18 to the 24 of H. 6. In 26 H. 6. he had the Shiriffalty of these Counties and dyed in 6 E. 4. leaving issue Philip his son and heir 24 years of age with Iohn a younger son Which Philip in 8 E. 4. being in Commission for the assessing of two fifteens and two tenths in this County then granted to the K. in Parliament dyed the same year seized inter alia of this Mannour and was buried in the Church of St. Iames at Badsley-Clinton as by his Testament he directed leaving issue Iohn Nicholas and VVilliam Of these three Nicholas was the last that survived but all of them dyed without issue and therefore Nicholas son to Iohn their Uncle became heir to the estate being then in ward to the King for this inheritance Of whom I find nothing further memorable than that he was of Shalston in Buckinghamshire and sold this Mannour of Shirford to Henry Smyth Esq the principal branch of his descendants having for the most part resided ever since at Drayton in Lescestershire whereof George Purefey Esq son and heir of George by Mary one of the daughters and co-heirs to Sir Valentine Knightley is still Lord though his seat be at Wadley in Berks. Which H. Smyth being son to Iohn a wealthy Citizen of Coventre of whom in Nether-Fletchamsted I have spoke bore so great a love to that City that he contributed to the purchase of 50 l. lands per annum for the maintenance of one Priest 12 poor men and one woman in the Gild of the holy Trinity St. Iohn Baptist and St. Katherine there situate And was in Commission for conservation of the peace from the 17 of H. 7. till his death as also for Goal-delivery in 17 and 23 H. 7. And had issue Sir VValter Smyth Kt. whose Murther here at Shirford by his own Lady assisted with two servants and the circumstances conducing thereto which are very memorable I shall here briefly set forth This Sir VValter being grown an aged man at the death of his first wife considering of a marriage for Richard his son and heir then at mans estate to that end made his mind known to Mr Thomas Chetwin of Ingestre in Staffordshire a Gentleman of an antient family and fair estate who entertaining the motion in behalf of Dorothy one of his daughters was contented to give 500 l. portion with her But no sooner had the old Knight seen the young Lady than that he became a sutor for himself being so captivated with her beauty that he tendred as much for her besides a good joynture as he should have received in case the match had gone on for his son Which liberal offer so wrought upon Mr Chetwyn as that he spared not for arguments to perswade his daughter to accept of Sir VValter for her husband Whereupon the marriage ensued accordingly but with what a tragique issue will quickly be seen For it was not long ere that her affections wandring after younger men she gave entertainment to one Mr VVilliam Robinson then of Drayton-Basset a young Gentleman of about 22 years of age son to George Robinson a rich Mercer of London and grew so impatient at all impediments which might hinder her full enjoyment of him that she rested not till she had contrived a way to be rid of her husband For which purpose corrupting her waiting Gentlewoman and a Groom of the stable she resolved by their help and the assistance of Robinson to strangle him in his bed appointing the time and manner how it should be effected And though Robinson failed in coming on the designed night perhaps through a right apprehension of so direfull a fact she no whit staggered in her resolutions for watching her husband till he was fallen asleep she then let in those assasinates before specified and casting a long towell about his neck caused the Groom to lye upon him to keep him from struggling whilst her self and the maid straining the towell stopt his breath It seems the good old man little thought that this his Lady had acted therein for when they first cast the towell about his neck he cryed out help Doll help But having thus dispatcht the work they carryed him into another room where a close stool was plac'd upon which they set him and after an hour that the Maid and Groom were silently got away to palliate the business she made an outcry in the house wringing her hands pulling her hair and weeping extreamly with pretence that missing him for some time out of bed she went to see what the matter was and found him accidentally in that posture Which subtill and feigned shews of sorrow prevented all suspicion of his violent death and not long after went to London setting so high a value upon her beauty that Robinson her former darling perhaps for not keeping touch with her as before hath been said became neglected But within two years following it so hapned that this wofull deed of darkness was brought to light by the groom before specified who being entertained with Mr Richard Smyth son and heir to the murthered Knight and attending him to Coventre with divers other servants became so sensible of his villany when he was in his cups that out of good nature he took his Master to a side and upon his knees besought forgiveness from him for acting in the murther of his Father declaring all the circumstances thereof Whereupon Mr Smyth discreetly gave him good words but wisht some others that he trusted to have an eye to him that he might not escape when he had slept and better considered what might be the issue thereof Notwithstanding which direction he fled away with his Masters best Horse and hasting presently into Wales attempted to go beyond Sea but being hindred by contrary winds after three essays to lanch out was so happily pursued by Mr Smyth who spared for no cost in sending to several Ports that he was found out and brought Prisoner to Warwick as was also the Lady and her Gentlewoman all of them with great boldness denying the fact and the Groom most impudently charging Mr Smyth with endeavour of corrupting him to accuse the Lady his mother in-law falsly to the end he might get her joyncture But upon his arraignment so smitten was he at apprehension of the guiltâ— that he publickly acknowledged it and stoutly justified what he had so said to be true to the face of the Lady and her Maid who at first with much seeming confidence pleaded their innocency till at length seeing the particular circumstances thus discovered they both confessed the fact For which having judgement to dye the Lady was burnt at a Stake near the Hermitage on Wolvey-heath towards the side of Shirford Lordship where the Country people to this day shew the place and the Groom with the Maid suffred death at Warwick This was about the third year of Q.
I make a question For I find that in 10 H. 6. Iohn de Weston Sergeant at Law had it And that in 33 H. 6. Richard Knightley recovered it against Iohn Wode As also that in 5 H. 7. Sir Edw. Cornwall Kt. dyed seized thereof leaving Thomas his son and heir 16 years of age Howbeit about the beginning of H. 8. time if not before did the said Sir Edw. Belknap possess it Which Sir Edw. of whom in Dasset I have historically spoke being a man of great note had his residence here and new built the Mannour-house one of the fairest structures of Timber that I have seen on several parts whereof his Arms are cut in wood quartering the Coats of Sudley Mounifort and Boteler And by his last Will and Testament dated 12 H. 8. bequeathed it to Dame Alice his wife for term of her life After which it came to Iohn Skelley Esq cosin and heir to the said Sir Edw. by Alice his sister Which Iohn dyed seized thereof 4 E. 6. But the next owner thereof that I meet withall was Sâ—r Thomas Neunham Kâ— fâ—om whom it came to the Crown though how I yet know not And in 4 5 Ph. M. was by the Q. granted to Sir Edw. Sanders Kt. chief Baron of the Exchequer and to Thomas Morgan and their heirs which Tho. marryed Mary sole daughter and heir to the said Sir Edw. but having no issue that survived and being desirous to preserve the memory of his name entailed it upon Bridget Morgan the onely child of his brother Anthony and the heirs male of her body begotten by any bearing the sirname of Morgan Whereupon the said Bridget took to husband Anthony Morgan of Mytchell-town in Monmouthshire by whom she had issue Thomas Morgan Esq the present owner thereof Ann. 1640. The Church dedicated to S. Michael hath antiently belonged to the Canons of Erdbury and been many ages since appropriated thereto as by the presentations to the Vicaridge appears And in 19 E. 1. was valued at viii marks and a half and the Vicaridge at two marks But in 26 H. 8. the said Vicaridge was rated at Cix s. 53 s. 4 d. yearly Pension being paid thereto by the Prior and Covent of Erdbury over and above viii s. per ann allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Vicariae Incumbentes temp Inst. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Thom. de Suham Cap. 1301. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Walt. de Coventre C p. 5. Cal. Iunii 1316. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Wâ—ll de Hull Cap. 2 Id. Febr. 1340. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. Gybons Pbr. 2 Cal. Dec. 1354. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Walt. Dyk Pbr. 4 Cal. Dec. 1370. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Rob. de Hoghton Pbr. 8. Cal. Martii 1373. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Will. Chapman Pbr. 8 Iulii 1390. D. Episc. per lapsum Ioh. Fanne Pbr. 22 Nov. 1392. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. Hâ—nkley Canon 22. Aug. 1398. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. de Segrave Cap. 20. Oct. 1405. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Will. Hopwode Cap. 8. Martii 1412. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. Radford Cap. 6 Sept. 1414. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Will. Sheyntonâ— Pbr ..... Iunii 1424. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Will. Watton Cap. 26 Sept. 1426. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. Parker Pbr. 9 Martii 1428. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. Huswife Pbr. 28. Nov. 1430. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. Parker Pbr. 21 Martii 1434. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ioh. Hewes Pbr. 10 Aug. 1439. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Will. Waynflete Pbr. 3. Martii 1439. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Ric. Gloucester Canon de Erdbury 15 Aug. 1440. Prior Conv. de Erdbury Will. Parker Pbr. 26 Aug. 1452. Prior Conv. de Erdbury David Vagham Cap. 18. Dec. 1500. D. Alicia Belknappe hac vice Rob. Pendilbury 25 Nov. 1525. Prior Conv. de Erdbury D. Thom. Holme 1 Maii 1530. D. Rex ratione dissolut Priorat de Erdbury D. Will Squyer Cap. 8 Maii 1541. D. Thom. Newnham miles D. Ric. Symonds Cler. 12. Maii 1551. Tho. Morgan arm Hugo Iones 20 Ian. 1576. Will. Foster hac vice ex conc T. Morgan Nich. Daniel Cler. 10. Nov. 1581. Thom. Morgan de Heyford in Com. Northampt. ar Tho. Huntâ— Cler. 29. Martii 1598. Thom. Morgan de Heyford in Com. Northampt. ar Henr. Wilke Cler. 6 Maii 1600. On the East wall of the North I le is there a Monument for Sir Edward Sanders sometimes chief Baron of the Exchequer His portraiture kneeling in a Scarlet Robe is placed on the one side thereof and the like of his Lady on the other side but no writing thereon other than sentences of Scripture relating to the Resurrection and Ascension of our Saviour Christ which are represented in the carved work The Coats of Arms thereon are these Sanders alone viz. party per cheveron sable and argent 3 Elephants heads erazed and counterchang'd of the field 2 Sanders empaling Makeins 3 Cave empaling Marvin 4 Sanders empaling Cave 5. Sanders empaling Englefield 6 Sanders empaling Hussey On the same wall is a fair Tablet of Brass fixed on Marble with this Inscription Margeriae Saunders artus sunt morte soluti Perpetua foelix mens requiete jacet Donec enim vixit coelestia semper amabat Assidua venerans religione Deum Conjug is Edwardi casto flagravit amore Praefuit magna cum ratione domi Morbus exhaustum corpus cum frangere cepit Ad dominum junctas sustulit illa manus Inde crucis Christi symulachrum laeta poposcit Hoc oculis animo sensibus aegra notat Hinc nequit evelli mens in meditando triumphâ—ns Atque suum coluit non saciata Deum Egregiam vitam mors est praeclara secuta Margeriae faelix vita quae morsque fuit Here Margerie Saunders lyeth whose mortal lymms are dede But to enjoy immortal rest her soul to Heaven is fled Whyles lyf did last she was a paterne of good lyfe Devout to God good to the poore a chast and perfit wyfe A housewyfe of great skill setting her whole delight In her just love and wed did make Sir Edward Saunders Knight For Christ his crosse she calâ—d amiddis the pangis of death Whiche she with minde je beheld untill her later breath And so gave up her gost to God which lyf did lend Who for her good and worthily gave her a happy end The corps of dame Margerie Saunders daughter of Sir Thomas Englefeld Knight and of dame Elizabeth his wife on of the daughters of Sir Robert Throgmorton Knight lyeth in this Tome whos soule God pardon She dyed the xi of October Anno Domini 1563. In a large Tablet of Alabaster fixed on the North wall is this Inscription Here lyeth
seized into the King's hands but returning to obedience he had restitution of them in the last year of that King's reign To whom succeeded Will. who had severall imployments of much trust and note in his time within this County From 11. till 20 H. 3. he was frequently in Commission as a Justice of Assize In 16 H. 3. he with Iohn de Lodbeoc were constituted the King's Eschaetors here In 21 H. 3. he was in Commission for the collecting of a xxx th and in 56 H. 3. one of the Justices for the Gaol delivery at Warwick To him succeeded Sir Thomas de Bishopsdon Knight his son and heir and to Sir Thomas Sir William howbeit of these I find little else notable than that they were Knights But the next was Sir Iohn de Bishopsdon who served in the Parl. held at Yorke in 12 E. 2. as one of the Knights for this shire being then seized of these Lordships viz. Bishopston Bishopswode vulgò Bushwode Lapworth Thorndon in this County Larkstoke in Gloucestershire Little Cokesey Herdewyk Pepewell and Waresley in com Wigorn. in all which he had Free-warren granted to him by a special Charter bearing date at Newcastle upon Tine 26 Sept. 13 E. 2. In 14 E. 2. he was a Knight and in the Rebellion with Thomas Earl of Lanc for which in 16 E. 2. he had pardon for xl lâ— Fine In 18 E. 2. he was in Commission for conservation of the peace in this shire and to take care that the Articles contained in the Statute of Winchester were observed In 1 E. 3. he served in the Parl. at Westminster as one of the Knights for this shire and was in Commission for the levying a xv th and tenth in this County So also in 2 E. 3. for collecting of a xx th In 4 E 3. again one of the Knights for this shire in the Parl. held at Westm. and the next year following constituted one of the Justices for conservation of the Peace Frethricus de Bissopesdone temp Regis Steph. Will. de Bissopesdone 9 R. 1. Juliana filia Henrici de Monâ—eforti Will. de Bishopsdon 11 H. 3. Thomas de Bishopsdon miles 31 H. 3. Cecilia una filiarum cohaer Henrici Pipard Will. de Bishopsdon miles temp E. 1. Christiana relicta 14 E. 1. Joh. de Bishopsdon miles 14 E. 2. Beatrix filia haeres Joh. de Sheldon Rog. de Bishopsdon 14 E. 3. Alicia filia haeres ux Walt. de Clodshale Thomas de Bishopsdon 7 E. 2. Johanna filia Edm. de Grafton militis Joh. De Bishopsdon 11 E. 3. Isabella filia Ioh. Stretch militis Thomas de Bishopsdon 8 R. 2. Will. de Bishopsdon m l 5 H. 5. Philippa 17 H. 6. Eliz. filia cohaeres ux Thomae Palmer de Holt in Com. Leic. ar Philippa ux Will. Catesby mil. Bearing a special affection to the Hospitall of S t Iohn Baptist in Warwick he gave thereunto the moytie of the advouson of the Church of Morton Merhull in this County and having wedded Beatrice the daughter and heir of Iohn de Sheldon dyed in 14 E. 3. being at that time Bayliff to the K. in his Forrest of Leekhay in Worcestershire which he held by grand Sergeantie leaving Roger his son and heir which Roger bore for his Armes bendè of six pieces Or and Azure with a cantonermine and dyed leaving issue Alice his daughter and heir wedded to Walt. de Clodshale of which Walter and his family I shall speak in Saltley whereupon this Lordship of Bishopsdon came to Iohn brother to the said Roger by virtue of an Entail made in 11 E. 3. whereby Sir Iohn de Bishopsdon Knight setled it with other lands upon his issue male by dame Beatrice his wife Which last mentioned Iohn being a man of eminent parts was in 32 E. 3. constituted Chancelour of the Kings Exchequer and took to wife Isabell the daughter of Sir Iohn Stretch Knight To whom succeeded Thomas and to him Sir Will. Bishopsdon Knight Sheriff of this County and Leicestersh in 5 H. 5. and in 6 H. 5. constituted one of the Commissioners for arraying of men in this Shire Of this Sir Will. I farther find that being retained by the Earl of Warwick for the fortifying of Calais he served in that imployment with one Launce and two Archers amongst the Knights that then were under him taking for his Launce and one Archer xx li per an and for the other Archer x. marks per an without their diet but he resided for the most part at his Mannour of Alscote in Gloucestershire and having in 17 H. 6. entailed this with divers other Lordships on the issue which he should beget on the body of Philippa his wife left only two daughters his heirs scil Eliz. and Philippa the former marryed to Thomas Palmer of Holt in Leicestershire from whom likewise by a daughter and heir the Nevills of Holt are descended the other to Sir Will. Catesby Knight Who in her right had this Mannour of Bishopston which by the attainder of Will. Catesby in 1 H. 7. whereof in Lapworth I have spoke came to the Crown and in 3 H. 7. was inter alia granted by the King to Sir Iohn Risley Knight and the heirs male of his body but by a speciall Act of Parl. in 11 H. 7. was restored unto George Catesby Esq son and heir to the said Will. together with the rest of his said Fathers forfeited lands whose grandchild viz. Sir Will. Catesby K t in 24 Eliz. sold to sundry persons the particular Tenements within this Lordship amongst which one was past to Will Askew of Lapworth by the name of the Mannour which Will. afterwards sold it to Andrew Archer of Tanworth Esq from whom it descended to his son and heir Sir Sim. Archer Knight and by him was lately granted to Iohn Greene and Thomas Greene yeomen and their heirs who being Inhabitants here are yet possest thereof The Chapell here dedicated to S t Peter is very antient as may appear by the Ordination thereof made in K. Iohn's time in the presence of Maugerius then Bishop of Worcester by S r Will. de Bishopsdon Knight who gave thereunto in pure Almes of his own demesn xiiii acres of land in one field and as much in another as also 4 acres of his land held by servile tenure and pasturage for 8. Oxen in what places soever his own Oxen should graze excepting in his meadows and moreover covenanted with Mauritius then Parson of Stratford super Avon that he and his Tenants there would sustain all the charges concerning the said Chapell viz. in building it up keeping it in repair and providing the Chalice Books Lights Vestments and all other necessaries therein and that the mother Church of Stratford should
memorable other than that he inclosed this Lordship and that he departed this world 29. Aug. Anno 1517. 9 H. 8. leaving issue by Eliz. his first wife daughter to Sâ—r Raufre Arundell Knight Isabell wife to Thomas Marrow Sergeant at Law and Constance married to Sir Edward Ferrers Knight By Katherine his second wife daughter of ...... Lumpeck Edward Brome who died childless And by Lettice his third wife daughter of Nicholas Catesbyâ— Raph Brome from whom they of Woodlow are descended Which Sir Edward Ferrers â— bâ—ing son and heir to Sir Henry Ferrers of Hambleton in Com. Rutl. Knight second son of Thomas Ferrers of Tamworth-Castle in this Countie by Eliz. sister and coheir to Sir Baldwin Frevile Knight as the Descent in Tamworth sheweth had in right of the said Constance this Lordship of Badsley for her share whose posterity have continued owners of it ever since amongst which the memory of Henry Ferrers great gradchild to the same Sir Edward who for his eminent knowledge in Antiquities gave a fair lustre to that antient and noble Family whereof he was no small ornament is yet of high esteem in these parts That which is now the Church here dedicated to S. Iames having been antiently a Chapell of Hampton in Arden and therewith coming to the Canons of Kenilworth as in Hampton is shewed was appropriated to that Monasterie in Anno 1217. 2 H. 3. But notwithstanding this Appropriation it continued as a Rectorie and in an 1291. 19 E. 1. was valued at two marks in 14 E. 3. at Lxvi s. viii d. and in 26 H. 8. at iv li. vi s. viii d. Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes c. Iacobus de Clinton Magr. Will. le Archer 5. Id. Maii 1305. D. Episc. per lapsum Ioh. de Ashyby Cler. 5. Cal. Iunii 1318. Thomas fil Iac. de Clinton Galfr. de Stoneley Cap. 9. Cal. Maii 1328. D. Ioh. de Moubray patronus hac vice Rob. de Enderby Cler. Id. Apr. 1339. D. Ioh. de Clinton miles Will. Serle de Sutham Cler. 6. Id. Febr. 1346. Ioh. de Coningesby Ioh. le Kinge Cap. 5. Cal. Nov. 1349. Ioh. de Coningesby Rog. de Notingham Pbr. 8. Cal. Maii 1353. Ioh. Fouke Will. Clecher Cap. 8. Id. Iulii 1364. Ioh. Fouke Ric. Hanne 3. Cal. Martii 1365. Ioh. Fouke Rad. Poutrell Pbr. 5. Id. Iunii 1381. Nich. Dudley Will. Osmunde Pbr. 1. Sept. 1396. Rob. Burdet D. de Badsley Thomas Hogges Cap. 3. Nov. 1402. Rob. Burdet D. de Badsley Rob. Harlaston Cap. 27. Oct. 1409. Rob. Burdet D. de Badsley Ioh. Osgodby Cap. 22. Sept. 1414. Iohanna Burdet Domina de Badsley D. Ioh. West Cap. 4. Nov. 1418. D. Episc. per lapsum Alex. Awen Pbr. 23. Maii 1493. Nich. Brome ar Will. Sneleston Cap. 14. Nov. 1499. Nich. Brome ar Rob. Banke Pbr. 8. Oct. 1501. Iacobus Rex per lapsum Mauritius Iones Cier 5. Iunii 1606. Iacobus Rex per lapsum Franc. Edwards Cler. 11. Iunii 1619. In the upper part of the East window of the Chancell here at Badsley are curiously represented in Glasse the portraitures of Sir Edward Ferrers Knight and the Lady Constance his wife with three sons and six daughters all kneeling before S. George with this expression in a scroul coming from his mouth Sancte Georgi ora pro nobis as also his Armes empaling hers both with quartrings and supported with two Vnicorns Ermine And in the lower part of the same window is the picture of the same Sir Edward and the Lady Constance his wife with Nicholas Brome Eâ—quire her Father all kneeling in their furcoats of Aâ—mes before a Crucifix the scroul from the lips of the said Sir Edward having this written therein scil Amor meus Crucifixus est And of a later time set up towards the bottom of the same window these four Coats 1. Ferrers empaling Hampden 2. Ferrers empaling Windsor 3. Ferrers empaling White 4. Ferrers impaling Pâ—to with these Inscriptions as I have here divided them 1. Nicholas Brome â—squire Lord and owner of Badsley marâ—â—â—â— Elizabeth daughter of Sir Rawâ—re Arundell of Eggleshole in the Countie of Cornwall Knight Anno Dom. 1473. and died thâ— x â—h 〈◊〉 October 1517. leaving issue Isabell and Constance his two daughters and lieth buried at this Church-dore 2. Sir Edward Ferrers Knight son and heire of Sir Henry Ferrers of East-Peckham in the Counâ—ty of Kent Knight maâ—ried Câ—nstance daughter and coheir of the same Nicholas â—f this Mannour of Badsley-Clinton Anno Dom. 1497. He dâ—ed 2â— Aug. 1535. and lieth buried in the Tombe of the Chancell 3. Dame Constance Ferrers daughter and coheir to Nicholas Brome and Elizabeth Aâ—undel his first wife who married to Sir Edward Ferrers An. D. 1497. and died 30. Sept. 1551. leaving issue by him Henry Edward George and Nicholas and six daughters Jane Ursula Anne Margaret Elizabeth and Alice figured as abovesaid 4. Henry Ferrers Esquire son and heir of the same Sir Edward and Dame Constance married Catherine daughter and coheir of Sâ—r John Hampden of Hampden in the Countie of Buck. Knight Anno 1524 and died 1526. leaving issue only Edward Ferrers his heir and lieth buried in this Tombe 5. Edward Ferrers Esquire son of the same Henry married Bridget daughter of William Lord Windsor Anno Dom. 1548. and died 11. Aug. 1564. leaving issue Henry Ferrers his heir and lieth buried in Tarbick-Church in the Countie of Worcester 6. Henry Ferrers Esquire son of the same Edward and Bridget his wife married Jane the youngest daughter and coheir of Henry White of South-warnborn in the Countie of Hamps Esquire Anno Dom. 1582. and died the x th of October 1633. leaving issue onely Edward Ferrers his heir and lieth buried in this Chancell 7. Edward Ferrers Esquire son of the same Henry and Jane his wife married Anne the eldest daughter of William Peto of Chesterton Esquire Anno Dom. 1611. She died the xii th day of September Anno Dom. 1618. leaving issue onely Henry Ferrers born the 18 th day of December Anno Dom. 1616. All which portraitures and Armes together with the Monument of the same Sir Edward Ferrers and the Lady Constance his wife situate in an Arch on the South side of this Chancell were drawn by my self and designed ready for the Graver with great curiosity to the intent that the beauty of them which is so subject to perish by time and unhappy accidents might have been represented to the world in such sort as others are in this present work for their lasting memorie But so frugall a person is the present heir of the Family now residing here as that he refusing to contribute any thing towards the charge thereof and it not being proper for me to undergo it totally they are omitted The Epitaph upon that Monument of the before specified Sir Edward Ferrers Knight Here lyeth Sir Edward Ferrers Knight son
and heir of Sir Henry Ferrers and Margaret Hekstall his wife of East Peckham in the County of Kent Knight He died th xxix th day of August 1535. leaving issue Henry Edward George and Nicholas Here also lieth Dame Constance his wife daughter heir to Nicholas Brome Esquire of this Mannour of Badsley-Clinton who died the xxx th day of September 1551. Here also lieth Henry Ferrers their eldest son and heir who married Catherine one of the daughters and coheirs of Sir John Hampden of Hampden in the Countie of Buck. Knight He died Anno D. 1526. leaving issue Edward Ferrers married to Briget daughter to William Lord Windsor of Bradenham 1548 and died Anno Dom. 1564. Ecce hic in pulvere dormimus Hic nostrae residet gloria carnis Disce mori mundo Vivere disce Deo Hodiae nobis Other Monumentall Inscriptions Upon a stone in the midst of the Chancell Here lieth Henry Ferrers Esquire son and heir of Edward Ferrers and Briget Windsor his wife who was sometime Lord of this Mannour and married Jane one of the daughters and coheirs of Henry White son and heir of Sir Thomas White of South-Warnborn He died the x th day of October Anno Dom. 1633. of his age the 84 th leaving issue Edward Ferrers Upon another near the former Here lieth the body of Edward Ferrers Esquire son and heir of Henry Ferrers and Jane White his wife sometimes Lord of this Mannour who married Anne the eldest daughter of William Peto of Chesterton Esquire and Elianor Aston his wife who died March the xx â—h aged 65. Anno à pariente Virgine 1650. leaving issue onely Henry Ferrers Haec mihi lapidea marmorea posita est immo tibi qui hoc legis quisquis es vigila dum vigilas in rem tuam maturè propera horam scit nemo Vale. In the body of the Church Here lieth Anne the eldest daughter of William Peto of Chesterton Esquire and Elianor Aston his wife who was married to Edward Ferrers Esquire Lord of this Mannour of Badsley the xii th day of February Anno Dom. 1611. and died in child-birth the xii th day of September Anno 1618. aetatis suae 33. leaving issue onely Henry Ferrers Inscribed on the South side of the Chancell in stone Edward Ferrers Esquire son and heir of Henry Ferrers and Jane White his wife did new build and reediâ—ie this Chancell at his own proper costs and charges Anno Dom. 1634. Monuments and Monumentall Inscriptions now defaced which were taken notice of by Mr. Henry Ferrers in Queen Elizabeth's time In the Chancell upon a raised Monument Hic jacet Beatrix Brome vidua filia Radulfi Shirley militis quondam uxor Iohannis Brome de Badsley-Clintoâ— armigeri que obiit â— die mensis Iulit anno Domini MCCCClxxxiii cujus anime propitietur Deus Amen Vpon a Marble there whereon was a large Portraiture in Brasse of a man in armour Hic jacet Philippus Purefey armiger filius heres Willielmi Purefey de Shirford in Com. War armigeri qui obiit xviâ— die mensis Septembris anno Domini MCCCClxviâ— cujus anime propitietur Deus In this Chancell there is a large grave-stone whereon is a plaine Cross but no Inscription under it lyeth buried Dorothy sole daughter and heir of Thomas Marrow Sergeant at Law who was first married to Francis Cokeyne of Pooley in this County Esquire and afterwards to Sir Humfrey Ferrers of Tamworth-Castle Under a large marble lying within the Church dore at the very entrance whereupon hath been a faire portraiture in brasse of a man in armour lyeth buried Nicholas Brome sometime Lord of this Mannour And under the next stone lyeth Elizabeth one of his daughters wife to Thomas Hawe of Solihull Under another neare thereto lyeth Edward Brome son of the said Nicholas by Katherine Lampeck his second wife which Edward married Margery the daughter to Iohn Bâ—aufo of Emscote in this County Eâ—quire and dyed Anno 1531. 23 H. 8. Church-Bikenhill REturning now to the stream of Blithe I come next to Church-Bikenhill This containeth four other petty Hamlets viz. Hill-Bikenhill Midle-Bikenhill Kingsford Wavers-Merston Merston-Culy and Lindon of all which Turchill de Warwick was possest in the Conqueror's time but then they were reputed for no more than two Villages the one certified to contain two hides with Woods of four furlongs in length and as much in breadth having been the freehold of Aluuardus before the Norman invasion And the other likewise two hides the Woods belonging thereto being xii furlongs in length and six in breadth all which one Aluric enjoyed in Edw. the Confessor's days In Domesday-book they are both written Bichehelle but afterwards Bychenhulle and Bigenhull wherefore considering therewith the present manner of pronouncing the word I do conâ—clude that the name originally grew from the old English word Biggen which signifieth a Hall on Mannour-House the later syllable shewing that it stood upon an ascent as we see this town doth It should seem that a younger branch of Arden's Familie whereof the said Turchill was the root had that which is now called Church-Bikenhill assigned for his patrimonie for in the Deed made by Henry de Arderne Turchil's grandson and heir of certain lands for the dowrie of Leticia his wife he likewise grants unto her servitium Eustachii de Arderne de Bychenhulla which it appears that he held of him But I am of opinion that the descendants of this Eustace forsook the name of Ardern and in respect of their residence here assumed the name of Bikenhull for in 33 H. 2. and afterwards I find mention of Thomas de Bikenhulle with relation to this place and about the beginning of H. 3. time Alexander de Bykenhull which Alexander bound himself in the summe of â—v marks of silver unto Sir Hugh de Arden of Hampton Knight that he would neither sell or pawn any part of his lands without the consent of the said Sir Hugh and in 19 H. 3. was one of the Justices of Assize in this Countie After which scil in 23 E. 1. Alice de Langley of whom in Wolfhamcote I have spoke wrote her self Domina de Bygenhull perhaps she was widow unto the said Alexander and yet the same year did Thomas whom I conceive to be his son stile himself so likewise But the next possessor of it though how I find not was Walter Parles about the later end of E. 2. time To whom succeeded William Parles who in 1 E. 3. past away his title therein unto Sir Iohn Peche of Hampton in Arden Knight whose grandchild Sir Iohn Peche in 28 E. 3. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all his demesn lands here From which time for want of light I have not discovered any more thereof The Church dedicated to S. Peter though at the first Foundation of the Monasterie of Henwood it was united thereto continued not 〈◊〉 â—o thâ—se Nunns but was transmitted
gen Iulinus Winspere Cler. 14. Martii 1617. Guliel Wheate gen Henr. Doughty Cler. 24. Oct. 1629. Packinton magna BEfore the Norman Conquest this was possest by one Alauardus a Saxon but afterwards Turchil de VVarwick had it and of him did Godmund his brother hold it at the time of the generall Survey by which it was estimated for four hides valued at xxx s. having two Mills rated at ii s. and Woods extending to a mile in length and as much in breadth but in that Record it is writter Patitone the c being mistaken for a t. Which Turchil or Siward de Arden his son and heir â—â—â—ated it unto Geffrey de Clinton Founder of the Câ—â—â—le and Priorie of Kenilworth temp H. 1. Whereby it descended to Geffrey his son who gave it to that Monastery for the reception of Robert de Clinton his brother to be a Canon there reserving the like service for it as he himself was to perform for the same viz. half a Knight's Fee whereupon the Canons of that House acquitted him of L s. per annum lands which he owed to them for the soul of his brother William and besides that gave him xx marks of silver and that Horse for the great Sadle formerly belonging to Maurice de Clinton his Nephew Which grant was confirmed by King Stephen and likewise by Hugh de Arden and Henry sons of Siward with the consent of their other Brethren who in consideration thereof received from Bernard â— the first Prior of that House ten marks of siâ—ver and for Cecilie their mother one mark After which the said Canons in 19 E. 1. obtained a Charter of Free warren in all their demesn lands here the whole extent of their possessions within thâ—s Lordship being about that time certified at one Carucate and virgate of land rated at xxx s. the profits of the store xx s. In Rent of Assize vi li. xix s. Three Mills at xl s. per annum In Pleas and perquisites yearly iv s. and the Paunage iii s. The totaâ—l xi li. xvi s. But at the generall dissolution in 30 H. 8. all coming to the Crown it was in 36. of the said King's reign aliened to Iohn Fisher Esquire for the sum of 626 li. 1 d. by Patent dated 20. Sept. to be held in Capite by the xx th part of a Knight's Fee the yearly Rent reserved thereupon to the Crown being Liv s. ix d. per annum Which price was the more easy as t is like in regard of a long Lease thereof then in being for in 27 H. 8. the Canons of Kenilworth well discerning by the dissolution of the lesser Monasteries a greater storme approaching demised it for Lx. years thence next ensuing unto one William Wheeler the elder of Kenilworth From which William it came to Simon Wheeler his son whose widow scil Kathetherine daughter to Sâ—r Thomas Digby of Olney in Buckinghamshire marrying to the said Iohn Fisher gave him the first advantage of fixing here This Iohn was of the Family of those Fishers of Dottel in Shropshire and one of the Pensioners to King Henry the 8. K. Edw. the sixt Q. Mary and Q. Eliz. and in 4 Eliz. constituted Steward unto Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick for the Castle and Borough of Warwick with all the rest of his Mannours in this County and Leicestershire for the execution of which Office by himself or his Deputie he had the yearly Fee of five marks He it was that built the whole body of the present Fabrick here at Pakinton as may be seen by the Armes carved on the timber-work and set up in Glass through sundry parts thereof And had the Shiriffalty of these Counties in 5 Eliz. being a Justice of Peace in this Shire from the beginning of Queen Maryes reign till his death which hapned 8 Martii 13 Eliz. To whom succeeded Clement his son and heir a person so much esteemed for his integrity and prudence by Robert Earl of Leicester that he constituted him his Treasurer for that warlike expedition into the Netherlands when he went Generall of the English Auxiliaries in Anno 1585. 27 Eliz. After which being Knighted by King Iames he made a Park of the Out-wood and some other grounds here And having been imployed in all the affaires of greatest moment relating to this Countie in his time lest issue Robert his son and heir Knighted in his Father's life time but afterwards advanced to the dignitie of a Baronet Which Sir Robert raised that large Pool Eastwards from the House built the Lodge in the Park and much adorn'd this Seat with other places of delight and had issue severall sons and daughters as the Descent here inserted sheweth Ioh. Fisher ar Katherina filia Thomae Digby eq aur Clemens Fisher eq aur obiit 1619. Maria filia Franc. Repington de Amington ar Rob. Fisher eq aur Bar. Eliz. filia Anth. Tiringham eq aur Clemens Fisher natus an 1613. Thomas Fisher. Franciscus Fisher Leticia ux Ric. Shilton eq aur Katherina ux Thomae Wightwick fil haered Ioh. Wightwick serv. ad legem Anna primò nupta Tho. Dilke eq aur postea Herv Bagot Bar. Leticia ux Clem. Throkmorton eq aur Maria ux Edwardi Littleton eq aur The Church dedicated to S. Iames belonging with the Mannour to the Priory of Kenilworth had first an yearly Pension of xxviii s. granted out of it to the Canons of that House by Geffrey Muschamp Bishop of this Dioces in King Iohn's time But afterwards viz. in 6 E. 1. was totally appropriated to them by Roger Molend then Bishop as appeareth by his publique Instrument dated at Tachebroke 6 Cal. Aug. the same year In anno 1291. 19 E. 1. it was valued at v. marks and the Vicaridge at one mark but in 26 H. 8. the same Vicaridge was rated at vii li. x s. i a. over and above ix s. vi d. allowed for Procurations and Synodalls The Inscriptions upon the preceding Monument Iohn Fisher Esquire and Katherine his wife the daughter of Sir Thomas Digby Knight dyed in March A o Domini 1570. and left issue Clement and Thomas which Thomas dyed in Ireland without issue whose souls rest in heaven The other lives confessing Christ trusting to be saved by his death The said Iohn served K. Henry the eight K. Edward the sixt Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth in Court as Gentleman Pensioner to them all Here lye the Bodyes of Sir Clement Fisher Knight Lord of this Mannour and Dame Mary his wife the Daughter of Francis Repington of Amington Esquire who had issue Robert and three other sonns who dyed Infants They had also issue three daughters viz. Anne the eldest married to Sir Thomas Dilke of Maxstoke Lettice the second marryed to Sir Clement Throgmorton of Haseley and Mary the third married to Sir Edward Littleton of Pillington-Hall This tombe
Margaret and Mary the onely daughters and heirs apparent of Thomas Morgan of Heyford in the County of Northampton Esquier sonne and heire of Francis Morgan of Heyford aforesaid sometimes one of the Iustices of the Kings Bench and Marye wife of the said Thomas daughter and sole heir of Sir Edward Saunders Knight sometime chief Iustice of England and after chief Baron of the Exchequer and lyeth buryed in this parish Church of Weston Which Margaret and Mary the daughters dyed that is to say Mary the 22 day of May 1568. before she was one yeare oulde and Margaret the 30 day of September 1568. being of the age of seven years and 21 days On whose soules God have mercy Anno Domini 1584. Upon a Plate of Brass fixed in Marble on the South wall of the Chancel Arâ—is Apolline fueras qui Mista Jodoce â— Heu mortis jaculo victa Tomere jaces Cujus in interitum tulit haec solatia tristem Saunderus verae pignora amicitiae Anno Domini 1566. Decembris 22. Heare lyeth Ioyce Tomer slayne by death That had of Physick skyll Whose losse these comforts Saunders shews As tokens of good wyll Cubington I Come next to Cubington wherein by the Conq. Survey the Prior of Coventre was certified to have 2 hydes valued at xxx s. the E. of Mellent 3. rated at as much which one Boseher then held of him and Roger de Iuri 5. esteemed at xl s. In one place it is written Cubitone and in the other two Cobintone but afterwards Cumbyngton which shews that it had its name originally from the situation of it in a low or deep hallow for the word Cumbe doth signifie as much That which the Prior of Coventre had here was half a Kts. fee which in 20 H. 3. Simon de Cubinton and in 36 H. 3. Henry de Cubinton held of that Monastery But the substance of what the said E. of Mellent had aâ—i which the same Boscher held of him came to the Monks of Stoneley either given by the heirs of the before specified Boscher or by those whom he or they enfeoffed thereof though the particular grants do not appear For Henry Boscher grandchild to the first Boscher made a general confirmation of them in H. 3. time the quantity being 5 carucats of land and xxiiii s. iii d. yearly Rent of Assize as was certified in 19 E. 1. But of that which Rog. de Iveri had Hastings of Allesley was as it seems antiently enfeoffed By one of which line it was given to Semely Lord of Radford-Semely and to S. Maure though when I find not for in 7 E. 1. Will. de Semely held what he had here by the service of half a Kts. fee of Iohn de Hastings viz. 2 yard land in demesn and 3 held by 6 servants at the will of the Lord paying certain yearly rent and doing suit twice a year at the Court of the said Iohn de Hastings at Allesley Which W. de Semely had also six Cottagers holding as many Cottages and 4 Free-holders occupying 2 yard land and 3 quarters and doing suit to his 3 weeks Court here at Cobyngton as also making two appearances every year at the Court of Allesley abovesaid But from Semely I cannot deduce the succession of his part in this place That which Iohn Hugford and Thom. Waldeyve granted to the Monks of Stoneley in 13 E. 4. was certainly it for the quantity viz. 5 mess. 80 acres of land 3 acres of meadow and 4 acres of pasture doth not onely argue the same but the tenure thereof from Sir Edw. Nevill in right of his Mannour of Allesley antiently belonging to Hastings doth put it out of doubt Of Henry de S. Maure who had the rest of Cobington I find that he committed a Murther and fled for it whereupon K. E. 1. seized his Mannour here but allowed to Ermengard his wife liberty to hold it for her maintenance during his royal pleasure It should seem that the K. taking advantage of this forfeiture gave it soon after to the Templars for in 7 E. 1. it was certified that they had here 3 yard land in demesn and a certain Grove inclosed like a Park but being willing to strengthen their title from S. Maure in 9 E. 1. grew to an Agreement with him viz. to pay to them the said Henry and Ermengard 4 marks per ann during the life of her the said Ermengard in consideration whereof they levyed a Fine of it to the use of the said Templars and their successors for ever Which lands so possest by them were in 1 E. 2. seized by the K. and then yeilded 25 s. rent of Assize but were soon after transmitted to the Knights Hospitalars and continued to them till the general dissolution as did also that which the Monks of Coventre and Stoneley had Being thus lodg'd in the Crown the K. in 38. of his reign granted to Edw. Watson and Henry Herdson and their heirs all that belong'd to the Abby of Stoneley called then by the name of Cobynton-grange Which Edw. and Henry had license the same year to alien it unto Ric. Faukoner and his heirs who sold it to one Thomas Fawkoner Which Thomas reserving an estate to himself for life entailed it upon Eliz. his daughter then the wife of George Bodyngton and the heirs of her body with remainder to Agnes Fermour widow his other daughter and the heirs of her body but for lack of such issue to the right heirs of the said Ric. Fawkoner and departed this life 10 Febr. 1 Eliz. his said daughters being then of full age Touching that which belong'd to the Priory of Coventre I find that it was by K. E. 6. in 4 of his reign inter alia granted to Sir Raph Sadler Kt. then Master of the great Wardrobe and to Laurence Wennington Gent. and to the heirs of the said Sir Raph. As also that the Hospitalars Mannour here was past out of the Crown by Q. Eliz. the same year to Iohn Fisher and others The Church dedicated to the Nativity of our Lady being antiently but a Chapel and belonging to Wotton was therewith granted to the Canons of Kenilworth as in Wotton I have already shewed and in ann 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at xii marks Which Canons in 5 E. 3. had License to appropriat the Fruits thereof to the use of that Monastery Whereupon scil in 19 E. 3. ensued the endowment of the Vicaridge which in 26 H. 8. was rated at vi l. vi s. viii d. over and above 2 s. allowed for Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Inst. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Thom. de Harewell Pbr. 11 Cal. Apr. 1309. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Ioh. de Shotteswell accol 3 Ian. 1313. Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Rob. le Fitzwith Pbr. 8. Cal. Maii 1342. Patroni Vicariae Prior Conv. de Kenilworth Adam dâ—
counterfeited by one Thomas Bromle of Coventre whom he indicted for so doing In short after much time and money spent therein I find that the said Iohn de Catesby and Lewes Cardian together with Will. Hathewyk husband to Catherine daughter and heir to the same Lewes and Alice as the Descent sheweth entred into C l. bonds apeice to each other to stand to the Award of the Dukes of Surry and Exeter for a finaâ— end of the business which Dukes referred the examination of the evidence on both sides to Will. Gascoin Rab. Tirwhit Iohn Rede and Will. Skryne great Lawyers of that age who taking to their assistance Sir Walt. Clopton Sir Will. Thirnyâ—g Sir Iohn Cassy Sir Iohn Hulle Sir Wâ—ll Rikhull Will. Hankford and Will. Brenchesâ—e at that time Justices of both Benches and fully weighing the same made Report on the behalf of the before specified Iohn de Catesby as by their Instrument under their Seal bearing date 20 Iunii 22 R. 2. appeareth So that there is no doubt but that those Dukes determined thereof accordingly for certain it is that the said Iohn de Catesby continued the possession From whom it descended to his son Will. who in 6 H. 4. did his homage to Ric. Beauchamp E. of Warwick for the Kts. fee which he held here But this Will departing the world without issue his brother Iohn became heir who dyed before the 13 of H. 4. for in that year did the K. grant Free-warren to Emma his widow and Iohn his son in all their demesn lands here and divers other places To which last mentioned Iohn succeeded Sir Will. Cateâ—by Kt. and to him another Will who being attainted in 1 H. 7. as in Lapworth I have shewed this Mannour eschaeted to the Crown and in 3 H. 7. was granted by the K. to Sir Iohn Râ—sâ—eâ— Kt. and the heirs male of his body but by a specia◠〈◊〉 of Parl. in 11 H. 7. being restored unto George Catesby son and heir of the said Will. together with the rest of his fathers forfeited lands continued in this family till 38 Eliz. that Iohn Throgmorton and others by an Indenture tripartite betwixt Sir Will. Catesby and Sir Thom. Leigh Kts. of the first part Robert Catesâ—â— son and heir of the said Sir Will. on the second and Iohn Throgmorton and Thom. Thornton oâ— the thâ—rd part were enfeoft thereof Which Iohn and the rest did by their Deed of bargain and sale dated 8 Febr. 40 Eliz. pass the same to Sir Rob. Dudley Kt. and Dame Alice his wife daughter of the above mentioned Sir Thom. Leigh and to the heirs of the said Sir Robert Which Sir Robert having issue onely 4 daughters viz. Katherine wife of Sir Ric. Leveson Kt. of the Bath Douglasse Anne and Frances they together with Will. Wise conveyed the same to Will. Palmer Esq and his heirs by their Deed r bearing date 16 Maii 9 Car. Which Will. setled it upon Will. Palmer his second son 1 Iunii 12 Car. who afterwards scil 1 Apr. 18 Car. passed the same to Sir Will. Palmer now of Clerkenwell in Com. Midd. Kt. a branch of those Palmers of Yorksh. by a younger son that setled at Merston in Staffordshire who bear for their Arms Argent upon 2 barrs gules 3 trefoils of the first with a Greyhound in chief sable There was antiently a Bridge over the river betwixt this town and Herberbury which in 21 R. 2. being out of repair was presented to be in the default of those two Villages but upon proof made that the same had been first built by one of the Lords of this Mannour upon his own soylâ— and for the benefit of himself and his own servants the said towns were discharged The Church dedicated to All Saints was in an 1291. 19 E. 1. valued at xv marks and in 26 H. 8. at xiii l. x s. over and above ix s. allowed for Procurations and Synodals Patroni Ecclesiae Incumbentes temp Inst. D. Ioh. de Lodbrok Ioh. de Pavely 13 Cal. Apr. 1298. D. Ioh. de Lodbrok Will. de Daleby Pbr. 4 Cal. Nov. 1303. Hugo fil D. Ioh. de Lodbrok Rog. de Lodbrok 4 Id. Iunii 1319. Hugo de Lodbrok Cler. Rog. de Clifton Cap. 4 Cal. Iunii 1340. D. Hugo de Lodbroc Rect. eccl de Blaby Will. de Shulâ—on Cler. 2 Id. Iunii 1349. D. Hugo de Lodbroc Rect. eccl de Blaby Rad. de Bereford Cler. 9. Cal. Oct. 1349. D. Hugo de Lodbroc Rect. eccl de Blaby D. Petrus Bertholmew 7. Id. Martii 1358. Thomas de Lodbrok Will. de Southam Pbr. Cal. Sept. 1362. Ioh. de Catesby Ioh. Parker 6 Febr. 1388. Ioh. de Catesby Nich. Derby 1 Iulii 1409. Ioh. de Catesby Ric. Norton Cap. 2 Iulii 1413. Ioh. Catesby ar Margar. ux ejus Ioh. Grantham Pbr. 4. Maii 1433. Will. Catesby ar Ioh. Verney Pbr. 20 Dec. 1440. Ioh. Rysley miles Will. Darley in art Bacc. 1 Maii 1506. Ric. Catesby gen D. Thomas Barret 26. Maii 1529. Anth. Throgmorton de Com. Oxon. ar Cath. ux ejus Rob. Lancashire Cler. 20. Febr. 1553. Anth. Throgmorton de Com. Oxon. ar Cath. ux ejus Thom. Williams Cler. 23. Apr. 1564. Anth. Throgmorton de Com. Oxon. ar Cath. ux ejus Rog. Inkforbie S. Theol. bac 5 Iunii 1582. Edm. Tomkins gen Ric. Par S. Theol. bac 25. Aug. 1626. D. Alicia Dudley Edw. Brounker S. Theol. professor 5 Feb. 1628. Napton BEneath Lodbroke more than a mile there falls another torrent into Ichene which haâ—â— its head within the precincts of Napton whereof I am next in pursuance of my method to speak This town stands upon a very eminent ascent of which originally its name was taken cnap in the British language signifying the same with gâ—bbus or tuber for such we know all Hills are in reference to the plains and flatâ— whereon they stand Neither is the word in that sense yet wâ—rn out of use amongst us for we commonly call the top or highest part of a notable ascent the knap of a hill the c and k being omitted in the name of this place for facility of pronunciation In the Conquerors time the E. of Mellent held 3 hydes and 3 virgats here valued at iii l. one Robert being his Tenant thereto and whereof Levenot and Bundi were possessors before the Norman invasion but in the Survey then made it is written both Neptone and Eptone At the same time one Vlchetel whose inheritance it had been in Edw. the Conf. time held of the said Turchil half a hyde valued at xxx s. And the same Robert 3 virgats valued also at xxx s. which before the Conquest belonged to the said Edvinus of whom I have made mention in Flekenho Which Robert being enfeoft of certain lands here by the said E. of Mellent as he was also of Weston
xvi th of that month which shews that she dyed soon after it was made About ten years after this viz. 20. Sept. Anno 1480. 20 E. 4. Dame Eliz. Lady Latimer third daughter to the said Earl declared her last Will and Testament whereby she bequeathed her body to be interred in this Chapell at the head likewise of her noble father betwixt the above specified Sir Henry Nevill her son and Oliver Dudley her son in Law and appointed that there should be 4. stones of fair Marble with portraitures upon them of copper and gilt according to her estate and degree with Epitaphs representing their births and deceases and other fit things to such purposes cut upon the same and be layd upon the graves of her husband her son her son in Law beforementioned and her self And further ordained that lands of x l. per annum value should be put in Feâ—ffees hands to the end that with the revenue thereof a Priest might be maintained for the saying of Masse and other Divine services at the Altar in the aforesaid Chapell of our Lady to the honour of God and remission of the offences of her said Lord and Father her mother her husband her self her sons and all Christians till such time as the Kings license could be procured for amortizing of lands to that value to the purposes abovesaid And moreover with parcell of those revenues bought a pair of goodly vestments of white Damaske powdred with Bears and ragged staves of gold and in the orfray the Scocheon of her Armes to be well and richly embroydered and delivered to the said Chapell And that a pair of Vestments of black stuff with a like Scocheon in the orfray Crosse to be used in the Church of Wells in exercising the observances for her Lord and husband's soul who was it seems there interred In the East window of this Chapell there are besides those costly portraitures in glasse of Earl Richard with his wives and children which in my story of his life are represented the pictures in their full proportions of St. Alban the protomartyr of England St. Thomas of Canterbury St. Iohn of Bridlington and of St. Winifride unto each of which the renowned Earl Richard by his last Will and Testament bequeathed his Image in pure gold weighing xx li. in weight and in his surcoat of Armes holding an Anker in his hand appointing them to be offered at their severall Shrines in his name as in my story of him I have already declared so great an honour did he bear as it seems to those Saints On the North side of the Quire is a fair room built eight square which was heretofore the Chapter house for the Dean and Canons of this Collegiat Church but in our time converted to another use by the right honorable Foulk Lord Brook who in his life time erected therein a very stately Monument for himself of black and white Marble the representation whereof is on the next page truly exhibited his body being enbalmed and put into a coffin of lead in the Vault below Of the particular Churches which were heretofore in Warwick and so united to this Collegiate Church of our Lady as I have intimated I will here briefly say something That of S. Helene stood where the Priory of S. Sepulchers was founded as I have already shewed and by that means became swallowed up therein S. Michaells at the lower end of the street called Saltford on the North part of the town out of which the Canons of S. Maryes had a portion viz. xi s. per annum as in 19 E. 1. was certifyed and the Lepers in the Hospitall there vi s. viii d. But in 14 E. 3. the great and small Tithes with all oblations thereto belonging were rated at v. marks and a half This Church was governed antiently by its own proper Rector who used to be presented by the Dean of the Collegiat-Church of our Lady and the Prebendary thereof jointly but in 41 E. 3. the number of its Parishioners was so much decreased as also the yearly revenue belonging thereto that it became reduced in a manner to nothing having but three Parishioners and those onely Cottiers so that the yearly value thereof scarce reach't to one mark the Church it self being very ruinous the Church-yard small and not any House for the Parson then standing Patroni Ecclesiae Incumb temp Instit. Decan Canonici Eccles. Coll. B. Mariae Warw. Will. de Kenilworth Cap. 4. Non. Dec. 1296. Decan Canonici Eccles. Coll. B. Mariae Warw. Rob. de Breodun Cler. 26. Dec. 1329. Decan Canonici Eccles. Coll. B. Mariae Warw. Rob. fil Ioh. in le Gate 22. Apr. 1338. Decan Canonici Eccles. Coll. B. Mariae Warw. Reginaldus Dod Pbr. 15. Dec. 1349. Thomas Comes Warwici Henr. Hynks Pbr. 12 Febr. an 1353. Ric. Comes Warwici Ric. Wellys Cap. ult Sept. 1421. Ric. Comes Warwici D. Will. Berkswell Canon 3. Febr. 1434. The Church of S. Iohn Baptist stood in the midst of the Mercate place the outward fabrick whereof is yet to be seen whereunto in 41 E. 3. there was a Rector belonging presentable by the said Dean and the Prebendary of the Prebend but without any mansion for his dwelling the yearly value thereof then scarce amounting to four marks above all charges but this Church had neither Church-yard nor any Ecclesiastique sepulture pertaining thereto the Parishioners being buried in the Church-yard of S. Maries Patroni Incumbentes c. Decanus Canon Eccl. Coll. B. M. Warwici Hugo de Beoley Cap. 10. Kal. Nov. an 1281. Decanus Canon Eccl. Coll. B. M. Warwici Henr. de Compton Pbr. 2. Kal. Aug. 1315. Decanus Canon Eccl. Coll. B. M. Warwici Will. de Lalleford Pbr. 24. Dec. 1349. That of S. Peters antiently stood in the midst of the town whereunto in 14 E. 3. nothing but small Tithes appertained This also in 41 E. 3. had a Rector presentable by the said Dean and the Prebendary of that Prebend the value thereof being then scarce v. marks per annum having no dwelling house and without either Church-yard or Ecclesiastique sepulture the Parishioners burying their dead at S. Maries whereunto it was appropriated afterwards sc. in 22 R. 2. But in K. H. 6. time pulled down whereupon that of S. Peter in stead thereof was in those dayes newly built over the East gate The Church of S. Laurence standing at the lower end of the West street in the suburbe was in 19 E. 1. valued at viii marks and a half and in 14 E. 3. at ix marks In 41 E. 3. the Parson was presentable thereto by the Prebend thereof at which time the Dean of the Collegiate Church and the Prebendary received two parts of the Tith corne belonging to it the Colledge onely two parts of the Tith hay Mills and all small Tithes and the Rector the third throughout which scarce
daughters and heirs scil Adeliza the wife of Simon de Harecurt and Amabil of Robâ—rt Fitz-Walter as the Descent in Curdworth sheweth Which Amabil gave with her body for sepulture to the Nuns of Polesworth the Mill here at Kingsburie with some grounds thereto belonging her sister Alice confirming the granâ— and adding the Mill at Hurley for the health of her soul. But these sisters having no Children this Lordship descended to Amicia their Aunt and heir wife to Peter de Bracebrigge so called from a place of that name neer Lincolne whereof he was possest The Descendants of which Peter and Amicia had their principall seat here till about the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign divers of them being Knights as the Pedegree in the foregoing page sheweth This Peter de Bracebrigge was a militarie man as it seems for I find that he gave unto William the son of Fundui and his heirs certain lands lying within the precinct of this Lordship in a place called Esbroc to the intent that the said William shâ—uld upon lawfull warning carry hither to Kingsbury such painted Lances from London or Northampton at the charges of him the said Peter as he might have occasion to use in any Tourneament there and that whensoever the said Peter should take a journey beyond Sea for performance of such martiall exploits he the said Will. to attend him and to bring back his Lances To which Peter succeeded Iohn his son and heir who had much adoe in defending this his inheritance for in 7 Ioh. did Thomas de Arden begin his claim and gave five marks to the said King for a Writ of Right to trye his title thereto which in 9 Ioh. he did set forth as lineall heir to Turchil de Warwic who was seized of it in King H. 1. time and offred to decide his right to it by Duell naming one William de Kopland his Champion which William receiving comand from Ulfkill his Father as being Tenant to the said Iohn assented to undertake the Combate Whereupon Iohn de Bracebrigge answered that he denied not the said Turchil's seisin but tendred triall by the great Assize as to the time and right thereof Unto which the said Thomas replied that the great Assize ought not to be in this case because they were both descended from one stock viz. from Turchil of whose inheritance it was Howbeit Iohn answered that though he acknowledged their descent from Turchil yet he claimed nothing thereby because the said Turchil had two wives and that it was from the first that the said Thomas descended but that this land being the inheritance of Leverunia his second wife who held it all her life and after her decease Osbert her son and after him another Osbert that had severall daughters which died without issue it came to Amicia their Aunt mother to him the said Iohn tendring to put himself upon the great Assize to determine whether he had not more right thereto from the before specified Laverunia than the said Thomas from Turchil and whether the same Turchil were so seized of it the day and year that the said King Henry dyed And lastly because the said land did lye bordering on two Counties scil Warwick and Stafford he offered xx marks to have Knights of both Counties for triall thereof the said Thomas offring xx marks and a Palfrey whereupon it was concluded that the cause should be so decided and so I suppose it was or by some friendly Agreement for I find that the next year following the same Thomas de Arden quitted all his right and title therein to the said Iohn And yet it seems that they were not quiet for in 11 Ioh. the said Thomas de Arden gave a Palfrey that the determination thereof might be before the King and the next year after Iohn de Bracebrigge payd xl s. for to have another Jury but other particulars I have not seen This Iohn de Bracebrigge confirmed the grant of Kingsburie-Millâ— c. and Hurley-Mill made to the Nunns of Polesworth as hath been observed and died without issue in 2 H. 3. leaving William his Brother and heir Which VVilliam in 19 H. 3. was a Justice of Assize at Warwick and afterwards confirm'd to the Monks of Merevale â— the grant of a yard land in Holt made to them by Iohn his Brother and whatsoever else he the said Iohn had given to that Monasterie But to William succeeded Raph his son and heir who questioned the title that the Nuns of Polesworth had to Kingsburie-Mill and Hurley-Mill whereupon they came to a Composition with him giving six marks of silver This Raphe was at that time a Knight and shortly after commenced suit against the Nuns of Mergate for the advouson of Kingsburie-Church but to this they pleaded the grant of Osbert de Arden and exhibited the Charter of Peter de Bracebrigge before specified with the consent of Amicia his wife confirming the same whereupon he had no more to say To which Raphe succeeded Iohn de Bracebrigge betwixt whom and the Prioresse of Mergate there was a Fine levied in 36 H. 3. for certain lands lying within this Lordship of Kingsburie that were setled upon the said Iohn and his heirs paying iii s. yearly Rent to the Nuns In 40 H. 3 this Iohn gave a Fine to the King of two marks in gold that his Knighthood might be respited for three years longer wiâ—hin the compasse of which time being amerced at a mark by the Justices Itinerant in Lincolnshire because he was not a Knight he had a speciall Mandate to the Barons of the Exchequer for acquitting him of that summe But adhering to the rebellious Barons who in 48 H. 3. did put themselves in Armes as in Kenilworth hath been shewed was on the fift of April the same year taken Prisoner in Northampton at the surprisall thereof by the King's Army being at that time a Knight for which this Lordship was seized and given by the King to Roger de Clifford and imprisoned at Shrewsbury as appears by the King's Precept for his deliverie directed to the Bayliffs of that town and dated 9. Ian. 49. H. 3. But the Inquisition upon the extent of his lands says that Hugh de Turberville had the charge of him till he had got his redemâ—ption yet after this he fled into the Isle of Axholme with young Simon Montfort and others where he continued till he saw all his partie totally vanquishtâ— and then submitted to the Diâ—ctum de Kenilworth Iames de Audele undertaking on his behalf It seems that his composition did cast him into some distress for in 53 H. 3. he mâ—d a Lâ—ase of this whole Lordship excepting a yard land that one Walter le Plummer sometime held unto Robert de Typetot and Eva his wife during their lives for which he received of them 500 li.