GENEALOGY 942.4501 SH84T 1908 REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00855 1928 JENEALOGY 942.4501 SH84T 1908 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/transactionsofsh38shro ,7 I' TR A NSACTIONS r OF THE SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. ESTABLISHED I 87 7. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. j k I) SERIES, VOL. VIII., 1 cj o 8 . PRINTED FOR T H R S O C I E T Y . SHREWSBURY: AD N I T T AND NAUNTON, T If E SQUARE OSWESTRY: WOOD ALL, M I N S II A L L , THOMAS AND CO 5-704 1 1905011 WOODA1.L, M I N SHALL, THOMAS AND CO., PRINTERS, ETC., OSWESTRY AND WREXHAM. i 1 2 4 2 5 SHROPSHIRE ARCH GEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. CONTENTS of 3rd Series, Vol. YIII. Page *5f The Church Bells of Shropshire. VI. Deaneries of Edgmond and Shifnal. By II. B. Walters, M.A., F.S.A i Institutions of Shropshire Incumbents ... ... ... 3^ Poynton Chapel. By J. A. Morris 55 Three Early Shropshire Charters ... ... ... ... 60 Notes on Alberbury. By H. M. Audkn, F.R.Hist.S. ... 63 Ecclesiastical History of Shropshire, 1640 — 1662. Addi- tional Notes. By the Rev. J. E. Auden, M A. ... 77 Notes on Kinlet. By the late Rev J B. Blakeway, M.A., F.S.A. Edited and Illustrated by Mrs. Baldwyn- Childe ... .. ... ... ... ... ... 83 Notes on some Shropshire Royal Descents. By the Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A Documents relating to Tong College. By the Rev. J. E. Auden, MA .. .. ... ... 169 Muster Rolls of the Hundreds of Bradford. Munslow, &c, A.I). 1532-40 Edited and Transcribed (from a copy of the Originals made by Mr. John Beacai.l), by the Rev. C. H Drinkwater, MA ... ... .. 245 ( lun and its neighbourhood in ihe First Civil War. By the Rev. AlfriiD M. Auden, VI. A .. ... 287 The Sequestration Papers of Sir Thomas Eyton, Knight, of Eyton-on-the-Weald Moors. Edited by the Rev. W. G. I). Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A 337 Extent of the Manor of Cheswardine, and a moiety of the Manor of Childs Ercall, 24 October, 1280 .. ... 361 Four Shropshire Inquisitions post mortem... ... ... 368 The last stand of Caractacus. By Major A. Heber-Percy vii MISCELLANEA :— I. Haughmond Abbey ... ... ... ... i II. Charles II. and Tong. Additional Notes iv III. Notes on Chirbury ,.. ... ... .. ... vii IV. A Letter from Raphe Clyve of Walford to the Bailiffs of Shrewsbury, 1571 ... .. .. ... viii iv V. Order concerning Rogues and Vagabonds, July 30, 157 1 ■•" ; i* VI Surrender by William Bell, of land in Roughton in the Manor of Worfield, 1659 ... .. ... xii General Index to Volume VIII. ... ... .. xiii ILLUSTRATIONS. Shropshire Bell Founders' Marks : — Fig. 10. Trade Mark of Barwell of Birmingham ... 12 Fig. 11. Medallion of I.B., bell-founder ... ... 17 Plate XXIII — Stirchley, Tong, Sheriffhales ... 25 Plate XXIV. — Tong, Rudhall's Ornament, Kemberton, Stirchley ... ... ... .. ... ... 32 Remains of Poynton Chapel... ... ... ... ... 55 Plan of Alberbury Village ... ... ... ... ... 63 Alberbury Church and (Jastle ... ... ... ... 70 Kinlet Church, Interior ... ... ... ... ... 83 Ancient Glass and Tiles at Kinlet ... ... ... ... 84 Kinlet Hall 96 Kinlet Church, Exterior and Oratory ... ... ... 104 Sir John Blount's Monument at Kinlet ... ... ... 106 Old Vicarage House at Kinlet ... ... ... ... 108 Arms in Sir W illiam Childe's House at Kinlet, in 1663 ... 134 Tong Church, from site of College ... ... ••• •• 169 Tomb of Richard Vernon at Tong ... ... . . ... 174 Plan of the Village of Tong, in 1739 ••• ••• ■•• !75 Muster Hillj near Newport . ... ... ... .-• 245 Arms of Eyton ... ... 348 Facsimile Signature of General Mytton ... ... ... 349 Facsimile Signature of Sir Thomas Eyton ... ... 350 and 357 Plan of Haughmond Abbey ... ... .. ... ... i Fitz Alan Tombs at Haughmond ... ... ... ... iv V SHROPSHIRE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. The Annual Meeting of the Shropshire Archajological and Natural History Society was held at Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, July ist, 1908, the High Sheriff, Mr. A. Heber- Percy, presiding. There were also present, Revs. Preb. Auden, F.S.A. (Chairman of the Council), VV. (>. Clark- Maxwell, F.S.A., li. H. Gilchrist de Castro, and J. \Y. Lee, Miss Auden, Miss Downward, Messrs. E. Cresswell Peele, H. li. Hughes, T. K. Pickering. J. Cosmo Melvill, H. R. H. Southam, F.S.A., J. Nurse, J. A. Morris, H. VV. Adnitt, etc. Petters of apology were received from Mr. Pevilie Stanier, M.P., the Rev. T. M. Bulkcley-Owen, Rev. VV. (i. 1). Fletcher, Miss Mary Lloyd, and the Rev. A. Thursbv- Pelham. Annual Report. Prebendary Audek presented the Annual Report, as follows : — The work of the Society during the year covered by this report does not present any very marked features. The Transactions have been issued with regularity, and it is hoped, have maintained their value ; and the cociety has made every effort in other ways to increase the interest taken by the public generally in the antiquities of the county. The work of excavation at Haughmond Abbey, alluded to in last year's report, has been completed under its auspices, with very satisfactory results ; while the progress of the restoration of Shrewsbury Abbey Church Tower is still Leing watched with sympathetic interest. The deaths ot Members since the last Annual Meeting have been somewhat numerous, and are a matter for much regret. Viscount lioyne and Bishop Allen, among the vice-presidents, together with Prebendary Clayton, Canon Livingstone, Mr. VV. Allen, and Mr. 10. Hodges, have all passed away, and left wide gaps in the membership of the Society, bishop Allen, in particular, before his elevation to the episcopate, sat for many years on the Council, and took an active part in its work. ihe Accounts are not so satisfactory as they might be. The subscription list has slightly decreased, and several circumstances have slightly increased the expenditure. The result, afier paying all liabilities, in spite of some special donations for illustrations, is an overdraft at the bank of The only satisfactory remedy for this is increased support^ and the Council would, therefore, appeal again with increased emphasis (or new members. That the Arclueologieal Society ot such a county as Shropshire should be in debt is an anomaly which certainly ought not to be allowed to continue. Mr. Auden added that Mrs. Baldwyn-Childe had sent a donation of ^"5 since the accounts were made up. In the adverse balance of ^28 there was no account taken of some subscriptions in arrear, and which would diminish it somewhat. Probably they were somewhere about £"20 to the bad. VI The Chairman moved the adoption of the Report and Statement of Accounts. Prebendary Auden, in seconding-, said they wanted new blood, and he hoped the result of it being known that they had a balance on the wrong side would bring them some new members. (Hear, hear.) He mentioned that the date of the Annual Excursion at Ludlow, w as Friday, August 28th. They would have amongst them then, all being well, Mr. St. John Hope, the Assistant Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries, than whom there was no greater authority on antiquities in the kingdom he might almost say in the world, and lie was quite sure that under Mr. Hope's guidance they would have an expedition which would be a treat from the antiquaries' point of view, and full oi rich instruction lor all. (Hear, hear.) The motion was carried. THE COUNCIL. On the motion ol the Rev. F. H. G. uu Castko, seconded by Mr. N.uitsK, the Council were re-elected. ELKCTION OF AUDITOR. The Rev. \V. (1. Clark-Maxwell, in proposing thanks to Mr. Naunton, and that he be re-elected auditor, said he recently had occasion to consult a good many of the State papers published by the Record Ollice. In the Shrewsbury Free Library they had got some, but they were very fragmentary. One hardly thought it consonant with the dignity of a borough like Shrewsbury that it should be served in that fashion, while the library at Stafford had a perfectly complete scries given to them, and, as a quasi-Salopian, he supposed he ought to boil with indignation. (Laughter.) While at the Record Ollice last week he ventured to ask the reasons. One was that they had not quite sufficient push and did not badger the Ollice enough, and another was that the Archaeological Society at Si afford had been able to publish a great deal more of original matter, and that was recognised by a correspondingly liberal donation from headquarters in London. If the Society could get additional members, they could have an additional output, and thus earn a more abundant shower of those documents. Mr. South-am seconded, and said he would like to say, as Chairman of the Books Committee of the Free Library, that they had already approached the necessary people with regard to the State papers. (Hear, hear.) He thought he had a certain amount of push, and he would try to use it. (Laughter', and hear, hear.) The motion was carried. vii THE LAST STAND OF CARACTACUS The Chairman then read the following paper on " The Last Stand of Caractacus " : — I beg- to ask for your kind indulgence whilst I bring a much-argued point before this Society, as I hope, from a new point of view; that is, not only from its archaeological, but from its tactical and strategical side. The old question 1 venture to resuscitate is this : where did Caractacus make his last stand against the Romans? The Very Rev. Charles Merivale, late Dean of Ely, in his " History of the Romans under the Empire," writes in a note: " The spots which have been most confidently assigned for the last battle of Caractacus are Coxwalj Knoll oii the Tcme, near Leiatwardinc (Roy); Coin Carnedd, west of the Severn, near Llanidloes (Hartshorne Salopia Antiq. p. 63); Caer Caradoc, on the Clun, in Shropshire {Gough's Camden, hi, p. 3, 13); and the Breidden Hill, near Welshpool, on the Severn [Archcvol. Camh.} April, 1851.) A Roman ('amp, now called Castell Collen, may be traced as far west ;is the Vthon, near Rhayader, and here, loo, a suitable locality might be found. Rut all is misty conjecture. It would seem that Ostorius, intending to strike at the Silures in the centre of Siluria, was drawn northwards by the movements of Caractacus into the country of the Ordovices, along one of the lateral valleys that issue from the Welsh mountains. Tacitus says only]'" Transfert helium in Ordovices." Thus far the Dean of Ely. Of these four spots, I think that the places usually accepted as the two most likely are the Breiddcn and Coxwall Knoll. The history of the period preceding the battle was, briefly, as follows :- Claudius had returned to Rome after the defeat of the Trinobantes under Cunobelin, their King, at Camulodiinum (Colchester), where lines can still be traced from the river Colne to a little wooded stream called the Roman river, indicating the ramparts of this British Oppidum. He had claimed and received the honour of a triumph, and had been given the appellation of Rritannicus; he had left behind him in Britain Propraetor Plautius to secure the fruits of his success (though Suetonius declares that Claudius' conquest was bloodless.) Vespasianus was then sent in command of the second legion to reduce the Relgre and the Damnonii, who occupied the country from the Isle of Wight to the Tamar; in this he succeeded. Plautius was re-called to Rome in A.D. 47, and his successor, Publius Ostorius Scapula, appointed in A.D. 50, found himself being raided by the refractory Britons in various quarters. To confine the still u neon que red tribes within the boundary of the Severn, he drew a double line viii of posts along the course of that river and the Avon. These posts must have been at the fords, which must have been connected by a road with the base, for reliefs and supplies. This road is most p nob ably the Wattling Street from Colchester to Uriconiurn. lie established a base and a colony at Camulodunum as a stronghold of the Roman power in the island. Though far from the Severn and the country of Silures, it was the nearer to Rome, and a good base for the Roman operations lor the entire subjugation of the island. In the events that ensued, one is constantly reminded of the hist frontier war with the Afridis, the Mohmands, and the other border tribes. hirst, the Icenians, a tribe inhabiting Norfolk, Suffolk", Cambridgeshire, and Huntingdonshire, were defeated in a battle in which Tacitus records that Marcus Ostorius, the son of the General, having saved the life of a Roman citizen, acquired the civic crown. Then the Cangi, who inhabited Cheshire and part of Lancashire, were laid waste; then commotions amongst the Brigantcs called for the Roman General's attention. Hut neither threats nor promises could induce the Silures to abandon their hostile actions; nor could they be quelled but by encamping the legions among them. To facilitate this design a colony, consisting of a powerful body of veterans, was conveyed to Colchester to settle upon the conquered lands, as a resource against the rebels and for initiating the Allies in the requisitions of the Roman law. Then Ostorius marched against the Silures. a people resolute and fierce by nature, and rendered confident by the valour of Caractacus, the son of Cunobelin, their leader. Caractacus transferred his forces to the territory of the Ordovices, where he resolved to give battle, and chose a spot which was difficult for the enemy to attack-, and easy for the Britons to defend and retreat from; or thus I under- stand Tacitus when he writes, M every way incommodious to oiu- .army, and every wav favourable to his own." This post, continues Tacitus, " was upon the ridge of some lofty mountains ; where their sides were gently inclining and approachable, he piled up stones for a rampart; his position was also skirted by a river difficult to be forded." This position alarmed Ostorius, but the soldiers, demanding battle, he led them on, and, without much difficulty, cleared the river; many of the assailants fell at the stone ramparts, but, forming the military shell with their shields, they demolished the rough stone walls, and the Britons betook themselves to the ridges of the mountain where, being unprotected by helmets or breastplates, they were slaughtered by the swords and javelins of the Romans. The Britons were defeated, the wife and daughter of IX Caractaeus taken, and his brothers surrendered ; the ^ailant chieftain himself escaped to Cartismandua, Queen ol the Brigantes, who subsequently gave him up to the Romans, A.D. 51. Mow, looking at the site of the Breidden, I cannot sec that il in any way answers to the description of this battle. The Severn is too far away from the foot of the hill to be any protection to men entrenched on the Breidden armed with bows and arrows and swords and jaxelins; it also must have been a much more formidable river to cross then than it is now, when the country is all drained. In about 894 A.p. the Danes sailed their vessels— they may have been of light draught for sea-going' vessels, but sea-going" vessels they must have been up the Thames, portaged them across to the mouth of the Severn, and navigated them up thai river as far as Buttington, about two miles below Welshpool, where they were caughl by the Saxons and utterly defeated. Mr. Clark-Maxwell also tells me that Tacitus used the word " Amnis " for the stream crossed at Caradoc's defeat, whilst he calls the Severn "bluvius," and we should remember that though Ostorius was alarmed at the sighl of the river, his men "without much difficulty cleared it." The Breidden, though steep, might be assaulted on all sides except the precipitous slopes on the northern and western sides, and, if so carried, there would be no way of retreat for the defenders. The camp at the Breidden has round its highest elevation an outer and an inner wall, and on a lower top one circum- vallation. The apparent connecting works marked on the Survey Sheet are, I think, doubtful as to their antiquity, and are at best but very slightly indicated. Coxwall Knoll, on the Contrary, in my opinion, answers well to the description. What I have said of the Severn (as far as regards the drainage of the land), equally applies to the Temc il must have been a bigger river than it is now. The stream runs at the very foot of the hill on which stands the camp; with stone w alls creeled along :the bank- on the camj") side it would add much to the strength ol the position of the defenders. There is no trace that we could find of these stone walls. But, as the Roman soldiers could remove them undercover of the military shield, they coidd only have been piles of loose stones, what is called a Burr-wall in Shropshire still. TN left flank is bounded by a brook called the Red Lake brook from its appearance, probably then bordered bv marshes; ncaring its summit are the surrounding walls of the British Camp, at its rear the way of retreat lies open X to the hills, through which Caractacus must have escaped (north, let it be remembered) to the Queen of the Brigantes, a tribe who inhabited Yorkshire, Durham, Cumberland, and Westmoreland. Again, where had Caractacus withdrawn from to find a suitable position to defend ? He had come from she country of the Silures, a people who occupied Herefordshire, Radnor, Brecknock, Monmouth, Glamorgan, and, in general, South W ales, and passed into the country of the Ordovices, the people of Shropshire and North Wales. In a note in the Dean of Ely's book 1 find : " From the distance marked in the XII. and XIII. Itinera of Antoninus it has been supposed Branogenium of the Ordovices, is at Lcintwardine, on the Teme, and Ma»n;i Castra of the Silures, at Kentchester, a little north of the Wye. The boundary would, therefore, lie between the.se two rivers. It seems to me that Caractacus, a born hill fighter, would never have left his vantage ground in the Shropshire hills for the sake of the perhaps, imposing, but certainly weak, position, of the isolated Brciddcn. Nor can I imagine Ostorius advancing from Colchester, circling round in the plain country north of tin- Severn, aware, as he must have been, that before he could attack he would have to cross that then formidable river. His probabie line of advance from Camulodunum would be the line of Watling Street (though possibly that "street" did not yet exist) over the lowest ford on the .Severn at Uriconium, which must have been a fortified post, and thence by the, perhaps, subsequent military road to Lcintwardine. Directly the Severn was crossed at Uriconium, the Breidden as the scene of a battle as described by Tacitus becomes impossible. The association of the name Ca'cr Caradoc w ith th*? camp on the hills behind Coxwall is, I believe, ancient, and, therefore, valuable, especially as Caractacus, son of Cunobelin, King of Trinobantes, except by his fierce resistance to the Romans and by this great light, had no local connection with either the Silures or Ordovices. Camden states that the battle was fought in Shropshire, where the Chin runs into the 'feme, not far from a hill called Caer Caradoc. This answers exactly to Coxwall Knoll. It may be said that Camden had no more written authority to go on for this statement than we have. Yet, living as he did in 1586,, when he published in what I read was " Klegant Latin, the history of the ancient inhabitants of Britain, when facile means of locomotion were not, races and families lived long in their Shropshire valleys, and tie old tale-, and traditions would be told and re-told, and 1 XI handed down in a way that is impossible to conceive now-a- days. Vet even so, I found two old residents who told me that the Red Lake Brook was so called because a great battle had been fought there, SO that the brook ran red with blood ! 1 cannot finish this article without expressing- my great indebtedness and grateful thanks to Mr. Clark-Maxwell, without whose help this article could not have been written, and in whose company so many delightful days have been spent visiting these and other British and Roman encamp- ments in the neighbourhood. We at any rate are quite convinced that at Coxwall Knoll we have the true scene of the last fight ol the great British hero, Caractacus. Mr. Melvill proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman lor his interesting paper. He said he visited Coxwall Knoll last year, but he had always imagined until now that the popular idea that the Breidden was the place of the battle was the right one. Now, however, he saw, as Mr. Heber- Pcrcy had pointed out, that the Severn flowed too far from tin' place to make il likely to be the site of Caractacus' last stand. I If knew the Tcme flowed Close to Coxwall Knoll, and he imagined there must have been a marsh In the primeval times, and that it was (jiiite likely the Knoll was the scene of the battle. lie hoped to visit the place again, and, after tin- interesting arguments he had heard, he would look' upon it with a different eye. Mr. PeelE, in seconding, said he knew the Breidden very well, and he agreed with the Chairman that it was not the place described by Tacitus, nor anything like it. The other place he had never seen, but he would follow Mr. Melvill-' S example and take an early opportunity of visiting it. He felt that Mr. Heber-Percy had really solved that question, which had engaged so much attention. Prebendary Auden said he stood up to champion the Breidden as the site of the last stand. He was aware there was a good deal to be said for Coxwall Knoll, and he would like to give the fullest benefit to what could be said. It had the advantage of the old tradition which Mr. Heber- Percy had alluded to, and also it had the authority of Camden. He supposed it was known that Camden himself never visited the spot. The objection to the Knoll, in his mind, was that it first of all had no Stone wall upon it, as Mr. Heber-Percy acknowledged, and, with regard to the marsh, he thought no doubt there was a marsh beyond the Severn as well as in most places; in fact, it was the rule for any river to have marshy ground around it, and he thought that would do away with one of the difficulties Xll that had) been stated with regard to the course of the river being' far away from the Breidden. He thought an argu- ment in the Breidden's favour was its isolation; a force on the top of the hill could only be attacked from below. I hen with regard to the river, it must be admitted that risers in the lime ol Caraetacus had a good deal more water hi them than they had now, and also they would not be so confined in their channels; and he thought he was right in saying thai, allowing lor every change, the Severn must have been a bigger river at the Breidden than the 'feme at Coxwall Knoll. lie pinned his faith to the Breidden partly because ol its position, its isolation, and parti)' because he thought it was more in the country ol the Ordoviees than the Knoll; also, it had a river which was in those days formidable, and a stone rampart. With reference to the Daries bringing vessels up the Severn, as a Salopian, he w as prepared to stick to the fact that it w as the Buttington, near Welshpool. But recently, while staying close to Chepstow, he was a little Surprised to hear that there was a pi. tee close be called Boddington or Buttington, and the people who lived there took it as a matter of course that that was the Buttington referred to. Ol course, being a good Salopian, he could not accept that, but they must not make too much of the ships. The other day he was talking to Archdeacon Thomas, who was an authority on the subject, and the Archdeacon told him thai, had it been possible: lor him to be present, he would have done his utmost to support the view that the Breidden was the site of tlu- last stand. Mr. auk-Maxwell supported the Chairman's view, and said it seemed to him the only weak point was the small size of the Knoll. It was a much smaller camp than the Breidden, but that might have been one reason why it was chosen, because of the small torce. He pointed out that il Camden newer saw the site, neither did Tacitus. Miss Ai'uk.n gave instances showing the unreliability ol traditions. Mr. Soutiiam said from his little military knowledge he was bound to follow Mr. Heber-Percy 's lead. 'The vote was heartily carried. The Chairman, in reply, said he maintained that the Breidden was not difficult to attack, and it was most dillicult to defend and impossible to retreat from. With regard to Mr. Audcn's contention that the Severn was the most formidable river, that was a point he made in his paper as proving that the Breidden was not the site. He had been interested in all that had been said against him, but he could not say that he was converted. (Laughter.) I Xlll ANNUAL EXCURSION. 'I he Annual Excursion of the Shropshire Archieological and Natural History .Society took place on Aug'ust 28th, when a large party ol Members and friends spent the day in studying .souk- e»i the antiquities ol Ludlow. 1 he party included Hie Rev. Prebendary Auden, E.S.A., and i\liss Auden, Rev. L. 1>. and Mrs. Uartleet, Rev. W. G. Clark- Maxwed, L.S.A., and Mrs. Clark - Maws ell, Rev. L'rebendary and Mr. C. Muss, Mr. IV. 11. St. J. Hope, Assist. Sec. S.A., Mr. 11. T. Weyman, E.S.A., Rev. E. 11. Gilchrist de Castro, key. C. 11. Drinkwatcr, Dr. Gepp, Mr. G. S. Gulston, Mr. 11. Howard, Miss R. Humphreys, Miss Lloyd, Mr. J. Cosmo Melvill, Rev. Dr. Moriarty, Mr. J. Nurse, Mrs. Roekc, Mrs. Roughton, Mr. II. R. 11. Southam, Mrs. J. I). Southam, Miss Ida Southam, Miss D. Owen, Miss Gladys Owen, Miss E. Groves Rev. Father hisher, Rev. J. G. Swainson, Mrs. Wright, Miss Lucy S. Wright, Mr. A. E. Cooper, Rev. C. and Mrs. Tudor, Rev. M. J. and Mrs. Ransome, Rev. J. W. and Mrs. Lee, Miss Chitty, etc. They met at the Ciiurch at 1 1-3C, where the Rev. W. G. Clark-Maxwell kindly gave a resume of the history ol the building, and Mr. St. John Hope called attention to its architectural features, 1 he plan ol the Church was laid out on its present lines in the 12th century, probabiy at the time that the great castle founded by Roger de Lacy in his manor ol Stanton had begun to attract considerable population under its protection. Modern research goes to show that Mr. Eyton's theory of a Saxon origin for Ludlow rests upon a very insecure basis. The coins stamped Lude," which he supposed to have been minted at Ludlow, are now known to belong to the London Mint, and Mr. J. 11. Round is ol opinion that the manor ol Lude, mentioned in the Domesday Rook is that of Lye, in Herefordshire. In 1199 mention is made of the enlarging of Ludlow Church, and the 14th ;md 15th centuries brought many alterations and additions to it. The heraldry of the chancel roof points lo the fir$t half of the 15th century, and there is documentary evidence of the screen work being ol that period. The Church is rich in old stained glass, and formerly possessed many chantry chapels, I lie sites of the altar's of which were pointed out by Mr. 11. T. Weyman. The tomb at the north-west end ol' the Church, popularly, but most incorrectly, associated with Prince Arthur, is shown to In: probably that of Dr. Denton, master of St. John's Hospital, which is mentioned by Leland. St. John the Evangelist was the patron saint of the Palmers' Guild of Ludlow, the legend of which is given in the east window of I heir chapel at the end of the north aisle, as that of St. XIV Lawrence, the patron saint of the Church, is in the east window of the chancel. The Palmers' Chapel' also, like Chin Church, possesses an oak canopy above the altar. Other unusual features are the mediaeval lavatory near the south door, and the little chamber behind the altar at the east end ot the eh^ancel1, with its inserted 12th century window. Stukeley considered the room to have been a treasure chamber, but this is clearly incorrect. Mr. St. John Hope was of opinion that it was built in order to make it possible to conform with the canon which ordered the ringing of a belt at a given point in the saying <>1 the Mass, that the parishioners at their work outside might hear, lie mentioned that this is probably the reason for the much- debated low-side windows, with their shuttered openings. In later mediieval times a bell in the steeple was rung instead ol a hand-beil, and the sanetus bell-rote found in many chinches marks an intermediate stage. The monuments in Ludlow Church are many of them note- worthy, especially that to Sir John Bridgman and his wife. Sir John died in 1637, ami his monument is probably the work of Francesco Lanelli, who was employed at Gloucester Cathedral about that date. Sir John was not popular, and (lough, in his history of Middle, records a rhyming Latin epitaph made on him by Ralph Gittins, one of the masters <:l Shrewsbury School, and its Lnglish translation. Alter an interval for lunch, the party re-assembkid at the Castle, where Mr. St. |ohn Hope spoke first of the general history of the building. There is little documentary evidence as to its early history, as, not being a Roval Castle, the Pipe Rolls are silent as to expenditure upon it. The fust Norman builders used the stone they took out of their moat to build a great gateway tower (as they did at Richmond in Yorkshire), instead of making the usual earthen mound. One side of the almond-shaped enclosure ol the inner bailey was fortified by nature, and only required the addition of a wall, against which the later buildings now stand. The great tower was much altered about the 1.3th century, the entrance archway being taken away and built up, and the lowest storey made into a dungeon. The entrance was made beside at a different level, and the outer bailey was enclosed and used lor various buildings. Of these, the porter's lodge is still standing, with the prison next to it, to which Sir John Rridgman, if tradition be true, was wont to send prisoners for \erv small faults. A single wall remains of the Chapel of St. Peter, which Sir Henrv Sidney made into two storeys for use as a courthouse and muniment room. The fust building of note in coming into the inner court is the Judge's lodgings, built by Sir Henry Sidney. XV with a picturesque newel staircase ; but the round N'orman Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene eclipses all the other buildings in interest. The excavations made a few years ago under the supervision ol Mr. Hope showed that the original chancel was finished by an octagonal apse. This was removed by Sir Henry Sidney, and replaced by a longer chancel of limber work. He also brought corbels from various parts of the Castle, and inserted them in the nave- walls as supports to a gallery or upper floor, where he and his family and guests heard the service, while the dependents occupied the ground floor. A covered way led from the stale apartments to the chapel, with a passage below from the servants' quarters. At this point a heavy shower made the part} beat a retreat to the shelter still afforded by the great tower, where Mr. Hope pointed out the various alterations it had gone through, and showed thai the (anions short wall passage was a relic of the time when it was the great gateway. In troubled times, or at night, when the inner doors were closed, persons might be admitted one at a lime through this passage, which in the daytime would be partially hidden by the open door against it. The arrangements ol the great hall and the other buildings also showed many points of interest, and must have contained much that was noticeable before the Government, under George I., allowed everything to fall into irrevocable ruin at the beginning of the rSth century. Leaving the Castle precincts, the party walked round the exterior, and then made their way to the little late [2th century Chapel of St. Thomas of Canterbury, now a furniture store, and so to the Grammar School, where the 13th century hall of Thomas Barneby now forms part of the school precincts, The Temc was crossed by the picturesque Ludford Bridge, near the site, in 1459, of camps of the rival forces of York and Lancaster. Ludford House was visited, by the kind permission of Mr. A. C. Brown. This contains early work in its walls., for it was originally a Hospital of St. Giles, where beggars and poor strangers were entertained in mediaeval times. The Ludford Hospital seems to have taken the form of almshouses, known as St. Giles' House, which were bought on the dissolution of the smaller religious foundations by William Foxe, Bailiff of Ludlow, the purchaser of St. John's Hospital in Taidlow. He se< ms to have adapted -ct. Giles House for the use of Ins son Edmund, and re-built the almshouses. Edmund Foxe was called of Ludford, on his death in [551. four years before that of his father. William I'oxe's grandson, Kdward, conveyed Ludford to Bo nil am Norton, of Chuo h Stretton, in 1007, and it passed, a few XVI years later, to the Charlton family, who first occur in connection with Ludford in 1032, and who seem to have been in lull possession of the house in 1067. The Charltons, who were a branch of those at Apley, had been goldsmiths, or what would in modern days be called hankers, of London, and the negotiations of loans to the King passed through their hands. The) bought property in their native county, and became owners of Whit ton, near Ludlow. Richard Charlton, of Whitton, married Emma, daughter of Sir Job Harby, of Adston, in Northants, and their son, Job, became eminent in the law. He was born in 1614, and in 1662 was appointed Chiel Justice ol Chester, and in 11)72 Speaker of the lIou.se of Commons. lie was created a baronet in 1686. lie lived at Ludford, and there entertained King fames II. in 10S7. The King's bed and his chair are still to be seen at Ludford, where the character of the house remains much as it was at that time, and to the casual observer little but the ground plan tells ol its earlier date. Sir Job's grandson, Sir Francis, settled Ludford on the eldest son of his first marriage, and Park Hall, near Oswestry, which he bought in 1717, on that of his second: but the male line of both branches failed about the beginning of the 19th century, Ludford passing to the Lcchmercs, and Park Hall to the Kinchants. From the Hall the party went to Ludford Church, where, in the absence of the Vicai", the Rev. R. V. Tremills kindly met them, and pointed out the objects of interest. The north aisle, built by William bo\e in the i6lh century, contains an interesting brass to his memory, and that of his wife. The inscription mentions that he built the aisle, and " re-edified " the almshouses. The date of his wife's death has not been filled in. She died March nth, 150]., and her will carefully guards the rights of the poor to the almshouses at Ludford. Sir Job Charlton, who died in 1697, aged 83, is commemorated by a fine recumbent effigy in his Judge's robes, and the monument to his first wife, Dorothy Riundcn, has a graceful portrait medallion. There is a tomb of curious design erected by Edward Fox, but no dates have been filled in upon it. Apparently it was erected before monev difficulties obliged him to part with Ludford. Considerable interest was shown by the members in a vessel of stone built into the south wall of the interior, but it did not appear to be in situ, and various opinions were expressed as to whether it had originally been a font or a stoup. From Ludford Church the party made their way back to the town in detachments, and at f>-2 the Shrewsbury Contingent went on their homeward way after a most inleresliii!;- dav in the town that King James is said to have < alled /and right) v' so) one of the fairest in his dominions, xvn MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETINGS. October 9th, 1907 — Rev. Prebendary Audcn, F.S.A. in the Chair. Mr. George Whiteley, M.P. of Hawkstone Park, was elected a member of the Society. In consideration of the valuable literary services rendered to the county by Miss Burne, the Council decided to present to her one volume and one odd part of the Transactions necessary to enable her to complete her set. Mr. Southam reported that a sum slightly exceeding ^25 had accumulated as interest on the amount which was deposited in the Salop Old Bank on behalf of the Uriconium Excavation Fund, when the work was discontinued in 1899. It was resolved that the sum of ^25 of this interest be devoted towards liquidating the balance due for work done in excavating the ruins at Haughmond Abbey during the Spring of 1907. November 1 3th, 1907 — Rev. Prebendary Audcn, F.S.A. , in the Chair. A letter was read from Miss Burne, thanking the Council for their gift of the parts of the Transactions which she wanted. It was decided that two plates and one block be allowed to Mr. II. B. Walters for the next instalment of his paper on Church Bells; and that the question of the Illustrations for Mrs. Baldwyn-Childe's paper on Kinlet be referred to the Editorial Committee. December 11th, 1907 — Rev. Prebendary Auden, F.S.A., in the Chair. Mr. A. Middleton Rickards, of 2i,Glenloch Road, Haverstock Hill, N.W., was elected a member of the Society. The Chairman read a letter which he proposed should be printed and sent to all the subscribers to the Uriconium Excava- tion Fund, informing them that £25 of the interest accumulated on the deposit at the Salop Old Bank had been devoted towards XV111 liquidating the balance clue for work done in excavating the ruins at llaughmond Abbey in the Spring of 1907. The letter was approved, and the Assistant Secretary was instructed to send a copy to each of the subscribers to the Uriconiufn Fund. January 8 th, 1908 — Rev. Prebendary Auden, F.S.A.,in the Chair. The Assiscant Secretary reported that he had sent by post to each subscriber to the Uriconium Excavation Fund a copy of the letter approved at the last Council Meeting, and that no replies had been received. Miss Lucy S. Wright, of Grinshill Vicarage, was elected a member of the Society. A letter was read from Mr. J. Cosmo Melvill, asking that his name should not appear, fur the present, as Curator of Conchology. A letter was read from Mrs. Baldwyn-Childe, offering £5 towards the cost ot the Illustrations in the Transactions which she desired for Blakeway's Notes on Kinlet Church. Mrs. Bal.dwymCbilde's offer was accepted with thanks, and the Council agreed to add a further sum for illustrations not exceeding ^5. February 12th, 1908 — Rev. C. H. Drinkwater in the Chair. The following new members of the Society were elected : — The Hon. W. Urmsby-Gore, Brogynlyn, Oswestry, and Mr. John lSeacalJ, of Sorrento, Italy. A Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure for the year 1907 was laid on the table, showing a balance overdrawn at the end of the year of ^{, 28 7s. iod. It was resolved that if, in Mr. Adnitt's opinion, there is a sufficient number of surplus copies for future sales of Vol. I., 2nd Series, of the Transactions, a number of copies net exceed- ing ten might be broken up for the purpose of completing the "Lay Subsidy Roll of 1327 "for the members of the Council, and of binding copies of the " History of Shrewsbury Liberties ' for sale for the Society. March 11th, 1908— Rev. Prebendary Auden, F.S.A., in the Chair. The following new members of the Society were elected : — Mr. G. S. GUlston, Moor Hall, Ludlow, Mr. Gerald G. P. 1 ley wood, Tick wood Hall, Much Wenlock, and Mrs. F. R. Gamwell, Aber Artio, Llanbcdr, Merioneth. XIX A letter read from Mr. Herbert Southam, enclosing a cheque for £1 is., being a donation from himself and Mr. Adnitt to the Illustrations Fund. The Rev. \V. G. I). Fletcher and Mr. Adnitt were requested to draw up a circular postcard to be sent to the Clergy, Landowners, and others likely to be interested, calling attention to the fact that there were several copies of the " History of Shrewsbury Liberties " for sale. April 8th, 1 90S— Rev. Prebendary Auden, F.S.A., in the Chair. The question of the Annual Excursion was discussed, and it was decided to make Ludlow the centre for the Excursion, provided that Mr. St. John Hope or Mr. Brakspear would be able to attend. May 13th, 1 90S— Rev. Prebendary Auden, F.S.A., in the Chair. It was reported that Mrs. Baldwyn-Childe had sent her promised subscription of £5 to the Illustrations Fund, and the Assistant Secretary was instructed to convey the thanks of the Council to Mrs. Raldwyn Childe for her generous donation. The Chairman was requested to convey to the relatives of the Right Rev. Bishop Allen the sympathy of ti e Council on the death of the Bishop. It was decided that the Annual General Meeting be held in July, ami that Major Heber-Percy 'he asked to take the Chair. June Wth, WOS—Rcv. Prebendary -laden, F.S.A., in the Chair. The printers' account for Part I., Vol. VIII., of the Tfans- ac/ions was laid on the table ; and it was decided that enquiry be made as to some of the charges which appeared to the Council to be excessive. July 1st, 1908 — Rev. Prebendary Auden, F.S.A., in the Chair. The question of the printers' charges was again discussed, but postponed to a future meeting. The Rev. C. M. Tudor and Mrs. Tudor, of Pitchford Rectory, were elected members of the Society. The Annual Lxcursion was fixed for August 28th. XX September 9th, 1908— Colonel H. K. H. Southam, F.S.A., in the Chair. The following new members of the Society were elected : — Rev. Maurice J. Ransome, Pulverbatch Rectory. Rev. G. R. Peak, Dinham, Ludlow. Mrs. J. W. Lee, Cressage, Shrewsbury. The Chairman having reported that the hedge at Uriconium required laying, it was decided that the matter be left in Mr. Southam's hands. The Assistant Secretary was instructed to call the attention of the Churchwardens of St. Chad's to the fact that some little cleaning up was necessary at the Crypt. SHROPSHIRE ARCH/EO LOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, 1908. The Right Hon. Lord Barnard. TOtcc-Jkesibcnte : Mil Grace The Duke ok Sutherland I he Right Hon. The Earl of Powis The Right Hon. The Earl Brownlow 'I he Rt. Hon. The Earl of Bradford The Right Rev. The Lord Bishop ok Lichfield The Right Rev. The Lord Bishop of Hereford The Right Hon. Lord Kenyon The Right Hon. Lord Forester Sir Walter O. Corbet, Bart. Sir Okfley Wakeman, Bart. Rev. Prebendary W. H. Egerton, ALA. R. Lloyd Kenyon, Esq. Rev. Prebendary H. \V. Moss, iM.A. Algernon Heber-Percy, Esq. W. H. Foster, Esq. Beville Stanier, Esq., M.P. Qlouiifii : Her. Prebendary T. Auden, M.A., F.S.A., Miss Hope-Edwardes, Netley Hall Church Stretton (Chairman) j H. H. Hughes, Esq., Shrewsbury .\h>s Auden, F.K.Hist.S., Church j Rev. A. J. Moriarty, DA)., Shrewsbury Stretton I S. M. Morris, Esq., Shrewsbury Kcv. J. R. Burton, B.A., Bitterley E. C. Peele, Esq., Shrewsbury Kev. W. G. Clark-Maxwell, M.A., 1 T. E. Pickering, Esq., M.A., Shrewsbury F.S.A., Clunbury | H. R. H. Southam, Esq., F.S.A., Kev. 1). H. S. Cranage, M.A , F.S.A., : F.R.Hist. S., Shrewsbury Cambridge [bury Rev. A.Thursby-Pelham, M.A., Cound Kev. C H. Diunkwater, M. A., Shrews- I Henry T.Weyman, Esq., F.S.A., Ludlow Kcv. W. G. D. Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A , Oxon vlrmtoiial (JTommiUcc : Kev. Prebendary Auden, M.A, F.S.A Rev. \V. G. 1). Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A. Rev. C. H. Diunkwater, M.A. Mr. II. W. AbNlT'f, The Square, Shrewsbury ^soistant §eaciaro : Mr. A. E. Cooper, Montague Chambers, Dogpole, Shrewsbury JUMtor : Mr. W. W. Naunton ^rcaoums : The Capital and (.Bounties Bank, Limited, XXlll Clark-Maxwell, Rev. W. G.. M.A., F.S.A., Clunbury Vicarage, Aston on Chin, R.S O. CUy, J. Cecil, Esq., Market Drayton. Collett, Rev. Edward, M. A., Warden of the Homes of St. Barnabas, near East Grinstead. Colville, H. K., Esq., J. P., Bellaport, Market Drayton. Corbet, Sir W. O., hart., D.L., J. P., Acton Reynald, Shrewsbury. Cranage, Rev. D. H. S., M.A., E.S.A., 8, Park Terrace, Cambridge, de Castro, Rev. E. H. Gilchrist, M.A., Hal ford Vicarage, Craven Arms. Davies, R. E., Esq., 23, Oak Street, Shrewsbury. Deakin W. Scott, Escj., F.R.I. B.A., Per wick Road, Shrewsbury. Dovaston, Adolphus, Esq., 14, Madeley Road. Ealing, London, W. Downward, Miss Alice, The Castle, Shrewsbury. Drinkwater, Rev.C, II., M.A., St. George's Vicarage, Shrewsbury. Duignan, \V. IP, Esq., Gorway, Walsall. Eckersley, N. 11"., Esq., J. P., Trench, Wem. Egerton, Rev. Prebendary VV. H., M.A., The Rectory, Whitchurch, Salop. Forester, Right Hon. Lord, Willey Park, Broseley. Feilden, Rev. O. M., M.A., Prankton Rectory, Oswestry. Fielden, E. P., Esq., J. P., Condover Hall, Shrewsbury. Fletcher, Rev. W. G. D., M.A. , F.S.A., Oxon Vicarage, Shrews- bury. Fortey, Charles, Esl}.., Belgrave Road, Clifton, Bristol. Poster, W. PL, Esq., D.L., J. P., Apley Park, Bridgnorth. Gamwell, Mrs. F. R., Aber Artro, Llanbedr, Merionethshire. Gepp, Maurice, Esq., D.P.TP, Thomey croft I louse, Shrewsbury Gough, Fred IP, Esq., M.A., Merefield House, Crewkerne, Somersetshire. Guildhall Library, London, E.G.— E. M. Borrajo, Esq. Gulston, G. L., Esq., Moor Hall, Ludlow. HEREFORD, 'Phc Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of, The Palace, Hereford. Harding, W. E., Esq., Acton House, Shrewsbury. Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass., U.S.A., c/o Messrs. Maggs Bros., 109, Strand, London, W.C. Hawkins, Mess, St. Mary's Court, Shrewsbury, lleber Percy, Major Algernon, J. P., Hodnet, Salop. XXIV Heighway, S., Esq., Claremont Buildings, Shrewsbury. Herbert, Colonel, CD, J. P., Orlelon, Wellington, Salop. Hey wood, Gerald G. P., Esq., Tickwood Hall, Much Wenlock. Hignett, T. H., Esq., Oswestry. Honyman, Sir Wm. M., Bart.. M.A , J. P., Coton, Whitchurch. Hope-Edwardes, Miss, Netley Hall, Salop. Howells, T. MiddletOn, Esq., Highfield, Shrewsbury. Hughes, H. H., Esq., Shrewsbury. Humphreys, Henry, Esq., Bowbrook House, Shrewsbury. Humphreys, Miss, Swan Hill Court House, Shrewsbury. Hunt, Captain, Ruyton Park, Ruyton-xi-Towns. Instonc, Mrs., Walton Grange, Much Wenlock. Jones, H., Esq., F.S.A , 42, Shooters Hill Road, Blackheath, London, S.E. Jones, Heighway, Esq., J. P., Earlsdale, Pontesford, Salop. Jones, J. Parry, Esq., New Hall, Glyn, Ruabon. Kenyon, Right Hon. Lord, Gredington, Whitchurch, Salop. Kenyon, Rev. A. E, LI., MA., 'The Rectory, Ludlow. Kenyon, R Lloyd, Esq., M.A., D.L., J. P., Pradoe, West Felton, Oswestry. Lichfield, The Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of, The Palace, Lichfield. Lee, Mrs. J. W. Cressage, Shrewsbury. Leslie, Mrs., Bryntanat, Llansantffraid, Oswestry. Library of Congress, Washington, c/o Messrs. E. G. Allen & Son, King Edward Mansions, 14, Grape Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C. Lloyd, Brigadier-General Francis, C.B., D.S.O., J. P., Aston Hall, Oswestry. Lloyd, }. 15., Esq., B.A., J. P., Dorrington Grove, Salop. Lloyd, Miss Mary B., The Homestead, Port Hill, Shrewsbury. Makcuami.ky, Right Hon Lord, Hawkestone Park, Salop. McLaughlin, Rev. E. C. L., M.A., Burford Rectory, Tenbury. Marshall, Uev. W., M.A., Sarnesfield Rectory, Weobley, R.S.O., Herefordshire. Marston. Chnrles, Esq., Highfield, Wolverhampton. Martin, Mrs., The Cottage, Westhope, Craven Arms. Maude, Veil. Archdeacon, M.A., Swan Hill, Shrewsbury. Melvill, J. Cosmo, Esq., MA., F.LS, F.Z.S., The Hall, Mcolc Brace. XXV Minshall, Philip H., Esq., Becchfield, Oswestry. Moriarty, Rev. A. J., D.D., Bishop's House, Belmont, Shrewsbury. Morris, F. G., Esq., High Street, Shrewsbury. Morris, J. A., Esq., The Priory, Shrewsbury. Morris, S. M., Esq., College Hill, Shrewsbury. Moss, Rev. Prebendary, M.A., Stoke, Headington, Oxford. Naunton, W. W., Esq., Shrewsbury. Newberry Library, Chicago, c/o Messrs. Stevens and Brown, 4, Trafalgar Squate, London, VV.C. New York Public Library, c/o Messrs. Stevens and Brown, 4, Trafalgar Square, London, W.C. Nurse, John, Esq., 57, Bellevue, Shrewsbury. Oldham, Ven. Archdeacon, 13. 1)., The Elms, Shrewsbury. Ormsby-Gore, Hon, W., Brogyntyn, Oswestry. Oswcll, A. E. LLoyd, Esq., A.R.I.B.A., Shrewsbury. Oswestry Free Library. Powis, Right Hon. Earl of, Powis Castle, Welshpool. Parry, Lieut. -Colonel (i. S., 18, Hyde Gardens, Eastbourne. Patchett, Miss, Alii Fawr, Barmouth. Peak, Rev. G. R., M.A., Dinham, Ludlow. Peele, Colonel E. C, V.D., I). I,, J P., (-yngfeld, Shrewsbury. Pennsylvania Historical Society, c/o Messrs. Stevens and Brown, 4, Trafalgar Square, London, W.C. Pickering, T. E., Esq,, M.A., The Schools, Shrewsbury. Pool, Robert, Esq., Mytton Oak, Copthorne, Shrewsbury. Poole, T. Frank, Esq^, The Sytch, Dorrington. Potts, E. B , Esq., Broseley. Public Record Office, Chancery Lane, London. Purcell, Rev. F. T., Edstaston Vicarage, Wem. Purton, Rev. Ralph C, M.A., [iessenford \ricarage, St. Germans R.S.O., Cornwall. Ransome, Rev. Maurice J., B.A., Pulverbatch Rectory, Shrews- bury. Rickards, A. Middleton, Esq., 21, Glenloch Road, Ilaverstock Hill, N.VV. Roberts, R. Lee, Esq., Doddington, Clee Hill, Ludlow. Roberts, T., Esq., The Cottage, Stapleton, Shrewsbury. Robinson, Brooke, Esq., M.P., Barford House, Warwick. Robinson, Nicholas, Esq., J. P., Frankton Grange, Ellesmere. Rocke, Mrs., Clungunford Hall, Aston-on-Clun, K.S.O. Rogers, Henry Exell, Esq., J. P., Shrewsbury. Rowland, G. J., Esq., 14, Parkdale, Wolverhampton. xxvi Sellwood, Rev. W. M., M.A., 3, School Gardens, Shrewsbury. Sitwell, Willoughby-Hurt, Esq., J. P., Ferney Hall, Craven Arms. Smith, F. Rawdori, Esq., J.P., Eastfield, Ironbridge Southam, Colonel Herbert R. H., V.D., F.S.A., F.R.Hist.S., Innellan, Shrewsbury. Southam, L. A. C, Esq., Rodney House, Malvern Link. Southam, Mrs., The Hollies, Shrewsbury. Souihwel!, W. L., Esq., J. P., Astbury Hall, Bridgnorth. Stanier, Beville, Esq., J. P., M.P., Peplow Hall, Market Drayton. Stawell, Mrs., Castle House, Shrewsbury. Steavenson, Rev. R., B.A., Wroxeter Vicarage. Swainson, Rev. J. G., Kf.A., Wistanstow Rectory, Craven Arms. Tayleur, J., Esq., D.L., J. P., Buntingsdale, Market Drayton. Taylor, Rev. Ed. J., L.Th., F.S.A., West Pelton Vicarage, Beamish, R.S.O., Co. Durham. Thompson, E. P., Esq., Pauls Moss, Dodington, Whitchurch. Thursby-Pelham, Rev. A., M.A., Cound Rectory, Shrewsbury. Timmis, Percy Freeman, Esq., St, John's Court, Town Walls, Shrewsbury. Tudor, Rev. C. M., M.A., Pitch ford Rectory, Shrewsbury. Tudor, Mrs., Pitchford Rectory, Shrewsbury. Twemlow, Lieut. -Col. Francis R., DSC)., J.P, Peatswood, Market Drayton. Vaughan, H. F. )., Esq., B.A., S.C.L., The Rosery, near Ash- burton, Devon. Venahles, R. G., Esq., B.A , J . P., Oakhurst, Oswestry. Walcot, Henry Talbot, Esq., 8, Kensington Gate, London, W. Wace G R., Esq., Fieldside, Shrewsbury. Wakeman, Sir Oflley, Bart., M A , D.L., J. P., Yeaton Peverey. Watts, Professor W. W., M.A., F.G.S., Hillside, Langley Park, Sutton, Surrey. Webster, E. M., Esq., Newport, Salop. Weyman, H. T., Esq., F.S.A., Ludlow, Salop. Whitaker, W. H., Esq., D L , J P., I otterton, Lydbury North. Wood, C. G. Russ, Esq., F.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., Hardwicke House, St John's Hill, Shrewsbury. Wood, R. H., Esq., F.S.A., F.R.G.S., Belmont, Sidmouth, South Devon. Woodall, I1?., Esq., Oswestry and Bonier Counties Advertiser, Oswestry. Woolward, Rev. S. A., M.A., Myddle Rectory, Shrewsbury. Woollcy, George, Esq., Corve Street, Ludlow. Wright, Miss Lucy S., GrinshiU Vicarage, Shrewsbury. XXVI 1 The High Sheriff of Shropshire) , . . , rr The Mayor of Shrewsbury /dunn* tlieir year of oUlce- Randall, Mr. J., F.GS., Madeley, Salop, Members are requested to notify any change of Residence, or error of description, to the Assistant Secretary, Mr. A. E. Cooper, Montague Chambers, Dogpole, Shrewsbury. XXV111 SOCIETIES IN COMMUNICATION WITH THIS SOCIETY. Archaeological Society, Birmingham and Midland Institute, Birmingham. Bristol and Gloucester Archaeological Society. Rev. VV. Bazeley, Eastgate Library, Gloucester. Cambrian Archaeological Association. C. J. Clarke, Esq., 65, Chancery Lane, W.IJ. Cambridge Antiquarian Society, Little St. Mary's Lane, Cambridge. Cheshire and North Wales Archaeological Society, Grosvenor Museum, Chester. Cumberland and Westmoreland Archaeological and Antiquarian Society, Kendal. Derbyshire Archaeological Society. Percy H. Curry, Esq., 3, Market Place, Derby. Essex Field Club. Springfield, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Glasgow Archaeological Society, 88, West Regent Street, Glasgow. Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire. G. T. Shaw, Esq., The Athenaeum, Church Street, Liverpool. Kent Archaeological Society. G. Payne, Esq., The Precincts, Rochester Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society. Colonel Freer, F.S.A., 10, New Street, Leicester. Powys-Land Club, Welshpool. T. Simpson Jones, Esq. Ro>al Archaeological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland, 20, Hanover Square, W. Society of Antiquaries ol London, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W. Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle-on-Tyne. R. Blair, Esq., South Shields. Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh. Somerset Archaeological Society. Taunton Castle, Somerset. Surrey Archaeological Society. Castle Arch, Guildford. Sussex Archaeological Society. The Castle, Lewes. Til >resby .Society, Leeds. S. Denison, Esq., 10 Park Street, Leeds. Worcester Diocesan Archaeological Society. William Salt Archaeological Society, Stafford. Votkshire Archaeological and Topographical Association, 10 Park Stieet, Leeds. Ilodleian Library, Oxford. British Museum (Copyright Office) Natural History Department of British Museum. Cromwell, Road, S.W. Shrewsbury Free Library. O - O >o DO O O On O m moo "c5 c 2 u ri H If. ri nsl ■2 G 4J c/J o jJ ri R 'O u 5S C *^ ocial & ^ "a G QJ mmi o u! o .S -a < U a< c U "ri hi in U X a d o u U 3 ;5 C/3 W u o ~. o o a D..'~ r*- t/i cxN ! s a ° : g tx g oooomooo otO'.Or^'-'OC^O CJ •— CJ O N N O : o J> • .y .c : t/ u ° 5 O .G : -c ^ • ^ o u 5 O o rt ri r< . u q — (A) xi 10 IS — „_ rt tJ"J IT! 5 Ph g £ O .3 go -a O'O JC ° < *- ° , C , c o °C ri fa $ <§> <§> <8> $ (3i in- 6. I To The Church The Living Call and To The Grave Do Summon All a r 1735 |^| (34|in. A very light ring (tenor 8 cwt., note A), like several others in the neighbourhood ; all have ornamented cannons. Some primitive repairs to wheels and stocks; belfry very dirty, the jackdaw having made it ' a house and a nest uhere she may lay her young," and bells in bad order. One of the latest rings by Abraham Rudhall, who died Feb. 1 735-6. 'J he borders used are: on 1st and 4th. Fig. 2; on 2nd, Fig. 1 ; on 3rd and 5th, Fig. 5 ; on the 6th, a bit of Fig. 3 after date. Robert Pigctt (see 4th bell) also gave the tenor at Edgmond. [1549] : ' ij bellis of oone accorde to be rogon together.' 4 May 1553 : ' Two small bells and a sanctus bell.' 1740 : ' 6 bells the gift of Rob1 Piggot Esqre.' 1752: '6 bells.' In the ringing chamber, a set of old rules printed on a card : — If that to ring you do come here You must ring well with hand and ear; And if a bell you overthrow Sixpence must pay before you go ; And if you ring with spur or hat, Sixpence also is due for that ; And if you either swear or curse, Sixpence is due, pull out your purse. These laws are old, they are not new, Therefore the Clerk must have his due ; If to these laws you will consent Then ring a Bell, we are content. Customs : Ringing and chiming at funerals. Ringing for birthday of Squire and his heir ; for weddings occasionally, Morning bell rung daily (?). [No details given.] Thanks to the late Rector, Rev. C. R. Gordon, D.D, CHURCH ASTON. St. Andrew. Three bells. The conditions here are peculiar and exasperating. The old church had three bells in a tower, but in the new one, built in 1867, the tower was dispersed with from motives of economy, and the bells were placed in a fleche or spirelet about one-third of the length of the nave from the West end. One hangs in the upper THE CHURCH BELLS OE SHROPSHIRE. put under the spire (as at Jackfield new church), the openings ruinni it being (irmly netted round to keep out birds, and below it is .1 solid leaden floor ; it is therefore quite inaccessible. The i>llu i two hang below the level of the roof ridge, boxed in above, hut with a trap door of very moderate dimensions in the roof of the church. Owing, however, to the exceeding loftiness of the ri'ul, the difficulty of erecting a ladder o( 40 or 50 rungs and the danger of the ascent from within are so great that the risk and expense involved haidly seemed justifiable, the more so as the upper hell cannot be seen in any case. There is an exactly parallel dilliculty at St Laurence Newland in Essex. Fortunately we are not in entire ignorance about the bells, tu inks to the Rev. E. Williams, who has given the inscriptions in his MSS. (Brit, Mils'. Add. 21236) and although he copied them a century ago, 1 cannot learn that any changes have been made since, at any rate during the incumbency of the late Rector, Kev. IC. Ventris (1 863-1 905). They are as follows: — 1 S^CTO MT^RI^ OFW PRO NOBIS 2 IOHN HATCHET WILLIAM WOOTTON C W 3. dESVS BEL Dr. Williams' copies, experience te'ls me, are almost always to Uc trusted. It will be seen that two of the bells are medieval, which increases our regret that we cannot obtain further details of them. [1549]: 'Aston P.tRVA iij smale bellis of oone accorde to be Rogon togethur.' .75^ : ' * Bells.' DONNINGTON WOOD. St. Matthew. One bell. belt perfectly plain, without inscription-band, about 18 in. diameter, hanging in an open gable-cot. Church built 1845, according to Mr. Cranage's account, but in the British Museum (Department of MSS, C. vi. 7) there is a document relating to the icpair of the church here in 1825. It was then described ns ruinous, hut it can hardly have been in existence many years. EDGMOND. St. Petlr. Six bells. I. THE FREEHOLDERS OF EDGMOND BENE- FACTORS g| A R 1721 \ty\ (29I in- 2 RECAST A.D. 1887 JUBILEE YEAR V.R. ET I. On the waist (on other side) : — {Fig* 6) (31 in. 4 THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 3. GOD BLESS OVR NOBLE BEN E FACTORS c^^r^ 1?21 A ^ R *^5ar (32 in. 4. ROB1 MANSELL & IOHN IAMES CH-WARDENS IS A^ R 1721 (33 i". 5. DRYDEN PIGOTT RECTOR BEN E FACTO R aAr $ $ £ 1721 <$> ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ j> j> (36 in. 6. ROBERT PIGOTT ESQR PATRON AND BENE- FACTOR ^^^S^ A A R 1721 ^-^^^ (40 in. A ring of six by Abraham Rudhall, the 2nd recast by Taylor of Loughborough (medallion Fig. 6 on waist'. Its prede( isoi was inscribed : — PEACE & GOOD NEIGH BOVR HOOD 1721 (31 in. The new 2nd has angular cannons ; those of the others have all been removed. Belfry rather untidy ; new stocks and wheels by Mears and Stainbank. The bells are said to go very well in ringing. Weights : cwt. qrs. lbs. (^ 5 3 3 (Mears: 4A cwt., note E). (2) 5 3 21 (Mears: 5 cwt. D). Old 2nd: 6 cwt. 1 1 lbs. (3) " ,,6 cwt. C). (4) „ 6^ cwt. B (5) 8 cwt. A (6) „ io cwt. G On the frame is cut THOMAS: 1729 DAVIS ! FECIT [1549] : ' Egemondon iij Bell' of oone accorde.' 1 740 and 1752 : ' 6 Bells.' See Brit. AIus. Add. MSS. 21236 (inscriptions on 1st, old 2nd, 3rd and 6th given) ; Salopian Shreds and Patches, hi p. 203, viii. p. 1 24. Robert Pigott (see tenor) also gave the ring at Chetwynd in 1735. Customs : Curfew rung up to the date of the abolition of Church Kates. Pancake Hell at 1 1 a.m. on Shrove Tuesday. Bells chimed at funerals (known us the "joy-bells,'' as at Momlle). See Shrops/iire Folk-Lore, pp. 301, 318, 602. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 5 HINSTOCK. St, Oswald, Five bells. 1 Thomas Mears & Son of London Fecit i808 ^O^OO (26|in. 2. Thomas Mears & Son of London P ecit i808 ^f^^S^f^^t (continuous) (28 in. 3. The same. (29.^ in. 4. The same. (31 in. 5( MEARS & ST A I NBANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON 1885. (33 >"• A very light ring, tenor yewt., note A. Hung with new wheels, and in good going order. Belfry rather dark. The tenor was given by P. Williams, Esq., of Hinstock Hall 3 May, 1553 : 1 Two great bells ; one sanctus bell.' 1 7 5 2 ■ 1 3 Bells.' There appear to be no other records relating to the history of these bells. KINNERSLEY. St. Chad. Three bells 1 em is> -p> m ~mjmm>m @> ™ * (26 1 in. i THOMAS HANSON ALIA? HARPER WARDEN 1632 THQjVI A£ B^KEF; (^^•-^lDEMAjN (29- ;ln 3 Above : — Border of arabesques. H I , -, iTTTT . — ■ 1— I , , 1 ►I« WILLIAMi ^ joWEN| !c| |W| 161 7 _l_4| mi MiS IIII inn miii imiiij inn IANE i BELL Below, , H n imr C Inn Beloiv again: — Running border. (32in> 1 st : Uy Hugh Watts of Leicester, about 1620; similar bells at Child's Kreall and Norlon-in Hales. The lettering is illustrated on Plate XXII. 'I be S's aie all reversed, and the third one is placed lying on its side. 6 THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 2nd : By William Clibury ; initial cross Plate XII., fig. i. 3rd : By Henry Clibury , type and crosses as at Ditto n Priors, etc.; between the initials II C is a small stamp of a bell. The borders are, above, Plate XIV., fig 6 ; below. Plate XIII , fig. 3. Pits for four Bells ; new stocks and wheels ; belfry very dark. Edges of bells much chipped to tune them, especially the second. [15 49 J : 'ij bell' of accord.' 4 May '553 : ' K,enerass.lby> Two bells.' 1740 and 1752: '3 Bells.' Mr. Cranage, in his Shropshire Churehes (vii., p. 593), lias entered fully into the question of the double bell-cote on the east end of the nave here, and the difficulty of its reconciliation with the dates of the- tower and bells. The tower he dates about 1700, and the bell cole cannot be of great antiquity, still less an ancient sanctus-bell cot, being double. We know that there were two bells in 1553, and three by 1674; it may be that the two of 1553 (re cast about 1620 ami in 1632) hung in the bell-cote, and the third was added when the tower was built, in 1074 ; Mr. Cranage tells me he is willing to admit the possibility of so early a date. It is true that the date 1723 is cut on one ot the pinnacles, but this may only refer to some repairs. In any case, if the tower was not built until 1723, it is impossible to see how the three bells c mid have been hung lor the fifty years previous. The present 1st and 2nd seem to me rather large bells to have hung in the bell-cote, and it is possible that careful measurement might prove the im- possibility. I do not think the problem has yet been satisfactorily solved.1 LILLESHALL St. Michael. (Six bells. 1 . T- Mears op London Fecit 1825. ^OOOOO 0000-00000 OOOOO^r (31 in. 5. T. Mears. op. London. Fecit 1825 (34 in. 1 Mr. William Pearce, F.S.A., who knows Kinnersley well, is strongly of opinion that the lu ll cote is original, and ot mediaeval d late ; but I do not see that jttie question h neuter to solution even if that is the ease, because the bell- cote must in any cue be older than the tower. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 7 0. W^1 Henny. Joseph Boycott. Church Wardens T Mears. of. London. Fecit. 1825 ^004 (58 in. All cannons off ; bells re-hung in vertical or U-shaped iron frames in 1887, erected by Messrs. Muirhead, of Newport. The expense was defrayed by the Duke of Sutherland. Weights and notes : (1) 4 cwt. F. (4) 5^ cwt. C. (2) 4 .J cwt. flat. (5) 7 cwt. B flat. 13) 5 cwt. D flat. (6) o cwt. A flat. t '549] : ' 1 -v 1 i.i:snvi.i . iij bell' of oone aecorde.' .\ Mav, 1553 '• ' Lyllfsoll.' Three great bells and one sanctus bell. ' 1 740 : ' 6 Hells, 1721.' 1752 : '6 Bells.' Also mentioned in George Morris' MSS. The previous ring of 17:1 was by Abraham Rudhall (cf Browne Willis' list in Brit. Mus.). LONGFORD. St. Mary. Two bells. 1 CAST BY AB: RUDHALL 1737 5^^5l§^j3 (con~ tinuous). (21 in. 9 T. Mears op London Fecit 1812 ^OOOOO Border on smaller bell, fig 2. [1549] : ' ij bell' of aecorde.' 4 May, 1553: ' Two bells.' 1 7 152 : 'One bell' (obviously an error). In 1803 there were three bells, the inscriptions on which were copied by the Rev. E. Williams, and are recorded by him in his MSS. (JJiit. Mus. Add. 21236). They were as follows: 1. NlCOlaES 13H RVGLEYN ME JV/lElN" ESVS (?) 2. Present is/. 3. No inscription. In the early years of the nineteenth century the church was re- built, and at a meeting held 15th September, 1804, it was ' Resolved also that the churchwardens do dispose of the present bi lls and procure one Hell, of a si/.e larger than the largest old I Jell, to be put up in the new church.' However, the middle hell was preserved, and, presumably, the other two, which must have 8 THE CHURCH BKLLS OF SHROPSHIRE. been very small, were alone sold, and probably melted down to provide metal for the present second. The disappearance of the old treble, with its interesting if somewhat unintelligible inscription, is much to be regretted. The name Nicoles de Kugleyn on the old treble is evidently intended for Nicholas Ruggeley of Hawksheard, Staffordshire; there were two representatives of the name there in the 15th cen- tury, one about 1420, the other about 1445 I we tnus §et an approximate date for the bell. See Dugdale's Warwickshire, ii. p. 934 {s-v. Curdworth) ; also the references given in Marshall's Genealogist's Guide, s.v. 1 he Churchwardens' Accounts are extant from 1724 to 1754. Mr. Cranage kindly sends me the following extracts from those of the year 1737: Paid Mr Abel Rudhall Glour his Ballce of Acco1 for Casting the Bell .. ... 6 3 9 I''1 for the Carriage of the Bell from Bridgnorth and housage ... ... ... ... ... ...026 NEWPORT. Sr. Nicholas. Eight bells. 1. The Revd Charles Buckeridge D D gave this Bell A-D* 1812. Below.— T. . Mears op London Fecit (28} in. 2. The Subscription Bell Promoted by Thos BaDDELY A. D. 1812. Below . — T. . Mears op London Fecit I29J in. 3. T. • Mears op London Fecit 1812 ^OOOOO OOOOO^r (301 in. 4. The same ; pattern slightly longer. {z2\ m- 5. C & G MEARS FOUNDERS LONDON 1856 (34J in. 6. T Mears op London Fecit 1812 ^OOOOO 000004 (36A in. 7. Thomas Mears of London Fecit 1812 ^OOO 00000004 (394 m. 8. This Parish recast these 8 Bells A.D. 1812 John Cooper John Challenor Church (2nd line)-. - Wardens. T. . Mears op London Fecit (43$ »»• THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 9 Hells very grimy Weights : cwt. qrs lbs. cwt. qrs. lbs. (0 5 O 5 (5' 7 2 3 (2) 5 I 2 3 (6) 9 2 r3 (3) 5 3 9 (7) " O 2 2 (4' 6 2 26 (8) «3 2 16 [ 1 549J : Itm iij grett 1 xelleis and to smalle belleys 27 July, 155? : ' Ytt iiij grette belles and ij smale belles.' s.j May, 1553 : 1 ilij grete and two sma41e bellys.7 1752 : '6 bells.' The former ring was by Hudhall, as may be gathered from extracts given below. In the Register the following entries occur : 1662 Aug. Memo rand mil that ye 1 1 e 1 s off Newport new made to the gallery this month. T. M. 1663 fan. 'This month was the loft built for ringing, or a Relfree. 1665 May. Memorandum that William Adams, citizen of London, gentle, nephew to the founder, gave the Market House bell, with the elligy of a man to ringe it, Anno 1665, which was burnt when the Towne was consumed by fire, May 19, 1665. 1(171 "It was ordered by the parish upon 20 of August 1671 that it be entered into the Parish Bopke that live shillings be allowed for evei tor ringing upon the 21 of August being Mr. William Adams' (Newport's great benefactor! his anniversary, Thos. Muriel 1 psh (dark.'' 1701 May I 2W|. Meinorand. that on yo q11' of April last one John Belringer being accidentally killed by ye 21"1 Bell, yL'said Hell became forfeited to y° liarle of Bradford; but upon yv parishioners' acknowledgment, his Lordship as freely returned yu bell being thus forfeited as his Grand- father1 at fust gave it when it was founded, and in acknowledgment of ye favour we have hereunto set our names. Jn. Greenwood; Vic.i1 '; Richard ffletcher, Rdbert Adderiy Ch Wardens ; Walter Robertson, Richard \\ hitall, ( )verseers The Rev. 1) It. S. Cranage also kindly sends the following extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts: 1 718 19 Mr. Rudhall s Bill 66 8 o for weighing y° Bells and laying them on y° Key at Bridgnorth ... ... ... 076 ('I iiey had evidently been brought up the Severn from Gloucester as far as Bridgnorth.] (Several other payments.) 1728 29 ringing yB sermon bell (also in later years). 1 Sir Richard Newport, created Baron Newport in 16. |?, died 1650. Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. E in THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 1748 5th bell sent to Bridgnorth (and so to Gloucester ?) 1774 £60 paid for new bell-frames. 1795 Carriage of old bell to Bridgnorth. 1797 Do do. from Bridgnorth. Item for carriage of bells 16 4 6 Do. do. 4 0 0 Mr. Mears, London ... ... 25 0 0 Do. do 212 6 2 1814 Payment for ringing 8 o'clock Bell. 1847 Do do. 6 o'clock do. 1852 Do do. morning do. There appear to have been six bells dow n to 1812, when two trebles were added, one by donation, one by subscription, one re-cast, and the other three, according to tradition, sent to Church Eaton, Staffordshire {Salopian Shreds and Pa/c/ies, hi , p. 192), but as none of the bells there are by Rudhall, this was probably not the case. The Rev. 0. Buckeridge [see treble] was minister from 1790 to 1827 ; he was Archdeacon of Coventry and Canon Residentiary of Lichfield, and died at the age of 74. Customs : An Apprentice Bell is rung every morning, from March 25th to September 29th, at 5-30 a.m. ; for the rest of the year at 6 a.m., its purpose being to call up apprentices. The tenor is used. Curfew Bell rung (tenor) at 8 p.m., October 1st to March 24th. Pancake Bell on Shrove Tuesday at 1 1 a.m , the 4th and 7th bells used (to imitate the sound of the word ' pan-cake). On Sundays ringing for Services on first in month, chiming on others ; a bell at 8 a.m. Ringing on Christmas Day, Easter Day, New Year's Day ; a muffled peal 011 New Year's Eve. Ringing at Weddings, when paid fur ; also on King's Birthday ; Agricultural and Flower Show Days ; September 1st (William Adams' Anniversary). Muffled peals on day of Funeral of Church Officials and eminent persons of the nation or neighbourhood, also on the Sunday morning following. A bell rung for Vestry Meetings at 12 noon. See also Sfompstitrc Fdtk-Lore, pp. 5 1 S, 602. Very many thanks to Rev. W. Budgen, Rector. In Salopian S/unls and Patches, v., p. 134 (14th March, 1883), mention is made of a mortar of bell-metal at Newport,1 inscribed 4 L. . W RIG HT . MADE . ME . 1595.' It weighed \\ cwt , and was ornamented round the middle. I awrence Wright was a London founder of soitiewlVait invidious reputation. 1 Said to be now in the possession of Mr. Marston, a chemist at Stafford. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. II OAKENGATES. Holy Trinity. One bell. Church built 1855. Bell in a central turret, quite inaccessible; supplied by Charles Carr. of Smethwick, some time since 1885. PRESTON-on-the-Weald-Moors. St. Lawrence. Two bells. j# No inscription. (14 in. 2. PROSPERITY TO THIS PLACE : A : R 1713 ^ (16 J in. The smaller bell exactly resembles the smaller at Great Oolas ; it has angular cannons and three lines round the shoulder. 2nd by Abraham Rudhall ; clapper tied. New flooring and ladders, but old frames ; a ring of six in pros- pect, for which preparations were being made in the tower in 1905. j 1549] : 1 Preston-undkr-YV yldmoru. ij smale bellis of oone accorde to be Rogon together.' 4 May, 1553 . 'Two small hells." 1 740 : ' 2 Bells.' SAMBROOK. St. Luke! One bell. J. S. LUKES SAMBROOK. OCT. 2 1856. By John Warner and Sons ; note, E ; cost £36 is. 6d. Church built 1886 ; parish formed out of Chetwynd, Cheswardine and Edgmond Thanks to Rev. \V. I). liraginton, Vicar. SHERIFF HALES. St. Mary the Virgin. 6 + 1 bells |. JOHN CRITCHLEY WALTER JOHN SHUKER CHURCH WARDENS On z/ieiuuis/ ARTHUR TOMPSON MICHELL VICAR (i>) 1894 (25I in. 9. Above, border of arabesques. BE IT KNOWNE TO ALL • THAT DOTH ME SEE • THAT IOSEPH SMITH IN • • (2nd /i>/6') :— EDGBASTON • MADE ALL THE REST AND ME 1722 • QK^S**0 s ! (27 in. 12 THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 3. WILLIAM • TAYLER * S^3&t^83 • BENEFACTOR S*^5**S3 1722 Below; border and trade-mark as on last. (29 in. 4. • WILLIAM • PLAXSTON % BENEFACTOR • Below, border and t rade-nta rk as cVo. 3. (31 in. 5. MR ROBERT • FOWLER • VICAR • THOMAS • WHITTLE • ANDREW • PENSON • CHYRCH (2nd line) :- WARDENS 1722 S^^gS^^Sg (33* in- Above, row of arabesques. 6. THE WRIHT HONORABLE LORD I0HN GOWER BARON OF STEPNY BENEFACTOR 1722 • Below, border as before, with coins at intervals. (37 in. 3. Aty inscription ; unhung. Sheriff Hales Church was formerly in Staffordshire, but the whole parish was transferred to Shropshire in 1895 The inscriptions on all but the treble were given b) Mr. Lynam in his ( Lurch Hells of Staffordshire, p 25 and the lettering and stamps illustrated, ibid. plate 113. Up to 1894 there were only five bells, and the treble (by Barwell, of Birmingham, whose trade mark1 appears on the waist1, is an addition due to the present Vicar, who has done much to rescue the tower from a condition of neglect. The new treble weighs jewt. 3Qis. i61bs. The borders on » — 6 are Plate VI., fig. 8 with arabesques, like Plate XIV., fig 6 on the 2nd ; the trade-mark on 2 — 4 is Plate XXII I , fig. 11; between the words are impressions of coins of ^^^^"4^^^ the size of a penny. . iq 1 cannot trace the John Gower, n' Laron of Stepney, who gave the tenor ; but he must have been one ol the well known Gower family. The sanetus b.:ll hes on the floor of the clock-chamber, with lever attached ; it is said to be cracked. It has no band lor an inscrip- tion, and does not look older than the eighteenth century. 1 I am inckbte 1 to the kindness of Messrs. Barwell for the electro type of this mark, which is lie i e reproduced. THE CHURCH HELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 13 Customs : Tolling at Funerals (chiming formerly). Hells chimed on Sundays, or rung when possible. A bell at 8 a.m. every Sunday. Kinging on Christmas eve and morning, and other great Festivals, also on New Year's eve and morning. TIBBERTON. All Saints. Five bells- 1. J. WAENEK, & SONS LONDON 1877 (22k in. 9 The same. (24 in. 8. OAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1877 (25^ in. 4, The same. (273 in. 5 The same On the waist : —ALL SAINTS TIBBERTON 1877 (29 in. Angular cannons ; clean and in good order. A very light ring, nut quite enough for the narrow lower. Warner's Chiming Appar- atus. [1549]: ' Ti uberton Chapel, iij bell' of a Corde and a Sackerynge bell'.' 4 May, 1551 : 'Tyberton. Two bells.' 1752 : '3 Hells.' Nothing appears to be known of the bells previous to 1877 except that Parkes (Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 21,013'), gives a drawing of the church, made in 1 819, showing a small turret which could hardly have held more than one bell. The present tower was built in :842. 'The customs here are more interesting than usual, several old ones being still kept up. There is a board in the tower which orders ringing on the following days : Christmas Even 7- 8 p.m. and ir— 12 30 a.m. Christinas Day, Easter, Whit-Sunday, and Harvest Festival: for Early Celebration and other Services. New Year's Eve: 7 8 and 11 50 12 30. This is still kept up, New Year's Day and Old Christmas Day : 7—9 p.m. (loocl 1'iiday : Muffled peals for Services ; still kept up. All Saints' Day and November 5"1 : 7 —9 p.m. Kinging on the latter day is still kept up. On Sundays the bells are rung or chimed at the ringers' option. On anothei board in the belfry is [tainted the following : THE CHURCH BELLS OE SHROPSHIRE. On Good Friday 1862 the first muffled peal was rung on these J id Is J, A. Vickers Treble G. Evans 2,,d W. Poclmorc 3r" C. F. Vickers 4th A. Norton Tenor. WATERS UPTON. St. Michael. Two bells. 1. IcTWl |1700| I I -J- B | (2o\ in. 2. CAST BY JOHN WARNER & SONS LONDON 1865 (22 in. PATENT Hung in an angular open stone turret, the smaller one above the other. With the aid of three ladders and various members of the late Vicar's family, to whose friendly help and agility 1 am greatly indebted, the bells were reached and examined without great diffi- culty. They have no clappers, ai.d are struck by outside hammers only, the larger one being used for the clock. The smaller bell is an almost exact replica of that at Cardeston, with the addition of the initials 1 B. which enables us to connect it with the 2nd at Boningale, cast at W ellington 111 1699. W ere it not for the repetition of the initials R . U C . W ;it Cardeston, it would naturally be supposed that they indicated a churchwarden, and, indeed, it is still possible that the}' do, and that the repetition is only a coincidence. Jt has also been suggested that both were cast for one place and subsequently separated. (See under Cardeston.) For the ornament and date-figures see Plate XVI., figs. 4, 5 The church was re built in 1865, when the larger bell was re-cast [1549] : ' ij smalle bellis of accorde.' 4 May, 1553 : ' Upton P'va. Two small bells.' 1740 : 1 Upton p'ua al's 1tYatrs .Upton 2 Bells.' 1752 : 1 Upton Parva 2 Bells.' In 18 17 the bells hung in a sort of cupola, as may be seen in a drawing in the Parkes MSS. (Brit. Mus. Add. 21,181.) Many thanks to the late Vicar, Rev. J. B. Davies, and his family, especially Mr. Arthur Davies, R.N. WOMBRI DGE. ss- Mary' and Leonard. One bell. 1. On waist :~(a) WOMBRIDGE PARISH CHURCH I899. THE CHURCH BELT.S OF SHROPSHIRE. 15 E. P. CAR EW BROWNE. VICAR. 1 ?:rde^ E KOARE CLERK 0 WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS : (b) CHARLES CARR LTD. BELLFOUNDERS SMETHWICK. (24 in- Hung with lever; angular cannons; used for clock. The cost ol this new bell was ^40 The present church dates from 1869 ; for its previous history see Cranage's Shropshire Churches, Fart vii., p. 637. A drawing of the old church, made in 1 8 1 9, is given by Parkes. ( Add. MSS. Brit. Mus., 21,013.) Thanks to Rev. E. P. Carew Browne, formerly Vicar. WOODCOTE. 0ne bel1 I. JOSEPH SMITH MADE ME 1723 (*3* in« Below, a bb REVD :G: W: WOODHOUSE VIGAR G:BUCK- NALL G: AUSTIN CH : WARDENS 1849. In admirable order : new lutings throughout ; all cannons off, and ugly cylindrical caps screwed to the head stocks, all of which have Barwell's name on them. Hoom tor eight hells. The old 3rd was inscribed like the present 5th, the old 4th like the present 2nd, as indicated by the reproduced inscription. The Oxford foundry was a predecessor of tin; well-known one at Lough- borough, but did not last long, ami has not left many bells. The 2nd is an ugly straight-shouldered bell. Weights of new bells : (3rd) 7cwt. lolbs. (4th) 8cwt 4lbs. Tenor about 1 2C\vt. 2 June, [1540]: ' Foure bells of accord.' 1740 : • Four bells and a Sts bell.' 1752 : '5 Bells.' The ring appears to have been increased to six by Lester and Pack in 1766, but of these six, only one now remains. Bells rung or chimed for Sunday Services ; one bell at 8 a.m. on 2nd and 4th Sundays, hinging on Christmas Day, Faster Day, and New Year's Kve ; weekly practice from November to Faster Weddings and Muffled peals by request A good sd ol kingciV Kulrs, but not much regularity about ringing. A local rhyme (for which I am indebted to the Vicar of Tong), runs : " We have much good roast beef, Say the bells of Albrighton ; We have none, THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE.. 17 Say Boningale ; Nor we. Say Donington.'' The number of words in each case corresponds to the number of hells in each tower (Donington only had two down to 1879). BONINGALE. St. Chad Three bells. 1 J: TAYLOR & C° FOUNDERS LOUGHBOROUGH 1891 (26), in. 2. laufcate 3>eminum 1699 I B On waist ►f* GOD SAVE HIS CHVRCH 'lTeiTiTl (271 in ( 50J in The 1st is hung above the other two; the words are widely spaced. It replaces a bell inscribed exactly like the present 2nd, with the addition of a fleur-de-lys surrounded by scrolls which followed. the date (see Plate XVI., fig 7). The diameter was 24 inches. These two bells are by an unknown founder, whose initials are 1. B., as the medallion on the waist shews (Fig. ii); lie also cast fig, 1 1 (two-thirds of original),. Vol VIII., 3rd Series. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. bells for Cardeston, Knockin, Kenley, and Waters Upton {q.v.), That he was working at Wellington is shewn by the Churchwardens' Accounts (see below). '1 he use of black letter with old English capitals at this date is very unusual. 3rd by R. Old field ; cf. Munslow and Plate XIV , fig 2. A new frame" for the treble and new fittings were supplied in 1 89 1 at a cost of ,(,46. 1 7<}o and 175-': '3 Bells.' Tolling tor funerals. On Sundays, chiming for services, followed by one bell tolled. Ringing on New Year's Eve Rest thanks to Rev. C. P. Isaac. Rector. In the Churchwardens' Accounts for the year 1699 are lowing entries (published in these Transactions) Vol. VII., 1884, p. 134) : £ s. d. Paid at William Marsons when the Bellfounder met y° parishioners ... ... ... o 1 6 Paid for Casting the Pells... ... ... ...700 Paid for Mettle put into the Pells ... ...200 Paid for Articles and a Pond ... ... ...072 Paid for W'aying the Pells .. ... ... o 1 8 Lor taking and fetching the Pells ... ... 010 o Spent at Wellington ... ... ... ...020 The transcriber of these entries states that the bond alluded to is still in existence. The Rector, however, informs me that he can discover no traces of it among the parish documents. This is much to be regretted, as it would have revealed the name of the founder who, so far, has remained an enigma. See also under Albrighton and Donikgton for traditions in connection with these bells. BOSCOBEL. The Rev, J. E. Auden kindly contributes the following note : ,( The ruins of the Church of St. Leonard, belonging to the Convent of White Ladies, are now in the 'extra-parochial' parish of Boseobe'. In the inventory taken on its dissolution occurs the entry : ' Bells in the Stepull. Ther Remeyneth unsolde in the Stepul 3 Bells,'" DAWLEY MAGNA. Holy Pkin.tv. Live bells. 1. WHEN I RING 1LE SWEE 1 LY SING ^t^^S^ A : R 1716 * (25 in Above the inso iption, Fig. 2 all round. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. It) 2. PROSPERITY TO ALL OVR BEN E FACTORS RH A R 1716 (>M in. 3. PEACE & GOOD N E1GH BOVR HOOD ^^^r A ^ R ^r^r (28 in. 4. A BR : RVDHALL BELLFOVN DER ^^V^ 1716 ^l^^l^^r ■ (29J in. c'). RALFE LITTLEHALSE & 1EFFERY W1ER C 1 1 V R C H WARDENS 1716 \±\ (3*h in. A light ring by Abraham Kudhall; border on 1st, 3rd, and 4th, Fig. 1 ; on 1st, 2nd, and 5II1 the ornament Plato XXIV.. Iig. cabled canhoivs to all. On the 1st the T of SWEliTI-A7 has been omitted, and is incised above the line. In very good order. [15-19] : ' Davli'Y. iij Belles of oone accorde.' 4 May, 1553 : ' Three bells/ 1 740 and 1752 : '5 bells.' Chiming at Funerals; muffled peals occasionally; death-knell tolled when requested. On Sundays chiming for services. Ringing at Christmas and Faster, on New Year's live and special occasions, and for Weddings. 1 was told in 1905 that there was not much ringing, a new band of ringers having been just constituted. DAWLEY PARVA. St. Luke. One modern bell in a turret ; church built 1845. DONINGTON. St. Cuthbert. 'J Free bells 1 On I he waist, low down : THIS BELL WAS CAST IN 1732 RECAST IN 1848 AT THE EXPENSE OF GEORGE JONES ESQ OF SHACKERLEY 2nd line : — John jelli corse john boulton church- wardens J spencer caster bilston foundry (24.I iii. 2 MEARS & STAINB ANK, FOUNDERS, LONDON 1882. (28 in. 3, The same, but no slops. (34 in. Weights : (1) 3^ cwt. (2) 4 cwt. 2 qrs. 6 lbs. Note E flat. (3) 7 cwt. o qrs. 17 lbs. 1> flat. 20 THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. The treble has angular cannons, and is a good casting, but poor in tone; there is an inscription-band round the shoulder. It is, so far as I know, the only church bell that has ever been produced by this firm, who were well-known ironfounders in that district of Staffordshire. The 2nd and 3rd replace two bells destroyed by the fall of the tower, in 1879. 17 May, 1553. ' The churchwardens 'do bind o'selves by these p'sentes to save keep unstollen unsold unenibesellyed . . . . ij smale bell[s] nowe reinaynynge within the church and steple of Donygto' as we will answere therefor ' (Griffith's History of Tong, p. 24) 17. jo: ' Donning ton 2 bells.' 1752 : 1 Donnington 5 bells.' (Sic ) Parkes (Drit. Mus. Add. MSS., 21,010-16), gives two bells in 1819. A bell is rung at Funerals after the service. There is a tradition that a bell intended for Donington was once intercepted on its way from the foundry by the people of Boningale and (presumably) placed in their steeple. See also under Ai. Brighton. The Churchwardens' Accounts extend from 1629 to 181 r, but I cannot gather that they contain anything of interest relating to the bells. KEMBERTON. J,,ITN Baptist and Andrew. Four bells. \fj iWlllLIL! IWiHIIfSITiOlNiS'i |TJHjO| (VyillKISl [CLWl ||I6.I7II| (26^ in. 2. PEACE & GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD A ^ R 1735 9^dt^f> (28 in. 3 f mesvs Be ovr speDe 0 E u% (30 in. 4. 0 QOD ffft+fffttff SAVE tf+tfttft+ff OVF; tffftt+t+tt KltiQ 1621 On the waist : (33 in- 1st : By Tl loinas C^hbury j fleur-de-lys Plate XII., (ic i ■ foundry shield Plate V., fig. 2. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 21 3rd : From the Nottingham foundry ; by Henry Old field. Let- tering as at Stirchley isee Plate XXIV., figs 6, 7) : the cross is that formerly belonging to the Worcester 'Royal Head' founder, as at Bitterley ( Plate IX., fig. 1), and the stops before the date are the King and Queen stamps (Plate III., figs. 1. 3), which also came into Oldfield's possession. Note the form of the I), which resembles that used on the Royal Head bell at Liitterley (Plate IX., 4) |th : 13y William Chbu«*y ; cross Plate XII., h\r. i ; borders between words. Plate XIII., fig. 2 ; on the waist, the large medallion Plate XL, fig 1, as at Clunbury. briny rather dirty. The 2nd bell has cabled cannons. 1 740 : I MSS. torn]. 1752 : '4 bells.' It is suited that llu-rc; wis formerly a fi th bell, which was exchanged to Sutton Maddock for the clock now at Kembeiton, the place for the clock being still visible at Sutton. Customs : 4 Mattins bell ' (i.e. the old Mass Bell), rung at 9 a.m. on Sun- days. For services, the tenor is tolled for five minutes, followed by chiming for five minutes, and ' tolling in 1 on the small bell for the last five. At Funerals the sex and age of the deceased are indicated by the method of tolling Kinging on Easter Day, Whit-Sunday, and Christmas Day ; also on New Year's live : for Weddings and on secular occasions, for payment. The tenor is tolled for Vestry Meetings. Thanks to Kev. W. G. Biaby. Vicar. MALINSLEE. St. Leonard. 6 bells 1. GOOD WILL TOWARDS MEN 2. GLORIA 3. WE BLESS THEE 4. WE GIVE THANKS TO THEE 5. WE PRAISE THEE 6. ON EARTH PEACE Diam 34|in. Total weight of ring, 31 \ cwt ; tenor, 8| cwt. ; a maiden peal. On a tablet fixed to the bell-frame : Laus Deo This peal of six bells was erected in the tower of 22 THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. St Leonard's Church, Malinslee, Dawley by Charles Carr of the Woodlands bell-foundry Smethwick in the Jubilee Year of Queen Victoria's reign June 2 1 st 887 Rev'1 Richard Woods Vicar F. Howard 1 )avis ) r,x , , ^ i-> 1 • ? Churchwardens George Robinson j Thomas Jones Vicar's Sidesman Owen H. Harries— Chairman of the bell fund committee The old bells were given, in 1839, by Mr. YV. Hatfield, of Decker Hill, Shifnal. The new ring was inaugurated on June 26th, 1887, with services and a peal by the Coalbrookdale ringers. The total cost was ,^245. (See C /lurch Bells, 1st July, 1887.) PRIORSLEE. St. Peter. r + 1 bells. 1. 7473 Clock Bell. Xo inscription . A steel bell cast by Naylor, Vickers and Co., of Sheffield, about 1890 (cf. Halford and St. George) ; very much corroded, and thoroughly in keeping with the church! The clock-bell is c.eval with the church (about 1840). The old church had a wooden turret (see Parkes' MSS., Brit. Mus Add. 2 1,180}. Thanks to Rev. J. P. Stephenson, Vicar. RYTON. Dedication Unknown. Five bells. ] On the waist, low down :— VICtorIa - regIna • et • IMperatrIX anno IVbILaeI ■ perfeCto • grates acIt sIt gLorIa Deo regInae saLVs (23! in. 2. On the waist, low down >-f ■ 3 (5) 8 1 : 26 (*) 5 3 : 20 (6) 1 0 0 : 4 <3> 6 1 : 10 (7) '3 0 : 18 <4) 7 1 : 2 1 («) 18 3 : 9 Note E flat. No Inventories. 1740 : * ShilTnall 5 bells.' 1752 : 1 Idsall 6 bells.' See also Transactions, i., p. 450 ; Salopian Shreds and Patches, ix., p. 230; Church Hells, 6th February, 1875. AAlll, THE CH V kCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. J5 Customs : 'lolling at Funerals. Kinging for Services on Sundays; at Christmas, Easter, and after midnight on New Year's Eve ; also for Confirmations. Weddings, and on Sovereign's Birthday. Curfew, formerly at 11 p m., from November to Candlemas (/c, while lires were necessary) ; also Matins bell at 5 a.m. yS/irops/urc Folk- Lore, p. 602). Many thanks to Mr. XV. Bradney, Head Ringer. There are some half-dozen peal boards in the ringing-chamber, recording some thirty peals rung between 1774 and 1845. ^ne states that the first peal of Sted man's rung outside London was achieved here. Others which may be noted are : 30 April, 1771 and 30 April, 1783: 5,040 Grandsire Triples. 23 April, 17S5: Quarter-peal of bob Major, 10,080 in 6hrs. 30mm. 23 July, 1786 : 6,608 Double Bob Major. 24 Feb. 1 7 S 7 : 6,016 New Treble Bob. 23 March, 1790: 6,272 Oxford Treble Bob. STIRCHLEY. St. James. Three bell: 1. || \Mlm\m\M\w~\^:\M\ M> M LBK W \&\.<&\M\*&r\& 1 1 M 1 t j f (23J in. i_J I H J O I (VI ) A I S i j m 1 o 1 o I R j E j I C i H j V i R j C ! H ! 1 W i A j R j D j E j N f j I I 6 I 6 I 4 I (25 in. 3. 1*1 ilhesvsi \m\ \ow\ ispeoe! ism (28 in. 1st : By Johannes de Colsale (perlnps Cossall, near Nottingham), about 14 10 ; for cross, stop, and lettering, see Plate XXIII., Figs. 1-8; cf. a bell at Kellingion, Yorkshire {Yorkshire Arch. Journal, 1900, pi. 8). Vol. VIII., 3rd Series'. D Jr> ri|p pHURCII KELjLS 01- SHKOPSHIKF.. 2nd : By Thomas Clibury ; for the cross, cf. Astley Abbotts and Stockton (Plate V., Fig. 3), 3rd : By Henry Oldheld, of Nottingham ; cf. Kemberton, and for the cross and lettering Plate XXIII. , Fig. 10, Plate XXIV., Figs. 6, 7. Belfry very dark. [1549] : ' Styrschelicy ij bells ofoone accoide.' 1752 : 1 3 Bells.' See also Hare, p. 260. Customs : Ringing formerly on 5th November. Tolling for one hour at Funerals, if paid for. Bells on Sundays for half-an-hour before Services (use not specified). A bell rung for Vestry Meetings. Best thanks to Rev. W. H. Painter, Rector. STOCKTON. St. Chad. Six bells. 1 . D ; D -i- Thomas Whitmore Armig An. Dom 1803 JEiT Svjb Vices Primo OOOOOOOO Below . -Motto Tho Least I Lead The Pleasing Sound That Joy Bespeaks to some Around Thomas Mears op London Fecit (33 in. 2. DANIELL BLACKSHAWE THOMAS NOCK WARDENS 1685 (34 in. 3. I. RUDHALL FECT [the rest filed away] (36 111. 4. Thomas Mears op London Fecit 1812 ^OOO 5. 0 THIS IS THE GIFTER <$><§><$> OF SYR WIL- LI AM WHITMORE (41 in. 6. \±\ QLORIA IN EXCELSIg DLO PATRI ET FJLIO ET 3PI F^iT VI ^JSTO IOHN L EE THO f y\F^jVl ER WAF( 1651 TI'K CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 27 On sound-bow:- \W\ QVUEJLJVlVfJ WHIT/vlORE MILE3 HVIVS ECCLESIAE PATF(GNV3 ET I M 3TAVR JKTO R Ittttttt I I IPSE IN ECCLESIAM TRIVMPHANTEM 1 ADSCITYS ME ECCLESIAM MILITANTIS AD VSVM YOVIT ET DESIGN AYIT (45111. 2nd : A rough casting; by Ellis Hughes of Shrewsbury; similar bells at Shipton, Tugford, and Kinnersley. See Byc-Goncs^ 8 Jan., 1 90S. 3rd : Type as at Chetton and Sutton Maddock. 5th : By William CI i bury ; cross Plate XII., Fig. 1 ; borders Plate V., Fig. 5 ; the 4 of the date is reversed. 6th : A beautiful bell and beautiful inscription, remarkable at this date, and also of historical interest as throwing light on the date of the church (see Cranage's Shropshire Churches, pt. 1, p. 39). The initial cross is Plate V., Fig 3 ; the border, Plate XIII., Fig. 2; the lettering like that at Acton Burned, but thinner and smaller. 1 740 : ' 5 bells c. 1 585 ' (sic J ; 1752 : '5 bells.' The Churchwardens' Accounts cover the period 1598 — 1677, Dut those for the years 1631 and 165 1 are, unfortunately, missing; though of great interest, they do not appear to hav e much relating to the bells. Sir William Whitmore, whose memory is so gracefully perpetuated on the tenor bell, was born in 1572, and died December, 1648. He purchased Apley Park, and was High Sheriff of the County in I () 'O. His descendant Thomas Whitmore, who gave the treble, was born in 1782, and owner of Apley 1796 1846. He was M.P. for Bridgnorth, and High Sheriff in 1805. He died in 1846, and his son, the Rev. George Whitmore, was Rector of Stockton for many years previous to his death in 1900. At Aim.ky Park, which is in this parish, there was formerly a dinner bell, inscribed COMIC AW A V MAKE NO DELAY A P, weighing 8olbs. Being cracked, it was removed some thirty years ago. (Salopian S/irciis ami Patches, hi., p. 158. J 1 The reading here is uncertain, as it is just where the clock hammer strikes, and inaccessible for rubbing. The word may be IN or Al), or there may be no preposition at all. 28 THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. SUTTON MADDOCK. St. Mary. Five bells. 1 IOHN RUDHALL GLOCESTER FECT 1S10 ^^V?^^^^r^^r^^^- (27 in. 2. 'I he same. (29 in. 3 A ' R 1700 ( followed by border composed oj the ornament Plate XXIV., Fig. 3, repeated all round). (31 \ in. 4 Above the inscription, Fig. 2 all round. HVMPHREY GRENOWS GT A : R ^ 1700 (continuous pattern as on 3rd. ) (33 in. 5. DANIEL BAYLY VICAR 5^^j3Gl^^3 (continuous). {2nd line) FRANCIS RODE N jfj WM DUNCALFE CHVRCHWARDENS A : R 1700 <3< ,b in. Originally all five by Abraham Rudhall ; on the three larger bells the bell stamp is of the archaic form (Plate XXI., Fig. [2). Borders; on ist and 2nd, Fig. 1 ; on 3rd, a continuous ro« of bits of pattern as at Dawley (Plate XXIV., Fig 3 ; cf. Fig. 3) ; on 4th, the same and Fig. 2 ; on 5th, big. 2 and one bit of pattern as before. 'I ype on 1st and 2nd as on Stockton 3rd. Belfry dirty ; new head slocks ; cannons off 3rd. Bells hung 4 3 0 1 — 2" i 7-| o : '15 bells 1 700. 1750 : '5 \m*>\ At funerals the bells are chimed as the procession approaches. On Sundays before the services the bells are chimed for ten minutes, followed by ' tolling in ' for five, See akso tt inter l\ ember ton for tradition of an exchange of bells and clot k. Thanks to Rev. \V. G. R. Blaby, Vicar. THE CHURCH BELT S OE SHROPSHIRE. 2q TONG St. Bartholomew. 6+2 bells. 1. PEACE AND GOOD N E1GH BOVRHOOD OkyL JWEfc* A^R 1719 (3°iin. 2. [*] QLORIAlM^ Mil EXCEL- 3VS DEO .tJ.V.t.t 1636 (3r 3. PRAISE THE laORlD | 1_| 5| ©|3| (33 4- I stocrtln taling |t;iftcj on men I bo! call to meatc! that fccfcfl the Ifoolel 1605 a * : •flj o ! 5. |H QLOF^IA oo'b. 'The diameter a Yard J." Then follows a drawing of the bell ; on the sound-bow is seen : "Underneath this Inscrip', in the same character:*' — ■ XlES 35CB/II> CHTDpHlftH/ID 3TJE1RJ ffjeCJtr • jfOT1RS>E1R5 BBXX 151S. The same is given by Parkes (Brit. Mus. Add. MSS. 21012, fol. 60) in black Idler. The inscription on Rudhall's re-casting, as shown in a rubbing preserved in Mr. North's collection,1 is as follows : — HENR1CVS VERNON MILES 1 ST AM CAMPANAM FIERI FECIT 1518 AD LAVDEM DEI OMNIPO TENTiS BEAT/E MARI/E & BARTHOLOM/El SANCT1. Wb'der Fig. 2.) Below — Border Fig: 5 all round. On Ihe sound-bow QUAM PER DVELLION VM RABIE FRACTAM SVMPT1BVS PAROCHI/E REFVDIT ABR : RVDHALL GLOVCESTR ANNO 1720 L PIETIER M1N: T: WOODSHAW&T: PEYNTON /ED1TVIS [border, Fig. j.\ Mr. Auden has pdinted out to me that the inscription of 1720 and its successor contain two probable inaccuracies. In the first place, Sir H. Vernon died in 151 5,- so that he could not have given 1 The rubbing is incomplete, but I have fortunately been able to fill in the yap from' a copy ot the inscription made by the late Mr. C. A. L'dyell of Shrewsbury in ii>yo. ■ His V\ill was proved on May 5 in that year ; it contains no mention of the bell or any provision of money Icr it. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 33 the bell in his lifetime if its date was 1518. I think a possible explanation may be, that the date, if in Arabic numerals, was really [514, the old form of 4, or G, being used, and that this was misread as 1 5 1 S. 1 Secondly, there appears to be no evidence that the '• rabies perduellionum " did any harm to the bell ; and if, as Mr. Auden thinks, the entry in the Churchwardens' Accounts for [635 (see below) implies that the bell was broken in that year, any such iconoclastic efforts on the Parliamentarians' part would have been a work of supererogation. In any case, there is nothing but vague tradition in favour of the story. The Rev. Lewis Pietier was Minister of Tong 1695 to 1 745? and the Rev. John Henry Courtney Clarke was Vicar 1890 to 1896. The original bill for the re-casting in 1720 (see below) is in the Shrewsbury Free Library, and a copy of it was given by the late Archdeacon Lloyd to the present Vicar. The " bibliography " of Tung bells in general, and of the great bell in particular, is somewhat extensive. Besides the authorities already referred to, the latter is mentioned as early as 1600 by Camden : "The inhabitants (of Tong) boast of nothing more than a great bell, famous in those parts for its bigness." See his Britannia (Gough's 1789 edn.) ii., p. 398, and Magna Britannia ( 1 727). iv., p. 642. The Universal British Traveller (1779) savs : " In the tower six bells with a small one to call the people together to worship, and a very large one, seldom rung, which weighs 4800 lbs.'' The Gentleman 's Magazine for 1763, p. 162, gives the weight as 48 cwt., the diameter as 7?. in. (see also ibid. 1S00, pt. 2, p. 934: Elliot Stock's Reprint, vol. x., pp. 20, 152, 154). See also Transactions, v. (1882), p. 33?, viii. (1885), p. 88; Shropshire Folk-Lore, p. 602 ; Shropshire Notes and Queries, i. p. 54, ii. p. 67 ; Salopian Shreds and Patches, i. p. 15, ii. p 10} (great bell); ii. pp. 107, 129, 160 (old tenor, belfry rules, etc.) ; v. p. 216 (inscriptions); Viii. p. 74; Hare, p. 267; Lukis, Church Bells, p. 33 ; Notes on Tong Church, p. 6 ; J. Jones, The Story of the Hell of Tong (1897) ; and Griffiths' Guide to Tong, 2nd edn., p. 99IT., in which the strange statement is alluded to that there was a bell at Tong with a Greek inscription ! Customs : At Funerals the tenor is tolled ; chiming previously was formerly customary1, but is now rarely asked for, and only by old- fasMopcd people ; tin: ringers are paid sixpence an hour apiece. A muflled peal is rung after a ringer's funeral. On Sundays the tenor is tolled at 8 a.m., but the sanctus bell is used where there is Holy Communion. On the first in the 1 On the other hand, Ashmole's copy, which seems to have been made by Dugdale about 1663, clearly says 1 5 1 S, and neither of these was likely to have made such an error. Vol. VIII., ^rd Series. E 34 THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. month the bells are rung for Morning and Evening services (practising on the previous Friday) ; at other times they are chimed. '1 he Sanctus is used as a " ting-tang" tor the last five minutes. Ringing also on Christinas Day (6 30 a.m.), Easter Day, Whit- Sunday, St Bartholomew's Day (Patronal Festival; see below, rules for ringing Great Bell) ; on New Year's Eve the old year is tolled out on the Great Bed, the new one rung in on the other six. Ringing for Weddings by request. Sanctus bell rung for Vestry meetings ; treble to call ringers together on practice nights. The bells are rung from the floor of the church ; there are six ringers and cwo probationers, the latter tc be elected by the ringers and approved by the Vicar, being promoted by seniority on the occurrence of a vacancy. About forty years ago there was a set of ringers all named John (as were the then Vicar and Clerk), who had a great reputation. Until 45 years ago the Churchwardens always paid 5s. per annum to the Ringers lor ringing on November 5. Then one was appointed who reiused, and 11 has never been done since, ringing on that occasion having also ceased. In the statutes of Tong College, drawn up 9 March, 1410-11, there are references to the ringing of the bells to this effect : — (1) Each of the two clerks shall swear to ring for mass as often as required and at oilier times to be appointed by the warden. (2) Every day just after sunrise (a bell) shall be rung for matins, single or double {shnplicitcr vel dupllcdcr, sc. one or two bells ?) according to the custom of the College, and then by tolling (pulsationibus) according to local custom and as is appropriate to the solemnity of the day. (3) Similar regulations for ringing at Vespers and Compline. It would appear that there were only two ringers who were in minor orders {pr ima tonsura^. The following set of Ringers' Rules is now hung at the bottom of the belfry stairs (placed there by order of Bishop Lonsdale) : — If that to Ring you doe come here You must ring well with hand and eare. Keep stroak of time and goe not out ; Or else you forfeit out of doubt. Our law is so concluded here ; for every fault a jugg of beer, If that you King with Spurr or Hat a jugg of beer must pay for that. It that you take a Rope in hand, These forfeits you must understand. < )r it that you a Bell ov'r throw 1 1 must cost Sixpence e're you goe. It in this place you sweare or curse ; Sixpence to pay, pull out your purse. THE CHURCH DELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 35 Come pay the Clerk it is his fee ; For one (that Swears) shall not goe free. These laws are Old, and are not new ; Therefore the Clerk must have his due. Geo. Harrison. 1694. It will be seen that, though the general tenour is the same, these lines vary considerably from others already given. The Rules for ringing the great bell are as follows : — The Great Bell. The Great Bell shall be Kung on the following occasions — On Christmas Day, Easter Day, Whit-Sunday, St. Bartholo- mew's Day. On the birth of a child to the Sovereign. On the birth of an heir to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. On the birth of an heir to the Karl of Bradford. Whenever a member of the Royal Family visits long. Whenever the head of the Vernon family visits Tong. On the institution of a new Vicar. >} O fl atfV* + The Bell shall be Tolled ^^'OCrXX On Good Friday, New Year's Eve. On the Death of the Sovereign, Heir Apparent, or any child of the Sovereign or Prince ot Wales. On the Death of the Earl or Countess of Bradford, Viscount Ncwpoit or his heir, the Bishop of the Diocese, or the Vicar of Tong. J. H. Courtnly Clarke Vicar. Thos. Milker ) r,s ,X7 ,n ^Churchwardens. 1 hos. W. Tim mis j 1892. The old rule was merely a rhymed couplet: <;the Great Beh shall be rung when Royalty or Vernon comes to Tong'; Henry Vernon's traditional direction even more brief : " when any Vernon comes to Tong." The Churchwardens' Accounts extend from 1630 — 1690, and from 1810 onwards. I am greatly indebted to the Vicar, Rev. J. F. Auden, for the following extracts : — 1630. Paid for casting a bell brasse & putting it in & a plate iiij" I'aid for a tut^ge 1 for the greate Bell ... ija Paid to the Ringers on the Kinges holye Day-... iiijB 1631. Payd for a bell roape ... ... ... iij3 1 Probably == the modern "fully." - An annual Gntry, except that the sum 1 i=,c^ lo 5s. It is " 5 Nov.'' during the Commonwealth, and !t Gunpowder Plot" after the Restoration. [J. E. A.] 36 THE CHURCH BKI.I.S OF SHROPSHIRE. 1635. Paid for a rope for the greate bell ... ... 4* 6d Paid Whitmore for hanging the greate bell a new 15 4 Paid for mendinge a bell clapper and the Clocke 2 o Receaued for a peese of mettle \vch was broken of the greate bell1 ... ... ... ... T I2 8 1636. [It is curious that there is no mention of the second bell, re-cast in this year.] [637. Paid to the Ringers at Joane Sutton's buriall ... 20 To the Ringers at Blakemores wifes buriall ... 20 1638. For beare for the Ringers when my Lord Bishop came to Tonge ... ... ... ... ... 6 1639. Paid for iron and workmanship for the greate bell & Claper .. ... ... ... ... 5 o Paid for mending the bells ... ... ... 26 1640. Paid for a rope for the fi ft bell ... ... ... 26 Paid the Ropier of Upton for peecing the bell ropes . ... ... ... ... ... 6 Paid the Clarke for Ringing Curflew & day bell in p'te .. ... ... . . ... ... 5 o 1641. Given the Carter that fetcht the stocke for the greate bell ... ... ... . . ... 10 Spent in beare at the same time .. ... ... 6 Paid '1 homas Meare for Ringing curffew & day bell 5 o Paid for mending the greate bell Rope ... ... 3 1644. Paid to the Cananeere - for the redeeming of the title bell ... ... ... 60 1645. Paid for a rope for the litle bell ... ... ... 16 1647. Paid for a Tugg for a bell rope ... ... ... 4 1650. Paid for a rope for the least bell... ... ... 10 1651. For 2 brases for ye Sance bell ... ... ... 6 For mending ye third & forth bel ... ... 1 1652. Pd. for mending ye forth Bell wheeie ... ... 2 2 1655. Payd for a rope for the little bell ... ... 6 Payd for a bell rope .. .. ... 2 8 Payd for peesmg 3 bell rops ... ... ... 8 1656. To YVillia : Sterrmgton for ringing ... ... 6 For two new bell ropes & mending the ropes twice 6 0 1 This implies that the bell was not broken rabie perduell ionum, as stated in the inscription ; it is, of course, possible that " greate bell " here only means (as so often elsewhere) the tenor, bat in that case, we have no mention of its re-easting, which would have been indispensable. Mr. Auden also points out that such a pre- Reformation inscription as we know was on the old tenor till 1S10 would not have been reproduced in 1635, in which year the patron was a strong Puritan, who would not have tolerated anything " Popish." 2 Canoneer. By the laws of war, the bells of any place captured after the refusal of a .summons were forfeited to the Master of Artillery. But the Church- wardens and parishioners were permitted to redeem them. Such a claim was made at the siege of Copenhagen in 1807 (see Harl. MSS. 6S42). I owe this note to the Rev. J. E. Auden. THE CHURCH BELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. 37 1657. Pide for making A belrope for the ffifte bell ... 30 Fide for pisesing 1 the bell ropes in six plaseayes 1 o Pide for making A rope for the therd bell ... - 0 Pide to the Ropier for the pissing of thnee Ropes o 4 1658. For mending the Clapp' of the 4th bell ... ... 2 o For worke about the bells ... ... ... 40 1660. Paid for a Rope for the great bell and tags ... 5 o 1662. Paid for a rope for the little bell ... ... 1 0 1663. For a 5 belroape ... ... ... ... .,. 2 10 For the treble belroape ... ... ... ... 2 4 For peeceing 4 belroapes .. ... ... ... 6 For a tugge for a belroape ... ... ... 8 For a roape for the Snts bell .. ... ... 1 o 1664. W" Blakeman lor a locker for the fift bell ... 06 Arden foi a bell rope & peecing a rope... ... 26 166^. For a new bel rope and peeceing 4 with newe Tuges & mending the grete bel rope... ... 80 1666. For mending one of ye bells ... ... ... 6 More to John Badeley for mending ye ether bells 4 o For a New roape for y" lift bell ... ... ... 3 S More to John Badeley for mending y" bells ... 7 7 For New tugging & pec: ye Roapes ... ... 1 C> 1667. To Dosi : Twigg for mending two bell wheeles ... 6 L For two new bell ropes for ye two lest bells ... 3 0 1668. For a Rope for the greate peease 2 ... ... 2 8 1669. Payd William Arden for mending the bell ropes 8 107.). For mending the trebbell bell wheele ... ... 3 o For a Hell rope for the hit Bell and mending the other belropes ... ... ... ... ... 3 4 1675. Jonn Baddt ley for a plate & neales lor the forth bell wheeie ... ... ... ... ... r 6 1679. ffor stocking of ye Treble Bell ... 6 8 ffor mending yc Tenor Bell stock ... ... 5 o ffor Iron work for ye Trebel Bell... ... ... 2 11 1691. For a rope for ye fii st Bell ... ... ... 1 10 Bill for recasting Sir Henry Vernon's Bell 1720 (original in the Shrewsbury Free Library). M1 Tho : Woodshaw & Mr Tho : Painton Churchwardens of y" Parish of Pong are debtors to Abr : Kudhall Jun' the 30 ot July 1720 for casting 41° ooir 1 51' of old mettle which I rec'1 in May last past, y1' sum of forty pounds ... ^40 . 00 . 00 ffor 05^ 03) 1411 of new mettle at fourteen pence pr pound y* comes to .. ... ... ... 38 . 07 . 08 ffor ye mettle being four pounds weight allowed to each hundred weight for what ye old mettle weighed at fourteen pence pr pound... ... 09 . 1 1 . 04 Piecing. I.e. , " poise " = weight of the clock. 3S THE CHURCH fcELLS OF SHROPSHIRE. pd. for new working ye clapper ... ... ... oi . 09 . 00 pd. for ye balding ye pins staples &c. ... ... 00 . 05 . 00 in all Fact 89 . 13 1810. Dec. 8. Mr. Underbill for the Tenor Bell ^137 . 11 Sold the Old Bell for 7,66 14* od 18 13. April 29. Mr Dovey for giving assistance to procure the new Bell in tune by a Vestry order ... ... ... ... ... [ . 1 1 8 1 4. Ori. 2. Mr. Benjamin Thomas for four new wheels to the hells, «.\:c. . ... ... 10 . 10 Nov. 4. Paid William Woolley for Brass gudgeons ... 3 c 1 83 1 . Ale for the ringers (this item occurs in other years) 12 1S92. April 7. Great Bell lowered Height of Bell 4ft. 6jin. Width at mouth 5 ft. 2.}in. April 26. It was settled to increase the weight of the Great Bell from 2 tons 1 cwt. 1 qr. to 50 cwt., at Mr. Taylor's recommendation. 1892. June 21. The Earl of Bradford paid fur re- casting Great Bell, iron frame, and girders 230 . o 1895. July 1. The Churchwardens wrote to accept Messrs. Barwells' tender for re-hanging the Bells of ^84 . 10s. 39 INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. (Continued from 3rd Scries, Volume C., page 376). We have already printed in the Transactions (3rd Seri Vol. I. 257-266, and Vol. V. 349-376), the Bishop of Lichfield's Certificates of the induction of Incumbents to benefices in his diocese from 1563 to 1634, extracts from the Libri Institutionum for the Diocese of Lichfield from 1615 to 1648, and extracts from the same Libri Institutionum for the Dioceses of Lichfield and Hereford from 1556 to 1680. We now print the Bishop of Hereford's Certificates of the induction of Incumbents to benefices in the Diocese ol Hereford from 1589 to 1634. These Certificates arc ad Iressed to the Barons of the Exchequer, and certify the induction of the clergy to benefices, with a view to the Eirst- lYuits, or lir^t year's profits oi the benefice alter a vacancy, ijoing to the Crown. Ihcy have been, as before, extracted by Mr. \V. K. Bowl, for the Society, bom the originals in the Public Record Office. W. G. I). E. EIRST FRUITS: felSPIOPS' CERTIFICATES. H E REFORD. File i. January 1589— April 1595. Co. Salop. Deanery of Burford. -Francis Kerry, Master of Arts and priest, 6th May, 15.90, was admitted to the fust portion in 1 lu: 1 hurch ol 1 >udon I. Deanery of CI une. — '■ Roger Greene, Master ol Arts and priest, 8th Dec, 1590, was admitted to the vicarage ol 1 )o\vnton. 31 Elizabeth. Deanery of Chme. Thomas Ellis, clerk, nth Jan., 1590 [-1 ], was admitted to the church of Bedston. Vol. VII., 3rd bene. V 40 INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 35 Elizabeth. Deanery of Burford. — Josias Pope, clerk. Master of Arts, 31st May [1593] was admitted to the Rectory of Coreley. 36 Elizabeth. Deanery of Pontisbury. — Owen Davies, clerk, Master of Arts, 17th Oct. [1594] was admitted to the second portion in the parish church of Pontisbury. 37 Elizabeth. Deanery of Ludlowe. — Richard Willcox, clerk, 24th Jan., f593[--}] was admitted to the rectory of Silvington, otherwise Siikton. Deanery of Wenlock. — Evan Davies, Master of Arts, on the 27th of Pel)., 1593 [-4 J was admitted to the vicarage of ( rreat Wenlock. Deanery of Burford. — William Rogers, clerk, on the 1st of June, 1594, was admitted to the rectory of Dowles. Deanery of Clune. — Thomas Peate, clerk, on the 26th of June, 1594, was admitted to the vicarage ofStowe. Deanery of Burford. — Francis Kerrie, Master of Arts, 30th [line, 1594, was admitted to the second portion in the parish church of Burforde. Deanery of Clune. — Humphrey Owens, clerk, on the 20th day of Nov., 1594, was admitted to the rector)' of Brompton Brian. Deanery of Ludlowe. — Edmund Aired, clerk, on the 20th of Jan., r 59 f[-5 j was admitted to the rectory of Hopcbaggard. Pile 2. April, 1595— Oct., 1599. 38 Elizabeth. Deanery of Pontesbury. — Richard Betchefielde, Master of Arts, 12 Sept., 1595, was ad in i /'ted to the vicarage ol C hirbury. Deanery of Wenlock. — Thomas Dowghtie, clerk, on the 27th day of Sept, [1595! was admitted to the church ot Willcv. " Deanery of Burford.— John Cleburie, clerk, on the 21st of January [1595-6] was admitted to the church of Coreley. INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 41 39 Elizabeth. Deanery of Clun. — Erasmus Powell, Bachelor of Arts clerk, on the 19th of June, 1596, was admitted to the vicarage of (dun. Deanery of Wenlock.— -William Griffithes, clerk, on the 2Sth of [uly, in the year aforesaid, was admitted to the rectory of Wystanstowe. Deanery of Pontesbury. — Richard Harrison, Master of Arts, on the 4th day of August, in year abovesaid, was admitted to the rectory of Shrewardin. Deanery of Ludlowe. — Robert Home, Master of Arts, on the 171I1 of Nov., 159b, was admitted to the parish church of Ludlowe. Deanery of Wenlock.— Richard Vaughan, Master of Arts, on the 30th of Dec, 1596, was admitted to the rectory of Actonscott, otherwise Acton super Montem. 40 Elizabeth. Deanery of Pontesbury.-— Richard Madok, cierk, on the 17th of May, 1597, was admitted to the first portion in the church of Ponsburie. Deanery of Pontesbury. — Morgan Evans, clerk, on the 6th ol August, 1597, was admitted to the rectory o( Irlanwoode. Deanery of Ludlowe. — William Reighnaldes, clerk, on the iSth of August, in the year aioresaid, was admitted to the vicarage of Bromlild. Deanery of Stottesdcn. — Thomas Acton, Master of Arts, on the Nth of September, in the same year, was admitted to the vicarage ol Chelmershe. 40 Elizabeth. Deanery of Wenlock. — Richard Davies, Bachelor in Arts, on the 28th of September, 1398, was admitted to the rectory of Acton Scot, otherwise Acton supei Montem. 41 Elizabeth. Deanery of Pontesbury. — Moses Powell, Master of Arts, on the 1 6th of December, 159S, was admitted to the first portion of the parish church of Pontesburie. Same deanery'. Hugh Monies, Bachelor in Arts, on the 14th of Feb. J 1 598|/9], was admitted to the vicarage of the parish church of Abberburic. 42 INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. Deanery ot Ludlovve. — Thomas Habberley, Master of Arts, on the (jth of June, 1599, was admitted to the rectory of the parish church of Didleburie. File 3. Oct., 1599 — April, 1605. 42 Elizabeth. Deanery of Stotesden. — On the 23rd of June, 42 Elizabeth [1600] Peter Barret, clerk, was admitted to the rectory of Glaceley cum Deuxhill. 43 Elizabeth. Deanery of Stottesdon. — Peter Barret, clerk, on the 23rd of June, 1600, was admitted to the rectory of Glaceley cum Dewxhill. 44 Elizabeth. Deanery of Ciun. — Ambrose Cooke, clerk, on the second of October in the same year [1601] was admitted to the vicarage of Bucknoll, otherwise Buckenhill. Deanery of Wenlock. — Silvanus Grifiithes, Master of Arts, clerk, on the 24th of November [1601] was collated to the rector\- of Molgate, otherwise Howgate. 45 Elizabeth — 1 May, 1 James I. Deanery of Ludlow. — William Huttchinson, clerk, Bachelor in Arts, on the 16th of March i6o2[-3], was admitted to the rectory of Hopebagar, otherwise Hopebagard. 1 James I. Deanery of Ludlowe. — Richard Churchman, clerk, on the 8th of May, 1603, was admitted to the rectory of Onyburie. Deanery of Stotesden. — Andrew Adney, Bachelor in Arts, on the 29th of May [1603J, was admitted to the rectory of Chelton. Deanery of Wenlock. — William Norrncok, Bachelor in Arts, on the 7th of November, in the year abovesaid, was collated to the diaconal portion in the church of Holgat (" Non in decanatu "). Deanery of Pontesburye. — -Thomas Higgins, Master of Arts, on the 2nd of March in the same year [1603-4], was admitted to the first portion in the church ol Pontesburye. ■ INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 43 Same deanery. — Ambrose Cooke, clerk, on the Fame day was admitted to the second portion in the church of West- burye. 2 James L Deanery of Stottesden.- — 5 July, 1604, George Bott was admitted to the rectory of Ta she ley. Deanery of Burford,— 25 July [1604] Richard Edgbury, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Greete. 1 )eanery of Ludlow. — 5th December, 1 boa, James Crowther. Master of Arts, clerk, was admitted to the rectory of Ludlow e. Deanery of Ludlow. — 18th March, iCo4[-5], George }ukes was admitted to the rector) of Hope Baggott. Pile 4. April, 1005 — Oct., 1609. 3 James I. Deanery of Pontesburye. — Lawrence Jones, clerk, 15th January, 1005I-O], was admitted to the vicarage of Chirburye- 4 James I. Thomas Flaske.tt, clerk, Master of Arts, instituted to the rector)' of Burwarden, co. Salop, 15th May, 160G. Charles Mall, clerk, instituted to the rector)' of Greete, co. Salop, 1 6th May, 1606. Nicholas Keyscll. clerk, instituted to the rectory of Mynd- towne, co. Salop, 16th Jul)' [1606]. Richard Cornewall, Master in Arts, instituted to the hrst portion of the parish church of Bui ford, co. Salop, 6th June, 1007. John Barker, clerk, instituted to the rectory of Silvington, otherwise Si 1 ton, co. Salop, 23rd October, 1607. William Clemson, clerk, instituted to the vicarage of Madclcy, co. Salop, 17th December, 1607. 5 James I. [Admissions of Thomas ITaskett, Charles Hall, and Nicholas Keysell as in 4 James I.] 6 James I. Edward Froysell, clerk, instituted to the vicarage of Downton co. Salop, 3rd Jul)-, 1608. -M INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. George Baxter, Master in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Little Wenlock, co. Salop, 27th August, 1608. Charlos Hall, clerk, instituted to the vicarage of Cayneham> co. Salop, 6th December, 1608. 7 James I. Henry Gosden, clerk, was admitted to the rectory of Hopton. co. Salop, deanery of Clunn, 17th March, i6o8(-9]. John Tyler, clerk, was admitted to the rector)' of Greete, co. Salop, deanery oY Burforde, 1st April, 1609. Thomas Griihthes, Master in Arts, archdeacon of Hereford, was instituted to the rectory of Hopesaye, co. Salop, deanery of Leompster, 14th June, 1609. Thomas Heapye, Master in Aits, was admitted to the rectory of Riccard.es Castell, co. Salop, deanery of Ludlowe, 24th June, 1609. File 5. Oct., 1609 — Oct., 1614. 8 fames I. Adam Griftithes; clerk, instituted to the vicarage of Card- ington, co. Salop, 15th November, 16 10. William Normccott, clerk, Bachelor in Arts, instituted to the rector}' of Olburye, co. Salop, roth January, 1610. 9 James I. Nicholas Vescy, clerk, was instituted to the rectory of Sutton, near Shrewsbury, 22nd February, i6io[-i 1] . William Hughes, clerk, instituted to the rectory of the second portion in the parish church of Burford, co. Salop, 22nd April, 161 1. John Gawen, clerk, was instituted to the second portion of the rector)- of the parish church of Burford, co. Salop, 25th April, 1 6 1 1 . John James, Master in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Broburye, co. Salop, 2nd July, 161 1. 10 James I. Adam Griffithcs, Bachelor in Arts, was instituted to the rectory of Bushburie, co. Salop, 9th December, 12 12. John Davies, clerk, instituted to the vicarage of Churburye, co. Salop, J 2th December. 1612. INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 45 James Crowther, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, instituted to the second portion of the rector)' of Westburie, co. Salop, 16th February, i6i2[-ij]. |ohn James, Master in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Hollgate, co. Salop, 20th l^ebruary, i6i2[-i3]. William Underbill, clerk, Bachelor in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Ncenton, co. Salop. 7th April, 16 13. 11 lames I. |ohn Freemantell, Master in Arts, instituted to the vicarage of Bucknill, co. Salop, 22nd July, 161 3. Richard Tavler, Bachelor in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Burwarden, co. Salop, 22ml September, 1613. Robert Gregorie, Bicfrelor in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Upton Cresset, 2nd October, 1613. Adam GrifBthes, Master in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Wistanstowe, co. Salop, 13th November, 161 3. Edward Wotton, Bachelor in Arts, admitted to the vicarage of Cardington, co. Salop, 13th November, 1613. Jonas Ch doner. Master in Arts, instituted to the vicarage of Great Wenlock, co Salop, 22nd December, 1013. File 6. Oct., 1614 — April, 1619. 12 James I. Francis Gibbons, Master in Arts, instituted to the first portion in the church ot Pontesbury, 28th November, ^614. Patron, Sir Roger Owen, knight. Richard Luce, Bachelor in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Coreley, co. Salop, 2nd March, 16 r_j.[- 15 J . Patron, Thomas Otteley, esquire. Thomas Wilkes, Bachelor in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Ncenton, co. Salop, 3rd March, ibi.|[-i5]. Patron, the King by lapse of time. William Lea, clerk, instituted to the rectory of Shelve, co. Salop, 2SU1 March, 1615, Patron, Edward Lingen, esquire. William Biggs, Master in Arts, instituted to the rectory of Moore, co. Salop, 4th April, 1613. Patron, Richard Moore, gentleman \C) INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 13 James 1. Rectory of the church of Upton Cresset, in the deanery of Stotesden, co. Salop. Francis Smaleman, clerk, was admit- ted to the said church 25th February in the year abovesaid [1015-16]. Patron, Peter Smaleman, gentleman, by reason of the advowson granted by Edward Cresset. Vicarage of Chellmarshe, same deanery, &c. Thomas Nicolles, clerk, was admitted to the said vicarage on the 2nd day of March in the year abovesaid. Patron, Thomas Nicolles for this turn by reason of the advowson granted by Rowland Lawe, esquire Perpetual vicarage 01 Great Wenlock, co. Salop. George Adeney, clerk, was admitted to the said vicarage on the 14th day of March in the year abovesaid. Patron, Thomas Law ley, gentleman. 14 James I. Richard Wrednall, clerk, was admitted to the church of Rushebury, deanery of Wenlock, co. Salop, 27th May in the year abovesaid | [616]. Patron, Edward Cresset, esquire. Luke WTielar, clerk, was admitted to the parish church of Hopton Wafers, deanery of Burford, co. Salop, on the 1 ph of June in the year abovesaid. Patron, Humphrey Hide, gentleman. Thomas S wet nam, clerk, was admitted to the perpetual vicarage of the parish church of Alberburic, Deanery of Pontcsburie, co. Salop, on the 3rd of July in the year above- said. Patrons, the Warden ami Fellows of All Souls' College, Oxford. 15 J 'lines I. John james, Master of Arts, was admitted to the rectors' of Tugford, co. Salop, deanery of Wenlock, on the 18th of August in the year abovesaid. 16 James I. John Barker, clerk, Bachelor of Arts, was instituted to the vicarage of Stoterton, co. Salop, deanery of Stottesden, on the 20th of March, 1618. " Presentatus per Amicium [ j rationc dimissionis per annus aliquot duiatune." Deanery of Pontesbury, Co. Salop. Richard Poole, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted to the perpetual vicarage of INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 47 the parish church of Moolebrace on the 7th da)' of May, 1618. Co. Salop, Deanery of Clun. Edward Smyth, clerk, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, was admitted to the rectory of Hopton, 31st July, 16 18. Co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. John Barker, Bachelor 111 Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Silvington, otherwise Silton, 8th July, 1618. File 7. April, 1619 — April, 1625. 17 James I. Co. Salop, Deanery of Stotesden. Thomas Jenkes, clerk' admitted to the rectory of Upton Cresset on the 25th day of December, 1620, at the presentation of Edward Cresset, esquire, patron. Co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlowe. — John Conney, ^lerk, Master in Arts, was admitted to the perpetual vicarage of Stokesay, in the count)' and deanery aforesaid, on the 10th da)' of the month of May, 1621, by the presentation of Thomas Hibbins, gentleman, patron. Co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlock. — Anthony llawke, clerk, Master in Arts, was admitted to the rector)' of Stretton on the 20th of June, 102 1. Sir Thomas Thynne, knight, patron- Co. Salop, Deanery ef Wenlock. — George Littleton, clerk, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted to the vicarage of Long Staunton mi the 23rd of September, 1621. Patrons, the Dean ami Chapter of Herelord. 19 James I. Co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlocke. — Gilbert Cole, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Huley, otherwise Hughley, on the 23rd of December, 162 1. Co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlocke. — John London, Master in Aits, was admitted to the rectory of Bagsor on the iSth uf March, i62i[-2j. 20 James I. Co. Salop, Deanery of Pontesbury. — Thomas Swetnam, clerk, was admitted to the first portion in the church of Westbury on the nth of December, 1621, by the presenta- tion of the Lord the King. Vol. VII., 3rd Series. G INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INC I'M RE NTS. Co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlocke.— Gilbert Cole was admitted to the rectory of Hughly, otherwise Huly, on the 23rd of December, 162 1. Co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlock. — John London was admitted lo the rectory of Bagsore, nth March, i62i[-2], Co. Salop, Deanery of Clun. — Thomas Doughty, clerk, was admitted to the vicarage of Leintwardine by the presen- tation of Sir Robert Harley, of Brompton Brian, co. Hereford, Knight of the Bath, on the 28th of May, 1622. Co. Salop, Deanery of Clune. —George Lloyd, Master in Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Bedston on the 22nd of September, 1622, by the presentation of Thomas Ireland, esquire. 21 James r. Vicarage of Ditton Priors, in the deanery of Stotesden, co. Salop. — Thomas Jenkes, clerk, was admitted on the 17th day of April, 1623. Patron, Arthur Manwaring, of the city of Westminster, esquire. Vicarage of Stotesden with the chapel of Farlow annexed, in the deanery of Stotesden, co. Salop, — Thomas Amyas, clerk, was admitted on the 15th of June, 1623. Patron, Bonham Norton, esquire. Rectory of Upton Cresset, in the deanery of Stotesden, co. Salop. — Richard Gregorie, clerk, was admitted on the 25th of July, 1023. Patron, Edward Cresset, esquire. Rector}" of Burford,in the deanery of Burford, co. Salop. — James Rawlins, clerk, was admitted to the third portion of the said rectors' on the 6th of December, 1023. Patron, Sir Thomas Cornwall, knight. Rectory oi Hopesay, in the deanery of Clun, co. Salop. — Richard Awnsham, clerk, was admitted on the 9th of De- cember, 1023. Patron, Sir Robert Howard, knight. Vicarage of Alberburie, in the deanery of Pontesbury, co. Salop. — 'Thomas Clarke, clerk, was admitted 011 the 20th of December, 1623. Patrons, the Warden and Fellow of All Souls' College, Oxford. Rectory of Eastop, in the deanery of Wenlocke, co. Salop. — Richard Wrednall, clerk, was admitted on the 5th of March, i623[-4.J. Patron, George Ludlow, of Moorehouse, co. Salop, esquire. INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 49 Rectory of Billingestie, in the deanery of Stotesden, co. Salop.— Ralph Hyde, clerk, was admitted on the igth of March, l623[-4]. Patron, Bonham Norton, esquire. 22 James I. Vicarage of Cardington, co. Salop, deanery of Wenlocke. — Robert Browne, clerk, Master of Arts, was admitted on the igth of May, 1624, as well at the presentation of the Lord the King as of Harcourt Leighton, esquire, " originalis, ut dicitur, patroni." Vicarage of Stotesden, in the deanerv of Stotesden, co. Salop. — Thomas Amias, clerk. Master of Arts, was admitted on the 13th of June, 1624, at the presentation of the Lord the King. Rectory of Haberly, in the deanery of Pontesbury. co. Salop. — Richard Norgrove, clerk, was admitted on the 25th of [tine, 1624, at the presentation of Richard Mitton, esquire, patron. Rectory of Mindtowne, in the deanery of Clun, co. Salop. — Richard Dicklegge, Master of Arts, clerk, was admitted on the 1st of Jul)', 1624, at the presentation of Edmund Weston, gentleman, by virtue of a grant of George Myn, esquire, patron. Vicarage of Cleoburie Mortimer, in the deanery of Burford, co. Salop. — John Barker, clerk, Bachelor in Arts, was admit- ted on the 1 2th of August, 1624, at the presentation of Sir Francis Lacon, knight, patron. Vicarage of Lidbury, in the deanery of Clun, co. Salop. — John Ambler, clerk, Master of Arts, was admitted on the J2nd of October, 1024. at the presentation of Charles Moore, patron. Rectory of Whethill, in the deanery of Stotesden, co. Salop. — John London, clerk, was admitted on the 21st of |uly, 1624, at the presentation of the Lord the King. 22 James 1. Wolstaston Rectory, Deanery of Wenlocke, co. Salop. — William Colebarne, clerk, Bachelor of Arts, was admitted on the 3rd of March, r-6a4[-5]. Roger Pope, patron. 50 INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. File 8. April, 1625, to Oct., 1629. 1 Charles I. Ludlow Rectory, in the deanery of Ludlow, co. Salop. — Thomas Colbach, Master of Arts, admitted 14th July, 1625. Patron, the King. Cold Weston Rector}', co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. — Simon Cotton, clerk, admitted 4th November, 1625, at the presentation of George Hopton, esquire. Qleoburie North Rector)-, Co. Salop, Deanery of Stotes- den. — William Miliichcp, clerk, was admitted 21st of December, 1625, at the presentation of the King. Third portion of the Rectory of Burford, co. Salop, Deanery of Burford. — James Herring, clerk, was admitted 16th of March, i625[-6], at the presentation of Sir Thomas Cornwall, knight. 2 Charles I. The first or right portion in the church of Westburie, co- Salop, Deanery of Pontesburie. — Ambrose Phillips, Master of Arts, was admitted 20th June, 1626. Madcly Vicarage, Co. Salop:, Deanery of Wenlocke. — Richard Phillips, clerk, was admitted 28th June, 1626. Midieton Scriven Rector}'. Co. Salop, Deanery of Stotes- den. — William Childe, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted 3rd July, 1626, at the presentation of Richard Barker, patron for this turn. First portion in the church of Burford, co. Salop, Deanery of Burford. — Thomas Bannister, Master of Arts, was admit- ted 20th August, 1626. Co. Salop, Deanery of Stotesden. — Robert Ovington, clerk, Master in Arts, was admitted to the vicarage of Higley, on the last day of January, l6z6[-j], at the presentation of Mcriel Littleton, of liagley, co. Worcester, widow, patron. 3 Charles I. Co. Salop, Deanery of Pontesbury. — Samuel Greaves, Master in Arts, was admitted to the rector)' or third portion in the church of Pontesbury, 1 8th May, 1627, at the present- ation of Sir William Owen, knight. INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 5T Co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. — Robert Browne, Master in Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Wistanstow 5th October, 1627, by the presentation of Sir William Owen, Baron of Hams ted Marshall. Co. Salop, and deanery of Pontesbury. — Richard Poole, Master in Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Han wood, 25th October, 1627, by the presentation of Arthur Jeffes, of Edgboldj co. Salop, yeoman. 4 Charles I. Co, Salop, and deanery of Pontesbury. — Joseph Downing, Master in Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Worthin, nth May, 1628, by the presentation of the Lord the King. Co. Salop and Deanery of Pontesbury. — Edward Lewes, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted to the vicarage of Cherbury, 7th October, 1628, by the presentation of the Schoolmaster and Bailiffs of the town cf Shrewsbury. 5 Charles I. Clungunford Rector}-, co. Salop, Deanery of Clun. — Thomas Swift, Master in Arts, was admitted 3rd June, 1629. Sir Henry Wallop, Knight, patron. Dowles Rectory, co. Salop, Deanery of Burford. — Nathaniel Eston, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted 7th July, 1629, at the presentation of Sir Richard Newport, knight, patron. Bitterly Rectory, co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. — Matthew Clarke, Bachelor of Sacred Theology, was admitted 20th June, 1629, at tho presentation of Sir Richard Anderson, knight, patron. File 9. Oct., 1629, to Oct., 1634. 6 Charles I. llopton Rectory, co. Salop, Deanery of Clun. — Luke Sutton, clerk, was admitted to the .same 13th Dec., 1629, at the presentation of Sir Henry Wallop, knight, patron. Bishop's Castle, co. Salop, Deanery of Clun, Vicarage. — Gervase Needham was admitted to the same 29 Dec, 1629, at the presentation of Walter Waring, esquire, patron. Stoke Milborow Vicarage, co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. — John Maiden, clerk, was admitted to the same 5th March* 52 INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. i629[-3c], at the presentation of Jane Dockwra, widow, patron. Munslow Rector)-, co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. — George Litleton, clerk, was admitted to the same 5th March, 1621) [-30], at the presentation of Adam Litleton, esquire, patron. Long Staunton Vicarage, co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlocke. — Edward James, clerk, was admitted to the same 24th March, i6'2g[-3o]. Clungunford Rectory, co. Salop, Deanery of Clun. — Samuel Barkley, clerk, wae admitted to the same 13th May, 1630, at the presentation of Francis Barkley, esquire, patron. Neenescllers and Milsori Rectory, co. Salop, Deanery of Burford. — Edward Pitt, clerk, was admitted to the same 20th June, 1630, at the presentation of Fitz William Conyngesbv, esquire, patron. Francis Farmer, clerk, Master in Arts, was admitted to the Rector\' of Easthope, Deanery of Wenlocke, co. Salop. 19th Feb., 1630I-1], by the presentation of George Ludlowe, of Moorehowse, co. Salop, esquire. Ralph Hyde, clerk, Master in Arts, was admitted to the Rector)' of Sidburie, co. Salop, 2nd Feb., i63o[-i], by the presentation of John, Earl of Shrewsbury. 7 Charles I. Richard Detton, clerk, was admitted to the church of Acton Scott, co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlocke, 13th May, 163 1, at the presentation of Walter Acton, esquire. George I 'eat J clerk, was admitted to the church of Cardeston, co. Salop, and Deanery of Pontesbury, 5th July, 1 63 1. Peter Mease, clerk, was admitted to the church of Culmington, co. Salop, and Deanery of Ludlow, cjth August, 1631. Vi'orthen Rector)', in the Deanery of Pontesbury, co. Salop. — Lawrence Seddon, Master in Arts, was admitted to the said rector)' 21st October, 1631, at the King's presenta- tion under the; seal of his Court of Wards and Liveries. Kinlet, in the Deanery of Stotesden, and co. Salop.- -John Bent, clerk, w as admitted to the perpetual vicarage of Kinlet, 1 2 1 1 1 Dec, 1631, at the presentation of Joyce Bent, w idow. INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. 53 Stokesav'j co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. — Francis Boughey, clerk, was admitted to the perpetual vicarage of Stokesay, 24th Jan., 1 0 3 1 [ - 2 ) , at the presentation of Thomas I [ibbins, gentleman. 8 Charles I. Upton Cresset, co. Salop, Deanery of Stotesden. — John Dodd, Master in Arts, was admitted to the rectory or church of Upton aforesaid 2nd May, 1032, at the presentation of Edward Cresset, esquire. Coldweston, co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlowe. — Thomas Atchelleyi Master of Arts, was admitted to the Rector}' of Coldweston, 22nd May, 16-52, at the presentation of George I lopton, escpiire. The second or diaconal portion in the church of Holgat, co. Salop. Deanery ol Wenlock. — Edward [ames, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted to the said second portion, 25th May, m the year abovesaid at our [the Bishop's] collation. Clebury North, co. Salop, Deanery of Stotesden.— John Smaleman was admitted to the Rectory of Clebury North, 1st August, in the year abovesaid, at the presentation of Richard Browne. Ksthope, co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlock.— John Jones, Master of Arts, was admitted to the Rectory of Ksthope, 31st August, in the year abovesaid, at the presentation of Edward Jones, esquire. 10 Charles I. Co. Salop, Deanery of Wenlock. — Richard Fletcher, Bachelor in Arts, was admitted to the parish church of Tugford, 18th Dec, 1032, at the collation of the Bishop, and to the diaconal partion in the church of Holgate at the collation of the said Bishop. Co. Salop, Deanery of Pontesbury. — Thomas Wall was admitted to the K it portion oi the Rectory of Westbury, 6th March, i032[-3], at the presentation of Sir William Owen, knight. Co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow. — Thomas Atchley, Master of Arts, was admitted to the parish church of Coldweston at the presentation of George Hopton, esquire, 22nd March, 54 INSTITUTIONS OF SHROPSHIRE INCUMBENTS. Co. Salop, Deanery of Stotesden. — 6th May, 1634, Thomas White, Master of Arts, was admitted to the vicarage of Higley, at the presentation of George Pearson, gentleman, patron. Co. Salop, Deanery of Stotesden. — 29th May, 1634, Richard Detton, Master of Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Aston Botrell at the presentation of Walter Acton, esquire, and Edward Acton, gentleman, patrons. Co. Salop. Deanery of Wenlock. — 23rd August, 1634, Thomas Bayly, Master of Arts, was admitted to the rectory of Holgate at the collation or donation of the Lord Bishop of Hereford, in right of his bishopric. Co. Salop, Deanery of Ludlow.— 23rd Sept., 1634, Ralph Clayton, Professor of Sacred Theology, was admitted to the vicarage of Staunton Lacy at the presentation of William, Lord Craven, patron. 55 P O V N T ON C H A PEL. By J A. MORRIS About seven miles from Shrewsbury, and a mile from the main road passing through Roden to High Ercall, is the little township of Poynton, an outlying portion of the 12,000 acres forming the Parish of High Ercall. The old Manor House, the property of Lord Barnard, is now a Farm house, having connected with it a building used as a stable, the stable of which was the eas^t end, and which is all that remains of Poynton Chapel. At least seven Chapels are known to have existed in this parish, owning High Ercall as 1 he Mother Church,1 and of these four have been destroyed the interesting fragment of Poynton Chapel still stand's,2 but unlike Bethlehem, which was first a stable and then became .1 Shrine, Poynton was first a Shrine, and is now a Stable. The Manor of Poynton seems to have existed in Saxon times, and is described in Domesday as follows :- — " Uluiet holds Peventone and Tunestan of the Earl [In Recordine Hundred.] He also held it (in Saxon times) for two Manors. Here is a hide and half. There is arable land for III Ox- trams. In demesne are 1 team and II Serfs. The Manor was worth xi£ (in Saxon times). Now it is worth xiis." 3 The Yill of Tunestan cannot be identified with any modern locality (unless it is Osbaston). The name seems, indeed, to have been lost in the thirteenth century, when Poynton maintained its Domesday hideage, without any declared adjunct. Uluiet the Saxon appears to have had an interest in at least eight Manors in the Confessor's time ; and yet this is the first in which he retained any interest at Domesday. Eyton is of opinion that no descendant of Uluiet held 1 Eylon's Antiquities, vol. ix., page 113. - Ercall Parish Book : Kev. the Hun. G. II. F. Vane. J Domesday, folio 259, b. 2. l-'yton, vol. ix,, pa^e i. Vol. VIII., :,rd Scries. H 56 POYNTON CHAPEL. Poynton, but that the Manor was probably annexed to the Honour of Montgomery, as early as the reign of Henry I.1 Under the Lords of Montgomery, Poynton was held by a race of feoffees, who took their name from the place ; and the Hundred Roll states that the family of de Peninton held Peventon in the time of Henry III., by payment of an annual rent of a pair of gilt spurs. The earliest mentions of the family are as follows :— Roger de Peninton, who attests a deed of the Lord of High Ercall at the very close of the 12th century. Phillip de Peninton is found attesting several local deeds between the years 1200 and 1212. In two instances Hamo de Peninton (probably his brother) is his fellow witness. Matilda, widow of Roger de Peninton, is found suing Philip de Peninton for her dower, after an interval of at least 15 years from what may be taken to have been the period of her husband's decease ; she sued him at the Assizes of November, 122 1, for thirds of one carucate and i£ virgates, 2 gardens and a fishery in Peninton. Amongst a number of deeds in the possession of the Churchwardens of St. Chad's, Shrewsbury, are the following: — Grant of brotherhood from the Chamberlain, Keeper and Proctor of the Hospital of the Holy Trinity at Rome, to Thomas Peynton, dated 14^8. Release of actions from Thomas Comyng to Thomas Peynton, Chaplain, dated 1 Edward IV. (1461). Will of Thomas Peynton of Shrewsbury, Chaplain, dated 1466. There is a reference in the Haughmond Chartulary: — Tit. Peynton. In June, 1327, the Abbot demises these meadows " on the river Roden " to John and Richard, sons of William Brid, for their lives, at a rent of 6s. 8d.2 In a rental of Shrewsbury Abbey (about 1490) the following item refers to Ercall Rectory : — Tithes of Pevynton ^farmed apparently by one Collaj) 13s. 4d. The Terrier of Ercall Magna, dated 1612, contains this: — Item, fferington's tenement of Painton — which pays no tithes, only two pence at Easter for even- communicant. Item, The farm of Painton pays yearly five shillings in lieu of all tithes. 1 Kyton's Antiquities', vol. ix., page I. • Kyton, vol. ix., p. 5, note 2. POYNTON CHAPEL. 57 The early history of Poynton Chapel is confined to the names of a few Incumbents and Patrons, which have been collected by a former Vicar, the Hon. and Rev. G. H. F. Vane. INCUMBENTS OF POYNTON CHAPHL. Date of Institution. Name, tic. Patron. Authority. 22 April, 1329 16 Jan.. John, Rector, died 7 March, 1328. Richard de Brewood, Chaplain, died about Aug. IO, 1 349, probably of plague. John de Upton, priest. Roger, Rector, resigned 1 370. Philip, Lord of Penynton. Philip de Penynton. Eyton ix. 4. do. do. 29 May, I37o 25 May, 13S8 llanmnd de la More, resigned in 1388. John de Ryriton, priest. William horster, died 1468. Dame Isolda, Lady of Fevynton. Philip de Williley. do. do. Lichfield 2S August, 140b Dominus Walter Whorton, Capellanus. Abbey of St. Peter, Salop. do. The Register of High Ercall Parish contains a few refer- ences to Poynton 1 : — 1561, 17 August. Marg., d, of Thos. Garmeston, of Peynton, baptized. Mr. Edmunde Nuport, Mrs. Cath. Nuport, and Mrs. Elinor Macwood, sponsors. 1574. Mrs- Margaret Corbet, of Peinton, sponsor at a baptism. In 1590, 2 there was a wedding at Poynton. In 1607, a baptism is recorded. In 1611, another baptism "in the newe fonte of Poynton Chappie." After this date I do not lind any further reference to the use of the Chapel for religious services, although it would probably be used for worship for some years after- wards, by the household of the distinguished families that occupied Poynton Hall in the earlier portion of the 17th century. In the Register arc entries, in 1606 and 1639, relating to Sir Ilenrie Wallop of Farleigh-Wallop, Hampshire, who resided for some years at Poynton Hall. He became con- 1 Transactions, Vol. VII., p. 309. - l'arish Book. 58 POYNTON CHAPEL. nected with Shropshire by his marriage1 with one of the daughters and co-heirs of Robert Corbet, of Moreton Corbet. He was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1605, and one of the Council the Lords of the Marches of Wales in 1617. Later on, Poynton was occupied by Humphrey Walcot of Walcot, who was receiver of the County of Salop in 1625, and High Sheriff in 1631. He was greatly distinguished for his loyalty to Charles I., and made many sacrifices in the royal cause. The list of Shropshire Compounders includes'2 the name of Humphrey Walcot of Poynton, with an estate valued at £80 per annum, and £500 settled. He was buried at Lydbury North in 1050. A Roll 3 of the Guilds of Shrewsbury contains the name of Thomas Powis, sonne of Richard Powis, of Paynton, Co. Salop, Gent., Apprentice to Richard Plimley, Mercer, for 8 years, date 1669. There is no further record of the occupation of the Manor house by any family of importance, and it is probable that the Chapel ceasing to be used after the Civil W ar was allowed to fall into decay and then converted into a farm building, much as it is to-day. 'the present building, in ;ill likelihood, covers the exact area of the Chapel. Its east gable has a three light window, parti)- blocked up, of late 15th century detail ; on the inner side, and across the width of the building, are sunk quatre-foii panels of the same date, just below the window sill, and above the level of the Altar. Standing at an angle, and adjoining the west end of the stable, is an ancient barn, now used as a cow-house, the roof of which is supported by massive framework of oak, springing from the ground level ; each pair of principals, forming a rudely pointed arch, apparently cut from a naturally curved tree, sawn into two pieces. This construction suggests that the building was in existence long before the destruction of the adjoining Chapel. The Manor House, a timber framed building, dating at least from the 16th century, has been added to in adapting it for its present purpose, and the old windows have been removed, but the great Hall, now divided so as to make a parlour and 1 Diet. Nat iotial Biography, vol. lix., p. I 56 and 10. Blakeway's ShcriJJs. 3 Transactions, 3rd Series, Vol IV., p. 158. 3 Transactions,, 1st Scries, Vol. VIII., p. 348. POYNTON CHAPEL. 59 dairy; and the kitchen, with its broad Ingle fire-place, remain very much as they were built. Leading from the parlour is a small room with a separate doorway into the garden, and over this is a bedroom of the same size ; these might have served for the accommodation ol the priest serving the Chapel. The parlour ami several of the bedrooms are panelled with oak wainscotting of Jacobean date, and in an excellent state of preservation ; and the Upper Staircase has steps of solid oak. 1 am much indebted to the Rev. W. H. Philpott, Vicar of High Ercall, for the assistance he has given me in examining the documents in his possession, relating to the parish : and for extracts from them, with which he has supplied me. I have also to thank the tenant, Mr. Morgan, and Miss Morgan, who kindly accompanied me over the house, and gave me much interesting information. I have been able to do little mare than arrange consecu- tively a series of incidents relating to the history of the Minor House and Chapel; but enough, I hope, to show that the subject is worth)- of the attention of more capable and experienced archaeologists. 6o THREE EARLY SHROPSHIRE CHARTERS. The following early charters are amongst the documents transcribed by Mr. W. K. Boyd for the Society. The first is preserved in the British Museum, and is a grant by Robert de Budcllers (or Boilers),1 lord of Montgomery and founder of the convent of Austin Canons at Snead in Churchstoke, to the canons of Snead of his mill of Churchstoke. The grant is of especial value, as it names so many of his deceased relations. His w ifc wai Hillaria, one of the three sisters and coheirs of Robert Trusbut. He died about 1202-3, and was buried in Lilleshall Abbe)'. The convent at Snead very boon migrated to Chirbury.- In 153^-7, among the assets of the late Prion of Chirbury w as the '; Ferm of a Mill at Church- stoke, £2." Robert de Boilers was succeeded by his brother Baldwin, who witnessed this charter, as also did his brother Walter, lli^ mother Mary and brother Walter are not mentioned by Eyton. The other two charters are preserved amongst the "Ancient Deeds" in tne Public Record Office. One is a grant, un- dated but about 1280, from Alice de Bruges to Nicholas Quarel and Alice his wife of all her land in Bridgnorth, Cheleton, and Pereton. The other is a grant, dated 2c) August, 8 Edward II., 1314, from Robert the Chaplain, son of Adam Tandy of Newton, to William the porter, son of Ithel the Clerk, of a messuage in Chirbury which he bought oi Robert, son of John de Wittrue. Sir Richard, Vicar of Chirbury, one of the w itnesses to this charter, was presented to the Vicarage, March 6, 1308, and died, probably of the pestilence, in 1349. Robert de Wittrue (or Witingtre) occurs as a juror for Chirbury Hundred in 1290, 1301, and 1316.4 W. G. U. F. I. GKANT IJY KOBEKT HE HOLLERS TO 1111-: AUSTIN CANONS OI" SNEAD OF THE MILL OF CHURCHSTOKE. CIKCA IHJO. (Additional Charters 20,220. British Museum). 1 See Eytoifs Antiquities, xi., 122-123, for nolice of Robert de Hollers. - Transactions, 3rd series, VI., 242. Eyton xi. 58. 3 Ducdale's Monasticon, vi. 580. Eyton xi. 71. 4 Eyton m . 07, 7«: THREE EARLY SHROPSHIRE CHARTERS. 6l Know all, as well present as to come, that I, Robert de Biuiellers, for the love of God and for the health of the souls of my ancestors, that is to say, Baldw in de Budellers, Stephen, A) liner, iYi'gFam, Osbert, William, Margaret de Limesi, Marv, my mother, and of all my other ancestors and successors, living and deceased, have given and granted to God and the Blessed Mary and to St. John the Evangelist, of Esned (del Fsned) and to the brethren there serving God, the Mill of Chirstoke with ail things pertaining to it, that is to sav, both banks, with the pond and all liberties and customs which used to be done to me therefor. And because I w ill that the aforesaid brethren may hold the aforesaid mill in perpetual alms as I ever more freely and quietly held it, that this my donation may continue firm and stable, I strengthen and confirm it as well by the annotation of my seal as by the attestation of many men. These being witnesses. Baldwin and Walter, my brothers; Richard de Hidesland; Stephen; Hugh Fit/ Robert ; Malcolm ; Walter de Hucchilton ; Philip de Stapelton ; Roger de Peninton ; Frederick ; Robert de Merton ; Walter Flemming ; Roger, my son ; Richard [and] Baldwin, sons ot Robert Basset ; Richard Briton ; Mabel, and main' others. II. GRANT FROM ALICE DE BRUGES TO NICHOLAS QUAREL AND ALICE HIS WIFE OF LAND IN BRUGES (BRIDGNORTH), CHELETON, AND FERETON. CIRCA I2S0. (Ancient Deeds B. 561. P.R.O. Know present and to come that I, Alice de Bruges, have given, granted, and by this my present charter have con- firmed to Nicholas (Juarel and Alice, his wife, all my land of Bruges, Cheleton, and Pereton, with all their appurtenances, and all other rights which could fall to me and to my heirs by reason of the said lands or in whatsoever other manner. To have and to hold to the aforesaid Nicholas and Alice, his wife, and to their heirs and assigns freely, quietly, peaceably and entirely, without any withholding, by hereditary right, for ever. Saving the rights of the chief lords. And if the abovesaid Alice shall die without heir begotten by the said Nicholas, the said Nicholas and his heirs, or his assigns, shall possess the aforesaid lands, with all their appurtenances by hereditary right, entirely and peaceably, (or ever, without 62 THREE EARLY SHROPSHIRE CHARTERS. challenge or hindrance of me or of my heirs henceforth to be made in the aforesaid lands. And that this, my gift, grant, and confirmation may remain firm and stable to the aforesaid Nicholas and Alice, and to their heirs and assigns for ever, I have strengthened, the present charter with the impression of my seal. These being w itnesses. Sir Nicholas de Bolevill, Sir William de Bolevill, Sir William Everard, William de EngelbVj Gellinus de Molendino, John Lone, Nicholas de la Burgh, William de la Lade, Richard Carbec, Henry de la Broke, Geoffrey de Tintehull, Walter Archdeacon (Archid') fhomas Archdeacon, and many others. III. GRANT rKOM ROBERT THE CHAPLAIN, SON OF ADAM TANDY OF NEUTON, TO WILLIAM THE PORTER OF CHIRBURY, OF A MESSUAGE IN CHIRBURY, 2. K 7^ NOTES ON ALBERBURY. a Colfox. Crewgreen is given as the home of some of the Colfox family in 1665 and other years, and in 1670^ Mr. Bennet Lloyd of Crewgreenc was buried, two months after his wife, Margaret. Winnmgton after being held by generations of Williamses and Corbets, was the home in 1075 of Mr. John Thomas who was buried from there in 16S4. John Thomas, Esq., was buried in 1736, but his place of abode is not given. Plas-y-Court, in spite of its stately name, has generally no prefix given to its inhabitants. In 1623 a family of Crump lived there, who were followed by Richard Raphes, who was there from 1633 to 1666, but who seems to have died in 1674 at Eyton, having made way at Plas-y-Court to Edward Dunne, Esq., w hose daughter Jane was baptised at Alberbury in 1673. His name is generally spelt Donne, and an Edward Donne in ibzq left benefactions to the poor of Shrewsbury, as did also Edward Donne of " Placc-a-Court," as it was spelt. A son apparently of this latter Edward w as LL.B. of Cambridge, and took Holy Orders. He became a prebendary of Canterbury, and died aged 59, in 1745. He seems to have been living in Shrewsbury in 1715, and at that time Robert Poole was living at Plas-y-Court. In 1668, Mr. Morris Jones married Cassandria Welles at Alberbury, and the)' lived at the Hayes, where their children \yere born. In 168 1, Morris Jones, gentleman, was of Loton, and in 1684 of Bausley. He seems finally to have retired to Shrewsbury, where his wife Cassandria died in J720. In 1767, Mr. Thomas Price was of Hayes. Another family of children all baptised at Alberbury is that of Nathaniel George of Uppington, who in 1655 married Martha Ambler of Norbury, near Wentnor. He lost his first wife in 16G4, but married again. His son Nathaniel occurs later as Mr. Nathaniel George of the Heldre. In 1626, Mr. George Browne of Edge had a sitting in Alberbury Church, as bad also Thomas Juckes, Esq., but the reason of their claim does not appear. Mr. Tipton, who also occurs on the same list, was possibly the first husband of Joyce Lister, who afterwards married William Pytts. Mrs. Sarah Brown of Trcvenant was buried in 1709, but there is nothing to connect her with Edge. George Browne held land in Eord in the early 17th century. notes on alberbury. 73 There are many names given connected with Ford, but tiiose belong to the history of that parish. There is a note in 1675 that a baptism was the first in Criggion Chapel " where it now stands," and in 1749, a baptism is recorded as taking place in Wollaston Chapel. In addition to the names already mentioned we have a considerable number of others, written " gen.", especially during the 17th century. The number lessens in the 18th and becomes almost nil in the 19th, except for the inhabitants of Loton and Rowton Castle. In the 17th century we have in 1622, Mary Chambres, gentlewoman and widow, bur. (She was widow of Michael Chambres, Bailiff of Shrewsbury in 1583, and mother of Mary, wife of Richard Lister). In 1626, Mary Dicher of Shaw- bur)', gen.; and the same year, Elizabeth Ridge, gen., who was daughter of Thomas Williams of Wollaston and wife of John Ridge of Wilmington. In 1649. Cislie Perks, widow and gentlewoman (by which seems intended Cicely, daughter of Alexander Wood, and wife of Richard Persehowse, Bailiff of Salop in 1626). In 1620, Jude Throgmorton, gen., had a son buried at Alberbury, but he was apparently of Ford. In 1650, Mary, wife of John Herbert, gentleman, was buried, but we know nothing of her, unless it be a mistake for " Corbett." Simon Lloyd, gentleman, whose wife Mary was buried in 1656, may have been connected with the Kemsey family. Peter Yonge, gentleman, who the same year married Mistress Ann Aston at Alberbury, was son of Richard Yonge, gen., of Bishop's Castle, who in 1626 married Mary Wood, gentlewoman, a daughter of Peter Wood of the White Abbey. In Jan., 1658, Charles, son of Thomas Rocke1 of Shrewsbury, Esq., was buried at Alberbury, and Thomas Sandys, Esq., of Alberbury, was in March, and Mrs. Susan Stephens of Wattlesborough in April. In 1665 we have the baptism of Margaret, daughter of Mr. Edward Morris, and in 1677 occur Mr. Thomas Holliard o( Shrawardine, and Mr. Stedman of Wattlesborough ; in 1683, Mrs. Elizabeth Hughes of Shrewsbury ; in 1705, Margaret, wife of William Sommer- 1 1 he Rocke family were connected with the parish at the beginning of the Commonwealth, when Thomas Rocke of Criggion was fined for loyalty to the King in 1648 74 NOTES ON ALBERBURY. field, chirurgeon of Salop; and in 1707, Mrs. Mary Dacken of Alberbury. In 1710, Mrs. Mary Littleford, wife of Mr. Thomas Littleford, a stranger, was buried, and their baby daughter baptised. In 17 14 we have the burial of Roger, son of Mr. Humphrey Kynaston, and of Edward Gethin, gentle- man. Mrs. Margaret Mason was buried in 1720, and Samuel, son of Mr. Roberts in 1721, and Mrs. Mary Roberts, widow* was buried in 1732. Mrs. Margaret Hotchkis, widow, buried in 1724, was the widow of Thomas Hotchkis, Vicar of Alber- bury, who was buried at Aston Boterell in 1714. Mrs. Dorothy Nichols, buried in 1724, may also have been con- nected with Richard Nichols, minister in the parish of Cardeston, buried in 1075. In 1 7 jo, Mrs. Elizabeth Pritchard of Shrewsbury was buried ; in 1745, Mrs. Susanna Jones of St. Julian's, Shrews- bury, widow. In 1752 was buried Mrs. Elinor Gwynne of Shrewsbury, and her husband, Mr. Richard Gwynne, followed her a few months later. John, son of Mr. John Rohds (which perhaps should be read 'k Roberts "), was baptised in 1733, and Mr. Edward Williams buried in 1741. In 1769, was buried " Mr. John Henry, Butler and Steward for Sir Charlton Leighton, Bart.", a description which calls up a vision of an important personage in his village world ! In 1748, the Rev. Mr. Willis and Miss Stephens were married at Alber- bury ; and in 1775, Mr. Thomas Gough and Mrs. Ann Cureton. In 1792, Miss Martha Thornes, a daughter of the then Vicar, was married to Joseph Wilmott of Dublin, Esq.; and in 1802, the Rev. Thomas Wright of Alveley married Mary Dovey at Alberbury, though it could hardly have been her home, if she were of the family of Dovey of Chelmarsh. There are several clergy mentioned in the registers who were not vicars of the parish, beside the rectors of Cardeston and incumbents of Ford. We have Thomas Meredith, parson of " Hope Sollers," inducting Thomas Clarke as vicar of Alberbury in 1614; Henry Cunde, vicar of Monford, married to Margaret Pickstock, widow, in 1617; Edward Brompton, clerk, of Hope Bowdler, and Sarah Daws of Venington, married in 1649; Isaac Sodin, clerk, and Sarah, daughter of Daniel Brigdale of Shrewsbury, in 1653. Edward Bowen, NOTES ON ALBERBURY. 75 dark, of Balsley, was buried in 1G1S, and William Hayle, dark, of Bragginton, had a son Richard baptised in 1616. Joseph Speeke, dork, was of Alberbury in 1625, when Thomas Clarke was vicar, and in 1642, the name of the vicar, Thomas Clarke, is followed by that of Edward Wall, minister, who later became Vicar of Alberbury himself, and was buried as Vicar in 1677. In 1629, we have the burial of Joan, wife of John Salter, clerk, of Willaston Magna, and that of Robert Elkes, clerk, of Criggion, while the following year comes the baptism of Edward, son of Edward Evans, clerk, of the parish of Buttington. In January, 1585-6, John, son of Thomas Salter, of Aiberbury, clerk, married Joan, daughter of Hugh Pitt of Donington, at Donington. In 1616, Thomas Swetnam was inducted as Vicar of Alberbury by Thomas Foorde, Rector of Cardeston, and William Hayle, clerk, is among the witnesses to his having publicly read the 39 articles. Several rectors of Cardeston occur in the registers, and Thomas Smith, minister of Ford, was buried at Alberbury in 1631-2, and Edward Alien, of Ford, clerk, in 1667-8, while the Rev. Thomas Gough, Rector of Cardeston, was buried in 1775 from Ford, w here he lived. Judging from the entries of the Leighton family in the 17th century, they did not live at Loton, unless Francis Leighton, " gen.", w ho is called of Alberbury at his burial in 1632, and Humphrey Leighton of Alberbury in 1649, resided there. In 1609, Edward Leighton ol Melverley, " armiger," was buried. A younger Edward Leighton in 1677 married at Alberbury, Dorothy, daughter of Sir Job Charlton of Ludford, and in 1682 they were living at Criggion, while Robert and Gertrude Leighton were of Wattlesburgh, and John and Mary Leighton were of Ford, where John died four months before the birth ol his son John. In January, 1683-.], Edward and Dorothy are called "of Wattlesburgh," and in 1686-7 " of Loughton," where Dorothy died in 1688. Robert Leighton, Esq., ol Wattlesburgh, was buried in 1689, and in 1 69 1 comes the first mention of " Sir " Edward Leighton, when his daughter Jane was buried. He married a second wife at Alberbury in 1693, and the entry of the register calls him of Wattlesburgh, as does the entry of his funeral in 1711, 76 NOTES ON ALBERBURV. but in 1713, the second Sir Edward is called " of Loughton" at the baptism of his son Forester. In addition to the families mentioned, there are several to whom the maker of the register entries has awarded no prefix, but which from generation to generation occupied the same houses, such as the Briscoes of the Bretchel, and the Lloyds of Middletown and others equally respected by their neighbours. It is not possible in these brief notes to do justice to the subject, but perhaps enough is recorded here to incite some more able pen to take up the story (or rather stories) of the wide and interesting parish of Alberbury. 77 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF SHROPSHIRE, 1G40 — 16G2. Additional Notes. Uy the Rev. J. E. AUDEN, M.A., Vicar of Tong. In the former paper1 no reference was made to the extreme care taken by the Presbyterian Classes in their choiee of men for the Ministry. It was only when the Classical system fell into abeyance owing to the rise of Independency or Sect- arianism that the ex-soldier, butler, skinner and tailor were able to obtain permanent possession of parish pulpits. Most writers on the Ecclesiastical History of these times seem unaware that the men appointed to parishes, say 1646-53, were generally University graduates, and had passed a most searching examination as to their life and learning before they were ordained.'2 It was not till the decay of Presbyter- ianism and the rise of Congregationalism that the ministerial standard was lowered ; for the Independents and Anabaptists objected to any Church system at all, whether Presbyterian 1 Printed in Transactions, 3rd Series, VII., 241-310. '-' liy the "Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament tortile Ordination of Ministers of the Classicall Presbyters within their respective Hounds for the Severall Congregations in the Kingdom of England," passed Aug. 28, 1046, every Candidate for the Ministry must be 24 years of age, must bring certificates of having signed the Solemn League and Covenant, and testi- monials of his degrees at the University, ?nd of his life and conversation, lie must also pa.->s an examination in " reading the Hebrew and Greek Testaments/' and in "rendering some portion of them into Latine," and answer questions in " Logick, Philosophy, and other learning." He must also state what authors in Divinity he had studied, and show a satisfactory knowledge of Ecclesiastical History and tiie Chronology of Scripture. Then he must prove his ability to defend orthodoxy against error, his skill in the exposition of the Scriptures, and his "judgment in Case-, ot Conscience." Phis ordeal safely over, he had to preach before the Presbytery on a given text, and to frame a Latin Thesis on some controversial topic of Theology, fixed upon by the Presbytery, and be prepared to maintain his position in a dispute. Supposing, however, he had been already ordained "according to the forme of Ordination which hath been neld in the Church of England," he was to be tested as to his preaching power, and, if necessary, by further examination, but need not be re-ordained, if his testimonials were satisfactory. Vol. V1IL, 3rd Series. L 7* ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OE SHROPSHIRE. or Episcopal, and, looking upon each parish as a small republic, insisted on the right of each separate congregation to appoint its own minister, and to decide for itself all questions of government and worship. Unfortunately no Minute Book of any of the six Shropshire Classes has been preserved. But in the dearth of such a document the following extracts from that of the Worksworth Classis of Derbyshire are quoted; for they relate to the ordination of a man born in Shrewsbury, educated at Shrewsbury School, and a resident and preacher in Shrewsbury after his retirement from Derby1 in 1662, and give a picture of what would be done by each of the Shropshire Classes w hose accounts are lost. These Pn*te at the Classical Meet- ing the said fifteenth day of May Anno Dni 1652. Others. William Storer Edward Allen Richard Buxton, an Elder of Bradbourne Henrie Buxton John Rudiard Mr Peter Coats pastor of the Church at Southw ingfield (having first preached orthodoxly and seasonably) being moderator began with prayer. This da)- appeared Mr Samuel Beresford Bachelr of Artes of Queen es College in Cambridge to be ordained as an Assistant to Mr Blake, pastor of the Church at Tamworth who produced a Certificate from his neighbouring Ministers concerning his ministerial! abilities and godly conversation, 1 Samuel Beiestord was appointed to St. Werburgh's, Derby, on May 21, 1657 ; in 1670 was a donor of books to the Library of his old school ; and died October, 1697. Wirksworth Classis in the County of Derby June 15, 1652. Ministers. Mr Codtes Mod'atr ,, Shelmerdine ,, Watkinson Wiersdale „ Martin Topham ,, Porter ., Pole „ Otefield „ Miles ,, Coke, scribe. ADDITIONAL NOTES. 79 which Certificate was approved by the Classis, and lie ordered to preach before the Classical Presbytery at their next Meeting ; and likewise then to bring with him a Certi- ficate of his age and Tytle ccc, Voted that Mr Robert Porter preach the next Ordination Sermon. N oted that Mr Peter Watkinson Pastor of the Church at Kirke Ireton manage the business of examination of the aforesaid Mr Samuel Bcresford the next Classicall meeting, and likewise voted to moderate next Classical meeting. Alter Mr Peter Coats being moderatr ended with prayer. Worksworth Classis "l These present at the Classicall in the County of Derby | Meeting the said Twentieth day July 20th 1652. ) of July 1G52, viz1 Ministers. Others. Mr Peter Watkinson, moderator Mr Henrie Buxton ,, Shelmerdine Edward Allen ., Topham of Wirksworth Gilbert Wallis ., Wiersdale Germane Buxton Otefield John Rudiard ., Myles Coke, scribe Mr Peter Watkinson Pastor of Kirke Ireton being this day moderatr began with Prayer. Mr Samuel Berisford this day preached his approbacon sermon, and his paines were well approved. After he p'duced two certificate,? One from Mr Blake Pastor of the Church at Tamworth, signifying that the said Mr Blake hath made < hoice of the said Mr Berisford for his Assistant in the worke of the Ministrie: the other from the Bailiffes & Capitall Burgesses of the said Towne of Tamworth certifying that they do approve of the said choyce Both which certificates were approved by the Classis. lie also gave Testimonie of the Grace of God in him, of inward call to cc right ende in undertaking the Ministrie, of his competent skill in the originall Tongues & Artes: and likewise in Divinitie : All which being well approved by the ClassiSj he was ordered to exhibit his Thesis given him the So ECCDE5IASTICAL HISTORY OV SHROPSHIRE. last sitting of the Classis to be brought in this day which was A n Minister ium Artglicminm sit here Evaiigelicnm, 'which being perused and approved he also maintained a dispute upon the aforesaid Question, and expounded some text of Scripture p'posed by some members of the Classis wherein he gave good satisfaction, which was voted accordingly by the Classis; and therefore resolved (according to former votes) to proceed to the Ordination of him to-morrow in Wirkesworth Church. Voted that Mr Peter Watkinson Pastor of the Church at Kirk Ireton be continued Moderator, and he this day moderating ended with prayer. Wir^sworth Classis' July 21, 1652. These being present at the Classicall meeting for the Ordinacon of the Aforementioned Mr Samuel Berris- ford the said 21st day of July, 1652, viz1 Ministers. Others. Mr Watkinson, Moderator Mr Hemic Buxton „ Shelmerdine Mr John Sclater „ Wiersdale William Storer „ Porter Edward Allen „ Martin Topham Germane Buxton pGle John Rudiard " Otefield John Heapie Myles Henry Buxton of the Mill-house ,, Coke, scribe Mr Robert Porter Pastor of the Church at Pentridge preached this day ye Ordination Sermon; which ended Mr Peter Watkinson demanded the Ouestions of the said M* Samuel Berisford required to be demanded of him by the Ordinance for the Ordinacon of Ministers of the 28th of August, 1646, who publicklie answered everie the said Question l\: gave good satisfaction thereby; whereupon he was ordained by prayer and imposition of hands. The said W Watkinson made the exhortation and con- cluded with prayer and the blessing. After the Congregation was dismissed the L'rcs of Ordina- con were signed bv the Ordainers & delivered to him the said ADDITIONAL NOTES. Si Mr Samuel Berisford by the scribe. The severall papers of his Testimonials & Thesis are remaining in the custodie of the Scribe. It is perhaps worth pointing out how the making of Chapelries into separate parishes, an arrangement reversed at the Restoration, was a farseeing anticipation of what was considered necessary and right in the Nineteenth Century. Cressage, for instance, was in 1648, separated from Cound and made into an independent parish, to which Samuel Smith, late pastor of both, was then appointed, James Cressett going to Cound. After 1660 Cound and Cressage were re-united, and the latter remained a Chapelry of Cound till 1841. Woore, now in Shropshire, was till 1842 a Chapelry of Muckleston, in Staffordshire,1 and Tilstock till 1S44 a Chapelry of Whitchurch, but both in the Seventeenth Century were considered distinct parishes. Of the Clergy mentioned in the former paper the following were educated at Shrewsbury School (sec Dr. Calvert's Regestum ScJiolarium, 1562 — 1635), and no doubt others whose names 1 have overlooked :— Peter Studley, James Betton, Ambrose Phillips, Richard Heylin, Richard Milward, Edward Woolley, Michael Thomas, George Berkeley, Samuel Berkeley, George Adeney, Richard Piper, Nathaniel Prowdc, Richard Wicksteed, Peter Nichols, John Adams, Rowland Nevet, Charles Vaughan, Samuel Greaves, Oliver Thomas, and William Rocke. Titus Thomas also entered in 1647. Addenda. Page 258. — Andrew Bailey was appointed to Shifnal, 22 Nov., 1636. Page 278. — On March 11, 165 1, the fine of Richard Owen of Shrewsbury, was ordered to be reduced from £150 10s. to £50 10s. if he settled the tithes of Pulley, worth £10 a year, on the Minister of St. Julian's, Shrewsbury, by June 24, 1 65 1. Page 285. — Richard Piper, late of Bobbington, was appointed to Pitchfbrd, 21 June, 1 66 1. 1 Calamy mentions Thomas liowycr as ejected from "Oare, a chappcl cither in Staffordshire or Cheshire, I know not which." 82 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF SHROPSHIRE. Page 285. — Clungunford. Samuel Berkeley was Canon of Hereford Cathedral (app. 1632), and lost his Cathedral preferment, as Bisby, ot Edstaston, did, but like him, retained his benefice. As Berkeley was both a Minister of the Presbyterian Classes of 1647, and an Assistant to the Independent Commissioners of 1654, he can hardly be included in the number ol Suffering Clergy. Page 2S7. — Atcham. " No entry from the end of the year 1644 to 1656." (Memorandum on Cover of Register). Page 293. — Mr. Bruce "had a wife and several small children He was for some time Chaplain to Sir Anthony Irby, but at length went into Scotland, which was his native country." Page 295.— 'Pong. A Robert Hilton, of B.N.C. Oxon. (B.A. 1630), was app. to Lapley, co. Stafford, in 1638, and, according to Walker, was ejected from there. If iden- tical with the Curate of Tong, he must have turned Independent. Page 296. — The Rev. J. B. Blakeway (Transactions, 3rd Series, VII., p. 345), says Titus Thomas was Minister of Church Aston, a chapelry of Edgmond. Page 302. — Wrockwardine. William Cope was appointed 6 Feb., 1662-3. Page 305, note. — Dr. George Long, M.A., had been Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. He took his M.I), at the University of Leyden, and was ejected from Newcastle-under-Lymc, co. Stafford. He died at Bristol, Dec. 26, 1712. Page 306. — The Mr York mentioned by Philip Henry was, no doubt, the Mr. Richard York who, Calamy says, was ejected from Rushall, co. Stafford. He was " a religious active man and a lively preacher, and died young of a consumption." Corrigenda. Page 247, last line, pro 1836 lege 1638. „ 257, line 18, pro 1675 lege 1664. ,, 310, dele Weston Lullingfield. «3 NOTES ON KINLET. By the Rev. J. B. BLAKEWAY, M.A., F.S.A., Vicar of Kinlet. Edited and Illustrated by Mrs. BALDWYN CHILDE. Preface. The Rev. John Brickdale Blakeway was Vicar of Kinlet from 1800 to 1816. He was born in 1765, the son ol Joshua Blakeway, Esq., of Shrewsbury, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Matthew Brickdale, M.P. for Bristol. He was called to the Bar in 1789, went the Oxford Circuit, and was ordained in 1793. Besides being Vicar of Kinlet, he was Vicar of St. Mary's, Shrewsbury, and Official of the Peculiar; Vicar of Neen Savage and Rector of Felton. He died at the Council House in Shrewsbury, 1826. The following Notes, written during 16 years of his residence at Kinlet, on many separate sheets of paper, have been bound in a book 6 or 7 inches square, and are preserved in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. Much difficulty in editing them has arisen from the manner in which the sheets have been bound, often mixing the subjects in a most puzzling manner. The Topographical History of Kinlet is written with great detail and care, other parts are fragmentary, and in many instances further research has shown that his conclusions were erroneous, and it is with much hesitation that I have tried to put them together, desiring on the one hand to leave out as little as possible, and yet unwilling to mislead the reader. These pages consist of : — 1. The Topographical History. 2. The Church and Monuments. 3. The History of the Owners to 18 16. 4. The Folk- Lore. Vol. VIII., 3rd Scries. M NOTES ON KIN LET. The Rev. John Blakeway was a most industrious antiquar- ian. In the Parish Register of Kinlet are various notes made by him during his incumbency. He wrote, besides many notes and pamphlets, the well-known work " The Sheriffs of Shropshire," and in conjunction with Archdeacon Owen, "The History of Shrewsbury." I have tried to elucidate the curious problem of the passing of Kinlet from the Cornwalls to the Blount s in 1446, and from the Blounts to the Lacons in 1581, when the descend- ants of the sisters took precedence of the descendants of the daughters; extravagance and a large loan or mortgage may be a possible explanation. Yet, notwithstanding all the vicissitudes, and the scarcity of male heirs, Kinlet has never been sold, and the representatives of the present day repre- sent the successive owners since the Norman conquest, though in the female line. I have added in an Appendix the Inquisitions post mortem of the Bromptons, Cornwalls, and Sir William Lychfeld, so that those who are interested in family history may draw their own conclusion from original sources. Kyre Park, Nov., 1907. The succession of Kinlet, Shropshire, by inheritance through the families of Walter de ISroiupton, <1. l 292. Brian tic Bromj&on IV'., tl. 129a. Elizabeth de Brompton, .1. 1354 | Kdniund de Cornwall, 1st son of Richard de Frances C. Baldwvn Childe. Kicardus, Domesday Lord. Bernard l it/. Unsuac, 1074 — 1135. Jinan, Lord of Kinlet, 1157-S. Brian de Brompton I., 1 1 93. John de Brompton, 1221. Briajii de I'romjHwn If-, d. 1262. Brhen de Iiiompton 1 1 1., d. 1 2.S7. 1074 — 1294 Brampton. 1294— 1 4 1 5 Cornwall. 1415 — 14.16 Lichfield. 1446—1581 Blount. 15&1 — 1057 Lacon. 1657- 1757 Childe. 1757 Baldv\yn Cornwall (of Kinlet, bj his wife), d. 1354 (Mar. 22). Cornwall 1309—1413 C Edmund, 1st sun (of Thonock, Lincolnshire), by gift of Edw. I. I in. and had a son, but d. s.p. (see Cornwall Pedigree at Kyre). I Uryan de Cornwall, 2nd son, ; I and h. of Kinlet, d. 1391. | NOTES ON KlNLET. 85 f 1 1 I John de Cornwall, s. and h.,=r Isabel, =f=3ir John Blounte of Sod- 1 d. 1 4 1 5. I only d. I ington, 2nd wife. Cornwall | | J 13097-1415 ■ Elizabeth de Cornwall, d.^-Sir Win. Lichfeld of Kinlet (by ! continued ■ and h., d. 1422 ? leaving | his wife), d. 1446. ! I a (1. Margaret, in. HogerJ/ j j t Corbel. Y j0hn ,1. before I his father. 1 1 r Sir Humphrey Blount, cousin and h., d. 1477. I Sir Thomas Blount; s. and h., d. 1525. Blount of [ Sir John Blount, s. and h.,d. ^Ly ■ ■ • Kinlet, r| {- 1 D j Sir George Blount, s. ami h., d. 1581, Agnes=f=Riclnrd Lacon of leaving a d. Dorothy, m. Purslow of I Sidbury, and left a s. and h. Willev. ( Rowland Lacon of Willey, nephew ar.d h. (of Sir George Blount). Lacon of 1 Sir Francis bacon, s. and h., d. 1646. Willey, -{ Rowland Lacon, s. and h., d. 1057. 1581 — 1657 I Anne Lacon rSir William Ch;lde of Kinlet (by his wife), d. 1678. Id. and h. |_ i I I Sir Lacon Childe, s. and h.,d.s p 1699. I Catherine Lylts, d. and=rWillm. Lacon Childe, M.P., nephew I in her descendants heir | and h,, d. 1757. i1' | _ q ! of h^ father, Samuel 1 157 170 I Pytts of Kyrej Wore, Catherine Ghilde=fC. Baldwyn, Esq., I d. 1763. tp and h., d. | of Aqualate and I 1770. I Bockleton. ! ( William Baldwin assumed the name of Childe, s. and h., d. 1S24. R , , I William Lacon Childe, s- and h., d. IS80, aged 96. rV^O--"11' > William Lacon Childe, s. and h., d. l88r. j Charles Baldwyn Childe, nephew and heir, killed on Spion Kop, I 1 900. Charlotte Montgomery, his widow, present possessor of Kinlet, 1907. KINLET. The parish of Kinlet is situated in the County of Salop and Hundred of Stoddesdon. As it contains no village, but consists entirely of single houses, we shall reckon its distance frum the neighbouring market towns from the Church, which is distant from Bridgnorth nine miles and a half; from Bewdley six miles, and from Cleobury Mortimer four miles and a half. This parish, including the liberty of Earn wood, is bounded on the north by the parishes oi Stottesdon, Billingslev, and 86 NOTES ON KINLET. Highley ; on the east by that of Arley, in the County of Stafford, and by an insulated part of the parish of Stoddes- don ; on the south by the parishes of Cleobury Mortimer and Neen Savage ; and on the west by the last mentioned parish and that of Stoddesdon. From these several parishes it is chiefly separated by rivulets and brooks, but in one part on the north-west by a broad trench which runs from an oak tree at the corner of Dunstan's Coppice to the park paling at the head of the Birchen Park, and so to the Knowl hill, to the head of a small rill of water which divides the High Wood, in this parish, from the Old Coppice, in the parish of Stoddesdon. and falls into the Borl Mill brook below Norton's End- From thence the boundary of the parish pursues this last mentioned brook till it falls into the Severn a few hundred yards above Bargate, down to which place that river is the bou ndary. From Bargate this parish is separated from Arley (which in this part steps over to the Shropshire side of the Severn) by a small brook which it accompanies to its source just on the north side of the turnpike road to Bewdley, at the angle formed by which road and the said parish the parish of Arley ceases and that of Stoddesdon commences, the space between the said brook and the woodland in Arley, which contains above an acre, being called " No Man's Land," and in fact, pays an acknowledgment to the Lord. Thence the boundary proceeds to the source of another rivulet on the other side of the hill, which divides it from the aforesaid insulated portion of Stoddesdon, and which runs into Dowles brook at the Furnace Mill. From the Furnace Mill it runs upon Dowles Brook (which divides it from the parishes of Cleobury Mortimer and Neen Savage) to the southern angle of the aforesaid Dunstan's Coppice, which is in Stoddesdon parish, to the first mentioned oak tree at its north-eastern angle. The parish of Kiniet knows no other division than into the two liberties or Manors of Kiniet and Earnwood, which are separated from each other by a little rill which rises near the Flophouse at the end of Hall of Hammond Lane, and so runs between the lands of Lawley and Bluck to the bottom NOTES ON KINI.KT. 87 of Henry Jeffs' garden, and whence it runs under Ventuck's bridge, and from Tippers to Log Mill. From the end of Hall oi Hammond Lane the boundary line goes along the lane till it comes to a rill which descends out of the lane and runs down Bluck's ground by the side of Southwell houses meadow into the larger brook, which divides Bluck's and Povey's. The boundary between the two liberties proceeds down the larger brook to the late Pool house, and thence up a little rill which comes down from Povey's, then across a little meadow and up Silligrove lane, cross that and down by the hedge of late Howells, at the bottom of which to a rill which runs into Howies brook just above Hawkyard. Each of these liberties has its constable. The Constablewick of Kinlet comprises Walltown (both Upper and Lower), in the parish of Neen Savage. Kinlet and Earnwood are said to be distinct manors, the latter the largest. Moor Hall was a manor within the Manor of Kinlet. Both Liberties owe suit at the Court Leet and Barony of Cleobury, but only the constables and jurymen are called. KINLET. Kinlet, Moor Hall, Winall, Norton's End, Prior's Moor, Crump's End, Tippers, Catsley, Broadley, Woodgate, Kinlet Common, Meaton upper and lower, Upper House Lawns> Foxcote. EARN WOOD. Earnwood, Birch, Lodge, Barns, Log Mill, Bargate, Fastens, all Button Bridge Common and Hill (now the Workhouse), Hall of Hammonds, Win wood, Win wood Barn, Rotten Row, Sturt and Hawkyard Commons. Mr. Childe's present property in Kinlet (January, 1813) is 6,276 acres, add (other owners) 6083 Rotten Row 40^ Henry Green's 45 Silligrove 150 Prior's Moor 30 Catsley 42 Kinlet 6276; The length of the parish along the turnpike road, from the )ridge below Norton's End to that below Kinlet Common, is 88 NOTES ON KlNLET. about three miles and a half. Its breadth from Dunstan's Coppice to No Man's Land, at the end of Button Bridge Common, about three miles. At the last enumeration of the population it was found to consist of 552 souls. The inhabitants consist entirely of persons employed in husbandry, with the exception of two wheelwrights, a blacksmith, a tailor, and the like necessary professions. The soil contains almost even' variety (except gravel), often within a very small compass of ground. It is well adapted for the growth of corn, but still better for the pasturage of sheep. The state of Agriculture in this parish is generally esteemed superior to any of the surrounding parishes. This is certainly owing in a great measure to the active exertions of the landlord, William Childe, Esq. But the system of consolidating farms lias been carried to a greater extent than can be approved by those who believe smaller farms to be conducive to the morals and general stock of happiness of the community. The farms do not, however, any of them approach to the extent to which the}' are carried in some other counties, none of them, I believe, much exceeding 500 acres. This parish consists o( 6,584 acres, 1,403 of which was found on the enquiry instituted by Government in icSoi to be in arable. The tract of woodland is extensive ; certain portions thereof are cut down in rotation every sixteenth year and converted into charcoal for the iron forges. Only one small plantation of hops exists in the parish, but all the farms are provided with orchards, from which a considerable quantity of in- different cider is made. A thin stratum of coal is supposed to run under the greater part of the parish ; it has been worked in several places, but not with sufficient success to induce an extension of the works- The price of labour is as follow s : — 5s. a week ; 6s. or 7s. in hay harvest ; 9s. or 10s. or more in corn harvest, all the above exclusive of drink. Kinlet and Earnwood pay £207 9s. 6d. to the Land Tax. Two turnpike roads run through the parish, (me from Bridgnorth to Cleobury Mortimer, and another from Bcwdley to Orton limeworks. NOTES ON KINLET. 89 As this parish stands upon very high ground with a fall every way, it is remarkably destitute of rivulets ; a small one rises in the road to Bewdley, between Catsley and Button Bridge Hall, and passing under Ventrick Bridge, where it receives another that takes its rise on the glebe, and divides the liberties of Earnwoo 1 and Kinlet, and falls into the Borl Mill brook at the Log Mill. Another small rill falls into the same brook at the New Bridge, as a bridge now very ancient and almost ruinous continues to be called. On a Hat space close to this bridge that firebrand of part) Henry Sacheverel (whom ail sides now unite to decry) was met by above 2,000 persons when he passed through this country on his way to Selattyn in 1709, to which benefice he was presented by Mr. Lloyd of Aston, the patron, after the gentle sentence inflicted on him by the House of Lords. It is well known that he was encouraged to avail himself of the pretence of going to take possession of his new preferment to make a sort of triumphant progress through the kingdom, and being invited by Sir Lacon William Childe of Kinlet to pay him a visit on his journey, the aforesaid " New Bridge '' is said to have been erected for his accommodation, and a road cut through the field into the lane leading to the Yew Tree turnpike, the traces of which still exist. He was re- ceived upon his entrance into the parish by a numerous cavalcade, and some vestiges of this visit are yet scarcely obliterated, lor the neighbouring tenants and yeomen who adhered to the High Church principles of their superiors christened their children by the name of " Sacheverell," and some persons of this name have been liv ing within these last few years. Thus at Clcobury Mortimer Edward Sacheverell, son of Edward Oliver buried 1719; Sacheverell Hincksman buried at Higlcy 1778. A third rivulet which rises under the Knoll Hill and Hows through the High Wood has been already mentioned ; this receives a small rill of water which rkses in the Birchen Park, and after feeding two small ponds runs at the bottom of Church Hill, and then forms a large piece of water. These united fall into tin: Borl Mill brook just under the Byne. A fourth rivulet rises in the fold yard of Bradley, and 9o NOTES ON KINLET. runs by the Metons, dividing the Commons of Sturt and Hawkyard, till it falls into Dowles Brook at Furnace Mill. THE LIBERTY OF EARNWOOD, now commonly pronounced Yearnwood, is separated from that of Kinlet by the small rivulet already mentioned, which, rising at the back of Catsley and running under Ventrick bridge, falls into the Borl Mil] brook at Malpas's or the Log Mills, a mill nqw destroyed, but formerly, 1 presume, occu- pied b)' a miller of the name of Malpas, and sin< . that used fpr grinding of log wood. This name 1 find written m an earl)' record Hernewood ; hence 1 conclude that at the time when hawking was the favourite sport of our nobles, the wood with which this dis- trict was, doubtless, then overspread, was devoted to the " breadmgs " ol herons i( r that diversion, such as heronry or ternary, as it is pronounced, still exists in the magnificent woods of Linley, near Bishop's Castle, the seat of Robert More, Esq., or at least did within my recollection. Ernwood was, as I shall presently show, formerly parcel of the royal forest of Wyre ; but a member of the Manor of Cleobury Mortimer. It must have been granted by the Crown at an early period to the family of Mortimer as what we should now call a hunting sent, for which purpose its situation be- tween these two principal residences, Cleobury and Chel- niarsli, rendered it very convenient. Here those great barons occasionally repaired with a numerous retinue of their Here- fordshire retainers. Thus in the lib. nig. de \\ igm., we find a grant from Ralph, son of Adam de F rami no (of the Nash) to Roger de Mortimer (the same who liberated Edward from his confinement at Hereford) — " datum apud Hernewode, quarto Kalendas Maii, anno regni regis Henrici plii regis Johannis, xiiido Hiis testibus, Henrico de Mortuomari Hen- rico de Pembruge, Briano de Brampton, Johanne de Lyn- gayne, Richardode Letton, Nicholao de Pedworthyn,Nicholao de Hyntes, et aliis," all gentlemen who must have been at that time either on a visit to or in attendance upon that great man. This was in 1250. So again, 111 the same M.S., I find an indenture in French, dated at Ernewoode, in the " contie de Salop," on the 2.Sth of June, 9 Edw. II., between the same NOTES ON KINLET. 9I nobleman, then called Monsieur Roger de Mortimer, seigneur de Wiggemor, on the one part, and Monsieur Barthlem de Badelesmere (afterwards chamberlain to Edw. II., and lord of Shi f nail) on the other, reciting that the latter was bound to the former in a bond of twenty thousand pounds, to be paid at Michaelmas next ensuing, and it is agreed by the present indenture that if before that time Baddlesmere enters into a recognizance with sufficient sureties to pay the said sum by instalments, the bond shall be given up. It was upon the same \isit of Badclsmere to Mortimer at Erne- woode agreed that Edmund, son oi the latter, should marry Elizabeth, daughter of the former, and that the young lady should be endowed oi 300 marks of land in (among other places) Ernewoodc and Cleobury Mortimer and the park and forest oi \\ vie. This marriage se t t b ment was dated " Yen- dredy poschein devant l'Agsencion," in the year above men- tioned. Three hundred marks is £"200 sterling, a sum equal 111 efficiency to £3,200 at present, stating the then average price of corn at 6s. per quarter, now at £3 4s. od. This Roger was the person afterwards so instrumental in the deposal of Edw. 11. lie probably induced his brother- in law, Badclsmere, who was, we see, deeply indebted to him, to desert the party of his bountiful master and join the faction of the rebellious nobles, an act of ingratitude for which he paid by his being beheaded at Canterbury, after his capture at Boroughbridge with so many rebels in the spring of 15 2 2, while Edward had yet power to assert his authority. Mortimer was fortunate to effect his escape to France, where he afterwards joined w ith Queen Isabel (into whose affections he had advanced himself by the graces of Ins person and address) to dethrone her husband. In the meantime, his estates in this county were at the mercy of the King. Many parts of it were granted to those nobles who had adhered to their sovereign. That of which we are now treating was cither held by lease from the Crown, or Edward was desirous to retain the perpetuity of it. Certain it is that in 1334 the Manor of Ernewood (late the property of Roger de Mortimer) was ordered to be leased in the following year, 19 Ed. 1 1. 1 find the following abstract of a Record (Harl. MSS.): — "Ernewood and Cleobury (Parks of the King), with the Vol. VIII., 3rd Scries. N 92 NOTES ON KINLET. chase of Wyre and woods of Huggate (Higley) and Stanton Lacy, &c„ concerning an Inquest or Malfaison therein." On the deposal of Edward, Roger de Mortimer, who was now created Earl of March, re-entered, of course, into the possession of his property, but the Earldom of March (a creation winch had excited much discontent among the nobles) was adjudged to be forfeited ; yet his estates de- volved upon his son and heir, who survived him only one year. Edmund de Mortimer was found (1331) to have holden the Manor of Ernewood1 as a member of the Manor of Cleobury Mortimer (Harl. MSS.). From this period the descent of this place accompanied that of the earldom. On the deatli of the third Earl of March, 1381, the next Earl being a minor, his estates were seized by the King, his " Welsh Uncle." I know not whether, in the use of this vulgar phrase, I shall escape the censure of the fastidious, but 1 ow n it appears to me a convenient phrase to express a degree of consanguinity which cannot otherwise be expressed without much circumlocution, and in the same year I meet with the following abstract of a record relating hereto2: — " 1Wy re forest : an inquest of trespassers of vert and venery (de transgress' " virid. et vent.") committed therein, taken by Richard Nowell, Keeper of the same, also 111 Ernewode and C leobury within the forest aforesaid." In 1432, 11 Hen. YI., on the death of Anne Stafford, Countess of Huntingdon, and relict of Edward, Earl of March, the Manor of Arnewode is found to be part of that earldom.5 Hence, of course, it went to Anne, Countess of Cambridge, sister of Edmund, and so to her grandson, King Edward IV. From the time of its thus merging in the Crown, my records are silent con- cerning it till 1 Ed. VI, 1547, when Ernewood manor and woodlands, called Ernwood, Stertewood and Hawkeyard wood, and divers messuages, parcel of the possessions of the 1 By In<|. P. M. after the death of Edmund Lord Mortimer he is found to die seized of lands at Labourne and La Crofte, near Earnewood. The former of these places is, I presume, that which is still called " The Bower." 2 MS. Harl. 744 ut supra. MS. Harl. 3874 entitled "Manors held of the Crown, from lien. III. to Edw. IV." It is an excellent and authentic Mb. Smait's M S. in. v. :! At the Parliament of Coventry, Nov. 20th, 1439, various parts of the Duke of Vork's property were granted to John Lord Dudley. Among these are Tyknil and Ernewood. NOTES ON KINLET. 93 Earldom of March, and of the late Abbey of Salop, are found to be holden by William Pagitt in capite by the fortieth part of a knight's fee, and a rent of 30s. & lid. This grant was made on the 30th of May, as appears from a record in Coke's Entries, in which Stertwood, Hawkyard-wood and Hedge- vvyke-wood are stated to be within the chase or forest of Wyer, in the county of Salop, and from time immemorial parcel of the Manor of Cleobury Mortimer, and it was granted to Sir William Paget, K.G., in fee. This was the first Lord Paget, the great friend and adherent of the Protector, Duke of Somerset, in whose reverses of fortune he largely partook, being five years afterwards degraded from his knighthood 1 > 1 1 pretence of the meanness of his origin, and lined £6,000, at the instance of John Dudley, Duke of Northum- berland, on a charge of selling the King's land and timber wood without commission. Long, however, be tore this great change 111 administration (viz., Aug. 21, 154;; only three months after the grant made to him by the Knig, Sir William alienated " the house" and manor of Earn wood, with the appurtenances, and the woods aforesaid, to Thos. Seymour, Lord Seymour, of Sucleley, and m Michaelmas term following levied a fine of the said woods (inter aha) by the iiame of the Manor of Lrnewood, with its appurtenances in Lrnewood, and the advowsoii of the Church of Erne wood, and a free piscary in Severn, to the said Lord Sudeley. By the " /topse " above mentioned is probably meant the ancient residence of the Earl of March, some nana 111s of which might endure down to the period in ques- tion ; but what is designed by the advowson of the " Church " of Lrnewood I cannot say. The family of Mortimer had, doubtless, a private chapel here, because the officers of religion accompanied the great men of that day into every situation of life ; in the field of battle, in the hour of conviviality and recreation, as well as 111 the stated recurrence's of public worship, or the occasional retreats of solitary devotion. But that this chapel was ever parochial, J do not find. The valor of Pope Nicholas, 1 292, which records so many churches now lost, does not hint at such a thing. Either the Church of Kinlet is intended— which we know did belong to Lord Sudeley -or which is more probable, these sweeping :uotds, which have occasioned so much doubt, 94 NOTES ON KIN LET. were added, ex majori cautela, by the London conveyancer who directed the fine without any local knowledge of the premises. Lord Sudeley did not long continue master of this place. His ambition and unwarrantable designs against his brother soon brought him to the- block. He was beheaded March jo, 1548 9. On his attainder Ins property here devolved to the Crown. In 2 May, 1554, 1 find1 the manors of Ernewood and Stanton Lacy, and lands there, holden by Jane Russell, wife of William Russell.1 Queen Elizabeth, on the ;th of June, 1563, granted to Robt. Dudley, afterwards Earl of Leicester, the manor, Lord- ship, park and borough of Cleobury Mortimer, with the appurtenances thereof and all and every the lands and woods belonging thereunto or heretofore deemed part or parcel thereof. The reversion in fee of all these premises she granted March 8, 1565-6, to Sir Rowland Heyward, Knt, and Thomas Dixon, who on the 30th of the same month, in con- sideration of 100 marks, conveyed the said reversion to the Earl. Of Em wood (now severed from Cleobury by the grant of Paget) he probably obtained a grant from the Russells. This 1 collect from an information ex officio filed in the Ex- chequer, 18 Eliz., 1570, against Richard Bushop and Thomas Thornton, of Cleobury, yeoman, for entering upon the woods called Stertwood, Hawkyard-vvood, and Hedgewyke-wood, being within the chase or forest of Wyre, in the County of Salop, m the hands and possession of the Queen, 111 right of her crown of England.2 The defendants justily as servants of the Earl. They plead the grant of the woods to Paget, his conveyance to Sudeley, the attainder of that Lord, the present Queen's grants to Dudley. The point in this case was whether these woods 111 question passed by Queen's grant. The Attorney 1 Smart ut sup'. Co. Esc. ut sup'< Dr. Horde mentions Yermvood among the Forests and Parkes of Shropshire in his brief survey of the full of Lord Sudeley one of his confidential servants says : " I did ever as much as in me lay to dissuade him from offering such extremity ... in matters which only ccnccrncd his own private gain, as Sir George lilunt's case. Mr. Robert Long's for Vasterne Lark, and Mr. Comp- trollas for Fecknam Lark." — Ilaynes lit Papers .p. 69. 2 The premises devolving to the Crown by ?n attainder, were no longer part of the Earldom of March. NOTES ON KINLET. 95 General contended that the words " all and every lands, woods, &c, belonging to the said Manor of Cleobury Mortimer, or heretofore deemed part or parcel of the same manor," were " void for infinity; " and stated that the -.-aid three woods were severed from the said manor sixteen ;>r seventeen years previous to the date of the grant to Leicester. This alluded to the grant to Paget. The Earl upon this occasion (for it was against him that the suit was directed) employed our countryman, the famous Plowden, who argued that the words in question could not in this instance be " void for infinity" because it was pleaded that at the time of Edward VI. 's grant, the said words were. parcel of the manor ; and in this opinion the Court concurred. Leicester, thus confirmed in his possession of Ernwood, made it the subject of various conveyances. On the 21st of April, 1583, is a conveyance of the manor and parks of Ern- wood from Edward Russell to Thomas Dudley, Esq.1 This was probably nothing more than a transfer from Russell of any remaining claim he might have upon them, to a kinsman ,nnl trustee of the Earl's: Accordingly we find Mr. Dudley, two years afterwards, 15 Nov., 27 Eli/.., 1585, conveying the same manor and park to the Earl, who in 1588 covenants with his nephew, the gallant Philip Sidney, and others, to " stand seized of this manor to his use, remainder to Lcttice, his then countess (relect of W alter, Earl of Essex) for tier hie, remainder to his right heirs." This was, 1 presume, pre paratory to his last will, whereby he devises to Ins " base son Robert " the manors of Cleobury and Ernwood after the decease of his dear wife. This Robert was the celebrated and unfortunate Sir Robert Dudley, who, disowned by his wicked and unnatural father, and plundered by the despicable James and his rapacious courtiers, ended his days in a volun- 1 Besides this is a note, the Manor of Ernwood and lands, messuages there " purchased ol by Edw. ISoughtoune, Esq. ; others recovered against fhoraas Dudley, Esq., and others by writ of entry, Hilary term, 1583. This blank ought perhaps tu be filled by Russell, who might convey his right to Houghton, who might have recovered from Dudley. These entries are in Smart's MS. Did he ever make it ln=> residence ? In a letter of his to the Lord Treasurer Burleigh, 1^84, he says :— I would have entreated your Lordship to grant me during my Lady Warwick's lunacy, the keeping and mastership of the game of the chace ot Malvern, ih%t lycth not farr from a lordship a lytic howse J have.'" Collins Sidney Tapers, vol. i., p, 298. 96 NOTES ON KINLET. tary exile and under the assumed title of Duke of Northum- berland. THE BIRCH is a large farm lying between Catsley and Tiphouse. Li Smart's Terrier arc the following notes of a place of (Ins name, which 1 conceive to be the place in question : — 37 Henry VIII., Birch : lands there holden in capite by Thomas Onslowe. 3 Edward III., lands there holden in socage by Nicholas Stanhope and John Bellowe. 3 Elizabeth, lands there granted in socage to Dudley and A i sco ugh e. 30 Elizabeth, lands in the said parish granted to Tipper and Daweinsceage. 39 Elizabeth, lands there holden by Eerdinand earl of Derby. From some of the entries, 1 conjecture that there was land here belonging to some of the monasteries or ehauntries dis- solved by Henry VIII. and Edward VI. William and Robert Tippers1 were in particular two great detectors of what were called " concealed " lands in the reign of Elizabeth. Here is a very handsome house, lit for the reception of a large family, erected by Sir William Childe for the residence of his second son Thomas, the memory of whose inhabitancy here is preserved by the name of the gate which opens upon Button Bridge Common, which was his road to Bewdley. Here also the late William Lacon Childe, Esq., resided during the time that the new house at Kinlet was building (iz29)- HALL OE HAMONDS was no doubt formerly the residence of a family of that name. It is remarkable that in Wood's map it is depicted as a stately mansion, while Kinlet Hall is omitted. Latterly, it consisted of two small farm houses, whereof one, the property of William Childe, Esq., was taken down in 1802. If the earlier registers of this parish had remained, we 1 The Lord Chancellor of England writing to Lord Bur^hley in 1594 mentions " one Tipper a seditious man of this country birth," who had been preferring untrue and malicious libels against him. — Strype's Annuls, v. 4. p. 207. NOTES ON KIN LET. 97 should no doubt have had some memorials of the family of fiamond, which, from the name of Hall given to their residence, must have been of some importance ; but as it is, their memorials have perished with them. Mr. Mytton has, however, preserved the following entry from a MS. belonging to Charles Baldwin, Esq., of Aqualate :— " Hamond of Kinlet descended of Hamond of Hamond Hall, near adjoining, sold by their ancestors. The field argent, upon a cheveron en- grailed 3 mart lett s sable, betwixt 3 cinquefoils, &c." John Newport, gent., and Elizabeth Hamonde were married at Neen Savage June 4th, 1663. lie is styled esquire in the register of Kinlet, January iolh, 1666, when his daughter of the same name with her mother was baptised ; this child was buried on the 28th of the same month, and Mr. Newport had another daughter baptised by the same name February 18, 1007, and a son Edward baptised in December, 1669. At this time there was a Mr. Thomas Hamond, gent., residing in this parish. He had, by Elizabeth, his wife, a son John, baptised Sept. 8, 1670, and another, Joshua, Nov. 4, 1673, a daughter, Elizabeth, 16 Feb., 1675, Hanah 25 August, 1680, a third, Mary, 21 Nov., 1682, and a fourth, Frances, 23 Dec, 1687. There is a family of the name still residing in the parish in the situation of farmers ; but they have no tradition which connects them with the ancient possessors of the Hall, or with the family spoken of in the Aqualate MS. MOOR HALL. The next place whic h requires our attention in this parish is Moor Hall, a farm contiguous to Kinlet Park. This ma)' perhaps be* the land granted by Brian de Brompton and Roger Chinlete, his brother, to St. John of Jerusalem, and which that warlike Order, the Knights Hospitalers, held hen: 111 1 185, the_\' must afterwards have conveyed it to Wigmore Abbey, since it is certain that Moor Hall was held by that religious society, and in consequence hereoi enjoys an ex- empt ion from the payment of all tithes. The first express mention of it I have seen is in 30 Henry VIII. (five years .liter the final dissolution of monasteries) on ilth of June, 98 NOTES ON KINLET. in which year the King grants the Manor of Moorhall,1 in Kinlett, to Robert Taverner, gent., with all its rights, mem- bers and appurtenances, all waifs, strays, and heriots to the kite Monastery of Wigmore belonging, for the sum of £604 13 s. od. Taverner was one of the swarm of speculators in abbey lands engendered by that nefarious robbery, the Dissolution. This conveyance from the Crown Taverner made haste to convey over to one Edward Pigott the same year that he be- came possessed of it. By inqmsrtion taken at Alvcley, 1583, it was found that George Pigott, gent, (probably son id" Edward), died on the 1st day of March. last, seized of the Manor of Moorhall, in Kinlett, valued at £\ 4s. 4(1. — by the year, holden2 of the Queen in capite by the 30th part of a Knight's fee, and 4s. rent, and iod. nomine3 deins — that Edward Southall (son and heir of Isabella, one of the sisters and heirs of the said George, and wife of Thomas Southall) was cousin and heir of the said George, and of the age of 54 years. The Southalls continued here many years. In the terrier presented at a visitation of Francis, Bp. of Hereford (this was Godwin who sate 161 7-1633), Mr. George Southall is stated to pay 2S. modus for the Hay of More Hall, and 6d. for that of Foxcott. Francis Southall, of Kinlett, gent., was adm. of the inner temple Nov. 15, 1595, Antony Lowe and Humphrey Salwey being his pledges. 1 MS. Swcrt Lethieullier, Cole's Escheats, 1.1 ) une, 36 Hen: VIII. The King grants Moiehall in the psh of Kinlett with all waits strays &c. late belonging to the lJriory of Wigmore to Robert Taverner, gent. for £604 . 13.0. This was exemplified 1658 by Oliver, Lord Protector, at the request of Richard James, yeoman. 1st April, 24 C. I., Geo. Southall, gent., and Edward his son and heir, mortgage the manor to Rich. James, yeoman. taster Term 1651 a line of | F.dw. Southall and Anne his > 3'1 Ap. 1651. wife defoiciants. ' Geo. Southall, the Eider, of Foxcote, gent.^ Edward Southall, son and heir=j= George Southall, junior, son and heir. 2 Mr. Cole states in the introduction to his valuable MSS. that the value found by Office is commonly about the tenth put of the true value per annum, sometimes more and sometimes less. This would make the yearly rent of Morehall in 15S3, { 45 os. 4d. s Perhaps " nomine decimarum,1' tithes.— Ed. NOTES ON KINLET. 99 John Southall was vicar of Patteshull and was buried at Albrighton, near Shifnall, 19 Mar., 1G9G. On the 1st of April, 24, Car. 1 (1648), George Southal], gent, and Edward, his son and heir, mortgage this manor to Richard James, yeoman ; and on the 3rd of April, 165 I, the same George (then styled of Foxcot, gent.) and Edward, with George Southall, the younger son and heir of the latter, finally conveyed it lor the sum of £i,ioo to the same mort- gagee, who in 1O5S obtained from Oliver, Lord Protector, under his great seal an exemplification of Henry VIIL's grant In Taverr.er. lames left issue an only daughter and heir, married to John Pardo, and by him mother of three daughl irs, one of w hom, Joyce, in 1680 married John Hale, who thereoy became possessed of this manor, which his grandson, Corbet Hale, sold in I 750 to William Ohilde, Esq., for the sum, if J am rightly informed, of only £1,200 MORI': HALL (on a slip of paper). Richard James bought Morehall for £1,100 in 1651=1= I I only child=j=John Pardo Susan—John Low of M ary — Edward Bodenham Joyce Pardo=pJohn Hale Pardo Cleeton. Pardo of Lindridge. had Morehall I John Hale=F. . . William Hale Edward Halt of Bewdley, I Clerk. Grocer. Thomas Hale Jane Joyce Margaret Elizabeth Alice Anne John Hale, grocer in Bewdley, bought Hop-ton from Old- liam, and left it 1o iris nephew ob. s.p. Mr. Oldham bought 1 lopton 1 r< on M iss I [yde. William Hale, Clerk p. . . d. Curtis ... of Kent—. . . Perrot I I Curtis Hale, Ks(j , ot IIopton = . . . d. Rev. . . . Wigley. FOXCOTE. This was a farm contiguous to Woqnall, now united to diat farm. The barn and orchard are yet standing, but the other building.:; are taken down ; and in a lew years the very name Vol. VIII., 3rd Scries. O 100 NOTES ON KIN LET. in all probability will be lost. It occurs frequently in cur ancient records, and (according to Collins (Peerage, ciii., Har- ley, Earl of Oxford) if lie means the same place) must have belonged at an early period to Walter de Nova Meinil, who gave in free marriage with .Alice, his daughter, to Brian de Bramton, four virgates of land in Foxcote, in the territory of [delburi, to which donation E., Bishop oi Hereford, Hugh William and Philip de Mortimer, William de Burley and others were witnesses. Unfortunately, no Bishop of Hereford occurs with the initials E. till a very late period, and the whole of this part of the article m question, though evidently grounded upon ancient documents, is awkwardly and incor- rectly drawn up, so that whether this place is meant or what is intended by " the territory of Idelburi " I cannot decide. At the same lime, Walter de Nova MeiniM does certainly occur as witness to a deed of Roger de Mortimer, without date, in company with other gentlemen of the neighbourhood, as 1 have already observed ; and in the Genealogia de Bramp- ton, Brian, son, 1 conceive, of the preceding, is called Lord of Kinlet, Foxcote, c\c. It seems that another family held it, in dependency, perhaps, to the Bramptons, and took their name, as was usual, from it. In the Harl. MS., 1087, so often quoted, is a memorandum that one-third part of the town of Walford descended to Roger de Foxcote, after the death of his uncle (avunculi), Adam de Foxcote.1 William de Foxcote occurs in the lib. nig. de \\ igorn as a witness to two deeds of Roger la Brockoke to Edmund de Mortimer, both dated at Cleobury, the one in the 21st, the other in the 24th of Edward 1. and in 10 Edward II." Alicia "que fui uxor Walter Haklut " grants to Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, lands in Foxcote which my uncle (avunculus), William de Foxcote, held, w itnessed by Sir Robert de Harlye, John de Lyngeyne, and Edward Hakelu-t, Knights, John tie Bromfeld, William de l«i Hulle, Richard de Clebury, and others." This place appears to have been sometimes written Koxton ; .Mr. Lloyd quotes a record, 22 Richard IF, stating that Roger, Earl of March, held one Knight's fee in ; In the Testa de Nevill under the B irony of Stutteville of Burford, it is said that Roijer do Foxcote li Id half a knight's fee in Foxcote, and it appears from a note 111 the tlarhdau copy of this record that this property was in the reign of Queen Elizabeth holden by Hayward. NOTES ON KINLET. TOI Kin let and Foxton, which Eliz. de Cornwall and Brian de Brampton held ; this is, however, an hasty and inaccurate abstract, I presume, of the Kalendarium which has been al- ready cited. CATS LEY1 is a considerable farm, bounded by Woonall on one side and lirnewood on the other. 11, as is (he general opinion, all the places specified by name in Domesday are to be considered as ancient manors, this place has now lost that distinction, lor it is therein described by the name Cateschesleie. Edric whom I conceive to be ye Salvage or Wild who held it in the tune of ye Confessor after ye conquest, but was held of the Crown by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury ; but as it la)' contiguous to the other property of Ralph de Mor- timer, he held it from the Earl, and one Ulf was immediate tenant of it under Mortimer. In the Testa de Ncvill, which contains an abstract ofinquisitions under Henry LI I., William de la Fordo and Thomas de Hardle are stated t*> hold halt a knight's fee in Katcslcy, of the barony of Mortimer. ROTTEN ROW. Sec on the etymology of this place, Gibson Camden 1,091, Rotten Row in Norwich. Blomefield iii., 67 ,2 One of these small farms of 56 acres was, at the beginning id the last century (1 f my informant is correct), the property of one Wightwich, who let the farm to a tenant, occupying hiinself one end of the house, and leading here a mysterious sort of life. He kept two saddle horses, one of which was often found all in a foam on a morning. Hence 1 1 is neigh- hours not unreasonably conjectured him to be a highwayman. \\ hen he received the purchase money, £$£,0, which is stated lu have been about 1730, he left the country, and was heard of no more 111 these parts. 1 \\ lien the Terrier was draw n up, one George Southall (a different person trom him of the same name at Moor Hall) held it, and a large lonely barn still called Southall's barn, preserves the memory of Ids funnel company. " A street in Glasgow is called Rotten Row, and a late writer derives the name horn " Xoutine,'' signifying the street of processions, It was here he said that the Host and the linages of Saints were borne in Festivals ; he adds there is at Ratisbon a Rotten Ga.sse close to the Cathedral, and all over Germany the Canon who leads these processions is called " Rott-meister,;' i.e., Procession Leader. (1'ctas Letters, 111., 167). 102 NOTES ON KINLET. The purchaser was one Cole, a supervisor of excise, who came out of Oxfordshire. His son, originally a lieutenant in Col. Cholmondeley's regiment of foot, afterwards (I sup- pose in the short war with Spain, into which Sir Robert Wal- pole was forced by the clamours of the Tories) fitted out a privateer, but was taken prisoner by the Spaniards. On his liberation, he purchased and freighted a merchantman for tiie West Indies, but died on his passage home, as he was returning- with great prospects of profit to his family. He had married a Sidbury woman, Lawley, by whom he had a son, who, having a large family, was obliged to sell Rotten Row in 1800 to Mr. Thomas Crane, of , for £ 1, Soo. TIPPHOUSE. This is a corruption of Tippers, as the name is written in Wood's map of Shropshire, which is very accurate in this part of the country, for the same reason perhaps that Roque's is so too in this part, viz., that the respective surveyors of the county probably were entertained at Kinlet during their being engaged in this part of their undertaking. This place derives its name, I presume, from the aforesaid specu- lator in " concealed lands," and this was probably part of his acquisitions in the 30th of Elizabeth, which, if D. stands for " Draper," probably went to lippers coadjutors. A stone in the wall of the house at Tippers : — G. D.1 1- * " K D R I H S 1615 Tithes from Registry of the diocese of Hereford, April 4 th, 1658. . . . George Draper for Tappers and Elliots', is. 6d. 1 George Draper 1615 built Tippers ? Rowland Draper 1663. Katherine Draper 1665. On Feb. 24th, 1892, in restoring Kinlet Church, under the altar tomb of Sir John Blount in the north transept, was found a broken slab with these words: "GEORGE DRAPER WHO NOTES ON KINLET. 103 Stow, p. 732 of his Survey of London, furnishes the follow- ing pedigree : — Henry Tippers, grocer, of London=f Helen, d. of Rendal Dodd of Cheshire William Tipper, Esq., of the body of K. Ja:nes=f=Mary, d. of John Clarke, gold- b. 1542,0b. 1 Sept., 1613, set. 71, s. in St. I smith, of London. Andrew's, Ilolborn. Roi)ert Tippers. MEATON is, I should think, meadtown, meadowtown. There are two Meatons, the Upper and the Lower. The earliest mention I find of this place is in a deed in the liber niger de Wigmore, where Roger de Brockock (perhaps the brokeoak) grants to Sir Edmund de Mortimer and Margaret his wife, "all my wood which is between the wood which is called Kynlete's wode and the wood of the said Edmund and extendit se ab uno capite a campo de Metene usque Dov/les (Dowle's brook) for two marks of silver. Dated Clebury on Thursday next before the feast of St. George the Martyr in the 24"' year of the reign of King Edward, son of Henry '1296). Witnessed by Sir Ralph de Araz, Sir Adam de St. George, William de Foxcote, Walter de la Steple, Ralph de la Lowe de Nen, Nicholas de Eldecote clerk, Nicholas de Eldecote, and many others." This place, or part of it, appears to have been ever an appendage to the Kinlet estate. In 15 Richard II., 1 391, it is found1 that Sir Brian de Cornewell, Knight, held land in Meton, within the Lordship (dominium) of Kynlet, called Kyngeshemde, in capite by service unknown, and that John was his son and heir. In 35 Henry VIII., 1543, James Levesoune had grant of the manors of Great and Little Meaton and lands therein. Those had belonged to the Priory of Groat Malvern, and thus were abbey lands, upon every detached portion of which the name of manor was very liberally conferred by the scribes of that day. Leveson was a large dealer in this unholy traffic. A Wolverhampton man, and a merchant of the Staple. He bought Lilleshull Abbey in the same year, which, on the extinction of his line, passed to that of his brother, io4 NOTES ON KINLEt. whose great grandson's daughter Frances married Sir Thomas Gower. Mr. Leveson, in the same 35th year, conveyed them to Thomas Grey, Esq., of Whittington, co. Stafford. In 18 Elizabeth, Edward Wqrewood was1 found to hold a messuage and lands in Meaton ; this was probably the nephew to Henry VIII.'s Attorney General, but of his property in Meaton I have nothing further to say. His first wife was daughter of Edw. Grey, Esq. In these general abstracts formed by persons without local knowledge, errors in names of persons and places are wholly unavoidable. 1 suspect that for Kyngeshemde one should read Kynlete's wode.2 Kinlet Common is close to Meaton. KINLET CHURCH is dedicated to All Saints. Ego Johannes de Brompton dedi Ecclesire omnium Sanctorum de Kinlet et canonicis de Wigemore, pro anima Matildisde Breus spose meam partem terras meae in Kinlet. (Dug-dale MSS.). Brian de Brompton confirmed to the Monks of Lira, in Normandy, the grants of his ancestors, viz., one man with his land in the Manor of Kinlet and two parts of the tithes of the whole Lordship of Kinlet, of Lencote, and of Walton, and his brother Roger joins with him 111 acquitting the said land from all royal service. The Church of Kinlet is a plain cruciform building of great solidity. It was so much modernized about the middle of the last century that it is not easy to form an opinion as to the date of its erection. The whole now consists of a nave with a range of four clerestory windows on each side, two side aisles, of which the windows, if ever they existed, are now closed. A chancel of extent little inferior to the body, but erected probably in the middle of 14th century, with two transepts. The length of the body is 05 ft. 4 in. Breadth of nave and aisles, 39 ft. jo in. The tower is square and rather low, with high battlements. There is a spacious porch, in which are the remains of some tiles, on one of which are the arms of France and England quarterly ; on another those of Berkeley, and on a third are 1 Smart MS. Hurl. MS. 7^8. Lj'J AV/yf's Wood joins Meaton.— F. C. 15. C. NOTES ON KINLET. 105 chevrons, probably for de Clare, Earl of Gloucester. The door under this porch is slightly pointed, but the middle part i.-, filled up by an X moulding", and is probably ancient. In the outer wall of the north (south?) transept are the remains of three arches ; the middle one, which has evidently been an old entrance into th.it part of the church, and of which the span is increased in a progressive ratio— the first being half the size of the second and the second of the third — at the purpose of these I cannot guess. Very many of our old churches are well known to have on the south side of the altar a set of three stone seats, each progressively higher than the other. These at Kinlet may have been designed to answer the same end, whatever that might be, concerning which the learned, I believe, are not agreed. Near these trances on the inside is a holy water stoup ; another is in the opposite transept, not far from the entrance, through which the family must always have come as they do now to church. The church is pewed in a superior style of neatness and uniformity. This was done in the year 1752, by the munifi- cence of William Lacon Childe, Esq. The pews are all well wrought oak, and have this peculiarity, that they are without doors, a judicious arrangement by which the noise of opening .ind shutting them by late comers to divine service is avoided. So spacious are the chancel and aisles that a gentleman well skilled in Gothic architecture has supposed that our church has been at some period collegiate. When the dignity and opulence of the early possessors of Kinlet are considered, this will appear no improbable conjecture, it is, however, only fair to observe that it is only a conjecture ; at least, I have hitherto discovered no traces of such a foundation in any of the records I have seen. The windows of this part of the church have formerly been filled with stained glass, of which a few elegant fragments remain 111 the tracery of the windows. Much of this was probably destroyed at the last reparation. The east window is filled with remains of this sort confusedly jumbled together. Among them is the mutilated figure of a knight in plate armour and in the act of devotion, bearing a " scrowl " with the common legend " Mater Dei, miserere mei." On his sur- coat are the Arms of Cornwall ; and he was probably the r06 NOTES ON KIN LET. last of that name possessor of this place, in whose time this part of the fabric was perhaps erected. In 1815, the east window was filled with painted glass executed by Mr. Betton, of Shrewsbury, at the expense of William Childe, Esq. The design was intended to represent the several families through which the Manor has descended, and the pattern of the taber: nacles was made out from the remaining fragments of the former work. This altar screen was under the east window. There are no traces of any old screen dividing the chancel trom the nave. A new altar screen was at the same time erected from an elegant design of the Rev. Hugh Owen. We have in this parish of K inlet some remains of that custom which is mentioned by Dr. Heylin, in his Life of A rch : Laud, p. 16, where, speaking of the practice of bowing to the altar, he says " that it was observed by the Knights of the Garter, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, and thirdly by most country- women, who, in the time of my first remembrance and a long time after, made their obeisance towards the east before they betook themselves to their seats, though it was then taken (or mistaken rather) for a courtesie made unto the minister." MONUMENTS. An alabaster figure of a lady with an infant in swaddling clothes in the folds of her mantle, date about 1420. An alabaster altar tomb, on which are recumbent figures of a knight and his wife ; their numerous family are sculp- tured under canopies round the tomb. Two angels are at the ends — this has either been removed to the place where it now stands from a situation where two sides of it were close to a wall, or it has had a vestry, sacristy, chantry, or some such apartment on two sides, the other two being closed with coarse wainscot. An alabaster monument with a knight and his wife, and round it is carved the following inscription : — Hie jacet corpus Joh'is Blount milit' filii et heredis Thome Blount milit' filii et hered' Hu'frid Blount milit' ac d'na Katherina uxor dicti Joh'is filia et heres sola Hugonis P'sall milit' ac dom' Isabelle uxoris sue nine dom' Johis Stanley milit' qui quidem Joh'es Blount obiit xvii die mensis Feb- ruarii anno d ni mcccccxxxi cui' an'e propicietur deus amen. Near this place lye the remains of Sir William Childe, Knight, and Doctor of Laws, second son of William Childe ! ! NOTES ON KINLET. 107 of Nortliwick, in the county of Worcester, Esq. He was buried May 8, 1678, and Dame Anne his wife, daughter and heiress of Roland Lacon, Esq., Lord of this manor, and patron of this church, was buried June 28th, 16(33. H.S.E. Dominus Lacon Gulielmus Childe eques cancel- lari.-e (Patri felicitcr secundus) ohm Magister, Quam Pro- vinciam, Integritate (darns, Justitia Severus, | Per 37 Annos summa cum Lande sustinuit — Candore ille et Miscricordia Illustris — Priorem Ainici (quibus triste reliquit Desideriurn sui). I Fida tenuit Memoria Poateriorem Pauperes (quos vivus aluit ct Moriens ditavit) — Quidplura? | Anima tandem Medi- tatione rarefacta sublimata — Ad expansus Beatoruin Sedes — Ardenti penna contenders — Hie mortales Exuvias deposuit Mensis Mart' die quarto Anno Domini 17 190 .Etatisq' suae 76° Monumentum hoc Price — ilia Conjux lectissima Mcerens Statuit. To the pious memory of Thomas Childe Esq1' late of the Birch in this parish second son of Sir William Childe Kt. Doctor of Laws & one of ye Masters of the High Court of Chancer)-. Who after he had by his hospitality sincerity & constancy in friendship & undesigning openness of conversa- tion gained the general esteem of his Country departed this life April yft 121" 170S In y" 52 year of his age. Here lies the Body of William Childe gent, third son of Sir William Childe of Kinlett Knight who departed this Life June the gib 1 706. To the memory of William Lacon Childe Esq'" Lord of this manor & Patron of this church who died December 14th 1757. In y'' 60 year of his age and oJ ( Catherine his wife Daughter oi Sainuel Pytts ol Lyre in y" County of Worcester lr.s(}'" who died November 29"1 i/C>] — in yc 60"' year of her Age. Lacon Lamhe gent, buried Nov. 10th, 1699. Slab on Chancel floor illegible. Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. P io8 NOTES ON KINLET. Here lyeth the Body of Kathcrine the Daughter of Alex- cinder Adams gent. & Ann his wife. She died Sept. y° 16, iyi2. aged one month. Here lyeth the Body of Jane Daughter of Robert James who departed this life October the 7"' 1694 Resurgam. f. W. 1629, Heare lyeth . . . ce wife of John Winwood who died in Anno I )omini, ling. i()K). Here lyeth the body of John Winwood sone of Thomas W inwood who dyed in Anno Domini 1(119. M.S. Margarettaj Phillips Feminarum optime et uxorum Que pueram uniea Maritum infeliciter sibi Liberis vero feliciter superstitem Reliquens Piam Deo an imam reddidit Anno .Etatis 30 et Epoche Xtianae Anno 1705. Hoc huniile monumentum Tarn amoris quam pietatis ergo posuit Robertus Phillips Mortua Conjux et hujus Ecclesie Pastor indignus. Ad Latus sinistrum Positum est quicquid fuit caducum Anne Corbctt Margarette Sororis Virginis Intacte Que obiit 14 die Marti i A.D. 1703. Terrier of all such houses, profits, commodities, tythes, rights, glebe lands, oblations, and portions of tythes belong- ing to the Vicarage of Kimlet, &c, exhibited by Thos. Kent, now incumbent, and by E. W. and PI. H., churchwardens, and G. R. R. W., &C, sidesmen, unto the Rev. Father in God, Francis, Lord Bishop of Hereford, at the Visitation holden at Ludlow the .4 tli day of April. " Dwelling house, &c, three closes of arable land joining to the house, containing about 3 acres, and | an acre of meadow, which was anciently in lieu of tythe hay due for the demands of K inlet, &c: And there doth also belong unto the same Vicarage all . . . tithes, as offering hay tythes, calves, wool, lamb, & all other accustomed tithes usually paid. And there belongeth a'so to the same Vicarage the sum of 37s 6(i yearly paid for tythe hay at Easter to the Vicar for every inhabitant's tenements, which sum is paid I NOTES ON KINLET. log by the several inhabitants, as is here-under written. Which said sum & particular thereof the said T. K. (Kent) did find recorded in my predecessor's book to have been accustomably paid before the memory of man, and 1 have accordingly re- ccived the said sum yearly of every particular person for the space of 42 years last past, in manner and form following : — Imprimis for M1' George Southall for Mc Mr George Southall for Foxcott ... For Mone's ground Jas Wheeler ... George Draper for Norton's End ... Tho. Mountfut . . . Woolmere John Allen James Groves . . . for Eangland's living Geo. Draper for Tippers and Elliots Th. Weaver for Crumps End Rich'1 Nott for Dawell ... Mr Symon Philips for the Burshe ... John Cantall for his dwelling house Rowland Harnage Tho. Harrington Humph. Dallowe Wm Hayward Traddell's living Geo. Peche (?)... Geo. Dallowe for Butten Bridge ... John Cankell of Butten bridge Geo. Southall of Catesly Ste. Crofte Geo. Rowley & Mr Singers land ... W" Mounefut for Butten bridge ... John Burnell Allen Butler Mr Sam1 Corby n John Harris of Elliots ... W" Cowell John Wheeler for Win wood Mr Tho. Hammond for Winwood Mr Tho. Hammond lor Silligrove and Frogmorc Richard Weaver, lor his part of [lamonds I'.dward Wheeler lor his part of 1 lamonds no NOTES ON KINLET. Tho. Wheeler for Southall ... ... ... 8 Allen Wheeler for Aldenams ... ... ... 4 Allen Weaver for Boleb ... ... 2 Rich. Weaver of Glovers ... ... ... I Rich. Carpenter ... ... ... ... 2 Tho. Baber ... ... ... ... ... 2 Fran8 Velfe ... ... ... ... ... 4 John Winwood ... ... ... ... 8 John Harris of Meeton ... ... ... ... 8 Thos. Southall for Bradley ... ... ... 14 John Browne, junr ... ... ... ... 6 John Browne, senr ... ... ... ... 8 John Winwood for his wife's house of Bradley ... 6 Rob1 Harris for Dasleman's (?) living ... ... I For Earnwood parks & Severnc Meadows ... ... 36 INSCRIPTIONS ON THE BELTS. Richard Jones & John Wheeler, Old Churchwardens, A.D. 1720. Floreat Ecclesia et dissipentur inimici. Gloria Deo in excelsis. D Robertus Philips vicarius opus promovit et curavit Gulielmus Lacon Childe Ar : Benefactorum Maximus. Thomas James & Edmund Green, New Churchwardens, 1/21. They were cast by Rudhall in 1721. KIN LET CHURCH (from Mr. W. Mytton MSS.) ft. in. Breadth of ( liancel . . 21 9l 1 .englh of Chancel .. 4 I(> 1 .englh of Church from Last to West .. 102 Length from Chancel to end of Belfry . • 65 4 Length of South Transept . i(3 5 Breadth of South Transept . i(3 5 1 .engtli ol North Transept • 15 3 Breadth of North Transept . 21 9 Breadth of Church, including Transept . 61 10 I^rcadth of Church, including Isles • 39 10 Length of South Isle ... . 42 3 Length of North Isle ... • 43 10 Breadth of Belfry • 19 2 NOTES ON KINLET. Ill Kinlet is in Domesday written Chinlete, but in the other ancient records generally Kinleth. The etymology is pro- bably Welsh. In Roque's Map of Shropshire there is a brook set down as falling into the Tanat river not far from Llanyblodwell, called Kinlleth river, and one of the Hundreds of Montgomeryshire is in Bowen's Map named Kinlaeth Hundred. For this, however, there is no foundation. Ccfn (pro- nounced Kevn) is in Welsh a bach, a long ridge of a kill like a back. Kinvcr in Staffordshire is Cefnfawr, the great ridge. Lied in the same language is broader, the comparative of llydan ; thus Cejnllcd may signify the broader back, or ridge. Cyn (pronounced kin) anciently signified a head, and Cyn lied may be the broader head ; either etymology agrees very well with the comparative pre-eminence of the Knowl hill (a pre-eminence remarkably toiling as you come from Bridg- north), on which the Hall and Church of Kinlet are placed.1 For these etymologies I am indebted to a gentleman of profound learning and distinguished talents, whose name I w ill not mention on so slight an occasion. In the reign of King Edward the Confessor, a Saxon of the name of Eddid held this manor.'2 The same person held also Cleobury in this neighbourhood, Pulley, Edgebold, Meole, near Shrewsbury, all these places at the time of Domesday formed part of the estates of Ralph de Mortimer which he held in capite of the Crown. Kinlet was then in the consolidated bundled, which seems to have been nearly the same with the south-western corner of the Hundred of Stottcsdcn. It is not my design in this place to pursue the history of this great family, the superior lords of the Manor of Kinlet. Their baronial residence of Cleobury Mortimer will be a litter place, for that discussion. I shall confine my attention at present to the immediate owners of this place. It was a necessary consequence of the feudal polity, that the Norman barons in imitation of the King, from whose grant they received their estates, should grant in their turn the greater part of their lands to their respective followers to hold by services similar to those to which they were themselves bound to pay 1 But see Eyton's derivation of Kinlet. 2 "Eddid" was the Queen who held Knoll as her dower. 112 NOTES ON KINLET. to the Crown. The person to whom Mortimer granted Kinlet was named Richard. He also held of the same powerful baron part of Keen, the Low, with Brantune, now Brompton Brian, in Herefordshire, and Pedwarden in that neighbourhood, whence it seems probable that this Richard was father of Bernard Unspac, ancestor of the family of Bramptons, and it will therefore be necessary to give some account of their Pedigree. This, however, I confess, I am unable to do in a way satisfactory to myself. (After several pages of doubt Mr. Blakeway says) : — " I much lament that so much time has been occupied in so unsatisfactory an investigation/' The Pedigree of Brampton from the Lacon Pedigree. Arms : Ov two lions passant gules. Barnard Unspeck Lord of Chinlett in the time of Hen. I. Sir Brian de Brompton, Kt.=f=. . . d. of Sir Walter Devereux I Sir Brian de Brompton, =FMaude, d. and h. of John, Lord Roger, Lord of s. and h. of St. Valerie. Chinlett, 2nd son Symorid de Sir John de Brampton, Lord=j=Maude, d. and coh. of William Brampton, of Brampton (Sigill. Johan eldest son, nis Unspac de Brontunia). ob. v.p. s.p. Brewse, Baron of Brembre, relict of Roger Mortimer. I I Margaret, sister to the Noble Bryan, called T-Alice, d. of Walter Neufmesmil, Bryan, md. Sir Hugh Tur- the Noble of bervylle, lvt. Brampton. al's Nova Mennell Bryan, Lord of Brampton=F.Alyce, d. and h. of Renicirl'c [Remevill], Lord of Condover and Botley in Hampsheere. Sir John of Brampton, Sarah, = Bryan, called=,-Ennna, d. of Sir Thomas Kb, 2nd son. 2nd w, the Noble. I Corbet t oi Caulx, coh. to her I nephew. I Sir Walter of Brampton^Joan . Sir Bryan of Brarupton,=f=Eleanor, d. and h. of Robert de Ilereforde. d. May 19, 1294. j NOTES ON KINLET. 113 \_a I .1 Margaiet!,1 eld. d. and coh., w. of Sir Robert Elizabeth,2 2nd d. and coh., w. of Harley (of Brampton Brian, through his F.dmund Cornwall, Kt., (ol wife). Kynlet, through his wife). In the Monasiicon, v., ii., p. 988, Brian dc Brampton and his brother Roger confirm the donations of their ancestors to the Abbey of Lira in Normandy of one man w ith his land in the Manor of Kinlet. and tw o parts of the tithes of that Lordship. The man thus granted w as, doubtless, a " villain," w ho thus passed with all his issue into the service of that Abbey, and became literally part of their property. These grants being made by Brian de Brompton and his brother Roger, I should infer that the former was at the time unmarried or without issue, and Roger his presumptive heir, as the monks of that age generally took care to have donations to themselves strengthened by the confirmation of the next in succession, which in this case would have been the son of Brian, if he had one. Sara, second wife of Brian de Brampton III. released to Sir Walter de Brampton her title of dower in the Manors of Brampton, Stan-edge, Stowe, Weston, Ayston, Idesburie, and of all other his lands, so that she might have the " manner " of Kmlett and the tenements in the newe park at Knowle and the rent salt at Witch for her dower, as appeareth by a deed same date. In the curious Trench Chronicle of the Mortimers printed in the Monasiicon, we read that "when Sir Hugh de Mortimer in the reign of Henry II. went to visit the Canons of Wig- more, he was requested by several of his followers, and particularly by Brian de Brampton and John dc Brompton his son, to begin the foundation of a new Church, at which foundation," says the Chronicle, " Sir Hugh de Mortimer laid the first stone, Brian de Brompton the second, and promised an hundred .shillings; he did not, however, pay it in muiiey, but lie granted them easements in his woods and nil his fields, which were of considerable use to them in the 1 Margaret de Brampton was born at Huggeford (now Higley), and baptised at Stoddesdon 22nd I d. I. - Elizabeth de Broinptqn was burn at Ayston, co. Hereford, and baptised there. II4 NOTES ON KINLET. progress of the building. His son John laid the third stone; and though he neither gave them or promised aught at that time, he made up for it afterwards when he gave them the Church of Kinlett." This foundation must have been before 1 185, when Hugh de Mortimer died. Sir Brian de Brampton (IV.) married Eleanor, daughter and heir of Robert de Hereford, and died on 19th May, 121)4, 22nd Edward I., leaving two infant daughters his co-heirs, viz., Margaret, the eldest, who married Sir Robert de Harley, and Elizabeth, the second, who married Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, base grandson of Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and King of the Romans, second son of John, King of England. These two ladies got a share of the property of Caus Castle. The record of Hilar)- term, 24 Edward III., bears the parti- tion of that Barony between Stafford, Harley, and Cornwall- CORNWALL OF KINLET. Further investigation corrects so many inaccuracies in the descent of the Cornwalls of Kinlct, that it seems advisable to re-write it, and with the help of the Inquis. post mortem, which will be found in the Appendix, the reader may form his own conclusions on some points which even now are somewhat obscure. EDMUND DE CORNEWAILL was the eldest son of Richard (the illegitimate son of Richard Plantagenet, King of the Romans and Earl of Cornwall (the younger son of King John) by Joan, daughter of John, second Lord St. Owen, and is said to have been slain at the battle of Bosworth 12(37. I" 1320, Edmund de Cornubia, Lord of Asthall, grants to Lady Joan de Cornubia, his mother, a messc there. Edmund de Cornwall was given by Edward I. the custody of the lands of Brian de Brompton till his two young daughters and codieiresses came of age. In 1309 he married Elizabeth, the younger daughter, and on December the 7th did homage to King Edward II. for Kin let, which was held 1 For an authentic account of the Bramjitons of Kinlct see Eyton, Antiquities of Shropshire ^ vol. iv. — E. 0. 1L C NOTES ON KINLET. 115 of the Lord the King in chief and by service of paying to the Lord of Stottesdon one buck yearly. By Elizabeth de Brornpton, who was born in 1294 (tne same year her father died) Edmund de Cornwall had three sons. 1. Edmund of Thonock, in Lincolnshire (who married Isabella, daughter and heir of the Earl of Athol, and had a son John, who pie-deceased him), and dying Aug. 2nd, 1376, the representa- tion of the elder branch of the Corn walls devolved upon his brother, Brian of K inlet. 3. Peter, on whose descendants the representation of the Cornwalls now rests, and from whom the Burford, Delbury and Eye and Berrington Corn- walls branched. A littic boy of 7 years old can now alone prove descent in the mile line. In the female line there are many descendants, among whom may be mentioned the Childes (i.e., Baldwyn), who still hold Kinlet by descent. The Cornwall Leghs of High Legh descended from Francis Cornwall of Burford through the marriage of his only daughter to Mr. Legh of High Legh. Sir George Cornwall, whose ancestor Sir Velters A my and, married in 177 1 Catherine Cornwall, the heiress of Moccas, the Reades, Foljambes, Crofts, and many others. The I. P. M. of Edmund Cornwall, dated at Wurthyn, 1354, 28 Edward III., gives his Shropshire property thus : — " Kynlet of the Lord the King with appurtenances ; half the Vill of Wurthyn of the Barony of Caus ; a plot of the forest of Caus falso of the Barony of Caus), Overgorthore and Caughaltre." Elizabeth de Brornpton, the widow of Edmund de Corn- wall, died the same year, aged bo. She is buried at Burford, and a slab still remains to her memory. Her I. P. M. states that she died possessed ol Kynlet, Caus Castle and Manor, Abberley, half YVorthyn, Bukaltre manor, Overgarther man' ol the 1 Jaroiiy of Cans. BRYAN DE CORNWAILLE (of KhlleO, 1 35 j to [39 1. Bryan Cornwall, second son, succeeded his father and mother ;it Kinlet 1 554. Married Maud le Strange, daughter of the Lend ol Bku kuiere, and died 1391, his wife surviving. Their, children were John, son and heir; Henry, d.s.p. ; Vol. VIII , jrd Scries. Jj ii6 NOTES ON KINLET. Bryan, d*s.p. ; Thomas, d s.p. ; and Isabel,1 who married in 1382 as his second wife, Sir John Blount of Sodington, and whose grandson, Humphrey Blounte, succeeded to Kinlet in 1446 on the death of Sir William Lychefeld, who had married Elizabeth, d. and h. of Sir John Cornwall. Iriq. P. M. taken at Bruggenorth 12th Sept.. 1391. Salop (only). I. P.M. Brian de Cornewaille, Knight. The Manor of Kynlet (worth nothing) and appurtenances held under the Earl of March by what service they do not know. Rent of assize there of free tenements 100s. Melon, worth within the Lordship of Kynlet, called Kyngeshemde, held of the Lord the King in chief, by what service they do not know. Cattcsleye, 201 (beyond the rent of 5s), one small nook of land called Collieres, of the Prior of the Hospital of St. John by service of 5s. Qittcs\eye, 20d, also one Messuage and half virgate of land with appurtenances, of the Earl ot March, part of the Manor of Kynlet. Cattdsteye, half a virgate of land with appurtenances, of the Earl, 5s- Brian de Cornwall died Aug. rSt.h, 133 r. John de Corn- waille is his son and next heir, and is of the age of 25 and more. sir john Cornwall (of Kinlet), 1391 to 1 4 15. Sir John Cornwall was born about 1366. lie married Alice, daughter and heiress of Sir William Wastncys of 1 Marriage Settlement of Isabel Cornwall (Lady Blount). 1 582. Brianus de Cornewall de Kinlet miles salutem in domine. Whereas John Blount of bodington is holden to me in a certain writing obligatory of Statute merchant in 200 Marks . . . yet the (aid Bryan wills that il mount Ik- assi iuous accoiding to his powei to obtain from the King and his ('mined license within the next yen (or else wi.lhir. the yeai then next follow- ing) to enfjoll at his own expense c-'ilain persons in feodo siinplici in all his lands in Batterley, l ento Kiiuord Bydulte and Tamgerc in Staffordshire, who sh ill cause Isabel daiir of Cornwall and wife of Blount to be enfeoffed of all y said land-, and to yli heirs of yu bodies of y° s'1 John and Isabel Blount, reversion to the right h<:ii ; ')l [ohn, and if in the meantime Is ibel be secure and enfeoffed to h :> and the h 11 , of their bodies as aforesaid ol all y" < -t lo-r lands of y';.s'' John ill Hanson (da ion Wyxhall in )" said County that then the execution ol the said writing be null. Dai. Salopio die Sabb. pioximo an. feat. S. Ceorgii NOTES ON KINLET. II7 Wastneys, Staffordshire. By her he had two daughters — Maud, who married John Wode, but who d.s.p. before her father in 1415 ; and Elizabeth, wife of Sir William Lvchfeld, who is described in Sir John's I. P. M. as his daughter and heiress, aged 24. According to the Coram Rege she had two daughters, Alice, who probably died young, and Elizabeth, who married Roger Corbet, died soon after, and left a daughter Margaret. It is a curious fact that in Sir John Cornwall's I. P. M. it is stated that he held 1 acre in Great Meaton (which joins Kinlet), and no other land in Salop. Whether he had made over his estate either by lease or mortgage to his daughter and her husband, with the reversion to the male heirs of his sister, Lad}- Blount, is not known. He died 2nd Julv, 2 Henry V., [415, and it is certain that his sister's descendants, and not his daughters', succeeded to Kinlet, eventually. SIR WILLIAM LY.CHEEELD (of Kinlet), 1415 to I446. There is considerable doubt as to who the Sir William Lvchfeld was who by his marriage with the only daughter and heiress of Sir John Cornwall of Kinlet, became a Shrop- shire landowner during 30 years in the 15th century. In 1411, William Lvchfeld (alias William Taverner, Esq.), granted land to Thomas de Swynfen, signs William de Lich- field, and seals with the coat of Swynfen, which was, in fact, the coat he bore. Before 1415 he had married Elizabeth Cornwall, the heiress of Sir John Cornwall by Alice, the daughter and heiress of Sir William Wastneys of Wastneys, Staffordshire, and Eastham, Worcestershire, who presented to the living of Eastham in 1381 and 1395, and Sir John Cornwall presented in 1404 in right of his wife Alice. By his wife Elizabeth, who was dead in 1422, Sir William had an only surviving daughter, Elizabeth, who mar- ried Roger Corbet, and died shortly after. In 1430, Roger Corbet died, and his Inquis. p. m. states that he left a daughter Margaret, aged 3 years and more (born about 1425) who was seized of land in Estham (by the Charter of Sir William Lychfeld, 143 1), she being under age and his heir by hereditary descent as daughter and heir of Elizabeth and Roger. The manor is held by Richard, Earl n8 NOTES ON KIN LET. of Warwick, by knight's service, as also the custody of Margaret and her marriage. In 1446, Sir William Lychfeld died, Margaret, wife of Humphrey Stafford of Fro me, aged 21 (born about 1425-6) and more, his daughter and heiress (grand-daughter ?) In 1488, Sir George Vere, whose wife was grand-daughter of Margaret Stafford (and whose husband, Sir Humphrey Stafford, was attainted for High Treason) brings a Petition for the restoration of the Manor of Eastham, which had belonged to Margaret Lady Vere's ancestors. The petition was granted " Soit fait comme il est desire." To return to Sir William Lychfeld. In 1428 he was Sheriff of Shropshire; in 1430 he was M.P. for Worcester- shire. His wife, Elizabeth Cornwall, died early, and probably the monument in Kinlet Church with an infant in the folds of her mantle records her death, and possibly of her little son and heir. Sir William outlived his wife, his daughter, and his son-in-law, but continued to hold Kinlet by the courtesy and law of England. He married secondly Joan, the daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Rugge of Somersetshire ; she survived him, but had no children. Her sister, Lady Barre, mentions her in her will as " Dame Joanne Lychfeld." From Sir William's I. P. M. his own Staffordshire estates appear to have been settled on her, his Worcestershire on Margaret Stafford, and Kinlet and the Shropshire estates passed under some family arrangement to Sir Humphrey Blount, the grandson of Isabel, Lady Blount, the sister of Sir John Cornwall. (F. C. B. C). B LOU NTS OF KINLET. Sir John Blount of Sodington had by his first wife a son John, ancestor of the Baronets' family Blount of Maw ley. By his second wife, Isabel Cornwall, mar. 1482, he had a son of the same name. This John Blount married Alice, daughter of Kynard de la Bere, Co. Hereford, and died before his father. They had issue, Humphrey (of whom hereafter), John, Robert, William and Charles, and according to the Visitation of Shropshire, five daughters :— Isabel, wife of Sir John Kryne, Kt.j Anne, wife of Gcyton ; Mary, wife of Pigot; Margaret, wife of Ottley ; Ellen, wife of John Cheney of Chesham Boys. NOTES ON KINLET. II9 SIR HUMPHREY BLOUNT (of Kinlct), 1446 to 1477. Sir Humphrey Blount oi Kinlct must have lived at the time w hen Commissioners were appointed in every shire to take the oaths of persons of every description to keep the peace. This was appointed by Parliament in 1433 under pretence of suppressing the quarrel between the Cardinal Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, and Duke of Gloucester) but in reality, as Fuller supposes, to detect the partisans of the Duke of York, who was even then (under the minority of the young King) preparing in secret his claim to the Crown. The names of those gentry who took the oath were returned into Chancery, and are printed in Fuller's Worthies, but the I names of Blount and Cornwall do not appear (indeed, the return from Shropshire is very brief), whence we may infer what we know in fact to be the case that this county was much devoted to the House of York. This quarter of Shropshire, we may even conjecture, was especially zealous in the cause, as it was the great scat of the Mortimer property, from which house proceeded the title of York to the throne. Sir Humphrey then was. it is probable, a Yorkist. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Robert Wilmington, Knt., of Cheshire, and by her, besides his successor Thomas, had Edmund, William, Walter (who left a son Charles), and John Blount, gent., who by that name appears in the list of the Lords, Knights, Esquires, and gentlemen resident in the county of Salop in 17 Hen. VII., 1501, and who marrying the heiress of John Yeo of Yco, was ancestor to a numerous family, from whence proceeded the Blounts 9f.Chur.ch Stretton. He servecj the office of Sheriff in 1460 and 1475 with no higher title than that of Esquire, his Knighthood therefore, which is recorded on his grandson's tomb, must have been conferred very shortjy after the last of these dates, as he died on the 1st day of October, 17 Edvv. IV. The inquisition after his death is taken on the last day of the same month, and finds that he died seised of the Manor of Astall Lye in Oxfordshire, holden of Edward, Prince of Wales, as of the honour of Wallingford Castle. (Lacon Evid. 1583). This manor had been granted to Richard Cornwall by his half brother, Edmund Earl of Cornwall, ibid. 120 NOTES ON KINLET. 20 April, 1502, Eliz. Blount nuper uxor Humfridi Blount militis by her will of this date orders her body to be buried in the Church of S. John Baptist of Kinlet. She leaves legacies to John, William and Thomas Blount, her sons, and Johanna, her daughter. MSS. Rawlinson in Bibl. Bodl. Dame Elizabeth Blount (his widow), of the Hundred of Stottesden, pd. 20s to the benevolence in 7 Hen. VII. She must have been favoured by the Commissioners ; many persons of very inferior rank, and I suppose inferior estates, paid double and quadrouple. Her son Thomas indeed made up for her deficiency. ''Thomas Blounte Knight £108 10s." The same Sir Humphrey Blount appears to have resided in the latter part of his life at Worcester, fcr in his Will, which bears date 6 Sept., 1477, and was proved before the Bishop of Hereford, 2 June, 1478, he styles himself Sir H. B. Knl of the Parish of All Saints, Worcester. He orders himself to be buried in the psh. Church of Kynnelet within the Chapel of S. Katherine of the said Church. To the Mother Church of Worcester he bequeaths 20s. He leaves his black " felwet " gown to the Church of Kynnelet to make a cope (capani ?) ornament to the honour of God & S. John Baptist. He wills that his gold chayne shall be sold for the best price that it will bring, and that the money arising therefrom be applied for the exhibition of a chaplain to celebrate in the Church of Kynnelet, for his soul and those of his well-doers and all faithful deceased. He be- queaths to the repair of the Churches of Alveley, Areley, Huggeley, Suddebury, Byllyngesley, Chelmersh, Stotesdon, Cleobury Mortimer, and Hondeshende, to each of them 6s 8d. To his son Thomas Blount he leaves a black horse, his best gilt sword and a gilt salett, a gold collar, a flat piece (I suppose a breast or back piece) with a covering of silver gilt, another flat piece with a covering of silver. He bequeaths to his son John a gown of chamlet furred (penulat?), a doublet of red damask (nun' duplois de' la damaske rabei coloris), his second gilt sword and a gold cross. To William his son a gown of tawny, furred and a wode knyf gilt. To Mary, his daughter, wife of Robert Pygot, Esq., to her marriage 100 marks to be received of William Bishop NOTES ON KINLET. 121 of Derham, which he owes me ; likewise, for her marriage 20 marks to be received of Elizabeth my wife. To the rector of Sudbury a long gown (togam talarem) of London russet. To Hugh vicar of Kynnelet and to his (the testator's) servants, Robert Grubber, Humphrey Weaver, Richard Boteley, and Thomas Cole 6s 8'' each. To the repairs of the bell tower (campanilis) of All Saints', Worcester, 13s 4'1. He wills that .ill the lands and tenements, &c., which he has purchased w ithin the counties of Stafford, Salop, and Worcestor (except those which he has purchased within the Lordship of Kynnelet) be equally divided between his sons John and William. He directs that John Blount of Sodynton, Humphrey Cotes, Esq., and Sir Thomas Latewite, rector of Sudbury, his feoffees, shall make a sufficient estate in half the Manor of Rumsley to his son John in tail, and in the other half to his son William in tail, with cross remainders, remainder to his ow n right heirs. He also bequeaths to the friars minors of Worcester as man)' pales as will suffice to enclose their garden called le Friars Orchard, Ita ut possi- dentis & habeantur clam civitat' Wigorn ex sumptibus meis propriis & expensis & ad manus predict' fratrum minorum ibidem deliberand'. The residue of his goods he bequeathed to Elizabeth, his wife, whom with Humphrey Cotes, Esq., of Wolecote, he appoints his executors. These being witnesses, Sir Thos. Latewite, rector of Su lbury, Humphrey Cotes, Esq., William Dallowe and others. Inter cartas Thomas Lyttelton bar11 in Coll. W. Mytton. sir tiiomas blount (of Kinlet), 1477 to 1524. Sir Thomas was of lull age in October, 1477, when he succeeded to ye Kinlet estates, and in 1488 by ye name of Thos. Blount, Esqre, of Kinlet, he served the office of Sheriff. Like many other Yorkists of that period inflamed with resentment against the usurpation of Richard III., he was fortunate enough to embrace in time the victorious party of Henry VII. Accordingly, among the numerous exceptions to the act of resumption which passed, as w as usual in those days, immediately on the accession of Henry is an express proviso that the said act shall not extend to or prejudice Thomas Blount in the offices of Steward of Bewdley and 122 NOTES ON KINLET. Cleobury Mortimer, with the maister forstership and ryder of the forest of Were (i.e., Wyre) in oure County of Salop under the scale of Marche. Sir Thomas Blount accompanied his royal master in his short but successful campaign against France in 15 13, when Tout en Me and Tournay were taken and received the honour of Knight Banneret at the same time with two other Thomases and Shropshire men, Sir Thomas Cornwall, Baron of Bur- ford, and Sir Thomas Leighton. Sir John Mainwaring (of Ightfield, as I suppose), was also made a knight. Continuing in the favour of his Sovereign, he assisted at the battle of Stoke, which was fought June 20th, 1487, 2 Henry VII., and there received the honour of Knighthood, by which title he appears in the list of gentry resident in Shropshire 17 Henry VII., 1501. In 1 Henry VIII., 1509, Thomas Blount de Kynlet miles is entered in a recognizance on the Records of the Exchequer of Shrewsbury, together with John Blount of Bitterley, gent., and William Blount de Glaseley, gent., two of his sons, I presume. When Brazenose College was founded by Bishop Smith, Sir Thomas Biount (probably in compliment to that distinguished president of the Welsh Marches,at whose Courts of Ludlow and Bewdley he must frequently have attended) appears as a benefactor to the infant foundation, at which some of his many children might be educated. In 1516 he gave £6 13s. ad. to the Society, and considerable sums at other times, as well as a legacy by his last will, about the year 1524. He was also a benefactor to the Church of Stottesden, as his arms and those of his wife, painted on two banners, formerly appeared in a window of that church with an inscription. Pray for Sir Thomas Blount, Knight, and Dame Anne his wife, which made this window in the year 15 17. The lady here mentioned was Anne, daughter of Sir Richard Croft, Knt.1 By her Sir Thomas Blount had a large family, not less than twenty children, according to the Visitation, which, however, men- tions only five sons and six daughters. Of the sons, John was his successor ; Walter married Margaret, daughter and heir of William Acton; Robert Blount died in 1580, having 1 By Eleanor Cornwall, whose lust husband was Sir Hugh Mortimer of Kyre. NOTES ON KINLET. 123 left a large family by Elizabeth Columbull of Darley, in co. Derby ; Edward married the daughter and heir of John Garneys ; Arthur ; and William of Glaseley was, I presume, a sixth son. He had also a son John. Of the daughters, Mary married John Corbet of Lee, who lived in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; another Mary married Robert Piggot, Esq. of Chetwynd ;[ Joyce married Erancis (lower and Thomas Thornes of Worcestershire; Catherine was wife of Robert Smith; Anne of Humphrey Masse}', and Eleanor was married to Thomas Scriven of Erodesley, who died in 1533, was Sheriff in 1413, 1501 and 15 18. sir john BLOUNT (of Kinlet), 1524 to 1531. Sir John Blount of Kinlet, the eldest son, was arrived at man's estate in the first year of Henry VII., there being a proviso in the act of resumption of that year that it shall not extend to, or prejudice John Blount "of (or in the kepyng of) the park called Clibery in the County of Shropshire and the seyalingaye2 of the forest of Wire, in the said County, to him granted by the now King," Sir John resided at Bitterley during the life of his father, whom he survived a very few years, deceasing Feb. 17th, 1531. His wife, who died 32 Henry VII., was Catherine, daughter and sole heir of Sir Hugh Peshall (knighted by Henry VII. after the battle of Bosworth), by Isabel, daughter of Sir John Stanley. His miiis were George (of whom hereafter); Henry Blount of Bewdley (who by Joan, daughter ol John Somcrvile of Edrestori, in co. Warwick, left a son George), and William Blount, third sun. The daughters were Rose, wife of William Grisling of Lincolnshire; A 1 bora unmarried ; Agnes, wife of Richard Laken, Esq., of Laken and Willcy ; Isabel, wife of William Reade ; and Elizabeth Blount, thought for her rare ornaments of nature and education to be yc beauty and mistress piece of her time (says Lord Herbert) who became successively the wife of Gilbert Lord Talbois, and Edward 1 In the neighbouring Church of ctoddes>lon were formerly painted on glass the arms of Pigott single, with the inscription "Orate pro bono .statu Phonic I'igutt & Isabel uxoris ;" and another shield quarterly, I, I'igott, 2, Chetwynd 3, I'eshall, 4, 2 lions rampant in pale, impaling Blount and Cornwall quarterly, - This word I cannot explain, though I guess it to have some reference to the care of swans. Tha Forest of Wyre comes down to the Severn in one part. Vol. VIII , 3rd Series, R 124 NOTES ON K INLET. Clinton, Lord Clinton and Say. This lady also bore in 1519 to King Henry VIII., a son called Henry Fitzroy, whom his father in the year 1525 created Earl of Nottingham and Duke of Richmond and Somerset ; Lieutenant-General and Warden of the Scottish Marches, and Lord High Admiral of England, With the young prince, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, so well known for his poetical talents and cruel fate, was brought tip as play-fellow ; and this friendship was endeared, says Lord Herbert, by a match of the said Duke with Mary, the Earl's sister. But this young duke died without issue Jul)', 1536, and is buried under a superb tomb at Eramlingham, the sepulture of his wife's ancestry. SIR GEORGE BLOUNT, 1531 to 1581. Sir George Blount, eldest son of Sir John, was born in 1513, and received an education befitting the antiquity and opulence of his family. The rank and connexions of his aunt gave him distinction in the court of Henry. The age of chivalry was not then past ; all the young men of fashion in those days were eager to signalize themselves in the held, and we know from his epitaph that Sir George Blount served in the wars of France and Scotland. He was 31 years of age, in the prime of life and full enjoyment of his future, when Henry VIII. passed over to the siege of Boulogne, Jul)-, 1544, and it is no improbable conjecture that our Knight was engaged in this expedition. Whether he accompanied the Duke of Somerset on the invasion of Scotland in the ensuing reign, or whether his Scottish campaign was confined to that in the declining years of Henry I have no means of ascertaining; but after having sufficiently complied with the fashion of the day, by a tincture of military service, he seems to have been content to sit down at his country residence, engaged in the less shows', but more useful occupation, of a good conn-try magistrate and landlord, the orach- and arbiter of the disputes ot his neighbours. In 1563 he served tin: office of Sheriff. The historian adds he was very personable and of great expectation, insomuch that he was thought, not only for liability of body, but mind, to be one of the rarest of his time. NOTES ON KINLET. 125 "The state of Wales 1542-3, 34 and 35 Hen. VIII., c. 269129," contains a saving of the rights of George Blount, Esq., son and heir of Sir John Blount, Kt., deceased, as Steward of the King's Lordships of Bewdley and Clebury ; so that he was not then knighted, which is rather extra- ordinary, as he had been several years in possession of his estate, and was so highly connected at Court. Perhaps he disdained so promiscuous an honour. lie was, however, frequently a representative in Parliament, as in 1547 (when he appears with the title of knight) for the County; in 1553 (or Bridgnorth; in 1554 and 1555 for Wenlock; in 1558 for Bridgnorth ; in 1563 for Wenlock ; in 1570 and 1571 Member for the Shire again. In 1545 Sir George was one of the executors of the Duchess of Northumberland, widow of John Dudley, beheaded in 1st of Marie. The marriage of Sir George Blount was correspondent to his rank in life. His lady was Constance, daughter of Sir John Talbot (of Grafton). By this lady he had an only son, who died in his infancy, and an only daughter, Dorothy, who bee ime sole heir to his ample possessions. But this young lady had the misfortune mortally to offend her father in the tenderest point. She bestowed her hand upon a country gentleman of the neighbourhood,1 who though of ancient family, respectable connection, and even ample patrimony, was not of that elevated rank to which Sir George looked for a husband for his daughter. John Purslowe, Esq., of Sidbury, was a widower at the time when he married Dorothy Blount, lie died March, 1593, leaving his widow surviving, who afterwards married Bullock of Morvill. Upon this marriage of his daughter, Sir George cast his eyes on the 1 It must be remembered that this country was not at that period so denuded (if I may use the expression) of country gentlemen as is the case at present. It was ;t consequence ol the feudal pol'ty to stuck the country with a race of gentry who lived upon their own estates and considered themselves (to use a Spanish expression) "as noble as the King." The neighbouring parish of Neen Savage possessed two of these gentlemen, that ol Kinlet two, if not three, and scarce a parish without at least one. By the consolidation of estates, the change of manners, and the extension of commerce, the scene is now totally altered. Their resiliences are converted into farm houses, and through the whole hundred there is not, I believe, more than one resident gentleman (viz., at Hopton Lodge) except in the parish oi which I am now writing. 126 NOTES ON KINLET. children of his sisters for an heir to his estates.1 Rowland Laken, son of his sister Agnes, was the person whom he selected for this purpose; why he deserted the male line and passed over his nephew and namesake George Blount, son of his brother Henry, it would now be vain to enquire. Perhaps he selected Mr. Laken as being the wealthiest of his nephews, upon the principle so common in the days of Juvenal — " Quis pauper scribitur heres?" rather, perhaps, he selected Mr. Laken as equally descended with himself from the ancient Lords of Kinlet, the Bramptons of Brampton Bryan ; and his heir seems to have been ambitious of recording this connexion by introducing his own armorial quarterings, a little out of common course, on his uncle's monument. There the two achievements of Blount and Lacon are placed side by side, each exhibiting, as equally entitled each to bear, the arms of Brampton and all the illustrious quarterings introduced by that great family. In those days, when Lord Chancellors could not address the Parliament without a plentiful quotation of Scripture, and when Privy Councillors could pull Prayer Books out of their pockets at the Conned Board, religion was not, as at present, deemed unworthy the attention ol men of the world ; but the frequent changes in the national worship had left no great stability of principle in the higher ranks. Sir George Blount was too good a courtier to offend the imperious Henry by any dissent from that monarch's faith, yet he doubtless concurred with the reformation under his successor, as he was appointed Chief Commissioner for the Survey of Colleges and Chaun- trics in this county, under the Aet of Parliament 1st Edward VI., and received for his share of the spoils a grant from the Lord Protector of the Cliauntry of St. Mary, in the neigh- bouring church of Alveley. From this time I find no further mention of him till his death, which happened on the 20th of July, 1 581, when he had attained the age of 68 years. 1 Mr. and Mrs. I'urslow ilid not tamely submit to this dishersion. The legal proceedings to which they had recourse may be seen in the case of Fines, Cole 3 Rep. 90b. From the Parish Register of Sidbury I extract : — 1576, Feb. 14.— John Purslowe, Esq., and Dorothy Blunt mar'1. 1 58 1 , Feb. 5. — Rowland, s. of John Purslowe, Esq., chr. 15S2, Mar. 5. — Katherine, d. of fohn Purslowe, Esq., chr. 1593, Mar. 15. — John Purslowe, Esq., bur. 1619, Dec. 14. — Dorothy Purslowe bur. F. C. B. C. NOTES ON KINLET. I27 From his picture, painted at the age of thirty-five, and which is still preserved at K inlet, he appears to have been a very handsome young man. He is there drawn with a cap on his head, a flowing auburn beard, standing collar, sword and dagger. This piece, whic h is painted on wainscot, and is of the form we now term kit-cat, is the production of no inferior master. In nothing, perhaps, have the caprices of fashion been more visible than in the alterations which have taken place in the treatment of this ornament of the human countenance. To trace it no higher, at the close of the 15th century and com- mencement ol the K>th century, the beau, or man of fashion, was closely shaven, while the grave lawyer or reverend divine nourished a length of beard. A few years after the man who was desirous to maintain a gravity of appearance cut it off, while the smart young man wore it lightly flowing and smoothly combed, and encouraged it to grow to the utmost length of which it was capable- by the application of a variety <>f fashionable cosmetics. This was the fashion when Hol- bein drew those interesting sketches of the distinguished characters of his days, which have been lately engraved by Bartolozzi from the originals in His Majesty's collections. There we see Warham, More, and the other great men who directed the counsels of Henry represented with smooth (Inns, while Lord Vaux and the other youthful nobles who adorned his Court appear with light and flowing beards. LA CON OF WILLEV AND KINLET. The family of Laken was seated, from very remote an- tiquity, at a place of that name in the parish of W'em, which passed, through heiresses, into the family of Hose and Banaster. Alan de Lakyn, the founder of the second branch, lived in the reign of Richard IT, and was grandfather to Will i.i m Laken, a justice of the King's Bench in 1466. Sir Richard Laken, father of tin- judge, married a daughter of Sir Hammond ile IVshell (of the same family with Sir Hugh Peshell, grandfather of Sir Geo. Blount), and from them, Richard Laken, who married Agnes Blount, was fourth in descent. In 1572, when the Romanists entertained sanguine hopes of the restoration of their religion, * among other methods" 128 NOTES ON KINLET. says Strype (arn. v. 2., p. 181), made use of to amuse their proselytes one n>as conjuring. A nest of these conjuring mess- mongers,'" he adds, " was discovered in the north parts by the diligence of Gilbert. Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord President of the North" From some of these it is probable that the Earl learned that a servant of Mr. Lacon's,1 one Avery Killet, had dealings with the conjurors ; whereupon that nobleman sent a message by one of his own attendants to that gentleman, requiring him to send the said Killet to the Earl, who then resided at Sheffield Castle. Upon his arrival there1, he soon confessed thai ho was a dealer with the conjurors, and that he had brought several books of th.it art to one Revel's house, where they were made use of by the conjuring scholars, Palmer and Falcon, and Skinner, the priest. According to his con- fession, the chief objects of their art were the knowledge of hidden treasures, the cure of diseases, the discovering of secret places in which they might conceal themselves, and to have certain knowledge also touching the state of this realm.2 Hereby the Karl gathered that this Avery could declare some further matter needful to be discovered, and accordingly, on the 1st of February, in the above year, sent him to the Privy Council. What became of him I have not found ; but there appears to have been no grounds to implicate his master in the charge against him, since we find him a justice of peace and quorum 111 ] 5S5, and a commissioner for disarming the recusants. Richard Laken, Esq., died January 15th, 1 532-3, leaving his son Rowland, an infant of the age of 5 years, hear to the Manors of W iUey, Borwarderley or Broseley, Harley, Kenley, Wylderton, Stretton, Stowe, and Bolde, besides extensive estates in Wem, Wulverley, Lopynton, Edstaston, Coton, Laken, Bradenhcth, Shrewsbury, Smethcote, Weston, Stowe, and Newton. To these large possessions he afterwards added his uncle's estate al Kinlet, but seems never to have removed Ins residence to tins place, ,is he was 5 | years of age 1 Mr. Rowland Lacon of Willey, near Ikidgenoith. (Strype, Bri. His., v. 2, p. 88). - That these practises of conjuration had connection with Popery may be gathered among other proofs from the confession of Edward Fhaar, 1576 (in the same Strype, v. 2, b. 2, app. no. II) " For magic I would hunt out a mervailous pack of tin m with their books and relhpics : yea and with their act gocth many a lillhy ccicmony, as mass, sacrifice, and their service of the devil."' NOTES ON KINLET. 129 when that succession devolved upon him At least, in the visitation he is styled of Willey, which place his ancestor, Sir Richard Lakin, obtained in marriage with Elizabeth Peshell. Mr. Lakin was a justice of the peace and quorum in 1585, and a commissioner for disarming the recusants. He married Ellen, daughter of William Rigges, of Straglethorp, in co. Lincoln, Esq., and by her had issue, Sir Francis Lacori, of Kinlet, Knt., born [568 (of whom hereafter; ; Thomas Lacon, born 1569, of Linley, Esq. (ancester of the present gentleman of that place), who was admitted a member of the Inner Temple in 30 Elizabeth, at the instance of Thos. Smallman Beucher ; and four daughters, Beatrice, wife of Sir Francis Newport, Knt., of High Ercall, and mother of the first Lord Ncwporl ; Jane, wife oi Richard Fcrmcr, of Somerton, in co. Oxon, Knt.; Margaret, unmarried ; and Rebecca, wife oi John Gouldsborough, Esq., son of Godfrey, Bishop of Glou- cester. Mr. Lakin was the first who altered the spelling of his .name to Lacon, which has been continued by his de- scendants. This alteration first appears, 1 believe, on the sumptuous monument erected by him to the memory of Ins uncle. Whether it was suggested by the writer of the epitaph, which is conceived in a style of classical elegance not unworthy of a Liter period in allusion to tin' name of the ancient inhabitants of Sparta, is left to the judgment of the learned reader. Mr. Rowland I^acon was, as we have seen, Commissioner for disarming the recusants He was, therefore, notwith- standing an)' suspicion that might be entertained against him in consequence of the practices of his servants, esteemed a good Protestant, and a person in whom Elizabeth's ministers could confide. But his son, Sir Francis, who removed his residence to Kinlet, was tinctured with other principles. He married with a family remarkable for its devotion to Popery, pine, youngest daughter of Anton}' Maria, first Viscount Montague, by Ins second wife, Magdalen Dane, of Gillesland- Sir Francis Lacon served the ofiice oi Sherifl lor Shropshire in 1612. This was a period in which the serious part of the nation were in a state of much uneasiness on account of the supposed attachment of the Court to the Romish religion. That the fluctuating and childish counsels of James did not give some countenance to this suspicion it would be in vain 130 NOTES ON KIN LET. to deny. He thought perhaps to play off the Papists against the Puritans, a turbulent and republican faction. But neither his head nor his hand were steady enough to execute this with dexterity. His heart was, I believe, firm to the reformed religion. On the other hand, the Puritans, it is probable, had not all those gloomy apprehensions oi Popery which it an- swered their purpose to pretend. In the meantime, it is cer- tain that the laws against Popish recusants were either wholly neglected, or executed with a feeble reluctant hand. Tins is admitted by the King, in his speech to the Parliament April (>th, i(>i | : " I1 irst," says he, "some branches of the laws made to meet w ith them are so obscure, that 1 myself, with conference with my Pools and fudges, cannot clear them. Secondly, lor want oi due presentment in the country by the officers appointed to it, and in some places when presented, yet the)- are so favoured by the Justices of peace, that a Lieutenant of mine in one contreye hath informed me he could not procure three of the peace, except some of his own friends and servants, that would assist him in the due execu- tion of my laws."1 If His Majesty hoped, by this beginning, to stop the mouth of tin- Commons, he was disappointed. Among the other grievances which that house complained of in their remon- strance was the unexpected increase of Popish recusants since the Gunpowder Plot, the detestation whereof the)- thought should have utterly extinguished them.- In consequence of these multiplied complaints, the Government found it was at length necessary to interfere. One of the first steps winch they took was to call sheriffs to account for omissions in the execution of their office. On the iSth of August, l()l/r, Sir Francis f.acorv* Knt., late High Sheriff, " was fined 20" by the council ol the marches," lor negligence in levying lines. At the same tune, Humphrey Ih'iggs, Ksq., was fined £ 5 for the 1 Pari. Hist, sub. ann. - In the curious household hook of his descendant (the Earl) a table is men- tioned called the knightes boorde ; and in the Biographic, Act. Arden, may he seen an interesting account of (lie cruel fate ol that gentleman, occasioned by his refusal to follow the example of his neighbours the other gentiy of Warwick- shire, in wearing the livery of Robert Dudley, the proud and wicked Karl of Leicester. •; Sir Francis Lacon was knighted during his father's lifetime, and then resided at Whittington. See his seal, dated 43 Elizabeth, NOTES ON KINLET. 131 same offence ; Sir Henry Wallop, Knt, £3 6s 8d ; Bonham Norton, Esq., the like sum ; and Thos. Pigott, Esq., 40s. Bui tins lenient punishment of Sir Francis did not content the House of Commons. Wilson relates that the Parlia- ment " followed the chase close, and bolted out divers of the nobility and gentry of eminency, popishly affected, that had earthed themselves in places of high trust: and power in the kingdom, as if the)- meant to undermine the nation." Among these he mentions Sir Francis Lacon. The Parliamentary History gives further account of this transaction:-— In lee as meny all men of his housold \\ hom he as lord worshoply manteynod." Percy's Reliqitcs, Vol. i., B. i., No. 9. In May, 1624, the House of Commons prepared a petition to the King, in which, after thanking him for having directed the laws against popish recusants to be enforced, they pro- ca ed to inform him " of the grow th of this dangerous sort of people, and of their insolency and boldness in so much as man)' oi them (unknown to your Majesty) have crept into offices and places of government and authority under you." Then follow the names of all such persons as arc certified to have places of charge or trust, and are popish recusants or non-communicants that have given over to suspicion of their ill-affection in religion, or that are reported or suspected so to be. Among these, Sir Francis Lacon, Knt., is certified to be a justice of the peace in Shropshire, and that he is sus- pected to be ,1 popish recusant, As Lad)' Lacon is not men- tioned in this petition, Sir Francis was probably then a widower, for the framers thereof were by no means of a temper t<> spare her had she been living, and in fact many ladies' name's appear in the same list. Sir Francis Lacon probably first commenced the system, which his descendants have invariably pursued, of disposing of their more remote property, 111 order to purchase other estates nearer home. At least, I hud tint 111 idlS he sold his estates in the parish of VVem to his brother in law, (louldsborough, and at another t line disposed of Knightley 1 Iall to Sir Edward Cooke. 1 can- not fix the date of Sir Francis's death, but we shall see that it must have happened previous to the year 1646. His issue consisted of two sons, Rowland, his successor, of whom here- Vol. VI I L, 3rd Scries. S 132 NOTES ON KINLET. after, and Francis Lacon, who, probably by the name of Mr. Francis Lacon, had issue by Elizabeth, his wife, at least three children, viz., Elizabeth, baptised at Neen Savage November 2nd, iupS, Rowland, baptised at the same place April 4th, 1654, and Margaret, October 2nd, 1655- A Francis Lacon! gent., was buried at K inlet December 23rd, 1 663. ROWLAND LACON OF KINLET. Rowland Lacon, Esq., succeeded to the estate at Kinlet In the Civil Wars he appears to have adhered to the side of royalty. Whether by tins Ins fortune was materially im- paired, or whether he was especially favoured by the vic- torious party, is not known to me ; but he was permitted to compound for his estate, by the name of Rowland Lacon, of Kinlet, Esq., at the very low rate of £66, a sum which, if it was estimated, as was usually the case, at two years' income, gives a yearly rental of only £33. He is said to have married a daughter of Sir Robert Purslow, of Sidbury, Knt. (the son by a former wife of John Purslow, who took to his second wife, Dorothy Blount), and by her had an only child Anne, born 1628, married February 1 8th, 1640, at Highley to William Childe, Esq. He died in September, 165;, and was buried at Kinlet on the 9th of that month. CHILDE OF KINLET. The family of Childe were seated at Northwick, in Worces- tershire, from the reign of Edward II. Their pedigree may be seen in Dr. Nash's History of that county. Mr. Childe was the third son of William Childe, Esq., of Northwick, by Catherine, daughter of Thomas Coventry, of ('room D'Abetot, one of the Judges of the Common Pleas to James I., and sister of Thomas, Lord Coventry, Lord Keeper to Charles I. He was thus related to some of the great luminaries of the law, and having, as a younger son, to carve his own future, he applied himself to that profession, in which he rose to the dignity of a Master in Chancery. Being upon a visit to Mr Lacon at Kinlet, he prevailed on the young lady, the daughter of his host, to accompany him one Sunday morning to the neighbouring Church of Highley, where they were united in matrimony 1 8th February, 1640, and returned home without any of the family knowing aught ol the matter. NOTES ON KIN LET. 133 SIR WILLIAM CHILDE OF KINLET. By this lady, Sir William Childe (for he was afterwards created a Knight and L.L.D.) had a very numerous family, not less than three sons and eight daughters, several of whom must have been born previous to the commencement of the present register. I shall begin with those whose births are not recorded therein : — . 1. Mr'8 Margarett, daughter of William Childe, of the parish of Kinlet, Esq., and Ann, his wife, so she is styled in the Register of this parish, was bapt. at Highley August 24th, 1642, and married on the 29th of January, 165(3-7, at Cleo- bury Mortimer, to William Lambe, of London, gent., son of Anne Lambe, widow. Sir William Childe seems to have been of a very hospitable disposition, and to have delighted in being surrounded by his family. Accordingly, the births of many of Ins grandchildren are recorded in the Register at Kinlet Thus William Lambe, Esq., had by Margaret, his wife, William, bapt. December 30th, 1658 ; Anne, bapt. 1 8th June, 166] ; Catherine, October 2nd, 1662, buried by the name of Airs. Catli. Lambe, March 31st, 1690 ; Thomas, bapt. 20th March, 1663-4 ; Clement, Eebruary 19th, 1605-O ; Edward, 26th March, 1 609 ; and at least two other sons, whose births are not registered at Kinlet, John Lambe, Vicar of Kinlet from 1690L0 1695, who proceeded M.A. from Edmund Hall, Oxford 7th July, 1087, an<3 Lacon Lambe, gent., who must have been born in 1-666, dying at the age of 33, November 7th, 1O99, and being buried here on the 10th of that month.1 2. Muriel, married Francis, son of Thomas Berkeley, Esq., of Ewdnesse, near Worfield. By her he had a daughter Muriel, born September 17th, and bapt. at Worfield October 4th., 1 680 ; Lacon, born 9th and bapt. 26th September, 1681 ; and a j'ounger son Thomas, born September 19th, 1682, who died April 1 8th, 1683, and was buried in that church. She was buried .it Kinlet April oth, 1 680, by the name of Merrial, wife of Francis Barkly, Esq. 1 William Lambe of Bidney, Esq., anions the gentry of Herefordshire 1673. (Blomes' Britannia). Mr Lacon Lambe married at St. Mary's, Shrewsbury, July 28, 169 1 , Mrs. Mary SJiipman, where he had a daughter Mary, a son Lacon bapt. Nov. 1, 1694; another Mary bapt. 24 June, 1696; Francis bapt 23 Dec, 1697 ; Anne 28 Aug., I 99, bur. 27 Feb. , 1099. Mr. Lantbe was an attorney, and resided in St. Mary's Churchyard, as his widow continued to do after his death. T34 NOTES ON KINLET. 3. Mrs. Mary Childe, married at Kinlet, July 2nd, 1661, " Mr. John Andrews, of Lincon's Inn." 4. 71 Irs. Ann Childe, married October 10th, 1667, Nicolas Barneby, gent. 5. Mrs. Catherine Childe, married August 8th, 1670, Robert Gower, gent. Of their children, Robert was bapt here, June 6th, 1671 ; William, December 13th, 1680 ; and perhaps an- other daughter, Anne Marry, who was married here 20th June, 171 I, to Mr. Alexander Adams, and had a daughter who died September ](>th, 1712, aged one month, and was buried here, and another, LacDnia, bapt. at Clcobury Mortimer September l8tli, 17 iS, was buried here 15th June, 1736. 0. Mrs. Elizabeth Childe, married, October 29th, 1677, Mr. Walsa. 7. Sir Lacon William Childe, Knt, eldest son, was bapt. at Highley July 9th, 1644. Of him hereafter. 8. Thomas Childe, Esq, second son, was born iG^G. Of him also hereafter. 9. Sarah, daughter of Sir William Childe and Anne, Ins wife, was bapt. here October, 1663. She married, January 31st, 1679-80, Thomas Jobber, gent. This was Thomas Jobber, of Aston Grange, in the parish of Shifnall, Esq., by whom she had the following children, bapt. at Kinlet:-— William, February 3rd, 1680, buried there February 2nd, 1O83-4 ! Thomas, bapt. 25th April, 16S3 ; Sarah, 1 lth April. 1687 ; Mary, 28th May, 1692 ; besides other children, of whom Humphrey, and another named John, clerk 111 the Pipe office', are mentioned on her monument at Shilnall, where she1 died February 25th, 1694, aged 31. jo. Frances, bapt. 6th June, 1666, was buried by the name of " Mad dam Frances Childe," April 9th, 1690. 1 1. William, bapt. 25th April, 1669. He died on the 9th, ami was buried on the 12th of June, 1 706. I should apprehend that Sir William Childe, the father of tins numerous family, was a Master oi Chancery previous to the Civil Wars. At least, lie appears .it the head of tiie list of those who entered upon that office June 1st, 1669, two days after the1 Restoration of Monarchy. He resigned his post June 17th, 1O72, in favour of his son, and was buried at Kinlet May 8th, 1678. Me is represented in his picture now in the library at Kinlet, 111 his doctor's robes, with a good NOTES ON KINLET. 135 countenance, whiskers, small peaked beard, and skull cap. His lady is painted in the dress of a later period, the fashion of King William's days, of a large frame1, and not very beauti- ful. She survived her husband fifteen years, and was buried here June 28th, 1693. SIR LACON CHILDE, KT., OF KINLET. Sir Lacon William Childe dees not appear as a graduate in either University.1 In 1672, being then 29 years of aye, lie succeeded his father as a Master in Chancer}', in which capacity he walked .it the magnificent Coronation of James i 1 ., when his portrait may be seen in Sand lord's sculptures of that ceremonial, lie resigned his office in I/09, being then arrived at the aye of 6(), and devoted the remainder of his days, says Ins epitaph, with admirable cheerfulness, to the offices of religion and the duties of society. Ol these, he left behind him a lasting monument in the foundation of a charity school at Cleobury Mortimer, which he endowed with ample revenues, for the education, clothing, and apprenticing of poor children, and which still subsists in full vigour. Sir bacon William Childe seems to have resided at West Coppice during the life of his father and mother. He married three wives : —1. Ultratrajectina (so called from Utrecht, the place of her birth), his second cousin, daughter of Francis Coventry, Esq., third son of Thomas, the first Lord Coventry. It is said that she and Sir Lacon were1 within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity, and that 111 consequence of remorse for tins transaction she ever alter observed a last on one day 111 the week her marriage day. 2. Mrs. Hugh, or Hughes. 3. Price ilia, daughter of Sir Thomas Morgan, of Kinncrsley Castle, lit:.,- lilece to Mrs. f liigh - Leaving 110 issue by either of his wives, he was succeeded in his estates, upon his death, which happened March 4th, 1; 19-20, by his nephew, William Lacon Childe, only son of his brother, Thorn, is Childe. 1 He matriculated at Queen's College, Oxford, 20 Nov., 1662, then aged 17 ; and became a barrister-at law of Lincoln's Inn 1670. lie was knighted at Whitehall, 16 June, 1673. - Lady Childe died in the summer of 1734. She s-eems to have been daughter < f Sir [ohn Morgan, whose other daughter Annaretta married Thomas Glutton, Esq., of Ten ax, where she redded alter she became a widow. Sir John Morgan, I3t. of Kinardesley Castle, Co. Hereford, was one of the first Trustees of Cleobury School. 136 NOTES ON KINLET. THOMAS CHILD E OF THE BIRCH. This gentleman (Thomas Childe, Esq.), born, as we have mentioned, in 1656, devoted himself to a country life. He resided at a stately mansion erected for him by his father at the Birch, in this parish, which estate was settled upon him for his maintenance. Here, as his epitaph informs us, and .is tradition confirms, "he gained the general esteem of his countrey, by his hospitality, sincerity, and constancy in friend- ship, and undesigning openness of conversation." lie served the office of Sheriff in 1705, and died on the 12th of April, 1708, and was buried on the day following, whence the dis- order which earned him oil might seem to have been of a malignant nature, in the 52nd year of his age. Thomas Childe married Sarah, one of the daughters of Sir Edward Acton, of Aldcnha.ni, Hart., and by this lady (who was sixteen years younger than her husband, and who, alter Ins death, re married to Robert Phillips, D.D., Vicar of Kinlet, Headmaster of the Free School at Shrewsbury, official of St. Mary's) had issue, besides his eldest son, of whom hereafter: a second, Edward, born June, 1700 ; two daughters, Anna, born December 14th, 1 702, married June 10th, 1718, to Henry Sprott, Esq., of the Marsh, in the parish of Harrow, and died there September, 1 763, aged 60. Mary, the second daughter, was born 27th April, 1705, and married Samuel Sprott (brother of her sister's husband), B.A. 17 18, M.A. of Christ Church, Oxford, 1/22, and U.M. 1729. She died January 1 8th, 1772, cct. 66. WILLIAM LACON CHILDE OF KINLET. William J .aeon Childe, Esq., the eldest son of Thomas, was born the 3rd of March, 1699- 1700, and succeeded to the Kinlet Estate upon the death of his uncle, being just entered into the 2lst year of his age. In 1727, he was prevailed to offer himself ,1 candidate for the County ol Salop, and in conjunc- tion with John Walcot, Esq., of W'aleot, was elected without opposition, after a canvass which lasted six weeks, and in which they are said to have made personal application to every free holder in the county. Mr. Childe did not find such charms in a Parliamentary life as to be induced to offer his services at the next general election. lie lived with great NOTES ON KINLET. 137 hospitality at K inlet, where he rebuilt the house1 and beautified (lie church. He was a very active justice of peace, and paid much attention to the management of his large estates. The beautiful lines of Dryden to his cousin, Mr. Driden, of Chesterton, were an exact picture of this gentleman: — How blest is He who leads a country life, Unvest with anxious care, and void of strife ; Who studying peace, and shunning civil rage, Enjoy1' his youth and now enjoys his age. Just, good and wise contending neighbour's come, From your award, to wait their final doom, And, foes before, return 111 friendship home ; Without their cost, you terminate the cause, And save the expense of long litigious laws. No porter guards the passage of your dooiv, To admit the wealthy and exclude the poor ; For God, who gave the riches, gave the heart To sanctify the whole by giving part. With crowds attendants of your ancient race, You seek the champaign, sports, or sylvan chase : And often have you brought the wily fox, To suffer for the firstlings of the flocks. This fiery game your active youth maintained, Nor yet by years extinguished, though restrained. You season still with sports your serious hours, For age but takes oi pleasures, youth devours. The hare in pastures or 111 plains is found, Emblem of human race, who runs the race. Air. Childe married Catherine, only daughter of Samuel Pytts, Esq:, ot Kyre, in co. Worcester (by Catherine, daughter of Sir James Kushant, of Northwick, Hart), and by this lady (who was born 111 1703, dying November 29th, 1763, in the doth year of her age, was buried here the 9th of December following^ having survived her husband six years") he had 1 The old house at Kink't stood near the Church, close to the present drive gate. It contained the Anns ot C unw.dl and also of Blount, and Cornwall quarterly. V. 0. H. < !. 138 NOTES ON KIN LET. issue three daughters, Catherine, bapt. November igth, 1722, married at Kinlet May i|th, 1752, to Charles Baldwyn, Esq., of Aqualate, in co. Stafford, and buried 2nd June, 1770 ; Sarah, buried April Cjth, 1730 ; and Anne, married to George Woodruffe, Esq., at Pyle, near Farnham, co. Surrey, and died sp. Mr. Childe died on the 14th, and was buried on the 23rd day oi December, 1757, in the 57th (and not, as his monument asserts, in the 60th) year of his age. Mrs. Baldwyn being the only one oi his daughters who had a family, he devised his estates to her eldest son. 1 am credibly informed that there was something very peculiar in the death of Mrs. Baldwyn. Ah she was passing to the bath in her sedan chair (al Bath) a child put its head out ol a two-pair ol stairs win- dow in the height of the smallpox. Mrs. baldwyn saw it (and having a great dread of the disorder), felt an immediate sick- ness at her heart, went home, took the infection, and died. BALDWYN OF KINLET, The family of Baldwyn, or Bawdcwyn, for so the name appears anciently to have been written, and is so spelled in the Battle Abbey roll, is of great antiquity in the County of Salop, where they were seated at Diddlebury, of which place John Bawdewyn is styled, who, nine generations before the reign of Edward IT., is said to have married Anne, daughter and heir of Richard L'Enfant or le Childe. That they were descended from Baldwin, King of Jerusalem, J will not, with the compiler ol the beautiful pedigree' of the Eeighton i.i mil)-, now in the possession ol Sir Robert Eeighton, of Eoton, Bart., undertake to affirm. At the same time, as there were many Kings of Jerusalem of that name, such an opinion ma)- bo supported by evidence which I have not seen, and certainly their arms a sable salt ire on an argent field he speak a connection with the C rusades. Sir Samuel Baldwyn, Knt., bapt. at Burwarton, June 17th, 161 8, appointed King's Sergeant in 1(172, was elder brother of Sir Timothy Baldwyn, bapt. September 28th, K)K), Fellow of All Souls, an eminent civilian and editor in 1663 of Dr. Zouch's treatise on the Ad- miralty, and grandson of William Baldwyn, of Elsidge, a yaupger .son oi the ides of April (i.e., April 8th), about the first hour of the da)', on the borders of Herefordshire and Worcestershire appeard in the heavens four false suns, be- sides the natural sun, of a red colour. There was a great circle of the colour of chrystal, and of the breadth, as it were, of two feet, comprehending within it, as it were, all England, from the sides of which went out semi-circles in the sections of which appeared those lour suns before mentioned, the true sun being in the east, and the air very clear. And be- cause this prodigy cannot be described in words, 1 have sub- joined a figure thereof. The heavens being thus encircled, 140 NOTES ON KINLET. many persons immediately painted a similitude of the objects thus appearing, on account of their novelty. This vision ap- peared unto many, among whom was John, Bishop of Here- ford, who caused the figures to be drawn in his presence, not hastily, but with deliberation, by the hands of his chaplain. 181 3. Mr. Andrew Armstrong, a Scottish gent., killed at Kinlet and brought to Ribbesford and burcl. there. He was killed on ye 13"' and buried 15th April, 18 13. A person of the name of fames Meredith, of Kinlet, in Shropshire, wrote a character of Bp. Hough, in \erse, in Genllanaris Magazine, November, 173O, and verses to Miss Caroline Jul) J 1st, 1737. Asperiana. Near to Button Oak g-rows a thorn 111 the form of an arch, one end growing in Shropshire and the other in Stafford- shire ; tins is resorted to by numbers 111 order to make th^u: children pass under it for the cure of the whooping cough At Cooper's Mill, near Button Oak, is a boy, son of the miller, who has two thumbs ; he is become an object of great curiosity among the country people, who suppose him destined to lullil Nixon's phophecy. " One of my sister's children at Nortons End, being at tli 3 last extremity w ith the whooping cough, was cured by feasting on a broiled mouse." (This was communicated by Mrs. Childe of Kinlet.) One disease is endemic in this parish, the bronchocale or Deri))' neck, .111 enlargement id the glands of the throat, and a degree- ol the same disease th.it is known 111 the Alps, and in some other mountainous tracks, and there attributed, 1 believe, generally to the badness ol the water. The quality of that element is sufficiently indifferent among us to justify our ascribing the prevalence ol swelled nocks at Kinlet to the same cause ; but as with us the) are confined exclusively to the female sex, the practice, so universal w ith our women, ol carrying large burdens ol wood upon their heads, must come 111 for its share ol blame upon this occasion.. NOTES ON KIN LET. I4I APPENDIX. INQUISITIONS POST MORTEM, &c. Inq. p. m. Edmund de Cornewaille, son of Richard, died 1354. Oxfordshire. — Asthalle, conjointly with Elizabeth, his wife, held of Edward, Prince of Wales, by knights service, worth £ 1 5 • Died 22nd March. Edmund de Corne- waille, son of Edmund, is next heir, of the age of 40 and more. Hereford.-—^ the Manor of Ashton, oi the inheritance of Elizabeth, his wife, as yet alive, of Roger de Mortimer by knights service, worth £10. Edmund, son and heir of Edmund and Elizabeth, age 30 and more. Salop. Manor of Kynlct, Edward and Elizabeth, still alive, of the King in chief by homage and fealty. J of the Village of Wyrthen, of the Eord the King, in chief as part of the Barony of Caus. And Overgorthore and Baughhaltree, of the Barony of Caus. Edmund, son of Edmund, is next heir, and aged 30 and more. Inq. ad quod damnum. Elizabeth de Cornwall (Brampton), 28 Edward III. I. — Writ, 2s June, 28 Edward 111., to inquire whether it is to the damage of the King, &c. i^as below). II. — Inquisition at Clebury, co. Salop, on Wednesday next after the Eeast of St. Mary Magdalene, 28 Edward III. It is not to the damage or prejudice of the King or of others, if the King grants to Elizabeth, who was the wife of Edmund de Cornubia, that she may be able to enfeoff her Manors of Overgorther and War thy n, with appurtenances and 1,060 acres of wood with appurtenances in Aberleye, to Henry de Mortimer,1 senior, and Reginald del'2 Hay. To hold to them and their heirs of the King and his heirs, by the ser- vices due and accustomed for ever, so that Henry and Reginald having full and peaceable seisin thereof, shall be able to give and grant the same premises to the 1 Mortuo Af'ari ill Writ. - de la in Writ. Vol. VIII , 3rd Scries. T I42 NOTES ON K INLET. said Elizabeth, to hold for life, of the King, as above. Remainder to Brian, her son ; to hold as above. The said Manors, &c, are parcel of the Barony of Caus, and the Castle and Manor of Caus are held of the King in chief by barony. The premises are worth in all issues according to the true yearly value of the same, 10/. And 10/. of land and moiety remain to the said Elizabeth at Kynlet, co. Salop, beyond the said Manor, moiety, and wood, and they are held of the King in chief by hfomage] and fealty. Inq. p. m. Brian de Corncwaille, 1 391. Oxfordshire. Manor of Asthalle subtus quickewode held of the King in chief as of the Honor of St. Walrie, by service of 5th part of 1 knight's fee, worth £\o. Iddcbury, jointly enfeoffed with Matilda, his wife, held of Earl of March, £10. Next heir, John de Corncwaille, 24 and more. Salop, at Bruggenorth. — Kynlet, of the Earl of March Meton, within the Lordship of Kynlet of the Lord the King, Cattcsley, of the Prior of the Hospital of St. John (called Coheres). Cattesley, 1 messuage and \ virgate of land, of the Earl of March, as parcel of the Manors of Kynlet. Died August 1 8th, 1391, John Corncwaille, son and heir, 24 and metre. Hereford, at Lcmester. — \ Ashton, by Lemester, jointly with Matilda, his wife, of the Earl of Match, by knight's service, value £10. John, son and heir of Brian and Matilda, is next heir, and is aged 24 and more. Inq, p. in. Sir John Cornwall of Kinlet, 2 Henry V., died 14 1 5. Inquisitions post mortem (Chancery), File 10, No. 45. I. — Writ, 10 July, 2 Henry V. II. — Inquisition at Wenlok, on Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Matthew the .Apostle, 2 Henry V., before the Eschcator of Salop and the March of Wales. John Conic- xv ail I was seised in demesne as of fee of 1 acre of land with appurtenances in Great Meton. He held of the King in chief by tin- service of ,_|d. yearly lor all services, customs, and demands. The said acre is worth nothing by the year beyond reprises. He held no other lands or tenements [in NOTES ON KINLET. 143 co. Salop?] at the time of his death. He died on Tuesday next after the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul, 2 Henry V. Elizabeth, wife of Wm. Lychefeld, is daughter and next heir, and aged 24 years and more. The said acre has been seized into the King's hand. CORAM REGE ROLL, 1st year of Henry VI. (1422). WORCESTER. Extracted Transcript of the Fine. Final agreement made in the Court of the King at York, 13th year of the reign of King Edw ard, son of King Edward, &c, between Richard le Porter, plaintiff, and Ralph le Porter, parson of the Church of Eastham, defendant, of 40 sohdates of Rent in BoycOte and two parts of the Manor of Eastham and the advowson of the Church. . . . Richard acknowledged them to be the right of Ralph, for which Ralph granted to the said Richard the tenements and advowson for his life, and after should entirely remain to Richard, son of the said Richard and Jo. in his wife and their heirs, to hold of the chici Fords oi tin- fee. In default to remain to the right hens of the said Richard le Porter for ever. Afterwards Ralph Porter and Thomas Raulyns, kinsmen and heirs of the said Richard (son of Richard) and Joan his wife, are all dead, and that a certain William Lychefeld, A'/., has entered into the said two parts of the Manor and the advowson, and holds them contrary to the forme of the fine. The said William Lychefeld to come on the Quindem of Easter to show if he has anything to say for himself where- fore the two parts of the Manor and the advowson ought not to remain to Porter. The same day at Westminster came John Porter, attorney for Ralph and Thomas, and Richard Corve for William Lychefeld. Ralph Porter says he is kinsman and heir of Richard, son of Richard and Joan ; that is to say, son of Joan, one of the daughters of R n hard and Joan. Thomas Raulyns says he is son of Margery, the other of the daughters. 144 NOTES ON KIN LET. William Ly chef eld says that a certain William More, late parson of Eastham, and 'others, gave and granted the tene- ments aforesaid to Sir William Wastneys, Kt, and Alice his wife, and to their issue, and they had a daughter Joan, and died seized as of the fee tail. After their death the said Joan entered into the tenements as their heir. And Joan took to husband John Cornevyaylle, Kt., and they had a daughter and heir Elizabeth ; and the said John Cornewaylle and Joan died seized of the tenements as of fee tail. After Elizabeth entered into the tenements as daughter and heir, and Eliza- beth took to husband William Lychefeld (and they had two daughters and heirs, Elizabeth and Alice), and afterwards Elizabeth, wife of William Lychefeld, died. Afterwards the same William Lychefeld is seized of the said tenements by the law of England for the term of his life, the reversion thereof after the death of William Lychefeld belonging to the said (Elizabeth and Alice1), without whom lie is not able to answer, and he asks that the suit may remain because (Elizabeth and Alice) are under age until the full age of the same. And Ralph and Thomas say that William Lychefeld ougln not to have aid, for a certain John Geete was seized of it, and granted the same to William Lychefeld and Elizabeth his wife, and their issue, which said William and Elizabeth, by virtue of the gilt aforesaid, were seized thereof as of fee tail. Afterwards the same Elizabeth died, and William Lychefeld is seized of the same Manor as of fee tail by the form of the gilt aforesaid. Wherefore the)' pray for judgment, &c. And the said William Lychefeld says that he holds the tenements m the form in which, m pleading above, he al- leged, &c. Therefore let a jury come before the 1 .ord the King on the morrow of St. John the Baptist to recognize, &c. At which day came as well the said Ralph Porter and Thomas Rauli7is by their Attorney as the suit. William Lychefeld by his Attorney. And the Sheriff did not send the Writ ; therefore let a jury come on the quindem of St. Michael, &c. NOTES ON KINLET. 145 Inq. p. m., Roger Corbet, 9 Henry VI., 1430. Inquisitions post mortem (Chancery). File 40, No. 33. [. Writ, 14 , g Henry VI. (1431) EI. — Inquisition at Worcester, 6 May, 9 Henry VI., on Roger Corbel. He held no lands of the King in chief in the County of Worcester. William Westneys Knight and Alice, his wife, daughter of Walter Hewett, were lately seized of the Manor of Estham, together with the advowson of the Church of Estham, appertaining to the same Manor, in their demesne as of fee tail, by the gift of Win. More, Rector of Estham, Robert the Sergeant,1 John Obdon, and Walter Waldeford, Clerk, made to the said William and Alice and the heirs of their bodies ; to hold of the chief lords of that fee by the services due and accustomed. William and Alice had issue Joan, who was seized of the said Manor, &c, after their deaths. Joan married John Cornewaille, Knight. They had issue Elizabeth, who became seized, &c. Elizabeth married Win. Lychefeld, Knight. They had issue Elizabeth. The first Elizabeth died before William, who became seized of the said Manor (&c). After William's death, the second Elizabeth was seized (as above). She married the said Roger Corbet ; they had issue Margaret, who became seized, &c, she being under age. The said William granted and sur- rendered the one and one acre of land with appurtenancies in Estham, parcel of the said Manor (which Richard Curteys formerly held at the will of the same William), by his Charter dated on the Feast of St. Leonard the Abbot, g Henry VI., to tin- said Margaret, being under age, and Ins heir ; to hold of the Chief lords of th.it foe ; by virtue of which grant she was seized of the same messuage and land by hereditary descent as daughter and heir of the said Eliza- beth, wife of Roger. On the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle, 9 Henry VI., William gave and granted to Win. Koyne one messuage and one close adjacent, called Rakclose, in Estham, parcel of the said Manor ; to hold to him his heirs, and assigns of the chief lords of that fee ; to the disherison of Margaret, who entered into the same messuage and close as daughter and heir of Elizabeth, wife of Roger, and was so seized thereof by hereditary descent. The Manor and 1 Scrvicntis. 146 NOTES ON KlNLET. advowson with their appurtenances are held of Richard, Earl of Warwick, by knight service. The custody of Margaret, together with her marriage, and the said two messuages, &c, pertain to the said Earl, by reason of her minority. The Earl granted the same messuages, land, and close to John Wode on I March, g Henry VI. Roger died on 15 July last. Margaret is his next heir, aged 3 years and more. The said Manor is worth yearly in all issues beyond reprises, 20 marks. SALOP. Exch. Inq. p. m., taken at Bruggenorth May 24th, Henry VI. Sir William Lychefeld died 1446. Kynlct. — Before his death by his Charter dated Friday after St. Gregory, 23 Henry VI., he enfeoffed John Halle and W illiam Cuyne of the Manor of Kynlet, to hold to them and their heirs. Cuyne afterwards died, and 1 lalle remained 111 sole possession. William Lychefeld died on Sunday before the Purification last. Margaret, wife of Humphrey Stafford Esq., is daughter1 and heir, and is aged 2 |. The said Manor is not held of the King in chief. HE'REF* XRU\ Exch. Inq. P. M., 29th May, 1446, taken at Leominster, Jurors say upon oath that William Lychefeld, Kt., held of his own domain as of fee, nor in service to the Lord in capito, neither lands nor tenements, but that a certain Edmund Corncwaylle, Kt., was formerly seized of halt the Manor of Assheton, which was held of Richard, Duke of York, and not of the Lord the King, and he gave the same half to Brian de Cornewaylle, his younger son, to hold to his heirs male, by virtue of which gift. Brian was seized in domain as of fee tail, and had issue John Cornewaylle, Kt., and afterwards the said John Cornewaylle gave and granted the said half tp the said William Lychefeld, to hold to him for his natural life. And afterwards the same William enfeoffed William Hill, parson in the Church of Eastham, and John Halle, with the said half, to hold to them and their heirs for ever, After- Grand-dau;^htcr ? NOTES ON K INLET. M7 wards, William and John Halle gave and granted the said half to William Lychefeld and Joan, his wife, who is still living, to hold to them and their heirs for ever, by virtue of which gift the said William and Joan were seized thereof as of fee. Afterwards, the said William Lychefeld died ; the aforesaid John ('ornewaylle, son of Brian died without male heir, whereupon half moiety ought to revert by the form of the gilt to Edmund Cornwall, cousin and heir to the afore- said Edmund, Kt, namely, to the son of Lewis, son of Peter, son of the said Edmund, Kt., because the aforesaid Brian died without male heir issuing from his body ; the said Edmund, son of Lewis, alter the death of John, son of Brian, entered upon the said mcicty, and has kept and still keeps possession of it. In the said moiety there is neither house nor messuage, except a dovehouse, badly ruined, and worth nothing a year, and there is one carucate of arable land worth IDs., and tate very briefly his double royal descent. John, King of England, 1199—1216.^- IlKNKY III-, King 1210 — 1272 Eleanors-Simon de Montfort. Edward 1., King 1272 1307. Eleanor |-I lenry, Count of Bar. Eleanors-Llewelyn ap Griffith, King I of North Wales. Eleanor-pLlewelyn ap Owen, lord oi I South Wales. Catherine^Philip ap Ivor, lord of j Iscoed. Thomas ap Llewelyn, lord of South Wales. ^-Eleanor, dan. and heiress. William de la Pole, lord of Mawddy-^MaVgaret, dan. and heiress. fohn de la Pole ^Elizabeth, d. and h. of Sir hulk Corbe*. Hugh Lur^h, lord of Mawddy =f Elizabeth, dau. and heiress. Sir John Uurgh, lord-^Jane, d. and h. of Sir William Clopton, of Mawddy. 1 of Kadbrook. Ankaret, mar. John Leighton. Isabella, mar. i r fohn Linden, Eleanor, mar. The Mytton. i' NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. 159 Sir Walter Devereux, R.G., Lord Ferrers of Chartley, who was slain at Bosworth Field in 1485, was another great source of the Blood Royal circulating widely in Shropshire. He married Anne, daughter and heiress of William Ferrers, 6th Lord Ferrers of Chartley, w ho had three lines of descent from Edward I., through his daughters Joane of Acre and Elizabeth de Bohim ; and his daughter Elizabeth Devereux married 1st, Sir Richard Cornet, Knight, of Moreton Corbet, who died 1493, and 2ndly, Sir Thomas Leighton, Knight, of Wattlesborough, Sheriff of Salop in 1495. The descendants ol this Elizabeth Devereux are very numerous in the count}'. The family of Talbot, Lord Talbot and Earl of Shrewsbury, also brought much royal blood into Shropshire. Gilbert, 3rd Lord Talbot, who died 1387, married Petronilla Butler, a great-granddaughter of Edward I. Their son Richard, 4th Lord Talbot, w ho died 1396, married Ankaret Strange, a granddaughter of Eleanor Plantagenet (descended from Henry III.) Their son John Talbot was created Earl of Shrewsbury; his daughter Katherinc married Sir Nicholas L\ ton,1 of Eyton, Sheriff of Salop 1 -| 40 ; w hilst his son John, jnd Earl of Shrewsbury, married Elizabeth Butler (descended from Edmund Crouchback and from Elizabeth de Bohuri), and was father of the 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury, of Sir Gilbert Talbot of Grafton, and of Anne, wife of Sir Henry Vernon. The family of Grey, Lord of Powys, also brought royal blood into Shropshire. Sir [ohn Grey, who fought at Agincourt, married Juan, daughter and coheiress of Edward Charlton, Lord of Powys, by his wife Eleanor Holland. They had several lines of descent from Henry III. and Edward L; their granddaughter Elizabeth Grey married Sir Roger Kinasfon of Hordlcy ; and their great-grand- daughter Elizabeth Grey married Sir John Ludlow, and had two daughters and coheirs, Anne and Alice, who both married Vernons. A very full Royal Descent of the Vernons will be found in Jowitt's Reliquary, vol. XXL, plate xv. The following 1 The Visitation of Shropshire states that Sir Nicholas Eyton married Katharine, daughter of John falbot, Earl of Shrewsbury. Blake way says lie "can find no confirmation of this match" [Sheriffs, p. 70) ; but Foster admits flic fact of this marriage. Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. V l6o NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. pedigree shows how the royal blood was passed on in Shropshire. Sir Henry Vernon, of Haddon, =f Anne, dau. of Sir Jolin Talbot, 2nd Earl o( K.B., died 1515. j Shrewsbury [from IIknrY III. and EdwardI.] Richard Vernon, -pMargaret, dau. of Thomas Vernon of Haddon, Esq., | Sir Robert Dymoke of Stokesay, died 1 5 1 7. [from Henry III. and Edward I.] =pAnne, dau. and co- | heir of Sir John Sheriff 1524. Ludlow. [Royal (and son). \J/ Descent.] a quo Vernon of Stokesay. Sir George-pMargaret, dau. of Vernon pi j Sir Gilbert Talboys. [Royal Descent.] I Iaddon, " King of the Peak,' died 1565 I Humphrey^pAlice, dau. and Vernon, of I coheirof Sir John Hodnet j Ludlow. [Royal (3rd son). I Descent.] i' a quo Vernon of Hodnet, 1 Ieber Percy, &c. Elizabeth, mar. Sir Hubert Corbet of .More- ton Corbet. 4' a quo Corbet, ot Moreton Corbet. Margaret^Sir Thomas Stanley, \J/ of Ton g. Dorothys-Sir John Manners, of vj/ Haddon. The pedigree of Vernon is given in the Shropshire Visitation of 1623 (Harleian Society), pp. 469 — 474, and many Shrop- shire families to-day can trace back to the Yernons. The Corbets of Moreton Corbet are pre-eminently the great Shropshire family that disseminated the royal blood very widely in Shropshire. It is no exaggeration to say that hundreds of families derive their royal blood through the Corbets. The Corbets were a prolific race, and intermarried with numerous Shropshire families, and their pedigree as entered up at the Heralds' Visitations is a particularly full one. The following sketch shows whence the Corbets derived their royal blood. Sir Richard Corbet, Knt.,=j=Klizabeth, daughter of Walter, Lord Devereux ; of Moreton Corbet, died she re-married Sir Thomas Leighton, of YVattles- 1403. borough [from Edward I.J Sir Robert Corbet, Km., ,-LTizabet'i, dau. oi Sir Reginald Corbet-f-Alice, dau A Moreton Corbet, I Henry Vernon, Krt. Sheriff 1 50 1 , died | of Haddon Ltroiu 1515. j 1 1 1 . N k v III. and SJ/Ldward I.J a quo Corbet, of Moreton Corbet, Shawbury Acton Reynold, Stanwardine, Lee, 1 lumfrcs'toh, &c. of Sto'ke, justice | of john C.Ik, died 1560. Gratwood. (jid son). 1 a quo Corbet, of Stoke and Adderley, NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. l6l The following are some of the families that intermarried with the Corbets prior to 1623, and inherited a share of their royal blood : — Arden, Daldwyn, Berkeley, Berry, Clyve, Cornwall, Curson, Draper, Gatacre, Griffith, Harley, Hussey, Lacon, Lee, Leveson, Lloyd, Mainwaring, M}rtton, Newport, Newton, Onslow, Ottley, Palmer, Pierce, Powell, Puleston, Scriven, Taylor, Thomas, Trentham, Wallop. And since 1623: — Baldock, Barkley, Blackett, Bowles, Browne, Bruce, Clarke, Corbet of Lee, Cotes, Dixie, Eastcourt, Fowke, Hill, Kynaston, Leigh, Onslow, Pierce, Puleston, Skrimshaw, Slancy, Taylor, Thornes, Williams, Young, &c. The more recent marriages will be found in the Baronetages. Each of these families has passed on the strain of royal blood to many other families. A very large number of Shropshire families have got Corbet blood,1 and consequently royal blood, coursing in their veins. The Corbetts of Longnor derive their royal descent in quite another way. The strain of royal blood came in thus: — Thomas Corbet of Luiignor^J ane, dau. of John Burton, of Longner [from 1550. Henry III. and Edwakd I.] I ..." Thomas Corbet ol Longner, died 161 i.=f=Katherine Browne. Thomas Corbet, of Longnor. -,- -Jane, dau. and coheir of Robert Morton, of died 1645. J Haughton [from Edward I.] I Sir Edward Corbet, of Longnor, =f-Margaret, dau. of Edward Waties, of Bur way Bart., died 1653. ^ [from EDWARD I.] a quo ( lorbet uf Longnor, Flint, I'eelc, &c. From the Corbetts of Longnor, royal blood comes to the families of Bennett, Burton, Brooke, Flint, Hall, Hamilton, Limerick, Lloyd, Matthews, Peele, Plimley, Puleston, Kocke, Soutley, Whitmore, &c. The Lcightons of Wattlesborough and Loton have also disseminated the royal blood widely in Shropshire, though 1 I cannot find that the ( Jorbets of Sundorne, who are, of course, Pigotts, are in any way descended from the Corbets of Moreton Corbet. They have, how- ever, several royal descents, fioni Henry VII. and from the Plantagenet Kings. l62 NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. not to the same extent as the Corbcts. They derived their royal blood thus: — John Leigh ton, of Stretton,=fAi karet, 2nd dau. and coheir of Sir John Burgh, Sherifi of Salop 14 S. I lord of Mawddy [from John and EDWARD I.] I . I Thomas Leighton=pE,lizabeth, dau. of Walter William=j=Dorothy, dau. of Sir of Wattles- I Devereux, Lord Ferrers Leighton borough, Sheriff- J of Chartley [from Ei;- 2nd son. I495. ^ WARD L] Thomas Lacon, Knight [from Hknry III, ?nd Edward I.] a quo Leighton, Bart., of ~i Watttesborough William , =( 1 ) Ann, dau. of Reginald Corbet. ap-d Loton, Leighton, | (2) Isabella, dau. of Thomas Onslow of I'lash, I [both of royal blood.] Judgi a <|uo Leighton, of I'lash. From intermarrying with the Leightons (all prior to 1623), the following families have royal blood flowing in their veins: — Acton, Austen, Bagley, Brayne (or Bruyn), Brooke, Dody, Dycher, Eyton, Fox, Goodrich, Hawkes, Hen cage, Jennings, Leech, Lister, Lutwyche, Mason, Onslow, Owen, Parry, Pry nee, Rose, Spencer, Wigmore, Wrottesley, &c. For intermarriages since 1623, reference must be made to the Baronetages. From the marriage of Sir Roger Kynaston with Elizabeth Grey, the following families are descended from Henry III. and Edward I. : — Corbet, Evans, Eyton, Griffith, Hanmer, Jones of Argoed, Kiffin, Lloyd of Llantly, Muckleston, Stun', Tan at, Thorncs, Thurlync, Trevor, Winn, and Wisdomc. Through other Kynaston marriages, the families of Birills, Clyve of Walford, Corbett, Costen, Meredith, and Sandys, also derived royal blood. All these intermarriages are prior to 1023, and since then many of the^e families have spread very widely. The marriage of Sir Nicholas Eyton with Katharine Talbot brought royal blood to the families of Banaster, Barnfield, Burley, Cole, Grompton, Dodd, Ludlow, Pigott, Poyner, Title)', Yonge, &c., and to many other families who have intermarried with the Eytons since 1023. The marriage of Thomas Mytton with Eleanor Burgh brought a royal descent from Kings John and Edward I. to NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. 163 the families of Acton, Da vies, Dawes, Dewe, Gatacre, Grosvenor', Ireland, Medlicott, Owen. Thornes, Walton, Whit acres; and to many other families who have intermarried with the Mytiofrs since 1623. William Newport, of High ErcaU, married Elizabeth Burgh, and his grandson Thomas Newport married Anne Corbet; and from these marriages the families of Adams. Barker, Bromley, Corbett, Fox, Gratyvood, Lawley, Leighton, Packington, and Steventon (all married prior to 1623) can deduce a roval descent. For marriages since that date, reference must be made to the Peerages. Sir Thomas Lacori, of Willcy, married Mary, daughter of Sir Richard Corbet, and his descendants married into the families of Acton, Ban aster, Bcrriiigton, Borough, Bodeaham, Bromley, Cliilde, Corbett, Egerton, Evans, Farmer, Heyvvard, Leighton, Mildmav, Newport, Purslow, Staunton, Sutton, Vernon, Walwyh, &c. (all prior to 1623"), and carried royal blood into these families. Thomas Astley of Patshull married Man7, daughter and coheir of Sir Gilbert Talbot of Grafton (grandson of the second Earl of Shrewsbury); and from this marriage royal biood passed into the families of Benthall, Harrington of Bishton, Witts (or Wise), Woodd, and Wrottesley ; and again from Wrottesley into the families of Ashby, Bennet, Bcttcn, Blakeway, Clarke, Cludde, Corbet, Davenport, Dnvies, De Courcy, Dickon, Gatacre, Grey, Grove, Ilarnage, Harries, Hayes, Heath, Herbert, Hewitt, Hopton, Ireland, Jenkins, Johnson, [ones, Kilvert, Kynnersley, Langlcy, Lew is, Littlehales, Littleton, LLoyd, Llo)'d, Ludlow, Maddocks, Mylton, Onslow, Oswell, Parry, Peclc, Pidgcon, Prynce, Pyc, Rainsford, Kockc, Scarlett, Smythe, Stanier, SwainsOii, Taylor, Thornes, Wake-man, Walcot, Ward, Wright-Boycott, Williams, Willoek, Winglield, Wright, Wolryche, &c. These cases I have cited are instances of the way in w hich the Blood Royal was disseminated widely in Shropshire. I think it ma)' safely be said that nearly every Shropshire family that has a pedigree of six or eight generations, has one or more Royal Descents; and some families have a large number, Tin Corbets have probably 30 lines of descent at least from Edward L, and the Eytons have nearly as many. 164 NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. The difficulty, of course, lies in working out the pedigrees of one's female ancestors, and joining them 011 accurately to the pedigrees of noble and gentle families who are un- doubtedly descended from Royalty. I trust, however, that my suggestions in this Paper will make it easy to man)', if they will only make a genuine effort, to connect themselves with the Plantagenet Kings. Shropshire-men have a good deal of latent sympathy with Hotspur's rebellion. In the Transactions for 1903, I printed a list of forty-seven Shropshire heads of families who are descended from Hotspur, and so from Edward III. This is by no means an exhaustive list.1 There should be added to it all the descend- ants of Henry VII., through his younger granddaughter Eleanor Urandon, the wife of Henry Clifford, 2nd Earl of Cumberland. The Earl was great-great-great-gran Ison of John, Lord Clifford, by his wife Elizabeth Percy, who was Hotspur's daughter. In the Transactions for 1904, there is a list of sixty-two Shropshire heads of families w ho are descended from Henry VII., and fort\' of these come through the second Earl of Cumberland and Eleanor Brandon, and so from Hotspur and Lionel of Antwerp also. These lists will be found useful to those who wish to prove a Royal Descent ; as also w ill a paper by the late Mr. George Morris in the Transactions for 1882, entitled " Persons connected with Shropshire whose descendants can claim legitimate descent from Edward I., 1 The following should be added to the list of the descendants of Hotspur and Lionel ol Antwerp printed in the Transactions for 190.3. The Karl of Bradford (A second descent through Newport, Russell, Brydgcs, Grey de Wilton, Grey Karl of Kent, and Percy) Mrs. |. K. Burton, ol Bilterley (through Walcot, Brydges, Grey dc Wilton, Grey Karl of Kent, and Percy). Lord Forester (A third descent through Norman, Manners, Russell, Carr, Howard, Stafford, and Percy). The Karl of Liverpool (Light different descents through the Howards and l'erc\ ). Hon. and Lev. A. Parker, rector of Wem (through Grosvenor, Leveson* Gower, Kgerton, Stanley, Clifford, and Percy)'. K. C. Peele, of C/ngfcld (through De Oourcy, Dickon, Winglield, Prynce, Wrottesley, Sntton alias Dudley, Clifford, and l'ercy). Rev. A. H. 'Talbot, rectur of Kdgtnond (through Wrottesley, Sutton alias Dudley, Clifford, and Percy). C. R. B. Winglield, of Onslow (A third descent through Jenkins, Wingfield, Prynce, Wrottesley, Sutton alias Dudley, Clifford, ami l'ercy). NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. 165 Edward III., or Henry VII., and a few from Henry III." Mr. Morris's list is most helpful, but very far from being an exhaust ive One. To those who wish to carry back their descent beyond the English Kings, reference might be made to an extraordinary pedigree inserted at the beginning of Plantagenet- Harrison's History of Yorkshire, which commences with " Odin, King of Asgardia about seventy-six years before the birth of Christ." This pedigree makes Egbert twenty-seventh in direct lineal descent from Odin, and professes to trace the ancestry of our English Kings from the Roman Emperors, and the ancient Kings of Jutland, Denmark. Sweden, Sleswig, Norway, Poland, Sicily, Russia, &c., &c. If anyone desires to go further back still, he will find a pedigree1 in the Bodleian Library (Ash mole MS. 78S, fo. 162b), which will give him a duet t lineal descent, through the Kings of Scotland and Britain, back to Noah and Adam ; whilst in the British Museum Library. King's MS. 393, MS. 103 fo. 8, and Addit. MS. 33-345) all contain pedigrees of our English Kings back to Adam. Anderson's Royal Genealogies., 1732, Harvey's Genealogy of King Jiimcs from Noah, and Shirley Smith's Genealogy oj Queen Victoria from Adam, contain similar pedigrees. Let me now give very briefly an illustration of the way in which a Royal Descent can be worked out. I will take the pedigree of our President, Lord Barnard. I find one of the best pedigrees of the Vanes is that given in Hill's History of Market Har]boro'ugJi, pages 37, cSro. On looking at the ladies with whom the Vanes intermarried, the names ot Wray and Holies serin most likely to be fruitful in results. The Wray pedigree is given in Lincolnshire Pedigrees, iv., 1322-6; and it shows that the ancestors of Eranees Wray, the wife of Sir Henry Vane, married ladies of the families of Cecil and Drury. The pedigree ot' Drury is given in Cul hurt's Haivsted ; and a reference to it shows that Sir William Drury married a Stafford, and we know we are now on the right truek. It is easv to trace Latiy Drury bark to Henry, Lord Stafford, 1 Hi is i i printed in | "Cut's Reliquary, vol. xvi. , page 64. There is another pedigree, showing the descent of the Scottish and Irish Kings from Adam, in O'Hart's Irish Pedigrees, l66 NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. and his wife Ursula, daughter of Sir Richard Pole and Margaret Plantagenet. And so Lord Barnard's descent from Lionel of Antwerp and Edmund of Langley, sons of Edward III., is apparent; and the Cecil marriage (through Neville) gives him a descent horn John of Gaunt and Thomas of Woodstock. Similarly I refer to the pedigree of Holies in Burke's Extinct Peerage, and rind that Lady Elizabeth Holies, the wife of the ist Lord Barnard, was daughter of the 3rd Earl ol Clare and Grace Pierrepont. Turning to the pedigree of Pierrepont in the same work, I notice that the grandfather ol Grace Pierrepont, Robert, Earl ol Kingston, married Gertrude Talbot, and it is now quite easy to trace this lady back through the Manners to Lionel of Antwerp and Edmund ol Langley, and through the Talbots to Lionel of Antwerp ami to several children of Edward I. And so again Lord Barnard's descent from Edward III. is clear. To find the pedigrees of the families, the late Dr. Marshall's Genealogists Guide is indispensable. This gives a fairly complete list of ah known printed pedigrees, arranged alpha- betical!)'. The big County Histories and other books containing these pedigrees can, of course, be found in such Public Libraries as the British Museum or Bodleian. Hie Blood Royal is to be found in people in all ranks of life. One local instance of interest is the case of Roger Stafford, the son of Richard Stafford and Mary Corbet of Lee, who claimed the barony of Stafford on the decease of his uncle Henry, 5th Lord Stafford, in 1637, but was denied it on account of his poverty. His sister Jane married a joiner, and their son became a cobbler, and was living in Newport in 1637. Roger and Jane were the great-grand- children of .Margaret Plantagenet, Countess of Salisbury, the last of the Plantagenets. Another local instance is that of the Woodcocks of Halesowen, coheirs to the: barony of Dudley', and lineally descended from 1 hairy VII. Several of this family married Dudley glass-makers; one daughter married a butcher at Halesowen; another married an excise officer at (dun, and her children followed the occupation of gamekeeper, glass-cutter, tailor, painter, private soldier, sailor, excise-officer, tollgate keeper, ik.c. As a rule, however, it will be found that the royal blood is circulating' in the upper NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE ROYAL DESCENTS. 167 classes, the landed gentry, and the professional classes, rather than in the humbler classes of Society. There is, however, certainly one cab-driver in Shrewsbury who has the blood of Edward I. in his veins; and not very long ago a policeman's daughter was married in Shrewsbury to a plumber whose pedigree goes back 850 years, and who is descended from four sons of Edward III ! Where no strain of royal blood can be traced in a family, the marriages must have been somewhat plebeian. I have found it a useful plan to mark my own copv of the Heralds' Visitation ojf Shropshire, and of some other Visitations, with cross-references to the marriages; and to write £'R.I>." over the name of each lady who brings a royal descent into the family. This plan .-aves much trouble in working out Royal Descents. It enables one to see at a glance w here the royal blood first comes in. Looking at my book, I find that 14 ladies brought royal blood into the Corbet family, and 6 into the Kynaston and Leighton families, all prior to 1623. It is well lor anyone who is trying to work out his own royal descents to keep a MS. book, and enter in it the pedigrees of all his female ancestors, and work every line back as far as it will go, and trace it back to all possible Kings. Out of one hundred millions of people of British descent, there are perhaps fifty or sixty thousand descendants of Edward III. now living, but the crux lies in being able to trace the line back to him. And, as it has been truly said,1 while a word from the King can put a man in the "Peerage," or a successful financial speculation and the purchase of an estate can put a man in the " Landed Gentry," birth alone can give anyone a descent from the Plantagcnet Kings, for on one side at least there must have been a strain of gentle blood, through which it is possible to trace ancestry back to the feudal and crusading days. It gives a keener interest to one who visits Westminster Abbey and the tombs of the Edwards, or who studies the pages of history, if he knows that he is descended in a clear unbroken line from those who built up the foundations of the British Empire, and is united by blood to our gracious Sovereign. Ruvigny's Exeter Volume, preface, p. x. l68 NOTES ON SOME SHROPSHIRE KOYAL DESCENTS, Owing to the frequent intermarriages amongst our Shrop- shire families in the past, the strain of royal blood has circulated very w idely in the count}'. Very many Salopians are descended from royalty, who have no idea of the fact, simply because they have never yet attempted to work out their descent. I trust that this Paper will stimulate some to make the effort. It will repay them their trouble in doing so, when they find they can connect themselves with all the traditions of a glorious past. And it will always be a pleasure to me to render what assistance I am able to Members of the Society in their researches in this direction. TONG CHURCH FROM SI T b OF COLLEGfc i6g DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO NO COLLEGE. By the Rev. J. E. AUDEN, M.A., Vicar of Tong. The following Documents relating to Tong College are printed, not only because of their reference to that Religions House, but also because they are of similar purport to those of other Shropshire foundations. 1 lie Licence of the King for its foundation was, no doubt, drawn up in the same terms as were those of Battlefield in 14 10, and Newport in 1442, The Collegiate Churches of St. Alkmund's, St. Chad's, St. Michael's, and St. Mary's, Shrewsbury, of Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Burford, and Pontesburv, as well as of Battlefield and Newport, would be governed by like Statutes to those hereafter given. For the Rules printed below may be taken as an example of those for ever)' Collegiate establishment, and, though long, may on this account prove worth studying by those who are not specially interested in Tong College itself. The Alien Priory of Grand mont at A 1 be r bury was, at the instigation of Archbishop Chichele, granted to the College of All Souls, Oxford, by Henry VI. by a similar deed to that by which Henry V. handed over the Alien Priory ci Lapiey to the College of Tong. The Report of the Commissioners and the Grant to Sir Richard Manners show what happened to every Monastic and Collegiate Church throughout Shropshire at the Great Pillage, when an unscrupulous King in want of money, had no hesitation to (ill his own coffers and the pockets of his rapacious courtiers by barefaced robbery. Not only religious houses, but schools and hospitals suffered alike throughout the count}'. Glorious buildings became mere stone quarries for their neighbourhoods, when the King and his triends had done their will, and had taken for themselves all that was worth taking. Now it only remains for Vol. VIII., 3rd Scries. W i;0 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. archaeologists to try to discover and describe the beauties of edifices erected to the glory of God, but desecrated and destroyed by the sacrilegious greed of men for no other purpose than their own enrichment. From the Tong Statutes we may also draw a very likely picture of the life of the Chaplain or Fellow of a Collegiate Church. Each of the live on the foundation had his own special work. The Warden had the general supervision of the whole establishment; one Priest was Sub-Warden, another Steward, a fourth was Parochial Chaplain, a fifth Schoolmaster. Their lives were by no means idle. Every day, winter and summer, they were called by the church bell to their places in the choir, saltan ad taniius in aiiroru dici, vel stntim post sol is ortum. Here they would say Matins and Prime together, and the corresponding Hours of the Blessed Virgin Mary, then immediately would follow her Mass in her special Chapel on the north side of the Church. At this Mass all the chaplains, clerks, and paupers were bound to be present, unless certain of the first happened to be officiat- ing at Masses for the founders and benefactors at other altars. Then would come the High Mass of the day. This finished there might be a meeting of the College Chapter. Following this probably Pittance, a simple meal of bread and water, though no mention is made of it in the Statutes. Then, at 9 a.m., Tierce would be said in the Church. After- wards would come the secular work of the day, and each Chaplain depart to his own special duty; the Warden to his cell to arrange the multitudinous affairs of the College ; the Sub- Warden to the oversight of the details of the Church services, and to the care of the library ; the Steward to his accounts of the incomings and outgoings of the College, or to the storage or giving out of the provisions required for the whole establishment ; the Parochial Chaplain to visit the sick among his parishioners. in the. village; the Schoolmaster to teach the choristers ami the children of the neighbourhood. Alter Sext at Noon, the mid-day meal in the Refectory, which was eaten in silence while one ot the Clerks or a Chorister read passage's from sonic holy book. Then back to Lheii work again, interrupted at 3 p.m. by iNones in the Church ; these said, secular duties again till the evening DOCUMENTS RELATING. TO TONG COLLEGE. 17! meal. Then soon would ring the bell for Vespers, and Compline, and the Office of the Dead. And this over, they would retire to rest in their common dormitory. The life of the Chaplains at Tong would be one of rigorous discipline under rule. All, unless they had received special leave of absence from the Warden, were bound to assemble in Church for the various Hours, and very little opportunity was afforded for idleness, each having his own particular duty carefully planned out by the Statutes. But it was not a hard life, and the enjoyment of a month's holiday each year was the right of every one. In order to thoroughly understand who are the various persons alluded to in the subsequent pages, it may perhaps be as well to give here a lull pedigree of the last of the Pembruges and the earlier of the Vernons, despite the fact that some of the information is also to be found in the footnotes. PEDIGREES OF PEMBRUGGE AND VERNON. Fulke Pem brugge (II.) Knight, of Tong (b. 1292, d. 1326), married Matilda dc Beringbam, and had issue (1) Robert Pembrugge. (2) Fulke (111.), b. 1312. {i) Margery married Ralph Lingen, of Wigmore, co. Hereford, ami had ( 1) Ralph. (i) Isalx l, w ho married successively Thomas Pey- tcvyne. [ohn Ludlow,and Fulke Pembruggel IV.) Robert Pembrugge, Knight, of Tong, married Juliana Trussed, and had issue (1) Fulke Pembrugge (IV.), of Tong. (i) [ ul i an a, b. r 3.(8, married Richard Vernon (V.), of liarleston and lladdon (who was son ol William Vernon, b. 131 2, died Sept., 1370), and had issue Richard Vernon (VI.),. Juliana Vernon afterwards married Thomas Wendesley, Knight, of Darley Dale, co. Derby, who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Shrew. .bur\', and was buried outside the Vernon I72 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. Chapel of St. Mary, at Bakewell, 1403. 1 [EfBgy at Bakewell.] Richard Vernon (VI.), born 1367, married in 1390, Johanna, daughter of Rhees ap Griffith, Knight, cozen and heiress of Richard de Stackpole, Knight (marriage settlement dated 1389), and died 1400-1, leaving issue (3) Richard Vernon (VII.). (i) Isabel, who married William Ludlow, Knight. (ii) Juliana. Johanna Vernon died in 1437, and was buried in the Church of St. Michael, Stackpool, S. Wales. FULKE PEMliRUGGE (IV.), Knight, of Tong, married (1) Margaret, daughter and heiress of William Trussell, Knight, of Sheriffhales, and widow of Nicholas de Whyston, of Weston-under-Lizard, who had died in 1362. Margaret Pembrugge died in 1399, s.p, (2) Isabel, daughter of Ralph Lingen, Knight, grand- daughter of Fulke Pembrugge (II.), and widow succes- sively of Thomas Peytevyne, Knight, and John Ludlow, Knight. She was the foundress of Tong College, and died s.p. in 1446-7.-* Sir Fulke Pembrugge died May 24, 1409,* and was suc- ceeded by his great-nephew, Richard Vernon ( VI I.), alias Pembrugge. Richard Vernon (VII.), Knight, of Tong and Haddon, b. 1391 ; Treasurer of Calais 1444-50; M.P. for co. Derby 1425 ; High Sheriff 1425 ; Speaker of Parliament at Leicester 1426; died 145 1-2.* He married Benedicta,* daughter of John Ludlow, Knight, of Hodnet, and had with other issue, an eldest son 1 Die Sir Richard Vernon beheaded July 2_J, 1405, at the High Cross, Shrewsbury, alter the liattle of Shrewsbury, was baron of Shipbrook, represent- ing the elder branch of the Vcrnons sprung from Richard Vernon (who accom- panied William of Normandy to England in 1006, and appears as one of the Harons of Hugh Lupus, bail of Chester, in Domesday Booh), and Owning a Castle at Shipbrook in 1 190. The Vernotis of Haddon were a younger branch. " bear Worcester to the death, and Vernon too;" (Shakespeare Henry IV., First Part V., 5, 14). 3 The aims of Sir Thomas Peytevyne were :—A Hon rampant, over nil in chief a label of five faints. These arms were formerly on one of the shield? on the tomb ol Isabel I'embrugge in Tong Church. Pembrugge in chief, Peytevyne in base, a common form of showing two marriages. Trpjsc marked with a * were buried at Tong. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONC COLLEGE. 1 73 (1) William Vernon. William Vernon, Knight, of Tong and Haddon, Knight Constable of England ; M.P. for co. Derby 1449, 1450, and 1466-7, died June 30, 1467,? He married in 1435 Margaret,* daughter of William Pype, Knight, of Swinfen, and heiress of her grandfather, William Spernore, and had issue seven sons and five daughters, of whom four sons and four daughters survived him. (1; Henry, (2) Richard. (3) William. (4) Ralph. (i) Elizabeth. (ii) Margarett. (iii) Benett, or Benedicta, married Henry, son and heir ot Henry Eoljambe, of Walton, CTiesterfield, co. Derby, and had seven sons and seven daughters. [Tomb in Chesterfield Church.] (iv) Alice. Henry Vernon, Knight, of 'l ong and Haddon ; M.P. co. Derby, 1478; High Sheriff 1504; Guardian of Arthur, Prince of Wales, and re-builder of Tong Castle, and Founder of the "Golden" Chantry Chapel, died April 13, 1 5 1 5 . His wife (whom he married in 1466) was Anne, daughter of John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and by her (w ho died May 17, 1494),* he had with other issue (1) John, his eldest son, who died Aug. 12, 1477. [Monument in Bakcwell Church.]1 (2) Richard. (3) Thomas, High Sheriff co. Salop, 1.509 ; married in 1497, Ann, elder daughter of John Ludlow, Knight, of Hodnet and Stokesay, and heiress of Stokesay. (4) Humphrey, married Alice, younger daughter of John Ludlow, and heiress of Hodnet, and died 1542,* his wife having pre-deceased him, Aug. 2cS, 1 The inscription is: "Hie jnect Joh'cs Vernon filius ct nacres Henrici Vernon,*' with date. Those marked with a * were buried at Tong 174 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE (5) Arthur; M.A. of Cambridge; Rector of Whit- church, then in the gift of the Talbots; died Aug. ^ 15, 1517- t:' (6) John, of Sudbury, married Helen Montgomery. Buried at Clifton Campvillc. (i) Margaret married Nicholas Agard, Knight, of Foston, co. Derby. Richard Vernon, Escj., of Tong and H addon ; married Margaret, daughter of Robert Dymoke, Knight, and died Aug. 19, 1517,* leaving an only son [not ] years old (Inq. P.M.)] George. Mis widow re-married William Coffyn, Knight, who died in 1539, 'and then (3'rdly), Richard Maimers, Knight, 5th son ot George Maimers, Knight, by Aim, daughter and heiress of Thomas St. Leger, by his wife Anne Rlantagenet. sister of Edward IV. Sir Richard Maimers w as uncle to John Manners, husband of Dorothy Veruon, and purchased the l ong College property in 1547. His wife Margaret, died in 1550. George Vernon, Knight, of Tong and Haddon, " the King of the Peak," was born 151-!, married (1), Margaret, daughter and heiress of Sir Gilbert Talboys, by whom he had two daughters, coheiresses; she died 1558. (ii Margaret,* b. 1540; heiress of Tong; married in 1558, Thomas Stanley, Knight. 2nd son of Edward, Earl of Derby. Thomas Stanley died Dec. 21, 157b,* leaving a son, Edward, who sold the Tong estate. (ii) Dorothy, b. 1545; heiress of Haddon: married John Manners, 2nd son of the Earl of Rutland,- and had with other issue a son, George (her eldest child), born T569. Dorothy Manners died June 24, 1584 ; 1 Sir William Coffyn, in 1526, in conjunction with his wife, appointed a Warden to Tong College, and in 1 5 3 1 , the tithes of Bake well were leased to him for 28 years. - According to Dr. J. C. Cox, the greatest of Derbyshire antiquaries, the story of Dorothy Vernon's elopement " is the pure fiction of a romantic brain ; there is not one shred of evidence in support ot the idle talc." For (me thing, she was only in her 1 (tii year at the time of her sister's marriage. Those marked with a * wen: buried at Tong. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 175 John Manners, June 4, 161 1. [Monuments to both in Bakewell Church.] Sir George Vernon married (2) Matilda, daughter of Ralph Longford, Knight, but by her had no issue. He died in 1565. [Monument in Bakewell Church.] Of the following Documents, the Licence for foundation, the Statutes, and the Grant of Lapley have been transcribed and translated1 by myself from the copy of Dugdale's Monasticon in the Cathedral Library at Lichfield. And there is a certain pathetic interest attached to them, inasmuch as the letter granting the loan of the book was one of the very last Canon Lonsdale, Cathedral Librarian, dictated on the evening on which he died. Mr. \V. K. Boyd copied for the Archaeo- logical Society the Commissioners' Report and the Grant to Sir Richard Manners, from the originals in the Public Record Office. 1 am indebted to Mr. Henry A. Rye, of the Hayes, Bakewell, for the transcript of Sir Henry Vernon's will, and for many clues which helped to unravel the tangles of the Pedigrees; and to Mr. George Hartley, of Wheaton Aston Hall, for his assistance in the notes on the Manor of Lapley. I obtained the copy of James Wolriche's will from the P.C.C. The accompanying Map shows on the south of the Church the College itself, forming three sides of a square, and its outbuildings. On the west, the Almshouses and the School. Of these there are now left only the ruins of the Alms- houses. The village School stood at the West end of the Church till about 18 15, and consisted of a " tenement used and occupied as a schoolhoitse tor teaching and as a habitation for the schoolmaster." It was then pulled down, and re- elected at Tong Hill, about a quarter of a mile away. Probably this old building was the one used for the same purpose before the dissolution of the College. Readers of (diaries Dickens will perhaps recollect his description of this old school of Tong in the Old Curiosity Shop j — " Here's the Church, and that old building close be- side it is the School-house. The church had been built 1 In deprecation bl criticism on the result, I would ur^e the legal style in which these documents were drawn up, resulting in very involved Latin sentences, which it was often almost impossible to fender into intelligible English. i-6 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. many hundreds of years, and had once had a convent or monastery attached, for arches in ruins, remains of oriel windows, and fragments of blackened walls, were yet standing. Hard by these gravestones of dead years, and forming part of the ruin were two small dwellings with sunken windows and oaken doors." The modern traveller, despite the faet that Dickens placed Little Nell's house ''close beside" the church, and "hard by" the ruins, is satisfied with being shown a house far away, from which it is not possible to see cither of them; but then he has probably not read his author, and trusts to some local guide who knows of the schoolhouse abandoned in 1872, but nothing of the older one which had disappeared sixty year before. For the block of the tomb of Richard Vernon I am indebted to the publishers of the .1 rt Journal. The view of the Church is from a photograph of my ow n. THE COLLEGIA TE CHURCH OF TONG IN THE COUNTY OK SALOP. ROYAL LICENCE FOR THE FOUNDATION OF THE SAME.1 The King to all those who shall see, or hear of these our letters, greeting. Know ye that of our special favour, and for the sum of £40- paid into the Treasury of our Chancellor, we have granted and given permission on our own behalf, and, as far as is in our power, on behalf of our heirs, to Isabel, relict of Fulke de Peribrugge, Knight, to Walter Swan,2 clerk, and to William Mosse, clerk, that the)- may have authority to acquire from our beloved in Christ, the Abbot and Convent of Shrewsbury, which is in our patronage, the patrons of the Church of St. Bartholomew, the Apostle, of Tong, in the Count)' of Salop, and diocese of Lichfield, the advowson and patronage of this same Church of l ong, which is held from us /// cakile', to be possessed and held lor ever of us and our heirs by its due and accustomed services by the same Isabel, Walter, and William, their heirs and assignees; an annual pension of six shillings and eightpence 1 Rot, I 'at. 1-3 Henry IV., pais union, in. 20. - In the former paper [Transactions, 3rd Series, VI. 199), ;ite two mistakes, ( 50 for £40, and William Shaw tor Walter Swan, due to putting too implicit a confidence on the statements ot previous writers. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 177 accruing from the fruits and emoluments of this same Church of Tong, which the same Abbot and Convent and their predecessors have been wont to receive from it, being re- served to the s:ime Abbot and Convent and their successors. And in addition, since the same Isabel, Walter, and William fired by the ardour of their devotion, and desiring and longing at the same time to increase and enlarge the praise and honour of God, Lifter the said acquisition of the advovvson and patronage of the same has been thus carried out, with our permission acting as a medium, propose to erect, make and found the aforesaid Church of Tong into a certain permanent College; we, observing their dutiful and praise- worthy intention in this respect, of our special favour and from our certain knowledge, and in order that we may have a share in the rewards of so much merit, and of a work so perfect, agree and give permission on our own behalf, and as far as is in our power on that of our heirs, to the said Isabel, Walter, and William, and to any one of them ; that she or he, their heirs, or assignees, when they themselves have been put into possession of the advowson and patronage of the same, may erect and change the same Church of Tong into a certain College, permanent and incorporated, and ma)' have power to found, make and establish for ever the same College for five chaplains (or more or less) for the service of the Most High God (of whom one is to be appointed by Isabel, Walter, and William, their heirs or assignees as Warden of the same College, and put over the rest) ; and for the celebration of Divine Services ever)7 day for our prosperity while we are alive, and that of Thomas Beaufort,1 our brother, and the aforesaid Isabel while they are alive; and moreover for our souls when we have migrated from this light, and those of our ancestors, and that of the aforesaid Fulk ; and moreover for the souls of Margaret once his wife, and of 1 Henry IV. was the eldest son of John ot" Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, third son of Edward III., by his lirst wife Blanche, daughter of Henry, Duke of Lancaster. John of (jaunt married secondly Constanciaof Castile ; and thirdly, Catherine Swynfcrd. By his third wife he had (1) John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset. (2) Thomas Beaufort, Earl of Dorset, afterwards Duke of Exeter. (3) Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, and Chancellor ot England, who were tints half-brothers to Henry IV. Vol, XIII , 3rd Series. X DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. Thomas Peytevyne, knight,1 and of John Ludlow, knight, and also the souls of the parents and all the ancestors of the aforesaid Isabel, and of all the faithful departed, according to the regulation of the aforesaid Isabel, Walter, and William, their heirs or assignees, to be made for this purpose. And also of our special favour, we allow and give permis- sion, on our own behalf, and as far as is in our power, on behalf of our heirs, to the aforesaid Isabel, Walter, and William, that they, their heirs or assignees, may give and assign to the aforesaid Warden and Chaplains of the College aforesaid, w hen it has been thus fully founded, one messuage with its belongings in the said town of Tong, and also tht aforesaid advowson and patronage ; and we allow and give permission to the aforesaid William that he, his heirs or assignees, may give and assign to them the advowson and patronage of the Parish Church of the Blessed Mary of Orlyngbere, in the County of Northampton, and diocese of Lincoln ; and we allow and give permission to the aforesaid Walter and William that they, their heirs or assignees, may give and assign to them two messuages, two yard-lands, and four acres of meadow with their belongings at Shamford, in the County of Leicester, which are not held of us, to be had and held for ever by the same Warden and Chaplains and their successors, the Wardens and Chaplains of the same College, in free and unalloyed and everlasting alms. Moreover we allow and give permission to the aforesaid Walter and William, that they themselves, the heirs or assignees of the aforesaid William, may grant that a certain manor Lit Gilden Morton with its belongings, in the said County of Leicester (which, as is said, is not held of us, and which William Nieuport, Knight, and Margaret his wife hold during the life of the same Margaret,-' and which after 1 Isabel Penbrugge was married three times, i.e., to (i) Thomas I'eytevyne, Knight. (2) John Ludlow, Knight. (3) Eulke I'enbrugge, of Tong, who crenellated Tong Castle 1 381, died May 24, 1409. 1'ulke I'enbrugge was married twice, to (1) Margaret, daughter and heiress of William Trussed, Knight, ami widow ol Nicholas de Whystpn, of Weston- under- Lizard, who had. died 1 502. Margaret Penbru 'ge died 1399, s. p. (2) Isabel, daughter ot Ralph Lingen, K 'light, -anti widow of John Ludlow, Knight. Isabel I'enbrugge died 1 140-7, s.p. - Sn William Newport1'* name is frequently found in the Idea Rolls, temp. Heiny IV. in conuectio-n with lands at Lichfield, Rushidl, ( 'in borough, Sham- lord, (lilden Moitoii and clsewheie. lie appears to have been a member of a Documents relating to tong college. 179 the death of the same Margaret ought to revert to the afore- said Walter, and William Mosse, and the heirs of the same William Mosse), may remain alter the death of the aforesaid Margaret in the possession of the aforesaid Warden and Chaplains, and their aforesaid successors, to be had and held lor ever, as is aforesaid, in free and unalloyed and everlasting alms. And to the same Warden and Chaplains, we in like manner give our special permission that they themselves or their successors may receive the aforesaid messuage in the said town of Tong with its belongings : and, as well, the said advowson and patronage of the aforesaid Church of Tong from the aforesaid Isabel and William Mosse their heirs or assignees ; and the aforesaid advowson and patronage of the aforesaid Church of Orlyngbere from the aforesaid William Mosse, his heirs or assignees; and, as well, the aforesaid messu- age land and meadow in the said town of Sharneforde with its belongings from the aforesaid Walter and William Mosse, the heirs or assignees ot William Mosse himself; and may enter upon the aforesaid manor with its belongings after the death of the aforesaid Margaret, and may hold it together with the aforesaid messuages, land and meadow to themselves and their successors for ever, as is aforesaid, in free and unalloyed and everlasting alms, and may appropriate the aforesaid Churches, and when they have been thus appropriated, may hold them for their proper uses to themselves and their aforesaid successors, for help and assistance towards their own [support and that of thirteen invalid paupers,1 or more or less, living within the said College. We desire also and grant on our own behalf, and as far as i^ in our power, on behalf of our heirs, that the same Warden and Chaplains and their successors from henceforth be and become for all future times commonly called the College of St. Bartholomew, the Apostle, of Tong, and that the same family which had settled for many \ears at Lichfield, and of which more than one member served at the battle of Crtcy in 1346. fie married, before 1405, Matgarct, the widow of John de Grendwij of Cublcston ; and was Sheriff of Staffordshire in 1401, 1404-5, 1496-7. He was living in 1415, but dead in 1417. (Stajfordshite Co//d\d form by their due and aceustomed services, without any invasion or impediment on our part, or that of our heirs, justices, officers of escheats, deputy-sheriffs, bailiffs, or any other of our officers or those of our heirs ; the Statute of mortmain put forth concerning lands and tenements not standing in the way \x providing however that the Vicar of the aforesaid Church of Orlyngbere be sufficiently endowed according to the value of the same; and that a certain adequate sum of money from the fruits and profits of this Church of Orlyngbere be each year paid and distributed to the poor parishioners of the same, according to a regulation to be made for this purpose by the Diocesan of that place, and a form of Statute put forth and provided for it. In witness whereof cYc. The King at Leicester, Novem- ber 25"1 [141 67] STATUTES AND ORDINANCES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SAME. To all sons of the Church, our Holy Mother, to whose notice the present letter may have come, I, John, by divine 1 When land was owned by a body of men and not by an individual, it was said to be held in mortud maim, i.e., in mortmain, or dead hand. Land held by the Church was said to be in mortmain. Land so held escaped man)- of the feudal services and payments. Many persons thereiore made sham grants to the Chinch, receiving it bach as tenants on easy terms, thus defrauding the revenue. Accordingly, 'he huliainent ot Luward I., in 1279, passed the S/a/u/e of Mortmain to forbid land to be given to the clergy without the consent of the King. 182 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. permission Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield,1 send greeting in the Lord and a perpetual reminder of what has been done. Let all know that we have received and examined a certain ordinance of our beloved in Christ Isabel, relict of Fulke de Penbrugge, knight, and of William Mosse and Walter Swan, clerks, the patrons of the Church of St. Bartholomew of Tong, in the Archdeaconry of Salop, in our diocese, fitly made for the number of one Warden, and four Chaplains and thirteen poor, and signed with the seals of the same Isabel. William, and Walter, and by them presented to us: of w hich ordinance the following is the true purport. To all the sons of the Church, our Holy Mother, who may see or hear of this present ordinance, we, Isabel, relict of Fulke dc Penbrugge. Knight, William Mosse, and Walter Swan, clerks, send eternal greeting in the Lord. Since among other remedies for man's restoration, the offices of the Mass. (in which for the salvation of the living and the repose of the dead the Son is sacrificed to the Father), most effectually mitigate the anger of our Redeemer, and obtain the mercy of the Saviour (the kindness of the Saviour favour- ing us)— we have determined that a certain College shall be founded in perpetuity in the parochial Church of Tong in the Diocese of Coventry and Lichfield, consisting of the descrip- tion and number of persons explained below, certain ordin- ances having been provided and collected under certain heads, by which these same persons shall be ruled and employed. We therefore, (having first sought and obtained the per- mission of the most excellent Prince in Christ, and our lord, Lord Henry, by the grace of Cod King of England and France, and noble Lord of Ireland), have changed into a College, raised, and built the said parish church of Tong, which is in our patronage, to the honour of Almighty God, the glorious Virgin Mary, and the Blessed Bartholomew the Apostle, patron Saint of the same Church, and all the Saints, to be called the College of St. Bartholomew of Tong ; and 1 John Burghill, a Dominican Friar, and Confessor to Richard II., hsd been appointed Bishop of Llandaff in 1396, and was translated lo Coventry and Lichfield in 1 398. He was installed on Sept. 8th of that year in ihe presence of the King, the Archbishops of Canterbury, York, and Lublin, and many bishc ps and noblemen. lie died in June, 1 4 1 4 , and was buried in the Lady Chapel at Lichfield. documents relating to tong college we have determined with the consent of all and singular to whom it may concern, that the said College shall be estab- lished and also regulated under the number and description of persons explained below, by certain Statutes to be also described below, under separate heads, as is aforesaid. Truly assigning to the same College for a perpetual endowment an in- come and property selected by ourselves for this object from our temporal estate, and with the permission of the said Lord, our King, as is more full)' contained in the charters and writings made for this purpose; and thus verily desiring by the Divine compassion to barter an earthly treasure for a heavenly, and the changes of the moment for enduring happiness; we therefore humbly offer this small memorial to the Majesty on High and devoutly commend it to His regard, elderly and especially for the prosperity and health of the said most excellent Prince and our Lord, Lord Henry, by the Divine Grace King of England, (who of his own mag- nanimous favour has established (or ever the afore-named possession and assignment of rents), also for that of his heirs and children while they survive, and for the salvation of their souls when they shall have departed from the body, and of his forefathers; and, as well for our own prosperity while we are alive, and moreover for the salvation of our souls when we shall have been taken from this light ; and of the souls of Fulk de Penbrugge, Knight, John Ludlow, Knight, and Thomas Peytevyne, Knight, and of all their and our fore- fathers and descendants, and of all the faithful departed; and especially of those who shall have given any assistance or regard to the support of the said College. In the first place there shall be in the said College five suitable secular priests,1 who are without any other eccles- iastical benefice whatever, with the single exception that the office of Warden, described below , shall be compatible with any ecclesiastical benefice. But of the priests themselves one, prudent in spiritual and temporal matters, who is styled Master or Warden of this Col- lege, is to preside over all the other said priests, and to receive 1 I.e., who per formed their ministry in saeculo (in the world) and not secun- dum regulas (according to the rules of a monastic order). 184 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. canonical obedience from them, and to have charge of their souls and those of all the parishioners of the aforesaid Church, and to him is to he entrusted the administration of all the goods both moveable and immoveable belonging to the same College, while he keeps the rules of management written below. Another of the said priests, who in their opinion or in that of the majority of them, is considered next to the Master or Warden most fitted and suitable for this, to be appointed by the Master or Warden as Sub-warden, whom we wish there- fore to be called the Sub-warden, because under the Warden himself he will bear the care and concern of the College, as is more fully explained in what follows ; whose office shall not be perpetual, but as he is appointed to, so he can be removed from, this office and another of the College chosen when it shall seem expedient to the Warden and Fellows. Also there are to be appointed in the same College two Clerks, at least instituted in their first tonsure, to be placed and removed at the will of the Warden, who are able, willing and capable to help the said Warden and Chaplains in Divine Services, to wait upon the said College continually and humbly, and to fulfil the other honourable services which may be reasonably appointed for them by the Warden if he is present, or in his absence by the Sub-warden. The said College shall also have thirteen paupers, of whom seven shall be so weak and worn in strength that they can scarcely, or never help themselves without the assistance of another, to whom their food and other necessaries shall be faithfully served from the goods of the College itself, as is explained below. We wish ever)' Master or Warden who is to be placed in and over the said College, to be presented to the Venerable Father, the Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, the Diocesan of the place, if the Episcopal seat is occupied, or, if it is vacant, to the Guardian of the Spiritualities of the said Bishopric, with the assent and consent of the said William and Walter, (after our first united presentation to the said College to he made from the time ot this Ordinance at the nomination or presentation of me, the aforesaid Isabel while 1 shall live), within four months counting from the time of the DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE vacancy of the Wardenship being publicly announced in the I Church itself; in such a way, however, that after my death, on a Warden of the same College resigning, or departing, or 1 (putting the said College in any other way, then one of the said Chaplains, who has passed through his year of probation, on whom they themselves, having unanimously assembled in their Chapter house for the purpose, canvassing being for- bidden, have agreed, shall simply by his nomination be and be called the Master or Warden of this College, any solemnity ol law usually performed being altogether omitted ; this however being always observed that the new Warden himself, when he shall have been thus nominated, is to proceed with a letter signed with the common seal of the same College witnessing this, to Richard de Penbrugge, son of Richard Vernon, Knight, if he be then surviving, and, after his death, to his heirs and successors, whoever arc for the time being Lords of the Manor ol long, to be appointed by Richard himself, his aforesaid heirs or successors, without a custom of payment, in a letter to be presented to the Diocesan of the place, and by him to be canonically admitted and instituted to the care, rule and management of the same. " lo the Reverend and Noble NL, the patron of the College of long, his humble and devoted A. 15. C. D., Chaplains of the same College, with due reverence and respect, wish prosperity for either life; the headship of the aforesaid College being vacant through the death of our Lord N. of blessed memory, our last Master or Warden, who on such a day of such a month in the year of our Lord written below, migrated from this light ; we, desiring as far as relates to ourselves to consider about a future Master or Warden lor the same College, and on this account Coming together to the place appointed for this, a careful consultation hav ing also been held by us over it, at length unanimously gave our votes for Master N. our comrade and co-chaplain; and we duly name the same for Master or Warden of this our College according to the Statutes of the same, and we present him thus nominated to your honourable presence, with this letter, praying earnestly that what in the things previously said concerning those statutes is recognised to relate to you, your revered power, which may the Most High Vol. VUI., jid benca. ^ 1.86 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. preserve happily for a length of time, may think worthy to carry out. Written on such a da)1 of the said month in the year of our Lord &c." But if there shall be any disagreement of the Chaplains, then alter those words placed in the said form viz. ''our fellow chaplain," let it be said thus, " The aforesaid master A. B., vel C. only excepted, unanimously" c\:c. as above. But if, which heaven forfend, there is so great a disagreement that no one shall have been nominated by the majority of the Chaplains, and they have maintained such a disagreement to the end of fifteen days counting continuously from the beginning of the vacancy, or within the same iifteen days have neglected altogether to nominate : after the fifteen days have elapsed the carrying out of this nomination devolves by this state of affairs on the patron of the College itself whosoever lie may be, and the same patron may freely present to the Diocesan of the place the man whom he shall have chosen out of the said College, for the College itself. But if I, the aforesaid Isabel, while I am alive, or the said Richard de Penbruggc while he is alive, or any of his heirs or successors, who for the time being is patron of the said College, shall have actually neglected to present, or any of us have neglected to present during four months from the expira- tion of the said Iifteen days, as is aforesaid; the appointment of a Warden of the College in that case devolves on the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, if the See is occupied, or, if it is vacant, to the Guardian of the Spiritualities of the said Bishopric ; in such a way however that if the Bishop, if the See is occupied, or the Guardian of the Spiritualities, if it is vacant, shall have postponed the ordination for more than one month from the time of this transference and the appointment or creation of the aforesaid Warden, the power of ordaining and creating a Warden in this case devolves on the Chapter of the Church of Lichfield, namely on those of the Chapter actually residing at the time in the Church itself; but if the said Chapter shall have postponed the ordination of a Warden beyond iifteen days from the time of this transference to them, the power of this ordination belongs if>si) flic I o t»> the Venerable father, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, if that See is occupied, or il vacant to the Prior DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 1 87 and Chapter of the Church of Canterbury; this however to be observed in all the aforenamed cases that they confer the Wardenship on one of the Co-chaplains themselves, unless great unfitness does not allow this to be done. In just the same way it shall be carrie i through, if anyone has been duly presented for the W ardenship of the said College by me, the aforesaid Isabel, while I am alive, or by the aforesaid Richard de Penbrugge after my death, if he then survives, his heirs, or successors, Lords of the Manor of Tong, as is aforesaid, to the aforesaid Lord Bishop of the Diocese, if the See is occupied, or, in case of a vacancy, to the Guardian of the Spiritualities of the same Bishopric, and then the same Bishop, if the See is occupied, or the Guardian of the Spiritualities in case, as is aforesaid, of a vacancy, shall have postponed the admission and institution of the said presentee to the said Wardenship beyond fifteen days from the time when the presentation was made to him, failing a legitimate reason; the power of admitting and instituting the presentee in his place devolves by the same rule to the Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Lichfield, namely to those members of the Chapter in actual residence at that time in the said Church. But if the same Chapter shall have postponed the admis- sion and institution of the said presentee beyond fifteen days from the time of this transference to them, the power of this admission and institution of the said presentee shall, ipso fiic(i>, belong to the Venerable Father, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, if that See is occupied, and, in case of a vacancy, to the Prior and Chapter of the Church of Canterbury. Whoever is to be admitted by the Warden and the majority of the said College into a Chaplainship there is to be received as a novice, otherwise his reception to be altogether invalid ; for we appoint that in this and in all subsequent cases it is to be held as a majority if the Warden with two other Chaplains of the College agree in an admittance of this kind ; nor shall a Chaplain on this account when thus admitted, be incor- porated into the College itself, but shall wait for the comple- tion of his year of probation ; then indeed if the same chaplain appear to the said Warden and majority of the l8S documents relating to tong college. College to he competent and suitable, that Chaplain is to be admitted by the Warden himself into a permanent fellowship of the said College, and besides this permanent appointment he is to have a letter signed with the common seal to this effect. \Yc do not wish any other form of admission, but the aforesaid form, made as before described, to be in anyway of force, or to stand in law. But no one is to be admitted to the post of Warden, or of other Priest there, except lie has been ordained priest, and is plainly worth) in life, habits and conversation; otherw ise his nomination or appointment is, ipso facto, lawfully void and ineffectual. Moreover, lest from a continuing lack of Chaplains, which Heaven forfend, divine worship should in any w ay be .abated, we desire and ordain that on anyone of the aforesaid four Chaplains departing, or retiring, or in an)' way quitting his office, if the Warden of the sairl College for the time being shall have been negligent or careless in providing, receiv- ing, or substituting in his place another suitable Chaplain, during three months from the time of the vacancy having been made known in the place, there being no lawful reason; that then the right of providing and appointing a suitable Chaplain to (ill up the aforesaid number of four Chaplains in the aforesaid College, devolves in his stead, on the Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, if the See is occupied, or, in case of a vacancy, to the Guardian of the Spiritualities of the said Bishopric : in such a way, however, that the c haplain or Chaplains thus engaged by the Lord Bishop himself, or the Guardian of the Spiritualities, is or arc to remain in the said College for a year ; and at the end of the year, within the following month, if he or they have been found fit, he or they are to be admitted by the Warden of the said College as a permanent Fellow, or Fellows. But if the aforesaid Warden shall have been negligent or careless in making the admission and permanent appointment of any of the four Chaplains, as is aforesaid, if they are suit- able, within the month, then the reception and admission of the said Chaplain or Chaplains belongs to the Lord Bishop, the Diocesan of the place, if the See be occupied, or, in case DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 1 89 of a vacancy, to the Guardian of the Spiritualities of the said Bishopric, and a letter signed by the Bishop or Guardian concerning a permanent appointment of this kind is to be written for the said Chaplain or Chaplains, as was described above. All the other tilings written above concerning the office of Master or Warden of the said College, previously ordained and recited, or to be ordained and recited later, arc to remain for ever in full force and unbroken. As for any of the paupers who arc to be placed in and admitted to the said College by me, the aforesaid Isabel, while I am alive, and after my death ; we wish them to be received and admitted by the Warden for the time being of the said College; and when they have been received and admitted they shall not be liable to be removed from thence without reasonable cause alleged and proved before the Warden and the rest, or at least the majority of the Chaplains, as is more fully contained later in the chapter concerning the punishment and reformation of crimes. When the Warden of this College, having been admitted and instituted to the College, shall have presented himself to be corporally inducted into the real management of his office, he shall, previously to managing anything, give a corporal oath before the Brothers especially assembled for this purpose, namely with his hand on the Holy Gospels, concern- ing his faithful administration of the office entrusted to him and his observance of each of the statutes of this same College which concern his office or person, and his causing their observance by others as far as he is honourably and reasonably able. The Sub-warden shall give a like oath as often as, and whenever he shall have been deputed to that office, at least for the time in which he shall act in that office. The Chaplain-, when they shall have passed their year of probation and have satisfied themselves and the Warden and their Co-brothers, or the majority of them, that they may be incorporated in the College itself, then at length, having been admitted as permanent Co-brothers, are bound to give a corporal oath before the Warden and Co-brothers themselves, viz. concerning humble obedience and compliance to the IQO DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. Warden of the said College as to their superior and master, and to his successors, and to the Sub-warden, when the Warden is absent, both in the celebration of divine offices and in all other lawful and honourable commands of the said Warden, and also of the Sub-warden for the time being, and concerning the observation of the statutes and privileges of the same College as far as they refer to their own position or persons, and concerning the keeping of the secrets of the College, and also of the Warden and Co-brothers after their departure ; and that they will never attempt anything un- justly or maliciously against the College itself as far as their own persons are concerned ; nor will ever give approval, advice, or countenance to one attempting it ; and that they will never bring any injury unlawfully or willingly on the servants and attendants of the same, or cause it to be brought, and will never in any way urge, or suggest or cause them to depart from the said College, but will rather, as far as is in their power, preserve uninjured the matters and possessions of the same College, and the customs approved of in it, and will cause them to be kept by others and in everything preserved. It belongs and ought to belong to the duty ol the Warden of the same College to perforin the rebt ol the canonical rules, which shall seem to the Warden of the said College to be necessary or honourable ; to faithfully preserve the goods of the same College ; and as far as circumstances demand to dul\- administer them according to the form written below, to collect them together as far as possible if scattered ; when collected to preserve them; to defend and preserve his own rights and privileges ; to follow out, with the advice of the Brothers, matters difficult and prejudicial to the College; to likewise build up and encourage charity and peace among the Chaplains and the other servants, as is fitting ; to set with utmost zeal an example of purity, sound doctrine, and patience, as far as he can without derogation of his position, so that, as he cxcells the others in honour, so also he may strive to cxcell them in work and conversation ; and may know that the whole management of the College itself, the the oversight of the servants and hired assistants and all the necessaries for the common diet of the College and lor the DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. I9I up-keep of the houses and other repairs belong to his care, and thus, in the council room, the government, and the management, which are, as was aforesaid, entrusted to him, he may be able so to behave and conduct himself that he may give an upright and fearless account concerning his way of lite before God and man. 1 besides this every Warden of the said College must within the next two months after he has received his appointment to it, in company with the Sub-warden and some other of the older Chaplains make an inventory of the books, ornaments, utensils, and animals, and all the other goods and things of the College, moveable or immoveable, in which must be inserted not only the good of the said College, but also he must cause to be written and collected in the same inventory the debts and credits of the College after he has carefully gone into them, and must show and read to the assembled brothers the same inventory when it has been thus finished, that it may be clear to the Chaplains and Brothers of the said College in what condition the Warden received the College, and in what condition he has preserved it, and in what condition he left it at the close of his management, care having been taken that not less is left in the store or treasury by an)- Master or Warden, than he found at the time of his entering on the management, unless he is excused this for some just and allowable or unavoidable reason ; but each Warden must rather pay attention to enlarging to the best of his powers the inventory found by him, as far as concerns the goods described in it. However in order that the aforesaid matters may proceed more fairly and without suspicion let him make an inventory concerning the things aforesaid in duplicate, and written in an indenture, one of them to remain with the Warden, the other with the Sub-warden and the rest of the Chaplains, placed in a safe spot, especially for a memorial for future times. And every year each Warden for the, time being of the said College is to receive ad the tythes and accounts, both of the bailiffs and othei leaseholders, or servants, both within the house and outside ; all which accounts, together with the other annual receipts and payments of the said College which IQ2 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. have been received or made in the time of his management, he is, with his own hands, or in conjunction with one clerk, to reduce fully and clearly into an account book; and to show and read this same book before all the Chaplains, or at least the majority of them, aft( r the final account to be made and rendered, as is aforesaid, every year. While the office of Master or Warden of the said College is for any reason vacant, all the fruits and produce of what ever kind which come to the -aid College in the vacancy ut the Wardcnship, are to be wholly converted to the use of the same College, and full management of all things pertaining to the College itself is to belong to the Sub-warden of the said College until a new Master, or Warden, shall have been made', and set over it. The very same thing shall Lie done if the Warden shall be broken down w ith age, or hindered by continual illness, so that he cannot fulfil bis duty a-, lit; ought; then, during the lifevor illness of the Warden himself, the said College is to be managed and governed by the Sub-warden, the advice ot the Warden himself and the Brothers haying been asked for, and given in this matter. And the Sub warden in his own person is to go through all the previously mentioned duties, as is explained above in the case of the said Warden ; and the invalided Warden shall receive a suitable attendant at the cost oi the College. Rut if it shall happen that the Sub-warden is chosen as Warden, some one of the Chaplains who are themselves present, whom the juniors have judged should be chosen, is to preside over the College, and both in administration and in rendering an account in this relation, is to iill the position of Sub-warden, and hold it until arrangements have been duly made lor a new Warden. But the Warden for the time being must take care that no one commit any frauds in reference to the common goods and privileges of the said College, in w hich lie is not allowed to have any ownership, either by retaining anything alto- gether lor himself, besides his usual settled stipend, or by converting it t<» his ow n private use, or by taking away with him any of the same goods, should it chance that for any reason he leaves the place, or by conferring anything on DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 193 others whether on the living or in his last will, to the hurt of the College. However, in the matter of the stipend which, as follows, relates to the Warden himself only, he, as also the other Co- brothers, may have free power concerning their own stipends and private property in life and at death. All the rest of the goods of the College itself beyond the ' shares of this character are to be allowed to remain per- manently in the College. It also belongs to the office of Warden to hear the confes- sions of the Brothers as often as he shall have been properly invited by any of them ; each of them, however, is to be bound to make a full and perfect confession at least once in every year. But the Warden is to have as his confessor one of the Chaplains whom he shall have thought lit to choose from them. They themselves are to hear each other in the hall of Confession in the way that they know is most helpful for the salvation of their souls. In the above mentioned Reverend Father, the Lord Bishop, we trust with strong opinion that, for the glory of God and for our simple urgency, he will give authority sufficient and w hich will endure for all times, to every Warden of the College itself for the time being, as far as relates to the persons in the said College, for the exercise of penal juris- diction in the matters contained in the present regulation, and especially concerning the bond of obedience. The same Chaplain, w hom the Warden shall have thought lit to choose as his Confessor, is to have similar authority relating to the person of the Warden himself. And the Warden for the time being of the said College is not to be compelled to undertake the duty of Rural Dean ; nor is any priest of the said College to be compelled to attend Chapters annually, or even at his first admission there, though it happen that he make or continue his stay there for several years. Moreover the Warden is to be able, when he goes to remote places for transacting business which relates to the dignity and honour oi the same College, to take with him, if the matter suggests it, one of the Clerks or even ot the Co- Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. AA IQ4 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE brothers for company and attendance : and the one so chosen is bound to obey the said Warden in that matter with due submission : wherefore the Warden shall have two horses, (or more if it is meet), ready for despatching such cases, together with a servant ; and all and every such business, relating in an)- way to the College itself, however and whenever it may have arisen, is to be faithfully despatched by the Warden himself at the cost of the College itself. To the office of Sub-warden shall belong the care and concern of the College in the absence of the Warden, so that he may correct and reform those things — which in the mean- time have arisen which should be corrected, unless it should happen to be a grave fault, which should duly wait the return of the Warden. The charge ot the books and ornaments of the College itself will belong also to the office of the Sub-warden; these he will receive under an indentured list, ot which one part will remain in his own custody, the other part in that of the Warden ; when the Sub-warden shall have retired from his office or haw: been removed, he can lull)- make it plain to the said Warden and College concerning them, and if any of them have perished in the meantime ow ing to his fault or negligence, or have been injured, he must repair the damage at his ow n co^t, according to the judgement of the Warden ami Brothers. But ii they have been injured by age, or defaced by accident, or otherwise perished, the repair will belong to the College. .Moreover the Sub-warden, by order ot the Wrarden, will give anxious care concerning the manner, form, and order, of the celebration of Divine Service, both in relation to the offices themselves and to the persons who minister in them on the days and hours suitable : and also in this matter all the Fellows and Servants of the said College must humbly obey and attend to the Sub-warden ; who will also faithfully note tlie absence of all persons who withdraw themselves from divine services and w ill present them to the President of the Chapter at the next Chapter held alter this. The Sub-warden will also, according to the direction of the Warden, provide at the common charge of the College bread, wine, wax, oil, cruets, towels, and all other necessaries for DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONC. COLLEGE. 195 divine service there ; so that due decency is observed in everything. And because, according to this rule, the Sub-warden for the time being will have to perform the duty of Precentor and Sacrist, and will not be able to hll both offices as they ought to be filled, we ordain in addition that one of the Clerks of the said College, whom the Warden and Sub- warden at their own risk shall have considered suitable, shall he appointed Sub-sacrist, and he shall ring at the accustomed hours, and -also carefully preserve under an indenture, made between him and the Sub-warden, to be handed to him, the hooks, vestments, sacred vessels and other utensils and goods of the said College, and he must once at least in a year give an account to the aforesaid Warden and Sub-warden con- cerning what he has received. Each of the other Clerks will, together with him, swear to nng as often as is necessary, lor Mass and the other Hours to be said in the aforenamed Church. Ami since the aforesaid College of the aforenamed Church of Tong was especially annexed for the increase of Divine Worship there, both the Warden and the other Chaplains, after they have been received and admitted, are to make a continual stay in the College itself, attending duly Divine Service on suitable days and hours, effectually embracing and performing the regulations and statutes written above and below, as far an they concern any ol them. The Warden, however, is to be excused from continual residence, as often as and when he is absent for carrying out the necessary and useful business of the College ; which, however, we decide, must be so regulated that by no means, if it can be conveniently done, is the Warden himself, or any other Priest of the College itselt, absent on the principal Festivals, and greater double Festivals, • according to the calendar of the Use of Sarum ; nor can such an absence of the Warden be excused unless it is for a lawful or unavoid- able reason, except for two months in a year, and if a longer holiday is considered for the advantage of the College, for a iixed period. None of the Chaplains or the aforesaid servants is to be- take himself outside the College or be absent in the night ig6 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. time, or at the time in which Matins, Masses, Vespers, and the other Canonical Hours, or other appointed and accus- tomed offices, arc to he said in the aforenamed Church, unless with the permission of the Warden or, in his absence, of the Sub-warden, which must be asked for only whenever greatly desired ; but if otherwise this has been attempted by any of the Chaplains or aforesaid servants, a suitable penance for the gravity of the fault, over and above the punishment for absence from the hours noted below, is to be imposed on him by the Warden, or, in his absence, by the Sub-warden ; but if he disobediently disregards the punishment, he is to be liable to that which is appointed below for the incorrigible. Since such a precise residence of Warden and Chaplains has been specially appointed for this purpose, namely that Divine Services may be the more readily and honourably celebrated, that the worst of vices, despondency,1 may depart, that idleness of every kind may be driven far away ; the Chaplains, therefore, who shall be present in the College itself, are to be corporally present in the Church itself at each of the Canonical Hours, and the other appointed and accustomed services, every excuse having been put aside, unless they are excused for infirmity of bod)-, or another lawful reason accepted by the Warden or, in his absence, by the Sub- warden. But the Warden is to be considered as sufficiently excused while he may be occupied at home about the common business, provided however this does not happen for a pretended reason : for he should as far as he conveniently can strive to show his presence at the performance of Divine Services as a spectacle and example to the rest. Each Chaplain, however, of the said College, for the sake of recreation, or of visiting his friends, or for some other just and honourable reason, which is thoroughly approved of by the W'ardcn, may be excused from continual residence every year for one month in the year, not however for a whole month together, but in periods, unless the distance of the 1 Despondency {acct'dia). The Schoolmen put Accidia or "Unholy Gricfe' — the opposite to \oy — among the Seven Deadly Sins, because nothing showed more plainly a udnd in which the Light of God was balfhd, than checriess gloom. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TOMG COLLEGE. I07 place, or some other just and necessary reason in the opinion of the Warden demands this ; which time indeed we wisli assigned by the order of the Warden at a time suitable to himself; with this proviso that two of the Chaplains arc never absent for any reason from the said College at the same time. However, the Chaplain who has absented himself for other reasons than those mentioned, if it has been at Matins, Mass, or Vespers, shall lose from his undermentioned stipend one penny for each absence; if it has been at any other of the Canonical Hours, one halfpenny for each. The Clerks in like cases in which their presence was useful or necessary, namely whenever Masses. Matins or Vespers, or any other Hours set to music have been said there with music, or according to the Statutes, are to be said with music, if they have been absent, are to lose half as much ; which fine we wish to be converted to the use of the said College. But the choir boys, il there are any. are to be punished disciplinarily for their absence. If any of the aforesaid Chaplains shall have absented himself for a month or more except on the business of the house and with the expressed consent of the Warden, or for some other lawful and excusable reason approved of by the Warden, the said Warden shall be permitted to remove from the said College the one thus absenting himself, and choose another suitable chaplain who is willing to continue the Divine Services there, or place him in his post in the same College. Again because the Warden himself, to whom belongs the cure of souls, often happens to be occupied about both spiritual and temporal business, so that he cannot actually fully perform the work of the aforesaid cure, we ordain and appoint that the aforenamed Warden is to select; whenever necessary, one of the aforesaid Chaplains whom he considers ripe in age, habits, and discretion for the performance of the said cure, especial!} for the administration of the Sacraments and Sacramental Services to the parishioners, who is to be called the Parochial Chaplain;1 and the Warden may remove 1 When a church was close to a religious house, and where the emoluments of the benefice were devoted to the household expenses of that house, it was not necessary to appoint a permanently endowed Vicar. A Curate was thcretore DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. the one he has selected, and select another at his own free will; and whichever of them has been thus presented is to perform the said cure with diligence and obedience, as he is bound. We also ordain and appoint that one of the aforesaid Chaplains, or, if a Chaplain cannot act in this matter, another Clerk of the said College fitly learned in reading, singing, and grammar,1 is bound to diligently teach, according to the direction of the Warden and the majority of the said College, the Clerks- and other servants of the College, and besides them the poor children of the same village or from the neighbouring villages ; and for the work of teaching he is to receive from the goods of the said College half a mark, in addition to his share specially assessed or granted, if he shall have held the charge of the aforenamed duty for a whole year ; but if not, a reasonable payment is to be made in accordance with his time spent. Concerning Divine Service to be performed worthily and commendably in the aforesaid Church, we wish and direct that this [rule] should be observed in the College for all future time: that every day, except the three days next before Easter, and w hen Matins before Mass are said there, the bell ring for Matins, singly or doubly according to the custom of the aforesaid College, at the proper time, nut later than day- break or at least immediately after sunrise, as befits the season, according to the arrangement ot the Warden, if present, or of the Sub-warden, if absent ; and then, (the bells having been duly rung according to the custom of the place as befits the solemnity of the day), all the Priests of the said appointed with a small stipend but without endowment. Alter the dissolution ot" religious houses, when rectories became the property of laymen, the lay rector was compelled to appoint a curate, whom he could not remove- ;it will, and who inus became perpetual, bo the position of the incumbent of Tong, as Perpetual Curate, is a legacy ot [he old College Statutes. 1 Qraminar would mean the elements of Latin, Grammar being the science of language, and the only language taught in mediaeval days being Latin. -' When Edward 111. founded his Collegiate Church at Windsor, he appointed six Choristers who were to be Clerks, or at the time ot their admission clericali charactare insigniti, (i.e., had already received their first tonsure). These Choristers were to be duly instructed in grammar and song when not engaged in the service ot the Chapel. At Tong theie were only two chorister-clerks, and they, too, were to Lc in prima saltern lunsura coiistiluti, but as they were responsible tor the farm work of the College as well as the singing, they would not have much time for study. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO NO COLLEGE 199 College coine together to Matins and the other Hours of the day according to the Use of Sarum, which are to be said heartily and distinctly, and with due pauses, with music or without, according to the direction of the Warden ;l in such a way, however, that on Sundays and other Festivals and Solemn Days Matins are to be said each day with music, unless they are excused lor some approved reason, as for example the small number of Assistants, or for some cause of excuse accepted by the Warden, if present, or, in his absence, by the Sub-warden. At all Matins to be said, as declared before, with music, not only all the Chaplains, but also ever}' Clerk is bound to be present ; then they are to say together the rest of the Hours daily, or sing them in the Choir: and then when Matins are finished, the Mass of the IMessed Mary is to be celebrated in the Chapel on the North side of the said Church, with the greatest devotion, by one ot them who has been appointed for the week for this purpose by the Warden, or, in his absence, by the Sub-warden ; at which Mass, when it is said with music, all the Chaplains, and also the Clerks of the said College, the Warden alone excepted, are bound to be present unless, for the better saving of time, some of them in the meanwhile, by permission of the Warden, are allowed to celebrate their own Masses at other altars. Then one priest, namely the one lor the week, in as much as he is appointed for the seven days, having been set apart for celebrating at a suitable time the Great Mass of the day, and the rest of the Masses for the founders and other bene- factors of the said College, as are described below, having been celebrated, they are to celebrate High Mass daily ; which Mass we desire shall be celebrated every da)' with music, unless they are excused for some unavoidable or excusable reason by the Warden, or, in his absence, by the Sub-warden. 1 The Canonic. il Hours were Matins, Prime, Tierce, Sext, None?, Vespers, and Compline. Put it was customary to accumulate these services, and say two or three of them together, as Matins with Prime, and Vespers with Compline. Upon every occupation, whether manual work or study, the summons of the bell broke in at the dil'fei :nl Hours, to remind the brethren that their first duty, to which nothing was to be preferred, was the direct service of God in Choir. 200 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. At which Mass also are to be said the Collects as they are entitled in the Rule according to the use of the Church of Sarum.1 But in the other Masses, as in the daily Mass of the Blessed Mary and in the Mass lor the founders and other benefactors of this same College, specially appointed as foliows, which they are to say in the Church itself, we desire that they be bound to say for the souls of those whose names were mentioned above, and ot the aforesaid Lord King, and of us the aforesaid Isabel, William, and Walter when we shall have paid the debt oi the flesh, and of our fathers, and mothers, and other parents, and of our successors, and of all the benefactors of the said College, and of those to whom we arc debtors, and of all the faithful departed, that special collect which begins thus: " Dens cut proprium est miseri semper et par cere, propitiarc "; and in the beginning of all the Masses to be celebrated for them in the scud Church, they be bound to say for all benefactors of the same both living and dead a Vatcr Nosier, and an Ave Maria, with deep reverence. On Sundays, (on which between the Solemn Services ot the Masses, the people are accustomed to be urged by the Parochial Priests in the Kngli-h tongue' to earnestness of prayer), after the offertory Anthem3 has been sung, the Warden of the said College or the Parochial Chaplain is on this occasion to cause to be offered the usual prayers for the health of the living, and (or the souls of the founders and benefactors of the same, and of all the faithful departed. Again we desire and appoint that on every day throughout the year, except on the three days next before Easter, the Mass of St. Mary should be said in the Chapel on the North side of the said Church, with music or without, at the direction of the Warden ; but on Sundays and on other 1 The Sarum, or Salisbury, Use was drawn ii|> by Osmund, bishop of Salis- bury in 10S5. This Use, or Prayer Hook, for his diocese contained the Breviary, or J). lily Services, the Missal, or Communion Service, and the Manual, or Occasional Offices. I'he Daily service: most generally used were entitled 1 he Hours. Of these, The Hours o( the Blessed Virgin were commonly called the Little Ollice to distinguish it from the Divine Office of the Breviary. - In the Kn :i-h tongue (vulgariter). A more literal translation, of course, would bs the l'rayer Book "in the vulgar tongue."' a In the Sarum Use an anthem called the Of]'c> tot ium, was sung during the collection of the offerings of the congregation. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO NT, COLLEGE. 201 Festivals and Solemn days, and especially when strangers are present, if it can be done conveniently, that it should be celebrated with music according to the use of the Church of Sarum, with the following Collects ; first the Collect for the day ; the second for the living benefactors of the said College, namely " Deus qui caritatis " ; the third for all the Saints, which begins thus : " Concede quaesumus, Omnipotent Deus "; the fourth for the departed founders and benefactors, namely " Deus cui proprium " ; the fifth a general one for the living and the dead, namely " Omnipotens Sempiteme Deus, qui vivorum ciominaris simul et defundorum." And at the end of every Mass of the Virgin specially celebrated there, as is aforesaid, the Gospel " Missus est angetus" is to be said (that is w hen the Gospel has not been said before in the aforesaid Mass), with the prayer following; we mean the k' Graciam tuamS'' And on every Sunday, if it can be done conveniently, a Mass of the Trinity is to be celebrated in the said Church for the founders and benefactors of the said College, and for the souls of all faithful departed ; on Monday1 a Mass of the Holy Ghost ; on Tuesday a Mass of the Salvation of Men ; on Wednesday a Mass of the Angels; on Thursday a Mass of the Corpus Ghristi ; on Friday a Mass of the Holy Cross; on Saturday a Mass of Requiem by one of the Chaplains appointed for his week for this purpose: but if it shall happen that on any of the said days a Chapter Mass, for instance for a Sunday, a fast, vigils, or for an)' Saint, or the like, is celebrated there, then instead of the Mass named for such a day, as was mentioned above, that Chapter Mass is to be said by the aforesaid Chaplain, if it is the pleasure of the Warden, and the supply of other priests is lacking. And moreover ii it shall happen that one or more of the aforesaid paupers are so infirm or weak that they are unable 1 M outlay, etc. Dies /.una-, Afartis, A/ercurii, Jovis, Veneris, Sahati. "The counter-p.ut ol the Roman Afars was found in the god Tiw, and conse- quently dies Afartis was rendered by tonus now lepresented in Knglish by Tuesday. In the same way the Roman Alercurius, Jupiter, and Venus were identified with the Germanic gods called by the Knglish Woden, Thunor, and Frig, whence the names of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.''' {Religion of Ancient Scandinavia, W. A. Craigie, p. 2). - The Mass for the Dead, so named from the first words of the Anthem, u Requiem re tern am dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis." Vol. \ 111 , 3rd Scries. ULi 202 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. to be present in the aforesaid Church for hearing Mass, then as long as the said infirmity or weakness lasts, the said Chaplain, or another, if there shall then be a sufficient supply of Chaplains there, is bound according to the direction of the Warden, to celebrate, in the C hapel we have built in the house for the said paupers, a Mass before the same paupers on three days each week, namely Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. But daily, at a suitable hour, the bell having been rung for Vespers, according to the custom of the place, all the Chaplains of the said College are to come together .it the same time and say or sing the Vespers and Compline of the day together, according to the direction of the Warden ; and before or after Vespers, at the will of the Warden, they are to say the accustomed office for the Dead1 each day when, according to the Use of Sarum, that office is to be said ; and each day alter Compline has been said in the same Church, that Antiphon " Salve Regina," (or some other Antiphon of St. Mai)' which is suitable to the occasion), is to be sung w ith music, or if said without music, at least with devout kneeling ; but on Sundays and other festivals and on solemn days, (namely, when Vespers are said there with music before the Altar in the Chapel where the Daily Mass of the Fdessed Mary is celebrated with double or triple music, according as that music is attached to these same daws), let it begin'-' with the salutation " Ave Maria " and the Prayer of the same- Virgin, with the Psalm " De Pro/and 7s" and the prayer l> A bsolve qMCiesiwim " We desire also and appoint that the Anniversaries of the underwritten dead are to be solemnly celebrated each year in the said church ; namely of Sir Fulk de Penbrugge and Margaret his wife on the: morrow of the da)' of St. Augustine, the Apostle of the English;3 and Sir John Lodelowe on the 1 The od'uv tor the Dead was also called the D'irgt from the opening words of the anthem " Jhri^c in conspeel it tun :■/ou! ipsis atlata fuerit incipialur. In the Ve ;pcrale theie are in present use three Salve Regina cnants appointed foi variou occasions, and called the Modus Simplex, the Modus Alter, and the Modus /< 'tins a May i7- I DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 203 day of St. Margaret, the Virgin and Sir Thomas Peytevine (in the day of St. Maehutus, the Confessor;- and Ralph Lyngane and Margery his w ife on the day of St. Andrew, the Apostle,3 or within the two next following days. And as for onr ow n Anniversaries also, the Obits of us the aforesaid Isabel, William Mosse, and Walter Swan, when they shall have happened ; at these anniversaries, as is fittingj the)' are bound to say at Vespers on the aforementioned days, which are to be kept dcvotionally, a full Serviee for the Dead according to the use at the time of the year, and on the morrow a single Mass, by one of them specially appointed for the purpose by the Warden, if present, or, in his absence, by the Sub-warden. Moreover each of the aforesaid paupers after he has been admitted and received into the said College, if he be present iu the same College is bound to hear ever)' day at least one or two masses, unless he ma)' be excused for serious infirmity or weakness, or for some other just and approved reason : and also, if, as is aforesaid, he is present there, or has, with t'ne permission of the Warden, removed to some other place, unless he is hindered by infirmity or weakness or some other just and excusable reason., as is aforesaid, he is to say daily lor all the benefactors living and dead ol the said College the Lord's Prayer fifteen times, and the Angelic Salutation the same number, and the Apostles' Creed three times, in the best way he knows, with other prayers and sentences in the best way he knows, and as he shall have been divinely inspired, both for his own Salvation and for that of the souls for which he is bound to pray. In the performance of the services of the Church, both the Warden and the other Priests of the said College are to appear uniform in dress, namely from the festival of St. Michael to the date when the " Gloria in exechu " is begun on the Vigil of Easter ; in such a way, however, that both the Warden and the other Chaplains are to appear in black copes with surplices and black almices after the manner of the Vicars in the said Church of Sarum, except that on those double festivals, which from their J I uly 20 - November ifj. November 30. 204 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. solemnity have the addition of a procession,1 and on the other double festivals which happen on Sundays, in which alone they can use them for the procession and the Mass, they arc to appear in silk copes, as is directed in the Order of Sarum. And from the aforesaid Vigil of Easter to the morrow after St. Michael's day the said Warden and Chaplains are to appear in surplices and almices ; the Warden, how ever, w hen it seems honourable to himself and expedient for the College, can use almices after the fashion worn by the Canons of the aforesaid Church of Sarum. This dress each of the Chaplains will supply for himself, at his own cost, at his first entrance, provided that he has sufficient means ; otherwise sufficient money for this is to be paid out of the common fund, which however is to be granted as part payment of his stipend to be received in the said year; and if perchance within a year, or at the end of the first year after his admittance, or subsequently, he retires from the College and leaves his aforesaid abode, a reasonable allowance is to be made by him as fairness, according to a general resolution, shall prompt. But whoever of the said Chaplains, after he has been received and appointed for life to the said College, shall have presumed to appear within the Choir for performing the Church Services there, w ithout the aforesaid dress, contrary to the aforesaid form, as was aforesaid, is to be considered as absent for the time in which he entered and remained with- 1 Procession. Every church in England, till the middle of tne 16th century, had its rood screen and rood loft. Over ihem was the great rood or cross, with the figure of our Lord outstretched upon it, generally accompanied by figures of St. Mary and St. John on cither side. Underneath this great cross the proces- sion, which perambulated the Church before the High Mass on Sundays and the Greater Festivals, having travelled over the appointed route, finally drew up to make a solemn pause or station. This done, those w ho had taken part in the procession passed through the doorway in the rood screen, and file I off to right and left to their places in Choir for the celebration of the chief service of the day. In tins service in Collegiate Churches the Gospel was ceremonially sung from the rood loft. Rood lofts, in which the organ often stood, by an injunction of 10 Oct., 3 Eliz. ( 1 56 1 ) , were ordered to be taken down ; but the rood screen was expressly commanded to be preserved. Tne loft and organ were frequently re-erected at the west end ot the Church. Hut that at Tong seems to have been untouched. For a visitor, describing the Church in 1789, writes : — "The gallery with the entrance to the Choir is yet unrenioved, and the organ case remains." The doorway which once gave access to this loit, is still to be seen in the pillar above the pulpit, and in the chancel arch .tie maiks where the Rood itself was fixed. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO KG COLLEGE 205 out the aforesaid dress, as is aforesaid; and is to undergo the punishment, appointed in this present Regulation, for those absent from the Canonical Hours, unless he is excused by the permission of the Warden for a just and approved reason. The Warden and aforesaid Chaplains are to live together and also spend their time within the dwelling appointed by us for their stay ; w ithin which dwelling the)' are to have suitable and large chambers, in which to sleep and re- pose as in their common dormitory, the Warden obtaining the first and principal place or cell, the Sub-warden the second, as it shall please him, after that priority in time is to be everywhere observed with reference to the stalls in the Choir and the rest of the standing-places and seats, and other privileges; and in case it happens that the)- speak with one another in the dormitory or aforesaid chambers, they are at least to use a quiet tone. The keys also of the outer doer of the dwelling arc at night to remain strongly guarded with the Warden, if present, otherwise with the Sub-warden. The said Warden and Priests to have a common Table, and take their meals together in one house ; nor is any one of them to be served with food or drink outside the house itself, unless weakness of body or another lawful and honour- able reason, approved by the Warden, demands this. When the)' shall have assembled for dinner or supper, the Warden, if present, or, it otherwise, the priest who has celebrated there the Great Mass of the day, is to ask a Blessing on the food. After the meal they must not omit to return Thanks to God, and each day to offer the prayers appointed and drawn up for the purpose, (or the Salvation of the living, and the souls of live deceased founders and benefactors of the said College, and of all live faithful departed; and whenever it can conveniently be done, they should hear during dinner some Sacred reading ; for by this souls are edified in good- ness, and idle tales, which are often wont to be introduced at meals, are prevented; which can conveniently be taken in hand in turn bv one of the Clerks or Choristers. Moreover we ordain and order that in the matter of food and drink and in other things honestly necessary to the said 206 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. hospitality, they be served to the Warden and each of the Chaplains according to the direction of the Warden, and the Steward of the guest-house for the time being. But since the aforesaid sums increase with greater industry, we ordain that one of the Chaplains themselves, whom the Warden shall have chosen each quarter or each year for this purpose as Steward, is to keep in good and useful order and faithfully manage the victuals and expenses of the guest house, according to the order and supervision of the Warden ; and each week of his management, on some day appointed for the purpose, reduce things into writing, so that at the end of the time of his management he can render a ready and true account of everything, before the Warden and the more discreet Priests of the aforesaid College. But the provision of victuals is to be made at seasonable times, as far as can be done conveniently, by the due industry of the Warden, or of some other in his name, always in proportion to the hands available.1 The Brothers are 'o abstain, as far as they can, from the introduction of strangers, that the ground of distraction may be cut away as much as can be done honourably. None of them are to introduce women however respectable, except on rare occasions and for an approved reason. But none are on any account to introduce women of character even the least doubtful. But if it shall happen that any stranger so introduced takes a meal there, the one introducing him is to be bound to repay from his own pocket, or at the end of the week three pence, if it has been at the higher table, one penny and a half if at the lower; otherwise this sum is to be subtracted from his stipend, to be wholly spent in the food of those dining together. If dearness of victuals, or even the position of the guest suggests this, the cost ol a meal ol this kind is to be pro- portionally calculated according to the decision of the Warden, and the majority of the Fellows. 1 Sem/we />rar manibus. I'l.mlus ami Terence use prae manibus in the sense of on luuul, whatever pretence has been sought for t." 208 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. piece, so that they are uniform in dress at suitable times, and as it shall seem most honourable to them to appear, especially in the presence of strangers. The Clerks are also to keep themselves in garments after a like fashion, and this at their own cost. The Warden is to receive each year from the goods of the College itself for his dress and salary ten marks, in the name of stipend, besides the cost to be reckoned for his food at their common table; and each of the aforesaid Chaplains for his dress and salary lour marks, besides the cost to be reckoned at the aforesaid common table, to be paid at the Festivals of the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary, and of St. Michael, or within the next month following either of the aforesaid Festivals, together with any other profits and emoluments from the gift of the people which shall come to them for Masses, Trentals,1 Obits,'-' or are bequeathed to them in a will. Each of the Clerks and the other Boys or Choristers, who have been, or shall be admitted by the Warden within the aforesaid College, is to receive from the common fund accord- ing to aptitude and as shall be best agreed between the Warden and themselves. Moreover, the Sub-warden for the time being, and the Priest to w hom the Warden has appointed the management of the aforesaid parochial cure, as is explained above, and the Steward who supervises carefully the daily expenses of the aforesaid guest chamber, shall each of them, if they have performed the business of their aforesaid office for a whole year, receive at the end of this period half a mark in addition to the sum specially assessed or given them, other- wise a reasonable satisfaction is to be made to the same, or any of them in respect to the time. But the aforesaid Clerks, when it is fitting, are to serve the Warden and Priests when at dinner; and to them afterwards a sufficient meal is to be solved in the second table; and the)- must be attentive to the aforesaid Warden in gathering in the crops,3 and placing them in the barn at certain times of 1 /'/<•//.'.'. i were M isses said for thirty days alter the date of death. - Obils wore anniversary services fur the soul ul a departed person. J Tile College property at Tony; itself was ot small extent, consisting only of " one messuage with its belongings." DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO NO COLLEGE. 20Q the year, especially in the months of July and August, at times when they are not present at the Divine Offices. Moreover, each of the aforesaid paupers, who as mentioned before, has been, or shall be, admitted within the said College 1))- me the aforesaid Isabel, during my lifetime, and after my death, by the Warden of the said College for the time being is to receive from the goods of the College itself, in the name of his share, for food, clothing and his other necessaries, from the hands of the same Warden, one mark sterling counted out in money, or in true value in other goods of the said College, in addition to receiving a dwelling there; in such a manner, however, that the said paupers are thus contented with goods from the said College as part of the money payment, delivered to them in the name of their due share, and not otherw ise, nor in any other way ; namely at the Festival of the Nativity of our Lord, of Easter, of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and of St. Michael, or within the month next following any oi the aforesaid Festivals, in equal shares, together with other profits and emoluments that shall come to them from the gift of the faithful of Christ. And if the possessions of the aforesaid College shall have increased, or if it shall have unexpectedly gained anv property by right of purchase, gift, or legacy, or any other lawful and honourable title, so that the fruits and profits of the same College rise beyond the annual value: of one hundred marks, that then each of the aforesaid paupers is to receive yearly, as is explained above, from the share thus increased, half a mark at the end oi the periods enumerated above, as an enlargement of his aforesaid share for garments and other necessaries assigned to him. And if. moreover, the possessions of the said College shall have grown unexpectedly by any lawful and honourable title, as was aforesaid, so that the fruits and profits of the same grow to the value ol £ioo or more per annum, then each of the said paupers is to receive annually from the hands of the: Warden for the time being, altogether two marks sterling counted out in coin, or in other goods of the said College in true value, to be' faithfully distributed to them at the afore- named periods, as explained above, in addition to their afore- said dwelling. Vol. VIII., jrd .Scries. CC 210 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE We desire besides and order that one lamp seemly and handsome, filled with good oil, burning before the High Altar of the aforesaid Church while Divine Service is celebrated there, and also during the night, if it shall be necessary, and also another light sufficient and necessary, forsooth of wax, and other sufficient candles, shall be procured from the goods of the aforesaid College. The Warden is bound to repair and preserve at the cost of the said College all the houses necessary for the said College and also for the Priests, Clerks, Paupers and other Servants of the same. But if the Warden shall have failed in the payment of the aforesaid stipends and shares at the periods mentioned above, he is to be punished canonically by the Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield as a transgressor of this our present regulation, unless the said Warden shall have, with the consent of the majority of the Fellows, fined any of them by taking away some part of the aforesaid sum of money for excesses, negligences, and detects, committed in the matter of Divine Service; for which we give him Iree permission; or also unless he can excuse himself with some approved and lawful reason. The said College is to have as well a common seal for documents and letters concerning the common interests (w hich are to be signed for that purpose after the unanimous discussion and consent of the Warden and Co-brothers), with the figure of St. Bartholomew the Apostle together with the figure of a knight on one side and the figure of a lad)' on the other, both kneeling, and with a shield of the arms of Sir Fulk de Pembrugge and of me, the aforesaid Isabel, drawn on the same seal under the feet of the figure of the said Apostle, and around this seal is to be written "The Common Seal of St. Bartholomew, the Apostle, of Tong.*' They are also to have a common chest with two locks having different and distinct fastenings or wards with two keys, of w hich each can only open the one lock to w hich it belongs; of these keys we desire one to remain with the Warden and the other with the Fellows; and in this chest we ordain that they keep salely the aforesaid common seal, with the documents, indentures, and other muniments and Documents relating to Tong college. 211 secrets of the College under lock and key, as is mentioned above, so that no one rashly puts his hand to signing or countersigning, or withdrawing any muniments lying in this same chest, unless with the expressed consent of the aforesaid College. Also in the above mentioned Chest is to be placed the treasure of the College which is over from the expenses of the College, and the places belonging to it. The Chaplains are to have, moreover, another chest,1 in which their aforesaid key, and other indentures and muni- ments which arc specially to remain with them, and which concern the status of the House, are to be safely guarded under three distinct keys; of which one is to remain safely kept in the custody of the Warden, the second in that of the Sub-warden ; the third in the custody of another Priest of the said College chosen by the rest ot the Fellows of the said College as specially suitable; this beyond all other things being briefly observed, that whenever it shall happen that any of the said Priests to w hom, as is aforesaid, any of the said keys is entrusted for safe keeping, removes to distant places he shall by no means carry the key entrusted to him outside the bounds and precincts of the said College, but with the consent of the Warden he is to hand over for the time of his absence the same key to some one of his Fellows, the Priests of the same College; so that, whenever it shall happen that any writing or muniment for the work or use of the said College is signed with the said common seal, or any other writing of the said College is inspected and examined for furthering the necessary business of the same, the said Chaplains arc bound under the yoke of obedience to produce obediently the aforesaid keys which are in their possession, without any murmuring or refusal. In addition to these things, we briefly prohibit the aforesaid Warden and Priests from selling, giving, or in any way 1 This Chest is still to be seen in the Vestry with its three separate locks. The Churchwardens' Accounts of 1629-30 speak of its being " newlye repaired," probably owing to the order <>f 70th Canon of 1603, and include Paid for a Chest lidde ... ... ... ... ... ... ... xxd. ( liven to the f oyher for plaininge it ... ... ... ... ... vid. he. for three loekes three hinges with navies & settinge on for a coffer vs. 212 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE granting corrodics,1 payments,2 or pensions, or any immov- able thing belonging to the said College or alienating in any way any right belonging to the same : we prohibit this altogether by these present rules. But if the Warden, or any Priest of the said College, shall have agreed to the sale, gift, or grant of any corrody, pay- ment, or pension, or shall have alienated any immovable thing belonging to the College, or any right belonging to the same, or shall have agreed to the alienation, he shall, ipso facto have removed himself from all benefits, and from the aforesaid College, unless perchance this grant or alienation was suitable to be made for the sake of exchange or other just cause for the evident and fruitful gain of the aforesaid College, with the consent of the Patron, and the authority of the Diocesan of the place. We wish, moreover, that food and other necessities of life suitable to them, be served with due kindness to the Co- brothers who are infirm or disabled by old age or other weakness; nor in that case is anything to be subtracted from their common benefits or stipends, but, if necessity shall demand it. greater help and more abundant is to be given them, so that neither owing to temporary failing, nor even to continued infirmity or failing, is any of the Co-brothers to be expelled from the College, unless he has rendered himself by his unlaw ful deeds unsuitable for the celebration of Divine Service; or has procured any other ecclesiastical benefice; or his possessions supply him from his temp oral rents, a sum of the annual value of six marks; in which cases, if it shall please the Warden, he is to be expelled from the College itself, and, as is convenient, another chosen in his place. As often as the Brothers enter the place of their Chapter, having there gone through the matters which relate to the same, the)- are to consider in turn whether, since the time of the preceding Chapter, anything has taken place which requires correction ; and if there shall be a slight fault 1 Corkodv.— A defalcation from a salary or allowance for ionic other than the original purpose. Men in power sometimes ai ranged for pensions to their Ciiaplaiiis or servants ( ut of the revenues of Churches, or Ecclesiastical Corpora- tions. (('<"> jJere, t.> gnaw). a PAYMENTS (libera tiones). — Writs for the payment of yearly pensions, or other sums of money to persons for whom they were not primarily intended. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO KG COLLEGE 213 committed by any of the Brothers, he is to be corrected by the Warden, if present, or, in his absence, by the Sub -ward en, the rest of the Co-brothers assisting him. But grievous sins or faults arc never to be punished except in the presence of the Warden, unless the Warden will be away for long and there is danger in delay. But if any doubt arises among the Brothers in punishing a fault, as to whether it be a slight or grievous one, the presence of the Warden is to be awaited, as mentioned before; but if the crime is so grave, that the culprit is made irregular, or is suspended for ever, for example, if he had committed homicide, or has rendered himself in any way unsuitable, owing to his own fault, then, since he can serve no longer in his order alter he has fully performed his penance, although his sin is hidden, he is to retire from the College; but if the thing is notorious by confession made before the Brothers, or in some other way, lie is to be immediately expelled. But if the crime be such as to permit the culprit to serve in his order after he has fully performed his penance, as adultery, ince.-t. perjury, false witness, sacrilege, theft, robbery, and the like, and this he has humbly confessed before the Brothers, or otherwise has been legally convicted before the ordinaries of the place, or their officials, he may, after the penance laid upon him has been fully performed, or begun, be suffered by the Warden, and Co-brothers, if it shall have appeared expedient to them, to fulfil his order and office, a corporal bath, however, having first been given by him that he will never, for the rest of his life, attempt the same crime or anything unlawful like it. But if he has committed it, and in addition has been convicted by the Warden and Co-brothers, or otherwise, as is aforesaid, by any of his ordinaries, he is to be expelled at once from the College. But if he shall have been convicted of any lesser crime, as simple fornication, disobedience, rebellion, brawling, or insolence towards his Warden, or before the Brothers, or the other Servants of the College, or of constant glutton)-, drunkenness and the like; he is to be twice corrected by the Warden or Sub-warden, and if he shall have been convicted a third time for the same faults he is to be expelled from the 21.} DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO NO COLLEGE. house as incorrigible; no other sentence of any ordinary having been waited for in this case or the preceding. But if. although he has not been convicted in any of the aforesaid cases, as is aforesaid, but is with probability suspected ol some crime or fault of this kind, then his punishment is to be appointed him by the Warden, either with his own hand or with the addition of more or fewer hands, as the suspicion aroused be stronger or slighter; but if he shall not have cared to undergo it when thus appointed, or shall not have completed it in the form appointed him when begun, he is to be held altogether as convicted, no appeal, complaint, or other legal remedy to be of any assistance; all which legal remedies they are to renounce altogether at their admission, under the due oath then to be given, and especially the law which says that a general renunciation is of no effect unless it has gone before a special one. I Uit if the disgrace or suspicion of any of the above mentioned crimes, revolts, or faults shall have arisen against any of the aioresaid Paupers, lie is to undergo a like penalty tor his correction, reformation, and removal as was stated above in the correction, reformation and removal of the Co- brother Chaplains of the said College. If moreover, which heaven forefend, the disgrace or sus- picion of any such crime or fault shall have arisen against the Warden, the Brothers are to exhort him honourably to put away ami remove the material for Scandal or suspicion ; and if, having been exhorted for a second time, he shall have neglected to do this, he is to be denounced to the Bishop by one of the Co-brothers, to be canonically punished for this crime or fault by the Bishop himself, as shall seem right before God and justice. But *f, having been thus rebuked and corrected by the said Bishop, he shall have been unwilling to abstain from crime or fault of this kind, or if in other respects he shall have turned aside to unlawful things, and despised the remedy of due correction; he is to be expelled from the aforesaid Church and College by the Ordinary of the place, without any refusal or obstacle of appeal to be interposed by himself, legal argument or form to obtain no pi. ice at all in this case. If an> of the Brothers shall have proposed to leave the DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TON'c, COLLEGE. 215 College solely for a voluntary reason he is bound under the obligation of his oath, as is aforesaid, to make known his intention to the Warden and Co-brothers six months before his departure, that thus at least they may have power to discuss conveniently about choosing a suitable Chaplain, when he shall have departed; but if he shall have departed from the College itself within the aforesaid six month*, without inning duly made in the aforesaid form to the W arden and Co-brothers any notice beforehand of his departure, and shall have neglected, or at least refused, to make or complete his stay there, as he ought, to the end of the said six months, he is to lose the whole of his share of stipend which he would have had lor that half-year, if he had not failed to complete or finish his stay there, as he was bound. And we are unwilling that I, the aforesaid Isabel, or also the said Richard Penbrugge, or his heirs, or anyone in our name, should in any way, by ourselves, or by others, sei/e possession of lands, tenements, rents, possessions, or profits of any sort whatever, contributed or about to be bequeathed by us or by our successors for the upkeep of the College ana the aforesaid Priests, in the time of a vacancy of the Warden- ship, or of any other Canonry in the aforesaid Church, how- ever it shall happen that they are vacant ; nor should they in any way enter on, or lay hands on the persons themselves or things or goods whatsoever belonging to the aforesaid Church or College, with whatever pretence they may have found; nor also demand anything else in the aforesaid Church or College, either concerning the former or the latter, except only the assistance oi Prayers, and those things which are specially assigned to them by this our present Rule, power, however, basing been reserved to us with the aforesaid rules and Statutes, oi reforming, adding, lessening', correcting, changing, modifying, declaring, and dispensing, as often as, how, and when, during our lifetime it shall have appeared to us, necessary, just, or honourable. In witness of w hich our seals are appended to these present- Given at Tonge, the 9th day of the month of March, A.l). 1 4 TO'. And the 12th year of the reign of King Henry, the IVth after the Conquest. 2l6 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. I therefore, John, by the Divine Mercy Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, observing the fervour of the so great devotion of our beloved in Christ, the aforesaid Isabel, late wife of Fulk de Pcnbrugge. Knight, of William Mosse and of Walter Swan, accepting wholly in reverent fatherly love the above- mentioned rules and statutes, which for the increase of Divine Worship they have previously obtained, and are to obtain at the present time, made by Isabel, William, and Walter themselves ; and considering the abovementioned statutes and ordinances to be reverent and just, we, on our ow n behalf and that of our successors, according to the ttnor of these present, of our own pontifical authority authorise, approve, ratify, appoint, and ordain, and of our certain knowledge confirm, all and singular what are contained in them ; the power moreover being reserved to us and our successors with the aforesaid rules and statutes of reforming, adding, lessening, correcting, changing, modifying, declaring and dispensing, as often as, how and when it shall have appeared to us and our successors necessary, just, or honour- able. For the warrant, witness and perpetual remembrance of these, all and singular, we have handed our present letter, containing more fully in itself the ordinances signed below, written by a public notary, the secretary of our acts for this purpose, to be signed and published, and have caused it to be made binding by the addition of our seal. These things, which are written and recited above, as far as the)- refer to the confirmation of the said ordinance, were given and performed in our Chapel situated within our manor-house o.l I leywode, in our Diocese, in the year from the incarnation ol our Lord, according to the course and calculation of the Church ol Knghu.id 141 1 ; in the a1'1 Indiction ;' in the r' year of the Pontificate of the Most Holy 1 Fourth Imtiction (iudictione tjuarta). A cycle of Indiction is ;i seiies of fifteen years, b^imiing the 3rd year 15. C, and ieturnin<» round like other cycles. Tne Topes ilated their afcis by the years of Indiction alter Charlemagne gave l hem Sovereign power. To find the Indiction, add 5 to the given year A. I)., divide the rim i > y I 5, and the remainder, alter the division, will he the year of the 'Indiction, e.g., \ s ~-9 \ "Cso 4 i-J the Indiction for the year 141 1. 15 15 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE Father in Christ, Lord John,1 by Divine Providence the 23rd Pope; on the 27th day of the month of March ; there being then present there the venerable gentlemen, Master Henry Davy, Archdeacon of Stafford; William Neuport, Canon of the Cathedral Church of Lichfield ; and John Pulford, Canon of the Collegiate Church of St. Chad's, Shrewsbury, in the Diocese of Lichfield; and many other witnesses to these premises, who were specially called and invited. CHARTER OF KING HENRY THE FIFTH, CONCERNING THE TOWN AND MANOR OF LAPPELEYE, OTHERWISE CALLED THE ALIEN PRIORY OF LAPPELEY, FOR A LARGER ENDOW- MENT OF THE SAME COLLEGIA I E CHURCH." The King to all who may see or hear &c. greeting. Know that since at our Parliament, lately held at Leicester," the Commons of our Kingdom of England meeting there declared to us that in case a final truce between us and our adversary of France should be entered upon at a time then in the future, and that in addition to this all the possessions of the Alien Priories existing in England should be restored to the Chief Houses in places across the sea to w hich these pos- sessions belonged; injury and ruin would result to our kingdom and our people in the same, by the great support and transference of money which would be rendered to the aforesaid Chief Houses from the same possessions after that time for ever, to the no small impoverishment of our said kingdom in this respect; and that at the beginning of the war between the aforesaid kingdoms all our subjects had been driven out and disinherited for ever by a decision of law given in the Kingdom of France, from whatever possessions which they up to that time held by the gift of our noble ancestors in the said places across the sea within the juris- diction of Prance. 1 John, the 23rd Pope, formerly culled Balthasar Cossa, was a native ol Naples, was raised to the pontifical dignity in 1410, was deposed in 14 17, and (.lied at Florence in 14 iq. - Rot. I at. 3 Hen. V., pars t, m. 6. 3 Parliament assembled at Leicester April 30, 14 14. In the former paper is a mistake concerning this date. Sixteen should be four. It was at the first, not t ne second Leicester Parliament of 1426, that the above Ordinance w as passed. Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. DD 2lS DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TOXG COLLEGE. And in addition to this, with the assent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in the said Parliament, an Ordinance was passed by us at the request of the aforesaid Commons that all the possessions of Alien Priories existing in our hands in our aforesaid Kingdom of England, should remain for ever to us and our heirs: with the exception of certain possessions of these Alien Priories expressed and declared in the aforesaid Ordinance; and always preserving for certain of our subjects both spiritual and temporal, the status and possession w hich up to that time the)' had in any possessions of this sort, as can be seen more fully in the aforesaid Ordinance. We, of our special favour and at the special prayer of our beloved *"ido\v, Isabel, late wile of hulk Penbiugge, Knight, have given and granted to our beloved in Christ, the Warden and Chaplains of the College of S. Bartholomew, the Apostle of Tongge, in the County of Salop and Diocese of Lichfield, newly founded by the aforesaid Isabel, and Walter Swan, c lerk, ami William Mosse, clerk, for the celebration of Divine Services for our prosperity, while we shall live, and for our soul when we shall have migrated from this light, and for the soul of our most dear Lord and Father, Lord Henry, King of England, lately deceased,1 and for the souls of our ancestors, and for the prosperity of the Venerable Father, Henry, Bishop of Winchester,- and of Thomas, Earl of Dorset,3 our most dear uncles, and of the aforesaid Isabel, and moreover of Master John Prophete, Dean of York,4 while they shall live, and for their souls when they shall have migrated from this light, and for the souls of all other our ancestors and heirs, and of all the faithful departed, accord- ing to the ordinance of Isabel herself made for this purpose > the town, manor or grange ol Lappelcy, commonly called the Priory of Lappeley, with its belongings, and all other things, lands, tenements, rents, services, leases, annuities, 1 Henry IV. died March 20, [412-3. - Henry Ueairfort was Hi-hop of Winchester T 405-47. 3 Thomas Beaufort, Karl of Dorset, was afterw ards created Duke of Kxeter. (See Shakespeare's Henry I'.). 4 John I'rophete was appointed Dean of York, April 20, 1407 ; and died June, 1 4 1 6. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 2ig share?, pensions, woods, mills,1 meadows, pastures, waters, ways, footpaths, fishponds, together with feudal services of soldiers, and advowsons of Churches, and of all other eccles- iastical benefices whatsoever : arid also the Parochial Church (if the aforesaid town of Lappeley with all the profits, revenues, and emolument's belonging to the same Church of Lappeley, and issuing from it, also the advowson and patronage of the same Church and the other possessions and belongings whatever both spiritual and temporal belonging or relating to the aforesaid town, manor, or grange of Lappeley, commonly ealled the Priory of Lappeiev, within our Kingdom of England. For indeed this town, manor, or grange of Lappeley, commonly called the Priory of Lappeley, with its belongings, and all the other lands, tenements, rents, services, leases, annuities, shares, pensions, woods, mills, meadows, pastures, crofts, waters, ways, footpaths, fishponds, and reversions, together w ith military services and advowsons of Churches and other ecclesiastical benefices ; and in addition the aforesaid Church of Lappeley with all the profits, revenues and emoluments belonging to the said Church and issuing from it : and also the patronage and advowson of the same Church and the other posses-ions and belongings of whatever sort, both spiritual and temporal belonging or relating to the said town, manor or grange of Lappeley, commonly called the Priory of Lappeley, within our said Kingdom of England, were from ancient date parcel of the possessions of the Abbot and Alien Convent of St. Remigius of Reymys in Champeyne in the Diocese of Remes and on the occasion of war basing risen between our great grandfather himself and those of France fell as seisin into the ha mis of Lord Edward, lately king of England, '-' our great grand father, and still remain in our hands: and ought to remain to us and our heirs by virtue of the aforesaid Ordinance, made, as was mentioned above, in our aforesaid Parliament ; moreover, the}- are now let by us on lease to 1 h is still possible to trace distinctly the site of the millet's house, called le Mole ; the old null pool ; ami the site of the mill, named in an Lxtent of 13^cS, us part of the l?riory property. - Edward III., Kim; i 3-7"77- Henry V., donor of the Laplcy property, was was son of Henry IV., sou of John Gaunt, son of Edward III. 220 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. John Bally, Prior of Lappeley, to Richard Knightley, and to William Kane, monk, in the name of the Priory of Lappeley with all rights and belongings ; to be held from the Feast of St. Michael in the first year of our reign, while the war lasts between us and our adversaries of Irrance ; by paying from it to us 40 marks per annum, as the last leaseholders were wont to pay ; and from the increase two marks in addition to the Exchequer in equal portions at the Feasts of Easter and St. Michael ; of which annual 42 marks, 12 marks arc assigned as dowry to be received among other sums annually by our very dear mother Joan, Queen of England ;] and £20 have been granted by us to be received every year by our beloved Esquire [ohn Yale to the end of his life; to have and to hold the said town, manor or grange of Lappeley, commonly cailcd the Priory of Lappeley with its belongings; and all the aforesaid other things, lands, tenements, rents, &c; and the aforesaid Parish Church of the aforesaid town of Lappeley w ith all revenues and emoluments belonging to the same Church, and issuing from it, and the advowson and patronage of the same Church, and the other possessions &c. belonging or relating to the aforesaid town, manor, or grange of Lappeley, &c, freed and discharged towards us and our heirs both of an)- leases, shares, demands, and other secular services and burdens of every kind and of tythes, fifteenths and other ( barges or taxes of whatever kind granted to us before these times or likely to be granted to us or our heirs in the future. [All this we give and grant] to the aforesaid Warden and Chaplains and their aforesaid College, and their successors, to be held of us and our heirs in unalloyed and everlasting alms, for everlasting help and relief for the support of the same Warden and Chaplains ; and also of the two Clerks and thirteen invalid paupers, living within the aforesaid College &o. No obstacle being caused by the Statute of Mortmain concerning lands and tenements, or by that declaring that the aforesaid tow n, manor, or grange, commonly called the 1 Henry IV. of Lancaster was twice married, (i) in 1387 to Mary Hohun, daughter of the fc'arl of Hereford, by whom he had four .sons, and two daughters ; (2) in 140J, to Joan of Navarre, by whom he had no children. The latter was, therefore, stepmother to Henry V. Her effigy is to he seen in Canterbury Cathedral beside that of her husband. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 2 21 Priory of Lappeley with its belongings and also the lands, tenements, rents, &c.,and also the aforesaid parochial Church of Lapley, and the patronage of the same &c, belonged to a grant and presentation of our ancestors, and were given to the predecessors of the aforesaid Abbot and Convent tor finding two Chaplains to celebrate Divine Service every day in the Infirmary of the aforesaid Abbey before the invalids living there, or for keeping up hospitality or any other burdens whatever; or by that Statute declaring that the aforesaid town, manor, or grange, commonly called the Prior)' of Lappeley with its belongings, and the lands, tenements, rents, &c, and also the aforesaid Parochial Church of Lappeley, and the advowson and patronage of the same and also the other aforesaid possessions were taken and seised into the hands of our ancestors, and devolved into our hands, and ought to remain to us and our said heirs by the purport of the aforesaid Ordinance made in our aforesaid Parliament, as is aforesaid, and are now let by us on lease, as was afore- said, and are held of us, in capite, as was aforesaid ; or any Statutes or Ordinances put forth to the contrary, &c. Always w ith the stipulation that the Vicarage of the afore- said Church of Lappeley is sufficiently endowed ; and that a certain sufficient sum of money from the goods and profits of that Church is annually distributed among the poor parish- ioners of the same, according to the form of a Statute put forth for that purpose. In witness whereof &c. The King at Westminster, the 15th day of June [1414]. Among the Patent Rolls of 4 Henry VI. is an Inspeximus and Confirmation (dated 1 Nov., 1425), by advice and assent of the Lords spiritual and temporal, and of the Commonalty of England in the Parliament held at Westminster in the King's first year, to the Warden and Chaplains of the College of S* Bartholomew the Apostle of Tongge, co. Salop, of the above letters patent, dated 15 June, 3 Henry V., being a grant to the said College pursuant to the Act of 2 Henry V.1 Rot. Put. 4 Hen. VI. , pars unic.i, lit. 13, vcl 20. 222 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO KG COLLEGE. WILL OF SIR HENRY VERNON, KNIGHT, OF TONG AND HAD DON. The following arc all the references to Tong in the Will of Sir Henry Vernon. In the name of God Amen : in the yere of or lord God MCCCCCXIIIJ the xviij day of Janur> in the yere & Regne of Kyng Henry the viij the vj yere. I, Sir Henry Vernon, Knyght, hole of mynd & of body, in goode prosperyte often tymes thyhkynge of thys wrechyd lyffe Seynge by Sircuts of days & revolucon of yeres the day of deth to ffall whych nothyng 1\ ffyng may passe : therefore of thys helthful mynde thus I make my testament. ffyrst I bequeth my Bowie to Allmighty god and to Or lady Saynt Mary and to all the holy Company of hevyn & to blyssid Saynt Anne and to be dyfended agenst all wycked Sprets. IVm I bequeth my body to be buryed in the place at Tonge where i have assigned myselfe to lye. And for as much as \vlh good prayers and almes deeds the soule vs delivered from everlastyng dethe & payne, therefor ytt ys that I wyll and bequethe that a Couenable preste shall syng for inv Sowle, my wvffe Sowle, my ffather & Mother c\: all my Chyldern & all Crysten Sowlys and say dayly \vl11 flull offes of dethe in the sayde Churche of Tong or in the Chappell when ytt y3 made takyng for hys Sawde C.s yerely dining the space of v yeres next after my dethe ishops of Lichfield, LlandafT and Worcester to provide a site. Hardly a Bishop, too, was appointed or translated without having to surrender part of his endowments for the Lord Protector's use. Naturally, therefore, he posed as the champion of Protestan- ism to cover his robberies from the Church. Associated with him were William Paget, Secretary of Henry VIII. in his later days, who was suspected of having forged the last schedule of the late King's will, and who proceeded to enrich himself with the spoils of the great Abbey of Burton-on-Trent, and part of the lands of the Prior)' of Tutbury. John Russell, Larl of Bedford, conspicuous above all others for his power in absorbing monastic and chantry property, who in 1540 obtained a grant of the site ol the Abbey of Tavistock and the extensive possessions belonging thereto, and, alter the accession of Ldward, that of the Vol. VI II., jni Strict. Eli 226 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. Monastery of Woburn. In the reign of Queen Mary, how- ever, he appeared as a Roman Catholic. William Paulet, of Basing, co. Southampton, Baron St. John, afterwards Marquis of Winchester, who contrived to hold the Lord High Treasurership of England through the reigns of Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth, as he said himself, k' By being a willow, not an oak.*' Before him Edward Seymour, Lord Protector, was tried for treason in 1552, with the result recorded by his Royal nephew in his Diary, in a tone which raises suspicions that a prolonged life would have proved him to possess the true tiger spirit of the Tudors :— "The Duke of Somerset had his head cut off upon Tower Hill between eight and nine o'clock in the morning, January 22, 1551/' John Dudley, Viscount Lisle, afterwards Earl of Warwick, and Duke of Northumberland ( w hose father was the notorioi.s minister of Henry VII., executed by Henry VIII. for his illegal acts and tyranny), a man, says Froude, '" untroubled with religious convictions of an)- kind,'' and more unscrupulous in his dealings with ecclesiastical property than the Protector himself, whom he was eventually the instrument in bringing to the scaffold, in order to obtain that high position in his stead; a late which became his own on Aug. 22, 1553, for proclaiming Lady Jane Grey as Queen. " One honest man alone there was in the motly crowd of self-seekers who had sei/ed upon the supreme power over England. Among them moved the amiable figure of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer. Deference to authority degenerated in him into the obedience of a slave. Not a protest escaped his lips when Somerset and his minions were plundering the Church wholesale. No one was of less ac:ount in the Council. Cranmer was one of those men who are always under the dominant influence of some mind clearer than their own and some will which is stronger than their ow n. Independence o( action was foreign to his nature. But still his career was unspoilt by self-seeking or political ambition,." 1 William Herbert, Knight, of Eywas, co. Hereford, appointed a Knight of the Carter in 154S, and three years 1 Wakeman, History of the Church of England, pp. 264—266, • documents relating to tong college. 227 afterwards elevated to the Peerage as Earl of Pembroke, also became one of the most powerful noblemen of his time. Of him it is recorded that " he rode on 17th Feb., 1552-3, to his mansion of Bavnard Castle with 300 horse in his retinue, of which 100 of them were gentlemen in plain blue cloth with chains of gold and badges of a dragon on their sleeves."' Of the other executors, Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, had been Chancellor to Henry VHP in the latter part of his reign, having been raised to that office in 1544, and as such had in September, 1546, issued letters appointing commissioners to visit Tong College and make an Inventory of its belongings. He was one of the leaders of the Roman Catholic cause, and was too straightforward a Catholic to be admitted a member of Seymour's Council. (He had, however, enriched himself with the spoils of the Abbeys of Ouarr and Boileau). This character of uprightness may be also given to Cuthbert Tunstall, Bishop of Durham 1530-61, who was a strong upholder of the Pre- Reformation settlement of eccles- iastical affairs, and refused to take the oath of supremacy to Oueen Elizabeth in 1559. Sir Anthony Denny, Knt., one of Henry VIIPs Privy Council, was the only person among his courtiers who dared to inform his royal master of his approaching death. Henry- had, however, so high an esteem for Sir Anthony that he could perform that sad office with impunity. He was one of those set aside by Seymour. Sir LCdward Montagu was appointed Eord Chief Justice of the King's Bench in 1539, which office he resigned in 1544 to become Lord Chief Justice of Common Picas. " A Descent" (writes Fuller) "in honour, but an ascent in profit."' Sir Edward North, MVP. for Cambridgeshire, after being Joint Clerk of the Parliament, King's Sergeant-at-Law. and Chancellor of the Court of Augmentations, was raised to the Peerage in February, 1553-4, as Baron North, of Kirtlington, co. Cambridge. Sir Anthony Browne, K.G., and Master of the Horse to Edward VI., was in the next reign made Sergeant-at-Law, and in 1558 Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. Sir Thomas Bromley, the only Salopian among the sixteen, 228 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. was Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, as successor to Edward Montagu, till his death in 1555. Me was of Wroxeter, where there is an altar-tomb to his memory in the Church.1 Sir Edward Wptton, Knt., Henry VIII's Physician, took his Doctor's degree at Padua. He died in 1555, aged 63. Nicholas Wotton, D.C.L. (Oxon), was made Dean of Canterbury in 1541, and afterwards promoted to the same post at York, but refused a bishopric. During the closing part of Henry's reign he was employed on several embassies, and on the accession of Edward was appointed Secretary of State. He collaborated with Henry VIII. in the compilation of the book entitled " The Institution of a Christian Man." With such men as Seymour, Paget, Russell, and Dudley holding the chief power of the country, no surprise need be felt that the grant to Sir Richard Manners makes no proviso concerning the continuation of the College School at Tong, or the payment of a stipend to the Minister of the parish. The sums formerly spent on these objects simply went into his pocket, the School was extinguished, the Church became merely the private chapel of the Castle. Of the Commissioners appointed to seize on the College property: — Sir George Blount, Knight, was Lord of Kinlet, and a distinguished soldier. In his youth lie had served with credit in the French campaigns of Henry VIII. He was High Sheriff for Shropshire in 1564, and was one of the Commissioners for the survey of Church Goods for the Count}- of Salop in 7 Edward VI- ; and was a Commissioner for seizing Battlefield College in 1548. He died in I58i,and was buried at Kinlet, where, in the Church, is a canopied tomb of alabaster with kneeling figures, to his memory.2 Francis Cave was a son of Richard Cave of Stanford, co. Northampton, by Margaret, daughter of Sir Thomas Saxby of the said count)-, and was ancestor of the Caves of Bargrave. (Burke, Peerage, under Cave, Bart.). Sir Thomas Giffard, Knight, was the son of Sir John Giffard, Knight, of Chillington, co. Stafford, who had been five times Sheriff of his count)', and to whom Henry VIII. had in 1539 granted the dissolved Nunnery of Black Ladies 1 Transactions 2nd Scries, I. 15, &c. - Cf. Transactions, 2nd Scries. XII., 339-342 ; 3rd Scriec, III. 243; VIII. 124-127, and 149. I DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONEG COLLEGE,. 22C) at Brewood. Sir Thomas was twice High Sheriff of Stafford- shire in the lifetime of his father (i.e., in 1530 and 1553^, whom he succeeded in 1556, and died in 1560. He himseif had in 1535-6 obtained the property of the Cistercian Nunnery of White Ladies, near Tong.1 Robert Forster, one of the Commissioners for valuing the C'ollege goods, was also one of the College tenants; and on 25 May, ; Edward VI., signed the Indenture of the Church goods belonging to Tong. Nicholas \gard, another of the Commissioners for valuing the property belonging to Tong College and the Vernon Chan- tries at Toig and Bakewell, was of Foston,co. Derby, where his family h^d held lands at a very early date, almost immed- iately after trie compilation of the Domesday book. Their pedigree gives five generations before Walter Agard, who was living 1275-94, commencing with Richard Agard de Foston. Man}- of them distinguished themselves in the service of their country. Sir Thomas Agaid, Knight, of Foston, was a Privy C~ouncil!or in Ireland, and Governor of the County of Wexford in 15S0, and Francis Agarde was a Colonel of Cavalry, and Governor of Wexford, dying 11 October, 1577. His daughter Celeste married Sir Henry Harrington, Privy Councillor and Seneschal in the Byrne's and Toole's country (who had been educated at Shrewsbury School), and died S Sept.. 1584. A William Agard, "son and heir apparent oi a gentleman," entered Shrewsbury School on May 18, 1591. The family had also long held offices under the Crown in the Royal Forest of Needwood, a part of which is still called Agardsley. About 1390 |ohn of Gaunt, by gilt of a Bugle- horn bearing the arms of the Honour, conferred on the Agards the offices o( Bail ill', of Feodary, and ot Coroner throughout the Honour of Tutbury ; and in right of the horn 1 Sir rhomas (iiliatd was loth Lord of Chillington, was Bailiff and Keeper of the liishop's Pari:, mid Uailifl ol the lvpisccpal Manor, both at BrcwOod, and also Seneschal ot the Nunnery of While [,a if. the bodye of Sir Thomas Gy.ffard of Chyllington, Knight, which departed this Iransitoryc lytic the xxvij dayc of Maye in the ycrc ol our Lordc God M.D.LX." Of. IVm. Salt Hist. Coll., N.S. V., 126. 230 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. the holder still appoints the Coroner of the High Peak of Derbyshire. By his will, dated Aug. 22, 15 15 (still preserved at Lichfield), John Agard, of Foston (son of John Agard, by Ann, daughter of Sir Nicholas Montgomery), appropriated the tithes of Scropton (in which parish Foston lies), to the endowment of a Chantry within the parish church of Scropton. In this church is a monument, bearing the effigy of a knight in plate armour, to Nicholas Agard of the Commission, eldest son and heir of this John Agard, the founder of t lie chantry. Nicholas, besides possessing the family estate at Foston, owned also the Manor of Edensor, which included Chatsworth. His first wife was Margaret, daughter of Sir Henry Vernon of Tong and H'addon ; his second. Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir ol Richard Ferrars, of Walton, son of Sir Thomas Ferrars, of Tamworth. So Nicholas Agard was both a near neighbour to George Vernon of Tong and Haddon, and also great-uncle by marriage. Hence, probably, his appointment as Commissioner for the College of Tong, and Chantry of Bakewell. The Agard arms w ere : arg. a chevron engrailed gn. between three boars' heads couped sab. Crest : a bugle horn arg., garnished or, slinged sub. Motto: Dieu m! Agarde. In aftcr-\ ears Henry Agard, of Foston, was High Sheriff of the Count)' of Derby in JO15, John Agard, of Foston, in 1639, and Charles Agard, of Foston in 1661. The last was one of the proposed Knights of the Royal Oak, his income being put down as £2,000 per aim. The Agards sold the Manor of Foston in 1675. 1 COMMISSION FOR THE SEIZURE OF THE COLLEGE OF TONG, 17 SEPT., 1546. ' PARTICULARS OF SEIZURE, 2/ AND 29 SEPT., 1 546. CERTIFICATE OF SEIZURE, 30 OCT., [546. [Extract Translation]. Henry the eighth by the grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith ike. to his beloved 1 Sir Oswald Mosley, History of Tutbury, p. 14 »» Dr. J. C. Cox, Churches of Derbyshire, vol. iii., p. 263 ; Journal of Derbyshire Archaeological Soc, vol. viii., p. 7. - Chancery Miscellanea, Bundle 7, No. 3. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 231 George Blount, knight, George Vernon, Thomas Gyffarde, and Francis Cave, esquires, greeting. Whereas by a certain Act in our Parliament liolden at Westminster in the 37th year of our reign, amongst other things it is ordained by the authority of the same Parliament that we at our will and pleasure from time to time during our natural life may and can make and direct commission and commissions to be made under our Great Seal of England to whatsoever persons and in whatsoever counties and places we shall please or it shall seem expedient or requisite to us, and to give to the same commissioners and to two of them at the least full power and authority by virtue of that commission or of those commissions to enter for and in our name into all and singular chantries, hospitals, colleges, free chapels, fraternities or Guilds within our realm of England or in Wales, or elsewhere within our dominions or powers, or the marches of the same in that commission or those commis- sions to be named, expressed or appointed, which are charged or are chargeable to the payment of first fruits and tenths according to th • statute in this behalf had and provided, and into all and singular manors, mansions, messuages, lands, &c. to anv such chantry it>y of Bakcwell. co. Derby]. And the reversion and reversions whatsoever of all and singular the premises and of every parcel thereof ; and also the rents and yearly profits whatso- ever reserved upon any demises and grants of the premises or of any parcel thereof in any manner made, as fully, freely and entirely as the last Keeper or Warden and his associates or brethren of the said late College of Tonge, and the last chantry priest or incumbent of the said late chantry, called M Vcrnons Chauiitrye," and the last chantry priest or incum- bent of the said late chantry of Hawkewell or any of them or any of their predecessors at any time before the dissolutions of the same late Colleges and chantries, or before those late College and chantries came to our hands, or any other or any others ever had, held or enjoyed the aforesaid manor, DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TO KG COLLEGE. 239 rectory, chantries, messuages, lands, tenements and other all and singular the premises or any parcel thereof &c. Which said College of Tonge and the aforesaid rectory of Tonge, aiul the aforesaid manor of Lapley, and the rectory of Lapley and the aforesaid messuages, lands, tenements, and other the premises to the said late College as is aforesaid belonging and pertaining are now extended at the clear yearly value of 53/*'. 1 js. 5\d.1 And which said chantry, called " Vernons Chauntrye," and other the premises to the same chantry as is aforesaid belonging and pertaining are now extended at the clear yearly value of 6li. 9s. 2d. &c. Except, nevertheless, always, and to us our heirs and successors altogether reserved all jewels, silver vessels, ornaments, lead, bells, and bell metals, and all chattels and debts belonging or pertaining to the said late College and chantries or to either of them. To have, hold and enjoy the said College of Tonge, and the aforesaid rectory of Tonge, and the aforesaid manor of Lapley, and also the advowson of Tonge, and also the afore- said late chantries called " Vernons Chauntrye*' and Bawke- well cvc. except the before excepted, to the aforesaid Richard Manours, his heirs and assigns for ever. To hold of us, our heirs and successors in chief by the service of the fortieth part of one knight's fee; and renJering yearly to us, our heirs and successors in respect of and for the aforesaid late College, and the aforesaid rectory ot Tonge, and the aforesaid manor of Lapley and other the premises to the same late College, as is aforesaid, belonging and pertaining 5//. 14s. ohl. ; and in respect of and for the aforesaid chantry called " Vernons Chauntrye " and other the premises to the same late chantry, as is aforesaid, belonging and pertaining 12s. lid. &c. of lawful money of England at our Court of the Augmentations and Revenues of our Crown at the feast of St. Michael every year to be paid for all rents, services and demands whatso- ever therefor to us, our heirs or successors in an)' manner soever to be rendered, paid, or done &c. 1 In 1555 the Warden of Tong College returned the value of the Parochial Church annexed to the College as £6 13;. ad., less 14s. due to the Bishop and Archdeacon, the College endowments being ,£45 9s. iod. in gross, and / 22. 8s. id. in net annuil income. A year before in his accounts the Abbot of Shrewsbury included 6s. 8d. as paid yearly Ly the College of Tong, reserved to him by Is.ibpl Penbrugge when she bought the advowson in 14 to. 24O DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. In [witness] whereof &c. Witness the King, at Westminster, the 25th day of July [1547.] Will of J anils Wolkichl, who purchased the property of the College lying in 'long itself from Sir Richard Manners, Knight. Abstract of Will of James Wolriche, gentleman, of Tonge, co. Salop, dated ji May, 1 55 1 . In the name of God and of the gloryouse ande blessed Virgyn &c. . . I, James Wolriche, of Tonge, co. Salop, gentilman . . . will thai Alice 110 we my wief shall have all my messuages, lands, &c, in Cokesland, Seightford, Aston nyghe Doxsey, Saundon, and Goscotte, co Stafford ; in Tonge, co. Salop, and in Norton in the parish of Tonge; and also all my messuages &c. in Oncott, Lytteh Bridgeford, and Krnesen |? Ensoh], co. Stafford, during the noneage of my sonne ]ohn Wolriche ;l the remainder to Michell Wolrvche in}- yonger sonne . . . And also I wille and bequeathe my indenture and covent scale which was made and sealed bv the late Pryour and Covent of the late pryorie of Stone nowe dissolved . . . unto Alice my wief, and after her decease to Margery Colman my daughter in lawe &c. . . . To the said Alice my leases &c. in the Manor of Bentley of the dymyse and lease ot John Lane Esq. and also of one Sir Thomas Dobson, chapleyn, late one of the chaunterv pristes of Walsall. Also I give unto my brother Sir John Wolrvche fvve poundes to pray for my soule. To Elizabeth Starky my sister xx\ Unto Sir John Walker my chapleyne tenne shillings. The residue to the said Alice rny wief, she and my brother Sir john Wolrieh, prest, to be executors, per me Jacob urn Woli iche. Wit" John Br i sco we, Thomas Williams, Henry Henryson, and others. Proved at London the last da)' of May, 1552, by John Briscow, proctor for the executors. [P.C.C. ib, Powell.] 1 An undated list of the Freeholders of Shropshire circa 1580, has only two names lor Tong — Edward Stanley, Miles, and John Wolriche, gent. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 24I The Right Hon. William Pierrepont, of Tong Castle, who had in 1648 purchased the property of the College which was situated in Tong, by his will (dated 2 July, 1677, and proved in London, 17 August, 1678), left the Manor of Tong and " the College, Rectory, Glebe lands, and Tithes in the parish of Tong, in the County of Salop," to his son Gervas, Baron Pierrepont of Hanslope, in the county of Rucks, and Arglas in the Kingdom of Ireland. A deed, dated Oct. 23, 1697, of the Right Hon. Gervas, Lord Pierrepont, Lord of the Manor or Lordship of Tong, 111 the count}' of Salop, contains these clauses relative to the Minister. For the better maintenance of such person as at the death of Lord Pierrepont should be Minister or Curate of Tong or his successors, the said Lord Pierrepont gave, confirmed, and conveyed all the tithes of hay, wool, lamb, hemp, flax, apples, pears and all other tithes, oblations and offerings (the tithes of corn and grain only excepted), growing within the parish of Tong. He further granted an annuity of £30 per ann. to be paid half-yearly, at such times as the Minister could not enjoy the aforesaid tithes ; the Minister not to enjoy the tithes and annuity together, but only one or the other. He also granted an annuity of £14 for and towards the yearly expense of diet of the Minister ; and another of £6 towards the yearly expense of keeping one horse of the said Minister. Should however any Lord or proprietor of Tong, residing at Tong Castle, diet the Minister at his or her own table, and allow him hay for his horse, then he or she should retain these annuities in proportion for any space of time they should diet the Minister and keep his horse. And for the better accommodation of the Minister and his successors they should hold and enjoy for ever one chamber in the Castle of Tong, the uppermost chamber up the back stairs there, furnished with books and presses on both sides. Also the Minister should for ever have the free and un- interrupted use of part of the stable for the keeping of his horse, with a place over the same for keeping hay; and also between May 10 and Michaelmas day should for ever graze and depasture his horse in Tong Park without payment. Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. GG 242 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. [There was no Vicarage House till 1725, the curate up to that time living in the Castle as a private Chaplain.] MANOR AND ESTATE OF LAPLEY, CO. STAFFORD. The ancient and interesting Manor of Lapley, which was given to the College of Tong during the reign of King Henry V., on the suppression of the Alien Monasteries, was the old Domesday Manor of Lapelie, which was given by Algar, Earl of Mercia, in 1061 to the Abbey of St. Remigius of Kheims, as a reward for the kindness of the Brethren there in nursing through a mortal sickness his sun Burehard, who had been with Aldred, Archbishop of York, on a mission to Rome and was returning by way ol Kheims. Here he was taken ill, died, and was buried. On his deathbed he promised to the Abbot certain vills and farms of his inheritance, and this promise Algar fulfilled. They included the township of Lapley ; the much larger township of Wheaton-Aston ; and the hamlet of Marston in the adjoining parish of Church Eaton, all in Staffordshire; and Silvington, on the Clce Hills, in Shropshire. I cannot ascertain that the Lords of the Manor of Lapley ever held Marston in demesne, and their interest was probably confined to manorial rights. The Priors of Lapley held this Manor and Estate till Henry V. in 1414 bestowed it on the College of l ong. On the dissolution of this College in 1546, its property, including the Lapley Manor and Estate, was sold to Sir Richard Manners, Knight. Prior to 1617 he, or his heirs, presumably sold the manor, &c, to the family of Brook, who appear to have enjoyed it for two generations, when there was a failure of male heirs, though an interest may have been enjoyed for a few years by Ursula, daughter and heiress ot Walter Brook (elder son of Richard Brook, the purchaser from the Manners), who had married the Hon. Thomas Petre, younger son of William, Lord Petre. Between 1642 and 1667 the Brooks sold the Manorial Estate to Sir Theophilus Biddulph, Bart., of Elmhurst, co. Stafford, whose family, having held it for several generations, again sold it in 1765 to Samuel Swinfen, of Swinfen, near I DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE 243 Lich field, whose descendants held it for four generations and part of a fifth. Up to 18G6 the Estate, which comprised the Manor, the Advowson, the great or corn tithes of Laplcy and Aston, and the demesne lands, had remained intact, and probably the same as conveyed to Sir Richard Manners. In 1866, however, Frederick Hay Swinfen, Col. 5th Dragoon Guards, and the fifth Swinfen in succession owning the estate, sold to John Hartley, D.L., J. P., then residing at Tong Castle, and who was already the principal landowner in the township of Wheaton Aston, all those the demesne lands with the great or corn tithes thereon, which lay within that township. In 1888 the remainder of the Estate was brought under the hammer and was sold as follows : — (1) The Manor, to John Neve, Esq., Solicitor, of Wolver- hampton. (2) The great or corn tithes (with some small exceptions), to George T. Hartley, D.L., J. P., of Wheaton Aston Hall, and to Edward Riddle, Esq., of Wolverhampton. (3) The Advowson of Lapley to the Rev. A. J. Wright, Vicar of Stowc, co. Stafford. The demesne lands to Edward Smith, Esq., of Wednes- bury ; to the aforesaid George T. Hartley, Esq., of Wheaton Aston Hall ; and to Henry Francis Perry, Esq., of Lapley. Thus this ancient estate was entirely dispersed. DESCENT OF THE MANOR, AND ITS LORDS. 1061 Algar, Earl of Mercia. 1063 — 1414 The Priors of Lapley. 1414 — 1546 The Wardens of the College of Tong. 1546 (to a date prior to 1617) Sir Richard Manners and his heirs. 1617 — 1642 Richard Brook and his heirs. 1642 — 1761 Court Rolls missing; but it appears by records at the Lichfield Diocesan Registry that in 1667 and 1668, the living was filled up on the presentation of Sir Theophilus Biddulph. 1683— 1718 Sir Michael Biddulph, Bart. 1718—174.1 Sir Theophilus Biddulph, Bart. 244 DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TONG COLLEGE. 1744- -1765 Sir Theophilus Biddulph, Bart. 1765- -1771 Samuel Swinfen. 1771- -1784 Thomas Swinfen. 1784- ■1832 John Swinfen. 1832— -1840 Francis Swinlen. 1840— iSSS Frederick Hay Swinfen. 1888 John Neve, of Wolverhampton. CUSTOMARY FINES OF THE MANOR. Lapley and Wheaton Aston. One year's value on death or transfer ; and a heriot, — the best chatell — on the death of a tenant. Marston. One-and-a-half year's value on death or transfer, but no heriot. 245 MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &c, A. I)., 1532-40. Editrd and Transcribed (from a Copy of the Originals made by Mr John Beacall), by the Rev. C H. DRINKVVATER, M.A The antiquity of assemblages of men capable of bearing arms for the defence of the realm is best proved by looking into the etymology of the word Muster itself; for authorities are either very scanty, or, as regards distant ages, non-existent. Du Cange gives it under a Latin form, but with a distinct reference, which carries the word, and the use of it. back to the Year 1404, though it was then by no means a new word or a new practice : his words are these : — MONSTRUM, Monstra, ex Gallico moustre, cum milites rccen- scntur, vel se spectandos prcebent ad mititaria stipendia percipienda . . . Rotulus Parliament tenti apud Westmonasterium anno 5 Henrici IV. apud Spelmah — Assignavimus iro\vne of the photographic studio at Newport. A The musters takyn before Thomas Nevport cS: william Vonge squiers att Nevport the last day of marche in the xxxth yere of the Rayngc of our Soverenge lord King henry viij of the oon parte of the hundred of Bradfort within the Countie of Salop & all thes menne here Insuinge vvhos namysbe her) n wryttynne ar abull men (1538). 1 Pyckstock. John Adeney — billmenne Thes Townschips have harness for ij men A Jacke & a Sallet. BRADFORD, M UN SLOW, &C, A.D. 1 5 32-46. 249 2 Adeney. Thomas Adeney — biilmenne 3 1 1 YN STOCK. Thomas Benbo^'e—billmenne Thomas Tavlcr 4 Gherrynton. Thomas Bostock 5 Tybber ton. John Podmer John Podmer | John Wockeley - biilmenne John howlc John Podmer 6 Erkall parua. George Adeney— bow man ne George Bostock | , .,, 1 - biilmenne John Grauenar I 7 Nevport. humffrevBathowe) , •., ' Vbillmenne 1 nomas Benbowe ) S Cold Hatton Rauff Helton John Batowe j biilmenne 9 Gar m y s t o n a n d leyghton. Iwys leyghton — biilmenne biilmenne 10 LONGDLN. Nicolas Genyns \ Thomas Tayler J 1 1 Bolas. humffrcy Baughe ), .,, _ J ^ \ biilmenne John Sockett J 12 Teernl. William Chyrme — biilmenne biil- menne 13 Ellerton. Roberte woodde william Buckeley Thomas Grene William Asche Thomas Cartewryght 14 Aston subter wrekyn. Johannes Alen — biilmenne 15 Row ton. William Arnewey — biilmenne 16 Roxeter. Thomas Deyosl ^, T. i bowmenne 1 nomas Deyos J John Deyos — biilmenne 17 Daulley mangna. Jamys Podmer — biilmenne 18 Orlton. Thomas Cludde— biilmenne 19 Eyeton Costentyne. William Baxtar — bow menne humfrey Jeynyns — bill menne 20 Kynnesley. Robert Casewall \ John Grome j 21 Ketley, lee, and wiiappynsall. William Eke John Eke Thomas Alen the yonger William Cronage Richard Alen Richard Wakeley Richard Symonds William Podmer billmen 250 MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF bow emen 22 Wellington with the ham lett es. John fforster— bowc men William Banaster bill man Walter Eke William Taylor [ William Corbett Roger Alen 23 Atcham. William Bcyst — bowe men 24 Berwyck. William whytcombe hath harnes for hymself 25 Sabury. humfrey Croxston ) George peplowe Roger Croxton John Genyns Thomas hatton Roger peplowe William Cooke William Moryes , Thomas Clime John Botclcy William Peplowe Robert Croxton lawrence Breten william Reynolds Geffrey Roger vvosse Roger Lkyir William Reue Marton Corbett humfrey west on John Curryar' Dauy Douvid Thomas Jenyns John Jenyns Thomas Jenyns bo we men bill men Thes menne haue ail harnes for iij. menne. Thes menne haue'all harnes for iij. menne. 26 Wytheford Magna & Eggebolton. William woodde — bowe men. Thomas woode ) 1 •,. Richard wood j 27 Preston vppon the Botes. Rugor Baggeley | John Maunsele r bowe men iidmond lon-mor ' bill SUBTER 28 Walcote. John Kylvord William Grene 29 U R T o n H A M O N I) . Robert Pygyn \ william Pygyn Ad dam fferynton , bowe men Phellip fferynton Richard pygyn 30 Downtton. Thomas Icke Richard uicars John Jenyns Richard Coblev j 31 Norton. ffoulke heynys 32 RODON. Thomas lee \ Richard Rilvort billmen mylys Cheschire J • ill BRADFORD, M UN SLOW, &C. A.D. I532-4O. 251 bill- men 33 Roddynton'. heugh leyghton' John leyghton I humfrcy Cartwryght J 34 Sugg don. William heynys — billmen 35 Staunton. Hie' ffelton ) . j 1 y r , > bowmen John Hynckes J Thomas Sommerfeld Thomas Besford Ric' hynckes William ffelton William Kyrbv [ohn ffelton Ric' Kyrkeley John Besford Thes townschips hath har- nes for iiij men. bill- men billmen 36 Hatton super hynd HETHE. Ric' Taylar William Grome Ric' Sommcrfeld Ric' hall Rondull Cobte humfrey Peate , Thes Townschips hath har- ries for ij men. 37 Kaynton. Edward Rey \ Thomas Wyld | William howle I Thomas myiner J Sum of the billmen is ccccccxvij. Sum of the Bowemen is cxvij. boo men B The uewe of musture taken' of the hundred of munslowe the xxjth daye of September last past before Richard Cornewall & William ffoxe Esquyers Justices of the plant Anno regni henrici octaui dei gratia Anglic ffrancie et hibernie Regis fidei defensoris et in terra Ecclesie Anglicane et hibernie supremi Capitis vicesimo quarto. (1533) 38 The Townships of Muns- lowe. Stone Acton. A John Benbowe Constabu- larius 39 COLDWESTON. A. Ro' heynes Olyuer heynes 40 ROWTHALL. B. John Crosse 41 Walton & Atterley- C ar' Ben bow Ar. William Benbow Ar.' Ar Thomas Benbow John Tarte 42 Mylychop & iiongur- EO RD. Ar' John Skarlett A bowe & six Arrowes 42 Udston. Ab William A bowe A byllc 252 MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF 44 Wyeston. A. Thomas botfield A bylle A Ro' botfcld A bylle 45 Township of Hopton. A. Thomas Benbowe Const' 46 Madeley. A. William Alcn an horse A. Ro' Bowdelar Ro' Smythyman 47 Betery & Badger. Ro' Janyns — Const' 48 Muche Wenloke. A John Byll Hugh byll A payr of Splents 49 Grethnek. Ah. Ellis Bowdular Thomas Blakwey William phelips A Cote 50 BENTALL & POSENALL. Thomas Child William heynes 51 Foot & Bkomfyld. Robert Jenyns C The uewc of musters taken in Ludlowe of Staunton lacy the xxlh daye of September before Richard Cornwall & William ffoxe Esquyers justices of the peaux Anno regni henrici octauo dei gratia Anglic firancie et hibernie Regis lidei defensoris et in terra Ecclesie Anglicane et hibernie Supremi Capitis vicesimo quarto. Con- stables 52 Thou n ship of Stanton lacy. Ric' Brome one horse" & sj)lentis Rye' heyns J A Thomas Cressett Gent., A horse & harnes for himself William heyns F>. Thomas heyns Walter heyns Olvuer heyns Ab. Roger ban ys of the hope 5_l The Pole. , \ These iij to Roger C ookes ■ J ,, , , I make A salet 1 nomas heyns Ric' Slacje plents. |& j. paire of J 51 A.B Ric' hardynge of mykley one paire of splents. 55 Town sua p of hopton A B Roger heyns A.B. Thomas maylord A.B. John maylord 56 Sutton A. William heyns Const.' 57 Hyggeford middelton A.B William heynys servunte to John baughe 58 Township or WOL- FE RTON A. John Ambelerl , J „ . I an horse ( onst. , j 1 C4 , UV arrowes John Steple J AB Thomas Stepple An horse BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C„ A.I). I532-4O. 253 59 The township of assheford. Thomas Ambeler one bow ou The township of ASSHEFFORD CaRBENO. John Chyld 61 The tounshipps of overton More & BITCHCOT A. Ar Ric' Bowdler 62 The rowNSHipps of Cleyfelton & Win r- BACH A.b. Rowland hunt a brcst plate, a bake rr Kane egge Kic slattor John wyxton Robert Grymley Edward evan T 1 J John downe Robert downe \\T IK- . . . , 4- ~ Wylliam wyte ■\ \ j 1 1 * 1 Wylliam walcar Ric' harcar W*. IK- il Wylliam newa!l Katie snawe John powle \lf 11' 1. . L Wylliam penkcrston 11 < - 1 John Gardy kic grymley Wylliam dekvn Katie iiokis Wylliam byile John lee Kane ltorster T 1 » 1 John dason Thomas Wyte George lec kic uenables \ \ - 1 1 • 11 _ \\ ylham wyikeson 1 nomas Wy Iky son T 1 11 1 nomas wyrall John Loton Owen goodman hugth lee Nicholas brockefyid Rye' wodde George burgnall John newet Roger beteley \\ llliam Emery 1 homas vvryth {sic) John Gat era 11 I homas Egerton 11 1 1 John wrytn Edmund gryndle Wylliam newet Roger emere Thomas rosell Wylliam blanter Rondyll geruisse John watson George geruisse G The Muster taken the \th daye of Apryeil in the (ye)re ol the r . . . . the viij by Syr Richard maynwaring knyght & Thomas pygott esquier et Henry .... halfe of the hundred of Bradford in the Countie of Salop. 69 Eddyslky Thomas stokman' hor. bar. w,h a byll Thomas powllet bar. on fowte wth a byll Thomas hodson wth a jackc a bill Thomas foude harnesyd on fowte wth a byll. 70 Farva Ashe Gharles San fort hor. har. wth a byll Wylliam jaxson hor. har. wth a byll. 25S MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF Thomas powle hor. har. \vth a byll John jaxson wth a horse a jacke a byll Thomas hurston hor. har. wth a byll Raffe vvytyngam hor. har. \vth a byll Thomas leghe wth a jacke & a byll 71 Magna Asm-; John Clyffe wUl a jacke & a byll liable men of these towncs wlhout harnesse John hurston John cowkc Roger le (erased) jerke John Emery Roger leche Thomas jaxson hugth hethe 72 HOLHURST C1IEYNELL able men wlhout harnesse John hairnet Jamys Thowyshener Ric' daue Thomas dodg Daue worall 73 Ightfylde Wylliam gold wth a jacke a byll John bechewey wth a jacke Wylliam coo \vth a jacke a salet a byll Thomas lyster hor. har. w11' a byll llugth tomkyn hor- har. wlh a byll harre masse hor. har. \vto a byll George Curedoner hor. bar. \vlh a bowe Ric' Smyth hor. har. wth a bow. Roger parkys hor. har. wtb a byll. Wylliam maneryng hor. har. vvlh a byll. Thomas grafton George yevvanson Wylliam Symson Wylliam powle Ric' peynter howmfrey felyppe Raffe Storton J oh 11 swanwyke Robert wydward Wylliam aschyn George cleyton J°nn nelson John golde Thomas gate Ric' danycll' Ric' Torperle\- Ric' bowcle Jonn ^-grc Thomas Chester hught \yewer John downc Rcse gytton BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.D. 1532-4O. John hopkyn Nicolas cokis hught dekyn 74 Caluerallk wylliam (erased) ashe Thomas curcdon hor. har. \vth a bow humfre dufic hor. har. wth a byll 75 Cadkrwaie Thomas trym hor. har. \vth a bovve Peter Kempt wth a jacke a byll hught golburne harnessyd on fowte \vl1' a byll 76 Sanfort Thomas w\ tyngam wth a pcre of slewys a gorget Thomas sanfort redy hor. har. & a b)'ll Thomas Eyton harnessyd on fowt vvl1' a byll Edward Jaxson harnessyd on fowt wth a byll Ric' Sanfort \vth a jacke & a saler Thomas purstd 1 wth a jacke a salet a byll Thomas Curedon wth a bow & a Sheffe of arowys George Sanfort hor. har. wth a bow. 77 Tylstoke John Monfort wth a sheffe of arrowes Rye' chelterton wth a salet a byll John hychyn wth a jacke a bowe John myllerton wth a bow a sheffe of arowes 78 Ightfyld able men wlllont harnesse Wylliam vvytyngam Wvlliam bowers 70 Rye' gryffyth John lester John dawe Tylstoke Thomas bane Wylliam hopkyn john hagerthorn Ric' fluweUin Wylliam monfort Thomas pursell hught dukyn lv i 1 : " gamul hught .... George parkis sail Ric' wodde Wylliam huvs Robert buys Thomas jenkynson John hopkyn 2 Go MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF So Calueriiall. Wylliam palin w Wvlliam dason a hor. & a byll Si San fort Roger golburne Ric' Jaxson Ric' Shvnler Thomas spencc Gryffe San fort S2 Cade k way George Moston Ric' wrvth humfre hichynes Wylliam banester harry smyth 03 Betton under lynje Roger hynton hor. liar. wth a byll Ric' Stynton redy in liar, on fowte wth a byll James wetwood harnessyd on fowte wth a b)'ll Thomas wood ley harnessyd on fowte wth a byll John bate harnessyd on fowte wth a byll Ric" coton hor. har. wyth a byll. 84 Stoke super perne John hardman wth a jacke cv a byll John bade wth a jake Wylliam Rycroff.\vth a jake/ a salet Ric' clyme hor. har. Ric' holyns hor. har. 85 Parva Draytos John grynsell harnessyd on fowte wth a byll 86 Terne hille James inorton, a jacke wlh a byll Wylliam graors a jacke wth a byll Roger wesyr harnessyd on fowte \vth a byll John Gosth .... hor. wth a byll John fluwellin wlh a salet a byll John burghall wth a salet a byll Thomas althynton harnessyd on fowte wth a byll John da.uyson wth a salet & a byll John rychartson hor. bar. wth a byll Wylliam whicstede hor. bar. wlh a byll BRADFORD, M UN SLOW, &C., A.D. 1532-40. 87 Betton ondek lyne able men wythout harnesse John brodhurst Thomas brodhurst Thomas wctwood stewyn kenrycke James penson SS Stoke simper terne John browne Ric' browne John watkyn William Eyton Ric' hurdman John hurdman Wylliam pace hught chere Roger mendlove 89 Parua Dayton {sic) Ric' hegyns Thomas batrick 90 Terne hill John wytyngam 91 Aderley humfry ama Robert wytyngam hugh malbye Wylliam ryder John malkyn Thomas tarlton John hanson 02 Adderley Thomas tagg Thomas Coton James higins Thomas higins John geruisse John blakeburne Robert trow y 11 Raffe vvynne Julm Eyton Peter nortonley John browne Roger bate humfrey bate Ric' mowre Thomas styme Wylliam bycarlver Roger hopkyn Raffe hanson Wylliam mee Ric' morre Robert crystylton 1 jacke salet a byll John harryson wth Thomas morre Ivor. bar. w"' a byll hught maydyn wlh a jacke a salet Robert wryth hor. bar. wth a byll humfrey egerton harnessyd on fote John ncdam hor. bar. wlh a byll. Robert gwelter wl1' a jacke Wylliam malkyn w'1' a jake a salet a Vol. VIII., 3fd Series. ,yll KK 2()2 MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF John mant hor. har. \vth a byll John Shocleche \vth a jake a salctt Wylliarn samson vvth a jakke a salct a bow Thomas raynold wth a salet humfrey burgesse wth a jacke humfrey turner wth a jacke ').) Raflc l)olesse foweke bochar 94 GOLDSTON Ric' pete Thomas hunte 95 Blecheley hught padmor hught cloverley John hmson (? hnrmston) Robert harris Thomas pere Thomas bromley 96 Cheswardine able men w'out harnesse WylliaiTi foxe John north James brodhurst Thomas fernollis (? f) Thomas podmer John harris John manchester Rondyll balle John howle Ric" frynd wylliarn nagynton vvyllm shawe humfrey Jaxson John bate 97 Stoke in the hamble TS Ric' bendbow Robert col)' Wylliani bowcle Thomas garson hught chester nycolas chester Rodylt leuer John glower Ric1 axson hug tli cokis Robert brayleye John pete Hught breis John lowgton humfrey dekes John hamblet John farynger Roger gregory John chawner 98 Add e rle v Raffe cud worth Wylliarn clyffe Robert bryge John pax ton Thomas Corke Thomas nedam Raffc wylde John burges BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.D. 1532-40. 263 John morre Roger Codman Thomas Codman Jonn torner Wylliam burges Ric' Stuyrope 99 Sheynton Raffe grey hor. liar, w'1' a byll Wylliam howper harnessed Ric' wodward harnessyd on on fowt fowt Wylliam myccowryght har- Robert smyth harnessyd cm nesscd on foot fowte Jonn vvylde harnessyd on Robert wytyngam harnesse fowte wth a bow on fowte Roger henbery hor. har. \vth George Grego (erased) lowe a bow harness)'d on fowte 100 Berson Rondyll grayfner harnessyd Thomas colly hor. har. wth a on fowt bow Ric1 grayfner harnessyd on John moore hor. har. \vth a fowt bow John graifniar hor. har. wlh a Geffrey lee hor. har. wth a bylle bylle Robert graifner hor. har. wth h light dale hor. har. wth a a bylle bylle Geffrey graifner harnissyd on Thomas graifner wth a X how fowt wth a bow Ric. grene harnessed on fowt wylliam cleyton harnessyd on \vlh a byll (ovvt wth a bylle 10 1 Norton in hales John Cowper wth a jacke & a John graifner hor. har. wth a bylle bylle Wylliam pyxley wta a jacke John towe (? Cowe) hor. har. salet a bylle wl1' a bylle Wylliam frynd hor. har. vv11' Thomas Jonson hor. har. wth a bylle a bow- Roger Coton hor. har. wth a ^ bylle 102 Berson able men wythout harnesse Thomas graifner Wylliam watkys Wylliam acton Robert bessley John vvrith John Tyrlton Rafl'e plante )ohn patryke MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF 264 103 Norton in halis felcppe pygot John frynd wylliam graifner Wylliam pyx-ley raffe frynd Thomas hasalle hught cleyton Ric' harley Ric' Sandley Wylliam wynyton Harry burges John peyrson Wylliam cleyton Wylliam rwe Thomas malpas humfrey ward ley Raffe powle wylliam gregory Wylliam fond John wy 11 bury Ric' wystorton Jamis galowe 104 Drayton in halis Wylliam beche hor. har. \vth a bylle Thomas vvebbe w'h a salct a bylle 105 OWRE GREHONGER Wylliam bowdley hor. har- wyth a bylle John Cleyton hor. har. w1'1 a bill Robert maneryng hor. har. \vth a spere Thomas dorinton hor. har. vv11' a bill John poysur harnessyd on fowt w"1 a bylle 106 Sutton harry powlc hor. har. \vth a bow Ric' astley a salet w'1' a bow 107 Drayton in halis John butter w°' a jacke Raffe grypton wth a salet & a bow John butter hor. har. wth a bill Humfrye hynton w"' a bow & arrowcs Marry helkyn harnessyd on fowt wl1' a bill Ric' helkyn harnessyd on fowt wth a bill hught rathbon wth a jacke salet a bylle Thomas acton wth a jacke salet a bow Roger nonlcy wth a jacke a bow wylliam yelton wth salet Harry eccols wth a jake a salet a bow Ric' bycarton wth a jake Thomas coke wth a jake & a salet BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.D. 1532-40. 265 10S Draiton ablemen wth< James alcrosse Ric' smyth Rondyll bloer George leche Ric" a.xson Raffe cowke Rober yeuens Robet flecher Ric' yemans Thomas adny Thomas baistans Ric' dauison hught grepton John fythe Rondyll fythe humffre coke 109 Drayton in hales John title)' hor. har. \vUl a bille John maneryng hor. har. wth a bille John mynton hor. har. w"' a bille George besfort hor. har. \vlh a bille Robert allcrossc Thomas by lies John hylles Thomas burton [ohn cowpcr Wylliam Colic John llecher Wylliam powlc Wylliam waynewryth Thomas locket hught mosse John powle wylliam dalton John geriiesse Thomas styche it harnesse Thomas browne Thomas leynryke Geffre Cartvvryth Georgius hatto (or hallis) Robert stanfyld Thomas hill Robert yerdley Thomas bettley John cccolls Ric' mcrcke Thomas dolier Thomas barley John morgan John hylles John aspsyate Wylliam Coke humfrey Edsley with a jake, a bille Roger Coton harnessyd on fowt \vth a bow John coll)' hor, har. wth a bow byllc Robert cake Christopher pyckes Wylliam bekynsalt Thomas marten Ric1' butts Ric' j'axson John coton Thomas braydlcy hught ap John John harkeworth Thomas wylson houghth golburn John buttes Thomas web be Robert cramer 266 MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF Wylliam Cape Wylliam powle John lewes Ric' frynd no Cues is John barcar hor. har. wth a billc John Jonson wth a jake a bow Able men without harnesse Wylliam tatton Harry mekyn William humfre Ric' tetley 111 SlTTON John yeton Ric1 yeton Wylliam yeton Thomas grauener Ric' jaxson George jaxson 112 MORETON SAY. John aschu w lh a jake/ a salet John warken wUl a jake & humfrey harryson/ jake salet splints John grypton/ jacke salet Rait Eyton hor. har. wth a Thomas weter/ jackc salet bi lie John tyler hor har. wth a bill 113 Woore. hughte hampton wth a jacke Ric' hardyng wyth a salet a billc Wylliam rvder hor. har. wth John reve hor har . wlh a a bille bill Thomas eyton \vth a jacke a W ylliam gidlow wl" a jacke bille a bill Thomas hernis harnesse on Andrew waggc w ith har. on fowt fowt. r 1 4 Longelow. John smyth harnessyd on fowt Wylliam hachet wylliam Raffe wylde wl" a jacke, salet. eytons's 1 fowt mail a bille John crowke hor. har. wUl a William wryth wth a jacke bille salet a billc John powle wth a jake a salet Wylliam pursell wth a jacke vvth a bille salet a bille 115 LONG FORT JUXTA DRA1TON harry poule hor. har. w11' a Wylliam curton, hor. bar. billc wtl' a bille BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &.G., A.I). I532-4O. 267 Thomas dowries hor. liar. wch John eyton \vth a jake a bow a bille Thomas powle w11' a jake a Wylliam wythey harnessyd bylle 011 fowt \vlh a bowe Thomas probyn \vtb a salet Robert barbyn harnessyd on fowt wUl a bille 116 Woore able men wthout harnessc Wylliam cleton Edmund farthinger wyiliam snoe Robert butler John higgyn Ric' brome Ric truloue peter drayton Ric' hum son ( .J ) John percar j nomas j >ai ill 1 homas parcar John bcterton Ric* frawses Thomas trulcuc wvlh.im drrvnton T dmiinn n;i 111 ntnn J 1 1 1 1 ' 1 i 1 ( 1 1 ■. 1 1 1 I ' 1 v 1 . Rnb( >rt fuM'vn ton Wylliam havward liught humson { ?) humfre gydiow Roger mychell John hinson i ?) Ric' wylde 117 LONTC.rORT John madlcy humfre wefer Wylliam Jaxson Harry Eastley 118 Morton say James wodde Roger coton [anics grypton John ruby n son hught cheoffm' ( ?) John oby nq Wemme wvth hambleti: [ohn hikynson on low! hai nessyd w"1 a hylic Wylliam Ewans hor. liar, w' a bow Wylliam addam on fowte W11 th 1 \y a salet a sheffe of harnessyd of Thomas wryth wth a perc spentes & a bilie Wylliam brayne hor. liar, w" a bylle John hynton hor. liar, w"' a bow lam nawei & a bille I ohn gebbe w arow es George calcot wth a jacke <$: a bylle hught SheiTGt \vlh a jacke & a salet John Judson wtl1 a jacke & a perc of spents Robert sheron w11' a jacke Robert thorlin wth a bow •68 MUSTEK ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF Thomas hikynson hor. har. wth a bille Ric' pentlyn harnessyd on fowi Ric' hikynson hor. har. wth a bille H light hynton \vth a bow arowes a salet Robert ric arson hor. har. wth a bille William watkys hor. har. wth a bille William newnes hor. har. wth a bille Rondyll maneryng hor. har. wth a b John thurlin hor. har. Christopher Alinson hor. har. Robert cowper hor. har. John mowrton wth jacke salet a bow Ric' Cowper hor. har. wth a bylle Wylliam sturdy hor. har. Ric' mason hor. har. \vlh a bylle John hothall hor. har. wth a bylle John baly wth a jacke cS: a salet wylliam alyn wUl a jacke Roger ashe hor. har. wth a b. Wylliam hinton wth a jacke John burrows hor. liar. 1 20 WlvMML able men wUl wylliam gryffe Ric' laurens John Growme Wylliam lee John foxe Roger lowskcy Thomas barne hor. har. Wylliam webbe wth jacke salet splentes John Ellis vvth a jacke salet Roger oliuer hor. har. w11' a sheffe of arowes Robert calcot wth salet Thomas oliuer harnessyd on fowt wth a bille George maneryng hor. har. wth a bow Robert banester hor. har. Roger hor. har clois bille Alen hogkys hor. har. vvth a bow Charles borrowes hor. har. wlh a bille John benion hor. har. wUl a bille William Downes w'1' a jacke salet lowys bentley wth a salet & splents John hykynson of coton hor. har Wylliam mendloue hor. har. nicolas Rydley wth a jacke & a salet Roger vvytfyld \vWl a jacke salet a sheff of a. Wylliam lowskyn wth jacke salet a bille out harnesse John lowsky nicolas wrythe John hichyn Marys dauyd william ilavvellyng Robert Witflyn BRADFORD, wylliam bentley Ric beswyke halyn sherot Thomas thurbyn Robert sherot Roger hine Alin dikes wylliam Covvper Edward watkys wylliam ashe william farrall Roger elielwall humfrey Elynson Ric' dyer II ught rycroffe John Kylfort nicolas ry (sic) John goddam Wylliam hay ward humfre jebbe Wylliam newne wylliam thurbyn wylliam bayle John stoke Thomas gozth John hynton Robert glower Ric' bayle Ric' harper 1 fumfre drury Ric' tayler Ric' downe Thomas watkys Thomas Laurens Roger men ley George Trn/rey luight sen't {sic) Ric' m-orys Ric' whatland Thomas draper Vol. VI II., Jt'i Series. MUNSLOW, &C., a.D. 1532-40. Ric' gozth John cowper John hyckryn Ric' stocryn John holbroke wylliam wryth John tayler John moris John add am s Thomas Catstre Ric' maneryng '1 homas maneryng Robert maneryng Roger addams Roger downe John hardall Rondyll brokefyld nyclas wodowys Thomas moyle filype flecher Thomas pygyn John brabyn Wylliam tyler Edward newnes Robert sambroke Thomas elis Thomas powell Alin bromley Robert jebbe Ric' newnes John lnson niclas mayne William holynshcd Ric' henson Thomas heyward wylliam schasbryke Ric' tiler Roger tiler John shawbroke Ric' laiirens MUSTER ROLLS OF Till' HUNDREDS OF 121 Wyllaston John Chester harnessyd on fowt wth a bille Thomas pyxley hor. har. w,th a by lie 122 Wyllaston able men wthout har. George broton Raffe holde Thomas gowld Roger benion 123 Redcas fYLLK lordshyppe John Po'wle w"' jacke salet a Ric" pete hor. har. w bylle Wylliam morrall hor. har. wth a bille Robert felyps hor. har. \vlh a bylle Roger heyr hor. har. w"' a bille 12 4 Ri dcas pyll lordschypp Thomas hornwe a bille Roger dowries hor. har. jacke ' a bille John morrall \v"' a jacke salet bylle John bryd w11' jacke Roger powle John growme Ric' growme Thomas downes Thomas downes Wylliam wydowson Robert bradsha John downes John brornall 125 Hacston (sic) John powle hor. har. wth a bow 126 Marciiemley George darman hor. har. wth a bylle Thomas harris wth a jacke K\ nston Thomas sanfort Ha co rox Wylliam robyns hught bnrth John golburne Rye' ye man Kynston Thomas morrall hor. har. Ric' growme wth b arowes Marchemlc) Thomas harris Thomas burton Thomas dekyn Robert podmore Roger dekyn wth a jake Wylliam browne wth a jake Wylliam hare wth a splents & Robert robyns hor. har. w"' bow ■ men w"'out harnesse John dekyn humfre maydyn Ric' ashe Roger rydall BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.D. I532-4O. 271 Wylliam burton Ric' yemans Ric' barrett Wylliam ashe Roger fawkene John grome 127 HODNETT Ric' Watson w11' jackc a gorget a Ric' brome wth jackc c\: a salet Ric' hychyn wUl jake & poll axe 128 HODNETT Ric' stan fort [ohn watson Thomas kylfort Robert abc John brome [ohn Machyn humfrey Valins Thomas Ekyn '1 nomas Cartwryth John passe Ric' rypton Thomas hie (or tuc) Thomas darby W ylliam byddyll Wylliam dec Wylliam henson Cieorge hey nicy 129 Olerton John madley harnessyd on fovvt w"' a bylle [ohn gratwode wth liar, for a man John coton w"' a jacke 130 Pic low ( Pcplow i Nichas Cow per vv,h a jackc salct John watkys hor. bar. Thomas watkys hor. liar. Ric' bayle w11' a salct & a billc bill. Wylliam dekyn Rondyll nawull Wylliam hey nicy Ric' browne George chroton Edmund frank more Ric" Ice John darby Wylliam bowles Ric' cartwryth Wylliam clogtery (?) [ohn Carter John browne Wylliam rydley Wylliam fawkener humfrey powle Ric' dakyn wUj a jake John powle wth a jacke Thomas powle harnessyd on fowt Roger penson hor. bar. wn' a bow Robert J on so 11 w"1 bar. for a man 272 MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF 131 Olerton hablemen w' John masse John Clee John bostokc 132 Pelow Robert person Thomas Kylfort 133 Wyxsalle John gregory hor. bar. w,h a bille William bentley hor. liar, w"1 a bille 134 Wyxsalll Raffe adulston Robert powle mychil gozth Roger hey war Wylliam addams h tight clyffe Thomas swanwycke Ric' bromlcy Thomas dudyeston hught corser Thomas wylkys Wylliam clyffe Thomas aste Hught pyxlye hught ( at tell Wylliam aston 135 "Hrese w"1 hambletis Wylliam brenton w11' a salet Roger mad ley \vUl a jacke hught roe hor. bar. w11' a bille hught milton harnessyd on fowl humfre cle hor. bar. vvUl a bille Wylliam tagge wtl' jake Ric' france \yth harnesse 'out bar. greffrey bryd Thomas coton Raff drayron John carter John cartvvryth |ohn shcraton wth a jacke &: a byllc Roger penson hor. bar. John g. (sic) John hyggyns Wylliam nuton Thomas aston Raff gregory Thomas hanma'ke ban}- Galcot Thomas ryder John gyre Thomas gcgory (sic) Robert pry Ric' gre,gory (sic) James clyffe Thomas ric'son Wylliam dodynton Ric* Waryn harnessyd \vth a bow Thomas madri harnessyd \v,h a bylle hug tli pas harnessyd vvUl a bylle Thomas choss (or crosse) hor. bar. w"1 a bylle BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.D. 1532-4O. 273 John gewcll wth a jake salet a bille Ric' sydebowthem w*1' a jake salct 136 Prese wth hambletis Ric' clarke Thomas pyxlcy harry warton niclas prike Thomas squcnlakc Thomas garret humfrc stubbe Thomas sucar Ric' statharton Ric' Inkyn Ric' turner Mathe harward Wylliam dan)' Thomas pyxley Thomas belywet Ric' Chetwall Wylliam brotton Raynold bryan hugh catstakc Thomas gamul John grull Ric' waryn {erased) Thomas rydlcy hught pyxlcy Thomas callcster John honiton John blunde 137 Hopton & Aspley Thomas bentley harnessyd on fowt Thomas car aspley hor. har. wth a bille 138 Hs'Opton & Aspley John Cart wry th Thomas Cartwytli John starsyd harnessyd on fowt wth a bow Raff gre harnessyd wth a bylle Thomas broketon Ric' clee John brokton Ric turner Godfrc garret William Carter Raff sucar John bold Thomas pate Robert bowkele Thomas pyxlei Thomas lee Thomas jatwall John elkek hught catrall Ric' swanwycke Wylliam pursell hught roue Thomas penson John ric'son Thomas gregory Thomas harpon Wylliam brysto niclas Calcot John passe John ap Thomas John nevct with a jake ec a bille Wylliam grene Rye' rycroff harnes for j. man Wylliam browne 274 MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF 139 Aston Wylliam laurens har. for a Thomas laurens har. for a man man 11} ciab liyll w u. jai\c ex \V \'llinm n 1 rp 11 c hir tor 21 splents man 140 Aston (near Wem). John anse Wylliam pychfort 141 LEE UN DER BROCHURST John pychfort wUl a jake John groorne \vth a salet Wylliam bollocke vvth a jake Ric' gromc wth splentes 142 Lee under brochurst Roger bycle Thomas waters John pychfort humfre wade 143 The lordsh vffe of ClIESWARDY.N Robert tatnold hor. bar. \vUl Ric" bowde wUl a jackc a salet a bow a bill Thomas Sowdley ij men hor. John hogkis hor. har. w,h a har. wlh ij bylles bille John alpart hor. har. wth a Wyllm gaddall hor. har. w th byllc a byllc Robert wevar hor. liar. \vlh a Robert chawmer hor. har. byllc wu' a byllc Robert powle wlh a jackc & a Robert cokis wlh a jacke & a bow byllc Wylliam baylle hor. har. w'1' Ric' wryth hor. har. wth a a by lie byllc h'umfrey Kilerton hor. har. wth a byllc I44 Lv I I ILL BOLESSE. John bolcsse rcdy harness} d on fowte wlh a bylio Thomas hynstokc w"' a jackc, a salctt, a byllc Kobci t wytlon w"1 a salct a b\ 11 j 45 Goldstone Wylliam bo le hor. bar. wl1' a byllc 14b BtlECHELEY [and 95] Roger parbyn w11' a jacke & a Raffe barrc hor. har. w,h a byllc byllc BRADFORD, MUM'S LOW, &C, A.D. 1532-40. 275 Wylliam burre wth a jacke George bate hor. har. \vLh a spents a bylle by lie John stobbs hor. har. wth a bylle 147 C IIKSWARDYNE able men \vfchout harnesse John tone Thomas hamblet kic1 spender John preston John hewys James pete Wylliam brodhust hught howlc John pete Wylliam tastar Kic' boydin Wylliam crabton Thomas parker Wylliam browne Kic' harpar Wylliam hogkys [Note by Mr. John Beacall.] The piinted Calendar says of these musters, Vol, 21, page 264, 1539, March. 652 Musters These musters seem to have been taken at various dates during the Spring of 1539 ; most of them by virtue of a Royal Commission issued 1st March, 30 Henry VIII. Some of the Certificates specify this, others are distinctly dated, but a great number bear no date, and are placed here as probably taken at this season. [A great many places in the Hundred ol Bradford are not in these lists; we may suppose that they are not complete.] A few words about each of the Justices who took the musters w ill not be out of place here. Thomas Nkwport of High Ercall, who (with William Vonge) took the muster at Newport in 30 Henry VIII. (1539) was a lineal ancestor of the Earls of Bradford. He served the office of Sheriff of Salop in 1543 and again in 1550. He married Ann, daughter of Sir Robert Corbet of Moreton Corbet, and was father of Sir Richard Newport, Knight Sheriff in 1 5 5 j . His will was proved in R.C.C. in 1551. William Vonoi:, Esq., ol CayntpiL was Sheriff of Salop in 1548, and was great-grandson ol Sir William Vonge, Knight, Sheriff in 1492. Blakcway says that the Vonges were originally ot Ludlow, and afterwards of Newport, and acquired Caynton in 1346 by the marriage of Thomas Vonge 276 MUSTEK ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF with the heiress of William or Richard de Caynton. They ultimately sold Caynton to Mr. Briscoe about 1763. Their arms were — Or, three roses, two and one gules. William Yonge married 1st Anne, daughter of Sir William Snead of Bradley; and 2ndly Mar)', daughter of Anthony Bonnor of Camden, Co. Gloucester. He was still living in 15S4. Richard Corn l wall, Esq., of Burford, who (with William Foxe) took the muster for the hundreds of Munslow and Purslow,.and at Ludlow in 24 and 34 Henry VIII. (1532 and 1542), served the office of Sheriff of Salop in 1549. He married Jane, daughter and co-heiress of Sir Henry Wogan, of Prendergast, and w as father of Edmund Cornewall, know n as the " strong Baron " of Burford, who was Sheriff in 15S0. The forthcoming history of the " House of Cornewall," by the late Lord Liverpool, and the Rev. Compton Reade, should throw much light on this family. William Fox, Esq., of Ludlow, was Bailiff of Ludlow in !525- x532> 1537, 1543-4, and 1553, and M.P. for Ludlow in 1529 and 1534. His own armour is thus described in the Muster Roll of Ludlow taken September, 1542 : — " William Foxe, gent., hath to serve the King's Highness one pair of almayne Rivets with the appurtenances of a man, two nair of brigandines, one jack, four salletts, two pairs of splents, four bills and two geldings." He married Jane, daughter and heiress of Richard Downe, a burgess of Ludlow, and had by her fifteen children. He died 23 April, 1554, and was buried in Ludford Church, w here there is a splendid brass to his memory. His w ill, dated 6th March, 1553, 4, was proved P.C.C. 3rd April, 1554. Many more details about William Foxe will be found in the Transactions, 2nd S., XII. 116-123, in Mr. Henry Wey man's excellent paper on the " Foxe Family."' Sir Richard Mainwakinc, Knight, of Ight field, who (with Thomas Pigott) took the muster of halfc the hundred of Bradford in 1539, belonged to one of the most ancient of Cheshire families. He served the office of Sheriff of Salop in 1545, and again in 1553. His wife was Dorothy, daughter of Robert Corbet of Moreton Corbet, and he was father of Sir Arthur Mainwaring, who was Sheriff of Salop in 1563. BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.D. 1532-4O. 277 Thomas Pigott, Esq., of Chetwynd, was son of Robert Pigott, Sheriff of Salop in 1517. He married 1st Elizabeth Onley of Northamptonshire, and 2ndly Agnes, daughter of Richard Crofts. The Chetwynd estate was sold about 1776. Thomas Pigott was ancestor of the Corbets (formerly Pigott) of Simdorne Castle. Some account of him will be found in the Transactions, 3rd S., VI. 71. The arms of Pigott are — Ermine, three fusils in fesse sable. Place-names with Domesday and other equivalents, in alphabetical order. A lew of these are not identified, or doubtful. The letter 1) is prefixed to such as are found in the Survey of 1080. The numbers attached refer to the paragraphs of the musters. HUNDRED OF BRADFORD. Adenky (2) Addeney 1327. Adeney or Adney, near Edgmond. Aderley (91, 2) I) Eldredlei, Eldredelei. Aderdelege 1327. Adderley. Asm Magna (71) Esslv maior 1327. Ash magna. Asm. Pakya (70) Essh' minor. Ash parva. AsTON-su.iJTKK-WKiiKYX. I). Estune. Aston (under the Wrekin). Aston (.139, [40) Estune Estone. Aston 1327. Aston, near W'cin. Atciiam (23) 1). Atingeham. Atyncham 1327. Atcham. Berson (100, 2) I). Bardestune. Beartone 13^7. Bearstone. Berwyck (24) D. Bercwic. Beorwyk' 1327. Berwick Maviston, Bet roN-oNDi: r-j ami. 83, 87) 1). Baitune. Betton 1327. 1 >etton-in-,l lales. P)i i t 111 1 ky (95, 1 j6j. Bloth' 1 3 j 7 . Blecheley, near Stoke- upon-Tern. Bui a ; (i 1). Boiikvas 132;, Hollas if)M>5- Bolus magna; B01 1 ssF 1.1 11 11 1 (03, 1 1 1 ). Little J Solas (?). Cadicrwaii: (75, 82) C'ADi'RWAY, a lost place. (? ? Cloverlcy). Caeuekalle (74, 80) D. Cavrahalle. Caluerhal 1327. Calverhall (or Corra) Cm kkynton (4) 1). Ccrlintone. Cherynton 1327. Cher- rington. Vol. Mil., jnl Scries. M M 278 Muster rolls of the hundreds of Cheswardine and Chipnall (96, 143, 147) D. Ciseworde and Ceppecanole. Chesewarthyn. Cheswardine. Cold Hatton (S) D. Hotune. Wtton 1327. Cold Hatton. Culsis (1 10) I). Corselle (?) ? Cross Ilili, near Hinstock. Daullev magna (17; 1). Dalelie. Dalyleye 1327. Dawley Magna. Dovnton (30). Downton. near Upton Magna. I >rAyton-in-halis, Draiton (107—100) D. Draitune. Dray- tdn-in-Halis 1327. Market Drayton. DrAyton pakva (85) D. Draitune. Parva Drayton 1327. Little Drayton EddysLEY (b(j) D. Edeslai. Edeslcge 1327. Edgeley. Eggeboeton (26). Edgebolton, 6 m. S.E. of Wem. EllertoN (13) Ethelarton 1327. Ellerton, 1 in. E. of I linstock. Erkall parya 6) I). Arcalun. Childes Ercalewe 1327. Child's Ercal. Espley (137, 8). Espleye 1327. Espley, S. of Hodnet. Eyeton Costentyne (19) D. Etune. Etone 1327. Eton Constantine. Garmyston (9). Garmeston 1327. Garmston. Golston (94, 145). Goldstcn, near Cheswardine. Grehonger (105) D. Gravehungre. Grauenhonger 1327. Graven hunger. Hacston 1125). Haukeston, with Coskcsford 1327. Hawk- stone. Hatton-supek-hyndhethe (36) D. Hetune. High Hatton. Hinstock (3) D. Stoche. Hinstok' 1327. Hinstock. Hodnet 1 (127, S) D. Odenct. Hodnet. Holiiurst Cheynell (72). Holl) hurst and Chinnal. Hopton (137, 8) D. Hotune. Hopton 1327. Hopton, near Hodnet. Ic.rrri'Yi di (73) I). Istefelt. Ightefeld 1327. Ightfield. Kayn ion ( 37). Caynton. Ketley (21). Ketteley 1327. Ketley. KynNekeev (20) D. Chinardeslci. Kinnersley. Lee (2i) D. Lega. Legh Combrey 1327. Lee (Gomery). Lee-under-prochurst (141, 2) D. Lege. Leghe 1327. En: BrocV hurst. LeyGHTon (9) D. Leston. Lcghton 1327. Leighton. BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C-, A.D. 1532-4O. 279 Long dok (10) D. Languedunc. Longden-upon-Tern. Longfort (115, 117) 1). Langeford. Longgeford 1327. Longfbfd, near Market Drayton Longslow (114) D. Walenceslau. Wlonkeslowe 1327. Longslow. MARCliEMLiiY (120) D Marccmeslei. Marchumleye 1327. Marchamley. Moreton Say (112, it8) D. Mortune. Moreton 1327. Moreton Say. Newport (7). Weweport 1327. Newport. Norton (31) D. Nortune. Nprton-in-Hales. OLERTON 129, 13F). D. Ulureton. \\roolcrton, Ollerton. Orlton (18). Orleton, near Wellington. Owre (105). Wauroj. Wpore. Woore. Pelow i 130, 132; D. Papelau. Pappelowe 1327. Peplow. Prese (i 35, 136) J). Pres. Prees 1327. Prees. Preston-UPPON-the-botes (27;. Prestonc 1327. Preston Boats. Pyckstock (1). Pykstock 1327. Pickstock. Redcastylle (123, 12. |h Rcdcastle, near Hawkstone. Rodon (32). Rode nt1 i 3 2 7 . Roden. Roddynton (33) D. Rodinton. Rodynton 1327. Rodington. Rowton (15) D. Routone. Roulton 1327. Rowton, near Crudgington. Roxeter (16) D. Rochecestrc. Wrokcestr' 1327. Wroxcter. Sabury (25) D. Sawesberie. Shaw chin ' 1327. Shawbury. Sanfort (76) J). Sanfofd. SondP 1327. Sandford. Sheynton (99) Scenlune, Schentunc. Sheinton. Staunton (35) D. Stantune. Staunton' 1327. Stanton-on- Hine- Heath. Stokf-suit:r-terne (84) D. Stocke. Stok-supr-Tyrne 1327. Stoke-upon-Tern. Stokesay, or Stoke Laey. Stoke-in ■tiie-jiamblf:tts (97) D. Stocke. Hinstock. Sugg don (34). Suggedon. Sugdcn, near Rodington. Sutton (io(>, 111) D. Sudtone. Sutton, near Drayton. Teerne (12). Tern, in High Lrcal parish, now 'Pern Pann. Ternehille (86, 90) D. Cesdille, or Cestulle. Tern Hill. TybbeRTON (5) D. Tctbristone. Tybrighton 1327. Tib- berton. TvLsroKi: (79; Tyldstoek. Tyldestok' 1327. Tilstock. 280 MUSTEK ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF Ui'TOX-suBTER-iiAMuxi) (29) D Uptune. Uptoneand Upton 1327. Upton Magna Wellington (22) D. \\Talitonc. Weolyntone 1327. Wel- lington. Wemme (119, 120) D. Weme. Wemmc 1327. Wem. Whappynsall (21). Whatineshal 1327. Wappenshall, near Wellington. Woore (113, 116) (see Owre). D. Waure. Wpuer. Woore. Wvllaston (121, 122). Wylaston 1327. Willaston, near Prccs. Wytchurche (68) D. Westune. Album Monasterium 1327. Whitchurch. Wythli oed magna (26) D. Wicford. Magna Withif* 1327. Great Withyford. Wyxsalle (133, 134) D. Witehala. Quixhal' 1327. Whixall. hundred of m UN slow. Alwesteetton (64). Aluethestret' 1327. All Stretton (Alureds stretton). AssiiEFORD (59) D. (unum manerium). Upper Ashford. Ash lord Bowdler. Asshefoed Carbeno (60) I), Lsseford. Ashford Carbonel. AtteRLEY (41). Attcrley, near Much W'enlock. Bentall ( 50) D. Benehale. Benthall 1327. Benthall, near Much Wcnlock. Betchcot (61). Betchcott, in Richard's Castle parish. Betery and Badger (47) I). Becheberie and Bcghesovre. Beckbury and Badger. Bromfyld (51) D. Brunfeld. Magna Brofeld 1327. Brom- field. Cleyfelton [hi). Cleyfelton 1535. Clayfelton. Coldweston (39) I) Galveston, Cold Weston. Gretiiner (49) a lost place. (? Gretton, near Cardington). Hopton (45,55) D. Hoptune. Monk Hopton, or llopton Cangelord. Huggefokd M 1 dde ETON (57) 1). Middeltone. Middleton Higford, near Bitterley. HungerFoRd (42). Hunger ford, near Millichopc. Ludlow ('»'>) 1). Lude. Ludlow. Madei ey ( |o) 1). Madelie. Madeleye 1327. Madcley. BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.D. 1532-40. 28 1 Moke (6i). More, near Richard's Castle. Muche Wenloke (48) 1). Wenlock. Magna Wenloke 1327. M neb Wenlock. Mylychop (42) I). Melicope. Myllynch'op 1327. Millichope. Overton (61) D. Ovretone. Overton, near Richard's Castle. Pole (The) (54V ? Lost place. Posenall (50). Posenhal 1327, Posenthal. Posenhall, near Willey. Pyot (51). (A lost place, or a mistake of transcriber). ? ? Ryefelton. Rowthall (40) 1). Rohalle. Rothall 1327. Ruthall. Stan ion Lacy (52) 1). Stantonc. Stanton Lacy. Stone Acton (38). Stone Acton, near Rush bury. Stretton (63) I). Straton, Stratune. Church Stretton. Sutton (56) I). Sudtone. Little Sutton. Udston (43). Woston, near Stanton Lacy. Walton (41) 1). Waltorie. Walton Savage, near Stottesden. Whituach (62). Whituich, near Brdmficld. Whittingslowe (65) 1). Witecheslawe. Whyttyngges Lowe 1327. Wittingslow. Wolfert' >N '58). Wooflerton, near Richard's Castle. Wyeston (44). Weston. HUNDRED OF PURSLOW. Lydbury (6/) I>. Lideberie. Lydbury North. S UK NAM KS i.ND DESIGNATIONS. The transcriber makes no apology for the insertion of these lists. The space they occupy is in great degree compen- sated by the assistance they will give to compilers of pedigrees and Family histories, as the period they cover is one just before parish registers are of use. and so they will in main' instances serve to fix conjecture, and also afford a clue to the original location of families, before political troubles compelled removal elsewhere. A Abe, Acton, Addams, Adeney, Adulston, Alcrosse, All- crosse, Alpart, Alen, Alkynton, Althynton, Alyn, Alynson, Ambcler, ap John, ap Thomas, Arna, Arnewcy, Asche, Aschu, Ash, Aspsyate, Astc, Astley, Aston, Ause, Ayxton. B Hade, Baggeley, Baistans, Raker, Bayle, Baly, Balle, MUSTER ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OF Bame, Banaster, Banister, Barcar, Barbyn, Barret, J >arrons, I >atc, B athowe, Batowe, Batrick, Baughe, 1 >axter, Beche, Bechway, Bekvnsalt, Belvwet, Benbowe, Benion, Bentley, Besford. Besfort, Bcswykc, Beteley, Bettley, Beterton, Beyst, Blakwey, Blander, Blanter, Bloer, Blunde, Boehar, Bolode, Bollocke, Bold, Bolcsse, Bor- rows, Bostock, Boteley, Botfyld, Bowers, Bowles, Bowele, Bowkele, Boyd, Boyde, Boydin, Boyse, Brabyn, Bradlc, Brander, Brawl le w Braylege, Brayne, Breis, Brid,Briddy, Bridge, Breton, Brentel, Brodhurst, Broke, Brokefyld, Broketon, Bromfyld, Bromall, Brome, Bromley, Brotton, Broton, Browne, Bryan, Boudeler, Bowdeler, Bowdley, Brunfalter, Browne, Bryge, Buckley, Burgesse, Burghalt, Burre, Burrows, Bursley, Burth, Biirton, Butler, Butter, Bycalver, Byearton, Bycle, Byddyll, Byll, Bylle. Cake, Calcot, Callester, Cape, Car, Cardy, Cartewryght, Carter, Cartwryth, Casewall, Caterall, Catrall, Catshe, Catslake, Catshere, Cat-tell, Chawmer, Cliester,Cheschire, Chctwall, Ch.elterton, Cheoffrer, Child, Chyld, Chorsc, Chroton, Chowton, Chyme, Cle, Clee, Clarke, Clayton, Cleton, Cleyton, Clogtery, Clois, Cloverley, Cludde, Clune, Clyffe, Clyme, Coblcy, Cobte, Codcnan, Cokes, Cokis, Coke, Col)', Coll)', Constantirie, Coo, Cooke, Corbett, Corner, Coton, Cowper, Cowke, Crabton, Cramer, Oronage, Croxton, C rosse, Crowke, Crystylton, Cudworth, Curton, Ciueddn, Curedone, Curryar. Dale, Dalton, Dakyn, Darby, Dannan, Danes, Danyell, Dane. Dason, Dauyson, Dauys, Dawe, Dauy, Deker, Derynton, Dckes, Dek\ n, Deyos, Dody, Ddrler, Dorinton, Douerd, Downe, Downes, Draper, Drayton, Drury, Dudgeston, Dunkyn, Dunne, Dyer. East Icy, Eccols, Ede, Edsley, Ege, Egge, Eggerton, Emere, Emery, Elis, Ellis, Elkek, Ellerton, Elynson, Evan, Evan son, Ewans, Eyton. Farral, Earthing, Earynger, lrawkeuer, Fawkner, Felipe, ffelton, ffcryngton, Felips, Figes, Fygcs, Flecher, Fluwellin, Flawelling, Fonde, Foxc, fforster, Fernolles, France, Frankmore, Frawkes, Frynd, Freynd. Galowe, Gamul, Garson, Gate, Gebbe, Geton, Gewcl, Genyns, Gcruisse, Gittowes, Gidlow, Gydlow, Gloucr, BRADFOWI), Ml'NSI.OW, &C., A.P. I5J2--{0. Grafton, Grauenar, Graors, Grayfner, Graifner, Grat- wode, Grail, Godda, Golde, Golburne, God man, Gosth, Gozth, Gregory, Grego, Gagolowe, Grene, Grcpton, Grey, Gregarret, Growrnc, Gromc, Groronie?, Grimley Gryndle, Gryffe, Grynsell, Gwelter, Gyre, Gytton, Gryston. H Hachet, Ha-erthorn, Hall, Hairnet, Hamblet, Hampton, Hanirarke, Hanson, Hardman, Hare, Harley, Harper, Plardyn^, Hardale, Harpon, Harward, Harris, Harr)'s, Harryson, Harkeworth, Hasalle, Hatton, Have, Hatto, Hayward, Hegyns, Helkyn', Henson, Henbury, Hether, Hemes, Hewys, Heynys, Heywar, Heynley, Heynton, Heyr, Hichyn. Mine, Hichynes, Hie, Hikynson, Higgyn, Hill, Hither. Higgons, Higyns, Hinson, Hocheskcs, Hodson, Hodgoks, HOgkys, Hokes, Holbroke, Holde, Holyns, Holynshed, Honiton, Hopkvn, Hothall, Howie, Howper, Humfreson, Hum son, Hunt, Hunte, Humfre, Huys, Hychyn, Hyckryn, Hyggyns, Hykyson, Hylles, Hyll, Hyncks, Hynstoke, Hynton. I Icke, Inkyn, Inson. J Janyns, Jaxson, Jatwall, Jebbe, Jebbo, Jenkynson, Jerke, Jonson, Jewnerson, Judson, Jeynyns. K Kectell, Kempt, Kenrycke, Kylvord, Kylfort, Kyrby, Kyrkeley. L Laurens, Leche. Lee, Leghe, Ley gh ton, Leyton, Lester, Leynryke, Lewes, Liner, Longnor, Lowgton, Lowskyn, Lowsky, L\on, Lyster. M Machyn, Madly, Madn, Malbye, Mai pas, Malkyn, Man- chester, Mant, Mason. Masse, Maneryng, Marten, Maun- sele, Maylo, Maylord, Maydyn, Mayne, Mee, Mekyn, Mendlove, Mereke, Mentey, Meyricke, Milton, Middelton, Monfort, Morgan, Morice, Morys, Moryes, Morre, Moore, Mowrc, Mowrton, Morrall, Moston, Mosse, Mylner, Myehell, Myllertbn, Myecowryght. N Nawuil, Newall, Newet, Ne\'et, Nedham, Nedam, Nagynton, Nelson, Newne, Newnes, Nonley, North, Nortonlcy, Nuton, Nyclas, Nycolls. ( ) ( )by, Oliver, ( )mler\vood. P I'admor, Palm, Parbyn, barker, Parkys, Parrel, Parcar, Pas, Passe, Pate, Patryke, Paxton, Peale, Pete, Phelips, 2S4 MUSTEK ROLLS OF THE HUNDREDS OE Plante, Penson, Pentlyn, Percar, Pere, Person, Peyrson, Peplowe, Peynter, Podmer, Podmore, Powell, Powllet, Powle, Poy, Popsin, Preston, Probyn, Pulfort, Puke, Pursell, Pyerin, Pyckes, Pychfort, Pygyn, Pygot, Pynker- ston, Pyxley, Pyxleye. R Rathbon, Rawlyns, Raynold, Reue, Reve, Rey, Reynolds, Richard, Ric'arson, Ric*son, Roe, Rowe, Robyns, Robynson, Rosell, Ry, Rycroff, Rychartson, Rydall, Ryder, Rydley, Rypton. S Sambroke, Samson, Sandiey, Sanfort, Sawager, Schas- bryke, Sen't, Sharon, Shawe, Shawbroke, Shelton, Sheraton, Sherot, Shoelcche, Shyhler, Skarlett, Slade, Slatter, Smyght, Smyth, Smythyman, Snoe, Sockett, Sommerfcld, Sowdley, Spence, Spender, Squenlake, Stanfyld, Starsyd, Statharton, Stcplc, Stoke, Stocryn, Stokman, Stocton, Stobbs, Stubbe, Styme, Stynton} Styche, Swanwycke, Sydebotham, Symonds, Symson. T Tagg, Tagge, Tarleton, Tastar, Tarnold, Tatton, Tayler, Thaw ysheuer, Tetley, Thorlin, Thurbin, Tetley,Tomkyn, Tone, Torner, Torporley, Towe, Tyler, Turner, Twe, Tyrlton, Traleue, Trulove, Trym. U Uicars. V Valins, Venables. W Wade, Wagge, Wakeley, Wardley, Waryn, Warton, Warken, Watkys, Waters, Watson, Waynwryth, Webbe, Weiver, We for, Welsh, Wesur, Weston, Wetwood, Whicstede, Whytcombe, Wilcocks, Wilding, Witflyn, \Vodo\v)'s, Wodward, Wodde, Walcar, Wollon, Wordley, Wotton, Wockeley, Woode, Wryth, Writh, Wyld,\\ ylde, Wydward, Wynbury, Wynyton, Wylson, Wystorton, Wytfyld, Wythey, Wytyngam. Y Yetton, Yeman, Vemans, Yeton, Yeuens, Yewanson. N.Ik — Some of the above family names will be found in the Visitation of Shropshire 1623 (Ilarleian Society ), as also in " Last Visitation of Shropshire 1663," by W. H. B. Bird in Vol. IV. of 2nd Series of the Transactions, pp. 5^-63. PERSONAL OR CHRISTIAN NAMES. This list contains nothing very striking. It may be use- fully compared with lists in previous papers. The commoner names are spelled uniformly. The less common ones seem BRADFORD, MUNSLOW, &C, A.J). 1532-jO. 285 10 indicate that they were taken down by the scribe, as at the time pronounced, and show in some slight degree the different variations of dialect, which we know from Miss Jackson's book, existed in the county. The numbers appended give the times each name appears. John, 242 ; Thomas, 183; William, Willyam, Wylliam, 133; Richard, Ric', Rye', 118; Robert, Robet, Rober, 5b; Roger, Ruger, 55 ; Hugh, Hught, Ilughte, Heugh, 35 ; Ilumfirey, Humfre, 35; Rain, Raffe, Raff, 31; George, Gcorgius, 26; Nicolas, Niclas, Nichas, 13; famys, [amis, |ames, 12; Ilary, Harre, Harry, Henry, ro; Rondull, Rondyll, 8 ; Edward, 6 ; Edmund, 5 ; Geoffrey, Geffre, 5 ; Gruff, Gryffe, -j ; Ro', Rowe, 4 ; Alen, Alin, 3 ; Car*, Charles, 3; Dauid, Dauy, Dane, 3 ; Levys, Lewes, Lowys, 3 ; Foulke, 2; Johannes, 2; Christopher, 2; Oliuer, 2; Phelip, felypc, 2; Peter, 2; Rowland, 2; Walter, Water, 2; Addam, I; Ellis (Elis), 1 ; Godfre, 1 ; Henry, 1 ; Laurence, 1 ; Marton, 1 ; Marys, 1 ; Mathe, 1 ; Mylys (Miles), 1 ; Owen, 1; Rodytt, 1 : Stewyn, 1 ; Symund, 1 ; Raynold, 1. ARMS, ARMOUR, &C. In the 3rd Volume, 2nd Scries, pp. 144-146, there is a Glossary of weapons and defensive armour used and worn in the time of Elizabeth ; but that (referring to a period only about 40 years later) is a much longer list than this w hich fol- lows, for in the interval guns and gunpowder had come into use. The contrast is a very interesting one, not to be lost sight of. AkmigeR. — A knight, or esquire, a knight's companion. In times of chivalry, the word signified an attendant on a knight or other person ol rank, who bore his shield, besides rendering him other military services. BACK (or Back-piece); — That piece of armour which covers the back, corresponding to the breastplate. Row. — The long bow (the cross bow is not mentioned ) about 6 ft. in length, its range some 320 yards. BrestpLATE (or breastplate). — Armour for the breast, origin- ally made of thongs, cords, leather, 6cc. (hence lovica, cuirass), but afterwards brass, iron and other metals were used, a 3 also plates of horn. 1>yllk, bille, bilk— A weapon consisting of a large steel blade divided at the top into a hook and a pike, having 286 MUSTER ROLLS A.D. 1532-40. a spike also at the back of the blade. It was mounted on a long wooden shaft. Caaser. — If not for cirissart, a thigh piece, it may stand for a quiver. O F. casseau = case, etui. Cote. — A mailed or padded tunic. A coat of mail is a piece of armour, in form of a shirt, consisting oi a network of iron rings, separated and riveted ; or of small laminae or plates, usually of tempered iron, laid over each other, like the scales of a fish and fastened to a strong linen or leathern jacket. GestoRM. — This can only be a corruption of guisarmc, which is a lance having a small axe fitted at the foot of its blade or lance-head on one side, and general!}' a spike projecting at the other side. This weapon after having been suffered to fall into disuse in the 14th century, again became popular in the 16th under various appellations. Jacke. — A kind of quilted coat made of thick linen or leather, padded inside with various substances. Pike. — Much the same as a lance, but shorter. The steel head was il ft. in length. Sallett, or Salade. — A kind of helmet of German origin, first used in the 15th century. Its characteristic mark is the projection behind, something like a morion. Slewvs. — Of this word nothing can be made. Some mistakes of the transcriber. Spere or Spear. — A long pointed weapon, used in war or hunting, by thrusting or throwing. Splents, Splents (pair of). — Armour for chc^t and back, linked under the arms, made by overlapping plates or hoops. The French named suits of mail of this kind ecrcvisscs, from their resemblance to the lobster. This kind of armour never came into very general use because the convexity of the breastplate would not allow the body to bend, unless the plates or hoops were made to bend upwards, and then the)' were exposed to be shattered by a blow of a mace or other heavy weapon, and leave the wearer defenceless. [N.B. — The transcription of the original documents of these musters was made at the Public Record Office by Mr. John Beacall, by whom so much valuable work has been done.] 287 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. By the Ricy. ALFRED M. AU DEN, M.A., Vicar of Church Broucuton, Co. Derby; Curate of Clun 1898 — 1904. On the outbreak of hostilities in 1642 the laity and clergy of Clun and its neighbourhood seem to have been pretty equally divided in opinion between the King and Parliament. At this time Clun was owned, or at least held, by Sir Robert Howard, K.B.,the fifth son of Thomas Howard, first Earl of Suffolk. It had been forfeited to the Crown in 1572 owing to the treason of Thomas, 4th Duke of Norfolk, who had married the only daughter and heiress of Henry Fitz- Alan, last Earl of Arundel of this line ; and had been granted by James I. in 1603 to Henry, Earl of Northampton (the founder of Clun Hospital in 1614), brother of this traitor Duke, and by him entailed on the younger sons of his nephew, Thomas, Earl of Suffolk, second son of Thomas, Duke of Norfolk. Though Thomas, the eldest son of Philip, Earl of Arundel, was restored by Act of Parliament (1 James I.) to all such rights, titles and honours as his father had lost by his attainder in 1590, the ancient barony of Clun, the inheritance of the Fitz-Alans, had been already granted to his great uncle, the Earl of Northampton. Perhaps the following Pedigree will make the relationships clearer. PEDIGREE OF HOWARD OF CLUN. (I) Annr, 3rd d. of= Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke=p(2) Elizabeth, d. of Edward Edward IV., of Norfolk, K.G., b. 1473, Stafford, 3rd Duke of died s.p. d. 25 An;,'., 1534. Buckingham. Henry, Earl id Surrey, I). 1507, executed 21 Jan., p Frances, d. of John Vere, 15.17. The Poet. I 15th Earl of Oxford. I I (1) Mary, d. andn-Tkomas, 4th Duke oL-)2) Margaret, d. and Henry, created h. of Henry Eitz- Norfolk, b. 10 March, h. of Thorn is, Lord Earl of North- l 536, executed 2 J line '57-'- lenry Alan, I.)th Earl of Arundel of Clun. Dudley ot Walden. amptori 1604, d. unmarried 15 Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. June, 1 6 1 4. Founder of Clun Hospital. NN 288 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD (l) Marv, d. and coll.— Thomas, Lord Howard de= of Thomas, 4th Walden, created istEarlof Lord Dacre, d. Suffolk 31 July, 1603, d. 2S s.p. 1578. May, 1626. (2) Catherine, d. and coh. of Sir Henry Knevet. I I Theophilus, 2nd Earl Thomas, created Earl of Suffolk, d. 3 June, of Berkshire 2 Feb., 1640. 1625-6, d. 16 July, 1660. I Henry— Elizabeth, d. and h. of William Bassett, of Blore, co. Staffs. I ! I Charles, of Robert, K. B., William, Clun, of Clun, K.B. d. loJO. d. 1653. Edward, K.B., crc- 3 daughters, ated Baron Howard of Escrick. I'mlip, Earl of Arundel, d. in the Tower=f Anne, d. and coh. of Thomas, 4th lg Oct., 1595. I Lord Dacre, of Gillesland. Thomas, restored Earl of Surrey 1603-p Alethea, d. and h. of Gilbert, 7th Karl created Karl of Norfolk 1644, d. 4 Oct., 1646. d Shrewsbury, d. 24 May, 1650. Henry Ficderick, 2nd Earl of Arundel, ( Elizabeth, d. of Esme Stuart, Duke of Surrey and Norfolk, d. 17 Ap., 1653. I Lennox, I Thomas, 3rd Earl of Arundel, Surrey and Norfolk, restored 5th Duke of Norfolk 1660; d. unmarried I Dec, 1677. Sir Robert Howard, Lord of the Manor and Honour of Clun and of the Lordship of Bishop's Castle, and patron of the living of Hopesay, was an ardent Royalist. With his younger brother, William, he had been created a Knight of the Hath on Nov. 4, 1616, when Prince Charles (afterwards Charles the ist) was made Prince of Wales, and succeeded to the Clun property on the death of his brother Charles, on June 21, 1626, as heir of the entail under the settlement of his great uncle, the Earl of Northampton, in 1614. On January 23, 1623-4, he was elected M.P. for Bishop's Castle, and sat till he was disabled in 1644, because " he was a member of ye House of Commons, deserted ye Parliament, and sat in ye assembly at Oxford," i.e., among those Members who remained loyal to the King. His moral character was not all that it ought to have been, for in 1627 he was imprisoned and publicly excommunicated for an intrigue IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 289 with Frances, wife of Sir John Villiers, first Viscount Purbeck. But there is something to be said in excuse. This lady was the daughter of Sir Edward Coke, and, after much sordid haggling about marriage settlements between her father and her future husband, had married, on Sept. 29, 1616, the brother of George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham. After showing many signs of mental weakness, Lord Purbeck soon after 1620 entirely lost his reason, and became completely insane. Some short time subsequent to this, Sir Robert Howard, taking pity on her practical widowhood, persuaded Lady Frances to elope with him, and one of the charges against the guilty pair was that they lived together " at Sir Robert's house in Shropshire." Archbishop Laud was one of the chief prosecutors, but carried the case too far, and had to pa}' heavy damages to Howard as compensation for false imprisonment. The result of this attachment was the birth of a son in 1625, who was known both as Robert Wright and Robert Villiers, till, on his marriage with a daughter 01 Sir John Dan vers, the Regicide, he took the name of Dan vers, and became famous as a hot Republican, and a Fifth iMonarchyman. Lady Purbeck died in 1645, and was buried at Oxford on June 14. In 1648 Sir Robert Howard married Catherine, daughter of Henry Neville, 7th Baron Aber- gavenny, by whom he had three sons according to his monument; two sons and a daughter, according to the Dictionary of National Biography. Dying in 1653, he was buried at Clun, where in the Church is a brass to his memory with this inscription : — " Here lieth the body of Sir Robert Howard, Knight of the Bath, filth son of Thomas Earl of Suffolk, Lord High Treasurer of England, who deceased April 22, 1653. He married Katherine Neville, daughter of Henry, Lord Abergavenny, by whom he had issue Henry, Edward and Robert.1 /Etat. suae 63." His widow re-married John Berry of Ludlow. When Civil War was inevitable, Sir Robert Howard was one of the Shropshire gentry who on Aug. 8, 1642, signed the 1 In 1 7 1 5 , Mary Howard of Clun, go. Salop (widow of Henry Howard of Clun, Esijuire, and daughter of Sir Cieorge Blount, Bart., of Sodington, co. Worcester); a;; a Roman Catholic non-juror, registered her jointure estates at Brampton Brian, Buckncll, and Aston ; the heir of her husband being his brolhci Robert. 2CJ0 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD resolution that they were ready to "adventure their lives and fortunes in the defence of the Royal and Sacred Person of the King"; and in the December of that year, " the Engage- ment and Resolution for the raising and maintaining of forces at their own charges for the defence of his Majesty, their country and more particularly the Fortunes, Persons, and Estates of the Subscribers." Soon after the declaration of war, Sir Robert was made Colonel of a Royal Regiment of Dragoons, and later on was appointed Governor of Bridgnorth Castle, which he was compelled to surrender on April 26, 1O46. At the close of hostilities his estates were sequestered by the Committee of Shropshire, and the line was fixed at £942 6s. (or £952, according to the Diet, of N.B.) The neighbouring estate of Walcot was owned by Humphrey Walcot, who was also patron of the living of Clun. He seems to have been a somewhat half-hearted Royalist, though he served on the King's side for a short time, and his third son, William, attended Charles on the scaffold and received half of the cloak the King then wore. His wavering loyalty may perhaps be accounted for by the Puritan tendencies of his religious opinions. Calamy gives him the praise of always appointing men of this way of thought. "That holy gentleman Mr. Walcot preferred none to his livings but the worthiest men," i.e., practical Noncon- formists. Mr. Walcot must have been a wealthy man, for shortly after Charles I. reached Shrewsbury, he wrote to Walcot asking him to lend £5,000 to the Royal Cause — a sum which must be multiplied by 5 to make it of modern value. Walcot seems not to have lent the money asked for. A few days later, however, he sent as a present to Prince Rupert " a horse and furniture with a case of pistolls, being the horse which hee entertaines in the traine troop of Salop ps hi re." In the December of 1643 he gave £20 " to- wards the payment of 300 horse," and in May, 1644, he lent £150 to the Royal Cause. In his sequestration he was accused of having signed as a commissioner three warrants for "the King's service against ye Parliament." (1) For ye discovery of ye estates of such as were friends to ye Parliament. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 2QI (2) Ye approving of assessments of moneys & ye collecting thereof. (3) Ye warning of all gentlemen of quality within ye Hundred of Purslow to attend Prince Rupert at Shrewsbury. He died in 1650, and the Vicar of Clun preached his funeral sermon, which was afterwards published, entitled " The Gale of Opportunity." Stokesay was also owned and tenanted by Royalists. In 1620, Sir William Craven,'2 son of Sir William Craven, citizen and alderman of London, had purchased it together with other adjoining estates. It was not, however, occupied by him as a residence, but was let to Charles Baldwin of Elsich, and tenanted by Sir Samuel Baldwin, sergeant-at-law, a staunch Royalist. Both Craven and Baldwin were in consequence heavily fined by the Committee of Sequestrators. Samuel Baldwin died in 1683, and was buried in the Temple Church, London, where his monument styles him " of Stoke Castle." Charles Baldwin was M.P. for Ludlcw, but was " disabled " from sitting Feb. 3, 1643-4. He had signed the Loyal Engagement of Dec, 1642. At Bishop's Castle lived a Royalist, William Blunden, of Blunden Hall, a house still standing near the Church, who was among those signing the engagement of 1642, and subsequently held a captain's commission in one of the King's Dragoon Regiments. He had sat as M.P. for Bishop's Castle in the Parliaments elected on April 25, 1625, and Jan. 23, 1625-6, but did not seek election in that of March, 1627-S. Along with Humphrey Walcot and Richard Oakley3 1 Cp. Sequestration Papers of Humphrey Walcot by the Rev. J. R. Button, of Bitterley, Transactions, Part III., Vol. V , 3rd Series. - William Craven having distinguished himself as a military officer in foreign service, received the honour of knighthood 4 March, 1626, and eight days after- wunls was elevated to the peeiagc as Baron ('raven, of Hamsted Marshall, Co. 1 5 c 1 U s . He is best known lor his loyalty to tin: unfortunate Ouccii ol Bohemia, daughter ol |auies I. and mother of Princes Kupert anil Maurice (see Lord Craven ami the Ouecn of Hearts, by Norrey Connell). The Ah'rcurius Publicits, of date July 5-12, 1660, contains the following William, Lord ('raven, is made Governor of Shrewsbury Castle, and his revenues restored to him with all arrears.'' He died at the age ol StS years 10 months on the 91I1 April, 1697. Kichard Oakley, ol Oakley, sat as M P. for Bishop's Castle bom January, 1623-4, to April 25, 1625, and was lined by the Sequestrators in the sum of / 460 for enlisting Dragoons in the County of Shropshire He died in 1053 2q2 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD he was a Commissioner for the County of Salop " for the taxation, assessing and collecting of the two first subsidies of four entire subsidies granted by Act of Parliament in the iGth year of the reign of King Charles." 1 Of those in this Subsidy Roll the following amongst the 81 "present at the first and second meetings" signed the Engagement and Resolution of December, 1642^0 raise and maintain troops at their own charges: — William Blunden aforesaid, of Bishop's Castle ; Walter Waring, of B rough ton ;2 Francis Morris, of Bcckjay ; and Thomas Corbett, of Sibdon. At Broncroft was another stout supporter of the King in John Lutley, who had been a scholar of Shrewsbury School, entering Jan. 14, 1627-8. On the Parliamentarian side was Sir Robert Harley, K.B., Member for Herefordshire, who had inherited Brampton Brian in 1631. In September, 1626, he received a grant of the office of Master of the Mint in the Tower of London. Up to the execution of the King he was a strong Anti- royalist ; but upon that Act of the Parliament, having refused to sign the Engagement of 1640,, and also to coin any money except with the die of the late King, he fell out of favour, and in 1650 was refused permission to reside in Shrewsbury, though he pleaded that his losses were " little less than £"20,000 for the cause of the Parliament," and " his house in Herefordshire ha 1 been burnt by the enemy."3 Sir Robert died 6 Nov., 1656, and was succeeded by his eldest son Edward, Colonel in the Parliamentary army, who also turned with his father on the death of Charles, and at the Restoration was appointed Governor of Dunkirk.4 Sir 1 subsidy Roll for the Hundreds of l'urslow and Clun, 1 64 1 . Transactions, Scries 3, Vol. IV. (190.1), p. 129. 2 Walter Waring was patron of the living of Bishop's Castle, and he appointed Gervas Needhnni on Dec. 2<), 1629. a Historical MSS. (.'onuni.ssion, Welbeck, vol. iii., pp- 172, 1S7, iHtS. 1 Colonel I'M ward 1 1 alloy, horn 102.1, was Colonel of a Parliamentarian Regiment. In this service he was wounded by a musket shot, the hall remaining in him till his death. He was Governor of Monmouth in 1644 [Whitelocke], and sat as M.I', for Herefordshire, being one of the excluded member?. He was re-eleeted in the Convention Parliament of 1059. Made Governor of Dunkirk, May 25, 1660, he was re-called May 25, 166 1 , owing to his conduct displeasing the Krench Government, with whom Charles II. was secretly negoti- ating, and from whom he looked for subsidies. He was made a K.l>., but declined a peerage, and died Dec 8, 1700. He had been chosen by the Kev. Kicdiaid Baxter as one of his executory. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 293 Robert Harley was married three times : (i) to Anne, daughter of Charles Barret of Belhouse, Essex; (2) to Mary, daughter of Sir Francis Newport of High Ercal • (3) to Brilliana, daughter of Edward, Lord Conway, by whom alone he had issue. His funeral sermon was preached by " his great friend and neighbour," the Vicar of Clun, and published under the title ''The Beloved Disciple." Hopton Castle was owned by. Robert Wallop, one of the most rabid of Republicans ;l Shipton by Richard More, M.P. for Bishop's Castle from March, 12, 1639-40, to his death on Sept. o, 1643, and a member of the Parliamentarian Com- mittee of Twenty lor the Association of the Counties of Warwick, Stafford and Salop, appointed April roth, 1643 ; Linley was inhabited by Samuel More, Colonel for the Parliament, a member of the Association, and M.P. for the County of Salop in Cromwell's Parliament of 1656, and for Bishop's Castle 1658-60. Jeremy Powell, a man of the same opinions, also owned property at Clun and Bucknell, and was patron of the living at the latter place. He had been a Shrewsbury School boy, entering as "generosi filhts ct hacrcs " Jan. 21, 1609-10. In the Subsidy Roll of 1641 he is described " of Shadwell," a hamlet in Clun parish. As to the clerical body, Clun had been for a long time led ecclesiastically by pronounced Puritans. The late Vicar, Erasmus Powell, who had held the living i5962-i637, and was made R;D. of Clun circa 1620, was the fourth son of Hugh Powell of Ednop, Clun, entered Shrewsbury School in 1580 as " generosi ft I i us," and on Nov. 15, 1636, was married 1 Robert Wallop, born 20 july, 1601, was only son of Sir Henry Wallop of Fairlvigh Wallop, in Hampshire (who for a time resided at Poynton, in the parish of High Ercall), and Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Robert Corbet of Moreton Corbet, Co Salop, to whom Hopton had come by his marriage with Elizabeth, daughter and heiress ot Thomas Hopton of Hopton. He was M.P. tor Andover and Hampshire, being elected for the forme? [dace before he was of statutory age ; succeeded his lather in 1642, and married Anne, daughter of Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton. Chosen one of King Charjcs' judges lie only sat thrric tunes, and did not sign the death warrant. He was vranted £10,000 out ot the estate of the Marquis ol Winchester in 1649 *n cover his losses during the Civil War, among which was Hopton Castle. On the Restoration he was imprisoned in the Tower, where he died 7 Jan., 1667-8. In 1 66 1 his estates had been confiscated to his brother-in-law, Thomas Wriothesley, -4th Mirl of Southampton. • Erasmus Powell was appointed to Clun, 19 June, 1596. 294 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD at Churchstoke to " Elinor Clearke, widow." He did not live long afterwards, for his successor, Thomas Froysell, was appointed Sept. 27, 1637. The general trend of his teaching may be gathered from the following incident : — On July 5, 1633, a young farmer "of 40, a mean freeholder's son dwelling in the parish of Bishop's Castle, in a lordship of Sir Robert Howard, called Clun," named Enoch ap Evan, who seems to have been a victim of religious mania, " did with a hatchet cut off the head of John ap Evan, his brother," because he had received the Sacrament kneeling. Then " on his mother, Joan ap Evan, rebuking him, he in like manner cut off her head," for screaming when she entered the room and saw the tragedy. " He wrapped both the heads in a linen cloth, and hid them in the lower meadow." He was arrested and taken to Shrewsbury Gaol. Here he was visited by the Rev. Peter Studley, Vicar of S. Chad's, and, on July 10, made a full confession of the crime to him. When on trial at the Shropshire Assize in August, he made a similar confession, adding that at one time he himself had been in the habit of kneeling at the Holy Communion, but had given up the practice in consequence of an inspired revelation. The Vicar of S. Chad's wrote on the subject to the Council of State on July 31, as did Mr. Justice Johnson on Aug. 15. (See State Papers Domestic, 1633-4). In this year the Rev. Peter Studley published a book, which he called " The Looklng-glasse of Schisme," to illustrate the excesses to which Puritan fanaticism might go, and in which he animadverted severely on the religious teaching under which the young murderer had come.1 The famous Vavasour Powell was nephew of Erasmus, and for a time his curate, and possibly imbibed some of his Republican opinions from his uncle and quondam vicar. He was born at Knucklas, near Knighton, in 1617, and after being employed as a groom at Bishop's Castle for a short time, was, at the age of 17, sent by his uncle Erasmus to Jesus College, Oxford. Leaving the University without 1 Richard More, Esq., of More and Shipton, in 1 64 1 published a refutation of the Rev l'eter itudley's book to prove that madness, not religion, was the cause. Tli ere is little doubt, however, that his religious views brought on Ins insanity. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 295 taking a degree, he became schoolmaster at Chin and offici- ated as his uncle's curate there. On the death of Erasmus he became an itinerant preacher, but, soon after the war broke out,1 accepted a commission in the army ot the Parliament, and later on joined the Anabaptists, In 1053 and 1656 he was imprisoned by order of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector, for conspiracy, and being a leader of the Fifth Monarchy men, the enemies of the Government. Thomas Froysell was also a strong Puritan, and on the outbreak of the war, rather than take the loyalty oath to the King, lied to London for refuge, where he was appointed to a city living,- St. Margaret's, New Fish Street, in March, 1642-3, and eight days later to the Thursday lectureship at S. Dunstan's in the West, and held these appoint- ments till the cessation of hostilities, when he re- turned to Chin, but though episcopally ordained, re- fused to conform in Aug., 1662. Notwithstanding that he was not a member of the Westminster Assembly, he signed a certificate granted by it to Vavasour Powell. Among the neighbouring clergy, Samuel Berkeley, Vicar of Clungunford, was also of Parliamentarian leanings, so much so that Lord Capel (the Royalist commander in Shropshire) in July, 1643, arrested him for disloyalty, on the information of some ot his parishioners. But the nearness of the Parliament garrison of Brampton Bryan was pleaded as the excuse for his behaviour. He was a member of the Fifth Presbyterian Classis of 1647, and a Minister Assistant to the Independent Commissioners ot 1654. Finally in the list ol the divines who formed the Westminster Assembly, occurs the name of Mr. Stanley Gower, of Brampton Bryan. 1 Many ministers of religion accepted commissions and commanded soldiers in the Civil War. "One Mr. I'ahner, a minister, had a commission to be Captain " of. a troop of Nottingham Horse. "One Mr. Coates, a minister, an honest goodly man," was commander of a Nottingham Regiment ol 400 Foot. (See Mrs. I lutchinsou's Memoirs of Col Hutchinson). The famous Rev. Hugh Peters, too, was a Cavalry ollicer. " The saints" claimed that il they had "the praises of God in their mouths" they hid a right to have also "a two-edged sword in their hands." - 22 Dec, io.}'», Resolution of tin: House. The Ministers in London who h ive been plundered by the King's army or forced to le ive their livings lor their safely may supply the livings oi such ministers as are in the King's army and receive the profits by virtue ol the sequestration until the peace ot the kingdom shall be settled. Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. 00 296 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD On the other side were Richard Aunsham of Hopesay,1 John Aumblcr of Lydham and Lydbury, Thomas Atkinson of Wistanstow, Gcrvas Necdham of Bishop's Castle, Peter Mease of Culmington, and Thomas llabberley of Diddlebury, all of whom were ejected from their livings for their loyalty. Richard Edwards, Vicar of Bucknell, had already been in trouble for malignancy, i.e., loyalty, and was probably also ejected, for on Sept. 28, 1647, a Puritan named fohn Cough was nominated to the parish, the patron being Jeremiah Powell. The district within a radius of 20 miles of Chin was plentifully supplied with Castles and fortified manor-houses, including, of course, the famous Castle of Chin. But this was in too ruinous a state to In: made use of by Sir Robert Howard, otherwise, we may be sure, he would have put it into a state of defence at once. In saying this I am quite aware that I am running counter to the expressed opinion of the hue Rev. Charles Warner, Vicar of Chin 1808—1898. In a paper read before the members of the Royal Archaeo- logical Institute and the Shropshire Archaeological Society on Aug. 1, 1894, he said : " The castle was finally demolished in the Civil War by General Watts, who commanded a section of the Parliamentary lorces. The Church was also partly destroyed in the Civil War by the same." But no General Watts can be found on the Parliamentarian side. The only General of the name mentioned in these times was the Royalist John Watts, Governor of Chirk Castle, who, when retreating thence to Ludlow, was taken prisoner at Church- stoke, having been compelled to take refuge with his men in the church there.- Clun Castle is never mentioned among the Shropshire garrisons by any writer or news letter of the period ; and we may therefore safely conclude that Mr. 1 Richard Aun&hain was appointed by Sir Robert Howard, patron, Dec. 9 1623. 2 "The Montgomery forces began to fortify Llangollen Church for the strengthening and keeping of the C hirk Castle men, where Sir John Watts was Governor : VVho shortly alter, deserting the Castle ami marching -.o wards the King's Army with all his garrison, was taken by the men of Montgomery Castle, after a hotte bickering in * lunch Stoke Church, the ist day of March. 16.45-6." lor two hours he held the church bravely till the burning of the doors compelled hiin to sur.iendei with too foot, 50 horse and several officers. General Watts, as far as records go, was never at Chin, all his service being in North Wales. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 297 Warner was mistaken in his statement about the garrisoning of the Castle as well as about the destroyers of the church — for these were Royalist soldiers. But though Clun Castle was not in a fit state for defence,1 the parish was to its undoing surrounded by garrisons filled with soldiers more or less (generally less) disciplined. The Royalists fortified Stokesay, Broncroft, Holgate, Upper Lea Manor House, Walcot, and, most important of all, Ludlow. Their opponents Brampton Bryan and Hopton Castle, and for a time at least used the churches of Clun and Bishop's Castle for military purposes. Unfortunately we have no evidence as to the actual dates on which the soldiers were first stationed in an)' of these places. Between 31 Jan. 16 12-3, and 17 April, 1643, while a treat)' was ineffectually carried on between the King and Parliament, there was probably not much fighting. It was on its expiration that garrisons were placed in the Manor Houses; and it was about the time when Lord Capel became Commander-in- chief of Shropshire that the system of block-houses, subduing the immediate area of their influence, became general. The common mode by which either side secured a hold on a district was to quarter a number of troops in a fortified house or garrison, who could be sent wherever they were wanted in the district, and who in the intervals of ease gave themselves up to robbing their neighbours. They lived practically at free quarters. The country around a garrison of either side suffered immensely. The soldiers were not regularly paid, and had to look out for food and forage. They were left very J Leland states that in his time (1539) the Castle was " sumewhat minus," and the lite Mr. W illiam Phillips, who way no mean authority, and had made a very careful study of the subject, was strongly ot opinion that it was never repaired afterwards. Lord Tennyson's words fairly describe its appearance now: " \ 11 was ruinous." Here stood a shattered archway plumed with fern ; And here had fallen a gre it part of a tower, Whole, like a era;^ that tumbles from the clill, And like a crag was uray with wilding llowers : And high above a piece of turret stair, Worn by the feet that now were silent, wound Hare to the sun, and monstrous ivy stems Claspt the gray walls with hairy-fibred arms And suek'd tin joining of the stones, and looked A knot, beneath, of snakes, aloft, a grove." {Gemini and Enid). 298 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD often to help themselves, which they did by indiscriminate sacking of houses, indifferent whether those houses belonged to friends or foes, and resorting to violence, wherever their exaggerated demands were not complied with. Some of these garrisons were formed by the owners for protection; some against the will of the owners by the predominant party in the district ; some on the main roads to keep open the lines of communication. " As for the propensity to plunder, both sides were equally bad, only the Royalists justified themselves by recognised laws of war, the Republic- ans by the laws of Moses." 1 Of the garrison at Walcot all we know is, that on Oct. 12, 1643, it was reported that its owner, Humphrey Walcot, had shown himself " very dutiful and forward in furthering and assisting his Majesty and his affaires, and had willingly received divers of his Majesty's soldiers to be billeted in his house, and had sent forth men, horses and armes at several times for ye King's service against the Parliament." Probably it was only an outpost to Stokesay, and not held for long. At Upper Lea, near Bishop's Castle, are some very interesting remains of an early fortress, and the present house bears the date 1560. This was a Royal garrison as late as October, 1645. In the Mcrcuvius Britannicus of Jan. 6-10, 1644-5, mention is made of the " two kings' garrisons at llopesay House and La)- L^ca] House." Possibly the former is a mistake for Stokesay. Though indeed it is quite, credible that some house at Hopesay was treated in the same manner as Walcot, and soldiers billeted in it for a short time.2 1 Civil War in Worcestershire, by J. W. Willis Hurid. Mrs. Hutchinson in the Memoirs of her husband, Colonel John Hutchinson, the Parliamentarian Governor of Nottingham, writes of the Roundhead soldiers of L ir John Gell, General in Derbyshire : — " His regiment of toot were good stout fighting men, hut the most licentious, ungovernable wretches. Without any remorse he suffered his men indiflerently to plunder both honest men and cavaliers." In other place;- she speaks of them as " being as dexterous at plunder as at fight," and says that " Cell's men were nimble youths at the woik of plunder." What was true, according to a writer of their own side, of the Roundhead soldiers of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, was no doubt true also of those of Shropshire. Hut since the greater part of the information we possess about the war in this latter county comes from Roundhead sources, the excesses of their own troops are glossed over, those of the Royalists exaggerated. - Possibly Si i R. Howard was living at llopesay, Chin Castle being un- inhabitable. V\ e know that he had a house in Shropshire, and in 1623 he appointed to the living of llopesay as patron. If so, we can easily sec the IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 299 Of Broncroft and Holgate all we know is, that they had been Royal fortresses, and were dismantled by the King's party after the taking of Shrewsbury in February, 1644-5, Broncroft being re-fortified by the Parliament in the June following.1 Chin Church was destroyed " by an officer of the King's party " at some unknown date, " lest it should be made a garrison for the Parliament or a future defence and shelter for the soldiers as it formerly had been." Bishop's Castle Church was also greatly injured in the autumn of 1645 while serving as a place of defence for the same side. In the August of that year Parliamentary " forces consisting of So horse and 80 foot, under the com- mand of Major Fenwick, were quartered in Bishop's Castle for securing that town and parts adjacent." Of Stokesay, Hopton, and Brampton Bryan the stories will be told in the more detailed account which follows. Further off, but 110 doubt able to send men to plunder, were Red, Caus, and Croft Castles, and later Montgomery. - It is difficult to put together a connected story of the various incidents happening in Chin and its neighbourhood, for the allusions are scattered about here and there in various news letters, and the letters confine themselves almost exclusively to military operations. But of course this must have been a time of general pressure and suffering among all classes. Of Clun itself our only records consist in a few scattered notices in the Trinity Hospital accounts. Charles I. reached Shrewsbury on Sept. 20, 1642. The first thing to do was to collect an army to defend the standard he had raised at Nottingham on Aug. 22, 3 and likelihood of his having some of his dragoons posted in his residence for the protection of hi? property. 1 Cheney Longville also, a moated house in the parish of Wistanstow, is traditionally said to have been a Royal garrison, and to have been dismantled by the Parliament's troops. It was crenellated in 1394. The lower portion of the work of this date still remains ; the buildings rise out of the moat, and surround a courtyard entered by an arched gateway. - Of these Red, or I'owis Castle was taken from the King in Oct., 1644 ; Caus in June, 16415. Croft dismantled by his party in July, 1O45, Montgomery fortified against him Sept. 1644. 3 Clarendon says Aug. 25, but Whitelock and Rushworth Aug. 22, which is, no doubt, the correct date. The Register of All Saints', Derby, has the entry : 1642. The 22 of this August crrcctum fuit Nottingharnire Vcxillum Regale. 300 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD money to pay his soldiers when they were enlisted, and to buy arms and ammunition. The former proved the easier of the two. " Multitudes came to him dayly," wrote Richard Gough in his History of Middle (p. 59). To obtain the latter, the King wrote letters to all the richer gentry of Shropshire and the adjacent counties, asking for pecuniary help. Among those to whom he appealed was, as we have already mentioned, Humphrey Walcot ; his letter asking for a loan of £5,000 being dated Sept. 23, 16 12. No doubt all in the neighbourhood who sympathised with the Royal cause lent such contributions of money as they could afford, and many men from the district would join the army, though un- fortunately no records have been preserved, such as are to be found in Gough's quaint history of his parish. The King's army marched from Shrewsbury on Oct. 12th for Bridgnorth, and from Bridgnorth on Oct. 15th, for London; his progress thither being arrested by the indecisive battle of Edghill, on Oct. 23rd. After the King and his forces had left Shropshire, things seem to have been more or less quiet in the county, lint towards the close of the year the principal gentlemen of the count}- entered upon an engagement and resolution " for the Raising and Maintayning of Forces at their own charge for the defence of His Majesty, their country and more particularly the Fortunes, Persons and estates of the Sub- scribers." The last addition is naive, and perhaps gives the keynote to the signatures of some, who were but half-hearted Royalists in reality, yet did not care to go against public opinion. It also shows that the country was in an unsettled state even after the army had gone; there being left behind men Gleaned from both factions; Roundheads freed From cant of sermon and of creed ; And Cavaliers whose souls, like mine, Spurn at the bonds of discipline. Wiser, we judge, by dale or wold A warfare of our own to hold, Than breathe our last on battie down Foi cloak or surplice, mace or crown.1 1 Sir Walla :>coli, Rokcby, iii., xii IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 3OI This seems to have been especially the ease in the neigh- bourhood of Clun, in those days a veiy wild, thickly wooded and thinly populated country. For the following resolutions are to be found in the books of the Corporation of Bishop's Castle. 164 j. Dec. 2. Orders made in consideration of the imminent dangers wherein the town and the adjacent parts stand by reason of the soldiers remaining, that all householders or other able men of their own providing shall upon due notice keep the King's watch during the whole night ; that upon the town's charge all persons who keep horses or mares shall be read\- upon due notice to ride to such places asthe Bailiffs shall appoint: and that all householders shad at their own cost provide a good and sufficient weapon for the safeguard of their own persons. [642. Dec. 24. Order that whereas an association has been formed throughout the county of Salop for the preservation of every particular person from plundering, of late too much exercised : and whereas it has been concluded by the several Justices of the Peace for the allotments of Clun ami Purslow and most of the inhabitants, gentry and freeholders of the same, that Eight horses with able riders completely furnished shall be instantly provided within every allotment. William Blunden, Es«]re., shall have power to nominate four able and sufficient inhabitants of the Town of Bishop's Castle to provide four horses with riders, etc., at the general charge of the d own. The Resolution and Engagement soon bore fruit. Among the Shropshire Regiments one of Dragoons was raised apparently in the neighbourhood of Clun, ot which Sir Robert Howard was appointed Colonel, with William Blunden as a Captain under him. But though the men were enlisted, arms were scarce, and on March 19, 1642-3, Captain Blunden, in the absence of Sir R. Howard engaged in Parliamentary duties at Oxford, wrote complaining that his Dragoons had not yet received their Regimental colours. He also says that he had received a warrant to summon all in the Hundred of Slcpe, between the ages of 16 and bo to assemble at 302 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD Bridgnorth: but he was altogether destitute of powder bullets and match, and was therefore in doubt what to do. This lack of weapons was an old cry. According to Clarendon (vol. ii., pt. i, p. 62) " of the army which marched under Charles to Edghill, the noblemen and gentlemen o( quality sent the King such supplies of arms out of their own armouries (which were very mean) so that with these and the arms borrowed from the Trained Bands the foot (all but three or four hundred who marched without any weapon but a cudgel) were armed with muskets and bags for their powder, an 1 pikes: but in the whole body there was not a pikeman had a corset and very lew musketeers who had swords. Among the horse the officers had their full desire if they were able to procure old backs and breasts and pots, with pistols or carabines for their two or three first ranks, and swords for the rest ; themselves having gotten (and some soldiers by their examples) besides pistols and swords a short pole axe.1' And an historian of Edghill Fight puts it on record that "some hundreds of Welshmen were so brave that though they had no arms bat Pitchforks and such like tools, an 1 many only with good cudgels, yet they went down the hill as eagerly to light as the best armed among them." Various letters of this period among the Ottley Papers sho.v the straits to which, as the war went on, Commanders were put to furnish the men under them with arms; e.g., on Dec. 26, 1042, thirty or forty "Spanish pikes" are offered to the tjovernbr of Shrewsbury from Bristol; on Jan. 6th following, requests are sent to him lor "ammunition of guns, clubbs or bills " : and about the same time Thomas Spencer of Westbury suggests to him the manufacture of "a competent number of staves with tower crossc pickes towards the upper end, the chardg of which will be little, though the use maic be greatc and necessarie." If this was the case with the regular army, it was accentuate-1 naturally in the calling up ol such a general levy as ('apt. Blundcn was requested to make. It is not known what service Sir Robert Howard's Regiment performed, as he played no important military part himself until towards the end ol the war. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR 303 Probably the fact which caused Blunden's complaints was that there were too many independent actors in Shropshire with no master mind 1" direct* or collect into one point their scattered energies. To meet this want, the King at the end of March, 1642-3, sent down Lord Capel into Shropshire to '- rayse horse and foot and command them in chief." Me reached the county town about the first of April, and lost no time in issuing a manifesto against "any spoil, robber)', plunder or pillage," for it bears the date " at Shrewsbury April 3, 1643," with Capel's signature. Measures were also taken to repair the fortifications of the larger towns of Ludlow, Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury, while soldiers were sent to occupy various manor houses over the country, with or without the owners' permission ; and, as said above, it was probably about this date that Stokesay, Broncroft, Molgate, etc., were fortified for the King, and Mr. Walcot " willingly received divers soldiers of His Majesty to be billeted in his house." To counteract Lord Capel's activity, the Parliament, by an ordinance of April 10, appointed a "Committee of Twenty1 for the Association of the Counties of Warwick, Stafford and Salop." Among them were Richard More of Shipton, M.P., and Samuel More of Linley. Absence in London no doubt prevented rhe inclusion of Sir Robert Ilarley of Brampton Bryan, and Robert Wallop of Hopton, though this did not prevent their garrisoning those castles against the King. Neither of them, however, took any active part in the struggle, preferring to sleep with safe skins far away from any strife except that of tongues. The first incident of importance to the neighbourhood was the siege of Brampton Bryan, within half-a-mire ot the Shropshire border, by Royalist troops under Sir William Vavasour. The investment began on July 26, but the castle was bravely defended by Lady B'rilliana Ilarley lor seven weeks, till the siege was raised on Sept. (f : her husband * Of these 20, Sir Gilbert Cornwall was M.F. lor Bishop's Castle 1620-24 ; Richard More, 1639-.1 >, ; John Oorbett, ot Auson, 1643-5.J; Samuel More, 1658-61). (Transaction* ft. 1, 2nd Scries, Vol.. X., 1S98, pp. .j . - Th>l many ladies who took the lead in defending their houses in this ww, I.ady Hurley is the only one on the I'ai liainent side. The ( lour t ess Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. 'Vi* 304 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD meanwhile remaining safe in London, leaving her to bear the dangers of the siege and her very weak state of health. Scarcely had the investment been withdrawn, than she died in the October following. The circumstances of this siege arc well known, and arc told at length in the MSS. of the Marquis of Bath (i., 1-7 Harlcy Papers), in the form of a diary, from which the following notes have been extracted : — 1643, July 26, Monday. A trumpeter from Henry Lingen, Esq., High Sheriff of Hereford, demanded the surrender of the castle. ,, ,, 27, Tuesday. Many of foot possessed the town and church, and we played all that da}' and night with small shot upon each other. Some of the enemy slain, none of us. „ Aug. 1. The enemy approached unto our quarters and began to raise breastworks. ,, 3. The enemy planted a saker against our Castle in the stable window. They fired three shots out of the steeple in the evening. 5. \ Bombardment. 6. J 7. Lady Coleburn hurt by a demi-culverin shot, which struck out one of her eyes. Mrs Wright, Dr W's wife, also hurt. 17. The Lord was pleased to sadden us with the breaking of an iron gun, which was our greatest, whereby an honest and active gentleman of our garrison was sore hurt. iS. Our honest cook received a shot through his left arm. 22. A small party of our men sallied out upon the enemy and slew some of them, and fired a of Derby at Latham House, the Countess of Portland at Carisbrooke Castle, Lady Lister at Rowton Castle, Lady Arundel at Wardour, Lady Bankes at Corle Castle, and Lady Wiutour at Lydney House were all Cavaliers. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 305 house where they kept their wildfire, very- much to our advantage. ,, 2\ — Sep. 6. Hostilities suspended for negotiations. 25, Thursday. Sir John Scudamore came up into the castle by a ladder and a rope, had a conference with our noble lady, demanded her castle, etc. Our cook died. ,, Sep. S. The Cavaliers stole away our bells, and as they were carrying them out of the town, we sent some of his Majesty's good subjects to old Nick for their sacrilege. <), Saturday. This evening the siege raised. The King's forces concentrating for a great battle against the Lord General.1 On fan. 6, 1643-4, Prince Rupert was appointed Captain General of all the forces in Shropshire and the adjacent counties. Soon after his arrival in Shrewsbury, in order to rouse the county to keener loyalty, in conjunction with the members ot the King's Commission of Array he summoned the gentry of Shropshire to meet him. One of the sequestration charges against Mr. Humphrey Walcot was that as Commissioner tor the King's service against the Parliament he signed a warrant " for ye summoning of all gentlemen of quality within ye Hundred of Purslow to attend Prince Rupert at Shrewsbury." It was, no doubt, by the Prince Rupert's orders that Hopton Castle was invested. As for the story of this siege we cannot do better than give it more or less in the words of Colonel Samuel More, who commanded there during the time. It is to be found in IMakeway's Sheriffs of Shropshire. " I went to Hopton Castle on the iSth of February, 1643- .4, which was the Sabbath da)', at night. The senight the enemy came before it, who lacing us with a body of horse first, within an hour sent a body of foot, who approached the outer walls (we not being able to hinder them because the work did not Hank, being an old wall made round) and burnt the lodging where R. Steward lay. They brought ladders to 1 I.e., Newbury fought Sept. 20, 1 G-| 3 . ! 306 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD Scale the wall, but upon our killing three of them, of which one was on the place, they sent Mr. Sutton to teli me the Prince desired the deliver}- of the Castle of Hopton. I sent word that I understood no message that comes w ithout drum or trumpet; and on the Friday following they retreated and went out of the town, but kept Court of Guard near to us with horse and foot. At this time we were but 26 men in all, myself and Mr. Phillips, who came Tuesday the 20th, being of the number, and we set to make some works, in which we were as industrious as any men could be. Major Phillips advised to send for more men to Brampton Castle, and the)' lovingly sent us twelve, who meeting with the enemy, six of them at that time went back, but afterwards we had about eight men, in all 31 men. The Friday after the first assault, the)' marched, as we guessed, about 500 horse and foot, and entered the town. Thereupon the)- sent a summons by a drum, subscribed by Sir Michael Woodhouse, who demanded the Castle in the name of Prince Rupert. My answer was that I kept it by authority of Parliament and by consent of the owner, Mr. Wallop, for King and Parliament. That night they approached part of the wall, and at the back of a chimney where the)' had burnt R. Steward's chamber, about two hours before day, and with pioneers made a breach: which our sentinels discovering gave the alarm. And there we fought with the enemy at push of pike, throwing stones and shooting. Some of them, reported 200, got into the breach, but not within our works, but as in a pinfold in the circum- ference of their burnt lodging, where we killed many, among the rest Captain Yaughan.1 Then we repulsed them and took six muskets, ten pikes and clubs which they call roundheads, boards many, and six or eight ladders. After this repulse, the next da)' save one they marched away in a lull body. Put it seems the)' went but to Clungunford, and kept scouts and courts of guard something more than a musket shot from us for more than a week. . . . Next day 1 On May 26, 1(160, Thomas Vaughan petitioned C harles II. for a place as Groom >>l Hie I'rivy Chamber, because " his father Henry Yaughan kept a company at Ins own cost in the late King's service, and was slam in scaling UoptOl) Castle. Co. Salop." IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 307 Francis Herbert and Charles Baldwin desired to speak with me, which upon mutual assurance of safety I yielded, but took one faithful man with me, Richard Breeknoke, who was within hearing, as were many of their side, including Captain Pindar. Captain Pindar said Secretary Nicholas had told him of the Scots' defeat.1 I said I knew Secretary Nicholas well, which was the saving of my life . . . About a week after they returned again. Next day came in carriage of cannon, baskets and such things, and in the night three pieces of ordnance. By Monday, eight of the clock, there came a drum and summoned the deliver)' of the Castle, which if we did not yield before the shooting one piece of ordnance we must not expect quarter. We returned the same answer as before, and as soon as it came they shot at us, and continued shooting with culverin and demi-culverin from (j till 5. They shot 96 shot at our outer wall, and made a breach, which we defended for the space of two hours at least. So we gave them a repulse with the loss of one man that war> killed with a common shot, and three or four that were hurt, but they lost, as they said afterwards, 150 of theirs. Quiet all Tuesday. On Tuesday night the}- came again to the Brick Tower and set it on lire, which we had made in the first week we came hither as a work to front the outer wall, and so the Castle on the other side from the Castle to the outer wail, another to keep the water to us, w hich when we saw and could not prevent we set Gregory's house on lire, which burning took hold on the new brick wall and burnt it. Then we set to make up the door of the Castle which the enemy perceiving shot their ordnance and killed one man and hurt two more. We made up the door, but they brought broom faggots to lire the porch. Our men weary of working all night and not out of their clothes for a fortnight's time, and the enemy having gotten at us through an house oi office on the South side, it was moved we should desire a parley, which being done, they bade us send our conditions, which Mr. Phillips and I contrived to this effect, that we should march away with our arms and 1 On Jan. 19, 1643-4, u Scottish army of 40,000 men entered Kni^land under tin- veteran Lesley, Kail uf Leven. Hut theii defeat was imaginary. 3o8 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD ammunition, which they denied. We should have no con- ditions but yield to the Colonel's mercy. Mr. Phillips and I myself and six men did plainly hear them working under us, and as the enemy told me when I was in prison, they had blown us up in two hours. We agreed to propose to the enemy we should yield the Castle, upon quarter for our lives. Answer was brought that no other conditions could be yielded to, but to be referred to Colonel Woodhouse's mercy. Being brought into this condition it was thought better to yield than be blown up. But indeed we all thought we should oid)- be made prisoners, and did not think of such a death as hereafter appears. So we came out and stood in order. I was committed to Lieutenant Aldersea and Major Phillips to Ensign Phillips. Whilst the soldiers and Harry Gregory and the rest were tied, wc all stayed, and then we were bid march. I was brought to Sir Michael Woodhouse, who asked me what men and arms we had. I told him, and 22 muskets, carbines and fowling pieces and three pistols. Then I was ^ent to one Glassbrook's house in the upper end of the town. About three hours after the delivery of the Castle, Lieut. Aldersea asked me how many soldiers were sent to Shrews- bury ? I said all. Then he told me none : all were killed. Next morning I was sent to Ludlow. Then two days before Brampton Castle was taken, Captain Deane asked me to advise the garrison to surrender, which 1 did, and assured them that Sir Michael Woodhouse did not break the conditions at the surrender of Hopton. Thereupon they surrendered." Colonel More, in a letter to the sister of Major Phillips, added a few more particulars : — " He, as all the rest, was unmercifully killed. Your brother offered £20 to save his life. They took him and brought him into the Castle to receive the money, lie told them if they would suffer him to send to Brampton Brian Castle they should have it. They swore at him and stabbed him. Presently all the rest, being 28 in number, were killed with clubs and such things after they were stripped naked. Two maids they stripped and cut, but some helped them to escape." IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 309 Comment on this sad story is hardly necessary except perhaps to point out that this execution was strictly in accordance with the rules of war. As the Rev. J. B. Blakeway remarks: — ' Mr. More does not venture to deny that the surrender was wholly unconditional, and it is a known provision of military law instituted to prevent the unnecessary effusion of human blood that the defence of a fortified place with numbers so entirely disproportionate as in the present instance entitles the captors to punish the garrison with death." If the besiegers were Anglo-Irish, they were naturally incensed at the savage treatment of their countrymen by such officers of the Parliament as Captain Swanley, who drow ned hundreds of men and women whom he had taken on their passage to England, joking meanwhile on " making them water rats." It ma)' also be pointed out that the Parliamentary troops "put to the sword" as they reported (i.e., killed in cold blood) seventy of the Royal Garrison of Canon Frome, Herefordshire, for presuming to hold an indefensible position; and at the storming of Shcltord House, Co. Notts, the Parliamentarian Commander, Major- General Poynt/, " when he came in . . . ordered that no quarter should be given ... so that not a man of them escaped."1 Sir William Brcreton, the Parliamentarian General, writing on Jan. 27, 1645-6, to Lord Byron, whom he was besieging in Chester, said " I shall offer to your consideration the example oi Liverpool, Basing, and Latham, who by their refusal of honourable terms when they were propounded, were not long after subjected to captivity and the sword. You may therefore in pity to all those innocents under your command tender their safety. For which end I have sent you fair and honourable terms, which being rejected, you may expect worse." Liverpool was taken by the Royalists, Latham and Basing by the Roundheads; Middlqton is therefore referring to the general usa;;e of war accepted and practised by both side^. Lastly, Vicars in his /turning Bush glories in the mutilation and massacre of hundreds of defenceless Royalist women 1 Mrs. Hutchinson's Memoirs of Col. Hutchinson, pp. 286, 2SS). 310 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD after all resistance was over at Naseby. In one passage he speaks of about ion slain in cold blood, and many others " cut and slashed." In another passage he corrects his first account and says: — "The number of women killed was between 300 and 400." In the Hopton Parish Register is the entry : — 1643-4. March 3. Occisi fuere ?q in castro Hoptoniensi inter quos Henricus Gregorye, senex et comcrarius mens. And Webb in his History of the Civil War in Herefordshire quotes a tradition that Gregory, Mr. Wallop's steward, being an old man of about 80, and weak an J not able to stand, was put into a chair to be executed more easily. Gough gives these two names of Royalists who fell in the assaults: " Reece Vaughan, of Myddle, was killed at Ilopton Castle in this county, where the garrison soldiers refusing fair quarter when they might have had it, were afterwards cut in pieces when the castle was taken by storm. John Arthurs, a servant of my father's, was killed at the same castle." Colonel More did not long remain a prisoner, being exchanged in the following May for Edward Cressett, of Upton Cressett, afterwards killed at Bridgnorth. Sir Michael Woodhouse, to completely safeguard Ludlow, and punish Wallop, practically destroyed the Castle. The Corporation of Bishop's Castle by another of their orders, show that the condition ol the neighbourhood was still far from secure, no doubt owing to the plunderers of both parties : — " 1643-4. March 7. Order that all inhabitants of the town, upon hearing of a musket or other public notice, shall repair to the aid of any particular house or village with their best arms for defence of the same from plundering or any other violent or wilful breach of His Majesty's place." Emboldened by his success at Hopton, Sir Michael Woodhouse, Governor of Ludlow, again besieged Brampton Bryan. Lady Bnlliana had died in the preceding Autumn, but her physician, Dr. Nathaniel Wright, of Hereford, commanded the Castle during the second siege. After a resistance of three weeks, however, Sir Michael's heavy ordnance rendered the fortress untenable. Then Colonel IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. Samuel More advised them to surrender. This they did on April 17th, and in the Castle were taken 67 prisoners. Among these were three ol Sir Robert llarley's youngest children. One ol the garrison, describing his fate, wrote : " They carried us all away prisoners to Ludlow Castle, from thence to Shrewsbury, some uf us to C hester Castle. The inhabitants of Ludlow baited us like bears and demanded where our God was." 1 This sort of treatment was by no means confined to the Royalists. Speaking of some Round- head officers at Nottingham, Mrs. Hutchinson writes: — " Captain Palmer and another walked up and down the castle yard (at Nottingham) insulting and beating the poor [Royalist] prisoners as they were brought in.''2 Apparently the Parliamentarians were in difficulties at this time, and would have sent troops to the relief of the besieged had they been able to do so; for on April 10, 1644, Commissary General Behre, who commanded a regiment of 600 horse and 13 colours, composed mostly of Dutch, and including a troop of Walloons, who were Roman Catholics, was ordered to march from Huntley Heath, Gloucestershire, where his forces were mustered, to the relief ol Brampton Brian, but they refused to go. This lact throws some light on the composition of the Parliamentary lorces, and the way they obeyed orders. Lor, while the Parliament was never tired of blaming the King for admitting Roman Catholics into his army, it did not scruple to employ men of this religion 111 its own. And seemingly these foreign mercenaries and free lances were not very amenable to discipline. There was great joy among the Royalists on gaining these two castles. The Ludlow Churchwardens' Accounts, 1642-4, contain the entries : — s. d. (for drinke to ye Ringers at the takcinge of Hopton Castle ... ... •.. ... i 6 ffor beare at ye takinge of Brompton Castle to ye ringers ... ... ••• 1 o There are some entries in the accounts of the Trinity Hospital about this time which point to the insecurity of life 1 M;ir<|uis of lS Uh's MSS. i. 20, 33 (Hurley Papers)'. ': Memoirs, p. I S Vol. VIII , 3rd Series. 312 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD and property in the district. What with Parliamentary garrisons in the neighbourhood and Royalists attempting to curtail their proceedings, and freebooters from both sides roving here and there, the country was in a very dangerous state. A letter describing the state of Shropshire in 1645 says: — "None of the inhabitants dare lye in their houses within io miles of ye garrisons : some of them having been killed in their beds, and many having great sums assessed upon them which not being able to pay are forced to 11)' to other places where they live in great want and misery.'' There was also the Parliamentarian Committee of Seques- tration to be reckoned with. For some reason or other, whether suspected disaffection, or want of money, the property of the Clun Hospital had been seized. In the accounts of that institution are a couple of entries testifying to the unsettled condition of the neighbourhood and the distress to which the inmates ol the Almshouse had been reduced. For Thomas Drome, who was warden 1042-8, writes : — " 1645. Paid for my own charges and one with me in regard to the danger of the times to speak with Mr Moore and som others aboute the sequestrating of the teanthes of Knighton, with my horsediire ... ... o 1 0. " Paid to George Browne for going to Montgomery to Ml Esy Thomas to intreate with him to speke with Mr Whittingham and apoint a day of meating when we may come to a rekning that we may have some money or else we shall perish with want ... ...010 The Warden dared not go alone to Colonel Samuel More, late Governor of Hopton Castle, and now of Montgomery, one of the Shropshire sequestrators, so he took a companion, no doubt " in regard to the danger of the times," some tried and well-armed soldier. The result of his visit was apparently not altogether successful, so another attempt for relief had shortly afterwards to be made. This time the Warden did not go himself, perhaps afraid of falling among thieves if he went in person amongst the Parliament's soldiers in garrison at Montgomery, but sent a certain George Browne: and the message was not now to Colonel More, but to Mr. Esy [Esaias] Thomas, an acquaintance, no doubt, of old days; IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 313 for Mr. Thomas' home was at Bishop's Castle. What his present post at Montgomery was, I have not discovered, but he was most likely an assistant to the Sequestrators in Chief, who for Shropshire were Sir John Corbet, Bart , Col. Thomas Mytton, Col. Humphrey Mack worth, Col. Samuel More, Col. Arthur Lloyd, Col. Thomas Hunt, Capt. Richard Clive, and Messrs. Leighton Owen, Robert Charlton, and Thomas Nicolls. Esaias Thomas, of Bishop's Castle, Esq., had succeeded his father as Town Clerk of Bishop's Castle in 1632; was Bailiff of that town in 1629, 1649, and 1657; was Chamberlain of it in 1655; was a Justice of the Peace; in 1647 was a member of the Sixth Presbyterian Chassis ; and was elected M.P. for his native place on Feb. 20, 1645-6. He, however, did not enjo) this latter honour for long, since he was one ol the victims of " Pride's purge," on Dec. 6, 1648. He was therefore a man of considerable importance and influence at this time. For a short time afterwards the King's supporters were in the ascendency in the neighbourhood since their garrison at Stokesay was the only garrison of importance, the Parlia- mentary having lost both theirs. On tin.' arrival of Prince Rupert as Commander-in-chief, he and his Commissioners of Array at once set to work to raise men and money to refit his army. Large arrears of expenses already incurred had to be met, and men enlisted for the force with which he intended to sweep the North. Moin y w as obtained by the seizure of the lands and property of those who had joined the Parliament, and by assessments on and forced loans from the Royalists. The total sum demanded from Shropshire was £9,000 ; but the people were very blow in paying it. The)' felt they had at the outbreak of the war voluntarily done as much as they could be expected to do. But money was absolutely necessary, and the fiery Prince was not a man to brook opposition. So he went at once to the fountain head. Thinking Sir dliomas Edwards, the High Sheriff of the County, and a member of his Commission of Array, was remiss in collecting his contri- butions, lie demanded his reasons. Edwards complained that it had been impossible to get the money assessed on his own neighbourhood, for nine troops of Royalist horse were I 3M CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD quartered within a little distance and had to be supplied. The Prince in answer sent a peremptory warrant lor the bringing in of £500, and all the provisions he could get, to headquarters the very next day. If he failed he ran the risk of displeasure and plunder. All the Sheriffs endeavours failed to make up this amount ; accordingly 100 musketeers were sent to carry the threat into execution.1 If this was the case with a gentleman of such importance as the Sheriff of the County, no mere}- was to be expected by those in lower positions. The list of Chin names in the loan of 16.41 gives, no doubt, the more important inhabitants of the parish in 1644; and of these none would be spared. Those who had joined the Parliament would have their entire property confiscated, those who tried to be neutral would have to chouse between payment or plunder. We see from the Hospital accounts that its tenants were heavily charged, though the Warden did his best for them at the cost ol the Hospital funds. j 644* " When Robarte Cutlor, James Davise and Richard Williams did pay me the Lad)- Da)' rent, they were very ernest with me to give them 20 s towards ther great taxacions of loanes, so that I did give them o 4 o." Paid to Robert Cutlor and Richard Williams towards ther great taxacions 2 10 o." As for the raising of men, the Maurice MS. says: — " May 16, i<>44, Prince Rupert advanced out of Shrewsbury towards ye North with all the forces that lay in those parts. The whole arm)' met at Whitchurch and marched towards Lancashire, being 14,000 strong." No doubt Shropshire would be glad to see them depart, for such a large army must have been a great burden to the country, even though there would be in it many Shropshire men, who would leave sorrowing relations and friends behind, never to meet again. The Prince relieved the Countess of Derby besieged at Latham House, on May 29th, but met with his disastrous defeat at Marston Moor on July 2nd, when his army was practically annihilated. 1 Sec Weekly Account, Au^. 16-23, 1644. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 315 Again in September the Royalists suffered a total defeat, this time at Montgomery, and the enemy was a second time able to enlarge the borders of their territory in Shropshire. In the beginning of that month powder, match and brim- stone intended for Shrewsbury, Chester and Liverpool was conveyed from Bristol up the Severn as far as Newtown in Montgomeryshire. Sir Thomas Middleton, the Roundhead general, on September 3rd despatched by night from Oswestry an officer who captured the whole of it and took it to Montgomery. There Lord Herbert of Ohirbury, hither- to supposed to be on the King's side, was prevailed upon to admit the Parliamentarian forces and the captured stores within his castle. To recover the latter, Lord Byron, Governor of Chester, collected a force from Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Chester, and other garrisons, which met at Cans Castle, and advancing thence, came upon General Middleton endeavouring to provision Montgomery. He managed to make good his retreat with his cavalry, and Byron laid siege to the infantry left behind in the castle. Middleton on reaching Oswestry sent post haste for aid to Sir John Meldrum, a Scotch officer, then commanding in Lancashire, and to Sir William Brereton holding the same rank in Cheshire. They came with all their available forces and leaguered the day belore the battle on Wattlesborough Heath. Marching towards Montgomery on September 18, 1644, the\r found the Royalists had left their trenches before the Castle and had taken up a strong position on the hills behind it. This vantage ground they abandoned when they found Middleton would not attack them, and marched down to fight him on the level ground. At first the advantage rested with them, but a sally being made from the Castle in their rear, they were caught between two fires. " Ein Schlachten war's, nicht cine Schlacht zu nennen." The day ended in the Royalists being totally defeated with a loss of nearly 500 killed and 1,200 prisoners. The opposing forces published a casualty list of only 40 killed (including Sir William Fairfax, commandant of their cavalry, and Major Fitz-Simmons), and 60 wounded.1 1 The great death-roll of the battle gave rise to legends of the dead warriors haunting the last scene di their exploits, which remind us of the Indian tale told 316 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD As a result of this defeat Colonel Edward Massey from Tewkesbury extended the area of his operations notthwards through Herefordshire and Shropshire into North Wales, to scour out the scattered horse and fugitives after the battle , it Montgomery ; and it is very probable that some of his forces would penetrate into the neighbourhood of Clun. These alternate risings and fallings of the scales, first the Royalists having power in the district, the opposing garrisons being expelled, then, after the Royalist defeat, the Round- heads in turn scouring the neighbourhood, must have been very unfortunate for those who wanted !'to face both ways," and so be always on the winning side. And no doubt the victories at llopton and Brampton Brian, and the defeat of the victors at Montgomery, which weakened every Royal garrison in Shropshire — so great was the loss in men and arms — following so closely afterwards, was the cause of the attempt to be neutral. The people of Clun found it awkward to have to change sides so quickly when success and mis- fortune alternated so quickly. Fortuna belli semper ancipiti in loco est remarked Seneca, and they felt the truth of the words of the old Roman. In January, 1644-5, tne symptoms of popular feelings became accentuated in Shropshire, while in Hereford hire- there was an actual rising. Farmers and peasants joined themselves into bands under the name of " Clubmen." For this name two derivations have been given — (1) The)- were armed with clubs ; or (2) the)' were members of a club or association. The latter appears more likely. In some instances they displayed a banner on w hich was inscribed : u If you offer to plunder or take our cattle Rest assured we will give you battle."1 The Mercto'ius Bvitannicus from Monday, January 6, to Friday, January 10, 1644-5 contains the following paragraph : " Out of Shropshire we hear that there are above a thousand in armes about Clun and Bishop's Castle, standing by Rudyard Kipling in his vivid stury The Lost Legion ; and of the ghostly appearances of soldiers recorded by Mrs. Crowe in chapter xvii. of her Night Side of Na tu re. 1 Cromwell showed no mercy to the Clubmen, e.g., Whitelock writes: " Sept. 2S, 1O45, Lieut. -General Cromwell disarmed and dispersed the Hamp- shire Clubmen near Winchester." IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 317 cut against both sides, neither for the King nor for the Parliament, but standing only upon their own guard fur the preservation of their lives and fortunes. The oceasion of it was the friendly usage which they received from His Majesty's officers in these parts, and particularly from one, Colonel Van-Gore, a Dutchman, They are absolutely resolved (notwithstanding all the entreaties used by Com- missioners of Array) not to lay down their amies unless His Majesty grant them their own conditions, which are these: — (1) To have restitutions of all wrongs done by Van-Gore. (2) That the King's two garrisons at Hopesay House and La)- [Lea] House shall be removed and demolished. (3) That they may have commanders of their own." This is from a Parliamentary source, and is therefore probably much exaggerated.1 They were, no doubt, really smarting under punishment for having joined the Round- heads more openly and speedily than was safe. Prince Maurice, the newly appointed general for Shropshire, Here- fordshire and Worcestershire, failed to pacify them. As another Roundhead newsletter (The Exact Journal from Feb. 13 lo jo, 1644-5), says: — "We understand this day from Shrewsbury that Prince Maurice is making daily musters in 1 There were many like complaints of the excesses of the Parliamentarian troops. In Derbyshire, as we have seen above, they plundered right and left. The second in command of Sir fohn (jell's regiment, of which such complaints were made, was .Major Motanus, a 1 Hitch officer. He was, no doubt, quite as bad as Col. Van-Gore, but he was a Parliamentarian, and was therefore excused from blame. The employment of foreign soldiers is always a dangerous experi- ment. Of their use ir. later times the Kev. James Gordon writes on p. 197 ol his Irish Rebellion of 171)8 : — "The Hessians exceeded the other troops in the business of depredation : ami many loyalists who had escaped from the rebels were put to death by tiiese foreigners." And on p. 72 of his appendix, Mr. Gordon gives "the names of a few of the loyalists who were killed by the Hessians," mentioning seven, one of whom was murdered "for the plunder of his watch." In the Civil War of the 17th century foreigners were employed by both sides, without question as to their religion ; and it is slider hypocrisy on the part of the Parliamentarians to express horror at what they did themselves who neve 1 they had the opportunity, when it was done by their opponents. 1)11 Nov. 17, 1645, nine Dutch officers petitioned for the payment of the arrears due to them for their service in the Arm)' of the Parliament. ' [Joiuiutl <>/ House of (^ominous, iv. 370.] On Feb. ij, 1644-5: " the Committee of the Parliament reported several mmthers, rapes and other cruelties committed by some 01 the Parliament's Souldiers, Some of the officers grew insufferably dissolute and insolent ; and their souldiers followed the example ol their Commanders." [Whitelock, Memorials]. The Parliament therefore not only employed Dutch officers themselves; but also had in their ranks men as bad as any among the King's troops. 3l£ CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD his association to compleat his forces into any army. He hath issued out his warrants into Shropshire and hath endeavoured to pacify the mal-contents in that county, l'o vex them into a new coyle and to raise the tumult greater he hath enjoy ned them to send him 600 out of the 1600 who stand upon their guard at Clun and Bishop's Gastle. But the)' have returned him a resolute answer that they have taken up armes lor the defence of their lives, their liberties and estates, and that they will sacrifice their blood tor the preservation ot their country." They had, no doubt, suffered from the depredations ol both sides. The Roundheads were by no means immaculate; for on April 2lst, 1645, the Parliamentary Committee at Shrewsbury wrote to Sir William Brcreton complaining of the excesses of the cavalry he had sent to help them. " They have slain men, [(hindered houses, and used all the violence that may be." Thus Prince Maurice, while trying to raise a fresh army, not only found it difficult to get men from around Clun, but also money to pay the few he had raised. He therefore began to imitate a practice in use with the other side, which was this. In case any parish or district failed to pay its contributions, the chief persons in the place, the parson for choice, were arrested and kept in custody in the nearest fortress.1 At Clun the Vicar had long ago retired to safety in London, so the next man in importance was seized in his stead, and he was Thomas Brome, the Hospital Warden. He was carried off to Ludlow, and w ith him all the Hospital deeds were also removed, no doubt in order to see where its property lay and whether it was possible to wring anything more out of the tenants. He makes the following notes: — ■ 1645. There was taken from me by the Kyng's souldiers, when they did take me away for Ludlow 070 1 "The Governor (Colonel Hutchinson) sent out some parties to some near towns to execute some of the Up mm it toe's warrants in fetching in delinquents" ^p. 254 Mrs. Hutchinson's Memoirs oj Colonel Hutchinson ol 1644). On Aug. 2, 1045, Robert Charlton, Humphrey Mack worth, Robert Clive and other members of the Parliamentary Committee, wrote from Shrewsbury to the Speaker of the House of Commons : — "litis county hath lain long under the burden of contributions on both sides and so u u ch suffered by plundering and other hindrance.-,, it is so impoverished that we fail much ol the weekly subsist- ance wc expect for ourselves." Therefore they proposed, as the natural and suitable thing in such circumstances, to pul to ransom a rich Royalist they had taken pn.onei, in ordel lo gel theii pay. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 319 1646. Paid for my own charges and my horse to Ludlow, and from there to Mr Actons of Ad nam to inqueare alter the deeds of the Hospitall, which were taken from us by the King's Soldiers, and being out two daies and one night it cost me o 2 1 Paid for my owne charge and Mr Robarte Bovven and Margery Birry to Wigmor, and from thence to Ludlow to letch horn the deedesj lor Margery Birry had them in heaping: and being forth all ui.gh.tc and two daies, we and our horses, it cost me 050 In spite, however, of all his measures of persuasion, either violent or peaceful, Prince Maurice does not seem to have been very successful in raising men or money,. In January, 1644-5, the inhabitants of Newport and Wenlock refused to pay their assessments to the Prince, and very probably Clun Hundred acted likewise. On Feb. I, 1644-5, 3°° men were demanded from the Hundred of Munslow for the Royal Army ; but they were probably never raised since before the Prince had time to try other measures, his cause suffered a most severe blow. For the enemy, through the aid of traitors, captured the town of Shrewsbury on Feb. 22, 1644-5. Phis heavy loss so crippled him that he was compelled to withdraw the garrison soldiers from most of the smaller fortresses. Among them were Holgate and Broncroft Castles, which he dismantled and abandoned. On March 14, 1 644-5, Prince Rupert came to Ludlow and joined Prince Maurice. The latter had just marched through Shropshire collecting all the troops he could muster from the garrisons under him and dismantling their works. The two brothers then went together to the relief of Preston Castle, Cheshire, which tincy achieved March 19. Flic possession of the County Town enabled the Parlia- ment's Shropshire Committee to turn its attention to the more distant parts ol the county, which it had been unable to do whilst Weiu was its head-quarters, and Shrewsbury blocked the way. But its forces tiki not come Clun-warcls lor some months yet. About this time, however, the patron of Clun w.is in trouble with his own side. F'or from his sequestration papers we learn that " since Shrewsbury was Vol. VIII., .jai Scries. 320 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD reduced, Humphrey Walcot was taken from his house prisoner to Ludlow [a Royal garrison] and there detayned until he ransomed himself, with a good' sum of money." His offence had probably been the not sending enough money for the Royalist arm)- exchequer. A "List of Garrisons (Join. Salop May 16.45," given by Richard Symonds, a Royalist officer, who kept a Diary of the ev ents of the war, includes " Stoake Castle; Capt. Danet commands it under Wood house lost in June following)." Captain Dannet was of Westhope, Diddlcbury. The following account of the short siege and capture of Stokcsay by the Roundheads is in the words of John Vicars' Hunting Hush nut consumed of June 24 to Jul)- 1, 1645 :~ " There were drawn out of the garrison of Shrewsbury by order of the [Parliamentary] Committee 500 loot and 300 horse, being part of Colonel Mackworth's regiment and part ot Colonel Lloyd's regiment. Loth of them marched along in the seiwice. Our forces marched within v miles of Ludlow, the design being to reduce that part of the country and to secure it by placing some garrisons there to block up Ludlow. With a part)' of horse the)' viewed i'olgate and Braincroft I lironcroft] Castles, both of which the enemy had much demolished. Notwithstanding they placed the Lord Calvine1 in Braincroft Castle and fell to repaire and forti'fie it. In the interim we sent Lieut. Col. Riveling- to view Stokcsay Castle, a garrison ot the enemy. The place was conceived considerable. Therefore the next morning wee drew up to it and summoned it. But the governor Captain Daurett3 refused. Thereupon we prepared for a s tor me, and being readv to fall on, wee gave a second summons which was hearkened unto, a parley admitted and the castle given up, and now it is garrisoned by us. One of these Castles com- mands Corve Dale, a rich and varied country; the other secures Stretton Dale, so that Ludlow is now block t up on this side and hath only Hereford to rainge it in." 1 Lord Calvin had been Governor of Stoke-on- Pern, and had tal en a leading part in the taking of Moreton Corbett on Sept. io, 1 6 4 4 . 2 Lieut. -Col. Riveling. 11c is generally called Reinkling or Reinkine;, and was probably a foreign soldier of fortune. We fir?t hear of him in Shropshire in Sept., 164.I, and, till taken prisoner .'it High Kicall on July 4, 1645, he was Uie moving spirit of the Roundhead?. 3 Captain Lfcuirett, in other accounts Danct. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 321 This loss of Stokcsay must have been of great moment to the Ludlow troops, and of much consequence to their ability to hold out. For not a moment was lost in attempting to re- gain it. Continuing to quote from Vicars, we learn that " Sir Michael Wood house, one that cometh out of Ireland,1 procured all the King's garrisons for about 20 miles compass to draw out for his reliefe. Thereupon a body of nere 2000 horse and foot was draw n out by himself from Ludlow and from Sir Thomas Lunsford from Monmouth, Col. Sandys from Worcester, Col. Scudamore from Hereford, and from Hartlebury and other garrisons. The enemy's forces being joyned marched up near Brain croft Castle. And being too weak to encounter w ith them we marched to Wistanstow, within a mile of Steak, the better to enforce ourselves from Shrewsbury and Montgomery, whither we sent for forces (but the)- came not in time enough). The enemy contrary to our expectations judging Stoak of more consequence being conscious of their great loss, made haste thither to besiege it and endeavour the retaking it. Of whose approach the Colonel having intelligence [and] with the advice of the Field Officers resolving to fight, our horse made what haste they could to fight in. Gapt, Ffowkes' troop, to which were joined some reformadoes, fell upon a bod)' of the enemy's hcrse being 200, and routed them ; after whom the foot inarched on with gallant resolution, beat up all their ambus- cades in the hedges for a mile together, until! the)- came to the main bod)-, which after an hour's fight was routed and dispersed. In this business Col. Riveling deserves much honour, as much as a man could do, and also, the other Colonels did very gallantly. We slew near to ico on the place, took above 300 common soldiers, about 6 officers and gentlemen and all their Ordnance, bag and baggage, 4 barrels of powder, a good quantity of match and bullet, 100 horse. Some gentlemen of quality were slain, these being most of the gallantry of Herefordshire. In the action Sir William Croft, the best head-piece and activest man in that county was slain on the place, the Governors of 1 Sir Michael Woodhouse had been appointed Sergeant Major General to Lord Capel, March 15, 1042-3. Symonds says he was " quondam page of the Marquis of 1 lainilton." 322 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD Monmouth and Ludlow hardly escaped, Sir Michael Wood- house his horse being taken. Major Fenwick1 who behaved himself gallantly is wounded but wee hope not mortally. There were taken in the fight Col. Thomas Broughton, Capt, Walter Neale, Capt. George Wright, Capt. Thos. Stot, Capt. Leinton Synge. 2 Cornets, 3 Ensigns, 2 Lieutenants, 3 Sergeants, 9 Quarter-Masters, 7 Corporals. 5 Waggons,- 3 Matrosses,3 1 physitian, Mr Richardson chirurgeon, and many gentlemen ot Herefordshire." Other newsletters report differently. The Parliament Post says " 2 drakes 300 armes and 400 prisoners"; the Exact Journal, "2 drakes 400 armes and 300 prisoners"; the Mercurius Civicus, 11 4 pieces of Ordnance, 400 arms and 300 prisoners," were the spoil of the victors. This battle, according to the late Rev. J. D. La Touche, Vicar of Stokesay, was fought at Norton. For when the foundations of some farm buildings were being laid here a few years ago, the workmen came upon a number of human skeletons. These, in his opinion, were those of the soldiers killed in the encounter of June 19, 1 64 5 . The Royalists probably lost this fight owing to disagree- ments among their many commanders — the cause, according to While-lock, of the Parliament's losing Newark on March 21st, 1644. ^e says in his Memorials: 11 The occasion of this defeat was the want of a good agreement amongst the officers, who took upon them more power than belonged to them, several of them striving to be chicf-in-command, and 1 '' Major Fenwick in the Parliament Army was brother-in-law of Mr. Thomas Baker of Sweeney, near Oswestry. lie was a comely pr< per gentleman. He was somewhile governor of a small garrison in the Castle at Moreton Corbctt which hee forty fyed with a miulde wall and there manfully withstood a sharpe assault of his enemyes." [(lough, History of RIyihUe, p. OtS. | lie ceased to he governor when the Parliamentary Committee burnt Moreton Corbett as of no use to I hun alter the taking of Shrewsbury. lie soon recovered from his wound, for at the end of August we find him in command at Bishop's Castle - Waggons, probably for w aggoners. Till comparatively rec* ntly. i.e., in the Peninsular War, there was a branch of the service called The Royal Waggon Train, commanded by commissioned officers, now merged into the Army Service Corps. Matrosses. James' Military Dictionary explains this word as "artillery soldiers next t>> the gunner. The}' assist in loading, firing, and spunging the great guns. They carry firelocks and march along with the cuns and store waggons both as a guard and to give assistance on every emergency/' The term is now obsolete. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 323 all thereby were the more careless and unprepared to resist the enemy." Major Hungerford was appointed Governor of Stokesay for the Parliament. Stokesay being lost, an attempt was made to curtail the Roundhead power at their new garrison at Bron croft. On July 4th, 1645, Sir William Vaughan headed 300 or 400 horse to beat up the Parliamentarians near Broncroft Castle, where he gained a complete success, taking 50 men and So horses. But he was not able to capture the fortress, having no time to spend in a siege, and hav ing a more pressing object in view, the relief ot High Ercall, then closely invested. In this lie was thoroughly successful a couple of days later. It was, no doubt, as a result of the loss of Stokesay that before! the middle of Jul)', 1645, Wooclhbuse for his own security destroyed or rendered untenable the Royal garrisons of Croft (now bereft of its owner and commander by the death ot Sir William Croft), Stapleton Castle, near Presteign,1 Burford House, near Tenbury, and Mr. Littleton's House, lest they too should be wrested from the King in the same way, and become thorns in the side of Ludlow,. Of the result of these proceedings Symonds enters in his diary : — " 164.5, AlUg. 8. Three garrisons of ye enemy lately erected in Com. Salop since Shrewsbury was lost, Stoke Castle; Broncroft, the house of Mr. Lutley in Dilbury Parish ; Benthal"; and the Perfect Occurrences of the date, Friday, Aug. 22-29, Iu45> hi a" lyst °f the garrisons taken by the Shropshire Committee since they first took the held," mentions " Stoaksay and Broncroft." A short time afterwards, Bishop's Castle suffered some- what. Three contemporary accounts are as follows: — Ye fair at Bishop's Castle was on Monday Aug. 25"', and for that ye town and ye parts thereabouts have been assisting to ye Committee of Shrewsbury, ye enemy from Ludlow, Bridgnorth; and other of. ye king's garrisons made a party of 400 horse and dragoons with which they intended to plunder 1 " Ludlow's Governor pulled down Stapleton Castle because there was no w.der near, and lest the enemy .should make use of it." (Symond's Diary). 324 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD ye fair. Of which ye Committee having intelligence sent out a part}' (though not so great as yc enemy) commanded by Major Kcnrick [a mistake for Fenwick]. By whose diligence our forces came for timely relief and encountered with ye enemy: killed divers of them, took 200 prisoneis, 220 arms, and as many horses, putting ye rest to flight. Among ye prisoners taken was I captain, and 6 other persons of quality. 1645, September 3. Salop. — " Since our late success before Lillshall and Dudley ... it hath pleased God to give us a further evidence of his goodness by delivering into our hands 140 of the enemies forces belonging unto Ludlow, who amongst others to the number of 300 were sent under the command of Colonel Davclier tow ards Bishop's Castle to plunder the country and to apprehend all such as stood affected to the Parliament. After some hurt done, our forces consisting of 80 horse and 80 foot, under the command of Major Fenwick, which quartered in Bishop's Castle for securing that town and parts adjacent, drew forth, and within a mile of that place, with the assistance of some countrymen that were got into a body, charged the enemy, Our forlorn retreated disorderly, but our horse did second them so gallantly that, after a hot charge, they wholly routed the enemy, brought off all the prisoners to the number above specified, whereof almost 20 were Commission officers: and we are credibly informed that there came not above 40 back to Ludlow, besides those which were brought wounded in carts. [Report of Humphry Mackworth and others of the Parliamentary Committee of Shropshire to William Lenthall.] Sept. 5, 1645. A party from Shrewsbury fell upon a party of the King's at Bishop's Castle as they were plundering on a fair day, routed them, rescued all the Plunder, took 200 horse and many Prisoners. [Whitelock, Memorials.] Probably the second, being the official report to Parlia- ment, is the truest account of the affair. The first is a News Letter report, the last an entry in a Diary from hearsay. A few days later Sir William Vaughan came down upon the now disloyal town, and for the assistance it had given to his opponents, he set some part of it on fire, and damaged the Church because it had been a place of defence for the IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. ^2S Parliamentary troops, and the resort of preachers of sedition and treason. He also appears to have left soldiers behind to overawe the district. For Vicars in his Burning Bush ot Oct. 1 8, 1645, enters :— re re ton. 326 CLUN AN D ITS N RIGHBOURHOOD The following account is taken from Symonds' Diary. [645, Aug 6, Wednesday. The King on his march from Hereford towards North Wales with 3000 horse and dragoons reached Wigmore from Presteign. " Some of the party went to Brampton Brian (the ruined Castle of Sir Robert Harley) but tlie rest to Wigmore, 3 miles distant. " Aug. 7. To Ludlowe." Here he tried to raise fresh troops, but in vain, the country was growing tired of the war. And a few weeks later, "Sep. 17, Wednesday. Marched from Hereford. The rende/.-vous was at Atherstone, there dined, 10 miles: to Ham Lacy, supper 26 miles. " Sep. 18, Thursday. To rendez-vous 5 miles from Lacy, to Leominster, then to Webley, thence to Prestine : there halted at Mr Andrew: this march lasted from six in the morning until midnight, 28 miles. , "Sep. 19, Friday. This day we marched from Presteigne, and except in the first three miles we saw never a house or church over the mountains. They call it ten miles, but it was over twenty before we came to Newtown. King Charles wasatt Ncwtowne in Kedewen in Montgomeryshire upon ye 19th and ye 20th days of September 1645. "Sep. 21, Sunday. Over ye mounlaynes, less barren than the day before, by Sir Arthur Blayns howse to Llanvyllyn, a borough towne in Mountgomery shire. "Sep. 22. The King marched from Llanvyllyn . . . through Mochnant and so along ye tops of ye mountaynes to Chirk Castle." One account says that the King marched via Knighton, Clun and Kerry to Newtown on the 19th. Hut this is hardly consistent with the above account, which seems to imply that no towns or villages were passed. No doubt the exist- ence of the garrison at Montgomery made it necessary to take to the mountain roads. The route may well have been over Clun Forest, by the old track still traceable across the Black Mountain to Kerry, without passing by the town of Clun, which seems to be excluded by the fact of not seeing " a house or church." This expedition reached Rowton Heath, near Chester, on September 24, 1645, where Charles suffered a severe defeat IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 327 and was compelled to retreat to Lichfield and on to Newark He gave orders to Sir William Vaughan, General of horse in Shropshire, to do his best in making another attempt to succour the besieged. This Vaughan did, and in a tew days after the last occurrence, the Cavaliers were near Clun. "(Job Hungerford, Governor of Stokesay, sent a part)' of 6 firelocks to alarm them at Bishop's Castle," and was informed by the five prisoners they took, that Sir William Vaughan's levies for the relief of Chester were not more than 3,000. The)- la)- at Bishop's Castle Oct. 24, the foot sore weary with the long march from Weobley." Vaughan pressed on with his forces towards the beleaguered city, but met with a total defeat on Saturday, Nov. I, at the hands of Col, Mitton in command of an overwhelming force. Retreating from the scene of conflict near Denbigh, Symonds wn'tes : — Satterday, Nov, 8, Marched to Lansanfraid. Munday, Nov. 10, to Newtowne. Tuesday, to Knighton, a pretty towne ; Com. Radnor. Here Mr. Crowd er, ye sheriff of ye shire, lives. Hungerford seems to have been an energetic officer: for on Nov. 23rd he commanded a force from his own garrison, Montgomery and New Radnor, which defeated the two Royal regiments quartered at Pembridgc. And Lord Calvin, the Scotch nobleman, who was Governor of I iron croft, did not spare those of the other side when his men were short of provisions. Sir Thomas Edwards, Bart., the Royalist ex- High Sheriff of Shropshire, wrote on Jan. 22, 1 645-6, in a letter to Sir Francis Otley at Ludlow :— " I lately suffered from Broncroft Castle : the Lord deliver me from the hands of these oppressors."' The Civil War was now dragging its weary length to a close. The King's cause was desperate. More than half of the men now remaining under his colours with Sir William Vaughan in Shropshire were reformado officers, officers of regiments that had ceased to exist, from being cut up, dis- banded, or so reduced in numbers, that there was no need of officers. A band of broken men and desperate who had all to gain and nothing to lose by war. Their routes were Vol. VIII., 3rd SteridL ss 328 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD marked by plundering, for it was only by plunder that they could live. One such expedition came to Clun, an account of which is given in the True Informer of Feb. 14 ; and the Citties Weekly Post of Feb. 10-17, 1645-6. The following are the words of the latter : — " Sir William Vaughan expecting to be besieged at High Ercall by some of Sir William Brereton's forces who were lately before Chester,1 sent out a strong party of horse to bring in provisions to maintain them if the place were besieged, and to levy contributions and to take what prisoners they could, intending if they were persons of estate, that they should purchase their deliverance either by ransom or exchange. Having received these orders, they march through a great part of Shropshire plundering as they went. They went from Clun to Knighton and Presteign, thence, by Brampton Bryan and over Leintwardine Bridge, were proceeding towards Ludlow. The Governor of Stokesay receiving the alarm sallied out against them with consider- able strength, and having followed them seven miles overtook them and set on their party, which immediately did fly towards their main body, where they grew so bold as to stand still awhile and look our forces in the face. But finding we were resolute to encounter them and came up in good equipage to perfect that resolution, they obeyed again the ignominious counsel of their fears and lied from the field. But being closely pursued by Capt. Marvin, they were forced to take refuge in a church'', into which they got and some of their horses and stood upon their guard. But before they got into the church we had a sharp conflict with them which put them to the rout. We killed 3 or 4 of their men, a Captain and Lieutenant, and others, and took some prisoners among whom were some of note and quality. Thev had no sooner entered the church, but the alarm was 1 Chester surrendered Feb. 5, 1 645-6. Lord Byron had held out to the last, and had to yield to want of food and fuel. The horses, dogs and cats hud been eaten, and he could do no more. lie had held the pbee for 16 weeks. - The Tim' Informer says " Stoak Church/' a highly improbable place if m take it lor Stokesay, when we cons der this was the very spot whence their pursuers had come. Perhaps Stoke S. Milborough was meant, which is 6£ miles from Ludlow, IN THE 11KST CIVIL WAK 329 brought to Ludlow, and notice was given in what danger they were in, if sudden relief were not sent. A strong part)' of horse was immediately drawn out for their rescue. But our men understanding of their coming and being wearied before with their long march and the ill wayes made heavy by the thaw,1 which more deeply did corrupt them, retreated back, not having one man slain or wounded in this service." In consequence, no doubt, of complaints of Vaughan's expedition, the Parliamentary Committee felt they must do something, and on Feb. 22, 1645-6 Thomas Kettleby and Miles Ashton wrote to the Bailiffs and inhabitants of Bishop's Castle, stating they had received orders from the Committee to protect the town from the violence and wrongs of the common enemy (to wit the Royalists.) They would not be sent alone, but be amply supplied with troops under their command. These officers were carefully chosen. Captain Kettleby had a month or so before been mentioned in despatches (Weekly Account, Dec. 10, 1645) for his gallantry and skill at Benthall. Ashton also was, no doubt, an experienced soldier. But the war was by this practically over as far as Shrop- shire was concerned. On March 22, 1645-6, Sir William Yaughaii, with the last arm)' remaining to the king, suffered total defeat at Stow, in Gloucestershire, and on March 2.7th High Frcall surrendered. There were now left only two loyal garrisons, Ludlow (which held out tiil June ist) and Bridgnorth. But on April 26, Sir Robert Howard, governor of the latter, agreed to surrender his charge to the com- missioners of the Parliament, and the fifth article of the treaty was: — "Sir Robert Howard, Sir Vincent Corbett, Sir Edward Acton, and Sir Francis Ottley, each with horses and arms, and two men a piece with their swords and wearing apparel, shall have liberty to go home, and in two months to make peace with the Parliament, or go beyond the seas, or to a garrison, on engaging themselves to do nothing prejudicial to the Parliament in the meantime." 1 In Dec, 1645, and Jan., 1645-6, there was a very severe frost, the River Severn being frozen over. When the frost broke up at the end of January there were great Hoods all over the countiy, rendering traffic almost impossible. This would increase the hardships of the plundered districts. CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD Sir Robert had defended his charge bravely during a three weeks' rigorous investment and bombardment, but the mines of the enemy compelled him to choose between yielding or being blow n up. When the first eivil war was at last at an end, the victors had an opportunity to punish the yanqiusked; This they did by heavy fines on, or sequestration ol their property. The supporters of the defeated King had to pay tor their loyalty, and heavily too, as the sequestration accounts of Sir K. Howard, Mr. Waleot, and others of the neighbouring gentry, show. Sir R. Howard was lined £052 ; Mr. Waleot £947; Mr. W. Wanng £757- 1 The castles and manorhouses hitherto un destroyed were dismantled or slighted, and in 1647 Stokesay was condemned to suffer this doom, but escaped with the destruction of the north tower. The splendid castle of Montgomery was reduced to the condition we see to-day, and Cans met with a like fate. Traces of the struggle were left no doubt in many, if not most of the villages around (dun. At Clun itself the church was partially in ruins. An entry in the Trinity Hospital Accounts seems to refer to this — "1646 paid fen- timber to make siles' for the seates in the church that were broken up and carried out of the church when the church w as burnt 3^ 8d." And a couple of years later the following petition (preserved amongst the State Papers) was made : — To the Right Honourable the: Lords and Commons assembled in High Court ol Parliament. 1 In the Calendar oj the Committee, of Compounding arc these notices : — Humph. Walcott, Walcott, Salop, begs to compound, and says he was im- prisoned at Ludlow, hut escaped (vol. ii., p. 1060.) () March, 1646. Fine passed by House £500, provided petitioner allows £40 a year to each of four ministers in the parish ol Clun, 23 May, 1G46. Sir Kobert Howr.rd, K.13., Chin, Salop, submits on articles of lJridgenoith, of »vhich lie was Governor, having been a member of Parlia- ment, and deserted. Had liberty on its surrender foi two months to go to his own habitation and com pound 19 April, 1646. Walter Waring begs to ccni| ound. On 7 August his fine was fixed at / 757, but it was reduced on 10 March, 1 C ^ 8 , to ,£511. 2 Sdes [sills] were the floor timbers into which the seats were fixed. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. 331 The humble Petition of Jeremy Powell, Esquire, on behalf of himself and the Parishioners of Clunne in the County of Salopp, sheweth. That whereas a great Part of our Church and Steeple, which was covered with lead, and furnished with Four Bells, were during these late Troubles burnt by an officer of the King's Party (lest it should be made a garrison for the Parliament, or a future defence and shelter for the souldiers, as formerly it had been) ; the loss thereof amounting to Eight Hundred Pounds at the least. And for as much as your Petitioners are now detitute both of church and chapel wherein to hear the Word of God and receive the Sacraments, to the Spiritual Prejudice of your Petitioners and their Families. And forasmuch also as your Petitioners, by reason of their great sufferings from the King's Party for their good affections to the Parliament in these late wars, are made unable to re-edify the same: They humbly pray (the Truth of all this appeareth by the Attestation of the Parish to the Committee of Salopp, under their several hand.-, as also by the certificate of the said Committee to your Lordships hereunto annexed) that your Lordships will be pleased to order that Eight Hundred Pounds may be assigned to the Parish out of the composition of Sir Robert Howard, Lord of the Honour and Manor aforesaid : And that your Petitioner who is intrusted by the Parish herein ma)' have Power to raise the said sum of Light Hundred Pounds out of the Rents and Profits of the said Sir Robert Howard in the said county of Salopp, for the Re-edifying of the said church. And your Petitioners will ever pray, etc. 30th March, 1647. Jeremy Powell. Apparently the above petition fell on deaf years, for in 1664 a brief was issued throughout England to collect money for the ''reparation of Chin Church."1 1 The petition for the Brief was presented to the July Quartet Sessions for Shropshire in 1664, and w as entitled " for the Kepaii of Clun Church, sworn at /£5,OOO.m Nearly a hundred years later the Chinch was again m need of treat- ment, and at the Sessions of July, 1755. a request w?s made for a Brief for " Rebuilding Chin Parish Church." In 1877 the Chinch was a third time restored, when the balance of the money collected by the Brief of Charles II. was used, this having, with interest, increased to £2221 12s. id." 332 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD On Dec. 23, 1645, Mr. Humphrey Walcot had been ordered to settle £160 on Clun Parish as part of the fine for his loyalty to the King, " viz., ,£40 per ann. apiece for the maintenance of four ministers in the severall chappels in the parish of Clun in the said co. : " Perhaps we may see Froysell's hand in this as well as in the petition. He was a friend and client of Mr. Walcot and Sir Robert Howard; and, since his friends had to be fined, he no doubt thought that the fines should be made to do as much good as possible to Clun, and so the money would be " kept in the place." When the Royalist soldiers destroyed Clun Church, they did not forget to pay attention to the Hospital. Failing the church, this would be the next best building in the town to turn into a place of refuge and defence. So the wall around the garden was levelled lest it should be loopholed for musketeers, and perhaps serve the defenders as nobly as the famous loopholed orchard wall at Hougoumont did on that long Sunday afternoon of Waterloo. But not satisfied with this almost necessary precaution they committed much wanton and useless damage. The latter of the following entries refers to this: — 1645. Paid for trouse1 & carage, to set on the wall that the souldiers had cased to be pooled downe, to save our gardens ... ... ... ... ... o 2 8 1646. Paid the glasier for mending the windows which the souldiers did brake the second time .. o 15 0 Bishop's Castle Church had to be partly rebuilt, the earlier one having been damaged by fire when serving as a military post for the Parliamentarians in 1645. And at the Court of Quarter Sessions for Shropshire in April, 1662, a petition for a Brief was presented " for the Repairs of Bishop's Castle Church, sworn at £1,200." At Lydbury North there are bullet marks on the South door, possibly the scene of a military excution in this war. 1 The word trouse commonly means rough brushwood, such as hedge top- pings, but its special meaning is the material used for making pleached or plashed hedges, i.e. , the long branches that are interwoven between stakes to make a temporary fence, as distinct from a giowing hedge, which is notched at the bottom and then laid down and pleached between stakes. IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. For there is evidence that churchyards were often used tor this purpose in those days. At many churches in Warwick- shire, as at Wootton Wavven, at Stratford-on-Avon, and at Kenilworth, marks of shot are still to be found on the church walls.1 In Burghall's diary is this entry : — " 1644-5. Jan. 24, Colonel Hughes was shot at the chancel end at Nantwich for having taken the covenant and afterwards returning to the enemy." Stokesay Church had to be rebuilt in 1654, having been badly injured while the Castle was garrisoned in the War. There is an inscription on the chancel arch : " An. Dom. 165 \. The church was rebuilt by the pious oversight of George Powell, gent, and George Lambe, Churchwardens. This arch was given by John Cheshire, Joyner." If time and space permitted it might be possible in most parishes around Clun to discover and note traces left by the struggle, or traditions of incidents which took place in its course, but this would entail minute and careful inquiries on the spot, and search in the parish registers and church account books still surviving. Unfortunately the Clun Registers only begin in 1653, after the appointment of official Registrars by Parliament. Probably the earlier ones had never been handed over to the Clun official by Thomas Froysell, or if so, were not thought by the Registrar worth preserving. The legend that the previous records were lost in the confusion of the fire during the Civil War is probably base- less. For then the present registers would begin in 1645 or 1646, as is the case of Shrawardine, where the earlier one was so destroyed, but a new one was begun at once.2 This absence of a Parish Register during the war 1 See Popular Customs and Superstitions in Warwickshire, a Lecture given by Sir Hcnjamim Stone, M.l\, in the Birmingham Institute, Nov. I, 1901. '-' A large number of Miropshire Registers do not go back beyond 1653, e.g., Ashfoid Carbonel, Lilleshall, Loppington, l'rees, Stoke S. Milborough and Upton Magna. At Cheswardine, Chetwynd, High Ercall, and Whittington, the earlier book is p-eseived, but a new one is begun in 1653. At V\ est Felton the one up to that date | reserved, but the one begun then is lost. In Shrawardine Register is a no'.e saying that 14 the old Kegyster Book was burnt on June 22, 1645," but the present one begins Oct. loth, 16.15, so that very little time was lost in getting a new one, in obedience to the order of the Directory of Aug. 23, ib.15. 334 CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD doubtless deprives us of many interesting notes which would go far to fill up the numerous gaps in our knowledge of what took place during that time at Clun. There is, however, a happier relic of the war than the marks of injuries to buildings and legends of cruelties, which most parishes possess. The now famous and distinctive breed of white-faced Hereford cattle originated in a Flemish herd imported from Dunkirk by Lord Scudamore of Holme Lacy, possibly through assistance of his neighbour, Colonel Edward Harley, Governor there, to replace his stock, all of which had been lost in the Civil War. Lucan wrote— " Alta se.dent civilis vulnera dextrae." But here is some alleviation lor the deep wounds inilicted on the district 260 years ago. Unfortunately the data are insufficient to argue from with any certainty as to the effects of the opinions of the clergy on their Parishioners in the struggle between King and Parliament. But it seems legitimate to conclude that owing to the teaching of their spiritual pastors and masters the inhabitants of Clun were from the very first disposed to side with the Parliament rather than with the King. The Puritan ideas, which they had heard for over 40 years from the lips of Erasmus Powell and Thomas Froysell, not to mention Vavasour Powell, must have taken root ; and we may safely conclude that, despite having Cavaliers as Land- lord and Patron, Clun was a Roundhead town at the beginning of the war. But its unprotected situation, with no strong fortress in its midst for defence, made it the happy hunting ground of foraging parties from both sides ; so its parishioners joined the ranks of the (dub-men. Then as time went on, and the King's cause became desperate, they again openly adopted their old principles, and posed as Parlia- mentarians. With (dun we may compare its neighbour, Bishop's Castle. Here the teaching had for long been the very opposite to that delivered by Powell and Froysell. Gervas Nee lki.ni, appointed in 1629, was an ardent Royalist, who at the first outbreak of the war stood forth bravely for his Monarch, and suffered accordingly from the hands of his IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR 335 opponents, who burnt " his house and his gqods also "J and sequestered his living, So at first the inclinations of the town were for the King, judging at least from the entries in the Corporation Books quoted above. But since Bishop's Castle, like Clun, lay open and undefended to marauders, its inhabitants also enlisted with the Clubmen, and by the road of attempted neutrality passed over to the support of principles they had at first abjured, and to the assistance of the Parliamentary Committee of the county. They found it impossible to be neutral, for neutrality meant being treated as hostile by both sides, instead of by only one. So as the Royalist was the losing cause they joined the winning and became Roundheads. Though we cannot be exactly certain of all this, owing to our insufficient knowledge of what took place, we must feel sincere pity and sympathy with the people of Clun, surrounded as they were by garrisons, whose soldiers, of which- ever side they might be, had to live, and did not care whence their provisions came, but plundered indiscriminately friend and foe alike. " Nulla fides pietasque viris qui castra sequuntur." And of one thing we may be quite sure, that Clun was not a very pleasant place to live in during the first Civil War, and that its inhabitants must have often wished that they too, like their Vicar, could retire from the town and find a safe and comfortable home in distant London. In the compilation of this paper 1 have been very materially helped by the notes and hints of the Rev. J. E. Auden, M.A., Vicar of Tong, who has made a special, and very careful and complete study of the Civil War period in Shropshire. A. M. A. CLUN CAS I LL Till' CAKDL DOLOU KL USL . The late Mr. K. Jasper More, M.l\, was a very strong supporter of the idea that Clun was the original of the Castle in Sir Walter Scott's Betrothed, There are many things which point to the probability of this theory, or at least to the fact that Sir Walter had studied carefully the history of Clun. The Castle of Garde Doloureuse upon the Marches of Wales 1 Walker, Suf/t riMg$ of the Clergy ii., p. 319. 33^ CLUN AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD IN THE FIRST CIVIL WAR. was one of those formidable castles on the frontiers of the Ancient British, on the rains of which the traveller gazes with wonder." The patron saint of its custodian was St. Mary Magdalene of Quatford, and the church there still bears this dedication. His Chaplain and Secretary was " a black monk of the house of Wenlock," and the advowson of Clun formerly belonged to this Benedictine Abbey. The present bridge at Clun may be still described in the words of the story as " an ancient bridge, a high, narrow combination of arches of unequal size." The " Red Pool," some three miles from the Castle, is reminiscent of the Red Lake River which still Hows through the parish at the same distance. In Clun Church arc two monuments to persons named Fleming, and their descendant, the Rev. H. Fleming Baxter, Vicar of Sibdon, used to say he was sprung from blemish ancestors who made their way into the Marches of Wales in the 1 sjth century.1 Lastly, the mention of the buttery, " where each March and October the butler brewed mighty ale from the best barley in Shropshire," and of Red, or Powis, Castle not far away, also hints that Sir Walter was thinking of Clun. The suggestion that Garde Doloureuse is but " a playful translation " of Pains Castle, Brcconshire, may be dismissed at once when we remember that in Sir Thomas Mallory's Mortc d% Arthur, Sir Lancelot's Castle is " the Dolorous Gard," and that Sir Walter Scott was a lover of romance, not of plays upon words. The late Miss Lane, landlady of the Buffalo Inn, was wont to point out the room which Sir Walter occupied, the bed- stead on which he slept, the chair on which he sat, and the table at which he wrote the first three chapters of the Bclrotlicd. But I do not know if she had anything more than tradition to support her information, nor whether the state- ment often made by Mr. Jasper More, that Sir Walter brought his family to stay at Clun was founded on fact. It the famous novelist ever was in the neighbourhood, I should think it was more likely as a visitor to Lord Powis at Walcot. At all events, he knew Powis Castle well. A.M. A. 1 See Giraldus Cmnbrcnsis, Iter, lib, xi. THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT, OF EYTON-ON-T HE-WEALD MOORS. Editkd bv the Rev. W. G. I). FLETCHER, M.A., F.S.A. Sir Thomas Eyton was in March, 1646-7, fined in the sum of £818, and in November, 1650, in the further sum of £158 2S., making a total fine of £976 2s., for his "delin- quency." His offence was " that he lived in the enemy's quarters, and adhered to his Majesty against the Parliament, and was in Conway Castle at the time of its surrender." He certainly took a more prominent part in the Civil War than did some of the other royalists, still his fine was a very heavy one ; and, as Gardiner has pointed out,1 it was exceedingly unjust, in the case of Civil War, to mark off one portion of the population as being specially guilty, and to exasperate it by laying special burdens upon its shoulders. A MS. preserved at Eyton Hall, entitled " A Genealogical Account of the Family of Eyton, of Eyton-super-Wildmore, in the County of Salop," by George Morris, 183 1, gives the following account of Sir Thomas: — Sir Thomas Eyton (1642, 18 Chas. I.) was an active and zealous supporter of the monarchy during the unfortunate differences between King Charles and the Parliament ; and stands ninth in the List of the " Ingagemcnt and Resolution of the principal gentlemen of the Countie of Salop for raising and maintaining of forces at their own charge for the defence of his Majestie, their Countrey &c." He was also a gentleman in whom confidence might be placed in those troublesome and suspicious times ; for in a letter'2 from Sir John Weld to Francis Oatley, Esq., dated Aug. 29, 1642, Sir John says, M I pray peruse this enclosed coppy of a letter sent to Sir 1 Sec Gardiner^ U i story of fhc Great Civil War, III., 196 — 199. - t his letter is given in the Transactions, 2 S. VI., pp. 37-38. Vol. VI II., jrd Series. TT 338 THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OP Francis Kinarston and shew it to Sir Vincent Corbet and Mr. Eiton. I doubt not of their care seeing the dangers are so apparent." It appears from the following entry in the Wellington Register, that in 1644 Air. Eyton was surprized by the enemy and taken prisoner: " 1644 Feb. 22, a party of Horse of ye Rebels from Wemme Co: Salop past Buildwas bridge under pretence of being ye King's forces ; surprized Sir Thomas Eyton at his own house, and on their return tooke away ye guard at ye same bridge." There appears some confusion in this account, for if he were surprised (as from the entry in the register there can be little doubt) it is evident either that the party which surprised him could not be from Wem, or that some other bridge instead of Buildwas was passed ; because Eyton lies between Wem and Buildwas, and is several miles distant from the latter place : more probably the party came from Wenlock. On account of his loyal and active exertions on behalf of the unfortunate Charles I., the Parliament compelled Sir Thomas to com- pound for his estate by the payment of no less than £976, a very large sum in those days. Only fifteen gentlemen in the county had to pay so much. (Geo. Morris' MS., pp. 43, 44). 1 "The Eytons of Eyton super Wildmoor (i.e., Weald or Woody Moor) in the County of Salop, rank amongst the most ancient of the Shropshire Families; there being very few that can deduce their genealogy in an unbroken strain of lineal descent from so early a period of our history, and still fewer that remain in possession of property which has accompanied that lineal descent from nearly if not quite seven hundred' years." (Geo. Morris' MS., p. 19). In the reign of Henry II. Robert de Eyton held the three manors of Eyton on the Wealdmoors, Bratton and Horton, all of which were held at Domesday by Warm, who held them of William Pantulf under Earl Roger de Montgomery. It is therefore probably a fact that Robert tie Eyton was the lineal descendant and heir of Warm ; and moreover, Warin was probably a blood relation of William Pantulf, since the descendants of Robert de Eyton have uniformly quartered 1 I am indebted to Mrs. Eyton of Eyton for kindly permitting me to make extracts from this and other MSS. preserved at Eyton. 2 Tins was written in 1831. It is now I90S (nearly 800 years). SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 339 the Arms of Pantulf without any difference.1 At the rebellion of Earl Robert de Belesme the Eytons must have been loyal to the King, as they were among the very few Shropshire gentry who were not dispossessed of their estates at that time. Shortly after the year 1170 Robert dc Eyton gave the Manor of Buttery to Shrewsbury Abbey, with the consent of his overlord Ivo Pantulf. In 1394 Jonn ^e Eyton served the office of Sheriff ; and in 1440 his great-nephew Nicholas Eyton was Sheriff.2 This Nicholas married a daughter of John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and was the lineal ancestor of the Royalist officer, and of the family residing at Walford and Eyton at the present day. Sir Thomas Eyton, the royalist, was the second son of Sir Philip Eyton of Eyton on the Wealdmoors, — who had been knighted at Tamworth on 20 August, 1619, and who served the office of Sheriff of Shropshire in 1633, — by his wife Mary, daughter of Dr. David Yale, Chancellor of Chester. He was born about the year 1605, and matriculated at Oriel College, Oxford, on 9 April, 1624, being then aged iS, but does not seem to have taken his degree. His elder brother Robert Eyton, who was six years his senior, went to Oxford in 16 16, but seems to have died at an early age, unmarried. Sir Philip Eyton died in April, 1636, and was buried at Wellington, when his son Thomas succeeded to his property, which consisted of the manor of Eyton, and lands and tenements in Horton, Preston, Newport, Welling- ton, Watling-street, Leaton, Wrockwardine, Bratton, Bridg- north, Stafford, Ingwardine, Law ley, and Malinslee. On the Nth of August, 1642, fourteen days before the King raised his standard at Nottingham, about one hundred of the loyal gentlemen of Shropshire signed a Declaration and Protestation, expressing their confidence in the King's government and their resolve to adventure their lives and fortunes in hi:; defence. Amongst these signatories was Thomas Eyton, Esquire, then on the Grand Jury.3 Francis Newport (afterwards Earl of Bradford) wrote a letter on August 2 }rd to Francis Ottley, offering to meet 1 Kyton's Antiquities of Shropshire, VIII. 26, ike. 2 Blakcway's Sheriff's 0/ Shropshire, pp. 56, 70. 3 Transactions, 2ml Series, VII. 243. 340 1 HE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF him that afternoon " eyther at Tom Eyton's, or at a little blind alehouse in the longe-wood." 1 Shortly after this Eyton must have gone to Nottingham, where he evidently had an interview with the King, who gave him a despatch for Ottley, for Eyton wrote the following letter on 4th September : — " Cosen Franke, Though you failed me at Morton Corbett in my way, I hope better of you now I am returned from Nottingham. I hear you are going yourself to-morrow from whence I came, lett me by all means speak with you, for I have a dispatch to you from the King, and must impart unto you what I have already done, and how you must apply yourself at Court, if you expect any good issue. For never had Prince more Traytors about his Person, and good intentions injured by misinterpretations. I pray, fail not to meet me at Atcham bridge, or Jack Dawes's house an ale house over the way, by seven o'clock to-morrow morning. This 4th. I rest. Sr Your Kinsman.2 To my much honoured Kinsman Francis Ottley, esqr. at his house in Salop, present these." On September 19th, the King was at Wellington, where he harangued his army, and knighted the Sheriff, Sir John Weld of Willey. On the 20th, he entered Shrewsbury, and took up his abode at the Council House. During his stay in Shrewsbury, the King knighted a number of gentlemen : on Sept. 21st, Francis Ottley; on the 22nd, John Weld, junior, of Willey, and Walter Wrottesley ; on the 27th, Colonel Thomas Biron ; on the 29th, Arnold de Lisle, a Frenchman, and Thomas Scrivcn of Frodesley. On October 1st, Richard Wyllis, of Fen Ditton, Thomas Lyster of Rowton, and Richard Biron ; on the 9th, Gerard Eaton of co. Denbigh, and on October nth, Thomas Eyton of Eyton.3 Owen and Blakeway suggest that, as Lyster brought the King " a purse of gold," and was rewarded with the honour of knighthood, it is not improbable that Thomas Scriven and 1 Ibid, VI. 36. 3 The kinship was somewhat distant. Thomas Eyton's preat-preat-unclc, Richard Kyton, married Mary Ottley, who was gieat-^reat-aunt to Francis Ottley. I do not know of any nearer relationship. 3 These names and dates are taken from Shaw's Knights of England, II. 214. SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 341 Thomas Eyton evinced their gratitude for knighthood by similar contributions.1 There is, however, not the slightest proof that this was the case. The gentlemen of Shropshire voluntarily brought their plate and money to Charles, but not with a view of being knighted. Richard Gibbons, the Mayor of Shrewsbury, was offered knighthood, but declined the honour. Sir Richard Newport, it is true, had to puf £6,000 for his patent of peerage. Sir Thomas Eyton was one of the signatories to the " Engagement and Resolution " of the gentlemen of Salop, issued later in the year 1642, whereby they undertook to raise a regiment of Dragoneers for the defence of the King, under the command of Sir Vincent Corbet, by the 20th of December.2 There are extant amongst the Ottley Papers two more letters from Sir Thomas Eyton to Sir Francis Ottley, dated in Eebruary, 1642-3, which it would be wjll here to reproduce. The first was written from Whitchurch ; the second, a week later, from Stafford.'5 " Frank, Here we are ready for any work we shall be set on, for our own countrymen will give us no wages. Yester- day the neighbouring people gave us an alarm, betwixte 40 and 50 issued out of Nampwch [Nantwicb], did some harm by plundering and took away an honest sick Gent, and 2 of his servants, and lighted on 2 or 3 of Ned Owen's men and returned. I know you have been told the discourse before this. I pray be a means to send in unto me all my Soldiers of the Town, Dick Williams and the rest Well, Adieu till I see [yon]. I rest in hast Thy Tom : Eyton. Whitchurch], Sunday ulh Feb, [1642-3.] lo Sir Francis Ottley at Shrewsbury give these.'' " Honest Francisco. Having so fitt oppertunity I thought good to give you account of what we do here, and such occurrencies as have happened in these parts. This morning about 10 a clock, Coll. Hastings inarched out oi Town with about 700 Horse; I speak with the least, I am sure, for they 1 History of Shrewsbur y, I. 423. J Transactions, 2nd scries, VII. 255. 5 Ibid, VI. 73. 7 I « 342 THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OE have 15 Colours. I suppose they walk toward where Sir Win. Brereton was last night ; whether he will stay for them or not I know not ; which way he wheeles his long face is not yet known here; last night he sent out betwixt 2 and 300 Horse, it was conjectured here either to plunder Sr. John Persall's or Mr Willm. Fitz herbert's House; but the more learned think he removed further off from Mr Hastings, as not willing to endure the breath of the Malignant. This night we expect some news, what happens at any time worthy your Cognizance [I] shall studye to acquaint you with. In the mean time I remain Thy T: Eyton. Stafford 18th Febr. i642[-3.] To ye Worthy Governor of Shrewsbury Sr Francis Ottley these present." From these letters we may gather that at this time Sir Thomas Eyton was watching the movements of the enemy's troops in the north and west of the count)', and keeping Sir Francis Ottley informed of all that was taking place. Thomas Bushell, the superintendent of the Shrewsbury mint, writing to Ottley a little before this, after he had left the town, says: " present my love and servis to Sr. Thomas Eton, &c." In the middle of 1644, the town of Shrewsbury was in a state of great exhaustion, owing to the decay of trade, and the heavy contributions which the inhabitants were called upon to provide; and on October 12th, the Corporation made a forcible representation to Sir Francis Ottley, the Governor, pointing out the impoverished state of the town, and their inability to provide a troop of horse.1 In conse- quence of this representation, the Corporation of Shrewsbury and the Royalist Commissioners for the County sent a letter to his highness Prince Rupert, supplicating him " to take a present tax off, and remedie the many defects of this place," tSic. This letter is dated at Shrewsbury, 21 October, 1644, and bears the Seal of the town, and is signed by Thomas Edwards, High Sheriff, Sir Francis Otley, governor, Sir Richard Eee, Sir Thomas Eyton, FTancis Sandforde, Thomas Owen, James Lacon, Richard Treves, and Francis Smyth.- Prince 1 See Owen and Blakeway's History, I. 443. 3 This letter is olfered for aale in J. Tre^askib's Catalogue, no. 426. SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 343 Rupert and the County Commissioners accordingly held a sitting on November 1st, and ordered that the Lord of Bridgewater's rents should be responsible for the payment of the officers and soldiers; but as these proved inadequate, the Corporation were compelled to levy an assessment of £200 " upon the abler sorte of people." 1 In February, 1644-5, a party of the Parliamentarian horse seem to have "surprized Sir Thomas Eyton at his own house," and made him prisoner. The same month the King appointed a Commission of Association, under the Great Seal, for the counties of Worcester, Hereford, Salop and Stafford, " for preserving our rights, our people's liberties and properties, resettling the peace of our Kingdoms," &c, and nominated certain persons to associate themselves for certain ends therein expressed. This Commission was dated 5 February, 1614-5; and on 25 August, 1645, the King, who was then at Huntingdon, appointed Sir Vincent Corbet, Sir Edward Acton, and Sir Thomas Edwards, Barts., Sir Thomas Eyton, Knight, Timothy Littleton, serjeant-at-law, and Thomas Littleton, and Charles Baldwin, Esquires, additional Commissioners for the county of Salop, to be adJed to the former Commission.2 On 18 September, Robert Howard writes from Bridgnorth to Lord Digby : — <; I find gentlemen very willing to embrace the Association ; but the county is so far under the command of the rebels, that there is no safe place of meeting, but in the garrisons of Bridgnorth and Ludlow, where, from what I observe, we may expect rather opposition than furtherance. Send a Privy Seal directed to the gentlemen under-named [the above seven, including Sir Thomas Eyton], as resolved at Lichfield."3 We next fond Sir Thomas fighting in Wales, and besieged in Conway Castle. Conway was one of the last royal fortresses to holdout: it was besieged by General Mytton, and defended for a time by Archbishop Williams of York, and afterwards by Sir John Owen, the Governor; but it was summoned on g August, but held out three months longer, 1 See Owen and Blakeway, I. 443-4. - Ciil. State Papers, Dam., 1645 7, page 80, J Ibiil, pages 143-4 344 THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF and was finally compelled to surrender in November, 1646.1 It was at Conway that Mytton most cruelly caused the Irish defenders to be tied back to back, and thrown into the river, and "sent by water to their own country"! On the surrender of Conway Castle, Sir Thomas Eyton had a pass, signed by Mytton, permitting him with his horses, servants and with swords to pass to his dwelling house. On 27 February, 1646-7, he petitioned to compound for his delinquency, and sent in a particular of his estate. His estates seem to have been heavily incumbered, and were charged with annuities payable to his brother William Eyton, his uncle Thomas Eyton, and his sister Frances Charlton ; and he estimated that he had lost, by reason of the wars, at least £2,00;),— a large sum in those days. The same day he took the Covenant and the Negative Oath, by which he bound himself never again to bear arms against the Parliament. His Petition to compound was considered, and on 18 March, 1646-7, his line was fixed at £818; but it appearing to the Commissioners that his estate was under- valued, he sent in some additional particulars in November, 1650, showing that his estate was worth £79 is. per annum more than his first estimate, and on the 20th November he was lined in the further sum of £158 23. od., making (as already stated) his total line for his " delinquency " £976 2s. The first fine was paid on 20 March, 1646, and the further fine on 26 December, 1650. P>esides his composition and fine as a delinquent, it must not be overlooked that Sir Thomas was also assessed by the Committee for the Advance of Money for war purposes. This assessment was first ordained by Parliament in 1643, the ratio of the assessment being one-twentieth of the real and one-fith of the personal estate of all owners of property alike. A summons was served, and in default of payment within a month, the lands and houses were seized and the goods sold. The estimates of the estates were often assessed much too high, and royalists were especially dealt with. 1 Gardiner says December i&th, quoting the Perfect Diurnal. (See Hist. Civil War, Hi.. 139 ) Hut Ey ton's pass is dated 13th November, and it had thou siirfeiVdefexl. The Articles of Surrender ure d »ted 9th November. Holt Castle held out till Jan. 19th, Chirk till Feb. 28th, and Harlech the last to surrender) till March 13th, 1646-7. SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 345 On 6 August, 1646, an Order was made that the officers of the Committee for compounding should certify the names of those who acknowledged delinquency, and that all these delinquents should be assessed for the one-twentieth. Sir Thomas Eyton was assessed at £500 ; and on 26 October, 1647, his estate was ordered to be sequestered for non- payment of his assessment. On 13 December, 1(150, it was ordered that as, on calculating his estate, his assessment was found to be £254, he should pay £100, and should then be heard as to his debts contracted before 1642, and what money he has lent in the country, towards his one-fifth and one-twentieth; and also that his sequestration be taken off, on his giving good security to pay the remainder of his fine, if ordered. On 10 January, 1651, it appearing on his statement, that the £100 he has paid in was his full proportion for his one-twentieth, his assessment of £500 was discharged.1 It also appears, from the proceedings of this Commission, that Sir Thomas Eyton, " a Commissioner of Array, and in arms for the King," owed £1,300 to one Leake, of Stafford- shire, late Baron of the Exchequer and a delinquent, which sum was ''secured on his demesnes in Eyton."2 Sir Thomas did not live to see the Restoration, but died in the month of March, 1658-9, and was buried at Wellington on March 24th. He married about 1631, Margaret, daughter of Richard Thornes of Shelvock, Sheriff of Shropshire in 1610, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Mytton. Lady Eyton was therefore first cousin to the Parliamentary General, Thomas Mytton ; whilst her brother Francis Thornes was a royalist officer, and was captured at Shrewsbury 22 Febr., 1644-5, and was fined £720 for his delinquency.3 Lady Eyton survived her husband, and was buried at Wellington 29 November, 1679. By her, Sir Thomas Eyton had fourteen children : — (1) Phillip, bapt. at Wellington 20 Febr., 1632-3, matric. at St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, 5 Dec, 165*1, admitted of Gray's Inn, 1653, married Lucy, daughter of Sowdley Wedgwood 1 See the Calendar of the Committee for the Advance of Money, II., 10S. - Ibid, III., 1 184. 3 See Transactions, 2nd Series, VI., 332. Vol. VIII., 3rd Series. UU THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF of Eilerton, and had issue four sons and 3 daughters, buried at Wellington. 20 March, 1671-2. (2) Thomas;, bapt. 1 Jan., 1633-4. B.A. of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, 1655, admitted of Gray's Inn, 1653, buried at Wellington, 3 August, 1703. (3) Robert, bapt. 1 (an., 1634-5, living in 1645, and in 1688. (4) William, of Sandford, bapt. 1 Jan., 1635-6, admitted of Gray's Inn, 1652, living in 1688. (5) Anne, mar. to Rev. Roger Hay ward, D.D., Prebendary of Lichfield, and Chaplain to Charles II. He died 14 Nov., 16S0. (6) Mary, bapt. 20 Febr., 1637-8, mar. to Thomas Pigott of Chetwynd ( 3rd son of Thomas Pigott, the royalist.) 1 (7) Margaret, bapt. 6 May, 1639, and buried 3 May, 1645. (8) Frances, bapt. 16 Dec, 1640, and buried 10 May, 1645. (9) Lettice, bapt. 24 Feb., 1641-2, and buried 4 October, 1651. (10) Elizabeth, mar. 1663 to Richard Lyster (son and heir of Thomas Lyster of Rowton.) lie died 1697. (n) Margaret, bur. 1 March, 1653-4. (12) Eleanor, buried 18 Sept., 1662. (13) Rev. John, born circa 1649, M.A. of Christ Church, Oxford, Rector of Eyton 1676, Vicar of Wellington 16S9, died 22 February, 170S-9, and buried 25th at Wellington. He married Rachel, daughter of Thomas Acton of Gatacre Park (second son of Sir Edward Acton of Aldenham, 1st Bart.), and had issue 3 sons and 2 daughters. From him the family of Eyton of Walford and Eyton are lineally descended. (14) Charles, born circa 1630, M.A. of Christ Church, Oxford, buried 21 August, 1720. The following is an abstract of Sir Thomas Eyton's Will : — Will of Sir Thomas Eyton, of Eyton upon Wildinorc, CO. Salop, Knight. Hated 2j March, 1651. My Will and desire is that there be no pressing charges or expenses at my funerall, in regard of the greatness of my debts. My goods and chattells both moveable and unmove- ' U>id, 3rd Sciics, VI., 79, SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 347 able, to my wife Margaret, towards the discharge of my debts. I doe require and charge my son and heir Phillip Eyton, upon my blessinge that he will be ruled and advised by his mother, and Francis Thornis of Shelvake, and Richard Ottley of Pitchfbrd, esquires, both in his marriage, and dis- posal ge and managinge of his estate, and freeinge and cleringe of the same from incumbrances. My son Phillip is to receive from his mother £14 per annum for his maintenance until his marriage, at which time (if he marry with the consent above specified) the whole estate is to be settled upon him his issue and his brethren, at the discretion of Dame Margaret, Francis Thornis and Richard Ottley. If however he marry without their consent, the whole estate is to go to Dame Margaret for ten years, for raising money to pay my debts, and then for raising portions for the younger children. But if she marry within that period, then the whole estate, excepting the manors of Morton and Malenslee, is to go to Francis Thornes and Richard Ottley, upon trust to raise money for the aforesaid purposes. And if my son Phillip marry without consent, he is to receive £40 per annum, and no more, until all my debts are discharged. I appoint my wife Dame Margaret sole executrix of my Will, and Francis Thornes and Richard Ottley overseers. Witnesses: — Francis Thornes, Lawrence Seddon, George Hosier, William Cheshire, and Walter Howgrange. Will proved P.C.C. 2 May 1659 by Dame Margaret Eyton, widow and executrix. (249 Pell.) In 1 70 1 Sowdlcy Fyton, the last surviving ol Philip Eyton's sons, died without issue, when the estates passed to his uncle, the Rev. John Eyton, Rector of Eyton and Vicar of Wellington. An uncle of Sir Thomas, Sir Robert Eyton, also took part in the Civil War, and is named fifth in the List of the Principal Gentlemen of Shropshire who signed the Engage, ment and Resolution of 1642; but he was slain during the War. Amongst the living descendants of Sir Thomas Eyton, (he royalist officer, ajf Mrs. Isabel Margaret Hay Morris-Eyton 34« THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF of Wood Eaton, Archibald Cumberland Eyton, of Eyton, Esc}., Prebendary Robert Eyton, Francis William Dayreil, Esq., Henry John Beckwith, Esq., of Silksworth House, Durham, and the Rev. Richard Lewis Irvine Neave. eyton arms. The Arms of Eyton are, — Quarterly, i and 4, Or a fret azure (for Eyton) ; 2 and 3, Gules two bars ermine (for Puntulf). Eyton Hall lies about 2\ miles north of Wellington. The ancient mansion at Eyton stood beyond the present house, north of the Church, and is said to have been destroyed during the Civil War. No part of it now remains, and even the site can scarcely be traced. The present house is quite modern; and some account of it is given in Leach's " County Seats of Shropshire.'' It remains only to add that the Sequestration Papers1 which follow were copied from the originals in the Public Record Office, and were purchased from the transcriber by the Society. For the loan of the block of Arms we are indebted to the Editors of the Montgomeryshire Collections. SEQUESTRATION PAPERS. SIR THOMAS EYTON, OF EYTON, SALOP. I. PASS FOR SIR THOMAS EYTON TO TRAVEL FROM CONWAY TO HIS DWELLING HOUSE, 1 3 NOV., 1646. (G. 199, No. 19). Conwaie 13th Nov. 1646. The bearer hereof Sr Thomas Eyton Knight is to be protected in his person and goodes according to the Articles 1 See a summary of them in the "Calendar of the Committee for Compound- ing," Vol. III., pa^e 1674. SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 349 made upon the surrender of Conwaie Castle which hee is to have the benefitt of you are therefore to suffer the said Sir Thomas Eyton his horses servants wth swords to pas to his dwelling house or travell vpon his necessary occasions during the space of six months without molestac'on they doing nothing preiudiciall to the parliament or breach of the saide Articles. Tho. M ytton. To all to whom this mav concerne. II. CERTIFICATE BY GENERAL M YTTON THAT SIR THOMAS EYTON IS TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE ARTICLES AGREED ON AT THE SURRENDER OF CONWAY CASTLE. I FEBRUARY 1646-7. (G. 199, No. 15). Salop first of februarie 1646. These are to certifie all whom it may concerne that Sr Tho. Eyton was a member of the garrison of Conwaie and is to have the benefit of the articles agreed vpon at the surrender thereof. III. SIR THOMAS EYTON BEGS TO COMPOUND FOR HIS DELINQUENCY. 2J FEBRUARY, 1646-7. (G. 199, No. 14). To the Right Honoblc the Comissioners ffor Compositions with Delinquency. The humble Petition of Sr Thomas Eyton Knt. Sheweth That yor Petitioners Estate being wholly in the Kings Quarters hee did adhere to his Maiestie in this warrc against the Parliament for wdl his delinquency his Estate is vnder Sequestration. Hee is comprised within the Articles at the surrender of Conway Castle. 350 THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OE Hee prayes hee may be admitted to a ffauourable Com- position for his said estate and delinquency according to the said Articles. receiued this 27 ffebru. 1646 Referred to kye Sub Comittee Jo. Leech. £ s. d. l6o 0 0 3« 6 1 1 66 IcS 1 1 IV. A PARTICULAR OF HIS ESTATE. (G. 199, No. 23). A perticuler of the reall and personall estate of Sir Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the Goimtic of Salop. Hee is seized of an estate in fee of and in the man nor of Eyton the demeasnes whereof wcare worth yearly before these times of Hee is seized the like estate of other small tene ments in the said worth before these times Hee is seized of the like estate of severall tenem1 in Harton worth before these times yearely •• Hee is seized of the like estate in severall other tenem,s in Preston of the yearely value before these times of Hee is seized of the like estate of seuerall tenem1 in Newport of the yearely valine before these times off ... Hee is seized of the like estate in severall tene- ments in Wellington and Watlingstreete of the yearely vallue before these times of Hee is seized of a like estate of severall tenemts in Leaton and Wrockkurdine of the yearely vallue before these times of Hee is seized of the like estate in Breatton of seuerall tenemts of the yearly vallue before these times of Hee is seized of the like estate of and in one tene- ment in Bridgnorth worth yearly before these times 1 10 21 16 8 19 19 9 2 10 13 11 34 r9 SIR THOMAS KYTON, KNIGHT. 351 Hee is seized of and in one meese place in Stafford the house being burnt worth yearely ... 0 J3 0 Hee is seized of the like estate in Certaine Cheefe rents or quitt rents in Ingardine and Law ley worth yearely ... 4 6 Hee hath the patronage of the vicarage of Wel- lington and parsonage of Eyton. Hee hath had Cole Mynes and Iron stones that are now drowned worth yearely 5 0 0 Hee prayes to be allowed as followcth vizt. : 'Hie chicfe rents to his Mai est re ... 8 5 8 One Annuitie to William Eyton his brother as appeares by order of the Comittee 60 0 0 One Annuity to Thomas Eyton per an. ... 20 0 0 One Annuity to ffrances Charlton his sister as appeares by affidavit 40 0 0 Hee was seized of an estate in ffee in Certaine Lands in Malinsley in the said County of the yearely valine of ffonrescore and hue poundes part of the said lands are in Mortgage to Thomas Brookes and William ihtzharbert for the payment of six hundred poundes upon the ffeast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary fforty seavun as appearcs by deed bearing date the first of May 14 Caroli. The other lands in Malinsley are in mortgage to ffulke Crumpton (or the sum of Two hundred and fifty poundes w':h Lands are fforfeited aboue ffouer yearcs since as appeares by deed Bearing date the 13 Martii 17 Caroli. Hee hath lost in his estate by reason of these warres at least to the value of ... ... ...2000 o o The Lands in Bretton aforesaid are past ouer to Edward Mitton Esqr ol Lincolns Inne and William Whitehcld for a security of line hun- dred poundes the deeds cannot as yet be pro- duced but apeares by afiidauit to bee soc and that the money is yet due which he prayes may be considered. 352 THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF Owing by him. Hee is indepted to seuerall persons by special- ities ... ... ... ... ... ...3000 0 0 There is an extent for two hundred pounds dept. now in Charge vpon his lands at the suite of llatton Earners wch hec prayes may be allowed There is owing to him. fTrom Richard Dutton by bond .. ... ... 400 o 0 ffrorn Mr Simon Weston ... ... .. ...215 0 0 His personall estate and some arreares of rent he valines to bee worth ... ... ... ... 100 0 o ffrorn Thomas Pearson ... ... ... ... 20 o o This is a true perticuler of his estate wch hee desires to compound for and hee doth submitt himsclfe to the fine to imposed by this honoble Comittee according to his articles &c. Thomas Eyton. V. certificate that he took the national covenant and negative oath. 2j february, 1646-7. (G. 1 99, No. 17). These are to certify that Sr Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the County of Salop Knight did freely and fully take the Nationall Covenant and subscribe the same vpon the Seven and twentieth day of ffebruary 1646. The said Covenant being administered unto him according to order by me. Will'm Barton Minister of John Macharies London Probat. est. (No. 18). Sr Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the County of Salop knight took the negative oath this 27th of ffeabury 1646. Tho. Amcout. VI. HIS PETITION IS REFERRED. 27 FEBRUARY, 164O-7. (G. 4, p. 31). [See also under III.] 27 February 1646. Sr Thomas Eyton of Eyton SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 353 VII. HIS DEPOSITION AS TO HIS LIABILITIES. l8 MARCH, 1646-7. (G. 199, No. 27). Sr Thomas Eyton Knt. maketh oath that ye Lands in Bratton in his particular expresd to be in Mortgage of Edward Mytton of Lincolns Inn Esq. and William Whitt- field of Holborne for the securing of hue hundred poundes are really soe and the money yet wholly vnsatisfyed and that the deeds whereby this appeares he cannot at present produce nor doth he know where the same are. And he also deposeth that ye seuerall annuityes to his brother William of threescore poundes yeerly to his sister ffrancis Chorleton ot fforty poundes and to his Vncle Thomas Eyton of twenty poundes in his particular mentioned are really in charge vpon his estate in his particular expressed And that all the three partyes his Vncle, brother and sister for ought this deponent knoweth to ye contrary are now liuinge and that their seuerall annuityes are still due and in charge vpon his estate duringe their seuerall Hues and that ye seuerall sums in Mortgage vpon Maiinislie are yet wholly vnsatisfyed. Tho. Eyton jur. 6° die Martii 1646. Thomas Eyton John Page. 18 Marcii 1616. Rept. 7 Marcii 49 ffyne £8 18. 20 Novemb. 1650. ffine at 10th £158. VIII. DEPOSITION OE EDWARD EYTON, OF LONDON. 13 MARCH, 1646-7. (G. 199, No. 21). March 13, 1646. Edward Eyton of London gent, maketh oath that about seuen yeares since Sir Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the county of Salop did by a deed bearing date aboute ye same time passe away his intrest in ye towneshipp of Bratton in ye county aforesaid to Edward Mitten of Salope gent, and to William W,n Whitfield for saue them harmless of ye Vol. VIU., 3rd Scries. VV i 354 THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF Ingagmt of £1000 wth they then became bound wth ye sli Sr Thomas for vvdl dept ye sd parteyes arc now sued (and haue been long since) there beinge of late yeares no interest paid nor anney parte of ye dept satisfied. Edw. Eyton. jurat. 1 3° Martij 1646. Robt. Aylett. IX. REPORT AS TO HIS DELINQUENCY AND ESTATE, MARCH, 1646-7. (G. 199, No. I). Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the County of Salop Esq. His delinquency that he lived in the enemys Quarters and adhered to his Matlc against the Parliament in this vnnaturall vvarre and was in Conwey Castle at the tymc of the surrender and is to haue the benefit of those Articles as by Coll. Myttons certificate of the first of ffebruary 1646 doth appeare, the ninth article of which is that the Governor and others in the said Castle at the surrenderinge thereof shall haue the liberty to compound for their delinquencies at such Rates as if they had come in before the first of December last, before the date of the Articles which beares date the 9th of Nouember 1646, and that this liberty shall extend unto all but such as beinge under the first and second exceptions are exempted from pardon provided they compound within six months and he pctic'oned here the 27th of ffebruary 1646. He hath taken the National Covenant before Wm. Barton Minister of John Macharye's the 27th of ffeb. 1646 and the negative oath heere the same day. He compounds upon a particular deluired in under his hand by which he doth submitt to such ffine &c. and by which it doth appeare That he is seized in ffee to him and his heires in possession of and in the Man nor of Eyton in the County of Salop and of and in the dem'easne of the said Manner and of other small ten'ts lyinge and beinge there, and of seuerall Ten'ts in Harton in the said County and of seuerall other Ten'ts in Preston, Newport, Wellington, Watling-strecte and Leaton, Worockkurdine, Breatton, Bridgnorth, Stafford and of SIR THOMAS KYTON, KNIGHT. 355 certaine cheifc rents in Ingardine and Lawley, all seucrally menc'oned in the perticulei? of his estate with the seuerall values and respective rents wch were yeerly together before theis troubles £364 7s. 4d. That he is seized of a like estate of and in certaine Cole myncs and Iron stone which are now drowned and vnder water of the yeerly value of £5. That he was seized of certaine lands and Ten'ts in Malingsley in the said County of the yearly value before theis troubles £85. Parte of theis lands last menc'oned the Compounder by a deed of demise and lease dated the 30th day of March in the 17 yeere of his Matlus reigne hath demised and to farme let vnto one ffulke Crompton of greate Dawley in the County of Salop gent, to hold for 99 years under a pepper Corne rent with a proviso and condic'on that if the Compounder his Executors Administrators and Assignes or any of them should pay to the said Crompton his Executors Administra- tors or Assignes the some of £270 upon the 14th day of April 1642 at the Castle of greate Dawley, then the said lease to be void and he hath deposed that the said money was not paid and that it is still owinge and the lease in fforce. It is also deposed that he hath mortgaged the other parte of the said lands of Malinsley aforesaid vnto Thomas Brookes and Wm : ffitzherbert for the payeing of £600 upon the ffeast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, which shall be in the yeare of or Lord 1647 which he did by deed of Mortgage dated the first of May in the 14th yeere of King Charles and is vnsatisfyed. It is alsoe deposed that his lands in Bretton aforesaid are past over to Edward Mitton Esq. of Lincolns Inn and to Win. Whitfield for securinge them of a debt of £500 and that the deeds cannot be produced, and doth depose that the said money is still due and oweinge. That he owes to seuerall persons £30u0- That there is oweing to him from seuerall persons named in his particular the som'e of £735- Out of which he craues to be allowed £8 5s. 8d. a ffee farme rent paid to the Crowne for his Mannor of Eyton and lands m Eyton Bretton and as by the kccciuoIb acquittances THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF £bo per ann. an annuity payable to Win. Eyton his brother issueinge out of the said Mannors and lands to hold duringe tearme of his life as by affidauit, and that he is livinge and still receiues the same. £20 per an. Annuity payable vnto Thomas Eyton his vncle issueinge out of the said Mannors and lands to hold duringe tearme of his life, as by affidauit and that he is livinge and still receues the Annuitye. £40 per an. an Annuity payable to ffrancies Charlton his sister duringe tearme of her life and is likewise issueinge out of the said Mannors as by affidauit and that the Grauntee is liucinge and still receiues her Annuitye. He prayes it may be considered that he hath lost by thcis warrs in reason of goods and Chattels £2000. D. Watkins. 18 March 1646 fyn at xth £818. Richard Vinnar. X. HE IS FINED AT ONE-TENTH, l8 MARCH, 1646-7. (G. 4, p. 42). 18 March 1646. Thomas Eyton of Eyton in Com. Salop Esq. ffine at a tenth £818. XI. HE PEGS TO COMPOUND FOR UNDERVALUATIONS OF HIS ESTATE, 6 MARCH, 1650. (G. 199, No. 8). To the honourable the Comissionrs for Compounding &c. The humble petition of Sr Thomas Eyton Shcweth That yor Petitioner is informed of certain Resolutions of Parliament whereby Liberty is given to any that have under- valued their estates vpon their Compositions who may Compound for the same. But soc it is that yor Petitioner is not att present able to expresse his vndervalue by reason his papers whereby he formerly compounded are above 100 miles from him, which he hath sent for and shall speedily receive and will then SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 357 exhibit a Note of the undervalues to yo' Honrs and shah at present Name the estate soe undervalued viz. Preston super Wild more and something in Eyton and Horton Wood, which though it may not bee att present soe satisfactory to yor Honors as yor Petitioner desires Hee humbly prayes you will be pleased to receive this his petition that he may enjoy the bcnefitt of the said resolues, which give time only till the 24 of this instant November (as he is informed) and that you will give such further Order or directions herein as to yor Honors shall be thought most For which he shall ADDITIONAL PARTICULAR OF HIS ESTATE. (G. 199, No. 9). A pcrticuler of ye rcall and personall estate of Sr Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the County of Salop. In his former particuler he inserted an estate of certcine small Tenemts in Eyton worth before £ s. d. these tymes ... ... ... - ••• 38 6 4 ffor wch Tenemts in Eyton there may be added the sum'e of 20 1 o He is seized of the like estate of seuerall Tenemts in Morton worth before these tymes yearely 66 18 11 Whereas there was given in £66 18s nd for Horton, Horton's Wood was therein compre- hended as belonging to Horton for the rents of Horton itself came but to Hifteen pounds the rest was put in for Horton's Wood, yet I desire there may be added thereunto the sume of ... ... ••• ... .. 28 o o He is seized of ye like estate in seuerall other Tenemts in Preston of the yearely value before these tymes of 21 16 8 pray &c. 6 November 1650 Referred to Mr Reading Jo. Leech. 3 XII. 358 THE SK QUE STRATI ON PAPERS OF I desire there may be added to ye lands in Preston 20 0 u Hee is seized of ye like estate of seuerall Tenemls in Newport of ye yearely value before these tymes of ... .. ... ... ... ... 8 19 c I desire there may be added to the Lands in Newport... ... ... ... ... ... 11 0 0 [*Hee is alsoe seized of the like estate of and in one Tenem1 in Bridgnorth worth yearly before theise tymes ... ... ... ... ... 1 10 0] Hee is reizcd of and in Meeseplace in Stafford the hous being burnt worth yearely ... ... o ij 0 [-Hee is seized of the like estate in certaine cheife rents or quit rents in Inguardine and Lawley worth yearely 146 Hee hath the patronage of ye vicaridge of Wel- lington and parsonage of Eyton. Hee hath had Cole Mynes and Iron and Stone yl arc now drowned worth yearely ... ... 5 o o] Hee was seized of an estate in ffee in certaine Lands in Malensley in ye said County of the yearely value of ffower score and ffive younds. Part of wch said Lands are in Mortgage to Thomas Brookes and William ffitzharbert for the paym1 of Six hundred pounds vpon ye ffeast of ye Purification of the Virgin Mary fforty Seaven as appears by deed bearing date the ffirt of May 14° Carol. Other Lands in Malinsley are in Mortgage to lTulke Crompton for the sum of Two hundred and flifty pounds wc" Lands are fforfeited aboue 4 yeares since as appeares by deed bearing date the 13 Martii 170 Carol. ffor what was ouer and aboue the Lands in Mortgage in Mallinsley, I desire may be added the same of ... fo o o Charges vpon ye Lands. One Annutie to Wm Eyton his brother as ap- peares by order of the Comtcc 60 o o 1 Crossed out in Original. 2 Crossed out in original. SIR THOMAS EYTON, KNIGHT. 359 One Annuitie to Thomas Eyton his vncle ... 20 o o One Annuitie to ffrancis Charlton his sister as appears by affidavit ... ... ... ... 40 o o Hcc hath lost in his estate by reason of theis warres at least ye value of ... ... ... 2000 o o Oweing by him. Hee is Indebted to scuerall persons by specialties 3000 o o There was an extent for two hundred pounds debt then in Charge upon his Land at ye suite of 1 1 at ton Barnes wch he prayed might be allowed. This is a true perticuler and I desire to bee admitted to compound according to the Articles Conwey wch were formerly allowed mee T110. Eyton. XIII. REPORT AS TO HIS FURTHER ESTATE. NOVEMBER, 1650. (G. 199, No. 5). According to yor Order of the 6 of November 1650 vpon the pctic'on of Sr Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the County of Salop Knt. desireing to add to his former Composic'on of his owne discovery I linde That hee Compounded here the 11 March 1646 at a tenth, amongst other things, for lands in fee in Eyton aforesaid of the yearly value of £38 6s 4d. To which vallue he desires to add of his owne discovery £20 Is per arm. more. I lee also compounded in fee for lands in Morton of the yearly valleu of £66 18s [ id. . To which valleu he desires to add to the valleu of the lands and woods in Horton in his new perticuler menc'oned £zS per aim. more of his owne discovery. Hee also compounded for scuerall tenements in Preston in the said County of the yearly vallue of £zi 16s. To which valine he now desires to add of his own discovery £20 per an. more. Hee also Compounded for scuerall tenements in Newport in the said count}- of the yearly vallue of £S 19s. To which valine he now desires to add of his own discovery £11 more, 360 THE SEQUESTRATION PAPERS OF SIR T. EYTON. ffor all which vndervallues he desires to compound of his owne discovery. 20 Novemb. 1650 20 Nov. 1650 ffine at 10th, £158 2s. Jo. Readinge. XIV. HE IS FINED FURTHER AT ONE-TENTH1, £158 2S. OD. 20 NOVEMBER, 1650. (G. 12, p. 22). 20 November 1650. Sir Thomas Eyton of Eyton in ye County of Salop knt- vpon an addic'onall particular for an estate. In fee per Ann: £20 1- od ... ... . . 40 2 o More in fee per An. £28 os od ... ... ... 56 o o More in fee per An. £20 os oli .. ... ... 40 o 0 More in fee per An. £11 os od .. ... ... 22 0 0 Fine at ^ £158 2 0 XV. CERTIFICATE OF PAYMENT OF HIS FINE. (G. 199, No. 3). Vpon perusall of the Bookes and papers lately belonging to the late Comtec and Comrs for Compounding and Manag- ing estates then under sequestration &c. I find that Sr Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the County of Salop) Knt. had 2 fiines set by the Comittee and Com1-5 for his delinquency. The first the 18 of March 46 £818 and ye second the 20th of November 1650 upon his own discovery at £ 150 2s od and ye aforesaid flincs were paid into the then Treasury as followeth vizt. 20Ul of March 1646, £409 and ye 26 December 50, £567 2s od wch at the request of is certilied by me. XVI. RECEIPT AND NOTE OF HIS PAYMENTS, TOTAL £976 2S. OD 26 DECEMBER, 1650. (G. 199, No. 14). S9 Thomas Eyton of Eyton in the County of Salop what hec compounded for and when and at what times payed. Eyton Sr Tho. of Eyton in Com. Salop £818 2s and £158 2" additiou.il is £970 2s p'd as foil' 20 March 1646 and 26 Dec. 1650 £567 2\ 361 EXTENT OF THE MANOR OF C H ESW A RDI NE, AND A MOIETY OF THE MANOR OF CHILDS ERCALL, 24 OCTOBER, 1280. The Extent or Survey of the Manor of Cheswardine, dated 24 October, 1280, and of a Moiety of the Manor of Child's Ercall, which follow, were extracted and translated by Mr. W. K. Boyd, for the Society, from the original Surveys in the Public Record Office. That for the Manor of Ellesmere, dated four days later, and for the Manor of Welch Hampton, dated 4 November, 1280, are printed in the Transactions, 2nd Series, XL, 252, &c. These Extents show the exact conditions of the manors, with their acreage and value, the names of the tenants and their rentals, &c. Roger Lestrangc was the Lord of all these four manors. The value of the Manor of Cheswardine was £6 14s. Sod. The moiety of Child's Ercall was worth £2 ys. 4^d. At Child's Ercall were some nativi, or tenants in villeinage, and cotcrclli, or inferior tenants of the soil. It is not clear why only a moiety of the manor was valued to the lord. (See Eyton's Antiquities, viii., 14.) Roger le Strange was the third son of John le Strange and Lucia, daughter ol Robert dc Trego/. He married Maud de Beauchamp, but died 31 July, 13 n, without issue by her. On 24 July, 1304, the King granted him a weekly market at Cheswardine on Mondays, and a yearly fair of three days' duration, on the eve, day, and morrow of the Translation of St. Swythin, July 14, 15, and 16. The Inquest taken on his death docs not relate to his Shropshire estates, which were all probably settled. (See Eyton X., 32, and 262 for pedigree.) W.G.D.F. Vol. VIII , 3rd Scries. WW 362 EXTENT OF THE MANOR OF CHESWARDINE, EXTENT OF THE MANOR OF CHESWARDINE RENTALS AND SURVEYS. PORTE. 14, NO. 23. P.R.O. [24th Oct., A.D., 1280.] Extent of the Manor of Chescwardin made on Thursday next after the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist in the 8th year of the reign of King Edward ; before Thomas Posse, j Thomas de Thorp, and Philip de Say, Clerk ; by William de Chippeknolie, Richard Forester, Richard Wodeclerk, Richard del Hull, Hugh le Paumer, Alexander du Clay, John de lluntcbeche, William, son of William, son of Hugh, Hugh, son of Henry, and other Jurors. Who say on oath that the lord holds in demesne 44 acres of land, the worth of an acre 8,J, sum whereof 29s 4", and that the lord holds two water-mills which render 30 quarters of ripe corn the worth of a quarter 3s. The sum whereof 4K io\ For which mills he pays to William de Chippeknolie half a mark ; and to the lord of Tireleye 6'1 ; and to the lord of Golstan 6d. And that the lord holds 2I vi varies, which are worth 26s 8li by the year. And that the herbage of the park is worth 6s 8d. Sum 81' 13d. Free Tenants. Richard Forester (Forestarius) holds one virgate of land and a half by charter, and renders 9s 4d by the year and 4 cocks at two terms of the year or 4ci. And Hugh at the head of the vill (ad capud ville) holds one oxgang of lan 1, and renders 20*' at two terms; and lie holds by charter. And Richard, son of Philip, and Gilbert, son of Gilbert, holds one oxgang of land by charter, and render 20d by the year. And William, son of William, holds one virgate and a half and half an oxgang of land, and renders 12s by the year. And Henry, son of Anian, holds one virgate and a half and renders 10s. And William, son of Walter, holds one assart and renders 6d by the year. AND A MOIETY OF THE MANOR OF CHILDS ERCALL. 363 And William de Cestreshire holds one messuage at the will of the lord and renders 2H by the year. And William de Chippeknolle holds 2 virgates and a half of land, and an assart, and a meadow pertaining to the said land, with a small vivary, and renders 10s io(1 by the year. And Richard Wodeclerk holds one oxgang of land with an assart, by ancient tenure, and renders 28 6d by the year. And William Davy holds one oxgang of land in the same form and renders 2s by the year. And Thomas de Okeley & Robert son of Robert hold half a virgate of land, and render 4s 5'' by the year. And Hugh de Golstan holds one oxgang of land and two assarts by charter, and renders 28 iod by the year. And William Randolf holds one oxgang of land by charter, and renders 2s. And the same William holds a meadow at the will of the lord, and renders 4''. And Henry Brun holds for a term land which renders 29 by the year. And John de Esseleye holds 2J acres for the term ot his wife's life and renders I2d by the year. And Richard Kubboc holds for a term 2§ acres, and renders i2d by the year. And Richard del Hull holds one assart by charter, and renders 2d by the year. And the same Richard holds a meadow at the will of the lord, and renders 6d. And John del Hull holds 3 acres of land by charter, and renders I2d by the year. And Richard Le Forester holds one virgate of land, and renders 2* at the Feast of St. Michael. And the same Richard holds a meadow at the will of the lord, and renders 2d. And John de Huntebcchc and Hugh, son of Henry, hold by charter half a virgate of land with assarts and meadows, and render 8s 2li by the year. And Hugh Karles holds one virgate of land by charter, and renders 4* id at the Feast of St. Michael. And Alexander del Clay holds half a virgate of land by charter, and renders 8(l at the term aforesaid. 364 EXTENT OE THE MANOR OE 6HESWARDINE, And John Bossc holds half a virgate of land, and renders 3H 2d by the year. And Hughe le Paumer holds 3 oxgangs of land by charter, and renders 8H i'1 by the year. And Thomas Hody holds by charter half a virgate of land, and renders 2s. And Stephen le Parker and John de Esselcye hold half a virgate of land for term of life, and render 8s 2'1 by the year. And Henry de Huntebeche and William Le Rous hold half a virgate of land for a term, and render 8s 2li by the year. And Richard, son of Adam Keys, holds half a virgate of land, and renders 3s 5d by the year. And Richard Le Parker holds one oxgang of land for a term, and renders 4s id by the year. And Nicholas de Soudleye and Sibyl the widow hold one oxgang and a half of land for a term, and render 23 iod by the year. And Adam Keys and John de Asseleye and Sibyl the widow hold assarts for a term, and render iS Jd by the year. And Thomas Tanny holds one acre anil a half for a term, and renders 6d by the year. And the Piior of Rompton holds an assart and renders 6d. And ddiomas Bosse holds Westaneskote and renders id by the year for all service. Sum 6U 14s 8£d. EXTENT OF A MOIETY OF THE MANOR OF GUILDS K RCA LE. Extent of a moiety of the Vill of Erkalewe of the part of the lord Roger Lestrange, by 12 sworn men. Who say upon oath that the lord holds in demesne1 ■ And that the pannage is worth 6'1 by the year. And that the fines and amercements of the Courts are worth 6s 8d. And that the herbage is worth 2s bd with the turbary and heath. And that the lord holds 5 acres of meadow for 20s, the worth of an acre 4s. And that the garden is worth 3s. Erce Tenants. Thomas Bossc holds half a virgate of land and renders 3" by the year. 1 Blank in the Record. AND A MOIETY OF THE MANOR OF CHILDS ERCALL. 365 And William de la Leye holds one virgate of land in Leye by ancient tenure and renders 4s by the year. And Simon de Erkalewe holds for term of life half an oxgang of land and renders 3s by the year. And Richard Topping and Richard ie Rous hold an assart by charter and render 2h by the year. And the Prior of Wombrugge hold an assart and a certain meadow by charter and render by the year. And Robert Payn holds a meadow at the will of the iord and renders 3'*. And William Bernard holds a meadow at the will of the lord and renders 1 '. And Michael de Morton for digging turves — 3d. And William de Kaington for the same— 3''. And Hugh son of James holds an assart and a croft and renders iSd by the year, by charter. Sum 15* 8d. Coterelli. Lonekvn Karles tor a house and curtilage 2s by the year. And Henry Le Wilde for a house and curtilage I2'1 by the year. And Juliana the widow for a house and curtilage i2d by the year. And Thomas Russcl for a house and curtilage, I2d. And Roger Cygou for a house and curtilage ;d ; and for a house and curtilage 6d. And Juliana the Weaver (Textrix) renders for a house and curtilage I2a. And Tileman renders for a house and 3 acres of land I2d, And Simon de Erkalewe holds at the will of the lord half an oxgang of land and renders 2s 6d. Sum 10 7d. Bondmen (Nativi). Elias the Reeve holds one oxgang of land and renders 2s 2d of farm (lirma) and he owes two ploughings (arune) or id. And he [ought] to wash the sheep or [give) |d, and he shall give of " gilde " 1S'1. And he shall mow four days in the autumn, or shall give 6d. 366 EXTENT OF THE MANOR OF CHESWARDINE, And Robert the Reeve holds one oxgang of land and a half and renders 2s by the year, and he shall give 2s 6a of geld (Gilda) and he shall mow in the autumn with two men for four days or shall give i2d. And he o^ves two ploughings (arurrc) or 2d. And [he ought] to wash the sheep or [give] ld ; and he shall mow the lord's meadow for two days. And William, son of Sampson, holds 2 oxgangs of land and renders 3s of farm, and of geld 3s; and he owes two ploughings (arurae) or 2d. And he shall mow for one day with seven men in the autumn or [give] ioJd. And he shall mow the lord's meadow for one day, and he ought to wash the sheep or he shall give Jd. And James de Erkalewe holds half an oxgang of land and renders I2d by the year, and of geld I2d. And he shall mow in the autumn for one day with four men or shall give 6d. And he owes two ploughings or id, and he ought to wash the sheep or [give] Jd. And Edusa the widow holds one oxgang of land, and renders i8d of farm (firma) and of geld i8d ; and she ought to plough or give id, and to wash the sheep or [give] Jd. And she ought to mow with seven men for one day or [give] 6(i. And Thomas de Algh' holds one oxgang of land, and renders of geld iS1' and of farm (firma) i8d, and he ought to do the service aforesaid. And Elias de Hull holds one oxgang of land and two assarts and renders 2s 8'1 by the year, and of geld i8d; and he shall do the whole service aforesaid. And William son of Margaret holds 2 oxgangs of land, and renders 3s 8d of farm by the year, and of geld 3s. And he ought to plough or [give] 2d and wash the sheep or [give] |d. And he ought to mow in the autumn with seven men for one day or [give] io!d. And Henry Fraunceys holds one oxgang of land, and renders 18'' of farm, and of geld i8d, and he ought to plough or give id, and he shall wash the sheep or [give] \d. And he shall mow for one day in the autumn with four men or [give] 6d. Coterelli. And Simon de Erkalewe and Tilcman shall give for geld AND A MOIETY OF THE MANOR OF CHILDS ERCALL. 367 i2d and they ought to mow for one day in the autumn with six men or [give] o/! and to wash or [give] id. And the whole Community ought to pay 22d for tax (vola) and for " Shepeleye " 6d. Sum 47s 4|d. FOUR SHROPSHIRE INQUISITIONS POST MORTEM. [ELIZABETH, DAUGHTER OE JOHN LESTRAUNGE OF BLACK- MERE, 1383; SIR THOMAS DE ROOS OF HAMELAK, 1384 ; JOHN WAKEYN, OF IGHTFIELD, I413 J AND SIR ROGER TKUMPYNGTON, OF ALDEMERE, 1415-16.] The following Inquisitions post mortem have been ex- tracted and translated by Mr. W. K. Boyd, for the Society, from the originals preserved in the Public Record Office. These Inquisitions are of the highest value both to topo- graphers and genealogists. Some account of their contents w ill be found in the Transactions,, Second Series, XI. 262-3. Suffice it to say here that they give us full information as to all lands held in chief under the Crown, on the death of any tenant in capite; and that they tell us (1) of what lands the deceased person died seised, (2) of whom and by what rents and services the same were held, (3) the date of his death, and (4) the name and age of his heir-at-law. ddie Inquisition taken after the death of Elizabeth Lcstraunge is of considerable genealogical value. It tells us that she was the only daughter and heiress of John Lcstraunge (son of Sir John Lcstraunge, of Blackmere, knight), who died during his minority in 1375, and that she was the wife of Thomas Mowbray, Earl of Nottingham, but died without issue 23 August, 1383- Her heir was her aunt Ankeretta, her father's sister, the wife of Sir Richard Talbot, the 4th Lord Talbot. Ankeretta was then aged 22 and more, and had t\VJ daughters, Elizabeth and Mary. Ankaretta's son John Talbot was the celebrated Earl of Shrewsbury. Sir Thomas de Roos of Hamelak was the 5th Lord Roos. lie married 13eatrix, daughter of Ralph, 1st Earl of Stafford, and was ancestor of the Earls and Dukes of Rutland. He died 8 June, 1384, seised of the manor of Adderlcy, no doubt jure uxoris. W. G. D. F, FOUR SHROPSHIRE INQUISITIONS POST MORTEM. 369 INQUISITION P.M. ELIZABETH, DAUGHTER OF SIR JOHN LESTRAUNGE, AND WIDOW OF THOMAS, EARL OF NUTTING- HAM, 1383. THE MANORS OF WROCKWARDIN E, DODINGTON, WHITCHURCH, FRANETON, LINEAL, &C. Chancery Inquisition Post Mortem 7 Richard II., No. 60, in. 8. [16th Sept. A.D. 1383.] Inquisition taken on Friday next after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the 7th year of the reign of King Richard II.; by the oath of James de Hethe &c. Who say upon their oath that after the death of John Lestraunge, of Pdakemere, chivaler, and by reason of the minority of John Lestraunge, son and heir of the aforesaid John Lestraunge, chivaler, [who] whilst under age and in the custody of the Lord King Edward, grandfather of the now King, closed his last day, and he held of the Lord King Edward, in chief, divers manors in the County and Marches aforesaid, in his demesne as of fee, on the day he died,' namely, the manor of Wrokwardyn, in the County of Salop aforesaid, which is held of the Lord the King in chief by the service of 8li for all service by the year to the Lord the King by the hands of the Sheriff of the County aforesaid who for the time shall be. The manor of Dodynton, in the same County. The manor of Whitchurch, with the appurtenances, in the County aforesaid, which, together with the advowsons of the churches of Whitchurch and Itfeld, is held of the heirs of the Earl of Warcn and Surrey by the service of taking the said Earl's venison at the proper costs of the said Earl, when he shall be requested. A toft with a carucate of land, with the appurtenances, at Zeye, in the County afore- said, which is held of Hugh Burnel, Lord of Wotton, chivaler, by the service of a pound of cummin by the year for all services. The moiety of a carucate of land at Hilton, in the same County, which is held of the lord of Corfham by the service of 14s by the year. The fourth part of the manors of Frankton and Luniall, in the Marches aforesaid, which are held of the lord of Ellesmere in chief. Also they say that all the abovesaid manors MISCELLANEA. V commanded by a gentleman, who, it was thought, might be prevailed with to give it up to the King ; but his Majesty sending to him he returned a rude denial, so that his Majesty's eye was upon Worcester." At all events, it was considered that Mackworth had been of great Service to his side, for as Whitelock writes1 : — Aug. 30, 165 r. The Parliament ordered to Collonel Mackworth a chain of Gold with a medal as a mark of their Favour for his faithful and gallant refusal of the King's Summons to render Shrewsbury Castle." William Careless, the eldest son of Colonel William Careless, who entered the English College at Rome in 1654, afterwards became a member of the Society of Jesus. He took the name of Dorrington, it beine usual tor piiests to adopt such slight disguises in the days when the Penal Laws of England were so severe against them. It has been suggested that this was his mother's maiden name, an alias frequently assumed by the persecuted Catholic clergy. There was a Catholic family named borringtcn living in Shropshire, of which a member joined the English College in 1592. William Careless, S.J. , died January 26, 1679 80. An interesting paper by him is given by Mr. H. Foley, in his "Records S.J.', vol. i., p. 1 80-1. The following extracts from the English Catholic Nonjurors of 1715- (i.e., those who complied with the Act of Parliament obliging Papists to register their names and Real Estates), give much additional information concerning the Pendrill family, and the rewards bestowed by the King upon his preseivers. Hereford. — Richard Pendrell of Hobbal Grange, Thomas Mow of Boscobel, John Pendrell of Paiham, Richard Pendre ll of the Savoy Parish. A true particular of all the manors, lands, &c. in co. Hereford whereof we, Richard Pendrell, son and heir of Thomas Pendrell, late of Hobbal Grange, eo. Salop, gent, dec, who was son and heir e>f Richard Pendrell also dec. ; Thomas How of Boscobel, co. Salt p, gent, in right of Catherine my wife, daughter and heir of William Pendrell, late of Boscobel, gent., dec, who was son and heir oi William Pendrell, also dec. ; John Pendrell of Parham, co. Susse x, gent , son and heir of George Pendrell, late of Essingtem, co Stafford, gent, dec, who was son and heir of John Pei drell, late of Beamish Hall, co. Salop, gent., also dec; Richard Pendrell of the parish of the Savoy, co. Middlesex, gent , son and heir of Edmund Pendrell, late of London, gent, dec, who was son and heir of Humphrey Pendrell, late of Bloxwich, co. Stafford, gent.,3 also dec ; register an estate of five-sixths of a rental of £5 out of Shurringfield, and ,£'8 4s. 2d. out of the rectory of Wem- 1 Memorials &f Me /<:>n:!ish Atfairs in the Year MDCIJ. ' English Cathoti, Non-f'untn of /f/f, by K. K, Ki court and J. (). Payne. 3 A ;iiicl..oa t»l I 1 11 tli plir«_*y lYudrill, name ly Kit haul, .son cf I'.dimmd Pendrill by his wife Auii Sliding, entered the English College at Rome. 11c was born in 168 1, but, aftet receiving minor orders, left the Society of Jems. Vi MISCELLANEA. bridge, in fee simple, by virtue of a grant or Letters Patent under the great seal of England, dated 24 July, 27 Car II.; Robert Hope in right of Anne his wife, and Margaret Keeling, widow, her sister, daughters and co-heiis of George Pendrell, dec., who was son and heir of George Pendrell, also dec , being in receipt of the sixth portion and aie Protestants — £13 14s. 2d. Salop. Richard Pendrell, of St. Clement Danes, co. Middlesex, apothecary;1 Thomas How, gent. ; John Pendrell. gent. ; Richard Pendrell, gent Fee farm rents out of Lilleshall, &c. — £83 3s. 7d. Stafford. — Richard Pendrell; Thomas How; John Pendrell; Richard Pendrell (described as in Hereford). Fee farm rents out of several parishes in Staffordshire, ^201 ;os. 4-Jd. Worcester. — Richard Pendrell of Hobbal Grange, co. Salop, gent. ; Thomas How of Boscobel, co. Salop, gent. ; John Pendrell of Parham, co. Sussex, gent ; Richard Pendrell of the Savoy, co. Middlesex, gent. Five-sixths of fee farm rents out of the rectory of Ombersley ; tithes of Defford Grange, &c. — ("38 7s. id. Stafford. — Thomas How, of Boscobel, co Salop, gent , son of Richard How.- A farm at Kerrimore Green for the life of Catherine, his wife, to go at her death to William How, their son - £46 15s. Stafford. — Catherine Giffard, late of Blackladies, and now of the city of Worcester, widow of John Giffard. Life estate at Stretton subject to ^260 to Thomas How of Boscobel. Salop. —William Fitzherbert of Norbury, co. Derby, Esq. Estate at White Ladies, entailed; the mansiDn of Boscobel, formerly leased by John Giffard the elder, Esq , Basil Fitzherbert and Jane, his wife, to Thomas How, the elder, at a rental of £91.-— ..6*167 is. Salop. — Bartholomew Martin: Giles Martin, of Cosford, in Albrighton, yeomen. Estate in fee at Madeley — ,£61 1 ss- Middlesex. — John Rogers of Hobbal Grange, in the parish of Tong, co. Salop, gent , son of Anne Rogers of Wolverhampton, co. Stafford, widow of John Rogers, and daughter of Richard Pendrell, gent., seised in tail of a pension granted by King Charles II — £100. Sussex. — John Pendrell of Storrington, gent., son of Charles Pendrell, late of Essington, co. Stafford, son of John Pendrell of Beamish Hall, co. Salop. Estate at Shipley and Henfield in right of Barbara his wife. — £52 15s. 1 Richard Pendrell, though described as of " Hobbal Grange" in the other entries, probably because he had inherited it from his father, had evidently embraced the profession of an apothecary and practised in London, ietting his cousin, John Rogers, farm the Grange, his uncle Lawrence, who had once had Ilubbal, having died before 1715. 2 In the former paper was a misprint of Thomas for Richard. It ought to have been: ''.Mary Pen drill married Rich ird Howe, by whom she had a son Thomas." Richard How was a son of Thomas How the elder, to whom the mansion of boscobel had been leased. MISCELLANEA. vii Of the Hows of Boscobel, Mr. H. F. J. Vaughan kindly sent me the following :— " I know little of the family save that I remember an account which said that the only son of the last who was tenant was playing in the great barn there with some companions, sliding down the side of a high miss of straw, which was placed there, on to a lower heip. The youths had not observed that a pitchfork had been left against the side of the straw, and young How gilding down from a considerable height upon the top of the pitchfork, the handle entered his body and virtually impaled him. Thus ended the Hows at Boscobel." J. ERNEST AUDEN, MA. III. NOTES ON CHIRBUBY. I beg to send the enclosed notes as a Supplement to the History of Chirbuiy. They are derived from personal observation during the time I lived at Chirbuiy Hall. 3rd Series, Vol. VI., page 228 (Tumuli). Add Dudston and Winsbury. There are also some entrenchments at Calcot, near the bank of the Camlad, on the edge of Marrington Dingle. I do not think there ever was a Castle upon the field called King's Orchard, but only an encampment, as there are no traces of walls, and when in 1849 the road to Montgomery was partly cut through the supposed site of the castle no foundations were met with. If 1 castle was ever built, it must have been on or near the site of the present church, or Chirbuiy Hall, before the monastery was built. Page 230. — There are on Corndon five large heaps of stones on the live highest points of the hill, three of which are still perfect, and correspond to a description given in a book called l> A Holiday in the Island of Skyey' Scotland, of similar heaps which are supposed to be the burial places of the chiefs of the original inhabitants. 1'age 241. — The pillar mentioned was.no doubt, part of the large building which extended from it to the stone conduit, or water course, in Chirbury Hall garden, under the west side of which are extensive old foundations, which adjoin the conduit. The old monastery probably had either two towers or other parapets belong- ing to it, as I have seen three arched stones similar to those at present on the tower. Two of these were lying in Chirbury Hall garden when I went to live there in 1849, aui' l'U:Y wcre afterwards used to repair the tower in the place of two which were broken. One damaged one was taken out of the wall of Chirbury Hall farm buildings (luring some alterations, and it is now in the garden. Chirbury Hall was built of old materials in 1736, and many old carved stones are in the walls, some of them being sandstones. MISCELLANEA. There is still standing near the house a very large Dovecot built of very thin bricks, which, no doubt, were made in a field called the Sandpits, a short distance away, and the holes from which the clay was taken were made into two fish ponds, supplied with water by a spring al their upper end. The monks probably obtained their clean water for domestic use lrom a small spring in a field, now in the occupation oi the shopkeeper, situated to the east of the Shrewsbury road. A small lead pipe carried the water down in the direction of the monastery, part of winch pipe was found in Chirbury Hall garden. It is not the ordinary round lead piping, but is made from a strip of sheet lead bent into the form of a pipe, the edges being hammered together and made water tight, in the same way as the old Roman pipes at Bath. The mill belonging to the monastery was near the Camlad, at the bottom cf some fields which are called the Shiregroves, and are still tithe free. Some of the timbers of the sluice can still be seen in the Camlad at low water. There was a large fleam or water course leading from the river for neaily half a mile to the mill, some pa rts of it through a deep cutting. The meadows near are protected from floods by an extensive embankment made, no doubt, by the monks. The river Camlad runs from Churchstoke through Marrington Dingle for about three miles. There are possibly traces of volcanic action in the neighbourhood, as 1 have found stones there half melted and run like a piece of glass on the one side It is the only river, i believe, which runs from England into Wales. YVJVI. LANG FORD. IV. A LETTER FROM R AIM I E CLYVE OK WALFORD TO Til E BAILIFFS OF SHREWSBURY, 1571. (Shrewsbury Coiporation Muniments, Box LXXIII., bundle No. 2621). My duetie vnto yo' worshups most humbly remembered. Whereas this bey re r did receive this so miner in Salop of Thomas Lewis one pe.ee of counterlait gold of the valewe of \s nowe in yo' kepinges and as yet bathe of him no lecompense, Thes are most harteiy to desyre youe to shewe this beyrer (being seruante and tenant h > the qwem s solistar) so mtiche favor as to put the said Lewis or tins beyrer to their othe lor the same matter And therupon to take suche order therin as shall stand w"' equitie And MISCELLANEA. IX in yo1' so doinge ye shall do me thanckfull pleasure the wcL I shalbe glad to requite flrom walford ihe xxixth of September 15/ 1 . Yo's humbly Raphe Clyvk. [Endorsed. \ To the worshupfull M1' humfrey Onsldwe and Mr Hughe Beyns bailiefes of the Towne of Salop esquires give this C. 11. DRINK WATER, MA V, ORDER CONCERNING ROGUES AND VAGABONDS, JULY 30, 1571. After our hnrtie comendae'ons/ The grete benefitte towards the good order of the comen wealthe which came thislaste yere through e yo1 diligence in Serching out and ponishing Vagabonds and sturdye beggars, according to the good and holsome lawes of the Realm e, and the disorders and inconveniences which hath rysen sith this laste wynter, and from thense hetherto/ a forbearing hath byn in executinge tin: said lawes dothe cawse us by the Quenes majesties comaundement ones agayne to call Upon yo" and to chardge yo" most straightly in this three next monethes, that ys August. September, and October to cawse and see to be made througheout all the hole shere as well in places exempte as all other, a most straight watche and serche from the xxth of Auguste vij of the clock in the night V n till the next daye iijs at the after none, and that namely by constables and ij" iiij'" or more of the most substauncyall parisheners of eche parishe, accordinge to the bignes of the parishe to apprehend all Roges Vagabonds sturdie beggers, masteries raene, and all persOnes otherwise suspected' All which so taken yo" shall cawse to be ponished by stockinge and sharpe and severe whip- pinge according to the lawes effectually : and that \vfcout redempc'on or favor according to their deserts And after ponishment due done to them to be conveyed from Constable to Constable tyll they do come to their place of blithe or laste abode w'hin three yeres according to the statute/ The like watche serch and ponishement to be done of the same persones, if any shalbe founde the xij"' of of September and October at vij of the night vntill the next daye of the same moneth at three of the clock at the after none/ And from then e eche xv'1' or xxUl dayes as yo" shall Agree w'hin yor selfes moste for the comodytye and quiet of yor shere and the hole X MISCELLANEA. Realme/ not omittinge, yf betwixte the tyme of the serches or after any such vagaraunte persones be founde that they be ponished according to the lawes and statutes of the Realme/ ffor ther ys no greater disorder nor no greater roote of theftes murders pickinge stealinge debate and sedic'on then ys in these vagabonds and that ri set h of them/ And therfor yt is her highnes' most godly and zelouse plesure to have this evill repressed and redressed; wherin ye I oughte not to deceave her majesties trust W ys reposed in yo" chefly by her highnes therto2 And we praye yo" from tyme to tyme j cert i fie vs of yo1' doings herein from eche quarter and devisyon, so as youe the Shirref shall cawse the same to be sent to vs wherof we praye yo" not to fayle as ye tender her mn'jestys pleasure and wyll answere to the contrary/ So faire yo" well ffrom Hamptone Court j the x.w"1 of July 1571. [ The following lists of names are appended j : — Adam Clarke captaine John ockley mercer John Massey Will"1 higgenson Will ha 1 ryes John Ulease Robt. Richerson Roger Tres baker Will"' cunye baker Thomas howells WAR DA IAPIDEA. Ric' medlicott bocher John ap Thomas baker Adam Larke baker Ric' crippine Thomas swaine Humfrey Wilcoxe barbar Mumfrey. hughes sherman THE EAST FORIETT. Gilbait Wood captaine Ric' Elsmere oliuer Mathews John gittens sherman Robt. slreat tanner Ric' bowdeler John cley Robt. Re (line John niehelles (IriOith biomley (erased) R(^bt. bronde WARD A WALLIE. Robt. Hatton captaine Ric' (Walker erased) Will1" gowin Thomas bate corvisor Griffith euanes corvisor John gibbons 1 Ian ye patten Ric' hussey. WAR DA LAPIDEA. Adam clarke captaine Ranulphe Kelles Ranulphe stcuens phelippe homle Will"1 ysones Thomas elkes captaine i 1 ughe bame Will"1 medlicott tiler WAR DA CAST R I. John Sprestone George gurche Thomas heylme Rafle Sandford John blacqueye MISCE WARD A CASTKI. Thomas elkes captaine Robert smithe John leccter John 1 lassolde Rio' medlicritt guilt' Humfrey Wticbxe 1 1 umfrey hughes Tii o mas Larkes Will"1 medlicott titer Will'" faukener WARD A WALLifCi John ap griffith (erased) Gilbart wood captaine John Wine al griffithe Will1" /lies Griffith ap madocke John hemes Ric' boudeler Will1" tidder Ric' ap Ric' Ric' huggens Ric' leaton THE EAST FOR.IETT. Robt. hatten bailiff captaine Ric' baker Will1" loede Ric cartei- Thomas tyler Edward adderton John Shutte George Carter WARD A LAl'IDEA. Nicolas oneslowe captaine John miller (erased) Edward Benett John Tinsley John lirrett John skott Willm strange Roger payn (erased) Humfrey smith fuller John hotehkes at atchain (erasec Ric' babinson LLANEA. xi Ric' boudley Francis tenche (erased) George wutton John daines Sherman (erased) John baugh skinner captaine Robert hardinge Ric' presto itcfi Arthure eaton Ric' tudder (or tub be) W1" farmer WAR DA CASTRI Will1" Carwine alien Jonson James mitton •lames butur (erased) Ric' rider John grinsell (erased) Adam Whittacres (erased) 1 )avid pi eke Thomas tubbe (erased) Thomas witton (erased) John meredith bafier (erased) John bache baker Rainold Jonson Ric' anderton Roger downe Thomas riton James haines John Hughes Edward lloyd sherman Robert Swairie Geoffrey . . . ser Barke (erase Thomas Z^arne Hughe benion Thomas manning wakDa walue. Mathewe ap hoell Ric' tilston Roger alien captaine Ric' hardinge Arthure maxon Thomas simkes Y\ ill"1 meoles John dicher John huggins xii MISCELLANEA. John cley Roger larrence Robart brome Thomas gardener Humfrey Leaton Roger petton Evan nicoles Thomas hinton Roger bulley Dauid Jones John meredith (erased) Edward Calcott. Oliuer anderton [N.B. — Some of these names are very uncertain, especially such as have been erased.] It only remains to add that the foregoing Order may be found amongst the Shrewsbury Corporation Muniments, Petitions to the Bailiffs, No. 2,62 i. C H. DRINK WATER, M.A. VI. SURRENDER BY WILLIAM BELL, OF LAND IN RQUGHTON, IN THE MANOR OF WOR FIELD. 1659. december the 2 \ day anno Dom' i65g. M' That the day and yeare afo'oue written William Bell of Rough ton did Surrender into the hands of John Brooke gent, and Thomas Bell two Customary Tenants of this Manner of Worfeild one halfe yard land in Roughton with the apurtenances unto the use and behoofe of Sarah wife vnto the aforesaid william during her naturall life and after her decease to her heires and Assignes for three yeares and after those three yeares to william Bejl sonne vnto the aforesaid william and to his heires and assignes for euer. [This is a M.S. note on a fly leaf of a book in my possession published at Venice in 1604. The Bells were an old Worfield family. William Bell married Jane, only daughter and heiress of John Walker of Burcole House. Their son, William Bell, of Burcote House, married Anne, daughter of Thomas Gibbons of Stableford (descended from an ancient Sedgley family) ; and the third daughter of William and Anne, Hannah Bell, married in 1737 Richard Hardwicke, of Burcote House. They had an only son, William Hardwicke, of Burcote Louse, who married Mary, daughter and coheiress of Joseph Perton of Chesterton, and died in 1807, leaving issue two sons, John Bell Hardwicke of Burcote House, and William Hardwicke. the celebrated Salopian antiquary.] C. H. DRINK WATER, M.A. ■ GENERAL INDEX TO VOL. VIII. Compiled by F. A. MACLEOD. The figures in parentheses show how same page,] A Accounts, Extracts from, Churchwardens of Boningale, 18 ,, Longford, 8 ,, ,, Ludlow, 3 1 1 ,, ,, Newport, 9 ,, ,, Tung, 55, 211 n. Warden of the Chin Hospital, 312, 3H, 3i8, 330, 332 Accounts, statement of, xxx Adeney, 249, 277 Adderley, 261, 262, 277, 369 Alberbukv, Notes on, II. M. Auden, 63 Manor of, 64, 69 Amaston, 70 Bausley, 70 lie nth all, 67 Braggington Hall, 68 Eyton, 64, 71 Margrave, 7 1 Loton, 65 Middleten, 7 1 Bcntre, the, 71 Ronton, 67 All Stretton, 253, 280 Annual Excursion, xni ,, Meeting, v ,, Report, v Armorial Bearings. Agard, 230 Baldwyn, 138 Biampton, 1 12 Eyton, 348 Hamond. 97 Leighton, n> M > ndc, iv Pcytevyne, 172 n. Pigott, 277 Arms, Armour, &c., Muster Rolls of i53--r540, '285 Ash Ma^na, 258, 277 Ash Parva, 257, 277 Ashford Bowdler, 25 280 Ashford Carbonel, 2-, ;, 286 Aspley, 273 Aston, near Wcm, 274, 277 many times the subject occurs on the Aston (under the Wrekin) 249, 277 Atcham, 251), 277 Atteiley, near Much Wenlock, 251, 280 Audkn, Rl£V. Alfred M., M.A. Clun and its neighbourhood in the First Civil War, 287 Audkn, Miss 11. M., E. R. Hist. S. Notes on Alberbury, 63 Au den, Rev. J. E., M.A. Ecclesiastical History of Shropshire, 1G40-1662, Additional Notes, 77. Charles II. and Tong, Additional Notes, iv Tong College, Documents relating to, 1G9 AUTOG RAl'HS. Eyton, Sir Thomas, 350, 357 Mytton, Thomas. 349 B Badger, 252, 280 Beacald, John. Muster Rolls of the Hundreds of Bradford, Munslow, etc., A. I")., 1532-30, copied from the Originals by, 245 Bearstone, 263, 277 Beckbury, 252, 280 Bclan Bank," 63 Bell Ringers' Rui.ks. Chetwynd, 2 Tong, 3 j. Benthall, near Much Wenlock, 252, 280 Berwick Maviston, 250, 277 Betehcolt, Richard's Castle, 253, 280 Betton, 370 Belton-in Hales, 200, 261, 277 liishop's Castle, 3-U ,,. ,, Church, ?97 299, 332 ,, Orders of the Cor- poration, 301, 310 Bdakeway, Rev. John Brick dale, M.A., F.S.A.,' The Late, Notes on Kinlct, Edited ami Illustrated by Mrs. Baldwyn Childe, 83 XIV GENERAL INDEX TO VOL. VIII. Blecheley, near Stoke-upon-Tern, 262, 274, 277 Bolas Magna, 249, 277 Boyd, W. K., 'I ranscribed by Extracts from Certificates of Institu- tions of Shropshire Incumbents, 1589— 1634, 39 Extent of the Manor of Cheswardine; and a Moiety of the Manor of Child's Ercall, 24 Oct., 1280, 361 Eour Shropshire Inquisitions post mortem, 367 Three Early Shropshire Charters, 60 Bradford, Hundred of, 248 Brampton Brian, 297, 30 3, 310 Breidden, the, 63 vii Bridgnorth Castle, 290, 329 Bromfield, 252, zbo Bromcroft Castle, 297, 299, 320 Camlad, River, viii Caderwaie, 259, 260, 277 Calverhall, 259, 260, 277 Caractacus, The last stand of, Major A. Heber- Percy, vii. Caus, Lordship of, 64 Caynton, 251, 278 Chantries. Blessed Mary, Bakewell, 231 Vernon, Tang, 231 ClIAPKLS. Cardeston, 63 Cressage, 81 Criggion, 73 Ford, 63 Foynton, 55 St. Mary Magdalene, Ludlow Castle, xv St. Thomas of Canterbury, Ludlow, xv Wollaston, 73 Charles I., 299, 325. 340 Charles II. and Tong, Additional Notes, Kev. J. F. riuden, tv Charters, Three Early Shropshire, Kev. W. G. I). Eietchcr, 60 Chelmarsh, 90 Chenington, 249, 277 Cheswardine, Extent of the VI:inOr of, and a Moiety of the Manor ol Guild's Ercall, 24 Oct., I 280, Rev. W G. D. Fletcher. 561 Cheswardine, 262, 274, 275, 278, 361 Free Tenants, 362 ,, Rentals and Surveys, 362 Cmi.Dii, Mka Frances C. Baldwyn, Rev I . B. Blakeway's Notes on Kinlct, F dited and Illustrated by, Child's Ercall, 249, 278, 364 , , ,, Bondmen, 365 Coterelh, 365, 366 1, Free Tenants, 364 Chinnal, 258, 278 Chirbury, 60 ,, Notes on, William Langford, vii Church Bklls ok Shropshire, VI., H. B. Walters, 1. Albrighton, 15 Oakengates, 11 Bolas Magna, 1 Preston-on-the- Boningdale, 17 Weald-Moors 1 1 Boscobel, 18 Prior's Lee, 22 Chetwynd, 1 Ryton, 22 Chureh Aston, 2 St. George's, 23 Dawley Magna, Sambrool-, 11 J 8 Sheriff Hales. 11 Dawley Parva, Shifnal Deanery, 19 15 Donington, 19 Shifnal, 23 Donnington Stirchley, 25 Wood, 3 Stockton, 26 Edgmond Sutton Maddock, Deanery, 1 28 Edgmond, 3 Tibberton, 13 Hinstock, 5 Tong, 29 Kemberton, 20 Waters Upton, 14 Kinnersley, 5 Wombridge, 14 Lilleshall, 6 Woodcote, 15 Longford, 7 Wrockwardine Malinslee, 21 Wood, 15 Newport, 8 Churchstoke Mill, 60 Church Stretton, 253, 281 Civil War, 67, 68, 70, 71, 73 n., 132, „ 287, 337 C layfelton, 253, 280 Clcobury Mortimer, 90, 91, 135 Club-men during the Civil War, 316, 334 Clun and its Neighbourhood in the First Civil War, Rev. Alfred M. Auden, 287 Clun Castle, 296 and the Garde Doloureuse, 335 ,, Church, 297, 299, 33-1 Clyve of Walford, Raphe, a letter from, to the Bailiffs of Shrewsbury, 1571, viii Cold llatton, 249, 278 Cold Weston, 251, 280 Cgli.icgiate Churches. Alberbury, 65, 169 Battlefield, 169 Bridgnorth, 169 Burford, 169 Ludlow, 1C9 Newport, 169 Pontesbuiy, 109 GENERAL INDEX TO VOL. VIII. XV Collegiate Churches — continued Shrewsbury, St. Alkmund, 169 ,, St. Chad, 163 ,, St. Mary, l6g ,, St. Michael, 169 Tong> 34, 169 Condovcr Hall, 67 Contents of Vol. VIII, iii Corn don, vii Council, Minutes of Meetings of, xv'i Cound, 81 Coxwall Knoll, vii, ix, x Cressage, 8 1 Criggion 70 Culsis, 266, 278 D. Dawley Magna, 249, 278 Dodington, 368 Down'.on, near Uptun Magna, 250, 278 Dkinkwater. Rev. C. H., M.A. A Letter trom Raphe Clyve of Walford to the Bailiffs of Shrews- bury, 1571, via Muster Kolls of the Hundred of Bradford, Munslow, &&, A. U. 15.32 — 1540, 245 Order Concerning Rogues and Vaga- bonds, 157 1, ix Surrender by William Bell of land in Roughton, in the Manor of Worfield, 1659, xii 1:. Fdgebolton, near Weill, 250, 278 Edgeley, 2^7, 278 Edward I., 1 52 Edward II., 152 Ellerton, near Hinstock, 249, 278 Espley, near Hodnet, 273, 278 Eton Constantine, 249, 278 F a m i li es —contin tied •55 118 Families. Baldwyn, 84 Beaumont, Hell, xti Biggs, 07 Blount, 84, Brampton, 84, 1 1 2 Brook, 242 Charlton, xvi Cliilde, 84, 132 Colfox, 70, 72 Co i bet of Cans "5 Corbet of More- tun Corbet, 160 ( !orhetto( Long nor, 1 0 1 Cornwall, 84, , 1,4 Corry, 67 I)e Peninton, 56 Kyton, 65, 338 !■ il/ Warm, 05 ( hnigh, 66, 69 Grey, 159 llamond, 97 Pendrill, v Pigot, 6S 98 Roc.ke, 7 3 St. Lawrence, Earl of Howth, 155 Southall, 98 Talhot, 159 Vane, 165 Jennins, 66, 69 Lacon. 84, 127 Leighton, 66, 75, 158, 161 Lichfield, 84 Lingen, 66, 15S Lister, 67 Mytton, 66, 158 Newport, 66, 158 Nevill (Marquis of Vernon, 160, 172 Abergavenny), Williams, 66, 68 155 Wood, 66 Fletcher, Rev. W. G. D., M.A., F.S.A. Extent of the Manor of Cheswardine, and a Moiety of the Manor ot Child's Ercall, 24 Oct., 1280, 361 Four Shropshire Inquisitions post mortem, 367 Notes on some Shropshire Royal Descents, 15 1 The Sequestration Papers of Sir Thomas Eyton, Knight, of Eyton- on-the- Weald- Moors, 337 Ford, Hundred of, 64 Frankton, 368 G. Garmston, 249, 278 Goldston, near Cheswardine, 262, 274, 278 Grandmont, Monks of, 66 Gravenhunger, 264, 278 Great Withyford, 250, 280 Gretnr.er, 252, 280 Gretton, near Cardington, 280 H. Hacoton, 270 Hatighmond Abbey, II. R. II. Southam, F.S.A., V. R.Hist.S., i Ifawkstone, 270, 278 Hehek-Pekcv, Major A., The last stand of Caractacus, vii Henry VII, 152 High Ercall, 55 High llallon, 251, 278 Hinstock, 249, 278 Hodnet, 271, 278 Holgate, 297 Hollyhurst, 258, 278 Hopton, near Hodnet, 273, 278 Hopton Castle, 293, 297, 305 Hopton Cangeford, 252, 280 Hotsptu, descendants of, 164 Himgeiford, near Milbchope, 251, 280 xvi GENERAL INDEX TO VOL. VIII. I. Ightfield, 258, 259, 278, 370 Incumbents, Shropshire Acton Scott, 41 (2), 52 Alberbury, 41, 40, 48, 71, 74 (2), 75 (2) Albrighton, 16 (2) Aston Botrell, 54 Bagsor, 47, 4S Bedston, 39, 48 Bishop's Castle, 51, 292 n, 296 Billingslcy, 49 Bitterley, 51 Brobury, 44 Bromfield, 41 Brompton Brian, 40 Bucknell, 42, 45, 296 Burford, 39, 4°. 43- 44 (2), 48,56(2) Burwarton, 43, 45 Bushbury, 44 Cardeston, 52, 74, 75 (<;) ( lardington, 44, 45, 49 Caynham, -14 ( Iheliuarsh, 4 1, 4O CUclton, 42 Chirbury, 40, 43, 41, 51, Co I 'lunch Aston, 82 Cleobury Mortimer, 49 Cleobury North, 50, 53 ( Hun, 41, 293. 294 Clungunford, 51, 52, 8_', 295 Cold" Weston, 50, 53 (2) Coreley, 40 (2), 45 Cound, 81 Crcssage, 81 Ciilmington, 52, 296 Diddlebury, 42, J96 Ditton Priors, 48 Dowles, 40, 5 1 Downton, 39, 43 Easthope, 48, 52, 53 Edgmond, 4 Kyton, 346 Kelton, 83 Ford, 75 Glazeley, 42 Greetc, 43 (2), 44 Ilabbcrlcy, 49 I I an\v,ood, 41, 5 1 lli-ley, 50, si HolgaU, 42 (2), .1,, 53 (i), Hope Baggot, 40, 42, 45 I lope Bawdier, 74 Uopesay, 44, 4&, 290 1 lope Sobers, 74 Hopton, 44, 47, 51 Hopton Waters, 46 Hughley, -17, .(8 lyinlet, 52, 83, 10S, no, 121, 133, Ub Incum bents — cunt in utd Ledbury, 49 Leintwardine, 48 Little Wenlock, 44 Long Stanton, 47, 52 Ludlow. 41, 43, 50 Lydbury North, 254 Lydkam, 296 Madeley, 43, 50 Malinslee, 22 Meole Brace, 47 Middleton Scrivcn, 50 Mynd'town, 43, 49 Monford, 74 More, 45 Much Wenlock, 40, 45, 46 Munslow, 52 Neen Savage, 83 Neen Solars and Milson, 52 Neenton, 45 (2) Newport, 8, 9, 10 Oldbury, 44 ( )nibury, 4 2 Patteshull, 99 Pitchford, 81 Pontesbury, 40, 41 (2), 42, 45, 50 Poynton Chapel, 57 (8) Richard's Castle, 44 Rushbury, 48 Kyton, 22 Shelve, 45 Sheriff Hales, u, 12 Shifnal, 24, 81 Shrawardine, 41 Shrewsbury, St. Chad, 294 St. Mary, 83 Siuburv, 52, 121 Silvington, 40, 43, 47 Stanton Lacy, 54 Stoke St. Milborough, 51 Stokesay, 47, 53 Stoterton, 46 ^tottesdon, 48, 49 Stowc, 40 Stretton, 47 Sutton, near Shrewsbury, 44 Sutton Maddock, 28 Tasley, 43 Tong, 30 (2), 33 Tug ford, 46. 53 Upton Cressett, 45, 46, 47, 48, 53 Wellington, 34O Westbury, 43. 45, 47, 50, 5 j \\ hclhill, 4IC. KICKS Brampton, 1 1 2 Burgh, 158 Corbet of Moreton Corbet, 160 XVlll GENERAL INDE! X TO VOL. VIII. PEI>IGREES — continual Corbett of Longnor, 161 Howard of Chin, 287 Leighton, 162 Pembrugge and Vernon, 171 Tipper, 103 Vernon, 160, 171 Woodd, 157 Owners of K inlet, 84 ,, ,, Morehall, 99 Peplow, 271, 27?, 279 Persons. Acre, Joan of, 152, 153, 159 Agard, Nicholas, 229 Alberic the Saxon, 65 Algar, Karl of Mercia, 242 Antwerp, Lionel of, 152 Audley, Margaret de, 153 Badlesmore, Edmond de, 91 Haj^ott, Richard, 71 Baldwyn, Charles, 138 ,, John, 138 Par, Eleanor, Countess of, 15 ', 153 Hell, William, xii Beresford, Samuel; 78 Perkely, Samuel, 82 Piggs, Henry, 67 Plakeway, Rev. J. In, 83 Blount, Dorothy, 125 ,, Elizabeth, 123 ., Sir George, 85, 124, 149, 228, 231 Sir Humfrey, 85, 1 19 ,, Sir John, 85, I06, 116, 1 :8, I23 ,, Sir Thomas, 85, 121 Blunden, William, 291, 301 Bohun, Elizabeth de, 152, 153 Pollers, Baldwin de, 60 ,, Robert de, 60 Brid, William, 56 Bridgman, Sir John, xiv Brome, 1 homaf , 312, 318 Bromley, Sir Thou as, 227, 234 Brompton, Brian de, 84, 97, too, I04, 113 ,, Elizabeth de, 84, 1 14 ,, John de, 84, 104 Browne, Sir Anthony, 227, 234 Bruges, Alice dc, 60 Burgh, Sir Hugh, 60 ,, Sir John, 67, 1 58 Burnell, Bishop, 65 Capel, Lord, 303 Caractacus, vii, 63 Careless, William, v Cave, Frances, 22S, 23 r Charlton, Sir Job, x\ i Childe, Catherine, 85, 138 ,, Sir Lacon William, 135 Thomas, 96, 107, 136 Persons— continued Childe, Sir William, 85, 96, ic6, .107. *33 ,, William Lacon, S5, 96, 105, 107, 137 Cleyton, Roger, 66 Clyve, Raphe, viii Corbet, Andrew, i ,, Sir Richard, 1^9 Robert, 58 Cornwall, Brian de, 84, 103, 115 ,, Edmund de, 84, 1 14 ,, Isabel de, 85, 1 16 ,, Richard, 251, 23?., 253, 254, 276 ,, Sir John 85, I 16, 144 Cranmer, Thomas, 226, 234 Craven, Sir William, 291 Denny, Sir Anthony, 227, 234 Devereux, Sir Walter, 159 Donne, Edward, 72 Dudley, John, Duke of Northumber- land, 226, 234 ,, Robert, Earl of Leicester, 94 ,, Sir Robert, 95 Edwards, Sir Thomas, 313 Eyton, John. 66 ,, Sir Nicholas, 16?, 339 ,, Robert de 33S ,, Sir 'Thomas, 337 Ferrers, Anne, 159 Fitz Alan, William, i Fitzroy, Ik-nrv, 124 Fitz Warin, Fulk II, 65 ,, Fulk III, 65 Forster, Robert, 229 Fox, William, xv, 231, ^76 Foxcote, William de, 100 Froysell, Thomas, 295, 332 Giffard, Sir Thomas, 228, 231 Gloucester, Thomas, Duke of, 1^3 Grey, Sir John, 159 Griffiths, John, 67 Harley, Edward, 292, 334 ., Lady Brilliana, 293, 303 ,, Sir Robert, 292 Herbert, William, Earl of Pembroke, 226, 234 Hill, Sir Rowland, i Howard, Henry, Earl of Northamp- ton, 287 ,, Sir Robert, 287, 288, 301, 329 ,, Thomas. 4th Duke of Norfolk, 287 Hussey, Sir Richard, 69 Jennyns, Tnomas, 69 Jennins, William, 66 John of Dinas Mawddwy, 66 Kent, Edmund, Earl of, 152 GENERAL INDEX TO VOL. VIII. XIX Persons — continued Kynaston, Corbet, i ,, Sir Roger, 1 6 ^ Lacon, Anne, 85, 132 ,, Francis, 129 ,, Richard, 127 ,, Rowland. 85, 126, 132 ,, Sir Thomas, 163 Lancaster, Edmund, Karl of, 152 John of Gaunt, Duke of, 152 Leighton, Abigail, 67 Leighton, Anna Maria, 67 ,, Cecilia, 66 ,, Edward, 66, 75 ,, Elizabeth, 67 ,, John, 66 , , Sir Thomas, 66, 159 Lestraunge, Elizabeth, 367 Lestrange, Roger, 361 Leveson, James, 103 Lister, Lady Charlotte, 67 ,, William, 67 Lung, George, 82 Lychfelu, Sir William, 85, 117, 143 Mackworth, Colonel, iv Manners, Sir Richard, 169, 228, 233 Mainwaring, Sir E'chard, 257, 276 Marsh, Alice, 66 Middleton, Sir Thomas, 315 Montagu, Sir Edward, 227, 234 Montford, Eleanor de, 152, 153 More, Richard, 293, 2g,| n, 303 ,, Robert, 90 ,, Samuel, 293, 303, 305 Mortimer, Edmund de, 92, 103 ,, Hugh de, 1 13 ,, Roger de, 90 Mytton, General, 67, 344 ,, Thomas, 162 Newport, William 1 63 Thomas, 248, 255, 275 ,, Sir William, 178 Norfolk, Thomas, Earl of, 152 North, Sir Edward, 227, 234 Nova Meinil, Walter de, 100, 1 12 Oakeley, Richard, 291 Ostorius, viii Ottley, Sir Francis, 339 Owen, Leighton, 68 ,, Letitia, 67 Paget, William, 93, 224. 234 Paulet, William, Marquis of Win- chester, 226. 234 Pembrug.e, Isabel, 172, 176 Peninton, Matilda de, 56 ,, Roger de, 56 Peshall, Catherine, 106, 123 ,, Sir Hugh, 123, 127 Percy, Sir Henry (Hotspur), 164 Pigott, Thomas, 257, 277 Persons — continued Tlantagenet, Margaret, Countess of Salisbury, 166 Powell, Vavasour, 294 Powis, Richard, 58 Purslow, John, 125 Quarel, Nicholas, 60 Ralph the Fat, 65 Riveling, Colonel, 320 Robert the Chaplain, 60 Roos, Sir Thomas de, 367 Russe'I, Edward, 95 Jane, 94 ,, John, Earl of Bedford, 225, Sachevercll, Henry, 89 Seymour, Edward, Lord Protector, 224, 234 Thomas, Lord Sudeley, 93 Sidney, Philip, 95 Sidney, Sir Henry, xiv Stafford, Roger, 166 Suffolk, Mary Tudor, Duchess of, 152, 153 Talbot, Gilbert, 3rd Lord, 159 Taverner, Robert, 98 Thomas, Esaias, 313 Tunstall, Cuthbert, Bishop of Dur- ham, 227, 234 Uluiet the Saxon, 55 Vaughan, Sir William, 328 Vernon, George, 174, 231 Sir Henry, 3r, 173 ,, Sir Richard, 172 Villiers, Frances, Lady Purbeck, 2Sg Walcot, Humphrey, 58, 290 Wallop, Sir Henry, 57, 293 n ,, Robert. 293 Whitmore, Sir William, 27 William the Porter, 60 Williams, Reginald, 68, 69 Williams, Thomas, 69 Wiltrue, Robert de, 60 Wood, Alexander, 66 Uasil, 67 Woodhouse, Sir Michael, 306, 310, 321 Wotton, Sir Edward, 228, 234 ,, Nicholas, 228, 234 Wriotheslcy, Thomas, Earl of Southampton, 224, 227, 254 Yonge, William, 248, 255, 275 York, Edmund, Duke of, 132 ,, Richard, 82 Pickstock, 248, 279 Pole, the, 252, 281 Posenhall, near Willey, 252, 281 Poynton Chapel, J. A. Morris, 55 ,, Manor House, 58 Prees, 272, 273, 279 XX GENERAL INDEX TO VOL. VIII. Preston Boats, 250, 279 Prince Rupert, 305, 313 Puot, 252, 281 Purslow, Hundred of, 254-, 281 R. Red Castle, near Hawksl.one, 270, 279 Religious Houses. Alberbury, 66, 169 Haughmond, i Lapley, 169, 217 Lilleshall, 103 Snead, 60 White Abbey, 65, White Ladies. 229 Wigmore, 97 Roden, 250, 279 Kodington, 25 r, 279 Kowton, near Crudgington, 249, 279 Royal Descents, Shropshire 151 Rushall, Co. StaiTs=, 223 Ruthall, 251, 281 Ryefelton, 281 S. Sandford, 259, 26c, 279 Sequestration Papers of Sir Thomas Eyton, Knight, of Eyton-on-the- Weald Moors, Edited by the Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher, 337 Sharnturd, Co. Leicester, 178 Shawbury, 250, 279 Sheinton, 263, 279 Shipton, 293 Shrawardine, 64 Shrewsbury, Capture of, 319 ,, School, 81 Shropshik v.. Ecclesiastical History of, 1640 — 1662, Additional Notes, Rev. J. E. Aude'n, 77 Royal Descents, Notes on, Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher, 151 Three Early Charters, 60, Rev. W. G. D. Fletcher, 60 Silvington, 242 Snead, 60 South am, H. R. II., F.S.A., F.R. Hist. S, Haughmond Abbey, i Stanton Lacy, 252, 281 Stanton-on-Hine Heath, 251, 279 Stoke Lacy, 270, Stoke- upon- Tern, 260, 261, 279 Stokesay, 279, 291, 297, 320 Stone Acton, near Rushbury, 251. 281 Sugden, near Rodington, 251, 279 Surnames and Designations from Muster Rolls of 1532-40, 2S1 Sutton, near Drayton, 264, 266, 279 T. Tern, near High Ercall, 249, 279 Tern Hill, 260, 261, 279 Tibberton, 249, 279 Tilstock, 81, 259, 279 Tong College, Documents relating to, the Rev. J. E. Auden, 169 U. Upper Lea, 297, 298 Upton Magna, 250. 280 W. Walcot, 250, 290,297, 298 Waltkhs, H. B., M.A., F.S.A. The Church Bells of Shropshire, Section VI, I. [See List under C] Walton, Savage, near Stattesdon, 251, 281 Wappenshall, near Wellington. 249, 280 Wattlesborough Castle, 63 Wellington, 250, 280 Welshpool, 64 Wem, 267, 268, 280 Weston, 252, 281 Whitbach, near Bromfield, 253, 281 Whitchurch, 255, 280, 368 Whixall, 272, 2S0 Wilis. Agard, John, 230 Blount, Sir Humphrey, 120 Fyton, Sir Thomas, 346 Peynton, Thomas, 56 Pierpoint, William, 241 Vernon, Sir Henry, 175, 222 Wolriche, James, 175, 240 Willaston, near Prees, 270, 280 Wittingslow, 253, 281 Wooferton, near Richard's Castle, 2S2, 281 Woore, 81, 264, 266, 267, 279 Wor field, xii Woston, near Stanton Lacy, 251, 281 W irks worth, Co. Derby, 78 A\ rock wardine, 368 Wroxeter, 228, 249, 279 VVyre, Forest of, 90 3rd Series, Vol. VIII., Part I. transactions OF THE Shropshire Archaeological AND natural Bistorp Soctetp ESTABLISHED 1877. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PART I . , 3RD SERIES, VOL. VIII., 1908. PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY. SHREWSBURY; A D NIT T AND N A U N T O N , THE SQUARE OSWESTRY: W.OODALL, MINS1IALL, THOMAS AND CO,„, WUUDAI.I , MINSIIAIL, THOMAS AND CO. OSWUSTKV CONTENTS. The Church Bells of Shropshire. VI. Deanery of Edgmond. By H. B. Walters, M.A., F.S.A. {Continued) Page Institutions of Shropshire Incumbents (Continued) ... 39 Poynton Chapel. By J. A. Morris ... ... ... ... 55 Three Early Shropshire Charters ... ... ... 60 Notes on Alberbury. By H. M. Auden, F.R.Hist.S 63 Ecclesiastical History of Shropshire. Additional Notes. By the Rev. J. E. Auden, M.A., Vicar of Tong ... ... 77 Notes on Kinlet. By the Rev. J. B. Blakeway, M.A., F.S.A., Vicar of Kinlet. Edited and Illustrated by Mrs. Baldwyn Childe ,s 83 MISCELLANEA: I. Haughmond Abbey ... .. .. ... ... i II. Charles II. and 'l ong : Additional Notes . ... w III. Notes on Chirbury ... ... ... ... ... vii IV. A Letter from Raphe Clyve of Walford to the Bailiffs of Shrewsbury, 1571 ... ... ... ... ... viii V. Order concerning Rogues and Vagabonds, July 30, 1571 ix VI. Surrender by William Bell, of Land in Roughton in the Manor of W01 field, 1659 ... ... ... ... xii ILLUSTRATIONS. Shropshire Bell Founders' Marks : — Fig. 10— Trade Mark of Barwell of Birmingham ... ... 12 Fig. 11 — Medallion of I. B., bell-founder ... ... ... 17 Plate XXIII. — Figs. 1-8, Stirchley (Johannes de Colsale, 1410); Figs. 9, 12, Tong Sanctus ; Fig. 10, Stirchley (Nottingham Cross); Fig. 1 i, Sheriff Hales (Joseph Smith) ... ... 25 Plate XXIV.— Kigs. 1, 4, 5, Torn; (Newcombe) ; Fig. 2, Tong (W. Clibury) ; Fig. 3, RudhaU's Ornament; Figs. 6, 7, Kemberton and Stirchley ... ... ... ... ... 32 Remains of Poynton Chapel ... ... ... ... ... 55 Plan of Alberburv Village .. . ... ... ... ... . . 63 Alberbury Castle and Church ... .. ... ... ... 70 Kinlet Church— Interior ... ... ... ... ... ... 83 „ ,, Ancient Glass and Tiles 84 ,, Exterior, and Oratory ... ... ... ... 104 ,, Blount Monument ... ... ... ... 106 j Old Vicarage Mouse at Kinlet ... 108 | ArJusIin'I.Sir William Guide's House at Kinlet in 1663 ... ... 134 Vlao'if Jlaughmond Abbey ... ... ... ... ... i tiU.Alan#rIoijiJ)s#at Haughmond ... . . ... ... ... w 3rd Series, Vol. VIII., Part II. transactions OF THE Shropshire Archaeological AND natural Ristorp Soctetp established 1877. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1* A R T II., 3RD S E R IE S , VOL. VIII., 1 9 o 8 . * PRINT E I) K O R T H K SOCIETY. SHREWSBURY: A D N ITT AND N A U N TON, T UK SQUARE OSWEST R V : W 0 O D ALL, MINSIIAIJ,, THOMAS AND CO 1 1 > A I I . MINSMAI.I., THOMAS ANI> ( O. usH'KsiHV CONTENTS. NOteF^^M1"!l'1s^°yal DeSCentS- By the Rev- W' G D- uments relating to Tong Auden, M.A., Vicar of Ton I'AGR J5i Documents relating to Tong College. By the Rev. I E 169 Muster Rolls of the Hundreds of Bradford, Munslow &c A D 1533-40. Edited a„d Transcribed (from a copy 'of the o;sLrMeAby Mr- john Beacau'- * ",e c h. . ... 245 ILLUSTRATIONS. Tong Church from site of College Tomb of Richard Vernon and Margaret his wife Plan of the Village of Tong 1739 Muster Hill, Newport, Salop 169 2 15 3rd Series, Vol. VIII., Part III. transactions OF THE Shropshire Archaeological AND natural ftistorp Societp ESTABLISHED I 87 7 ALL HIGH T S R K SERVED FART III., 3 k I) S E R I K S , VOL. VIII., 1908. PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY SHREWSBURY; ADNITT AND NAUNTON, THE SQUARE OSWESTRY: WOODALL, MINSHALL, THO^A^jpD CO WOODAU , MINiHAl.L, THOMAS At! U ! CHVJ KSTK V - . 7TZ " ~~ ! CONTENTS. I'AGK Gun and its Neighbourhood in the First Civil War. By the Rev. Alfred M. Auden, M.A. 287 The Sequestration Papers of Sir Thomas Eyton, Knight, of Eyton-on-the-VVealdmoors. Edited by the Rev. \V. G. 1). Fletcher, M.A., F.S.A 337 Extent of the Manor of Chesvvardine, and a moiety of the Manor of Childs Ercall, 24 October, 1280 ... ... ... 36; Four Shropshire Inquisitions post mortem ... .. .... 368 General Index to Volume VIII. ... ... ... ... xiii Title Page and Contents to Vol. VIII., Annual Meeting, Annual Excursion, Minutes of Monthly Council Meetings, Officers, List of Members, and Statement of Accounts i — xxx ILLUSTRATIONS. Arms of Eyton ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 348 Facsimile Signature of General Mytton ... .. 349 Facsimile Signature of Sir Thomas Eyton 350 and 357 The Council respectfully solicit contributions of Papers, specially Parochial Histories, for future volumes of the Transactions of the Society. The Society does not hold itself responsible for the Statements, Opinions, or Errors of Authors of Papers. 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