellesmere, were taken, except the Generall, and one George
Higley, a little fellow. Att last, one that had a good horse,
overtook the Generall, and laid his hand on his shoulder, and
said, " You are my prisoner ;" but Higley struck the other in
the face with his sword, which caused him to fall, and so the
Generall and Higley turned down the dark lane that goes
to Birch Hall, and the others went strait into the town, but
the Generall and Higley escaped: and when they went to
Welsh Frankton,3 there they made a stay, and one other of his
men came to them. The Generall had lost his hat ; but being
furnished again, he went to Oswaldstree, a garrison for the
Parliament."4

1645.

The new year opens with a still more gloomy outlook
for the Royal cause. Prince Rupert had come to set
all things right : he left them worse than he found
them. Neither money nor men were to be had,
and a bitter discontent and disunion were rife amongst
the Kings warmest adherents. Prince Maurice, a man

1 Mr. Blakeway, when quoting this incident in his Sheriffs, alludes
to Gough styling My tton General," as though Gough was wrong,
but he was certainly appointed Major-General, with the chief com-
mand in North Wales.

2 Probably in the same position as the present gateway near the
south-east end of the Mere.

a About 2£ miles from the park-gato, south-west
* Page 12.

266

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

of far less ability, was sent to accomplish a task in
which his brother had failed. He was appointed
Major-General of Worcester, Salop, Hereford, and
Monmouth, and made Worcester his headquarters.

There was no man who felt more interest in the
success of the Royal cause in Shropshire, or worked
more zealously for it, than Sir Robert Howard of Clun
Castle, Knight of the Bath. His career is deserving of
a brief sketch. Elected M.P. for Bishop's Castle 21
Jany., 1623-4, he was re-elected in 1625, 1626, 1628,
and to both the Short and Long Parliament in 1640;
in 1642 he was appointed one of the Commissioners of
Array for Shropshire, and for discharging the duties
was expelled the House ; his name stands third on
the list of the gentlemen who engaged to raise
and maintain forces for the defence of his Majesty
and the country (No. lxix.), and when the King and
his Parliament removed to Oxford Sir Robert Howard
joined them. He commanded a regiment of Dragoons,
and took an active part in the defence of Bridgnorth in
1646, of which town he had been appointed governor
in the place of Sir Lewis Kyrke, and when it capitu-
lated to the Parliament on the 26 of April in that year
he with others signed the Articles of Surrender. He
died 22 April, 1653, and was buried at Clun, where a
brass in the Church commemorates his name.

Immediately Prince Maurice received his commission,
Sir Robert Howard obtained an interview with him to
learn the wishes of his Highness regarding Shropshire.
The following letter was the result of that interview —
a letter which, while evincing the loyalty of the writer,
does honour to him by its generous recognition of the
valuable services rendered by Sir Francis Ottley to the
King's cause.

CCX1X. Sill ROBERT HOWARD TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLKY.

1644-5,

1 find his Highness soe inclineable to any thing that
may conduce to ye Goncrali satisfaction of the Counties and

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

267

rectifying of all abuses ; that it were unseemly in us who are
thereby concerned not to answer him in the like measure of
dutiful I respect, which will the better apeare by condecending
to his last demands mentioned in his letter; I would likewise
freindly advise you to tender the reputation of your County
whose example gave first life to his Matie6 affayres (a great part
of which glory redounded to your self) that they whose
Loyalty hath beene soe conspicous bee not out ballanced by
other Counties, who have unanimously condecended to give an
hundred pounds pr month towards his High8 Intertaynment.
which as it is expected by his High8 soe is it most earnestly
desired by all who wish well to your County and in particular by

Sir

[? Jany. 1644-5 ] Your humble Servant

For my much honoured Ro. Howard.

freind Sr ffrancis
Ottley High Sherritfe
of Shropshire, these.

The next letter has neither address nor date ; from
internal evidence it should come in here, and most
likely was written in reply to the preceding from Sir
Robert Howard. Mr. George Morris considered it was
addressed to Prince Maurice, which is obviously
improbable.

CCXX. SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY ON THE MODE OF LEVYING.

1644-5.

Sr

At my first Assembling of the County, I found no small
Distraction arisen betweene the Commissioners and the other
Gentlemen of the County about the contribution for the Pay
of the Souldiers and Garrisons, and the Proportion to be
Levied for that service, wch is now happilie composed and
Accorded : Nevertheless, howsoever, the Gentlemen have con-
sented, for the Present to hold the forme of Levie by
Poundage, wch they have used for these divers moneths, yet
They both formerly did, and now earnestly doe, require That
this Levie, hence forward, may be Proceeded in accordingly as
is directed by the Letter of the Articles agreed upon by the
Lords and Commons Assembled at Oxon, namely, according
to the Old Division of Alottments ; and They doe undertake,
both to use such Dilligence that all Inequallitie of those

268

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

alottra18 and Divisions shall be rectified, and the full pay for
the Officers and Souldiers Limited in his Hignesses Establish-
ment shall be Justly brought in, Provided that the Numbers
and Musters in every Garrison be, as is there Established;
But because the Countie now much Exhausted, is heavily
Charged with the Pay of many Supernumerarie Officers, whose
Companies are much weakened, and some of them almost
extinct, it is their Humble Desire that his Highness will be
pleased to provide for the Moderating and easing of the
Countrey's Burthen, by some other way of Disposing Those
Officers, and Reduction of their Commands : These things, Sr,
they doe by me Recommend Respectively unto yor Sollicita-
tion, that his Highness may be Moved hoth to Declare what
his pleasure is, concerning that proposition of Alottments, and
to frame such Favourable Answere to their second Desire that
the Counties' Charge may be Eased, and their Chearfullness in
the Service thereby increased ; you may further be pleased
with Tender of my Humble Service to Represent unto his
Highness, that the Gentlemen lately imployed in the present-
ing of the Counties' Petition to his Matie are now at Ludlow,
on the behalf of this Countie, Perfiting an Association with the
Counties of Worcester, Hereford, Monmouth and Stafford;
and that I am now very Intent upon the Aestimating and
Considering of the Posse, that men may be presently Listed
for his Maties Service according to or Declaration, and the
Proceedings of the Westerne Association. The Commissioners
have Addressed unto his Highness a l're, not much varying (I
believe) from the sense of this : My Time is so Taken up with
the Other Service that I could not Attend the Draught and
Subscription thereof : This is All wch I have to Represent and
Signifie unto you, saving that I am Sir

Yor very Respective freind and serv*
Salop, Jany: 12° Ffrancis Ottley V. C.

1644.

ccxxj. p1unce maultlce to the commissioners of salop
Gentt

This day, I received a letter from Sr Lewis Kyrke,
Governor of Bridgnorth, alleadging that his Warrants for the
Advancement of the Works att Bridgnorth were disobeyed,
wch I cannot avoyde to take notice of, being sent downe by his
Ma1* to advaunco the aflayres of those parts for the good of his
Ma1*8 Sorvice. To the intont that I may ease & Choorish your

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

269

County as much as may bee, therefore, I desire to knowe what
their greivances & dislikes are, & why, & upon what grounds,
the Govenora Warrants were neglected, that if reason be
Shewed, I may doe the Countrey that right, wcb in Justice they
may expect, or, how ever, see those things perfected, which
conduce to the securiety of those parts, & the better Serving
his Maty ; wch is all att present I have to say but that I am,

Gent11,

Worcester, Your lo. ffreind,

19 of Jany. [1644-5.] Maurice.

To his Ma1'" Comission" Comer of Salop

of the County of Salop.

Shortly after the date of the above letter Prince
Maurice left Worcester on his way to render relief to
Chester, arriving at Shrewsbury on the 4th of March.
The Mayor's accounts of the year include this entry : —

ffebruary the 4th 1644.

Paid a bill for Wyne Cakes and shugar bestowed upon Prynce

Morris his highnes.

2 g's of Sacke 0: 13: 4

2 small sugar Loaves ... ... 0: 12: 0

4 doss of Cakes ... 0: 8: 0

1: 13: 4

Lewis Davies.

Sir Michael Ernley wrote to Sir Francis Ottley the
next letter, which, although familiar to the readers of
Owen and Blakeway's History of Shrewsbury, must be
printed here to complete the collection. This officer
probably succeeded Colonel Broughton as Governor of
Shrewsbury, October 21 in the preceding year, for I
find the following entry in the Mayor's accounts : —

October ye Paid for Cakes and Sugar \

21. 1G44. bestowed upon Sr Michaell ( -8

Ernly, Kfc and Governor of this f x^ 1 ^
town. )
Lewis Davies.

Sir Michael is said to have descended from an ancient
Wiltshire family, and to have been an experienced
soldier. He came from Ireland in charge of the troops

270

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

sent by the Marquis of Ormond, November, 1643, and
took part immediately on landing in the siege and
capture of Hawarden Castle. He was also in command
of the reserve in the encounter with the enemy at
MiddJewich, when victory fell to the Royalists, under
Sir Robert Byron. And again, in the battle before
Nantwich, between Lord Byron and Sir Thomas
Fairfax, he and Colonel Warren were in command of
the centre, which, by its hasty retreat " without almost
fighting a stroke," led to the loss of the day, and the
capture of several officers and men, of whom Sir
Michael was one. How long he remained in the hands
of the enemy is not stated, but, as I have said, in
October he was appointed Governor of Shrewsbury,
which post he occupied till the taking of the town in
February, when he was again made a prisoner. Being
now in the last stage of a consumption he died in April,
and was buried at St. Mary's Shrewsbury, on the 28th.

CCXXII. SIR MICHAEL ERNLEY TO THE SAME.

1644-5.

Sr

Although you pleased to joyne wth the gentlemen of
this County to promise me contributions speedily to be brought
in for the subsistence of this Garrison, yet, neither you nor
they, have performed, By meanes whereof I am in extreame
hazard of a Mutiny, which I can noe lesse than conceive to bee
the ayme of those that have brought mee to this distracc'on.
Here is not now any moneys towards the pay of the Soldiers
twelve pences. I shall desire you to give them notice hereof,
and to take some present course that I may be presently
supplied, otherwise I must be enforced to suffer the Soldiers
to live as they may. I also desire you to give me your speedy
answeare of the Letter you receivid from Prince Maurice his
highness, and what assistance of the County I may expect
from you for the Diverting of the Enemies course from
Chester. I hope you and the Gentlemen of the County will
send mee noe less then a thousand. If they shall prove back-
ward in a busines of soe great consequence to the Service of
his Ma'ty, I am Confident, you must conclude with mee, that
they want affection to Ids MatH service, and that ail other their

0

RELATING TO THR CIVIL WAR

271

undertakings are noe more then mere pretences. I shal
desire your answeare by the Bearer. Andsoe extreame hastily
rest,

Salop 25 Januarii Yor humble Servant,

1644 MiC: Ernley

ffor his Mats Speciall Service,

to Sr ffrancis Ottley, high Sheriffe

of the County of Salop, theis

p'sent

hast hast Mic: Ernley.

post hast.

CCXXIII, SIR W. BELLENDEN TO THE SAME.

1644-5.

Noble Sr

I am not able to exprese the earnest desire His H8
hath, to come into Shropshire ; which before this would have
been accordingly performed, if the disorders here did not
necessarily require His stay. By His Hs letter directed to
yourself, the Comrs & Gentry of the County, you will particu-
larly understand His desires, & I am confident that therein
you will apply your self for His H8 satisfaction ; nothing being
desired but the security of your County, & therein the advan-
tage of his Majtics Service. Pray Sr, let it be your worke in
particular to gain the publick consent of 100lb per month,
forth of your County, for His H8 Intertainm* the like some
being agreed upon from each of the three other Counties under
His H3 Com'ands. None doth more consider the extraordinary
Charge that the County hath longe suffered then myself, but
this is not only fitt, but necessary, & I am sure that His H8
will no soonor come amongst you, but, by his Application to
do Justice, & to remove the just greivances of the County, it
will be found money well imployed : my haste will allow me to
say no more, but that I am

S'

Worcester, Your Affectionate &

this 27th of Jan'ry, humble Servant,

1644.

W. Bellenden

For my very Worthy
friend Sr ffrancis
Ottley High Sherriff of
the County of Salop

these.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S.

II

272

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

The interest of the next paper lies in the earnestness
which the High Sheriff has thrown into it, and the
undiminished zeal for the King's cause it displays,
which raises it to a much higher level than a mere
official document.

CCXXIV. SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF
MUNSLOYV HUNDRED.

1644-5.

Salop ff.

Gent" Comissioners of the hundred of Mounslowe, I sir
firancis Ottley, Knight, high Sheriff of the County of Salop,
By the vertue of his maties authority to me given, have given
you the Comission of the posse comitatus, & by that I sumon
your hundred to furnish me with three hundred able fighting
foote men, with the best amies they can produce, to wayte
upon me for the expelling of the llebells out of this County
that are against his matio, And to expulse them, if our power is
able, that therby every man may reape the frute of his owne
labours in peace and quietnes, The King tould me that this
County put him upon his leggs, and if we can settle the
Crowne upon his head, it wilbe an honour to us and our
posterity. Let this be an encouragem't to you rather to dye
then to out live this our endeavour ;
Salop the first Your loving frend,

of neb. 1641*. ffrancis Ottley, V.C.

Now or nev' ; when I shall give you
the day to be in a readinesse, we have
such an opportunity, yf we loose that,
we are lost.

for his matieS speciall service

ffor the Comissioners of the Hundred

of Mounslowe, the Knights gentlemen

of the posse Comitatus

Take a Coppy & send it to the rest of the
Comissioners

ccxxv. commission of cornet gey wood.
1645.

Sr ffrauncis Ottley Knight high Sheriff
of the County of Salop & Coll. of one Uegim* of horse
To Corronet Geywood
By vertue of his Mat3 Comission to mee directed I doe hereby

DELATING TO TEE CIVfL, WAtl.

273

Constitute and appoynt you, the above named — Geywood, to
bee my Corronett of one Troope of horse under my Comaund,
hereby requiring all Inferiour offic" and souldiers under my
Comaund to bee obedient unto you as theire Corronett, and
that you carry and demeane yourselfe as Corronett of one
Troupe of horse as of Right thereunto belongeth.

We have now arrived at a period in the history of
Shropshire when there happened an event whichj of all
others in the course of the Civil War, was the most
disastrous and far-reaching, namely, the capture of
Shrewsbury by the Parliament. It has been so well
toM by Owen and Blakeway that it would be presump-
tion on my part to offer a new version of the event.
But as those authors confess to have derived their
information from the Ottley Papers, which they
regretted they had not room to print, it may be well to
give them here. A few bearing on the same subject
are added from other sources.

As to the agencies at work within the town, which
brought about its betrayal, truth compels me to say
that a certain number of the Royalists therein con-
tributed to the result. The thraldom the inhabitants
were in, under the military rule of foreign officers, the
endless exactions wrung from them, and the hopeless-
ness of a better state of things arriving, induced some
to reveal the condition of the town to the enemy.
Sir William Owen of Condover, a Commissioner of
Array, while he was signing warrants in that capacity,
and chiefly resident in Shrewsbury, kept up a constant
communication with the Parliamentary Commissioners
from their earliest establishment in Wem ; and divulged
the intended movements of the Royalists.1 It is even
affirmed that he offered them Condover House, " a
strong stone building within three Myles distance of
Shrewsbury,"2 It was not everyone who could
patiently endure the treatment they received from their

1 Webbs Civil War in Herefordshire, i., 383,

2 Ibid, from S. P. 2, xxxi., 1G9.

274

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

own party with the same docility as Mr. Thomas
Edwardes. On one of Prince Rupert's journeys through
the county, he found that gentleman, who was at the
time High Sheriff, somewhat behind in collecting his
levies of money for the £9,000 laid upon Salop, and
nine troops being quartered within a short distance of
Church Stretton, where Edwardes lived, the Prince sent
a warrant to him to send the next day £500, and such
provisions as he could raise ; non-compliance being
threatened with displeasure and plunder. All his
endeavours failed to make up the amount : a hundred
musketeers were accordingly ordered to his house,
who, we are told, carried the threat into execution.1

But the active movers in the plot to deliver Shrews-
bury were certain Parliamentarians, who had been long
watching for the opportunity, and now found it in the
reduction of the forces by Prince Maurice on his way to
Chester, and the inability of the Governor through
sickness to keep a sufficiently rigid guard of the town.
Mytton was fully informed of how things stood, and
promptly embraced the chance.

The accompanying plan will aid the reader to under-
stand the nature of the fortifications, and the way it
was approached by the enemy.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN.

Wem is nearly due North of Shrewsbury ; a force
approaching from that town to this must pass over the
narrow neck of land, or isthmus, which lies between the
points of nearest approach of the river Severn. In the
Plan the river on the East side is shown ; on the West
side it runs at the extremity of Rowsell Walls. It is
easy to trace the entire line of defence across the
isthmus. The Castle Ditch started from the river, and
extended to the Eastern tower of the Castle. It was
deep and wide but without water, and had a strong
palisade of wood along its inner margin. From the

1 Webb's Civil War in Wales, i., 383.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR. 'z75

Western tower of the Castle a wall ran for a short
distance South, and then in a Westerly direction across
the main road and so, under the name of Roushill
Walls, down to the river. At the place marked
on the Plan " Draw -bridge " there was an arched
Gateway, flanked by towers, and built of stone.
Beneath the arch were strong doors and a portcullis ;
in front, extending from it down to the river, was
a broad deep ditch, containing water, crossed by a
draw-bridge. This was called the North, or Castle
Gate. A little south of this was a second gate of a
similar character, called the Inner, or Burgess Gate .
The river entirely surrounds the town, except at this
well defended isthmus. There was a bridge crossing
the river on the South side, near which the present
English Bridge was afterwards built.

AH other explanations are sufficiently clear on the
Plan itself. (I am indebted to the Manager ot the
Shrewsbury Chronicle for the use of this Plan).

ORDERS DRAWN UP BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
FOR THE TAKING OF SHREWSBURY.

1045.

Wem Feb. 14, 1644

•

It is this day ordered ^that Lieutenant-Col. Rinkinge, doe
command the partie of horse and foote which shall this night
be sent out according to the order of the Commyttee, and that
Collonell Mytton, Col. Lloyd, Col. Hunt, and Captayne Robert
Clive doe go along with the said party, and that noe one shall
have power to give any order for the manageing of the design
except the said Leiuetonant-Collonell, without the consent and
directions of the gentlemen of the Commytte, which shall go
out with him.

And. L(Loyd.
Uo. Clive.
Sam. Mure.
Thomas Hunt,
Robt. Charlton.
Leigh. Owen.

This is a, true copie of the tirst order, teste FratUnke (?)

1

276

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

Feb. 21st.

It is this day ordered that Leiuetenant-Col. Reinkinge do
command the parties upon this present designe, and that he
do informe ail the souluiers both of horse and foote that in
case the designe be effected that £2000 shall be given unto the
Staffordshire and Cheshire horse and foote under the com-
mand of Colonell Bowyer. and that a like proporcion shal be
allowed unto the Shropshire forces under the commande of
the Commyttee of this county, and that the said Leiuetenant-
Col. may assure all those who shall expresse their valour more
particularly than others in attemptinge this design, that they
shall have extraordinary satisfaccion, as he shall thinke fitt j
and the said Leiutenant-Col. is to give notice that yf any
souldier after his entry into the towne of Salop, shall plunder
anythinge that such soldier shall not only lose his present
reward, but be proceeded agaynst for tryall of his life,
accordinge to the marshall law.

And. Lloyd.
Ro. Clive.
Sam. More.
Tho. Hunt.
Robt. Charlton.
Leigh. Owen.

Copia vera concordat cum originali teste Frattinke.

(Mytton Letters in the Muniments of Stanley Leighton, Esq,
Vide Montg. Coll, vii., 374.)

CCXXVI. THE CAPTURE OF SHREWSBURY.

1644-5.

Abstract from a printed Account
entitled

Shrewsbury taken, published by Order. 1645.

Part of a Letter from the Committee of Shropshire for the
Parliament to Sir Willm Brereton, Bart. Commander in Chief
of the Cheshire Forces.

We are possessed of Shrewsbury this Morning, we entered
Horse and Foot, and all in it, we are now staving of the
Soldiers from Plundering, we have not yet time to give you
a list of the Prisoners, but many of Quallity, the Governour
and Sir John Wylde and his son, with many more, we

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

277

beseech you to consider how to Improve -this Advantage, and
the Destruction the Prince must needs receive by it.

Salop 22d Feb. 1644. Your Servants &c.

Thomas Mitton.

Sam1 More.

Rob1 Charlton.
The Castle holds out yet Rob1 Clive.

for Ought we know. ' Thos. Hunt.

Leigh. Owen.

ccxxvii. the shrewsbury committee to the house
of commons.

1644-5.

An Extract out of the Letters, Written from the Committees
of Shrewsbury to the Speaker of the House of Commons, with
the list of the Prisoners.

Right Honourable Sir,

It hath pleased God Miraculously to deliver the Town
of Salop into our Hands, with all the Commanders, Officers,
and Soldiers therein, a list of the Chief of them we have sent
enclosed : upon the 22J of this Month we drew out of our
Garrison of Wem, Moreton, and Stoke, 250 Horse and the like
Number of Foot, Sir William Brereton having sent us 250
Food and 350 Horse, which Party, by our Order was Com-
manded by Lieutfc Coll: Rincking (in the Marshaling of the
design he deserves much Honour) and Captain Wyllier and
Master Huson a Minister led on the Firelocks, with 50
Troopers dismounted, under the Command of Lieut' Bendebue;
they led on their men with undaunted Resolutions after whom
followed 350 Foot, which by Severn Side Stormed the Town,
near unto the Castle Wall and marched into the Market
House, and then Surprised the main Guard, and then sent a
Party to Secure the Castle foregate Gate, which was Effected
without much Difficulty, and after a quarter of an Hour, the
Draw Bridge was let down, and the Gate opened, where Coll
Mitton Coll Bowyer and all the Gentlemen of this Committee,
with the Horse entered, and imediacely became Masters of the
Town; Within four Hours after, the Castle was delivered upon
Quarter for all but the Irish, to March to Ludlow, and then
the Enemy delivered up a Strong out work in Frankwell upon

278

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

bare Quarter of their Lives, by ] 2 o'clock we became Masters
of the Castle and Town, wherein were taken many Consider-
able Prisoners (whereof the names of many are yet unlisted
by reason of a want of time to Secure them) good Store of
Ammunition and great Store of Ordnance, It was our care to
preserve the Town from plundering, but the promises of a
large reward would not satisfie the Soldiers, our Horse the
Day before had a Long March, they being sent to Surprise Sr
Willm Whitmore, and Sr Tho. Whitmore, his son being a
Parliamentary man, which was Effected, and they brought safe
to Wem. Sir we shall not trouble you further, but to Sub-
scribe ourselves,

Your most Humble Servants,

Salop.

Feb. 24, 1644.

A. Lloyd. Sam. Moore.

Tho. Hunt. Ro. Clive.
Hob, Charleton. Leigh. Owen.

In this List are inserted the following prisoners, more than
those in a former list : — Chas. Smith, Ed. Palmer, Mat : Wi^ht-
wicke, ancients, Vin. Taylor, Tho : Dewe, Ham : Davies, Richd
Brayne, Serjeant, Nic. Proud, Clerk, Master James Laton,
Master Leadall, Moses Hodchkys, George Bucknall, Corporal
Patrick Lawry, an Irishman, 49 other Prisoners.

CCXXV1II. ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

1614-5.

Part of a Letter from another Person.

Shrewsbury was taken about 5 o'clock this Morning, the
Prisoners are many and considerable and the Prize great ; Sir
Mich1 Ernely, Governour, Sir John Wylde and divers others,
The Town is Rich ; and its said all the Princes Treasures and
carriages were left there. T hope this Victory will be pursued.
Feb: 22nd 1644. [1645]

While Prince Maurice was Advancing with his Forces on the
Welch side the River Dee, to Relieve Chester, Sr Will"1
Brereton's Forces being all on the North side of the River, on
Tuesday Fob. 18th 1644. Sr Wm Brereton (having received
instructions from the Committee of Shropshire or a design
which they had against Shrewsbury, therefore desired a Party
of his Horse and Foot to join with Col: Mitton), he made no
delay, and Col: Bowyer an able Soldier was designed for the
Business, under whoso command, Sir Wm Brereton put four

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

279

hundred Cheshire and Staffordshire Horse, three hundred
Staffordshire Foot, and a Company of his own Regiment, and
sent them on Wednesday the 19^ to Wem, well armed and
fit for present service, he also sent divers Petars [Petards] and
other necessaries for the Storming of Shrewsbury, to break
open the Gates, or for the like Service. On Thursday the 20th
Col: Mitton with five hundred of the Shropshire Forces met

in all being about twelve Hundred, and there they received
instructions from the Committee for carrying on the Business
against Shrewsbury, Coll. Mitton himself is one of that Com-
mittee, a very gallant Soldier and one that is full of Valour,
and Cordial for the Publick good, as appears by all his Actions,
having in all that he hath done received but very little pay,
yet is not less active in preferring the Publick before his own
private Interest. The next day they were designed to March
against Shrewsbury, the strongest Garrison in Prince Maurice's
Association, and not much inferior to the strongest Garrison
the King hath in all England ; On Friday the 218t Coll. Mitton
and Coll. Bowyer with the said 1200 Forces marched from Wem,
They marched all night notwithstanding the coldness of the
Season, and the Darkness of the Night ; Coll. Mitton led on
the Van, And Coll. Bowyer brought up the rear, the Army
being drawn into a formidable marching Posture, in whicn
they Marched all Night.

On Saturday, February 22nd 1644 [1645] they drew near to
the Enemie's Garrison about 3 or 4 o'the Clock in the morning,
Coll. Mitton led on the Horse, and Coll. Reynkings the Foot,
and so they marched up to the very Works about 4 o'clock.

At five that Morning Coll. Mitton. having passed some of
his Foot in Boats on Severn, Commanded by Coll. Reynkings,
with Carpenters and others fit for the employment, when they
came to the Walls, the Carpenters Sawed down the pallasadoes,
and the Soldiers helping one another to get over, slew the
Centinels and Surprised the Soldiers in the Court of Guard ;
from thence they went to the Magazine and the Chief Works
possessing themselves of them before they opened the Gates
to the rest of the Foot ; The Governour and Many of the
Great ones were surprised in their Beds : when they had thus
made all sure they opened the Castle Gates, and let in all the
Horse and the rest of the Foot, the Enemy within, being
exceedingly amazed, fled and threw down their Arms, others
crying Arm, Arm, which Opportunity our men took, marchod
in and opened the Gates, tin is Horse and foot all enterod and
with the Spilling of very littlo Blood gainod the Town. When

Col. Bowyer with the aforesaid

280 THE OTTLEY PAPERS RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

they had made entrance through the Gate, and Guarded the
Town, Our men some went into one Street, and some into
another, to Search for the Chief Officers and Soldiers, and
great care was taken to get between them and the Castle, they
took the Governour and divers other Considerable Men besides
other purchase [booty.] The Committee of Wem going along
with them, they took great care that those who were well
Affected in the Town might not Suffer, and, therefore, the
Officers kept off the Soldiers from plundering the Town, that
so the Committee might see right done, and none but Malig-
nants Suffer.

Cruelly had the good people been long handled by the
Cavaliers in that Place, so were not a little glad that Coll.
Mitton had taken it.

The Committee gave notice hereof to Sr Wm Brereton, who
took care to have Forces lye near them, to releive Coll:
Mitton, if Occasion should be.

The whole Country desire that Coll. Mitton should be made
Governour, who is an Honest, Cordial, well Affected man of
true Integrity.

About 12 o'clock at Noon the same Day was the Castle
surrendered upon Condition that the Officers and Soldiers
therein should March away with their Arms, and leave the
Ammunition in the Castle, and all the Officers and Soldiers in
the Town behind them, but there were many Papists, and
some Notable Agents, that fled and ran away as soon as they
heard that our Forces had made entrance.

A List of Particulars taken at Shrewsbury by Coll: Mitton
on Saturday Feb. 22d 1644.

Eight Baronets and Knights.

Forty Collonels, Majors, Captains, and others of Quality.

Two Hundred other Prisoners.

One Captain and five Soldiers slain.

Fifteen pieces of Ordnance taken.

Many hundred of Arms.

Divers Barrels of Gunpowder.

Prince Maurice's Magaziene.

The Town and Castle and all the Worke.

Divers Carriages and Baggage of the Prince.

Besides other Prisoners, and purchase [booty] not yet

Discovered.
We Lost only two men.

For the Nominal Roll of prisoners the reader should
consult Owen and Blakeway;s History of Shrewsbury.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

281

Sir Richard Cave's letter to Prince Rupert, which
follows, is interesting in this connection. (The date is
erroneous.)

May it please your Highness,

I intended to have made use of Major Fox's and Sir
William Russell's Horse, quartered near Shrewsbury, to go
through to your brother; but, half way there, I met those
Horse coming this way, who told me the sad news of the loss
of Shrewsbury, which they say was betrayed by the townsmen.
There are some gentlemen come hither who were there after
the town was entered. Amongst others, Major Butler, in
coming he escaped after he was hurt. The Castle is yet held
by the Governor ; but, as they say, not at all provided with
victuals. I wish your brother had some experienced com-
manders by him. I do not hear of any one but old Roan.
And now, I neither know myself, nor can I learn from others,
how I may possibly pass to your brother. I mean, God
willing, instantly to hire messengers at any price, to go to his
Highness, I have spoken with Sir Robert Howard, and some
other gentlemen. They are agreed to use their power in
raising the country, if any considerable number come together,
I will wait upon the gentlemen, with such as will follow them
to Shrewsbury. It may work something if the Castle can but
hold out, as 1 hope it will.

I have not time to write in ciphers. If I had, I should say
more ; for all, besides this, is not so well as I could wish, nor
yet, I hope, so bad as some would make me believe. I shall
adventure my letters to your brother to that purpose, as your
Highness commanded me. I am much unsatisfied in their
stay there where they are.

I am Sir

Your Highness' most humble devoted Servant
Ludlow Feb. 15. 1645. Richard Cave.1

Sir Francis Ottley happened to be away from
Shrewsbury at the time it was taken ; but he was none
the less unfortunate, for, being engaged near the same
date, in raising forces for Prince Maurice, in the Hun-
dred of Brimstree, in company with Sir William
Whitmore, Sir Thomas Whitmore (his son), Mr. Owen,

1 Warburton's Prince Rupert, in;, 59.
Vol. VIII. 2nd S.

KK

282

TEE OTTLEY PAPERS

Mr. Fowler, Mr. Griffiths, and other Commissioners of
Array sitting at Apley Park, they were all surprised and
taken prisoners by Sir John Preen, one of Brereton's
officers. The Prince had a very narrow escape on the
same occasion.

The next letter does not relate to Shropshire, though
none the less interesting from its being addressed to
Colonel William Salusbury, whom T conceive to be
none other than the celebrated Hosannau gleision
(Blue Stockings), the brave and persistent defender of
Denbigh Castle. As it would appear, the Colonel had
]eft his command to attend upon Prince Maurice at
Worcester, with a regiment of horse, and Jonathan
Edwards, whom I take to be his chaplain, feels it to be
his duty to send the Colonel a candid letter on the
state of the garrison.

Jonathan Edwards was the third son of John
Edwards of Wrexham, co. Denbigh. He matriculated
at Jesus College, Oxford, 3 February, 1632, aged 18 ;
took his B.A. 9 June, 1634; M.A. 24 April, 1637 ;
created B.D. November, 1642; and was appointed
Hector of Cathedine, co. Brecon.

CCXXIX. JONATHAN EDWARDS TO COLONEL SALUSBURY.

[?] 1644-5.

Sr

The Opportunity of this Messenger to carry, and my
hope that you are at Worcester to receave, this letter
emboldens mee to present my service unto you, and acquaynt
you with the receipt of some l'rs sent to you from the
Countrey, which I durst not send unto you, lest they might
miscarry by your removal (for I am not certayn whether this
shall have the happines to come to your hands) or Absence
from Worcester. I will keep them till I see or have directon
from you. For newes from Court I refer you to the worthy
bearer sergeant Littleton (Hee can pleasure you with more
Certaync Intelligence than 1 can).

At the Leaguer all in general are as well as pilgrims, or an
unsettld Colony o can bee. The sight doth often remember
mee what our fore fathers estate was, and what Christians ostato
should bo thought; nover a clearer argument was presented

KELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

283

to mine Eyes that they did, and wee doe, dwell in houses of !
Clay.

From your Owne Regiment, give my Affection and duty
leave to acquaynt you that they are not very well Contented
with vour Absence ; they say they wonder if they onely
should bee thought worthy to bee neglected and left desolate
and like that beast they fight against, without a head. They
Suspect their worth and Service, and are sorry if after so
much travell and hazard and widowship endured, they should
still keep together to have a few horse untryed, they say not
unworthy (that as yet must bee testified by their sucoesful
valour) preferred and followed before them. That they find
not your promise performed that they should go no further
than your selfe went and that you would not leave them for
any interest : when they Conceave diverse pretences have been
sought and invented to separate and keep you from them.
These murmurings are the same they daily vent, and if your
returne doth not prevent it you shall find them executed and
burned to a Desolation; your regiment will bee so thin that
you will hardly conceave them a Commanded Company of
your former Regiment which in your absence is likelyer to fall
in, if your Major leaves you to bee Leift: Colonel in the
Western Expedition.

My nature was never so servile as to flatter, and my engage-
ment to you to great to Conceale from you what concerns your
Reputation, and therefore I must and will take the Boldness
to tell, you are strangely [sic] Censured for quitting the
Command of such a regiment to follow a single troop (for that
you wayted on Prince Maurice excuses not with many). You
know best what is at stake, and I am assured your Judegment
will direct you to Pursue your honour, and I hope your noble-
ness will pardon my boldnes in acquainting you with what I
am sorry to heare, and should bee more sorry to see. With,
my prayers to God for your health and safe (and I hope)
sudden returne, I rest, Sir,

Y'rs as I am Obliged to serve you

To the Honble Colonel Jonath: Edwards,

Salusbury, these.

Some time within the interval of five months which
had elapsed since Sir Francis was taken prisoner, and
the date of the next letter, he had succeeded in
obtaining his liberty.

284

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

ccxxx. prince Maurice's order to governors and gar-

RISONS TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1645.

Ffor as much as Sr Ffrancis Oateley Knight high Sherriffe
for the County of Salop is, by Speciall direction from his Ma*y
to raise the Posse of that County and to perform other
Services of great and weighty Concernment whereby hee will
bee required in discharge of his duty to bee in severall parts
of that County, And to the end hee may bee well accomodated
wtb quarter befitting his Quallity, and Employment, These are
to will & require you to provide & furnish the said Sr Ffrancis
Oately Kn1 and bis Retinue with good Quarters during his
residence in your Garrison for dispatch of his Mats AfFayres,
Hereof you may in noe wise fayle Given att Worcester this

24th day of July 1645.
To all Govern" of Garrisons
Officers Quarter Mr8 & others
whom it doth or may Concerne.

About the 30th of July, the Scottish army had
entered Herefordshire, and was approaching the capital
under David Lesley, Earl of Leven. Immediate steps
were taken to raise the posse comitatus, with a view of
relieving Hereford. The effort ended in failure. The
country was tired of war.1 The following is a copy of
a letter addressed to the county by Sir Barnabas
Scudamore, the High Sheriff.

CCXXXI. RAISING THE POSSE COMITATUS IN HEREFORDSHIRE^

1645.

A Coppie of the l're from ye H. Sheriff and Govr'ne' both
of the Cittie and County of Hereff. declaring his resolucon
in Raysing ye posse of ye County.
It beinge with greate and serious deliberacon consulted and
advised of, by ye gentlemen of this County now resident in
and abouts this Cittie, and p'sonally active in his Ma'ts p'sent
service, how the best and rediest way might bee for the
effecting of his Ma'ts Comaunds, and ye Advanceinge ye true
p'testant Religion, the safetie of this County, ye freeing them-
selves from ye slavery of ye Scotch, who doe now invade this

Gardiner, ii., p. 285.

0

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR 285

County with a powerful Armie, They have therefore for ye
preventing of this soe greate a dainger and ruine to this
Kingdome, unanimously joyned together as one man, and
have to that end envited you and the rest of the gentrie of
this Countie, with their sonnes and servants to bee in ye best
equipance you cann both with horse and Armes at ye general!
meeting on Thursday next in Wigmarsh-sho by Tenn of the
Clocke in ye morning being the last of this instant July, where
wee shall meete with you and resolve of a speedy course for ye
ffreeing our selves from this distraction now likely to fall upon
us, and that none may pretend excuse in this greate tyme of
necessitie for conveninge upon that day I doe further declare
unto you ye intencons and resolucons of these gentlemen, that
whosoever shall absent himsclfe from that appearance (if not
proved on oath to bee sicke or debillitated by age or some
warrantable or just excuse not only for his absence out of this
County, but from ye place of meeting), shalbe esteemed a
newtrall and disloyall Subject, and remembered to all a
disafected p'son to ye safety and welfare of this County, in
which hee must expect noe long existence, And that there
might bee a cleare understanding of this theire resolucon, it is
desired by them that all private differences whatsoever may
bee layd aparte, and that wee joyne together unanimously in
soe good and pious a woorke, I shall not faile my selfe with ye
best power I have to attend you there, and doe further
engadge my selfe unto you (having recentment of the ever-
lasting dishonor which wilbe recorded upon this nation if ye
Scotch prevaile) that to the best of my skill and power I will
live and die a servante to my Country and a true affectionate
friend to all that shall joyne herein, This is a dutie befitts mee
in a business of soe high a nature. I am desired to publish
unto you they discerning ye small effects which ensue by his
Ma'ts Comaund for summoninge ye Posse And therefore doe
resolve with ye assistance of God to goe through with this
woorke, whereunto wee expect your utmost endeavours, and
alsoe that you will prompte it to all ye rest of your Gentlemen
your Neighbours. And soe I rest :

Your asured Loving friend

and Servaunte.

[Barnabus Scudamore].

ccxxxii. commissioners of association
1645.

For our honored Freinds Sr Francis Oatley, K* high Sheriff
of ye County of Salop, Sr Thomas AVoolrich Sr Edward Acton

286

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

and Sr Thomas Edwards and ye rest of ye Comissioners of ye

Association for ye County of Salop.

Gentlemen.

It hath pleased his Matie uppon ye humble Desire of y*
Gentree of this Countie of Stafford to comand that ye Comis-
sion of Association should bee wth all dilligence put in
execution conceaving it the fittest redresse for the greevancoa
of each Countie, & ye procuring of a happy Peace. His Ma,u
hath comaunded Sr Robert Howard, S[r William Russell & S1
Walter Pye, to stay behind him & attend uppo' the service as
well heere as in theire owne Cuntrys : Wee are confident of
yor concurrence to prepare yor Cuntrie for his Matio3 service k
theire owne safeties & uppon notice from you that you desiro
any of or assistance wee shalbee ready to waite uppo' you as

Lichfeild 16th August 1645

Yor assured freinds & servants 1

Sr Edward Acton and other Loughborough

Gent of yor Countie are put Wa: Aston

into ye Comission of Associa- Ro : Howard

tion. Mr Weaver can give you Will: Russell

there names. T, Bagot Robert Wolsley
H. Archbold John Harpur

Salop. Ric. Dyos

George Digbv. Wal Pye.

Henry Hastings, Lord Loughborough. — On
June 17th, 1645 (three days after the battle of
Naseby) he surrendered Leicester to the Parliamentary
army, which had been taken and sacked by Rupert
only eighteen days previously. The next day he retired
to Ashby Castle, which was closely besieged. On the
28th of February following (1646), articles of agreement
wrere entered into between Col. Hastings, Governor of
Ashby, and Col. Needham, Governor of Leicester, for
the surrender and sieighting of Ashby Castle. Hastings
was to leave Ashby (after the sieighting) and march to
Bridgnorth or Worcester, with colours, trumpets, and
drums, &c. In November, 1648, Parliament ordered
that Ashby Castle should be demolished. Hastings
survived the Protectorate, and on the Restoration was
made Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire. lie then lived

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

287

at Loughborough House, Lambeth. His will, dated
1 August, 1665, was proved P.C.C. 15 and 18 May,
1667 (62 Carr). He died, unmarried, in January, 1666,
and was buried in St. George's Chapel at Windsor
Castle, near the body of his great-uncle, Edward, Lord
Loughborough. [W. G. D. F.).

Sir Walter Aston, the eldest son of Sir Walter
Aston of Tixall, co. Stafford, K.B. and Bart., and
created Lord Aston of Forfar 1628, and died 1639, by
his wife Gertrude, daughter of Sir Thomas Sadler of
Standon, co. Herts. He succeeded as 2nd Bart, and
Peer, and inherited Standon under the will of his
uncle, Ralph Sadler, Esq., in 1660. He was a staunch
and gallant supporter of the royal cause during the
Civil Wars. He married in 1629, Mary, second
daughter of Richard, Lord Weston, Lord High Treasurer
of England, Earl of Portland, KG. He died 23 April,
1678, leaving four sons and five daughters. (Burke's
Extinct Peerage, Vis. Staff., 1663). [W. G. D. F.].

Sir William Russell, of Strensham, co. Worcester,
1st Baronet, Governor of Worcester, (see lxii.
note). He married Frances, daughter of Sir Thomas
Read, of Brockett Hall, co. Herts, Knt., and had
eight sons and three daughters. He died 30th
November, 1669, and was buried at Strensham, where
is a monument to his memory, on which is a long
inscription, of which this forms a part : —

Vir fuit .... egregia erga regem temporibus
iniquissimis fide nec capitis periculo, nec
magna rei familiaris jactura unquam concussus.

H. Bagot. Hervey Bagot, born 8th February, 1590.
Created Bart. 30th May, 3 Charles I. Died 27th Dec,
1652. Married 1st, Catherine, daughter of Humphrey
Adderley, of Weddington; and secondly, Anne, daughter
of Sir Clement Fisher, of Packington, Knight, and
widow of Sir Thomas Dilke, of Maxstoke, Knt,, and
had five sons. He was son of Walter Bagot, of Blyth-
field, by Elizabeth, daughter of Roger Cave, of Stam-
ford, Esq. (See Vis. Staff, 1663). [W. G. D. F.]

288

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

Sir Robert Wolseley, Bart. Son of John Wolseley
of Morton, co. Stafford, by Isabell, daughter of John
Porter, of Stallington, co. Staff. ; created a Baronet
24th Nov., 1628 ; married Mary, daughter of Sir
George Wroughton, of Wilcot, co. Wilts, and had
issue three sons and three daughters. Clerk to the
Patent Office in Chancery. [See Vis. Staff., 1663).
[W. G. D. F.].

Sir John Harpur, of Calke, co. Derby, 2nd Baronet,
son of Sir John Harpur, of Calke, 1st Baronet, by
Barbara, daughter of Anthony Faunt, of Foston, co.
Leicester, Esq. He was Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1640 ;
married Susan West, and died cir. 1669, aged 53.
(Glover's Derbyshire, vol. ii., p. 185). [W. G. D. F.J

Sir Richard Dyot, Knight, son and heir of
Anthony Dyot, Esq., by Catharine, daughter of John
Harcourt, of Rownton Abbey, co. Stafford, Esq.,
"one of the councell to King Charles I., in his Court
at York, for the northern part of his realme ; Chancellor
to the Bishop of Durham for that county palatine, and
steward of this city" (i.e. Lichfield). He married
Dorothy, daughter and heiress of Richard Donnington,
of Stafford, and had issue six sons. St. Mary'9
Register, Lichfield, says: " 1659-60, Mar : 8. Sir Rd.
Dyot, Knt. bur." The Visitation of Stafford, 1663,
says, he "died 8 Martii 1659/' from which it might be
inferred that he died, and was buried the same day,

George Digby, of Sandon, co. Stafford, Esq., 2nd
son of Everard Digby, ot Tilton, co. Leicester, Esq., by
Mary, daughter and heiress of Francis Neale, of
Prestwold, co. Leicester, Esq. He bought Sandon I
from his half-brother, Sampson Erdeswich of Sandon ; 1
married Mary, daughter of Sir Walter Chetwynd, of |
Ingestre, co. Stafford, Knt., and had a son who died an
Infant, and four daughters, of whom the only surviving I
one, Jane, married Charles Lord Gerard. (Vis. Staff. $
1603). He paid for his composition £1440.

Henry Arciusold, of Lichfield, Esq., L.L.D.,
Registrar and Chancellor to the Bishop of Lichfield and

i

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

289

Coventry; was knighted at Whitehall, 2 1st November,
1670. He paid for his composition £186 10s.

Sir Walter Pye, of the Mynd, co. Hereford, was
the eldest son of Sir Walter Pye, of the same place,
Attorney of the Court of Wards, to whose memory
there is a monument in the church of Much Dewchurch,
in which parish the Mynd is situated ; but where the
son was buried is unknown. When the Parliament
began to issue commissions of Lords-Lieutenants and
Deputy-Lieutenants, independent of the King, Sir
Walter Pye was appointsd one of the latter for co.
Bedford, instead of Hereford, where he resided, and
where his property and influence were greater, a stroke
of policy, it is thought, by which to divert his influence
in another direction. But he took the earliest oppor-
tunity, in common with the leading gentry of Hereford-
shire, of declaring for the King, who appointed him a
Commissioner of Array, and to the command of a
regiment. When Waller laid siege to Hereford, in
1643, which surrendered on the 24th of April, Sir
Walter Pye, with others, was taken prisoner, and
conveyed to Bristol, and confined to the castle, but
regained his liberty in the following June. His name
appears in the list of persons who were at Oxford when
the articles of surrender were agreed upon, June 22nd,
1646, and desired and obtained four letters for com-
pounding for his estates, in the counties of Bucks,
Hereford, Brecknock and Radnor. His moated residence,
a few miles from Hereford, being capable of defence,
was garrisoned by Sir Barnabas Scudamore, at an early
date, but does not appear to have played any noticable
part in the war.

Captain George Mainwaring. mentioned in the follow-
ing order of Prince Rupert, was the third son of Sir
George Mainwaring, of Ightfield, co. Salop, Knt., and
brother of Sir Arthur Mainwaring, of the same place,
carver to the Prince of Wales, Tong Castle was twice
occupied by the Royalists, on the second occasion, April
5th, 1611. From the letter below, it appears that

Vol. VI I I., 2nd «.

290

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

Captain Mainwaring's command did not begin till the
18th July, in that year, and ended with October 31st.
This last date appears to be inconsistent with. Symmons's
statement, that Tong was burnt by the Prince when he
drew out the garrison to the battle of York, which was
in May. It was Capt. Mainwaring's misfortune to be
taken prisoner at the capture of Shrewsbury, and we
hear nothing more about him till this mention of him
by the Prince. He was admitted of Brazenose College,
Oxford, Nov. 19, 1602, set. 15.

ccxxxin. prince rupert's order to pay captain
G. mainwaring's arrears.

1645.

Gentlemen

Itt is knowne to you that Captaine George Mainwaring,
A Gentleman of yor owne Countrey did some time Com'and in
cheife att Tongue Castle, And itt is by him signified to rae
that, in Regard there was noc Established pay for the com'and,
He was & still is unrecompenced for his Services, I Desire you
that he be paid out of the next contribucon corneing to the
Garrison of Bridge North, after the proportion of five pountles
a "week for the time of his Continuance in that Com'and, being
from the 18th of July to the last of October 1G44, By which he
may be Encouraged and Enabled to apply himself to his Mat8
farther Service, either in your parts, or where else he shall be
Required,

Worcester 3t0 Dec' 1G45. I rest

Yor Freind

Ffoi che Gentlemen, Com18 of Rupert.
the Countie of Salop, Resident
in Bridgenorth, these.

CCXXXIV. EDWARD OWEN TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1G45.

Sir

You must needs forgive me if I be troublesome unto
you in desireing some releife from you after my long imprison-

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

291

ment, what you can conveniently spare I desire may be sent
me by this bearer, and I shall ever remain

Stafford the 1° Your humble Servant

Oct: 1G45 Edw: Owen.

To my most honored
Friend Sr Francis Ottley Knt.
and Coll :

these present.

The writer of the above was Lieut. -Colonel Edward
Owen, second son of Sir William Owen of Condover,
Knt., by his wife Ellena, daughter of Sir Robert
Needham of Shavington, Knt. He was born 15 May,
1G23, and must have obtained through his family-
influence rapid promotion to have been a Lieut. -Colonel
so young. He was the " Ned Owen " whom Tom
Eyton tells us (Letter liv.) lost some of his men at
Whitchurch in 1643, when the Roundheads from
Nantwich sent out a force to beat up their quarters.
He married Martha, daughter of Thomas Owen of
Salop, relict of Edward Leighton of Wattlesborough.
He was made prisoner at the taking of Shrewsbury,
and had remained so up to the date of this letter. The
sum he paid for his composition was <£207.

There are but few events to record in the military
history of Shropshire during the past year. After
Shrewsbury was secured by the Parliament army,
vigorous efforts were made by it to reduce the smaller
Royal garrisons. Siege was laid to High Ercall, but
after continuing a fortnight, the attempt was abandoned,
not before they had sustained serious losses. It was
a strongly built residence, enclosed by a broad moat,
and held with great gallantry by the defenders. April
17th, they lost Longford House, a seat of the Earl of
Shrewsbury, taken by Prince llupert On the 24th,
Col. Birch invested Ludlow, but in a short time with-
drew without accomplishing anything. On the 7th
May, the King left Oxford, with about 11,000 men, and
passed through Droitwich on his way towards Chester,
lie slept at Chetwynd, the seat of the Pigotts, on the

292

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

20th, situated about two miles from Newport. Two
rooms that he occupied are still shown in the older
portion of the house, one of which looks out upon the
Churchyard. On the 21st, while the army was resting
after the long marches, a force under Sir Marmaduke
Langdale, Major General, was despatched by night to
surprise Wem, and said to have had but 150 men in it,
but the enterprise was a failure. The King proceeded
to Drayton, and while here, news arrived on the 22nd
that Brereton, alarmed at the approach of the Royal
army, had withdrawn from before Chester. This
induced the King to alter his course into Staffordshire.
The Parliament forces at Shrewsbury were more
successful in some of their other attempts to reduce the
petty garrisons. On the 8th of June, they captured
Stokesay Castle, which belonged to Lord Craven, situated
at the junction of several roads, commanding an im-
portant position. On the 23rd, Caus Castle surrendered
to them, and on the 29th, Shrawardine Castle. A
fortnight before this date the battle of Naseby was
fought, in which the King's army was defeated, and his
correspondence seized. On the 8th July, Lilleshall
House was taken by the Parliament, and High El call
was again beset, but they were routed by Colonel
Vaughan, and Maurice states that " in their retreat
the Pari, forces burnt Ronton and Shraden Castles,"
by which he must mean after their retreat, as neither of
these places lies between High Ercall and Shrewsbury.

On the 7th of August, the King, on his way from
Brecknockshire and Radnorshire, was again in this
county ; and finally in September, after the Battle of
Rowton Heath.

The only garrisons remaining to the King were
Ludlow, Bridgnorth and High Ercall.

1646.

Sir Jacob Asteley, created a Baron Nov., 1644, was
the son of Isaac Asteley of Melton Constable, Norfolk,
and commenced his military training in the Netherlands.

DELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

293

He took up the royal cause in the Civil War with great-
zeal ; was wounded at Edgehill ; present at the siege
of Gloucester, where he commanded a division, and
when Essex, after relieving that city had fought the
battle of Newbury (20th Sept. ,1643), and had continued
his retreat to London, Sir Jacob possessed himself of
Reading. In 1644 he assisted Lord Hopbon in the
capture of Arundel, and shared in the defeat of Aires-
ford 29th March. In the second battle of Newbury
(27th Oct.) Asteley commanded the infantry in the
King's escape from Oxford, when the army of Essex
and Waller were closing on the city. At Naseby
(14th June, 1645) the main body of the foot was led
by LoTd Asteley. He was routed at Stow-in-the-Wold,
21st March, 1646, where he made his memorable
remark to his captors, some of whom brought the old
soldier a drum to sit upon : /f You have now done your
work and may go to play, unless you will fall out among
yourselves." At the time of writing these letters that
follow he was endeavouring to raise forces for the relief
of Chester, and to set in order the few disorganised
garrisons that remained to the King in Shropshire.
But the game was virtually played out, and neither
courage nor skill could recover the lost fortune of the
King. Lord Asteley died in 1652, at the age of 73.1

CCXXXV. LORD ASTELEY TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1645-6.

Gentlemen

I have received both yors of the 7th & 8th of this instant,
& am very sorry that I can meet with no Guarison free from
such li ke distempers ; I wonder not a little that Sr Lewis Kirke
should expresse such violence, & oppose or directions concern-
ing Mr. Andrewes, & have the Guarison in such disorder; for
the present 1 can say little, but pray yor most vigilent care &
circumspection in preservation of .the place, the enemy being
busy, & having Oesignes upon that & every Guarison here-

1 Diet. Nat. Bioy.j &c.

294

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

abouts. And I shall make all possible speed to you that I can,
in the interim I rest

Gentlemen

10th Janr* 1645. Yor faithfull freind & humble servt

Jacob Asteley.

For my honoured freind

Sr ffrancis Oately High Sherriff 1 of Salop & others
his Mats Com'issioners for the County at Bridgnorth.

CCXXXVI. LORD ASTELEY TO THE SAME.

1645- G.

Noble Sir

I am through the various distempers in all these
Guarisons enforced (as you see) to travell upp & downe to put
them in a posture of defence, & compose the differences
occasioned amongst the Governora & those who relate to the
Guarison. This travellinge hath drayned my purse, so that I
must request yor furtherance in collecting & preparinge for
mee, against my coming to Bridgnorth my allowance for my
subsistance : I shall make all possible speed to you, in the
mean while I doubt not of yor Assistance to my request, &
best caro of his Mats service, and so wishinge a good meeting I
rest

Lichfeild 10th Jan Yor Most humble Servfc

1645 Jacob Asteley

For my honoured freind
Sr Francis Oateley K* High Sherife of
the County of Salop these.

ccxxxvii. Nicholas Ann over to the same.
1645-6

S'

I understand that one Thomas Powell souldier under
Captaine Whiniard [or Whimard] hath taken away a bay
mare of Rowland Malkin of Kenlye, one of my Lord Newport's
tennants, whoe payes his contribusion to Bridgnorth ; my
request unto you is that you would be favourably pleased to
cause the Souldier to restore the Mare to the owner, heo being

1 No new Sheriff hud been appointed by the King in the plnco of
Sir I'Yattcia Ottloy. The Parliament jlL Westminster reappointed
Mytton the 25th September, 1015, for this year-

RELATING TO THE ClVIfij WAR. 295

i

a man altogether unable to bear sud| losses ; this being
graunted I will oblidge my selfe to remai^e

High Ercall1 15 Jan. Yo'r humble servant

1645. 1$$CH0LAS Annover

To the right wor'U & his

honourd tfriend Sr ffrancis Oateley Knt,

CCXXXVIII. LORD ASTELEY TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF
BRIDGNORTH.

1645-6.

Gentlemen

I have received an Express lately from my Lord Byron
declaringe the great extremity Chester is reduced unto ; & I
have received severall Com'ands from his Matie to endeav1 the
raysing of the seidge, and render that citty reliefe. I have
sent unto all Guarisons adjacent to supply all horse & foote
that can be spared wth safety to them. I have appointed the
Rendesvous of all the forces that can be raysed at Bridgnorth
the 27th of this instant ; I shall desire you also that you would
prepare all the horse & foote that possibly may be spared out
of Bridgnorth (wch I hope will bee 100 Horse & CO foote at
Least:) to be in readinesse to march at the time appointed. My
Lo. of Ormond writes that upon the first Westerly Winds (wch
happened yesterday) he had in readiness to transport fro*
Ireland 3000 foote well armed, I am also promised 800 horse
& foote in North Wales by the Lord Byron ; I shall hope by
this means to doe the worke, and doubt not but every man of
honour will contribute their best Assistance herein. I desire
also you would advance them 14 days paye for their reliefe or
Victuals at least. I suppose to seo you before that time, not
doubting of yor vigellcncc & care in all things I rest

Gentlemen

YoT Most humble servant

17 January 1G45. Jacob Asteley..

CCXXXIX. LORD ASTELEY TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1G45-G.

S'

I receaved yr Lre and intend, God willinge, to be with
you at Bridgnorth upon iiryday next where I shall endeavour
what I can to settle all distractions, and to that purpose havo

1 It capitulated to the Parliament in tlio March following.

296

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

sent to Ludlowe for them there to meete, I shall desire yor
selfe and the rest that they will p'vide good accommodations of
{/visions and Quarters against the 27th of this Month, for the
Generall Rendevous at Brignorth ; the number will bee two
thousand horse and fifteen hundred foote. I shall also desire
you will Against that tyme p'vide the moneyes due for my
entertaynment for then I shall have great occasion to use the
same. And so expecting yor dilligence and care therein I rest

Dudley Castle 20th Yor very loveing frend

Januarie 1645 Jacob Asteley.

You are in the meane tyme to p'vide for Colonel Moulsworth
and his Companie.

ffor ffrancis Ottley Knight High Sheriffe of the Countie of
Salop.

Richard Wicksted, Clerk in Holy Orders, son of
Thomas Wicksted of Shrewsbury, was born in that
town, and baptized at St. Chad's, April lGth, 1619;
admitted of Shrewsbury School, June 6th, 1631, at the
age of 12. He married Sarah Lutwich, daughter of
Edward Lutwich, Esq. (who died 1638), at Bridgnorth,
Jany. 20th, 1639. Of his university course and early
preferments, I have found no account, but he appears
as Hector of Hurley in 1650, where his wife died, and
was buried August 28th, 1652. He survived her seven
years, and was buried at the same place Nov. 19th, 1659.
At the time of writing the two letters, he was under
arrest at Ludlow for not having paid his arrears of
money levied on him in the Hundred of Condover,
Harley being in the Cound division of that Hundred.
He appears to have remained in Ludlow till March
13th, 1646-7, for at that date he was admitted a
Burgess of the town, if it be the same person ; and the
town being then in the hands of the Parliament points
to his having a leaning to Puritanism. During the
Commonwealth, his son Ptichard was apprenticed to
Rowland Jenks, ol Shrewsbury, Apothecary, for seven
years, commencing in 1658, the year before the death
ot his father. In the Roll of the Ironmongers' Company,
with which the Apothecaries were associated, the father

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR,

297

is described as " Richard Wicksteed, Minister of God's
word at Harly." The son obtained his Freedom in
1665, and received apprentices of the same name, and
presumably connexions of his family, from Cheshire,
and the north part of Shropshire.

CCXL. RICHARD WICKSTED TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1645-6.

Noble Sir

After the presentation of my humble Service — It is the
time wherein 1 beseech you to be active both for myself and
Neighbours for our enlargement ; which we shall not easily pro-
cure but by my Lord Ashley [sic], whose expectation here we
are glad to hear of, and desire it may be speedily found by us :
His Matle3 order hath been read to us by Sr Tho : Edwards,
wherein it appears that some Suggestion hath been made of
the contribution of Condover Hundred that it hath been paid
formerly to this Garrison ; but what truth there is in that you
very well know ; upon that Order we are detained, and without
the payment of the Money (which we cannot doe) we have no
hope of liberty: what is remaining unpaid to you of the
Arrears, if you send your discharge I shall not fail to give you
content ; for it seemeth by some whom I have used to sound
Sr Michael Woodhouse, that he will not demand the same
twice, if paid to you : and yet some who have paid you all do
nevertheless find small effect of that Speech : Sr be you pleased
to use your power with my Lord Ashley to right yourself and
your Garrison ; and I doubt not but Sr Lewis Kirke and the
Gentlemen whom it concerneth in your Garrison will Assist
you, for mine own part I cannot obey his MatieB command in
sticking to my place if this course be held, for I have scarce
bread to maintain myself my wife and family ; Lieutnt Col :
Slaughter hath shewed himself an honest Gent : in writing to
Sr WIU Vaughan of this Business : we as yet know not what it
will work : but however it is I will be faithfull to you in the
cause, and will suffer much, that I may show myself to be Sir

Your poor Neighbour

but true Servant
Ludlow Janr* 21° 1645 El: Wicksted.

Col: D'avilior comoth upon us for Horso and Arras, which I
believe are to bo raised for you, not for him, as is protended ; I
Vol. Vill., 2nd S. MM

298

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

pray let your Servant Ned Evans send a copy hither to us of

your Warrant.

For the R4 Wor11 my much honord
Sir Francis Ottley Knl high Sherriff of
the County of Salop prsent these

wth speed.

CCXLI. RICHARD WICKSTED TO SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY,

1645-6.

Noble Sr.

Since my last of yesterday ; I find, and it is feared
amongst us, that the hundred of Condover wilbe called upon
to make up the summ of £200 which Sir M: Woodhouse
saith he lent to Prince Maurice, and had power given him to
levy it upon the Country ; but I see no order for it, nor when
it is to be levied ; if anie where, it is probable that it is to bo
done in those places which are under the Contribucon of
Ludlow, which Condover hundred never was : Anie pretence
will serve to charge us, and to keep us poore : But, Sir, it is
my humble suite to your selfe, to Sr Lewis Kirke, and Sr Ed:
Acton, with the rest, that for my owne particular you will
procure from my Lo: Ashley's hand my discharge hence:
and for Horse and Armes to use your power in exempting rnee
from the disposall of Col : D'avelier ; for I rather desire what
is to be done to be accountable to you : I am verei sorrie to
hear how Pitchford hath been used this last march, I trust
the Generall will regulate those or else his Ma'tie will find
much disservice from the Country, as is to be feared : Let mo
crave the favour to keepe these and my last lines to your
selfe ; that I may not be open to them here for advertisement.
Sr I humbly take my leave, and pray for your health, and
success in your affairs.

Ludl[o\v] Yo'r servant

Jan: 22° El: Wi[cksted]'

1645.

I pray doe me that noble favour when you report my case to
the Governour to present my service to him and the rest of
tho Gent: Mr Latham will doe mee anie favour he can, I am
confident of it.

Wo poore ministers must petition his Ma'tie's protection, or

wee are lost.

For the Rl wor'll my much honoured

Sir If ran : Ottley, Knt. at Brignorth, p'sent these.

with my humble service.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

299

CCXLII. SIR THOMAS EDWARDES TO THE SAME,
1645-6.

Sir

ffor your busines w'th Devillier as I tould you in my
last, soe I might iterate his Neglect. I have solicited daily to
have his Warr[ants] sent forth, but to this hower cannot gett
them, hee shuffles it to the Gor that hee doth oppose them as
a hinderance of his contributons, and yet I call upon him, and
have promised that hee will Collect the money and use the
first that comes in; you shalbee assured of Intelligence. I
know you have heard Counj'tures of the party which were at
Pitchford and those parts; Mary Griffithes hath byne w'th
mee, and shee will give you an account of her & my endevors
on your behaife ;* I lately suffered from Bromcroft Castle, the
Lo : deliver us out of the hands of these Oppressors. With
my hearty Respects to my good sister, & sweete cousins & my

ffor Sr ffrancis Ottley
Knt. high Sheriffe of
Shropshire these.

The family of Cressett, which gave its name to Upton
Cressett, a manor about four miles west of Bridgnorth,
was at a previous date seated at Little Withiford.
William Cressett, the earliest mentioned of the family,
had a son Thomas, who lived in the reign of Edward
II., and married the daughter of John, Lord of Upton,
in consequence of which, his grandson, Hugh Cressett,
Sheriff of Shropshire in 1435, succeeded to the estate
of Upton. Edward Cressett, father of the writer of
the two following letters, was a Justice of the Peace for
Shropshire, in which capacity he appears in the Calendar

1 The event in connection with Pitchford Hall, alluded to by
Mr. Richard Wicksted and Sir Thomas Edwardes, has had no collateral
light thrown on it, as far as I am aware. It was probably a case of
plundering by the Parliamentary soldiers, of which no particulars
have been preserved.

2 The writer was created a Baronet Feb. 12, 1644 5. (Salmon's
Chronol. Hist., quoted by Webb, ii., p. 72, note).

Ludlow Jan : 22
1G45

Yor brother & servant

Tno: Edwardes.2

800

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

of Prisoners, printed in this collection, No. lxxxi, and
a Commissioner of Array. He was one of the Grand
Jury who sat at the Assizes, 8th August, 1842, and
signed the "Declaration and Protestation" to present to
the King, while as yet he had not erected his Standard
at Nottingham (see lxv.) ; he signed, also, the "Ingage-
ment and Resolution " for raising and maintaining
forces at their own cost agreed upon by the gentlemen
of Salop. He sat on a Council of War, held by Lord
Capel at Shrewsbury, 3rd April, 1643, and at a
meeting of the Commissioners of Array in Bridgnorth, .
May the 21st, 1645, where he was shortly after-
wards slain. Richard Cressett, in praying for ex-
emption from attending the meeting of the Com-
missioners, alleges as reasons the recent death
of his father, his desire to live in retirement,
and some unexplained danger of ruin. The latter
may have been the risk he was exposed to from the
Parliamentary soldiers paying him a visit at Upton
Cressett, if he quitted his house on the King's business.
But I am disposed to think that the true cause of his
disinclination to act was that he saw enough to
convince him that the Parliament would very soon be
in possession of the whole county, and that he intended
to join the winning side. It is certain that he was
acting with other Parliamentary J ustices of the Peace
four years later, for I have seen a pass of that date given
toBichard Ottley, son of Sir Francis, with his signature
attached.

CCXLIII. RICHARD CRESSETT TO THE SAME.

1645-6.

Sir

Receiving- a letter from you, Sir Edw: Acton and
Collonell Billingsley, I thought it not improper to write an
Answer in general unto you all, but presuming of your good"
wishes to me, 1 Address these lines to you, desiring your
serious thoughts upon my excuse, who you know since my
Father's death have lived a retired Life, and very great reason
for it ; Sr, 1 am confident 1 need not ask anything of you

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

301

that you can grant me, if you please to favour me so farr as to
silence my name (if urged by any) you will extreamly Oblige
him that is really yours, whilst I am

Upton Cressett Ri : Cressett.

Jany : 26. 1645

For my honour'd freind

and kinsman Sr Fra : Ottley these.

CCXLIV. RICHARD CRESSETT TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF ARRAY.

1645-6.

Gentlemen

Uppon Saturday night I received Yor Lre : requiring
my Attendance this Day upon my Lord Astley, In the condi-
tion and case I stand (so well known to you my N oble Friends
and kinsmen) I p'sume to beg the favour to be Absent, Other-
wise I Appeal to Yorselves whether I can expect less then
certain ruin to ensue ; this request (as I assure myself) is not
beyond yor power to grant, for I cannot doubt it greater than
Yor love to me & my children ; and your regard to him who id
gone in those he hath left behind ; and now having p'mised
this Confidence in your real Affection, I shall rely thereon in
this favour (so conduceible to my safety) only as a corrobora-
tion to this my Opinion of you, And as a further Assurance of
his Obligations to vou who is

Upton Cressett Your very humble Servant

26° January 1645 Ri. Cressett.

For his honrable Friends
and kinsmen Sr Francis
Ottley, Sr Edward Acton, and
Collonell Francis Billingsley These

The activity of Lord Asteley during the early part
of the year, in reorganising the few garrisons remaining
to the King in Shropshire, failed to turn the tide of
misfortune that had set in. The Shrewsbury Com-
mittee had no sooner gained High Ercall in March,
which had long been a trouble to them, because of its
close proximity, being only 8 miles distant, than they
were enabled to despatch a strong force of horse and
foot to Bridgnorth, on the 31st of the same month, and
on the 26th of April, it was compelled to surrender on
the terms expressed in the next paper.

302

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

CCXLV. ARTICLES OF SURRENDER OF BRIDGNORTH CASTLE.1

1646.

Articles Agreed upon for the Surrender of Bridgnorth
Castle the 26th of April 1646 Between Sir Robert
Howard, Knight of the Bath, Governor, Sir Vincent
Corbet, Sir Edward Acton, and Sir Francis Ottley
Commissioners for the King. And Collonell Andrew
Lloyd, Coll: Robert Clive, and Robert Charleton,
Esqrs Com8 for the Parliament.

I. That all Comissioned Officers of Horse, and all Captains of

Foot, shall march away to any of his Majesty's
Garrisons or Armys within forty Miles, with their
Horses and Arms for themselves, and each of them
to have a Servant with his Horse and Sword and
their wearing Apparel, Free Quarter for 30 Miles and
a Safe Conduct, and not to March less than Eight
Miles a day, and any of the aforesaid Officers to
repair to any of their own habitations.

II. That all inferior Commissioned Officers shall have liberty

to March with their Swords, and the common Soldiers
without arms, to any of his Majesty's Garrisons or
Armies within 40 Miles as formerly mentioned, on
laying down their Arms ; to live at their own Habi-
tations, for a fortnight, and afterwards to take the
Negative Oath, if they continue within this County,
or Letters from hence to the Committees of the
several Counties where they intend to reside, and to
have papers granted them accordingly.

III. That all Clergymen, Town'smen, and Countrymen,

within the Castle, may have liberty to repair to their
own habitations, provided they lay down their arms,
and a fortnight's time allowed them for taking the
negative oath, and not to live within a mile of the
Parliament Garrisons ; or otherwise, if they should
desire it, to march to any of the King's Garrisons or
Armies.

IV. That all wounded and sick persons within the Castle

shall have liberty to reside in the Low Town, or else-
where, till they be fit to travel ; and then to have
passes to go home, or to any of the King's Garrisons
or Armies.

1 Printed in Bellett's Antiquities of Bridgnorth, and in Calendar of
State Papers for 1646, with some unimportant verbal differences.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

303

V. That Sir Robert Howard, Sir Vincent Corbet, Sir Edward

Acton, and Sir Francis Ottley, with each of them,
their horses, arms, and two men apiece, with their
horses and swords, and their masters wearing
apparel, shall have liberty to march to their several
habitations, and to continue there for the space of
two months : to which time they are to make their
election, whether they will go to make their peace
with the Parliament, or go beyond Sea, or to any of
the King's Garrisons or Armies, and to have passes
accordingly, — they engaging themselves to do no-
thing prejudicial to the Parliament in the mean time.

VI. That Mr Howard, Mr Fisher, and Mr Grovenor, shall

march away with their horses and arms, and one
man apiece, with their apparel and swords, to any
place within forty miles.

VII. That Lieutenant Col. Hosier and Doctor Dewen shall

march away without horse or arms, to any of the
King's Garrisons, or any other place within thirty
miles ; provided it be not within this County.

VIII. That Mr. Milward, Chaplain of the Garrison, may have

liberty to go with a horse, to his house at Leighton,
in this County, and to take with him his manuscripts,
and there to live, taking the negative oath within one
month's time ; or is to march away out of the County
with the rest.

IX. That the Clerks of the Commissioners may have liberty

to march, as the rest of the inferior Officers, and to
have the same conditions ; and to take with them all
papers concerning the Garrison, and their wearing
apparel.

X. That Lady Ottley, her children, and maid-servant have

liberty, with their wearing cloaths, to go to Pitchford,
or the Hay, and there to live unmolested.

XI. That all women and children within the Castle, may

have liberty to go to their own, or any of their friends'
houses, provided it be not within one mile of this
Garrison.

XII That all Gentlemen, Officers, and Soldiers, within the
Castle, Strangers as well as others, desiring to go
beyond Sea, shall have passes accordingly, and letters
to the Committee of their several Counties, to afford
them the like conditions as to the Gentlemen of this
County, upon the surrender of this Castle here
granted.

304

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

XIII. That the chirugeons belonging to the Garrison shall

march away, and to have the same conditions as the
inferior Officers.

XIV. That the Gunners and Powdermen, with their mates,

may march away as the rest of the common Soldiers.

XV. That no violence, injury, or incivility, shall be offered

to any who shall march out of this Castle, but be
protected in all things, according to the tenor of
these Articles ; and that sufficient Hostages on both
sides be given for the performance of all and every
the matters here agreed upon.

XVI. That the Governor, and the rest of the Officers, shall

do their utmost endeavor to protect and preserve all
the ordnance, arms, ammunition, victuals, provisions)
goods, bedding, and all other accommodations
necessary and belonging to the Castle, other than
what is allowed to be taken by the aforesaid Articles;
and all these safe and unspoiled, to be delivered up,
together with the Castle, unto the Committee or
whom they shall appoint ; and that these Articles be
confirmed by the Governor.

XVII. That if these Articles be consented to, the Castle shall

be surrendered by seven ot the clock tomorrow
morning ; and those who intend to march to
Worcester, to quarter in the Low Town, or any other
Town within five miles of the Garrison, upon the
return of the Trumpeter and Officer sent to Worcester;
provided that they come within two days.

XVIII. That if any Officer, or Soldier, shall in anyway
maliciously spoil his horse or arms, or misdomean
himself in his march, such misdemeanor shall not bo
extended further than upon the party offending ;
and upon them justice shall be done according to the
dicipline of war.

XIX. That all Commissioned Officers be certified by the

Governor of the Castle, and upon his certificate bo
allowed to march accordingly; and that all Troopers
march away with their swords.

XX. That Mr Edward Latham [? Lathom] be delivered to

the mercy of the Parliament.

[Signed]

Andrew Lloid.
Robert Clive.
IIobeut Charlton.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

305

With the fall of Bridgnorth the military and official
career of Sir Francis Ottley ended. Henceforth he
lived in retirement, and from some family letters,appears
to have been exclusively engaged in completing with
much difficulty his heavy composition with the authori-
ties of Goldsmith's Hall, spending part of his time in
London, and the rest in Shropshire. He lived to see
the King, whom he had served so faithfully, beheaded
January 30, 1G49, and in less than eight months after-
wards, Sept. 11, he himself passed away in the 48th
year of his age. Where his remains were laid no one
appears to know.

CCXLVI. A PASS FOR SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.
1646.

According to the Articles of Agreement, upon the
surrender of the Castle of Bridgenorth into our Hands for the
service of the Parliament, Sr Francis Ottley Knight, is hereby
Licensed together with his Servants, Horses, Arms, & Wearing
Apparell, quietly to pass all your Scouts & Guards to Pitchford,
or the Hay, or Else where in the County of Salop, & to remain
under the protection of the Parliament two Months, unmolested,
in which he is to be at full liberty to make his Composition
with the Parliament, or to March to any of his Majesties
Garrisons or Armys Whatsoever, or else to go beyond the Seas,
& to have passes Accordingly as he shall think fitt. Dated at

Bridgenorth this 28th day of April 1646.

To all Officers & Soldiers belonging
To the Parliament.

These are straightly to Charge & require you not to Offer
Violence to the Person of Sr Francis Ottley his Lady, their
children or Servants, or to plunder or take away any of their
Goods or cattle without Special Warrant under our Hands to
that purpose. As also to pass from this Garrison to Pitchford
with their Horses Arms & Necessaries, without your Molesta-
tion, Given under our hands

And: Lloyd.

Bridgenorth April 28 1646. Ro. Cuvii

ROJIT CiiARLTON.

To all Ollicors & Soldiers in the Parliament Armys.
Vol. VIII., 2nd S tftf

306

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

ccxlvii. elinor davenport to lady ottley

Good Maddam

My humble servis presented to your Ladyship ; I have
bine at bridgnorth with the sequestrators, mager Braine went
with me to Mr Hunke Hed and wished him that I might have
any thing that was my Lady Ottley's ; hee sends me to Mr
Kittelsby and with all bides me take a note what things I
would have, I com to him and desire to lett mo see what
goodes my lady hath there, as beddes, and couertens, and any
other things which is in his keping, hee sayes that my Lady
Ottley desired nothing but her hemp and flax and that was
praised : I asked at what rates, hee says, that in the trunke at
xxxx3 and that in the chest at xxx3, but for anything elce hee
would not unfurnish him selfe as yet, but when that they
ware praysed then Hee will send mee word, for now tho
committe had sent a sworne man to praise those things which
ware not praised. I wished them to use some conservency to
so good a Lady as she is, they promise that they will do any
curtsey they can, So I beesech, good maddam, when you send
to my Lady Ottley, present my humble service to her, and I
should bee glad if I could doe her Lady ship any servis that
lyes in my power ; this with my serves to my cozen Margret
and all yours I remain

Your servant to command

Elinor Davenport.

My sister Davenport presents her humble serves
to her Ladyship and bee seeches you to excuse
her for not coming to wait on you.

By the Articles agreed upon at the surrender of
Bridgnorth Castle, 2Gth April, 164G, it was provided
" That Lady Ottley, her children, and maid servants,
have liberty, with their wearing clothes, to go to Pitch-
ford, or the Hay, and there to live unmolested." I
presume that the writer of this letter had undertaken
to see to her Ladyship's goods on her belalf, and that
this is her report.

Thomas Lee, who writes to Lady Ottley in the next
letter, was the son of Lancelot Lee of Coton, in the
parish of Alveley, by his wife Jane, daughter of Thomas
Dlomsou of Bcrrington, co. Stafford. Lancelot Lee was

DELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

307

a Justice of the Peace for Salop, who sided with the
Parliament, and was appointed one of the Shropshire
Committee. He was a kinsman of Sir Francis Ottley,
his mother being a daughter of Richard Ottley, uncle
of Sir Francis. Thomas Lee was of Lincoln's Inn, and
it is not difficult to understand that on the strength of
their relationship Lady Ottley had engaged him as her
attorney, with the hope that he and his father might use
what influence they possessed with the sequestrators, to
obtain easier terms in valuing the produce of the farm
in question, and placing on it an acceptable tenant.

" Cosen Kettlesby," mentioned by Thomas Lee, may
have been of the family of Kettleby of Steple, or Stepple
Hall, in the parish of Neen Savage, the difference of
spelling the name being no obstacle to such an inference,
considering what looseness existed then in spelling
names. There was a Thomas Kettelby, who with Miles
Ashton wrote to the Bailiff and inhabitants of Bishop's
Castle, Feb. 23rd, 1645-6, stating that they had received
orders from the Honorable Committee of Parliament to
protect the town from the "violence and wronges of
the comon enemye," in other words, from the Royalists.
This might have been " Cozen Kettlesby."

CCXLVIII. THOMAS LEE TO LADY OTTLEY.

1646.

Madam

My ffather w'th my selfe have bine with the sequestra"
tors accord in ge to your Desire, and they seeme to bee very
willinge to lett us have it before any, but their rates of selling
are very high, requiringe noe lesse then the one halfe of ye
yearely value of it w'th all other payments besides, w'ch is very
hard, espeaciahy consideringe how farr ye yeare is gone, a
stocke at present beinge waitinge w'th all. They value it at
Eight score pounds p' An'm, and say it lyes only in ye power
of the Committee to lett it bee sett under ye above written
rate, they haveinge an order from them to lett it noe other-
wise; I conceave your Ladyship hath noe better way then to
send your man Richards to ye Committee uppon ffriday where

S'happs hoc may meete with either Mr Hawkeshcad or my
osen Kuttlesby, and they will acquaint ye Committee how ye

308

THE OTTLEY PAPERS

state of the busines standes, otherwise, if hee meete them not,
hee without doubt by some friend's meanes may have accesse
to them ; yt it is very hard to give fourescore pounds p' A'um
for it w'th all other Dues & Duties for it, consideringe their
want of a stocke, & the forwardnes of ye springe, wich hee,
beinge a notable husbandman, needes not bee tould what to
say, and I thinke noe man fitter then hee to take it, for I see
it is the manner of others to putt one of their servants to
take their demeanes, as it were for them selves, ye hard corno,
I beleeve, yt is in the grownd wilbe given into ye bargaine ;
for the pease and the barley, especially ye barley, the
buyinge of it must be payed for; and lor the corne in the barne
you might resolve to take a course about, or else it wilbe all
threashed up and sould ; but I doe intend if possible to stop
them tomorrow tell I doe learne from you what you have
done, and for to bargaine wrh them for it; but as for the other
thinges that were in the Castle all that possibly can bee spared
you shall have at such rates as they bee praysed. Thus
leavinge all to your better Consideracons with my ffathers and
my most humble service to Sr fTrancis, your Ladyship, and
Cosens, wishinge all best that may bee I rest in hast

6° May 1646. Yor Ladyshipp's most humble

servant to Comaund

Thos: Lee.

My ffather uppon Consideracon since hee speake with you
is afraydo yt you will make little of it unlesse it bee through
your owne stockinge of it, there are such a deale of voyde
grounds hereabouts, hee would have you bethinke your selfe
likewise about it whether it wilbe best for you to take it all, or
ye house and some of it. I pray lett there be noe time lost in
this busines, and as soon as may bee lett Richards come to my
ffather & acquaint him what is clone, for my ffather hath
p'ferred ye Sequestrators £20 p' A'um with all other payments
and hee believes it were better proffer to the Comittee £20
more rather then lett it passe to others. I much feare what
wee shall doe about ye corne in the barne, they can tell so well
how many stricks it will come to, it had beine well if it had
bin looked after before it was soe neere threshed.

CCXLIX. A PASS FOIl MR RICHARD OTTLEY.
1646.

These are to desire you that you permit and suffer the
bearer hereof Mr Richard Ottley with his Horse to pass all

KELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

309

your Courts of Guard and Scouts from Pitchford to this
Garrison of Shrewsbury, to Speak with this Committee, with-
out any your let or Interruption, given under our hands this
16th of June 1646. i

p. Ro : Clive
To all Commanders Officers And : Lloyd

and Soldiers, in the service Rout Charlton.

of the King and Parliam1

CCL. AN ORDER OF THE SEQUESTRATORS.

1646.

By me Thomas Farmer.
At the Comtee of Goldsmith's Hall, London for Compound-
ing with Delinquents according to an Order of the Honourable
House of Commons you are hereby directed and required that
you forbear to Medic with any part of Sir Francis Ottley's
goods not yet taken away or to Cutt any of his Woods, or sell
or dispose of Any part that is felled or unfelled.
18 Junii

D. Watkins John Ashe

Rich. Waring Christopher Hacke

Jerom: Alexander Mich: Hering.

ccli. an order of the house of commons.
1646

Die Jovis 8 Julii. 1646.

Ordered by the Commons Assembled in Parliament, that
all such Persons as have presented Petitions at Goldsmith's
Hall, or agreed to their Compositions, & shall not come in
before the first of August next, and prosecute their Com-
positions to Effect, shall lose the whole benefit of faviour
intended by their Compositions and be reputed amongst those
who still stand out, & have not rendered themselves to the
Parliament,

This to be forthwith printed & published, and that the
case thereof be referred to the Committee of Goldsmith's Hall.

H. Elsynge Cler : Pari. D : Com.

Vera Gopia

CCLII. AN ORDER OF THE SEQUESTRATION COMMITTEE
REGARDING THE PROPERTY OF SIR FRANCIS OTTLEY.

1646.

At the Comtec at Goldsmiths Hall London for the Com-
pounding with Delinquents 24° July 1646

i

310

THE OTTLEV PAPERS

Gent.

We formerly sent you a letter requiring you to Certify
unto us the Value of the Estate real and personal of Sir
Francis Ottley, Knight, & that you should deliver all such
Writings which concern his Estate, that thereby he might the
better proceed to a Composition for the same, and that you
would lorbear to Cutt & fell any of his Woods, or dispose of
any already felled or Cut ; these are therefore to require you to
Yeald Conformity to our said Order, and to deliver unto the
said Sir Francis, or to whom he shall Appoint to receive the
same, a deed of Feoffment, made by the said Sir Francis
Ottley's Father and himself for payment of Debt (and raiseing
of portions to Feoffees in Trust) in case you have not delivered
the same, and that you forbeare to Cutt or carry any more of
his Woods, or otherwise to prejudice him in any part of his
personal Estate upon any pretence whatsoever, until! you bhall
receive further Order from this Committee therein, so not
doubting of your comply ance we rest.

To his very Loving and Much John Ashe. Ant ho : Irby

respected Sister Mrs Mary D : Watklns

Harries at Cructon, these with Jerem : Alexander

speed Ch. Packk.

CCLIII. PROVISION FOR LADY OTTLEY BY ORDER OF THE
COMMITTEE.

Quinto die Sept: 1646.

It is Ordered that the Lady Lucy Ottley wife of Sir
Francis Ottley Knight have a fifth part of the real estate of
her said husband, and a fifth part of his personal Estate
(yet undisposed off) Assigned unto her towards the Maintain-
anco of her self and Children, according to the Ordinance of
Parliament in that behalf.

Leave this with Mr John
Wathall Draper in the High
Street whom I pray to convey
with speed as above

Sam: Moyer
Rich : Waring

Shrewsbury p Post.

164o.

E. H: Rich: Mason

Clerk to the Comtee.

RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

311

On the capture of Ludlow by Col. Birch in May the
last of the Royal Garrisons in Shropshire had fallen,
and the Civil War was virtually at an end. And on
the 22nd of June Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice
" took the road, with their attendants, and their passes
to the sea-coast; a sight for the curious. On Tuesday
* there went about 300 persons, mostly of quality;' and
on Wednesday all the Royalist force, ' 3,000' (or say
2,000) 4 to the Eastward, 500 to the North;' < with
drums beating, colours flying,' for the last time ; all
with passes, with agitated thoughts and outlooks : and
in sacred Oxford, as poor Wood intimates, the abomina-
tion of desolation supervened ! — Oxford surrendering
with the King's sanction quickened other surrenders ;
Ragland Castle itself, and the obstinate old Marquis,
gave in before the end of August ; and the First Civil
War, to the last ember of it, was extinct."1

1 Carlylc's Oliver Cromwell, i., p. 219.

In concludiug the task of editing, to the best of my
ability, this very interesting collection of papers, I deem
it necessary to append a few remarks.

Should I have laid myself open to the charge of
presumption in undertaking this work, I can only reply
that I entered upon it with much diffidence, and con-
templated merely a transcript of the MSS., generously
entrusted to me by Colonel Cotes, for insertion in our
Transactions, accompanied by the brief notes of the
late Joseph Morris. I soon discovered, however, that
without much fuller comments on persons and events,
the meaning and valuo of the MSS. could hardly be
appreciated. It was necessary to construct a chronolo-

312 OTTLEY PAPERS RELATING TO THE CIVIL WAR.

gical- table of events relating to, and affecting Shrop-
shire, during the course of the Civil War ; and to collect
from every available source such biographical notes of
those who played their parts, as leading or subordinate
characters, in the great drama of the period. These
considerations opened my eyes to the gravity and
largeness of my task, but not till it was too late to
abandon it. I have done the best I could, and now
trust to the lenient judgment of the reader. I ask no
tolerance of errors, some of which T have already
detected, and shall be obliged by having my attention
called to those that have escaped me, which shall be
noticed in a future list of corrigenda.

In addition to those persons to whom I have already
expressed my obligations for their assistance, I must
here mention the following : — Miss Auden, Dr. E.
Calvert, Mr. Thomas Slaney Eyton, Rev. W. G. D.
Fletcher, Mr. H. T. Weyman, Mr. Samuel Butler,
Mr. Rupert Kettle, and Mr. Robert Watkins.

William Phillips.

313

RUYTON CHURCH.

By R. LLOYD KENYOJST.

The Laws of King Edgar, first sole monarch of all
England, made about A.D. 970, enact "That God's
Churches be entitled to every right; and that every
tithe be rendered to the old Minster to which the
district belongs." " But if there be any thane who on
his bocland [freehold land held by deed] has a Church
at which there is a burial place, let him give the third
part of his own tithe to his Church. If anyone have a
Church at which there is not a burial place, then of the
nine parts [left to himself after the tithe is paid] let
him give to his prie3t what he will." Therefore, before
this time, England had been divided into ecclesiastical
districts, each attached to a Minster ; and as the mass
priest of the Minster is immediately afterwards distin-
guished from the Bishop and declared to be entitled to
the tithe, these districts were what we call not dioceses,
but parishes, and the Minsters parish churches. And
as we find that 200 years later Ruyton was a part of
Baschurch parish, we may presume that it was so from
the beginning, and that the tithe3 of Ruyton were paid
to the Church of Baschurch at least from the time of
King Edgar to the time when Ruyton got an indepen-
dent Church of its own.

In the reign of Edward the Confessor, the owner of
the Manor of Ruyton was one Levenot, who owned
also the manors of Petton and Stanwardine-in-the-
Wood, Sheet in Ludford Parish, Cardeston, and parts
of Whitton and Little Withiford. The Manor of
Ruyton at that time comprised only tho Township of
Ruyton, and, probably, Coton ; for Wykoy and Felton,
v\Vol. VI 11., 2naS uo

I

314

RUYTON CHURCH.

which are now included in it, were then independent
manors, and included all the other townships now in
the Manor of Ruy ton. At the conquest they all passed,
with the greater part of Shropshire, to Roger of Mont-
gomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, the conqueror of Mont-
gomeryshire and founder of Shrewsbury Abbey, and
he gave to his new Abbey, among other things, the
advowson of the Church of Baschurch. When Domesday
Book was compiled, about A.D. 1080 to 1086, one Odo
held Ruyton and Stanwardine, under the Earl. The
Earl's property passed successively, with the Earldom of
Shrewsbury, to his sons Hugh and Robert, and was
forfeited to the King by the rebellion of the latter in
1102. The Earldom was not reconstituted, and the
enormous property was broken up, but Alan Fitz
Flaald was made hereditary Sheriff of Shropshire, and
was given more than 70 manors in various parts of
Shropshire, besides many others elsewhere. Among the
manors so given to him were Ruyton, Stanwardine,
Felton and Wykey. They passed about 1114 to his
son William Fitz Alan, then a child, and he, about
A.D. 1155, or perhaps earlier, gave Ruyton, Wykey, and
Felton to John le Strange to hold under himself, It
is in William Fitz Alan's time that we find the first
mention of a Church at Ruyton ; for a Charter of
Bishop Clinton of Lichfield, 1129 to 1148, confirms to
Shrewsbury Abbey M The Church of Nesse with a
pension of 10/-, the Church of Album Monasterium
(Oswestry) with its Chapels and its pension of 30/-, the
Church of Bascherch with its Chapels and its pension of
20/-, and the Church of Mudle (Middle) with its pension
of 6/8 and his successor Bishop Durdent, 1 1 49 to 1 1 59,
confirms to the Abbey, " The Church of Nesse with its
tithes, the Church of Album Monasterium with its
tithes and its appurtenant Chapels, the Church of
Baschirche with the Church of Rueton and the Church
of Petton which pertain to it as Chapels, and the Church
of Mudla with its tithes and Chapels." So that the
chapels subject to Baschurch were those of Ruyton

RUYTON CHURCH.

315

and Pet ton, and both of them existed before the death
of Bishop Clinton in 1148. The extremely disturbed
reign of King Stephen is not a time at which one would
have expected Church building to flourish, but as a
matter of fact, a good many of such subject Chapels
were built in Shropshire in this reign by laymen, and
consecrated by the Bishops of Lichfield and Hereford,
"asa protection for the poor and having respect to the
warlike troubles of the time," as the Bishop of Hereford
put it;1 ' 1 necessity compelling," as Bishop Clinton of
Lichfield says.

The architecture of this Church must have been
Norman, for the Gothic style was not introduced for
thirty years or more after 1148 ; and as the Norman
style had quite gone out of use by the end of the 12th
century, it cannot have been adopted in any subsequent
restorations of the Church, therefore any parts of the
Church now remaining which are built in the Norman
style may be safely ascribed to a period before 1148
These parts are the north and south walls of the chancel,
except a few feet at the east end, where it was
lengthened in later times, and where the original ter-
mination may have been an apse ; and the south wall
of the nave. In the south wall of the chancel are a
Norman priest's doorway and two Norman windows, of
good work, with a string course connecting them both
inside and outside. In the north wall are also two
Norman windows connected by a string course both
inside and outside. A similar string course runs along
the outside of the south wall of the nave, though
interrupted by thecutting of two perpendicular windows;
and the doorway under the porch is Norman. The
aumbries in the north wall of the chancel may be
Norman, but are perhaps more probably later insertions-;
and the round arch on the outside of the same wall is
probably modern, and perhaps connected with a vault
outside, and never contained a door into the Church.

1 Eytou i., 37, ii , 332.

316

RUYTON CHURCH.

Many of the stones in the Norman windows and else-
where have had to be renewed, but substantially the
two walls of the chancel and the south wall of the nave
belong to the original Church, and were built before
1148, The style of work1 belongs to a period probably
not earlier than 1120, so that we may safely date the
erection of the Church between 1120 and 1148.

Baschurch, the "minster" or mother Church of
Ruy ton, was a Collegiate Church, where several priests
held the Rectory in common, as is still the case at
Pontesbury. They were appointed by Shrewsbury
Abbey, but received the income for their own use, and
were not removable by the Abbey. They would there-
fore not be monks, but secular clergy. Probably they
lived together, and one of them would periodically ride
or walk over to Ruy ton to perform the services there.
But Novant, Bishop of Lichfield, between 1188 and
1194, by Charter appropriated the Church of Baschurch
with all its appurtenances, alter the deaths of the two
existing incumbents, William Brun and Herbert fitz
Alard, to Shrewsbury Abbey " for the use of their
guests and of travellers, and of the poor,,; subject to an
obligation to present at all future times to the Bishop
a suitable person, who should receive a proper and
sufficient portion of the income to enable him to support
all the burdens properly belonging to the Church.
Between 1208 and 1210, William Brim's portion fell
vacant, and as the See of Lichfield and Coventry was
also vacant, the official of the late Bishop inducted the
Abbey into corporal possession of that Portion, an
induction which was repeated in 1216 by the new
Bishop. If William fitz Alards portion was also vacant,
the Abbey now became Rector of Baschurch, and the
tithes, including those of Ruyton, were payable to the

1 For my information as to the architecture of the diHerent parts
of the Church 1 am indebted to Mr. 1>. H. S. Cranage, who most
kindly visited Uuyton and very carefully examined the Church on
the Uth Aj.ril, 1S(JG.

RUYTON CHURCH.

317

Abbey. Henceforth one of the monks would be appointed
Vicar of Baschurch, and would be responsible for the
services at Ruyton also, but would be removable at the
will of the Abbey.1 The income of the Vicar of Baschurch
was valued for Pope Nicholas' Taxation in 1291 at
£5 2s. per annum.

But if the black robed 2 Benedictines ever came to
Ruyton, their rule there cannot have lasted long,
" John le Strange, Lord of Knokyn & of Ruton, held
always with the King [John], and did damage to the
prince [Llewellyn of Walesjs people. And therefore
the prince caused the castle of Ruton to be demolished,
and took his people and imprisoned them ; at which John
was much grieved."3 This must have been in or about
the year 12 12, 4 and it is very probable that the chapel
would be partly destroyed with the castle, though, as
we have seen, part of the present Church is certainly
older than that time. And about A.D. 1230 to 1240
Ruyton had become an independent parish, for the
name of " Walter, Parson of Ruton " occurs as witness
to a deed of that date relating to land at Edgbold.5
We may suppose that this was done by the influence of
John le Strange (the second}, who died 1237-8. The
Manor of Baschurch was now wholly in the hands of
the Abbot of Shrewsbury, and the new Parish was con-
stituted for the two adjacent Manors of Ruyton and
Wykey, which belonged to le Strange ; Felton was in
the hands of another branch of the same family, and
had a church of its own, and was therefore not
included. Ruyton being the site of the Castle
and Church naturally gave the name to the parish,

1 See Blachtone, Bk. iv., pt. ii., ch. 1.

2 The general Chapter of the Order at Northampton, A.D. 1225,
allowed the gown to bo black, white, or russet coloured cloth
(Monasticon i., xlviii) ; but in later times at least it seems generally
to have been black. (See Encyclopoadias and Owen & Blakcway, 1, 87).

3 I/ist. vf-Fulk Fitz Waring published by the Warton Club, p. 101.

4 See Owen & Blakcway, i., 91
b Kyton ix., ol\.

I

I

318

RUYTON CHURCH.

and to the united Manor, and Wykey and the
townships belonging to it became townships in Ruyton.
On the formation of the new parish, the Monks of
Shrewsbury had to surrender their right to the tithes,
but they were perhaps glad to do this in consideration
of not being called upon to rebuild the Church, for the
tithes in a district so liable to Welsh incursions and to
hostilities between neighbouring Barons can have been
of very little value. Le Strange became the patron,
and doubtless himself did any restoration which the
Church may have required.

At this period, therefore, between the destruction of
the Castle in 1212 and the erection of Ruyton into a
separate parish about 1238, it is likely that repairs or
improvements were executed. The early English archi-
tecture prevailed, and was in its youth at this time ;
and to this period the westernmost pier with two
smaller shafts attached to it, and its base, and the
westernmost arch, certainly belong. The base of the
next column is invisible, and those of the two eastern-
most ones are 100 years later ; but the most easterly
arch seems to be composed of stones similar to those in
the westernmost, while the mouldings on the two
western arches are much better than on the others,
but the whole seem carelessly and clumsily put to-
gether. In all probability, the original Norman Church
had no aisle, and Le Strange at this time built a chapel
where the east end of the aisle now is, communicating
with the Church by two arches ; and the pier with two
small shafts, which is at the west end of the present
aisle, was at the west end of that chapel, with a similar
one at the east end, which has since been cut away for
the niche there, and one column in the middle, on
which was probably the cunous carved head still to be
seen ; and all the good and carefully worked mouldings
on the existing arches belonged to the two arches so
built by Le Strange ; and the single carved corbel now
in the wall of the aisle supported the roof of this chapel;
but all were taken down when the chapel was enlarged

RUYTON CHURCH.

319

into an aisle in the following century, and re-built in
their present positions. It may be that the Chantry
which we find existing in Henry VIII. 's time was
founded by Le Strange for serving an altar in this
Chapel. The priest's primary duty would no doubt be
to pray for the souls of Le Strange and his family.

In 1272, the Abbot of the Augustinian Abbey of
Haughmond is said to have been a Le Strange, but
whether this were so or not, in that year John le
Strange, the fourth of the name, gave to Haughmond
Abbey one acre of his own demesne in Ruiton lying
near the King's way towards Whiteminster (Oswestry),
and reaching in length from the house of William, son
of John le Mazun, to the grantor's meadow ; together
with the advowson of the Church of Ruiton, with its
appurtenances ; so that the patronage now passed from
the Le Stranges to Haughmond Abbey, which retained
it till the dissolution of the Abbey. About the same
time he also gave to the Abbey the Heath Mill, on
condition that with half the profits of it they should
maintain two lights to burn at the head and foot of the
tomb of Johanna his wife.1 It does not appear whether
this tomb was in the Abbey or in Ruyton Church. If
the latter, this land may have been part of that sold in
Edward VI. 's reign.

The object of patrons in transferring their patronage
to Religious Houses is thus stated in a remonstrance
against appropriations addressed by the English nobility
to Pope Alexander IV. in 1259 :2— "That they and
their predecessors; out of respect to the appearing
sanctity of Religious Societies in England, had liberally
conferred upon them their right of patronage, that by
that means they might have the power of choosing fit
persons, and presenting them to the Bishops, as a more
effectual provision for the care of souls and relief of the
poor and they go on to say that " they found them-

1 Blakoway MSS. in Bodleian.

2 Kcnuet's Parochial Antiqiiities% 433.

320

RUVTOtf CHURCH.

selve3 frustrated in this pious intention, not only by
Papal provisions, that interrupted the right course of
presentation, but chiefly because the religious, by
clandestine and indirect ways, with neglect or contempt
of their own Bishops, had obtained those Churches to
their • proper use, by concessions from the Apostolic
See ;" all of which, in spite of the remonstrance, was to
be afterwards illustrated in the case of Kuyton parish.
For the present, however, the income of the Church
remained to the incumbent, the Abbey merely obtaining
the right of presentation.

A tombstone of about this period, carved with an
elaborate cross and some rude symbols, apparently the
sole of a shoe and an axe head, was found built into
the wall of the porch, when the latter was re- built in
1892. It is now placed in the aisle.

In the year 1288, King Edward I. promised to under-
take a crusade to the Holy Land, and towards defray-
ing the expenses, Pope Nicholas IV. granted him for 6
years the tenths of all ecclesiastical benefices, which
tenths had for a long time been paid to the Pope.
In consequence of this grant, the King had a valuation
of all benefices made on oath, which was completed for
the Province of Canterbury in 1291, and is called the
Taxation of Pope Nicholas.1 By this valuation all
taxes on ecclesiastical benefices were regulated until
Henry VIII. had a novv valuation made in 1534. The
Hectory of Ruyton was valued at £8 per annum. Perhaps
we may consider this to be equivalent in purchasing
power to £200 per annum at the present time, though
the prices of commodities fluctuated so enormously that
it is difficult to arrive at anything like an average value
for them ; in 1290 for instancy, wheat rose from 2/- to
16/- per quarter; and this was far from being an
isolated instance. In 1302, wheat is said to have been
worth 4/- a quarter, a cow G/-, a fat sheep l/-.2

Soon after 1301, when Edmund, Earl of Arundel,

1 Liwjard iii., 255 ; Eccl. Taxatio, Introduction, and p. 247b.

2 Fleetwood's Clwonicun Prcciosum, p. 83.

RUYTON CHURCH.

321

succeeded to the title and to the suzerainty of Ruyton,
he bought from John le Strange, the 5th of the name,
all his interest in the place, and began to take active
measures to develop and improve it. He granted a
charter 1 to the inhabitants in the hope of encouraging
the growth of a town, he obtained for them the right
to hold a market and fair, and he in all probability re-
built both the Castle and the Church. The decorated
style of architecture came into fashion about his time,
and the tracery of the east window of the chancel is
very characteristic of the first few years of this century.
No doubt, therefore, Edmund, Earl of Arundel, built
the few feet at the eastern end of the north and south
walls of the chancel, and the present east wall. The
chancel may have previously terminated, as Norman
chancels often did, in an apse. The aumbries in the
north wall may be original, or may have been added at
this time West of them is a small square opening,
smaller than the usual " low side windows," which has
iron hinges for a door to open outwards from the
Church. The present doors, both of this and of the
aumbries, are new this year (1896).

In 1868, during the restoration of the Church2, the
foundations of a small chamber on the north of the
chancel were discovered, and were then arched over and
made into a vault, in which, in 1880, Mr. J. R. Kenyon,
Q.C., of Pradoe, was buried. The east wall of this cham-
ber was a continuation of the east wall of the chancel, and
therefore it cannot have been built before the present
east wall was built. It has been suggested that this
chamber was built for the abode of a hermit, and that this
small opening was its communication with the church.
Hermitages existed in Shropshire and in the Diocese of
Lichfield in various places from at least the 12th to the
16th centuries,3 and they were sometimes attached to

1 Translated and explained, Shrop. Arch. Trans. y 2nd series iii , 238.

2 Parish Paper for Dec., 1873, p. 111.

3 Sec index to Eyton ; Owen and Blakoway, ii., 105; and Diocesan
Hist, of LichjUld, pp. 154, 156, 1G2.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. TP

322

RUYTON CHURCH.

churches. That at St. Chad's, Stafford, was in exactly
the same position as ours, on the north side of a Norman
chancel, and with a very similar door of communication
into the church. Another appears to have been in a
similar position, and to have had an exactly similar door
at Acton Burnell, and thera is still in existence a chamber
in a similar position at Stoke Prior Church, Broms-
grove, as to which records are said to exist proving
that a hermit was living there in the time of Henry
II. The hermitage, if it was one, at Ruyton, can
hardly be as early as this, as Normau architecture was
still prevailing throughout Henry IPs reign, but it
may have been built at the same time as, or shortly
after, the restoration of the Church by the Earl of
Arundel in the reign of Edward II. These hermitages
were sometimes at least closed up so that the hermit
had no means of egress ; his food had to be brought to
him by the neighbours, and he probably occupied him-
self in such work as copying or illuminating MSS ,
when not engaged in prayer or in giving advice to
those who sought it. The hermits were sometimes of
noble birth, A tombstone, which appears to repressnt
a hermit knight of the 15th century, was formerly in
St. Alkmond's, Shrewsbury, and is now in the Abbey.
Perhaps the fact that Ruyton Church is dedicated to
St. John the Baptist would make it specially likely to
be chosen for the abode of a hermit.

Earl Edmund let the fishery of the Heath Pool to
John, Rector of Ruyton, for life ; but it turned out
that the fishery had been granted to Haughmond
Abbey, by John le Strange, before the Earl had bought
le Strange's rights. The rector died in April, 1325,
and in June, the Earl surrendered the fishery to the
Abbey, lie acquired for himself seven burgages in the
Borough of Ruyton, which had been built on land
belonging to the Church, giving in exchange to Haugh-
mond Abbey some land at Upton Magna.

Unfortunately for Ruyton, Edmund, Earl of Arundel,
took a very leading part in the disturbed politics of

iiuYton ohuhch.

323

his time, and finally, embracing the side of the King
against the Queen and Roger Mortimer, he was taken
prisoner on the 17th November, 1326, and beheaded at
Hereford,1 His estates were conferred upon Mortimer,
and Ruyton lost the greatest benefactor and most
powerful protector it has ever had.

Ruyton had now enjoyed its own tithes for 100
years. John fitz John, Rector of Ruyton, died on April
3 id, 1325, and on May 15th, John de Coventry was
admitted as rector on the presentation of the Abbot
and Convent of Haughmond. But the Abbot and
Convent seem to have thought that now that the Le
Stranges and Fitz Alans, who had so long been
interested in Ruyton, had both of them lost their
connection with it, there would be a good opportunity
for the Abbey to make a profit out of it. Pope John
XXII. was the reigning Pope, the second of the series
who held their Court not at Rome but at Avignon. He
was notorious above other Popes for his rapacity.2 He
carried to its height the system of reserving for himself
the appointment to benefices vacated by promotion,
and of providing incumbents for them who were often
foreigners. He sold his appointments for m oney. In 1331
the Bishop of Lichfield had kept 40 benefices vacant
for 3 years, in order to send their revenues to the Pope,
and in 1332 he added 12 more to the number. The
Pope died fabulously rich. To this Pope the Abbot
and Convent sent a petition, accompanied, doubtless,
with a handsome fee, stating that the value of Ruyton
Rectory was only 12 merks (equivalent to £8), and
asking leave to appropriate it. By a Bull3 dated the
Ides of June in the 14th year of our Pontificate (13
June, 1330), the Pope granted this petition, gave the
Abbot corporal possession as soon as the existing Rector

1 Owen and Blakeway, i., 161.

2 Milmm's Latin Ckristiinity, vii., 435, n. ; Dioc. flint, of Lick'
field, I I -J.

3 Copied in full in Blaltcway's MSS. No. 3 in BjJloian Library.

324

BUV TON CHURCH

should depart, set aside any assent or licence of the
Bishop of Lichfield as altogether unnecessary, but
reserved out of the income a " congruous portion " for
the perpetual Vicar, which should be sufficient to
maintain him properly and enable him to sustain the
Episcopal charges and other necessary burdens. On
27th Feb. 1331, by deed dated at Prestecote, Roger
Northburgh, Bishop of Lichfield, who had himself been
nominated to the Bishopric by John XXII., recited the
Bull, including the clause declaring his own consent
unnecessary, but confirmed it, and for this confirmation
he exacted his price. A precisely similar transaction
had just taken place with respect to the living of
Stanton-upon-Hineheath. There was an ancient right
by which in the case of Rectories in this district, if the
patron failed to present on a vacancy, two-thirds of the
fruits of the living devolved upon the Bishop during
the vacancy, and after a certain time, the right to
collate to the living came to him. These possible sources
of profit he lost when the Rectory was appropriated by
an Abbey, and accordingly on the 3rd April, 1331, the
Abbot had to agree to pay to the Bishop a pension of
2 merks yearly for his consent to the appropriation of
the Churches of Ruyton and Stanton. Moreover, if the
Bishop neglected to collate to a Rectory, the right
devolved on the Chapters of Lichfield or Coventry.
Remote as this chance of profit was, it was not to be
parted with for nothing, and each of the Chapters made
the Abbey pay them a pension of one merk annually
for their consent to the appropriation of these two
Churches. These pensions continued to be paid until
the dissolution of the Abbey.

But remonstrances against the rapacity both of the
Pope and of the Religious Houses were growing loud
both in England and on the Continent. The Bishops
and nobles were vehement in their complaints, and the
popular feeling is expressed in the poetry of Piers
Ploughman and Chaucer. We have seen the remon-
strance made in 1251) by the English nobility In 1280

RTJYTON CHURCH. 325

a most severe letter was sent by the Archbishop of
Canterbury to the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield,1
condemning in no measured terms their conduct in
taking the tithes from the parishes appropriated to
them, and making little or no provision for the churches
or resident ministers. He says with respect to Bake-
well Church, which belongs to your chapter, " who can
endure with patience to hear that the deacon and sub-
deacon of so rich a Church have to beg for the necessaries
of life," and he proceeds with many unfavourable
comments, to order what they shall pay in a number of
different instances. In 1307 was passed a statute for-
bidding the sending money out of the Kingdom by
Abbeys or other religious bodies ; and in 1351a stringent
statute against papal provisions was passed. And while
the Bishops and nobles were thus trying to mitigate
the evil, a strong feeling was growing up among the
lower ranks of the people.

In the beginning of the 13th century had sprung up
the orders of mendicant friars, a practical protest against
the riches and corruption of the monks and secular
clergy ; and both of their two great orders, Dominicans
and Franciscans, were established in Shrewsbury by
the middle of that century. The friars were permitted
to travel freely through the country, preaching, hearing
confessions, and living on alms, and would be well
known in Buyton as elsewhere. In the time of John
XXII. the Franciscans were in open collision with the
Pope ; many of them asserted that " there were two
Churches, one carnal, overburdened with possessions,
overflowing with wealth, polluted with wickedness,
over which ruled the Roman Pontiff and the inferior
Bishops ; one spiritual, frugal, without uncleanness,
admirable for its virtue, with poverty for its raiment ;
it contained only the spirituals and their associates,
and was ruled by men of spiritual life alone." They
asserted the absolute poverty of Christ and his Apostles,

Jlonusticotu vi.. 1240.

326

KtTYTON CHtJRCH*

and that absolute poverty was the perfect way of life.
A general chapter of the Franciscan Order at Perugia
declared unanimously that to assert the absolute
poverty of Christ, the perfect way, was not heretical,
but sound, catholic, consonant to the faith. A bull of
Nicholas III. distinctly asserted this. One of John
XXII. declared it heretical. The General of the
Franciscan Order published a protest against the Pope's
opinion, and the administrator of the Order in England,
together with the administrators in Upper Germany,
Aquitaine, France, Castile, and six others, set his seal to
the protest. And while the Franciscan friars appealed
to the populace, William of Ockham, an Englishman,
though settled in Germany, was arguing with the
learned on the same side, and attacking on philosophical
grounds the whole fabric of the Papal dominion. Clearly
an alienation of tithes from the parish where they were
raised to the kitchen of a distant Abbey would not
pass in the fourteenth century in Shropshire or else-
where without indignant protest. It would help to
form the anti-clerical opinions of Wickliffe and of the
Shropshire author of Piers Ploughman, both of them
children at this time.

Now is Religion a rydcro
A romerc about
A ledere of love-daycs
And a lond-buggere,1
A prikere on a palfrey
x^ro mancre to manere
An heep of honndes at his ers
As he a lord were.
And but if his knave knele
That shal his coppe brynge,
He loureth on hym, and askcth hyni
Who taughtc hym curtcisic.
Litel hadde lordcs to doon,
To gyve loud from hire heires
To religiouse, that han no routho
Though it rcyne on hir auters.2

1 A land buyer.

2 Piers Ploughman, Passus x., line G217 — G232. Written about
A.D. 13G2.

RUYTON CHURCH. 327 I

On the 29th November, 1331, 1 Roger Mortimer was
hanged, and Richard Fitz Alan, son of Edmund, was
restored to his fathers earldom and estates, but it was
too Lite for him to interfere to prevent the alienation
of Rnyton tithes. He seems, however, to have regretted
the impoverishment of the incumbent, for on April 16th,
1332, being at Oswestry Castle, he gave to William
the Vic^r and his successors, a messuage and curtilage
in the Vill of Ruytone, to pray for the souls of the
Earl and his ancestors, and in honour of St. John the
Baptist of Ruy tone.

On the 4th January, 1332-3, the Bishop admitted
William de Tykelvvardyn, Chaplain, as the first Vicar
of Ruyton, on the presentation of the Abbot and
Convent of Haughmond; and on the next day, the
Abbot, with the consent of the Bishop, issued an
ordinance, in which he recites that in past times the
prior and canons had been supplied in the refectory in
a moderate and simple fashion, so that often it seemed
that the mouth of the ox which treadeth out the corn
had been muzzled ; but that lately the income of the
Abbey had been to some extent, though not sufficiently,
augmented. Accordingly he is about to build a new
kitchen for the Prior and Convent, and the income from
the parishes of Hunstanton, in the Diocese of Norwich,
and of Ruyton, in the Diocese of Coventry [i.e.y Coventry
and Lichfield j, and also certain fish ponds, are appro-
priated for ever to the support of the said kitchen, and
whatever beyond this it requires is to be provided out
of the common funds of the Abbey. The advowson of
Hunstanton, like that of Ruyton, had been given by
the Le Strange family to the Abbey.

Thus was completed the alienation of the tithes from
the living of Ruyton.

The Papal Bull enabled the Abbey of Haughmond to
" ordain " the Vicarage of Ruyton, that is to assign its
income, without any consent from the Bishop, and it

1 Spite Trials, i., 51.

328

RUYTON CHURCH.

did so by a document dated from the Chapter House
of Haughmond on the Monday after the conversion of
St. Paul 1335. After reciting the annexation and
union of the benefice to the monastery, it proceeds as
follows : — 1

We wishing that the vicar in the said Church should be
ordained, ordain the Vicarage as follows in the portions here-
under written. Firstly reserving to ourselves and our succes- j
sors the Grange farm building and gardens adjacent which
formerly belonged to the Rector, and one messuage with half
a virgate of land in the Vill of Erdeston ; and reserving to
ourselves all kinds of tithes of all sorts of corn in the parish
of the Church of Ruyton wherever growing except the tithes
of gardens cultivated by the spade ; and reserving to ourselves
the tithe of wool of the whole parish of the aforesaid Church ;
also the tithe hay of that meadow which lies between the vill
of Ruyton and the new park, which tithes we will to keep and
we specially reserve to ourselves and our monastery ; We have
determined to ordain the portions of the aforesaid Vicarage as
follows : Viz. that the Vicars from time to time may have and
receive in the name of the said Vicarage for their congruous
portion, that dwelling house which Jankin of Ruyton formerly
held, with the dovecote and garden adjacent, which formerly
belonged to the Rectory ; Also that the said Vicars may have
one virgate of land in the said Vill with its tithe, and two
cottages in the said Vill of Ruyton. Also the tithe of milk,
flax, hemp, bees, all mortuaries2 whether live or dead, the tithe
also of geese, young pigs, calves, chickens, and of fish ponds
and fisheries, and the tithe of all mills built or to be built in
the said parish except mills and fisheries belonging to ourselves.
They may have also St. Peter's pence, viz. such as are not due
to the Lord Bishop ; and also the tithe of hay of the whole
parish except that of the meadow above reserved to ourselves;
the tithe of lambs of the whole parish; and moreover the
oblations, and the tithe of all gardens of the whole of the afore-
said parish whether cultivated by the spado or by ploughs ;
also the pence arising from " broken wool," viz. from those
places where there are six fleeces, from which there is not a

1 A copy of the Latin original is in the Blake way MSS., No. 3, in
the Bodleian Library.

2 Viz., legaeies or gifts to the Church in recompense of tithes and
offerings not duly paid, Eytou xii., 187 ; and see Statute 21
Hen. VIII , c. G.

RUYTON CHURCH.

329

whole one for tithe, but instead of tithe a halfpenny is payable
for each fleece ; and everything else which belongs to the said
Church under the head of altar dues or any other head (except
the tithes of all kinds of corn, wool, hay, and the mills, fisheries
aud lands, above reserved to ourselves. And the said Vicars
shall receive from us each year 8 bushels of grain at Ruyton
on the Lords day next before Christmas; and they shall be
subject to and pay the burdens below written, viz. 6/8 to the
Archdeacon of the place for his entertainment at his visitation,
and 2/- a year for the Bishop's Synod ; they shall also cause
the services of the said Church of Ruyton to be performed in all
respects by chaplains and all other proper ministers at their
own cost ; but all other incumbrances on the said Church we
take upon ourselves in exoneration of the Vicars.

The endowment of the Vicarage was therefore two
houses, two cottages, and one " virgate ,;1 of land, all in
the township of Ruyton, and the tithes and dues above
enumerated. One of the two houses, either the one
given by the Earl of Arundel or the one given by the
Abbey, probably stood on or about the site of the
present Vicarage house, which is the only house now
belonging to the living. The endowment continued
substantially the same until in 1847 the tithes were
commuted for a money payment varying according to
the price not of the things which up to that time paid
tithe to the Vicar, but of wheat, barley, and oats.

The bases of the two eastern-most columns ot the
aisle appear to belong to this period. Probably on
appropriating the tithes the Abbey found it necessary
to do something for the Church, so they took down the
Le Strange Chapel and built an aisle instead of it,
using up the good, work of the Chapel, but doing the
building as cheaply as possible, putting it together
carelessly, and supplementing the good arches of the
old work with very inferior new ones. The monks
built beautiful churches for their own Monasteries, but

1 Estimated by Eyton (xii., 209) at about 60 acres ; but it varied
in extent in different places. The glebe now contains 44 J acres, and
probably is much the same as the virgate given in 1335.

Vol. Yin , 2naS. qq

330

BUY TON CHURCH.

they generally took but little interest beyond a pecu*
niary one in the parish churches which they appro-
priated.

We have now traced the history of the Church and
living of Ruyton down to its establishment upon its
present basis in the year 1335, as a Vicarage, endowed
with the same land as it holds now, with the same
tithes as are represented by its present tithe rent-charge,
with a Vicarage House on the site of the present one,
and with a Church, the greater part of which was
identical with the present one. Of the Rectors of
Ruyton before this time we know only a few names.
The first was probably that Walter, Parson ot Ruyton,
mentioned above as witnessing a deed about 1230 to
1240, and would have been appointed by John Le
Strange, the Lord of the Manor; but in 1272 the
patronage passed to Haughmond Abbey, wThich ap-
pointed all the incumbents from that time till the
Dissolution of the Abbey. The last Rectors were John
fitz John, who died 3 April, 1325, and John de
Coventry, who was admitted 15 May, 1325, and must
have " departed/' to use the language of the Pope's
Bull, by 1331, for

William de Tykelwardyn, Chaplain, was admitted
by the Bishop as first Vicar on 4 Jan., 1331-2. The
name is, no doubt, a local one, and very probably a
corruption of Trilwardyne, the old name of a hamlet at
Shifnal.1 The word " Chaplain" answers almost exactly
to our " Curate."2 Some chaplains had separate charge
of a Chapel subject to a mother Church, such as Ruyton
had formerly been, some assisted the incumbent in the
mother Church ; in both these cases the chaplain took
an oath to pay due reverence and obedience to the
parish priests. There were also chaplains maintained
by Lords of Manors for their Manor or house with the
consent of the Bishop, and others who served Chantries^

1 Eyton ii., 311.

2 Kcnnct's Parochial Antupdties, Glossary.

RUYTON CHURCH.

331

which were foundations either separate from or attached
to churches, endowed for the purpose of performing
Masses and other services for the benefit of the soul of
the founder or his family. To these last the chaplains
were instituted and inducted like incumbents, and took
an oath to observe the statutes of the founder. They
would necessaiily be priests. There was one such
Chantry in Ruyton, of which William de Tykelwardyn
may very probably have been chaplain, and which, as
we have seen, was very likely founded by John Le
Strange about 1238.

During William's incumbency statutes of Provisors
and Premunire were passed to check the encroachments
of the Papal Court,. Bishop Norbury of Lichfield made
a thorough visitation of his diocese, discovering and
remedying many abuses.1 The Black Death of 1349
carried off many clergy and others throughout the
diocese. One of its effects was to cause the English
language to be thenceforth used instead of French in
the schools, the supply of French-speaking teachers
being, doubtless, cut off.2

Atton, near Ruyton, now called Shotatton, is spoken
of as a new vill in a deed of 1333, dated at Shrewsbury
on St. Chad's day. By this deed it appears that a
dispute had arisen between Master Richard de Longe-
norle, Hector of Straunge Nesse, plaintiff, and Sir
Nicholas de Longenore (probably the same name and a
relation of the Rector's), Abbot of llaghmond, and his
Convent, defendants, about the tithes of this new Vill.
The dispute was referred to the arbitration of mutual
friends, and "it being found by the oath of credible
witnesses that the said religious have been accustomed
ever since the union and annexation of the parish
Church of Ruyton to them made and appropriate to
receive the whole third part of the aforesaid tithes and
oblations, therefore the said Rector grants for him and

1 Diocesan Hist, of Lichjidd, 131).

2 Owen ;uh! Blukoway, i., 107.

332

RUYTON CHURCH.

his successors that the religious may yearly take as the
right of their Church of Ruytoil the said third part of
tithes and oblations of the said new town, under a
penalty of 40/- to be by him and his successors paid as
often as he or they shall molest them, and if the Rector
or any of his successors shall make default in payment
of the penalty he wills and grants, by assent of the
ordinary and consent of his patron [Shrewsbury Abbey]
that the official of the Archdeacon of Salop, or whatso- !
ever other ordinary judge, after one monition may
lawfully put the Church of Nesse under ecclesiastical
interdict and suspend all persons willing to celebrate
divine service therein until the penalty &c. be paid."
This agreement was confirmed by the Bishop of Lichfield
by deed of 1 April, 1334.1 The division of the tithes
may be accounted for if we suppose that the new Vill
had been built on land hitherto in Ness parish, but
owned by a Le Strange or some other person who was
also owner of the manor of Kuyton and patron of the
Church. The owner may then have assigned to Kuyton
Church the spiritual care of the people, and also undei
the Statute of King Edgar the third part of the tithes
of Shotatton, leaving the other two-thirds to the
original parish of Ness, to which they are still paid,
though the township is wholly in liuyton.

Robert de Haston was admitted 18 Aug., 1358, but
resigned in 13G7, when he was appointed Vicar ot
Shawbury. He is not described in any way, but it
seems to have been an advantage of the patronage
being in ecclesiastical and not in lay hands that the
person presented to the living was nearly always in
priests' orders. This was by no means the case every-
where. Of ten Rectors of Felton during this century,
no less than four were only acolytes, and two were
probably minors, as they had leave of absence given
them to study. Such instances were quite common,

1 Blake way MSS., n. .'i, Shropshire Parochial Notices, in Bodleian
Library, and sec post under the year 1 402.

HtJYTON CHtJRCH.

333

and though the Council of Reading,1 A.D. 1279, under
Archbishop Peckham, made a canon against the practice,
it was often not enforced. Possibly the name de
Haston indicates that he came from Aston, near
Oswestry. The Vision of Piers Ploughman, which
has been already quoted, was probably published during
this incumbency. The author is believed to have been
a monk of Malvern, and to have been born at Cleobury
Mortimer. A John Aston was one of the principal
leaders of the Wyckliffites at Oxford at this time.2

"Richard de Radenale, priest, admitted 1G Oct., 13G7,
resigned in 1385. He probably was a native of Rednal.
In his time, in 1378, the Plague broke out again in the
diocese, and seems to have carried off among others the
Vicars of Loppington and Roden.3 The perpendicular
style of architecture came into use in his time, and
lasted for 160 years or more.

John Wygynton, chaplain, was admitted 13 June,
1385, and died in 1387. He may have come from
Wigginton in Staffordshire. Surnames were very
gradually adopted, and though they had become
general by this time among the upper classes,
the lower classes and peasantry, from whom parish
priests were usually taken, continued for long after-
wards to be named frequently from their trade or
place of residence. On his death Richard Radenale
returned, and held the living till his own death.

John Gamull, alias Russell, was admitted 31 May,
1395. He may have belonged to the family of Gamul
of Knighton, in Staffordshire, whose pedigree in
Ormerods History of Cheshire, iii., 250, mentions a
John in Edward lll.'s reign, who died unmarried, and
may have been a priest. A family of Gamel was well
known in Shrewsbury at this time. About this
time the religious excitement raised by Wickliffe

1 I/ardoin, vii., 783.

2 Wood's history of the University, i., 480 — 510.
a Dioc. hist, of Lich/UM, 1 50.

334

RTJYTON CHTJRCH.

and the Lollards was at its height ; and the Creed
of Piers Ploughman was written somewhere on the
Welsh border, containing a strong attack on the
friars and praise of Wickliffe. Several similar poems
were written and widely circulated, and the authorities
tried to stop them by proscribing them and prosecuting I
the Wickliffites. A priest named William Thorpe was
arrested for preaching their doctrines at St. Chad's in !
Shrewsbury in 1407, and tried before the Archbishop
of Canterbury. The Act for burning heretics was
passed in 1400 ; but statutes against Provisions by the
Bishop of Rome were also made by the same Parlia-
ment. The battle of Shrewsbury was fought during
this incumbency, and after it for some time the whole
neighbourhood was open to the ravages of the Welsh,
and Kuyton was very probably for some time in their
possession.1

Sir Thomas Wycherley, chaplain, was instituted 30
Aug., 1407, on the death of his predecessor. Like most
of his predecessors, he was probably a Shropshire man,
and may have come from Clive, where the family was
settled by the 10 th year of Henry IV. Wycherley the
poet was born there in the reign of Charles I.2 Ruyton
may have been again ravaged by the Welsh in his time,
as in 1409 they made another attempt on Shrewsbury,
and ravaged the country round it. He resigned in
1411 to take the living of Baschurch, and

Sir John Wycherley, chaplain, was instituted 14
Oct., 1411. The celibacy of the clergy was at this
time pretty strictly enforced, so that he was probably
not a son of his predecessor. The title " Sir " was used
commonly for priests at this time, and indicated no
civil rank. John Wycherley held the living nearly 50
years. The present tower is of the early perpendicular
character of the end of the 14th and beginning of the

1 The Piatt liridge was considered to be the boundary between
English and Welsh territory, dough's Ihst. of Middle.
- Al/ujuu. Oxon.y iv., 527. Visitation of Shropshire 1G2;3.

RUYTON CHURCH.

335

15th century, and may have been built at the beginning
of this incumbency, perhaps to re-place an earlier one
damaged by the Welsh. It is said to contain stones
which have evidently come from an earlier building,
but they may have come either from an earlier tower,
if there was one, or from the castle, which was then, in
all probability, in ruins.

In the beginning of this incumbency the reforming
Council of Constance met, deposed the Pope on account
of his infamous life, but burnt the reformers John Huss
and Jerome of Prague, re-asserted the existing system
of doctrine and discipline, and accomplished no reforma-
tion whatever. In 1417 Sir John Oldcastle, one of the
greatest patrons of the reformers, was arrested in the
Marches of Wales by Lord Powis, and burnt in London.
The reigns of the Lancastrian Kings were very unfavour-
able to reformations of religious doctrine, and if opinions
akin to those of the Lollards took root in this neigh-
bourhood, they were probably not openly avowed.
Moreover, the distractions first of the French wars,
and afterwards of the Civil Wars of the Roses, would
prevent religious controversies from taking a very
prominent place.

Sir John Gredynton, chaplain, succeeded on the
death of Sir John Wycherley, and was instituted 9
April, 1460. In his time the dispute about the tithes
of Shotatton, which had been settled in 1334, was
renewed, Richard, Abbot of Haghmond, and his convent,
and Sir John Gredynton, being on the one side, and
Sir William Bikley, perpetual Vicar of Ness Straunge,
on the other side. It was referred to Master John
Clone, Bachelor of Degrees, Sequestrator and Commis-
sary General of John, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield,
and he delivered his award in Wem Church on the
Thursday after St. Luke's Day, 14G2, when he ordered
that "the Abbey and the Vicar of Ruyton should
receive the third part of all tithes and oblations of the
new town of Atton, according to the form and effect of
the composition of 1334; save that the Vicar of Straunge

336

RUYTON CHURC&.

Ness should freely receive the whole oblations of the
men and women of Atton offering for three solemn
and accustomed days in the Church of Straunge Ness."1
Accordingly, to this day, the Vicar of Ness receives
two-thirds, and the Vicar of Ruyton only one -third of
the Vicarial tithes of Shotatton, though the whole
township is in the parish of Ruyton. The great tithes,
having been appropriated by the Abbeys of Haghmond
and Shrewsbury, passed on their dissolution into lay
hands. Gredynton resigned in 1468, and was suc-
ceeded by

Sir John ap David, alias Walshe, chaplain, instituted
24 Aug., 1468. Surnames were not adopted in Wales
till long after they had become universal in England.
This Vicar was a Welshman, and there was a statute
of 2 Henry IV. still in force that no Welshman should
be received as a burgess in any borough or be made
occupier or officer in the same ; but Ruyton not being
a Royal or Parliamentary borough, probably the pro-
hibition would not apply here. This statute and many
others against Welshmen were repealed by 21 Jac. I.,
c. 28, but had probably been practically disregarded
long before that time. As long as the memory of
Owen Glyndwr and his ravages were fresh in the
neighbourhood, no Welshman could have been appointed
to Ruyton, but Glyndwr had now been dead more than
50 years, and Welsh marauding, though not extinct,
was on a smaller and less formidable scale.

Sir William Sulby, Chaplain, was instituted 18 July,
1480, on the death of Sir John ap David. For some
time after this the Diocesan Registers appear to contain
no entries relating to Ruyton,2 and we cannot tell,
therefore, how long Sulby held this living. The roof

1 Blakcway MSS. No. 3, Shropshire Parochial Notices, in Bodleian
Library. This confirms the supposition that Shotatton was originally
in Ness parish.

P They havo been very kindly searched for mo by the Registrar,
Mr. Hod son.

RUYTON CHURCH.

337

of the nave appears to belong to about this period,
the latter part of the 15th century, and it may have
been at the same time that the east pier between
the aisle and the nave was cut away, and the niche,
which is of perpendicular work, inserted to hold the
statue of a saint. The marks of an earlier and higher
roof are still to be seen on the outside wall of the tower.

Sulby may have been still in office in 1521, when
Cardinal Wolsey ordered a list of 42 of Luther's
opinions condemned by the Pope to be posted on all
parish church doors, and that the incumbents should
require all Luther s books in their parish to be given
up.1 This may have been the first intimation in many
country places that the Papal authority was being
seriously attacked. We have no means of knowing what
the state of private opinion was in this neighbourhood
before the beginning of Henry VIII. 's proceedings, or
whether the doctrines of Piers Ploughman and his imita-
tors, or the influence of Sir John Oldcastle, had left any
dissatisfaction with the religious orders or with the es-
tablished ceremonies or doctrines of the Church in this
part of the Welsh borders. In 1511, the Bishop of
Lichfield had tried some insignificant persons for heresy,2
and in the following March had had one of them burnt
at Coventry, then in his diocese ; but there was exceed-
ingly little overt expression of dissatisfaction. In 152G,
however, Tyndale's translation of the New Testament
was sent over to England,3 and so greatly stimulated
the spirit of enquiry and reform that the Bishops
published in every diocese a prohibition against the
use of it.

In 1528 a clergyman, Richard Coton, for a sermon
preached at Atcham, was sentenced to carry a faggot
in procession round Lichfield Cathedral, and afterwards
round Atcham Church.

1 Strypc's Eccl. Mem., I, 57.

2 Dioc. Hist, of Lichjicld, 177.

3 Pmrnot'a Reformation, i., 51.
Vol. VIII., 2nd S.

338

RUYTON CHURCH.

In 1530 every incumbent was required to read to his
parish a paper, signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury,
the Lord Chancellor, and many others, stating that the
King having called th*m together " to examine some
books lately set out in the English tongue, they had
agreed to condemn them as containing several points of
heresy in them ; and it being proposed to them whether
it was necessary to set forth the Scriptures in the
vulgar tongue, they were of opinion that though it had
been sometimes done, yet it was not necessary, and
that the King did well not to set it out at that time
in the English tongue."1 When Tyndale's translation
was prohibited, it had been understood that the Bishops
intended to put forth a better translation of their own.
This proclamation put an end to that expectation, but
must have set many "people to think whether the pro-
hibition of Tyndale's translation was justifiable, It is
interesting to trace the steps by which the Tleformation
became an actual fact in a remote parish like Ruyton,
where foreign intrigues and the rise and fall of Queens
and ministers of state would appear to be of little
importance, except as subjects for curiosity and gossip.

Richard Gittins is the next Vicar whose name wo
know. In 1533 the Act forbidding appeals to the
Pope, and the King's appeal from the Pope to a general
Council, were ordered to be published on every Church
door in England, and thus the beginning of the
Reformation was formally announced. In 1534 the
whole neb income for the first year, and the tenth of it
for all succeeding years, of an incumbency were trans-
ferred from the Pope to the King, and in 1535 all
livings were re-valued. In the record of this valuation,
called Valor Ecclesiasticus, Ric. Gyttynceus is entered
.as Vicar of Ruyton, and his vicarage is valued at £6
per an., less 2/- for synodals.2 The Rectory, belonging

1 Burnet, i., 262.

2 At this time Id. would buy 2 to 3 lbs. of becf. Fleetwood's
Qhron. Pi cciosum.

RUYTON CHURCH.

339

to Haughmond Abbey, is valued at £7 2s., less the three
payments of one merk (13s. 4d.) each explained above.
The first fruits and tenths so given to the King were
restored to the Church by Queen Anne, and form the
nucleus of the fund known as Queen Anne's Bounty.
The family of Gittins is still well known in Ruyton,
and may not improbably be related to this Vicar.

In 1534 the Bishops were ordered to warn all the
clergy to publish every Sunday the King's title of supreme
head of the Church ; and the Pope's name was ordered
to be erased out of all service books; and in 1535 all
the clergy were ordered to teach the King's supremacy,
and books on the subject were sent to the Bishops to
distribute among them.1 The Bishop of Lichfield,
Rowland Lee, was specially active in obtaining the
acknowledgment of this title. The Archbishop of
Canterbury also made a metropolitical visitation
of his province with the special object of enforc-
ing the acknowledgment of this title and the
erasure of the Pope's name from the services.2 This
was the first alteration made in the services, and must
be looked upon as the actual beginning of the Reforma-
tion in Ruyton and the neighbouring churches.

Next year, 1536, came down. royal injunctions3 for
further declarations in Church. On every Sunday for a
quarter of a year, and after that twice every quarter, every
incumbent was to make a declaration that the Bishop
of Rome's usurped power was properly abolished, and
that the King's power was supreme ; and he was to
declare the articles which had lately been agreed to by
Convocation, of which the first was that all things were
to be interpreted according to the Bible and the three
creeds, and the others were explanations of the use and
meaning of baptism, penance, communion, justification,
images, adoration of saints, purgatory, and a number of

1 Strype's Meet Mem., i., 259, 285, 298.

2 Ikimet, i., 183, 25G, 291, 290.
!i LViiiLed by Burnet, iv., 90.

i

I

340

RUYTON ceuRca.

ceremonies. The explanations were orthodox enough,
and justified the continuance of the old services and
ceremonies of the Church, but the fact that the authori-
ties thought the publication to be necessary must have
made an impression on many men's minds that there
was much that was questionable and in need of ex-
planation. The injunctions further condemned the
extolling images for superstition or gain, and ordered
that the Lord's Prayer, Creed, and ten Commandments
should be taught in English ; that the Sacraments
should be reverently administered, and that " every
Parson shall on this side the feasts of St. Peter ad
Vincula next coming, provyde a book of the whole
Bible, both in Latin, and also in English, and lay the
same in the Quire for every man that will to read and
look therein." This English Bible would be Cover-
dale's, printed in 1535, the only complete Bible yet
printed in English.

In 1536 all monasteries with an income less than
£200 a year were dissolved. This included Buildwas
and a number of smaller foundations in Shrewsbury
and elsewhere, but did not touch this immediate neigh-
bourhood ; but next year a visitation was ordered of
all the remaining monasteries, and though there was
no Act authorising their suppression, they must have
felt that their danger was imminent.

In 1539 came down to all incumbents further in-
junctions from the King, to be read quarterly in
Church.1 They were to provide " one book of the whole
Bible of the largest volume in English," and set it up
in the Church, and encourage everybody to read it.
No one was to trust in other men's works, or in pilgrim-
ages, or relics, or saying over beads which they did not
understand, all of which tended to idolatry. All images
which were abused by pilgrimages or by offerings being
made to them, were to be taken down ; and the saying
of ora pro nobis to ttie saints was declared unimportant,

L'riuLud in liuniut, iv., 101 .

0 ^ >'

KUYTON CHtJRCH.

341

and might be omitted. Some minor alterations, such
as abolishing the commemoration of St. Thomas h.
Becket, were also made. The same injunctions for the
first time ordered the keeping of registers of baptisms,
marriages, and burials in every parish. Upwards of
800 parishes still have registers of this date,1 but those
of Ruyton before 1719 are lost, and are believed to
have been burnt in a fire at the Vicarage in the middle
of the last century. The "Bible of the largest volume
in English" was that called the " Great Bible," pub-
lished this year by Coverdale under the authority of
Cromwell. The order about the Bible, however, was
in many places not carried out, and was repeated, with
penalties, in 154 1.2 The Bibles were meant for private
reading, but were sometimes misused and made centres
for loud arguments and for disturbing the Church
services. They were ordered to be " fixed " in the
parish churches, and were generally chained to some
desk or pillar. The clergy were forbidden to preach
anywhere but in their own churches.3

In 1539 was passed the 11 Act of the six Articles,"as
it is called, though in the Statute Book it bears the
remarkable title of 11 An Act for abolishing of diversity
of opinions in certain articles concerning Christian re-
ligion." It was entirely in favour of the old doctrines,
affirming transubstantion, private masses, and auricular
confession, that priests may not marry, that vows of
chastity are binding, and that it is not necessary to
administer communion in both kinds. This Act also
was ordered4 to be read quarterly in all churches ; but
as it was known that the Archbishop of Canterbury
had voted against it,5 it may be doubted whether it
did much towards " abolishing diversity of opinions."

1 Cox's How to write the History of a Parish, p. 60.

2 Burnet, iv., 138.

3 Strype'H Ecd. Mem., i., 4G7.

4 Burnet, i., 117.

5 lb., 115.

ft

I-

342

lUJYTON CHURCH.

At the same time, an Act was passed legalising all past
and future surrenders of Abbeys, great or small, to the
King, and on the 9th Sept., 1539,1 the great Abbey of
Haughmond, patron of the living of Ruyton and owner
of the tithes and of the mills of the parish, was surren-
dered by the Abbot and ten canons, the Abbot receiving
a pension of £40 a year, and the canons from £5 6s. 8d.
to £10 each. If we remember that the whole net
income of the Vicar of Ruyton at this time was only
valued at £5 18s., the pensions will not seem to have
been inadequate. The property of the Abbey passed
to the Crown, and was soon sold, but the advowson of
liuyton was retained by the Crown till a few years ago,
when it was transferred by way of exchange to the
Bishop of Lichfield.

In 1542 Convocation ordered2 that in every parish
church a chapter of the Bible in English should be read
to the people every Sunday after the Te Deum and
Magnificat, without exposition.

In 1543 an Act of Parliament, however, forbade
this, and repeated the prohibition3 of Tyndale's
translation of the Bible, but authorised all others,
and the Primers and other books printed in English
for the instruction of the people before 1540; but
"no women nor artificers, apprentices, journeymen,
serving men under the degree of yeomen, husbandmen
or labourers" might read the Bible, except that every
noble woman or gentlewoman might read it for herself.
All books contrary to the doctrine which since 1540
had been, or any time thereafter during the King's life
should be, set forth by his highness, were forbidden ;
and all persons might teach and read in their houses
the book which since the same year had been or
should be set out by the King, with the Psalter,
Primer, Paternoster, Ave, and Creed, in English. By

1 Monasticon, and Burnet, iv., 84.

2 Strypc's Ecd. Man., i., 5 SO.

3 Burnet, i., 510.

BUYTON CHURCH.

343

this Act a book called the 11 Necessary Erudition of a
Christian Man," but popularly styled the " Bishop's
Book," was made authoritative.1 It was drawn up by
a committee of divines, who sat by virtue of a com-
mission from the King, confirmed in Parliament, and
contained a definition of faith, explanation of the
Apostles Greed, the seven Sacraments, the ten Com-
mandments, the Lord's Prayer, justification, and good
works, and was intended as a summary of the belief of
the English Church upon these points. The Committee
began its sittings in 15 40, 2 and the book was printed
on the 29th May, 1543, a few days after the Act
making it authoritative had passed. It was issued
with a preface by the King himself requiring *' all
people to read and print in their hearts the doctrine of
this book."

In 1544 the King sent out an English form of Litany
to be used in processions,3 and ordered it to be used
throughout the Province of Canterbury. This was the
last alteration in Church services made in the reign of
King Henry VI LI. ; and the whole of the alterations in
this reign were so slight that no new service books
were printed, but the old ones continued to be used,
with the erasure of a few passages, such as the prayers
for the Pope and the offices for some saints days which
were no longer to be observed.4 But men's opinions
as to the authority of the Church had been shaken to
their foundations by the rejection of the Pope and the
dissolution of the whole of the monasteries ; and the
placing of at least one English Bible in every parish
was an immense step towards a true conception of
religion. Henry VIII.'s death on 27 Jan, 1546-7,
greatly accelerated the Reformation.

1 Uurnot, i., 459.

2 Jh., 517, n.

3 Burnet, iv., 145.
* Burnet, i., 473.

344

RUYTON CHURCH.

In 1547 it was ordered by Royal Proclamation that
a copy of Erasmus' Paraphrase of the New Testament
should be placed, together with the Bible, in every
parish church ; and Visitors were sent to every diocese
with instructions similar to the injunctions of 1539.
A book of Homilies was published, and ordered to be
read every Sunday in all churches, and the Visitors
were to see that all monuments of idolatry were removed
out of the walls and windows of churches, as well as all
images which were abused by pilgrimages or offerings
to them, that there was a pulpit in every church for
preaching, and a chest for receiving alms. Preaching
had been hitherto so grossly neglected by the clergy,
that it was thought necessary to order that all dignified
clergymen should preach psrsonally twice a year, and
Bishops four times ! The Homilies were to supply the
incapacity of the ordinary parish priests. The first Act
of the reign required the Communion to be given in
both kinds, and gave the laity the right, to communicate
together with the priest. Another repealed the Act
of' the Six Articles and several other Acts against
heretics, and thus restored some liberty of speech and
thought about religious matters. A third gave to the
King all chantries, colleges, and chapels, and all
revenues belonging to any church for anniversaries,
obits, and lights. The revenues were to be applied for
the maintenance of grammar schools or preachers,, and
for the increase of vicarages, but were as a matter of
fact applied for the general expenses of the Government,
and altogether alienated from the Church. This Act
affected Euyton, as there was a Chantry of Our Lady
here, endowed with 6/2 per annum ; some lands in the
parish producing an income of 6/8 per annum, left for
maintaining lights, and a rent-charge of 6d. per annum
also for a light.1 No Chantry priest is mentioned, so
probably the Chantry was served by the Vicar, whose

1 Certificates of Colleges and Chantries in the Record Office,
Cert. 41, nos. 8, G3, 75.

RUYTON" CHURCH.

345

small income was therefore diminished by its suppression.
The lands left for lights may possibly have been the
moiety of the Heath Mill, left, as we have seen, by John
le Strange about 1272, for maintaining lights at his wife's
tomb. All these endowments were sold by the Crown,
and on the 21st April, in the 7th year of King Edward
VI.,1 Daniel and Alexander Peate of Tewkesbury, Gen-
tlemen, sold to John ap David ap Thomas of London,
yeoman, lands in By ton and in Shelvoxe and Acton in
the same parish, late belonging to the Chantry or Service
of St. Mary in the said parish, together with rents belong-
ing to several other chantries in West Felton, Oswestry,
and elsewhere, which had been granted to them by the
King on the 17th of the same month of April,

In 1548 certain ceremonies,2 such as carrying candles
on Candlemas day, ashes on Ash Wednesday, and
palms on Palm Sunday, were forbidden by proclamation;
and disputes having arisen as to what images were
superstitious or had been abused, and were therefore
forbidden by former proclamations, it was now ordered3
that all images whatever should be removed out of the
churches. Now, if not before, therefore, the crucifix
must have been removed from the rcod loft in
Ruyton Church, and the statue out of the niche,
and the rood loft itself, the doorway to which is
still to be seen by the chancel arch, may have been
taken down. In March, a form of Communion Service,
adapted from the old Missal,4 was sent to every diocese,
and ordered to be used from the following Easter;
offices in English for morning and evening prayer,
Litany, baptism, confirmation, catechism, extreme
unction, and burial,5 were drawn up by a committee of
divines, and were made compulsory as from Whit-
Sunday, 1549, by Act of Parliament. Against this

1 Blakeway MSS. in Bodleian.

2 Burnet, ii., 94.

3 Order of Council, printed in Burnet, iv., 270.

4 Burnet, ii., 103.

5 lb., 121.

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. SkS

346

RTJYTON CHURCH.

Act eight Bishops and three lay peers protested ; but
it was carried into effect without any difficulty in the
country, and the visitors found no complaint with
respect to it in any part of the kingdom.1 Thus was
the first Prayer Book of Edward VI. substituted for
the old services, and though a few alterations have
since been made, yet substantially the Church services
became then what they are now, and the Reformation
was completed in its main features. In the same
session all previous laws about fasting were repealed,
but it was made an indictable offence to eat meat on
Fridays, Saturdays, Ember days, or in Lent. Anothei
Act removed all prohibitions against the marriage of
priests.

In 1549 a visitation was made by the royal commis-
sioners, whose instructions2 were to forbid the use of
ceremonies other than those appointed in the Book of
Common Prayer, to insist that the teaching of the
clergy should be in accordance with the law, that there
should be no selling of the Holy Communion, and that
it should not be celebrated in any church more than
once on any day except Christmas and Easter Days.
This last provision was meant to put an end to the
celebration of private masses for the dead, for which
the clergy used to be paid. An Act of Parliament
required all the old service books to be given up to be
destroyed, and all images which had formerly belonged
to churches to be defaced. Henry VIII.'s primers,
however, might be kept, provided that the invocations
to saints contained in them were blotted out. 3Against
this Act the Bishop of Lichfield and five other Bishops
protested.

In 1550 a new form of ordination service was drawn
up by a Royal Commission, by authority of an Act
passed the previous year,4 and came into force in April ;

1 Burnot, ii., 148, 1G4.

2 Printed in Burnet, iv., 288.

3 Burnet, ii., 227.

4 Burnet, ii., 225, 228.

&UYTON CHURCH. 347

I

and an order in Council was issued to all Bishops to j
remove all altars, and to set up tables everywhere for
the communion to be administered in some convenient
part of the chancel.

In 1552 the second Prayer Book of Edward VI. was
authorised by Act of Parliament, and was to be used
from the Feast of All Saints in that year. The Confes-
sion and Absolution were added, extreme unction and
prayers for the dead were omitted, and a few minor
alterations made, bringing the whole of tbe services
into almost the same form in which we now have them.
The Act required all persons to come to Church every
Sunday and holy day. An Act was also passed, in
consequence of doubts having been raised on the point, ;
making the marriages of priests good and their children
legitimate. The 42 Articles of Religion which had been
drawn up the last year were agreed to now by Convo-
cation. And it being alleged that the Visitors for
suppressing the chantries had embezzled a good deal of
the profits of them, a strict enquiry was ordered into
the matter, and many suits instituted about it in the
Star Chamber.

Edward Deyos appears to have been Vicar in 1553.
In that year1 Visitors were appointed to examine and
make an inventory of all Church plate ; they were to
give one or two chalices of silver, or more at their
discretion, to every church, chapel, or cathedral, and
were to distribute comely furniture for the communion j
table and for surplices. All the rest of the linen was
to be sold or given to the poor ; the copes and altar
cloths were to be sold, and all the rest of the plate and
jewels was to be delivered to the Kings treasurer, i
There is nothing to show that Ruyton lost anything by
this act of spoliation. The following Indenture, the
original of which is in the Record Office,2 was made

1 Burnet, ii., 344.

2 Q.U. Church Goods

348

BUY TON CHURCH.

between the Visitors and the representatives of the
parish.

This Bill indented made the 13th day of May in the seventh
year of our most dread sovereign lord King Edward the sixth
between Andrew Corbett Richard Manwaryng Knt and Richard
Newport Esquire on the one part and Thomas ap John Robert
Arnwey Churchwardens Edward Deyos and Thomas Phelyps P
Humphrey Ward and John Bedall and John Shelvock on the
other part Witnesseth that we the said Thomas Robert Edward
and Thomas Phelyps Humphrey Ward John Bedall John
Shelvock do bind ourselves by these presents to have
unstolen unsold or unembezzled one chalice of silver with the
patent thereunto 3 bells now remaining within the Church of
the » . . of Roy ton and wo will answer therefor. In
witness whereof we have put our hands the year and day
above said.

This is unsigned, unless five crosses at the foot repre-
sent as many signatures ; there are no witnesses. It
shows, however, that a chalice and paten and three
bells were in the church at that time, all of which have
since disappeared. The P after Phelyps' name has a
mark of abbreviation after it, and seems to stand for
priests, and we presume that Edward Deyos, the first
mentioned, was vicar, and Thomas Phelyps his curate.
On the 6th July in this year the whole current of
legislation was changed by the death of Edward VI.
and accession of Queen Mary.

Queen Mary immediately upon her accession forbade
all preaching whatever, even by a clergyman in his own
parish, without licence from the Crown.1 The issuing
of these licences was put into the hands of Gardiner,
Bishop of Winchester, and he had authority to send
preachers to any cathedral or church he might think
fit ; thus the mouth of the clergy in favour of the
Reformation was effectually closed. All King Edward's
laws about religion were repealed by Parliament, and
it was made penal to disturb the preachers or to hold

1 Burnol, ii., 380, 38 2.

RXJYTON CHURCH.

349

meetings to alter anything of religion established by
law.

In 1554 the Queen sent instructions1 to the Bishops
to remove all married clergy and to punish heretics,
and a large number of clergy were deprived in conse-
quence.2 All laws against the Papacy since the 20th
Henry VIII. were repealed, and the laws against
heretics were revived.

In 1555 first fruits were abolished by Act of Parlia-
ment, and the Church lands, tithes, and tenths, which
were in the Queen's hands, were restored to the Church.
In this year two Protestants were burnt at Lichfield,
and two at Coventry.3 In 1557 another man was
burnt at Lichfield.4

In 1 558 the death of the Queen on the 17th Novem-
ber stopped the persecution, and the long reign of
Elizabeth established the Reformation on a firm footing.
She immediately issued a proclamation5 for reading in
English the Gospels and Epistles, the Lords Prayer,
Apostles Creed, ten Commandments, and Litany, and
forbidding the elevation of the host at mass.

In January, 1558-9, Parliament met, and immediately
restored the Queen's supremacy and abolished the
Pope's, restored the Prayer Book, with a few alterations
made to meet the views of those who believed in a
corporal presence in the Sacrament, and restored to her
the Church property which had been surrendered by
Queen Mary. Against all these Acts, Bain, Bishop of
Lichfield, who had been appointed by Queen Mary,
protested, and soon after, for refusing to take the oath
of the Queen's supremacy, he was deprived. Of 640
parish clergy in the diocese, not more than 14 resigned
their livings on this final establishment of the Reforma-
tion. Bain died before the consecration of his successor

1 Priu ted in Burnet, iv , 333.

2 Burnet, iii., 339.

3 IJiirnet, iii., 493.

4 JO., 513.

5 //>., T>85.

350

RUYTON CHURCH.

Bentham in 1560.1 Bentham was an active reformer,
and had risked his life by ministering regularly to the
Protestants in London in Queen Mary's reign. All
preaching without licence from the Crown was again
forbidden, and injunctions were sent all over England,
similar to those of 1547, but with some additions. All
images, of whatever kind, were to be removed from the
churches. As offence had been given by some indecent
marriages of priests, it was ordered that no priest or
deacon should marry without allowance from the Bishop
of the diocese and two justices of the peace, and the
consent of the woman's parents or friends ; all the clergy
were to wear their habits, for order and decency, and
were only to preach if licensed by their ordinary ; every
one was to go to Church on Sundays and holy days ; the
Common Prayer and Litany were to be used on Wednes-
days and Fridays in all churches, and a communion
table was to be made for every church. Visitors were
sent round to see that these injunctions were obeyed,
and in the result only 80 incumbents throughout
England resigned on account of the changes now made.
All who remained read in Church a profession of
doctrine2 drawn up for them by the newly-appointed
Bishops. Thus the Reformation was completed, and
the Church services were put into substantially the
same form in which we have them still.

By Letters Patent of the 8th May, in the second
year of her reign, the Queen sold for £234 to Sir
Thomas Hanmer of Hanmer, the liectory of Ruyton
and all houses, lands, and other property in Ruyton
belonging to the Rectory, the clear yearly value of the
whole being £8 13s. 4(1, " excepting out of the said
grant all bells and all the lead in and upon the premises
except the lead in the gutters and windows." The
church bells had been committed to the care of the
Churchwardens and others under Edward VI., but

1 Dioc. Hist, of Lichfield, 221.

2 Burnet, ii., C2G, iv., 3<J3.

RUYTON CnURCH.

351

were perhaps now taken away and sold for the use of
the Crown, as none of the date of Edward VI. remain
in the church.

In 15G9 the Pope excommunicated and deposed the
Queen, and excommunicated all who should obey her
laws, thus making a formal separation between his
adherents and hers, and for the first time establishing
a separate sect of Roman Catholics in England.

The church still possesses a chalice with cover, dated
1570. It was, perhaps, substituted for the chalice
mentioned in the Bond of 1553, which has disappeared.
Round it is inscribed "The Parishe of Ruiton Ano
1570."

William Roberts appears to have been Vicar in 1571,
for the Register of Middle Church has the following
entry : — " 1571, June 8. Gulielmus Roberts Verbi Dei
Minister apud Riton, duxit Dorotheam Birche famulam
Thoma3 Wilson Rectoris de Middle. Nupti fuere 8
June." No regular dissenting congregations had yet
been formed, much less were there any recognised
dissenting ministers ; but " the word minister became
usual in these times for distinction from the idolatrous
priests of the Romish Church."1 We may gather from
this description of him, no less than from his marriage,
that Roberts was a thorough friend to the Reformation ;
and from his marrying a maid servant we may suppose
that he was not of very distinguished birth. Both
Roberts and Birch are common local names now. The
secular clergy had never had much social standing, and
had been much looked down upon by the religious
orders ; and the Reformation had made their position
worse than before, by depriving them of the payments
made for masses for the dead, of offerings made at the
shrines of saints, and of other similar profits, besides
taking away the pecuniary support which the monas-
teries, no doubt, gave to the churches dependent on
them. Accordingly, in King Edward VL's time, many

1 Strypo's Life of Archbishop Parker, p. 127.

352

RUYTON CHURCH.

of them are said to have betaken themselves to trades
for a livelihood, and to have become carpenters and
tailors, and even alehouse keepers ;l and it was alleged
that " the greatest part of them were so ignorant that
they could do little more than read."

Thomas Davis was instituted 23 Dec, 1589. A
clergy list2 of 1602 informs us that he had taken no
degree, but was "a preacher in his owne cure by the
L. Bishop of Coven, and Lien./' that is, he held the
Bishop's licence to preach in his own parish, but not
elsewhere. Many incumbents were not then allowed
to do even this. He was still Vicar in 1628 ;3 we may
j presume, therefore, that he was the immediate prede-
cessor of

John Edmonds, who was instituted 2 May, 1635. 4
The two oldest bells now in the church are dated 1637,
and were, therefore, made during his incumbency.
Archbishop Laud was now actively promoting greater
reverence and ceremonial observance in the Church
services, and our bells may probably be due to his
influence. They are the third and fourth of the present
peal of six, and are inscribed respectively " Gloria in
excelsis Deo 1637," and " Richart Paine, Kichart Paine
Wardens 1637." There is a memorial stone in the
chancel to " Mr. Thomas Payne of Erdstuston who died
the 18 of December 1705," and another to " Richard
Payne son and heir of Richard Payne of Eardeston who

1 Burnet, ii., 323.

2 Shrop. Arch. Tram.> 2nd Series, vol. v., 258.

8 Blakeway MSS in Bodleian, Shropshire Parochial Clergy.

4 This is entered in the Book of Institutions in the Record Office
under Ryton Rectory, the patron being the King ; but under the
same heading, and also under that of lluyton Vicarage is entered a
presentation by Thos. and Edw. Corbet t of one Henry Miller on 1
Dec, 1G3G. Tho King was tho patron of Ituyton Vicarage, and tho
Corbetls of Longnor were patrons of Jlyton Rectory (near Shifnal),
and two of them at this time were named Thomas and Edward. It
it clear, therefore, that it was to lluyton Vicarage that John Edmonds
was appointed, and that Henry Miller was Rector of Ryton, near
Shifnal.

RUYTON CHURCH.

353

dyed the 27 of December 1706 aged 25." These may,
probably, be descendants of the Churchwardens who
procured the bells in 1G37. Outside the east end is a
stone to " Margaret, the wife of Richard Payne, late of
Wikey, who departed this life ye 21 day of January in
the year of our Lord 1729 aged 85." John Edmonds
was deprived of his living for 1 1 delinquency,"1 by the
Parliamentarian party, and

Thomas Watmore was intruded into the living. As
" Vicar of Riton " he signed a " Testimony of the
Ministers of the Province of Salop to the Solemn League
and Covenant," which is undated, but was " printed by
F. N. for Thos. Underhill at the Bible in Wood St.,
1648."2 They u protest against the errors heresies and
blasphemies of these times," and " avouch their ready
assent to the Confession of faith presented to both
Honble Houses of Parliament by the Assembly of
Divines called together and yet sitting by their
authority ;" and they detest the thought that c 'opinions
eminently destructive to pietie and public peace,
threatening and working the speedie ruine of Souls,
should find Connivance and Toleration amongst us;
being well assured that the Christian Magistrate cannot
answer his neglect before God's tribunal if he be not
an avenger to execute wrath on these evill doers :
spiritual as well as temporal adulteries being an iniquitie
to be punished by the Judges." This is signed by 59
Shropshire ministers, including Samuel Hildersam,
Rector of West Felton, Stephen Lewis, Pastor of
Baschurch, Richard Payne, Minister of Nestrange,
William Rock, Minister of Aston. The great majority
sign themselves Minister, Pastor, or Preacher, eight are
Rectors, the Vicar of Riton is the only one who calls
himself Vicar, and he had no right to the title, as his
predecessor had been illegally deprived. The signatories
would all be Presbyterians, not Independents, as the

1 Blakcway MSS. in Bodleian, Shropshire Parochial Clergy.

2 A MS copy is in possession of Mr. J. Parry-Jones, Oswestry.
Vol. VIII., 2nd S. TT

354

KUYTON CHURCH.

former disliked toleration, while the latter were in
favour of it,1 though they would exclude popery and
prelacy from its benefits. The minister in possession
of Oswestry held Independent opinions, and did not
sign this Testimony. The two Houses of Parliament
had by ordinances of 1644 and 1645 abolished the
necessity for ministers of the Church of England being
episcopally ordained, and enacted that ordinations
should be by the Presbytery ;2 and Watmore was pre-
sumably ordained in this way and placed at Ruyton
some time after the surrender of Shrewsbury to the
Parliament in 1645.

In Charles II. 's time some attention was paid to the
church, and perhaps the present chancel arch was put
in in his reign ; for the two wooden tablets now fastened
against the walls of the tower, on which the Ten
Commandments are well painted in black letter, bear
the date 1668, and were formerly above the chancel
arch, together with the royal arms.3 They were, no
doubt, removed when the chancel arch was repaired in
1860. And on the outside of the same wall, above the
roof of the chancel, is a stone tablet inscribed tc F. B.,

B. P., C , 1676/' One or two of the initials are

not very distinct, but the last two letters were, probably,

C. W. , meaning Churchwardens, and F. B. and R. P.
the initials of the Churchwardens who did the repairs
at that time.

Bagshaw's Shropshire Gazetteer of 1851 says that
the south side of the church was built about 1696.
The wall, however, is certainly Norman, but it may
have been restored at this time.

William Griffiths, Vicar of Ruyton, was buried there
on January 2nd, 1720, 4 and his widow Hannah on Dec.
17th, 1726. It was, probably, in his time that the

1 Collier's Church History, viii., 297, 373.

2 Collier, viii., 274, 302.

3 MS. description of Ruyton Church about 1846.

4 Parish Register,

tiUYTON CHURCH.

355

fourth bell of the present peal was procured. It is
inscribed "William Hood and Tho. Powell Ch. Wardens
1716." The oldest existing Register begins in his time.
The first entry of a marriage is on June 11th; of a
baptism, July 14th ; and of a burial, August 10th, 1719.

Edward Jeffreys was instituted 5 Oct., 1720,1 His
son Richard2 was admitted an uuder-graduate at All
Souls, Oxford, aged 19, in 1731. The Vicar was buried
at Ruyton, 14 Dec, 1751, aged 70, his widow Elizabeth
14 March, 1774, aged 84, and their son Thomas 25
June, 1791, aged 60. Their tombstones are outside
the east end of the church, but were formerly placed on
the floor of the chancel,3

TI13 following table of the Vicar's dues at this time
used4 to be against the north wall of the north aisle,
but is now in the tower : —

Peter Basnett. Corbett Edwards. Wardens. 1730. There be-
longeth to the Vicar of Ruiton the offerings or oblations of the
Widowers and Widows and the Widows and Widowers of all
the servants and children Communicants of the Township of
Shotatton together with tho 3rd part of all other tythings, only
excepting the offerings and oblations of married couples which
is paid to the Vicar of Ness Strange,

Item there belongeth to the Vicar of Ruiton Mortuaries
from 3/6 to 10/- according to the Statute of the 21 Hen. 8th.

Item for burying in the Chancel 6/8, and for burying in the
Churchyard 1/i.

Item ye offerings for married couples pr banns 2/6, with I
license without banns 5/-.

Item ye offerings for women after child bearing 1 /-.

Item ye offerings at Easter, for each person at age to receive
ye Holy Sacrament 2d besides what each tradesman pays for
his hand which is ¥.

Item servants wages 1(1 per pound, Smoak and garden 2d.

Item for all lambs under number 5 ye Vicar is to have half
one, if there be 7 he is to have a whole lamb if he please and

1 Book of Institutions in Record Office.

2 IMakcway MSS., No. 3, Shropshire Parochial Notices in Bodleian
Library.

3 Parkcs' " Drawings of Churches," Ac, BM., Add. MS. 21,180.
* Hev. Edvv. Williams' MSS., Add. MS., 24,236.

356 [itUYTON CHURCH.

I -

pay to the owner 9d, at 10 he is to have a whole lamb. "Wool
is tythed after the same manner per pound.

Item there belongs to the Vicar of Ruiton all tythe piggs
and geese with eggs or fowls, ye custom is to have a pigg at 7
and carry yc odd on to 10. For every cow Id and every calf £d.

Item for every colt foaled in ye parish 4d.

Item there belongs to the Vicar all tythe hay and clover
throughout the whole parish excepting the township of Wikey.

Item Hemp and Flax is gathered by the 10th handful or if
bound by the 10th Sheafe.

Item y9 ty the of Ruiton Cornmill is 3/4, of the New Mill 3/4.

Item ye Vicar hath 1 pew in ye Chancel on ye right side of
ye reading desk joining to y° body of ye Church.

Item ye Clerks wages consists of 3d for every mise place
Cottagers pays 2d Making a grave in ye Churchyard is 1/-
Officiating fees pence. Marriage offerings 1/-, and for
women after childbearing pence.

One of the Churchwardens who put up this table is
commemorated on a stone slab formerly in the church,
but now outside the east end. The inscription is : —
" Peter Basnet elder son of Peter Basnet of Wikey.
As his body lies in the silent grave It is a portion that
we all shall receive. Ob. Nov. 1749, set. 59."

Francis Wilde, who was admitted Rector of Knockin
in 1750, 1 was instituted to Buyton, 6 May, 1752.2 It
is said that about the middle of this century the Vicarage
was burnt down, and the old Parish Registers destroyed.
If this happened just at this time, it may account for
the living being allowed to be held together with that
of Knockin. On the 9th September, 1759, Wilde's
wife was buried at Buyton, and the following inscrip-
tion to her memory is on a brass plate on the south
wall of the chancel : — " Underneath rest the remains of
Hannah ye beloved wife of Francis Wilde, Vicar of this
Parish, who died Sept. G, 1759, aged 35. Conjux pia
casta fidelis lnfelix puerpera." From this time Francis
Wilde's name never appears on the Buyton registers,
which are signed by curates or clergymen from neigh-

1 lilakeway's MSS. in Bodleian.

2 J>ook of Institutions in Record Ollicc.

RTJYTON CHURCH.

bouring parishes. In the Knockin register, under the
year 1759, is inserted a note that " Wilde Vicar of
Ryton was Rector of this Parish and dyed July 17G1."
lie never himself signed the Knockin registers, and
after his wife's death he may have gone away and not
resided in either parish. Neither of the registers record
his burial. He died on the 13th July, 1761. 1

David Owen was instituted2 28 Sept., 1761, and the
register records that on the 27th June, 1766, "Rev.
David Owen of this Parish Batchelor was married to
Ermine Digry of this Parish, Widow," which entry the
bride signed by her mark. The witnesses are two
Braddocks. The Vicar himself was not a man of much
education, to judge from his writing in the Vestry-
Minute Book. In that Book there is an entry for wine
in'the year 1777, at Easter 1 Is. 6d., Michaelmas 4s. 8d.,
Christmas lis. 6d. Similar entries occur in other
years, and one of them shows that the price given for
one bottle of wine was 3s. Apparently wine was got
only on those three festivals, but a great deal was con-
sumed then. Probably some of it was treated as a
perquisite of the Vicar and Churchwardens.3 From
Nov., 1775, to July, 1776, fifteen persons are entered
as having died of small pox. On the outside of the
priest's doorway in the south wall of the chancel is
carved the date 1777. In this year the Rectory and
tithes of Ruyton, together with the Manor, were sold
by Lord Craven to a Mr, Ashby. This sale would
include the rector's rights in the chancel, and the date
may have been carved as a record of it. The tithes and
rectorial rights have since become divided among a
good many holders.

On the 12th July, 1785, the dwelling house of
Richard Richards of Ruyton, was registered at Quarter
Sessions as a place of religious worship for dissenters.

1 Gent's May.

2 Hook of Institutions in Record Ofllco.

:) See ('Imrcli wardens' Accounts of High Ercull, Shrop. Arch. Trans. ,
2nd Scries, vii., 237.

358

RtJYTON CHURCH.

A brass plate formerly on the floor of the chancel
was inscribed1 " The Rev. David Owen died the 28th
Oct., 178G, aged 77 years and on a stone outside the
east end is " Underneath lieth the remains of Ermin
Owen, relict of the lie v. David Owen, Vicar of this
Parish, who departed this life the day of April,

1799, aged 77 years."

David Evans was the next Vicar, but was not insti-
tuted2 till 2G Sept., 1788. As he lived till 1821, there
are old men who still remember him and tell stories
about him. It is said that he was a Welshman, and
curate of Oswestry, and that he walked all the way to
London to ask the Lord Chancellor for the living. His
shoes were worn into holes and the Lord Chancellor's
servant took him for a tramp, and refused to admit
him, but he insisted on waiting, and succeeded in seeing
the Chancellor. Lord Thurlow, who held the office,
asked who his patron was, to which he replied,
"The Lord of Hosts, for I have no other." Lord
Thurlow rejoined, "This is the first application from
that quarter I have ever had," and handed Mr. Evans
over to a head servant to be taken care oi foi the night.
On Mr. Evans' return home, he found the appointment
had arrived before him. It is said that in his time
Corbet, the ghost who troubled Coton, was specially
active and malevolent, used to take off the wheels of
carts, and do all kinds of other mischievous things. So
the Rev. David Evans and five other ministers proceeded
to Coton, and after praying and preaching there for
more than two hours, they succeeded in getting the
ghost into a bottle by about midnight. They then
threw the bottle into the west corner of the pool in
front of the house, under the oak tree which has now
fallen, and is lying on the bank. The ghost was by
this means laid for 1,000 years.8

1 L'orkcft1 " Drawings of Churches," &e., Brit. Mus. Add. M.SS
21,1<S0 ; Kev. Kdw. Williams' MSS., ib. 24,230.

2 Hook of Institutions in Record Office

3 Cooper, the old schoolmaster, aged 78, says that his mother re-
membered this performance.

RUYTON CHURCH.

359

Mr. Evans' entries in the Vestry Book are not more
literate in writing and spelling than those of his pre-
decessor ; but the fabric of the church received some
attention in his time. On 5 March, 1798, he enters
that the Vestry resolved " That a galery be erected in
the south aisle of the Parish Church of Ruyton across
the belfry, and a new window to be made to give light
to the galery above and the forms below, to be built at
the general expense of the parish at large,' ' On 9
Nov., 1799, it was determined to propose to the parish
4 'that Mr. Telford who built the Piatt Bridge be
desired to inspect the church and to propose a plan for
the levelling, repairing, pewing, and otherwise putting
the church into good and substantial repair." Nothing,
however, seems to have been done, for on 30 Nov.,
1807, there was another resolution to raise a subscrip-
tion " for the purpose of raising the floor and pewing
the (Jhurch, and also for erecting a gallery at the west
end of the same." Our picture of the church represents
it as it was in 1809, and is taken from Parkes1 " Draw-
ings of Churches " in the British Museum.1 In 1810
it was resolved that "The Committee formerly appointed
to carry into effect the pewing and repairing the said
Parish Church, which Committee have hitherto done
nothing, be dissolved, and that the Vicar, the Hon.
Thomas Kenyon, and Mr. John Broughall, Church-
wardens, be authorised to apply for a faculty for new
pewing, raising, repairing, and erecting a gallery within
the said Parish Church ;" and accordingly, in 1811, a
contract by Richard Owento do the work for £403 8s 8d.
was accepted. It would appear from the above entries
that the church had hitherto been supplied with forms
only, and that pews were now introduced for the first
time. The sittings were sold by auction to raise money
for the improvements. In 1812 it was further resolved
that a new window be made in the lower part of the
said parish church, opposite the gallery ; and that a

i Add. MSS., 21,180.

360

RUYTON CHURCH.

window be made over the belfry door, and to be glazed,
the estimate for each of which works was £15. The
small marble font, now in the church, but not used, was
presented in 1813 by the Hon. T. Kenyon. The very
rough stone one which had preceded it, is now concealed
under the floor of the pulpit.

On the 12th June, 1815, it was "judged necessary
to erect new Gates to the Churchyard with stone
pillars and it was also ' 'agreed that for the encourage-
ment and it is hoped for the improvement of Psalm
singing in Church, that an annual dinner be provided
at the Craven Arms,1 with such other refreshment as
will make them comfortable for the evening, to be paid
out of the poors loan." The National School was built
by subscription in 1819, the site being given by the
Misses Kinaston.2

Mr. Cooper, the former schoolmaster, says Mr.
Evans in his latter years was always chewing tobacco,
and drank a great deal. When I was about five years
old, I was playing with other children in the road about
nine o'clock on a Sunday morning, when we saw the
Rev. David Evans and Braddock the Clerk coming
along. We stood aside and bowed to them, and they
went into the Ball Inn.3 We saw them sitting inside
with a jug of beer, and a sweep came into the room,
who had slept in an outbuilding all night, and sat down
with them. The Vicar said, * Now we are two ministers
meeting together ' (both being in black). Then they
got to high words, and at last the Vicar hit the sweep.
The sweep did not hit him back, but swung round his
bag and peppered the Vicar and Clerk all over with
soot, so that when they came out, we could not tell the
sweep from the Vicar, except that the Vicar always
wore a velvet coat and breeches, and shoes with buckles,

1 Now the Powis Arms.

2 l>agshaw's Shropshire Gazetteer, 197.

3 It has long ceased to be an inn, and was lately occupied by
Mr. 11. Brown. The parish doctor now has his surgery there.

RUYTON CHURCH.

361

and we could see the buckles. The Clerk took him
away and got him washed before service.''

The following inscription is on a stone on the wall of
the aisle : — " Sacred to the memory of the Rev. David
Evans, 35 years Vicar of this Parish. He was born
Jan. 1, 1753, and died June 1, 1821. Also of Mary
his wife, who was born May 24, 1758, and died Aug.
11, 182G, at Lichfield, where she was buried. Also of
John Griffiths, their son, who was born May 29, 1782,
and died Nov, 10, 1804." Mr. Evans' son George had
officiated as curate since 1817, and remained in charge
of the parish after his father's death. It was long
before the vacancy was filled up, for in March, 1823,
George Evans still signs the register as curate ; but the
living was at last given to him.

George Evans signs the register as Vicar for the first
time 8 Sept., 1823. He was baptised at Ruyton, 18
Oct., 1793. The Independent Chapel, which is the
oldest dissenting chapel in the parish, was built in
1833. In 1837, the flagon, chalice, and paten now in
use, and also a new organ, were given to the church
by the Misses Margaret and Ann Kinaston of Ruyton
Hall. At this time there had been a great increase in
the population of Ruyton, as indeed of most places
throughout the kingdom. A statement issued in 1344
informs us that the church then had 294 sittings, of
which 264 were appropriated, and 30 free. In 1821 the
population had been 862, and the number of inhabited
houses 168 ; in 1841 the population was 1,081, the
number of houses 208 ; and between 1841 and 1844 six
additional houses had been built. It was, therefore,
felt necessary to enlarge the church, and in 1844-5 the
present north aisle was built at a cost of £628 12s. 6d.,
raised by voluntary subscriptions. On a wooden tablet
in the aisle is the following inscription : — ''This Church I
was enlarged in the year 1845, by which means 96
additional sittings were obtained, and in consequence
of a grant from the Incorporated Society for promoting
the enlargement, building and repairing of Churches

Vol. VIII., 2nd S. UU

I

&■ i mm J wtj *mUtitm 9m torn Wifoo <*w bm I

362

RUYTON CHURCH.

and Chapels the whole of that number are hereby
declared to be free and unappropriated for ever, the
provision of Church room previously to the alteration
being to the extent of 294 sittings, 30 of which number
are free/' It is said1 that in the rubble of the old wall
pulled down for this enlargement were found several
pieces of painted plaster, no doubt belonging to the
previous aisle of the 14th century. At the same time
a Church rate was levied to put the old part of the
church into the same state as the new. The east
window of the north aisle was painted at Munich about
1855, by a firm which had put up similar windows in
Cologne Cathedral, and is a memorial to four children
of the Rev. George Hunt, second son of Mr. Rowland
Hunt of Boreatton, who all died in 1831-2. The figures
of the two girls are portraits taken from a photograph
of a picture of them. One of the brothers of these
children afterwards became the Right Hon. George
Ward Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer and First
Lord of the Admiralty. The subject of the window is
Christ blessing little children. The water behind re-
presents the pool at Boreatton, and the hills are the
Breidden. An inscription in memory of the parents of
the children is on the north wall of the chancel.

In 1839 to 1847 the tithes of the parish were com-
muted, the Vicar receiving a rent-charge of £250 per
annum, and being relieved from the necessity of collect-
ing from his parishioners the various dues mentioned in
the table quoted above.

A tablet in the chancel is inscribed : " Sacred to the
memory of the Rev. George Evans, M.A., thirty-six
years Vicar of this parish. He died October 6th, 1859,
aged 65 years. Also of Elizabeth his wife, who died
April 14th, 1866, aged 72 years."

Frederick Paget Wilkinson was instituted early in
1860. He had been Curate of Ponsonby, in Cumber-
land, 1854-5, Chaplain to the Bishop of Argyll and the

1 By Jas. Cooper.

RUYTON CHURCH.

863

Isles 1855-7, Eector of Great Orton, Cumberland, ;
1857-9. In the same year, 1860, the Primitive Metho-
dist Jubilee Ghapel on the Brown Hill was built.
Mr. Wilkinson at once took up energetically the
repairing of the chancel, the necessity of which had
been recognised before Mr. Evans' death. £37 was
taken from the Church rate for repairing the chancel
arch, but the chancel was repaired, re-roofed, and re-
seated by contributions from the tithe owners in pro-
portion to the amount of their tithes, amounting
altogether to £248 lis. There were also considerable
voluntary subscriptions.1 The glass in the four small
Norman windows was given by the Bev. John Evans
and Canon Evans, nephews of the late and grandsons j
of the previous Vicar ; one south window by Rowland j
Hunt, Esq., of Boreatton, the other by Miss Campbell, j
The east window was filled with glass by a subscription
of £100 as a memorial to the two Misses Kinaston of
Buy ton Hall, who had died in 1838 and 1845. A
monument to them and several former members of the
family is on the wall of the north aisle, and a stone in
memory of others forms part of the pavement near the
pulpit. The builder employed for the chancel was
Mr. Morris of Oswestry, and the architect wTas Mr.
Pountney Smith. It was completed early in 1862. |
At the same time an addition to the Churchyard was
made at an expense of £112, paid out of the poor rate.
The easternmost window in the wall of the aisle was
filled with stained glass "To the glory of God and in
memory of Frederick Lionel Wilkinson, died Jan. 27,
1864, aged 5 years." Soon afterwards the main body
of the church was restored at a cost2 of £1066 12s. 9d.
The floor was lowered to one of the old pavements (one
still older having been found some inches below), and
was re-paved ; the church was warmed with hot water,
and was re-seated with open pews of oak ; the gallery

1 See Parish May. for April, 1871.

2 Parish Mag. for March, 1871.

364

RtTYTON CHtTRCa.

was removed, the large west window was filled with
glass, a new organ was put up, and three new bells
hung, being the 1st, 2nd, and 6th in the present peal
of six. The 1st treble is inscribed: " 1868. God save
the Church our Queen and Realm, and send us Peace
in Christ. Amen." The 2nd : " 1868. Rejoice in the
Lord/' The 6th, tenor: " 1868. We praise thee 0
God." The other three, dated 1637 and 1716, have
been already described. They are in the key of B flat.
A new and larger font, of Bath stone, was presented by
Mr. Walford, and a new window near it, in the south
wall, by the Rev. Leonard Slater, formerly a curate
here. An inscription under it says that it is " To the
glory of God and in memory of Frederic Silas, born 17
Feb., 1844, died 25 Nov., 1850 ; and George Grimshaw,
born 15 March, 1845, died 29 Nov., 1850, the beloved
children of the Rev. Leonard and Elizabeth Norris
Slater." The church was re-opened after the restora-
tion on Thursday, 17 Sept., 1868. Meanwhile at the
other end of the parish the Hon. Mrs. T. Kenyon had
built a new church at Pradoe, of which Mr. Rohd9
Hawkins was the architect, and Messrs. Morris the
builders. The first stone was laid on the 18th June,
1860, the nave was opened 19 Oct., 1861, and the
tower and chancel 1st Jan., 1865. Bishop Lonsdale
gave leave for the sacraments to be regularly adminis-
tered there on 28 Aug., 1867, and the first child
baptised there after this was Lionel Richard Kenyon,
a grandchild of the foundress of the church, who was
baptised on the 1st Sept., 1867, in the small marble
font given to Ruy ton Church by his grandfather, which
was brought over for the purpose. The font belonging
to Pradoe church was given afterwards by Mr. and Mrs.
Arthur Kenyon, in memory of their infant child, who
died in 1863, and of Miss Emma Jane Kenyon, daughter
of the foundress, who died in 1868. It was carved out
of a stone from Mrs. Kenyan's quarry at Eardiston.
The Holy Communion was first administered in Pradoe
Church on the 15th Sept., 1867. The west window

UUYTON CHURCH.

365

was put in by the officers of the Shropshire Militia in
memory of Rowland Whitehall Kenyon, youngest son
of the foundress, and a Major in that regiment, who
died in 1873.

In 1877, Ruyton Churchyard was again enlarged by
the purchase for £100, from Mr. Minton, of the ruins
of the old Castle, with 1 rood 24 perches of land. It
was consecrated by Bishop Maclagan on Nov. 9th, 1881.
In 1880 the church seats were re-arranged, and the
whole of the sittings were declared free and unappro-
priated, to the great pleasure of the Vicar. In 1881
the Village Cross was erected at the expense of Miss
Orde, the Vicar's sister-in-law, on the site of the Old
Court House of the Manor. The hearse house was
built in 1882. In 1883 a new clock was placed in the
tower. In 1885 the two most easterly windows of the
nave were filled with stained glass, and there is a small
shield on the wall, which states that they were erected
" To the glory of God and in memory of Richard
Rowland Minton, who died Dec, 2, 1879 ; also Frances
Anne, his daughter, who died March 11, 1864," In
1888 the tower screen was erected by Mr. John
Humphreys of Hanley Hall, in memory of his niece,
Catherine Basnett Oswell ; and the Lych gate was put
up by public subscription in memory of two sons of
the Vicar, who died in 1886 and 1887, aged respectively
20 and 22. In the same year, on June 3rd, was held
the first flower service in the parish, at Pradoe Church.
In 1892 the church porch was rebuilt according to
what is believed to have been its original iCth century
design, by Mrs. R. R. Minton of the Hursts, Rock
Ferry, Liverpool, in memory of her two sons, Richard
Rowland and Thomas Powell Minton. In taking down
the old one there was found built into the wall above
the window the greater part of a 13th century tomb-
stone, carved with an elaborate cross, with an outline
of the solo of a boot on one side of it, and an object
which may be an animal's head or a hatchet, on the
other side. It is now preserved in the north aisle.

366

RUYTON CHURCH.

The porch was dedicated on the 5th August, 1892,
when the Vicar preached what was to be one of his last
sermons. He had been very unwell for some time, and
on the 29th Oct. he passed away. The Parish Magazine
in describing the funeral service says : — u It was a
glorious service of praise and thanksgiving, a bright
close of the earthly life of one of whose character the
key note was charity — not only the charity that freely
gave to those in need, but the still higher large-hearted
charity that forgave the unkind word, that even when
words of rebuke had to be spoken, were always followed
with ' But I am sure you did not mean it.' He could
not believe in intentional wrong-doing." On subscrip-
tions being invited for a memorial to him, almost every-
one in the parish contributed, and a beautiful reredos,
designed by Messrs. Bodley and Garner, was dedicated
by the Bishop of Shrewsbury on April 3rd, 1894. It
represents St. John the Baptist, in whose honour the
church is dedicated, baptising our Lord ; on the right
and left are two of his disciples, St. Andrew and St.
John, and beyond them are St. Chad, the first Bishop
of Lichfield, and St. Oswald, the champion of Christianity
in this part of Mercia. On the 4th March, 1893,
Mr. Wilkinson's widow followed him to the grave. The
Primitive Methodist Chapel on Blackbow Hill was
built in 1892.

William Backhouse Go wan was instituted 17 Feb.,
1893. He was Curate at Farlam, Cumberland, 1877-9,
and at Walsall 1879 to 1887, and Vicar of Ketley 1887
to 1893. The previous vicars had been presented by
the Lord Chancellor, the advowson having come into
the hands of the Crown on the dissolution of Haugh-
mond Abbey; but in 1887, Bishop Maclagan succeeded
in making an exchange, by which he gave up to the
Lord Chancellor the presentation to some livings in
Hampshire and one in Lincolnshire, and acquired that
of nine in his own diocese, including Ruyton, Baschurch,
and Fitz. Mr. Gowan was the first Vicar of Ruyton
presented by the Bishop. In 1895 an alms dish in

RUYTON CHURCH.

367

memory of Miss Helen J. Hunt of Ruyton Park, was
given by her sister. The church tower was struck
by lightning on the 26th June, and was in consequence
re-roofed and re- pointed ; and in 1896 a Church Mission
Room, erected through the exertions of the Vicar, was
opened at Wikey.

The following are the inscriptions now in the chancel
of Ruyton Church, beginning at the east end.
On the north wall : —

To Francis Thornes and his wife, given in the History of
Shelvock.

Beneath this, a tile in memory of Bishop Selwyn of New
Zealand and Lichfield, who died 1878.

Beneath this a small plate on a round headed stone, inscribed
" Adolphus Proctor, born 6th April died 23 April 1821."1

M.S.

Odiosa Multis grata mors patriam in domum
Saram reduxit leviter moerentem luto.
Plorata amicis pignus hoc solatio
Libons reliquit testulam argillaceam
Nuper coruscam lampade e coelo data
Amans maritus amterno marmori
Donat tuendam, posteri ne nesciant
Mortalibus luxisso dum vixit dco.

Sara) Wiliaston Matrona? pientissima)

E vita serumnosa ad beatam

Cum gaudio translate Gulielmus

Wiliaston coniugi dilectissimoe

MP.

Obiit die Febr. 6 an0 1622 setatis sua) 31.
To Rev. George Evans and his wife, given above.

In the Churchyard lie the remains of the Reverond George
Hunt M.A. Second son of Rowland Hunt of Boroatton in

1 A Col. Proctor rented Ruyton Hall. This was, no doubt, his child.

368

RUYTON CHURCH.

the adjoining Parish Esquire. He was for 30 years rector
of Barningham cum Coney- Weston in the County of
Suffolk, where he laboured with earnest and unaffected
zeal for the good of the flock committed to his care. Ho
departed this life on the 19th of March A.D. 1853 aged
67 years.

Beside him rests Emma his wife daughter of Samuel Gardiner
of Coombe Lodge Oxon Esqre She died July 17th 1862
aged 66 years.

The East window in the aisle of this Church was designed as
a memorial of four beloved children who died A.D. 1831-
32. Emma Sophia aged 12 years, Julia aged 7 years,
Edward Vernon aged 3 years, Emma aged 1 year.

If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them
also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.

On the south wall of the chancel.
On three brass plates screwed on, one below the
other : —

(1) Twixt ye altar & ye south side of this
Chavncell lie buried Rich Kynaston of
Ruyton Gen1 who died Anno 1541 Tho his
Sonne, Rich his sonne, Tho his sonne, who died
July 6 16G3 Rich his sonne, wth their sev'all
Relac'ons ; lastly Margaret the daughter of
Tho Kynaston of Brandon Heath Esq.

later wife to Tho Kynaston of Ruyton
Gen4 She died March 10th 1676. In Memory
Of whom Tho Kynaston her sonne
In law cavsd this erected.

(2) Here also lyeth the body of Tho
Kynaston of Rvyton Gent who
Dyed the 12th of Septembr Anno 1678

Aged 52 years.

(3) Sacred to the Memory of
Jane Kinaston only child of

Tho Kynaston of Ruyton died July 1721
Wife of Wm Kinaston of Lee C° of Salop Gent

died at Ruyton August 1723 aged 92
Tho Kinaston Gent 2d son of Wm & Jane

Died 31st March 1762
Edwd Kinaston Gent of Ruyton son of
Edward 3d son of Wm & Jane by Ann his

RUYTON' CHURCH,

369

Wife, daughter of Doctor Gee dean of Lincoln
and one of the Prebendaries of Westminster

Died 24th of April 1792.
Margaret Kinaston
Died 22 Novr 1621 Aged 74 years.
Bowley, Salop.

Beneath this is the Brass to the memory of Hannah
Wilde, 1759, quoted above.

Sacred to the Memory of
Joseph Humphreys of Hanley Hall
Whose probity and integrity gained for
Him the esteem and confidence of all who
knew him no less than did his benevolence
and kindness endear him to his domestic
circle and more immediate friends
He died May 16 1851
Mt 70

To the Memory of Sarah Elizabeth Hunt

Youngest daughter of Rowland Hunt Esqr of Boreatton

Whose humble piety, steady principle

Patient resignation, & constant solicitude
To promote the welfare and happiness of others
Secured the esteem of all who knew her worth
And endeared her with peculiar affection

t& those she lived with.
Their hopes of her joyful resurrection

Rest on the merits and mediation
Of the blessed Redeemer in whom alone

She trusted for acceptance with God.
She died at Ruyton Decr 24th 1825 aged 34.
Also

Of her beloved friend and sister Susanna Frances Hunt

Who died 19th Jan : 1866 aged 83
The window in the chancel bearing the legend
"I was sick and ye visited me" was erected to her
Memory by her nephew Rowland Hunt,

Beneath the last is : —

To the Glory of God and in loving Memory of Alexander
William Hunt Lieut : xiii Bengal Lancers aged 24 the

370

RUYTON CHURCH.

youngest & dearly loved son of the Revd T. H. Hunt &
Charlotte his wife. He met with his death by a gun
accident at Bareilly Feb. 22 1888 to the inexpressible
grief of his afflicted father and sorrowing brothers and
sisters and of all his relations by whom he was most
dearly and deservedly loved, surviving his mother only
3 months.

They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their

death were not divided.
What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know

hereafter.

This brass was erected by his sorrowing father.

On the north wall of the aisle, at the east end, is a
tablet, at the head of which is a shield, the dexter side
of which bears the Kynaston arms, argent a lion ram-
pant sable. The inscription is : —

In a vault underneath
in the hope of a joyful resurrection
through the mercies of a redeemer
are deposited the remains of
William Kinaston Esqr
one of the masters of the High Court of Chancery
Recorder — and a member in Parliament
For the borough of Shrewsbury

who died 174
Dorothy his wife who died 1730
Also Margaret their youngest daughter
who died 1806 aged 76
Relict of Edward Kinaston Esqr
of Ruyton

Whose remains are interred by his uncle
Thomas Kinaston Esqr
in this Chancel in 1792
also Edward only surviving son
of Edward and Margaret
who died 1795 aged 25
and Mr3 Martha a daughter of
Thomas and Jane Holland
of Teyrden in the County of Denbigh
and niece of William and Thomas Kinaston
died 1756
also Anne youngest daughter of
Edward Kinaston Esqr and Margaret his wife
Born Novr 16 1763 died Octr 8th lbSS

RUYTON CHURCH.

371

also Margaret eldest daughter of
Edward Kinaston Esqr and Margaret his wife
Born Ap: 25th 1762 died September 12th 1845
Enter not into judgment with
thy servants 0 Lord.

Above is a hatchment also bearing the Kynaston
arms, with the same on a scutcheon of pretence.

There are two other hatchments on this wall, that in
the middle has the Kynaston arms in the 1st and 4th
quarters, and also in the 1st and 4th quarters of the
•/nd and 3rd quarters of the shield.

The hatchment at the west end has the Kynaston
arms in the 3rd quarter, and has an inscription on the
margin, " Anna Maria Middleton died January 27, 1831.
Buried at Great Comberton, Worcestershire."

Under the middle hatchment is the tablet to Rev.
David Evans and his wife, quoted above.

Opposite the easternmost is a fourth hatchment, the
arms on which appear to be : On a field azure seme de
lys argent a lion rampant regardant argent.

On the south wall of the nave is the following table: —

Benefactions
to the

Parish of Ruyton in the eleven towns.
The ground for the garden, playground and erection of the

school in the village was the gift of Mrs Margaret and

Mia Anne Kinaston daughters and coheiresses of Edward

Kinaston Esqr of Ruyton hall.
Subscriptions for building the Schoolhouse and School 1817

and 1818

£ s. d.

The National Society ... ... ... 60 0 0

The trustees of the late Andrew Newton of Lich-
field Esq/ through the interest of Mra Muckle-
ston of Walford ... ... ...200 0 0

The remainder towards the expense of completing
the building was subscribed by the land and
tythe owners of the Parish, and principal in-
habitants of tho village and the vicinity ... 240 0 0

Total 500 0 0

i

372

RUYTON CHURCH.

1819

Subscription for the endowment of the School-
master &c.

The Earl of Bridgewater ... ' ... ... 33 0 0

The trustees of Andrew Newton Esq1 ... ... 100 0 0

Bequest in the will of Mrs Phillis Lane ... ... 72 19 2

Saved out of the annual subscriptions up to Mid-
summer 1839 ... ... ... ... 232 12 8

438 11 10

1812

The Honourable Thomas Kenyon of the Pradoe
gave the baptismal font and the cushion and
ornaments for pulpit and reading desk
1837

Mra Margaret and Mr8 Anne Kinaston gave an organ
for the Church and a silver flagon chalice and
Paten for the Communion Service
1838

Mrs Anne Kinaston left a legacy of £50 which was
distributed to the poor of the Parish.
186G

Miss Hunt for the benefit of the scholars of Ruyton

School. Interest of .. ... ... 100 0 0

1880

R. R. Minton for the Poor of Ruyton. Interest of 180 0 0

The two inscriptions on this wall relating to the
erection of the windows have been quoted above.

1

270t 1