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THE  HISTORY 


OF  THE 


TOWN  AOT)  CASTLE 


OF 


TAMWORTH, 


•  IN  THE  COUNTIES  OF  STAFFORD  &  WARWICK. 


CHARLES  FERRERS  PALMER. 


TAMWORTH: 

JONATHAN  TH01IF80N,  BOOKSELLEE,  MARKET  STREET. 

LONDON:  J.  B.  AND  J.  6.  NICHOLS. 

M.DCCC.XLV. 


THE  NEW  YORK 

PUBLIC  LIBRARY 

ASTCR,  LENOX  AND 

TlU/tN  f-     ;,DATION«. 


•  ••• 


•  !      ,  ••»  •    •  •• 

•••  :  •••  *•*  ••    • 


••   • 


•  •    • 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HONOURABLE 

SIR  ROBERT   PEEL,   BARONET, 

FIRST  LORD   OP  HER  MAJESTY'S  TREASURY, 

AND 

MEMBER   OP   PARLIAMENT 

POR   THE 

THIS  WORK 

IS,   BY   PERMISSION,   MOST   RESPECTFULLY   DEDICATED 

BY   HIS  OBLIGED   AND   OBEDIENT  SERVANT, 

THE  AUTHOR. 


PREFACE. 

In  presentiiig  "Thb  History  of  thb  Town  anb 
Castle  of  Tamworth"  to  the  public^  and  more  espe- 
cially to  those  connected  with^  and  taking  an  interest 
in^  these  places^  it  is  deemed  that  little  apology  is  due. 
It  might,  perhaps,  be  thought  that  a  work,  the  object 
of  which  was  confined  to  a  particular  locality,  lying  in 
the  midst  of  an  agricultural  district,  and  fur  removed 
firom  the  busy  scenes  of  the  camp  or  the  court,  would 
afford  only  scanty  matter  claiming  general  interest,  and 
deserving  particular  attention.  But  in  the  history  o( 
this  town,  there  are  found  incidents  of  national  impor- 
tance, which  elevate  it  far  above  the  generality  of 
similar  places  in  the  kingdom.  Its  great  celebrity 
during  the  existence  of  the  Mercian  nation,  and  in 
Saxon  ages  when  the  heptarchy  had  been  completely 
abolished;  its  ancient  Church  and  Castle,  with  other 
remains  which  still  stand  amidst  the  ruins  of  the 
past;  and  its  connection  with  some  of  the  highest 
and  most  eminent  men,  both  in  early  and  recent  times, 
render  Tamworth  worthy  of  notice  to  the  historian,  the 
architect,  and  the  antiquary. 

From  its  peculiar  situation  in  two  counties,  Tamworth 
has,  in  one  respect,  laboured  under  great  disadvantage* 
Writers  have  either  confined  themselves  to  one  or  other 
of  the  counties  of  which  they  might  be  speaking;  or, 
if  the  limits  of  their  subject  embraced  both,  they  have 
been  enabled  to  give  little  more  than  a  passing  glance. 


VI. 


their  field  of  obsemttion  being  too  extended  to  enter 
deeply  into  this  part  of  their  subject.  It  has,  therefore, 
happened  that,  owing  to  the  want  of  an  investigation 
of  the  local  records,  a  full  history  has  never  yet  been 
given.  It  is  true  that,  nearly  twenty  years  ago,  a 
"History  of  the  Borough  and  Parish  of  Tamworth"  was 
undertaken  by  John  and  Henry  Wood  Boby;  but  only 
one  part  of  the  work,  including  the  general  history  to 
the  termination  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  domination,  ever 
appeared.  The  death  of  one  of  the  gentlemen,  and  the 
residence  of  the  other  abroad,  have  prevented  the 
probability  of  its  being  completed.  Subsequently  a 
publication,  reflecting  much  credit  on  its  author,  was 
brought  out,  under  the  title  of  "Illustrations  of  Tam- 
worth,"  by  Etienne  Bruno  Hamel.  It  consisted  of 
views  and  drawings  of  different  parts,  with  a  short 
description  and  condensed  narrative.  These  constitute 
the  whole  of  the  endeavours  dedicated  solely  to  the 
elucidation  of  the  history  of  this  town. 

Claiming  Tamworth  as  his  native  place,  the  author 
of  the  present  work  naturally  felt  a  deep  interest  in 
its  welfare ;  and  he  spent  much  of  his  time  in  exploring 
its  early  history.  At  first,  he  did  not  contemplate  that 
the  result  of  his  investigations  should  ever  be  laid 
before  the  public.  But  as  matter  accumulated  in  his 
hands,  he  was  led  to  imagine  that,  at  some  period, 
he  might  publish  the  fruits  of  several  years'  labour. 
His  researches,  indeed,  were  extended  much  beyond  the 
limits  he  anticipated,  in  consequence  of  his  having  been 
permitted  to  inspect  the  records  of  the  Corporation  and 
of  the  Church,  and  many  valuable  documents  in  the 
hands  of  private  persons.  Such  advantages  have  enabled 
him  to  present  the  History  to  his  readers. 


It  can  hardly  be  supposed  that  a  work,  demanding 
the  most  extensive  researches  in  the  national  archives, 
and  in  the  collections  of  private  £euaulies,  should  pre- 
sent that  completeness  and  correctness  which  might  be 
desired.  Indeed,  the  author  must  acknowledge  that, 
from  circumstances  over  which  he  had  no  control, 
many  deficiencies  occur.  Much  interesting  matter  he 
has  been  compelled  to  omit,  from  his  not  having 
been  able  to  discover  the  whole  of  the  connecting  cir- 
cumstances, the  records  eluding  his  vigilance,  or  being 
placed  beyond  the  range  of  his  inspection.  In  &ct,  as 
the  work  progressed  through  the  press,  he  was  unex- 
pectedly put  into  the  possession  of  numerous  facts, 
which  served  to  add  greatly  to  his  subject.  The 
principal  of  these  have  been  embodied  in  the  addenda. 
It  is  almost  certain  that  future  investigations  will  bring 
to  light  other  matters,  and  indicate  that  the  History 
gives  little  more  than  a  general  outline.  But  the  author 
hopes  that  the  errors  which  may  exist  are  rather  those 
of  omission  than  commission,  and  that,  in  what  he  has 
given,  much  will  be  found  that  has  hitherto  been 
imknown,  and  that  may  prove  of  some  importance  to 
the  historian  and  the  antiquary. 

Such  as  it  is,  this  maiden  effort  of  the  author  is  now 
given  to  the  public  as  a  humble  contribution  to  the 
topographical  literature  of  the  day.  With  neither  of 
the  works  on  the  same  subject  previously  alluded  to, 
does  the  History  assimilate.  Although  it  has  been 
unavoidably  necessary  to  retrace  the  ground  over  which 
the  Messrs.  Boby  passed,  yet  even  there  facts  have  been 
introduced  which  had  escaped  the  observation  of  those 
erudite  writers.  In  the  style,  it  has  been  the  author's 
principal  object  to  express  his  meaning  in  a  clear  and 


VUl. 

simple  maimer.  Yet,  striving  to  avoid  the  formality 
of  antiquarian  detail^  and  laxity  by  the  adoption  of 
too  irrelative  matter,  he  has  endeavoured,  at  the  same 
time,  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  antiquary  and 
excite  the  interest  of  the  general  reader.  No  remu- 
neration has  been  sought:  but  should  the  author  have 
succeeded  in  elucidating  the  History  of  the  town  of 
Tamworth  and  of  its  Castle,  and  in  bringing  this  once 
illustrious  place  into  greater  notice,  his  labour  will  be 
amply  rewarded. 

It  would  be  an  unpardonable  neglect  on  the  part 
of  the  author,  where  he  not  publicly  to  acknowledge, 
and  to  express  his  thanks  for,  the  very  great  kindness 
of  many  persons,  who  have,  with  almost  unprecedented 
liberality,  aided  him  in  his  researches  and  enquiries. 
To  the  right  honourable  sir  Robert  Peel,  bart.,  thanks 
are  especially  due,  not  only  on  account  of  the  interest 
which  he  has  expressed  in  the  History,  but  also  for 
the  liberal  offer  of  the  use  of  his  extensive  library  at 
Drayton-manor,  rich  in  topographical  works,  and  for 
search  made  by  his  direction  in  the  British  Museum 
regarding  the  subject  of  the  earl  of  Richmond's 
passage  from  Lichfield  to  Tamworth.  Sir  George  Chet- 
wynd,  bart.,  of  Grendon-hall,  Warwickshire,  furnished 
some  important  matter,  particularly  to  the  account  of 
the  local  tokens.  To  the  rev.  Francis  Blick,  and  the 
rev.  R.  C.  Savage,  late  vicars  of  Tamworth,  the  author 
owes  the  use  of  the  Parish-registers,  and  the  principal 
particulars  of  the  royal  Mintage,  and  of  the  population. 
The  present  vicar,  the  rev.  E.  Harston,  afforded  him 
the  aid  he  needed  regarding  the  National  School.  To 
the  rev.  John  Moore,  of  St.  Chad's,  Birmingham,  he  is 
indebted  for  the  free  use  of  the  very  valuable  library 


belonging  to  the  Roman  Catholic  bishop:  and  to  the 
lev.  James  Kelly^  of  Tamworth^  for  much  information. 
The  municipal  body,  and  the  town-clerk,  Francis  Wil- 
lington,  esq.,  he  must  thank  for  access  to  the  extensive 
records  belonging  to  the  town:  Thomas  Bramall,  esq.; 
E.  B.  Hamel,  esq.;  F.  J.  Hamel,  esq.;  Mrs.  Woody, 
of  the  Moat-house;  Mrs.  Roby,  of  Bridgenorth;  and 
numerous  others,  for  the  use  of  many  and  very  im- 
portant documents.  The  author  is  also  bound  to 
acknowledge  the  kindness  he  has  experienced  from 
the  late  vicar  and  churchwardens,  in  being  permitted 
every  facility  which  he  needed  in  his  investigations 
through  the  Church,  particularly  for  allowance  unhesi- 
tatingly granted  to  expose  the  painting  on  the  wall  of 
the  south  Transept.  Such  liberality  demands  particular 
notice  at  a  time  when  it  is  seldom  exhibited;  and 
it  is  more  deserving  of  acknowledgment  in  the  peculiar 
position  in  which  the  author  was  placed. 

The  author  considers  that  he  ought  not,  in  conclusion, 
to  omit  giving  his  meed  of  praise  to  the  publisher, 
through  whom  the  History  has  been  destined  to  appear 
much  sooner  than  had  ever  been  anticipated.  The 
production  of  the  work,  at  this  time,  is  entirely  owing 
to  his  enterprising  spirit;  which  he  has  effected  at  a 
trouble  and  expense  which  the  limited  sale  of  a  local 
history  cannot  remunerate.  His  merits  at  the  hands  of 
the  public  will  not  be  lessened  by  such  faults  as  may 
occur  in  the   compilation  itself:   for  these   the  author 

alone  must  be  responsible. 

C.  F.  P. 

8,  Great  Charles  St.,  Birmingham. 

December  1st,  1845. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGB. 

Map  of  the  Borough  of  Tunworth      Fronti^ieoe. 

Silver  penny  of  Edward  the  Confessor      '. .  49. 

Silver  penny  of  William  the  Conqueror 50. 

Arms  of  the  family  of  Willington      129. 

Penny  token  of  John  Harding 153. 

Half-penny  token  of  the  reT.  F.  Bliok      153. 

View  of  Tamworth  from  the  South 175. 

Common  Seal  of  the  CoU^giate  Church    . .     222. 

Arms  of  the  family  of  Repington 231. 

Anns  of  the  family  of  k  Court 238. 

Interior  of  the  Crypt  in  the  Church 253. 

Ancient  inscriptton  on  the  wall  of  the  Crypt 255. 

Section  of  the  staircase  in  the  Church-Tower 270. 

Arms  of  tiie  family  of  Townshend     377. 

Groond-plan  of  the  Castle 404. 

Arms  of  the  fkmily  of  Feel 436. 

View  of  Drayton  Manor      439. 

Bolebridge  and  the  Anker  Viaduct 486. 

Arms  of  the  family  of  Wolferstan     496. 


LIST  OF  SUBSCRIBERS. 


Bfajor  Greneral  ^  Courts  Axnington  Hall^  large  paper. 
Captain  Edward  H.  ^  Court,  R.N.,  M.P.,  one  large  and 

one  small  paper. 
Charles    Bowyer    Adderley,    Esq.,   M.P.,    Hams   Hall, 

large  paper. 
Quartermaster  John  Alexander,  Store-master,  Boyal  Horse 

Artillery  Barracks,  Woolwich. 
Mr.  Bichard  Allen,  Bookseller,  Nottingham. 

Richard  Bird,  Esq.,  Tamworth,  S  large  paper. 

E.  L.  Blackbume,  Esq.,  F.  S.  A.,  London. 

Bliss  Blick,  Bonehill,  large  paper. 

Matthew  H.  Bloxam,  Esq.,  Bugby. 

John  B.  Botham  Esq.,  Birmingham,  large  paper. 

Sir  W.  Boyd,  Knight  and  M.  D.,  London. 

C.  Holte  Bracebridge,  Esq.,  The  Hall,  Atherstone. 

Thomas  Bramall,  Esq.,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

The  Bight   Honorable    Lord   Brooke,    Warwick  Castle, 

large  paper. 
Robert  Cave  Browne,  Esq.,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

Richard  Calron,  Esq.,  Bury,  Lancashire,  large  paper. 
Sir  George  Chetwynd,  Bart.,  Grendon  Hall,  large  paper. 
Sir    C.    Mansfield    Clarke,    Bart.,    Wigginton    Lodge, 
large  paper. 


XU.  LIST  OF   8UB8CRIBSB8. 

Mr.  Chinn,  Birmingham^  large  paper. 

Miss  Clarke^  Bamsley,  Yorkshire^  large  paper, 

Mr.  Charles  Clarson,  Tamworth. 

Mr.  Cooke,  Bookseller,  Warwick. 

Thomas  Cooper,  Esq.,  junior.  West  Smithfield.  London. 

Miss  Cotterill,  Hinckley,  Leicestershire. 

Mr.  William  Cox,  Derby  and  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

Mr.  Thomas  Cox,  Tamworth. 

Mrs.  Daniel  Alban  Durtnall,  Aldergate  House,  Tamworth, 

large  paper. 
Mr*  Darley,  Bookseller,   Burton-upon-Trent,  one  large 

and  one  email  paper. 
Mrs.  Dawes,  Tamworth. 
Mr.  Dumolo,  Dunton  House,  Coleshill. 

Mr.  Edmund  Eaton,  Tamworth. 
Miss  Ellison,  Tamworth. 

Marmion  Edward  Ferrers,  Esq.,  Baddesley  Clinton,  War- 
wickshire, large  paper. 
Charles  Fisher,  Esq.,  Aldermills,  Tamworth. 
Mr.  George  Flint,  Tamworth. 
Mr.  William  Freeman,  Tamworth. 

Robert  Gamer,  Esq.,  Stoke-upon-Trent 

Mr.  J.  Glover,  Bangley,  near  Tamworth. 

Benjamin  Granger,  Esq.,  Burton-upon-Tzent,  large  paper. 

Joseph  Gray,  Esq.,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

John  Hall,  Esq.,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

Robert  Hanbury,  Esq.,  Bole  Hall,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

Miss  Hanbury,  Curborough. 


LIST  07  BXTBSCEIBEBS.  XUl. 

Mr.  Samuel  Hanson^  Tamworth,  one  large  SfonesmaHpaper. 

Etienne  B.  Hamel^  ^Bsq.^  Tamworth. 

Felix  John  Haxnel^  ^Bsq.^  Islington^  London. 

William  Hardiog,  Esq.^  Prestwich^  Lancashire^  large  paper. 

Charles  Harding^  Esq.^  Bole  Hall^  Tami;?orth. 

Jevan  Harper^  Esq.,  Mitchell  Dean,  Gloucestershire. 

Charles  Harper,  Esq.,  BuUo  Fill,  near  Newnham. 

John  Dove  Harris,  Esq.,  Leicester,  large  paper. 

The  Bey.  Edward  Harston,  Vicar  of  Tamworth,  large 

paper. 
S.  B.  Harston,  Esq.,  Islington,  London,  large  paper. 
Miss  Hawkesworth,  Tamworth. 
Mr.  Thomas  Hill,  Drayton  Bassett. 
Mr.  John  Hill,  Tamworth. 
Edward  Hollins,  Esq.,  Stockport,  large  paper. 
Thomas    Houlston,  Esq.,   Canonbury   Flace,    Islington, 

London. 
Job  Hunter,  Esq.,  Islington,  London,  large  paper. 

The  Bey.  Oeorge  Inge,  Thorpe  Constantino,  Tamworth. 

John  Jones,  Esq.,  Tamworth. 

Mr.  Henry  Jones,  Farish  Clerk,  Tamworth. 

The  Ber.  James  Kelly,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 
James  Kennedy,  Esq.,  M.D.,  Woodhouse,  near  Lough- 
borough, large  paper. 
Mr.  Kirk,  Tamworth. 
Joseph  Knight,  Esq.,  Leicester,  large  paper. 

Mr.  Lakin,  Bookseller,  Tamworth. 
William  Landor,  Esq.,  Bugeley. 

Mr.  Langbridge,  Bookseller,  Birmingham,  one  large  and 
one  small  paper. 


XIV.  LIST  OF   SUBSCRIBSBS. 

The  Rev.  R.  W.  Lloyd,  Wilnecote. 

Mr.    Lomax,    Bookseller,    Lichfield,   one  large  and  one 

small  paper, 
Mrs.  Lucas,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

Mr.  Maher,  Bookseller,  Birmingham,  one  large  and  one 

smaU  paper. 
John  Shaw  Manley,  Esq.,  Manley  Hall,  large  paper. 
Messrs.  J.  and  C.  Mort,  Advertiser  Office,  Stafford. 
Charles  Ed.  E.  Mousley,  Esq.,  Haunton  Hall,  large  paper. 

Robert  Nevill,  Esq.,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 
Messrs.  J.  B.  and  J.   G.   Nichols,    Parliament   Street, 
London,  S  large  and  S  small  paper. 

The  Rev.  Francis  K  Paget,  Rural  Dean,  Elford  Rectory, 
large  paper. 

Shirley  Palmer,   Esq.,  M.  D.,  Birmingham,  large  paper. 

Mr.  Shirley  Fielding  Palmer,  Birmingham,  large  paper. 

Miss  Charlotte  E.  Palmer,  Birmingham,  2  large  paper. 

Edward    Fielding    Palmer,    Esq.,   Tamworth. 

Mr.  Henry  Andrew  Palmer,  Birmingham,  one  large  and 
one  smaU  paper. 

Mr.  Charles  Ferrers  Palmer,  Birmingham,  5  large  and 
one  smaU  paper. 

William  Parsons,  Esq.,  Wilnecote,  large  paper. 

Mrs.  Parsons,  Tamworth,  2  large  and  S  smaU  paper. 

Miss  Sophia  Parr,  Lichfield. 

Mrs.  Passam,  Bonehill,  Fazeley. 

Mr.  Pearson,  Lichfield. 

The  Right  Honorable  Sir  Robert  Peel,  Bart.,  M.  P., 
Drayton  Manor  and  Whitehall  Gardens,  Lon- 
don, 10  large  paper. 


LIST  OF  SUBSCRIBERS.  XV. 

The  Right  Honorable  William  Yates  Peel^   Bagginton 

Hall,  Coventry,  large  paper. 
Miss  Dorothy  FeiciTal,  Kildare,  Ireland,  large  paper. 
Mr.  William  Platts,  Tamworth. 
Mr.  Thomas  Powell,  Stafford. 
Henry  John  Pye,  Esq.,  Clifton  Hall,  large  paper. 

Henry  Badford,  Esq.,  Atherstone,  large  paper. 

Mr.  Joseph  Bhoades,  King's  Arms  Hotel,   Tamworth, 

large  paper. 
Mr.  J.  Castle  Bighton,  Tamworth. 
William  Bobinson,  Esq.,  Bonehill  Cottage,  Tamworth. 

J.  S.  Salt,  Esq.,  9,  Bussell  Square,  London. 

William  Salt,  Esq.,  9,  Bussell  Square,  London. 

The  Bev.  B.  C.  Savage,  Vicar  of  Nuneaton,  one  large 

and  one  email  paper. 
T.  H.  Sharpies,  Esq.,  Tamworth. 
John  Shawe,  Esq.,  Tamworth. 
Mr.  Thomas  Short,  Bookseller,  Hinckley. 
Mr.  E.  W.  Short,  Bookseller,  Nuneaton. 
Basset  Smith,  Esq.,  Grammar  School,  Walsall. 
Mrs.  Smith,  Millfield  House,  Tamworth. 
Mr.  J.  Smith,  Bridgenorth,  Salop. 
William   Staunton,    Esq.,   Longbridge   Hall,   Warwick, 

large  paper. 
Thomas  Brook  Bridges  Stevens,  Esq.,  Tamworth. 
Mrs.  Stevens,  Huntingdon. 
John  Thompson,  Esq.,  Tamworth. 
The  Bev.  Cyprian  Thompson,  Fazeley. 
Miss  Thompson,  Stanmer  Park,  Lewes. 
William  Tongue,  Esq.,  Comberford  Hall. 


XVI.  IJ8T  OF  8UB8CBIBSR8. 

Lord  Charles  Vere  Ferrars  Townshend^  Rainham^  Norfolk^ 
and  28,  Cavendish  Square^  London,  large  paper. 

Captain  John  Townshend,  B.N.,  58,  Eaton  Square, 
London,  large  paper. 

Mr.  Tunnadine,  Tamworth. 

William  C.  Webb,  Esq.,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

Baron  D.  Webster,  Esq.,  Perm's  Hall,  Sutton  Coldfield. 

Charles  K  E.  Welchman,  Esq.,  Lichfield,  large  paper. 

Mr.  Wesley,  Bookseller,  Burton-upon-Trent. 

The  Rev.  R.  Vernon  Whitby,  Osbaston  Lodge,  Hinckley. 

Frands  Willington,  Esq.,  Town  Clerk,  Tamworth, 
2  large  paper. 

Mr.  James  Wilson,  Soho  Hill,  Handsworth. 

R.  W.  Winfield,  Esq.,  The  Hawthorns,  Edgbaston, 
Birmingham,  large  paper. 

John  Fawkener  Winfield,  Esq.,  The  Hawthorns,  Edg- 
baston, Birmingham,  large  paper. 

Miss  Wolferstan,  Tamworth  Castle,  large  paper. 

Stanley  Pipe  Wolferstan,  Esq.,  Statfold  Hall,  large  paper. 

Mrs.  Woody,  Moat  House,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

John  F.  Woody,  Esq.,  Moat  House,  Tamworth,  large  paper. 

Robert  Isham  Woody,  Esq.,  Stockport,  large  paper. 

John  Wright,  Esq.,  Tamworth. 


HISTORY  OF  TAMWORTH. 


SITUATION. 


When  in  its  butka  no  longer  flows 
Tbe  Anker's  dour  and  sparkling  stream. 
And  Tame  withholds  Its  gentle  coarse, 
lliy  memoTf,  Tsmworth,  as  a  dream, 
Shall,  by  tradition's  voice  alone. 

Then  be  told. 
Thy  place  forgotten,  bnt  as  one 

Once  of  old. 

The  town  of  Tamwoirth  lies  on  the  northern  banks  of 
two  rivers^  the  Tame  and  the  Anker.  The  western  part 
is  placed  in  the  southern  division  of  the  hundred  of 
Offlow  in  Staffordshire^  and  the  eastern^  which  is  rather 
the  larger,  in  the  Tamworth  division  of  that  of  Hem- 
lingford  in  Warwickshire.  From  the  situation  of  the 
Church,  the  town  is  generally  considered  as  belonging 
to  the  former  county.  Its  distance  from  the  metropolis 
is  102  miles  in  a  direct  line,  or  120,  by  the  London 
and  Birmingham  and  the  Derby  Junction  railways.  It 
is  also  24  miles  from  Stafford;  7,  from  Lichfield;  28, 
from  Warwick;  15,  fix)m  Birmingham;  and  19,  from 
Coventry.  It  is  in  the  diocese  of  Lichfield,  in  the  rural 
deanery  of  Tamworth  and  Tutbury,  and  within  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  archbishop  of  Canterbury.  Its  latitude 
is  62^  S8'  n'\b  N.,  and  its  longitude,  V  40'  12"  W.; 
so  that  all  astronomical  phoenomena  occur  6'  40''.8, 
or  about  one-ninth  of  an  hour,  later  than  at  the  royal 
observatory  at  Gbreenwich.^ 

1    Roby's  History  of  Tamworth. 


2  TAMWORTH 

The  situation  of  Tamworth,  for  the  richness  of  its 
scenery  and  the  fertility  of  its  soil^  ranks  highly  among 
those  parts  of  England,  on  which  nature  has  laid  her 
bounteous  hand,  and  bestowed  some  of  her  choicest  favours. 
Though  possessing  none  of  the  majestic  grandeur  found 
alone  in  mountainous  parts,  it  exhibits  all  those  soft  and 
pleasing  traits  which  meadow,  hill,  and  woodland  can 
afford.  Placed  on  the  side  of  a  rising  ground  that  has 
a  southern  aspect,  the  town  is  protected,  in  a  great 
measure,  from  the  bleak  north.  The  direction  of  the 
surrounding  country  is  the  same,  being  more  or  less 
hilly  on  three  sides,  whilst  on  the  south  a  widely  ex- 
tended valley  lies  open,  diversified  by  the  gentle  windings 
of  the  river. 

The  neighbourhood  is  highly  cultivated,  being  one  of 
the  first  agricultural  districts  in  the  centre  of  the  kingdom. 
It  has  been  long  noted  for  the  excellence  of  its  fruits 
and  other  vegetable  productions,  some  being  preferred 
even  to  those  of  the  vale  of  Evesham,  though  not  cul- 
tivated to  so  great  extent  as  there  and  in  different  parts 
of  Worcestershire.  Many  other  important  advantages  also 
accrue  to  Tamworth  firom  the  peculiar  geological  charac- 
ters of  its  situation.  The  town  seems  to  constitute  the 
point  for  the  meeting  of  four  different  formations.  On 
the  north,  red  marl  occurs,  extending  to  the  extremity 
of  Derbyshire,  and  then  passing  across  the  middle  of 
Staffordshire.  The  clay  by  the  town  has  been  used,  for 
a  very  considerable  period,  in  manufacturing  bricks.  On 
the  east,  is  a  large  coal-field,  affording  fuel  of  a  sup- 
erior quality ;  and,  for  many  years,  pits  have  been  work- 
ed at  Kettlebrook  within  two  miles,  as  well  as  near 
Folesworth  and  Atherstone  at  a  greater  distance.  Passing 
firom   the   south  east  to  the  edge   of  the   town,   is    a 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  8 

luurrow  band  of  the  formation  known  as  that  of  the 
mill-fltone  grit,  from  whence  a  very  good  material  may 
be  obtained.  The  remaining  country,  including  the  whole 
of  the  east  and  a  greater  part  of  the  south,  consists  of 
new  red  sand-stone,  occupying  the  whole  of  the  south 
<rf  Staffordshire,  in  the  midst  of  which  lie  the  coal  beds 
of  Dudley,  Bilston,  and  Cannock.  On  the  west,  at 
Hints,  Hopwas  hays,  and  Tamhom  park,  a  high  range 
of  hills  formed  of  gravel  and  sand-stone  uprears  itself, 
coT^red  with  extensive  woods,  relics  of  the  ancient  forest 
of  Arden. 

It  is  irrelative  to  the  object  of  our  present  undertak- 
ing to  enter  fully  into  the  details  either  of  the  geology, 
or  of  the  zoology,  or  botany,  of  the  district.  What  we 
have  said  has  only  been  intended  to  give  a  general  idea 
of  the  characters  of  the  situation  of  Tamworth.  The 
consideration  of  these  branches  of  science  would  well 
occupy  a  separate  work.  Here  a  large  field  is  extended 
that  has  never  been  fully  examined,  though  it  once 
formed  the  subject  of  the  researches  of  WiUoughby,  and 
and  afforded  ample  scope  for  the  investigations  of  the 
celebrated  Ray.  The  book  of  nature  lies  widely  open, 
inviting  each  one  to  read  its  spotless  page,  and  partake 
of  its  pure  and  chaste  delights.  There  may  the  busy 
find  relaxation  from  his  toils,  and  the  idle,  emplojrment 
for  his  mind.  The  innocent  may  drink  of  clear  and 
unpolluted  streams  of  knowledge,  and  the  guilty  learn 
where  true  and  unfailing  pleasures  may  be  found.  In 
HiB  works,  who  maintains  the  lowest  creature  there, 
a  source  of  lasting  contemplation  is  afforded  to  the  faith- 
ful. The  infidel  too  may  see,  written  in  clear  and 
effulgent  characters,  the  laws  and  order  of  nature,  that 
disprove  the  existence  of  the  mere  chance,  he  fain  would 


4  TAMWORTH 

exalt  as  the  creating  and  legislative  power  of  the  universe. 
Nor  yet^  in  conclusion,  should  we  neglect  to  point 
out  those  objects  in  the  neighbourhood  worthy  of  the 
notice  of  the  antiquary.  He  too,  who  loves  to  dwell 
on  scenes  of  former  days,  may  visit,  within  the  compass 
of  a  few  miles,  spots  whose  very  names  echo  the  voice 
of  ages  fled,  and  bring  again  remembrance  of  the  past. 
Not  £ur  away  BtUl  stand  the  mouldering  ruins  of  the 
earliest  convent  in  these  parts,  raised  by  the  great  mon- 
arch Ecgberht  as  a  habitation  for  his  daughter  Editha^ 
whom  Modwen  taught  and  Lyne  and  Osythe  led.  There 
are  also  other  cloister  shades^  the  walls  now  changed  to 
a  different  use,  once  the  recluses'  dwelling.  The  high 
mound  still  marks  the  battle  field  where  Saxons  fought, 
and  the  Mercian  king  was  slain  by  an  usurper,  who 
himself,  in  his  turn,  was  doomed  to  fall  before  the  ex- 
piration of  the  year.  The  tombs  where  Romans  sleep 
may  partly  yet  be  seen,  known  as  the  butts  of  Robin 
Hood,  because,  as  tradition  tells,  he  often  there  exercised 
his  skill  with  his  merry  company.  Many  other  objects 
of  equal  interest  still  remain  around  the  town,  to  which 
we  cannot  particidarly  allude  in  this  place. 


RIVERS. 

THE  TAME. 
Flowing  from  numerous  sources  south  of  Cannock 
chase,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Dudley,  Oldbury,  Walsall, 
and  Wednesbury  in  Staffordshire,  the  Tame  takes  its 
course  by  Hampstead  house  and  Perry  hall.  Curving 
south  east,  it  enters  Warwickshire,  passes  north  of  Aston, 
and  then  receives  on  the  right  Hockley  brook,  and  the 
river  Bea,  the  Styx  of  modem  times  after  a  passage 
through  Birmingham  from  near  Moseley.  Continuing  to 
the  north  of  Castle  Bromwich,  East  brook  from  about 
Sutton  Coldfield  joining  it  at  Berwood  hall,  by  Water 
Orton,  and  to  the  south  of  Curdworth,  it  is  increased 
on  the  right  hand  at  Marston  park  by  the  united  waters 
of  the  Cole  and  Blythe.  The  former  of  these  rivers 
commences  by  several  heads  about  Sheldon  and  Tardley, 
runs  through  Coleshill  park,  by  Coleshill,  and  then  hastens 
to  its  junction  with  the  Blythe.  The  latter  springs  from 
about  Bickenhill  and  Meriden,  and,  on  the  west  of  Pack- 
ington,  assumes  a  northward  course  between  Coleshill 
and  Maxtoke  castle  to  Blythe  hall,  and  soon  after  ter- 
minates. The  Tame,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  further, 
is  augmented  by  the  river  Bourne,  originating  in  two 
streams,  one  from  between  FiUongley  and  Ansley,  the 
other  from  near  Bentley.  Skirting  Lea  Marston,  it  then 
pursues  a  northern  direction  to  Kingsbury,  receives  Thistle- 
wood  brook  on  the  right,  and  then  continues  by  Cliff 


6  TAirWOBTH 

hall.  Between  this  place  and  Dosthill,  it  is  added  to 
on  the  left^  fiist  by  Langley'B  and  CoUett's  brooks  from 
the  east  of  Sutton  Coldfield  and  Canwell ;  secondly,  by 
Gallows  brook ;  thirdly  by  a  long  stream,  from  Canwell 
and  Basset's  pole,  which  runs  between  Drayton  Basset 
and  Middleton,  and  constitutes  in  the  greater  part  of  its 
course  the  boundary  of  the  counties  of  Warwick  and 
Stafford.  The  Tame,  after  being  increased  by  the  Black 
or  Bourne  brook  coming  from  near  Weeford  and  Hints, 
then  enters  the  borough  of  Tamworth,  and  flows  east  of 
Fazeley  to  the  town,  formii^  from  a  little  distance  off 
Gallows  brook  the  line  of  demarcation  between  the  above 
stated  coimties. 

After  the  confluence  of  the  Anker  with  it,  the  Tame 
turning  westward  wholly  re-enters  Staffordshire,  waters 
the  edge  of  the  town,  continues  by  Millfield  and  Alder- 
mills,  and,  assuming  again  its  northern  direction,  passes 
by  Hopwas  hays  and  Tamhom  park  to  Comberford,  where 
it  leaves  the  borough.  At  Elford,  it  makes  a  bend  to 
the  west,  but  suddenly  resumes  its  former  course  at 
Fisherwick,  runs  by  Croxall,  and  fidls  into  the  Trent  not 
£Eur  from  the  junction  of  the  Mease  with  that  river. 

At  Tamworth,  the  banks  of  the  Tame  are  150  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  tide  of  the  Thames  at  Brentford.' 
It  was  once  proposed  to  render  the  river  navigable  fitmi 
the  Trent  to  this  town ;  and,  on  the  £Oth  of  December, 
1759,  the  bailifb  and  commonality,  with  the  inhabitants 
of  Birmingham,  Burton-on-Trent,  and  the  neighbouring 
parts,  presented  a  petition  for  that  purpose  to  the  lower 
house  of  parliament*  But  soon  afterwards  the  scheme, 
which  would  have  involved  immense  expense,  was  pro* 
dently  abandoned. 

1    Pitt*«  Acricaltnra  of  Steffordahire. 
2    Joanial  of  the  Commont.    Rob7*«  Hist,  of  Tunworth. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 


THE  ANKER, 

The  Anker^  oommenciiig  in  many  heads  between 
Wc^Tey  and  Withybrook  in  Warwickshire^  runs  to  the 
left  of  Burton  Hastings.  Turning  from  north  west  to 
west^  it  passes  Chilvers  Coton  (where  it  receives  on  the 
left  Ghriff  brook)^  continues  northward  through  Nuneaton, 
and  winds  in  its  first  direction  by  Weddington,  Caldecote, 
and  Mancetter  to  the  old  Roman  road,  the  Watling 
street.  For  about  three  miles  farther,  it  forms  the 
boundary  of  the  counties  of  Leicester  and  Warwick, 
going  on  by  Witherley,  and  receiving  above  Atherstone 
the  Sence  on  the  right  hand.  The  river  Sence,  lying 
wholly  in  Leicestershire,  rises  east  of  Bardon  hill  in 
Chamwood  forest,  runs  by  Hugglescote,  and,  joined  by 
Blower's  brook  from  Ravenstone,  continues  south  west 
by  Heather,  Shakerstone,  and  Congerstone,  to  Sheepy, 
being  then  united  to  the  main  trunk  of  another  origin. 
This  southern  Sence  has  its  source  about  Market  Bos- 
worth,  Stapleton,  Dadlington  (by  which  the  Tweed,  a  river 
near  from  Hinckley,  falls  into  it),  and  Stoke  Golding, 
passing  by  Sibson  and  Radcliffe  Culey  in  its  way.  The 
Anker  flows  on  by  Grendon,  Polesworth,  Pooley  hall, 
then,  entering  the  borough  of  Tamworth,  by  Alvecote 
priory,  now  a  private  residence,  and  Amington.  Curving 
round  southwards,  and  skirting  Bolehall  and  the  War- 
wickshire part  of  the  town,  it  mingles  its  waters  with 
those  of  the  Tame  beneath  the  Castle  grounds. 


8  TAMWOBTH 

The  characters  of  the  two  rivers  are  very  diverse  even 
near  their  point  of  .junction,  some  plants  being  often 
confined  to  one  alone.  The  Tame  is  in  general  shallow 
and  slow  in  its  course,  whilst  the  Anker  is  deep,  nar- 
row, and  winds  considerably.  Michael  Drayton,  the  poet, 
bom  at  Hartshill,  a  village  a  few  miles  distant  ftom  this 
town,  has  commemorated  the  latter  river  in  one  of  his 
sonnets  entitled  ''Idea,"  where  he  addresses  it  in  behalf 
of  the  imaginary  idol  of  his  soul,  in  rhymes  as  spark- 
ling as  the  ripples  of  the  stream  itself. 

"  Cleere  Ankor,  on  whose  silTer-ianded  shore 

My  soale-Bhrin'd  Saint,  my  faire  Idea  lies, 

O  blessed  brooke,  whose  milke-white  swans  adore 

That  chrystall  streame  refined  by  her  eyes, 

Where  sweete  myrrh-breatiiing  Zephire,  in  the  spring, 

Gently  distills  his  nectar-dropping  showers, 

Where  nightingales  in  Arden  sit  and  sing 

Amongst  the  daintie  dew-impearled  flowers ; 

Say  thus,  fidre  Brooke,  when  thon  shalt  see  thy  Queene, 

Loe  heere  thy  Shepheard  spent  his  wand'ring  yeares ; 

And  in  these  shades,  dear  Nymph,  he  oft  hath  beene. 

And  heere  to  thee  he  sacrific'd  his  teares : 
Faire  Arden,  thon  my  Tempo  art  alone. 
And  thou,  sweet  Ankor,  art  my  Helicon." 

In  another  of  his  poems,  the  ISth  of  the  Polyolbion^ 
but  in  less  pleasing  strains,  he  celebrates  the  approaching 
marriage  of  the  two  rivers  at  Tamworth. 


NAME. 

There  is  an  inBurmoimtable  difficulty  in  determining 
the  derivation  of  the  name  of  Tamworth  with  any  d^ree 
of  certainty  or  satis&ction.  Owing  to  the  obscurity  in 
which  the  origin  of  the  town  is  inyolyed,  it  is  not  known 
whether  it  was  first  built  by  the  Saxons,  or  whether  it 
existed  previously  to  their  arrival  in  this  country.  It  is 
therefore  impossible  to  ascertain  if  we  should  have  recourse 
to  the  British  or  the  Saxon  language. 

However^  the  first  part  of  the  name  is  clearly  taken 
from  the  river  Tame.  Lhwyd  states  that  the  British  for  a 
stream  in  general  was  Taf  or  Tav,  the  final  letter  of  which 
was  changed  by  the  Romans  into  m,  whence  came  the 
names  of  several  rivers  in  England,  as  the  Thames,  Thame, 
Tamar,  and  Tame.^  But  in  supposing  this  alteration 
might  have  been  made  to  conform  vrith  the  Greek  for 
a  river,  the  first  syllable  being  rejected,  he  certainly 
advances  an  opinion  removed  firom  any  shadow  of  proba- 
bility. It  is  as  likely  as  that  the  English  should  alter 
a  Gaelic  or  other  foreign  term  to  suit  some  mutilated 
French  word  for  somewhat  similar  sound  and  expressive 
of  the  same  object.  Dugdale  deduces  Tame  firom  the 
gentle  flovring  of  the  water,  as  Arrow  received  its 
designation  from  the  swiftness  of  its  course.' 

1  Lbwyd's  AdTerstfiA,  labjoined  to  Baxter*!  Gloiiuium. 
S  DofdAle's  Wanrtckahire. 


10  TAMWORTH 

With  respect  to  **  worth/'  the  termination  of  the  names 
of  many  other  places  in  the  kingdom  besides  this,  a 
very  great  difference  exists.  Though  all  authors  are 
unanimous  in  considering  it  to  be  Saxon^  they  are  nei- 
ther agreed  as  to  the  exact  word^  nor  even  as  to  the 
meaning  of  the  same  term.  Gibson*  and  Bailey*  deduce 
it  from  worth,  a  court  or  farm.  Dugdale'  derives  it  from 
worthe,  which  he  says  is  a  mansion  or  dwelling  place, 
and  Bigland/  a  habitation  or  farm ;  but  Somner/  an  entry, 
porch,  or  court  yard.  Gibson  also  gives  another  word 
worthig,  which  he  calls  a  street  or  road;  whilst  Lye* 
asserts  that  it  is  a  small  farm  or  field;  and  Lambarde,' 
a  close  encompassing  a  mansion  house,  or  the  place  of 
the  site  of  a  manor.  Morant'  adopts  worthige  or  worthe, 
a  way  through  a  river,  a  mansion  or  dwelling  house,  a 
farm  or  field,  and  in  general  a  manor  or  estate.  Another 
word  weorth,  Camden*  calls  a  river  island,  or  place  sur- 
rounded by  water ;  Ingram,'^  a  village  or  town  near  the 
head  of  a  river ;  Thomas,"  a  broad  way,  court,  or  place,  to 
which  ige,  an  island,  is  affixed ;  and  Gibson,  with  Somner, 
Gough,"  and  Lye,  a  small  farm.  The  latter  also  adopts 
weorthig  or  wurthig,  a  small  £Eurm  or  field;  Bailey 
again,  weorthige,  a  street  or  field ;  Manning,"  wurth,  a 
considerable  mansion  or  farm.  And  finally  the  termi- 
nation is  said  to  come  from  waert,  a  water  farm.*^ 

Amidst  such  contention  in  writers  of  high  authority, 
it  would  be  impossible  to  decide  the  meaning  of  this 
termination.  But  it  is  clear  it  cannot  refer  to  the 
circumstance  that  the  places,  of  whose  names  it  forms  a 


1  Gibson's  Su.  Chron.    S  Bailey's  Enfl.  diet.    3  DufttaOe's  Warwickshire. 

4   Bigland's  Gloucestershire,    ft   Somner's  Sax.  diet.    0   Lye's  Sax.  diet. 

1    Lambarde*s  Diet,  topogr.  8    Moraat's  Essex.  p    Camden's  Britannia. 

10  Ingram's  Sax.  Chron.    ll   Thomas's  Dugdale.    is  Oougfa's  additioiis  to  Camden. 

IS    Mannhig's  Surrey.  14    Levria's  Topog.  diet,  of  Engl. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  11 

partj  lie  in  the  neighbourhood  of  a  river^  for* many  are 
neither  placed  by  any  stream  nor  even  in  marshy  land, 
80  as  to  afford  a  probability  to  the  suppositions  of  .those 
who  make  the  presence  of  water  essential  to  their  con- 
jectures. Beyond  this  we  can  offer.no  suggestion.  It 
must  be  left  for  those  deeply  versed  in  philological  specu- 
lation to  determine  whether  ''worth"  may  signify  a  great 
fiurm  or  a  little  farm^  a  dwelling  house^  a  close  encompass- 
ing a  mansion^  the  site  of  a  manor^  an  estate,  field,  broad 
way^  street,  road,  entry,  court  yard,  or  porch.  . 

An  insuperable  obstacle  to  the  discovery  of  the  etjrmon, 
arises  from  the  diversity  of  modes  in  which  proper  names 
were,  anciently  written.  This  was  owing  to  the  absence 
of  fixed  rules  of  orthography  among  our  ancestors, .  a 
circumstance  almost  necessarily  occurring  before  the  mode 
of  speedily  midtiplying  and  difiusing  literary,  works  by 
the  art  of  printing,  was  discovered.  These  variations 
have  also  been  undoubtedly  increased,  in  a  very  great 
degree^  by  the  modification  of  the  names  themselves  du- 
ring the  lapse  of  time.  The  Danish  conquest,  and  more 
especially  that  of  the  Normans  from  its  permanence  and 
completeness,  occasioned  much  confusion  by  the  intro- 
duction of  a  foreign  pronunciation,  which  would  naturally 
lead  to  a  change  correspondingly  great  in  the  spelling. 

Of  the  numerous  and  often  singular  manners  in  which 
Tamworth  has  been  written,  we  give  the  principal,  adopt- 
ing the  list  collected  by  Roby,  but  with  several  alterations 
and  additions.  The  dates  refer  to  the  ages  of  the  docu- 
ments that  they  are  foxmd  in. 

In  781,  Tamoworthie,  Tamoworthige.*  In  814,  Tom- 
oworthig,  Tomoworthin."  In  840,  Tomeworthie.'  In  841, 
Tomanworthie,  Tomanwordie,  Tomeuuorthie,  Tomeweor- 

1    Offo*8  charters.    2    CoenwolfB  charters.    3    Berhtwulfs  charter. 


12  TAMWORTH 

thing  J  In  845^  Tomeuuorthig.*  In  855,  Tomanworthigne.* 
In  857,  Tomanuuorthig/  In  the  10th  century,  Tama- 
weorthige,  Tameweorthige,  Tamanweorthe,  Tameweorthe, 
Tameworththige,  Tamewurthe,  Tamanweorthige/  In  the 
same  century,  Tamewrthe.'  In  1002,  Tamwurthin.'  In 
1059,  Tamawoidina.'  In  1066,  Tonwrrth,  Tonwyrth.' 
In  1086,  Tamuuorde.'''  In  1115,  Tamwrda.''  In  1118, 
Tomewordina,  Tomwrfliigme,  Tomweorthe.^  In  1148, 
Tamewrthe."  In  1150,  Thamewrthe.^  In  1164,  Tame- 
weorde,  Tomwirthig.''  In  1198,  Tamuirting,  Tamewrda, 
Tamneting.^'  In  the  same  year,  Tamesworthe.^'  In  1S16, 
Thamwrthe.''  In  1272,  Tamewurthe.'''  In  1284,  Tamme- 
worthe.*^  In  1291,  Thomwurth,  Thamwurth.'^  In  1S08, 
Tammorth,  Tammorthe."  In  1857,  Thomewurth,  Tha- 
niwurth."  In  1859,  Tamworht.**  In  1877,  Thameworth.* 
In  1418,  Tunneworth,  Tanwith  •  In  1427,  Tampworth.'' 
In  1491,  Tomworth."  In  1588,  Thomworth."  In  1548, 
Tomwoorth."    And  in  1560,  Tameworth," 

Among  the  records  of  the  town,  we  first  find  the  name 
spelt  in  the  mode  adopted  at  the  present  time  in  1804. 
Previously  it  was  written  Thamworth  or  Thameworth, 
and  occasionally  Tameworth. 

1    BerhtwnlTfl  charters.      s    lb.     s    Burgred*!!  charten.     4    lb.    5    Sax.  Chroo. 

6    Chron.  of   Melrote.     7    Will  of  Walfric  Spott.     8    Mariaaaa,  quoted  by 

Camden  and  Shaw.     9    Coins  of  Edw.  Confess.    10    Doomsday  book. 

11    M.S.  quoted  by  Dufdale.    la    Florence  of  Worcester's  Chronioon  ex  Chronids. 

13    Henry  of  Hnndnicdon's  Hlstorta.    U  Salzed's  Oenealogla  Ref .  An^ I. 

15    Simeon  of  Durham's  De  irestis  Re^.  An^.     l6   Roger  Hoveden*s  Annates. 

17    John  Brompton's  Chronicon.     18  Hofh  White  of  Peterboroach's  Historia. 

19  Robert  of  Gloucester's  Metrical  Chronicle.    20    Tamworth  Court  rolls,  IS  E.  I. 

SI    Taxation  of  P.  Nicholas  IV.    sa    Tamworth  Court  rolls,  31  E.  I. 

S3    Ralph  Higden's  Folychronicon.    24    WIgglnton  Court  rolls,  SS  B.  III. 

25    Matthew  of  Wcstmister's  Flores  Historiarum. 

20  Tho.  Rndbomo's  Historia  Ecclesin  Wintonienals.    27  Tamworth  Court  rolls,  5  H.V. 

28    John  Rouse's  Historia  Rev.  Angl.    99  Polydore  Vergil's  Angl.  Historia. 
SO    HaU'B  Vnion  of  the  fameUes  of  Lancastre  and  Yorke.    91    Elizabeth's  charter. 


GENERAL  HISTORY. 


The  origin  of  Tamworth  is  involved  in  the  deep 
obscurity,  thrown  like  a  veil  by  the  hand  of  time  over 
the  early  history  of  our  nation.  Whether  it  formed  one 
of  the  towns  of  the  primitive  inhabitants  of  Britain,  is 
a  question  that  can  only  be  answered  by  conjectures  of 
its  great  probability.  These  places  in  the  central  parts 
of  the  kingdom,  inhabited,  according  to  Ptolemy,  by  a 
tribe  called  Cornabii  or  Comavii,  were  not  composed  of 
a  collection  of  huts  as  on  the  sea  coast,  where  the 
people  were  much  more  advanced  in  civilization  firom 
their  intercourse  with  foreign  nations.  On  the  contrary, 
they  were  merely  fortifications,  consisting  of  a  tract  of 
densely  wooded  land  surrounded  by  a  bank  and  a  ditch.' 
Into  these  the  people  were  accustomed  to  retire  when 
severely  pressed  by  their  enemies,  and  desirous  of  de- 
fending themselves  firom  their  attacks.  In  similar  places 
too,  the  Britons  were  accustomed  to  celebrate  the  mysteries 
of  their  religion  and  erect  altars,  on  which  they  im- 
molated victims  and  paid  a  bloody  homage  to  their  gods. 

In  Britain,  there  were  numerous  forests  where  the 
inhabitants  chiefly  dwelt.  One  of  the  largest  and  most 
celebrated  of  these  was  that  of  Arden,  the  name  of 
which  appears  to  have  been  the  Celtic  for  a  forest  in 
general  fixxm  the  occurrence  of  the  word   to  designate 

1    Omar,  dc  Bello  Oi^Uco,  Ub.  iv. 


14  TAMWORTH 

similar  places  in  the  north  of  France.  It  was  bounded 
by  the  banks  of  the  rivers  Avon,  Trent,  and  Severn,  and 
by  a  line  drawn  firom  Burton-on-Trent  to  the  ancient 
Roman  station  Bennones,  the  modem  High  Cross,  where 
the  Watling  street  and  the  Foss  way  intersect  each  other.^ 
In  the  midst  of  this  woodland,  Tamworth  or  its  site  lay ; 
its  deep  seclusion,  its  position  by  two  streams,  and  the 
productiveness  of  the  soil,  rendering  it  a  likely  spot  to 
be  selected  by. our  rude  forefathers  for  the  erection  of 
a  fortification  and  a  place  of  refuge  in  necessity. 

When  the  Romans  had  completely  subdued  this  country, 
they  divided  it  into  five  provinces,  Britannia  prima, 
Britannia  secunda,  Flavia  Ciesariensis,  Maxima  Caesari- 
ensis,  and  Valentia.'  In  the  third  of  these,  extending 
from  the  Thames  to  the  Humber,  Tamworth  was  placed 
supposing  it  then  existed,  a  fact  of  which  we  have  no 
direct  proof.  The  town,  however,  lies  scarcely  more  than 
a  mile  north  of  one  of  the  Roman  roads,  the  most  re- 
markable of  them,  not  only  on  account  of  its  length, 
but  also  from  the  branches  connected  with  it  being  more 
numerous  than  those  of  any  other.'  The  Watling  street 
passes  through  the  borough  in  its  course  between  the 
ancient  stations  Manduessedum  and  Etocetum,  the  present 
villages  of  Mancetter  and  Wall.  Another  Roman  road 
also  ran  directly  through  the  town.  "Wendley-way," 
says  Shaw,  "comes  from  the  West  end  of  Tamworth 
church,  nms  on  the  West  side  of  Drayton  Basset  park, 
&c.  The  other  way,  it  might  have  proceeded  by  Ashby 
and  Nottingham  to  Southwell."* 

To  the  statements  of  this  learned  antiquary,  we  are 
compelled,  rather  in  a  bold  manner,  to  offer  some  ob- 

1    Brewer*8  Beauties  of  England  and  Wales.       9    Richard  of  Cirencester. 
S    Reynold's  Iter  Brltannlarum.    «    Shaw's  Staifordsbire. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  15 

jections.  It  seems  very  doubtful  whether  Wendley  way 
came  from  Drayton  Basset  into  the  Watling  street  at 
Fazeley,  as  none  of  the  characteristics  are  founds  by 
which  such  works  of  the  Romans  are  usually  known. 
For  a  similar  reason,  the  continuance  of  the  road  between 
Tamworth  and  Ashby  may  be  considered  as  extremely 
questionable  and  even  improbable.  Yet  that  a  Roman 
way  ran  from  Fazeley  to  Tamworth  westward  of  the 
Church,  we  cannot  dispute.  It  must  have  continued 
along  Salter  street  in  this  town,  through  Wigginton,  by 
Portway  house,  and  through  Harleston  to  Edengale.  At 
the  latter  village,  Plott  actually  mentions  the  occur- 
rence of  a  Roman  road ;'  and  the  whole  way  from 
Wigginton  presents  all  the  signs  of  such  structures  in 
general.  The  occurrence  of  Roman  remains  at  Wigginton 
and  other  places  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  line,  con- 
firms the  opinion  we  have  given.  At  Wigginton  there 
was  a  large  tumulus,  now  entirely  carried  away  by  the 
plough,  and  a  similar  one  is  found  at  a  little  distance 
from  it,  near  Elford.  The  latter  was  opened  by  Plott 
in  October,  1680,  who,  from  the  ashes  and  charcoal  with 
several  pieces  of  bone  that  he  foimd  in  it,  concluded  at 
once  that  it  was  Roman.  Shaw  seems  rather  to  consider 
the  tumuli  as  those  of  Saxons  slain  in  flight  from  the. 
battle  at  Seckington ;  but,  as  Plott  truly  observes,  these 
people  never  adopted  the  mode  of  burning  the  bodies  of 
the  dead,  at  all  event  after  their  arrival  in  this  country. 
After  maintaining  their  conquests  in  this  island  for 
nearly  400  years,  the  Romans  abandoned  them  about  the 
middle  of  the  5th  century.  Finding  themselves  unable 
to  resist  the  incursions  of  their  enemies,  the  Britons  were 
at  length  compelled  to  call  in  the  aid  of  the  Saxons,  a  ^ 

1    Ftott's  Nitond  HiMonr  oT  Staflbrdshire. 


16  TAMWOBTH 

numerous  and  warlike  race  from  the  north  of  Europe. 
But  after  these  people  had  successfully  rendered  their 
aid,  treacherously  turning  round,  they  directed  their  arms 
against  the  Britons,  and  obtained  almost  daily  fresh 
mastery  over  them.  King  Arthur,  for  a  time,  according 
to  tradition,  checked  their  career;  but,  when  he  passed 
away,  they  gained  the  field  again. 

The  Saxons,  as  they  subjugated  the  country,  established 
eight  kingdoms,  Kent,  Sussex,  Wessex,  East  Anglia,  Essex, 
Bemicia,  Deira,  and  Merda.  The  subsequent  union  of 
Bemicia  and  Deira,  reduced  the  octarchy  into  an  hep- 
tarchy. Mercia  was  the  last  kingdom  formed,  being 
founded  in  the  year  585.  It  embraced  the  midland 
counties  of  England ;  but  varied  in  size  at  different  times, 
according  to  the  success  of  arms,  when  the  Saxons  having 
few  to  contend  with,  began  to  make  war  upon  each  other.^ 

From  the  time  of  the  first  Mercian  king  Creoda  to 
the  reign  of  Offii,  Tamworth  is  not  mentioned,  though 
it  probably  formed  the  residence  of  some  of  the  earlier 
kings,  even  before  the  introduction  of  Christianity.  Ead- 
vald  or  Ethelbald,  who  ascended  the  throne  in  716,  and 
held  it  for  nearly  forty  years,  was  at  last  himself  slain 
and  his  followers  defeated,  at  Seccandune  or  Seckington, 
in  a  batde  caused  by  the  insurrection  of  his  ovm  army, 
headed  by  Beomred,  one  of  the  generaki.  This  ambitious 
warrior  seized  the  government ;  but  he  was  compelled  to 
fly  from  the  country  before  the  close  of  the  first  year  of 
his  usurpation,  755.  He  was  overcome  in  fight  by  Offii, 
either  grand  nephew  or  second  cousin  of  Eadvald,  a 
young  but  valiant  man>  who  was  then  elevated  to  the 
throne,  as  eleventh  king  of  Mercia,  by  the  unanimous 
coi^sent  of  the  nobles  of  the  land.' 

1     Turoer*!  Hlitoiy  of  the  Anfflo  Suont.       s    Sftz.  Chron. 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  17 

Soon  after  his  accession  to  the  crown^  Offa  came  to 
Tamworth,  where  he  caused  a  palace  to  be  built  of  greater 
dimensions  than  was  usual  in  those  times.  This,  for  its 
magnificence,  was  the  admiration  and  wonder  of  the  age.* 
He  also  then  strongly  fortified  the  town  by  surrounding 
it  with  a  vast  entrenchment  and  bank,  the  traces  of 
which  remain  at  the  present  day,  and  still  retain  the 
name  of  Offa's  dyke,  or  the  King's  ditch.  Thus  Tam- 
worth  was  either  rendered  for  the  first  time  a  r^al 
dwelling  place,  or  as  such  received  improvements  which 
exigencies  might  require,  or  the  bounty  of  royalty  dictate. 
That  it  was  previously  honoured  with  the  presence  of 
kings,  seems  very  likely  from  the  proximity  of  the  field 
of  battle  where  Eadvald  fell,  Seckington  being  a  small 
village  about  four  miles  distant.  The  town,  however, 
became  one  of  very  great  celebrity,  and  continued  to  be 
the  fiivourite  resort  of  Offa  and  of  many  of  his  successors, 
at  least  during  the  solemn  festivals  of  Christmas  and 
Easter.  From  hence  they  dated  numerous  charters  to 
bishops  and  religious  bodies  of  the  realms. 

With  very  rare  exceptions,  the  ecclesiastical  charters 
of  this  period  have  alone  survived  to  our  time.  For 
when  William  the  Conqueror  seized  the  possessions  of 
the  Saxons  and  divided  them  among  his  followers,  all 
previous  grants  which  could  not  be  shown  to  belong  to 
religious  foundations  were  rendered  useless.  The  instru- 
ments by  which  they  were  made  were  probably  in  part 
lost,  and  in  part  destroyed  by  the  Normans,  in  order  to 
prevent  the  possibility  of  their  being  afterwards  disturbed 
in  the  fair  domains  they  had  acquired.  The  charters 
ought  generally  to  be  regarded  rather  as  deeds  of  sale 
or  exchange  than  as   donations;  for  it  is  evident,  in 

1    F.  Palgn^e- 

D 


18  T  AM  WORTH 

the  majority  of  cases,  the  full  value  of  the  lands  and 
privileges  was  given  in  money  or  otherwise  by  the 
parties  to  whom  the  gifts  were  made.  Much  doubt 
has  been  cast  upon  the  validity  of  these  celebrated 
documents,  some  authors  seeming  inclined  to  reject 
them  altogether  as  forgeries  that  claims  might  be  ex- 
hibited, which  could  not  otherwise  be  substantiated.  But 
this  opinion  is  not  based  upon  any  rational  authority,  or 
is  there  any  historical  evidence  to  support  it.  The 
inaccuracies  found  in  the  copies  of  them  made  by  annalists 
and  others,  seem  to  be  entirely  the  result  of  inadvertence 
or  carelessness  in  the  transcription.  Many  of  these  faults 
have  been  detected.  For  instance,  Hickes  gives  two 
charters  of  Athelstan,  which  he  designates  ^'egregious 
examples  of  fraud  and  imposture,*'*  bearing  the  date 
670,  a  most  glaring  anachronism ;  and  a  third  charter  of 
the  same  king,  in  the  same  year,  contains  a  similar 
error. 

But  on  the  discovery  of  the  original  autograph  or  du- 
plicate of  the  last  document  in  the  archives  of  the  dean 
and  chapter  of  Canterbury,  the  true  date,  987,  was  appar- 
ent, rendering  it  probable  that  Hickes'  "  egregious  ex- 
amples" owed  their  chief  suspicious  character  to  the 
faultiness  of  the  the  Normanno-Saxon  copies  he  evidently 
used.  Again,  many  have  been  condemned  on  account  of 
the  misapprehension  of  our  historians  on  some  point. 
The  recent  discovery  of  the  distinction  between  Ethelgar, 
bishop  of  Selsey,  afterwards  archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
and  a  bishop  of  Crediton  bearing  the  same  name,  has 
restored  to  honor  and  respectability  more  than  twenty 
of  these  venerable  records.  In  the  same  manner,  it  is 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  weakened  suspicion  still 

1    Hickes*  DtsserUtIo  epistolaris. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  19 

hanging  over  some  others  may  be  cleared  away  by 
future  investigations.' 

Of  the  charters  granted  by  Offa  two  only  remain  that 
bear  date  at  Tamworth. 

In  781,  with  the  consent  of  his  prelates  and  nobles, 
be  confirmed  to  bishop  Hathored  and  to  the  church 
of  St.  Peter  at  Worcester  certain  lands  in  Homtune 
and  Fcehhaleage,  exempting  them  for  ever  from  all  tax- 
ation. The  charter  was  dated  by  the  king  on  the 
second  day  of  the  nativity  of  our  Lord,  or  the  feast  of 
the  blessed  Stephen  (the  26th  of  Dec),  "  in  sede  regali 
sedens  in  Tamoworthie;"  and  was  subscribed  by  Cyne- 
thryth,  queen ;  Eadberht,  Hygeberht,  Hathored,  bishops  ; 
Brondan,  Berhtwald,  Eadbald,  generals.' 

At  the  same  time,  by  another  charter,  Offa  gave  to 
the  church  of  St.  Mary  at  Worcester,  lands  at  Icancumbe, 
exempt  from  royal  tribute,  &c.,  in  exchange  for  other 
lands  at  Sapian.  He  subscribed  himself  "  gratia  Dei 
donante  Rex  Anglorum,  sedens  in  regali  palatio  Tamo- 
worthie,"  written  in  another  copy  Tamoworthige.  The 
following  then  added  their  consent  :  Cynethryd,  queen ; 
Eabberht,  Hygeberht,  Hathored,  bishops;  Brordan,  Berht- 
wald, Eadbald,  generals;  Eadher,  duke.' 

Offa  was  a  wise  and  able  king,  an  experienced  and 
intrepid  warrior,  and  a  great  patron  of  learning.  He 
extended  his  kingdom  on  every  side,  too  often,  indeed, 
by  treachery  and  crime.  When  he  came  to  the  throne, 
Mercia  included  the  counties  of  Stafford,  Warwick, 
Worcester,  Leicester,  Hereford,  Buckingham,  Bedford, 
Rutland,  Northampton,  Huntingdon,  Lincoln,  Derby, 
Chester,  and  the  largest  proportions  of  Middlesex,  Hert- 
ford,  and    Salop.      To    these    he    added    by    conquest 

1    Cod.  diplom.  eevi  Sazonici.  Chart.  Aogloaax.     2    Hcmingi  Chartularium.   3  lb. 


iO  TAMWORTH 

Notdnghaniy  wrested  from  Northumhria/  and  Oxford 
and  Gloucester,  from  Wessex.'  The  remaining  part  of 
Shropshire,  with  portions  of  Denbigh,  Flint,  Radnor, 
and  Montgomery,  he  took  from  Wales.'  Norfolk,  Suffolk, 
and  Cambridge  were  gained  by  the  murder  of  Ethelberht, 
the  East  Anglian  king,  at  a  feast  held  during  the  cele- 
bration of  that  young  prince's  marriage  with  his  third 
daughter,  in  792,  when  he  was  dispatched  by  a  hired 
assassin  of  the  name  of  Ouimberht/  Ofia  also  subjugated 
Kent ;  but  he  allowed  its  sovereign  to  retain  a  tributary 
crown.*  He  died  on  the  10th  of  August,  794,  after  a 
reign  of  39  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  only  son 
Ecgfryth,  whom  he  had  previously  associated  with  himself 
in  the  government  of  his  kingdom.* 

But  all  the  endeavours  of  Offa  were  unable  to  secure 
the  throne  to  his  son.  There  was  one  enemy  whose 
attacks  no  penetration  could  foresee  or  any  policy  pre- 
vent. The  hand  of  death  disappointed  the  hopes  that 
he  had  formed,  for  Ecgfryth  survived  only  141  days. 
His  death  was  generally  considered  as  a  judgment  for 
his  father's  crimes.  Such  was  the  opinion  of  the 
learned  Alcuin  at  the  time.^  Truly  the  malediction  of 
heaven  seems  to  have  rested  on  the  family.  Of  the  three 
daughters,  the  eldest  Eadburga  became  in&mous  for  her 
licentiousness  and  cruelty.  Her  husband  Beorhtric,  king 
of  Wessex,  being  poisoned  by  the  wine  she  intended  for 
another,  she  fled  to  France  for  reAige.  Charlemagne,  on 
account  of  the  friendship  he  had  entertained  for  her 
father,  placed  her  in  a  convent.  But  scarcely  had  the 
vows  of  chastity  passed  her  lips  than  they  were  broken, 
and  disgraced,  she  was  expelled  from  the   sacred  walls. 


1    John  Brompton.    2    Sax.  Chron.    3    Turner's  Anglo  Saxonv.    4    Will.  Malmsb. 
5    Sax.  Chron.       6    lb.       7    Letter  in  Leland's  Collectanea. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  21 

and  terminated  her  career  at  Pa  via,  a  houseless  mendi- 
canty  still  guilty  as  before.^  Elfleda,  the  second  daughter, 
became  an  outcast  when  her  husband  Ethelred,  king  of 
Northumbria,  was  slain  in  an  insurrection  of  his  own 
subjects^  a  fate  his  tyranny  brought  upon  him.'  .The 
youngest  daughter.  Etheldritha,  who  had  been  the  un- 
conscious means  of  luring  the  East  Anglian  king  to  his 
doom,  was  perhaps  the  most  fortunate  of  aU,  at  least  if 
we  look  beyond  .the  range  of  time.  She  took  the  veil 
at  Croyland  in  Lincolnshire,  and  there  passed  her  life  in 
peace,  living,  however,  to  see  the  down£Edl  of  her  father's 
kingdom  and  its  subjection  to  Wessex.'  Thus  futile  is 
the  end  of  crime. 

After  the  decease  of  Ecgfiyth,  Coenwulf  ascended  the 
throne  as  the  thirteenth  king  of  Mercia.  His  connexion 
with  the  family  of  Ofia  was  very  distant,  both  tracing 
their  ancestry  to  Wybba,  under  whose  fitther  Creoda 
the  kingdom  was  established.* 

Coenwulf  was  one  of  the  sovereigns  who  resided  at 
Tamworth,  as  two  of  his  charters  bear  record. 

In  the  first  of  these,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of 
his  nobles,  he  exchanged  certain  lands  with  his  faithful 
and  venerable  bishop  Deneberht  and  the  church  of 
Worcester,  for  the  monastery  of  Bitumeum  and  land  on 
the  western  bank  of  the  Severn.  The  charter,  dated 
''anno  ncccxiiii,  in  vico  celeberrimo  qui  vocatur  Tomo- 
worthig,  die  vii  kl.  Januarii"  (the  26th  of  Dec.), 
concluded  with  the  invocation  of  a  blessing  on  any  one 
securing  or  increasing  the  gift,  and  a  denunciation  of 
separation  from  God  and  the  saints,  against  any  destroy- 
ing or  diminiflhiTig  it.     It  was  signed  by  Coenwlf,  king 


1    Sim.  of  Durham.       8    lb.       s    John  Brompton. 
4    Matth.  of  Wentm. 


%X  TAM  WORTH 

of  the  Mercians ;  Wulfredy  archbishop  ;  ^Ifthryth,  queen 
Ealdulfy  Werenberhty  Deneberht,  Wlfheard,  bishops 
Heardberht,  Beomoth,  Dywna,  Ceolberht,  Mucel,  dukes 
Ceolwulf.' 

In  that  year  also,  another  charter  was  given  by  the 
king  to  the  same  bishop  and  churchy  conferring  on  them 
certain  lands  in  Sture  or  Stowre,  free  from  aU  taxes, 
except  those  particularly  specified,  and  to  be  enjoyed  as 
long  as  Christianity  should  remain  in  the  repon.  It 
was  dated  ^4n  vico  oeleberrimo  qui  vocatur  Tomoworthin"; 
and,  after  invoking  increase  of  life  and  property  on  the 
preservers  and  augmenters,  and  threatening  infringers 
with  the  wrath  of  Grod,  was  subscribed  by  Cenulf,  king 
of  the  Mercians ;  ^Ifthryth,  queen ;  Aldulf,  Werenberht, 
Deneberht,  bishops ;  Heardberht,  Beomoth,  dukes ;  Ead- 
gar,  Wigberht,  priests ;  Sigreth,  Eadwulf,  ministers.* 

The  reign  of  Coenwulf  was  one  of  continued  success ; 
and  he  maintained  his  kingdom  in  the  predominant 
position,  to  which  it  had  been  elevated  by  Offa.  He 
was  engaged,  perhaps,  in  fewer  battles  than  the  generality 
of  Anglo-Saxon  monarchs,  and  never  but  once  assumed 
the  position  of  an  aggressor.  The  principal  scenes  of  his 
warfare  were  Kent  and  Wales.  On  his  first  accession 
to  the  throne,  being  young  and  ardent,  he  appears  to 
have  yielded,  for  a  time,  to  motives  of  ambition.  He 
then  entered  Kent  with  a  large  army,  and,  deposing  the 
sovereign,  placed  his  brother  Cuthberht  on  the  throne.' 
But  afterwards  he  seems  to  have  resigned  his  desires  of 
acquiring  new  territories  and  devoted  all  his  energies 
to  secure  the  prosperity  and  happiness  of  his  people. 
When  Eardulf,  the  Northumbrian  king,  prepared,  in  801, 
to  invade  Mercia,  he  was  speedily  in  arms  to  repel   the 

1     Heiningi  Chartularium.  2    lb.  3    Will,  of  Malmsbory. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  23 

enemy.  But  the  prelates,  with  some  nohles  of  each  na- 
tion, having  assembled  in  a  council,  exerted  all  their 
endeavours  to  prevent  the  occurrence  of  war,  and  Eardulf 
was  persuaded  to  give  up  his  intentions.  A  treaty  of 
peace  was  then  proposed  into  which  both  kings  gladly 
entered,  and  afterwards  kept  with  the  greatest  fidelity.' 
The  attack  made  by  Coenwulf,  a  short  time  previously 
to  his  death,  upon  the  kingdom  of  Powys  in  Wales, 
seems  to  have  been  caused  by  an  incursion  of  the  Welsh 
into  the  Mercian  frontier." 

Coenwulf,  of  whom  all  the  ancient  annalists  speak  in 
the  highest  terms  as  a  just  and  pious  king,  closed  his 
happy  reign  in  819.'  John  Brompton  says  that  he  was 
.  slain  in  a  sudden  insurrection  of  the  East  Anglians, 
whose  domains  Offa  had  retained.  All  other  historians 
are  silent  as  to  the  cause  of  his  decease,  whilst  Henry 
of  Huntingdon  expressly  asserts  that  he  died  a  natural 
death.  This  opinion  seems  by  far  the  most  probable, 
as  the  East  Anglians  did  not  throw  off  the  Mercian  yoke 
till  six  years  subsequently. 

Tamworth  is  not  mentioned  again  for  some  time. 
Merda,  indeed,  became,  during  the  space  of  nineteen 
years,  a  continued  scene  of  intestine  commotion,  fell 
with  great  rapidity,  and  at  last  became  a  tributary 
kingdom. 

Kenelm  succeeded  his  father  Coenwulf  when  he  was- 
only  seven  years  old.  But,  in  the  course  of  a  few  months^ 
he  was  murdered  at  the  instigation  of  his  elder  sister 
Quendred,  who,  dead  to  the  gentle  voice  of  affection, 
removed  him  in  hopes  of  placing  a  lover  on  the  throne, 
and  of  sharing  the  regal  honours  herself.  Being  enticed 
into  a  forest  under  a  plea  of  hunting,  the  infapt  king 

1    Sim.  of  Durham.       s    Lloyd's  Hist,  of  Wales.       »    Sax.  Chron. 


M  TAMWORTH 

was  assassinated  near  Clent  in  Stafibrdshire,  by  a  man 
named  Ascebert,  who  concealed  his  body  in  a  well 
oveigrown  with  briarsJ 

This  tragical  event  has  afforded  the  subject  of  one 
of  Shenstone's  elegies. 

**  Born  near  the  scene  for  Kmdm's  fate  renown *d, 
I  take  my  plaintive  reed,  and  range  the  grove, 
And  raiae  my  lay,  and  bid  the  rocka  resound 
The  savage  force  of  empire  and  of  love. 

Fast  by  the  centre  of  yon  various  wild, 
Where  spreading  oaks  embower  a  Gothic  fane, 
Kendrida*s  arts  a  brother's  youth  beguil'd  ; 
There  Nature  uig'd  her  tend'rest  pleas  in  vain. 

Soft  o'er  his  birth,  and  o'er  his  infant  hours, 
Th'  ambitious  maid  could  every  care  employ  ; 
llien,  with  assiduous  fondness,  cropt  the  tlowVs, 
To  deck  the  cradle  of  the  princely  boy. 

But  soon  the  bosom's  pleasing  calm  is  flown  ; 
Love  fires  her  breast,  the  sultry  passions  rise  ; 
A  (avour'd  lover  seeks  the  Mercian  throne, 
And  views  her  Kenelm  with  a  rival's  eyes. 

How  kind  were  Fortune  1  ah,  how  just  were  Fate  ! 
Would  Fate  or  Fortune  Merda's  heir  remove, 
How  sweet  to  revel  on  the  conch  of  state. 
To  crown  at  once  her  lover  and  her  love  ! 

See,  gamish'd  for  the  chase,  the  fraudfnl  maid 
To  these  lone  lulls  direct  her  devious  way  ; 
The  youth,  all  prone,  the  sister-guide  obeyed  ; 
Ill-fated  youth,  himself  the  destined  prey.' 

For  a  considerable  time,  the  &te  of  Kenelm  was  un- 
known; but  it  was  at  last  discovered^  according  to  the 
old  story,  by  a  scroll  being  found  on  the  high  altar  of 
St.   Peter's  at  Rome,  dropped,  it  is  said,  by  a  dove.* 

1    wm.  of  Malmsbury.  a    SSTdBegy.  3    WUl.  of  Malmsbury. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  25 

It  bore  a  Saxon  couplet  thus  rendered  in  Latin : — 

'*  In  Clenty  rab  spina,  jacet  in  convalle  bovina 
Vertioe  priTatiu  Kenelniiis  nge  creatu." 

This  may  be  translated  into  English  in  the  following 

manner : — 

In  a  lonely  Tale  at  Clent,  where  oxen  range  the  field, 
Headless  royal  Kenelm  lies,  beneath  a  thorn  conoeal'd. 

After  the  discoyery  of  the  body,  a  church  was  built  near 
the  well^  and  both^  remaining  at  this  time,  retain  the 
name  of  St.  Kenelm's. 

The  hopes  of  the  fratricide  Quendrid  were  justly  dis- 
appointed ;  for  her  uncle  immediately  ascended  the  throne 
under  the  name  of  Ceolwulf  I.* 

This  king  had  hardly  reigned  for  more  than  a  year, 
when  he  was  driven  out  in  a  revolt  among  his  subjects, 
and  Beomwulf,  an  officer,  usurped  the  government.* 

BeomwulTs  short  sway  was  marked  by  little  else  than 
misfortune.  He  was  completely  defeated  by  Ecgberht  the 
Great,  in  a  battle  fought  at  EUandun  or  Wilton,  in  the 
third  year  of  his  reign.  Soon  afterwards,  being  compel- 
led to  hasten  into  East  Anglia  to  suppress  an  insurrection 
of  the  people,  who  sought  to  free  themselves  from  the 
thraldom  of  Mercia,  he  was  there  slain  in  825.  Upon 
this,  the  East  Anglians  joined  Ecgbert  and  surrendered 
themselves  completely  to  him.' 

Ludican,  in  attempting  to  regain  the  lost  province 
and  to  avenge  the  death  of  his  predecessor,  was  sud- 
denly attacked  unawares  and  put  to  death  with  five  of 
Ids  chief  men  or  councillors.* 

Withlaff,  the  next  in  succession,  after  a  short  en- 
deavour to  turn  the  tide  of  fortune,  was  overcome  by 
the  powerftil  king  of  Wessex,    and  Mercia  subjugated. 

I   Flor.oCWorcMter.    s  Matfh.  of  Westminster.    3   lb.    4  WUl.  of  Mslnubury. 

E 


Xfo  TAMWORTH 

From  the  battle  field  he  fled  to  Croyland^  and  sought 
sanctuary  in  the  abbey.  He  was  consigned  for  safety 
to  the  cell  that  Etheldritha  usuaUy  held^  who  was  thus 
doomed^  before  death  should  close  her  eyes,  not  only  to 
witness  the  extinction  of  her  family,  but  the  downfidl 
of  the  kingdom  itself,  which  had  cost  her  father  such 
labour  to  exalt,  and  so  much  crime  to  render  secure. 
The  abbot  of  Croyland  afterwards  took  upon  himself 
the  office  of  mediator  between  the  royal  fugitive  and 
Ecgberht.  He  hastened  to  the  court,  and  his  entreaties 
and  persuasions  so  far  prevailed  that  Withlaff  was  re- 
stored to  his  crown,  on  condition  that  he  should  pay  an 
annual  tribute  to  Wessex  as  an  acknowledgment  of  its 
superior  sovereignty.*  The  terms  seem  to  have  been  so 
mild,  that  the  Mercians  never  attempted  to  throw  off 
the  easy  yoke. 

On  the  decease  of  Withlaff  in  838,  Berhtwulf  suc- 
ceeded,' in  whose  time  Tamworth  is  mentioned  in  seven 
charters  as  a  royal  residence. 

The  first  of  these  was  superscribed,  "  Alto  et  agio  et 
omnipotentissimo  deo  nostro,  ac  sanctae  et  gloriosae 
Trinitati,  uirtus,  honor,  et  potestas  sit  in  perpetuum. 
Amen."  Dated  on  the  28th  of  March,  840,  it  recites 
that  Berhtuulf,  instigated  by  enemies,  had  taken  away 
and  given  to  others  lands,  called  Stoltun,  Uassanbuma, 
Cyneburgingctun,  Tateringctun,  Codesuuelle,  which  had 
been  previously  granted  to  the  episcopal  see  of  Worcester, 
that  is,  to  the  church  there.  Upon  this,  bishop  Heaberht, 
with  his  elders,  proceeded  at  Easter,  "  ad  Tomeworthie,** 
and  produced  his  charters  before  the  court,  when  the 
nobles  of  the  realm  decided  that  he  had  been  unjustly 
despoiled.     But  it  seems  the  bishop  paid  highly  for  the 

1    Matth.  orwestminiter.  2    lb. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  27 

restoration  of  his  rights.  He  gave  to  the  king  four 
well-chosen  war  horses,  a  ring  of  the  value  of  thirty 
mancuses/  a  wrought  dish  of  three  pounds,  and  ^^  duas 
albas  comas"  of  four  pounds.  To  the  queen,  he  gave 
two  good  horses,  two  stirrups  of  two  pounds,  and  a 
golden  cup  of  two  pounds.  After  a  denunciation  against 
any  king,  prince,  or  man  of  other  grade,  who,  deceived 
by  diabolical  avarice,  should  in  future  violate  the  gift, 
Berhtuulf  signed  his  consent  as  king  of  the  Mercians. 
Then  followed  the  names  of  Saethryth,  queen;  Cylieferth, 
Heaberht,  Berehtred,  Cuthuulf,  bishops;  Eanmund, 
abbot;  Hunberht,  Mucel,  Cyneberht,  Aetheluulf,  dukes; 
Eaduulf,  Wicga,  Eaduulf ;  Aethelheard,  Dudda,  Sigered, 
Mucel,  dukes;  Aelfred,  Hwithyse,  Aldberht.' 

By  the  second  charter,  Berhtwulf  granted  to  the 
venerable  bishop  Heaberht,  for  a  ring  of  the  value  of 
thirty-one  mancuses,  land  at  a  place  called  by  rustics 
Huiocewudu,  in  perpetual  freedom.  The  grant  was 
written  ''  in  loco  qui  dicitur  Croppanthom,  et  iterum,  in 
natali  domini,  aet  Tomanuuorthie  (in  another  copy, 
Tomanwordie'),  anno  domini  dcccxli,  regis  praefati  iii." 
The  following  subscribed: — ^Berhtuulf,  king  of  the 
Mercians;  Saethryth,  queen;  Cyneferth,  Heaberht,  Cuth- 
uulf, bishops;  XJuihtred,  Eanmund,  Ceorred,  abbots; 
Mucel,  Hunberht,  Sigered,  dukes/ 

The  third  charter  commenced  with  a  quotation  from 
the  writings  of  St.  Paul  on  the  flight  of  time,'  and 
again  from  those  of  a  sage  sophist,  who,  in  a  catalectic 
verse,  sang  saying,  ''Non  semper  licet  gaudere:  Fugit 
hora  qua  iacemiu:."  It  then  proceeded  to  grant  to  the 
venerable   abbot  Eanmund,   and  his  fraternity   at  Breo- 

1    A  maocuM  wu  of  the  valne  of  thirty  Saxon  pennies. 

3    Codes  diplom.  aevi  Saxonid.  Chart.  Angloeax.         3    Hcming:!  Chartolailum. 

4  Codex  dipkun.  aeri  Saxon.  Chart.  Anglomx.     6    1  Cor.  caprii.  ver.Si. 


28  TAMWORTH 

dune,  in  perpetual  alms,  the  freedom  of  their  monastery 
from  those  called  in  the  Saxon  language  festingmen,  so 
long  as  the  Catholic  faith  and  the  baptism  of  Christ 
should  be  preserved  in  Britain.  For  this  immunity,  the 
abbot  and  his  holy  congregation  had  given,  ^^in  famoso 
uico  in  Tomeuuorthie,"  a  large  silver  dish,  exquisitely 
wrought  and  of  great  value,  and  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  ninety  mancuses  in  pure  gold.  They  had  also  sung, 
at  twelve  time,  one  hundred  psalters,  and  one  himdred 
and  twenty  masses,  for  the  king,  his  dear  friends,  and 
all  the  Mercian  nation.  After  the  injunction  in  the 
name  of  the  Omnipotent,  the  nine  orders  of  angels,  and 
all  the  elect  of  Christ,  that  the  gift  should  remain  in- 
violate, the  charter  was  dated  ^'anno  dominicae  incar- 
nationis  dcccxli.  Indictione  iiii.  in  die  natalis  domini, 
in  celebri  uico  on  Tomeuuorthie."  It  was  signed  by 
Berhtuulf,  king  of  the  Mercians;  Saethryth,  queen; 
Cyneferth,  Aldred,  Berehtred,  Heaberht,  Cuthuulf, 
bishops;   Eanmund,  Uuihtred,  Ceolred,  abbots.* 

The  fourth  charter,  dated  '^  Anno  incamationis  domini 
nostri  Ihesu  Christi  dccc^xli^  indictione  iiii^  in  die 
natalis  domini,  in  celebri  uico  Tomeuuorthie,*'  conferred 
upon  bishop  Heaberht  a  piece  of  land,  occupied  by  one 
house,  in  a  town  caUed  by  rustics  Myttun,  to  be  enjoyed 
by  the  monks  of  St.  Mary's  at  Worcester.  After  an 
injunction  similar  to  that  in  the  last,  the  gift  was  con- 
firmed by  Berhtuulf,  king  of  the  Mercians;  Saethryth, 
queen;  Heaberht,  Kynefyrth,  Berhtred,  Cuthuulf,  bishops; 
Uuihtred,  Eanmund,  abbots;  Ceolred,  Aethelheard,  Hun- 
berht,  Aetheluulf,  dukes;  Eaduulf,  Aelfred,  Uuicga, 
Eadberht,  ministers.' 

Berhtwulf,   in  his  fifth  charter,  which  was  not  dated, 

1    Codex  diplom.  Kvl  Suconid.  Chut.  AnfloMX.  i   lb. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  29 

but  is  assigned  to  the  year  841,  granted  to  his  minister 
Ecberhty  for  sixty  pounds  in  pure  gold  and  silver,  cer- 
tain lands,  free  from  all  services  great  and  small.  The 
preservers  of  the  gift  were  then  consigned  to  the  keep^ 
ing  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  here  and  in  heaven,  and  eternal 
malediction  was  invoked  on  those  who  should  infringe 
it,  unless  they  diould  make  worthy  amendment  to  Grod 
and  man.  ^^  £t  hii  testes  aderant,  qui  hoc  consenserunt, 
et  cum  signo  sanctae  crucis  Christi  firmauenmt^  in 
famoeo  loco  qui  dicitur  Tomeweorthing  quorum  hie 
nomina  notantur."  Berhtwulf,  king  of  the  Mercians; 
Saethryth,  queen;  Tunberht,  Ceolred,  Cuthwulf,  bishops; 
Hunberht,  Aldberht,  ^thelheard,  dukes.' 

By  the  sixth  charter,  the  king,  on  payment  of  three 
pounds  of  silver,  gave  to  Bishop  Heaberht  the  perpetual 
freedom  of  land  called  Daeglesford.  It  was  signed, 
"  in  loco  qui  dicitiu:  Tomanworthie,  anno  dominicae 
incamationis.  dcgcxli.  indictione  in.,"  by  Berhtuulf,  king 
of  the  Mercians;  Saethryth,  queen;  Cyneferth,  Heaberht, 
Berehtred,  bishops;  XJuihtred,  Eanmund,  Ceorred,  abbots; 
Mucel,  Humberht,  Cyneberht,  Dudda,  dukes.' 

By  the  seventh  and  last  charter,  Berhtuulf,  first 
calling  to  mind  the  transitory  nature  of  earthly  things, 
compared  with  the  unfailing  joys  of  heaven,  and  re- 
membering the  invitation  of  Jesus  Christ,  ^^Come  to 
me  all  Fyou  that  labom:  and  are  burdened,  and  I  will 
refresh  you,"  granted,  for  the  succour  of  his  soul,  to 
his  venerable  bishop   Heabert,  and   the  clergy  at  Wor- 


]  Tlie  senersl  mode  of  signing  tbe  Anglo-Saxon  charten  was  for  each  person 
to  fonn  a  cross  before  his  name.  This,  as  a  sliort  declaration  of  faith,  was  the  most 
solemn  ratification  of  a  deed,  short  of  an  actual  oath,  that  could  be  mode.  Even  now 
tlie  cnstom  is  not  completely  lost,  for  those  to  whom  the  art  of  writing  is  stUl  un- 
known usually  substitute  a  cross  for  their  names,  not,  however,  attaching  to  it  a 
reiigioQs  meaning,  but  to  hare  afflxed  over  it  the  somewhat  reproachful  title  of 
"  their  mark.** 

S    Codex  diplom.  Kvi  Saxon.  Chart.  Anglosax.  3    lb. 


80  TAMWOBTH 

cester^  the  freedom  from  all  services  of  the  monastery 
by  Eafene,  called  XJfera  Stretford.  For  this,  the  bishop 
paid  ten  pounds  in  silver.  The  exemption  was  "ab 
omni  iugo  humanae  seniitutiB,  ab  omnibus  saecularibus 
tributis  et  uectigalibus ;  cum  cunctis  utilitatibus  ad  illam 
aecclesiam  recte  pertinentibus,  campis  uel  siluiunculis, 
pascuis  uel  pratis,  fluminibus  uel  piscationibus ;  ab  opere 
regali^  et  pastu  regis  et  prindpis,  uel  iuniorum  eorum; 
ab  hospitorum  refectione  uel  uenatorum ;  etiam  equorum 
regis,  falconum,  et  ancipitruum,  et  puerorum  qui  ducunt 
canes.  Quid  plura  ?  ab  omni  tribulatione  noti  et  ignoti, 
magni  et  modici,  libera  consistit  in  aeuum,  quamdiu 
fides  Christianae  religionis  apud  Anglos  in  Brittannia 
insula  permaneat."  After  the  customary  invocation  of 
a  blessing  and  a  curse,  the  gift  was  dated  "anno 
domini  incamationis  dccc^^xlv^  Indictione  vni^  in 
loco  regali  qui  dicitur  Tomeuuorthig,  in  natiuitate  do- 
mini." It  was  signed  by  Berhtuulf,  king  of  the 
Mercians ;  Saethryth,  queen ;  Hunberht,  Heaberht,  Cior- 
redy  Berhtred,  Cuthuulf,  Uuihtred,  bishops;  Eanmund, 
abbot;  Aetheluulf,  priest;  Berhtric,  son  of  the  king; 
Mucel,  Humberht,  Aelfstan,  Cyneberht,  Aetheluulf, 
Mucel,  Sigered,  Dudda,  Aldberht,  dukes;  Aelfred,  Uuicga, 
Aethelheah,  Eadgar,  Uuiglaf,  Eaduulf,  Uulfred.* 

The  commencement  of  Berhtwulfs  reign  was  marked 
by  irruptions  of  the  Welsh  into  Merda,  in  which  they 
were  generally  successful.  At  length,  in  843,  calling 
in  the  aid  of  Ethelwulf,  he  completely  routed  them  at 
Kettal,  where  their  king  Mervjrn  Vrych  was  slain.' 
Berhtwulfs  government  was  then  peaceable  for  eight 
years,  till  the  Danes  appeared,  and  his  anny  was 
scattered  by  them.     He  died  in  852,   and  Burgred  suc- 

1    Codex  diplom.  aevi  Saxon.  Chart.  Anglo-sax.      2    Powell's  Hist,  of  Walet. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  81 

ceeded  as  the  twentieth  king  of  Mercia,  and  the  last 
recorded  as  being  at  Tamworth. 

By  charter,  this  sovereign  granted  to  his  faithful  and 
dear  prelate  and  friend  Alhwin  the  freedom  of  the 
monastery  called  Bloccanleeh  from  the  keeping  of  all 
hawks  and  Mcons  in  the  Mercian  land,  and  of  all 
hunters  of  the  king  and  prince,  except  those  in  the 
province  of  the  Hwicdi,  and  from  some  other  services. 
The  bishop  paid  three  hundred  shillings  for  this  exemp- 
tion, which,  dated  in  855,  "  in  uico  celebre,  q  :  a  multis 
uocitatur  tomanworthigne,"  was  subscribed  by  Burhred, 
king  of  the  Mercians ;  Aethelswyth,  queen ;  Tumberht, 
Ceorred,  Berehtred,  Alhiwine,  Cuthuulf,  bishops ;  Hum- 
briht,  Aethelheard,  Beomnoth,  Aldberhti,  Weremberhti, 
Mucel,  dukes.' 

In  another  charter,  Burgred,  with  the  consent  of  his 
councillors,  granted  to  his  bishop  Alhun,  for  sixty 
shillings  of  silver,  a  small  portion  of  the  liberty  of  the 
grazing  land  in  Lundonia,  where  it  was  called  Ceolmun- 
dingcharga,  which  was  not  far  from  Uuestgetum,  with 
all  privileges.  After  the  customary  benediction  on  pre- 
servers of  the  grant,  and  anathema  on  all  infractors, 
unless  they  should  make  amends  to  God  and  man,  the 
gift  was  dated  ^'anno  dominici  incamatione  dccclvii. 
Indictione  uero  v.  in  loco  fiunosa,  qui  dicitur  Toman* 
uuorthig,  in  sancta  pascha  domini"  (the  18th  of  April). 
It  was  agreed  to  by  the  following : — ^Burgred,  king  of  the 
Mercians ;  Aethelswyth,  queen ;  Tumberht,  Ceored, 
Alhun,  Byrhtred,  Cuthuulf,  bishops;  Hunberht,  Beorht- 
noth,  Ealdberht,  Mucel,  Athulf,  Beomhard,  Eadred, 
dukes.' 

After  the  defeat  of  the  Welsh,  who,  under  the  celebra- 

1    Codes  diploiii.  KTi  Saxon.  Chart.  AoflosAX.         s    lb. 


32  TAMWORTH 

ted  Bodri-mawr,  or  Koderick  the  Greats  attached  Mercia 
in  853/  Burgred  maintained  his  kingdom  in  profound 
peace  for  fourteen  years.  But  it  then  hastened  to  its 
fall  even  as  a  tributary  monarchy,  becoming  a  prey  to 
the  Danes. 

These  northern  adventurers  first  came  into  Britain 
•'from  the  land  of  robbers"  in  787,  when  a  band  of 
them  in  three  ships  made  their  appearance  off  the  coast 
of  Wessex,  where  they  landed  for  the  purpose  of  spolia- 
tion. After  slaying  one  of  the  king's  officers,  with  his 
attendants,  who,  taking  them  for  merchants,  and  un- 
suspicious of  treachery,  went  to  learn  whence  they  came, 
they  re-embarked."  In  793,  they  made  an  incursion  into 
Northumbria,  murdered  many  of  the  inhabitants,  regard- 
less of  age  or  sex,  and,  plundering  the  famous  monastery 
of  Lindes&me  or  Holy  Island,  slew  most  of  the  monks 
there  or  carried  them  away,  probably  to  suffer  a  more 
lingering  and  cruel  death.'  But,  for  nearly  forty  years, 
they  were  deterred  from  repeating  their  predatory  visits, 
in  consequence  of  a  severe  disaster  that  befel  them  in 
the  following  year.  They  came  in  a  large  fleet  to 
Northumbria,  and  ravaged  the  whole  country,  pillaging 
the  convent  of  Tynemouth,  and  many  other  places. 
Offa  sent  aid  to  Ethelred,  his  son-in-law,  the  king, 
and  the  sea-robbers  were  compelled  to  fly  before  the 
Mercian  troops  to  their  ships,  leaving  behind  them  the 
spoil  taken  from  St.  Cuthbert's  monastery.  Just  as  they 
were  setting  sail,  a  very  sudden  and  heavy  storm  came 
on,  in  which  most  of  their  ships  were  lost,  and  numbers 
of  their  warriors  drowned.  Several  of  the  vessels  were 
drifted  on  shore,  and  the  pirates  in  them,  being  taken 
prisoners,  were  beheaded  immediately  on  the  sands  by 

1    Sax.  Chron.,  Hen.  of  HuntliiKdon.  s    Sax.  Chron.  t    lb. 


CASTLS    AND  TOWN.  3S 

the  country-people^  who  were  infuriated  at  the  loss  of 
property  they  had  sustained^  and  whose  ears  still  rang 
with  the  piercing  shrieks  of  females^  and  the  cries  of 
in&nts,  the  blood  of  whom  now  stained  their  once 
happy  hearths.^ 

In  833,  these  ferocious  rovers  again  appeared  in 
Britain  and  sacked  the  isle  of  Shepey.  In  the  ensuing 
year,  they  came  in  thirty-five  ships  to  Charmouth,  in 
Dorsetshire,  where  a  long  encoimter  took  place  between 
them  and  the  Saxons,  without  any  decided  advantage 
being  gained  on  either  side.'  Their  incursions  now  be- 
came frequent  and  continued  with  a  harassing  perti- 
nacity which  no  defeats  could  subdue.  Not  satisfied  with 
confining  themselves  to  the  coasts,  they  passed  boldly 
into  the  interior,  under  the  command  of  great  and  ex- 
perienced leaders,  and  obtained  easy  conquests  in  the 
nation  weakened  by  civil  strife  and  divided  by  disaffec- 
tion. In  851,  they  entered  the  Thames,  with  a  fleet  of 
three-hundred  and  fifty  ships,  and  plundered  the  cities 
of  Canterbury  and  London.  They  were  encountered  by 
Berhtwulf,  king  of  Mercia;  but  his  army  soon  fled  in 
dismay  before  the  enemy  at  Bensington.  Afterwards 
they  were  attacked  at  Oakley,  in  Surrey,  by  the  forces 
of  Wessex,  under  Athelwulf  and  Ethelbald ;  who,  after 
a  most  severe  and  protracted  conflict,  were  left  the 
conquerors  in  the  bloody  strife." 

In  866,  a  large  body  of  Danes  landed  among  the 
East-AngUans;  who,  terrified  at  the  sight  of  the  barba- 
rians and  desirous  of  preserving  themselves,  entered 
into  a  treaty  with  them.  In  the  following  spring,  well 
provided  with  horse  and  arms,  and  joined  by  consider- 

1    Sue.  Chnm.,  Hen.  of  Hontiiigdon.  a    lb. 

9    SUE«  Chitm.,  Hen.  of  Hantingdon. 


84  TAMWORTH 

able  numbers  from  the  north  abnost  daily,  they  marched 
into  Northumbria,  and  seized  York.  Osbriht  and  Ella, 
two  competitors  for  the  crown,  on  the  appearance  of  the 
common  foe,  prudently  waived  their  own  claims  to  unite 
for  the  preservation  of  their  country.  But  they  both  fell 
in  the  attempt  to  retake  the  dty.^ 

In  the  next  year,  868,  the  Danes,  having  permanently 
established  themselves  in  the  north,  marched  into  Merda, 
under  the  command  of  two  brothers,  Ivar  or  Inguar 
and  Ubba,  and  took  the  town  of  Nottingham.  Buigred 
called  in  the  aid  of  Ethelred,  king  of  Wessex,  and  his 
younger  brother  Alfred,  and  beset  the  town.  But  the 
Danes  refused  to  risk  an  engagement  in  the  open  fields: 
so  that,  wearied  out  by  the  protracted  siege  and  unable 
to  maintain  his  large  army,  Burgred  was  compelled  to 
make  a  treaty  with  his  foes;  and  they  were  permitted 
retrace  their  steps  unmolested  into  Northumbria.' 

They  soon  began  their  devastating  career  again.  In 
869,  they  passed  through  Mercia  into  East-Anglia, 
plundering  the  whole  country  in  their  march,  slaughter- 
ing numerous  religious  bodies  and  destroying  the  convents 
and  churches.  The  monasteries  of  Bardney,  Croyland, 
Peterborough,  Ely,  and  Huntingdon,  were  levelled  com- 
pletely to  the  ground.  The  East-Anglians  hoped  that 
they  should  have  escaped,  on  accoimt  of  their  former 
treaty;  but  they  soon  discovered  their  fatal  error.  After 
a  short  and  ineffectual  stru^le,  Eadmimd  the  king  was 
taken  prisoner  at  Henglesdon,  the  present  Hoxon. 
Having  stedfastly  refused  to  redeem  his  life  by  the 
renunciation  of  Christianity,  he  was  first  beaten  with 
staves  and  afterwards  boimd  naked  to  a  tree  and 
scourged.     He  was  then  made   a  mark   for  the  arrows 

1    Sax.  Chron.,  Will,  of  Malmsborr.  9    lb. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  85 

of  his  brutal  victors;  and  at  last  his  sufferings  were 
terminated  by  decapitation.  His  martyrdom  took  place 
on  the  20th  of  November,  870.* 

The  Danes,  having  subdued  that  country,  passed  into 
Wessex,  the  sovereign  of  which,  Ethelred,  fell  in  opposing 
them.  Alfred,  who  succeeded  his  brother,  being  borne 
down  by  his  enemies  and  defeated  at  Wilton,  entered 
into  a  treaty,  by  which  he  agreed  not  to  afford  aid  to 
any  other  nation  against  them,  if  they  would  abandon 
his  territories.* 

Accordingly  they  quitted  Wessex,  in  872,  and  re- 
entered  Mercia.  Burgred,  knowing  his  inability  to  expel 
the  foe,  purchased  their  absence  by  numerous  valuable 
gifts;  and  they  retired  into  Lincolnshire.  Incited  by  the 
ease  with  which  they  found  that  they  could  extort  these 
presents,  they  threatened,  in  the  same  year,  another 
invasion;  and  received  a  second  bribe  for  the  confirma- 
tion of  the  last  treaty.  Again  they  poured  into  the 
miserable  country,  in  874,  and  settled  in  winter-quarters 
at  Kepton,  in  Derbyshire;  where  they  destroyed  the 
mausoleum  of  the  Mercian  kings.  Burgred  fled  from 
his  coimtry,  and  sought  refuge  in  Rome,  where  he 
soon  after  died  and  was  interred  in  the  church  of  St. 
Mary  belonging  to  the  English  college.  His  wife,  the 
only  sister  of  Alfred,  who  had  accompanied  her  husband, 
then  became  a  nun  in  a  convent  at  Pavia,  where  she 
died  in  888.*  The  Danes,  now  masters  of  Mercia,  chose 
a  Saxon  officer,  a  traitor  to  his  country,  to  be  king  as 
Ceolwulf  II.;  but,  having  excited  their  displeasure,  he 
was  deposed  in  877,*  after  a  reign  of  three  years.  With 
him,  Mercia  fell  as  a  kingdom  never  to  rise  again;  having 

1    Sax.  Cbron.  WUL  of  Malms.      2    Matth.  of  Westm.       3    lb.,  Sax.  Chron. 
4    Will,  of  Malmsturjr.  5    Sax.  Chron.,  Ingulf. 


86  TAMWORTH 

been   established   292   years   and   ruled   by   twenty-one 
sovereigns. 

Britain  thus  became  reduced  to  a  most  deplorable  state 
of  ruin.  Alfred,  himself,  was  compelled  for  some  time 
to  remain  concealed  in  the  depths  of  the  forest.  This  was 
the  period  of  the  scene>  celebrated  in  history,  between 
the  fugitive  and  disguised  monarch  and  the  herdsman's 
wife.  The  Danes,  meeting  with  but  little  opposition 
and  totally  regardless  of  treaties,  spread  throughout  the 
land  and  destroyed  the  principal  towns  and  fortresses. 
Among  these,  Tamworth  became  the  victim  of  their 
atrocities;  was  completely  razed  to  the  ground  and  lay 
a  mass  of  blackened  ruins  for  nearly  forty  years.  The 
annalists  give  dreadful  accounts  of  the  ravages  of  the 
Danes ;  and  their  narratives  certainly  have  not  been  ex- 
aggerated. Their  marches  were  accompanied  by  fire  and 
slaughter,  and  famine  followed  in  their  trail.  Men  they 
slew  without  mercy,  or  degraded  into  slaves.  Females 
shared  the  same  unhappy  fate,  afiter  having  been  subjected 
to  the  grossest  insults  which  the  passions  could  inflict. 
Infants  too  they  did  not  spare;  and  it  was  frequently 
their  savage  sport  to  catch  them  on  the  spear's  point, 
and  after  spinning  them  round  aloft,  to  throw  them  on  the 
ground  to  linger  out  their  last  few  moments  of  life  in 
agony.^  No  part  of  the  land  was  exempt  from  the  visits 
of  the  murderers.  The  Raven-standard  reared  itself  on 
every  side.  Wherever  it  flew,  like  the  darkling  bird 
of  superstition,  it  betokened  woe  and  desolation,  and 
the  fierce  war-cry,  which  announced  its  presence,  foreboded 
too  truly  that  death  was  at  hand.  Hope  seemed  to  have 
withdrawn  her  gladdening  smile  for  ever.  But  she  was 
lingering  with  Alfred  in  concealment  as  her  last  resort. 

1    Hist  of  the  Northmen. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  87 

She  accompanied  him  in  every  movement;  and^  sustain- 
ing him  imder  every  difficulty,  drove  away  despair.  She 
led  him,  in  the  harper's  guise,  into  the  midst  of  the 
enemies'  camp  to  learn  their  secret  schemes.  She  glided 
smiling  over  his  lowly  couch  of  sleep  and  whispered 
consolation  in  his  ear.  And  sometimes,  too,  assimiing 
the  fierce  tone  of  desperation,  she  ui^ed  the  Saxons  to 
the  battle  field  and  rallied  them  to  the  glorious  struggle 
for  lijfe  and  liberty.  Hope,  though  unseen,  still  hovered 
round  amidst  the  dreary  scene. 

At  last.  Providence  relaxed  His  chastening  hand,  which 
had  lain  so  heavily  on  Britain  because  of  her  sins,  and 
turned  the  scale  of  fortune  in  her  favour.  In  880, 
the  magical  banner  of  the  Danes  was  struck  down  and 
captured,  and  one  of  their  greatest  chieftains  killed,  by 
Oddune,  duke  of  Devonshire.'  The  loss  of  the  celebrated 
Beufen  or  Raven  filled  them  with  consternation  and 
dismay,  and  the  Saxons  with  encouragement.  Alfred, 
emei^ing  firom  his  hiding-place,  led  on  his  soldiers,  and, 
taking  the  enemy  imawaies,  cut  the  greater  part  of  their 
army  to  pieces.  The  commander  Gothrun  and  many 
others  having  been  captured,  an  offer  was  made  that,  if 
they  would  embrace  Christianity  and  assist  in  prevent- 
ing the  incursions  of  other  Danes,  their  lives  should  be 
spared  and  land  assigned  them  to  hold  in  peace.  These 
conditions  were  gladly  accepted;  and  the  Danes,  ex- 
changing the  dark  Raven-standard  for  the  effulgent 
banner  of  the  Cross,  were  established  in  East-AngKa, 
where  they  were  soon  engaged  in  the  peaceftd  arts  of 
agriculture  and  commerce.* 

The  remainder  of  Alfred's  time  was  chiefly  occupied 
in  completing  the  subjugation  of  the  Danes,  whom  he  at 

1    WQl.  of  MalmslmiT.  Aster.  9    Saxon.  Chron. 


88  TAMWORTH 

last  established  in  the  towns  of  Derby,  Leicester,  Lincoln, 
Nottingham,  and  Stamford.  From  that  drcumstanoe, 
these  places  obtained  the  name  of  the  Five  Burghes. 
He  also  now  firamed  and  compiled  his  celebrated  code  of 
laws,  which,  alike  characterized  by  justice  and  wisdom, 
has  earned  for  him  the  distinguished  and  deserved  title 
of  ''  the  Great."  He  died  in  901 ;  and  was  succeeded 
by  his  son  Eadweard  the  Elder/ 

Shortly  after  the  destruction  of  Merda  as  a  sovereignty, 
the  government  of  it  was  conferred,  by  Alfred,  upon  a 
Saxon  duke  named  Ethelred,  to  whom  the  king  had 
given  in  marriage  his  daughter  Ethelflseda.  Upon  this, 
he  assumed  the  title  of  subregulus  or  viceroy,  although,  in 
many  of  his  charters,  he  sdled  himself  indifferently  dux 
and  ealdorman.'  The  office  was  merely  nominal,  until 
the  Danes  were  overthrown  by  the  illustrious  monarch  of 
Wessex.  Eadweard  the  Elder  confirmed  the  government 
to  this  nobleman  jointly  with  his  wife;  and  they  held 
it  till  the  death  of  the  former  in  912.  At  that  time, 
Eadweard  permitted  Ethelflseda  to  retain  her  jurisdiction, 
with  the  exception  of  the  cities  of  London  and  Oxford, 
which  he  took  into  his  own  hands.' 

The  ''Lady  of  the  Marches"  appears  to  have  inhe- 
rited no  contemptible  portion  of  her  father's  wisdom  and 
courage,  and  to  have  fully  merited  the  high  encomiums 
bestowed  upon  her  by  every  historian,  both  ancient  and 
modem.  Bred  up  in  the  midst  of  continually  impendent 
dangers  and  possessing  an  energy  of  mind  which  quali- 
fied her  to  take  part  in  the  state-co\incils  both  of  her 
father  and  her  husband,  she  imbibed  the  spirit  of  a 
warrior   rather   than  that   of  a  woman.      After   having 

1    Sax.  Chron.       3    Codex  diplom.  «vi  S«zon.  Chut  AagloMZ. 
3    Sax.  Chron. 


CASTLS   AND  TOWN.  39 

given  birth  to  a  daughter,  and  suffered  so  severely  as 
well  nigh  to  have  lost  her  life,  she  withdrew  entirely  from 
the  marriage-couch  and  resigned  all  domestic  concerns  to 
aid  in  promoting  the  public  welfare.  Her  heroic  courage 
was  particularly  manifested  in  916,  when  Hwgan,  prince 
of  Wales,  attempted  to  regain  the  lands,  of  which  Offa 
had  dispossessed  his  predecessor.  She  completely  des- 
troyed his  army  and  besieged  him  in  his  royal  castle 
at  Breoenanmere,  where  she  made  his  wife  captive,  with 
thirty-four  of  her  attendants.  Pursuing  him  in  his 
flight  to  Derby,  where  he  took  refuge  among  the  Danes, 
she  beset  the  town  and  vigorously  stormed  it.  Undaimted 
at  the  slaughter  of  four  of  her  chief  officers,  the  wardens 
of  her  person,  who  fell  by  her  side,  she  continued  to 
lead  on  her  troops,  until,  one  of  the  gates  having  been 
destroyed  by  fire,  they  entered  the  town  and  took  the 
citadel,  where  the  unfortunate  Hwgan  fell,  maintaining 
an  heroic  struggle  to  the  last.' 

One  of  the  greatest  cares  of  Ethelflseda  to  secure  the 
prosperity  of  her  dominions,  was  the  restoration  of  the 
principal  towns  and  fastnesses,  which  had  been  destroyed 
in  the  late  wars  by  the  Danes.  Tamworth  was  one  of 
those  which  came  imder  her  earliest  consideration,  after 
the  decease  of  her  husband  and  her  assumption  of  the 
whole  government  of  Mercia.  To  this  town  she  marched 
with  her  whole  army,  in  the  early  part  of  the  summer 
of  913.  She  caused  it  to  be  rebuilt :  she  restored  the 
castle  and  all  the  fortifications;  and,  to  increase  its 
strength,  raised  a  strong  keep  or  dungeon  upon  a  partly 
artificial  mound,  on  which  the  present  edifice  has  been 
erected  in  later  times.'  The  town,  after  this  happy 
event,  became  the  general  residence  of  the  magnanimous 

1    Sax.  Omni.  a    Sax.  Cbion.,  John  Rouse. 


40  TAMWOBTH 

princew;    and  regained  once  more    its  former  celebrity 
and  importance. 

Ethelflseda  died  at  Tamworth  on  the  19  kalends  of 
July, — ^the  ISth  of  June, — 8S0,'  being  then  upwards  of 
sixty  years  of  age.  Her  body  was  conveyed  to  Glouces- 
ter and  interred  by  the  side  of  that  of  her  husband,  in 
the  eastern  porch  or  aisle  of  the  cathedral  of  St.  Peter 
there.  The  tomb  was  subsequently  destroyed  with  the 
whole  church,  by  the  Danes;  but  Alured,  bishop  of 
Worcester,  who  was  also  made  archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
repaired  both  the  edifice  and  the  monument.*  Over  the 
latter,  was  subsequently  placed  the  following  panegyric 
on  this  princely  lady ;  written  by  Henry  of  Huntingdon, 
nearly  two  hundred  and  thirty  years   after  her  decease. 

"  O  Elfleda  potent,  O  terror  viifo  Tirofuin, 

yictriz  natune,  nomine  digna  TirL 

Ta  qno  splendidior  fieret,  natnn  poeUun 

Te  probitas  fecit  nomen  habere  viri. 

Te  mutare  decet,  led  solom  nomine,  cexna, 

Ta  regina  potena,  rezque  trophca  parana. 

Jam  nee  Csaard  tantnm  menMre  triomphi; 

Cvaare  iplendidior,  viigo,  Yirago,  Tale." 

These  lines  have  appeared  repeatedly  in  various  English 
forms;  but  we  subjoin  a  new  and  very  firee  translation. 

O  potent  lady,  great  Elfled,  dread  of  the  alien  host, 

The  oonqnest  e'en  of  natore'a  laws,  thy  manlinets  can  boast. 

For  though  thon  bear'at  the  soft  impreia  of  woman's  feeble  frame, 

Thy  martial  spirit  renders  thee  worthy  a  hero's  name. 

Change  then,  O  king  and  qnaen  at  onoe,  thy  stem  and  yalorons  heart. 

The  wonted  mildness  of  thy  sex  let  nature  re-impart ; 

Or  take  the  warrior's  hardy  form,  mount  on  the  restiff  steed, 

And  to  the  plains  where  battles  rage,  victorious  armies  lead. 

Casars  in  Tain  their  triumphs  boast :  a  woman's  deeds  excel 

The  splendid  prowess  Cnsar  show'd.    Chaste  heroine,  farewell. 

I    Sax.  Chron.         9   Holinahedl  Chnmlclei. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  41 

Ethelflaeda  was  succeeded  in  the  government  of  Merda 
by  her  daughter  Healfwina  or  Alfvrin.'  But  Eadweard 
the  Elder,  to  whom  her  guardianship  had  been  com- 
mittedy  finr  reasons  which  are  not  clearly  understood, 
thought  fit  to  deprive  her  of  all  authority.  Three 
weeks  before  midwinter,  when  she  had  held  power 
about  half  a  year,  he  came  into  Mercia  and  carried  her 
finoeably  with  him  into  Wessex.'  She  is  never  again 
mentioned  in  the  annals  of  history,  so  that  her  fate  is 
unknown.  It  is  probable  that  she  died  there,  in  the 
course  of  two  or  three  years. 

But  the  deposition  of  Healfwina  was  not  effected 
without  a  struggle  in  her  fiivour:  for  a  considerable 
dvil  strife  ensued.  Inspired  by  an  honourable  grati- 
tude at  least,  Tamworth,  with  Nottingham,  Derby,  and 
some  other  towns,  rose  to  assert  the  right  of  the  only 
child  of  their  noble  bene&ctress.  The  implication  of 
some  of  the  five  burghers  in  this  commotion,  appears, 
in  some  degree,  to  confirm  the  assertion  of  Castoreus 
and  a  few  other  writers,  that  she  was  divested  of 
power  in  consequence  of  her  having  promised  and 
contracted  marriage  with  Reginald,  the  Danish  king. 
However  that  may  be,  the  insurrection  continued  for 
nearly  two  years.  Eadweard  was  obliged  to  have  re- 
course to  arms.  He  first  marched  to  Tamworth  and 
subjugated  it.  From  this  place  he  proceeded  with  his 
army  to  Nottingham  and  took  the  town,  when  the  in- 
surgents yielded.  He  afterwards  rode  back  to  the 
borough  of  Tamworth,  where  all  the  Mercian  people 
previously  subject  to  Ethelfiseda,  and  the  kings  of  Wales, 
whom  this  martial  lady   had  conquered,    Howel,    sur- 

I    Stx.  ChraiL,  Flor.  of  Wore.  a    lb. 


42  TAMWOETH 

named  Dha  or  the  Good,  Cledanc,  and  Jeothwell, 
acknowledged  him  as  their  sovereign  lord.^ 

Eadweard  died  in  924;  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son 
Athelstan,  who  was  crowned,  with  all  wonted  ceremony, 
at  ELingston-upon-Thames,  by  the  archbishop  of  Canter- 
bury.' The  Danes,  who  held  full  possession  of  North- 
umbria,  had  no  sooner  heard  that  a  new  king  sat  on 
the  Anglo-Saxon  throne,  than  they  made  a  fierce 
irruption  into  his  kingdom;  hoping  that,  under  a  fresh 
and  inexperienced  monarch,  they  might  have  success 
they  could  not  gain  before.  But  Athelstan  delayed  not 
to  collect  his'  army;  and,  without  spending  his  time  and 
power  in  pursuing  the  spoilers  from  place  to  place, 
he  marched  boldly  into  the  centre  of  their  kingdom, 
weakened  by  the  absence  of  numerous  troops,  and 
there  obtained  so  great  a  victory,  that  the  Danish  king 
Sihtric  or  Sygtryg,  son  of  the  celebrated  Yvar,  was 
compelled  to  sue  for  peace.  A  treaty  was  then  entered 
into  between  the  two  parties.  To  confirm  the  bonds  of 
amity,  Athelstan  promised  his  sister  Eadgitha  in  mar- 
riage to  Sihtric,  on  condition  that  he  should  embrace 
the  Christian  fSedth.  The  kings  came  to  Tamworth, 
where  the  solemnization  of  the  marriage  took  place  on 
the  8  kalends  of  February, — the  30th  of  Jan., — ^926, 
after  the  performance  of  the  required  ceremony,  the 
reception  into  the  church  by  baptism.' 

The  insincerity  of  this  politic  conversion  was  soon 
apparent;  for,  on  the  first  favourable  opportunity,  which 
occurred  very  shortly  after,  Sihtric  renounced  his  fidth 
and  broke  through  all  the  stipulations  of  the  treaty. 
Athelstan  gathered  his  forces   to  invade  the  dominions 

I    Sax.  Chnm.,  in  ftnno  029.,  Flor.  of  Worcester,  Ac.       s    Will,  of  Malmsburr. 
S    SwL.  Chron.,  WiU.  of  Malmsbory. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  43 

of  the  apostate;  but,  in  the  mean  time,  Sihtric  died, 
and  his  two  sons  by  a  former  wife  fled,  Onlauf  or  Anlaf 
into  Ireland,  and  Guthfert  or  Grodefirid  into  Scotland. 
Upon  this,  the  whole  of  Northmnbria  was  annexed  to 
the  Saxon  dominions;'  and  Athelstan  thus  became  the 
first  king  of  England,  though  that  title  has  been  erro- 
neous ascribed,  by  numberless  historians,  to  Ecgberht  or 
Alfied. 

Eadgitha,  or,  as  her  name  is  generally  spelt  by  later 
writers,  Editha,  after  the  decease  of  her  nominal  hus- 
band, retiring  from  the  world,  it  is  said,  became  abbess 
of  a  nunnery  which  she  founded  at  Tamworth,  and  there 
was  afterwards  interred.  But  to  her  we  shall  refer  more 
particularly  in  speaking  of  the  monastery. 

In  the  year  938,  Anlaf  returned  out  of  Ireland ;  and, 
having  received  aid  from  Constantine,  king  of  Scotland, 
and  Howel,  king  of  Wales,  attempted  to  regain  posses- 
sion of  Northmnbria.  Athelstan  met  him  at  a  place 
called  in  the  Saxon  Chronicles  Brunansburgh;  but  its 
situation  cannot  now  be  certainly  discovered.  Whilst 
the  armies  were  preparing  for  battle,  a  curious  incident 
occurred  which  may  be  worthy  of  relation,  as  materially 
affecting  the  fortunes  of  the  contest.  As  Alfred  had 
once  done,  Anlaf  passed  into  the  camp  of  Athelstan, 
in  the  disguise  of  a  harper.'  After  amusing  the  king 
for  some  time  and  gaining  the  intelligence  he  required, 

1    WiU.ofMalmsbiUT. 

9  This  story  coiiceniiiis  Anlaf  is  giTen  on  the  authority  of  WiU.  of  Malmsbury  \ 
bat  by  many  it  is  considered  as  deserrinr  of  little  credit.  The  old  annalists,  and 
eoofeasedly  this  writer,  embodied  in  their  works  a  great  deal  of  matter  derived  only 
tnm  the  impure  soorce  of  popular  ballads  and  traditions.  Much  then  has  been  given 
enthrely  the  result  of  bards*  embellishments  or  malidons  party  spirit.  Hence  it  is 
that  these  histories,  owing  to  a  simple-minded  over  credulity,  contain  so  many  pre. 
postcrooa  legends  and  tales.  Malmsbury*s  work,  though  otherwise  invaluable,  is 
replete  with  anecdotes,  some  of  which  have  led  him  astray  in  matters  of  history. 

Then  are  strong  reasons  for  suspecting  the  accuracy  of  the  implication  of 
Qncndrid  in  the  murder  of  her  brother  Kenelm.  The  tale  of  the  dove  every  one 
would  rejcctv  though  It  is  not  improbable  the  revelation  was  made  by  the  murderer 
or  an  accom^ce  in  St.  Peter's  at  Rome. 


44  TAMWOBTH 

he  was  dismissed  with  a  piece  of  coin  far  his  pains. 
Actuated^  however,  by  the  most  bitter  and  deadly  hatred, 
the  moment  he  supposed  himself  to  be  out  of  sight,  he 
threw  the  money  from  him  with  scorn.  From  this  act  he 
was  recognized  by  a  sentinel  standing  on  guard  near. 
The  soldier  let  him  pass  unmolested,  till  he  was  com- 
pletely out  of  reach,  when  he  infarmed  Athelstan  of  ihe 
circumstance,  and  humbly  urged  the  necessity  ct  the 
king's  removing  his  tent  that  ni^t.  Being  reproached  far 
permitting  so  deadly  an  enemy  to  go  firee,  the  sentinel 
replied  that  he  had  once  taken  an  oath  of  allegiance  to 
the  Dane  as  he  had  subsequently  Acme  to  Athelstan, 
and  that  nothing  would  induce  him  to  violate  so  solemn 
an  engagement.  The  king  expressed  his  admiration 
of  such  heroic  virtue,  and,  as  we  fear  would  hardly  have 
been  done  under  the  present  enlightened  system  of 
military  discipline,  forgave  the  offender.  But  it  was 
justly  thought  prudent  to  adopt  his  advice ;  and  the  royal 
pavilion  was  accordingly  removed  to  a  distance.  A  bishop, 
coming  soon  afterwards  to  aid  in  the  coundls  of  state, 
caused  his  tent  to  be  erected  on  the  spot  which  the  king 
had  occupied.  As  it  was  expected,  the  Danes,  in  the 
darkness  of  the  night,  passed  silently  into  the  middle  of 
the  camp,  and,  unaware  of  the  change  that  had  taken 
place,  slew  the  prelate  and  his  whole  retinue  as  they 
slept,  instead  of  Athelstan.  The  Saxons,  being  on  the 
watch  and  fully  prepared,  inmiediately  attacked  the 
enemy.  The  engagement  soon  became  general,  and  con- 
tinued imoeasingly  throughout  the  remainder  of  the 
night  and  till  sunset  of  the  following  day.  The  carnage 
that  ensued  was  terrible,  being  imparalleled  since  the 
time  when  the  Saxons  first  made  themselves  masters  of 
Britain.    After  a  long  and  fearful  struggle,  the  Danes 


CASTLB   AND  TOWN.  45 

were   completely  routed;    and   Athelstan    remained   the 
glorious  victor  of  the  field.' 

The  Saxon  annalist  has  described^  in  long  poetic  strains^ 
this  scene  of  warfare,  both  during  the  night,  and 

"  After  that  the  son 
Rom  in  the  moraiiig  hoar, 
The  greatest  star 
Glad  abore  the  earth, 
God's  candle  bright. 
The  eternal  Lord's, 
THl  the  noble  creatine 
Hastened  to  her  Bettii«/' 

And  when   the  Danes  were  completely  vanquished   and 
compelled  to  fly, 

"  The  Nortiunen, 

In  nailed  ships, 

The  dreary  rdics  of  injuries. 

On  the  stormy  sea, 

Over  the  deep  waters, 

Songht  DifeUn' 

And  their  land, 

Disgraced  in  mind.' 

After  this  signal  defeat,  Anlaf  dared  not  to  return 
from  Ireland,  until  the  death  of  Athelstan  in  941.  But 
no  sooner  had  Eadmimd  the  Elder  succeeded  his  brother, 
than  this  restless  Dane,  in  accordance  with  the  usual 
custom  of  attacking  a  nation  when  somewhat  weakened 
and  disordered  by  the  accession  of  a  new  ruler,  passed 
again  in  Britain,  accompanied  by  his  cousin  Reginald. 
Being  assisted  by  Olaus,  king  of  Norway,  and  joined  by 
the  Northumbrians,  who  were  ill-satisfied  with  the  Saxon 
domination  over  them,  he  seized  on  the  city  of  York. 
From  that  place,  he  proceeded  to  Northampton;  but 
being  failed  in  his  attempt  to  take  it,  and  anxious  to 

1    wm.  of  Malmsbiirr.         9   Dublin  in  Ireland.         9   Saz.Chron. 


46  TAHWOBTH 

harass  the  king  by  rapid  and  continued  movements,  he 
marched  direcdy  to  Tamworth,  which  he  **  stormed,  and 
great  slaughter  was  made  upon  either  hand;  but  the 
Danes  gained  the  victory,  and  carried  a^ay  much  plun- 
der. There  was  Wulfirun  taken  in  the  spoiling  of  the 
town."'  Anlaf  then  went  on  to  Leicester,  and  took  the 
place.  There  he  came  in  contact,  for  the  first  time, 
with  the  army  of  Eadmund ;  and  a  sharp  but  indecisive 
engagement  ensued.  Preparations  were  made  for  a  re- 
newal of  the  struggle  at  the  dawn  of  the  next  morning; 
but,  through  the  intercession  of  the  archbishops  d[  Can- 
terbury and  York,  hostilities  were  suspended,  and  a 
treaty  of  peace  proposed,  in  order  to  prevent,  if  possible, 
the  farther  devastation  of  the  country  and  its  almost 
certain  ruin.  It  was  finally  agreed  between  the  rival 
princes  that  all  the  kingdom  north  of  the  Watling  street 
should  be  ceded  to  Anlaf  and  the  south  part  retained 
by  Eadmund.  The  survivor  of  the  two  was  to  have 
possession  of  the  whole.' 

Before  the  close  of  the  year,  the  Saxon  king  regained 
all  his  former  territory,  in  consequence  of  the  Dane 
having  fallen  in  an  insurrection  of  his  own  fierce 
and  inconstant  countrymen  in  Northumbria.  The  un- 
fortunate Eadmund  himself  fell  by  the  dagger  of  an 
assassin,  a  short  time  subsequently,  being  stabbed  in  a 
scuffle  with  a  man  on  the  feast  of  St.  Augustin,  apostle 
of  Britain,  in  942.'  He  was  then  only  nineteen  years 
old. 

The  disastrous  siege  and  pillaging  of  Tamworth  by 
the  Danes,  when  it  fell  into  their  hands  this  second 
time,  seems  to  have  inflicted  a  blow  upon  it,  from  which 
it  never  wholly   recovered.     Henceforward  it  ceased  to 

1    Sax.  Chron.  9    Sim.  of  Dnriuin.  a    Will,  of  Malmibiiry. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  47 

foim  a  royal  residence^  or  to  be  directly  connected  with 
the  annals  of  our  country.  This  once  famous  and  cele- 
brated place^  the  chosen  dwelling  of  the  great  Offa  and 
the  favoured  seat  of  the  Mercian  government^  sank  at 
once  into  comparative  obscurity,  and  was  scarcely  again 
mentioned  by  historians  for  several  centuries.  Of  it,  till 
the  period  of  the  Norman  conquest,  we  find  nothing 
more  recorded,  except  that  there  was  a  monastery  here 
in  the  time  of  Etheldred  II,  and  that  the  name  occurs 
as  a  place  of  royal  mintage. 

Tamworth  had  undoubtedly  enjoyed,  with  other  great 
places,  the  privilege  of  coining  from  a  very  early  period, 
at  least,  from  the  time  of  Offa.  It  is  impossible  to 
recognize  those  previous  to  the  middle  of  the  tenth  cen- 
tury: for,  although  it  was  customary,  even  in  the  time  of 
Ecgberht,  king  of  Kent,  for  the  moneyer  to  have  his 
name  .  placed  on  the  piece,  the  places  were  not  added 
untQ  the  reign  of  Athelstan,  who  ordained  that  all 
money  should  be  struck  within  towns  alone.^ 

The  coins  of  Tamworth  are  now  exceedingly  rare, 
and  consequently  as  highly  prized  by  numismatists, 
The  name  is  first  found  upon  a  penny  of  Eadweard  the 
Martyr ;  who  succeeded'  Edgar  in  976  and  was  slain  by 
his  step-mother,  three  years  afterwards.  It  occurs  under 
the  abbreviated  superscription  of  tanwo.  All  the .  money 
of  this  king,  which  has  hitherto  been  discovered,  is  of  the 
same  type.  The  pieces  bear,  on  the  obverse,  an  ill-drawn 
portrait,  with  his  title  as  bex  anglobum  sometimes 
given  at  length,  though  often  in  a  contracted  form.  On 
the  reverse,  is  stamped  a  cross  pate^,  with  the  names  of 
the  moneyer  and  of  the  mint.* 

Of  the  coins  of  Ethelred  II,  or  the  Unready,  who 

1    RwUng^s  Annalf  of  Coinage.  2    lb. 


48  TAMWOBTH 

ruled  trooL  978  to  1016^  and  of  his  immediate  suooeasor, 
Edmund  11,  sumamed  Ironside^  who  fell  after  a  short 
reign  of  a  few  months,  none  have  yet  been  found  which 
issued  from  this  town.  But  in  the  time  of  the  next 
sovereign,  Canute  the  Great,  the  mint  was  again  in 
activity.  Pitt,  in  his  account  of  Staffordshire,  says  that 
**  Kedar,  a  celebrated  Swedish  antiquary,  has  published 
a  coin  of  this  monarch  struck  here,  having  on  the  reverse 
EDBic  ON  tam;  i.  e.  'Edric,  Moneyer  in  Tamworth.' 
The  name  of  the  same  mint-master  is  found  also  on  a 
coin  in  the  Bodleian  Cabinet  at  Oxford;  but  we  have 
not  had  the  good  fortune  to  see  either  the  representation 
of  the  coins,  or  the  coins  themselves."*  Edric  appears 
among  the  list  of  moneyers  given  by  Ruding,  although 
the  town  is  not  mentioned  by  this  author. 

Canute,  dying  in  lOSd,  was  succeeded  by  his  son 
Harald  Harefoot;  who  continued  till  1042,  when  Hardi- 
Canute  ascended  the  throne.  In  the  reign  of  these  kings 
are  found  no  coins  of  the  mint  at  Tamworth;  but  among 
those  of  Edward  the  Confessor  this  name  occurs ;  being 
spelt  both  Tonwvrth  and  Tonwyrth.  "The  types  of 
his  coins,"  says  Ruding,  "  are  more  diversified  than  those 
of  any  of  his  predecessors.  As  *  his  coins,  which  have 
been  preserved,  are  very  numerous,  nearly  500  varieties 
being  known,  so  the  manner  in  which  his  name  and 
title  are  signified  upon  them,  is  likewise  extremely 
varied  by  almost  every  possible  mode  of  ill-spelling. 
They  have  chiefly  the  initial,  or  the  whole  of  anolobtth 
upon  the  observe ;  and  the  circle  of  the  reverse  is  fiUed 
with  the  name  of  the  mint  and  the  Moneyer,  except  in 
one  instance  where  Spraceling  (the  name  of  the  moneyer) 
occupies  the  whole  of  it."* 

1    Topogxaphical  Hiit  of  Sttftoiteh. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  49 

We  have  been  unable  either  to  procure  a  sight  or  to 
obtain  a  more  particular  account  of  these  Tamworth 
pieces.  The  only  specimen  of  the  Confessor's  coinage 
issued  from  this  town,  with  which  we  are  acquainted, 
is  a  silver  penny,  bearing,  on  the  obverse,  the  inscription 
BDWAKD  BEX,  and,  on  the  reverse,  bevning  on  tam. 
We  give  a  representation  of  it. 


Edward  the  .Confessor,  dying  on  the  5th  of  January, 
1066,  was  succeeded  by  Harald  II. 

Of  the  coins  of  this  sovereign,  three  varieties  have 
been  found,  which,  notwithstanding  his  brief  reign,  are 
far  from  being  of  uncommon  occurrence.  On  the  obverse, 
they  bear  his  name  and  title  of  king  of  England ;  and 
on  the  reverse,  the  name  of  the  moneyer  and  the  place 
of  mintage.  All  of  them  have  the  word  pax  across 
the  centre.*  In  the  catalogue  of  his  mints  given  by 
Ruding,  occurs  the  abbreviation  tan,  which  this  great 
numismatist  conjectured  to  have  been  either  Tamworth, 
or  Taunton,  in  Somersetshire.  Unfortunately  he  has  not 
given  the  names  of  the  moneyers  in  connection  with 
those  of  the  mints.  Otherwise  we  might  have  decided 
the  question;  for,  at  the  time,  Bruning  was  the  master 
of  the  mint  at  Tamworth. 

It  may  be  well,  whilst  we  are  speaking  of  the  coinage 
of  the  town,  to  conclude  at  once  our  account  of  it. 
Though  the  adoption  of  such  a  course  may  violate,  in 

1    Radiof '•  Annals  of  Coinage. 

H 


50  TAMWORTH 

some  degree^  the  strict  order  of  narration,  in  a  chro- 
nological point  of  view^  it  will  prevent  the  necessity  of 
a  recurrence  to  this  subject. 

After  the  conquest,  the  royal  mint  at  Tamworth  con- 
tinued in  activity  until  the  time  of  Henry  I.,  in  whose 
reign  it  was  discontinued.*  The  coins  of  William  I., 
which  were  struck  here,  are  not  quite  of  so  great  rarity 
as  those  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  monarchs.  They  are, 
nevertheless,  of  much  value.  The  engraving,  which  we 
subjoin,  is  that  of  a  silver  penny  of  the  Norman 
Conqueror  of  England.* 


On  the  obverse,  is  inscribed  simply  willbmu  rex,  and 
on  the  reverse  brvning  on  tanwi.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  the  same  mint-master  continued  at  Tamworth,  as 
in  the  time  of  the  Confessor. 

Of  the  money  struck  at  the  town  subsequently  to 
the  reign  of  this  king,  we  have  been  unable  to  obtain 
the  detailed  information,  which  we  might  desire.  Pitt 
says  "  In  the  reign  of  William  the  second,  we  find  the 
Tamworth  mint  again  employed,  a  coin  of  that  sovereign 
(formerly  in  the  collection  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  Mead), 
bearing  on  the  reverse  ielfwine  on  tam;  but  as  we 
know  not  where  the  coin  now  is,  nor  have  seen  either 
a  similar  piece,  or  any  engraving  of  it,  we  are  unable 
to  gratify  our  readers  by  a  more  accurate  account  of  it"' 

1    Ruding's  Annals  of  Coinag^e. 
3    This  penny  was  purchased  at  the  sale  of  the  late  Rev.  F.  Slick's  valuable  collec- 
tion of  cofais.  in  June.  1843,  and  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  publisher :  Sir  George 
Chetwyndt  Bart.,  of  Qrendon  Hall,  also  possesses  a  similar  piece. 
3    Topographical  Hist,  of  £^    ~       ' 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  51 

The  very  great  similarity  of  the  pieces  of  this  king  to 
those  of  his  father,  renders  it  extremely  difficult  to 
distinguish  their  respective  coinages.  The  types  of 
Henry  Ist's  money  are  as  diversified  as  in  the  reign  of 
any  subsequent  sovereign.  But  the  coins  of  William 
Bufiis  and  of  Henry,  which  were  struck  at  Tamworth, 
are  so  exceedingly  scarce,  that  we  have  never  met  with 
them. 

After  the  Norman  conquest,  in  1066,  Tamworth  is 
first  mentioned  in  Doomsday-book,  completed  about  the 
year  1086.  There  is  no  direct  survey  of  this  town;  but 
it  is  incidentally  mentioned  in  the  account  given  of 
other  places.  Ten  bui^sses  in  Tamworth  are  said  to 
have  belonged  to  the  manor  of  Coleshill,  and  eight  to 
that  of  Draytoh;  and,  in  the  report  concerning  the 
village  of  Wigginton,  four  more  are  named  as  being 
here.* 

The  omission  of  many  important  places  in  this  cele- 
brated record,  has  furnished  a  subject  of  much  debate; 
but  no  very  satisfactory  explanation  has  been  given. 
Dean  Lyttelton  conjectured  that  towns,  which  were 
terra  r^s,  or  rather  royal  boroughs,  being  well  known 
as  to  their  extent  and  value,  it  was  needless  to  name, 
as  they  claimed  the  right  of  being  taxed  according  to 
their  ancient  cess:  and  the  Doomsday  was  only  com- 
piled in  order  to  know  the  true  value  of  every  man's 
lands,  with  a  view  to  tax  them.^  It  will,  however,  be 
observed  that  not  only  boroughs,  but  extensive  rural 
districts,  have  been  left  entirely  unnoticed.  The  com- 
missioners, who  traversed  the  country  to  make  the 
survey,  have  been,  by  some,  accused  of  partiality,  allow- 
ing themselves  occasionally  to  be  influenced  by  gifts.    But 

1   Doomsday  .book,  printed  by  royal  authority.       a    Letter  io  Shaw*8  Staflbrdsh. 


52  TAHWORTH 

it  is  incredible,  even  taking  it  for  granted  thejr  were 
willing,  that  they  dared  to  make  omissions  of  so  great 
magnitude  and  frequency,  as  is  found  to  be  the  case. 
The  opinion  of  Lyttelton  seems  to  approximate  nearer  to 
to  the  truth  than  any  other  which  has  hitherto  been 
given.  The  Doomsday  appears  to  have  been  composed 
for  the  purpose  of  regulating  the  tenures  and  imposts 
of  places  where  they  had  not  been  previously  arranged, 
or  concerning  which  there  might  be  some  doubt:  but 
those  comparatively  few  localities,  where  the  services  had 
been  already  fixed,  generally  at  the  time  of  their  grant 
to  some  Norman  lord,  were  not  unnecessarily  surveyed 
by  the  commissioners.  The  Conqueror  was  not  so 
mindful  of  the  Saxon  liberties,  as  to  allow  the  towns 
to  retain  their  old  cess,  or  mode  of  tai^tion. 

The  subjugation  of  England  was  accompanied  by  a 
complete  overthrow  of  the  ancient  constitution  of  the 
country.  The  Saxons  were  every  where  deprived  of 
power,  and  levelled,  in  the  agricultural  districts,  to  the 
rank  of  the  humble  farmer  and  artizan,  who  were  called 
by  their  new  masters  villans.  Thus,  as  if  to  show  the 
degradation  of  the  burgesses  of  Tamworth,  after  having 
spoken,  under  the  head  of  Drayton,  of  the  eight  at 
this  town,  the  Doomsday  adds  that  here  they  laboured 
as  other  villans  did.  The  people  were  no  longer  per- 
mitted to  continue  freeholders.  The  king,  by  right  of 
arms,  claimed  the  possession  of  the  whole  land;  and 
he  exercised  his  power  of  granting  it  away  at  will,  in 
conformity  with  the  feudal  system,  which  he  introduced 
into  this  country.  Reserving  in  his  own  hands  the 
greater  proportion,  that  is,  all  the  large  cities  and 
boroughs,  he  gave  the  rest  of  the  towns  and  lands,  for 
particular  services  rendered  to  him,  to  nearly  700  of  his 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  68 

followers^  as  tenants-in-chief.  By  them^  the  lands  were 
let^  for  payments  and  charges^  at  pleasure,  to  the  humbler 
grades  of  men,  or  the  great  mass  of  the  population. 

Their  deprivation  of  all  authority  and  reduction  to  a 
grade  little  superior  to  that  of  slaves,  however  oppres- 
sive and  imjust  to  the  Saxons  themselves,  served  as  the 
best  means,  whereby  the  king  might  secure  permanently 
the  conquest  which  he  had  made.  He  not  only  at- 
tached his  own  countrymen  to  his  interests,  by  con- 
ferring immense  possessions  on  them,  but,  by  placing 
the  inhabitants  under  their  control,  he  prevented  the 
Saxons  from  ever  successfully  rising  to  depose  their 
conquerors  and  regain  their  liberties.  It  is  evident, 
from  the  Doomsday,  that  even  the  guild-halls  were  given 
away  in  the  division  of  the  spoil.  The  church  alone 
v^as  allowed,  for  the  most  part,  to  retain  her  lands; 
and  those  undoubtedly  would  have  been  seized,  had  it 
not  been  in  the  power  of  the  king  to  secure  them  to 
himself,  by  appointing  Normans  in  all  the  greatest  and 
most  important  ecclesiastical  offices. 

But  the  Saxons  were  not  only  compelled  to  pay  a 
rent-charge  for  their  individual  holdings ;  they  were  also 
subject  to  arbitrary  taxations,  called  tallages  and  aids. 
It  was  in  the  power  of  the  king  alone  to  demand  them 
at  pleasure,  whenever  necessity  or  caprice  should  require. 
The  revenues  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  state  were  raised  by 
similar  contributions,  but  not  without  the  full  consent 
of  the  national  council.  They  were  collected,  in  each 
county,  by  the  shire-reeve,  and  in  each  town,  by  the 
borough  or  port-reeve.  The  latter  officer  was  elected  by 
his  own  townsmen,  in  a  general  assembly,  frequently 
held  in  the  open  air,  but  generally  within  doors,  at  the 
hus-tings,  where  the  inhabitants  were  accustomed  to  as- 


64  TAKWORTH 

assemble,  in  order  to  frame  bye-laws  for  their  common 
good  and  the  well-government  of  the  town.  William  I. 
and  his  son  Bufus  took  into  their  own  hands  the 
choice  of  the  borough-reeves,  and  delegate  to  each  place 
one  of  their  own  countrymen,  to  whom  the  title  of 
bailiff  was  given.  The  appointments  were  usually  con- 
ferred on  those,  who  paid  the  highest  sums  for  them; 
and  they  became  matters  of  pecuniary  speculation. 
The  Norman  bailiffs,  having  almost  uncontrolled  power 
of  exaction,  exercised  the  functions  of  their  office  in  a 
most  insupportable  manner.  This  grievous  oppression 
was  felt  more  severely  by  the  Saxons,  on  account  of  the 
freedom  of  election,  which  they  had  previously  enjoyed, 
and  the  lenity  which  a  countryman  and  fellow-townsman 
naturally  showed  towards  them.  In  many  places,  revolts 
ensued,  not  only  to  abolish  this  abuse  but  to  restore  the 
good  laws  of  Edward  the  Confessor.  In  the  north  of 
England,  the  insurrections  were  the  most  formidable; 
and  they  were  only  suppressed  by  acts,  of  which  both 
Saxon  and  Norman  historians  speak  in  terms  of  great 
abhorrence  and  lamentation.  Hence  we  may  well  con- 
ceive the  nature  of  the  measures  taken  against  the 
unfortunate  people,  whose  only  crime  was  their  endea- 
vour to  maintain  their  wonted  liberties. 

But  the  Saxons,  in  the  mean  time,  did  not  neglect 
to  have  recourse  to  quieter  and  more  politic  methods  of 
gaining  some  alleviation  from  the  oppression  which  they 
suffered.  The  burgesses  of  towns,  in  order  to  free 
themselves  from  the  great  scourge  of  Norman  bailiffs, 
offered  higher  sums  for  the  liberty  of  choosing  their 
own  officers  than  individuals  could  usually  afford,  or 
was  consistent  with  a  profitable  investment  of  money. 
The  king,  finding  this  an  advantageous  mode  of  more 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  65 

fully  replenishing  his  treasury,  at  last  fully  adopted  the 
mode  of  selling  the  right  to  the  inhabitants  for  an 
annual  payment.  He  had  little  cause  to  fear  much 
difficulty  in  obtaining  the  stipulated  amount,  as  a  dread 
of  the  return  of  the  Norman  bailiff  would  naturally 
render  the  people  punctual.  Hence  arose  the  custom 
of  annual  fee-farm  rents  being  paid  by  boroughs  to  the 
crown.  These  places  resumed  at  once  their  ancient 
form  of  free  government;  and  the  officer  over  each 
either  re-adopted  the  old  name  of  borough-reeve,  or 
retained  the  later  one  of  bailiff.  Sometimes  he  was 
caUed,  from  the  Latin^  a  mayor,  as  he  constituted  the 
head  of  the  little  community.  He  was,  in  all  cases, 
esteemed  the  officer  of  the  crown,  and  was  held  respon- 
sible for  the  fee-fium  rent  and  other  payments,  when- 
ever they  should  be  demanded.  But  when  any  arrears 
occurred,  it  was  customary  for  the  barons  of  the  ex- 
chequer, the  king's  attorney,  or  other  officer,  to  sue  the 
townsmen  collectively,  until  the  adoption  of  a  select 
corporate  body  deprived  the  inhabitants  generally  of  the 
power  and  right  to  legislate  for  themselves.  This 
change  did  not  take  place  before  the  16th  century.* 

In  the  sketch,  which  we  have  given,  of  the  organ- 
ization and  form  of  government  of  boroughs,  at  the 
period  of,  and  a  little  subsequently  to,  the  conquest, 
we  have  only  dwelt  on  such  points  as  were  necessary 
to  elucidate  our  subject.  We  now  return  more  par- 
ticularly to  the  history  of  Tamworth. 

From  the  end  of  the  reign  of  William  II.,  to  the 
time  of  Henry  III.,  very  little  appears  on  record  con- 
cerning this  town,  besides  the  payments  of  aids,  and  a 
visit  which  it  received  from  Henry  II. 

1    See  Fenny  Cydopadla :— Art.  Borougli. 


66  TAMWORTH 

Of  the  royal  presence  here,  nothing  more  is  particu* 
larly  noticed  than  that  the  king  then  signed  the  charter, 
confirming  to  the  monks  of  Merevale  the  grant  whidi 
earl  Robert  de  Ferrers,  for  the  soul  of  Robert  his 
fitther,  for  the  health  of  his  own  soul  and  of  that  of 
his  wife,  made  to  the  church  of  the  same  place,  to  the 
intent  that  an  abbey  of  the  Cistertian  order  should  be 
erected.  For  this  purpose,  the  earl  gave  all  his  property 
in  the  forest  Arden,  and  whatever  he  possessed  in 
Whittington,  with  the  manors  of  Weston  and  Overton 
(Orton-on-the-hill),  also  Crannockstone,  with  common 
pasture  in  Hertington  and  Pilsbury  for  sheep  and  other 
cattle.  These  the  king  established,  with  all  subsequent 
purchases  and  acquirements,  especially  the  gifts  of 
Gerard  de  Lunese,  Walter  de  Canwell,  and  Radulph 
and  Paganus  de  Baskervile.' 

The  royal  charter  was  dated  on  the  12th  of  March ; 
but,  as  occurs  very  frequently  in  ancient  documents,  the 
year  was  not  added,  so  that  the  precise  time  of  the 
king's  visit  to  Tamworth  is  unknown.  We  may,  how- 
ever, ascertain  the  period  within  seven  years;  for 
Theobald,  archbishop  of  Canterbury,  who  was  a  witness 
to  the  deed,  with  the  bishop  of  Chester  and  the  chan- 
cellor, was  succeeded,  on  his  decease  in  April,  1161,  by 
Thomas  ^  Becket.  It  must,  therefore,  have  occurred 
between  the  accession  of  the  king  in  1154,  and  that 
event. 

It  has  been  supposed  that,  after  15  Hen.  II.,  and 
previously  to  the  reign  of  Henry  III.,  Tamworth  had 
fallen  so  greatly  into  decay,  that  it  ceased  to  exist  any 
longer  as  a  borough.'    This  is  partly  incorrect;    but  it 

1    Da(dale*B  Monaat.  AnfUcan. 
J    Merewether  tad  Stopheaa*  Hkt.  of  Boroaglu  uid  Moaidptl  CoxporatioDt. 


CASTLB   AND  TOWN.  57 

would  be  more  than  absurd  to  deny  that  the  town 
declined  in  a  yery  considerable  degree.  This  is  clearly 
evident  from  several  circumstances.  The  aid,  which  it 
paid  in  1  Hen.  L, — 1100, — amounted  to  80s.;  but  it 
was  reduced,  in  the  Slst  year  of  the  same  king,  to  25s., 
when  the  burgesses  were  pardoned  that  sum  by  royal 
writ,  on  account,  as  it  is  expressly  said,  of  their  poverty. 
Also,  in  1139,  the  burgesses  paid  two  sums  of  26s.  each, 
one  for  a  past,  the  other  for  a  new  aid;  when  they 
were  again  excused  an  equal  amount  for  a  similar  cause. 
In  1155,  the  aid  was  the  same;  and  three  years  after- 
wards, the  town  paid  a  donum  of  lOOs.^  AU  these 
returns  are  for  the  Staffordshire  side.  Dugdale  mentions 
aids  of  the  part  which  came  under  his  observation,  as 
being  rendered  in  1  Steph.,  and  7,  11,  15,  Hen.  H., — 
1135,  1160,  1164,  and  1168,— in  the  latter  year,  two 
marks, — ^26s.  8d., — ^being  paid.' 

Hence  it  is  evident,  from  the  decrease  of  the  aids  and 
the  subsequent  pardons,  that  the  town  was  declining, 
at  least  in  wealth.  After  the  year  1168,  we  do  not 
find  the  payments  of  aids  at  all,  even  during  the  reigns 
of  the  first  Edwards.  In  1222,  in  the  roll  of  tallage 
for  Staffordshire,  it  is  called  ^'  villata  de  Tameworde ; ' 
and,  in  1315^  the  sheriff  of  the  same  county,  being  re- 
quired to  state  how  many  boroughs  there  were  within 
the  limits  of  his  jurisdiction,  returned  only  Stafford^ 
totally  omitting  this  town.'  How  for  the  situation  of 
the  place  in  two  counties  may  have  led  to  its  exclusion 
remains  for  some  consideration. 

But  however  Tamworth  may  have  sunk,  it  is  evident 
that  it  sflll  remained  a  borough,  although  it  did  not 

1    Pipe  roll  for  Staifordaliire.— Merewether  and  Stephens.— Mm1ox*s  Hist. 

and  Antiquities  of  the  Bzcheqner. 

3   Dii(dale's  Wwwickab.  3    Merewether  and  Stephens. 

I 


58  TAMWORTH 

call  into  action  its  priyileges  as  such  until  the  time  of 
Elizabeth.  This  will  be  clearly  evident  from  our  ensu- 
ing narrative.  Pitt  says  that  it  was  declared  a  firee 
corporation  in  the  time  of  Henry  III.;  and  the  charter^ 
being  forfeited,  was  restored  by  Edward  II.* 

When  Simon  de  Montfort,  at  the  time  he  held 
Henry  III.  as  a  prisoner,  in  1265,  issued  writs  to  each 
of  the  sheriffs  of  the  kingdom  to  return  two  knights 
for  each  county,  two  citizens  for  each  city,  and  two 
burgesses  for  each  borough,  to  form  a  general  council^ 
Tamworth  was  not  included.'  It  was  then  chiefly  in 
the  power  of  one  of  the  most  faithful  adherents  to  the 
king,  Philip  de  Marmyon, — a  circumstance  which  more 
than  probably  caused  its  exclusion.  In  similar  assem- 
blages convoked  by  Edward  I.  and  his  successors,  for 
the  purpose  of  fSEU^ilitating  taxation,  the  town  was  also 
omitted.  When  this  body  of  representatives,  gradually 
assumed  full  legislative  powers,  and  formed  the  House 
of  Commons,  the  management  and  control  of  it  became 
a  very  important  object  to  the  kings.  The  sherifls  were 
now  directed  to  single  out  or  omit  any  boroughs  at 
pleasure,  so  as  in  fact  to  form  a  body  as  select  and 
confined  in  numbers  as  possible.  Every  mode  was 
adopted  to  render  it  submissive  to  the  royal  will.  In 
1381,  the  Commons  proceeded  so  far  in  the  exercise  of 
their  power,  as  to  impose  fines  on  a  sheriff  omitting 
any  place,  and  on  the  citizens  or  burgesses  neglecting 
to  return  the  required  members.  But  even  after  this, 
excuses  were  admitted,  for  a  very  considerable  period,  to 
to  be  valid,  as  inability  to  pay  the  parliamentary  wages 
of  the  representatives,  loss  from  war,  or  any  other  cause.' 

1    Topographical,  hist,  of  Staffordsh.  a    Merewether  and  Stephens. 

3    See  Penny  CydopKdia :— Art.  Borough. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  69 

We  accordingly  find  many  boroughs,  and  among  them 
this  town,  not  exercising  their  powers  of  aiding  in  the 
councils  of  the  country. 

The  cause  of  the  decline  of  Tamworth  may  be  easily 
conjectured.  From  the  Doomsday-book,  it  may  be  well 
inferred  that  the  town,  after  the  conquest,  was  in- 
habited chiefly  by  Lilians  and  sur£s,  the  tradesman, 
labourer,  artizan,  and  the  slave.  The  depression  of 
the  Saxons,  the  devastating  wars  between  Stephen  and 
the  empress  Maud,  the  absence  of  the  nobles  and  the 
great  land-owners  in  the  holy  wars  of  Palestine,  the 
struggle  between  Henry  III.  and  his  barons,  and  finally 
the  long  and  terrible  wars  between  the  houses  of  York 
and  Lancaster,  were,  indeed,  ill  calculated  to  promote 
the  advancement  of  agriculture  and  its  dependent  rustic 
arts,  on  which  the  inhabitants  of  this  place  almost 
wholly  relied.  But  from  the  time  of  Edward  I.,  we 
can  trace  an  improvement  in  the  general  state  of  the 
town.  Although  very  gradual,  it  continued  with  a 
steady  and  uniform  pace,  until  within  the  last  century 
and  a  half,  when  the  changes  became  much  more  rapid. 

We  must  now  turn  our  attention  from  the  very 
general  and  enlarged  view,  in  which  we  have  been 
lately  compelled  to  give  the  history  of  Tamworth,  to 
subjects  of  more  particular  and  limited  interest.  And 
this  course  of  proceeding  we  adopt  with  the  greater 
pleasure,  as  we  enter  into  a  field  freer  from  the  dry 
details^  which  have  demanded  our  chief  consideration, 
since  the  period  of  the  conquest.  The  first  point,  which 
will  occupy  our  regard,  is  one  connected  with  tales  and 
legends,  heard  with  intense  interest  and  gratification  in 
the  vernal  days  of  childhood,  and  remembered  with 
pleasure,  when  the  winter  of  life  has  chilled  the  energy 
of  youth,  and  hoary  made  the  head. 


60  TAIiWORTH 

According  to  the  common  tradition  of  the  locality, 
Tamworth  and  the  surrounding  neighbourhood  were 
the  frequent  resort  of  the  famous  outlaw,  Robin  Hood. 
By  the  name  of  his  butts,  have  ever  been  known  the 
Roman  tumuli  at  Wig^inton  and  Elford.  It  has  been 
suggested  that  they  might  have  received  this  appella- 
tion, merely  from  their  being  the  common  arohery 
grounds,  where  the  people  practised  the  noble  art, 
once  so  highly  prized  in  this  kingdom.  But,  had  it 
been  usual  for  such  places  to  be  so  named,  every  town 
and  village  would  have  boasted  of  its  Robin  Hood's 
butts.  There  is  not  the  least  improbability  in  his 
visiting  this  place,  as  he  so  constantly  haunted  localities 
within  about  thirty  miles  distant.  The  extensive  royal 
woods  around  this  town  would  doubtless  form  a  rich 
field  for  his  adventures.  The  tale,  hovrever,  that  he 
was  able  to  shoot  from  one  of  these  butts  to  the  other 
seems  to  have  been  a  modem  addition,  in  order  to  ac- 
count for  their  designation.  It  was  in  fact  a  total  im- 
possibility, as  the  distance  is  nearly  two  miles.  The 
longest  shot  which  Robin  is  recorded  to  have  made, 
was  when  he  was  requested  to  exhibit  his  dexterity 
with  the  bow  by  Richard,  abbot  of  Whitby,  with  whom 
he  and  his  lieutenant.  Little  John,  went  to  dine,  most 
probably  without  waiting  for  the  formality  of  a  special 
invitation.  From  the  top  of  the  abbey,  he  and  his 
companion  let  two  arrows  fly,  which  fell,  one  on  either 
side  of  a  lane,  not  far  tram  Whitby  laths.  The 
distance  was  about  a  mile  and  a  quarter ;  and  it  must 
have  been  very  considerably  increased  by  the  elevated 
situation  which  the  shooters  occupied,  as  the  abbey 
stood  on  the  summit  of  a  cliff.  This  feat  occurred  in 
1188.     In  memory  of  the  transaction,  the  abbot  caused 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  61 

two  pillars  to  be  erected^  where  the  arrows  fell,  on  each 
of  which  was  inscribed  the  name  of  the  shooter.' 

We  are^  indeed^  unwilling  to  lose  the  connection  of 
Tamworth  with  the  bold  rover  of  the  forests.  He  is 
the  only  male&ctor^  whose  memory  reflects  no  disgrace 
on  those  places,  with  which  his  name  is  associated. 
On  the  contrary,  it  has  attached  an  almost  sacred  cha* 
racter  to  them ;  for  the  very  crimes  of  the  outlaw  were 
rendered  hallowed  to  succeeding  generations.  His  con- 
stant opposition  to  the  tyranny  of  the  Norman  lords 
and  his  principles  of  equality  endeared  him,  in  the 
strongest  manner,  to  the  Saxons,  who  formed  the  great 
mass  of  the  populaticm.  For,  according  to  the  old 
historians,  though  an  arch-robber,  he  was  the  gentlest 
thief  that  ever  hved,  and  a  man  of  unbounded  charity. 
The  opulent  and  noble  he  deprived  of  their  wealth,  to 
enrich  the  poor;  and  for  the  oppressed,  he  frequently 
obtained  the  redress,  for  which  they  vainly  sought  else- 
where. He  was  not  destitute  of  the  deep  religious 
temper  of  those  olden  times,  which  influenced  every 
action  of  life,  and,  however  anomalous  it  might  be 
thought,  gave  a  peculiar  tinge  even  to  the  commission 
of  misdeeds  themselves.  The  same  source  of  all  the 
refined  feelings,  which  characterize  Christianity,  gave 
him,  in  common  with  the  rest,  that  generous  and  noble 
disposition  towards  the  tenderer  sex,  so  universal  in  the 
isLjn  of  chivalry,  whence  it  as  descended  to  our  times. 
For,  according  to  the  old  ballad, 

Robin  loved  our  dere  Lady ; 
For  doate  of  deddy  aynne, 
Wolde  he  never  do  company  harm 
That  any  woman  was  ynne. 

1    Chait(m*s  Hist,  of  WhUby  Abbey. 


62  TAMWORTH 

There  has  been  much  dispute  respecting  the  title 
which  Robin  Hood  is  said  to  hare  possessed  of  earl  of 
Huntingdon.  His  real  name  is  conjectured  to  have 
been  Robert  Fitz-ooth;  and  the  conmion-people,  drop- 
ping the  Norman  Fitz,  modified  it  into  Hood.'  Robin 
might  probably  have  been  an  alteration  of  Roving^ — a 
title  most  appropriate  to  him^  on  account  of  the  un- 
settled and  wandering  life  which  he  led.  All  the 
ballads  concerning  him  present  the  marks  of  changes 
in  orthography,  at  different  periods.  If  these  opinions 
be.  correct,  he  most  certainly  was  connected  with 
the  family  of  Simon  de  St.  Liz,  earl  of  Huntingdon. 
But  in  the  old  legends,  he  is  often  styled  simply  a 
yeoman.  Thus .  one,  entitled  '^  a  lytell  geste  of  Robyn 
hode  and  his  meyne,  and  of  the  proude  sheryfe  of 
Notyngham,"  begins 

*'  Lithe  and  lysten,  gentylmen, 
That  be  of  fre-bore  blode : 
I  ihall  yon  teU  of  a  good  yenum, 
Hit  name  was  Robyn  hode."' 

This  circumstance  has  formed  the  foundation  of  one 
of  the  greatest  objections,  which  has  been  urged  against 
his  having  held  the  title.  A  little  consideration,  however, 
will  remove  the  difficulty,  in  a  very  great  measure.  A 
yeoman  he  might  have  been;  for  he  does  not  appear  to 
have  possessed  any  estates.  It  is  probable  that  the 
family  property  was  confiscated  in  his  father's  time,  in 
consequence  of  the  rebellion  of  Robert  de  Ferrers 
against  Henry  II.,  in  1173.  According  to  the  collec- 
tion, called  ''  Robin  Hood's  Garland,"  he  was  a  native 
of  Loxley,  which  belonged  to  the  Ferrers'  family.'    He 

1    Stakeler's  Patoogn^liia  Britannioa. 


S    Percy's  RaUqnM  of  andent  En^liih  poetry. 
S  It  was  probably  the  loss  of  his  patrimony,  wUcb  compelled  Robin  Hood  to  associate 
with  men,  whom  the  sererity  of  the  Norman  forest-laws  had  driven  to  extremes. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  63 

could  not  have  assumed  the  title  until  the  death  of 
John  Scott,  tenth  and  last  earl  of  Huntingdon  (also  of 
Chester),  in  12S7.  He  was,  at  that  time,  an  old  man ; 
and  his  deeds  of  renown  were  almost  brought  to  a 
close.  Hence  the  ballads  relating  to  exploits  which 
occurred  previously  to  this  time  might  rightly  denomi- 
nate him  a  yeoman. 

But  even  supposing  that  Robin  Hood  were  Fitz-ooth, 
his  right  to  the  earldom  of  Huntingdon  was  of  a  very 
dubious  nature.  It  would  rather  descend  with  the 
sisters  and  coheiresses  of  John  Scott,  than  pass  to  him. 
It  is  not  improbable  that  he  might  have  assumed  the 
title  whilst  it  lay  dormant,  or  it  was  assigned  to  him  by 
the  people,  rather  than  that  he  properly  possessed  it. 
In  tact,  without  regarding  any  other  point,  he  was 
incapable  as  an  outlaw  of  holding  it.  But  here  we 
are  entering  so  deeply  into  the  wide  region  of  conjec- 
ture, that  we  shall  draw  this  part  of  our  subject  to  a 
conclusion. 

Bold  Robin  died  when  he  must  have  attained  an  age 
of  upwards  of  eighty  years.  The  stone  over  his  humble 
tomb,  near  the  nunnery  of  Kirklees,  in  Yorkshire,  still 
remains.  It  once  bore  this  inscription,  now  effaced  by 
time. 

l^ttttf  uttHemealv  tHa  latil  tfteant 
lat;  tttbtvtj  earl  of  j^untingtun ; 
lua  arcj^ir  ber  a;  j^fe  tiae  gtuHt 
an  pipl  kmin  im  i^loi^in  ^tta. 
»itk  utlalDj  asf  U  an  i|  nun 
toil  SnglanH  nibir  tfi  agen. 

oi^tit  24  iial.  ttefcemdruSt  1247.' 

1    Tlioretbj*!  Daest.  Leod. 


64  TAMWORTH 

In  pursumg  the  early  history  of  Tamworih^  it  will  be 
necessary  to  divide  the  town  into  the  respectiTe  parts  in 
each  county;  for  they  were  separated  into  two  distinct 
manors^  each  governed  by  its  own  officers,  holding  its 
own  courts,  and  in  short,  acting  entirely  independently 
of  one  another. 

The  Staffordshire  part  continued  to  be  royal  demesnes, 
a  fee-farm  rent  of  51.  being  rendered  annually  for  it, 
until  the  time  of  Henry  III.  In  1246,  the  king  gave 
it  and  Wigginton,  with  the  manor  of  Wolverhampton, 
in  Staffordshire,  and  other  lordships,  in  diffinnent  coun- 
ties, to  Henry  de  Hastings  and  Ada  his  wife,  in 
exchange  for  their  portion  of  the  earldom  of  Chester.' 

This  Henry  de  Hastings,  who  possessed  extensive 
lands  in  the  coimties  of  Warwick,  Bedford,  Leicester, 
Salop,  Norfolk,  and  Suffolk,  was  of  a  very  eminent 
and  noble  family,  which  came  into  England  at  the 
time  of  the  Norman  conquest.  They  derived  their  sur- 
name from  one  of  the  Cinque-ports,  in  Sussex,  with 
which  they  were  connected  for  a  considerable  period. 
The  wife  of  Henry  was  of  a  still  more  illustrious  ancestry, 
being  of  the  royal  lineage  of  Scotland.  She  was  the 
third  daughter  of  David,  earl  of  Huntingdon  and  Car- 
rick,  and  Maud  his  wife,  daughter  of  Hugh,  and  sister 
and  coheiress  of  Ralph,  who  was  the  third  earl  of  Chester. 
David,  earl  of  Huntingdon,  was  grandson  of  David  I., 
and  brother  of  Malcolm  IV.,  and  William  the  Lion,  all 
three  of  whom  were  kings  of  Scotland.  His  son  John 
assumed  the  surname  of  Scott,  and  became,  in  the  right 
of  his  mother,  earl  of  Chester.  But  he  died  without 
issue;  and  his  three  sisters  became  his  coheiresses,  of 
whom  Ada  was  one,  and  carried  her  share  of  the  pro- 
perty to  her  husband. 

1     Rot.  31  H.  III.,  m.  4  :'8baw'i  Stallbrdih.— Coipontlon  records. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  05 

Henry  de  Hastings  was  a  distinguished  person  in  the 
time  of  Henry  III/  He  accompanied  this  monarch  in 
his  expedition  into  France,  in  1^2,  to  support  the 
cause  of  Hugh  de  Lusignan,  count  de  la  Marche.  This 
nobleman  had  married  Isabella  consort-  of  John  and 
mother  of  Henry.  Too  proud  to  own  allegiance  to  the 
French  king,  and  indignant  at  being  considered  as  the 
vassal  of  a  foreign  power,  she  persuaded  her  husband 
to  refuse  homage  to  Alphonso,  on  whom  his  brother, 
Louis  IX.,  had  conferred  the  French  part  of  Poiteau. 
The  count  threw  himself  on  the  protection  of  Henry. 
But,  as  in  most  other  undertakings,  this  weak  monarch 
was  totally  unsuccessful;  and  Hugh  de  Lusignan  was 
compeUed  to  make  submission  to  his  rightful  liege. 
Louis  speedily  reduced  the  English  division  of  Poiteau ; 
and  he  would  soon  bave  driven  his  opponents  entirely 
from  all  their  possessions  on  the  continent,  had  not 
conscientious  scruples  arisen  in  his  just  and  upright 
mind.  The  English  suffered  a  signal  defeat  at  Xante; 
where  many  of  the  nobility  were  taken  prisoners ;  and, 
amongst  them,  Henry  de  Hastings.  The  king  afterwards 
concluded  a  treaty  with  Louis,  and  returned  to  England 
in  September,  I2i8.  On  this  occasion,  he  gratified  his 
vanity  by  proceeding  firom  Portsmouth  to  London  with 
the  pomp  of  a  conqueror,  attended  by  all  his  military 
tenants. 

Henry  de  Hastings  did  not  very  long  remain  in 
captivity.  He  was  exchanged,  with  others,  by  the 
French,  for  some  of  their  party,  whom  the  English 
had  taken.  Afterwards,  with  the  principal  nobles  of 
the  realm,  he  attended  Richard,  earl  of  Cornwall,  who 

1  Hie  acoooot  of  the  Hastingi'  family  li  chiefly  derived  from  the  works  of  Do^ale, 
Matth.  of  Wettmioeter,  Weliiiigtism,  and  Froissart. 


66  TAMWORTH 

proceeded  with  a  splendid  retinue  into  France.  The 
precise  purpose  of  the  expedition  is  unknown.  In  that 
journey,  he  died,  about  the  end  of  the  year  1250.  He 
left  a  son  Henry,  then  a  minor,  and  two  daughters^ 
Margery  and  Hillaria,  who  were  then  receiving  their 
education  in  the  nunnery  of  Alneston. 

At  his  decease,  Henry  de  Hastings  possessed  Wi^;in- 
ton  and  the  moiety  of  Tamworth.  In  an  inquisition, 
without  date,  about  this  period,  made  by  Galfrid,  son 
of  Warin,  of  the  extent  of  the  manor  of  Wigginton, 
it  is  stated  that,  in  the  town  of  Tamworth,  there  were 
burgesses  who  rendered  annually  46«.  8d.  for  their 
burgages;  three  marks  and  a  half,  at  the  will  of  the 
king,  for  their  courts;  and  half  a  mark,  also  at  the 
king's  pleasure,  for  view  of  frank-pledge:  thus  making 
altogether  an  amount  of  5/.  During  the  time  that  these 
places  were  held  together,  they  were  often  considered  as 
forming  but  one  manor;  although  they  were  in  reality 
quite  distinct. 

The  guardianship  of  Henry  de  Hastings,  on  the  death 
of  his  father,  was  committed  to  Guy  de  Lusignan,  son 
of  the  count  de  la  Marche  and  half-brother  of  Henry  III. 
Two  years  afterwards,  this  nobleman  transferred  his 
charge  to  William  de  Cantilupe,  lord  of  Abergavenny, 
to  whom  the  king  confirmed  it,  with  the  custody  of  all 
the  estates.  In  the  tenure-roll  of  the  hundred  of  Offlow, 
about  1255,  it  is  said  that  Robert  Waldrand  held  Wig- 
ginton, by  reason  of  the  heir  of  Henry  de  Hastings,  in 
exchange  for  the  part  of  the  lands  in  Cheshire ;  and  it 
was  estimated  at  the  annual  value  of  30/.' 

Henry  de  Hastings,  having  attained  his  majority,  did 
homage  to  the  king,  and  took  full  possession  of  his  father's 

1    Corpormtion  Records.  S    Shaw's  Staffordsh. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  67 

lands.  He  then  married  Joan^  daughter  of  William  de 
Cantilupe,  his  guardian ;  and  became  a  person  of  great 
note  and  consideration  in  the  country. 

In  1261 9  he  was  summoned  to  attend  the  king  at 
Shrewsbury,  on  the  feast  of  the  Nativity  of  the  blessed 
Virgin  Mary;  well  famished  with  horse  and  arms,  in 
order  to  march  against  Llewellyn  ap  Griffith,  prince  of 
Wales,  who  had  risen  in  open  rebellion.  In  the  fol- 
lowing year,  he  had  similar  orders  to  repair  to  London, 
on  the  day  after  the  feast  of  Sts.  Simon  and  Jude. 
Again  in  1264,  he  was  commanded  to  be  at  Worcester, 
for  the  same  purpose,  on  the  ensuing  Lammas-day :  and 
he  was  summoned  as  first  baron  Hastings,  to  the  parlia- 
ment about  to  be  assembled  on  the  14th  of  December. 

But  in  this  latter  year,  the  great  defection  among  the 
barons,  mainly  attributable  to  the  weak  and  tyrannical 
conduct  of  the  king,  began  to  manifest  itself  in  acts  of 
violent  opposition.  Henry  de  Hastings  now  associated 
himself  with  Simon  de  Montfort,  earl  of  Leicester,  and 
other  rebellious  persons.  With  Henry  and  Simon,  the  sons 
of  this  nobleman,  and  others,  he  was  included  in  the  sen- 
tence of  excommunication,  pronoimced  by  the  archbishop 
of  Canterbury,  on  account  of  the  great  and  formidable 
outrages,  which  they  committed  against  the  church  and 
clergy.  He  afterwards  became  a  most  active  and  zealous 
leader  of  the  disaffected  party.  When,  by  mutual  con- 
sent, Henry  referred  the  causes  of  contention  for  arbi- 
tration and  adjustment  to  Louis  IX.,  he  was  one  of 
those  named  on  the  part  of  the  barons,  as  a  surety  for 
their  adherence  to  the  determination  which  should  be 
made  by  the  French  monarch. 

The  decision  of  Louis,  notwithstanding  the  strict 
jusHce   and  impartiality  by  which  it  was  characterized. 


08  TAMWOBTH 

proved  satisfactory  to  neither  party:  and  the  king  and 
barons  were  at  once  invoWed  in  open  warfare.  In  the 
battle  fought  at  Lewes,  on  the  14th  of  May,  1264,  the 
royal  party  was  completely  routed;  and  the  king  and 
his  son,  prince  Edward,  were  taken  prisoners  by  the 
rebels.  Henry  de  Hastings,  haying  greatly  distinguished 
himself  by  extraordinary  feats  of  valour  in  the  combat, 
xeceivedy  as  a  reward,  the  honour  of  knighthood  at  the 
hand  of  Simon  de  Montfort;  and  he  was  invested  with 
the  office  of  governor  of  the  castles  of  Scarborough  and 
Winchester. 

After  a  short  time,  prince  Edward  efiected  his  escape 
from  the  guards  at  Hereford  castle,  where  he  had  been 
detained  in  honourable  captivity.  Joined  by  all  his 
former  partizans,  and  by  numbers  who  had  taken  offence 
at  many  of  the  actions  of  Simon  de  Montfort,  he  soon 
raised  a  large  force  to  rescue  his  father  and  subdue  the 
barons.  The  two  armies  met  on  a  plain  near  Evesham, 
in  Worcestershire.  The  earl  of  Leicester,  as  soon  as  he 
saw  the  nimiber  of  his  opponents,  and  their  orderly 
march,  exclaimed  in  despair  '^  God  have  mercy  on  our 
souls,  our  bodies  are  prince  Edward's."  All  his  hopes 
of  success  at  once  fled ;  yet  he  determined  on  maintain- 
ing the  struggle  to  the  last.  Gathering  around  him  his 
friends  and  supporters,  Hugh  Spencer,  Henry  de  Hast- 
ings, Ralph  Basset  of  Drayton,  and  many  others,  he 
endeavoured  to  persuade  them  to  provide  for  their  own 
safety  by  flight,  whilst  he  remained  to  sustain  the  brunt 
of  the  combat.  They  all  refrised ;  and,  prepared  for  the 
worst  fate,  they  commenced  the  battle,  which  took  place 
on  the  4th  of  August,  1265.  The  baronial  party  fought 
with  a  fury,  which  desperation  could  alone  inspire.  But 
they  were  completely  oveithrown;  and  Simon  de  Mont- 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  69 

fort  and  Henry  his  son^  with  innumerable  others  of  the 
nobility,  were  slain.  Simon,  the  eldest  son  of  the 
earl,  fled  to  Axholme  and  fortified  it;  but  he  was  sooa 
obliged  to  capitulate  to  the  prince.  With  his  brother 
Guy,  he  was  banished  from  the  kingdom.  Another 
party  in  Hampshire  was  headed  by  Adam  de  Gurton, 
a  Tery  yaliant  man,  who  at  length  was  made  prisoner 
by  Edward ;  and  receiving  pardon,  became  one  of  his  most 
faithful  adherents.  The  majority  of  the  rebels  took  re- 
fuge in  the  isle  of  Ely ;  where  they  continued  until  they 
were  compelled  to  surrender  on  the  15th  of  July,  1267. 

Immediately  after  the  defeat  of  the  barons,  Henry  de 
Hastings  retreated,  with  the  remainder  of  his  troops, 
to  the  strong  castle  of  Kenilworth,  in  Warwickshire, 
according  to  a  hasty  arrangement.  There  he  shut 
himself  up,  resolved  to  hold  out  as  long  as  possible,  in 
hopes  of  succour  from  France.  The  place  was  soon  in* 
rested  by  the  liberated  king,  who  .  kept  up  a  continued 
siege  for  nearly  six  months.  Hastings  harassed  the 
besiegers  exceedingly,  and  committed  great  havoc  among 
them,  by  casting  immense  stones  and  collections  of  rub* 
bish  from  the  engines  on  the  walls,  and  by  repeated, 
and  most  daring  sallies  from  the  gates,  whenever  any 
chances  of  success  appeared.  Henry,  finding  himself 
thus  foiled  in  his  endeavours  to  take  the  place,  sent 
gracious  offers  of  pardon  and  reward  to  him,  if  he  would 
surrender  peaceably.  The  fierce  warrior  refused  to  listen 
for  a  moment  to  any  treaty,  and  caused  the  messenger 
of  peace  to  be  maimed  in  a  most  brutal  manner^ 
Ottobon,  the  papal  legate,  afterwards  elevated  to  the 
pontificial  chair  as  Adrian  V.,  thereupon  thundered  out 
an  anathema  against  him,  on  accoimt  of  his  contumacy 
and  cruelty;    but  he  paid  no  regard  to  the  censures  of 


70  TAMWORTH 

the  churchy  and  continued  his  stubborn  resistance. 
Soon  afterwards,  however,  there  broke  out  in  the  garri- 
son a  violent  pestilential  fever;  which,  aided  by  the 
fiiilure  of  provisions,  swept  away  great  numbers  of  the 
troops.  Finding  it  impossible  to  obtain  supplies, 
Hastings  was  at  length  compelled  reluctantly  to  capi- 
tulate, which  he  accordingly  did  on  honourable  terms : 
as  the  rebels  were  aU  suffered  to  depart  from  the  castle 
''  with  their  lives,  members,  and  goods  safe."  Henry 
marched  out  of  his  strong-hold  on  the  eve  of  St. 
Thomas  the  apostle, — ^the  20th  of  December. 

On  account  of  the  obstinacy  which  he  had  manifested, 
he  was,  however,  excluded  from  participation  in  the 
benefits  of  the  treaty  between  the  king  and  the  barons, 
called  the  Dictmn  de  Kenilworth.  His  estates  were 
confiscated;  and  he  received  sentence  condemning  him 
either  to  seven  years  imprisonment,  or  to  unconditional 
submission  to  royal  clemency.  The  proud  noble  pre- 
ferred rigorous  confinement  to  voluntary  humiliation. 

On  the  forfeiture  of  Hastings'  property,  previously 
to  the  grant  of  part  to  other  persons,  an  inquisition 
was  taken  at  Tamworth,  on  the  20th  of  August,  1266, 
of  the  extent  of  the  king's  manor  of  Wigginton 
and  Tamworth,  before  William  de  Clifford,  escaetor 
beyond  Trent,  and  Thomas  de  Thamenhom,  Henry  de 
Packington,  Roger  de  Comberford,  Simon  le  Sauvage, 
Robert  de  Cotes,  of  the  county  of  Stafford,  and  others. 
They  stated  on  oath,  after  describing  the  royal  demesnes 
in  Wigginton,  that  the  rent  of  assize  of  the  burgesses 
in  this  town,  on  the  Warwickshire  side,  was  2/.  8s.  4J., 
and  on  the  Staffordshire  side,  21.  lOs. :  and  the  latter 
were  wont  to  give  for  the  paimage  of  their  hogs'   half 

1    licence  to  feed  the  animals  on  the  fallen  acorns  in  the  king's  wood. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  71 

a  mark^ — 6*.  8rf.*  The  Staffordshire  part  with  Wigginton 
was  then  bestowed  on  Philip  de  Marmyon,  lord  of  the 
Castle^  for  the  term  of  his  natural  life. 

Before  the  expiration  of  the  first  two  years  of  Henry 
de  Hastings'  imprisonment,  the  king  was  prevailed  upon, 
by  prince  Edward,  to  grant  pardon  to  his  unyielding 
prisoner.  He  was  accordingly  liberated,  and  admitted 
to  the  full  advantages  of  the  Dictum;  and  the  greatest 
portion  of  his  property  was  restored  to  him.  But 
Tamworth  and  Wigginton  do  not  appear  to  have  been 
given  back  to  his  family,  previously  to  the  year  1279.' 

Henry  de  Hastings  died  very  shortly  after  his  en- 
largement. The  captivity,  which  he  had  suffered,  seems 
to  have  chafed  his  turbulent  and  active  spirit,  and 
completely  undermined  his  bodily  health.  He  left  two 
sons,  John,  who  succeeded  him,  and  Edmund,  and  three 
daughters,  Audrey,  Laura,  and  Joan.  It  is  evident  that 
his  lady  did  not  at  all  participate  in  the  royal  indig- 
nation, on  account  of  the  conduct  of  her  husband:  for 
we  find  that  the  king  bestowed  upon  her  many  rich 
and  fair  lands  for  her  support. 

John  de  Hastings  was  only  six  years  of  age,  when 
his  father  died.  On  attaining  his  majority,  in  1283,  he 
took  possession  of  all  his  father's  estates;  and  then  the 
moiety  of  Tamworth  and  Wigginton  were  doubtlessly 
yielded  up  to  him.  Being  heir  of  his  maternal  imde, 
he  acquired  the  castle  and  honour  of  Abergavenny,  the 
castle  of  Kilgaran,  and  other  considerable  property. 

During  the  absence  of  Edward  I.  from  England,  in 
1287,  when  he  had  passed  over  into  Gascoigne,  on  the 
succession  of  Philip  the  Fair  to  the  throne  of  France, 

1    Bscaet.  SO  H.  III.,  Ashmolean  M.  S.  859,  p.  199 :— Shaw's  Staffordsh. 
2    Se«  Appendix  ;~Note  1 . 


78  TAMWOBTH 

to  renew  his  homage  for  his  foreign  domains^  the 
Welsh^  only  a  short  time  previously  subjugated^  again 
rose  in  revolt  for  the  recovery  of  their  independence. 
As  the  king  remained  abroad  about  three  years  and  a 
half,  Edmund,  earl  of  Comvrall,  then  regent,  marched 
into  Wales,  and  with  some  difficulty  suppressed  the 
insurrection.  John  de  Hastings  accompanied  him.  He 
also  went  with  Grilbert  de  Clare,  earl  of  Gloucester 
and  Hereford,  into  Ireland,  six  years  subsequently,  on 
an  expedition  of  somewhat  similar  import. 

The  principal  exploits  of  John  de  Hastings'  were 
exhibited  in  the  wars  between  England  and  Scotland. 
To  the  throne  of  the  latter  country  he  claimed  a  right. 
Alexander  IH.,  grandson  of  William  the  Lion,  had  an 
only  daughter,  Margaret;  who,  in  1281,  was  married  to 
Eric,  the  young  king  of  Norway.  She  had  but  one 
daughter,  also  named  Margaret,  and  distinguished  by  the 
appellation  of  "  the  maiden  of  Norway.'*  The  latter,  on 
the  death  of  her  grandfather,  in  1284,  succeeded  to  die 
crown  of  Scotland.  As  she  was  then  a  mere  infont  of 
three  years  old,  a  regency  was  appointed.  This  young 
queen  died  in  1290;  and  with  her  the  direct  royal  line 
of  Scotland  became  extinct.  Thirteen  competitors  laid 
claim  to  the  vacant  throne.  These  were  John  Baliol, 
lord  of  GaUoway;  Robert  Bruce,  earl  of  Carrick  and 
Annandale;  John  Hastings;  Eric,  king  of  Norway; 
Florence,  count  of  Holland;  John  Cummin,  earl  of 
Badenoch;  Robert  Dunbar,  earl  of  March;  William  de 
Vesey;  Robert  de  Ross;  Patrick  Galyhtly;  Robert  de 
Pinkeny;  Nicholas  de  Soules ;  and  Roger  de  Mandevile. 
The  pretensions  of  the  latter  ten  were  too  fiitile  to 
merit  consideration;  as  in  most  cases  they  were  merely 
grounded  on  an  illegitimate  origin  from  the  royal  family. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  78 

The  contest,  therefore,  rested  between  Baliol,  Bruce, 
and  Hastings,  who  were  descended  from  David,  earl  of 
Huntingdon.  They  referred  their  claims  to  Edward  I. 
Hie  king,  obUging  them  to  renew  the  long  acknow- 
ledged but  evaded  feudal  superiority  of  England  over 
Scotland,  proceeded  in  his  office  as  arbitrator.  Hastings, 
being  descended  from  the  youngest  daughter,  could  only 
assert  his  right  to  a  third  part  of  the  kingdom  as  his 
share.  But  as  it  was  decided  that  Scotland  could  not 
be  separated  into  three  distinct  monarchies,  his  demand 
was  laid  aside.  Otherwise  Tamwortli  might  have  en- 
joyed the  proud  distinction  of  forming  part  of  the 
possessions  of  two  royal  personages, — the  kings  of 
England  and  Scodand.  The  competition  thus  remained 
solely  between  John  Baliol  and  Bobert  Bruce.  The 
point  of  the  dispute  between  them  was,  whether  the 
light  of  the  latter  as  grandson  of  David,  earl  of  Hun- 
tingdon, by  the  second  daughter,  was  not  superior  to 
that  of  the  former,  who  was  great-grandson  by  the  first 
daughter.  The  enquiry  lasted  nearly  two  years;  but, 
on  the  16th  of  November,  129S,  it  was  terminated  in 
&vour  of  Baliol,  to  whom,  without  doubt,  the  throne 
properly  belonged.  On  the  ensuing  morning,  he  took 
an  oath  of  fealty  to  Edward ;  and  soon  afterwards  was 
crowned  at  Scone  with  a  tributary  diadem. 

John  de  Hastings,  having  possession  of  Tamworth  and 
Wigginton,  claimed,  in  1S9S,  free  warren,  and  the  right 
to  all  waifi  and  strays  in  these  places.  In  the  two 
manors,  he  also  demanded  the  privileges  of  gallows, 
assize  of  bread  and  ale,  pillory,  tumbrell  or  cucking- 
stool,  and  a  court  leet' 

This  nobleman  submitted  without  reserve  to  the  final 

1    Eot  34, 01  de  quo  war.,  Si  K.  I : --Corporation  Reooids. 

L 


74  TAMWORTH 

sentence  of  Edward.  In  the  subsequent  attempts  of  the 
Scotch  to  free  themselves  from  the  yoke  of  England^  he 
afforded  his  aid,  and  continually  took  a  very  prominent 
part.  But  in  1297,  he  was  summoned,  amongst  many 
others,  to  be  present  at  London  by  the  Sunday  after 
the  octaves  of  the  feast  of  St.  John  the  Baptist;  wel) 
furnished  with  horse  and  arms,  in  order  to  attend 
the  king  very  shortly  in  a  military  expedition  into 
France.  The  design  of  this  hostility  was  to  regain  the 
province  of  Guienne,  which  the  French  monarch  Philip 
had  seized,  on  account  of  the  inhabitants  having  been 
engaged  with  the  English  in  some  piratical  excursions 
against  the  Normans,  in  1294.  Edward  had  been  dted, 
as  duke  of  Guienne,  to  answer  for  these  matters.  Being 
very  much  occupied  in  Scotland  at  the  time,  he  sent  his 
brother  Edmund,  earl  of  Lancaster,  to  Paris,  who  was, 
however,  unable  to  effect  any  amicable  arrangement. 
In  1297,  the  king,  having  completely  subjected  Scotland, 
and,  deposing  John  Baliol,  annexed  it  to  the  English 
crown,  determined  on  an  attempt  to  recover  his  foreign 
territory.  For  this  purpose,  he  did  not  march  into 
Guienne,  but  resolved  to  ravage  France  from  the 
Flemish  border;  and  he  accordingly  landed  at  Sluys. 
After  eight  months'  waifiEure,  attended  with  very  trifling 
success,  he  concluded  a  treaty  with  Philip,  and  returned 
home  in  the  following  March. 

Scarcely  had  John  de  Hastings  arrived  in  England, 
when  his  services  were  again  required  in  Scotland.  He 
was  ordered  to  resort  to  Carlisle,  on  the  eve  of  Whit- 
sunday, in  order  to  advance  into  that  kingdom,  to  aid  in 
suppressing  the  sudden  and  general  revolt,  of  which  sir 
William  Wallace  was  the  principal  leader.  He  con- 
tinued in  the   Scottish  wars  during  the  five  following 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  75 

yBais.  There  he  performed  military  service  for  five 
knights'  fees^  in  ISOO;  and  the  next  year,  he  served 
onder  Edward,  prince  of  Wales.  He  was  present  at 
the  celebrated  siege  of  the  castle  of  Caerlaverock  in 
Dmnfiriesshire,  in  ISOS.  The  whole  of  Scotland  was 
again  subdued.  WaUace,  being  captured,  was  conducted 
in  triumph  to  London ;  where,  after  a  short  trial,  he  was 
executed  for  treason. 

Soon  after  the  taking  of  Caerlavertock,  when  the  strife 
in  the  north  had  nearly  terminated,  Henry  de  Hastings 
was  sent  abroad  into  Grasooigne;  but  there  he  did  not 
remain  very  long.  He  had  special  summons,  amongst 
the  nobility,  to  Westminster,  in  1S06,  on  the  morrow 
after  Tiinity-sunday,  to  take  into  consideration  an  order 
concerning  the  aid  for  creating  the  king's  eldest  son 
Edward  a  knight.  The  conferment  of  the  honour  of 
knighthood  upon  the  prince  of  Wales,  was  the  prelude 
to  another  descent  upon  Scotland.  Robert  Bruce, 
grandson  of  the  competitor  in  1S90,  was  now  in  arms 
to  vindicate  his  claim  to  that  throne.  John  de  Hastings 
had  a  grant  from  the  king  of  all  the  county  of  Menteth 
with  the  isles,  and  the  whole  of  the  lands  and  posses- 
sions of  Alan,  earl  of  Menteth,  who  had  rebelled  against 
the  English.  Edward  I.  died  before  his  arrival  in 
Scotland.  He  besotight  his  son,  as  he  dreaded  his 
malediction,  not  to  inter  his  body,  until  he  had  totally 
subdued  the  coimtry.  The  new  monarch  did  not  obey 
the  command  of  his  father.  He  totally  neglected  the 
Scottish  affiurs  for  some  time;  and  when  at  last  he 
marched  to  the  north,  the  fatal  battle  of  Bannock- 
bum  secured  the  national  independence  of  the  Scotch. 

John  de  Hastings  was  summoned  as  a  baron  of  the 
teahns   to  the   different  parliaments  from   the   SSrd  of 


76  TAMWORTH 

June,  1295,  to  the  22nd  of  May,  1313.  He  was  like- 
wise seneschal  of  Aqnitaine.  He  was  twice  married.  By 
his  first  wife,  Isabell,  daughter  of  William  de  Valence, 
and  sister  and  coheiress  of  Aymer,  earl  of  Pemfaroke,  he 
had  three  sons  and  three  daughters.  John  succeeded 
him;  William  and  Henry  died  without  issue.  The 
daughters  were  Elizabeth,  married  to  Roger  de  Grrey 
of  Ruthyn,  Joan,  and  Margaret.  By  his  second  wife 
Isabell,  daughter  of  Hugh  Despencer,  earl  of  Winches- 
ter, he  had  two  sons,  Hugh  of  Gressing-hall,  in 
Norfolk,  and  Thomas. 

At  the  time  of  his  decease,  in  1313,  he  held,  amount 
other  estates,  Wigginton,  with  a  sixth  part  of  Tamworth, 
of  the  king,  in  capite,  by  service  of  the  fourth  part  of 
a  knight's  fee.^  The  manor  of  Tamworth  did  not  de- 
scend with  Wigginton  to  John,  son  of  this  elder  John. 
After  passing,  for  a  very  brief  space  of  time,  to  the 
crown,'  it  was  assigned  to  Isabell,  the  widow  of  John,' 
for  the  term  of  her  life,  undoubtedly  as  a  part  of  her 
dowry.  In  her  right,  it  was  conveyed,  about  1320,  to 
Ralph  de  Monthermer,  earl  of  Gloucester  and  Hereford, 
to  whom  she  was  married.''  But  she  was  again  sole 
possessor  in  1325;  and  she  long  survived  her  second 
husband.'  She  must  have  died  soon  after  the  year 
1334,  when  we  find  her  mentioned,  for  the  last  tune.* 
This  side  of  Tamworth  then  passed  to  Lawrence  de 
Hastings,  grandson  of  the  first  John. 

John  de  Hastings,  father  of  Lawrence,  succeeded  to 
the  greater  part  of  the  estates,  when  he  was  twenty-six 
years  of  age.'  He  was  the  third  baron  of  the  fiunily, 
being  summoned  to  parliament  firom  the  26th  of  Novem- 

1    InquU.  6  E.  II :— Shad's  Staffordsh.     9   Court  rolls,  0  E.  II.     3    lb.,  7  £•  H- 

4    lb.,  13,  U  B.  II.  A    lb.,  19  E.  II.  0    lb.,  8  K.  III. 

7    1nqttis.6E.  II:*Shaw'iStaiford8h. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  77 

ber,  1313,  to  the  20th  of  February,  1325,  in  which 
year  he  died.  He  was  continually  engaged  in  active 
service  against  the  Scotch  from  1310  to  1318;  and  he 
was  present  when  the  English  received  the  terrible  de^ 
feat  at  Bannockbum,  on  the  24th  of  June,  1314, — a 
blow  to  their  pretensions,  from  which  they  were  unable 
to  recover. 

But  in  1319,  he  was  associated  with  the  lords  in 
their  insurrection  to  compel  the  king  to  banish  the  two 
celebrated  &vourites,  the  Despencers,  whose  imputed 
pride  and  covetousness  constituted  the  motives  of 
dislike.  They  were  the  &ther  and  brother  of  his 
mother-in-law.  Very  soon,  however,  he  deserted  the 
ranks  of  the  discontented  barons,  and  went  over  to  the 
king,  at  Cirencester,  by  whom  he  was  again  received 
into  confidence  and  &vour.  He  was,  shortly  afterwards 
dispatched  on  a  fruitless  expedition  into  Scotland. 
From  whence  having  returned,  he  was,  in  1322,  con- 
stituted governor  of  Kenilworth  castle;  and  that  office 
he  retained  until  his  decease.  He  married  Juliana, 
grand-daughter  and  heiress  of  Thomas  de  Leyboume, 
a  baron  of  much  note.  By  this  lady  he  had  an  only 
aon.  She  survived  him,  and  afterwards  had  two  hus- 
bmds,  Thomas  le  Blount,  and  William  de  Clinton. 
In  the  latter  person,  was  revived,  in  1337,  the  title  of 
earl  of  Huntingdon,  which  had  lain  dormant  since  the 
death  of  John  Scott,  a  century  previously. 

Lawrence  Hastings,  at  his  fiither's  demise,  was  only 
five  years  old.  His  tuition  was  committed  to  his  father- 
in-law,  William  de  Clinton;  and  he  had  the  sum  of 
200  marks  allowed  to  him  annually  out  of  the  royal 
exchequer.  On  attaining  his  majority,  he  was,  by  letters 
patent  dated  on  the  18th  of  October,  1339,  created  earl 


78  TAMWORTH 

of  Pembroke.  This  title  had  become  extinct  on  the  death 
of  his  grand-uncle  Aymer  de  Valence.  About  the  same 
time,  he  was  sent  into  Flanders  to  aid  in  the  cause  of 
Edward  III.,  who  claimed  the  throne  of  France,  in 
right  of  his  mother  Isabell,  daughter  of  Philip  the  Fair, 
all  the  male  descendants  of  whom  were  dead,  except 
the  English  king.  According  to  the  Salic  law,  no 
female  hand  could  wield  that  sceptre.  Philip  of  Valois, 
brother  of  Philip  the  Fair,  was  chosen  by  the  French 
peers.  The  decision  gave  great  oflfenoe  to  Edward;  and 
he  determined  to  enforce  his  daim  by  the  sword. 

In  the  following  year,  the  king  sunmioned  the  chief 
of  his  nobility  to  attend  him  in  his  enterprise.  Hearing 
that  a  fleet  of  200  ships  lay  prepared  to  intercept 
him  at  Sluys,  he  sailed  directly  thither.  There  he 
achieved  the  first  great  naval  victory  of  England,  in  the 
glory  of  which  the  earl  of  Pembroke  participated. 
Meeting  with  the  enemy  off  the  harbour  of  Sluys,  about 
ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  after  midsimmier-day,  the 
king  grappled  ship  to  ship  and  gave  to  the  struggle 
the  characteristics  of  a  land-combat.  The  battle  was  ob- 
stinate and  bloody.  But  in  consequence  of  the  English 
occupying  the  windward,  their  archers  conmiitted  dreadful 
havoc,  insomuch  that  the  French  to  avoid  them  leapt 
into  the  sea,  and  attempted  to  swim  to  shore.  The 
whole  of  the  fleet  was  taken  or  destroyed,  and  30,000 
of  the  enemy,  it  is  said,  were  killed  or  drowned.  The 
next  day,  Edward  entered  the  harbour  of  Sluys  in 
triumph. 

The  news  of  the  terrible  defeat  was  received  at  the 
French  court  with  great  consternation.  No  one  was 
found  to  possess  the  moral  courage  or  the  rashness  to 
break  the  intelligence   to  Philip,   and  endure   the  first 


CA8TLB  AND  TOWN.  79 

ebuUition  of  royal  anger.  At  last  the  court-fool,  in  the 
absence  of  a  bolder  man,  was  induced,  with  much  per- 
suasion, to  undertake  the  task.  He  went  into  the 
presence  of  the  sovereign,  exclaiming: — "  Cowardly 
Englishmen,  dastardly  Englishmen,  £unt-heaxted  Eng- 
Ushmen."  The  king's  attention  being,  at  last,  attracted 
by  the  continued  repetition  of  the  words,  he  demanded 
of  the  jester  what  he  meant.  *^  They  durst  not  leap 
out  of  their  ships  into  the  sea,  as  our  brave  Frenchmen 
did," — ^was  the  reply.  Philip  was  inmiediately  aware 
that  some  very  great  misfortune  had  occurred  to  the 
fleet.  His  attendants,  after  some  hesitation,  explained 
the  circumstances  fully  to  him.  The  French  attributed 
their  defeat  to  one  of  their  commanders,  Nicholas 
Buchett,  who  had  manned  his  ship  with  undisciplined 
men,  because  they  served  for  a  much  smaller  payment 
than  knights  or  soldiers. 

The  earl  of  Pembroke  was  present  at  the  siege  of 
Toumay;  and  he  accompanied  Edward  in  all  his  ex- 
ploits, until  the  English  returned  to  their  own  country, 
in  the  same  year. 

In  1S41,  he  was  again  engaged  on  the  continent  to 
assist  Jane,  countess  of  Montfort.  This  heroic  lady,  on 
the  imprisonment  of  her  husband  by  Philip,  on  account 
of  a  dispute  concerning  the  dutchy  of  Bretagne,  took  up 
arms  to  support  her  family  and  prevent  its  ruin.  For 
the  purpose  of  carrying  out  her  design,  she  implored 
the  aid  of  Edward.  Closely  besi^ed  in  Hennebon  by 
Charles  de  Blois,  she  was  reduced  to  such  straits,  from 
the  want  of  fresh  troops  and  the  shattered  condition,  to 
which  the  enemy  had  reduced  the  walls  of  the  tow^i, 
that  her  council  proceeded  so  far  as  to  insist  on  her 
immediately  surrendering.    She  entreated  them  to  defer 


80  TAMWORTH 

only  for  a  short  time  longer,  and  then,  if  no  pros* 
pect  of  aid  appeared,  she  would  jrield  to  them.  Day 
after  day,  she  paced  the  ramparts,  with  her  eyes 
bent  on  the  long  line  of  waters  towards  the  P^wglMli 
coast  The  lonely  warder  was  only  interrupted  by  the 
challenge  of  the  sullen  guard,  or  the  complaints  of  the 
people.  But  one  day,  whilst  gazing  on  the  ocean,  and 
listening  to  the  remonstrances  of  her  friends,  she  was 
seen  to  start ;  and  a  flush  of  gladness  passed  momenta- 
rily over  her  countenance.  There  was,  she  Said,  a  misty 
spot  upon  the  bosom  of  the  deep.  It  was  invisible  to 
all  save  her  quick  and  interested  eye.  After  she  had 
remained  silent  in  suspended  hope,  for  some  time,  the 
object  became  more  apparent;  and  she  exclaimed  in 
extreme  joy : — **  Succours,  the  succours  of  England  are 
coming, — ^no  surrender  now."  The  news  spread  instantly 
throughout  the  town ;  and  the  inhabitants  rushed  to  the 
walls  to  watch  the  dark  speck  spread,  divide,  and  at 
last  resolve  itself  into  a  fleet  of  many  sail.  After  a 
tedious  voyage,  caused  by  contrary  winds,  sir  Walter 
Manney,  with  a  considerable  force  of  knights  and 
soldiers,  landed.  They  soon  forced  their  way  into 
Hennebon,  where  they  were  right  hospitably  received, 
and  feasted  in  the  castle. 

Although  the  English  were  able  to  constrain  Charles 
de  Blois  to  retire  from  the  siege,  their  forces  were 
insufficient  to  afford  much  general  assistance  to  the 
countess.  Four  months  after,  Edward  himself  went 
over  with  many  nobles,  among  whom  was  the  earl  of 
Pembroke;  and  an  army  of  12,000  men.  But,  in  the 
February  following,  a  peace  was  concluded  between  the 
kings,  through  the  mediation  of  two  cardinals,  the 
legates  of  pope  Clement  VI.     As   her  cause  had  de- 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  81 

cHned,  and  was  now  nearly  extinct,  the  countess  was 
preyailed  upon  to  take  refiige  at  the  court  of  England. 
She  was  consigned  to  the  care  of  the  chiyalrous  Pem- 
broke and  others^  during  her  passage  to  London.  Un- 
suspicious that  they  would  be  compelled  to  defend 
themselves  in  the  yoyage,  they  embarked  in  a  small 
vesseL  But  when  they  were  off  the  island  of  Guernsey, 
they  fell  in  with  sir  Loyes  de  Spain,  the  ally  of  Charles 
de  Blois.  The  shouts  of  the  sailors  first  anneunced 
to  the  passengers  that  he  was  bearing  down  upon  them 
with  hostile  intentions.  All  immediately  flew  to  arms; 
the  countess  even  took  up  the  sword,  and  fought  with 
the  resolution  of  a  knight.  They  had,  indeed,  need  of 
all  the  forces  they  could  muster;  for  their  opponents 
were  numerous.  A  fearfid  combat  ensued,  in  which  all 
parties  exhibited  their  valour.  The  close  of  day  caused 
a  cessation,  and  farther  violation  of  the  treaty  by  sir 
Loyes.  At  midnight,  a  storm  of  so  great  violence  arose, 
that  the  English  believed  the  day  of  judgment  was  at 
hand.  Providentially  its  only  effect  was  to  prevent  a 
renewal  of  the  battle,  by  separating  the  combatants. 
The  eaxl  and  heroine  were  happy  to  escape  on  terms  so 
easy;  and  they  afterwards  landed  in  safety.  Of  her, 
we  hear  no  more ;  for  her  cause  became  absorbed  in  the 
interest  which  Edward's  struggles  for  the  crown  of 
France  created. 

During  the  remainder  of  his  life,  the  earl  of  Pem- 
broke was  engaged  in  the  wars  abroad.  He  shared  in 
the  splendid  victories  of  Edward  and  the  Black  Prince, 
which  are  so  well  known  from  the  conmion  histories  of 
our  nation.  He  constantly  gave  proofs  of  his  great 
and  untiring  bravery.  He  married  Agnes,  daughter  of 
Roger  Mortimer,   earl   of  March.      By  her,   he  had  an 

M 


82  TAMWOBTH 

only  son  and  heir,  named  John.  He  died  on  the  day 
after  the  decollation  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  1349, 
probably  of  the  plague,  which  then  raged  violently 
throughout  England,  and  cut  off  nearly  half  of  its  in- 
habitants. He  was  only  a  little  more  than  thirty  years 
of  age.  He  then  held,  amongst  other  possessions,  in  his 
demesne  as  of  fee,  the  Staffordshire  part  of  Tamworth, 
for  which  was  paid  the  accustomed  rent  of  5/.^ 

John  de  Hastings,  second  earl  of  Pembroke,  was  a 
little  more  than  a  year  old  at  his  father's  death.  On 
coming  of  age,  in  1S69,  he  was  despatched  into  France, 
to  aid  in  the  fresh  war,  which  had  broken  out  with 
England.  There  he  manifested  that  he  inherited  a  fuU 
share  of  the  chivalrous  spirit  of  those  days.  At  the 
head  of  300  knights  and  esquires  he  committed  great 
havoc  in  Anjou,  and  amassed  very  great  spoils. 

But  it  happened  that,  one  day,  whilst  resting  for  the 
evening  at  the  village  of  Puirenon,  he  was  suddenly 
attacked  by  a  troop  of  French,  who  rushed  into  the 
place  with  their  cry  of  '^  Our  Lady  of  Sancerre,  for  the 
marshall  of  France."  Not  being  sufficiently  vigilant,  he 
was  unprepared  for  the  onset.  Most  of  his  men  were 
killed  or  taken;  and  he  lost  the  whole  of  his  booty. 
The  earl  and  a  few  knights  and  archers  saved  them- 
selves by  a  precipitate  retreat  into  a  preceptory  of  the 
Templars.  They  immediately  barricaded  the  place,  de- 
termined not  to  surrender  so  long  as  the  most  distant 
hopes  of  escape  remained.  This  brave  resolution  they 
carried  into  ^ect ;  and  when  the  French  attacked  them, 
they  defended  themselves  with  success,  until  night 
closed  in  and  gave  them  time  to  recruit  their  strength. 
Aware   that  he  could  not  hold  out  long,  unless  he  re- 

1    Inquis.  aa  E.  Ill :— Corporation  Records. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  88 

ceived  succour,  the  earl,  whilst  the  French  were  asleep, 
despatched  an  esquire  to  sir  John  Chandos,  one  of  the 
principal  English  commanders,  at  Poitiers.  The  mes- 
senger lost  his  way  in  the  dark. 

At  the  dawn  of  day,  the  French  renewed  the  attack 
on  the  preceptory.  They  soon  mounted  the  walls;  but 
the  earl  and  his  band  fought  with  such  determination 
and  fury,  that  the  assailants  were  driven  back:  and 
they  dispersed  themselves  to  collect  mattocks  and  pikes, 
in  order  to  have  recourse  to  the  imknightly  scheme  of 
unhousing  the  little  band  of  English  by  breaking  down 
the  waUs.  Disappointed  of  the  expected  succour,  the 
earl,  in  the  absence  of  the  foes,  summoned  another 
esquire  and  said  to  him : — ^^  Friend,  take  my  courser, 
go  out  at  the  back  postern,  ride  direct  to  Poitiers,  and 
show  sir  John  Chandos  the  state  and  danger  that  we 
axe  in.  Commend  me  to  him  by  this  token  and  deliver 
it  to  him,  for  he  knows  it  well."  At  the  same  time,  he 
gave  to  the  messenger  the  signet-ring  from  his  finger. 

About  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  first  esquire, 
having  regained  his  path,  arrived  at  Poitiers.  He 
found  Sir  John  at  mass ;  but  he  did  not  hesitate  to 
disturb  his  devotions.  The  knight  was  so  offended  at 
the  earl  of  Pembroke,  that  he  refused  to  aid  him,  and 
deliberately  heard  mass  throughout.  Whilst  he  was  en- 
gaged in  his  ablutions  previously  to  dining,  the  second 
messenger  entered,  tired,  pale,  and  covered  with  dust, 
and  his  steed  in  a  foam  from  hard  riding  to  avoid,  cap- 
ture by  the  pursuing  enemy.  Kneeling,  he  presented 
the  ring  to  sir  John,  saying,  '^  Right  dear  sir,  the  earl 
of  Pembroke  commends  himself  to  you  by  this  token, 
and  heartily  desires  your  assistance  to  relieve  him  from 
his    present   danger   at  Puirenon."     Chandos   took   the 


84  TAirWORTH 

signet^  merely  observing  that  if  the  earl  were  in  so 
great  difficulties^  he  could  not  assist  him.  He  then 
proceeded  to  dinner.  But  during  the  meal,  he  was 
grave  and  silent;  as  were  also  his  friends,  who  were 
vexed  at  his  resolution.  In  the  middle  of  the  second 
course,  he  suddenly  started  up  and  said, — "  Sirs,  the 
earl  of  Pembroke  is  a  noble  man,  and  of  great  lineage: 
he  is  son  of  my  natural  lord,  the  king  of  England,  for 
he  hath  married  his  daughter,  and  in  every  thing  he  is 
companion  to  the  earl  of  Cambridge.  He  hath  requested 
me  to  go  to  him,  and  I  ought  to  consent  to  his  desire.'' 
He  then  left  the  table,  crying  **  Grallant  knights,  I  will 
ride  to  Puirenon."  Every  one  rose  and  followed  him; 
and  soon  the  trumpets  summoned  all  to  arms. 

The  earl  of  Pembroke  still  continued  a  successful 
defence,  even  against  the  French  mattocks.  He  had, 
however,  given  up  all  hopes  of  relief.  When  on  the 
point  of  surrendering  because  of  weariness  and  the 
shortness  of  provisions,  he  espied  the  banners  of  his 
friends,  with  more  than  two  hundred  spears,  glittering  on 
the  hills,  in  the  rays  of  the  evening  sun.  The  French 
saw  them,  too,  and  fled.  The  English  then  joyfrdly  left 
the  village,  and  met  the  advancing  droops  about  a  league 
distant.  Aft^r  keeping  company  for  nine  miles,  Chandos 
returned  to  Poitiers,  and  Pembroke  went  to  Mortaigne. 
Thus  ended  this  singular  adventure,  so  characteristic  of 
the  bravery  and  spirit  of  the  age  of  chivalry. 

Iq  1371,  the  earl  had  to  lament  the  death  of  his 
friend,  sir  John  Chandos,  who  was  slain  in  the  des- 
perate battle  near  the  bridge  of  Lusac.  And  subse- 
quently he  vntnessed,  and  unavoidably  aided  in,  the 
decline  of  the  English  cause  in  France,  after  the 
decease  of  the  Black  Prince. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  85 

He  was  made  commander-in-chief  of  the  English 
forces  in  the  principality  of  Aquitaine^  in  1272,  when 
he  was  only  twenty-five  years  of  age.  In  June  of  the 
same  year,  he  sailed  with  a  fleet  of  forty  ships  for  the 
continent  Kochelle  was  then  closely  besieged  by  the 
French;  and  he  determined  to  sail  there  to  relieve  his 
countrymen.  No  sooner  had  he  arrived  at  the  harbour, 
when  he  fell  in  with  a  powerful  squadron,  which  was 
sent  to  the  assistance  of  the  enemy  by  Don  Henry, 
king  of  Castile.  Before  he  could  completely  arrange  his 
vessels  in  the  line  of  battle,  the  Spaniards  commenced 
a  furious  onset  The  combat  raged  until  the  evening  of 
the  ensuing  day ;  when  the  Spaniards  gained  a  complete 
victory,  with  comparatively  little  loss  to  themselves. 
Their  ships  were  larger  than  those  of  the  English,  and 
possessed  the  novelty  of  being  well  armed  with  cannon, 
by  which  great  havoc  was  committed.  All  the  earPs 
vessels  were  lost,  most  of  them  being  burned ;  and  the 
whole  of  the  royal  treasure  of  20,000  marks,  with  the 
supplies  intended  for  Edward's  troops  abroad,  fell  into 
the  hands  of  the  Spaniards.  The  earl  himself  and  all 
his  officers  were  made  prisoners.  This  signal  defeat 
proved  the  ruin  of  Edward's  cause  in  France.  He  was 
unable  to  carry  on  the  war  with  efficiency.  Guienne, 
Ponthieu,  and  the  other  provinces  became  an  easy  prey 
to  the  constable  of  France;  and  finally  very  few  places 
remained  in  the  hands  of  the  English. 

The  earl  of  Ponbroke  endured  a  long  captivity  in 
Spain;  and  his  fate  was,  for  a  long  time,  imknown. 
At  length,  he  contrived  to  send  intelligence  of  his  ex- 
istence to  Bertrand  Clekyn,  constable  of  France;  who, 
with  the  characteristic  nobleness  of  the  time,  which 
honoured  valour  even  in  an  enemy,  negociated,  and  at 
length   procured  his  release,  for  a  large  ransom.    The 


Ob  TAMWOBTH 

earl  proceeded  to  Paris,  in  order  to  see  his  deliyeier. 
From  thence  he  directed  his  course  towards  England. 
But  before  he  reached  Calais,  he  died  so  suddenly,  that 
suspicion  was  entertained  of  his  having  been  poisoned. 
This  opinion,  however,  appears  to  have  had  little  more 
foundation  than  surmise.  The  Spaniards  were  absurdly 
accused  of  having  administered  to  him  a  fieital  draught, 
the  operation  of  which  they  were  able  indefinitely  to 
regulate,  until  they  had  received  the  stipulated  ransom. 

The  earl  of  Pembroke  was  a  knight  of  the  most 
noble  Order  of  the  Garter.  His  decease  took  place  on 
the  16th  of  April,  1S75 ;  and  his  body,  belog  conveyed 
to  England,  was  interred  in  the  choir  of  the  friar- 
preachers'  church  at  Hereford.  He  was  the  first  Eng- 
lish subject  who  followed  the  example  of  Edward  IH. 
in  the  quartering  of  arms.  On  his  escutcheon,  placed 
upon  the  north  side  of  that  king's  monument,  in 
Westminster  abbey,  are  found — Or,  a  mandie  Qui.,  for 
Hastings ;  Barry  Arg.  and  Az.,  an  orle  of  martlets  6u., 
for  Valence.  He  married  first  Mai^aret  Plantagenet, 
fifth  daughter  of  Edward  HI.,  who  was  accounted  one 
of  the  most  learned  and  accomplished  ladies  of  the  age, 
and  was  the  great  patroness  of  the  poet  Chaucer.  She 
died  without  issue;  and  the  earl  took  as  his  second 
wife  Ann,  only  daughter  and  heiress  of  sir  Walter 
Manney,  K.  6.  For  this  purpose,  he  obtained  a  special 
papal  dispensation,  on  account  of  the  lady  being  related 
to  his  first  wife  just  within  the  d^ree  of  consanguinity, 
prohibited  by  the  strict  ecclesiastical  laws.  She  was 
grand-daughter  of  Thomas  de  Brotherton,  earl  of  Norfolk, 
the  uncle  of  Edward  III.    By  her  he  had  an  only  son, 

John  Hastings,  third  earl  of  Pembroke,  who,  at  his 
father's  death,  was  an  infant.  His  guardianship  was 
thereupon    committed    to    his    grand-mother    Margaret, 


CASTUa   AND   TOWN.  87 

relict  of  sir  Walter  Manney.*  At  the  coronation  of 
Richard  II.,  on  the  16th  of  June,  1377,  being  then 
little  more  than  four  years  of  age,  he  asserted  his  right 
to  the  honourable  service  of  carrying  the  great  golden 
spurs.  His  claim  was  fully  substantiated;  but,  on  ac- 
count of  his  youth,  the  office  was  assigned  to  Edmund 
Mortimer,  earl  of  March,  as  proxy,  to  whose  daughter 
the  young  earl  was  even  then  espoused. 

In  1389,  he  attended  the  king  during  the  time  that 
the  court  was  celebrating  the  Christmas  festivities  at 
Woodstock.  There  he  met  with  an  imtimely  and  me- 
lancholy death,  on  the  30th  of  December,  when  he  was 
but  seventeen  years  old.  Whilst  jousting  with  sir  John 
St  John,  he  received,  owing  to  an  accidental  slip  of  his 
opponent's  lance,  a  tremendous  blow  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  abdomen.  Being  so  severely  injured  that  the 
intestines  protruded  fix>m  the  wound,  he  directly  fell 
from  his  horse.  The  alarmed  attendants  immediately 
rushed  to  his  assistance;  but  he  expired  almost  directly 
in  the  greatest  agony,  before  he  could  be  removed  from 
the  spot.  '  This  unfortunate  circumstance  threw  a  deep 
gloom  over  the  whole  court,  and  effectually  put  a  stop 
to  the  joyousness  of  the  season;  for  he  was  highly  es- 
teemed by  all,  being  a  nobleman  of  very  great  promise, 
and  of  an  affable  and  generous  disposition.  He  married 
Philippa,  daughter  of  Edmund  Mortimer,  third  earl  of 
March;  but  he  died  childless,  and  with  him  the  earl- 
dom of  Pembroke  became  extinct.  He  was  buried  in 
the  church  of  the  Gbrey  friars,  near  Newgate,  in  London, 
now  called  Christ  church.  There  his  monument,  of  very 
fiur  and  beautiful  workmanship,  stood,  until  it  was 
defaced  in  the  religious  revolution  of  the  sixteenth 
century. 

1    CoQxt  rolli»  19  R.  n. 


ARMS  OF  HASTINGS  :«^R,  a  mancbi  ocl. 


DAYldI.,k.or8oots. 


Robctt,  portrere  of  lUitiiift, 

Wftlter  de  Hasttncs,  stewmrd  of  Hen.  LsHMtewiae. 

Hufh  de  HMtinKe,  lord»Bnielmrfa,  den.  of  Hugti* 
of  nUoficley,  oo.  Wanr.  I  niece  end  helreee  of  Sob. 
de  FUmvile 


HeDi7»  prince  sAde,  dan.    Hen.    MwrferT.sWQUem  deslde,  dan.    Rich. 


I 


of  Scotland,  e. 
of  Hnnting. 


I. 


ofWni.,e. 
of  Wanen 
ftSunrex. 


dan.  of 
Rog.  Btf  • 
ot,e.  of 
Norfolk. 


Haednca, 
■Coward  of 
Hen.  II. 
d.  1996. 


of  Hen., 
e.ofKa. 


of  Bar-  deWf- 
wellfC.  fonL 


Malcolm    WUBam      DaTld.  e.  of=Mand.  slat,  wmlamde 

IV.,  k.  of   the  Uon,    Hnntincdon  i  of  Ralph,  S  Hastinft, 

ScoCa.         kinc  of       and  Canick    e.  of  Chea-  d.  199S. 

Scot!.  I  ter.  I 

Margaret.  sAlan,e.  of   laabcU 

I  Qalloway.    sRob. 

Bruce. 


Hen.d.    niomaa,    pro- 
llfK,       geoitorofHaa. 
a.  p.        tinge,  earla  at 
Hoiittogdoo. 


I            I                    I  I              I 

Hen.    David.    John  Scott,  last  e.  ADA.sHaNBT  ds 

a.p.      s.p.      ofaie8ler,d.l937.  |  HAarinroe, 

a.p.  d.  1250. 


I  i  i  r 

Deryor-=JohnBa-    Helene  Roger  Qoinci,    Cbriatlana.    HairaT  Da= Joan,  list,  and 


gille. 


UoUe.of 
GaUowny. 


I  e.  of  Wlnchea- 
ter. 


s  Will.  e.  of   BASTivoa, 


John 


I 


r 


d.  1908. 


Maxg.   IwaAtSL  Helen.  Iiabell,3jonir  DB3laABstL,sRALFi 


heireea  of  Geo. 
deCantiiape, 
lafldofAbefgn- 
vcnny. 


BaU. 

ol,k.  e.  Per.  Com- 
of  reraft  inin,a. 
Boota.  Derby,  of 


tMuk  aiat.ft 
lord  coh.of 
ZoodL  Aymer 
deVal- 
•nce,e. 
of  Pen* 
broke. 


HAav- 
urea,  of 
Aberga- 
venny, 
9baron 
Haat- 
inga, 
d.  ISIS. 


',   Bdm.  Andry. 


.     Bdw.L 
of      DB        a  ba-    Lama.    k.  of 
Hugh        Mont-  roo 
Deepen-     bbb- 

OCT,  e.  of     MBB, 

Winchea-  e.  of 
ter.  «oac. 

&Heref. 
a.  p. 


Roger: 
Moit. 

=rsr 

Johnde 
Haa^ 

imer. 

ofWilL 

iage,S 

le.of 

Mon- 

baron 

Marc. 

tagne. 

Haat. 

d.lSM 

eTof 

in**. 

Salia- 

d.  1995. 

bury. 

J        i 1        I       I      I       1 

.  WUL,  Blisab.    Joan,  Hugh,  Hio.  Edw.    Tho. 

d.andh.  Hen.    =:Rog.    Maig.  of  II.  k.    of 

ofTho.     ■.».     lord  Graea-  of        Bro- 

deLey-  Grey  of  Ingball,      .  Eng-    thcr- 

ban,n  RhUp  co.ef 


9,  Tho. 
laBloont, 

=:S,WIU. 


lyn 


Noif. 


e.  of  Hon- 
tinfcdon. 


e.of 
Nor- 
folk. 


I 


d.y.p.  aBTho.Bean-  d.  9Sth 
champ,  e.  of  of  July, 
Warwick.       1S5S. 


Agnea.=LAWBBNCB  DB    Kdwardlll.,    Sir  Walters  Margaret, 


HAeriwoa,  ere-    k.  of  Bng- 
ated  e.  of  Fern-    land, 
broke,  d.  1340.      | 


Manney, 
K.G. 


I 
Roger  MortlnMr, 
9e.  ofMarch« 


■,    Uonel,(l 


-1 I 

,  d.  of   Margarets  John  HAenwoa,  K.  G. 
Caarencc.       naniage- 1  9nd  e.  of  Pembroke, 
I  net,  l8t     I  d.  1375. 

wife.      a.p. 


ofNocf. 


Rdm.  Mortimer,  9  e.  of  March. 


sPhiUppa. 


Ann,  9nd  wife;  d. 
on  Palmeonday, 
1384. 


Roger  Mortimer, 
5  e.  of  March. 


Bdmund. 
sAdan. 
of  Owen 
Glendower. 


John.    Elitabeth. 


I 


B  Henry 
Hotspur. 


Philippe,  9  Rich.  =  John  Hastings, 
fitz  Alen,  e.  of      I  3  and  last  e.  of 
Arundel. =3  John    Pembroke,  slain 
St.  John.  I  in  1389. 

B.P. 


CASTLB   AND  TOWN.  89 

On  the  death  of  the  last  earl  of  Pembroke,  his 
estates  passed  to  his  next  heir,  Beginald,  lord  Grey  of 
Bttthyn,  grandson  of  Roger,  who,  as  we  before  said, 
married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John,  second  baron 
Hastings.  Amongst  them,  Wigginton  was  included; 
though  such  was  not  the  case  with  Tamworth.  The 
moiety  returned  again  into  the  immediate  possession  of 
the  crown;  where  it  ever  after  remained.'  And  here 
we  leave  the  Staffordshire  side  of  the  town,  to  give  the 
history  of  that  part  in  the  county  of  Warwick. 

From  the  time  of  the  conquest  nearly  to  the  close 
of  Henry  Illrd's  reign,  the  Warwickshire  side  of  Tam- 
worth continued  in  the  immediate  possession  of  the 
crown.  For  it,  were  rendered  the  aids,  which  we  haye 
before  specified;  and,  in  1236,  the  annual  fee*&rm  rent 
amounted  to  4/.  16«.'  But  in  1266,  the  king  granted 
it,  with  all  the  royal  demesnes  in  the  other  part  of  the 
town  and  Wigginton,  to  Philip  de  Marmyon,  lord  of 
the  Castle,  at  a  yearly  rent  of  34/.  6g.  9d.  After  the 
restoration  of  that  portion  belonging  to  the  Hastings' 
fimiily,  he  still  retained  this  mmety,  and  held  it  until 
his  death  in  1291.  It  then  returned  into  the  hands  of 
the  king.' 

Edward  II.,  in  1317,  bestowed  it  upon  Baldwin  Freyile, 
during  the  royal  pleasure,  for  the  old  accustomed  sum 
of  4/.  168. 

The  lease  to  Frevile  very  soon  expired ;  for  the  king, 
in  the  next  year,  gave  this  part  of  the  town  to  the 
inhabitants,  under  the  title  of  men  and  tenants,  their 
heirs    and  successors  for  ever;  with  all  liberties,   free 


1    Oomt  rolto,  18  R.  II. }  91, 29,  H.  VI. 
1   Thi&  accfmiit  of  the  Warwickshire  part  is  derived  from  Dngdale's  history  of  the 
covDty,  except  where  other  anthorities  ai«  mentioned. 
3    Court  rolls,  IS,  so  E.  I. 


90  TAMWORTH 

cufitoms,  commodities,  profits,  easements,  and  others 
belonging  to  it,  which  they  and  their  ancestors  had 
reasonably  held.  A  reservation  was  made  of  the  ancient 
rent,  with  20«.  increase,  and  of  tallage,  aids,  and  other 
customs  usually  paid  to  the  crown  in  past  times.'  This 
grant  subsequently  leceiyed  confirmation  firom  every  king 
down  to  the  time  of  Edward  IV.  Thus  we  have  the 
letters  patent  of  Edward  III.,  dated  in  13S1 ;  of  Richard 
II.,  in  1877;  of  Henry  IV.,  in  1400;  of  Henry  V.,  in 
1414;  of  Henry  VI,  in  1488;  and  of  Edward  IV., 
in  1467.« 

In  1817,  the  inhabitants  obtained  royal  licence  to  take 
toll  for  all  commodities  brought  here  for  sale,  a  half- 
penny for  every  quarter  of  wheat,  &c.,  during  the  space 
of  three  years,  to  defray  the  expences  of  paving  the 
town.  At  the  expiration  of  the  specified  time,  in  1820, 
the  licence  was  renewed  for  a  similar  term.  But  it 
would  appear  that  the  profits  of  the  toUs  were  insuf- 
ficient for  the  completion  of  the  design;  as  grants,  for 
the  same  purpose,  were  made  by  Edward  II.,  in  1825, 
and  by  his  successor  in  1828,  1886,  and  1841. 

Besides  these  concessions  for  the  improvement  of  the 
moiety,  the  inhabitants,  in  1887,  obtained  a  charter 
fit)m  Edward  HI.,  empowering  them  to  establish  two 
annual  fidrs,  one  to  be  held  on  the  feast  of  St.  Greorge 
the  Martyr,  the  other  on  that  of  St.  Edward  the 
Confessor,  with  the  usual  courts  of  pie-poudre;  and 
both  to  continue  for  three  days  afterwards.  And  in 
1441,  another  patent  was  granted  for  taking  toll  of  all 
vendible  articles,  during  the  four  ensuing  years,  towards 
the  completion  of  the  pavement,  and  the  repair  of 
Bolebridge. 

1    Ptt.  4  B.  III.,  per  iDtpeximiu :— Corpoimtion  Records, 
fl    Oorporatloii  Reoorcto. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  91 

We  find  that  on  the  Ist  of  July,  1609,  the  fee-farm 
rent  of  5/.  168.  was,  amongst  others,  assigned  for  life 
as  a  part  of  the  portion  of  the  unfortunate  but  noble- 
minded  and  virtuous  Catherine  of  Arragon,  the  first 
consort  of  Henry  YIII.  To  her  it  was  paid  in  half-yearly 
sums  at  Michaelmas  and  Easter.  She  enjoyed  it  until 
the  period  when  the  pride  of  the  king,  aroused  at  the 
probability  of  his  family  fidling  in  the  male  line,  and 
the  smiles  and  blandishments  of  a  fairer  rival,  led  to 
her  divorce.  The  payment  then,  on  the  Slst  of  March, 
16S3-4,  passed  to  the  second  wife  of  the  king,  Ann 
Boleyn.  But  when  she  too  was  supplanted  by  the 
arts  which  she  had  employed,  and  had  terminated  her 
short  career  by  a  mournful  death,  it  passed  to  Jane 
Seymour,  third  wife  of  Henry.  This  lady  held  it  until 
her  decease,  on  the  birth  of  a  son,  afterwards  Edward  YI. 
In  15S7,  the  rent  returned  to  the  crown,  and  rested 
there.' 

Having  now  spoken  of  each  separate  side  of  the  town, 
we  must  return  to  the  history  of  Tamworth  generally. 

From  the  reign  of  Richard  II.,  to  the  commencement 
of  that  of  Elizabeth,  very  few  incidents  occur  of  par- 
ticular interest.  We  can  trace  little,  except  such  cir- 
cumstances as  are  almost  necessarily  connected  with  the 
bare  existence  of  the  place.  Situated  in  the  very  midst 
of  the  kingdom,  £Eur  removed  firom  the  precincts  of  the 
court,  and  firom  the  busy  strife  of  political  movements, 
it  continued  in  its  wonted  peaceful  state,  undisturbed 
and  almost  unobserved.  Yet  in  one  or  two  instances, 
the  town  emerged  firom  its  general  obscurity  to  obtain 
some  degree  of  celebrity  throughout  the  coimtry.  On 
the  first  occasion,  it  comes  before  our  notice  in  a  more 

1    AGqatttanon,  temp.  H.  VIII :— Corporatioii  Records. 


92  TAmVOftTH 

^TniiBing  manner  than  perhaps  the  whole  history  of 
other  places  could  present^  whose  names  rank  higher 
in  the  annals  of  our  country.  In  the  reign  of  Edward 
rV.,  an  incident  is  said  to  have  occurred,  which  has 
afforded  the  subject  of  a  long  ballad  of  very  great  fiime 
in  olden  times,  entitled  ''  King  Edward  and  the  Tanner 
of  Tamworth."  It  arose  from  the  circumstance  of  the 
king's  meeting,  in  an  hunting  excursion,  a  tanner, 
whose  homeliness  was  made  the  butt  of  royal  wit 
The  poor  man,  mistaking  his  majesty  for  a  robber, 
afforded  him  much  amusement;  but  he  was  wril  re- 
warded in  the  end.  We  will,  however,  aUow  the  quaint 
rhymes  of  our  merry  foie£EiiherB  to  relate  the  tale.  Those 
of  our  readers  who  are  acquainted  wi&  the  locality,  wiH 
at  once  recc^niae  the  place  of  meeting  to  have  been  on 
the  recently  enclosed  heath,  between  Sutton  Goldfield 
and  Basset's  pole;  firom  whence  the  tanner  must  have 
been  journeying  to  Tamworth. 

In  summer  time,  when  leaves  grow  greene, 

And  blossoms  bedoeke  the  tree, 
King  Edward  wolde  a  hunting  ryde. 

Some  pastime  Ibr  to  see. 

With  hawke  and  hovnde,  he  made  him  bowne,' 

With  home,  and  eke  with  bowe ; 
To  Drayton  Basset  he  tooke  his  waye, 

With  aU  his  lordes  a  rowe. 

And  he  had  ridden  ore  dale  and  downs, 

By  eight  of  clocke  in  the  day. 
When  he  was  ware  of  a  boM  tanner 

Come  ryding  along  the  waye. 

A  iayre  russet  coat  the  tanner  had  on, 

Fast  buttoned  under  his  chin. 
And  under  him  a  good  cow-hide. 

And  a  mare  of  four  shilling. 

"  Nowe  stand  you  still,  my  good  lordes  all. 

Under  the  grene  wood  spraye; 
And  I  will  wend  to  yonder  fellowe, 

To  weet<  what  he  will  saye. 

1    i.  e.  ready.  s   i.  e.  to  know. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  98 

God  gpeede,  God  speede  thee,"  laid  our  long, 

"  Thoa  art  welcome,  lir/'  sajd  hee : 
"  Tlie  readyest  waje  to  Drayton  Baaset, 

I  praye  thee  to  ihowe  to  mee/' 

«  To  Drayton  Baiiet  woldst  thoa  goe, 

Fro  the  place  iriiere  tiios  dost  itaiid  ? 
The  next  payre  of  gallowea  thoa  comeat  onto, 

Tome  in  upon  thy  right  hand.'' 

"  That  ia  an  nnreadye  waye,"  aayd  oar  king, 

<*  Thoa  doeit  bat  jest  I  aee: 
Nowe  shewe  me  oat  the  neareat  waye, 

And  I  pray  thee  wend  with  mee.** 

**  Awaye  witii  a  vengeanoe  I"  qaotii  the  tanner : 

"IhoUtheeootoftfaywIttt 
All  daye  have  I  rydden  on  Brocke  my  mare, 

And  I  am  fiurting  yett." 

*<  Go  with  me  downe  to  Drayton  Baiaet, 

No  dayntiea  we  will  fpare ; 
All  daye  shalt  thoa  eate  and  drinke  of  the  best, 

And  I  wia  paye  thy  hn." 

**  Grramereye  Ibr  nothing,"  the  tanner  replyde, 

**  Thoa  payeat  no  Ikre  of  mine : 
I  trowe  I're  more  nobles  in  my  parse. 

Than  thoa  hast  pence  in  thine." 

•*  God  give  thee  joy  of  diem,*'  sayd  the  king, 

"And  send  them  well  to  pridb." 
The  tanner  wolde  fidne  hare  beene  away, 

Fdr  he  weende^  he  had  beene  a  tfaiefe. 

"  What  art  thoa,"  hee  sayde,  *'  thoa  fine  fellowe. 

Of  thee  I  am  in  great  feare. 
For  the  doathes,  thoa  wearest  apon  thy  baoke, 

Bfigfat  beseeme  a  lord  to  weare.'* 

**  I  nerer  stole  them,"  qnoth  oar  king, 

"  I  tell  yoa,  sir,  by  the  roode." 
**  Then  thoa  playest  as  many  an  onthrift  doth, 

And  standest  in  midds  of  thy  goode." 

"  What  tydinges  heare  yoa,"  sayd  the  kynge, 

*'  As  yoa  ryde  larre  and  neare  ?" 
'*  I  heare  no  tydinges,  sir,  by  the  masse. 

Bat  that  cowe-hides  are  deare." 

'*  Cowe-hidesl  cowe-hidesl  wlmt  things  are  those? 

I  marreU  what  they  bee?" 
"  What  art  thoa  a  Ibole  ?"  tiie  tanner  reply'd ; 

"  I  carry  one  onder  mee.'* 

"  What  eraftnnan  art  thoa,"  ssid  the  king, 
'*  I  praye  thee  tell  me  tiowe." 

1   i.e. 


94  TAMWORTH 


'*  I  am  a  barker,  air,  by  my  trade ; 
Nowe  tell  me  wbat  art  thoa  ?" 

*'  I  am  a  poore  coartier,  air,*'  qaoth  he, 

"  That  am  forth  of  aenrice  wome  ; 
And  fiune  I  wolde  thy  prentiae  bee. 

Thy  cuminge  for  to  feame." 

*'  Marrye  heaTen  forefead,"!  the  tanner  leplyde, 

**  That  thoa  my  prentiae  were : 
Thoa  woldat  apend  more  good  than  I  ihold  winne 

By  fortye  shilling  a  yeare." 

"  Yet  one  thinge  wolde  I,**  aayd  oar  king, 

**  If  thoa  wilt  not  aeeme  atrange, 
Thoaghe  my  hone  be  better  than  thy  mare, 

Yet  with  tiiee  I  fidne  wolde  change/* 

"  Why  if  witfi  me  thoa  fiune  wilt  diaqge, 

Aa  change  fdl  well  maye  wee, 
By  the  tuSi  of  my  bodye,  tiioa  proade  idlowe, 

I  will  have  aome  boot  of  thee/' 

''  That  were  against  reason,**  aayd  the  king, 

"  I  Bweare,  so  mote  I  thee  :* 
My  horae  ia  better  than  thy  mare, 

And  that  thoa  well  mayst  aee.** 

'*  Yea,  air,  bat  Brooke  ia  gentle  and  mild, 

And  softly  she  will  five: 
Thy  horse  ia  onrolye  and  wild,  I  wiss; 

Aye  skipping  here  and  theare." 

**  What  boote  wiU  thoa  haTC  ?"  oar  king  reply'd ; 

•<  Now  teU  me  in  thia  stoonde.** 
'*  Noe  penoe,  nor  half  pence,  by  my  fiiye. 

Bat  a  noble  in  gold  ao  roond." 

**  Here's  twentye  groatea  of  white  moneye, 

Sith  tiiott  wilt  haTe  it  of  mee." 
**  I  woold  have  awome  now,"  qaoth  the  tanner, 

*'  Thoa  hadst  not  had  one  pennie. 

Bat  aince  we  two  haye  made  a  change, 

A  change  we  must  abide. 
Although  thou  hast  gotten  Brooke  my  mare. 

Thou  gettest  not  my  oowe-hide." 

'*  I  will  not  have  it,"  sayd  the  kynge, 

**  I  sweare,  so  mought  I  thee ; 
Thy  fottle  cowe-hide  I  wolde  not  beare, 

If  thou  woldst  giye  it  to  mee." 

The  tanner  hee  tooke  hia  good  oowe-hide. 

That  of  the  cow  was  hilt; 
And  threwe  it  upon  the  king'a  sadelle, 

That  was  soe  fayrelye  gilte. 

1    i.  e.  forbid.  9    So  might  I  thrive  :-«  kind  of  oath. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  96 

"  Now  help  me  up,  thou  fine  fellowe, 

'TU  time  that  I  were  gone : 
When  I  come  home  to  Gyllian  my  wife, 

Shed  say  I  am  a  gentilmon." 

The  king  he  tooke  him  np  by  the  legge ; 

The  tanner  a  f***  lettfaU.      . 
'*  Now,  marrye,  good  fellowe,"  sayd  the  kyng, 

'<  Thy  oonrtesye  is  but  smalL" 

When  the  tanner  he  was  in  the  ktnges  sadeUe, 

And  his  foote  in  the  stimip  was ; 
He  marreUed  greatlye  in  his  minde, 

Whether  it  were  golde  or  brass. 

Bat  when  his  steede  saw  the  cow's  taile  wagge, 

And  eke  the  blacke  cowe-bome  ; 
He  stamped,  and  stared,  and  awaye  he  ranne, 

As  the  devill  had  liim  borne. 

The  tanner  he  pnild,  the  tanner  he  sweat, 

And  held  by  the  pnmmil  fast : 
At  length  the  tanner  came  tumbling  downe ; 

His  necke  he  had  weU*nye  brast. 

*'  Take  thy  horse  again,"  with  a  yengeance  he  sayd, 

"  With  me  he  shall  not  byde." 
"  My  horse  wolde  have  borne  thee  well  enoughe. 

But  he  knewe  not  of  thy  cowe*hide. 

Yet  if  againe  tiion  fahie  woldst  change. 

As  change  ftill  well  may  weci 
By  the  fidth  of  my  bodye,  thou  jolly  tanner, 

I  will  haye  some  boote  of  thee." 

**  What  boote  wilt  thon  haye,"  the  tanner  replyd, 

"  Now  tell  me  in  this  stonnde  ?" 
**  Noe  pence,  nor  half  pence,  sir,  by  my  faye, 

Bat  I  will  haye  twentye  poand." 

"  Here's  twentye  groates  oat  of  my  parse ; 

And  twentye  I  haye  of  thine  : 
And  I  haye  one  more,  which  we  will  spend 

Together  at  the  wine." 

The  king  set  a  bogle  home  to  his  moathe. 

And  blewe  both  loade  and  shrille : 
And  soone  came  lords,  and  soone  came  knights, 

Fast  ryding  oyer  the  hille. 

**  Nowe,  oat  alas  1 "  the  tanner  he  cryde, 

"  That  eyer  I  saw  this  daye  1 
Thoa  art  a  strong  thiefe,  yon  come  thy  feUowes 

WHl  beare  my  cowe-hide  away.** 

'*  They  are  no  thieyes,'*  the  king  replyde, 

'*  I  sweare,  soe  mote  I  thee : 
Bat  they  are  the  lords  of  the  north  coontrey, 

Here  come  to  hant  with  mee.*' 


96  TAMWORTH 

And  looDe  before  our  king  they  came, 

And  knelt  downe  on  the  gronnde : 
Then  might  the  turner  haye  beene  awaye, 

He  had  le?er  than  twentye  ponnde* 

"  A  coUer,  a  ooller  here,"  aajd  the  kii«. 

A  collar  he  load  gan  crye : 
Then  wolde  he  lever  then  twentye  poond, 

He  bad  not  beene  ao  nighe. 

"  A  ooller,  a  ooller/'  the  tanner  he  eayd, 

**  I  tfowa  it  will  breed  lorrowe : 
After  a  ooUer  oommeth  a  halter, 

I  trow  1  shall  be  hang'd  to-morrowe. 

"  Be  not  afraid  Tanner,"  said  our  king ; 

*'  I  tell  thee,  so  mooght  I  thee, 
Lo  here  I  make  thee  the  beat  eaqoire 

That  b  in  the  north  oonntrie. 

For  Plumpton-parke  I  will  give  thee, 

With  tenemenU  faire  beside: 
*Tis  worth  three  hundred  markea  by  the  yeare. 

To  mainuine  thy  good  oowe-hide." 

*'  Grsmercye,  my  liege,"  the  tanner  replyde, 

"  For  the  fSsTOor  iStoa  bait  me  ahowne ; 
If  ever  thon  oomest  to  merry  Tamworth, 

Neatest  leader  shall  doat  thy  shoen.<  " 

1    i.e.oow*s         9  Ferer'sBellQttBsofanGlaitBogllsh  poetry. 

Y  Tliflra  appear  to  have  been  aereral  slight  variatkNis  fai  dtftrent  copies  of  the 
baUad.  For  histanoe,  the  author  of  the  "  Art  of  SofUdi  poesle,'*  IftSff.  qaodnc  the 
tennlnatiiig  line  of  the  fourth  ytnt  from  the  end,  as  an  example  of  the  Tidoos  mode 


of  speech,  called  by  the  Greeks,  Acraoir,  makes  the  tanner  exclaim  in  his  fright  at 
the  liberties  which  he  had  taken  with  the  sorereign,  "  I  hope  I  shall  be  hanged  to- 
morrow,'* meaning,  *'  I  am  afraid  I  shall  be  hanged,**-«  periaishm  of  language  not 
entirely  extinct  among  the  lower  orders  at  thepresent  day.  Again,  the  next  Terse  is 
rsstored  from  8elden*s  *'  Titles  of  Honoor.**  Ims  celebrated  author  brings  forward 
the  ballad  as  no  contemptible  authority  to  show  that  one  mode  of  creating  esquires,  at 
the  time,  was  by  the  tanpositlon  of  a  coUari  for  it  is  worthy  of  notioe  that  no  doubt  has 
crer  been  expressed  of  ttM  actual  occurence  of  ttie  adventure  between  the  Ung  and  the 
tanner,  or  of  the  correctness  of  the  popular  relation.    In  other  places,  the  vcne  ran 

^^ '-'  Awayv  with  thy  ttm*,  dm  JeOy  namr. 

For  the  BMrt  thoa  hut  •hown  to  me, 
I  w«MB  DM  haltiT  than  ■hah  wwve, 
Bot  dieo  dudt  ham  •  halKhfs  fM. 

This  seems  to  have  been  a  later  version;  and  is,  in  (act,  far  from  being  correct.  Percy, 
before  he  met  with  the  amendment  in  Selden's  work,  believed  that  the  tanner  wan  cre- 
ated a  knight,  and  that  the  rustic  mistook  the  word  '*  acolade"  for  **  a  collar;'*  or  that 
the  imposition  of  a  collar  was  the  only  ceremony  needed.  But  these  coi^ectures  are 
wrong.  A  collar  was  really  demanded ;  and  knighthood  could  only  be  conferred  by 
giving  the  acolade,  or  blow  with  the  sword,  which  is  not  directly  stated  to  have  been 
adopted  on  this  occasion. 

It  is,  hideed.  faicredible,  that  the  king  should  have  admitted  into  the  rank  of  knights, 
then  so  esteemed  and  honoured,  an  ignorant  and  boorish  tanner.  The  title  of  esquire 
was  certainly  the  highest  which  he  could  have  bestowed.  It  was  left  for  sovereinu 
subsequently  to  ttie  rei^n  of  Blicabeth  to  degrade  the  sword  of  knighthood  by  laying 
it,  almost  vrithout  dlscriminatian,  upon  those  alike  unfitted  in  station  and  persooal 
qualitiea.  Some  other  better  and  more  suimble  means  of  reward  mig^t  surely  be  de- 
vised for  those  whose  only  vreapon  was  the  goose-quill,  or  whose  greatest  nat  the 
presentation  of  a  loyal  address.  Then  the  once  dignified  institntion  of  knights  might 
be  confined  within  its  legitimate  and  proper  limits,  and  oonstitnte  a  mark  of  distinctkm 
in  the  army  for  bravery,  or  at  least  in  such  cases,  where  deeds  of  prowess  and  tntre- 
pidity  have  been  achieved.  But  truly  the  age  of  chivalry  is  fied,  and  its  honours 
prostrated  in  the  dust. 


GENERAL  HISTORY: 

CONTINUED. 


In  the  time  of  Richard  III.^  Tamworth  again  became 
a  place  of  notoriety.  Henry^  earl  of  Richmond^  with 
his  forces,  passed  through  it  on  his  way  to  Bosworth, 
where  he  was  about  to  encounter  the  army  of  the  king. 

To  the  throne  of  England,  Richmond  had  been  in- 
duced to  aspire,  by  the  promises  of  support  which  he 
leceiyed  from  the  numerous  and  powerful  adherents  of 
the  house  of  Lancaster,  who  were  discontented  at  see- 
ing one  of  the  opposite  fietction  of  York  in  possession  of 
the  regal  authority.  On  account  of  his  intrigues,  he 
had  been  compelled  to  quit  the  coimtry;  but,  after 
a  short  time,  his  party  having  increased,  he  determi- 
ned to  prosecute  his  ambitious  schemes  with  the  sword. 

For  this  purpose,  on  the  1st  of  August,  1485,  Henry 
embarked  for  England  at  Harfleet,  in  Normandy,  with 
about  S,000  troops,  in  a  few  ships.  Directing  his 
course  towards  Wales,  after  seven  days'  sail,  he  arrived 
at  Milford-Haven ;  where  he  landed.  It  had  been  his 
first  intention  to  direct  his  course  to  London,  and 
attempt  to  seize  the  capital  at  once.  But  now,  hear- 
ing that  Richard  was  in  the  north,  he  changed  his 
plans,  and  resolved  to  meet  the  king,  in  order  by  one 
great  blow  to  decide  the  fortimes  of  the  war.  He 
marched     to  Shrewsbury,    and  afterwards    to    Stafford. 

0 


98  TAMWORTH 

From  thence  he  proceeded  to  Lichfield.  His  forces, 
during  the  whole  time,  received  continual  augmentation 
by  desertions  from  the  party  of  Richard. 

Breaking  up  his  camp  at  Lichfield,  the  earl  of  Rich- 
mond, on  the  18th  of  August,  sent  forwards  his  troops 
to  Tamworth.  He,  himself,  followed  with  a  body-guard 
of  twenty  light-horsemen.  Midway  between  the  two 
places,  he  was  met  by  sir  Walter  Hungerford  and  sir 
Thomas  Bourchier,  knights,  with  many  others.  They 
had  secretly  quitted  the  royal  army,  a  little  beyond 
Stoney-Stratford ;  and  fled,  under  the  cover  of  night, 
by  unfirequented  and  circuitous  paths,  until  they  en- 
countered the  earl.  After  a  few  words  of  courtesy  and 
kindness,  Richmond  sent  on  his  new  allies  to  join  the 
rest  of  the  company.  Falling  into  a  fit  of  deep  ab- 
straction, whilst  musing  on  his  fortunes  and  reflecting 
on  his  hazardous  enterprize,  he  lingered  so  far  behind 
his  troops  that  he  entirely  lost  sight  of  them;  and 
they  arrived  at  Tamworth  without  him.  It  was  then 
simset;  and,  night  rapidly  closing  in,  he  missed  his  way, 
perhaps  at  Coton,  near  Hopwas.  After  wandering  for 
some  time,  he  came  to  a  little  viUage  about  three  miles 
distant,  probably  Elford.  Fearing  that  he  might  fall 
into  the  hands  of  Richard's  scouts  who  were  spread 
throughout  the  whole  country,  and  alarmed  at  the  re- 
port which  he  had  heard  of  the  king's  arrival  in  the 
immediate  neighbourhood,  he  dared  not  address  any 
person  to  ask  for  a  guide  or  enquire  the  direction  of 
the  town.  He  was,  therefore,  compelled  to  dismount 
and  conceal  himself  as  well  as  he  could.  Every  mo- 
ment, afiraid  that  his  horse  should  betray  him,  dreading 
the  slightest  sound,  and  frequently  imagining  that  some 
foe  was  approaching,  he  spent  the  night  in  anxious 
watchfulness  and  perturbation. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  99 

The  first  faint  glimmerings  in  the  east^  which  an- 
nounced the  dawn  of  day^  must  have  been  joyfully 
welcomed  by  Richmond.  When  the  light  had  sufficiently 
increased,  he  re-mounted  his  horse.  Fortunately  dis- 
covering the  town,  he  arrived  there  in  safety  to  the 
great  satisfaction  of  his  followers.  Amongst  them,  his 
unexpected  absence  had  caused  much  wonderment  and 
consternation. 

Henry  considered  it  impolitic  to  confess  the  truth,  lest 
his  accident  might  damp  the  ardour  of  the  soldiery. 
He,  therefore,  stated  that  he  had  been  to  an  appointed 
place,  and  had  received  favourable  intelligence  firom 
some  of  his  secret  friends.  After  his  accession  to  the 
throne,  he  first  gave  a  true  account  of  this  singular 
adventure.^ 

After  riding  publicly  through  the  streets  of  Tam- 
worth  that  his  safety  might  be  well  known,  and  his 
troops  reanimated  by  his  presence,  he  again  left  them 
and  went  to  Atherstone.  There,  in  a  small  and  retired 
field,  he  conferred  with  lord  Stanley,  his  father-in-law, 
and  sir  William  Stanley,  concerning  the  measures  neces- 
sary to  be  adopted  in  the  impending  battle.*    Although 

1  Sach  is  the  oommonly-reeeiTed  TeraioD  of  RiclimoDd*8  snppoted  stnmse  and 
pcriloDS  adTcntaie,  in  his  march  from  Lichfield  to  Tunworth,  on  the  eyening  of  Thun- 
imf,  Anput  18, 1485.  Bot  it  will  not,  we  think,  be  dUHcnlt  to  shew  that  Richmond  most 
probablf  deriatcd  from  his  path  for  the  express  purpose  of  secretly  conferring  with 
sooM  frtenda  of  his  cause,  or  Tisiting  his  mother,  or  other  members  of  the  Stanley 
tuoUj :  and  that  he  spent  the  night  either  at  Whittington,  or  Elford,  then  the  property 
and  occasional  residence  of  the  Stanleys.  This  view  of  the  snl^ect  receives  some 
conoboration  frxnn  the  statement  given  by  Richmond  himself,  of  the  canse  of  his 
portentous  afaeence,  on  the  morning  of  his  arrival  at  Tamworth.  The  Author's  Father, 
who  has  paid  some  attention  to  this  cnrions  and  interesting  point  of  historical  research, 
has  pronndsed  to  concentrate  in  a  note,  all  the  information  which  he  possesses,  or  here- 
after may  be  enabled  to  collect,  on  tiie  sataject.  The  result  of  his  investigations  will 
be  given  in  tlie  appendix. 

9  This  memorable  interview  is  stated  by  Hntton— Battlb  of  BoswoaTH-FisLD, 
p.  59-492.— to  have  taken  place  on  the  night  of  Saturday,  August  SO,  in  a  UtUe  field 
eaUedthe  *HaU.Close,'  "situated  one  hundred  yards  behind  the  Three  Tons,  Joining 
the  Coieshill  road  on  the  left,  through  which  the  canal  now  passes.**  It  is,  moreover, 
somewhat  looedy  intimated  by  the  same  writer  that "  Henry  slept  one  night  at  least" 
at  the  said  Inn,  which  formed  his  headquarters.  If  this  statement  be  ooirect.  Miss 
Strickland's  account  of  Richmond  having  lost  his  way  on  the  night  of  the  20th,  upon 
AtherstODe-moor  in  returning  frxnn  his  Interview  with  the  Stanleys,  must  be  utterly 
destitnte  of  fbnndatlon.  Vrom  what  source,  the  highly-gifted  and  generally  accurate 
histofian  of  "  the  Queens  of  England"  derived  her  materials  for  this  very  improbable 
story,  we  are  at  a  loss  to  conceive.  The  writers,  to  whose  authority  she  refers— Speed, 
Rapfai,  and  Hvtton  at  least— do  not,  in  the  most  distant  manner,  advert  to  it. 


534864 


100  TAMWORTH 

a  secret  friend  and  adviser,  the  former  had  not  yet 
openly  advocated  Richmond's  cause.  Richard  had  re- 
tained lord  Strange,  as  an  hostage  for  the  fidelity  of 
his  father;  and  had  treason  been  suspected,  the  son 
would  at  once  have  been  sacrificed.  But  in  the  battle, 
Stanley  took  the  side  which  his  paternal  aflbction  had 
prevented  him  from  previously  acknowledging. 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  Richmond  was 
joined  by  sir  John  Savage,  sir  Brian  Sandford,  and 
sir  Simon  Digby.  They  had  deserted  with  their  friends 
and  followers,  from  Richard's  party,  then  vnth  him  at 
Leicester.  Having  returned  to  Tamworth,  the  earl 
marched  thence  with  all  his  forces  to  encounter  the 
army  of  the  king:  and  the  two  rivals  met  in  the  neigh* 
bourhood  of  Market-Bosworth,  in  Leicestershire.  On 
Monday,  the  22nd  of  August,  the  battle  was  fought 
Richard,  who,  whatever  may  be  the  crimes  laid  to  his 
charge,  was  a  brave  and  accomplished  soldier,  displayed 
his  courage  in  a  remarkable  manner.  Discontent  and 
treachery,  however,  were  rife  amongst  his  troops.  His 
army  was  defeated,  and  he,  himself,  slain  in  the  thickest 
of  the  fight.  The  battle  thus  decided,  the  army  of 
Richmond  sang  the  Te  Deum.  Clapping  their  hands, 
they  saluted  him  with  the  title  of  Henry  VH.  And 
the  crown  of  Richard  was  placed  by  lord  Stanley  on 
the  head  of  the  conqueror.* 

The  connection  of  Tamworth  with  the  history  of  the 
nation,  at  the  translation  of  the  sceptre  fit)m  the  house 
of  York  to  that  of  Lancaster  has  not  escaped  the  notice 
of  the  mighty  bard  of  the  Avon.  By  his  pen,  the  town 
has  been  recorded  in  the  immortal  page,  which  would 

1    Hall's  Uuion.^HoliuBhcd's  Chronicles  of  England,  &c. 


TOWN   AND   CASTLE.  101 

transmit  its  memory,  even  if  the  place  of  its  existence 
should  be  forgotten.  In  the  play  of  Richard  III.,  one  of 
the  most  celebrated  of  his  historical  tragedies,  a  scene 
of  the  fifth  act  is  laid  in  a  plain  near  Tamworth. 
There  Richmond  is  represented  as  thus  addressing  his 
followers,  to  inflame  their  minds,  and  urge  them  on, 
with  greater  boldness  to  the  battle-field. 

"  FellowB  in  armfl,  and  my  most  loving  friends, 

Bniia'd  nndemeath  the  yoke  of  tyranny, 

Thus  far  into  the  bowels  of  the  land 

Have  we  march'd  on  without  impediment; 

And  here  receive  we  from  our  fiither  Stanley 

Lines  of  fidr  comfort  and  encouragement. 

The  wretched,  bloody,  and  nsorping  boar, 

That  spoil'd  your  summer  fields  and  fraitM  vines, 

Swills  yoor  warm  blood  like  vrash,  and  makes  his  trough 

In  your  embowell'd  bosoms,  this  fonl  swine 

Lies  now  even  in  the  centre  of  this  isle, 

Near  to  the  town  of  Leioester,  as  we  learn : 

From  Tunworth  thither  is  bnt  one  day's  march. 

In  God's  name,  cheerly  on,  conrageons  friends, 

To  reap  the  harvest  of  perpetnal  peace 

By  this  one  bloody  trial  of  sharp  war.'' 

Shakespeare,  in  designating  Richard  III.  as  a  wild 
boar,  has  given  him  the  opprobrious  appellation,  by 
which  he  was  often  distinguished  amongst  his  adversaries, 
and  the  firiends  of  Richmond.  The  name  was  first 
suggested  by  the  king's  having  a  hog  for  one  of  the 
supporters  of  his  arms.  In  1484,  William  CoUingbume, 
of  Lydiard,  in  Wiltshire,  was  hanged,  drawn,  and  quar* 
tered,  for  high  treason,  in  aiding  the  cause  of  the  earl, 
and  vniting  the  following  satirical  distich  upon  the 
king  and  the  three  royal  favourites,  lord  viscount  Level, 
sir  Richard  Ratcliffe,  and  sir  William  Catesby. 

"  The  cat,  the  rat,  and  Lovel  the  dog, 
Rule  all  England  under  a  hog.'** 
1    HoUnBbed. 


102  TAMWORTH 

Until  the  period  when  Eliasabeth  re-incorporated  the 
town>  Tamworth  was  placed  under  two  distinct  and 
independent,  but  similarly  constituted,  governments,  for 
the  two  sides.  Each  of  them  consisted  of  two  high- 
bailiflb,  one  low-bailiff,  two  tasters  or  victual«conners, 
and  two  chamberlains.  There  were,  besides,  a  constable 
or  head-borough,  and  numerous  watchmen.  We  also 
find  that,  at  a  very  early  period,  there  existed  a  high 
and  a  low-steward. 

In  the  high-bailifSs,  the  government  of  the  town  was 
wholly  vested;  and,  as  in  other  places,  they  presided 
over  the  courts.  They  were  elected  every  year,  generally, 
although  not  invariably,  on  the  first  Monday  in  July. 
The  oldest  names,  which  we  have  yet  found,  are  those 
of  William  Taylor  and  Adam  Palmer,  on  the  Warwick- 
shire side,  about  1245.  They  were  witnesses  of  a  grant 
of  several  parts  of  burgages  in  the  town,  by  William 
de  Blackreeve  to  Philip  de  Marmyon,  for  80s.  paid  by 
his  wife,  lady  Joan.  Of  the  names  of  many  more,  we 
have  collected  a  list,  down  to  the  time  of  Edward 
YI.,  chiefly  firom  the  court-rolls  of  the  town,  and  firom 
amongst  the  witnesses  of  deeds.  In  one  or  two  instan- 
ces, the  days  of  election  have  been  discovered  firom  the 
former  source.^ 

There  is  very  little  worthy  of  remark  concerning 
these  officers,  except  a  few  bye-laws  for  their  regula- 
tion. On  the  20th  of  October,  1422,  it  was  ordered 
that  none  should  serve  in  the  office,  for  more  than  one 
year.'  In  1436,  it  seems  to  have  been  necessary  to 
restrain  their  combative  dispositions  by  a  very  heavy  fine; 
for,  on  the  10th  of  July,  it  was  ordained  that  any  one  of 
them,  who  should  make  an  affiray  in  another  borough, 

1    S«e  Appendix  :~Note  2.       2  Court  rolls,  i  H.  VI. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  103 

or  assault  any  man  in  his  own^  except  in  self-defence^ 
should  pay  40«.^  half  to  go  to  the  common  box  of  the 
town^  and  half  to  the  benefit  of  the  Church.^  Richard 
III.  charged  the  bailifis  and  commonality  no  longer  to 
pay  regard  to  the  custom  of  choosing  them  out  of  their 
burgesses  and  freeholders^  but  to  respect  the  sufficiency 
of  persons'  goods  alone.  The  document  was  dated  at 
Nottingham,  on  the  12th  of  October,  1484.' 

The  low-bailiff  was  appointed  annually  soon  after  the 
high-bailiffi,  apparently  on  no  particular  day.  His 
office  seems  to  have  been  to  summon  parties  to  the 
courts,  and  transact  other  similar  business,  under  the 
direction  of  the  superior  officers.  The  names  of  several 
occur  in  the  court-rolls  of  the  town.' 

The  two  tasters  were  also  chosen  annually,  the  precise 
day  being  varied  according  to  convenience  or  necessity: 
and  they  took  an  oath  to  perform  the  duties  with  fidelity. 
Their  office  was  to  supervise  all  ale,  wine,  and  food  of 
every  kind,  exposed  for  sale ;  also  all  weights  and  mea- 
sures, and  to  report  at  the  court-leet  whatever  they 
considered  as  bad  or  suspicious,  for  adjudication.^ 

To  the  chamberlains,  the  charge  of  all  the  public 
pecuniary  transactions  was  committed.  The  date  of 
their  appointment  was  also  imcertain.' 

Of  the  constable  or  head-borough  it  is  needless  to  say 
anything.  The  names  of  some,  in  ancient  times,  have 
been  preserved.' 

The  town,  during  the  night,  must  have  been  very 
strictly  guarded ;  for  the  watchmen  were  numerous.  The 
inhabitants  seem  to  have  been  obliged  often  to  take 
the  duty  upon   themselves,   or  to  find  so^ie   substitute. 

1   CoartroUs,  HH.VI.         s    lUrlMnM.S. 
3    See  Appendiz :— Note  3.  4    See  Appendix:— Note  4. 

ft    See  Appendix:— Notes.  0    See  Appendix :— Note  0. 


104  TAMWORTH 

There  are  many  old  bye-laws  for  their  regulation, 
some  of  which  are  rather  curious.  May  SOth,  1S79 : — 
Any  person  not  prepared,  at  the  summons  of  the  bai- 
liflEs,  to  watch,  and  that  fiiithfully,  from  the  setting  to 
the  rising  of  the  sun,  according  to  the  usual  custom 
of  the  town,  should  incur  a  penalty  of  4d.  tot  every 
omission.  May  SOth,  1390: — ^If  the  men  ordained  to 
watch,  should  sculk  under  the  waUs  of  the  houses,  or 
behave  iU,  they  should  be  fined  40d.  And  it  was  fur- 
ther ordered  that  every  burgess  of  the  town  should  send 
one  able  man  to  keep  guard,  or  pay  40d.  tor  each 
de&ult  May  12th,  1422: — ^Any  one  assaulting  the 
watchmen  of  the  lord  king  should  pay  20«.,  half  to  go 
to  the  bailiffs,  and  half  to  the  town-box.  April  28th, 
1547: — No  watchman  should  be  in  his  house  after  the 
hour  of  nine  at  night,  otherwise  he  should  pay  6<.  8d.^ 
Although  it  was  esteemed  the  most  honourable  of  all, 
we  have  reserved  until  last  the  office  of  high-steward,  be- 
cause its  duties  were  little  more  than  nominal,  and  only 
called  into  exercise  on  particular  occasions  and  emer- 
gencies. It  was  usually  given  to  some  nobleman  or 
person  of  rank  in  the  neighbourhood ;  who  generally  had 
a  representative  or  low-steward  in  the  town.  The 
creation  of  the  high-stewardship  has  always  been  at- 
tributed to  queen  Elizabeth.  This  opinion  is,  however, 
very  erroneous.  The  first  time  we  have  yet  seen  it 
alluded  to,  is  in  May,  1382,  when  William  de  Caldewell, 
and  William  Wirley,  baker,  on  admission  to  the  freedom 
of  the  town,  took  the  required  oath  before  Richard 
Wolf,  "  tunc  loco  seneschalli,"  and  the  bailiffs  of  the 
Staffordshire  ^de.  Each  of  them  paid  half  a  mark, 
"  according  to  ancient  custom."     On  the  other  side  of 

1    Court  rolls,  StaJVontalilre,  9,  is  R.  1I.|  lo  H.  v.;  i  K.  VI. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  105 

the  town,  on  the  12th  of  June,  1420,  Richard  Caldewell 
was  made  firee  in  the  presence  of  Richard  Hilton,  stew- 
ard, and  the  bailiffs.  And  again,  in  Staffordahire,  on  the 
SSrd  of  August,  1452,  John  Breton,  of  Lichfield,  was 
admitted  to  the  liberty  of  the  town  and  sworn  before 
the  steward.^ 

This  high  appointment  was  held  by  sir  John  Ferrers, 
knt.,  lord  of  the  Castle.  It  appears  to  have  been  pre- 
viously enjoyed  by  some  of  his  ancestors.  He  died  in 
1512;  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Humphry;  to 
whom  a  grant  of  the  office  was  made  under  the  great 
seal  of  England.  The  latter,  in  the  exercise  of  his 
duties,  appears  either  to  have  overstepped  the  bounds 
of  prudence  and  legitimate  authority,  or  to  have  excited 
the  anger  of  those,  against  whom  his  power  was  exerted. 
There  were  many  charges  of  assault  upon  different  per- 
sons preferred  against  him,  all  in  connexion  with  the 
stewardship.  On  these  matters,  however,  we  have  only 
seen  his  general  answers ;  we  cannot  consequently  state 
the  predse  nature  or  extent  of  the  accusations  brought 
against  him.' 

John  Ferrers  succeeded  his  father  in  this  office.  After 
his  decease,  in  April,  1576,  it  was  bestowed  on  Humphry 
Ferrers,  both  by  the  crown,  and  by  the  corporation  of 
the  town,  in  the  January  following.'  With  him  we  shall 
leave  the  subject  at  present,  to  resume  it  hereafter. 

We  have  thus  brought  the  general  history  of  Tam- 
worth  down  to  the  end  of  the  reign  of  Philip  and 
Mary.  We  must  now  speak  of  the  modified  form  of 
government,  under  which  Elisabeth  placed  the  town^  by 
ktters-patent    dated    on  the  24th    of  December,    1560. 

1    Court  rollB,  5  R.  II.,  7  H.  V.,  90  H.  VI. 
a    See  Appendix:— Note  7.  3    Corporation  Records. 


106  TAMWORTU 

The  charter  commenced  by  reciting  that  Tamworth 
was  an  ancient  market-town:  and  the  inhabitants^  by 
the  name  of  bailiffs  and  commonalty,  had,  from  time  im- 
memorial, held  it  of  the  kings  of  England,  at  an  annual 
fee-fiurm  rent  of  10/.  16s.  And  they  had  also  enjoyed 
divers  franchises,  liberties,  gifts,  and  acquittances,  as 
well  by  prescription,  as  by  royal  concessions  and  patents. 
These  charters  being  either  lost  or  destroyed  by  fire 
or  some  other  casuality,  there  were  no  sufficient  letters- 
patent  in  existence.  The  inhabitants,  therefore,  humbly 
petitioned  that  the  royal  munificence  might  be  extended 
to  them,  and  the  town  incorporated  anew. 

The  charter  then,  resemng  the  old  rent,  proceeded  to 
constitute  the  town  a  tree  borough  corporate,  for  ever, 
of  two  bailifSs  and  a  commonalty  of  twenty-four  capital 
burgesses,  who  were  to  form  one  body,  called  '^  the 
bailiffs  and  commonalty  of  the  town  of  Tamworth,  in 
the  counties  of  Stafford  and  Warwick."  They  were 
empowered  to  hold  lands  and  privileges,  to  plead  and 
be  impleaded,  and  to  use  a  common  seal  in  the  trans- 
action of  their  business.  They  were  to  hold  common 
halls,  where  they  were  to  make  bye-laws  and  ordinances, 
for  the  well-government  of  the  town :  and  these,  if  not 
repugnant  to  the  statutes  of  the  realm,  they  might  en- 
force by  fine  or  imprisonment.  They  were  to  choose 
the  two  bailifi,*  horn  amongst  their  own  body,  eight 
capital  burgesses  being  present  at  least,  on  the  feast  of 
St.  Peter  ad  Yincula^ — the  1st  of  August, — annually, 
between  the  hours  of  nine  and  twelve  in  the  morning. 
Any  vacancy  in  the  office,  from  death  or  removal,  be- 
tween the  periods  of  election,  was  to  be  supplied  in  a 
similar  way,  imtil  the  appointed  time  arrived.     In  like 

1    Peter  BnMlockindHrarjmmper  were  nominikted  in  the  charter  M  the  flntbalU^ 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  107 

manner,  they  were  directed  to  fill  up,  within  eight  days, 
all  vacancies  in  their  own  body,^  occurring  firom  death, 
absence  firom  the  borough  for  six  months,  or  other 
cause.  Two  sergeants  were  to  be  appointed  firom  time  to 
time,  at  will,  to  make  proclamations,  arrests,  &c.  within 
the  borough,  in  a  similar  manner  to  those  of  the  city  of 
London :  and  each  was  to  bear  before  the  bailifb  a  silver 
mace,  adorned  with  the  royal  arms.  The  boundaries  of 
the  borough  were  to  remain  the  same  as  they  had  always 
been;  and  the  bailifis  and  commonalty  might  make 
perambulations  of  it  without  impediment. 

The  bailifSs  were  then  constituted  justices  of  peace 
within  the  borough.  Before  them  was  to  be  held  a 
court  of  record  on  every  third  Monday.  They  were 
also  to  have  a  common  jail  for  felons  and  malefiustors. 
On  warrant  under  their  seal,  the  sherifis  of  the  counties 
of  Stafford  and  Warwick  were  directed  to  receive  any 
prisoners. 

A  market  was  to  be  held  on  every  Saturday.  There 
were  to  be  two  annual  fairs,  one  on  the  feast  of  St. 
Greoi^,  the  other  on  that  of  St.  Edward ;  and  both  to 
kst  for  the  four  subsequent  days.  During  the  time 
when  the  market  and  fairs  were  held,  there  were  to  be 
courts  of  pie-poudre,  with  all  liberties  and  firee  customs 
appertaining.  The  stallage,  piccage,  tolls,  and  all  other 
profits,  were  to  go  to  the  personal  advantage  of  the 
bailiffs.  They  were  to  have  assize  of  bread,  wine,  ale, 
and  victuals,  as  well  as  of  measures  and  weights,  and 
the  correction  of  them,  and  of  aU  things  belonging  to 
the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  market  of  the  queen's 
household.  The  profits  accruing  were  also  to  be  ap- 
propriated by  the  bailiffs.    View  of  firank-pledge  of  all 

1    The  namei  of  the  lint  capital  burgesBes  were  given  In  the  charter. 


108  TAMWORTH 

the  inhabitants^  whether  entirely  resident  or  not,  was 
granted.  It  was  to  be  held  twice  in  the  year,  onoe 
within  a  month  after  the  feast  of  St.  Michael,  and  again 
within  the  same  limits  after  Easter,  before  the  bailifi; 
who  were  to  take  the  profits  for  their  own  use.  And, 
finally,  the  charter  empowered  the  corporate  body  to 
acquire  lands  and  other  possessions,  of  the  annual  yalae 
of  40/.  or  less,  notwithstanding  the  Mortmain  act,  or 
any  other  statute.^ 

From  the  preamble  of  the  charter,  it  is  evident  that 
the  concessions  which  Elizabeth  thus  made  were  rather 
renewals  of  those  previously  enjoyed,  than  firesh  grants. 
Yet  the  change  introduced  by  her  in  the  form  of 
government  of  the  town,  by  the  appointment  of  a  self- 
elective  corporation,  in  whom  she  vested  all  local 
powers,  was  of  very  great  importance,  especially  in  the 
political  aspect  under  which  we  shall  soon  have  occa- 
sion to  view  it.  With  regard  to  other  minor  modifica 
tions,  most  of  them  will  have  been  already  anticipated 
by  the  reader.  The  queen  included  both  sides  of  the 
town  imder  one  jurisdiction;  reduced  the  bailiflb  to  two; 
and  altered  the  time  of  their  election.  She  substituted 
sergeants-at-mace  for  the  low-baili£Es ;  and  entirely 
abolished  the  victual-conners.  The  ancient  office  of 
chamberlains  was  continued,  although  not  under  any 
chartered  provision. 

In  the  tremendous  religious  revolution,  which  occur- 
red in  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century,  it  became  a 
most  important  object  either  to  a  Catholic  or  Protestant 
government,  to  gain  over,  and  if  possible  control,  the 
powers  which  the  people  possessed  in  the  House  of 
Commons.     Both  parties  called  to   their   aid  the   whole 

1    Chmrter,  3  Eliz.  :~Corporation  Records. 


CASTLB   AND  TOWN.  109 

of  the  resources  which  they  possessed.  It  became  a 
time  of  the  most  actire  employmeat  of  the  discretionary 
powers  of  the  sherifi  of  different  counties^  as  to  what 
places  should  be  considered  parliamentary  boroughs. 
None  were  now  omitted,  which,  in  public  estimation, 
had  a  prescripiiye  right.  We  accordingly  find  that,  in 
the  reigns  of  Edward  VI.,  Philip  and  Mary,  and  EliMr 
beth,  seventeen  boroughs  resumed  the  privilege,  whidi 
they  had  once  exerted,  but  permitted  to  &U  into  disuse; 
and  forty-six  more  now  first  began  to  send  representa- 
tives: thus  making  an  addition  of  1S8  members  to  the 
lower  house.  Amongst  the  latter,  Tamworth  commenced 
the  exercise  of  its  powers,  in  1563.  Ever  since,  it  has 
continued  to  return  members,'  with  the  exception  of  a 
short  period  during  the  commonwealth.^ 

But  the  most  novel  assumption  of  power,  at  this 
time,  was  that  of  remodelling,  by  governing  charters, 
the  municipal  constitutions  of  the  new  or  revived 
boroughs.  The  local  government  of  them  was  vested 
entirely  in  a  small  select  body,  ever  afterwards  to  be 
self-elected.  In  many  places,  too,  the  return  of  the 
parliamentary  members  was  given  entirely  to  this  cor- 
poration, or  was  adopted  by  it  with  the  tacit  consent  of 
the  crown.  The  latter  appears  to  have  been  frequently 
the  case  vdth  Tamworth,  in  Elizabeth's  reign.'  Thus 
the  people  were  deprived  completely  of  all  mimicipal 
and  political  power,  and  placed  imder  the  domination 
of  persons  chosen  by  the  crown;  over  the  actions  of 
whom  they  possessed  not  the  least  control. 

The  nomination  of  the  first  officers  was  always  from 
the  partizans  and  supporters  of  government.  The  peo- 
ple were  thus  secured  to  the  interest  of  those  in  power. 

1    See  Appeadiz :— Note  8.  2    Corpontton  Records. 


no  TAMWORTH 

Or>  on  the  other  hand,  they  were  incapacitated  from 
expressing  their  sentiments  in  a  constitutional  manner, 
or  to  act,  at  least  with  any  efficiency,  against  the 
designs  of  their  existing  rulers. 

These  were  the  sdiemes  to  which  Edward  VI.,  and, 
in  a  few  instances,  Philip  and  Mary  resorted.  But  it 
was  left  for  Elizabeth  to  adopt  sudi  courses  to  the 
greatest  lengths  which  prudence  would  permit.  They 
formed  the  first  and  most  important  step  towards  a 
subsequent  attempt  to  overthrow  the  whole  liberties  of 
the  people,  and  to  establish  a  despotism.  But  the  re- 
action, which,  after  some  tune,  took  place,  proved  the 
madness  of  the  design,  and  well  nigh  terminated  in 
a  way  very  opposite  to  that  which  was  intended.  The 
result  was  a  long  and  terrible  struggle  between  the 
crown  and  people,  when  the  whole  fabric  of  monardiy 
was  shaken  to  its  foundations,  and,  for  a  brief  space, 
that  power  destroyed,  which  it  had  been  sought  so 
imduly  to  exalt.^ 

The  year,  in  which  Tamworth  assumed  its  prescriptive 
right,  and  revived  as  a  place  of  political  importance, 
was  one  of  misfortune  to  it,  from  another  circumstance. 
The  town  was  then  visited  by  the  plague, — that  dread- 
frd  scourge,  which  so  frequently  desolated  other  parts 
of  the  kingdom,  and  especially  the  metropolis.  The 
notice  of  its  appearance  here,  occurs  in  the  Parish-regis- 
ter; but,  at  the  same  time,  no  account  is  given  of  the 
extent  of  its  ravages.  From  the  beginning  of  Novem- 
ber, 1560,  to  December,  1568,  there  are  no  entries  in 
the  record,  nor  is  there  any  space  left  in  the  leaf;  but 
this  note  occurs.  **  The  names  of  them  y^  wer  buried 
of  y*  plague  in  An^  d'ni  1568."    The  names,  however, 

1    See  Penny  CycIoptedU  .—Art.  BorougAi, 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  Ill 

are  not  given. '  Whether  they  were  ever  inserted^  or 
were  omitted  by  the  minister^  who  transcribed  the  early 
part  of  the  register^  cannot  be  ascertained.  Deaths  from 
the  plague  are  again  mentioned  in  July  and  August, 
1597 ;  when  the  disease  extended  to  Wilnecote,  and  the 
neighbourhood.' 

To  the  close  of  the  reign  of  Philip  and  Mary,  under 
the  ancient  system  of  goyemment,  the  fee-&rm  rent  for 
the  Warwickshire  side  of  the  town  appears  to  have 
been  punctually  rendered.  But  the  new  corporation 
neglected  its  payment  for  three  and  twenty  years;  un- 
til, in  1582,  they  were  involved  in  a  debt  of  two  sums, 
one  of  116«.,  the  other  of  127/.  IZs.  In  the  Michael- 
mas term  of  this  year,  they  obtained  an  order  that  no 
legal  process  should  be  awarded  against  them,  until  they 
should  have  had  time  to  bring  in  their  charter  and 
plead  during  the  ensuing  term.' 

For  a  short ^time,  *  we '  must  recur^  to  the  details  of 
chartered  grants.  -  Elizabeth  had  already  given  to  the 
corporate  body,  as  the  representative  of  the  town,  many 
of  the  privileges;  which  the  inhabitants  had  formerly 
enjoyed.  But  there  still  remained  others,  for  the  con- 
tiniuuice  of  which  she  had  not  provided.  A  second 
application  to  royal  bounty,  therefore,  became  necessary. 
The  inhabitants  found  a  ready  advocate  in  the  cele- 
brated &vourite,  Bobert  Devereux,  earl  of  Essex,  who 
had  then  risen  high  in*  his  sovereign's  favour,  and 
possessed  no  small  influence  at  court.  He  was  closely 
connected  with  the  town ;  and  took  much  interest  in  its 
wel&re.  His  mother  resided  at  Dray  ton-manor ;  and 
there  he  spent  a  great  part  of  his  time.  Through  his 
mediation,  the  queen  granted  a  second  charter,  bearing 

1    PBrJtli.recister,  s   Carporation  Records. 


11£  TAMWORTH 

date   on   the    10th  of  October,  1588,   by  which    many 
important  concessions  were  made. 

By  these  letters-patent,  the  inhabitants  were  fireed 
from  being  put  with  strangers  upon  any  juries,  occurring 
without  the  limits  of  the  town,  unless  they  should  hold 
possessions  not  within  these  bounds,  for  which  they 
oi^ht  to  be  empannelled.  And  no  strangers  were  to 
be  intruded  upon  those  required  in  the  borough,  eyen 
though  they  possessed  lands  and  tenements  there,  unless 
the  matter  should  concern  the  soyereign  of  the  realms. 
And  the  bailiffii  and  commonalty  were  empowered  to 
elect,  from  time  to  time,  at  pleasure,  a  recorder  of  the 
town.  They  were  also  to  haye  a  high-steward.  This 
office  was  giyen  to  Robert  Deyereux,  earl  of  Essex,  and 
his  heirs  male  for  eyer;  in  de&idt  whereof,  the  bailiffs 
and  capital  burgesses  might  haye  the  choice.  And  be- 
sides, there  was  to  be  a  town-derk,  or  prothonotary  of 
the  town,  for  all  courts,  and  yiews  of  frank-pledge  or 
leets.  Preyiously  to  assuming  office,  he  was  to  take 
the  necessary  oaths  in  the  presence  of  the  chief 
steward.  The  bailifb,  high-steward,  recorder,  and 
town-derk,  the  three  latter  of  whom  were  not  to  accept 
office  without  royal  approyal,  were  to  be  justices  of 
peace  within  the  precincts  of  the  town.  The  court  of 
record  was  to  be  held  on  eyery  third  Monday,  before 
any  two  of  them,  or  the  under-steward ;  of  whom,  how- 
eyer,  a  bailiff  was  to  be  one :  and  they  m^ht  determine 
any  cases  as  well  of  assizes  of  noyel  disseizin,  mort  d'an- 
cestor  and  fresh  force,  as  of  all  other  actions,  suits,  and 
personal  matters.  A  fiur  was  granted  to  be  held  on  the 
feast  of  St.  Swythen,  and  for  four  days  after,  with  the 
usual  court  of  pie-poudre.  The  bailiflEs  and  common- 
alty  were   to  haye   all  waifs   and   strays,   and  employ 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  US 

them  for  their  common  benefit.  The  baili£&  were  to  be 
included  in  aU  commissions  of  array  of  men-at-anns^ 
hobehos^  and  bowmen,  within  the  borough.  And  the 
corporate  body  was  still  to  enjoy  all  rights,  jurisdictions, 
franchises,  liberties,  privileges,  lands,  tenements,  rents, 
commons,  waters,  fisheries,  and  other  easements,  profits, 
and  emoluments,  which  had  previously  been  given  to 
them  by  royal  grant,  or  private  donation. 

The  bailifb  and  commonalty  were  then  constituted 
a  body  corporate,  under  the  title  of  **  Guardians  and 
Grovemors  of  the  possessions,  revenues,  and  goods,  of 
the  Free  Grammar  School  of  Elizabeth,  queen  of  Eng- 
land, in  Tamworth."'  As  the  charter  now  enters  into 
matters  which  regard  the  Church  and  School  alone,  we 
shall  defer  giving  the  remainder,  until  those  fi>undations 
come  tmder  our  immediate  notice. 

Upon  the  concessions  thus  made  by  Elizabeth,  no 
observations  are  needed,  except  in  the  case  of  the  high 
stevrardship.  This  subject,  indeed,  is  rather  curious, 
and  worthy  of  attention. 

When  we  formerly  spoke  of  this  office,  we  left  it  in 
the  hands  of  Humphry  Ferrers.  By  him,  it  was  held 
when  the  queen  conferred  it  on  the  earl  of  Essex  and 
his  heirs.  This  second  grant,  without  any  annulment 
of,  or  even  reference  to,  the  former  one,  caused  some 
difference  between  the  rival  stewards ;  which  threatened 
to  proceed  to  some  lengths.  Humphry  Ferrers,  who 
insisted  that  his  patent  was  still  of  force,  referred  the 
matter  to  William  Cecil,  baron  Burleigh,  then  lord  high 
treasurer  of  England.  He  was,  however,  prevailed  up- 
on by. this  minister-of-state  to  forego  all  proceedings 
against  the  royal  favourite,  in  a  matter  involving  only 

1    Charter,  30  Bliz :— Corporation  Records. 


114  TAimrORTH 

an  honorary  title.  As  a  compensation,  he  was  promised 
some  other  post  of  higher  dignity  and  greater  emolu- 
ment. Whether  any  reward  were  made  to  Hmnjduy, 
afterwards  sir  Humphry  Ferrers  for  his  forbearanoey 
we  have  not  discovered.  It  is  certain  that,  perhaps  in 
continual  expectation  of  receiving  it,  he  consented  to 
let  the  matter  rest :  and  nothing  more  is  heard  of  it  fi» 
some  time.  But  immediately  on  the  attainder  of  the 
gifted  but  unfortunate  Essex,  for  high  tieason,  sir 
Humphry  resumed  the  office,  by  virtue  of  his  old  grant 
He  was,  however,  doomed  a  second  time  to  be  dis- 
appointed; for  it  was  given,  under  the  great  seal  of 
Ei^land,  to  sir  John  Egertcm.  It  is  only  justice  to 
add  that  this  was  done  in  ignorance  of  the  previous 
circumstances.  It  was  certainly  somewhat  anomalous; 
for  the  crown  had  assumed  the  appointment,  which, 
by  the  charter,  was  placed  principally  in  the  hands  of 
the  corporate  body. 

Sir  Humphry  Ferrers  was,  at  this  time,  determined 
to  carry  on  the  matter,  and  vindicate  his  daim.  He 
wrote  to  lord  Buckhurst,  first  lord  of  the  treasury,  and 
to  sir  Robert  Cecil,  representing  his  case  to  them.  He 
stated  that  the  office  had  been  previously  held  by  his 
great-grandfitther,  and  others  of  his  ancestors,  and  that 
it  had  also  been  given  to  him.  He  had,  he  said,  ser- 
ved her  majesty  faithftilly  and  with  great  zeal,  as  a 
justice  of  peace  in  three  counties,  when  the  most  ardu- 
ous exertions  were  required.  He  doubtless  alluded  to 
the  period,  when  the  unfortunate  Mary,  queen  of  Scots, 
remained  a  captive  at  Tutbury-castle,  in  Staffinrdshire. 
No  cause  of  misdemeanor  had  been  found  in  him, 
whereby  his  patent  should  be  forfeited;  and  he  trusted 
that,  in  regard  to  his  services  and  his  r^ht,   the  office. 


CASTLE   AMD  TOWN.  115 

which  was  valueless  in  point  of  emolument^  might  be 
veatored  to  him.' 

The  towns-people  also  actively  took  up  sir  Humphry's 
cause,  on  account  of  his  residence  at  the  Castle ;  whilst 
sir  John  Egerton  lived  at  a  distance.  They  presented 
a  petition  in  his  fiivour  to  king  James  I. ;  who  had 
then  just  ascended  the  throne.'  Aflter  a  little  delay,  the 
stewardship  appears  to  have  been  given  back  to  him. 
He  did  not  live  very  long  to  enjoy  the  honour,  of 
which  he  had  been  unjustly  deprived  for  fifteen  years; 
for  he  died  in  January,  1607. 

About  the  period  when  Elizabeth  conferred  her  second 
charter  on  the  town,  there  arose  a  considerable  dispute 
between  many  of  the  inhabitants  and  Humphry  Ferrers, 
llie  latter  held  the  Casde-miU  situated  on  the  Tame, 
for  himself  and  his  heirs  for  ever,  of  the  queen,  at  an 
annual  fee-farm  rent  of  10/.  To  it,  these  inhabitants 
owed  suit  and  soke,  and  had  all  their  com  groimd 
there.  But,  during  the  space  of  more  than  three  years, 
diey  gradually  adopted  the  use  of  small  malt-miUs  or 
querns,  at  their  private  residences:  and  latterly  they 
carried  all  their  grain  to  mills  at  a  distance  from  the 
town.  Humphry  Ferrers  was,  at  length,  compelled  to 
have  recourse  to  legal  measures  to  enforce  his  right. 

He  accordingly  preferred  his  complaint  to  the  honour- 
able court  of  Exchequer.  After  some  tune,  he  obtained 
an  injunction  to  oblige  the  inhabitants  to  grind  all 
their  com  at  his  place,  and  to  restrain  the  use  of  the 
querns ;  which  threatened  to  prove  a  very  serious  detri- 
ment to,  and  even  eventually  to  ruin,  his  mill.' 


Sec  Appendix -.'Note  9.  s   See  Appendix:— Note  10. 

3  Corporation  Records. 


116  TAMWOETH 

A  little  previously,  we  gave  a  short  outline  of  the 
mode  in  which  Elizabeth,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying 
out  the  designs  of  her  government,  foimd  it  necessary 
to  exalt  the  royal  prerogatives.  There  was  now  only 
one  more  step  which  she  could  adopt,  in  order  to  secure 
the  parliament  to  herself, — to  dictate  to  different  cities 
and  boroughs  the  persons  who  should  be  elected  as 
their  representatives.  And,  to  this  scheme,  we  find 
that  she  really  had  recourse,  by  means  of  her  agents. 
The  interference  occurred  more  with  regard  to  small 
places,  or  those  where  her  partizans  possessed  much 
influence.  The  following  letter,  written  by  the  earl  of 
Essex  previously  to  the  election  in  1592,  contains  some 
of  the  nominations  for  places  in  Staffordshire;  and 
amongst  them  for  Tamworth.  Other  coimties  were 
similarly  influenced:  and  hence  is  seen  the  great  extent 
to  which  the  practise  was  carried. 

Robert  Deoereux^  earl  of  Essex ^  to  Richard  Bagoty  esq. 

'^  Mter  my  hartie  commendacions.  I  have  written 
severall  letters  to  Lichfield,  Stafford,  Tamworth,  and 
Newcastle,  for  the  nomination  and  election  of  certen 
burgesses  for  the  Parliament  to  be  held  verie  shortlie; 
having  named  unto  them,  for  Lichfield,  sir  John  Wing- 
field  and  Mr.  Broughton, — ^for  Stafford,  my  kinsman 
Henry  Bourgcher  and  my  servant  Edward  ReynoUs, — 
for  Tamworth,  my  servant  Thomas  Smith, — ^for  New- 
castle, Dr.  James, — whome,  because  I  do  greatlie  desire 
to  be  preferred  to  the  said  places,  I  do  eamestlie  pray 
your  fiirtherance,  by  the  creditt  which  you  have  in 
those  towns,  assuring  them  of  my  thankfulness,  if  they 
shall  for  my  sake  gratifie  those  whom  I  have  com- 
mended; and  yourself  that  I  will  not  be  unmindfuU  of 


TOWN   AND  CASTLE.  117 

your  Gouitesie  therem.  So  I  commend  you  to  Crod's 
good  protecjdon:  from  Hampton-Court^  the  last  daye  of 
December,  1592. 

Your  assured  friend, 

ESSEX." 

''I  send  unto  you  the  seTerall  letters,  which  I  praye 
you  cause  to  be  deliuered  according  to  their  directions."^ 

Of  the  persons  thus  named,  sir  John  Wingfield, 
Bichard  Broughton,  Henry  Bourchier,  Thomas  Smith, 
and  John  James,  M.D.,  were  actually  returned;  besides 
one  of  the  knights  of  the  shire,  sir  Christopher  Bloimt, 
whom,  in  another  letter  to  Sichard  Bagot,  the  earl 
had  pointed  out  as  being  considered  a  proper  repre- 
sentatiye. 

Very  shortly  after  this  time,  if  we  may  credit  a 
long  series  of  heayy  charges  brought  against  them,  the 
baOiffii  of  the  town  unfortunately  did  not  adhere  to  the 
integrity  of  conduct,  which  should  ever  characterize 
those  to  whom  the  dispensation  of  justice  is  committed. 
The  corrupt  practices,  of  which  several  of  them  were 
accused  in  the  execution  of  their  office,  are  set  forth 
in  a  paper  written  at  the  time,  entitled,  ''Notes  of 
the  abvses  of  the  bailiffes  of  Tamwo'th."  Nine  are 
implicated  by  name,  John  Stokes,  Thomas  Ashlock, 
William  Shemon,  Robert  Scale,  John  Wright,  Peter 
Bradock,  Nicholas  Wilcox,  John  Turner,  and  Henry 
Baron.  The  document,  from  its  singularity,  has  been 
inserted  in  the  appendix:  and  thither  the  reader  may 
turn  for  full  information  on  this  point.'  Each  may 
then  judge  as  he  thinks  best  of  the  guilt  or  innocence 

1  ErdMwicke't  Surrey  of  StalRmlBhire,  by  Harwood,  edit.  1844.  This  letter  was, 
amongst  others,  broni^ht  forward  by  Canning,  to  show  the  undue  inflaence  formerly 
ezerdied  over  etoctioos.  in  a  speech  delivered  on  the  SAth  of  April,  18S2;  when  a 
motion  for  parliamentary  reform  was  discussed  in  the  House  of  Commons. 

s    See  Appendix:— Note  il. 


118  TAMWORTH 

of  the  parties ;  for,  in  the  absence  of  any  other  record 
on  this  pointy  it  woidd  be  impossible  to  give  any 
decided  opinion.  If  the  whole  should  be  fiilse,  we  most 
censure  the  malevolence  of  the  accuser:  if  true,  we 
can  only  lament  the  circumstance^  and  wish  it  had 
been  in  our  power  to  present  some  points^  which 
would  redeem  the  characters  of  those  accused^  or  miti- 
gate their  condemnation.  Shakespeare  well  remarks^  in 
speaking  of  cardinal  Wolsey^ 

"  Men's  evil  maniien  lire  in  bnae ;  their  vlrtiiet 

We  write  in  water." 

So  concerning  the  bailiffs^  the  bad  remains  on  lasting 
record:  whilst  to  learn  the  good,  we  fain  must  send 
our  readers  to  the  stream  to  see  what  they  may  find. 
We  fear  the  watery  page  is  bbmk;  and  that  the 
cleansing  flood,  in  opposition  to  its  wonted  course,  has 
washed  away  the  whole,  and  left  the  stain  behind. 
Once,  indeed,  the  hand  which  traced  the  stream  with 
useless  toil,  wrote  on  the  sandy  shore,  a  short  but 
pleasing  word.  It  was  ''Charity";  and  Peter  Bradock 
claimed  it  as  Ins  own.  But  oyer  it  now  the  swelling 
wave  has  passed,  and  scarcely  left  a  single  mark  behind. 
The  next  incident  worthy  of  notice,  is  the  re-appear- 
ance of  the  pestilence  in  the  town,  in  1596.  This 
dreadful  disease  seems  to  have  raged  with  great  fury, 
aggravated  by  the  partial  famine,  which  then  prevailed 
in  the  country.  The  deaths  were  so  numerous  here, 
that  the  distress  occasioned  by  the  insufficient  supply 
of  com  was,  in  some  measure,  alleviated ;  according  to 
a  memorandum  in  the  Parish-rqpbter,  Mardi,  1597-8. 
*'  Dyvers  died  of  y«  blouddie  flixe.  At  w^  tyme  the 
darth  of  come  somwhat  abated  by  reason  of  deathe 
&  dauske  Rye." 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  119 

In  the  last  few  years  ot  Elizabeth's  protracted  leign^ 
there  oocuned  a  long  and  important  law-suit  between 
the  bailiffs  and  commonalty^  and  William  Comberford, 
regarding  the  Staffordshire  part  of  the  town.  To  this 
moiety,  the  latter  claimed  a  right.  The  grounds  on 
which  his  demands  were  founded  were — ^that  frequently, 
whilst  the  Hastily'  fiimily  held  it  and  Wigginton, 
these  two  places  were  considered  as  forming  but  one 
manor: — ^that,  as  owner  of  Wigginton,  he  received  the 
fise-fiurm  rent  of  lOda*  firom  the  bailifb,  in  equal  quarterly 
sums : — and  that  he  had  sometimes  held  the  court-leet 
of  Wigginton  in  the  Staffordshire  Town-hall :  at  which 
he  had  induced  some  poor  inhabitants  of  the  town  to 
do  suit.  He,  and  his  son  Humphry  for  him,  demanded 
the  power  of  proclaiming  the  fidrs ;  but  the  bailiffs  pre- 
yented  them  Ikom  carrying  their  intentions  into  effect  by 
threats  of  immediate  arrest.  Mr.  Comberford  then  sent 
men  to  dig  and  delve  within  the  precincts  of  the  town; 
tliereby  asserting  his  right  to  it.  The  bailiffs  and 
commonalty  now  commenced  an  action  in  common  law 
law  against  him  for  trespass.  Haying,  by  some  means, 
obtained  possession  of  numerous  important  documents, 
he  caused  no  small  d^ree  of  trouble  to  the  corpcMration. 
But  at  length,  an  injunction,  dated  the  Slst  of  May, 
1599,  was  obtained;  by  which  he  wai»  compelled  to 
produce  the  records.  The  bailifb  and  commonalty  were 
then  enabled  to  substantiate  their  rights,  and  com- 
pletely orerthrow  their  opponent's  cause.' 

In  October,  November,  and  December,  1606,  the 
town  was  re-visited  by  the  plague;  but  it  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  very  violent  in  its  ravages.' 

During  the  frequent  progresses  which  James  I.  made 

1    Corpoffatloii  Reoonto.  2   Parish  Register. 


120  TAliWORTH 

through  the  kingdom^  in  the  latter  part  of  his  reign^ 
Tamworth  was  fiiYOured  seyeral  times  with  the  royal 
presence.  The  first  visit  is  thus  recorded  in  the  Parish 
register: — 

''August,  1619. 

Kinge  James  ^  Prince  charles. 

The  18th  day.  James,  cure  noble  Kinge,  &  y^  wor- 
they  prince  Charles  came  to  Tamworth.  The  Kinge 
lodged  at  y«  castell;  And  y*  prince  at  the  mothalL 
Mr.  Thomas  Ashley  &  Mr.  John  Sharp,  then  be- 
lieffes,  gaue  royall  entertaynment." 

On  his  host,  sir  Humphry  Ferrers,  the  king  had 
previously  conferred  the  honour  of  knighthood,  during 
his  stay  at  Warwick.  But  the  same  distinction  was 
not  extended  to  Mr.  William  Comberford;  whose  house 
the  prince  made  his  residence.  The  kind  of  reception 
given  to  the  royal  visitors  has  been  passed  over  in 
silence  by  historians.  Imagination,  however,  may  easily 
supply  the  void;  and  an  acquaintance  with  ike  festive 
customs  of  those  times  add  the  particulars.  The  king 
remained  in  the  town  during  the  whole  of  the  19th. 
On  the  following  day,  he  created  Philip  Eaton  a  knight, 
probably  just  before  he  quitted  the  town  on  his  way 
to  Warwick,  for  a  second  time.' 

Two  years  subsequently,  James  I.  paid  another  visit 
to  Tamworth;  whilst  prince  Charles  remained  at  Kenil- 
worth.  On  the  Slst  of  August,  1621,  he  came  to  the 
Castle ;  when  he  knighted  sir  Edmund  Windsor.  Here 
he  remained  until  the  following  morning ;  and  then  he 
continued  his  progress  to  Warwick  again. 

The  king  made  a  third  and  final  visit  to  this  town 
in  August,  1624.    On  the  19th,  he  dined  at  Wichnor, 

1    Nicholi*  ProffreMM  of  Junes  I.  a   lb. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  ISl 

in  Staffordshire.  On  his  arrival  here^  in  the  evening 
of  the  same  day,  at  the  seat  of  sir  Humphry  Ferrers^ 
he  knighted  sir  John  Skeffington,  of  Skeffington,  in 
Leicestershire ;  who  was^  at  that  time,  high  sheriff  of 
the  county  of  Stafford.  The  prince  did  not  accompany 
his  father,  but  stayed  at  Kenilworth.  In  the  ensuing 
day,  the  king  proceeded  to  Bastwell-hall.' 

In  the  Parish-roister,  there  is  no  notice  taken  of 
either  the  second  or  third  visits  of  James;  but  there 
occurs  the  following  entry: — 

"August,  1624. 
S6,  was  bur.  John  Clarke,  the  King's  servant." 

In  1626,  the  plague  appeared  again  in  the  town,  but 
finr  the  last  time.  In  October  of  that  year,  there  were 
eleven  persons  buried,  "  cum  multis  aliis  ratione  pestis," 
the  names  or  number  of  whom  have  not  been  re- 
corded.' 

In  the  unhappy  and  disastrous  dvil  wars,  which 
arose  in  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century,  Tamworth 
took  a  very  active  part.  The  long  disputes  between 
the  parliament  and  Charles  I.,  terminated  in  the  as- 
sumption of  royal  prerogatives,  totally  incompatible  with 
the  constitution.  The  king,  finding  that  he  could  not 
control  the  legislative  body,  at  last .  tried  to  rule  inde- 
pendently of  their  authority:  and  the  parliament  as 
8ted£istly  refused  to  yield  up  the  power  vested  in 
them.  The  long  series  of  encroachments  on  the  free- 
dom of  the  people,  which  had  been  gradually  carried 
on  horn  the  days  of  Elizabeth,  was  brought  to  a  crisis. 
No  resource  was  left  for  either  side,  except  the  mainte- 
nance of  their  claims  by  an  appeal  to  arms,  or  an 
unconditional  submission  to  the  other  party.    But  nei- 

1    Nichols'  FrogresMS.  2   Piurlth  Register. 


122  TAMWORTH 

ther  would  compromise  their  cause  in  the  least  degree. 
The  people  now  took  the  side  which  they  believed 
correct,  or  which  interest  and  passion  indicated.  To 
the  king's  standard,  flocked  the  major  part  of  the 
members   of  the  old  and  noble  &milies  of  the  land. 

To  the  aid  of  the  parliament,  congregated  immense 
numbers,  especially  of  the  middle  and  lower  classes. 
Indeed,  from  a  conscientious  opposition  to  the  despotism 
which  the  king  endeavoured  to  establish,  many  attached 
themselves  to  the  popular  side,  who  equally  disliked 
the  democratical  system  which  they  were  unawares 
aiding  to  set  up,  and  who  would  have  drawn  back 
in  dismay  had  they  been  able  to  foresee  idtimate 
consequences.  But  neutrality  was  next  to  impossible. 
Such  a  course  would  have  rendered  a  person  the  object 
of  suspicion  and  dislike  to  both  factions;  and  would 
have  entailed  certain  ruin,  which  might  have  been 
avoided,  partially  at  least,  by  joining  either  party.  At 
first,  the  balance  of  justice  was  imdoubtedly  on  the 
side  of  the  people.  But  soon  it  preponderated  in  &vour 
of  the  royalists,  in  consequence  of  the  extreme  lengths 
to  which  the  parliamentarians  resorted.  Of  Ihe  two 
evils,  a  despotism  and  a  democracy,  the  choice  undoubt* 
edly  lies  vastly  in  favour  of  the  former. 

Another  great  cause  of  the  outbreak  of  the  civil  war, 
must  be  sought  in  the  peculiar  religious  temper  which 
prevailed  very  generally  throughout  the  country.  The 
doctrines  of  the  puritans,  although  discountenanced  by 
the  state,  and  even  attenipted  to  be  extinguished  by 
civil  means,  had  spread  like  a  pestilence  amongst  the 
people.  At  the  same  time,  the  high-church  principles 
advocated  by  archbishop  Laud,  and  which  Charles  endea- 
voured  to  enforce  so  long    as  he   had   any   authority. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  123 

gave  great  scandal  to  these  puritans  and  to  the  presby- 
terians.  They  also  alienated  many  in  the  establish- 
ment, who  had  imbibed  the  spirit  of  these  men.  Such 
persons  now  took  the  opportunity  of  expressing  their 
sentiments,  and  upholding  their  opinions  in  public.  So 
greatly  did  these  motives  prevail,  that  the  war,  com- 
mencing at  first  in  dvil  causes,  after  a  very  short 
period,  entirely  assumed  the  aspect  of  a  religious  strife : 
and  soon  we  have  a  mournful  picture  of  the  dread- 
ful lengths  to  which  an  erroneous  and  unbridled  enthu- 
siasm is  calculated  to  carry  the  human  mind. 

The  refusal  of  the  governor  of  Hull  to  admit  the 
king  within  the  walls  of  that  town,  constituted  the  first 
signal  for  war&re  between  the  royalists  and  the  parlia- 
mentarians. Charles  then  went  to  Nottingham ;  where 
he  unfurled  his  banner  on  the  22nd  of  August,  1642. 
Directly  the  trumpet  of  war  re-echoed  throughout  the 
whole  land,  and  sounded  the  mutual  defiance  of  the 
hostile  companies.  All  the  principal  towns  and  castles 
of  the  kingdom  were  now  garrisoned  by  the  soldiers 
and  friends  of  either  party ;  who  prepared  to  assert  and 
maintiiin  their  cause.  Hence  began  the  desolating 
commotions,  which,  after  a  time,  terminated  in  the 
death  of  the  unfortunate  king,  and  in  the  subversion  of 
the  whole  country. 

At  what  precise  time  troops  were  first  placed  at 
Tamworth,  and  to  whom  the  command  of  them  was 
given,  we  have  not  been  able  to  discover  with  certainty ; 
but,  in  the  autumn  of  1642,  the  Castle  was  occupied 
by  the  king's  party.  About  the  same  time,  the  dose 
of  Lichfield  cathedral,  which  was  then  walled  round 
and  capable  of  being  well  defended,  was  taken  posses- 
sion  of,   by   sir   Richard  Dyot   and  his  friends.    They 


124  TAMWORTH 

placed  themselves  under  the  command  of  the  earl  of 
Chesterfield^  a  firm  adherent  to  the  cause  of  his 
sovereign.  Nearly  the  whole  of  the  surrounding  neigh- 
bourhood declared  itself  in  fitvour  of  Charles.  It  was 
soon  a  scene  of  active  and  stubborn  warftre.  On  the 
Ist  of  March,  the  republican  forces  marched  to  Lichfield 
and  invested  the  close.  A  fierce  attack  took  place  on 
the  following  day.  Lord  Brook,  the  parliamentarian 
general,  whilst  directing  the  si^e,  was  accidentally 
killed.  He  was  struck  in  the  eye  by  a  stray  shot,  .fired 
from  the  body  of  the  cathedral.  His  loss  spread  much 
consternation  through  his  troops;  but  sir  William  Gell, 
with  great  promptitude,  assumed  the  whole  command 
of  them.  He  carried  on  his  measures  so  efficaciously, 
that,  in  three  days,  the  royalists  were  compelled  to 
surrender.  On  the  5th,  the  earl  and  his  party  mardied 
out  of  the  close,  to  make  way  for  their  opponents/ 
Great  hopes  were  at  first  entertained  by  some  of  the 
royal  party,  that  they  might  be  able  to  expel  the 
rebels  who  were  left  to  defend  the  place,  befi>re  they 
should  be  well  recovered  and  settled  after  the  loss  of 
their  general.  For  this  purpose,  colonel  Hastings,  then 
at  Ashby-de-la-Zouch,  wrote  a  most  urgent  lett»  to 
the  ear  lof  Northampton.  He  pointed  out  the  success 
which  might  attend  the  attempt  to  take  Lichfield,  and 
the  comparative  ease  with  which  it  would  be  effected. 
He  besought  the  earl,  therefore,  to  march  speedily  to 
Tamworth;  whither  Scudamore,  an  officer,  had  with- 
drawn, on  hearing  of  the  enemy's  advance  towards 
Stafford.  From  this  town,  the  latter  also  wrote  for 
further  direction,  as  to  the  manner  in  which  he  should 
proceed. 

1    Shaw's  SUllbrdshire. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  125 

'<  My  most  honoured  lord^ 

I  am  extreamly  joyed  to  hear  you  are  at  Hen- 
ley-in-Arden  with  your  forces^  and  beseech  you  to 
advance  to  Tamworth^  which  will  be  the  greatest  ser- 
vice that  ever  was  done  the  king ;  for^  with  God's 
blessings  we  shall  beate  them  out  of  Lichfield^  or  sud- 
denly starve  them  all^  beeing  there  is  noe  reliefe  can 
come  to  them^  nor  have  they  any  provision  for  a  day, 
nor  horse  to  fetch  in  any,  I  having  soe  much  the 
greater  number.  Their  strength  consists  of  several 
garrisons,  which  are  now  left  very  weake.  I  have  a 
certainty  of  their  niunber,  by  the  confession  of  diverse 
prisoners,  and  confirmed  by  severall  intercepted  letters. 
Their  number  is  as  follows : — six  small  troopes  of  horse 
and  dragoones,  300  foote  came  with  lord  Brooke,  400 
with  Gell,  and  some  SOO  Morelanders;  but  part  of 
them  armed,  and  noe  fighters.  I,  God  willing,  will 
attend  your  lordship  with  sixteene  troopes  of  horse  and 
dragoons,  and  can,  upon  a  night's  warning,  call  in 
1000  foote  in  Staffordshire,  halfe  of  them  armed,  soe 
that,  with  your  lordship's  forces  and  mine,  we  shall 
make  a  good  body  of  an  army.  And  I  have  canon 
carrii^es,  six  pound  buUets,  and  store  of  small  pieces, 
and,  within  six  dayes,  can  have  culvering  and  demy- 
culvering.  My  lord,  you  know  it  hath  ever  beene  my 
expressions  and  designs  to  waite  upon  you  in  any  action, 
which  I  shall  doe  in  this  to  the  utmost  of  your  com- 
mand. God  hath  given  this  faire  opportunity  to  your 
lordship  to  make  you  the  most  glorious  and  happie 
servant  to  his  majestic.  The  enemie  we  are  to  en- 
counter are  full  of  distractions  with  the  loss  of  their 
lord  generall,  and  under  severaU  commands,  and  the 
souldiers  raw  and  inexperienced,  but  rich  w^  plundered 


ins  TAMWORTH 

goods.  My  lord,  I  doubt  not,  with  Grod's  aBsbtance, 
of  a  most  happie  siiocem,  and  that  you  will  letume, 
laden  with  honour  and  riches,  and  take  all  this  side  of 
Warwickshire  in  your  way,  who  have  beene  great  rebells 
to  the  Ung,  and  axe  full  of  wealth,  which  will  he  the 
reward  of  your  and  your  souldiers  paines :  your  lordship 
may  surveye  your  forces  to  take  many  armes  and  horses. 
Indeed,  my  lord,  your  presence  will  be  of  infinite 
advantage,  and  without  it,  this  oountrey  is  in  danger  to 
bee  lost,  and  the  rebeUs  grow  to  a  great  body,  that 
now  are  not  considerable;  therefore  let  nothing  divert 
you  from  this  great  and  good  worke.  As  soone  as  I 
know  your  lordship's  resolution,  God  willing,  I  will 
suddenly  waite  upon  you,  and  doubt  not  thus  better  to 
satisfie  you  then  I  can  by  letter.  But  I  beseech  you 
believe  this,  were  not  the  designes  grounded  upon  much 
reason  and  great  probability  of  happie  success,  I  should 
not  thus  earnestly  press  your  lordship,  that  am  to 
yourselfe,  my  lord  Compton,  and  your  gallant  &mily. 
Tour  most  faithfoll  and  affectionate  servant, 

H.  HASTINGS. 
Ashby-de-la-Zouch,  Wednesday,  7  o'clock.** 

[the  18th  of  March,  1642.] 
^'To  the  right  honourable,    my   much  honoured    lord, 
the  earl  of  Northampton,  At  Henley-in-Arden,  with* 
in  eight  miles  of  ColshiU,  present  this." 
"  My  Lord, 

At  12  o'docke  this  present  Wednesday,  wee 
received  intelligence  from  a  boy  that  most  of  their 
forces,  both  horse  and  foote,  with  some  pieces  of  canon, 
were  marching  towards  Stafiford,  which  made  us  pre- 
sently draw  all  our  forces  to  Tamworth;  where  we 
shall  expect,  by  this  night's  intelligence,  a  certain  place 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  187 

of  rendezvous^  where  we  shall  joyne  with  your  lordship's 
fiirces,  and  so  constantly  march  in  one  body.  What 
intelligence  wee  shall  receive  this  night,  your  lordship 
shall  have  present  notice  of;  and  we  desire  to  have  the 
like.  My  coloneU  stais  at  Ashby  this  night,  expecting 
some  assistance  from  Newarke,  there  being  the  last 
night  three  of  their  prindpall  gentlemen  sent  to  him 
with  full  assurance  (in  my  hearing)  that  they  would 
march  when  he  pleased  into  those  parts  of  Leicester- 
shiie,  or  where  he  would  appoint.  These  forces  are  all 
horse,  which  they  may  well  spare,  and  doe  his  business 
for  Leicestershire.  Whereby  hee  may  the  better  be 
spared  from  those  parts  to  attend  your  lordship.  Yes- 
terday wee  received  intelligence  that  eight  cometts  of 
horse  were  advanced  from  Derby  to  Leicester.  And  this 
day  it  is  confirmed  that  they  are  returned  backe,  and  the 
lord  Gray  is  gone  with  a  small  partie  for  Northampton. 
I  doe  expect  my  coUoneU  here  by  eight  in  the  morning, 
and  if  your  lordship  shall  appoint  an  earlier  hower  at 
the  rendezvouse,  I  shall  move  with  these  forces  towards 
you.  I  now  speake  with  your  lordship's  messenger, 
and  I  perceive  by  him  that  you  doe  not  know  of  out 
being  here;  but  we  shall  have  a  care  of  the  business 
this  night.  And  if  their  cartes  (as  is  reported)  stand 
laden  in  Lichfield  streets,  it  is  likelier  they  will  hasten 
for  Barton  rather  than  hither.  Thus  having  no  more 
at  present,  I  kiss  your  lordship's  handes,  being 
Tour  lordship's  humble  servant, 

B.  SCUDAMOBE. 
Tamworth,  8  in  the  night." 

''I   humbly   desire   that   my    service    may   be  pre- 
sented to  colonell  Wentworth,  and  sir  Thomu  Byron."* 

1    Shaw*!  Staflbidihire. 


128  TAUWOBTH 

The  earl  of  Northampton  was  too  much  occupied  in 
other  parts  of  the  country  to  adopt  colonel  Hasdngs' 
advice  and  march  hither  to  afford  aid  in  recoyering 
Lichfield.  Both  these  gallant  soldiers  commanded  the 
royal  troops  in  the  combat  which  took  place  on  the 
19th  of  March,  at  Salt-heath,  near  Stafford,  against 
those  of  sir  John  GeU  and  sir  William  Brereton. 
There  the  king's  party  was  completely  defeated;  and 
the  earl,  himself,  unfortunately  slain.^ 

The  royal  forces  at  Tamworth,  however,  were  a 
source  of  very  great  and  incessant  annoyance  to  the 
enemy  at  Lichfield.  They  did  not  encounter  the  repub- 
licans so  much  in  set  fights ;  but  they  adopted  the  more 
harrassing  and  efficacious  mode  of  continually  sending 
out  small  bodies  of  men  to  attack  them,  when  they 
were  off  their  guard,  or  when  any  good  prospect  of 
success  presented  itself.  This  kind  of  warfere  they 
kept  up  both  day  and  night.  One  of  the  officers  of 
the  royalists,  who  amused  himself  by  keeping  a  diary 
of  his  marches,  says  that  this  place,  with  Bushall- 
castle,  another  small  garrison  of  the  king's,  ''did  keep 
their  holy  brethren  from  dulling  their  spirits  with  over 
muche  sleep,  in  giving  them  several  alarams,  no  rest 
nor  respite  night  and  day,  with  some  particularized 
skennishes."*  But  on  the  Slst  of  April,  1643,  prince 
Bupert  reduced  Lichfield-dose,  and  compelled  colonel 
Bussel,  the  republican  commandant,  to  capitulate.  The 
government  of  the  place  was  thereupon  committed  to 
Henry  Bagot;  who  remained  there  imtil  his  defeat,  a 
little  more  than  two  years  after.' 

Tamworth  probably  enjoyed  a  short  repose  firom  war- 
fere  for  the  space  of  two  months ;-  when  its  capture  by 

1    Shaw't  StaflbitlihlR.  a    M.S.  quoted  by  SImw.  3    Shaw*!  StaftnrOaUre. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 


P29 


the  enemy  once  again  placed  it  in  opposition  to  Lich- 
field. The  parliamentarian  troops,  under  the  conmiand 
of  colonel  William  Purefoy,  marched  from  Coventry;  and 
commenced  storming  the  Castle,  on  Wednesday,  the  ^rd 
of  June.  It  endured  two  days'  siege;  when  the  little 
garrison,  after  having  made  a  very  stout  resistance, 
was  compelled  to  surrender  on  the  26th.* 

Republican  forces   were    then  placed   here;  and  the 
command  of  the  Castle  was  given  to  captain  Waldive 

piafl  daughter  and  heiress  of  William 
grandton  &  heir  of  sir  Humphry 
Franc,  and  was  father  of 

SiA  Ralph  db  Willinoton. 
liYing  37  H.  III. ;  who  m.  Joan,  dan. 
and  heiress  of  Sir  William  Champer- 
nowne  of  Umberleigh,  in  Devon.  His 
son. 

Sir  Ralph  dm  Willimoton, 
styled  by  Risdon  "a  worthy  warrior," 
was  gOTemor  of  the  castle  at  Exeter 
38  H.  III.,  and  sheriff  of  Deron  42nd 
of  the  same  reign.  He  m.  Juliana, 
dan.  and  heiress  of  Sir  Richard  de 
Lomen ;  and  had  issue, 

I.  John  db  Willington,  sum- 
moned to  Parliament  as  a  Baron  from 
3  Ed.  III.  to  12  of  the  same  reign  ; 
when  he  d,,  leaving  by  Joan  his  wife, 
a  son  and  heir 

Ralph  db  Willinoton  j  who  was 
sammoned  to  Parliaioent  as  a  Baron 
10  Ed.  III.  This  Ralph  was  in  the 
wars  of  Scotland  and  France.  He 
m,  Bljrnor,  dan.  of  John  lord  Mohun 
of  I>an8ter,  bat  d.  S.  P.  in  1349.  when 
the  Baronjr  became  extinct. 

II.  Sir  Reginald,  d,  S.  P.  29 
Ed.  3. 

III.  Sir  Henry,  of  whose  line  we 
have  to  treat,  and 

IV.  Thomas,  living  22  Ed.  3. 
The  third  son. 

Sir  Hbnby  Willington,  Knight 
Banneret,  was  with  his  eldest  brother 
John  made  prisoner  at  the  battle  of 
Bannockbum.  He  subsequently  took 
part  with  the  earl  of  Lancaster,  and 


John  Williniiton,  of  Willing- 
ton,  in  the  county  of  Derby,  was 
lather  of 

Nicholas  Willinoton,  who  was 
contemporaneous  with  Robert,  Ab- 
bot qf  Bttrtm,  in  the  reign  of  King 
Stephen.  He  was  succeeded  by  his 
son, 

Nicholas  Willinoton.  Both  he 
and  his  &ther  were  liberal  benefac- 
tors to  the  convent  of  Repton.  He 
waa  father  of  Hugo  Willington  living 
38  H.  III.;  to  whom  succeeded  next 
in  the  male  line, 

Ralph  db  Willinoton,  who 
settled  in  Gloucestershire,  temp. 
long  John;  and  afterwards  founded 
St.  Mary's  Chapel  in  the  abbey  of 
St.  Peter's  at  Gloucester,  now  called 
Um  *'  Lady-ChapeL"    He  m.  Olim- 


I  Parish  Register.  Hamper's  Life  of  Dogdale.  There  is  a  letter,  in  the  Harlean 
M.S.,  from  queen  Henrietta-Maria  to  the  earl  of  Newcastle,  informing  him  that 
T^HBworth  was  lost. 


180 


TAUWOBTH 


Willington.  This  gentleman  was  of  a  very  ancient 
£Eunily,  which,  coming  out  of  Gloncesterahire,  was 
seated  at  Hurley-hall  in  the  neighbourhood.  Under 
him  were  appointed  two  deputy-governors,  Thomas 
Hunt  and  Richard  Harvey.  Owing  to  the  vigorous  mea- 
sures and  strenuous  exertions  of  the  able  commandant,  the 
royalists  were  never  able  to  re-take  the  plaoe,  notwith- 
standing all  their  endeavours.  To  those  at  Lichfield, 
Tamworth  became  as  obnoxious  as  it  had  previously 
been  to  the  rebels  there.  Hopwas-bridge  over  the 
Tame,  connecting  the  town  with  that  city,  was  broken 


was  executed  mt  Bristol  in  1322. 
He  m.  Margtret,  dan.  of  sir  Alexan- 
der de  FreTiie,  by  Joan  his  wife,  a  co- 
heiress of  the  Marmyons  of  Tarn- 
worth  ;  and  left  a  son  and  snocessor, 
Sib  Hbnbt  Willinotom,  23 
Ed.  III.  He  m.  IsabeU,  daughter  of 
sir  John  Whalesborough ;  and  was 
racceeded  by  his  son, 

Sift     JOHW     WiLLINOTON.         He 

m.  Matilda,  daughter  of  Sir  Walter 
Carminow,  and  had  issue 
I.  KAhwm  WiLLINOTON  of  WUlincton 
Conit,  GlovoMtershlrei  who  d,  S.  P. 
lOCh  of  Aotust,  IS8S. 

U.  JOBN     WiLLINOTON    Of    Vn]Ull(tOII 

Court,  who  4.  8.  P.  1S07. 
lu.  ItANNL,  oo-heir,  acwt  ss,  5.  R.  IV. 
1404}  m.  WUUam,  son  of  air  John 
Boanmont,  of  ShirwoU. 
IT.  Maroakst,  co.heir,  m,  John,  eon 

of  rir  John  Wrothe. 
John  Willington,  theoontinu- 
ator  of  the  male  line.  By  Margery, 
his  wife,  he  left  a  son  and  successor, 
William  Willington,  co.  Glou- 
cester, whoae  will  is  dated  22nd 
January,  1500.    He  was  lather  of 

John  Willington,  co.  Glouces- 
ter;  who  by  different  wives  had  two 


I.  William  Willington  of  Bar- 
cheston,  who  (though  the  principal 
estates  had  passed  to  the  Beaumonts 
and  Wrothes)  inherited  considerable 
estates  in  the  counties  of  Gloucester 
and  Warwick,  including  lands  at 
Brailes,  co.    Warwick;  where   the 


family  had  held  land  from  an  early 

period.    (John  V^IKngton,  the  first 

baron,  and  his  iatiier  Ralph  both 

held  property  there,  temp.  H.  3.  and 

Ed.    2.)    He  m.   Ann,  widow  of 

Thomas  Middlemore,  esq.,  of  Bdg- 

bsston,   and   daughter  of  Bichard 

Littleton,   esq.,    of    FlUaton,    co. 

Stafford,  by  whom  she  had  issue, 

I.  Mabobbt  WiLLMOVOiri  ».  fin^ 

Ukuum  Holt,  eaq.,  of  Aaton;  and 

•econdly,  air  Amhrooe  CaVe,  knight, 

chibcellorofthoDadiyof  Laufrtsr. 

By  her  first  htiihaDd,  ahe  had  a  aoB, 

Kdwwnd  Hott  I  who  m.  Dorothy,  daa. 

of  sir  John  Fanen,  of  Tunworth 


II.  GoDiTB  WitLiiroTOir,  ».  to  L 
Fielding,  of  Newnham.  aacaatog  of 
the  carts  of  DcnUch. 

III.  ElICABBTK    WlLLIIfOTOir,    «.   to 

Xdward  Booghton  of  Lawford. 
IT.  Mabt  WiLUVOTOK,  w.  to  WllUsm 
Sheldon,  eaq.,  of  Beoley  and  BbbUm. 

T.  MAaOARST  WlLLINOTOH,   W.  tO  ^T 

Kdward  OrerlUe,  aaeeator  to  the 
Kails  of  Warwick. 
Ti.  Aim  WiLLuroTOw.  m.  to  Rands 

Mooatfort,  eaq.,  of  KlogBhurat. 
Til.  CATflAaim  WiLLiNOTOir,  m.  flrrt 
Bichard  Kempe,  eaq.  aeoond  wmiam 
BOB  of  rir  Kldiard  Cateahy,  and 
third  to  Anthony,  aom  of  sir  Gearge 
Throckmorton. 

II.  Thomas  Willington,  of 
Huriey.haU,  32  H.  yill.l541.m. 
Joan,  only  dau.  of  Nicholas  Night- 
ingale, esq.,  and  heiress  of  her  mo- 
ther Joyee,  who  was  sister  and 
heiress  of  John  Waldyre,.  By  her 
he  had  issue, 
I.  Waldttb  WiLLINOTON,  hls  heir. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 


181 


down.  But  this  circumstance  would  only  serve  to 
render  the  parties  bolder,  and  the  skirmishing  between 
them  of  a  more  daring  character.  Gk>Yemor  Willington 
be^;ed  aid  from  the  committee  of  parliament  at  Coven- 
try, through  the  earl  of  Denbigh,  as  shewn  by  the 
following  letter,  that  he  might  fortify  the  place  in  a 
more  efficient  manner,  and  be  able  better  to  withstand 
any  assaults  which  might  occur. 

A  rough  draught  endorsed : — 
"  My   lord's   Pre   to    y«  Parliam*  in  behalf  of  the  go- 
vernor of  Tamworth." 


IX.  JoBir  WziitxiroToir  of  WhaMaji 
from  whom  mn  desoended  the  Willing- 
tons  ofWhatetey  and  Tunwoith.* 
TlMmiM  Willington  was   locoeedMl 
by  his  eldeit  son, 

Waldtyb  Willinoton,  of  Hur- 
ley; who  St.  first  Joyce  dan.  of  George 
Vnnfter,  esq.,  of  Worthmgton,  co. 
Leicester;  and  secondly,  in  1563, 
Ifaigery,  sister  and  co-hdress  of  Mi- 
chad  Braeehridge,  esq.,    and  by  her 


Thomas,  his  heir,  two  other  sons, 
and  a  danghter, 

EX.ISABITH  Willington,  whom. 
William,  son  of  sir  Walter  Aston, 
of  Tizall,  and  nnde  to  Walter,  first 
lord  Aston,  of  Forfar.  Waldyre  Wil- 
lington J.  in  1569.    His  eldest  son, 

Thomas  Willington  of  Hurley, 
at.  9th  of  July  1599,  Alice,  dan. 
of  John  Willington,  of  Whateley, 
and  had  issne,  with  two  other  sons 
and  fire  daughters. 


Waldtyb  Willington,  his  heir, 
bt^i,  18th  of  April,  1600.  The 
Ooffemor  qf  Tamworih  CaitU.  He 
d.  in  1676 ;  end  was  succeeded  by 
his  eldest  son  Waldyve  Willington, 
who  had  issne  three  sons,  WilUam, 
niomas,  (grand&ther  of  the  last 
Thomas  "^HUington,  of  Hnrley,  who 
d.  S.  P.  in  1815,)  snd  Waldyre. 
William  the  eldest  d.  S.  P.,  leaying 
his  ymmgest  brother,  Waldyre  his 
heir.  This  Waldyre  was  high  sher- 
iif  for  Warwickshire  13  Geo.  1.;  and 
dying  10th  of  September  1733,  left 
a  son  William,  who  d.  S.  P.  in  1752, 
and  three  dans.,  who  became  co- 
heiresses, only  one  of  whom  has  left 
descendants.  This  was  Susanna  Wil- 
lington, whom.  Charles  Floyer,esq., 
of  Hints ;  whence  by  two  daus.  are 
descended  the  present  liunilies  of 
Floyer,  of  Hints,  and  Lerett,  of 
Wichnor-park. 


•  JolinWlttfngtonofWliatdey,AAiigiistl6l7.  Be  had  Istoe  (batidM  a  dao.  Alice, 
who  m.  her  ooualn,  Tliamas  WiUlnifton,  of  Hurley,  the  tether  of  Waldyve  Willington, 
who  wae  foremor  of  Tunworth)  Antlde  Willington,  of  Whatdej,  who  had  two  sone, 
rtkamuM  and  George,  The  elder,  Thomas,  was  flitfaer  of  another  Thomai}  who,  by 
Marr  his  wife,  dan.  of  John  Swynlien,  Itoq.,  M.P.  for  Tunworth,  hi  the  reign  of 
Charles  II.,  had  a  ion,  Thomas  Willington,  who  4.  t.  r.,  and  a  daughter  and 
ereotoal  hdreee,  Jane,  who  m.  John  8k^  esq.,  of  Ledhonr,  hi^-sheriff  for  Warwick- 
iUre,  nth  Geo.  1st. }  from  this  marriage  deseends  John  Martin,  esq.,  M.P.  for  TOwks- 
y,  present  owner  of  the  WhatSlsj  estate. 


hiiry,prei 
Ote^ge 


WUMmgtem,  the  yonnger  son  of  Antlde,  was  ihfher  of  Bichard,  and  he  of 
another  Bichard  j  whoee  son,  John  Willington  of  Tamworth,  had,  besides  daughters, 
flve  sons,  John,  of  the  Inner  Temple  j  Bayly,  lieutenant-general  in  the  armyi 
R&diaRl)  llxmias}  snd  Fhrnds,  rector  of  Walton-oiuTtent ;  all  of  whom  are  now 
deccaied  without  having  left  any  issue  male,  except  Ihomas,  who  had  a  son,  the 
present  Francis  Willington,  town-clerk  of  "nmiworUi,  who  m.  in  1825,  Jane  Ann,  dan.  of 
the  Iste  Henry  James  Pye,  esq.,  of  Fsirlngdon-honsc,  Berks,  formerly  M.P.  for  that 
ooaaty ;  snd  has  issne,  Frsncls-Pye,  Waldyre-Heory,  John-Baiph,  and  Henry-Edward. 


132  TAMWORTH 

''  My  lords  and  gentlemen. 

Upon  y*  request  of  capt.  Waldive  Willingtcniy 
govemo'  of  Tamworth  castle,  I  am  become  an  humble 
suito''  to  yo'  lo'pps  in  his  behalf,  to  bestow  upon  him 
a  Saker  and  two  Drakes,  for  the  better  strengthening 
of  his  garrison,  fiir  that  he  hath  expressed  his  dutie  in 
y^  place  to  y*  Parliam^  with  a  great  deale  of  care  and 
vigilancy ;  by  w*"*  meanes  y*  place  wilbe  much  y*  stronger, 
and  be  thereby  more  enabled  to  withstand  any  assayl- 
ants  of  the  enemy  in  y*  line  of  communicacon  betwixt 
Stafford  and  \is,  and  without  y*  help  of  w^  none  of 
our  friends  can  safely  passe  for  Lichfield  garrison :  and 
this  £EiY0ur  of  yo**  lo'pps  to  him  herein  shall  much 
oblidge  yo'  most  affect.  &  humble  serv*, 

DENBIGH." 

The  forces  at  Tamworth  were  maintained  by  contri- 
butions levied  from  all  the  surrounding  neighbourhood. 
Weekly  payments  were  demanded  from  every  place,  by 
each  party.  In  return,  protection  from  the  ravages  of 
the  opposite  faction  was  mostly  expected.  But  it  was 
often  impossible  to  afford  it  continually  and  sufficiently. 
Then  the  piUaged  people  were  compelled  to  render 
their  aid  to  both  rebels  and  royalists.  The  whole  coun- 
try was  parcelled  out  amongst  the  different  troops. 
The  parliamentarian  committee  at  Stafford,  on  the  5th 
of  January,  ordered  that  the  weekly  pay  of  Bucknall 
and  Fenton  Magna,  Biddle,  Fenton  and  Longton, 
Tunstall-court,  Hilton  and  Pencle  cimi  membris,  should 
be  assigned  to  captain  Thomas  Himt,  for  the  payment 
of  his  officers  and  soldiers.'  In  the  following  month, 
Joseph  Heath,  *  of  Weeford,  and  William,  his  son, 
obtained  a  mandate  from  the  same  committee,  directing 

1    Shaw'8  Staflbrdihire. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  133 

that  no  officer  or  soldier  belonging  to  the  king  and 
parliament  should  plunder  their  chattels  or  estates, 
without  special  licence,  as  they  had  duly  paid  50/. 
levied  on  them  for  the  maintenance  of  the  garrison 
here.^  In  explanation  of  the  expression  ^'king  and 
parliament"  thus  adopted,  we  may  state  that  it  was  a 
common  saying  amongst  the  republicans  that  they  were 
in  reality  fighting  for  the  king,  with  the  design  of 
merely  rescuing  him  firom  the  eril  coundlkirs;  by  whom 
he  was  surrounded  and  led  against  his  will.  But 
their  conduct  when  the  king  at  last  fell  into  their 
hands,  prodaims  aloud  the  fiilsehood  of  the  plea,  by 
which  they  attempted  to  ease  their  conscienoes  and 
justify  their  actions. 

In  the  following  March,  a  very  great  effort  was 
made  by  the  royal  party  at  Lichfield  to  take  the  town 
again.  They  repaired  the  bridge  at  Hc^was,  in  order 
that  about  two  thousand  men  might  pass  over  with 
ease.  Waldive  Willington,  the  governor,  was  fore- 
warned by  a  trusty  spy.  He  wrote  to  the  earl  of 
Denbigh  and  the  parliamentarian  committee  at  Coven- 
try informing  them  of  the  circumstances,  so  that  mea- 
sures might  be  taken  to  counteract  the  attempt. 

*'  E*  ho»»"«  and  the  rest  of  the  Comittee, 

Wee  have  had  a  spedall  frend  that  lay  in 
lichfeild  the  last  night,  who  brings  us  certen  intelli- 
gence that  this  day  wee  shalbe  fiercely  assaulted  by 
fifteene  hundred  foote  and  five  hundred  horse,  and  that 
fower  peeces  of  ordinance  are  advanced  upon  their 
carriages  towards  us,  and  that  their  randezvous  is  upon 
Hoppas  Hill;  where  wee  doe  now  discover  diverse 
troopes    of    horse,    many    great    companies    of    fbote. 

1    Shaw*B  StaflbrcUhire. 


1S4  TAMWOBTH 

Our  scouts  have  discovered  them  makemg  up  Hoppas 
Bridge;  w^  may  be  for  the  passage  of  the  caniages 
and  fbote.  Our  scouts  and  theires  have  fyred  one 
against  another. 

Yo» 

WaLDYVB   WnXIHOTON, 

Thomas  Hunt^ 
BicHAmn  Habvbt." 
''Tamworth,  18  March,  1648, 
[1648-4]  at  11  of  the  clock  in  the  day." 

But  the  attempt  of  the  royalists  to  regain  the  town 
was  completely  unsuccessful;  and  they  weie  obliged  to 
return  to  Lichfield,  disappointed  in  their  hopes. 

On  the  10th  of  May  following,  1644,  the  earl  of 
Denbigh,  with  a  company  of  about  two  thousand  men, 
marched  from  Coventry  towards  Tamworth.' 

On  the  S7th  of  October,  an  order  was  made  by  the 
committee  at  Stafford  that  captain  George  Bowes  and 
all  his  soldiers  should  depart  out  of  this  garrison,  by 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon;  and  not  return  without 
lawful  order,  at  their  peril.  It  was  subscribed  by 
Waldyue  Willington,  Thomas  Layfeild,  William  Wood, 
Gilbert  Dukeson,  Thomas  Voughton,  Thomas  Sawkin, 
Humphry  Frodsham,  Thomas  Palmer,  Thomas  Knight, 
and  Bichard  Battman. 

Another  order  was  made  by  this  committee  regarding 
lands  at  Haselour,  laid  under  contribution  for  the  troops 
here.  *^  19  November,  1644.  Forasmuch  as  it  is  in- 
formed that  the  commanders  at  Tamworth  doe  assesse 
certen  lands  of  the  right  hon^  the  earle  of  Meathe's, 
within  Hassleore,  which  by  the  400,000^  subsedie  was 
not  assessed,  nor,  as  is  conceived,  ought  to  be :  it  is  there* 

1    Hampcr't  Life  of  Dngdile. 


TOWN   AND  CASTLE.  185 

fore  ordered  that  the  said  earle  nor  his  tenants  shall 
not  be  forced  or  constrayned  to  pay  any  levies  or 
weekely  pay  to  any  of  the  Parliament  fforces  for  the 
said  land,  untill  such  time  as  Mr.  William  Brookes 
and  the  inhabitants  of  Hassleore,  haying  notice  of  this 
order,  shall  appeare  before  us  and  show  sufficient  cause 
to  the  contrary.'*' 

The  incessant  struggles  between  Tamworth  and  Lich- 
field, impoverished  the  whole  country  around,  and 
plunged  it  into  the  deepest  confusion.  The  land  lay 
lay  mostly  uncultivated:  for,  as  might  be  expected,  no 
one  would  incur  the  risk  and  trouble  of  raising  crops, 
which  were  nearly  certain  to  be  pillaged  or  destroyed 
by  either  party.  Hence  the  land-holders  suffered  most 
severely  in  the  wars.  The  rents  of  Mr.  Francis  Wol- 
verston  owner  of  Statfold,  from  his  lands  lying  unoccu- 
pied, were  reduced  to  less  than  100/.  a  year.  Yet  out  of 
this  sum,  he  was  compelled  to  give  weekly  1/.  Ss.  4d. 
to  the  support  of  the  republican  army  at  Tamworth. 
As  it  could  not  constantly  afford  him  sufficient  aid,  he 
was  likewise  forced  to  contribute  to  the  maintenance  of 
the  royalists  at  Lichfield.  Being  thus  oppressed,  Tam- 
worth alone  taking  nearly  two  thirds  of  his  scanty 
income,  he  was  compelled  to  apply  to  the  parlia- 
mentarian committee  at  Stafford,  for  a  reduction  of  his 
payment  to  their  party.  He  accordingly  obtained  an 
order,  dated  on  the  S9th  of  October,  1644;  by  which  it 
was  diminished  to  lOs.  weekly,  until  fiurther  order.'  It 
was  principally  upon  the  higher  and  middling  classes  of 
society  that  the  heaviest  calamities  fell.  Persons  were 
often  compeUed  of  necessity  to  take  up  arms,  that  they 
might  maintain  themselves,  and  preserve  their  families 

I  to  InteiwlekBi-^dit.  1844. 


1S6  TAMWORTH 

from  actual  poverty.  The  greater  part  of  the  lower 
orders  had  turned  soldiers;  and  lived  weU  by  plunder 
acquired  by  the  sword.  Not  a  few  of  them  added  to 
their  military  character,  that  of  a  puritanical  preacher. 
The  country  was  completely  over-run  with  these  fanati- 
cal men.  Persons  of  every  trade  forsook  their  earthly 
calling,  in  order  to  follow  the  dictates  of  the  interior 
spirit;  whose  colour,  perchance,  they  had  forgotten  or 
neglected  to  examine. 

The  warfare  between  Tamworth  and  Lichfield  l<Hig 
continued  with  imabating  fierceness.  The  hostile  spirit 
of  the  two  parties  seems  to  have  increased  in  acerbity 
and  vehemence.  Thomas  Hunt,  one  of  the  command- 
ants here,  who  had  been  originally  a  tradesman  at 
Coventry,  sent  a  personal  challenge  to  colonel  Henry 
Bagot,  the  royaUst  governor  at  Lichfield.  It  was 
couched  in  the  most  insulting  terms,  which  its  brevity 
would  admit. 

''  Bagot, — thou  Sonne  of  an  Egiptian  hore,  meete  me 
half  the  way  to-morrow  morning, — ^the  half  way  betwixt 
Tamworth  and  litchfeald,  if  thou  darest:  if  not,  I 
will  whippe  thee  whensoever  I  meete  thee. 

THOMAS  HUNT." 
"Tamworth  this— December,  1644.** 

The  combatants  accordingly  met  on  Whittington- 
heath;  and  a  sharp  encounter  ensued.  After  some 
time,  the  challenger  himself  was  compelled  to  turn 
round  and  fly  before  his  opponent;  who  flogged  him  in 
his  retreat,  and  very  nearly  succeeded  in  capturing 
him.* 

During  the  following  year,  the  skirmishing  with  the 
royalists    was    incessant       On    the    4th   of   July,    the 

1    Mercoritta  AiiUcu8,-*a  royiliit  paper. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  137 

Scott's  army  came  to  this  town.  The  next  day,  they 
passed  on  to  Birmingham;  from  whence  they  went,  on 
the  7th  to  AlcesterJ  In  March,  1646,  lichfield-close 
was  invested  by  the  parliamentarian  army,  under  the 
command  of  major-general  Lothian.  The  garrison  at 
Tamworth  afforded  all  their  assistance.  The  roy- 
alists were  accused  by  the  people  of  this  town  of 
cruelty  in  killing  a  man  in  cold  blood,  whom  they  had 
captured  in  a  sally  from  their  fortifications.*  The  siege 
was  continued  with  great  violence,  until  the  10th  of 
July.  Colonel  Bagot  was  very  severely  wounded;  and 
the  royalists  were  driven  to  the  necessity  of  capitula- 
ting. They  made  honourable  terms  with  their  victors; 
and  were  allowed  to  march  out  unmolested.  The 
cause  of  the  king  was  now  very  nearly  extinct 
throughout  the  whole  land.  The  fatal  battle  of  Naseby 
destroyed  the  few  hopes,  which  lingered  amongst  his 
adherents.  Shortly  afterwards,  as  a  last  refuge,  the 
sovereign  placed  himself  in  the  hands  of  the  Scots. 
These  mercenary  men  knew  not  how  to  show  mercy  to 
the  confiding  monarch;  but  basely  betrayed  and  sold 
him  to  the  parliament.  The  scaffold  was  soon  seen 
standing  by  the  gloomy  prison  walls.  Then  the  axe 
was  observed  to  gleam  momentarily  in  the  air;  and, 
in  the  next  instant,  Charles  had  ended  his  eventful  and 
unfortunate  reign.  Monarchy  was  completely  abolished ; 
and  democracy  established.' 

On  the  reduction  of  Lichfield,  Tamworth  had  no 
longer  any  adversaries  to  contend  with;  and  it  soon 
assumed  externally  its  usual  peaceable  condition.  The 
inhabitants^  so  far  as  we  can  judge  from  the  records  of 

I    Hamper's  UISb  of  Dogdale.  9    Parish  Register, 

a   Clarendon's  Hiatonr  of  the  RebeUioD. 

T 


138  TAMWORTH 

the  times^  appear  to  have  been  deeply  imbued  with 
the  puritanical  spirit  of  the  age;  and  to  have  heartily 
supported  the  cause  to  which  they  were  inclined.  And 
it  was  a  long  time  before  the  feeling  completely  died 
away. 

Oliver'  Cromwell  was  chosen  as  the  ruler  of  the 
realms ;  and  he  assumed  the  title  of  Protector.  Remem- 
bering how  greatly  castles  and  fortified  places  had 
impeded  his  progress  in  the  wars,  and  harassed  him 
in  the  execution  of  his  enterprises,  he  ordered  the 
principal  of  them  to  be  dismantled  or  destroyed,  in 
such  a  manner  that  they  could  not  again  be  rendered 
capable  of  defence.  Amongst  them,  the  one  at  Tam- 
worth  was  included.' 

During  the  period  of  the  Commonwealth,  a  very 
neat  local  token  of  Tamworth  was  struck,  apparently 
under  the  direction  of  the  corporation.  It  is  of  an 
octangular  shape.  On  the  obverse,  it  bears  the  inscrip- 
tion, *  TAMWORTH  .  CHAMBERLAINS ;  and  in  the  field, 

THBIR 
HALFB 
PENNY. 

On  the  reverse,  is  inscribed,  ♦por  change  and  cha- 
ritie;  and  in  the  centre  is  placed  a  fleur-de-hz, — ^the 
ancient  arms  of  the  town. 

The  political  career  of  Cromwell,  whatever  may  be 
thought  of  his  private  life,  or  of  the  means  by  which 
he  attained  power,  was  one  characterized  by  very  great 
ability  and  general  success.  An  encroachment  upon 
the  representative  powers  of  the  people  had  first  caused 
the  out-break  of  the  war.  He,  therefore,  endeavoured 
to  equalize  the  system,  and  to  give  to  the  nation  the 

1    SbAw't  StaffbnbbiR. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  139 

show,  at  leasts  of  political  fireedoxn.  For  this  purpose, 
he  bestowed  the  right  of  returning  members  to  some  of 
the  larger  places^  which  had  not  previously  enjoyed  it. 
At  the  same  time,  he  deprived  many  of  the  smaller 
boroughs  of  the  power.  Amongst  the  latter,  he  included 
Tamworth.  Consequently,  from  this  town  were  not 
sent  any  members  in  1654,  1656,  and  1658.' 

Weary  of  the  confusion,  which  had  so  long  predomi- 
nated, and  convinced,  by  dearly-bought  experience,  that 
in  reality  a  democracy  was  as  absolute  as  the  ancient 
system  of  government,  the  majority  of  the  people  soon 
desired  the  restoration  of  monarchy.  The  accession  of 
Charles  11.  to  regal  power,  in  1660,  was  hailed  with 
the  greatest  pleasure.  As  in  the  natural  kingdom,  long 
and  protracted  exertion  is  followed  by  a  period  of  deep 
repose,  so  in  political  life^  great  commotions  are  suc- 
ceeded by  a  stillness  more  or  less  profound.  Charles 
was  soon  enabled  to  establish  an  external  tranquillity 
throughout  the  kingdom.  But  yet  the  calm  which  now 
ensued  was  not  wholly  undisturbed;  for  the  occasional 
manifestations  of  an  unquiet  spirit,  indicated  the  exist- 
ence of  some  horrid  image;  which  still  haunted,  like  a 
fearful  dream,  the  public  mind.  Although  the  church  of 
England  had  been  re-established  by  law,  as  it  was  in 
the  days  of  Elizabeth,  the  genius  of  puritanism  long 
existed  in  the  nation;  and  proved  a  source  of  constant 
irritation.  In  other  matters,  all  was  peaceable.  Soon 
a  monarchy  was  restored  nearly  as  absolute  as  that,  for 
the  suppression  of  which  the  whole  war  had  been  com- 
menced, and  torrents  of  blood  shed.  Thus  prone  is  the 
human  mind  to  run  to  the  opposite  extreme;  after 
having  been  forced,  in  one  direction,  beyond  the  bounds 
of  moderation  and  reason. 

1    Merewether  and  Stephens. 


140  TAMWORTH 

The  long  parliament^  to  which  latterly  the  appellation 
of  ''rump'*  was  given,  was  first  called  together  in 
1640.  It  was  abruptly  broken  up  by  Cromwell;  but 
after  his  death,  it  again  met.  Charles  II.  was  re-called 
by  an  assemblage  succeeding  it.  This  was  soon  disper- 
sed; and  another  parliament  was  summoned;  which  met 
in  November,  1660;  when  Tamworth  resumed  its  poli- 
tical privileges,  by  returning  members  to  it.  But  it 
only  continued  for  a  few  weeks.  A  new  one  was  assem- 
bled on  the  8th  of  May,  in  the  next  year;  which  firom 
the  length  of  its  duration,  was  styled  the  second  long 
parliament.  Amongst  the  most  remarkable  of  its  early 
acts,  was  one  for  the  well-governing  of  municipal  cor- 
porations. It  was  required  that  all  persons,  who  should 
hold  any  civil  office,  or  become  a  member  of  a  corpo- 
rate body,  should  take  the  oaths  of  allegiance  and 
supremacy,  abjure  the  republican  solemn  league  and 
covenant,  and  assent  to  the  doctrine  of  passive  obedi- 
ence. It  was  soon  found  advisable  to  grant  to  numerous 
cities  and  boroughs,  the  privileges  which  they  had 
previously  enjoyed.  Tamworth  received  firesh  letters 
patent,  dated  on  the  17th  of  February,  1668.* 

By  the  charter  of  Charles,  no  new  privileges  were 
conferred  upon  the  inhabitants  of  the  town.  It  merely 
contained  a  renewal  of  those  given  by  Elizabeth,  in 
1560  and  1588.  But  such  alterations  were  made  in 
the  oaths  prescribed,  as  the  recent  enactment  required; 
and  in  the  names  of  the  officers,  as  the  lapse  of  time 
demanded.  The  only  new  provision  was  one  empower- 
ing the  corporation  to  inflict  a  fine,  not  amoimting  to 
more  than  SO/.,  on  any  member  of  their  body,  who, 
being  duly  elected  baili£f,  should  refuse  to  act  in  the 

1    Charter,  l6  Car.  II.  :~CDrporetioii  Recorda. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  141 

office,  or  to  taike  the  necessary  oaths.  The  twenty-four 
capital  burgesses  were  named;  and  also  the  bailiffs.^ 
James  Compton,  earl  of  Northampton,  was  mentioned 
as  high-steward;'  and  John  Allen,  as  town-clerk.'  The 
recorder  was  not  nominated:^  nor  was  there  any  provi- 
sion for  the  continuance  of  the  chamberlains,  although 
their  election  continued  without  interruption.' 

About  this  time,  there  were  struck  several  local 
tokens  of  tradesmen  in  Tamworth.  So  many  as  four 
have  come  under  our  observation.  None  of  them  are 
remarkable  for  very  great  neatness  of  workmanship;  but 
they  are  not  inferior  to  the  generality  of  sinular  pieces 
issued  in  Charles's  reign.  The  description  of  them  is 
as  follows: — 

1.  Obverse: — ^A  fleur-de-liz;  with  the  inscription  round, 

*KDWABD .  WHITE.    Bcvcrsc : — ^  IN  *  TAMWORTH ;  and 

in  the  field,  b  w. 

1663. 

2.  Obverse : — On  a  shield  in  the  centre,  the  demi-figure 
of  a  king,  crowned,  and  in  the  robes  of  state; 
around,  the  inscription  *wiijjam*michell.  Keverse: 
*  OP  *  tamworth  ♦  1666 ;  and  in  the  field, 

'    his 

HALFB 

PENNY 

«  *  * 

8.  Obverse: —  .William  and  rober*  caw*;  and  in  the 
field,   the  figure  of  a  chandler  in  the  act  of  dipping. 
Reverse : —  ♦.of  tamworth.  1668. ;  and  in  the  centre, 
•  ♦  • 

THEIR 
HALFE 

PENT 

« 

1  See  Appendix: -Note  19.  3    See  Appendix :~Note  14. 

2  See  Appendix:— Note  13.  4    See  Appendix:— Note  15. 

S    Sec  Appendix :— Note  16. 


142  TAMWORTH 

4.  In  the  fourth,  the  inscription  reads  very  irregularly. 
Obverse : —  ^bobbbt  gbeekb*  of  ;  and  in  the  centre, 

HIS 
HALFE 
PBNNT 

1671. 
Keverse : —  *  tamwobth  *  merceb;  and  in  the  middle, 
a  demi-figure  of  a  king,  placed  on  a  shield. 
During  the  oontinuanoe  of  the  second  long  parlia- 
ment, a  writ  was  issued  for  the  election  of  a  member 
for  this  town,  in  place  of  John,  lord  Clifford.  A  con- 
test ensued  between  Charles,  lord  Clifford,  and  John 
Ferrers,  esq.  The  former,  having  the  majority  of  the 
votes  of  the  members  of  the  corporate  body,  was  de- 
clared to  have  been  returned.  Against  this  proceeding 
Mr.  Ferrers  petitioned:  and  the  right  of  election  was 
brought  before  a  committee  of  the  House  of  Commons. 
The  question  raised  was,  whether  the  power  belonged 
exclusively  to  the  bailiffs  and  capital  burgesses,  or  to 
the  whole  of  the  populacy  and  burgesses  of  the  town. 
A  report  was  made  to  the  House  on  the  S6th  of  May, 
1670,  by  Mr.  sergeant  Charleton.  The  decision  of  the 
committee,  that  the  right  belonged  wholly  to  the  bailifi 
and  corporate  body,  was  confirmed  by  a  majority  of 
six,  the  number  of  the  votes  being  90  to  84.  Lord 
Clifford  was,  therefore,  declared  duly  elected.^  The 
evidence,  upon  which  the  decision  was  made,  is  not 
given;  but  it  is  certain  that,  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth 
the  right  was  occasionally  exercised  by  the  bailiffs  and 
capital  burgesses  alone.  The  same  course  was  adopted 
just  before  the  rebellion;  for  against  it,  eighty-seven  of 
the  inhabitants  petitioned,  but  without  avail.* 

1    M.S.,  copied  flrom  the  JonmalB  of  the  CtunmoDs. 
a    See  Appcodix :— Note  17. 


CA8TLB  AND  TOWN.  143 

Amongst  the  numerous  singular  acts  of  Charles's 
reign^  his  proceedings  to  bring  more  fully  into  the 
power  of  the  crown  the  municipal  corporations  of  the 
kingdom,  hf  issuing  writs  of  quo-warranto  against  the 
principal  of  them,  was  not  the  least  worthy  of  notice. 
Without  regarding  the  justice  or  injustice  of  the  design 
which  he  had  in  view,  it  was  a  very  irregular  course. 
For,  by  demanding  by  what  right  these  bodies  acted,  he 
seemed  to  question  the  power  of  the  crown  to  grant 
privileges  by  letters-patent.  Yet^  at  the  same  time, 
he  was  endeavouring  to  increase  the  royal  preroga- 
tives. James  II.,  when  he  came  to  the  throne,  not 
only  adopted  the  same  practice,  but  carried  it  out  in 
its  greatest  degree.  Indeed,  his  reign  was  very  sadly 
marked    by  proceedings    of  the  most  arbitrary   nature. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  year  1687,  most  of  the 
cities  and  boroughs  of  the  realm  were  served  with  writs 
of  quo-warranto.  Tamworth  was  included  amongst 
them.  The  bailiflb  and  capital  burgesses  held  a  meet- 
ing on  the  7th  of  March,  to  debate  upon  the  measures 
which  it  would  be  most  advisable  to  adopt.  Acting 
under  the  advice  of  lord  viscount  Weymouth,  the  high- 
steward,  and  sir  Andrew  Hackett,  the  recorder,  they 
resolved,  by  twelve  to  five  votes,  to  appear,  by  their 
attorney,  in  order  to  appeal  against  the  surrender. 
But,  on  the  9th  of  April  following,  1668,  the  subject 
was  again  brought  forward,  and  taken  into  deeper 
consideration.  With  the  consent  of  the  recorder,  it  was 
resolved,  without  a  dissentient  voice,  that  the  charter, 
and  with  it  all  privileges,  should  be  given  up  to  his 
majesty's  pleasure,  before  the  first  day  of  the  ensuing 
term.  This  was  to  be  done  by  the  high-steward; 
or,    if   he    should    not  be    able,    by    the  recorder;  or. 


144  TAMWORTH 

in  hifi  unavoidable  absence,  by  the  bailifi,  Samael 
Buckland  and  William  Harding.  An  instrument  was 
accordingly  drawn  up,  by  which  all  authority  and 
and  liberties  were  returned  into  the  king's*  hands.  But 
a  prayer  was  subjoined  that  a  re-grant  might  be  made 
of  such  powers  and  privileges,  as  his  majesty  should 
think  best  fitted  for  the  regulation  of  the  town.^  On 
the  21st  of  May,  it  was  ordered  that  William  Harding 
should  give  up  the  charter.  He  accordingly  carried  it 
to  London;  and  it  was  delivered  to  Mr.  Brent,  who 
had  been  authorized  by  James  to  receive  it. 

The  old  corporation  still  exercised  its  powers,  until 
the  king's  wiU  might  be  determined  as  to  the  mode  in 
which  the  town  should  be  regulated.  On  the  day  of 
the  annual  election  of  the  bailiflb,  Buckland  and  Har« 
ding  were  requested  to  continue  their  office,  for  the 
ensuing  year.  But  they  declined;  and  William  Wilcox 
and  Francis  Wright  were  then  chosen.  A  few  days 
afterwards,  the  town-clerk  brought  down  a  new  charter. 
By  it,  the  government  of  the  town  was  vested  in  a 
mayor  and  a  body  of  twelve  aldermen.  Two  additional 
annual  fairs  were  granted;  and  many  other  important 
advantages  conferred  upon  the  inhabitants.  The  whole 
expenses  attendant  upon  its  procurement,  amounted  to 
100/.  Morgan  Powell,  the  town-clerk,  was  nominated 
as  the  first  mayor;  and,  on  the  10th  of  August,  he 
took  the  oath,  before  Matthew  Floyer,  esq.,  one  of  the 
justices  of  peace  for  Sta£fordshire,  to  perform  his  duties 
with  fidelity,  until  the  ensidng  first  of  August,  when  a 
new  officer  should  be  elected.  The  aldermen  were 
Walter  Ashmore,  William  Ashley,  Thomas  Roade,  Wil- 
liam Wilcox,  Francis  Wright,  John  Vaughton,  George 

1    See  Appendix :— Note  18. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  145 

Wright,  Thomas  Wagstaffe,  Robert  Green,  Jonathan 
Symonds,  Francis  Wood,  jun.,  and  Edward  Symonds. 
The  majority  of  them  had  been  members  of  the  late 
corporate  body. 

The  new  government  endured  only  for  a  very  brief 
space  of  time.  James  became  so  involved  in  difficulties, 
increased  by  a  threatened  invasion  of  the  Dutch,  that 
he  was  obliged  to  retract  in  many  of  his  arbitrary  acts. 
On  the  17th  of  October,  he  issued  a  proclamation 
declaring  that  all  forfeited  charters,  whereupon  judg- 
ment had  not  been  entered,  should  be  restored  to  the 
condition  in  which  they  were  in  1679.  The  old  corpo- 
ration of  this  town  consequently  resumed  its  powers 
and  liberties :  and  Harding  and  Buckland,  being  bailiffs 
at  the  time  of  its  dissolution,  were  then  induced  to 
resume  the  office  for  the  ensuing  year.  Wilcox  and 
Wright  were  consequently  displaced.^ 

But  James  had  already  proceeded  too  far  to  make 
any  concessions  of  avail.  He  had  forfeited  for  ever 
the  &vour  and  confidence  of  his  subjects.  Before  the 
termination  of  the  year,  he  was  compelled  to  abdicate 
the  throne,  and  reluctantly  to  pass  into  exile.  His  fall 
was  rendered  doubly  severe  by  the  circumstance  of  his  ri- 
vals being  his  own  daughter  Mary,  and  her  husband.  She 
could  with  apathy  aid  in  the  ruin  of  her  parent,  and 
with  total  indifference  enjoy  his  state,  who  was  now  an 
outcast,  and  dependant  upon  the  bounty  of  strangers 
for  his  support. 

At  the  general  election,  in  1698,  a  contest  ensued  at 
Tamworth  between  sir  Henry  Gough  and  John  Chet- 
wynd,  esq.  The  latter  was  returned:  but  against  him 
a  petition  was  presented  by  his  opponent.      The  right 

1    Orders  of  Cominou  Halls  :~Corpor»tion  Records. 

U 


146  TAMWORTH 

of  election  again  came  before  a  committee  of  the  House 
of  Commons.  The  question  raised  was  whether  non-re- 
sident freeholders  had  a  right  to  vote,  as  well  as  those 
who  paid  scot  and  lot.  Sir  Roland  Gwynn,  on  the 
17th  of  March^  reported  the  proceedings  ci  the  com- 
mittee. 

The  council  of  the  petitioner  maintained  that  both 
had  an  equal  right.  Several  witnesses  were  called,  who 
asserted  that  they,  as  non-resident  freeholders,  had  been 
admitted  to  the  privilege.  Only  one  had  been  objected 
to,  and  this  by  John  Allen,  the  town-derk;  but  the 
vote  was  allowed  to  pass. 

Upon  the  other  hand,  the  council  for  the  sitting 
member  produced  the  verdict  of  1670  in  his  fitvour. 
Witnesses  were  also  brought  forward,  who  gave  evidence 
concerning  several  elections  from  the  year  166L  They 
said  that  the  right  was  vested  in  the  bailifb  and  capi- 
tal burgesses,  and  the  scotters  and  letters;  and  that 
the  out-freeholders  did  not  pretend  to  the  power  until 
1679.  At  that  time,  lord  Weymouth,  then  sir  Thomas 
Thynne,  presented  himself  as  a  candidate.  Morgan 
Powell,  his  steward,  was  then  a  bailiff;  and  admitted 
to  poll  all  who  came,  and  amongst  others  the  out-free- 
holders. They  had  continued  to  vote  afterwards ;  but 
they  were  never  regarded  as  properly  possessing  the 
right.  And  for  this  reason,  at  the  same  election, 
Daniel  Jordan,  the  other  bailiff,  refused  to  sign  the 
poll. 

Notwithstanding  the  dear  evidence  which  was  pro- 
duced, that  the  introduction  of  the  freeholders  was  a 
recent  and  intrusive  act,  it  was  resolved  by  the  com* 
mittee  that  the  right  of  election  of  burgesses  to  serve 
in    parliament  for  the  borough  of  Tamworth,  lay  in 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  147 

the  inhabitants  paying  scot  and  lot,  and  in  those 
persons  who  had  freeholds  within  the  borough,  whether 
they  were  resident  there  or  not.'  This,  according  to 
the  obsenration  of  Merewether  and  Stephens,  was  one 
of  the  earliest  instances  of  the  introduction  of  non-resi- 
dents, in  defiance  of  the  clear  and  express  words  of  the 
statute,  enacted  in  the  reign  of  Henry  Y.'  In  conse- 
quence of  this  decision,  the  returned  member  was 
unseated. 

But  the  verdict,  of  so  opposite  a  character  to  that 
given  in  the  reign  of  Charles  II.,  was  reversed  after 
the  election  in  17SS.  At  this  time,  the  petitioner 
asserted  that  Tamworth  was  a  borough  by  prescription; 
and  that  the  right  lay  in  the  inhabitant  householders 
paying  scot  and  lot.  He  adduced  nearly  the  same  evi- 
dence as  had  been  brought  forward  nearly  twenty-four 
years  previously.  The  sitting  member  claimed  the  right 
for  the  non-resident  freeholders ;  and  contended  that  the 
decision  of  1698  could  not  be  altered.  But  the  verdict 
of  the  committee  was  against  him.  Thus,  after  the  en- 
deavour upon  one  side  to  confine  the  right  of  voting  to 
the  small  select  corporate  body,  and  on  the  other  side 
to  extend  it  to  non-residents,  it  was  constitutionally  de- 
fined that  to  be  a  bui^ess  of  Tamworth  it  was  necessary 
to  be  an  inhabitant  householder,  paying  scot  and  lot.' 

Questions  concerning  this  matter  were  again  raised 
after  the  contests  in  1741  and  1818.  On  the  former 
occasion,  it  was  established  that  certificate  men  had  not 
any  right;  and  on  the  latter  occasion,  that  it  was  not 
necessary  to  pay  church  rates  as  well  as  those  for  the 
poor.'' 

1  M.  S.,  copied  from  the  Joarnals  of  the  Commons. 

2  History  of  Boroughs  And  Monidpal  corporations. 

3    Merewether  and  Stephens.  4    lb. 


148  TAMWORTH 

For  a  very  considerable  time  after  the  termination  of 
the  seventeenth  century,  the  general  history  of  Tam- 
worth  presents  very  little  worthy  of  record.  Even  du- 
ring the  stormy  epoch,  when  Charles  Edward  Stuart 
penetrated  into  England  so  &r  as  Derby,  in  bis  attempt 
to  gain  the  throne  of  his  ancestors,  no  commotion  was 
produced  here,  beyond  the  mere  excitement,  which 
must  always  be  experienced,  in  every  place,  upon  the  eve 
of,  or  during,  a  great  national  revolution.  Undoubtedly 
had  the  Pretender  succeeded  in  his  schemes,  the  town 
would  have  flourished  in  its  wonted  peaceable  condition, 
as  it  did  under  the  sway  of  the  r^nant  house  of 
Brunswick. 

But  although  Tamworth  remained  thus  quiet,  it 
must  not  be  concluded  that  it  was  declining,  or  even 
remaining  stationary,  in  prosperity.  On  the  contrary, 
it  is  evident  that  the  town  was  now,  with  a  quiet  but 
accelerating  speed,  progressing  in  a  manner  which  was 
soon  destined  to  elevate  its  condition,  and  improve  its 
general  aspect.  The  erection  of  the  greater  part  of  the 
public  edifices  is  referred  to  this  period.  The  re-build- 
ing of  the  Free  Grammar  School  was  succeeded  by 
that  of  the  Town-hall.  The  Almshouses  were  founded 
and  endowed;  and,  some  years  subsequently,  an  ade- 
quate Workhouse  was  added.  The  Church  and  Castle 
each  underwent  great  alterations  and  repairs.  The 
same  also  occurred  with  regard  to  the  Bridges ;  and  one, 
at  length,  was  wholly  rebuilt.  Many  of  the  streets, 
previously  unfinished,  were  completed;  and  all  were 
very  considerably  improved.  Most  of  the  ancient  half- 
timbered  and  small  houses  rapidly  disappeared  to  give 
))lacc  to  others  of  a  more  modem  character,  and  larger 
size.     In  short,  during  the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  149 

century^  we  may  date  the  commencement  of  those 
active  improvements,  which  axe  now  taking  place  with- 
in the  town. 

The  progress  in  the  condition  of  Tamworth  naturally 
resulted  from  an  influx  of  wealth,  and  an  increase  in 
the  resources  of  the  inhabitants.  Several  important  and 
lucrative  trades  sprang  up  in  the  town.  But  the 
greatest  impulse  which  was  given  to  the  place,  was 
consequent  upon  the  establishment,  about  the  years 
1788-9,  of  the  extensive  cotton  manu&ctures  of  Mr., 
afterwards  sir  Robert,  Peel.  He  introduced  them 
into  this  town  and  the  neighbourhood,  particularly 
about  Fazeley,  partly  on  accoimt  of  the  eminent  local 
advantages  of  this  district,  and  partly  because  of  an 
extensive  strike  amongst  the  workmen  in  Lancashire. 
The  Castle  and  Castle-mill  were  taken  for  the  purpose ; 
and  buildings  erected  in  Lady-meadow.^  A  very  great 
influx  of  working  people  took  place.  The  inhabitants 
of  Tamworth  had  now  just  cause  to  lament  the  opposi- 
tion which  they  had  manifested  to  the  passage  of  a 
canal  close  by  the  town.  It  was  at  first  contemplated 
to  have  carried  a  line  firom  Fradley,  near  Lichfield,  to 
Coventry,  by  way  of  Tamworth.  But  the  people  here 
dreaded  so  great  an  innovation  on  their  antiquated 
ideas;  and  it  was  finally  carried  at  a  distance,  by 
Fazeley.  The  production  of  a  great  traffic  in  this  small 
village,  almost  simultaneously  firom  the  canal  and  Mr. 
Peel's  works,  caused  it  soon  to  assume  the  aspect  of  a 
small  town.  So  great  was  its  increase  that  it  became 
a  very  common  belief  that,  in  a  short  time,  it  would 
assume  a  superiority  over  Tamworth  in  every  way. 
But  the  subsequent  decline,  in  a  great  measure,  of  the 

1    Parish  Recister. 


150  TAHWOBTH 

cotton  manu&ctures,  withdrew  the  chief  cause  of  its 
prosperityj  although  the  traffic  ariaing  from  the  canal  has 
ever  since  been  a  great  support 

Tamworth  became  a  place  noted  throughout  the  country 
for  the  extreme  gaiety  of  its  company.  It  also  obtained 
celebrity  for  its  excellent  fiure — so  essential  to  the  com- 
fort and  happiness  of  Englishmen^ — particularly  for  its 
mutton-pies  and  ale.  A  great  addition  was  made  to 
the  liyeliness  of  the  town^  by  the  erection  of  a  large 
and  commodious  theatre.  Here  some  of  the  brightest 
stars  of  the  stage^  and  amongst  them  Mrs.  Siddons, 
did  not  think  it  unworthy  of  their  greatness  to  appear. 

Besides  Mrs.  Siddons^  we  may  enumerate  as  having 
graced,  by  their  appearance,  the  stage  at  Tamworth, 
Miss  Farren,  afterwards  the  countess  of  Derby;  Miss 
Harriet  Mellon,  who  eventually  became  the  duchess  of 
St.  Albans ;  and,  we  believe.  Miss  Foote.  Miss  Mellon, 
during  her  stay  in  the  town,  had  apartments  in  Market- 
street,  at  a  house  dose  by  the  Casde-inn. 

Before  the  erection  of  a  theatre,  the  Town-hall  was 
occupied  as  a  play-house;  and  also  a  large  and  com- 
modious bam  nearly  at  the  bottom  of  Lichfield-«treet. 

But,  at  the  close  of  the  century,  Tamworth  partici- 
pated in  the  gloomy  feeling,  which  then  overspread  the 
nation.  The  storm,  that  had  long  been  gathering  over 
Europe,  and  given  only  few  but  unequivocal  indications 
of  its  approaching  fierceness,  now  burst  forth  with  ter- 
rific violence.  Its  course  was  appalling  and  irresistible. 
Unhappy  France,  where  had  been  fostered  the  demon 
of  infidelity,  was  the  scene  of  its  greatest  devastations. 
The  altar  and  the  throne  were  cast  down ;  and,  for  a 
time,  the  spirit  of  evil  and  desolation  reigned  trium- 
phant.   Soon  it  spread  on  every  side,  and  involved  the 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  161 

continent  in  a  state  of  confusion  and  terror.  England 
escaped^  however,  chiefly  on  account  of  its  fitvoured 
isolated  position.  But  its  rulers,  too,  stood  aghast,  and 
trembled  lest  it  should  partake  in  the  common  disaster. 
Threats  of  invasion,  and  dread  of  a  civil  insurrection 
alarmed  the  court.  Great,  indeed,  must  have  been  the 
panic  which  led  to  the  conversion  of  the  country  into 
one  vast  military  camp.  Tet  such  was  the  fact.  In 
every  town  and  place,  associations  were  organized  for  the 
purpose  of  preventing  the  occurrence  of  a  revolution, 
either  by  the  machinations  of  secret  enemies  at  home 
or  open  ones  abroad,  for  the  support  of  the  king  and 
constitution,  and  for  the  protection  of  private  property. 
In  the  spring  of  1798,  the  gentlemen  of  Tamworth 
formed  a  voluntary  armed  association,  supported  at 
their  own  expense,  and  by  free  contributions:  and  to 
which  the  members  for  the  borough  very  liberally 
afforded  their  aid.  It  consisted  of  a  troop  of  cavalry, 
numbering  nearly  forty  men,  commanded  by  T.  B. 
Paget,  esq.,  bf  Bole-hall ;  and  two  companies  of  infantry, 
containing  one  himdred  and  twenty  men,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Walter  Lyon,  and  Edward  Dickenson,  esqres. 
.  On  the  26th  of  June,  in  the  following  year,  there 
was  a  grand  festival  at  Tamworth,  on  the  occasion  of 
the  presentation  of  a  standard  and  colours  to  the  asso- 
ciation. They  were  first  consecrated  at  the  altar  of  the 
Church,  by  the  minister,  in  the  presence  of  the  princi- 
pal gentlemen  of  the  town  and  neighbourhood,  and  of 
innumerable  spectators.  .  They  were  given  by  the  mar- 
chioness Townshend,  and  the  lady  of  Robert  Peel,  esq., 
to  the  different  corps,  when  assembled  on  the  Stafford- 
shire-moor. But,  besides  by  the  organization  of  these 
forces,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  parish  rendered 


152  TAMWORTH 

asBistanoe  to  the  welfare  of  their  country,  by  con- 
tributing  to  the  general  subscription  which  was  ndsed 
throughout  the  kingdom  in  aid  of  the  supplies  granted 
to  his  majesty  for  the  defence  of  the  nation,  in  1798. 
The  siun  raised  in  the  town  amounted  to  363/.  19«.  6d. ; 
besides  £7/.  9«.  4^(/.  collected  at  the  Church-doors  on 
the  day  appointed  as  a  general  fast  and  time  of  humi- 
liation. In  the  parish,  155/.  Is,  6d.  was  added.*  The 
voluntary  armed  association,  in  1809,  was  replaced  by  a 
local  militia.  This  force  was  not  disbanded  until  all 
fears  of  invasion  had  vanished,  in  1815 ;  after  the  pride 
of  France  had  been  humiliated,  by  her  fidl  from  the 
high  position  which  she  had  dared  to  assume. 

Diuing  the  period,  when  private  individuals  and 
companies  were  allowed  to  circulate  tokens,  two  Tam- 
worth  pieces  were  struck,  in  1799.  One  of  them  is  a 
penny  of  John  Harding,  calico-printer;  the  other,  a 
half-penny  of  the  rev.  Francis  Blick,  vicar  of  the 
parish.  They  were  coined  rather  as  specimens  of  the 
art,  and  for  exchange  amongst  friends,  than  for  circula- 
tion. In  point  of  workmanship,  they  are  very  excellent, 
and  creditable  to  those  persons  engaged  upon  them. 

The  dies  of  Harding's  penny-token  were  by  Hancock. 
Four  dozen  pieces  were  struck  in  copper,  and  six  im- 
pressions in  silver.  Of  the  latter,  two  are  now  in  the 
collection  of  sir  George  Chetwynd,  hart.,  of  Grendon- 
hall,  Warwickshire.  The  third,  we  believe,  is  in  the 
possession  of  William  Salt,  esq.,  of  Russell-square,  Lon- 
don. The  fourth  was  piirchased  at  the  sale  of  the  rev. 
F.  Slick's  collection,  on  the  1st  of  July,  1843,  by  the 
publisher.  The  fifth  is  in  the  possession  of  Miss  Hard- 
ing, of  BonehiU.  And  the  sixth  was  in  the  possession 
of  the  late  Mr.  Shepherd,  of  Liverpool ;  now  uncertain. 

1    See  Appendix  :~Note  19. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 


153 


The  idea  for  the  edge  of  the  token  was  evidently 
taken  from  the  famous  petition-crown  executed  by  Tho- 
mas Simon^  in  the  reign  of  Charles  II. 


Of  the  rev.  F.  Blick's  halfpenny^  the  dies  were  by 
Wyon.  Six  dozen  pieces  were  struck  in  copper^  and 
half  a  dozen  in  silver;  so  Mr.  Blick  told  sir  George 
Chetwynd,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  our  infor- 
mation. 


Those  in  silver  were  thus  disposed  of.  1 — Presented 
by  Mr.  Blick  to  the  late  marquis  Townshend,  in  1799. 
2 — ^Thomas  Sharp,  esq.,  of  Coventry.  It  was  sold  to 
Mr.  Shepherd,  of  Liverpool ;  afterwards  to  Mr.  Thomas  ; 
and,  in  March,  1844,  it  was  bought  by  Mr.  Tindall, 
clerk  to  Messrs.  Southby  and  Co.,  on  commission,  for 
the  right  hon.  —  Butler.  3 — Thomas  Welsh,  esq.,  of 
Birmingham ;  now  in  the  possession  of  George  Barker, 


w 


154  TAMWORTH 

esq.,  of  the  same  place.  4 — ^William  Nickson,  of  Coren- 
try;  now  uncertain.  5— In  Mr.  Blick's  private  cabi- 
net ;  it  was  purchased,  in  1843,  by  sir  George  Chetwynd. 
6 — John  Harding,  esq.,  of  BonehiU ;  it  is  now  in  the 
collection  of  sir  George  Chetwynd,  at  Grendon-halL 

The  fidelity  of  the  engravings  has  rendered  unneces- 
sary a  particular  description  of  these  tokens. 

In  1807,  the  town  underwent  very  great  improve- 
ment, by  the  placing  of  flags  and  curb-stones  along 
the  pathways  of  all  the  principal  streets.  The  expenses 
were  defrayed  by  a  general  subscription,  aided  by 
liberal  donations  from  the  parliamentary  representa- 
tives, sir  Robert  Peel,  bart,  and  major-general  William 
Loftus. 

Within  the  course  of  the  present  century,  several 
useful  institutions  have  arisen  in  Tamworth.  In  1804, 
a  Permanent  library  was  established,  which,  in  a  few 
3^ars  contained  upwards  of  two  thousand  volumes, 
circulated  amongst  subscribers  paying  an  entrance-fee 
of  two  guineas  and  a  half,  and  an  annual  sum  of  one 
gidnea.  In  1823,  a  Savings-bank  was  introduced  into 
the  town,  and  has  ever  since  continued  in  a  flourishing 
state.  And,  in  1831,  a  society  was  founded  for  the 
benefit  and  encouragement  of  those,  whose  occupation 
or  taste  led  them  to  adopt  horticultural  pursuits.  The 
acknowledged  want  of  a  literary  institution  had,  several 
times,  been  attempted  to  be  supplied;  but  all  endea- 
vours were  unsuccessful,  until  within  the  last  few 
years;  when,  by  the  exertions  of  sir  Robert  Peel,  one 
was  formed  and  rendered  permanent.  Tamworth,  how- 
ever, received  a  considerable  check  in  its  progress,  by 
the  failure  of  two  private  commercial  banks,  in  the 
years  1816,  and  1819 ;  when  many  inhabitants  sustained 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  155 

ezoeedingly  heavy  losses.    It  was  some  time  before  the 
town  leoovered  fix)m  this  blow. 

One  of  the  most  important  occurrences  in  the  recent 
history  of  Tamworth^  is  the  alteration  produced  in 
the  political  constitution  of  the  town  by  the  Seform-billj 
passed  in  18S2.  The  provisions  of  this  statute  are  too 
well  known  to  need  recapitulation  here.  It  is  sufficient 
to  observe  that  it  ultimately  removes  the  right  to  vote 
fixim  those  who  merely  pay  scot  and  lot^  and  iuvests 
the  power  exclusively  iu  persons  possessing  houses  of 
the  value  of  10/.  a  year  and  upwards.  At  the  same 
time^  the  limits  of  the  borough  were  extended  to  the 
whole  parish  around. 

In  1835^  the  '' Tamworth 'Gas-light  and  Coke  Com- 
pany*'  was  established.  Its  capital  was  fixed  at  2000/.^ 
divided  into  200  shares  of  10/.  each.  The  inhabitants 
adopted  in  1839  the  act,  Srd  and  4th  Will.  IV.  cap.  90, 
by  which  means  the  town  is  well  lighted.  The  gas-works 
were  erected  at  the  lower  end  of  Bolebridge-street. 

The  Municipal  Corporations  Reform  Act,  passed  in 
1835,  about  the  termination  of  the  year,  it  came  into 
operation.  At  the  time  of  the  enquiries  by  the  par- 
liamentary commissioners,  not  long  before  its  dissolu- 
tion, the  old  governing  body  possessed  an  annual 
income  of  147/.  19«.  The  rents  of  four  houses  within 
the  borough,  held  from  time  immemorial,  amounted  to 
91/.  Another  house,  purchased  twelve  years  previously, 
was  let  for  S8/. ;  and  a  pew  in  the  Church,  belonging 
to  it,  for  1/.  Is.  Three  more  pews  in  the  Church  brought 
6/.  6s.;  and  various  chief  rents  and  ground-rents,  11/. 
12s.  And  the  piccage,  stallage,  and  other  profits  of 
two  fidrs  or  market-money  averaged  10/.  The  revenues 
were  expended  in  the  repairs  of  the  streets,  Market-hall, 


156  TAHWORTH 

and  Bridges,  and  in  the  payment  of  a  few  small 
salaries  for  officers.  There  was  a  surplus  of  lOOf.  in 
the  chamberlains'  hands.  Some  privileges  of  the  corpo- 
ration had  been  allowed  to  fell  into  disuse.  The  three 
weeks'  court  of  record  had  not  been  held  within  the 
memory  of  any  man ;  nor  had  the  power  of  holding 
quarter-sessions  been  exercised  for  a  considerable  period. 
The  reasons  assigned  were,  the  want  of  a  sufficient  gaol, 
and  the  wish  to  avoid  the  burden  of  wmintaiTtiTig  such 
an  establishment.  It  was  a  general  opinion  that  the 
expense  would  outbalance  the  cost  of  sending  the  pri- 
soners to  the  county-towns.  But  in  no  respect  did 
it  appear  that  the  corporation  had  abused  its  powers, 
or  been  guilty  of  simstei^  transactions.  Such,  unforta- 
ately,  was  not  invariably  the  case  throughout  England. 

By  the  new  bill,  the  government  of  the  town  is  now 
vested  in  a  mayor,  four  aldermen,  and  twelve  council- 
lors. Under  them,  are  appointed  a  town-clerk,  auditors, 
assessors,  and  the  minor  officers  required  by  the  act' 
But,  under  its  operation,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town 
have  lost  one  of  their  greatest  ancient  privileges. 
They  are  no  longer  exempt  from  serving  on  juries, 
without  the  limits  of  the  borough.  On  the  particulars 
of  this  statute,  it  is  unnecessary  to  dwell.  Its  funda- 
mental principle  is  that  of  restoring  to  the  people  gene- 
rally, a  voice  in  their  own  local  government — a  liberty, 
which  had  been  principally  intrenched  upon,  by  sove- 
reigns of  the  house  of  Tudor. 

On  the  4th  of  August,  1839,  the  Birmingham  and 
Derby  Junction  Railroad  was  first  entirely  opened. 
It  was  commenced  three  years  previously,  and  passes 
close  to  the  town,  on  the  eastern  side. 

1    Sec  Appendix :  -Kotc  20. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  157 

In  the  autumn  of  1889^  Adelaide,  the  queen-dowager, 
widow  of  William  lY.,  during  the  period  of  her  visit 
to  the  right  honourable  sir  Robert  Peel,  bart.,  at  his 
seat,  Drayton-manor,  fietvoured  Tamworth  with  her 
presence.  Of  this  event,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town 
had  previous  notice;  and  meetings  were  held  and 
committees  organized  for  the  purpose  of  making  prepa- 
rations to  give  a  fitting  reception  to  her  Majesty.  Early 
in  the  morning  of  the  12th  of  November, — ^e  day  ap- 
pointed for  the  visit, — ^Tamworth  exhibited  a  very 
pleasing  and  animated  aspect.  Grreat  numbers  of 
strangers  resorted  hither.  Flags  were  placed  upon  the 
steeple  of  the  Church,  the  tower  of  the  Castle,  and 
upon  the  Town-hall.  With  others,  the  principal  inha- 
bitants decorated  their  houses;  many  of  which  were 
ornamented  with  flowers  and  evergreens,  and  appropri- 
ate emblems.  The  Church-bells  sent  forth  merry  and 
melodious  peals,  at  intervals  throughout  the  day. 

About  two  o'clock  a  royal  salute  of  twenty-one  guns 
firom  the  Castle,  announced  the  approach  of  her  Majesty. 
The  procession  advanced  from  Drayton-manor  through 
Fazeley.  First,  there  came  a  number  of  gentlemen  on 
horseback,  four  abreast;  then  a  carriage  and  four,  in 
which  were  lord  Adolphus  Fitz-clarence ;  earl  Howe, 
lord-chamberlain  of  the  Queen-dowager's  household ;  the 
earl  of  Denbigh,  master  of  the  horse;  and  Mr.  Wood, 
her  chaplain.  The  next  was  the  royal  carriage,  drawn 
by  four  bay-horses.  It  contained  queen  Adelaide, 
accompanied  by  lady  Clinton,  and  sir  Robert  and  lady 
PeeL  In  the  carriage  and  four  which  immediately 
followed,  were  the  countess  of  Denbigh,  Miss  Peel,  and 
Miss  Mitchell,  her  Majesty's  maid  of  honour.  In  the 
fourth  carriage,  were  lady  Jane  Peel  and  family.    The 


158  TAHWORTH 

procession  was  closed  by  a  long  line  of  curiages  be- 
longing to  different  gentlemen  of  the  town  and  neigb- 
bourbood.  Sir  H.  Seymour,  tbe  rigbt  bon.  WilUam 
Tates  Peel,  and  Edmund  Peel,  esq.,  aooompanied  tbe 
royal  party.  Near  tbe  foot  of  Lady-bridge,  at  tbe  limits 
of  tbe  town,  a  large  triimipbal  ardi,  between  tbirty 
and  forty  feet  in  beigbt,  and  twenty  feet  in  span,  bad 
been  erected.  It  was  made  to  resemble  stone-woik, 
was  entwined  witb  wreatbs  of  evergreens,  and  bore  tbe 
inscription — ^weloomb  qubbn  adslaidb.  On  tbe  sum- 
mit, was  placed  a  decorated  crown;  and  on  eadi  side 
of  it  was  a  flag,  upon  wbicb  were  emblazoned  tbe 
royal  arms.  As  the  procession  passed  slowly  beneatb 
ibis  arcb,  loud  acdamations  arose  from  tbe  dense 
tbrong  of  spectators;  and  tbe  band  played  tbe  great 
national  antbem  of  "  Grod  save  tbe  Queen."  Tbe  royal 
party  proceeded  along  Market-street,  and  baited  at  tbe 
Town-ball,  wbere  tbe  members  of  tbe  town-council,  in 
tbeir  robes,  stood  awaiting  tbe  arrival  of  ber  Majesty. 
Tbere,  tbe  mayor,  Jobn  Hall,  esq.;  tbe  ex-mayor,  Wil- 
liam Parsons,  jun.,  esq.;  and  tbe  town-clerk,  Francis 
Willington,  esq.,  were  severally  introduced  to  the  Queen. 
Sbe  was  graciously  pleased  to  express  to  the  mayor  ber 
pleasure  and  satisfaction  at  the  handsome  reception 
which  she  experienced  from  the  inhabitants  of  Tam- 
worth.  The  mayor  and  council,  preceeded  by  tbe 
horsemen,  then  accompanied  the  royal  party  along 
Greorge-street  and  Colehill,  to  the  Church.  There  the 
Queen-dowager  and  her  suit  alighted,  to  inspect  this 
noble  building.  The  rev.  Francis  Blick,  with  other 
clergymen,  received  her  majesty  at  the  western  entrance, 
and  conducted  her  through  the  edifice;  which  was 
densely  crowded  with  ladies. 


CA8TI.E  AND  TOWN.  159 

After  viewing  the  Churchy  the  loyal  party  returned 
to  their  carriages^  and  the  procession  passed  along 
Church-street,  and  lichfield-street.  Every  window  was 
occupied  by  persons.  Another  salute  was  now  fired 
firom  the  guns  at  the  Castle.  At  the  limits  of  the 
old  borough,  an  arch  had  been  erected  by  Mr.  Blick, 
bearing  the  inscription — ^we  bid  tot;  god  speed.  Here 
the  horsemen  filed  off  on  each  side  of  the  road,  and 
the  town-council  took  leave  of  her  Majesty.  As  the 
Queen  passed  on,  the  horsemen  raised  a  hearty  cheer. 
The  royal  party  returned  to  Drayton-manor  by  Hopwas. 

On  the  following  day,  her  Majesty  forwarded  a  letter 
through  earl  Howe,  to  the  vicar,  expressing  the  grati- 
fication which  had  been  afforded  to  her  on  this  occa* 
sion.  The  sum  of  25/.  was  enclosed,  for  distribution 
amongst  the  poor,  during  the  ensuing  winter.^ 

But  the  most  renowned  occurrence  in  the  history  of 
Tamworth,  since  the  reign  of  James  I.,  was  the  visit 
which  her  gracious  Majesty,  queen  Victoria,  made  to 
the  town  and  neighbourhood,  during  her  progress 
through  the  midland  counties  of  England,  in  the 
autumn  of  1843.  The  expectation  that  she  would  ho- 
nour the  first  lord  of  the  treasury  with  her  presence,  at 
Drayton-manor,  had,  for  some  weeks  previously,  caused 
great  excitement  here.  When  the  pleasing  anticipation 
was  confirmed,  and  the  time  made  known  to  the  gen- 
tlemen of  the  town,  the  most  energetic  measures  were 
taken  by  them,  to  welcome  their  Queen,  in  a  manner 
due  to  her  exalted  rank,  as  sovereign  of  the  realms. 
A  public  meeting  was  immediately  called,  on  the  21st 
of  November,  the  mayor  presiding,  for  the  purpose  of 
considering  and  arranging  the  plans  for  her  reception. 

1   TlieCTpcMcg  ■ttcndant  npon  fhi«  vlait  were  defrayed  by  a  public  Bobecription.    They 
amovnted  altogeUier  to  abont  60f . 


160  TAICWORTH 

A  subscription  to  defray  the  expenses,  was  oommenoed 
in  the  room;  which  ultimately  amounted  to  nearly 
400/.  Many  gentlemen^  more  especially  sir  Robert 
Peel,  made  very  handsome  donations. 

In  the  decorations  of  the  town^  very  great  taste 
was  manifested  by  those,  under  the  direction  of  whom 
the  arrangements  were  conducted.  Even  the  archi- 
tectural defects  in  the  line  of  streets,  along  which 
her  Majesty  would  pass,  were  rendered  subsenient  to 
some  good  purpose.  At  the  station  of  the  Birmingham 
and  Derby  Junction  Kailroad^  where  the  Queen  would 
alight,  a  neat  pavilion,  carpeted  with  crimson  doth, 
was  erected;  and  a  flight  of  broad  steps  carried  down 
the  embankment.  Throughout  nearly  the  whole  length 
of  the  road  from  the  station  to  the  town,  platforms 
were  erected  on  each  side,  for  the  convenience  of 
spectators.  About  midway  along  this  line,  by  the 
King's  Ditch,  at  the  limits  of  the  old  borough  a  large 
and  elegant  triumphal  arch  was  erected,  in  imitation 
of  stone-work.  It  bore,  amidst  a  profrision  of  embellish- 
ments, and  wreaths  of  evergreens,  profiles  of  the  Queen 
and  Prince,  and  the  fleur-de-liz.  It  was  surmounted  by 
a  crown,  the  royal  standard,  and  several  flags.  A  se- 
cond but  much  smaller  arch  was  placed  between  (reorge- 
street  and  the  Market-place.  A  third  one  was  situated 
on  the  south  side  of  the  Town-hall.  It  bore  the 
legend — ^England's  hopb;  and  upon  it  were  placed  the 
arms  of  the  town  properly  emblaasoned, — ^Erm.,  a  fleur- 
de-liz  Or.  Supporters, — ^two  mermaids  ppr.,  each  hold- 
ing in  her  hand  a  palm  branch:  these  are  emblematical 
of  the   two  streams.^     The   fourth   and   last  arch  was 

1    Hie  dcTloe  npoD  the  Mtl  of  the  town  Is  difltovDt   Itooiiitetimerdyofalleiir.de 
lis,  diapered  all  over  with  small  flowers:  and  it  bears  around  the    inscription, — sio 

BTROI  .  DB  .  TAMWORTR  .  IN  .  COMITAT .  WARWIC  .  BT  .  8TAP  .       The  Seal  ttSClf,  iS  made 

of  silver;  and  was  presented  to  the  corporation  by  sir  Thomas  Tbynne,  bait.,  whilst 
he  was  higrh-steward. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  161 

placed  at  the  foot  of  Lady-bridge.  It  was  designed  so 
as  to  harmonize  with  the  architecture  of  the  Castle^ 
which  stood  in  noble  grandeur  above  the  scene.  It 
consisted  of  two  square  towers  with  a  large  arch 
stretched  between^  and  bore  many  ornaments.  The 
decorations  of  priyate  houses  by  individual  exertions,  it 
would  be  totally  impossible  to  describe.  It  suffices  to 
say  that  every  place,  which  at  all  commanded  a  view 
of  her  Majesty's  prioress,  was  completely  covered  with 
flags,  garlands  of  flowers  and  evergreens,  and  designs  of 
every  kind.  The  well  devised  emblem,  and  the  short 
but  appropriate  motto,  indicated  the  fervent  feeling  by 
which  all  were  actuated,  and  their  deep  devotion  and 
attachment  to  their  beloved  Queen.  All  united  in  the 
work,  and  the  spirit  of  party  was  completely  banished 
from  the  joyous  scene. 

On  Tuesday,  the  S8th  of  November,  her  Majesty  and 
prince  Albert  commenced  their  progress  to  Drayton-ma- 
nor.  At  five  minutes  past  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
they  quitted  Windsor-castle,  in  a  travelling  carriage 
and  four.  They  directed  their  course  through  Windsor, 
Eton,  Slough,  and  Uxbridge,  to  Watford.  During 
this  time,  they  were  accompanied  by  a  detachment  of 
the  first  regiment  of  life-guards.  The  suite  in  attend- 
ance, who  occupied  two  carriages,  consisted  of  lady 
Portman,  lady  in  waiting;  the  hon.  Miss  liddeU,  and 
the  hon.  Amelia  Murray,  maids  of  honour;  the  earl  of 
Jersey,  master  of  the  horse;  the  marquis  of  Ormonde, 
lord  in  waiting;  the  hon.  George  Edward  Anson, 
treasurer  to  prince  Albert  ;  major-general  William 
Wemmys,  equerry  in  waiting ;  and  colonel  Bouverie, 
equerry  in  waiting  to  his  royal  Highness.  At  the  Wat- 
ford-station, on  the  London  and  Birmingham  Railroad  > 


162  TAMWORTH 

her  Majesty  was  reoeived  by  many  of  the  company  of 
that  line.  There  a  delay  of  five-and-twenty  minutes 
took  place,  whilst  the  carriages  were  being  transferred 
to  the  trucks.  From  thence,  at  twenty  minutes  past 
eleven  o'clock,  the  royal  party  proceeded  by  special  train, 
towards  Hampton-in-Arden.  A  splendid  carriage  had 
been  provided  for  the  Queen  and  Prince.  The  day, 
which  at  first  had  appeared  very  gloomy,  and  threat- 
ened to  terminate  in  rain,  had  cleared  up;  and  soon 
the  sun  burst  forth  in  all  its  wonted  splendour.  It 
does  not  come  within  the  limits  of  our  work  to  detail 
the  reception,  with  which  the  Queen  met  on  her  jour- 
ney to  Hampton.  She  arrived  there,  after  a  short  delay 
at  Wolverton,  in  order  to  partake  of  refreshments,  at 
twenty  minutes  past  two  o'clock  in  the  aftiemoon.  At 
that  place,  the  directors  of  the  Birmingham  and  Derby 
Railroad  waited  on  her  Majesty,  and  accompanied  her 
along  their  line  to  Tamworth. 

Before  the  morning's  dawn,  on  this  day,  immense 
numbers  of  persons  flocked  into  Tamworth.  They  came 
from  every  part  of  the  country,  for  twenty  miles 
around.  There  was  soon  a  scene  of  bustle  and  commo- 
tion, which  the  town  can  scarcely  ever  have  previously 
witnessed,  even  in  the  days  of  its  greatest  celebrity. 
About  noon,  the  streets  through  which  her  Majesty 
would  direct  her  course,  became  intensely  thronged. 
Every  accessible  place  in  the  houses  and  buildings  was 
occupied.  As  the  appointed  hour  approached,  the 
centre  of  the  streets  was  with  difficulty  cleared  by 
the  Yeomanry  and  Staffordshire  police,  to  permit  a  free 
passage.  At  twenty  minutes  to  three  o'clock,  the  right 
hon.  sir  Robert  Peel  arrived  at  the  station,  to  await 
his  illustrious  visitors.      He   was  accompanied   by  lug 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  16S 

son  Mr.  Sobert  Peel^  the  duke  of  Bucdeuch^  earl 
Talbot^  and  lord  Ingestre.  The  pavilion  was  occupied 
by  numerous  other  gentlemen.  About  the  same  time^ 
the  corporation  and  clergy  took  their  station  on  a 
platforni  that  was  erected  for  them.  It  stood  upon 
the  right  hand  side  of  the  first  triumphal  arch^  within 
the  limits  of  the  municipal  borough^  and  was  covered 
with  crimson  cloth.  On  the  summit  of  this  arch^  by 
the  standard^  a  trumpeter  of  the  Staffordshire  Yeomanry 
was  placed^  to  annoimce  the  moment  when  the  royal 
train  should  come  into  sight.  All  were  now  in  a  state 
of  the  most  eager  expectation.  Over  the  vast  mul- 
titude, an  imusual  silence  reigned,  indicating  the  in* 
tense    feeling   which    suspense    created. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  short  time,  the  shrill  trumpet's 
voice  echoed  over  the  town.  Immediately  the  royal 
standard,  presented  for  the  occasion  by  lord  Charles 
Townshend,  was  unfurled  on  the  turret  of  the  Castle, 
a  salute  was  fired  from  the  cannon  on  the  green 
beneath,  and  the  Church-bells  commenced  their  merriest 
peaL  At  a  quarter  to  three  o'clock,  the  train  stopped 
at  the  station,  the  journey  of  fifteen  miles  firom  Hamp- 
ton having  been  performed  in  twenty  minutes.  On 
alighting,  her  Majesty  was  received  by  sir  Robert  Peel 
to  whom  she  immediately  bowed  and  presented  her 
hand.  The  right  honourable  baronet  conducted  her 
to  the  carriage,  which  was  awaiting  below ;  and  the 
party  then  left  the  station-yard. 

The  road  to  the  town  was  kept  clear  by  the  Stafford- 
shire Royal  Yeomanry-cavalry.  Three  troops  of  them, 
under  the  direction  of  colonel  Monkton  the  com- 
mander, major  Peel,  and  major  Majendie,  served  as  an 
escort.      Sir  Robert  Peel,  the  duke  of  Buccleuch,  and 


164  TAHWORTH 

the  other  noblemen  followed  upon  horseback.  Thomas 
Shawe  Manley,  esq.,  high-sheriff  of  Staffordshire,  and 
many  other  gentlemen,  also  accompanied  the  royal 
party.  Immediately  that  her  Majesty  and  the  Prince 
appeared  into  the  public  road,  they  were  welcomed  with 
the  most  enthusiastic  shouts,  which  arose  on  every  side. 
For  the  time,  every  other  feeling  seemed  to  be  absorbed 
in  that  of  unbounded  loyalty.  The  Queen  expressed  her 
pleasure  by  continually  bowing  to  the  multitudes. 
Amidst  re-iterated  cheering,  and  the  waving  of  hats  and 
handkerchiefb,  her  Majesty  proceeded  slowly  along  the 
road.  On  arriving  at  ihe  arch,  the  royal  carriage  was 
drawn  up  close  to  the  platform,  where  the  corporation 
and  clergy  were  stationed.  Thomas  Bramall,  esq.,  the 
mayor,  now  advanced,  and,  in  a  few  words,  presented 
the  mace  to  the  Queen,  surrendering  with  it  his  local 
authority,  at  the  presence  of  the  fountain-head  of 
government.  The  Queen  laid  her  hand  on  the  emblem 
of  office,  but  was  pleased  immediately  to  return  it,  vrith 
the  gracious  compliment  that  it  could  not  be  in  better 
hands.  The  royal  party  proceeded  through  the  town. 
They  directed  their  course  through  Gteorge-street ;  the 
Market-place,  on  the  south  side  of  the  Town-hall; 
Market-street ;  and  Lady-bridge-bank.  The  Queen  and 
Prince  rode  with  the  carriage  open,  so  that  they  were 
well  seen  by  the  crowds.  As  they  passed  along,  the 
acclamations  of  the  multitude  increased ;  and  a  scene  of 
the  most  animated  description  presented  itself.  A  tre- 
mendous rush  took  place,  in  order  to  gain  a  second 
sight  of  the  Queen  and  Prince  as  they  quitted  the  town. 
At  the  foot  of  Lady-bridge,  the  corporation,  clergy,  and 
gentlemen  of  the  town,  took  leave  of  the  august  travellers. 
Another  salute  was  now  fired  from  the  cannon  on  the 


CASTIiB  AND  TOWN.  165 

Castle-green.  Quickening  their  speed,  the  royal  party 
directed  their  course  by  Bonehill  and  the  Watling-street ; 
and,  at  a  little  more  than  half  past  three  o'clock^  they 
arrived  at  Drayton-manor,  where  royal  standards  were 
immediately  raised  on  the  tower,  and  other  parts  of 
the  mansion. 

Her  Majesty  on  alighting  was  received  by  lady  Peel, 
and  numerous  distinguished  ladies.  With  the  Prince 
she  retired  to  the  apartments  reserved  for  their  accom- 
modation, to  partake  of  refreshments  after  their  long 
journey.  The  whole  of  the  south  front  of  sir  Robert 
Peel's  noble  mansion  was  appropriated  to  the  use  of 
his  royal  guests.  The  suite  of  apartments  consisted  of 
a  breakfSut-room,  drawing-room,  state-bed-room,  and 
four  other  connecting  rooms.  All,  especially  the  draw- 
ing-room, were  fitted  up  in  a  very  chaste  and  tasteful 
manner.  A  congruity  between  the  ornaments  and  the 
Elizabethan  architecture  of  the  building,  was  observed. 
The  state-bed  was  very  fine ;  the  hangings  were  of 
chintz  lined  throughout  with  pink  silk. 

At  six  o'clock,  the  noble  circle  at  the  Manor  was  in- 
creased by  the  arrival  of  his  grace  the  duke  of  Wel- 
lington, who  came  direct  from  London  by  the  railroads. 
Archdeacon  Lonsdale,  the  bishop  elect  of  Lichfield,  also 
travelled  to  Tamworth  by  the  same  train :  he  took  up  his 
abode  at  the  house  of  Edmimd  Peel,  esq.,  at  Bonehill. 
Shortly  after  seven  o'clock,  the  bishop  elect  of  Lichfield; 
Thomas  Shawe  Manley,  esq.,  high-sheriff  of  Stafford- 
shire ;  Thomas  BramaU,  esq.,  mayor  of  Tamworth ;  and 
a  deputation  from  Lichfield,  arrived  at  Drayton.  When 
her  Majesty  and  his  royal  Highness  entered  the  library, 
at  half  past  seven,  these  gentlemen  presented  loyal  ad- 
dresses to  them.  The  following  were  delivered  from  the 
borough  of  Tamworth. 


166  TAMWOBTH 

''  To  the  Queen's  Most  ExoeUent  Majesty. 

The  humble  Address  of  the  Mayor^  Magistrates, 
Aldeimen^  Councillors,  and  Burgesses  of  the  Borough 
of  Tamworth." 

"  Most  Gracious  Sovereign, — ^We,  your  Majesty's  most 
fidthful  and  dutiful  subjects,  the  Mayor,  Magistrates, 
Aldermen,  CoundllorSj  and  Burgesses  of  the  ancient 
Borough  of  Tamworth,— once  the  &voured  seat  of  Roy- 
alty,— ^beg  your  Majesty's  gracious  permission  to  offer  the 
sincere  expression  of  devoted  loyalty  and  attachment, 
which  we  at  all  times  feel  towards  your  Majesty ;  and  of 
the  sentiments  of  delight  excited  in  our  hearts  by  your 
Majesty's  august  presence  amongst  us. 

May  the  Supreme  Disposer  of  all  events,  be  pleased 
to  shed  upon  your  Majesty  and  your  Koyal  Consort  a 
continuance  and  increase  of  every  blessing.  May  He 
protect  your  Majesty  firom  all  harm,  and  long  preserve 
your  Majesty  in  health,  for  the  wealth  and  happiness  of 
these  realms. " 

"  To  His  Royal  Highness  Prince  Albert. " 

"  May  it  please  your  Royal  Highness, —  We,  the 
Mayor,  Magistrates,  Aldermen,  Councillors,  and  Bur- 
gesses of  the  Borough  of  Tamworth,  deeply  impressed 
with  the  many  and  exalted  virtues  which  adorn  the 
character  of  your  Royal  Highness,  approach  with  senti- 
ments of  the  highest  respect,  to  give  expression  to  the 
unfeigned  regard  and  admiration,  we  so  strongly  and 
justly  entertain  towards  your  Royal  Highness. 

We  cannot  but  feel  proud  of  the  distinction  conferred 
upon  our  ancient  and  ever  loyal  Borough  of  Tamworth, 
by  the  visit  with  which  your  Royal  Highness  has  been 
pleased  to  honour  us. 

That  your  Royal  Highness  may  be  preserved  through 


CA8TLB  AND  TOWN.  167 

a  kmg  life  of  health,  prosperity,  and  happiness,  is  the 
prayer  of  Her  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  ever  loyal 
subjects. " 

The  Bishop  elect,  then  presented  loyal  and  affectionate 
addresses  from  the  rural  dean  and  clergy  of  Tamworth 
and  its  neighbourhood. 

After  this  ceremony  had  been  concluded,  the  Queen 
was  conducted  by  sir  Robert  Peel,  through  the  picture- 
gallery  into  the  dining-room.  Prince  Albert  and  lady 
Peel,  the  duke  of  Rutland  and  the  duchess  of  Buccleuch, 
with  the  rest,  followed.  A  very  sumptuous  dinner  was 
provided;  and  covers  were  laid  for  twenty-one  persons. 
The  Prince  occupied  the  seat  next  the  Queen,  and  the 
host  and  hostess  were  placed  on  the  right  and  left 
hands.  The  guests  besides  were,  the  duke  of  Wel- 
Ungton  ;  the  duke  and  duchess  of  Buccleuch ;  the  duke 
of  Rutland;  the  earl  of  Jersey;  earl  Talbot,  lord-lieu- 
tenant of  the  county  of  Stafford ;  the  bishop  elect  of 
Lichfield;  the  hon.  Miss  Paget;  lady  Portman;  the  hon. 
George  Edward  Anson;  Robert  Peel,  esq.,  eldest  son  of 
the  premier;  major-general  Wenmiys;  colonel  Bouverie; 
William  Stratford  Dugdale,  esq.,  M.  P.  for  North  War- 
wickshire; Thomas  Shawe  Manley,  esq. ;  Thomas  Bramall, 
esq.;  and  lieutenant-colonel  Monkton.  The  high-sheriff 
occupied  the  top  of  the  table,  and  the  mayor  of  Tam- 
worth sat  opposite  to  him.  The  dinner  lasted  for  an 
hour  and  a  half.  At  its  conclusion,  the  right  honour- 
able Baronet  proposed  the  health  of  her  Majesty,  which 
was  duly  drunk.  Immediately  aft;erwards,  the  Queen, 
with  lady  Peel  and  rest  of  the  ladies,  withdrew  into 
the  library.  There  her  Majesty  spent  some  time  in 
viewing  many  of  the  finest  efforts  of  art  in  painting  and 
sculpture. 


168  TAMWORTH 

A  little  befofe  eleven  o'clock,  the  Queen  and  Prince 
retired  to  their  private  apartments. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  the  S9th  of  November,  the 
Queen  and  Prince,  after  break£uting  together,  at  eight 
o'clock,  in  their  private  room,  walked,  for  a  short  time, 
upon  the  terraces.  At  half  past  nine  o'ckick,  prince 
Albert,  attended  by  sir  Robert  Peel,  the  duke  of 
Buccleuch,  major-general  Wemmys,  colonel  Bouverie, 
and  the  hon.  George  Edward  Anson,  visited  Tamworth 
Church.  The  rev.  Robert  C.  Savage,  vicar,  with  the 
curate  and  churchwardens,  was  in  attendance  there. 
After  his  Royal  Highness  had  inspected  this  venerable 
edifice,  he  went  to  the  railroad-station,  and  proceeded, 
by  special  train,  to  Birmingham,  to  view  some  of  the 
principal  manufactories  and  public  edifices  of  that  town. 

But  sir  Robert  Peel  and  the  duke  of  Buccleuch 
returned  to  Drayton-mauor. 

At  eleven  o'clock,  her  Majesty,  with  lady  and  Miss 
Peel,  the  duchess  of  Buccleuch,  lady  Portman,  and  the 
hon.  Miss  Paget,  walked  for  half  an  hour,  along  the 
terraces,  on  the  south  and  west  sides  of  the  mansion. 
They  then  visited  the  flower-gardens,  £Birm-yard,  and 
dairy;  and  afterwards  went  over  the  hothouses  and 
kitchen-gardens. 

A  little  after  two  o'clock,  sir  Robert  Peel  rode  down 
to  the  Tamworth-station,  to  receive  many  other  il- 
lustrious visitors.  Adelaide,  the  Queen-dowager,  with 
prince  Edward  of  Saxe-Weimar,  earl  Howe,  and  the 
countess  of  Brownlow,  arrived  by  special  train,  and 
were  escorted  to  Drayton  by  the  Staffordshire  Yeomanry. 

After  a  very  pleasing  reception  at  Birmingham,  his 
royal  Highness  returned  to  Drayton  about  half  past 
four  o'clock.    To  the  royal  circle  at  dinner,  besides  the 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  169 

Queen-dowager  and  her  attendants,  there  were  added 
the  earl  of  Warwick,  lord  lieutenant  of  the  county  of 
Warwick;  discount  Ingestre;  the  hon.  and  rev.  Henry 
Edward  John  Howard,  dean  of  Lichfield;  and  Charles 
Newdegate  Newdegate,  esq.,  M.  P.  for  North  Warwick- 
shire. 

This  day,  at  Tamworth,  was  spent  in  merriment  and 
festivity.  A  dinner  was  provided  in  the  Town-hall, 
at  which  the  mayor,  corporation,  and  principal  gentle- 
men of   the   neighbourhood,   were   present 

On  Thursday  morning,  the  Queen,  having  breakfiEisted, 
at  half  past  seven  o'clock,  walked  out  upon  the  ter- 
races, with  his  royal  Highness.  The  Prince,  after- 
wards, accompanied  by  sir  Robert  Peel,  the  duke  of 
Buccleuch,  the  earl  of  Jersey,  and  the  hon.  G.  E.  Anson, 
went  out  to  sport.  He  first  went  in  a  boat  on  the  water, 
when  he  brought  down  two  wild  dudks ;  but  he  soon  re- 
sorted to  the  easier  and  more  profitable  plan  of  shooting 
in  the  preserves.  There  he  killed  sixty  pheasants,  twenty- 
five  hares,  eight  rabbits,  and  a  woodcock.  About  two- 
hundred  head  of  game  were  killed  by  the  whole  party. 
After  two  hours  and  a  half  of  sport,  the  Prince  returned 
to  the  Manor,  and  partook  of  luncheon.  At  two 
o'clock,  the  royal  visitors  proceeded  in  closed  carriages 
to  Lichfield,  in  order  principally  to  view  its  beautiful 
cathedral. 

By  five  o'clock,  the  party  had  again  arrived  at  Dray- 
ton. After  dinner,  there  was  a  select  reception  in  the 
picture-gallery,  when  many  gentlemen  and  ladies  were 
severally  presented  to  her  Majesty,  and  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  the  evening  at  the  mansion.  Those  who 
were  present  at  this  time  besides  the  Queen  and  Prince 
Albert,  were,  Adelaide,  the  Queen-dowager ;  Edward, 
prince    of    Saxe- Weimar ;    Arthur    Wellesley,    duke   of 


170  TAMWORTH 

Wellington ;  Douglas  Scott,  duke  of  Buodeuch;  Charlotte 
Ann  Scott^  duchess  of  Buccleuch;  John  Henry  Manners, 
duke  of  Rutland ;  Heneage  Finch,  earl  of  Aylesford ; 
John,  earl  Brownlow;  Emma  Sophia,  countess  of 
Brownlow ;  William  Legge,  earl  of  Darmouth ;  Richard 
William  Penn  Curzon,  earl  Howe;  Greorge  Yilliers, 
earl  of  Jersey ;  lady  Portman ;  the  right  hon.  sir  Robert 
Peel ;  Julia,  lady  Peel ;  Robert  Peel,  esq. ;  Miss  EKza 
Peel ;  the  hon.  Gteorge  Edward  Anson ;  the  hon. 
colonel  Fulke  Greville  Howard ;  the  hon.  Henrietta 
Elizabeth  Howard;  major-general  William  Wemmys; 
lieut.-colonel  Everard  William  Bouverie ;  captain  Edward 
Henry  k  Court,  R.  N-,  M.  P.  for  Tamworth ;  William 
Stratford  Dugdale,  esq.,  M.  P. ;  Harriett  Ella  Dugdale ; 
lady  Jane  Peel;  the  dean  of  Lichfield;  Mis.  Howard; 
J.  D.  Watts  Russell,  esq.,  M.  P.  for  North  Staffordshire; 
capt.  Charles  Hause  Jay,  R.  N. ;  the  rev.  Robert  C. 
Savage,  vicar  of  Tamworth;  the  rev.  W.  M.  Lally,  L.L.D., 
rector  of  Drayton-Basset ;  the  rev.  Cyprian  Thompson, 
incumbent  of  Fazeley ;  Thomas  Greorge  Lomax,  esq., 
mayor  of  Lichfield ;  and  Nathaniel  Thorn,  esq.  At 
half  past  eleven  o'clock,  her  Majesty  and  the  Queen- 
dowager  retired  into  their  respective  rooms. 

During  the  afternoon,  the  poor  of  Tamworth,  amoun- 
ting to  upwards  of  two  thousand  persons,  were  feasted. 
For  this  purpose,  the  Castle,  Town-hall,  and  National 
School-rooms  were  occupied.  There  were  provided  for 
the  occasion,  two  thousand  pounds  of  beef,  six  hundred 
pounds  of  pudding,  and  two  thousand  two  hundred  and 
fifty  quarts  of  ale,  besides  bread  and  potatoes  in  pro- 
portion. Dinners  were  also  given  at  Fazeley,  Wilnecote, 
Wigginton,  and  the  other  hamlets  in  the  parish,  to  the 
working    classes. 

On   Friday,  the   1st  of  December    her    Majesty  and 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  171 

his  royal  Highness  concluded  their  sojourn  at  Drayton- 
manor.  At  twenty  minutes  past  ten^  they  departed 
from  the  hospitable  mansion  of  sir  Robert  Peel,  on 
their  way  to  Chatsworth,  in  Derbyshire,  the  seat  of  the 
duke  of  Devonshire.  They  were  escorted  by  the  Soyal 
Staffordshire  Yeomanry,  the  tenantry  of  sir  Robert  Peel, 
and  the  officers  of  the  county  constabulary  force.  Sir 
Robert  Peel,  himself,  and  the  high-sheriff  of  Stafford- 
shire, rode  immediately  in  front  of  the  royal  carriage. 
In  the  Manor-park,  the  children  of  the  schools  at  Dray- 
ton-Basset  and  Fazeley  were  drawn  up,  to  greet  the 
Queen  and  the  Prince :  and  the  whole  way  was  lined 
with  spectators,  anxious  to  obtain  a  final  glance.  The 
royal  party  proceeded  through  Fazeley,  where  a  large 
arch  had  been  elected,  and  the  houses  decorated.  The 
streets  of  Tamworth  were  again  crowded.  Appropriate 
changes  had  been  made  in  the  decorations  of  the  tri- 
umphal arches  at  the  two  extremities  of  the  town.  The 
one  by  Lady-bridge  bore,  on  different  parts,  the  mottos 

FARSWSLL, — TAHWOBTH'S  LOYALTY  AND  DEEP  DEVOTION 
OHEET  YE  WELL,— <K)D  BLESS  YE, — and    OUB  HEABTS  OO 

WITH  YE.  Across  the  other  by  the  King's  Ditch,  a 
banner  was  suspended,  on  which  were  inscribed  the 
words,  WE  BID  YE  OOD  SPEED.  The  Queen  and  Prince 
passed  along  the  same  way,  by  which  they  went  through 
the  town  on  Tuesday.  At  the  last  arch,  they  stopped 
to  take  leave  of  the  mayor  and  corporation,  who  there 
awaited  them.  Her  Majesty  was  then  gracious  pleased 
thus  to  address  the  municipal  authorities.  ''We  thank 
you  most  heartily  for  the  gratifying  reception  We  have 
met  with,  in  your  loyal  borough :  and  be  assured  that 
We  have  experienced  great  satisfaction  and  delight,  from 
the  strong  feeling  of  attachment  manifested  by  you  on 
this  occasion."     The  mayor,  in  reply,  said,  "  Most  gra- 


172  TAMWOBTH 

dous  Sovereign,  allow  your  Majesty's  gratefiil  and  ever 
faithAil  servant,  the  mayor,  to  express  to  your  Majesty, 
on  behalf  of  the  council  and  inhabitants  of  Tamworth, 
how  highly  we  esteem  the  honour  conferred  upon  us,  by 
the  presence  of  your  Majesty  and  your  Majesty's  royal 
Consort  amongst  us.  May  GrOD  bless  and  protect  your 
Majesty  from  all  harm,  and  preserve  your  Majesty  in 
health,  long — ^very  long — to  reign  over  a  free,  loyal, 
and  happy  people."  The  Queen  and  Prince  bowed 
in  return ;  and  the  carriage  moved  on.  At  the  railroad- 
station,  the  frdl  regimental  band  of  the  Yeomanry  cavalry 
was  in  attendance.  Her  Majesty  now  took  leave  of 
sir  Robert,  Lady,  and  Miss  Peel,  and  proceeded  to 
Chatsworth,  by  a  special  train. 

Immediately  after  the  departure  of  her  Majesty,  sir 
Robert  Peel,  by  command,  rode  back  to  the  town- 
council,  who  waited  to  welcome  him,  in  order  to  ex- 
press to  the  inhabitants  through  the  mayor,  the  Queen's 
satisfaction  at  the  manner  in  which  her  Majesty  and 
her  royal  Consort  had  been  received  in  Tamworth. 
Later  in  the  day,  the  right  honourable  Baronet  made 
the  following  official  communication  to  the  mayor. 

"  Drayton  Manor,  December  Ist  184S. 
"Sir, 

I  avail  myself  of  the  earliest  oppor- 
tunity, in  obedience  to  the  express  command  of  the 
Queen  signified  to  me  this  morning,  of  conveying  to 
you  Her  Majesty's  entire  approbation  of  all  the  arrange- 
ment made  at  Tamworth  for  the  reception  of  her 
Majesty,  on  the  happy  occasion  of  her  Majesty's  visit 
to  Drayton  Manor. 


CAffTLB  AND  TOWN.  ITS 

'^  Her  Majesty  expressed  herself  highly  gratified  by 
the  combination  of  perfect  order  -with  the  enthusiastic 
demonstrations  of  loyalty  and  affectionate  attachment 
to  Her  Majesty's  person. 

'^  I  need  not  say  how  happy  I  am  to  be  enabled  to 
make  this  gracious  commtmication,  on  the  part  of  the 
Soyereign^  to  the  chief  Municipal  Authority  of  the 
Borough  of  Tamworth^  and  through  him  to  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  Town  and  adjoining  Country. 

''  I  have  the  honor  to  be^ 
Sir, 
Your  faithful  Servant. 

ROBERT  PEEL." 

In  the  course  of  this  day,  the  Queen-dowager,  and 
prince  Edward  of  Saxe- Weimar,  after  having  witnessed 
the  departure  of  her  Majesty,  left  Drayton-manor,  for 
Gopsall,  the  seat  of  earl  Howe.  The  duke  of  Wellington 
followed  the  Queen,  the  same  morning,  by  railroad. 

In  Tamworth,  during  the  evening,  a  grand  dinner 
was  given  at  the  Town-hall,  by  the  right  honourable 
sir  Robert  Peel,  to  colonel  Monkton  and  the  Stafford- 
shire Yeomanry,  in  return  for  their  constant  services 
and  vnlling  exertions  during  the  abode  of  her  Majesty 
and  her  royal  Consort  at  Drayton-manor.  The  festiv- 
ities in  this  town,  consequent  upon  the  Queen's  visit, 
were  not  entirely  concluded  until  the  January  following. 
For  the  committee,  organized  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
ducting the  arrangements  of  the  entertainments  given 
to  the  working  people,  liberally  resolved  to  divide  the 
surplus  of  the  money,  remaining  in  their  hands,  amongst 
the  different  schools  in  the  town,  to  provide  feasts  for 
the  poor  children  there.     The  rest  of  the  money  was. 


174  TAHWOBTH 

therefore,  distributed,  according  to  the  number  of  scho- 
lars in  each,  between  the  schools,  whether  attached  to  the 
Established  Church,  to  the  Ronuin  Catholic  Chapel,  or 
to  the  Meeting-houses  of  any  class  of  Protestant  dissenters 
in  Tamworth. 

Long  will  the  recollection  of  the  visit  of  her  gracious 
Majesty  and  his  royal  Highness,  her  illustrious  Consort, 
be  retained  at  Tamworth.  And  long,  too,  we  trust, 
will  the  intense  and  glowing  feelings  of  derotion  and 
loyalty,  manifested  in  this  town,  be  remembered  by  one, 
whom  Providence  has  called  to  rule  a  nation  of  exalted 
wealth  and  strength.  Betwixt  a  sovereign  who  exercises 
her  power  not  by  terror  and  oppression,  but  by  gentle- 
ness and  love,  and  her  people,  mutual  confidence  and 
attachment  must  ever  exist,  strengthened  by  acts  of 
condescension  on  her  part.  Such  feelings,  and  these 
alone,  can  the  presence  of  her  Majesty  at  Tamworth 
have  tended  to  engender  and  confirm. 


THE  NEW  YORK 

PU13UC  LIBRARY 


A8TOR,  LENOX  AND 
TILDEN  FOUNOATIONa. 


STATE  OF  THE  TOWN. 


To  trace  the  gradual  alterations  which  have  taken 
place  in  the  conditibn  of  Tamworth  from  an  early 
period  to  our  own  times,  is  a  subject/,  in  a  local  point 
of  view,  fraught  with  very  great  interest.  The  consider- 
ation of  these  changes  form  the  object  of  the  present 
portion  of  our  history.  We  shall  endeavour  to  portray 
in  detail  the  ancient  state  of  the  town ;  in  a  light  as 
clear  as  the  records  which  we  have  examined,  will 
permit,  and  then  review  the  great  improvements  which 
have  been  made,  more  especially  within  the  last  century 
and  a  half.  At  the  same  time,  it  is  our  intention  to 
give  other  matters,  arising  out  of  our  subject,  which 
may  prove  usefrd  to,  and  worthy  of  the  attention  of, 
the  antiquary. 

Church  STREBT....In  the  time  of  Henry  VIII.,  Leland 
refers  to  Church-street  as  the  principal  one,  and  describes 
it  as  lying,  in  the  general  direction  of  the  building  of 
the  town,  by  west  and  east;  the  north  side,  on  which 
is  the  Church,  being  in  Staffordshire,  and  the  south,  in 
the  county  of  Warwick.^  In  conformity  with  the  usual 
custom  regarding  the  chief  thoroughfare  of  a  town,  it  was 
often  called  High-street.  Under  that  appellation,  it  is 
noticed  in  1389,  and  again  in  1439.'  It  has,  however, 
in  modem  times,  been  superseded  by  the  completion  of 

1   Itia.,  YOL IV,  fol.  isg  b.  S  Court  rolls,  IS  R.  n,,  17  H.  VI. 


176  TAMWOBTH 

the  Market-place;  and,  although  longer,  it  now  ranks 
inferior  to  it,  both  in  width,  and  the  general  character 
of  the  houses. 

BuTCHEB  St££ET....B7  this  name  was  formerly  desig- 
nated the  part  of  Church-street  eastward  of  the  Church- 
yard.' The  Butchery*  lay  dose  by  the  residence  of  the 
dean,  in  the  angle  between  this  street  and  Gxmgate. 

June  M,  14M:—  *'  aic*iw  Dalton  te  TuBwoith»  MBlor,  mare*,  . .  raddit  in  nuta' 
BiJUaor*  ..  vnu*  Buxm*  ..  iftC  In  le  Boduty,  int*  Bomc*  Joh*ia  Oofean.  ..  mb% 
«sp*ta  orlMtali.  h  wmit*  oeel*le.  ex  pte  ooddcnf }  ft  estand*  m  •  tIa  ngia  rtq* 
daoanat'  de  TMnworth :  ad  opnt  RIen  daltan  fllQ  md,  ft  Joh'e  tsIs  «ali.  her*  ft 
MtiffB'  rali  lmp*p*m.**->'*  Joh*M  de  Cotan  de  TuBwarth,  tenior,  redd*  in  mea*  bdl' 
TBQ'  Bunec*  ..  lac*  in  le  Bochery  int'  Bnr(i«*  Beldewiai  TtwyU,  en  p*te  ortent,* 
ft  Bugec'Rlen  Delton,  een%  expteooddent*j  ft  extend' ee  •  Yta  regto  Tsq*  decaiMft* 
de  Itenworth  :  ..  ad  op*  Blet  Dalton  de  Tuawottli,  neroen,  ft  Joh'e  txIs  etai.  '^ 

The  Swine-market  appears  to  have  been  held  here. 
But,  in  this  supposition,  we  are  only  guided  by  the 
mention  of  its  existence  on  the  Staffordshire  side  of  the 
town,  in  1S88,  1395,  1453,  and  1505,^  and  by  the  dr- 
cumstance  that  the  Butchery  is  now  partly  used  for 
that  purpose.  The  rest  is  taken  up  by  buildings,  and 
by  a  large  edifice,  once  the  Theatre,  but  lately  converted 
into  a  malt-house.  In  Io89,  at  the  court-leet  and  view 
of  firank-pledge,  held  on  the  S6th  of  October,  it  was 
ordered,  under  penalty  of  40d.,  that  the  inhabitants  by 
the  Swine-market  should  keep  the  gutter  there,  near 
the  pavements,  clear,  so  that  the  path  might  not  be 
obstructed.' 

Stoke  Cross.... At  the  junction  of  Church-street,  Gun- 
gate,  and  Colehill,  stood,  until  about  the  reign  of  Edward 
YI.,  the  Stone-cross,  named  so  early  as  1293.' 

Coort-lect,  Warwickahire,  held  Nov.  M,  iao4  :^  ««prea*  q'd  Joli*ea  to  Sadder  iedt 
perpieatQiam  ..  ^)*d  le  Stonenecraa  i  quia  no*  eit  p*t*  i*o  distr*.  "f  Coait»  held  SepC  s» 
1S7S:—  *'Cart'  irrotol*  InhecT'ba.  Sdant  fte.q*d  Baldewyniis  de  nrevill,  miles, 
dedit  fte.  Ad*e  Breton  de  Tamwoith.  lie*d*.  ft  aaaign'  •nia,  ma*  Borsac*    ....    ta 

1    Dorothy  Feirers*  grant  for  Masa  of  reqniem.       9    Court  rolls,  10  H.  VI.— U42. 

3    lb.,  3  H.  VI.       4    lb.,  12,  19  R.  II  t  SI  H.  Vl.i  ai  H.  VII. 

5    lb.,  18  R.  II.  6    lb..  S9  B.  I.  7    lb.,  as  B.  1. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  177 

Com*  8t«flbrd*,  p'at  iaoet  tpad  le  Stonoie  Groi,  int'  t'nm  p*d*ei  Baldewyni,  ex 
▼na  pte,  ft  t'nm  quond*m  Will*!  Matthew,  ez  alt'a;  ft  extend'  ee  in  longi'e  a  ria 

leg*  Tsq*  fram  Decani  Eccl*ie  coUenr*   de  Ta*worth Redd*  inde  Annuat* 

p'd*co  Baldewyno,  b*ed%  ft  aarifu*  saJs,  vna*  floran  Rose,  ad  Pm  Nat*  b>e  Joh*is 
Baptiste **i 

Concerning  the  Cross^  itself^  we  find  nothing  recorded, 
except  an  order  made  on  the  12th  of  October,  1516, 
that  butchers  should  no  more  sharpen  their  hatchets  or 
knives  upon  it,  under  penalty  of  12d.  to  be  paid  to  the 
common  box  of  the  town.'  An  ancient  family  appear 
to  have  derived  their  surname  from  the  proximity  of 
their  dwelling  to  this  venerable  monument.' 

Galfrid  atte  Cross  or  ad  Cnicem. 

! 


Henry    atte    Cross,  Margaret,  1317.         Thomas    atte   Gross, 

1995;  and,  in  1S34,  chaplain,  keeper  of  the 

oneoftbe  Joryofthe  hoqiital  of  St.  James 

oourt-toet,  Staff.sh.  here,  1S04  to  IS17. 


Roger  atte  Cross,  elect-  William     atte    Cross, 

ed.  May,  1348,  collector  perpetual  ricar  of  Al- 

of  minor  toUs.  rewas-church,  1350. 


Ralph    atte     Cross, 
chaphdn,  1303. 

The  Three  Tuns  Inn,  at  the  end  of  Church-street, 
is  still  known  as  the  Stone-cross. 

GuifOATE.... Passing  northwards  from  the  east  end  of 
Church-street,  is  Gungate,  or,  as  it  was  anciently 
written,  Gumpiyate  or  Gumpigate.  In  May,  1369,  there 
was  a  curious  bye-law  made,  on  the  Warwickshire  part 
of  the  town,  that  no  man  or  woman  from  Wales  should 
sell  ale  in  this  street,  under  liability  of  its  being  forfeited.^ 
At  the  court-leet,  on  the  12th  of  May,  1385,  Philip  de 
Bedford  was  fined  4rf.,  "  p'  obstup'  in  Gu'pegate,  ex- 
opo'ito  Rectore'  eccl'ie  de  Bukkeby.  '*'  Gungate  afforded 
a  surname  to  a  family  in  early  times ;  but  we  have  found 
very  little  more  than  the  bare  names. 

1    Coort  roUs,  44  B.  III.  9    lb.,  8  H.  VITI. 

3    lb.,  S5  K.  1. ;  6,  1 1  E.  II. ;  7>  31,  S3,  85  E.  III.       4    lb.,  48  B.  III.       5    lb.,  7  R.  H. 

Z 


178  TAMWORTH 


iigtfe  iao4.        ii88»  1SS6. 

\T7~zr: — '      -.  I — '  ..  r 


AUec.- Jolm  ds  Pkhford.  Joha,  Mm  mad      Malta.  MO*.     Sbbw.  ilpf . 

aevend  tSmn  one  lMir,iaos,iss0.       i»ii. 

ortbebtiUftoiitlie 
WarwIckBhlreiide. 

Besides  these,  we  have  the  following: —  Alan  de  Gum- 
pigate,  1289,  1298;  Henry,  1298,  1316;  Ralph,  1S04; 
Thomas,  1804, 1825;  WiUiam,  1817,  1845;  Amice,  1328; 
and  John,  1880,  1850.' 

Gnngate  is  a  long,  broad,  and  tolerably  regular  street 
The  east  side,  where  Guy's  Almshouses  are  situated, 
is  in  Warwickshire ;  and  the  west,  with  the  Free  Grammar 
School,  in  Staffordshire.  In  the  latter  part,  we  find 
the  "  Gumppeyerde "  mentioned  in  1507 ;'  but  the 
position  of  this  place  we  have  not  ascertained. 

Stony  Lane....  The  northern  part  of  Gungate,  and 
the  road  continuing  to  the  limits  of  the  mimidpal 
borough,  where  it  branches  into  three  ways,  leading  to 
Ashby-de-la-Zouch,  Wigginton  and  Edengale,  Elford  and 
Burton-upon-Trent,  retained,  until  very  lately,  its  ancient 
designation  of  Stony-lane.'  The  appropriateness  of  the 
name  was  indisputable,  when  the  road  was  proverbially 
very  dirty,  irregular,  and  narrow;  and  the  part  of  the 
street  consisted  of  a  very  few  poor  scatteied  and  thatched 
cottages.  But,  within  about  the  last  twenty  years,  it 
has  been  much  widened,  and  very  greatly  improved. 
Nearly  all  the  old  houses  have  disappeared;  and  a  neat 
street  has  been  built.  The  foot-path,  on  the  western 
side  of  the  road,  beyond  the  houses,  was  formed  along 
the  summit  of  a  hill,  and  was  defended  by  some  old 
wooden  rails.  But,  it  has  been  cut  down  to  a  .level 
with  the  carriage-way.     During  the  past  year,  a  stone- 

1    CoartrolU,  17toS4B.  I.|  StolQE.  II.;  9tolO.,«SB.  III.       S    lb.,S3H.VII. 
s    Penonbalatioii  of  th«  bomffh,  1097* 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  179 

wall  has  been  erected  at  the  side;  and  the  steep  bank 
bevelled  off,  in  the  same  manner  as,  a  few  years  ago, 
had  been  done  on  the  eastern  side.  The  road  is,  there- 
fore, inferior  to  none  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Tamworth. 

At  the  northern  extremity  of  this  road,  on  the  left 
hand  side  of  the  high-way,  close  to  the  spot  where  a 
dump  of  trees  stands,  was  a  piece  of  land  called  Bayly's 
grave,  which  belonged  to  the  corporation  until  1704, 
when  it  was  sold.^  From  what  circumstance  it  obtained 
this  name,  we  do  not  know.  In  the  Parish-register,  on 
the  18th  of  July,  1655,  is  recorded  the  burial  of  "  Thomas 
Bayly,  of  Tamworth,  who  hanged  himself. "  It  is  pos- 
sible that  he  was  interred  at  this  place,  near  the  meet- 
ing of  the  four  roads. 

Old  Chubch  LANE....Or,  as  it  is  now  usually  called. 
New  College-lane,  ran  from  Gxmgate  into  the  Church- 
yard. But,  in  1848,  the  path  within  the  cemetary  was 
stopped  by  the  Church-wardens.  It  is  short,  narrow, 
consists  of  small  houses  on  the  south  side  alone,  and 
now  forms  a  ''blind"  lane. 

In  1337,  it  is  called  ''  Chirchelone. '"  To  it  extended 
the  Deanery,  before  that  building  fell  into  decay;  for, 
in  1420,  we  find  that  John  ELingshurst  was  fined  Zd., 
**  p*  carte  tymbr',  in  venell*  v'c*  eccle'am,  sT)  muro 
decani."' 

New  Church  LANE....This  also  passes  firom  Gungate 
to  the  Church-yard,  but  northward  of  the  last.  It  is 
exceedingly  probable  that  it  is  Schoolmaster's  lane  re- 
corded, in  1384,  as  lying  in  Staffordshire. 

Coort  held  Oct  91, 1J84:~  '« Joh*M  Sadeler  de  Thamworth  ren*  h  lona*  reddit 
biwui'  balll'oi*,  ad  opai  Joh'is  de  ClUton,  capell',  &  Joh*}*  Sadder,  d'id',  ha'da  ft 
Mdcn'  anoi*,  tiiii*  Cutflac' ..  lute  Com*  Staff',  iac*  in  Skolemayataone,  int'  Vf 
l^Anrjtty  da  TrjuOk,  wm\  ez  pte  ma,  ft  Vf  abbatiM*  de  FoUeswortb,  ex  p'te 
•»% ^ 

1    Corporatton  reoorda.  9   Court  rolls,  lO  E.  III.  s    lb.,  7U.V. 

4    Oonit  roOs,  8  R.  II. 


180  TAMWOBTH 

Where  this  lane  can  have  been,  unless  it  were  here, 
we  are  unable  to  conjecture.  It  must  otherwise  have 
ceased  to  exist  altogether.  But  the  fact  of  there  having 
been  a  School-master's  lane,  is  important.  It  shows  that 
there  was  some  foundation  for  affording  education,  per- 
haps the  Grammar  School,  which  had  been  established 
for  so  great  a  length  of  time,  that,  at  this  early  date, 
it  had  attained  a  considerable  degree  of  eminence  in 
the  town. 

Salteb  Street  or  LAKE....In  Staffordshire,  runs  pa- 
rallel with  the  north  part  of  Gungate,  on  the  west  side. 

June  ii,  IS94 :—  "  Waltenis  de  Giunpegate  In  mia,  q*  loluitc  teoftuit  vna'  Bmra' 
In  Saltantlons,  md  nocimmta*  Itofto  Tie.**  March  17,  ISU:—  •'D*iia  BnclNiiri 
[da  HMdfMhaUj.AMwtiaM  de  FoUetworth,  ooncenit  d*nis  Hear*  de  PoUcsworth  & 
J6h*nl  de  Polleewortlu  (Mpllit,  qoodd*  ten*  in  le  Selt'done,. .  *'  October,  1S91 :— •<  Rttd't 
de  Wycford,  Gtp*U*t*  rentt  In  plena  cor*  &  r*dd*  In  man*  baUi'or*  Tna*  plac'  tr*,  en' 
edMc*  rap*po*ltto,. . . .in  Com*  Staff*,  in  renclla  q'  dldt*  le  8alt*slone ;  int*  ten*  maTrl 
Rof»i  de  Appelb7,  &  ten*  q*nd*  Hugon'  le  Bnirn:  Ad  op*  Simon*  de  Wydbrd. 
did,  a  he'd*  iuor*...."! 

Salter's-lane  is  now  merely  a  cart-road,  terminatiiig 
at  some  brick-kilns,  and  bounded  on  each  side  by  fine 
and  plentiful  orchards. 

Ald£Rgat£,....A  corruption  of  the  ancient  name  Eller- 
gate  or  Elregate,' — ^passes  from  Gungate  to  the  west 
end  of  Church-street.  About  forty  years  ago,  it  was 
very  narrow,  dirty,  and  irregular.  It  contained  only  a 
few  scattered  houses  in  it,  and  was  chiefly  limited  by 
gardens  and  fields.  On  the  east  side,  towards  Gungate, 
there  was  a  large  field,  with  several  pits  in  it.  Alder- 
gate,  however,  has  been  rendered  tolerably  regular,  wide, 
and  neat.  Although  it  is  not  yet  entirely  filled  with 
houses,  it  has  lost  its  designation  as  a  lane,  and  has 
assumed  the  higher  and  more  honourable  title  of  a 
street.  The  Castle-orchard  was  situated  on  the  west 
side  of  it. 

1     lb.,  n  E.  I. :  8  E.  n. ;  S  B.  III.  S    lb.,  S9  B.  I.  -1S94. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  181 

St.  John's  STRSET....This  is  not  improbably  the  Castle- 
lane^  leading  to  gardens,  and  amongst  them  to  the 
Castle-orchard.  Alexander  de  Frevile,  on  the  feast  of 
St.  Clement  the  pope,  1322,  on  the  payment  of  50«.  of 
silver,  conceded  to  Simon  de  Wycford,  clerk,  for  his 
life,  the  garden  called  Castle-orchard,  lying  between  El- 
le^ate  and  the  Walfurlong,  and  extending  in  length  from 
the  land  of  William  de  Gropshull  to  the  pool  of  the  dean 
of  the  Church ;  with  all  the  herbage  and  fruit  growing 
there,  and  the  ditch  between  the  garden  and  the  Wal- 
frurlong.  But  on  the  expressed  condition  that  if,  after 
the  lapse  of  five  years,  Alexander  de  Frevile  or  his 
heirs,  should  pay  to  Simon  de  Wycford  or  his  assignees, 
in  the  coU^ate  Church  of  Tamworth,  the  sum  of 
50*.,  the  whole  property  should  revert  to  its  former 
owner.'  By  the  dean's  pool,  was  situated  the  dean's 
bam.'    Both  these  have  long  disappeared. 

St.  John's  street  is  very  modem,  and  even  now  con- 
sists only  of  houses  on  the  south  side.  It  is  short,  and 
was  built  after  the  erection  of  the  Catholic  chapel;  to 
which  it  leads.  The  Meeting-house  of  the  Independents 
stands  at  the  comer  of  it  and  Aldergate. 

Cat  LANE....Passing  out  of  Aldergate  towards  the 
Church,  and  mnning  parallel  with  Church-street,  was 
once  Cat-lane.  It  was  sometimes  called  Parson's  or 
Priest's  lane ;  but  this  was  not  its  most  usual  designation. 

March  »,  1801 :—  *<  WiU'm'i  de  Hopewas,  fir*  &  heres  RobM  de  Hopewas  de 
naawoath,  Tenit  In  Cur'  &  reddit  in  nuunu  BaU'or*  Tiiam  placeam  tene  en'  ed- 
md^  anp'pocltis,  ....  in  Tamworth,  in  Com'  Staflbrd*  p'at  iaoet  inf  ten*  Riclle 
Whelere.  ez  p*te  Tna,  &  ten*  qnond'  WIll*i  de  Ireland,  ez  alt'a;  &  extend*  ae  in 
loBsttnd'  a  via,  Begin  riq*  le  P'sonedone . . . .  Ad  opna  WiUH  de  Norton  &  Olino* 
Clede,  cnpeU'or',  hered*  it  aadgn'  suor*  imp*pet*m. . . .  £t  anp'  hoc  renlt  D'oa  Hofo 
de  Hopewaa,  canonicns  eccl*ie  Cathedral'  lichefeld,  flrat'  iplna  WiUH  de  Hopewas. 
k  fai  plena  S'tina  ip'or*  Wmi  de  Norton  &  Oliueri  Clede,  eapell'  remialt,  rdazanit, 
k  om*  p*  ae  &  heredib'  inis  imp>pet*m  qoieta'  damanit  tota'  Job  ana'  &  dam«' 
1   Conxt  roOa  Sft  H.  VI.,— 1457.      s    Indentoze,  I8».      s   Court  xolla,  SO  E.  m. 


182  TAMWORTH 

qa«  haboit  aea  qnoqnoinodo  habere  potnit  in  p'd'ce  plaoee  t'n  cu*  ediflcUs  sup'- 
posItU,  ...."  Cooit-leet,  Nor.  15»  1379:—  John  Syenoote  was  fined  4d.,  becaoee 
**oocap*  eoltt'  ..  on*  imo,  t(1s].  In  Oettealone  ft  anhtos  mar*  dmiteff)."  Jnne  12, 
14M :  *'  Thom't  Archer  de  BannyBcham,  flUna  &  herea  Eadltbe,  nnp>  vxla  WOn 
Archer  de  Burmyncham, ....  reddidit  in  man*  BalH'or*  de  Tunwoith,  ex  p'te  Com* 
BUtfUiT  imo*  meenaK'  ....  pHit  lacet  in  rioo  Tocal*  Chyrcheetrete,  Jnxf  le 
Wesmetece,  int*  ten'  qnond'  Bien  de  BoUnhnll,  ex  vna  pte,  ft  ten*  qno*dam  angnet* 
Crek,  ex  al*tapite;  ft  extendit  m  aviaBeg'  vaq*  venella*  Tocat*  Catteslone :  ad 
Gpns  Henrld  Lesson,  alias  Tocat*  moilef  de  Tsmworth,  ft  Joha'e  TX'is  elns,  ....** 
pet  SI,  14M:—  "Ad  Tis*  franc*  ....  Teait  Thomas  Oohnan  ....  ft  reddit  in  man* 
ball*  ..  Tnn*  Bargag*  ft  Tnn*  gazdinn',  ....  in  Com'  Btaff'i  ft  p'dict'  mes'  iac'  in 
cbnrcfaestret,  int'  ter*  Com*  Warr*,  ex  vna  pte,  ft  t're  quondam  Joh*is  Sadeler,  ex 
p*te  alt*a,  ft  extend'  ae  a  regie  Yia  Tsq'  Psononeslane :  p*diot*  Tero  gardinn*  in 
Fsononealane,  int'  t'r*  qoond*  Baldcwlni  FTeTyU,  miUt',  ex  pte  Tna,  ft  t*r'  BIcH 
Dalton,  ex  p'te  alt'a,  ft  extend'  se  a  Psonedane  Tsq'  ad  t'r*  qnond'  p'dict*  Baldewtaii 

nmryll:  ad  opas  Johls  Oobnan **  And  in  1455:—  "Joh*  Ccdman,  fllins  lliome 

Oolman,....redd'  in  man'  ball'  vnu'  Borgagin'  cn'gardino  adiac':  ft  diet'  Bnrg*  iac' 
in  Tloo  TOC'  Chnrchestret  inf  Burg*  Comitlsse  de  Salopp',  ex  pte  yna,  ft 
ten'  Hnmph*  Jacobe,  ex  pte  airaj  ft  extend*  a  via  regia  Tsq'  Catteslone:  ft  p*dict* 
gardinn*  iac*  int*  gardinn'  Bic'i  Dalton,  ex  pte  Tna,  ft  gardinn*  Thome  Ferrers, 
Armig*,  ex  p*te  alt*a,  ft  abbntt'  se  vsq'  yenellam  p'dict' :  ad  opus  Johls  Stanley, 
armig'i,  ft  XUzabeth  vx'is  eins,  ft  hered*  hit'  eos  legitthne  p'creat* **i 

In  1460,  ''Pristlone  in  le  Chirchestiete,"  is  recorded.* 
Cat-lane  was  abolished  in  the  reign  of  Charles  11., 
and  the  land  disposed  of,  by  the  corporation,  to  different 
persons.' 

CARREF0XJR....The  meeting  of  the  four  wiiys.  Church- 
street,  Aldergate,  lichfield-street,  and  Silver-street,  was 
very  anciently  called  the  Carrefour. 

June  so,  1S9S :—  "  Philipp*  Drak  ht  seisfai*  hi  q'dam  ptiela  tie  en*  edUc*  .. 
ex  dimiasiane  Simonis,  fil*  Sfanonls  le  Sannage  .  Jaoent  ap*d  le  Qnaifbuk  de 
Tsmeworth,  fait*  t*n'  p*d*Gi  Shnonis,  ex  vna  p*te,  ft  Beg*  sttam,  ex  alt'a,.. . .  "< 

Lichfield  STBE£T....This  street  continues  on  the  same 
line  with  Church-street,  to  the  road  leading  by  the 
village  of  Hopwas  to  Lichfield.  It  was  formerly  di- 
vided by  the  bars  or  barriers,' — ^the  outer  fortifications 
of  the  town, — ^into  two  parts.  The  first  was  generally 
called  lichfield-street,  and  the  second  Outwall-street. 
But  in  time,  probably  on  the  disuse  and  destruction  of 

1    Court  rolls.  85  B.  III.}  S  B.  n.{  9,  SS,  84,  H.  VI.  9    lb.,  88  H.  VI. 

3    Coiporationreooids,  1068.     4   Conitro]]s,98E.I.     6   Court  ndls,  1836  to  1470. 


CASTLS  AND  TOWN.  18S 

the  barriers,  the  former  name  became  applied  to  the 
whole.  At  the  open  space,  near  the  top,  once  stood 
the  Town-hall;  but  it  was  removed  at  the  commence-- 
ment  of  last  century. 

April,  iig»:—  •<AlMi»  d'on  4b  WfgliitaD  petf  noTe  h'edHar  qaodd'  tea*  in 
OtewaUMtrete,  de  ten'  quod*   Bobtl  SdieUte  nup*  defoncti."      Jan^  1900:—' 

•«  Joh*M  de  CoUeehoU  A  Alic'  rz*  dna reddiderant  in  man'  baUi'or*..  .Tna' 

aaeeiMg*  ....  In  LicheiUdeetrate,  Im'  faizta  tenm*  lUdl  SelTettr',  A  eztend*  ee  tA 
]0'gltadin«  a  ▼!»  Regia  veq*  la  WaUefortonri  q'd  qald*  maevag*  WUl'  Melllhev 
qnond'  tenoit  :  ad  opoa  Nleh*i  de  Kynchale,  p'eone  eodle  de  Drayton-Bafleet, 
Winn  da  NentoB,  A  Robti  d«  Mapde,  o^mH',  her»  A  anicn'  eiioi'  ....  *• 
Jnl7  9,  1S70:—  '*  Sdaat  ..  q'd  ego,  Joh'ee  Mattbewa  de  Tunworfh  dedl  ..  Ad't 
da  WytliordleTa  A  Joh'i  de  ajfton,  capeUla,  ..  Ton'  meraaf*  ....  in  Comit' 
Staflbfd',  p'at  iaoet  in  Otewalestrete, ....  A  extend*  ee  in  long'  a  via  Regia  Tiq' 

ad  campii'  del  Walfoxlong Kt  eaUafecerunt  ball'ls  p*  eeissi'a  h'end' :  A  edam 

cQBcceair  eat  eiad'm  Ad*e  A  Johl  libtatem  TOles  A  fwenut  lideUt*  in 
p^eeoc'  Bog'i  Betke,  WSPi  Keec,  tone  ball'  i'bm,  ..  d*ni  Henr*  Caytewayte, 
Rector*  ecel*ie  de  Karlebm,  ..  A  moltor'  al',  Ac.*'—  "Sdant  ..  q*d  noe,  Joh*ea 
da  Bopewaa  A  Cbristlana  rz'  mea,  dedimne  Oliaero  Clede  de  Tunworth,  capdl'o. 

..   Ton'  mcaoag*, ..  in  Com'  Stodlbrd',  p'nt  iaoet  in  Otewalestrete,  »• 

Megr,  1S8S:—  •« Sdaat ..  q*d  noa,  Jotafee  BoHenhnll  da  Tonatyi  A  Joh'na  rx*  mm, 

dodim' RiCo  de  OMynton,  fil*o  Johls  da  Oldyngton  ..  duo  mesoag*  ....  qna 

..  qnond'  too*  d'ni  BaldewTuy  FTeayle,  mllltie,  senioria,  p'nt  aimul  Jacent  in 
Otewaleetrete,  inf  meanag*  Rogt  da  Pype  A  Amide,  TX'is  due  ....  A  mee' 
Job'ia  Cokeo.  ....  A  eztendnnt  ..  a  via  regia  Ttq'  man'm  d'ni  lliame  de 
Oldyngton,  Cenonid  ecd'ie  OoMlaf  de  Tafworth.  ....  "  May  Si,  1470:— AUda, 
Bop^  rx*  ThtatM  BnuHey,  Tcnit  coram  balli'a,  in  pnra  vidnetate  ena,  A  annn'  red- 
didit in  manna  d'oor*  balli'or'  dno  ootegia  simnl  jacanf  ..  in  tIco  Tocaf  lidiefeld- 
itreta,  aliaa  d'co  ez  antiqno  Otwalalrete,  Int'  fMa  q^Mlam  Robti  DnnstaU,  ex  pte 
Tna,  A  rram  medo  Johfa  Stanley,  mlUt',  ax  pte  albm}  A  extendit  ee  in  longitndine 
ab  alta  via  p'dta  veq'  ad  la  Walfnriong :  ad  opna  Rie'i  Kdyng  de  Wlgynton  A 
Hizabcth,  vxoria  ine,  ....  "t 

lichfield-street  is  the  finest  one  in  the  town,  both  in 
regard  to  its  length  and  breadth.  Lyiog  very  nearly 
parallel  to,  and  at  a  little  distance  from,  the  Tame,  the 
houses  on  the  south  side  are  provided  with  large  and 
pleasant  gardens  abutting  on  the  water.  The  agreeable- 
ness  of  the  situation  is  thereby  very  greatly  enhanched. 
Tet  the  street  contains  only  two  objects  of  interest, — the 
School  founded  and  endowed  by  the  late  sir  Bobert  Peel, 

1    OoortlDils,18E.I.}4S,4S,B.ni.|5R.II.}10B.rV. 


184  TAMWORTH 

and  the  Moat-house.  Within  the  last  few  years  very 
great  improyements  have  been  made  at  the  lower  end, 
by  the  rebuilding  of  a  number  of  houses,  and  the  erec- 
tion of  many  more. 

Bbadfobd  STRssT....The  lower  part  of  lichfield-street, 
by  the  plot  of  ground  where  the  horsefEur  ia  now  usually 
held,  was  formerly  called  Bradford-street  It  derived  its 
name  from  the  Broad  ford  leading  to  the  island  or 
Broad-meadows,  over  the  part  of  the  river  known  as  the 
Wean-lake.^ 

May,  lagot—  "Simon  to  Wjrto  dat  ....  Joh'  fil'  too  ....  tola'  tcnra'  toam  in 
Bradford,  ca»  Mpto*  acrii  terra,  ft  t'dun  pfe'  de  Stoekwaltomeddo,  ft  rdaa  ^W 
vni'  aore  p*U  in  Btdkimar,  ft  t'dam  p*te*  Tni'  aera  pti  in  CUdefardniflddo :  ft  q' 
d'cos  SImo'  no'  h't  dgiUii'  p'pom,  ideo  liffilla'  Bic*  Don  e'  aeonod*."    Ftob.  n, 

1S17:—  "WlU't  Boch'e,  Muior raddlt  in  man'  baU'or'  medietatem  vni' 

tnirfacQ  fra,  com  Crofto  adiaoante,  in  Bradefordeitrate,  ....  ad  op'  WIUI  to 
Waoera  de  Tunwoith  ft  Itabdl'  vx'to  ei'  ..  **< 

In  accordance  with  the  very  general  custom  of  early 
times,  a  family  assumed  a  cognomen  from  the  Broad  ford.' 

Robot  do  Bradford. 

I 

John  de  Bradford, -Matilda, 
ISM.     ^1     1304. 

I 
Wniiam  de  Bradford,— Joan, 
1S86,  1310.  1310. 

Wyborne  LANE....This  lane  runs  from  Lichfield-street, 
nearly  at  the  top,  to  the  river  Tame. 

Jan.  80,  1317:—  "Thom'atteCroea,  eepeU'i,  ....  reddit  in  man'  ball'or*  vna* 
placeam  t*re,  ca*  edific*  lap'poeit*  lux*  Wybumelone,  vna'  plaoeam  Vn  cnitilaci) 
ad  aquam  de  Tune  iuz'  Wybanelone : . . . .  ad  op'  Marfarete,  111*  Agn'  Tx*te  Joh'to 
toSaoace "4 

Peel  STREET....This  street  is  very  modem;  and  takes 
the  same  direction  as  Wybome-lane,  feirther  down  lich- 
field-street. In  it  is  situated  the  Baptists'  Meeting- 
house. 

Moor  Lane  and  Ludoate  Lane These  are  merely 

1    Ferambototlon,  i807.  3    OoortroUa,  le  B.  i.;  ii  B.  n. 

a    lb.,  14,33  E.  1. 1  SB.  II.         4    lb.,  11  B.  II. 


CASTLK   AND  TOWN.  185 

lanes  leading  principally  amongst  fields  and  gardens. 
Moor-lane^  named  in  1470/  runs  out  of  Lichfield-street, 
passes  along  the  edge  of  the  Staffordshire-moor,  and  joins 
Ludgate-lane,  which  continues  towards  the  northern 
extremity  of  Gungate,  and  partly  forms  the  boundary  of 
the  old  borough.* 

Silver  Street  and  Lady  Bridge  BANK....These  were 
known,  in  former  times,  as  Ladybridge-street'  and  the 
HoUoway.*  They  pass  from  the  end  of  Aldergate  to 
Lady-bridge;  and  lie,  on  the  west  side,  in  the  county 
of  Stafford,  and  on  the  east  side,  in  that  of  Warwick. 

July  St,  1371 :—  "  Sdant  &c.  q*d  noa,  Wm*i  de  Mdewych  de  Tamworth  &  AliC 
Tz*  mea,  dedim' ..  Rlc'o  Wysae  de  Lychefeld  ..  Tnu*  messaag*,  ..  in  Com'  Staff* 
in  Tico  Tocat*  Ladybroggeatrete,  p*at  jacet  int'  ten*  Baldewyni  Fftuill,  milit*,  ex 
p*te  Tna,  ft  ten'  Ph*i  de  Bydeford,  &  Margaret*  vx'is  eina  ex  alt*a;  &  extend'  ae 
ab  alto  Tico  raq'  foaaat'  rocat*  le  Kengeadych  ....  "  May  S5,  14S9:—  "WiU'a 
Dalton  de  Tamworth  ....  redd'  in  man'  ball'  run'  Cotag'  ....  iac'  in  Tico  toc' 

ladibrogeatret,  int'  ten*  qnond'  Johaune  Breton &  ten'  Bicl  Dalton  ft  Agnet' 

Tx*ia  eioaj  ....  &  extend'  ae  a  via  regia  vaq'  ad  reneU*  toc'  Wybnm  lane:  ad 
opfoa  Thome  Seman  ....  "  Oct.  18,  1547:—  "Me'yt  Wyll'm  maaon  ftTomaa  dege 
ahall  make  ther  yate  of  there  croft  on  lade  brege  hyll,  &  ahall  not  dryne  thorowe 
y»  comyn  lane,  Tpon  payne  of  x^ii.  totiea  q'otiea.  "< 

Ladybridge-bank  was  once  bounded,  on  one  side,  by 
fields,  where  the  Workhouse  now  stands,  and  on  the 
other  by  the  Castle-ditch.  It  consisted  of  a  narrow 
road,  at  the  foot  of  a  slight  hill;  along  the  brow  of 
which  an  irregular  pathway  was  cut,  with  some  old 
wooden  rails.  It  remained  in  a  very  delapidated  state, 
until  within  the  present  century;  when,  through  the 
liberality  of  the  late  sir  Robert  Peel,  great  improvements 
were  made,  and  a  respectable  and  fitting  entrance  into 
the  town  formed.      The  road  was  widened  by  cutting 

I    Coort  roUa.  S    Perambnlatlon,  1097.  9    Court  roUa,  38  E.  III. 

4  Ib.,8fiH.VI. 
5  lb.,  44  E.  III.,  17  H.  VI.,  H.  VITI.  The  earlieat  Engliah  bye-law,  which  ia  fonnd 
hi  the  Conrt-rolla,  ia  dated  on  the  32nd  May,  1433.  It  ia  to  the  effect  that  William 
BaiMhead  should  pat  hia  galea  in  orda,  under  liability  of  fine.  '*  Ordinatu'  e*  q' 
Wai*a  Romeahed  pnt  hya  geta  1*  od'  gofmmanna  the*  they  bane  bene  befor  tyme  i, 
peyne  of  xtj<).,  half  to  y«  comn  box,  ft  d*  ball*ia.  ** 

6  B 


186  TAMWOKTH 

away  part  of  the  hill;  and^  as  it  waa  impossible  to 
avoid  an  elevated  foot-path,  it  was  paved,  flagged,  and 
defended  by  neat  and  strong  iron  palisades,  the  nde 
of  the  hill  being  bricked.  We  read  of  the  bariers  both 
in  Ladybridge-street'  and  Ghingate.' 

Bell  Lane... .There  remains  only  one  more  place  to 
be  alluded  to,  before  turning  to  speak  of  those  parts  of 
the  town,  situated  entirely  in  Warwickshire.  This  was 
called  "Yenella  sub  tintinabulo " ;  and  twice  only  have 
we  seen  it  named. 


Ha.  10.  1101:—  "Joh'i  dt  PIcklbrd  ht  MrriBm  in  qM*  ptB  ml'  Barsif' 
en'  ptln'  Jaoente  in  yeneUa  ■'b  ttntinnahln,  ex  dono  ft  eoBeeadone  Mag*ri  Bobi  de 
Pldiford,  in  plena  Car*.  "  Sept  4,  131S :—  "  Joh*M  Pjrdieford,  Boifenais  dc  Tbaa- 
worUi.....icddit  in  mann*  ]tam*iar*  q'nd'  p*tem  yni*  Bargf«|)  Vn  ..  p*nt  iacct  in 
lliamiroith  in  q'd'  renell'  nib  Tlntlnabalo :  ad  opuB  D*ni  Blc<l  dn  Tecoebnr',  Guoaiel 
•cclle  Collegiate  de  Tamwortli,  ....*•* 

Where  "the  lane  under  the  bell"  can  have  been, 
we  are  unable  to  conjecture. 

Market  Street  and  PLACE....These  formerly  con- 
sisted of  a  row  of  houses  and  shops  on  the  north  alone. 
The  opposite  side  was  occupied  by  the  Castle  and  its 
surrounding  ditch ;  and  was  called  the  Castle-green. 
The  houses  erected  on  the  south  side,  since  the  time  of 
Henry  YIII.,  are  mostly  built  at  the  back  on  piles, 
within  the  ditch,  which  had  been  filled  up  previously 
with  soil  and  rubbish.  The  consequence  has  been  that, 
owing  to  the  want  ot  a  completely  firm  foundation,  some 
of  the    older    buildings    have    given    way   in   a   slight 


Market-street  and  place  run  parallel  with  Church- 
street;  and  communicate  with  it  by  King-street,  and,  at 
the  top,  by  Lunn's  entry.  In  the  space  around  the 
Town-hall,  at  the  east  end,  is  held  the  market  every 

1    Court  roUa,  S  H.  V1.»—14S4.  S    lb.,  13  R.  II.»— ISfiO. 

s    Covrt  roUs»  BtalKBidahire,  si  E.  I.,  6  B.  ki. 


CA8TLB   AND  TOWN.  187 

Saturday;  as  undoubtedly  it  had  been,  on  the  same 
spot,  from  the  earliest  times.  In  1285,  it  is  said  that 
PhUip  de  Marmyon  made  a  certain  perpresture  or  en* 
eroachment  to  the  detriment  of  the  king's  market,  by 
either  part  of  the  Castle,  of  eight  feet  in  breadth,  and 
forty  feet  in  length.'  In  156S,'  and  again  in  1656,' 
the  Market-cross  is  mentioned;  so  that  it  would  seem 
there  was  an  appropriate  building  on  the  site  of  the 
present  Town-hall  under  which  the  people  assembled. 
The  part  east  and  south  of  this  edifice  was  formerly 
used  as  the  ''Barley-market.^'  In  1711,  there  was  a  grant 
from  the  corporation  of  Tamworth  to  Mr.  Mainwearing 
of  Drayton-Basset,  steward  to  lord  viscount  Weymouth, 
of  two  dwelling  houses,  with  ''  culloms  "  supporting  the 
over-hanging  part,  opposite  this  place.  Buildings  of 
this  peculiar,  and  once  common,  construction  are  scarcely 
now  found  in  the  town. 

George  STREET....This  was  anciently  known  as  Bull- 
stake,  or  Bullstock-street.  But  it  lost  that  designation 
on  the  disuse  and  removal  of  the  Bull-ring,  and  re- 
ceived the  name  of  George-street,  perhaps  from  the 
George  Inn.  Under  this  alias  it  is  designated  in  1704/ 
On  the  south  side,  it  was  once  principally  occupied 
by  crofts  and  gardens  ;  but  it  is  now  a  regular  and 
good  street.  It  runs  from  the  Market-place  to  the  end 
of  Colehill,  nearly  parallel  with  the  river  Anker  and 
with  Church-street,  being  connected  with  the  latter  by 
College-lane;  where  the  National  schools  are  situated. 

AGATEWATEK-LEAD£R....Water-leader  in  Agas  or  Agate- 
lane,  or,  as  it  was  often  called,  Agatewater-leader,'  lay 
by  the  Anker,  between  the  Castle  and  Bolebridge.  On 
the  8th  of  May,   1314,  a  bye-law  was  made  that  no 

1    Pladta  corone,  conun  J.  de  Vane,  rot.  40.,  13  £.  I :—  Thomas'i  DafdAle. 

S   Cluaiberlftiii'B  acooantB.       S    Puish  Register.       4    TItle.deedt  of  that  date. 

s    Court  rolls,  8ft  E.  I. 


188  TAMWOBTU 

person  henceforward  should  wash  the  intestines  of  oxen 
or  other  animals  at  this  place^  under  pain  of  losing  the 
whole  property  there  washed^  besides  being  fined.^ 

8BOOBisoATE....This  also  lay  by  the  same  water,  and 
perhaps  may  have  been  identical  with  the  last  place; 
but  neither  now  exist.'  In  1285,  the  abbot  of  Merevale, 
who  possessed  land  at  Tamworth,  made  a  perpresture 
by  obstructing  the  thoroughfiBure  at  a  certain  lane,  where 
the  burgesses  of  the  town  were  accustomed  to  draw 
water.'  It  was  undoubtedly  at  this  place;  for,  on  the 
11th  of  November,  twelve  years  later,  we  find  that  the 
abbot  of  the  same  religious  house  and  Cralfrid  Wyne 
were  both  amerced  at  the  court-leet,  for  obstructing, 
with  their  gardens,  a  lane  leading  towards  the  water  at 
Segorisgate.* 

Jaljr  10.  1104:—  •'Gttlfr'i  WyM  ....  d«k  Grcfor',  fil*  nio.  Tan*  met*  ....  in 
Thancwoith,  lux*  Tcndftm*  que  dadt  u*  •q'm  qw  roWt*  Oncor,  ....  '*< 

CoLEHiLL....This  was  called,  in  the  olden  times, 
Cross-street,  fin>m  the  Stone-cross  at  its  upper  end. 

Dec 8ft,  IS81:—  '•D'tuBiOdewTii'  Fraojrle,  mJln,  tndldit  ....  Ric»o  Mrdetton 
de  Tunwovth,  ....  vnu'  mesMc*!  •••*>&  com*  Warr*,  ■lc*t  iacct  in  tIoo  Tocf  le 
GTOMcstrete,  Int*  niMvag'  il*ni  lUiin  Buaet  dc  Dnyton,  wSUtU,  ....  ft  maiH«* 
p'd'd  Baldewynyi  ....  &  CKtendit  m  In  loncKadi'e  n  tIa  icgin  viq'  to  kynsgcB- 
djrche ••• 

Colehill  is  rather  short;  but  it  would  have  formed  one 
of  the  best  streets  in  the  town,  were  it  not  for  the  ir- 
remediable inconvenience  of  its  steepness  in  passing  to 
Gungate.  The  Unitarian  Meeting-house  stands  on  the 
east  side  of  it. 

Bull  RiNG....At  the  junction  of  Bolebridge-street, 
with  Colehill  and  George-street,  was  placed  the  Bull- 
ring, with  the  Bull-stake,  and  Bullstakewell.' 


1    Court  rolls,  6  E.  II.  a    lb.,  8ft  E.  I.,— 1297. 

3    Placita  corone,  IS  B.  I. :— ThoniM's  Dagdale. 

4    Court  rolls,  ss  E.  I.  ft    lb.,  89  B.  I.  6    ludenture,  5  R.  II. 

7    Court  rolls,  84  U.VII.,— IMS. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  189 

May  0,  1314:—   Joh'fls  dt  Tarkedych  &  Mazsareta  rx'  d'  h'a*t  iCTiiiiam  de 

▼no  ten*  ez  opp*o  le  Bolcstake i    Sept.  90,  14S4:—    "Hec  indentara  facta 

int*  TlMina'  de  Paren,  Anaig*  Bog'ain  de  Aston,  &  Hngone'  Wylugbby,  Annlic'om, 
ex  p*te  Tna,  &  Rtceidn'  Bazbnr  de  Tunworth,  &  AUanoie',  rx*em  cios,  ez  alt'ra 
p^,  testat  q'd  p*dict'  Thomas,  Itog*Q8,  &  Hugo,  tradidenmt  ....  p'ftOo  Ric*o  & 
JUianore  duo  traigacia  inalmul  iacentj  la  le  Bolrjmf  &  m  extend'  de  Bolstake- 
street  vaq'  kjngeMlycbe, *'< 

There  are  some  curious  particulars  relating  to  this 
part  of  the  town,  and  others  in  Warwickshire,  in 
"  The  accountes  of  henry  Baron  and  Will'm  patchet, 
beyng  Chamberlaynes  of  Tameworth  within  the  County 
of  warwyck,  maid  the  second  day  of  November,  An'o 
d'ni  1668. " 

"Redyttes. 
It'm,  Beceyued  for  the  Bent  of  the  comon   grownd, 

iiij**  xiiij*  yj* 
It'm,  Beceued  for  sheip  pens,  xxxviij"  iiij* 
It'm,  Beceyued  of  Thomas  starkey,  for  lus  firandus 

mony,  iij*  iiij** 
It'm,  Beceyued  of  John  borrowes,  for  the  reste  of  his 

firanchis  money,  xx^ 
It'm,  Beceyued  of  John  Trayford,  for  the  rest  of  his 

firanclus  money,  x*^ 
It'm,  for  the  dong  hyll  at  Catcheharm,  ij" 
Some  vij**  viij** 
Paymentes  &  Allowances. 
It'm,    Allowance    for   catcheharm    buttes    to    Bobert 

Jeamo'd,  iij* 
It'm,  to  be  Allowed  for  henry  Bichard's  pentys,  xij* 
It'm,  to  be  Allowed  for  Mr.  John  Ferres,  for  catche- 
harm, yj* 
It'm,   to   be   Allowed   for   Mr.    John   Ferres,    for   ij 
percels  of  ground,  laite  in  the  holdyng  of  will™ 
eds,  xyj* 
It'm,  to  be  Allowed  for  John  Swyfte,  ij* 

1    OoQZt  roHi,  7  >•  U*  2   Indenture,  3  H.  VI. 


190  TAMWORTH 

[t'm,  paid  to  thomas  fieman  xxvij  lode  of  sand,  vij* 
[t'm^  paid  to  Will'm  BobjBson  &  to  colman  for  xx 

loodes  of  stones,  carrege,  xj'  viij^ 
[t'm,  paid  to  the  hird  man,  for  lus  waigs,  xiij'  iiij^ 
It*m,  for  makyng  of  ij  comon  ladders,  ij*  viij* 
[t'm,  to  the  sargeants,  for  cheise,  ij*  iiij^ 
[t'm,  to  the  bayly  of  the  hundred,  ij* 
[t*m,  paid  to  Mr.  Ferres*  bayly,  vij*  yj*" 
[t'm,  paid  to  christofer  hollyer,  for  Tymber,  makyng 
of  ton  well  Crowles,  with  covers  for  the  same, 
and  for  the  Cowkstowle,  xiiij*  viij^ 
It'm,  for  workmanship  of  Raife  baron's  shop,  xyj* 
It'm,  for  the  Reperradons  of  the  markyt  crosse,  j*  iiij* 
It'm,  for  mendyng  of  bowlstok  well,  viij* 
It'm,  for  makyng  the  bull  ryng,  xyj* 
[t'm,  to  John  Seide,  for  worke,  yij* 
[t'm,  to  Richard  myln',  for  worke,  xv* 
rt'm,  for  pyles,  iiij* 
[t'm,  for  carrying  of  the  same,  yj^ 
[t'm,  for  xviij  sheip  pens,  vij*  yj^ 
[t'm,  paid  for  Tymber,  viij* 
[t'm,  for  sawyng  of  the  same,  yj*  yj* 
[t'm,  for  mendyng  the  pinfolde  &  pyllerye,  ij*  iiij^ 
Some   v"   viij'   xj* 
And   so  Remayneth   xxxj*  ix* 
in  the  boxe  xxxj*  ix*  "' 
The   Bull-ring   and    Bull-stake,   which   were   usually 
found  in  every  town,  were  removed  at  the  time  when 
the  cruel  practice  to  which  they  were  subservient  was 
abolished.    This  change  took  place  here  in  the  course 
of  the  seventeenth  century.      It  was  once  considered 
unlawful  to  slaughter  a  bull  for  the  purposes  of  food, 
without  it  had   been  being   previously  subject  to  this 

I    Corpontion  Recorda. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  191 

unmerciful  treatment  Occasionally  in  the  court-rolls  of 
the  town,  at  an  early  date,  we  find  persons  fined  for 
haying  killed  these  animals  before  they  had  been  baited 
by  dogs. 

July  15,  1907:—  "Nich*s  de  Pieh'  In  m*iA.  q*  ooddlt  q'ndun  tanni*  no'  ftiimt* 
csnfb':  ptoc*  Joh>  de  Shep*  &  Ric*  I>on.**i 

The  pillory  is  first  mentioned  in  1294;  when  one 
Nicholas  Alcus,  by  being  sentenced  to  it,  on  his  con- 
viction, for  selling  light  loaves,  the  third  time,  was 
condemned  to  the  memory  of  posterity.^  So  late  as 
1727,  "it  stood  in  firont  of  the  Town-hall. 

Qnarter-MKkms  court,  Jan.  11,  1797:—  "A  bill  of  Indictment  l>ein|r  found 
bf  7*  gnmd  Jury  •e'  ^ohn  Oloater,  for  a  petty  Larceny  com'itted  by  him,  &  the 
Priaonr  batrlnff  pleaded  ffoitty  to  yt  eaid  Indictmt,  It  is  ordered  by  this  Court  that 
the  eald  John  Olocter  be  pnblickly  whiped  at  y«  Pillory,  in  y"  market  place,  on 
firiday  y*  Twellth  day  of  this  Instant  January,  between  y«  hours  of  elearen  ft 
twdve  of  y*  dock,  in  y*  forenoon*  '** 

Of  the  cucking-stool,  we  have  nothing  to  record.  To 
the  honour  of  the  good  dames  of  Tamworth  in  the 
olden  times,  we  must  say  that  we  have  not  found  any 
instance  of  this  instrument  of  punishment  having  been 
called  into  use. 

BouBBRiDGB  STREET....Bolebridge-8treet  leads  from  the 
bottom  of  George-street  and  Colehill  to  Bolebridge, 
over  the  river  Anker. 

Oct,  1SS4 :—  *'  m'  il|i*.  Inq*slco  capta  ex  officio  p'  sac>mentu'  duoded'  Jur* :  q' 
dlcn*t  q'd  Tbom*  Dontesone  ft  Rob^  Maled  de  Bollemilne  ft  Thorn'  tr*  ei'  Tencru*t 
de  Tavena  de  domo  Johls  de  Ooton,  nocfat'  die  sabbtl  p*x  an'  f 'm  s'd  Leonard!, 
ad  oppotto'  dom'  Oalfr*!  le  Irenmon^'e,  et  ibi  renit  Itob*t'8  le  Osrt'e  de  Midelton 
et  cUs  Insultn'  fedt  u'bis  Utigiosis :  ra*  ip'm  p'secuti  ftieru*t  Tiq'  in  domu'  d'd 
Oalfr*!,  quo  renit  Oalft's  pd'c*s  ad  ftmnand'  pace'  int'  p'tes}  tu'  p'd'co  Galfir'o 
Insulta'  ftccr't  et  in  domu'  sua'  TerbaraTer't  et  T'ln'aner't  inlnste  .  Id*o  om'es 
p*d*el  Bob',  niom',  et  Thorn'  et  Bobt's  in  m'ia."^ 

Of  an  old  family,  that  took  their  name  fix)m  this 
part  of  the  town,  little  occurs,  except  that  one  of  them, 
doubtlessly    firom    the   rustic  minstrelsy    wherewith    he 

1    Court  rolU,  25  B.  I.  s    lb.,  2S  E.  I.  3    CorporaUon  Records, 

4   Court  rolls,  18  E.  II. 


192  TAMWORTH 

delighted  his  neighbours,  and  cheered  them  at  the  close 
of  their  daily  labour,  was  generally  termed  "  le  Piper."* 

Robert  de  Boltebrlttwtnte, 
ISll,  ISIS.      I 


NldiolH.sr  ^  ■  " 


JoftB,  a  wU       Clii1illaiia.s Richard  to  Plpcre 
dow  in  ISIS.  ( d«  Boltebritteatrcte, 

18l«  to  ISM. 


Bolebridge-street,  in  the  middle  of  which,  on  the 
east  side,  stands  the  Methodists'  Meeting-house,  is  the 
oldest  part  of  the  town  now  remaining,  and  the  one 
which  has,  perhaps,  undergone  the  least  improvement. 
To  render  it  a  thoroughly  good  street,  would  require 
very  extensiye  alterations,  on  account  of  its  narrowness 
in  the  middle.  Still  its  character,  within  the  last  few 
years,  has  been  greatly  changed  for  the  better. 

CocKET^s  LANB....Cocket's-lane'  and  Cocket's-lane-end 
we  cannot  identify  with  certainty. 

May,  14M :—  "No*imt  vniu'ii  ..  me  Joh*!!!  Aatoo,  111*  &  Hered'  Rob*ti  Aatan 
d«  Tuniroith,  remlsiaM  ....  Ttuma  TkUlo'  da  cad*m  ft  Agn'  tx*  eloa,  ..  tote* 
ina  &  damen'  qae  h'eo  ....  in  mo  omo  ca'  gaidi'o  adiacent*,  . . .  p*Qt  iaeet  In 
Tunwortli,  In  Com'  Warr*,  lux*  Coicetealone,  Int*  VT  q*Bd»  Baldewyny  FMryll  & 
t*r*  d'd  Thame,  ex  vna  p'te,  ft  Tf  Thome  Fox  ft  tV  q*nd*  Rob*i  da  Artoo,  ft  tV 
Ttiome  Symond,  ft  t*r'  pHicnd'  de  Syreeeoto,  ex  alt'a  p*te ;  ft  extendit  le  in  Ion- 
fitadine  a  Tenella  too'  Coketeeloae  vmi'  Vf  Henr*  Jeke.  ....  **  Coiiit.leet,  Got, 
1M8:—  '*Ud.  Joh'ce  Rene  h*ct  vna*  Stoke  lae*  in  Regla  via.  apd  Ooketyalone- 
Jnde."» 

Dead  Lanes,  Perrtcroft  Lane,  and  Schoolhoxjsb 
Lane.... From  the  bottom  of  Bolebridge-street,  some  small 
lanes  run  northward,  to  a  little  distance  beyond  the 
top  of  Aldergate-street;  and  then  a  path  turns  off  west- 
wards into  Gungate.  The  part  continuing  on  the  same 
line  is  formed  by  the  two  Dead-lanes,*  and  by  Perrycroft 
lane.'  The  mark  of  division  between  these  two,  is 
where  they  are  joined  by  a  short  road,  called  School- 

1    Court  rolle,  S,  7»  9.  U  B.  11.       S    lb.,  8  B.  IT,  1S14.       S    Tb.,  ;  H.  V.,  24  H.  VII. 
4    PerambnlaUon,  1697.  <    CoortroUs,  7  H.  V.,>14S0. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  193 

honse-lane/  leading  from  Gungate^  nearly  opposite  the 
Free  Grammar  School,  and  at  the  comer  of  the  Ahns- 
houses.  Perrycrofi-lane  is  so  called  from  the  numerous 
orchards  and  gardens  situated  in  its  neighbourhood. 
The  Perrycrofts  have  held  that  name  from  time  out  of 
record.  A  very  small  portion  of  them  lies  within  the 
precincts  of  the  old  borough. 

Gonit-keC  May,  1S09:~  "It*  p*  q*d  Jdfa*et  de  aynton,  miles,  indad'  porta' 
Toe*  perecroftefate,  que  defaent  e'e  ap'ta  om'ib*  tsnent',  i*o  In  mia :  ct  p'  est  q*d 
aptat  sob  pena  y)*  TiUd*>t 

There  was  an  ancient  family  sumamed  "de  Piricroft. " 
Victoria  RoAD....There  only  remains  for  us,  before 
we  conclude  this  division  of  our  history,  to  speak  of 
the  new  road  formed  from  the  end  of  George-street,  to 
the  station  of  the  Birmingham  and  Derby  Jimction 
Railroad.  It  was  made  at  the  expence  of  the  company 
to  whom  that  line  belongs,  for  the  convenience  of 
passengers.  It  is  a  neat  and  wide  road;  and  promises, 
if  well  maintained,  in  a  little  time,  to  form  a  street. 
But  lately  some  difference  has  arisen  as  to  the 
parties  who  should  keep  it  in  repair.  The  directors  of 
the  company,  compelled  reluctantly  to  form  an  ex- 
pensive approach  to  the  town,  have  refused  to  give 
their  aid,  as  it  had  not  been  stipulated.  The  cor- 
poration have  refused,  because  it  is  mostly  out  of  the 
limits  of  their  jurisdiction.  And  the  inhabitants  of 
Bolehall  have  declined  to  interfere,  because  the  road 
affords  no  convenience  to  them.  Some  arrangement 
must  soon  be  effected. 

After  her  gracious  Majesty  had  passed  along  this 
road,  on  her  way  to  and  from  Drayton-manor,  it  was 
determined  that  it  should  be  named  Victoria-road,  in 

1    Fcnunbalatkm,  1897.       S    Court  toUb,  49  E.  HI. 

C   C 


196 


TAMWOBTH 


CkNSOS  TAEBN   on  TBI   IOtH  of  MABCHt   1801. 


8TAFFOBD8HIEX. 


BomoooB. 

dmich-BlivMt 

Gongttte  

Chnrch-IuM   .... 
Aldercate-luie  .. 


PMl>lftF6Ct    

BUyer-ttnet,   and  Ladf. 

bridce-baak    

WorkbooM 


PABisa. 

Ftaelcr    

Bittcnoole,  Buigtey,  and 


WifglntDn  

Colon,  AUennUla,  ft  the 

Moor 

Coinberfbird 

HopwM  and  Hopwai-liaxi 


Total  In  Stafltaddiiia 


WABW1CK8HIBB. 

BOBOVOB. 


GoDgate  

Poor-hoate 

AlinshoiiMS    . . . . 
Silver-street    . . . . 
Market-itipeet    . . 
George-street 
Gollege-lane   .... 

ColehUl    

Bolebrldce-ctreet 


Paaish. 

Amington  and  Stonydelph 

BolehaU   

Glascote 

Cattle-liberty 

Wilnecote    

DostbiU    

Two-gatea  


Total  in  Warwickshire 


Total  in  the  town   . 
Total  in  the  parish  . 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  197 

The  Parish-register  from  the  time  of  the  dyil  war,  has 
been  accurately  kept.  But  they  do  not  contain  the 
whole  of  the  baptisms,  marriages,  and  deaths;  for,  in 
1801,  out  of  1105  families,  7  professed  the  Boman 
Catholic  faith;  7,  that  of  the  society  of  Friends;  6, 
that  of  the  Baptists;  and  24  belonged  to  different 
forms  of  Protestant  dissent.  As,  however,  the  Church- 
yard was  the  only  place  of  sepulture,  except  for  the 
Quakers,  the  number  of  deaths  recorded  in  the  register, 
must  be  very  nearly  equal  to  the  number  of  births. 
To  the  account  of  the  baptisms,  those  occurring  in  the 
24  &milies  of  dissenters  have  been  added;  so  that  the 
list  only  excludes  Catholics,  Baptists,  Quakers,  and 
those  children  who  died  before  they  were  received  into 
the  Church,  according  to  the  rites  of  the  established 
religion.  Hence  four  or  five  should  probably  be  added 
to  the  baptisms,  to  make  them  equal  to  the  births. 

The  annual  average  of  baptisms  and  burials  at 
Tamworth,  within  the  first  half  of  the  eighteenth  cen- 
tury, taken  for  seven  years  indiscriminately,  is  as  follows : 

Males 56  Baptisms.    40  Burials. 

Females 47        „  48      „ 

103  83 

Average  of  the  ten  years,  from  1780  to  1790. 

Males 64  •  75  Bap.    43         Bur.    32  •  5  Mar. 

Females 67-75    „       43-33    „ 

132  -6  86-33 

Average  of  the  ten  years,  firom  1790  to  1800. 

Males 77  -  5  Bap.      51        Bur.      36  •  5  Mar. 

Females 84  -  5    „        51-2     „ 

162  102  •  2 


198  TAMWORTH 

Hence,  it  is  evident  that  a  very  considerable  increase 
took  place  in  the  population  of  the  pariah,  particukulj 
during  the  last  ten  years.  This  circumstance  was  prin- 
cipally owing  to  the  establishment  of  extensiTe  cotton 
manufactories^  in  the  town  and  neighbourhood.  The 
number  of  baptisms  also  became  more  disproportionate 
to  the  burials.  This  was  attributed  to  the  better 
mode  adopted  for  presenring  the  lives  of  infiemts,  when 
inoculation  b^an  generally  to  prevail. 

The  number  of  burials  annually,  for  the  last  seven 
years,  was  1  in  52  persons,  and  the  births,  1  in  S  '  5  ; 
and  the  baptisms  exceeded  the  burials  by  402.  There- 
fore, the  proportion  of  births  to  burials  was  very  nearly 
as  8  to  5. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  the 
burials  were  annually  about  1  in  40  persons;  at  the 
close,  1  in  52. 

The  number  of  females  baptised,  within  the  last 
eleven  years,  exceeded  the  males  by  96,  being  in  the 
proportion  of  9  to  8.  But,  in  almost  all  former  periods, 
the  males  were  to  the  females  as  12  to  11. 

The  marriages,  for  the  same  time,  were  annually  1 
in  every  142  persons. 

At  the  time  of  the  census  being  taken,  the  number 
Of  married  persons  in  the  parish  was  1678 

Of  children  and  persons  grown  up,  but 
still  living  with  their  parents,  with- 
out any  separate  establishment,  .    2527 

Of  widowers  and  widows, 308 

Of  single  independent  persons,  ....      870 
Of  servants,  apprentices,   shopmen,    or 
journeymen,     living     with     their 
masters^ 454 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 


199 


For  the  last  four  years,  an  account  was  taken  of  the 
ages  of  persons  buried. 


Under 

2 

yean 

111 

Between 

2 

and     5 

48 

•••• 

5 

....     10 

11 

.... 

10 

....     20 

32 

.»>. 

20 

....    SO 

26 

.... 

30 

....    40 

87 

.... 

40 

....    50 

32 

.... 

60 

....    60 

25 

«... 

60 

....    70 

31 

.••. 

70 

....    80 

.      45 

,,,, 

80 

....    90 

25 

.... 

90  and  upwards    . 

4 

427 


This  makes  it  appear  that  the  general  longevity  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  parish  is  very  great,  74  persons 
out  of  427  haying  attained  an  age  of  70  years  and 
upwards :  being  an  average  of  in  every  5  *  77  persons. 

Several  persons  of  this  parish  have  been  especially 
noticed  as  having  attained  the  age  of  more  than  100 
years.  John  Meggs  died  in  1772,  aged  101 ;  Thomas 
Fletcher,  in  1690,  aged  102;  William  Fasher,  in  1785, 
aged  118;  and  William  Farr,  in  1769,  aged  121.  The 
latter  person  was  a  native  of  Birmingham,  and  employ- 
ed as  the  Tamworth-carrier.  He  had  one-hundred  and 
forty-four  children,  grand-children,  and  great^grand-chil- 
dren;  but  he  survived  them  aU,  and  left  10,000/.  for 
charitable  uses. 

Instances  of  extraordinary  longevity  have  occurred 
even  recently  within  the  town. 


aoo 


TAMWORTH 


Cbksvs  taxeh  <m  thb  27m  or  Mat,  1811. 


nrAFFOEIMHIRX. 


BOBOUOH. 


OuDfate 

Churdi-lMie  .... 
Alderial».lMM  .. 
Lkhfleld-itrMt  .. 

P«el.fttrMt 

BUTcr-ttnet,  ate. 


Pabiib. 


Fludty    

BIttenooto,  Bucler*  DwuteU 


Wlcgtaitoii 


,ft  thelloofj 
HopwaSy  md  HopwM-taftys 


Hoa 


S3 

41 
14 
IS 
IM 
SS 
16 


Total  in  BtaftKdthin 


WARWICKSHIRE. 

BOBOCOB. 


drarch'.tti'Mt 
OnniatB 


Gcorgc^itiMt .  • . . , 

OoUefe-lanc  

ColetaiU    

Bo]«lnids»4tTCCt . 


§81 


Pabibh. 

Amlncton  and  Stonydelpli 

Oltfloote  ....' 

OMtte-Ubertf 

WOnecote    

DoMhUl    

Two-CBtes  

Total  in  Warwickihire  . . . 

Total  In  tbe  town   

Total  in  the  pariah 


S18 


43 
50 

1ft 

1 

106 

8 

11 


546 
681 
1187 


16 


I    H  |1  J   Ifa 


S4| 
41, 
14 
Sft 
lift 
86^ 
»7| 
1 


873 


188 
11 
37 
ft8 


•97 


173 


lft7    108     88 


43 
ft3 

18 

1 
110 

8 
11 


S63 


ft97 


339 


609 


63 


47 


187 


174 


899 


i  i 


33 

43 

16. 

96 

lift 


78 
867 
7ft 
31 
1ft 


877 


143     894 
84 

119 
118 
78 
46 


348 


619  18181786      111 


37s 


6D7 


650 


1886 


18 


881 


168 
187 
11 

8 
11 
116 
181 

178 


778 


1990 


111  - 


*:  14 

61  177| 

7  * 

4  IB 

84,  887 

11  141 

Si  li 


-r- 


891     1887 


89' 

:s 

108 
ftl 
93 
13 


8 
6 
4 
18 

I 
ft 
8 


1838         88 


144 

1191  11 

18  8 

1&  8 

14  1 

198.  Ift 

138  9 

86  4 

44i  3 

836 


189i  8 

134,  6 

49,  1 

1  8 

837  6 

9  8 

so'  8 


ft79  14 


1407 1884        149 


31941       815 


18 

K 
17a 

81 


I9IS 


311 
SSfl 


1664 


19 


8741 


9991 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  gOl 

Census  takxn  on  the  28th  ov  Mat,  1821. 


STAFFORDSaiKB. 


BOBOUOB. 

Chnrdi-strcct    


Chordi-lBiie  . . . , 
AUorfBtfr^treet  ' 
lidifieU-ttnet  .. 
SilTer-ftreet,  &c. 


Pabisb. 


Bittenoote,  BBogtef,  DonstBU 


WiniBtxa , 

Ootan,  Aldcnnflls,  ft  ths  Moor 
Comberfofd 


HopfWAB-taays . 


I   Total  in  Staffonldiire . 


WARWICK8HIKB. 

BOBOUOB. 


QoiiMta 

SttTer-straet  ,..'.'.'/.[',['.'.'. 

Market-Street    

Pag-rtreet.. 

OeorK^vtreet    

Coilege-laae   

ColefaUl    

Bolelvidge.4&reet 

Pabisb. 
Aaiiagtan  and  Stonydelpli . 


fniaaoote. 


Two  gates 


TMal  in  Warwidcihiia 
Total  in  the  town  .... 
Total  in  tiie  pariah.    .. 


189 
la 

60 
60 
39 
19 
43 
1 
8 


411 


735 


893 


871 


004 


717 


1899 


19 


430 


768 


73 
78 

7 

40 

6 

60 

17 

k8 

119 


51 
83 

5 

139 


377 


065 


740 


FuniUei. 


Emplofcd  in 


837 


187 


805 


91 


543 


AgH. 


105 


100 


143 


390   193 


400 


53 


77 


97 


107 


305 

isl 
5o; 

153  }  I 


708 


409 


370 


085 


747 


3871453 


Peraone. 


837 


503 
50 
143 
115 
88 
49 
84 


1043 


180930373890 


917 


078 


1744 


800 


1318 


3300 


137 

334 

9 

310 


070 


1590  1091 


1830 


34593718 


103fl 


113S 

70 

379 

347 

339 

88 

106 

3 

41 


I93& 


357 

414 

19 

053 


1343 
3381 
3574 
7177 


D  D 


202 


TAMWOBTH 
▲OBs  OF  nnaoMi. 


STAFFORDSHIRS. 

Maks  under 

10 

90 

80 

40 

5o;«o 

70 

80 

?! 

100 

10 

90     80 

M"l* 

TtW 

00 

100 

BOBOVOB. 

Clrarch-strMt     

Qwngmito 

«7 
91 
14 
81 
1S5 
11 

97 
90 
8 
19 
100 
18 

0 
18 

10  4 

11  19 

8 
8 
1 
9 
98 
5 

1    0 

0    0 
9    8 
11    1 
9   9 

17 
80 

6 
99 

•1 

90|    91 

16 

Ifl 

7    4 
1911 
5    9 

8   9 

8  9 

9  1 
9    1 

99   9 
9   9 

1 
1 
1 

0 
4 
0 

Chuirh-lane. ......... 

'o  S 

4197 

0     0!  a 

Aldergmte^tticet 

Lidifield.s»reet,ftc.  .. 
SttTcr-stTNt,  aw.  .... 

Pabim. 

Hopwrnft-hByi 

Wifrfnton,     Comber- 
fonUOotoa,HopwM, 
itc 

10 
44 

8 

18 
87 
10 

95  IS    9    5 

8149  49  90 
19:i0    7|   1 

904 
0 

01 

1 

159 

1 

68 

8 

101 
0 

68 

6 

06 

I 

88 

9 

J: 

00 
0 

98 

43 

0 

94 

17 
0 

81 

1 

8 
0 

6 
1 

9 
0 

8 
0 

8 

994 

0 

08 

5 

108 
0 

106 

180 
70 

s 

03 
0 

40 
8 

03  40 
0    0 

39  97 

5 

10 
0 

96 

1 

5 

0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

9 

0 

Byowoto 

ei 

s 

5,       8 

1|> 

S 

S 

i 

8 

£ 

9 

« 

« 

' 

8 

5 

«? 

'1' 

5 

S 

M 

§ 

1 

8 

S| 

S 

n 

M 

1 

5 

; 

i 

5 

»>» 

^ 

Ok 

40 
41 

4 
10 
5 

«7 
16 

s 
01 

49 

V 

4 
18 

9 
89 

6 

9 
68 

99 
99 

1 
98 

0 
80 

4 

6 

84 

90 

91 

3 

19 

9 
14 

4 

1 

SO 

18 
19 

19 
0 

0 
0 

1 

4 
0 
10 
9 

8 
15 

5 

0 

0 

9 
0 

1 
1 
6 

9 
0 
0 

0 

1 

0 
0 

1 

66 
59 

0 
10 

4 

90 

8 

4 
00 

67 

89 

6 

98 

4 

88 

5 

10 

48 

87 

94 

9 

89 

9 
84 

^l 

69 

94 

97 

15 
19 

10 
19 

0 

9 

; 
: 

0 

1 

0 

1 

WARWICKSHIRE. 

BOBOUOB. 

Chwch-itlMt     

Qangate  

11 

19 

0 

17 

SUTcr-HiMt    

MBrk«t.ttKet 

Klnr-vtn^  T  --T 

1    0 
1S|  5 

r  0 
9, 4 

?:i 

85  19 

0|3 

17,11 

1>  1 

9   0 
4    9 

0    0 

7  5 

0    9 

«|1 
lOjJ. 

Qcof B C'Stncc  *..>•.«. 

C6Uece-lBnc    

CotohlU 

Bolebrldce-fticct  .... 

Pabibb. 

BotebBUandaiBMsols 

CBstle-Ubertf 

Wllneoote,  Dottliffl.  ft 
Two-gmtBt. 

17 
5 

4 
67 

17 

8 

6 

97 

3 

n 

09 

s 

109 

10 
SO 

0 

67 

5 

1 

68 

15 
91 

1 

88 

10 
10 
0 

85 

9 

10 

11 

0 
99 

S 

19 
0 

1 

95 

8 

8 
8 
8 

8 

9 
0 
0 

8 

1 

0 

8 

80 
60 

1 

70 

S 

90 
51 
8 

04 

I 

98 
80 

69 

8 

19 
95 

0 

49 

o 

18 
14 

1 

33 

s 

4 
10 

0 
99 

10 

8 

9 

5 

9 
0 

1 

11 

■o 

1 
9 
0 

9 

1 
1 

Total  in  WBTwickBliln 

TOtBlintlMtOWB.... 

Total  In  tfaBpBiteh.. 

S 

•A 

M 

R 

2 

n 

^ 

1^ 

•o 

- 

§ 

2 

•o 

R 

s 

9 

' 

8 

o 

"" 

1 

s 

? 

B 

"1 

s 

9 

s 

^ 

s 

S 

i 

M 

^ 

8 

8 

£ 

= 

ff 

S 

2 

s 

s 

a; 

s 

9 

M 

e 

i 

& 

& 

8 

g 

S 

a 

S 
8 

e« 

" 

g 

£ 

§ 

i 

§ 

s 

^ 

R 

8 

_;; 

i 

g 

S 

1 

§ 

s 

- 

8 

« 

CASTLE  AKD  TOWN.  208 

From  1801  to  1811^  an  increase  of  664  persons  had 
taken  place  in  the  parish  j  of  which  205  were  in  the 
town.  The  number  of  baptisms  and  burials  had  accord- 
ingly  increased;  but  they  bore  about  the  same  relative 
proportion. 

Baptisms.  Burials. 

166-6  106-6 

There  was  an  addition  of  34  houses^  of  60  families^ 
of  152  males^  and  of  53  females  in  the  town. 

From  1801  to  1821^  in  the  town,  there  had  been  an 
addition  of  183  houses,  of  147  families,  of  489  males, 
and  of  299  females;  making  an  increase  in  population 
of  788  persons.  From  1811  to  1821,  there  had  been 
an  addition  of  149  houses,  of  97  families,  of  337  males, 
and  of  246  females ;  making  an  increase  of  583  persons. 
But,  in  1821,  there  were  actually  12  families  less  em- 
ployed in  agriculture  than  in  1811;  and  only  11  more, 
than  in  1801.  Yet,  it  must  not  be  concluded  that 
the  agricultural  interests  of  Tamworth  were  declining. 
The  decrease  in  the  number  of  families  thus  engaged,  is 
explained  by  the  increasing  prevalence  of  the  custom 
for  persons  occupying  farms  and  lands  to  add  to  their 
resources,  some  manufacture,  handicraft,  or  business  of 
commercial  nature.  It  is  a  great  defect  in  the  different 
returns,  calculated  to  convey  an  erroneous  impression, 
that  the  families  should  have  been  recorded  under  one 
or  other  heads  of  employment  exclusively.  Had  the 
number  of  those  combining  both  occupations  been  given, 
we  are  thoroughly  convinced  that  agriculture,  as  well 
as  trade,  would  have  been  foimd  to  have  increased 
proportionally  with  the  population. 

From  the  table  of  ages,  it  is  seen  that  99  males,  and 
110  females,  in  the  parish,  had  attained  an  age  of  70 


201 


TAXWOBTH 


The  females,  theieforey  were  the  longer  liyen ; 
the  proportion  being  1  in  S3  *  12,  whikt  with  the  men, 
it  was  1  in  S4  *  95.  This  gives  an  average  of  1  peison 
in  84  *  29  surviving  to  70  years, — a  result  very  dif- 
ferent from  that  of  the  ages  of  those  buried,  recorded  by 
the  rev.  F.  Blick,  as  we  gave  them  in  1801. 

Cbnbus  taken  om  thb  30ni  ov  Mat,  1831. 
In  the  population  returns  for  1831  and  1841,  we 
shall  not  enter  into  the  full  details,  as  we  have  previous 
done,  respecting  the  town;  but  merely  give  the  amount 
for  the  side  in  each  county,  and  then  add  a  few  general 
remarks. 


STAFFORDSHiaS. 


IftlByijd  >■ 


TVa.  Afri.  zr«l, 


J 

a 


u 


Flaele7    i 

Bangtef  aad  BondUU  . .  J 


Hopwss^taAyB 

WiggintoD,  Coteo,  ftc.. , 


110 

SISO 

SM 

600 

S470 


59 


1*7 


SSI 

s 

1 

IM 

8 


861 


1711 


585  1131 
II 

4  111 


163 


359 


7S7 
St 


Totid  tn  StaSbrdahira 


7SM 


787    81 


WARWICKSmSB. 

Tunworth  

Amington  &  StouTde^h 


CMUe.Ubert7      

WilMcote,  wtth  DootfaSU 

Total  in  Wanrickabize  . 


891 
58 

98 
10 
138 


689     89 


718 


TMal  in  the  town   . 
Total  in  tho  pailah. 


789    89 


769 


19980 


I47t     60 


41540 


887 


195 


9    814    411 

47 

87 

4 


41  68 
46     97 

3  11 
36|  140 


1947 


816 
139 
311 
S3 
348 


8981978  3917 


4S3  1010  189fl 


78 
lOS 

15 
156 


195    964 
910    491 


717 


1547 


775 


1718  3905 


874 


878   770 


1666  805 


1871  3SS7 


631 


653  1611 


'i'"1 


S494 


16678688  711 


In  the  census  for  1881,  there  were  other  matters 
Stated,  mostly  r^arding  occupations,  which  it  is  not 
very  important  to  give. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  S05 

tNCRBAU  IN  POVULAnON   OF  THB  TOWN. 


To  1831. 

HOMM. 

PUBilte. 

IblM. 

PMBdM. 

1VM>1. 

ITS 

88 

170 
ISO 
88 

411 

859 

* 

340 

887 

41 

751 
546 

frook  1811 

Fram  18S1 

But,  firom  1821  to  1831,  the  males  had  decreased  by 
78,  leaving  the  population  of  the  town  37  less  in  the 
latter  than  in  the  former  year. 

From  1821  to  1831,  although  there  was  an  increase 
of  23  families,  the  number  of  those  exclusively  employed 
in  agriculture  had  diminished  from  98  to  13. 
Cbnsub  takbn  on  thb  7th  or  Junb,  1S41. 


STAFFORDSHIRB. 

HOQMS. 

Panons.    H          Ag«a. 

ofUrth.1 

1 

i 

i\ 

i 

1 

i 

Under 

Abofv     1 

aojMis.  1 

f 

1 

1 

I 

1 

1 

J 

Tnnwmth 

834 

3 

18 

08 

1 

1 

54 

48 

85 

59 

9 

14 

1 
1 

0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

1 

870 

839 

3 

18 

03 

1 

54 

51 
35 
59 
9 

808 
538 

9 
80 
150 

4 

a 
ia7 

103 
59 

133 
88 

935 

588 
8 
84 

107 
a 
a 

117 

113 
03 

134 
18 

1797 
1190 

17 

44 

'1 

4 
844 

810 
138 

307 

40 

413 
339 
3 
0 
74 
8 
0 
04 
45 

S 

418 
877 
a 
9 
78 
0 
0 
49 
54 

9 

450 

•1 

14 
83 
3 
3 
03 
58 
33 
04 
13 

533 

811 
0 

15 
89 

8 

8 

08 

59 

34 

73 
9 

1359 
701 

14 

81 

835 

3 

4 

339 

185 

110 

300 

38 

538 

359 

3 

13 

88 

4 

0 

15 

31 

( 

7 

34 

Fir.H«7     ^a       

Buglef   

Bmiehlll 

1>niittB]1     

HopWM-haTB 

WlniBton  

gSS^".. :::::.;:::;;.: 

Cmnboford 

BopwM    

BfOBcoto 

l^italinStelfonlihire  .... 

WARWICKSHIRE. 

Tamwoith  

AndDgtan  and  Stonyddiib 

CtetleUberty 

WOnecote,  with  DoMfaill, 
KcCtlebvook,  &c 

Totia  in  Warwiduhin. . . . 

800 

419 
59 
no 

18 
151 

35 

80 
0 
8 

1 

19 

a 

1 

0 
0 

0 

1 

887 

440 
05 

lis 

13 
104 

3035 

907 
148 
340 
31 

301 

3171 

1085 
138 
849 
88 

357 

4300 

1993 

870 

495 

59 

718 

957 

413 
07 

107 
10 

108 

981 

481 
59 

108 
13 

170 

1078 

494 
81 

139 
15 

193 

1190 

004 

09 
147 

15 
187 

3118 

1418 

333 

313 

43 

504 

1088 

574 
54 

183 
17 

154 

751 

41 

a 

794 

1093 

1847 

3540 

771 

835 

983 

1033 

3558 

983 

Total  in  Um  town 

Total  in  the  pariah    

781 

tt 

8 

810 

1709 

aoao 

3789 

885 

894 

944 

1180 

8077 

1118 

1011 

M 

4 

1081 

3788 

4018 

7740 

™ 

1800 

8000 

3813 

5070 

ao70 

E  E 


206 


TAMWORTH 


The  return  for  the  Staffordshire  part  of  the  town  in- 
cluded 32  males,  and  40  females  in  the  Tamworth 
Union-Workhouse,  and  1  male  and  11  females  in  a 
private  lunatic  asylum.  That  for  the  Warwickshire 
part  included  1  male  in  the  town  prison. 

INCRSA8E   IN  POPULATION   OP  TBB  TOWN. 


To  1841. 

H«M«. 

-.^ 

POMlM. 

T«ttl. 

FhjmlSOl 

t47 
813 

<k 

41 

S14 
888 

85 

188 

489 
486 
198 
149 

1888 
798 
Sift 

sss 

Ynm  IMI 

FhnnlflSl 

From  1  Wi. .........  t  r 

From  these  five  returns,  and  our  remarks,  it  is 
evident  that  Tamworth  has  been  gradually  progressing 
in  size  and  population,  since  the  commencement  of  the 
18th  century,  and  that  the  town  is  becoming,  in  an 
increasing  proportion,  a  place  of  trade. 


TRADE,  MARKET,  AND  FAIRS. 

Our  researches  have  thrown  very  little  light  upon  the 
condition  of  Tamworth^  as  respects  its  trade  and  manu- 
fieu^tures,  in  olden  times.  It  is  probable  that  the 
inhabitants  have  ever  been  more  deeply  engaged  in 
agricultural  pursuits^  than  in  mechanical  occupations. 
They  have  never  cultivated  any  one  branch  of  manufac- 
ture so  extensively^  as  to  render  it  their  staple  article 
of  trade. 

Tanneries  have  been  established  in  the  town^  from 
time  immemorial;  and  have  only  ceased  to  exist  within 
the  last  four  years.  During  a  considerable  period^ 
narrow  cloths  of  excellent  quality^  were  manufactured 
in  large  quantity.  These  works  were  abandoned^  and 
the  mills  eventually  pulled  down^  about  a  century  ago. 
We  have  already  mentioned  the  important  benefits 
conferred  upon  the  town  by  the  introduction  of  the 
cotton  spuming  and  calico  printing  into  the  neighbour- 
hood. For  thirty  years^  these  manufactures,  under  the 
able  superintendance  of  the  late  sir  Robert  Feel, 
flourished  with  the  greatest  success.  They  afforded 
constant  employment  to  numerous  families ;  and  sensibly 
increased  the  population  of  the  town.  The  factories 
were  situated  principally  at  Fazeley,  and  BonehilL 
Here  their  enterprising  owner,  acquired  a  great  portion 
of  his  property,  and  laid  the  foundation  for  the  splendid 


208  TAMWORTH 

fortunes  of  his  family.  The  fiEtctories,  at  Fazeley  are 
still  in  operation;  but  the  others  have  long  been  aban- 
doned. 

Fifteen  or  twenty  years  ago,  there  were  several 
manufactories  of  net^  lace,  and  Brussels'  carpets.  StQl 
more  recently,  there  was  an  extensive  establishment  for 
the  making  of  patten-ties.  These  succeeded  for  a  time, 
but  sank,  at  length,  under  the  depressed  condition  of 
the  markets,  and  the  effects  of  too  successful  competition. 
Many  of  the  poorer  inhabitants  also  earned  a  scanty 
addition  to  their  means  of  subsistence,  by  plaiting 
straw,  for  the  straw-bonnet  trade. 

At  the  present  time,  the  principal  manufactories  in 
the  town  and  neighbourhood,  are  the  tape-mills  of  Mr. 
Harding,  in  Bolehall,  and  Mr.  Etienne  B.  Hamel,  in 
Bolebridge-street.  The  Castle-mills  have  been  enlarged, 
and  are  now  used  for  the  manufacture  of  paper;  and 
there  are  extensive  works  of  the  same  kind,  and  also 
for  printing  paper  by  patent  machinery,  for  hanging 
rooms,  at  Alder  mills.  The  £Bibrication  of  hats,  cord, 
and  string,  and  the  process  of  dyeing,  and  tallow-chand- 
ling,  are  also  carried  on  to  some  extent 

The  shopkeepers  of  Tamworth  are  comparatively 
wealthy  men.  Although  their  shops  do  not  vie  with 
the  showy  '' establishments"  of  larger  towns,  they  usually 
acquire  an  honourable  independence,  and  not  unfi:^ 
quently  amass  considerable  fortunes. 

The  greater  part  of  the  inhabitants,  depend  fox 
subsistence,  however,  directly  or  indirectly,  upon  the 
cidtivation  of  the  soil.  The  town  is  surrounded,  on  all 
sides,  by  fertile,  well  cultivated  land.  This  is  laid  out 
in  farms,  orchards,  and  gardens.  The  meadows  yield 
abundant  crops   of  hay,    sometimes    affording,    in    one 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  £09 

year,  two  suooesdve  harvests.  The  arahle  land  presents 
luxuriant  fields  of  wheats  barley,  oats,  turnips,  and 
other  Taluable  produce.  The  orchards  and  gardens,  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  town,  are  very  extensive ; 
and  not  only  supply  the  wants  of  its  inhabitants,  but 
also  furnish  a  prodigious  quantity  of  fruit  and  vegeta- 
bles for  more  distant  markets.  More  than  fifty  carts 
are  employed  in  conveying  the  produce  of  this  district 
to  Binningham  alone. 

The  character  of  Tamworth,  as  an  agricultural  lo- 
cality, has  been  determined  by  various  circumstances. 
A  fertile  soil,— copious  streams  of  water, — facilities  for 
effectual  drainage,  secured  by  the  gentle  inclination  of 
the  surrounding  hiUs, — excellent  roads,  offering  an  easy 
communication  with  various  markets, — ^form  no  ordinary 
combination  of  advantages.  To  these,  may  be  added, — 
plentiful  supplies  of  coal,  firom  the  coal-fields  of  Kettle- 
brook  and  Folesworth, — stone,  fix)m  Dosthill  and  Aming- 
ton ; — excellent  bricks  and  tiles,  made  fix)m  the  immense 
beds  of  clay,  which  constitute  the  hiUs  north  of  the 
town, — and  abimdance  of  timber. 

The  fiomers  of  this  district,  are  enlightened  and 
practical  men.  Justiy  regarding  the  proper  cultivation 
of  the  soil,  as  the  securest  basis  for  their  prosperity, 
they  have  neglected  no  means  of  taking  proper  advan- 
tage of  the  nattural  facilities  thus  provided  for  them. 
The  dreary  tracts  of  heath  and  forest  and  the  wide 
expanse  of  marshy  meadows  have  disappeared,  and 
given  place  to  gardens,  orchards,  groves,  and  fields  of 
waving  com. 

With  the  view  of  communicating  their  experience, 
and  introducing  new  and  successful  modes  of  agricul- 
ture, they  have  formed  the  "Tamworth  Farmers'  Club,*' — 


210  TAMWORTH 

well  adapted  to  diAise  practical  infomiation  in  the 
important  8cienoe  which  form  its  object  The  right 
honourable  or  Bobert  Peel, — the  active  promoter  of 
every  public  scheme  calculated  to  benefit  the  town, — 
is  the  patron  of  the  society. 

The  formation  of  the  Birmingham  and  Derby  Junction 
Railway,  and  the  projected  lines, — the  ''Chumet-yalley" 
and  ''Trent-Valley," — intended  to  communicate  with 
that  railway  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town,  cannot  fiul 
to  give  a  firesh  impulse,  and  a  new  direction,  to  its 
industry.  Possessed  of  a  rapid  and  cheap  mode  of 
transit  to  and  £rom  all  parts  of  the  kingdom,  it  is  easy 
to  foresee  that  the  increasing  population  of  Tamworth 
will  undoubtedly,  ere  long,  obtain  profitable  employment 
in  trades  and  manufiictures  hitherto  neglected,  or  but 
feebly  carried  on. 

Tamworth  possesses  the  advantage  of  an  excellent 
Ma&kst  for  com,  hay,  meat,  eggs,  butter,  earthenware, 
and  other  articles  of  general  utility.  It  is  held  every 
Saturday,  and  appears  to  have  been  kept  on  that  day, 
from  a  very  early  period.  Leland  names  Tamworth  as 
''havinge  a  celebrate  Market/'^  In  1560,  queen  Eliza- 
beth rendered  it  a  chartered  right;  and  the  grant  was 
confirmed  by  the  letters  patent  of  king  Charles  U.,  in  166S. 

A  careful  comparison  of  the  incidental  notices  con- 
tained in  ancient  records  still  in  existence,  has  led  us 
to  adopt  the  opinion  that,  before  the  incorporation  of 
the  town  by  Elizabeth  under  one  jurisdiction,  Tamworth 
possessed  two  separate  Markets.  One  was  probably  held, 
by  the  ancient  Stone-Cross,  at  the  junction  of  Butcher- 
street,  Gumpegate,  and  Cross-street;  and  the  other  in 
the  present  Market-place. 

1    Itiiu,  Tdl.  IV,  1B9  b. 


CASTLB   AND  TOWN.  211 

About  the  reign  of  Edward  III.,  the  Faibs  held 
within  the  town  were  very  numerous :  indeed,  they 
seem  to  have  occurred  nearly  every  month.^  Most  of 
these  were  doubtless  held  by  prescription.  A  great 
Fair,  commencing  on  the  feast  of  saint  Swythen,  for- 
merly belonged  to  the  dean  and  prebendaries  of  the 
Church,  who  received  the  tolls  and  profits.  It  was 
instituted  at  a  very  early  time,  on  the  annual  com- 
memoration of  the  dedication  of  that  edifice,  and  named 
originally  in  honour  of  the  sainted  Editha,  whose  feast 
was  celebrated  on  the  same  day  as  that  of  the  canonised 
bishop  of  Winchester.  It  should,  therefore,  be  called 
Saint  Editha's,  instead  of  Saint  Swythen's,  Fair. 

At  the  period  when  all  the  ecclesiastical  property 
throughout  England,  was  seized  by  the  crown,  this  Fair 
came  into  the  hands  of  Elizabeth.  By  her  second 
charter,  she  granted  it  to  the  corporation;  although  she 
had  previously  sold  the  Church  and  prebends,  with  aU 
rights,  to  laymen.  These  having  fallen  into  the  posses- 
sion of  Thomas  Repington,  Nicholas  Breton,  George 
Corbin,  William  Necton,  and  Alexander  Morley,  a  dis- 
pute arose  between  them  and  the  bailiffs ;  and  the  latter 
obtained  an  injunction,  in  the  high  court  of  Chancery, 
dated  upon  the  18th  of  June,  1589,  by  which  they  were 
empowered  to  receive  the  profits  of  the  Fair,  imtil  it 
should  be  otherwise  ordered.  The  grounds  on  which  this 
decision  was  made,  were,  that  the  fidr  was  expressly 
given  to  the  bailiffii,  whereas  it  was  not  named  in  the  sale 
of  the  Church-property.  It  was  afterwards,  however, 
restored  to  those  who  held  the  deanery  and  prebends. 

It  was  formerly  femous  for  the  fnnta  and  v^;etable 
produce  brought  to  it  for  sale,  which  obtained  for  it 
the  general  appellation  of  "Cherry  Fair." 

1    Court  rolls,  temp.  E.  III. 


212  TAMWORTH 

Edward  IIL  bestowed  two  FaiiB  upon  the  inhabLtants 
of  the  Town,  on  the  feasts  of  St.  Greorge  and  St 
Edward/  The  three  Fairs  only  are  mentioned  in  the 
charters  of  Elizabeth.  The  remainder  must  have  fidkn 
into  disuse  previous  to  the  reign  of  Henry  VIII. ; 
for  Leland  omits  all  mention  of  them^  but  says^ — 
"There  be  8  Fayres  yearely  in  the  Towne;  whereof 
the  Towne  hath  2,  and  the  CoUedge,  one.'^ 

In  consequence  of  the  change  of  style,  in  1752,  St. 
Greorge's  Fair  is  now  held  on  the  4th  of  May,  instead 
of  the  23rd  of  April;  St  Swythen's,  on  the  26th, 
instead  of  the  15th  of  July ;  and  St.  Edward's,  on  the 
24th,  instead  of  the  ISth,  of  October.  They  are  now 
never  continued  during  the  four  ensuing  days. 

In  1792,  two  other  annual  Fairs  were  added,  with 
the  consent  of  the  bailifb, — one  on  the  Monday  before 
the  2dth  day  of  January;  the  other  on  the  first 
Monday  in  September. 

A  more  recent  alteration  has  increased  the  number 
of  the  Fairs  to  eight,  as  shown  in  the  following  table: — 

1  Monday  before  the  25th  of  January. 

2  First  Monday  in  March. 
S    First  Monday  in  April. 

4  May  4th.    St  George's  Fair. 

5  July  26th.    St  Editha's  Fair. 

6  First  Monday  in  September. 

7  October  24th.    St.  Edward's  Fair. 

8  Third  Monday  in  December. 

1    SeepifC90'         1   Itin.,  Tol.  IV,  ioL  90  a. 


THE  CHURCH. 

HISTORY. 

The  year  597  has  been  rendered  one  of  the  most 
memorable  in  the  annals  of  our  country.  That  time 
was  signalized  by  the  arrival  of  Augustin  from  Rome^ 
to  announce  and  propagate  the  Christian  faith.  Regard- 
less of  dangers  and  difficulties^  he  hastened  hither  to 
raise  a  mighty  voice  to  Heaven^  in  places  where  pro- 
found silence  had  previously  reigned^  and  to  dispel  the 
midnight-gloom  of  idolatry  by  echoing  the  good  tidings, 
and  reflecting  the  celestial  light,  which  watching  shep- 
herds once  had  heard  and  seen.  The  success  attendant 
upon  the  apostolical  exertions  of  this  great  missionary 
and  his  fellow-labourers,  was  truly  wonderful.  Within 
the  space  of  eighty-five  years,  Christianity  had  spread, 
not  amongst  a  few  inhabitants  on  the  spot  where  Au- 
gustin had  first  landed,  not  in  one  royal  court  alone, 
but  throughout  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  Saxon  heptarchy. 
By  the  conversion  of  Peada,  in  656,  Mercia  received  the 
fiaith;  and,  six  years  afterward,  it  was  permanently 
secured  by  Wulphere's  adopting  the  great  banner  of 
the  Cross.  This  event  was  speedily  followed  by  the 
destruction  of  the  places  of  pagan  worship;  and  soon 
the  religious  aspect  of  the  land  was  entirely  changed. 

The  existence  of  a  Church. at  Tamworth,  within  the 
course  of  a  century  after  the  introduction  of  Christianity 
into   the  centre   of  England,   cannot  well  be  called  in 

F  p 


214  TAMWOBTH 

question.  At  the  period  when  Offa  and  other  Mercian 
kings,  with  their  councillors,  amongst  whom  were 
bishops  and  other  ecclesiastical  persons,  resorted  to  this 
place,  particularly  at  great  festivals,  it  was  undoubtedly 
adorned  with  all  the  splendour  which  was  adopted  in 
those  times.  It  is  even  not  improbable  that  Edgar 
and  Wigberht,  witnesses  to  one  of  Coenwulf  s  charters, 
in  814,  and  Aetheluulf,  who  signed  one  of  Berhtwulf  s, 
in  845,  were  priests  here;  for  their  names  are  only 
attached  to  documents  bearing  date  at  this  town. 

The  first  edifice,  however,  must  have  suffered  total 
destruction,  when  the  Danes  over-ran  the  country,  and 
razed  Tamworth  to  the  ground.  In  the  Church  which 
succeeded,  Athelstan  witnessed  the  reception  of  the  Danish 
king,  Sihtric,  into  the  Christian  fold :  and  there  he  bes- 
towed upon  him  the  hand  of  her,  in  honour  of  whom, 
it  is  supposed,  the  building  was  subsequently  consecrated. 
Under  what  saintly  patronage  the  previous  Church  had 
been  placed,  is  unknown.  It  is  not  unlikely  that  this 
second  edifice  suffered  when  Anlaf  stormed  and  sacked  the 
town.  His  bitter  hatred  of  the  Saxons  and  their  fidth, 
would  naturally  direct  his  fury  against  the  place,  where 
his  father  had  been  compelled,  from  motives  of  policy,  to 
embrace  their  creed, — an  event  in  which  originated  his 
own  ill-fortune. 

It  has  been  stated  that,  about  963,  Edgar,  who 
reigned  from  959  to  975,  founded  the  present  Church, 
and  rendered  it  coUegiate.*  It  would,  thence,  seem  that 
the  edifice  was  then  re-erected  after  Anlafs  visit  Were 
this  matter  indubitable,  we  might  from  it  infer  how 
greatly  Tamworth  had  suffered  at  the  hand  of  the  ruth- 
less Dane.    But  this   opiiiion   is   destitute   of  any  very 

1    M.S.  entmed  "  old  notet  of  the  Coltodce-hooM/*  temp.  Ov.  I. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  S15 

good  aad  unquestionable  authority;  although  there  are 
numy  circumstances  which  give  it  the  appearance  of 
truth.  Leland  was  of  a  different  opinion^  at  least  with 
regard  to  the  College.  He  says^  ^'I  could  not  leame 
of  whose  Erection  the  CoUedge  was.  Some  thinke 
it  was  a  CoUedge  befor  the  Conquest,  others  that  it 
was  of  the  foundation  of  Marmion ;  and  that  Opinion  is 
more  likely  to  be  true.  Marmions,  without  doubt,  were 
the  successe  Lordes  of  the  Casde."^  Camden  also  as- 
cribes to  one  of  this  family  both  the  building  of  the 
Church,  and  the  establishment  of  the  College.' 

The  suppositions  of  these  eminent  antiquaries  are 
strongly  corroborated  by  the  facts  of  the  oldest  parts  of 
the  edifice  exhibiting  the  Norman  style  of  architecture, 
and  of  the  deanery  and  prebends  being  originally  in 
the  gift  of  the  possessors  of  the  Castle.  But,  on  the 
other  hand,  on  account  of  the  remains  of  the  dean's 
house,  which  now  stand,  being  certainly  Saxon,  the 
foundation  of  the  College  would  seem  to  be  referable  to 
Edgar.  Questions  of  a  similar  nature  might  be  equally 
raised  on  both  sides.  We  can  hardly  hope  to  arrive  at 
a  satisfiEictory  determination,  when  Leland  was  unable 
to  obtain  any  exact  information.  He  possessed  the  ad- 
vantage of  having  visited  the  town  before  the  dissolution 
of  the  College,  and  the  loss  or  destruction  of  the  records 
of  the  Church;  to  which  he  most  probably  had  access. 
He  also  might  then  have  conferred  with  ecclesiastics, 
who  would  be  &i  better  acquainted  with  the  institution, 
than  any  later  persons  could  be.  Perhaps  the  best  and 
fidrest  conclusion,  which  we  can  draw,  is,  that  the 
Marmyons  re-built  the  Church  and  extended  the  College, 
previously  commenced  by  Edgar. 

1    Itin.,TOl.nr.,p.80b. 


216  TAMWOBTH 

Whatever  may  be  the  uncertainty  regarding  the  foun- 
der,  it  is  indubitable  that  the  Church  was  rendered 
coUegiate  at  a  very  early  period.  The  first  time  we 
have  yet  found  the  dean  and  chapter  mentioned,  is  in 
1257.  They  then  purchased  from  Philip  de  Marmyon, 
the  advowson  or  right  of  presentation  of  the  church  of 
St  John  the  Baptist,  at  Bfiddleton,  in  Warwickshire; 
which  was  afterwards  served  by  a  stipendary  appointed 
by  them.  This  they  retained  until  the  general  dissolu- 
tion.' They  ako  possessed,  it  seems,  the  manor  of 
Middleton;  for,  after  its  division  between  the  three  co- 
heiresses of  Philip  de  Marmyon,  a  third  part  was  held 
of  the  Church,  in  1S2S,  by  Alexander  de  Frevile  and 
Joan  his  wife,  of  the  inheritance  of  the  latter,  by 
service  of  is.  i^d.,  and  the  third  part  of  a  half-penny.' 
In  the  inquisition,  taken  in  1266,  of  the  extent  of  the 
royal  manor  of  Wigginton  and  Tamworth,  which  we  have 
previously  named,*  it  is  said  that  the  dean  and  canons 
received  the  profits  of  the  fiurs  and  markets  belonging 
to  the  king,  worth  annually  il.  \0$.,  on  the  Stafibrd- 
shire  side  of  the  town,  and  50«.,  on  the  Warwickshire  side. 

The  next  mention  of  the  Church  is  in  the  taxation 
of  pope  Nicholas  lY.,  about  the  year  1291.  The 
Church  of  St.  Editha  at  Thamwurth,  in  the  deanery  of 
Thomwurth  and  Tuttebur,  was  then  valued  at  fifty-five 
marks, — 86/.  1S«.  4d.,  the  tenth  part  being  five  marks 
and  a  half, — SL  18s.  4d. :  ako,  it  was  stated  that  the 
church  of  St  John  the  Baptist,  at  BerkesweU,  in 
Warwickshire,  was  valued  at  twenty  marks  per  annimi, 
over  and  above  the  yearly  pension  of  one  mark,  which 
the  ooll^iate  Church  of  Tamworth  received  out  of  it  In 
what  manner  this  payment  was  acquired,  we  do  not  know. 

1    Dotdate'sWtfwIduliiit.       9    Inqais..  17  B.  II.       s    FftfeTt. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  217 

The  CoU^e  consisted  of  a  deanery  and  six  prebends. 
These  were^  Amington^  or  the  deanery ;  Syerscote ;  Wil- 
necote;  Coton;  Bonehill;  Wigginton;  and  Comberford. 
The  two  ktter  were  usually  associated  together^  and 
often  considered  as  forming  but  one  prebend. 

The  deanery,  at  first,  lay  in  the  gift  of  the  lords  of 
the  Castle.  To  it,  Alexander  de  Freyile  presented 
Walter  de  Chetwynd,  on  the  S4th  of  October,  1304; 
and  Hugh  de  Babfaington,  on  the  15th  of  November, 
ISIO.^  But  the  next  presentation,  that  of  Henry  de 
Cliff,  on  the  6th  of  January,  1316,  was  by  Joan,  wife 
of  Thomas  de  Lodelow,  and  youngest  daughter  of  Philip 
de  Marmyon.'  However,  in  1328,  we  read  that  ^'Ma^ 
gistejr  Bicardus  de  Oloucestre  habet  literas  Begis  de 
presentatione  ad  decanatum  de  Tamworth,  ratione  ter- 
rarum  et  tenementorum  quae  fuerunt  Alexandri  de  Frevill 
defuncti.'"  But  it  had  returned  to  the  same  Joan  in 
1348 ;  for  it  is  then  said  that  ''Hen.  Hillary  et  Johanna 
uxor  ejus  habent  advocationes  Decanatus  de  Tamworth 
et  prebendarium  ejusdem  ecclesi®  coUegiatee."^  After 
the  death  of  this  lady,  without  surviving  male  issue, 
the  disposal  of  the  deanery  seems  to  have  rested  entirely 
iu  the  crown. 

We  here   give  the  names  of  the  deans  after  Henry 
de  Cliff/ 
1320    Isembard  de  LongeviUe. 

1328  Bichaxd  de  Oloucester. 

1329  Bobert  de  Chelcardo. 

1347  Baldwin  de  Whitney.  He  was  presented  to  the 
prebend  of  Bishopshull  in  lichfield-cathedral, 
on  the  18th  of  July,  1849.'' 

1    aMAppflndU:— Noteai.       S    Lkhftdd  rw»nl8.      3  TaniMr'i  Not  ManMt. 
4   lb.      ft   Montft.  AngUc.:— edit.  1880.      0   Hanrood*8  Htot  of  Uch. 


218  TAMWOBTU 

1369  Walter  Pryde. 

1S7S  Beginald  de  Halton  or  Hilton. 

1889  Thomas  Iberye  or  Ivorye. 

1891  William  Cotingham. 

1891  John  Massingham. 

1899  John  Bernard. 

1408  William  Fountefreyt.    (Feb.  10.) 

1429  Clement  Denston. 

1480  Thomas  Budbome. 

1485  John  Delabere.    (Feb.  1.) 

1484    William  Newport.    (May  18.)    He  held  the  pre- 
bend  of  Longdon^  in  lichfield-cathedral.^ 

1486  John  Bate. 

1476    Balph  Ferrers,  living  1496. 

From  what  has  been  already  said,  it  may  be  seen 
that  the  gift  of  the  prebends  was  in  the  same  hands 
as  that  of  the  deanery.  But  for  the  time,  Wilnecote 
and  Coton  were  at  the  disposal  of  Ralph  Basset,  lord 
of  Drayton.  To  the  former  he  presented  Simon  de 
Wycford,  in  1898;  and  to  the  latter,  Roger  de  Cloun* 
ginford,  on  the  22nd  of  June,  1801.  But,  on  the  Srd 
of  September,  1842,  Baldwin  de  Frevile  preferred  Tho- 
mas de  Whitney  to  Wilnecote;  as  the  king  did  John 
de  Kendall,  on  the  18th  of  July,  1848,  and  Henry  de 
Ingleby,  on  the  17th  of  September,  four  years  subse- 
quently. To  Syerscote,  Richard  de  Tettebury  was 
presented  by  Thomas  de  Lodelow,  on  the  12th  o( 
October,  1808;  and  Hugh  de  Hopwas,  by  the  king,  in 
1849.'  This  latter  ecclesiastic  was  a  native  of  Tamworth^s 
and  rose  to  some  dignity  in  the  church.  On  the  8th 
of  August,  1858,  he  was  inducted  into  the  living  of 
Clifton-Campvile,  at  the  presentation  of  sir  Richard  de 

I    II«nvood*8  Hilt  of  Lidu       9    Lk^Md  noonis.       9    8m  Appendix  :—K«te  99. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  S19 

Stafibrd.  He  erected  a  chantry  there^  in  1861^  for  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  his  patron^  Maud  his  wife^  and 
Isahell  his  former  wife.^  In  1858^  Hugh  de  Hopwas^ 
was  elected  chancellor  or  yicar-general  of  the  diocese; 
and,  on  the  20th  of  May,  1S6S,  he  was  appointed  pre- 
bendary of  Curborough,  in  the  Cathedral-church  of 
lichfield.  He  died  in  1388.'  To  Wigginton  and 
Comberfoid,  Henry  le  Stoke  de  Solihull  was  preferred, 
on  the  18th  of  June,  1811,  by  Ralph  le  Boteler.  To 
the  same  prebends,  Edward  III.  presented  Thomas  de 
Keynes,  on  the  28th  of  June,  1869.'  This  clergyman 
was  constituted  by  the  king  keeper  of  his  park  and 
forester  in  the  bailiwick  of  Ascit,  for  which  he  was 
allowed  the  sum  of  2d.  a*day,  during  the  term  of  his 
natural  life.  His  decease  took  place  in  1867/  Con- 
cerning Coton,  on  the  decease  of  Boger  de  Clounginford, 
there  arose  a  dispute  between  lady  Joan,  widow  of 
Alexander  de  Frevile,  and  Henry  Hillary  and  Joan  his 
wife.  But  by  agreement,  dated  at  Middleton,  on  the 
Saturday  after  the  feast  of  St.  Hillary,  1889,  it  was 
settled,  that  lady  Joan  or  her  heirs  should  present  in 
this  first  vacancy  and  in  the  one  ensuing ;  Henry  Hillary 
and  his  wife,  in  the  third ;  lady  Joan  in  the  fourth  and 
fifth  vacancies;  and  Henry  and  Joan  in  the  sixth;  and 
then  they  were  to  exercise  the  right  alternately.  To 
this  agreement  were  witnesses,  master  Edmund  de 
Hereford,  master  Soger  Hillary,'  master  Roger  Quili, 
John  de  Lee,  John  de  Ixmgdon,  and  others.'  In  con- 
fonnity  with  this  arrangement,  lady  Joan  nominated 
Robert  de  Whitney,  on  the  26th  of  January  next 
ensuing.'    Of  the  prebend  of  Bonehill,  we  have  not  as 

iShair'sStefltartih.   S  Harwood*s  Hiit.  of  Lidi.    S  Lidiflcldneordi.    NotMonM. 

4  Brdcfwlck:--edlt.  1844.    S  In  the  court-rolls,  iSlS,  he  is  mentknied  m  bdng 
**Pinon  of  the  chvch  at  Alrewlch."   0  lotaitnie,  la  B.  III.    7  lichlleid  records. 


220  TAMWOETH 

yet  seen  any  record  previous  to  nearly  the  end  of  the 
15th  century.  The  presentations  to  all  the  prebends 
seem  to  have  wholly  fidlen  to  the  crown,  at  the  same 
time  as  the  deanery.  The  Church  is  very  frequently 
mentioned  as  one  of  the  king's  free  chapek  from 
1S59/  to  1527.  In  this  latter  year,  Henry  YIII.,  then 
patron  of  the  College,  by  letters-patent  dated  at  Calais, 
on  the  14th  of  July,  granted  to  John  Golde,  derk, 
almoner  of  Mary,  queen  of  Fnmce,  the  canonry  and 
prebend  here,  then  vacant  by  the  death  of  Brian 
Darley.* 

Each  of  the  canons  had  his  substitute  or  vicar  at 
Tamworth  to  officiate  in  his  place,  and  perform  his 
duties.  It  would  appear  that  a  dispute  of  considerable 
length  arose  between  the  vicars  and  the  bailifi,  relating 
most  probably  to  the  local  courts.  On  one  occasion,  the 
matter  proceeded  so  far  that  a  bye-law  was  framed  of 
a  very  singular  and  rather  arbitrary  nature.  It  vras 
ordained  that  no  person  should  invite  any  vicar  to  his 
table,  under  penalty  <3t  6s.  StL  This  amusing  order, 
infringing  so  greatly  on  the  rights  of  hosjatality,  was 
framed  on  the  28rd  of  May,  1429.*  We  think  it 
questionable  if  it  were  ever  carried  into  eflfect :  no  in- 
stance of  its  enforcement  has  been  placed  on  record.  Some 
years  later,  the  king's  writ,  bearing  date  on  the  7th  of 
November,  1458,  was  directed  to  the  bailiA,  ordering 
that,  as  according  to  the  statutes  of  the  realm,  ecdesi* 
astical  persons  were  not  compelled  to  come  to  vievrs  of 
frank-pledge  unless  special  cause  should  require  their 
appearance,  they  should  exempt  the  vicars  of  the  royal 
free-chapel  of  Tamworth  from  those  courts.  The  vicars, 
at  that    time,    were   William  Bolton,   David   Duffield, 

I    BrdMWlck.       9    Rymtr't  FBBdcn.       s    Oooit-ioUB,  7  H.  VI. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  221 

Richard  Sturgeys,  Thomas  Allen,  Thomas  Hull,  and 
Bichard  Tatenhill.' 

The  revenues  of  the  Church  at  Tamworth  were  not 
at  any  time  very  extensive.  In  fact,  its  endowment 
was  so  small  that,  alone,  it  must  have  been  insufficient  to 
support  the  priesthood  in  a  condition  much  above  abso- 
lute poverty.  The  increase  of  property,  during  the  space 
of  about  150  years,  did  not  much  exceed  the  annual 
income  of  SO/.  Hence  it  is  evident  that  the  mainte- 
nance of  the  dignity  of  the  ecclesiastics  here,  the 
continuance  of  the  magnificent  solemnities  of  public 
worship,  and  the  erection  of  the  noble  and  splendid 
edifice,  were  due  to  the  voluntary  offerings  of  the  fidth- 
fiil,  occasional  gifts  dictated  by  the  piety  of  private 
persons,  or  to  the  ardour  of  the  clergy  themselves.  A 
few  of  the  donations  made  by  individuals  to  this  Church, 
we  have  met  with. 

In  1445,  Nicholas  Pydde  gave  to  John,  archbishop 
of  Canterbury,  and  chancellor  of  England;  to  John 
Bate>  dean  of  the  Church,  Robert  Monter,  William 
Pydde,  John  Lynton,  William  Rouse,  Thomas  Ashcombe, 
and  John  Longdon,  clerks,  and  their  successors,  two 
burgages  situated  in  Lichfield-street,  for  their  common 
benefit.* 

A  person  of  the  name  of  Jekes,  in  the  reign  of 
Henry  YI.,  obtained  leave  from  the  king  to  give  a 
messuage  and  garden  in  the  town,  to  be  converted  into 
a  habitation  for  the  use  of  the  priests,  who  should 
officiate  as  vicars  here.' 

Sir  Thomas  Ferrers,  knight,  by  deed,  dated  on  the 
10th  of  February,  1495,  for  the  health  of  his  soul,  and 
the  souls  of  Ann  his  wife,  and  of  John  his   son   and 

1    Coaitrolli,37H.VI.     9    Ib.,S8H.VI.     3    Old  notes  of  the  CoUefe-boue. 

G  G 


t22  TAMWORTH 

heir^  and  their  progenitors,  gave  to  the  perpetual  vicars 
of  the  Church,  an  annuity  of  2l6s.  Sd.  The  payment 
was  directed  to  be  made  out  of  a  water-miU  called 
Astford-milly  two  pastures,  and  all  the  other  lands  at 
Claverley,  in  Shropshire,  which  sir  Thomas  Ferrers  had 
lately  acquired  of  the  gift  of  Henry  Colle.  The  donation 
was  made  on  condition  that  the  vicars  and  their  suc- 
cessors should,  every  week,  say  three  masses  of  requiem, 
and,  on  the  anniversary  of  his  death,  celebrate  for  ever 
solemn  obsequies  for  the  repose  of  the  souls  of  himself, 
Ills  wife,  his  son,  and  their  ancestors.  The  vicars  were 
to  receive  the  payment  in  equal  portions  on  the  feasts 
of  Annunciation  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary,  of  St. 
.John  the  Baptist,  of  St.  Michael,  and  of  St  Andrew 
the  Apostle.  To  the  deed,  were  witnesses,  Ralph  Lawk- 
ford,  and  Thomas  Gresley,  knights;  John  Ferrers,  heir 
of  sir  Thomas ;  William  Ferrers ;  John  Alcock,  rector 
of  Ibstock;  John  Blount;  James  Kayley;  and  others. 

The  last  grant,  which  we  have  to  name,  is  that  of 
lady  Dorothy,  widow  of  sir  John  Ferrers,  knight  By 
indenture,  dated  on  the  20th  of  October,  1630,  she 
made  a  feofiment  to  eight  persons  of  the  town  and 
neighbourhood  and  their  sons  with  their  assigns  for 
ever,  of  certain  lands  and  tenements  in  Tamworth  and 
Wigginton,  for  the  uses  which  she  should  afterwards 
direct.  Soon  afterwards,  she  ordered  that  the  bailiff  of 
the  town  should  receive  all  the  rents  of  the  possessions, 
and,  on  the  11th  of  July,  cause  an  obit  to  be  kept  in 
the  Church,  with  the  whole  choir.  On  the  evening  of 
tliis  day,  solemn  dirge  was  to  be  sung,  and  mass  of 
requiem  on  the  next  morning,  specially  for  the  soul  of 

I    Attached  to  thia  deed,  apart  of  the  coinmonietl of  the  Church  remaiiiBibiit  no 

■undent  to  make  out  the  detlcn.    There  may  stiU  be  decjphered  upon  it lvm 

comivifB  ic 


h 


^,  i^tili^a'^  Btimtl),  '^amtodrt'jj). 


(Time  of  Henry  VIII.) 


Pubhahed  by  J.  Thompson,  Tamworth,  191G 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  223 

sir  John  Ferrers^  her  late  husband;  her  own  soul;  the 
souls  of  William  Harper  and  Margaret  his  wife,  her 
fiither  and  mother;  and  those  of  all  Christians.  After 
directing  the  payment  of  fees  to  several  persons  taldng 
part  in  the  services^  and  particularly  for  the  vicars  to 
pray  for  the  persons  above  named  in  their  beadroll^  lady 
Dorothy  Ferrers  directed  that  the  Grey-friars  at  Lichfield 
should  sing  dirge  and  mass  of  requiem,  at  the  same 
time  of  the  year  as  at  Tamworth,  for  ever.  And  each 
friar  there,  being  a  priest,  was,  on  the  same  day  or  at 
least  within  a  week  after  this  time,  to  say  one  mass  of 
requiem.  Ako  the  friars  at  Atherstone  were  yearly  to 
sing  dirge  and  mass  of  requiem,  in  their  convent.  And 
&rther,  if  it  should  happen  that  there  were  three  or 
four  soul-priests  at  Tamworth  during  the  celebration  of 
the  obit,  each  should  receive  a  small  payment,  if  he 
should  assist.  And,  finally,  all  surplus  of  rents  was  to 
be  employed  in  the  maintenance  and  improvement  of 
the  property.* 

Henry  YIH.,  in  1534,  assumed  to  himself  the  title 
of  supreme  head  of  the  church  of  England.  Then  by 
a  statute  of  parliament,  the  first-fruits  of  all  benefices, 
and  spiritual  dignities  and  the  tenths  of  the  annual 
income  of  all  livings,  were  annexed  to  the  crown  for 
ever.*  Consequent  upon  this  act,  a  valuation  of  all 
ecclesiastical  foundations  throughout  the  kingdom  was 
made  by  royal  command,  in  the  same  year.  The  accoimt 
given  of  Tamworth  Church  is  as  foUows. 

'' Valuation  of  the  Spiritualities  and  Temporalities  of 
the  College  of  Tamworth. 
The  dean  and  canons  of  the  collegiate  Church  afore- 

1    Sec  Appendix  :^Note  33.  s   liogard. 


224  TAMWORTU 

said,  have  together  in  common  lands  and  tenements, 
called  the  Olebe  of  the  prebends  thereto,  the  yearly 
value  of  4/.  Bs.  Sd.  Of  the  true  portion  of  which  rents 
assigned  to  each  canon,  full  mention  is  made  under 
the  name  of  the  canons  below  described:  to  wit. 


THE  DEANBBT. 

Master  Thomas  Parker ^  the  dean  there, 

Has  and  perceives  yearly  to  himself 
and  his  successors,  of  the  lands  of  the 
Glebe  aforesaid,     ISs^    id. 

And  of  tithes,  oblations,  and  other  spi- 
ritual emoluments, 20/.    6$.    8d, 


The  tenth  part  thereof,  42^.  21/. 

STERSCOTE. 

Master  John  Fysheryprehendary  of  the  prebend  ofSyerscate, 

Has  and  perceives  yearly  to  himself 
and  his  successors,  of  the  lands  of  the 
Glebe  aforesaid,     24».    Sd. 

And  of  tithes,  oblations,  and  other  spi- 
ritual emoluments, 42«.    5d. 


The  tenth  part  thereof,  Bs.  Sd.  SI.    6s.    8d. 

MTILNBCOTB. 

M,  Richard  Pygot,  prebendary  of  the  prebend  of  WSnecote, 

Has  and  perceives  yearly  to  himself 
and  his  successors,  of  the  lands  of  the 
Glebe  aforesaid,     ISs.  lid. 

And  of  tithes,  oblations,  and  other  spi- 
ritual emoluments, 7/.    6*.     Id. 


The  tenth  part  thereof,  16s.  SI. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  225 

OOTON. 

Master  T%amas  Holly  prebendary  of  the  prebend  of  Ooton, 

Has  and  perceives  yearly  to  himself 
and  his  successors,  of  the  lands  of  the 
Glebe  aforesaid,     Se.    8d. 

And  of  a  yearly  pension  paid  by  mas- 
ter Boger  Dyngley,  prebendary  of  Wig- 
ginton,        40s. 

And  of  tithes,  oblations,  and  other 
emoluments,  5/.  lis.    9d. 


The  tenth  part  thereof,  16s.  8/. 

BONEHILL. 

Master  John  Wf/lkoks,prebendaryoftheprebendofBonehtll, 

Has  and  perceives  in  lands  of  the  Glebe 
aforesaid,    16s.    Sd. 

And  of  tithes  and  other  spiritual  emol- 
uments,            6/.    2s.    4d. 


The  tenth  part  thereof,  lis.  7/. 

WIGGINTON. 

M.  Boger  Dyngley,  prebendary  oftheprd^endof  Wigginton, 

Has  and  perceives,  in  lands  of  the 
Glebe  aforesaid,     10s.    Sd. 

And  of  tithes,  oblations,  and  other  spi- 
ritual gifts,  over  and  above  40«.  which 
he  yearly  pays  to  master  Thomas  Hall, 
prebendary  of  Coton,  and  his  successors,    9/.     9s.    9d. 

The  tenth  part  thereof,  208.*''         101. 

The  following  is  one  of  the  numerous  subsidies  of 
the  clergy  at  Tamworth,  paid,  in  common  with  other 
churches,  to  the  rapacious  sovereign. 

1    Valor  KodctiMticui,S0H.VIU.:—TlniMlated. 


226  TAMWORTH 

''Mr.  Thomas  Perker,  dean,  paid  zxx«. 

Mr.  John  Fyssher,  prehendary  of  Syrescote,  iij#.  j^.  ob. 

Mr.  William  Westoote,  prebendary  of  Wylnecote,  Yiij«. 
-id.  ob. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hall,  prebendary  of  Cotton,  ix$.  iiijcf. 

Mr.  John  Wylcocks,  prebendary  of  Bownel,  xxs.  iiijcf. 

Mr.  Roger  Dyngley,  prebendary  of  Wygynton,  im. 
Vicars  choral  and  stipendaries : — 

Mr.  Greorge   Plackeney  and  eleven  others,  y«.   iiijd 
each.**' 

It  is  irrelative  to  our  subject  to  speak  of  the  altera- 
tion in  the  fidth  of  this  country,  or  of  the  political 
movements  by  which  it  was  effected.  It  must  suffice 
to  state  that,  in  the  time  of  Edward  VI.,  a  total  change 
of  ecclesiastical  discipline  was  completed,  the  liturgy 
altered,  images  removed  from  churches,  the  altars 
abandoned  for  tables,  and  in  short  the  church  of 
England  established  on  those  foundations,  upon  whiah 
it  remains  at  the  present  day. 

The  College  of  the  Church  was,  in  accordance  with 
a  parliamentary  statute,  dissolved  in  1547,  and  the 
whole  of  the  property  attached  to  it  vested  in  the 
crown.*  To  each  of  the  incumbents,  a  small  stipend 
was  assigned  for  life;  and  these  pensions  were  enjoyed 
by  the  rejected  dignitaries  until  155S;'  when,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  accession  of  queen  Mary  to  the  throne, 
the  ancient  faith  was  restored,  for  a  short  time. 

In  1548,  Edward  VI.  issued  a  commission,  dated  on 
the  20th  of  June,  directing  sir  Henry  Mildmay,  knight, 
and  Bobert  Kelway,  esq.,  to  provide  for  the  maintenance 
and  continuance  of  preachers  here.    Accordingly,  after 

1    Had.  M8S. :— Shaw'i  SteUbnlBhlra.     The  prebend  of  Comberfonl  U  not  men. 
tioned  hen  or  In  the  Velor  BcdedaBttcuB,  beeanie  It  was  onUml  with  that  of  Wissin^ 
%   Old  notea  of  the  CcAlefe-hooae.         8   WiUis*  toI.  %*  p.  Sl8. 


CA8TLB    AND    TOWN.  £27 

they  had  made  a  visitation,  they  drew  up  an  order  on 
the  SOth  of  July  following,  by  which  they  ordained, — 
that  the  Church  should  be  permitted  to  remain  and 
serve  as  a  parish-church ; — that  there  should  be  appoint- 
ed a  preacher  or  vicar,  and  two  assistant  curates; — ^that 
the  former  should  have  an  annual  stipend  of  20/.,  and 
the  latter  8/.  each  a  year,  payable  by  the  receiver-gene- 
ral of  the  county  of  Stafford; — and  lastly,  that  the 
preacher  and  curates  should  have  for  an  habitation  the 
house,  which  the  vicars  of  the  College  had  formerly 
enjoyed. 

In  exercise  of  her  power,  soon  after  her  accession, 
Elizabeth  nominated  a  vicar  to  this  Church.  On  his 
cessation,  in  1578,  she  appointed  Roger  Molde.  The 
name  of  the  first  vicar,  we  have  not  discovered  with 
certainty.  But,  on  the  10th  of  April,  1578,  there  is 
recorded  in  the  Parish  register  the  burial  of  ''John 
Wright,  Sacerdos."  Three  years  subsequently,  Elizabeth, 
by  letters  patent,  dated  on  the  27th  of  October,  1581, 
in  consideration  that  sir  Henry  Darcy,  knt.,  and  Peter 
Ashton,  gent,  had  conceded  to  her  the  late  monastery 
and  the  manor  of  Sawley,  in  Yorkshire,  and  on  the 
himible  petition  of  this  Henry  Darcy,  granted  to  Ed- 
mund Downing  and  Peter  Ashton,  inter  alia,  all  the 
late  College  of  Tamworth,  with  its  rights,  members, 
liberties,  and  appurtenances,  and  the  whole  deanery, 
and  all  the  prebends  of  Wigginton,  Bonehill,  Wilnecote, 
Coton,  and  Syerscote,  with  all  their  rights  and  members. 
And  all  houses,  buildings,  lands,  glebes,  meadows, 
pastures,  commons,  tithes,  oblations,  and  emoluments, 
belonging  to  the  College,  deanery,  or  prebends,  and  the 
advowson,  donation,  free  disposition,  and  right  of  pat- 
ronage of  the  vicarage  and  Church  of  Tamworth.  These 


228  TAMWORTH 

were  to  be  held  by  Downing  and  Aahton,  and  their 
heirs  and  assigns  in  fee-farm,  as  of  the  manor  of  East 
Greenwich,  by  fealty  alone  in  free  soocage  and  not 
in  capite  or  by  military  service.  And  they  were  to 
render  annually  33/.  3«.  Z^d.  and  62/.  Os.  b^d.  The 
latter  sum  was  to  be  appropriated  in  the  following 
manner.  To  the  archdeacon  of  Tamworth,  for  synodals 
and  procurations,  ISs.  Id.;  to  the  bishop  of  Coventry 
and  Lichfield,  as  a  perpetual  pension,  S&s.  6d.;  to  the 
vicar  of  Tamworth,  for  his  stipend  or  salary,  20/.;  to 
two  curates  here,  for  their  stipends,  16/. ;  to  the  School- 
master of  Tamworth,  for  his  salary,  10/.  ISs.  Hd. ;  and 
to  the  curate  of  TatenhaU,  for  his  salary,  13/.  68.  Sd. 
But  the  sum  was  to  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  the 
receiver-general  of  the  county,  or  into  the  Exchequer 
yearly,  on  the  feast  of  St.  Michael  the  Archangel  only, 
and  was  to  supercede  aU  other  services  and  demands 
whatever.  But  it  was  farther  provided  that  if  the  sti- 
pends should  be  paid  immediately  to  the  archdeacon, 
bishop,  and  the  rest,  the  acquittances  of  these  parties 
shown  to  the  auditor  should  be  a  sufficient  warrant  to 
him  to  discharge  Downing  and  Ashton  of  the  simis.* 

Edmund  Downing  and  Peter  Ashton,  having  thus 
acquired  the  College,  deanery,  and  prebends,  and  the 
advowson  and  right  of  patronage  of  the  vicarage  and 
Church  of  Tamworth,  by  deed  dated  on  the  21st  of 
February,  1582-3,  granted  the  whole  property,  in  fee 
simple,  to  John  Morley  and  Roger  Rant.' 

In  the  course  of  the  ensuing  year, — 1583, — John 
Morley,  and  Roger  Rant  who  was  his  servant,  sold  the 
whole  out  in  parcels  to  different  persons.     By  indenture 

1    Letten-Mtent,  as  Blii. 
s   The  nst  of  the  history  of  the  Churcfi  ia  derived  tmm  Shaw*i  Staflbrdihire,  except 
in  those  cues  when  we  have  girm  other  authorities. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  229 

dated  on  the  10th  of  May,  they  granted,  in  fee-simple, 
the  deanery  or  prehend  of  Amington,  and  that  of 
Wigginton,  with  the  tithes  thereunto  belonging,  and 
the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage  of  the  vicarage 
and  Church,  to  Thomas  Repington,  esq.  The  prebend 
of  Bonehill  was  sold  to  William  Necton;  that  of  Wil- 
necote,  to  George  Corbin;  Coton,  to  Alexander  Morley; 
and  Syerscote,  to  John  Breton. 

But  queen  Elizabeth,  by  her  second  charter  to  the 
town,  dated  in  1588,  some  years  after  the  grant  of  the 
advowson  and  right  of  patronage  to  Downing  and 
Ashton,  gave  to  the  corporate  body,  in  their  capacity 
of  Guardians  and  Governors  of  the  Free  Grammar 
School,  the  nomination  and  appointment  of  a  preacher 
of  the  word  of  God  in  the  Church,  and  also  of  two 
ministers,  so  often  as  they  should  be  required,  subject, 
however,  to  the  consent  of  the  high-steward  of  the 
borough.  And  they  were  to  receive  the  annual  stipends 
of  20/.  for  the  preacher,  and  16/.  for  the  curates,  pay- 
able by  the  receiver-general  of  the  county,  in  equal 
portions,  at  four  terms  in  the  year.  And  lastly,  they 
were  to  hold  a  house  and  garden  in  Tamworth,  that 
the  late  vicars  of  the  College  once  inhabited,  which  was 
to  serve  for  ever  as  an  habitation  for  the  ministers  or 
curates.' 

This  singular  grant  to  the  guardians  of  the  School  of 
power  to  nominate  preachers  and  ministers,  in  opposition 
to  the  right  previously  sold  to  Downing  and  Ashton, 
caused  some  difference  between  the  corporation  and  the 
occupiers  of  the  prebends,  as  we  have  mentioned  in 
speaking  of  the  fairs.  But  between  the  guardians  and 
the  Repington  family  there  were  very  great  and  long 

1    Charter,  90  EUs. 

H  H 


230  TAMWORTH 

continued  disputes,  concerning  the  right  of  presentation. 
No  legal  decision  was  made,  however,  between  the 
parties,  until  nearly  the  close  of  the  last  century.  After 
some  time,  a  compromise  was  entered  into;  and  it  was 
agreed  that,  as  in  the  grant  to  Downing  and  Ashton, 
there  was  only  specified  ''advocationem,  donationem, 
liberam  dispositionem,  et  jus  patronus  VicarisB  et  Eccle- 
si»  de  Tamworth,''  and  as  the  charter  had  expressly 
the  word  "curates,"  the  Repingtons  should  enjoy  the 
nomination  of  the  vicars,  and  the  guardians,  of  the  two 
assistant  ministers.' 

Nor  was  the  difference  between  the  Repingtons  and 
the  corporation,  the  only  one  that  occurred.  Katherine, 
duchess  of  Lennox,  grand-daughter  and  heiress  of  sir 
Henry  Darcye,  claimed  the  patronage  of  the  Church 
held  by  the  former,  the  College-house  assigned  to  the 
latter,  and  the  whole  property  formerly  given  to  Down- 
ing and  Ashton,  patentees  in  trust  for  sir  Henry 
Darcye.  In  1630,  she  granted  her  alleged  right  of 
presentation,  and  the  College-house  to  Thomas  Gore. 
He,  after  commencing  two  suits  to  substantiate  his 
claim,  one  in  the  Exchequer,  and  the  other  at  common 
law,  sold  his  title  to  Mr.  Comberford,  about  1639.  This 
last  gentleman,  on  the  Srd  of  February,  two  years 
afterwards,  sealed  a  lease  of  the  house  upon  the  thres- 
hold to  Augustine  Fielding;  and  on  the  4th  of  May, 
1642,  served  Thomas  Blake,  who  then  held  the  place 
both  of  vicar  and  curates,  with  a  process  out  of  the 
king's  bench,  for  occupying  the  dwelling  in  defiance  of 
him.     Mr.  Comberford  eventually  lost  his  claim.* 

We  quit  the  account  of  these  tedious  disputes,  for 
a  time,  to  p\irsue  our  history  in  regular  order. 

I    MS.,  temp.  Ctf.  i.       s    Old  notes  of  tlie  GoUefe-hoiue.    Corpontloii  records. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN. 


231 


Thomas  Repington  acquired^  as  we  have  previously 
shown,  more  especially  the  deanery  and  deanery-house 
and  the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage  of  the  vicarage 
and  Church  of  Tamworth.  By  deed  of  settlement,  dated 
on  the  2nd  of  November,  1603,  upon  the  marriage  of 
John  Repington  his  son  with  Margaret  Littleton,  he 
covenanted  that  he  and  his  heirs  should  stand  seized  of 
the  premises  therein  mentioned,  of  which  the  deanery  and 
deanery-house,  and  the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage 
of  the  vicarage  and  Church,  as  belonging  to  and  usually 

RoosR  DB  Rbpinoton,  of  Reping- 
ton,  in  Lincolnshire,  signalized  him- 
self in  the  struggles  between  Stephen 
and  Maud  for  the  throne ;  and  was 
appointed  cofferer  to  the  Empress. 
He  m.  Susanna,  dau.  of  Richard 
Scrope,  of  Bolton,  in  Yorksh. ;  and 
had  issue, 

I.  Sir  Ricbaed,  of  whom  presently. 

II.  Jonas,  m.  Mary  dau.  of  John  Cheek. 

III.  John,  m.  Joyce,  dau.  of  John  de 
Longton. 

IT.  Annabbll,  m.  John  de  Rochford. 

T.  Rachabl,  m.  Christoph.  deStannton. 

Sib  Richahd  db  Rbpinoton, 
knight,  20  H.  II.  He  was  slain  in 
a  joust  at  Woodstock,  in  1178  ;  being 
then  seized  of  Frankingham,  Dalder- 
by,  and  Thorp-in-the- Willows,  co. 
Lincoln.  He  m.  1st.  Marian,  dau. 
of  sir  John  Lowther,  knight ;  2nd. 
Alice,  dau.  of  John  Chaworth.  By 
his  first  wife  he  had, 

I.  Thomas,  his  snccessor. 

II.  Matthbw. 

III.  John. 

IV.  Gbisaoon,  m.  to  Henry  de  Sutton. 
T.  Judith,  m.  to  John  Mounson. 
Thomas  Repington,  a  soldier  of 

note,  fought  in  the  great  and  glorious 
battle  of  Poictiers.  But  being  dis- 
tressed and  taken  prisoner  by  the 
French,  he  was  compelled  to  sell  his 
lands  in  Lincolnshire,  anno  1367,  to 
sir  Henry  Marmyon,  knight.  He 
waa^r.  in  the  monastery  of  Sem- 
pringham.  By  Ann,  his  wife,  dau.  of 
John  Peyton,  he  had  issue, 

I.  Adam,  who  succeeded. 

u.  Ralph,  m.  Audry,  dau.  of  sir  John 
Reppes,  knight. 


The  £unily  of  Repington  was  one 
of  great  antiquity,  ori^nally  seated 
in  Uie  county  of  Lincoln. 

Simon  db  Rbpinoton,  living  in  the 
time  of  William  I  or  II,  was  father  of 

I.  Rachabl,  m.  George  Poyntz. 

II.  Ralph,  his  snccessor. 

III.  Gbbtaisb,  m.  a  dan.  of  BoTile. 
IT.  Anthont,  m.  Aflkbel,  dan.  of  sir 

Robert  de  Worseley,  knifht. 
Ralph  db  Rbpinoton,  of    the 
Leach,  temp.  Hen.  I,  succeeded  his 
father.     He  m,  Audry,  dau.  of  John 
le  Feame,  and  had  issue, 

I.  RooBB,  continnator  of  the  family. 

II.  Hbnby,  m.  Joan  dan.  of  sir  John 
de  BaskenrUle,  knight. 

III.  John,  m.   USA,  Judith,   dan.   of 
Thomas  Hacket,  co.  of  Lincoln. 


832 


TAMWORTH 


enjoyed  with  them^  were  part,  to  the  use  of  this  John 
and  Margaret,  and  their  heirs  male,  in  special  tail, 
with  remainder  to  Humphry  Repington,  his  second  son, 
in  tail  mail,  with  divers  remainders  over. 


m.  Tbom  AS,  m.  JhUaimi,  dun.  of  WilUun 
Holitoa. 

IT.  Rom,  m.  Itt.  John  Blcnkcuopi 

tnd.  Anthony  StreUy,  of  Bench. 
Adam  Rbpinoton,  wu  Jmtloe 
of  the  Peace  and  Cnstoi  Rotolonun 
of  the  hondreda  of  KesteTen  and 
Holland,  co.  of  linooln,  and  itandard 
bearer  to  Richard  II.  Thia  Adam, 
in  1397,  21  Rich.  II.,  took  the  abbot 
of  Crowiand  pritoner ;  for  which  aer- 
▼ice  he  waa  rewarded  by  Robert 
▼iiooant  Fitiwalter,  general  of  the 
field,  inth  a  demi  Antelope  Galea 
for  hia  creat,  maned,  bearded,  taak- 
ed,  aod  homed  Or  and  billetted  Ar- 
gent Sana  nombre,  to  be  borne  by 
him  and  hia  posterity  for  erer.  He 
had  the  wardship  of  Marian,  dan. 
and  h.  of  John  Lambard.  He  m. 
this  lady ;  and  in  her  right  had  lands 
in  Long-Sutton,  eo.  of  Lincoln, 
where  she  was  bur.  in  1399.  He 
had  issue, 

1.  A  DAU. ».  sir  John  Camoys,  knt. 

u.  Alb  RIO  A,  m.  AciamIU«by,  co.  Dert>y. 

III.  William,  ton  and  heir. 
William  Rhpinoton.    In  1422, 

he  purchased  of  sir  William  Clinton, 
knight,  a  messuage;  500  acres  of 
land ;  100  of  meadow ;  200  of  pas- 
ture, at  Amington ;  and  the  right  of 
fishing  in  the  river  Anker.  This 
acquirement  brought  the  family  of 
Repmgton  into  connexion  with  Tam- 
worth.  He  was  auditor  to  Richard 
Nevill,  earl  of  Warwick  ;  and  dying 
in  1451,  left  by  Alice,  dau.  of  Helby 
Acton,  of  Howleing,  in  Salop, 

I.  William,  aaccesaor. 

II.  John  m.  Mary  dau.  of  Ro|r.  Blewltt. 
lu.  CiiRisTorHSR,  m.  Emma,  dau.  of 

•ir  Piers  Vavasoor. 

IV.  Emma,  m.  William  En^eberd. 

V.  Alick,  m.  John  Mamhall. 
William  Ribpinoton,  m.  Emma, 

dau.  of  John  Thuretan  of  Great  Wal- 
dingfield,  Sufiblk;  and  by  her  had 
two  daughters,  and  one  son, 

John  Repinoton,  who  m.  Colet- 
ta,   dau.  and  cob.    of  John  Gold- 


smith, of  Goldamidi-Grange,  Leioes- 
tersh.    He  <f.  in  1 4  72,  leaving 

I.  WtLUAM,  histaoccHior. 

It.  RosBRT,  m.  Jane,  dan.  of  John  Jann- 
c]r,of  Fothferinca7,Nofthamptoii8hii«. 

ui.  Jambs,  m.  Ann,  dan.  of  sir  William 
Calthorpe. 

IV.  RicBAan,  m.  Eleanor,  dan.  of  Rob. 
PateshuU. 

William  Rbpixoton,  eaq.  of 
Amington,  m.  Juliana,  dan.  of  William 
Stokes,  of  Foleahill,  in  the  co.  of 
Coventry.  He  d,  on  January  30th, 
1543,  and  liea  bur,,  with  hia  wife,  in 
Tamworth-Church>    He  left 

1.  Francis,  his  sQccesaor. 

u.-m.  Paiur  and  lluMrnaBv^tf.  youag. 

IV.  Mabv,  m.  John  Swynfen,  of  Swyn- 
fsn-hall,  CO.  of  Staflbfd. 

V.  Ann,  ».  Thomas  Corbin. 

VI.  EoiTBA,  took  the  vows  and  habit 
of  the  order  of  St.  Benedid,  and  be- 
came a  nnn  at  Polesworth. 

vu.  Katbbbinb,  ».  Robeit  Burton,  of 

liodley. 
Francis    Rrpinoton,  esq.,    in 
1537.  obtained  from  Edwmrd,  lord 
Clinton,  a  grant  of  the  remainder  of 
hu  lands  at  Amington,  and  d.  seized 
of  the  manor  in  1551.     By  Maud, 
dau.  of  Richard  Cotton,  of  Hamstall- 
Ridware,  he  had  issue, 
1.  Thomas,  named  presently, 
n.  William. 
m.  RicaARD,  a  barrister,  A«ir.  at  Tsm- 

worth,  July  1st,  iSll.  t.p. 
iv.-v.-vi.  JoBN,  EowARo,  HoMmaar, 

unmarried, 
vu.  Maria,  m.  1st.  Kendal,  of  Smithsbr, 
Sod.  Clement  Fisher,  of  PaiAinctoB 
Magna,  co.  of  Warwick,  M.   P.  for 
Tamworth.   He  died  October  23. 1 819. 
His  grand -daughler,  sister  of  Cle- 
ment Fisher,  of  WUoeoote,  m.  Tho- 
mas, son  of  John  Wighcwick,  sergeaot 
at  law,  another  M.  P.  of  this  town, 
and  founder  of  a  charity  here. 
Thomas  Rkpinoton,  esq.      He 
purchased,  in  1583,  the  deanery  and 
advowson  and  right  of  presentation 
to  the  vicarage  and  Church  of  Tam- 
worth ;  and  subsequently  entailed  it, 
with  his  estate  at  Amington,  upon 
his  heirs  male.     He  d,  14th  Dec., 
1615,  and  was  bur,  at  Tamworth. 
His  wife  Frances,  dau.  of  William 


CASTLE    AND    TOWN. 


28S 


Upon  the  resignation  of  the  yicarage  by  Roger  Molde, 
John  Repington  and  Margaret  his  wife^  on  the  28th  of 
August^  1610,  nominated  and  appointed  Samuel  Hodg- 
kinson  to  be  vicar  of  Tamworth  for  life;  and  he  was 
to  preach  there  at  least  once  a  fortnight.  This  John, 
then  sir  John  Repington,  died  in  January,  1625-6, 
leaving  a  son  and  heir  of  the  same  name. 

The  second  sir  John  Repington,  succeeding  by  virtue 


Stamford,  one  of  the  jiutioet  of  the 
common  pleas,  was  aUo  bur,  here, 
Jmie  2,  1598.    They  left  issue, 

L  JoHH,  taccessor. 

n.  Mart,  bapt.  at  Tamworth,  Jaly  10, 

1507  j  ter.April;,  1571. 
m.  HuMpnar. 

IT.  WiLUAM,  hapt.  at  Tamworth,  An^. 
18,  iur,  Feb.  13, 1570. 

SiK  John  Rbpinoton,  knight, 
m.  1  James  I.,  Margaret,  dan.  of 
sir  Edward  Littleton,  knight,  of 
FiDaton,  co.  of  Stafford.  This  sir 
John  bought  an  eatate  at  Atherstone, 
with  the  manor,  and  built  a  house 
i-alled  the  hall  there.  He  d,  January 
23rd,  1625,  and  was  succeeded  by  his 
only  son. 

SiK  John  Rbpington,  knight, 
m.  Elixabeth,  dan.  of  sir  Edward  Se- 
bright, of  Besford,  co.  of  Worcester, 
baronet.  He  d,  in  June,  1662,  and 
was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

Sebright  Rbpinoton,  who  m. 
1st.  Catharine,  dau.  of  sir  Thomas 
Bnrdett,  baronet,  of  Formark,  co.  of 
Derby;  by  whom  he  had  one  son, 
Edward.  He  m.  2nd.  Mary,  dau.  of 
Sherington  Talbot,  of  Lacock,  co.  of 
WUts.  He  d.  in  1698,  and  was  bur. 
at  Tamworth.  By  his  second  mar- 
riage,  he  had  a  son,  Gilbert,  (of 
whom  hereafter)  and  many  other 
diildren. 

Edwaiu)  Repington,  succeeded 
his  father.  He  m.  Anne,  dan.  oi 
William  Basset,  of  Claverton,  co.  of 
Somerset,  by  whom  he  had  two  daugh- 
ters, who  d,  8.  p.  He  d.  Feb.  23, 
1734,  and  was  bur*  in  Amington- 
chapel. 

Gilbert  Rbpinoton,  esq.,  of 
Amington-Woodhouse  and  London, 


succeeded  his  half  brother  Edward. 
He  m.  Jane,  9th  dau.  of  sir  Thomas 
Vernon,  knight,  of  London.  He  d. 
in  Feb.,  1738,  and  was  bur.  at  Tam- 
worth.   He  had  issue, 

1.  Sbbkioht,  d.  jowckg. 

u.  Bdward,  of  whom  presently. 

m.  John,  d.  t.p. 

IT.  GiLBBar,  a  dergyman,  ter.  Sept. 
Srd,  1749. 

T.  Cbablbb,  named  presently. 

VI.  Ann-Cabolivb,  Atcr.  Mar.  30, 1731. 

vu.  Elibabbtb,  d,  an  inftmt. 

Edward  Rbpinoton,  esq.,  a 
major  in  the  militia,  succeeded  his 
father  Gilbert.  He  m.  Maria,  dau.  of 
Theophilus  Lerett,  esq. ;  and  d.  in 
1759,  «.  p.  He  was  succeeded  by 
his  brother, 

Charles  Rbpinoton,  of  Aming- 
ton-hall,  a  captain  in  the  marines. 
He  m.  Matilda,  dau.  and  coh., — 
with  her  sister  Annabella,  who  m. 
general  William  ^  Court,— of  Tho. 
Vernon,  esq.,  of  Twickenham-park. 
He  d.  December  8th,  1764,  leaving 
a  dau.  Barbara,  who  d.  at  Stoney- 
Stratford,  Bucks,  March  15th,  1775, 
aged  22,  unm,,  and  a  son  and  heir, 

Charles  Edward  Rbpinoton, 
esq.,  of  Amington-hall,  b.  October 
26th,  1755.  He  was  magistrate  and 
deputy-lieutenant  for  £e  co.  of 
Warwick.  He  m.  June  20th,  1805, 
Catharine  Jesse,  eldest  dau.  of  Henry 
Fane  Cholmley,  esq.,  of  Whitby  and 
Howsham,  co.  of  York  ;  but  had  no 
issue.  He  <f.  June  27th,  1837. 
By  his  will  he  passed  his  Amington 
estate  to  his  cousin,  Edward  Henry 
k  Court,  a  captain  in  the  Royal 
Navy ;  reserving  an  interest  in  it  to 
his  widow  during  the  remainder  of 
her  life. 


234  TAMWORTH 

of  the  entail  to  the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage, 
obtained  firom  Charles  I.  a  confirmation  of  the  gift  of 
queen  Elizabeth  to  Edmund  Downing  and  Peter  Ashton.^ 
Upon  the  cessation  of  Hodgkinson,  in  1629,  he  appoint- 
ed, on  the  12th  of  November,  the  rev.  Thomas  Blake 
to  the  vicarage  for  his  life.  To  this  cle]^;yman,  was 
also  given  by  the  guardians  of  the  School,  the  office  of 
the  curates,  so  that  he  became  both  vicar  and  perpetual 
curate,  and  resided  in  the  College-house.'  He  was  a 
divine  of  some  celebrity,  and  an  active  partizan  of  the 
puritans,  in  the  civil  war.  He  died  in  June,  1657 ;  and 
thereupon  sir  John  Repington,  on  the  23rd  of  Novem- 
ber following,  appointed  Samuel  Langley,  M.  A.,  to  be 
vicar,  provided  that  he  should  in  person  exercise  the 
duties  and  preach  in  the  Church  once  every  Lord's  day 
at  least,  unless  some  lawful  occasion  shoidd  hinder 
him.  Three  days  previously,  the  bailiffs  and  capital 
burgesses  had  elected  him  to  the  offices  of  preacher, 
minister,  and  curates  of  the  Church.'  This  two-fold 
election  of  each  clergyman  continued  until  the  final  de- 
cision of  the  matter  between  the  corporation  and  Re- 
pingtons:  it  was  mainly  occasioned  by  the  scanty 
endowment  of  the  Church.  The  rev.  S.  Langley  did 
not  become  resident  in  the  town  until  the  1st  of  July 
following.*  He  is  mentioned  in  the  most  honourable 
terms,  in  the  Memoirs  of  William  Whiston,  a  divine 
well  known  for  his  Arian  opinions. 

Sir  John  Repington  died  in  1662,  leaving  a  son  and 
heir,  Sebright.  Upon  the  resignation  of  Samuel  Lang- 
ley in  this  year,  Sebright  Repington,  on  the  10th  of 
November,  nominated    Ralph  Astle,  on  condition  that 

1    Letters  patent  dated  ii  Not.  10  Car.  1.,— 1640.       S   Coipoxation  reooids. 
3    Indeatore,  1067.  4    Perish  resistcr. 


CA8TLB    AND  TOWN.  235 

he  should  exercise  the  iiinction  in  person^,  and  preach 
at  least  every  fortnight,  unless  some  unavoidable  hin- 
derence  should  occur/  This  minister  did  not  remain 
very  long  here;  for  on  the  16th  of  December,  in  the 
following  year,  he  surrendered  the  cure  of  Tamworth. 
Thereupon,  Sebright  Repington,  on  the  ensuing  day, 
re-appointed  Samuel  Langley  to  the  place  of  vicar,  upon 
the  same  terms  as  his  predecessor  had  enjoyed  it.  He 
continued  incumbent  for  nearly  thirty-one  years;  and 
died  in  1693-4.  Sebright  Repington,  on  the  19th 
of  June  following, — 1694, — ^nominated  Samuel  Col- 
lins. And  on  the  1st  of  August,  according  to 
usage,  the  bailifb  and  commonalty  made  him  a  grant 
of  the  two  curates'  places;  which  the  high-steward 
confirmed.' 

The  rev.  S.  Collins,  who  from  1705  held  the  prebend 
of  Graia-minor  in  lichfield-cathedral,  died  in  1710,  at 
Tamworth.  Edward  Repington,  having  succeeded  his 
fiither  Sebright,  then  exercised  his  right  as  patron  in 
favour  of  the  rev.  George  Antrobus,  whose  appoint- 
ment was  dated  on  the  8th  of  January.  He  continued 
sole  incumbent,  receiving  the  stipends  of  the  vicar  and 
curates,  with  all  other  payments  and  benefactions  given 
by  several  persons,  at  different  times,  after  the  dissolu- 
tion of  the  College:  and  whilst  he  continued  here,  he 
inhabited  the  house  appropriated  to  the  minister.  On 
his  death,  in  1724,  Edward  Repington  bestowed  the 
vicarage,  the  29th  of  December,  upon  the  rev.  Robert 
Wilson,  who  retained  the  living  on  the  same  terms  as 
those  whom  he  had  succeeded. 

Edward  Repington  left  no  male  issue.  Therefore, 
the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage  of  the  vicarage 

1    IndMitiiRi  iMs.         s   Oorpantton  ncordt. 


236  TAKWORTU 

and  Church  of  Tamworth  passed,  in  1734,  to  Gilbert 
Repington,  his  half-brother.  The  latter  died  in  1738, 
and  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son  Edward. 

This  last  mentioned  Edward  Reping^n  had  no  issue ; 
and  his  brother  Charles,  being  his  heir,  became  in  1759 
seized  of  all  the  premises  under  the  entail  created  by 
the  deed  of  settlement.  The  difference  existing  in  re- 
spect to  the  right  of  presentation  to  the  Church,  origi- 
nating in  the  double  grant  of  Elizabeth,  had  been 
suffered  very  nearly  to  subside.  But,  when  a  vacancy 
was  expected  from  the  indisposition  of  Mr.  Wilson, 
the  dispute  was  renewed  with  great  violence.  On 
the  13th  of  March,  1758,  the  corporation,  appre- 
hending that  Edward  Repington,  under  a  plea  of  a 
prior  right  legally  vested  in  him,  intended  to  deprive 
them  of  power  to  present,  ordered  that  the  bailiffs  should 
immedietely  cause  a  caveat  to  be  entered  in  the  consis- 
tory of  bishop's  court  to  prevent  any  presentation  from 
being  entered  there  under  his  "pretended  claim,''  in 
order  that  the  right,  on  the  decease  of  the  incumbent, 
might  be  brought  to  a  l^;al  determination.  On  the 
1st  of  December,  in  the  same  year,  immediately  after 
the  death  of  Mr.  Wilson,  the  corporation  elected  Simon 
Collins,  "as  preacher  and  minister  or  curates,"  with 
all  profits  and  stipends  belonging  to  the  offices:  this 
appointment  they  confirmed  on  the  5th  of  January 
ensuing.' 

Charles  Repington,  after  a  short  tune,  claimed  his 
right.  By  indenture,  dated  on  the  5th  of  May,  1759, 
reciting,  amongst  other  things,  that  the  vicarage  or 
created  vicarage,  with  the  perpetual  curacy  of  Tamworth, 
had  become  void  by  the  death  of  Robert  Wilson,  he 

1    Coipantlon  records. 


CASTLB    AND  TOWN.  237 

granted  to  William  Sawrey,  the  vicarage  with  the 
curacy^  and  appointed  him  to  be  vicar  of  the  vicarage, 
and  curate  of  the  curacy^  for  his  natural  life^  upon  the 
terms  that  he  should  reside  at  Tamworth,  and  preach 
in  the  Churchy  at  least  once  a  fortnight. 

The  rev.  S.  Collins  refused  to  surrender  the  living  to 
the  new  incumbent.  His  opponent^  therefore,  commen- 
ced legal  proceedings  against  him  and  the  guardians 
of  the  School  who  had  presented  him  to  the  Church. 
A  verdict  was  given  at  the  summer  sessions  at  Stafford, 
in  1761,  in  fiivour  of  the  Bepington  fiimily,  and  to  the 
total  exclusion  of  the  corporation.  And  Mr.  Collins 
was  compelled  to  resign  the  incumbency  in  October 
of  that  year.  Mr.  Sawrey,  who  was  also  rector  of  El- 
ford,  in  Staffordshire,  held  the  Church  until  1793. 

Charles  Repington,  esq.,  dying  on  the  8th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1764,  was  succeeded  by  his  only  son,  Charles 
Edward  Repington.  He,  on  the  death  of  the  last 
incumbent,  presented  the  rev.  Michael  Baxter  to  the 
Church,  both  as  vicar  and  perpetual  curate.  This 
clergyman  continued  here  only  two  years;  for  his  de- 
cease took  place  in  1795.  Thereupon,  Mr.  Repington, 
in  the  same  manner,  presented  the  rev.  Francis  Blick. 

Charles  Edward  Repington,  esq.,  died  the  27th  of 
June,  1837 ;  and,  as  he  had  no  issue,  his  family  became 
extinct  By  his  will,  he  bequeathed  his  estates,  with 
the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage  of  the  vicarage 
and  Church  of  Tamworth,  to  captain  Edward  Henry  k 
Court,  R.N.,  brother  of  William,  lord  Heytesbury. 
His  connexion  with  the  Repingtons  arose  from  his 
grand-mother  being  sister  of  Mr.  Repington's  mother. 

The  rev.  F.  Blick  was  rector  of  Walton-with-RoUes- 
ton,  in  Staffordshire;  and  also  of  Wisseth,  in  Suffolk. 

I  I 


iS8 


TAHWORTH 


He,  besides,  held  the  stall  of  Pipa-parva,  in  lichfidd- 
cathedral.  He  died  upon  the  Srd  of  April,  1842,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-seven  years,  after  he  had  been  the 
Ticar  of  the  Church  for  nearly  half  a  century.  There- 
upon, Captain  it  Court  presented  the  rev.  Robert 
Chapman  Savage,  according  to  the  customary  form,  both 
to  the  vicarage  and  perpetual  curacy.  Mr.  Savage  is 
the  present  incimibent' 

For  some  time,  the  living  was  considered  only  as  a 
perpetual  curacy ;  but  a  decision  of  the  House  of  Lords, 
towards  the  close  of  the  last  century,  declared  it  to  be 
a  vicarage. 


Thii  family  is  of  Norman  extrac- 
tion, firom  which  descended 

PiBRCS  k  Court,  esq.,  of  Ivy 
Chnrch,  in  the  co  of  Wilts,  who  in 
1722,  was  parliamentary  represen- 
tatire  for  Heytesbory.  He  had, 
amongst  other  issue, 

GsNRRAL  William  k  Court. 
He  was  colonel  of  the  elerenth  regi- 
ment of  foot ;  and  member  of  par- 


liament for  Heytesbory.  Heaaramed 
the  additional  surname  of  Ashe,  ac- 
cording to  the  direction  of  the  will  of 
his  great  nnde  Edward  Aahe,  esq., 
of  Heytesbory.  He  m.  22iid  Fdmi- 
ary,1746,  Annabdla,  dan.  and  coheir- 
esa— with  her  sister  Matilda,  wife  of 
capt.  Charles  Repington,  of  AmiQg- 
ton,— of  Thomas  Vemon,  esq.,  of 
Twickenham-park.  By  this  lady, 
who  d.  1761,  he  bad  an  only  son« 

William  Pibrcs  Ashk  i  Court, 
esq.,  b.  in  1747.  He  sat  as  M.  P. 
for  Heytesbory :  and,  on  the  4th  of 
July,  1795,  was  created  a  baronet. 
He  m  first,  Catharine,  dau.  of  lieuL 
col.  John  Bradford,  who  d. «.  p.  He 
m.  secondly,  30th  October.  1777, 
Letitia,  dau.  of  Henry  Wmdham, 
esq.,  of  Salisbury,  who  d,  in  1821. 
By  her  he  bad, 

I.  William,  b.  11th  July,  1779. 
He  succeeded  to  the  baronetcy  upon 
the  decease  of  his  father.  On  the 
17th  of  January,  1828,  he  was  created 
a  baron  of  the  realm  by  patent,  with 
the  title  of  Baron  Hrttksburt. 
He  became  G.  C.  B.;  one  of  the 
Privy  council ;  and  was  for  some  years 
ambassador  firom  England  to  the 
Imperial  court  of  St  Petersburgh. 


1    Set  Appendix —Nott  t4. 


CA8TLB    AND  TOWN. 


239 


All  the  tithes^  and  even  the  Easter-offerings,  are 
alienated.  The  value  of  the  Hying  is  now  ahout  100/. 
a  year.  The  stipends  of  36/.,  the  munificence  of 
royalty  settled  upon  the  Church.  By  the  procure- 
ment of  lord  Middleton,  in  1707,  400/.  was  obtained 
of  queen  Ann's  bounty.  The  interest  of  a  similar 
sum  is  derived  from  several  private  benefactions;  and 
800/.  was  granted  by  parliament.  This  small  endow- 
ment is  evidently  a  very  inadequate  remuneration  for  the 
incessant  exertions  needed  ia  this  extensive  and  populous 
parish. 


During  the  pastyeer,  he  was  appointed 
lord-lieatenant  of  Ireland, — a  post 
which  this  nobleman    still   enjoys. 
He  m.  3rd  October,  1808,  Rebecca, 
bom  1783, — 2nd  dan.  of  the  hon. 
IK^Iliam  Henry  BonTCrie,  and  grand- 
danghter  of  ^^lliam,  Ist  earl  of  Rad- 
nor.   By  her,  who  d.  on  the  6th  of 
October,  1844,  he  had 
L  William  Hbvrt  Abhb,  b,  nth  Joly, 
isaOb  who  Msmned  the  sumaine  of 
HdniM,  on  his  manlage,  Srd  October, 
18SS,  with  Bizabeth,  eldMt  dan.  and 
bcireat  of   sir    Leonard    Vfantley 
Hobmes,  bart.,  of  Weatorer,  Isle  of 
Wight, 
u.  PanosBicx  Asn,  b.  at  Naples,  15th 

December,  1818. 
m.  Cbcilia*Marl4. 
II.  Edwakd  Hsnbt  2t  Court,  b, 
10th  December,  1783 ;  many  years 
M.  P.  for  the  boroogh  of  Heytesbory, 
a  captain  in  the  B^yal  Navy ;  and, 
since  1837,  M.  P.  for  the  borough 
of  Tsmworth.  To  him,  Charlea  Ed- 
ward  Repington,  esq.,  of  Amington- 


hall,  bequeathed  his  estates ;  and  he 
is  now  patron  of  the  Church  of  Tam- 
worth. 

in.  Cha&lxs  Ashs  ^  Coust, 
Major-general  in  the  army,  C.B. 
knight  of  the  Gkielphie  and  other 
distinguished  .  foreign  orders.  He 
was  b.  17th  June,  1785  ;  andm.  10th 
May,  1815,  Mary,  only  dau.  of  Abra- 
ham Gibbs,  esq.  He  has  a  son  and 
a  daughter, 

1.  Charlss  Hbhst  Wtwdham. 

u.  BLisAaaTH. 

lY.  Lbtitia,  m.  the  honourable 
Wmiam  EUot,  earl  of  St.  Germans. 
She  d.  1810. 

T.  Annabklla,  m.,  1805,  Richard 
Beadon,  esq.,  son  of  the  right  rer. 
Ridiard,  bi^op  of  Bath  and  Wells. 

Yi.  Mabia,  m.  the  honourable 
Philip  Pleydell  BouTcrie,  youngest 
son  of  the  earl  of  Radnor. 

Yii.  Carolins,  m.  1818,  Stewart 
Crawford,  M.  D.,  of  Bath. 


THE  CHURCH: 

ooNTiinmD. 

DESCRIPTION. 

The  peculiar  features  of  its  aichitectuie  lead  us  to 
conclude  that  the  Church  of  Tamworth  was  rebuilt  yerj 
shortly  after  the  Norman  conquest;  that  it  after  e]t- 
hibited  the  usual  crudform  arrangement,  and  consisted 
of  a  Tower  placed  at  the  intersection  of  the  NaTC, 
Choir,  and  Transepts.  The  Nave  possessed,  at  least, 
a  south  Aisle,  with  a  Crypt  beneath  it.  Whether  the 
Choir  had  any  Aisle,  we  cannot  determine;  but,  upon 
the  south  side,  was  placed  the  Sacristy  or  yestry. 

About  two  centuries  and  a  half  subsequently,  the 
edifice  underwent  very  extensive  alterations.  The  Nave, 
Aisles,  Transepts,  and  part  of  the  Choir,  were  rebuilt ;  and 
some  parts,  perhaps,  then  first  constructed ;  leaving  only 
the  Transept-arches,  Tower,  Crypt,  portions  of  the  Choir, 
and  the  Sacristy  of  the  ancient  structure.  Shortly 
afterwards,  a  large  Chantry-chapel  was  added,  upon  the 
north  side  of  the  Choir.  It  appears  that  it  was  erected 
— ^partly  at  least, — ^by  one  of  the  Comberfords,  as  a 
place  of  sepulture  for  the  members  of  that  fisunily,  and 
for  the  celebration  of  services  for  them.  The  Porches, 
about  this  time,  were  either  rebuilt,   or  first   erected. 

Another  gieat  alteration  was  soon  made  by  the 
erection  of  a  laqpe  and  massive  Tower,  at  the  west  end 
of  the  Nave.  The  one  of  Norman  construction,  if  it 
had  not  been  previously  taken  down,  must  now  have 
been  removed. 


CASTLB    AND   TOWN.  241 

Hitherto  the  Church  had  retained  acutdy  pointed 
roofiu  The  xemovai  of  Ihese^  the  sahitLtution  of  others 
of  a  much  less  jxitch,  and  the  addition  of  clsrestory  irin- 
dowB  along  the  Nave  and  Choir,  fimned  tlie  next  great 
change  in  the  general  constructuxn  of  the  edifice.  The 
onginal  form  of  the  roo&,  hoivever,  is  still  discernible 
bjr  the  iveather-moulding  on  the  east  wall  of  Ihe  Tower* 
That  of  the  Nave  is  partly  external  and  partly  internal 
to  the  roof;  and  those  of  tiie  two  Aisles  are  traced 
upon  the  corresponding  north  and  south  buttresses  of 
the  Tower.  This  alteration,  as  might  be  expected, 
required  fhe  reconstruction  of  all  the  windows  situated 
in  the  east  and  west  ends  of  the  Church.  In  hct, 
the  greater  part  of  the  gables  have  very  evidently 
been  rebuilt. 

In  these  fisw  preliminary  remarks,  it  has  been  our 
intention  merely  to  give  an  outline  of  the  different 
changes  that  have  been  made  in  the  general  arrange- 
ment of  the  Church.  Of  the  details,  we  must  speak  in 
describing  its  separate  parts.  The  numerous  alterations 
vdiieh  hare  taken  jdaoe  since  the  accession  of  Elisabeth 
to  the  throne,  might,  perhaps,  be  thought  to  demand  a 
separate  notice.  But  as  all  hare  been  merely  modifi- 
cations of  the  existing  structure,  they,  too,  will  be 
more  appropriately  given  in  the  ensuing  description. 

We  shall  speak  first  of  the  Nave.  It  is  very  spacious 
and  lofty.  It  is  separated  from  the  Aisle  on  each  side 
by  four  large  equilateral  poiuted  arches,  which  are 
supported  by  piers  formed  of  four  semi-eylindrical  shaflts 
united  together,  up  the  face  of  each  a  square-edged 
fillet  runs  vertically;  with  corresponding  plain  moulded 
capitals  and  bases.  The  hood-mouldings  are  oontinuous 
over  all  the  arches ;  and  terminate  at  each  end,  generally 
in  a  plain  corbel. 


£42  TAMWORTH 

At  some  distanoe  above  the  arches,  a  stoing-ooune 
or  projecting  line  of  masonry  runs  along  the  whole 
length  of  the  Naye,  at  the  base  of  the  clerestory  windows. 
In  the  clerestory,  there  are  six  windows  upon  each 
side.  They  are  large  and  of  good  proportion ;  and  their 
heads  are  fonned  of  the  four  central  depressed  arch, 
commonly  known  by  the  name  of  the  Tudor-arch, 
although  adopted  some  time  before  the  reign  of  Henry 
YII.  As  occurs  invaiiably  in  all  the  windows  through* 
out  this  edifice,  the  mouldings  of  the  jambs  and 
architrave  are  continuous,  without  the  least  interruption. 
The  two  mullions,  at  the  spring  of  the  arch,  simply 
divide  each  into  two  curved  branches,  the  inner  of 
which  cross:  and  both  the  principal  and  subordinate 
lights  are  foliated.  The  tracery,  altogether,  has  rather 
a  heavy  appearance.  Externally  each  window  is  sur- 
mounted by  an  ogee  canopy,  sparingly  ornamented  with 
crockets,  and  finished  at  the  spring  by  simple  angular 
returns. 

Between  each  window,  internally,  stands  a  large 
shallow  niche,  with  an  ogee  canopy  ornamented  with 
crockets  and  a  final.  Below  it  is  provided  with  a  semi- 
hexagonal  moulded  bracket,  which  once  supported  the 
image  of  some  saint.  Externally,  betwixt  each  window, 
is  a  buttress,  which  rests  upon  the  string-course  below 
the  window  and  terminates  at  the  base  of  the  parapet. 
It  is  divided  into  two  stages  by  a  plain  sloped  set-off. 
The  upper  stage  is  triangular,  and,  perhaps,  was 
originally  surmounted  by  a  small  pinnacle. 

The  clerestory  was  similar  on  both  sides.  But,  during 
the  summer  of  1887,  the  south  side  underwent  great 
alterations.  It  was  totally  re&ced  with  stone,  and  the 
windows  repaired  with  new  mullions  and  tracery.    But 


CA8TLB    AND  TOWN.  24S 

the  buttresses  were  omitted,  and  the  canopies,  being 
formed  plain,  were  made  continuous  by  their  angular 
returns,  except  in  every  alternate  one,  where  leaden 
pipes  are  placed  to  carry  off  the  water  from  the  gutter 
aboye.  In  all  other  particulars,  the  ancient  design  was 
obsenred. 

The  roof  of  the  Nave  is  now  nearly  flat,  but  appears 
to  have  been  of  rather  a  higher  pitch,  eyen  after 
the  adoption  of  clerestory  windows.  It  is  divided  into 
bays  by  seyen  horizontal  tie-beams  or  girdlers  faced 
with  mouldings,  which  span  the  whole  width  and  rest 
upon  wall-plates.  They  were  eyidently  once  supported 
by  wall-pieoes,  resting  upon  plain  moulded  semi-octago- 
nal corbels  placed  at  the  summit  of  the  niches  between 
the  windows.  Some  of  the  corbels  are  destroyed. 
Those  at  the  ends  stand  alone,  there  being  no  niches 
before  the  first  and  beyond  the  last  window.  A  ridge- 
piece  runs  along  the  whole  roof.  The  slanting  bays  are 
divided  into  four  parallelograms,  and  each  of  these 
into  four  squares  in  a  similar  manner.  Bosses  formed 
of  leaves  and  flowers  are  placed  at  all  the  intersec- 
tions. 

The  parapets  of  the  Nave  are  plain,  horizontal,  and 
entirely  of  a  modem  construction. 

In  the  year  1809,  the  Church  underwent  extensive 
alterations  and  repairs.  The  expenses,  except  those 
for  repewing  which  were  borne  by  the  individual 
proprietors,  were  defrayed  by  a  public  subscription, 
amounting  to  1,S00/.  To  this  sum,  were  added  the 
profits  arising  from  a  musical  festival,  which  was  held 
in  the  Church  on  the  21st  and  S2nd  of  September, 
under  the  patronage  of  the  marquis  Townshend.  The 
receipts  and  donations  amounted  to  1,660/.,  11^.,  and 


S44  TAMWORTU 

the  expenses  to  l^8L  ISs.,  leaving  a  sfapbis  of  SfM. 
I89.  Duxing  the  festiyal^  the  Church  was  illumuutted 
with  lamps  wreathed  about  the  pillan,  and  was  oma- 
mented  with  many  devices/ 

At  that  time^  a  new  entrance  was  made  into  the 
Nave.  The  north  Porch  was  stopped,  and  the  principal 
access  to  the  interior  formed  through  the  Tower.  The 
old  organ-gaUery  supported  by  small  pillars,  which  stood 
at  the  west  end  of  the  Nave,  was  removed,  and  a  ves» 
tibule,  with  passages  to  the  side-aides,  was  built  of 
brick,  with  lath  and  plaster  decorations.  It  encroaches 
upon  two  thirds  of  the  last  bay  of  the  Nave.  Over  this 
entrance  into  the  Nave,  the  organ,  with  the  addition 
of  a  powerful  choir-instrument,  was  placed;  with 
several  pews.  A  flight  of  stairs  upon  each  side  of  the 
vestibule  leads  to  the  organ,  and  to  the  western  end  of 
the  gallery  in  the  respective  Aide. 

The  floor  of  the  Nave  seems  to  have  been  raised 
considerably  above  the  ancient  one,  perhaps  between 
two  and  three  feet.  It  was  flagged  throughout  in  1809. 
This  part  of  the  Church  was  with  the  rest  then  fitted 
up  with  firesh  pews.  Such  seats  were,  we  believe,  first 
placed  ui  the  building  in  the  time  of  Elisabeth.  They 
were  removed  in  1677,  and  new  ones  erected  of  every 
shape,  firom  a  triangular  nook  for  a  single  person,  to 
others  large  and  spacious  for  the  accomodation  of  a 
family.  Some  remains,  bearing  the  date,  may  yet  be 
seen  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  town.  The  pulpit 
stood  by  the  second  pier  on  the  north  side,  until  179S. 
It  was  then  removed,  and  a  new  one,  with  a  large 
reading^esk,  erected  against  the  first  pier  on  the 
south  side.    There  it  at  present  remains. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  S45 

The  North  Aisle  is  separated  from  the  Transept  by 
a  large  equilateral  arch,  similar,  in  every  particular,  to 
the  arches  of  the  Nave.  This  has,  however,  been  entirely 
blocked  up,  in  order  to  support  an  extensive  gaUery. 
A  modem  square  doorway  leads  into  the  Transept. 

The  four  windows,  on  the  north  side,  are  large  and 
well  formed,  with  simple-pointed  heads.  The  two  plain 
muUions  in  each  are  completely  debased,  and  the  origi- 
nal design  cannot  now  be  traced.  They  merely  arch 
round  into  each  other  at  the  spring;  and  a  midlion 
arising  in  the  middle,  and,  immediately  diverging  into 
two  curved  lines,  divides  the  head  into  three  subordinate 
lights.  The  dripstone  externally  and  the  hood-moulding 
within  terminate  by  simple  angular  returns.  Beneath 
each  window  exteriorly,  a  moulded  string-course  protects 
the  wall  hebw  from  the  wet. 

It  is  probable  that  these  windows  are  referred  to,  in 
the  following  note,  which  occurs  in  the  Parish-register. 
"1611.  This  yere,  foure  of  the  churchewindowes  were 
repaxed  by  one  Cottrell,  a  Mason/' 

The  large  west  window  has  a  four-centred,  depressed 
head.  The  mullions  are  also  debased.  There  are  five 
which  simply  curve  into  each  other;  and  a  large  oval, 
with  a  curved  line  on  each  side,  forms  the  tracery  of 
the  head.  The  dripstone,  hood-moulding,  and  external 
string-course,  were  once  similar  to  those  on  the  north  side. 

Five  buttresses  strengthen  the  north  wall  of  the  Aisle 
externally,  besides  two  placed  at  the  north-west  comer, 
at  right  angles  with  each  other  and  the  walls.  Each  of 
them  is  worked  into  two  stages  by  a  gabled  set-off, 
formed  laterally  by  five  overlapping  slabs.  They  termi- 
nate, in  the  same  manner,  immediately  beneath  the 
top  of   the  parapet.     The  interval  between  the  fourth 

K  K 


S46  TAICWORTH 

and  fifth  buttresses  is  occupied  by  the  north  Porch. 
The  parapets  are  plain  and  modem. 

The  exterior  of  the  north  Aisle  having  in  the  lapse 
of  time  become  much  decayed,  the  buttresses  west  of 
the  Porch  were,  in  1840,  completely  rebuilt,  strictly 
according  to  the  original  design.  The  intervening  wall, 
however,  instead  of  being  refaced  with  stone,  was 
chiselled  all  over,  and  left  in  a  rough  state.  In  con- 
sequence of  this  treatment,  all  the  mouldings  of  the 
jambs,  architrave,  and  dripstone  of  the  vnndow  have 
been  entirely  destroyed.  The  west  wall  and  window 
underwent  a  similar  operation. 

The  roof  is  somewhat  similar  to  but  flatter  than  that 
of  the  Nave;  and  has  been  painted  a  stone-colour. 
On  each  side  of  the  six  tie-beams,  was  sculptured  the 
small  figure  of  an  angel;  but  nearly  every  one  is 
now  gone.  The  wall-pieces,  with  spandrells  serving  as 
braces,  yet  remain.  Each  was  ornamented  with  the 
large  demi-figure  of  an  angel,  habited  in  the  alb,  stole, 
and  girdle;  but,  a  few  years  ago,  these  fine  pieces  of 
carving  were  removed.  How  far  the  design  of  this  roof 
corresponds  with  the  original,  we  cannot  tell ;  for,  since 
the  prevalence  of  the  debased  style  of  architecture,  it 
has  undergone  repair.  This  is  evident  fixmi  the  follow- 
ing inscription  carved  upon  the  second  beam: — 

THIS    ROOF  MADE  NEW  BT  A   BRIEF  ANNO:    DOlC :     1731. 

The  floor  of  the  Aisle  is  bricked;  and  is  on  the  same 
level  with  the  Nave.  The  Aisle,  itself,  is  pewed 
throughout.  A  large  gallery,  supported  by  six  small 
iron  pillars,  occupies  its  whole  length,  and  extends  over 
two  thirds  of  its  width.  This  was  erected  in  1793,  and 
altered  and  embellished  in  1809. 
The  North  Porch  is  a  stone  structure,  and  like  all 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  247 

the  rest  of  the  Church  has  undergone  very  great 
alterations.  Until  1809^  it  formed  one  of  the  entrances 
into  the  edifice ;  but  it  was  then  stopped,  and  converted 
into  a  family  burying-place.  The  front  has  been 
stuccoed  over  and  whitewashed.  The  entrance  appears 
to  haye  possessed  an  arch,  or  at  least  a  canopy,  of  an 
ogee  form;  but  it  has  been  completely  rounded  off 
with  plaster.  Above  this,  and  separated  by  a  string- 
course, marking  the  two  stories  of  which  the  Porch 
consists,  stands,  ornamented  with  crockets  and  finial, 
but  now  nearly  filled  up, 

«  a  Httle  Gothic  niche 

Of  nicest  workmanship ;  that  once  had  held 

The  scnlptored  image  of  some  patron  Saint, 

Or  the  Blessed  Virgin,  looking  down 

On  all  who  entered  those  religions  doors." — Wordiwartk. 

On  each  side,  two  circular  apertures  seem  formerly  to 
have  given  light  to  the  mimiment-room.  The  side-walls 
are  quite  plain. 

The  interior  of  the  Porch  has  been  plastered  over 
and  whitewashed,  so  that  it  presents  very  little  de- 
serving notice.  The  vaulted  ceiling  is  elliptical  in 
shape,  and  groined.  The  longitudinal,  transverse,  and 
diagonal  ribs,  spring,  in  each  comer,  firom  a  round  pier 
and  plain  moulded  capital.  Four  thistle-flowers  are 
placed  as  a  boss,  at  the  intersection  of  the  diagonal 
ribs.  The  floor  is  modem,  and  raised  very  considerably 
above  the  ancient  level.  The  inner  or  inmiediate 
entrance  into  the  north  Aisle  has  a  simple-pointed  arch ; 
and  the  hood-moulding  in  the  interior  terminates  in 
corbel  heads.  But  this  doorway  has  been  built  up  as  far 
as  the  spring  of  the  arch,  and  the  remainder  converted 
into  a  window  divided  into  three  lights  by  simple 
curved  mullions. 


S48  TAMWORTH 

The  room  over  the  entrance  was  aQoeasible  only  frota 
the  interior  of  the  Aisle.  An  <^ee  headed  doorway  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Porch^  led  to  a  small  spiral  stair- 
case built  in  the  thickness  of  the  wall  and  buttress. 
The  doorway  in  the  Aisle  had  been  built  up  for  so 
long  a  time  that  the  existence  of  the  room  had  became 
sompletely  forgotten.  But^  in  1840,  when  some  of  the 
buttresses  of  the  Aide  were  rebuilt,  the  staircase  was 
opened  on  the  outside.  Nothing  remarkable  was  found 
in  the  room :  the  floor  was  strewed  with  decayed  hoUy, 
the  remains  of  some  Christmas  decorations.  The  original' 
ceiling  had  been  destroyed.  The  roof  exteriorly  is  acutely 
pointed  and  slated.  During  the  recent  alterations,  the 
ctaircase  was  entirely  taken  away,  the  buttress  built 
up  like  the  rest,  and  the  wall  made  flat  Access  to 
the  room  is,  therefore,  completely  stopped. 

In  ancient  times,  the  porch  was  not  considered  as  a 
mere  entrance  into  the  consecrated  edifice,  but  as  an 
integral  part  of  a  church.  Many  different  services  took 
place  in  it.  Parts  of  the  ceremonies  of  baptism  were  there 
performed ;  and  near  it,  just  within  the  Aisle,  stood  the 
font.  It  was  formerly  considered  unfitting  that  a  person 
should  pass  into  the  interior  of  the  temple,  until  cleansed 
from  original  sin  by  the  sacred  waters  of  baptism.  In 
this  Church,  the  font  retained  its  primitive  position  until 
1809,  when  it  was  removed  into  the  south  Transept 
The  rite  of  matrimony,  the  churching  of  women  after 
childbirth,  and  the  solemn  commemoration  of  our 
Lord's  passion  in  Holy-week,  were  also  here  performed. 
Porches  also  served,  in  some  instances,  as  places  for 
public  assemblies  of  the  parishioners.  When  we  read  of 
the  election  of  officers,  and  payments  of  money  ''in  the 
church,"  the  porch  .must  be  understood,  and  not  the 


CASTIiE  AND  TOWN.  849 

naye  or  aisles.^  The  room  above  the  entrance  was 
sometimeB  used  as  a  school;  sometimes  as  a  muniment- 
room,  for  the  preservation  of  records  and  deeds  of  gifks ; 
and  sometimes  it  was  made  the  permanent  residence 
of  the  sacristan.  In  the  latter  case,  there  was  usually 
an  aperture  into  the  Aisle,  fix>m  whence  the  edifice 
might  be  overlooked,  to  ascertain  its  safety.  Although, 
in  this  Church,  such  an  aperture  with  an  ogee  head 
existed,  this  appears  to  have  constituted  a  muniment- 
room,  because  it  was  only  lighted  by  the  two  very 
small  openings  in  fixmt,  and  was  unprovided  with  a  fire- 
place. 

The  South  Aislb,  in  form  and  general  arrangement, 
is  very  similar  to  that  upon  the  opposite  side,  but  is  a 
little  longer.  It  is  separated  firom  the  south  Transept 
by  two  small  arches  like  those  of  the  Nave,  except 
that  between  the  four  semi-cylindrical  shafts  of  the  piers, 
a  hollow  moulding  has  been  introduced.  These  arches 
have  been  built  up  to  support  the  gallery,  but  a  modem 
doorway  leads  into  the  Transept.  The  top  of  the 
southern  arch  has  been  removed,  that  a  beam  might  be 
introduced  to  support  the  firame  of  the  door  into  this 
gallery.  Just  above  them,  but  at  some  distance  below 
the  roof,  a  moulded  string-course  runs  along  the 
wall. 

The  south  windows  correspond  in  number  and  form 
with  those  of  the  other  Aisle.  But  the  two  mulUons 
in  each  simply  divide  at  the  spring  of  the  arch 
into   two  curved  branches,  the  inner  of  which  cross; 

1  ThiH,on  tlM  9901  of  April,  1374,  it  wu  directed  at  the  cooxt-leet,  that  the  Jonr 
■hoold  meet  each  week  at  the  Church  of  Tamworth,  "ad  miuam  roe*  le  Brothnr. 
nweac,**  that  ii  on  the  Monday,  then  to  order  and  amend  the  lawa,  made  bj  them  at 
thegnat  conit:  and  none  wereto  omit  thia,  under  penalty  of  3«.  4tf.  Ferhape  the 
brother-maaa  was  a  maaa  cdehrated  for  the  benefit  of  members  of  tiie  Holy  Onild  of 
StOeonie.   OcrtiinlyltiraiattadicdtosomeceBeralieUgloiiafiniiftemityinfhetown. 


850  TAMWORTH 

and  a  plain  transom  or  horizontal  bar  separates  the 
principal  lights  into  two.  In  the  four-centred  depres- 
sed window,  at  the  west  end,  the  three  mullions  divide 
but  do  not  cross;  and  there  is  no  transom.  The 
hood-mouldings  aU  terminate  in  corbel-heads.  The  west 
window  is  deficient  of  this  appendage.  Externally  the 
dripstone  of  each  of  the  windows  is  continued  at  its 
angular  returns  as  a  string-course  along  both  walls, 
interrupted  only  by  the  buttresses.  It  passes,  however, 
oyer  the  buttress  at  the  angle. 

There  are  six  buttresses.  That  at  the  angle  is  placed 
diagonally,  and  is  worked  into  four  stages,  by  plain  set- 
oflb  of  two  slabs.  The  head  is  gabled,  and  terminates 
below  the  parapet.  The  upper  stage  has  had  pilasters 
at  the  angles ;  and  the  string-course  passes  oyer  the  top 
of  the  second  stage.  The  fiye  buttresses  on  the  south 
side  are  deyoid  of  all  ornament,  are  divided  into  six 
stages,  by  plain  set-o£b,  and  terminate  a  little  below 
the  base  of  the  parapet.  Between  the  fourth  and  fifth 
buttresses,  once  stood  the  south  Porch.  The  doorway 
into  the  Church  has  been  bricked  up;  but  externally, 
as  the  wooden  doors  haye  been  allowed  to  remain,  the 
defect  is  somewhat  concealed.  The  doorway  is  decorated, 
and  has  been  very  fine;  but  it  is  now  so  decayed,  that 
the  details  can  scarcely  be  traced.  The  surface  of  the 
wall,  formerly  occupied  by  the  Porch,  has  been  plastered 
over.  In  1784,  when  this  entrance  was  stopped  and 
the  Porch  destroyed,  the  whole  of  the  exterior  of  this 
Aisle  was  refaced  with  stone,  the  buttresses  rebuilt, 
and  the  windows  repaired,  at  the  expense  of  the 
parishioners.  Little  of  the  original  design,  except  the 
shape  of  the  windows  and  the  doorway,  now  remains. 

The  roof  of  the  Aisle  is  similar  to  the   one  on  the 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  251 

Other  side  of  the  Churcli;  except  that   the   six  beams 
rest  upon  wall-plates  alone^  there  being  no  wall-pieces. 
Upon  the  fifth  beam^  is  the  following  inscription: — 
:  THOMAS  : :  prat  :  and  : :  richard  :  haire  : :  chyrch  : 

WARDS  :  :  WALTAR  :  CHADBTRN  :  1671  : 

The  parapet  is  modem  and  plain;  but  at  the  west 
end  it  is  embattled^  and  an  attempt  made  at  three 
square  pinnacles  at  the  centre  and  ends. 

The  floor  is  modern^  haying  been  bricked  in  1809. 
In  removing  the  old  one,  a  quantity  of  the  encaustic 
tiles,  which  had  formed  the  ancient  floor,  was  discovered. 
The  greater  part  of  them  were  placed  in  the  Chancel, 
before  the  communion-table,  but  many  were  given  away. 

The  internal  arrangements  are  similar  to  those  of  the 
other  Aisle.  The  gallery  was,  we  believe,  erected  in 
the  time  of  Charles  II.,  enlarged  in  1793,  and  beauti- 
fied in  1809. 

There  can  be  little  doubt  that,  as  was  usually  the 
case,  an  altar  dedicated  to  God  in  honour  of  the  blessed 
Virgin  Mary,^  stood  against  the  central  pillar  at  the 
east  end.  It  would  be  protected  by  open  screening  of 
wood,  called  percloses.  In  the  north  comer,  yet  stands 
a  pedestal,  with  three  faces,  each  ornamented  with  very 
fine  panelling.  It  most  probably  bore  the  Virgin's 
image.  Before  being  whitewashed,  it  was  apparently 
handsomely  painted. 

Previously  to  the  reign  of  Edward  VI.,  there  were  at 
least  five  altars  within  the  Church.  We  have  found 
mention  of  those  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  of  the  blessed 
Vii^in    Mary,    St.    George,   St.     Eatherine,    and    St. 

1  Altlioncli  oommonly  Qaed  for  wke  of  brerity,  the  expraMbm  that  a  ehnrdi  or  an 
altar  was  dedicated  to  any  uint  or  angel  is  emmeons,  and  liable  to  glye  rite  tomiaoon- 
eeption.  Chnrdies  and  altars  were  always  dedicated  to  Ood,  in  lionoiir  of  some  holy 
belnt ;  whose  Intercessory  prayers  were  more  perticiilaily  desired. 


262  TAMWORTH 

Nicholas.^  We  can  only  point  out  the  exact  position 
of  one,  with  any  degree  of  certainty. 

Beneath  the  south  Aisle,  and  of  a  much  more  ancient 
date  than  that  part  of  the  Church,  is  situated  the 
Cbtft.  It  is  entered  through  a  trap-door  in  the  floor, 
close  underneath  the  last  window  on  the  south  side. 
Thence  a  very  narrow  passage  of  considerable  lengdi 
leads  eastward.  This  is  modem,  and  not  so  wide  as 
the  plain  semicircular  headed  doorway,  which  forms 
the  immediate  entrance  into  the  ^ault.  The  original 
access  to  it  was  unquestionably  from  the  south  Porch. 

The  Crypt  was  only  lighted  by  two  small  square 
splayed  apertures,  on  a  leyel  with  the  surface  of  the 
Church-yard.  The  one  nearer  the  east  end  is  now 
obstructed.  This  place  was  originally  designed  to  be  a 
chapel,  wherein  to  perfixrm  the  services  for  the  dead; 
but,  since  the  days  of  Elizabeth,  it  has  been  used  as  a 
receptacle  £ofr  the  bones  accidentally  disinterred  in  dig- 
ging new  graves  in  the  Church-yard.  The  aspect  is 
certainly  now  very  dreary.  One  is  led  to.  exclaim  in 
the  modified  language  of  a  great  poet, 

By  t^  dim  light,  UieM  relfet  of  tlie  dead 

Hato  ■omrthiiig  gbastly,  dflsolafte,  and  drad. 

But,  in  the  mind  of  the  Christian,  other  and  brighter 

thoughts  will  arise;  and,  with  the  devout  Prudentius, 

he  may  sing, 

*<  VenioBt  dto  hbcqIa,  earn  jam 
Sodas  calor  oua  revisat, 
Ammataqne  nangninft  tIto 
Habitacnia  priitina  gwtet. 

QiuB  pigra  oadarera  pridem 
Tamidif  putrefadA  jaoebant, 
Volnena  rafdentnr  in  aorai 

Animaa  comitata  priores."^-Clrea  Sxegnioi  D^fwuetorum, 
1    See  Appndtz :— Note  tft. 


CASTLB    AND    TOWN. 


253 


The  obscurity  of  the  place  is  so  greats  that^  for  some 
time^  the  visitor^  descending  from  full  day-light  into 
this  damp  and  dismal  abode  of  the  dead^  cannot  discern 
its  fiiU  proportions.  It  is  built  of  rag-stone^  vaulted, 
and  groined.  It  extends  to  the  east  end  of  the  south 
Aisle ;  and  is  divided  into  four  compartments  or  bays 
by  octagonal  piers  half  sunk  in  the  vrall,  vnth  corres* 
ponding  plain  capitals  and  bases.  These  each  support 
s^mental  groining  ribs  of  a  similar  form,  virhich  pass 
longitudinally,  transversely,  and  diagonally.  The  floor 
seems  once  to  have  been  paved  with  encaustic  tiles, 
from  the  fragments  which  we  have  found  in  the  earth. 


The  bones  are  stacked  up  in  very  regular  order, 
occupy  the  whole  of  the  east  end,  and  extend  a  little 
more  than  half  along  the  vault.  Many,  according  to  a 
popular  tradition,  were  brought  from  a  field  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  town,  where  some  battle  had 
once  been  fought.  This  we  much  doubt.  They  have 
for  years  past  increased  very  slowly. 

L  L 


S54  TAMWOKTH 


Coneenniig  the  east  end  of  the  Crypt*  many  vagae 
reports  have  been  cunent.  It  was  beUeyed  that  from 
it  a  long  sabtenaneona  passage  eommnnicated  with  the 
Casde*  The  Author  and  his  brother,  ha^e,  several  times, 
explored  the  fiuthest  recess  of  this  dreary  vault.  By 
caxefolly  {riling  aside  the  bones  in  advance*  and  creeping 
at  full  length  along  the  narrow  track  thus  formed 
between  them  and  the  roof,  the  eastern  extremity  was, 
at  length  reached.  We  found  nothing  there,  except 
the  remains  of  the  ancient  altar;  the  stone  slab  of 
which  is  gone.  The  bones,  at  the  end,  are  so  rotten, 
that  they  crumbled  to  pieces  beneath  our  weight 
We  were  unable  to  examine  the  floor  at  the  base 
of  the  altar:  there  being  no  room  to  stow  away  the 
bones.  In  spite  of  all  our  efforts,  they  returned  to  oar 
feet^  and  their  dull  clatter  seemed  a  reproach  to  us, 
for  disturbing  their  long  and  quiet  repose  in  the 
sacred  place. 

Lost  to  the  living, — surrounded  by  the  relics  of  the 
countless  dead,  the  horrors  of  whose  prison-house  were 
feebly  revealed  by  the  dim  light  of  a  solitary  candle, — 
listening  to  the  distant  and  almost  stifled  sound  of  a 
muffled  bell — ^for  there  was  a  funeral  in  the  Church 
above, — ^we  seemed  to  have  intruded  into  the  abode  <rf 
the  ''king  of  terrors."  Imagination  carried  us  back  to 
the  time  when  these  dry  bones  lived,  and  their  silent 
tomb  echoed  the  solemn  services  of  their  church.  In 
vain  the  dead  crowd  prostrate  round  the  ruined  altar, 
from  thence  no  requiem  follows  them,  for  them  no  more 
ascends  the  oft-repeated  prayer. 

On  the  wall  of  the  second  compartment  from  the 
west  end,  opposite  the  aperture  for  the  admission  of 
light,  is  a  very  ancient  inscription.    It  is  painted  upon 


CA8TI.B    AND  TOWN.  865 

planter,  and  is  now  very  much  decayed.    The  foUot^ing 
18  a  representation  of  it : — 


^Mnrvtair^m  f&tl|iireVimiet$Mcl«)i 


The  discoyery  of  its  meaning  had  frequently  but  vainly 
been  attempted.  The  decyphering  of  the  greater  part 
of  it  fell  to  our  lot.  The  first  sentence  is  evidently  a 
Latin  verse. 

"O  D*NTJS  niYESj  NON    0M*I  TB'FOBE    VIVBS  : 

FAC  b'n'  nu*  V1VI8,  POST  mortb'  viv'b  si  vis." 
This  may  be   thus  rendered: — 

O  lord  of  wealth  (and  power,) 

Hum  ahalt  not  Utq  for  evermorB ; 
Do  weU  whilst  life  thou  haat, 

If  thou  would'st  live  when  death  is  pait. 

The  series  of  long  letters  underneath  proved  the  greatest 
difficulty.    But  the  words  are  clearly^ 

M'E  JESU  XP'E, 

a  contracted  form  for  ''Miserere,  Jesu  Christe."  The 
warning  that  man  shall  not  live  for  ever,  the  admonition 
to  live  well  if  he  would  attain  life  after  death,  and  the 
short  but  fervent  cry  for  mercy,  form  the  most  appro- 
priate sentences,  which  the  walls  of  so  solemn  an 
edifice  could  record. 


256  TAMWORTH 

It  was  contemplated  by  the  late  marquis  Townshend^ 
when  he  was  earl  of  Leicester,  to  conyert  the  Crypt 
into  a  fiunily-tomb;  but,  there  being  no  other  place  in 
which  to  deposit  the  bones,  he  was  obliged  to  abandon 
the  design.  This  vault  narrowly  escaped  destruction 
during  the  repairs  in  1809.  It  was  found  that,  from 
the  height  of  the  roof,  it  would  be  necessary  either  to 
remove  it  or  to  leave  a  portion  of  the  floor  of  the 
south  Aisle  elevated  one  step  higher  than  the  genend 
level.  After  some  debate,  good  council  prevailed;  and 
the  latter  alternative  was  adopted. 

That  part  of  the  Church  between  the  Transepts, 
where  we  stated  that  the  Tower  originally  stood, 
is  remarkable  for  the  massiveness  of  the  walls,  in 
proportion  to  the  rest  of  the  Church.  On  either  side, 
stands  a  large  semicircular  arch,  thirteen  feet  in  span, 
ornamented  with  indented  and  lozenge-shaped  mouldings. 
It  is  supported  by  plain  square  piers;  and  the  corres- 
ponding imposts  or  capitals  give  it  a  rather  stilted 
appearance.  These  present  altogether  indications  of  the 
oldest  form  of  the  Norman  style,  and  show  that  this 
part  may  be  referred  to  about  the  reign  of  William 
Bufus.  Up  the  edge  of  the  wall  feeing  the  Nave, 
for  nineteen  feet,  a  moulding  composed  of  the  indented 
a^d  zig-zag  forms  is  found.  It  is  much  concealed  by 
whitewash.  In  the  remainder  of  the  edge  to  the  base 
of  the  clerestory,  a  modem  pannel  has  been  introduced. 
Upon  the  south  side,  behind  the  pulpit,  this  moulding 
is  destroyed. 

The  clerestory  and  the  roof  are  continuous  with  those 
of  the  Chancel.  We  shall  describe  them  hereafter. 
The  floor  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Nave  and  Chancel, 
and  lies  upon  the  same  level.    This  part  of  the  Church 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  257 

is  pewed.  The  Nonnan  arches  have  been  partially 
built  up,  and  a  pew  placed  in  each  accessible  by  stairs  in 
the  north  and  south  Transepts.  Some  iron  raib,  bearing 
the  Royal  Arms  of  England,  stand  at  the  west  end,  in- 
stead of  the  east,  where  the  rood-loft  formerly  was  placed. 

The  North  Transept  hardly  extends  out  so  &r  as 
the  Aisle,  but  is  a  little  broader  than  the  Chantry-chapeL 
It  is  separated  firom  the  latter  by  a  large  arch,  similar  to 
those  between  the  south  Aisle  and  Transept,  but  rather 
more  obtuse.  The  north  window,  in  general  form,  is 
similar  to  those  in  the  south  Aisle;  but  the  three 
mullions  simply  divide  at  the  spring  into  two  branches, 
without  crossing,  and  there  is  no  transom  or  horizontal 
bar.  The  dripstone  terminates  in  simple  angular 
retums.  The  buttress  placed  at  the  east  angle,  is 
worked  into  three  stages,  the  second  of  which  is  orna- 
mented with  a  plain  trefoil-headed  pannel.  The  set-ofi 
consist  of  two  or  three  slabs.  The  buttress  terminates 
below  the  parapet. 

There  is  a  modem  flat  ceiling  formed  of  plaster.  The 
roof  has  a  double  inclination,  as  in  the  Nave,  and 
runs  transversely.  The  parapet  is  embattled,  like  that 
at  the  west  end  of  the  south  Aisle.  When  that  part 
of  the  Church  was  repaired  in  1784,  this  Transept 
underwent  alterations  of  a  similar  kind;  the  expenses 
of  which  were  defrayed  by  lord  viscount  Weymouth. 
The  floor  is  bricked,  and  is  below  that  of  the  Aisle. 

Internally,  the  north  Transept  presents  nothing  to 
attract  attention.  A  large  substantial  staircase  gives 
access  to  the  east  end  of  the  gallery  in  the  Aisle ;  and 
a  small  wooden  one  to  the  pew  in  the  Norman  arch. 

The  opposite  Transept,  or,  as  it  is  usually  designated, 
the    south    Chancel,   by   being   lengthened   eastwards. 


268  TAMWOBTU 

astunifii  the  chancier  of  an  Aiale.  It  is  haxStj  so 
faroad  as  the  Aisle  of  the  Nave,  which  it  adjmns. 
There  aze  two  broad  simple-pointed  windows  on  the 
south  side.  In  the  first,  the  three  mallions  simply  aidi 
into  each  other  at  the  spring;  and  the  head  is  snbdi- 
Tided  in  the  same  manner  as  the  west  window  of  the 
north  Aisle.  In  the  second  window,  the  oval  subordinate 
light  is  omitted.  The  dripstones  haye  simple  angular 
letums;  as  is  the  case  with  the  hood-moulding  of  the 
first  The  western  window,  in  1784,  was  blocked  up 
with  stone  as  fiv  as  the  spring  of  the  arch,  and  a 
doorway  made  through  the  wall,  in  order  to  fi>rm  an 
entrance  into  the  Church,  in  place  of  the  south  P(»ch. 
This  alteration  was  made  to  afford  the  clergyman  mors 
convenient  access  to  the  Vestry,  and  the  people  to  the 
south  gallery.  Below  the  windows  externally,  moulded 
string-courses  run.  The  two  buttresses  are  worked  into 
five  stages  with  plain  set-oft.  They  do  not  rise  the 
whole  height  of  the  wall,  because  an  addition  was  made 
to  it   when  the  roof  was  rendered  flat. 

The  wall  of  the  south  Transept  has  been  chiselled  in 
the   same  way  as  that  of  the  north  Aisle. 

In  the  east  wall,  has  been  a  large  simple-pointed 
window.  It  has  been  blocked  up,  in  order  that  the 
Vestry,  when  increased  in  height,  might  rest  against 
it.  Under  it  internally  a  moulded  string-course  runs, 
about  twelve  feet  firom  the  ground. 

In  the  east  of  the  Norman  arch,  a  semicircular 
headed  doorway,  in  which  a  modem  square  door  has 
been  inserted,  leads  into  the  Chancel.  Above  this, 
is  a  large  long  round-headed  window,  which  evidently 
formed  a  part  of  the  primitive  Norman  structure.  It 
was  no  doubt  blocked  up,  when  the  greater  part  (tf 


CASTLB    AND  TOWN.  S59 

the  Church  was  lebuilt,  about  the  time  of  Edward  III, 
or  Bichard  II.  It  has  been  richly  ornamented;  but 
three  centuries'  accumulation  of  whitewash  has  almost 
obliterated  the  details. 

The  marks  of  the  original  high-pitched  roof  may  yet 
be  traced  upon  the  east  wall,  on  each  side  of  the 
window.  Parallel  with  the  bottom  of  them,  a  few  feet 
below  the  present  roof,  a  series  of  plain  corbels  projects 
from  the  south  and  west  walls.  In  the  latter,  they  are 
opposite  the  string-course  in  the  Aisle,  above  the  two 
arches.  Along  the  north  wall,  the  corbels  have  only 
been  partially  placed,  and  pass  through  the  head  of  the 
Norman  window.  It  iei,  therefore,  very  evident  that, 
at  the  east  end,  the  roof  ran  loi^tudinally,  but, 
opposite  the  large  Norman  arch,  it  changed  its  direction, 
and  ran  transversely.  The  present  roof  is  nearly  flat 
It  has  four  tie-beams ;  and  resembles  very  much  that  of 
the  Nave,  but  is  not  so  much  ornamented.  The  wall« 
plates,  on  the  north  side  only,  rest  on  plain  corbels. 
The  floor  is  bricked,  and  raised  a  little  above  the 
Chancel,  but  on  a  level  with  the  Aisle. 

The  internal  arrangements  offer  little  worthy  of 
notice.  In  the  south-east  comer,  elevated  by  one  step, 
now  stands  the  font.  It  is  large,  octagonal,  devoid  of 
all  ornament,  and  rests  upon  a  stem  of  a  similar  shape. 
There  is  a  large  old  wooden  staircase  leading  into  the 
east  part  of  the  gallery  in  the  south  Aisle,  and  a 
smaller  one,  to  the  seat  in  the  Norman  arch. 

There  was  once  an  altar  at  the  east  end.  On  the 
sill  of  the  first  window,  stands  a  small  hexagonal 
pedestal,  ornamented  on  three  sides  with  quatrefoils. 
At  its  base  are  the  initial  letters  It  if.  To  what  these 
refer,  it  is   impossible  to  conjecture.     They  were  only 


260  TAMWORTH 

lately  discovered  by  scraping  off  the  whitewash;  and  a 
mason  cut  them  out  in  a  much  bolder  relief  than  they 
were  found.    The  pedestal  probably  supported  an  image« 

Very  recently,  our  attention  was  directed  to  some 
marks  upon  the  south  side  of  the  east  wall.  On  remo- 
ving a  very  thick  coating  of  whitewash,  we  discovered 
that  the  wall  is  painted  as  &r  as  the  place  where 
the  altar  had  stood,  and  as  high  as  the  string- 
course below  the  window.  It  is  ornamented  with 
firetwork,  white,  but  black  at  the  intersections ;  and  the 
large  lozenge-shaped  intervals  are  painted,  in  alternate 
transverse  rows,  red  and  green.  The  centre  is  of  a  red 
colour  only;  and,  on  this  ground,  are  three  female 
figures,  kneeling  in  prayer  with  upraised  hands,  and 
turned  towards  the  altar.  They  are  each  a  little  more 
than  two  feet  high,  and  painted  white,  the  outlines  of 
the  drapery  being  sketched  in  black,  but  the  lineaments 
of  the  face  and  the  hands  in  red.  From  the  costume 
and  style  of  execution,  we  should  pronounce  them  to 
be  of  the  time  of  Edward  III.  or  Richard  II.,  therefore 
nearly  five-hundred  years  old.  Unfortunately,  the  stone 
beneath  is  so  decayed,  that  these  interesting  remains 
cannot  long  be  preserved.  In  parts,  the  sweep  of  a 
brush  would  bring  off  the  painting;  which  is  conse^ 
quently  much  injured,  but  unavoidably  so,  in  the 
exposure.  The  lower  part  of  the  first  figure  has  been 
destroyed,  by  the  carrying  of  a  gas-pipe  across  it  On 
the  north  side  of  the  spot  where  the  altar  had  been 
placed,  we  can  find  no  traces  of  decorations  such  as 
these. 

The  Chancel  is  of  the  same  width  and  nearly  of 
the  same  height  as  the  Nave,  but  has  rather  a  more 
northern  direction.      This  part  is  not  divided  from  the 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  261 

rest  of  the  Church  by  a  Chancel-arch.  This  was  often 
the  case  in  large  parish-churches,  which  had  regular 
choirs  with  stalk.  The  separation  then  only  consisted 
of  the  rood-screen.  But  here  no  trace  of  it  is  now 
to  be  found,  not  even  of  any  ascent  into  the  rood* 
loft.^ 

The  whole  of  the  lower  part  of  both  walls  of  the 
Chancel,  is  Norman,  and  buUt  of  rag-stone.  The 
Norman  part  is  mostly  limited  above  by  a  string-course, 
running,  fifteen  feet  firom  the  floor,  on  a  level  with 
the  lower  part  of  the  Norman  window. 

Beneath  this  window,  in  the  south  wall,  is  the 
Norman  entrance  into  the  south  Transept.  Farther 
eastwards,  is  the  entrance  into  the  present  Vestry, 
having  the  square-headed  trefoil  arch,  which  prevailed 
during  the  twelfth  and  three  ensuing  centuries.  And 
still  farther  on,  close  by  the  altar-piece,  stood  another 
similar  doorway,  now  bricked  up,  which  probably  led 
into  the  ancient  Vestry,  now  converted  into  a  place 
for  the  deposition  of  lumber  and  rubbish.  There  are 
no  traces  of  sedilia  or  seats  used  by  the  priests,  during 
the  chanting  of  the  'Gloria  in  ezcelsis'  and  of  the 
Constantinopolitan  creed.  Very  frequently  they  were 
merely  formed  of  wood.  The  piscina  or  lavacrum, 
used  only  in  the  ceremonies  of  mass,  remained  boarded 
up  until  1842.      It  is  single,  very  plain,  and  pointed. 


1  Hw  ioo«l.loft  was  a  gaUCTT  placed  OTor  the  leracDfSepantiBffliec 
the  nave,  and  nmainc  the  whole  width  of  them.  In  the  centre  of  it,  itood  the  rood  or 
croai  hcarfaig  the  tgvat  oi  our  Lord,  and  on  either  side  Sta.  Marjr  and  John.  Iti 
porpoaca  were  manifold.  It  waa  used  for  preacUng,  prerlonBly  to  the  introduction  of 
palpits  into  chorchea ;  which  did  not  take  place  before  the  thirteenth  century.  Fkom 
it,  were  read  the  martjiology  andkaaoni,  and  the  foats  and  holidays  announced  to 
the  people.  The  passion  of  our  Lord,  and  the  gradual  and  other  parts  of  mass  were 
sunt  then,  a  snail  organ  being  fixed  there.  On  great  festivals,  lights  were  set  up 
In  the  lood-Urfti  and,  at  Christmas  and  Whitsuntide,  it  was  decorated  with  flowers. 
It  was  ttsoany  fcrmeid  of  wood  j  and  waa  considered  requisite  for  every  Church. 

M  M 


26S  TAMWORTH 

There  appears  to  have  been  a  shelf:  but  there  is  no 
basin.  It  probably  projected  from  the  wall^  and  was 
removed  when  the  piscina  fell  into  disuse. 

In  the  Norman  part  of  the  north  wall,  has  been 
formed  a  doorway,  in  which  is  inserted  a  modem  door, 
and  three  fine  arches  of  the  decorated  style,  all  com- 
municating with  the  Chantry-chapel.  The  heads  of  these 
are  cinquefoiled,  and  each  part  again  similarly  divided. 
In  the  Chancel,  the  first  has  been  built  up,  in  order 
that  the  large  monument  of  the  Ferrers'  fiunily  might 
be  placed  against  it.  The  hood-moiddings  have 
circular  returns:  those  of  the  second  and  third  arches 
are  continuous.  The  first  arch  is  placed  at  a  greater 
distance,  and  on  a  higher  level,  than  the  other  two. 
Beneath  all  three  arches,  altar-tombs  are  now  placed. 

Immediately  above  the  string-course  on  each  side, 
are  three  simple-pointed  windows,  in  the  decorated  style. 
They  are  placed  on  the  same  level  as  the  Norman 
window  of  the  south  side.  The  hood-mouldings  have 
returns  like  those  of  the  arches.  The  three  windows 
upon  the  north  side  were  blocked  up,  when  the  Chantry- 
chapel  was  built;  they  retain  the  ancient  tracery. 
Each  was  divided  into  two  principal  lights;  and  the 
three  subordinate  ones  were  quatrefoiled.  On  the  south 
side,  the  mullion  of  each  divides  into  two  curved 
branches:  the  dripstones  externally  are  decayed  away. 

Above  these,  stand  the  clerestory-windows,  at  the 
base  of  which  a  string-course  runs.  The  first  three 
windows  are  simple-pointed.  The  three  muUions,  merely 
divide  each  into  two  branches  at  the  spring,  but  do 
not  cross ;  and  all  the  lights  are  plain.  The  dripstones 
and  hood-mouldings  are  ornamented  with  crockets  and 
finials,  and  terminate  by  demi-figures,  particularly  fine 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  26S 

externally^  where  they  consist  of  persons  and  priests.; 
but  some  of  them  have  been  cut  away,  to  admit  leaden 
pipes.  On  the  south  side  externally,  they  terminated 
in  angular  returns.  Between  these  three  windows, 
within  are  shallow  niches  or.  pannels,  with  canopies 
ornamented  with  crockets  and  finials,  and  terminated 
in  sculptured  heads.  They  are  very  much  smaller 
than  those  of  the  Nave. 

The  four  other  windows,  two  of  which  are  above  the 
Norman  arch  on  each  side,  are  four-centred  and  depres- 
sed; and  the  muUions  are  disposed  like  those  in  the 
three.  Above  them,  are  ogee  canopies  terminated  in 
corbel-heads  within,  and  angular  returns  without.  These 
windows  are  separated  internally  by  niches  like  the 
rest,  but  larger,  so  that  the  corbel-heads,  serve  both 
for  them  and  for  the  windows. 

Between  the  windows,  externally,  are  buttresses  exactly 
similar  to  those  of  the  Nave.  But  there  are  none 
between  the  first  three  on  the  south  side.  Here,  the 
Vestry  and  the  Lumber-room  are  considerably  lower 
than  the  Chancel  and  Transept. 

The  large  east  window  is  four-centred  and  depressed. 
The  details  are  wholly  debased.  The  central  mullion 
is  very  massive,  and  runs  entirely  through  the  head. 
On  each  side,  the  mullions,  at  the  spring,  arch  over 
and  intersect  each  other.  A  small  perpendicular 
mullion  then  divides  the  head  into  two  parts;  in  the 
inner  of  which  a  circular  subordinate  light  is  introduced. 
The  dripstone  and  hood-moulding  are  decorated  with 
crockets  and  finials,  and  terminate  in  demi-figures, 
those  externally  being  carved  as  griffins. 

It  is  evident  that  the  interior  of  the  Chancel  has 
once  been  very  splendid.    The  red  painting  of  the  east 


864  TAMWOBTH 

wall  may  yet  be  seen  by  scraping  off  the  whilewasb. 
On  each  side  of  the  window  is  a  niche^  sunnounted  by  a 
canopy  which  projects  considerably  in  front,  and  is 
enriched  with  crockets  and  finial,  and  its  interior 
groined  with  numerous  small  rib-mouldings.  The  lower 
part  is  hidden  by  the  modem  altar-piece.  Immediately 
above  this,  another  niche  or  pannel,  with  an  ogee 
canopy,  stands.  A  similar  one,  but  much  longer,  and 
divided  into  two  parts,  is  placed  on  each  side  the 
window  externally:  and  a  string-course  runs  along  the 
wall,  some  distance  beneath.  The  walls,  on  each  side 
the  window,  have  been  refieu^  with  stone,  as  low  as 
the  string-course. 

The  two  buttresses  are  placed  diagonally  at  the  angles. 
That  at  the  north  angle,  presents  most  traces  of  the 
ancient  form.  It  is  divided  into  four  stages,  and  has 
once  terminated  in  a  pinnacle.  The  two  upper  are 
placed  triangularly;  the  inferior  of  these  has  been 
panelled;  and  the  set-off  dividing  them  is  gabled,  with 
crockets  and  finial.  The  other  set-offs  are  plain  slopes, 
the  lower  formed  of  three  slabs.  The  south  buttress  is 
entirely  square,  and  devoid  of  all  ornament 

The  roof  of  the  Chancel  is  between  two  and  three 
feet  lower  than  that  of  the  Nave.  It  differs  from  it 
in  retaining  the  wall-pieces,  and  in  being  devoid 
of  ornament.  Of  the  wall-pieces  supporting  the  eight 
tie-beams,  the  first  four  rest  upon  corbels  sculptured 
into  demi-figures  and  placed  above  the  niches  between 
the  window,  except  at  the  east  end,  where  there  is  no 
niche.  The  remainder  rest  on  corbel-heads  placed  at 
the  summit  of  the  niches.  The  parapets  are  horizontal 
and  plain. 

The  floor  of  thu  Chancel  is  flagged,  and  on  a  level 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  265 

with  that  of  the  Nave.  The  oommunion-nuk  axe  raised^ 
one  step.  Between  them  and  the  conununion-table^ 
are  placed  the  encaustic  tiles  found  in  the  south  Aisle. 
They  are  charged  with  several  devices  and  arms,  the 
ground  heing  led^  and  the  figures  yellow.  Amongst 
them  are,  a  fess  between  six  cross-crosslets,  for  Beau- 
ehamp,  earl  of  Warwick; — ^three  chevronells; — a  lion 
passant  guardant,  the  letter  M;  and  the  fleur-de-liz. 

The  wooden  altar-piece  is  large,  heavy,  devoid  of 
beauty,  and  in  the  Grecian  style.  It  was  put  up  in 
1787.  It  bears,  besides  the  ten  commandments,  the 
Lord's  prayer  and  the  Apostles'  creed,  a  painting  of  the 
''pelican  in  her  piety." 

The  Chantbt-cbapel,  or  as  it  is  now  most  com- 
monly called  the  North  Chancel,  extends  £rom  the 
Transept  to  the  east  end  of  the  ChanceL  The  four 
windows  upon  the  north  side  are  four-centred  and 
depressed.  The  three  mullions  simply  divide  into  two 
branches,  which  do  not  cross  in  the  centre.  All  the 
lights  are  plain,  except  in  the  last  window,  where  they 
the  quatrefoil  is  introduced.  The  moulded  dripstones 
terminate  generally  in  corbel-heads.  The  large  east 
window  is  segmental.  It  consists  of  seven  lights;  but 
the  details  are  debased.  The  two  central  mullions 
ardi  at  the  spring  into  each  other  and  to  the  jambs 
of  the  windows.  The  next  are  continued  through  the 
head;  but  the  others  only  reach  so  far  as  the  large 
arch  of  the  mullions.  The  central  part  of  the  head 
is  subdivided  by  two  curves  and  a  horizontal  line.  The 
dripstone  is  ornamented  with  crockets,  and  ends  in 
corbel-heads. 

On  each  side  of  the  window,  internally,  is  a  niche, 
which  has  been  very  fine.     It  is  groined  within,  and 


266  TAMWOBTH    ' 

^surmoimted  by  a  canopy,  like  those  in  the  ChanoeL 
The  bracket,  that  once  gave  support  to  an  image,  was 
sculptured  into  a  cherub.  Both  are  yery  gready 
mutilated. 

The  buttress  at  the  angle  is  placed  diagonally;  and 
is  worked  into  three  stages  by  plain  set-o£b  of  two  and 
three  slabs.  The  other  three  buttresses,  upon  the  north 
side,  consist  of  two  -  stages,  the  dividing  set-off  being 
formed  of  four  slabs.  All  of  them  terminate  at  some 
distance  below  the  parapet. 

The  roof,  which  is  very  modem,  is  formed  of  seven 
tie-beams,  resting  upon  wall-plates:  and  these  are 
sujqported  by  plain  corbels,  except  on  the  south  side. 
A  ridge-piece  runs  along  the  centre;  and  each  bay 
is  divided  into  squares  by  three  purlins  and  four 
rafters.  There  are  no  bosses.  The  roof  is  not  so  high 
as  that  of  the  Transept.  The  parapets  are  devoid  of 
ornament. 

The  floor  is  bricked,  on  a  level  with  that  of  the 
Transept,  and  below  the  Chancel.  Internally  the  Chan- 
try-chapel presents  nothing  demanding  attention,  except 
the  sepulchral  monuments,  which  we  shall  hereafter 
give.    An  altar  stood  beneath  the  east  window. 

The  modem  Ysstkt  is  as  plain  within  as  plaster 
and  whitewash  can  make  it.  The  window,  upon  the 
south  side,  is  square-headed,  and  divided  by  a  mullion, 
with  some  tracery  at  the  top.  The  roof  is  plastered; 
and   the   parapet  plain. 

The  LuMBEB-BOOM,  at  the  east  end  of  the  Vestry, 
and  included  under  the  same  roof,  is  built  of  rag-stone, 
like  the  south  wall  of  the  Chancel.  Externally  it  is 
debased;  having  been  foced  with  stone,  and  a  modem 
flat-headed  doorway  made  on  the  south  side,  to  afford 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  267 

an  entrance  from  the  Chuich-yaid.  The  small  window 
upon  the  east  side  is  also  flat  and  debased.  It  is 
divided  into  three  lights  with  semicircular  heads. 

The  last  part  of  the  Church,  of  which  he  have  to 
speak,  is  the  Tower,  placed  at  the  west  end  of  the 
Nave.  It  is  a  square  structure,  very  massive,  and 
rather  low  when  compared  with  the  length  of  the 
Church.  At  the  comers,  are  placed  four  square  turrets, 
surmounted  by  lofty  octagonal  spires,  and  supported  by 
a  buttress  at  the  two  angles,  placed  at  right  angles  to 
one  another,  and  to  the  Tower.  Each  of  these  but- 
tresses is  worked  into  four  stages,  and  terminates  at  the 
base  of  the  spire.  The  set-ofis  are  gabled,  ornamented 
with  crockets  and  finials,  and  formed  laterally  of  two 
overlapping  slabs.  The  second  and  third  stages  are 
ornamented  with  panelling.  At  the  south-east  angle,  the 
buttress  is  continued  into  the  west  wall  of  the  Aisle ; . 
but,  at  the  north-east  angle,  it  is  built  over  the  wall, 
and  encroaches  upon  the  window.  However,  that  as 
Uttle  light  as  possible  might  be  obstructed,  the  lowest 
stage  has  not  been  made  of  so  great  width  as  the  rest 
from  the  sill  of  the  window  upwards.  This  plainly 
shows  that  the  Tower  was  erected  after  the  Aisle,  as 
otherwise  this  peculiarity  would  not  have  existed.  The 
spires  are  now  of  considerable  height.  They  appear  to 
have  been  originally  very  much  shorter,  and  to  have 
been  ornamented  with  crockets  and  finials.  But  they 
have  been  so  often  repaired,  and  lengthened  at  the 
same  time,  that  they  have  acquired  their  present 
proportions. 

From  their  exposed  position,  ^  the  spires  have  been 
subject  to  many  accidents  from  the  weather,  particularly 
within  the  last  fifty  years.    In  June,  1795,  part  of  the 


968  TAMWOKTH 

north-west  one  was  thrown  down  by  a  stroke  of  lightening; 
which  considerably  injured  other  parts  of  the  Churchy 
particularly  the  west  window  of  the  south  Aisle.  The 
repair  of  the  spire  cost  74/.  On  the  last  day  of  Dec^n- 
ber^  1833,  a  high  wind  blew  down  a  portion  of  the 
north-east  pinnacle.  The  fragments  considerably  dama* 
ged  the  parapet  of  the  Nave.  On  the  7th  of  January, 
1839,  a  violent  gale  blew  down  the  top  of  the  south- 
east pinnacle,  and  the  south  battlements  of  the  Tower 
were  greatly  injured.  The  north-east  one  was  also 
considerably  displaced.  Lastly,  in  the  summer  of  1843, 
one  of  the  north  pinnacles  suffered  during  a  violent 
thunder-storm.  The  two  upon  this  side  have  since  been 
rebuilt  or  completely  repaired.  The  terminations  of  the 
buttresses  at  the  north-west  comer  have  been  renewed, 
but  the  crockets  and  finials  omitted.  The  pinnacles  are 
•  now  surmounted  by  weather-fimes. 

The  interior  of  the  Tower,  forming  the  entrance  into 
the  Church,  has  once  been  very  fine.  It  was  lighted 
by  three  very  large  windows,  with  four-centred  depressed 
heads,— one  between  the  Tower  and  the  Nave,  another 
on  the  west,  and  the  third  on  the  south  side.  All 
were  similar  in  design,  but  now  the  last  only  remains, 
the  other  two  having  been  bricked  up.  The  deformity, 
however,  has  been  somewhat  concealed  by  the  application 
of  cement,  and  whitewash.  The  window  which  still 
exists,  is  remarkably  shallow  within.  Externally  the 
jambs  and  architrave,  instead  of  being  moulded,  are 
ornamented  with  large  pannels.  The  muUions  are 
debased;  and  the  principal  lights  divided  into  two. 
About  midway,  the  three  mullions  curve  round  and 
intersect  each  other.  The  same  disposition  again  takes 
place  at  the  spring  of  the  arch.     The  head  is  divided 


OASTLS    AND    TOWN.  269 

by  two  mullions  conjoined  below,  and  curved  outwards, 
firom  the  middle  on  the  outer  side  of  which  two  others 
pass  in  a  reversed  direction  downwards,  thus  forming 
five  subordinate  lights.  The  dripstone  terminates  in 
corbel-heads.  Immediately  below  the  window,  the  first 
moulded  string-course  runs  completely  round  the  Tower. 
Internally,  there  is  a  corresponding  string-course  carried 
along  the  four  principal  sides. 

A  simple-pointed  doorway  forms  the  immediate  en- 
trance from  the  Tower  into  the  Church.  The  mouldings 
of  the  jambs  and  ardutrave,  on  die  east  side,  are 
obliterated.  On  the  west^  they  consist  of  three  engaged 
slender  shafts,  between  the  second  and  third  of  which 
is  a  cavetto,  where,  in  the  architrave,  a  four-leaved 
flovrer  is  inserted  at  interval.  The  first  shaft,  at  the 
spring,  separates  into  two  branches ;  the  outer  continues 
in  a  perpendicular  direction  to  the  string-course,  thus 
forming  a  square  head.  The  spandrills  are  filled  with 
a  circle,  in  which  the  quatrefoil  is  introduced,  and  two 
trefoils:  these  are  mere  mouldings^  perhaps  entirely 
modem* 

The  western  entrance  is  panelled  within,  and  is 
included  under  a  square  head,  like  the  other  doorway, 
to  which  it  bears  great  resemblance.  But  the  pannels 
have  been  greatly  concealed  by  plaster.  Externally  the 
cavetto,  instead  of  passing  along  the  architrave,  continues, 
v^ith  the  attached  shafts,  straight  to  the  string-course, 
thus  assisting  in  forming  the  square  head.  The  span- 
drils  are  occupied  by  a  circle,  in  which  is  a  quatrefoil; 
and  these  are  cut  very  deeply  into  the  wall.  The  doorway 
is  cemented. 

There  was  once  a  very  fine,  elliptical,  groined,  ceiling, 
formed    of  stone.     Three  small   rounded    groining-ribs 

N  N 


270  TAMWORTH 

diverged  longitudinally,  diagonally,  and  transveraely,  from 
slender  shafts,  which  rose  from  the  groirnd  in  each 
comer.  But,  some  time  in  the  sixteenth  century,  it 
was  destroyed,  in  order  to  form  a  room  for  the  greater 
convenience  of  the  ringers,  helow  that  anciently  used 
by  them.  The  floor  of  this  new  room  intersects  the 
three  windows  of  the  Tower;  and  two  of  them  were, 
therefore,  built  up.  The  modem  ceiling  is  still  elKptieal, 
but  is  formed  of  wood  and  plaster.  The  removal  of 
this  stone  ceiling  must  greatly  have  impaired  the  flim- 
ness  of  the  Tower.  This,  indeed,  is  painfully  evident, 
in  the  long  cracks  which  have  since  appeared  in  ita 
sides. 

Although  the  loftiness  en^toce  of  the  Tower  has  thus 
been  diminished,  it  is  still  considerable.  The  whole 
internally  has  been  plastered  and  whitewashed.  The  floor 
is  flagged. 

The  staircase  in  the  south-west  angle,  forming  the 
ascent  to  the  Tower,  is  a  very  peculiar  structure,  and 
forms  one  of  the  greatest  curiosities  of  whidi  the 
town  can  now  boast.  Staircases  of  this  construction 
are  said  to  be  exceedingly  rare,  even  upon  the  continent. 
It  consists  of  two  spiral  flights  of  steps,  winding,  one 
above  the  other,  round  the  same  central  pillar  or  newel, 
so  that  the  floor  of  one  forms  the  roof  of  the  other. 
The  whole  is  enclosed  within  a  cylinder  six  feet  in 
diameter,  and  is  lighted  from  without  by  long  apertures 
or  loop-holes.  The  reader  will  gain  a  clearer  idea  of 
this  piece  of  architecture  than  could  be  conveyed  in  a 
lengdiened  description,  from  the  engraving  which  is 
given  of  it.  It  will  be  evident  that  two  persooB 
might  ascend  or  descend,  at  the  same  time,  and  not 
see  each  other,  provided  they  took  different  stairs.    One 


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CASTLB    AND  TOWN.  271 

of  the  stairs^  of  one-hundred  and  six  steps^  opening 
below  in  the  Chuich-yard,  originally  communicated  only 
with  the  top  of  the  Tower,  and,  about  two-thirds  up, 
with  a  short  passage  in  the  south  wall.  The  other 
stairs,  opening  within  the  Tower  below,  and  con- 
sisting of  one-hundred  and  one  steps,  lead  to  all  the 
internal  parts.  During  the  last  year,  this  staircase, 
beuig  much  worn,  was  rebuilt  throughout  about  two- 
thirds  of  its  extent ;  but  the  original  design  was  strictly 
followed. 

Of  the  two  door-ways,  the  internal  is  plain.  The 
external  one  has  been  rather  rich  in  ornament.  The 
head  is  trefoiled;  and  above  is  a  large  niche,  with  a 
projecting  canopy,  and  small  groining  ribs  within.  It 
anciently  contained  an  image;  but  now  the  whole  is 
very  much  worn  away. 

The  utility  of  this  curious  structure  is  entirely  un- 
known, although  it  has  afforded  a  subject  for  much 
speculation.  Plott  guesses  that  it  might  be  in  order 
that  the  Decani-copiatae, — ^in  plain  English,  the  sextons, 
— to  whom  was  committed  the  charge  of  ringing  the 
bells,  and  of  burying  the  dead,  and  the  diaconi  or 
sacrists — ^the  deacons  or  sacrists, — that  made  the  respon- 
ses, and  took  care  of  the  vestments  and  utensils  of  the 
church,  might  perform  their  duties  apart,  each  having 
access  to  the  tower  without  disturbing  the  other.  Or 
else  it  might  be  that  the  clock-keeper  might  execute 
his  office  without  troubling  either  of  them.^  But,  in 
spite  of  his  pedantic  and  useless  display  of  patristic 
knowledge,  Plott  shows  that  he  either  wrote  without 
reflection,  or  was  exceedingly  deficient  in  observation 
during  his  survey  of  the   structure.     The  incorrectness 

\    Flott'f  SUffonbhlK. 


272  TAMWO&TH 

t)f  bis  suppositions  is  directly  evident  from  the  fiict  that 
the  outer  stairs  did  not  originally  oommunicate  directly 
with  the  internal  parts  of  the  Tower.  Our  own  opinion 
incUnes  us  to  consider  the  arrangement^  if  it  were 
not  merely  an  architectural  curiosity,  as  one  asmnning 
somewhat  of  a  defensive  character. 

Such  does  this  appear  to  have  been  firom  the  general 
construction  of  the  Tower.  The  outer  stairs  might  have 
afforded  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town^  and  to  the 
watchmen  of  the  Churchy'  an  easy  access  to  the  Tower 
without  interfering  with  the  internal  parts  or  obstruct- 
ing the  free  passage  to  it  from  within  the  Church. 
The  Tower^  being  of  a  much  greater  height,  and 
commanding  a  more  extensive  prospect  of  the  sur* 
rounding  country  than  the  Castle,  would  be  preferable 
as  a  place  for  watching  and  signals,  and  prove  of  great 
use  during  the  troubled  times  of  the  wars  between  the 
houses  of  Lancaster  and  York. 

In  ascending  the  stairs  from  the  Church-yard,  the 
visitor,  about  a  quarter  of  the  way  up,  comes  to  a 
doorway  leading  up  into  the  ringer's  room.  This  door* 
way  is  modem,  the  room  being  so.  Perhaps  the  latter 
was  formed  in  order  that  the  ringers  might  have  a 
place  to  which  they  could  easily  have  access,  instead  of 
one  higher  up,  to  which  the  stairs  from  within  only 
directly  led. 

The  ringer's  room  presents  nothing,  except  the 
remains  of  the  ancient  vaulted  ceiling  in  the  comers. 

1  Then  wan  fonnerly  nrnlar  wmtehmcn  tsppotafbtd  ha  this  Ghnrchi  Iww  giMt 
fhdr  number  wm,  we  do  not  exacUy  know.  In  October,  lS99f  the  Goort-roUt  slat* 
that  a  hkoodj  affray  took  place,  during  the  night,  between  John  le  Cartwrigbt.  Robert 
his  brother,  WilUam  Tack,  and  William  son  of  William  Symonds,  and  the  wntchmen 
of  the  Charch,  as  well  as  those  of  the  town.  The  persons,  whose  names  are  obsb. 
tioned,  were  very  aeverely  woonded  and  beaten.    The  cause  of  the  dSstnibance  is  not 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  S78 

A  ladder  afbrds  the  means  of  comxnunicatioii  with  the 
cfaime-Toom  above. 

Nearly  two-thirds  of  the  way  up  the  stairs,  a  narrow 
passage  is  cut  in  the  south  wall  of  the  Tower.  Here 
three  large  splayed  apertures  or  •  loop-holes  overlook  the 
town  and  Castle,  with  the  surrounding  country.  The 
heads  of  these  are  trefoiled.  Below  them,  is  placed 
the  face  of  the  dock,  put  up  about  the  dose  of  the 
last  century:  and  underneath  this,  just  above  the  great 
window,  the  second  string-course  of  the  Tower  runs, 
which  is  foimd  on  all  the  four  sides,  but  does  not  pass 
over  the  angles.  Above  these  apertures,  under  the 
belfry  windows,  the  third  string-course,  similar  to  the 
last,  is  found.  The  stairs  terminate  by  the  door  leading 
to  the  summit  of  the  Tower. 

A  short  distance  up  the  other  stairs,  which  commence 
from  within,  is  a  small  square  doorway.  This  was 
blocked  up  during  the  late  repairs.  It  was  formed  in 
the  lower  part  of  the  jamb  of  the  south  window,  and 
led  by  an  external  passage  in  front  of  the  window  and 
above  the  first  string-course,  which  is  protected  by  a 
small  embattled  parapet^  into  a  small  room  or  recess  in 
the  north-west  angle  of  the  Tower. 

These  rooms,  several  of  which  occupy  the  angles  of 
the  Tower,  are  about  five  feet  square.  They  are 
lighted  by  three  small  plain  loop-holes.  The  ceilings 
are  arched  and  groined.  The  semi-octagonal  ribs  spring 
from  plain  cubical  corbels  in  the  comers,  and  run 
transverse,  diagonally,  and  longitudinally. 

About  half  way  up  these  stairs,  a  passage  made  in  the 
thickness  of  the  wall,  and  lighted  by  two  square 
apertures,  which  are  placed  a  little  above  the  second 
string-course,  leads  to   another  of   the   little   rooms  in 


S74  TAMWORTH 

the  nordi-wett  angle.  Fiom  this  panage,  two  doorway 
communicated  with  the  chime-room,  the  nordiein  one 
of  which  is  now  nearly  bricked  up. 

The  ohime-room  contains  the  clock.  The  chimes  hsve 
long  been  disused,  and  the  zemains  of  the  machinery 
are  alone  found.  In  the  north-east  ang^,  a  doorway 
leads  into  one  of  ihe  small  square  rooms.  From  this, 
a  passage  in  the  east  wall,  lighted  by  two  loop-holes^ 
which  penetrate  through  into  the  chime-room,  conducts 
to  another  of  these  rooms,  in  the  south-east  comer. 

In  the  north  wall  of  the  diime-room,  is  a  recess  lighted 
by  a  large  trefoil-headed  aperture,  placed  just  above  the 
second  string-course,  now  half  bricked  up.  In  this  recess, 
is  a  door  fix>m  which  a  flight  of  steps  descends  for  some 
distance,  and  then  conducts  by  a  ladder  to  the  leads  of 
the  north  Aisle.  From  the  bottom  of  these  steps  a  pas- 
sage runs  along  the  south  wall,  and  at  the  end,  turns 
eastward,  conducting  to  the  leads  of  the  south  Aisle. 
Midway,  a  doorway  opens  upon  the  Nave.  This  must 
have  been  formed  after  the  clerestory;  as  otherwise  it 
would  have  been  placed  in  the  valley  of  the  high-pitched 
roof. 

Higher  up  the  stairs  than  the  passage  into  the  chime- 
room,  is  the  belfiry.  This  room  is  open  to  the  roof,  and 
very  lofty.  It  is  square  below,  but  above  assumes  an 
octagonal  'shape.  It  is  lighted  by  two  large  simple- 
pointed  windows  on  each  side.  The  jambs  and  architrave 
of  each  sie  only  moulded  externally.  The  muUion  divides 
into  two  branches  at  the  spring;  and  the  lights  are 
foliated.  In  some  of  the  windows,  the  mullion  has  been 
destroyed:  in  two,  it  has  lately  been  restored.  The 
dripstones  are  continuous,  and  terminate  by  angular 
returns.    In  each  comer  of  the  belfiry,  raised  consider- 


CASTLB    AKD  TOWN.  £75 

ably  above  the  ^oor,  is  one  of  the  usual  smaU  rooms. 
Here  they  have  rather  lost  their  quadrilateral  form, 
some  of  the  comers  being  cut  off.  In  this  case,  the 
corresponding  corbel  of  the  roof  is  deficient,  and  the 
groining  rib  appears  to  emerge  firom  the  wall. 

There  is  a  peal  of  six  bell  of  considerable  sise.  They 
are  tuned  in  the  key  of  E.,  are  melodious,  and  so  loud 
as  to  be  heard  at  a  considerable  distance  firom  the  town. 
They  all  bear  inscriptions,  stating  the  time  at  which 
they  were  founded. 

First  bell. 

I   FOTJHBED  WAS  THROUGH   CHARITIE,  BT  THOSB  WHO 
LOVB  SUOB  MSLODIE  •  1672. 

Second  belL 

I  H  S.    KAZARENUB    BEX    IVDSOBUM,    FILI  DEI,    MIS-* 
BRERE  MEI  .  16S1. 

Third  bell. 

OOD  SAVE   THE    CHtTBCH  .  16S9  .  R  W  E  W  CHURCH^ 
WAR. 

Fourth  bell. 

I  SWEETLY  TOLINO  MEN  DO  CAIX,  TO  TASTE  OK  MEATS 
THAT  FEEDS  THE  SOULE  .  1628. 

W  .  SMTIH  >  I  «  ELLIS  ,  CHtTRCHWARDBNS ;    R  .   BRA*^ 
BIN  ,  CLABKB. 

Fifth  bell. 

BRTANU8  BLDRtDGE  ME  FECTT  .  1656.      T    A  N  T. 

Sixth  or  great  belL 

BOLAND  FBANCE8  ,  HENBXE  HIlL  ,  OHUBCH  WABDENS  ; 
FETBB  9OBTON  ,  SIDESMAN  .  1607. 

BE  .  TT  .  KNOWN  .  TO  .  ALL  .  THAT  .  DOTH  .  ME  .  SEE  . 
THAT  .  NEWOOMBE  .  OF  •  LmCESTER  .  MADE  •  MB  .  1607. 

Two  ancient  customs  are  yet  retained  at  Tamworth« 
The  ringing  of  the  bell  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning. 


276  TAKWORTH 

which  fbnnerly  called  the  people  to  the  emly  maM, 
now  serves  to  summon  the  inhabitants  firom  their  night's 
repose.  The  curfew,  once  the  signal  for  persons  to  put 
out  their  fires  and  lights, — a  wholesome  regulation  when 
the  houses  were  principally  formed  of  wood, — is  stiU 
rung  at  eight  o'clodi  in  the  eyening.  But,  although  our 
good  ancestors  retired  so  early,  they  rose  at  dawn  of  day^ 
On  the  ISth  of  October,  1448,  it  was  ordered  at  the 
court-leet  that  the  dean  of  the  Church  should  cause  the 
bell  to  be  rung  every  morning  at  three  o'clock.*  In 
these  perverted  times,  it  would  only  sound  npon  the 
listless  ear  of  sleep. 

Higher  up  the  stairs  than  the  belfiry,  there  is  a  large 
aperture,  somewhat  like  a  doorway,  which  overlook  the 
bells.  The  stairs  then  tenmnate  at  the  door  leading 
upon  the  top  of  the  Tower.* 

The  parapets  are  plain  and  embattled,  with  the  coping 
moulding  continued  down  the  sides  of  the  embrasures, 
and  then  returned  horizontally.  Beneath  the  parapet, 
a  hollow  cornice-moulding  is  carried  along  the  four  sides, 
in  which  a  four-leaved  flower  and  other  ornaments  have 
been  introduced.  Near  the  ends  of  each  of  these,  a 
large  gurgoyle,  sculptured  into  a  grotesque  figure,  served 
to  carry  off  the  rain  from  the  gutters.  Almost  all  of 
these  gurgoyles  are  gone,  and  the  rest  greatly  decayed. 
The  summit  of  the  Tower  is  occupied  by  a  high  octa- 
gonal basement,  so  large  as  to  leave  only  a  narrow  path 
around.  It  is  generally  believed  that  it  was  intended  to 
be  the  foundation  of  a  large  central  spire;  but,  as  is 

1    CoQit  rolli,  V  H.  VI. 
t  8tnB|«nwboTlitttlitChiinfli,iadeMndiBrlhmitli«1^0Wcr,anItalitoto 
AiiiiataktandtekttlMwnnic  >tain»  m  that  thej  And  th«inielv«ft,  it  last,  wltiiliitlM 
Clnirdi,liiilMdoflBtlieClnirdi.y«id,   llieaiiiioymnceoniaTiBttoreCnoetlialritepa 
win  be  ATolded  bjr  obtenrlnr  that  the  itain  oommeBdiif  flOEtcraally  tenninafee  aerenl 
elept  alMiTe  the  lerel  of  the  oChen. 


CASTLE  AND   TOWN.  S77 

often  seen  in  large  ecclesiastical  edifices  on  the  continent, 
it  was  capped,  and  left  for  completion  at  a  subsequent 
period.  When  the  shortness  of  the  Tower  in  proportion 
to  the  length  of  the  body  of  the  Church  is  considered, 
this  opinion  does  not  appear  to  be  destitute  of  foundation. 
The  windows  in  this  building  were  most  likely  filled, 
at  one  time,  with  stained  glass  containing  many  a  figure 
of  a  saintly  person  or  pious  donor,  and  rich  with  illus- 
trations from  scriptiural  history  and  the  legendary  store 
of  the  chmrch.^  But  of  very  few  of  these  have  we  now 
any  record,  except  in  respect  to  the  coats  of  arms,  of 
which  notes  were  taken  in  the  years  1590  and  1597. 
They  probably  belonged  to  patrons  and  benefactors  of 
the  foundation,  or  to  their  families. 

1  Gu.,  three  lions  passant  guardant  Or;  on  a  label  of 
three  points  Az.,  nine  fleurs-de-liz  of  the  second. — 
Plantagenet. 

2  Arg.,  on  a  chief  Az.,  a  mullet  of  six  points  Or. — 
Clinton  of  Maxtoke-castle. 

8  Gu.,  a  lion  rampant  Or. 

4  Or,  three  chevronells  Gu. — Clare. 

5  Az.,  between  four  martlets,  a  cross  flory  Or. 

6  Az.,  a  bend  cotized  Arg.,  between  six  lions- ramp.  Or. 

7  Chequy  Or  and  Az. — ^Warren. 

8  Quarterly,  1st  and  4th  Az.,  three  fleurs-de-liz  Or; 
Snd  and  Srd  Gu.,  three  lions  passant  guardant  Or. 
— ^France  and  England. 

9  Gil.,  three  bars  wavy  Or. — Basset  of  Blore. 

10  Or,  a  cross  flory  Gu. — ^Frevile. 

11  Gu.,  seven   mascles  conjoined  8,   3,  and   1,   Or. — 
Ferrers  of  Groby. 

1  Fngjntatt  of  pointed  glass  have  fk«qaently  been  fonnd  on  opening  sraTes  in  the 
Chorch ;  bnt  until  lately  no  care  has  been  taken  of  them.  The  hand  of  an  episcopal 
pcnonage  raised  in  benediction,  part  of  the  head  of  a  priest,  and  some  small  pieces, 
were  recently  found  bi  opening  a  vault  in  the  Vestry. 

O  O 


278  TAMWORTH 

12  Plantagenet. 

13  Or,  a  chevron  Gu, — Stafford,  dukes  of  Buckingham. 

14  Gu.,  a  fess  between  six  crofis-crosslets  Or. — ^Beau- 
champ,  earls  of  Warwick. 

15  Or,  three  piles  Gu;  a  canton  Ermine. — Basset  of 
Drayton. 

16  Arg.,  three  bars  Az. ;  with  a  label  of  three  points  Or. 

17  Az.,  three  crowns  Or  two  and  one. 

18  a  border  of  fleurs-de-liz. 

19  Vairy  Arg.  and  Az.,  a  fess  Or,  with  a....indented  Gu. 

20  Fretty  Arg.  and  Sa. 

21  Or,  on  a  bend  cotized  Vert,  three  mullets  Gu. 

22  Or,  a  saltire  engrailed  Sa. — ^Botetourt. 

23  Gu.,  on  a  cross  engrailed  Or,  five  roses  of  the  first; 
impaling  party  per  pale  Or  and  Az. 

24  Arms  for  '^ Johannes  Ferrers,  miles,  &  Mat.. da 
. .  or.  d'na  Dorothea  ux . .  p'fat*  Jo'  Harpur." 

25  And  for  "Johannes  Ferrers,  mil',  fiP  Tho'  Ferrers. 
Anna  ux'  fil . .  Hastings,  mil',  &  Matild'  fil'  Stanley 
2  ux*."  "Johannes  Ferrers  &  Doro*  ux'  eius: 
obiit  1512." 

But  these  arms  of  the  Ferrers  were  so  mutilated  and 
so  badly  made  that  they  could  not  be  well  described.' 

Dugdale,  about  fifty  years  later,  mentions  only  two 
pieces  of  stained  glass.  One,  in  the  east  window  of 
the  Chancel,  depicted  William  the  Conqueror  in  die  act 
of  conferring  upon  Robert  de  Marmyon  the  Castle  of 
Tamworth  and  its  demesnes.  Below  the  representation 
was  written, 

JUiCf  per  mnUtlmum  Qtonqumovtm^  )9lo^ 
Itttnst  imarmion  i3omintt0  Qtmtlli  effin'tur. 

1    Htfl.  M.S.  :-8haw*s  Stailbrdsh.     The  inscripUona  assigned  to  the  liMt  two 
anns  have  been  inextricably  conftiacd.    They  most  have  been  rtry  sadly  broken. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  879 

The  second  representation  given  by  Dugdale  is  of  a 
lady  and  three  daughters,  and  a  knight  and  four  sons, 
all  kneeling  in  prayer ;  with  the  fragment  of  an  inscrip- 
tion below, 

(er«w  mttitijjf tt 

H^na  ttorot^ta 

On  his  surcoat  were  these  arms.  Quarterly,  1st.  Fer- 
rers of  Groby,  with  a  label  of  three  points.  2nd., 
Botetourt.  Srd.,  Freville.  4th.,  Mountford.  Upon  the 
mantle  of  lady  Dorothy  Ferrers,  were  nearly  similar 
arms ;  but  she  bore  those  of  Harper  additional. 

The  whole  of  this  stained  glass  was  destroyed  about 
the  middle  of  the  seventeenth  century,  very  probably 
by  the  hands  of  the  fanatical  puritans.     For  then — 

'*Tlie  rererend  pile  lay  wild  and  waate, 
Profaned,  diahonoored,  and  defaced ; 
nuroagh  storied  lattioea  no  more. 
In  loftened  light,  the  Bonbeams  poor, 
Gilding  the  Gothic  sculptore  rich, 
Of  shrine,  and  monument,  and  niche. 
The  ciril  fury  of  the  time 
Made  sport  of  sacrilegious  crime : 
For  dark  fanaticism  rent 
Altar,  and  skreen,  and  ornament.'' — Scott. 

So  that  when  Dr.  Thomas  visited  the  Church,  the  only 
anns  that  he  foimd  were  two  of  Repington,  in  the 
east  window,  which  still  exist. 

At  the  present  period,  a  very  few  pieces  of  stained 
glass  remain,  and  those  of  exceedingly  small  dimensions. 
They  are  all  placed  in  the  large  window  of  the  Chancel ; 
and  are  as  follows. 

In  the  head,  is  a  quantity  of  purple  and  orange  glass, 
not  arranged  in  any  very  particular  mode,  which  was 
given  by  Mr.  Arthur  Wyatt,  in  1809.  On  the  right 
hand,  is  a  small  but  ancient  piece.     It  bears  the  design 


280  TAMWORTH 

of  a  human  skulls  and  under  it  a  coffin  maiked  with 
a  cross  and  placed  upon  a  tressel.  Along  the  sides, 
are  short  scrolls,  thus  inscribed: — 

iiflorsf  et         StOitoto' 
Vma  toermfu^ 

VJollt  et  tfm 

numorare  ludiiMima 

Over  the  coffin  is  a  scroll. 

^ifinnt  mti  Htva. 

And  another  below. 

IBisfce  modt  ^la  morier6f« 

Below  this,  are  some  fragments  of  painted  glass  formed 
into  the  shape  of  a  church :  and  under  the  last  another 
small  but  ancient  piece,  representing,  as  the  title  above 
it  states, 

^dt  lyes  of  Susmtnt. 

Christ  is  there  depicted  as  sitting  in  judgment  upon 
man.  His  right  hand  is  raised  in  the  act  of 
benediction,  and  His  left  merely  extended.  He  is 
attended,  as  usual,  with  an  angel  bearing  the  cross, 
others  sounding  trumpets,  and  the  heavenly  host.  The 
right  side  of  the  piece  is  much  mutilated;  but  there 
remain  two  vfords, 

9Mti»  mtU 

of  the  short  but  glorious  invitation  to  the  mansions  of 
everlasting  rest  On  the  left,  stands  a  man,  and  over 
him  a  scroll  containing  the  fearful  sentence  of  con- 
demnation, 

5to  maUttirtu^  V  ijpie'  et^mu^ 

Many  bodies  are  rising  from  their  tombs,  some  with 
only  the  head  appearing,  others  half  out.  The  prevailing 
colour  of  the  two  old  pieces  is  yellow. 

On  the  other  side  of  this  window,  are  these  arms, — 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  281 

Ghi.,  a  fess  indented  Ermine,  between  six  biUets  Arg., 
— ^for  Bepington ;  impaling  Az,,  an  eagle  displayed  Arg., 
anned  Ghi., — ioft  Cotton  of  Hanurtall-Bidware.  Beneath, 
18  another  chuich  made  np  of  fragments;  and  under 
diat  a  second  coat  of  arms, — ^Bepington;  impaling 
Arg.,  three  bars  Ac ;  on  a  canton  Or,  a  fess,  and  in 
chief  three  masdes  Sa., — for  Stamford. 

In  the  three  blank  decorated  windows  on  the  north 
side  of  the  Chancel,  some  aims  and  designs  have  been 
painted,  but  are  much  fiided  and  discoloured,  either  by 
the  lapse  of  time,  or  by  the  ignorance  of  persons  who 
hate  repainted  them. 
In  the   first   or  eastern  window. 

1  Bendy  Arg.  and  Az.,  in  the  dexter  chief  a  mascle. 

2  A  chevron  between  three  flenrs-de-liz  Or. 
In  the  second  window. 

1  Arg.,  a  boar's  head  erased  Verif;  impaling  Sa.,  a 
chevron  Arg. 

2  Quarterly,  three  crescents,  one  in  chief  and  two  in 
base.    These  are  only  sketched  in  black  lines. 

In  the  third  window. 

1  Sa.,  a  fess  indented  between  three  mullets  Arg. ; 
impaling  Arg.,  a  chevron  in  a  border  Verif 

2  A  very  rough  drawing  of  some  part  of  this  or 
another  church,  and  only  remarkable  on  account 
of  the  buttress  at  the  end  being  depicted  as 
pinnacled. 

There  are  a  few  other  little  pieces  of  painting  in  these 
windows ;  but  of  them  nothing  can  now  be  made  out. 

When  we  discovered  the  painting  on  the  east  wall  of 
the  south  Transept,  the  sheet  containing  the  account 
of  that  part  of  the  Church  was  in  the  hands  of  the 
pxinter,  (see  page  260).    More  extended  research  enables 


882  TAMWOBTH 

U8  now  to  give  a  better  description  of  these  inteiesting 
remains. 

The  south  half  of  the  wall  has  been  painted  over  with 
fiet-work,  as  we  stated;  and,  in  all  the  red  loaoenge* 
shaped  intervals,  a  black  crescent  has  been  introduced. 
This  part  has  plainly  repiesented  the  day  of  judgment 
Besides  the  three  female  figures  fiidng  northwards, 
CTidently  placed  for  those  who  shall  be  living  at  the 
second  advent  of  our  Lord,  there  are  opposite  three 
naked  demi-figures,  priests  from  their  shaven  crowns, 
rising  firom  a  tomb.  These  face  in  a  contrary  direction 
to  the  others.  In  the  interval  between  them,  has 
doubtless  been  a  figure  of  Christ;  but  it  has  been 
obliterated,  and  the  wall  plastered. 

The  remaining  half  of  the  east  wall  contains  paintings. 
These  are  considerably  later  than  the  other  piece,  and 
are  executed  in  a.  much  superior  style.  They  are  drawn 
upon  plaster :  and  have  been  so  greatly  injured  that  the 
subject  can  only  partially  be  made  out.  Under  a  four- 
centred  depressed  arch  ornamented  with  crockets  and 
finial,  is  the  figure  of  a  female  kneeling  by  an  altar, 
on  the  edge  of  which  her  conjoined  hands  are  placed. 
Close  to  her  and  behind  the  altar,  stands  a  bishop, 
holding  in  the  left  hand  a  closed  book,  and  in  the 
right  a  pastoral  staff.  The  bishop's  mitre  is  placed  upon 
the  altar.  In  the  upper  part  of  the  arch,  a  hand  is 
seen  in  the  act  of  benediction,  and  seems  significant 
that  the  blessing  of  Heaven  rested  on  the  act  performed 
imdemeath.  To  the  right,  is  another  similar  arch,  with 
the  benedictory  hand;  but  the  subject  below  is  com- 
pletely gone.  Under  the  left  pillar  of  this  arch,  are 
the  remains  of  a  female  figure  praying  and  turned 
towards    the   bishop.      The   subject    seems    to    be    the 


CASTLE  ANP  TOWN.  283 

profession  of  a  nun ;  and  may  have  related  to  the  legend 
of  St.  Editha,  the  patroness  of  the  Church. 

This  piece  has  been  very  greatly  mutilated  by  the 
removal  of  portions,  and  the  plastering  up  of  the 
crevices  and  hollows.  Only  one  end  of  the  altar 
remains,  all  the  lower  portion,  including  the  greater 
part  of  the  female  figures,  is  gone,  the  bishop  is 
imperfect,  in  fact  nothing  is  complete.  At  the  com- 
mencement of  Elizabeth's  reign,  it  was  ordered  that 
all  '^ superstitious'*  paintings  should  be  obliterated,  and 
appropriate  sentences  or  texts  from  scripture  written 
over  the  space  which  they  had  occupied.  The  injunction 
appears  to  have  been  fully  carried  out  here.  Parts 
were  broken  down,  the  whole  whitewashed  over,  and 
sentences  then  written.  We  attempted  to  decypher  the 
inscriptions  before  proceeding  to  investigate  the  remains 
beneath;  but  we  found  it  impossible  by  any  means  we 
could  adopt.  All  representations  of  any  of  the  three 
Persons  of  the  Blessed  Trinity,  even  of  the  Son  in  His 
humanity,  were  especial  objects  of  destruction:  and 
hence  we  may  account  for  the  removal  of  the  figure  of 
Christ,  in  the  day  of  judgment.  It  was  the  sudden 
termination  of  the  piece,  where  this  had  been,  which 
led  us  to  conclude  that  beyond  there  was  no  more 
painting. 

Having  devoted  a  considerable  space  to  the  description 
of  the  architectural  details  of  the  Church,  we  shall 
conclude  the  subject,  with  a  very  few  remarks  on  it« 
general  appearance. 

Altc^ther  it  is  a  noble  and  venerable  pile.  The 
Tower  especially  is  remarkably  massive  and  grand. 
Flanked  by  its  tuxrets  and  bold  buttresses,  siumounted 
by   four  pinnacles  of  imusual  dimensions,   it  bears   an 


284  TAMWORTH 

aspect  of  greater  me,  solidity,  and  gnmdeur,  than  we 
have  seen  in  any  other  parish-ehuich. 

Entering  the  principal  door  at  the  western  end,  we 
stand  in  a  lofty  yaulted  hall,  which,  although  gready 
robbed  of  its  original  proportions,  yet  retains  a  fine 
appearance.  We  pass  into  the  Nave;  and  a  long  per- 
spective of  pillars,  arches,  and  deiestory,  stands  before 
us.  Internally  it  is  spacious  and  lofty.  The  clustered 
columns  and  pointed  arches  of  the  Nave  and  the  decorated 
character  of  the  remainder  of  the  structure  contrast 
strangely,  yet  not  inhaxmoniously,  with  the  heavy  massive 
Norman  architecture  of  the  Transept-arches. 

The  whole  of  the  Church  within  has  formerly  been 
very  fine;  but  the  eye  is  pained,  at  every  point,  by 
evidence  of  the  mutilation  and  destruction,  which  the 
taste  and  repairs  of  the  last  age  have  wrought.  The 
walls  are  thickly  covered  and  the  fine  moulding  concealed 
by  an  almost  incredible  accumulation  of  colouring  and 
whitewash.  The  original  tracery  of  the  windows  has 
given  place  to  wretched  specimens  of  the  modem  gotfaic 
in  its  most  debased  condition.  The  carved  oak  roo6 
have  been  deprived  of  their  noblest  features.  The 
ancient  screen,  forming  the  entrance  into  the  Choir, 
has  disappeared;  and  iron  rails,  with  tawdry  gilded 
scroll-work,  obstruct  the  way.  The  eastern  wall  is 
graced  with  a  specimen  of  domestic  Oredan  wood-work, 
intended  as  an  altar-piece. 

The  mantle  of  ''one  Cottrel  a  mason"  seems  but  too 
effectually  to  have  descended  on  his  successors.  Every 
repair  afforded  to  this  venerable  fabric,  has  been  made 
the  means  of  effecting  injury — oft  irreparable, — to  its 
details ;  and  it  stands,  at  this  moment,  a  striking  mon- 
ument of  that  dark  age  of  architecture,  from  which 
we  are  happily  just  emerging. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  28& 

Thanks  to  the  good  taste  now  prevalent,  the  progress 
of  desolation  seems  to  be  at  length  arrested ;  and,  in  the 
style  and  execution  of  the  most  recent  repairs,  we 
recognise  the  dawn  of  a  long  wished  for  day,  when 
every  blow  of  the  mason's  hammer,  every  stroke  of  his 
chisel,  shall  assist  in  restoring  to  us,  and  perpetuating 
to  our  successors,  the  splendid  memorials  of  the  genius 
and  piety  of  our  forefathers. 

MONUMENTS  AND  TOMBSTONES. 

Contrary  to  what  might  be  expected  from  the  size 
and  antiquity  of  the  edifice,  and  from  the  residence  of 
several  eminent  fSunilies  in  the  town  and  its  immediate 
neighbourhood,  the  Church  does  not  contain  a  great 
number  of  sepulchral  monuments.  Those  of  a  modem 
date,  consisting,  with  but  one  exception,  merely  of 
tablets  placed  on  the  walls,  are  similar  to  those  usually 
adopted  at  the  present  time,  and  do  not  rise  very 
greatly  above  mediocrity.  There  are  also  many  grave- 
stones placed  in  the  floor,  the  majority  of  which  pretend 
to  no  higher  merit  than  that  of  recording  the  names  of 
those  who  lie  beneath.  The  few  ancient  tombs  that 
still  remain,  are  alone  worthy  of  especial  notice,  not- 
withstanding the  miserable  mutilation  which  they  have 
suffered.  Indeed,  to  such  a  degree  have  they  been 
defaced,  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  trace  their  details, 
and  ascertain  to  whom  they  originally  belonged. 

The  violation  of  these  venerable  memorials  of  the 
dead,  has  generally  been  attributed  to  the  parliamentarian 
army,  in  the  seventeenth  century.  The  officers  are  said 
then  to  have  converted  this  building  into  stables,  to 
have   caused  the   effigies  on   the  monuments  to  be  dis- 

p  p 


286  TAMWORTH 

figured,  and  to  have  torn  up  the  brasses  diat  they 
might  enrich  themselves  with  the  paltry  profits  of  thdr 
sale.  But,  whatever  the  republicans  may  have  done,  it 
cannot  be  doubted  that  a  vast  amount  of  injiuy  must 
be  referred  to  others,  both  anteriorly  and  subsequently 
to  the  civil  war.  The  puritans  are  too  often  made  a 
scape-goat  to  bear  the  sins  of  persons  less  excusable 
than  they. 

But  however  deficient  the  monuments  and  tombstones 
may  be  in  an  architectural  point  of  view,  they  are  of 
considerable  importance.  For  the  inscriptions  which 
they  bear,  convey  much  useful  and  interesting  infimnation. 
We  will  give  an  abstract  of  the  whole  throughout, 
and  describe  those  deserving  particular  attention. 

On  the  floor  of  the  Nave,  are  only  five  tombstones. 
John  Wilson,  captain  in  the  Royal  Navy,  died  Sept 
Ist,  1797,  aged  66  years;  Frances,  his  daughter  by  his 
second  wife,  Dec.  15th,  1799,  aged  22.  Frances  his 
wife,  daughter  of  Thomas  Broadley  of  Hull,  died  Feb. 
21st,  1769,  aged  82.  Mary  Wilson,  his  second  wife, 
died  April  9th,  1805,  aged  60.  Thomas  Yaughton  died 
May  26th,  1759,  aged  77 ;  Mary  his  wife,  June  6th, 
1719,  aged  38.  Mary  Dyall  died  Feb.  25th,  179S, 
aged  75;  John  Yaughton,  Oct  14th,  1777,  aged  6S; 
Samuel  Grrundy,  Nov.  21st,  1803,  aged  53. 

Sixteen  tombstones  are  placed  in  the  north  Aisle.  One 
illegible.     Ann  Harding  died  July  21st,  1768,  aged  28 

years.    John  Watterson ;  his  wife   Hannah  died 

Dec.  25th,  1744.  George  Arthur  Herbert,  of  Glanhafiren, 
in  Montgomeryshire,  died  March  6th,  1821,  ^  aged  36 
years.  Seliza  Alford  died  Feb.  3rd,  1811.  (Godfrey's 
vault  under  the  font.  Mary  Paull,  died  Dec.  27th,  1772, 
aged  61.    Elizabeth  Bradgate  died  Aug.  3rd,  1761,  aged 


CA6TLB    AND  TOWN.  S87 

86.  J.  Marshall,  of  Wilnecote,  died  Jan.  18th,  1800, 
aged  46.  Josiah  Marshall  died  April  6th,  1793,  aged 
78.  Philip  Bearcroft,  gent,  son  of  Thomas  Bearcroft, 
of  Bradley,  in  Worcestershire,  died  Sept.  Slst,  1695,  aged 
88;  Elizabeth  his  wife,  daughter  of  William  Frith,  of 
Merevale,  in  Warwickshire, — she  had  issue  five  daughters, 
—died  April  8th,  1692,  aged  81.  Between  the  second 
and  third  windows,  is  a  large  mural  monument,  the  sum- 
mit hidden  by  the  gaUery.  On  it  is  the  figure  of  an 
in&nt,  supporting  and  weeping  over  a  medallion  that  bears 
a  profile  of  the  deceased.    Below  is  this  inscription. 

Quod  laperert  Johannis  Hoicbr 

Hie  JQXta  deponi  Toluity 

Unde  oitom  habait  ibidem  ut  rediret. 

Qnalif  ent  in  arte  Medica  et  Chimrgiea 

Moltia  non  opus  est  loqni. 

Teftantnr  MorU  et  partnrientitim  Labores  relerati, 

Piuriboa  qnam  ennmenure  nunc  est, 

Panperibiu  cqae  ac  LocnpletibaB, 

Qnippe  hnmani  idbil  a  se  aHenmn  putavit. 

Com  annos  cerciter  triginti  apod  Londinensia 

Fam«  inaenriaaet, 

Comparatia  interim  et  opibna  et  amicia, 

Et  jam  oedere  poaset  nti  aator  conviya, 

Hnic  commigrana  vicinist 

Ut  aalati  conauleret  et  otio, 

In  ipao  itinere  anfaito  eat  oorreptna* 

Ang.  19,  Anno  D"*-  1769,  iEutia  56. 

To  the  right  of  the  west  window,  is  a  small  mural 

monument.  ftear 

tbia  Place  lyea 

tbeBodyof 

Edward  Wolyeratan,  Gent., 

who  departed  tf»S#  Life 

May  the  27th.,  1761,  Aged  69. 

He  waa  the  second  Son 

of  the  late 

Rer.  Mr.  Stanford  Wolverstan, 

of  Wooton, 

in  the  County  of  Warwick. 

Alao  the  Body  of  Alice  Wolverstan, 

Rdict  of  the  Said  Edward  Wolventan, 

who  departed  thu  Life  7^-  Jnne,  1766, 

ageH  76. 
Two  stones  below  mark  where  the  bodies  lie. 


288  TAMWORTH 

On  the  opposite  side  of  this  window,  is  a  laxge  mnnl 
monument  recording  the  deaths  of  Elizabeth,  wife  erf 
William  Paull,  May  26th,  1787,  at  the  age  of  2S 
J^ears;— of  Mary  and  Jane,  their  in&nt  children ;-— of 
William  PauU,  July  8th,  1816,  aged  65,^— of  Joseph- 
Samuel,  his  son,  Jan«  2Snd,  1818,  aged  14 ;— of  Elia- 
beth,  wife  of  William,  Sept  20th,  1821,  aged  50. 

Fourteen  stones,  several  illegible,  lie  in  the  south 
Aisle.  Walter  Howe  died  Jan.  17th,  1798,  aged  94. 
Margaret,  wife  of  William  NichoUs,  died  in  March,  17S5. 
Elizabeth,  wife  of  John  Ball,  died  March  18th,  1742, 
aged  45 ;  John  Ball,  17  . .  aged  4. .  Mary,  daughter 
of  John  and  Mary  Marriott,  died  Oct.  20th,  1790,  aged 
28;  Mary,  wife  of  John,  March  11th,  1792,  aged  65. 
Ann  Ball  died  Nov.  16th,  1778 ;  her  sister  Elizabeth 
Matthews,  Aug.  Ist,  1800,  aged  91.  Dightonmathe, 
gent.,  died  Oct.  16th,  1777.  W.  Lyon's  vault.  Steph. 
Fletcher,  of  Manchester,  died  Sept.  25th,  1779,  aged  60. 
John  Wilmot  died  Nov.  17th,  1821,  aged  81.  Walter  Rose 
died  Feb.  9th,  17S0,  aged  61 ;  Jane  his  wife,  Jan.  2nd, 
1782,  aged  68;  Charles  Rose,  May  Srd,  1770.  At  the 
east  end,  on  the  floor  beneath  the  pedestal  that  once 
supported  our  Lady's  image,  are  the  remains  of  two 
gravestones  which  have  been  employed  in  forming  the 
pavement.    The  date  of  one  remains, 

luNBi  Anno  Dobc. 
1643. 

On  the  other,  are  some  arms,  over  which  a  stove  has 
been  placed, — a  fess,  and  in  chief  three  mullets ;  impal- 
ing a  chevron  between  three  swans.  The  destruction 
of  the  first  stone  is  much  to  be  lamented,  as  the  date 
corresponds  with  the  time  that  the  Castle  was  besieged 
by  the  parliament's  army,  in  the   civil  war.     It  is  not 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  289 

improbably  it  bore  the  record  of  some  person  who  was 
slain  at  that  memorable  period.  At  the  west  end^  is  a 
stone,  once  enlayed  with  brass.  There  are  the  marks  of 
the  figure  of  a  man,  above  him  a  coat  of  arms  on  each 
side  of  which  is  a  child.  In  the  comers,  four  squares 
are  cut  out,  and  around  the  whole  is  a  marginal  groove. 
On  the  east  of  the  north  Norman  arch,  is  a  small 
mural  marble  to  the  memory  of  William  Brown,  of 
Arkall-house,  who  died  Oct.  16th,  1826,  aged  47  years ; 
his  son  Benjamin  Bickley  Brown  died  March  16th,  1816, 
aged  9  months.  On  the  opposite  side  of  the  same  arch, 
is  another  small  mural  marble. 

IN  THS  NORTH   CHANCBL 

OF  THIS   CHURCH  y 

ARB  DBPOSITKD  THS  RBMAINS  OF 

CHARLES  EDWARD  REPIN6T0N,  sga"., 

OF   AICINOTON  HALL,   IN  THS  COUNTY   OF  WARWICK, 
WHO   DSPARTBD  THIS   LIFS 

ON  THS  27th  of  Junb,  1837« 

AOBD   82  YXAR8. 

Arms  above: — Quarterly,  1st  and  4th,  Gu.,  a  fess  in- 
dented Ermine,  between  six  billets  A]i^., — ^Repington; 
Snd  and  3rd,  Arg.,  a  firet  Sa.,  and  canton  Ghi. — ^Vernon. 
Impaling  Gu.,  two  helmets  in  chief  A]i^.,  and  a  garb 
in  base  Or — Cholmley.  Crest : — a  demi-antilope  Gu., 
maned,  bearded,  tusked  and  homed  Or,  billetted  Arg. 
Motto : — ^VTRTUS  PROPTER  SB.  On  the  south  wall  opposite, 
is  a  marble  monument, — ^Buth,  wife  of  James  Oldershaw, 
surgeon,  and  daughter  of  John  WUcockson,  of  Works- 
worth,  in  Derbyshire,  died  March  15th,  1781,  aged  46 ; 
James  Oldershaw,  Sept.  1st,  1788,  aged  68. 

In  the  north  Transept,  are  ten  tombstones.  John  and 
Mary  Ann,  infant  children  of  Will,  and  Cath.  Alport, 
were  interred  Feb.  22nd,  1797 ;  their  daughter  Marianne 
died  May  15th,  1821,  aged  21.    Ann,  wife  of  Richard 


S90  TAMWORTH 

Freeman,  died  Aug*  22nd,  1790,  aged  47;  Bichaid 
Freeman,  Jan.  10th,  1807,  aged  58.  WilUama  Bioe 
died  June  10th,  1805,  aged  64.  John  Freeman  died 
Feb.  18th,  1814,  aged  S6;  Bichaid  Freeman,  Dec.  Slat, 
1822,  aged  42;  John  Freeman,  Sept  5th,  1828,  aged 
72;  Thomas  Freeman,  Sept.  Srd,  1885,  aged  58.  Mary 
RoUnson  died  Jan.  80th,  1821,  aged  64.  Thomas 
Freeman  died  Dec.  2nd,  1822,  aged  77 ;  Alice  Freeman, 
March  2nd,  1826,  aged  85.  Edward  Powell  died  July 
Ist,  1787,  aged  55;  Ann  his  wife,  Dec.  4th,  1792, 
aged  61.  Ahoye  the  door  leading  into  the  Aisle,  is  a 
small  mural  marble  stating  that  William  Alport,  of 
Comberfordy  died  Dec.  5th,  1818,  aged  58.  On  the 
side  of  the  stairs  leading  into  the  north  gallery,  is  a 
small  neat  mural  monument,  which,  at  the  end  of 
the  last  century,  was  placed  on  the  south  wall  of  the 
Chantry-chapel. 

Hie  sitam  est  Monmnentiim,  dinteniitate  Vero 

Temporii  et  beUls  phuqatm  dTilibu  dinitwn» 

Famili»,  non  ita  pridem  florentU  GentU, 

amplne  et  honeitB  CoBCBBRVOROiomuif : 

Qui  da  hoc  Mnnidpio  cnm  in  aliit  torn 

in  hoc  Templo  sdificando  optime  memenmt : 

Domini  CoicBsmvomniJi  indanere  Anaif  aeptingentis. 

In  RoBsmTO  aatem  noviitimo  atirpii  Amouacji 

Sitfff^rditmrii  Tiro  Genu  extinctam  ploratar, 

Qtni  ohyt  A.D.  1671 ;  et  hie,  com  ooniorte 

Domina  CxTHamiNA  Batbs  fitijaque  doabni 

Mabia  et  Anna,  rais  Heredihne.  Tvimilo 

oonditor.    Nomen  adhnc  viget  in  stirpe 

Hibemlaca,  quae  Rcgem  Jacobum  atewMftMi 

In  GaUiam  aeeata  eat ;  atqne  ibi  Akolunls, 

in  ProTinda  de  ChoK^agne  Dominio. 

indgnitor  1725. 

Arms  above : — Gtu,  a  talbot  passant  Arg., — Comberford ; 
impaling  Sa.,  a  fess  between  three  hands  erect  A]i^., — 
Bates.  Crest:— out  of  a  ducal  coronet  Or,  a  peacock's 
head  proper. 

On  the  floor  below. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  291 

Samuel  Bearoslky, 
of  Wiffffington,  Geot.,  late  Town-CIark 

of  this  Borough  >  which  Office  he 

accepted  in  the  Tear  1742,  and  executed 

with  Ability,  Proberty,  and  DUigenee, 

till,  on  account  of  hia  Ul-state  of  health, 

he  resigned  in  the  year  1759. 

He  died  Noir.  13th.,  1760,  Aged  43. 

He  married  Elizabeth,  ReUct  of 

Thomas  Bott,  of  Coventry,  Gent. ; 

by  whom  he  had  no  Issue. 

She,  out  of  her  eoigugal  Affection,  caused 

this  Stone  to  be  placed  in  Remembrance 

of  him. 

Arms   above: — ^Arg.^    two   bars  and  a  canton   6u.     An 

escutcheon  of  pretence^ — Quarterly^   1st  and  4th^  Vaiiy 

Ennine  and  Gu., — Gresley;    2nd  Gn.^   a  lion  rampant 

Arg. ;  3rd,  Or,  a  chevron  Ermine,  between  three  mullets 

Gil.  pierced  of  the  field, — ^Bott. 

Twenty-six  stones  are  placed  in  the  south  Transept. 

Mary  Heath  died  Oct.  S4th,  1780,   aged  38.      Of   the 

children  of  Benjamin  and  Johanna  Milchell,   Elizabeth 

died  Dec.    88th,  1725,  aged  4 ;   Mary,  Jan.  4th,    1726, 

aged  1 ;  Benjamin,  Jan.  29th,  1726,  aged  1.    Littleton 

Wolverstan,    gent.,    died  Nov.    14th,    1769,    aged    63. 

Dorothy,  relict  of  Timothy  St.  Nicholas,  died  June  20th, 

1748;    '^benevolentla,    Pietate,  ac    predpue    Charitate, 

nuUi  secunda.''    John,  son  of  Joseph  and  Ann  Heath, 

died  Oct.  29th,  1777,  aged  11;  John  and  Richard,  their 

sons,  died  young ;  Ann,  wife  of  Joseph,  died  June  10th, 

1781,  aged  40;   Joseph,  son  of  Joseph  and  Ann,  Dec. 

3l8t.,    1833,   aged  70.     Henry  Wood  Roby  died   Apr. 

6th,  1789,  aged  1  year  11  mo.     Sarah  Dawes  died  Aug. 

14th,  1724.    Anne,  wife  of  Joseph  Hood,  died  Nov.  2ndi 

1716,   aged  28.      The   rev.   Jonah   Malkin  died  Aug. 

22nd,  1766,  aged  76;  Abigael  his  wife,  Oct.  7th,  1781, 

aged  76.    Timothy  Vaughton  died  June  1st,  1778,  aged 

78.    Elizabeth  Malkin  died  Sept.  20th,  1799,  aged  64; 


292  TAMWORTH 

Sarah  her  sister^  Sept.  2l8t,  1800,  aged  74;  Margaret 
their  siater,  widow  of  Ralph  Prentice^  May  SQth, 
1821,  aged  88.  Johanna  Heath  died  Oct  24th,  1801, 
aged  90;  Joseph  her  son,  July  10th,  1802,  aged  71; 
Mary  his  daughter,  Apr.  19th,  1798,  aged  20 ;  Thomas 
his  son,  Sept.  27th,  1821,  aged  63.  Ensign  Benjamin 
Yaughton  died  June  ISth,  1779,  aged  6S.  Thomas, 
son  of  Tho.  Blood,  of  Bohall-st,  died  Jan.  16th,  17 . ., 
aged  21.  Benjamin  Blood,  gent,  died  May  7th,  1796, 
aged  74.  Abigael,  wife  of  Thomas  Homer,  died  Sept 
22nd,  1701,  aged  21 ;  Thomas  Homer,  Feb.  27th,  1750, 
aged  73 ;  Mary  his  wife,  Oct  4th,  1767 ;  Dorothy  their 
daughter,  Nov.  26th,  1794.  John  Yaughton,  gent, 
died  Sept  24th,  1777,  aged  78 ;  Humphry  his  brother, 
Aug.  24th,  1785,  aged  83.  John  Clarke,  M.D.;  Eliza- 
beth his  widow  died  Nov.  10th,  1843,  aged  82.  Dinah, 
wife  of  John  Meacham,  gent,  died  Jan.  27th,  1790,  aged 
62 ;  John  Meacham,  gent.,  July  21st,  1798,  aged  68. 
Tho.  Ball,  gent  Harriott  Fletcher  died  Nov.  29th, 
1838,  aged  72.  John  Freeman,  of  Amington,  died 
March  29th,  1822,  aged  32.  Catherine  Bloar  died 
June  16th,  1772,  aged  88;  Mary  her  daughter.  Sept 
1st,  1772,  aged  54 ;  Jane  Bloar,  June  10th,  1781,  aged 
61.  Sarah  Radford  died  Sept  13th,  1728.  John 
G^errard,  physician,  died  in  April,  1698,  in  his  33rd  year: 
he  married  Sarah,  youngest  daughter  of  Richard  Taylor, 
of  Ansley,  and  had  one  surviving  son.  Above  the 
doorway  into  the  south  Aisle,  is  a  small  mural  marble, 
bearing  a  female  figure  weeping  over  an  urn,  on  which  is 
inscribed,  thy  will  be  done.    Below,  is  this  inscription. 

8ACEBD  TO  THB  MBICOBT  OF 

JOHN  CLARKE,  M.D., 
OF  London  and  of  Wioointon  lodob  in  this  countt, 

BOBN   DSCBMBBK   19*^,   1760  ;   DISD  AUGUST  SI"*,    1S15. 

4f«eMcNi't  kut  MMe 
7b  th*  heti  ^f  Htuktmdi,  if  mofl  wemphrp  qf  Men. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  29S 

Aniu:— Arg.,  on  a  bend  Gu.^  between  three  pellets  as 
many  swans  ppr.  An  escutcheon  of  pretence,  quarterly, 
Ist  and  4th,  Az.,  on  a  bend  between  three  lions'  heads 
Aig.,  as  many  escallop-shells  of  the  first;  8nd  and 
Sid,  Aig.,  on  a  chevron  Sa.,  three  fleurs-de-liz  of  the 
first  Crest: — A  lark  with  wings  expanded  ppr.,  hold- 
ing in  the  beak  an  ear  of  wheat  Or. 

In  the  Chancel. — On  the  south  wall  of  the  Chancel, 
above  the  piscina,  is  a  small  tablet. 

HnS  TNDSR  LYSTH   IN  TBKBBD  THE   BODY  OF 
HiNET  MlCHBLL,   GbNTL',    AND   MaKOARBT,    HIS  FIBST 
Win;  BT  WHOM  HB  BAD   T88VB  THBBB  SONNBS  AND 
IXATBK    DAYOHTBBS;  AMD   BY  KaTHBBINB,   HIS  8BC0ND 

Wife,  whom  hb  leftb  liyinge,  two  daughtbbb. 
He  was  Iustice  of  fbacb,  Yndeb  Steward,  and 

TOWNECLABCKB   OF  TaMWOBTHB   36  YEBE9  ;  AND 

departed  this  life  the  3.  OF  Dbcember,  1629. 
On  the  same  wall,  is  a  large  monument. 

M.  S. 

Tho.  Wilungton  de  Whateley  in  agro  Wanne>,  Gronerosi 

Patru  et  m 

Ijadem  nominibiis,  fortona,  tandem  tomnlo 

Pk«matara  aorte  Hsredis ; 

JuTenia  oniatiaaimi 

Ezimya  tam  natone  qoam  discipliiic  dotibna  instmcti, 

Pectoria,  nimimm,  candore  niTeo  ; 

Monun  an'ma  hnmanitate ; 

Fronte  aperta,  Fide  integerrima. 

Studio  in  patriam,  pro  annia  ardentiori ; 

Ingenio  prestanti,  Doctrina  hand  irnlgari ; 

Pietatis,  deniq.  (qnod  snm'am  decna  eat)  senan  penitiori. 

Tali  orbata  filio 

lignbre  marmor  tenerrima  erezit  mater, 

Maria,  filiaram  altera  Johannis  Swtnfen,  de  Swynfen,  amig'-, 

Viri  gnfiiaimi*  et  inter  huina  aaltem  oppidi  monicipea  satis  oelebria, 

Utpote  qnomm  olim,  in  snm'o  regni  aenatn, 

Eximia  cnm  lande,  din  anatinnit  vices. 

Fratri  Chariaaimo, 

Hand  proprina  Sanguine ; 

Qnam  moribna  ijtdemy  caatiaaimia,  SnaYiasimis, 

Virtntnm  conaenau, 

Et  Pietatia  neceaaitndine  cognata ; 

Florentiaaima  ilidem  abrepta  ^tate ; 

In  eodem  conqniescit  Tnmnlo, 

Anna  e  aororibua  lunior, 

Ob«-  Nov  6»,  1711. 

Q  Q 


294  TAMWOBTH 

Anns   above: — Gu.,  a   saltire  Tairy  Axg.   and   Ax.;   a 

crefloent  Or,  for  a  difference.    Crest: — a  pine  tree  ppr., 

fruited  Or. 

On  the  north  wall  of  the  Chanoel,  at  the  east  end, 

is  another  large  monument. 

Nere  to  thii  pUee, 

lyechintemd 

J*  body  of  Elixabbtr»  dftugfata* 

of  WiLUAM  NoBi^  of  KimKBT,  in  7* 

County  of  Lbicb8TBB»  Esq., 

Wife  of  Ralph  AnDsmLBT  of  Aldshwas, 

in  J*  oonnty  of  Stafford,  Eso.  ; 

by  whome  ihe  had  isnie  one  sonne, 

CHAnute. 

She  titer  married  to  Ralph  Fltbr,  of  Hints, 

in  y*  laid  oonnty  of  Stafford,  Esq., 

and  departed  this  life 

the  first  day  of  May,  A*  D'ni  mdclxi, 

aged  Lxxxii  yeares. 

To  whose  memory 

S*  Cbarlxs  Addsrlbt,  of  Haicics, 

in  the  comity  of  Warwick,  K"^, 

(her  only  Mnne) 

erected  this  Monmnent 

Arms  ahove : — ^Arg.^  on  a  bend  Az.,  three  masdes  of  the 

first;  impaling  Or,  fretty  Gu.,  a  canton  Ermine. 

On  the  ground,   at  a  little  distance,   but  within  the 

communion-rails,  is  the  stone  of  sir  John  Ferrers,  knt., 

thus  inscribed. 

If  trot  hast  a  mindr  to  knows 
wh08b  corpbs  intbrrbd  libs  bblowb, 

LbaST  THOY  TRINKB  THBSB  words   IN  8T0NB 

Arb  all  that's  lbft  of  him  bbino  oonb, 
glyb  barb  vnto  thb  vtrioht  tongyb 
of  whosobrb  hb  litbd  amonob, 

ThBN  FRBBD  FROM  DOUBTB  THOT  WILT  CONSBNT 

hb  i(bft  a  chorcbr  moncmbnt. 
Anno  domini 
1633. 

Arms  above : — Vairy  Or  and  6u. :   those  below,  Sa.,  a 

bend  of  lozenges  cotized  Arg. — ^Puckering. 

Close  by   the  last,   upright  against  the  north   wall, 

and  enclosed   in   iron  rails,   stands   the  large  modem 

marble    monument   of   the   Ferrers'  family.      However 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  295 

anomalous  in  regard  to  the  appropriateness  of  the  design, 
it  is  very  good  in  point  of  execution,  and  serves  to 
exhibit  an  excellent  specimen  of  the  style  prevalent  in 
later  times.  The  two  principal  figures,  of  the  size  of 
life,  are  arrayed  in  the  ancient  Roman  costume,  with  the 
flowing  wigs  worn  in  the  time  of  Charles  II.  Both 
kneel  upon  one  knee,  one  with  clasped,  the  other  with 
extended  hands.  Above  each  of  these,  is  a  cupid, 
kneeling  in  the  same  way,  who  supports  a  large  wreath 
of  fruits  and  flowers  finely  carved  that  descends  over  a 
kind  of  sarcophagus  from  below  a  large  funereal  urn, 
surmounting  the  whole.  Beneath  the  principal  figures, 
in  the  centre,  are  carved  in  alto-relief  a  group  of  spears, 
a  bow,  arrows,  trophies,  banners,  a  helmet,  armour,  and 
other  insignia  of  Roman  warfare,  an  inverted  torch,  and 
the  ghastly  head  of  Medusa  with  her  snaky  hair. 

Betwixt  the  two  cupids,  are  the  following  arms. 
Quarterly  of  six;  1st,  vairy  Or  and  Gu. — Ferrers;  2nd, 
Frevile ;  Srd,  vairy  Arg.  and  Az.,  a  fess  Sa. — ^Marmyon ; 
4th,  bendy  of  six  Or  and  Az. — ^Mountford;  5th,  Bote- 
tourt; and  6th,  Puckering.  Supporters: — a  horse,  and  a 
bear.  On  the  right  side  of  the  alto-relief  below,  are 
the  arms  of  Ferrers ;  impaling  Az.,  a  bend  engrailed 
between  six  martlets  Or — Pigot:  and,  on  the  left  side, 
are,  Ferrers;  with  an  escutcheon  of  pretence,  Arg.,  on 
a  bend  Sa.,  three  mascles  of  the  field — Carleton. 

On  a  tablet  between  the  two  principal  figures,  is  the 

following  inscription,  written  by  sir  William  Dugdale.* 

Hie  situs  est 

JoANKSS  FsmftBRs  de  tamwokth-cabtro  Arm., 

filios  HuMFKiDi  FsRaKRS  eqa :  aur :  aniens ; 

sntiqnissinii  FiRBAnioRVM  stirpis 

(olim  de  Fbrrariis  et  Dbrbt  Comitnm)  heres  mascnlns, 

ac  pnedpni  ijnsdem  familiae  germinis,  nltimns. 

1    Hamper's  life  of  Dogdale. 


296  TAMWORTH 

Qui  qnidem  Joakmbs,  per  haredei  i 

de  Pebtill,  MAmnioN,  moumttoko,  et  BorsToumr 

(quondam  hnjiis  Regni  Btronibiu)  oriimdiu. 

Ex  ANNA  ocnqiige 

DUDLiBi  Cablstok,  Equ.  anrati, 

■erenisiimo  naper  Regi  Cabolo  ab  intmiis  conniyf 

Unios  Clerioomm ; 

fllimn  nnieain,  HunraiouM,  Eqpi.  aiiratiuD, 

■c  DomoTHBAM  fitiam, 

pneaobiU  Ricabdo,  Abbanub  (in  Hibemia)  Comiti 

(iUio  nobUiaatnu  Obmonls  Dnds  Jacobi 

nata-MCondo)  enaptam  soioemt. 

Diem  obyt  ziiu  Angniti  A"  mdcucxx,  ^tatis  nm  52. 

Jnxta  beie  pariter  sitoa  ett 

HuMPBiDva  FbbbbbSi  Eqnei  auratofl, 

pnefati  Joannis  fiUna  nnigenitos ; 

qui  Elizabbtbam,  Gbbyasii  Pigot  de  Thbumpton, 

in  agro  Notinohambmsi,  filiam,  in  ozorem  dozit : 

e  qua  filiam  nnioam,  nomine  Annam, 

modo  anpentitem  genntt ; 

patre  tamen  yivo,  die  lezto  Septembria,  A*  mdclzzviij,  obgt, 

^tat :  nue  anno  25. 

Close  below  the  last^  is  an  altar-tomb  of  finee-stone^ 
with  ornamented  compartments  on  the  sides,  in  each  of 
which  is  the  figure  of  an  angel,  supporting  before  him 
a  shield  plain  or  defaced.  On  the  top,  lies  a  slab  of 
Derbyshire  marble,  once  enlayed  with  brass  but  the 
whole  now  gone.  There  are,  however,  the  outlines  of 
a  knight  in  armour,  with  his  sword  by  his  side,  and, 
on  his  left  hand,  of  a  lady ;  the  heads  of  each  resting  on 
a  separate  cushion.  Under  him,  are  the  marks  of  seven 
children,  and  under  her,  of  about  as  many  more.  The 
principal  figures  are  placed  beneath  a  double  canopy, 
apparently  once  very  rich;  and,  near  the  four  comers, 
the  marks  of  as  many  coats  of  arms  remain.  The 
inscription,  also  in  brass,  was  once  placed  along  the 
bevelled  margin  of  the  slab.  From  the  circumstance  of 
this  tomb  not  being  mentioned  by  Dugdale,  it  is 
probable  it  was  destroyed  before  his  time :  and  it  is  not 
known  to  whom  it  belonged.  But  we  think  ourselves 
correct,    from    its    style    and    other    circumstances,    in 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  297 

assigning  it  to  sir  Thomas  Ferrers^  second  of  the  &mily 
who  resided  at  Tamworth,  and  Ann  his  wife^  daughter 
of  Leonard  Hastings.  By  his  will^  dated  on  the  10th 
of  February^  1496-7^  he  bequeathed  his  body  to  be  buried 
on  the  north  side  of  the  Choir^  by  the  side  of  his  wife ; 
and  directed  that  a  marble  should  be  laid  over  them^ 
with  their  portraitures  and  arms  in  brass,  and  such 
inscription  as  his  executors  shoidd  think  proper.  He 
died  on  the  22nd.  of  August,  1498. 

Below  this,  and  under  an  arch  between  the  Chancel 
and  the  Chantry-chapel,  is  another  altar-tomb  of  free- 
stone, with  small  plain  shields  on  the  sides  alternating 
with  a  rose,  oak-leaf,  or  another  flower.  It  bears,  on 
the  top,  the  figures  of  a  knight  in  armour,  his  head 
placed  on  a  helmet  and  his  feet  on  a  d(^,  and  of  his 
lady,  on  his  left  side.  The  hands  of  both  were  raised 
in  the  attitude  of  prayer.  The  figures  are  very  much 
mutilated ;  for,  besides  the  loss  of  the  arms  of  both  figures, 
the  legs  of  the  man  are  completely  gone  down  to  the 
ancles ;  and  the  whole  is  so  worn  that  very  few  of  the 
details  remain.  To  whom  the  monument  was  erected, 
is  unknown ;  but  it  was  probably  to  one  of  the  Freviles, 
or  to  the  first  Ferrers.  In  Dugdale's  time,  1640,  it 
was  in  a  perfect  state;  and  he  gives  a  drawing  of  it. 
Leland  says,  ''There  be  divers  fayre  Tombes  of  Noblemen 
and  Women,  in  the  Este  Parte  of  this  Collegiat 
Churche,  where  of  one  is  of  the  Frevills,  and  Ids 
Christen  Name,  as  some  say,  was  Balduinus;  and  he 
was  Lorde  of  Tamworthe  Castle."'  Perhaps  this  is 
the  one  to  which  the  great  antiquary  alluded. 

In  the  middle  of  the  floor  of  the  Chancel,  is  a  large 
tombstone  once  enlayed  with   brass,    all   of  which   is 

1  Itin.,  TOl.  rv.,  fol.  ISO  b. 


298  TAMWORTH 

now  gone,  although  a  niiall  portion  remained  about  forty 
years  ago.  It  bears  the  outline  of  a  figure^  a  priest 
apparently  from  the  occurrence  of  the  sacred  chalice 
on  each  side  of  and  beneath  him.  Out  of  his  mouth 
issued  a  label  that  bore  some  brief  ejaculation;  and, 
at  each  comer,  is  the  mark  of  a  coat  of  arms. 
These  are  all  surroimded  by  a  broad  groove  for  a 
marginal  inscription,  probably  with  the  emblems  of 
the  four  evangelist  at  the  comers,  from  the  circles  there 
cut  out.  It  is  impossible  to  ascertain  to  whom  the 
stone  belonged:  its  original  situation  was  at  the  west 
end  of  the  edifice,  from  whence  it  was  removed  to  the 
place  which  it  at  present  occupies  years  ago.  It  is 
most  likely  the  tombstone  of  one  of  the  deans  of  the 
Church. 

Adjacent  are  eight  gravestones.  John  Hurt,  gent, 
died  March  5th,  17S0,  aged  82.  William  Brown  died 
March  16th,  177S,  aged  60;  Beata  Richards  his  wife, 
Sept.  ISth,  1789,  aged  73.  Thomas,  only  son  of 
William  NichoUs,  clothier,  died  Jan.  18th  1769,  aged 
6S;  his  father,  Jan.  18th,  176S.  Mary,  only  daughter 
of  William  and  Mary  Nicholls,  died  June  14th,  1773, 
aged  59.  Samuel  Ball  died  Aug.  28th,  1772,  aged  4; 
Frances,  March  29th,  1779,  aged  2 ;  Elizabeth,  Nov. 
15th,  1789,  aged  19 ;  Elizabeth  their  mother,  Nov.  ISth, 
1802,  aged  56.  Edward  Ball,  jun.,  died  Feb.  12th, 
1784,  aged  40.  Samuel  Crosland  died  May  2l8t,  1767, 
aged  72;  Ann  his  wife,  Jan.  7th,  1768,  aged  70. 
Edward  Ball  died  April  12th,  1779,  aged  67 ;  Mary  his 
vrife,  April  27th,  1782,  aged  62. 

At  the  east  end  of  the  Chantry-chapel  or  north 
Chancel,  in  the  right  hand  comer,  is  placed  a  large 
plain  altar-tomb,  on  which  lies  a  flat  gravestone. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  299 

Under  this  Stone  lies 

Airs, 

the  wife  of  Edwabd  Rbpinoton, 

of  Amrngton-Hallt  Esq., 

the  Lest  of  y*  Ancient  Family  of  the 

BaueU  of  CbtYerton,  in  MmenetMkire. 

She  died  y«  21  of  Octo.,  1720. 
Reader,  wonld  yon  know  her  Character, 

Ask  the  Present  Age,  whose 

Posterity  will  transmit  it  to  y«  Latest 

Times. 

Arms  above : — ^Repington ;  impaling  Ermine,  on  a  canton 
Gu.,  a  mullet  Or,  pierced  of  the  field, — Basset. 

Under  a  low  simple-pointed  arch  in  the  south  wall, 
is  the  recumbent  figure  of  a  female  praying,  the  head 
resting  on  a  pillow,  and  the  feet,  on  a  dog,  and  the 
hands  raised  in  prayer.  The  whole  is  ancient:  it  is 
much  worn,  and  broken,  and  the  features  have  been 
completely  chiselled  away.  It  \b  not  known  whom  it 
represents. 

On  the  ground  beneath,  is  a  large  alabaster  tomb- 
stone once  with  figures  and  a  black-letter  marginal 
inscription  cut  in  and  filled  with  pitch.  But  the  whole 
is  now  effaced,  except  a  few  letters. 

To  the  left  adjoining,  is  a  stone  once  enlarged  with 
brass,  bearing  the  outline  of  a  man,  with  his  sword 
by  his  left  side.  Near  the  upper  comers,  are  the 
marks  of  two  coats  of  arms,  and  near  the  lower,  two 
circles  are  cut  out :  the  whole  is  surrounded  by  a  groove 
for  the  ma^;inal  inscription. 

To  the  left  adjoining,  is  an  alabaster  stone  on  which 
is  cut,  the  lines  being  filled  with  pitch,  the  figure  of  a 
man  praying,  his  head  resting  on  a  pillow,  and  a  scrip 
by  his  right  side.  From  Shaw,  it  appears  to  be  the 
tomb  of  John,  son  of  John  Breton,  esq.,  of  Tamworth. 
Along  the  margin,  is  this  inscription. 


SOO  TAMWOBTH 

<9rate  pro  anf ma  Slo^'itf 

qui 

ifbiit  xf  tie  mm».  maiU  ^nno  t'ni  m<  t^  b(| : 
ntitttc  aU^e  p^pfcietur  Urate. 

To  the  left,  against  the  south  wall,  is  a  large  plain 
altar-tomb,  devoid  of  any  inscription.  It  appears  to 
have  belonged  to  the  Comberfords,  as  the  mural 
monument  of  that  family  was  once  placed  over  it. 

Above  the  last,  and  under  the  first  arch  commimica- 
ting  with  the  Chancel,  is  a  fine  altar-tomb  of  marble, 
bearing  the  effigies  of  a  knight  in  armour,  and  of  his  lady 
on  his  left  side.  His  head  rests  on  a  helmet,  and  his 
feet  on  a  dog.  By  the  cushion,  beneath  the  lady's 
head,  is  placed  an  infant:  and  at  her  feet  a  little  dog 
crouches,  holding  her  dress  in  its  mouth.  Along  the 
side  of  the  monument,  are  twelve  fine  canopied  niches, 
once  each  containing  a  figure  in  the  posture  of  prayer ; 
but  the  fifth  and  eleventh  are  now  entirely  gone. 
The  tomb  was  originally  painted,  as  well  as  the  arch 
above.  It  bears  the  marks  of  malicious  mutilation ;  for 
the  upraised  hands  have  been  broken  off,  and  the  &ces 
with  other  portions  of  the  principal  figures  chiselled 
away,  as  well  as  the  heads  and  greater  parts  of  the 
smaller  ones  at  the  side.  Around  the  margin,  is  the 
following  inscription. 

l^ic  iacent  corpora  Sloj^^(j$  d^tntt»f  m\iiti»f  tt 
Vnt  iBorotj^ee  uxovia  tim*  qui  quttt^  ^oh't» 
obiit  ib<  Hit  mm»i»  ^uliif  ^nno  n^ni  m^  H^^ 
xiU  lEt  Mcta  li'na  IBorotj^ea  oibiit  Hit 
mft'  ^nno  Vni  m^  H^  ^mv  aTaSivs 
propiciet'  Hmti.   ^men. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  301 

The  monument  originaUy  stood  in  the  Choir,  before 
the  image  of  St.  Editha.  It  was  perfect  previously  to 
the  civil  war;  and  is  named  by  Leland.  He  says  that 
the  tomb  of  the  father  and  mother  of  sir  John  was  in 
the  Church:  it  is  now  gone,  and  is  unmentioned  by 
Dugdale. 

Beneath  the  second  arch,  is  an  altar^^tomb  of  firee-^ 
stone,  bearing  the  figure  of  a  woman,  her  head  resting 
on  a  pillow;  and,  at  her  feet,  a  dog.  It  is  very  much 
worn;  and  the*  arms  are  broken  away.  The  tomb 
exhibits  the  style  prevalent  in  the  middle  of  the 
fourteenth  century.  Along  the  side,  are  six  compart- 
ments each  containing  a  shield  plain  or  ietaced.  We 
have  every  reason,  except  direct  testimony,  to  believe 
that  this  is  the  monument  of  lady  Joan,  wife  of 
Alexander  de  Frevile,  and  one  of  the  coheiresses  of 
Philip  de  Marmyon.  After  her  husband's  decease  in 
1328,  she  held  the  Castle  for  a  considerable  period. 

About  the  middle  of  the  floor,  is  a  large  stone  once 
enlayed  with  brass.  It  bears  the  outline  of  a  man 
praying,  his  feet  upon  a  dog.  From  his  mouth,  issued 
a  label.  On  each  side  of  him,  are  placed  six  small 
scrolls,  and  one  beneath  him.  There  is  a  groove  for 
a  marginal  inscription,  with  circles  at  the  comers. 

Adjoining  the  end  of  it,  is  a  tombstone  thus  inscribed. 
^  /  Son  of  Tho.,  t*  bzcbll<*  m'  of 

H  /    MIDDLBWICH,   IN   ChKSHIRE, 

o  ^  B'*  of  Tho.,  fbllow  and 

ORNAMENT  OF  C.   COL.   CAM., 

Path'  of  Thomas,  vie.  of 

KiNOBBUBT, 


HUBBAND   OF   SaBA   44 
Jl   [    TBAB8. 

CO  \  From  a  fbixowship  in  C.  C.  Cam., 

INVITED  TO   SWBETBNHAM,   IN 
Chbshibk;  THBNCB  HITHBB,  WBBRB 
HB   8PBNT   ONB   HALFB   OF   HIS 
LIFB.      Til  WITHIN  4   TEARS   OF 

R  R 


302  TAMWORTH 

HIS    DSCBA.8   WAS   KSVSS  HIlfDmBO 
rmOM   P&BACBINO  IN  COUHSB 
TWICB   BTBBT  LoMO's   DAT  80 
BLABOBATBLT   AS  TO  INFORM  THB 
LBARNBD   IN   DIWICULT  TBXT8, 
AND   TBT  BDirr  THB   MXANBBT. 
HB  OTBD  Januaet  20*,  169f, 
MTAT,   72. 

On  the  north  wall^  between  the  second  and  third 
windows,  is  a  small  monument  recording  that  John 
Whyle  died  Jan.  ISth,  1788,  aged  82;  Mary  Hayward 
his  sister,  May  ISth,  1788,  aged  84.  There  are  twenty- 
eight  other  flat  stones  placed  in  the  floor.  Charles 
Edward  Repington.  .  William  Kadford  died  March  8th, 
1766,  aged  44.  Edward,  son  of  Edward  Symonds, 
mercers,  died  Jan.  14th,  172S,  aged  IS ;  Anne  his  wife, 
March  5th,  1748,  aged  88.  Ann,  wife  of  Samnel 
Badford,  died  July  5th,  1728,  aged  89;  Samuel,  July 
SOth,  17S5,  aged  47 ;  Sarah  their  daughter,  July  22nd, 
1768,  aged  50.  Joseph  Rice,  sen.,  died  April  8th, 
1780,  aged  66.  Edward  Davenport  died  April  10th 
1752,  aged  52;  Elizabeth  his  wife,  Dec.  21st,  1755, 
aged  60.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  the  late  John  Meacham, 
died  Oct.  9th.,  1775,  aged  66.  Sarah,  daughter 
of  Richard  and  Sarah  Bloody  died  Sept.  28th,  1775, 
aged  46.  John  Meacham  died  July  28rd,  1747,  aged 
46;  Mary,  Penelope,  and  Thomas,  children  of  John 
and  Elizabeth,  all  died  young;  Fitz-William  Meacham, 
their  eldest  son,  died  Aug.  12th,  1766,  aged  S8.  Lieut 
James  Gray  died  Nov.  25th,  1791,  aged  77;  Ann  his 
wife,  Dec.  17th,  1788,  aged  68.  Thomas  Whitworth 
died  Sept.  5th,  1686.  Ann,  daughter  of  John  and  Ann 
Shore,  of  Edstanston-hall,  near  Wem,  Salop,  died  Nov. 
2nd,  1734,  aged  7  years.  Matthew  Birch,  gent.,  died 
Dec.  10th,  1778,  egad  66.  Anne,  widow  of  Thomas 
Lort,   gent.,  of  Yoxall,  died  Aug.  6th,    1719,  aged  79. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN. 

Ralph  Triplet,  gent,  son  and  heir  of  Ralph,  late  of 
Salop,  M.D.,  and  Mary  his  wife,  died  Sept.  7th,  1701, 
aged  86:  he  left  only  two  sisters, — ^Mary,  wife  of  Tho. 
Langley,  clerk, — and  Elizabeth.  Robert  Bage  died 
Sept.  1st,  1801,  aged  72;  Robert  Charles  Bage,  March 
9th,  1802,  aged  13 ;  Elizabeth,  April  21st,  1805,  aged 
72.  Samuel  Green  Jemson  died  Oct.  15th,  1794,  aged 
28.  Mary  Birch  died  July  13th,  1775,  aged  67. 
Samuel,  second  son  of  Samuel — ^minister  of  Tamworth 
— and  Sarah  Langley,  died  June  5th,  1681.  Esther 
Langley,  widow,  died  Aug.  16th,  1742,  aged  85; 
Rebecca,  her  datighter,  wife  of  James  Taylor,  died  July 
3rd,  1755,  aged  66 ;  James  Taylor  of  Birmingham,  Sept. 
6th,  1758,  aged  66.  Susanna,  daughter  of  Waldive  and 
Susanna  Willington,  of  Hurley-hall  in  Warwickshire, 
died  June  27th,  1694,  aged  24.  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Hannah  Littlefear,  died  April  5th,  1725, 
aged  7.  William,  son  of  Will,  and  Denis  Wooton,  died 
Oct.  29th,  1686,  aged  17.  Elizabeth  Nicholls,  spinster, 
died  Aug.  20th,  1768,  aged  59.  William  Nicholls  died 
Jan.  18th,  1763,  aged  80.  Thomas  Rice  died  Aug. 
14th,  1793,  aged  47;  Eleanor  his  wife,  Sept.  15th, 
1814,  in  her  72nd  year.  Alice,  wife  of  Rich.  Francis 
Alexander  Freeman,  died  April  11th,  1815,  aged  29. 
Joyce  Flaisted,  widow,  3rd  daughter  of  Stanford  Wol- 
verstan,  esq.,  of  Statfold,  died  Oct.  11th,  1775,  aged  54. 

There  are  a  few  old  tombstones  mentioned  by  different 
writers,  which  are  now  gone. 

Lying  within  the  communion  rails. 

Here  lieth  Sir  Hvmfrey  Ferrers,  Knight,  who  married  Anne,  one 
of  the  daughter!  of  Sir  John  Paddngton,  of  Hampton-LoYet,  in  the 
Coontie  of  Worcester,  knight ;  by  whom  he  had  issue  three  daughters 
and  one  son.  His  age  was  thirty  and  three  years  when  he  departed 
this  life ;  and  he  was  here  interred  on  the  second  day  of  NoTember, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1633. 


804  TAMWORTH 

A  stone  upright  against  the  south  wall  of  the  Chancel. 

Here  Uetfa  interred  the  bodv  of  Clemeot  Fliher,  late  of  WDneooii, 
Gent.  He  married  Ann,  the  daoghter  of  sir  John  SaTage  senior 
of  Wilncooat,  knt.  His  second  wife  was  EUnbedi,  the  danghter 
of  Humphrey  Arden,  gent,  of  the  family  of  Fkrfchall,  in  Warwick 
shire.  God  grant  na  a  joyfiil  resurrection.  He  dyed  Sept  the 
8th,  1689,  aged  77. 

In  the  Chantry-chapel^  the  flat  stone  of  William 
Repington^  esq.^  of  Amington,  and  Juliana  his  wife. 
He  died  on  the  SOth  of  January,  m  d  xzxxiii.  ''Cujus 
anime  propidetur  Deus." 

On  another  flat  stone,  with  Bepington  arms. 

HERE  LIETH  THE  BODY  OF  SEBRIGHT  RE- 

PINGTON,  ESQ.,  LATE  OF  AMINGTON.    HE 

DYED  THE  XVIII  DAY  OF  SEPTEMBER, 

1698,  AGED  67  YEARS. 

THE  POOR  RELIEV'D  WERE  AT  HIS  DOOR, 

THE  RICH  WERE  CHEARFUL  MADE, 
DEVOUT  AND  JUST  HE  WAS.  WHAT  MORE 
OF  MANKIND  CAN  BE  SAID  ? 

Upon  the  north  wall  of  the  south  Transept,  aie 
placed  two  tablets,  on  which  are  inscribed  the  names 
of  benefactors  to  the  poor  of  the  town  and  parish. 
These,  however,  it  is  unimportant  to  give. 


PARISH-REGISTER. 

The  Parish-register  was  oonmienced  during  the  reign 
of  Philip  and  Mary,  in  1556-7.  Down  to  the  year  1598, 
the  original  records  have  not  been  preserved;  but  they 
were  copied  by  John  Oldacres,  curate,  and  William 
Wightwick  and  Nicholas  Vaughton,  churchwardens. 
The  first  eight  pages  contain  baptisms  alone.  These  are 
entered  in  the  subsequent  part  of  the  book,  and  date 
only  from  the  first  year  of  queen  Elizabeth.  The  copied 
part  is  not  complete.  There  are  some  omissions,  chiefly 
owing,  it  would  seem,   to  deficiences  in  the  old  book. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  305 

There  is,   however^   only  one  place  where  the  void  is 
very  considerable, — ^&om  1660  to  1563. 

In   these  records,   there  are   numerous   valuable  and 
interesting  entries,  the  principal  of  which  we  here  give. 

Marche,  1558,  Baptized. 
1  Will*m  Stokes,  j^  sone  of  John  Stokes.  [First  entry.] 

Anno  dom'  1556,  Marche. 

4  where  Christened[o  ^^JHygg'es.    [Earliest  entry.] 

October,  1576. 
14  Was  cr.  Henry,  sone  of  Mr.  Cleme't  Fysher. 
29  was  bur.  Henry,  sone  of  Mr.  Cleme't  Fysher. 

January,  1576. 
4  was  bur.  Bichard  Degge,  derke  of  y^  churche. 

April,  1578. 

14  wer  M.  Bichard  Walker,  cler.,  &  Ellen  Hunter. 
November,  1578. 

26  was  cr.  Lettjrs,  d.  of  Mr.  Cleme't  Fysher. 

Maye,  1579. 
22  was  bur.  John  Shemond,  Ve'bi  minister. 

Januarye,  1582. 
21  was  bur.  Edward  Richardson,  al's  Harison,  who  was 
slayn  in  y*  market-place,  y*  19***  day. 

November,   1590. 

15  was  cr.  Joice,  d.  of  Roger  Molde,  preach'. 
Julye,  1592. 

14  was  bur.  Mr.  Phillippe  Repyngton,  Gent. 
September,  1592. 
4  was  bur.  Thomas  Wryght,  y*  clarke. 
April,  1599. 

mem'  y*  y«  SO^  day  of  this  Aprill,  Robert,  Earle  of 
Essex,  went  fro'  Drayton  Bassett  towardes  Ireland, 
w^  an  hoste  of  men,  to  make  Warre  againste  y*  Earle 
of  Tyroone,  an  Irishma'. 


806  TAMWO&TH 

July,  1599. 

Mem'  -f  y*  19^  daie  of  July,  was  fSeumousIy  solemnized 
at  Kinsbury  y^  honorable  bur.  of  y*  old  Lady  Feiiers, 
y*  La.  Willoughbie,  mother  of  Mr.  Edw.  Devereux, 
of  castle-Bromwiche. 
September,  1599. 
28  The  same  day,  y*  noble  Earle  of  Essex  came  out  of 
Ireland,  w^  a  motion  of  Peace. 
September,  1606. 

5  was  bur.  in  a  ditche  William  Tomlinson,  papist. 
November,  1609. 

i  was  bur.  Robert  Michell,  Clarke  Church. 
Septembe',  1612. 
20  was  bapt.  James,  sone  of  John  Reade,  preacher. 

August,  161S. 
IS  was  interred  by  night   Thomas  Orton,  of  Ami'gton, 
recusant. 
March,  1614. 
7  The  same  night  before,  was  interred  Ellen  Aucott, 
recusant. 

Memorand'  that  in  the  moneth  of  november,  one 
thousand  six  hundreth  and  sixteene.  Was  erected  in 
the  Church-yard  of  Tamworth,  by  the  apoyntment 
of  Mr.  Martyn  Fringe,  a  graue  stone  over  the  bodye 
of  Margrett  Sponer,  wyffe  of  Lawrence  Sponer,  of 
Tamworth:  shee  being  layd  in  p'sonall  forme  in 
brass,  with  a  bowle  and  a  spoone  in  hyr  hands,  w^ 
this  inscription  in  latine,  'Quisquis  eris  qui  transi- 
eris,  Sta,  perlege,  plora,'  recorded  the  sayd  tyme 
wittnesses. 
Marche,  1618. 
15  The  16**^  day,  was  buried  Leister,  y*  sone  of  S'  Row- 
land Ridgley,  Knight. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  307 

ApriU,  16S0. 
9  The  ninth  day^  was  Bapt.  Dorothe^   daught'  of  Mr. 
lohn  Packington^  esq^ 
August,  1623. 
20  was  interred  Robert  Freman,  a  Becusant. 
March,  1624. 
S  was  bur.  Henry  Baron,  Sehoolemaster. 
Aprill,  1681. 
27  Mar.  Thomas  Blake,  Minister  of  Tarn.,  &  Jane  Wag- 
staff,  of  Drayton  basset. 
Nouember,  1635. 
2  Bu.  Thomas  Euorite,  slaine  by  a  fall,  poynting   y* 
steple. 

Wordey,  the  sonne  of  S'  Henry  Griffithe,  Baronet, 
by   Margaret   his  lady,   borne  the  twentith  day  of 
January,   and  baptizd  the  eight  and  twentith  of  the 
same,  anno  1636. 
May,  1637. 
19  In.    Joseph,    Sonn    of  widdow    Deaine,    who    was 
drowned  in  striuing  for  to  fatch  his  hat,  in  y®  Anquor. 
ApriU,  1640. 
25  Bur.  Mr.  Sarles,  Gent,  fro'  Coton  Hall. 

From  May,  1642,  to  June,  1644,  the  Register  is  blank, 
except   a   few    memoranda.    From    November,    in    the 
latter  year,  it  has  been  continued  regularly. 
May,  1642. 

23  Desideratur  hie  catal(^us  Baptizator',  Marita- 

tor',  Sepultorumq',  quor'  noYa  hoc  non  inscribantur 
libro,  propter  incuria'  Notarior'  in  sched'is  apertis  ea 
reliquentiu'.  sic  iniquitate  temporu'  perierunt.  ita 
tester. 

Theoph.  Lord,  Mr.  in  Art. 
September,  1643. 
About   the  b^inning   of  this  moneth,  Mr.  Theoph. 


906  TAMWO&TH 

Lord  was  called  to  be  the  preacher  at  Tamworth, 
both  by  the  GoTemo'  and  Towne,  but  was  forbad  to 
doe  any  seruise  publikly,  exepting  preaching,  as  his 
duty. 

May,  1644. 

About  the  latter  end  of  this  moneth  of  May,  the 
ho'ble  Comittee  of  safety  for  the  County  of  Warw. 
at  Coventrey  sitting,  desired  Mr.  Theoph.  Lord,  then 
preacher,  to  supply  the  whole  duty  of  the  min'r  in 
Tamworth, — the  former  man  that  chall'nged  the  place 
to  be  his,  goeing  away  about  i  months  before,  and 
never  aquanting  the  Towne  with  his  intention,  for 
some  ....  time  there  was  not  any 1644. 

June,  1644. 
In   hoc  mense,    Incepit   Mr.    Theoph.   Lord   offida 
publica   p'agere;   sed    libro  a  clerico  p'ochiali  sibi 

negate,  defectus  nimiu' admiss' ;  sed  noTa 

quotquot  hie  fideliter  inseruntur. 

The  entries  following  are  evidently  written  from  me- 
mory or  imperfect  notes;  for  sometimes  the  date  and 
sometimes  the  Christian  name  is  omitted. 

November,  1644. 
At  the  beginning  of  this  month,  I  tooke  the  booke 
into  my  owne  hand;   and  here  you  haue  not  one 
name  missing  of  such   that  were  at  Tamw'  either 
Baptizd,  buried,  or  married.    This  averrs, 

Theoph.  Lord,  minister. 

December,  1644. 
19  buried  the  body  of  Will^  White,   a  souldier  vnder 
Captaine  Tho.  Layfield:  he  was  slayn  in  the  field. 

March,  1644. 
24  Cast  into  the  ground,   the   body  of  Ellen  wife  of 
Rich*^  Ensor,  a  popeling. 


CA8TLB   AND  TOWN.  309 

December^  1645. 
S  buried  the  body  of  Jonathan  Toone^  a  souldier  vnder 
captaine  Flower:    he  was  slaine  in  the  field  ag^  y^ 
enemy. 
March,  1645. 
21  buried  the  body  of  Richard  Vaughton,  of  Comber- 
ford:  he  was  slain  by  the  enemie   at   Lichfield,  in 
fighting  in  y*  wone. 
June,  1646. 

14  baptizd  BobS  son  of  Bobert  and  Mary  Brabin,  of  Tarn. 
Bob^  the  father  was  cruelly  murdered  by  the  enemye 
in  Litchfield  Close,  after  he  was  taken  vpon  the 
enemy's  Sally. 

19  buried  the  body  of  Henry,  son  of  Tho.  Piccard,  of 
Cumb.,  an  infant:  his  fistther  Thom.  was  shiine  by 
the  enemy  in  Lichfield  Close,  about  March  last  ij 
day. 

89  buried  the  body  of  Bichard  Harding,  of  Tamworth : 
he  was  once  one  of  the  company,   but  was  put  out 
bee.  he  was  an  Ale-seller. 
August,  1646. 

25  buried  the  body  of  Thomas  Paget,   a  souldier  vnder 
Capt.  Bowes:  he  was  slaine. 
January,  1650. 

15  Buried  the  Body  of  Mr.  Theophilus  Lord,  Minister. 
July,  1651. 

24  William  Bock,  minister  of  the  Gk>8peU,    and  Mary 
Boyes  were  married. 
June,  1657. 
11  was  buried  our  rererend  Pastor,  Mr.  Thomas  Blake, 
minister  of  Tamworth. 
January,  1663. 

1  baptized  William,  the  Son  of  8^  William  Boothbey, 

s  s 


310  TAMWORTH 

Knight  and  baroni^   and  Dame    Hills  bis  wife,   of 
Tamworth. 
November,  1665. 
14  Maryed  Robert  Beppington  &  Margery  Crispe. 
October,   1666. 

1  Married  Mr.  George  Antrobus  &  Mrs.  Sarah  Bnrgesse. 
August,  1672. 

1  Buryed  Elizabeth,   the  wife  of  Thomas  Sylvester  of 
Bolehall  street,  together  with  foure  male  infants  of 
hers  borne  before  their  time. 
September,  1676. 

3  buried  Frances  downe,   of  Tamworth,   Clark  of  the 
Church. 

May,  1677. 
12  Married  Symon  Biddulph  &  Dorothy  Beppington. 
ApriU,  1678. 

4  Buryed  Mrs.  Katherine  Adderley,  of  Tamworth. 
July,  1679. 

27  Buryed  Mary,  the  wife  of  Ralph  Adderly,  of  Tamw**^, 
Esq^ 
April,   1685. 

22  Buryed  Mr.  John  Allen,  Towne-Clerk  of  Tamworth. 
September,  1689. 

10  buryed  Mr.  Clement  Fisher,  of  Wilnecoate. 
January,  1693. 

23  Buried  Mr.  Samuel  Langley,  of  Bolehall,  and  Minis- 
ter of  the  Gospell  at  Tamworth. 

July,  1708. 
26  Bur.  Mr.   George  Antrobus,   schoolemaster  of  Tam- 
worth,  whose  memory  ought  to  be  perpetuated  to 
Eternity. 
October,  1710. 
16  bur.  Mr.  Samuel  Collins,  Minister  of  Tamworth. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  811 

July,  1724. 
16  Bur.  Mr.  Nicholas  Parker,  Town  Clerk  of  Tamworth. 

August^  1724. 
4  Bur.  Mr.  George  Antrobus,  Minister  of  Tamworth. 

December,  1724. 
10  About  this  time,  began  y«  Small  Pox  in  Tamworth. 

April,   17S0. 
24  Bur.  Dr.  Sam^  Shaw,  Schoolmaster  of  Tamworth. 

May,  1781. 
9  bur.  Robert  Grarret,  late  parish  Clark  here. 

March,  1786-7. 

10  Bur.  y«  EeV*  Mr.  Thomas  Worthington,  a  non-jurer 
of  Tam. 

March,  1741. 
13  Bur.  Beilby  Laycock,  Town  Clerk  of  Tam. 
July,  1742. 

11  Bur.  Jonathan  Kendall,  parish  Clerk  of  Tam. 

CHURCH-YARD. 

Attached  to  the  Church  is  a  large  Cemetary,  in  the 
south  part  of  which  the  edifice  stands.  Originally,  it 
was  not  so  extensive  as  it  is  at  the  present  time;  for, 
from  time  to  time,  parts  have  been  added  to  it,  as  cir- 
cumstances have  required. 

A  piece  of  ground  on  the  north-east  side,  was  given 
by  Mrs.  Grrace  Wolverston,  of  Statfold ;  and  the  dona- 
tion was  afterwards  confirmed  by  Edward  Eggerton,  esq., 
of  Harlaston,  in  Staffordshire.  On  the  24th  of  July, 
1780,  it  was  consecrated  by  the  right  rev.  Edward 
Chandler,  bishop  of  the  diocese.  In  1797,  a  considerable 
addition  was  made  upon  the  north-west,  and  consecrated, 
on  the  28th  of  July,   by  the  bishop, — ^the  hon.  James 


S12  TAMWOBTH 

Cornwallis.  For  this  enlargement,  the  earl  of  Leicester, 
and  Robert  Peel,  esq., — the  late  sir  Bobert»«*-«aeh  pre- 
sented two  houses  to  the  parish.  And  a  Uttle  meve  than 
fifteen  years  ago,  a  third  piece  was  added  on  the  west 
side,  and  consecrated  by  bishop  Ryder. 

As  in  most  other  country-places,  the  Churdi«y«Kd  was 
anciently  separated  from  the  surrounding  land  by  low 
stone-walls,  and  was  accessible  by  a  lich-gate  and  stile.' 
These,  however,  as  the  enlargements  took  place,  were 
removed,  and  gave  place  to  quickset  hedges,  and  walls 
on  the  west.  In  1797,  the  walls  were  first  eteeted 
along  the  north  and  east  sides.  The  old  south  bound- 
ary, facing  the  street,  once  consisted  of  a  sleep  bank, 
with  wooden  rails  and  gates.  In  1821^  the  piesent  stone 
wall  was  built,  with  iron  palisades  and  gates  at  either 
end  and  in  the  middle.  The  path  on  the  east  side  was 
stopped  in  1843,  with  the  entrance  into  the  Chuxeh-yard 
by  New  College-lane. 

The  Church-yard  presents  nothing  worthy  of  notice. 
It  is  not  even  remarkable  for  its  arrangement  and 
neatness.  The  cross  has  long  disappeared,  in  iconoclas- 
tic times;  and  none  of  the  ancient  tombstones  have 
survived  to  our  days.  The  mtgority  of  the  grave-stones 
date  from  the  middle  of  the  past  century:  exceedingly 
few  are  so  old  as  the  seventeenth.  The  only  stone, 
which  would  attract  the  eye  of  a  stranger,  is  the 
obelisk,  which  was  erected  by  public  subscription  to 
commemorate  the  unfortunate  deaths  of  six  females,  in 
a  fire  at  the  Castle  Inn,  during  the  autumn  of  1838.' 
It  stands  in  the  north-west  comer,  by  the  path,  and 
within  the  piece  of  ground  last  added  to  the  Cemetary. 

1    Court-rolls, 
a    This  melAncholy  accident  oocurred  on  the  2nd  of  Noyember,  aboot  four  o'clock 
in  the  morning.    The  fire  originated  acddcntly,  and  was  conflned  pitacipailir  to  tiM 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  SIS 

DEANERY. 

Between  the  east  side  of  the  Chnrch-yaTd  and  Gtm- 
gate^  are  situated  the  ruins  of  the  ancient  residence  of 
the  deans.  They  are  now  Tery  scanty,  consisting  only  of 
two  long  parallel  walls.  These  are  built  of  rag-stone, 
with  tiles  very  frequently  inserted.  In  the  north 
wall,  there  are  some  traces  of  a  window ;  and,  at  the 
end  towards  the  Church,  part  of  a  fire-place,  and  of  a 
chimney  stands.  The  chinmey,  notwithstanding  its  long 
exposure  to  the  weather,  is  still  blackened  with  soot. 
In  Shaw's  time,  a  wall  on  the  west  connected  these  two 
together:  it  was  removed  when  the  brick  wall  was 
built.  Shaw,  however,  has  fortunately  preserved  a 
drawing  of  it*     There  were  two  semicircular  arches  in 

btf  and  roomB  B^Sacent.  It  brcike  oat  wben  an  Ihe  faunates  were  aaleep.  Hie  six 
maid-aarrantBileptatthetopoftbeboiiM  I  all  the  others  escaped.  As  the  staircase 
had  become  faiacoessihle,  attempts  weremade  to  rescue  the  serranis  bj  a  ladder,  placed 
at  thelrwiiulow}  bat  notiiing  could  be  seen  or  beard  of  them.  Unfortanatelj  a  report 
was  spread,  that  thej  were  safe  in  a  neiffhboniinff  boose.  The  mistske  was  dis- 
covered when  the  iln  was  nearly  sobdoed.  A  policeman  entered  their  room,  and 
foond  fire  iTlnff  on  the  floor  qnita  dead.  The  Are  had  not  reached  them)  bat  the  heat 
and  smoke  had  been  intense.  Indeed,  as  a  witness  observed  at  the  faiqaeet,  they  had 
been  literally  "baked  to  death."  They  were  probably  dead  before  their  rescue  was 
sitcmpled,  perhaps  before  assistance  airiyed  to  suppress  the  Are.  They  had  endea- 
voured to  escape,  fortheir  door  was  found  open }  but  they  had  evidently  been  driven 
back.  The  bar-mald,  too,  wlio  slept  in  a  sepsrate  room,  had  tried  to  make  her  escape. 
Her  body  was  found  upon  the  landing  of  the  stain.  She  also  had  been  suffocated. 
The  names  of  the  poor  suflbren  were,  llary  Ann  Smith,  bar-maid)  Harriet  Bonner, 
cook)  Mary  Gardiner,  kitchen-maid)  Mary  Aim  Booth,  waiter)  Harriet  Buswell, 
chambermaid)  and  Mary  Chatterton,  kitchen-maid.  One  had  come  to  hersitoation  on 
the  preceeding  day,  and  another  was  to  have  left  on  the  suoceedtaig  morning.  At  the 
inquest  the  verdict  of  ''Accidental  death  "  was  given. 

This  awfol  catastrophe  created  great  sensation  in  the  town  and  surrounding  country. 
Five  of  the  unfortunate  females  were  interred,  on  the  0th,  in  one  large  common  grave 
in  this  Churdi-yard :  the  body  of  Mary  Ann  Smith  was  removed  by  her  friends.  Hie 
ftmeral  procession  was  very  long  and  solemn.  Thirty  females  arrayed  in  white  bore 
the  flve  cofllns.  The  dergy,  the  coroner's  Jury,  the  parish-aathorities,  and  numerous 
gentlemen  of  the  town,  followed.  Afterwards  a  subscription  was  raised,  and  the 
flBOttumcnt  bunt,  as  a  perpetual  memorial  of  this  melandioly  accident  As  this  stone 
is  the  only  memorial  of  the  accident,  we  may  correct  an  error  in  the  date  which  it 
bears.  It  is  there  said  that  the  occurrence  took  place  during  the  night  of  the  and  of 
November.  It  ought  to  have  been  the  morning  of  the  Snd,  as  the  fire  happened  after 
midnight  of  the  1st  of  the  month. 

1  This  writer  erroneously  calls  them  the  ruins  of  the  nunnery.  It  has  been  asserted 
that  the  Church  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  Convent.  This  statement 
is  not  substantiated  by  any  ancient  authority)  and  we  have  great  reason  to  discredit  it* 


314  TAlffWORTH 

it  It  is  evident  firom  these,  and  from  the  existing  re- 
mains, that  the  Deanery  was  built  in  the  Anglo-Saxon 
style  of  architecture,  and  must  probably  haye  been 
erected  before  the  Norman  invasion. 

Between  the  two  walls,  there  is  at  present  a  garden. 
Formerly  a  deep  cellar  existed  here.  But,  some  years 
ago,  in  consequence  of  the  vaulted  roo&  haying  begun 
to  sink,  they  were  completely  filled  up  with  soiL  The 
ruins  of  the  Deanery  are  now  only  used  to  give  support 
to  sties,  outbuildings,  and  sheds.  But,  perchance,  as 
they  attract  the  antiquary's  eye,  they  serve  to  bring 
to  his  mind  the  pleasing  recollection  of  ages  long  past 
by,  too  fidr  and  good  to  be  for  ever  flown. 


THE  CONVENT. 

In  the  time  of  the  Anglo-Saxons,  during  the  reign  of 
Ethelred  II.,  there  was  a  religious  house  in  Tamworth. 
Wulfric  or  Al£ric  Spot,  a  chief  councillor  of  state,  and 
nearly  related  to  the  king,  in  his  will,  made  a  bequest 
to  it,  in  common  with  the  monks  of  Burton-upon-Trent; 
of  whose  monastery  he  was  the  founder.  The  words  of 
his  win  are  these: — ^*'Item,  do  Conventui  in  Tamwur- 
thin  fimdum  ilium  apud  Langandtme,  (Longdon  co. 
Stafford)  sicut  ipsi  (monachi)  ilium  mihi  ante  hoc  loca- 
runt,  et  habeant  ipsi  usum  fructiim  (ejus)  dimidium,  et 
dimidium  monachi  Byrtonensis,  cum  in  cibariis,  tum  in 
hominibus,  tum  in  pecudibus,  tum  in  rebus  omnibus."^ 
Wulfiric  Spot  died  in  the  year  1010.' 

But  concerning  this  Convent,  particularly  as  to  the 
time  at  which  it  was  erected,  and  the  person  by  whom 
it  was  founded,  there  exists  great  diversity  of  opinion. 
Dugdale  states  his  ignorance  whether  it  belonged  to 
monks  or  nuns.'  All  other  great  authorities  are  agreed 
that  it  was  a  house  of  religious  ladies,  founded  by  the 
Bsiat  Editha,  in  honour  of  whom  the  present  Church 
was  dedicated. 

But  another  difficulty  is  here  presented.  There  are 
three  females  named  Editha,  all  members  of  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  royal  fiunily,  whose  connection  with  Tamworth 
has  been  asserted  by  different  writers.  These  are  the 
daughters    of   Ecgberht    the    Great,   of  Eadweard    the 

1    Doffdale's  Mod.  Anf L     a  SbAw's  Staflbntoh.     3    Dafdale't  Warwicksh. 


316  TAM  WORTH 

Elder^  and  of  Edgar.  To  the  latter^  the  foundation  has 
been  attributed  by  Leland/  Camden/  and  Speed.'  It  is 
remarkable,  however,  that  both  Leland  and  Speed,  in 
other  works,  vary  in  their  statements,  and  mention  the 
daughter  of  Eadweard  as  the  foundress.  Tanner  discredits 
their  assertions  respecting  the  daughter  of  Edgar,  because 
there  is  "  no  mention  of  this  in  any  old  historian,  nor  in 
the  l^^ends  of  that  St  Edith,  nor  in  the  traditionary 
account  of  the  foundation  of  Polesworth :  and  if"  he  adds, 
''there  was  any  St.  Edith  that  bore  relation  to  this  place 
— ^Tamworth, — ^it  must  be  she  that  was  daughter  to  K. 
Egbert  and  sister  to  K.  Ethelwulph."^  But  it  is  evident, 
that  the  very  same  reasoning  applied  by  Tanner  against 
Leland,  Camden,  and  Speed,  may  be  directed  against 
himself.  History  and  tradition  are  both  silent  concern- 
ing the  daughter  of  Ecgberht  in  reference  to  Tamworth. 
On  the  contrary,  it  is  clearly  evident  that  she  never 
had  anything  to  do  with  the  town. 

John  and  Henry  W.  Roby,  in  the  first  and  only  part 
of  their  "  History  of  Tamworth  "  which  was  published, 
have  given  reasons  supported  by  the  authority  of  some 
ancient  writers,  to  prove  that  Editha,  daughter  of  Ead- 
weard the  Elder,  was  the  foundress  of  the  Convent  of 
Tamworth.    We  quote  their  own  words. 

''  The  marriage  of  Sithrick,  the  Anglo-Danish  King 
of  Northumbria,  with  a  sister  of  Athelstan  (consequently 
a  grand-daughter  of  Alfred,  a  daughter  of  Edward  I.,  a 
niece  of  Ethelfleda,  and  sister  of  Edmund  I.  and  Edred, 
and  an  aunt  of  Edwy  and  Edgar,)  is  recorded  by  almost 
every  monkish  historian  who  treats  of  that  period,  as 
Florence   of   Worcester,   William  of  Malmsbury,   John 

1    CoUflctTOl.l,p.ai.       a    Britaimta.       s    Catakvae  of  rdigioai  hoaset. 
4    Notitte  MohmUou 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  817 

Brompton,  &c.  The  name  of  the  bride  is  generaUy 
omitted,  but  Matthew  of  Westminster  calls  her  Eadgi- 
tha;  which  name  kter  authors  have  generally  softened 
to  Editha,  under  which  appellation  she  is  noticed  by 
Folydore  Vergil.  The  scene  of  the  bridal  is  stated  in 
the  Saxon  Chronicle  (noticed  by  Turner  as  the  only 
history  he  has  met  with  which  particularizes  the  place,) 
to  have  been  at  Tamworth.  Now  it  is  perfectly  conge- 
nial with  the  sjorit  and  feelings  of  those  times  for  this 
Editha,  after  her  divorce,  to  have  selected  the  place 
where  her  earlier  vows  were  given  to  an  earthly  hus- 
band, to  dedicate  her  later  vows  to  heaven.  She  probably 
considered  this  town  as  peculiarly  marked  out  for  her 
retirement  from  the  world,  as  it  had  witnessed  the  two 
greatest  misfortunes  of  her  Ufe,  the  death  of  her  excel- 
lent aunt  Ethelfleda,  and  the  marriage  of  herself  with 
the  brutal  and  irreligious  Sithric.  But  it  is  not  on  mere 
probability  that  her  return  to  Tamworth,  and  her  religious 
profession  in  this  town,  rest.  In  the  life  of  St.  Edith, 
the  daughter  of  Edgar  (which  Edith,  by  the  concurrent 
testimony  of  all  the  old  historians  was  a  nun  at  Wilton, 
and  certainly  appears  not  to  have  had  the  slightest 
connection  with  Tamworth,)  written  by  an  uncertain 
author,  preserved  in  Leland's  Collectanea,  mention  is 
made  of  ''Eadgitha,  Edgari  germina,  abbas  de  Tame- 
worth,  in  provinda  Staffordensi."  It  will  be  remembered 
that  Sithric's  widow  was  aunt  to  Edgar.  Hugh  White, 
better  known  by  his  Latinized  name  of  Hugo  Candidus, 
after  mentioning  the  burial  places  of  many  saints,  adds, 
^'et  in  Thamwrthe  sancta  Edgitha."^  This  can  only 
mean  the  daughter  of  Edward  I.  for  the  daughter  of 
Egbert  was  buried  at  Polesworth,   and  the  daughter  of 

1    Hiitoria  CoBDcAU  Bvrgensto. 

TT 


318  TAMWORTH 

Edgar  at  Wilton.  Thomas  Rudbome  is  most  explicit 
on  the  point;  he  says,  ''Genuit  etiam  iste  Edwardus 
Senior  ex  Egwinna  filiam  nomine  Edgytham  quae  nupeit 
Sirichro  Comiti  Northanhumbrorum,  quse  et  requiesdt 
apud  Tanwitham,  et  pro  sancta  colitur."^  Lambarde* 
gives  implicit  credence  to  the  testimony  of  Rudbome, 
and  states  her  residence  and  burial  at  Tamworth^  on 
his  authority.  Even  Speed  himself  tells  us,  that  Editha, 
daughter  of  Edward  I.  after  the  decease  of  Sithric^e, 
the  Danish  King  of  Northumberland^  *^  obtained  of  her 
brother's  gift  the  castle  of  Tamworth,  in  the  countie  of 
Warwicke,  where  she  began  a  monastery  of  nunnes, 
and  therein  lived,  died,  and  was  interred,  and  both  the 
monastery  and  body  afterwards  was  removed  from  thence 
to  Pollesworth.'"  If  then,  from  his  own  history,  the 
nunnery  of  Tamworth  was  foimded  in  the  reign  of 
Athelstan,  or  one  of  his  brothers.  Speed's  subsequent 
statement,  in  the  Catalogue  of  Religious  Houses,  that  it 
was  foimded  by  Editha,  daughter  of  Edgar,  was  most 
probably  copied,  without  consideration,  from  Leland  or 
Camden.  Baker,  though  of  no  great  value  as  an 
authority,  may  yet  be  quoted  as  confirming  our  opinion. 
He  says  of  the  daughters  of  Edward  Senior,  ''  the  eldest 
was  married  to  Sithricke,  the  Danish  King  of  North- 
umberland, and  he  deceasing,  she  entered  into  a 
monastery  which  she  began  at  Tamwor^  in  Warwick- 
shire, and  there  died."^  It  must  not  be  concealed  that 
Matthew  of  Westminster  asserts  that  the  widow  of 
Sithric,  "virginitate  sibi  reservata,"  retired,  not  to 
Tamworth  but  to  Polesworth  (Pollesberia.)'  The  subse- 
quent removal  of  her  body  to  that  monastery,  together 

1    Ilift  If^jor  BcdctlK  Wlntonlmrii.    9   IMctioiiaiiiun  Anglte  TbpogimphkuM 
s    Hist,  or  QntA  Britsln.  4    Chronicle  of  tlN  Kinn  of  1 


CASTLB    AND  TOWN.  S19 

with  the  confusion  of  the  same  name  in  two  saints 
venerated  there^  may  reasonably  account  for  a  mistake. 

The  correct  appropriation  of  these  three  royal  and 
sainted  recluses  seems  to  be^ 

Editha,  daughter  of  Egbert^  sister  of  Ethdwulf^  and 
aunt  of  Alfired^  was  Abbess  of  Polesworth. 

Editha^  daughter  of  Edward  I.^  sister  of  Athelstan^ 
and  aunt  of  Edgar^  was  Abbess  of  Tamworth. 

Editha,  daughter  of  Edgar^  sister  of  Edward  II.,  and 
aunt  of  Edmund  II.,  was  a  Nun  of  Wilton. 

They  all  died,  and  were  buried  in  their  respective 
towns. 

We  can  add  little  to  the  authorities  quoted  in  con- 
firmation of  the  opinions  that  Editha,  daughter  of 
Eadweard,  was  the  foundress  of  the  Convent  at 
Tamworth,  and  that  afterwards  she  was  canonized. 
Rudbome's  evidence  upon  this  point  seems  conclusive. 
It  is  sufficient  to  say,  that  no  author,  to  whom  we  have 
had  access,  directly  denies  these  statements,  or  gives 
others  that  would  invalidate  them,  except  those  whom 
we  have  mentioned.  It  is  true  that  this  Editha  is  not 
at  the  present  time  named  in  the  calendar;  nor  is  she 
mentioned  in  the  extensive  ''Acta  Sanctorum"  of  the 
BoUandists,  or  in  the  more  recent  "Lives  of  the  Saints", 
by  the  rev.  Alban  Butler.  Numerous  of  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  saints  were  canonized,  not  by  the  pope,  but  by 
the  local  bishops.  Hence  many  attained  a  very  limited 
reputation;  and  after  the  English  was  separated  from 
the  Roman  church,  their  invocation  became  frequently 
disused. 

The  assertion  of  Matthew  of  Westminster  deserves 
notice,  for  Editha  of  Tamworth  is  named  in  local  records 
as  a  virgin  saint.     He  states  that  the  marriage  of  Editha 


320  TAMWORTH 

to  Sihtric  was  only  nominal.  In  those  times,  such  was 
not  uncommonly  the  case.  Seyeral  well  known  and 
illustrious  examples  might  be  cited:  and  this  was 
more  likely  to  occur  when  the  political  conversion  of 
the  chief  party  was  more  than  suspicious. 

The  confusion  of  the  three  saints  seems  principally 
to  have  originated  with  Leland.  He  certainly  fiell  into 
error  in  attributing  the  foundation  of  the  nunnery  at 
Polesworth  to  Robert  de  Marmyon;  which  shows  he 
had  no  exact  information  on  this  point.  Camden  and 
Speed  evidently  followed  him.  The  festival  of  Editha, 
daughter  of  Edgar,  was  kept  annually  in  September; 
whilst  that  of  the  Editha  of  Tamworth  v^as  observed 
in  the  month  of  July.  We  may  safely  conclude  they 
were  not  the  same  persons. 

The  Convent  did  not  remain  very  long  at  Tarn- 
worth.  Soon  after  the  Conquest,  it  was  incorporated 
with  the  nimnery  of  Polesworth.  The  cause  of  die 
removal  is  easily  understood,  if  the  assertion  of  Speed 
be  correct,  that  the  brother  of  Editha  bestowed  the  Castle 
upon  her,  which  she  converted  into  her  dwelling.  Robert 
de  Marmyon  must  have  displaced  the  nuns,  to  take 
possession  of  his  newly  acquired  domains.  But  if  an 
inaccuracy  in  Speed's  statement  should  exist,  we 
may  still  suppose  that  they  were  expelled,  when  tlus 
nobleman  drove  those  of  Polesworth  firom  his  lands; 
and  that,  when  he  restored  them,  he  incorporated  both 
societies  together.  Perhaps  he  may  have  built  the 
Church,  in  recompense  for  the  injury  which  the  nuns 
of  Tamworth  had  received  at  his  hands. 


THE  CHAPELS. 

There  are  seyeral  Chapels  in  Tamworth  unconnected 
with  the  church  of  England.  The  first  which  demands 
our  notice  is  the 

ROBfAN   CATHOLIC  CHAPEL. 

Before  the  erection  of  this  building,  the  Catholics 
had  a  mission  established  in  the  neighbourhood,  at 
Coton.  There  mass  was  celebrated  weekly  in  a  humble 
cottage.  In  1828,  the  Chapel  was  commenced,  and 
completed  in  the  following  year ;  when  it  was  opened, 
on  the  feast  of  St.  John  the  Baptist, — in  honour  of 
whom  it  is  dedicated, — ^by  the  right  rey.  Dr.  Thomas 
Walsh,  bishop  of  Cambysopolis,  who  presides  over  the 
Central  district  of  England. 

The  Chapel  is  a  neat  and  tolerably  large  structure. 
It   has    no  pretension  to    architectural  merit,  as  it  is 
in  the  Egyptian  style.    Adjoining  it,  is  a  commodious 
house  for  the  residence  of  the  priest    The  erection  of 
the  whole  cost  2200/. 

Internally  the  Chapel  is  very  plain.  The  painting 
oyer  the  altar  is  fine ;  and  was  presented  by  the  right 
hon.  the  earl  of  Shrewsbury.  It  represents  our  Lord 
healing  the  infirm  man  at  the  pool  of  Bethesda.  It  was 
painted  by  one  of  the  Bolognese  school,  and  was  formerly 
in  the  collection  of  Luden  Buonaparte.  It  was  purchased 
by  the  noble  donor  at  Rome. 


S22  TAMWOBTH 

Attached  to  this  foundation  is  a  school;  and  very 
recently  a  burial-ground  has  been  consecrated.  The 
Chapel  was  registered  on  the  Ist  of  November,  1837, 
as  a  licensed  place  for  the  celebration  of  marriages. 

The  rey.  James  Kelly  has  continued  pastor  from 
the  erection  of  the  building  to  the  present  time. 

UNITARIAN    CHAPEL. 

The  Unitarians  erected  a  yery  neat  Chapel,  several 
years  ago.  It  was  formerly  rather  obscurely  situated, 
being  placed  on  the  east  side  of  Colehill,  and  at 
some  distance  from  the  street.  But  since  the  formation 
of  Victoria-road,  it  has  been  brought  much  more  into 
public  sight. 

The  architecture  of  this  Chapel  is  very  unpretending ; 
it  is  built  of  brick.    There  is  a  school  attached  to  it 

The  rev.  W.  Parkinson  is  the  present  minister. 

BAPTISTS',   METHODISTS',   INDEPENDENTS', 
AND  FRIENDS'  MEETING-HOUSES. 

The  Meeting-house  of  the  Baptists,  a  small  plain 
building,  was  erected  about  forty  years  ago.  It  is 
situated  at  the  bottom  of  Peel-street.  That  of  the 
Methodists,  in  Bolebridge-street,  was  erected  in  1816; 
and  the  one  belonging  to  the  Independents,  in  Alder- 
gate-street,  in  1827.  The  Friends'  Meeting-house  stands 
in  lichfield-street.  The  existence  of  these  institutions 
is  all  we  can  note. 


THE  CASTLE. 

HISTORY. 

The  information  which  we  possess  concerning  the 
Castle  of  Tamworth  during  the  time  that  England  was 
held  hy  the  Anglo-Saxons^  is  very  scanty.  Its  erection 
by  Ethelfleeda^ — ^its  capture  by  Anlaf^ — ^and  its  conjec- 
tured conversion  into  a  Convent^ — ^are  the  only  points 
which  are  known  concerning  it.  These  matters  have 
been  spoken  of^  in  other  parts  of  our  history. 

When  the  kingdom  fell  into  the  hands  of  William, 
duke  of  Normandy ,  after  the  battle  of  Hastings,  in  1066, 
he  bestowed  this  stronghold  with  lands  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, amongst  which  were  the  town  and  lordship 
of  Polesworth  with  Waverton  or  Wareton  and  StipershiU, 
upon  Robert  de  Marmyon,  lord  of  Fontenay,  in 
Normandy,  a  baron  of  great  valour  and  fame.  The 
king  also  gave  this  distinguished  follower  of  his  fortunes 
the  manor  of  Scrivelsby  and  numerous  possessions  in 
Lincolnshire. 

It  is  true  that  no  record  of  the  grant  has  hitherto 
been  found,  and  that  the  immediate  proof  is  only 
based  upon  a  faulty  legend.  Indeed,  there  are  some 
circtmistances  which  seein  actually  to  isryalidate  the 
£Etct.  In  the  Battle-abbey  roll,  professing  to  contain  a 
list  of  those  who  came  into  England  with  the  Norman 
adventurer,  the  name  of  the  first  Marmyon  is  stated  to 
have  been  Roger,  and  not  Robert ;  and  other  documents 


S24  TAMWORTH 

contain  the  same  assertion.  The  Doomsday  is  silent 
as  to  the  grants  and  the  name  of  Maimyon  is  unknown 
in  it  And  we  have  positive  evidence  that,  previously 
to  the  time  of  Stephen^  the  Castle  was  held  by  Robert 
Dispenoer. 

These  may  appear  to  be  very  formidable  objections; 
but  a  little  consideration  will  remove  them.  Very  slight 
doubt  can  be  entertained^  that  Robert  de  Marmyon  was 
the  same  person  as  Rodbert  or  Robert  Dispenoer  or 
Dispensator^  brother  of  the  noted  Urso  d*  AUtot  Those 
who  are  at  all  acquainted  with  ancient  history,  are 
awaxe  of  the  frequent  changes  which  were  made  in  the 
names  of  persons  from  circumstances  associated  with 
them.  An  individual  might  alter  his  surname,  when 
he  removed  his  residence,  or  was  appointed  to  any 
particular  office*  The  name,  Despencer,  merely  gignifigg 
that  the  person  was  the  king's  steward, — an  honourable 
post  which  Marmyon  must  have  held.  Thence  he 
would  derive  his  common  designation,  in  conformity 
with  the  general  practice  of  his  times.  This  conjec- 
ture is  capable  of  being  fully  confirmed.  The  inmiediate 
successor  of  Robert  Dispensator  is  nowhere  recorded; 
and  the  estates  named  in  Doomsday  as  belonging  to 
him  were  aU,  at  least  so  far  as  they  can  be  traced,  in 
the  tenure  of  the  Marmyon  fiunily,  at  a  little  later 
period.  His  possessions  are  enumerated  as  lying  at 
four  places  in  Warwickshire ;  at  fifteen,  in  Lincolnshire; 
at  seventeen,  in  Leicestershire;  and  at  one  place,  in 
Gloucestershire.  Those  in  the  county  of  Warwick, 
were  at  Marston,  Filingelei  or  Fillongley,  Leth  or  Lea, 
and  Bertanestone  or  Barston.  Finally,  we  have  direct 
evidence  that  the  Castle  was  held  both  by  Robert  de 
Marmyon  and  Robert  Dispensator;  therefore  the  only 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  826 

legitimate  conclusion^  which  can  be  drawn^  is  that  they 
were  the  same. 

Nor  can  we  be  surprised  at  the  silence  of  Doomsday 
respecting  the  Castle.  Polesworth  is  also  omitted.  In 
fact^  the  minor  possessions  of  Robert  Dispensator  seem 
alone  to  be  noticed.  This  only  strengthens  our  opinion 
that  the  Castle  had  been  previously  granted  by  the 
king^  and  the  service  fixed^  so  that  the  commissioners 
left  it  imnoticed.* 

We  find;  indeed;  amongst  some  old  documents^  and 
particularly  in  the  Battle-abbey  roll;  that  the  name  of 
the  first  Marmyon  is  not  written  Robert  but  R(^r. 
The  authenticity  of  this  celebrated  roll  is  so  small;  and 
it  contains  so  many  errorS;  discovered  by  comparing 
the  various  copieS;  that  no  reliance  can  be  placed  upon 
it.  It  is  generally  agreed  that  a  much  more  accurate 
list  of  the  followers  of  duke  William  might  be  collected 
out  of  the  Doomsday-book.'  From  the  roll;  other 
records  probably  derived  the   mistake.      Besides;   there 

1  See  page  59. 
9  AniUoftntloncrftfaedUnerenceslnthecoiriesof  thiiroU,  nutynotbennlntex^^ 
log.  Fuller,  In  his  **  Chorcli-history  of  Britain/'  has  gilven  seven  lists,  taken  from  the 
works  of  Holtnshed,  Stow,  Fox,  and  John  Brompton,  and  an  eightti,  containing  tb» 
names  of  persons  who,  after  the  battle  of  Hastings,  were  advanced  to  seigniorities  in 
the  land.  T6  compare  these  together  we  select  six  names,  chosen  merely  for  their 
eminence,  and  on  aocoont  of  them  all  being  mentioned  in  Doomsday  (except  the  last,)— 
Nigel  de  AlUny,  Henry  de  Ferrers,  Hagh  de  Orentemaisnil,  Urso  de  Abitot,  Robert 
Dispensator,  and  Robert  de  Bfarmyon.  We  shall  find  many  diversities,  omissions,  and 
repetitiofis* 
1  Albcny.    FinreroBB.  Dabitot.       Dlspencere.  MarmUon. 


9  Albeny Dispencer.   Bfarmiloa. 

t Henry,  seignenrLe  sire  de        Roger  Marmion. 

deFerieres.        Grantmesnil.  LesiredeFOntenay. 

4 Henry, seig.  de  Le seig. de      Leseig.de Le seig.de Fontnay. 

Ferrers.              Orosmenil.  Ivetot.                           Roger  Marmion. 

5 Henry,sirede    Rogier  Marmion. 

Ferrers.  Le  sire  Fontenay. 

6 Ferrer.  Despenser 

Feieis. 

7 Ferecs.  Spenser.      Marmyoon. 

• H.  Ferret.          H.deAppe*  H.deSpen 

R.  de  Ferrers.  .  tot.              cer. 

U  U 


TAMWORTH 

were  in  Normandy  so  many  as  nine  commnnes  of 
the  name  of  Marmyon ;  with  one  of  whom  Robert  might 
easily  have  been  confounded  by  historians.^ 

In  conformity  with  the  feudal  system,  Robert  de 
Marmyon  and  his  heirs  had  tenure  of  their  lands  by 
military   or  other   serrices.     The   Castle   of  Tamworth 

Puller,  whoM  chief  ezcdlence  as  a  writer  lies  In  bis  wUty  icnutfts,  says  fhat  a 
eatslogne  ftom  Daonsdaf  weie to  te  beUered oa  Itswwrd,  bcfcM Battte-ffoQ  on  it» 
oath.  He  comiiares  the  latter  to  Jason's  weather-beaten  ship  so  often  patched  with 
new  boards  that  it  was  qoestionabls  whether  It  were  the  saase  with  the  flrsL 

»  Oor  readers  wttltfi  once  pcaeelTe  that  we  have  been  d&seosslnf  one  or  tiie  qnea. 
tioBs  raised  brT.  C.  Banks,  in  his  "  History  of  the  andent  noble  ftmUy  of  Marmyun,** 
published  In  1817:  and  perhapaChey  nay  expect  as  to  follow  him  thsoochaH  the  pointSr 
in  which  he  has  endeavonred  to  InTalldate  sir  WlUlam  I>n(dale*s  aoeoont  of  the  earty 
Norman  lords  of  Tsmworth-Castle. 

Bat  in  reality  we  haye  at  once  destroyed  ail  his  oldeetieas  by  s isi ii ting,  and  we  trast 
provinff,  that  Robert  de  Marmyon  was  steward  to  Wnilam  I.,  and  therefbte  called  Dis. 
pencer.  This,  Indeed,  he  seems  to  consider  as  possibly  tnie.  Onecr  two  points  may 
be  especially  referred  to.  The  Ihetthat  Miliscent,  wife  of  the  first  Robert  de  Marmyon, 
was  associated  with  her  husband  in  some  pious  donnUons,  does  not  indicate  that 
he  acquired  the  lands  by  her,  and  thus  fisTOur  the  coiUectnre  that  she  was  the  dangh. 
ter  of  Dispenoer.  The  second  RcAert  de  Marmyon,  and  his  wills  Maad,  gnve  to  the 
monks  of  Fontenay  lands  which  he  possessed  In  M*  own  right.  Nor  can  the 
Marmyons  have  acquired  the  Ctetle  of  Tsmworth  by  this  Mand;  because  to  her 
hnsbaad  was  granted  fkee- warren  In  all  his  land  in  Warwickshire,  as  his  fhther  had 
before  him,  and  by  name  at  Tamworth.  nis  at  ones  shows  ttiat  the  flrst  Marmyon 
had  possession  of  notable  lands  at  this  town. 

In  thus  summarily  relating  the  work  of  so  eminent  a  writer,  we  must  ivpndlaAe  the 
charge  of  presumption  on  our  part.  We  deny  all  intention  to  misrepresent  any  teeti 
wilfully,  to  suppress  any  poiirts  which  would  militate  against  our  oplnkm  or  in  any 
way  give  a  flctltioos  honour  to  our  native  town.  We  have  not  made  use  of  mere 
coqjectures,  but  have  given  our  dear  oonrictions  derived  from  all  the  records  which 
have  fallen  under  our  notice.  There  has  long  been  a  contest  between  Tsmworth  and 
Scrivelsby  regarding  the  questions,  which  was  the  'caput  baronls'  and  to  which 
was  attached  the  Championship  of  England.  In  1814,  Banks  was  engaged  in  mam- 
talning,  before  the  House  of  Lords,  the  dami  of  his  schod.fdlow  and  intimate  friend, 
Louis  Dymoke,  esq.,  to  the  barony  of  Marmyon,  by  seizure  of  the  manor  of  Scitveisby. 
He  was,  therefore,  interested  in  the  degradation  of  Tamworth-Castle.  In  his 'History* 
he  has  thrown  down  the  gauntlet,  and  we  have  daredto  take  it  up.  Tlie  public  must 
be  the  umpire,  and  award  the  palm  of  victory. 

Of  course,  we  can  only  give  a  one-sided  view  of  the  question.  We  have  not  seen 
the  records  of  Scrirelsby  themselveSf^the  great  distance  of  the  place  and  other  dr- 
cnmstanoes  rendering  such  a  course  impractleable.  We  do  not  wish  uiOostly  to 
elevate  Tsmworth  at  the  expense  of  Scrivelsby }  therefore  we  maintain  that  both  were 
granted  to  Marmyon  at  the  same  time,  and  conjointly  formed  the  *  caput  barooiK.* 
Such  honours  do  we  assign  to  Tamworth-Castle  i  and  this  seems  the  fsirest  oondnsMn 
to  which  we  can  arrive.  Banks  considers  the  *  ctfiat  baronias  *  and  the  Championship 
to  be  inseparable.  This  we  do  not  dispute.  We  trust  that,  before  the  conchuion  of 
our  account  of  the  Castle,  we  shall  have  proved  that.  If  baronies  by  tenure  were  now 
admitted,  the  present  owner  of  the  Castle  of  Tsmworth  would  be  a  baron  of  the  realms, 
and  ought,  in  strict  right,  to  exercise  the  office  of  Royal  Champion  of  England  alter- 
nately with  the  Dymokea. 


CASTIiB    AND  TOWN.  327 

and  the  manor  of  Scrivekby  conjointly  were  held  by 
Boyal  Championship^ — one  of  the  most  noble  and 
distinguished  offices  in  the  kingdom.  The  lord  of 
these  places,  or  some  person  in  his  name  if  he  should 
be  preyented  by  any  just  cause,  was,  at  the  time  of 
the  king's  coronation,  to  ride  completely  armed  and 
sitting  on  a  barbed  horse  into  the  royal  presence; 
and  there,  causing  to  be  proclaimed  that  he  would 
defend  the  right  of  the  king  and  the  dignity  of  the 
crown,  challenge  to  mortal  combat  any  person  who 
should  dare  to  offer  opposition.  This  honourable  office 
the  Maimyons  are  said  to  have  possessed  hereditarily 
in  Normandy,  and  to  have  performed  at  the  crowning 
of  the  dukes.^ 

Kobert  de  Maimyon,  having  thus  acquired  the  Castle 
of  TamT(^orth,  with  its  demesnes,  most  probably  con- 
verted it  into  one  of  his  principal  residences.'  For  this 
purpose,  he  may  have  removed  from  it  the  society  of 
nuns,  who  are  said  to  have  occupied  it'  According 
to  the  ancient  legend,  of  which  we  spoke  as  containing 
the  only  direct  proof  of  the  grant  of  the  Castle^by  the 
Conqueror,  he  was  not  content  with  the  territories 
which  he  had  acquired,  but  seized  upon  the  possessions 
of  other  religious  ladies.  This  is  a  poor  authority 
whereon  to  charge  him  with  sacrilege,  but  we  must 
relate  the  tale  as  it  is  given. 

Directly  after  his  settlement  here,  Robert  de  Marmyon 
expelled  the  nuns  of  Polesworth  from  their  convent, 
and,  driving  them  from  their  lands,  retained  their 
property.      Being    compelled    to    leave    their    peaceful 

1    Cunden's  Britannia. 
9    Dngdale't  Baronage  has  been  oonsnlted  in  Uie  text,  and  bit  Antiqnitiet  of  War- 
fvidubire,  in  the  notes,  oaless  we  bave  giyen  references  to  other  authoritiet. 
S   See  page  S90. 


S28  TAMWORTH 

shelter,  the  holy  Benedictine  sisterhood  took  np  their 
abode  in  a  small  cell  at  Oldbury,  a  tew  miles  distant, 
probably  the  only  place  that  they  slill  held.  There 
they  remained,  hoping  that  the  days  of  adversity  might 
soon  pass  by,  and  some  providential  incident  restore 
them  to  their  former  state.  It  accordingly  so  happened ; 
for  the  cause  which  these  weak  Saxon  females  were 
unable  to  uphold  against  a  potent  Norman  baron,  was 
vindicated  by  extraordinary  power. 

Within  the  space  of  a  twelve-month,  continues  ibe 
legend,  Robert  de  Marmyon  made  a  very  costly 
entertainment  at  this  Castle,  to  which  he  assembled 
numerous  noble  iriends  and  guests.  Amongst  them, 
was  his  sworn  brother-in-arms,  sir  Walter  de  Somervile, 
lord  of  Wichnor,  in  Staffordshire.  Whilst  Marmyon 
was  reclining  on  his  bed,  St.  Editha,  habited  as  a  veiled 
nim,  and  bearing  a  crosier  in  her  hand,  appeared  to 
him  in  a  vision.  She  upbraided  him  for  his  sacri- 
legious dispoliation,  and  announced  to  him  that,  unless 
the  abbey  of  Polesworth  were  restored  to  her  successors, 
he  should  eventually  suffer  an  evil  death,  and  go  to 
hell.  And  in  order  to  make  him  more  sensible  of  her 
admonition,  she  smote  him  on  the  side  with  the  point 
of  her  pastoral  staff;  and  then  vanished.  Being  aroused 
by  the  blow,  he  cried  out  so  loudly  that  his  friends  in 
the  house  heard  him,  and  immediately  hurried  to  his 
chamber,  to  learn  what  had  occurred.  They  found  him 
extremely  tormented  with  the  pain  of  his  wound,  and 
the  bed  covered  with  blood.  He  related  the  circum- 
stances of  the  vision  to  them.  They  advised  him  to 
confess  himself,  and  to  make  a  solemn  vow  that  he 
would  restore  the  nuns,  and  make  full  compensation  to 
them.     After   he   had   acted  in   accordance   with   their 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  829 

advice,  his  pain  ceased^  and  he  recovered.  In  accomi* 
plishment  of  his  vow,  he  rode  to  Oldbury,  accompanied 
by  his  friends^  and  sir  Walter  de  Somervile.  He  asked 
pardon  of  the  nuns  for  the  injury  which  he  had  done 
to  them ;  and  caused  them  to  return  to  Polesworih.  At 
the  same  time,  he  begged  that  he  and  his  sworn 
brother-xn-arms  might  be  reputed  their  patrons,  and 
have  sepulture  for  themselves  and  their  heirs  at  the 
convent, — ^the  Marmyons  in  the  chapter-house,  and  the 
Somerviles  in  the  cloisters.  Thus  the  nuns  were  re- 
instated, and  enjoyed  their  rights  during  the  remainder 
of  the  reign  of  William  the  Conqueror,  and  in  the 
times  of  his  successors.^ 

There  can  be  but  one  opinion  concerning  this  legend. 
In  it  has  clearly  been  embodied,  long  after  the 
Conquest,  a  popular  tradition  containing  as  usual 
great  error  foimded  upon  some  truth.  We  will  leave 
the  supernatural  part  of  the  narration  alone,  and  dwell 
only  upon  the  historical  statements.  In  these,  vnll  be 
found  some  important  mistakes.  Walter  de  Somervile 
was  not  then  lord  of  Wichnor;  for,  according  to  the 
Doomsday-book,  it  was  held  by  Robert  de  Stafford.' 
But  it  is  certain  that  it  soon  passed  to  the  Somerviles. 
And  again  we  have  good  grounds  for  asserting  that  one 
of  the  main  incidents  could  hardly  have  occurred  in 
the  reign  of  the  Conqueror.  The  fundamental  truth  of 
the  legend  seems  to  be  the  deprivation  and  restoration 
of  the  nuns.      Their  reinstitution  cannot  be  questioned. 

I  Dofdaie's  Monatt.  Anfl.  The  place  of  Mpoltare  of  any  of  the  Mannyon 
family,  we  have  not  ascertained.  The  remains  of  the  nunnery  at  Polesworth  are  very 
scanty,  and  have  been  conrerted  Into  small  dweUing.honses  and  ontbolldlnffs.  It  is 
impoMible  to  discover  the  original  destination  of  the  parts.  A  large  gate-way  and  a 
scmlorciilar  arched  passage  leading  towards  the  church,  the  fragments  of  a  staircase, 
and  the  ashlar  masonry  at  the  anises  of  the  walls,  are  almost  all  the  partlcolars  that 
wooM  attract  attention.  Not  a  single  tomb  is  now  to  be  seen  amidst  the  mlns. 
S    8haw*8  SCalltodsh. 


330  TAMWOBTH 

It  expressly  appears  from  the  charter  of  Robert  de 
Marmyon^  that^  for  their  re-establishment  at  Polesworth, 
he  gave  to  Osanna,  the  prioress^  the  church  of  St. 
Editha  in  that  place,  in  order  that  the  convent  of 
Oldbury  might  remain  there.  The  exact  words  are  as 
follows: — ^^'Notum  sit  omnibus  me  ooncessisse  Osannse, 
prioress®,  ad  religionem  instaurandum  Sanctimonialium 
ibi,  Ecclesiam  S.  Edithee  de  Pollesworda,  cum  pertinen- 
tiis;  ita  quod  Conventus  de  Aldeberia  ibi  sit  manens."' 
Robert  de  Marmyon  and  MiUsoent  his  wife  also  bestowed 
on  the  sisterhood  the  whole  town  of  Polesworth,  with 
all  their  demesnes  in  Waverton.'  The  grant  was 
afterwards  confirmed  by  king  Stephen.  Hence  Leland 
has  attributed  to  this  baron  and  his  lady  the  foundation 
of  that  religious  house.  But  the  words  of  the  charter, 
which  we  have  quoted,  show  that  it  was  a  previously 
constituted  community.  It  is  generally  believed  to 
have  been  instituted  by  Ecgberht  the  Great,  for  his 
daughter  Editha.  She  was  afterwards  canonized,  with 
her  great  instructress  Modwen,  who  came  with  Lyne 
and  Osythe  from  Ireland.' 

But  we  cannot  date  the  restoration  of  the  monastery 
of  Polesworth  before  the  commencement  of  the  reign  of 
Henry  I.  Our  reason  is  very  simple.  Osanna  was 
prioress  when  Robert  de  Marmyon  re-established  the 
nuns ;  and,  in  the  time  of  Stephen,  she  gave  licence  to 
Elias  le  Sauvage  to  have  a  chapel  at  Pooley,^  Roger 
de    Clinton    being  then  bishop  of   the  diocese.      This 

1    Lelaiul's  CoItoctauML 
1   WATBKTOMWMgiTaitotfaeniuMlathetlmeofHeniyl.oirthcitaJboatt.   Robert 
de  Marmyon  enfeoilM  Robert  de  Qrendon  in  certain  lands  in  this  Tillace,  with  Dobdon 
adjacent,  to  be  held  by  aenrice  of  one  kniffht*s  fiw.    Theie  placet  were  Ions  lield  by 
the  heln  of  Marmyon. 

3    Daxdale*a  Warwickah. 
4    FooLiT,  in  the  pariah  of  Poleaworth,  waa  granted  to  the  Marmyona.  The  second 
baron  of  the  Aunily,  about  Stephen's  time,  oontered  it  on  Bnidet,  in  fee4hnn,  at  an 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  381 

prelate  was  consecrated  in  1129,  and  died  in  1148.  If 
we  assign  the  year  1084, — only  four  years  before  the 
Conqueror's  death, — as  the  date  of  the  legendary 
occurrence,  and  1140^  as  that  of  the  licence,  Osanna 
must  have  been  abbess  for  a  period  of  more  than  fifty- 
six  years,  and  must  have  attained  an  extraordinary  age. 
Truly  if  this  is  not  beyond  the  bounds  of  possibility,  it 
is  certainly  not  within  the  limits  of  probability.  Osanna 
was  also  prioress  when  Walter  de  Hastings^  and  Hade- 
wise  his  wife,  in  the  reign  of  Henry  I.,  gave  to  the 
nuns  the  site  of  Oldbury  and  all  Stipershill,'  in 
fields  and  woods,  down  to  the  middle  of  the  valley  on 
that  side  of  Mancetter ;  and  a  certain  part  of  the  wood 
on  the  south-east  of  Oldbury,  extending  to  the  rivulet 
which    runs    from    Hartshill;     and    also    two   grounds 

•nniud  rent  of  ite.  The  latter  Mon  afterwards  granted  it  to  Saavage.  Osanna,  the 
abbess  of  Polesworth,  with  the  consent  of  her  fellow  nans,  gave  pennisslon  to  Elias» 
son  of  GeoA«y  1e  Sanvsge,  to  hare  a  du^el  here,  bat  without  serrlce,— for  prayers 
without  nutfs  we  sappose,— snd  a  chapel-yard.  In  return  he  gare  to  the  conrent,  the 
inheritance  of  four  acres  of  the  best  meadow-ground  in  this  Tillage;  promised  to  pay 
annually  daring  his  life  ISil.  upon  St.  Editha's  alter,  on  the  day  of  her  festiTal ;  and 
bequeath  his  body  to  be  buried  in  the  church  of  Folesworth.  This  agreement  was 
made  in  the  presence  of  Roger  de  Qintan,  the  bishop. 

But  the  tenure  in  fee-fisrm  did  not  endure  for  a  long  time.  Robert  de  Marmyon, 
probably  the  son  of  him  who  made  the  grant  to  Burdet,  in  consideration  of  ten  marks 
and  the  yearly  payment  of  a  sore  sparrow-hawk  to  himself  and  his  heirs,  released  the 
rent  of  lOs.  unto  Geofty,  brother  snd  heir  of  Elias  le  SauYage.  Subsequently  William 
Burdet  acquitted  to  Philip,  the  last  of  the  Mannyons  of  Tsmworth-Castle,  all  his  ri^ht 
to  the  homage  and  services  of  William  le  Sauvage,  grandson  of  the  second  Geoflkvy, 
for  the  lands  of  Fooley.  Henceforward  they  were  held  immediately  of  the  Mannyons, 
by  senrioe  of  a  sore  sparrow-hawk,  or  in  Ueu  S«.  to  be  paid  on  the  feast  of  St.  James 
the  Apostle,  in  the  nature  of  soccage-tenure. 

1  At  the  time  of  the  genersl  surrey,  Fillonolbt  was  held  by  the  bishop  of  Coa- 
tance,  the  church  of  Coventry,  Alsi  a  Saxon,  snd  Robert  Dispensator.  Bach  possessed 
half  a  hide}  snd  fax  the  portion  of  the  latter  was  the  church,  with  wood  two  miles 
long  and  one  broad :  valued  altogether  at  90s. 

Of  the  portion  possessed  by  the  Mannyons,  Walter  de  Hastings,  was  enfeoffBd,  in 
the  time  of  Henry  I.  j  and,  at  the  end  of  that  king's  reign,  it  was  held  by  his  son  Hugh. 
Bis  descendants  continued  possessed  of  it,  by  service  paid  to  the  lords  of  TAmworth. 
CssUe :  and  there  they  most  probably  resided,  until  Henry  de  Hastings  acquired,  by 
marriage,  the  castle  of  Abergavenny,  in  Wales.    See  pp.  07  ond  88. 

1  SriPsasBiLi.,  near  Folesworth,  is  said  to  have  belonged  to  the  Mannyons. 
Osmden  erroneously  states  that  they  had  their  castle  here:  there  was  once  a  little 
fortlflcation.  It  continued  for  many  ages  fai  the  possession  of  the  lords  of  Tam- 
worth-Castie}  who,  from  the  reign  of  Edward  III.  at  least,  kept  their  courts  there. 


882  TAMWOBTH 

called  Calf-croft  and  Biicbley.  Hub  might  seem  another 
evidence  of  the  worthlessness  of  the  legend  in  describing 
Oldbury  as  belonging  to  the  nuns  in  the  Conqueror's 
reign.  But  it  appears  from  the  declaration  of  Roger 
de  Clinton  the  bishop,  who  witnessed  the  deed,  that 
the  grant  was  made,  in  order  that  Walter  and  Hadewise 
might  not  retain  any  of  the  property  belonging  rightly 
to  the  convent  of  Polesworth.  This  shows  that  the 
nuns  had  previously  possessed  it.  The  great  error  in 
the  legend  is  the  placing  of  the  dispossession  and 
restoration  of  the  nuns  so  close  together  in  point 
of  time.  If  we  date  the  latter  circumstance  about  the 
middle  of  the  reign  of  Henry  I.,  no  difficulty  can  be 
found  in  reconciling  the  other  fiausts  there  given.  In 
some  of  the  laws  of  this  king,  the  preambles  acknowledge 
the  manifold  oppressions  which  religious  bodies  had 
suffered :  and  afterwards  restitutions  were  very  generally 
made. 

Nothing  more  than  what  we  have  related  is  known 
of  the  first  Norman  lord  of  the  Castle,  except  that, 
with  Miliscent,  he  granted  to  the  monks  of  Bardney,  in 
Lincolnshire,  the  adjacent  town  of  Budegate,  for  the 
health  of  the  souls  of  his  father  and  mother,  his  own 
soul,  that  of  his  wife,  and  for  the  souls  of  their  heirs. 
He  died  in  the  time  of  Henry  I.;  and  was  succeeded 
by  his  son,  also  named  Robert.' 

1  The  fint  Robert  wm  not  improbebly  the  tether  of  Rofer  de  Maimyon,  whom 
DoKdale  namei  as  being  posiewed  of  Arrow. 

From  Roger,  Arrow  descended  to  Robert  his  gnndchild,  who  afterwards  passed 
it  away  to  QtoBtej  his  onde.  The  daughter  of  the  latter,— Albredat—oonTeycd  It 
to  William  de  CamvUe  i  who  afterwards  became  her  husband.  He  was  a  younger 
son  of  Richard  de  CamvUe,  a  **  devout  and  pioos  man,"  who  founded  Combe-abbey 
for  Cistertian  monks. 

Lady  Albreda  purchased  a  mill  at  Stretton.soper>Dunsmore  of  these  monks,  for 
twenty  marks.  She  afterwards  assigned  it  to  them  again,  on  condition  that  they 
should  solemnize  the  annirenaries  of  her  husband,  of  herself,  of  William  her  son, 
and  of  the  rest  of  her  sons  and  daughters.    To  William  her  son,  she  gave  a  fourth 


CASTLE    AND   TOWN.  333 

Henry  I.^  like  his  predecessors,  was  ardently  fond  of 
the  chase.  He  increased  the  number  of  royal  forests,  and 
framed  laws  of  the  severest  nature  to  prevent  encroach- 
ments, and  preserve  the  animals  within  them.  Amongst 
these  regulations,  there  was  one  by  which  the  barons 
were  forbidden  to  hunt,  even  upon  their  own  lands, 
without  royal  permission.  Most  of  the  nobles  were, 
therefore,  compelled  to  obtain  licence  that  they  might 
indulge  in  a  sport,  which  formed  one  of  their  most 
fiivourite  amusements.  Robert  de  Marmyon  received 
from  the  king  a  charter,  dated  at  Cannock,  in  Stafford- 
shire, by  which  free-warren  was  conceded  to  him  in  all 
his  lands  in  the  county  of  Warwick,  in  woodland  and 
plain,  as  his  father  had  before  him,  and  by  name  here 
at  Tamworth. 

This  nobleman  attained  considerable  note  in  the 
struggles  between  the  empress  Maud  and  Stephen  for 
the  crown  of  England.  He  was  in  Normandy  when 
Geoffirey,  count  of  Anjou,  Maud's  husband,  attempted 
to  gain  that  dukedom  from  the  English  king:  and  he 
fought  in  the  cause  of  the  latter.  The  command  of 
Falaise  was  committed  to  him;  and  he  bravely  held  it 
out  against  all  the  vigorous  attempts  of  Geofirey  to 
take  it  by  storm.  But  in  retaliation,  the  count  besieged, 
and  at  length  gained,  his  strong  castle  of  Fontenay, 
and  razed  it  completely  to  the  ground.  This  occurred 
in  the  year  1139. 

part  of  a  knifht'i  fee  in  SecUncton,  of  the  fee  of  Robert  Bomu»  earl  of  Leicester, 
wluch  the  had  acquired  of  her  ftither;  a&other  fourth  part,  of  the  fee  of  the  earl  of 
Warwick  s  and  half  a  koif  ht*s  Cee  there  and  in  Weeton,  which  Simon  de  Barcheston 
held.  For  these,  her  son  gave  her  forty  marks  and  discharged  her  of  twenty,  due  to 
the  monks  of  Combe,  for  the  performance  of  her  husband's  anniversary.  Albreda 
certainly  held  Dostltill  j  she  granted  the  senrioe  of  James  de  la  Launde  for  this  place 
to  William  her  son. 

wniiam  de  Ladington  held  part  of  a  knight's  fee  tai  WUneoote  of  lady  Albreda  de 
MarmyoD,  who  held  it  of  the  earls  of  Mellent. 

W  W 


SS4  TAMWORTH 

After  this  occurrence,  Robert  de  Marmyon  granted 
away  his  lands  in  Fontenay.  With  Maud  de  Beauchamp 
his  wife,  he  gave  permission  to  his  tenants  by  military 
service  there,  to  bestow  the  lands  upon  the  monks  of 
that  place.  This  was  not  his  only  donation,  in  the 
course  of  his  life,  to  ecclesiastical  foundations*  He 
gave  a  hide  of  land  in  Widefleet,  with  the  mill  there, 
to  the  monks  of  Bermondsey,  in  Southwalk:  and  he 
bestowed  the  church  of  Quinton,  in  Gloucestershire,  on 
the  nuns  of  Polesworth.  After  Stephen  had  been  taken 
prisoner,  in  February,  1140-1,  Maud  became  queen 
for  a  short  time.  Whilst  at  Oxford  to  celebrate  the 
approaching  festival  of  Easter,  she  began  to  manifest 
her  haughty  and  vindictive  spirit  In  spite  of  the 
remonstrances  of  her  most  attached  Mends,  she  un- 
sparingly confiscated  the  property  of  those  who  had 
been  the  partizans  of  Stephen,  and  bestowed  them  upon 
her  own  adherents.  Amongst  other  nobles,  Robert  de 
Marmyon  shared  in  her  indignation.  She  seiased  his 
barony  and  possessions  at  this  town;  and  granted  the 
Castle  and  honour  of  Tamworth  to  William  de  Beau- 
champ,  to  hold  as  freely  as  they  had  ever  been  enjoyed 
by  Robert  Dispencer,  the  brother  of  Urso  d'  Abitot. 
Emeline,  the  daughter  of  Urso,  was  the  mother  of 
William  de  Beauchamp.  On  this  accoimt,  it  would 
seem,  he  obtained  the  possessions  of  the  son  of  his 
grand-uncle, — ^the  first  Robert  de  Marmyon. 

Whether  William  de  Beauchamp  actually  enjoyed  the 
Castle  of  Tamworth,  we  do  not  know.  At  all  events, 
he  can  only  have  held  it  so  long  as  Maud  retained 
power,  whilst  Stephen  was  a  prisoner.  Robert  de 
Marmyon  did  not  live  long  after  the  liberation  of  the 
king,  which  took  place  in  September,  1141.     William 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  SS5 

de  Newbury  speaks  of  him  in  no  very  gentle  terms. 
He  describes  him  as  a  quarrelsome  person^  equalled  by 
few  of  his  time  in  ferocity  and  knavery.  Between  this 
noble  and  Balph,  earl  of  Chester^^  a  feudal  war  arose, 
in  the  prosecution  of  which  he  lost  his  life. 

Intent  upon  the  destruction  of  this  earl's  house  and 
family,  the  fierce  baron  of  Tamworth,  in  114S,  marched 
with  all  his  forces  to  Coventry,  where  his  opponent's 
Castle  was  situated.  He  seized  upon  the  priory  there, 
and,  driving  out  the  monks,  converted  it  into  a  fortress ; 
from  whence  he  might  attack  the  castle.  For  greater 
security,  he  caused  numerous  deep  ditches  to  be  secretly 
dug  in  the  adjacent  fields.  These  were  lightly  covered 
over  with  soil,  so  that  if  any  one  of  the  enemy  should 
approach  he  might  be  ensnared.  As  the  earl's  troops 
rapidly  drew  near,  Robert  de  Marmyon  rode  out  to 
reconnoitre  them.  But  it  so  happened  that,  whilst 
charging  at  the  head  of  his  own  soldiers,  he  forgot 
where  the  traps  had  been  formed,  and  his  own  horse 
fell  into  one  of  them.  He  was  thrown  down  with  great 
violence,  and  his  thigh  broken.  A  common  soldier 
immediately  rushed  upon  him,  and  cut  off  his  head, 
before  any  of  his  friends  could  hasten  to  his  succour, 
and  rescue  him. 

Kobert  de  Marmyon  had  a  son,  also  named  Robert; 
who  succeeded,  and  became  the  third  baron  of  the 
family.  He  must  have  been  very  young  at  his  father's 
decease,  as  he  survived  him  about  seventy-five  years. 

This  Robert  de  Marmyon,  having  obtained  his  father's 
estates,  had  granted  to  him,  by  royal  charter  dated  at 

1  B«^,  Mil  of  Chester,  gnated  to  Robert  de  Mannron  and  hii  liein,  about 
Stapben'a  time,  the  eenrioe  of  Osbert  de  Arden  rendered  for  the  manor  of  Kimossubt. 
But,  aotwithetandhig,  thla  place  was  afterwards  hdd  of  the  earl  of  Chester's  heirs, 
as  of  the  manor  of  ChUesmore  in  Coventry. 


SS6  TAMWORTH 

Bruges,  free-warren  in  all  his  land  in  WarwidLshire, 
and  by  name  at  Tamworth,  in  woodland  and  plain,  as 
his  ancestors  had  in  the  time  of  Henry  I.  And  no 
one  was  to  hunt  in  it,  or  to  capture  a  hare,  without 
his  licence,  under  penalty  of  10/.'  Upon  the  aasessment 
of  the  aid,  in  1166,  to  provide  for  the  marriage  of 
Matilda,  the  king's  eldest  daughter,  with  Henry  the 
lion,  duke  of  Saxony,  Bavaria,  Angaria,  and  Westphalia, 
it  was  certified,  according  to  the  red  book  of  die 
Exchequer,  that  he  held  eleven  knights'  fees,  whereof 
his  ancestors  had  been  enfeoflfed  in  the  time  of  Henry  I. ; 
and  three,  which  he  himself  had  acquired.  Banks, 
however,  says  that  the  black  book  gives  a  diferent 
account,  and  sets  forth  that  the  knights'  fees  were  eleven, 
a  fourth  part,  and  a  fifth  part,  de  veteri  feoffiimento; 
and  five,  and  a  fourth  part,  de  novo  feoffiunento:  of 
which  latter,  Geoffrey  de  Marmyon  held  one.  For  these, 
within  two  years,  when  the  marriage  took  place,  he 
paid  7/,  12s.  8rf.» 

1    Rot  ptX.,  V  H.  VI.,  per  Inspez. 

3  We  will  here  ipeek  of  the  pceaeulont  of  the  Mennxona  at  Otsk  Wbitagkb  aad 
Frbaslbt,  in  Warwickahlre. 

Id  Doomsday,  there  is  no  distinction  between  Orer  and  Nether  WMtacre.  Tbey 
were  held  by  TorchU  de  Warwick,  Hogh  de  Grentemaianil,  and  Robert  de  Ved. 

The  greatest  part  of  these  very  soon  came  into  the  possession  of  the  Itarmyons. 
Of  Orer  Whitacre  the  fether  of  Simon  de  Whitaere  wasenfeolIM,  In  the  time  of  Henry 
I.,  to  hold  by  service  of  half  a  knight's  fee.  He  also  obtained  the  remainder  from  the 
family  of  Arden,  immediately  descended  firom  Torchtt  de  Warwick.  This  Simon  de 
Whitacre,  by  mairlage  with  the  sister  and  heiress  of  Robert  de  Kalli,  aoqoiied  Flneasiey. 
This  place  was  oiicinally  a  member  of  Folesworth,  and  belonged  to  the  Marmyons, 
who  gave  it  to  KaOi  or  his  progenitor}  as,  in  tiie  rdgn  of  Henry  II.,  Robert,  the  third 
baron,  designated  him  his  knight,  because  he  owed  him  military  scrrice  fSnr  it :  and  he 
confirmed  the  grant  of  Freaaley.mill,  which  KaOi  had  made  to  the  nvns  of  Poiesworth. 

Simon  de  Whitacre  died  in  1187»  leaving  Alan  and  Jordan  his  sons.  To  Alan, 
succeeded  his  son  Simon ;  who,  removing  his  residence  to  Bardlieston,  assumed  tiiat 
as  his  surname.  In  isss,  he  passed  Over  Whitacre  to  Simon,  son  of  Jordan  and 
Isolds  his  wife,  to  be  held  of  hhn  by  service  of  half  a  knight*s  fee.  In  li38,  it  was 
agreed  between  the  parties  that  Simon  de  Whitacre  should  perform  the  required 
military  service,  by  taking  the  office  of  warder  at  the  Castle  of  nunworth.  But  Simon 
de  Barchestou  and  his  heirs  were  to  have  ward,  marriage,  and  relief,  from  Snnan  de 
Whitacre  and  his  heirs,  whenever  required.  And  the  latter  were  to  pertorm  aoit  at 
this  Castle,  for  the  former.    Over-Whitacre  and  Freaaley,  descended  from  Staaon  to 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  881 

In  the  time  of  Henry  11.,  which  was  oompanitiyely 
free  from  war,  Robert  de  Mannyon  was  only  distin* 
gniflhed  by  the  local  dignities  which  he  aoqpiixed.  In 
1185,  he  was  made  sheriff  of  Worcestershire.  At  this 
time,  he  is  mentioned  as  ^M*nas  de  Marmion,  baxo  de 
Tamworth:''^  whence  it  is  evident  that  he  was  a  baron 
by  die  tenuze  of  Tamwordi-Castle,  whatever  he  might 
be  in  right  of  Scrivelsby.  He  continued  in  that  office 
until  nearly  the  close  of  1188.  In  the  year  preceeding 
this  latter  date,  he  was  a  justice-itinerant  in  Warwick- 
shire and  some  other  counties.  And,  in  1189,  he  was 
again  constituted  sheriff  of  Worcestershire. 

We  do  not  know  whether  Robert  de  Marmyon 
attended  Richard  I.,  during  his  splendid  exploits  in 
Palestine.  At  least,  we  have  not  hitherto  found  him 
mentioned  as  participating  in  the  holy  war.  But,  in 
1194,  after  the  liberation  of  the  king  from  the  hands 
of  Henry  VI.,  emperor  of  Germany,  he  accompanied 
Richard  into  Normandy ;  who  was  determined  to  retaliate 
upon  Philip,  the  French  king,  the  injuries  received 
from  him  by  his  favouring  John,  in  fomenting  discord 
amongst  the  English  subjects,  during  their  monarch's 
absence.  The  war  continued  for  a  long  time.  In  1197, 
Robert  de  Marmyon  was  one  of  those  eminent  persons 
who  subscribed  the  confederation  made  between  Richard 

Jonlan  htoscm**  a  man  potent  in  the  Ooontrie'*}  and  to  Richard,  Ml  BOB.  Thelatter, 
ini«i,  held  then  at  the  death  af  FhiUp  de  BfannroD.  by  Mrrtee  of  a  kalKht«a  Hm. 
(Inqvia.  90  B.  1.)  Bnt,  on  the  death  of  Joan  Mortein,  eldeet  danghter  of  PhiUp,  he  is 
aaid  to  have  held  a  lml(ht*s  tat,  and  a  iSoorth  part,  in  theie  plaoea,  (Inqoia.  18  E.  i.) 
The  great  giand^anghtar  of  thia  Btehard  carried  Whitacie  and  rreaalejr  to  Alan  de 
Waidhne  i  whoee  two  danghtaia  and  cohefafenee  «cai?eyed  them.  tenp.  Hen.  VIL,  to 
theftanlllesor  Horeand  Walah.  In  1S75,  air  Baldwin  de  Frevile  died  aemed  of  two 
partaof  akBii»ft>aiBefaiR«aele7*which  Bichard  de  Whttacre,  frand-eon  of  the  laat 
named  Bkhard,  held.  AIm  half  a  knlghfa  fee  in  Whttacre,  that  Jordan  de  Whitam 
once  had  (IwinlB.  4Q  B.  lU.)  And,  in  1887.  anoClier  air  Baldwm  de  nwOe.  at  his 
de■a^  w«i  oeiaed  of  the  thnrd  part  of  a  knisfaes  fee  in  Freaaley.  and  half  a  kaigfat's 
feelnWhttacR.'whichthahdnofBlcharddeWhltacreheid.  (Inqnls.  II  R.  11.) 
1    Brdeswicke:->edit.  1844. 


388  TAMWOBTH 

I.  and  Baldwin,  count  of  Flanders,  against  the  French 
sovereign/    Richard  died  abroad  in  1199. 

Again  we  find  nothing  particular  named  of  the  third 
Robert  de  Marmyon,  for  some  years.  But,  in  1813, 
the  then  aged  warrior  accompanied  John  in  the  expe- 
dition made  into  Poiteau,  to  r^;ain  the  Engb'sh  terntories 
which  had  been  seized  by  the  French,  on  account  of 
the  murder  of  Arthur,  duke  of  Britanny,  the  claimant 
to  the  British  ihrone.  But,  for  some  reason,  Robert  de 
Marmyon,  after  a  short  time,  took  oflfence,  and  joined 
the  French  king.  John  was  highly  incensed  at  this 
step.  Out  of  revenge,  in  1215,  he  commanded  his 
chamberlain,  Thomas  de  Erdington,  to  hasten  with 
some  forces  to  the  Castle  of  Tamworth,  and,  taking  out 
of  it  all  the  prisoners,  horses,  aims,  and  ammunition,  to 
pull  it  down  to  the  groimd.'  Whether  this  order  was 
attempted  to  be  executed,  does  not  appear:  at  least 
the  edifice  was  not  destroyed.  John  did  not  live  many 
months  afterwards. 

Robert  de  Marmyon  was  a  bene&ctor  to  the  church. 
He  gave  to  the  knights-templars  at  Balsall,  the  mill 
of  Barston,  in  Warwickshire.'  And,  in  1175,  lie  con- 
firmed to  the  nuns  of  Polesworth  the  church  of 
Quinton,  which  his  father  had  bestowed  upon  them. 
He  died  about  1217,  leaving  Robert  his  eldest  son  and 
heir.  By  another  wife,  Philippa,  he  had  two  other 
sons,  one  also  named  Robert,  the  other  William.    His 

1    Rymer's  FQedenu  9    Dncdite's  WanHdnh.. 

3  At  the  genena  mantj,  Bamtov  wbb  held  hr  Robert  de  Olgi.  Iqr «  penoo  neaed 
Robert,  end  hr  Robert  Dispensetor.  The  portion  of  the  latter  wet  ttiemoetezteiMlTc, 
behig  eathneted  at  ten  hldee,  indndinff  a  mill  which  paid  ur.  attogeOier  Talued  at 
100*. 

Tlic  early  hiitory  of  this  place  is  imperfieetly  known.  It  was  partly  giTen  to  tiie 
knlfhts-teni^laTB  and  partly  to  the  knights-hoepltaUos.  In  1185,  the  templars  had 
lands  here,  amoontmc  to  the  yearly  Talue  of  u.  9d,,  said  to  be  of  the  fee  of  Robert  de 
Marmyon.   The  donor's  name  is  not  expressed. 


CASTLE  AHD  TOWN.  889 

widow  survived  him  for  some  years;  for,  in  1S20, 
Hemy  de  Armentiers  and  William  de  Gurli  were  joined 
in  commission,  with  other  persons  of  quality  in  War- 
wickshire, to  be  justices  for  taking  an  assize  of  novel 
disseisin,  which  she  had  brought  against  Robert  de 
Marmyon  the  younger,  concerning  the  dowery  of  such 
lands,  as  her  husband  was  seized  of  at  his  death,  in 
Tamworth  and  Middleton.^ 

Bobert  de  Marmyon,  the  elder  son,  took  part  with 
Philip  Augustus  against  king  John,  and  was  in  France 
when  the  latter  died.  On  the  death  of  his  father, 
Bobert  de  Marmyon  the  younger  gave  500/.  to  the  king 
to  have  the  custody  of  the  Castle  of  Tamworth,  and 
the  lands  which  his  father  had  held  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  until  arrangements  should  be  made  that  the 
English  might  peaceably  enjoy  their  estates  in  Normandy, 
and  the  Normans,  theirs  in  England.  But  if,  before  this 
should  take  place,  Bobert  the  elder  should  make  his 
peace  with  the  king  and  receive  the  possessions  of 
his  father,  he   should  pay  to  his  brother,   Bobert  the 


1    Dofdate'tWanrickiUn. 

In  tlM  Oonqoflror's  time,  Miooutov  bcloii(ed  toHvgfa  de  Grantemainia  end  Adelix 
hie  wife  J  tmt  it  eoaii  ceae  to  tke  Mttmfona.  Peiliapa  Ifdlioent  wife  of  the  lint 
Robert,  WB8  their  daughter.  In  1185,  the  tem^lere  held  lends  there,  which  had  been 
bestowed  npon  fheni  bjr  QeuAejr  de  Mennjron* 

In  the  femtly  it  conttnoed.  IniS85,  Fhilipdaimedby  praacrlptSanecoort-leetand 
gallowe  there.  These  were  sBowed.  Bat  to  his  demand  for  ftee-warren,  the  Jury 
answered  that  the  earls  of  Warwick  had  free  chase,  tahinc  fuifeitiues  for  all  oflbnces 
done  therein,  and  that  he  had  no  warren,  except  by  grant  from  Sla,  countess  of 
Warwid,  dutaic  the  term  of  her  life.     Thereupon  he  was  amerced  for  his  nndne 


On  the  death  of  FhUp  de  Marmyon,  It  was  dirlded  amongst  his  three  coheiresses; 
whooaiTeyedittottienrevllcs,BoleIers,and  HlUarlee.  Atthlstlme,itwascertataity 
hdd  of  the  churdi  of  TSmworth,  by  serrice  of  (it.  M.  amraally.  How  It  was 
aeqidred,  we  cennot  say :  this  feet  was  mikaown  to  Dogdale.  In  180S,  the  Freriles 
aeqaired  Hillary's  part,  by  porchase.  In  19Q0,  sir  Baldwin  de  nerile  procured  a 
licence  from  Richard  Scroope,  bishop  of  Oorentry  and  Llchfleld,  to  hare  an  oratory 
or  private  ctu^l  In  his  manor-hoose  there. 

Bottler's  part  also  came  to  the  neriles)  far  Margaret,  the  youngest  sister  of  the 
test  sir  Baldwin,  carxled  it  entire  to  her  husband  i  and  by  her  It  passed  into  the  femily 
of  wmonghby. 


340  TAMWOBTH 

younger,  so  much  of  the  600/.  as  the  profits  and 
of  the  lands  might  ML  short  of  that  smn.  Bobert  the 
younger  was  then  to  enjoy  the  lordships  of  Wintering^iam 
and  Coningsby,  in  Lincolnshire ;  Quinton,  in  Gloucester- 
shire ;  and  Berwick,  in  Sussex :  and  William,  his  junior 
brother,  was  to  have  Torrington,  in  Lincolnshire,  and 
lands  to  the  annual  value  of  10/.  in  Berwick.  Of  all 
these,  they  had  special  grants  from  thor  h&er. 

And  it  was  fiffther  concluded,  that  Robert  the 
younger  should  give  to  the  king  good  security  that  he 
would  keep  this  Castle  for  the  royal  use,  and  ddiver 
it  up  whenever  it  should  be  required.  He  aooordii^y 
found  securities  for  the  performance  of  these  conditions, 
— ^Nicholas  de  Verdon,  Geoffirey  de  Camvile,  William 
de  HaxdreshuU,  Ralph  Fiti  Ralph,  Thmnas  de  Offerton, 
John  de  Culi,  Richard  Russell,  Robert  de  la  Lande, 
Robert  de  Passi,  William  de  Fou,  and  Matthew  Char- 
nels,  all  of  whom  were  men  of  note  in  the  a^aoent 
country.  These  arrangements  being  completed,  Robert 
the  younger  had  a  special  royal  precept  to  William  de 
Harcourt,  then  governor  for  the  king,  to  deliver  up  the 
Castle  to  him. 

Robert  de  Marmyon  the  elder  did  not  immediately 
quit  the  king  of  France.  But  it  does  not  appear  that 
he  aided  Louis,  in  his  attempts  to  gain  the  throne  of 
England,  to  which  he  had  been  invited  by  the  turbulent 
barons,  when  they  were  driven  to  seek  a  new  sovereign, 
by  the  unprincipled  conduct  of  John.  After  the  defeat 
of  the  French  and  the  conclusion  of  a  treaty  between 
England  and  France,  Robert  de  Marmyon  made  his 
peace  with  Henry  HI.;  and,  in  1S20,  he  received  the 
Castle  of  Tamworth,  with  the  rest  of  his  father's  lands ; 
as  appears  by  the  king's  signification  of  his  pleasure  to 


CASTI^    AMD  TOWN.  341 

all  who  held  lands  of  it^  by  military  service  or  otherwise^ 
and  to  the  sheriff  of  Warwickshire.  Robert  the  younger^ 
therefore^  surrendered  the  possessions.  His  posterity 
long  flourished  in  the  county  of  Lincoln.* 

It  is  very  probable  that^  after  the  expiration  of 
several  years,  Robert  de  Marmyon  returned  into  Nor- 
mandy. For,  in  1233,  he  assigned  all  his  estates  in 
England,  for  the  space  of  seven  years,  to  the.  care  of 
Peter  de  Rupibus,  bishop  of  Winchester;  with  the 
guardianship  of  Philip  his  son  and  heir,  whose  disposition 
in  marriage  this  prelate  was  to  effect  as  he  should 
think  proper,  without  disparagement.  The  bishop, 
afterwards,  with  the  consent  of  Robert  and  Philip, 
made  an  assignment  of  the  wardship  to  William  de 
Cantilupe,  a  great  man  of  that  time.  Of  Robert  the 
elder,  we  find  nothing  more  recorded,  except  that  he 
died  in  1241. 

Philip  de  Marmyon  succeeded  to  all  his  father's 
estates.  In  1243,  he  married  Joan,  one  of  the  daughters 
and  coheiresses  of  Hugh  de  Killpeck,  of  Killpeck-castle, 
in  Herefordshire;  whose  guardianship  and  disposal  in 
marriage  had  been  committed  to  William  de  Cantilupe. 
For  her  lands,  Philip  paid  relief  in  the  following  year, 
and,  doing  homage  to  the  king,  had  livery'  of  them. 
In    1247,  he   paid   a  fine   of  six  marks  of   silver   to 

1  Robert  d«  Mannyon,  Jimlor,  became  lord  of  WlnterinKbam,  in  Lincolnshire. 
He  nanied  a  danghter  of  Jemefan  Fits  Hac:h,  and  had  iaaae  William ;  whose  son  and 
heir  John  was  smnmoned  to  Parliament  as  a  baron  firom  the  8th  of  Jane,  1S04,  to  the 
Ufh  of  March,  ISSI-S ;  in  which  year  he  died.  Hia  son,.  John,  was  summoned  fh>m 
the  ard  of  December,  1S90,  to  the  1st  of  April,  133A.  He  had  issue,  Robert,  who  died 
8.  P.,  leavinir  his  two  sisters  his  heirs,— Joan  married  to  sir  John  Bemack,  and  Avice, 
the  second  wife  of  John  lord  Grey,  of  Rotherford,— between  whom  the  baiony  fell 
into  abeyance.  John,  eldest  son  of  Avice,  assumed  the  name  of  Marmyon ;  but  he 
died  S.  P.  in  1385,  leaThiR  hia  niece  his  heir. 

WUUam,  brother  of  Robert  the  younger,  had  a  son  William;  who  was  summoned 
to  Parttamient  on  the  24th  of  December,  1904,  but  never  afterwards  j  and  he  appears 
to  hare  had  no  Issue.    Nickolaa*a  Peerage. 

8    From  the  Norman  livrer :  hence  the  word  Delivery. 

X  X 


S42  TAMWORTH 

Thomas  de  Clinton,  that  he  and  his  heirs,  his  wife 
and  their  heirs,  might  enjoy  the  liberty  of  fishing  with 
a  boat  an3rwhere  in  the  water  at  Amington,  with  one 
net  called  a  Fleunet,  and  a  Tramil  and  Sayna,  when  they 
came  to  Tamworth  or  Middleton.'  And  he  obtained  a 
confirmation  of  the  charter  of  free-warren,  dated  at 
Winchester,  on  the  S4th  of  January,  1S48-9,  which  his 
ancestors  had  previously  enjoyed  in  Warwickshire.' 

In  the  tempestuous  reign  of  Henry  III.,  Philip  de 
Marmyon  became  a  person  of  no  mean  celebrity  in 
England.  He  was  constituted  sheriff  of  the  counties  of 
Warwick  and  Leicester  in  1849:  and  he  retained  the 
office  for  three  years.  He  was,  at  the  same  time,  made 
governor  of  the  castle  of  Sauvey,  in  the  latter  shire. 
But,  in  1252,  he  was  questioned  finr  sitting  with  Richard 
de  Mundevile,  and  the  rest  of  the  justices  ibr  the  gaol- 
delivery  at  Warwick,  as  he  had  no  commission  to 
assume  that  office. 

This  nobleman  attended  the  king  into  Crascoigne,  in 
125S,  to  aid  in  the  suppression  of  a  general  revolt  in 
this  province,  which  yet  belonged  to  England.  The 
inhabitants  had  even  called  in  the  king  of  Castile  to 
take  possession  of  their  country.  Henry  arrived  at 
Bourdeaux,  on  the  15th  of  August.  His  powerful  amy 
soon  subdued  the  rebels;  and  a  reconciliation  was  made 
between  the  two  kings,  and  confirmed  by  the  conclusion 
of  a  marriage  between  prince  Edward  and  Eleanor, 
princess  of  Castile.  Henry  returned  to  England  at  the 
close  of  the  year,  after  having  been  magnificently  en- 
tertained fcHT  eight  days  at  Paris,  by  Louis.    But  many 

1    ThomM'8  Dofdale. 
9    Rot  p«t.  37  H.  VI.    In  1S48,  he  brancht  in  Mdw  ■gsinit  Ba,  oonntMi  of  War- 
wick, for  common  of  putore  witliiii  Uie  lordsliip  of  SnttOD-CoMMd. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  84S 

of  the  English  nofaility^  on  their  way  back,  in  the 
following  year,  although  they  had  letters  of  protection 
firom  the  king  of  France,  were  taken  prisoners  by  the 
French  in  Poiteau.  Amongst  these,  were  John  de 
Pkssets,  earl  of  Warwick,  Grilbert  de  Segrave,  and 
Philip  de  Marmyon. 

The  detention  of  the  lord  of  Tamworth-Castle  was 
not  of  a  very  long  duration.  For,  in  1257,  he  joined 
the  expedition  made  into  Wales,  to  put  down  the 
rebellious  natives.  In  the  next  year,  he  had  summons, 
with  other  great  men,  to  resort  to  Chester,  on  the  eve 
of  the  nativity  of  St.  John  the  Baptist;  well  furnished 
with  horse  and  arms,  to  march  against  Llewellyn  ap 
Griffith.  And,  in  1260,  he  was  commanded,  with  all 
the  chief  nobility,  to  be  at  London  on  the  day  after 
the  feast  of  Sts.  Simon  and  Jude,  for  a  similar  purpose. 

At  this  time,  the  barons  b^an  more  openly  to  intrude 
upon  the  royal  prerogatives,  by  assuming  powers,  which 
Henry  knew  not  how  to  weild  with  judgment.  They 
fdaced  sheriffs  of  their  own  election  in  numerous 
counties  of  the  realm.  Philip  de  Marmyon,  as  a  baron 
in  whose  fidelity  the  king  reposed  great  confidence,  had 
then,  by  special  patent,  the  counties  of  Norfolk  and 
Suffolk  committed  to  his  care ;  with  the  custody  of  the 
castles  of  Norfolk  and  Orford.  In  1262-S,  he  received 
commands  to  attend  at  Hereford,  on  the  Monday  after 
Candlemas  day,  to  resist  Llewellyn  ap  Griffith;  as  also 
to  be  at  Worcester,  on  the  ensuing  Lammas-day — 1263, 
well  accoutred,  for  the  same  purpose. 

But,  at  this  time,  numerous  of  the  most  ^powerful 
baions  rose  in  rebellion  to  compel  the  king  to  give 
his  assent  to  the  ordinances  which  they  had  drawn 
up    at  Oxford,   tending   so   greatly    to   undermine   the 


344  TAMWOKTH 

royal'  authority.  They  seized  numerous  of  the  castles, 
and  ravaged  without  mercy  the  lands  of  those  who 
refrained  from  joining  them.  Louis,  IX.,  who  was  con- 
stituted arbitrator,  summoned  the  parties  to  Amiens, 
on  the  2Srd  of  January,  that  he  might  hear  them 
plead  their  respective  causes.  And  he  made  both  find 
sureties  on  oath  for  their  adherence  to  the  determi- 
nation which  he  should  make.  Philip  de  Marmyon, 
being  a  person  of  unshaken  loyalty,  was  chosen  on 
the  part  of  the  king. 

Louis,  on  the  Srd  of  February,  pronounced  his 
sentence.  He  ordained  that  the  provisions  of  Oxford, 
as  opposed  to  the  regal  prerogatives  and  to  the  ancient 
constitution,  should  be  annulled;  the  castles  and  lands 
restored  to  the  king;  and  also  the  nomination  of  the 
great  officers  of  state,  and  of  the  royal  household.  A 
general  amnesty  was  to  be  granted  to  all  subjects  for 
past  ofTences,  and  they  should  fully  enjoy  all  the 
liberties  and  privileges  given  to  them  by  former 
charters,  the  infraction  of  which  had  been  the  great 
incitement  to  the  insurrection.  This  award  was  not 
agreeable  either  to  the  king  or  to  the  barons,  but 
especially  to  the  latter;  who  immediately  rejected  it. 

Hostilities  were  very  soon  commenced.  Henry  sum- 
moned all  the  tenants  of  the  crown  to  meet  him  at 
Oxford.  At  first,  fortune  favoured  his  arms.  He  laid 
siege  to  Northampton ;  and  it  was  taken  by  assault  on 
the  dth  of  April,  1264;  when  Simon  de  Montfort,  the 
son  of  the  leader  of  the  barons,  with  the  whole  garrison, 
was  captured.  Philip  de  Marmyon  is  named  as  being 
present  upon  this  occasion,  with  all  the  power  which 
he  could  raise.  Leicester  and  Nottingham  submitted  to 
prince  Edward  without  any  struggle. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  S45 

Henry  then  marched  into  the  sonth  of  England  to 
relieve  Rochester^  where  the  earl  of  Warenne  was 
besieged  by  the  earl  of  Leicester.  On  the  approach  of 
the  royalists,  Leicester  retired  to  London.  There  he 
was  joined  by  fifteen  thousand  of  the  citizens:  and, 
with  his  forces  thus  augmented,  he  marched  to  encounter 
his  opponents.  The  two  armies  met  near  Lewes,  in 
Sussex,  where  a  fierce  battle  ensued.  Philip  de  Mar- 
myon  fought  there  for  the  king.  The  issue  was  fatal, 
for  Henry  was  captured,  and  Edward  was  soon  compelled 
to  surrender  himself  into  the  hands  of  the  baronial 
party. 

The  battle  of  Evesham  restored  Heni^  HI.  to  his 
throne.  Philip  de  Marmyon  appears  to  have  joined  in 
it:  and  he  was  afterwards  present  during  the  famous 
siege  of  Eenilworth-castle,  which  Henry  de  Hastings  so 
stubbornly  maintained,  for  four  months.  Immediately 
upon  the  surrender  of  this  fortress,  Philip  was  made 
governor  of  it,  for  the  king.^  He  obtained  by  confisca- 
tion the  lands  of  Thomas  de  Endesore,  a  rebel;  and 
also  all  the  king's  demesnes,  in  Tamworth,  especially 
those  of  Henry  de  Hastings,  as  we  have  noticed  in 
other  parts  of  our  History.  The  lands  of  Endesore  were 
restored  in  consequence  of  the  Dictum  de  Kenilworth ; 
those  of  Hastings,  at  a  subsequent  period;  and  the 
Warwickshire  part  Philip  retained  until  his  death. 

The  remainder  of  the  life  of  Philip  de  Marmyon  was 
unmarked  by  any  particular  military  exploits.  In  1285, 
he  claimed  by  prescription  and  was  allowed  a  court-leet 
and  gallows  at  Tamworth,  with  all  waifs  found  in  a 
certain  place  called  Ashland,   within   this  manor,   and 

1  DiRctty  after  Uw  siege,  FhiUp  de  Bfannjron  cairled  aw»y  from  the  castle,  arms, 
lead.  Iron,  and  other  things,  to  the  Taloe  of  10/.  The  legality  of  this  proceeding 
seems  to  bare  been  qoestloned. 


346  TAMWORTH 

also  fiee-warren  in  his  demerae-hnds  here,  and  in  those 
belonging  to  the  nuns  of  Folesworth,  as  he  and  his 
anoestors  had  always  had.  He  also  then  said  that  he 
had  gallows  belonging  to  his  manors  of  Bas-Whitacre,' 
and  Lea/  and  at  Middleton.    And  he,  moreover,  said 


1  Vwrmrnm.  Whitacmb  wm  iiOMBWifl  by  tbe  Mannyoaa.  With  tiie  PntrnTCBom. 
olOM  bf  ItaBwortb.  It  WM  gmntod,  i*OTit  tlw  tlB0  or  Slqihtt.  or  11m  beftaBlBK  or 
the  nlgiior  Hony  II.,  by  Bobert  do  Moimyan.  to  wnUm  Rte  Balph,  to  bold  by 
Mrrtoeofm  kalglies  fee.  I9i  Mm  Balph  File  Italiib.  hi  ia96,  wm  coftified  to  bold 
tfalsmanoroftbo  loidof  TtaKWOrth-Oaide,  bytbatMrHoe:  he  ate  had  the  mmv 
or  Glaicotb.  Hla  ton,  Nidwias  Flte  Ralph,  a  knight,  had  iaaoe  Gilea  i  wfaoee 
danghte  and  hdnn  laabcU,  MMrtid  Rdbci^  a  yoaa««r  aikvittaMte)  iOB  or  III^ 
BfannyoB* 

ThiBaobertdtManqranpooMaedHAi.i^Toif.  IMhv.WhItaao  wItt  that  plaoOp 
PBrrycrofti,  and  <»aaoole,  he  pawed  away  to  Ralph,  kird  Baaaet  of  Dnytan,  far  an 
annoity  of  401.,  to  be  paid  daring  hii  natoialUfe.  Robert  gmve  a  yaid-buid  in  Whit- 
acre  to  the  none  of  Polecworth.  He  had  a  dani^iter  nanod  Aniloe,  nairied  let  to 
BaataoedeHardrahon,afterwBnlatoJ6bndeWhttacre.  Bustace  and  Amioe,  la  iSM, 
pawed  awayatt  tboir right  and toterert in theee  poeiesAipa to  lord Baeeet.  Ontho 
death  of  her  aeoond  husband.  Amice  releaaed  tolord  Baaeet  only  the  moiety  of  Nether- 
WhItoQve.  IfceothermohtypMBedtothefewttyortheWhitnega^  lAd  Baaaet  gnw 
aw.  of  land  and  rent  in  thiaWbitaore,  tor  the  endowment  of  acbantry  conflating  or  three 
prieetii  founded  by  hfan  to  ttie  chmch  or  Ilrayton.Bawet.  For  thii  pmpoee,  hi  IS38, 
he  obtained  the  khig*elio«nGe,  and  that  of  Baldwhi  de  Ftoirile,Baperiorlard  of  the  fee. 
Two  yeara  after,  he  pawed  away  the  rwldne  to  WBUam  de  Clinton,  eail  of  Hontmc- 
don.  The  latter,  aoon  after,  ezehanged  It  with  Richard  and  AmabUde  Whttacre  for 
their  moiety  of  the  manor  of  Perrycrofta.  Uabel,  daughter  or  Amice  and  John  de 
Whitocre,  waa  Burried  to  air  Thonaa  de  Bimfaigfaam,  knt.  Of  his  two  dangfatare, 
Kleana,  married  Kdmnnrt  Fcrrera  of  Chartley,  and  Elizabeth.  George  LongvUe. 
Glaaoote  pasaed  in  the  same  aaannar  oa  Whitacre. 

Dbakbnbdob  was  a  member  of  Nether- Whitacre,  and  giren  by  the  Mannyona  to 
Nicholas  Fits  Ralph  or  his  ancestor.  Of  Us  bdrs,  the  fhaelly  of  9fanoettcr  hdd  It, 
by  service  of  a  pair  of  gilt  epors. 

In  1S91,  it  is  eaid  that  Robert  de  Marmyonbdd  of  Philip,  a  knight*s  fee  hi  Whitacre 
and Onkanedge,  which  Robeitde  Manoetter  had.  In  1994,  he  heU  thesame:  and 
Joan  Mortetai  held  the  fee  of  the  lord  king.  In  1344,  William  de  CUnton  had  ttie 
moiety  of  the  manor  of  Nether-Whitacrek  except  twenty  pounds  retain,  of  Baldwin 
Freyile,  by  military  service.  In  1S54,  William  de  Clinton,  eari  of  Hontingdon,  held, 
at  hia  death,  the  moiety  of  amessoage,  a  canicate  of  land,  six  acrw  of  plantation,  four 
acrea  of  meadow,  and  IW.  retora  in  this  place,  of  air  Baldwin  fterfle,  by  mllitajy 
senrioe.  In  1387,  sir  Baldwto  Frevile  held,  at  his  death,  a  knight's  fee  to  Whitacre 
and  Drakenedge,  which  the  heirs  of  Thomaa  de  Birmingham  had.  And  finally,  in 
1435,  Xdmuid  Ferrers,  of  the  Inheritance  of  Kleana  his  wife,  had  the  moiety  or  the 
manor  of  Whitacre,"  by  vnknownsenriee.'*    (Inqnlaitlons.) 

9  LBA-juxTA-MAmsTON,  WBs  InTolved  with  Whitacre,  and  belonged  to  the  Mar- 
myoBs.  It  was  granted,  with  BmaTPoan,  on  the  Watling-street,  near  Ftedey,  now 
depopolated,  to  Thomas  Fits  Thiustan,  cslled  also  Thomss  de  Teunworth,  aa  he  lived 
here,  and  waa  probably  a  retainer  of  the  Marmyons.  This  Thomas  by  marriage  with 
the  daughter  of  Ketelbom  [Kettlebrook]  de  Langdon,  aoqnired  the  manor  of  Imng- 
don.  Ris  descendants  sssnmed  the  name  **dc  la  Launde.'*  Lea,  Stretford,  and 
Langdon,  passedtoThoxstan,  hia  son;  Ralph,  his  son;  and  James,  his  sen,  who  passed 
away  Langdon.  Lea  and  Stretford  went  on  to  John,  the  son  of  Jaaewj  and  to  James 
de  la  Launde,  his  son.    Jamw  waa  the  last  of  his  family.    In  I8d7»  hequltled  aU  the 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  847 

that  he  held  the  C&stle  of  Tamworth;  with  mills,  and 
meadows,  and  lands  called  Ashland,  and  the  advowson 
of  the  Church,  as  belonging  to  his  barony,  of  his  own 
right  and  inheritance^ 

In  his  works  of  piety,  he  was  not  bx  behind  the 
custom  of  his  times.  He  gave  an  annual  rent  of  20«., 
issuing  out  of  certain  houses  in  London,  to  the  hospital 
of  St.  Thomas  of  Acres  in  that  city.  He  also  founded 
the  hospital  of  St.  James,  close  to  Tamworth.  In  accord- 
ance with  the  directions  of  the  king's  writ,  an  inquisition 
was  taken,  in  1285,  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  damage 
which  the  crown  would  sustain,  if  licence  should  be  given 
to  Philip  de  Marmyon  to  assign  to  the  master  of  the 
hospital,  for  the  maintenance  of  five  priests  who  should 
celebrate  divine  service  there,  five  messuages,  one  mill, 
three  carucates  and  thirty-eight  acres  of  land,  twenty* 
two  acres  of  meadow,  twenty-three  acres  and  three  roods 
of  plantation,  and  the  return  of  one  pound  of  pepper, 
and  one  of  cummin,  with  appurtenances,  in  Coningsby, 
Haltham,  Wood-Enderby,  Wilksham,  Dalderby,  Scri- 
velsby,  and  Lincoln,  and  the  advowson  of  the  church  of 
Wilksby.  And  it  was  said,  on  the  oaths  of  Peter  de 
Dalderby;  John  de  Weingworth,  in  Scrivelsby;  Hugh 
Fraunkelayn,  of  Langton ;  Robert  Fits  Nigel,  of  Hem- 
ingby ;  Richard  le  Chapelayn,  of  the  same  pboe;  William 
Cade,    of  Stretton;   Wilfirid  de  Stretton;    William  de 

latcnstwIiiehheluulinLeatohismottierAliaiiore}  and  the,  in  1870,  by  deed,  dated 
■ft  TuBwatth^pMcedawajr  the  same  to  fir  Baldwin  neriletloBt.,  and  bis  heln.  Strat- 
ford had  come  to  tlie  nrerHes  aboat  1345.  Both  these  places  belonged  to  the  lords  of 
the  Ctetia  lior  many  aces;  vntfl  the  beginnfaiff  of  the  reign  of  Ghailea  I.,  whm  Lea 
was  sold  by  air  John  Ferrers,  knt.,  to  Charles  Adderly,  esq. 

MAmsTow,  in  the  Oonqoeror's  ttane,  bdonged,  as  did  Lea,  to  Robert  Dispensator, 
and  ooatahMd  than  nine  hides.  Torehil  de  Warwick  had  three  hides  there.  It  was 
loan  all  in  the  poaseoilon  of  the  Marmyons,  and  received  the  disthictiTe  appellation  of 
Marston-Maraiyon.  In  1934,  Robert  de  Bfannyon  answered  half  a  knighfs  fee  for  it. 
The  MarmyonB  were  the  sopcrior  lords  of  the  fee,  and  the  family  of  Limesi  of  Maz- 
toke  held  it. 


348  TAMWORTH 

Wurthon,  in  Haltham ;  Robert  le  Taiiiir^  of  the  same 
place;  Robert  de  Thometon;  Robert  Colyer,  of  Coningsby ; 
and  Thomas  de  Pyndur^  of  the  same  place ;  that  all  these 
possessions,  being  appurtenances  of  the  manor  of  Scn- 
velsby  long  before,  that  is,  in  the  time  of  king  John, 
were  held  of  the  king,  in  capite,  by  Philip  de  Marmyon, 
who  had  reacquired  them,  after  his  ancestors  had  alien- 
ated them,  at  different  periods.  With  the  advowson  of 
the  church,  they  were,  in  all  issues,  of  the  annual  value 
of  8/.  Ids,  l^d. :  which  would  be  just  the  amount  of 
damage  incurred  by  the  king,  if  the  manor  of  ScriYelsby 
were  in  his  own  hands.' 

Two  years  afterwards,  Philip  de  Marmyon  granted  this 
hospital,  with  its  appurtenances,  and  pasture  in  Ashfield 
for  four  oxen  and  two  horses,  to  William  de*  Combery 
Hall,  for  a  time,  there  to  celebrate  services  for  his  soul, 
until  he  should  place  in  it  either  religious  men  of  the 
Fremonstratentian  order,  or  secular  priests,  who  should 
bear  upon  them  signum  cljrpei.'  This  hospital  remained 
to  the  time  of  Henry  VIII. ;  and,  in  15S4,  when  Rob^t 
Perrott  was  chaplain,  was  endowed  with  lands  valued  at 
3/.  68,  Sd,  annually.*  The  remains  of  the  '  spital-diapel,' 
now  converted  into  a  small  dwelling-house  and  bam, 
still  stand  at  a  very  little  distance  firom  the  northern 
boundary  of  the  old  borough  of  Tamworth. 

Philip  de  Marmyon  was  the  last  of  the  elder  branch 
of  the  family ;  and  died  in  1291.  By  his  first  wife  Joan, 
he  had  three  daughters,  Joan,  Mazera,  and  Maud  or 
Matilda.  Joan  was  married  to  William  Mortein ;  Mazera 
died  in  her  fEither's  life  time,  but  left  by  her  husband, 
Ralph   de   Cromwell,   a   daughter  Joan.    Matilda   was 

1    Inqnis.,  ISB.  i.:~Buiks*8Hist.       %   TMiner*t  Not  Monast. 
s    Valor  EodflsiMt. 


CASTLS    AND  TOWN.  S49 

married  to  Ralph  le  Boteler.  By  his  second  wife  Mary^ 
who  survived  him  until  ISli,  he  had  another  daughter 
Joan.  By  the  inquisition  taken  after  his  deaths  on  the 
13th  of  March,  1S91-2,  it  is  certified  that  he  held 
the  Castle  of  Tamworth,  with  all  its  members  and 
appurtenances,  of  the  king>  in  capite,  by  military  ser- 
vice, finding  three  knights,  at  his  own  costs,  in  the 
Welsh  war,  for  forty  days.  And  he  held  the  manor  of 
Scrivelsby  of  the  king,  by  barony;  and  the  manor  of 
Langton,  in  Lincolnshire.  And  he  had  also  the  manors 
of  Feme,  Lastrin,  and  Bradford,  in  the  county  of 
Hereford,  of  the  inheritance  of  Joan  his  wife.^  His 
next  heirs  were,  Joan,  wife  of  William  de  Mortein ; 
Joan,  daughter  of  Mazera  and  Ralph  Cromwell ;  Matilda, 
wife  of  Ralph  Boteler;  and  Joan  his  daughter,  then 
only  eight  years  old. 

Upon  the  partition  of  the  lands  amongst  these  coheir- 
esses, the  Castle  of  Tamworth  was  assigned  to  Joan,  the 
eldest  daughter ;  and,  in  her  right,  William  de  Mortein 
possessed  it.  Scrivelsby  was  given  to  Joan  the  youngest 
child ;  she  carried  it  eventually  to  Thomas  de  Lodelow ; 
and  their  grand-daughter,  to  sir  John  Dymoke;  whose 
direct  descendant  still  enjoys  it. 

Joan  Mortein  died  in  1294.  As  she  had  no  issue, 
the  Castle  of  Tamworth,   by  agreement  made  amongst 

1  In  tlie  Appendix,  Note  S8,  we  t^re  a  more  detailed  aceonnt  of  the  poweeMione  of 
the  lords  of  the  GMtle  fhnn  to  E.  J  to  87  H.  VI,  taken  fhnn  the  "Calendariwninqai- 
■ittaniiin  poet  mortem  siTe  eacaetarom,*'  pnbliahed  by  royal  command. 

9  Philip  deManayon,  it  seans,  had  wme  illegitimate  tone,  bom  of  the  lame  mother 
apparently,  and,  we  shonld  ooiUectare,  between  hie  lint  and  second  marriages.  Of 
thase,  the  most  noted  was  Robert,  a  yonncer  son,  whom  we  have  had  occasion  else, 
where  to  mention.  He  was  a  knight,  and  bore  for  his  arms,— three  swords  in  pale, 
pointing  downwards,  with  a  chief  vatary. 

To  this  tiunUy,  we  may,  perhsvs,  refer  many  indiridnals  of  the  name  of  Manayon, 
of  whom  very  little  is  known.  Peter  de  Marmyon  «  de  borgeny  seooten, "  is  named 
in  the  ooort-roUs  of  Tamworth,  in  13M.  Galfrid  was  presented  to  the  church  of  Great 
Parktngton,  in  1819.  Brother  Robert  de  Marmyon  was  elected  keeper  or  governor  of 
the  hoapttal  of  St.  Thomas  hi  Birmingham,  in  issO. 

Y    Y 


S50  TAMWORTH 

the  rest  of  the  coheiresses,  was  allotted  to  Alexander  de 
Fievile,  who  had  married  Joan,  daughter  of  Ralph 
Cromwell. 

▲RMS  OP  lUamrOM:— TAiKT  am.  amp  as.,  a  rsM  ov. 

RoBBiiT  DB  MAiMTOW.lardorsiiiUsont. 
FWitenftT,  in  NonMmdy}  ttew- 
ard  of  WUL  I.;  l«t  butm  of 
Tamworth-OMUs  uul  Sorlrals- 
by ;  d.  tenip»  Hen.  I.  ^ . 


RoMET  DB  lCARMTOif,=MMHl  dB  Roeer. 

Snd  teron  of  TiuBWQith 
CMttg,&C|  ■lain  1143. 

bRobbbt  db  lCA«MTOir,«Pliiltppa.  OttOttr,  Rklianl. 

kOfTMBWOKttl.  (Snd^itfB,  IIW., 


I  Caatle»  &c.,  d.  about  my. 


RoBBBT  DB  Mabmton,  Robbbt,  tbe      Wnilim.    Albreda,        Robot      Rkliard. 

tlM  elder,  4t]i  baron  of  yoonger,  of  I  18M.BWiL  d.  s.  p. 

Tunwoith.Caafle,&c.,d.  Wlnterinffbam.  I  deCamTOe. 

in  1S41.  I 

I 


Joan,  dao.  sPbilip  db  Mabmt.  sMary,       wiuam.  ?niHaa»,  ata- 

andooh.of  i'ov,6UiaBdla8tba- 1  snd                  I  ran  ^  ^i*t 

Hacb  do      ron  of  Tunwnrtb-    wllb.  laO^ d-  ••'• 

KOlpeck.    I  Oartle.  d.  ispi.      | |  

I i —  I  I  ( 

Joan,    «Wiluam    ICascra  sRalpb  Maud-sRalph  Tho.  dosJoansHenry  Jcdu. « 


d.  1994.  I  DB    Mob-  d.  t.  p. 

TBIN. 


Ciom-             le  Bo.  Lodelow  BU-     baron 

well.               teler.   isthost  lary.    by  writ, 

I  d.  lasi. 

Joan,  grand-dan.  sAlbzandbb       Tbomaa    de                Jolm,  a  Joan.B    Arice. 
and  eoh.  of  P.  de  I  DB  Pbbvilb.       Lodelow.                     boron  by  Sir  Jobn  sjbtan 

Marmyon.               I                                  I                           writ,  d.  Ber.        lord 

'                                 '                          ISU.  nack.       Grey. 


I 


MargaretsSIr  John  Dy-  Robert  d. 

moke,  knt.    FPom  them  t.  p. 

•pring  the  Dymckn  of 
Scriveliby,  co.  Unooln, 
rfi^mpinm  of  England. 

The  fiEunily  of  Frevile^  originally  of  Camhridgeshire, 
was  of  great  eminence,  both  before  and  aflter  this  time, 
although  only  one  of  them,  Dugdale  says,  ever  re- 
ceiyed  simmions  as  a  baron  of  the  realms.  This  was 
Alexander/  who  thus  acquired  the  Castle:  being  heir 
of  his  brother,  sir  Baldwin  Frevile,  knt.,  he  inherited, 
in  1289,  many  possessions  in  the  counties  of  Norfolk 
and  Hereford. 

1    In  1  Bdw.  IU.,*13S7. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  361 

Alexander  de  Frevile  was  principally  employed  in  the 
Scottish  wars.  In  1301^  he  was  engaged  in  the  expedi- 
into  Scotland ;  and  in  130S,  1304,  and  1305,  he  served 
in  that  kingdom.  And,  in  1314, — the  year  in  which 
the  battle  of  Bannockbum  was  fought, — ^he  received 
commands  to  repair  to  Newcastle-upon-Tyne,  by  the 
feast  of  the  Assumption  of  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary; 
well  fitted  with  horse  and  arms,  in  order  to  march 
against  the  rebellious  Scots.  We  find  Uttle  more  con- 
cerning his  military  exploits,  except  that  he  was  included 
in  a  summons,  dated  at  Ramsay,  on  the  5th  of  April, 
1827,  to  repair  to  Newcastle-upon-Tyne,  with  horse  and 
arms,  in  order  to  serve  against  Robert  Bruce. 

Upon  the  division  of  the  lands  of  Isabell  wife  of 
William  Waldraun,  in  1809,  Alexander  de  Frevile, 
obtained  in  right  of  Joan  his  wife,  one  of  her  cousins 
and  heirs,  the  manors  of  Winterboume  and  Ashton, 
with  other  lands  at  Yatesbury,  in  Wiltshire.  By  his 
lady,  he  had  a  son  and  heir  named  Baldwin,  to  whom 
he,  in  13S8,  assigned  the  Castle  of  Tamworth,  reserving 
it,  however,  to  himself  and  his  wife,  during  their  natural 
lives,  to  be  held  by  them  directly  of  the  king.  For  this 
purpose,  Edward  II.  issued  a  writ  to  ascertain  what 
damage  the  crown  would  sustain  if  the  royal  permission 
were  granted.  An  inquisition  was  accordingly  taken  at 
Warwick,  in  the  presence  of  the  escheator  of  the  king, 
on  the  Monday  before  the  feast  of  the  Nativity  of  our 
Lord:  upon  the  oaths  of  William  de  Blithe,  Anketell 
de  Bracebigg,  John  de  Longedon,  John  le  Botiller, 
Henry  le  Bray,  John  de  Sekindon,  William  de  Blac- 
greve,  Henry  Skil,  Robert  de  Aula,  Henry  Cuckeu,  Ralph 
le  Beauchaump,  and  Richard  Vilars.  They  stated  upon 
oath  that  it  was  not  to  the  damage  or  prejudice  of  the 


852  TAMWORTH 

lord  king,  if  he  should  concede  to  Alexander  and  Joan 
that  they  might  enfeoff  Baldwin  of  their  Castle  of  Tarn- 
worthy  with  its  appurtenances,  which  was  held  of  the 
king  in  capite,  to  be  held  by  Baldwin  and  his  heirs  of 
the  king  and  his  successors,  by  the  due  and  accustomed 
services :  so  that  Baldwin,  having  fiill  and  peaceable  seisin 
of  the  Castle  and  its  appiurtenances,  might  give  it  to 
Alexander  and  Joan,  to  be  held  by  them  their  whole 
lives,  immediately  of  the  king  and  his  heirs.  And  they 
farther  stated  that  the  Oastle,  with  its  appurtenances ,  was 
held  of  the  lard  king  in  capite,  by  the  sermces  of  coming 
to  the  coronation  of  the  lord  Idng,  completely  armed  wUh 
royal  arms  of  the  lioery  of  the  lord  king,  and  siting 
upon  the  principal  royal  war-horse,  and  opposing  himself 
against  any  person  who  should  gainsay  the  royal  coro- 
nation. If  none  shotdd  offer  opposition,  throughout  the 
whole  proceedings,  the  arms  and  war-horse  should  revert 
to  the  royal  use :  but,  if  any  should  oppose  themsdees, 
the  arms  with  the  war-horse  should  be  taken  for  the  use 
of  the  tenant,  himself,  of  the  CasHe.  And  the  Castle, 
with  its  appurtenances,  in  all  its  issues,  was  valued, 
a-year,  according  to  its  true  worth,  at  ten  marks.  It 
was  also  declared  that  there  remained  to  Alexander  and 
Joan,  beyond  the  Castle,  a  third  part  of  the  manor  of 
Middleton,  in  Warwickshire,  of  the  inheritance  of  Joan, 
which  was  held  of  the  Church  of  St.  Editha  at  Tam- 
worth,  in  capite,  by  service  of  2a.  2^.  and  the  third 
part  of  a  half-penny :  and  it  was  valued,  a-year,  in  all 
its  issues,  according  to  its  true  worth,  at  10/.  Also  they 
possessed  the  manor  of  Feme,  in  Herefordshire,  with 
appurtenances,  of  the  inheritance  of  Joan,  which  was 
held  of  the  lord  king  in  capite,  by  service  of  the  fourth 
part  of  a  knight's  fee :  and  valued,  a-year,  according  to 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  353 

its  true  worthy  at  100^.  They  also  held  Crownest>  in 
Worcestershire^  of  the  inheritance  of  Alexander^  of  the 
abbey  at  Worcester^  by  service  of  a  rose  annually :  and 
valued^  a-year^  in  all  its  issues^  according  to  its  true 
value,  at  40«.  And  finally  they  held  Bughall,  in  Wor- 
cestershire, of  the  inheritance  of  Alexander,  of  the  bishop 
of  Worcester,  by  service  of  5s. :  and  valued,  a-year,  in  all 
its  issues,  according  to  its  true  value,  at  40«.^  The 
annual  value  of  all  these  possessions,  therefore,  was  251. 
ISs.  4rf. 

So  &vourable  an  answer  having  been  returned  to  the 
writ,  letters  patent  were  granted  by  the  king,  dated  at 
Kenilworth  on  the  last  day  but  one  of  December  follow- 
ing, in  which,  a  fine  of  20/.  having  been  paid  to  the  king 
by  Baldv?in,  licence  was  given  to  Alexander  and  Joan 
that  they  might  enfeoff  Baldwin  of  the  Castle,  to  be  held 
by  him  and  his  heirs  of  the  king  and  his  successors 
by  the  due  and  usual  services  for  ever :  and  to  Baldwin 
that  he,  having  fiill  and  peaceable  seisin,  might  give  it 
to  Alexander  and  Joan,  to  be  held  for  the  whole  life  of 
either  of  them,  firom  the  king,  by  the  accustomed 
services.  And,  after  the  death  of  Alexander  and  Joan, 
the  Castle  should  revert  entirely  to  Baldwin  and  his 
heirs,  who  should  hold  it  of  the  king,  and  render  the 
services  to  him.' 

But,  very  shortly  afterwards,  it  would  seem  that  a 
dispute  arose  between  Alexander  and  Baldwin,  appa- 
rently firom  the  latter  having  neglected  to  perform  his 
part  of  the  stipulation,  to  make  a  grant  of  the  Castle 
to  the  former.  However,  Alexander  and  Joan  retained 
a  forcible  possession.  In  the  ensuing  Easter  term,  a 
suit  took  place,  Baldwin  being  plaintiff  and  Alexander 

1    Inqnis.,  17  Kd.  11.       s   Letters  patent,  17  Ed.  11. 


S54  TAMWORTH 

and  Jotn  deforaants  of  the  Casde.  An  agieement 
was  made  by  pieoept  of  the  king  himself.  Baldwin 
granted  the  Oastle  to  Alexander  and  Joan,  for  their  lites, 
and  settled  the  reversion  upon  himself/ 

All  these  partictdars,  except  the  decision  of  the  suit 
which  Thomas  gives  in  his  edition  of  Dugdale,  have 
been  hitherto  entirely  unknown.  Interesting,  however, 
as  these  circumstances  may  be,  the  testimony  that  the 
Castle  of  Tamworth  was  held  by  the  Royal  Champicm- 
ship  is  of  fiir  greater  importance  than  any  other  point 
It  must  be  observed  that  this  is  the  earliest  record  of 
any  nature  tehaisoever  which  menUans  such  an  office  in 
this  country  as  that  of  the  hinges  Champion.  It  forms 
the  first  link  of  the  chain  of  evidence,  which  we  shall 
adduce  upon  this  point,  in  vindication  of  the  honour 
of  Tamworth.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that,  before  the 
coronation  of  Edward  III.,  no  mention  is  made  of  the 
Champion  having  exercised  his  duties.  This  can  scarcely 
excite  surprise,  as  the  accounts  of  the  ceremony,  in  die 
majority  of  previous  instances,  have  not  been  preserved. 
But,  when  Edward  III.  was  crowned,  on  the  1st  of 
February,  1326-7,  Alexander  de  FrefoUe  performed  the 
office  of  Campion  J  in  right  of  his  barony  and  CasUe  of 
Ihmtoorth*  This  circumstance,  it  is  true,  we  give  only 
on  the  authority  of  Collins :  and  it  might  be  called  in 
question,  were  it  not  supported  by  evidence  which 
stamps  with  the  mark  of  undeniable  authenticity. 

Alexander  de  Frevile  died  in  1328,  before  his  wife; 
leaving  Baldwin  his  son  and  heir,  then  thirty-six  years 
of  age.    Edward  III.  directed  a  writ  to  the  escheator  of 

1  Tbomu  tttachfld  the  accoont  of  the  tait  in  m  note  to  the  name  of  Baldwin,  too. 
tfacr  of  Alexander.  Had  he  paid  attention  to  Dngdale^  naisiiMl  nfefenoe^  he  woaM 
have  Men  that  this  Baldwin  had  been  dead  some  yean. 

9    OolUna*a  Peerage. 


CASTLB   AND  TOWN.  355 

the  county  of  Warwick,  commanding  him  to  enquire 
what  lands  he  held  of  the  crown  in  capite,  and  by  what 
service,  on  the  day  of  his  death.  An  inquisition  was 
according  taken.  The  jurors  then  stated  upon  oath, 
amongst  other  smaller  matters,  that  he  held,  jointly  with 
Joan  his  wife,  the  Castle  of  Tamworth  of  the  lord  king, 
in  capite,  by  service  of  coming  to  the  coronation  of  the 
lord  king  completely  armed  with  royal  arms  of  the  livery 
of  the  lord  king,  and  sitting  upon  the  principal  royal 
toarJwrse,  offering  himself  to  make  trial  of  combat  in  the 
king's  place  against  all  persons  gainsaying  the  coronation 
of  the  king.  If  no  one  should  make  cpposition,  the  arms 
and  horse  should  belong  to  the  lord  king,  but  if  any  one 
should  oppose  himself  and  engage  in  encounter,  they 
should  remain  to  the  tenant  of  this  Castle.^  All  the  pos- 
sessions of  Alexander  were,  according  to  custom,  taken 
into  the  king's  hands.  Soon  afterwards,  the  king  directed 
his  writ,  dated  at  Clepston,  on  the  25th  of  August,  to 
the  escheator  of  Warwickshire,  stating  that,  as  it  ap- 
peared by  the  inquisition,  Alexander  died  seized  of  the 
Castle  jointly  with  Joan,  and  that  it  teas  held  by  Boyql 
Championship,*  he  should  deUyer  it  up  to  Joan,  who  had 
done  fealty  for  the  same.'  This  inquisition  and  writ  of 
livery  have  been  regarded  as  the  earliest  records  of  the 
office  of  Champion.  We  have  given  a  document  several 
years  older. 

Joan  de  Frevile  continued  in  the  possession  of  Tarn- 
worth-Castle,  for  a  considerable  time.  She  died  in 
1340 :  and  the  inquisition  then  taken  states  that  she  was 
seized  of  the  Castle,  which  she  held  of  the  king  in  capite, 

1    Rotput  1  Rle.II.,paxBl.,p.liitpac. 
9   The  wards  an  the  Hune  as  in  the  inqniiitioii,  except  that  "ftominaa  res  '*  ie 
neoMsarfly  changed  hi "  noeter.*' 

s    Rot.  pat.,  1  Rlc.  II.,  pan  i »,  p.  inipez. 


S56  TAMWORTU 

ijf  service  of  acting  as  Champion,^ — ^tke  same  words  being 
used  as  those  in  the  inquisition  at  the  decease  of  her 
husband.' 

Baldwin  de  Frevile,  performing  the  customary  homage 
to  the  king,  had  full  possession  of  his  mother's  estates^ 
Of  him,  little  is  known,  except  that  he  held,  for  a  very 
brief  space  of  time,  the  Warwickshire  part  of  Tamworth, 
granted  him  by  Edward  IL,  in  1S17. 

In  1342,  he  borrowed  of  sir  Fulk  de  Birmingham, 
knt.,  the  sum  of  forty-eight  marks ;  for  which  he  gave 
his  creditor  five  mills  at  Tamworth. — 'three  of  which 
were  situated  on  the  Warwickshire  side,  and  two  on  the 
Staffordshire  side, — in  lease  for  the  term  of  one  year.' 

He  died  three  years  after  his  mother;  leaving  by 
Elizabeth  Ins  wife,  a  son  and  heir,  Baldwin,  then  twenty- 
six  years  old. 

Baldwin,  in  the  following  year,  did  homage,  and  had 
livery  of  all  the  lands  of  his  inheritance ;  which  lay  in 
the  counties  of  Warwick,  Hereford,  Salop,  Stafford,  Wor- 
cester, Wilts,  Norfolk,  and  Suffolk.  In  1352,  he  was  a 
knight,  and  bore  for  his  arms, — Or,  a  cross  flory  Gu; 
and  for  his  crest, — ^upon  a  chapeau,  the  leg  of  a  man 
booted,  spurred,  and  reversed.  Not  long  afterwards,  he 
substituted  a  plume  of  feathers  for  the  latter.  He  fought 
in  the  warfiire  with  France:  and  was  greatly  esteemed 
by  Edward  the  Black  Prince.  For  his  approved  fidelity 
and  service,  the  prince,  in  1364,  constituted  him  his 
seneschal  of  Xantoigne,  during  his  life. 

In  1368,  sir  Baldwin  Frevile  went  with  the  Black 
prince,  in  his  wars  of  Gascoigne;  and  soon  afterwards 
he   accompanied  John  of  Gaunt,  earl  of  Lancaster,  to 

1    By  depntjr  of  ooune.       S    Inqnis.  p.  mort«m,  la  X.  III.,  no  u. 
s    Dncdalo'g  Wurwickshln.    Thia  wort  has  been  mainly  oonsnlted  In  the  aoooont 
of  the  Fteyiles. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  357 

Mount-Paon^  and  was  present  when  it  surrendered  to 
the  English.  In  1372^  he  was  retained  by  indenture 
to  serve  prince  Edward  in  the  French  wars ;  with  six 
men  at  arms^ — three  knights  and  three  esquires,  taking 
SO/,  a-year  for  the  former,  and  ten  marks  for  the  latter. 

After  the  withdrawal  of  the  Black-prince  into  England, 
on  account  of  his  increasing  and  eventually  &tal  ill- 
health,  sir  Baldwin  continued  in  France.  It  happened 
very  singularly,  that  he,  being  one  of  the  leaders  of  the 
English,  with  others,  accompanied  by  full  six  hundred 
men,  entered  Rochelle  on  the  evening  of  midsummer-day, 
1S7S,  when  John  Hastings,  earl  of  Pembroke,  was 
defeated  and  taken  prisoner.  The  Spaniards,  intoxicated 
with  joy  at  their  victory,  had  set  sail  that  afternoon  for 
their  own  country.  Sir  Baldwin  and  his  companions 
were  completely  ignorant  of  the  disastrous  occurrence. 
When  they  heard  the  news,  they  were  sorely  afflicted, 
and  considered  themselves  more  unfortunate  than  they 
had  ever  yet  been,  in  not  having  arrived  at  the  place 
sooner  to  aid  their  countrymen.' 

Sir  Baldwin  died  in  1375.  He  had  three  wives, — 
Elizabeth,  sister  and  coheiress  of  sir  John  Mountford, 
knt.,  of  Beaudesert,  in  Warwickshire;  Ida,  daughter  of 

Clinton,  a  lady  of  honour  to  queen  Philippa ;  and 

Joan,  daughter  of  lord  Strange.  By  his  first  wife,  he 
had  a  son  and  heir,  Baldwin,  who,  at  his  father's 
decease,  was  a  knight,  and  twenty-four  years  of  age. 

At  the  coronation  of  Richard  II.,  which  took  place 
at  Westminster,  on  the  16th  of  July,  1377,  the  right 
of  sir  Baldwin  Frevile  to  perform  the  celebrated  service 
of  Championship,  was  disputed  by  sir  John  Dymoke, 
owner    of   Scrivelsby.      The   latter    petitioned   that  he 

1    Frolssart. 

Z  Z 


358  TAMWORTH 

might  be  allowed  the  office^  as  appertaining  to  him,  in 
right  of  Margaret  his  wife,  by  tenure  of  Scriyelsby,  as 
her  ancestors  had  in  the  time  of  the  king's  progen- 
itors. Margaret  was  the  grand-daughter  of  Philip  de 
Mamiyon,  by  Joan  his  youngest  child.  Sir  Baldwin 
Frevile  immediately  put  in  a  counter-claim.  He 
petitioned  for  his  right,  because  he  was  one  of  the 
heirs  of  Philip  de  Marmyon,  "qe  come  tient  Chastell  de 
Tamworth,  en  le  Countee  de  Warrewyk,  de  n*re  tres- 
doubte  S'  le  Roi,  come  de  Coronne,  d'el  Heritage  le  dit 
Philip  a  la  dit  file  afferant  en  p'te  de  sa  purp'tie,  p' 
les  services  d'estre  a  la  Coronement  n're,  dit  S'  le 
Roi,  in  ses  Armures,  &  sur  un  des  Destres  le  Roi;  si 
nul  Toleit  contredire  son  dit  Coronement  de  la  deffiendre 
come  a  lui  app'tient,"  &c.^ 

The  cause  was  now  brought  forwards  for  adjudication. 
It  does  not  appear  that  sir  Baldwin  produced  all  if  any 
of  his  evidences  in  support  of  his  claim.  Sir  John 
Dymoke  did  so;  and  thereupon  the  king  commanded 
that  he,  *'ista  vice,"  should  perform  the  service,  in 
right  of  the  manor  of  Scrivelsby.  But,  if  sir  Baldwin, 
within  three  weeks  after  the  feast  of  St.  Hilary  next 
ensuing,  should  come  and  show  the  reasons  and  eviden- 
ces by  which  he  supported  his  demand,  he  should  be 
heard,  and  full  justice  done  to  him.  In  consequence 
of  this  decision,  sir  John  Dymoke  acted  as  Champion 
at  this  coronation.  Sir  Baldwin  afterwards  produced 
his  evidences:  they  were  exemplified  by  the  king,  and 
enrolled  upon  the  records  of  the  court  of  Chancery.* 

Very  little  is  recorded  of  this  sir  Baldwin  Frevile. 
In  1879,   he  was   appointed   one  of  the  commissioners 

1    Claiu.  et  Clam.  Coronat.  I  Rlc.  II.  m.  44 :— Banka's  Hist, 
a    Rot.  pat,  1  Rfc.  II.,  pan  I. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  S59 

for  the  arraying  of  men  in  the  county  of  Warwick. 
On  the  partition  of  the  lands  of  sir  John  Mountford, 
in  1385,  to  which  he  was  heir  in  his  mother's  right, 
jointly  with  sir  Thomas  Boteler,  knt.,  he  had  assigned 
to  him,  the  manor  of  Ashtead,  in  Surrey;  Gunthorpe 
and  Lowdham,  in  the  county  of  Nottingham ;  and  the 
reversion  of  the  manors  of  Henley,  Beaudesert,  and 
Haselholt,  in  Warwickshire,  which  William  de  Beau- 
champ,  lord  of  Abergavenny,  retained  for  his  natural 
life.  He  was  espoused  to  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of 
sir  John  Botetourt,  of  Weorley-casde,  in  Worcestershire, 
in  185S,  when  he  was  about  two  years  old;  but  she 
died  very  young.  He  afterwards  married  her  sister 
Joioe.  She  eventually  out-lived  him,  and  took  as  her 
second  husband  sir  Adam  Peshale.^  This  Joice  became, 
in  1406,  one  of  the  coheiresses  of  Joice  her  niece,  only 
child  of  John,  son  of  sir  John  Botetourt;  and  thus 
were  conveyed  to  Ferrers,  owner  of  Tamworth-Castle, 
very  considerable  lands. 

Sir  Baldwin  Frevile  died  in  1387.  The  inquisition 
taken  upon  his  decease  specifies  that  he  held  the  Castle 
of  Tamworth  of  the  lord  king,  in  capite  "/>cr  seruicium 
vemendi  ad  coronaconem  Domini  Regis,  in  armis  regiis 
de  liberacone  Domini  Regis  universaliter  armatus,  super 
principalem  dextrarium  Domini  Regis  sedens,  offerens  se 
ad  probaconem  pro  Rege  faciend*  contra  omnes  coro- 
naconem  Regis  contradicentes :  et  si  nuBus  contradizerii 
sint  arma  et  equm  Domini  Regis;  si  atttem  aliquis  se 
opponat  et  congressum  faciat,  remanebunt  arma  et  equus 
dicto  tenenti.** 

1  Adam  PMliale»  and  Joice  bit  wife,  in  1880,  granted  the  manon  of  Lee  and  Stret- 
ford,  near  IWnwortb,  and  a  third  part  of  the  manor  of  Mlddlcton,  which  were  of  the 
dofwcrr  of  Joice,  to  Baldwin  FkwUe,  for  900/.  aterlinff. 

9  Such  are  the  words  in  which  the  Mnrice  of  Champion  ia  named  in  the  docn- 
mcnta  bdonffisf  to  TUnworth-Castle,  except  in  the  inqniaition  of  1398,  which  ia  thna 


860  TAMWORTH 

Sir  Baldwin  bad  a  son  and  heir,  named  Baldwin, 
who  sncceeded  him.  He  was  nineteen  years  old  at  his 
father's  death:  and,  in  the  following  year,  he  married 
Joan,  daughter  of  sir  Thomas  Green,  knt  At  the 
coronation  of  Henry  IV.,  on  the  18th  of  October,  1899, 
he  exhibited  his  claim  to  the  office  of  Champion,  in 
opposition  to  that  of  Margaret,  widow  of  sir  John 
Dymoke.  But  she,  by  her  son,  was  permitted  to  perform 
the  service.' 

The  last  sir  Baldwin  died  in  1400;  and  it  was  then 
stated  that  he  was  seized  of  the  Castle  of  Tamworth, 
valued  altogether  at  12/.  a-year,  by  the  same  service  as 
his  father,* — ^that  of  Royal  Championship. 

As  it  is  the  last  time  that  this  distinguished  office 
is  mentioned  in  connection  with  Tamworth,  we  may 
here  draw  the  subject  of  the  Championship  to  a  con- 
clusion. The  claim  in  the  reign  of  Henry  IV.  is  the 
last  upon  record  in  favour  of  the  Castle.  The  possessor 
when  Henry  V.  ascended  the  throne  was  a  minor;  and 
the  Castle  afterwards  passed  by  a  coheiress  to  the 
Ferrers'  family.  As  no  records  are  now  extant  containing 
the  proceedings  on  this  matter,  at  any  of  the  coronations 
from  Henry  V.  to  James  I.,  it  is  impossible  to  ascertain 
if  the  claim  were  renewed  or  not.  The  Dymokes  have 
continued  to  perform  the  office  to  the  present  time. 
The  first  document  which  mentions  the  service  in  con- 
nexion with  Scrivelsby,  is  dated  in  8  Edw.  HI., — 1334. 
Tamworth- Castle  possesses  three  older  records  upon  this 


worded.  *'  Et  (Joratores]  dicu*t  q'd  d'c*in  Cutru*.  ca*  p*tlB\  ten«t*  de  d'no  B/egt,  In 
cmplte,  p'  BcmicU  veniendi  «d  ooronaco'em  d*iii  Regis,  urmit  regito  de  Ub'aoo'e  d*ni 
Regis  vnia'ssJit'  annataB,  sup'  p'Dcipale'  dextr*him  regin'  sedans,  oni*ini*  se  appane'a 
coronacionl  regie  contradicentl:  q'd  sinnllnsse,  p'  totam  dietam,  oppoaaerit,  arma 
p*d'ca  &  dextrMom  in  tsus  reglos  rea*tant.  SI  ante*  aliqola  se  opposnerit,  d*ca  anna 
cu'  dext'rio  in  Tsna  tenent  ipUns  tenentis  Cutrl  p*d*d.** 

1    Rot.  Senr.  ad  Coron.  R.  H.  IV.  9    Inqnis.  2  H.  IV. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  361 

paint.  The  inquisitions  both  of  Tamworth-Castle  and 
Scrivelsby  state  that  they  were  held  by  the  same 
service.  The  Intimate  conclusion  is^  that  they  were 
given  to  the  Marmyons  at  the  same  time,  and  to  be 
enjoyed  by  the  same  tenure.  Therefore,  the  owners  of 
these  two  places  ought  to  exercise  the  office  of  Royal 
Champion  aUematdy.  Such  is  the  case  with  various 
other  services,  where  the  property  originally  granted 
has  been  since  divided  amongst  different  owners.  It 
may  be  asked  if  the  laches  would  not  extinguish  the 
right ;  which  would  then  belong  solely  to  the  Dymokes, 
on  account  of  their  long  enjoyment  of  it.  This  question 
the  house  of  Peers  alone  can  decide.  In  the  case  of 
lord  Grey  of  Ruthyn,  at  the  coronation  of  James  II., 
it  was  agreed  that  the  laches  would  not  have  that 
effect.  Omissions  were  then  proved  for  nearly  three- 
hundred  years.* 

Baldwin  Frevile  was  succeeded  by  his  son  and  heir 
Baldwin,  at  that  time  only  two  years  old.  This  last 
sir  Baldwin  died  upon  the  Thursday  in  the  third  week 
of  Lent,  1418,  being  still  a  minor  and  unmarried.  He 
left  his  three  sisters  his  coheirs,  Elizabeth,  Joice,  and 
Margaret.  The  eldest  was  married  to  Thomas  Ferrers; 
the  next,  to  Roger  Aston;  and  the  youngest,  to  Hugh 
WiUoughby,  afterwards  to  sir  Richard  Bingham,  knt. 

A  partition  of  the  possessions  of  which  sir  Baldwin 
Frevile  died  seized,  is  stated  to  have  been  made  amongst 
the  coheiresses,  on  the  17th  of  August,  1423;  whose 
husbands,  in  their  right,  held  them.  To  Thomas  Ferrers, 
were  given, — ^the  Castle  and  manor  of  Tamworth,  valued 
at  21/.  17*.  ll^rf.;  Taddington,  at  16/.;  Merston,  at  17/. 
13*.  ^d.\   Combe,   at  10/.  6*.;   Stivichall,  at  11/.   2«. 

1    CoUins't  Frecedoita. 


S62  TAMWOBTH 

4Elf8  OP  FSXVILB:— om,  a  cso«  vlobt  ov. 

ALMXAM^mm^m  F«aTiLa»inrittitBiOAM,  daa.  of  Ratah  Oromirtil; 
of  hla  wife,  lord  of  Tunwoith-  I  graad-dao.  and  oo£.  of  Philip  de 
Caattei  d»  I3M. |  Utnajon,  d.  in  lS4a. 

B^LDwiir  OB  FaariLa, » Witahaf h.  Ilan;ant.s8ir 

b.  in  199S}  lord  of  T.- 1  Renry  WilBngtan, 

Casae,  d.  in  1S43.  | knL 

KUsabetli,  alat  =B»  BAu>inir  na  FaaTii.B,=Ida,danof ....  CHa^sJoan,  dan. of 


and  coh.  of  sir 
JobnMoantfbrdp 
luit.,ofBeand«». 
at,— itt  wife. 


b.  In  l817;lordaf  T.-Caatte;  too ;  a  lady  of  honor  lordStnuicei 
craatadaknU  in  1S6S|  d.in  to  Queen  PhlUppa;  Snlwife,lf7l. 
lS7ft>  tDdwiHi,  lt6l. 


Xlizabath,daa.of8irs8»  Baldwiw  PaaFiLB,sJaioa,  aUtcr  of  his  1st 
JolinBotatDait,knt.,  b.  In  IMi)  lord  of  T..  |  wife.  nMwasmar.affam 
of  Weorley .caatte,       Cartle)  d  in  1S87>  I  to  air  Adam  Peahala. 

lUS.  I 

Bin  Bal»wi»  PBsyiLB,sJoan,  dan.  of  air 
b.  In  ladei  lord  of  T,.  I  Tim. Gfen,  knti 
'      -      -.in  I  - 


Castle )  d.  in  1400.  \  IS96. 


T 


8ia  Baldwin  Faa- XLi8ABBTn,aTB0MAa  FaaMaa   JalcesRo>  MaifaialsiA. 
Sod  son  of  Win.  1.    get  Atton.    Hogh  WQIonc^. 


▼iLB,  b.  in  1396)  d.  cota 
In  1418,  aminor,  8.r.  her 


cohelreis  of 
brother. 


Femn  of  Gtoby .  by =sndarRich. 

ard  T' 
knt. 


8d.;  Stretford,  at  lOU.  8d.;  Coventry,  at  S4«.  6d.;  and 
Waverton,  at  4/.  12rf.— total  87/.  Is.  id.  To  Boger 
Aston,  were  assigned, — ^Ashtead,  estimated  at  48/.  9s. 
6Jc/. ;  Henley-in-Arden,  at  23/.  5s.  8 Jc/. ;  Pinley,  at  12/. 
Sd. ;  Becknor,  at  S9s.  Sd. ;  and  Yatesbury,  at  43^.  4d., — 
total  87/.  18*.  To  Hugh  Willoughby  were  given,— Mid- 
dleton,  valued  at  S3/.  5s.  2^d. ;  Gunthorpe,  at  16/.  14«. 
9Jrf.;  Wyken,  at  16/.  10*.  8d.;  Bradford,  at  106«.  Sd.; 
Feme,  at  8/.;  Whitnash,  at  48*.;  Maun,  at  73/.  Sd.; 
Whitley,  at  9*.  4d. ;  Coventry,  at  9*. ;  and  the  return 
of  a  fourth  part  of  the  manor  of  Ashtead,  at  10*.  lie/., 
—total  87/.  6*.  lOrf.^ 

1  Snch  It  the  ■tatementKlTen  in  an  old  parchniententitled'*Pticiot*re  ft  tenement' 
qae  teer*  Baldewyni  FreTUe  die  obitns  toi}  videl't,  int*  Thorn*  de  Farrar* , . . . .  Boc^nm 
Aston,....  ft  Hogon' Wyloof hby, . . . .  fsct'  a^d  Leyc*,  XT^die  Aognsti,  A« R.  B. 
Henr*  seztt  post  conqnesta*  p*mo.  Yet  it  seems  that  no  soch  division  was  hi  eOtet, 
but  that  the  husbands  of  the  three  coheiresses  had  concurrent  interests  in  the  whole, 
although  niOBias  Ferrers  inhabited  the  Castle.  Perhaps  the  "paxtiCio'*  was  not 
adopted.     But  the  document  Is  of  great  use,  because  It  giTca  the  Talne  of  the 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN. 


363 


TUs  Thomas  Ferrers  was  second  son  of  William,  lord 
Ferrers  of  Groby,  of  the  eminent  family  of  the  ancient 
earls  of  Derby. 

Pedigree  of  the  Ferreks'  family. 


Walcheline,  a  Norman.  His 
son» 

Hekrt,  assumed  the  surname  de 
Ferrariis  or  Ferrers,  from  a  small 
town  in  Gastenois,  abounding  with 
iron-mines.  In  allasion  to  his  name, 
he  bore  six  horse-shoes  for  his  arms. 
He  came  into  England  with  the  Con- 
queror; and  had  granted  to  him 
lands  in  the  cos.  of  Berks,  Derby, 
Essex,  Gloucester,  Hereford,  Lei- 
cester, Northampton,  Nottingham, 
Stafford,  Warwick,  and  Wilts.  He 
seated  himself  at  Tntbury-castle :  and 
there,  in  1080,  he  founded  a  monas- 
tery for  Cluniaic  monks.  By  Bertha, 
he  had  issue, 

I.-II.  EOOBltVLFBand  WlL.,  i(.«.p. 

m.  BoBSRT,  hit  soccenor. 

IT.  Amicb.  m.  to  Jflgti  de  Albioi. 

▼.-TI.   GtTNDBBDA,  BOd  EmMBLII^B. 

Robert  de  Ferrers,    for   his 
serrices  in  war  against  Maud's  sup- 
porter, David  k.  of  Scots,  was,  in 
1138,  created  earl  of  Derby,  by  Ste- 
phen.   He  d.  in  1139  ;  leaving,  by 
Hadewise, 
I.  Isold  A,  m.  to  Stepb.  de  Beauebamp. 
n.  Matilda,  m.  to  Bertimodde  Yerdon. 
m.  RoBBBT,  his  heir. 
!▼.  A  da  v.,  m.  to  WBlcbeline  Maminot. 
▼.  WalcbeUne,  baron  of  Okebam,  co. 
of  Rutland,  1 104 ;  Uving  1191.  He  bad 
1.  HvoH,  baron  of  Okefaam,  who  m. 
the  dao.  and  b.  of  Hu^b  de  Say ;  Ht- 
ing  1197,  bat  d,  t.  p,    n.  Wil.,  d.  v. 
p.  and  «.  p.    And  m.  Isabbll,  m.  to 
Bag.  de  Mortimer;  belieM  of  ber 
brother. 

Robert  de  Ferrers,  2nd  earl 
of  Derby,  styled  himself  "  Robertus, 
comes  junior  de  Ferrariis,"  end  "Ro- 
bertus, comes  junior  de  Notingham." 
He  founded  Merevale-abbey,  oo.  of 
Warwick  (tee.  p.  56),  and  lies  bur, 
there.  He  was  succeeded  by  his 
son  and  heir, 

William  sb  Ferrers,  3rd  earl 
of  Derby,  living  1 167.  He  m.  Mar- 
garet, dau.  and  h.  of  Will.  Peverel, 
3rd  and  last  lord  of  Nottingham; 
and  had. 


1.  RoBBKT,  biB  saccessor 
u.  Walcbblinb,  lord  of  Enerton,  co. 
of  Derby,  who  m.  Goda,  daa.  of  Rob. 
deTonl. 
Robert  de  Ferrers,  4th  earl  of 
Derby,  sided  with  pr.  Henry  in  his 
rebelUon  against  his  father.  Hen.  II. 
He  was  pardoned ;  but  his  castles  of 
Tutbury  and  Duffield  were  demolish- 
ed.    By   Sibilla,  his  wife,   dau.  of 
William  de  Braose,  he  left  issue, 
1.  Wil.  bis  heir. 

n.  MiuscBNT,  m.  to  Rogrer  de  Morti- 
mer, of  Wlffinore. 
m.  AoATUA,  mistress  of  k.  John. 
IV.  Pbtbowblla,  m.  to  Harvey,  lord- 

StaiTord. 
William  de  FERRERSwas  depri- 
ved of  his  earldoms  by  Rich.  I.,  in 
1189  ;  but  they  were  soon  restored. 
He  accompanied  the  king  into  Pales- 
tine ;  and  fell  at  the  siege  of  Acre, 
in  1190.  BySibella,hiswife,heleft, 

I.  Wil.,  bis  belr. 

II.  Hbnry,  m.  Margsret, 

m.   ROBBBT. 

William  de  Ferrers,  6th  earl 
of  Derby,  noted  for  his  firm  attach- 
ment to  John  and  Hen.  III.  in  aU 
their  troubles,  d.  Sept.  22nd,  1247. 
In  that  month,  his  countess  Agnes  d. 
She  was  one  of  the  daus.  of  Hugh 
Cyvelioc,  earl  palatine  of  Chester, 
and  sist.  and  coh.  of  Ralph  Blun- 
devile,  earl  of  Chester  and  Lincoln. 
By  her,  he  had 

I.  WiL.,  bis  heir. 

II.  Thomas. 
lu.  Hugh. 

IV.  ROBBBT. 

William  de  Ferrers,  7tii  earl 
of  Derby,  held  Chartley  in  his  mo- 
ther's right.  He  sniTered  from  his 
fkther*s  infirmity,  the  gout.  Being 
unable  to  walk,  he  was  driven  out  in 
a  chariot ;  which,  through  the  driver's 
carelessness,  fell  off  the  bridge  of  St. 
Neot's,  March  22nd,  1253-4.  He 
soon  d.  of  his  bruises  ;  and  was  bur» 
in  Merevale-abbey.  His  arms  were, 
Vairy  Or  and  Gu.,  a  border  Az.  se- 


S64 


TAMWORTH 


Having  thus  acquired  the  Castle  of  Tamworth,  he 
made  it  his  principal  residence.  He  was  constituted 
sheriff  for  the  county  of  Stafford,  in  1447,  and  again  in 


mee  of  horte-shoes  Arg.^  By  hit 
fint  wife,  SibeU,  dau.  and  h.  of  WiU. 
Manhall,  earl  of  Pembroke,  he  had 
7  danghten. — 1.  Aombs,  m,  to  Will, 
de  Vead ;  2.  Isabkll,  m.  to  Gilbert 
Basset,  again  to  Reginald  de  Mohun ; 
3.  Matilda,  m.  to  WilL  de  Kime, 
again  to  Will,  de  Vinonia,  again  to 
Emeric  de  Rnpe-Canardi ;  4.  Sibbl- 
LA,  m,  to  Frands  de  Bohim,  of  Mid- 
hnrst ;  5.  Joan,  m.  to  Rog.  Agnilon, 
again  to  John  de  Mohun  ;  6.  Aga- 
tha, m,  to  Hugh  de  Mortimer,  of 
Chelmarsh;  7.  Alianobb,  m.  to 
WilL  de  Vsllibas,  again  to  Roger  de 
Qoinci,  earl  of  Winchester,  and  again 
to  Rog.  de  Leybnm.  By  his  2nd 
wife,  Margaret,  dan.  and  coh.  of 
Rog.  de  Qnind,  2nd  earl  of  Win- 
chester by  Helen,  dan.  and  coh.  of 
Alan  lord  of  Galloway,  he  had, 

I.  RoBSRT,  hit  successor. 

u.  WiL.,  of  whom  presently. 

RoBBRT  DB  Fberbbs,  8th  and 
last  earl  of  Derby,  was  a  minor  at 
his  father's  death.  He  sided  with 
the  barons  against  Hen.  III. ;  so 
that,  in  1266,  he  was  deprived  of 
titles  and  estates.  His  lands  were 
conferred  on  Edmnnd  Plantagenet, 
the  king's  son.  He  d,  in  1274,  of 
the  gont,  in  poverty.  He  had  two 
wives, — Maria,  dan.  of  Hngh  le  Bran, 
earl  of  Angolesme,  and  niece  of  Hen. 
III.,  9,  p, ;  and  1269  Alianore,  daa> 
of  Ralph  lord  Basset,  living  at  his 
decease;  by  whom  he  had  a  son, 
John,  progenitor  of  the  family  of 
Ferrers,  barons  of  Chartley.  He 
bore  his  fiither's  arms  without  the 
border. 

William  db  Fbr&brs,  2nd  son 
of  7th  earl  of  Derby,  being  armed 
against  Hen.  III.,  was  taken  at 
Northampton,  in  1264  ;  bat  was  par- 
doned. He  had  grant  of  the  manor 
of  Groby,  co.  of  Ldcester,  from  his 
mother,  and  assumed  the  armorial 


bearings  of  her  fiunily, — Gn,  7  mas- 
cles  Or  conjoined  3  3  and  1.  He 
m.  Helen,  dan.  of  BCatthew  lord 
Lovaine,  of  Stanes ;  whod,  in  1287. 
He  was  snooeeded  by  his  son  and 
heir, 

William  db  Fbebbbs,  somnum- 
ed  to  parEsment  as  baron  of  Groby 
from  Jan.  26lh,  1297,  to  Feb.  20th, 
1325,  when  he  d.  He  m.  Elixabeth, 
dan.  of  John  lord  8c|grave.    His  aon, 

Hbnet  db  Fbbbbbs,  3rd  baroo 
of  Groby,  was  summoned  to  paxHa- 
ment  from  June  5th,  1331,  to  Nov. 
20th,  1341.  He  d,  Sept.  15th,  1342. 
He  m.  1st,  Isabell,  dau.  and  h.  of 
Theobald,  lord  Yerdon;  2nd,  Elisa- 
beth, dau.  and  coh.  of  Gilbert  de 
CUre,  earl  of  Gloucester,  by  Joan 
dau.  of  Edw.  I.  By  his  2iid  wile, 
he  had,  besides  a  dau.  Philippa,  as. 
to  Guy  de  Beanchamp. 

William  ob  Fbbbjcbs,  4th  baron 
of  Groby,  11  yrs.  old  at  his  &ther's 
death,  summoned  as  a  baron  from 
March  15th,  1344-5,  to  Apr.  6U^ 
1369.  He  d,  in  1371.  He  as. 
Maig.,  dau.  and  h.  of  Rob.  de  Uf- 
ford,  earl  of  Suffolk  ;  and  again  Mar- 
garet, dau.  of  Hen.  de  Percy,  relict 
of  Rob.,  son  of  Gilbert  de  Unfran- 
vile,  earl  of  Angus.  By  the  fiiBt» 
he  had, 

Hbnet  db  Fbrbbbs,  5th  baron 
of  Groby,  d.  Apr.  16th,  1357,  sum- 
moned from  Aug.  4th,  1377,  to  Dec 
17th.  1387.  He  m.  Joan,  dau.  of 
lord  Foynings  ;  by  whom  he  had, 

William  Fbr&b&s,  6th  baron  of 
Groby,  16  yrs.  old  at  his  father's 
death,  summoned  from  Nov.  30th, 
1386,  to  Dec.  3cd,  1441.  He  d.  in 
1444.  By  Philippa,  dau.  of  Roger 
lord  Clifford,  he  had, 

1.  HsNBT,  who  M.  Isi^idl,  Snd  dan.  and 
coh.  of  Tho.  Mobray,  duke  of  Nor- 
folk. He  d.  V.  p.  learing  an  only  dan.. 
EuxABSTH,  of  whom  we  ifaaU  imme- 
diatcly  speak. 


I    This  lays  sir  WlUiam  Dogdale.    Bat  we  find  that,  la  the  amis  of  Win.  de  Fer. 
rariis,  earl  of  Derby,  in  the  nave  of  Westminater-abbey,  the  border  is  absent. 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN. 


365 


the  following  year.  In  HSS,  after  the  death  of  his  wife^ 
Elizabeth,  a  new  division  of  the  lands  of  the  last  sir 
Baldwin  Frevile  was  made,  bearing  date  upon  the  5th  of 


u.  Thomas,  of  whom  preaeatly. 

Ill,  JoHW;  from  whom  descended  the 
Ferieises  of  Mercnte,  now  extmct. 

Elizabeth  Fbrrbks,  sole  hdresa 
of  William,  her  grand-father,  was  in. 
to  Edward  Grej,  ton  of  Reginald, 
3rd  lord  Grey  of  Rathyn ;  who  in  her 
right,  became  baron  Ferrera  of  Groby; 
and  by  that  title  he  was  sommoned 
to  parliament  from  Dec.  14th,  1446, 
to  Jan.  2nd,  1448-9  ;  and,  as  baron 
of  Groby,  from  Sept.  23rd,  1449,  to 
May  26th,  1455.  The  great-grand 
son  of  this  Elizabeth,  Henry  Grey, 
marquis  of  Dorset  and  dake  of  Suf- 
folk, was  beheaded  for  treason  in 
1554  ;  and  the  barony  of  Groby  then 
became  extinct. 

Thomas  Fzr&brs,  the  2nd  son, 
m.  BUMoietht  nr/«r  md  eoheireu  of 
sir  Baldwin  F^emU,  kni.  He  thns 
acqnired  the  Castle  and  Honoub 
or  Tamworth.    He  had, 

1.  Thomas,  who  succeeded. 

u.  HuTBT,  a  knt.,  of  Hambleton,  co., 
of  RaUand.  nt>m  him  is  descen- 
ded  the  (iunily  of  Ferrers  of  Baddes- 
ley.CUnton,  co.  of  Warwick. 

Thomas  Fbrrbrs,  b.  1422,  cre- 
ated a  knt.  in  1461.  He  m.  Ann, 
dan.  of  Leonard  Hastings,  of  Kirby, 
and  sUter  of  Will,  lord  Hastings ; 
who  d.  before  him.  His  decease  oc- 
corred  Aug.  22nd,  1498.  His  sons 
were,  Lbonard  ;  Ralph,  dean  of 
the  Church ;  and 

Joun,  the  eldest,  who  4.  v.  p.  He  m. 
MatildA,  dan.  of  sir  John  Stanley,  of 
Elford  J  and  bad  a  son. 

Sir  John  Ferrers,  knt.,  who 
snoceeded  his  grandfather.  He  m. 
Dorothy,  dan.  of  Will.  Harper,  esq., 
of  Rnshall-castle,  co.  of  Stafford. 
He  had  sereral  children,  of  whom, 

1.  HuMPBKT  succeeded. 

n.  Awn  was  m.  to  John  Peto,  esq.,  of 

Chesterton,  co.  of  Warwick. 
Sir  Humphry  Ferrers,  knight, 
«.  Ist,  Maigaret,  dan.  of  Tho.  Pigot ; 
and  2iid,  Dorothy,  dan.  and  coh.  of 
Tho.  Marrow,  and  relict  of  Francis 
Cockain.  He  d,  in  1554 ;  leaving, 
by    his    1st  wife,^be8ides  a   dan. 


Jane,  m.  at  Tamworth,  June  22nd, 
1573,  to  Arthur  Gregory,  esq., — tL 
son  and  heir, 

John  Ferrers,  esq.,  who  m. 
Barbara  Cockain.  She  d.  in  1560, 
and  was  bur,  at  Tamworth  Ang.  12th. 
It  seems  he  re-m ;  for  in  the  register 
of  Tamworth  is  the  entry  that  *'  7 
April,  1572,  was  bur.  Mrs.  Jane 
Ferrers,  uz'  Joh'is."  By  his  Ist 
wife,  he  had, 

1.  DoaoTBT,  m.  to  Edw.  Holt,  esq. 

u.  HuMPHav,  his  successor. 

m.  Edwaed. 

IT.  HSNKT,  bur,  8epL  Ufh,  l802. 

▼.  Thomas. 

▼1.  GaoRos,  bur.  July  S9th,  lGl6. 
Humphry  Ferrers,  esq.,  suc- 
ceeded his  fiither,  who  was  bur.  at 
Tamworth,  Apr.  17th,  1576.  He 
in.,  1562,  Ann,  dau.  of  Humphry 
Bradboume,  esq. ;  bur.  Jan.  29th, 
1599.  Afterwards  he  m.  Elisabeth, 
dau.  of  sir  Ralph  Longford.  He  was 
created  a  knight :  and  was  bur,  Jan. 
9th,  1607-8.  By  his  Ist  wife,  he 
had  a  numerous  family. 

I.  John,  his  successor. 

II.  WiL.,  bur,  here  July  3rd,  U77. 
1U..1V..T.  Waltse,  Thomas,  and  Ed* 

waeo. 
VI.  Elueabbth,  m.  at  Tamworth,  July 

6th,  1585,  to  WUUam  Somenrile,  esq. 

He  was  knighted. 
Tii.  KATHsaiNB,  m.  atTamworth,  Jan. 

isth,  1593.4,  to  Geo.  Hyde,  sent.   He 

was  created  K.B. 
▼111.  Brwobt,  er.  Auf,  9th,  1574  j  m. 

to  Robert  Byre.  esq. 

IX.  Lbttick,  er,  Ist,  bur.  4th  of  Sept., 
1577. 

X.  Susan,  er,  Apr.  6th,  1583;   m.  to 
George  Gresley,  esq. 

Sir  John  Firrbrs,  knight,  m. 
Dorothy,  dau.  of  sir  John  Puckering, 
knt.  and  bart.  She  was  bur.  here 
Dec.  19th,  1616 ;  he,  Aug.  5th,  1633. 
By  her,  he  had, 

I.  HuHPHar,  son  and  heir. 

II.  FaANCSs,  m,  to  John  Packington, 
esq.    He  was  afterwards  knighted. 

III.  Ann,  m.  here,  Oct.  13th,  l6l4,  to 
Simon  Archer,  Mq.,  of  Tanwoith. 

!▼.  Jans,  m.  to  sir  Tho.  Rouse. 
Sir  Humphry   Firrkrs,   knt., 
m*  one  of  the  daughters  of  sir  John 

B  3 


366 


TAMWOBTH 


October.  To  Thomas  Ferrers,  then  tenant  by  courtesy, 
and  to  Thomas,  his  son  and  heir,  were  given, — ^thc 
Castle  and  manor  of  Tamworth ;  the  manors  of  Lea  near 
Marston,  Stretford  near  Tamworth,  and  Harborough- 
magna,  with  the  advowson  of  the  church ;  also  the 
manors  of  Stivichall  near  Coventry,  of  Taddington  in 
Herefordshire,  with  lands  and  rents  in  Waverton,  Alles- 
ley,  and  Mereden,  in  Warwickshire,  and  in  Wigginton 
in  Staffordshire.  To  Robert  Aston,  son  of  Roger  and 
Joice,  the  manors  of  Ashtead  and  Newdigate,  in  Surrey; 
of  Becknor,  in  Worcestershire ;  Yatesbury,  in  Wiltshire; 
of  Pinley,  near  Coventry ;  and  the  moiety  of  the  manor 
of  Henley-in-Arden,  with  the  advowson  of  the  adjacent 
church  of  Preston-Baggott.  To  sir  Richard  Bingham, 
knt.,  who  had  married  Margaret,  the  widow  of  sir  Hugh 
Willoughby  of  WoUaton,  in  Nottinghamshire,  the  manors 
of  Middleton  and  Whitnash,  with  lands  at  Wilnecote; 
the  manor  of  Wyken,  near  Coventry,  with  lands  and 
rents  within  the  county  of  that  city ;  and  also  the  manors 
of  Grunthorpe,  Lowdham,  Bradford,   Feme,  and  Maun.' 


Packiogtoii.  He  was  bur.  here  Not. 
2nd,  1633.  He  had  one  son,  and 
three  daughters. 

John  Firmers,  esq.,  b.  1629,  m., 

about  1648,  Dorothy,  dan.  and  cob. 

of  sir  Dudley  Carleton,  knt.    He  d, 

in  1680  :  and  was  bur.  at  Tamworth, 

Sept.  3rd.     His  children  were, 

L-u.  Two  INFANTS,  6«r.  Aug:.  6th,  1649. 

ui.  Ann,  ter.  May  25th,  l6ai. 

IT.  DoaoTRT,  who,  in  1670,  was  m.  to 

Rich.  Batler,  earl  of  Arran.    Lady 

Dorothy,  then  **  coanteas-dowaKer  of 

Arran  in  Ireland,   and  baroness  of 

Wesson,  hi  Hantingdonshhw,**  was 

bur,  at  Tamworth,  Dec.  8th,  1710) 


beinir  the  last  of  the  family  of  Fen«n 

of  Tsmworth-Osstle. 

T.  HuMpnar,^.  1053.    Hewaa  lmic1it> 

ed :  and  m.  Elizabeth,  dan.of  Oerraae 

Pigot.    She  survtved  her  husband, 

resided  latterly  at  Biamoote-hall,  00. 

of  Warw.,  and  was  hur,  here,  Aug, 

90th.  1703.    He  was  drowned  in  1078, 

and  AtM*.  Sept.  asth.    He  left  an  only 

dan., 

Ann   Fkrrkrs,   who,   in  1680* 

succeeded  her  grand-father  in  the 

possession  of  the  Castle  and  Honoor 

of  Tamworth.    These,  in  1688,  she 

conTeyed    in    marriage    to    Robert 

Shirley. 


1  Daffdale*s  Warwicksh.— The  only  tomb  of  any  of  the  Frerile-fkmUy,  which  we 
haTe  been  able  to  identify,  is  that  of  Margaret,  and  of  her  husband,  sir  Richanl  Bing- 
ham. It  lies  in  the  middle  of  the  chancel  of  the  church  at  Middleton,  and  bears  their 
portraitures  in  brass.  Ttom  the  lady's  arm,  hangs  a  rosary.  Below  the  flgorea,  is 
this  inscrtption,  in  black-letter, 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  367 

Thomas  Ferrers  died  in  1458.  He  was  then  the 
principal  of  the  male  branch  of  the  Ferrerses  of  Groby, 
and  he  bore  his  arms^ — ^vairy  Or  and  Gu, — ^with  a  label 
of  three  points  Azure.  He  was  the  father  of  Thomas, 
who  succeeded  to  this  Castle^  and  of  sir  Henry  Ferrers^ 
knt.^  of  Hambleton^  in  the  county  of  Rutland;  from 
whom  is  descended  the  present  family  of  Ferrers^  of 
Baddesley-Clinton,  in  Warwickshire.' 

Thomas  Ferrers  was  thirty-six  years  old  at  his  father's 
death;  and  then  he  seated  himself  at  Tamworth.  In 
1460^  he  was  made  sheriff  of  the  counties  of  Warwick 
and  Leicester;  and  also  in  the  ensuing  year.  In  the 
wars  between  the  houses  of  York  and  Lancaster,  he  took 
part  with  the  former,  and  signalized  himself  by  his 
fidelity  to  Bichard,  duke  of  York,  father  of  Edward  IV. 
But,  in  the  battle  of  Wakefield,  fought  upon  the  30th 
of  December,  1460,  when  the  duke  was  killed  and  his 
army  routed  by  the  forces  of  the  queen  of  Henry  VI., 
he  was  taken  prisoner.  He  was  liberated  on  giving  his 
word  that  he  would  pay  a  fine  of  three  hundred  marks. 
When,  shortly  afterwards,  the  Yorkists  gained  the  as- 
cendance, and  Edward  IV.  obtained  the  throne,  Thomas 
Ferrers  was  rewarded  for  his  services.  He  was  created 
a  knight :  and  received  a  special  precept  firom  the  king 
to  the  barons  of  the  Exchequer,  commanding  them  to 
give  him  a  remittance  of  two  hundred  marks  of  the  sum 
for  which  he  was  then  answerable  on  account  of  his  re- 
ceipts whilst  he  was  sheriff.    From  1464  until  his  death. 


mC  lACKT  D'WS   MCARDirS   BINGHAM,    MILBll,   JVSTICIARIVS   DB    BAWCO    D'Vf    MBOIB,   QUI    OBUT 

xzu  DIB  Mau,  awko  Milling  CCCC  lxxvj,  bt  d'va   Mabcabkta,  sua    conjvxi   qvob' 

A*I*ABVS  V*PtClB*   DBU*.   AMI*. 

In  the  four  quarters  were  once  coetB  of  arms.  Those  of  Fterfle  now  alone  remain. 
Dnsdale  cives  two  more,~«  ftet,  for  Bingham,  and  Bingham  impaling  Fterile.  The 
ftmrth  waa  loct  in  his  time. 

]    Dngdale's  Warwickshire. 


S68  TAMWORTH 

he  was  one  of  the  commissioners  for  the  conseiration  of 
the  peace  in  Warwickshire ;  and,  in  1468,  he  was  again 
appointed  sheriff  of  this  county.  In  1473,  he  was  made 
a  knight  of  the  Bath,  at  the  creation  of  Richard  Pkn- 
tagenet,  second  son  of  the  king  and  duke  of  York.  He 
married  Ann,  daughter  of  Leonard  Hastings  of  Kirby, 
and  sister  of  William  lord  Hastings.  By  her,  he  had 
three  sons,  sir  John,  who  died  in  his  fiither's  life  time, 
and  of  whom  little  occurs,  except  that  he  was  in  the 
king's  service  in  Normandy,  in  1475 ;  Leonard ;  and 
Ralph,  dean  of  the  Church  of  this  town.  He  died  on 
the  22nd  of  August,  1498,  leaving  his  grandson  sir  John 
his  heir,  who  was  son  of  John,  and  Matilda  his  wife, 
daughter  of  sir  John  Stanley,  knt.,  of  Elford.* 

Sir  John  Ferrers  was  one  of  the  knights  of  the  body 
to  king  Henry  VII. ;  and  a  commissioner  for  the  peace 
in  Warwickshire,  from  1502  until  his  decease.  He 
married  Dorothy,  daughter  of  William  Harper,  esq.,  of 
Rushall-castle,  in  Staffordshire;  and  had,  besides  a  son, 
a  daughter  Ann,  who  was  married,  about  1541,  to 
John  Peto,  esq.,  of  Chesterton,  in  Warwickshire.  He 
died  in  1512.  By  his  will,  he  bequeathed  his  body  for 
burial  within  the  chancel  of  the  Church  of  Tamworth, 
before  the  image  of  St.  Editha.'  It  is  a  singular  coin- 
cidence that  his  decease  took  place  upon  the  festival  of 
that  saint.     His  widow  survived  him  for  many  years. 

Sir  Humphry  Ferrers  succeeded  his  father.  He 
married  first,  Margaret,  daughter  of  Thomas  Pigot, 
sergeant-at4aw ;  and  secondly,  in  1540,  Dorothy,  daugh- 
ter  and  coheiress  of  Thomas  Marrow,  sergeant-at-law, 
who  was  the  widow  of  Francis  Cockain,  esq.,  of  Pooly. 
He  died  on  the  13th  of  September,  1554,  in  the  reign 

1    DuffdAle's  Wanrlckshire.  3    Ibid. 


CASTLE    AND  TOWN.  369 

of  Philip  and  Mary,  leaving,  by  his  ixst  wife,  a  son 
and  heir, 

John  Ferrers,  esq.,  who  had  married,  in  1539,  Bar- 
bara Cockain,  the  daughter  of  his  mother-in-law.  He 
had  issue, — ^Dorothy,  who  married  Edward  Holt,  esq. ; 
Humphry,  his  eldest  son  and  heir ;  Edward ;  Henry ; 
Thomas;  and  George.    He  died  in  April,  1576.^ 

Humphry  Ferrers,  esq.,  succeeded  on  the  death  of  his 
father.  He  married,  in  1562,  Ann,  daughter  of  Hum- 
phry Bradboume,  esq.,  of  Lea,  in  the  county  of  Derby ; 
and  towards  the  end  of  his  life  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
sir  Balph  Longford,  of  Longford.*  In  1577,  and  again 
in  1588,  he  was  constituted  sheriff  of  Warwickshire.' 
In  1585,  he  was  one  of  the  justices  of  peace  for  the 
county  of  Stafford ;  and,  on  account  of  his  occasionally 
residence  at  Walton-upon-Trent,  in  Derbyshire,  he  was 
one  of  the  magistrates  ordered  to  establish  a  watch 
and  ward  around  the  castle  of  Tutbury,  where  Mary, 
queen  of  Scots,  lay  imprisoned  by  the  treachery  of 
Elizabeth.^  For  his  services,  he  was  afterwards  created 
a  knight.  He  had,  by  his  first  wife,  a  numerous  family. 
His  sons  were,  sir  John,  William,  Walter,  Thomas,  and 
Edward :  and  his  daughters,  Elizabeth,  who  was  married 
to  William  Somervile,  esq.,  afterwards  knt;  Catherine, 
to  George  Hyde,  gent,  afterwards  K.  B. ;  Briget,  to 
Bobert  Eyre,  esq.,  of  Highlow;  Lettice;  and  Susan,  to 
George  Gresley,  esq.,  of  Drakelow,  who  was  created  a 
baronet.     Sir  Humphry  Ferrers  died  in  January,  1607-8.* 

Sir  John  Ferrers  had  been  knighted,  on  the  SSrd  of 
April,    1603,  at  Beauvoir-castle,  by  James  I.,  who  was 

1    DugdAle't  Warwickah.       2    CMtle-Inacriptions.       a    Burke. 
4    BrdMwicke  :-edit  1M4.    In  Mareh,  1684,  the  Inlwbitanta  of  Tunwotth  paid  3». 
towards  tlic  nudntenasce  of  the  aoldicrs  at  Tatbiuy. 

s   Dogdale't  Warwicksb.   Castte  Imarliitkma.   Paitoh  Register. 


370  TAMWORTH 

on  his  way  from  Scotland  to  London,  to  assume  the 
sceptire  of  England.^  When  he  succeeded  to  his  fiither's 
estates,  the  possessions  of  his  inheritance,  and  their 
value,  are  thus  enumerated.' 

£       s.     d. 

The  Casile  of  Tamworih,  with  Waver- 
ton-warren,  Stipershill,  and  the  demesnes 
of  the  Castle  in  Warwickshire,  held  in 
capite, 12      6     10 

Lands  and  rents  in  the  Warwickshire 
side  of  the  town, 18      0      0 

Lea  and  Stretford,  held  of  the  Castle 
of  Tamworth,  by  tmknown  service,  IS      9      4 

Lea  and  Marston,  in  Warwickshire,  held 
in  capite,  by  knight's  service, SO      0      9 

Harborough-magna,  with  the  advowson 
of  the  church,  in  Warwickshire,  held  of 
the  duke  of  Norfolk, 7      0      0 

Fleckenho,  in  Warwickshire,  held  of 
the  bishop  of  Worcester, 11     16      8 

Waverton,  in  Warwickshire,  held  of  the 
Castle  of  Tamworth,  which  Edward  Ferrers 
had  for  his  life, 4    17      9 

Lands  and  rents  in  the  Staffordshire 
part  of  Tamworth,  forming  part  of  the 
demesnes  of  the  Castle,  5      5      0 

Tettenhall-Regis,  in  Staffordshire,  held 
in  capite,    5      6      0 

Newborough,  in  Staffordshire,  held  of 
the  duchy  of  Lancaster,  by  unknown 
service,    0      8      4 

Glaverley,  in  Shropshire,  held  in  capite,    17      4      4 

1   Erdeiwlcke  :--«Ut  1844.         a   M.S.,  temp.  Juc  I. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  371 

Over  and  above  one  mill^  called  Astford 
mill,  in  the  bands  of  tbe  crown  ;  to  wbicb 
a  rent  was  paid  of  26s,  8d. 

Bradford,  in  Sbropsbire,  held  in  capite,      6       0      0 

StivichaU,  in  tbe  liberty  of  Coventry, 
beld  of  tbe  tbe  crown  as  of  tbe  earl  of 
Cbester, 16      2      9 

Of  tbis  sir  Jobn  Brat,  clerk,  had  an 
annuity  of  5/.  68.  8d. 

Walton-upon-Trent,  in  Derbysbire,  witb 
tbe  advowson  of  tbe  cbnrcb,  beld  in  capite,     15     18      8 

Taddington-magna,  called  tbe  World's 
end,  in  Herefordsbire,  beld  in  capite,  ....     15      9      7| 

Orton-on-tbe-bill,  in  Leicestersbire,  beld 
of  tbe  lord  Ferrers,  by  unknown  service,       10      0 

Hetbe,  in  Oxfordsbire,  beld  of  tbe  duke 
of  Buckingbam,  by  unknown  service,   ....     10      0      0 

Magna  Blounts^  called  '^yng  gyng  geo- 
berde  laundre,"  witb  tbe  advowson  of  tbe 
cburcb,  in  Essex;  and  Harford  Stok,  in 
tbe  parisb  of  Buttsbury,  beld  of  tbe 
marquis  of  Dorset,  by  unknown  service,    36      0      0 

Cbampion's  priors  and  Joys,  in  Essex, 
held  of  the  marquis  of  Dorset,  by  un- 
known service,  37      6      8 

Ilgers,  called  Lachley,  in  Essex,  held  of 
tbe  marquis  of  Dorset,  by  unknown  service,     13      6      8 

Marks,  in  Magna  Dunmow,  in  Essex, 
beld  of  tbe  duchy  of  Lancaster,  by  un- 
known service,  20      0      0 

Tbis  207.   Thomas  Ferrers  had  for  the 

term  of  bis  life.  

Total....  285    IS      4i 


J 


S72  TAMWORTH 

Sir  John  Ferrers  afterwards  wM  several  of  the  fiunily 
estates, — ^Lea,  Harhorough-magna,  Stivichall,  Orton-on* 
the-hill,  and  the  Umds  in  Grreat  Dunmow.  He  was 
sheriff  of  Warwickshire,  in  1615 :  and  was  returned  as 
member  of  parliament  for  Tamworth,  in  1586,  1S92, 
1603,  and  1615.  He  married  Dorothy,  daughter  of  sir 
John  Puckering,  knt  and  hart,  keeper  of  the  great  seal 
of  England.  He  ha^  a  son  Humphry,  bom  in  1600 ; 
and  three  daughters,  Frances,  Ann,  and  Jane.  Frances 
was  married  to  John  Packington,  esq. ;  Ann,  to  Simon 
Archer,  of  Tanworth,  in  Warwickshire,  who  was 
created  a  knight  by  James  I.,  in  1624;  and  Jane,  to 
sir  Thomas  Rous,  bart.  He  died  in  1633,  and  was 
buried  in  the  chancel  of  the  Church.^ 

Sir  Humphry  Ferrers,  knt,  who  succeed  his  father, 
did  not  survive  him  very  long,  for  he  died  in  the 
autumn  following.  Little  occurs  of  him  except  that  he 
resided  at  the  Castle,  whilst  his  father  took  up  his  abode 
at  the  hall  of  Walton-upon-Trent.  He  was  knighted 
on  the  6th  of  September,  1617,  by  James  I.,  just  before 
the  latter  quitted  Warwick,  to  which  he  had  paid  a  visit : 
and  he  had  the  honour  of  entertaining  this  sovereign  at 
at  this  Castle,  in  1619,  1621,  and  16184."  He  married 
Ann,  one  of  the  daughters  of  sir  John  Packington,  knt, 
of  Hampton-Lovett,  in  the  county  of  Worcester;  by 
whom  he  had  one  son,  John,  and  three  daughters.  She 
survived  him,  and  was  married  again  to  Philip  Stanhope, 
first  earl  of  Chesteifield.' 

John  Ferrers,  esq.,  bom  in  1629,  was  a  minor  at 
his  father's  decease.  By  letters  patent,  dated  on  the 
8th  of   May,   1684,  his   guardianship   and   disposal  in 

1    Datdalo*t  Wanrickth.       2    See  pp.  U9,  190,  ISI. 
3    Dardale's  Warwickali. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  373 

marriage  were  given  to  lady  Ann  Ferrers^  and  sir 
Richard  Brooke^  knt. ;  with  an  annuity  of  forty  marks, 
to  be  assigned  by  the  master  of  the  court  of  wards  and 
liveries,  out  of  the  site  and  capital  messuage  of  the 
manor  of  Lea,  in  Derbyshire;  the  capital  messuage  of 
the  manor  of  Bradboume,  in  the  same  county ;  the  manor 
of  Walton-upon*Trent,  in  the  counties  of  Derby  and 
Stafford,  and  the  manor  of  Tatenhall-regis,  in  Stafford- 
shire; and  divers  messuages,  lands,  meadows,  pastures, 
and  hereditaments,  in  the  counties  of  Stafford  and  Derby ; 
all  which  sir  Humphry  held  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
of  the  crown,  in  capite,  by  military  service.* 

John  Ferrers  married  Ann,  daughter  and  eventually 
coheiress  of  sir  Dudley  Carlton,  knt:  and  quitted  his 
minority  in  1650.  By  indenture,  dated  on  the  28th  of 
February,  1652-3,  he  conveyed,  the  manor  or  lordship 
of  Walton-upon-Trent^  and  the  several  houses,  lands, 
tithes,  leasowes,  pastures,  feedings,  woods,  warrens,  fish- 
eries, fowlings,  and  other  rights  belonging  to  it;  120 
acres  of  meadow  near  the  river  Trent,  in  Tatenhill, 
Barton-under-Needwood,  and  Walton;  and  several  other 
houses,  lands,  and  tithes,  in  Walton-upon-Trent,  Barton- 
under-Needwood,  Rolleston,  Shuttington,  Polesworth,  and 
Waverton;  and  the  advowson  and  right  of  patronage 
of  Walton-church;  to  the  behoof  of  sir  Dudley  Carlton, 
Matthew  Carlton  of  Lincoln's  Inn,  and  Thomas  Carlton, 
their  executors  and  assigns,  for  the  term  of  ten  years, 
firom  the  ensuing  feast  of  the  Annunciation  of  the 
Virgin,  if  Ann  Ferrers,  his  wife,  should  live  so  long: 
and,  after  the  determination  of  that  estate,  to  the  u^e  of 
himself  for  his  natural  life;  without  impeachment  of 
waste.     And  the  Castle  and  honour  of  Tamwortb,  widi 

Letters  patent,  lO  Car.  1. 

c  3 


374  TAMWORTH 

all  its  rights,  members,  and  appurtenances;  and  also 
the  three  com  mills  and  one  fulling  mill  standing 
under  one  roof,  called  the  Castle-mills;  and  Castle- 
meadow,  and  Mill-meadow;  and  several  other  lands, 
tenements,  and  tithes,  in  Tamworth,  Stretford,  BolehaU, 
Amington,  Glascote,  Wilnecote,  Drayton,  Bassington, 
Waverton,  Polesworth,  and  Wigginton;  free  warren 
in  Waverton  and  Polesworth;  the  manor  and  court 
of  Stipershill;  the  manor  of  Tatenhill-regis ;  and  the 
premises  in  that  place,  in  Wightwick,  Compton,  Mergis, 
and  Kingswood,  he  limited  to  the  use  of  himself, 
during  his  natural  life,  and  then  to  Humphry  Ferteis, 
his  son  and  heir  apparent,  and  his  heirs  male,  with 
several  remainders  over:  with  the  proviso,  that,  at  any 
time,  he  might  make  a  demise,  lease,  or  grant,  of  all 
the  premises,— except  those  limited  to  sir  Dudley  Carle- 
ton  for  ten  years, — for  the  maintenance  of^  and  the 
raising  of  portions  for,  all  the  daughters  and  younger 
sons  of  himself  and  Ann  his  wife.* 

John  Ferrers  had  only  one  surviving  daughter,  Doro- 
thy. On  her  marriage  with  Richard  Butler,  earl  of 
Arran,  in  Ireland,  second  son  of  James  duke  of  Ormond, 
he,  by  indenture,  dated  upon  the  Ist  of  February, 
1670-1,  in  order  to  provide  her  portion,  for  certain  con- 
siderations, granted,  in  trust  to  sir  John  Packington, 
hart.,  of  Westwood,  in  Worcestershire,  and  Richard 
Aldworth,  esq.,  of  the  middle  temple,  the  Castle  and 
honour  of  Tamworth,  and  all  the  premises  which  he  had 
before  limited  to  himself  and  his  heirs  male,  to  be  by 
them  held  for  the  term  of  one  hundred  years,  at  the 
annual  rent  of  a  pepper-corn.  But  he  should  be  able, 
at  any  time  to  revoke  the  term  of  years  by  any  writing 

1      Indenture,  i6ss.9. 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  376 

under  his  hand  and  seal^  after  having  tendered  the  sum 
of  5«.  to  sir  John  Packington,  and  Richard  Aldworth. 
This  he  accordingly  did,  a  short  time  subsequently^  by 
a  deed  dated  upon  the  15th  of  Aprils  1673. 

John  Ferrers  was  returned  to  parliament  for  Derby- 
shire^ after  the  restoration.  His  only  son,  sir  Humphry 
Ferrers,  knt.,  was  accidentally  drowned  in  the  Trent,  on 
the  6th  of  September,  1678,  in  the  twenty-fifth  year 
of  his  age:  he  had  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Gervase  Pigott,  esq.,  of  Thrumpton,  in  Nottingham- 
shire; by  whom  he  had  an  only  daughter  named  Ann. 
John  Ferrers,  the  last  of  the  male  line  of  the  Ferrerses 
of  Groby  and  Tamworth,  died  the  14th  of  August,  1680; 
leaving  Ann,  his  grand-daughter,  sole  heiress  to  the 
Castle  of  Tamworth. 

Ann  Ferrers,  in  1688,  became  the  second  wife  of 
Robert  Shirley,  eldest  son  of  Robert,  baron  Ferrers  of 
Chartley.  By  this  marriage,  the  estates  of  the  two 
branches  of  the  family  of  Ferrers — those  of  Chartley 
and  of  Groby, — ^became  re-imited,  after  a  lapse  of  more 
than  four  centuries.  She  died  upon  the  27th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1697,  leaving  three  sons  and  a  daughter, — 
Robert,  bom  on  the  28th  of  December,  1692 ;  Ferrers ; 
Thomas;  and  Elizabeth. 

Robert  Shirley  died  on  the  25th  of  February,  1697-8. 
His  father  was  then  alive ;  who,  not  suspecting  that  he 
should  survive  all  the  male  children  of  his  eldest  son, 
obtained,  in  1711,  the  titles  of  viscount  Tamworth  and 
earl  Ferrers,  intending  that  the  dignities  should  descend 
with  the  elder  branch  of  his  family,— the  lords  of  this 
Castle.  But  Robert  his  grandson,  then  viscount  Tam- 
worth, died  in  July,  1714,  unmarried.  His  two  brothers 
also    died;    and    Elizabeth    Shirley    became    heiress    of 


376  TAMWORTH 

Tamworth-Castle  and  all  the  estates.  On  the  death  of 
earl  Ferrers,  her  grandiather,  in  1717,  she  became 
baroness  Ferrers  of  Ghartley;  but  the  Tiscountcy  and 
earldom,  being  as  usual  limited  to  males,  passed  to  her 
uncle,  and  thus  went  to  a  branch  of  the  family  totally 
unconnected  with  this  town.  She  also  then  became 
entitled  to  the  baronies  of  Basset  of  Drayton,  Lovaine, 
aud  Bourchier. 

Lady  Elizabeth  Shirley,  on  the  8rd  of  March,  1715-6, 
was  married  to  James  Compton,  fifth  earl  of  Northamp- 
ton ;  who,  in  her  right,  became  lord  of  this  Castle.  She 
had  two  sons  and  five  daughters.  George,  bom  on  the 
6th  of  July,  1718,  died  on  the  28th  of  November,  1719. 
James,  born  in  172S,  died  in  1739.  Ann  died  un- 
married, on  the  13th  of  March,  1735-6.  Charlotte,  bom 
on  the  8th  of  August,  1729,  alone  survived.  Jane, 
bom  in  1732,  died  in  1749,  unmarried.  The  decease 
of  Elizabeth  countess  Compton  occurred  on  the  13th 
of  March,  1740-1 ;  and  the  barony  of  Chartley  then  fell 
into  abeyance  between  her  daughters,  Charlotte  and 
Jane.  But,  when  the  latter  died,  the  dignity  devolved 
upon  her  sister. 

Lady  Charlotte  Compton  was  thus,  in  her  own  right, 
baroness  Ferrers  of  Chartley,  and  baroness  Basset  of 
Drayton,  Lovaine,  and  Bourchier.  She  was  married,  in 
December,  1751,  to  the  hon.  George  Towshend,  son  of 
Charles  third  viscount  Townshend  of  Kaynham,  in  Nor- 
folkshire.  By  the  deed  of  settlement  made  previously  to 
the  marriage,  dated  in  the  middle  of  the  same  month, 
the  viscount  conveyed  several  manors  and  hereditaments 
in  the  counties  of  Norfolk,  Suffolk,  and  Cambridge,  to 
Charles  lord  Comwallis  and  the  right  hon.  Henry  Fox, 
in  trust,  in  order  to  raise  20,000^.  for  the  portions  of  the 


CASTLE    AND   TOWN. 


377 


daughters  and  younger  sons'  resulting  firom  the  intended 
nuptials^  payable  in  such  manner  as  George  Townshend 
should  by  deed  direct:    die  possessions  were  to  be  re- 


The  fiunily  of  Townshend,  of  con- 
nderable  antiquity  and  great  celebrity, 
has  been  settled  at  Raynham,  in  Nor- 
folkshire,  from  the  beginning  of  the 
12th  century. 

RoGBB  TowNSHBND,  csq.  wss  crea- 
tedabaronetonthel6thofApril,1617. 

Sir  Horatio  Townshend,  3rd 
bart.,  was  one  of  the  leading  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbyterian  party,  during 
the  Commonwealth.  Having  xea- 
lously  exerted  himself  in  the  cause 
of  the  Restoration,  he  was  rewarded 
by  Charles  II.,  AprU  20th,  1661, 
with  a  seat  in  the  house  of  lords,  as 
baron  Townshend  of  Lynn-regis. 
He  was  created  Tiscount  Townshend 
of  Raynham,  Dec.  11th,  1682.  He 
d,  in  1687  ;  leaving  a  son,  Charles, 
then  ten  years  old. 

Charles  Townshend,  2nd  yis- 
oount  and  baron  Townshend,  K.O., 
was  an  eminent  statesman  in  the 
reigns  of  Ann,  Greo.  I.  and  II.  On 
taking  his  seat  in  parliament,  in  1697, 
he  first  acted  with  the  Tories ;  but 


he  soon  went  over  to  the  Whigs,  and 
ardently  supported  lord  Somers.  In 
1702,  he  was  named  for  the  lord 
priyy  seal :  and,  in  1705,  was  one  of 
the  commissioners  appointed  to  treat 
for  the  Union  of  Scotland.  Two 
years  afterwards,  he  obtained  the 
post  of  captain  of  the  yeoman  of  the 
queen's  guard.  In  1709,  he  was 
joint-plenipotentiary  with  the  duke 
of  Marlborough  for  the  peace  of 
Gurtruydenburg :  and,  in  the  same 
year,  ambassador-extraordinary  to 
the  States-general  of  the  United  pro- 
yinces.  On  the  dismissal  of  the 
Whigs,  in  1710,  he  lost  his  post  of 
captain.  When  Greo.  I.  ascended 
the  throne,  he  was  chosen  secretary 
of  state,  with  power  to  name  a  col- 
league. From  this  office  he  was 
dismissed  in  1717,  and  appointed 
lord-lieutenant  of  Ireland;  but  he 
refused  to  proceed  into  that  country. 
He  was  constituted,  June  11th,  1720, 
prebend  of  the  council :  and  in  1721, 
he  was  again  made  secretary  of  state. 
He  resided  the  office,  May  15th, 
1730,  and  withdrew  into  private  life 
at  Raynham.  He  m.  1st  Elisabeth, 
2nd  dau.  of  Tho.  lord  Pelham,  and 
half  sister  of  the  duke  of  Newcastle ; 
and  2nd,  in  1713,  Dorothy,  sister  of 
sir  Robert  Walpole.  He  d,  June 
21st,  1738,  in  his  63rd  year.  His 
son,  by  his  first  wife, 

Charles  Townshend,  3rd  yis- 
count   and  baron  Townshend,    m., 
1723,  Audry,  dan.  and  h.  of  Edward 
Harrison,  esq.,  governor  of  Madras. 
He  d,  in  1764,  leaving, 
I.  Gborob,  of  whom  preiently. 
u.  Rt.  how.  Charlbs,  bom  Ui  1735,  a 
distinffoished  politician,  who  enjoyed 
sevend  high  oinces  of  state.    He  en- 
tered the  house  of  commons  in  1747  j 
was  appointed  a  lord  of  the  admiralty, 
1754)  treasurer  of  the  chamber  in 
1750,  which  he  resicned  next  year, 
bnt  soon  again  resumed;  secretary 
of  state,  in  17O5 ;  paymaster  of  the 
forces,  inlTM  { and  chancellor  of  the 
exchequer,  in  17M.    He  m,  Caroline, 
dau.  and  h.  of  John  and  carl  of  Ar- 


378 


TAMWORTH 


tainded  to  the  use  of  the  first  and  other  sons  daring 
the  term  in  tale  male^  with  remainders  over.  And  the 
fiither  of  lady  Charlotte  Compton,  James  earl  of  North- 


gyle  and  GiMnwich,  and  widow  of 

the  earl  of  Dalkeith,  eldeat  eon  of 

the  duke  of  Buceleach. 

Gbobob  Townbbbnd,  JUming  m. 

Itdjy  CkarMte  Cfm^tomt   mefitrtd 

THB  CaSTLB  and  HONOUB  OF  TaM- 

woBTH.  He  became  4th  Tifooiiiit 
and  baaron  Townahend,  in  1764  :  and, 
in  1786,  waa  created  marquia  Towna- 
hend of  Raynham.  Hie  lit  wife  <f. 
l>ec.  14th,  1770 ;  and  he  m.  2nd, 
May  19th,  177S,  Anne,  3rd  dan.  of 
•ir  Will.  Montgomery,  bart. ;  and 
ahe  aorriTed  him,  nntU  1819.  Thia 
nobleman  <f.  in  1807,  having  had  by 
hia  2nd  wife  a  nvmerooa  family,  and 
by  hia  firat, — 

I.  Gbobob,  hia  aooeeaaor. 

u.  Chablottb,  *.  Oct.  ISth,  17M;  d, 
March  ISth,  1760. 

m.  JoBN,  mentioned  hereafter. 

IT.  CAbolinb,  4. 70009. 

▼.  Fbanobs,  ft.  March  SSthj  d.  May 

nth,  1761. 
Ti.  FEBOBRicK-PATBtcE,  aderKymaa, 

b,  Dec.  80th,  1707. 
▼u,  Cbablbs. 

▼III.  SuzABBTH,  who  M.   Hvj  7th, 
1790,  m^tor-reneral  Will.  Ixsftiu.  of 
Wimpole-st.,  London,  andKUhnde, 
00.  Wicklow,  in  Ireland,  colonel  of 
the  aecond  drafoon  rnarda,  and  Itent. 
of  the  tower  of  London.     He  tat 
auccessively  in  parliament,  ftxnn  I79d 
to  1818,  for  the  boroufht  of  Great 
YarmonthandTamworth.  He  tf.  July 
15th,  1831,  havlnir  had  8  sona,  and 
4  dans.,  of  whom  Charlotte  m.  lord 
Charles- Vere-FenarB  Townahend. 
Gbobgb   Townshbnd,    b,  Apr. 
18th,  1 755,  ancceeded  to  the  baroniea 
of  Ferrera  of  Chartley,  Baasetof  Dray- 
ton, Lovaine,  fioarohier,  and  Comp- 
ton,  on  the  deosaae  of  hia  mother ; 
waa  created  earl  of  Leiceater  in  1784 ; 
and  became  the  2nd  marquia,  5th 
viacount  and  baron,  and  7th  baronet 
of  the  family  of  Townahend.    He  m. 
Charlotte,  2nd  dan  of  £.  M.  Eller- 
ker,  eaq.,--ahe  d.  Feb.  2nd,  1802 : 
he  <f.  in  1811.^  He  had, 

I.  Gborob,  b.  Dec.  18th,  1778.  He  m.. 
May  18th,  I807,  a  dan.  of  Will.  Dann 
Gardiner  esq.  1  and  saoceeded  to  the 
titles  of  the  famUy. 

II.  CnABi.oTTB-BABBABA,6.Jane9<(th, 


1781 ;  A  Oct. Srd.  1807*  8h« ■I.Apr. 
6th,  1808,  It-col  OecU  Bishop,  eldest 
son  of  sir  Cedi  Bishop,  bait.,  after- 
wards lord  Zoadi. 
m.  HABBiBTT-Airir  *.  said  May,  178S, 
d.  Jane,  1845.  She  was  si.  March  llth. 
1818,  to  Bdwaid  Fsners,  esq.,  of 
Baddesley-CUnton,  co.  of  Warwi^ 
Uneally  descended  from  the  1st  no- 
mas FBRers  of  "nunwocth-Oastle. 
The  issoe  were,  Msrmion-Bdward, 
Charles,  Grotoy-Thomas,  OomplDn. 
Gerard,  Tamworth-Gcorfe,  Henri- 
atta-BUsabcth,  Maitaret.AiiBa,  and 


IT.  Eluabbtb-Maboabbt,  *.  Any. 
18th,  1784}  who  waa  si.  1815,  to 
Joseph  Moore  Bonltbee,  esq. 

▼.  Cbablbs  Vbbb  *.  Apr.  lOth,  178S. 
His  lordship  repcesented  T^mworth 
in  parliament  for  many  years  -  and 
he  now  possesses  hy  imrchsse  " 
Of    Twagmt 


Castle  and  hoaoor 
A   recent   decision    of  the    house 
of  pens  has  dedarsd  him  entitted 
to  the  difnity  of  eari  of  Leices- 
ter, and  consequently  hereafter  to 
the  other  titles  of  his  Cunily,  on  ac- 
coont  of  irregularity  in  his  elder  bro- 
ther's fkmily.    Lord  Charles  Towns- 
hend,  who  resides  at  Raynham,  au, 
March  94th,  1819,  Chartotte,  eldest 
dau.  of  maiar-genersl  WilL  Loftos  1 
but  his  lordship  has  no  issue. 
Lo&D    John  Townshknd,  2nd 
8on  of  the  Ist  marquia,  b,  Jan.  19Ui, 
1757,  m.  Apr.  10th,  1787.  Georp- 
ana-Ann,  dan.  and  h.  of  William 
Pointi,  eaq.,  who  had  been  deforced 
from  William  Fawkener,  eaq.    The 
iaaoe  were, 

I.  AuDaT-HABRiBTT,  d.  Feb.,  1st.,  1778. 
and  SI.,  Oct  lOth,  1890,  to  the  rer. 
Rob.  Ridsdale. 

II.  Blibabbtb-Fbavcbs,  *.  Auc.  and, 
I789i  and  si.,  Oct,  aeth,  1819,  capC 
Aufustus-Will.-James  CUflbrd,  R.N. 

III.  Isabbll-Gboroiana;  b,  Feb.  let, 
1791*  and  d.  Sept.  17th.  1811. 

IT.  Javb,  b,  Sept.  98th.  1709. 

y.  Cbbalbs-Foz,  b.  June  98th,  179s, 
and  d,  Apr.  9nd,  I8I7,  s.  r. 

▼I,  Ann,  b.  Aug.  Slst,  1790.  and  d.  July 
soth.  1899. 

▼II.  JoBN,  b,  Msich  98th,  1796.  A  cap. 
tain  in  the  Royal  Navy,  and  heir  pre- 
sumptlTeof  lord  Charles  Townshend, 
his  cousin.  He  m.  Elizabeth-Jane,— 
July  18th,  ia09,>^ldest  dau.  of  lord 
George  Stewart,  of  Bote:  and  has 
a  numerous  fiuEdly. 

▼III.  GBoaeB-OsBOBNB,  a  deisyman. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  879 

ampton^  engaged  that,  immediately  after  his  decease, 
Thomas  duke  of  Newcastle,  Lionel  duke  of  Dorset,  and 
the  right  hon.  Henry  Pelham,  or  the  surrivors  of  them, 
should  receive  from  him  12,000/.,  in  trust,  as  an  addition 
to  the  portions.  This  sum,  with  the  consent  of  Greorge 
Townshend  and  Charlotte  baroness  Ferrers,  was  to  be 
invested  in  government  or  real  securities,  amongst  which 
any  part  of  the  estates  of  viscount  Townshend  should 
have  the  preference:  the  interest  was  to  be  enjoyed  by 
the  latter  during  his  son's  life,  then  by  his  son  if  he 
survived,  afterwards  by  Charlotte  baroness  Ferrers,  and 
then  by  all  the  younger  children. 

James  Compton,  earl  of  Northampton,  died  on  the 
3rd  of  October,  1754,  and  lady  Charlotte  Townshend 
succeeded  to  the  barony  of  Compton ;  but  the  earldom 
passed  to  her  imcle  Geoi^e. 

George  Townshend,  thus,  in  the  right  of  his  wife, 
lord  of  Tamworth-Castle,  became,  in  1764,  fourth  baron 
Townshend  of  Lynn-regis  and  viscount  Townshend  of 
Kaynham,  in  consequence  of  the  decease  of  his  father, 
on  the  13th  of  March.  The  latter,  by  his  wiU  dated  on 
the  16th  of  October  previous,  reciting  that  he  was  seized 
of  divers  manors  and  hereditaments,  in  Norfolk,  not 
included  in  the  settlement,  devised  all  his  landed  pro- 
perty to  his  son  during  his  life,  with  remainder  to 
trustees  and  their  heirs  during  his  life  to  support  the 
contii]^nt  remainders,  with  remainder  to  his  first  and 
every  other  son  successively  in  tale  male,  with  remainders 
over.  And,  after  stating  that  he  had  paid  off  several 
sums  of  money  charged  upon  his  real  estates,  he  be- 
queathed the  same  amounting  of  24,000/.  and  all  securities 
to  Edward  Bacon,  William  S.  Powell,  and  Philip  Case, 
in  trust,  to  receive  the  yearly  profits  and  place  them  out 


380  TAMWORTH 

to  interest^  until  a  sufficient  fund  should  be  raised  to 
pay  4fl00l.  charged  on  his  family-estates,  9,823/.  5s. 
charged  on  estates  in  Norfolk,  and  the  iOfiOOl.  directed 
to  be  raised  under  the  settlement  of  1751.  And,  after 
the  fund  should  be  raised  and  the  sums  paid,  he  willed 
that  all  the  securities  should  be  assigned  over  in  trust 
to  attend  the  inheritance,  so  that  the  monies  might  be 
merged  in  the  estates.  But,  by  a  codicil,  dated  on  the 
2nd  of  November,  he  appointed  Colby  Bullock  to  be 
trustee  in  place  of  W.  S.  Powell. 

George  viscount  Townshend  had  issue,  by  lady  Char- 
lotte,— George,  his  successor;  Charlotte,  who  died  young; 
John;  Caroline  and  Frances,  who  died  infants;  Fred- 
erick-Patrick; Charles-Thomas-Patrick;  and  Elizabeth. 
The  decease  of  lady  Charlotte  Townshend  occurred  on 
the  14th  of  September,  1770 ;  and  her  eldest  son  George 
became  in  consequence  baron  Ferrers  of  Chartley,  and 
also  baron  Lovaine,  Basset  of  Drayton,  Bourchier,  and 
Compton. 

By  deed,  dated  on  the  12th  of  February,  1776,  the 
manors  and  hereditaments  in  the  counties  of  Norfolk 
and  Cambridge  comprised  in  the  indentures  of  1751  and 
devised  by  the  will;  and  also  the  Castle  of  Tamworth^ 
and  the  honour  and  manor  of  it;  the  three  corn-mills 
and  one  fulling-mill  standing  under  one  roof  and  called 
the  Castle-miUs;  Castle-meadow,  Mill-meadow,  Secking- 
ton-meadow,  leaward  or  Castle-park,  the  two  Strerford- 

1    Copy  rental  and  accoimt  to  Lady-dfty,  1777. 

Total  net  cash  raodTcd  at  Tuniroitli,  tnm  tht  old  astat^  to  Lady- 

day,  I77r» «a  9  8 

Ditto,    flpom  the  n«v  attate,  to  the  aama  tinw, 19ft  8  a 

Ditto,  flpom  the  new  eatate,  not  hi  settlement,  t 18  u  s 

Ditto,  at  Walton,  to  the  lame  time, 634  if  11 

Ditto,  Bradboonie,  to  the  same  time, 381  16  le 

Total  jff  1483    10     3 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  381 

fields.  Suits-orchard,  and  all  other  lands  and  tenements 
appertaining  to  the  Castle;  all  others  whatsoever  be- 
longing to  George  viscount  Townshend  and  Greorge  lord 
Ferrers,  in  Stretford,  BolehaU,  Amington,  Glascote,  Wil- 
necote,  Drayton,  Bassington,  and  Wigginton;  all  those 
belonging  to  the  viscount  and  baron  in  Waverton 
and  Polesworth,  and  the  free  warren  in  those  places ; 
the  manor  and  court  of  Stipershill;  the  manors  of 
Bradboume  and  Lea;  all  their  messuages,  lands,  and 
tithes,  in  Bradboume,  Lea,  Boylston,  Parwich,  Bentley, 
Kinteton,  Tissington,  Hognaston,  Atlow,  Brassington, 
Monteridge,  Wicksworth,  and  Ashbourne,  or  elsewhere 
in  the  Peake;  the  manor  of  Walton-upon-Trent,  and 
the  advowson  of  the  church  there;  and  the  meadow- 
ground,  containing  120  acres,  lying  near  the  Trent  in 
Tettenhill,  Barton-under-Needwood,  and  Walton;  were 
limited  to  the  use  of  such  persons  and  for  such  purposes 
as  by  George  viscount  Townshend  and  George  lord 
Ferrers  should  afterwards  by  deed  jointly,  or  by  the 
latter  if  he  survived,  be  appointed  and  directed. 

Accordingly  by  indentures  of  the  19th  and  20th  of 
March,  in  the  following  year,  George  viscount  Towns- 
hend and  George  baron  Ferrers  assigned  the  above-named 
possessions,  and  other  manors  and  hereditaments  in  the 
coimties  of  Norfolk,  Warwick,  and  Stafford,  to  Thomas 
Beevor  and  the  hon.  Charles  Vernon,  to  the  use  of 
the  right  hon.  Thomas  Townshend,  Richard  Jackson, 
and  Henry  Drummond,  for  the  term  of  2,000  years, 
without  impeachment  of  waste,  in  trust,  subject  to  a 
full  yearly  rent  of  2,000^.,  to  be  paid  to  George  viscount 
Townshend  during  his  natural  lifcj  with  remainder  to 
Beevor  and  Vernon,  for  such  persons  and  for  such 
purposes    as    the  viscount   and    baron   should   by  deed 

D  8 


382  TAMWORTH 

appoint  and  direct,  with  or  without  power  of  revocation ; 
and^  until  the  appointment  should  be  made^  to  the  use 
of  the  latter  and  his  heirs  male,  with  remainders  oyer. 
And  it  was  declared  that  the  trust  was  vested  in 
Thomas  Townshend,  Richard  Jackson,  and  Henry  Drum- 
mond,  to  raise,  by  sale  or  mortgage,  the  sum  of 
7S,S00f.,  and  another  of  2,000f.  to  pay  particular  law- 
charges,  of  which  3,300^.  should  be  given  to  George 
baron  Ferrers  for  his  own  use,  whilst  the  rest  was  to 
be  employed  in  the  discharge  of  all  debts  and 
encumbrances  on  the  family-estates.  And  by  indenture 
of  the  5th  of  April  following,  reciting  that  certain 
persons  had  agreed  to  advance  the  required  sums, — 
Charles  lord  Cadogan,  15,000;.  and  lOflOOl.;  Yexe 
lord  Yere,  20,000;. ;  Thomas  lord  Pelham,  12,54R  1&. 
6d. ;  Thomas- Walley  Partington  and  Charles  Grreen- 
wood,  758/.  Is.  6d.  and  10,000/. ;  and  John  Willington, 
7,000/., — the  three  trustees  named  in  the  last  deed, 
with  the  consent  of  the  viscoimt  and  his  son  and  at 
the  appointment  of  the  persons  above-named,  transfisrred 
all  the  property  comprised  in  the  term  of  2,000  years 
to  Robert  Drummond  and  Richard  Cox,  in  trust,  for 
those  who  had  advanced  the  money ;  but  with  a  proviso 
for  redemption  on  payment  of  the  sums,  with  due 
interest,  by  the  viscount  or  his  heirs. 

George  viscount  Townshend  was  advanced  to  the 
higher  dignity  of  marquis  Townshend  of  Raynham,  by 
letters  patent  of  the  27th  of  October,  1786.  On  the 
marriage  of  his  daughter,  lady  Elizabeth,  with  William 
Loftus,  in  1790,  he  assigned  to  her,  on  the  26th  of 
April,  8,135/.  88.  l^d.,  being  her  part  of  the  accumulated 
sums  secured  to  the  daughters  and  younger  sons.  This, 
with   3,000/.  given   by  him  in   addition,  was,  the  next 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  383 

day,  vested  in  lord  Frederick  Townshend  and  John 
Wolf,  in  trust,  for  lady  Elizabeth,  nntil  the  marriage 
should  take  place,  afterwards  for  William  Loftus  and 
herself  or  tihe  survivor;  and  then  the  sum  was  to  be 
invested  in  government  or  real  security  for  the  benefit 
of  their  issue.  The  remainder  of  the  portions  was, 
by  direction  of  the  marquis,  on  the  2nd  of  August 
following,  assigned  to  the  three  younger  sons,  John, 
Frederick-Patrick,  and  Charles-Thomas-Patrick.  The 
latter  died  intestate  in  May,  1796,  having  then  received 
2,500/. :  his  father  obtained  letters  of  administration 
and  took  the  remainder  all  but  935/.  Ss.  l^d. 

Greorge  marquis  Townshend  was  a  field-marshall ;  and 
attained  some  political  dignity,  being,  at  one  time,  on 
the  privy  council,  and  also  lord  lieutenant  of  Ireland. 
He  died  on  the  19th  of  September,  1807,  and  was 
succeeded  by  his  son  George,  who,  on  the  18th  of 
May,  1784,  had  been  created  earl  of  the  county  of 
Leicester, 

By  indentures  of  the  30th  and  81st  of  May,  1811, 
for  specified  considerations,  Thomas  lord  Walsingham, 
Robert  Blake,  and  John  Robins,  who  had  become 
trustees,  by  the  direction  of  the  second  marquis  Towns- 
hend, and  with  the  approbation  of  the  numerous  persons 
to  whom  the  sums  raised  had  become  due,  released 
and  confirmed  to  John  Smith  and  Francis- Williams 
Sanders,  all  the  manors,  lands,  and  other  heredita- 
ments, of  which  the  marquis  was  seized  in  the  counties 
of  Norfolk,  Cambridge,  and  Derby,  to  hold  in  trust,  to 
complete  certain  contracts  for  the  sale  of  part  of  the 
hereditaments ;  and,  out  of  those  not  already  contracted 
for  disposal,  to  raise,  by  sale  or  mortgage,  so  much  in 
aid  of  the  purchase-monies  as  would  suffice  to  pay  several 


S84  TAMWORTH 

sums  mentioned^  according  to  their  respectiye  priorities, 
with  due  interest,  and  all  expences.  Amongst  these  sums 
were, — SOfiOOl.  due  to  Edward-Miller  Mundy,  originally 
lent  by  Yere  lord  Yere;  6,000/.  due  to  Frances  and 
Frances-Dorothy  Fumivall,  the  money  unpaid  lent  by 
lord  Cadogan;  8,135/.  8s.  l^d.  due  to  Robert  Orme 
and  Harrington  Hudson,  as  trustees  acting  under  the 
marriage  settlement  of  lady  Elizabeth  Townshend ;  935/. 
88.  l^d.  due  to  Ann  dowager  marchioness  Townshend 
as  personal  representative  of  lord  Charles-T.-P.  Towns- 
hend; 8,135/.  88.  l^d.  due  to  lord  John  Townshend; 
10,000/.  due  to  Charles  Greenwood;  758/.  7».  6d.  due 
to  Andrew-Berkley  Drummond,  Charles  Drummond,  and 
John  Drummond,  originally  advanced  by  Tho.-W.  Par- 
tington; and  7,000/.  due  to  Thomas  Willington,  which 
had  been  lent  by  John  Willington.  John  Smith 
and  Francis-Williams  Sanders  were  to  hold  such 
hereditaments  as  should  remain  unsold,  in  trust,  for  the 
marquis,  his  heirs,  and  assigns.  And  A.-B.,  C,  and 
J.,  Drummond,  then  trustees,  assigned  over  to  Richard 
White  all  the  premises  comprised  in  the  indentures  of 
March,  1777,  except  those  in  the  counties  of  Stafford 
and  Wanvick,  to  hold  during  the  remainder  of  the  term 
of  S,000  years,  in  trust,  for  John  Smith  and  Frands- 
W.  Sanders,  to  attend  the  inheritance. 

Greorge,  second  marquis  Townshend  married  Charlotte, 
second  daughter  of  Ellerker  Mainwearing  Ellerker,  esq., 
of  Risby,  in  Yorkshire;  and  coheiress  of  Roger  her 
brother.  By  her,  he  had  several  children, — Greorge- 
Ferrers,  Charlotte-Barbara-Ferrers,  Harriett- Ann-Ferrers, 
Elizabeth-Margaret-Ferrers,  and  Charles- Yere-Ferrers. 
He  died  upon  the  28th  of  July,  1811.  His  will  was 
made  on  the  19th  day  previous.    After  having  given  many 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  385 

specific  legacies,  and  bequeathed  to  Frances  Warcup, 
spinster,  his  personal  property  at  his  mansion  in  Sloane- 
street,  and  at  Richmond  in  Surrey,  with  all  his  lands 
and  hereditaments  at  the  latter  place  freed  from  encum- 
brances, he  devised  the  rest  of  his  personal  property 
to  lord  John  Townshend  his  brother,  and  Robert 
Blake,  in  trust,  to  be  conyerted  in  money;  which,  after 
the  payment  of  his  debts  and  funeral  expences,  should 
be  invested  in  the  purchase  of  freehold  or  copyhold 
estates,  to  be  applied  as  he  ordered  his  real  estates  to 
be,  except  certain  uses  directed  to  be  limited  to  his 
half-brother,  lord  James  Townshend,  for  life,  and  then  to 
the  first  and  other  sons  of  him  successively  in  tail  male. 
And  the  marquis  devised  to  lord  John  Townshend  and 
Robert  Blake  all  his  real  estates  not  before  disposed  of, 
upon  trust,  that  they,  as  soon  as  might  be  convenient, 
should,  by  sale  or  mortgage,  raise  so  much  money  in 
aid  of  the  personal  property  assigned  to  them  as  would 
suffice  to  pay  his  debts,  legacies,  and  frmeral  and 
testamentary  expences.  The  estates  not  disposed  of 
they  should  hold  in  trust,  during  the  life  of  lord 
Charles  Townshend,  in  order  to  preserve  them.  They 
were  to  apply  the  rents, — to  pay  all  taxes,  rates,  and 
other  outgoings  for  the  estates  whilst  lord  Charles 
lived, — to  keep  in  repair  the  mansion-houses  at  Rayn- 
ham  and  Tamworth, — to  pay  the  salaries  of  stewards 
and  bailifb, — and  to  pay,  during  the  term  of  twenty- 
one  years,  an  annuity  of  4,000/.  to  lord  Charles.  They 
should  invest  the  surplus  of  the  rents,  with  the  profits 
of  the  timber,  upon  government  or  real  securities ;  and 
the  dividends  being  added,  they  should  allow  the  money 
to  accumulate  during  the  term.  After  the  expiration  of 
the  twenty-one  years,  lord  Charles   Townshend  should 


386  TAMWORTH 

receive  the  whole  of  the  rents ;  and,  after  hiB  decease, 
they  should  pass  to  his  sons  according  to  age,  in  tail 
male,  with  remainders  over. 

Very  soon  after  the  decease  of  the  second  marquis, 
serious  disputes  arose  amongst  the  trustees  of  the  estates 
and  the  other  persons  interested  in  them.  Appeal  to 
the  high  court  of  Chancery  resulted.  In  one  cause, 
lord  John  Townshend  and  Robert  Blake  were  plaintifb; 
and  George  third  marquis  Townshend,  lord  Charles 
Townshend,  lady  Harriett  Townshend,  lady  Elizabeth 
Townshend,  and  lady  Arabella-Ferrers  Townshend,  and 
Charles-Fox,  John,  and  (}eorge-Osbome  Townshend, 
infiuits,  by  their  guardian,  and  lord  James-Nugent- 
Boyle-Bemardo  Townshend,  were  defendants.  In  the 
other  cause,  John  Smith,  Francis- Williams  Sanders, 
lord  Frederick  Townshend,  lady  Maria-Honoria  Towns- 
hend, the  hon.  William  Blaquiere  and  lady  Harriett  his 
wife,  and  John  Robins,  were  plaintifb;  and  Edward- 
Miller  Mundy,  Frances-Dorothy  Fumivall,  Robert  Orme, 
Harrington  Hudson,  lord  John  Townshend,  Charles 
Ghreenwood,  Andrew-Berkley  Drummond,  Charles  Drum- 
mond,  John  Drummond,  Thomas  Willington,  Richard 
White,  Samuel  Taylor,  sir  James  Montgomery  bart., 
Richard  Dewing,  Frances  Grwyn,  Anthony  Gwyn,  Gwyn 
Etheridge,  William  Stokes,  Robert  Blake,  lord  Charles 
V.  F.  Townshend,  and  Charles-Fox  Townshend,  John 
Townshend,  and  G^rge-0.  Townshend,  by  their  guar- 
dian, Edward  Ferrers  and  lady  Harriett-Ann  his  wife, 
lady  Elizabeth  Townshend,  lady  Arabella  Townshend, 
lord  James-N.-B.-B.  Townshend,  Ann  dowager  mar- 
chioness Townshend,  Frederick  duke  of  Leeds,  and 
Greorge  third  marquis  Townshend,  were  defendants.  By 
a  decree  of  the   court  pronounced   in    the    two  causes 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  887 

on  the  Ist  of  February^  1814^  it  was  declared  that  the 
trusts  of  the  indentUTes  of  1811  ought  to  be  executed ; 
and  it  was  decreed  that  the  will  of  the  late  marquis 
should  be  established  and  the  trusts  of  it  effected. 

Acting  in  compliance  with  these  indentures^  by 
agreement  of  the  Uth  of  March  ensuing^  lord  John 
Townshend  and  Robert  Blake^  with  the  consent  of  lord 
Charles  Townshend^  and  in  subjection  to  the  sanction 
of  the  court  of  Chancery^  agreed  to  sell  to  John  Robins, 
for  94,700/.,  including  timber,  the  Castle  of  Tamworth 
and  the  honour  of  the  Castle,  and  several  manors, 
lands,  and  other  hereditaments,  and  the  furniture  of 
the  Castle  and  of  the  Moat-house,  and  all  the  other 
possessions  of  which  the  marquis  had  died  seiz^ed  in 
Tamworth,  Bolehall,  Wilnecote,  Fazeley,  Wigginton, 
Glascote,  Bitterscote,  Waverton,  and  Amington.  And  as 
the  late  marquis  was  indebted  to  Mr.  Robins  26,000/.  on 
mortgage,  besides  a  considerable  amount  on  simple  con- 
tract, it  was  agreed  that  the  purchaser  should  retain 
that  sum,  and  pay  the  remainder  in  the  name  of  the 
account-general  of  the  court  of  Chancery  to  the  credit 
of  causes,  on  or  before  the  5th  of  April,  1815.  On  the 
6th  of  August,  it  was  ordered  by  the  court  that  the 
trustees,  by  sale  of  the  estates,  should  raise  122,700/. 
to  liquidate  all  the  debts,  and  that  the  contract  for  the 
sale  of  Tamworth-Castle  and  the  possessions  aboye-named 
should  be  carried  into  effect. 

In  August,  1816,  it  was  found  that  the  first  encum- 
brances on  the  estates  were  the  principal  sums  consequent 
upon  the  trust  of  1790,  amounting  to  25,341/.  128.  6d.; 
and  the  second,  raised  under  the  trusts  of  1776  and 
1777,  to  42,758/.  Is.  6d.  By  different  orders  of  the  court, 
these  were  soon  paid;   so  that,   on  the  4th  of  August, 


TAMWORTH 

ISn,  the  parties  to  whom  these  sums  had  heen  due 
quitted  all  claims  upon  the  Castle,  honour,  manors, 
lands,  tithes,  and  other  hereditaments  situated  in  the 
counties  of  Warwick  and  Stafford,  and  all  comprised 
in  the  indentures  of  1777,  to  Richard  White  and  his 
assigns  during  the  residue  of  the  S,000  years,  upon  trust, 
subject  to  such  charges,  if  any,  mentioned  in  the  inden- 
tures of  1811,  for  lord  John  Townshend  and  Robert 
Blake,  to  be  by  them  disposed  of  from  time  to  time, 
but  in  the  mean  time  to  attend  the  inheritance,  in  order 
to  preserve  the  same  from  mesne  charges  and  encum- 
brances, if  such  should  exist. 

Mr.  Robins  was  put  into  possession  of  the  Castle  and 
estates  contracted  to  be  sold  to  him,  and  of  the  receipts  of 
the  rents,  on  the  5th  of  April,  1815 ;  but  many  diffi- 
culties arose,  so  that  the  transfer  could  not  be  completed 
by  the  specified  time.  Upon  his  petition,  an  order  of 
the  court  was,  therefore,  made,  on  the  20th  of  July, 
1816,  directing  lord  John  Townshend  and  Robert 
Blake  to  convey  to  him  certain  lands  and  houses  in  the 
town  and  parish  of  Tamworth  to  the  value  of  the  debt 
of  26,000^.;  freed  from  all  encumbrances.  To  get  rid 
of  these,  Mr.  Robins,  on  the  26th  of  August  ensuing, 
at  the  request  of  the  trustees,  paid  to  certain  bankers  in 
London  2,085/.  Ids,  bd.  principal  and  interest  due  from 
the  late  marquis,  who  as  security  had  given  the  title- 
deeds  of  some  houses  in  Bolebridge-street  and  Church- 
street  ;  and  to  John-Broadley  Wilson,  3,949/.  is.  8d.  for 
principal  and  interest  in  discharge  of  a  mortgage  for 
3,500/.  on  the  Bolehall  estate.  And  on  the  21st  of 
January,  1819,  Mr.  Robins  petitioned  the  court  that 
with  the  hereditaments  he  had  mentioned  others  might 
be  assigned  to  him,    the  value  of  which  altogether  did 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  389 

not  exceed  39,684/.  lis.  7d.  This  was  the  debt  now 
due  to  him, — 26,000/.  on  mortgage,  with  interest  from 
the  2Snd  of  September,  1810,  amounting  to  7,407/.  1^. 
6i/.,  after  the  deduction  of  property-tax  and  2,600/. 
already  paid  to  him;  2,085/.  19«.  5d.  paid  to  the 
bankers,  with  interest  from  the  26th  of  August,  1816, 
amounting  to  242/.  28.;  and  3,949/.  9^.  8c/.  On  the 
following  day,  an  order  was  made  consonant  with  the 
petition:  and,  by  indentures  of  the  19th  and  20th  of 
February,  lord  J.  Townshend  and  K.  Blake  conveyed  to 
Mr.  Robins  and  his  trustee  the  specified  hereditaments. 
These  hereditaments  were  as  follows.  The  manor  of 
Bolehall  and  Glascote;  the  capital  messuage  called 
Bole-hall,  and  several  parcels  of  land  belonging  to 
them,  and  the  Bow-mill,  estimated  to  contain  altogether 
150a.,  all  which  had  formerly  been  the  estate  of  Samuel 
Egerton,  esq.,  afterwards  of  George  viscount  and  first 
marquis  Townshend;  a  messuage  and  lands  contiguous 
of  14o.  Sr.  24p.;  closes  called  the  AUports  of  16a.  3r. 
SOp. ;  several  closes  formerly  part  of  an  open  field  called 
Further  field,  but  long  since  enclosed ;  other  lands  taken 
out  of  an  open  field  called  Middle  field ;  and  others  out 
of  another  open  field  called  Merry-hill  field;  the  Over 
and  Nether  pieces  in  a  meadow  called  the  Oxhays, 
containing  together  2a.  16p. ;  a  dole  in  a  meadow 
named  Broadmeath;  Well-croft  of  la.;  and  two  cot- 
tages with  gardens; — all  which  together  contained  82a. 
2r.  28  .,  and  were,  with  Merry-hill  close  of  5a.  25p. 
and  a  piece  of  waste  land  adjoining,  neither  included 
in  these  indentures,  formerly  the  estate  of  Isaac  Hawkins 
Browne,  and  afterwards  of  the  second  marquis;  seven 
closes  called  the  Grreat  and  Little  Hopleys,  New  Close, 
and    Stone-pits,    of  80a.    2r.    4.,    with   bam,   garden, 

£  3 


390  TAMWORTH 

orchard,  and  rick-yard,  belonging  once  to  John  Willing- 
ton,  afterwards  to  the  late  marquis;  and  the  tithes  of 
all  these  possessions, — ^which  lay  in  the  liberty  of  BolehaU 
and  Glascote.  Two  pieces  of  the  Castle-meadow,  each 
containing  2r. ;  several  closes  lying  together  eastwards 
of  Fazeley-bridge,  containing  15a.  Sp,;  two  pieces  of 
land  forming  the  south  part  of  Great  Park,  and  the 
whole  of  Top-close,  containing  t<^ther  16a.  Sip, ;  all 
lying  in  the  liberty  of  the  Castle :  two  cottages  fronting 
the  Fazeley  road,  and  three  gardens  and  Cam's  croft 
behind  of  Sr.,  in  the  liberty  of  Fazeley;  all  which 
possessions  in  the  Castle-liberty  and  in  Fazeley  were 
formerly  parts  of  the  estate  of  Greorge  viscount  Town- 
shend,  commonly  called  lord  Northampton's,  or  the 
Castle  estate.  A  piece  of  land  out  of  Spittle  and  Flax-lull 
fields  of  41a.  2r.  Sip.,  and  an  old  enclosure  of  3a.  Ir. 
87p.,  awarded  to  George  viscount  Townshend  by  the  com- 
missioners under  the  enclosure  act  of  1771 ;  a  messuage 
and  garden  in  Wigginton;  and  another  old  enclosure; 
all  in  the  liberty  of  Wigginton.  Several  buildings 
lying  behind  the  houses  on  the  south  side  of  Market- 
street,  and  extending  to,  but  exclusive  of,  the  Castle-wall ; 
a  messuage  on  the  same  side;  two  messuages  on  the 
east  side  of  the  road  leading  to  the  Castle,  with 
part  of  the  Castle-court  walled  off;  all  in  the  Castle- 
liberty  and  borough :  two  messuages  on  the  south  side 
of  George-street;  another  messuage,  in  the  same  part, 
with  a  garden  down  to  the  river;  another  at  the  comer 
of  this  street  and  Bolebridge-street ;  one  adjoining  in 
Bolebridge-street ;  and  another  messuage  on  the  south 
side  of  Market-street :  all  which  had  formed  part  of  lord 
Northampton's  or  the  Castle  estate.  Part  of  the  site 
of  a  messuage  in  George-street,  by  the  Barley-market ; 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  391 

five  messuages^  four  with  gardens  down  to  the  Anker^ 
in  Bolebridge-street ;  a  messuage^  with  a  garden^  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  same  street;  three  messuages  on 
the  north  side  of  Church-lane^  with  a  garden  or  orchard ; 
one^  on  the  north  side  of  Church-street^  with  a  walled 
garden;  one^  with  a  garden^  on  the  south  side;  one^ 
with  gardens^  in  Colehill^  opposite  the  east  end  of 
Greorge-street ;  one^  in  Gungate^  with  an  orchard 
adjoining;  two  more^  with  a  garden,  in  the  same  part; 
and  a  cottage  and  garden  here ;  six  messuages,  and  five 
cottages  and  one  shop,  with  gardens,  in  Lichfield-street ; 
and  the  moiety  of  a  messuage,  formerly  divided  into 
four  dwelling-houses,  in  Silver-street,  on  the  east  side; 
and  another  messuage  in  the  same  street :  all  these  had 
been  purchased  by  Greorge  viscount  and  first  marquis 
Townshend,  from  different  persons.  A  messuage  on  the 
west  side  of  Bolebridge-street ;  and  six  messuages,  in  the 
same  part,  with  Tenter  croft  behind  them,  which  had 
been  converted  into  gardens. 

There  was  still  a  considerable  sum  amounting  princi- 
pal and  interest  to  22,379/.  15«.  lid,  due  to  Mr. 
Robins  from  the  estates  of  the  late  marquis  Townshend. 
On  the  22nd  of  March,  1820,  it  was  ordered  that  he 
should  complete  the  contract  of  March,  1814,  and,  on 
or  before  the  first  day  of  the  ensuing  Trinity-term,  pay 
the  residue  of  the  94,700/.,  deducting  off  the  remaining 
debt.  On  the  1st  of  June  following,  he  accordingly  paid 
82,635/.  11^.  6d.  into  the  bank  of  England,  in  the  name 
of  the  accountant-general  of  the  court  of  Chancery, 
to   the  credit  of  the  causes. 

But  the  matter  was  not  yet  settled.  In  the  last  debt, 
Mr.  Robins  had  included  1,527/.  13^.  expended,  at  the 
desire  of  lord  John  Townshend  and  Robert  Blake,  and 


392  TAMWORTH 

also  of  lord  Charles  Y.  F.  Townshend,  in  purchasing 
books^  part  of  the  late  marquis's  personal  estate  sold 
by  Frances  Warcup,  on  the  S9th  of  May,  1812,  and 
751/.  65.  in  purchasing  furniture  sold  by  her,  on  the 
6th  of  July,  which  had  belonged  to  Raynham,  and  71L 
4s.  9d.  for  repairing  the  latter,  and  sending  all  to 
Raynham,  with  769/.  8«.  8d.  due  on  the  first  two  sums 
as  interest  to  the  29th  of  July,  1819.  Exception  was 
taken  to  the  interest:  and  it  was  ordered  that  Mr. 
Robins  should  pay  interest  for  the  purchase-money,  at 
four  per  cent,  since  he  had  been  let  into  the  possession 
of  the  estates,  in  1815. 

Instead  of  769/.  Sa.  8c/.,  a  sum  of  289/.  U.  4d.  was 
allowed  for  interest  to  the  5th  of  April,  1815.  Mr.  Robins 
had  paid  on  the  6th  of  December,  1819,  to  Robert  Blake, 
999/.  10s.  for  interest  on  his  purchase-money;  on  the 
25th  of  December,  to  Joseph  Vincent  and  Ann  Fenton, 
571/.  10s.  in  discharge  of  money  lent  to  the  late 
marquis  on  mortgage  of  two  houses  in  Lichfield-street 
included  in  the  contract ;  and  on  the  4th  of  July,  1820, 
2,210/.  8s.  Id.  due  to  certain  bankers  in  London  fix)m 
the  estates  of  the  marquis.  Taking  all  these  sums  into 
account,  there  remained  due  from  Mr.  Robins,  proper 
deductions  being  made,  251/.  10s.  2d.  and  13,987/.  IO5. 
Sd.  These  sums  he  settled  on  the  26th  of  January, 
1821;  but  he  was  again  charged  interest  on  the  18,987/. 
IO5.  Sd.,  from  the  16th  of  December,  when  the  last 
account  was  made.  The  amount,  61/.  19s.  Id.,  he 
paid  on  the  14th  of  February  following.  The  purchase 
of  the  Castle  and  estates  was  now  effected.  Accordingly, 
by  indenture  of  the  28th  of  June,  1821,  lord  John 
Townshend  and  Robert  Blake  completed  the  contract  of 
sale ;  and  thus  the  Castle  was,  for  the  first  time  during 


CA8TLB  AND  TOWN.  898 

almost  seven-huiidred   years^   alienated  from   the  family 
of  its  hereditary  possessors. 

The  property  now  passed  to  Mr.  Kobins^  was  as 
follows.  The  Castle  of  Tamworth,  with  the  buildings^ 
yard^  court-bath^  plantation^  and  garden^  containing 
altogether  8a.  2r.  16p. :  the  honour  and  manor  of  the 
Castle :  the  manor  of  Stipershill :  and  all  rights  belong- 
ing to  them.  The  Castle-inn  facing  the  Holloway 
and  Market-street^  with  buildings  and  yard  extending 
to  the  Castle-wall.  A  piece  of  ground^  with  buildings^ 
converted  into  a  bowling-green  and  gardens^  lyiug  on 
the  west  side  of  Silver-street^  containing  altogether  la.  Ir. 
S7p,,  and  formerly  called  Hill-croft.  A  dwelling-house 
in  Market-street,  adjoining  the  Castle-inn ;  two  dwelling- 
houses  on  the  south  side  of  Geoi^-street,  one  formerly 
the  Angel-inn,  with  gardens  down  to  the  Anker:  these 
lay  partly  in  the  borough  and  partly  in  the  Castle- 
liberty.  In  the  Castle-liberty: — Seckington  meadow  of 
8a.  Sr.  28p. :  Castle-meadow  of  12a.  Sr.  l^P*  •'  a 
plantation  of  12p.;  an  ozier-bed  of  Sr.  1^.:  Park 
meadow  of  5a.  SOp. :  parcels  of  land  formerly  constituting 
the  Leawood-parks/ — ^Lower  park  piece  of  4a.  2r.  34p., 
Aqueduct  piece  of  5a.  3dp,  Lower  park  of  Sa.  5p., 
Crreat  park  meadow  of  18a.  Ir.y  two  pieces  of  Sr. 
I8p.  and  Sa.  3r.  1^.  Lower  park  piece  and  Upper 
park  piece  of  2a.  5p.  and  la.  Sr.  SSp.,  two  closes  of 
2a.  Sr.  19p.  and  3a.  28p.,  two  closes  called  Upper  park 
dose  and  Lower  park  piece  of  Sa.  Ir.  S5p.  and  Sa.  Sr. 
Sp.,  Park  close  of  6a.  Sp.,  Great  and  Little  coal-pit 
closes  of  6a.  Sr.  22p,  and  4a.  Sip. ;  arable  land  of  Za. 
9p. :   two  pieces  of  meadow  called  the  Horse  closes  of 

1  Hie  lands  named  fhe  parks  which  lay  within  the  liberty,  once  formed  an  eztenslTe 
park  belonfing  to  the  Castle.  This  remained  in  the  time  of  Henry  VIII.  i  for  Leland 
mmtioaahia  hftving  passed  it  on  the  left,  aa  he  proceeded  from  TMnworth  to  Ffcietey. 


394  TAMWOETH 

8a.  Sr.  27p.  and  la.  IQp. :  parcels  of  land  once  fonning 
Brick-kiln  close, — ^a  piece  of  Ir.  ISp.,  another  of  4a.  2r. 
98p.,  and  a   third  of  Sa.  Ir.  Z7p.:   a  bam  with  yards 
and  meadow  called  the  Barn-piece  of  S2p.  and  10a.  3r. 
4p. :  part  of  the  Bull's  head  inn  and  garden  of  Sp. :  lands 
once  constituting  Nearer  Priestley  fields,  being  situated 
south   of  the   Watling-street, — ^a   cottage   and  piece  of 
land  of  SQp.,  Aldridge's  piece  and  a  hovel  and  yard  of 
Sa.  ir.  S7/9.  and  IQp.,  Great  Brick-kiln  close  of  4a.  ir. 
18p.,  the  Five  acres  of  4a.  2r.  S9p. :  Hilly  piece,  once 
part  of  the  Further  and  Nearer  Priestley  fields,  of  5a. 
ip. :  Snell's  orchard  of  9a.  Ir.  SQp. :  waste  land  adjoining 
the  Tame  of  Ir.  I6p. :   Fazeley-bridge  dose  of  la.  Sp. ; 
Nether  Thistly  field  of  7a.  2Qp. :  nine  pieces  of  meadow 
formerly  part  of  Further  and  Nearer  Priestley  fields, — 
Brick-kiln  close  of  2a.  ir.  85p.,  Further  Thistly  field  of 
6a.  16p.,  the  Little  meadow  of  ia.  8r.  7/?.,  Hilly  piece 
of  8a.  8r.   5p.,  Lower  Bam  close  north  of  4a.  Ir.   9p., 
Lower  Bam  close  south  of  8a.   8r.   SQp.,  Upper  Bam 
close  south  of  3a.  Ir.  28p.,  Upper  Bam  close  north  and 
a  newly  erected  messuage,  with  a  bam,  and  yard  of  ia. 
ir.  lOp.  and  Ir.   4p.,  Coal-pit  close  of  4a.  ir.  26p.,— 
on  these  all  the  moduses  or  annual  payments  in  lieu  of 
tithes  were  to  be  charged  to  which  all  the  lands  in  the 
Castle  liberty  had  been  subject,   amounting   to  1/.   6#. 
6d.,   of  which   lis.   6d.    was  paid   to   the   prebend   of 
Amington,  4s.  to  that  of  Coton,  and  the  rest  in  equal 
sums    to    the  prebends    of   Wilnecote,   Syerscote^    and 
Wigginton :  several  closes  formerly  the  two  southernmost 
of   those  four  called    the   Further   Priestley    fields, — a 
plantation  of  Ir.  ilp.^  arable  land  of  11a.  5p.,  pasture- 
ground  of  7a.  8r.  19p.,  two  plantations  of  9p.  and  ir. 
iSp.,  a  paddock  of  36p.,  and  two  gardens  of  3r.  S4p. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  395 

and  12p.;  a  plantation  of  2a.  26p.;  all  lying  near 
Dosthill-house.  The  Castle-mills  heretofore  described 
as  three  Corn-mills  and  one  fulling-mill  under  one 
roof,  the  former  with  three  water  wheels,  the  latter 
with  one  wheel  working  two  pair  of  fullers  for  fulling 
cloth,  and  another  wheel  for  calendering  and  printing 
cotton-cloths,  all  now  used  exclusively  as  corn-mills; 
with  land  and  premises  of  Ir.  14p.,  of  which  19p. 
comprising  the  mill-house  and  part  of  the  mill  lay  in 
the  liberty  of  Fazeley,  the  rest  in  that  of  the  Castle; 
and  land  called  the  mill-dam,  with  flood-gates,  of 
la.  2r.  IQp.  In  the  liberty  of  Fazeley : — the  site 
where  two  mills  under  one  roof,  called  the  Lady- 
mills,  anciently  stood  on  the  bank  of  the  Tame,  at  a 
place  named  Endall  ford,  with  the  bays  and  banks  to 
the  old  mouth,  and  the  water  and  fishery  of  the  old 
mouth  as  descending  to  Lady-bridge,  and  the  fishery 
from  Lady-bridge  to  Dunstall, — which  mills  and  fishery 
were  subject  to  an  annual  fee-farm  rent  of  10/.  paid  to 
the  lord  of  the  manor  of  Drayton-Basset,  but  out  of 
which  the  land-tax  should  be  deducted:  Mill  meadow 
of  12a.  lip.,  Mill  holme  of  ^a.  8r.  7p.,  waste  ground 
of  Ir.,  East  Endall  close  and  a  piece  of  garden  of  3r. 
Sp.  and  I2p.,  a  portion  of  Endall  closes  now  converted 
into  part  of  a  wash-wheel  cut  of  Ir.  89p.,  West  Endall 
close  and  garden  of  8r.  lip.  and  15p.,  Nether  close  of 
la.  2r.  8p.,  and  piece  of  waste  ground  of  Ir.  2Qp., — all 
appurtenant  to  the  Lady-mills  and  fisheries:  Bitterscote 
close  of  3a.  ^P* ;  three  parts  of  Thatch-holme  meadow 
of  la.  15p.,  ^p.,  and  85p.  Several  closes,  including  a 
dwelling-house  and  gardens,  of  13a.  17^.,  with  the 
tithes,  situated  in  the  lordship  of  Amington,  and  called 
the   Ashlands.     Koyalty  close  of  2r.  4p.,  in  Drayton- 


396  TAMWORTH 

Basset.  A  croft  of  la.  in  Wareton  or  Waverton.  The 
Castle  and  all  the  other  hereditaments  before  described^ 
except  Fazeley-bridge  close,  had  formed  lord  Northamp- 
ton's or  the  ancient  family  estate.  In  the  borough  of 
Tamworth, — the  Moat-house,  and  its  appurtenances,  with 
two  cottages,  and  a  bam  partly  converted  into  a  surgery 
and  tenement;  two  dwelling-houses,  with  gardens,  in 
Bolebridge-street ;  two  messuages  and  a  malt-house,  two 
dwelling-houses  and  four  messuages,  with  gardens,  in 
Church-street;  one  dwelling-house,  in  College-lane; 
another  with  gardens,  in  Greorge-street;  five  dwellings 
with  gardens,  and  a  messuage,  in  lichfield-street ;  three 
messuages  with  two  shops  and  gardens,  and  four 
dwelling-houses,  in  Market-Street;  garden  ground  of 
la.  Ir.  S9p.  east  of  Ludgate-lane :  three  enclosures 
called  the  Bradfords  of  8a.  Ir.  15^.,  4a.  Ir.  I2p.,  and 
la.  Sr.  S2p. ;  and  three  enclosures  called  Broad-meadow 
of  8a.  88p.,  la.  2r.  89p.,  and  la.  Ir.  S8p. ;  — aU  tithe 
free  and  situated  partly  in  the  borough  and  partly  in 
the  lordship  of  Wigginton:  the  Perrycrofts,  in  the 
lordship  of  Bolehall,  with  a  house  and  croft,  two 
gardens,  and  four  crofts  of  la.  Sr.  18p.,  Ir.  88p.,  SSp., 
Sa.  19^.,  8a.  2r.  85p.,  2a.  2Qp.,  and  8a.  Ir.  20p. :  all 
which  had  been  purchased  by  Greorge  viscount  and  first 
marquis  Townshend.  All  the  tithes  and  ecclesiastical 
payments  whatsoever,  hitherto  due  to  the  prebend  of 
Amington,  for  the  lands  in  Amington  and  Bolehall. 
In  the  borough: — Garden-field  or  Fenton's  garden  of 
7a.  Ip.y  near  the  Bradfords,  exonerated  from  land-tax 
and  tithes ;  a  dwelling-house,  with  garden,  on  the  south 
side  of  Church-street ;  two  houses  built  on  the  site  of 
the  Bowling-green  house,  and  four  others,  with  a 
garden  of  2a.,  formerly  a  bowling-green  and   garden, 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  897 

on  the  north  side  of  lichfield-street ;  an  ancient  mes- 
suage in  lichfield-street^  converted  into  four  distinct 
dwellings^  with  gardens^  and  another  messuage  and 
garden ;  five  dwellings  on  the  Lichfield-road^  and  Bam- 
close  and  two  small  gardens  of  2a.  8r.  25p.;  all  free 
from  tithes  and  land-tax.  And  thirteen  pews  in  different 
parts  of  the  Church. 

Mr.  Robins^  who  thus  acquired  this  extensive  property^ 
was  an  eminent  auctioneer  in  London.  Some  parts  of 
the  estate  he  soon  disposed  of^  but  the  greater  portion  he 
retained  until  his  decease  in  1831.  By  his  will,  he 
bequeathed  all  his  property  to  his  children  for  life,  and 
then  to  his  grand-children.  But  between  them  some 
dispute  arose,  which  ended  in  a  suit  in  the  high  court 
of  Chancery.  After  some  time,  it  was  ordered  by  a 
decree  of  the  court,  that  the  Castle  should  be  disposed 
of,  with  all  the  hereditaments  in  and  around  Tamworth. 
The  property  was,  therefore,  divided  into  one-hundred 
lots,  and  put  up  to  public  auction,  on  the  10th,  11th, 
and  12th  days  of  October,  1833.' 

Most  of  the  lands  were  soon  sold  to  numerous  persons, 
and  the  estate  thus  broken  up;  but  the  Castle  did  not 
find  an  immediate  purchaser.  At  length,  it  was  bought 
by  the  trustees  of  lord  Charles  Vere  Ferrers  Townshend: 
and  it  thus  once  more  returned  into  the  £unily  of  its 
hereditary  possessors. 


1    SwAppeadU,  Note  97. 

F   3 


THE  CASTLE: 

CONTINUED. 

DESCRIPTION. 

There  are  found  very  scanty  vestiges  of  the  Qiiginal 
Castle.  The  greater  part  of  the  edifice  has  long  dis* 
appeared^  and  little  more  remains  than  the  mound  and  its 
superencumbent  donjon.  From  the  few  notices  of  the 
ancient  building  which  exist,  it  appears  to  have  exhibi- 
ted the  arrangements  generally  adopted  by  the  Normans. 
It  had  its  keep,  its  walls  of  the  enceintCj  its  base-court, 
its  mound  and  donjon,  and  its  ditch. 

The  principal  part  of  the  Castle  lay  eastward  of  the 
mound  towards  the  Market-place.  The  entrance  was 
situated  in  the  lane  now  leading  into  the  grounds.  The 
Normans  rarely  constructed  regular  gate-houses;  but 
they  erected  two  towers  near  each  other,  and  formed  a 
gateway  between  them.  Such  would  seem  to  have 
been  the  case  here.  The  foundations  of  one  of  the 
round  towers  remained  exposed  at  the  close  of  the  last 
century.  The  keep  appears  to  have  formed  a  part  of 
the  circuit  of  the  walls  on  the  east  side :  the  site  is 
taken  up,  partly  by  the  Castle-garden,  and  partly  by 
the  yards  and  out-buildings  of  adjacent  houses.  All  these 
parts  gradually  fell  into  decay  during  the  fifteenth 
century,  so  that,  when  Leland  visited  this  place,  they 
had  totally  fallen  into  ruins.  "The  Base  Court,"  he 
says,  "and  great  Ward  of  the  Castle  is  cleane  decayed. 


GASTLB   AND  TOWN.  399 

and   the  Wall  fallen  downe^   and  therein  be  now  but 
Houses  of  6ffice  of  noe  notable  Buildinge/'^ 

Of  the  walls  of  the  enceinte^  very  little  can  be  traced. 
There  is  a  very  massive  curtain-wall^  which  passes  from 
near  the  spot  where  the  tower  of  the  entrance  once 
stood^  to  the  donjon  upon  the  sununit  of  the  mound. 
It  has,  however^  been  very  much  lowered^  so  that  the 
summit  forms  a  path^  protected  by  modem  side-waUs, 
to  the  present  Castle:  this  ascent  is  considerably  less 
steep  than  the  mound  itself^  as  the  site  of  the  ancient 
keep  is  placed  on  a  much  higher  level  than  the  base 
of  the  mound.  This  wall  presents  a  very  beautiful 
specimen  of  herring-bone  masonry.  In  it  is  occasionally 
found  the  red  tile.^  This  style  of  architecture  was 
occasionally  used  by  the  Romans^  and  afterwards  by 
the  Normans;  but  it  was  most  generally  adopted  by 
the  Anglo-Saxons.  It  is  a  point  not  agreed  on^  whether 
this  wall  at  Tamworth  should  be  referred  to  the  Saxons 
or  Normans:  equally  high  names  might  be  mentioned 
on  either  side  of  the  question.  The  mound  is  similar 
to  those  of  both  these  people ;  but  history  refers  its 
formation  to  the  former:  and  the  wall  must  be  as  old  at 
least,  as  it  is  most  probably  founded  so  deep  as  the 
mound  is  artificial;  because  the  newly-placed  earth 
would  not  possess  the  solidity, — at  least  for  many  ages, 
—which  would  be  required  to  support  the  ponderous 
masonry.' 

The  south  side,  feeing  the  rivers,  was,  in  all  likeli- 
hood, protected  by  a  wall,  with  a  bank  of  earth  behind 
it  affording  an   easy  access  to  the  top.     From  this,   a 

1    Itln.,  Tol.  IV.  fol.  189.  b. 
a   An  enfrarinf  of  fhU  maaonry  la  given  in  the  •'Glossary  of  Ardhitectan". 
s    On  the  north  side,  it  had  become  so  unsafe,  that  some  years  ago  it  was  fonnd 
Bcoessary  to  tnpport  It  by  massive  stone  bttttmses. 


400  TAMWORTH 

west  wall  very  probably  ran  to  join  the  donjon. 
Another  surrounding  the  mound,  and  continuous  into 
the  north  side,  would  complete  the  circuit  of  the  Castle, 
and  enclose  a  quadrilateral  area  of  ground  a  little  more 
than  two  acres  in  extent. 

The  base-court  contained,  as  was  always  the  case, 
the  garrison-lodgings  and  offices. 

The  mound  is  of  considerable  height ;  and  is  between 
forty  and  forty-five  yards  in  diameter  at  the  top.  It  is 
not  wholly  artificial,  for  its  elevation  was  increased  by 
excavating  a  fosse  partially  around  its  base,  through  a 
natural  elevation  of  the  ground.  This  is  particularly 
evident  on  the  east  and  west  sides.  On  the  north,  the 
trench  formed  a  part  of  the  Castle-ditch.  The  only 
remnant  of  the  ancient  donjon  is  the  base  of  the  pre- 
sent tower,  which  is  of  very  great  thickness,  and  built 
of  rubble-stone.  It  is  probably  founded  as  deep  as  the 
herring-bone  wall:  and,  if  examined,  might  be  found 
to  contain  subterranean  chambers.  The  present  Castle 
has  been  erected  upon  the  ancient  site;  yet  its  found- 
ations, in  some  parts,  are  remarkably  shallow.  The 
mound  was  crowned  by  a  light  multangular  shell  of  wall 
for  greater  defence,  the  remains  of  which  are  now  seen, 
although  the  greater  part  has  been  modernized.  Leiand 
says,  ''The  Dungeon  Hill  yet  standith,  and  a  great 
round  Tower  of  Stone,  wherein  Mr.  Ferrers  dwelleth, 
and  now  repaireth  it."* 

A  ditch  surrounded  the  Castle  on  three  sides,  whilst 
the  rivers  on  the  south  completed  the  defence.  It 
appears  always  to  have  been  a  dry  ditch:  and,  whilst 
the  edifice  was  &lling  to  decay,  it  was  cultivated  as  gar- 
dens.   On  the  ISth  of  March,  1459-60,  Thomas  Ferrers, 

1    Itin.,  loc.  ctt. 


CASTLE  AXD  TOWN.  401 

esq.,  granted  to  Thomas  Croflia%  weaver,  and  Juliana 
his  wife,  on  a  lease  of  forty-three  years  from  the  19th 
of  May  ensuing,  a  piece  of  land  in  the  Castle-ditch, 
seventy-two  feet  long,  and  extending  in  hreadth  from 
the  land  of  the  lord  king  to  the  Castle-wall.  For  this 
was  to  he  paid  the  sum  of  18d.  a  year,  at  the  usual 
term  of  the  Castle-courts.  And  Thomas  and  Juliana, 
their  heirs  and  assigns,  were  to  keep  in  repair  all  the 
buildings  erected  or  to  be  erected  on  the  land.' 

The  full  breadth  of  the  ditch,  has  evidently  been 
about  twenty  feet.  It  has  become  gradually  filled  up ; 
and  the  greater  part  is  now  built  upon.  From  the 
north-west  angle  to  the  bank  of  the  Tame,  scarcely  a 
trace  remains,  although  but  few  buildings  stand  upon 
it.  On  the  east  side,  it  is  much  more  apparent,  from 
the  bank  of  the  Anker  until  its  approach  towards  the 
top  of  George-street,  where  houses  begin  to  obstruct  its 
course.  Little  more  than  ancient  records  can  demon- 
strate its  course  parallel  with  Market-street 

The  present  Castle  is  situated  entirely  upon  the 
donjon-mound.  Down  to  the  reign  of  Charles  II.,  it 
constituted  the  chief  residence  of  its  owners,  who,  from 
time  to  time,  introduced  alterations  and  improvements. 
Humphry  Ferrers,  in  Elizabeth's  time,  resided  alternately 
here  and  at  Walton-hall,  in  Derbyshire.  Sir  John 
afterwards  rebuilt  a  considerable  part:  towards  the  end 
of  his  life,  he  retired  entirely  to  Walton,  and  gave  up 
this  residence  to  his  son  and  heir,  sir  Humphry.  John 
Ferrers,  esq.,  dwelt  at  Walton  whilst  this  place  was 
garrisoned  by  troops  in  the  civil  war;  but  afterwards 
he  returned,  and  continued  mostly  here  until  the  close 
of  his  life.     Whilst  the  Castle  was  held  by  the  Shirleys 

1    Indenture,  36  H.  VI. 


402  TAMWOETH 

and  Comptons,  it  was  totally  neglected;  and  remained 
deserted  for  nearly  a  century.  Internally  it  fell  into 
a  state  of  great  delapidation ;  but  it  was  maintained  in 
external  repair.  The  day  of  desolation  was  at  length 
consummated;  by  its  conversion  into  a  manufactory. 
Mr.  Peel  took  it  for  part  of  his  works.  The  great  hall 
was  turned  into  a  smith's  shop.  Yet  the  only  per- 
manent damage  which  the  building  sustained,  was 
confined  to  the  destruction  of  the  old  floor  of  the  hall, 
and  the  substitution  of  a  modem  one.  About  1792, 
Mr.  Peel  abandoned  the  place.  The  late  marquis 
Townshend,  when  he  was  earl  of  Leicester,  contemplated 
its  conversion  into  his  family  residence.  With  this 
design,  he  had  it  carefully  surveyed;  but,  on  account 
of  the  decayed  state  of  the  greater  part,  and  the  neces- 
sarily heavy  expences  which  would  be  incurred  by  the 
restoration,  he  was  obliged  to  abandon  the  scheme  for 
some  time.  After  he  had  succeeded  to  the  titles  and 
estates  of  his  family,  in  1807,  he  commenced  the  most 
extensive  alterations  and  repairs.  He  erected  the  lodge  at 
the  entrance  into  the  grounds  from  the  lower  end  of 
Lady-bridge  bank.  The  gardens  were  newly  laid  out, 
and  the  mound  was  planted.  Parts  of  the  interior 
of  the  building  were  re-erected,  the  ancient  high-peaked 
roofs  removed,  and  others  of  a  modem  character  put  up. 
Had  this  nobleman  lived  longer  in  possession  of  the 
edifice,  he  would  have  rendered  it  a  very  fine  residence.^ 

1  The  mArqnis  Townahend  was  exceedini^r  fond  of  thli  CtsUe.  He  lued  to 
dedue  that  he  was  never  so  proud  as  when  he  stood  within  the  rates.  Indeed,  the 
titles  which  accompanied  It  Into  his  ftimily  were  many  and  very  lUaatrtoos.  One  time, 
he  accompanied  the  late  prince  of  Wales  on  a  visit  to  Warwick-castle.  He  took 
the  opportunity  of  stating  to  the  prince  how  dellflrhted  he  should  be  to  reoelTe  a  visit 
from  his  royal  highness  In  his  Castle  of  Tamworth.  Perchance,  he  nryed  the  sub- 
ject In  a  manner  which  was  not  perfectly  agreeable.  The  prince  tamed  round  and 
exclaimed  hastily,  "  D— -n  your  Castle."  The  marquis  never  renewed  the  invltatioa, 
or  forgot  the  Indignity  ofltoed  to  himself. .  He  used  to  relate  tiie  anecdote  with  mudi 


CA8TLB  AND  TOWN.  403 

The  death  of  the  marquis^  in  181 1^  stopped  the 
progress  of  the  repairs.  The  Castle  remained  empty  for 
some  years;  but  at  length  it  was  fitted  up  in  an 
excellent  manner^  by  Mr.  Robins^  as  a  residence  for  his 
son-in-law^  Thomas  Bramall^  esq.^  It  continued  to  be 
inhabited  by  this  gentleman,  until  the  property  was 
sold;  by  a  decree  of  the  court  of  Chancery.  After  it 
had  come  into  the  hands  of  the  trustees  of  lord  Charles 
Townshend,  it  continued  to  be  unoccupied.  But,  in 
1844;  it  was  taken  by  Miss  WoUerstan,  late  of  Elmore 
Court;  near  Gloucester^  as  her  residence.  This  lady  has 
caused  it  to  be  thoroughly  repaired  at  great  cost;  and 
furnished  in  a  style  of  splendour  suitable  to  the  character 
of  the  building;  and  to  its  dignity  in  olden  times. 

The  present  Castle  is  of  an  oval  or  rather  of  a 
multangular  form.  The  outer  walls  are  very  massive; 
although  in  the  greater  part  of  them  are  not  presented 
the  features  of  antiquity.  They  are  entirely  built  of 
stonC;  embattled  at  the  top;  and;  where  the  galleries 
ruu;  are  furnished  with  loop-holes.  The  only  access  to  the 
interior  of  the  building  lies  on  the  east  side;  and  is  by 
a  small;  pointed;  ancient  doorway  passing  under  the 
warder's  house  into  the  court-yard.  The  grooves  for 
the  portcullis  may  be  still  seen.    The  court-yard  is  small; 

Uttemen,  not  munlnf led  with  raipriae  that  tach  an  occonencs  oonld  posiiblj  have 


The  malediction  of  such  a  person  as  the  late  prince  of  Wales,~we  allude  to  him 
strlctlj  In  his  prirate  capacit]r,-^has  taken  Its  fall  effect.  In  the  manner  that  mi^ht 
be  JQStlj  expected.  Bver  since  the  memorable  period,  the  Castle  has  been  gradnallj 
emerfins  from  the  degradation  which  it  had  longr  snitared,  and  rislnir  from  the  niins 
to  which  neglect  and  scorn  had  reduced  it. 

1  Ifr.  Robins  boilt  the  lodge  which  stands  dose  to  the  site  of  the  old  tower  near 
the  lane  leading  from  the  Market-place.  During  its  erection,  an  ancient  stalrcastf 
beneath  the  surface  of  the  ground  was  opened.  The  builder  had  neither  the  curiosity 
to  examine  were  it  led  to,  or  the  courtesy  to  inform  any  person  who  would  have 
explored  it,  of  his  discovery }  but  he  had  it  immediately  dosed  over. 

A  small  portion  of  a  odlar  attached  to  an  a4}aoent  house,  is  fiormed  of  an  andent 


404 


TAMWORTH 


and  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  the  warder's  house  and 
the  tower,  on  the  south  by   the  external  wall,  and  on 


SaU   «f  Tttt 


the  west   and   north   by   the  principal   portion  of  the 
edifice. 

A  great  part  of  the  warder's  house  has  been  rebuilt  of 
brick.  Internally  there  are  some  tolerably  good  rooms, 
but  none  of  these  lie  on  the  ground-floor.  They  appear 
to  have  been  fitted  up  in  the  time  of  the  Tudors,  if  we 
may  judge  firom  the  style  of  one  of  the  chimney-pieces, 
which  is  handsomely  carved.  The  windows  facing  the 
court-yard  exhibit  an  ordinary  character;  those  facing 
the  east,  which  are  divided  into  several  lights,  having 
been  rebuilt  in  modem  times. 

Adjoining  the  warder's  house  is  the  tower,  a  large 
square  structure.  At  the  base,  the  walls  aie  very 
thick,  and  are  built  of  rubble-stone,   according  to  the 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  405 

Anglo-Saxon  and  Nonnan  modes;  above  they  axe  much 
thinner,  and  formed  of  hewn  stone,  indicating  that  the 
greater  part  of  the  tower  has  been  re-erected.  A  passage 
from  a  small  modem  wash-house  communicates  with  a 
dismal  room,  thirteen  feet  square,  and  unprovided  with 
any  fire-place  or  window,  which  is  traditionally  called 
"the  dungeon,'' — a  purpose  for  which  it  was  very 
probably  destined.  Above  this,  are  some  staircases  con- 
nected with  the  main  building;  and,  at  the  top,  a  large 
lumber-room,  with  windows  at  the  sides,  most  of  which 
have  been  entirely  bricked  up.  The  view  from  the 
leads  is  very  fine,  but  it  is  not  so  extensive  as  that 
from  the  tower  of  the  Church. 

On  the  north  wall  of  the  court-yard,  are  seen  some 
chimney-pieces,  where  the  late  marquis  Townshend 
b^fan  to  erect  additional  rooms. 

In  the  south  wall,  stands  a  doorway  leading  by  a 
flight  of  steps  into  a  small  recess,  lighted  by  a  loop-hole 
from  without.  Thence  the  passage  appears  to  have 
been  continued  aroimd  the  walls,  whibt  a  branch 
turned  to  the  left.  But  these  have  been  bricked  up, 
doubtless  at  the  time  when  the  great  rooms  of  the  Castle 
were  rebuilt.  At  the  top  of  this  wall,  a  gallery  runs 
from  the  warder's  house  to  the  main  buildings. 

The  entrance  into  the  principal  part  of  the  edifice  is 
placed  opposite  that  into  the  court-yard  from  the  exterior. 
It  is  ornamented  with  Corinthian  pillars,  and  bears 
above,  carved  in  stone,  the  arms  of  Ferrers;  but  the 
whole  is  very  much  mutilated  and  decayed.  The  porch 
is  provided  with  stone  seats.  All  the  south  part,  in- 
cluding the  porch  and  the  two  adjacent  kitchens  with  the 
rooms  above,  was  erected  in  the  reign  of  James  I.  It 
is  built  of  brick,  with  stone  dressings. 

g3 


406  TAMWOBTH 

The  kitchens  have  been  completely  modernized  inter- 
nally. Above  them  are  two  very  fine  zooms,  which 
fonned  the  principal  apartments  of  the  Castle.  They 
are  wainscotted  with  dark  stained  oak,  carved  and 
ornamented  in  a  mixture  of  the  Roman  and  Griedan 
styles.  Along  the  cornice  of  the  largest,  around  three 
sides,  are  placed  numerous  panels  containing  the  arms 
of  the  Ferrers'  family,  of  the  lords  of  the  Castle  down 
to  the  late  marquis  Townshend  when  he  was  earl  of 
Leicester,  of  Ferrers  of  Chartley  to  the  Comptons,  and 
those  of  Ferrers  of  Baddesley-CUnton  to  the  time  of 
James  I.,  impaling  the  matches  of  these  fiunilies.  Under 
each  of  the  arms,  is  an  inscription  stating  the  particular 
marriage.^  In  the  smaller  room,  are  six  similar  panels, 
showing  principally  the  matches  of  the  sisters  of  sir 
John.  These  were  put  up  when  the  rooms  were  built 
by  sir  John  Ferrers,  and  continued  at  subsequent  times. 
As  they  possess  antiquarian  value,  we  give  the  whole  of 

them.' 
1.    On  a   wreath    Or  and    Ghi.,   an   unicorn   Enn., 

armed,  maned,  and  queveed  of  the  first.    On  each  side, 

a  horse-shoe  Sa. 

HBRX  FOLOWBTH  TBB  COATBS  OF  ARMBS  AY'tIBNTLT  BOB'b 
IN  T>  NA'b  of  FBRRBB8,  WITH  AN  ABSTRACT  OF  8VCH  HOWSBS 
&  AV'tIb't  FAMILIB8  AS  HAVB  SINCB  THB  CO'qVBST  BBBNB 
LTNIALLT  DISCB'dBD  FRO'  HBNRT  DB  FBRRIBR8,  LORD  OF 
FBRRIBR8  IN  NORMA'dT,  WHO  CA'b  IN  TO  BNO'  WITH  WIL* 
T*  CO'qVBRO',  &  TOOKB  HIS  FIRST  DBNONMIATION  FRO*  THB 
SAID  TOWNB  CALLBD  FBRRIB8,  LYING  IN  T*  DVKBDOMB  OF 
NORMANDIB. 

S.    Arg.,  three  horse-shoes  Sa. 

1    To  these  insoiptioni,  we  hare  oocaaiomJly  nkgnd  is  snllioritiee,  in  tbe  Itistonr 
of  the  Cutte. 
3    In  some  of  the  earlier  panels  a  fisw  errors  wfll  be  observed. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  407 

THX     F0R8AID    BBN*    L*    FBB*    BAD    OBYS'   Hi'    T*   Bo'nOR  OF 
TVTBVBT    BY    w'   Co'q:. 

3.  Arg.j  six  horsenshoes  Sa.,  S^  2,  and  1 :  impaling 
Sa.,  three  bars  yairy  Arg.  and  Gu. 

BOBBBT  1.  B  :  FBR  :  MA'  8IBBLL  d'  OF  W  :  L  :  BBY8B  OF  BB'bXR 
KNAPB    &    QOWBB. 

4.  Vairy  Or  and  Gu.,  a  border  Arg.^  charged  with 
eight  horse-shoes  Sa. :  impaling  quarterly,  Gru,  and  vairy 
Or  and  Sa.;  over  all  a  lion  rampant  Arg.,  armed  and 
langued  Gu. 

W  :  BBLB  FBB :    L  :   OF  TVTBVBT  MA'  MABOABBT  d'  &  HBIB  TO 
W:    PBVBRBL. 

5.  Vairy  Or  and  Gu.  :^  impaling  Sa.,  three  garbs  Or. 

W'  FBB :  FIB8T  B  :    OF  DBBBT   MA*  AONIB  8I8TBB  &  COHBI'B  TO 
RA'  3.  B  :  OF  CHB8TBR. 

6.  Ferrers?  impaling  Gu.,  seven  mascles  conjoined 
3,  3,  and  1,  Or. 

W'  FBR :  2.  B  :  OF  DBRBT  MA  :  MAROARBT  DA :  &  HBl'  OF 
ROOBR  QVINCT  B  :  OF  WIN'. 

7.  Ferrers:  impaling  Gu.,  semee  of  billets  Or,  a 
fess  Arg. 

W'     L:     FBB:    OF    GROBT    MA*    BLBNOR   DA'    OF    MATHBW    L: 
LOVAl'    OF    8TANX8. 

8.  Ferrers:  impaling  Sa.,  a  lion  rampant  Arg. 

W'  2  L  :    FBR*    OF  OROBT    MA*  BUZ'  DA*  TO  ZOBN  L  :    8BORAVB 
OF   CALBDO'. 

9.  Ferrers:  impaling  Or,  a  fret  Gu. 

HBNRT  3  L.  FBR*    OF    OROBT    MA*  I88ABBLL  DA*   OF  TBBOBALD 
LORD    Vb'dON. 

10.  Ferrers :  impaling  Sa.,  a  cross  engrailed  Or. 

w'  4  L :  fbr'  of  orobt  ma'  marga'  da'  of  w*  vfford  of 

8VFF0LKB. 


1    These  are  the  usual  anns  of  Ferrers,  and  most  be  ondentood  whenerer  we 
mention  the  name  merely. 


408  TAMWORTH 

11.  Ferrers:  impaling  barry  of  dz  Or  and  Az,    a 
bend  Ghi. 

BBNRT   5  L :    FSa'    OV    OBOOBT   UPOY,    lANB  DA* :    TO  LTCAS 
Loan    POTMl'OBS. 

12.  Ferrers:  impaling  chequy  Or  and  Sa.,  a  fess  Gu. 
w'  6  l :  fsb*  of  oboobt  mabibd  philip  na*  to  bogbb  l  : 
cufpo'db. 

18.    Ferrers :  impaling  Frevile. 
b'  tuo'ab  fbb  :  of  Tik'woBTH  ma'  buz'  nA :  &  COHBIB  to  s' 

BALDWl'    FBBYILL. 

14.  Ferrers:  impaling  Arg.,  a  manche  Sa. 

s'  THO  :  fbb'  of  tamwobth  mab  :  ann  da'  to  willia'  l  : 

HA8TINOB8. 

15.  Ferrers:  impaling  Arg.,  on  a  bend   Sa.   three 
bucks'  heads  caboesed  Or ;  a  crescent  Ghi.  for  a  difference. 

b'  iohn  fbb'bbb  of  tam  :  ma'  mayob  da'  to  b'  iohn  bta'lbt 
of  blfobdb. 

16.  Ferrers:   impaling  Arg.,  a  lion  rampant  within 
a    border    engrailed  Sa. 

b'  iohn  fbb  :  OF  tam'  ma  :  dobothib  da'  to  wil  :  habpbb 

OF   BYSHALL. 

17.  Ferrers:  impaling  Sa.,  three  pickaxes  Arg. 

S'    HYMFBBT    FBB  :    OF  TAM  '  MAB*  MABOABBT    DA  '   TO    THo' 
PIGOT  8A  :  AT  LAWS. 

18.  Ferrers :   impaling  Arg.,  three  cocks  Gu.,  armed 
ppr. 

IOHN     fbb'    of    tam     :    BBQ'    BBP0Y8BD      BABBABA      OA'      TO 

fbay'cib  COCKIN. 

19.  Ferrers:   impaling  Arg.,  on  a  bend  Gu.,   three 
mullets  Or. 

b'  hy'fbbt  fbb  :  of  tamwobth  mab'  an'  da'  to  8  '  hy'fbbt 
bbadbybnb. 

20.  Ferrers  :  impaling  paly  of  six  Or  and  Ghi.,  OYer 
all  a  bend  of  the  first. 


CASTIiB  AND  TOWN.  409 

s'  nVvRBT  WWB. :  ma'  to  hib  2  wtfb  bliz'  da  :  to  b'  aavfb 
lo'qm  fordb  of  lo'. 

21.  Ferrers:  impaling  Sa.^  a  bend  of  lozenges  be- 
tween two  plain  cotises  Arg. 

B'  IOHN  FSB  :  OF  TAM'  ma'  DOROTHIB  da'  to  S  :  lOHN 
PVCKBRl'o  L  :  KBBPBR. 

22.  Ferrers,  with  a  label  of  three  points  Gku  :  impaling 
party  per  cheyron  Sa.  and  Arg.,  in  chief  three  mullets 
Or,  and  in  base  three  garbs  Gu. 

HUMP^  FBR',  BON  &  HBR  OF  V  IOHN,  MA'  ANNB  D'  OF  8^  IOHN 
PACKINGTON,  BAR^  :  BHB  AFTBRW^  MARRBD  PHIL'  BARLB  OF 
CHBBTBRFIBLD. 

28.  Ferrers:  impaling  Arg.,  on  a  bend  Sa.,  three 
masdes  of  the  first. 

lOHN  FBRRBBS  OF  TAMWORTH  BON  &  HBR  MARBD  ANNB 
DATGHTBR  &  COHBR  OF  8^  DUDLBT  CARLBTON^  K^.  HB  DIBD 
MDCLXXX. 

24.  Ferrers :  impaling  Az.,  a  bend  engrailed  between 
six  martlets  Or. 

a'  BUMFRBT  FBRRBR8  OF  TAMWORTH  K^.,  BON  &  HBR,  DIBD 
BBFOBB  HIB  FATHBR  :  HB  MARRBD  BLIZ.  DAYO'  OF  GBRVABB 
PIGOTT  OF  THRUMPTON,  IN  COM  :  NOTTINGHAM,  BBQ'. 

25.  Paly  of  six  Or  and  Az,  a  canton  Ermine  and 
label  of  three  points  Gu. :  impaling  quarterly,  1st  Ferrers, 
2nd  Ferrers  of  Groby,*  8rd  Frevile,  4th  vairy  Arg.  and 
Az.,  a  fess  Gu.  firetty  Or. — ^Marmyon. 

ANNB,  ONLY  DAVO'  &  HBR  OF  tF  HUMFRBY  FBRRBRB,  MAR- 
RIBD    ROB^    8HIRLBY,    BLDB8T     BON    &     HBR    OF    ROB^    BARL 


26.  Quarterly,  1st  and  4th  Sa.,  a  lion  passant 
guardant  Or  between  three  helmets  Ar. — Gompton ;  2nd 
and  3rd  Arg.,  within  a  border  Az.  charged  with  eight 
bezants,    a    chevron    Sa. :    an    escutcheon    of  pretence, 

1    Hie  BUM  urms  as  tlioie  of  Qninci,  earl  of  Wtocherter. 


410  TAKWORTH 

quarterly,  lit  paly  of  six  Or  and  Az.,  a  canton  Er- 
mine— Shirley,  Snd  Ferrers,  3rd  Ferrers  of  Groby,  4th 
France  and  England  quarterly  in  a  border  Ai^. — ^Thomas 
of  Woodstock.  Impaling  arms  similar  to  the  escutcheon 
of  pretence. 

BLIZ.,  ONLT  DAVQJ^  &  HBia  OF  ROB^  BHIRLBT  &  ANNB  rBBRBES, 
MARBIBD  IAMBS  COMPTON,  FIPTH  BARL  OF  NORTHAMPTON. 

27.  Quarterly,  1st  and  4th  Az.,  a  chevron  Ermine, 
between  three  escallop-sheUs  Arg. — ^Townshend;  2nd 
and  Srd  quarterly  Gu.  and  Or,  in  the  first  quarter  a 
mullet  of  the  second — Yere.  An  escutcheon  of  pretence 
of  six  quarterings,  1st  Compton ;  2nd  Thomas  of  Wood- 
stock; Srd  Shirley;  4th  Devereux;  5th  Ferrers;  6th 
Compton. 

QBOROB,  YISCOUNT  T0WN8HBND,  CRBATBD  MARQUIS  TOWN- 
8HBND  27^  OCTOBBR,  1787,  B8CAMB  LORD  OF  THIS  CASTLB  IN 
RIGHT  OF  HIS  WIFB,  CHARLOTTB  BARONB88  DB  FBBRAB8, 
BOURCHIBR,  LOVAINB,  BA8SBT,  &  COMPTON,  ONLT  DAU'r  & 
HBIR  OF  JAMBS  BARL  OF  NORTHAMPTON  &  BLIZABBTH  BARO- 
NB88    DB    FBRRAR8,    &C. 

28.  Twenty-four  principal  quarterings.  1st  Towns- 
hend:  2nd  Vere:  Srd  Compton:  4th  Shirley:  5th 
Basset  of  Drayton:  6th  Az.,  a  lion  rampant  hetween 
eight  cross-crosslets  Or:  7th  Devereux:  8th  Ferrers: 
9th  Arg.,  five  horse-shoes  Sa:  10th  Bourchier:  11th 
Lovaine  of  Staines :  12th  Or,  a  lion  rampant  Az. :  ISth 
Thomas  of  Woodstock:  14th  Bohun:  15th  Ferrers  of 
Groby :  16th  Gu.,  a  cinquefoil  Ermine :  17th  Az.,  a  lion 
rampant  Arg:  I8th  Or,  three  piles  Gu. :  19th  Scotland : 
20th  Az.,  a  cross  flory  and  five  martlets  Or :  21st  Frevile : 
22nd  Mannyon :  2Srd  bendy  of  six  Or  and  Az. :  24th 
Arg.,  a  saltire  engrailed  Az.  An  escutcheon  of  pretence 
quarterly,  1st  quarterly  1st  and  4th  Vert,  a  fiet   A^. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  411 

and  chief  Gu.;  Snd  and  Srd  Arg.^  two  bars  Gu.:  2nd 
Ralph  earl  of  Chester:  Srd  Az.,  a  wolf's  head  erased 
Arg.,  langued  Gu. :  4th  Arg.^  an  eagle  displayed  Sa. 

OBOROB  TOWNSHBND,  BABL  OF  LBICB8TBR,  BARON  DB  FBB- 
RAR8,  BOURCHIBR,  LOYAINB,  BAS8BT,  &  COMPTON,  IN  THB 
RIGHT  OF  HIS  IIOTHBR,  LORD  OF  THIS  CASTLB,  IIARRIBD 
CHARLOTTB  2^  8I8TBR  &  COH'  OF  ROGBR  MAINWARING 
BLLBRKBR,    OF    RI8BT,    CO.    BBOR. 

29.  Vairy  Or  and  Gu.,  a  canton  Ermine — ^Ferrers 
of  Baddesley-Clinton :  impaling  Sa.,  on  a  chevron  Arg., 
three  slips  of  broom  ppr. 

S^  BDWARD  FBRRBR8  MA*  CO'bTA'cB  DA'  &  HBIR  OF  NICHOLAS 
BROOMB. 

50.  Ferrers  of  Baddesley:  impaling  Arg.,  a  saltire 
Gu.,  between  four  eagles  displayed  Sa.,  armed  Gn. 

hbnrt  fbrrbbs  of  baddbblbt  ma*  kathrinb  da  :  of  8 : 
10 :  ha'pdbn. 

51.  Ferrers  of  Baddesley:  impaling  Gu.,  a  saltire 
Arg.,  between  twelve  crosses  crosslet  Or. 

BDWARDB  FBR'  :  OF  BADB8LBT  BBq'  :  MA*  BRIDGBT  DA*  :  OF 
WIL'     L  :    WINDZOR. 

32.  Ferrers  of  Baddesley :  impaling  Or,  three  hawks 
ppr.,  armed  and  membered  Gn.,  in  a  border  charged 
with  twelve  bezants. 

HBNRT  FBR :  OF  BADBSLBT  BSQ*  MA*  lANB  DA  :  &  HBIR  OF 
HBNRT  WHITB. 

33.  Ferrers:  impaling  Az.,  a  bend  Arg.  cotized  Or, 
between  six  lions  rampant  of  the  last. 

ROBBRT  FBR'  B  :  OF  DBRBT  B8P0VBBD  HBLANOR  :  DA*  OF 
hvm'  BOHVN. 

34.  Ferrers :  impaling  Gu.,  a  lion  rampant  Or,  Tvith 
a  label  of  three  points  Gu. 


412  TAMWOBTH 

lOHN  L  :   rBftRBBS  OF  CHABTLST  MA*  AYICB  DA  :  &  HXIRB  OF 

Ro'  mrcso'oa. 

35.  Ferrers :  impaling^ — . 

ROBIKT  L  :  FBRRBB8  OF  CHABTLBT. 

36.  Ferrers :  impaling  Or,  a  chevron  Ghi. 

lOHN    I.  :    FBBBBB8  OF   CH4BTLBT  BSP'   BUZA  :  DA  :    TO   BAFB 
BABLB   STAFF*. 

37.  Ferrers:   impaling  quarterly,  Ai^.  and  Gu.,   in 
the  £nd  and  Srd  quarters  a  fret  Or;  over  all  a  bend  Sa. 

BOBBBT  .  L  :   FBBBBB8  OF  CHABTLBT  MA*  MABOA  :   DA  :  TO  BD' 
L:    SPBNCBB. 

38.  Ferrers  :  impaling  Ou.,  three  roaches  naiant  Arg. 

BDMT'd  .    L :    FBBBBBS    OF   CHABTLBT   MA*     BLANOB     DA*     TO 
8'   THO.    DB   LA   BOCH. 

39.  Ferrers:  impaling — . 

will'    L  :    FBBBBBS  OF   CHABTLBT  MA*  MUZ  I    DA*  TO  S'  ADAM 
BBLKNAF. 

40.  Arg.,  a  fess  Ou.,   and  in  chief  three  tcvteux: 
impaling  Ferrers. 

s'  wa'  dbyobax,  l  :  fbb'  in  bight  of  aonis  HIS  WTFB,  da' 
&  hbi'  of  w  :  L :  fbb  : 

41.  Devereux:    impaling    Arg.,    a   cross    engrailed 
Ou.  between  four  water-bougets  Sa. 

8'  lOHN    DBYBBBTX  L  :  fbb'    of  CHABT'   m'    CICBLT    RBIBB  TO 

hb'  bovbchb'  b'  of  bs*. 

42.  Devereux:  impaling  Barry  of  six  Arg.  and  Az., 
in  chief  three  torteaux,  a  label  of  three  points. 

8*    WALTBB  DBVBBBVX  VISGOV*T   HBBBFOBO  MA*    MABT  DA*  TO 
tho'  OBAT. 

48.    Devereux:  impaling  Hastings. 

S'  BICHABD   DBVBBBVX  MA*    DOBO'    DA*   TO  OBOBOB  HASTl'oS, 

B:  OF  hv'ti'odo*. 
44.    Devereux:  impaUng  Az.,   crusily  of  crosslets,  a 
cross  moline  voided  Or. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  41S 

WALTBB  S  :  OF  B88BX  L  :  FSB'  OF  CHAB  :  MA*  LBTICB  DA*  TO 
8IB  F&AV'CIS  KNOYLBS. 

45.  Devereux :  impaling  paly  of  six  Ai^.  and  Sa.^  a 
fess  Gu. 

BOBBBT  B  :  OF  BBSBX  L  :  FBB'  OF  CHAB*  B8P  :  FBAv'ciS  DA*  TO 
8*    FBAV:    WALSi'gHA'. 

46.  Shirley:  impaling  arms  of  six  quarterings,  Ist^ 
Devereux;  2nd  Ferrers;  Srd  Bourchier;  4th  Loyaine  of 
Staines ;  5th  Thomas  of  Woodstock ;  and  6th  Bohun. 

LADT  DOBOTHT  DBVBBBUX,  2^  DAYO'  &  COHBB  OF  BOB^  B  :  OF 
B8BXX,  MABBBD  S'  HBNBT  8HIBLBT  OF  8TAYNT0N  BABOLD,  IN 
COM  :  LBICB8TBB»  BABONBT. 

47.  Shirley:  impaling  Ermine^  on  a  chief  Arg.^ 
three  torteaux. 

S'  BOB^  SHIBLBr  OF  STAUNTON,  80N  &  HBIB  OF  S'  HBNBT, 
MABBIBD  KATHBBINB  DAYO'  OF  HUMFHBT  OKBOYBB,  OF  0KB- 
OYBB,  IN  COM.  8TAFF0BD,  B8Q'«  HB  DIBD  MDCLYI. 

48.  Six  quarterings^  1st  Shirley;  2nd  Basset  of 
Drayton^  Srd  Devereux ;  4th  Ferrers ;  5th  Bourchier ; 
6th  Thomas  of  Woodstock:  impaling  Arg.,  two  bars 
and  in  chief  three  mullets  Gu. 

8^  BObS  only  SUBYIY'g  SON  &  HBB,  WAS  SUM'on'd  TO  FABL^ 
AS  lA  FBBBI  OF  CHABTLBT  &C.  MDCLXZYII,  CBBATBD  BABL 
FBB"  &  YI8Ct  TAMWO^  MDCCXI,  MAB<^  BLIZ  :  D'  &  HBB  OF 
LAUBBNCB    WASHINGTON,   o'd    1717. 

49.  Shirley:  impaling  quarterly,  1st  Ferrers;  Snd 
Ferrers  of  Ghroby;  Srd  Frevile;  4th  Marmyon. 

BOB^  SHIBLBT,  BLDB8T  SON  &  HBB  OF  BOB^  LOBD  FBBB"  MAB^ 

annb  only  dauo'^  &  hbb  of  humfhby  fbbb"  of  tamwobth. 
d'd  bbfobb  his  fathbb,  1698. 

50.  Arms  similar  to  those  in  the  26th  panel. 

BI.IZ%  ONLY  DAUO'^  &  HBB  OF  BOB^  SHIBLBY,  BUCCBBDBD  HBB 
OBANDFA'  in  THB  BABONT  of  FBBBBB8  OF  CHABTLBY  &C.  : 
MABBBD  IAMBS  COMPTON  FIFTH  BABL  OF  NOBTHAMFTON. 

51.  Quarterly,  1st  Compton ;  Snd  and  Srd  quarterly, 

H  S 


414  TAMWORTH 

Ist  Shirley,  2nd  Ferrers,  8rd  Ferrers  of  Chroby,  4di 
Thomas  of  Woodstock;  4th  Arg.,  in  a  border  Aje. 
charged  with  eight   bezants,   a  chevron  Sa. 

likMBS   LORD   COMPTON. 
LADT   lANX   COMPTON. 
LADT   ANNB   COMPTON. 
LADT   CHARLOTTB  COMPTON. 

5S.  Devereux:  impaling  Gu.,  a  bend  between  six 
cross  crosslets  fitch€  Arg. 

BOBBRT  B  :  OF  BSBBX  L  :  FBB  :  OF  CHA*  MA  :  FRAT'cIS  DA :  TO 
T^  B  :  OF  8UFF0LKB,  WHO  DIBD  WITHOUT  IBSI7B. 

Over  the  chimney-piece  are  three  panels,  each  con- 
taining three  escutcheon  pendent  from  a  rose-tree  ppr. 

53.  No.  1.  Or,  three  piles  Gu. — ^David  earl  of  Angus : 
impaling  the  earl  of  Chester  as  in  the  5th  panel. 

No.  2.  Or,  a  saltire  and  chief  Gu., — ^Bruce :  impaling 
David  earl  of  Angus. 

No.  8.  Sa.,  a  lion  rampant  Arg.,  crowned  with  an 
earPs  coronet, — ^Alan  earl  of  Galloway :  impaHng  David 
earl  of  Angus. 

DAVID  BABLB  OF  AN0VI8HB  &  HVNTINODON,  ORAVND  CHILDB 
OF  DAVID  KINOB  OF  8COTB8,  HAD  T8BVB  BT  MAVDB  SIBTBB 
AND  COHBIRB  TO  RANDOLPHB  THB  3  :  BABLB  OF  CHB8TBB» 
I8SABBLL,  &  MABGABBT:  ISSABBLL  MA'  TO  BOBBBT  LORDB 
BRV8B,  AND  MABOARBT  BSP0V8BD  ALBN  BABLB  OF  OALOWAT. 

54.  No.  1.  Bruce :  impaling  David  earl  of  Angus. 
No.  2.  Or,    a   fess  chequy   Arg.   and   Sa., — Stewart: 

impaling  Bruce. 
No.  3.  Scotland. 

THB  SAID  BOBBBT  LOBDB  BRVSB  AND  lANB  ISSABBLL  HIS 
WTFB  HAD  IB8VB  BOBBBT  FATHBR  OF  ROBBBT  BBV8B  KINGB 
OF  SC0TB8 ;  WHICH  KINOB  HAD  TS8VB  MARION  THAT  B8POV8BD 
WALTBR  8TBWABD,    THB  PATBBNALL    PBOGBNITOR  OF  ROBBRT 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  415 

BBYSB  ;  XIMOB  OV  BOOTS,  VBOll  WHOM  OIBOBNDITH  K^  IAME8 
0TB  80VBBI0NB. 

55.  No.  1.  Alan  earl  of  Galloway:  impaling  David 
earl  of  Angus. 

No.  S.  Quinci :  impaling  David  earl  of  Angus. 
No.  8.  Ferrers:  impaling  Quinci. 

THB  SAID  ALBN  BABLB  OF  GALOWAT  AND  LADT  MABOABBT 
HIS  WTFB  HAD  T8SYB  BBLBN  Ma'  TO  ROOEB  QVINCIB  BABLB 
OF  WINCHB8TBB,  WHO  HAD  TS8VB  MABOABBT  HIS  BLDB8T 
DAYOHTBB  AND  COHBIBB,  MABIBD  TO  WILLIAM  FBBBBB8 
SBCo'd  BABLB  OF  DBEBT  ;  OF  WHOM  LINBALLT  DISCBNDITH 
lOHN  FBBBSB8  OF  TAMWOBTH,  NOW  LBTVINGB. 

In  the  smaller  room. 

1.  Gu.^  two  chevronells  Arg. :  impaling  Ferrers. 

8'  OBOBOB  HTDB,  KNIGHT  OF  THB  BATH,  MA*  KATHBBINB  DA* 
OF  8^  HTM  :  FBB  : 

2.  Arg.^  on  a  fess  between  three  annulets  Gu.,  as 
many  leopards'  heads  of  the  first:  impaling  Ferrers. 

b'  WILLIAM  SOMBBVILL  MA*  BLIZABBTH  DAVOHTBB  OF  S' 
HVM  :   FBB  :   OF  TAM  : 

8.    Yairy  Ermine  and  Gu. :  impaling  Ferrers. 

OBOBGB  OBB8LBT  OF  DBAKBLOWB  BBQ*  MA*  8VSAN  DA*  OF  8* 
BVM'  FBB*. 

4.  Arg.,  on  a  chevron  Sa,  three  quatrefoils  Or: 
impaling  Ferrers. 

BOBBBT  BTBB  OF  HIOHLOWB  BSQ'  MA'  BBIOBT  DA'  OF  s' 
HVM'   FBB*. 

5.  Barry  of  six  Arg.  and  Az.,  in  chief  three  tor* 
teaux :  impaling  Ferrers,  with  a  label  of  three  points. 

b'  BDWABD  GBAT  ma'  BLIZABBTH  FBB*,  IN  WH08B  BIGHT  HB 
WAS  L.  FBB'  of  OBOBT. 

6.  Ferrers  of  Baddesley:  impaUng,  quarterly,  1st 
and  4th  Gn. ;  2nd  and  8rd  Sa.  a  fleur-de-liz  Or.  Over 
all  a  bend  Arg. 


416  TAlfWOBTH 

8*  HXNET  VBE'  OP  CBILBBMORB.   3  SON'B  OP   S'  THO'   PUl*  OF 
TAU',  mV  llAEQ4RBra  HXCKBTALL. 

The  chinmey-pieoe  in  this  room  is  very  fine,  being 
carved  in  oak  in  an  elaborate  and  beautiful  manner. 
The  details  are  mostly  Grrecian.  It  is  so  large  as  to 
reach  the  ceiling,  being  thirteen  feet  high.  It  is  sup- 
ported at  the  sides  of  the  fire-place  by  Corinthian 
pillars.  On  the  right  above,  is  the  figure  of  a  man; 
on  the  left,  a  woman  and  a  child:  standing  arrayed 
in  the  Roman  costumes.  In  the  centre,  is  a  coat 
of  arms,  containing  twelve  principal  quarterings  of  the 
Ferrers'  fiunily  down  to  sir  John,  in  James's  time; 
with  the  motto  "only  one."  Around  are  six  small 
panels.  One  of  these  bears  the  representation  of  Jupiter 
drawn  in  a  chariot  by  eagles.  Another  represents  a 
dragon  at  the  foot  of  a  tree,  evidently  intended  for 
the  monster  Ladon  that  kept  watch  over  the  golden 
apples  in  the  garden  of  the  Hesperides.  A  third  seems 
to  refer  to  the  punishment  of  Prometheus,  inflicted  on 
him  by  Jupiter  for  presiuning  to  form  men  of  clay,  and 
animating  them  by  the  sacred  fire  which  he  had  dared 
to  steal  from  heaven  itself.  He  is  depicted  as  lying 
upon  the  ground,  whilst  in  the  tree  above  the  torment- 
ing vulture  feeds  on  his  liver,  ever  growing  even  whilst 
plucked  by  the  voracious  bird  firom  his  side.  The 
other  three  panels  represent  the  tragic  fate  of  the 
beautiful  Adonis,  with  whom  Aphrodite  or  Venus 
had  left  Olympus  to  dwell.  In  one,  he  stands  by 
the  chariot  which  awaits  him,  whilst  his  mistress 
vainly  attempts  to  dissuade  him  from  joining  in  the 
fatal  chase.  In  another,  he  stands  in  the  midst  of  his 
dogs,  with  the  wild-boar.  And  in  the  last,  he  lies  slain 
by  the  infuriated  animal,  and  the  dogs  stand  around  his 
corpse. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  417 

The  windows  of  these  two  rooms^  oyerlooking  the 
country  on  the  south  side  of  Tamworth^  consist  of  many 
lights.  This  front  of  the  Castle  was  re-fiEu^d  with 
stone  and  repaired  in  1783. 

Over  these  two  rooms,  are  numerous  chambers.  One 
of  them  leads  to  the  gallery  which  passes  to  the  war- 
der's lodge;  and  another  to  the  gallery  on  the  west 
side  of  the  edifice. 

Beyond  the  two  kitchens,  is  a  small  back  yard,  in 
which  is  the  Castle-well.  It  is  of  considerable  depth, 
as  it  passes  through  the  mound  to  a  level  with  the 
river.  It  appears  to  have  been  thoroughly  modernized, 
at  least  so  far  as  we  could  ascertain. 

The  great  hall  is  almost  entirely  built  of  brick. 
It  possesses  a  high-pitched  roof,  with  finely  carved 
timbers;  but  the  hand  of  time  has  deprived  them  of 
much  of  their  beauty.  From  the  hall,  the  two 
principal  staircases  lead,  one  into  the  south  rooms,  the 
other  into  those  on  the  north  side.  The  steps  of  the 
latter  are  formed  of  solid  blocks  of  wood. 

On  the  north  wall  of  the  haU,  were  once  depicted  in 
fresco,  two  gigantic  figures;  whilst  the  legends  below, 

SIR  LANCELOT  DE  LAKE, — SIR  TARQVIK, 

proclaimed  the  subject  of  the  piece.  They  were  repre- 
sented as  tilting  together,  just  as  they  are  described  to 
have  done  in  the  old  romance  of  ''Morte  Arthur". 
The  painting,  however,  was  white-washed  over  so  as 
to  be  scarcely  discernible.  In  1783,  its  obliteration 
was  completed  by  the  application  of  a  second  coat  of 
white-wash.^     The  wall  is  now   wainscotted  half  way 

1  GcnUanan*!  Magmslne,  1784.  In  fhU  inTtlnable  work,  at  the  same  date,  is 
mcntianed  an  old  octangular  table  which  then  remained  in  the  Outle.  Aroimd  the 
margin,  this  inscription  was  cot  rvry  deep  in  the  solid  oak,— pbatss  awd  olobt 

AJIO  WTSDOMS  AND  THANKS  AMD  HOVOR  AND  rOWMMM  AND  MTOBT  BS  TNTO  OUaS 
, MIW.  1564. 


418  TAMWORTB 

up;  and  it  is  probable  that  the  painting  is  wholly 
destroyed.^ 

The  large  kitchen  behind  the  hall  was  erected  by 
the  late  marquis  Townshend,  in  the  place  of  sereral 
rooms  which  had  become  greatly  delapidated.  It  is  a 
common  brick  structure,  with  an  ordinary  roo£ 

The  north  rooms  are  older  than  any  other  parts  of 
the  interior  of  the  Castle.  The  wall  separating  them 
from  the  rest  of  the  building,  runs  from  the  angle  of 
the  tower  to  the  west  side  of  the  Castle,  and  is  almost 
wholly  built  of  stone.  This  part  consists  of  three  stories. 
On  the  ground-floor  are  cellars,  originally  only  separated 
into  two,  but  partitioned  off  into  many.  They  are 
entered  by  doorways  from  the  great  kitchen,  the  hall, 
and  the  court-yard.  The  one  connected  with  the 
kitchen  is  alone  provided  with  a  window.  The  second 
story  contains  three  rooms.  Of  these  the  middle  one  is 
the  largest.  Its  broad  fire-place,  its  old  carved  chimney- 
piece,  and  its  two  deep-bayed  windows,  with  stone 
balconies,  present  the  same  general  architectural  features 
as  the  warder's  house.  From  the  east  room,  an  addi- 
tional flight  of  stairs  leads  to  the  rooms  above.  The 
third  story  contains  numerous  chambers,  which  were 
erected  by  the  marquis  Townshend.  One  communicates 
with  the  gallery  of  the  western  wall.  At  the  opposite 
end,  a  staircase  conducts  into  the  lumber-room,  and 
then  passes  to  the  summit  of  the  tower. 

Some  wordt  at  the  end  wen  wanting,  as  that  part  of  the  table  bad  been  broken  and 
the  piece  lost.    In  the  centre,  was  the  horse-shoe,  with  the  arms  of  Feners. 

The  table,  we  believe,  has  been  destroyed. 

1  Tliere  is  a  ballad  circulated  in  Tunwoxth,  girms  an  acooont  of  the  combat 
between  sir  Lancelot  and  sir  Tarqoin,— the  latter  of  whom  had  imprisoned  many  of 
the  knights  of  king  Arthur's  round  table  in  this  Castle,~in  Lady-meadow.  No  part 
of  this  celebrated  and  interesting  romance  can  be  referred  to  Tsmwoath.  Hie  baQad 
is  an  ingenions  imitation  of  the  ancient  one,  commenchig, 

"  When  Arthur  first  in  court  began,** 
which  may  be  seen  in  Percy*s  ReUques  of  Ancient  Soglish  poetry. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  419 

The  Castle  continues  to  be  a  iioble  building.  Its 
commanding  position^  its  situation  amidst  the  trees  of 
the  well-planted  mound,  and  its  ivy-coyered  walls,  give 
it  the  aspect  of  an  interesting  and  venerable  edifice. 
There  are  many  and  great  incongruities  in  the  style  of 
the  internal  buildings,  yet  these  can  hardly  form  a 
subject  of  deep  regret,  as  great  changes  alone,  by 
adding  to  the  place  the  conveniences  of  a  modem  resi- 
dence, have  alone  preserved  it  from  total  destruction. 
Certainly  a  little  more  adaptation  to  the  original  plan 
might  have  been  observed,  without  omitting  any  comforts 
required  in  the  present  state  of  society.  But  it  is 
pleasing  to  reflect  that  the  building  does  not  exhibit 
the  moumftil  aspect  of  very  many  of  our  ancient  military 
and  ecclesiastical  structures,  now  lying  imder  the  ban  of 
desolation.  The  prominent  features  of  the  Castle  still 
present  a  sufficient  memorial  of  the  great  Champions 
who  once  held  it,  and  derived  from  its  possession  one 
of  their  proudest  dignities.  The  mighty  bard  of  the 
north,  who  sang,  in  long  and  pleasing  strains  of  the 
brave  but  vicious  hero,  the 

«     ■  Lord  of  Fontenajey 

Of  Lntterward  and  Scrivelbaye, 

Of  Tamworth  tower  and  town." 

when  he  visited  this  place,^  was  highly  gratified  with 

1  sir  Waller  Scott  paid  a  yidt  to  TamworihpCastle  in  the  eailypazt  of  the  year  1828. 
Mr.  Bramall  and  liia  family  were  greatly  dinppointed  at  not  baring  known  of  the  pre- 
tence of  so  eminent  and  popolar  a  writer.  His  name  waa  only  diKoyered  by  the 
riiitora'  book.  Mr.  Bramall,  when  shortly  after  in  London,  wrote  to  inylte  him  to 
pay  another  yisit  to  the  Gastla.    Sir  Walter  Scott  retomed  the  following  answer. 

"  Sir,— The  nmneroos  ayocations  of  this  place  hare  prevented  hitherto  my 
retaining  yon  my  sincere  thanks  for  your  kind  invitation  to  Tamworth  Castle ;  of 
which  I  sincerely  felt  the  polite  kindness.  I  had  great  pleasiire  in  seeing  the  line  old 
Tower,  and  should  have  i^oiced  to  see  the  possessor. 

My  retom,  as  it  tskes  me  to  the  cast  side  of  the  idand,  wQl  not  permit  [me]  to 
accept  of  your  very  obligmf  oflner  to  receive  me  at  Tamworth. 

I  am.  Sir, 
34  Sussex  place,  Your  obliged  hnmble  Servant, 

s«  April.  [1838.]  Waltbr  Scott." 


420  TAHWOBTH 

the  venerable  building.  Perchance,  as  he  paced  the 
noble  hall;  he  recalled  to  his  mind  his  own  lines, 
where  he  describes  the  Scottish  monarch,  James,  as 
suggesting  that, 

II jf  wiOan  TimtaUoii  ttroiig, 

Hie  good  Locd  Xannlon  tazriei  long, 

Percfaanoe  our  meetiBg  next  may  lUl 

At  Tamwortfa,  In  his  caide-hiOL" 

Well  did  the  haughty  Marmyon  reply, 

''Hnch  honoured  were  my  hvmble  home, 
If  in  iti  haDi  King  James  should  oome ; 
But  Nottingham  has  archers  good, 
And  Yorkshire  men  are  stem  of  mood ; 
Northnmbrian  prickers  wild  and  mde. 
On  Deihj  Hilla  the  patha  are  steep ; 
In  Onse  and  Tyne  the  forda  are  deep, 
And  many  a  banner  will  be  torn, 
And  many  a  knight  to  earth  be  borne. 
And  many  a  sheaf  of  arrows  spent, 
Ere  Scotland's  Ung  shall  cross  the  Trenf 

Yet,  before  a  century  had  rolled  by,  Scotland's  king, 
a  weak  yain  pedant,  did  cross  the  Trent,  without  blood- 
shed or  opposition.  Soon,  too,  he  feasted  and  revelled 
in  this  very  Castle,  to  which  his  predecessor  is 
represented  in  the  pleasing  romance  as  threatening  so 
hostile  and   unwelcomed   a   visit. 


THE  TOWN  WALLS. 

The  outer  fortifications  of  the  town  consisted  of  a 
broad  dry  ditch^  inside  of  which  was  raised  a  high 
embankment  crowned  by  a  defensive  wall.  They  were 
of  considerable  extent^  including  the  whole  of  the 
present  town^  except  about  nine-tenths  of  lichfield- 
street,  the  part  of  Gimgate  north  of  Aldergate-street^ 
and  a  very  small  portion  of  Bolebridge-street.  With 
the  Tame  and  Anker^  which  formed  the  fourth  side 
and  completed  the  defence  on  the  souths  they  enclosed 
an  area  of  ground  ahnost  but  not  perfectly  square ;  for^ 
on  account  of  a  bend  in  the  latter  riyer,  the  east  and 
south  sides  were  longer  than  the  rest^  and  the  north 
was  rather  shortest  of  all.  It  seems  that  the  wall^ 
without  the  bank  and  ditch^  was  continued  parallel 
with  the  Tame  from  the  extremity  of  the  western  side 
to  the  Castle.  The  posterns  or  bars^  affording  exits 
from  the  interior^  were  situated  in  Ladybridge-street  or 
the  HoUoway^  Lichfield-street^  Gimgate^  and  doubtless 
Bolebridge-street^  although  we  have  not  expressly  found 
a  bar  recorded  there.^  The  part  of  the  fortifications 
from  the  north-west  angle  to  Lichfield-street  obtained 
the  name  of  the  Walfiirlong^  being  about  one  eighth 
of  a  mile  in  length ;  and  some  land  parallel  to  it  was 
called  the  field  of  the  Walfurlong.'  It  is  curious  to 
remark  in  the   existing  lanes^   how  paths  were  formed 

1    Frotebly  there  ww  a  pottem  at  the  preeent  SchooDunue-lane. 
2    Court  RollB,  etc., 

i3 


422  TAMWORTH 

close  around  the  fortifications^  from  postern  to  postern, 
affording  ready  communication  from  the  town  to  all 
the  surrounding  fields.  From  lichfield-street  bar, 
Wybume-lane  ran  down  to  the  bank  of  the  Tame;  at 
the  extremity  of  which  a  path  by  the  river  seems  to 
have  communicated  with  Lady-bridge.  Another  lane 
passed  northwards  from  the  same  postern,  and  joined 
one  from  Gungate  bar.  A  path  ran  eastwards  from 
the  latter,  joining  Perrycroft-lane,  which  through  the 
Dead-lanes  passed  to  Bolebridge-street  bar. 

We  cannot  ascertain  precisely  by  whom  these  exten- 
sive bulwarks  were  erected.  The  general  form  exhibits 
so  great  similitude  to  the  camps  constructed  by  the 
Romans,  that  only  the  want  of  direct  historical  evidence 
on  the  point  has  prevented  us  from  maintaining  our 
firm  conviction  that  Tamworth  was  once  a  Roman 
station,  and  one  of  considerable  importance.  OfiiEt,  when 
he  fortified  the  town,  and  erected  his  palace  here,  very 
probably  took  advantage  of  the  foundations  of  the  old» 
structiire,  and  re-formed  the  ditch ;  which,  even  to  these 
days,  has  retained  the  name  of  Offa's  dyke,  or  the  more 
general  designation  of  the  King's  ditch.  Ethelfla^ 
repaired  these  defences ;  and  they  must  have  again  been 
renewed  after  the  calamitous  visit  of  Anlaf,  probably  by 
one  of  the  early  Norman  lords  of  the  Castle. 

We  have  not  discovered  how  long  the  fortifications 
remained  in  a  state  fit  for  defence.  They  seem  to  have 
gone  to  decay  from  disuse  at  an  early  period,  appa> 
rently  between  the  reign  of  Richard  II.  and  that  of 
Henry  VI.;  as  then  the  part  of  Lichfield-street  once 
called  Outwall-street,  being  external  to  the  bar,  became 
united  in  name  with  the  rest.  The  soil  within  ditch 
has  always  been  cultivated,  but  such  a  practice  did  not 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  428 

diminish  its   utility  for  defence^   and   was  far   from  an 
uncommon  occurrence  in  this  country. 

The  fortifications  may  still  be  easily  traced  in  the 
greater  part  of  their  extent,  by  the  ditch  and  mound : 
all  vestiges  of  the  walls  are  gone.  Of  the  western  side, 
commencing  by  the  Tame,  a  little  below  Lady-bridge, 
and  running  in  a  straight  line  to  a  level  with  the  top 
of  Aldergate,  the  part  between  the  river  and  the 
Boman  Catholic  Chapel, — ^built  on  the  embankment, — 
has  been  obliterated  by  the  gardens  near  the  stream, 
and  by  the  houses  in  and  about  Lichfield-street  But 
from  this  Chapel,  the  mound  and  ditch  are  very  apparent, 
the  latter  being  a  broad  but  now  shallow  excavation 
in  the  general  level  of  soil.  At  the  comer,  where  they 
turn  off  at  a  little  more  than  a  right  angle  eastwards 
towards  the  Perrycrofts,  the  bank  is  of  some  height.  It 
may  be  observed  for  a  short  distance  along  the  north 
side,  but  it  is  soon  lost:  the  ditch  may  be  traced  con- 
siderably farther.  Eastwards  of  Gungate,  the  vestiges 
become  more  distinct  than  in  any  other  part.  The 
second  angle  is  here  situated  in  a  field  called  Hill  or 
Castle-croft.^  Along  the  east  side,  the  bank  and  fosse, 
may  be  seen  more  or  less  distinctly,  behind  Gungate, 
Colehill,  and  Bolebridge-street,  until  the  houses  and 
buildings  near  the  bottom  of  the  latter  interrupt  them, 
and  efface  all  traces  of  their  course.  Dugdale  states 
that,  according  to  his  own  observation,  the  ditch  was 
at  least  forty-five  feet  broad.*  Being  now  entirely  taken 
up  by  buildings,  crofts,  gardens,  and  some  of  the  sur- 
rounding lanes,  it  has  become  very  greatly  obliterated; 


1    Our  readers  will  call  to  mind  the  Castle-lane  and  Castle-orcliard,  situated  near 
the  Walftirlong,  of  which  we  have  previonsly  spoken. 
3    Dugdale's  Warwicksh. 


424  TAMWOBTH 

but  it  is  Tery  evident  that  the  width  was  not  over-rated. 
The  original  height  of  the  embankment,  judging  from 
the  parts  best  preserved,  would  appear  to  have  been 
from  fifteen  to  twenty-five  feet. 

Within  the  last  forty  years,  many  bones  of  horses 
and  other  animals  have  been  found  in  digging  within 
the  entrenchment  Even  those  of  human  beings  are 
said  to  have  been  discovered;  but  this  circumstance  is 
extremely  doubtful.  K  true,  they  were  probably  remains 
of  persons  slain  when  the  Danes  last  besieged  the  town. 
Nothing,  however,  has  been  brought  to  light  of  any 
value  or  interest  to  the  student  of  antiquities. 


THE  FREE  GRAMMAH  SCHOOL. 

The  Free  Grammar  School  of  Tamworth  may  be  con- 
jectured to  have  existed  in  the  fourteenth  century;  but 
its  origin  is  involved  in  obscurity.  It  appears  to  have 
been  under  the  control  of  the  ecclesiastical  authorities 
of  the  town.  Leland  mentions  it  in  his  interesting 
Itinerary.  He  says,  ''there  is  a  Guild  of  St.  Geo.*  in 
Tamworth,  and  to  it  belonged  5/.  Land  per  an.,  and  of 
late  one  Johne  Bailie'  gave  other  5/.  Land  unto  it ;  and 
therewith  is  now  erected  a  Ghrammer-Schoole.*''  This 
appears  to  refer  to  the  building  of  the  School-house. 

The  Free  Grrammar  School  came  into  the  hands  of 
the  king,  in  1547,  at  the  same  time  with  the  College. 
The  commission  directed  to  sir  Henry  Mildmay  and 
Robert  Kelway  included  not  only  the  Church,  but  the 
maintenance  and  continuation  of  this  foundation,  if  they 
deemed  it  necessary.  They  ordered  that  it  should  re- 
main, and  that  one  Nicholas  Brooke  should  still  enjoy 
the  place  of  schoohnaster,  receiving  the  annual  stipend 
of  10/.  IBs.  &id.,  that  had  from  old  time  been  answered 
to   him;    which,    should    be    paid  by  the  auditor  and 

1  Ws  hftve  found  rery  aaukty  memorialB  of  th«  Holy  GaOd  of  St.  George,  a  rery 
gOMnl  reUgloiu  oonfrtternlty  in  the  town.  TheconrtxoUsitatetliKtonthe  ISthof 
October,  1610,  John  Lycett  and  Thomas  Goldaon  were  elected  wardena  of  the  gnild. 
The  wantana  were,  peihaq^alao  keepers  of  the  Uffht  of  their  patron  aalnt  Ihepneat 
of  St  George  in  the  Church  waa  the  phaplahi. 

s  A  Ifr.  Bailey  founded  a  feUowahip  in  St.  John's  c6Uege,  Osmhridfe,  which  waa 
anfmentedbyhisezecntarai  appropriated  tlrat  to  a  native  of  the  pariah  of  nmwarth, 
then  to  one  of  the  county  of  Staflbrd  or  Deihy,  and  then  to  one  of  the  diocese  of 
lichlieid  and  Coventry.  Hie  peraon  elected  most  be  in  lUl  order  at  twenty-fbiir  years 
of  age,  or  within  twelve  months  after. 

3    Vol.  IV.,  fol.  189.  b. 


426  TAMWORTH 

receiver  of  the  court  of  augmentation  and  revenues  of 
the  crown  of  the  county  of  Stafford.  Elizabeth,  when 
she  granted  the  College  to  Edmund  Downing  and 
Peter  Ashton,  in  the  year  1581,  retained  the  amount 
of  salary  to  be  paid,   as  part  of  the  fee>farm  rent. 

Queen  Elizabeth,  by  her  charter  of  1588,  reciting  the 
order  of  the  commissioners,  directed  that  there  should  be 
a  Grammar  School  in  the  town,  which  should  be  called 
''the  Free  Grammar  School  of  Elizabeth,  queen  of 
England,  in  Tamworth,**  for  the  education  and  instruc- 
tion of  boys  in  grammar,  to  continue  for  all  future  time, 
and  to  consist  of  one  master  or  pedagogue.  And  she 
appointed  the  baili£b  and  commonalty  a  body  corpo- 
rate, by  the  name  of  ''the  Guardians  and  Grovemors 
of  the  Possessions,  Revenues,  and  Goods,  of  the  Free 
Grammar  School  of  Elizabeth,  Queen  of  England,  in 
Tamworth."  She  gave  them  the  power,  in  this  capacity, 
of  nominating  and  appointing  the  schoolmaster.  She  also 
granted  to  the  guardians  and  governors  the  annual  rent  of 
10/.  ISs.  2|ef.,  for  the  salary  of  the  master,  which  was 
to  be  paid  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  1548.^ 

The  School  thus  constituted  and  governed  proved  a 
good  institution,  and  of  much  utility  to  the  town 
and  neighbourhood.  The  building  occupied  since  the 
revival  of  the  foundation  was  at  first  merely  rented  for 
the  purpose.  But  by  deed,  dated  the  26th  of  May, 
1594,  sir  John  Bowes,  knight,  of  Elford,  freely  granted 
to  the  bailiffs  and  commonalty  the  burgage  known  as 
the  School-house,  with  the  adjoining  garden,  to  be  used 
as  a  Grammar  School  for  ever.'  On  the  site  of  this 
the  present  building  has  been  erected. 

We   have    not   discovered   the    appointments    of   the 

1    Charter,  30  Eliz.  'J    Deed,  30  Eliz. 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  427 

earlier  schoolmasters.  One  of  them,  Henry  Baron,  was 
buried  on  the  3rd  of  March,  1624-5.'  William  Black, 
it  seems,  was  elected  to  the  office  in  1635.  On  his 
cessation  in  1644,  Mr.  Ellis  was  chosen,  whose  nomi- 
nation by  the  guardians  occurred  on  the  30th  of  May.* 
How  long  the  latter  continued  to  occupy  the  place,  we 
cannot  say.  On  the  7th  of  November,  1659,  the 
guardians  and  governors  elected  George  Antrobus,  M.A., 
to  be  schoolmaster,  during  his  life.' 

Charles  II.,  by  his  charter  to  the  town  dated  February, 
1663-4,  confirmed  the  grant  of  the  School  made  by  queen 
Elizabeth,  and  formed  the  bailifib  into  a  body  corporate 
under  the  same  name  of  guardians  and  governors.  It 
was  also  directed,  that  they,  with  the  consent  of  the 
high-steward  of  the  borough,  should  have  full  power  to 
frame  statutes  for  the  regulation  of  the  School ;  that  the 
guardians  and  governors,  with  the  twenty-four  capital 
burgesses,  assembled  in  common  hall,  should  have  the 
appointment  of  the  master ;  they  should  have  the  ancient 
annuity  of  10/.  ISs.  Z^d.  for  his  salary;  and  also  the 
house  and  garden  then  used  for  the  School,  and  called 
the  School-house,  for  the  residence  of  the  master/ 

During  the  time  that  Mr.  Antrobus  presided  over 
the  institution,  the  School  attained  its  most  flourishing 
state.  Several  eminent  persons  were  here  educated  by 
him,  and  amongst  them  the  rev.  William  Whiston, 
whose  religious  publications  and  strong  vindication  of 
Arian  tenets  attracted  so  great  attention  in  the  former 
part  of  last  century.  He  married  his  master's  daughter.' 
Nor  were  the  exertions  of  Mr.  Antrobus  confined  to 
the   literary  dignity  of  the  foundation.      In   1674,   he 

1    Pftiisb  Reirister.       2    Corporation  records.       3    Indenture,  l6S0. 
4    Charter,  iG  Car.  II.  5    Whiston's  Memoirs. 


428  TAMWOBTH 

added  a  bay  and  a  half  of  boildiDgs  at  the  back  of  the 
master's    residence,    at   his    own   expenoe,    except   8/L 

granted  for  the  purpose  by  the  corporation.^  And  in 
in  1677,  he  raised  extensive  contributions,  by  whidi  he 

wajB   enabled  to  rebuild  the  School-room^   and  fit  it  up 
in  the  present  style. 

The  assistance  then  rendered,  abstracted  £rom  a  tablet 
placed  in  the  room,  was  as  follows: — 

if.      8.     d. 
Tlie  gaardians  and  governors  of  the  Scfaool»  out  of  the  town 

ftmds           10      0    0 

Charlei  lord  Clifford  of  Lansborongh,  eldest  son  of  Bich. 

esrl  of  Burlington,  and  M.P.  for  Tamworth         ••  10      0    0 

John  Swinfen.  esq.,  M.P.  for  Tamworth 3      0    0 

Sir  Andrew  Hacket,  recorder            5      0    0 

John  lord  visooont  Massareen           10      0    0 

Sophia  countess  Wimbledon 2      0    0 

Sir  Edward  Littleton,  bart.    .. 5      0    0 

Letitia,  widow  of  sir  Thomas  Wendj,K3 5      0    0 

Sir  Humphry  Ferrers,  knt 5      00 

Thomas,  eldest  son  of  Henrj  Thynne,  hart. 10      0    0 

Emma,  widow  of  Francis  Willonghby,  esq 10      0    0 

Sebright  Repington,  esq 3      0    0 

Henry  Leigh,  esq 10    0 

William  Pslmer,  esq 3      0    0 

Catherine,  widow  of  Clement  Wlnstsnley,  esq 3      0    0 

John  Stratford,  esq 3      0    0 

Francis  Wolverstan,  esq.,  gave  the  schoolmaster's  seat  and 

desk,  which  he  erected  in  the  School  at  his  sole  charge. 

Joseph  Oirdler,  esq.    ..         ..         5      0    0 

Johanna,  relict  of  WaldiTeWlllington,  esq. 10    0 

Susanna,  widow  of  WaldiTeWillington,  esq.           ..  1      0    0 

GeorgeAlsop 10    0 

WilliamAshley           10    0 

Walter  Ashmore         0    10    0 

Leicester  Barbour 10    0 

George  Barbour,  M.D 10    0 

1    Corporation  records. 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  429 

John  Barbour 2      00 

Thomas  Barnes           2      00 

Lawrence  Baskerville 3    10    6 

JobBeardsley 0    10    0 

Samnd  Beardflley         0    10    0 

niomas  Bearcroft        2      00 

Thomas  Bearcroft,  derk        2      00 

PhiHp  Bearcroft          0    10    0 

Thomas  Brook,  derk 0    10    0 

Richard  Cross,  derk 10    0 

ThomasDeviU            0    10    0 

Samnd  Dilke 2      00 

JohnDowley 2      3    0 

SamudFIoyer 2    10    0 

Peter  Floyer 2    10    0 

Samnd  Frankland 2      6    0 

Francis  Cramer           10    0 

Thomas  Cny 5      00 

JohnCny         2      0    0 

Nicholas  Juxon           2      0    0 

Samnd  Langley,  derk            2      00 

Samnd  NichoUs,  clerk            2      0    0 

Nicholas  Parker          10    0 

JohnPyott 10    0 

Morgan  Powell            10    0 

William  Pickard          3      0    0 

Thomas  Pickard          10      0    0 

WilliamPretty            0    10    0 

John  Rawlet,  derk 6      0    0 

JohnSavage 0    10    0 

HenryStone 10    0 

William  Symonds                              100 

Edward  Symonds        10    0 

John  Vanghton,  sen. . .          10    0 

John  Vanghton,  jun.  ..          100 

Thomas  Willington,  besides  a  snffidency  of  stone,  which  he 

fredy  allowed  to  be  got  out  of  his  quarry  2      0    0 

Middlemore  Wolverston         0    10    0 

William  Wragg,  derk            0    ^0    <> 

158     16    6 

k3 


430  TAMWORTH 

About  40/.  of  this  sum  was  procured  by  Mr.  Antrobos 
from  gentlemen,  strangers  to  the  town,  who  had  been 
his  scholars,  or  from  the  friends  of  those  who  were  still 
under  his  tuition.  Many  other  persons  gave  sums  of 
money  below  lOs.,  which  were  not  set  down.  Some 
also  living  in  the  neighbourhood  assisted  in  the  work 
with  the  gift  of  labour,  and  employed  their  teams  to 
carry  the  materials. 

The  rebuilding  of  the  School  was  completed  in  1678. 
It  is  a  spacious  convenient  room,  ootistructed  of  brick, 
with  stone  dressings.  It  has  now  acquired  a  sombre 
aspect  externally,  and,  although  not  yet  two-hundred 
years  old,  is  beginning  to  lose  its  firmness.  The 
master's  seat  and  desk  is  a  large  oak  structure,  and 
bears  carved  upon  it  the  admonitory  sentence, 

VT  IMFBRES   PARSBB  F.   W. 

D18CA8. 
VT  DICTITSS  TACERS  1678. 

Shortly  after  these  improvements  in  the  edifice  had 
been  carried  into  effect,  a  scholarship  was  founded  in 
one  of  the  colleges  of  Cambridge,  for  a  person  educated 
at  this  School.  Samuel  Frankland,  M.A.,  a  native  of 
the  parish  of  Tamworth,  where  he  was  educated,  who 
became  head-master  of  the  school  at  Coventry,  by  his 
last  will  and  testament,  bearing  date  the  21st  of  July, 
1691,  demised  to  his  wife,  for  her  natural  life,  his 
messuage,  lands,  and  hereditaments,  lying  at  Cubbing- 
ton,  in  the  county  of  Warwick;  with  all  his  personal 
property.  And  after  her  decease,  he  bequeathed  the 
lands,  and  so  much  of  his  personal  estate  remaining  as 
should  be  required  to  make  up  the  amount  of  600/.,  to 
the  masters  and  fellows  of  Catherine-haU,  in  Cambridge, 
and  to  their  successors  for  ever,   upon  these   uses  and 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  481 

trusts.  The  sum  of  20/.  a-year  should  go  towards  the 
maintenance  of  a  fellow  sent  to  the  haU  out  of  the  gram- 
mar-school of  Coventry,  towards  which  object  Matthew 
Scrivener,  by  his  last  will,  had  given  an  annuity  of  201. 
These  sums,  with  a  convenient  chamber,  for  which  Mr. 
Frankland  had  already  paid  80/.  to  the  college,  would 
form  a  handsome  provision  for  the  ^^  Frankland  fellow- 
ship." And  10/.  a-year  should  be  assigned  for  the 
maintenance  of  one  scholar,  sent  to  the  haU,  at  the 
recommendation  of  the  minister  and  schoolmaster,  out 
of  the  Free  Grammar  School  at  Tamworth,  for  whom 
had  been  promised  a  chamber  free  from  charge.  But  if 
the  sum  raised  should  fall  short  of  600/.,  the  scholar- 
ship should  bear  the  loss,  so  that  the  fellowship  might 
remain  unimpaired.^ 

George  Antrobus  died  in  July,  1708,  after  he  had 
been  schoolmaster  for  nearly  forty-nine  years.  On  the 
16th  of  September  following,  the  bailifb  and  common- 
alty nominated  Dr.  Samuel  Shaw  to  the  place,  and 
directed  that  he  should  enter  into  his  duties  on  St. 
Thomas'  day  ensuing;  but  his  patent  was  not  signed 
until  the  7th  of  January.  In  the  mean  time,  Mrs. 
Antrobus  and  her  son  Burgesse  carried  on  the  School.' 

Dr.  Shaw  maintained  the  School  in  the  high  repute, 
in  which  it  was  consigned  to  his  care.  He  was  the 
author  of  some  good  Latin  works  for  the  use  of  his 

1    Capyoffhewill.    The  Bcholarthip  WM  not  diminiBbed. 

Dr.  Robert  Green,  a  natiye  of  Tamworth,  who  received  his  early  education  under 
Mr.  Antrobus,  and  became  a  fellow  of  Clare-hall,  Cambrid^,  by  his  will  dated  the 
1 0th  of  October,  1731,  bequeathed  money  for  the  pnrchase  of  two  pieces  of  plate,— 
iUTcr  cups,— of  the  Talue  of  (U,  each,  bearingr  appropriate  inscriptions,  to  be  given  to 
two  scholars  in  tiieir  sophisters*  years,  the  first  as  a  reward  of  piety,  virtue,  and  good- 
ness; and  the  second  for  ingenuity,  scholarship,  and  learning,— it  being  a  more 
dlAcult  task  to  be  a  real  Christian  than  an  excellent  scholar.  And  if  it  should  happen 
that,  in  the  Judgment  of  the  masters  and  fellows  of  the  college,  the  same  youth 
shonkl  be  the  most  eminent  of  his  year  for  both  the  endowments  of  piety  and 
lesmiDg,  he  should  be  presented  with  the  two  pieces  of  plate. 
2    Corporation  records. 


4SS  TAMWORTH 

scholan.  He  repaired  the  buildings  of  the  School, 
in  1710,  at  a  charge  of  15/.  Ids.  5d.,  of  which  10/. 
was  repaid  him  by  the  corporation;  who,  in  1728, 
allowed  him  28/.  14«.  for  further  improTements.^  He 
continued  here  until  his  decease,  which  occurred  in 
April,  1730.  Mrs.  Shaw  provided  for  the  School,  until 
a  successor  was  nominated. 

Thomas  Ebdall,  M.A.,  was  appointed  schoolmaster, 
on  the  15th  of  September  following,  by  the  guardians 
and  capital  burgesses.  He  remained  in  the  office  for 
a  very  short  time,  tendering  his  resignation  on  the 
8th  of  February,  1782-3;  at  which  time  the  rev. 
William  Sawrey  was  chosen  to  supply  his  place. 

William  Sawrey  continued  to  exercise  his  duties  as 
schoolmaster  about  eight  years;  when  he  resigned. 

The  rev.  John  Princep  was  immediately  chosen  in 
the  place  of  Mr.  Sawrey,  on  the  2l8t  of  January, 
1740-1,  by  the  guardians  and  governors.  On  the  11th 
of  October,  1752,  he  resigned  into  the  hands  of  the 
corporation  their  gift  of  the  Free  School  to  him.* 

On  the  26th  of  October  following,  the  rev.  Simon 
Collins  was  nominated  to  be  the  master.  Under  his 
superintendence,  the  School  appears  to  have  been  in  a 
prosperous  state,  there  being  numerous  classical  scholars 
on  the  foundation,  and  boarders  admitted  from  a  dis- 
tance. 

On  the  demise  of  Simon  Collins,  in  1793,  the  rev. 
John  Oldershaw  was  chosen  by  the  guardians,  whose 
nomination  occurred  on  the  25th  of  June.  He  remained 
here  about  thirteen  years. 

The  rev.  Charles  Edward,  son  of  Simon  Collins,  was 
elected    master    on    the    Ist    of    August,    1805,    when 

1    Corpontion  recordt.  2    lUd. 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  438 

his  predecessor  resigned  the  office.  During  his  contin- 
uance here,  the  institution  rapidly  declined^'and  at  last 
the  mastership  became  a  complete  sinecure.  When  he 
gave  it  up,  there  was  a  vacancy  for  half  a  year,  and 
the  operation  of  the  School  was  wholly  suspended. 

On  the  appointment  of  the  rev.  Samuel  Downes,  on 
the  17th  of  August,  1813,  the  guardians  attempted  to 
remedy  the  defects  lately  manifested,  which  tended  so 
greatly  to  impair  the  utility  of  the  foundation.  These 
principally  arose  from  the  scantiness  of  the  endowment, 
and  the  practice  of  granting  the  office  of  schoolmaster 
for  the  life  of  the  person,  without  retaining  the  imme- 
diate power  of  removal  at  any  time.  Some  rules  were 
drawn  up,  with  the  consent  of  the  high-steward,  by 
which  it  was  ordered  that  the  master  should  instruct 
all  the  free  scholars  in  arithmetic,  and  writing,  and 
also  reading  English  and  the  principles  of  English 
grammar,  and  that  he  should  be  entitled  to  a  compen- 
sation of  four  guineas  a-year  from  each  of  those  who 
should  receive  such  instructions.  Mr.  Downes  also  was 
made  to  give  a  bond  to  the  guardians  and  governors, 
conditioning  that  he  would  resign  within  the  space  of 
six  months  after  he  should  have  been  requested  to 
do  so  in  writing  by  them.  The  School  began  to 
revive  for  a  little  time.  The  building  was  put  in 
repair,  in  1814,  at  a  considerable  expence,  68/.  lbs. 
being  raised  by  public  contribution,  in  addition  to 
50/.  which  was  granted  out  of  the  corporation  funds. 
The  late  sir  Robert  Peel  gave  20/.  Mr.  Downes  had 
about  a  dozen  scholars,  of  whom  three  or  four  were 
boarders.  But  he  soon  voluntarily  ceased  to  receive 
more;  and  the  School  again  sunk,  insomuch  that,  in 
J,    there    were  only   four    boys    who    attended    for 


484  TAKWOBTH 

two  hoxas  in  the  morning,  and  then  resorted  to 
other  schools  to  acquire  knowledge  in  other  essential 
branches  of  education.  Afterwards  the  institution  be- 
came entirely  deserted,  although  Mr.  Downes  still 
resided  in  the  house,  and  received  the  emoluments  of 
his  office.  The  building  fell  into  a  state  of  great 
delapidation.  The  disapprobation  of  the  guardians  and 
governors  at  the  existing  state  of  the  institution  was 
strongly  expressed  at  a  meeting  held  on  the  29th  of 
September,  1826;  and,  soon  afterwards,  Mr.  Downes 
placed  his  resignation  in  their  hands.  On  the  9ih  of 
May,  in  the  following  year,  the  rev.  Thomas  Pearson 
Tiammin  was  elected  master  in  his  stead.^ 

The  School-room  and  house  adjoining  were  thoroughly 
repaired,  at  an  ezpence  of  169/.  78.  8d.,  which  was 
defrayed  by  public  subscription.  Under  the  very  able 
and  judicious  management  of  Mr.  Lammin,  whose  exer- 
tions were  ever  unremitting,  the  School  once  more 
became  a  flourishing  institution,  numbering  between 
thirty  and  forty  day-scholars,  and  about  eight  boarders, 
the  latter  of  whom  paid  thirty  guineas  a-year. 

In  the  order  of  the  high  court  of  Chancery  made  in 
1837,  by  which  all  the  charitable  gifts  belonging  to 
the  town  that  had  been  consigned  to  the  care  and  man- 
agement of  the  late  bailifb  and  commonalty,  were 
placed  for  administration  in  the  hands  of  nine  trustees, 
the  Free  Grammar  School,  being  then  under  no  legal 
governance,  was  specially  included.  In  consequence, 
these  trustees, — ^William  Knight,  Matthew  Ingle,  Richard 
Barratt,  Shirley  Palmer  M.D.,  Thomas  Cox,  John 
Butler,  Francis  Hunter,  Samuel  Hanson,  and  B.  K. 
Fallows, — received  the  control  of  this  institution,  with 

1    CorpoFition  reoonU. 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  486 

as  full  and  ample  powers  as  the  late  guardians  and 
govemors  had  ever  possessed  under  the  charters  of 
Elizabeth  and  Charles  II.  To  them,  the  election  of 
the  master  now  appertains. 

The  decease  of  the  rev.  T.  P.  Lammin  occurred  on 
the  16th  of  March,  1837.  The  School  was  vacant  for 
a  time ;  but,  towards  the  close  of  the  same  year,  the 
trustees  appointed  Mr.  Henry  Handley  to  be  master, 
by  whom  the  office  is  still  held. 

The  School  is  only  free  for  boys  residing  within  the 
borough.  Of  the  stipend  paid  by  the  crown,  the  master 
only  receives  7/.  18*.,  the  remainder  being  deducted  for 
land-tax  and  fees  of  office.  Several  gifts  in  perpetuity, 
derived  from  the  liberality  of  private  individuals,  have 
increased  the  amount  to  about  84/.  These  we  shall 
especially  mention,  when  we  speak  of  the  charities  con- 
nected with  the  town.  The  School-house  is  held  by 
the  master  rent-free.  The  efficacy  of  the  institution  is 
very  much  limited  by  the  exceedingly  small  endowment 
attached  to  it.  It  is  evident  that,  unless  the  emoluments 
be  considerably  increased,  either  by  public  grant  or 
private  benefitctions,  this  institution  will  never  fully 
realize  the  intention  of  its  establishment.  Tet,  from 
the  absence  of  any  large  school  of  eminence  for  some 
distance  around,  the  utility  of  the  Free  Grammar  School 
of  Tamworth  would  be  incalculably  great,  not  only  to 
the  town,  but  to  the  surrounding  neighbourhood. 


SIR  ROBERT  PEEL'S  SCHOOL. 

There  had  long  been  acknowledged  in  Tamworth  a 
great  deficiency,  tending  to  retard  the  moral  improve* 
ment  of  the  people,  in  the  absence  of  any  pubUc 
institution,  conducted  on  an  extensive  and  liberal  scale, 
for  the  education  of  the  children  of  the  poor  inhabi- 
tants. The  first  great  and  successful  attempt  to  remedy 
the  defect,  was  made  by  the  late  sir  Robert  Peel,  bart 


The  family  of  Peel  is  of  andent 
standing  in  the  county-palatine  of 
Lancaster. 

Robert  Psbl,  of  Oswaldtwistle, 
Lancashire,  d.  about  1736,  and  was 
bur,  at  Blackburn.  His  son,  by 
Anne  his  wife, 

William  FKbl,  of  Oswaldtwistle, 
m.  Jane,  dan.  of  Lawrence  Walms- 
ley,  of  Darwin,  in  Lancashire ;  d.  a- 
bout  1760,  and  was  bur.  at  Black- 
bum,  in  the  same  county.     His  son, 


ROBBBT     PeKL, 

was  ».  in  1722. 
He  resided,  dnriog 
the  greater  part  of 
his  life,  at  Ped- 
fold  or  Peel-cross, 
near  Blackburn ; 
and  was  a  farmer 
and  cotton-manu- 
facturer. After  his 
works  had  been 
attacked  by  a  mob, 
he  remoTed  his 
gpiimiiig-trade  to 
Burton-on-Trent, 
in  Staffordshire; 
where  heestablish- 
ed  cotton-mills- 
He  d.  Sept.  12th,1795,  and  was  bur. 
at  St.  John's,  Manchester.  By  his 
wife  Elizabeth,  dau.  of  Edmund  Ho- 
worth,  of  Blackburn, — she  d,  in 
March,  1796,^he  had, 

I.  William,  of  Church.lMmk,  co.  of 
Lancaster,  who  m.  Mary  daa.of  Tlio. 
Howorth,  of  Blackborn,  and  had  a 
large  family. 

II.  EoMuxo,  who  m.,  and  had  iuae. 

III.  RoBBRT,  of  whom  we  shall  imme- 
diately speak. 

IV.  Jonathan. 

V.  La wasNcs,  who  m.,  and  had  issue. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 


487 


In  the  year  1820^  he  founded^  entirely  at  his  own 
expense,  a  School  conducted  on  the  national  plan  for 
the    instruction    of  100  poor  boys,    providing  them  at 


n.  JoMVH,  who  d,  in  1890,  learing 


ni.  JoMir,  of  Biirton-apoD>'nreiit. 
Till.  Ajtm,  who  WM  m.,  ist  to  the  rev. 
Borlace  ¥nilock,  of  HorwoocU  in 
Lancashire;  Snd  to  the  rev.  Geo. 
Park,  of  Hawkstead.  Shetf.ininO. 
RoBS&T  Pbsl,  the  founder  of  the 
fortunes  of  his  family,  was  b,  at  Peel- 
fold,  Apr.  25th,  1750.  He  was 
educated  at  Blacklmm  grammar 
schooL  Li  1778,  he  entered  into 
partnership  with  Messrs.  Yates  and 
Howard,  of  Bnry,  bringingin  a  share 
of  3  or  4,000/.  of  property  to  the 
firm ;  who  established  a  cotton 
mannfactory  at  Chamber-hall.  The 
business  was  first  limited  to  calico- 
printing;  bat  afterwards  all  the  other 
branches  were  added.  Uninterrupted 
success  attended  the  concern;  and 
soon  the  works  were  extended  to 
numerons  places,  in  different  counties. 
Mr.  Peel  became  a  banker  in  Man- 
chester for  a  short  time.  In  1778, 
having  acquired  a  large  fortune,  he 
pnrdMsed  Drayton-manor  from  the 
marquis  of  Bath.  He  brought  the 
ootton-trade'into  Tamworth  and  the 
neighbourhood.  He  soon  came  from 
Chamber-hall  to  reside  at  Drayton. 
Mr.  Ptel  was  returned  to  Parliament 
for  Tamworth  in  1790,  and  he  con- 
tinued to  represent  the  borough  until 
1820.  In  1797,  he  and  Mr.  Yates 
contributed  10,000/.  towards  defray- 
ing the  expenses  of  the  war;  and  he 
asSdstod  in  the  formation  and  support 
of  the  Lancashire  Fendbles  and  the 
Tamworth  Armed  Association.  In 
1798,  he  took  the  command  of  six 
companies  of  men,  called  the  Bury 
Loyal  Volunteers,  chiefly  formed  of 
his  own  work-people.  For  his  ser- 
vices, he  was  created  a  baronet,  Nov. 
29th,  1800.  In  1818,  sir  Robert 
Peel  retired  from  the  cotton  business, 
having  realized,  it  is  conjectured,  no 
less  than  2,500,000/.  He  d.  at 
Drayton,  May  3rd,  1830.  His  will 
was  proved  June  8Ui  following.  The 
personals   were  sworn    at   *' upper 


value"  or  more  than  900.000/. ;  the 
probate-stamp  was  15,000/.,  and  the 
legacy-duty  paid  exceeded  10,000/. 
Drayton-park,  and  other  estates  in 
the  COS.  of  Warw.  and  Staff.,  were 
entailed  on  the  title.  To  the  240,000/. 
previously  advanced  as  gifts  to,  or 
settled  on,  his  children, — exclusive 
of  9,000/.  per  annum  secured  to  his 
eldest  son, — sums  were  added  in- 
creasing the  portions  of  his  five 
younger  sons  to  135,000/.  each,  and 
those  of  his  daughters  to  53,000/. 
each.  His  legacies  to  friends  and  old 
servants  and  his  bequests  to  public 
institutions  amounted  to  a  very  con- 
siderable sum.  Of  the  residue, 
calculated  at  500,000/.,  four-ninths 
were  given  tohis  ddest  son,  and  one- 
ninth  to  each  of  the  younger  ones. 
Sir  Robert  Peel  was  twice  m.  His 
1st  wife,  m.  July  8th,  1783,  was 
EUen,  dau.  of  his  partner  Mr. 
Yates  i—b.  March  22nd,  1766,— by 
whom  he  had  a  numerous  family* 
His  2nd  wife,  m.  Oct.  18th,  1805, 
was  Susanna,  youngest  sister  of  the 
rev.  sir  W.  H.  Clarke,  hart.,  rector 
ofBury:shetf.Sept.  19th,  1824.  s.p. 
X.  Mart.  b.  Jane  17th.  1784;  m.  Jan. 

9th,  1810,  to  the  rt.  hon.  Geo.  Rob. 

Dawson,  of  Castle-Dawson,  formerly 

aecretanr  to  the  treasury. 

II.  Elixabbth,  b.  Apr.  isth,  1780;  m. 
Dec.  30th,  1805,  to  the  rev.  Will.  Cock, 
bum,  dean  of  York;  d.  Jane  10th  1828. 

III.  RoBBRT,  the  present  rt.  hon. 
baronet. 

IV.  William  Tatss,  b.  Ang.  Srd,  1789. 
He  m.,  Jane  17th,  1 81 9,  lady  Jane- 
Elisabeth  Moore,  Snd  dan.  of  Stephen, 
e.  of  Moontcashel ;  and  has  a  nomer- 
oas  family.  The  rt.  hon.  W.  T.  Peel 
has  been  M.P.  for  TSmwortb,  and  a 
member  of  the  privy  coancil. 

T.  Bdmvnd,  6.  Aag.  8th,  1791 ;  m.,  in 
18IS,  Jane,  2nd  dan.  of  JohnSwinfen, 
esq.,  of  Swinfen,  co.  of  Staff.  He 
was  formerly  M.P.  for  Newcastle- 


VI.  Elbanora,  d.  an  infant. 

Tii.  Anvb,  d.  an  infant. 

Tin.  HARRiBTT-ELBAiroRA.  b.  BCaTch 
2Sth,  17^  j  m.  March  lUl),  I9i4,  to 
the  rt.  hdn.  kabtrt,  iiiil  lord  H^nlry , 
a  master  in  ChwacerYt  wrio  d,m  Ui« 
early  part  of  lUi, 


4S8 


TAMWOBTH 


II.  JoBif,  d.  Atir.  ttnd,  1798,  in  orden, 
bcinf  a  prebeDdary  of  (^ntertnur, 
and rlcw of  Stone.  Hem. May  0th, 
1894,  Angusta,  another  dan.  of  John 
Bwinfen,  eaq. 

z.  Jonathan,  b,  Oct.  Itth,  17P9{  a 
lleut..ootonel  In  the  army*  and  M.P. 
for  Hnntlncdon.  Hem.,  March I9th« 
1884,  lady  Alida^ane  Kennedy, 
yoongest  dan.  of  Archibald,   e.  of 


the   same    time    with   clothes,    and  giving    to   each 
shilling  loaf  weekly.     This  excellent  establishment 
supported  by  the  founder  during  his  life:  and,  in  his 

he  declared  that  thej  oonld  no  longer 
be  resiatad  with  Mfety  to  the  national 
welfare,  he  lesomed  ofSoe  on  theoon- 
didon  of  conceding  them.  ConKioae 
of  the  oppodtion  of  anch  a  meanitt 
to  the  aentimentB  of  his  conetiftnenti, 
in  the  early  part  of  1S29,  he  raiigned 
hia  seat  for  the  nniveraity  of  Ozfiwd. 
His  re-election  wae  loccenfally  op- 
posed hy  sir  Rob.  H.  In|^ ;  biit, 
March  5th,  he  was  dected  for  the 
borough  of  Westhory.  The  Cadiolie 
Emandpetian-bill,  whidi  had  king 
formed  a  subject  of  dispute  and  agita- 
tion, was  carried,  and,  Apr.  13th, 
receiTed  the  royal  aaaent.  Mr.  Feel 
sncceedcd  to  the  baronetcy  of  his 
family,  in  May,  1830.  In  this  year, 
he  lost  hia  office  of  home  aeoretaiy. 
on  the  aooeaaian  of  the  Whig-party 
to  power.  From  thia  time,  he  has 
been  returned  to  Parliament  for  Tarn- 
worth.  At  the  cloae  of  1834,  air 
Robert  Peel  waa  called  upon  to  form 
a  new  government,  and  he  became 
prime  minister  and  chancellor  of  the 
exchequer ;  but  hia  adminiatration  waa 
of  a  short  duration,  as  he  resigned 
in  the  April  foUowing.  InMay,1839t 
he  waa  again  elevated  to  the  digmty 
of  prime-minister;  but,  in  a  fow  days, 
he  resigned  the  important  trust;  wlMn 
the  Whig  sdminlstration  resumed 
power,  in  the  middle  of  die  year 
1841,  he  was,  a  third  time,  called 
upon  to  aaaume  the  dignity  of  first 
lord  of  the  treaaory :  and,  ttom  that 
time  to  the  present  day,  he  has  re- 
tained the  govenunent  of  the  Britiah 
Empire.  The  right  hon.  air  Robert 
Peel  m.,  June  8th,  1820,  Julia, 
youngest  dau.  of  general  air  John 
Floyd,  hart.,  and  hM, 

1.  BoaaaT,  b.  May  4tfa,  isn. 

u.  Fbxdbbick,  b,  Oct.  99th,  1813. 

m.  William,  b.  Nov.  and,  18S4. 

IV.  Jobn-Plotd,  b.  May  llth,  I8I7. 

V.  Arthur.  WBLLatLST»6Jluf  Srd,l8a9* 

VI.  Julia,  m.,  1841,  Ocoiftt  vtecouit 
VllUen,  eldest  ton  of  Geotse,  earl  of 
Jersey. 

Vll» 


r  narattls  of  Ailaa,  K.T. 
zi.  ItAVRRMCB,  b.  £a  1800 1  m.,  July 

SOth,  issa,  lady  Jane  Lennox,  4th  dau. 

of  Charles,  4th  duke  of  Richmond. 
RoBsnT  Pbsl,  esq.,— -the  present 
right  hon.  sir  Robert  Peel,  hart, — 
was  b,  at  Chamber-hall,  near  Bury, 
Feb.  5th,  1788.  He  was  sent  to 
school  at  Harrow,  and  finished  his 
education  at  Christ  Church-college, 
Ozfbrd.  In  1809,  he  was  returned 
to  Parliament  for  Cashel,  in  Ireland, 
and  commenced  the  splendid  political 
career,  by  which  hia  life  has  been 
since  distinguished.  His  promotion 
in  the  state  soon  followed.  In  1810. 
he  was  appointed  under-secretary  of 
Btate  for  the  colonial  department. 
In  the  administration  of  Uie  eari  of 
Liverpool,  which  succeeded  that  of 
Mr.  Perdval,  the  rt.  hon.  Robert 
Peel,  in  Sept.,  1812,  waa  constituted 
chief  secretary  for  Ireland,  under  the 
viceroyship  of  the  late  duke  of  Rich- 
mond. At  the  general  election,  in 
the  same  year,  he  was  returned  to 
Parliament  for  Chippenham.  And, 
in  1817,  1818,  1820,  and  1826,  he 
was  returned  for  the  university  of 
Oxford.  In  1818,  he  retired  from 
bis  office  as  Irish  secretary ;  but, 
Jan.  17th,  1822,  was  appointed  sec« 
retary  for  the  home  department. 
This  post  he  retuned  until  1827, 
when  Mr.  Canning  came  into  power 
for  a  short  time.  After  the  death  of 
this  statesman,  in  the  same  year,  Mr. 
Peel  again  became  home-secretary, 
under  the  administration  of  the  duke 
of  Wellington.  Mr.  Peel  had  hitherto 
been  one  of  the  most  powerful  oppo- 
nents of  the  claims  of  Catholics  to 
emancipation  ;   but  now,  convinced 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN. 


439 


wiU^  he  bestowed  upon  it  an  ample  endowment  by 
leaving  for  its  maintenance  the  sum  of  6^000/.  The 
complete  control  of  it  he  placed  in  the  hands  of  his 
eldest  son^   the  present  right  hon.  sir  Robert  Peel. 

During  the  year  1837^  a  neat  commodious  building 
was  erected  in  Lichfield-street,  to  serve  as  a  School  in 
place  of  a  large  room^  which  had  heretofore  been 
occupied  for  that  purpose^  and  was  situated  in  Church- 
street^  adjoining  the  Church-yard.  Here  about  80  boys 
now  receive  the  regular  instruction^  which  their  station 
in  life  may  demand. 


THE  NATIONAL  SCHOOL. 

The  inconvenience  resulting  from  the  want  of  rooms 
amply  sufficient  in  size  and  possessed  of  the  necessaiy 
accommodations  for  Sundaj-schools  in  connection  with, 
and  under  the  control  of  the  authorities  of,  the  church 
of  England,  reasonably  created  a  desire  on  the  part  of 
the  persons  belonging  to  the  establishment  for  the 
erection  of  a  building  that  would  subserve  a  purpose  of 
so  great  utility  and  importance.  In  order  to  remedy 
the  manifest  defect,  active  measures  were  adopted,  in 
1826,  by  the  rev.  Francis  Blick,  then  vicar,  and  his 
friends,  to  raise  the  necessary  funds.  A  bazaar  was 
then  held  in  the  Town-hall  for  the  sale  of  small  fiemcy 
or  usefrd  articles,  the  result  of  which  was  the  realization 
of  the  sum  of  323/.  The  success  attendant  upon  this 
occasion,  and  the  promises  of  liberal  assistance  which 
were  tendered  by  influential  and  wealthy  persons,  led 
to  the  determination  that  the  plan  originally  laid  down 
should  be  enlarged,  and  a  weekly  School,  conducted  on 
Dr.  fiell's  system  of  education,  established,  and  the 
rooms  erected  for  such  a  purpose  used  on  the  first  day 
of  the  week  as  a  Sunday-school.  The  accomplishment 
of  this  extended  scheme  necessarily  demanded  an  increase 
of  outlay.  To  provide  for  this,  a  second  bazaar  was 
held  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1828,  by  means  of 
which  an  additional  sum  of  853/.  was  obtained.    Ezten- 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  441 

sive  subscriptions  were  also  raised  throughout  the  town 
and  neighbourhood.  The  National  society  bestowed  200/.^ 
and  50/.  was  given  by  that  of  Lichfield.  A  sufficient 
sum  was  thus  obtained  for  the  foundation  of  the  School. 

The  building  stands  in  College-lane,  on  the  site  of 
the  College-house  of  the  ancient  yicars.  The  erection 
and  fitting  up  of  the  whole  cost  nearly  1^0/.  It  is 
a  neat  building,  and  consists  of  two  rooms,  the  lower 
in  front  for  boys,  and  the  upper  at  the  back  for 
girls.  Behind  is  another  room  used  for  the  preparatory 
training  of  in&nts. 

The  School  is  supported,  partly  by  small  weekly 
payments  from  each  child,  and  partly  by  free  contribu- 
tions. An  annuity  of  8/.  is  paid  out  of  the  rev.  J. 
Rawlet's  charity,  for  the  education  of  twelve  girls  free* 
On  the  disbandment  of  the  Tamworth  volunteers,  400/. 
raised  for  their  support  was  left  in  the  hands  of  the 
late  sir  Robert  Lawley.  This  sum  was  subsequently 
invested  in  the  three  per  cents,  in  the  name  of  certain 
trustees,  to  educate  freely  in  this  School  for  every  1/. 
of  interest  an  immediate  child  or  grandchild  of  the 
volunteers,  at  the  nomination  of  the  trustees :  and  after 
the  failure  of  such  children  the  interest  should  be  ap- 
plied to  the  general  purposes  of  this  institution.  The 
trustees  appointed  were,  sir  Bobert  Lawley,  bart.; 
Francis  Lawley,  esq.,  M.P. ;  the  vicar  of  Tamworth; 
and  the  perpetual  curate  or  curates  of  Wilnecote  and 
Wigginton,  for  the  time  being;  and  Bichard  F.  A* 
Freeman,  esq.  In  case  of  the  deceases  of  sir  Bobert 
and  Mr.  Francis  Lawley,  two  representatives  of  the 
same  family  should  be  chosen  in  their  stead. 

The  School  is  conducted  in  a  very  efficient  manner, 
and  is  numerously  attended. 


THE  WORKHOUSE. 

The  first  attempt  to  provide  a  xemedy  for  the  great 
inoonvenienoe  which  was  occasioned  to  the  town  by  the 
wants  and  the  number  of  the  poor,  and  to  furnish  a  per- 
manent relief  to  the  burden  which  such  had  created, 
was  made  in  the  reign  of  James  11.  The  right  hon. 
Thomas  lord  yisooimt  Weymouth,*  by  indenture  dated 
the  26th  of  February,  1686-7,  granted  to  the  bailiA 
of  the  town  and  their  successors,  to  sir  Edward 
Littleton  bart.,  Sebright  Repington  esq.,  Franda  Wol- 
verston  esq.,  Nicholas  Parker  gent.,  George  Alsop 
gent,  and  Samuel  Langley  derk,  their  heirs  and  assigns, 
for  the  promotion  and  encouragement  of  industry  and 
the  provision  of  a  place  for  the  poor,  a  bam  and  fold 
on  the  south  side  of  a  lane  leading  from  the  School* 
house  of  Tamworth  towards  Amington*haIl ;  upon  trust, 
that  they  should  convert  the  same  into  a  Workhouse 
wherein  the  poor  might  be  employed  and  their  children 
instructed. 

The  bam  thus  liberally  bestowed  by  lord  Wey^ 
mouth,  was  estimated  at  about  SO/.  A  new  building 
was  erected  on  the  ground  by  public  contributions, 
which,  with  the  value  of  materials  and  of  labour  freely 
given,  amounted  to  1192.  its.  6d.  Amongst  the  benefactors 
were,  Samuel  Port  alias  Porch,  who  gave  102.;  sir 
Edward    Littleton,   5/.;    dame    Elizabeth    Ferrers,    bl.; 


CABTLB  AND  TOWN.  44S 

Matthew  Floyer^  four  trees  valued  at  51. ;  Thomas  Guy, 
$/.;  Sebright  Sepington,  6,000  bricks  valued  at  SI.;  sir 
Henry  Gough,  1/.  10s. ;  and  John  Guy,  1/.*  This 
building  obtained  the  name  of  the  Spinning-school.  It 
was  used  only  for  children;  and  was  mostly  supported 
by  voluntary  subscriptions.  The  corporation  usually 
gave  4/.  a-year  towards  its  maintenance;  and,  in  July, 
1693,  a  similar  annual  sum  was  added  by  Thomas  Guy.* 

The  Spinning-school,  in  the  course  of  time, — ^for  what 
reason  does  not  plainly  appear, — ^fell  entirely  into  disuse; 
90  that,  in  1719,  it  was  directed  by  the  bailifb  and 
commonalty  that  the  building  should  be  converted  into 
a  number  of  houses  for  the  poor.  This  order  was  im- 
mediately put  into  execution.' 

The  number  of  paupers  continually  increasing,  and 
the  burden  of  their  maintenance  becoming  by  degrees 
very  great,  it  was  thought  necessary,  in  1789,  to  erect 
a  Workhouse  within  the  borough  for  the  benefit  of  the 
town ;  and,  on  the  10th  of  May,  the  baili£Es  and  com-? 
monalty  ordered  that  subscriptions  should  be  raised  and 
solicited  for  the  promotion  of  such  a  purpose.  The 
bounty  of  a  nobleman  saved  the  town  from  incurring 
the  great  expense  of  raising  an  edifice.  James  earl  of 
Northampton,  the  lord  of  the  Castle,  purchased  a  mes- 
suage and  piece  of  land  containing  Ir.  Up.  situated  in 
Gungate,  adjoining  Colehill;  and  there  he  erected  a 
large  building  fi)r  a  Workhouse.  And  by  indenture  of 
the  14th  of  December*  1741,  he  granted  this  to  the  use 
of  the  borough,  for  the  lodging,  maintenance,  and 
employment  of  the  poor  of  the  borough  and  also  of 
the  Castle-liberty ;  and  for  other  charitable  uses  specified, 
the  earl  gave  the  land  and  messuage   to  William  lord 

1    Langle7'tM*S*ilfl90*      9  QqipanOoiL  B«oardt.      s   lb. 


444  TAMWORTH 

Andover  and  others,  upon  trust,  to  pennit  the  inha- 
bitants to  use  it,  provided  they  employed  it  as  a 
Workhouse.  And  in  case  it  should  be  disused  as  such 
for  the  space  of  twelve  months,  the  trustees  should 
take  possession  of  it:  and  they,  vnth  the  minister, 
baili£Es,  and  town-clerk  of  the  borough,  should  let  the 
premises,  and  apply  the  rents,  after  deducting  so  much 
as  should  be  requisite  for  repairs,  to  such  pious  and 
charitable  uses  as  they  should  think  proper,  amongst 
the  inhabitants  of  the  borough  and  liberty  having  l^al 
settlements  there,  regard  being  paid  to  the  greatest  and 
most  necessitous  objects  of  charity.  And  when  the 
trustees,  by  death  or  othervnse,  should  be  reduced  to 
three,  the  survivors  should  immediately  elect  four  more 
new  trustees,  substantial  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Tamworth  or  gentlemen  of  estate  and  condition  in  the 
counties  of  Stafford  or  Warwick.  The  expenses  of  the 
new  deeds  of  trust,  and  all  other  charges  incident  to 
the  charity  should  be  paid  out  of  the  poors*  levies 
whilst  the  building  should  serve  as  a  Workhouse,  and 
afterwards  out  of  the  rents  and  profits  of  the  messuage.' 
But  the  new  Poor-house  was  soon  insufficient  to 
afford  all  the  relief  which  was  required.  The  edifice 
in  Gungate  was  abandoned  in  1750  for  the  present 
Workhouse,  which  had  been  erected  and  completely 
furnished  for  such  a  purpose  at  the  expense  of  Thomas 
lord  viscount  Weymouth  and  Francis  lord  Middleton, 
who,  by  deed  dated  the  4th  of  May,  in  that  year, 
gave  it  to  be  used  for  the  poor  of  the  town.  The  gen* 
erosity  of  these  noblemen  thus  spared  the  inhabitants 
the  cost  and  trouble  which  they  would  otherwise  have 
had  to  encounter. 

1    Chuitf  GoDunlarionen*  Report. 


CA8TLB   AND  TOWN.  446 

Under  the  new  poor  law^  this  institution  has  been 
constituted  the  Union  Workhouse  to  serve  not  only  for 
the  poor  of  the  parish  of  Tamworth^  but  also  for  those  of 
Austrey,  Canwell,  Chilcote^  Clifton-Campyile,  Croxall, 
Drayton-Basset^  Edingale^  Harlaston^  Hints^  Kingsbury, 
Middleton,  Newton-Regis,  Seckington,  Shuttington, 
Statfold,  and  Thorpe-Constantine,  in  the  neighbourhood. 
As  an  increase  of  accommodation  was  requisite  for  this 
purpose,  a  smaller  building  has  been  added. 

The  Workhouse  stands  on  the  west  side  of  Ladybridge- 
bank,  near  to,  but  at  some  height  above,  the  northern 
bank  of  the  Tame.  Its  situation  is  exceedingly  fine, 
and  very  airy.  The  old  building  is  large  and  substan- 
tial, and  is  totally  tree  from  that  gloomy  and  prison-like 
appearance  so  sadly  characterizing  places  of  a  similar 
destination  which  have  been  erected  in  recent  times. 
Indeed,  it  presents  more  the  aspect  of  a  well-built 
and  good  hospital,  and  forms  a  prominent  object  at  the 
southern  entrance  of  the  town  far  from  disagreeable 
to  the  sight.  It  was  once  surmounted  by  a  wooden 
bell-turret,  in  the  centre  of  the  roof,  with  a  clock  and 
weather-fane;  but  this  was  removed  a  few  years  ago. 
Internally  the  rooms  are  spacious  and  very  comfortable, 
and  the  arrangements  appear  to  be  made  in  a  superior 
manner.  The  new  building  stands  detached  a  little  to 
the  west.  It  is  entirely  devoid  of  every  ornament 
externally;  whilst  the  small  and  few  windows  lead  to 
to  the  conjecture  that  it  is  a  very  melancholy  place. 
The  association  of  such  an  idea  with  it  is  at  once  dis- 
persed by  a  visit  to  the  interior.  It  is  then  perceived 
that  the  great  defects  in  its  appearance  arise  only 
from  the  absence  of  all  architectural  decoration  and  from 
want  of  the  study  of  effect. 

m3 


THE  ALMSHOUSES. 

This  institution  was  founded  by  Thomas  Guj,  citizen 
of  London,  to  whom  the  inhabitants  of  Southwark  are 
indebted  for  the  splendid  hospital  which  bears  his 
name.  His  mother  was  a  native  of  Tamworth;^  and 
in  the  welfare  of  the  town  he  took  the  deepest  interest 
for  the  greater  part  of  his  life,  and  aided  in  the  prind- 
pal  improvements  made  whilst  he  was  connected  with 
the  place.  In  1678,  he  bought  some  ground  in  Gun- 
gate,  and  built  the  Almshouses,  which  he  fitted  up  for 
seven  poor  women,  giving  to  each  a  weekly  allowance. 
One  of  the  rooms,  in  1688,  he  assigned  for  the  library 
bequeathed  to  the  town  by  Mr.  Rawlet.  As  he  wished 
to  extend  his  foundation,  the  corporation,  in  1692, 
granted  him  some  land  north  of  the  building,  and  there 
he  erected  seven  additional  rooms  that  he  might  be 
able  to  accommodate  seven  poor  men.  The  whole  cost 
about  200/.' 

The  charitable  founder  supported  the  institution  so 
long  as  he  lived,  and  provided  an  ample  endowment 
for  it  afterwards.  By  his  last  will  and  testament,'  dated 
the  4th  of  September,  1724,  he  devised  to  John  Cheatly, 
John    Blood,    Joseph    Blood,    Arthur   Alcock,    Thomas 

1    Extract  from  the  Pariah  Refiiter:— 

"June,  iMi. 
18.    Muryed  Mr.  JoMph  Seeley  of  OoTcntir  &  Mrs.  Anne  Quy  of  Tunwoith.'* 
Mn.  Gay  wm  the  daoirhter  of  WUUam  Vaof  hton. 

2    Corpontlon  Records.  S    See  Appendix  :--Note  M. 


CASTLE    AND    TOWN.  447 

Orton,  John  Radford,  Robert  Blood,  and  John  Osbom, 
his  Almshouses  situated  partly  in  Gungate  and  partly 
in  Schoolhouse-lane,  to  hold  in  trust  that  they  should, 
from  time  to  time,  place  there  fourteen  poor  persons, 
men  and  women,  inhabitants  of  the  townships  of  Wil- 
necote,  Glasoote,  Bolehall-street,  Amington,  Wi^inton, 
or  Hopwas,' — his  relations  being  preferred  if  any  should 
oflTer  themselves, — ^whom  they  should  think  proper  objects 
of  such  a  charity ;  and  so  often  as  any  of  them  died, 
or  were  removed  for  misbehaviour,  to  place  others  in 
their  stead.  When  any  trustee  should  die,  the  survi- 
vors should  choose  another  person  to  succeed  him;  and 
to  prevent  any  legal  interest  in  the  premises  from  going 
to  the  heir  of  a  surviving  trustee,  so  often  as  the 
trustees  should  be  reduced  to  two,  these  should  convey 
the  premises  to  other  persons,  upon  the  same  trust. 
And  as  the  masters,  wardens,  and  commonalty  of  the 
art  and  mystery  of  Stationers,  in  the  city  of  London, 
were  bound,  by  a  bond,  dated  the  3rd  of  February, 
1717,  unto  the  governors  of  the  hospital  of  St.  Thomas 
the  Apostle  in  Southwark,  for  the  payment  of  125/.  for 
ever,  half  yearly,  to  the  testator  during  his  life,  and 
after  his  decease,  to  such  purposes  as  he  should  direct, 

1  It  wiU  be  obMnredtiiattlw  town  of  Tunwoithli  excluded  from  lU  benefit  in  tfali 
Inatitation.  Tbomae  Guy  represented  the  borough  in  perliament  from  1095  to  1707> 
Bat  in  the  hitter  yeer,  the  burgesees,— notwithftendiny  the  meny  serricee  of  their 
"inoompereble  benefactor,*'  and  his  repeated  promises  that,  if  they  would  support  him, 
he  would  leave  his  whole  fortune  to  the  town  so  that  there  should  never  be  a  pauper 
here,— retomed  an  opposing  candidate.  The  cause  of  Guy's  r^ection  is  said  to  have 
been  his  neglect  of  the  gastronomic  propensities  of  his  worthy,  patriotic,  and  enlighten- 
ed oonstitQents,  by  whom  the  virtues  of  fissttng  appear  to  have  been  entirely  forgotten. 
In  the  anger  of  the  moment,  hp  threatened  to  pull  down  ths  Town-hall  which  he  had 
boat,  and  to  abolish  Oie  Almshouses. 

The  burgesses,  repenting  of  their  rash  act,  sent  a  deputation  to  wait  upon  him,  with 
the  oflner  of  reflection  in  the  ensuing  parliament)  but  he  rejected  all  condUation. 
Being  advanced  hi  age,  he  never  represented  any  other  place.  He  always  considered 
that  he  had  been  treated  with  great  ingratitude,  employed  his  Immense  fortune 
in  enlarging  St.  Thomas's  hospital,  Southwark,  and  in  building  and  endowing  anothe 
there;  and  he  deprived  the  inhabitants  of  Tamworth  of  the  advantage  of  his  Alms- 
booses  here. 


448  TAMWORTH 

Mr.  Guy  appointed  that  tbe  Bum  should  be  paid^  by 
half-yearly  payments  at  the  feast  of  St.  John  the 
Baptist  and  the  birth  of  our  Lord  God^  to  his  executors, 
until  the  formation  of  the  president  and  governors  of 
his  hospital  into  a  corporate  body,  who  should  then 
receive  it.  Out  of  this,  115/.  a-year,  at  the  same  terms, 
should  be  given  to  the  trustees  of  the  Almshouses,  who 
should  employ  SOI.  of  it  in  providing  for  the  mainte- 
nance of  the  alms-people,  two  shillings  a-week  being 
given  to  each,  and  the  residue  applied  in  the  reparation 
of  the  premises,  or  otherwise  as  might  be  thought  fit 
The  remaining  851,  should  be  applied  by  the  trustees  in 
putting  out  children  apprentices,  nursing,  or  such  like 
charitable  deed,  of  four,  six,  or  eight  poor  persons 
of  the  family  of  the  Voughtons  or  Woods,  or  pro- 
ceeding therefrom,  as  the  trustees  deemed  fit :  and  if 
none  or  not  sufficient  of  such  could  be  found,  then  of 
other  persons  as  should  be  considered  proper  objects  of 
charity. 

The  building  is  said  to  occupy  the  site  of  the  ancient 
Guild-hall  of  St.  George.  It  is  a  plain  substantial  build- 
ing, presenting  two  sides  of  a  square,  with  a  garden 
behind  common  to  the  fourteen  poor.  Each  of  the 
alms-people  occupies  two  rooms,  having  separate  entrance. 
The  front  towards  Gungate  was  rebuilt  in  1827,  and 
bears  a  tablet  recording  the  foundation.  The  annuity 
of  115/.  continues  to  be  paid  by  the  governors  of  Gujr's 
hospital,  Southwark.  Out  of  it  accumulations  have  been 
made  from  the  savings  of  weekly  pay  during  vacancies 
amongst  the  alms-people  and  from  the  money  destined  for 
repairs,  which,  having  been  from  time  to  time  invested  in 
the  funds,  ultimately  amounted  to  1,388/.  ISs.  Id.  new  four 
per    cents.      This    stock    was    subsequently    sold    for 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  449 

1^416/.  188.  4d.,  which  was  laid  out  in  the  purchase  of  free- 
hold property  in  the  parish  of  St.  Martin's^  Birmingham, 
consisting  of  nine  parcels  of  land  and  sixty  new  houses 
erected  thereon,  let  upon  building  leases, — of  which  about 
66  years  now  remain  unexpired, — ^producing  a  ground- 
rent  of  68/.  68.  The  purchase  money  was  1,670/.,  of 
which  153/.  was  left  as  a  debt  bearing  interest  at  5/. 
per  cent.  Thus,  in  1823,  the  commissioners  found 
the  income  of  the  charity  increased  to  183/.  6«.  This 
had  enabled  the  trustees  to  raise  the  weekly  pay  of 
the  poor  people  to  $8.  6c/.  a-week.  The  85/.  assigned 
by  the  founder  to  the  benefit  of  his  poor  relations  was 
distributed  to  such  annually,  without  reference  to  their 
residence,  in  sums  varying  from  5««  to  2/.;  and  after 
insurance  and  all  other  incidental  expences  had  been 
paid,  the  surplus  was  laid  by  for  augmenting  the  endow- 
ment. 

Very  lately  the  trustees  have  extended  the  property 
by  the  purchase  of  the  premises  called  ^'Spinning  School" 
mentioned  in  page  443.  It  is  in  contemplation  to  raise 
the  amount  of  the  weekly  allowance  assigned  to  the 
alms-people. 


THE  CHARITIES. 

Of  the  charities  which  existed  before  the  time  of 
Edward  VI.,  none  now  remain,  all  having  been  swept 
away  with  the  eodesiastical  property.  But  since  the 
accession  of  Elizabeth,  priyate  individuals  have  left 
numerous  gifts  in  perpetuity,  which  constitute  an  im- 
portant source  of  benefit,  especially  to  the  poor,  who 
form  the  general  object  of  them.  Most  of  them  continue 
to  be  administered  at  the  present  time;  but  some  have 
been  entirely  or  in  part  lost,  from  circumstances  which 
have  become  mostly  forgotten. 

The  gifts  were  generally  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
bailijflb,  ministers,  or  churchwardens,  occasionally  of  persons 
specially  appointed  as  trustees.  After  the  change  of  the 
form  of  government  of  the  town,  imder  the  act  for  the 
reform  of  municipal  bodies,  the  charities  originally 
intrusted  to  the  bailifb  for  distribution  were,  upon  the 
petition  of  Shirley  Palmer  M.D.,  and  James  Jackson, 
placed  imder  the  administration  of  nine  trustees,  by  an 
order  of  one  of  the  masters  of  the  high  court  of  Chan- 
cery, dated  the  24th  of  December,  1836,  and  confirmed 
by  the  lord  chancellor  on  the  SSrd  of  February  following. 
The  trustees  nominated  were,  William  Knight,  John 
Butler,  Matthew  Ingle,  Francis  Hunter,  Richard  Bar- 
ratt,  Samuel  Hanson,  Shirley  Palmer  M JD.,  Robert  K. 
Fallows,  and  Thomas  Cox. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  451 

The  sources  whence  we  have  derived  our  informatioii 
concerning  the  respective  charities^  are  the  original 
documents  themselves^  or  authenticated  copies  of  them, 
and  a  manuscript  book  entitled  ^^A  Collection  of  Per- 
petual Gifts  to  the  Town  and  Parish  of  Tamworth. 
By  Samuel  Langley,  Minister  there.  1690 :"  with  con- 
tinuations. We  have  also  made  use  of  the  report  of  the 
commissioners  for  inquiring  into  charities,  published  in  1825. 
Henby  Suckley's  Gift. 

By  indenture  made  on  the  24th  of  July,  1564,  Henry 
Buckley,  citizen  and  merchant-tailor  of  London,  a  native 
of  Tamworth,  and  Agnes  his  wife,  conveyed  to  John  Topp, 
his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  after  the  death  of  the 
survivor  of  the  two,  a  messuage  called  the  Ram,  in 
Watling-street,  London;  a  messuage,  garden,  orchard, 
and  dove-house,  at  Corbetstye,  in  the  parish  of  Up- 
minster,  Essex;  and  a  messuage  called  Ryseley's,  in 
Upminster;  to  hold  to  the  use  and  behoof  of  the  poor 
inhabitants  of  Tamworth,  and  of  the  adjoining  hamlets. 
John  Topp  should,  at  his  cost,  before  the  first  day  of 
November  ensuing,  provide  one  good  broad  Kentish 
woollen  cloth,  twenty-eight  yards  long  or  more,  to  be 
woven  with  three  threads  through,  being  worth  6/.,  and, 
sending  it  to  Tamworth,  divide  it,  in  the  presence  of 
the  bailifb  and  conmionalty,  amongst  poor  householders 
of  the  town  and  hamlets.  And  before  the  first  of 
November,  1565,  he  was  to  provide  canvas  linen  cloth 
to  the  value  of  6/.  or  more,  to  be  divided  into  shirts, 
smocks,  kerchiefs,  or  aprons,  and  similarly  distributed. 
In  1566,  the  woollen  was  to  be  given  away;  in  the 
next  year,  the  cloth;  and  so  alternately  for  ever.  The 
sum  of  188.  4d.  was  to  be  given  yearly  to  such  preacher 
as  should  deliver  a  sermon  on  the   1st   of  November, 


452  TAirWOKTH 

between  the  hours  of  eight  and  eleven  in  the  moming^ 
at  the  appointment  of  the  dean  and  chapter  of  Lichfield ; 
who  covenanted  to  select  a  person  for  such  purpose  that 
should  deliver  the  gospel  of  Christ  sincerely,  purely,  and 
truly.  If  John  Topp,  or  the  future  possessors  of  the 
hereditaments,  should  neglect  to  supply  the  linen  or 
woollen,  he  or  they  should  pay  a  fine  of  twenty  marks 
to  the  dean  and  chapter,  for  the  first  defiiult,  to  be 
divided,  within  a  month  after  the  receipt,  amongst  the 
poor  of  the  town  and  hamlets,  with  the  consent  of  the 
bailifis  and  commonalty,  ISs.  4d.  being  reserved  for  the 
preacher:  and  on  a  second  default,  the  dean  and  chapter 
might  take  full  possession  of  the  property,  and  hold  it 
for  the  destined  uses.  If  the  dean  and  chapter,  having 
possession,  should  neglect  any  part  of  the  covenant, 
the  bailifis  and  commonalty  should  complain  to  the 
bishop,  that  he  might  compel  them  by  ecclesiastical 
censures  to  fulfil  their  duties.  But  if  the  bishop  should 
be  negligent,  they  should  "make  humble  petition,  & 
lamentable  complaint,  &  lowly  supplication,"  to  the 
lord  chancellor  of  England  to  oblige  the  dean  and 
chapter.  And  the  four  parties  concerned  made  promise 
to  each  other  that  they  would  fiiithfully  observe  the 
conditions,  "  on  their  fidelitys,  fidths,  &  trouths  to 
Allmighty  God,  as  they  intend  to  be  saued  by  the 
merits  of  Christ's  death,  blood,  &  passion,  at  y*  dread- 
full  day  of  judgment ;  when  no  secrets  of  man's  deeds 
or  acts  wrought  wrongfully  shall  be  hid,  but  plainly 
and  apertly  opened,  disclosed,  &  revealed,  for  synne  & 
infidelity  com'itted,  perpetrated,  &  done.'* 

This  gift  is  still  received,  the  sum  of  6/.  ISs.  Ad. 
being  paid  as  a  rent  charge  on  two  houses  in  Watling- 
street,  and  on  a  fiEirm  at  Corbetstye,  although  the  property 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  453 

at  the  latter  place  originally  granted  to  John  Topp, 
cannot  be  identified.  The  alternate  supply  of  cloth  and 
linen  had  been  abandoned  long  before  -  the  inquiry  of 
the  GommiasionerSj  in  1828.  This  gift  is  now  at  the 
disposal  of  the  Charity-trustees. 

Fbteb  Bbadock's  Gift. 

Peter  Bradock^  saddler^  by  will  dated  in  1594/  gave 
6tf.  8dl  to  the  poor  in  Tamworth^  yearly,  for  ever,  issuing 
out  of  a  messuage  in  Church-lane.  This  was  to  be  dis- 
tributed yearly  on  Good  Friday  in  boulted  penny  bread 
to  poor  householders  baring  a  charge. 

Such  are  the  statements  in  Langley's  book ;  but  a  note 
in  the  same  says  that  13«.  4d.  was  the  amount  originally 
bequeathed.  It  seems  that  afterwards  the  house  was 
formed  into  two  tenements,  whence,  perhaps,  half  the 
sum  became  lost.  The  gift  is  now  extinct:  and  the 
house  charged  with  the  payment  cannot  be  identified 
with  certainty. 

RiCHABD  BePINGTON'S  GiFT. 

Bichard  Bepington,  esq.,  of  Amington,  by  will  dated 
the  SOth  of  August,  1609,  bequeathed  to  his  brother 
Thomas  Bejongton  and  to  hb  nephew  John,  son  of 
Thomas,  120/.  to  purchase,  in  fee-simple,  so  much  lands 
and  hereditaments,  as  they  and  their  heirs  should  out 
of  the  rents  pay  6/.  annually  to  the  relief  of  twenty  poor 
of  the  parish  of  Tamworth.  To  each  of  the  poor,  was 
to  be  paid  the  sum  of  5^.,  at  the  chapel  of  Great 
Aming^n,  upon  the  Friday  befi>re  Christmas-day,  as  the 
donor  had  been  accustomed  to  do :  and  68.  8d.  was  to 
be  given  to  the  reader  of  divine  sendee  in  the  chapel, 
at  that  time.  But  if  any  of  the  poor  persons  should  be 
diubied  finom  attending,  they  should  receive  their  pro- 

1    He  WM  boiled  at  TMDWorth,  on  tliA  srd  oTDMembcr,  1898. 

N   8 


454  TAMWOBTH 

portion  at  their  own  abode.  The  objects  of  the  gift 
should  be  those  given  to  serve  Gk)d  and  living  in  good 
name  and  fiime;  they  should  not  be  blasphemers,  or 
drunkards^  or  disquiet  persons,  but  of  honest  and  godly 
conversation,  to  the  better  example  of  others. 

No  land  was  purchased,  but  5/.  6s.  Sd.  has  been 
annually  paid  to  the  vicar  of  Tamworth  by  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  land  at  Amington  formerly  belonging  to 
the  testator.  The  6/.  is  distributed  equally  amongst 
the  poor  of  Amington,  Bolehall  and  Glascote,  Tamworth, 
and  Wigginton;  those  of  Amington  receiving  it  at  the 
chapel. 

John  Wiohtwick's  Gift. 

John  Wightwick,  esq.,  of  the  Inner  Temple,  London, 
by  indenture  dated  the  7th  of  April,  1620,  at  the  request 
of  his  fieither  William,  granted  to  the  bailifb  and  com- 
monalty of  Tamworth  an  annuity  of  10«.,  issuing  out 
of  five  lands  and  one  headland  of  arable  ground  in 
Spittle-field,  which  he  had  bought  of  Nicholas  Breton. 
The  first  payment  was  to  begin  on  the  feast  of  St.  Mi- 
chael next  after  the  decease  of  William  Wightwick,  and 
to  continue  on  that  day  for  ever.  The  bailiffs  should 
yearly,  on  Gt>od  Friday,  distribute  it  equally  amongst 
thirty  poor  of  the  town.  For  every  de&ult  of  payment, 
after  twenty  days  &om  the  feast, — the  sum  being 
demanded  at  the  house  then  inhabited  by  William 
Wightwick, — John  Wightwick,  his  heirs  and  assigns, 
should  forfeit  to  the  use  of  the  poor  S«.  4d. :  and  the 
bailiffi  and  commonalty  might  enforce  payment  by 
distress. 

The  sum  of  10«.  is  now  received  by  the  trustees 
appointed  in  1837. 


castlb  and  town.  455 

Stephen  Bayly's  Gift. 

Stephen  Bayly^  shepherd,  of  Tamhom,  in  Stafford- 
shire, by  will,  dated  the  1st  of  May,  1620,  left  to  the 
poor  of  Tamworth  an  annuity  of  40^..  for  ever,  out  of 
his  freehold  lands  at  Tamhome  called  Crowlake,  which 
he  bequeathed  to  Joan  his  wife  for  life,  and  then  to 
his  brother's  daughter,  Avice  Bayly,  who  had  married 
Richard  Heely  of  Tamworth.  The  sum  was  to  be  paid 
by  equal  portions  on  the  feast  of  St.  Michael,  and  that 
of  the  Annunciation  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  St.  Mary. 

The  bailifb  were  administrators  of  this  gift;  which 
has  passed  to  the  Charity-trustees. 

Thomas  Cope's  Gipt. 

Thomas  Cope,  yeoman,  of  Wigj^inton,  by  his  deed  of 
feoffment,  dated  the  5th  of  February,  1620-1,  to  Anticle 
Willington,  gent. ;  Michael  Vaughton,  yeoman,  of  Wig- 
ginton ;  and  other  persons,  gave  10«.  a-year  to  ten  poor 
people  of  Tamworth,  to  be  distributed  by  the  feoffees 
and  their  heirs,  on  Good  Friday.  Also  he  gaye  10^. 
to  be  distributed  by  the  same  parties  to  as  many  poor 
people  in  the  lordship  of  Wigginton,  on  the  Friday 
before  Christmas-day. 

The  two  annuities  of  10^.  each  are  charged  upon  a 
close  in  the  manor  of  Bolehall,  the  owner  of  which 
gives  away  the  money,  at  pleasure. 

Mabgabet  Finney's  Gift. 

Margaret  Finney  alias  Wade,  of  Eddiall,  in  Stafford- 
shire, by  her  will  of  the  8th  of  February,  1623-4,  gave 
to  the  poor  of  Tamworth  4/.,  the  interest  of  which  was 
to  be  distributed  by  the  bailifib  and  her  executors,  to 
the  poorest  householders  in  the  parish,  at  4c^.  each, 
upon  the  23rd  of  December  yearly.  By  indenture  of 
the    19th  of  March,    1624-5,  her  executors,    Thomas 


466  TAMWOBTH 

Glazier,  gent.,  of  lichfield-closei  and  Hugh  Deakin, 
Benior,  of  Chorley,  having  paid  over  the  sum,  tnaafeired 
all  their  power  in  the  disposal  to  the  bailiffs  and 
commonalty  for  ever. 

How  or  when  ihis  gift  was  lost,  we  have  not  ascer- 
tained.   It  is  not  mentioned  by  Langley. 

Thomas  Chbatle's  Gift. 

Thomas  Cheade,  gent,  of  WoKester,  having  consigned 
to  the  bailifb  and  commonalty  of  Tamworth  1041., 
covenanted,  by  indenture  made  on  the  S2nd  of  Septem- 
ber, 1627,  that  they  should  hold  the  sum  to  the 
following  uses.  One  hundred  pounds  should  be  let  out, 
from  time  to  time,  for  ever,  on  good  security,  at  four 
per  cent,  to  five  or  ten  poor  tradesmen,  housekeepers, 
artificers,  inhabiting  the  town,  clothiers  and  makers  of 
cloth  of  any  sort,  or  such  as  should  set  the  poor  on 
work  by  using  their  stock  being  especially  preened. 
The  money,  after  repayment  at  the  end  of  two  or 
three  years,  should  be  let  out  again  in  a  similar  manner. 
The  4/.  residue  of  the  1047.  for  the  first  year,  and  the 
annual  interest  afterwards  paid  at  the  end  of  every  year 
to  the  bailifis,  should  be  given  annually  on  security  to 
a  baker  in  the  town,  who,  every  month,  counting  twenty- 
eight  days  to  each,  should  deliver  six  dozen  df  good 
bread  to  twenty-four  poor  peojde  of  the  town  and 
parish  selected  by  the  bailiffs.  The  overplus  of  the  4£ 
and  advantage  of  the  poundage  of  the  bread  should  be 
allowed  to  the  person  appointed  to  superintend  the 
distribution  of  the  loaves,  and  to  keep  a  r^;ister-book 
of  it.  The  bailifis  and  commonalty  agreed  that  if,  at 
any  time,  all  or  any  part  of  the  money  should  be  lost, 
they  would  supply  the  deficiency  out  of  the  town  funds. 


CA8TLB  AND  TOWN.  467 

SO  that  the  gift  might  continue  ''w*Nmt  dymynucon  fsr 
ever  to  all  posterytie." 

In  1750,  only  18/.  remained :  it  is  conjectoied  that 
the  rest  was  lost  through  insufficient  securities.^  The 
deficiency  was  never  supplied:  and  this  sum  only  came 
to  the  Charity-trustees. 

Henby  Michsll's  Gift. 

Henry  Michell,  gent.,  of  Tamworth,  by  his  will  made 
on  the  Z2nd  of  May,  1629,  bequeathed  an  annuity  of 
40«.,  out  of  his  lands  and  hereditaments  in  the  town, 
and  his  bam  and  close  adjoining  to  Stony-lane.  Of 
this,  aOs.  was  to  be  given  on  every  Good  Friday  equally 
to  forty  of  the  poorest  householders  in  Tamworth  by 
his  executor,  after  her  decease  by  his  children  residing 
in  the  town,  or  else  by  the  bailiffs.  The  other  20^. 
was  to  be  equally  divided,  at  the  same  time,  between 
the  curate  and  the  schoolmaster.  The  bailifb  should 
have  power  of  distress  for  the  sum,  or  for  any  portion 
remaining  unpaid  when  due. 

The  disposal  of  this  gift  has  been  committed  to  the 
Charity-trustees. 

Sib  John  Febbebs's  Gift. 

Sir  John  Ferrers,  knight,  of  Walton-upon-Trent,  by 
his  will,  dated  the  2nd  of  April,  1630,  bequeathed  his 
meadow-grounds,  called  Highfield-meadows,  at  Lea,  in 
the  parish  of  Bradbume,  Derbyshire,  to  sir  John  Re» 
pington  of  Amington,  sir  Simon  Archer,  John  lisle  of 
Moxall,  and  John  Wightwick,  and  their  heirs  for  ever, 
that  they,  after  his  decease,  should  annually  pay  to  the 
bailifb  of  Tamworth  out  of  the  rents  and  profits  10/., 

1  In  the  return  made  to  parliament  relating  to  the  beneCutiont,  in  1780,  it  wai 
stated  that  aU  tat  18/.  waa  lott  •<  in  pnmianoe  of  the  direction  of  the  donor*i  wlIL" 
We  have  not  teen  this  docoment,  so  that  we  cannot  vouch  for  the  accnracj  of  this 
curlona  and  obacore  itatement* 


458  TAXWOBTH 

on  or  before  the  feast  of  St  Thomas.  The  bailifi  were, 
that  day,  to  distribute  the  money  equally  and  indiffer- 
ently amongst  twenty  of  the  poorest  honseholders '  in 
the  town  of  Tangiworth,  not  common  beggars. 

Sir  John  Ferrers'  donation  is  now  in  the  hands  of 
the  Charity-trustees. 

Obsen's  Gift. 

The  original  document  of  this  gift  is  not  to  be  found, 
and  the  date  is  unknown.  In  1660,  Henry  Langley, 
of  Whittington,  a  very  old  man,  certified  that  Green,  a 
tanner,  gave  20^.  a-year  to  the  poor  of  Tamworth,  tied 
upon  the  house  in  lichfield-street,  wherein  Thomas 
Gilbert  lived,  lately  Mr.  Bouse.  Langley's  grand-mother, 
father,  and  mother,  paid  it  whilst  they  resided  there. 
Samuel  Langley  says  that  Mr.  Green  charged  upon  the 
house  which  had  been  Mr.  House's,  but  in  1689  was 
Mr.  Gregg's,  the  payment  of  13^.  4d.  in  bread  to  the 
poor  on  St.  Thomas'  day  or  Good  Friday. 

Between  1778  and  1780,  the  payment  was  discon- 
tinued. Although  the  house  could  be  identified,  the 
conmiissioners,  in  18S8,  did  not  think  that  the  gift 
could  be  revived;  so  it  is  now  lost 

Edwabd  Dratton's  Gift. 

Langley  says  that  ^'Edward  Drayton,  Yinter,  gaue 
twenty  shillings  yearly  to  the  poor  of  Tamworth  tat 
ever,  issuing  out  of  closes  or  lands  in  Fasely,  called 
Grosmore  &  Bely's  Leap." 

^'note.  The  Bayliffs  of  Tamworth  do  lease  these 
closes  for  40  shillings  per  annum,  and  payment  of  the 
Lord's  Kent  to  Draiton  Bassett:  one  twenty  shillings 
of  this  goes  to  Atherston,  and  the  other  to  the 
poor  of  Tamworth." 


OA0TLB  Am)  TOWN.  459 

The  oxigmal  deed  of  the  gift  cannot  be  found,  and 
nothing  is  known  of  the  exact  destination,  except  what 
Mr.  Langley  has  recorded.  The  bailifi  acted  as  land- 
lords, and,  after  paying  208.  to  the  parish  officers  of 
Atherstone,  applied  the  rest  to  the  use  of  the  poor  of 
the  town.  About  181S,  Gossmore-dose,  previously  let 
for  4/.  a-year,  was  exchanged  with  sir  Robert  Feel  for 
Ridge-lane  close  in  Fazeley,  containing  about  3a.,  which 
brought  in  double  that  amount  of  rent.  Very  nearly 
at  the  same  time,  Bayley's  Leap,  preyiously  let  at  1/. 
Is.  per  annum,  was  disposed  of  to  the  Coventry  canal 
company  at  a  compensation  rent  of  1/.  6s.  a-year. 
The  sums  are  still  applied  as  was  formerly  done  by  the 
bailiffi,  by  the  Charity-trustees. 

Lord  Chesterfield's  Gift. 

Philip  Stanhope,  first  earl  jof  Chesterfield,  by  inden- 
ture of  the  d4th  of  May,  1639,  delivered  to  the  bailifb 
and  commonalty  of  Tamworth  85/.,  that,  with  the 
interest,  should  be  provided  twenty-four  loaves  of  the 
coarser  sort  of  bread,  to  be  distributed  monthly  in  the 
Church,  by  the  appointment  of  the  earl  and  his  coun- 
tess,^ after  their  deceases  by  John  Ferrers,  esq.,  and 
after  him  by  the  bailifb,  to  twenty-four  inhabitants  of 
the  Warwickshire  part  of  the  town  nominated  by  them 
as  should  have  been  at  morning-prayer.  And  12d.  was 
to  be  given  to  the  officer  distributing  the  bread. 

This  charity  is  extinct.    The  commissioners  could  not 

learn    what  had  become  of  the   85/.      In    the .  return 

made  to  parliament,   in  1786,  it  was  stated   that  the 

sum  appeared  to  have  been  lost  through  bad  securities. 

Henry  Smithes  Gift. 

Robert  Devereux,  earl  of  Essex  and  Ewe,  and  others 

1    Ann,  widow  of  rir  Humphry  Fonra.    See  p.  S7S. 


460  TAMWOBTH 

of  the  Burviying  feoffees  of  Heniy  Smith,  esq.,  late  of 
SilverHBtreet,  in  London,  deceased, — agreeable  to  the 
powers  reposed  in  them  by  several  conreyances  of 
Henry  Smith  dated  the  20th  of  October,  1620,  the 
12th  of  June,  1624,  and  the  21st  of  June,  1626,— by 
deed  of  declaration  of  the  uses  of  their  trust,  bearing 
date  the  20th  of  December,  1641,  gaye  to  the  church- 
wardens and  overseers  of  Tamworth,  Lichfield,  Stafford, 
and  Newcastle-under-Lyne,  their  portions  of  the  manor 
of  Froddeswell,  in  Staffordshire,  fiyr  the  benefit  of  the 
poor, — to  Tamworth,  the  annual  sum  of  14/.;  to 
Lichfield,  18/.;  to  Stafford,  14/.;  and  to  Newcastle- 
under-Lyne,  12/.  The  directions  given  by  Henry  Smith 
in  his  deed  of  uses  for  the  distribution  of  the  sums 
were  these.  The  churchwardens  and  overseers,  before 
meddling  with  the  receipt  of  the  rent,  should  be  bound 
in  double  the  value  of  the  sum  to  the  vicar  of  the 
parish,  to  collect  and  bestow  the  same  according  as  was 
ordered;  the  vicar  should  certify  the  obligation  uncan- 
celled to  the  executors  and  feoffees:  and  in  defitult, 
the  parish  should  lose  the  gift  for  that  time.  The 
churchwardens  and  overseers  were  to  distribute  the 
money  for  the  relief  of  aged  poor  and  infirm  people, 
nuurried  persons  having  more  children  bom  in  lawful 
wedlock  than  their  labours  could  maintain,  poor  orphans, 
poor  people  that  kept  themselves  and  their  fiunilies  to 
labour,  putting  forth  poor  children  as  apprentices,  mar- 
rying poor  maids,  keeping  a  stock  to  set  the  -pwt  to 
work;  and  not  to  any  given  to  excessive  drinking, 
whoremongers,  common  swearers,  pilferers,  or  otherwise 
notoriously  scandalous,  or  to  any  incorrigible  persons, 
disobedient  servants,  vagrant  persons,  or  such  as  have 
no  constant  dwelling,  receive  inmates  to  live  with  them, 


CASTLE    AND   TOWN.  461 

or  have  not  inhabited  the  parish  for  five  years  preceding 
the  distribution^  or  to  any  persons  refusing  to  work^ 
labour^  and  take  pains.  The  churchwardens  and  over- 
seers should^  once  every  month  at  least,  upon  the 
Sabbath,  after  evening  prayer,  meet  in  the  Church,  in 
order  to  consider  the  state  of  the  poor,  and  who  most 
needed  relief;  and  between  Easter  and  Whitsuntide,  they 
should  openly  in  the  Church,  after  evening  prayer,  on 
a  Sabbath, — ^notice  having  been  given  at  the  end  of  the 
morning  prayer  preceding, — ^make  an  account,  in  a  &irly 
vrritten  book,  of  all  receipts  and  disbursements  in  the 
past  year.  The  account  should  be  read  in  the  Church 
on  the  next  Sabbath,  after  morning  prayer;  a  copy  of 
which  should  be  affixed  to  a  table  on  the  wall  of  the 
Church,  in  some  convenient  place,  there  to  remain  for 
fourteen  days,  so  that  it  might  be  publicly  read,  and 
exceptions  taken  if  there  should  be  just  cause,  in  order 
to  make  amendments.  This  or  another  copy  should  be, 
within  ten  days  after  the  fortnight,  delivered  to  the 
vicar,  and  others  to  the  executors  and  feoffees.  If  the 
churchwardens  and  overseers  should  fail  in  the  perfor- 
mance of  any  of  these  directions,  the  poor  should  lose 
the  gift  for  one  year,  and  it  should  then  go  to  Christ's 
hospital,  in  London.  The  money  given  to  impotent 
and  aged  poor  should  be  distributed  in  apparel  of  one 
colour,  with  some  badge  that  the  same  might  be 
known  to  be  the  gift  of  Henry  Smith ;  or  else  in  bread 
and  flesh  or  fish  upon  each  Sabbath,  publicly  in  the 
Church. 

The  manor  of  Froddeswell  was  purchased  by  the  earl 
of  Essex  and  the  other  feoffees,  with  part  of  the 
personal  estate  of  Henry  Smith.  The  annual  sum  of 
1^.  is  now  received  by  the  churchwardens  of  Tamworth, 

oS 


462  TAMWOBTH 

from  the  right  hon.  sir  Robert  Peel,   hart,  as  a  rent- 
charge  upon  his  manor  of  Drayton-Basset. 

Sib  Francis  Nethebsole's  Gift. 

Sir  Francis  Nethersole,  who  died  in  1659,  by  a 
codicil  to  his  will,  appointed,  at  the  request  of  Thomas 
Fox,  that  5/.  should  be  paid  yearly  to  the  schoolmaster 
of  Tamworth,  on  condition  that  children  of  Polesworth 
and  Wareton  desirous  of  learning  the  Latin  and  GredL 
tongues, — so  that  they  did  not  exceed  six  at  one  time, 
and  were  approved  by  his  trustees,— should  be  taught 
those  languages  at  the  Grammar  School  as  freely  as 
any  of  the  town. 

This  sum  is  received  by  the  Charity-trustees  from  the 
treasurer  of  sir  Francis  Nethersole's  charity,  at  Poles- 
worth. 

RiCHABD   VaUGHTON's   GiFT. 

Richard  Vaughton,  yeoman,  of  Tamworth,  by  his 
will  dated  the  28th  of  August,  1665,  bequeathed  to  the 
bailiffs  and  commonalty  and  their  successors  iOs,,  to  be 
paid  yearly  out  of  his  pasture  called  Gorsty-Perrycrofis, 
in  Bolehall,  on  Candlemas-day;  with  power  of  entry 
and  distress  to  the  bailifib  and  commonalty,  in  case  of 
default.  They  were  to  distribute  the  sum  amongst  the 
poor  of  the  town,  within  eight  days  after  the  payment, 
at  the  direction  of  his  executors,  and  of  his  four  trustees 
named  during  their  lives;  and  after  the  decease  of  all, 
by  the  baili£&  of  Tamworth. 

The  Charity-trustees  now  receive  and  distribute  the 
money. 

William  Ashley's  Gift. 

William  Ashley,  gent.,  of  Spinkefield,  Essex,  a  native 
of  Tamworth,  by  his  will,  dated  the  24th  of  July,  1666, 
bequeathed  towards  the  maintenance  of  the  master  ^of 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  468 

the  Free  Granmiar  School^  the  annual  rent  of  10/.  out 
of  his  lands  called  Jenkin-Malden^  in  Essex.  The  first 
payment  was  to  be  made  twelve  months  after  the 
decease  of  his  wife^  and  was  then  to  continue  for  ever. 
The  annuity  is  still  received. 

Kathebine  Bttdd's  Gift. 

Katherine  Budd^  widow^  by  will,  signed  on  the  17th 
of  May^  1667^  bequeathed  to  William  Cornish,  Joseph 
Batman,  James  Trubshaw,  and  Nicholas  Parker, — ^her 
executors  and  overseers, — all  her  lands  in  Baxterley, 
which  she  had  purchased  of  Edward  Swinfen,  of  Bad- 
desley.  Her  executors  and  their  heirs  should  set  the 
premises  to  the  best  advantage,  and  deliver  the  profits, 
as  they  became  due,  to  the  minister  of  the  Church  of 
Tamworth,  to  serve  for  his  better  maintenance  and 
encouragement.  But  if  this  gift  should  be  looked 
upon  as  mortmain,  the  premises  should  remain  to  her 
executors  and  overseers,  and  their  heirs. 

The  value  of  the  donation  is  stated,  on  one  of  the 
tablets  in  the  Church,  to  have  been  five  shillings  a-year, 
in  1726.  There  is  no  mention  of  it  in  the  return  to 
parliament  concerning  charities,  in  1786,  or  in  the 
commissioners'  report  of  1825. 

Richard  Bbabdslet's  Gift. 

Richard  Beardsley,  gent.,  of  Tamworth,  by  his  will, 
dated  the  1st  of  June,  1669,  bequeathed  to  Samuel 
Langley,  then  minister,  and  to  Nicholas  Parker,  and 
their  heirs,  a  cottage  and  garden  in  Tamworth,  with 
40/.  to  purchase  more  lands,  upon  trust,  that,  supposing 
the  rents  should  amount  to  6/.  per  annum,  they  should 
pay  to  the  mimster,  poor,  and  schoolmaster  severally  40s. 
a-year,  as  the  rents  became  due;  but  each  of  the  three 


464  TAMWOBTH 

parties    should    bear  equally    the  increase  or  decrease 
of  the  income. 

The  trustees  with  the  40/.  purchased  Further  Kettle- 
brook-dose,  in  Wilnecote. 

Elizabbth  Bbarimlet's  Gift. 

Elizabeth  Beardsley,  widow  of  Richard,  by  wiD, 
dated  the  ISth  of  September,  1670,  left  to  Samuel 
Langley  and  Nicholas  Parker  10/.  to  be  laid  out  with 
the  40/.  bequeathed  by  her  late  husband,  the  whole  of 
the  profits  to  be  given  solely  to  the  poor,  as  Bichard 
Beardsley  had  directed  the  40«.  to  be  distributed. 

The  trustees  purchased  the  Nearer  Kettlebrook-doee. 

This  gift  and  the  previous  one  are  now  amalgamated ; 
and  no  distinction  is  known  between  the  two  Kettle- 
brook-closes.  There  is  no  cottage  in  Tamworth 
attributed  to  these  charities,  but  the  two  houses 
assigned  to  the  next  gift  are  conjectured  to  have 
belonged  to  them.  The  close  containing  Sa.  S8/».,  at 
the  time  of  the  enquiry  of  the  commissioners,  was  let 
at  the  annual  rent  of  6/.  6«.  For  a  portion  of  the  land 
of  Ir.  SSp.,  the  Coventry  canal  company,  who  had 
taken  it,  paid  a  compensation  of  1/.  Ss.  5d.  The  vicar 
and  town-clerk  have  always  acted  as  trustees,  making 
equal  division  of  the  sums,  the  part  for  the  poor  being 
distributed  by  the  minister  and  churchwardens. 
John  Yaughton's  Gift. 

John  Vaughton,  known  in  his  life-time  as  '^  Whistling 
John,"  left  by  will,  in  1683,  a  croft  in  Gimgate,  the 
rent  to  be  equally  divided  between  the  minister,  school- 
master, and  poor  children  of  Tamworth  to  set  them  to 
work  or  apprentice. 

The  property  considered  to  be  attached  to  this  gift, 
consists  of  Chamberlain's  croft  of  about  half  an  acre,  two 


CASTLE  AND  TOWK.  465 

houses  in  Spizmingschool-lane,  and  Barber's  croft  of  about 
l^a.  adjoining  to  Gkmgate.  It  is  probable  that  a 
part  belonged  to  some  other  charity.  In  1795^  the 
property  was  divided^  the  minister  taking  Chamberlain's 
croft^  and  the  schoolmaster  Barber's  croft^  the  two  houses 
being  assigned  to  the  churchwardens  for  the  poor.  But 
they  were  again  united,  and  placed  under  the  manage- 
ment of  the  churchwardens. 

When  the  commissioners  made  their  enquiries,  the 
crofts  were  let  for  181.  a-year,  and  the  two  houses  for 
5/.  48.  After  deducting  8«.  6d.  for  land-tax  and  stamps, 
the  money  was  divided  equally  amongst  those  for  whom 
it  was  destined. 

Sib  Henry  Gottgh's  Giff. 

Sir  Henry  Gough,  knt.,  of  Perry-hall,  in  Staffordshire, 
by  indentures  of  the  19th  and  20th  of  July,  1686, 
purchased  of  Richard  Weaman  twelve  lands  and  two 
headlands  lying  together  in  Flaxhill-field,  in  Wigginton, 
called  Hungerhill.  And  by  indentures  of  the  19th 
and  SOth  of  October  following,  he  conveyed  the  same 
to  sir  Edward  Littleton,  bart.,  and  Mr.  Devereux 
Littleton,  and  their  heirs,  to  dispose  of  the  rents  and 
profits  for  the  poor  of  Tamworth,  to  be  distributed  on 
St.  Thomas'  day,  every  year,  after  the  next  ensuing 
feast  of  that  saint.  If  there  should  be  £Eiilure  after 
that  day,  the  baili£b,  churchwardens,  and  overseers  of 
the  poor,  might  make  the  distribution. 

By  award  of  the  commissioners  under  the  act  for 
enclosing  the  open  fields  in  the  manor  of  Comberford 
and  Wigginton  or  prebends  of  Wigginton  and  Coton, 
dated  the  19th  of  April,  1771,  there  was  allotted  to 
Stanford  Wolverstan,  esq.,  who  had  married  the  heiress 
of  Devereux  Littleton,  an  enclosure   of  2a.  Sr.   2Xp. ; 


466  TAMWOBTH 

the  profits  of  which  are  now  distriboted,  aocording  to 
the  direction  of  the  donor,  by  hiB  grandson,  Stanley 
Pipe  Wolverstan,  esq.,  of  Statfold-hall. 

Rxv.  John  Kawlbt's  Gift. 
John  Bawlet/  derk,  of  Newcastle-upon-Tyne,  by  will, 
dated  the  gSrd  of  September,  1686,  bequeathed  to  his 
mother,  Mrs.  Margaret  Rice,  a  messuage  in  Church-lane 
which  he  had  bought  of  Henry  Davis,  yielding  a  rent 
of  S/. ;  also  a  messuage  and  lands  purchased  of  George 
Wright,  and  yielding  annually  about  102.  5i.,  for  her 
natural  life.  To  Mistress  Anne  Butler,  of  Newcastle, 
he  gaye  for  life  all  the  lands  and  messuages  in  the 
parish  of  Tamworth,  purchased  of  George  Sadler,  and 
then  leased  for  10/.  10^.  a-year.  Afler  their  deceases, 
he  bequeathed  the  same  to  his  &ther-in-law  William 
Rice,  Samuel  Langley,  Nicholas  Parker,  and  Joseph 
Batman,  their  heirs  and  assigns  for  eyer,  upon  trust 
that  they  should  dispose  of  the  profits  to  the  following 
uses.  To  Mrs.  Hannah  White,  6/.  a-year  should  be 
given,  if  she  were  not  competently  provided  for ;  to  the 
minister  of  the  Church,  4/.,  half  to  be  given  on  Good 
Friday  and  half  on  the  6th  of  November,  if  he  should 
preach  a  sermon  on  each  of  those  days;  to  the  school- 
master of  Tamworth,  40s.  for  ever ;  for  putting  out  two 
boys  yearly  to  some  trade,  81.;  for  instructing  ten 
poor  children  of  the  town  in  English,  40s. ;  and  what 
remained  should  be  distributed,  as  far  as  it  would  go, 
on  Good  Friday,  12d.  a-piece,  to  the  poorest  femilies  of 
the  town.  After  the  death  of  Hannah  White,  4/.  of 
her  annuity  should  be  applied  in  apprenticing  another 
poor  boy  yearly;  and  the  40s.  residue  should  buy  ten 

1  TlM  bittonr  of  this  clamrmaa  is  singalar.  He  slgntd  his  wffl  on  the  numdey, 
being  " in  perfect  heelth  &  soundness  of  body  &  minde;"  on  Satordajr.  he  manied 
Anne  Butler  i  but  on  the  Mondnr  fSaUowing,  the  97th  of  September,  he  was  dead. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWK.  467 

bibles  every  year ^  to  be  giyen  to  the  ten  poor  scholars 
when  they  could  read  them,  or  to  any  other  poor  family 
that  would  make  use  of  them.  Moreoyer,  if  the  minis- 
ter and  schoolmaster  should  think  his  books  worthy  of 
acceptance,  and  would  fix  them  in  some  room  belonging 
to  the  School  or  other  convenient  place,  that  they  might 
be  preserved  for  the  use  of  the  succeeding  schoolmasters 
and  scholars,  and  might  serve  as  an  encouragement  to 
others  to  make  additions,  so  that  there  might  be  a 
public  library  for  the  benefit  of  scholars  in  the  town, 
he  fireely  bestowed  all  his  books  upon  the  School: 
otherwise  he  gave  them  to  Margaret  Bice  and  Anne 
Butler,  to  dispose  of  them  as  they  pleased.  And  the 
testator  directed  that,  upon  the  death  of  any  trustee, 
the  survivors  should,  within  six  or  seven  months,  make 
choice  of  another,  the  original  number  not  being  ex- 
ceeded, and  settle  the  premises  on  themselves  and  those 
chosen,  firom  time  to  time:  and  they  should  allow 
themselves  all  necessary  charges  out  of  the  property. 

In  the  course  of  years,  the  property  belonging  to  this 
charity  became  greatly  augmented.  In  1818,  the  pre* 
mises  were  as  follows.  In  Tamworth, — two  houses  with 
gardens  of  lip.  each,  in  Church-lane,  erected  on  the  site 
of  three  old  ones  comprised  in  the  will,  in  1809,  at  an 
expense  of  240/.;  and  three  messuages,  one  with  a 
garden  of  dp.,  in  Gungate,  which,  by  indentures  of 
lease  and  release,  dated  the  19th  and  20th  of  June, 
1797,  were  conveyed  by  sir  Bobert  Feel  and  his  trustee 
William  Tates  to  the  trustees  of  John  Bawlet,  in 
exchange  for  two  small  messuages  and  garden-ground  in 
the  same  street  belonging  to  the  charity :  in  the  lord- 
ship of  Wigginton, — ^lands  allotted  under  the  endosiure 
act  for  those  named  in  the  will,  which  were  the  Slang 


468  TAMWOBTH 

of  2a.  4p.,  Windmill-close  of  4a.  lip.,  Ball's  close  of 
6a.  20p.,  the  Biddens  of  4a.  Ir.  VJp.,  the  same  of  4a. 
Ir.  Sitp.,  and  Robin  Hood's  butt  of  4a.  ir.  Up.:  in 
the  lordship  of  Bolehall  and  Glascote^ — Poors'  dose  of 
2a.  8r.,  land  taken  by  the  Coventry  canal  company  of 
If.  4p.f  garden  ground  of  4C^.^  and  Glascote-close  of 
8a.  19p.  awarded  to  the  trustees  under  agreement  of  the 
9th  of  December,  1808,  between  the  proprietor  of,  and 
persons  interested  in,  the  open  field  and  other  lands, 
in  lieu  of  selions  of  land  dispersed  over  them.  The 
whole  brought  in  a  rent  of  109/.  lis  6d. 

The  utility  of  this  charity  extended  with  the  property. 
The  number  of  apprentices  put  out  every  year  was  in- 
creased to  three  and  then  to  four;  and,  in  1815,  it  was 
agreed  to  give  8/.  with  each,  instead  of  4/.  The  ten 
poor  girls  have  been  taught  reading  and  needle-work  by 
a  mistress,  who  at  first  received  2/.  as  an  annual  salary, 
increased,  in  1800,  to  4/.,  and,  in  1815,  to  5/.  A 
sum  is  now  paid  to  the  National  School  for  the  free 
education  of  such.  An  additional  school  was  begun 
about  1802,  for  the  instruction  of  twelve  boys,  a  master 
being  appointed  with  IS/,  a-year  for  his  trouble,  untQ 
it  was  raised  to  20/.,  in  1815.  The  boys,  chosen  by 
the  trustees  at  about  ten  years  of  age,  are  taught  for 
about  three  years,  when  they  may  be  apprenticed, 
usually  by  the  aid  of  this  charity.  The  number  of 
bibles  prescribed  in  the  will  has  been  distributed.  From 
1802,  the  sum  of  10/.,  and  firom  1815,  15/.  has  been  an- 
nually given  to  sixty  of  the  poorest  families  in  the  town« 

Mr.  Rawlet's  library  was  accepted  by  the  minister 
and  schoolmaster.  Thomas  Guy  gave  a  room  in  his 
Almshouses  for  their  reception,  which  was  fitted  up,  in 
1688,  for  the  purpose,  at  a  cost  of  10/.  19s.  4d.  raised 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  469 

by  public  subscription.  Two  rooms^  it  seems^  were 
subsequently  used.  The  present  schoolmaster^  a  few 
years  ago,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  yicar,  remoyed 
the  library  to  the  Grammar  School.  A  portrait  of  the 
donor  is  preserved  there. 

William  Sthond's  Gift. 

William  Symond,  mercer,  of  Atherstone,  in  War- 
wickshire, bequeathed,  in  1687,  by  will,  all  his  enclosed 
lands  at  Twycross,  in  Leicestershire,  which  he  had 
bought  of  Henry  Budley,  and  three  closes  there  bought 
of  John  Wheewell,  producing  an  annual  rent  of  14/.; 
also  the  yearly  sum  of  5/.  paid  out  of  several  grounds 
in  Mancetter,  occupied  by  Mrs.  Hester  Thornton, 
in  lieu  of  tithes  charged  upon  them:  which  sums 
of  14/.,  or  so  much  as  could  be  raised  for  the  grounds 
at  Twycross,  and  5/.  should  be  employed  yearly,  after 
his  death,  in  apprenticing  to  good  and  lawful  trades 
the  children  of  poor  men  in  Atherstone,  Tamworth,  and 
Nuneaton,  such  as  could  read  the  bible,  and  whose 
parents  received  no  monthly  collection  from  the  towns. 
The  apprentices  on  being  put  forth  should  have  a  bible 
and  one  of  the  assembly's  catechisms  of  the  larger  sort 
bought  out  of  the  money  for  them  by  the  churchwardens 
or  overseers  of  the  towns.  The  income,  as  it  became 
due,  should  be  annually  received  by  the  churchwardens 
or  overseers  of  Atherstone,  and  should  be  equally  divi- 
ded into  three  parts,  and  the  due  proportions  sent  to 
the  churchwardens  of  Nuneaton  and  Tamworth,  to  be 
employed  for  the  uses  expressed,  all  charges  and  neces- 
sary expences  of  the  collecting  and  receiving  being  first 
deducted* 

The  value  of  this  charity  is  now  more  than  doubled, 
producing,  in   1823,   14/.  Is.  6d.  paid   to  the  church- 

F  3 


470  TAMWORTH 

wardens  of  Tamworth  bj  those  of  Atherstone,  to  be 
appropriated  according  to  the  donor's  will.  Bibles  and 
catechisms  haye  not  been  nsnally  gtren. 

Ann  Osbuen's  Gift. 

Mrs.  Anne  Osbum,  widow^  of  the  Greorge  Inn^  in  this 
town^  by  will,  bearing  date  the  7th  of  November,  1688, 
bequeathed  to  the  bailifi  and  their  successors,  5/.,  the 
interest  to  be  employed,  for  ever,  towards  buying  mate- 
rials, or  in  some  other  good  way,  to  set  poor  children 
to  work  in  the  Spinning-school.  The  interest  should 
be  disposed  of  as  Mr.  Langley  and  Mr.  Nicholas  Parker 
should  approve  as  the  most  likely  to  perpetuate  so 
useful  and  good  a  work ;  and,  after  their  deceases,  by 
the  bailiffs  and  their  successors  for  ever.  But  if  the 
School  should  not  continue,  the  interest  should  be  given 
to  the  poor  of  Tamworth  in  bread,  in  the  Church,  after 
morning  prayer,  on  the  Sunday  before  Christmas-day 
yearly. 

The  gift  is  united  with  that  of  Elizabeth  Michell 
following. 

RsBECCA  Michell's  Gift. 

By  will  dated  the  9th  of  April,  1689^  Bebecca 
Michell  bequeathed  to  the  poor  of  the  borough  of  Tam- 
worth 501.,  to  be  paid,  by  her  executor,  within  twelve 
months  after  her  decease,  to  Mr.  Langley  or  his  suooeaaor 
in  the  ministry,  to  be  set  forth  at  interest  in  safe  hands. 
The  proceeds  yearly  should  be  distributed  by  the  minister 
and  churchwardens  amongst  the  poor  inhabitants  of  the 
borough. 

This  SO/,  was  laid  out,  with  lady  Clobury's  gift,  in 
the  purchase  of  lands,  and  a  third  of  the  rents  appro- 
priated to  the  intentions  of  Rebecca  Michell. 


castle  and  town.  471 

Elizabbth  Michell's  Gift. 

Elizabeth  Michelle  younger  sister  of  Rebecca^  by  will 
dated  the  I9th  of  August,  1690,  gave  50/.  to  the  poor 
of  the  parish  of  Tamworth. 

This  sum  was  equally  divided  between  the  town  and 
the  hamlets,  and  the  portion  assigned  to  the  latter 
distributed  by  the  churchwardens  or  overseers  amongst 
the  poor.  The  other  25/.,  with  the  5/.  left  by  Ann 
Osbum,  and  5/.  two  years'  interest  on  the  gift  of 
Kebecca  Michell,  was  laid  out  in  the  purchase  of  a 
piece  of  ground  in  Beckmore-meadow  of  la.  Ir.  20p., 
in  the  lordship  of  Wigginton,  which  Nicholas  Parker 
conveyed  to  the  baiUfb  and  commonalty,  by  indentures 
of  lease  and  release  made  on  the  18th  and  19th  of 
March,  1691-2,  in  trust,  to  apply  the  rents  and  profits 
as  was  most  agreeable  to  the  wills  of  Elizabeth  Michell 
and  Ann  Osbum, — six  parts  to  be  disposed  of  yearly 
by  the  bailifb  and  churchwardens  pursuant  to  the 
directions  of  the  former  donor,  and  the  remaining 
seventh,  according  to  the  desires  of  the  latter.  This 
land,  then  let  for  Zls.  6c/.  a-year  was,  by  indenture  of 
the  1st  of  August,  1758,  exchanged  with  Samuel 
Beardsley  for  some  ground  in  Broad-meadow,  Wigginton, 
of  la.,  but  bringing  in  a  rent  of  30«.,  and  lying  nearer 
to  the  town  than  Beckmore-meadow. 

The  land  belonging  to  the  united  gifts,  now  held  by 
the  Charity-trustees,  is  a  close  in  Wigginton  of  la.  lip. 
assigned  under  the  Wigginton  enclosure  act  of  1771, 
and  let  for  about  5/.  yearly. 

Elizabeth  Welch's  Gift. 

Elizabeth  Welch,  widow,  by  her  will,  dated  the  1st 
of  February,  1692-3,  bequeathed  to  the  baili£&  and  their 
successors  10/.,  to  purchase  land  or  set  out  to  interest; 


472  TAMWORTH 

and  with  the  profits^  as  they  came  in,  to  buy  English 
bibles  and  distribute  them  amongst  such  poor  of  Tam- 
worth  as  would  be  likely  to  make  the  best  use  of  them. 
After  those  wanting  bibles  should  have  been  supphed, 
the  profits  should  be  laid  out  to  help  to  apprentice 
poor  children,  or  for  bread  to  be  distributed  to  the  poor 
of  Tamworth  in  the  Church,  or  to  uses  most  advan- 
tageous to  the  poor.  And  the  donor  desired  Mr. 
Langley  and  Mr.  Nicholas  Parker  to  see  her  gift  care- 
fully executed,  so  long  as  either  lived. 

This  charity  is  lost. 

Samuel  Lakolet's  Gift. 

Lamuel  Langley,  clerk,  of  Bolehall,  by  will  dated  the 
4th  of  September,  1698,  bequeathed  to  the  bailifb  and 
commonalty  5/.,  the  interest  to  go  to  assist  the  Work- 
house-school for  poor  children,  if  needed ;  but  if  the 
School  should  fail,  to  the  poor  of  the  town,  to  be 
distributed  yearly  by  the  baili£b. 

The  gift  is  lost. 

Ladt  Clobukt's  Gift. 

Dame  Ann  Clobury,  in  1698,  placed  in  the  hands  of 
Samuel  Collins,  minister  of  Tamworth,  and  of  Nicholas 
Parker,  100/.,  to  be  laid  out  in  lands  which  should  be 
conveyed  in  trust  to  Charles  Holt,  baronet,  of  Aston, 
near  Birmingham,  to  G^rge  Alsop,  and  to  themselves. 
The  profits  should  be  distributed  for  the  relief  of  poor 
decayed  housekeepers,  and  also  widowers  and  widows 
within  the  town  of  Tamworth,  such  who  had  been 
labourious  in  their  lives,  and  of  honest  conversation  and 
good  report,  but  by  old  age,  sickness,  lameness,  great 
charge  of  children,  or  extraordinary  losses,  should  have 
been  brought  to  poverty;  but  not  to  common  beg- 
gars,  or  such  as  received  weekly   allowance  constantly 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  473 

from  the  town ;  nor  should  any  family  or  person  receive 
above  10s,  in  one  year.  And  if  convenient^  once  in 
seven  years^  half  of  the  rents  should  be  expended  to 
buy  English  bibles  for  distribution  amongst  poor  fiimilies 
and  persons  of  the  town  not  able  to  obtain  such^  who 
should  be  likely  to  make  the  best  use  of  them.  When 
any  two  of  the  four  trustees  should  be  dead^  then  those 
remaining  should^  within  three  months^  grant  the  pre- 
mises the  use  of  themselves  and  two  others;  of  whom 
the  heir  male  of  sir  Charles  Holt^^  and  the  minister  of 
Tamworth  should  always  be  two. 

Lady  Clobury's  gift  of  100/.  and  Rebecca  MicheU's 
gift  of  50/.  were  united  in  one  purchase.  By  indentures 
of  lease  and  release  dated  the  Ist  and  2nd  of  September^ 
in  the  same  year^  Samuel  Collins  and  Nicholas  Parker 
conveyed  the  premises  which  they  had  bought^ — stated 
to  have  been,  a  messuage,  a  bay  and  a  half  of  baming 
at  the  end  of  the  bam  next  the  messuage,  a  cow-house 
adjoining  the  bay  of  baming,  two  sheds  next  the  bam 
used  as  swine-sties,  eight  ridges  of  land  and  one  hemp- 
leek  in  the  Over-field,  ten  other  ridges  of  land  in  the 
Nether-field,  twelve  more  in  the  same  field,  and 
several  parcels  of  meadow  called  Broad-moor  and  Hell- 
rood,  in  Hollymoor-meadow,  all  situated  in  Glascote, — 
to  Bdward  Symonds  and  Edward  Bradgate,  to  the  use 
of  SIT  Charles  Holt,  Greorge  Alsop,  and  of  themselves, 
and  their  heirs,  upon  trust  that  they  should  yearly 
employ  two-thirds  of  the  rents  and  profits  of  the 
premises  in  the  manner  prescribed  by  lady  Clobury, 
and  permit  the  vicar  and  churchwardens  to  dispose  of 
the  other  third  as  Rebecca  Michell  had  directed. 

In  182S,  the  lands  belonging  to  these  charities  con- 

1    The  male  ttoe  is  now  extinct. 


474  TAHWO&TH 

siBted  of  a  house  divided  into  two  tenements^  kt  for 
1/.  10$.  each;  two  fields  of  7a.  S^.  allotted  to  the 
trustees  on  the  enclosure  of  Glascote,  in  1811,  in  lieu 
of  the  lands  dispersed  in  the  open  fidds,  let  at  an 
annual  rent  of  20/. ;  a  field  of  la.  3r.  7/>.  allotted 
on  the  enclosure  of  Glascote,  in  lieu  of  oonunon 
right,  and  let  for  81. ;  and  1/.  9s.  Id.  paid  by  the  Co- 
ventry canal  company  for  land  of  la.  1^.  taken  by 
them  in  1787.  The  third  appropriated  to  Rebecca 
Michell's  charity,  being  divided  into  three  parts  between 
the  minister  and  two  churchwardens,  was  distributed  by 
them  as  they  saw  occasion. 

Walter  Ashmorb's  Gift. 

Walter  Ashmore,  gent.,  by  his  will  dated  the  8th  of 
September,  1701,  bequeathed  to  the  bailifEs,  minister, 
and  churchwardens,  and  their  successors,  two  cottages 
in  Gungate,  on  the  Staffordshire  side,  to  hold  for  ever 
to  these  uses.  They  should  pay  to  the  diurchwardens 
6s.  a*year  for  setting  the  cottages,  taking  the  profits, 
and  entering  the  same  in  their  book  of  accounts;  194. 
to  be  spent  by  the  bailifb,  mimster,  and  churchwardens 
on  the  meeting,  every  half-year,  to  dispose  of  the  same ; 
and  the  residue  to  be  given  to  the  poorest  widows  and 
fiimilies  in  Tamworth,  not  receiving  common  contribution, 
by  lid.  each,  every  half-year.  The  churchwardens 
should  register  in  their  book  the  names  of  such  widows 
and  families,  that  those  who  did  not  receive  the  sum 
one  year  might  the  next.  No  distribution  of  the  rents 
should  be  made  except  by  the  parties  named,  of  whom 
the  minister  should  be  one. 

The  cottages  having  fallen  into  decay,  a  lease  of  the 
land  was  granted  by  the  minister  and  churchwardens, 
for  ninety-nine  years,  firom  the  25th  of  March,  1771,  at 


CA8TLB  AND  TOWN.  475 

the  annual  rent  of  18s.,  the  lessee  covenanting  to  build 
two  new  cottages. 

Samuel  Port's  Gift. 

Samuel  Port,,  joiner  or  lorrimer,  of  London,  by  his 
will  dated  the  24th  of  July,  1705,  gave  to  Joseph  Stone, 
citizen  and  grocer  of  London,  400/.,  upon  trust  that  he 
should,  after  the  testator's  death,  with  the  approbation 
of  his  wife,  lay  out  the  sum  to  purchase  lands  in  or 
near  Tamworth,  in  fee-simple,  and  settle  the  same  upon 
five  or  more  good  and  able  persons  of  the  town  nom- 
inated by  Joseph  Stone,  and  their  heirs  and  assigns 
for  ever:  upon  trust  that  they  should  permit  his  wife 
Anne  Port  to  take  the  rents.  And,  after  her  decease, 
they  should  permit  the  minister  and  two  bailiffs  to 
receive  the  issues ;  who  should  apply  the  whole,  except 
20«.,  for  apprenticing  in  London  to  some  honest  trade, 
two  poor  boys  bom  in  Tamworth.  Of  the  20^.,  one 
half  was  to  be  spent  yearly  in  a  dinner  or  other  accom- 
modation for  the  managers  of  the  charity,  and  the 
other  half  to  be  paid  to  the  minister,  to  read  his  will 
in  relation  to  the  gift,  and  to  preach  a  sermon  once 
a-year.  But  if  the  bailiff  and  ministers  should  neglect 
to  perform  the  will,  then  the  profits  of  the  estate  might 
be  demanded  by  the  mimster  and  churchwardens  of  St. 
Mary  Somerset,  London,  to  be  employed  in  a  similar 
manner. 

The  legacy  was  laid  out  in  the  purchase  of  lands  at 
Amington  and  Stonydelph,  Hopley  close,  the  Nether- 
close,  four  acres  in  Stonydelph   field,   and  a  piece  of 

1  This  pcnon,  it  U  uld,  mm  a  foundling,  being  ditoovend  dtsoted  in  th«  porch 
of  Tunworth-Chnrdi.  He  mm  broaght  up  at  the  expense  at  the  perish,  and  recdyed 
the  nme  of  Porch,  which  he  afterwards  conTCtted  into  Fort.  He  was  apprenticed 
to  a  joiner  J  and,  being  saocessfol  in  life,  he  left  this  gift  to  the  town  as  a  return 
tat  the  Undnew  which  he  had  oiperieaoed. 


476  TAMWOBTH 

land  in  Far  meadow.  These  were  snrreyed  in  1821» 
and  then  stated  to  be  as  follows: — Fleck,  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Coventry  canal,  of  7p.  used  as  a  garden;  a 
bam,  fold,  and  rick-yard  of  Ir.  VJp. ;  the  FhiUy-moor 
of  11a.  Ip.;  Amington-meadow  of  Sr.  SOp.;  lower  and 
upper  Hopley  closes  of  5a.  Ir.  9p.;  Rotter's  field  of 
Sa.  Ir.  S^. ;  the  Segs  or  Stonydelph-flat  of  Sa.  Sr.  S7p. 
These  were  let,  in  1823,  for  45/.  The  Coventry  canal 
company  paid  1/.  18s.  9d.  a-year  for  land  of  8r.  lOp. 
taken  out  of  Hopley-close.  Owing  to  unapplied  surplus 
of  income,  there  was  then  belonging  to  this  charity 
1,864/.  165.  three  per  cent  consols,  in  the  names  of 
the  trustees,  and  50/.  placed  on  the  security  of  the  toUs 
of  the  Tamworth  turnpike  road,  at  five  per  cent,  making 
a  total  income  of  88/.  8^.  10c/.  A  premium  of  40/. 
was  given  with  each  apprentice;  but  it  was  found 
difficult,  even  for  that  sum,  to  procure  good  masters. 
Ann  Willinoton's  Gift. 

Ann  Willington,  by  will,  in  1711,  bequeathed  40/., 
the  interest  to  be  given  to  the  poor  of  the  town,  by 
the  minister  and  churchwardens. 

This  gift  is  extinct,  as  the  sum  was  lost  by  the  in- 
solvency of  the  vicar,  the  rev.  George  Antrobus,  when 
he  died  in  1724. 

Thomas  Willington's  Gift. 

On  the  tablet  of  1726  in  the  Church,  it  is  recorded 
that  Thomas  Willington,  gent.,  gave  the  interest  of  5/. 
to  the   poor  of  the  town.      This  is  all  we  have  found 
concerning  the  gift;  which  has  been  long  lost. 
Thomas  Blood's  Gift. 

Thomas  Blood,  by  will,  dated  the  14th  of  January, 
1724,  bequeathed  to  Thomas  Mousley  and  four  others 
100/.,  in   trust,    to  place  the    same  out  and  pay  the 


CASTLE    AND    TOWN.  477 

interest  to  his  aunt^  the  wife  of  Joseph  Bloody  during 
her  life ;  and  after  her  death,  either  to  the  under-curate 
of  Tamworth,  or  to  any  other  charitable  uses  they 
should  think  fit.  He  also  bequeathed  to  the  same 
persons  an  additional  100/.,  to  be  placed  out  in  the  same 
manner,  and  the  interest  paid  yearly  to  twenty  poor 
housekeepers  of  the  borough  of  Tamworth,  not  receiving 
weekly  pay.  And  the  testator  required  of  the  trustees 
that,  after  the  death  of  any  of  them,  they  should  choose 
another  in  his  stead. 

With  the  two  sums,  was  purchased  a  close  caUed  the 
Perrycroft  containing  Sa.  Sr.  2Qp.,  in  the  liberty  of 
Bolehall;  which,  in  1823,  produced  an  annual  rent  of 
16/.  The  land-tax  was  redeemed^  in  1799,  for  16/.  4s. 
7Jc/. 

Christian  Orton*s  Gift. 

Mrs.  Christian  Orton,  by  will,  in  1736,  left  201,  the 
interest  to  be  giyen  annually  to  six  poor  widows  of 
Tamworth. 

The  money  was  lent  to  the  trustees  of  the  Tamworth 
turnpike  roads :  and  the  master  of  the  Grammar  School 
has  always  received  and  applied  the  charity,  by  what 
authority  does  not  appear,  as  no  copy  of  the  will  exists 
in  Tamworth. 

Earl  of  Northampton's  Gift. 

Of  the  institution  of  this  charity,  we  have  spoken  in 
our  account  of  the  Workhouse.  The  premises,  no  longer 
used  for  the  poor,  were  let,  and  the  rent  distributed  by 
the  minister,  bailifb,  and  town-clerk,  to  the  poor  in  the 
borough  of  Tamworth  and  liberty  of  the  Castle. 
Mrs.  Harcourt's  Gift. 

Mrs.  Harcourt,  by  will,  the  date  of  which  is  unknown, 
but   which  must  have  been   between   1726  and   1786, 

qS 


478  TAMWORTH 

gave  an  annuity  of  1/.  Is.  Sd.,  charged  upon  lands  at 
Fillongley,  to  the  hailiflb,  to  be  by  them  distributed  in 
coals  and  bread  amongst  twenty  poor  widows  of  Tain- 
worthy  on  St.  Thomas'  day. 

This  gift  is  now  in  the  hands  of  the  Charity-trustees. 
Mabquis  of  Bath's  Gift. 

An  annuity  of  10/.  is  received,  on  Old  St.  Thomas' 
day,  from  the  bankers  of  the  marquis  of  Bath,  and  paid 
in  equal  portions  to  two  school-mistresses,  for  teaching 
eight  young  children  to  read  and  knit. 

The  origin  of  this  charity,  and  the  property  in  respect 
of  which  it  is  paid,  are  unknown.  It  has  been  imagined 
that  it  might  possibly  hare  been  founded  by  Thomas 
viscount  Weymouth,  in  1686.  This,  however,  we  do 
not  believe,  as  the  gift  would  certainly  have  been  then 
known  to  Langley.  It  is  not  mentioned  in  the  tablets 
placed  in  the  Church,  or  in  the  return  to  parliament 
in  1786. 

Elizabeth  Beabdslet's  Gift. 

Elizabeth  Beardsley,  widow,  by  will,  dated  the  SOth 
of  October,  1772,  bequeathed  50/.  which  her  late  husband 
had  lent,  on  the  8rd  of  July,  1760,  to  the  trustees  of 
the  road  leading  from  Tamworth  to  Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 
and  from  Sawrey-ferry  to  Swarcliff-lane,  upon  the  credit 
of  the  tolls,  which  belonged  to  her  as  executrix  and 
residuary  legatee;  also  two  sums  of  25/.  each  lent  by 
her,  on  the  5th  of  May  and  Slst  of  October,  1761,  to 
the  trustees  of  certain  roads  in  the  counties  of  Derby, 
Leicester,  and  Warwick,  and  amongst  them  of  one  from 
Tamworth  to  Fieldon  or  Feland-bridge  and  from  thence 
to  Measham,  secured  on  the  tolls;  with  all  interest 
which  might  be  due  at  her  decease,  to  the  bailifb  and 
their  successors,  in  trust,  that  they,  either  continuing 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  479 

the  same  securities^  or  calling  in  the  sums  for  reinvest- 
ment or  purchase  of  fireehold  property,  shoidd  expend 
the  profits  in  bread,  to  be  distributed  in  the  Church, 
amongst  poor  housekeepers  of  Tamworth,  every  Whit- 
sunday and  Christmas  day,  as  they  should  think  proper. 
And  she  willed  that  the  interest  due  at  her  decease 
shoidd  be  disposed  of  amongst  poor  housekeepers,  as  the 
bailifb  should  deem  fit. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  commissioners  of  the  roads  held 
on  the  27th  of  November,  1781,  S6l.  due  on  the  10th 
of  October,  1778,  for  the  two  sums  of  251.  each  was 
added  to  the  principal,  making  85/.  seciired  upon  the 
tolls.  The  executor  of  Mrs.  Beardsley  assigned  all  the 
securities  to  the  bailiff,  on  the  6th  of  June,  1782. 

This  gift  is  now  administered  by  the  Charity-trustees. 

Elizabeth  Matthews'  Gift. 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Matthews,  by  deed  poll  of  the  9th  of 
November,  1786,  gave  to  George  Godfrey,  and,  after 
his  decease,  to  the  churchwardens,  an  assignment  of  the 
tolls  on  the  Tamworth  turnpike  road,  for  securing  20/. ; 
that  out  of  the  interest  they  should  pay  to  the  minister 
lOs.  on  the  6th  of  January  yearly,  for  reading  prayers 
and  the  communion-service,  and  preaching  in  the  Church 
on  that  day;  5s.  to  John  Scott,  parish-clerk,  and  after 
his  death,  Zs.  6d.  to  his  successors;  28.  6d.  to  the 
organist;  and  the  residue  to  purchase  bread  for  distri- 
bution in  the  Church,  on  the  same  day  yearly,  amongst 
such  poor  widows  of  the  borough  as  should  attend  the 
service  in  the  Church :  with  power  to  alter  the  securities. 

The  interest  of  the  money  is  applied  as  directed;  but 
the  payments  are  made  on  Midlent  Sunday,  no  congre- 
gation attending  on  the  5th  of  January. 


480  tamworth 

Mart  Donbs'  Gift. 

By  indenture^  dated   the  24th  of  June^    1788,  Mrs. 
Mary  Dones  assigned  to  Thomas    Bradley    Paget  and 
Greorge  Godfrey  50/.  lent  by  her  to  the  trustees  under 
an  act,   10   Geo.  III.,   for  repairing  and  widening  the 
roads  leading  through  the  borough  of  Tamworth,  and 
others  in  the  counties  of  Stafford,  Warwick,  and  Derby, 
upon   security  of   an  assignment  of   tolls;  the  interest 
to  be  paid  to    the  committee  appointed   to  manage  the 
Sunday-schools  in  Tamworth,  in  aid  of  the  oontributicms 
for  the  support  of  them.    But  if,  from  any  cause,  there 
should  not  be  a  Sunday-school  in  Tamworth  for  poor 
children  supported  by  voluntary  subscriptions,  then  the 
interest  should  bo  disposed  of  to  educate  so  many  poor 
children  of   the  borough,    either  boys  or  girls,  whose 
parents  should  have  legal  settlement  here,  as  the  profits 
of  the  50/.  would  suffice  for.     After   the  death  of  Mr. 
Paget  and  Mr.  Godfrey,  the  sum  and  security  should 
be  transferred  to  the  master  of  the  Grrammar  School  and 
the  churchwardens,  upon  the  same  trusts:  with  power 
to  change  the  security. 

The  trust  was   thus   transferred  by   indenture  dater 
the  5th  of  August,  1819. 

Mary  Dones  also,  by  her  will,  dated  the  24th  of  July^ 
1795,  gave  to  Thomas  Willington  60/.  to  pay  the  same 
to  the  master  of  the  Grrammar  School  and  to  the  church- 
wardens, who  should  put  the  sum  out  to  interest,  and 
from  the  produce  pay  to  the  minister  10«.  on  the  Ist  of 
January,  every  year,  to  preach  a  sermon  in  the  Church 
on  that  day,  occasionally  explaining  therein  the  nature 
and  design  of  baptism,  that  poor  people  might  be  rightly 
informed  of  its  use  and  importance,  and  to  purchase 
bread  with  the  residue  and  distribute  it  in  the  Church, 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  481 

on  the  same  day>  amongst  the  poor  attending  the 
whole  of  the  service^  principal  r^ard  being  paid  to  the 
aged  and  those  having  large  fEunilies.  If  the  minister 
should  not  preach  the  sermon,  the  10«.  should  be  dis- 
tributed with  the  remainder  of  the  interest. 

Mrs.  Dones,  moreover,  bequeathed  to  Thomas  Wil- 
lington  100/.  which  she  had  lent  on  an  assignment  of 
the  tolls  of  the  Tamworth  turnpike  roads,  to  pay  the 
interest  to  her  tenant,  Jenny  Baker,  during  her  natural 
life :  and  after  her  death,  to  transfer  the  sum  and  security 
to  the  master  of  the  Grammar  School  and  churchwardens, 
who  should  apply  the  interest  either  in  putting  out 
children  of  the  poor  inhabitants  as  apprentices,  or  in 
such  manner  as  they  should  think  proper  for  the  benefit 
of  the  poor  of  the  borough. 

The  legacy  of  60/.  was  invested  in  the  purchase  of 
100/.  three  per  cent  consols.  The  time  of  distribution 
was  altered  to  Midlent  Sunday,  on  account  of  the  want 
of  a  congregation  on  New-year's  day,  and  the  distribution 
of  the  bread  was  made  by  orders  given  to  bakers,  because 
of  the  creation  of  some  disturbance  in  the  Church, 
•from  the  number  of  the  poor.  The  annuitant,  Jenny 
Baker,  died  about  1824. 

Mary  Wilson's  Gift. 

Mrs.  Mary  Wilson,  who  died  in  April,  1805,  be- 
queathed 200/.  to  the  vicar  and  churchwardens,  to 
distribute  part  in  money  amongst  poor  housekeepers 
residing  in  the  borough,  as  they  should  think  proper. 
The  remainder  of  the  sum  was  to  be  applied  for  the 
benefit  of  such  other  poor  persons  residing  in  the  borough 
as  the  vicar  and  churchwardens  might  deem  the  greatest 
objects  of  charity,  by  providing  them  with  bibles,  bed 
ding,  provisions,  or  other  necessaries;  also  in  putting 


482  TAKWOBTH 

out  poor  children  of  the  borough  apprentices  to  some 
useful  trade,  under  sober  masters  of  good  character. 

The  sum  of  1641.,  the  remainder  having  been  distri- 
buted to  the  poor  in  clothes  and  bedding,  was  iuTCSted, 
on  the  19th  of  January,  1808,  in  the  purchase  of  200/. 
four  per  cent  stock;  and  the  interest  is  employed  in 
apprenticing  boys. 

Joseph  Knight's  Gift. 

Mr.  Joseph  Knight,  by  his  will,  dated  the  14th 
of  March,  1829,  gave  the  sum  of  1001.  to  be  invested 
in  government  or  other  real  securities,  in  England,  in 
the  name  of  the  bailiffs  of  the  borough  of  Tamworth, 
that  they,  and  their  successors  for  ever,  should  receive 
the  interest  and  distribute  it  in  equal  proportions 
amongst  ten  decayed  housekeepers  of  the  borough  of 
Tamworth,  such  as  had  been  principals  in  business  and 
were  most  deserving :  the  same  to  be  paid  in  money  on 
the  day   immediately  preceding  the  old    market 

Mr.  Knight  died  in  1838;  and  the  municipal 
corporation  act  having  displaced  the  baihffi,  the  sum 
was  invested  in  the  S  per  cent  consols,  in  the  names 
of  Bobert  Fowler,  John  Hall,  and  Mary  Grodwin  Hall, 
who  regularly  pay  over  the  interest  to  the  Mayor  for 
the  time  being,  to  distribute  amongst  the  ten  parties 
described,  in  sums  of  6«.  8c^.  each. 


THE  TOWN  HALL. 

There  were  anciently  in  Tamworth  two  public  Halls, 
which  were  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  governing 
bodies  of  the  town.  One  situated  nearly  at  the  top 
of  lichfield-street,  served  for  the  Staffordshire  part ;  the 
other,  in  Market-street,  for  the  Warwickshire  side. 
After  Elizabeth  had  granted  her  charter  of  incorporation 
to  the  inhabitants,  the  latter  fell  at  length  into  disuse. 
From  the  reign  of  Charles  I.,  the  other  was  let  out  by 
the  corporation,  from  time  to  time,  to  different  private 
individuals,  who  converted  it  to  various  uses ;  a  room,  it 
seems,  serving,  when  needed,  for  public  purposes.  But, 
in  1700,  it  was  granted  on  a  lease  of  ninety-nine  years 
at  an  annual  rent  of  82s.  to  Richard  Russell,  on  con- 
dition that  he  should,  within  one  year,  pull  the  whole 
down,  and  erect  a  good  and  substantial  brick  house  in 
the  place.  In  the  indenture,  dated  the  11th  of  November, 
the  Hall,  with  a  garden  and  orchard,  is  described  as 
being  situated  on  the  south  side  of  Lichfield-street, 
adjoining  the  messuage  of  Richard  Weaman  on  the 
east  side,  that  of  John  Banks  on  the  west,  and  abutting 
on  the  orchard  of  the  right  hon.  lord  viscount  Wey- 
mouth.' 

The  only  clue  we  have  hitherto  found  directing  us 
to  the  situation  of  the  Warwickshire  HaU,  is  an  inden- 

1    Indenture,  1700. 


484  TAMWORTH 

ture,  dated  the  Slst  of  September,  1604,  witnessing  that 
Francis  Freddeton  had  sold  to  sir  Humphry  Ferrers  a 
messuage  in  Market-street,  between  the  Town-hall  on 
the  east  side  and  the  street-way  leading  out  of  Tam- 
worth  towards  Lady-bridge  on  the  west.*  The  edifice, 
therefore,  would  appear  to  have  been  where  part  of  the 
King's  Arms  Hotel  now  stands. 

The  destruction  of  the  Staffordshire  Hall  was  conse- 
quent upon  the  offer  of  Mr.  Thomas  Guy,  the  fi^under 
of  the  Almshouses,  to  build,  at  his  own  expense,  a  new 
edifice  in  the  Market-place,  for  the  use  of  the  corporation. 
So  liberal  and  generous  a  proposal  on  the  part  of  their 
parliamentary  representative,  was  eagerly  accepted  by 
the  bailiffs  and  commonalty.  In  order  that  the  new 
Town-hall  might  stand  unattached  in  the  middle  of  the 
Market-place,  they  made  several  exchanges  of  property 
for  the  houses  adjacent  to  the  intended  site.  Lord 
viscount  Weymouth  gave  a  piece  of  ground  with  a  shop, 
which  he  directed  to  be  pulled  down  and  the  materials 
sold  for  the  benefit  of  the  poor.  The  building  of  the 
Town-hall  was  commenced  in  1701,  and  completed  by 
the  summer  of  the  ensuing  year.' 

The  edifice  thus  erected  by  Mr.  Guy  consisted  of  a 
room  of  considerable  dimensions,  supported  by  three 
rows  of  large  pillars  of  stone  with  semicircular  arches, 
each  row  containing  six  pillars.  The  ascent  to  the 
room  stood  at  the  east  end:  and  the  space  below  was 
destined  as  a  place  wherein  to  hold  the  weekly  market. 
In  the  centre  of  the  roof,  was  placed  a  large  wooden 
glazed  lantern,  with  a  weather  fane;  leading  out  upon 
a  platform  defended  until  lately  by  balustrades. 

The  existence  of  only  a  single  room  in  the  Town-hall, 

1    Indenture  s  Jac.  i.  s   Corpontion  Recordi. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWN.  485 

was  soon  found  inconvenient  for  the  many  purposes  to 
which  the  building  might  occasionally  be  granted^  as  con- 
certs^ or  public  exhibitions.  In  1771^  two  new  rooms 
were  added  at  the  east  end^  at  an  expense  of  upwards  of 
270/.  raised  by  subscription.  These,  however,  on  account 
of  their  small  dimensions,  did  not  wholly  serve  to  supply 
the  deficiency ;  and,  in  1811,  it  was  determined  to  remove 
them,  and  erect  two  more  of  a  larger  and  more  conve- 
nient sixe.  Towards  this  plan,  the  late  sir  Robert  Peel 
mimificently  contributed  500/.,  to  which  the  corporation 
added  240/.,  on  the  completion  of  the  alterations  in 
1812.  The  enlargement  comprised  not  only  the  building 
of  the  rooms,  but  also  the  addition  of  an  underground 
dungeon  beneath  them.  John  Robins,  esq.,  at  the 
same  time,  added  a  clock  in  front,  for  the  public  benefit. 

The  space  beneath  the  large  room  occupied  for  the 
market  was  enclosed,  in  1835. 

In  the  present  year,  another  alteration  has  been  made. 
The  two  rooms  have  been  lengthened  eastwards,  the 
last  bay  of  the  space  appropriated  to  the  market-people, 
which  had  been  built  up,  re-opened,  and  an  entrance 
formed  upon  the  south  side;  so  that  there  is  not  only 
an  increase  of  space  for  the  accommodation  of  the  mar- 
ket, but  an  addition  to  the  size  of  the  rooms. 

The  Town-hall  exhibits  no  particular  pretensions  to 
architectural  beauty.  It  is  a  substantial  edifice,  the  old 
part  being  built  of  brick,  with  stone  dressings,  the  new, 
entirely  of  brick.  It  is  large  and  very  convenient,  being 
the  only  building  in  the  town  suited  to  public  purposes. 
The  dungeon  is  smaU,  but  dry  and  clean.  Prisoners 
committed  for  trial  are  usually  removed  to  the  jails 
in  the  county-towns,  with  very  little  delay. 


R  3 


THE  BRIDGES. 


BOLEBRIDGB    AND    ANKER    VIADUCT. 

Leland,  during  the  reign  of  Henry  VIII.,  says  "Of 
the  2  Bridges  that  be  at  Tamworth,  the  Fayrer  is  Bowe- 
bridge,  though  it  stande  on  Anker,  a  lesse  River  then 
Tame;  and  it  is  as  it  were  towardes  the  North  East 
End  of  the  Towne,  in  the  waye  to  Polesworth  and 
Nuneaton.  The  other  Bridge  is  called  St.  Mary  Bridge, 
havinge  12  great  Arches,  and  leadeth  to  Coventrye.  It 
standeth  on  Tame,  hard  beneath  the  Confluence,  and  a 
litle  beneath  the  Castle,  and  as  it  should  seeme  by  a 
great  stone  upon  the  Bridge  bearinge  the  Armes  of 
Basset  to  be  built  by  the  Lord  Basset  of  Drayton."' 

1    Itin.  vol,  IV.,  fol.  190  a. 


castlb  and  town.  ,    487 

Bridge  of  St.  Mart. 
The  ''Bridge  of  our  Lady"  is  named  in  1294.      On 
the   11th  of  June  in  that  year,  a  curious  bye-law  was 
firamed  that  ''fectores  de  Tripes"  should  no  longer  wash 
''leur  Trypes"   there,  to  the  annoyance  of  the  town, 
under  fine  of  12d^    When  this  structure  was  first  erected, 
we  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain.    At  an  early  period, 
it    was   endowed    with  lands  and    other   property,  for 
maintaining  and  keeping  it  in  repair.     Shaw  alleges  a 
bequest  to  it,  in  1470,  by  Richard  Archer,  erroneously 
referred  by  Collins  to  a  church  of  St.  Mary  here,  which 
never    existed.'     It    was    placed    under    the  care    and 
management  of  two  wardens,  elected   annually  at  the 
court  leet   and  view  of  frank-pledge.      The  names  of 
several  of  these  have  been  preserved,  with  the  dates  of 
their  respective  appointments.'      After  the  formation  of 
a  select  corporate  body  by  queen  Elizabeth,  in   1560, 
the  baili&  and  commonalty   took  charge  of  that  part 
belonging  to  the  town:*  for  the  Bridge  has  ever  been, 
half  in   the  jurisdiction  of  the  borough,  and  half  in 
that  of  the  county  of  Stafford. 

Lady-bridge  was  originally  a  low  and  narrow  struc- 
ture, inferior,  as  Leland  observes,  to  Bolebridge,  which 
it  resembled  in  a  great  measure,  being  very  narrow, 
and  provided  with  triangular  recesses  placed  over  the 
piers  of  the  arches,  for  the  convenience  of  persons 
walking  over,  during  the  passage  of  any  large  vehicle. 
Its  inconvenience,  in  the  present  expanded  state  of 
commerce,  would  have  rendered  its  removal  necessary, 
even  if  the  waters  had  not  destroyed  it.      On  the  10th 

1    Court  rolls.       s    Shaw'B  StalTordah.       s    See  Appendix  :~Note  ag. 
4    In  1004  Richard  Weunan  agreed  to  repair  tliat  portion  of  tlie  Bridge  within 
the  borongh,  and  to  keep  it  in  good  order,  for  40«.  a-year.     The  agreement  was  to 
laet  for  50  years,  If  he  lived  so  long,  and  two  years  at  first  paid  in  adranoe,  to 
defiray  the  immediate  expenses  of  some  requisite  improrements. 


488     .  TAMWORTH 

of  February,  1796,  several  bridges  on  the  Tame  and 
Trent  sustained  great  damage  from  a  tremendous  flood, 
caused  by  the  sudden  breaking  up  of  the  ioe  after 
a  long  and  very  severe  frost.  Amongst  them,  this 
one  at  Tamworth  received  great  injury,  the  second  and 
third  arches  from  the  town  being  fairly  lifted  up  by 
the  ice,  and  then  thrown  down.  The  swaying  of  the 
Bridge  for  some  moments  befi>re  the  fall,  gave  the 
persons  upon  it  timely  notice  of  danger;  but  one  vros 
swept  down,  and  carried  along  the  stream  for  a  con- 
siderable distance;  yet  he  was  fortunately  saved  by 
being  thrown  on  a  sheet  of  ice,  from  which  he  was 
enabled  to  cross  to  the  side.  In  the  following  year, 
a  higher  and  much  larger  bridge,  consisting  of  six 
arches,  was  erected  jointly  by  the  corporation  and  by 
the  county  of  Stafford,  at  an  expense  of  about  2,000/. 

The  new  Bridge,  although  far  superior  to  the  ancienti 
one,  possessed  one  great  disadvantage.  The  central 
third  was  made  of  a  width  amply  sufficient,  yet  the  ends 
were  so  contracted  that  two  ordinary  vehicles  could  not 
pass  abreast.  Several  accidents  at  various  times  con- 
sequently happened.  An  improvement  in  this  respect  had 
long  been  greatly  desired;  but,  on  account  of  the 
expense,  nothing  was  effected  until  1887.  At  that 
time,  an  accident  of  a  serious  nature  occurred.  The 
right  hon.  sir  Robert  Peel  took  up  the  matter,  and 
addressed  a  letter  through  the  town-clerk  to  the  coun- 
cil of  Tamworth,  to  this  effect. 

"Drayton  Manor,  Dec.  29,  1887." 
"Sir, 

I  am  desirous  of  making  through  you  the  following 
communication  to  the  Council  of  Tamworth. 

I   understand   that  there    has    been  more   than   one 

1    Shaw't  Stiffordsh. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  489 

practical  proof  of  the  inconvenience  and  danger  arising 
firom  the  contraction  of  the  passage-way  at  each  extremity 
of  Lady  Bridge :  and  it  appears  to  me  that  there  is  no 
improvement  which  would  conduce  more  to  the  comfort 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Tamworth  and  to  the  general 
advantage  of  the  Town  and  Neighbourhood  than  the 
rendering  of  so  importa|it  an  approach  to  the  Town 
perfectly  commodious  and  safe. 

I  write  under  the  impression  that  one  half  of  the 
Bridge  is  under  the  charge  of  the  Town  Council^  and 
the  other  under  that  of  the  County  of  Stafford;  and 
being  desirous  of  contributing  to  a  public  work  of  so 
much  utility  and  convenience,  I  beg  leave  to  make  the 
following  proposal  to  the  Town  Council. 

I  will  place  the  sum  of  500/.  at  the  disposal  of  the 
Town  Council,  to  be  applied  to  the  widening  of  that 
part  of  the  Bridge  which  adjoins  the  Town,  upon  these 
conditions. 

First  That  a  sum  shall  be  appropriated  either  from 
funds  at  the  disposal  of  the  Council  or  to  be  raised  by 
public  subscription,  which,  together  with  the  sum  above- 
mentioned  of  500/.,  shall  be  sufficient  to  complete  that 
part  of  the  improvement  of  the  Bridge  in  a  handsome 
and  effectual  manner. 

And  Secondly.  That  the  County  can  be  prevailed 
upon  to  complete  in  a  corresponding  manner  that  part 
of  the  improvement  dependent  upon  them. 

It  is  obvious  that  there  would  be  little  advantage  in 
a  partial  widening  of  the  Bridge  at  one  extremity ;  and 
the  co-operation  of  the  County  is,  therefore,  requisite. 
I  trust,  however,  considering  the  accident  which  re- 
cently occurred  on  that  part  of  the  Bridge,  which,  if 
I    am  rightly   informed,   belongs   to  the    County,    the 


490  TAMWOBTH 

County  will  be  dispoeed,  on  a  proper  representation 
supported  by  facts^  to  give  their  consent  and  assistance 
towards  an  object  of  common  concern  and  common 
importance  to  the  County  of  Stafford  and  Town  of 
Tamworth.** 

''I  have  the  honour  to  be^  Sir, 

Tour  obedient  faithful  Servant, 
ROBERT  PEEL.*' 

In  consequence  of  this  letter  and  the  munificent  offer 
which  it  contained,  the  town-council  adopted  active 
measures  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  the  intended  im- 
provement of  widening  the  ends  of  the  Bridge  to  an 
equality  with  the  central  part.  A  presentment  was, 
after  some  difficidty,  obtained  by  the  grand  jury  at  the 
county  quarter-sessions  of  the  narrow  and  incommodious 
state  of  the  Bridge;  notwithstanding,  much  oppo- 
sition was  raised  to  the  alteration,  on  account  of  the 
expense  which  the  county  would  thereby  incur.  But, 
through  the  influence  and  persevering  exertions  of  one 
of  the  magistrates,  Henry  J.  Pye,  esq.,  of  Clifton-hall, 
the  requisite  order  was  obtained  at  the  sessions  in  April, 
1839.  The  improvement  of  the  Bridge  was  immediately 
commenced,  and  was  completed  about  the  beginning  of 
the  following  year.  During  these  repairs,  records  and 
coins  were  formally  deposited  within  the  masonry,  to 
serve  for  the  wonderment  and  edification  of  generations 
yet  slumbering  in  the  embryo  of  time,  that  may  live 
when  these  ages  shall  be  viewed  as  we  now  behold 
those  of  ancient  Greece  and  Rome. 

The  great  stone  alluded  to  by  Leland,  probably 
formed  at  one  time  the  pedestal  either  supporting  an 
image  of  our  Lady  with  the  Divine  Infant,  or  a  large 
cross.      In  1697,  it  was  known  as   the  cross  and  dial. 


i 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  491 

«o  it  appears  then  to  have  been  sunnounted  by  such 
an  indicator  of  the  flight  of  time.  It  presented  five 
unequal  sides,  bearing  escutcheons  and  other  devices. 
When  Shaw  saw  this  curious  relic,  the  two  largest 
shields  were  quite  defaced,  but  over  one  of  them  a 
crown  remained  tolerably  perfect.  Either  of  them  must 
have  borne  the  arms  of  Basset  of  Drayton, — Or,  three 
piles  6u.,  a  canton  Erm.^  In  the  compartment  next 
the  last,  was  the  monogram  formed  by  the  union  of 
the  letters  M  and  ft  with  a  crown  over,  in  allusion 
to  the  blessed  Virgin  Mary.  On  the  two  remaining 
sides,  were  inscribed  the  letters  I  Ip  C,  meaning 
Jesus.'  The  stone  survived  the  destruction  of  the  old 
Bridge.  After  the  erection  of  the  new  one,  it  lay,  for 
many  years,  amongst  some  rubbish,  at  the  end  near  the 
Castle;  subsequently  it  was  placed  in  the  groimd  as  a 
support  for  the  stump  of  some  wooden  railings:  and 
there,  for  anything  that  is  known  to  the  contrary,  it 
may  remain  at  the  present  time,  neglected  by  those  who 
scarcely  seem  to  appreciate  the  feelings  which  they 
would  fain  awaken  in  the  minds  of  distant  posterity. 

BOLEBRIDOE. 

Bolebridge  lies  at  the  south-east  end  of  the  town,  and 
not  at  the  north-east  as  Leland  inaccurately  states.  It 
is  very  narrow  and  long,  consisting  of  twelve  small 
arches,  with  triangular  recesses  over  the  piers.  The 
end  towards  Bolehall  is  much  wider  than  the  rest. 
The  structure  appears  to  be  as  ancient  as  the  old  Lady- 
bridge  was.  It  was  similarly  placed  under  the  charge 
of    two    annually    appointed    wardens,    of  whom    the 

1    TIm  other  probably  bore  the  anni  of  MennTon.     Tbe  Bridge  would  sean  to 
bare  been  erected  by  two  peraons,  pertly  for  the  town  and  partly  for  the  county, 
Tlie  atone  was  tnuttt&onaUy  known  as  "the  Marmyon  stone.'* 
s    Shaw's  Staflbrdsh. 


492  TAMWORTH 

names  of  those  for  one  year  only  are  preserved,  Nicholas 
Brown  and  William  Oowth,  elected  to  the  office  in 
October,  1508,  when  they  took  the  required  oath. 
From  the  exaction  of  tolls  on  vendible  commodities,  it 
would  appear  that  there  was  not  an  adequate  provision 
destined  solely  for  its  maintenance.  It  is  now,  as  it 
ever  has  been,  partly  under  the  care  of  the  town,  and 
partly  under  that  of  the  county  of  Warwick. 

This  Bridge,  although  once  the  finest  of  the  two,  is 
now  very  inferior  in  every  respect.  Its  narrowness 
renders  it  ill-adapted  for  a  thoroughfiu^  in  these  times, 
but  it  has  been  made  as  commodious  as  its  original 
defective  construction  would  allow.  In  the  early  part 
of  1820,  the  bailifi  had  the  side-waUs  increased  in 
height,  in  consequence  of  an  accident  which  then  occur- 
red. Its  improvement,  either  by  widening  it,  or  by 
building  an  entirely  new  one,  has  long  been  desired. 
This  plan  is  calculated  materially  to  improve  the  lower 
part  of  the  town.  But  we  fear  that  the  scheme  will 
not  be  carried  into  execution  for  a  considerable  time, 
unless,  indeed,  some  unforeseen  event  should  hasten  the 
tardy  operations  of  those,  to  whom  the  repairs  of  the 
Bridge  are  committed. 


THE  MOAT-HOUSE. 

Amongst  the  private  edifices  within  the  town  of 
Tamworth^  there  is  only  one,  besides  the  Castle,  which 
demands  especial  notice.  This  is  the  Moat-house,  a  fine 
Elizabethan  building,  situated  on  the  south  side  of 
lichfield-street,  near  the  outskirts  of  the  town.  Here 
several  titled  persons  and  &milies  of  distinction  have 
resided. 

The  Moat-house  was  built  about  the  year  1572,  by 
Mr.  William  Comberford,  of  the  very  ancient  and 
honourable  race  seated  at  Comberford  and  at  Wednes- 
bury,  in  Stafibrdshire,  and  possessed  of  extensive  property 
in  the  adjacent  parts  of  the  country.  At  first,  it  seems 
to  have  been  inhabited  by  the  family  of  Harcourt, 
allied  to  that  of  the  Comberfords  by  marriage,  as 
a  map  of  Drayton,  according  to  Shaw,  indicated  this 
as  their  dwelling;^  but  at  the  end  of  the  sixteenth 
century,  William  Comberford  undoubtedly  constituted  it 
bis  residence,  and  continued  in  it  until  his  death  in 
1625.      Here  he  entertained  prince  Charles  in  1619. 

From  the  Comberfords,  the  Moat-house  passed  to 
Thomas  Fox,  esq.,  who,  settling  here,  on  the  28th  of 
September,  1654,  married,  at  this  town.  Miss  Judith 
Boothby. 

1  Intfae  rdgn  of  FhmpaiidMarr,WaltarH«n»iirthadhiidwdlingin  Udi^ 
•tract,  new  the  Hone-fair  or  '*  Tunworth  Oreen."  In  tho  Oourt-iolli  of  the  town, 
from  the  Kign  of  Henry  V.  to  Henry  VIII.,  oonitut  mention  Is  maide  of  the 
MotttbalUend,  at  tiM  lower  ertremity  of  this  street.  Was  tbe  Moat-hoiise  only 
t  In  157>? 

s  3 


494  TAMWOBTH 

Thomas  Fox  did  not  hold  the  property  for  a  very 
long  time.  For^  by  indenture  of  the  2nd  of  Aprils  1663^ 
he  and  his  wife  sold  to  sir  William  Boothby^  knt  and 
bart.y  for  1,540/.,  the  Moat-hall,  with  the  edifices  and 
gardens  belonging;  the  croft  adjoining  the  court-yard; 
the  moat,  with  the  right  of  fishing  in  it  and  in  the 
Tame ; — all  these  lay  between  the  land  of  Thomas  Fox 
then  enclosed  with  palings  and  in  the  occupation  of 
Thomas  Grilbert,  the  garden  belonging  to  Geo^ 
Wright's  cottage,  and  the  croft  attached  to  the  messuage 
of  John  Ferrers,  esq.,  occupied  by  William  Fawkener, 
on  the  east;  Tamworth  Green,  on  the  west;  and 
lichfield-street,  on  the  north; — the  seat  in  the  Church 
belonging  to  the  Moat-hall;  the  aisle  or  burying  place 
in  the  Chancel  on  the  north  side  of  the  Church, 
adjoining  the  Comberford-chapel  ;*  a  messuage  adjoining 
the  Moat-court;  Street-orchard,  with  a  little  cottage, 
situated  between  the  land  of  Robert  Comberford,  that 
of  Thomas  Fox  called  the  Challengewood  closes,  the 
common  lane  leading  to  the  moor,  and  Lichfield-street; 
a  wood-ground  called  the  Piddings  in  Hopwas,  between 
the  common  field,  Hopwas-hays,  and  the  Tame;  the 
tithes  of  com,  grain,  hay,  wood,  wool,  and  lamb,  and 
all  others  whatsoever  arising  out  of  the  township-fields 
and  meadow  of  Hopwas,  Hopwas-hays,  and  Broad- 
meadow;  and  the  liberty  of  keeping  and  marking  six 
swans  upon  the  rivers  Tame  and  Anker. 

Sir  William  Boothby  constituted  the  Moat-house  his 
residence.'    In  1671,  he  sold  it  to  sir  Edward  Littleton, 

1  A  part  of  the  Church  ia  ittU  marked  out  m  belongfaiff  to  the  Moet-honae,  fbr 
•epoltore.  It  Indadee  nearly  half  of  the  Transept  and  a  oontiderahte  portioii  in  the 
north- west  comer  of  the  Chantry-chapel. 

t    Extract  trom  the  Parith-refister. 

"Janaary,  l(Ms[.4]. 

1  haptized  WUUam  the  Son  of  Sr  WUltaun  Boothbey,  Knight  ft  baitms  and  Dame 
Hilla  hlB  wife,  of  Tamworth." 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  495 

bart.^  then  of  PUlaton-hall,  in  Staffordshire.    The  ktter 
soon  removed  to  Tamworth;  and  here  numerous  of  his 
family  were  bom  or  buried^  as  is  attested  by  the  Parish 
Blister. 
April,  1676. 

11  Baptized  Devereux  son  of  S'   Edward   Lytleton  of 
T.,  &  Joyce  Ux'. 

July,  1677. 
S4  Baptized    Thomas  son   of   S'  Edward  Lyttleton  of 
Tamworth,  &  Joyce  Ux'. 
September,  1678. 

12  Baptized  Fisher  son  of  S'  Edward  Littleton  of  Tam- 
worth, &  Joyce  ux'. 

July,  1679. 

14  Buryed    Thomas    son   of   S'    Edward    Lyttleton    of 
Tamw**"*. 

March,  1679[.80]. 
9  Baptized  William  son   of  S'   Edward   Littleton    of 
Tamworth,  and  Joyce  uxor. 
August,  1681. 

6  Baptized  Jane  daughter   of  S'  Edward  Littleton  of 
Tamworth,  and  Joyce  ux'. 
January,  1681[-2]. 

15  Buryed  Jane   daught'   of   S'    Edward   Littleton    of 
Tamworth. 

December,  1682. 
12  Baptized  Joyce  daught'  of  S'  Edward  Lyttleton  of 
Tamworth,  &  Joyce  ux^ 
January,  168S[-4]. 
20  Baptized    Charles    son   of  S'   Edward  Littleton  of 
Tamworth,  &  Joyce  ux^ 
March,  1683[-4]. 
15  Buryed    Charles    son   of    S'    Edward   Littleton   of 
Tamworth. 


496 


TAMWORTH 


October,  1685. 
26  Buryed   Joyce   daught'  of  S'   Edward  Lyttleton   ot 
Tamworth. 
February,  1686[-T1. 
24  Baptized  Henry  son  of  S'  Edward  Lyttleton  of  Tam- 
worth, &  Joyce  ux'. 
June,  1689. 
7  Buryed  Katherine   daught'  of  S'.  Edward  Littleton 
of  Tamworth. 
October,  1689. 


HaMON  DBWoLFI&8TON,inl283y 

liad  a  charter  of  free- warren  granted 
him  by  Edw.  I.,  in  Wolfreston, 
Preston,  and  Chelmnndeston,  all  in 
SnffoU. 

RooiR  DB  WoLPB&TON,  in  1327, 
held  a  fourth  part  of  a  knight's  fee  in 
Wolferton. 

Richard  Wolvsston,  clerk. 
In  1363,  the  sum  of  33/.  was  paid  to 
his  executors  for  a  Missal. 

Roger  db  Wolfrston  was 
eicheator  for  the  counties  of  Essex, 
Suffolk,  and  NorfoU,  in  1359-68. 

Richard  di  Wolvbston,  in 
1380,  held  an  "  inquisitio  ad  quod 


dampnum  "— "  pro  priore  de  Dooen- 
asshe,"  as  to  lands  in  Beigholte  and 
Culfo. 

ROOBR     DB     WOLFBRSTON,     "et 

alii,'*  in  1392,  held  a  similar  inqui- 
sition "pro  eocl'ie  sancti  Petri  dc 
Gippewic," — Ipswich, — as  to  lands 
at  the  same  places. 

ELIZABBTHWoLVBRSTON,in  1420, 

died  seized  of  lands  in  Wolrerston, 
Preston,  Benholte,  and  Caketon. 

Thomas  wolfbrston,  in  1433, 
held  one  knight's  fee  in  Freston  and 
Holbrooke  of  John  de  Mowbray, 
duke  of  Norfolk. 

Richard  Wolvbrston,  in  1497, 
died  seised  of  lands  in  Chulpho  and 
nine  other  manors. 

Robbrt  Wolfbrston,  esq.,  of 
Wolferston.  in  Suffolk,  made  his  wiU 
in  1492.     HU  son, 

Thomas  Wolfbrston,  esq.,  of 
Culfye,  Suffolk,  m.  Maud  or  Mary, 
dau.  of  sir  Humphry  Stanley,  of 
Pype,  knight  of  the  body  to  Henry 
VII.    His  issue  were, 

I.  PmLip,  of  Wolferston-ban,  Suflblk, 
who  left  an  only  dau^ter. 

II.  HvMPBBT,  of  whom  preMntly. 

III.  Sampson,  wbo  m.,  Joljr,  1558,  Jone 
Laranoe,  and  hadsevend  children. 

IT,  y,  n,  Tii.  RoBBKT,  Thomas,  Si- 

Mour,    John. 
Tm.  Maboarbt,  who  m.  Robert,  atm 
and  heir  of  Richard  BTerard,  esq.,  of 
Hether,  oo.  of  Leicester. 
IS.  Ann,  who  m.  Hxxgh  Maisye. 
Humphry   Wolfbrston,    esq., 
IN.  Katherine,  dan.  of  John  Stanley, 
esq.,  of  Grove,  oo.  of  Nottingham, 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 


497 


15  Buryed  Mr.  James  Lyttleton  of  Tamworth. 

Aprffl,   1690. 
S4  Baptized  Adam    son    of   S'    Edward    Lyttleton    of 
Tamworth^  and  Joyce  nx'. 
August,  1690. 
12  Buryed  Mr.  Edward  Littleton  of  Tamworth. 

January,  1691[-2]. 
eO  Baptized   Sarah,  Daught'  of  S*"  Edward  Littleton  of 
Tamworth,  &  Joyce  ux'. 


by  whom  be  acquired  the  manor  of 
Statfold,  m  Staffordshire.  He  d,  m 
1592,  and  had  issae, 

I.  Hbrct,  his  snoeetior. 

!■•  III.  Stanuy.    Thomas. 

IT.  HAtTiNos,  who  m.  Alice  Molde. 

T,  Tl.  HUMPBBT.     JAHSS. 

TU.  Maud,  who  m.  Tho.  Aiblaster, 
esq.,  of  Longdon,  co.  of  Stafford. 

VUU  IX.  DOROTBT,  ELlBABBTn. 

z.  Kathbbinb»  who  m.  Ralph  Thick- 
nease,  esq.,  of  Balterly ,  co.  of  Stafford, 
zi.  Bbioxtta. 

Hbbct  Wolpsrston,  esq.,  m* 
18  Sept.,  1593,  Mary,  dan.  of  Ralph 
Egerton,  esq.,  of  Betley.     He  was 
sometimes  styled  Captain,  and  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  present  at  the 
tiddbog  of  Cadiz,  in   1595.    He  d, 
July  28th,  1636,  and  had, 
I.  Waltbb,  who  d,  an  infknt. 
XI.  FBANnssB,  his  successor, 
lu.  RiCHABD,  who  d.  yonoff. 
IV.  Katbbbinb,  who  m.  John  Brome- 

lleUl. 

Francibbk  Wolpebston,  bapL 
May  3rd,  1612,  m.  Sept.  29th,  1631, 
Frances,  eldest  of  22  ofaildren  of 
George  Middlemore,  esq.,  of  Hasle- 
well,  and  had  a  numerous  family. 
Three  sons  and  thxee  daughters  lived 
to  maturity. 
1.  Fbancm,  his  successor, 
u.  MiODiJBilORB,  b,  Axig.  I8tb,    1648, 

and  d,  uxun. 
m.  Stanfobd,  a  dergTman,  of  whom 

immediately. 
IT.  Obacb.  d.  nnm.  in  1710. 
▼.  Anw,  m.  in  1069,  to  Edward  Arblas- 
tcr,  esq.,  of  Lyswis,  i^andson  of  Tho. 
Arblaster  before  named, 
n.  SLisABBra,  m.  to  John  Bott,  esq., 
of  DonstaU,  co.  of  Stafford,  and  had, 
with  three  other  daoffhters,  Gbacb  j 
who  m.  the  rev.  Homphry  Pipe,  M  Jk., 
and  had  an  only  son  Samubl  Pira, 


in  holy  ordtrs,  MA.,  of  whom  we 
shall  prescotly  speak. 

Francis  Wolfkbstok,  esq., 
purchased,  in  1685,  the  manor  of, 
and  considerable  lands  iu,  Harlaston, 
CO.  of  Stafford.  He  was  a  barrister 
of  good  practice  until  tbe  resolution, 
but  afterwards  was  a  rig^d  non-juror. 
He  was  a  particular  friend  of  Dr. 
Plot,  the  historian  of  Staffordshire, 
and  a  writer  himself,  producing  a- 
mongst  other  pieces  the  translation 
of  Ovid,  De  arte  amandi.  In  1667, 
he  began  to  write  his  name  Wolfer- 
stan, — a  practice  which  his  family 
has  continued.  He  was  twice  m., 
but  left  issue  an  only  daughter  Ann, 
heiress  to  her  father's  purchased  es- 
tates, by  his  first  wife,  Hester,  dau.  of 
John  Bowyer,  esq.,  of  Biddulph. 
She  m.  June  14,  1703,  sir  John 
Egerton,  of  Wrindiill,  oo.  of  Staff. 

Stanford  Wolfbrston,  the 
second  son,  M.A.,  in  holy  orders, 
vicar  of  Wooton-Wawen,  and  fellow 
of  King's  Collage,  Cambridge,  m. 
1st,  in  1679,  Isabella,  dau.  of  John 
Hinckley,  D.D.,  rector  of  North- 
field,  eo.  of  Worcester,  by  whom, — 
who  d,  in  1680, — ^he  had  only  one 
son  Francis,  who  d.  an  infant ;  and 
2nd,  Susanna,  dau.  of  John  Creed, 
of  Cambridge,  by  whom  he  left  issue 
at  his  deoeaae,^Sept.  29th,  1698,— 

u  Stavfobd,  named  presently. 

II «  XawAnn,  ^  In  idpi,  and  il.  «.  p.  in 
1701,  and  was  bmr,  at  Tamworth. 

ui.  Fbancis,  rector  of  DrByton.Baaact 
and  of  Gxendon,  who  d.  In  17S8  «.  p, 

IT.  NICBOI.AS,  who  resided  at  Berry, 
Deronahlre.    He  m,  twice,  but  left 


498 


TAMWORTH 


January,  1712-S. 
15  Bur.  Mr.  Addam  Littleton  of  Tamworth. 

Sir  Edward  Littleton's  decease  occurred  in  1709 : 
and  he  was  buried  at  Tamworth,  on  the  Slst  of  July. 
The  Moat-house  descended  to  his  grandson  Edward,  who 
made  it  his  residence  until  1751,  when  he  died ;  and  he 
was  buried  at  Tamworth  on  the  5th  of  October.'  He 
had  no  issue,  and  his  aunt  Sarah,   being  heiress,  con- 

diligent  and  leuned  antiqauy :  and 
IN.,  lit,  Biaiswet,  du.  of  Walter 
Biddnlph,  eaq.,  of  BartoD-mider- 
Naedwood ;  and  2iid,  Oct  4tfa,  1796* 
Elisabeth,  eUeit  dan.  of  PhOip  Jer- 
▼is,  eaq.,  tint  oovain  of  John,  eari 
of  St  Vincent.  He  had  iane  only 
by  his  tint  wife. 

I.  Stamlst,  named  ImBedfateiy. 

u.  Maboabst,  ■».,  in  1817,  to  Chaites 
Salt,  esq- 

StAMLBT         PlFI-Woi.FBAaTAN, 

esq.,  b,  March  2l8t,  1785,  snooeeded 
to  the  estates  on  the  decease  of  his 
frther,  in  1820,  and  is  the  present 
proprietor  of  them.  He  m,,  July 
21st,  1817,  Elisabeth,  eldest  dsn. 
of  Swinfen-Jerris,  esq.,  of  Kfnsii^* 
ton,  snd  grand-dan.  of  Philip  Jenria, 
eao.,  of  Nethenwale,  co.  of  Leicester, 
beiore  named.  Mr.  Wolferrtan  has 
issue, 

L  FBANOsJlTAFVoan,  I.  October  I4tk, 
1885. 

n.  Geacs. 

m.  Aw maoMaeia. 

IT.  Maboabst-Jaits. 

T.  FBAirCBS-KUSABBVB. 

▼1.  Hbstbb-Sauw,  who  4.  in  1844. 

▼n.  8TAirvoBi>>Wu.uAM. 

▼111.  JoHN-KoBBTOV,  who  d,  SB  fotuL 

IZ.  BoWAftD. 

Z.  XMU.T-DOBOTBBA. 

zi.  Hbbct. 

Amxs  .—-Quarterly  Ist  and  4th, 
8a.,  B  raas  wavy  between  three 
wohes'  heads  erased  Or,-— for  Wol- 
ferstsn ;  2nd  snd  3rd  As.,  two  oigan 
pipes  in  chefrunt  between  ten  croas- 
GiossletB  Or, — for  Pipe. 

CnnsTS:— A  wolf  Or,  under  a 
tree  ppr.,— for  Wolforstan.  A  leo- 
pard's head  erased  Or^  for  Pipe. 


a  only  hf  Us  Snt  wifc,  KlisBbeth, 
dan.  of  Geo.  FliiUtoa,  caq.,  of  Oocn- 
wall,— Bdwabb,  who  liBd  two  wlTee, 
but  left  iasoe  only  \ij  the  aeeond,— 
MBIT,  dan.  of  Peter  NldKda,  etq., 
great  Branileoii  of  Peter  Nicholii, 
▼icar  Of  Bradwofthy,  and  Week  St. 
Panaaa,  In  the  coanty  of  Deron,  la 
the  year  1081.  His  temfly  were,— 
let,  MiCBOUke,  A.  in  177^,  and  4, 
onm.  la  17W  i  Hid,  Mabt,  ■».  to  the 
rer.  WilUam  Ghautar,  B.D..  peipctaal 
curate  of  Hartland,  who  bad  ueae  i 
Srd,  XUBA  BBrB,m.  to  tiie  rer.Thomas 
TlioaiBS,  J.P.  and  Ticar  of  TMcnbam, 
Glooeeeterelilre,  wbobadiaeoe;  4tb, 
FBAwcsei  ftth,  Sabab,  wlio  4»  onm. 
in  1814)  dth,  HBeTBB,  late  of  Umore 
court,  near  Glonceitcr,  and  now  reel- 
dlDv  at  the  Caatte  of  Tamwarth. 
T.  HvMVBBT,  Bolicttor  in  Tamworth, 

4.  num.  June  Ttb,  1754. 
STANVomD  WoLnnsTAir,  eeq., 
as  heir  in  tail,  succeeded  his  unde 
Francis  in  the  Statfold  property. 
He  was  a  magistrate  for  the  coe.  of 
Stafford  and  Warwick  t  and  «.  Sa- 
rah, only  dau.  of  sir  Edward  Little- 
ton, bait.,  by  whom  he  acquired  the 
Moat-houae  in  Tamworth,  and  the 
other  purchased  eatates  of  his  fkther. 
He  d.  July  2nd,   1772 ;  snd  had 


I.  LiTTLBTON,  4,  la  I7O9,  in  bis  lbther*e 
life  time  «.  p, 

n.  DoBOTBT,  m.  Sept  igtb,  1740,  the 
rer.  Samnel  Pipe,  yicar  of  Crazall, 
CO.  of  Derby,  and  rector  of  Walton- 
on-Treat  Sbe  4.  Oct.  sUtb,  17M, 
and  bad  iasoe,  with  othera,  Samubi. 
Five,  to  whom  Mr.  Stanliord  WoUer. 


deoeaaeofbiswiie. 

in.  IT.  T.  Tl.  Sabab. 

CB8.     XUBABBTB. 


JOTCB.     FbAV- 


1776,  by  sign  manual,  the  surname 
and  arms  of  Wolferttan.    He  was  a 


1    Paiiah  Eeiiiter. 


CASTLB  AND  TOWK.  499 

veyed  the  Moat-house  to  Stanford  Wolferstan^  esq.^  of 
of  Statfold-hall>  to  whom  she  had  been  married  on  the 
7th  of  July,  171S.» 

In  the  year  1752,  Stanford  Wolferstan  and  his  wife 
disposed  of  the  Moat-house  to  William  Abney,  esq.  He 
resided  here  \mtil  1767,  when  he  sold  it  to  George 
viscount  Townshend ;  whose  steward,  John  Willington, 
esq.,  inhabited  it  for  a  considerable  time. 

The  history  of  this  mansion  is  involved  in  that  of  the 
Castle  from  this  period,  until  the  time  that  property  of 
the  Townshend  family  in  and  around  Tamworth  was  dis- 
posed of.  The  second  marquis  Townshend  constituted 
it  his  residence  until  his  decease,  in  1811.  Afterwards 
sir  John  Shee,  bart.,  inhabited  it  for  a  brief  space ;  and 
in  the  year  1815,  Robert  Woody,  esq.,  went  to  reside 
there. 

In  1821,  the  Moat-house,  paddock,  and  gardens,  with 
two  houses  and  two  bams  in  lichfield-street,  inclu- 
ding altogether  8a.  2r.;  the  Uberty  of  keeping  and 
marking  six  swans  upon  the  rivers  Tame  and  Anker; 
the  right  of  fishing  in  the  moat,  and  other  the  ancient 
privileges  belonging  to  and  enjoyed  by  the  possessors  of 
the  property ;  and  the  burial  place  in  the  North  Chancel 
of  the  Church,  were,  with  the  Castle  and  other  pro- 
perty, conveyed  to  John  Robins,  esq. 

Mr.  Robins  disposed  of  the  Moat-house,  in  the  same 
year,  with  the  rights  and  privileges  attached,  to  Robert 
Woody,  esq.,  whose  widow  still  inhabits  it. 

The  Moat-house  is  a  very  large,  handsome  structure, 
built  of  brick,  standing  upon  the  northern  bank  of 
the  river  Tame.  It  is  approached  from  lichfield- 
street   through  a  long  avenue  of  noble  lime-trees,   of 


500  TAXWOBTH 

more  than  a  century's  growth^  and  sonoonded  by  a 
paddock  upwards  of  six  acres  in  extent^  and  large  gar- 
dens.^ The  northern  front  presents  five  gables,  but  they 
have  been  greatly  modemiaed.  The  side  fiuang  the  riyer 
retains  more  of  the  original  state,  many  of  the  transom 
windows  being  preserved.  Two  large  rooms  were  added 
on  this  side  by  Mr.  Woody,  who  made  many  other 
improvements,  particularly  in  the  road  along  the 
avenue.  The  house  is  erected  on  large  arches,  for  the 
sake  of  dryness.  The  rooms  within  are  very  spacious 
and  comfortable:  they  have  been  mostly  fitted  up  in  a 
recent  style.  On  the  second  floor  stood  a  large  room, 
used  as  a  library,  fifty  feet  long  and  eighteen  feet 
broad;  but  it  is  now  separated  into  two.  The  ceiling 
is  divided  into  compartments  of  various  sixes,  which 
contain  the  following  arms. 

1.  Gu.,  on  a  cross  engrailed  Or,  five  roses  of  the 
field  semee  of  the  second, — Comberford:  impaling  Vert, 
semee  of  fleurs^^e-liz,  a  lion  rampant  Or, — ^Beaumont. 

S.  Comberford :  impaling  Or,  a  chevron  Gu.,  between 
three  lions  rampant  Vert. 

3.  Six  quarterings  on  a  mantle  semee  of  roses  Gu. 
Ist.  Gu.,  a  talbot  passant  Arg. , — ^the  usual  arms  of 
Comberford;  2nd,  per  pale  indented  Or  and  Vert, 
in  the  dexter  chief  an  escallop  Gu.;  3rd,  the  first- 
named  coat  of  Comberford;  4th,  Or,  a  bend  wavy 
between  two  cotizes  Sa. ;  5th,  Arg.,  on  a  bend  compony 
Gu.  and  Sa.  cotized  of  the  second,  a  mullet  Or, — ^Leven- 
thorpe;  6th,  Sa.,  two  lions  passant  Arg.,  crowned  Or, 
— ^Heronvile.  Crest,  a  peacock's  head  ppr.,  gorged  with 
a  ducal  coronet  Or. 

1    WUUam  Gomberfard  cndoMd  the  pmmds  with  Mek  wiDs,  that  between  the 
M oat-ganlen  end  TuBwoith.8Teeii,— the  lait  Itanned,— beinf  erected  la  idM. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  601 

4.  Beaumont:  impaling  Or^  a  lion  rampant  double 
queued  Vert, — Sutton,  lord  Dudley. 

5.  Comberford :  impaling  Arg.,  a  chief  vairy  Or  and 
Gu.,  over  all  a  bend  Sa., — Fitz-Herbert  of  Staffordshire. 

6.  England;  oyer  the  shield  a  ducal  coronet. 

7.  Beaumont :  impaling  Leyenthorpe. 

8.  Comberford  (the  talbot) :  impaling  the  first  men- 
tioned arms  of  the  family. 

9.  Scotland;  over  the  shield  a  coronet. 

10.  Leventhorpe  :  impaling  Heronvile. 

11.  Comberford:  impaling  per  pale  indented  Or  and 
Vert,  in  the  dexter  chief  an  escallop  Gu. 

12.  Hidden  by  the  wall  between  the  rooms. 

13.  Heronvile. 

14.  Comberford  (the  talbot). 

In  the  smaller  room,  are  eight  coats  of  arms. 

1.  Beaumont:  impaling  Gu.,  a  lion  rampant  vairy, 
— ^Everingham. 

2.  Beaumont:  impaling  Gu.,  a  cross  moline  Arg., 
charged  with  an  estoile  of  the  first. 

3.  On  a  mantle  semee  of  roses  ppr.,  the  first  named 
arms  of  Comberford:  impaling  Beaumont.  Crest,  a 
peacock's  head  per  pale  Or  and  Gu.,  gorged  with  a 
ducal  coronet  of  the  first. 

4.  Beaumont:  impaling  Arg.,  three  garbs  Or, — Co- 
min,  earl  of  fiuchan. 

5.  Beaumont:  impaling  quarterly  Gu.  and  Or,  in 
in  the  first  quarter  a  mullet  of  the  first, — ^Vere. 

6.  On  a  mantle  Ermine  turned  up  flory  Or,  Beau- 
mont.    Crest,  an  elephant  bearing  a  tower,  trappings  Or. 

7.  Comin:  impaling  Scotland. 

8.  Beaumont:  impaling  England,  with  a  label  of 
three  points  Az.,  each  charged  with  three  fleurs-de-liz  Or. 

t3 


t 


502  TAHWOBTH 

The  moat^  with  a  wall^  surrounded  the  house^  passing 
close  beneath  the  edifice  in  fronts  but  enclosing  a  piece 
of  garden-ground  on  the  south.  The  access  was  origi- 
nally formed  by  a  draw-bridge.  Only  part  of  the  moat 
now  remains.  In  front  it  has  been  mostly  filled  up, 
and  lately  converted  into  a  garden,  with  a  terrace. 
Between  the  house  and  the  river,  it  is  still  preserved, 
and  also  the  branch  at  the  south-west  comer  communis 
eating  with  the  Tame. 

To  the  Moat-house,  are  attached  spacious  and  excellent 
gardens.  The  pleasant  and  open  situation  of  this 
mansion,  its  antique  appearance,  and  its  internal  conve- 
nience, render  it  a  fitting  residence  for  a  nobleman  of 
the  highest  rank. 


ADDENDA  ET  CORRIGENDA. 

Pages  49,  60.  We  have  been  favoured  by  William 
Staunton,  esq.,  of  Longbridge-house,  near  Warwick, 
with  a  note  of  five  silver  pennies  issued  from  the  royal 
mint  of  Tamworth,  which  are  in  his  collection,  differing 
from  any  we  have  mentioned. 

Two  of  the  reign  of  Edward  the  Confessor  have  these 
inscriptions  :~^ 

Obverse: — ^edwabd  re. 
Reverse: — goling  on  tam. 
Obverse: — ^bdwaed  re. 
Eeverse: — ^brvning  on  tam. 
Two  of  William  the  Conqueror : — 
Obverse: — willelm  rex. 
Reverse: — brvnig  on  tamw. 
Obverse: — ^willelm  rex. 
Reverse: — iblfwinb  on  tan. 
One  assigned  to  William  Rufus: — 

Obverse: — ^willelm  rex  ang. 
Reverse: — ielfwine  on  tanv. 
Page  64,  line  9.    For  1246,  read  1238. 
Page  67,  lines  4  and  9.      For  1261  and  1264,  read 
1260  and  1263. 

Page  71,  lines  11  and  25.  Philip  de  Marmyon,  by 
royal  command,  restored  the  manor  of  Wigginton  and 
the  Staffordshire  part  of  Tamworth  to  John  de  Has- 
tings, on  the  25th  of  June,  1285. 


504  TAMWORTH 

Page  76;  line  SI.  Ralph  de  Monthenner,  on 
marriage  with  Joan  daughter  of  Edward  I.^  was  sum- 
moned to  Parliament  as  "Comiti  Gloucestr'  et  Hertf." 
But  it  does  not  appear  that  he  retained  the  titles  after 
her  decease. 

Page  84;  last  line.    For  decease^  read  departure. 

Page  85,  line  2.    For  1272,  read  1872. 

Page  87,  line  8.  John  Hastings  also  claimed  to  bear 
the  second  sword  at  the  coronation  of  Kich.  II.  The 
earl  of  Arundel  opposed  him,  but  the  right  was 
adjudged  to  Hastings;  and  the  earl  of  March  carried 
the  sword  along  with  the  spurs. 

Page  91,  line  11.     For  1633-4,  read  1533-4. 

Page  117.  The  bailiffs  thus  replied  to  the  earl  of 
Essex. 

"May  it  pleas  yo""  L*,  we  receaued  yo'  L'p*s  Tre  of 
the  28th  of  December  last,  Wherein  your  L'  doth  corn- 
end  vnto.  Ys  your  s'unt,  Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  to  be  a 
fitt  man  for  one  of  the  Burgesses  to  be  imploied  for 
our  towne  for  the  p'liam^;  and  we,  on  the  behalf  of 
o'  selves  &  the  rest  of  o*"  brethren,  do,  w*^  all  thanke- 
fulnes  of  yo'  Pp's  care  had  of  our  poore  corporaoon, 
referre  all  o'  assents  to  yC  Lo*p's  no'i'acon  of  the  choise 
of  two  of  three  Burgesses  no*i'ated  and  well  liked  of 
amongest  vs.  first  Mr.  Broughton  is  and  of  long  tyme 
hath  bene  our  recorder,  who  hath  painefullie  dealt  in 
all  causes  that  hath  concerned  vs ;  and  in  the  p'liament 
holden  in  the  xxvij***  yeare  of  her  Ma**»  reigne,  vpon 
my  L'  of  Leic'*"  great  favo'  shewed  vs,  we  well  liked 
of  a  Burgesse  of  his  Comeudacon,  and  likewise  willeng 
to  gratifie  yo^  L'p's  first  comendacon,  did  allowe  of  Mr. 
Bryttayne,  by  w'^*^  occasion  Mr.  Broughton  relieng  vpon 
vs,   being   o'  recorder,   was    disappointed,    &   for    other 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN,  605 

placs  he  making  no  sute  was  quite  out:  for  w^  wee 
had  good  Cause  to  be  sorye^  relyeng  in  all  o'  accons 
ypon  his  firindlie  and  paynefull  travaills.  Moreou'  & 
it  may  pleas  yo'  Pp,  S'  Humfirey  ferrers'  Sonne,  my  1* 
kep's  Sonne  in  lawe,  hath  heretofore  bene  burgesse  of 
the  p'liam^  for  o^  towne;  and  we  haue  foimde  both  his 
fath'  &  him  thankefull  for  o^  good  liking  of  the  then 
choyseng  of  him,  who  doth  now  likewise  make  sute 
vnto  vs  to  be  one  of  o'  burgesses.  Vnto  whom  we 
haue  given  o'  consents,  if  it  may  be  w*^  yo'  Lo'  good 
likinge :  and  for  the  nominacon  &  choise  of  the  other 
burgesse  either  to  be  Mr.  Broughton  or  Mr.  Smyth  we 
wholly  referre  to  your  Lo*  discretion,  and  will  remayne 
to  be  certyfied  of  yo^  l*p*s  choise  against  such  tyme  as 
Choise  shalbe  made:  and  thus  humblie  we  pray  for 
yo'  L'p*s  happie  estate. 

Yo'  Lordshyp's  poore  frinds.*' 
Page  121,  line  19.     For  sixteenth,  read  seventeenth. 
Page  135. 

May  12°,    "At    the    Comittee    for    safety    of   the 

1644.     County  of  Warr%  &  for  sequestracon  of 

delinquents'   estates  within   the   county 

aforesayd. 

It  is  Ordered  by  the  Comittee  that  Michael  Baylyes, 

now  prisoner  at  Tamworth,  shall  be  sent  forthwith   to 

Coventry,  to  the  Comittee:    &  the   Tenants  of  Alcott 

are  not   to  be  arested  for  any  of  the  rents   of  Alcott 

priory,  without  especyall  Licence  of  the  Comittee. 

ex  p'  Abraham  Boune, 

clerke  to  the  Comittee." 
"Gentlemen, 

We   did   Expect  yo**   would  haue    observed 
o'  direction  given  for  the  discharge  of  Michael  Bayleis ; 


506  TAHWORTH 

we  haue  Conaideied  sufficyently  of  the  busynes,  and 
find  the  Money  to  be  payable  to  8>^  Hercules  fiancis 
Cook^  in  Trust  for  the  Lord  ffinch^  and  the  Tytle  was 
also  in  him  in  trust.  We  Require  that^  w^ut  more 
adoe^  the  said  Bayleis  be  discharged^  that  he  may  haue 
Libertie  to  Come  &  Acoompt  here  for  the  rents  &  debts 
of  the  Lands:  we  find  it  a  Matter  w^  makes  men's 
estates  lyable  to  Sequestation,  to  p'mote  suites  agaynst 
men  for  obeyinge  the  Ordynances  of  Parliament,  pray 
trouble  the  Committee  noe  More  Ti>on  this  occasion:  we 
suppose  yo^  will  not  absolutely  denie  ys  this  soe  fitting 
a  Comaund^  whoe  are^ 

Coventry,  18®  Yo*  very  Loveinge  flUends, 

Maij,  1644.  R.  SKEFFINGTON. 

FFR.  HALES, 
"ffor  their  ffnends,  the  WILLM  COLMORR 

Bayleife  of  Tamworth,  PETER  BURGOYNE. 

these."  THO.  WHiLUGHBY." 

"Honored  GentP, 

As  we  are  not  vnwilling  to  sett  att  lib'tie 
Michaell  Bailyes  vppon  j(f  Command,  Soe  we  hope 
yo^  are  as  vnwillinge  to  haue  vs  sett  att  lib'tie  a 
prisoner  for  a  debt  vppon  specialtie,  not  giving  vs  any 
warrantie  for  (f  discharge  &  indempnitie  therein ;  which 
we  shall  expecte  from  yo*  before  we  shall  dare  to  dis- 
charge the  p'tie.  But  if  we  may  receive  your  warrantie 
for  0'  discharge,  we  shall  most  readily  obey.  And  this 
Zele  we  hope  will  giue  yo^  a  full  satisfaccon,  w%ut 
any  more  trouble.    And  soe  reste 

SO  Maij,  1644.  Yo'  most  readie  to  serue  yo^ 

THOMAS  KNIGHT,  > 
THOMAS  KEYE,      \  ^*y*^- 


CASTLE   AND   TOWN.  607 

Page  148.  This  address  was  presented  to  Queen 
Ann,  in  1710,  in  behalf  of  Tamworth,  after  the  im- 
peachment of  Henry  Sacheverell,  D.D.,  in  the  House 
of  Lords  for  high  crimes  and  misdemeanors,  on  account 
of  two  sermons  he  had  preached,  one  at  the  assizes  of 
Derby,  on  the  15th  of  August^  the  second  before  the 
lord  mayor  at  St.  PauPs,  on  the  5th  of  November, 
1709 ;  which,  being  printed,  had  been  denounced  in  the 
lower  house  as  ''malicious,  scandalous,  and  seditious 
libels,  highly  reflecting  upon  her  majesty  and  govern- 
ment, the  late  happy  revolution  and  the  Protestant 
succession  as  by  law  established,  and  both  hoases  of 
parliament,  tending  to  alienate  the  affection  of  her 
majesty's  good  subjects,  and  to  create  jealousies  and 
divisions  among  them." 

St.  James's,  May  18th,  1710. 
This  Day,  the  following  Address  from  the  Borough  of 
Tamtoofih  was  presented  to  Her  Majesty,  by  Mr.  Ser- 
jeant CHrdler,  their  Recorder,  one  of  their  Representatives 
in  Parliament,  attended  by  Sir  TJiomas  Lawley,  Bart., 
Joseph  Girdler,  Esq.,  and  several  other  Grentlemen  of  the 
Corporation,  introduced  by  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Shrews- 
bunfy  Lord  Chamberlain  of  Her  Majesty's  Household,  in 
the  Absence  of  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lord  Viscount 
Weymauihy  their  High  Steward. 

''To  the  Queen's  most  Excellent  Majesty. 
The  humble  Address  of  the  High-Steward,  Bai- 
liff, Recorder,  Town  Clerk,  Capital  Burgesses, 
Gentlemen,  Clergy,  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
ancient  Borough  of  Tamiworthy  in  the  Countieis 
of  Warwick  and  l^fford*^ 


508  TAMWORTH 

"May  it  please  Your  Majesty , 

We^  Your  Majesty's  most  dutiful  and  loyal  Subjects, 
make  bold,  in  all  humble  manner,  to  Approach  Your 
Presence  with  our  firee-will  offering;  and  being  warm'd 
with  a  noble  Zeal  and  Ardour  for  the  safety  of  Your 
Majesty's  most  Sacred  Person  and  Grovemment,  and  an 
Affection  for  our  holy  Mother-Church,  do  Unanimously^ 
and  from  the  bottom  of  our  Hearts,  assure  Your 
Majesty,  That,  being  deeply  sensible  of  the  Obligation 
of  our  Allegiance  to  Your  Majesty  as  God's  Vicegerent, 
we  will  stand  by  and  support  Your  Majesty,  at  the 
Expence  of  our  Lives  and  Fortunes,  in  Defence  of  Your 
Most  Sacred  Person^  Rights,  and  Prerogatives,  the 
Protestant  Succession,  and  the  Church  of  England  as 
by  Law  Establish'd,  against  all  Oppoeers,  both  at  home 
and  abroad,  against  Papery  and  Fanaticism,  whether  in 
Religion  or  Politicks;  and  against  all  such  Persons, 
(if  'tis  possible  such  Monsters  there  should  be^)  who 
make  use  of  the  Terms  of  LoyaUy  and  Moderation  only 
as  a  Mask  to  cover  Designs  which  they  dare  not  pub- 
lickly  own,  and  which,  if  ever  they  attempt,  we  hope 
the  Experiment  will  prove  dangerous  only  to  the 
Authors. 

And  as  the  best  Discharge  of  that  Duty  we  owe  to 
our  Country  and  Your  Majesty,  we  wiU,  on  all  Occa- 
sions, choose  such  Representatives  in  Parliament,  as 
shall  be  most  likely  to  Unite  in  Heart,  and  Voice,  and 
joint-Endeavours,  to  promote  every  thing  that  may  tend 
most  effectually  to  the  Preservation  of  God's  holy 
Church  and  Religion  among  us,  the  Safety  and  Honour 
of  Your  Majesty's  Person  and  Government,  and  the 
Discouragement     of    Vice    and    Prophaneness. 

That,  therefore,  our  Church,  which  is  built  high  upon 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  509 

a  rock  may  never  become  low  or  abased;  That  Your 
Majesty,  the  Supreme  Head  and  Ornament  thereof,  may, 
for  their  Comfort  and  Protection,  govern  long  a  willing 
and  obedient  People;  That  the  length  of  Your  Reign 
may  be  proportioned  to  the  Glories  of  it,  and  as 
remarkable  for  the  happy  Fruits  of  Peace  as  it  has 
been  for  those  of  War ;  And  the  Piety  of  Your  Exam- 
ple as  universally  imitated  as  it  is  commended ;  are  the 
daily  Prayers  of  Your  Most  obedient  Subjects,  who 
have  hereunto  subscribed  their  Names,  and  Affix'd  the 
Common  Seal  of  this  Your  Loyal  Corporation.*' 

The  queen  received  the  address  very  graciously;  and 
Mr.  Serjeant  CHrdler  and  the  rest  of  the  Gentlemen  had 
the  Honor  to  kiss  Her  Majesty's  Hand. 

Page  175,  line  5.    For  form,  read  forms. 

Page  181,  line  13.    For  assignees,  read  assigns. 

Page  192,  line  21.  We  have  discovered  Cocket's  lane 
to  have  been  College-lane,  in  which  the  National  School 
stands. 

There  was  once  a  holy  well  in  the  Warwickshire 
part  of  Tamworth;  for,  in  1276,  it  is  said  "Will's 
Chelle  obstruxit  viam  q'  ducit  ad  fontem  S'ci  Ruffiany." 
This  is  most  probably  St.  Ruffin,  who,  with  his  brother, 
St  Wulfhad,  in  670,  embraced  Christianity.  They 
were  baptieed  by  St.  Chad,  bishop  of  Lichfield,  and 
were  slain,  whilst  at  their  prayers,  by  order  of  their 
father  Wulfere,  king  of  Mercia,  on  account  of  their 
having  abandoned  idolatry. 

Page  19S,  line  6.     For  a  very  small,  read  no. 

Page  197,  line  2.  For  they  do  not  contain,  read  it 
does  not  contain. 

Page  198,  line  11.     For  35,  read  32. 

Page  216.    At  his  decease,  in   1291,  Philip  de  Mar- 

V  3 


510  TAMWORTH 

myon  had  the  Church  of  Tamworth  in  his  donation. 
John  de  Teford  held  the  deanery,  valued,  in  common 
years,  at  10/. ;  Robert  de  Pygford  had  a  prebend  valued 
at  7/.  a-year;  Ralph  de  Heneman,  one  valued  at  61.; 
Hugh  de  Cave,  one  valued  at  5/.;  Michael  de  Ormeby, 
one  valued  at  41 ;  and  Adam  de  Waltone,  one  of  the 
same  value. 

Page  221,  line  2.  Amongst  our  late  researches,  it 
was  our  fortune  to  meet  with  letters  patent  of  Henry 
YI.,  concerning  the  foundation  of  two  chantries  in  the 
Church  here,  and  the  provision  of  sacramental  wine. 
The  document  is  dated  the  9th  of  February,  1445-6. 

Henry  YI.  begins  the  charter  by  declaring  that 
although  his  attention  was  usually  centred  on  the 
welfare  of  the  whole  English  church, — ^not  on  particular 
foundations, — ^yet  it  became  him  specially  to  direct  eyes 
of  compassion  towards  the  collegiate  Church  of  Tam- 
worth, and,  extend  his  protection  to  it.  It  appears  firom 
the  statement  of  John  Bate,  the  dean,  that  divine  wor- 
ship here  had  considerably  declined,  particularly  when 
the  vicars  choral,  deputed  to  the  cure  of  souls,  and 
attached  to  the  prebendal  chapels,  were  necessarily 
occupied  in  the  ministration  of  the  sacraments  out  of 
the  Church,  at  least  at  the  principal  festivals  of  the 
year.  Thus,  on  account  of  their  fewness  from  their  im- 
avoidable  absence,  the  canonical  hours  had  been  omitted, 
and  the  solemnities  of  mass  laid  aside,  not  only  to  the 
scandal  of  this  Church,  but  to  the  detriment  of  Christ's 
faithful  in  it.  This  had  caused  the  king  on  hearing  it 
much  sonow;  and  to  remedy  the  evil  in  some  manner, 
he  made  these  concessions.  He  founded  a  perpetual 
Chantry  of  one  chaplain,  who,  every  day,  should  celebrate 
mass  for  the  peace  and  happy  tranquillity  of  his  king- 


CASTLE   AND  TOWN.  511 

doms  of  England  and  France^  for  his  health  and  that 
of  his  dear  consort  Margaret  during  their  liyes,  and  for 
their  souls  when  they  were  dead,  for  the  souls  of  his 
august  £stther  and  mother^  of  all  his  progenitors,  and  of 
all  the  faithful  departed,  at  the  altar  of  the  Holy  and 
Undivided  Trinity  in  the  Church,  for  ever.  The  chap- 
lain should  serve  in  the  canonical  hours,  high  masses, 
and  other  divine  offices  to  be  celebrated  daily  by 
direction  of  the  dean,  that,  by  aid  of  this  foundation, 
the  divine  worship  so  depressed  might  recover  and 
flourish,  and  ever  endure  to  the  praise  of  God,  by  His 
abounding  grace.  The  king  assigned  to  the  chaplain 
of  the  Chantry,  for  his  maintenance,  the  fee-farm  rent 
of  116^.,  which  the  men  and  tenants  of  the  Warwick- 
shire part  of  Tamworth  were  accustomed  to  render  to 
the  crown  annually  through  the  sheriff  of  the  county, 
to  be  paid  yearly  by  the  bailifb  of  that  side  of  the  town 
on  the  feasts  of  St.  Michael  the  Archangel,  the  Nativity 
of  our  Lord,  Easter,  and  the  Nativity  of  St.  John  the 
Baptist,  or  otherwise  according  to  the  chaplain's  will, 
at  the  four  usual  terms,  by  equal  portions;  notwith- 
standing any  statute  or  ordinance  to  the  contrary.  The 
king  commanded  that  it  should  be  named  his  Royal 
Chantry.  He  gave  licence  to  the  chaplain  to  receive 
lands  and  other  possessions  from  any  person  to  the 
value  of  100«.,  and  to  sell  and  alienate  them  without 
any  inquisition  by  pretext  of  royal  writ,  and  without  the 
payment  of  any  fee  or  fine  to  the  king,  the  mortmain 
act  not  even  interposing.  He,  moreover,  gave  to  the 
dean  the  power  of  conferring  the  Chantry  on  any  fit 
chaplain  able  to  chant  in  the  canonical  hours,  high 
masses,  and  the  other  divine  offices ;  who  should  first 
make  oath  of  personal  residence  here  and  of  the  obser- 


51S  TAM  WORTH 

vance  of  the  lawB  and  regulations  of  the  dean.  When 
by  cessation  there  should  be  a  vacancy,  the  dean  and 
his  successors  should,  in  the  same  manner,  firom  time 
to  time,  admit  another  chaplain;  and  any  of  them 
might  be  removed  for  negligence  as  to  residence  or  the 
keeping  of  the  regulations,  or  for  any  notable  crime 
which  would  induce  deprival  according  to  the  traditions 
of  the  holy  fathers  and  the  sacred  canons.  Moreover, 
as  the  dean,  in  his  care  and  vigilance  towards  the 
Church,  for  the  decorum  of  worship  and  the  keeping 
of  the  charge  committed  to  him,  was  desirous  of  found- 
ing another  perpetual  Chantry  at  the  altar  of  the  blessed 
and  glorious  Virgin  Mary  here,  to  the  praise  of  God, 
abo  of  the  glorious  Mother,  and  in  honour  and  memory 
of  the  holy  virgins  Editha  and  Katherine,  and  to  the 
augmentation  of  divine  worship,  the  king  granted  licence 
to  him  to  establish  such  a  Chantry  of  one  chaplain; 
who  should  celebrate  mass  daily  at  this  altar  for  the 
peace  and  happy  tranquillity  of  England  and  France, 
for  the  health  of  the  king  and  that  of  his  consort,  also 
of  the  dean,  in  life,  for  their  souls  afterwards,  and  fiir 
those  of  Robert  and  Alice  Bate  father  and  mother  of 
the  dean,  of  their  parents  and  bene&ctors,  and  of  all 
the  faithful  departed  for  ever.  The  chaplain  should 
assist  in  the  canonical  hours,  high  masses,  and  other 
divine  offices.  The  king  ordered  that  it  should  be  called 
the  Chantry  of  dean  Bate,  and  granted  licence  to  the 
dean,  his  heirs,  assigns,  or  executors,  to  bestow  on  it 
any  possessions,  spiritual  or  temporal,  to  the  value  of 
twelve  marks  a-year,  whether  held  of  the  crown  or  of 
others  by  military  service  or  otherwise,  for  the  chaplain 
at  the  altar,  towards  his  maintenance,  without  any 
inquisition   or  fine  or  fee  to  the  king,  notwithstanding 


CASTLE  aud  town.  513 

the  mortmain  act  or  any  other  ordinance  whatsoever  to 
the  contrary.  And  in  order  that  the  venerable  and 
most  excellent  sacrament  of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  might  be  approached  in  the  Church 
more  frequently  and  diligently  by  the  devout  fidthful  of 
Christy  with  pious  delight^  prone  wills,  and  sincere 
minds,  the  king  granted  to  the  vicars  choral  and  chap- 
lains of  the  Chantries,  every  year,  a  hogshead  of  red 
wine,  from  the  royal  wines  in  the  port  of  Bristol,  to  be 
delivered  by  the  head  butler,  for  the  most  sacred  use 
of  the  celestial  mysteries,  according  to  the  direction  of 
the  dean. 

Page  222,  note  and  engraving.  In  reference  to  the 
seal  of  the  Church,  we  have  received  a  communication 
from  William  Staunton,  esq.,  of  Longbridge-house,  near 
Warwick,  stating  that  he  had  in  his  possession  the 
matrix  of  the  seal  of  Tamworth-Church,  and  offering, 
in  a  very  kind  and  liberal  manner,  to  give  us  an  im- 
pression to  engrave  for  this  history.  Of  the  opportunity 
we  did  not  fail  to  avail  ourselves. 

The  seal  is  totally  different  frt>m  the  one  to  which 
we  alluded  in  the  note,  as  attached  to  the  grant  for 
mass  of  requiem  by  sir  Thomas  Ferrers.  It  is  much 
superior  in  size,  richness  of  the  design,  and  execution. 
Of  the  three  large  central  figures,  one  is  doubtless  that 
of  St.  Katherine,  as  she  bears  the  wheel  and  sword,--> 
the  instruments  of  her  martyrdom.  Of  the  other  two 
figures,  one,  with  the  archiepiscopal  crosier,  is  probably 
St.  Thomas  of  Canterbury;  the  other,  a  bishop  with 
the  pastoral  staff,  cannot  be  determined,  as  there  are  no 
distinctive  marks  placed  about  him.  In  the  upper 
compartment,  is  the  Virgin  with  the  Divine  Infant; 
in  the  lower  one,  a  bishop  in  prayer.    On  one  side  of 


514  TAM  WORTH 

the  latter^  is  an  escutcheon,  with  the  initials  T  P; 
on  the  other  side,  one  bearing  the  arms,— on  a  fess 
between  three  pheons,  two  and  one,  points  downwards, 
a  buck's  head  cabossed,  between  two  pellets.  The  in- 
scription is,  S  COMVNE  COLLEGIATE  DE  TO'- 
WORTH.  From  the  style  of  the  tabernacle  work,  we 
judge  the  seal  to  have  been  executed  in  the  fifteenth 
century.    The  matrix  is  steel,  originally  gilt. 

There  is  a  very  curious  circumstance  observable  in 
reference  to  this  seal.  It  is  very  plain  that  it  did 
not  originally  belong  to  Tamworth  Church,  but  was 
altered  to  suit  it.  The  depth  to  which  the  inscription 
and  the  shields  have  been  cut,  show  that  the  original 
legend  and  arms  were  obliterated  to  make  room  for  the 
substitution  of  others :  and  the  representation  of  a  bishop 
praying  in  the  lower  compartment,  farther  indicates 
this  fact.  On  the  shield  with  the  initials,  may  be 
plainly  traced  the  three  fleurs-de-Uz  of  the  arms  of 
France  and  England  quarterly,  which  have  been  only 
imperfectly  erased.  The  later  inscription  betrays  the 
unskilful  hand  of  the  second  artist ;  who  was  compelled 
to  omit  the  word  ecclesib  in  connection  with  colleoi- 
ATE,  and  to  contract  and  greatly  cramp  the  name  of 
Tamworth.  The  adoption  of  Roman  characters  shows 
the  late  period  at  which  the  changes  were  made.  The 
present  arms  are  those  of  Parker;  and  the  initials 
T  P  make  it  evident  that  the  second  owner  of  the 
seal  was  Thomas  Parker,  who  was  the  dean  of  this 
Church  at  the  time  of  the  ecclesiastical  survey  in  1535. 

We  have  been  unable  to  discover  to  whom  this  seal 
originally  belonged.  The  adoption  of  a  second-hand 
seal  speaks  very  indifferently  with  regard  to  the  finan- 
cial state  of  this  Church:  a  similar  practice  is  scarcely 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  515 

known  except  in  connection  with  the  most  poorly-endowed 
institutions.  John  Gough  Nichob,  esq.,  of  London, 
through  whom  we  first  received  Mr.  Staunton's  commu- 
nication, mentioned  as  the  only  instances  he  knew  of 
a  similar  practice,  the  corporate  seal  of  Maidenhead, 
originally  the  priyate  seal  of  a  priest,  and  that  of  an 
Almshouse  at  Croyden,  which  had  been  made  for  Stoke, 
in  Suffolk. 

Page  224,  line  3.    For  6«.,  read  7*. 

Page  225,  Une  15.     For  168.  read  lis. 

Page  262,  line  14.    Dele  and  on  a  higher  level. 

Page  265,  line  7.    Dele  three  chevronells. 

Page  275,  line  5.    For  rib  appears,  read  ribs  appear. 

Page  282.  line  6.  In  attributing  the  subject  of  the 
painting  to  the  Day  of  Judgment,  we  are  guided  by  the 
opinion  of  an  architect,  and  of  some  in  whose  ac- 
quirements we  reposed  much  confidence.  However,  on 
showing  him  a  drawing  of  the  painting,  an  eminent 
Roman  Catholic  clergyman,  distinguished  by  his  profound 
knowledge  of  ecclesiastical  antiquity,  pronounced  the  piece 
to  represent  the  legend  of  St.  Nicholas.  Subsequently 
he  referred  us  to  a  book  bearing  upon  the  subject, — 
"Db  Historia  SS.  Ihaginuh  bt  Picturarum,  pro 
vero   bartjm   tj8u   contra    abusus,    libri    quatuor ; 

ATTCTORB  JOANNB  MOLANO.  JOANNBS  NaTALIS  PaQUOT  Rb- 
CENSUIT,  ILLTJSTRAVIT,  SUPPLBVIT.    LOVANII,  M.DCC.LXXI." 

In  Lib.  hi,  cap.  ijii,  p.  387«  our  author  treats, 
**De  picturia  sancti  Nicolai.** — "Qui  pingitur  cum  tri- 
Bus  PuERis,  sed  tam  obscure,  ut  vix  sciam,  quonam 
referenda  sit  ea  pictura.  Tres  Juvenes  milites  naufragium 
passes  a  sententia  Judicis  liberavit,  qui  eos  ob  furtum 
injuste  ad  necem  damnaverat ;  tunc  enim  temporis  Leges 
furtum  non  puniebant  nece.    Tres  Filias  prostituendas 


516  TAMWORTH 

sua  clancularia  mimificentia  in  pudidtia  conserravit. 
Tres  militiffi  Principes,  apud  Constantiniim  falso  accu- 
satos  eripuit  a  pemicioso  jugolatu.  Fertor  etiam  a 
plebeiis,  mulierem  quamdam  vesperi  ties  pueios  occidisse, 
&  in  vase  pro  salitis  camibus  reposmsse :  eosque  demum 
a  Nicolao  resuscitates  esse.  En  quatuor  temaiia.  Sed 
ad  quod  eorum  Pictores  respexerint,  nondum  exprimere 
valeo.'* 

A  note  is  here  added  which  immediately  illustrates 
our  subject.  ''Hand  dubium^  quin  plerique  ad  quartum 
temarium  respexerint.  Erat  is,  ut  est  adhuc,  in  ore 
vulgi :  solebatque  festivis  dramatibus  exhiberi ;  quorum 
unum.  Lector,  accipe  descriptum  e  codice  XIII.  seculi, 
ad  Floriacense  S.  Benedicti  Coenobium  pertinente.  De- 
beo  illud  Auctori  libri,  hoc  titulo  editi:  Varietes 
hUtariqueSy  Physiques,  8f  Litieraires,  8fc.  Paris,  1752. 
Ibmo  III.    Parte  I.  pp.  184-188. 

P&mus  Clbricus. 
Not,  quo8  causa  diioendi  littenw 
Apnd  gentet  transmiiit  ezteraa, 
Dam  sol  adhue  extendit  radiom, 
Perqniramtts  nobit  hoipitinm. 

Sbcttndus  Clbkicub. 
Jam  sol  eqnos  tenet  in  litore, 
Quos  ad  pisoes  merget  nib  vqaore : 
Nee  est  nota  nobis  hsc  patria ; 
Ergo  quBii  debent  hospitia. 

Tbktius  Clbkxcus. 
Senem  qaemdam,  matomm  moribns, 
Hie  habemus  coram  Inminibns : 
Forssn,  nostris  compnlsns  precibus, 
Erit  hospes  nobis  hospitlbns. 

SiMUL  OMNBS   AD   SbnBM  SICUNT. 

Hospes  carei  qnsrendo  Stadia, 
Hoc  relicta  Tenimos  patria ; 
Nobis  ergo  pnestes  hospitiami 
Jhun  durabit  boo  noeds  spatiam. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  517 

Sbnex. 
Hospitetur  toi  Factor  omnium  ; 
Nam  non  dabo  Yobis  hospitium  ; 
Nam  nee  mea  in  hoc  atilitas, 
Nee  est  ad  hoc  nee*  opportonitas. 

CUIRICI    AD  VSTULAll. 

Per  te,  Cara,  sit  impetrabile, 
Qnod  rogamus,  etsi  non  utile : 
Forsan  propter  hoc  beneficium, 
Vobis  Deu8  donabit  puerum. 

MULIBR   AD    SbNEM. 

Noshis  dare,  Conjox,  hospitium, 
Qui  sic  Yagant  qusrendo  Studium, 
Sola  saltem  compellat  caritas : 
Nee  eat  damnum,  nee  est  utilitas. 

Senbx. 

Acquiescam  tuo  consilio, 
Et  dignabor  istos  hospitio. 

Senex  ad  Cle&icos. 
Aooedatis,  Scholares,  igitur ; 
Qnod  rogastis,  vobis  conceditur. 

Senex  ad  uzorem,  Clericis  dormientibus. 
Nonne  Tides  quanta  marsupia  ? 
Est  in  illis  argenti  copia  ; 
Hsec  a  nobis,  absque  infamia, 
Possideri  posset  pecunia. 

Vetula. 
Paupertatis  onus  sustulimus. 
Mi  marite,  quamdiu  yiximus : 
Hos  si  morte  donare  Yolumus, 
Paupertatem  vitare  possumus. . . . 
Eyagines  ergo  jam  gladium ; 
Namque  potes,  morte  jacentium. 
Esse  dives  quamdiu  vizeris : 
Atque  sciet  nemo  quod  feceris. 

NiCHOLAUS. 

Peregrinus  fessus  itinere, 
Ultra  modo  non  possum  tendere  •. 
Hiqus  ergo  per  noctis  spatium, 
Mihi  pnestes,  precor,  hospitlam. 

*  Forte:  Nunc. 

w  8 


H 


518  TAMWORTH 

Sbksx  ao  MuLisasM. 
An  dignabor  istum  hotpitio, 
Cara  coi^nx,  tao  otmiiUo  ? 

Vbtula. 
Hnnc  penona  oommendat  niminm : 
Et  est  dignua  ut  des  hoflpitiiEin. 

SSNBX. 

Peregrine,  accede  propitiiii ; 
Tir  widens  nimia  egregini ; 
Si  TiSi  dabo  tibi  comedere : 
Quidquid  Tolea,  tentabo  qiuerere. 

NiCBOLAUSy   AO   MBirSAM. 

Nihil  ex  his  possum  comedere : 
Camem  yellem  recentem  edere. 

SSMBX. 

Dabo  tibi  camem  quam  habeo  ; 
Namque  came  recente  careo. 

NiCHOLAUS* 

None  dixisti  plane  mendacinm  ; 
Carnem  habes  recentem  nimiom  : 
Et  hanc  habes,  magna  neqnitia, 
Qnam  mactari  fedt  pecunia. 

SbKBZ   &  MVLXXX. 

Miserere  nostri,  te  petimns ; 
Nam  te  sanctnm  Dei  cognosdmas : 
Nostrum  scelns,  abominabile, 
Non  est  tamen  incondonabile. 

NiCHOLAUS. 

Mortoorom  afferte  corpora, 
Et  contrita  sint  vestra  pectora : 
Hi  resurgent  per  Dei  gratiam : 
Et  Tos  flendo  quaeratis  Teniam. 

Orationxs  Nioholax. 
Pie  Deus,  cujos  sunt  omnia, 
Caelum,  tellus,  aer,  &  maria 
Ut  resurgent  isti,  prscipias : 
Et  hos,  ad  te  clamentes,  audias. 

Et  post  OKiriB  Cboxus  x>icat 
Te  Deum  laudamui. 


CASTLE  AND  TOWN.  519 

In  this  play  or  mystery,  a  great  deal  was  represented 
in  dumb  show,  as  the  murder  of  the  clerks,  the  con- 
cealment of  their  bodies  in  a  tub,  their  resuscitation, 
&c.,  which  the  imagination  of  our  readers  must  supply. 

The  clerks  in  the  piece  at  the  Church  are  certainly 
made  to  rise  from  a  place  more  like  a  tub  than  a  tomb. 
The  three  figures  of  females,  our  kind  informant  consi- 
dered to  be  those  of  ladies  who  had  caused  the  painting 
to  be  executed,  and  who  are  made  to  kneel  imploring 
the  patronage  of  the  saint,  whose  figure  was  represented, 
and  whose  altar  stood  close  by. 

Page  296,  line  30.     For  heads,  read  head. 

Page  299,  line  25.    For  enlarged,  read  inlaid. 

Page  322,  line  8.  The  Unitarian  Chapel  was  built 
in  1724. 

Page  360,  line  4.  Baldwin  Frevile  was  involved 
in  the  rebellion  against  Richard  II.  By  letters  patent, 
dated  the  9th  of  February,  1497-8,  at  Clifton-Campvile, 
the  king  granted  him  a  firee  pardon  for  all  treasons  and 
felonies  committed  by  him  previous  to  the  31st  of 
January  last  past, — ^murders  and  rapes  excepted,^ — ^unless 
he  were  convicted  as  a  common  thief,  or  were  an  accom- 
plice in  the  murder  of  any  man.  He  was  also  forgiven 
the  escape  of  felons,  the  chattels  of  felons  and  fiigatives, 
fines,  forfeitures,  and  transgressions,  which  would  have 
subjected  him  to  pecuniary  penalties  and  imprisonment ; 
also  the  disposal,  alienation,  and  acquirement  of  lands 
and  other  possessions  held  in  capite,  without  royal 
licence,  and  entrance  into,  or  acquirement  of,  his  or 
others'  inheritance  after  the  death  of  his  father,  without 
due  process,  yet  except  such  as  were  alienated  contrary 
to  the  mortmain  act.  Any  sentence  of  outlawry  promul- 
gated against  him  was  revoked 

1    Thste  and  the  oUier  exoeptloiii  were  tnaerted  m  a  mattar  of  fonn. 


520 


TAMWORTH 


May  not  his  treason  have  caused  his  rejection  as  the 
Champion  of  the  dignity  of  the  crown,  at  the  coronation 
of  Henry  IV? 

Page  877,  line  28.     For  prebend,  read  president 

Page  878,  line  22.  For  Apr.,  read  Sept.  Lady  Ara- 
bella Ferrers  Townshend  was  another  daughter  of  the 
second  marquis  Townshend.     She  died  unmarried. 

Page  888,  line  28.     For  2s.,  read  9$. 


APPENDIX. 


Note  1,  page  71. 

"Coram  Rege,  £'  primo,  anno  v  indpien'  y). 

Querela  inter  ho'i'es  reg'  de  d'nico  Reg'  de  Tamworth  & 
Wiggintpn,  &  Fh'm  de  Marmyon,  que  eadem  man'ia  tenuit  ex 
reuernone  Reg',  tangen'  e'vicia  &  aU'  cons',  que  ab  eis  exigit, 
non  terminal'." — Corporation  Rbcords. 


Note  2, 

page  102. 

NAMES  OF  HIGH  BATTTFFS. 

A.D. 

STA770RD8HIRX. 

WARWICK8HIRB. 

1284 

Will.  Wareman. 

1294 

Simon  le  Sauvage, 

Will.  Wareman. 

Hen.  de  Billey. 

John  de  Pichford.  (July  4.) 

1309 

John  le  Saavage, 

Ralph  le  Dester. 

Will.  Ned. 

Rob.  Jewet. 

1310 

Will.  Matthew. 

John  de  Shepev. 

Ralph  Drambel. 

John  de  Pichford. 

1312 

John  Hendeman. 

John  de  Wycford.  (July  2. 

1313 

John  le  Sauvage, 

John  Hendeman. 

John  le  Cocks. 

John  de  Wycford. 

1314 

Will,  le  Chanoon. 

John  Hendeman. 
John  de  Wycford. 

1315 

Will,  le  Chanouo, 

John  de  Pichford, 

John  le  Sauvage. 

John  de  Shepey. 

1317 

WiU.  le  Chanoun, 
John  le  Sauvage. 

John  de  Pichford. 

1321 

Rob.  Jewet, 
Will.  Batcock. 

1329 

Will,  le  Querdon, 
Tho.  de  Harlaston. 

1332 

John  de  Wridefen, 

John  de  Pichford, 

Ralph  Jewet. 

Will,  le  Hayward. 

1338 

Will.  Batcock, 
Philip  GosB. 

1352 

Rich,  le  Wheeler, 
John  le  Hay  ward. 

ii.  TAMWORTH  CA9TLB  AND  TOWN. 

A.D.  nArfOftOSHIRB.  WAEWICKSHIRB. 

1355    Rob.leWlieeler. 
Ralph  le  Prior. 

1357  Hidu  le  Wbeder, 
Rob.  de  Coton, 
John  le  Newman. 

1358  John  le  Hayward,  Tho.  Keek. 
Rob.  le  Wheeler.  Rog.  de  Pipe. 

1359  John  le  Hayward, 
Rob.  le  Wheder. 

1360  Rob.  de  Cotan. 
John  le  Sadler. 

1366    Ridi.  le  Wheeler. 

John  Newman. 
1368    Rog.le  Homer,  Rog.  Bates* 

Jobi  Matthew.  Adam  Breton. 

1370    John  le  Sadler,  Rog^.  Bates. 

John  Newman.  Will.  Keek. 

1372  John  de  Loaghboroogh. 
John  Matthew. 

1373  Ridi.  Wheeler.  (July  5.) 
John  Newman. 

1375    John  de  Longhboroogh, 
John  Matthew. 

1377  Rob.  de  Aaton.  Adam  Breton. 
Rog.  Homer.                         WiD.  Keek. 

1378  John  Sadler. 

John  Loughborough. 

1379  Ralph  Sihreeter. 
John  de  Barton. 

1381    Ralph  Siheater,  Adam  Breton. 

Jolm  de  Barton.  John  Taylor. 

1384    John  Sadler. 

Tho.  Sawyer. 
1387    John  de  BblknhalL 

John  de  Elfbrd. 

1 390  John  de  BoDenhiill. 
Tho.  le  Walker. 

1391  John  de  Ellbrd. 
John  Sadler. 

1392  Tho.  Walker. 
John  Bate. 

1395    John  de  BoUodhnll. 

John  Homer. 
1397     John  Coton. 

John  Horner. 


APPENDIX. 


lU 


A.D. 

BTArFORDBHIRB. 

WARWICK! 

1402 

Rog.  Melewich, 
Tho.  Tkylor. 

1403 

John  Coton, 
Tho.  Symond. 

1408 

Will.  Cook, 
John  Bate. 

1409 

Tho.  Symond, 
Rich.  Dalton. 

1411 

Tho.  Lamb, 

Tho.  Taylor, 

John  Coton. 

John  Helewys. 

1414 

Hen.  Jekes, 
Will.  Cook. 

1417 

Win.  Cook, 
John  Rnssel. 

1418 

Tho.  Colman, 
Tho.  Symond. 

John  Stokes. 

1419 

Hugh  Freeman, 
Hen.  Barker. 

1421 

John  RuBsel, 
John  Rote. 

1424 

Tho.  Taylor, 
Hen.  Barker. 

1427 

Hen.  Jekes, 
Will.  Cook. 

1428 

Will.  Marshall, 
John  Russel. 

1430 

Tho.  Colman, 
John  Rote. 

1435 

John  Russel, 
John  Coton. 

1436 

Ralph  Daniel, 
Tho.  Colman. 

1438 

Peter  Goabout, 
Tho.  Colman. 

1439 

Hogh  Colman, 
John  de  Coton. 

1440 

John  Russel, 
Tho.  ChaUoner. 

1442 

Peter  Goabout. 

1444 

Peter  Goabont, 
Tho.  Challoner. 

1445 

Rich.  Dalton, 

1448 

Rob.  Stokes, 
Rich.  Dalton. 

IV. 


TAMWOKTH  CASTLB   AND  TOWN. 


A.O. 

8TAPF0E1MHI11X. 

1450 

Rich.  Dalton. 

1451 

John  Ruaael, 
John  Coton. 

1454 

Rich.  Dalton. 
John  Colman. 

1455 

John  Geffrey, 
John  Goldaon. 

1456 

John  Coton, 
Peter  Goahout. 

1459 

John  Geffrey  f 
Tho.  Matthew. 

1460 

John  Hodn^t, 
John  Seaman. 

1461 

John  Geffrey, 
Rich.  NichoUfi. 

1462 

John  Breton, 
Nich.  Rttgeley. 

1469 

Rich.  Dalton, 
Peter  Goabout. 

1470 

Hen.  Jekes, 
Rich.  Nicholls. 

1493 

John  Chare, 
WUl.  Green. 

1500 

John  Irp, 
Nich.  Bishop. 

1505 

John  Repington, 
John  Hill. 

1507 

John  Jekea, 
John  Irp. 

1509 

Tho.  Goldson, 
John  Hill. 

1516 

John  Jekes, 

Will.  Harrison, 

John  Mason. 

Tho.  Woodshaw. 

1530 

Hen.  Scale, 
John  Repington. 

1547 

Rich.  Jekes, 

Humph.  Towers, 

Hen.  White. 

John  Hewer. 

Note  3, 

page  103. 

NAMES  OF  LOW  BAILIFFS. 

1332 

WUl.  le  Cook. 

1334 

John  le  Cokes. 

APPENDIX. 


A.O.  8TAPPORD8HIRX. 

1387  John  Bate. 

1388  Hen.  de  Catton. 
1392  Nich.  Rusael. 
1395  John  Sulby. 
1410 

1411  Adam  Brege. 

1430  John  Walker. 

1451  John  Walker. 

1505  Rich.  Shemford.  (July  21.) 


WARWICK8BIRB. 


John  Baynton. 
John  Melton. 


Note  4,  page  103. 
NAMES  OF  TASTERS  OB  VICTUAL   CONNERS. 


From  the  Ctntrt  RoiU, 


1303 

1304 

1312 

1338 

1339 

1355 

1356 

1357 

1358 

1359 

1360 

1365 
1366 

1371 

1374 


Alan  Symond, 
Ralph  Silvester. 
John  le  Sadler, 
Ralph  Silvester. 
John  le  Carter, 
Ralph  Silvester. 
Rog.  le  Homer, 
Ralph  Silvester. 
Rog.  le  Homer, 
Ralph  Silvester. 
Hen.  Matthew, 
Ralph  Bear.  (July 
Hen.  Matthew. 
Rob.  de  Newark. 
John  de  Staunton. 
Ralph  Silvester, 
Hen.  Matthew. 
Tho.  Walker, 
Rog.  Taylor. 


John  Hendeman, 
Rich,  de  Ireland. 
Rich,  le  Palmer, 
Hen.  Clement.  (Nov.  10.) 
Ralph  Drambel, 
John  Hendeman. 
John  le  Haywardf 
Rich.  Page.  (Oct.  11.) 
John  le  Homer, 
Adam  le  Mulward. 


Hen.  Symond, 
John  Jewet,  jun. 


Will,  de  Querdon. 


1.) 

(July  14.) 


▼1.  TAMWOKTH  CABTLS   AMD  TOWK. 

A.O.  CTAWOEDSBimS.  WAEWlCKSBimS. 

1375    Rob.  BuoDodk, 

Hen.  BoDenhiilL 
1377    WiD.  Baker. 

John  Bete.  (Oct  31.) 
1379    Hen.Ggttoii» 

John  Miffftt 

1387  JohnSsvage. 

Tho.  Symond.  (July  15.) 

1388  Nich.  Rnaadl, 

John  de  Hopwaa.  (July  37.) 
1388    JohnBevage, 

John  JeweL  (Not.  9.) 
1889    Hen.  Matthew. 

Nidu  Draper. 
1397    Tlio.  Lamb, 

Rbb.Newerk. 
1401-3  Tlio.  Lamb, 

Rog.  Gaidmaker. 
1403    Tlio.  Lamb, 

Rog.  Cardmakcr* 

1408  Tho.  Lamb, 
John  Kingahnral. 

1409  WiD.Gaover, 
WDl.  Hatoogbton. 

1409  Wm.  Gtorer, 
Rog.  Cardmaker. 

1410  Tho.  Lamb, 
John  Kingahont. 

1411  wm.  HaloQgfateo,  John  Rnndl. 
Win.  Glover.                          Tbo.  Gbalkner. 

1414    WiD.  HakMgbton, 
wm.  Glofer. 

1417  wm.  HakmghtOD, 
John  Ratter. 

1418  wm.  Gtorer, 
John  Walker. 

1419  Wm.Glow.  Ridi.Wyan, 
John  Rntter.  ^^lch.  Roo. 

1420  wm.  Qover. 
wm.  Jordan. 

1420  wm.  QoTer, 
Hen.  Ta]ior. 

1421  wm.  Gbver, 
John  Denby. 


AFFBNDIX.  YU. 

A.D.  STAFTORDSHIRB.  WARWICK8HIRB. 

1422  Will.  HaloughtOD, 
John  Denbv. 

1423  WiU.  Haloughton, 
John  Denby. 

1424  Will.  Glover. 
Hen.  Cooper. 

1426  Will.  Glover, 
John  Denby. 

1427  Will.  Glover, 
John  Denby. 

1428  Hen.  Cooper, 
John  Denby, 

1431  Will.  Haloaghton, 
John  Denby. 

1432  Will.  Haloaghton, 
John  Halton. 

1436    John  Fox, 

Nich.  Borbache. 
1440    Tho.  Green, 

Nich.  Glover. 

1442  John  Fox, 
John  Lord. 

1443  Walt.Wirley, 
Rich.  Baxter. 

1445    John  Fox, 

John  LfOrd. 
1448    John  Belgrave, 

Tho.  Green. 

1450  JohnCatler. 
Tho.  Green. 

1451  John  Joiner, 
John  Belgrave. 

1452  Tho.  Painter, 
John  Fox. 

1454  Tho.  Fbinter, 
John  Cutler. 

1455  Tho.  Green, 
John  Cutler. 

1456  Tho.  Green, 
Rich.  Nicholls. 

1457  John  Fox, 
Will.  Taylor. 

1458  John  Cutler. 
Rich.  Nichollfl. 


VUl. 


TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND   TOWK. 


A.D. 

STAPVORMBIRS. 

WARWI 

1459 

Rog.  Spicer, 
Will.  Taylor. 

1460 

JohnBaiber, 
WiU.  Gierke. 

1461 

Witt.  Green. 
Witt.  Taylor. 

1462 

Rob.  Spioer, 
Witt.  Taylor. 

1469 

Tho.  Weaver, 
Tho.  Tory. 

1470 

John  Lamb, 
Tho.  Tovy. 

1488 

John  Lamb, 
Hen.  WiUiamaon. 

1504 

Witt.  Tovy. 
Witt.  Moore. 

1505 

John  Ellicote, 
WiU.Tovy.  (July21.) 

1507 

WiU.  Moore, 
WiU.  Tovy. 

1508 

John  Gierke, 
John  Lago. 

1509 

WiU.  Tovy, 
Witt.  Cartwright. 

1511 

WiU.  Tovy, 
John  Chaddock. 

1516 

WiU.  Tory, 
Nich.  Webster. 

1517 

JohnLago, 
Tho.  Wade. 

1530 

Tlio.  Reeve, 
Nich.  Webster. 

1547 

Hen.  Osborne, 
Nich.  Priest. 

Note  5. 

page  103. 

NAMES  OF  CHAMBERLAmS. 

From  the  Cottrt  RolU, 

1455  JohnWattLcr, 
John  Prince. 

1456  Nich.  Rogeley, 

Rich.  KeeUng.  (Oct.  26.) 


APPENDIX.  IX. 

A.D.  8TAPPORD8HIRX.  WARWICKSHIRE. 

1470    John  Cheadle, 

John  Joiner.  (Oct.  23.) 
1488    Rob.  Goldson, 

John  White.  (Nov.) 
1505    Rich.  Green, 

Tho.  Goldson.  (Oct.  21.) 

1507  Nich.  Moore, 
Tho.  Tovy.  (Nov.) 

1508  Will.  Harrison, 

Rich.  Woodshaw.  (Oct.) 
1511     Tho.  Woodshaw, 

Rich.  Green,  (Nov.) 
1516    Rob.  Wilcox, 

Fran.  Gierke.  (Oct.  12.) 

Note  6,  page  103. 
NAMES  OF  CONSTABLES. 

From  the  Court  Rotta. 

1 390  John  de  Coton,  jan.  (Ap.  26.) 

1441  Rob.  Tovy.  (Ap.  11.) 

1455  Nich.  Rngeley. 

1470  Tho.  Weaver.  (Oct.  23.) 

1488  WiU.  Camvile.  (Nov.) 

1 505  John  Green.  (Oct.  2 1 .) 

1507  Rich.  Gierke.  (Nov.) 

1508  Rog.  Ball.  (Oct) 

1509  WiD.  Gaudy.  (Oct.  15.) 

1510  John  Brown. 

1511  Ralph  Lago.  (Nov.) 
1516  John  Swepson.  (Oct.  12.) 

Note  7,  Page  105. 

"  Sup'  Interr'  ex  parte  Bett  vers'  Humfrid'  Ferreys,  mil', 
mi'strat. 

Ser  Hnmfrey  Ferreys,  Knight,  of  the  Gom'  of  Warwyk, 
swome : — 

To  the  fyrst,  second,  and  iij^,  he  saith  that  he,  accompanyd 
with  one  Thomas  Swynton,  s'unt  to  Sr.  George  Gryffith,  knight, 
and  no  other  p'sones,  mett  with  the  said  Bett  in  the  parishe 
church  of  Tamworth  on  the  same  Relique  Sondaye,  after  evin- 
song,  and  demandyd  of  hym  whye  he  did  not  wayte  and  geve 
attendaunce  vppon  this  deponent  as  high  Steward  of  the  same 

b 


X.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 

Towne,  on  that  daye,  according  to  the  custome.  The  aaide  Bett 
answering  ageine  saide.  That  this  depo't  shuld  comaunde  theym  to 
wayte  uppon  him  to  whome  he  gave  mete  and  drinke  to  ;  saying 
farther  that  he  was  bounde  to  wayte  Tppon  the  Bayli^,  and  that 
the  king's  grace  nor  this  deponent  or  my  Lorde  Bergeys  had  nooght 
to  doo  within  the  same  towne,  sayng  that  the  king  had  gyren 
and  grauntyd  all  his  pryvilege  w^in  the  same  towne  to  the  said 
Baylyffes  ther.  And  this  deponent,  hering  that,  saide  vnto  the 
said  Bett,  '  Avannt,  knave,  wottest  thowe  what  thow  sayest  ? ' 
and  with  that,  he  saithe,  he  gave  him  a  lytel  lyk  on  the  cheke 
with  his  hand;  and  otherwise  he  dyd  not  assaute  hym  or  bett  hym, 
or  had  any  other  company  then  is  abovesaide. 

verw*  Jek  '^^  *^®  "y^'  ^^»  "*^  ^i*^»  ^^'®  deponent  saith  that 
•up*. .  .firactu'  he,  beyng  highe  Steward  of  the  same  towne,  beyng 
probat*  coiim  ^ccompanyd  with  Thomas  Swynton,  John  Dorlaston. 
John  Coke,  and  no  moe  p'sones,  this  deponent  hauing  a  croese 
wafter  in  his  hand,  and  thather  hauing  swerds,  as  they  vse  dayly 
to  go  withall,  at  ix  of  the  clocke  of  the  same  night,  came  to  se 
the  king's  watche  kept  there  at  that  tyme  ;  and  saithe  that,  as  he 
was  so  passing  by  the  dore  of  the  said  Jeks,  y^  was  tolde  this 
deponent  that  ther  wer  certeyne  p'sones  at  the  said  Jekes'  howse 
in  counsell  upon  the  matter  betweene  the  said  Bett  and  this 
deponent.  Wheruppon  this  deponent,  to  thentent  that  the  said 
Jekes  shuld  knowe  that  he  was  ther  p'sent,  did  knocke  oene 
knocke  at  the  said  Jekes'  dore,  and  merely  bad  him  good  night, 
and  no  otherwise  dyd  assaute  or  breke  the  same  dores,  or  saw 
the  same  Jekes,  as  y^  is  co'teyned  in  this  Interogatorye. 
venus  Bett.  To  the  vij*^,  viij^,  ix**",  and  x***,  he  saythe  the  con- 
t™)^crborS-  taynts  of  all  this  Interr*  be  vntrewe :  and  saithe  y*  he 
one.  neu'  assawted  y*  howse  of  the  said  Bett,  or  mad  any 

other  suche  crye,  as  it  is  contayned  in  thes  Inter'.  And  Saithe 
forther  that  he  knewe  not  at  that  tyme  whch  the  howse  of  the 
sayde  Bett  was.  And  otherwyse  denyethe  the  contents  of  this 
Interr'  to  be  trewe. 

veraut  Bdys  To  the  xj**»,  and  xij*^,  he  saithe  that  he  neu'  spake 
de^ti^iT*  ^y  Buche  words,  or  thretened  the  sayd  £klys,  as  it  is 
pontis.  contayned  in  this  Interr';  and  saithe  allao  that  the 

sayd  Edys  denyethe  any  suche  words  to  have  byn  by  this  depo- 
nent. Before  the  Justice  of  peace  and  xij  other  honest  p'sons 
beinge  p'sent. 

▼emu  Tigi.  To  the  xiij*^,  he  saithe  that  he  neu'  assawted  or  bett 
^•to««-  any  of  the  kyng's  wache  at  any  tyme :  howbeyt,  he 
saithe  that  on  Nicholas  Smyth,  beinge  a  newcome  s'vaunt  to  this 
deponent,  mett  withe  ij  of  the  sayd  wachmen  which  wold  not 
speake  to  him,  as  the  sayd  Smythe  reported ;  and  theruppon, 
susspectinge  them  to  haye  byn  faulse  knaves,  drew  his  swerde  and 


APPENDIX.  XI. 

strake  at  them,  this  deponent  vnknowinge  of  the  same,  vutyll  the 
next  daye  that  the  Bayleffe  of  the  towne  complayned  vnto  this 
deponent  theroff:  wherupon  this  deponent,  aft'  the  trewthe  exam- 
yned,  delyu'ed  the  same  Smythe,  his  s'vant,  to  the  sayd  bayleffe 
to  be  therfor  imprysoned  and  punysshed :  and  theropon  was  so 
Imprysoned. 

rmnaa  To  the  xiiij^,  and  xv^,  he  saithe  that,  as  it  fortuned 

^^'**'-  this  deponent  to  be  in  Tamworth  on  Corpus  X'pi  day 
last,  ther  beinge  a  playe  in  the  whiche  the  sayd  Wyll'm  Carre  was 
disguysed  and  played  the  part  of  a  dyvell,  havinge  great  chaynes 
of  Iron  abowt  hym,  and  so  com'ynge  rudly  by  this  deponent 
streake  this  deponent  on  the  shynnes  withe  his  chaynes ;  wher- 
opon  this  deponent  sayd  unto  his  sVauntes,  '  Is  ther  none  of 
yowe  that  wyll  gyve  hym  a  blowe  ?'  and  ther  opon  the  sayd 
Anderson,  his  s'vaunte,  went  to  the  sayd  Carre  and  demawnded  of 
hym  why  he  hurt  his  master  so  withe  his  chayne.  The  sayd 
Carre  answeringe  aga3me,  '  Why,  knave,  he  might  have  stoude 
forther  owt  of  my  way  then.'  The  sayd  Anderson,  heringe  hym 
make  suche  a  lewde  answere,  strake  hym  on  the  hede  with  his 
dagger. 

nmrabon?  To  the  X9}^,  he  saithe  he  neu'  assawted  or  bett  any 
uitTisiiantes  of  the  inhabytants  of  the  same  towne  of  Tamworth,  or 
ley  in  wayt  to  bett  them. 

Beneprobuit  To  the  last,  he  saithe  that  he,  as  the  high  Steward 
nanteTfoOT-  t^^r,  hathe  dyu's  tymes  walked  in  the  night  tyme  to  se 
tn.)  the  king's  wache  kept ;  and  suche  as  he  halhe  fownd 

neglygent,  them  he  hathe  punyssed." 

Note  8.  page  109. 
LIST  OF  MEMBERS  OF  PARLIAMENT. 

From  the  CorporttiUm  Recorda,  and  other  Boureet. 

5  Eliz.  1563  Michael  Harcourt«  esq. 

Robert  Harcourt,  esq. 

13  Eliz.  1571  Edward  Lewkner,  esq. 

John  Bidlock,  esq. 

14  Eliz.  1572  Launcelot  Bostock,  esq. 

John  Nuttal,  esq. 
26  Eliz.  1584  John  Breton,  esq. 

Clement  Fisher,  esq.  (Nov.  6.) 
28  Eliz.  1586  Walter  Bagot,  esq. 

John  Ferrers,  esq. 
30  Eliz.  1588  Edward  Devereux,  esq. 

Rob.  Wright,  esq.  (Oct.  12.) 


Xll.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND   TOWN. 

35  Eliz.  1592  John  Ferrers,  esq. 

Thomas  Smith,  gent. 
39  Eliz.  1597  William  Temple,  gent.  (Sept.  8,) 

George  Hide,  esq.  (Oct.  3.)^ 
43  Eliz.  1601  George  Egioke,  esq. 

Rohert  Burdet,  esq. 
I  Jac.  I.  1603  Sir  Percival  Willonghby,  knt. 

Sir  John  Ferrers,  knt.  (Mar.  1) 
12  Jac.  I.  1615  Sir  John  Ferrers,  knt. 

Basil  Fielding. 
18  Jac.  I.  1621  Sir  Tho.  Puckering,  knt.  &  hart.  (Dec.  28.) 

John  Ferrour,  citizen  &  merchant  of  London. 
21  Jac.  I.  1624         John  Wightwick,  esq. 

John  Woodford,  esq.  (Jan.  19.) 
1  Car.  I.  1625        Sir  Thomas  Puckering,  knt.  and  bart. 

John  Skeffington,  esq. 
3  Car.  I.  1627         Sir  Thomas  Puckering,  knt.  and  bart. 

Sir  Walter  Devereux.  knt.  (Feb.  1 6) 

15  Car.  I.  1639         George  Abbot,  esq. 

Sir  Simon  Ardier,  bart. 

16  Car.  I.  1640        Fernando  Stanhope,  esq. 

Peter  Wentworth,  K.B. 
George  Abbot,  esq. 

12  Car.  II.  1660       John,  lord  Clifiord. 

John  Swinfen,  esq. 

13  Car.  II.  1661        John,  lord  Clifibrd. 

John  Swinfen,  esq.  (Apr.) 
23  Car.  II.  1670       Charles,  lord  Clifford. 

[John  Ferrers,  esq.]* 
31  Car.  IT.  1679        John  Swinfen,  esq. 

Sir  Thomas  Thynne.  (Aug.  11.) 

31  Car.  II.  1679        Sir  Andrew  Hacket,  knt. 

Sir  Thomas  Thynne.  (Feb.  25.) 

32  Car.  II.  1680        John  Swinfen,  esq. 

—  Turton,  esq.  (Feb.  28.) 
1  Jac.  II.  1685        Richard  How,  esq. 

Sir  Henry  Gough,  knt. 

1  W.  &  M.  1688      Henry  Sidney,  esq. 

Sir  Henry  Gough,  knt. 

2  W.  &  M.  1690     Walter  Chetwynd,  esq. 

Sir  Henry  Gough,  knt. 
5  W.  &  M.  1693  Michael  Biddulph,  esq. 
7  W.  &  M.  1695     Thomas  Guy,  esq. 

Sir  Henry  Gough,  knt. 

1  The  fonner  of  Uiese  representativeB  was  elected  for  Ute  put  of  the  town  in 
Staflbrdshire,  the  latter  for  that  in  Warwickshire.  The  wilts  sometimes  came  down 
from  both  coanty-towns;  bat  generally,  and  always  of  late,  from  Staflbrd. 

2    The  names  within  brackets  arc  those  of  ansucccssfdl  candidates. 


APPENDIX.  Xlll. 

10  W.  &  M.  1698.    Thomas  Guy,  eaq. 

John  Chetwynd,  esq. 
[Sir  Henry  Gough,  knt.] 

12  Will.  1700  Thomas  Guy.  esq. 

Sir  Henry  Gongh,  knt. 
[John  Chetwynd,  esq.] 

13  Will.  1701  Thomas  Guy,  esq. 

Henry  Thynne,  esq. 

1  Anne  1702  Thomas  Guy,  esq. 

Henry  Thynne  esq.  (Sept.) 
4  Anne  1705  Thomas  Guy,  esq. 

Joseph  Girdler,  esq. 

6  Anne  1707  Joseph  Girdler,  esq. 

Ricluuti  Swinfen,  esq. 
[Thomas  Guy,  esq.] 

7  Anne  1708  Joseph  Girdler,  esq. 

RiduEurd  Swinfen,  esq. 
9  Anne  1710  Joseph  Girdler,  esq. 

Samuel  Braoebridge,  esq. 

2  Anne  1713  Francis  Willoughby,  esq. 

Samuel  Braoebridge,  esq. 
[Richard  Swinfen,  esq.] 
[John  Jarvis,  esq.]  (Mar.  24.) 
1  Geo.  I.  1714       William  Inge,  esq. 

Samuel  Bracebridge,  esq.  (Mar. 

8  Geo.  I.  1722       Francis  Willoughby,  esq. 

George  Compton,  esq. 
iGeo.  II.  1727       Lord  Inchequin. 

Thomas  Willoughby,  esq. 
8  Geo.  II.  1734       Lord  John  Philip  Sackyille, 

Charles  Cotes,  M.D.^ 
15  Geo.  II.  1741       Lord  John  Philip  Sackville. 

Charles  Cotes,  M.D. 
21  Geo.  II.  1747       Sir  Henry  Harper,  hart. 

Thomas  Villiers,  esq. 
27  Geo.  II.  1 754       Sir  Robert  Burdet,  bart. 

Lord  Villiers. 
1  Geo.  III.  1761      Sir  Robert  Burdet,  bart. 

Lord  Villiers. 
6  Geo.  III.  1766     Sir  Robert  Burdet,  bart. 

Lord  Villiers. 
8  Geo.  III.  1768     Edward  Thurlow,  esq. 

William  de  Grey,  esq. 

I  He  mazTied.  on  the  2nd  of  September,  17S8,  the  only  daughter  of  Chesddeo,  the 
celebrated  surgeon. 


XIV.  TAMWORTH   CASTLB   AND  TOWN. 

10  Geo.  III.  1770     Edward  Thurlow.  esq. 

Charles  Vernon,  esq. 
15  Geo.  III.  1774     Edward  Thurlow,  esq. 

Thomas  de  Grey.  Jan.,  esq. 
21  Geo.  IIL  1780     John  Coortenay,  esq. 
24  Geo.  III.  1784      John  Conrtenay,  esq. 
30  Geo.  III.  1790     Robert  Peel,  esq. 

John  Courtenay,  esq. 
36  Geo.  III.  1796     Robert  Peel,  esq. 

Thomas  Carter,  esq. 
42  Geo.  III.  1802     Sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. 

Major-Gen.  William  Loftos.  (July.) 
45  Geo.  III.  1806     Sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. 

Major-Gen.  William  Loftos.  CSor,  3.) 
47  Geo.  III.  1807     Sir  Robert  Peel.  bart. 

Major-Gen.  William  Loftos.  (Mav.) 
52  Geo.  III.  1812     Sir  Robert  Peel.  bart. 

Lord  Charles  Townshend. 
58  Geo.  III.  1818      Sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. 

William  Yates  Peel.  esq. 

[Lord  Charles  Townshend.]  (June.) 
I  Geo.  IV.  1820     Lord  Charles  Townshend. 

William  Yates  Peel,  esq. 
7  Geo.  IV.  1826     Lord  Charles  Townshend. 

William  Yates  Peel,  esq. 

1  Will.  IV.  1830     Sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. 

Lord  Charles  Townshend. 

2  Will.  IV.  1831      Sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. 

Lord  Charles  Townshend. 

3  Will.  IV.  1832     Sir  Robert  Peel.  bart. 

Lord  Charles  Townshend. 
6  Win.  IV.  1835     Sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. 

William  Yates  Peel,  esq.  (Jan.) 
1  Vict.  1837  Sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. 

Capt.  Edward  Henry  k  Court,  R.N. 

[Capt.  John  Townshend,  R.N.] 
5  Vict.  1841  Sir  Robert  Peel.  bart. 

Capt.  Edward  Henry  k  Court,  R.N. 

[Capt.  John  Townshend,  R.N.]  (June  29.) 

Note  9,  page  115. 

A  rough  draught  endorsed  : — 

"  Sir  Humfrey  Ferrers,  for  Tamworth  stewardship.      S'  Hum- 
frey's  I'res  to  my  lo.  Treasurer  &  &  Robert  Cedll." 

"May  it  please  yo'  honor  to  be  advertysed  that  whereas 
6'  John  Ferrers,  my  grete  grandfather,  &  others  of  my  aunces- 


/ 


APPENDIX.  XV. 

tors,  had  &  enioyed  the  stewardship  of  Tamw.,  by  graunt  vnder 
the  'xchequer  scale,  durant'  benepl'lt' ;  And  the  kte  Lo.  Treasurer, 
yo'  Lo.  p'decessor,  p'cured  me  the  like  graunt  thereof  fi-om  her 
niatte  .  ^ch  Qfljce  afterwards  the  Earle  of  Essex  obteyned  from  her 
ma*^  vnder  the  grete  seale.  By  meanes  whereof,  some  contro- 
versie  was  like  to  have  growne  betweene  him  &  me,  for  the  same. 
Wherevpon  I,  being  requested  and  advysed  by  yo'  Lo.  p'decessor 
not  to  oppose  my  self  agaynst  the  said  Ekirle  for  an  office  of  so 
little  value,  I  was  contented  to  indure  that  wrong,  during  the 
Earle's  life,  but  held  my  patente  still  in  force.  And  after  his 
decease,  I  entred  vpon  the  said  office  as  I  was  advysed  I  lawfully 
might.  Since  -w^^  my  entrie,  I  vnderstand  that  S^^  Jo.  Egerton 
(vpon  informacon  given  to  yo'  lo.  that  the  said  stewardshipp  was 
in  her  ma^^*  hands,  by  the  attaynder  of  the  said  Earle,  &  yo'  lo. 
having  no  notice  of  my  patente)  he  hath  obtayned  a  graunt 
thereof,  vnder  the  'xchequer  seale,  durant'  benepVit' ;  And  hath 
sent  vnto  me  to  geve  me  notice  thereof,  as  a  dischardge  for  me  : 
w<^  I  hope  yo'  lo.  will  not  consider  to  be  a  sufficient  dischardge, 
for  that,  as  I  am  advised  by  my  counsell,  the  like  hath  not  beene 
scene  that  a  second  patent  hath  bene  graunted  to  any  man 
w^ut  some  cause  of  misdemeano'  in  the  first  patentee ;  whereof 
I  humbly  pray  yo'^  bono'  to  have  consideracon,  &  the  rather  for 
that  I  have  of  long  tyme  done  her  ma^®  faithfull  service  in  the 
office  of  a  iustice  of  the  peace  in  iij  Counties,  &  never  made  sute 
to  her  ma**«  for  any  thing  but  this  office,  w«*»  my  aunccstors  had 
before  enioyed,  and  w^  I  doe  assure  yo^  honor,  vpon  my  creditt, 
is  no  more  than  the  bare  name  of  a  steward,  and  not  otherwise 
worth  ijd. ;  nor  more  wold  I  esteeme  of  it,  but  that  my  chef 
house  adioyneth  to  the  towne  of  ^amworth.  And  thus  praying 
yo'  hon**»*«  fevo',  that  I  may  stUl  enioy  the  said  stewardshipp,  for 
w<*  I  shall  ever  acknowledge  my  self  bound  vnto  yo^  honor, 
w^^  due  remembrance  of  my  humble  dutie,  I  take  my  leave,  from 
my  house  at  Tamw.,  this  23  August,  1602. 

yo'  lor.  in  all  dutie      To  the  right  honorable  the  lo.  Buckhurst, 
to  be  commended.  lord  highe  Treasurer  of  England." 

The  letter  to  sir  Robert  Cecil,  is  substantially  the  same. 

Note  10,  page  115. 

"  To  the  King's  most  excellent  m^e,  the  humble  petition 
of  the  Baylies  &  Com'inality  of  yo^  Highnesse  towne  of 
Tameworth,  in  yo'  countyes  of  Warricke  &  Staff. 

Shewinge  y*  wher',  for  the  gouem^  of  the  same  towne, 
ther  is  an  ancient  corp'acon  of  Baylies  &  com'inalty  in  the  same, 
for  whose  ayd  ther  haue  beene  a  Recorder  &  Townclerke  or 


XVI.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 

v'd  8tew^,  in  the  gift  of  the  Baylies  &  oom'inalty,  and  a  High- 
steward,  in  the  gift  of  yo'^  highnesse  &  yo^  p'genitcxis. 

Wher*  the  same  office  of  Highsteward  hath  anciently  heene 
wonted  to  he  granted  to  &  Hum&ey  Ferrers*  knight,  &  his  ances- 
tors, beinge  gentlemen  of  worth  &  neighbors  to  yo^  seyd  sahiects 
&  their  p'decessors,  &  therefore  fittest  to  be'  imployd  in  the 
affayres  of  the  same,  for  the  co'en  good  therof :  and  wher' 
the  same  sir  Hamfrey  Ferrers,  having  the  same  Highstewardship. 
at  the  request  of  Robert,  the  last  Earle  of  Essex,  a  geantleoaan 
borne  ther,  yelded  the  same  vnto  him ;  &  by  the  death  of  this 
Earle,  the  same  is  now  in  yo^  m^es  grant,  yo^  seyd  sabiectB 
most  humbly  beseech  yo^  highnesse  to  grant  vnto  the  same  air 
Hamfrey  Ferrers,  &  his  heyres  male  of  las  body,  the  said  High- 
stewardship,  beinge  a  place  of  small  value,  w^ut  com'odity,  by 
whose  neighborhciodde  (wherby  they  have  a  felloo  feelinge  of 
yo'  said  sahiects'  necessaryes,  w<^  others  further  of  cannot  have 
a  feelinge  of)  they  may  be  comforted  &  releeved,  to  the  increase 
of  there  litel  co'en  welth  in  the  same  towne  :  &  yo'  seyd  sahiects 
will  dayly  pray  for  the  p's'vation  of  yo^  most  roiall  p'son,  longe 
to  raigne  ou'  us." 

Note  11,  page  117. 

[Endorsed] 

"  Charges  ag*  the  Bailifis  of  Tamworth :  open  requests 
mayd  by  Mr.  F.^  vnto  Robert  Scale,  and  others  of  the 
bayliffs,  y*  y*  matters  might  be  talked  of  &  ended. 

Yf  ther  be  any  matter  consemyng  my  misbehavior  towards 
the  erle,'  I  desyer  to  satisfy  y^  matter  fyrst,  desyring  to 
know  my  p'ticoler  accusers. 

desyeins  to  see  y*  Articles  of  grifies  exhebitid  vnto 
y*  Erie,  and  who  were  y*  devysors  y'^of  by  name. 

Notes  of  the  abvses  of  the  bailiffes  of  Tamwo'th. 
Imp'mis.  John  Stookes  and  Thom's  Ashlock,  bailiffes,  receaved 
by  composicion  for  money  a  great  company  of  egyptions  into  the 
said  towne,  and  kept  them  there  three  dais,  wherof  one  was  the 
markett  day :  all  w^  dais  both  the  said  Baylifies  w^  same  others 
of  there  brethren  kept  the  chifie  of  the  Egyptcions  company  in 
the  taveme ;  all  w^  tyme,  the  other  pikinge  eg3rptcions  were  in 
the  markett  pikinge  purses  and  pocketts,  and  cut  dyvers  parses 
from  the  bodies  of  dyvers  p'sons,  both  men  and  women;  and  when 
the  parties  greaved  complained  them  to  the  bailiffies  and  requested 
justice,  the  said  bayliffes  did  commonly,  in  the  said  taveme, 
make  composicion  betweene  the  cutt  purses  and  the  parties 
greaved,  and  caused  the  parties  greaved  to  have  redeliu'ed 
vnto  him  or  them  sume  p'te  of  his  or  theire  goodes  by  anye  [pro- 
1    Protebly  Homphiy  Ferren.  s   The  earl  of  Baaex. 


AFPBNDIX.  XVll. 

portion],  sume  tymes  halfe,  Bume  tymes  the  thirde  parte,  and 
same  tymea  lease,  and  deliu'ed  the  aame  egyptdona  the  thirde 
daye  w»out  any  treble. 

It'm,  the  said  Stoka  and  Will'm  Shemon  beinge  bailifies,  ^ppon 
A  feer  day  there  were  dyvera  poraea  cntt  and  greate  sumea  of 
money  in  ihem ;  and  a  man  was  seen,  very  aaspicionalie  mnninge 
out  of  the  towne'a  ende,  by  one  Richard  Baylie,  who  followed 
him,  for  that  he  waa  a  auapected  p'son ;  and  [he  then]  fled  on  the 
fyldea  oat  of  any  highe  way  aa  fiaat  aa  he  colde  nmne,  waa  taken 
and  brought  back  againe  into  the  towne,  and  deliu'ed  into 
the  handea  of  the  aaid  Shemon,  in  hia  owne  house ;  [the  captor] 
dedaringe  to  the  aaid  Shemon  the  manner  of  hia  runninge  out  of 
the  towne,  w**^  that  the  aaid  auspected  p'son  offered  him  all  the 
money  in  his  purse  and  hia  clooke  ao  that  he  wolde  lett  him  goe, 
and  not  ddiu'  him  vnto  the  Bayliffes.  notw^standinge,  the  aaid 
Bayliffes  lett  him  goe  w^ut  any  publick  examinacion,  or  any 
punishme't  at  all,  w^Nrat  it  were  aecret  punyshme't  of  the  purse. 

It'm,  one  Henry  Bucklande  being  slayne  by  dyvera  persons  in 
fight,  w^  dwelt  in  Tamworth,  wherof  fyve  or  sixe  of  Uiem  were 
Arested  of  murder  by  wiUiam  Bucklande  and  deliu'ed  into  the 
bandes  of  the  said  Shemon  and  Stoka,  who  railed  at  the  said 
Will'm  Bucklande  and  lett  the  prisoners  &  feUous  goe  w^ut 
stayinge  them,  and  threetened  the  said  Buckland  for  diat  he  had 
arrested  the  said  p'ties;  w^  afterwards  were  indited  three  tymea 
of  wilfiiU  murder  for  the  same  cause,  and  the  Queene  .  •  .  ed 
the  bodies  of  them. 

It'm,  Robert  Scale  and  John  Wright,  beinge  bailiffes,  staid  a 
fellon  vppon  suspicion  of  fellony  for  steelinge  three  horses,  in  the 
tyme  of  there  last  Bayliewicke ;  w^  three  horsea  they  toke  from 
lum,  and  sent  him  away  w^out  any  further  punishment,  and  con- 
verted the  horaea  to  ther  own  uses',  and  gave  the  theefe  money  to 
bye  him  a  paire  of  shoes  to  goe  hia  way. 

It'm,  the  aaid  Robert  Scale  and  John  Wright  now  being 
Bayliffes,  ther  cam  a  fellou  to  the  towne  of  Tamworth  vppon  a 
fake  day  about  m'helmas  last  past  w^  fbwre  fatt  oxen,  w^  were 
well  worth  xvi^. ;  and  solde  them  to  a  man  of  Ser  George 
Hastings  for  xii'<. ;  who,  aa  sone  as  be  had  bought  them,  said  to 
the  standers  bye  that  he  mistrusted  they  were  trulie  comen  by, 
for  that  they  were  much  more  worth;  not  w^standinge  [he] 
wente  to  the  toole-both  and  entred  them  bought  and  sold ;  and 
then  the  buyar  and  the  seller  drove  them  throughe  the  markett  to 
the  Inne  of  the  Buyare;  and  aipter  the  theefe  fled,  and  the 
Bayliffes  aforesaid  wdde  have  seised  the  oxen,  but  the  buyare 
said  he  had  toled  for  them,  wherfore  the  p'pertie  beinge  changed, 
they  colde  not  have  them,  But  confessed  he  had  not  paid  for 
them,  and  that  he  owede  the  theefe  for  them  the  sume  of  twelve 


XVIU.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 

poundes,  which  said  sume  of  zii"  the  said  Bailifies  reoeaved  of  the 
said  partie,  by  vertue  of  there  office ;  and  w^^in  three  days  after, 
the  right  owner  of  the  aaide  oxen  came  to  inquire  for  them,  and 
heiringe  of  the  p'missea  demanded  the  aaid  Money ;  but  w^  much 
adoe,  he  got  of  them  ifj'',  and  the  rest  he  colde  not  gett  of  them, 
nether  the  oxen« 

The  said  Bayliffes,  ▼nd'standinge  that  the  theefe  waa  goen» 
made  proclamacion  in  the  towne  that  he  ahnlde  come  to  the 
Bwanne  and  receave  his  money,  and  after  [he]  receayed  it ;  and 
[they]  gave  ther  wordea  to  save  the  bnyare  harmeleaa,  and  never 
sent  hue  nor  crye  after  the  theefe  at  all, 

I*tm,  Peter  Braddock  and  Nicholas  Wilcox,  beinge  Bailifiii, 
vnd'standinge  that  a  smyth,  servant  to  Mr.  Robynso',  had  stolen 
a  horse  and  had  curtoled  him,  and  that  he  was  w^  the  aaid  horse 
at  one  Cullu'bines,  in  Tamworth  w^in  there  libertie,  they  both 
went  thither  and  toke  away  the  said  horse,  and  willingly  lett  the 
felloQ  escape ;  and  Braddock  kept  the  horse  ij  or  thiee  yeres ; 
after  which  [it]  was  worth  v*. 

John  Turner  and  Henry  Baron  beinge  Bayliffes,  a  pooreman, 
by  a  capias  from  them,  arested  a  detter  of  his  for  xx^  marks, 
who  confessed  the  accion  and  Judgment  geven  by  the  said 
Bailifis  and  Greene  there  Stewarde :  the  p'tie  beinge  in  there 
prison  was  after  lett  goe ;  and  the  pooreman  to  this  bower  can 
not  gett  his  money  nor  any  p't  therof,  by  meanes  of  the  caviD 
w^  a  rasure, — an  error  of  the  reoorde  in  Uiere  owne  court." 

Note  12,  page  141. 

NAMES  OF  BAILIFFS. 

From  the  CorponMom  ReeordM,  ParUk  Regiutert  ^. 

1560  Peter  Bradock,  Henry  Draper. 

1561  Walter  Harconrt.  Christopher  Wiston. 
1569    Robert  Batman. 

1580  John  Coleman. 

1581  Richard  Wright. 

1582  William  Baron. 

1584    Thomas  Hilton.  Anthony  Weyman. 
1588    Henry  Baron,  Thomas  Ashley. 

John  Wright. 
1592    John  Allen. 

1597  Thomas  Alcock,  Christopher  Ensor. 

1598  Francis  Wood. 

1600    Ralph  Onion,  Thomas  Sheall. 
Thomas  Hilton. 
1 603    Thomas  Alcock,  Edward  Vaughton. 
1616    Hugh  Clarke. 
1619    Thomas  Ashley,  John  Sharp. 


APPENDIX.  XIX. 

1627  Clement  Joell,  Richard  Lattymer. 

1628  Julius  Aloock. 
1631  Thomas  Wright. 

1639-40    Thomas  Vaughton,  Edward  White, 

1646  Thomas  Lawkin. 

1653  William  Chitwell. 

1654  —  Ashley. 

1659  Leicester  Barher,  Thomas  Alcock. 

1662  John  Clifton,  John  Lattimer. 

1 663  Walter  Ashmore,  Thomas  Egginton . 

1 664  Robert  Peake,  Robert  Jennings. 

1665  William  Wikox,  Thomas  Carter. 

1666  Christopher  Harthill,  Robert  Jeffrey. 

1667  William  Cawne,  Thomas  Talbut. 

1 668  Thomas  Key,  John  Bankes. 

1669  John  Clifton,  Thomas  Pratt. 

1670  Gilbert  Jordan,  Cornelius  Osbom. 

1671  Thomas  Egginton,  Francis  Wright. 

1672  Morgan  PoweU,  Edward  Drayton. 

1 673  Edward  Symonds,  Joseph  Key. 

1 674  Robert  Peake,  William  Ashley. 

1675  Thomas  Roades,  Charles  Baynton. 

1676  John  Welsh,  John  Vaughton. 

1677  Christopher  Harthill,  William  Harding. 

1678  John  Vamham,  Francis  Wright. 

1679  Morgan  Powell,  Daniel  Jordan. 

1 680  Morgan  Powell,  William  Wilcox. 

1 681  William  Cawne,  Thomas  Talbut. 

1682  Josiah  Newey,  Charles  Baynton. 

1683  Robert  Peake,  John  Vaughton. 

1684  Francis  Wood,  Samuel  Orton. 

1685  Thomas  Roades,  Edward  Drayton. 

1686  Daniel  Jordan,  Richard  Weaman. 

1687  Samuel  Buckland,  William  Harding. 

1688  William  Wilcox,  Francis  Wright. 
Samuel  Buckland,  William  Harding. 

1 689  Charles  Baynton,  Thomas  Talbut. 

1 690  John  Vaughton,  Josiah  Radford. 

1 69 1  Richard  Weyman,  Edward  Bradgate. 

1692  Thomas  Wagstaff,  David  Read. 

1693  Samuel  Orton,  Robert  Cawne. 

1694  Daniel  Jordan,  William  Harding. 

1695  Francis  Wood,  John  Vaughton. 

1696  Jonathan  Backhouse,  Charles  Parker. 

1697  Joseph  Batman,  Samuel  Dawes. 

1698  Robert  Green,  William  Pickard. 


XX.  TAMWORTH   CA8TLB   AND  TOWK. 

1699  JoMph  Batman,  jnn.,  John  Vanglitoo,  m 

1 700  Daniel  Jordan,  John  Vaoghton. 

1701  Edward  Symonds,  Samvel  Qrton. 

1 702  John  Radford,  Ridiard  Weaman. 

1 703  Thomas  Monidey,  George  Hood. 

1704  Samuel  Backland,  John  Vanghton. 

1 705  Daniel  Jordan,  John  Vanghton. 

1706  Thomas  Homer,  Richard  Knight. 

1 707  Edward  Bradgate,  Samuel  Leigh. 

1 708  Charles  Pteker,  David  Read. 

1 709  Jonathan  Badchoose,  Thomaa  Docker. 

1710  Samnel  Dawea.  Samuel  Shaw. 

1711  John  Seal,  Isaac  Orton. 

1712  Charles  Ptarker,  RidiaTd  Weaman. 

1713  Reginald  Princeps,  Joseph  Hood. 

1714  Joseph  Alport,  Samnd  Leigh. 

1715  Samnel  Bnckland,  Wflliam  Pickard. 

1716  Thomas  Batman,  Sanraol  Dawes. 

1717  Thomas  Farmer*  John  lUhnt. 

1718  Charles  Fuker,  Jonathan  Backhoose. 

1719  Samud  Dawes,  Jan.,  Nicholas  Sihrester. 

1 720  Joseph  Alport,  Joseph  Hood. 

1 721  Joseph  Alport.  John  KeodaU. 

1 722  Samuel  Shaw,  Edward  Lilly. 

1 723  Thomas  Farmer,  Beilhy  Layoock. 

1724  Joseph  Alport,  Beilhy  Layoock. 

1 725  Charles  Holden,  Joseph  Hood. 

1 726  Samnel  Dawes,  John  Kendsll. 

1 727  Thomas  Vanghton,  Beilby  Laycock. 

1728  John  Bradgate,  Samnel  Rice. 

1 729  John  Mcacham,  John  Bntler. 

1 730  Charies  Holden,  Joseph  Hood. 

1 73 1  Edward  Lilly,  Samuel  Rioe. 

1732  John  Lattimer,  John  Kendall. 

1 733  Charles  Holden,  Joseph  Hood. 

1 734  Samuel  Nickens,  Abraham  Waterson. 

1 735  Thomas  Vanghton,  Thomas  Oakes. 

1 736  William  Beech,  Isaac  Brocket 
Samuel  Dawes. 

1 737  John  Bradgate,  John  Osbom. 

1 738  John  Meacham,  Joseph  Hood. 

1 739  John  Lattimer,  John  Butler. 

1 740  Edward  Woodcock,  Samuel  Nickins. 

1 74 1  Jdm  Gibbons,  John  Osborne. 

1742  Joseph  Hood,  Samuel  Prinoqi. 

1 743  Waiter  Rose,  Samuel  Nickins. 


APPBNDIX.  XXI. 

1 744  John  Bindley»  John  Oshom. 

1 745  Samuel  Dawes,  John  Pojrnton. 

1 746  Abraham  WaterBon»  John  Kendal. 
John  Meaoham. 

1 747  John  Lattimer,  Thomas  Hinckea. 

1748  John  Gibbons,  Edward  Woodcock. 

1 749  Peter  Goodwin,  John  Vatighton. 

1 750  Samiid  Princep,  James  OUver. 

1 75 1  Walter  Rose,  Joseph  Barrow. 

1752  John  Osbom,  Jdbn  Bindley. 

1 753  Samuel  Dawes,  Edward  Woodcock. 

1754  John  Latimer,  John  Kendal. 

1 755  John  Gibbons,  Thomas  Hindces. 

1 756  Peter  Godwin,  Nathaniel  Crosland. 

1757  Samnd  PHncep,  John  Vaughton* 

1758  Samuel  Pipe,  John  Gibbons. 

1 759  James  Oldershaw,  Rev*  Sfanoa  Collins. 

1 760  John  Lattimer,  Benjamin  Price. 

1 761  Samuel  Princep,  James  Oliver. 

1 762  Samuel  Crosland,  Joaeph  Allport. 

1763  Edward  Ball,  John  Kendal. 

Jdin  Vanghton. 

1764  Thomas  Hinckes,  William  Weston. 

1 765  John  Vaug^ton,  Walter  Howe. 

1 766  John  Willington,  John  Bk)od. 

1 767  James  Oldershaw,  Thomas  Butler. 

1768  Edward  Woodcock,  Joseph  Heath. 
Thomas  Nichblls. 

Nathaniel  Crosland. 

1769  Thomas  Freenum,  Thomas  Hohnes. 

1770  Rev.  Simon  Collins,  George  Godfrey. 

1771  John  Wilson,  Walter  Lyon. 

1 772  Job  Hunter,  Francis  Woodcock. 

1773  James  OKver,  John  Bindley. 

1774  Thomas  Hinckes,  William  Dyall. 

1775  John  Vaughton,  Samuel  Heath. 

1776  John  WOlington,  Walter  Howe. 

1777  James  Oldershaw,  Thomas  Butler. 

1778  Rev.  John  Halsted,  Edward  Ball. 

llMmas  Hdmes. 

1779  Rev.  Simon  Collins,  Edward  Ball. 

1780  Thomas  Hohnes,  Richard  Freeman. 

1781  James  Gray,  George  Godfrey. 

1782  WUliam  Gresley,  Williams  Rice. 

1 783  James  Yeomans,  Joshua  Brown. 

1 784  Joseph  Heath,  Walter  Lyon. 


XZU.  TAMWORTH   CAtTLB   AND  TOWK. 

1 785  Thomas  Hinckee,  Joshua  Bindky . 

]  786  John  Waiington,  WiDiam  Bmdley. 

1787  Walter  Howe,  John  Brown. 

1 788  Richard  ¥Veeman.  Thomas  WOlington. 

1 789  Rev  John  Halsted,  Thomas  Holmes. 

1790  Rev.  Simon  Collins,  Samuel  Whitehoose. 

1791  James  Yeomans,  Thomas  Harper. 

1 792  Walter  Lyon,  Williams  Rioe. 

1 793  John  WOlington,  Edward  Bage. 

1794  Thomas  Hawkesworth,  John  Harding. 

1795  FVancis  Woodcock,  Henry  Bennet. 

1 796  Joshua  Brown,  Thomas  WiUington. 

1 797  Joseph  Heath,  Thomas  Holmes. 

1 798  William  Bindley,  James  Yeomans. 

1799  Joshua  Marshall,  John  Marriott. 

1 800  Richard  Bird,  lliomas  Arnold. 

1801  Richard  Freeman,  Thomas  Wallis. 

1 802  Williams  Rice,  Thomas  B.  Fkiget. 

1803  Joseph  Heath,  Thomas  Hohnes. 

1804  Rev.  Michael  Ward,  ^^Hlliam  Parsons. 

1805  Edward  Bage,  Robert  Nevill. 

1806  Robert  Woody,  John  Harding. 

1807  Rev.  Charles  £dw.  Collins,  Daniel  Harper. 

1 808  Henry  Bennet,  William  Bindley. 

1 809  Joseph  Knight,  Samuel  Tylecote. 

1810  William  Alport,  Thomas  Bennet. 

1811  William  Bindley,  jun.,  Richard  Pipe. 

1812  Richard  Bird,  Thomas  Wallis. 

1813  Josiah  Marshall,  Thomas  Arnold. 

1814  lliomaa  B.  Pbget,  Joseph  Heath. 

1815  Rev.  Samuel  Downes,  Richard  F.  A.  Freeman. 

1816  Rev.  Michael  Ward,  William  Pfeursons. 

1817  Rev.  Fhmcis  Blick,  Edward  Thurman. 

1818  Richard  Bennet,  Thomas  Buckerfield. 

1819  Shirley  Pftlmer,  M.D.,  James  Pipe. 

1820  Robert  Nevill,  Robert  Woody. 

1821  John  Harding,  John  Hall. 

1822  Joseph  Knight,  William  Persons. 

1 823  Samuel  Tylecote,  Thomas  Bennet. 

1824  William  Robinson,  Thomas  Freeman. 

1825  William  Bindley,  jun.,  Robert  C.  Brown. 

1 826  Richard  Bird,  Charles  J.  Berry. 

1827  Joseph  Heath,  Francis  WiUington. 

1828  R.  F.  A.  Freeman,  William  Parsons,  sen. 

1829  Thomas  Buckerfield,  James  Pipe. 

1830  Robert  Fowler,  Henry  Wood  Roby. 


APPENDIX.  ZXUl. 

1831  Shirley  Palmer,  M.D..  William  Cox. 

1832  Robert  Nevill,  John  Hall. 

1833  Joseph  Knight,  John  Thompson. 

1834  Rev.  Rob.  W.  lioyd.  Thomas  Arnold. 

1835  Thomas  Bramall,  Robert  K.  Fallows. 

Note  13.  page  141. 
NAMES  OF  HIGH  STEWARDS. 

FfOtn  tht  CofporsMoA  Rtcords^ 

1663  James  Compton,  earl  of  Northampton.     He  was  nominated 

in  Charles's  charter. 
1681  Sir  Thomas  Thynne,  hart.  (Dec.  22.)^     He  was  afterwards 

created  lord  viscount  Weymouth. 
1715  lliomas  Willoughby,  lord  Middleton.  (Mar.  29.) 
1729  Lionel  Cranfield  Sackville,  doke  of  Dorset.  (Ap.  12.)     On 

the  28th  of  June,  1733,  he  resigned  in  favour  of  his 

successor. 
1733  Thomas,  Thynne,  lord  viscount  Weymouth.  (June  28.)     He 

died  on  the  13th  of  January,  1750. 
1 750  John  Carteret,  earl  of  Grenville.  (Jan.  24,)     He  was  the  re- 
presentative of  the  late  lord  Weymouth ;  to  whose  son  he 

resigned  the  stewardship,  on  the  25th  of  June,  1 756. 
1756  Lord  viscount  Weymouth.  (June  25.)     In  1789,  he  was 

created  marquess  of  Bath. 
1796  George,  marquess  Townshend.  (Dec.  10.) 
1807  George,  marquess  Townshend.  (Nov.  27.)     He  succeeded 

upon  the  death  of  his  father. 
1811  Sir  Robert  Peel,  hart.  (Sept.  24.) 
1830  Right  hon.  sir  Robert  Peel,  hart.  (May  19.)     He  succeeded 

his  father ;  and  retained  the  office  until  its  abolition. 

Note  14,  page  141. 
NAMES  OF  TOWN  CLERKS. 

From  ike  CorponMam  Reeorig, 

1593  Henry  Michell.    He  retained  office  to  his  death,  in  1629. 

1664  John  Allen.     He  was  named  in  Charles's  charter. 
1685  Morgan  PoweU.  (Apr.) 

1698  Nicholas  Parker.  (Oct.  14.) 

1    The  times  of  the  elecdoDs  of  hlgh-ttewwds,  town-derkt,  and  racardcn,  tre 
the  dates  of  their  nomlnattoii  bj  the  corpontkm.  not  of  their  patents. 


XXIY.  TAM WORTH   CA8TLB   AKD  TOWN. 

1724  NicholuB  Parker.  (Jnlj  20.)  He  was  son  of  the  former. 
On  bis  decease,  the  next  election  was  disputed ;  as  it 
appears  from  the  following  order  made  by  the  corporatioa 
on  the  1st  of  Aogost,  1738.  "  Ord«^  that  the  law- 
charges.  39/.  ld«.  4d.,  incarred  in  opposing  Mr.  Hum- 
phry WoWerstan's  being  Town  Clerk,  before  the 
Attorney-General,  be  paid  out  of  the  town-box." 

1738  Beilby  Laycock.  (Aug.  14.)  He  was  elected  on  the  death 
of  Nicholas  Parker. 

1741  Samuel  Beardsley.  (March  16.)  He  resigned  on  the  11th 
of  May.  1759. 

1759  Edward  Wolverstan.  jun.  (May  11.)  He  resigned  on  the 
1st  of  August.  1763. 

1763  Charles  Oakes.  (Aug.  1.)  He  retained  the  oflke  for  fifty- 
two  years. 

1815  Thomas  Willington.  (Aug.  1.) 

1834  Francis  WiUin^on.  (April  7.) 

Note  15,  page  141. 
NAMES  OF  RECORDERS. 

f^wn  the  CorponMom  Bec9rd$, 

1599  Anthony  Dyott.  (July  24.)  With  this  office  he  had  an 
annual  sdarv  of  4Ciir.  He  was  a  member  of  parliament 
for  Lichfield  in  1601,  1603,  and  1614. 

1664  Thomas  Flint.  (Sept.  26.) 

1670  Sir  Andrew  Hacket.  knt.  (Sept.  19.)     He  resigned. 

1688  Francis  Wolverstan.  (Not.  19.)  On  the  26th  of  October, 
1691,  he  was  displaced  for  having  neglected  to  take  the 
required  oaths  of  office, 

1 69 1  Philip  Pargiter,  coundllor-at-law^Temple,  London,(Oct.  26.) 

1699  Joseph  Girdler,  sergeant«at.law.  (Sept.  21.) 

1724  Joseph  Girdler,  sergeant-at-law.  (Nov.  21.)  He  was  cho- 
sen on  the  death  of  his  father ;  but  was  removed  by  the 
corporation,  and,  at  the  same  time,  his  successor  ap- 
pointed. 

1740  Hon.  Heneage  Legge.  (Sept.  26.) 

1759  Francis  Mundy.  (June  2;) 

1769  Edward  Thurlow,  (Aug.  1.)  He  represented  this  town 
in  parliament,  until  his  elevation  to  the  peerage.  He 
died  in  1806. 

1807  William  Hunt.  (Aug.  1.)  He  continued  in  office  until 
1835.  A  salary  of  7/.  a  year  had  been  formerly  attached 
to  the  recordership.  This  gentleman  had  never  received 
it;  but,  in  1835.  he  wrote  to  the  corporation-commissioner, 
asserting  his  claim  to  it  for  twenty-eight  years. 


APPENDIX.  XXV. 

Note  16,  page  141. 
NAMES  OF  CHAMBERLAINS. 

From  the  Corporaikm  Reeor4$» 

1688    George  Wright.  (Aug.  28.)     He  was  elected  under  the 
new  charter  of  James  II.,  but  soon  lost  his  office. 

1688  Daniel  Jordan,  Richard  Weaman.  (Dec.  19.) 

1 689  Richard  Weaman  was  directed  to  continue  in  office  (Jan .  1 6) 

and  be  accordingly  did  so  until  1693.  On  the  2 1st  of 
Julj,  in  that  year,  it  was  ordered  that  there  should  be 
two  chamberlains  chosen  from  the  members  of  the  cor- 
poration, and  two  from  the  inhabitants  of  the  town. 

1693  Thomas  Wagstaffe,  David  Reade,  George  Hood,  Joseph 

Batman.  (Aug.  1.) 

1694  Robert  Cawne,  Samuel    Orton,    John  Dawes,  lEUchard 

Knight.  (Aug.  1.) 

1695  Daniel  Jordan,  William  Harding.  (Aug.  1.)    The  other 

two  are  not  named. 

1696  John  Vaughton,  — Newey,  Job  Boston,  John  Radford. 

These  four  are  mentioned  as  being  chamberlains  on  the 
1st  of  August. 

1696  John  Vaughton,  Francis  Wood,  John  Radford,  Thomas 

Woodcock.  (Oct.  6.) 

1697  Jonathan  Backhouse,  Charles  Parker,  Joseph  Wilcox,  Jo- 

seph Hood.  (Aug.  1.) 

1698  Joseph  Batman,  Samuel  Dawes,  Edward  Symonds,  John 

Vaughton.  (Aug.  1.) 

1699  Robert  Green  ;  William  Pickard  ;  John  Dawes,  jun. ;  Job 

Boston.  (Aug.  1.) 

1 700  John  Vaughton,  sen. ;  Joseph  Batman ;  Thomas  Mouseley  ; 

John  Hartwell.  (Sept.  19.) 

1701  Daniel  Jordan ;  John  Vaughton,  jun. ;  John  Seal;   John 

Toft.  (Aug.  1.) 

1 702  Edward  Symonds,  Samuel  Orton,  Thomas  Batman,  Arthur 

Alsop.  (Aug.  1.) 

1703  Richard  Weaman,  John  Radford,  Samuel  Dawes,  John 

Butler.  (Aug.  2.) 

1704  Thomas  Mouseley,  George  Hood,  Joseph  Radford,  Henry 

Smith.  (Aug.  1.) 

1705  Samuel  Buckland,  Richard  Weaman.  (Aug.  1.) 

1705  Samuel    Buckland,    Thomas  Vaughton,     John   Jordan, 

John  Onion.  (Oct.  18.) 

1706  Henry  Smith;  John  Vaughton^  sen. ;  Thomas  Cooper; 

Daniel  Jordan.  (Aug.  1.) 


XXVI.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 

1 707  Richard  Knight,  Thomas  Homer,  (Sept.  9.)    The  election 

of  two  inhabitants  of  the  town  was  now  abandoned. 

1708  Samuel  Leigh.  Edward  Bradgate.  (Sept.  16.) 
1710    Jonathan  Backhouse,  Thomas  Docker.  (Aug.  1.) 

1710  John  Vaughton»  John  Radford.  (Dec.  8.) 

1711  John  Vaughton,  John  Hall.  (Nov.  I.)    Jolm  Vaoghton 

remained  sole  chamberlain,  from  1712  to  1714. 
1714    Reginald  Princep,  Joseph  Hood.  (Jan.  19.)     They  con- 
tinued in  office  until  1724. 

1724  Samuel  Dawes,  Joseph  Hood.  (Aug.  10.) 

1725  Beilby  Lay  cock,  Joseph  Alport.  (Dec.  31.)     They  con- 

tinned  in  office  until  1 730. 

1730  Thomas  Farmer,  John  Kendal.  (Aug.  1.) 

1731  Thomas  Farmer.  (Sept.  20.)    He  continued  until  1735. 

1735  Samuel  Nickins,  Abraham  Waterson.  (Aug.  1.) 

1736  Thomas  Vaughton,  Thomas  Oakes.  (Dec.    16.)     They 

continued  until  1739. 

1739  Joseph  Hood,  John  Meacham.  (Aug.  1.)  Tliey  contin- 
ued until  1 743. 

1743  John  Osborne,  John  Gibbons.  (Aug.  1.)  They  continued 
until  1747. 

1747  John  Poynton ;  Samuel  Dawes,  jun.  (Aug.  1.)  They  con- 
tinued until  1753. 

1753  John  Vaughton.  Peter  Godwin.  (Aug.  1.)  They  contin- 
ued until  1 763. 

1 763  John  Vaughton,  Benjamin  Price.  (Aug.  1 .)  They  con- 
tinued until  1766. 

1766  John  Vaughton,  Walter  Howe.  (Aug.  1.) 

1767  John  WiUington,  Walter  Howe.  (July  30.)      From  1768 

until  1797,  the  bailifi  of  the  preceeding  year  were 
elected  chamberlains,  except  in  two  instances. 

1769    Joseph  Heath,  Nathaniel  Crosland.  (Aug.  1.) 

1788    John  Bindley,  John  Brown.  (Aug.  1.) 

1797  Henry  Bennet.  (Aug.  1.)  He  continued  sole  chamber- 
lain until  1812. 

1812    Josiah  Marshall.  (Aug.  1.)     He  contmued  until  1820. 

1820  Edward  Thurman.  (April  27.)  He  continued  for  two 
years. 

1822  John  Harding,  John  Hall.  (Aug.  1.) 

1823  Joseph  Knight;  William  Parsons,  sen.  (Aug.  1.) 

1824  Samuel  Tylecote,  Thomas  Bennet.  (Aug.  1.)    On  the  6th 

of  November,  Joseph  Knight  was  elected  in  the  room 
of  the  latter,  deceased. 

1825  William  Robinson,  Thomas  Freeman.  (Aug.  1.)     They 

retained  the  office,  until  the  old  corporate  body  was 
abolished. 


APPENDIX.  XXYli. 

Note  17,    page  142. 

"  The  Coppie  of  the  PeticoD. 

To  the  right  hono^^  the  Knights.  Citizens,  and  Burgesses 
of  the  howse  of  Com'ons,  in  this  high  Conrt  of  Parlia- 
ment now  assembled. 
The  homble  peticon  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Towne  of 
Tamworth,  in  the  Counties  of  Warwick  and  Stafford, 
whose  names  are  underwritten  and  Indorsed : 
Showeing    that  whereas  the  said  Towne  is  an  Ancient  towne, 
and  the  Inhabitants  thereof  bane,  time  out  of  mynde,  bene  Called 
by  the  name  of  Bailiffes  and  Cominaltie,  and  the  Inhabitants 
thereof  Ame,  for  the  time  being,  have  vsed,  time  out  of  mynde, 
to  dect  and  Choose  two  fitt  persons  to  serve  in  Parliam^  as  Bur- 
gesses for  the  said  towne. 

And  whereas  alsoe  the  said  towne  is  a  populous  towne.  Con- 
sisting of  300  howsehold",  at  the  least,  whoe  ought  to  bane 
their  voyces  in  the  eleccon  of  the  burgesses  to  serve  in  Parliam^ 
for  the  said  tovme. 

Soe  it  is,  may  it  please  yon,  that  Thomas  Vaughton  and 
Edward  White,  the  nowe  Bailiffis  of  the  said  towne,  together  with 
21  others  stiled,  by  a  late  Charter,  by  the  name  of  Capitall  Bur- 
gesses of  the  said  towne,  did,  in  the  moneth  of  March  last  past, 
of  themselues,  without  yo'  peticoners  and  the  rest  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  said  tovme  or  anie  of  them.  And  without  any  notice 
at  all  given  of  the  time  and  place  for  Eleccon  of  Burgesses  to 
serve  for  the  said  towne  in  this  p'sent  Parliam^,  p'ceede  to  elect 
and  Choose,  and  did,  without  any  such  notice  at  all  g^ven,  vndue- 
lie  Elect.  Choose,  and  retome  one  Georg  Abbott,  a  Soioumer  in 
Caldecote.  in  the  County  of  Warwick,  gent.,  and  S'  Symon 
Archer,  of  Tanworth,  in  the  same  Countie,  knight*  to  serve  in 
this  p'sent  Parliam*  as  Burgesses  for  the  said  Towne. 

In  tender  consideracon  whereof,  and  for  that  yo'  peticioners' 
right  in  Electing  of  Burgesses  for  the  said  towne  is  not  onlie 
thereby  much  intrenched  vpon,  but  the  said  Eleccon  (as  yo' 
peticoners  Conceiue)  is  illegally  and  vndnly  made,  yo'  peticoners 
humbly  pray  that  the  said  Election  may  be  declared  to  be  void,  and 
that  a  new  writt  may  Issue  out  for  the  electing  of  two  Burgesses 
to  serve  in  Parliam^  for  the  said  towne :  And  that  such  further 
order  and  Direction  may  be  giuen  for  yo'  peticoners'  releife  as 
to  Justice  shall  appertaine.     And  your  peticoners  shall  &c. 

Will™  Comberford.  W«  Gk)non.  Thomas  Onyon. 

William  Brooke.  Launcelett  Smith.  Thomas  Roade. 

Richard  Mowseley.  James  Prate.  George  Fox. 

Raphe  Allyn.  John  Done.  George  Laykin. 

W™  Burbiq^e.  John  Fox.  Nicholas  Smith. 


XXYIU. 


TAMWORTH   CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 


Thomas  Lakyn. 
Robert  Blood. 
Raphe  Onyoa. 
John  Wilcox. 
Robert  Baron. 
George  Wolderidge. 
John  Topham. 
Thomas  Hewer. 
John  Greene. 
Thomas  Webb. 
W»  Browne. 
Hugo  Hardinge. 
Richard  Smith. 
John  Ashemore. 
Raphe  Gibbons. 
Robert  Wilkinson. 
Thomas  Browne. 
John  Hunt. 
Hughe  Robinson. 
Henry  Vnderhill. 
Richard  Allen. 
Thorn*  Bailey. 
W»  Falconer. 
John  Allen. 


WiH""  Darlaston. 
Richard  Bowelworth 
James  Alcock. 
W"  Pigott. 
Will"  Bott. 
Richard  Johnson. 
Will"  Key. 
John  Hall. 
Michaell  Browne. 
Henry  Bailey. 
Rob^  Adams. 
W«  Peate. 
Thorn*  Newth. 
Richard  Mogge. 
Steeven  Reynolds. 
Robert  Carter. 
Hnmfrey  Dalton. 
Richard  Wright. 
John  Tirer. 
WiU»  Ashbome. 
Thom»  Heath. 
Richard  Ensor. 
Thomas  Kagington. 
Thomas  Robinson. 

Note  18,  page  144. 


W«Peares. 
John  Wright. 
Henrie  Sketchley. 
Thomas  Cooper. 
William  Tailo^ 
Randall  Chadbome. 
Thomas  Key. 
Raphe  Plott. 
James  Birde. 
William  Archer. 
John  Symons. 
W«  Slater. 
Thomas  Preist. 
Robert  JeayugB. 
Henry  Osborne. 
Hughe  Latimer. 
Josephe  Radford. 
Henrie  Alcott 
John  Woodcock. 
William  Kedes. 
George  Browne. 
X'fer  HartiU. 
John  Allen. 
Thomas  Winfeild. " 


A  COPY  OF  THE  SURRENDER  OF  THE 
CHARTER. 

From  the  CvrporaUtm  ReevrdB. 

"To  all  [to]  whom  these  presents  shall  come.  we»  the  Baylifls 
and  Com'onality  of  the  towne  &  Burrongh  of  Tamworth,  in  the 
Counties  of  Warr '  and  Staff',  send  greeting.  Know  ye  that  con- 
sidering how  much  it  imports  the  Govemm^  of  the  said  Towne 
and  Burrough  to  haue  p'sons  of  known  Loyalty  and  approved 
integrity  to  beare  offices  of  Majestracy  and  places  of  trust  there- 
in, We,  the  said  Bayliffs  and  Com'onality,  have  graunted  and 
yielded  up,  and  by  these  p'sents  doe  graunt^  surrender,  and  yeild 
up  unto  his  most  gratious  Ma^*,  James  the  second,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  of  England,  Scotland,  France,  &  Ireland,  King,  his  heirs 
and  successors,  all  and  singular  the  powers,  franchises,  Liberties, 
Privileges,  and  aucthorities  whatsoeuer  and  howsoeuer  graunted  or 
to  be  vsed  or  exercised  by  us,  the  said  Bayliffs  and  Com'onality* 
by  virtue  of  any  right,  title,  or  interest,  vested  in  or  by  any 
Charter,  letters  patents,  custom,  or  prescription,  in  •  .  .  of,  or 
concerning    the    electing,   nominating,  constituting,  being,  or 


ABPBNDIX. 


XXIX. 


appoynting  of  any  p'son  or  p'sona  into  or  for  the  seaerall  &  res- 
pectioe  offices  of  6aylifis,  High  Steward,  Recorder,  Proth'notarj 
or  Town  .Clarke,  and  Capital!  Burgesses  of  the  said  Towne  & 
Borrongh.  And  wee,  the  said  Bayliffs  &  Com'onality,  doe  herehy 
humhly  heseich  his  ma^*  to  accept  of  this  our  surrender,  and  doe 
with  all  suhmission  to  his  ma*^"  good  pleasure,  implore  his  grace 
and  favour  to  Regrant  to  ts,  the  said  Baylifis  &  Com'onalty,  the 
nameing  and  chusing  of  the  said  officers,  and  the  said  liberties 
and  priviledges,  or  soe  many  of  them  and  in  such  manner  as  his 
ma^,  in  his  grace  and  wisdome,  shall  judg  most  conducing  to  the 
good  of  the  said  Towne  and  Burrough,  and  with  and  vnder  such 
reserrasons,  restrictions,  and  qnalificasons,  as  his  ma^  shall 
please  to  appoynt.  for  witness  whereof,  we,  the  said  Baylifis  and 
Com'onalty  haue  hereunto  fixed  our  com'on  scale,  the  xzvij^  day 
of  Aprill,  in  the  fourth  yeare  of  the  raigne  of  our  soveraigne  Lord» 
James  the  second,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  £<ngland,  Scotland, 
France,  &  Ireland,  lung,  defender  of  the  faith,  &c.,  Annoq'  d'ni 
1688." 


Note  19,  page  152. 

An  account  of  the  subscriptions  raised  in  the  parish 
worth,  in  aid  of  the  supplies  granted  to  his  Majesty 
defence  of  the  nation,  in  Uie  year  1798. 


ofTam- 
for  the 


TAMWORTH. 

T.  Holmes,  esq.,  bailiff 
C.  Oaket,  esq. ,  town-derk 
JohnWillington,  eiq. 
John  Meacham,  esq. 
Messrs.  Paget  &  Corgan 
Thomas  Holmes,  jnn.   . . 
J.  Humbenton,  M.D.  . . 
J.  Harding 
Joshna  Brown   .  • 
Mrs.  Brown 
Ann  Brown 

Senrants  at  King's  Arms 
WiUiamsRice   .. 
Miss  Robinson  .. 
Josiah  Marshall 
William  Marshall 
Daniel  Harper  . . 
C.  G.  Harper    . . 
Gilbert  Bradgate 
Mrs.  Bradgate   . . 
Mrs.  Latham 
Mrs.  Bale 
Senrants     .. 
William  Bindley 
Mrs.  A.  and  M.  Bindley 


10 

21 

5 

3 

21 


5    5    0 

10  10 

21     0 

0 

0 

5 

3 

0 

10  10 

1     1 

0    5 

0    6 

10  10 

0  10    6 

3    3    0 

2 

5 

5 

2 

1 

1 

2 

2 

5 

5 


A.  Bindley,  jnn. 

Thomas  Bindley 

Mrs.  E.  Bindley 

W.  Bindley  jnn.  &  Sisters 

Edward  Jones  •  •         • . 

Thomas  Webb  . .         •  • 

Francis  Woodcock 

Richard  Nerill  . . 

Thomas  Arnold 

Miss  Dawes 

William  Parsons,  sen.  . . 

William  Parsons,  jon.  . . 

Robert  Panton 

Edward  Thorman 

Samuel  Tylecote  • . 

Walter  Lyon 

Beiqamin  Shelton         •  • 

Mrs.  Crowley    . . 

Miss  Wright      .. 

Mrs.  Vincent    .. 

Miss  Gresley      . . 

Miss  Parr 

Servant  of  Mrs.  Vincent 

Mrs.  Wilson 

Miss  Wilson 

Miss  March       .  • 


£.9.  d, 

0  10    6 
2    2 

2 
1 
3 
3 
5 
2    2 

1  1 
5    5 

1  1 

2  2 
2  2 
2  2 
2    2 

10  10 

5  5 
10  10 

5    5 

5  5 
10    0 

1     1 

0  10  6 
10  10  0 
10  10    0 

1  1    0 


0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 


XXX. 


TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND   TOWN. 


£. 

t. 

d. 

£.: 

4L 

BCIuPwry 

h 

5 

0 

Thomas  Britain 

0    5 

Birs.  W.  Brown 

h 

5 

0 

George  Basset  .. 

0    5 

William  Green  .. 

1 

1 

0 

Walter  Thompson 

0    5 

Charles  MasgreaTea 

0  10 

6 

Edward  Brant   .. 

0    5 

Mrs.  Dawea 

s 

2 

0 

William  Johnaon 

0    S 

Mn.Matfaewa  .. 

0  10 

6 

Thomaa  Walthew 

0    5 

Riehaitl  Peten 

5 

5 

0 

Thomaa  Walthew,  carrier 

0  10 

MiasStoier  and  Slater.. 

10 

10 

0 

John  Tomlinaon 

1     1 

Pickard  and   Capenhnrtt 

15 

15 

0 

James  Eades 

0    5 

Elisabeth  Jones 

, , 

1 

0 

Joseph  Temple  .. 
Ridmrd  Hidme 

0  10 

Other   senranta   of 

Bfr. 

0    2 

Pickard 

0 

0 

ThomasFsine    .. 

0    5 

Ridiard  Froeman 

2 

0 

Samnel  Freeman 

0  10 

JohnNewbold  .. 

2 

0 

William  Vincent 

0  10 

Richard  Bird     .. 

2 

0 

Mra.  Bnckerfield 

0  10 

Mra.  Chamberlain 

3 

0 

John  Wooton    • . 

0    7 

Joteph  Keeling.. 

2 

0 

Henry  Fldders.. 

0    5 

Jamea  Keeling  .. 

1 

0 

John  Waring     .. 

1    1 

John  Moore 

3 

0 

SethWard 

0    2 

R.  W.,  shoemaker 

0 

0 

Samnel  HaU      .. 

0    5 

John  Batler      .. 

1 

0 

John  Bailey 

0  10 

William  Mooie.. 

1 

0 

Thomas  Marshall 

0  10 

Ann  Bnggins 

0 

0 

Joseph  Knight  .. 

1    1 

Mr.  J.  Harding's  serranta 

0 

0 

Samnel  Aduna  .. 

1     1 

Peter  Harding   .. 

1 

0 

Joseph  Vincent.. 

0  10 

Robert  Proctor  .. 

1 

0 

Thomas  Fenton.. 

0  10 

Thomas  Coton  .. 

0  10 

6 

William  Clarke.. 

0    5 

Alexander  Harding 

0 

5 

0 

Thomas  Campion 

0    5 

John  Rawlins    .. 

0 

5 

0 

Robert  Birch     .. 

0    5 

Thomas  HiU      .. 

0 

5 

0 

John  Marriott  .. 

1     1 

Robert  Kirby    .. 

0 

5 

0 

William  Hunter 

1     1 

William  Norton,  jnn. 

0 

5 

0 

John  HaU 

2    2 

Other  work-people 

of 

WILNSCOTB. 

the  printing  worki 

1  of 

Josiah  Marshall 

, , 

5    5 

Messrs.  Peel  and  Co. 

3 

3 

0 

Mra.  Marshall  .. 

, , 

2    2 

Robert  NetiU    .. 

1 

1 

0 

Mr.  MarshaU's   aerranta 

0    2 

Jeremiah  Ackeroyd 

0 

5 

0 

Je£fry  Paul 

Mr.  PauVs  servants 

5    5 

Richard  Baker  .. 

1 

1 

0 

0    2 

Ann  Baker 

0 

5 

0 

Thomas  Fidgeon 

5    5 

Isaac  Hare 

1 

1 

0 

William  Coton  . . 

1     1 

Mons.  Hamel    . . 

0  10 

6 

Miss  Wright      .. 

5    5 

Thomas  Jones   .. 

0 

5 

0 

Miss    Wright's    senrante 

0    5 

Samuel  Whitehoose 

3 

3 

0 

Thomas  Garratt 

0  10 

William  SadUer.. 

0  10 

6 

Thomas  Snape  . . 

0  10 

Richard  Bennet.. 

1 

1 

0 

Mr.  Moggs 

1     1 

Mrs.  Hewitt 

0 

5 

0 

ObadMilles 

0    5 

—  Wilkinson    .. 

0 

2 

6 

Samuel  Spooner 

0    5 

Thomas  Endsor,  jnn. 

0 

5 

0 

Charles  Handley 

0    5 

Richard  Fielders 

0 

5 

0 

Mrs.  Poultney    . . 

0  10 

Thomas  Chatterton 

0 

2 

6 

Thomas  Basset.. 

0    1 

John  and  Thomas  Patrick 

0 

5 

0 

Thomas  Birch   . . 

0    0 

Mrs.  Eleanor  Rice 

, , 

2 

0 

0 

William  Spirea  .. 

0    1 

Thomas  Wallis.. 

, , 

2 

2 

0 

William  Martin 

0    2 

William  BenUey 

•  • 

1 

1 

0 

Collected  at  the  Chapel 

0  10 

6 

APPBNDIX. 


XXXI. 


VAXBUBT  AMD  BOMBHILL. 


£.  #. 

J. 

Bev.  FrancU  BHck 

•  • 

5    5 

0 

Tbe  youDg  gentlemen  eda- 

cated  under  the 

rey. 

F.BUck 

, , 

12    5 

6 

Servants  to  Mr.  BUck  .. 

0  10 

0 

John  Pipe 

5    5 

0 

Thomas  Alsager 

1     1 

0 

Henry  Wright  .. 

1     1 

0 

John  Kendall     .. 

3    3 

0 

John  Buttock     . . 

0  10 

6 

William  Webster 

0  10 

6 

Joseph  Wilcox  .. 

1     1 

0 

Thomas  Birch   .. 

0    2 

6 

James  Weston  .. 

0    2 

0 

Richard  Sadiier 

0     1 

0 

Thomas  Lago    .• 

0    5 

0 

Samuel  Yeomans 

1     1 

0 

John  Gloyer 

0  10 

6 

T.  B.  Paget,  esq. 

, , 

10  10 

0 

J.  HastQow,  servant  to  do. 

0    2 

0 

William  Paul     .. 

, , 

10  10 

0 

Richard  Bamford 

, , 

3    3 

0 

Thomas  Padmore 

, , 

1     1 

0 

AMINGTON. 


C.  E.  Repington,  esq. . .   40    0    0 
William  Seal     ..         ..550 


John  Freeman  . . 
WiUiam  Hall  .. 
Thomas  Endsor.. 
Thomas  Ordish . . 
William  Key  . . 
John  Pratt 
William  Marriott 
Samuel  Daulman 


£,  t.  d. 


1     1 
0    2 


0 
6 
0 
0 
6 

0  2  6 
0  10  6 
0  10    6 


HOPWASy  COTON,  WIOOINTOK,  &C. 

John  Roe           ..  ..     2    2    0 

Peter  Birch        ..  ..     110 

Humphry  Woodcock  . .     5    5    0 

Miss  C.  Jervis  . .  . .     3     3     0 

Miss  Knight  . .     0  10     6 

EUzabeth  Riley..  ..     0  10    6 

Elizabeth  Jackson  ..050 

Elizabeth  Cox    ..  ..010 

Robert  Arnold  ..  110 

Elizabeth  Glorer  ..     0  10    6 

Richard  Long    ..  .,026 

James  Pipe  110 

Ralph  Marlow   ..  0    10 

Thomas  Proudman  ..     0  10    6 

George  Hobday,  sen.  . .     110 

John  Russett  5     0 

James  Haskew  . .  . .      0  10    6 

John  Haskew    . .  0    2    6 
Collected  at  the  Church 
doors  on  the  £ut-day   27    0  4) 


Note  20,  page  156. 

OFFICERS    UNDER   THE    NEW    FORM   OF 
MUNICIPAL   GOVERNMENT. 

MAYORS. 

1836  Jan.  1.    Robert  NeviU. 

1836  Not.  9.  Joseph  Knigbt. 

1837  Not.  9.  William  Parsons,  sen. 

1838  Nov.  9.  William  Parsons,  jnn. 

1839  Not.  9.  John  Hall. 

1840  Not.  9.  Thomas  Bnckerfield. 

1841  Not.  9.  WiUiam  Robinson. 

1842  Not.  9.  Thomas  Arnold. 

1843  Not.  9.  Thomas  Bramall. 

1844  Not.  9.  Thomas  Bramall. 

ALDERHEN. 

1835     Dec.  31.  William  Parsons,  sen. ;  Joseph  Knight ;  John 
Hall;  Thomas  Bnckerfield. 


XXXII.  TAKWORTH   CASTLE  AND   TOWN. 

1838    June  22.  Robert  Nerill  in  the  room  of  Joseph  Knight, 
deceased. 

1838  Not.    9.  William  Parsons,  sen.;    Robert  NeriU;  John 

Hall ;  William  Parsons,  jun. 
1841     Nov.    9.  William  Pknons,  sen.;   Robert  Nevill;  John 

Hall ;  William  Parsons,  jun. 
1844    Feb.  19.  Thomas  Backerfield  in  the  room  of  William 

Parsons,  sen.,  deceased. 
1844    Nov.    9.  Robert  Nevill,    John  Hall,    ^^Hlliam  Pkrsons. 

Tliomas  Backerfield. 

C0UNCILL0B8. 

1835  Dec.  26.  William  Parsons,   jun.;    John    HaU;    Joseph 

Knight ;  John  Butler ;  Richard  Bennet ;  Richard 
Bird,  jun. ;  Robert  Kirkman  Fallows;  Robert 
Nevill ;  Tliomas  Arnold ;  Thomas  Budcerfield  ; 
Francis  Hunter ;  Robert  Fowler. 

1836  Jan.  9.     Samuel   Hanson,   W.   Flatts,  William   Henry 

Wain,  in  the  room  of  Alderman  HaU,  Knight, 
and  Backerfield. 

1837  Nov.  !•  William  Pfeursons,  jun. ;  Samuel  Hanson ;  WOliam 

PktU ;  John  Butler ;  Richard  Bennett ;  Richaid 
Bird,  jun. ;  Robert  Kirkman  Fallows ;  Robert 
Nevill ;  T.  Arnold ;  W.  H.  Warn ;  Francis  Hunter; 
Richard  Barratt. 
1888  Nov.  1.  Samuel  Hanson  ;  William  Flatts ;  JohnBotler; 
Richard  Bird,  jun. ;  William  Robinson ;  Thomas 
Arnold ;  William  Henry  Wain ;  Francis  Hunter, 
Richard  Barratt;  Robert  Fowler;  Thomas  Bram- 
all :  R.  K.  Fallows. 

1839  Nov.  1.  Samuel  Hanson;  William  Platts ;  John  Butler; 

Richard  Bird  ;  William  Robinson  ;  William 
Henry  Wain  ;  Fhmcis  Hunter ;  Richard  Bar- 
ratt ;  Robert  Fowler ;  Thomas  BramaU ;  Robert 
Kirkman  Fallows;  William  Rnfie. 

1840  Nov.  a.  Samuel  Hanson ;  WOliam  Platts ;  John  Butler; 

William  Robinson  ;  William  Henry  Wain ; 
Francis  Hunter ;  Richard  Barratt ;  Thomas 
Bramall ;  William  Rufie ;  Thomas  Arnold  ; 
Thomas  Backerfield ;  Joseph  Gray. 

1841  Nov.  1.   William  Platts;   William  Robinson;    William 

Henry  Wain;  Fronds  Hunter;  Richard  Bar- 
ratt ;  Thomas  Bramall ;  William  Rufie ;  Thomas 
Arnold ;  Thomas  Buckerfield  ;  Joseph  Gray ; 
Etienne  Bruno  Hamel ;  Samuel  Woodcock. 

1842  Nov.  1.  William  Platts;    William  Robinson;    Fhmds 


APPENDIX.  XXXIU. 

1842  Nov.  1.    Hanter;    Thomas  Bramall  ;    Thomas  Arnold; 
(e<Mtmued.J      Thomas   Buckerfield  ;   Joseph   Graj  ;    Etienne 

Brono  Hamel ;  Samuel  Woodcock  ;  Felix  John 
Hamel ;  Thomas  Brooke  Bridg;es  Stevens ; 
James  Dufiy. 

1843  Nov.  1.  William  Platts;    William  Robinson;    Francis 

Hanter;  Thomas  Bramall;  Thomas  Arnold; 
Thomas  Backerfield  ;  Joseph  Graj  ;  Etienne 
Bruno  Hamel ;  Samuel  Woodcock ;  Felix  John 
Hamel ;  Thomas  Brooke  Bridges  Stevens ; 
James  Dufiy. 

1 844  Feb.  23.  Robert  Cave  Browne,  in  the  room  of  Alderman 

Backerfield. 

1844  Nov.  1.    William  Platts;    William  Robinson;    Francis 

Hunter ;  Thomas  Bramall ;  Thomas  Arnold ; 
Robert  Cave  Browne ;  Joseph  Gray ;  Etienne 
Bruno  Hamel ;  Samuel  Woodcock  ;  Felix  John 
Hamel;  Thomas  Brooke  Bridges  Stevens; 
James  Dufiy. 

1845  Mar.  20.  Jonathan  Thompson,  in  the  room  of  James 

Dnfiy,  deceased. 

AUDITORS. 

1836  Mar.  1.  Thomas  Wainwright,  Samuel  Watton. 

1837  Mar.  1.  Thomas  Wainwright,  Samuel  Watton. 

1838  Mar.  1.  William  Weston,  Edmund  Eaton. 

1839  Mar.  I.  William  Weston,  Edmund  Eaton. 

1840  Mar.  2.  Edmund  Eaton,  William  Roe. 

1841  Mar.  I.  William  Roe,  George  Flint. 

1842  Mar.  I.  George  Flint,  Edmund  Ebton. 

1843  Mar.  1.  George  Flint,  Edmund  Eaton. 

1844  Mar.  1.  George  Flint,  Edmund  Eaton. 

1845  Mar.  1.  George  Flint,  Edmund  Eaton. 

ASSESSORS. 

1836  Mar.  1.  Joseph  Keeling,  WDliam  Weston. 

1837  Mar.  1.  Joseph  Keeling,  William  Weston. 

1838  Mar.  1.  Joseph  Keding,  David  Arnold. 

1839  Mar.  1.  Joseph  Keeling,  David  Arnold. 

1840  Mar.  2.  David  Arnold,  John  Riley. 

1841  Mar.  1.  David  Arnold,  George  Flint. 

1842  Mar.  1.  David  Arnold,  James  Wallis. 

1843  Mar.  1.  David  Arnold,  James  Wallis. 

1844  Mar.  1.  David  Arnold,  James  Wallis. 

1845  Mar.  1.  David  Arnold,  James  Wallis. 


XXXIY.  TAMWOBTH   CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 

DSPUTT  AS8B880S8. 

1838  George  Flint,  Joseph  Arnold. 

1839  George  Flint.  Joseph  Arnold. 

1 840  Joseph  Arnold,  John  Shilton. 

1841  Joseph  Arnold,  Richard  Bennett. 

1842  Joseph  Arnold.  Richard  Bennett. 

1843  Joseph  Arnold,  Samnel  Mottrsm. 

1844  Joseph  Arnold,  Samoel  Mottram. 

1845  Joseph  Arnold,  Samuel  Mottram. 

TOWN  CLBBK. 

1836  Francis  WOUngton. 

TUBASURBBS. 

Etienne  Bruno  Hamei,  from  the  15th  of  Jan.  1836,  to  Nov. 
1841,  when  he  was  dected  a  member  of  the  cooncil,  and 
William  Bindley  was  ^ypointed  Treasurer. 

Note  21,  page  217. 

Hugh  de  Babbington  is  mentioned  in  the  Court-rolls  of  the 
town,  on  the  Stafibrdshire  side;   where  a  suit  oocars  between 
him  and  John  le  Bloond  de  Lichfield,  in  1312. 
May  14. 

Hngo  de  Babinton,  Decanns  Eoc'e  de  Tliamworth,  invenit 
pleg',  vider  WUl'm  le  Saltere  &  Will'm  Mathen.  ad  pV  ▼*  Joh'm  le 
Blound  de  Lychfeld,  Capl'm,  in  p'to  debiti. 

Hugo  de  Babinton,  Decan'  Eoc'e  de  Thamworth,  q'  ▼'  Joh'em 
le  Bloand  de  Lychfeld.  Capell'm,  de  pl'o  debiti,  p'  Will'm  atte 
cros,  p  mo. 
Jane  4. 

Joh'  le  Blond  de  Xychefeld  n*  Hngonem  de  Babynton, 
Decanmn  Ecd'e  Beate  Edithe  de  Tamworth,  de  pl'to  debiti,  p' 
Rob't'm  de  Brewode,  j® :  qui  quid'  Hugo,  per  Will'  ad  Cmoem, 
attorn'  sua',  op'  se  u'  p'd'c'm  Joh',  qui  h'  ^m. 
June  25. 

Joh'nes  le  Bloand  de  lych',  capell*,  def '  n'  Hug'  de  Babington. 
decanu'  ecc'e  de  Tameworth,  de  pl'o  deb'i,  p'  Joh*  Hendema',  ^, 
Et  d'c's  Hag'  p'sens  op'  se,  &  h't  die'. 
July  16. 

Joh'es  Blound  de  Lichfdd,  capell'.  def'  n'  Hugon'  de  Bab- 
inton, decan'  ecc'e  de  Tamworth.  de  pl'o  debiti.  p'  Joh'm  le  Bloand 
de  Tamworth.  iij«. 
August  6. 

Joh'es  Blounde  de  Lychfdd.  Capell'.  defend'  p'  attomatu'  sua' 

v'  Hugon'  de  Babmton. Tamworth.  de  pl'o 

debiti,  et  p'd'tus  Hugo,  p'  attomatu'  sua*,  et  Joh'es  h't  diem 
Tsq'  ad  p'z'm  in  Esson'. 


APPENDIX.  XXXY. 

August  27. 
Joh'es  Bloond  de  Lycbfeld  et  Hogo  de  Babinton  concordat! 
sunt :  et  p'dVs  Hugo  ponit  se  in  m'ia :  pV  de  m'ia,  Will'  le  Salt'e. 

Note  22,  page  218. 

Many  writen,  especially  Erdeswick  and  Shaw,  have  given  mnch 
concerning  the  family,  whose  surname  was  derived  from  Hopwas. 
Perhaps  the  following  particulars,  taken  from  the  Court-rolls  of 
Tamworth,  may  prove  of  interest  to  antiquaries. 

Alanus  filius  G.  de  hop'  is  named  14  Edw.  I. 

Nov.  17,  20  Edw.  I :— Will's  Matheu  dat  Ric',  suo  nepoti, 
t'dam  p't*  vni'  Burg'  in  feodo  in  Com'  Stafiurd,  &  Matill'  fil'  Alicie 
de  Hopwas,  q'rta'  p'tem  vni'  burg*  in  Comit'  Warwykye. 

May  23,  23  Edw.  I :— Johannes  de  Hopwas. 

July  28,  3  Edw.  II :— Staff.  Tastatores  present'  Ric's  de 
Hopwas,  p'  prava  s'nica  [cerevisia]. 

June  12,  3  Edw.  II : — Ricardus  filius  Roberti  de  Hopwas. 

Nov.  6,  6  Edw.  II  :-*It'  p'  hu'  leuatu'  int'  Ric'  de  Hopewas 
&  Leticia',  sororem  suam,  &  Juliana  de  Hopewas,  ad  injuria'  p'd'ti 
Ric'  Id'o  &c. 

June  8,  6  Edw.  II: — Ric'  de  Hopwas  in  m',  q'  maledizit 
francipleg',  in  contemptu  Cur' :  pleg'  w eel.  Junior. 

Sept.  30,  8  Edw.  II :— Willielmns  de  Hopwas. 

Nov.  10,  12  Edw.  II:— Rog'  le  Coup'e  traxit  Will' fil' Job' 
de  Hopewas  iniuste.    I'o  in  misericordia. 

Aug.  4,  20  Edw.  II :— WiU's  Herb't  no'  est  p's  q'rel'  sua'  u' 
Letidam  de  Hopewas*  Id'o  ip'e  &  pleg'  suu'  in  m'ia,  et  Letic' 
sine  die. 

Octob.,  3  Edw.  Ill:— Ric'  de  Hopewas  facit  Oleu'  iux' 
vici*os  suos,  ad  abominado'm  &  nocumentu'  toti'  vicinitat'.  Et  p'p' 
hoc  p'hibet'  s'b  dj'  marc'  q'  amplius  no'  tenet'  ibi  tale  domu'  &c. 
ad  tale  op'. 

March,  8  Edw.  Ill : — Hugo  de  Hopewas. 

Octpb.  7,  10  Edw.  Ill : — ^Agnes  de  Hopewas. 

Sept.  30,  16  Edw.  Ill : — ^Alanus  filius  Alani  de  Hopwas. 

Octob.  13,  28  Edw.  Ill :— m'ia  ij»  It'  pr'  q'd  Will's  xij'*  s'uiens 
Hugonis  de  Hopewas,  &  Joh'es  de  Hopewas  (xij^)  t'xeru't  sang' 
de  Joh'e  Juwet,  [etc.] 

July  9,  43  Edw.  Ill :— Sciant  &c  q'd  nos,  Joh'es  de  Hopewas 
&  Christiana  vxor  mea,  dedimus,  &c.,01iuero  Clede  de  Tamworth, 
capell'o,  her'  &  assign'  suis,  vnu'  messuag,  cu'  om'ib'  p'tin'  suis  in 
Tamworth,  in  Com'  Stafford',  p'ut  iacet  in  Otewalestrete  [etc.] 

May  22,  2  Rich.  11.    Thomas  filius  Johannis  de  Hopewas. 

Octob.  26, 13  Rich.  II.  John  de  Hopewas  was  one  of  the  jury 
of  the  leet. 

Jan.  16,  14  Rich.  II  :^Joh'  de  Hopewas  &  C'tiana  uxor  eius. 


XXXVl.  TAMWO&TH  CASTLB   AND  TOWN- 

March  2,  16  Rich.  II : — Radalphns  de  Hopewas. 

May  1,  3  Hen.  VI  :^WiUielmii8  Hopewas. 

May  11,  29  Hen.  VI  :*-TaiUtore8  pm' ij^.     Nich' 

us  Hopewas*  p'  obstup'  j  foesat'  ap^  Walleforlong. 

Jan.  17,  30  Hen.  VI :— Ad  istam  Cur*,  venit  Rad'ns  hope- 
was  &  fee'  fine'  cu'  Ball'b  p'  inqoisico'e  h'end'  qois  est  p'x'  heres 
Ric'o  Sampson  &  Joh'e  fitio  dos :  &  dicit  q'd  Ric'aa  Sampson  & 
Ric'  Dawte  descend'  de  doabns  sororibQS,&dict'  Ric'&  Joh'es  obier' 
sine  hered' :  &  de  diet'  Ric'o  Dawte  descend'  Alio'  fil'  eins,  & 
nupt'  fait  Joh'i  Hopewas,  &  de  p'dict  Alic'  descend'  Rad'o  hope- 
was,  modo  pet'  &c.,  per  sacr'm  Ric'i  Dalton,  Homfr'  Jaccbe, 
Nich'i  Smyth,  Henr'  Conper.  Joh'is  I^ynce,  Thome  Mathew, 
Joh'es  Rote,  Thome  Jaet,  Ric'i  Rageley,  Joh'is  Starky,  Job'  Bel- 
grave,  &  Job'  Gefirey,  &  Job'  Joyner,  inrat'  sop'  sacr'm  sau'  quod 
Radulpbns  Hopewas  est  p'x'  heres  Ricardi  Sampson. 

Henricus,  dei  gra'  Rex  Anglic  &  Francie,  &  IXos  Hib'n', 
Balliais  suis  de  Tamworth  salotem.  Precipim'  vob'  q'd  inste  &  sine 
dil'one  &  s'c'd'm  consnetudinem  maneri]  de  Tamworth,  plenum  rec^ 
turn  teneatis  Rad'o  Hopewas  de  vno  mesoagio  cum  p'tin'  in 
Tamworth,  quod  Joh'es  Bate  d'icus,  Ric'us  Goldeson,  &  Ric'os 
Erne  ei  deforc'.  Ne  ampl'  inde  dam'  and'  p'  deftu'recti.  T*  me 
ip'o  apud  Westm.,  xxriij  die  Nouembr.,  Anno  r.n.  tricesimo. 

Feb.  6.  30  Hen.  VI : — Rad'ns  hopewas.  qui  tulit  breue  d'ni  Reg' 
p'uu'  v's'  Job'  Bate,  cl'icum,  Ric'm  Goldesone,  &  Ric'm  Erne,  in 
pladto  terre,  mortuuus  est. 

Feb.  27,  30  Hen.  VI : — Henricus,  dei  grsada  Rex Pre- 

cipimus  vobisquod plenum  rectum  teneatis  Will' o  fil'  Rad'i 

hopewas  de  vno  mesuagio  cum  p'tin'  in  Tamworth  quod  Joh'es 
Bate  d'icus.  Will's  Neweport  Armig',  Ric'us  Goldeson,  &  Ric'us 
Eme  ei'defore'.  Ne  ampl'  inde  clam'  and'  p'  deftu'recti.  T*  me 
jp'o  apud  Westm',  xxv)  die  Januarij,  Anno  r.  n.  tricesimo. 

October,  30  Hen.  VI : — Nicholaus  hopewas. 

Note  23,  page  223. 

"To  all  men,  to  whom  this  p'sent  wrytyng  trip'tyd  indentyd 
scbal]  Come,  Dame  Dorothe  Ferrers,  widow,  late  the  wyfife  of  S' 
John  Ferrers,  knyght,  sendith  gretyngin  our  lA>rd  god  £u'la8t3rng. 
Whereas  I,  the  seyd  Dorothe,  By  my  Dede  indentyd  datyd  the 
xx^  day  of  octobr  in  the  xxij  yere  of  y*  Reign  of  our  sou'eign 
Lord,  kyng  Henry  y*  viij,  haue  enfeofled  WUl'm  Repyngton  of 
lytyll  Amyngton,  Gent.,  fraunces  repyngton,  his  son  and  heire 
apparant,  John  Jeks  of  Tamworth,  in  the  countie  of  Warr.,  Gen- 
tilma',  Richard  Jeks,  his  son  And  heire  apparant,  Thomas 
wodshaw  of  tamworth  aforseyd,  chapma',  John  wodshaw,  his 
son  and  heire  apparant,  Thomas  Golson  of  Tamworth,  yema', 
homfrey  Golson,  bis  son  and  heire  apparant,  Richard  Coton  of 


APPENDIX.  XXXVU. 

Coton,  yema',  John  coton,  his  son  and  heire  apparent,  nycholas 
Golson  of  Dntyton  basset,  yema',  John  Golson,  his  son  and  heire 
apparent,  John  Darlaston  of  wigginton,  John  Darlaston,  his  son 
and  heire  apparant,  Nycholas  melbom  late  of  Wigginton,  yeman, 
John  melliam,  his  son  and  heire  apparant,  their  heires  And 
assignes,  of  and  in  eon  Burgage  in  tamworth  aforeeid,  lying  in 
the  stret  caUed  le  Batcher,  And  extendith  in  bred'e  betwixt  the 
burgage  of  humfrey  Ferren,  esqnier,  my  son  and  here,  on  the  on 
p'te.  And  the  Burgage  of  John  Jeks  on  the  other  p'tie,  and 
eztentheth  in  lengthe  from  the  kyng's  bye  way  to  the  Grounde  of 
the  Vicare  of  the  colege  of  saynt  E^th  of  tamworth,  Wich  I,  the 
seyd  Dame  Dorothe,  late  p'chesed  of  on  Richard  Bowris  of  North- 
ampton ;  And  of  all  other  my  lands  and  ten'ts,  medowes,  lesees, 
pastur'.  And  other  hereditaments,  w^  thdr  Appurten'nces,  lying 
&  beyng  in  The  fee  of  Wiggynton,  In  the  Countie  of  staff.,  wich 
I,  the  seyd  Dame  Dorothe,  lately  purchesed  of  oon  Raffe  lago  to 
the  vse  of  me,  tiie  seyd  Dame  Dorothe,  and  for  the  p'formance  of 
my  last  will,  know  tx  that  my  full  mynde,  will,  and  intent  is 
that  My  seyd  fefiees,  their  heire  and  assignes  for  eu',  schall  snffbr 
the  balties  of  the  toon  of  tamworth  aforeseyd  And  their  successore, 
for  the  tyme  beyng,  yerely  to  receyue  and  take  all  the  rents, 
issues,  and  p'fits,  comyng  And  Growyng  out  or  by  reson  of  the 
eeyd  burgage,  land,  and  ten'ts.  And  other  the  p'misses  for  eu',  to 
the  uses  and  intents  hereaft'  ensuyng :  that  is  to  sey,  I  will  tiiat 
the  same  baillies  And  their  successore,  for  the  tyme  beyng,  schall 
for  eu'  the  x}  day  of  the  Monyth  of  July,  cause  a  obbit  to  be  kept 
in  the  church  of  seynt  Edith  in  tamworth  aforseyd,  with  all  the 
hool  quere  there.  And  to  haue  a  solemn  dirig  to  be  song  in  the 
evenyng  of  the  same  day.  And  masse  of  requiem  on  the  next 
morow,  then  specially  to  prey  for  the  soule  of  the  said  Sr.  John 
Ferren  my  late  husband,  and  the  soule  of  me,  the  seyd  Dame 
Dorothe,  the  soules  of  willm.  harp'  esquier  and  margaret  his 
wiff  my  fiftther  &  mother,  and  all  Cristen  soules.  And  I  will 
y^  eu'y  of  the  vicare  seruyng  in  the  seyd  church  And  beyng  at 
y*  seyd  Dirge  and  se3ring  mass  on  the  morow  for  the  soules 
Aforenamed,  have,  for  his  labur,  iTjd.  It'm,  to  eu'y  of  the  too 
Decons  in  the  seyd  church,  iijd.  It'm,  for  ryngyng  of  the  too 
Cnylls,  viijd.  It'm,  for  the  hyre  of  iiij  tapure  to  bren  about  the 
herse,  in  the  tyme  of  the  seyd  servis,  viijd.  It'm,  to  the  belman 
of  tamworth  aforseyd,  for  the  tyme  Beyng,  ijd.  It'm,  to  be 
dely'd  the  seyd  tyme  yerly  to  pooer  people  dwellyng  in  the  seyd 
toun  of  Tamworth  att  ther  houses,  by  the  discresion  of  the  seyd 
baillies,  for  y*  tyme  Beyng,  iTJs.  viijd.  It'm,  my  mynd  is  that 
Eu'y  on  of  the  iiij  baillies  of  tamworth  Aforeeyd  schall  offer, 
Eu'y  on  of  them,  a  ob'  at  the  seyd  masse  of  requiem ;  and  Eu'y 
on  of  them  to  tske  iiij  for  ther  labur  in  executyng  this  my  Will 


XXXVUl.  TAMWOBTH  CASTLE  AND   TOWN. 

of  suche  money  as  they  achaU  receyue  of  the  rents  of  the  seyd 
Bnrgag  and  other  the  p'miaes.  It*m,  I  will  y^  they  vican  of  tiie 
seyd  church,  for  the  tyme  heyng,  eehall  yerely  have  Tiijd.  to  pn^ 
for  the  aooles  aforeaeyd  in  their  hedroll.  It'm,  I  will  y^  the  aeyd 
bailies  of  Tamworth  And  ther  aacoesaors,  for  the  tyme  Beyng, 
achall  yerely  pay  vn  to  the  Grey  frerya  stt  lychleld  iija.  iiijd.,  aoo 
that  y  *  same  frerya  for  en',  the  aeyd  xj  day  of  the  monyth  of  Joly, 
ayng  dirig  bv  nite  in  the  Monaat'y,  And  maaae  of  Reqoiem  the 
next  moroo  toloyng,  apecialy  for  my  aeyd  hnaband'a  aonle.  And 
Myne,  and  for  Uie  aooles  of  the  aeyd  will'm  harp'  and  Mazg'et 
hia  wiff  my  father  &  mother,  &  aJl  Gristen  aoolea.  And  en'y 
frere  in  the  aaid  houae  there,  beyng  preeat,  to  aey,  the  aame  Day 
or  dla  one  day  in  the  aame  Weke,  oon  maaae  of  requiem  for  the 
aoulea  aforereheraed.  It'm,  I  will  in  lyke  wise  that  the  frerya  att 
Aderaton  achall  yerely  have  ija.  to  ayng  dirige.  And  maaae  of 
requiem  in  ther  monast'y,  the  aeyd  Deys,  for  Uie  aoolea  of  the 
p'aona  afomamed.  and  farther,  I  will  Uiat  yff  ther  be  iij  or  iiij 
aonll  preeata,  wich  achall  for  fortune  to  a've  in  the  aeyd  church 
of  Tamworth  att  anch  tyme  aa  the  aeyd  yer'  mynd  or  obit  achal- 
be  kept,  then  I  will  en'y  of  them  bane  iiijd.,  aoo  that  they  sey 
dirige  and  maaae  of  requiem  the  aeyd  tyma,  for  the  aoolea  aforre- 
heraed.  And  my  fa'ther  will  and  mynd  ia  y',  aft'  all  thea 
paymenta  and  chaga  in  forme  aforaeyd  be  payd  borne  and 
also  aU  eheif  renta  and  other  yerely  chargea  and  suites  hereaft' 
Goyng  out  or  to  be  due  by  reaon  of  the  aeyd  Bnrgag,  lands, 
t'enta.  And  other  the  p'misaea,  be  truly  Content  and  payd,  then 
the  reaydne  of  the  money,  wich  schalbe  Beceyued  and  taken  of 
the  renta,  iaauea,  &  p'fita,  Commyng  or  growyng  of,  or  by  reson 
of,  the  seyd  burgage,  lands,  ten'ts.  And  other  the  p'misses  to  be 
put  in  a  Box  lodiyd,  whereof  the  seyd  Baylliea  to  kepe  the  key, 
and  then  to  be  dely'ved  to  suche  a  preist  in  the  seyd  churche  of 
tamworth,  which  is  comjmly  called  seint  Georg's  preiste,  for  the 
tyme  Beyng,  and  he  safly  to  kepe  the  same,  to  thenteut  that  the 
aeyd  Money,  wich  soo  remaynyth  schall  maynteyn,  beer,  and  kepe 
all  man'  of  repparracons  and  other  chai^,  wich  schalbe  nesaesaary 
or  ought  to  Be  Doon  upon  or  by  reson  of  the  p'misses  or  eny 
p'cell  theroff. 

D.  F. 

Note  24,  page  238. 

Since  we  wrote  the  History  of  the  Church,  a  clerical  change 
has  taken  place.  Early  in  the  present  year,  the  rev.  R.  C. 
Savage  was  presented  by  the  Queen  to  the  vicarage  of  Nuneaton, 
in  Warwickshire  ;  and  he  has  in  consequence  resigned  this  living. 
Captain  it  Court  has  subsequently  appointed  the  rev.  E.  Haraton, 
M.  A.,  both  as  vicar  and  perpetual  curate  of  the  Church. 


APPENDIX.  XXXIX. 

NAMES  OF  CHURCHWARDENS. 

From  the  Court  Rotti,  PaHMh  Begitter,  ^. 

1455  John  Fletcher. 

1456  John  Goldson,  John  GeSrey.  (Oct.  26.) 
1470  Peter  Goabout,  John  Woodshaw.  (Oct.  23.) 
1488  Richard  Woodshaw,  William  Green.  (Nov.) 
1505  Richard  Breton,  John  Irp.  (Oct.  21.) 

1507  Richard  Breton,  Thomas  Goldson.  (Nov.) 

1508  John  Gillot,  Nicholas  Symond.  (Oct.) 

1509  John  Jekes,  John  Irp.  (Oct.  15.) 

1511  Richard  Breton,  Richard  Coton.  (Not.) 

1598  William  Wightwick,  Nicholas  Vanghton. 

1599  Robert  Lysatt,  Edward  Taylor. 

1600  Ralph  Dawman,  Christopher  Wilcox. 

1601  Robert  Gratwick,  Henry  Hall. 

1602  Richard  Cheatle,  Thomas  Vanghton. 

1603  George  Onion,  John  Vanghton. 

1 604  John  Keeling,  Thomas  Allen. 

1605  John  Hall,  Richard  Scale. 

1606  Clement  Joell,  Richard  Onion. 

1607  Rowland  Frances,  Henry  Hill. 

1 608  Thomas  Massy,  Henry  Wilcox. 

1609  Ambrose  Hood,  John  Wright. 

1610  Richard  Fletcher,  William  Farmer. 

1611  John  Oldrich,  Erasmus  Mousley. 

1612  John  Sharp,  John  Vale. 

1613  Hugh  Gierke,  William  Elliott. 

1614  Richard  Wright,  William  Earp. 

1615  Adam  Tnrton,  Richard  Wright. 

1616  John  Scale,  Richard  Lattimer. 

1617  John  Bache,  Christopher  Harthill. 

1618  John  Nicholson,  Richard  Harding. 

1619  Edward  Willington,  Christopher  Wilcox. 

1620  Thomas  Kebb,  Richard  Mousley. 
1628  W.  Smith,  J.  Ellis. 

1635  George  Orton,  Francis  Freeman. 

1660  Walter  Ashmore,  John  Osbom. 

1661  Gerard  Wagstaff,  Comdius  Osbom. 

1 662  Thomas  Jones,  John  Sutton. 

1663  Thomas  Carter,  John  Dawes. 

1664  Gilbert  Jordan,  John  Vanghton. 

1665  Francis  Wood,  John  Bankes. 

1666  Robert  Peake,  Edward  Smith. 

1667  Edward  Smith. 

1 668  John  Clifton,  Thomas  Batman* 


xl.  TAMWORTH  CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 

1669  WiDiam  WUcoz,  Jotiali  Newey. 

1670  Thomas  Talbut,  William  Michell. 

1 67 1  Thomas  Pratt,  Richard  Hair. 

1 672  Joseph  Kej,  Joseph  Batman. 

1673  William  Cawne,  WHliam  Harding. 

1674  Francis  Wright.  William  Wikoz. 

1 676  Morgan  Powell,  Robert  Green. 

1677  Charles  Baynton,  Edmand  Chamberlain. 

1678  William  Ashley,  Isaac  Orton. 

1 679  Edward  Drayton,  William  Hazeldine. 

1 680  Thomas  Roades,  Joseph  Radford. 

1681  John  Vamham,  Rob^  Cawne. 

1682  Samuel  Orton,  George  Wright. 

1683  Daniel  Jordan,  David  Read. 

1684  Edward  Symonds,  Ridiard  Weaman. 

1685  Samad  Bnckland. 

1686  John  Vangbton,  Francis  Wood. 

1 687  Thomas  Talbnt,  Thomas  Wagstaff. 

1688  William  Harding. 

1690  William  Harding,  Charles  Ptoicer. 

1692  George  Wagstaff. 

1693  Edwvd  Bradgate,  John  Bankes. 

1694  Richard  Weaman,  Joseph  Batman. 

1695  Samuel  Orton,  John  Dawes. 

1702  George  Hood,  Joseph  Wilcox. 

1703  Thomas  Homer,  John  Harthill. 
1710  John  Vangbton  sen.,  John  Uby. 
1726  Beilby  Laycock,  Thomas  Vangbton. 
1728  William  Pickard,  John  Lattimer. 
1730  Joseph  Hood,  Abraham  Waterson. 

1 759  John  Vangbton,  James  Dawes. 

1 760  Thomas  meman,  Nathaniel  Crosland. 

1761  John  Kendal,  John  Waterson. 

1762  John  Kendal,  William  Bishop. 

1763  John  Kendal,  William  Bishop. 

1764  Nathaniel  Crosland,  William  Bishop. 

1765  Nathaniel  Croslahd,  Walter  Howe. 

1766  Thomas  Nicbolls,  Walter  Howe. 

1 767  John  Blood,  Samuel  Ball. 

1 768  George  Godfrey,  William  Weston. 

1769  George  Godfrey,  Job  Hunter. 

1770  Joseph  Heath,  Job  Hunter,  They  continued 

until  1773. 

1 773  Edward  Panton,  WilHam  Dyall. 

1 774  Edward  Panton,  WilUam  DyaU. 

1775  John  Bindley,  Henry  Watterson. 


APPENDIX.  xli. 

1776  George  Godfrey,  Henry  Watterson.  Both 
continaed  until  1 78  L  • 

1781  George  Godfrey,  John  Bindley.  Both  con- 
tinued until  1787. 

1787  George  Godfrey,  Joseph  Heath.  They  con- 
tinued until  1789. 

1 789  George  Godfrey,  John  Bindley. 

1790  George  Godfrey,  John  Bindley.     On  the  4th 

of  July,  Thomas  Shearshy  was  chosen,  in 
the  place  of  G.  Godfrey,  deceased. 

1791  Thomas  Shearsby,  Josiah  Marshall. 

1792  Thomas  Shearsby,  Josiah  Marshall.     On  the 

1 7th  of  December,  James  Yeomans  was  cho- 
sen in  place  of  J.  Shearsby,  who  left  the  town. 

1793  James  Yeomans,  Robert  Panton.    They  con- 

tinued until  1797. 

1797  Robert  Panton,  Edward  Thurman.  They 
continued  until  1800. 

1800  James  Yeomans,  Edward  Thurman.  They 
continued  until  1804. 

1 804  Robert  Panton,  Edward  Thurman.  They  con- 
tinued until  1807. 

1807  Edward  Thurman,  Josiah  Marshall.  They 
continued  until  1813. 

1813  William  Parsons,  Joseph  Knight. 

1814  Edward  Thurman,  Richard  Bennett.    They 

continued  until  1819. 

1819  Edward    Thurman,  Richard    Bennett. 

John  Hall. 

1820  Edward  Thurman,  John  Hall.    They  con- 

tinued until  1823. 

1823  John  Hall,  William  Parsons  jun. 

1824  John  Hall,  Thomas  Marshall. 

1825  Richard  Peters,  Thomas  Marshall. 

1826  Richard  Barratt,  Thomas  Marshall.      They 

continued  until  1829. 

1829  Thomas  MarshaU,  Thomas  Bindley. 

1830  Thomas  Marshall,  Richard  Barratt.      They 

continued  until  1833. 

1833  Thomas  MarshaU,  Thomas  Arnold. 

1834  Charles  J.  Berrie,  Thomas  Arnold. 

1835  Thomas  Arnold,  Etienne  Bruno  Hamel. 

1836  Thomas  Arnold,  Etienne  Bruno  Hamel. 

1 837  fVands  Hunter,  Etienne  Bruno  Hamel. 

1 838  Francis  Hunter,  Thomas  Bramall.    They  con- 

tinued until  1842. 


xlii. 


TAMWOBTH   CA8TLB  AND   TOWN. 


1842    John  Batler,  Thomas  Bnunall.     Tbej  oon- 
turned  until  1844. 

1844  John  Butler,  Etienne  Bruno  HameL 

1 845  John  Felthouse.  Job  Castle  Righton. 

Note  25,  page  252. 
NAMES  OF  THE  KEEPERS  OF  THE  LIGHTS. 


Fnm  the  Cmrt  R6Ua. 

HOI.T  TBliriTT 

IB.  V.  Makt 

St.  Oioaoi    8r.  Katv-  |SJricBOi.AS 

■Ellis. 

Oct  S3 

1470 

Rob.GoldMn 

&6b.  GoldMMI 

11io.WeaTflr 

T1io.Wei:f« 

Not. 

1488 

Rob.  Shepherd 

Nidi.  Moon 

Oct.  SI 

1506 

]Udi.OolDii 

TluhToTy 

lli«di.Gtaike 

Not. 

1607 

Wm.Howfh 

John  am 

Jiio.Lywtt 

Oct 

1608 

Italph  Smith 

Rich.Alco<^ 

liio.8wipMa 

Oct  10 

1609 

8tMih.Bwnow 
NUSTwebstor 

Nlch.  Bidiop 

RlduOottaa 

Not. 

1511 

JohnMMon 

Jno.  Green 

Oct  18 

161« 

nio.  DttlaBton 

JnoJtapinstai 

The  fragment  of  a  court-roll,  the  date  of  which  is  gone,  but  appa- 
rently of  Uie  reign  of  Henry  VIII.,  gives  the  foUowing  statement. 

Roger  Ashwood  was  elected,  for  the  year,  keeper  of  the  light 
of  St.  Nicholas ;  and  there  remained  in  the  box  delivered  to  him  6«. 

Nicholas  Webster  was  chosen,  for  the  year,  keeper  of  the  light 
of  the  Holy  IVinity ;  and  there  remained  in  tiie  box  delivered  to 
hun,  28.  6d. 

Henry  Irpe  was  elected,  for  the  year,  keeper  of  the  light  of  St. 
George ;  and  there  remained  in  the  box  delivered  to  him,  1  Is,  6tf. 

Note  26,  page  349. 

Extracts  relating  to  the  lords  of  Tamworth-Castle,  etc., 
taken  from  the  '*Calnedarium  inquisitionum  post  mortem  sive 
escaetarum." 

Anno  20  E.  I.,  no.  36. 

Philippus  Marmton. 
Lincoln'.  Scrivelbymaner'&baroniaextent'.    Lincoln' measnag' 
ib'm.    Langeton  maner'  extent*. 

Warr'.  Middelton  maner'  extent*.  Sutton  boscus  cum  chacea. 
Hbrbford'.  Frene  maner*.  lastrys  maner*.  Bradford  maner' 
extent*. 

Salop*.  Kilpeck  feod*.  Purlebeck  maner*.  Hokelith  baU*ia 
forest*. 

OxoN*.    Ghakenden  maner*  extent*.    Stoke  Marmiun  maner*. 
WiooRN*.    Charleton  feotC. 

Warr*.     Dedon,  Waverton    Fresell,  Witacre,  Drakenegg,  La 
Lee,  Fellingley,— ;/«o(fa. 
Lbicbstr*.    Langetoni  Wanestanston  maner*,  Fleckney,  Shake- 


APPENDIX.  xliii. 

lesaton  maner\  Snarkeston,  Barton,  Cnngeston,  Odeston  maner*, 

SattoQ,  Wisteneatow  ecd'ia,  Stanton  maner'  eed'ia,  Shameford, 

Schenesby,  Aymeresthorp,  Frodesworth,  Monaeley,  Somerdby, 

'Erehwrgh,'^eoda, 

Lxicestk'.    Quinton  maner*  cum  Rodbretf-^eoda. 

SussBx'.    Berewike  maner*  ecd'ia,— 3/0O(fa. 

Stafford'.    Tamworth  eocFia  cum  sex  prebend'  in  eadem  &  de 

Yalore  eanim,^eoda. 

Lincoln'*    Wintringham  maner*,  Wollingbam  jozta  Lincoln', 

Trikingham,  Stowe,  Kisebye,  Fooleatowe,  Sutblangeton,  Scrivelby 

maner*,  Thakewell,— /anfa. 

Warr*.    Pirycrofte  maner*,^  Glaacote  maner',  Tamworthe  maner*, 


Anno  23  E.  L,  no.  55. 

Joh'a  de  Mortbtn. 
Salop*.    Pulrebache  maner*  extent'. 

Warr*.  Tamworth  Castr'  extent'.  Poleye  maner*.  Aachelond 
4  acr*  cmn  piscaria  in  Auncre.  Midddton  maner*  extent*. 
Freseley,  Overwitacre,  Netherwitacre,  Drakenegge,— ^eocfo. 

Anno  8  £•  IL,  no.  45. 

Maria  uxor  Philipfi  dx  Marmton. 
Warr*.    Midddton  maner'  3  part'  extent'  tenetor  de  eccleaia 
a'ce  £d3rthe  de  Thomworth. 

Lincoln*.  Wilkyaby  nnam  croftam  36  acr'  terr'  3  acr*  dimid' 
rod'  prat'  &c.  Dalderby  una  placea  terr'  &  9«.  2d,  reddit'.  Con- 
ingysby  nna  acr'  &  3  rod*  prat'. 

Feoda. 
Stafford'.    Tomorthe  prebend'  in  ecdesia  coUegiali  ib'm  valens 
4/.  &c.    Lincoln*.     Wintringham  &  Wylingham  4  feod*.    Tri- 
kingham  4  part*  feod*.    Keaby  onum  feod*.    Fouleatowe  2  part' 
feod*.    Wilkesbye  tertia  presentatio  ecd'ise. 

Anno  2  £.  lU.,  no.  34. 

Albxandbr  db  Frxvill. 
Hbrbf*.      La  Feme,  Bradeford,—- qnedam  tenementa  ib'm  p 
aervic*  6te  p'tia  j  feod'  apud  Kilpeck  castmm. 
WiLTBs*.    Wynterbume.      Assherton  maner*. 
Warr*.    Tameworth  caatr*.    Midddton  maner*  3  tia  p'a. 

Anno  13  £.  IIL,no.  14. 

Joh'a  uxor  Albxandri  db  Frbyill. 
Warwic'.    Tamworthe  castrum. 
WiLTBs'.    Aaaerton  maner'. 

1  At  tUs  time^  the  manor  of  Penycroft  wu  hdd  In  caplte,  by  service  of  flndlns 
ftid  end  Utter  for  the  1dng*e  duonber,  whenever  he  ahoold  come  to  Tunwortti.  The 
Utter  served  for  the  royal  carpet. 


xliv.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND  TOWN. 

Anno  17  E.  III.,  no.  37. 

Baldbwtnus  dx  Frtttll. 
NoRFOLc',    Welyngbam  maner'  ext*. 

Hbbxford'.  Tatiodon  Magna  ezt'.  De  la  Feme  maner'  ezt'. 
Kylpeck  maner'. 

Wilts'.    Yateabury  un'  toft'  &c. 

Wioorn'.    Crowenste  hamelet  ezt'.     Rughall  maner*  ext'. 
Warwic'.    Tamworth  caatrom  &  terr'.  Middelton  maner*. 
Statford'.     Wygmton  terr'  parcell'  caatri  de  Tamworth.     Dray- 
ton molend*.    Tamworth  terr'  &c. 

Anno  49  £.  III.,  no.  57, 

Baldbwinus  db  Frbtill  ch'r. 
WiLTBs'.    Yateabury  villa  un'  came'  terr'. 
Lincoln'.    Wilaeby  &  Conyngeaby  14  acr'  terr'. 
Warwic'.    Tamworth  castram  &  maner'.    Middelton  maner'  4» 
pars.    De  la  Lee  maner'  extent'.    Pathelowe,  Chesterton*  Wy- 
shawe,  Fresleye,  Merston  juxta  Eynnesbory,  Crodeshall, — terr 
8c  ten*.    Stretford  juxta  Tamworth  maner'.     Shortley  maner'. 
Beandesert  maner'  &  castrum.    Henley  maner'.     Whitcherch 
maner'.    Wellesbume  maner'.     Mountford  maner'. 

Hbrbford'.    Tadinton  maner*  extent'.    Bradford  maner^  ex- 
tent'.   Mawene  maner'  extent'. 

Stafford'.    Tamworth  advoc'  collegij.    Wyginton  terr*. 

Feoda. 

Warwic*.  Waverton.  Redbrok.  Raddive.  Derdon.  Whit- 
acre.  Fresby.  Pole.  Dagenigge.  La  Lee.  Odeston.  Shak- 
erston.  Shamesford.  Shenesby.  Aylmerthorp,  Somerdeby. 
Langdon  juxta  Kibworth.  Sparkesdon.  Wistanston.  Tamworth 
castmm. 

Anno  11  R.  II.,  no.  27. 

Baldbwinus  Frtvill  ch'r  bt  Ida  uxor  bjus. 
Surr'.     Redestone  unum  tenement'  56  acr'  terr'  et  4  acr'  prati. 
Wilts'.    Yatesborye  maner'.    Cahie  maner*. 
WiooRN*.     Beckenoure  onnm  messoag'  una  virgata  terr'  10  acr' 
prat'.    Hambury  juxta  Wych  sect'  cur'. 

Stafford'.  Frerorchard  gardin'  &  40^  reddit*  in  Tamworth  et 
quinque  prebend'  in  eccl'ia  colleg'  ib'm. 

Lincoln'  bt  Warwic*.  Wilkesby  juxta  Marum  duo  messuag' 
et  una  virgata  terr'  parcell'  maner'  de  Midelton. 
Notts'.  Gunthorpe  et  Ludham  maner'  ut  de  honore  de  Leicestr'. 
Hbrbford'.  World  Ende  maner'  extent'.  Marshmavene  maner' 
dimid'  extent'.  Bradforde  maner*.  Verne  maner*. 
Warr*.  Tamworth  castram  extent*.  Poleye  maner'  redditus. 
Freseley  6^  redditus. 


APPENDIX.  Xly. 

Feoda. 

Warb'.  Fylongley  dmiid'  feod\  Warton  tenement'.  Derdon 
unnm  feod'.  PVeseley  3  pars  feodi.  Whitacre  dimid'  feod'. 
Warton  4^  pars  feodi.  Drakeneche  et  Whitacre  annin  feod*. 
Polley  mram  feod'.  Hordeborg  advoc'  ecdesie. 
I^icxsTR*.  SnarkestoQ,  Coningeston,  Sbakston,  Odeston,  Bar- 
ton, Sutton  joxta  Boseworth,  Stapleton,  Leyre,  Wistenstowe  et 
Flekeney, — tria  feoda.  Ayimesthorpe,  Shamefbrd,  Froleworthe, 
Sbethesby,  Mooseley  et  Somerby, — vjitm  feod'.  Stanton  nnom 
feod'.    Btnrgb  nniim  feod*.     Radeclif  cert'  terr'. 

Anno  2  H.  lY.,  no.  46. 

Baldbwinub  Fbxytll  chivalxr. 
Surr',    Ashstede  maner*  extent'. 

Warr'.    Tamwortb  caatnim.    Midddton  due  partes  manerii. 
Wiken  maner'  joxta  Coventr'.    Lee  maner*.  Merston  maner'. 
Stipersbull  cm*'  com  warrena  de.     Stratford  juxta  Tamwortb 
maner'.     Sborley  maner'  jnxta  Coventr'. 
Notts'.     Gontborp  maner'.  Loadbam  maner'. 

Anno  6  H.  V.,  no.  47. 

Baldbwinub  Frbvill  chivalxr  fil'  B.  Frbvill  chivalxr. 
Warr*.  Stipersbnll  cor'  et  warenna  de.  Midddton  tertia  pars 
maneni. 

Lxicxstr'.  Snarkeston,  Ooningston,  Sbakeston,  Odeston,  Bar- 
ton, Satton  joxta  Boseworth,  Stapdton,  Ldre,  Wyst^nstowe  et 
Flekeney, — tria  feoda  mUit\  Aylmestborpe,  Sbamford,  FroUes- 
wortb,  Sbetheby,  Mooseley  et  Somerby, — icmim  feod*  miHt\ 
Boroogb  onom  feod'  milit*.  Radecliffe  tertia  pars  nnioB  feodi 
militis. 

Onmia  sttpradicta  pertinent  castro  de  Tamworth, 
WiLTXs'.     Yatesbory  mesa'  &  terr'  ot  de  castro  de  Devises. 
Warr'.    Tamwortb  castrom  com  membr*  et  feod'  pertin'.     Sti- 
persbnll cor'  &  warenna.    Midddton  tertia  pars  maner'.    Warton 
decem  messoagia  com  terris  pratis  &c.      Beodesert  medietas 
maner*. 

Anno  37  H.  VI.,  no.  34. 
Thomas  Fxrrbbs  armiobr. 
Stafford'.  Tetenbale  maner'  et  advoc'  capdlse  extent'.  Tam- 
wortb redd'  assis'  9«.  ib'm.  Wygynton  7  acr'  terr,  et  2  acr*  prat' 
iVm.  Drayton  Basset  praf  ib'm  vocat'  "Les  Plekkes"  et 
"  Rayles  "  i  croft'  ibidem  vocat'  "  Lady  Mylnebolme  "  alias  vocaf 
••  Bayle  Acr' "— plac'  et  pastor'  ibidem  vocat'  "  J^  old  Damme  " 
et  sepand'  piscar'  ibidem  per  metas.  Kynggeswood  joxta  Wrot- 
tedey  cerf  terr'  et  pastor*  ibidem  vocat'  "  Blakdigbes." 


Xlvi.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE    AMD    TOWN. 

SaiiOp'*    Bradford  himdr'  et  ball'ia.    Claverle  maner^  extent*. 

Wabr'.  Tamworthcastriunetmaiier^  extent' partic' com  piflcttr^ 
&c.  Hardborg  maner'  et  adTOc'  eodi'se.  StiparBhuU  3^  pars 
cor',  Flekenho  maner'.  Flekenho  i  feod'  per  dncem  Norfolc'. 
Wolfhamcote  i  feodi  per  Joh'em  Peyto.  Nethercote  medietas 
miitiB  feod'  per  hered'  Robert!  Cany.  Fylongley  3^  para  me- 
dietatifl  uniiu  feodi  per  hered'  domini  Hastynga.  Dodbroke  et 
Wayerton  8^  pars  miina  feodi  per  hered'  Walteri  Cnky.  Waver- 
ton  et  Dordon  3^  para  feodi  per  hered'  Roberti  Crendon.  Orer- 
whitacre  et  Fredey  S^  pars  dimid'  feod'  et  3^  pars  trinm  partiam 
feod'  per  hered'  Jordani  de  Whitacre.  Waverton  3^  pars  qoarts 
partis  onins  feod'  per  hered'  Mich'is  Longdon :  ac  3^  pars  qointae 
partis  feod'  ib'm  per  hered'  Willi  de  Fago.  Frealey  3^  pars 
tertiae  partis  feodi  per  hered'  Georgii  de  Fr^ey.  Netherwhitacre 
etl)raknage3ti»  pars  feod' per  hered' E^gid'fil'Rad'i.  Foley  3ti» 
pars  feod'  per  hered'  Joh'is  Cokayn  militis. 
IdicsaTK*.  Smarkeston,  Oomynston,  Shakerston,  Oddeaton, 
Barton,  Sutton  juxta  Bosseworth,  Stapleton,  Leyre,  Wyatowe  et 
Flekeneye, — 3^  pars  triom  feod'  et  dimid'  feod'  ib'm  per  hered 
com'  Pembroc'.  Elmesthorpe,  Shameford,  FreUesworth,  Tlieth« 
by,  Monsley  et  Somerby  3^  pars  feod'  per  hered'  WiU'i  Maziward. 
Stanton  3^  pars  feod'  per  hered'  Rad'i  Basset  de  Sapoote. 
Raddifle  3^  pars  feod'  per  hered'  Roger!  Ardem.  Bnr^  3^ 
para  feod'  per  hered'  Roberti  Burgh.  Langton  juxta  Kybworth 
Z^  pars  dimid'  feod'  per  hered'  Ivonis  Langton. 
Dbrb'.  Walton  super  TVentam  maner'  et  advoc'  ecd'iae  extent. 
Trent  piscar'  in  aqua. 

Oxon'.  Heth  maner'  ut  de  com'  Gloucestr'. 
Essxx'.  Champeyns  (in  Woodham  Ferrers)  maner'.  Bgera  et 
Laochelees  ib'm  cert'  terr'  et  tenement'  sic  vocat'.  Woodham 
Ferrers  maner'.  Gyngjoyberd  Laundry  maner'.  Woodham  Fer- 
rers maner'.  Herewardeatok  advoc'  ecd'ite.  Merkea  (juxta 
Dunmore)  maner'  ut  de  ducatu  lAucastr'. 


4  H.  Vin.  no.  1.  Dorothea  qub  fuit  uxor  Johannib  Fbrrsrb 

MIUTIS  DBFUMCn. 

Assignatio  dotis 
Dbrb*.    Walton  terr'  ten'  et  redd'  et  tercia  p'sentacio  ecd'iae. 

Note  27,  page  397 

We  here  give  the  particulars  of  the  estate  at  the  time  of  the 
sale.  A  few  of  admeasurements  will  be  found  to  differ  slightly 
from  those  stated  in  the  disposal  of  the  property  to  Mr.  Robins. 

TilBBRTT  OF   THB  CaBTUI. 

Lot  1.    The  manors  of  Tamworth-Casde  and  Stipershill,  with 


APPENDIX.  Xlvii. 

Wareton,  and  Bolehall  and  Glaaoote :  fiflberies  of  the  rivera  Tame 
and  Anker,  the  former,  with  certain  parts  of  the  banks,  bdng 
subject  to  the  annual  rent  of  10/.  then  payable  to  the  right 
bon.  sir  Robert  Peel,  bart. :  the  residence  of  the  Castle,  with 
grounds  &c.  of  about  3a. 

Lot  2.  Plantation  of  Ir.  21p.,  dose  of  11a.  5p.,  two  gardens 
of  3r.  34p.,  drying  ground  and  two  plantations  of  la.  2p,,  close 
of  7a.  3r.  19p.,  plantation  of  2a.  2Gp,, — ^let  on  a  lease  of  21  years 
from  1823,  at  a  rent  of  60/.,  to  lieut.  col.  Dickenson. 

Lot  3.  Little  Brick-kiln  close  of  2a.  3r.  35p.,  Further  Thistly 
field  of  6a.  1^.,  Little  Meadow  of  2a.  3r.  7p.,  Hilly  piece  of  3a. 
3r.  5p.,  Lower  Bam  dose  North  of  4a.  Ir.  9p.,  Lower  Bam  close 
South  of  3a.  3r.  20|p.,  Upper  Bam  close  SouUi  of  3a.  Ir.  2Qp., 
Upper  Bam  close  North  of  2a.  2r.  lOp.,  Bam  and  yard  of  Ir.  ^., 
Coal-pit  close  of  4a.  2r.  26p.,  Hilly  piece  of  5a.  2p„  Great  Brick- 
kiln close  of  4a.  2r.  Idp.,  a  plantation  of  20|p.,  Aldridge's  piece  of 
3a.  2r.  37p.,  the  Five  Acres  of  4a.  2r.  39;i.,  Snell's  orchard  of 
9a.  Ir.  36p.,  ozier-bed  and  land  gained  by  the  river-side  of  2a. 
Ir.  24p.,  Nether  Thistley  fidd  of  7a.  20p ; — ^witb  a  farm-house 
and  out-buildings. 

Lot  4.  Pftrk-dose  of  6a.  3p.,  bam  and  yards  of  32/9.,  Bam 
piece  of  10a.  34p. 

Lot  5.  Close  of  3r.  13/9.  Lower  and  Upper  Ptok-pieoes  form- 
ing one  fidd  of  3a.  3r.  38p.,  Close  of  2a.  3r.  1^.,  Lower  Park- 
pece  of  2a.  3r.  I9p.,  Upper  Park-piece  of  3a.  2Sp. 

Lot  6.  Little  Coal-pit  dose  of  4a.  37p.,  Great  Coal-pit  dose 
of  Sa.  3r.  22/i. 

Lot  7.  A  dwdling-house,  with  a  garden  and  Upper  Park  dose 
of  3a.  Ir.  35/9.,  Lower  Park  piece  of  3a.  3r.  8p. 

Lot  8.  An  Inn,  with  lime-kilns,  stone-quarry,  brick-kilns,  2 
cottages  and  gardens,  of  25a.  3r.  32p. ;  and  a  dose  of  8a.  2r.  7p. 

Lot  9.  Ozier-bed  of  3r.  1^.,  Alport's  holme  of  la.  2r., 
Park  meadow  of  5a.  3Qp.,  lower  Park  meadow  of  4a.  2r.  34/9., 
Aquaduct  piece  of  5a.  35p.,  Lower  Park  of  3a.  5p„  Wood-field  of 
2a.  9p.,  Horse-doses  of  9a.  2r.  37p.,  wood  of  Ir.  13/9.,  a  close  of 
4a.  2r.  28/9.,  with  bam  and  stable,  and  a  dose  of  3a.  Ir.  27/9. 

Lordship  of  Fazblbt. 

Lot  10.    Mill-meadow  of  2a.  Ir.,  Mill-holme  of  7a.  3r.  7p. 
Lot  11.    Meadow,  garden,  and  Wash-whed  cut  of  about 
10a.  3r.  2/9. 

Lordship  of  Bolbhall  and  Glasgotb. 

Lot  12.    Allport  close  of  4a.  39p. 
Lot  13.    Allport  close  of  2a.  3r.  25/9. 


xlyiii.  TAMWORTH  CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 

Lot  14.    AUport  dose  and  garden  of  3a.  Ir.  3^. 

Lot  15.  Two  enclosures  of  garden, — ^Allport  close  of  4a. 
Ir.  I2p. 

htys  16.    Allport  dose — garden— of  la.  3r.  3^. 

Lot  17.    Two  indosores  of  2a.  2r.  4p*  and  la*  2r.  ISp, 

Lot  18.  Fonr  indosores  of  Zip,,  3r.  S7p.,  la.  2r.  Sp., 
la.  Ir.  20^. 

Lot  19*  A  dose  of  4a.  Ir.  I2p.,  another  of  3a.  In  25p.,  a 
cottage  and  garden  of  SOp. 

Lot  20.  A  dose  of  5a.  Ir.  SSJp.,  two  more  conjointly  of  4a. 
3r.  29p* 

Lot  21.  Nether-dose  of  4a.  Ir.  27p.,  Middle-dose  of  4a. 
Ir.  ^.,  lower  Middle-dose  of  3a.  Ir.  Slp»,  Lane-dose  of  3a.  3r. 
l&p,,  Bam-close  of  5a.  3r.  6p.,  barn  and  yards  of  Ir.  ^,,  Rick- 
yard  dose  of  4a.  Ip.,  a  coppice  of  4a.  25p.,  Upper  Middle-dose 
of  5a.  3r.  3dp.,  put  of  Far-close  of  5a.  I5p. ;  with  coal-mines, 
which  with  those  comprised  in  the  two  next  lots,  were  let  on  lease 
for  14  years  from  Lady-day,  1831,  renewable  at  option  for  7  years, 
at  a  royalty  of  Is,  per  ton  of  1201bs.  when  worked,  and  a  rent  of 
150/.  per  annum,  whether  worked  or  not, — ^the  royalty  forming  a 
part, — with  power  to  open  and  dig  for  coals,  a  sm^Gsice  rent  of  3/. 
per  acre  for  land  occupied  being  also  paid. 

Lot  22.  Allotment  on  the  heath  of  4a.  Ir.  34p. ;  a  cottage, 
bam,  yard,  garden,  and  meadow,  of  about  la.  25p. 

Lot  23.  A  close  of  7a.  ITp.,  fiara-dose  of  5a.  Ir.  9p.,  Elm- 
tree  dose  of  5a.  Ir.  26p.,  common  dose  of  5a.  Ir.  ITp.,  Middle 
dose  of  4a.  3r.  24|9.»  Four  Acres  dose  of  4a.  I4p.,  Glascote-heath 
close  of  3a«  3r.  9p„  the  Segs  close  of  6a,  3r.  ip. 

Lot  24.  Hopley  dose,  divided  into  two,  of  5a.  3r.  9p.,  Dabbs', 
Hopl^,  or  Spring  dose,  also  divided,  of  4a. 

Lot  25.  Hopley  dose  of  4a.  Ir.  31.,  part  of  the  same  of 
2a.  2r.  35p. 

Lot  26.  Stable  and  yard  of  9p.,  garden  of  20p.,  orchard  of 
Ir.  36p.,  bam  and  rick-yard  of  20^.,  Hopley  dose  of  3a.  Ir.  I5p., 
Hopley  dose  of  4a.  2dp.,  ditto  of  7a.  2r.  24p.,  ditto  of  la.  2r.  3Qp. 

Lot  27.    Two  doses  of  2a.  9p.  and  la.  2r.  lOp. 

Lot  28.    Two  closes  of  2a.  2r.  I2p,  and  2a.  3r.  Sip. 

Lot  29.    A  dose  of  3a.  19p. 

Lot  30.    A  close  of  3a.  Ir.  Tp. 

Lot  31.  A  close  of  2a.  2r.  I9p„  garden  of  24p.,  and  dose  of 
2a.  2r.  32p. 

Lot  32.     Cottage  and  land  of  3r.  20p. 

Lot  33.     Garden  ground  of  2a.  3r.  33p. 

Lot  34.  Garden,  close,  and  garden  of  la.  Ir.  I^.,  la.  2r.  Ip., 
la.  2r.  17p. 

Lot  35.    A  close  of  3a.  23p. 


APPENDIX.  xlix. 

Lot  36.  A  garden  of  2a.  lOp. 

Lot  37.  A  close  of  la.  3r.  34p, 

Lot  38.  Gardens  of  3a.  27p.  and  20p. 

Lot  39.  Two  closes  of  2a.  2r.  S9p.  and  2a.  3r.  SSp. 

Lot  40.  Three  closes  of  3r.  S4p.,  3r.  34p.,  and  la.  3r.  3d/i. 

Lot  41.  Three  closes  of  2a.  2r.  I5p.,  la.  2r.  9p.,  la.  Ir. 
1 7p.,  and  part  of  Vincent's  meadow  of  2a.  Ir.  Sp. 

Lordship  of  Aminoton. 

Lot  42.  The  Ashlands  of  4a.  2Sp.,  2a.  Ir.  4p.,  2a.  23/?.,  2a. 
Ir.  38/7.,  a  house  and  garden  of  S9p.  Ashlands  of  la.  2r.  I2p., 
meadow  of  33p. 

Pbrrtcropts,  Libbrtt  of  Bolbhall. 

Lot  43.  Garden  of  Ir.  3^.,  Perrycrofts  of  2a.  I9p.  Perry- 
croft,  with  house  and  bam,  of  la.  2r.  ISp. 

Lot  44.  Perrycroft, — garden,— of  2a.  5p, ;  charged,  in  com- 
mon with  lots  43,  45,  46,  47,  with  annuities  of  20^.  to  the 
bailifis,  lOs.  to  the  curate,  and  10^.  to  the  Schoolmaster. 

Lot  45.     Perrycroft, — pasture,-— of  la.  2r.  Sp. 

Lot  46.     Perrycroft,  with  a  bam,  of  3a.  2r.  S5p. 

Imt  47.     Garden  of  38/?.,  Perrycroft  of  2a.  20p. 

Borough  of  Tamworth  and  Lordship  of  Wioointon. 

Lot  48.  Two  parts  of  the  Bradford  closes  of  2a.  2r.  32p.  and 
3a.  28p. 

Lot  49.  Bradford  of  3a.  Ir.  2lp. 

Lot  50.  Part  of  Bradford's  of  3a.  Ir. 

Lot  51.  The  remainder  of  the  last  of  3a.  35p. 

Lot  52.  A  cottage  and  garden  of  2r.  8p.,  part  of  Bradford's 
of  3a.  15/1. 

Bottom  of  Lichfibld-strbbt. 

Lot  53.    A  cottage  and  garden  of  21/».,  a  close  of  2a.  2r.  2p, 
Lot  54.    Nine  dwelling-houses  with  gardens,  two  cottages 
with  yards,  and  two  gardens. 

Lichfibld-strbbt. 

Lot  55.  A  cottage  with  garden  of  2r.  SSp, 

Lot  56.  Two  cottages  with  garden-grounds. 

Lot  57*  A  dwelling-house  and  extensive  garden. 

Lot  58.  A  dwelling-house  with  a  garden,  and  four  tenements. 

Lot  59.  A  dwelling-house,  and  four  tenements,  all  with 
gardens. 

Lot  60.  Three  dwelling-houses  with  a  garden. 

SiLVBR-STRBBT. 

Lot  61.    A  dweUing-hoose. 


L  TAMWORTH   CA8TLB   AND   TOWN. 

Markxt-btrxst,  North  bidb. 

Lot  62.     A  dwelling-house,  another  adjoining  with  a  garden, 
and  a  third  one. 
Lot  63.    Three  dwelling-houses  with  gardens. 
Tx>T  64.    A  dwelling-house  with  a  garden. 

MAaKBT-STRBBT,    SoUTH   8IDB. 

Lot  65.  The  Castle-inn. 

Lot  66.  Three  dwelling-houses. 

Lot  67.  A  dwelling-house. 

Lot  68.  A  dwelling-house  and  garden. 

Lot  69.  A  dwelling-house  and  garden. 

Gborob-btrbbt. 

Lot  70.     A  dwelling-house,  once  the  Angel-inn,  and  garden ; 
and  a  house  adjoining,  with  a  garden. 
Lot  71.     A  house  and  garden. 
Lot  72.    A  house ;  also  a  house  in  Bolebridge-street  adjoining. 

BOLKBBIDOB-STRBBT. 

Lot  73.  The  White  Lion  public-house,  with  a  croft. 

Lot  74.  Six  dwelling-houses,  with  gardens. 

Lot  75.  A  dwelling-house  and  small  garden. 

Lot  76.  A  dwelling-house. 

Lot  77.  Three  tenements  under  one  roof,  with  small  gardens. 

Lot  78.  Three  dwelling-houses,  with  two  gardens. 

Lot  79.  A  house  and  garden. 

GUNOATB-STRBBT. 

Lot  80.  Four  messuages  with  small  gardens,  and  a  cottage. 

Lot  81.  The  New  Star  public-house,  with  a  garden. 

Lot  82.  A  cottage. 

Lot  83.  Three  tenements  under  one  roof. 

Aldbboatb-strbbt. 

Lot  84.     A  dwelling-house  and  stone-yard. 
Lot  85.     Eight  tenements  adjoining  each  other. 

Church-strbbt. 

Lot  86.  Three  dwelling-houses,  subject  to  a  fee-fisurm  rent  of 
48.  8d,  a-year. 

Lot  87.     Four  dwelling-houses. 

Lot  88.     Four  dwelling-houses. 

Lot  89.  The  Wheat-^eaf  public-house,  with  four  small  tene- 
ments. 

Lot  90.    Four  dwelling-houses. 

Lot  9 1 .  Two  dweUing-houses ;  with  a  school  and  an  extensive 
building  lately  occupied  as  a  carpet  manufactory. 


APPENDIX.  li. 

Lot  92.    A  dwelling-hoiiBe  and  garden. 
Lot  93.    Two  dweUing-honses. 

COLLBQB-LANS. 

Lot  94.    Two  dweUing-honses. 
Lot  95.    A  dwelling-hoase. 

LiBBRTT   OF   THB   CaSTLB   AND  LoRDSHIP   OF   FaZBLBT. 

Lot  96.  The  Castle-mill  and  appurtenances,  with  ezclufiive 
right  of  water,  except  the  manorial  rights ;  with  the  mill-dam  of 
la.  2r.  lOp. 

LiBBRTT   OF   THB   CasTLB. 

Lot  97.     Seckmgton-meadow  of  8a.  3r.  28p. 
Lot  98.     Castle-meadow  of  13a.  3r.  4p. 

Dratton-Bassxt. 

Lot  99.    The  Royals  of  2r.  4p. 

TaM  WORTH. 

Ijot  100.  A  garden,  with  a  terrace-walk  along  the  bank  of 
the  river,  with  a  summer-house  and  bowling-green,  containing 
altogether  la.  2r. 

Note  28,  page  446. 
Thb  will    of  Thomas  Gut,    esq.,  so    far  as  it   rboards 

TaM  WORTH. 

In  the  name  of  God.    Amen. 
I,  Thomas  Guy,  of  the  parish  of  St.  Mary  Wooboth,  in  Lon- 
don, esquire,  being  of  souud  and  disposing  mind  and  memory, 
considering  the  uncertainty  of  life,  do  make  my  last  will  and 
testament  in  manner  and  form  following. 

«  «  4c  4c 

I  give  and  devise  imto  my  cousin  George  Orton,  son  of  my 
cousin  Mary  Orton  deceased,  and  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever, 
to  his  and  their  use,  all  those  my  messuages,  lands,  tenements, 
and  hereditaments  in  Tamworth  and  Wigginton,  in  the  county  of 
Stafford,  or  elsewhere,  which  I  purchased  of  Archdale  Palmer  and 
Anne  his  wife. 

Item,  I  give,  devise,  and  bequeath  unto  my  cousin  John  Vough- 
ton,  grandson  of  uncle  John  Vougbton,  all  that  messuage,  burgage, 
or  tenement,  lands  and  hereditaments,  in  Tamworth  and  Wiggin- 
ton, in  the  county  of  Stafford,  or  elsewhere,  which  I  purchased 
of  his  father  John  Voughton,  to  hold  unto  my  said  cousin  John 
Vougbton,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  to  his  and  their  use. 

Item,  All  the  rest  and  residue  of  my  lands,  tenements,  and 
hereditaments,  and  real  estate  whatsoever,  in  the  counties  of 
Stafford,  Warwick,  and  Derby,  or  any  of  them,  other  than  and 


lii.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE   AND    TOWN. 

except  the  Almshouses  and  library  with  their  appurtenances  herein 
after  mentioned  and  devised,  I  give  and  devise  unto  and  between 
Elizabeth  Hurt  and  John  Hurt,  the  grand-children  of  my  late 
sister  Anne  Vamam,  their  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  to  hold  as 
tenants  in  common  and  not  as  joint-tenants. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  to  Thomas  Hurt,  one  of  the  grand- 
children of  my  late  sister  Anne  Vamam,  during  his  natural  life« 
one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  pounds,  which, 
with  forty  pounds  per  annum  I  am  already  bound  to  pay,  makes 
up  two  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  to  be  paid  by  equal  quarterly 
payments  and  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  g^ve  unto  my  cousin  John  Voughton,  son  and  heir  of 
my  said  uncle  John  Voughton  deceased,  during  his  natural  life, 
one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  thirty  pounds,  to  be  paid  by  equal 
half-yearly  payments,  to  commence  from  the  end  of  tiiree  kalendar 
montiis  next  after  my  decease,  over  and  above  the  sum  of  twenty 
pounds  per  annum  which  I  am  obliged  to  pay  him  by  my  bond. 
And  also  I  do  forgive  and  remit  unto  him  all  monies  that  he  doth 
or  shall  owe  me  at  the  time  of  my  decease,  as  heir  or  executor  of 
his  late  father,  or  otherwise  howsoever. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Thomas  Voughton,  Humphry 
Voughton,  and  Martha  Voughton,  children  of  my  said  cousin 
John  Voughton,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in 
the  capital  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures  made  "forth  for  the 
debt  due  to  the  army  by  an  act  of  Parliament  passed  in  the  fourth 
year  of  the  reign  of  his  Majesty  King  George,  and  attended  with 
annuities  after  the  rate  of  four  pounds  per  cent,  per  annum. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  cousin  John  Weetman  the 
father,  in  the  county  of  Stafford,  yeoman,  son  of  my  aunt  Weet- 
man, during  his  natural  life,  one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  fifty 
pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  by  equal  half-yearly  payments  to 
commence  from  the  time  of  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Benedicta,  William,  Mary, 
Eleanor,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  and  John,  children  of  my  said  cousin 
John  Weetman,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in 
the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  the  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  cousin  Anne  Woodcock, 
daughter  of  my  said  aunt  Weetman,  during  her  natural  life,  one 
annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  fifty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  by  equal 
half-yearly  payments,  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  unto  John  Moor,  William  Moor,  Thomas  Moor, 
Josias  Moor,  and  Abigail  Woodcock,  children  of  my  said  cousin 
Anne  Woodcock,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share 
in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  William,  John,  Thomas,  Cle- 
ment, Mary,  Anne,  and  Joseph,  the  children  of  Thomas  Weetman 


APPENDIX.  liii. 

deceased,  six  hundred  poundB  a-piece,  interest  or  share  in  the  said 
stock  erected  in  lien  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Mary,  Elizabeth,  and  Thomas 
Blood,  children  of  Thomas  Blood  deceased,  one  of  the  sons  of  my 
aunt  Blood,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the 
said  stock  erected  in  Ueu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  John,  Thomas,  Benjamin,  and 
Samuel  Mously,  children  of  my  cousin  Elizabeth  Shepard  deceased, 
by  her  former  husband,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or 
share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  Ueu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Richard,  John,  and  William 
Hudson,  the  children  of  John  Hudson  lighter-man  deceased,  and 
grand-children  to  my  aunt  Hudson  deceased,  one  thousand  pounds 
a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  Ueu  of  deben- 
tures, as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  the  widow  of  the  said  John 
Hudson  deceased,  during  her  natural  life,  one  annuity  of  ten 
pounds  sterUng,  to  be  paid  her  by  equal  half-yearly  payments,  and 
to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  to  Mary  Hill,  one  other  of  the 
children  of  the  said  John  Hudson,  one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of 
twenty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  by  equal  haH-yearly  payments, 
during  her  natural  life :  and  to  James,  Charles,  and  Sarah  Hill, 
children  of  the  said  Mary  Hill,  I  give  and  bequeath  three  hundred 
pounds  a-piece,  interest  or  share  in  the  stock  erected  in  Ueu  of 
debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  cousin  John  Blood,  yeoman, 
living  in  or  near  Tamworth,  son  of  my  aunt  Johanna  Blood,  during 
his  natural  life,  one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  fifty  pounds  sterling, 
to  be  paid  by  equal  half-yearly  payments,  to  commence  from  my 
decease. 

Item,  I  give  unto  Sarah,  Robert,  Richard,  Anne,  John,  and 
Johanna  Blood,  children  of  the  said  John  Blood,  one  thousand 
pounds  a-piece,  interest  or  share  of  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu 
of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  the  widow  of  Thomas  Vough- 
ton  deceased,  son  of  my  unde  John  Voughton,  one  annuity  or 
yearly  sum  of  ten  pounds,  to  be  paid  during  her  natural  life,  by 
equal  half-yearly  payments,  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  the  children  of  the  said  Thomas 
Voughton,  viz.  John,  Timothy,  Abigail,  Mary,  George,  Sarah, 
Jonathan,  Anne,  and  Benjamin,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece 
interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as 
aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  the  children  of  my  cousin  Mary 
Orton  deceased,  viz.  Anne,  Mary,  Sarah,  and  Eluabeth  Orton, 


liv.  TAHWORTH  CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 

one  thousand  pounds  a-pieoe  interest  or  share  in  the  said  stodc 
erected  in  lien  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  John  Cheatly  and  Mary  Cheatlj, 
the  children  of  Mary  Cheatly  deceased,  who  was  daughter  of  my 
aunt  Weetman,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in 
the  said  stock  erected  in  lien  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  to  William  Cheatly,  husband  to  the  said  Mary  Cheatly 
deceased,  I  give  and  bequeath,  during  his  natural  life,  one  annuity 
or  yearly  sum  of  ten  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  him  by  equal 
half-yearly  pajrments,  snd  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Benedicta  Cheatly,  anotho* 
daughter  of  my  aforesaid  aunt  Weetman,  and  now  wife  of  John 
Cheatly,  near  Tamworth,  in  the  aforesaid  county  of  Stafibrd, 
yeoman,  during  her  natural  lile,  one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of 
fifty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  her  by  equal  half-yearly  payments, 
to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  unto  the  children  of  the  said  Benedicta  Cheatly, 
viz.  Lettice,  Dorothy,  Anne,  John,  William,  and  Mary  Cheatly, 
one  thousand  poundis  a-piece  mterest  or  shsre  in  the  said  stock 
erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  unto  my  cousin  Joseph  Blood,  in  or  near  Tam- 
worth aforesaid,  clothier,  one  other  of  the  sons  of  my  said  aunt 
Blood,  one  thousand  pounds  interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock 
erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  the  children  of  Anne  Harding 
deceased,  who  was  daughter  of  my  said  aunt  Blood,  viz.  Anne, 
and  William,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the 
said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  to  Mary  Alcock,  wife  of  Arthur  Alcock,  clothier, 
another  daughter  of  my  said  aunt  Blood,  during  her  natural  hfe, 
one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  fifty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  by 
equal  half-yearly  payments,  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Johanna,  Anne,  and  Sarah,  the 
children  of  the  said  Mary  Alcock,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece 
interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as 
aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Johanna  Mitchell,  wife  of 
Benjamin  Mitchell,  one  other  of  the  daughters  of  my  aforesaid 
aunt  Blood,  during  her  natural  life,  one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of 
fifty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  by  equal  half-yearly  payments,  to 
commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  unto  her  son  Joseph  Mitchell,  and  to  her  daughters 
Elizabeth  and  Mary  Mitchell,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece 
interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures, 
as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Joseph  Osbom,  son  of  my  aunt 


APPENDIX.  ly. 

Osborn,  daring  his  natural  life>  one  aonaity  or  yearly  sun  of 
fifty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  by  equal  half-yearly  payments,  to 
commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  unto  Sarah  and  Anne,  daughters  of  the  said  Joseph 
Osbom,  one  thousand  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the  said 
stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  unto  the  two  children  who  are  now  Hying  of 
Elizabeth,  another  daughter  of  the  said  Joseph  Osbom,  fiye 
hundred  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected 
in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  giye  and  bequeath  unto  John  Wood,  currier,  and 
Thomas  Wood,  hardware-man,  both  of  Birmingham  and  grand- 
children of  Christopher  Wood,  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds 
a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of 
debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  giye  and  bequeath  unto  Anne  Cawn  widow,  and  late 
wife  of  Robert  Cawn  deceased,  during  her  natural  life,  one 
annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  twenty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  her 
by  equal  hidf-yearly  payments,  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  giye  and  bequeath  to  William  Cawn,  tallow-chandler, 
son  of  the  said  Anne  Cawn,  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  interest 
or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Sarah  Colman,  Elizabeth  Sil- 
vester widow,  Anne  Shaw  widow,  Martha  Lawson  now  wife  of 

Lawson,  and  Margaret  Alcock,  children  of  Thomas 

Alcock  late  of  Tamworth  clothier  deceased,  two  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in 
lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  to  Mary  Alcock,  one  other  of  the  children  of  the  said 
Thomas  Alcock,  I  give  and  bequeath  one  annuity  or  yearly  sum 
of  twenty  pounds  sterling,  to  be  pud  her  by  equal  half-yearly 
payments,  during  her  natural  life,  and  to  commence  from  my 
decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  each  of  the  children  of  Jane 
Bayley  deceased,  and  of  Mary  Stylman  deceased,  daughters  of  my 
late  unde  Henry  Voughton,  five  hundred  pounds  a-piece  interest 
or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Margaret  Guy,  and  Samuel  Guy, 
the  children  of  Samuel  Guy  late  of  Egham  in  the  county  of  Sur- 
rey deceased,  five  hundred  pounds  a-piece  interest  or  share  in  the 
said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Anne  Jenkyns,  daughter  of 
Thomas  Hudson  deceased,  one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  one 
hundred  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  her  by  half-yearly  payments, 
during  her  natural  life,  and  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  to  the  widow  of  Thomas  Hudson  deceased,  I  give  one 


Ivi.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 

annnity  or  yearly  sum  of  ten  pounds  sterling,  to  be  paid  her  by 
equal  half-yearly  payments,  daring  her  natmtd  life,  and  to  com- 
mence from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  John  Morling,  son  of  Elizabeth 
Morling  late  of  Oakingham  widow  deceased,  five  hundred  pounds 
interest  or  share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as 
aforesaid. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Jane  Whittaker  widow,  and  one 
of  the  daughters  of  my  late  aunt  Hudson,  during  her  natural  life, 
one  annuity  or  yearly  sum  of  fifty  pounds  stirting,  to  be  paid  her 
by  equal  half-yearly  payments,  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Anne  Rowney,  daughter  to  the 
aforesaid  Anne  Cawn,  during  her  natural  life,  one  annuity  or 
yearly  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  to  be  paid  her  by  equal  half-yearly 
pajrments,  to  commence  from  my  decease. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  Thomas  Batman  clothier,  son  of 
Joseph  Batman  deceased,  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  interest  or 
share  in  the  said  stock  erected  in  lieu  of  debentures,  as  aforesud. 

And  my  will  is.  and  I  do  hereby  direct  and  appoint,  that  the 
said  several  annuities  or  yearly  sums  hereby  before  bequeathed  be 
paid  from  time  to  time  by  my  executors  herein  after  named  or  by 
the  corporation  herein  after  mentioned  and  intended,  when  the 
same  shall  be  obtuned  and  take  efiect,'  or  their  treasurer  for  the 
time  being,  out  of  the  residue  of  my  estate  herein  after  devised, 
or  the  interest,  dividends,  rents,  or  other  profits  thereof,  during 
the  several  lives  for  which  they  are  made  respectively  payable,  as 
aforesaid. 

And  as  for  and  concerning  as  well  the  said  several  annuities  for 
life  as  the  several  shares  in  the  said  stock  erected  as  aforesaid,  in 
this  my  will  given  to  the  said  Anne  Woodcock,  Mary  Hill,  Bene- 
dicta  Cheatly  wife  of  John  Cheatly,  Mary  Alcock  wife  of  Arthur 
Alcock,  Johanna  wife  of  Benjamin  MitcheU,  Anne  Rowney, 
Martha  Lawson,  Margaret  Guy,  and  Anne  Jenkyns,  I  do  hereby 
order  that  the  said  annuities  and  stock  so  given  to  them  respec- 
tively as  aforesaid,  shall  be  paid  or  assigned  to  their  own  proper 
hands  or  order  respectively,  and  their  own  respective  receipts 
alone  shall  be  sufficient  discharges  for  the  same,  notwithstanding 
their  or  any  their  covertures. 

And  my  mind  and  will  is,  that  the  said  several  sums  or  parcels 
of  stock  herein  before  bequeathed  to  my  several  legatees  above 
named,  who  at  my  decease  shall  be  under  age  and  unmarried, 
shall  not  be  paid  or  payable,  or  transferred  or  to  be  transferred 
by  my  said  executors  or  the  said  mtended  corporation,  until  they 
shall  arrive  respectively  the  men  to  be  of  the  age  of  twenty -one 
years,  and  the  women  to  such  age  of  twenty-one  years  or  their 

1    Hie  goyonon  of  Goy'i  hoepitel,  Soathwirk,  Inoorporated  by  act  of  puUamcnt. 


APPENDIX.  Ivii. 

and  of  marriage,  and  which  of  them  shall  first  happen ;  and  that 
during  such  the  infancy  or  single  state  of  my  said  legatees  re- 
spectively, my  will  is,  that  my  executors  hereinafter  named,  or 
the  said  hereinafter  mentioned  and  intended  corporation  or  their 
treasurer  for  the  time  being,  allow  for  the  maintenance  and 
education  of  my  said  several  legatees  the  interest,  dividends,  and 
produce  of  the  stock  to  them  respectively  given ;  and  also  shall 
allow  out  of  the  respective  legacies  or  stock  of  such  as  shall  want 
to  be  put  forth  apprentices  such  sums  of  money  as  my  said 
executors  or  the  said  intended  corporation  or  their  treasurer  shall 
think  fit,  which  said  several  allowances  and  sums  of  money  shall 
be  paid  to  the  fathers,  mothers,  guardians,  or  masters,  of  such 
legatees  respectively,  and  their  receipts  respectively  shall  be  suffi- 
cient for  the  same. 

«  «  « 

And  whereas  the  masters,  keepers,  wardens  and  commonalty  of 
the  art  or  mystery  of  Stationers  of  the  city  of  London  are  in  and 
by  one  bond  or  obligation  under  the  common  seal,  bearing  date 
on  or  about  the  Srd  day  of  February,  Anno  dom.  1717,  become 
bound  unto  the  governors  of  the  hospital  of  St.  Thomas  the 
Apostle  in  Southwark,  in  the  county  of  Surrey,  in  the  penal  sum 
of  five  thousand  five  hundred  pounds,  conditioned  for  the  pay- 
ment of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds  by  them  and  their 
successors  for  ever,  by  half-yearly  payments,  free  from  all  manner 
of  deduction  whatsoever,  in  the  following  manner,  viz.  to  me,  the 
said  Thomas  Guy,  during  my  natural  life,  and  from  and  after  my 
decease  to  such  person  and  persons,  uses,  intents,  and  purposes, 
as  I,  by  my  last  will  and  testament  in  vnriting  or  any  other 
writing  under  my  hand  and  seal  subscribed  in  the  presence  of 
three  or  more  creditable  witnesses  should  declare,  limit,  and 
appoint,  as  in  and  by  the  said  obligation  and  condition,  relation 
being  thereunto  had,  may  more  fully  and  at  large  appear  : 

Now  I  give  and  devise  unto  John  Cheatly  and  John  Blood 
yeomen,  Joseph  Blood  and  Arthur  Alcock  clothiers,  Thomas  Or- 
ion yeoman,  John  Radford,  Robert  Blood,  and  the  said  John 
Osbom  citizen  and  stationer  of  London,  all  that  my  Alms-house 
or  building  containing  sixteen  rooms,  fourteen  of  which  said 
rooms  are  now  used  and  employed  for  the  habitations  of  fourteen 
poor  men  and  women,  and  the  other  two  rooms,  being  laid 
together,  are  used  for  a  library,  with  the  house-of-office,  gardens, 
and  appurtenances  thereunto  belonging,  situated,  lying,  and  being 
partly  in  Gungate-street,  and  partly  in  Schoolhouse-lane,  in 
Tamworth,  in  the  county  of  Warwick  :  to  hold  to  them  the  said 
John  Cheatly,  John  Blood,  Joseph  Blood,  Arthur  Alcock,  Thomas 
Orton,  John  Radford,  Robert  Blood,  and  John  Osbom,  their  heirs 
and  assigns  for  ever,  in  trust,  nevertheless,  and  to  and  for  the 

h 


Iviii.  TAMWORTH   CA8TLB  AND  TOWN. 

uses,  intents  and  purposes  hereinafter  mentioned :  that  is  to  say, 
that  my  said  trustees,  and  the  survivors  of  them,  and  such  othen 
as  shall  succeed  and  be  chosen  m  their  room  or  place  by  virtue 
of  the  clauses  hereinafter  in  that  behalf  mentioned,  or  the  major 
part  of  them,  shall  and  do,  from  time  to  time,  admit  and 
place  in  the  said  rooms  fourteen  poor  people,  men  or  women, 
inhabitants  of  the  towns,  viUages,  or  parishes  of  Wilnecote, 
Glascote,  Bolehall -street,  Amington,  Wigginton,  and  Hopwas,  or 
any  of  them  ;  my  poor  relations  being  first  admitted,  in  case  any 
such  shall  offer  themselves,  whom  they  shall  think  proper  objects 
of  such  charity  :  and  as  often  as  any  of  them  shall  die,  to  place 
others  in  their  stead.  And  in  case  any  such  of  the  said  poor 
persons  shall  misbehave  themselves,  my  said  trustees  for  the  time 
being,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  shall,  from  time  to  time,  dis- 
place such  and  put  others  in  their  stead,  as  they  shall  think  fit. 
And  that  the  two  rooms  abovementtoned  to  be  used  for  a  library 
shall  continue  to  be  so  used ;  or  for  such  other  uses,  for  the  better 
accommodation  of  the  persons  that  shall  dwell  in  the  said  four- 
teen rooms,  as  the  said  trustees,  for  the  time  being,  or  the  major 
part  of  them,  shall  think  ^U 

And  my  mind  and  will  is,  that  when  and  so  often  as  any  of  the 
said  trustees  shall  happen  to  die,  the  survivors  of  them  shall 
choose  in  another  person  to  succeed  and  be  a  trustee ;  who  shall 
act  with  them,  in  all  respects,  as  if  he  had  been  particularly 
named  with  the  other  trustees  in  this  my  will. 

And  to  prevent  any  legal  interest  of  the  said  last  mentioned 
premises  from  going  to  the  heir  of  a  surviving  trustee,  it  is  my 
mind  and  will,  that  as  often  as  my  present  or  future  trustees,  in 
whom  the  legal  estate  of  the  same  premises  shall  rest,  shall  be 
by  death  reduced  to  two,  that  such  two,'  or  the  survivor  of  them, 
shall  forthwith  convey  the  same  premises  to  such  other  trustees 
and  their  heirs,  upon  the  trusts  aforesaid,  as  my  then  acting  trus- 
tees or  the  major  part  of  them  shall  think  fit  or  direct.  And  I 
do  hereby  order,  limit,  declare,  and  appoint  that  the  said  yearly 
sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds  be  paid  by  the  master 
and  keepers,  or  wardens  and  commonalty  of  stationers  above- 
mentioned  and  their  successors,  by  half-yearly  pajrments,  at  the 
feast  day  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  and  the  birth  of  our  Lord  God, 
in  every  year,  for  ever,  to  my  said  executors,  until  such  intended 
corporation  as  aforesaid  shall  be  obtained  and  take  effect ;  and 
then  to  such  intended  corporation  and  their  successors,  to  the 
intent  that  my  said  executors,  or  the  said  intended  corporation, 
and  their  successors,  do  and  may  thereout  pay  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  fifteen  pounds  per  annum,  part  thereof,  by  like  half- 
yearly  payments  unto  the  said  John  Cheatly,  John  Blood>  Joseph 
Blood,  Arthur  Alcock,  Thomas  Orton,  John  Radford,  Robert 


APPENDIX.  lix. 

Blood,  and  John  Osborn.  and  the  survivora  of  them,  and  each  as 
shall  succeed  them  as  aforesaid  for  ever»  in  trust,  and  to  and  for 
the  uses,  intents,  and  purposes,  hereinafter  mentioned  ;  that  is  to 
say,  in  respect  of  eighty  pounds  per  annum,  part  of  the  said 
yearly  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen  pounds,  upon  trust,  and  to 
the  intent  that  they  do  and  shall  pay  thereout  unto  each  of  the 
said  fourteen  poor  people  and  such  others  as  shall,  from  time  to 
time,  be  chosen  in  their  stead,  the  sum  of  two  shillings  per  week 
for  their  maintenance.  And  what  shall  remain  out  of  the  eighty 
poands  per  annum  over  and  above  such  weekly  payments  shall  be 
expended  and  applied  by  my  said  trustees  for  reparation  of  the 
Alms-house  and  premises,  and  for  such  other  uses  relating  thereto 
as  my  said  trustees  or  the  major  part  of  them  shall,  from  time  to 
time,  think  fit  and  appoint. 

And  for  and  in  respect  of  the  sum  of  thirty-five  pounds,  re- 
mainder of  the  said  yearly  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen  pounds, 
upon  trust,  and  to  the  intent  that  my  said  last- mentioned  trustees 
and  such  as  shall  succeed  them,  as  aforesaid,  for  ever,  shall  and 
do  apply  the  same  to  the  putting  out  of  children  apprentice,  nur- 
sing, or  such  like  charitable  deed,  of  four,  six,  or  eight  such 
poor  persons  of  the  family  of  the  Voughtons,  or  Woods,  or 
proceeding  therefrom,  as  they  shall  think  fit.  And  if  none  or 
not  sufficient  of  such  can  be  found,  then  of  such  other  person  or 

persons  as  they  shall  find  to  be  proper  objects  of  charity. 
«  «  « 

And  I  do  hereby  revoke  and  annul  and  declare  to  be  null  and 
void  all  and  every  other  will  and  wills  by  me,  at  any  time  or 
times  heretofore  made,  declaring  this  to  be  my  only  last  will  and 

testament :  in  witness  whereof  I  have  to  the  same set 

my  hand  and  seal,. .......  on  this  fourth  day  of  September, 

Anno  Domini  1724 ;  and  in  the  eleventh  year  of  the  reign  of  our 
sovereign  lord  George  over  Great  Britain  &c.,  king,  defender  of 
the  faith,  &c. 

THOMAS    GUY. 

The  will  was  proved  on  the  4th  of  January,  1724-5. 

Note  29,  page  487. 
WARDENS  OF  THE  BRIDGE  OF  St.  MARY. 

From  ike  Comrt  Rotta, 

1436  Hugh  Colman.  (May  2.) 

1456  John  Bayly. 

1458  John  Bayly. 

1470  William  Irp,  William  Green.  (Oct.  23.) 

1488  Henry  Sweetlove,  John  Irp.  (Nov.) 

1505  William  Bear,  William  Houghton.  (Oct.  21.) 


Ix.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE    AND    TOWN. 

1507  John  Mason,  Ralph  Lago.  (Not.) 

1509  John  Lysott,  Richard  Clarke.  (Oct.  16.) 

1511  John  Lysott.  Richard  Clarke.  (Noy.) 

1516  Nicholas  Endsore,  Richard  Clarke.  (Oct.  18.) 

15.  •  Henry  Draper,  Henry  Jenkins. 

Supposed  Aotbnturb  of  Hbnrt,  Earl  of  Richmond. 

At  pages  98  and  99  of  this  History,  an  incident  is  recorded  as 
having  heMIen  Henry,  earl  of  Richmond,  on  the  eve  of  the 
eventful  battle  of  Bosworth-Field ;  which  has  excited  mnch  grave 
discussion,  and  upon  which  g^at  diversity  of  opinion  exists, 
among  the  chroniclers  and  historians  of  our  country.  I  allude  to 
the  commonly-received  belief  that  the  Earl  lost  his  way,  and 
passed  the  night  without  shelter,  in  a  state  of  most  painful  appre- 
hension and  anxiety,  in  following  his  army  from  lichficJd  to 
Tamworth,  on  the  evening,  or  night,  of  Thursday,  August  18th, 
1485. 

In  my  frequent  excursions  across  the  beautiful  country  which 
lies  between  Lichfield  and  Tamworth,  this  strange  incident  has. 
many  times,  occupied  my  mind  :  and,  in  accordance  with  a  wish 
expressed  by  the  most  distinguished  statesman  of  his  age  and 
country,  who  has  evinced  a  gratifying  interest  in  the  progress 
and  execution  of  my  son's  work,  and  to  whom  the  work  is  de- 
dicated, I  now  proceed  to  investigate  this  curious  question. 

The  subject  of  my  inquiry  resolves  itself  into  two  heads  :  First, 
Did  the  Earl  of  Richmond  actually  lose,  or  intentionally  deviate 
from,  his  road,  upon  the  memorable  occasion  to  which  I  have  just 
adverted?  And,  Secondly,  what  authority  exists  there  for  the 
statement  made  by  the  accomplished  Historian  of  the  Queens  of 
England,  that  Richmoud  again  lost  his  way  upon  Atherstone- 
moor,  in  returning  from  his  momentous  conference  vnth  the 
Stanlevs  at  Atherstone,  on  the  night  of  Saturday,  August  20th, 
1485. ? 

First,  That  Richmond  sent  forward  his  army  from  Lichfield 
to  Tamworth,  on  Thursday  the  18th  of  August ;  that  he  followed 
it,  attended  by  a  body-guard  of  twenty  horsemen ;  that  on,  or  in 
the  vicinity  of,  Whittington-heath,  he  was  met  by  some  gentlemen 
who  had  deserted  from  the  standard  of  King  Richard,  to  unite 
themselves  with  the  forces  of  the  Earl;  and  that  he  did  not 
rejoin  his  army  at  Tamworth,  greatly  alarmed  by  his  non-appear- 
ance, till  the  morning  of  Friday  the  19th,  the  historians  of  that 
eventful  period  are  unanimous  in  affirming.  Previously,  however, 
to  the  discussion  of  the  accidental  or  voluntary  character  of  Rich- 
mond's deviation  from  his  route,  I  will  describe,  as  clearly  and 
concisely  as  possible,  the  course,  and  principal  ramifications,  of 
the  road  which  leads  from  Lichfield  to  Tamworth,  such  as  it  now 


APPENDIX.  Ixi. 

exists,  and  has  probably  existed  from  time  immemonal.  Some 
ancieDt  charts  of  the  comitrv  between  Lichfield  and  Bosworth, 
most  obligingly  transmitted,  by  direction  of  the  right  honourable 
sir  Robert  Peel,  from  the  British  Museum,  for  the  express  purpose 
of  assisting  me  in  this  inquiry,  unfortunately  throw  no  light 
upon  the  subject. 

From  Greenhill,  the  south-eastern  portion  of  the  city  of  Lich- 
field, the  old  road  to  Tamworth  proceeds  in  a  direction  south-east 
by  east.  At  the  commencement  of  Whittington-heath,  nearly 
two  miles  from  Lichfield,  a  road  diverges  from  it  to  the  left. 
This,  after  passing  through  the  village  of  Whittington,  skirting 
flsherwick-park  on  the  south,  and  crossing  the  river  Tame  at 
Elford-bridge,  terminates  in  the  Tamworth-Burton  turnpike-road, 
about  one  third  of  a  mile  south  of  Elford-village. 

From  the  western  boundary  of  Whittington-heath,  the  Lich- 
field-Tamworth  road  proceeds  directly  across  it  to  Packington. 
Here,  another  branch  strikes  off  from  it  at  a  nearly  right  angle ; 
and  passing  along  the  eastern  border  of  the  heath,  leads  to  Whit- 
tington-village,  distant  nearly  a  mile, — not  half  a  mile  as  asserted 
by  Button  {Battle  of  Bostaarth-Field,  page  — ) — from  the  main 
road.  This  road,  still  pursuing  its  easterly  direction,  crosses  the 
Tame  at  Hopwas-bridge ;  and,  shortly  afterwards,  reaching 
Coton,  distant  one  mile  and  a  half  from  Tamworth,  makes  an 
abrupt  turn  south-east  by  south,  and  enters  the  ancient  borough 
by  Lichfield-street.  From  this  sudden  curve  of  the  road  at  Coton, 
a  lane  proceeds  to  the  eastward ;  intersects  the  Tamworth-Burton 
turnpike-road  to  the  south  of  Comberford ;  the  Tamworth  and 
Wigginton  road,  about  one  third  of  a  mile  to  the  south  of  Wig- 
ginton-village,  and  terminates  in  the  Tamworth- Ashby  road,  half 
a  mile  to  the  north  of  Tamworth. 

Assuming  it  as  probable  that  the  roads  between  Lichfield  and 
Tamworth  have  undergone  no  considerable  alteration  during  the 
last  four  centuries,  we  may  conclude,  from  the  preceding  descrip- 
tion of  them,  that  the  only  two  points  at  which  a  traveller  could 
accidentally  deviate  from  his  route,  are  the  branchmg  of  the  road 
to  Whittington  at  the  western  extremity  of  the  heath,  and  the 
apparent  continuation  of  the  Lichfield-Tamworth  road  at  Coton. 

Richmond,  by  his  conduct  in  the  battle  of  Bosworth,  amply 
confirmed  the  character  given  to  him  by  history,  for  a  degree  of 
prudence  and  circumspection  bordering  upon  cowardice.  He  was 
evidently  a  cold-blooded,  calculating,  rapacious  animal;  little 
addicted  to  daring  adventure  or  prone  to  indulge  in  the  day-dreams 
of  an  elevated  imagination.  Hence,  it  is  highly  improbable  that, 
except  under  the  influence  of  some  powerful  motive,  he  should 
have  ventured  to  traverse  alone,  at  such  a  period,  a  part  of  the 
country  to  which  he  was  a  stranger ;  or  that  he  should  have  lost 


Ixii.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 

hiB  way  in  one  of  thoee  fits  of  abstraction  of  which  the  fervid  and 
imaginative  brain  is  alone  susceptible.  The  darkness  of  the  ni^t, 
it  mast  be  allowed,  was  unfavonrable  to  the  right  progress  of  a 
traveller  upon  a  strange  road  :  for  the  18th  of  August  of  the  old 
corresponds  to  the  29th  of  the  new  style ;  and  there  was  no  moonJ 
Yet  that  the  weather  was  warm  and  dry,  and  the  sky  consequently 
not  obscured  by  dense  clouds,  may  be  phiusibly  inferred  from  the 
hct  that,  four  days  subsequently,  at  the  close  of  the  battle  of 
Bo8worth«field,  the  body  of  the  brave  but  unfortunate  king  Rich- 
ard was  found  covered  with  Aut  and  blood. 

What  were  the  precise  objects  which  induced  Richmond  at  first 
to  loiter  in  the  rear  of  his  body-guard,  and  subsequently  to  leave 
it  altogether,  it  is  impossible,  at  this  distance  of  time,  to  deter- 
mine. It  should,  however,  be  recollected  that,  at  the  period  in 
question,  Elford  was  the  property  of  lord  Stanley,  the  second 
husband  of  Richmond's  modier.  And  is  it  not  more  than  probable 
that  the  noble  lady  would,  with  the  natural  anxiety  of  a  mother* 
repair  thither,  to  meet  and  embrace  the  son  whom  the  result  of 
the  approaching  conflict  would  either  elevate  to  a  throne,  or  con- 
sign to  eternal  exile,  or  a  violent  and  perhaps  ignominious  death.  ? 
Moreover,  there  were  many  powerful  families  in  the  neighbouring 
country  warmly,  although  secretly,  attached  to  Richmond's  cause : 
and,  with  the  heads  of  some  of  these,  he  had  probably  arranged 
to  confer  either  at  the  seat  of  his  father-in-law  in  Elford,  or  at 
Whittington  or  Comberford,  in  his  way  thither.  This  hypothesis 
derives  strong  confirmation  from  the  statement,  explanatory  of 
his  absence,  given  by  Richmond  to  his  army,  on  the  morning  of 
his  arrival  at  Tamworth.  And,  although  I  place  no  faith  in  the 
honour  or  veracity  of  a  prince  naturally  crafty  and  perfidious,  and 
whose  memory  is  stained  by  an  act  of  the  foulest  ingratitade  ;*  still 
would  it  be  ungenerous  to  farther  aggravate  the  deformities  of 
Richmond's  character  by  the  imputation  of  a  wanton  falsehood. 
To  have  lost  his  way  in  an  unknown  country  would  surely  have 
impUed  no  disgrace ;  nor  could  any  possible  good  have  resulted 
from  the  concealment  of  such  an  error,  if  it  had  really  been  com- 
mitted.     From  a  retrospect  of  the  preceding  facts,  and  the 

1  Flrom  the  best  celcolation  at  which  I  here  been  able  to  airire,  the  moon  dianced 
on  the  mornlnir  of  Sunday,  August  SI,  UBS,  This  calculation  is  curiously  conflnned 
by  a  passing  remark  of  Miss  Strickland,  at  page  S5,  toI  IV.,  of  the  *■  Lfeas  i^ftKe  Queemt 
^  Englmmd." 

S  On  the  10th  of  February,  U95,  Sir  WiUlam  Stanley  was  Judicially  slaasfatered  by 
that  monarch  upon  whose  graceless  head  he  had,  ten  short  years  before,  on  the  field 
of  Bosworth,  been  mainly  instrumental  in  pladoc  the  crown  of  Engrland,  See  Henry, 
HUtory  q/  Great  Britain,  fifth  edition,  vol.  XI.,  page  41 ;  and  Hutton,  Battle  0/ 
Boaworth-Iieidt  page  US.  Such  Is  the  gratitude  of  Princes.  Unhappily,  however, 
the  pace  of  history  is  slurred  with  numerous  instances,  equally  revolting:,  of  regal 
heartlessness  or  atrocity.  The  virtuous,  the  venerable  and  accomplished  ffir  Thomas 
More  terminated  a  lone  lifo  of  nndeviatinff  fidelity  and  devotion  to  the  interesta  of  his 
sovereign,  upon  the  scaffold.  Columbus  returned,  in  chains,  from  the  discovery  of  a 
world. 


APPENPix.  Ixiii. 

reasonings  founded  upon  them,  I  am,  therefore,  induced  to  con- 
clude that  the  deviation  of  Henry,  earl  of  Richmond,  from  the 
route  of  his  army,  between  Lichfield  and  Tamworth,  on  Thursday, 
the  ISth  of  August,  1485,  was  voluntary,  not  accidental. 

With  respect  to  the  second  division  of  my  inquiry,  I,  perhaps, 
cannot  do  better  than  transcribe  part  of  a  letter,  addressed  by  me, 
some  weeks  ago,  to  Miss  Strickland,  the  celebrated  authoress  of 
"  The  Lives  of  the  Queens  of  England,"  and  exhibit  a  concise  but 
correct  summary  of  the  explanations,  with  which  that  lady  has 
been  pleased  to  favour  me.  The  following  is  an  accurate  tran- 
script of  the  first,  and  most  essential  portion  of  my  letter  to  her. 

Birmingham,  NoTember  6Ui,  1845. 


In  the  fourth  Volnme  of  yoor  very  interesting  **  Lives  of  the 
Qaeens  of  England/'  is  related  a  strange  and  peiiloas  adventure  said  to  have 
befallen  Henry,  Earl  of  Richmond,  in  his  return  across  Atherstone-Moor, 
from  his  memorable  interview  with  the  Stanleys  at  Atherstone,  to  the  camp 
at  Tamworth,  on  the  night  of  Saturday,  August  the  20th,  1485.  For  the 
authenticity  of  this  narrative,  you  refer  the  reader  to  the  historical  writings 
of  Hutton,  Speed,  Guthrie,  and  Rapin.  Strangely  enough,  however,  I  have 
ransacked  the  volumes  of  all  these  authors,  except  that  of  Guthrie,  which  I 
have,  hitherto,  been  unable  to  procure,  without  discovering  the  slightest  allu- 
sion to  the  adventure,  so  pleasingly  introduced  by  you.  I  shall,  therefore, 
esteem  it  as  an  especial  favour  if  you  will  take  the  trouble  of  pointing  out  to 
me  the  particular  editions  of  the  works  of  Hutton,  Speed,  and  Rapin,  referred 
to  in  the  foot-note  at  page  25  of  your  fourth  volume. 

It  is  a  fact  established  by  the  concurrent  testimony  of  nearly  all  the  histo- 
rians who  have  written  upon  the  eventful  period  in  question,  that  Richmond 
either  lost,  or  intentionally  deviated  firom,  his  road,  in  the  march  between 
Lichfield  and  Tamworth,  on  the  night  of  Thursday,  preceding  the  battle  of 
Bosworth.  Upon  this  point,  Rapin,  Hiatoire  if  Angleterre,  tome  IV.,  page 
373,  Kenneth,  Hiatory  of  England,  vol  I.,  page  510,  and  Hutton,  BattU  qf 
Botworth'field,  page  52,  with  many  other  writers  whom  I  might  readily  quote, 
supply  conclusive  evidence.  And  it  is  surely  most  improbable  that  Rich- 
mond, a  man  who  never,  on  any  previous  or  subsequent  occasion,  exhibited 
the  marks  of  a  daring  or  chivalrous  spirit,  should  have,  twice  within  forty- 
eight  hours,  exposed  his  person  and  his  cause  to  the  most  imminent  peril,  in 
traversing,  alone,  an  unknown  country,  accessible  to  the  scouts  and  foraging- 
parties  of  a  near  and  inveterate  enemy* 

As,  at  least,  a  plausible  solution  of  the  present  difficulty,  it  has,  therefore, 
struck  me  that  the  writer,  whoever  he  may  be,  upon  whose  authority  you 
have  narrated  the  perilous  adventure,  and  fortunate  escape,  of  Richmond, 
must  have  confounded  Whittington-heath,  a  large  tract  of  uncultivated  land 
lying  upon  the  road  between  Lichfield  and  THmworth,  with  *'  Atherstone- 
Moor,"  a  place  of  whose  name  or  situation,  neither  history  nor  tradition 
have,  I  believe,  preserved  a  vestige  ;  and  erroneously  transferred  the  date  of 
the  incident  from  Thursday  the  18th,  to  Saturday  the  20th  of  August,  1485. 
1  am,  moreover,  strongly  inclined  to  believe  that  Richmond  did  not  retrace 
his  steps  to  Tamworth  after  his  conference  with  the  Stanleys.  At  Ather- 
stone,  he  was  seven  or  eight  miles  nearer  to  the  enemy  than  he  would  have 
been  at  Tamworth.  Time  was  precious  to  the  Earl.  *'  The  forces  of  the 
two  brothers  had,  on  that  day  '*— -Saturday  the  20th, — "  marched  towards  the 
field,"  and  Richmond's  troops  "  had  already  entered  Atherstone."  Hutton, 
again,  distinctly  intimates  that  Richmond  lay  one  night, — ^which  moit  have 


bdv.  TAMWORTH   CASTLE  AND  TOWN. 

been  that  of  Saturday  the  20tfa,— at  Athentooe.  On  Smday,  the  21ft,  the 
armies  are  repreaentod  aa  hanng  "  been  in  view  of  each  olher  the  iHiole 
day:"  and  it  ia  icaroely  probable  that,  at  anch  a  momcntoaa crina,  Bkh- 
mond,  coward  aa  he  eeema  to  haTe  been,  ihoold  haje  absented  himaelf  tnm 
his  post." 

The  letter  conclades  with  an  explanation  of  the  motiTes  by 
which  I  had  been  impelled  to  write  it ;  and  by  a  smtable  apology 
for  the  intrusion  of  a  stranger  upon  the  lady's  time  and  notice. 

To  this  letter,  I  received,  on  the  27th  of  November,  a  looady- 
written  and  not  very  satisfactory  reply.  In  it.  Miss  Strickland 
merely  refers,  for  the  authenticity  of  the  controverted  statement, 
to  a  rare  English  edition  of  Rapin's  History;^  mentions  "an  an- 
cient chronicle  in  which  the  adventure  u  more  particularly  dwelt 
upon,  with  a  good  many  local  particulars;"  and  concludes  by 
stating  that  the  edition  of  Hutton  referred  to  in  her  foot-note, 
was  obtained  from  a  public  library. 

Of  the  ancient  chronicle  adverted  to  by  Miss  Strickland,  I,  of 
course,  know  nothing.  Guthrie's  work  I  have  not  been  able  to 
procure.  But  I  fearlessly  re-iterate  the  assertion  advanced  in  my 
letter  to  that  lady,  that  neither  the  common  editions  of  Hutton  or 
of  Speed,  nor  the  works  of  any  British  historian  which  I  have 
been  able  to  consult,  contain  the  slightest  allusion  to  the  strange 
adventure  of  Henry,  earl  of  Richmond,  on  Atherstone-moor,  so 
circumstantially  detailed  by  Miss  Strickland :  and,  as  it  is  assu- 
redly not  mentioned  in  an  original  copy  of  Rapin's  History,  now 
lying  open  before  me,  nor  in  the  first  octavo  edition  of  Tlndal's 
English  translation  of  that  work,  it  appears  highly  improbable 
that  it  should  have  found  admission  into  the  second ;  as  stated  by 
Miss  Strickland.  Still,  in  justice  to  that  lady's  character  as  an 
historian,  I  must  admit  that  I  have  not  yet  had  the  opportunity  of 
consulting  the  particular  edition  of  Tindal's  work  to  which  Miss 
Strickland  has  so  obligingly  referred. 

After  all,  however  painfijd  it  may  be  to  impugn  the  accuracy  of 
the  most  distinguished  female  historian  of  our  country,  I  cannot 
suppress  my  suspicion  that,  on  the  subject  of  the  strange  adven- 
ture which  is  said  to  have  befallen  Henry,  earl  of  Richmond,  in  his 
way  across  Atherstone-moor,  on  the  night  of  Saturday,  August 
20th,  1485,  some  flagrant  error,  with  respect  to  time  and  place, 
must  assuredly  have  been  committed ;  nor  my  deliberate  convic- 
tion that  there  exists,  in  the  works  of  the  more  reputable  and 
trustworthy  historiams  of  our  country,  no  good  authority  for  Miss 
Stricklantfs  extraordinary  narrative, 

Shirley  Palmer,  M.D. 

Birmingham, 

December  27th,  1845. 

1    Tlndal'i  Tranilation  of  Rapln,  HiiMre  d^  Angleierre,    Second  edition,  folio. 


THE  INDEX. 

i  Court.     1 70,  233,  237.— Pedigree  of  the  fiamily.     238. 
Address  to  queen  Anne.     507. 
Agate  or  Agas-lane.     187. 
Agatewater-leader,  account  of.     187. 
Aids  and  tallages.    57. 

Aisle  of  the  Church,  North.     248,  258,  267,  286.— Description 
of.     245. 

South.     240, 253, 267,  288,  289.— Descrip- 
tion of.     249. 
Aldergate-street.     181,  182,  192,  196,  200,  201,  202.  322,  421, 

423, 1.— Account  of.     180. 
Aldermen.     144,  156,  166. — list  of.     xxzi. 
Almshouses.     148, 178, 193, 1 96,  200, 468,  484,  lii,  Ivii,  Iviii,  lix. 

^Account  of.    447. 
Anker  river.     1,  6,  187,  188,  191,  307,  393,  401,  421,  486, 

494,  499.— Course  of  the.     7 . 
Arms.— -Angus,  earl  of.    414. 

Basset.     277,  278,  299. 

Bates.     290. 

Beardsley.     291. 

Beauchamp.     278. 

Beaumont.     500. 

Bohun.     411. 

Botetourt.     278. 

Bott.     291. 

Bourchier.     412. 

Bradboume.    408. 

Broome.    411. 

Bruce.    407,  414. 

Carleton.     295,  409. 

Chester,  earl  of.    407. 

Cholmley.     289. 

Clare.     277. 

Clarke.     293. 

Clifford.    408. 

Clinton.     277. 

Cockain.    408. 


IxvL  INDEX. 

Arms.— Comberford.    290,  500. 

Comb,  earl  of  Buchan.    501 . 

Compton.    409. 

Ck)tton.    281. 

Deverenz.    412. 

ETeringham.    501. 

Eyre.    415. 

Feiren.     277,  295.  406,  407,  411. 

Fitzherbert.    501. 

France  and  England.    277. 

Frevilc.    277. 

Galloway,  earl  of.    414. 

Gray.    412. 

Gredey.     291. 

Hampden.    411. 

Harper.    408. 

HastmgB.     86, 408. 

Heckatall.    415. 

Heronvile.     500. 

Huntingdon,  earl  of. 

Hyde.    415. 

Knowlet.    412. 

Leventhorp.    500. 

Longford.    408. 

Loyaine.    407. 

Marmyon.     295,  350,  409. 

Mountford.     295. 

Mttceg^ros.    411. 

Okeover.    413. 

Packington.    409. 

Peverell.    407. 

Kgot.     295,  408. 

Flantagenet.     277. 

Poinings.     408. 

Puckering.     294,  409. 

Quinci.     407. 

Repington.     281. 

Roche.     412. 

Segrave;    407. 

Shirley.     409. 

Somervile.     415. 

Spencer.    412. 

Stafford.     278. 

Stafford,  earl  of.    412. 

Stamford.     281. 

Stanley.    408. 


INDEX.  Ixvii. 

Arms. — Stewart.    414. 

Snfiblk,  earl  of.    414. 
Sutton,  lord  Dudley.    501. 
Thomas  of  Woodstock.    410. 
Townahend.    410. 
Uffbrd.    407. 
Verdon.      407. 
Vera.    410,501. 
Vernon.    289. 
Walsingham.    413. 
Warren.     277. 
Washington.    413. 
White.    411. 
Willington.     294. 
Windsor.    411. 
Assessors,  list  of.    zxziii. 

deputy,  list  of.    rmv. 
Association,  Voluntary  armed.     151,  441 . 
Auditors,  list  of.    xxziii. 
Bage.     303. 

Bailey's  Fellowship.     425. 

Bailiffs.     106, 107, 108,  112,  113, 119,  120, 140,  141,  142,  143, 

144,  145,  146,  211,  212,  234,  235,  236.  426.  427,  431,  434, 

450,  454,  455,  456,  457,  458,  459,  462,  465,  470,  471,  472, 

474,  475,  477,  478,  482,  487,  504, 505, 506,  507,  zv,  zzvii, 

zzviii,  xxix.— Charges  against  some.     117,  xvi.-— List 

of.    zviii. 

Bailiffs,  high.     102. 103. 104, 105, 176,  178,  179, 180, 181, 182, 

183, 184,  185,  186.— List  of.    i. 
Bailifb,  low.     102,  103,  108.^List  of.     iv. 
Ballad  of  the  Tanner  of  Tamworth.    92. 

of  sir  Launcelot  and  sir  Tarqnin.    418. 
Banks,  commercial.     154. 
Barley-market.     187,  390. 
Bars  of  the  town.     182,  188,  186,  421,  422. 
Bayly's  grave.     179. 
Beckmore.     184,  471. 
Bell-lane,  account  of.     186. 
Blake.     234. 
Bolebridge-street.     155, 188, 192,  196,  200,  201, 202, 208,  322, 

388,  390,  391,  396,  421,  422,  423.--Account  of.     191. 
Bradford.     184. 

Bradford-street,  account  of.     184. 
Bridges.     148,  156,  486. 

Bolebridge.    90, 187, 191.-- Aooomit  of.    491.— War- 
dens  of.    491,492. 


Ixviii.  IKDKX. 

Bridges.    St.  Maiy'e  Bridge.     158.  161»  164,  171.  185.  395. 
422.  423,  484.  491 .— Account  of.    487.— Wardens 
of.    487.  lix. 
Broad-meadows.     1 84 . 
BnU-baitiDg.     190. 
Boll-ring,  accoont  of.     188. 
BnU-stake.     188. 189.  190. 
Bollstake-street.     187.  189. 
Bollstake-well.     188. 

Batcher-street.    210.  xzzvii. — ^Aooonnt  of.     176. 
Butchery.     176. 
Canefoor.  account  of.     182. 
Caldeford-meadow.     184. 
Canons.    See  prebendaries. 
Castle.     89.  71.89.  105.  115.  120.  121.  123.  129.  131.  132. 

148,  149.  157.  159.  161.  163.  170.  186.  187.  254.  273.278. 

297.318.320.421.422.  443,  491.499.  zlii.  zlui.  xHv.  zbr. 

zlyi. 

History  of.     323. 
Description  of.     398. 
CasUe-court.     390. 
Castle-green.     165.  186. 
Castle-inn.     150.  312.  393.  L 
CasUe-lane.     181.423. 
Castle-Uberty.     196.  200.  201.  202,  204.  205.  390.  393.  394. 

443.  477.  zlvi.  li. 
CasUe-mills.     115.  149.  208.  374.  380.  395. 
Castle-orchard.     180.  181.  423. 
Castle-park.     See  Leawood-park. 
Cat-lane,  accoont  of.     181. 
Catch-hofane.     189. 
Cemetary.    See  Church-yard. 
Chamberlains.     102.  103.  108,  138.  141.  189.— Lists  of.    riii. 

XXY. 

Championship  Royal.    326.  327.  352,  353.  354,  355,  357,  359. 

360.  520. 
Chancel  of  the  Church.    256. 258.  265. 266.  293.  300. 303,  304. 

520.— Description  of.     260. 
Chantries  in  the  Church. 

Dean  Bates' chantry.    512. 
Royal  chantry  of  Henry  VI.    510. 
Chantry-chapel.     240.  262.  297,  298.  304.  494.— Description 

of.     265. 
Chapel.  Roman  Catholic.   174.181,423. — ^Account  of.  321. 
Chanties  left  to  the  town.    450. 
Charter  of  Charles  U.     140. 


INDEX.  Ixix. 

Charity,  Ashley's.    462. 
Ashmore's.    474. 
Bath's,  marquis  of.    478. 
Bayly's.    455. 
Beardsle/s  Elizabeth.     478. 

Elizabeth.    464. 

Richard.    463. 

Blood's.    476. 
Bradock's.  453. 

Budd's.    463. 
Cheatle's.    456,  457. 
Chesterfield's,  earl  of.    459. 
Clobury's.  lady.     472. 
Cope's  455. 
Dones's.    480. 
Drayton's.    458. 
Ferrers',    457. 
Fmney's.    455. 
Gough's.     465. 
Green's.    458. 
Harooort's.     477. 
Knight's.     482. 
Langley's.    472. 
Matthews'.    479. 
Michell's,  Elizabeth.    47 1 . 
■  Henry.    457. 

^Rebecca.    470. 

Nethersole's.    462. 

Northampton's,  earl  of.    477. 

Orton's.     477. 

Osbum's.    470. 

Port's.     475. 

Rawlet's.    441,446,466. 

Repington's.     453. 

Smith's.     459. 

Suckley's.    451. 

Symond's.    469. 

Vaughton's,  John.     464. 

Richard.     462. 

Welch's.    471. 
Wightwick's.    454. 
Willington's,  Ann.    476. 

Thomas.    476. 

Wilson's.    481. 
Charity-trustees.     434,  435,  450,  453,  454,  455,  457,  458,  459, 
462,471,478,479. 


IXX.  IITDSX. 

Charter,  Edward  Ill's,  for  fairs.    90. 
Elizabeth's  first.     105. 
Elizabeth's  second.     1 12,  229, 426. 
James  II's.     144. 
Charters  for  paving  the  town.     90. 

Charters,  Anglo-Saxon,  signed  al  T^mwoitfa*     1 9, 21 ,  26,  SI. 
Choir  of  the  Church.     240,  241. 
Church.     1,  14,  113,  148,  151,  155.   157,  158,  159,  181,211, 

320.  368.  372,  397,  425,  459,  461.  463,  470,  472,  478,  479, 

480,  481.  494,  499,  510,  519,  ix,  xxxi,  zxxvii,  zliii,  xliv. 
Description  of.     240. 
History  of.     213. 
Church-lane.     196,  200,  201,  202,  891,  453,  466,  467. 
Church-street.     159,  176,  177,  180,  181,  182,  186,  187,  196, 

200,  201,  202.  388.  391,  396.  439.— Account  of  175. 
Church-yard  or  Cemetary.     176,  179,  252,  267.  271,  272,  306, 

439.— Account  of.     311. 
Churchwardens.     168,  179,  251,  275,  450,  460,  461»  464,  465, 

469. 470, 471.  473. 474, 476. 479, 480, 481.-^Liat  of.     xzziz. 
Civil  war  of  the  17th  cent.     121 . 
Cocket's  lane.     192.  509. 

Colehill.     158.  391.  423. 443.— Account  of.     188. 
College.     See  Deanerv  and  Prebends. 
College-house.     229,  230.  234.  235.  441 . 
CoUege-lane.     187.  196.  200.  20L.  202,  896.  441,  509,  li. 
Comberford.     70. 1 19.  120.  230.  240, 290,  300, 493,  494,  xzvii. 
Compton.     376.  378,  379,  402,  406. 
Constables.     102,  103.— List  of.    ix. 
Convent.     43.  47,  313.  323. — Account  of.     815. 
Councillors,  town.     156.166. — List  of .    xxxii. 
Cross.     See  Stone-cross. 
Cross-street.     188.  210. 
Crypt  of  the  Church,  description  of.     252. 
Cucking-stool.     73,  190,  191. 
Danes  destroy  Tamworth.     36,  46. 
Dead-lanes.     422. — account  of.     192. 
Deanery.     211,  227.  228.  229.  231. 
Deanery-house.     176.  179.  215,  231.^Acconnt  of.    313. 
Deans.     176.  216.  217.  221,  223.  224,  226,  276,  298,  365,  368, 

510.  511,  512.  513,  5l4,xxxiv, 
Dean's  bam.     181. 
Dean's  pool.     181. 

Defence,  subscriptions  for  the  National.     152, : 
Doomsday,  mention  of  Tamworth  in.    51,  52. 
Editha.  St.,  patroness  of  the  Church.    42.  43,  21 1,  283,  301.^ 

Conjectures  as  to  her  identity.    See  Convent. 


/ 


INDEX.  bud. 

Ellergate.    See  Aldergate. 
Ethe^da  rebuilds  TfUQWorfh  and  dieo  here.    38. 
Fair,  St.  ildward'e,    90,  107.  213. 
St.  George's.    90,  107,  311). 

St,  Bwitbeu'8,r-properl7  St.  Editb^'s.     113.  21 1 ,  216. 
Fairs.    144,  iad.rrT-Acoonnt  of,    SI  1 . 
Fee-fEurm  rent  of  Tamwortb.     64,  66,  82,  89,  91,  106,  111,  119, 

511. 
Ferrers.    56,  62,  88,  105,  113,  130,  131,  130,  142,  182,  189, 

190,  218,  221,  222,  262,  278.  379,  294,  295,  296.  297,  300, 

303,  325,  347,  361.  362,  376,  400,  401,  406,  416,  442,  457, 

459,  484,  494,  505,  513  ix,  xi,  xii,  xiv,  xvi,  xxxvi,  xlv,  zlvi. 
Acconnt  of  tbe  fiunily.    363. 
Pedigree  of  tbe  family.    363, 
Fire  at  tbe  Castle-inn.    312. 
Frankland's  Scbolarsbip.     431. 
Frevile.     89,  130,  176,  181,  182,  183.  185,  188,  192,  216,  217, 

219,  297,  301,  337,  339.  346,  347,  365,  519,  zliii,  xliv,  xlv. 
Account  of  tbe  family    350. 
Pedigree  of  tbe  ^Eimily.     362. 
Gaol.     156. 485. 

Gas-ligbt  and  Coke  company.     155. 
George,  Holy  Guild  of  St.     249,  425.  448. 
George-street.     158,  160,  164,  188,  191,  193,  196,  200,  201. 

202,  390.  391.  393.  396,  401. ^Account  of.     187. 
Green.     431. 
Grumppeyerde.     1 78. 
Gungateor  Gumpigate.     176,  178.  179.  180,   186,  188,   192, 

193,  196.  200.  201.  202,  210,  391.  421.  422.  423,  443,  444, 

446,  447.  448.  464.  465.  467,  474, 1.  Ivii. 
Account  of.     177. 
Gay.     429,  443.  446,  447.  448.  468,  li.  Ini,  lix. 
Hastings.     89.  331,  345.  503,  504.     See  also  Pembroke,  earl  of. 
Account  of  tbe  family.    64. 
Pedigree  of.     88. 
Higb-street.     1 75. 
Holloway.     185,  393,  421. 
Holy-well,  tbe.    509. 

Hopwas.  fieunily  of.     181.  183.  218,  yi.  xxxv. 
Horse-fair.    493. 
King-street.     186. 

King's  ditcb.  or  Ofia's  dyke.     17,  160,  185,  188,  189,  194,  422. 
Lady-bridge.     See  Bridge. 

Lady-bridge-bank.     164.  196,  402.  445.— Account  of.     185. 
Ladybridge-street.     185,  186,  421. 
Lady-mills.     395. 


Ixxii.  INDEX. 

Leawood  or  Castle  park.    380,  393. 
Leicester,  earl  of.     256,  312.    See  Townshend. 
Letters.     Earl  of  Essex  to  Richard  Bagot,  1592.     116. 
The  bailifis  to  the  earl  of  Essex,  1592.    504. 
Sir  Humphry  Ferrers  to  Lord  Backhurst,  1602,  xiv. 
Earl  of  Denbigh  to  the  parliament-committee  at  Coven- 
try, 1643-4.     132. 
The  commanders  of  Tamworth  to  the  parliament-com- 
mittee at  Coventry,  1643-4.     133-4. 
The  parliament-committee  at  Coventry  to  the  bailie, 

1644.     505. 
The  bailifis'  reply.    506. 
Tho.  Hmit  to  Henry  Bagot,  1644.     134. 
Sir  Walter  Scott  to  Thomas  Bramall.  1 828.     41 9. 
The  rt.  hon.  sir  Robert  Peel  to  the  town-derk  of  Tsm- 

worth,  1837.     488. 
The  rt.  hon.  sir  Robert  Peel  to  the  mayor  of  Tamworth, 

1843. 
Shirley  Palmer,  M.D.,  to  Miss  Strickland,  1845.     Mii. 
Library,  permanent.     154. 

Lichfield-street.     159,  184,  185,  196,  200,  201,  202,  221,  322. 
391,  392,  396,  397,  421,  422,  423,  439,  483,  493,  494,  499. 
xlix. — Acconntof.     182- 
Lights.  keepers  of  the. — ^List  of.    lix. 
Littleton.     494,  495,  496,  497,  498. 
Longevity,  instances  of  at  Tamworth.     199. 
Lndgate-lane.     396. — ^Account  of.     184. 
Lunn's  entry.     186. 
Magistrates.     166. 
Market.     107,  165,  186,  187,  210. 
Market-cross.     187,  190. 
Market-place.     160,  164,  176,  187,  210,  305,  398,  403,  484.— 

Account  of.     186. 
Market-street.     158,  164,  186,  196,  400,  401,  202,  390,  393, 

396,  401,  483,  484  1.— Account  of.     186. 
Marmyon.     58,  71,  89,  102,  130,  187,  216,  231,  278,  301,  320, 
358,  362,  509,  xlii,  xliii. 

Account  of  the  femily.     323. 
Pedigree  of  the  femily.     350. 
Mayors.     144,  156,  158,  164,  165,  166,  167.  169,  171,  172.— 

List  of.     xxxi. 
Meeting  house.  Baptist.     184,  322. 
Friends'.     322. 
Independent.     181, 322. 
Methodists.     192,  322. 
Unitarian.     1 88,  322,  519. 


INDEX.  budii. 

Members  of  Parliament.    See  Parliamentary  representatives. 

Minister,  Unitarian.     322. 

Mintage,  royal.     47,  503. 

Moat-hall  or  house.     120,  184,  387.  396.— Account  of.    493. 

Monuments  and  tombstones  in  the  Church.     262. — Account  of. 

285. 
Moor-lane.     184. 

Mortein.     337,  348,  349,  350,  zliii. 
National  School.     See  School. 
Nave  of  the  Church.     240,  244,  256,  265,  267,  268,  284,  286. 

— ^Description  of.     24 1 . 
New  Church-lane. — Account  of.     179. 
New  College-lane.     179,  312. 
Ofiiei  builds  a  palace  at  Tamworth.     1 7 . 
O&'s  dyke.     See  King's  ditch. 
Old  Church  lane. — ^Account  of.     179. 
Outwall-street.     182,  183,  422. 
Parish-register.     110,   118,  119,  120,  121,   179,  195,  197,  245, 

365,  494.— Account  of.     304. 
Park,  Great.    390. 
Parliamentary  representation  of  Tamworth.     58,  109,  116,  138, 

140,  142,   145,  155,  xxvii. 
Parliamentary  representatives.     142,  145,   146,  428,  437,  438, 

447,  504,  507,  xxiv,  zzviL^List  of.    xi. 
Parson's  lane.     181,  182. 
Pedigree.— k  Court.    238. 

Ferrers.     363. 

Frevile.     362. 

Hastings.     88. 

Marmyon.     350. 

Peel.      436. 

Repington.     231. 

Townshend.    377. 

Willington.     129. 

Wolferstan.    496. 
Peel.     149, 151,  154.  157,  158,  159,  160,  162,  168,  165,  167, 
168,  169,  170,  171,  172,  173,  185,  207,  210,  312,  402,  459, 
462,  467,  485,  488,  ziv,  zxiii. 
Peel-street.     196,  200,  322.— Account  of.     184. 
Pembroke,  earls  of.     See  also  Hastings. — Account  of.     77. 
Perrycroft-gate.     193. 
Perrycroft-lane.     422.— Account  of.     192. 
Pillory.     72.  190,  191. 
Pinfold.     190. 

Plague.     110,  118,  119,  121. 
Poor-house.     196,  200,  443,  444. 


Ixxiv.  INDEX. 

Population  of  the  town  and  parish.— -Account  of.    193. 

Porch  of  the  Chorch.  North.     244,  246.— Deser^ition  of.    246. 

South.     250. 
Prebendaries  or  Canons.     183,  186,  192,  218,  220,  223,  224, 

225,  226,  510. 
Prebends.     211,  217,  218,  219,  220,  227,  228,  229,  394.  510, 

xliii,  zliT. 
Priest  of  the  R.  Catholic  Chapel.    322. 
Priest's  lane.     181,182. 
Quem-miUs.     115. 

Raihroad.— Birmingham  and  Derby.     1,  156,  160, 193,  210. 
Chumet-valley.    210. 
Trent-valley.    210. 
Recorders.     112,141,  143,428,  504,  507,  zv,  zxix.— List  of. 

zxiy. 
Repington.     211,  229,  230,  231,  232,  233,  234,  235,  236,  237, 
238,  239,  279,  281,  289,  299,  302,  304,  305,  310,  428,  442, 
443,  453,  457,  iv,  zzzvi.  zlii. 

Pedigree  of  the  family.    28 1  • 
Revolt  of  Tkunworth.    4 1 . 
Richmond,  Henry  earl  of,  at  Tamworth.     97,  Ix. 
Rivers.    See  AoJcer  and  Tame. 
Robin-hood.     4,  60,  468. 

Robins.    383, 386,  387, 388,  389,  391, 392,  893, 897.  403, 499. 
Roman-roads.     14. 

Sacramental  wine,  chartered  provision  for.    513. 
St.  John's  street,  account  of.     181. 
Salter-street  or  lane.     1 5 . — ^Account  of.     1 80. 
Savings-bank.     154. 

School,  Free  Grammar.     113,  148,  180,462,  467,  469,— Ac- 
count of.    425. 

Masters.     307,  310,  811,  425,  427,  431.  432, 433,  434, 
435,  457,  462,  463,  464,  465,  466,  467,  468,  477, 
480,  481. 
National.     170, 187, 468. — ^Account  of.    440. 
Peel's.     183.— Account  of.    436. 
Schoolhouse-lane.     192,  421,  447,  Ivii. 
Schoolmaster's  lane.     1 79,  1 80. 
Seal  of  the  Church.    222,  513. 

Of  the  town.     160. 
Segoris-gate,  account  of.     188. 
Sergeanto  at  Mace.     107,  108. 
Shirley.     375,  376,  401,  409,  413. 
Silver-street.     182,  185,  196,  200,  201,  202,  391,  393,  zliz.— 

Account  of.     185. 
Spinning-school.    442,  448.  449,  470,  472. 
Lane.    465. 


INDEX.  IXXV. 

State  of  the  town,  acooimt  of.     1 75. 

Stewards,  high.     102,  104, 105,  112,  113,  114,  115,  141,  143, 
427,  433,  607,  ix,  x,  xi,  xiv,  xv,  xvi,  xxix. — List  of.    xxiii. 
low.     102,  104,  xvi,  zviii. 
Stockwall-meadow.     184. 
Stone-cross.     188,210. — ^Account  of.     176. 
Stony-lane.    457. — ^Account  of.     178. 
Swine-market.     176. 
Tame-river.     1,  7,  8,  183,   184,  394,  395,  421,  422,  423,  445, 

486,  488,  494,  499.    Coarse  of  the.    5. 
Tamworth  Farmer's  Club.     209. 
Tamworth. — General  history.     1 3. 
Green.    493,  500. 
Name  of.     9. 
Situation  of.     1. 

Sta£fbrdshire  part,  history  of.     64,  119. 
Warwickshire  part,  history  of.     89. 
Tasters  or  victual-conners.     102,  103,  108. — List  of.    v. 
Theatre.     150.  176. 
Tokens.     138,  141,  252,  153. 

Tower  of  the  Church.    240,  244,  283.— Description  of  the.    267. 
Town-clerks.     112,   131,  141,  144,   146.  158,  293,310,  311, 

464,  477,  507,  xv,  xxix. — ^List  of.    xxiii,  xxxiv. 
Town-hall.     119,  148,  150,  157,  158,  160,  164,  169,  170.  173, 

183,  186.  187,  191,  440.  447.— Account  of  the.     483. 
Town-walls,  account  of  the.     421 . 

Townshend.     151,  163,  243,  256,  396,  397,  402,  403,  406,  410, 
411,  499,  520,  xiv.  xxiii. 

Account  of  the  family  of.     376. 
Pedigree  of  the  family  of.     377. 
Trade  of  Tamworth.     149.— Account  of.     207. 
Transept  of  the  Church.  North.     240,  245,  256.  257,  265,  289. 
— ^Description  of  the.     257. 

South.     240,  249,  256.  257,  261.  263, 

29 1 ,  304.— Description  of  the.    25 7. 

—Painting  in  the.     260,  281,  515. 

Treasurers,    xxxiv. 

Vestry  of  the  Church.     240,  258,  261,  263,  266,  277.— Account 

of.     266. 
Vicarage.     227  to  238. 

Vicars  of  the  Church.  220.  221,  229,  230,  510,  xxxvii.  xxxviii. 
Vicars,  Ministers,  or  Preachers  of  the  Church.  168,  170,  227, 
228,  233,  234.  235.  236,  237,  238.  301,  305,  307,  309,  310, 
311.  431,  440,  441,  450,  451,  454,  460,  461,  463.  464.  465, 
466,  467,  468,  469,  470,  472,  473,  474,  475,  476,  477,  480, 
481,  xxxviii. 


Ixxri.  IHDSZ. 

Victoria-road.    322. — ^Aocomit  of.     193. 
Visits  to  Tamworth*  Royal.    Adelaide.     157. 

Henry  II.    56. 

James  I.  and  Rrinoe  Charles.     120. 

Victoria.     159. 
Walfarlong.     181,  188.  421,  428. 
Watchmen  of  the  Church.     272. 

Town.     102,  103.  104,  272,  z,  zi. 
Waterleader.     187. 
Weanlake.     184. 
Whiston.     234. 427. 
WiUington.     130,  131.  132.  133.  134,  293,  303.  382,  384.  386. 

428.  429.  455,  476.  480,  481.  499.  zzi.  zxii,  zxiy.  xzvi,  xxix. 
— Pedigree  of  the  &mily.     129. 

Windows  of  the  Church,  stained  glass  in  the.     277. 

Wolferston  or  WoUerstan.     135,  287.  291.  303.  311,  403,  428. 

429,  465,  466.  499.  xziv.— Pedigree  of  the  femily.    496.  498. 
Workhouse.     148.  185,  196.  200,  206.  477.— Account  of  the. 

442. 
Wybomclane.     1 84.  1 85.  422.— Account  of.      1 84. 


FINIS. 


TAMWOaTH  : 
PRINTKD   BT   ANn  FOR  JONATHAN   THOMPSON. 


-^X 


J'jll  2  5  133'