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.

Stretton.

THis Township of Stretton hath for long time belonged to the Starkeys,* 1.1 since the Reign of Henry the Second: For Roger Fitz-Alured granted Stretton to Richard Starkey, and his Heirs; To hold as freely, as any of the said Richard's Ancestors ever held the same; for the Service of the tenth part of a Knights Fee: Lib. C. fol. 135. a. This was was the Reign of King John.

This Roger Fitz-Alfred's Daughter and Heir, called Agnes, married Adam de Dutton the Ancestor of Warburton of Arley.

Wherefore in the Feodary of Halton under Edw. 2. we read,—Dominus Petrus de Warburton tenet Villam de Stretton, pro decima parte unius Feodi Militis.

So that it should seem to be held originally from the Baron of Halton: But I find it not mentioned in Doomsday-book; probably it was then Waste.

And Sir Geffrey de Warburton released unto Thomas Starkey of Stretton, and to his Heirs, all his Claim in Villa de Stretton, ceu in aliqua Parcella ejusdem, ut de Wardis, Maritagiis, Releviis, Escaetis, Homagiis, aut Servitiis, quae praedictus Thomas aut Ante∣cessores sui mihi, seu Antecessoribus meis, facere solebant: Datum 4 die Aprilis, 5 Rich. 2. (1382.) Yet notwithstanding the said Thomas and his Heirs shall pay yearly to the said Sir Geffrey, and his Heirs, one Pair of White Gloves on Easter-day, for all Ser∣vice: Lib. C. fol. 134. a. The Original hereof was in possession of Starkey of Stret∣ton, of the Lower-Hall, 1650. Sealed with Warburton's Proper Coat of Arms,* 1.2 which he assumed upon taking the Sir-name of Warburton, to wit, Two Cheverons, and in a Canton, a Mollet; inscribed about the Seal,—SIGILL. GALFRIDI DE WARBUR∣TON. Sundry of the like I have seen to Deeds of Edward the Third's Time.

The Starkeys of Stretton branched into two Families here in Stretton long time ago: The Lower-Hall, and the Over-Hall.

Starkey of Over-Hall in Stretton is descended of a younger Son of Starkey of the Lower-Hall, and branched out first about 16 Edw. 1. 1287. Lib. C. fol. 135. c. f. & 134. h. k. Randle Starkey, the first of the Family of the Over-Hall, being younger Brother to Ri∣chard Starkey of the Nether-Hall Lord of Stretton, living both 3 Edw. 2. 1309.

So that Starkey of the Lower-Hall is the Original Root, and Lord of the Mannor of Stretton; but now lately in our days hath sold a good Parcel of the Demain of the Lower-Hall, called Mosse-wood, unto Raufe Jackson of Crowley; whose Son Thomas Jackson, now of Mosse-wood, 1665. enjoyeth the same.

Also one George Webster, alias Bromfield, hath lately bought another Parcel of the Demain of Lower-Hall.

And William Southern, late of Hatton, hath bought several Tenements in Stretton

from Starkey of the Lower-Hall: So that this ancient Family* 1.3 is now languishing, from when also branched the Starkey's of Wrenbury, and the Starkeys of Olton in Che∣shire, and other Families, originally.

In this Town of Stretton is an ancient Chappel of Ease, within the Parish of Great-Budworth, called Stretton-Chappel; but it is now very ruinous, and in decay, 1666.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Starkey of Stretton bear∣eth for his Coat of Arms A Stork; pos∣sibly in allusi∣on to his Name: scili∣cet, Agent, a Stork Sable, the Bill and Legs Gules.
• * 1.2

  Warbu••ton's Coat, Argent, two Cheverons Gules, in a Canton of the second a Mol∣let Or.
• * 1.3

  Of Starkey of the Lower-Hall.