The antiquities of Warwickshire illustrated from records, leiger-books, manuscripts, charters, evidences, tombes, and armes : beautified with maps, prospects and portraictures / by William Dugdale.

Coventre.

FOllowing the stream of Shirburn it leads me next into Coventre, still a City of eminent note, yet much short in glory and Riches to what heretofore it hath been, as I shall shew anon: but for the originall of its name I can give no po∣sitive reason; and therefore, whither the first part thereof, viz. Coven was occasioned by some Co∣vent of Religious persons, antiently founded here, as some think; for there was a Monastery of Nuns long before the Priory, as I shall shortly manifest; or whither from this little brook, of which others conceive the true name to be Cune, I will not stand to argue. Sure I am, that the last Sillable thereof; viz. Tre is British, and signi∣fieth the same that villa in Latine doth: from whence I conclude, that the first plantation here, hath been of very great antiquity, though when, or by whom made I cannot expect to discover, having so little light of story to guide me through those elder times. And as certain is it, that a great part thereof, and probably the most antient, stood on the bank without Bishop-gate, North-west∣ward of the City; for no less do the foundations of much building there discovered, and a place yet called S. Nicholas-Church-yard, testify.

But touching that Monastery of Nuns, all that I find m is no more but this; viz. that in the year of Christ 1016. Canutus K. of Denmark, and that infamous traytor Edricus invading Mercia with an Army, burnt and wasted divers towns in War∣wicksh. at which time the said House of Nuns, whereof St. Osburg a Holy Virgin had been some∣time Abbess, was destroyed. What this Osburg

was (I mean for her parentage) or when she lived I have not seen: for Iohn Capgrave, a learned man, and diligent searcher after our English Saints, makes no mention of her: I shall therefore de∣scend to K. Edw. the Conf. time; about the be∣ginning whereof I find, n that the Noble Leofrick Earl of Mercia founded a goodly Monastery for Monks in the place, where the other stood; which Monastery was the chief occasion of all the suc∣ceding wealth and honour that accrued to Coven∣tre, as I shall sufficiently demonstrate, when I come to treat in par••icular thereof; for of its beginning, growth, riches, greatness, honour, and dissolution I purpose to speak at large; and therefore refer∣ring my discourse concerning the same, and all o∣ther the Religious Houses, Churches, &c. here, to their proper place, I will take notice of what I find otherwise memorable touching this City. And because this great Earl and his Countess were the most eminent Benefactors that ever it had, I shall here make a brief Narrative of them, so far at least as they had any relation to this place.

The first of his Progenitors, concerning whom I have any historicall authority, was Leofrik Earl of Chester o in the time of Ethelbald K. of Mercia, about 900. years agoe; whose descendants to this our Leofrik, the Pedegree, which in this discourse I have inserted, doth succinctly point out. As to the time of his advancement unto the Earldom of Mercia (which contains the most of the Counties in this Midland part of the Realm) I can say no∣thing. In the days of K. Ethelred he was stiled p Leofricus Comes, at large, which might be of Chester, onely by defcent from his ancestors. By K. Canutus he was made q Capt. Generall of his forces: an. 1018. and grew afterwards in high fa∣vour r with the said K. In the time of Hardi Ca∣nutus he was called s Merciorum Comes: and though that in the beginning of Edw. the Conf. days he is stiled t onely Comes Herefordiensium; yet do I con∣ceive that he had that title attributed to him in such sort as Edwyn, his Grand-child, had of Comes War∣wici (as I shall hereafter shew) those Counties being included within his Mercian territories.

That his power was very great in the times wherein he lived, appears by these instances: u First, that after the death of Cnut, and great de∣bate who should succeed him in the kingdom, he, with the Barons on the North of Thannes, advan∣ced Harold sirnamed Harefoot, Son to the said Cnut, unto the Crown. And next, that Hardi Canutus being dead, he was one of the chief that raised w K. Edw. called the Confessor, at that time in Normandy) to the regall throne, and after∣wards with intire affection defended x him from the malice of Earl Godwyn.

This Leofrik wedded y Godeva, a most beauti∣full and devout Lady, Sister z to one Thorold Shi∣riff of Lincolnsh. in those days, and founder a of Spalding-Abby: As also of the stock b and lineage of Thorold Shiriff of that County in the time of Kenulph K. of Mercia. Which Countess Godeva, bearing an extraordinary affection to this place, often and earnestly besought c her Husband, that for the love of God and the blessed Virgin, he would free it from that grievous servitude where∣unto it was subject: but he, rebuking her for importuning him in a matter so inconsistent with his profit, commanded that she should thenceforth forbear to move therein; yet she, out of her wo∣manish pertinacy continued to solicit him, inso∣much that he told her, if she would ride on Horse-back naked from the one end of the town to the other, in the sight of all the people, he would grant her request. Whereunto she returned, But will you give me leave so to do? And he replying, yes; the noble Lady, upon an appointed day got on Horse-back naked, with her hair loose, so that it covered all her Body but the Legs, and thus per∣forming the journey return'd with joy to her Hus∣band: who thereupon granted to the Inhabitants a Charter of freedom; which immunity I rather conceive to have been a kind of manumission from some such servile tenure, whereby they then held what they had under this great Earl, than onely a freedom from all manner of Toll, except Horses, as Knighton d affirms: In memory whereof the pi∣cture of him and his said Lady were set up in a South window of Trinity-Church in this City, a∣bout K. R. 2. time, and his right hand holding a Charter with these words written thereon.

I Luriche for the love of thee Doe make Coventre Tol-free.

But besides his foundation and endowment of the Monastery, here, at Coventre before specified, of his proper patrimony, was he a great Benefa∣ctor e to divers other Religious-houses; viz. Leo∣minster in Herefordsh. Wenloc in Shropsh. S. Werburgs, and St. Iohn's in Chester; Worcester and Evesham, both in Worcestersh; to all which he likewise gave divers rich ornaments. To the Abby of Burton super Trent in Staffordsh. he also granted f a large part of Austrey in this County: and departing g this life in a good old age, at his house in Bromley, 2 Cal. Sept. 1057. (13 Edw. Conf.) was honourably interred h in the Monastery here at Coventre, before mentioned, unto which he bequeathed i it, with a great quan∣tity of Gold and Silver. By some Authors he is called Comes Leicestriae; but 'tis plain, by what I have already cited, that it should be Cestriae.

And now before I proceed, I have a word more to say of the noble Countess Godeva; which is, that besides her devout advancement of that pi∣ous work of his, in founding this magnificent Mo∣nastery (for my Author k says it was instigante uxore sua Godeva) omnem thesaurum (saith ano∣ther l) eidem Ecclesia contulit, &c. She gave her whole treasure thereto, and sent for skilfull Gold∣smiths; who, with all the Gold and Silver she had, made Crosses, Images of Saints, and other curious ornaments which she devoutly disposed thereto. Neither did her zeal to Gods service and honour rest here; for, over and above all this, she built m the monastery of Stow near Lincoln, de∣dicating it to the blessed Virgin; and endow'd n it with the Lordships of Newark, Flatburgh, and Martinewelle, giving possession of them by a fair Jewell, and rich Bracelets curiously wrought, as her Charter imports; whereunto were witnesses K. Edw. the Conf. himself, Aldred Archb. of York, Wlfwi B. of Dorchester, E. Leofrik, her Husband, with divers more great Earls and others.

But I am not certain of the time when she dy∣ed; neither do the particular of all the lands, which the Earl her Husband and she had, any where ap∣pear, inasmuch as there are but part of them poin∣ted at in Domesday-Book. Those in this Coun∣ty, which that Record mentions to have been held

by her in Edw. the Conf. time, were Coventre, Alspath, Atherston, Hartshill and Ansley, Kines∣bury, Ansty and Folkshull, Salford and Bick∣mersh. all which, except the two last, were fer∣med of the Conq. by one Nicholas, at the time of his generall o Survey. And of these, Coventre was certified p to contain 5. hides, there being then a Mill, and Woods extending to two miles in length with asmuch in breadth, all valued at xi. l.

• aLeofricus Comes Leicestriae tempore Ethelbaldi Regis Merciorum.
  • bAlgarus primus
    • cAlgarus secundus
      • dLeofricus secundus
        • eLeofwinus Comes
          • fEdwinus occi∣sus per Wal∣lenses.
          • gNormannus occisus cum Edrico Stre∣ona.
          • hLeofricus Comes Mercio∣rum, fundator Abbatiae Coventre, obiit an. 13. Conf. - iGoditha, soror de Thoroldi vice-E. Comitis Linc.
            • kAlgarus Comes Merciorum, obiit 1059.
              • lAlgitha, 1. nupta Guit∣frido Regi Wall. 2. Ha∣raldo, (fil. Godwini Comitis) Regi Angl.
              • mEdwinus C. Merc. occisus suorum in••idiis 5 W. C.
              • nMorkerus Co. Nor∣thumb. ob. in carcere 2 W. Rufi.
              • oLucia, 1. nupta yvoni Talboys Comiti Andeg. 2 p Rog. fil. Ge∣roldi cogn. Ro∣mara.
                • aGulielmus de Rolmara Comes Linc. temp. H. 1.
          • qErmenilda - ....
            • rMatilda - ....
              • tRanulphus cogn. de Bricasard, con∣sobr. Ri. Co. Ce••••. post cujus mortē Comitat. Cestr. adeptus u est.
                • bRanulphus, dictus de Gernoniis, Comes Cestriae
                  • dHugo, cognom. de Kevilioc, Co. Cestriae
                    • eRanulphus cogn. Blundevile, Co. Cestriae; obiit. s. p.
                    • fMatilda, ux. Davidis Co∣mitis Angus. Gallovidiae, & Huntend. cujus pro∣pars fuit totus Comita∣tus Cestriae.
                      • kAda ux. Henr. de Hastings
                        • pHenr. de Hastings
                      • lIsabella ux. Rob. de Brus
                        • qRob. de Brus Rex Scotiae
                      • mMatilda ob. s. p.
                      • nMargar. ux. Ala∣ni de Gallo∣way
                        • rDervogil ux. Ioh. de Baliolo.
                        • sChristiana uxor Will. de For∣tibus Comitis Albamarliae 25. H. 3.
                      • oIoh. cogn. Scot, Co. Cestr. qui dedit proparté suam Regi H. 3. & ob. s. p.
                    • gMabilia ux. Will. de Albincio Co∣mitis Arundeliae
                      • tWill. Co. Arund. ob. s. p.
                      • uHugo Co. Arund. ob. s. p.
                      • wMabilia ux. Rob. de Tat∣shall.
                      • xIsab. uxor Joh. fil. Alani.
                      • yNichola ux. Rog. de Some¦ry.
                      • zCecilia ux. R. de Mont∣••l••.
                    • hAgnes ux. Will. de Ferrariis, Comitis Derbiae.
                    • iHawisia uxor Rob. de Quincy, filii Sacri Comitis Winton.
                  • Ricardus, sepultus in Prioratu de Coventre.
              • wRicardus Co. Cestr. obiit s. p.
              • xOtwellus periit nau∣fragio, cum fratre.
              • yRobertus Abbas S. Edm.
              • zGeva uxor Galf. Ridel.
            • sHugo-Comes Cestriae temp. temp. W. Conq.

To the before specified Leofrik succeded his son Algar; but leaving his story to another work, as not so proper for this place, all that I shall further say of him is, that he was not onely E. q of Chester, after his fathers death, but likewise of r Mercia; and that, departing s this life in an. 1059. he had sepulture in t the Monastery here at Coventre. Nor of his issue will it be pertinent for me to say more, than that Lucia u (at the length sole heir to her father and grand-father) had to her third husband Ranulph, the third E. of Chester of that name; who by Maud his mo∣ther being also nearly allyed to the famous E. Leofrik, and this Marriage (as the descent shew∣eth) had title fair enough to the lands and honour of her grand-father, father, and brothers had not the Conq. sword disposed thereof otherwise. But, it seems, that though the same Ranulph was the next heir in blood likewise to Hugh (commonly called Lupus) E. of Chester, after the decease of Earl Richard without issue, yet did he not obtain the possession of that Earldom (whereof this City was afterwards reputed part) but by purchase w from King H. 1. viz. giving x up all the in∣heritance of her the said Lucia; and not one∣ly so, but a round summe of money, which was not all payd of a good while after: for I find that, in 5. Steph. Ranulph Earl of Che∣ster, his son, was certified to be indebted to the King a thousand pounds de debito patris sui, pro terra Hugonis Comitis, as the Record y ex∣presseth.

Having thus stated the succession of this Earl∣dom from the noble Leofrik, I shall pass by the story of those Earls, and onely take notice of what relates to them as touching this place,

where they had an eminent seat, bearing the name of a Castle in those elder times. Wherein I find z, that Ranulph the first, before specified, caused the Chappells of Allesley, Ansty, Shulton, & Wykin (all hamlets then within the precincts of Co∣ventre) to be built, and that Ranulph his son, (commonly called Gernons,) who was a man of great action in that turbulent time of King Stephens reign, taking part with Maud the Em∣press and her son Henry Duke of Normandy (afterwards K. by the name of H. 2.) to whom he was by affinity near allyed (having wedded a Maud daughter of Rob. Consul. E. of Glouc. one of the base sons to K. H. 1. brother by the fathers side to the said Empress) being repuls'tb at Lincoln, hafted to his Castle here at Coventre; of which finding the K. forces possest, he presently rays'd a strong Fort to besiege them; whereof the K. being advertised, he made all the speed he could to relieve it: but in that attempt many of his men were slain, and himself wounded; yet after c a while having gotten more strength, and adventuring again, he routed the Earl, who escap't not without divers wounds.

Some great injury had this Earl done, it seems, to Walter Durdent B. of Chester, for which he dyed excommunicate: for it appears d, that E. Hugh, his son, with Maud his Countess gave the village of Stivichale, adjoyning to Coventre, with a mill next to the Park, and some other grounds there∣abouts to the said B. and his successors, for his ab∣solution and the health of his soul in recompence of that damage. Which Hugh, being one of those that rose e in rebellion against K. H. 2. in 18. of his reign, on the part of young Henry, so anima∣ted his tenants here at Coventre, that they took up Armes on his behalf; for which they were put to fine f in 21. H. 2. But, that he was a munifi∣cent friend to the Monks of this place, what I have said in my Story of the Priory will manifest. It seems, that the Coventre-men, for their dis∣loyall actions before pointed at, had their libertyes seised on by the K. which were not fully restored to them till after the death of the said Hugh: for I find, that in 28. H. 2. they gave g xx. marks for the K. confirmation of them.

To which Earl succeeded Ranulph, the last of that name; whose respects were so much to this place, that he confirm'd h to his Burgesses here (for so in his Charter he stiles them) that they should well and quietly hold all their possessions in free Burgage, as they did in his fathers time, or any of his ancestors. Granting likewise to them all such freedomes as the Burgesses of Lincoln enjoy'd; and prohibiting all his Constables and officers from im∣pleading them at the court of his Castle; but that they should have a Portmote, (id est a Town-court) of their own, in which they might freely hold plea of all things to him the said Earl or them∣selves belonging: and choose some one man among themselves well skill'd in the laws and customes, who in his stead should be Judge over them, and dealing impartially might do him equall right. And if any one should happen to fall into the said Earls mercy, that he should be amerc't by his Bayliff and Burgesses of the Court. And whatsoever Merchants they should bring thither for the advantage of the town, that they might reside peaceably there with∣out being injur'd or unjustly impleaded. And if any forrein Merchant should deal unfittingly, he to make satisfaction for it in the Portmote, in the presence of the Judge. To which Charter were witnesses Roger Constable of Chester, Rob. de Mohaut, Steward, Raph de Meisnilwarin and di∣vers others.

Hereunto also did K. H. 2. add his Confirma∣tion i; in which are these particulars by way of enlargement; viz. that if any of them should hap∣pen to make a forfeit to the Earl, he should be ac∣quit thereof for xii. d. And if by the testimony of his neighbours he were not able to pay so much, they to qualify the sum to the measure of his abi∣lity: As also that the said Burgesses should not be lyable to lend unto the said Earl, or those that be∣long to him any Rent, or annuall payment, but upon condition that their Cattell might be in safe∣ty. And lastly whosoever should come to inhabit there, that from the day of his beginning to build for two years following, to be free from all pay∣ments whatsoever.

And in 2. H. 3. did this Earl procure a Char∣ter k from the K. for an yearly Faire here, to begin on the feast-day of the holy Trinity, and to conti∣nue for 8. days.

But dying without issue, he left his 4. sisters or their children his heirs (as the Pedegree sheweth) where∣of Mabel, the 2. marryed to Will. de Albany E. of Arundell; who being dead before the E. her bro∣ther, and so likewise Will. E. of Arundell her eldest son; Hugh de Albany her second son (then Earl) came to share in that great inheritance; unto whom this town of Coventre was in partition l as∣signed for his capitall Seat. And of Kts. fees, in this County, these m; viz. Henry de Hastings 2. Will. de Hardreshull 1. In Kingsbury 1. in Eccleshale half one, In Ansty as much; In Allespath the 4. part, In Wykin the 8. part; and in Pillerton the 4. part: but the names of those that then held them I forbear here to mention, having specified them in the particular places.

Which Hugh lived not above x. years after: for on the Nones of May 1243. (27. H. 3) he depar∣ted this life, Cum jam vix metas adolescentiae per∣transisset saith M. Paris n, and was buryed o in the Priory of Wymundham in Norff. of his ancestors foundation; leaving p a great inheritance to his 4. sisters, or their descendants: of which Mabel q the eldest, marryed to Rob. de Tatshall, Isabell r to Iohn Fitz-Alan, Nichola s to Rog. Somery, and Ce∣cily t to Rog. Montalt: so that in the next year fol∣lowing, viz. 28. H. 3. partition u being made of the possessions so descended to them, the same Cecily had the Castle and mannour of Rising in Norff. with our Coventre, and many other great Lord∣ships for her part.

Which Rog. de Montalt was one of the Earl of Chester's Barons and Seneschall w of Chester; and in 30. H. 3. had a Charter x of Free-warren granted to him in all his demesn lands, dat. 26. Martii. But in 33. H. 3. I find, that Geff. de Langley (of whom I shall speak in Pinley) had a great suite with him for diverting the stream of the River in Coventre out of its antient course. In 34. H. 3. in∣tending a voyage to the Holy-Land, and wantingy money for his support therein, he was furnish't z with a very large summe by the Monks of Co∣ventre. In consideration whereof he, with the be∣fore specified Cecily his wife, of whose inheritance this fair Lordship was, joyn'd together in the sale a of it; as also of the advouson of S. Mich. Church, and all the Chappells thereto belonging unto the said Monks in fee-ferme. In which sale were ex∣cepted

to them and their heirs, their mannour-house at Cheylesmore, with the Park inclosed, and the Religious-house of Friers-Minors situate neer the said Park; with free liberty also to the said Roger and his heirs, whensoever they should come in per∣son to Coventre for hunting and hauking within the precincts of the said mannour.

And likewise excepting the homage and services of Gilbert de Segrave in Caloudon, Will. de Olney in Asthull, Vitalis de Folkeshull in Folkeshull, Walter D'eyvill in Whitley, Stoke, and Coven∣tre, Rob. de Stoke in Stoke, Miles Gerbold in Whitley, and Hugh de Loges in Sow, and their heirs; with all Releifs, Eschaets, and other duties in respect of those lands. And also excepting the ho∣mage and services of Hugh Despencer in Lught∣brough, Raph Bracebrigge in Kynnesbury, Will. le Buteler in Eccleshall, and Folkeshull, and their heirs, Rob. Tushet in Keresley, and of Wido fil. Ro∣berti: Iames de Audeley in Folkeshull, and Ec∣cleshale, Walter de Langley in Wykin, Tho. le Ir∣reys in Ansty, Tho. de Nevill and Walter de Co∣ventre in Stoke; Gilb. de Preston, Iohn le Pover, and Alexander D'eyvill in Tackley, and their heirs; with all Reliefs, Eschaets, &c. to the same lands belonging: And all military services, Reliefs &c. wheresoever, within the Realm of Englaud be∣longing to the said mannour of Coventre.

And excepting to all his Freeholders such liber∣ty as they had heretofore used to enjoy, either in the woods or mannour of Coventre, so that they should not be disturbed by the said Prior and Co∣vent, or their successors. Excepting likewise the Hospitall of Sponne for Lepers: as also, that the said Rog. and Cecily and their heirs, whensoever they should come and reside there, might have suf∣ficient wood for fewell, and to make into Char¦coale for their own use, without wast; and for pales to repair the inclosed Park, as often as need should require, by the oversight and delivery of the Fore∣sters belonging to the said Prior and Covent. And that the Friers of St. Iohn's Hospitall, in Coven∣tre, should have in the woods before mentioned one cart load every week by oversight of the said Foresters. Other reservations there are, but these which I have mentioned are the most memo∣rable.

In consideration of all which the said Prior and Covent were to pay yearly unto the same Rog. and Cecily and their heires at the mannour-house of Cheylesmore before mentioned c. li. sterling; viz. on the Octaves of St. Andrew, the Octaves of S. Ma∣ry in March, the Octaves of S. Iohn B. and the Octaves of S. Michael; and x. marks annually for the Nuns of Polesworth, at Easter and Mi∣chaelmass by even portions, under the penalty of x. li. and a clause for distress.

And besides a Fine b levyed in the same 34. year of H. 3. by the said Roger and Cecily for warranty of the premisses, so granted, did the said Cecily in her widowhood, by her deed c of Release quit all her interest in the said mannour, according to the tenor of the before specified grant: As also in the Hospitall and Chappell of Sponne (sometime per∣teining to the Abby of Basingwerk in Flintsh. as her said Release imports.)

The next thing, which falls out in order of time to be taken notice of, in relation to this place, is, that here d it was, that those persons elected for the determination upon what terms such as were dis∣herited for their activeness in that notable Rebel∣lion against K. H. 3. should redeem their lands, met, and resolv'd thereupon. Which Decree of theirs, is notwithstanding called Dictum de Ke∣nilworth, in regard it was then publish't in the K. Camp at that famous six months siege of the Ca∣stle (as in Kenilworth I have already intima∣ted.)

After this; viz. in 3. E. 1. upon the extent e of this mannour after the death of Rob. de Montalt,f son to the before mentioned Roger, the mannour-house called Cheylesmore, with the Park and Mill in the Park, were valued at 5. marks per annum; the Rent of Assise belonging thereto 39 li. 09. s. 07. d. and the perquisits of Court 6. s.-8. d. And in 13. E. 1. had the Burgesses and Inhabitants here, the K. Letters Pat. g bearing date 3. Aug. giving them authority to take Toll of all vendible com∣modities, that should be brought hither for the space of 3. years, from Michaelmass next ensuing, towards their charge of paving the town; viz. for every Hors-load of Corn a half-peny; for Every Horse, Mare, Oxe, or Cow, a half-peny: And likewise upon every thing els, which for brevities sake I omit. But it seems, that xx. years afterwards this work of paving was not fully done; for in 23. of the same K. reign they had another h Pat. to take Toll upon the like Commodities, and granted Bal∣livis & probis hominibus de Coventre, whereas the other was Burgensibus & probis hominibus; which shews that the originall of their Bayliffs, was betwixt the 13. and 33. E. 1. though the very time, when they were constituted, be not recor∣ded.

After which, viz. in 9. E. 2. the Prior of Co∣ventre and Rob. de Montalt were certified i to be Lords of this place, with its members: which Rob. (being brother and heir to Roger, son to the last mentioned Robert) with Emme his wife, in 1. E. 3. levyed a Fine k of all their interest here, by the name of the mannour of Cheylesmore with the appurtenances; 96. li. 6. s.-8. d. yearly Rent, and the services of the Prior of Coventre; thereby en∣tayling the same upon the heirs male of his body, and for want of such issue on Isabell Q. of Eng∣land (Mother to K. E. 3.) during her life; and after her decease on Iohn of Eltham, brother to the said King, and the heirs of his body, and for lack of such issue on th•• said K. Edward and his heirs for ever. For setling whereof as abovesaid, he had the Kings license l dated at Peterborough 8. April.

Hitherto have I taken notice of the most re∣markable passages touching Coventre in generall: but now that I am come to the vesting of Cheyles∣more in the royall line, it will be most proper (I conceive) to observe what els is notable in relation thereto, in order of time; reserving what I have further to say of Coventre in generall to be after∣wards spoke by it self. First then, that the situa∣tion of this mannour is upon the Southern side of the town, the Map, to those that know not the place will demonstrate: but as to the antiquity of its name can I say little, having not met with any mention thereof till 34. H. 3. that Rog. de Montalt and Cecily his wife do, in their grant of Coventre to the Monks, except it by the name of their man∣sion, or mannour-house of Cheylesmore: yet, that the seat, which the E. of Chester had in that very place, was much elder, is not to be doubted; in re∣gard 'tis apparent, that their Castle (concerning the siege whereof in K. Steph. time by E. Ran. the

second, I have already spoke) stood there. For in that ample Charter m made by Hugh Keviliok E. of Chester to the Monks of Coventre, in H. 2. time, in pointing out the boundaryes, dividing the Earls part and the Priors asunder; he traces the same from S. Mich.-Church-yard, and so, juxta latam portam mei Castelli, are his words. Now, that this Gate he means was not far off Cheylesmore, the place where it stood doth sufficiently testify; being at the end of that passage now called Grey∣frier-lane, entring into the great High-street, and retayning the said name of Broad-yale to this day. From which testimony may also be observed, that the circuit of the outer ward to that Castle was of a large extent, considering that it did reach so far North towards the town.

Having said thus much as to its situation, and an∣tiquity, I shall proceed with the succession thereof; wherein I observe, that K. E. 3. having in the Parl. begun at Westm. on the munday next after the feast of S. Matthew the Apostle in xi. year of his reign, advanced Edward his eldest Son (com∣monly called the Black Prince) unto the Dukedom of Cornwall, did (inter alia) for his better sup∣port of that honour, by his Charter n bearing date 1. Oct. the same year, settle upon him the rever∣sion of this mannour, after the decease of Q. Isabel before specified, (Iohn of Eltham E. of Cornwall, tenant in remainder, being then dead without issue) to hold to him the said D. and to the eldest sons of him and his heirs Kings, of England, Dukes of that place successively, and not to be severed from the said Dukedom; upon the death, or not existency of such Dukes, to revert unto the Crown together therewith. Whereunto the said Q. Isabel, by her Letters o Pat. dated 10. Dec. in the same year, did signify her assent; and in regard of her estate there∣in, made attourment.

After which, were there divers great priviledges granted to this place; viz. in p 18. E. 3. that the tenants to the said Q. should, during her life, be free from pavage, passage, paage, lestage, stallage, tallage, carriage, pesage, pikage, and terage, throughout all the Kings dominions: and that she should, within the precincts thereof have Return of writts, as also felons goods, Fines for trespasses and for licences of concord; amerciaments, redem∣ptions, issues forfeited, year, day and wast, with divers other. And the next year following did the same K. further grant q to the before specified Q. during her life, and to the said Prince, in reversion, and his heirs, a Court-Leet within this mannour, with power to hold pleas of all such things as usu∣ally were determined before the Justices of Assise for the County of Warwick: and likewise to have Return of writts, goods of felons and fugitives, within the precincts thereof; with a gaol for the safe custody of felons or other transgressors.

And in 21. E. 3. had one Will. le Galeys li∣cense r to found a Chantry here, consisting of three Priests; whereof one to be the Warden; and to build a Chappell there in honour of the Blessed Virgin, with a convenient mansion for them: as also to amortize thereunto five mess. lying in Co∣ventre. Which Priests were to celebrate divine ser∣vice daily for the good estate of the said K. E. 3. Q. Isabell, his mother, Edw. Prince of Wales, and of the said Will. le Galeys during their lives; and for the health of their Souls afterwards; as al∣so for the Souls of Edward late King of England (the K. father) and of Iohn late E. of Cornwall (his brother) and all the faithfull deceased. After which, viz. in 50. E. 3. I find, that the said Prince gave s 23. mess: 6. cottages, and 2. gardens lying here in Coventre, which were parcell of this his mannour of Cheylesmore, unto the Abby of Uale-Royall in Cheshire of Cisterc. Monks, founded t by the K. his father in 11. of his reign. And the same year did he dy u seized of this mannour, lea∣ving Ric. his son and heir 9. years of age and a half (afterwards King by the name of R. 2.) in whose days the Park here was not without Deer, it seems; for in 8. of his reign, granting w to one Tho. de Quinton the keepership of its pasturage for 6. years, paying c. s. per annum to his Exchequer, he reserv'd sufficient grasse for them.

In which 8. year, the walls on the South part of this City being not built, the Mayor, Bayliffs, and commonalty thereof humbly besought the K. to give them leave that they might go forward with that work (concerning which I shall speak more fully anon) who thereupon granted license x to them so to do; on condition that they should include within their walls his said mannour place, standing within the Park of Cheylesmore, as the Record expresseth: which Park was a woody-ground in those times: for, in 11. R. 3. the K. assigned y Ric. Clerk, then keeper thereof, to cause as much underwood there to be cut down as would make 3000. fagots, and with the money arising by the sale of them to re∣pair the pales. And in 9. H. 5. Rob. Castell the K. Steward of this mannour, was appointed z to cause 12. oaks within it, to be fallen for repair of the House; as also more underwood to the value of 40. l. for defray of such charges as he should be at therein. After this, viz. in 16. H. 8. I find, that the K. made a lease a for 21. years of this his man∣nour, with the herbage of the park and conyes there, to Geffrey Whalley Prior of Ulvescroft in Leice∣stershire for 21. years, for the rent of 13. li.-09. s. 05. d. ob.

And in 3. E. 6. did that K. by his Letters b pat. bearing date 19. Iulii, grant it with the said Park unto Iohn E. of Warwick and his heirs, as being part of the possessions annexed to the Dutchy of Cornwall (by Charter, and not in Parliament) to hold in Capite. Which Iohn, on the 12. of Aug. following, made a lease e of the premisses unto the Mayor, Bayliffs and Commonalty of this City for the terme of 99. years, to the uses and intents fol∣lowing; viz. that they and their successors, for the relief of the poor of the said City, should yearly take to pasture in the said Park, the number of 80. kyne or heyfers, and 20. geldings of such poor In∣habitants of the said City and Suburbs, as should not have elswhere nigh thereto sufficient pasture; paying yearly for every Cow or heyfer 1. d. and for every gelding 2. d. But after his attainder, which hapned in 1. Mariae (as in Warwick I have shewed) the said Mayor, Bayliffs and Commonal∣ty, by the mediation of Rob. E. of Leic. (son to the said Iohn) obteyn'd a grantf thereof from Q. Eliz. to hold to them and their successors for ever in fee ferme (the Rent reserved being ix. li. per annum) whereupon they covenanted g with the said Earl to observe and perform the trusts before specified, for the behalf of the poor Inhabitants, as by an In∣denture dated 4. Apr. 10. Eliz. appeareth.

HAving now finished my discourse of Chey∣lesmore,, I return to Coventre it self; of which the last observable matter that I took notice

was touching the paving thereof in 33. E. 1. To the end therefore that it may appear by what de∣grees it ascended to that beauty and strength in the walls and other buildings of note: as also to those priviledges which it now enjoyeth, I shall in order of time proceed to declare.

In 2. E. 3. the Monks of Coventre, with the Inhabitants thereof obteyn'd a Pat. h for taking Toll of all vendible commodityes that should be brought thither to sell for six years, towards their charges of inclosing i the same. And at the request of Iohn of Eltham E. of Cornwall (who had an estate in reversion in the mannour of Cheylesmore, as I have there declared) for two years more after the end of those six: upon condition that the said Earl should not be charged towards building of the gates. Which Pat. bears date at Leicester 6. Jan. the same year: The particular proportions of Toll little differing from those, which were assessed upon every thing for pavage, as is before intimated. Af∣ter this, in the 6. year of the said K. the Inhabi∣tants of this town had license k to erect a Common Conduit, of xx. foot long and x. foot broad in any of the streets thereof that they should think fittest for their conveniency and benefit. And, within 2. years following, for their better encouragement in prosecuting their affairs, obteyn'd a grant l to them, their heirs and successors of freedom from Toll, pavage, pontage, and murage for all their merchan∣dize throughout the K. dominions: in considera∣tion whereof he received a fine m of ten marks from them. But it had not then the reputation of a City, or a Borough; and the Record n gives this reason, eo quod in Quintis-decimis Regi Con∣cessis non contribuit ultra summam c. marca∣rum.

In this K. reign it was, that Coventre grew up to a very flourishing condition, as by what I have said, and shall further shew, appeareth: for in 18. E. 3. at the o instance of Q. Isabel (who had an estate in Cheylesmore for life) as also in considera∣tion that the reversion thereof was vested in Edw. then Prince of Wales, D. of Cornwall, and E. of Chester, the K. by his Letters Pat. p bearing date 20. Jan. did make it a Corporation, consisting of a Mayor and Bayliffs, which the Inhabitants should have power to choose and make out of themselves yearly: who, taking their oath according to the accustomed manner in the like cases, might from thenceforth do all things appertaining to those of∣fices. And that they, their heirs and successors for ever, should thenceforth also have power to hold plea, as well of trespasses, contracts, and agree∣ments, as of all other things hapning within the town. And for the better tranquility of the said Inhabitants, and of all merchants repayring thi∣ther, the K. then granted, that from thence-forth there should be a Common Seal, by his Royall di∣rection, consisting of two pieces, according to cu∣stome, for Recognizances of debts there, according to the form of the Statutes-merchant made and published: the greater part whereof to remain in the custody of the Major for the time being, and the lesser in the hands of a certain Clerk to be there deputed by the said K. his heirs and successors ac∣cording to the tenure of the said Statutes. And that the said Major and Clerk from thenceforth should receive Recognizances of debts according to the te∣nor of those Statutes: as also to give in charge, and commit them to due execution. And lastly, that there should be a Prison made in that part of the Town belonging to the said Q. for the chastizing of malefactors there taken; wherof the Mayor and Bayliffs for the time being to have alwaies the custody and charge.

The xii persons that purchased q these liberties for Coventre, being Nicholas Michell, Henry Dodenhale, Walter Whitweb, Roger Hunt, Will. Trymelei, Geffrey Freberne, Iohn Rushall, Rob. Thymbler, Ric. Kerseley, Will. Walsale, Maurice Norfolk, and Will. Wellyngbright. Whereupon, about two years after, they elected r a Mayor, viz. Iohn Ward; and after him continued the like yearly choyce, as by the Catalogue of them, which I have at the end of my discourse touching this City inserted, may appear. And in the year 1355. 29 E. 3. did they begin to build the walls (by vertue of the K. license in 2 E. 3. before men∣tioned) Richard Stoke, at that time Mayor, lay∣ing s the first stone at the gate, called New-yate, where they began the work: but whether they did vigorously proceed therein, I cannot say, rather supposing that they were restrained: For after∣wards, when Edw. the black Prince came to enjoy that interest here, which was setled upon him by the entail before mentioned; having granted the same to the Mayor, Bayliffs, and Commonalty thereof, to hold in Fee-ferm (for so doth that Pat. t dated at Westm. 20 Nov. 37 E. 3. import) he gave them license to enclose this City (by that name it is there called) with a wall of lime and stone embattailed, to hold to them, their heirs and successours, of him the before specified Prince and his heirs for ever. Whereupon, the next ensuing year, these good men of Coventre, considering with themselves the great charge that would be required in thus fortifying the Town, obtained license u (3 Nov.) from the K. to tax all the Tradesmen and Inhabitants thereof, according to their estates and faculties; and to collect all such sums of money as should be levyed for that pur∣pose. For effecting whereof accordingly, the Mayor and Bayliffs then being, with Thomas de Nassyng∣••on, Will. Wolfe, and Will. Corby, were appoin∣ted Assessors: out of which tax were excepted w the lands and goods of all Ecclesiastick per∣sons.

And to the end, that the great charge, which they were to undergo in making these walls, might be the better born amongst them, the K. being very desirous to further the work, granted a Com∣mission x (dated 3 Iulii, 40 of his reign) unto the Mayor and Bayliffs then being, together with VVil. Catesby, Nich. Michell, VVill. Botoner, Ric. de Stoke, Henry de Dovedale, and Iohn del Tofte, giving them power to levy and receive these customs following, viz. of every tun of wine 2 s. of every quarter of malt 4 d. of every Ox 4 d. of every Hog and Calf a peny, and every Sheep a farthing, sold in this Town for the space of 5 years then next ensuing, towards the alleviating their charge. But this assessment much pinching the Victuallers, about 4 years after they made a grie∣vous complaint to the K. alledging, that they were almost undone by it. Whereupon, by his Pat. y dated 14 Febr. 44 of his reign, he revoked the former Commission; commanding nevertheless, that the Merchants and other rich men should be taxed with the meaner sort, according to their se∣veral abilities towards the support of that cost in building those walls.

That Coventre then flourish'd very much, may

be discerned by so great and costly a work as this of the Walls, Gates, and Towers still remaining, and second to none in England, appears to be: as also by that incomparable structure of St. Mi∣chael's steeple, begun z in ann. 1373. 47 E. 3. Henry Clerke being Mayor, and finished a in ann. 1395. 18 R. 2. the year of Richard Lichfeild's Mayoralty. Neither did it want any advantage that by the K. favour could well be had: for, to the end that they might securely enjoy all those liberties and priviledges granted by K. H. 2. H. 3. Edw. 2. and E. 3. which are together contained in the Charters b of 15 and 20 c of E. 3. K. Ric. 2. in 1 of his reign, made them an ample confir∣mation d: and not onely so, but in the same year did constitute e Iohn Percy, Adam Botoner, Henry de Keel, Simon de Lichfeld, Iohn de Herd∣wyke, and Iohn Toftes, Justices for conservation of the peace within the Town of Coventre, with power to hear and determine matters of felony and trespass. And moreover, was out of his Princely goodness so indulgent to them, that by his Pat. f dated 4 Maii, 8 of his reign, he ratified the Charter of license made by K. Edw. his Grand∣father in 37 E. 3. for building and embattailing the walls: and thereby granted them liberty to dig as much stone in his Park of Cheylesmore, as should suffice for so much of them as includes the Mannour-house of Cheylesmore, with the making of one Gate near the said park adjoyning to the House of Friers-minors (which is now called the Gray-frier-yate. And likewise, that towards the support of that charge, the Mayor and Bayliff, should for the space of 5 years then next ensuing, have his Ferm of sealing woollen cloaths here, to the value of xxiiii l. sterling.

And in 11 of his reign, vouchsafed such free∣dome g to the Mayors, after that time to be elected there, that they should not go before the Barons of his Exchequer for to take their oathes: neither h that the Mayor, nor any of the Commonalty should from thenceforth be put to collect Tenths, Fifteens, or other taxes out of the compass of the Town. And in 15 of his reign bestow'd i upon them as much stone out of his Quarries in the park at Cheylesmore, as served to build the great Gate in Spon-street near his Chappel of Babelake. And lastly, towards the end of his reign, by the assent and mature deliberation with his Councel, (as the words of his Charter k import) did he grant and confirm to the said Mayor, Bayliffs, &c. and their succ••ssours, that they might make improve∣ment and commodity of all the Gates, Towers, Walls and Bridges about the Town; and of what∣soever purprestures, as well in lands as waters, made or to be made: as also of all the wast ground within the following limits•• viz. from Iabets-Ash to the Mill called Nassyngtons-milne; and from thence to the corner of the stone wall of Cheyles∣more park: and from thence by the wall and pale of the park to Baroneswell; and thence to the house of Iohn atte Yate; and so, leaving the Mannour and Pa••k of Cheylesmore, with the Church of the Friers-minors on the left hand, from thence to the corner of Crabtree-feild; and so under Crabtree-feild by a certain high way unto Spon-Church; thence to Dudmanes-well; and thence to the Church and Churchyard of St. Nich. thence to Bottescrosse: thence to Harnall-qua∣relle; thence to Gosford-green, and Iabets-Ash before mentioned. All which was so given to them towards the repair of their walls, and payment of the Fee-ferm, and other charges incident unto them.

By which Patent the Mayor, Recorder, and 4 of the most substantial Inhabitants, had power to enquire of, hear, and determine all causes and complaints that might concern the office of Justices of peace touching Labourers and Artificers; so that the Justices within the County of Warwick should not intermeddle in this Town nor the Suburbs thereof in any of those cases. And that they the said Mayor, Bayliffs, &c. should have the benefit of all fines, issues and profits accruing by their said Justiceship, as fully as any of their pre∣decessours ever had; with all other customs and priviledges granted to them by the same K. pro∣genitors.

The next observable passage relating to this City, is, that in 21 R. 2. the lists were here ap∣pointed and set, for deciding that difference by combat, which was betwixt Henry D. of Heref. and Iohn D. of Norf. the K. himself being then present. The coming of which Dukes according∣ly, viz. the D. of Hereford from Baginton-castle, and Norfolk from Caludon, I have in those places already toucht.

But in K. H. 4. time, I find nothing memorable, excepting that the K. held a Parliament l here in ann. 1404. 6 of his reign; the place m of that Convention being a great Chamber in the Priory. Wherunto, by special precept to the Shiriffs in their several Counties, no Lawyer, nor any person skilled in the Laws, was to come: which Parliament was ever since called Parliamentum indoctorum: and well it might be so; forn these, taking into con∣sideration the K. supply with money for defence of the Realm, in respect of the then imminent danger from the Scots, Welsh, &c. concluded to do it by devesting the Church of its temporal pos∣sessions. Whereupon there grew a hot contest be∣twixt the Clergy and Laity; the Kts. for the Shires alledging, that they had often served the K. in person against his Enemies, spent their estates•• and exposed themselves to manifold perils, whil'st the Clergy sate idle at home, and stood him in no stead. To whom the Archb. of Cant. answered, that the Clergy had assisted as much as they, by giving Tenths as often as they gave Fifteens; and that their Tenants, for the number of fees they held, did personally serve in the wars as well as theirs: And that, besides all this, they were not wanting, day nor night, by Masses and Prayers to implore Gods blessing for the K. and all that ser∣ved him. But the Speaker of the Commons (Sir Iohn Cheyne by name) with a stern countenance said, that he valued not the prayers of the Church. Whereupon the Archb. replyed, that it might easily be seen what would become of the Kingdome, when devout addresses to God, wherewith his Divine Majestie was pleased, were set so light by. Much ado there was; but to conclude, the worthy Archb. (viz. Tho. Arundell) standing stoutly for the good of the Church, preserv'd it at that time from the storm impending.

Coventre being thus grown to such a height of splendour by those strong and high walls, with so many beautifull Gates, stately Turrets, and other eminent Buildings, as also by the priviledges and liberties granted thereto from so many Kings; and now of late honoured with the K. presence in his Parl. there held (as I have said) raised no little

joy in the hearts of its wealthy Merchants, as may appear by what I am about to say; who shew'd themselves no niggards of their riches there ac∣quired, further to promote the glory thereof: For in 6 H. 5. I find o, that Iohn Leder, and Iohn Esterton, both of Coventre, gave no less than 20 mess. Iohn Preston one mess. and 20 s. rent: and the said Iohn Leder, Ric. Southam, Laurence Cook, and Will. Dilcock, 25 mess. 27 acres of land, and 13 s. rent, all lying within the precincts of Coventre, to the Mayor and Commonalty thereof, and their successours, towards the support of such charges as they were like to undergo for the publick affairs of this place. And in p 2 H. 6. Will. Babington, and Will. Botoner, taking into con∣sideration the charge in repair of those Walls, and other necessary disbursments for the general ad∣vantage of this Corporation, bestow'd another messuage on the said Mayor and Commonalty, and their successours, for the uses abovesaid. At which time the said K. confirm'd q unto them the Charter of K. Edw. 3. for the Mayor and Bayliffs, with other their liberties and jurisdictions.

But above all the favours vouchsafed by former Kings, that of the same K. H. 6. in 30 of his reign, must have precedence: which K. ob specia∣lem & internam affectionem, quam erga Civita∣tem sive Villam nostram de Coventre; ac Majo∣rem, Balliv••••, & Communitatem ejusdem Civita∣tis, sive Villae, gerimus, &c. (for those are the words of his Charter r) granted, that the said City with the Villages and Hamlets of Radford, Kere∣sley, Folkeshull, Eccleshale, Anesty, Calwedon, Wykene, Henley, la Wode-end, Stoke, Byg∣gyng, Whitteley, Pynley, Asthull, Horewell, Harnhale, and Whaberley; as also part of Sow, and that part of Styvichale lying within the li∣berties of Coventre; all which were within the precincts of the County of Warwick, should, from the feast of St. Nicholas (viz. 6 Dec.) next en∣suing the date of his said Charter, be an entire County of it self, incorporate both in deed and name, distinct and altogether separate from the said County of Warr. for ever, and no parcel of the same County; but from thenceforth called the County of the City of Coventre for ever. And that the Mayor and Bayliffs of the said City should thenceforth also for ever be elected at the same time and place, and according to the same manner and form as they had used to be in the reign of K. Edw. 3. of famous memory, by vertue of his Letters Pat. or in the time of any of the K. pro∣genitors. And that the Bayliffs of the said City, from the morrow after the feast-day of S. Nic. then next ensuing, should be Shiriffs of the County of the said City for ever: and yet nevertheless, that they should still execute the office of Bayliffs ac∣cording to the form and effect of the franchises and liberties granted by any of his said progeni∣tors, and before that time used. And that they which were to be Shiriffs of the said City, as aforesaid, should in all future times after they had that office, take their oaths before the Mayor for the time being, and no other, and in the Guild-hall of the said City, and not elswhere, according to due form, for the just and faithfull execution of that office within the County of the said City. And that the Mayor for the time being, by his Letters P. t. under the Seal of his Office, should forthwith certifie into the K. Court of Chancery the names of such Shiriffs so sworn as aforesaid: which Shiriffs once every month, upon the Tuesday, should hold a Court for ever; execu∣ting all such power and jurisdiction within their liberties as other Shiriffs within their Bayliwicks use to do; all Writs and Precepts, for the future, to be directed to them that had used to be directed to the Shiriffs of Warwicksh. and executed by them in case the said City and Hamlets had not been so made a County of it self. Which Shiriffs should annually make their accounts in the Ex∣chequer before the Lord Treasurer and Barons, or before the Barons, touching the issues of their said office, or by their Atturneys.

And moreover, that the Coroner of the said City, and his successors, should thenceforth be Coroners of the County of the said City for ever; and execute that office in as ample manner as any other Coroner within any County of the Realm had used to do. And that the said Coroners for the time being, should be also Clerks for taking Recognizances of debts there, according to the form of the Statute for Merchants made and provided, the lesser part of the Seal for taking such Recognizances to be alwaies in their custody.

And further, by the same Charter did the said K. grant, that the Mayor and his successours within the said City and Hamlets, should exercise the office of Clerke of the Market there; and levy and receive all issues and profits arising thereby, to the use of them the said Mayor, Bayliffs and Commonalty of the said City for ever: As also the office of Steward and Marshall of the K. Houshold. And lastly, that they the said Mayor, Bayliffs and Commonalty, with all the Inhabi∣tants of this City, should be free from Toll, passage, pontage, murage, and pavage, for all their goods and merchandize throughout the whole Realm of England and Ireland, and enjoy whatsoever pri∣viledges and franchises they or any of their pre∣decessours had used to do. Which ample Charter bears date at Westm. 26 Nov. 30 of his reign, and was confirm'd s by K. Edw. 4.

Having thus shew'd by what degrees Coventre arrived to this height of greatness and freedome, I will proceed with what I have further found rela∣ting thereto, in general: whereof the first which is remarkable, was that Parl. t in 38 H. 6. wherein Ric. D. of York, Ric. E. of Salisbury, Ric. E. of Warwick, with Edw. E. of March (afterwards K. by the name of E. 4.) and many others, were at∣tainted; the Lords House being u then in the Chapter-house of the Priory: which Parliament by some of our Hist. is called Parliamentum dia∣bolicum, the Acts made in it being nulled by the succeeding Parl. Next, that in 7 E. 4. the K. and Qu. kept their Christmass here: and in 9 E. 4. that Ric. Widvile E. Rivers, with Iohn his son, were beheaded w upon Gosford-green, on the East part of this City. But how the same K. Edw. was afterwards foyled by the Lancastrians, and forc'd to fly beyond Sea, and of his landing in Holder∣nesse, ann. 1470. 10 E. 4. I refer to the relation of our Historians, and shall prosecute the men∣tioning of what else concerns this place; which is, that the K. being also landed and advanced to York, Ric. E. of Warwick (then turn'd to the other side) came x hither from London upon Mid∣lent Sunday, and brought with him store of Ordnance, and other warlike provisions, staying here till after Palm-sunday, within which time K. Edw. came y to Leicester,z and thence to Combe-Abby,

[illustration]

and on the morrow to a Coventre towns end: but finding that the E. of Warwick kept this City against him, he passed by, and lodging at Warwick that night, marcht thence to London. After which it was not long ere he met with his enemies near Barnet, and vanquisht them, where the stout E. of Warwick lost his life: So that K. Edw. by this Victory, and that near Tewksbury shortly after, having utterly subdued all his oppo∣sers, came b to Coventre; and remembring the dis∣loyalty of these Citizens in adhering to the E. of Warwick against him, took c the Sword from the Mayor (whose name at that time was Iohn Bett) seizing d their liberties and franchises; whereupon they gave e 500 marks fine for the re-enjoyment of them, and render of the Sword. Touching which Sword, the first mention that I find, is in 7 R. 2. viz. that it was then carryed f after the Mayor (whose name was Ianyn Deister) but in 11 R. 2. before g the Mayor, scil. Iohn Tofte; and so (for ought I have seen to the contrary) hath been ever since. About 4 years after which reconciliation so made with K. E. 4. I find, that he came with his Q. to Coventre, and kept h S. George's feast there (ann. 1474. 14 E. 4.) the Prince having come before him, and received i a present of C l. and a Cup from the Citizens, at which time he was one of the Godfathersk to the Mayors child.

The next thing of note is, that l K. H. 7. after that signal Victory at Bosworth-field, where R. 3. was slain, came hither with his Army, and lodg'd at the Mayors house (by name Robert Onley) whom he Knighted; at which time the City presented him with C l. and a Cup.

Notes

• m

  Chron. M S. Ioh. Rous in bibl. Cot∣ton p. 120.
• n

  Ib. p. 121
• o

  Ingulph f. 507. a. n. 30. R. Hov. f. 25••. a.
• p

  Ingul. f. 507. n. 30. & 40.
• q

  Rog. Hov. f. 25. b. n. 20.
• r

  Rog. Hov. f. 25. b. n. 20.
• s

  Ib. f. 251. b. n. 50.
• t

  W. Malm f. 44. b. n. 40
• u

  Hist. M S. H. Knighton in bibl. Cotton. f. 8. a.
• w

  Ib. f. 10. a.
• x

  W. Malm f. 44. b. n. 30.
• y

  Ingul. f. 507. b.
• z

  Ib. f. 519. a. n. 30.
• a

  Ib. f. 519. a. n. 30.
• b

  Ib. f. 510. b. n. 10.
• c

  Hist. M S. Joh. Tinemuth. in bibl. Bodl. lib. 18. Cap. 99.
• Vide M. Westm. in an. 1057.
• d

  f. 13. a.
• e

  Hist. M S. I. Tinem. ut suprà Regist. de Euesh in bibl. Cotton. f. 26. a. R. Hov. f. 254. b. n. 50. & 255. a.
• f

  Reg. de Burton pe∣nès Will. D. Pager.
• g

  R. Hov. f. 254. b. n. 50.
• h

  R. Hov. f. 254. b. n. 50.
• i

  W. Malm. f. 44. b. n. 40.
• k

  Ingul. f. 507. a. n. 50.
• l

  Ord. vit. p. 511. a.
• m

  Regist. Abb. de Eyn∣sham penès. D & Cap. Eccl. Cath. Christi Oxon. f. 10. a
• n

  Regist. Abb. de Eyn∣sham penès. D. & Cap. Eccl. Cath. Christi Oxon. f. 10. a
• o

  Domes∣day lib.
• p

  Ib.
• a

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• b

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• c

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• d

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• e

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• f

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• g

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• h

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• i

  Ingul. p. 507. b.
• k

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• l

  Ord. vit. p. 511. b.
• m

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• n

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• o

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. Wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• p

  Ex vet. M S. ad cal∣cem Flor. wigorn. M S. pe∣nès Jac. Archiep. Armach.
• a

  Plac. de ••anco 10. H. 3. Rot. 1 in dorso Linc.
• q

  Plac. coram R. a∣pud Westm. T. Hil. 14. R. 2. Rot. 20. Warr.
• r

  Plac. coram R. a∣pud Westm. T. Hil. 14. R. 2. Rot. 20. Warr.
• t

  Plac. coram R. a∣pud Westm. T. Hil. 14. R. 2. Rot. 20. Warr.
• u

  Ord. vit. p. 313. C. & 871. A.
• b

  Plac. coram Rege ut suprà.
• d

  Plac. coram Rege ut suprà.
• e

  Plac. coram Rege ut suprà.
• f

  Plac. coram Rege ut suprà.
• k

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• p

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• l

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• q

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• m

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• n

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• r

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• s

  Claus. 25. H. 3. m. 1.
• o

  Hist. aurea Ioh. Tine∣muth. M S. in bibl. Bodl. Cap. 7.
• g

  Plac. coram Rege ut suprà.
• t

  Math. P. p. 313. l. 17.
• u

  Pat. 28. H. 3. m. 12.
• w

  Pat. 28. H. 3. m. 12.
• x

  Pat. 28. H. 3. m. 12.
• y

  Pat. 28. H. 3. m. 12.
• z

  Pat. 28. H. 3. m. 12.
• h

  Plac. coram Rege ut suprà.
• i

  Plac. coram Rege ut suprà.
• Regist. Pr. de Coven∣tre f. 76. a.
• w

  Plac. coram R. a∣pud Westm T. Hil. 14. R. 2. Rot. 20. Warr.
• x

  Ib. p. 870 A.
• y

  Ib. p. 783. C. D.
• z

  Ex Car∣tul. domi∣norum Bas∣set penès Will. Vic. Staff. f. 67. ••••
• s

  Plac. coram R. a∣pud Westm. T. Hil. 14. R. 2. Rot. 20. Warr.
• q

  H. Hunt. f. 210. a. n. 20.
• r

  R. Hov. f. 255. a. n. 10.
• s

  Ingul. f. 511. a.
• t

  Ingul. f. 511. a.
• u

  M S. ad calcem Hist. M S. Flor. Wigorn. penès Ar∣chiep. Ar∣mach.
• w

  Ord. vit. p. 820. B. 821. A. 876. C.
• x

  Ord. vit. p. 820. B. 821. A. 876. C.
• y

  Rot. P. 5. Steph. Li••••.
• z

  Reg. Pr. de Cov. f. 75. b.
• a

  W. Gemet. p. 313. C.
• b

  R. Hov. s. 280. b. Gesta R. Steph. p. 972. A.
• c

  Ib. B.
• d

  Ex vet. membr. in baga de di∣vers. Inq. penès Ca∣mer. Scacc.
• e

  Chron. MS. in bibl. Bodl. [K. 84.] f. 27. a.
• f

  Rot. P. 21. H. 2.
• g

  Rot. P. 28. H. 2.
• h

  Ex ipso autog. penès Majorem & Com. Civit. Cov.
• i

  Ib. & Cart. 51. H. 3. m. 1••. pe•• Inspex. & Pat. 2. H. 6. p. 2. m. 21.
• k

  Claus. 2. H. 3. m. 11.
• l

  Rot. F. 17. H. 3. m. 8.
• m

  Rot. F. 18. H. ••. m. 11.
• n

  p. 60••. l. 29. &c.
• o

  p. 60••. l. 29. &c.
• p

  p. 60••. l. 29. &c.
• q

  Plac. cora•• R. T. Pasch. 6. E. ••. Rot. 88. Norff.
• r

  Plac. cora•• R. T. Pasch. 6. E. ••. Rot. 88. Norff.
• s

  Plac. cora•• R. T. Pasch. 6. E. ••. Rot. 88. Norff.
• t

  Plac. cora•• R. T. Pasch. 6. E. ••. Rot. 88. Norff.
• u

  Pat. 28. H. 3. m. 11.
• w

  Com. de T. Hill. 31. E. 1. Rot. 1. Norff.
• x

  Cart. 30. H. 3. m. 10.
• y

  M. Pa∣ris. p. 773. l. 31. Cart. 22. E. 3. n 6. per Inspex••
• z

  M. Pa∣ris. p. 773. l. 31. Cart. 22. E. 3. n 6. per Inspex••
• a

  M. Pa∣ris. p. 773. l. 31. Cart. 22. E. 3. n 6. per Inspex••
• b

  3. sept. Mich.
• c

  Cart. 22. E. 3. n. 6. per Insp.
• d

  Cron. E∣vesh. MS. in biblioth. Bodl. [K. 84.] f. 65. ••.
• e

  Esc. 3. E. 1.
• f

  Ex autog. ad Abb. de Ba••ingw. quondam spect.
• g

  Pat. 13. E. 1. m. 8.
• h

  Pat. 33: E. 1. p. 2. m. 23.
• i

  Rot. de Num. vill. in Scacc. p••nès. Rem. R.
• k

  F. de div. Com. le∣vat. 3. sept. P. 1. E. 3. Record. oct. T. 2. E. 3.
• l

  Pat. 1. E. 3. p. 2. m. 26. Claus. 3. E. 3. m. 2.
• m

  Cart. 22. E. 3. n. 6. per Inspex.
• n

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 1. E. 3. n. 7.
• o

  Claus. 11. E. 3. p. 2. in dorso m. 4.
• p

  Cart. 18. E. 3. n. 19.
• q

  Cart. 19. E. 3. n. 13.
• r

  Pat. 21. E. 3. p. 3. m. 21.
• s

  Pat. 50. E. 3. p. 1. m. 36.
• t

  Th. Wals. p. 12. n. 10.
• u

  Esc. 50. E. 3. n. 70.
• w

  Rot. F. 8. R. 2. m. 23.
• x

  Pat. 8. R. 2. p. 2. m. 15.
• y

  Pat. 11. R. 2. p. 2 E. 20.
• z

  Pat. 9. H. 5. p. 2. m. 3.
• a

  Pat. 16. H. 8. p. 1.
• b

  Pat. 3. E. 6. p. 7.
• e

  Ex In∣scrip. lami∣nis aen••i •• aula S. M••∣riae Cor.
• f

  Pat. 10. Eliz. p. ••.
• g

  Ex In∣scrip. su∣pradict.
• h

  Pat. 2. E. 3. p. 1. m. 3.
• i

  With a rampire of earth, as I think.
• k

  Pat. 6. E. 3. p. 3. m. 8.
• l

  Cart. 8. E. 3. n. 46.
• m

  Rot. F. 8. E. 3. m. 7. in cedula.
• n

  Rot. F. 14. E. 3. m. 8.
• o

  Cart. 18. E. 3. n. 3.
• p

  Cart. 18. E. 3. n. 3.
• q

  Ex vet. Catal. M••••jorum Cov. penès Joh. Hales, ar.
• r

  An. 1347. 21 E. 3.
• s

  Ex prae••a∣to Catalogo.
• t

  Pat. 37. E. 3. p. 2. m. 20.
• u

  Pat. 38. E. 3. p. 2. m. 32.
• w

  Claus. 39 E. 3. m. 12.
• x

  Pat. 40. E. 3. p. 1. m. 9.
• y

  Pat. 44. E. 3. p. 1. m. 29.
• z

  Ex prae∣fato Catal. Majo∣rum.
• a

  Ex prae∣fato Catal. Majo∣rum.
• b

  Cart. 15. E. 3. n. 15.
• c

  Cart. 20. E. 3. n. 16.
• d

  Cart. 1. & 2. R. 2. n. 14.
• e

  Claus. 1. R. 2. in dorso, m. 35.
• f

  Pat. 8. R. 2. p. 2. m. 15.
• g

  Pat. 11. R. 2. p. 1. m. 33.
• h

  Ib. m. 29.
• i

  Pat. 15. R. 2. p. 1. m. 4.
• k

  Cart. 21, 22, 23, R. 2. n. 4.
• Gosford-green.
• l

  Th. Wals. p. 412. n. 3••
• m

  Rot. Parl. 6 H. 4.
• n

  Th. Wals. ut supra.
• o

  Pat. 6. H. 5. p. 2. m. 22.
• p

  Pat. 2. H. 6. p. 1. m. 35.
• q

  Pat. 2. H. 6. p. 2. m. 21.
• r

  Cart. ab an. 27. ns{que} 39 H. 6. n. 29.
• s

  Pat. 2. E. 4. p. 3. m. 22.
• t

  Ex catal. Majorum praecitato.
• u

  Rot. Parl. 38 H. 6. n. 10.
• Holinsh. Cron. p. 651.
• w

  Ex prae∣fato Catal. Majorum.
• x

  Ibid.
• y

  Ibid.
• z

  Ibid.
• a

  Ibid.
• b

  Ib.
• c

  Ib.
• d

  Ib.
• e

  Ib.
• f

  Ib.
• g

  Ib.
• h

  Ib.
• i

  Ib.
• k

  Ib.
• l

  Ib.