Historical antiquities, in two books the first treating in general of Great-Brettain and Ireland : the second containing particular remarks concerning Cheshire / faithfully collected out of authentick histories, old deeds, records, and evidences, by Sir Peter Leycester, Baronet ; whereunto is annexed a transcript of Doomsday-book, so far as it concerneth Cheshire, taken out of the original record.

Barons of Halton.

I. Nigell, the first Baron of Halton after the com∣ing

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

in of the Normans: The ancient Roll saith thus: —Cùm Hugone Comite venit quidam Nobilis, nomine Nigellus; & cùm isto Nigello venerunt quinque Fratres, videlicèt, Hudardus, Edardus, Wolmerus, Horswine, & Wolfaith: Dictus verò Comes Cestriae dedit praefato Ni∣gello Baroniam de Halton, ad quam pertinent novem Feoda Militum, & dimidium, & quarta pars unius Feodi, & quinta pars unius Feodi, nomine Constabula∣rii Cestriae; & fecit eum Mareschallum suum, ità quod quandò dictus Hugo Comes exercitum suum mitteret in Walliam, dictus Nigellus & Haeredes sui in eundo prae∣cederent, & in redeundo cùm exercitu ultimi remanerent. Lib. C. fol. 84. & ob hanc causam dedit praefatus Hugo Comes dicto Nigello duo Feoda Militum in Englefeld* 1.1 citrà Rothland; & illam terram tenuerunt praefatus Nigellus & Haeredes sui asquè ad tem∣pus Rogeri Hell. Monasticon Anglicanum, 2 Pars, pag. 187.

This Nigell, if we may believe Pecham in his Compleat Gentleman, pag. 189. was the Son of Ivo (Vice-Comes or Governor of Constantia in Normandy) by Emme Sister to Adam Earl of Bretagne: Sed quaere.

Nigellus Vice-Comes Constantiensis in Normanniâ Coenobium Sancti Salvatoris construxit: Monasticon, 2 Pars, pag. 950. b. He killed the Forces sent into Normandy by King Ethelred, as they came on Shore out of their Ships, about the Year 1004. Willielmus Gemeticensis, lib. 4. cap. 4. Quaere if of this Family.

The Office of Constable of Cheshire was an Office of especial Trust, as in whom was reposed the Charge and Disposing of all the Soldiers, Horse, Armor, and other Provision for War, through the whole County: We now call the like Office Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire: And I do conceive that William, Son of this Nigell, was the first that was made Constable of Cheshire.

Certain it is, This Nigell Baron of Halton had two Sons, William and Richard, as appears by the Charter of the Foundation of the Abby of St. Werburge in Chester, by Hugh Lupus* 1.2, 1093. and also the Charter of Confirmation to the said Abby, by Earl Richard† 1.3, Anno 1119. Unto both which Charters these two Brothers are Wit∣nesses.

II. William Son of Nigell was the second Baron of Halton, and Constable of Cheshire.

Anno 1086. I find in Doomsday-book that this William held these Towns in Cheshire under Hugh Earl of Chester, to wit,

• In Cestre Hundred.
  • ...Newton,
  • Lee, one half.
  • Bruge, one half.
• In Dudestan Hundred.
  • ...Clutton.
• In Riseton Hundred.
  • ...Barrow.
• In Wilaweston Hundred.
  • Neston, one half.
  • Rabie, one half.
  • ...Capeles, id est, Capenhurst.
  • ...Berneston.
• ...

• [illustration] blazon or coat of arms
  In Mildest-vich Hundred.
  • Goostrey, one half.
  • ...Lache.
• In Hamstan Hundred.
  • Over-Alderley, one Half.
• In Bucklow Hundred.
  • Warburton, one half.
  • ...Millington.
  • ...Knotsford.
  • ...Over-Tabley.
  • Nether-Pever, one half.
  • Tatton, one half.
• In Tunendon Hundred.
  • ...Halton.
  • ...Weston.
  • ...Aston.
  • ...Norton.
  • ...Endley.
  • Dutton, a part only.
  • ...Little Legh.
  • ...Aston juxtà Budworth.
  • ...Great Budworth.
  • ...Whitley.

This William Fitz-Nigell Founded a Priory at Runcorne, Anno Domini 1133. 33 Hen. 1. Monasticon Anglicanum, 2 Pars, pag. 187.

He gave Newton near Chester to the Monastery of St. Werburge in Chester, together with the Service of Hugh Son of Hudard (that was Hugh de Dutton) of four Oxgangs of Land, and the Service of Wiceline of two Ox∣gangs, Anno 1119. Vide supra, pag. 117.

William Fitz-Nigell, Constable of Cheshire, died about the end of Henry the First's Reign, and was Buried at Chester. He had Issue William Constable junior; Agnes mar∣ried Eustace Fitz-John, a Great Baron of the Realm; and Maud married Aubert de Grelley. Monasticon Anglicanum, 2 Pars, pag. 798, 799. Lib. B. pag. 202. num. 18.

III. William Constable of Cheshire, junior, Son of William, was the third Baron of Halton.

He removed the Canons of Runcorn to Norton, as may appear by this Deed, which I found Copied out with many others belonging to Norton Priory, in a long Parch∣ment Roll, of a very ancient Character, remaining among the Evidences of Dutton, 1665.

IN Nomine Patris, & Filii, & Spiritus Sancti, Amen. Ego Willielmus Constabularius Cestriae, Filius Willielmi Constabularii, Filii Nigelli, Do & Concedo Ecclesiae Sanctae Mariae de Norton, & Canonicis ibidèm Deo Regularitèr Servientibus, eandem Nortonam in Elemosynam cùm omnibus ad eam pertinentibus, in nemore, cùm Forestâ & Warrennâ, in Plano, in Agris, in Pascuis, in Aquis. Et rogatu & Consilio Rogeri Cestrensis Episcopi, & Consilio hominum meorum, muto habitationem Canonicorum de Runcornâ in Nortonam: Quam Nortonam do & concedo Canonicis in Elemosynam & Escambium trium Carucarum terrae in Stannings, & unius Carucatae & dimidii in Astona; & in Escambium totius Run∣cornae, praetèr Ecclesiam & quatuor Bovatas terrae & unam Piscariam quae vocatur Pulceorpa, quae ad Ecclesiam ipsius Runcorne pertinet, quae Ecclesia praedictorum. Canonicorum est: Do etiàm eis & concedo Molendinum de Haltonâ, & mediatatem omnium Piscariarum quae ad Haltonam pertinent: Communitatem etiàm nemorum, Pascuorum, & Aquarum, ad Halto∣nam pertinentium, eis & hominibus suis concedo; & duas Bovatas terrae in Haltonâ cùm unâ Mansurâ; & medietatem totius Piscariae meae de Thelwall, & unam Bovatam terrae ibidèm cùm Piscatore: Et duas Bovatas in Wydneis, cùm Communitate nemorum & Pascuo∣rum, quae ad Pultonam pertinent, sibi & hominibus suis in Wydneis manentibus: Concedo & Communitatem nemorum & Pascuorum de Cuerdleiâ, & Molendinum de Barrow, & duas partes Dominicarum Decimarum in eâdem Villâ; & duas partes Dominicarum Decimarum in Suttonâ; & similitèr in Stanney, & in Rabie, & in Stanings; & unam Mansionem in Cestriâ; & Ecclesiam de Buddewurth, & Ecclesiam de Dunintonâ, & Decimam Molendini

ejusdem Villae, & unam Carucatam terrae in Dominio in eâdem Villâ, & in ipsâ Parochiâ Waver Toft, quod deputatur pro dimidiâ Carucatâ terrae, in Leycestershiriâ; & Eclesiam de Radeclivâ, & quartam partem Molendinorum, & decimas reliquarum trium partium in eâ∣dem Villâ & Ecclesiam de Cneshall, & Decimam Molendinorum quae ad eandem Villam pertinent, quae sunt juxtà Sitellam; & Decimam Molendini de Alretonâ: & Ecclesiam de Burtonâ in Lindeseiâ; & Ecclesiam de Piritonâ in Oxenfordshirâ Omnia autèm, quae ab hominibus meis data sunt, vel in posterùm danda sunt, pro salute Animarum eorum concedo. Haec autèm feci Suggerente & Confirmante Rogero Cestrensi Episcopo, & Consensu Ranulfi Comitis Junioris, pro salute Hugonis Comitis, & Ricardi Comitis, & Ranulfi Comitis, & pro salute Animae meae & Uxoris meae, & pro salute Animae Patris mei & Matris meae, & Fratrum, & Sororum, & omnium Antecessorum meorum & Successorum. Hanc autèm Ele∣mosynam ità ab omnibus Servitiis & Consuetudinibus, placitis & querelis, liberam & solutam concedo, sicùt ulla Elemosyna liberior & solutior concedi debet vel potest: Quicunque verò hanc Elemosynam adauxerit vel manutenuerit, per Participationem illius Ecclesiae Beneficio∣rum consequatur Regna Coelorum: Qui vero hanc in aliquo violaverit, vel infringere tenta∣verit, cùm Judâ & Pilato, cùm Dathan & Abyron, in inferno puniatur, nsi ad emendatio∣nem venerit. Testibus Willielmo Capellano, Rogero de Angervillâ, Alfredo Humfridi Fi∣lio, Nigello Ansgoti Filio, Roberto Petri Filio.—Lib. B. pag. 199. num. 1.

This was made in the Reign of King Stephen.

He gave also half of Raby in Wirrall to the Abby of St. Werburge in Chester, as Sustenance anciently given thereunto by his Father: Certum námque est (so run the Words of the Deed) quod Pater meus Willielmus Constabularius dedit dimidium de Raby, quod erat in Feodo suo, Domino Abbati Ricardo, & Ecclesiae, pro tertiâ parte de Neston, quae erat antiquitùs Prebenda Sanctae Werburgae.

This William is stiled Nepos Walteri de Gant: Monast. 1 Pars, pag. 143. and his Sister Agnes stiled Agnes de Gant: Lib. C. in the Paper before fol. 84. By which it may seem, that William Son of Nigell married a Sister of Walter de Gant, and Daughter of Gilbert.

This William Constable junior died in Normandy, in the Reign of King Stephen, with∣out Issue; and so his Inheritance was divided and shared between his two Sisters and Heirs. Lib. C. fol. 85. b.

His Seal had the Impression of a Griffin, with a Serpent or Snake sucking at the Breast of the Griffin.

IV. Eustace Fitz-John, in Right of Agnes his Wife, was the fourth Baron of Hal∣ton; to whom Randle the Second, sir-named Gernouns, Earl of Chester, restored totum Honorem qui fuit Willielmi Filii Nigelli Constabularii Cestriae, in Rebus & Dignitatibus omnibus; & ipsum Eustachium constituisse haereditariè Constabularium, & Supremum Con∣siliarium post me supèr omnes Optimates & Barones totius terrae meae: Ea-proptèr volo & firmitèr praecipio, desicùt ei rectum suum reddidi, & donavi & concessi Constabulariam, & honorem integrum Constabulariae Cestriae & totius terrae meae, quòd in omnibus ei rationabili∣tèr intendatis sicut Corpori meo; as the very words of the Charter, made in the Reign of King Stephen, do run: The Original hereof, Selden in his Titles of Honor, pag. 688. tells us he hath seen, remaining (as I conceive) in Cotton's Library at Westminster in London. It is also upon Record in one of the Couchir Books in the Dutchy Office at Grays-Inn, London, Tom. 1. fol. 41. a. Comitatus Cestriae, num. 2. which I have transcribed at large in this Book suprà, Pars 3. pag. 160.

This Eustace was Son of John Monoculus, so called because he had but one Eye; which makes Hoveden to call Eustace, Luscus & Proditor nequam, A wicked Traitor with one Eye; because his Father had but one Eye, p. 483. where he tells us, That this Eustace defended the Castle of Malton in Yorkshire against King Stephen, Anno 1137. 2 Steph.

Johannes Monoculus was Brother to Serlo de Burgo sivè de Pembroke. This Serlo built Knaresburough Castle in Yorkshire; who dying without Issue, his Inheritance descended to this Eustace Fitz-John: Monasticon Anglicanum, 2 Pars, pag. 801. Johan∣nes Monoculus and Serlo were both Sons of Eustace a Norman.

Eustace Fitz-John, and Nephew and Heir to Serlo, had two Wifes: Beatrix sole

Daughter and Heir of Ivo de Vescy was the first Wife of Eustace, by whom he had the Baronies of Malton and Alnwick, and by her had Issue William de Vescy, who assumed the Sir-name and Arms of Vescy, which his Posterity retained: Monasticon, 2 Pars, pag. 801.

Agnes, Sister and Co-heir to William Constable of Cheshire the younger, was second Wife of Eustace Fitz-John; by whom he had Issue Richard Constable of Cheshire: Mo∣nasticon, 2 Pars, pag. 799. Which Agnes, with Eustace her Husband, Founded a Nun∣nery at Watton in Yorkshire. Ibid. pag. 798, 799.

Eustace Fitz-John (saith Pecham in his Compleat Gentleman, pag. 189.) by the consent of Agnes his first Wife Founded the Monastery of Watton in Yorkshire; and by the Consent of Beatrix his second Wife Founded the Abbies of Malton and Alnwick, and the Hospital of Broughton: Where he calls Agnes first Wife of Eustace, contrary to Cambden in his Britanniâ, pag. 588. in Yorkshire; and to Monasticon, 2 Pars, pag. 801. where Agnes is said to be the second Wife, and so probably she was.

[Obiit 1157] This Eustace Fitz-John was slain in Battel against the Welsh, together with Robert Curcy, and many others, 3 Hen. 2. 1157. Stow in his Annals. And VVillielmus Neubri∣gensis, lib. 2. cap. 5. pag. 100. speaking of this Battel with the VVelsh, saith,—Ibique Eustachius Johannis Filius, Vir Magnus & Grandaevus, atquè inter Primos Angliae Proceres divitiarum & Sapientiae titulis refulgens, cùm Roberto de Curcy aequè Nobili Viro aliisque pluribus interiit.

V. Richard Constable of Cheshire, Son of Eustace and Agnes, succeeded his Father in the Barony of Halton.

In the beginning of the Reign of Henry the Second he held one Knights Fee in Smathe in the County of York: Ex Libro Rubro Scaccarii VVestmonasteriensis.

He married Albreda, or Awbrey, Daughter and Heir of Robert de Lizours, and Sister by the Mother, id est, Half Sister, to Robert Lacy Baron of Pomfret Castle in Yorkshire, commonly call'd Pontefract, who made her his Heir also, because he had no other so near allied unto him: In whose Right her Posterity enjoy'd sexaginta Feoda Militum, sixty Knights Fees, of the Honor of Pomfret: undè illa, post Roberti de Lacy mortem, utrámque Hereditatem, Fraternam de Lacy, & Paternam de Lizours occupavit. These are the Words of the Book of Stanlaw Monastery, saith Cambden in his Britannia, pag. 566. of the last Edition, Printed 1607.

And here I cannot pass by the mistake of Pecham in the Place before cited, where he calls this Aubrey Daughter of Eudo de Lizours, when I find her Fathers Name plainly recorded to be Robert de Lizours, in a Fine levied at VVinchester 21 die Aprilis, 5 Rich. 1. 1194. Couchir Book in the Dutchy Office at Grays Inn, Tom. 2. pag. 110. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke, num. 1. Of which Fine I shall have occasion to speak more fully, when I come to Roger Lacy the seventh Baron of Halton. See also Monasticon Anglicanum, 2 Pars, pag. 188. lineâ 18. a.

Richard Fitz-Eustace had Issue by Aubrey his Wife John, who succeeded Constable of Cheshire; Robert the Hospitaller, id est, of the Hospital of St. John of Hierusalem in England, the Grand Priory being at Jerusalem; Mary* 2.1 married Robert de Aldford; and Awbrey married to Henry Bysset: Lib. C. fol. 85. b. & le Paper antè, fol. 66. c.

Pecham tells us of another Son, called Roger, Lord of VVarkworth in Northumber∣land, from whom are descended the ancient Barons of Clavering, the Baron Evers, and Sir John Clavering of Caloley in Northumberland: But quaere of this Roger, whether he were the Son of this Richard Fitz-Eustace; I find another Family called Constables, des∣cended from the Constables of Glocester; and that Milo Constable had Issue Roger, Henry, VValter, Matthew, and VVilliam. Monasticon, 2 Pars, pag. 66. Sed quaere.

Richard Fitz-Eustace was dead before 24 Hen. 2. 1178. but I find not the precise Year when he died.

Aubrey his Widow afterwards married VVilliam Fitz-VVilliams, and had Issue VVil∣liam: Monasticon, 1 Pars, pag. 831. & Lib. C. fol. 64. g.

VI. John Constable of Cheshire, Son and Heir of Richard and Awbrey, succeeded his Father, and was the sixth Baron of Halton.

He Founded the Abby of Stanlaw in VVirral in Cheshire, Anno Domini 1178. 24 Hen. 2. in these words.—

UNiversis Sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Filiis,—Johannes Constabularius Cestriae Salutem. Sciatis me dedisse & hâc praesenti Chartâ meâ confirmâsse Deo, & Sanctae Mariae, & Abbati atque Monachis de Stanlawe, ad construendam Abbathiam Ordinis Cisterciensis, ipsum locum Stanlawe; quem, mutato nomine, benedictum locum vocari volumus: & Villam unam, quae vocatur Stanney; & alteram Villam, quae vocatur Maurice-Aston; cùm omnibus pertinentiis—liberas & quietas ab omni terreno Servitio, & Seculari exactione, pro sa∣lute Animae meae, & Patris mei, & Matris meae, & Uxoris meae, & omnium Antecessorum & Haeredum meorum, in puram & perpetuam Elemosynam. Concessi quoquè eis in perpetuam Elemosynam quietantiam Tolnei, in emptione & venditione omnium rerum suarum per totam terram meam; necnòn & quietantiam Tolnei de proprio Blado suo in Molendinis meis: Dedi etiàm eis Messuagium unum in Villâ Cestriae, cùm omnibus Aedificiis suis, quod habui juxtà Ecclesiam Sancti Michaelis—&c. Et quandò ego & Haeredes mei voluerimus, in Domo prae∣nominatâ Placita nostra tenebimus, & ad expensas nostras hospitabimus— Anno ab Incarna∣tione Domini 1178. Hujus autèm Donationis testes sunt isti, Robertus Decanus de Do∣nington, Nicolaus Parsona de Marnaham, Radulfus Sacerdos de Sallowe, Simon Sacerdos de Eston; Gregorius Sacerdos de Castello, Galfridus Monachus de Parco, Simon Monachus de Combermere, Henricus Bysset, Johannes de Danvillâ, Martinus Angevinus, Hugo de Dut∣ton, Johannes Filius Thurstani,—&c. Lib. C. fol. 62. a. Also Witnesses Ricardus Fit∣ton, Willielmus Filius Ricardi, Robertus Venator, Adam de Dutton, Hugo ejus Frater,—&c. Apud Dodyngton.

This Abby was after Translated to Whalley in Lancashire, 1296.

This John Constable of Cheshire gave all Hield in Aston nigh Great Budworth to Methroso Punterling; rendring a Welsh Lance yearly on St. Bartholomew's day, M. num. 1. which at this day belongs to Leycester of Tabley.

He married Alice Sister of William Mandevyle, by whom he had Issue Roger Consta∣ble of Cheshire, who assumed the Sir-name of Lacy; Eustace sir-named De Cester, Ri∣chard de Cester, to whom his Brother Roger gave the Town of Moore in Cheshire; and after Richard became a Leper, and was buried at Norton: Geffrey, another Son; Peter, another Son; Alice, a Daughter: Lib. C. fol. 85. b. & fol. 62. b. c. d.

Anno Domini 1181. John Constable of Cheshire, and Richard Peche [Bishop of Co∣ventry and Lichfield] were appointed Governors of Ireland, and sent to keep Dublin, which Hugh de Lacy kept: For Hugh de Lacy was sent for into England by King Henry the Second, with whom the King was much displeased, because he had married the Daughter of the King of Connaught without the Licence of Henry the Second: Hove∣den, pag. 611. Also Giraldus and Hollinshed.

This John Constable of Cheshire had a Clerk called William, an excellent Astro∣loger, who in the Year 1186. writ of the Conjunction of the Planets that Year; whose Words and Opinion thereon, you may read in Hoveden, pag. 624.

John Constable of Cheshire died at Tyre in the Land of Jerusalem, [Obiit 1190] Anno Dom. 1190. 2 Rich. 1. Hoveden, pag. 685.

VII. Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire, Son and Heir of John, succeeded his Fa∣ther, and was the Seventh Baron of Halton: He was sir-named Hell, for his fierce and magnanimous Spirit.

He is the first of the Barons of Halton who assumed the Sir-name of Lacy; which Name he retained after the Possessions of Robert Lacy of Pomfret Castle in Yorkshire accrewed to him; which Robert Lacy died Anno Domini 1194. and in the Year follow∣ing a Fine was Levied at Winchester between this Roger Constable, and Awbrey his

Grandmother, wherein she settles on him the great Inheritance which belonged to Robert Lacy, in these words.—

* 2.2Haec est finalis Concordia facta in Curiâ Domini Regis apud Wintonam, 21 die Aprilis, Anno Regni Domini Regis Ricardi Quinto, coràm Domino Rege, & Huberto Cantu∣ariensi Archiepiscopo, Willielmo Eliensi Episcopo, Domini Regis Cancellario, Hugone Dunel∣mensi, G. Roffensi Episcopis, Willielmo de Sanctae Mariae Ecclesiâ, Ranulpho Comite Ce∣striae, Comite R. le Bigot, Willielmo Mareschallo, Gaufrido Filio Petri, Hugone Bard, & aliis fidelibus Domini Regis qui tùnc ibi aderant: Inter Albreiam de Lisores, & Rogerum Constabularium Cestriae, Nepotem* 2.3 suum, de totâ Terrâ quae fuit Roberti de Lasci: Undè placitum fuit intèr eos in Curiâ Domini Regis, scilicèt quòd praedicta Albreia, & Haeredes sui, quietum clamaverunt praedicto Rogero & Haeredibus suis totam praenominatam terram quae fuit Roberti de Lascy: Et praedictus Rogerus concessit praedictae Albred, quòd teneat totam Terram quae fuit Roberti de Lisores Patris ipsius Albred sinè aliquo retenemento totâ vitâ suâ, benè & in pace, per servitium quod ad illam Terram pertinet; scilicèt, Serviti∣um Feodorum octo Militum: Et post decessum suum, Willielmus Filius praefatae Albred (He was Son of Awbrey by William Fitz-Williams) & Haeredes sui Terram illam tenebunt li∣berè & quietè per praedictum Servitium de praedicto Rogero, & Haeredibus suis, in Feodo & Haereditate: Praetereà praefatus Rogerus dedit praedictae Albred viginti Libratas Terrae in Bardinton, quas ipsa Albred totâ vitâ suâ tenebit quietas ab omni Servitio; & post de∣cessum suum, Willielmus Filius suus & Haeredes sui eandem terram tenebunt de praedicto Ro∣gero & Haeredibus suis in Feodo & Haereditate, per Servitium Feodi unius Militis: Et pro Concessione harum viginti Libratarum Terrae, praedicta Albred continuò deliberavit & quie∣tam clamavit praedicto Rogero Villam de Hauton in Lindeseiâ, cùm omnibus pertinentis suis, quam in Dotem tenuerat. Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office at Grays-Inn, Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke, num. 1 pag. 110. Lib. C. fol. 64. g.

This Roger is ranked by Hoveden, pag. 783. as the most eminent Baron of the Realm, and next after the Earls, among those Great Persons whom King John most doubted, and required to swear Fealty to him by his Commissioners, Anno Domini 1199. upon the death of Richard the First; which they did upon Condition that every of them should have their Lands restored.

And the King restored unto Roger Lacy his Castle of Pomfret, having first received his Son and Heir for a Pledge: Hoveden, pag. 794. put out with other Authors by Sir Henry Savil, 1601.

He was one of those whom King John employed for the Safe Conduct of the King of Scotland unto the Court of England, when the King of Scotland did Homage to the King of England at Lincoln, presently after the Coronation of King John, sub Anno Domini 1200. Hoveden, pag. 811. And Roger Lacy is there again put down the first of all the Barons of England, who were Witnesses of the King of Scotland▪s Homage; and where the Chief of the Nobility are named by Hoveden.

Anno Domini 1201. King John sent before-hand William Marshall Earl of Strigvill, cùm centum militibus Soldariis; and Roger Lacy Constable of Cheshire, cùm aliis centum militibus Soldariis, into Normandy, for the suppressing of his Enemies. Hoveden, p. 819.

Milites Soldarii, id est, Stipendarii, Stipendio retenti: So Spelman.

Anno 1204. Roger Constable of Cheshire, Vir magnificus & bellicosus, a most He∣roique and Magnanimous Champion, kept the Castle de Rupe Andeliaci in Normandy, for King John, against the French, with such Gallantry, that after all his Victuals were spent, having been Besieged almost a Year, and many Assaults of the Enemy made, but still repulsed by him, he mounts his Horse, and issues out of the Castle with his Troop into the midst of his Enemies Forces, chusing rather to die like a Sol∣dier, than to be starved to death: He slew many of the Enemy, but was at last with much difficulty taken Prisoner: So he and his Soldiers were brought Prisoners to the King of France, where, by the Command of the King, Roger Lacy was to be no strict Prisoner* 2.4, for his great Honesty and Trust in keeping the Castle so gallantly. Mat. Paris, put out by Dr. Wats, pag. 211.

King John's Letter to Roger Lacy, concerning the keeping of the said Castle, you may see among the Norman Writers put out by Andrew du Chesne, and Printed at Paris 1619. pag. 1059.

One other notable Exploit of this Roger Lacy I find mentioned in the Ancient Roll of the Barons of Halton: When Randle Earl of Chester, sir-named Blundevill,* 2.5 was Besieged in Rothelent Castle in Flintshire by the Welsh, this Roger gathers a tumultuous Rout of loose and dissolute Persons, Players, Minstrels, Shoe-makers, and the like, and marched speedily towards the Enemy. The Welsh seeing a great Multitude com∣ing, raised their Siege and fled. The Earl thus delivered, confers the Authority over all the loose idle Persons in Cheshire upon his Constable: And John Constable of Che∣shire, Son of the said Roger, confers the Authority and Rule over all the Letchers and Whores in Cheshire on Hugh Dutton of Dutton, as freely as he held the same of the Earl; saving the Right of the said John to him and his Heirs. See the Deed it self Transcribed suprà, Pars 2. pag. 142.

Roger Lacy purchased from Robert Bushell the Barony of Penwortham in Lancashire, to hold of John King of England, and his Heirs, in Capite; for which he acquitted the said Robert Bushell of 310 Marks of Silver to King John. Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office at Grays-Inn, Tom. 1. fol. 79. b. Com. Lancastriae, num. 78.

This Roger gave the Church of Rochdale in Lancashire, which belonged to the Honor of Pomfret, unto the Abby of Stanlaw: Lib. C. fol. 61. h. and also the Town of Little Wolneton: Lib. C. fol. 62. c. & in Principio, fol. 12. d.

He gave also his Moiety of Nether Pever cùm Little Pever, which belonged to the Fee of Halton, unto Osbert de VVethale, rendring to him and his Heirs the yearly Rent of 6 s. 8 d. and by doing Foreign Service as much as belongeth to the twentieth part of a Knights Fee: The Original in my possession; and which Rent of 6 s. 8 d. is at this day, 1666. paid to Halton by Leycester of Tabley for the same moiety.

Roger Lacy married Maud de Clare, Lib. C. fol. 70. a. The Original Penès Towneley of Carre in Lancashire, June 24. 1657. and had Issue John Lacy Constable of Cheshire, af∣terwards Earl of Lincoln.

Pecham in his Compleat Gentleman, pag. 190. tells us of another Son of Roger, called Robert Constable of Flamborough in Yorkshire, whose Posterity assumed the Sir-name of Constable: From which Robert in a direct Line are descended Sir VVilliam Constable of Flamborough, Sir Philip Constable of Everingham, Christopher Constable of Hatfield Esquire, James Constable of Cliffe Esquire, John Constable of Carthrop Esquire, Marma∣duke Constable of Kirby Esquire, —Constable of VVassam Esquire, Sir John Consta∣ble of Dromandby, with many others then living, 1622.

I find mention indeed of Robert Constable of Flamborough, called also Robert Son of the Constable to the Earl of Chester; Monasticon Anglicanum, 2 Pars, pag. 799. But whether Son of Roger, is not manifest to me; but must leave it to Pecham's Authority.

Nor can I here pass by the mistake of the ancient Roll of the Barons of Halton:* 2.6 Lib. C. fol. 84, 85, Monasticon, 2 Pars, pag. 187. and several other old Manuscripts there be of the same: In all which this Maud de Clare, Wife of Roger Lacy, is said to be Sister of the Treasurer of York Minster: Now Bevoys de Clare Treasurer of York Minster had no Sister called Maud; for all the Sisters are punctually reckoned up in the Book of Tewksbery, as you may find them copied out by Vincent in his Corrections of Brook's Catalogue of Nobility, pag. 221. whereby it appears plainly, that those Sisters also were all born after the death of Roger Lacy. Possibly in the old Roll there may be an omission of a Word; as where it is said,—Sororem Thesaurarii Eboracensis Ec∣clesiae, for Sororem Patris Thesaurarii Eboracensis Ecclesiae; or some other Word. Quaere.

Anno Domini 1211. 13 Johannis Regis, [Obiit 1211] vir Nobilis & Miles egregius Rogerus Cestriae Constabularius vitam finivit: Mat. Paris, put out by Wats, pag. 230.

Anno 1211. obiit Rogerus de Lacy, in Festo Sancti Remigii (which is the first day of October) cui successit Johannes Filius ejus, posteà Comes Lincolniae per Uxorem suam: Ma∣nuscript in Oxford Library, among the Books given by William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury, noted G. 9. fol. 125. b.

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

VIII. John Lacy Constable of Cheshire, Son of Roger, succeeded his Father, and was the eighth Ba∣ron of Halton.

He was one of those Great Persons of England whom Pope Innocent the Third Excommunicated for Conspiring against King John, Anno Dom. 1216. Mat. Paris, pag. 277. See also pag. 262.

Anno Domini 1218. there came to the Siege of Damiata, a City in Egypt, many Strangers out of di∣vers Parts of the World.— Out of England came the Illustrious Randle Earl of Chester, with Saher Earl of Winchester, and William Earl of Arundel, and the Barons Robert Fitz-Walter, John Constable of Cheshire, William de Harecourt, with much Com∣pany. Idem Paris, pag. 303.

This John had two Wifes. The first was Alice Daughter to Gilbert de Aquila: She was Buried at Norton Abby.

Afterwards he married Margaret Daughter and Heir, or Co-heir at least, to Robert de Quency, eldest Son of Saher de Quency Earl of Winchester.

This Saher de Quency Earl of Winchester was Lord of Groby in Leycestershire, and died Anno Domini 1220. as Mat. Paris saith. He married Margaret younger Sister and Co-heir to the fourth Robert Earl of Leycester, called Robert Fitz-Parnell, and had Issue Robert Quency, eldest Son, who married Hawys fourth Sister and Co-heir to Randle sir-named Blundevill, Earl of Chester and Lincoln, by whom he had Issue Margaret, marri∣ed to John Lacy aforesaid; Roger de Quency, second Son of Saher, who succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Winchester;* 2.7 and another Robert de Quency, third Son, who married Hellen the Widow of John the Scot Earl of Chester; which Robert died Anno Domini 1257. 41 Hen. 3. in a Torneament at Blie: So Mat. Paris. Also Hawys, Daugh∣ter of Saher de Quency, married Hugh de Vere Earl of Oxford; and Orabella, another Daughter of Saher, married Richard Son of William Harecourt, with whom her Father gave Bosworth in Leycestershire in Marriage: Burton's Antiquities of Leycestershire, p. 47. This was Harecourt of Stanton-Harecourt in Oxfordshire.

Hawys the Widow of Robert de Quency eldest Son of Saher (which Robert died in the Life-time of Saher his Father) had the Earldom of Lincoln given unto her by her Bro∣ther Randle Earl of Chester, scilicèt, quantum ad me pertinuit, ut indè Comitissa existat, as the Words of the Deed do run. This was not long before Randle's death, who died at Wallingford 26 die Octobris, Anno Domini 1232. 17 Hen. 3. Vincent upon Brook, pag. 317.

And King Henry the Third, by Patent dated at Northampton, 23 die Novembris, Anno Regni sui 17. 1232. granted the Earldom of Lincoln to John Lacy, in these words.—

HENRICUS Dei Gratiâ Rex Angliae, Dominus Hiberniae, Dux Normanniae & Aquitaniae, Comes Andegaviae: Omnibus ad quos praesentes Literae pervenerint, Salutem. Sciatis, Quòd ad instantiam Hawisiae de Quency dedimus & concessimus dilecto & fideli nostro Johanni de Lascy Constabulario Cestriae, illas viginti Libras, quas Ranulphus quondàm Comes Cestriae & Lincolniae recepit pro tertio Denario Comitatus Lincolniae, nomi∣ne Comitis Lincolniae; & quas praedictus Comes in vitâ suâ dedit praedictae Hawisiae Sorori suae: Habendas & Tenendas, nomine Comitis Lincolniae, de nobis & Haeredibus nostris, ipsi Johanni, & Haeredibus suis qui exibunt de Margaretâ Uxore suâ Filiâ praedictae Hawisiae in perpetuum. Et in hujus rei Testimonium has Literas nostras Patentes ei fieri fecimus. Teste meipso apud Northampton, 23 die Novembris, Anno Regni nostri decimo septimo. Couchir-Cook in the Dutchy-Office at Grays-Inn, scilicet Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke, num. 10. pag. 500. Lib. C. fol. 66. w.

Thus was John Lacy in Right of his Wife made Earl of Lincoln.

Some Competition there was by this John concerning the Inheritance of Saher de Quency Earl of Winchester, and also of the Inheritance belonging to Margaret his Countess: For Saher had by Deed formerly Covenanted with Robert his Son and Heir, quòd infantes sui, qui procreabuntur ab ipso & Hawisiâ de Cestriâ Uxore suâ, Hae∣redes sint totius Haereditatis dicti Saheri & Haereditatis Uxoris suae Comitissae Margaretae; & hoc legaliter tenendum affidavit. The Original in possession of Sir Simon Dewes Baronet, 1647. Lib. C. Paper antè fol. 66.

But how Roger de Quency and John Lacy were agreed, appears by this Fine follow∣ing, 14 Hen. 3. 1230.—

Haec est finalis Concordia facta in Curiâ Domini Regis apud Westmonasterium in Octa∣bis Sancti Michaelis, Anno Regni Regis Henrici Filii Regis Johannis quarto decimo, coràm Thomâ de Mulet, Willielmo de Ralegh, Roberto de Lexington, Willielmo de Insulâ, Willielmo de London, Magistro Roberto de Sherdelawe, Justiciariis, & aliis Domini Regis Fidelibus tùnc ibidèm praesentibus: Inter Rogerum de Quency Querentem, & Johannem de Lascy Constabularium Cestriae, & Margaretam Uxorem ejus, Deforciantes, de Haereditate Saheri de Quency Comitis quondàm Wintoniae, in Kotelastan, Chennoure, Sudho, Aymbirye, Bukby, Gransete, Hardwyk, & Bradenham, cùm pertinentiis; & de Haereditate Margaretae de Quency Comitissae Wintoniae, scilicèt de medietate Honoris Leycestriae: Undè Placitum Conventionis summonitum fuit intèr eos in eâdem Curiâ, scilicèt quòd praedicti Johannes & Margareta recognoverunt omnes praedictas Terras, & praedictam medietatem Honoris Leyce∣striae, cùm pertinentiis, & totam Haereditatem ipsius Saheri in Angliâ, Scotiâ, Flandriâ, & Normannia, & totam Haereditatem ipsius Margaretae Comitissae Wintoniae in Anglia & Nor∣mannia, esse jus ipsius Rogeri: Et pro hac Recognitione, Fine, & Concordia, Idem Rogerus dedit & concessit praedictis Johanni & Margaretae Mannerium de Kingston, cùm omnibus per∣tinentiis in Comitatu Dorsetiae, & similitèr totam Terram cùm pertinentiis, quam Loretta quondàm Comitissa Leycestriae aliquandò tenuit nomine Dotis in Wymburne, Blaneford, cùm tota Foresta & Chaceis de Wimburn-Holt, & cùm omnibus Boscis & Warrennis de Kingston, —Excepto Tenemento quod Nicolaus de Wilelegh tenuit: praetereà idem Rogerus recognovit & concessit praedictis Johanni & Margaretae, Maneria de Bradeham, de Granset, de Bukby, & de Hardewyck, cùm omnibus pertinentiis suis, sicut Hawisia (quae fuit Uxor Roberti de Quency) ea tenuit in Dote; & Homagium & totum Servitium Matthaei Tinfin, & Haeredum suorum, de Feodo unius Militis cùm pertinentiis in Winterflawe in Comitatu Wiltshire: Ha∣bendum & Tenendum eisdem Johanni & Margaretae, & Haeredibus de Corpore ipsius Marga∣retae procreatis, de praedicto Rogero & Haeredibus suis, Faciendo indè Servitium quinque Militum pro omni Servitio & Exactione:—Et sciendum est, quòd si praedicta Margaretae sinè Haerede de Corpore suo procreato decesserit, omnes praedictae Terrae cùm pertinentiis re∣dibunt ipsi Rogero & Haeredibus suis sinè ullo retenemento: Salvis praedicto Johanni Consta∣bulario omnibus praedictis Terris cùm pertinentiis tenendis tota vita sua: Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office, Tom. 2. Comitatus Dorset. num. 10. Lib. C. fol. 66. x.

Henry the Third gave to this John Lacy the Manors of Colingham and Berdsey, undè Abbas de Kirkstall nobis reddidit per Annum 90 Libras de firma, donèc ei dederimus ratio∣nabile Escambium ad Valentiam eorundem Manneriorum in Escaetis vel Wardis—Datum apud Aurebel, 17 die Julii, 14 Hen. 3. Ibidèm Tom. 2. Honor sivè Soca de Bolingbroke, [ 1230] fol. 22. num. 46.

Anno Domini 1233. 18 Hen. 3. John Scot Earl of Chester, and John Lacy Earl of Lin∣coln, were by Peter Bishop of Winchester, for the Bribe of a thousand Marks, drawn to the Kings Party; who before were Confederat with Richard Earl-Marshal against the King. Mat. Paris.

About the same Year 1233. John sir-named The Scot, Earl of Chester and Hunting∣don, gave to John Lacy Earl of Lincoln, and Constable of Cheshire, ten Knights Fees in England, illa scilicèt quae de me tenuit, & Antecessores sui de Antecessoribus meis tenuerunt, (This was the Service for the Ancient Barony of Halton in Cheshire.) for the Service

of half a Knights Fee, to be done by him and his Heirs, for all Service to the said John Scot and his Heirs. Testibus Domino Henrico de Audidelegh, Domino Willielmo de Cantilupo, Domino Ricardo Phiton tùnc Justiciario Cestriae, &c. Couchir-Book in the Dut∣chy-Office, Tom. 1. fol. 49. a. Comitatus Cestriae, num. 24. Lib. C. fol. 65. s.

John Lacy had Issue by Margaret his second Wife, Edmund Lacy; and Maud, a Daugh∣ter, married to Richard de Clare, Earl of Clare, Glocester, and Hartford, Anno Domini 1238. 22 Hen. 3. Stow in his Annals.

* 2.8Anno 1240. 24 Hen. 3. die Sanctae Mariae Magdalenae, scilicèt undecimo Calendas Au∣gusti, died John Earl of Lincoln, after a long and tedious Sickness. Mat. Paris, p. 533.

Margaret Countess of Lincoln afterwards married Walter Marshall Earl of Pembroke, which Walter died without Issue 29 Hen. 3. 1245. Mat. Paris. Also Vincent upon Broke.

But Margaret survived both her Husbands, and then was stiled,—Domina Marga∣reta Comitissa Lincolniae & Pembrochiae, in all her Charters: Lib. C. fol. 66. y. Living 33 Hen. 3.

I find mention in the Book of Whalley, fol. 126. b. of one Peter de Lascy a Bastard, called also Peter de Cester, Rector of Whalley Church in Lancashire, 1249. but whether Bastard-son of this John Lacy, I cannot positively affirm.

IX. Edmund Lacy Constable of Cheshire, Son and Heir of John Lacy Earl of Lin∣coln, succeeded his Father, and was the ninth Baron of Halton.

His Mother Margaret enjoyed the Earldom of Lincoln while she lived, by whom it came; and she survived Edmund her Son, who was Ward to the King.

And howbeit Vincent upon Brook, pag. 318, 319. cites a Record out of the Close Rolls, to prove that this Edmund, by way of Recitation, had tertium Denarium Comita∣tus Lincolniae; yet certain it is, he was never stiled in any of his own Chartes by the Title of Comes Lincolniae, but onely Edmundus Lacy Constabularius Cestriae: Lib. C. fol. 67. c. & fol. 1. f. Sometimes Sir Edmund Lacy onely. Lib. C. fol. 67. b.

Yet Matthew Paris tells us, That in the beginning of May, 1247. two Girls of Pro∣vence in France were by the Providence of Peter of Savoy married unto two very Noble young Gentlemen, Edmund Earl of Lincoln, and Richard de Burgo, whom King Hen∣ry the Third had Educated for some few Years in his own Court; the King himself staying at Woodstock from the twenty eighth of April to the first of May, for the accom∣plishment thereof. Concerning which Marriages there was much murmuring through the Kingdom, because those strange Ladies were married (as it was said) contrary to the desires of the young Noblemen, and against their wills.

Where he stiles this Edmund, Earl of Lincoln, rather out of Civility, in regard it was Hereditarily in him if he had survived his Mother, than that in truth he was so stiled in any Deed or Record during his Life.

* 2.9The young Ladies Name to whom the King married him, was Alice Daughter of the Marquis of Saluces in Italy, and Cosin to the Queen of England, of whom he be∣got Henry Lacy, afterwards Earl of Lincoln.

Roger Quency Earl of Winchester, and Constable of Scotland, gave unto his Cosin Edmund Lacy the Mannors of Kypes and Scales in Yorkshire: Lib. C. fol. 67. a Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, fol. 168. b. Com. Eboraci. num. 12.

Anno Domini 1254. aliqui magnatum, utpote Johannes de Warrennâ, & Edmundus de Lascy, apud Doveram transfretantes, versùs Burdegaliam lora direxerunt. Mat. Paris.

[Obiit 1258] Edmund Lacy died the fifth day of June, 1258. 42 Hen. 3. and was Buried at Stan∣law Abby in Wirrall in Cheshire. So the Book of Whalley Abby. Lib. C. fol. 61. a. & fol. 67. e.

Alice, the Widow of this Edmund, was living 1271. 55 Hen. 3. Tom. 2. of the Cou∣chir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke, fol. 23. num. 49. being a French Deed, wherein by Agreement with Henry Lacy her Son, she was to hold for her Life all those Lands whereof she was Enfeoffed by the King:—And she releaseth all her Dower in Halton in Cheshire, and in Widneys, and in Almanbyrye.

X. Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, and Constable of Cheshire, Son and Heir of Edmund Lacy, succeeded his Father, and was the tenth Baron of Halton.

King Edward the First gave unto him the Castle and Lordship of Denbigh in Wales, Anno Domini 1284. 12 Edw. 1. Stow in his Annals. In this Year, on the ninth of April, was so great Thunder and Lightning, that Men could scarce stand on their Feet.

His Title, in Anno 1286. 14 Edw. 1. and also 1296. 24 Edw. 1. did run thus in his own Charters,—Henricus de Lacy Comes Lincolniae, Constabularius Cestriae, Dominus de Roos & Rowynock. Monasticon, 1 Pars. pag. 901. & Lib. C. fol. 67. g.

He was in greatest Favour with his Prince, on whose Fidelity Edward the First did principally rely, making him the Chief Commissioner for the Rectifying and Disco∣vering of the Abuses and Briberies of his Corrupt Judges, complained of in Parlia∣ment 18 Edw. 1. 1290. Among whom, Sir Thomas Weyland, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, was Banished, and all his Goods Confiscate; Sir John Lovetot Compounded for 3000 Marks; Roger Leycester Clerk, for 1000 Marks; Sir William Brompton, for 6000 Marks. These were all Judges of the Common Pleas; and other Judges were also Fined.

About this time, 1290. Sir Nicolas Leycester Knight was Seneschal to this Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln: G. num. 60. from whom the Leycesters of Tabley in Cheshire.

Henry Lacy is placed next after the Prince of Wales, as the Prime Noble-man of England, in the Catalogue of the Parliament at Carlisle, 1307. 35 Edw. 1. as they be ranked by Stow in his Chronicle.

He was very Famous in all Grand Matters of State in the Reign of King Edward the First, as Walsingham, Stow, and other of our Historians do report.

Anno 1293. he was sent Embassador to the French King, to demand Satisfaction for the Goods of the English Merchants which were taken by the French.

Also after the death of Edmund Earl of Lancaster, he was Commander in Chief of all the Kings Forces in Gascoyn, and sometime Vice-Roy of the Dutchy of Aquitain.

Anno 1298. he Marched into the Confines of Tholouse, and expelled the French, delivering the Castle of St. Catharine from a strict Siege.

Anno 1299. he led the Foreward of the Battel of Fowkirk in Scotland, where the Scots were defeated.

He was Protector of England when Edward the Second was in Scotland. In a word, He was Vir Illustris in Concilio, strenuus in omni Praelio, Princeps Militiae in Angliâ, & in omni Regno Ornatissimus, saith the Book of Dunmow, as I find it cited by Wever in his Funeral Monuments, pag. 366.

Anno 1273. 1 Edw. 1. Edmund Earl of Lancaster, Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, and Reginald Grey, for the Preservation of the Peace of this Nation, Besieged Robert de Ferrers in the Castle of Chartley in Staffordshire, which Castle Robert had entred and kept by Force, it being lately given by King Henry the Third unto Hamon le Strange; which Castle indeed was the Inheritance of the said Robert, and descended unto him by Agnes his Grandmother, third Sister and Co-heir to Randle Blundevill Earl of Che∣ster, till Robert forfeited the same by his Rebellion. In this Siege many Persons were slain on both Sides, and the said Robert and his Complices were at last taken. Now the King Pardoned these Besiegers for the slaying of these Disturbers of the Peace, and Confirms the Protection of such Persons as the said Edmund had received into Fa∣vour. Dated at Rothelent, 20 die Decembris, 11 Edw. 1. 1282. Lib. C. fol. 67. I. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books at Grays-Inn, in the Dutchy-Office there. Derby-Ferrers, num. 4.

This Henry, by the Name of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, and Constable of Cheshire, Confirms to the Prior and Canons of Burstow a Place called Ruddegate, which Henry Torbock and Ellen his Wife had before Granted unto them; so as one Leprous Person of his Fee of Widneys [in Lancashire], if any such were found, should be admitted in the said House, and be reasonably maintained; and after the Decease of one, another to come in his room: And that the said Henry Lacy, and Margaret his Wife, be put

in their Martyrologie, and their Names written in the Canon. Dated at Halton, die San∣cti Geronimi Confessoris (which is the thirtieth day of September), Anno Domini 1285. The Original hereof was in possession of Sir Simon Dewes Baronet, 1646. with a very fair Seal, scilicèt, The Earl on Horseback, with his Sword drawn; and on the Breast of the Earl, an Escocheon of Arms, in which is A Lion Rampant; and on the Reverse or Back∣part of the Seal, also, A Lion Rampant in an Escocheon, which I take to be the Coat of these Lacies Earls of Lincoln. Lib. C. fol. 68. k.

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

To his Deed of two Tofts in Haburge, made Ecclesiae Sancti Martialis de Newhouse (the Original whereof also remained with Sir Simon Dewes aforesaid) he affixed his Seal, on the Reverse part whereof was in an Escocheon of Arms, Quarterly, with a Bend through the whole, and a Label of five Points; written about thus,—✚ SECRETUM HENRICI DE LACY.

Queeen Elinour's Grant to Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, That all his Tenants in the Mannor of Dynelnegh be quit of all Toll, Stallage, Payage, Pavage, Pontage, Murage, and Passage, for ever, per omnes Terras nostras Walliae, & in Comitatibus Cestriae, Staffordiae, Salopiae, Glocestriae, Wigorniae, & Herefordiae. Apud Gretindon, primo die Septembris, 18 Edw. 1. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, fol. 28. num. 49.

Infinite other Grants were made to and by this Henry Lacy, which here would be tedious to mention.

He had two Wifes. Margaret Daughter of Sir William Longspée, and his onely Heir, was the first Wife of Henry Lacy, married about Christmas, 1256. 40 Hen. 3. For on Friday before Christmas in that Year, it was agreed between Sir Edmund Lacy on the one Part, and Sir William Longspée on the other Part, That whereas the Marriage of Henry Lacy, Son and Heir of the said Edmund, with Margaret Daughter and Heir of the said William, had been formerly mentioned in Gascoyne, it was now finished by the Consent of the Parties: And William Longspée gave with Margaret his Daughter and Heir, in Free-Marriage, to Henry Lacy, the Mannors of Burencester and Middleton, cùm omnibus Homagiis, Redditibus, & Servitiis: And Edmund Lacy gave for Joynture to the said Margaret his Mannors of Kypeis and Scales in Yorkshire. Lib. C. fol. 67. b. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, Comitatus Oxoniae, num. 2. Henry Lacy was but six Years old when he was married.

This William de Longspée, although he was Right Heir to the Earldom of Salisbury, yet did he never enjoy the same: nor had Henry Lacy ever that Title; but all the Lands of this Longspée descended to him.

Henry Lacy had Issue by this Margaret two Sons, Edmund and John, and both died young; and also two Daughters, Alice and Margaret. Ferne in Lacy's Nobility calls Margaret by the Name of Joan, pag. 125. but falsly. Onely Alice survived, who be∣came Sole Heir to her Father, and married Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster, Ley∣cester, and Darby. Lib. C. fol. 86.

So was the Barony of Halton annexed and united to the Earldom of Lancaster.

Brooks and Fern say, That Edmund eldest Son of Henry Lacy was drowned in the Draw-well of Denbigh Castle; but I am told by a more Ancient Authority, Monasti∣con, 2 Pars, pag. 188 b. That in Anno 1282. Edward the First gave to Henry Lacy two Cantreds in Wales, to wit, Roos and Roweynock; and that the King, eodem Anno, gave to Edmund Lacy his Son a young Girl in Marriage, but five Years old, namely Maud the Daughter and Heir of Patrick de Chaworth by Isabel Beauchamp his Wife, Daughter of William de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick: Lib. C. fol. 73. e. But this Edmund Lacy died young without Issue; and John his Brother, running hastily in his Youth upon a Tur∣ret in Pomfret Castle in Yorkshire, fell down from the Walls and was killed.

The second Wife of Henry Lacy was Joan Daughter of William Martin Lord Keimis; but had no Issue by her. Lib. C. fol. 86. a.

This Great Henry Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, Constable of Cheshire, Baron of Halton,

Pomfret, Blackburnshire, Roos, & Roweynock, and Protector of England, died on the fifth day of February, 1310. 4 Edw. 2. at his own House in Chancery lane at London, now called Lincolns-Inn, and was buried at St. Paul's Church in London, in the New Work which was of his own Foundation, under a goodly Monument, with his Armed Pourtraicture cross-legged, as one that had taken a Voyage in Defence of the Holy Land. He was aged sixty Years at the time of his death: Wever's Funeral Monuments, pag. 366. and Stow in his Annals, sub Anno 1310. Lib. C. fol. 69. t.

Joan his Widow afterwards married Nicolas Lord Audley: Lib. C. fol. 69. v. which Nicolas died 1316.

And it is to be remembred, That in the Time of this Henry Lacy, who gave the Church of Whalley in Lancashire, with the Chappels thereof, unto the Monks of Stan∣law, the Abby of Stanlaw was Translated unto Whalley, scilicèt Anno Domini 1296. in Festo Sancti Ambrosii Episcopi, id est, 4 Aprilis: Lib. C. fol. 61. a. Domino Gregorio de Norbury tùnc Abbate.

Anno 1309. 3 Edw. 2. die Vincentii Martyris, obiit Gregorius de Norbury Primus Abbas de Whalley: An old Parchment Book of Whalley, in possession of Mr. Townley of Carre in Lancashire, 1657. fol. 23.

XI. Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster, Leyce∣ster,

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

and Derby, High Steward of England, (Son and Heir of Edmund Plantagenet sir-named Crook-back) was the eleventh Baron of Halton, in Right of Alice his Wife, Daughter and Sole Heir of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Constable of Cheshire.

He was Beheaded at Pomfret, his own Mannor, Anno Domini 1321. 15 Edw. 2. 22 die Martii, for Re∣belling against his Sovereign King Edward the Se∣cond: Stow and Walsingham. Leaving no Issue of his Body to succeed him; whose Lands were now for∣feited to the King.

Anno 1314. 8 Edw. 2. he purchased from Audomare de Valentia the Temple-house at London, (which for∣merly belonged to the Templars, but is since become a Society for the Students of our Law) with all the Lands and Rents thereto belonging in the Suburbs of London and in the County of Middlesex, which were of the Fee of the Honor of Leycester, and Con∣firmed unto him by the Grant of King Edward the Second, Dated at York, primo die Octobris, 8 Edw. 2. Tom. 2. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, Comitatus Middlesex.

Alice, the Widow of this Thomas, had the Earldom of Lincoln restored unto her by the King, during her Life, 20 die Septembris, 1322. 16 Edw. 2. She had also the Mannor of Halton in Cheshire, cùm pertinentiis, restored unto her for her Life, 12 die Julii, 16 Edw. 2. in which Deed she is stiled Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury: Lib. C. fol. 68. l. Afterwards she married Sir Eubulo le Strange, without the Kings Consent, about 1325. 19 Edw. 2. but had no Issue by him. Eubulo Lord Strange was in her Right made Earl of Lincoln: Vincent upon Broke, pag. 320. and he died about 7 Edw. 3. 1333. For, 9 Edw. 3. I find Alice stiled Countess of Lincoln and Salisbury: Lib. C. fol. 69. p. q.

After this, Alice married Hugh de Frenes to her third Husband, who usurped the Ti∣tle of Earl of Lincoln in her Right, and died 1334. Walsingham, pag. 134. but had no Issue by her.

Concerning this Alice, and one Richard de St. Martin, I shall give you here the Story out of Walsingham, sub Anno 1317. 10 Edw. 2. pag. 108, 109.

On Monday before Ascension-day, 1317. the Countess of Lancaster was Ravished at Caneford in Dorsetshire, by a certain Knight of the House of John Earl of Warren, very

many of the English being assistant to that detestable Fact, and by the Kings Assent, as it was said: She was brought in great Triumph to the Earl Warren's Castle of Ryegate, in dis∣grace of her Husband Thomas Earl of Lancaster; and by the way, the Conductors supposing they had seen Flags or Banners between the Hedges and Woods of Halton and Farnham afar off, (which was nothing but Priests in their Surplices walking Procession with the People in the Fields, according to their Custom) were struck with a great fear, thinking the Earl of Lan∣caster her Husband had been coming with a Power to revenge her Injury; and so ran away, leaving the Lady almost all alone: But the matter being discovered, they returned with Threat∣nings and Pomp; with whom there was a low, lame, hulch-back'd Fellow, of a malicious spi∣rit, called Richard dè St. Martin, who being backed with great Aid, challenged the misera∣bly-derided Lady for his Wife, protesting that he carnally knew her before she married the Earl of Lancaster; which she openly acknowledged to be true: And although she was reputed a most Noble Lady all her life-time before, she was by the Wheel of Fortune proclaimed an odi∣ous Strumpet: And the said Richard triumphing over her, presumes to challenge the Earl∣doms of Lincoln and Salisbury in the King's Court, as in Right of his Wife; but in vain, as shall after appear more fully. Thus Walsingham.

But here seems to be great improbability in this Story. Cambden tells us out of the Book of Stanlaw Monastery, that she was but nine Years old when she married Thomas Earl of Lancaster: Lincolnshire, pag. 409. And then St. Martin must lie with her before she was nine Years old, which is not probable. And then these Actions and Words done and said unto her in time of Hostility, to make the Earl odious, might be given out against her, as if she had confessed the Fact; though perhaps an absolute Falsity. Nor is it likely Eubulo Lord Strange would have married her, as he did, had these things been true which are here related by Walsingham.

This Countess Alice died Anno Domini 1348. 22 Edw. 3. Annóque aetatis suae sexage∣simo septimo; and was Buried at Berlyng Abby, by Eubulo her second Husband: Mona∣sticon, 2 Pars, pag. 190. leaving no Issue by any of her Husbands.

Now for the Lands which were the Inheritance belonging to this Alice, they are said to be worth 10000 Marks per Annum, and more; howbeit, she had not above 3000 Marks thereof per Annum allowed her by the King. Monasticon, Pars 2. pag. 189. b.

The Inheritance of Henry Lacy was so setled upon the Marriage of Alice his Daugh∣ter and Heir, that in Case Henry Lacy had no Heirs of his Body, in defect of such, then his Lands were to revert to Edmund the King's Brother, and to his Heirs for ever. Dated 28 Octobris, 22 Edw. 1. 1294. Lib. C. fol. 67. f. Monasticon, Pars 2. pag. 189. a.

So Alice having no Issue, all Henry Lacy's Lands came to the Earls of Lancaster.

But before I proceed, it will be requisite I say something here of the Earls of Lan∣caster before Thomas Plantagenet.

The first Earl of Lancaster I meet withal, was John sir-named Without Land, younger Brother to King Richard the First. He was afterwards King John, and therefore I shall say the less of him.

The next Earl of Lancaster was Edmund Plantagenet, sir-named Crook-back, younger Son to King Henry the Third, and Brother to King Edward the First.

He had given him by his Father—Honorem, Comitatum, Castrum, & Villam de Lancaster, & omia Dominica nostra quae sunt in Comitatu Lancastriae, cùm Vaccariis & Forestis de Wiresdale & Lounsdale; & Novum Castrum subtùs Limam; Manerium, Fo∣restam, & Castrum de Pickering; Manerium de Scaleby, Villam de Gomecester, redditúmque Villatae de Huntendon. Dated at St. Pauls in London, 30 die Junii, 51 Hen. 3. 1267. Lib. C. fol. 71. e. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, fol. 1. num. 1. So he was made Earl of Lancaster, 1267.

He was also Earl of Leycester, and High Steward of England, by Patent dated 25 die Octobris, 49 Hen. 3. 1265. upon the Forfeiture of Simon de Montfort Earle of Leycester, who was slain at the Battel of Evesham, 5 die Augusti, 1265.

He was made Earl of Derby at Kenillworth, 28 Junii, 50 Hen. 3. wherein he hath granted unto him—Castra & omnes terras quae fuerunt Roberti de Ferrariis quondàm Co∣mitis Derbiae, qui Simoni de Monteforti quondàm Comiti Leycestriae, Inimico & Feloni no∣stro, & Imprisis suis adhaesit tempore Guerrae, quae nupèr in Regno nostro mota fuit per ipsum Simonem—Lib. C. fol. 71. g. Tom. 1. of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, fol. 3. num. 11. Which Robert de Ferrars was also Lord of Tutbury; and was afterwards bound unto this Edmund, with William de Valentia Earl of Pembroke, John Warren Earl of Surrey, William de Beauchampe Earl of Warwick, and many other Sureties, for the Payment of 50000 l. Sterling in Quindenâ Johannis Baptistae proximè venturâ, 53 Hen. 3. for the Redemption of his Lands: Lib. C. fol. 71. I. But I find not that they were ever redeemed.

This Edmund was Invested King of Sicily and Apuly with a Ring sent from the Pope by the Bishop of Romania, 1255. 39 Hen. 3. Mat. Paris. But it was a meer delusion; for he never had it.

He had the Castle of Kenilworth given him, 16 Decembris, 51 Hen. 3. Lib. C. fol. 71. f. And the Savoy-House in London, by the Gift of Queen Elinor his Mother, 24 die Februarii, 12 Edw. 1. 1283. Lib. C. fol. 72. n. And the Castle of Chartley he had by the Grant of his Brother King Edward the First, 26 die Julii, 4 Edw. 1. 1276. Lib. C. fol. 72. k.

Anno Domini 1271. 55 Hen. 3. in the Month of May, Prince Edward Son of King Henry, with Edmund his Brother, and four Earls, and so many Barons, and many other Gentlemen, took a Voyage into the Holy Land. So Mat. Paris.

Edmund Earl of Lancaster married to his first Wife Aveline Daughter and Heir to William de Fortibus Earl of Albemarle and Holderness, and Widow to Ingram de Percy;* 2.10 but left no Issue by her. Vincent upon Broke, pag. 293. He married her the eighth day of April, 1270. Mat. Paris, pag. 1006. of the Edition by Wats; sed cùm totâ prole illa mortem Parentum praevenit: Walsingham in his Hypodigma Neustriae placeth her Marriage with Edmund Anno 1269.

His second Wife was Blanch Queen of Navarre, the Widow of Henry de Cham∣paigne King of Navarre, and Daughter of Robert Earl of Artois, Brother of St. Lewis King of France; in whose Right Edmund was Earl of Champaigne, 7 Edw. 1. So as he was now Earl of Lancaster, Leycester, Derby, and Champaigne, and High Steward of England. Vincent on Broke, Tit. Lancaster, pag. 293.

By Blanch the King of Navarre had Issue Joan married to Philip the Fair King of France. Vincent, pag. 293.

Blanch married Edmund Earl of Lancaster, Anno Domini 1276. and by him had Issue three Sons, Thomas Earl of Lancaster, the eleventh Baron of Halton in Right of his Wife, of whom I have spoken before, who Rebelled against his Prince, and died without Issue: Henry de Lancaster Lord of Monmouth, second Son, afterwards Earl of Lancaster, and Heir to his Brother Thomas: And John, third Son, who lived with the Queen of France his Half-Sister, and died there without Issue. Hypodigma Neustriae, pag. 473. & Lib. C. pag. 73. a. b.

Vincent, pag. 293. will have the Queen of Navarr's Name here to be Elinour, and not Blanch, from a Record which he there voucheth: Quaere, if that Record be not mistaken; for I find her called Blanch in sundry Deeds in the Register-Books of the Duke of Lancasters Evidences in the Dutchy-Office, called The two Couchir-Books.

Anno Domini 1296. 24 Edw. 1. this Edmund the King's Brother, and Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, went into Gascoyn with a strong Army, where many Castles were delivered unto them; but when they came within two Miles of Burdeaux, the French Army coming out of Burdeaux as it were unawares upon them, after a sore Conflict retreat∣ed to the City, and the Earls burned a great part of the Suburbs.

And shortly after, Edmund died: Hypodigma Neustriae, pag. 483. [Ob. 1296]

XII. Henry of Lancaster, Lord of Monmouth, sir-named Grismond, second Son of Edmund Crook-back, and Brother and Heir to Thomas Plantagenet Earl of Lancaster,

was restored to all his Brothers Lands and Honors,* 2.11 Anno Domini 1326. and then his Titles were thus,—Henricus Comes Lancastriae & Leycestriae, Seneschallus Angliae. Lib. C. fol. 74. k. 13 Edw. 3. And he was the twelfth Baron of Halton.

He married Maud Daughter and sole Heir of Sir Patrick de Chaworth or de Gadurcis, Lord of Kidwelly in Caermarthenshire, and of Ogmore Castle in Glamorganshire: Camb∣den's Britannia, Printed 1607. pag. 619. sub Titulo Lancastriae: & Lib. C. fol. 73. d.

This Maud was formerly given to Edmund Son of Henry Lacy Earl of Lincoln, by Ed∣ward the First, Anno 1282. being then a Girl but five Years old; which Edmund died very young, before he came to Maturity, without Issue, as you may see above in Henry Lacy.

Henry Earl of Lancaster had Issue by this Maud onely one Son, Henry, made Earl of Derby in his Fathers Life-time, to wit, 1336. 11 Edw. 3. Hypodigma Neustriae, and Vin∣cent, pag. 297. And six Daughters: Blanch married Thomas Lord Wake of Lidell: Maud married William Lord Burgh Earl of Ulster in Ireland, and after to Sir Rafe Ufford: Joan married John Lord Mowbray of Axholme: Isabel was Abbess of Ambersbury: Eli∣nour, first married to John Son of Henry Lord Beaumont, and Earl of Bughan in Scot∣land; after to Richard Earl of Arundel: And Mary, sixth Daughter, married Henry Lord Percy of Alnwick. So Broke in his Catalogue of Nobility.

This Henry of Lancaster, with others, was sent by the Queen into Wales (where the King then sculked) to take King Edward the Second her Husband; whom they took with Hugh Spenser the Son, Robert de Baldock, and Simon de Reading. The King was committed to the Custody of this Henry of Lancaster: This was in Anno 1326. Soon after this was the King deposed, and Edward his young Son made King, by the Name of Edward the Third: Which young King was Knighted by this Henry Earl of Lanca∣ster. Walsingham Hist. Ang. Edw. 2. pag. 125, 126, 127. But this Henry was in nothing more infamous, than in betraying his Lawful Sovereign.

[Obiit 1345] Anno Domini 1345. obiit Henricus Grismond, Frater Thomae Comitis Lancastriae: Jacet apud Leycestriam, X Calendas Octobris, which is the twenty second of our September, 19 Edw. 3. A Manuscript in the University Library at Oxford, among the Books gi∣ven by Archbishop Laud, of an ancient Character, noted—G. 9. fol. 125.

And Walsingham's Hist. Ang. Edw. 3. pag. 165. thus,—Anno 1345. 19 Edw. 3. obiit Henricus Comes Lancastriae, Pater Henrici Comitis de Derby; & Sepultus est Leycestriae in Monasterio Canonicorum, Praesentibus Rege & Reginâ, tàm antiquâ quàm novâ, Archi∣episcopis & Episcopis, Comitibus & Baronibus quasi totius Regni: Filius ejus eo tempore in Wasconiâ, ut praefertur, actus bellicosos & strenuos exercebat; quamobrèm interesse non potuit exequiis Patris sui.

XIII. Henry of Monmouth, sir-named Tort-Coll or Wry-neck, onely Son of Henry Grismond, succeeded his Father in all his Lands and Honors, and was the thirteenth Baron of Halton.

He was Earl of Derby in his Fathers Life-time, Created 16 Martii, 11 Edw. 3.

After his Fathers death, his Title was thus, 21 Edw. 3. 1346.—Henricus Comes Lancastriae, Derbiae, Leycestriae, Seneschallus Angeliae: Lib. C. fol. 75. o.

He was Created Earl of Lincoln, 23 Edw. 3. and then his Stile was, 1349.—Hen∣ricus Comes Lancastriae, Derbiae, Leycestriae, & Lincolniae, Seneschallus Angliae: Lib. C. fol. 75. P.

Lastly, He was Created Duke of Lancaster, 6 Martii, 25 Edw. 3. 1350. Vincent, pag. 297. Selden's Titles of Honour, pag. 754. But Walsingham placeth his Creation of Duke, Anno 1353. pag. 520. above two Years too late.

ThisHenry Repaired the Savoy House in the Strand in London, which cost him 52000 Marks, which Money he got at the Town of Bryggerak. Knighton, pag. 2627.

He was the first of all the Nobility of England (of a Subject) who was Invested with the Title of Duke since the Norman Conquest: For the Black Prince, who was made Duke of Cornwal fourteen Years before, though in truth he be a Subject, yet is he King Hereditarily if he survive; and therefore I look upon the Prince as a Higher Pitch than the other Nobility.

So the Earldom of Lancaster became a Dutchy.

Anno Domini 1354. 28 Edw. 3. this Henry Duke of Lancaster went Beyond-sea in great State, to have sought a Duel at Paris with the Duke of Brunswick, who had ta∣ken and spoiled his Goods as he returned from the Court of Rome, whither he was sent for the Confirmation of a Peace between the King of England and the King of France: But by Mediation of Friends it was taken up: Hypodigma Neustriae, pag. 520. See also Stow's Annals.

Anno 1345. in which Year his Father died, this Henry Sailed into Gascoyn with six hundred Armed Men, and so many Archers, who at the first Assault took the strong Town of Brigerak, and won fifty Towns and Cities to the King of England. He defeat∣ed the Army of the King of France which came against him, took twenty three Persons of Quality, besides a great number of Common Soldiers: The rest either ran away, or were killed. His Munificence was such, that, when he took any Town, he gave all the Booty to his Soldiers, kept little or nothing to hiself. Walsingham.

He married Isabel Daughter of Henry Lord Beaumont, by whom he had Issue two Daughters and Co-heirs: Maud married William Duke of Zeland, and Earl of Henault, eldest Son of Lewis Duke of Bavarre, Anno Domini 1352. 26 Edw. 3.

Blanch the other Daughter married John of Gaunt Earl of Richmond, fourth Son to King Edward the Third, 19 die Maii, 1359. 33 Edw. 3. at Rading, having a Dispensa∣tion of the Court because she was his Cosin. Walsingham and Stow.

How the Lands were divided between the two Sisters, take here these two follow∣ing Chartes, enrolled in one of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office at Grays-Inn, Tom. 2. Comitatus Norfolciae, num. 3. & Honor sive Soca de Bolingbroke, pag. 4. num. 4. Lib. C. fol. 77. dd. a.

SCiant praesentes & futuri, Quòd nos Johannes Episcopus Lincolniae, Robertus de la Mare, Johannes de Bukland, Johannes Charnells, Walterus Poer, Simon Simeon, & Johannes Neumarche, Concessimus—Willielmo Comiti de Henaud & de Leycestriâ, & Matildae Uxori ejus, Filiae Domini Henrici nupèr Ducis Lancastriae, Maneria de Gymingham, Thesford, Mathe, Wolde, & Tunstede, & Hundreda de Galhowe, & Brothercors, cùm pertinen∣tiis; & triginta & novem Feoda, & quartam partem unius Feodi Militum cùm pertinentiis, in Canefeld, Eysten Attemount, Horton, Berewyk, Creke, Waterdene, Snyterle, Barsham, Sidesterne, Wyneton, Salthus, Gresham, Aylemerton, Clopton, Fyncheam, Northwald, Feltewell, Roukelound, Middleton, East-Rudham, West-Rudham, Sal, Haydon, Kerdeston, Wodedalling, Repam, Bergh, Hegheton, Rongham, Fransham, Weting, Toftes, Croxton, Gresynghale, Lexam, Elsyng, Wesenham, Tanerham, Drayton, Swynington, Alderford, Lyneford, Grimeston, Congham, Bykeston in Goldest∣thorp, Stanfeld, Briselye, Bilneye, Titeleshale, West-Lexam, Skernynge, & Ho, & Advocationes Abbathiae Marham, Prioratus Canonicorum de Thesford, Hospitalium Domus Dei de Thesford, Sanctae Mariae Magdalenae de Thesford, & Sancti Johannis de Thesford, ac Ecclesiarum de Suthreppes, Northreppes, Trymingham, Manesele, Eykesthorpe, Bradefelde, Swathefeld, & Beston, & medietatis Ecclesiae de Aylmerton; àc etiàm duo Feoda Militum cùm pertinentiis, in Westfeld & Brantham: Habenda & tenenda praedictis Willielmo Comiti de Henaud & de Leycestriâ, & Matildae Uxori ejus, & Haeredibus de Corpore ejusdem Matildae exeuntibus, de Domino Rege Angliae, & aliis Capitalibus Dominis Feodi.—Et si contingat, quòd praedicta Ma∣tilda obîerit sinè Haerede de Corpore suo exeunte, quod absit, ex tùnc omnia praedicta Mane∣ria, Hundreda, Feoda Militum, & Advocationes cùm pertinentiis suis, plenariè & integrè remaneant rectis Haeredibus Domini Henrici nupèr Ducis Lancastriae in perpetuùm—&c. [ 1361] Da∣tum apud Londoniam, 22 die Octobris, 35 Edw. 3.

SCiant praesentes & futuri, Quòd nos Johannes Dei Gratiâ Episcopus Lincolniae, Ri∣cardus Comes Arundelliae, Robertus de la Mare, Johannes de Bukland, Johannes Char∣nells, Walterus Poer, Simon Simeon, & Johannes Newmarche, Concessimus—nobili viro Johanni Comiti Lancastriae & Richmondiae, & Blanchiae Uxori ejus, & Haeredibus suis de Corporibus eorum legitimè procreatis, Castrum de Bolingbroke & Parcum eidem Castro per∣tinentem, eùm omnibus Advocationibus Ecclesiarum, Abbathiarum, Prioratuum, Hospitalium,

& aliarum Domorum Religiosarum, & Feodis Militum, praedicto Castro & Sokae de Boling∣broke pertinentibus, quae habuimus ex dono & redditione Nobilis Viri Henrici Ducis Lanca∣striae pèr Finem in Curiâ Domini Regis indè leuatum; adeò plenè & integrè sicùt Henricus de Lacy quondàm Comes Lincolniae ea tenuit & habuit. Retentis nobis Manerio, Villâ, & So∣câ de Bolingbroke, ac Maneriis de Sutton, Thoresby, Wathe, & Ingoldsmeles, cùm pertinen∣tiis in Comitatu Lincolniae—Concessimus etiàm Castrum, Villam, Mannerium, & Honorem de Tutbury—ac Villas de Strepton, Merchington, Chalangewood, Uttexhater, Adgarest, & Newburgh, cùm pertinentiis in Comitatu Staffordiae; & Hundredum de Higham-Ferrers, ac Maneria de Hegham-Ferrers, Raundes, Rissheden, cùm pertinentiis in Comitatu Northam∣ptoniae;—ità quòd si idem Comes & Blanchia obierint sinè Haerede de Corporibus suis ex∣eunte, quòd tùnc post decessum ipsorum Comitis & Blanchiae, omnia praedicta Castra, Mane∣ria, &c. remaneant rectis Haeredibus ipsius Henrici Ducis Lancastriae; Tenenda de Domino Rege, & Haeredibus suis, per Servitia indè debita & consueta in perpetuum. In cujus rei testimonium huic praesenti Chartae Sigilla nostra apposuimus. Hiis Testibus, Edwardo Principe Walliae, Illustris Regis Angliae Filio Primogenito, Willielmo Episcopo Wintoniae, Cancellario Angliae, Simone Abbate Westmonasterii Angliae Thesaurario, Johanne de Bukyngham Northamptoniae Archidiacono, Henrico Greene, & Roberto de Thorpe, Justiciariis Domini Regis Angliae, & aliis. Datum Londini, die Dominicâ, proximè post Festum Sancti Mar∣tini, 35 Edw. 3.

So that William Earl of Henault had the Earldom of Leycester, and John of Gaunt had the Earldom of Lancaster.

And after the death of Maud Countess of Leycester, who died without Issue Anno Domini 1381. the Earldom of Leycester, and all Maud's Part of the Lands belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster her Father, reverted unto John of Gaunt, in Right of Blanch his Wife the other Sister.

[Obiit 1360] Henry Duke of Lancaster died on the Eve before our Lady-day, 35 Edw. 3. which is the last Day of the Year, 1360. at Leycester, where he was buried. Walsingham, pag. 178. saith he died Anno 1361. But he accounts the Year from Christmas, not from our Lady-day.

It will not be impertinent if I put down here the Claims of this Henry Duke of Lancaster, as Baron of Halton, upon a Quo Warranto brought against him, as I find them Transcribed in one of the Couchir-Books in the Dutchy-Office, to wit, Tom. 1. Co∣mitatus Cestriae, fol. 45. num. 21. Lib. C. fol. 91.

HENRICUS Dux Lancastriae, Constabularius & Mareschallus Cestriae, & Domi∣nus Manerii de Halton, clamat per se & Haeredibus suis, habere infrà Dominium suum Manerii sui de Halton, Castrum suum Kernellatum apud Halton; & habere ibidèm Prisonam, & capere ibidèm Castle-ward; & habere infra Manerium Dominii sui Infang∣theof, Outfang-theof, Waif, Wreck, Stray, & visum Franci-Flegii, & quicquid ad visum pertinet, de omnibus Tenentibus & Residentibus infrà Dominium suum praedictum extrà Burgos de Halton & Congelton, tenendum bis per Annum; videlicèt, semèl intèr Festa San∣cti Michaelis Archangeli & Michaelis in Monte Tumba* 4.1, apud Halton; & iterùm inter Festa Annunciationis Beatae Mariae & Inventionis Sanctae Crucis† 4.2, apud Thelwall quod est infrà Dominium suum praedictum, per rationabilem praemonitionem; & habere liberum Parcum suum apud Halton cùm duobus Saltatoribus* 4.3 in eodem Parco; & habere liberam Warrennam in omnibus Dominicis Terris suis infrà Dominium suum Manerii praedicti.

Itèm clamat tenere Villam suam de Halton, ut liberum Burgum; & habere ibidèem liberos Burgenses: Et quòd ipse, & Burgenses sui ejusdem Burgi, erunt quieti de Theoloneo, Pas∣sagio, Pontagio, & de Stuth* 4.4 pro omnibus rebus per eos emptis & venditis, tàm in Civi∣tate Cestriae, quàm per totum Comitatum Cestriae, praeterquàm de Theoloneo Salis in VVychis.

Itèm, Clamat habere in eodem Burgo liberam Curiam suam de Quindenâ in Quindenam tenendam; & Cognitionem Placiti liberi Tenementi de omnibus Tenementis in eodem Burgo coràm Seneschallo suo ibidèm, per Billam seu Querelam sivè Breve; & visum Franci Plegii, & quicquid ad visum pertinet, de omnibus Tenentibus & Residentibus in eodem Burgo: Te∣nendum

tèr pèr Annum, videlicèt semèl intèr Festa Sancti Michaelis Archangeli & Sancti Martini in Hyeme; & iterùm intèr Festa Sancti Hilarii & Annunciationis Beatae Mariae; & tertiò intèr Festa Sanctae Trinitatis & Assumptionis Beatae Mariae.

Item, Clamat habere in eodem Burgo quoddam Mercatum singulis Septimanis per diem Sabbati* 4.5 & habere ibidèm duas Ferias annuatìm, videlicèt, unam Feriam tenendam per quatuor dies proximè antè Festum Nativitatis Beatae Mariae† 4.6, & in Festo, & per duos dies proximè sequentes: & aliam Feriam in Vigiliâ Festi Beatae Catharinae* 4.7 Virginis, & in die ejusdem Festi, cùm omnibus libertatibus & prosicuis quae ad Mercatum vel ad Ferias per∣tinent.

Itèm, Clamat habere aliam liberam Curiam annual ìm de Quindenâ in Quindenam tenendam apud Halton, vel alibì ubicunquè voluerit infrà Feodum Dominii sui praedicti per rationabi∣lem praemonitionem: Et in eadem Curiâ habere cognitionem Placitorum de Transgressionibus, Conventionibus, Debito, & Vecio Namio ad Sectam Partis: Et si Praesentatum sit per Balli∣vos dicti Ducis Curiae suae praedictae, quòd aliquis Hominum, Tenentium, seu Residentium in∣frà Feodum Dominii sui praedicti, fregerit Pacem vel Assisam Panis seu Cervisiae seu Car∣nis, aut Carnes malas vendiderit, ceù Affraiam fecerit, vel Hutegium† 4.8 levaverit, vel falsa Pondera vel Mensuras falsas usus fuerit infrà eundem Feodum, ceù vendiderit Pisces captos infrà Feodum praedictum antè horam primam alicujus diei; quòd tùnc Ballivi dicti Ducis Curiae suae praedictae per Processum debitum, scilicèt, per Attachiamentum & Distri∣ctionem, facient eosdem Transgressores venire ad respondendum in Curiâ praedictâ; de qui∣bus si convicti fuerint,—&c.

Itèm, Dux clamat habere Fines & Amerciamenta illorum, & punitionem dictorum Trans∣gressorum in formâ juris; pro quibus Transgressionibus si posteà indictati fuerint coràm Ju∣sticiario Cestriae, vel Vicecomite Cestershiriae, vel aliquibus aliis Ministris dicti Comitis Ce∣striae, pro praedictis Finibus ceù Amerciamentis, ceù Punitionibus per Ballivos dicti Ducis factis, erunt quieti.

Itèm, Clamat, quòd si aliquis Conquestus fuerit in eâdem Curiâ, quòd aliquis disseisans eum in libero Tenemento suo infrà Feodum Dominii sui praedicti extrà Burgos de Halton & Congleton per Billam, in naturâ Novae Disseisinae, quòd tùnc Ballivi dicti Ducis ejusdem Cu∣riae facient Processum versùs Partem Defendentem per Attachiamentum & Districtionem, quousquè venerit in Curiam praedictam ad respondendum de Placito praedicto: Et si Pars de∣fendens dedicat disseisinam, & ponit se supèr Patriam, tùnc ambabus Partibus consentientibus capiatur Inquisitio in naturâ Assisae Novae Disseisinae: Et si indè convictus fuerit de Disseisi∣nâ, recuperet Pars querens Seisinam suam simùl cùm damnis suis, & Pars Desendens in misericordiâ: quam quidèm misericordiam idem Dux clamat habere.

Itèm clamat, quòd si aliquis Conquestus fuerit in praedictâ Curiâ versus aliquem de ali∣quâ viâ arctatâ, obstructâ, vel obstupefactâ, vel de aliquibus aliis hujusmodi nocumentis, in∣frà Dominii sui praedicti Feodum factis, vel etiàm pèr Ballivos dicti Ducis dictae Curiae prae∣sentatum fuerit tale nocumentum per aliquem Forefactum infrà eundem Feodum, quòd tùnc Seneschallus Curiae praedictae per Attachiamentum & Districtionem faciat dictum Transgres∣sorem venire in Curiam praedictam ad respondendum de nocumento praedicto, & tùnc si ipse in eâdem Curiâ se ponere voluerit, & indè convictus fuerit, quòd tùnc gravitèr amercie∣tur; & dabit Seneschallo dictae Curiae unum Bovem, & nocumentum illud removere debet; quod quidem Amerciamentum idem clamat habere.

Itèm clamat, quòd si aliquis acquisiverit liberum Tenementam infrà Feodum Dominii sui praedicti sine Licentiâ suâ, & illud praesentatum sit per Ballivos dicti Ducis Curiae suae prae∣dictae, quòd tùnc idem Acquisitor attachiari debet per Ballivos ejusdem Curiae ad responden∣dum dicto Duci in Curiâ praedictâ de acquisitione praedictâ: Et si inde convictus fuerit, da∣bit praedicto Duci rationabilem Finem secundùm quantitatem Tenementi acquisiti, & secun∣dùm Considerationem Seneschalli, & Judicatorum ejusdem Curiae.

Item clamat habere Stallagium de omnibus Merchandizam exercentibus infrà certas Villas Dominii sui praedicti; videlicet, Halton, Runcorne, Weston, Clifton, Sutton, Aston juxtà Sutton, Middleton, Aston-Grange, Stokham, Norton, Preston, Daresbery, Newton, Rek∣wick, Moore, Acton-Grange, VValton superiorem, VValton inferiorem, Hull & Appulton, Thelwall, Stretton, Hatton, Nether-VVhitley, Over-VVhitley, Comberbach, Budworth

juxtà Comberbach, Aston juxtà Budworth, Merebury, Cogshull, Berthington, Legh, & Dutton. Et quòd nulli hominum Tenentium seu Residentium infrà Villas praedictas facere debent sectam seu apparentiam coràm Justiciariis ad Placita, vocatis Eyres, nec ad Turnum Vicecomitis pro aliquâ re, nisi solummodo ad visus & Curias dicti Ducis praedictas; & quòd nulli hominum Tenentium ceù Residentium infrà Villas praedictas, Summoneantur, Attachien∣tur, Distringantur, seù Capiantur infrà Villatas praedictas, ad respondendum alicui coràm Justiciariis in Placitis praedictis, nec coràm Vicecomite in Turno suo praedicto, nec in Hun∣dredo, nisi ipsi, vel Catalla, vel Tenementa sua, sint ceù inveniantur extrà Villas prae∣dictas.

Item clamat habere Aquam de Mersey apertam à quodam loco vocato Frespoole usque ad Piscariam dicti Ducis de Thelwall, tam in solo alieno quàm in solo suo proprio, ità largam quòd habere possit Passagium cùm quodam Batello de octo Ferreys sinè impedimento, per filum dictae aquae usquè ad dictam Piscariam, & redire omni tempore anni,—&c. Et si aliquid no∣cumentum ibidèm factum fuerit ad contrarium, liceat ei illud amovere, &c.

Itèm clamat habere omnes Pisces Regales captos ceu inventos infrà Feodam Dominii sui prae∣dicti.

Itèm clamat ratione Dominii sui de Halton fore Constabularium & Mareschallum Domini Comitis Cestriae, & habere omnia Feoda & Proficua, quae ad ea pertinent.

Itèm clamat ratione Dominii sui & Constabulariae suae praedictae, habere Advocarias suas per totum Comitatum Cestriae de omnibus, qui se in Advocariis suis se ponere voluerint; & habere omnia Proficua & Libertates, quae ad illas Advocarias pertinent.

Itèm clamat, Quòd ipse & Tenentes sui de quâdam Salinâ in Northwycho de XII Plumbis, vocatâ Whitley-Wich-house, sint quieti de Theoloneo praestando pro Sale in eâdem Salinâ facto & vendito: ac Emptores ejusdem Salis in eâdem Salinâ facti & empti, erunt quieti de The∣oloneo pro eodem praestando in eâdem Villâ.

Itèm clamat habere infrà Feodum Dominii sui praedicti unum Magistrum Servientem* 4.9 ad aequum juratum cùm octo Subservientibus, & duobus Garcionibus† 4.10 sub eodem Magistro ju∣rato ad custodiendam Pacem per totum Feodum praedictum, & ad Serviendum dicto Duci de Executionibus Curiarum suarum praedictarum faciendis: qui quidem Magister Serviens cùm Subservientibus & Garcionibus suis praedictis habere debebent Puturam* 4.11, vel rationabi∣lem Finem pro Puturâ eâdem, de omnibus Tenentibus tres Landas Terrae vel plures, Terra∣rum vocatarum Warland, infrà Feodum praedictum; scilicèt, pro dicto Magistro Serviente, & duobus Subservientibus suis, & uno Garcione cùm uno Tenente Tenentium praedictorum, Coe∣nare, pernoctare, & in die proximè sequenti antè recessum suum jentare; & pro aliis duobus Subservientibus cùm uno Garcione cùm alio Tenente Tenentium praedictorum similitèr Coe∣nare, pernoctare, & in die proximè sequenti antè recessum suum jentare; & pro aliis duobus Subservientibus cùm alio Tenente Tenentium praedictorum similiter Coenare, pernoctare, & in die proxime sequenti ante recessum suum jentare: Et pro aliis duobus Subservientibus cùm alio Tenente Tenentium praedictorum similiter Coenare, pernoctare, & in die proxime sequenti ante recessum suum jentare: Et sic de sex Septimanis in sex Septimanas separatìm annuatìm in formâ praedictâ Coenare, pernoctare, & jentare: Ità quod quilibet Tenens Tenentium prae∣dictorum cùm quo praedictus Magister Serviens cùm duobus Subservientibus & uno Garcione vel etiàm cum quo duo de Subservientibus praedictis cùm uno Garcione, vel etiàm cùm quo duo de Subservientibus praedictis in formâ praedictâ coenaverunt, pernoctaverunt, & jentave∣runt, erit quietus tàm de dicto Magistro Serviente, quàm de aliis Subservientibus & Garcio∣nibus praedictis pascendis, per sex Septimanas proxime tùnc sequentes: Et idem Magister Serviens habere debet de quolibet Tenente Tenentium praedictorum pro Equo suo unum Bushel Avenarum pro Prebendâ* 4.12 capiendâ annuatìm inter Festa Sancti Michaelis & Inventionis Sanctae Crucis.

Itèm clamat, quòd si dicti Servientes seu Ballivi sui aliquem Latronem pro aliquo furto ubicunque fuerit, facto cùm manuopere infrà Feodum Dominii sui praedicti ceperint, seù attachiaverint, & si ille Latro Feloniam illam coràm quatuor Villatis spontaneâ voluntate cognoverit, tùnc liceat dictis Servientibus seu Ballivis suis dictum Latronem decollare: Et dictus Dux tùnc habebit omnia Bona & Catalla dicti Latronis infrà Feodum suum praedictum inventa.

Item clamat, quòd si aliquis captus fuerit infrà Feodum Dominii sui praedicti per dictos Servientes seu Ballivos suos cùm Manuopere alicujus Feloniae, quòd tùnc, Feloniâ illâ cogni∣tâ aut incognitâ, liceat dictis Servientibus seu Ballivis ducere dictum Felonem ad Prisonam dicti Ducis apud Halton, & ibidem illum retinere per tres Curias ibidem proxime sequentes, ad quas venient omnes Judicatores & Sectatores Curiae praedictae per rationabilem praemoni∣tionem: Et in quâcunque Curiâ illarum liceat Seneschallo ejusdem Curiae illum Felonem de dictâ Feloniâ ibidem arrainiare: Et si ille Felo se ponere ibidem voluerit super Inquisitionem Curiae praedictae, tunc liceat Seneschallo illam Inquisitionem capere: Et si ipsum inde culpabi∣lem invenerit, tunc liceat dictis Servientibus seu Ballivis suis dictum Felonem super Furcas dicti Ducis de Halton suspendere; & Bona & Catalla dicti Felonis infra Feodum Dominii sui praedicti inventa habebit dictus Dux sibi Forisfacta: Et si dictus Felo in nullâ Curiarum praedictarum se ponere voluerit super Inquisitionem ibidem, tunc mandetur ad Castrum Ce∣striae: Et si ibidem dictus Felo convictus fuerit, reducatur per Servientes seu Ballivos dicti Ducis ad furcas ejusdem Ducis de Halton, & ibidem suspendatur; seu si Finem inde fecerit Domino Comiti Cestriae, tunc in utroque Casu idem Dux clamat omnia Bona & Catalla dicti Felonis infra Feodum Dominii sui praedicti inventa.

Item clamat habere Market-Geld de Villatis de Weston, Aston juxta Sutton, Middleton, Preston, Newton, Kekwick, Moore, Daresbery, Halton, Over-Walton, Nether-Walton, Stretton, Appulton, Middlehurst in Gropenhall, Over-Whitley, Comberbach, Merebury, Budworth, Aston juxta Budworth, Nether-Tabley, Berthinton, Dutton, Plumley, Over-Tabley, Toft, Bexton, Knotsford-Booths, Millington, Limme, & Lostock: Quae sunt in∣fra Feodum Dominii sui praedicti.

Item clamat habere Villam suam de Congleton liberum Burgum, & habere ibidem liberos Burgenses: Et quod ipsi Burgenses sui praedicti erunt quieti de Theoloneo, Passagio, Ponta∣gio, & Stuth, tam in Civitate Cestriae quam per totum Comitatum Cestriae, praeterquam de Theoloneo Salis in Wichis; & habere ibidem unum Mercatum quâlibet septimanâ per diem Sabbati; & unam Feriam ibidem per Annum, videlicet, in die Sancti Martini in Hyeme cum omnibus Libertatibus & Proficuis, quae ad Mercatum seu ad Feriam pertinent. Et habere ibidem Visum Franci Plegii, & quicquid ad visum pertinet, de omnibus Tenentibus & Re∣sidentibus infra Burgum praedictum: Tenendum ter per Annum, videlicet, semel inter Festa Sancti Michaelis & Sancti Martini in Hyeme, & iterum inter Festa Sancti Hilarii & An∣nunciationis Beatae Mariae; & tertio inter Festa Sanctae Trinitatis & Assumptionis Beatae Ma∣riae: Et habere ibidem Cognitionem Placiti de libero Tenemento in Burgo praedicto per Par∣vum Breve de Recto Clausum; Tenendum coram Ballivis dicti Ducis: Et habere exitus, Fines, & Amerciamenta inde provenientia.

Item clamat habere liberam Curiam in Civitate Cestriae de omnibus Sutoribus, & liberis Tenentibus suis, in eadem Civitate; Tenendum bis per Annum.

Item idem Dux, Dominus & Baro de Halton, clamat pro se & Haeredibus suis, habere liberam Curiam de omnibus Placitis & Querelis in Curiâ Domini Comitis Cestriae, infra Feo∣dum dictae Baroniae emergentibus, exceptis Placitis ad Gladium Domini Comitis Cestriae perti∣nentibus.

Item clamat, quod si quis hominum suorum pro aliquo delicto captus fuerit, per ipsum Baronem sine redemptione Replegietur, ita quod dictus Baro eum perducat ad tres Comitatus, & eum quiete reducat nisi Sakerbor* 4.13 ipsum sequatur.

Ita clamat, quod si aliquis Adventitius, qui fidelis sit, in terras ejus venerit, & si placu∣erit morari; liceat ei ipsum habere & reducere, Salvis Domino Comiti Cestriae Advocariis, qui sponte ad se venerint; & aliis; qui pro transgressu aliunde ad dignitatem suam veniunt; & non eis extraneis qui sunt in Advocariâ dicti Ducis ad Dominium suum de Halton pertinen∣tibus.

Item clamat, quod si Vicecomes Domini Comitis Cestriae, vel aliquis Serviens in Curia sua, aliquem hominum dicti Baronis inculpaverit, pro Thirtnyk* 4.14 se defendere poterit, nisi Secta eum sequatur.

Item clamat habere quietantiam de Garbis & Oblationibus, quas Servientes & Bedelli Do∣mini Comitis Cestriae exigere solebant.

Item clamat, quod si aliquis Judex vel Sectarius Hundredi aut Comitatus in Curia Domini

Comitis Cestriae in misericordiam ceciderit, per duos Solidos quietus sit Judex; Sectarius autem per duodecem Denarios.

Item clamat, quod non faciat aliquod Servitium Domino Comiti Cestriae extra Lyme & Cluyd, nisi per Gratum suum & ad Costum Domini Comitis Cestriae.

Item clamat, quod omnia Maneria sua Dominica in Comitatu & Hundredo per unum Se∣neschallum praesentem defendere possit.

In a little Parchment Schedule among my own Evidences, I find some part of Halton-Fee, as followeth; which I here have rendred in English, because of some ob∣solete Latin Words therein.

HUgo de Preston Bayliff of the Serjeanty of Halton, 33 Edw. 3. 1359. For Account before William Blaby, then Auditor to the Duke of Lancaster, for 4 l. 13. s. 4 d.

	l.	s.	d.
For Rent in Pever* 4.15	00	06	08	at two Terms.
Alderley† 4.16	00	05	00	die Johannis Baptistae.
Listard	00	13	04	Martlemas.
Birtles	00	12	00	Martlemas.
Macclesfield	00	01	00	eodem Termino.
Toft	00	07	00	eodem Termino.
Henbury & Pexhull	02	00	00	eodem Termino.
Cotton	00	07	11	eodem Termino.
Middlehurst in Gropenhall	00	00	04	eodem Termino.

	l.	s.	d.
Unde Termino Martini	04	04	11
In die Nativitatis Joh. Bapt.	00	08	04

	s.	d.
And of	03	01	in Hulme at Wallfield, Termino Martini.
And	01	00	from the Shoe-makers of Chester, Termino Martini.
And	00	01	ob. for a Manchester-Knife with a Horn Haft, out of Milling∣ton, eodem Termino.
And	01	00	from Adam Clayton, for his Tenement in Thelwall, or one Pair of Stag-leather Gloves Furred with Fox, Termino Mi∣chaelis.
And	14	00	Rent from the Fre-men of Chester City, Termino Martini.
And	02	04	From a Tenement in Longdendale, for the Ward of the Ways, which they used to keep at the time of Chester-Fair; Termino Johannis Baptistae.
And	02	00	in Nether-Walton, for the Liberty of taking Salmons in Mersey, at our Lady-day.
And	00	06	for a Pair of White Spurs, from William Mobberley, for his Lands in Plumley; Termino Johannis Baptistae.

XIV. John of Gaunt, fourth Son of King Edward

[illustration] blazon or coat of arms

HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE

the Third, was born at Gaunt in Flanders, 1339. 13 Edw. 3. was Created Earl of Richmond 16 Edw. 3. 1342. Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office, Tom. 1. fol. 411. b. Comitatus Richmondiae, num. 2. Lib. C. fol. 77. c. And he had Castrum, Villam, & Honorem de Hartford given unto him by his Father, 20 die Maii, 34 Edw. 3. 1360.

He was Created Duke of Lancaster in Right of his first Wife, Blanch Daughter and Co-heir of Henry Duke of Lancaster, 13 die Novembris, 36 Edw. 3. 1361. Couchir-Book in le Dutchy-Office, Tom. 1. fol. 142. num. 1. And after the death of Maud the other Daughter and Co-heir of Henry Duke of Lancaster, who died without Issue Anno 1381. the Earldom of Leycester, and all Maud's Part of the Lands which belonged to Henry Duke of Lancaster, reverted unto John of Gaunt.

Blanch his first Wife died Anno Domini 1369. 43 Edw. 3. and was buried at St. Paul's Church in Lon∣don: Walsingham. By whom he had Issue, Henry of Bolingbrok, so called because he was born at Boling∣broke Castle, made Earl of Derby in his Father's Life-time, scilicèt, Anno 1385. 9 Rich. 2. and Duke of Hereford also 1397. 21 Rich. 2. And in the Year following, 1398. this Henry Duke of Hereford accused Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk for speaking certain Words in dishonour of the King's Person; which the Duke of Norfolk denied: Whereupon they had a Combat granted by the King, to have been fought at Coventry on the se∣venteenth day of September, both of them entring the Lists courageously: But the King took up the Matter, causing it to be Proclaimed, That the Duke of Hereford had honourably performed his Part; and presently after Banished the Duke of Hereford for ten Years, and the Duke of Norfolk for ever: So Stow and Walsingham. But this Duke of Hereford returning into England, Deposed Richard the Second, causing the King to read his own Resignation of the Crown to this Henry publickly in the Tower, before the Nobles of England: Walsingham's Hist. pag. 359. Cursed Traytors! And so by force of Arms made himself King, by the Name of Henry the Fourth.

So was the Dutchy of Lancaster, and the Barony of Halton, united to the Crown of England.

John of Gaunt had also Issue by Blanch two Daughters: Elizabeth married John Hol∣land Duke of Exeter, and after to Sir John Cornwall, Knight of the Garter, and Baron of Fanhope: Philippa, the other Daughter, married John King of Portugal.

After the death of Blanch, he married Constantia Daughter and Co-heir to Petro late King of Spain; and Edmund Earl of Cambridge, his Brother, married Isabella the other Daughter, Anno Domini 1372. 46 Edw. 3. Stow and Walsingham: Lib. C. fol. 78. f. And from this time he writ himself King of Castile and Leons. By this Con∣stance he had Issue Katharine, married to Henry Son of John King of Spain, 1389.

Upon the Marriage of Katharine, a Peace was concluded between John of Gaunt and the King of Spain: John of Gaunt was to have ten thousand Pounds yearly for his own Life, and the Life of Constance his Wife: Walsingham: Who before, in the Year 1367. had routed the Spaniards in a great Battel between him and Henry the Ba∣stard, who had ejected Peter King of Spain.

Constance died Anno Domini 1394. Walsingham.

John of Gaunt, relinquishing his Title of King of Castile and Leons, was Created Duke of Aquitain by Consent of Parliament, 2 die Martii, 13 Rich. 2. 1389. And then his Title, Anno 1394. 18 Rich. 2. did run thus.—

Johannes Filius Regis Angliae, Dux Aquitaniae & Lancastriae, Comes-Leycestriae, Lincol∣niae & Derbiae, Seneschallus Angliae. Couchir-Book in the Dutchy-Office, Tom. 2. Comitatus Southampton, num. 36.

For he had Honorem de Tickhil, 46 Ed. 3. while he was stiled King of Castile and Leons, and Duke of Lancaster; & Castrum & Leucatam de Pevenese (inter alià), in exchange for the Earldom of Richmond, 46 Edw. 3. And by his Brother the Black Prince, Earl of Che∣ster, he had 100 Marks yearly given him out of the Exchequer at Chester, during his Life, by the Name of John by the Grace of God King of Castile and Leons, and Duke of Lancaster: 47 Edw. 3. 1373. Lib. C. fol. 78. e.

After the death of Constance his second Wife the Duke went into Aquitain, scilicet, Anno 1396. 19 Rich. 2. to have obtained the Good-will of the Inhabitants, having the Title of Duke of Aquitain conferred upon him before by his Father; but was sud∣denly called back into England by the King: And as soon as he returned into England, he married Katharine Swynford his old Concubine, to the wonder of all Men; which Katharine formerly waited on Blanch his first Wife: Stow and Walsingham.

This Katharine was the Daughter of Payn Roet, alias Guyen, King at Arms, and Widow of Sir Otes Swynford; by whom John of Gaunt had Issue before he married her; Sir John Beaufort, the eldest, was Earl of Somerset, and Marquis Dorset, which Marquis-ship was taken away by Parliament, 1 Hen. 4. Henry de Beaufort was after Bishop of Winchester, Cardinal of St. Eusby sive Euscbii, and Chancellor of England; Thomas Created Earl of Dorset 21 Rich. 2. Joan de Beaufort was second Wife of Raufe Nevill, the first Earl of Westmorland; after she married Robert Ferrers Lord of Owse∣ley. They were all sir-named de Beaufort, because they were born at Beaufort in France. All which were Legitimated by Parliament, 1397. 20 Rich. 2. to all Purposes, Ho∣nors, State, and Dignities, exceptâ Dignitate Regale, as you may see in the Record tran∣scribed by the Lord Cook in his Jurisdiction of Courts, pag. 37. Lib. C. fol. 82. P.

Walsingham, put out by Mr. Cambden, calls Thomas Beaufort, Comitem de Somerset, all along, pag. 354. & 550. for Dorset; unless the Title of Somerset and Dorset were pro∣miscuous. See Vincent on Brooke, pag. 169.

Katharine Synford died in May, 4 Hen. 4. 1403. Stow.

This John procured the County of Lancaster to be made a County Palatine; to whom his Father King Edward the Third by his Charter granted Jura Regalia: And when he hath reckoned up the Good Service which the said John of Gaunt his Son had done for his Countrey at home and abroad, he addeth,—Concessimus pro nobis & Haeredibus nostris praefato Filio nostro, quod ipse ad totam vitam suam habeat infra Comita∣tum Lancastriae Cancellariam suam, ac Brevia sua sub Sigillo suo pro Officio Cancellarii de∣putando consignanda, Justiciarios suos tam ad Placita Coronae quam ad quaecunque alia Placi∣ta Communem legem tangentia tenenda, & Cognitiones eorundem, & quascunque Executiones per Brevia sua, & Ministros suos ibidem, faciendas; Et quascunque alias libertates, & Ju∣ra Regalia ad Comitatum Palatinum pertinentia, adeo libere & integre, sicut Comes Cestriae infra eundem Comitatum Cestriae dignoscitur obtinere,—&c. 28 die Februarii, Anno Edw. 3. Angliae 51, & Franciae 38. Couchir-Book of the Dutchy-Office, Tom: 1. fol. 430. num. 16. Confirmed to him and his Heirs by Consent of Parliament, 16 die Febrùarii, 13 Rich. 2. Ibidem, Tom. 1. fol. 52.

Many are the Acts of this John of Gaunt, Recorded in our Annals and Histories: I will reckon up some of the most memorable.

Anno Domini 1373. 47 Edw. 3. John Duke of Lancaster went with a Puissant Army into France: He passed by Paris to Burgundy, and so through all France, no Man da∣ring to oppose him; but at last leaving France, he came into the Desart Mountains of Avernia, where there was neither Meat for Horse nor Man, and so lost most part of his Army through Famine and Pestilence; whence he came to Burdeaux scarce with forty Horse, whereas he entred France with thirty thousand Horse attending him. Walsingham.

Anno 1377. he was threatned to be killed by the Londoners, for some high Word spoken against their Bishop of London; they had burned his House, called The Savoy,

but that the Bishop interceded: Whereupon the Duke fled to Kensington, and hating the Londoners, caused the Mayor and other Officers to be put out, and new ones cho∣sen. Shortly after, Richard the Second, before his Magnificent Coronation at West∣minster, reconciled the Citizens and the Duke of Lancaster.

Anno 1376. the King sent again for John of Gaunt his Son to Govern the Kingdom, who was Governor thereof as long as the King lived

For the Constableship of Cheshire, formerly inherent in the Barony of Halton, and now Granted to John Duke of Lancaster by Richard the Second, take here the Char∣ter at large, as I have transcribed the same out of the Couchir-Book in the Dutch-Office at Grays-Inn, Tom. 1. fol. 49. a. Comitatus Cestriae, num. 25.

RICARDUS Dei Gratiâ Rex Angliae & Franciae, Dominus Hiberniae, & Princeps Cestriae, Omnibus ad quos praesentes Literae pervenerint Salutem. Sciatis, Quod Concessimus pro nobis & Haeredibus nostris Principibus Cestriae, quantùm in nobis est, Cha∣rissimo Avunculo nostro Johanni Duci Lancastriae Officium Constabulariae totius Principatus nostri Cestriae, & ipsum Johannem Constabularium ejusdem integri Principatus nostri prae∣fecimus: Habendum & Tenendum idem Officium sibi & Haeredibus Masculis de Corpore suo exeuntibus; & quòd ipse & Haeredes Masculi de Corpore suo exeuntes habeant, occupent, & exerceant praedictum Officium in locis quibuscunque, & ubicunque, infrà Principatum prae∣dictum, tàm in Dominicis & Bundis veteri Comitatui Cestriae, in Parliamento nostro apud Westmonasterium tento die Lunae proximè post Festum Exaltationis Sanctae Crucis, Anno Regni nostri vicesimo primo, annexis; (quae quidèm Dominia, Bundae, & Comitatus, tùnc facta fuerunt Principatus) quàm in veteri Comitatu praedicto: Habendum, Tenendum, & Occupandum Officium praedictum infrà integrum Principatum supradictum, adeò liberè & integrè, cùm omnibus Feodis, Servitiis, Jurisdictionibus, & aliis Proficuis quibuscunque, infrà & per totum integrum Principatum supradictum, proùt & sicùt Constabularius An∣gliae Officium suum in residuo Regni nostri Angliae possidet in praesenti. Eo non obstante, quòd aliquod hujusmodi Officium infrà Dominia & Bundas praedicta, veteri Comitatui Cestriae praedicto jàm annexa, antè haec tempora non extitit usitatum nèc consuetum: Ità quòd alia Feoda, Servitia, Jurisdictiones, & Proficua, de Ligeis nostris veteris Comitatus Cestriae praedicti, per ipsum Ducem & Haeredes Masculos de Corpore suo exeuntes, Constabularios Principatus praedicti, nullatenùs de caetero exigantur, seù quovismodo percipiantur in futu∣rum, quàm de jure in praedicto vetere Comitatu antè haec tempora erat consuetum; nec infrà Dominia & Bundas praedicta eidem veteri Comitatui (ut praedictum est) jàm anexa, quàm de jure percipi d••beant, & Officio Constabularii de recto pertineant. In cujus rei Testimo∣nium, has Literas nostras fieri fecimus Patentes, Sigillo Principatus nostri Cestriae Signatas. Teste meipso apud Castrum nostrum de Holt, octavo die Augusti, 22 Rich. 2. 1398.

But this Principality lasted not long; for that Statute was Repealed 1 Hen. 4. cap. 3.

Anno Domini 1398. the third day of February, 22 Rich. 2. [Obiit 1398] died John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, at the Bishop of Ely's Lodgings in Holborn juxtà London, and lies Ho∣nourably Buried at St. Paul's Church in London, near to Blanch his first Wife; So Stow: Anno Aetatis suae 60. See Wever's Funeral Monuments, pag. 365. Lib. C. fol. 82. r.

Feodarium Dominii de Halton in Comitatu Cestriae, nec non in Comitatu Lancastriae, de omnibus Hominibus qui tenent de Domino de Halton per Servitium Militare & per Relevium cum acciderit.

This Feodary seems to have been taken out of the Records of Halton about Edw. 2.

Such as are put over the Head, seem to be the Tenants at that time when this Feodary was Renewed, about Hen. 6.

	Dominus Willielmus Lovell.	l.	s.	d.
Longdendale.	Dominus Robertus de Longdendale tenet Longden∣dale, pro uno Feodo Militis, & per Relevium cùm acciderit—	05	00	00
	Willielmus Trussell Miles.
Henbury & Pexhull.	Oliverus de Burdeaux tenet Villam de Henbury & Pex∣hull de Haereditâte Matildis Uxoris suae, pro quartâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium cùm ac∣ciderit—	01	05	00
	Tho. Wever.
Over-Alderley.	Dominus Robertus de Monte alto tenet Villam de Alder∣ley pro quartâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium—	01	05	00
	Tho. Weever.
Clutton.	Idem Robertus tenet Villam de Clutton, pro sextâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium—	00	16	08
	Robertus Leycester.
Toft.	Rogerus de Toft tenet Villam de Toft pro vicesimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium—	00	05	00
	Tho. Daniell, Radulfus Hulse, & Tho. Croxton.
Bexton, one half.	Johannes de Bexton tenet medietatem Villae de Bexton pro vicesimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Re∣levium—	00	05	00
	Johannes Leycester.
Over-Tabley, one half.	Hugo Filius Adae de Tabley tenet medietatem Villae de Tabley pro vicesimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium —	00	05	00
Knotsford-Booths.	Johannes de Legh tenet Villam de Knotsford-Booths, pro sextâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Rele∣vium—	00	16	08
	Johannes Dumvyll.
Limme, one half.	Gilbertus de Limme tenet medietatem Villae de Limme pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, & per Rele∣vium —	02	10	00

Norton, & Middleton in Aston juxtà Sut∣ton.	Prior de Norton tenet Norton pro octavâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & tenet Middleton pro quartâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	01	17	06
	Johannes Savage Miles.
Great Barrow.	Dominus Hugo Spenser tenet Villam de Magnâ Barrow unà cùm dimidio Bovatae Terrae in Parvâ Barrow, pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium—	02	10	00
Millington, one half.	Robertus de Mulinton tenet medietatem Villae de Mu∣linton pro octavâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium. —	00	12	06
	Johannes Savage Miles.
Clifton, now called Rock-Savage.	Domina Matildes de Chedull tenet Villam de Clifton pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, & per Rele∣vium.—	02	10	00* 5.1
Sutton.	Galfridus de Warburton tenet Villam de Sutton pro quintâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Rele∣vium.—	01	00	00
Aston juxta Sutton, & Endeley nùnc locus cognitus in Norton.	Ricardus de Aston tenet Villam de Aston & Endley pro quartâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Re∣levium.—	01	05	00
Listark.	Idem Ricardus tenet Villam de Listark pro quintâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	01	00	00
	Willielmus Holford.
Lostock-Gralam, and half of Plumley.	Thomas de Vernon tenet Villam de Lostock cùm Parvâ Lostock, & medietatem de Plumley, pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium. —	02	10	00
Cotton.	Henricus de Cotton tenet Villam de Cotton pro vicesimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	00	05	00
	Ricardus de Moreton.
Moreton-Rode.	Thomas le Vernon tenet Villam de Moreton-Rode pro octavâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.	00	12	06
Hulmes-Chappell.	Henricus de Hulme tenet Villam de Hulme pro vicesimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	00	05	00
	Robertus le Grosvenour.
Half of Nether-Pe∣ver.	Willielmus de Mobberley tenet medietatem Villae de Pever inferiori, pro vicesimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	00	05	00
Nether-Whitley.	Dominus Robertus Touchet tenet Villam de Whitley-inferiori, pro tertiâ parte unius Feodi Militis [alii legunt, pro medietate], & per Relevium.—	01	13	04

	Dominus Rex.
Halton.	Dominus Comes Lincolniae tenet Villam de Halton pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	02	10	00
	Thomas Stanley Miles, & Henricus Litherland.
Kirkby, half.	Ricardus Samson tenet medietatem Villae de Kirkby in Waley pro quartâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	01	05	00
	Johannes de Tildesley.
Barnston, half.	Hugo de Berneston tenet medietatem Villae de Berneston pro quartâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Re∣levium cùm acciderit.—	01	05	00
	Thomas de Pool, & Ricardus Cholmondeley.
Capenhurst.	Robertus Pool tenet Villam de Capenhurst; pro quartâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium—	01	05	00
	Thomas de Hulme, & Willielmus de Brunborough.
Traunmoll.	Ranulphus de Traunmoll tenet Villam de Traunmoll pro nonâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.	00	11	00
	Galfridus de Warburton.
Budworth, Aston nigh Budworth, Over-Tab∣ley third part, Nether Tabley two Oxgangs of Land, Lythe nigh Chester, Comberbach one Oxgang.	Johannes Fitton tenet Villas de Budworth, & Aston juxtà Budworth, tertiam Partem de Tabley Superio∣ri, & duas Bovatas Terrae in Tabley-Inferiori, & Bovatam Terrae in quartâ parte de Comberbach, & unam Bovatam Terrae in manu Prioris de Norton in Budworth, & totam Terram de Lithe ultrà Dee juxtà Cestriam, pro uno Feodo Militis, & per Relevium.—	05	00	00
	Johannes Daniell de Daresbery.
Daresbery. Over-Walton.	Alanus de Norreys tenet Villam de Daresbery, & Villam de Walton-Superiori, pro medietate unius Feodi Mi∣litis. —	02	10	00
Weston. Kekwick. Nether-Walton, half. Over-Runcorn, third part Newton juxtà Cestr.	Dominus Hugo de Dutton tenet Villam de Weston, & medietatem de Walton-Inferiori, & tertiam partem Villae de Runcorne-Superiori, & sex Bovatas Terrae in Newton juxtà Cestriam, & Villam de Kekwick, pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, [alii legunt, pro uno Feodo] & per Relevium cùm acciderit.—	02	10	00
	Dominus Rex.
Over-Whitley.	Dominus Robertus de Holland tenet Villam de Whitley-Superiori, puo medietate unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium cùm acciderit.—	02	10	00
	Dominus Rex.
Over-Runcorne. Nether-Runcorne. Moore. Congleton.	Domina Comitissa tenet Villam de Runcorne-Superiori, & Inferiori, pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, & Moore pro sextâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & Vil∣lam de Congleton pro medietate unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium.—	05	16	08

	Gafridus Warburton Miles.
Hatton. Stretton. Sale. Nether-Walton, half.	Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet Villam de Hatton pro decimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & Villam de Stretton pro decimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & Villam de Sale pro decimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & medietatem de Walton-Inferiori pro decimâ parte unius Feodi Militis, & per Relevium cùm acciderit.	02	00	00

Feodarium Dominii de Wydenesse in Comitatu Lancastriae, ad Castrum de Halton pertinentis.

	Thomas Stanley Miles, Controwler.	l.	s.	d.
Knowsley. Hyton. Roby. Torbock.	Dominus Robertus de Lathom tenet de Domino de Wid∣neys, Maneria de Knowsley, Hyton, Roby, & Torbock, pro uno Feodo Militis, & dat de Relevio cùm acciderit.	05	00	00
	Johannes Daniell de Daresbery.
Sutton. Eccleston. Raynhull.	Gilbertus le Norreys junior tenet Villas de Sutton, & Eccleston, & Raynhull, pro uno Feodo Militis, & per Relevium.—	05	00	00
Little-Crosby.	Ricardus Molineaux de Sefton tenet Villam de Parvâ Crosby pro tribus Carucis Terrae undè decem Carucae faciunt unum Feodum Militis, & per Relevium.—	01	10	00
	Ricardus Halsale.
Halsale.	Gilbertus de Halsale tenet Villam de Halsale pro medie∣tate unius Carucae Terrae, & dat de Relevio.—	00	05	00
	Petrus Gerard.
Kirkby, half.	Dominus Ricardus de Burton tenet medietatem Villae de Kirkby pro unâ Carucâ Terrae, & per Relevium.—	00	10	00
	Thomas Bethum.
Kirkby, the other half.	Radulfus de Bethum tenet alteram medietatem Villae de Kirkby pro unâ Carucâ Terrae, & per Relevium.—	00	10	00
	Ricardus Ratcliffe.
Asteley.	Hugo de Tildesley tenet Villam de Asteley pro unâ Caru∣câ, & pro Relevio cùm acciderit.—	00	10	00
Appulton.	Villa de Appulton tenetur de Domino in Bondagio simili∣tèr cùm Membris suis, & tres Carucae ibidèm, undè X faciunt unum Feodum Militis, & per Relevium cùm acciderit.—	01	10	00
Craunton.	Abbas de Whalley tenet Villam de Craunton in purâ & perpetuâ Elemosynâ pro tribus Carucis Terrae, & per Relevium.—	01	10	00
Great-Wolneton. Little-Wolneton.	Prior Hospitalis Sancti Johannis tenet Villam de Magnâ Wolneton, & de Parvâ Wolneton, pro V Carucis Terra, & per Relevium.—	02	10	00

This Record following I transcribed out of an ancient Parchment Roll, in the Cu∣stody of Peter Danyell of Over-Tabley Esquire, July 20. 1647.

In Dorso. Placita Comitatus Cestriae apud Cestriam, coram Gilberto Domino de Talbot Justi∣ciario Domini Regis, ad Comitatum tentum ibidèm die Martis proximè post Festum Translationis Sancti Thomae Martyris, Anno Regni Regis Henrici quinti post Conquestum sexto. [ 1418]

JUratores diversorum Hundredorum aliàs coràm Gilberto Domino de Talbot Justiciario Do∣mini Regis Cestriae, scilicèt ad Comitatum tentum apud Cestriam die Martis proximè post Festum Sanctae Trinitatis, Anno Regni Domini Regis nùnc quinto, praesentaverunt quòd Tho∣mas de Nesse de Runcorne in Comitatu Cestriae Knave* 6.1, die Martis proximè post Festum Annunciationis Beatae Mariae Virginis, Anno Regni Domini Regis nùnc quinto, apud le New∣stede per insultum & insidias praecogitatas & praeordinatas in Thomam de Cester Canonicum de Norton, Magistrum ipsius Thomae, vi & armis insultum fecit, & ipsum vulneravit in diversis partibus Corporis cùm quodam Cultello, vocato A Dagger: Et ipsum ibidèm quasi mortuum dimisit, supponens quòd mortem habuisset de ictibus praedictis: Et ad hunc diem, scilicèt diem Martis proximè post Festum Translationis Sancti Thomae Martyris, venit prae∣dictus Thomas de Nesse in propriâ Personâ suâ allocutione instanti qualitèr se de Transgressi∣one praedictâ superius ei impositâ velit acquietare: Qui dicit, quòd Dominus Rex, ut Dux Lancastriae, est & fuit seisitus in Dominico suo ut de Feodo, de Manerio & Dominio de Hal∣ton cùm pertinentiis, tempore Transgressionis praedictae confectae: Et dicit, quòd idem Domi∣nus Rex habet, & omnes Progenitores sui, & omnes alii, quorum statum ipse habet in Ma∣nerio & Dominio praedicto, habuerunt & habere consueverunt (à tempore cujus contrarii me∣moria non existit) infrà Manerium & Dominium praedictum libertates subscriptas; videli∣cèt, visum Franci Plegii & quicquid ad illum visum pertinet, de omnibus Tenentibus & Re∣sidentibus infrà Manerium & Dominium praedictum: Tenendum tèr per Annum, videlicèt, semel intèr Festa Sancti Michaelis Archangeli & Sancti Martini in Hyeme, & iterùm inter Festa Sancti Hilarii & Annunciationis Beatae Mariae Virginis; & tertiò inter Festa Sanctae Trinitatis & Assumptionis Beatae Mariae Virginis: Et etiàm idem Dominus Rex habet, & omnes Progenitores sui, & omnes alii, quorum statum ipse habet in Manerio & Dominio praedicto, habuerunt & habere consueverunt (à tempore cujus contrarii memoria non existit) aliam liberam Curiam Baronis Annuatìm de Quindenâ in Quindenam apùd Halton, vel alibi infrà Manerium & Dominium praedictum ubicunquè voluerint, Tenendam per rationabilem praemonitionem indè faciendam: Et in eâdem liberâ Curiâ Baronis habere cognitiones Placi∣torum de Transgressionibus, Conventionibus, Debitis, vetito-namio ad Sectam Partis: Et si praesentatio facta fuerit per Ballivos ejusdem Regis, Progenitorum suorum, aut aliorum, quo∣rum statum ipse habet in Manerio & Dominio praedicto Manerii & Dominii praedicti liberae Curiae suae praedictae, quòd aliqui vel aliquis hominum Tenentium seu Residentium infrà Ma∣nerium & Dominium suum praedictum, fregerit vel fregerint Pacem, ceù Affraiam fecerit vel fecerint, quòd tùnc praedicti Ballivi per processum in eâdem Curiâ liberâ usitatum, à tempore cujus contrarii memoria non existit, per attachiamentum & districtionem facerent eosdem Transgressores praedictos venire ad respondendum in Curiâ praedictâ de Transgressi∣one praedictâ: vel si hujusmodi Transgressores, aut eorum aliquis, aliquo tempore praesentati in Curiâ Baronis praedictâ, Transgressionem praedictam gratis cognoscere voluerint vel vo∣luerit, aut si convicti fuerint aut aliquis convictus fuerit, idem Dominus Rex & omnes Progenitores sui, & omnes alii, quorum Statum ipse habet in Manerio & Dominio praedicto, habuerunt & habere consueverunt (à tempore cujus contrarii memoria non existit) potestatem faciendi Fines cùm ipsis pro Transgressionibus praedictis, & Fines & Amerciamenta praedi∣cta & punitionem praedictarum Transgressionum habere & levare per Ballivos suos praedi∣ctos; Pro quibus Transgressionibus si praedicti Transgressores indictati fuerint coràm Justi∣ciario Cestriae, vel coràm Vicecomite Cestershiriae, vel aliquibus aliis Ministris Domini Co∣mitis Cestriae, pro praedictis Finibus, Amerciamentis, seù punitione sic factis, fuerunt qui∣eti à tempore cujus contrarii memoria non existit: Et pro eo, quòd idem Thomas de Nesse

fuit Tenens praedicti Domini Regis infrà Manerium & Dominium praedictum tempore prae∣dictae Transgressionis factae, & quòd praedicta Transgressio facta fuit apud le Newstede, quae est infrà Manerium & Dominium praedictum, fuit in electione ejusdem Domini Regis & Mi∣nistrorum suorum Manerii & Dominii praedicti, ad puniendum Transgressionem praedictam virtute visus Franci Plegii sui, vel virtute alterius liberae Curiae suae praedictae, &c. Et Di∣cit, Quòd ad liberam Curiam Baronis ejusdem Regis, tentam apud Halton, coràm Willielmo de Stanley juniors, Milite, Seneschallo ibidèm, die Sabbati in septimanâ Paschae, Anno Regni Domini Regis nùnc quinto, praesentatus fuit per Ricardum del Wood Ballivùm Domini Regis Manerii & Dominii praedicti de Halton, quòd praedictus Thomas de Nesse tùnc tenens & resi∣dens infrà Manerium & Dominium praedictum, die Martis proximè post Festum Annuncia∣tionis Beatae Mariae Virginis, Anno Regni Domini Regis nùnc Secundo, fregit Pacem & in∣sultum fecit supèr Thomam de Chester Canonicum de Norton, & ipsum verberavit, vulnera∣vit, & malè tractavit vi & armis & contrà Pacem Domini Regis, &c. Et pro eo, quòd idem Thomas de Nesse praedicto die Sabbati praesens in eâdem Curiâ liberâ de Halton extiterit, dictum fuit eidem Thomae per praedictum Willielmum de Stanley Seneschallum ibidèm, quali∣tèr ipse de Transgressione praedictâ se voluerit acquietare, qui dixit quòd ipse Thomas de Nesse Transgressionem praedictam non potuit dedicere, sed posuit se in gratiam Domini, & fecit Finem pro Transgressione praedictâ pro quadraginta Denariis coràm praefato Seneschallo, se∣cundùm consuetudinem liberae Curiae Baronis praedictae; quae est eadem Transgressio in praedicto Indictamento specificata, &c. undè non intendit, quòd Dominus Rex ut Comes Cestriae aliàs eundem Thomam Nesse pro Transgressione praedictâ punire seù inquietare velit,—&c.

Et Matthaeus del Mere, qui sequitur pro Domino Rege, in propriâ Personâ suâ venit, & non potest dedicere materiam per praedictum Thomam de Nesse superiùs allegatam; nèc quìn Dominus Rex, & omnes Progenitores sui, & omnes alii, quorum Statum idem Domi∣nus Rex habet in Manerio & Dominio de Halton praedicto, habuerunt & habere consueverunt omnes libertates & consuetudines praedictas, à tempore cujus contrarii memoria hominum non existit, &c. Ideò consideratum est per Judicatores Comitatus praedicti, quòd praedictas Tho∣mas de Nesse de Indictamento praedicto sit quietus,—&c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vel circa.
• * 1.2

  Vide supra, pag. 109.
• † 1.3

  Vide pag. 117.
• * 2.1

  Alii hic Sa∣ram legunt: Monasticon, 2 Pars, p 188. sed perperam ut opinor.
• * 2.2

  5 Rich. 1. 1194.
• * 2.3

  Nepos here signifies a Grandson, as properly the Word ought; but very fre∣quently in old Deeds it is used for a Nephew.
• * 2.4

  Sub libera custodia de∣tentus est, saith Paris; meaning (as I conceive) had liberty to go up and down at his Plea∣sure, on his Paroll or Word.
• * 2.5

  Monasticon, •• Pars p 188.
• * 2.6

  {fleur-de-lys}
• * 2.7

  Lib. C. fol. 67 a
• * 2.8

  Ob. 1240. 22 Julii.
• * 2.9

  {fleur-de-lys}
• * 2.10

  Aveline and all her Issue died before her Parents.
• * 2.11

  1 Edw. 3.
• * 4.1

  Novemb. 16.
• † 4.2

  3 Maii.
• * 4.3

  Corrupte pro Saltuariis, i.e. Forestars.
• * 4.4

  Stuth, i. e. Sheriff-tooth.
• * 4.5

  On the Sa∣turday.
• † 4.6

  Septemb. 8.
• * 4.7

  Novemb. 25.
• † 4.8

  Levied Hue and Cry.
• * 4.9

  A Master-Serjeant.
• † 4.10

  Two Ser∣vants.
• * 4.11

  Free-Quar∣ter for Meat Drink.
• * 4.12

  Rectius Pro∣benda, i.e. for Provand.
• * 4.13

  A Pledge to Sue, one bound to Pro∣secute. Vide Spelmanni Glossarium.
• * 4.14

  i. e. Trium noctium Ho∣spes: Here it seems to sig∣nifie Three Nights Char∣ges.
• * 4.15

  i. e. Nether-Pever.
• † 4.16

  i. e. Over-Alderley.
• * 5.1

  Willielmus Fi∣lius Radulfi de Raggiley.
• * 6.1

  That is, Ser∣vant.