Prinsthorpe.
OF this place, lying in the Parish of Wol∣ston, but Southwards from it about two miles, do not I find any mention, till z 4. E. 1. at which time it was written Prenesthorpe.
As for the name, it proceeds, doubtless, from some antient possessor thereof, the latter sillable, viz. Thorpe, signifying a Village or Hamlet, for so in the Saxons time they were called; the Dutch to this day (whose Language hath a great affinity with our old English) calling such Villages Dorpes, pronouncing d instead of th.
In xx E. 3. it answered with Stretton upon the Aid a then collected. And in 31 E. 3. there was a Fine b levyed thereof betwixt William de Peeke, Parson of the Church of Wapenbury pl. and Nicholas de Stoneley and Hugh de Geydon Priests, Deforciants, whereby it was setled upon the said William de Peeke for life, the remainder to Sir Richard Trewlow Kt. and the heirs of his body; and for lack of such issue, to Iohn Hockele and Cecelie his wife, and the heirs of their two bodies; and for default thereof, to Nicholas le Eyr, and his heirs.
After which I have seen little considerable of it, till it c came to the Hugfords of Emscote in H. 6. time; but whether by Metley's heir, or not, I am yet to learn. In which family it continued till 9 H. 8. that Iohn Hugford sold d it to Sir William Compton Kt. whose great Grand-child, Sir Henry Compton Knight of the Bath (and brother to Wil∣liam late Earl of Northampton) now enjoyes it, an. 1640.