(Gninr oip 
 
 Miss Frances M. Molerd 
 
OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
®l& (3rim8b^» 
 
 By the Rev. GEORGE SHAW. 
 
 Grimsby : 
 GEORGE SHAW, VICTORIA STREET. 
 
 London : 
 WILLIAM ANDREWS & CO., 5, FARRINGDON AVE. 
 
 1897 
 

 Contents. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 The Old Town i 
 
 British and Roman Times _ - ... 14 
 
 The Anglo-Saxon Period - 29 
 
 The Danish Period ----.-- 34 
 
 Grimsby After the Conquest ----- 44 
 
 The Old Borough - - - - - - - 55 
 
 The Old Church - 66 
 
 Early Trade and Commerce - - - - 77 
 
 Sports and Pastimes- ------ 93 
 
 Grimsby Families and Notabilities — Members of 
 
 Parliament - - - - - - - - 109 
 
 Old Grimsby Notabilities (continued) — Mayors - 136 
 
 Condition of the People - - - - - 150 
 
 The Marshes - - - - - - - - 177 
 
 Elections 186 
 
 Religious and other Institutions - - - - 225 
 
 Educational - - 241 
 
 Bibliography 246 
 
 Index - - - - - - - . - . 253 
 
OLD GRIMSBY, 
 
 ^be ©lb ^own. 
 
 THAT the term '^old" is applicable to 
 Grimsby no antiquary will be disposed 
 to dispute, for its origin is wrapped in mystery. 
 Our earliest authority on the geography of 
 Britian is Claudius Ptolomaeus,* who takes us 
 back to about a.d. 120, but his description affords 
 us no information respecting this part of our 
 country beyond a few references to the mouth of 
 the H umber and Spurn, and they are somewhat 
 indefinite. 
 
 The only other writer we know of on this 
 subject is Antonine, and his description affords us 
 no help as his first "iter" commences at Brem- 
 emium and terminates at Praetorium. The latter 
 place Camden and most writers considered to be 
 Patrington, but Mr. Boyle, in his " Lost Towns of 
 the H umber," gives reasons which show that this 
 
 * " Lost Towns of the Humber" pp 1-3. 
 
2 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Is unlikely, and places Praetorium as far north as 
 Filey. 
 
 Generally the name of a town does much to 
 settle the date of its origin, as names are often 
 derived from some warrior or chieftain, who took 
 possession of a place by conquest or received it as a 
 gift from the reigning monarch, sometimes from 
 " some natural feature," as a river, or wood, or lake. 
 But here again we find ourselves surrounded by un- 
 certainty. For a long time the opinion prevailed 
 that the name was derived from Gryme, Grime, or 
 Grim, names given to a Danish Viking, but as 
 early a writer as Camden ridiculed the supposition. 
 *' Grimsby," he wrote, "which our Sabines or 
 conceited persons dreaming what they list, once 
 following their own fancies, will have to be so 
 called from one Grime, a merchant, who is said 
 to have brought up a foundling of the Danes 
 royal blood, named Haveloke, when it had been 
 cast forth to perish, or take his luck or fortune, is 
 much talked of, together with Havelocke, thiit 
 lucky foster child of his, who, having been first a 
 scullion in the King's kitchen, and afterwards 
 promoted to the marriage of the King's daughter 
 for his heroical valour in feats of arms, and 
 worthy exploits. A narration right well be- 
 
THE OLD TOWN. 3 
 
 seeming and meetest for them that take pleasure 
 in passing out the long nights with telling of old 
 wives' tales, than for an historian to relate. 
 Which not being certain, shall be superceded.""^ 
 
 Against this theory, that the town derives its 
 name from Grime, is urged the fact that a number 
 of places of evidently a similar derivation are 
 found in this part of the country, which no 
 antiquary would dream of attributing to Grime, 
 such as Little Grimsby, Grimoldby, Grimesthorpe, 
 and Grimblethorpe, places which are supposed to 
 have derived their names from the British words 
 Gra, Moes, Buy, Gra, meaning sacred ; Moes, en- 
 trenched mounds ; and Buy, a dwelling.t 
 
 This derivation of the name, as far as Grimsby 
 is concerned, is countenanced by the fact that 
 undoubted remains of mounds existed long before 
 the Danes appeared in this part. These will be 
 subsequently described. 
 
 On the other hand, many writers of note con- 
 tend that Grime was the founder of the town. 
 The celebrated Gervase Holies, M.P. for 
 Grimsby in 1639, a most pains-taking writer, after 
 dealing with the history of the corporation and 
 
 * The "Topographer," August 1789. 
 t See Rev. J. Wild's "Ancient Grimsby," p 
 
4 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Other matters, wrote : — ''And it will not be amiss 
 to say something concerning the common tradition 
 of her first founder, Grime, as the inhabitants 
 (with a catholique faith) name him. The tradition 
 is thus. Grime, (say they) a poor fisherman, (as 
 he was launching into the river for fish in his 
 little boate upon the H umber) espyed not far 
 from him another little boate empty, as he might 
 conceave, which by the favour of the winde and 
 tyde still approached nearer and nearer unto him. 
 He betakes him to his oares and meets itt, where- 
 in he founde onley a child wrapt in swathing 
 cloaths, purposely exposed (as it should seeme) to 
 the pittylesse of the wilde and wide ocean. He, 
 moved with pitty, takes itt home, and, like a good 
 foster-father, carefully nourisht itt, and en- 
 deavoured to bring it up in his owne occupation, 
 but the childe contrarily was wholy devoted to 
 exercises of activity, and when he begun to write 
 man, to martiall sports, and at length by his signal] 
 valour obteyned such renown that he marryed 
 the King of England's daughter, and last of all 
 founde who was his true father, and that he was 
 Sonne to the King of Denmarke ; and for the 
 comick close of all, that Haveloke (for such was 
 his name) exceedingly advanced and enriched his 
 
THE OLD TOWN. 5 
 
 foster-father Grime, who, thus enriched, builded a 
 faire towne neare the place where Haveloke was 
 found, and named it Grimsby. Thus say somme, 
 others differ a Httle in the circumstances, as 
 namely, that Grime was not a fisherman, but a 
 merchant, and that Havelocke should be preferred 
 to the King's kitchen, and there live a longe 
 tyme as a scullion ; but however the circumstances 
 differ, they all agree in the consequences, as con- 
 cerning the towne's foundation, to which (sayth 
 the story) Havelocke, the Danish Prince, after- 
 wards granted many immunities. ""^ 
 
 He goes on to observe that " this famous 
 tradition, which learned Mr. Camden gives so 
 little credit to, under favour of so learned an 
 antiquary, I do not think it deserves utterly to be 
 exploded for false and fabulous," and gives as his 
 reasons; — ist, ''The etomology of the word by, 
 signifying, in the Danish tongue, habitation, or 
 dwelling, and instances Ormesby, from Orme, and 
 Ketelsby, from Ketell, two Danish captains 
 under Canute in the days of King Ethelred ; 
 which Captain Henry Sklpw^th (a valiant gentle- 
 man and judicious antiquary) affirmed unto me 
 that he could prove it, not only out of the Legend 
 
 * Holies folio MSB. No. 6829, in the Harleian Collection, British Museum. 
 
6 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 of Nun-Ormesby, but from other good and un- 
 questionable records." , 
 
 2nd, '' That there was such a Prince as Have- 
 locke, in proof of which he quotes Robert of 
 Gloucester, who says : — 
 
 ' Than Gunster, that fader of Haveloke, 
 King of Denmarke, was then of mycle mights, 
 Arrived so than in Inglond with his floke.'" 
 
 3rd, '^ That Havelocke did reside sometymes 
 in Grimsby may be gathered from a great blew 
 boundary-stone, lying at the east ende of 
 Briggowgate, which retains the name of Have- 
 locke's Stone to this day." 
 
 4th, " The great privileges and immunities 
 which Grimsby had in Denmarke, such as free- 
 dom from toll, above any other in England, which 
 privileges indicated, be believed, that some pre- 
 ceeding favour or good turn called on this 
 remuneration." 
 
 Lastly, (which proof I take to be instar omnim?i) 
 ** the common seal of the Towne, and that a most 
 ancient one, which be considered could not be far 
 remote from Saxon tymes." This seal represented 
 a man of gigantic stature, brandishing a drawn 
 sword in his right hand, and bearing on his left 
 arm a circular target. The word " Eryem " on 
 
THE OLD TOWN. 7 
 
 his right hand. A youth is portrayed with a 
 crown over his head, to denote his royal extraction, 
 and close to the figure the word '' Habloc." On 
 the left hand of Grime stands a female figure, 
 crowned with a royal diadem, clothed in a long 
 vestment, and holding a sceptre in her left hand. 
 There is an inscription round her which shows 
 that she was Goldeburgh, the princess whom 
 Haveloc is said to have married. The legend is, 
 '' Sigillum Coimnunitaiis Grimsby T This legend 
 as well as the names are in the Saxon character, 
 which, says Dr. Oliver, "leads us to the obvious 
 conclusion that the seal was cut and used by the 
 town of Grimsby before the Danes succeeded in 
 establishing their dominion in Britain, and most 
 probably was granted by the Anglo-Saxon 
 government, during the life time of Gryme, with 
 other privileges wWch contributed to restore the 
 port to opulence and respectability, after it had 
 been deserted by its primitive inhabitants, on the 
 first invasion of Lindsay by the Danes."^ 
 
 Holies, while believing that the founder's name 
 was Grime, ventures to name a third, neither 
 fisherman nor merchant who '' shall be the man," 
 namely, Grimess, a man of great stature, mention- 
 
 * Oliver's Hist., p. 14. 
 
8 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 ed In the chronicle of Isaac Pontanus, and said to 
 have been *'a pyrate about the time of Trotho, 
 King of Denmarke, while Grimess, attempting to 
 marry a royal princess, was slayn in single 
 combate by Haldanues, a Danish prince." 
 Haldanues, he conjectures, may have been mis- 
 take for Havelock, and concludes by saying, 
 '* he that is not satisfied with this (account) let 
 him repayre to Dicke Jackson's famous 
 manuscript concerning this matter, where he 
 shall find a great deale more to as little (if not 
 lesse) purpose." 
 
 Leland's account of these traditions is as 
 follows : — " Sum say that in Constantine's, King 
 of Briton's time, that Ethelbrlght and Edelsey 
 were small Kings under him, whereof the first was 
 King of Norfolk and Southfolk, and the other of 
 Lindesay. And these two Kinglettes encreased, 
 and Ethelbright toke to wife Orwenne, the sister 
 of Edelsey, of whom he got a doughter, caullid 
 Argentile in Brutisch, and Goldesburg in Saxon. 
 And this Gouldesburgh was after left with her 
 uncle Edesley on this condition, that he that in 
 Feates of Chevalry might be found most 
 noble, that he should have his doughter. 
 And she was after married to one Havelok, 
 
THE OLD TOWN. 9 
 
 that was son to a King of Dennemarke, 
 but conveyed by slalte into England, and after 
 the treuth known, was restored in Dennemak as 
 trew Heire. 
 
 " One Cuaran, sun to Grime, a strong and 
 mighty young Felow, came to Edelsey's Court 
 unto Lindsey, and ther was first a turner of 
 broches yn the keychyn, and after, by valient 
 deades, rose to a greate name. Gryme had 
 Havelock (by commandmont of the King of 
 Dennemark's Stuard) to be drownid ; but having 
 pite on hym, conveyid hym to a place, syns 
 caullid of his name Grimsby. But this historye 
 ys corectid of sum but as an Acopriphe. And 
 sum say that Sweyn of Dennemarke, father 
 to King Knut, first attempted Lindseey by 
 the first cumming thether, and marriage of 
 Haveloc."^ 
 
 Peter Langtoft expressed his opinion of the 
 legends as follows : — 
 
 " Bot I haf grete ferly, that I fynd no man, 
 That has written in story, how Havelock this lond wan. 
 Neither Gildas, no Bede, no Henry of Huntynton, 
 No William of Malmesbiri, no Pers of Brydlynton 
 Writes not in their Bokes of no Kyng Athelwold, 
 Ne Goldenburgh his doutere, ne Havelock not of told, 
 
 * Collectaneer, Vol. 2., p. 511. 
 
10 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Whilk tyme the were Kynges long or now late, 
 
 Ther mak no menyng when, no in what date, 
 
 But that wise lowed men upon Inglish tellis, 
 
 Right story can me not ken the certeynte what spellis. 
 
 Men sais in Lyncoln castelle ligges zit a stone 
 
 That Havelok hast wele forbi euerilkone. 
 
 And zit the chapelle standes where he wedded his wife, 
 
 Goldenburgh the Kynge's douhter, that saw is zit rife. 
 
 And of Gryme a fisshere, men redes zit in ryme, 
 
 That he bigged Grymesby, Gryme that ilk tyme. 
 
 Of all stories of honoure, that I haf porgh souht, 
 
 I fynd that no compiloure of him tellis ought.""* 
 
 The author '' Murray's Hand Book of 
 Lincolnshire," a work written with great care and 
 abiHty, says : — '* The name is clearly derived from 
 a common Danish name. Grim, or Grimir. The 
 interesting seal of the borough, apparently of the 
 fourteenth century, refers to the curious legend of 
 Grim, which is told with some variations in the 
 Anglo-Saxon poem of Havlok, the Dane, and 
 other authorities. Grim, a fisherman, rescued 
 Havlok (the * sea-waif) from drowning, who 
 proved to be the son of a powerful Danish chief, 
 and eventually made him lord of a port with many 
 Danish privileges. The origin of the town was 
 certainly Danish, the nearest Roman and British 
 settlements having been a little further inland. 
 
 * Chron. p. 25. 
 
THE OLD TOWN. ii 
 
 There are some British mounds with ' blow-wells ' 
 near them on the west side of the town. The 
 port soon rose in consequence, and Peter de 
 Langtoft, the Rhyming Chronicler, speaks of it as 
 the frontier town of Ecgberht's dominions : — ' All 
 the wide land from Dover to Grimsby.'" 
 
 Who the " Dickie Jackson," mentioned by 
 Holies, was, we have not been able to ascertain, 
 nor do we know of any other source of information 
 accessible to the reader, bearing on the subject, 
 who we fear has already read more than sufficient. 
 Let him not think, however, that researches into 
 the origin of names of places is an altogether 
 profitless one. 
 
 We have dwelt at considerable length upon this 
 question of the origin of the name of our old 
 town, from the fact that none of the remains of 
 human doings on earth are more durable, and few 
 are more instructive than the names borne by the 
 chief features of a country — its mountains, rivers, 
 valleys, creeks, etc., next to which for tenacious- 
 ness of life may be set the names of early settle- 
 ments, towns, and castles. We derive from local 
 names a four-fold service : — philogical, geo- 
 graphical, ethnological, and historical. They are 
 shrines preserving precious relics of ancient 
 
12 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 tongues, no longer, or but imperfectly known, and 
 aid us in tracing the nature and family relation of 
 these tongues. They assist us in judging of the 
 fauna and flora of the neighbourhood, and of the 
 changes which have taken place since the names 
 were given. 
 
 To the topographer, names are something like 
 what fossil shells and bones of past geological 
 periods are to the geologist, or palxontologist, 
 when judging of the relation of existing species to 
 those which, unmeasured ages ago, waded through 
 our marshes, winged their way through the air, 
 or roamed our forests. Their form indeed may 
 have been more liable to change, but they are, 
 notwithstanding, a record almost as indestructable. 
 '' The language they once belonged to may have 
 altogether vanished, except the words themselves, 
 the busy multitudes who spoke them have been 
 long forgotten, and no other memorial of their 
 existence remains, but these, well-chosen epitaplis 
 remain, affording to the modern student a clue at 
 once to the speech and the race, the migrations 
 and the era of those who used them." From 
 breezy mountain tops, from streams and fountains, 
 from ruins of once majestic temples, and more 
 majestic cities, the spirit of a forgotten race 
 
THE OLD TOWN. 13 
 
 speaks to us of this present time, and tells us who, 
 and what sort of people, first called these 
 mountains, rivers, and cities their own, and gave 
 them names corresponding to their nature, as 
 Adam is said to have done to the creatures of a 
 new creation.* 
 
 * See " Pedigree of the English People," p. 401-2. 
 
Britieb anb IRoman Zmce. 
 
 IT is generally accepted by antiquaries that 
 this neighbourhood was inhabited by the 
 early Britons, evidences of which have been 
 adduced from the existence of antiquities which 
 have been discovered within the boundaries of 
 the borough. 
 
 The burning of the bodies of the dead, a 
 custom practiced by our remote ancestors, led to 
 their ashes being deposited in rude sepulchral 
 urns, which were placed in the ground mouth 
 downwards, along, occasionally with the horse of 
 the deceased, as well as his jewels, and other 
 embellishments, which were carefully grouped 
 around it, and a high mound was erected over the 
 spot as a monument in honour of the dead. 
 When the tumulus, or barrow was raised to the 
 proposed degree of elevation, the surface was 
 usually covered with a stratum of chalk or flints, 
 about six inches thick, to distinguish it from the 
 surrounding herbage. 
 
 Mounds also were formed from the Druidical 
 
BRITISH AND ROMAN TIMES. 15 
 
 altars, which consisted of earth and stones. 
 These can only be distinguished from the tumuli 
 by excavation. 
 
 A sufficient number of these remains have been 
 found to warrant the conclusion that '* Grimsby 
 was very early peopled by the aborigines of this 
 island." *'They consist of hills and tumuli; the 
 former placed in such situations as to answer the 
 purpose of defence. These were undoubtedly 
 the work of the Britons, for the Romans threw up 
 few sepulchral mounds except a few of enormous 
 size, after a great battle, while the Saxons and 
 Danes did not enjoy sufficient security to afford 
 them leisure to threw up such elevations as are 
 frequently found amidst extensive morasses in 
 different parts of our kingdom. ^' If, therefore, we 
 find such mounds connected with tumuli, in the 
 neighbourhood of Grimsby, it may be safely 
 concluded that this was a British settlement.^' 
 
 Among these remains was Holme Hill, an 
 elevation situated between the mouths of two 
 havens, one of which ran at its foot, and once a 
 military station of the Ancient Britons. Both 
 havens have long since been filled up. It 
 received the name of '' //^^/w," from its peculiar 
 
 * diver "Monumental Antiquities, p. 21." 
 
i6 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 situation, the term according to Gough, in 
 Camden, meaning a verdant place surrounded 
 by water. Though fully a mile from high water 
 mark at present, it was once covered with the 
 tides of the H umber, and at that period nearly 
 the whole of the land covered by houses at the 
 present time, must have been submerged. There 
 is no question but that the hill is artificial, and 
 was thrown up for the purpose of defending the 
 country from an invading foe, and was well 
 adapted for the purpose as it commanded every 
 approach. The remains of a line of artificial 
 mounds were visible at the commencement of the 
 present century. There were three of them, and 
 are fully described by Oliver in his antiquities. 
 One of these hills has been obliterated by 
 buildings and another was destroyed by the 
 excavations which were necessary in the formation 
 of the old dock. 
 
 The Old Haven was defended by two forts 
 which stood about halfway between Holme Hill 
 and its estuary. They were erected on high 
 banks, thrown up on each side of the haven, and 
 served as marks for the shipping. 
 
 There was also Abbey Hill, which had a 
 colony of "the religious," on which the Abbey 
 
BRITISH AND ROMAN TIMES. 17 
 
 of Wellow was built in later times. A building, 
 no doubt a Druidical temple, which consisted of a 
 circle of unhewn stones, with an elevated one in 
 in the centre, which represented the Deity, once 
 occupied this hill, for in digging for gravel at the 
 commencement of the present century some 
 labourers came across what proved to be evidences 
 of an interment of a nature distinct from the 
 mode of sepulture used by the Romans or any of 
 their successors, and corresponding minutely with 
 the method practiced by the early Britons. The 
 bones lay stretched at length in their proper 
 order, unattended by any remains of a coffin or 
 other covering except a number of large stones 
 very curiously piled round the body, which no 
 doubt accounted for the fact that the bones 
 remained undisturbed. The teeth were all in a 
 state of excellent preservation. 
 
 A third colony resided on Nuns Hills. These 
 consisted of three, named Chapel Hill, Spittal 
 Hill, and Mill Hill. They were at equal distances 
 and formed an equilateral triangle, a figure which 
 was symbolical of the Druid's Triad of the Deity. 
 These hills retained the names of Peaks when 
 Oliver composed his Antiquities. 
 
 The Chapel Hill, was without doubt used for 
 
i8 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 religious purposes by the Druids, for according to 
 Dr. James Gordon, the celebrated antiquary, 
 many of their inclosures were called chapels, 
 instances of which he gave in a letter to John 
 Aubrey. 
 
 On Spittal Hill, a House of the Hospitalers of 
 St. John of Jerusalem was erected, where 
 wanderers and pilgrims were entertained and 
 relieved. A portion of it is still standing. 
 
 Mill Hill was so designated from the use to 
 which it was assigned, for when Christianity super- 
 seded Druidism and its rites, every religious house 
 was obliged, according to a statute of St. Benedict, 
 to provide itself with a mill upon its own premises. 
 
 Sand Hill, denominated by Oliver '' The 
 Commercial Hill," because it had apparently been 
 thrown up for the use of those who engaged in 
 fishing and other maritime employments, was 
 situated adjoining the junction of the two havens. 
 From it, it is contended, proceeded the celebrated 
 Roman road made for military purposes. Via 
 Fossata, which connected the port of Grimsby 
 with Aqua Solis (Bath), thus forming a direct line 
 from the H umber to the Severn. It commenced at 
 the Bargate, which lay at the foot of Sand Hill, 
 whence it communicated with the Abbey and 
 
BRITISH AND ROMAN TIMES. 19 
 
 Holme Hills. From thence it proceeded to 
 Ludford and Lincoln, and then direct to 
 Leicester, and on to Corinium and Bath to 
 Ilchester, and ended at Moridunum, the site of a 
 military town (Seaton), thus connecting the 
 eastern, southern, and western parts of the 
 island.^ 
 
 The Ellyll Hills were only small, and contained 
 in all not more than three acres. They were 
 situated in a swamp, which was by no means 
 a pleasant spot to dwell in, but the naked and 
 painted Briton had little objection to bogs or 
 morasses : safety was his principal object, and he 
 certainly secured it here, for it was impossible for 
 an enemy however armed to traverse such an 
 impassable boundary as surrounded the dwellers 
 on this hill. 
 
 Toote Hill. The name of this stupendous 
 mound, according to King,t indicates its high 
 antiquity, and is a corruption of Teut or Mercury, 
 the principal deity of the ancient Britons. It also 
 
 •*■ Antiquarian writers are divided in opinion as to whether this great 
 road ended at Grimsby or Saltfleet. The latter had no doubt a haven for 
 coasting vessels. The preponderance of evidence seems in favour of 
 Grimsby, for Hollingshead speaks of the road as connecting the " Severn 
 and the ITumber," (description of Britain, c. 14.)} and Grimsby certainly is 
 OH the number, which can scarcely be said of Saltfleet. 
 
 t Munim. Antiq., Vol. i., p. 293. 
 
20 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 signifies *'a place of observation," and the hill was 
 undoubtedly used as a beacon, and also as a place 
 of judicature. 
 
 Between this hill and the next station 
 once stood a British village separated from 
 Cun Hu Hill by a deep fosse and double vallum, 
 which, in their primitive state must have been 
 impregnable. 
 
 Cun Hu Hill was without question a British 
 camp, strongly fortified on all sides by the height 
 of its vallum and the breadth of its fosse. Here 
 the inhabitants took refuge when warned from 
 Toote Hill of the approach of an enemy. The 
 name of this hill is purely British, Cun being a 
 a title of dignity prefixed to the names of many 
 British princes, as shown by Camden '*in the 
 names of Cungretrix, Cuneglasus, Cuneda, and 
 Cunedagis, all of whom held sovereign sway in 
 Britain." " Hu (pronounced Hee) was the 
 sovereign deity of this country, He was 
 esteemed as the father of mankind, and the ruler 
 of heaven and earth. Cun Hu implies the 
 sovereign Lord. Hu and his priests were termed 
 cunes. * 
 
 The Britons frequently built their towns in the 
 
 * Oliver, p. 72. 
 
BRITISH AND ROMAN TIMES. 21 
 
 midst of marshes and fens or in a thick wood. 
 These towns consisted of "rude, circular huts," 
 surrounded with loose stones, and having roofs 
 formed of boughs of trees, covered with turf. 
 Herodian relates that the Britons not only 
 resided in fens but that they would ' run up to 
 their waist in mud without suffering any incon- 
 venience,' and Zyphiline Says that they were so 
 inured to the climate that at any season of the 
 year if in danger they would take refuge in a 
 morass, and remain up to the neck an incredible 
 length of time without food. 
 
 Amid the bogs, mounds were thrown up. 
 They were frequently strengthened by a vallum 
 or ditch, according to the specimens exhibited in 
 Holme and Cun Hu Hills, which, says Oliver, '' I 
 conceive to have been two British military 
 stations, that afforded protection to the town of 
 Grimsby from all assailants, whether the attack 
 were attempted by domestic enemies from the 
 interior of the country or by foreign foes from the 
 sea. Various unerring evidences still remain to 
 substantiate this conjecture, notwithstanding the 
 successive dilapations of the Roman, Saxon and 
 Norman invaders of our land." 
 
 But Mr. Oliver did not rely on conjectures 
 
22 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 alone, though his conjectures were "founded 
 upon monumental remains of undoubted British 
 erection," to prove that Grimsby was the 
 residence of the Britons. He gave decisive 
 evidence in the fact that a British town once 
 existed in the secret recesses of Bradley Wood ; 
 unerring vestiges of which were in existence when 
 he wrote and are still. From that fact he states 
 the name Brad- Ley, which signifies an open and 
 inclosed space in the midst of a wood, was 
 derived. 
 
 When the Danes first invaded this part of the 
 country the Abus or H umber formed the 
 anchoring place for their vessels, and at Grimsby 
 Old Haven they found a commodious harbour 
 for shipping already formed. There is historical 
 evidence that the Danish invaders made this port 
 the centre of their incursions into the country, 
 affording as it did a suitable inlet to the whole of 
 the inland counties. Ingulphus states that they 
 usually landed their troops near Grimsby, and 
 Peter Langtoft in his Chronicles, p. 42., states 
 that the Danes under their King Swaine, ''stroied 
 and wasted," both Lyndeseie and the city of 
 Lincoln. Rapin says that when the Danes first 
 descended upon this coast the inhabitants were so 
 
BRITISH AND ROMAN TIMES. 23 
 
 alarmed that they fled into the interior of the 
 country to secure their lives and movable 
 property. The Britons before the Roman 
 invasion carried on an extensive trade in chalk 
 and lime, several depots of which were established 
 here, and so famous was this town for its chalk 
 trade, that the lands on the opposite side of the 
 old haven were denominated Clea, from the 
 Celtic word Cleis, chalk, and the parish sub- 
 sequently formed including these lands, retains 
 the name to this day, and its suburbs are named 
 Cleethorpes and New Clee. It is a singular 
 corroboration of this fact that a pillar was discovered 
 at Zealand about 1674, which had been erected 
 while the Romans had possession of Briton, by a 
 Grimsby chalk merchant, named Secundus 
 Silvanus, in performance of a vow for the pre- 
 servation of his merchandise, which reads : — 
 ^'Deae Nehalenniae, ob mercedes recte conservatas, 
 Secundus Silvanus, negotiator cretacius Brit- 
 annicianus, V.S.L.M." ''To the ooddess 
 Nehalennia, for his goods well preserved, 
 Secundus Silvanus, a chalk merchant of Britain, 
 willingly performed his merited vow." 
 
 Macpherson in his ^'Annals of Commerce," vol. 
 i-j P- 39 1 -J states that the early Norwegian and 
 
24 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Icelandic writers record that Grimsby was the 
 emporium of commerce for all the northern 
 nations long, before the days of Gryme, and as 
 early as the times of the Saxons. 
 
 There are few traces of the Romans about 
 Grimsby. From Tacitus'^ we learn that at the 
 time of the Invasion the tides in this country 
 forced their way amidst hills and mountains, so as 
 absolutely to form bays and islands for several 
 miles inland. This was certainly the case at 
 Grimsby. ''The influx of waters brought by the 
 tide into the two havens, which were situated at 
 the east and west of modern Grimsby, over- 
 flowed the adjacent low lands, covering both the 
 east and west marshes, leaving only a portion in 
 the centre dry. This was used as pasture for 
 cattle. The waters after flowing about two miles 
 from their respective estuaries united at the 
 central flood gate, which was carefully fortified, as 
 it formed the only entrance into the place by land." 
 This was called The Bar, from which we have 
 Bargate. 
 
 The dwellings of the inhabitants at this period 
 were erected on islands or elevated places thrown 
 up for the purpose of securing safety against the 
 
 * Vit. Agric. lo. 
 
BRITISH AND ROMAN TIMES. 25 
 
 high tides, which at certain seasons of the year 
 deluged the lower lands. There were seven of 
 these raised portions from which three lines of 
 artificial embankments extended across the 
 country, in different directions, and communication 
 with every part of the island was secured by 
 beacons, as they were designated. One was local 
 and communicated with a colony at Barrow, 
 which has been described by Dr. Stukeley ; 
 another with the W^olds, and another ran along 
 the sea coast " and connected the station with the 
 south east extremity of Britain." 
 
 These beacons were occupied by men stationed 
 on them for the purpose of communication with 
 one another, and so complete was the system that 
 it has been stated that there did not exist a single 
 mound but others might be seen from its summit, 
 and so perfect was the arrangement as to astonish 
 C^sar himself, who stated (Caesar i. 5.), "that 
 intelligence was conveyed with wonderful celerity 
 from one to another, by shouting, so that in 
 twelve hours' time they would communicate an 
 event through a tract of country 160 miles in 
 length." This system prevented the people being 
 taken by surprise or ambush. Stackhouse states 
 that an individual could not proceed twenty yards 
 
26 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 without being seen, and Dr. Oliver asserts that if 
 sentinels were placed on our seven hills, and on 
 those at Scartho, Bradley, and Aylesby, he 
 questioned whether it would be possible for a 
 person to proceed in any direction without being 
 discovered. 
 
 Dr. Oliver was the more confirmed in his 
 opinion that Grimsby was a station of con- 
 sequence amongst the Britons, from the superior 
 magnitude of its artificial hills. Silbury Hill in 
 Wiltshire, is mentioned by many authors as a 
 most wonderful specimen of British industry and 
 perseverance.* It measured, according to Sir 
 Richard Hoare, 2,027 feet in circumference at 
 the base, 1 20 feet in diameter at the top, 1 70 feet 
 in perpendicular height, 316 feet sloping height, 
 and covered upwards of five acres of land. Now 
 our hills are superior even to this magnificent 
 mould. Toote Hill measures upwards of 2,000 
 feet in circumference at the base, is 270 feet 
 sloping height, and 100 feet in perpendicular 
 height to the very summit of the mound, and 
 contains nearly 6 acres of land. The dimensions of 
 Cun Hu Hill are 450 feet long by 250 feet broad, 
 
 * Knight says it is the largest artificial mound in Europe. Pictorial 
 His. England, Vol i., p. 12. 
 
BRITISH AND ROMAN TIMES. 27 
 
 the sloping height 130 feet, and measures some- 
 what more than two acres. The three mounds at 
 Ellyll contain together about three acres, each 
 being about 800 feet long by 600 feet broad ; the 
 perpendicular height not being more than six feet. 
 The hills at the Nunns, measure together about 
 eight acres. The Abbey Hill measures ten acres, 
 and is 2,600 feet in length by 1,600 in breadth, 
 and about 50 feet perpendicular. Sand Hill is 
 600 feet in length by 400 feet broad. But 
 Holme Hill was the most extraordinary monument 
 which Grimsby could boast. It was more than 
 2,000 feet long by 300 broad, 180 feet sloping- 
 height, from the most elevated point, and contained 
 upw^ards of twelve acres of land. Here were seven 
 stations, of very superior magnitude, and it is 
 much to be doubted whether the same number of 
 artificial hills can be found in any part of England, 
 of equal dimensions, and situated, as these were, 
 in the immediate vicinity of each other. 
 
 The old Haven washed the base of Holm and 
 Abbey Hills, and terminated at the foot of 
 Sand Hill. No doubt the ancient town of 
 Grimsby, as inhabited by the Britons, com- 
 menced at Holme Hill, on which were 
 situated the dwellings of the principal people, for 
 
28 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 the chieftains always selected the most elevated 
 places for their peculiar residence. This hill was 
 therefore erected into a military station, as being 
 the best calculated for the warriors' abode, because 
 it commanded the harbour, and hence afforded 
 protection to what is now called the Abbey Hill, 
 which was occupied by the Druids and their 
 attendants. The Town then proceeded in the 
 direction of the haven, to the Bargate, Sand Hill, 
 and Ellyll, and continued throughout the present 
 parish of Little Coates ; for Toote Hill was 
 undoubtedly used as a conspicuous beacon, and 
 place of judgment for the whole colony ; and the 
 range of hills, which lies still further to the west, 
 will serve to convince us that this neighbourhood 
 was very abundantly peopled. There are several 
 smaller mounds scattered over the whole lordship, 
 which, as they are without names, and as their 
 uses are beyond the reach of tradition, were no 
 doubt tumuli.* 
 
 That this class of mounds were artificial has been 
 proved from the fact that in them have been found 
 relics of old British art, such as were worn by the 
 Britons, as well as rude utensils and weapons of war. 
 
 * See Oliver, 
 
Zbc anglo^Sayon perioC). 
 
 THERE is indisputable evidence that during 
 the Roman occupation of our island the 
 number of the inhabitants rapidly increased, and 
 that in the practice of arms and the arts of life 
 they had greatly improved. The resistance they 
 offered to the Jutes, Saxon, and Angles, is 
 evidence of this. The Jutes came over in 449, 
 and after twenty years of conflict, founded the 
 Kingdom of Kent. In a.d. 477, the Frisians, or 
 old Saxons, made an incursion in three ships, and 
 after twenty years established the Kingdom of the 
 South Saxons or Sussex. Then in a.d. 495, 
 came Cedric in five ships, and after twenty-four 
 years fighting founded the Kingdom of the West 
 Saxons or Wessex. In a.d. 530, another horde 
 arrived, and founded the Kingdom of the East 
 Saxons or Essex. Ten years later the Angles, 
 under Ubba their chief, established themselves in 
 East Anglia, which included Suffolk and Norfolk, 
 and part of Lincolnshire. During these years 
 North Lincolnshire was apparently free from 
 
30 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 invaders, but in a.d. 549, Ida, with a tribe of 
 Angles, established a footing in the North of 
 England, and about a.d. 585 occurred the seventh 
 invasion, when the Angles succeeded in forming 
 the Kingdom of Mercia which embraced the 
 counties of Chester, Derby, Nottingham, and 
 North Lincolnshire, besides other counties. 
 These conquests they retained, and succeeded in 
 giving their name to the land of the Britons, 
 which from their time has been called England, a 
 term derived from Angli. The story of the 
 British youths exposed for sale in the Roman 
 forum, and Gregory's exclamation, '^ non Angli 
 sed Angeliy' '' not Angles but Angels," is well 
 known. 
 
 From Caesar to Agricola a period of 135 years 
 elapsed before the Romans were victorious. 
 From Agricola to Maximinus 330 years transpired. 
 During this long period a stupendous change had 
 been effected in Britain. Military roads had been 
 constructed from one end of the island to the 
 other. Roman civilization and its attendant 
 advantages had been introduced, and the villas, 
 gardens, and walks of Rome had been reproduced. 
 Bridges and other works of public utility had been 
 made, and the rigid order and strict justice of 
 
I 
 
 THE ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD. 31 
 
 Roman municipal laws been to some extent 
 enforced. To set against these advantages was 
 the loss of independence and the heavy cost of 
 military occupation, the maintenance of an army 
 of 50,000 men, leading to a grinding taxation 
 which greatly impoverished the people. 
 
 The Romans finally retired from Britain in 436. 
 They were followed by the Picts and Scots, who 
 crossing the Solway, destroyed all before them, 
 causing the hunted natives to fly in despair, many 
 of whom perished of hunger in the caves and 
 woodlands, to which they had fled for shelter. 
 Driven to despair, Vortigern, their leader, appealed 
 to the Romans for help, and finding them power- 
 less to assist him, invited the Angles, whose 
 leaders, Hengist and Horsa, a couple of cheftians 
 who were on a piratical cruise in the English 
 Channel, landed in Kent about the year 470. 
 They soon afterwards treacherously turned upon 
 their British allies, and gradually established 
 themselves along the entire eastern seaboard to 
 Lincoln. 
 
 From 211, the year that the Roman Emperor 
 Severus died at York, to the accession of 
 Carausius in 286, history is almost silent respecting 
 the affairs of Britain. Richard of Cirencester, the 
 
32 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 famous chronicler, made only one entry, which 
 states that " During these times the Roman 
 armies confined themselves within the walls, and 
 all the island enjoyed a profound peace." Nor did 
 they **make a solitude and call it peace," for 
 the bravery of the natives prevented them from so 
 doing, and they had their reward, for during this 
 period they so improved the country that a 
 Roman orator declared it to be matchless ** as a 
 land so stored with corn, so flourishing in pasture, 
 so rich in variety of mines, ... on all its 
 coasts furnished with convenient harbours, and 
 universal in its circuit and extent," while 
 Eumenius panegerised it as '^ Britannia, 
 and happier than all other lands ; enriched 
 with the choicest blessings of heaven and earth." 
 Though this description was specially applicable 
 to the southern and midland provinces as far as 
 its rich valleys and pleasant pastures were con- 
 cerned, this part of the island contributed to and 
 shared in the general prosperity of the country, 
 for its naval supremacy rose to a height "' which it 
 only subsequently attained in the days of Alfred."* 
 It is impossible to learn what was the pro- 
 portion of the British population to the Roman, 
 
 Hr Knight's Pic. His. Eng., Vol. I., p. 32. 
 
THE ANGLO-SAXON PERIOD. 33 
 
 and what the Gaulish or Teutonic element as 
 compared to the British. It was evidently a very 
 mixed population, of which we know but little. 
 
 For a century and a half thick darkness seemed 
 to overspread the history of our country. The 
 Anorlo-Saxon writers record little but accounts of 
 
 o 
 
 battles and slaughters, and Macaulay, in his 
 History of England, states that Hengist and 
 Horsa, Vortigern and Rowena are mythical 
 persons whose very existence may be questioned, 
 and whose "adventures must be classed with 
 those of Hercules and Romulus." 
 
 The Saxons soon made an impression upon the 
 customs and common life of the nation, and we 
 have amongst us to this day a remarkable 
 blending of Roman and Saxon remains. While 
 our January (from Janues), March (Mars), July 
 (Julius), August (Augustus), remind us of the 
 former ; our Wednesday (Woden), and Thursday 
 (Thor), remind us of the latter. 
 
 The period of Saxon supremacy in England 
 was one of incessant wars, and great suffering. 
 This part of the country, however, appears to have 
 been comparatively unaffected by the incessant 
 conflicts, and the inhabitants of Grimsby lived in 
 comparative seclusion, and consequently in peace. 
 
Zbc Danish Iperiob^ 
 
 IF the inhabitants of Grimsby enjoyed com- 
 parative quiet during the Saxon Invasion 
 and supremacy, they possessed no such immunity 
 during that of the Danes. They were made to 
 feel the full force of the tempest of war and 
 rapine, which raged over our island during the 
 latter period, for the invaders made the H umber 
 one of their principal places for landing in this 
 county. 
 
 The first invasion of the eastern coast by the 
 Danes was in S66, and the conquest of North- 
 umbria and East Anglia was soon followed by 
 the submission of Mercia. The mouth of the 
 Humber was like an open gate to the Danes, 
 who landed apparently at Humberstone, and 
 ravaged Lincolnshire from end to end. Several 
 of the churches near the coast such as Stow, 
 Scartho, and Tetney, still bear traces of fire in 
 the stones re-used in their re-building. '^ 
 
 Our early historians all agree that in 870, 
 
 * Murray's Hand- Book, Lincolnshire. 
 
THE DANISH PERIOD. 35 
 
 Hubber, Ubber, or Ubbo, son of Lodbrok, King 
 of Denmark, landed at Humberstone, having 
 crossed from the Yorkshire coast. He wintered 
 with his brother Hengier at Thetford, and in the 
 spring they engaged and defeated Edmund, King 
 of East AngHa, and over-ran and annexed the 
 whole of the county. The " Hubbards Hills " in 
 various parts of this neighbourhood are believed 
 to commemorate the powers of this redoubtable 
 warrior. 
 
 The name '* Humberstone," some writers 
 suppose, may be a corruption of Hubbastone, the 
 transition from the one to the other being 
 facilitated by the proximity of the great river. 
 Nor is it altogether impossible that Hunger Hill 
 at Aylesby, near to Humberstone and Grimsby, 
 is the corrupt rendering of Hinguar Hill."^ 
 
 The mixed characters of the wild adventurers 
 who flocked to the standard of the Raven under 
 those lawless Vikings, is believed to account in 
 part for the various nationalities which apparently 
 took root in Lincolnshire under Danish auspices, 
 and of which so many memorials remain, as the 
 force led by these brothers, was composed of 
 Danes, S weeds, Norwegians, and Russians, 
 
 * Lincolnshire and the Danes, p. 92. 
 
36 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 desperate adventurers ready to fight under any 
 sky or any flag, if but a bold leader offered them 
 the chance of victory. 
 
 The name " Danes " was given by the Anglo- 
 Saxons to the Northmen, but they were not 
 exclusively natives of Denmark, their home was 
 the sea. The leaders of early expeditions 
 consisted largely of the younger sons of the 
 aristocracy, who were excluded by the law of 
 primogeniture from any share in the land, and 
 consequently engaged in roving expeditions, the 
 success of which led them to attempt permanent 
 conquests. The son of a king or chief who had a 
 maritime command was termed a Viking, and the 
 name has been applied generally to these fierce 
 captains, and also to their savage warriors whose 
 ravages so afflicted this country. 
 
 Such a Viking was Gryme, who speedily 
 followed in the wake of the first invaders. He 
 was a wild and successful rover, who, having been 
 banished for life, invaded the H umber with a fleet 
 of twenty vessels filled with Berserkers, who, on 
 landing, fought with extraordinary power and took 
 possession of Spurn. From thence Gryme came 
 to Grimsby, where he found " the swamps in- 
 habited by a few families of the ancient population, 
 
THE DANISH PERIOD. 37 
 
 whose fishing coracles were moored in the creek 
 or haven which ran by the foot of an artificial hill, 
 afterwards called Holme Hill, where was a rough 
 pillar to represent their god, and a circle of stones 
 where the Abbey was subsequently built." 
 
 These subdued, Gryme built a few huts with 
 timber from Bradley Wood on a stream of fresh 
 water, which site was called Dane's gate. He 
 built also a tower of rough stones on Holme Hill 
 as a depository for the marine spoils he took from 
 the vessels he captured. 
 
 It is probable that Gryme took possession of 
 the port in the name of his own monarch, and 
 afterwards held it as the property of the Danish 
 Crown. He made it the centre of excursions into 
 the surrounding country, where his wild hordes 
 committed frightful ravages. They entered the 
 village of Tetney, and put the greater part of the 
 inhabitants to the sword, whose bodies were 
 buried in an open space in the centre of the 
 village. His success was an incentive for others 
 to follow in his wake, and shortly crowds of 
 hungry fortune-seekers landed on our coasts. 
 
 Before the death of Canute, Lincolnshire was 
 colonized by the Danes. If the reader will place 
 side by side a map of Lincolnshire and a map of 
 
38 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Denmark, he will see many names so much alike 
 that he might imagine the countries were the 
 same. Such names as Abye, Dalbye, Kirkbye, 
 Careleby, Holbeck, and Tofte on the map of 
 Denmark, with many others quite as familiar in 
 form and sound, will show him that the old 
 Vikings frequently made their way into England 
 across the German Ocean ''on what they called 
 their sea-horses," and '' found in the Humber 
 mouth an open gate to some of the richest 
 pastures in England." 
 
 There appears to have been three main streams 
 of these colonists into Lincolnshire, which have 
 been designated the Grimsby, Trent, and Alford 
 streams."^ It is with the first that we have to do. 
 
 They landed here in large numbers at different 
 times, and spread into the neighbouring country 
 with great rapidity. Let the eye run over the 
 map from Grimsby to Brigg, and names ending 
 in " by," as Laceby, Riby, Keelby, Brocklesby, 
 Barnoldby, Bonby, Worlaby, Saxby, Ulceby, 
 will show how the invaders took possession of the 
 property of others or settled upon unclaimed lands 
 almost everywhere. 
 
 In 991, the Danes were bought off with 10,000 
 
 * Lincolnshire and the Danes, p. 8. 
 
THE DANISH PERIOD. 39 
 
 pounds of silver; three years later with 16,000. 
 In looi with 24,000, in 1007 with 36,000; and in 
 1012 with 48,000. A pound of silver was worth 
 about three pounds of modern money, and would 
 have purchased eight oxen or fifty sheep. 
 During twenty years the people of this island 
 paid 134,000 as Danegelt, equal in value to 
 6,700,000 sheep or 1,072,000 oxen. The 
 ordinary price of a hide of land was about five 
 pounds of silver, so that the tribute alone was 
 equal to the fee simple of all the land of Norfolk 
 and Suffolk, or nearly one tenth of the whole 
 acreage of England. This culminated in the 
 terrible and treacherous massacre of the Danes, 
 which took place on the 13th November, 1002, 
 when men, women, and children were indiscrimin- 
 ately butchered. Then retribution followed. 
 The King of Denmark came with an immense 
 fleet, not for plunder or tribute, but for conquest. 
 His commands were to carry on a war of exter- 
 mination, to ravage the fields, burn the houses, 
 and put every male to the sword. The people, 
 divided among themselves, resisted in vain, and 
 in 1 01 7, Canute the Dane was sole King of 
 England. His power was irresistible, and he used 
 it with great wisdom and moderation. He 
 
40 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 determined to govern his new kingdom with 
 justice, and to observe the right in all things, 
 commanding all unto whom he entrusted the 
 government, as they wished to preserve his 
 good will and save their own souls to do no 
 injustice to poor or rich. '' Let," said he, "those 
 who are noble, and those who are not, equally 
 obtain their rights, according to the laws, from 
 which no deviation shall be allowed, either from 
 fear of me, or for the purpose of enriching my 
 treasury. I want no money raised by injustice." 
 He died in 1035. 
 
 Though there was doubtless a great disruption 
 of the existing order of things, yet the Danes did 
 not extirpate the inhabitants, but amalgamated 
 with them. Many owners and occupiers of the 
 land were compelled to retire, but that many 
 remained is proved by the fact that while the 
 Danes gave their names to numerous places, 
 others retained their old ones, as is seen in 
 Frodingham, Bottesford, Immingham, Waltham, 
 Holton, Brigg, Caistor, Binbrook, and other 
 places. 
 
 The Danish place names of Chitourpe, Hecon- 
 ville, and Hantot, are reproduced by Cleethorpes, 
 Haconnby, and Huttoft. Conisby, the name of 
 
THE DANISH PERIOD. 41 
 
 a Dutch chieftain ; Bonby, from Bondeloi, an 
 owner of land and stock ; Fotherby, from the old 
 Norse, food, fadder ; Goxhill, haller, a slope ; 
 Beelsby, o. n., Ojarg, a low range of hills ; 
 Coleby, o. n., Kollr ; Cleeness, Skegness, from 
 ness, a promontory ; Stather, from Stoir, a 
 harbour. 
 
 The name of Ulterby (d.b., Iterbi), now extinct, 
 is found in ancient documents. It represented a 
 part of Clee now submerged, and would appear to 
 be identical in meaning with Utterby, denoting 
 "out station." Perhaps its name was taken from 
 its nearness to the sea. 
 
 Sixhills. The name does not at all describe 
 the natural features of the neighbourhood, and it 
 is surmised that it is a corruption of a Norse name 
 as Sysla. 
 
 A part of Bradley Wood is known as Bradley 
 Glen, in which it is easy to recognise the old 
 Norse geire, a triangular piece of land. It lies 
 apart from the main wood, and still retains its 
 triangular shape. 
 
 Habrough, eight miles from Grimsby, which 
 may be rendered Hill-fort, is from old Norse 
 Huborg, the equivalent of Highbury. It does 
 not stand on any particular elevation, but it 
 
42 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 crowns the first slope of the wold, as it rises from 
 the sea marsh bordering the H umber. ^ 
 
 Finding as we do the words gates substituted 
 for street and road ; becks, for streams ; fitties 
 for meadows bordering on the sea ; stathers, for 
 landing-places ; when we hear of barfs, cars, and 
 nesses ; when we find lands are known as 
 sleights ; hills as hows and nabs ; fords as 
 wathes ; and fold-yard as stack-garth, we feel 
 sure that we are moving among scenes where 
 Scandinavians once lived and flourished. 
 
 The Danes were most immoderate drinkers, 
 and their example had a pernicious effect upon the 
 English. Indeed drinking became so common 
 that attempts at Temperance reformation had to 
 be made in those early times. Only one ale- 
 house was allowed for a village. Pin-drinking, as 
 it was called, was introduced. Tankards, with 
 pins or pegs fastened at given distances, were 
 used ; and a law passed that '' whosoever should 
 drink beyond those marks at one draught should 
 be liable to a severe punishment." This does not 
 appear to have proved effectual, for a statute was 
 made ^'that priests, monks, and friars, should not 
 drink to or at the pins." 
 
 * Lincolnshire and the Danes, p. 173. 
 
THE DANISH PERIOD. 43 
 
 If an Englishman presumed to drink in the 
 presence of a Dane, without first obtaining his 
 permission, he was considered to have offended 
 his conqueror, an insult so great that nothing but 
 instant death could expiate it. Indeed, the 
 English "were so imtimidated, that they would 
 not venture to drink even when invited, until the 
 Danes had pledged their honour for their safety," 
 and so great was the danger incurred even after 
 the permission had been obtained, that the man 
 who pledged the drinker stood by, weapon in 
 hand, to protect him. 
 
 The successors of Gryme set an idol on Holme 
 Hill, named Sauntovile, which had four heads, 
 two looking into the sea and two westward into 
 the country. Around this idol they danced till 
 they were in a state of frenzy, when holding their 
 religious festivals. 
 
(Brimeb? after the donqueet. 
 
 WILLIAM the Conqueror, in the division 
 of his newly-acquired kingdom, gave 
 Grimsby to three of his followers, Drogo de 
 Benzere, Ralf de Mortimer, and his half-brother, 
 Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. The latter had a ferry 
 worth £2f^ a year. It was not long, however, 
 before Odo fell into disgrace, and his property 
 was confiscated, and soon afterwards the whole of 
 the town passed into the hands of the King, and 
 was let by him to Radulfus, the son of Drogo, 
 who held it as a fee farm rent. In 1158, Henry 
 II. seized it for arrears amounting to ^169, but 
 Radulfus' sons furnished the King with such a 
 number of hawks, that he ordered the debt to be 
 discharged. 
 
 We have but few records of what the town 
 was like at that time. Dr. Oliver states that 
 Domesday Book makes mention of two churches 
 in Grimesbi belonging to William de Perei and 
 Ralf de Mortimer, but no information is afforded 
 respecting their founders. The Rev. J. Wild 
 
CxRIMSBY AFTER THE CONQUEST. 45 
 
 thinks it " extremely probable that the doctor 
 mixed up the account of Little Grimsby with that 
 of Great Grimsby." It is certain, however, that 
 in 1 1 lo, but a short time after the Conquest, 
 there were two churches existing, St. Mary's and 
 St. James'. 
 
 The people of Lincolnshire embraced Chris- 
 tianity quite readily, and some of the very 
 earliest churches in the kingdom are found round 
 Grimsby and Caistor. About iiio, the Abbey 
 of Wellow, Grimsby, was founded by Henry I. 
 for the Black Canons, and it was dedicated to St. 
 Augustine. It was situated on a conical hill, and 
 supplied with fresh water by a crystal spring 
 which gushed out from the side of the hill, over 
 which was erected the abbot's kitchen. The 
 stream produced by this spring was sufficient to 
 work a mill, which stood at the foot of the hill 
 eastward from the abbey, without the cemetery, 
 and at the entrance of the abbey-yard. The hill 
 contained about ten acres, on which stood a court 
 enclosed with a wall and ditch. There was also 
 a grange for the residence of the abbot, the 
 whole was occupied by gardens, orchards, and 
 offices belonging to the abbey. 
 
 The revenues of the monastery were considered 
 
46 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 ample, amounting to ^152 7s. 4d., a large sum 
 for those days. These were enjoyed until the 
 dissolution of the religious houses, when the 
 abbot and canons, influenced no doubt by Arch- 
 bishop Whitgift, ''upon full deliberation, for 
 certain just and reasonable causes especially 
 moving them in their souls and consciences," did 
 ''freely and of their own accord, surrender and 
 grant King Henry VIII., in the year 1539, this 
 house, with all its revenues, rights, and appurten- 
 ances whatsoever." The possessions thus relin- 
 quished amounted to more than seven hundred 
 acres of land, besides manors, tithes, advowsons, 
 mills, tenements, rights of common, and other 
 appurtenances. Six years afterwards Henry 
 granted, by letters patent, dated May 22nd, 1545, 
 the whole to Sir Thomas Heneage and the Lady 
 Katharine, his wife, and their heirs, male, for ever, 
 the whole of the above, in exchange for the 
 lordship and manor of Barton-upon-H umber ; to 
 hold all the premises of the said King and his 
 successors, in capite, by the service of a whole 
 knight's fee. 
 
 Only two seals of this monastery are known, 
 of which autotype illustrations are given in 
 " Lincolnshire Notes and Queries," vol. I., 
 
GRIMSBY AFTER THE CONQUEST. 47 
 
 opposite page 65, from impressions in the collec- 
 tion of Mr. John Hopkin, of Grimsby. 
 
 Henry III. interested himself in its welfare, at 
 the same time taking care not to be a loser by 
 doing so, for on November 20th, 1239, "The 
 bailiffs of Grimsby were commanded by that 
 monarch not to detain from the abbot of Grimsby 
 ^11 per annum which he had been accustomed 
 to receive as tythe of the farm of the town, 
 because the King demanded the tythe of the mill 
 of Kaldehall, which pertained to the. manor of 
 Grimsby." It continued to experience varying 
 fortunes under different monarchs, until Henry 
 VIII. determined to abolish these establishments. 
 
 This abbey at Grimsby appears to have 
 deserved its fate if the charges made against its 
 officials were true, for in 1539, when the abbey 
 was surrendered to the King, the document con- 
 veying it to his Majesty commences : '' I, Robert 
 (Whitgift), Abbot of the Monastery of Wellow 
 in Grimsby, knowi7tg the misorder and evil of the 
 brethren, do freely, in the discharge of my con- 
 science, surrender, give, and grant, without any 
 enforcement, in consideration of the evil dis- 
 position of the brethren of the said Monastery," 
 etc. Whatever may be thought of the abbot's 
 
48 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 conscience and the freeness of the surrender, 
 there is no doubt that the abbey was no longer 
 helpful to the cause of true piety, and was in bad 
 repute with the people owing to the scandalous 
 lives of its rulers, and their disputes among them- 
 selves. A commission had been appointed to 
 enquire into the truth of certain charges, when 
 the commissioners found that not only were the 
 lands ''improperly cultivated," and the buildings 
 fallen into decay, but that the conduct of the abbot 
 had been such as was "utterly discreditable and 
 scandalous." They found that the charges of 
 having misappropriated an estate of 120 acres of 
 land called Sandhowe, and assigned it to a 
 French lady, his mistress, whom he kept in the 
 greatest magnificence ; of putting the canons 
 upon short commons, composed of eggs, with 
 bread, and water to wash it down, while he and 
 his lady fared every day on fish, flesh, and fowl, 
 and drank the richest wines, were fully proved. 
 He was deposed from his office, and John de 
 Thorpe appointed his successor. 
 
 There was also a nunnery in Grimsby, called 
 
 ST. Leonard's nunnery. 
 This building "was situated," says Oliver, "on a 
 
GRIMSBY AFTER THE CONQUEST. 49 
 
 pleasant and healthy eminence, (?) which still 
 retains its name, at the junction of two principal 
 roads leading into the town. It was surrounded 
 by corn-fields ; had gardens and orchards in front, 
 and was supplied with fresh water by a pure rill, 
 constantly flowing from the fields." 
 
 The date of its foundation is uncertain. That 
 it was established prior to 1185 is proved by a 
 bull of Pope Lucius II., dated from Verona, a.d. 
 1 185. It was also mentioned still earlier in a 
 bull, directed to the abbots of Thornton and 
 Newsham, issued by Pope Alexander III. (1159- 
 1181), who had a controversey with Henry II. 
 respecting Thomas a Becket, who opposed the 
 King's efforts to establish the supremacy of the 
 State over Church and clergy. 
 
 The nunnery could not have been very large, 
 as it only contained a prioress and seven nuns. 
 It was endowed with the patronage of Little 
 Coates Church, in the 6th Edward I. (1278), 
 which became appropriate in the 6th Edward II. 
 (13 1 3), and the bailiffs of Grimsby paid annually 
 to the prioress 8s. 8d. The annual revenues, 
 according to Dugdale, were ^9 14s. yd., but 
 Leland makes them ^10, while Speed puts them 
 at ;^i2 3s. 7d. 
 
50 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 It was destroyed by fire in the thirteenth 
 century, and was re-built by the celebrated 
 Bishop of Lincoln, Robert Grosteste, and Sir 
 Thomas Hasterton, of Aylesby, the latter of 
 whom was buried in its cemetery, and to whose 
 memory a highly - decorated monument was 
 erected. It appears to have been destroyed a 
 second time by fire, for in a charter granted by 
 Henry IV., we find the following: — ''We are 
 fully informed by the report of many trustworthy 
 persons how a great part of the edifices of the 
 Nuns of the poor House of S. Leonard of 
 Grymesby in the County of Lincoln has lately 
 been miserably burnt up by the sudden occur- 
 rence of a furious fire, and lies devastated, and that 
 divers lands and possessions of the said Nuns of 
 no small yearly value, through the raging of the 
 sea and the inundations of other great waters, 
 have come to be desolate and worthless, to the 
 grievous detriment and manifest deterioration of 
 the site. From the lamentable address of the 
 Prioress and Nuns of the said house, we have 
 learnt that they are from the aforesaid cause by 
 no means sufficient to re-build the said edifices, 
 and support the other burdens incumbent on the 
 same house, unless pious succour is given them 
 
GRIMSBY AFTER THE CONQUEST. 51 
 
 from other sources." The King "piously com- 
 passionating their indigence " by his special grace, 
 '^granted to a certain Nun of the said house" 
 procuratorial letters giving authority for her to 
 pass through any parts of the dioceses of York, 
 Lincoln, and Norwich, to collect gifts from the 
 "faithful," and requiring all "Prelates and 
 Ecclesiastical persons, Sheriffs, Mayors, Bailiffs, 
 Constables, and others, our ministers," to " main- 
 tain, protect, and defend the said Nun," and 
 declaring that if any hindrance, damage, violence, 
 or inconvenience were offered her, it would be 
 duly corrected and reformed. 
 
 In Bishop Fordham's Register, Ely (fol. 207), 
 occurs the following relating to this subject : — 
 " 1408. May 27th. Forty days' Indulgence 
 granted to all giving assistance to the poor and 
 religious women, the Prioress and Nuns of S. 
 Leonard's Priory outside Grymesby, Lincolnshire, 
 whose houses and edifices and the goods contained 
 therein have been accidently burnt, non sua cuppa 
 sed horribili incendio jain noviter ingruente.'' 
 
 Another religious house was 
 
 THE HOSPITIUM, OR HOUSE OF HOSPITALERS, OF 
 ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM, 
 
52 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 This building is said to have owed its origin to 
 the suggestion of King John, who, while on a 
 visit to the town, discovered that it was the 
 resort of many strangers who frequented its 
 marts for commercial purposes, and found but 
 scanty means for accommodation. The abbot of 
 Wellow, by whom the King was entertained, 
 undertook to erect a building. The site and the 
 house which stood upon it was given by Robert 
 de Bassingbourne, whose son Allan endowed it 
 after it was built by the abbot, assisted by the 
 merchants and gentlemen of the town. It stood 
 on one of the hills adjoining the nunnery, which 
 was known as Spittal Hill, without the Bar, by 
 the road leading to Laceby and the heart of the 
 county. 
 
 There are a few references to it as the Spital 
 House in the Corporation Records. In 1389, 
 1 2th Richard II., there is a reference to a grant 
 by John Wynde, of Boseworth, chaplain to Sir 
 Wm. Luscy, of Grimesby, subject on a rent pay- 
 able to the Fraternity of the Hospital of St. 
 John. 
 
 There is also a letter from Henry VIII., 
 addressed "To oure trusty and welbiloved the 
 Maire of oure towne of Grymmesby and to the 
 
GRIMSBY AFTER THE CONQUEST. 53 
 
 Burgesses of the same," respecting William 
 Thomlynson, "how that he hath of the graunts 
 of the late Maire and Burgesses their sufficient 
 letters undre the common seel of our said Spitle- 
 house . . . without the Barregates there and 
 procuratorie of the same for . . . (life) as by 
 his said letters which he shewed unto us, that you 
 now entende to expell and put the said William 
 out of the same w^out ... of cause reason- 
 able, contrary to the said graunte, right, and good 
 conscience. We, entending justice indifferently 
 to be ministered unto every o' subgittes, wol that 
 ye permitte and suffre the said W^illiam peasibly 
 to enjoy the said house as he hertofore hath 
 according to his said graunte w^out any manner 
 of interrupcion to the contrary, unles that ye 
 have any cause reasonable to be showed before 
 us and oure Counsaill why ye shulde interrupte 
 hym of the same ; and if ye any suche cause 
 have, then that ye certifie us and o' Counsaill 
 therof to thentent that we, by thadvis of oure 
 said Counsaill, may so ordre the matier in eschew- 
 ing of us further suyte and vexaccion. And that 
 ye faille not thus to doo as ye tendre o' pleasure. 
 Geven undre o"* signet, at o'' Mano' of Grene- 
 wich, the xiiijth day of Aprill. W. At water." 
 
54 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 " W. Atwater" succeeded Cardinal Wolsey as 
 Bishop of Lincoln in 15 14. 
 
 An old court book contains the following 
 memorandums : — '' That William Glasyner, then 
 Maire of Grimesby . . . and dyverse odir 
 Burges sold to Steven del See and to dyvers mo 
 iiij'"' esch trese growyng in the Spetyll Garthes of 
 Grimesby for iij^' vj^ viij'^ to the expenc' to be 
 made to our Sofferane Lord our Kyng, and to 
 our gode Lord the Erelle of Westmorland, and to 
 his Cousell, for the grete necessite and wellefare 
 of the said town. Proviso Semper that as sone 
 as the forsaid townchippe may hafe godes in 
 comon for the town, thai schall spend and ware 
 on and for the said Spetyall House at dyvers 
 tymes 5 marcs (fo. 46b). 
 
 15th Charles I. " Gervase Holies, esq., late 
 Mayor, delivers to Wm. Booth, now Mayor, the 
 Keys, Seal, and Mace, four statue books, the 
 next extent, one old book of Charters, four silver 
 crests, and the old ordinances ' et terrar le Sipptle- 
 howse ' (Spittehouse)." 
 
^be ®ID Borough. 
 
 GRIMSBY is said to have been a Borough 
 by prescription as early as the seventh 
 century. We have not been able to find any 
 documentary proof that such was the case, but it 
 is clear from existing records that it was one 
 before the Norman Conquest, for at that time it 
 was held as a Borough of the Crown at a fee 
 farm rent. Twenty-two new boroughs were 
 created by Edward, Mary added fourteen to the 
 number, and Elizabeth during her reign made 
 sixty-two. 
 
 THE MAYOR. 
 
 The election took place on the Tuesday next 
 ensuing the exaltation of Holy Cross. The 
 method was by placing the names of two alder- 
 men on the Lete or Leet by the Council, and the 
 freemen voted for which one of them they 
 thought proper, the votes were taken in the 
 transept of St. James' Church. In the event of 
 the voting being equal, the coroners were entitled 
 
56 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 to give the casting vote. When this method was 
 adopted the records do not say, but the custom 
 continued until the passing of the Municipal 
 Reform Bill. 
 
 The Corporation ordinances empowered and 
 called upon the Mayor to regulate the trade of 
 the town and its morals. He was to search out 
 offenders against the King's laws, and prevent or 
 punish offenders without partiality. He had no 
 power, however, to inflict personal chastisement, 
 which was the sole prerogative of the County 
 magistrates, but he could levy fines, one of the 
 profits of which were assigned to himself 
 "These fines were sometimes heavy; under 39 
 Elizabeth, Sir William St. Poll, Knight, was 
 fined £4.0 for not appearing to take upon him the 
 office of Mayor when elected and Alderman Booth 
 was fined ^20, for his "contempt against this 
 Court for not going to church according to 
 custom, after he was placed upon the Lite." 
 
 James H., granted on September 15th, 1688, 
 letters patent, making the Mayor and Burgesses 
 of Grimsby a corporate body, with Recorder, 
 Aldermen, Coroners, Common Councilmen, 
 Bailiffs, Common Clerk, and bestowing various 
 privileges upon them. These letters are on 
 
THE OLD BOROUGH. 57 
 
 three skins, with part of the Great Seal of Green 
 Wax, and is among the Corporation Records. 
 
 It appears that '^ Mayor Choosing" was not 
 perfectly unanimous in those days, nor did the 
 choice always give entire satisfaction to all the 
 burgesses. One of them was charged with say- 
 ing in the Common Hall " wordes unseemlye and 
 verye thretnelye," while another " manifestlye 
 seyde before Mr. Mayor and his brethren he 
 prayed God that the puttying in of Mr. 
 Empyngham into the Hall, and the stoute 
 doynges, were not a further troble unto the 
 town." (Dec. 2, 1564). 
 
 The Mayor and bailiffs as lords of the manor, 
 held a court leet and view of Frank- Pledge, and 
 a court baron for Grimsby, twice a year, and 
 similar courts were also held by them at Clee, as 
 lords of the manor there. 
 
 The Mayor held his court at pleasure, but was 
 obliged to give a personal notice to every burgess, 
 by his Serjeant, on the preceding Sunday. Every 
 burgess was bound by his oath '' to come to the 
 mayor's summons when lawfully required, and not 
 to absent himself without a cause reasonable to 
 the mayor notified." Delinquents were liable to 
 be fined 4d., and the fine was frequently enforced. 
 
58 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Inthe reign of Elizabeth the fine was made I2d. 
 for a burgess, and 2od. for an alderman. The 
 Corporation records show that these full courts 
 were not summoned very frequently. 
 
 The Recorder, or his deputy, presided at the 
 Quarter Sessions of the Borough, and the justices 
 met weekly for the despatch of business. The 
 Mayor possessed the power of holding another 
 court, for trying actions of debt, and breaches 
 of the peace. The bailiffs were also empowered 
 to hold a similar court every Friday, for the 
 determination of actions brought against any 
 inhabitant of Grimsby who was not a freeman. 
 
 As early as 1553 or 1554 proceedings were 
 taken against Robert Wright, "" burgess of 
 Grimsby," at the suit of John Watson for 
 *' slanderously misreporting and calling the sayd 
 John villayn and knave in Great Grimsby in the 
 churchr 
 
 The Mayor was annually elected by the votes 
 of the burgesses. They were summoned by the 
 rinofinof of the Moot-bell, to attend when the 
 Mayor presided over a full court, or what was 
 known as a "Court Leet or Baron." A passing 
 bell was tolled when a Mayor went out of office, 
 to denote his municipal death. The ringing of a 
 
THE OLD BOROUGH. 59 
 
 bell at nine In the morning announced the com- 
 mencement of business, and the knell of the curfew 
 at eight in the evening, marked its conclusion. 
 
 ALDERMEN. 
 
 When this office was first established in 
 Grimsby it is not easy to learn. Dr. Oliver could 
 not find any mention of this functionary earlier 
 than the reign of Henry VII., "where power is 
 given to any aldermen who has passed the chair 
 to transact the ordinary business of the Corpora- 
 tion in the absence of the Mayor." I have 
 carefully gone through the Report of the Histori- 
 cal Manuscripts Commission on Grimsby, and the 
 earliest reference I can discover is in connection 
 with depositions taken at Louth, 5 Sep., 1581, 
 where among the witnesses is " Robert Empring- 
 ham, gent, and alderman^ 
 
 In the same report I find in connection with 
 Bury St. Edmunds, reference to an Alderman of 
 that place, as early as 3 Temp. Henry III. and 
 under 4 Henry III., I find a "Geoffrey, son of 
 Robert, Aderman." 
 
 In the reign of James I., it was unanimously 
 decreed '' at a full Court, that hereafter there shall 
 be twelve aldermen, including Mayor, and no 
 
6o OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 more, all of whom shall be resident, and dwell 
 within the limits of the borough ; and if one 
 shall happen to die, that then the said number of 
 twelve shall be made up out of the ancient and 
 fittest burgesses, within one month next after 
 their decease." It was also provided that if any 
 aldermen went out of the town to dwell, and 
 remained non-resident for the space of three 
 months, he should "lose his place" and another 
 choosen out of the most ancient and fittest of the 
 burgesses. ^' This to continue for ever, without 
 being revoked, frustrated, or disannulled. " 
 
 The Old Town Hall was erected on an open 
 space at the angle formed by High Street and 
 Bethel, and was called the Hall-gate or Hall 
 Garth, being the Manor House, Moot-hall, or 
 Court of the Mayor and Burgesses. It was a 
 very plain and unpretentious building, being 
 constructed of a skeleton of beams fancifully 
 arranged, and the interstices filled in with lath 
 and plaster. It had a high-pitched roof thatched 
 with reeds, and a large gable projecting two feet 
 from the walls that they might not be injured by 
 the dropping of water from the canes. The 
 interior consisted of one chamber, besides a small 
 room as an archive for the records and monu- 
 
THE OLD BOROUGH. 6i 
 
 ments. There were shops underneath this 
 chamber. The place was so small that on occasions 
 when the burgesses came in considerable numbers 
 they usually adjourned to the transept of the 
 church, which was close by. 
 
 THE FREEMEN. 
 
 From the earliest records we find that there 
 has been from time immemorial a division 
 among the people of this country, namely, 
 franklins and villeins. During the Roman 
 invasion the original inhabitants were in most 
 parts of the country reduced to a condition of 
 servitude. Under the Saxons we find Thanes, 
 and Ceorls, the owners and cultivators of 
 land, who had certain rights as to land and 
 other property, without, however, any share in 
 the government of the country. Ceorls, says 
 Hallam, were almost identical with the villeins, 
 who were obliged to remain upon the estate of 
 their lord, who could reclaim his person if he 
 ventured to stray, by suit in a court of justice. 
 Very early in English history, these however, 
 were denominated serfs. 
 
 Rodger de Hoveden, in his collection of the 
 Laws of William the Conqueror, gives what has 
 
62 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 been called that Monarch's Magna Charta, which 
 secured certain privileges to the lowest of the 
 people. Notwithstanding this, however, these 
 privileges were largely confined to the residents. 
 The " foreigner " was subjected to numerous 
 disqualifications. He was debarred from en- 
 gaging in trade. Witness the following ordinances 
 made in the reign of Henry VH. '' No foreigner 
 shall bring provisions of any kind into this town 
 to sell, but upon the market-days ; nor shall a 
 foreigner at the public fair on St. Bartholomew's 
 Day, keep any shop for the sale of such provisions 
 under a penalty of 1 2d. ; and no landowner shall 
 let any shop or tenement to a foreigner for the 
 said purpose, upon pain of forfeiting I5d. to the 
 Mayor and burgesses ; nor shall any householder 
 expose in his window such provisions for sale 
 belonging to a foreigner under a fine of i id. for 
 each offence." 
 
 Even on the market-day the ** foreigner" was 
 charged double tolls. He could not cross the 
 Humber by the common ferry without being 
 charged a double fare. If they broke the King's 
 peace, did ^^ give any burgess rebukeful words, or 
 do anything against the articles of this ordinance 
 made, or against the statutes of Mr. Mayor's pro- 
 
THE OLD BOROUGH. 63 
 
 clamation ; any Alderman, who was formerly mayor 
 of this burgh, if a mayor be not present, shall put 
 such transgressor in prison, or take sufficient 
 security to answer the offence at the next court." 
 
 The term " foreigner " was appHed to anyone not 
 residing within the precincts of the borough. 
 An inhabitant of Wellow, who Hved beyond the 
 Blue Stone, though a freeman by right, was 
 excluded from the franchise, even while paying 
 scot and lot to the parish of Grimsby of which it 
 formed a constituent part. 
 
 In 17 1 2, a full court of Freemen was held to 
 discuss the question of those who did not reside 
 permanently in the town, enjoying the privilege 
 of freedomship. It was resolved that "whereas 
 several freemen, who have left the borough, 
 have recently been in the habit of returning three 
 months before such election, and after having 
 voted, again leave the town, to the prejudice of 
 such freemen as pay scot and lot ; therefore it is 
 ordered that no freemen, whether living in 
 Wellow-gate, or elsewhere, shall, for the future, 
 be admitted to his freedom, or vote at any 
 election, unless he shall have been resident in 
 Grimsby, and paid his scot and lot twelve months 
 before such election." 
 
64 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 The hamlet of Wellow was no part of the 
 borough, and its inhabitants had no vote or any 
 other municipal privilege unless they possessed 
 property in the borough. 
 
 At the beginning of the seventeenth century, 
 many of the old families began to disappear. 
 Those who had seats in the country, took up 
 their permanent abode in them, while the 
 merchants removed to Hull, which was now a 
 flourishing port. Tradesmen, too, sought a 
 living in other places, so that by the end of the 
 century Grimsby was almost deserted. 
 
 CHARTERS. 
 
 On June 20th, 1227, Henry HI. granted by 
 charter to the men of Grimsby, the town and 
 liberties, subject to a fee-farm rent of iii/; 
 saving the King's purprestures and rents, if any. 
 The same monarch. May 27th, 1256, granted a 
 charter conforming the grant of the town, with 
 purprestures, and reducting the fee-farm rent to 
 50/, but reserving to the King the advowsons of 
 the churches of Grimsby and Scartho. ' 
 
 On June 4th, 13 19, Edward H. granted to the 
 men of Grimsby the return of the King's writs, 
 immunity from being impleeded without the 
 
THE OLD BOROUGH. 65 
 
 borough for matters arising therein, and from 
 toll, murage, etc., and extending the two yearly 
 fairs. The provisions of the Charter and suc- 
 ceeding ones are remarkable, as immunity was 
 granted against Minage, a duty paid on corn sold 
 by measure. Pavage, or payments towards the 
 repair of the streets and highways. Pontage^ a 
 tax collected by the Sheriff for keeping all bridges 
 in the county in repair. Stallage, a toll for 
 pitching or erecting stalls in fairs and markets. 
 Lastage, a toll to which the owners of markets and 
 fairs for sale of goods at such markets or fairs. 
 Hausage, exemption from duties in seaports for 
 fastening the cable of a ship. Anchorage, without 
 which duty no person could drop an anchor on 
 the King's ground. Terrage, duty for digging 
 and breaking up earth to set up stalls in fairs and 
 markets. Keyage, the toll paid for loading or 
 unloading merchandise at a quay or wharfe. 
 Passage, hire paid for being conveyed over sea or 
 river by ferry boats. 
 
 These numerous and valuable immunities 
 extended over the entire kingdom and dominion 
 of England, '' except our city of Westminster." 
 
^be ®l& Cburcb. 
 
 THIS is a very ancient structure, the date of 
 its erection being uncertain. Formerly 
 Grimsby had two churches, St. Mary's and St. 
 James'. The former had a priest assigned to it, 
 which the latter had not as it belonged evidently 
 to some religious house probably the Abbey of 
 Wellow. 
 
 A respected alderman who has made the old 
 church of St. James and its history a special study, 
 for nearly half-a-century, has furnished us with the 
 following account which we give with but little 
 alteration or abridgment. 
 
 From its appearance it would seem to have 
 been built piecemeal, and at first without 
 clerestory. Its form was that of a huge cross 
 laid on the ground. At some early date two 
 bays on each side of the then chancel were taken 
 down and placed sideways, eastward, in the 
 transepts. The west arches and clerestory of 
 transepts are the work of a more recent date, 
 and later still the tower was inserted, which 
 
THE OLD CHURCH. 67 
 
 accounts for the want of finish of the different 
 arches adjoining it. Unfortunately the foundation 
 of the south-east column is not good, owing to 
 interments too near it. It has given outward 
 some eight inches, and caused the tower to lean 
 at the summit full fourteen inches. The tower 
 used to be a distinctive landmark to mariners, and 
 had probably a lantern on the top of it. 
 
 From the nave a descent of two steps led at 
 one time into the well (humility), and again a rise 
 of three steps (contrition), on the first landing of 
 the chancel, after this another step (faith), and 
 again one to kneel on (atonement)." 
 
 During the restoration carried on by Canon 
 Ainsley part of the steps leading to the rood loft 
 were discovered. 
 
 Hazeltine's monument is shown in old prints to 
 be on the west side of the font. On the north 
 aisle would be the position of the side altar, back 
 unto the wall of transepts nearly over where 
 the heating apparatus cellar is. The unfinished 
 capital of half column at the west signifies the 
 continuance of the gospel of Christ Church 
 Militant. 
 
 The baptistry would be on the south side of 
 the west entrance on a raised platform ; there are 
 
68 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 tokens of a recess in the south-west corner, 
 perhaps used for the doffing and donning of 
 infants brought for baptism, as also for that of 
 registration and fees. Just outside the south-west 
 corner was found the base of a pedestal for the 
 sundial ; on the north of the west entrance was 
 another raised platform not so high, for the 
 catechumen. In the north-west corner would be 
 the sanctuary. The original porch extended 
 some ten feet further into the churchyard, 
 thus the front of the present one is in a line 
 with the outside wall of the former building. 
 The north side would extend in like proportion ; 
 the porch was considered the least sacred place and 
 in them disputes were settled, secular business 
 transacted, and then ratified at or by the Cross. 
 
 Some small portions of the old aisles are still 
 remaining. At the rebuilding of the rest the 
 material was brought from the ruins of St. Mary's 
 Church, the sills of the lower west windows 
 appear to have been there at that time, hence 
 perhaps, the design of the others so sadly out of 
 character, there would be four lower windows at 
 the west end, two outer ones somewhat smaller in 
 size, and I should say the west end showed three 
 gables. 
 
THE OLD CHURCH. 69 
 
 There are evidences of the Lady Chapel at the 
 east end of the chancel extending to within a few 
 feet of the boundary, the east window would be 
 the same height as the present west window, but 
 there was also a south light of narrow, but deeper 
 dimensions ; giving on a clear rrtid-day a marked 
 halo to the altar, and if of stained glass a chaladro 
 hue of rainbow colours. 
 
 The chancel, so far as the sanctum sactorum 
 section extended, was a stone vaulted roof, of lower 
 pitch outside, denoting the head of our dying 
 Saviour on the Cross. The line of the chancel 
 runs bearing to the south, thus in facing the 
 nave, representing our Saviour's head on the failing 
 of the heart's action inclining to the left. 
 
 The north-east chantry chapel had a groined 
 stone roof of superior workmanship and design 
 springing from the outer walls and converging to a 
 centre at which point it was supported by a stout 
 round pillar, it is thought there were two chapels 
 on the south-east, probably vestries. 
 
 There are traces of a second and intermediate 
 row of columns in the aisles, those on the south 
 marking off the cloisters, those on the north the 
 private chapels or shrines. 
 
 The supposed squint in the chancel was 
 
70 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 restored. Why ? Some think they were used 
 to communicate with lepers or other infectious 
 persons, others for the Aycolites to know at what 
 part of the service to bring in the incense ; most 
 Hkely the latter was the prevailing thought. A 
 Low Church architect might have said it was 
 common in this part of the chancel to have a 
 receptical for the priest's robes. 
 
 The north aisle has been very much excavated 
 for a resting-place of the more noted dead. 
 Historians tell us it was full of monuments. 
 This unreasonable kind of fancy or pride will 
 account for the columns on that side beine so 
 seriously out of plumb, and which would be 
 not very safe if without the support of the outside 
 walls. 
 
 It should be understood that in olden times 
 there were no pews, only a few stalls. The 
 congregation had to stand during the long 
 sermons, or bring their seats with them. 
 According to an old print they formed themselves 
 into the shape of a V. At this date worshippers 
 did not always stay the whole of the service, but 
 came and retired as suited them. 
 
 The vaulting within the church is a very bad 
 practice, but the wet ground around made bad 
 
THE OLD CHURCH. 71 
 
 worse, sapping the foundations, and very much 
 assisting the decay of the fabric, indeed some 
 seventy years ago the burial ground had very 
 little depth from the surface water until Bransby 
 Harrison, Esq., then churchwarden, to his great 
 credit, laid a drain from it down Wellowgate. 
 
 An old plan of Grimsby shows that the west 
 entrance of the churchyard was by and through 
 the Dean's grounds, named Boys' Lane and 
 Deansgate. It is also to be noticed that part of 
 the consecrated ground now built upon was used 
 as a garden. Tradition has it the Archdeacon 
 said to the clerk, " How is it when I pay my 
 visitation I find oats growing in the churchyard?" 
 " Yes, Dean," replied the clerk, " I tels parson 
 he ought to set taters sometimes." 
 
 Such were the encroachments on the church 
 land that the Corporation planted lime trees on 
 the east side to prevent further sacrilege. An 
 old deed in the possession of Mr. William 
 Marshall, saddler, shows his present premises 
 as abutting on High Street, and facing the 
 cathedral close. The parishioners preferred bury- 
 ing their dead on the south side of the graveyard, 
 hence the raising of the earth so much above the 
 base of the church. There is a prejudice against 
 
72 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 burying on the north side ; it was said darkness 
 came from that quarter. The north side is very 
 much above the level ; rubble and rubbish have 
 been spread on it instead of being carted away. 
 The Lay dead were buried facing the east, the 
 priesthood facing the west, so that at the resurec- 
 tion they may meet their flock. A portion of the 
 churchyard near the gate leading to Chantry Lane 
 was allotted for the burial of suicides and felons. 
 
 An old antiquarian friend says there was a 
 house in the churchyard ; another with less 
 profound knowledge says such never existed. If 
 Joseph Hall and William Douglas were living an 
 appeal might be made to them to decide, both old 
 men when I knew them, and Grimsby characters. 
 The former was very wise beyond his years, the 
 latter was a living chronologer and used to say he 
 could remember what had taken place one hundred 
 years before he was born. I must say, unlearned 
 as he was, he could give dates correctly of 
 occurrences long before his day. He told me he 
 came from a family who treasured a tradition of 
 events, anyway I found the plaster of an old- 
 fashioned house floor in the north-west corner. 
 It was the custom to build in some churchyards 
 a marriage or bride's house — a dwelling of living, 
 
THE OLD CHURCH 73 
 
 sleeping, kitchen, and entertaining rooms, all 
 furnished even to the linen for the bride's bed, 
 and here, for a time, a newly-married couple might 
 sojourn and entertain their relatives and friends. 
 
 Many still living can speak of the time when 
 the transepts of St. James' Church were par- 
 titioned from the nave and chancel, the bell 
 ringers exercising from the present floor. The 
 fire engine was kept there. A loft in the east 
 end of the nave, was erected by Mr. Richard 
 Joys. The singing gallery was at the west 
 end where Dr. Ne why's grandfather's famous 
 musical voice was heard, also Gregory Bust 
 Dawson's, the sweet singer of Israel, with the 
 clarionets, flutes, and bass fiddle. Mr. Worth 
 has now a pitch tube, very antiquated, thought to 
 have been used in St. James'. Some of us call to 
 mind the erection of the orofan in that ofallerv then 
 a great wonder for Grimsby, and the opening 
 sermon by the Rev. Mr. Gedge, who said in his 
 discourse, " My friends, do not let the organist 
 and choir have all the music to themselves, but 
 you sing to the glory of God, and the glory of 
 God will come down even to the finger ends of 
 those who may play on that beautiful instrument." 
 
 Some now living, sons of burgesses, were 
 
74 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 educated in the transepts, and a generation now 
 gone spoke of obtaining their learning in the 
 chantry chapel, which was taken down at the 
 beginning of this century, and the stone is built 
 on the east side of the north transept. 
 
 Speaking of the time when the Nave and 
 Aisles were boarded off, a funny circumstance 
 occurred. It seems a worthy pair went to St. 
 James' Church one Sunday morning to worship, 
 leaving a son at home to mind and keep the pot 
 boiling, in which was a sheep's head and some 
 short dumplings. As the sheep's head was 
 cooking so the mouth expanded, and he, looking 
 in, saw the dumplings bobbing into the cavity. 
 So fearing there would be none for his dinner, 
 went to call his father from the service, and after 
 repeated gestures to induce him to come home, to 
 settle the matter cried out, "If you don't come 
 soon the sheep's head will swallow all the 
 dumplings." I need scarcely say from that time 
 he was known as " Dumpling Johnny." 
 
 Benjamin Nuttal, alias ^'Totty," used to tell a 
 tale that he took advantage of pasturing in the 
 churchyard by night. One morning he went to 
 fetch his horse for the early tide, when he saw 
 some resurrection men at work snatching a body. 
 
THE OLD CHURCH. 75 
 
 Nuttall was carter for the Pelham Steam Packet 
 Company. 
 
 When the Wesleyans contemplated building 
 the present George Street Chapel, the Rev. 
 James Loutit waited upon the Rev. Daniel De 
 Boudry, Curate-in-charge of St. James', and 
 accosted him as " Brother." The parson said, 
 " I did not know that we were brethren." " Oh, 
 yes," said Mr. Loutit, " we are brethren in 
 Christ." '' Well, well," said the clergyman, 
 " then what is your business, brother." Mr. 
 Loutit replied, '^ Our chapel has become too 
 small for us, the place is too straight ; we want to 
 enlarge our borders by building a more spacious 
 one, and my object is to ask you for a donation to 
 assist us to do so." " No, no," said Mr. De 
 Boudry. "As brethren in Christ, let me say that 
 my church is too large, and your chapel too small, 
 send some of your people to me. ' 
 
 I have heard old men say that when they were 
 young the clergyman on certain Sundays, to 
 induce them to come to church and attend service, 
 gave them a pint of ale each, the White Hart 
 host supplying the drink. 
 
 I met an antiquarian gentleman in the church- 
 yard, who observed that in the bygone age he 
 
76 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 saw few tombstones signifying many years of 
 existence of the men. I replied it would be 
 strange if you did, for parliamentary elections 
 used to last for months, and all this time public 
 houses were known as open ones where the voters 
 were treated at the expense of the candidates, and 
 they ate beef fried in butter, and drank strong 
 ale, until, like the Chinaman's over-fed pig, they 
 bursted. 
 
 James Dixon Brown says one fine hot day he 
 was seeing after the stalls, when a carriage and 
 pair came up, and with orders for him, his men, 
 and some glass and tools to go to Ludbrough, and 
 repair the church windows, as the Rev. Mr. 
 Thorold expected the Rural Dean. Brown asked 
 the bystanders what was a Rural Dean ; they could 
 not tell him, when Thomas Bellamy joined them, 
 and he could not explain. The Rev. Gary 
 Marshall came up, and was asked to explain, 
 when he said, " What, Thomas Bellamy, you a 
 preacher of the Gospel, and not know what a 
 Rural Dean is — he is the Bishop's eye, and sees 
 to repairs of the churches in his deanery, so that 
 nothing in that way may annoy the Bishop." 
 
jearli? ZErabe anO (Tommerce. 
 
 LET the reader now endeavour to form some 
 idea of what Grimsby looked like in these 
 ancient times. Entering the place from Laceby, 
 he would pass the Nunnery on the left, and soon 
 after reach Bargate, from which it is supposed 
 the town wall extended south and north. On his 
 right hand stood the noble Abbey of Wellow, and 
 on the left some mansions occupied by merchants 
 and others, while directly before him stood the 
 '' cathedral like " Church of St. Mary's. Passing 
 through the bull-ring he came to the Market 
 place and Flottergate with a mansion or two in it, 
 and turning to the right proceeded down the 07ie 
 street of the town, and after walking a short 
 distance came to St. Mary's Church surrounded 
 by a churchyard two acres in extent, the whole of 
 which is now covered with buildings. A few 
 yards further down the street and on the same 
 hand stood Clayton Hall, which has since been 
 pulled down, and a block of buildings named 
 Yarborough Terrace now occupies its site. 
 
78 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Immediately opposite stood a fine row of trees 
 before which in our early days stood a town's 
 pump. A few straggling buildings might 
 probably have stood below the hall, and then he 
 would come to a narrow rivulet which ran into 
 the haven, long known, as it is still, as the River 
 Head. Here his progress would end for he had 
 reached the town boundary, and nothing lay 
 beyond, save a flat dreary marsh, stretching away^ 
 right and left and covered for several days in the 
 fortnight by the tides of the H umber. 
 
 South of the Abbey he would find a stream 
 which passing by Holme Hill emptied itself into an 
 old haven which long since disappeared. While 
 digging for a cellar near the Lincoln Arms, some 
 workmen came upon a number of very old piles, 
 seven feet from the surface, which it is believed 
 once formed the foundations of a landing stage. 
 
 At the river head he would find vessels loading 
 or unloading with corn, salt, lime, coals, or wine. 
 Further down he would find a staith in the East 
 Marsh, specially set apart for the Florentine 
 merchants and Easter levies, so called because 
 they were Hanseaatic merchants of the ''steel 
 yard " or merchants whose goods were sold 
 principally by weight. At this place only were 
 
EARLY TRADE AND COMMERCE. 79 
 
 they allowed to offer their goods for sale, subject 
 to the regulations specified in their charters. 
 
 The town was early known as an extensive 
 fishing port, and some of its earliest charters 
 contain regulations for this branch of business. 
 Indeed its only rival was Ravenser. 
 
 This rivalry with Ravenserodd as it was some- 
 times called, dates from a very early period. In 
 an '' Inquisition " taken in the third and fourth 
 years of Edward I. (1274-1276) the men of 
 Grimsby are stated to "say," ''that forty years 
 ago and more [that is, about or before 1235] by 
 the casting up of the sea, sand and stones 
 accumulated, on which accumulation William de 
 Fortibus, then Earl of Albemarl, began to build a 
 certain town which is called Ravenesodd ; and it 
 is an island, the sea surrounds it." 
 
 The "men of Grimsby," also declared that the 
 people of Ravensodd, carried on forestalling to an 
 extent which injured their town and the 
 surrounding country to the amount of ^100 a 
 year. They also alleged "That the men of the 
 said town of Ravenesodd," go out with their boats 
 (batelli), into the high sea, where there are ships 
 carrying merchandise, and intending to come to 
 Grimsby with their merchandise, the said men 
 
8o OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 hinder those ships (from coming to Grimsby), 
 
 and lead them to Ravenes(er) by force, when 
 
 they cannot amicably persuade them to go 
 
 thither." 
 
 These representatous do not appear to have 
 
 led to any amicable settlement, for in 1290 the 
 
 inhabitants of Grimsby appealed to the King 
 
 alleging that great injury and wrong was being 
 
 daily done to them. On August ist of the same 
 
 year, the monarch issued a writ ordering an 
 
 inquiry to be made, and early in the following 
 
 September an inquisition was held at Grimsby. 
 
 The author of the '' Lost Towns of the H umber " 
 
 has given in that interesting volume the following 
 
 translation of both the writ and the inquisition, 
 
 "Edward, by the grace of God, king of England, Lord of 
 Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, to his beloved and faithful 
 Gilbert de Thorneton and Robert de Schaddewrth, saluting. 
 Because we learn from the grave complaint of the mayor and 
 our burgesses of Grymesby that whereas ships with wines, 
 fishes, herrings, and other merchandise from various foreign 
 and home parts have been accustomed to harbour in the port 
 of that town and not elsewhere in those parts, and to sell those 
 goods and merchandise them, and to pay the customs thence 
 arising in part payment of the farm of that our town by the 
 hand of our bailiffs there, the bailiffs and men of Isabella de 
 Fortibus, Countess of Albemarl, of the town of Ravenserod 
 which she has caused to be built anew in a certain island within 
 the sea distant ten or twelve leagues (leucae) from the aforesaid 
 
EARLY TRADE AND COMMERCE. 8i 
 
 town of Grymesby, have arrested for a long time with a strong 
 hand in the sea the ships with the goods contained in them, 
 which in this way have been accustomed so to harbour in our 
 port aforesaid, and with threatening and force have compelled, 
 and from day to day do compell them to turn aside to the 
 aforesaid new town and to remain there, and there to sell their 
 merchandise, so that these, our men, by such compulsion and 
 subtraction, are so impoverished that they are not able to pay 
 us the debt due to us for the farm of the aforesaid town, unless 
 such hips may be able to harbour at our port aforesaid without 
 hindrance of the said men of Ravenserod, as they were before 
 that town was founded. And they have been accustomed to 
 hold a certain market, which the said countess causes to be 
 proclaimed and held these without warrant. We, being 
 unwilling any longer to sustain such unrepaired injury so done 
 to us or our men aforesaid, but desiring to aid our said men if 
 they have been so oppressed with injustice, appoint you to 
 enquire, by the oath as well of knights as of other upright and 
 loyal men of the county of Lincoln, by whom the truth of this 
 matter may be better known, concerning the hindrances and 
 forestalling of ships aforesaid, whether these things have been 
 done to our injury or that of our men, or the depression of our 
 town of Grymesby aforesaid, and by whom, or by whose order 
 [these things have been done], and at what time, and by what 
 warrant, the aforesaid market has been proclaimed and held, 
 and to what amount our aforesaid town of Grymesby, by the 
 aforesaid cause, has been deteriorated . . . also the full 
 truth concerning all other circumstances done there, with the 
 contingences of every kind. And therefore we command you 
 that on a certain day which shall be appointed for this purpose, 
 you shall go to the aforesaid town of Grymesby, and make 
 inquisition there, and the same . . . make without delay 
 to be sent to us with this writ. We command also our Sheriff 
 of the county aforesaid that at a certain . . . he . . 
 
 6 
 
82 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 shall cause to come before you at Grymesby all and such as 
 well knights and other upright and loyal men . . by whom 
 the truth of the matter in the premises may be better known 
 and enquired. In testimony of which these letters . . we 
 have made patents. Witness by me at Leghton, the first day 
 of August in the i8th year of our reign."* 
 
 The report of the commissioners is as follows : — 
 
 " Inquisition taken at Grumsby on the Sabbath day next after 
 the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary [8th September] in the 
 1 8th year of the reign of king Edward, before Gilbert de 
 Thornton and Robert de Schadwrd, appointed by the king's 
 writ to inquire concerning the hindrances and forestallings of 
 ships, which have been laden with various merchandise, and 
 which have been accustomed to come and harbour at Grumsby, 
 done by the men of Rawenserod, and concerning other 
 grievances and injuries done to the men of Grumsby by the 
 men of Raweneserod, by which the aforesaid town of Grumsby 
 has been much deteriorated ; by the jurors undernamed, 
 namely Robert de Rochewell, Sayer Scawin, John de Hanley, 
 Robert de Thoresby, Robert de Abingdon Richard de Newhous, 
 Robert de Maundewile, William de St. Paul de Leysebey, Ralph, 
 Malet de Irby, Hugh de Brakenberg, John son of Roger de 
 Stalingburg, and Benedict de Leysebey, priest, who say on 
 their oath that in the time of King Henry, the father of the 
 present King, at first by the casting up of the sea, a certain 
 small island was born, which is called Rawenserod, which is 
 distant from the town of Grumsby by the space of one tide. 
 And at first fishermen dried their nets there, and a few men 
 begun to dwell and remain there, and afterwards ships laden 
 with various merchandise begun to discharge and sell their 
 merchandise there. And more than this, that the aforesaid 
 
 * Chancery Inquisition, i8 Edward I., no. 145. 
 
EARLY TRADE AND COMMERCE. 83 
 
 island is nearer the sea than the town of Grumsby. And 
 because ships can more easily harbour there than at Grumsby. 
 almost all ships stay, discharge and sell there. They say also 
 that Walter, son of Ralph de Seleby, William Brune, Peter de 
 Mari and Hugh de Cotes, together with certain' other unknown 
 persons of the island of Rawenserod, according to their 
 custom, go out with their little boats to ships in the Humber 
 and in the sea laden with various merchandise, and conduct 
 the merchants and sailors to harbour at Rawenser, saying 
 that the burgesses of Grumsby, after their accustomed 
 manner, cheapen the price of things sold there. And they [i.e., 
 the men of Ravenserod] say that a last of herrings is worth but 
 twenty shillings at Grumsby, where [in realty] it is worth forty 
 shiUings. So that by words, offers and bids they detain them so 
 long a time that they cannot come to the chosen port of 
 Grumsby, so that by such fore-stalling the town of Grumsby, 
 in every year after the coronation of the present king, has been 
 impoverished to the amount of 100 marks. They say, 
 moreover that the men of the aforesaid town of Grumsby are 
 not able to pay their farm rent unless [ships] passing by 
 Rawenser may harbour at Grumsby without hindrance at 
 Rawenser — so that the aforesaid town is in part abandoned. 
 Asked during what period had men lived at Rawenserod, they 
 said that forty years ago a certain ship was cast away on 
 Rawenserod, where there was no house then built, which ship 
 a certain person appropriated to himself, and from it made for 
 himself a cabin (scala sive casa) which he inhabited for some 
 time, that there he received ships and merchants and sold them 
 meat and drink, and afterwards others began to dwell there ; 
 and they say that 30 years ago there were no more than four 
 houses (mansiones) there. They say also that before the last 
 four years the men of Grumsby who bought fish and herrings 
 and other merchandise from fishermen and others coming with 
 their ships to Grumsby, did not at once pay the price, but 
 
84 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 reckoned wrongly with the aforesaid merchants, and cheapened 
 that price, and made the merchants stay there until they were 
 satisfied ; and this is another reason why ships do not harbour 
 at Grumsby, as they were accustomed to do. And on account 
 of this fact the town is deteriorated to the amount of 40 
 pounds. But they say truly that now they faithfully pay those 
 merchants the price agreed between them, and cheapen nothing 
 thereof, so that all merchants coming thither with their 
 merchandise are satisfied within three tides. And they say that 
 Isabella de Fortibus, countess of Albemarl, is lady of the 
 aforesaid island, and takes the profits thereof. And that the 
 men dwelling there, every day, at their own free will, buy and 
 sell fish and herrings and other victuals and other merchandise, 
 nor is there any fixed day to hold a market there. They say, 
 moreover, that the men of Rawenserod take toll, after the 
 manner of a borough, of ships and other merchandise coming 
 thither, as well of those of Grumsby as of other places, namely, 
 of every ship with a rudder laden with herrings, for each last of 
 herrings contained in the ship, 4d., and of every boat (batellus) 
 for each last of herrings, id. And of other ships and boats 
 laden with any other kind of merchandise . . toll . 
 they know not what nor how much. In witness whereof the 
 jurors of this inquisition have affixed their seal." * 
 
 The people of Grimsby were still unsatisfied, 
 for in little more than a year the case was tried 
 before the court of the King's Bench, when a 
 number of persons were " attached to respond to 
 the pleading of the Mayor and commonality of 
 Grymesby, for what reasons they had violently 
 arrested, by various forces, various merchants, as 
 
 * Chancery Inquisition, 18 Edward I., no. 145. 
 
EARLY TRADE AND COMMERCE. 85 
 
 well foreign as native, both in the sea and in 
 the Humber, with their ships and boats laden 
 with wines, fish, and various other merchandise, 
 directing their course towards Grymsby, and 
 wishing to harbour in that port, in order to deal 
 there . . . and had compelled them to go to 
 the town of Ravenserod and there to harbour to 
 remain and to sell their aforesaid merchandise," 
 etc., etc. They were also charged ^'that by 
 other irregular things, they impoverished the town 
 of Grymesby, and done trespass against the 
 king's peace." The result, however, was that 
 the men of Ravenserodd were acquitted and 
 allowed to pursue their calling unmolested until 
 1 32 1, when a royal letter was addressed to the 
 bailiffs of the place in which they were 
 " admonished," for having seized the crew and 
 cargo of a Scotch ship which had been driven 
 into their harbour '' by the fury of the sea," and 
 ordering them to "cause them to be liberated and 
 disarrested without delay." 
 
 The men of Grimsby had also to suffer from 
 the encroachments of the Earl of Chester who 
 ''deliberately appropriated to his own use," a 
 large portion of land subject to rent to the 
 corporation, thus depriving the burgesses of their 
 
86 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 rights. Several minor encroachments also caused 
 them serious loss, and at length the Earl of 
 Albemarle, who was patron of Ravenserodd 
 freighted his ships at a staith at that place, which 
 was claimed by the Corporation of Grimsby, and 
 refused to pay the accustomed tolls and dues, and 
 *'not content with thus anticipating their lawful 
 traffic, he even pressed his ships into Grimsby 
 haven, and exposed his merchandise for sale 
 without paying the customary tolls ; by which not 
 only did the corporation sustain a loss of ;^ioo 
 yearly, but it produced much confusion and blood 
 shedding." 
 
 The bailiffs also complained that the Mayor of 
 Lincoln, one William de Holgate, at the fair in 
 that city, unjustly demanded of the Grimsby 
 merchants, Horseford money, and Gildewit, to 
 the value of ten marks and violation of the 
 Charter of liberties granted by King John ; also 
 that in conjunction with the bailiffs of Nottingham 
 and Torksey, he had, for more than twenty years 
 past, taken tolls at their markets from the 
 burgesses of Grimsby ; and refused to pay the 
 customary tolls in Grimsby market, though the 
 same were lawfully demanded and proved to be 
 chartered rights. 
 
EARLY TRADE AND COMMERCE. 87 
 
 They had also contests with the Earl of 
 Lincoln, Henry de Lacy, for claiming royal 
 liberties in the borough, such as authority to levy 
 new taxes, to erect a gallows and suspend unruly 
 people upon it ; and the bailiffs of the Earl of 
 Cornwall at Stockwith, for boarding vessels on 
 the Trent and running them ashore, and at the 
 same time demanding a tenth part of the cargoes 
 for their redemption and detaining them, to the 
 spoiling of their fish, if these unlawful demands 
 were not promptly complied with. Robert, of 
 Dunham-upon-Trent, the bailiff of William de 
 Valence of Gainsborough was charged with 
 obstructing their vessels by drawing an iron 
 chain across the river and demanding a toll for 
 passage. A similar offence, it was stated, was 
 also committed by the bailiffs of Roger le Strange 
 at Kynyar Ferry. 
 
 They had to contend, too, with a curious 
 neighbour in the person of Sir Walter de la 
 Lynde, who took forcible possession of the port 
 and applied the tolls to his own use. This 
 worthy, as we learn from the state records, kept a 
 train of armed retainers at Laceby in his baronial 
 hall there, who were a terror to the country and 
 particularly to the burgesses of Grimsby. When 
 
88 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 the Mayor attended by the bailiffs and town clerk 
 waited upon Sir Walter to expostulate with him 
 of his wild band and their lawless proceedings, he 
 was so incensed that he caused those dignitaries 
 to be shut up in his dungeons and ordered a 
 gallows to be prepared for their immediate 
 execution, and though, when his wrath was 
 somewhat abated, he recalled the order, he 
 caused them to be placed in the ducking stool, 
 and after seeing them ''soused to his hearts 
 content, sent them back to Grimsby to serve as a 
 lively warning against further deputations to 
 Laceby." 
 
 At Thoresby, too, there resided another un- 
 desirable neighbour named Richard Messor, who 
 used to stop carts on the highway between Louth 
 and Grimsby, and detain them until certain sums 
 he claimed were paid ; while his brothers Robert 
 and Simon, son of Hugh, not only attacked a 
 certain Alan de Kirketon in the market at 
 Grimsby with drawn knives and clubs, but beat 
 and cruelly handled him so that he was thought 
 more likely to die than live. This they did on 
 the day of St. Clement about the second year of 
 the reign of Edward I. (a.d. 1274), and such 
 transgressions ''they do commonly that they may 
 
EARLY TRADE AND COMMERCE. 89 
 
 unjustly carry off the goods of the Burgesses and 
 others of Grimsby."'^ 
 
 The poorer classes, too, complained that the 
 wealthy inhabitants excluded them from all 
 participation in privileges of the borough by 
 monopolising the whole trade to themselves, 
 forestalled their vessels in the H umber, and 
 compelled them to sell the entire cargoes at a low 
 price, and then disposed of them in the Grimsby 
 markets on their own terms. The people on 
 several occasions rose in a body, seized and 
 destroyed the merchandise and ultimately obtained 
 a charter which sought to secure equal justice to 
 all. 
 
 When Edward II. determined to invade 
 France, he issued a precept to the Mayor and 
 bailiffs of Grimsby ordering them to equip every 
 ship in their port, and join the fleet without 
 delay. The squadron from this town was placed 
 under the command of James Kingston, who was 
 ordered to cruise on the eastern coast, and to 
 capture all vessels, whether of France or any 
 other allies of the Scottish nation with whom he 
 was at war, and to convey them in security to the 
 Humber. 
 
 * (Rot. Hund : 3 Edward III., p. 292. 
 
90 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 In the reign of Edward III., the trade of the 
 town was so greatly diminished that a petition 
 was presented, praying that the Corporation 
 might be freed from the annual fee-farm rent of 
 ^50, which they found themselves unable to pay. 
 
 In it the petitioners state that they '*fynde, by 
 olde remembrance, that the town hath bene of 
 grete worshipp, and inhabyte wt many notable 
 marchandes maryners, and craftes maner to the 
 nowmb'r of lij score housaldes and mo, and all is 
 now so decayde and waysted be infortown off 
 were and waystyng of the see, wherby the haven 
 is wrekyd and stopped, by the which the resorte of 
 marchandyes is destroyed, and the bygyng gone 
 doun, so that ther Is not left within the salde 
 Towne, xij men of substance that Is able to repaire 
 the seide towne and uppholde and maynteyne the 
 ilj parysh kyrkes, ij bowses of freies, an Abbey, 
 and a house of nonnes within the selde Towne." 
 They go on to say that "grettest cause of 
 waystyng theroff has bene gret charge that the! 
 had of levelnge and paying of a yerly rentt of 1. 11. 
 over the charge of xj. that is paid to the said 
 Abbay, and yete dayly it waystes and goys away, 
 and none is like ther to abyde ; and that is grete 
 pety, and to the Kyng and his heieres of grete 
 
EARLY TRADE AND COMMERCE 91 
 
 hurte in that parte of his realme, for it has been a 
 grete strength and shulde be to the countre a safe 
 porte and bay." They further state that they 
 had no certainty of obtaining the '' rente " and it 
 *' yerele undose ij men that be chosen Baylefe for 
 the yen Wherefore thei dar no people cum ther 
 to inhabyt, and so the towne lyke utterly to 
 go away. They ask that the rent may be 
 remitted and "trust to Allyghty God the Towne 
 shall encreese and inhabeth agen." 
 
 The petition was not without effect, letters 
 patent were issued appointing Robert de Malber- 
 thorpe, Peter de Lydyngton, and Gilbert de 
 Toutheby to inquire into the matter, and the 
 result was that the Corporation was allowed to 
 conduct the waters of the Freshney through the 
 King's soil in the west marshes, into the haven, 
 and the town became possessed of an excellent 
 harbour and a flourishing trade. 
 
 In the middle ages Grimsby had an extensive 
 trade in malt. In 1369 a licence was granted to 
 Thomas Clidesdale, empowering him to purchase 
 2,000 quarters of malt at Grimsby, for exportation 
 into Scotland, at the pressing request of the 
 bishop of Glasgow, and in 1375 several licenses 
 were granted for purchases of still greater 
 
92 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 magnitude, and later on other licenses were 
 granted for similar purpose. 
 
 The " shoppes " at this time were designated 
 by signs, as public-houses are at present, but the 
 latter had a chequer board in addition to the 
 sign. 
 
©it) Sport6 ant) ipaetimee. 
 
 IN the ''good old times" our ancestors appear 
 to have taken things comfortably, and 
 broken the monotony of their quiet lives with 
 numerous sports and pastimes. One of the most 
 popular of these was Hunting and Baiting the 
 Bear. All classes took part in the sport. Many 
 of the nobles kept their bear-wards, whose duty it 
 was to feed, train, and carry about these animals 
 for the amusement of their masters and their 
 friends and dependants. The fifth Earl of 
 Northumberland, who died in 1527, kept a bear- 
 ward, whose annual reward was twenty shillings. 
 
 From an Inquisition taken in 1339, it appears 
 that Joan, widow of Thomas de Musgrave of 
 Bleechesdon, in Oxfordshire, held a moiety of one 
 message and one carucate of land of the King ; 
 by the service of carrying one boar-spear, price 
 twopence, to the King, whenever he should hunt 
 in the park of Cornbury, and do the same as 
 often as he should hunt during his stay at Wood- 
 stock. 
 
94 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Hunting the wild boar was a favourite pastime 
 of the townsmen of Grimsby. The manor of 
 Bradley was held by tenure of keeping in the 
 woods a supply of boars for an annual hunting 
 match, which was officially proclaimed on some 
 particular day after the Nativity of the Blessed 
 Virgin. The sport was followed with spirit, and 
 seldom did the day close without bringing down 
 a leash of boars, which provided important dishes 
 for a feast held on the following day. At this 
 feast the newly-elected mayor occupied a seat at 
 the table ; in company with the members of 
 the Corporation and leading gentlemen of the 
 town and district. Before the mayor were placed 
 two boar's heads, and before the marshall, one, 
 and these constituted the chief fare for the festive 
 gathering. The attachment of the members of 
 the Corporation to their ancient dish caused them 
 to secure a provision for it in their agreement for 
 letting the ferry between Grimsby and Hull, at an 
 annual rent of " one good and well-fed boar on 
 the feast day of St. John Baptist, and one 
 quarter of well-fed ox beef and twenty shillings on 
 the feast day of St. Thomas." 
 
 Most probably the origin of the seal of the 
 Corporation of Grimsby, a chevron between three 
 
OLD SPORTS AND PASTIMES. 95 
 
 bear's heads, is derived from the custom of 
 huntino- the wild boar. 
 
 At an Inquisition taken January 4th, 1624, 
 before Michael Emerson, gent, Wm. Marshall, 
 gent, Robert Manby, gent, and Anthony Smyth, 
 by commission from the Court of Exchequer, in a 
 cause between the Corporation and Hustwaite 
 Wright, gent., for the recovery of outrents pay- 
 able out of lands at Bradley, " Laurence Draper 
 of Would Newton, yeomen, aet seventy, says, 
 Grimsby is an ancient haven toune, and he hath 
 known it for fifty years, but it is not so populous 
 nor so much frequented by merchants and 
 mariners as heretofore it hath been. He knows 
 Bradley ; there are two manors there, one of 
 which was anciently called Lord Well's manor, 
 the other was sometime one Hustwood's manor. 
 Defendant is in possession of both, but Mr. 
 Pelham claims part of Lord Well's manor." . 
 
 '' The said Laurence Draper says that there 
 were two messages belonging to Lord Well's 
 manor, one called the Lordshippe, now decayed. 
 Has heard that the Mayor and Burgesses had the 
 privilege of hunting a boar yearly on Holy Rood 
 day in Bradley Woods. "^ 
 
 * Historical Manuscript's Commission [C — 7881 J. 
 
96 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Cockfighting was another favourite sport with 
 our forefathers. Stephen-de-la-See, member for 
 the Borough in 1445, possessed a very choice 
 breed of red game cocks, of which he was very 
 proud. One of his most famous birds was called 
 Spang-Counter, and had been victor in several 
 Welsh mains. Sir John Empringham also had a 
 collection of a noted breed, ** black in colour and 
 undaunted in the pit." One evening, whilst 
 sitting by a warm fire, these two worthies got into 
 a discussion respecting the game and the character 
 of birds, one contending for the superiority of red 
 and the other of black. As they "discussed" as 
 well the excellency of a flagon of Gascon wine, 
 they both grew warm, and at length agreed to 
 determine the question by pitting their favourite 
 birds against each other, agreeing at the same 
 time that the loser should give half an acre of land 
 for the purpose of an open cock-pit, where the 
 lower class of burgesses '' might partake in this 
 delectable amusement at their pleasure.' The 
 red cock was victor, and Sir John accordingly 
 conveyed to the Corporation a slip of land at the 
 upper end of the town, which he held in fee of the 
 Abbot of Wellow as a public place of recreation 
 for the burgesses as long as a pear tree, which 
 
SPORTS AND PASTIMES. 97 
 
 had been planted that day in commeration of his 
 return should live, subject to the annual payment 
 of a pound of unground pepper. This gave the 
 name to the place, which is yet known as the 
 Peppercorn. 
 
 But the most popular sport was Bull-baiting, 
 and to make suitable provision for it even the aid 
 of royalty was secured. 
 
 There was a royal ordinance of Henry VII 
 (a°. 14), passed in 1499, ''to the relief and susten- 
 tation of the King's borough of Grimsby," which 
 provides that "the butchers of this Francheis, and 
 others that keep slaughter shops, . . shall 
 make once yearly, before the mayor and his 
 burgesses, one Bull-baiting, at a convenient time 
 of the year, according to the custom of this 
 Francheis before used upon pain of forfeiting 
 6s. 8d." 
 
 The town authorities also enacted the following 
 bye-law: — "That no butcher shall, in future, kill 
 a bull within this borough, nor shall any bull's 
 flesh be sold, or any bull brought into the market 
 for sale, unless it has been baited openely before 
 the mayor and burgesses, under a penalty of 
 6s. 8d." 
 
 Archery was a favourite amusement at Grimsby, 
 
 7 
 
98 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 and was practiced every evening during the 
 summer season on the Peppercorn, where 
 '* mounds were thrown up to prevent the arrows 
 from snaking and being lost in the grass." 
 
 One of the most popular feasts was that of the 
 Vigil of St. John the Baptist. The ceremonies 
 attending were of an interesting character. The 
 Town Watch was assembled, and was formed by 
 the members of the Corporation and the burgesses, 
 each one of whom was obliged to be present 
 except he had " a responsible cause of absence," 
 of which he had to duly notify the mayor, and 
 provide a substitute. Each man was also "bound 
 to be armed with such weapons as he had at 
 hand." Some appeared with pikes, others with 
 muskets, calivers, or other guns, some with 
 partisans or halberts. Those who possessed 
 armour clad their servants in it, and mounted 
 them on horses, sword in hand. All were, more 
 or less, decorated with ribbons, garlands of 
 flowers, and other ornaments, and each vied with 
 his neighbour as to who could make the fairest 
 show. 
 
 The burgesses having assembled at the Hall 
 Garth, the mayor's sergeant tendered to them the 
 following oath : — " You shall well and truly keep 
 
SPORTS AND PASTIMES. 99 
 
 this town till to-morrow at the sun-rising ; and 
 you shall enter no house without license or cause 
 reasonable. You shall due warninof make to the 
 parties, of all casualties by fire, the crying of 
 unruly children, as the case may require. You 
 shall due search make of all manner of affrays, 
 bloodsheds, outcries, and all other things that may 
 create suspicion, etc., etc." The whole then 
 marched in procession through each street, back- 
 wards and forwards, attended by a numerous train 
 of cresset-bearers. The streets were decorated 
 with branches of iron suspended from the 
 windows, containing hundreds of glass lamps 
 which were blazing with light, while bonfires 
 illuminated the whole town. 
 
 These demonstrations appear to have been 
 attended with considerable danger to the public 
 peace, for it was ordained " that if any man should 
 draw a sword, knife, or any other dangerous 
 weapon. In violation of the king's peace within 
 the burg, he shall forfeit to the mayor and 
 burgesses as oft as he is convicted thereof, forty 
 pence, and If he strike or threaten to strike anyone 
 he shall forfeit forty pence If he be a forelgnor, 
 but if a burgess twenty pence, except he submit 
 himself to the mayor's grace and to his brethren." 
 
loo OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 There was a tenement on the south side of St. 
 Mary's Gate called the Church House, where the 
 spits, cocks, and other utensils were deposited and 
 kept in readiness for use at the Whitsuntide 
 festival. 
 
 This festival was taken part in by all classes, 
 
 the younger people engaged in archery, bowling, 
 
 dancing, and other sports, whilst the "elders" sat 
 
 with their cans of ale before them, watching the 
 
 games, and ready to settle disputes. A green 
 
 harbour was erected in the church-yard of St. 
 
 Mary's, called Robin Hood's, where maidens 
 
 gathered contributions and '* churchwardens 
 
 brewed whitsun-ales, and sold them in the church" 
 
 for the benefit of the poor. Dr. Oliver quotes 
 
 the following description of the festival, as held in 
 
 Grimsby, from an eye-witness. " An individual 
 
 of each sex was previously chosen to be lord and 
 
 lady of the feast, who dressed themselves in 
 
 character, and the great tithe-barn was fitted up 
 
 with seats for the company, decorated with 
 
 garlands, ribbons, and other showy ornaments. 
 
 Here they assembled towards the evening to 
 
 dance and regale themselves, and each young 
 
 man was expected to treat his girl with a ribbon 
 
 or favour. The lord and lady were attended by 
 
SPORTS AND PASTIMES. loi 
 
 the proper officers, and a jester dressed in a party 
 coloured jacket, whose jokes and uncouth notions 
 contributed to the entertainment of the company. 
 The borough minstrels were also bound to attend 
 with their instruments of music ; and the day 
 concluded with merriment and joy." 
 
 Another popular annual game in Grimsby was 
 Hock-tide, which was usually held on the Monday 
 and Tuesday following the second Sunday after 
 Easter. In Grimsby it was largely confined to 
 Tuesday. It was the custom of the women to 
 stop the streets with cords round the Market- 
 place, and seize all the men they met, binding 
 them with cords, and refusing to liberate them 
 without a small contribution in money. On the 
 Monday the young men had treated the opposite 
 sex in a similar way, but not to the same extent 
 as was practiced on the day following by the 
 females. The contributions levied were spent in 
 providing a feast in which all shared, and con- 
 siderable merriment prevailed. 
 
 This feast was supposed to have been originated 
 to commemorate the massacre of the Danes on 
 St. Bruce's day, 1002, and its name to have been 
 derived from the German word Hocken in refer- 
 ence to the custom of binding, of this there is how- 
 
I02 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 ever some doubt. An interesting account of this 
 festival may be found in Chambers' '* Book of 
 Days," Vol I., pp. 498-9, and in Hone s '' Every 
 day Book," Vol. I. p. 238. 
 
 Dr. Oliver represents his '* Raven" as saying 
 that it was established " in rememberance of the 
 death of the last Danish monarch, Hardicanute, 
 which happened on Tuesday, the 8th June, 1041, 
 an event by which the English were delivered 
 from the tyrannical rule of the Danes." Whether 
 this was the origin of the feast or not, no doubt 
 our ancestors of this town celebrated it as such. 
 
 Maypole. 
 
 In the Bull-ring stood the shaft of the Maypole, 
 which was invariably erected on May-day, which 
 was always kept as a public holiday. The young 
 people attended in great numbers, and took part 
 in the sports peculiar to the occasion, such as the 
 May Queen, Robin Hood, the friar, the fool, the 
 dragon, and the hobby-horse, r.ll robed in 
 character. 
 
 The Corporation possessed the privilege of 
 cutting down a tree in Bradley Wood for the 
 May-pole, whence it was fetched early in the 
 morning by a crowd, and brought into the Bull- 
 
SPORTS AND PASTIMES. 103 
 
 ring with great ceremony. Then it was decorated 
 from top to bottom, and erected amid the shouts 
 of the spectators. Washington Irvine says : — 
 "One can readily imagine what a gay scene it 
 must have been, when the doors were decorated 
 with flowing branches ; when every hat was 
 decorated with hawthorn ; and Robin Hood, 
 Friar Tuck, Maid Marion, the Norris dancers 
 and all the other fantastic masks and revellers 
 were performing their antics about Maypole. 
 Robin Hood presided as the Lord of the May : — 
 
 " With coat of Lincoln green, and mantle too, 
 And horn of ivory mouth, and buckle bright. 
 And arrows wing'd with peacock feathers light. 
 And trusty bow well gathered of the yew." 
 
 The custom was abolished by the Puritans and 
 the Maypole thrown down; but it was " restored " 
 with ''the Restoration," to the great joy of the 
 Grimbarians, who resumed the sport with a new 
 relish, encouraged as they were by Abraham 
 Bates, the new vicar, and the historian, Gervase 
 Holies, as the representative of the borough. 
 
 Ducking of Scolds. 
 
 The Ducking of Scolds afforded considerable 
 amusement to the people of Old Grimsby, and 
 appears to have been an ancient custom, which 
 
104 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 was occasionally Indulged in to an unwarrantable 
 extent ; for Maddock, In his History of the 
 Exchequer, states that "previous to the granting 
 of the Charter by King John, the Authorities 
 were severely punished for having caused a 
 woman, accused of making too free use of her 
 tongue, to the punishment of the tumbrel, 
 or ducking-stool, at a place on the river 
 Freshney, without having obtained confirmation 
 or proof. 
 
 The Ducking-chair haven is still a well- 
 known place, marked by a stone bridge which 
 spans the Freshney, and is used In passing from 
 Flottergate to the Wesh Marsh. The original of 
 this bridge was built at the expense of two 
 merchants, Michael Empringham and Christopher 
 Ayliffe. There had previously been a bridge of 
 timber. The old stone one was repaired in 1710, 
 pursuant to an order of the Court *'In accordance 
 with the terms of an agreement made with Sir 
 Thos. Barnardiston, recorder of Grimsby and 
 proprietor of Great and Little Coates, for the use 
 of the waters of Pipe Creek and Freshney," when 
 a stone somewhat mutilated was placed in the 
 foundations, and since discovered, with the 
 following Inscription in the Roman character 
 
SPORTS AND PASTIMES. 105 
 
 ' This Building Was Made By Michael Emprin- 
 gham, Mayor, and Christopher Ay life. Aiino 
 Domini, 1566^ 
 
 Sometimes the populace united with the pastime 
 of the Ducking-stool, that of Riding the Stang, 
 a still more popular one, so far as the youthful 
 members of the community were concerned. 
 
 There lived in a "mean" cottage in Cross 
 Lane a shoemaker named Wm. Thingsby, who, 
 being a "foreigner," i.e. "no freeman," was not 
 allowed to join the guild of shoemakers. 
 Whether this excited the wrath of his wife, who 
 was a shrew, or not, it is not possible to say, but 
 it is certain that she would frequently "rush 
 furiously into the street and vent her spleen in such 
 a vociferous manner that her neighbours, after 
 bearing with her till they could do so no longer, 
 took the matter into their own hands. A number 
 of persons, principally young men and boys, 
 "procured a short scaffold pole, and mounting 
 one of their number astride thereon, carried it 
 round the neighbourhood, publicly announcing 
 their intention of riding the stang, all the while 
 hallooing, blowing cow's horns, etc. Arriving at 
 the shoemaker's dwelling, followed by an immense 
 crowd, they halted, when the stang rider, having 
 
To6 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 obtained silence, made the following proclamation, 
 which was called a Nominey : — 
 
 With a ran, dan, tan. 
 
 On my old tin can, 
 
 Mrs. Thingsby and her good man. 
 
 She bang'd him, she bang'd him, 
 
 For spending a penny when he was in need. 
 
 She up with a three-legged stool. 
 
 She struck him so hard. 
 
 And she cut him so deep. 
 
 Till the blood ran down like a new-stuck sheep." 
 
 During this performance the culprit for whose 
 special delectation the affair was "got up," came 
 to the door and poured out a volley of vitu- 
 perations against ^'freemen" in particular and 
 Grimbarians in general. This only added fuel to 
 the flame, and the uproar, if possible, was in- 
 creased, and only ceased when the performers 
 had shouted themselves hoarse. By the next 
 evening, however, they had recovered their 
 voices, and appeared once more and repeated the 
 programme, which was so successful that it was 
 kept up the next night. At the close of the 
 third performance there was a round of cheers, 
 and the crowd dispersed crying *' Beware of the 
 Trebucket ! Beware of the Trebucket!" a 
 warning which was of so dreadful a character that 
 
SPORTS AND PASTIMES. 107 
 
 for a while the demon of passion was kept in 
 chains. This, however, did not last long, her 
 ''spirit" could no longer be controlled, and at 
 length the multitude gathered, went to the Town 
 Hall, took out the duck-stool, and coming upon 
 her in the midst of an exhibition of " street 
 oratory," seized her, hurried her to the stone 
 bridge, placed her in the " vehicle," fastened her 
 in it, and gave her such a number of dippings 
 that she was quiet exhausted, and " returned 
 home in a draggled condition with a mob at her 
 heels, effectually subdued ; for she was troubled 
 with hydrophobia ever after." 
 
 This remedy did not, however, always prove 
 successful, for in the next century a woman named 
 Jane Dutch was repeatedly subjected to the 
 ordeal. Cool as the water was, it did not cool her 
 temper or stop her " fervid eloquence, for between 
 each dip she gave the assembled populace 
 abundant specimens of vulgar English," and 
 even when the castigation was over she, though 
 dripping wet, continued perse veringly to " use her 
 tongue as undauntedly as ever." 
 
 In 1647 the Ducking-stool was repaired for 
 her benefit by order of the Corporation, but she 
 was perfectly unconquerable ; and her disorderly 
 
io8 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 conduct was carried to such a length that the 
 parish officers were alternately subjected to a 
 heavy fine for refusing to indict her in the 
 Ecclesiastical Court. The last scold who 
 occupied the Trebucket was Poll Weldale, about 
 the year 1780. When the new haven was made 
 some twenty years later, the ''Instrument" was 
 removed and never restored. 
 
®ID (Biimsb^ ]famtlie6 anb IRotabllitiee. 
 
 '^ W THEN Ravensrodd was laid at the bottom 
 ^ V of the sea, the town of Grimsby rose 
 by gradual steps to opulence and repute ; its 
 commerce was extensive, and its merchants sub- 
 stantial and wealthy. It was graced by two 
 churches, five religious establishments, and a 
 haven capable of admitting ships of burden up to 
 the town bridge. Many ancient and opulent 
 county families resided within its precincts, some 
 of whom were elected to serve the office of High 
 Sheriff, others represented it in Parliament, and 
 all contributed, by the splendour of their 
 establishments, and the lustre of their talents, to 
 confer a high degree of reputation on the town." "^ 
 
 We commence our account of these with 
 Members of Parliament. 
 
 Edmundus Rayner was member, along with 
 Robertus Keilby, in 1330. There was a resident 
 in Grimsby, called in Domesday Book, " Raynor 
 the Deacon," who was, no doubt, an ancestor of 
 
 * Byrde of Gryme. p. 8l. 
 
no OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 the M. P. Ray nor the Deacon, a Lincolnshire 
 man, who held property in Swallow, but left 
 the kingdom, and ultimately, though in 
 holy orders, re-appeared in the character of 
 a soldier, under William the Conqueror. 
 He was brave, and did good service at the 
 Battle of Hastings, and was rewarded with 
 estates in Grimsby, Stallingborough, Keelby, 
 Limber, and other places. He took up his 
 residence in Grimsby, and one of his descendants 
 founded the chantry which ever afterwards bore 
 his name. He endowed it with lands and other 
 property in Grimsby and elsewhere, to furnish a 
 priest for performing daily masses for the benefit 
 of his own soul and those of his ancestors and 
 posterity'' 
 
 1 34 1. Johannes de Grymesby. 
 
 He belonged to a very ancient family, to which 
 there are numerous references in the Borough 
 Records. They occupied a mansion in Flotter- 
 gate, built by Walter de Grymesby, soon after the 
 Conquest. His posterity occupied it for nearly 
 three centuries. There was a Walter de 
 Grymesby, who was appointed to the office of 
 High Sheriff of the County as early as 1170, an 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. iii 
 
 office conducted with almost regal splendour, and 
 at great expense. So well did he execute his 
 office, that he held it for six successive years. 
 
 In the reign of Edward III., Edmund de 
 Grymesby was appointed to the office of Gustos 
 Rotulorum, and Ghancellor of Ireland. He was 
 evidently rich, for he advanced considerable loans 
 to the king, from whom he obtained a commission 
 to inquire into the state of the marshes and waste 
 places in the borough. On June 5th, 1342, letters 
 patent were issued, licensing Edmund de Grymesby, 
 and assigning to a chaplain in the Church 
 of St. James', ten tofts in Grymesby, and 13s. 4d. 
 yearly from a message. He also, on September 
 1 2th, 1342, and March 12th, 1345, secured other 
 favours, such as lands, tenements, and rents for 
 two chaplains, and in the latter case, seven shops, 
 twelve acres of land, and five acres of meadow 
 in Grymesby, held of the king in free burgage, 
 and worth 26s. 8d. yearly. In Court Books (fo. 
 71 a) there is a deed from Edmund de Grymesby, 
 clerk (dated March rSth, 1344), granting to Wm. 
 de Shropshire, of Waltham, chaplain, seven shops 
 and land, which he had by gift of Sir John de 
 Grymesby, Rector of Bynteworth," upon 
 trust, to celebrate in St. James' Church, for 
 
112 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 the souls of the said Edmund's, father and mother, 
 brother and sisters, and all burgesses of the town, 
 and for the good estate of the said Edmund, etc. 
 
 There was a Simon de Grymesby Mayor in 
 1402, and John de Grymesby was installed Abbot 
 of Wellow in 14 17. In the list of members of 
 Parliament are, Johannes de Grymesby, 1341, 
 1355, and 1372 ; Willielmus Grymesby, 1365, 
 i379> 13^2; Petrus de Grymesby, 1383; Simon 
 de Grimsby, 1408 ; Willielmus Grymesby, 1448, 
 1472. In the reign of Henry VIII., there resided 
 a member of the family in their mansion in 
 Flottergate, who possessed large estates in the 
 lordship, and who seems to have been the last 
 who did so. 
 
 The family, or at least part of it, removed to 
 Hull, where Sir Peter de Grymesby rose to 
 eminence. He was mayor of that town three 
 times, and he founded a hospital in Hull, and 
 endowed it with a chaplain to pray for his soul, 
 and the soul of his wife and other Christians. He 
 was one of the Royal Commissioners to supply 
 the port with fresh water, and also to see that the 
 waters of the Ancholme from Glanford Brigg 
 were kept free and open for the passage of boats. 
 His memory was honoured by the authorities of 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 113 
 
 Hull naming one of the streets after him, which 
 is still called Grimsby Street. A son of his was 
 named as the king's escheator, and guardian of 
 his manor of " Brustwyk," in Holderness, and was 
 twice Mayor of Hull. 
 
 1377. WiLLIELMUS WeLE. 
 
 The family of Wele was among those of the 
 greatest importance, not only in the borough, but 
 in the county as well. Several of them had 
 served as High Sheriff of the County. There 
 was a William de Wele, mayor, as early as 1393. 
 There was a Willielmus Wele, one of the 
 two members who represented the borough in 
 Parliament in 1377 and 1385. In 1482, Williel- 
 mus de Wele, alderman, was one of the two 
 members. Dr. Oliver states that the name often 
 occurs in the Records, and says that Walter de 
 Wele " was authorized by the Crown to super- 
 intend the liberation of a cargo of goods, 
 belonging to William Johnson, of Aberdeen, 
 which had been detained in the Port of Grimsby 
 by an embargo, imposed by the king's pro- 
 clamation. 
 
 The only reference I can find in the Report of 
 the Historical Manuscript's Commission to this 
 
114 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 family is taken from fo. 349 in Court Rolls, Box 
 iv. '' 1305, xviith April. Deed of Walter de 
 Wele, and Walter, son of Richard Storme, of 
 Itterby, parish of St. Saviour's, Clee, which is 
 appropriated to Grimesby Abbey, as to tithes 
 of fish, etc." There is a reference in the same 
 box, fo. 9^' to the release by certain persons 
 of their claims to land which Grimesby Abbey 
 held by gift of Amei de Welesby, and John, son 
 of William de Wellesby, knight. The name no 
 doubt refers to the de Weles'. They resided in 
 the Hall in Haven Street. They both died at 
 Grimsby, and were buried in St. James' Church. 
 A monument was erected in memory of Walter, 
 which is thus described by Holies. '* In the 
 uppermost parts of the north aisle is a fayne 
 monument of freestone, carved and arched, under 
 which arch-work are divers fayne shields cut in 
 stone, on which are these arms ; viz ; * on a 
 bend between the Roman W. and an amulet, 
 WELE. Divers Escocheus of the same bordured 
 about the top. The inscription thus ; Hie jacet 
 Walterus de Wele qui obite Mndecmio die Febwaril 
 Anno dui M\ CCC. LXXX\ VHP. Ctipes 
 animae propitie tur Dominus' The monument 
 has long since disappeared." 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 115 
 
 The family, according to Dr. Oliver, was 
 allied to royalty, and liberally supported religious 
 establishments. They intermarried with the 
 Eresbys and other noble Lincolnshire families. 
 One of them, Richard-de-Wele, held the Manor 
 of Well, near Alford, at the Conquest, and 
 "another was Lord Abbot of Crowland ; and in 
 the reign of Henry VI I L its representative was 
 created Viscounte Wele." 
 
 1472. Hugo Eden. 
 
 He was a wealthy merchant, whose father 
 intermarried with a member of the Kingston 
 family. He resided at " Ivy House," which 
 stood at the upper end of Fleet Street, 
 adjoining the dock, near Burn Creek. He 
 was returned in 1483 and 1494, and received 
 from his constituents 6s. 8d., for his expenses in 
 attending the House. He was mayor in 1471, 
 and there was also a Hugo Eden, mayor in 
 1454- 
 
 1483. Peter De la See. 
 
 He belonged to an old and noble family. 
 His ancestor, Sir Martin De la See, occupied 
 a spacious mansion at the upper end of the 
 
"6 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 town, called the '' Hall," where he planted 
 
 a mulberry tree and an avenue of yew trees, 
 
 as a fringe to the river Freshney, which ran 
 
 through his estates, all of which, says Oliver, 
 
 writing in 1866, ''are still in being. He was a 
 
 fine specimen of an old English gentleman, and 
 
 given to hospitality, for he used commonly to salt 
 
 down the carcases of 10 oxen, 40 fat pigs, 60 
 
 sheep, fish in unheard of quantities, and game, 
 
 such as venison, hares, herons, cranes, pheasants, 
 
 curlews, swans, geese, and smaller fowls, ad 
 
 libitum^ Like the men of his age, he appears to 
 
 have been passionately fond of sports of various 
 
 kinds, for in his yard were stables, dog-kennels, 
 
 mews for hawks, and ample convenience for 
 
 breeding, feeding, and training game cocks. 
 
 The family of the De la Sees were numerous. 
 Several of them were permanent residents in the 
 borough, and contributed to its opulence by 
 extensive mercantile operations, and expended 
 their revenues in the improvement of the port 
 and harbour. Peter De la See was mayor and 
 represented the borough in 1346. He was 
 mayor also in 1358 and 1368. Stephen was 
 twice returned to Parliament, and was mayor in 
 1475 and 1478. Bernard was mayor in 1505, 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 117 
 
 1506, and 1 5 10. Sir Martin De la See was a 
 valiant knight, who held the manor and advowson 
 of the rectory of Barmston, near Bridlington ; 
 he died, and was burled at the latter place, 
 but his tomb and effigies are In the latter 
 church. 
 
 One of them settled at Itterby, a part of Clee- 
 thorpes, where he built a mansion. He possessed 
 considerable estates In Grimsby, Clee, Walthe, 
 Beverley, and many other places. 
 
 John De la See built a Franclsclan monastery 
 In Kilngarth, at the end of Swan Lane, and 
 endowed It with the adjacent field and other 
 property. It was early celebrated for the piety 
 and learning of Its inmates, and was rendered 
 famous by the celebrated scholar, Fra Breton, 
 author of an exposition of Scripture difficulties, 
 which acquired an extensive reputation. Erasmus, 
 in his controversy with Bishop Standlsh, confi- 
 dently appealed to Fra Breton's work as a 
 decisive authority in endeavouring to determine 
 the meaning of a controverted passage. The 
 monastery fell Into decay, as did the family of the 
 De la Sees, and In the sixteenth century their 
 estates in Grimsby and the neighbourhood were 
 purchased by Sir William Ayscough, of Kelsey, 
 
ii8 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 who took up his residence in the mansion in 
 Bridgwaygate. 
 
 Sir WilHam's successor, his son Richard, finding 
 the old house falHng into decay, erected a spacious 
 residence in the same street, extending from the 
 Bars to the Bridge, "for which purpose he pulled 
 down eight shops within the liberties of Wellow, 
 which he held of the abbot In fee by the service 
 of one pound of cumming annually." 
 
 Stephen De la See, who was M.P. for Grimsby 
 In 1485, planted a pear-tree In commemoration of 
 his return, which Is still standing. Oliver states 
 that several persons were present at the planting, 
 and each one "drank a cup of ale, addressing the 
 newly-planted tree in these words : — 
 
 Health to thee, good Pear Tree, 
 Well to bear, pockets full, hats full. 
 Bushel bags full ; 
 
 and emptied the remainder of the llquour on the 
 tree as a libation." The same writer states that 
 this pear-tree was " highly honoured," by the fact 
 that Shakespeare, when on a visit to Sir Richard 
 Ayscough, In his newly erected mansion, took a 
 fancy to it, and frequently sat meditating on the 
 seat which had been placed under its spreading 
 branches, and one beautiful day in August, as he 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 119 
 
 sat listening to the song of a lark, he penned the 
 well-known lines : — 
 
 " Hark ! hark ! the lark at Heaven's gate sings, 
 And Phoebus 'gins arise, 
 His steeds to water at those springs, 
 
 On chaHced flowers that lies ; 
 And winking Mary-buds begin 
 
 To ope their golden eyes ; 
 With every thing that pretty bin. 
 My lady sweet arise — 
 Arise — arise." 
 
 1496. John Heneage. 
 
 This is the first time I find the name of 
 Heneage among the members of the borough, 
 but it frequently occurs afterwards, as several 
 of the family sat for the borough of whom more 
 anon. 
 
 1509. Sir Robert Tyrwhitt. 
 
 He resided at Tyrwhitt Hall, adjacent to 
 St. James' Church. He was a vice-admiral. 
 His residence, after the family left Grimsby 
 to reside at Stainfield, which had been 
 granted to Sir Robert Tyrwhitt, as a part 
 of the possession of a Benedictine nunnery 
 in that parish, was purchased by Arthur Moore, 
 High Steward, and Member for Grimsby, who 
 afterwards sold it to Sir Wm. Pelham, of 
 
I20 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Brocklesby, and he converted it into an inn, called 
 the Granby. 
 
 15 12-1520. George Barnardison. 
 
 There is no entry in Oliver's list between the 
 two dates. I cannot find any mention of George 
 Barnardison in the Corporation Records ; but there 
 was a Sir John Barnardison, mayor and M.P., 
 who will be referred to in due course. 
 
 1525. William Hatcliffe, Alderman. 
 
 The Hatcliffe family, who resided in Grimsby, 
 was one of considerable importance, as is proved 
 by the fact that several members of the family 
 represented the borough as mayor, and Thomas 
 Hatcliffe as M.P. in 1588-9, and 1597. The 
 latter was the king's farmer for Grimsby. The 
 Court Records abound with references to several 
 members of this family, a few quotations from 
 which must suffice. At an interrogatory held at 
 Louth, September, 1581, Christopher Hatcliffe 
 was one of the witnesses. Henry Went worth, of 
 Clee, gent., deposed that he received from Mrs. 
 Hatcliffe, now, or late wife of Mr. Stoke, a lease 
 from the mayor (John Sherriffe), bailiffs, and 
 burgesses of Grimsby, to the abbott and convent 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 121 
 
 of Wellowe, of a marsh called Wolso, and he 
 delivered the same to Mr. Paton (late belonging 
 to Sir Walter Meldway, knt.), to procure for him- 
 self and this deponent certain arrearages amount- 
 ing to ^200, supposed to be due to her majesty. 
 
 The following curious passage is in Court 
 Books, fo. 2 30^ See Report of Manuscript's 
 Commission : — 
 
 1523. "Upon Relique Sonday was Wm. 
 Hatclyff, the son of Stevyn Hatclyffe, prest to go 
 to the kynges besynes, and he sayd, ' How schuld 
 I go to the kynges besynes and leyffe my tytill.'^' 
 And Mr. Hatclyffe sayd to hym this, that he 
 shuld mak William Hatclyffe his son to be for 
 hym and to deliver to hym all the ryght [and] 
 tytyll that he had as cowld be fon by Mast' 
 Hennech at hys comyng. And so we, Mr. Peter 
 Mason and John Fotherby, with other sertan 
 officers [met ?], and so in owr presens he cam to 
 thse grondes, that he mayd tytill un to, and gaff 
 un to William Hatclyff son of Mr. William 
 Hatclyffe, all the ryght and tytill that schall be 
 fond in hym at the syght of Mr. Hennech, as afor 
 is sayd, to the intent to pay is dettes as the law 
 wyll, yff so be that the law wyll geve me owthe." 
 (Court Books, fo. 2 30^). 
 
122 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 1529. Sir William Ayscougii. 
 
 1536. Sir William Ayscough and Sir Chris- 
 topher Ayscough. Members of a well-known 
 and historic family. The latter resided in High 
 Street, near St. Mary's Church, in 1524. He 
 entered an accusation against the Abbot of 
 Wellow, for enclosing a certain portion of the 
 abbey lands, and encouraging Bryan Curteys, 
 the mayor, to block up the road leading to 
 Cleethorpes, and other marine villages, for the 
 purpose of securing to himself a monopoly of the 
 fish trade. The Abbot answered " that the land 
 had indeed been enclosed by one of his 
 predecessors, in accordance with a custom called 
 Intak , but whether the act was right or wrong, 
 he would not be considered responsible for an 
 action which was committed before he was born ; 
 and as to the other charge, that of blocking up 
 the road to the fish towns, so far from being 
 implicated, he had formally remonstrated against 
 it." 
 
 " This Sir C. Ayscough was rather a turbulent 
 gentleman," says Dr. Oliver, "as we learn 
 from existing documents, for an information was 
 preferred against him for taking and converting 
 to his own use a sturgeon, which was a royal fish 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 123 
 
 belonging of right to the crown ; and Michael 
 Mason, the mayor, claimed the fish as a waif in 
 his character of mesn, or steward, to the king, 
 within the jurisdiction of the borough. But Sir 
 Christopher refused to give it up, as it was a 
 great delicacy, and would fetch more money than 
 an ox in those times." 
 
 1553- John Bellow, Alderman. 
 
 John Bellow, Esq., was mayor in 1546, 1549, 
 1552, and 1555. He belonged to an ancient 
 family, that were old inhabitants of Grimsby. He 
 by some means secured the favour of Henry VHL, 
 who bestowed upon him the property of seventeen 
 religious houses, in various parts of England. 
 He represented the borough in Parliament during 
 the entire reigns of Edward VI. and Mary, and 
 was specially nominated by Queen Elizabeth to 
 continue to represent Grimsby in her first 
 Parliament. In Box II. of the Court Rolls of the 
 Corporation, there is a list of the poll of the 
 burgesses, 23rd October, 1554, when he, along 
 with Thomas Constable, alderman, was elected 
 for Parliament. 
 
 January 12th, 1559, "he, J. Bellow, gave a bond 
 to indemnify the town against his costs, and those 
 
124 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 of Master Harrington, chosen Burgesses for 
 Parliament." 
 
 In 1556, ist and 2nd, Philip and Mary (1555), 
 June 26th, I find. — '' Deed by John Bellow of 
 Newstead (de novo foco), or Auckeholme, esq., to 
 Philip Tyrwhitte, Esq. (and others). Grant of 
 all his lands in Grimsby, Glee, Bradley, Little 
 Cotes and Stallingbro', to the use of himself and 
 Ursula his wife (fo. ZZ'S'-) 
 
 *' I St Edward VI., John Bellow, esq., Alderman, 
 agrees to serve in Parliament, and not to make 
 any charge for the same against the Borough." 
 
 In a deposition taken in 1567 (Elizabeth, 
 August 4th), several witnesses deposed that John 
 Bellow, Esq., held the manor of Golceby by 
 knight service, and sold the same to the defendant, 
 John Hutton, and Clare his wife, for ^200. 
 
 In 1552, November 3rd (6th Edward VI.), 
 there is a bond by John Bellow, of Newstead, 
 esq., to "pay and deliver to" John Dean, alias 
 Lawrance, bastard son of Sir Robert Lawrance, 
 clerk, deceased, the sum of ^50, a silver salt with 
 a cover, a gilt cup and cover, 5 silver spoons, 
 and a gold signet, when he shall attain the age of 
 21, in satisfaction of the goods late of Sir Robert 
 Lawrance, and Katherin Mayson, alias Lawrance, 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 125 
 
 sister of the said Sir Lawrance. Also to keep 
 the said John Dean at school till 16. (fo. 2 89^) 
 
 1563. Christopher Wray, Alderman. 
 
 Sir Christopher Wray also sat for Grimsby, in 
 1 6 14, 1620, 1628, 1640. He resided at Ashby- 
 cum-Fenby, and was a zealous supporter of the 
 Parliament, and was active in raising troops to 
 aid Sir John Hotham for the defence of Hull. 
 
 1646. *' March 3. i\t this court Collonell 
 Edward Rossiter is made a free Burgess and is 
 chosen for Parliament in place of Sir Christopher 
 Wray who is dead."^ 
 
 1640. ''Col. Edward Rossiter (in the place of 
 Christopher Wray), he sat in the successive 
 Parliaments of 1654, 1656, 1658-9." 
 
 1 57 1. John Thymolby. 
 
 He was a son of Richard Thimbleby, mayor in 
 1518, 1520, 1525, 1529, 1534, 1548, who owned 
 tenements in Scotland Lane. His descendants 
 lived at Ingham, in this county, and one of them 
 married Dorothy, the youngest daughter of Lord 
 Petre. There was a Richard Thymolby mayor, 
 in 1590. 
 
 * This settles a point left in doubt by the recent return of members of 
 Parliament. Report, p. 283. 
 
126 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 1585- William Wray. 
 In 1603, Sir William WVay sat for Grimsby, 
 and in 1604, John Wray; 161 3, Sir John Wray; 
 1614,"^ Christopher Wray, also in 16 14, 1620, 
 1623, 1625, 1628, 1640. There was a William 
 Wray, who, in 1654, 1656, represented the 
 borough alone, and in 1658 he was returned, 
 along with Edward Ayscough. This borough 
 only returned one member at this and the follow- 
 ing election in 1656, but at the next, in 1658-9, it 
 returned two, and continued to do so until the 
 Reform Bill of 1831 reduced it to one. In a list 
 of returns, published by Francis Leach, London, 
 September, 1654, Sir Henry Vane, Junr., is put 
 down as elected for Grimsby, but this seems to be 
 a mistake. A writer in '' Lincolnshire Notes 
 and Queries," Vol. III., p. 219, says that it is 
 generally thought that Sir Henry ** made no 
 attempt to secure a seat under the Cromwellian 
 regimd,'' and adds, "So far as I can gather, the 
 Journals of the House of Commons show no trace 
 of Sir Henry Vane, Junn, in the House between 
 
 * Under date, March 27th [ ] there is a letter from Christopher 
 
 Wray to the Mayor, returning Charter sent to him. "Was afraid it would 
 have to be pleaded, but through the favour of the King's Attorney General, 
 he had procured a **Nill Pross" (sic) which is a sufficient discharge, and 
 prevents further question. Asks no other recompence than love. 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 127 
 
 1653 ''^^^ 1659- I ^^^ therefore inclined to think 
 his alleged election for Grimsby a myth." 
 It is certain that William Wray, Esq., afterwards 
 sat for Grimsby in the next two parliaments. 
 
 1586. Tristram Tyrwhitt, Esq., 
 
 M.P. for the borough in 1586 and 1589, was the 
 son of Sir Wm. Tyrwhitt. His mother was 
 Isabella Ayscough. His was an Aylesby family 
 of some note. He had three brothers, Sir 
 Robert, who lived at Kettleby, William and 
 Marmaduke, who resided at Scotter. Sir 
 William was in the Commission of the Peace for 
 the counties of Lincoln, York, and Leicester. 
 
 1593- William Barnes; Nicholas Sanderson. 
 
 Of these we have no information. There was 
 a Robert Sanderson, Esq., sat as one of the 
 Members of a Commission to take depositions 
 respecting the Abbey of Wellow in 1581. 
 
 1 60 1. Thomas Lord Clinton and Say ; 
 Edward Skipwith. 
 
 In the Corporation Records I find that Thomas 
 Lord Clinton and Say gave a bond indemnifying 
 the town against expense as M.P. for the borough, 
 7 Oct., 1601, as did Thomas Ellys, 27 Sept., 
 
128 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 1797. The same members were returned in 
 1613. 
 
 1623. Henry Pelham, 
 
 M.P. for Grimsby, 1623, 1625, 1628. He sat for 
 Grantham in both ParHaments of 1640, and was 
 secluded in 1648. He was returned in 1620, 
 1625, 1628. 
 
 The Pelham family, though not resident in 
 Grimsby, have been connected with the borough 
 down to the present time. Lord Yarborough is 
 the present representative of the family. 
 
 1640. Gervase Holles, Alderman. 
 Frequent references are made in this volume 
 to this popular representative of Old Grimsby. 
 His name constantly occurs in the Corporation 
 Records for this period, and he and his family 
 exercised considerable influence in the borough, 
 and were most highly esteemed. 
 
 1660. Edward King. 
 He resided at Ashby Hall, and was Lord of 
 the Manor (Ashby-de-la-Launde). He espoused 
 the cause of the Parliament, and became a promi- 
 nent commander in their army. He afterwards 
 opposed what he considered their excesses, and 
 was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 129 
 
 was the first In the House of Commons to move 
 the restoration of Charles II. The evening of 
 his Hfe was spent in tranquihty at Ashby, where 
 he received and befriended many of the ejected 
 ministers until his death, which took place in 
 1680. 
 
 1 66 1. Sir Andrew Scope, 
 
 in whose place Sir Henry Bellasyse (in whose 
 place) Sir Freschville Holies (in whose place) 
 William Broxholme. 
 
 The occurrence of two vacancies for one seat in 
 the same Parliament, even though it was the 
 " Long Parliament," is a very unusual one, and 
 was occasioned by the death of the two persons 
 named, in an uncommon manner. Sir Henry 
 Bellasyse being killed in a duel with his friend 
 Tom Porter, and Sir F. Holies being slain in a 
 fight at sea, in the hour of victory, and while 
 gallantly defending his ship, as will be seen in the 
 following account : — 
 
 Sir Freschville Holies, son of Gervase 
 
 Holies, married a daughter of John Kingston. 
 
 He was "a man of high spirit and enterprise." 
 
 Dryden, in his "Annus Mirabilis," thus describes 
 
 him. 
 
 9 
 
I30 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 " Young Holies on a muse by Mars begot : 
 
 Born Caesar-like, to write and act great deeds, 
 Impatient to revenge his fatal shot. 
 
 His right arm doubly to his left succeeds." 
 
 The above verse refers to his having lost an 
 arm while engaged in the hottest of a fight fought 
 at sea, in 1665. On his return to Grimsby he 
 was accorded a most enthusiastic welcome by the 
 inhabitants, who rang the bells, and received him 
 with acclamation. Early in the spring of the 
 next year he was again on board his flag-ship, the 
 Cambridge, taking with him several Grimsby 
 men, who followed him from personal attachment, 
 and the fame of his nautical skill and bravery. 
 He acted as rear-admiral, but was unfortunately 
 killed at the moment of victory, in an engagement 
 with the Dutch. His loss was greatly regretted 
 by the country at large, but by none so much as 
 the people of Grimsby, to whom he was a 
 valuable friend, and an able representative in the 
 Parliament to which he was elected in 1661. 
 
 Pepys, in his gossiping Diary, ^ speaks of him 
 in anything but complimentary terms, terming him 
 a conceited, idle, prating, lying fellow. " After 
 dinner comes Sir F. Holies to me about business ; 
 
 * September 28th, 1667. 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 131 
 
 and I go with him by coach to the Temple and 
 there I 'Hght ; all the way he telling me romantic 
 lies of himself and his family ; how they had 
 been Parliament men for Grimsby, he and 
 his forefathers, this 140 years ; ^ and his 
 father is now ; and himself stands for 
 to be, with his father, by the death of 
 his fellow-burgess ; and that he believed it will 
 cost him as much as it did his predecessor, which 
 was ^300 in raw ale, and £^2 in buttered ale, 
 which I believe is one of his devilish lies." As 
 to Sir Freschville's story being lies, it is a fact 
 that his grandfather had sat for Grimsby from 
 1640. As to the probable cost of ale, " raw " and 
 " buttered," being estimated at ^300, the sum, 
 even when the value of money at that time is 
 considered, seems but small compared with what 
 has been spent in more recent elections. '' The 
 famous Grimsby election of Pole and Wood, in 
 1790, lasted nine months, with public-houses open 
 all the time, the expenditure on both sides being 
 ;^8o,ooo, and killing one fourth of the electors y 
 As Sir F. was vigorously opposed by Sir Philip 
 Tyrwhitt, his estimate appears to have been a 
 very moderate one. 
 
 * Gervase Holies was mayor and M.P. lor Grimsby in 1640. 
 
132 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 In the list of Parliamentary representatives for 
 the borough, we read : — 
 
 1 66 1. Gervase Holies. Sir Adrian Scrope 
 (in whose place) Sir Henry Bellasyne (in whose 
 place) Sir Freschville Holies. The cause of the 
 vacancy I have discovered in Pepy 's Diary, while 
 searching for Dr. Oliver's quotation. Under the 
 heading of July 29th, towards the end of a 
 passage of several pages, occurs the following : — 
 
 '' Here Creed did tell us the story of the duel 
 last night, in Covent Garden, between Sir H. 
 Bellassis and Tom Porter. It is worth remember- 
 ing, the silliness of the quarell, and is a kind of 
 emblem of the general complexion of this whole 
 kingdom at present. They two dined yesterday 
 at Sir Robert Carr's, where it seems people do 
 drink high, all that comes. It happened that 
 these two, the greatest friends in the world were 
 talking together, and Sir H. Bellassis talked a 
 little louder than ordinary to Tom Porter, giving 
 of him some advice. Some of the company 
 standing by said, ' What are they quarrelling, that 
 they talk so high?' Sir H. Bellassis hearing it 
 said ' No ! I would have you know I never 
 quarrel, but I strike, and take that as a rule of 
 mine!' 'How? says Tom Porter, 'strike! I 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 133 
 
 would I could see the man in England that durst 
 give me a blow.' With that Sir H. Bellassis did 
 give him a box on the ear, and so they were 
 going to fight there, but were hindered." Pepys 
 goes on to describe how Porter determined to 
 fight, and how they wounded each other, and how 
 S. H. B. urged Tom to shift for himself, as he 
 would not have him "troubled for what he did do." 
 ''And so," adds the old gossip, ''whether he did 
 fly or no I cannot tell, but Tom Porter showed 
 Sir H. Bellassis that he was wounded too : and 
 they are both ill, but Sir H. Bellassis to fear of 
 life. And this is a fine example ; and Sir H. 
 Bellassis a Parliament man, too, and both of them 
 extraordinary friends." Under August 8th he 
 wrote : — " Sir Henry Bellassis is dead of the duel 
 he fought about ten days ago with Tom Porter, 
 and it is pretty to see how the world talk of them 
 as a couple of fools, that killed one another out of 
 love." 
 
 1685. Sir Thomas Barnardiston. 
 
 He belonged to an ancient Grimsby family. 
 There was a Sir John Barnardiston mayor in 
 1 54 1, who lived in a house in the west side of 
 Fleet Street, adjoining the Stone Bridge, which, 
 
134 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 with the demesne belonging to it, formed part of 
 what was afterwards called the Gannocks, con- 
 tained 640 feet frontage. The chief seat of this 
 family was at Great Coates. It was an ancient 
 moated hall, which, Oliver states, was thought by 
 some persons to be referred to in the Domesday 
 Survey ; where it is recorded " that Bernard had 
 these two villanes and as many bordars, and 
 eight soke men, with one oxgan of land, two 
 ploughs, and a hundred acres of meadow." *'A 
 monument still remains in the chancel of Great 
 Coates Church, to the memory of Sir Thomas 
 and his wife." 
 
 In the report of the Corporation Records, page 
 286, I find the two following references : — 
 
 "1688, January nth. Poll for Sir Edward 
 Ayscough of South Kelsey, and Sir Thomas 
 Barnardiston of Ketton, co. Suffolk as Burgess 
 for Parliament, and their bonds for expenses. 
 1689-90, March 3. Poll of the Burgess for Sir 
 Thomas Barnardiston, Sir Edward Ayscoughe, 
 and John Chaplin, esq., on the election of two 
 Burgesses for Parliament. There was a Nathaniel 
 Barnardiston, elected Sheriff for Suffolk in Jan- 
 uary, 1623. The family had a long contest with 
 the Burgesses respecting the river Freshney, as 
 
FAMILIES AND NOTABILITIES. 135 
 
 it related to what were termed ' Mickle Cotes and 
 South Cotes/ lasting from the time of Edward I. 
 to William III., when it was finally agreed that 
 the proprietors of Great and Little Coates should 
 grant the free use of the waters of Freshney, on 
 condition that the Corporation made ' good and 
 sufficient banks at the point where the sewers of 
 Freshney and Pipe Creek do join, which shall 
 extend and reach across the Beck from the Sea 
 Bank on Grimsby fitties on the one side, to the 
 Sea Bank at Great Coates fitties on the other 
 side, and shall join both the said banks, so that 
 the same shall be made into one entire sea-bank ; 
 and that the said Corporation keep the same in 
 good repair, and fit for the passage of all manner 
 of carts, carriages, and horses, loaden or unloaden ; 
 and that the inhabitants of the two villages shall 
 be empowered to land their goods and merchandise 
 which have been brought by water into Grimsby 
 Haven, without let or hindrance from the said 
 Corporation, and without paying any wharfage, 
 toll, or custom whatsoever." 
 
 1722. Charles Pelham. 
 In an old Count Book it is the following entry, 
 " Charles Pelham, Esq., admitted a free burgess 
 on payment of 10 marks, 24. Charles II. 
 
®I& (5rim9bv. 
 
 AMONG the noted residents of Grimsby 
 many are to be found who were honoured 
 with the office of Mayor, and filled that position 
 with credit to themselves and the town. We 
 have collected a complete list of the mayors of 
 Grimsby from 1202 to 1896, but finding that it 
 would occupy a large portion of our space, we 
 have erased the names of those of whom no 
 special record is made in the Borough Records, 
 except a few of the earlier ones. A full list will 
 be found in Mr. Anderson Bates' " Gossip on 
 Old Grimsby." 
 
 1202, B, Mayor of Grimsby. 
 
 1203, Baldwin. 
 
 1205, Edmund del Kal 
 
 1206, William Clerk. 
 
 1207, John le Art. 
 
 1209, Adam Welby. 
 
 1 2 10, William Russel. 
 1 2 19, Baldwin. 
 
 1 261, Philip de Wivelsby. 
 1287, William Fraunke. 
 
 1289, William Fraunke. 
 
 Sir William Fraunke was a resident of 
 Grimsby. He had rendered some important 
 service to Isabella, Queen Dowager, and received 
 many favours from Edward III., who, in the first 
 
OLD GRIMSBY. 137 
 
 year of his reign, committed to his charge the 
 castle and jail of Lincoln. He also bestowed up- 
 on him considerable property situated in Beesby, 
 and appointed him High Sheriff of the county. 
 Sir William was a benefactor to the Priory. 
 His family lived in the town many centuries. 
 The name does not appear in the list of Mayors 
 after 1299. There is a copy, in Latin, of a deed 
 of Lady Elizabeth Tunstall, widow, daughter and 
 heiress of Sir Thomas Fraunke, Knt., and 
 Thomas Tunstall, her son and heir, manumitting 
 Robert Abbot, of Itterby, with all his family. 
 
 1352, Peter de Halsham. 
 
 From report of His. Com., p. 257, it appears 
 that a grant of land was made to him on Sunday, 
 feast of St. Matthias, 1352, " atte See of 
 Grimsby of the same." Also in 1374, under 
 " Sunday after S. S. Fabian and Sebastian," 
 "William de Benyngholme and William Mercand 
 of Grymesby, Chaplains, granted to Peter de 
 Halsham of same, and Agnes his wife, land in the 
 east field of Grymesby near Deadmansheudland." 
 
 1434, John Empringham. 
 
 He belonged a very old family of this town. 
 As early as 1 360, one of its members took part in 
 
 ( 
 
138 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 connection with John Kingston in building the 
 Tower of the Church. There was a John 
 Empringham mayor of the borough in 1443, 
 1451, 1495, 1507, 1508, 1509; and a Richard 
 Empringham in 1536, 1545, 1547, 1554, and 1558, 
 in which year he died. Michael Empringham, 
 1566, 1577; Robert Empringham, 1583; and in 
 16 10, a *' Robert Empringham, Gent." That 
 addition being the only case in the list from 1 202 
 to 1669. The Corporation Records of those 
 times have many entries in which they are named. 
 In the Court Books there is an agreement 
 6 Henry VII. (1490) Oct. 5th, in which if the 
 Earl of Westmorland '' wyll rayes of John 
 Hempringham and Stephen Huttlyffe (the Baliffs) 
 a certain sum for the fee farm of Grymsby for the 
 seith yere, that then the Baliffs should surrunder 
 oop the sayd towne of Grymesby to the Kinges 
 handes, or els to find a better meane for the sayd 
 towne. 
 
 1478, Robert Constable. 
 
 (There was a Thomas Constable M.P. 
 in 1554. 
 
 1480, William Glasiner. 
 1483, 
 
 Among the Deeds in Box i, in possession of 
 the Corporation, is one dated September, 1487, 
 in which William Grasyner, Mayor of Grimsby, 
 
OLD GRIMSBY. 139 
 
 grants a lease to John Wright of premises in 
 Grimsby for 16 years. 
 
 On July 26th, 1484, it was *'ordand, and agred 
 by Wm. Glasner, than Mair, etc., . . . that 
 evere Burges of Grimesby of whom any accyon is 
 takyn of any maner of playnt from he answer w' 
 susetis relevid to xij men toroage his Law, he 
 shall fynd suffyeyant sewryte to the Baillyes to save 
 tham haimles agans the plancte, or elles he schall 
 be kepyd so un lorance (in durance) for the mater, 
 to the Ballyes be discharged of that occasion." 
 
 Whether the following extract refers to the 
 above William Glasyner or another person of the 
 same name, it is not easy to decide. If it does, it 
 would occur a year after he occupied the chair for 
 the last time, which was in 1489-90 : — " April 
 loth, 1492, — It is found that William Glasyner, 
 burgeis, contrary to his Burgeis 00th, have 
 behaved hymself contrary to the Mayor and his 
 Burgesses, whereas he went to William Lilburn, 
 gentilman and burgess, saying theis wordes 
 folwoyng : — ' William, I requer yewe that Maister 
 Messynden and ye be at one, and frendes as 
 gentilmen, and if it be so hee ann ye be frends 
 and luffers, he setts littill by the Mayer and other 
 his Burges of Grymsby. Notwithstanding, the 
 
I40 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Mayor and Burgesses, in common Hull, pardon 
 and forgive the said William Glasyner, on 
 condition that he shall from henceforth be of gude 
 and trewe demeanor,' etc." 
 
 1484, Stephen de la See. 
 
 (See Listof M.P.'s.). 
 
 1 490- 1, William Vicars. 
 
 In an ordinance of Henry VII., dated January 
 8th, 1 49 1, it is stated that William Vicars, Mayer 
 of the Burgh of Grimsby and his Comburges, 
 "by a hole assent," " sworne of the Hooly 
 Mesbuke and the holy Canone w* the holy 
 crucifix w' the figure of our Suvyor Jehu there- 
 upon to certain artekyls," to the effect that they 
 would be " redy withowtyn fere or drede of any 
 man or any degre to resist to ther Mayer for the 
 tyme beyng to mayntene him and his successors 
 in all the poyntes and articculs contened in the 
 Charters granted by the King and his noble 
 progenitorys." 
 
 He also undertook with his fellow Comburges 
 that "if ther be any man of any degree that will 
 vex, truble, handle, or do wrong to any of the 
 Burofes or inaubantez w* in the said town, that 
 then evere ylke one of the said Burges and all 
 ther retenures that one and all may mayke shall 
 
OLD GRIMSBY. 141 
 
 be redy in ther best array fensable to w* stand all 
 such mysdoers and to mayntayne the Mayer, the 
 Kinges Burg and Fraunches." 
 
 While he was mayor there came to the court 
 Robert Gardner and Henry Hill of Walberdyswyk, 
 tenants to the manor of Blydbure, co. Suffolk, and 
 produced Royal Letters of 30th Jan., i Henry 
 VH (i486), commanding all Sheriffs to permit 
 them to be free of and quit from paying toll and 
 contributing to the expenses of knights sent to 
 Parliament, and it was considered by the court 
 that they were free of tolls within the King's town 
 of Grimsby. 
 
 Under 9 Henry VH (1493), 4th September, 
 there is the following letter from Henry Lacy to 
 Maister Hempryngham : — '' Maister Hempryn- 
 ham, in ryght gud herty maner, I recommend me 
 unto you, hertyly thankyng yow of all kyndnes. 
 Ser, the caus of my wrytyng unto yow at this 
 tyme is that I may be bold on you to have the 
 over syght of all such howsyng and ground which 
 I have in Grimesby, that is to wyt, v schoppis by 
 Sant James Chirch, and a stabuill w^ a myln hous, 
 w' a ground to the same by John Stopis hous, and 
 also a ground that was Wylsons adioinyng to the 
 same ; whych stabull and myln hous betwix my 
 
142 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 broder Robert Lacy and William Butler and o' 
 nebur must be repared, and scharply and schortly 
 thei haue promysed me ; and so doon I hartely 
 pray yow to se the said bowsing and ground 
 ordered to the best, and that no person occupy y' 
 bot for the mony ; and my v shoppes to lat thame 
 as you thynk good to honest and 
 trusty persons. The rent off evere schop is iijs. 
 iiijd., and me thynk better it is to gyff somewhat 
 a gane than to mynych any thyng theroff ; but I 
 fully remyt evere thyng to yo"" wysdom, and as you 
 may resave any mony to repare the said schopes, 
 . . . is also my broder and I standes in 
 bargannyng for the Same, but not fully agreed nor 
 concludit ; wherfor now, senc I depart out of this 
 contre, ther is no man w* in Grimesby I cane so 
 fathefully trust, nor be so bold upon as you, and 
 yf yt ly in my poure I trust to serve yo' kyndnes. 
 Also you schall resave be this brynger iij kays to 
 the schoppes, and tho that wantes, my broder 
 Robert praye Henry Skytt, his servaunt to mak 
 theme, and he will content hym for the same. 
 And thus I pray Jh'u have yow in his mersy and 
 full kepyng ; amen. At Kelby, on Thursday, 
 the iiij day of Septembr', a.°., ix, h., vij\ Yowrs, 
 Henry Lacy." 
 
OLD GRIMSBY. 143 
 
 15 1 2, Peter Mason. 
 
 In the Court Book (fo. 3176) fo 168, we find 
 the following : — 
 
 " It is agreid that Pettir Mason, mair, at anny 
 tym herafter schall hav his fre Liberte in goynge 
 and commynge to and fro his Backhows w^^ out 
 any Serjeant or Mas befor hym at any tym w^^ in 
 his year of his offic or in goynge and comniyng 
 to his next nabor hows ; and also Michael his son 
 schall ber the Mas affor hym unto that the said 
 Peter Mason may convenyently get an abyll man 
 to be his Sergeant." 
 
 1 5 18, Richard Thy molby, Esq. I 1519, John Fotherby. 
 
 (See List of M. p. 's). ' 
 
 He was a member of an old family, whose 
 residence was in Brighowgate. " On September, 
 27th, about 1520"^ (the year is not stated), Sir 
 Thomas Darcy, Knight, Lord Darcy acknow- 
 leged the receipt from John Fotherby and Patrick 
 Annesley, baliffs of Grimsby, of 30I. Fee-farm 
 rent, viz., 15I. for Easter, 10 Henry VIII, and 
 15I. for Michaelmas, 11 Henry VIII." 
 
 In Depositions taken at Grimsby before a 
 commission from the court of Exchequer, in a 
 cause "between Sir Chas. Egerton, on behalf of 
 
 * Not 1 5 14, as stated by Oilver. 
 
144 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 the King and the Corporation, as to the East and 
 West Marshes and Fitties, "John Fotherbie of 
 Greeat Coates, yeoman, aet 70 gave evidence as 
 to the leases of the same, overflowing of the sea, 
 charters, etc." 
 
 1532, Michael Mason. 
 
 He occupied a corner house partly in Brighow- 
 gate and partly in Wellowgate. He was a dealer 
 in Malt, which was, at that time, a staple trade in 
 Grimsby, and conducted the Abbey Breweries. 
 He was mayor when the monasteries were 
 dissolved. He was mayor also in 1539. 
 
 1540, Patrick Hansley. 
 
 He occupied a house in Flottergate. His 
 father-in-law, John Little, of *'Grett" Grimsby, 
 left a will dated November 26th, 1530, which 
 after providing that the testator should be buried 
 in the churchyard of St. James', goes on to 
 state : — " To the Lady Church at Lincoln, xijd. 
 The high altar, ijs. To Robert Hyll, my wife's 
 second gowne, Thomas Watson's wife her third 
 gowne. My daughter, Johan Johnson, xiiijs, iiijd, 
 one brass pot, and two platters. To the Awstyn 
 Freers, to pray for me, iijs iiijd. Saint Francis 
 Freers, xijd. To Patrick Tanslaye and his wife, 
 
I 
 
 OLD GRIMSBY. 145 
 
 my daughter, all my lands in Grimsby, they 
 keeping an obit for 50 years to the value of ijs. 
 yearly to be given tp six priests in the church of 
 St. James, Grimsby, for singing mass." 
 
 1544, John Kingston. 
 
 He was mayor also in 1553. In 1592, John 
 
 Kingston, Esq,, son of John, was mayor, as well 
 
 as in 1592, and [605. The family, which dated 
 
 from 1336, when a remote ancestor, Simon de 
 
 Fountenay was mayor, occupied a spacious and 
 
 well-appointed mansion, standing considerably 
 
 backward from the street, amidst gardens and 
 
 pleasure-grounds extending to the marshes. It 
 
 adjoined the residence of the Barnardistons in the 
 
 " Gaunock." The second John Kingston lived in 
 
 ^'baronial style," and Oliver says he entertained 
 
 King Henry VIII. for three successive days and 
 
 nights. This fact is doubted by some of the 
 
 antiquarians of our borough. Oliver says that 
 
 "when the King's visit was ended the host was 
 
 distinguished by a permanent mark of his favour 
 
 in being appointed to the honourable duty of 
 
 arranging the inhabitants of the district for the 
 
 Scottish wars ; and his influence was considerably 
 
 augumented by the commission." He also states 
 
 . 10 
 
146 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 **that he had seen the original in the Holies MS. 
 in the British Museum, sealed with the great seal 
 of England, addressed to our trusty and well 
 beloved subject, John Kingston, Esq., of Grimsby, 
 commanding him with all convenient diligence to 
 take the musters of all able men, as well horsemen 
 as footmen, both of our tenants occupying the 
 royal farms, fields and tenures, not only in 
 Grimsby, but in the adjoining country. And 
 there the same shall be put in such readiness 
 as may be set forth, upon one hour's warning, 
 wheresover he shall receive commandment in 
 that behalf. And these our letters shall be 
 your sufficient warrant and discharge herein 
 accordingly." 
 
 That Dr. Oliver saw the commission we do not 
 doubt, but that the existence of such a commission 
 was the outcome of Royal Harry's visit to 
 Grimsby is quiet another matter. 
 
 John Kingston, in conjunction with Richard 
 Empringham, built the tower of the church. 
 He married the only daughter of Robert Wright,, 
 mayor of the borough in 1558, having taken the 
 place of Richard Empringham, who died during 
 his year of office. There was a John Kingston, 
 mayor, in 1544, 1553, and a ''John Kingston, 
 
OLD GRIMSBY. 147 
 
 Esq., son of John," in 1592, after which the name 
 does not re-appear in the list of Mayors. On 
 March nth, 1554, Sir Francis Ayscough wrote to 
 his loving friend, Mr. Kingston, Mayor of 
 Grimsby, and his comburgesses, saying that he had 
 received from them an indenture to the effect that 
 ^' at his request they had elected his cousin, 
 Thomas Hussye, for the Parliament to be held at 
 Oxford, 2 April next. Thanks them, and 
 promises that Hussye shall take no burgess fee. 
 
 The Parliament met at Oxford in April, 1554, 
 but Thomas Hussey, Esq. sat for Grantham. 
 Sir W. Asycough and John Heneage sat for 
 Grimsby. 
 
 In a commission of gaol delivery, September 
 4th, 1592, John Kingston, alderman, is mentioned 
 with other names. In the Court Rolls, 31 Henry 
 VIII, there is a deed of John Kyngeston entered 
 as to a ship called the Anne of Cales, bought of 
 John Scarlett and Henry Whitgift (the father of 
 the Archbishop), juror. 
 
 I cannot find any special mention of them later 
 on. It appears that after two generations, the 
 family name became extinct, ending in a daughter 
 who was married to Freschevill son of Gervase 
 Holies, M.p. and historian of Grimsby. 
 
148 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 1 56 1, Martin Fotherby. 
 
 He was the son of John Fotherby. I find 
 nothing special respecting him in the borough 
 records, but a descendant of his, also named 
 Martin, son of Maurice Fotherby, was an eminent 
 scholar, and Fellow of Trinity College, Cam- 
 bridge. He obtained the degree of D.D., was 
 made a Canon in the Cathedral Church of Canter- 
 bury, and at length preferred to the See of Salis- 
 bury. He published several books, which were 
 highly esteemed. 
 
 Dr John Fotherby, Dean of Canterbury, was 
 also a native of Grimsby, and left an annuity of 
 ;^4 per annum, payable out of lands at Beesby 
 and Maplethorpe, ten shillings of which was to be 
 paid to the officiating minister for preaching a 
 sermon on Good Friday, and the remainder to be 
 distributed among the poor communicants of the 
 church, at the discretion of the minister, church- 
 wardens, and overseers of the poor. In the 
 Corporation Records, ''Charities" Box i, there is 
 a copy dated 5th July, 16 19, of the will of the 
 above John Fotherby, who is described as of 
 Little Charte, co. Kent, clerk. 
 
 1582, Christopher Hatcliffe. 
 
 There is a statement respecting him in one of 
 
OLD GRIMSBY. 149 
 
 the Court Books, in reference to a clergyman who 
 was charged with having acted seditiously against 
 Queen Elizabeth, in opposing a proclamation for 
 the putting down of seditious books. The 
 following is a copy of the entry: — "27 Eliz. 
 — Mem. that att this Courte it is agreed by the 
 whole Courte (Xpofer Hutchyf excepte) that Mr 
 Marke Hoke shall putt in his owne bonde for 
 appeiraunce before Mr Maior when he shall be 
 called, and that at Everingham in Yorkshire at 
 the parsonage will he bee. 
 
 Also that whereas Marke Holte was in 
 suspicion for teringe the proclamacon latelie sett 
 out by her Hiegness for the suppression of 
 sedicious bookes, or other thinges in consideration 
 wherof ther was open proclation made that yf any 
 coulde saye that he tare yt, or that he should 
 reporte he wold tere it downe, but ther was not 
 any coulde impeache hym." 
 
 1655, William Booth. 
 
 In Court Roll, 16 Charles I, I find that " Mr. 
 Paul Willett, minister and twelveman, requested 
 Samuel Proctor to present Wm. Booth, maior, 
 and Gervase Holies, Esq., for laughter in church, 
 or else he would present him." 
 
(Ton&ition of the people. 
 
 WE can imagine the condition of the 
 primitive inhabitants of this part from 
 the records that have come down to us respecting 
 the early Britons. They have been described as 
 semi-savages, making the marshes and woods 
 their homes, and subsisting on berries, acorns, 
 nuts, and such roots as nature spontaneously 
 produced. This, however, was only true of the 
 very earliest inhabitants. The Romans found a 
 race of warriors worthy of their steel, and it was 
 long before the conquerors of the world were able 
 to reduce the island to their rule, which indeed 
 was never fully accomplished. 
 
 History does not consist entirely of written 
 documents, however valuable their contents may 
 be. The surface of our country is studded with 
 historical records, written in the stone, and brick, 
 and earthworks, which bridge over the period 
 between the ages before the dawn of history, and 
 connect them without a break with the living 
 present. Written history without these, however 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 151 
 
 eloquent, would be comparatively tame, spiritless, 
 and uninteresting.'^ 
 
 From such historical records, numerous in this 
 neio^hbourhood, we learn that our British ancestors 
 were devoted to the exercises of the woods and 
 fields, and occasionally ventured upon the waters 
 in vessels of considerable strength, flat-bottomed, 
 with high prows and sails made of hides, and 
 fearlessly buffetted the storms of the German 
 Ocean. Far from being savage and uncivilized, 
 they were acquainted with several important and 
 useful arts ; had a fair knowledge of agriculture, 
 " for they understood the process of marling, and 
 raised cattle in great numbers." The structures 
 they reared for worship displayed considerable 
 mechanical knowledge, while the earth works they 
 raised as memorials of the dead, "rival the 
 wonders of modern engineering," while the 
 manner in which they fashioned and decorated 
 their chariots and instruments of war, displays 
 considerable skill and taste. 
 
 They were skilful also in forming canoes out of 
 huge trees, in which they carried on a traffic in 
 such commodities as they possessed. In the 
 
 * See Sir James Picton's address to the British Archaelogical Society, 
 August 24th, 1882. 
 
152 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 spring of 1887, while some men were digging at 
 the gasworks in Brigg, they came upon a boat of 
 a very primitive type, embedded in the clay or 
 ** warp," seven feet below the surface. It 
 measured 48|- feet in length, and about 4^ feet in 
 width, and three feet in depth. There were signs 
 of extensive repairs made by having wooden 
 patches sewed on with small ropes apparantly 
 made of sinews. A representation of it appeared 
 in the IllMstrated London News, which afterwards 
 was given with a full account of the discovery in 
 ** Jackson's Brigg Annual" for 1887. 
 
 Their religion was Druidism, which taught that 
 the soul does not perish at death. They offered 
 human sacrifices to propitiate their gods. Tillers 
 of the soil came from their wattled huts, hunters 
 from the recesses of the woods, fishers from their 
 boats, and gathered in their temples, from whence 
 *' the voice of solemn prayer went up to Heaven 
 — a voice of solemn memorial to ancestors whose 
 faith lingered long amidst a purer worship, as the 
 mistletoe of the Druidical oaks still mingles with 
 the evergreens of Christmas." 
 
 We have already seen — pp. 29-30 — that the 
 condition of the country under Roman rule was 
 on the whole prosperous. One of the Roman 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 153 
 
 orators described it as a land *' stored with corn 
 
 and flourishing in pasturage." As a proof of this 
 
 we need not but mention the fact that in one 
 
 season six hundred large barks made several 
 
 voyages to Britain, and supplied the starving 
 
 Rhine provinces, desolated by war, from the 
 
 stores of the fertile island. 
 
 We have but little authentic information 
 
 respecting the condition of the people under the 
 
 Danes. That they suffered severely from those 
 
 ruthless invaders we have already shown. 
 
 Details, however, it is impossible to give. 
 
 Stories we have in abundance, but these, on 
 
 investigation, turn out to be little better than 
 
 " Dreams that the soul of youth engage 
 Ere fancy has been quelled ; 
 Old legends of the monkish page, 
 Traditions of the saint and sage, 
 Tales that have the rime of age 
 And chronicles of eld." 
 
 We get occasional glimpses of the state 
 of society before the Conquest from these 
 *' Chronicles of eld," but they are only occasional 
 and imperfect. What references we have been 
 able to find we now give in chronological order. 
 
 Previous to the Conquest the land was held by 
 Leofric, the great Earl of Mercia, who ruled with 
 
154 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 undisputed sway under what Hallam terms "the 
 unfortunate fashion of intrusting great provinces to 
 the administration of a single earl." The people 
 were serfs, there being but two denominations 
 above that condition, Thanes and Ceorls. The 
 life of a King's Thane was valued at 1,200 
 shillings, that of the second class at half that sum ; 
 the life of a Ceorl was valued at 200 shillings. 
 In some parts of the county the number of slaves 
 was one in three, but throughout the kingdom 
 about one in ten. In East Anglia the proportion 
 was only one in twenty, while in the eastern part 
 of Mercia, in which Lincolnshire was included, 
 not a single slave is noticed in the registers of 
 Domesday Book. 
 
 Manv of the lower classes were, however, 
 subject to great hardships. By the law of the 
 land they were treated as mere chattels, and not 
 counted as men. They could be bought and sold 
 with the acres on which they were born and 
 reared, and compelled to cultivate. By the 
 accident of birth, the issue of a battle, the result 
 of a single combat, they were liable to be trans- 
 ferred to owners or proprieters who were complete 
 strangers. Still, a strong sense of justice 
 prevailed, and light mingled with the darkness. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 155 
 
 An instinctive sense of right made itself felt, and 
 the very slave, by patient endurance, cultivated 
 those solid and resolute qualities which dis- 
 tinguished the cultivators of the soil, and gave 
 to the Lincolnshire people a character which 
 continues to our times. 
 
 After the Conquest the land was divided, but 
 rented to the Crown. Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, 
 the King's lieutenant, owned a considerable 
 portion of Grimsby, and ruled with an iron hand, 
 " giving no heed to the reasonable complaints of 
 his subjects, and disdaining ''to weigh them in 
 the balance of equity." His men-at-arms out- 
 rageously robbed the people and ill-treated the 
 women, and there was no punishment but for those 
 who complained of their wrongs. The people on 
 the coast line saw a host of " foreigners " from 
 over the sea settling upon their lands and dis- 
 possessing them of their property, which they 
 claimed by right of conquest. 
 
 Hosts of adventurers, who had taken no part in 
 the conflict, followed the Conqueror, eager to 
 share in the spoils. For these the people felt 
 nothing but contempt, and cheered their spirits 
 with ridiculing the pretensions of the " inter- 
 lopers " with a caustic humour, which reminds us 
 
156 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 of Piers Ploughman. One old ballad, speaking of 
 the first Lord of Coningsby, says : — 
 
 " William de Coningsby, 
 Came out of Britany, 
 With his wife Tiffany, 
 And his maide Maufas, 
 And his dogge Hardigras." 
 
 The condition of the people was not greatly 
 improved during the first twenty years which 
 followed the Norman Conquest. The entire land 
 of the county belonged to the Monarch, and it 
 was made compulsory on '' every tenant-in-chief 
 to do homage to His Majesty, that every superior 
 tenant should do homage to his lord ; that every 
 villein should be the bondmen of the free ; and 
 that every slave should, without any property 
 however limited and insecure, be the absolute 
 chattel of some master." 
 
 From Domesday Book we learn that there 
 were three Manors as follows : — *' In Laceby 
 (Levesbi), and in Bradley (Bredelou), and in 
 Scartho (Scarhou), Sweyn, Arich, and Tosti, had 
 nine carucates of land, rateable to Gelt ; the land 
 is sixteen carucates. The Bishop of Baieux has 
 there in the demesne three caruicates, and four 
 villeins, and ^v^ bordars, and eighty-five sokemen 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 157 
 
 with thirteen carucates and a half. There are 
 three churches, each having a priest, and two 
 mills worth 8s. yearly, and three hundred and 
 sixty acres of meadow, and one hundred acres 
 of underwood. In Grimsby (Grimesb), the 
 customary dues of the ferry there yield 40s. 
 yearly. The annual value in King Edward's time 
 was 12I. ; it is now 30I. In Grimsby, there are 
 eleven bovates, and In Glee three bovates and a 
 third of a bovate, and In Itterby (or Cleethorpes) 
 four bovates, and In Thurnsco seven bovates (of 
 Land) soke of this manor (together) three 
 carucates and one bovate of land rateable to gelt : 
 the land Is five carucates and seven bovates ; and 
 fifty-five sokemen and one villlen have there six 
 carucates, and fifty-four acres of meadow." 
 
 There was in Keelby (Chelebivel Cotes or 
 Coates), a Robert, one of Drogo's vassals, who 
 had "salt-works worth 126. yearly." In Great 
 Coates (Suelcotes) ^'slx sokemen had one carucate 
 and thirty acres of meadow." In Grimsby, " four 
 villlens had one ox and a plough, and one acre 
 of meadow." 
 
 Ralph de Mortimer gathered "a new toll 
 In Grimsby which was not gathered In King 
 Edward's time." This Ralph de Mortimer was 
 
158 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 allied by the mother's side to the Conqueror, and 
 accompanied him into England. He was one of 
 the chief commanders in William's victorious 
 army. He held lands in twelve counties, and 
 owned about a hundred and thirty lordships. 
 
 When Domesday Book was compiled (1086), 
 Grimsby had a ferry of the annual value of five 
 shillings, and a salt-pit of sixpence a year. Its 
 customs in connection with the ferry are put down 
 as yielding 40s. annually. It had evidently been 
 a port of some importance for many years. 
 
 King John visited Grimsby in the second year 
 of his reign. In consideration of 55 marks and a 
 palfrey, that grasping monarch granted to the town 
 a charter, in which it was ordained that "the good 
 men of Grimsby should be governed by a Mayor, 
 annually elected ; that they should be exempt 
 from toll and lastage, stallage, moorage, haustage, 
 and passage, in every town and seaport through- 
 out England, except in the city of London ; that 
 they should not be subject to trial by combat ; 
 that no burgess should be impleded without the 
 town, in any pleas but those of foreign tenure ; 
 that the hustings should be kept once in a week ; 
 and that all their debts, loans, and pledges which 
 should be made, the plea thereupon should be 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 159 
 
 holden at Grimsby." During the same year the 
 King granted to the town a ferry. 
 
 In the reign of Henry III., a whale having 
 been landed at Humberstone upon the fee of the 
 Earl of Chester, his men took possession of it. 
 This led to an inquiry as to whom it rightly 
 belonged, when they '''heard that whenever such 
 kind of fisji shall land, the Lord the King ought 
 to have the head, and the Queen the tail." 
 
 The Earl, who was present, claimed that 
 "' whenever such kind of fish shall land upon his 
 land or fee, that he ought to have it saving to the 
 Lord the King and to the Queen, what are to be 
 saved, namely the head and the tail, etc." 
 
 From Domesday Book we learn that the town 
 had a church and a priest. How far the people 
 were benefited by these, however, does not appear. 
 There is historic proof that many of them not 
 only undervalued their privileges, but actually 
 refused to contribute beyond what the law of the 
 land compelled them to pay ; for in the archives 
 of Lincoln, Anno 1297, it is stated that, "The 
 inhabitants of Grimesby made an association 
 amongst themselves yt no person should pay more 
 to the Church than bare dues. Amongst whom 
 ye Bishop of Lincoln (Oliver Sutton) then being, 
 
i6o OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 sent out his excommunications to be published by 
 ye Deane, ye rectors, vicars, and chapleynes of ye 
 adjoining towns, using these wordes (translated 
 from the Latin), ' These undevout men, ungrate- 
 ful sons, trying the anger of God, whose mercy 
 they refuse, and which is far from them, the time 
 is hastening and is present, as in merit, in zeal, 
 and in justice.' The prophet exclaims : * The 
 time is the Lord's to do justice. Thy law have 
 they altogether destroyed,' etc." 
 
 It would seem that this solemn excommuni- 
 cation had not much effect, for in the same 
 archive we find that in 1307, "the Mayor and 
 Burgesses of Grimsby hanged a Priest for theft 
 called Richard of Nottingham. Hereupon y^ Bp. 
 sends to y^ Abbot of Wellow to associate to 
 himselfe twelve adjacent Chapleines to examine 
 y^ cause and in St. James, his Church, excumates 
 all y^ had any hand in it of whatsover condition 
 they were, y^ Kin^, Queene, and Prince of Wales 
 excepted. And ye Bishop himself did excom- 
 municate them in y^ Cathedrale Church of 
 Lincoln, y^ fifth of y^ Ides of April following."* 
 
 The men of Grimsby appear to have had not 
 
 * "Gervas Holies' Collections," Vol. I., British Museum, Lans., MSS., 
 207a. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. i6i 
 
 unfrequent disputes with their spiritual instructors, 
 the religious orders, and there frequently seems to 
 have been bitter and irreligious quarrels between 
 them. The Abbot of Wellow built a wall across 
 the high road leading into the town, as did also 
 the prioress of St. Leonard's nunnery, and the 
 master and brothers of the Knight's Templars. 
 The latter also diverted a water-course, turning it 
 into a new channel, ''for the purpose of depriving 
 the inhabitants of their usual supply of fresh 
 water," which was not too plentiful before they 
 did so. 
 
 These military ecclesiastics also took posses- 
 sion of a windmill, which formed part of the 
 fee-farm belonging to the Corporation, and at the 
 same time refused to pay the usual sums to the 
 Mayor's Court. They even went so far as to 
 open a court of their own, where they tried all 
 causes which arose within their precients, after the 
 manner of the court held by royal charter in the 
 Abbey of Wellow, thus asserting their independ- 
 ance both with respect to the municipal and royal 
 authority. These encroachments excited con- 
 siderable opposition on the part of the burgesses, 
 who entered into a league to resist them to the 
 
 utmost. They also pledged themselves not to 
 
 11 
 
i62 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 render any momentary aid to the church beyond 
 what the law insisted upon. 
 
 One of the most valuable sources of information 
 on the subject of the condition of society is the 
 the Reprint of the Manuscripts of the Borough, 
 issued by order of the ** Historical Manuscript's 
 Commission." It contains extracts of a deeply 
 interesting characters from Records of the Cor- 
 poration contained in fourteen tin boxes. From 
 it we have culled the following reference to the 
 Borough and its inhabitants. An ordinance of 
 Henry VI., Octr. 3 (1435) commences thus: — 
 '* In the laude and joy oure Lord Jhu Crist, and 
 of the most holy moder and vyrgyne oure lady 
 seynt Mary, and all the holy celestyns of heven, 
 to the releve and sustentacion of the Kyngs 
 burgh of Grymesby." 
 
 20 Edw. IV. (1481), •' Md that Tyseday the 
 xxiij" day of Januer' in the ze of the rane of Kyng 
 Edward the forritt xx^' it is confirmed and ordered 
 by W"" Glasyner that the Mair . . . and by 
 all the Burges of the said towne beyne in the 
 Hall the forsade day, that no man nor woman shall 
 be arrest for dett w' in any sewtwarre or Burges 
 howse of the forsede town, nor for dett, nor for 
 trespass, on thies daies under written, viz., from 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 163 
 
 Zelle Even that none be runge unto the day after 
 Plugh day, Candlemas day, fastynggangeven, 
 from prime forward, from Schere Thoresday at 
 morne unto the day Senyt, all Crose weyke, the iij 
 holydaies in Penticost, Corpus Xpiday, Saynt 
 Austyn day, nor none shall pay tolle that day, or 
 Mydsomer Even, nor on Saynt Petir even, from 
 none be runge of Mary Magdelyn, from none be 
 runge nor of hir day ; but yff any do trespas or 
 take any thyrng and agrese not w* the parte that 
 shalbe arrest, and schall to the parte at cuvabyll 
 tyme than foloyng." (fo. 29). 
 
 By an ordinance of Henry VII., a.d. 1498, 
 it was ordained that '' All Geese to be pygoned 
 so that they cannot fly from the executions of 
 pinding ; and if they fly away then it shall be 
 lawful for every man to slay them with shooting, 
 or any other engine, and they that be lawfully 
 pinded to pay for every goose one halfpenny." 
 
 At that time 120 acres of the unenclosed land 
 was worth twelve pence annually and not more. 
 Near the town, three roods of enclosed land let at 
 two shillings per annum. 
 
 The following letter ^' By the King" Henry 
 VI I. , was addressed to the Mayor and Burgesses : 
 — ''Trusty and welbeloved, we grete you, lating 
 
i64 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 you wite that it comen to our knowledge how that 
 certain cruel and avouable murdres has be late 
 committed in sundry places in our countie of 
 Lincoln, in the parties of Lyndesey, and noo 
 lawful redresse . or punisshment had therein. 
 Wherfor, willing not such detestable offenses to 
 pass unpunisshed, considering the abhomynabilite 
 'before the face of God, (we) wol and staitly 
 commaunde you that in alle haste ye doo the said 
 murdrers to be enquired of from tyme to tyme 
 until they may be founde, and that soo doon, ye 
 see without favor, affecceon, drede or partialite th' 
 offenders sharply be punisshed after the straitnesse 
 of our lawes. And that ye fuille not to doo yo"" 
 effectuell diligence herein as ye wol answere befor 
 God and unto your perilles." 
 
 The dissolution of the Monastries was by no 
 means universally approved. The monks and 
 others, who were thrust out, had many sympa- 
 thisers, and their friends did not content them- 
 selves with mere expressions of sympathy, but 
 actually broke out into open rebellion against the 
 king. The story, as far as Lincolnshire was 
 concerned, may be found in " Froud's His. Eng., 
 Vol. II." Grimsby and the immediate neighbour- 
 hood punished the rebels with several adherents, 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 165 
 
 some of whom suffered capital punishment. 
 Among these was the parson of Scartho, who 
 was hung at Lincoln for taking part in the 
 movement. 
 
 On April 20th, 1494, an Inquisition was taken 
 at '' Ankcastre, by the oath of Robert Bayn- 
 brygge, John Swynton, John Patman, Henry 
 Adam, John Gregory, Robert Scymer, William 
 Gre, . . . Richard Calver, John Cuthbert, 
 Thomas Godsalve, John Doune, and William 
 Baxster. Who say that Sir Thomas Scrope, 
 Knight, held in his demense as of fee, four 
 messuages, 39s. loj^d. of annual rent in 
 Grimesbye, to be received annually by the hands 
 of divers free tenants there, which are held of the 
 King in free burgage, as the whole vill of 
 Grimesby is held." 
 
 Rental of Clee. 
 
 The following rents were due to the town of 
 "Grimesby." There is no date, but the previous 
 entry is 13 Henry VIH. 
 
 Furst of Henr' Moyn for - - - - \s. viij^. 
 
 It' of the same . - . . . (blank) 
 
 It' of the same for Idale in Klee - - viij^. 
 
 It' of Robert Slownt - . . . iijj-. \]d. 
 
 It' of Henr' Grimesby ... - xxiij^. 
 
1 66 
 
 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 
 It' of Wat' Warne 
 
 njs. \n]d. 
 
 It' of Thomas Bell 
 
 ijs. xjd. 
 
 It' of the nuns of Grimesby 
 
 ijs. yd. 
 
 It' of the Abbot of Wellow 
 
 xd. 
 
 It' of John Kygier for landes lat Fowler - 
 
 i]s. \u]d» 
 
 It' of the same for landes lat Stellion (?) - 
 
 iiijd. 
 
 It' „ „ „ Laceby 
 
 ijd. ob. 
 
 It' of Hurchyned 
 
 xvd. ob. 
 
 It' of Thomas Curtas ... - 
 
 xiiij^. 
 
 It' of Henr' Coulbe 
 
 xuijd. 
 
 It' of landes late Cort .... 
 
 xi}d. 
 
 It' of Margaret Laceby ... - 
 
 xi'jd. 
 
 Item of Henr' Dymbleton 
 
 ]d. 
 
 Sum ma totalis 
 
 xliijj. id. 
 
 There is a loose paper in the Court Book (at 
 fo. 272), without date, the previous entry being 2)3 
 Henry VIII., which gives the cost of a charter as 
 follows. " For Grymesby to pay." The charter 
 cost. 
 
 Item for the scale .... xxs. iiijd?. 
 
 Item for the velome skynne - - xij^. 
 
 Item for the lace to the sealer - - i}s. 
 Item for the two maisters of the Chaun- 
 
 cerye for examinacon therof - vj^. 
 
 do. do. enroUying - - xxs. 
 
 do. do. wrytyng - - xxvjs. viiij^. 
 do. do. for the fyne of the 
 
 said conlirmacon ... xs. 
 
 Summa totalis v//. ixs. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 167 
 
 In 1525, the will of William Bornett, of Alford, 
 of ''hole mynde and good," in which he did 
 *' bequeth his sowlle to the holy Trynitie of heven 
 and to our lady Sainct Mary and to all the holy 
 cumpany of heven," and his "body to be buried 
 where as it shall please Almighty God and the 
 Church to have the Mortuary that the law 
 giveth," was proved at Grimsby. 
 
 From the Parish Register of Hagworthingham 
 the following item is taken : — 
 
 s. d. 
 
 * For ye repair to the Haven of Great Grimsby 
 
 November ye i6th 1663 . . - 20 
 
 About 1550, agriculture was in a very deplor- 
 able state. An acre of good land was let at a 
 shilling, or about sixteen pence of our money. 
 Beef and pork were sold at a half-penny a pound, 
 and mutton and veal at half-a-farthing higher. 
 
 In 25 Eliz., it was ordered " that no manner of 
 person, beinge a laborer, that doeth or shall come 
 to dwell and inhabitte within this burroughe shall 
 not worke as a laborer there before he be admytted 
 by Mr. Maior and his bretheryne to dwell here 
 
 * Grimsby, in the time of the Plantagenets, had been a flourishing port, 
 and furnished, in 1346, eleven ships and one hundred and seventy-one men 
 towards the seige of Calais. The harbour was a natural one, and became, 
 in the seventeenth century, so silted up with mud from the Humber that no 
 shipping could enter. 
 
i68 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 and to worke as a laborer, and paie to the use of 
 the townes chamber 2s. for his furst admyttance. 
 Every shoemaker, taler, cobler, glover, smythe, 
 weaver, tynker, and such like occupacons paye to 
 the use of the townes chamber for their saide furst 
 admyttance, yf he be a maried person, 3s. 4d., and 
 yf he be a syngler person^ 5s. Every pedder 5s, 
 marcer los, draper ics, and such like occupations, 
 I OS. each. Every merchant venterrer and such 
 like, 20s. No owner of property in the borough 
 to let any house or shop to any person not an 
 inhabitant of the borough." 
 
 There is a curious account in the register for 
 1586 of the neighbouring church of Ulceby, of a 
 ''cootrov"" sea" respecting the payment of the 
 parish clerk, "whether ye wages were for every 
 farme one strike of Barley, or 4d. in money, and 
 the vicar and churchwardens did request that old 
 men of the p'she whot was due and custome : 
 wherupon Will'm Scott, Henry Joneson, and W"" 
 Wower did saye yt about ix years ago there were 
 one Peacock and one Parkins Clarkes and they 
 would come to the p'shioners then living and aske 
 yf thier barley was ready and yf it were not they 
 wo"^ will them to gyve them 4d. for it, which was 
 then to their judgements the full price of one 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 169 
 
 strike of barley." Others testified that for " their 
 tymes and their father's tymes . . . the barley 
 which was due to the Clarke yearly by custome 
 was one penny for every houshold in the March 
 term at holy water Sunday at ets dayes and at 
 Easter." 
 
 The condition of the town in the earlier part of 
 the 17th century was most deplorable, as was that 
 of the country around. April 21st, 1623, writing 
 to his brother, Sir Edward Conway, '' Principall 
 Secretary to his Ma^'^ and one of his Most Ho : 
 priory Councell," Sir W. Pelham, for Brocklesby, 
 whose brother was one of the members for 
 Grimsby at that time, say : — '' I am now heare 
 with my sonn to settle some countrie affairr, and 
 my owne private, which weare never soe burthen- 
 som unto mee, as now. For manie insufficient 
 tenants have given upp theyr farmes and scheepe- 
 walks, soe I am forced to take them into my owne 
 hands, and borrow munnie uppon use to stocke 
 them. Itt draweth mee wholly from a con- 
 templative life, which I maste affected, and coolde 
 be moste willing to pass over my whole estate to 
 the benefite of my children, so I weare freed of 
 the troble. Our countrie was never in that 
 wante that now itt is, and more of munnie than 
 
I70 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Corne, for there are many thousands in thease 
 parts whoo have soulde all they have even to 
 theyt bedd straw, and cann not gett worke to 
 earne any munnie. Dogg's flesh is a dainty disch, 
 and found upon search in many houses, also such 
 horse flesch as hath laien long in a deke for 
 hounds, and the other day one stele a scheepe, 
 whoo for mere hunger tore a legg out, and didd 
 eate itt raw. All that is most certaine true, and 
 yette the greate time of scarcity not yette comme. 
 I schall reijoyce to have a better subject to write 
 of and expect it with patience." 
 
 The above letter is preserved among the State 
 Papers in the Public Record Office. 
 
 12 Charles I. (1636), October 5th. "Upon 
 conference betwixt Mr. Maior this Councell for 
 the raisinge of a stocke for settinge the poore of 
 Grimsby on worke, beinge many in number and 
 increasinge much uppon us, it was agreed that the 
 East Marshes should be lett, etc., and that the 
 parish should have a particular warninge to be att 
 the Churche uppon Sunday last att eveninge 
 prayer, where the said Mr. Maior did then pro- 
 pound the former intencion before them all," etc. 
 Signed by Gervase Holies, Mayor, and many 
 burgesses. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 171 
 
 August 13th, 1658. "William Thorold of 
 Cuxwold, gent, by deed, granted to the Corpor" 
 for binding poor boys apprentices, a rent charge 
 out of lands at Scartho, of w^ the deed recites the 
 descent by the custom of Borough English." 
 
 In an " Inventorie," taken " May ye 23rd, 
 1679, of all the goods and chattels of Wm. Smith, 
 gent., of Elsham, late deceased," we find the 
 following items : — 
 
 9 score of the best weather sheep - - ^63 o o 
 
 120 ewes and lambs - - - - 36 o o 
 
 160 hoggs - - - - - - 29 o o 
 
 Four score acres of pease and oats at 
 
 I IJ-. (id. the acre come to - - 46 o o 
 etc., etc. Barley was quoted at 175-. the acre, wheat and 
 
 rye 25^-. Lintills, 85. 12 slack calves, JP^^ o o. One 
 stone coult, ;£i6 o o. Hay loj-. a load. 
 
 In the middle of the sixteenth century, the 
 population appears to have been considerable, for 
 the burials averaged over 100 annually. In 1590 
 they reached 130. The population, therefore, if 
 the death rate was anything near that of the 
 present day, would be over 5,000 ; a large 
 number, when it is remembered that at that time 
 Lincoln had only 3,500; Hull, 2,000; Boston, 
 1,000; and Yarmouth, 2,000. 
 
 In a journal of the Rev. A. de la Pryme, there 
 
172 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 is an account of a visit to Grimsby, October 13th, 
 1697. The writer says, ''Grimsby is at present 
 but a little poor town, not a quarter as great as 
 heretofore. The old market-place is lost, and 
 where they now keep it is in the midst of a 
 street." He assigns three reasons for the decay 
 of the town. " First, the destruction of the haven, 
 which was in former times a fine large river, and 
 carried large vessels as far as Ailsby. . . . 
 That which destroyed it was the Humberts 
 wearing away the huge cliff at Cleethorpe, and 
 bringing and casting it all into Grimsby haven or 
 river, and all along Grimsby coast on the north, 
 so that the river was not only filled thereby, but 
 also a hugh bay on the north side of the town in 
 which ships did formerly ride with the greatest 
 ease and advantage to the town imaginable. 
 This bay being thus filled up, and made common 
 for almost two miles broad, from the town's end 
 to the H umber, the Mayor and Aldermen 
 petitioned Queen Elizabeth to bestow this new 
 land for ever upon them and the town, which she 
 did." 
 
 The second cause he mentions is " the de- 
 struction of the religious houses," and the third, 
 *'the rise of Hull, which having first of all 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 173 
 
 privileges and advantages above other towns, and 
 a fine haven to boot, robbed them all, not only of 
 all traffic but also of their chief tradesmen, which 
 were sent for and encouraged to live there." 
 
 He mentions that ''a public spirited parliament- 
 man, at Grimsby, one of a noble soul, was seeking 
 to restore the prosperity of the place, by laying a 
 new sluice and digging a haven, and promoting 
 the fishery at the H umber mouth. Towards this 
 '^ vast subscriptions were already gotten, some 
 have subscribed ^100, some ^1,200, and others 
 even ^2,000 a piece, and five large fishing- vessels 
 also are a-building at Stockwith, and other places 
 for the town. He is also establishing the woollen 
 manufactory, and has sent down out of Oxford- 
 shire a rug and coverlet maker ; and has given 
 him wool, and his new house three years' rent 
 free." 
 
 In a MS. collection of notes on Lincolnshire 
 Topography and Family History, supposed to 
 have been compiled {circa 1760) by Ralph Big- 
 land, there are a number of notes of briefs for the 
 collection of money for the restoration of churches 
 in Lincolnshire. Among these is the following : — 
 " Great Grimsby. — The Parish Church of Great 
 Grimsby in this county, being a very large and 
 
174 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 ancient structure of about five hundred yeares 
 standing, is by length of time very much decayed, 
 and in the year 1707 there happened a very 
 violent clap of thunder which struck off several 
 stones from the steeple and rent the same in two 
 in several places, and very much weakened the 
 whole body of the said church, which is now, from 
 the many great Breaches, Decays, and Defects 
 therin, in great danger of falling. The charge of 
 Repairing and Rebuilding the same will be upon 
 a moderate computation, besides the present 
 materials, the sum of 1,757 pounds.'' 
 
 Vide Brief dated 9th April, 5 George I. (17 19). 
 
 In 1757, there was paid to labourers engaged 
 in building the first Methodist Chapel in Grimsby 
 the following sums : — " Two bricklayers and 
 two labourers for one week, £1 13s. Three 
 carpenters, five days, ^i 4s. ; one labourer, two 
 days, 3s. Bricklayers were paid two shillings a 
 day, carpenters and labourers, eighteen pence ; 
 and the building, capable of accomodating two 
 hundred people, cost only /^yS. 
 
 Provisions, however, were cheap. Prime beef 
 could be bought at twopence per pound, fine flour 
 at a shilling a peck, butter at fourpence a pound, 
 and milk at a penny a quart. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE. 175 
 
 In 1790, the population was but 982. This, 
 however, was the lowest point reached. A 
 scheme for turning the little river Freshney into 
 the harbour, started at least as early as the reign 
 of Edward I., was at last carried out by a 
 company, and a new haven opened in 1800. 
 
 Towards the end of the last century, the in- 
 habitants were greatly alarmed by the reported 
 intentions of Napoleon to invade this part of the 
 country, and for a long time the appearance of 
 French ships in the Humber was constantly 
 expected. The excitement spread throughout the 
 county. At Louth, the French eagles were daily 
 expected, and the market place was cumbered 
 with waggons and other vehicles, placed there to 
 be in readiness to convey the families and goods 
 of the inhabitants into the interior of the country. 
 Col. Loft's regiment was stationed in the town, 
 and a Louth Voluntary Infantry was enrolled in 
 1798, which assembled every Monday and Thurs- 
 day evening to be trained and exercised for three 
 hours. Five years later, during another invasion 
 panic, a still larger force, consisting of four 
 companies and 400 men, was formed."^ 
 
 There are many persons still living who re- 
 
 * History of Louth. Shepherd, Louth, 1864, pp. 62-3. 
 
176 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 member Grimsby when it had only one street, 
 which was without any well-defined beginning or 
 end. The houses in it were seperated from each 
 other by waste spaces, in which a stranger might 
 have easily lost himself and being in danger of 
 apprehension by the one constable who constituted 
 the entire force for the ancient borough. 
 
 When the new docks were commenced, it was 
 prophesied that they would remain one vast and 
 dreary waste in which oysters would find an 
 undisturbed resting-place. 
 
ZTbe flDarebee. 
 
 THERE was a large tract of land on both 
 sides of the main street known as East and 
 West Marshes. These were granted to the 
 Corporation under the name of '' preprestures," 
 by King Henry HI., at the instance of Edmund 
 de Grymesby. They were at that time termed 
 "waste places," and were overflowed three days 
 each fortnight by the tide. This, however, was 
 remedied in the course of time by the waters 
 leaving a deposit, which ultimately raised the 
 land above high water mark, the decomposition 
 of vegetable matter slowly aiding this result. 
 The repair of the sea-banks and effective draining 
 also helped to make those waste places, excellent 
 pasturage ground. My grandfather, an old 
 freeman, occupied a portion of the West Marsh, 
 and when a boy the writer has frequently taken 
 part in haymaking upon it. 
 
 The adjacent country frequently suffered from 
 the bursting of the sea-banks. During one of 
 
 these devastating overflows iioo sheep belonging 
 
 12 
 
178 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 to one person were drowned between H umber- 
 stone and Grimsby, and the shepherd in his 
 efforts to save them shared their fate. Mr. 
 Pelham lost iioo; Mr. Thimbleby, 220; Mr. 
 Dymoke, 400 ; and Mr. Mash, 500. Mr. 
 Maddison suffered the loss of a large ship with its 
 cargo. Sir Hugh Ayscough and others lost 
 20,000 cattle. Sixty vessels with their cargoes 
 were lost between Grimsby and Boston, and all 
 the salt cotes, where the finest salt was made, 
 were completely destroyed. A "fish," probably a 
 whale, 19 yards in length, the tail 15 feet broad, 
 was driven ashore at Grimbsy. 12 men could 
 stand upright in its mouth.^ 
 
 The ravages and encroachments made by the 
 sea affected almost the whole coast from Grimsby 
 to Skegness. A portion of the parish of Clee, 
 known by the name of Hole, and mentioned in 
 hundred rolls with Scartho, Itterby, and Thrunsco 
 has disappeared as well as Itterby, which was 
 once a portion of Clee parish. 
 
 In our Early Days, we occasionally took a walk 
 in company with two companions of our own age 
 along the West H umber Bank, and had to cross 
 the marshes to reach it. To do this we had to go 
 
 ♦ (Byrde of Gryme.) 
 
THE MARSHES. 
 
 179 
 
 round by Ducking Chair Haven Bridge, pro- 
 nounced, '' duckinsheraven." It was necessary to 
 select the summer time for our excursions, unless 
 we were prepared for a severe scolding from our 
 respective parents on our return for coming 
 home " labared up with muck." More than one 
 pair of delicate coloured trousers have I known 
 rendered utterly unfit for further wear by these 
 exploits. Our boundary was usually " Pyeweep 
 House," which took its name from the large 
 number of Pewit's found near it. A recent writer 
 says : — Moist, rush-growing land, is frequently 
 described as '^ Peewit Land," from the fact that 
 the Pewit, or Pee-weet as it is sometimes called, 
 are often seen in such places in search of their 
 favourite food. It is generally called Py-wipe at 
 Grimsby. In my youth I knew it by no other 
 name, though I have since heard it called ''puet" 
 or pew-it." There used to be a Py-wipe Inn on 
 the bank leading to Stallingborough Marshes, and 
 I remember passing a small public-house bearing 
 the same name when going from Lincoln to 
 Saxilby some few years ago. 
 
 In Lincolnshire Notes and Queries, Vol. i., p. 
 55, a curious account is given of the pewit's cry 
 taken from Ralston's Russian Folk-lore. " When 
 
i8o OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 God created the earth and determined to supply 
 it with seas, lakes, and rivers, He ordered the 
 birds to convey the water to their appointed 
 places. They all obeyed except this bird, which 
 refused to fulfil its duty, saying that it had no need 
 of seas, lakes, or rivers to slake its thirst. Then 
 the Lord waxed wrath, and forbade it and its 
 posterity ever to approach a sea or stream, 
 allowing it to quench it thirst only with that water 
 which remains in hollows, or among stones after 
 rain. From that time it has never ceased its 
 wailing cry of 'drink, drink, peet, peet.' " 
 
 On May 24th, 1849, an Act was passed* 'for 
 the Management and Disposal of the Freeman's 
 pastures in the East Marsh, Little Field, and Hay 
 Croft, and for other purposes." This arose from 
 the M. S. & L. Railway Company having 
 *' purchased and taken a portion of such pastures." 
 The purchase money was invested in the purchase 
 of ;^ 19, 263 9s. 2d. per centum annuities. The 
 Act . made provision for the Management and 
 Occupation of Pastures, the term " Pastures " 
 being defined as "such parts of such Pastures 
 called the East Marsh, Little Field, and Hay 
 Croft, as have not been taken by the M. S. & L. 
 Railway Company, with their rights, members 
 
THE MARSHES. i8i 
 
 and appurtenances. It also defined the word 
 '* Freeman " to mean, " the Freeman and Widows 
 of Freemen of the borough." The expression, 
 "enrolled Freemen," shall mean '^ the Freemen 
 who names are included in the Pasture Roll for 
 the time being in force." It also enacted that the 
 Town Clerk should r.ake out a list of Freemen 
 yearly, and post the same, which should be open 
 to inspection to any person, without payment of 
 fee, at all reasonable hours between the 5 th and 
 15th days of September (Sundays excepted) in 
 every year. Any person to be furnished with a 
 copy, on payment of a sum not exceeding one 
 shilling for each copy. 
 
 Any person claiming to have his name inserted 
 in such list must on or before the 15th of 
 September in every year, give notice thereof in 
 writing to the Town Clerk. Any Freeman whose 
 name is on such list may object to any other 
 person as not entitled to have his name retained 
 on such list, but must give notice in writing to the 
 Town Clerk, and to the person objected to. 
 
 Provision was also made for the meeting of 
 enrolled Freemen annually, on the first Monday 
 in November, special meetings, and many other 
 matters. 
 
i82 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 None of the recent settlers in Grimbsy can 
 form any idea of what those marshes were like, 
 from their present appearance. The old land- 
 marks are gone, and where reeds and rushes once 
 grew, shops and houses now stand. The writer 
 owns a house in Watkin Street, in the garden of 
 which, when a boy, he often fished for eels, and 
 not without success. 
 
 The land itself is considerably higher than it 
 once was. Mr. A. Bates states that a con- 
 siderable elevation has taken place during the 
 present century. In 1863 some posts were found 
 in an upright position, the tops of which were 
 about seven feet below the surface of the road. 
 The discovery was made by some men while 
 digging in the cellar of the house at the corner 
 of Riby Street. 
 
 These marshes afforded a scant pasturage for 
 cattle, and but few of these were to be found upon 
 them, but they were the home of large numbers 
 of geese, which, according to the Rev. J. Wild, 
 were troublesome commoners, being prone to 
 visit, uninvited, the pastures of their neighbours, 
 and manifested a decided objection to the 
 pinfold in which the Town Pinder felt it his 
 imperative duty to impound them. They took 
 
THE MARSHES. 183 
 
 wing and flew far beyond his reach, which so 
 exasperated him that he pursuaded the authorities 
 to pass a rule and ordinance that they should be 
 pynoned to prevent them from '' flying from the 
 execution of pinding." ^ 
 
 The extent of the Marshes was as follows : — 
 
 West Marsh 
 
 197 Acres 
 
 East Marsh 
 
 172 ,, 
 
 West Fitties 
 
 49 » 
 
 East Fitties 
 
 80 „ 
 
 
 498 Acres 
 
 For a long period the marsh land between the 
 Town and the H umber was rented of the Crown 
 as part of the fee farm, and the burgesses had no 
 power either to enclose or improve it, and 
 frequent disputes arose between the latter and the 
 Crown respecting alleged encroachments by the 
 towns-people. At length, Edward III., in 1331, 
 granted by charter to the burgesses, all void 
 places and wastes with appurtenances in Grimbsy 
 at a rent of 3s. yearly, a grant by which a vast 
 amount of what is now, highly valuable property, 
 is possessed by the burgesses. 
 
 The East Marsh commenced at the end of 
 
 * See page 163. 
 
i84 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Haven Street, where the principal merchants 
 resided, and New Street, where there was a 
 Town's Bridge, named Seymour White Bridge, 
 which, crossing the Haven, gave access to the 
 Marsh. In 1800, when the New Dock was 
 opened, which had cost about ^100,000, the 
 Corporation laid out part of the Marsh, parellel 
 with it, and formed three streets, now called 
 Victoria Street, Burgess Street, and King 
 Edward Street. To encourage persons to build, 
 a plot of 360 square yards was allotted to each 
 Freeman for 99 years, an annual rent of 5s. being 
 reserved. These plots were afterwards made 
 freehold, subject to the rent. 
 
 These privileges led to numerous houses being 
 built, differing in height, size, and appearance, and 
 standing at irregular distances from each other. 
 
 The Corporation, in order to facilitate trade 
 and private accommodation for yards and ware- 
 houses, also set out a large portion of land by the 
 side of the dock, next Loft Street, which was soon 
 occupied in part, though some remained waste and 
 unenclosed until after 1853, ^^^ much later. 
 
 Loft Street was named after General Loft on 
 his becoming member for the borough; but in 1854 
 it was re-named Victoria Street in honour of Her 
 
i 
 
THE MARSHES. 185 
 
 Majesty's visit to open the New Dock. It 
 terminated at what is now the junction of Victoria 
 Street and Cleethorpe Road, where a Toll Bar 
 was erected, which was removed in 1807 to the 
 bridge over the Marsh drain, near where the 
 Royal Hotel now stands, and afterwards removed 
 to the end of King Edward Street, where it 
 remained until it was abolished, some time after 
 the present New Docks were opened. Well do 
 we remember the dissatisfaction that prevailed 
 among the numerous residents on the further side 
 of it, at having to pay toll on every cart load of 
 coal or goods which had to pass through it. 
 
 I 
 
lElectione. 
 
 THE first Parliament for England met 
 January 20th, 1265. A Council of the 
 principal landowners, secular and ecclesiastic, 
 had existed from Anglo Saxon times, and some 
 writers hold that the Commons were to some 
 extent represented in it. It was not, however, 
 until the reign of Henry HI., that a parliament 
 was summoned in which there was to be two 
 knights for each county, and two citizens for 
 every borough. Whether Grimsby was re- 
 presented in the first Parliament or not we cannot 
 say, but according to Oliver's list two burgesses 
 were returned in 1295, but their names are not 
 mentioned. In 1298 Johannes Elmed and 
 Gilbertus Wyom were elected. 
 
 Theoretically the electors were no doubt 
 supposed to be " Free and Independent," but 
 persons were recommended by letters to the 
 sheriffs, and elected as knights for different 
 shires, all of whom belonged to the court or were 
 in places of trust about the King. 
 
ELECTIONS. 187 
 
 Mary issued a circular before the Parliament of 
 1554, directing the sheriffs to admonish the 
 electors to choose good catholics and *' in- 
 habitants," while the Earl of Sussex, one of her 
 most active counsellors, wrote to the gentlemen 
 of Norfolk and to the burgesses of Yarmouth, 
 requesting them to reserve their voices for the 
 person he should name.^ 
 
 The following letters show that the nobility in 
 ancient times were not prohibited from meddling 
 with elections. The first was written by John 
 Viscount Beaumont, and was addressed, " To my 
 right trusty and welbeloved the Mayer and 
 Bailyfs of Grymesby be this delivered." There 
 is no date but it was written before 1459. 
 
 ^' Right trusty and welbeloved, I grete you 
 wel. And forasmuch as it is supposed that there 
 shall now hastily ben a Parlemment, which if it 
 so shall be I pray you right hertely, considered 
 that my right trusty and welbeloved servaunt 
 Rauff Chandeler is like newely to ben maund in 
 yo' town at Grymsby, wherfor of reson he should 
 rather shewe his diligence in suche as shall be 
 thought spedefull for the wele of yo*^ said town 
 thaune sum other straung persone, y' may like 
 
 * Strype III., 155, Burnet II., 228. 
 
i88 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 you for, my sake in yo"" eleccion for yo*" Burgeises 
 of yo"" said towne to graunte yo' good will and 
 voys to my said servaunt to th'entent that he 
 myght be oon of yo"" Burgeises to apere for yo*" 
 said town in the said Parlement. And such as I 
 may do for you I shall at all tymes the rather 
 perfourme to my power, as knoweth God, which 
 have you ever in keping. Written at Eppeworth 
 the XV day of Decembre. John Viscount Beau- 
 mont." 
 
 The writer was no doubt the Lord Beaumont 
 who was killed at the Battle of Northampton in 
 July 1460, when the Yorkists were victorious and 
 the King's forces were utterly routed, and 
 Buckingham, Egremont, and Beaumont, the most 
 strenuous of his adherents were slain. 
 
 What the effect of the letter was we cannot 
 say as the Parliamentary list for 1460 only 
 mentions one name that of Johannes Sherriff as 
 member, although the list for more than seventy 
 years previous to that year had two members for 
 each election, and for several years afterwards. 
 The following letter, on a similar occasion, was 
 from Ralph, Earl of Westmoreland. " Right 
 welbeloved, I recommaunde me unto yowe. And 
 whereas I understande that voure towne of 
 
ELECTIONS. 189 
 
 Grymesbye must send up to the Parliment two 
 Burgesses of the same, wheche if ye do so wolle 
 be to you no llttill charge in susteanying the' 
 costis and expensis ; wherefor, aswell for the 
 welle of youre seid towne as other speciall causys, 
 I advise and hartely requyre you to send unto my 
 hondes your wrytte directed for the electionne of 
 the said Burgessis, wheche I shall cause to be 
 substauncially retoorned, and appoint ij of my 
 counsale to be Burgessis for your seid towne, who 
 shall not only regarde and set forward the welle 
 of the same in suche causis, if ye have any, as ye 
 shall advertise me theym upon, but also 
 dymmynsshe yor charges of olde tyme conswete 
 ask for the sustentacionne of there said costes. 
 And in this doing ye shall shewe unto me a 
 singuler pleasure, and unto yo"" selffis convenient 
 proftit ; wherof I efftsons hartely requyre yowe 
 not to faile as ye intend to have my goode wylle 
 and favo' in like manor shewed accordingly. Thus 
 hartely fare ye well. At my Castell of Braunce- 
 path, this xvjth day of September, yours assured, 
 Rauff Westmoland." 
 
 In a letter dated October 19th, 1554, from Sir 
 Francis Ayscough, Sheriff of Lincolnshire, to the 
 Mayor and Burgesses of Grimsby, he stated that 
 
iQo OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 he had received a writ from the King and Queen 
 (Philip and Mary), for election for Parliament at 
 Westminster on T2th November, next, and also a 
 letter from the Queen commanding him to 
 admonish the Burgesses to choose an inhabitant 
 of their own town ^' and of the wysest, grave 
 and catholycke sort, syche as in deyd meyne 
 the trew honer of god w'^ the prosperyte of the 
 comen welthe." Here is another letter on the 
 same subject from Sir F. Ayscough : — December 
 3rd (1557?). ''After harty commendacions, 
 wheras I ame enformed that ther will be a 
 Parliment holden immediately after Christenmas, 
 wherfor I shall require you at this my request to 
 chuse for one of yo"" burgeses Xpofer Winch, 
 esquire, who ys a man very mete for the same, 
 being both wise and well-learned, and able fully to 
 dyscharge that offyce. And yf yo" have anything 
 to do with my Lord of Westmorland, as I suppose 
 you have, he may do as much with him as any 
 man, for he ys of his counsayll. And yf you do 
 chuse him now at my request, the towneship 
 shall have a great treasure of him, and lykewise I 
 fro my parte shalbe glad to do for yo" anything 
 that lyeth in my power. Thus fare ye well. 
 From Lyncoln, the iij day of Decembre, yours, 
 
ELECTIONS. 191 
 
 Francis Ayscough. I will undertake for him he 
 shall take no fees of yo*" for being burgeyse.""^ 
 
 There is also a letter from Sir Robert Tyrwhyt, 
 dated January 8th, 1558-9, to the *' Right 
 Worshipfull and my lovyng fryndes Mr. Mayor of 
 Grymsby and to the rest of his Brethren, which 
 states ' that ' he is requested by his very good 
 Lord, my Lord Clynton earnestly to require them 
 to commit the nomination of one of the Burgesses 
 for Parliament to his lordship, and my lord will 
 appoint such a gentleman as shall be able very 
 honestly to supply the office and put the town to 
 no charges. And for my brother Marmaduke, I 
 have stayd hym that he shall make no further 
 sewtt to yow for the same." 
 
 In his printed List of Members for 1558-9, 
 Oliver gives, ^' John Bellow, Aid." only. He 
 had represented the town along with George 
 Henage, in 1553. Ambrose Sutton, 1554. 
 Thomas Constable, 1554-5, and Marmaduke 
 Tyrwhyt, 1556. There is a letter dated Sunday, 
 Helinge, from Francis Mussynden to " the right 
 worshipfull Mr. Mighell Empringham, the Quen's 
 Majesties Leifetennaunt of the town of Grymsbye," 
 stating that he had been with his father-in-law, 
 
 * I cannot find any mention of a Winch being returned, 
 
192 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 " S' Francis Ayscowghe at Lincoln, and he 
 would desire you to choose for Parliament my 
 uncle, Mr. George Skipwick, and Mr. William 
 Macrbeyre, whom he doth think very fit men for 
 the purpose." He desires them certify him by 
 the bearer, as he means to speak with his father- 
 in-law the next day. 
 
 The question of fees appears to have been an 
 important one with the electors ; for in a letter 
 from Robert Halton written '' Frome my chambre 
 in th' Inner Temple," he says that he understands 
 that a Parliament is to be summoned, and asks to 
 be elected one of the Burgesses, promises various 
 services in return, and to " require no expensis, 
 except you se cause frely to consyder me w'^ 
 some smalle pleasure;" and in 1562 Lord Clyton 
 himself wrote asking the Mayor and Burgesses to 
 elect Mr. Edward Tarrat, a very discreet gentle- 
 man, and one ready to further their interests 
 without putting them to any charge. 
 
 Other letters on similar occasions are couched 
 in similar terms and make similar promises. 
 
 There does not appear to have been any strong 
 political rivalry in the Borough, long before the 
 passing of the Reform Bill. The two parties 
 were known as Reds and Blues. The Blues, as 
 
ELECTIONS. 193 
 
 I first remember them, were liberals or adherents 
 of the house of Brocklesby, whose nominees had 
 for some time represented the ^'free and in- 
 dependent electors." The rivalry between Reds 
 and Blues was certainly strong and could not well 
 have been more fierce. To such an extent was 
 this feeling carried that there were two packets 
 running from Grimsby to Hull and back, with 
 chimneys painted the colour of the party they 
 represented. Well do I recollect the red funnel 
 of the Sovereign and the blue one of the Pelham. 
 Many persons would not go in the opposition 
 boat on any account. Instances occur to my 
 recollection of men losing their boat and 
 returning home, though the other was about to 
 start, and their business was of importance. 
 
 This feeling of rivalry extended to every 
 department of social and business life. There 
 were red and blue tailors, red and blue drapers, 
 red and blue doctors, red and blue lawyers, even 
 red and blue parsons, and red and blue black- 
 smiths and whitesmiths, butchers, bakers, and 
 every other kind. The ^* Reds" were generally 
 in opposition, and consisted principally of non- 
 officials and ''independents," as they preferred to 
 
 be styled. Though the "Blues" occupied most 
 
 13 
 
T94 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 of the public offices, and dominated the Town 
 Council the polling was frequently very close, 
 and the majority small. For instance, in 1666 it 
 was four, in 1667 three. In 1 681 it had risen to 
 five, and in 1702 to six. For many subsequent 
 years it was comparatively large, one candidate in 
 one election only polling nine votes, In 1790 
 the majority again fell to five, while in 1796 the 
 numbers ran so close that the two members 
 returned were each elected by only one vote 
 above the third candidate, and three above the 
 fourth. It may not be uninteresting to give the 
 exact figures — 
 
 Ayscoughe Boucherett - - 131 
 
 William Mellish - - - 131 
 
 John Henry Loft - • - 130 
 
 Robert Home Gordon - - 128 
 
 Six years afterwards Mr. Loft headed the poll 
 with a majority of three over Mr. Boucherett, 
 who was second with a majority of one, over 
 William Mellish and Robert Sewell, who each 
 polled the same number of votes (143). A 
 petition followed when the result was reversed, 
 and Boucherett and Mellish were declared elected 
 by 147 and 146, to 137 and 134. At the next 
 election which took place in 1807, Charles A. 
 
ELECTIONS. 195 
 
 Pelham was elected by 138 to John Henry Loft 
 137. In 181 2 the change was remarkable as the 
 returns are, John Peter Grant 219, John Henry 
 Loft 97. 
 
 In the early part of Its history as a Parlia- 
 mentary Borough, the number of electors was 
 very small, and continued so for a long period. 
 As late as 1689 two members were returned by 
 twenty-seven each, while the unsuccessful can- 
 didate polled twenty-two, and up to 1784 the poll 
 never reached 100, and It was not until 18 12 that 
 It was 200, and in 1831, the year before the 
 Reform Bill became law, it was only 182 and 181 
 for the two candidates returned, and It was not 
 before 1852 that It was above 300. 
 
 It is not surprising that under such circum- 
 stances bribery should have been prevalent. 
 When the Court or leaders of a party were 
 specially anxious for the return of their nominees, 
 they would be under the temptation to spend 
 freely to secure their object. The same applies 
 to the candidates anxious to enter the House of 
 Commons. The consequence was that every 
 conceivable form of bribery existed. Votes had a 
 fixed market value. My maternal grandmother 
 has told me that when occupying a position of 
 
196 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 trust at the Queen's Head, she sat for several 
 hours one election day in a cellar, and gave a 
 parcel containing a hundred sovereigns to each 
 person who passed through the cellar, without 
 seeing the faces of the recipients who passed 
 through an aperture which had been made by 
 breaking a hole in the wall, which allowed them 
 to go out another way to that at which they 
 entered. The practice of paying for votes was so 
 common that many fortunate possessors of the 
 privilege considered it a property which they 
 were wise to make the most of. 
 
 For a long time the borough was notorious for 
 elections characterised by open bribery and 
 unblushing corruption. The most remarkable 
 was the one known as Pole and Wood's election 
 in 1790. It is described to by Dr. Oliver and 
 referred to by Mr. Bates, but a brief account is 
 necessary to give the reader anything like a 
 correct idea of the state of things once prevalent 
 in the borough. It lasted nine months during 
 which time the public houses were open day and 
 night, and so freely did the electors avail 
 themselves of their privileges that one fourth of 
 them killed themselves before its close. ;^8o,ooo 
 was spent on both sides. One of the candidates. 
 
ELECTIONS. 197 
 
 Mr. Pole, a London banker, during his canvas 
 scattered money in the streets as he passed along, 
 for the independent freemen to pick up. Not- 
 withstanding this profuse liberality he found himself 
 left out in the cold by a minority of five. The 
 polling was remarkably equal, the figures being — 
 
 John Harrison - - - 140 
 
 Dudley North - - - 140 
 
 Hon. William Westley Pole - - 135 
 
 Robert Wood - - - 135 
 
 A petition followed which was heard before a 
 committee at the House of Commons, which sat 
 over five weeks and examined fifty-three 
 witnesses, from whose evidence it appeared that 
 bribes were given varying in amount from ^20 to 
 ^250. Not only beer, but beef was given away, 
 oxen being roasted, cut up and distributed freely, 
 and in some cases living animals were presented 
 as bribes. 
 
 The result was, the election was declared void 
 and the persons elected unseated, and re-elected 
 without opposition. 
 
 One of the peculiar elements in elections in old 
 Grimsby previous to the passing of the Reform 
 Bill in 1832, was the special privileges enjoyed by 
 the freeman, and the singular manner in which 
 
198 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 these privileges were obtained. There were 
 three different ways — by birth, by apprenticeship, 
 or by marriage. In the tirst case, every son of a 
 freeman, born in wedlock, was entitled to the 
 rights of freeman on attaining his majority. In 
 the second instance, a young man who had served 
 seven years' apprenticeship to a freeman could 
 claim the same privilege on obtaining his inden- 
 tures ; and lastly, any man, not himself a freeman, 
 could be made free — paradoxical as it may appear 
 — by entering into the bonds of matrimony with 
 the daughter of a freeman. This power of 
 investing their slaves with municipal liberty by 
 the women of Gringleby had been held by them 
 from the days of ''Good Queen Bess," who it is 
 generally allowed conferred this singular favour 
 upon their maternal ancestors during one of her 
 visits to the town. If the traditions of the 
 borough are to be credited, this act arose out of 
 the admiration the immaculate maiden Queen felt 
 for their comely looks and matchless virtues. It 
 is true that the inhabitants of a neighbouring and 
 rival seaport maliciously asserted that the favour 
 was owing to the sisterly sympathy and womanly 
 compassion of the tender-hearted monarch, who, 
 they declared, was, while riding through the town, 
 
ELECTIONS. 199 
 
 so struck with their remarkable ug , well, we 
 
 will not say that, but plainness, to use a softer 
 word — that she conferred the privilege upon 
 them to help them to get husbands, as it appeared 
 highly improbable that any body would marry 
 them for their own sakes. This, we need 
 scarcely say, we look upon as a most abominable 
 and unjustifiable slander. But, however, the 
 right was conferred, there is no doubt about its 
 being possessed. My father was free in each of 
 these three ways. He was born free, served 
 seven years' apprenticeship to his uncle Alderman 
 Kennington, and married the daughter of an old 
 freeman, Mr. Jabez Robinson, plumber and glazier. 
 It was not only possible to obtain this privilege 
 by marriage, but it was frequently so acquired, 
 and as in those days a non-freeman could marry 
 a freeman's widow or daughter, and immediately 
 after the ceremony take up his freedom and 
 vote. Some curious incidents occurred. Matches 
 arising out of political necessity between non- 
 freemen and freemen's daughters were sometimes 
 made without consulting the ladies concerned. Mr. 
 Anderson Bates mentions a case in which the 
 housekeeper of a Mr. Nundy was so disposed of. 
 '* On Nundy going home one afternoon, he said 
 
200 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 to her, ' Mary, I am told you are to be married 
 to-morrow morning." She replied '' I'se sure I 
 don't know, maister, but I'll ask old Molly 
 Wharton, she'll know." After an interview with 
 Molly, the housekeeper said to her master, " Sure 
 maister, it's true, Molly Wharton says I'm to be 
 married to-morrow morning at ten o'clock." 
 Molly was mistress of the Old King's Head, and 
 was well known to the writer who was a nephew 
 of the old lady's. She will be further described 
 when we come to notice some of the odd 
 characters of the old Town. 
 
 When elections ran close, eligible parties were 
 carefully looked after, and if on the side of those 
 who discovered them, pressed into service, but if 
 not, were prevented by force, when necessary and 
 possible, from helping the enemy. In some cases 
 marriage was prevented as well as promoted, as 
 political exigences required. One lady was 
 locked up until after the election, the intended 
 bridegroom refusing ^30 to postpone the happy 
 day. Another bridegroom, in anticipation, was 
 inveigled into a fishing vessel and carried out to 
 sea, and prevented from landing until it was too 
 late to vote. Such occurrences were not in- 
 frequent with ordinary voters. 
 
ELECTIONS. 20I 
 
 Great care had to be exercised in bringing 
 these political weddings to a successful conclusion, 
 as occasionally the parties were liable to gib. 
 Mr. Bates gives a case where ''the bride was 
 escorted to church between two political partisans, 
 and Billy Abbott, the bridegroom, was taken by 
 others, so that he could not observe the bride's 
 imperfections. A previous arrangement had 
 been made with Abbott for a consideration, and 
 without courtship. In leaving the church after 
 the ceremony, with his bride on his arm, and 
 noticing a halt in her gait, Billy said, ' Ailsie, my 
 dear, art thou lame ? ' She replied, * Yes, Billy, I 
 am.' She had a wooden leg." 
 
 The "consideration," and the circumstances 
 which led to it have been given by the writer in 
 one of his earliest works, under the heading, 
 *^ How Tommy Turnabout won an Election and 
 a Wife at the same time." We give the 
 substance of the story which was written from our 
 recollections of it as we heard it told by a vener- 
 able ancestor as he sat in the hayfield surrounded 
 by three or four old cronies, who like himself 
 ranked at the time among the oldest living 
 Grimbarians."^ 
 
 * In our version the real names are disguised. 
 
202 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Tommy Turnabout when we first knew him was 
 a freeman of the honourable borough of Great 
 Gringleby. In this ancient seaport the honours 
 and emoluments of freedomship could be obtained 
 in more ways than one. . . Tommy obtained 
 his in a somewhat singular manner. He was not 
 born free nor did he purchase his freedom by a 
 seven years' servitude, His exaltation happened 
 on this wise. The free people of the place were 
 in the midst of a most exciting parliamentary 
 election. It was one of the severest contests that 
 had been known for many years, and the borough 
 had been the scene of several remarkable ones. 
 First of all, the pious electors had been horrified 
 to hear that the nominee of the great house of 
 Bucklesby was in favour of Catholic Emancipation, 
 as he and his party described it, but of Catholic 
 Supremacy, as his opponents termed it. Instantly 
 the town took fire. A public meeting was held in 
 the Market-place, at which the electors were 
 informed that if the measure passed into law the 
 days of Bloody Mary would return, and the fires 
 of Smithfield again re-lighted. Added to the 
 loss of their religious rights, the ladies were told 
 that a Catholic Government would be sure to 
 abolish at once the peculiar privileges granted to 
 
ELECTIONS. 203 
 
 their great great-grandmothers by the staunch 
 defender of virgins and Protestantism. Memorable 
 were the speeches deHvered, and the substance of 
 the spirit-stirring addresses Hngers in the memories 
 of some of the younger warriors who took part 
 in that fierce fight to the present day. But the 
 most memorable of all was the noble and 
 impassioned address of Bigby, the Mayor, Rising 
 to the dignity of the occasion, and the grandeur of 
 the crisis, he exclaimed, " Men of Gringleby, I 
 call upon you by all that is great and good, grand 
 and glorious, to be true to your religion and your 
 town ! From the towering pinnacles of that lofty 
 and noble structure where from time immemorial 
 our fathers have wept and worshipped, three 
 centuries look down upon us who are assembled 
 here this day. Borne on the breeze that blows 
 along three hundred years of time, there comes the 
 Burning, Bravery-begetting voice of Brown, who 
 Boldly Braved the Brazen Bonds of a Braggart 
 and Bloated church. Standing where I do I seem 
 to hear, rolling round the square of this Right 
 Royal Town, the reverberations of the resolute 
 voice of Robinson, who, rather than rob his 
 posterity of their Religious Rights, Regarded not 
 the Rage of Romish Renegades, but Ran his Race 
 
204 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 in Rectitude and Righteousness, Raising a light 
 which Radiates amongst us yet with wider and yet 
 wider Range ! And, coming up from the green 
 sods of that sacred repository of the slumbering 
 dust of our venerated ancestors, I catch the more 
 subdued tones of a host of noble men more lately 
 and more recently deceased, joining their voices 
 with those of tl;ie remoter past, and calling upon 
 you to resist a wretched system which leaves your 
 elders to go down in dreary darkness, desolate, to 
 the dread abodes of death ; makes your women 
 slaves of a selfish superstition, and furnishes no 
 moral pabulum or intellectual nutrition whatever 
 for the adolescent minds of the young and rising 
 generation." 
 
 Taking advantage of the perfect storm of cheers 
 which followed this magnificent peroration, his 
 worship — who was getting, as one of his hearers 
 somewhat irreverently remarked, ^' rather short of 
 puff" — took a biscuit and a drop of ** something 
 refreshing," and then, emboldened by his previous 
 success, continued : ** Men of Gringleby ! Shall 
 these things be ? Will you allow your rights and 
 liberties to be ruthlessly riven from you ? No ! 
 Never! Your loud shouts, your ringing cheers, 
 your vociferous acclamations, say Never / Never / 
 
ELECTIONS. 205 
 
 Shout, men and brethren, shout, till wafted over 
 the wide waters of our broad and beauteous 
 H umber the voice of freedom wakes from their 
 slumbers the Hucksters of Hull, the Herdsmen of 
 Hedon, the Burgesses of Beverley, the Sailors of 
 Scarborough, the Scavengers of Sunderland, and 
 the Noodles of Newcastle ! Shout, ye lovers of 
 the right and true, until carried on the winds that 
 travel southward, your cry of coming conquest 
 makes the Greatest of Grantham, the Boldest of 
 Boston, the Noisiest of Newark, and the Proudest 
 of Peterborough bite the dust ! Shout ! until the 
 down-trodden people rise to the dignity of true- 
 born sons of Britain. I see from the altitude on 
 which I stand — already from the lofty position I 
 occupy I behold the voters walking up to duty. 
 The Lowliest of Louth lift up their heads, the 
 Grown-down of Grantham spring to real greatness, 
 and the Poor People of Peterborough put off 
 puerile Popery, and put on Protestant power. 
 Already I hear the cry of the new-born sons of 
 freedom : — 
 
 The dwellers in the boroughs long enslaved. 
 Shout to the counties now enslaved no more. 
 Swift as the lightning-flash the message runs, — 
 From town to town the joyous tidings spread ; 
 
2o6 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Till far-off cities catch the glorious sound, 
 
 And the glad tidings roll our grand old Island round. 
 
 Come that blessed day, and then will I willingly 
 resign my robes and chain of office, and retire 
 into the sanctity of private life ! " 
 
 Such a speech as this was irresistible. True, 
 one or two carping critics said it was a clever 
 adaptation of a speech his worship had delivered a 
 few days before, on the occasion of his taking the 
 chair at a great missionary meeting ; but no one 
 heeded these sons of Belial in the general excite- 
 ment. The speech aroused the women, and they 
 aroused the men. An opposition candidate came 
 down, public-houses were opened, beer flowed in 
 torrents, and drunken electors hiccupped out their 
 determination to defend their church and king 
 against the pope and the great house of Bucklesby. 
 Amongst the staunchest defenders of His Majesty 
 and the true faith was Tommy Turnabout, who 
 stood up for the King as a matter of course, and 
 for the church because he was born in it. Tommy, 
 though not an elector, a misfortune he deeply 
 deplored, worked hard for his party, who certainly 
 did their best, and made a hard fight of it. As 
 the election progressed, it was seen that the 
 numbers would be very close. With the exception 
 
ELECTIONS. 207 
 
 of a few waverers, who were waiting to see '^ which 
 side would pay best," nearly every man had 
 promised his vote ; and as had usually been the 
 case in previous elections, not a man deserted his 
 party or " changed his coat." During the early 
 part of the contest the '' Blues" headed the poll ; 
 but subsequently the Protestant defenders of our 
 hearths and homes placed their candidate seven or 
 eight ahead of the foe. Then the other side took 
 the alarm. Money, which had been spent pretty 
 freely before, was now spent more freely than ever ; 
 and votes which had '^ ruled" at twenty pounds 
 each, now fetched a hundred guineas."^ Gentle- 
 men canvassing from house to house suddenly 
 discovered that articles which up to that time had 
 been considered of only ordinary value, were 
 '* worth their weight in gold." One was so taken 
 with the wonderful singing of a canary that he 
 readily gave ^50 for it. Another discovered that 
 a cracked teapot was of a very rare pattern, and 
 though fourscore guineas was asked for it, paid 
 the money without a murmur. Whether the fact 
 of their becoming owners of property made them 
 
 * This price was frequently paid. In what is now called the ** Old 
 Town," there is a large number of houses built on slightly rising ground, 
 known as " Red Hill," a name said to be derived from the fact that many 
 of the houses were built with money paid for votes by the " Reds." 
 
2o8 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 feel that they had an interest in Parliamentary 
 matters or not, we cannot say ; but certainly, those 
 who had previously declared ** that it didn't matter 
 to them which side got in," suddenly felt it to be 
 their duty to do their best to preserve the time- 
 honoured institutions of their county. When the 
 last day but one of the election came the numbers 
 polled on each side were equal, and every available 
 elector had given his vote except one, who having 
 taken ;^ioo from each side had '' made himself 
 scarce," as he feared the mob. What was to be 
 done ."^ The orthodox electors were at their wits* 
 end, and the Mayor anxiously asked ''if no man 
 could be found to save the honour of his ancient 
 town, and preserve the liberties of his imperilled 
 country." Alas ! no response was made to his 
 fervent appeal. Darkness covered the faces of 
 the community, and even the bacchanalian shouts 
 of the free and independent electors were stilled 
 for a while. At length the terrible suspense was 
 ended, and the genius of one man averted the 
 disgrace that threatened the loyal borough. The 
 name of this deliverer was Mr. William Bubbles, 
 or ** Billy Bubbles," as he was commonly called by 
 the vulgar. 
 
 The manner in which this deliverance was 
 
 ] 
 
ELECTIONS. 209 
 
 achieved was as follows : Different suggestions 
 had been made, but declared to be impracticable, 
 and the members of the Central Committee sat 
 for some time without anyone venturing to resume 
 the subject. At length Billy, who had remained 
 silent during the greater part of the discussion, 
 suddenly arose and exclaimed, " Come, this will 
 never do ! What, we are surely not going to give 
 in without an effort. This is not a time to sit still 
 while the ship of state is on her beam-ends. Now 
 is the time for every lover of his country to show 
 his patriotism, not by words, but by deeds. We 
 must all be willing to make common sacrifices for 
 the public good. Remember, men of Grimsby, 
 the address of our noble Mayor. Remember your 
 glorious history. Shame not your fathers ! Rob 
 not your children ! Desert not your country in her 
 hour of need ! 
 
 " Where is the man with soul so dead, 
 Who never to himself hath said, 
 This is my own my native " — 
 
 Whether Billy was about to add town or Country 
 
 will, unfortunately, never be known, for just as 
 
 he was approaching the climax of his quotation 
 
 a tipsy member cried out, " Hear ! hear ! ! 
 
 Hoorah ! ! ! " which so disconcerted him that, 
 
 14 
 
2IO OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 turning suddenly round, he gave the interrupter a 
 blow which sent him " spinning" to the other side 
 of the room, who, on recovering himself, was about 
 to return the compliment, when he was seized by 
 his compatriots and hurried out of the place. As 
 soon as silence had been restored, the chairman, 
 assuming one of his blandest smiles, said : " As 
 friend Bubbles has shown us that he is a man of 
 deeds as well as a man of words, perhaps he will be 
 kind enough to tell us what it was he was going to 
 propose when he rose to his feet." 
 
 Thus appealed to, Billy replied : ''Well, sir, as 
 I was saying when I was so unceremoniously and 
 unnecessarily interrupted, this is a time when every 
 lover of his country must be prepared to show that 
 he is willing to make sacrifices for the general weal, 
 and to prove that that is the case with me I am 
 ready to suffer in the tenderest part. Gentlemen ! 
 several of you are fathers — fathers — gentlemen." 
 Here the chairman coughed, while others showed 
 similar signs of impatience. *' Well, not to detain 
 you, allow me to say that I, like Jephthah, am 
 willing to sacrifice my daughter for the common 
 good." Here the company opened their eyes ; 
 but Bubbles, pursuing the even tenor of his way, 
 continued : '' She's not very young, nor perhaps 
 
ELECTIONS. 211 
 
 very handsome, and may-be she's a bit of a temper, 
 but she's no worse for that ; and, though I say it, 
 she will make any man who knows how to humour 
 her, a real good wife. Now, I've saved a bit of 
 brass, not a deal, to be sure, but anyhow I can 
 spare her a hundred ; and what I propose is, that 
 the committee give her another hundred, and 
 Tommy Turnabout marry her to-morrow morning, 
 and have the money paid to him as soon as he has 
 given us his vote. What do you say to it .f^" 
 
 *' Agreed," cried several of the members 
 simultaneously, " if the proposition suits Tommy. 
 What do you say to it, old boy ?" 
 
 " We-1-1," said Tommy, '' its ra-ther a serious 
 matter. I've never seen Mrs. — I beg pardon, I 
 mean Miss Bubbles, and there's so little time to 
 consider. Besides, may-be she'll not be willing !" 
 
 " O, she'll be all right," said Bubbles. 
 
 "We-1-1," observed Tommy, "a man mustn't 
 stand on niceties at such times as these ; besides, 
 one mud do worse. It might have been a widow 
 with a lot of children." 
 
 '• And, then, there's the two hundred pounds," 
 said the chairman. 
 
 '^ To be sure ; and no doubt the money will be 
 useful," said Tommy. 
 
212 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 "Then we must be off directly," said Bubbles, 
 ''and get a licence at once, for there's no time to 
 lose. So stir your pegs a bit, old fellow, and don't 
 crawl along as if you had been brought up in 
 Slitherpoke Lane." 
 
 Thus appealed to, Tommy followed his intended 
 father-in-law with the meekness of a lamb that is 
 being led to the slaughter. 
 
 Next morning, Tommy, escorted by a select 
 body-guard, who attended him to see that he was 
 ''kept all right," was taken to church in a cab, where 
 he took Miss Bubbles for better or worse ; and at 
 the close of the ceremony was driven, armed with 
 his marriage lines, to the office of the town clerk, 
 where he " took up his freedom," and immediately 
 proceeded to the polling-booth and voted for the 
 popular candidate. His was the last vote recorded 
 and at the close of the poll it was found that the 
 defender of that much assailed and somewhat 
 inexplicable thing called the " British Constitution," 
 had been elected by a majority of one. 
 
 One amusing circumstance connected with the 
 wedding is worth recording. On leaving the vestry 
 Tommy gallantly offered his arm to his bride, and 
 escorted her to the cab. While she was 
 endeavouring to get into it he noticed, for the first 
 
 i 
 
ELECTIONS. 213 
 
 time, that she Hmped, and exclaimed, in a tone 
 of mingled surprise and disappointment '' Betsy, 
 my dear, are you lame ?" This unfortunate 
 expression was at once caught up by the crowd of 
 irreverent youths who clustered around the church 
 porch, and was repeated again and again as they 
 followed the carriage that contained the bride and 
 her friends. Indeed, for years afterwards, it was 
 no uncommon thing for Tommy to be startled on a 
 dark night by some adventurous youth throwing 
 open his door and shouting, " Betsy, my dear, are 
 you lame ?" a recreation in which, it is as well to 
 confess, we have frequently taken a part. 
 
 The last election for two members was strongly 
 contested. I have before me " The Poll of the 
 Selection of Two Burgesses To serve in Parlia- 
 ment for the Borough of Great Grimsby, Taken 
 on Monday, May 2nd, 1831." The candidates 
 were : — George Harris, Esq., John Villiers 
 Shelley, Esq., Rees Howell Gronow, Esq., and 
 Henry William Hobhouse, Esq. 
 
 The all-absorbing question appears to have 
 been the '' Reform Bill." The fact that the 
 proposed Bill provided for taking one member 
 from Grimsby led to it being fiercely opposed. 
 This was awkward for the Whig candidates. 
 
214 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Gronow and Hobhouse. The former, while 
 supporting the Bill, promised to use ''strenuous 
 exertions to procure an exception in favour of 
 so important a place of Commerce." As, how- 
 ever, the book is exceedingly rare and the subject 
 of more than ordinary interest, we give the address 
 in full, and those of the other candidates also. 
 
 TO THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN, AND THE 
 
 INDEPENDENT FREEMEN OF THE 
 
 TOWN OF GREAT GRIMSBY. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Deeply impressed with the importance of your Town as a 
 place of Commerce, I appear before you, with diffidence, as a 
 Candidate for the honor of representing it in Parliament. I 
 candidly avow myself to be a decided advocate for Reform ; and 
 although I perceive the Town of Great Grimsby is included in 
 the Schedule B. by which it would be deprived of one of its 
 Representatives, I beg to assure you that my most strenuous 
 exertions shall be used, and I am emboldened to declare my 
 most sanguine hope, (from particular circumstances,) of pro- 
 curing an exception in favor of so important a place of 
 Commerce. 
 
 It is therefore, Gentlemen, with feelings of the deepest 
 anxiety for your interest, that I appear before you, as it will 
 be my pride and utmost study to exert all the influence I can 
 command towards increasing the prosperity and welfare of your 
 highly respectable Town. 
 
 If the object of my ambition should be gratified by being 
 placed by your suff'rages in the enviable situation of one of 
 your Representatives in Parliament ; I can only assure you, it 
 
ELECTIONS. 215 
 
 will be my increasing effort to uphold your interests to my 
 utmost ability. 
 
 With these sentiments, allow me to subscribe myself, 
 
 Gentlemen, your most Obedient Servant, 
 
 R. H. GRONOW. 
 
 4, Chesterfield St., May Fair, April 24, 1831. 
 
 His colleague, Mr. Hobhouse, while evidently 
 in favour of the Bill, — the whole Bill, and nothing 
 but the Bill, promises to oppose " any disfranchise- 
 ment which may be inadvertently included in the 
 Bill." His address, which was "To the Inde- 
 pendent Burgesses," was in the following terms : — 
 
 TO THE INDEPENDENT BURGESSES OF THE 
 BOROUGH OF GREAT GRIMSBY. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Though called upon at the eleventh hour to become a 
 candidate for the honor of representing your Interests and 
 Opinions in Parliament, I do not hesitate to attend the 
 summons at this important crisis. 
 
 Gentlemen, the King has spoken — he has declared that a 
 predominating faction shall not continue to exercise its uncon- 
 stitutional influence in the House of Commons, against the 
 prerogatives of the Crown, and the rights of the people. He 
 has declared that the law of England shall be respected ; that 
 we shall be taxed by our representatives. 
 
 The Country has universally confirmed these sentiments. 
 
 Let us then make common cause with our King and the 
 People in this glorious struggle — I seek no greater honor than 
 to associate my efforts with your own, if you shall think me 
 worthy of representing you. 
 
2i6 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Let me also declare, that it shall be my constant care to 
 watch over the local Interests of your flourishing Town — and 
 that I will particularly direct my efforts to the removal of any 
 disfranchisement which may be inadvertently included in the 
 Bill. 
 
 I have the honor to be, 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Your faithful Servant, 
 
 H. W. HOBHOUSE. 
 
 Great Grimsby^ 29th April, 1831. 
 
 The addresses of the Conservative candidates 
 v^^ere as follows : — 
 
 TO THE WORTHY & INDEPENDENT BURGESSES 
 OF THE BOROUGH OF GREAT GRIMSBY. 
 
 My Esteemed Friends, 
 
 I have again the pleasure of presenting myself to your 
 notice as a Candidate for the distinguished honor of representing 
 you in Parliament. Having recently had the great satisfaction 
 of appearing before you and explaining my sentiments and my 
 conduct on the great and important Measure which had for its 
 object the deprivation of your ancient and vested Rights : I 
 deem any further comment on that subject unnecessary, I trust, 
 however, you are fully convinced that I have used every exertion 
 in answer to applications, having for their object the advance- 
 ment of your general and individual Interests. 
 
 I cannot conceal the gratification I shall derive in intro- 
 ducing to your notice my Friend, J. V. Shelley, Esq., (son of 
 Sir John Shelley, Baronet,) a gentleman whose opinions are in 
 perfect unison with my own, and whose manly defence of the 
 
ELECTIONS. 217 
 
 British Constitution in the House of Commons fully entitles 
 him to your warmest gratitude. — 
 
 With the strongest feelings of regard, believe me 
 Your faithful Friend, 
 
 GEO. HARRIS. 
 
 York Chambers, St. James', 23rd April, 1831. 
 
 TO THE WORTHY AND INDEPENDENT FREEMEN 
 OF THE BOROUGH OF GREAT GRIxMSBY. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 A sudden dissolution of Parliament in consequence of the 
 defeat the ministers have sustained on that clause of the Reform 
 Bill which proposes to reduce the number of English Represen- 
 tatives, again places in your hands the Elective Franchise. 
 
 I beg leave to offer myself as a Candidate for the honor of 
 representing your ancient Borough in Parliament ; anxious to 
 discharge a great public duty, by defending the Constitution of 
 England, as by law established. 
 
 Although wishing to see a Reform, which would be a real 
 amendment of the abuses in the Representative system, I can- 
 not bring myself to look upon the proposed measure, otherwise 
 than as a crude and ill-digested experiment, and calculated to 
 overturn all social order, and good Government ; should these 
 sentiments agree with the feelings of the Electors of the Borough 
 of Great Grimsby : and should they consider me worthy of the 
 important trust of representing them in Parliament, they will 
 ever find me at my post doing my Duty to them and to my 
 Country and anxious to promote their interests to the best of 
 my abilities ; convinced that upon the Energies of the true 
 Friends of the Constitution, at this critical period, depends the 
 Permanency of the state, and the welfare of this Country. 
 
2i8 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 I shall immediately make a personal canvass of the 
 Borough in conjunction with your worthy and respected Friend, 
 Captain Harris : and hope to find the political principles of its 
 Electors agree with my own, in wishing for a safe and practic- 
 able Reform ; but adverse to this most unjust and tyrannical 
 measure. 
 
 I have the honor to be. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient and very humble Servant, 
 
 JOHN VILLIERS SHELLEY. 
 
 Along with the addresses there is one from Sir 
 Charles Wood, stating that, finding it impossible 
 to absent himself for a sufficient time to allow him 
 to make a personal canvass of his friends, he had 
 been under the painful necessity of declining to 
 again offer himself as a candidate. He had twice 
 been returned, and had supported the Reform 
 Bill, and ventured to assert in his address that it 
 would tend to preserve the rights of the electors 
 and of their children, while their constituency would 
 be placed upon a firm and independent basis. 
 
 There is also a letter signed Geo. Tennyson, 
 stating that he had been informed that one of the 
 candidates had publicly stated that he had no par- 
 ticluar wish as to the conduct his friends should 
 pursue relative to the Question of Reform, with 
 which the country was then agitated ; and adding, 
 
ELECTIONS. 219 
 
 '* Now I must contradict that statement in the 
 most positive terms ; — by saying it is my most 
 earnest wish, that all my Friends should give their 
 most strenuous support to the Measure — and if that 
 they will do so, by supporting the Candidates in 
 the Blue-Interest." 
 
 On Monday, May 2nd, '' the Electors and 
 others assembled in and about the Town Hall 
 at an early hour." After '' the usual Proclamation 
 had been made, and the Precept of the High 
 Sheriff of Lincolnshire, and the requisite Acts of 
 Parliament had been read," the Nomination took 
 place. The Poll commenced '^ about Two o'clock, 
 and closed about Seven, when, after due pro- 
 clamation, the numbers were announced " as 
 follows : — 
 
 Harris - - - - 200 
 
 Shelley - - - - 192 
 
 Gronow - - - - 187 
 
 Hobhouse - - - 173 
 
 From an analysis of the poll it was found that the 
 total number of freemen polled was i^yG, who dis- 
 tributed their votes as follows : — 
 
 Harris and Shelley - - 184 
 
 Harris and Gronow - 13 
 
 Harris and Hobhouse - - 3 
 
 Shelley and Gronow - - 6 
 
2 20 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Shelley and Hobhouse - - 2 
 
 Gronow and Hobhouse - - 168 
 
 The poll, as printed, gives the names and votes, 
 on the first page, of eleven aldermen and twelve 
 common-councilmen ; of these John Lusby, who 
 heads the list, voted for Harris and Gronow ; 
 William Bancroft for the two Reds, and nine for 
 the two Blues. Of the ^'councilmen," two voted 
 Red, ten Blue. Of merchants, one was Blue, one 
 Red, and one split. One gentleman Blue, nine 
 Red. Farmers, two Blue, one Red. Only one 
 schoolmaster, and he split his vote. Two attorneys 
 and one attorney's clerk, all Blue. Beside these 
 analysis shows that there were a Blue ratcatcher, 
 ironmonger, flaxdresser, silversmith, dock master, 
 currier, horsebreaker, confectioner, turner, gar- 
 dener, grazier, lathriver, and a Blue nutseller. 
 There was also a Red orangeseller, tallow-chandler, 
 millwright, weaver, and well-sinker. Of publi- 
 cans, seven were Red, and three Blue. Surgeons, 
 one of each colour. The butchers were five Red, 
 three Blue, one split. P'ifteen shoemakers were 
 Red, nine Blue, and two splits ; while two cord- 
 wainers were both Blue. Mariners, thirty-three 
 Red, eleven Blue, seven split. Soldiers, two Red, 
 one Blue. Tailors, eight Red, three Blue, one 
 
ELECTIONS. 221 
 
 split. Carpenters, four to one. Bakers, three to 
 one. Glovers, two to one. Millers, two to one. 
 Blacksmiths, two to seven. Whitesmiths, seven, 
 all Blues ; while both the brewers and drapers 
 were Red. Druggists, one to one, and one split. 
 Booksellers, one Red, one split, and one Blue 
 printer ; and the three painters were all of one 
 colour. Blue. The joiners were eleven to seven. 
 Stonemasons, four to one. Bricklayers, four to 
 five. Brickmakers, two to three. Nailmakers, 
 both Blue ; ditto, two tile-makers. Carters, three 
 to four, one split. Sawyers, both Blue. The 
 two hairdressers, watchmakers, shipwrights, were 
 evenly divided, being of each colour. The 
 labourers were thirty Keds, seventeen Blues, and 
 three splits. 
 
 There was evidently a vast amount of bribery 
 during the struggle, for on petition being pre- 
 sented the election was declared null and void, 
 and on August loth another contest took place, 
 when the figures stood : — 
 
 Hon. Hy. Fitzroy - - - 182 
 
 Lord Loughborough - - 181 
 
 H. Bellender Ker - - - 160 
 
 Wm. Maxwell - - - 153 
 
 The new members, however, did not long 
 
222 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 enjoy their seats, for on the passing of the Reform 
 Bill a new Parliament had to be elected, and on 
 December loth, 1832, the first election under the 
 new state of things took place. The Reform Bill 
 appears to have altered matters altogether, as far 
 as Grimsby was concerned. The borough only 
 returned one member, and the constitutency was 
 increased, though not to a very large extent, 
 judging from the numbers polled, which was as 
 follows : — 
 
 Captain Wm. Maxwell (/) - - 298 
 
 Lord Loughborough (c) - - 158 
 
 The disproportion in the numbers polled is very 
 marked, and for the first time the members are 
 distinguished by the signs L. and C, for Liberal 
 and Conservative. 
 
 The next contest was in 1835, when Edward 
 Heneage, (/), was returned by 260 to over Sir 
 Alexander Grant, (c), 227. Mr. Heneage held 
 the seat until 1852, having been returned in 1837, 
 1 84 1, and 1847, without a contest, when he was 
 defeated by Earl Annesley, {/.-c), by 347 to 286. 
 
 The writer has a vivid recollection of this 
 contest, and many incidents connected with it. 
 One made a lasting impression on his memory. 
 Standing in the midst of a large, but fairly good- 
 
ELECTIONS. 223 
 
 humoured crowd gathered in the market-place, 
 we saw the late member, accompanied by a num- 
 ber of his leading supporters, occupying a room 
 above one of the principal shops, from which the 
 window had been taken, and witnessed the cere- 
 mony of proposing and seconding, which met with 
 but little interruption, although it was evident that 
 an overwhelming majority was "in opposition." 
 When, however, the honourable gentleman came 
 forward, he was saluted with a number of un- 
 pleasant remarks, which evidently disconcerted 
 him. He held his hat in his hands, and gazed 
 intently into it, at what was supposed to be his 
 speech, which had doubtless been written for him, 
 for no one supposed he could compose one himself. 
 His lack of oratorical power had long been a 
 favourite joke, and it was asserted he had never 
 been known to open his lips in the House. 
 Feeling, however, that it was absolutely neces- 
 sary for him to say something, he commenced, 
 '^ Gentlemen and independent e-lec-tors of this 
 ancient borough — this an-cient borough, I have 
 
 represented you too long, — too — long — for ." 
 
 " Heigh, thou hes that," shouted a voice from the 
 crowd, " and we're going to hev' somebody that 
 will represent us better." This sally was caught 
 
224 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 up in a moment, and repeated by hundreds of 
 voices again and again, amid shouts and cheers 
 which completely drowned the candidate's voice, 
 who stood for a while gesticulating in vain until he 
 was compelled to beat a retreat, amid continuous 
 roars of laughter and the confusion of his sup- 
 porters, one of whom was unwise enough to 
 declare that it was a good thing that many of the 
 crowd had no vote ; while another completely 
 ruined any chance of being heard, by declaring 
 in a furious passion, " Some of you will want a 
 day's work before long." This implied threat so 
 irritated the crowd that they refused to hear either 
 the speaker or any other, and the assembly dis- 
 persed cheering for the opposition candidate. 
 
1Religiou0 an& otber Jnetitutione, 
 
 THE history of the Parish and St. Mary's 
 Church, with that of the Abbey and 
 Nunnery, have been already dealt with in the 
 previous pages. Occasional glimpses have been 
 afforded of the religious condition of the people, 
 but we have failed to find any record of the 
 existence of any Puritan or Nonconformist organ- 
 izations until late in the i8th century. 
 
 CONGREGATIONALISTS. 
 
 The Rev. F. W. Newland has kindly 
 
 furnished us with a sketch of the history of the 
 
 Congregationalists, or Independents, as they were 
 
 formerly termed, in which he states that in 1778 
 
 the Rev. Craddock Gloscot visited Grimsby, and 
 
 preached in the streets. A committee was formed, 
 
 and preachers regularly sent by the Countess of 
 
 Huntingdon ; a room opened, and a congregation 
 
 gathered. In 1779, a chapel was opened at the 
 
 corner of Silver Street, of which the Rev. S. 
 
 Bruce became the minister in 1780: he was 
 
 succeeded by the Rev. J. Smelle in 1782. A 
 
 secession occurred, those who left built another 
 
 15 
 
226 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 chapel, which was at length sold to the Primitive 
 Methodists, and the seceders united with the 
 Baptist Church, then being formed. Mr. Smelle 
 remained minister until his decease in 1823, the 
 chapel was then claimed by a relative (having 
 been assigned to Mr. Smelle on account of 
 money advanced), and was sold for a Temperance 
 Hall, the church being dispersed. 
 
 Efforts were made in 1849 to recommence the 
 work and rent the chapel, but without success. 
 In 1853, renewed attempts were made by the 
 Hull and East Riding Association, but again 
 unsuccessfully. At length in 1859, on another 
 attempt, the Mechanics' Hall was taken. The 
 first sermon was preached by the Rev. R. A. 
 Redford m.a., ll.b. (then of Albion Chapel, Hull), 
 and on July 8, i860, Robert Shepherd, of Rother- 
 ham College, commenced his ministry : on August 
 14, i860, a church was formed. The development 
 of the work was largely due to the efforts of John 
 Wintringham, Esq., j.p. 
 
 Spring Church was opened on July 16, 1862 : 
 it seats about 700 persons. The cost of erection 
 was defrayed by the end of 1864. New school- 
 rooms were then built, and the debt on these 
 removed by June, 1870. 
 
RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. 227 
 
 The Rev. R. Shepherd closed his ministry in 
 December, 1871. The Rev. John Fordyce, m.a., 
 scored as pastor from 1872 to 1881, and the Rev. 
 Matthew Stanley from 1882 to 1886, and the 
 Rev. G. Warren from 1886 to 1894, being 
 succeeded in January, 1895, by the Rev. F. W. 
 Newland, m.a. 
 
 In 1886 a church was formed in the West 
 Marsh, and services were held in the Scandina- 
 vian Kirke, rented for the purpose. Recently a 
 new school has been erected, and the Rev. H. 
 Dudley has been appointed pastor. 
 
 On April 21, 1895, the School Church at 
 Welholme was opened, this building was erected 
 at a cost of nearly £ i ,900. Recently a magnificent 
 organ has been erected. 
 
 ^ BAPTISTS. 
 
 This community formed a church at Killing- 
 holme, which worshipped in a chapel there long 
 before a society was formed in Grimsby. How- 
 ever, in 1822, William Grassham came to Grimsby, 
 and settled in the town. Having been a member 
 of the Salthouse Lane Baptist Chapel in Hull, he 
 naturally sought out men who were like-minded 
 
 * We are indebted to Alderman Dobson, j. P. , for the information which 
 is contained in this sketch. 
 
228 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 with himself, and discovered several who had 
 worshipped in the old chapel in Silver Street, 
 under Mr. Smelle, which was closed, and they 
 determined to endeavour to form a society in 
 Grimsby. They succeeded, and shortly engaged 
 a schoolroom in Burgess Street, which had 
 formerly been built for a Masonic Lodge. 
 Services were conducted by ministers from 
 Killingholme and Hull on the Sabbath, until 
 the cause became sufficiently strong to warrant 
 the purchase of a freehold land and cottages in 
 Upper Burgess Street, from the writer's grand- 
 father, Jabez Robinson, who sold the whole for 
 £12,' In 1824 a small chapel and schoolroom 
 were built at a cost of ;^289 and £2>7 respectively. 
 The present Lecture Hall occupies the site then 
 acquired. 
 
 The Rev. Abraham Greenwood, pastor of the 
 church at Killingholme, one of the thirteen 
 devoted men who founded the Baptist Missionary 
 Society, October 2nd, 1792, at Kettering, 
 rendered considerable assistance in founding the 
 church in Grimsby. 
 
 The first pastor was the Rev. Stephen Marston. 
 who removed from Gainsborough. His salary 
 was ;^5o per annum. He was a devoted minister, 
 
RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. 229 
 
 and eked out a scanty living by keeping a lady's 
 boarding school. He was the father of the late 
 John Westland Marston, the dramatic author. 
 The land behind the chapel was used as a burial- 
 ground. The first person interred in it was Mr. 
 Grassham. About forty persons in all were 
 buried there, amongst whom was the pastor, Mr. 
 Marston, to whose memory a tablet was placed on 
 the walls of the old chapel, which still exists, and 
 bears testimony to the affection of the people to 
 whom he ministered for fourteen years. 
 
 Mr. Marston was succeeded by the Rev. D. 
 Margarum, who for a time was somewhat popular. 
 But soon difficulties beween pastor and the church 
 occurred, litigation ensued, in which the latter 
 was defeated, a secession took place consisting of 
 almost the entire church, the members of which 
 engaged the Oddfellow's Hall in Victoria Street, 
 and endeavoured to rally its scattered forces, 
 
 Mr. Margarum struggled along for some time 
 with a few adherents, until the chapel was deserted 
 and the mortgagee sued for the debt upon it. 
 Mr. Margarum found none to deliver him ; a pad- 
 lock was placed upon the door, and eventually 
 the old members succeeded in recovering posses- 
 sion of their old home. A Sunday school was 
 
230 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 formed, and the Rev. Joseph Burton engaged as 
 pastor, in November, 1849. Mr. Burton had 
 been successful as a missionary in Jamaica and 
 the Bahamas. He undertook the pastorate with- 
 out the idea of any permanent stay, his preference 
 being for evangeHstic work. He remained 
 however three years. After being suppHed with 
 different preachers for some time, the Rev. B. 
 Preeder was obtained as pastor, in April, 1852, 
 but he only remained until January, 1853. 
 
 He was succeeded in October, 1854, by the 
 Rev. R. Hogg, a Manxman, whose quaint and 
 spiritual ministry was made a great blessing. He 
 was greatly beloved, but his labours were cut 
 short by his death, which took place May 26th, 
 1857. He was interred in the old cemetery, 
 where a tombstone still stands which was erected 
 to his memory by his affectionate flock. 
 
 Rev. R. Smart followed in 1857. "A season 
 of great prosperity set in." The chapel was 
 speedily filled, and a host of young men were 
 gathered into the church. In i860 the chapel 
 was enlarged at a cost of ^400. This, however, 
 led to some dissension on the part of disappointed 
 tradesmen, which was followed by differences of 
 opinion respecting the administration of church 
 
RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. 231 
 
 affairs, which ended in a division. A new chapel 
 in Freeman Street was erected, of which Mr. 
 Smart became the pastor, which position he 
 occupied until his death. 
 
 Mr. Smart was followed in the pastorate by the 
 Rev. W. Orton, who, after some years, retired 
 from active work, and was succeeded by the Rev. 
 J. T. Owens, and he by the present minister, the 
 Rev. R. C. Ford, M.A. 
 
 Since the erection of the Freeman Street 
 Chapel, the present spacious " Tabernacle " has 
 been built of which the Rev. J. Edmonds Is now 
 pastor. 
 
 METHODISM. 
 
 Methodism was introduced into Grimsby as 
 early as 1743, when the population numbered 
 about 1,000. John Wesley had visited Lincoln- 
 shire as an evangelist about two years previously, 
 and in February, 1743, William Blow, a cord- 
 wainer of Grimsby, residing in the High Street, 
 now known as the old Market Place, having 
 heard of him, ''journeyed " to Epworth, a distance 
 of twenty-four miles, to request him to visit 
 Grimsby. Wesley, not being able to comply with 
 the request, sent the famous John Nelson, who 
 started from Epworth, in company with a boy 
 
232 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 about twelve years of age and a man from 
 Grimsby, on foot, and walked until overtaken by 
 the night, and were obliged to seek shelter among 
 strangers, where they were hospitably entertained. 
 They reached Grimsby the next morning, and 
 soon collected a congregation. Nelson opened his 
 Bible, and said, '* Hear ye the word of the Lord," 
 reading two or three verses and expounding 
 them. The second night, Mr. Francis Walker, 
 a schoolmaster, offered Nelson his schoolroom, 
 which formed part of extensive premises known 
 as Torret Hall, the entrance to which was by a 
 flight of steps on the outside from Bethlehem 
 Street. Nelson accepted the offer, and as a result 
 of his visit a Methodist Society was formed, con- 
 sisting of about fifteen members. 
 
 For some time there was no preaching, but a 
 class-meeting was held in Mr. Blow's house, when 
 one of the members sometimes read one of the 
 Homilies. Nelson paid a second visit to Grimsby 
 in J une of the same year, and so large a congrega- 
 tion assembled that he was obliged to stand upon 
 a table which was placed outside the house, while 
 he addressed the people who listened attentively, 
 and although ''the minster and three men came 
 to play at quoits, as near the people as they could 
 
RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. 233 
 
 get, with all their playing and shouting they could 
 not draw any one from hearing. 
 
 In the spring of 1744 Nelson visited the town 
 a third time. He describes in his journal the 
 treatment he met with in his usually graphic style. 
 The vicar, the Rev. Samuel Prince, '' got a man 
 to beat the town drum/' and himself marched 
 before it, and gathered all the rabble he could, 
 "giving them liquor to go with him and fight for 
 the Church. When they came to Mr. Blow's 
 door, they set up three hurrahs, and the parson 
 cried out, ' Pull down the house ! pull down the 
 house!'" While Nelson was peaching no one 
 seemed courageous enough to do so. 
 
 Nelson was a true hero of the Cross : " He 
 had," wrote Southey, in his *' Life of Wesley," 
 '^ as high a spirit and as brave a heart as English- 
 man was ever blessed with." His dauntless 
 bearing awed the mob, who seemed powerless for 
 harm while he stood before them. No sooner, 
 however, had he ceased, than the cowards, having 
 been primed with a fresh supply of liquor, attacked 
 the house, broke every square in the windows, 
 abused the people as they came out and maltreated 
 the women, until some of the mob attacked their 
 comrades, and the congregation escaped. The 
 
234 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 "minister," however, ''gathered them together 
 again," giving them more drink, and returning 
 they broke the stanchions of the windows, and 
 pulling up the pavement threw the stones into 
 the house, broke the furniture, the parson crying 
 out, '' If they will not turn out the villain, that we 
 may put him in the black ditch, pull down the 
 house." So outrageous was the conduct of the 
 mob, that a townsman went to an alderman and 
 said, " Some order must be taken with these men, 
 for if they be suffered to go on as they do, they 
 will ruin William Blow, and I fear they will kill 
 somebody." But this ''Justice of the Peace, and 
 defender of true religion," declared he would " do 
 nothing but lend his mash-tub to pump the 
 preacher in." After cursing, swearing, fighting, 
 and rioting, from seven o'clock till almost twelve 
 at night, the mob dispersed, the parson promising 
 to reward the drummer for his pains, saying, " Be 
 sure to come at five in the morning, for the 
 villian will be preaching again then." Accordingly 
 the drummer attended at the appointed hour, and 
 as soon as Nelson appeared and announced a 
 hymn, commenced drumming, and continued to 
 do so for near three-quarters of an hour, when 
 seeing that he could not hinder the service 
 
RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. 235 
 
 proceeding, he laid down his drum and stood and 
 listened to the preacher, and shortly the tears ran 
 down his cheeks, and at the close he expressed 
 great sorrow for what he had done. As he went 
 up the town, along with several others, '' the 
 parson met them and bade them to be sure and 
 come at seven o'clock." *' No, Sir," said the 
 drummer, " I will never beat a drum to disturb 
 yonder people any more while breath is in my 
 body." " We had great peace in our shattered 
 house that night, and God's presence was amongst 
 us," wrote in the indomitable preacher. 
 
 The Rev. Charles Wesley visited Grimsby 
 early in January, 1747, and met with similar treat- 
 ment. The mob shouted and howled, and yelled 
 themselves hoarse, and refused to allow the sweet 
 singer of Methodism to proceed, until they 
 quarrelled among themselves, when the room was 
 cleared of disturbers, and Mr. Wesley preached 
 for half-an-hour without further molestation. He 
 was not allowed, however, to leave the town in 
 peace, for on the morning of his departure he was 
 pelted with rotten eggs. 
 
 The father of Methodism, John Wesley, visited 
 Grimsby October 24th, 1743, when finding the 
 house not large enough to contain one-fourth of 
 
236 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 the congregation, he "stood in the street and 
 exhorted every prodigal to arise and go to '*his 
 Father." One or two persons made an attempt 
 to interrupt the preacher, but were prevented by 
 their own companions. A townsman promised 
 the use of a large room the next day, but when 
 the time for the preaching came retracted his 
 promise. Wesley, nothing daunted, determined 
 to preach at the Cross, but the rain prevented his 
 doing so there, but *'a woman who was a sinner " 
 offered him a very convenient place, and the great 
 evangelist preached of Him ''whom God hath 
 exalted to give repentance and remission of sins." 
 *' And," says the preacher, *' God so confirmed the 
 word of His grace that I marvelled any one could 
 withstand Him." In the evening he ''enlarged 
 upon her sins and faith who washed our Lord's 
 feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of 
 her head," with such effect that the woman and 
 well nigh the whole congregation "were utterly 
 broken in pieces." She followed Wesley to his 
 lodgings, crying out. " O, Sir! what must I do 
 to be saved .'^" After inquiring into her case, 
 Wesley informer her she must return at once to 
 her husband ; when she stated that her husband 
 was above a hundred miles off, at Newcastle-on- 
 
RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. 237 
 
 Tyne. Then the man replied : " I am going to 
 Newcastle in the morning, you may go with 
 me. William Blow shall take you behind him." 
 And so he did. The woman rejoined her husband. 
 Some time afterwards, while bound for Hull, the 
 ship in which she sailed was overtaken by a storm, 
 sprung a leak, and though the vessel was near the 
 shore, and a number of people assembled to render 
 help if possible, all was unavailing, and the poor 
 woman was seen standing on the deck, clinging to 
 the ropes till the ship disappeared. Even then, 
 for some moments, they could observe her floating 
 upon the waves, till her clothes, which buoyed her 
 up, being thoroughly wet, she sunk. ** I trust," 
 wrote Wesley, " in the ocean of God's mercy." 
 
 Wesley paid several other visits to Grimsby 
 between 1743 ^.nd 1788. His reception during 
 his later visits was very different to that of his 
 first. Frequently vast crowds assembled to listen 
 to him, and on Monday, June 30th, 1788, he 
 reached Grimsby about 5 o'clock, and the vicar, 
 not his old persecutor, but the Rev. Lindsey 
 Haldenby, b.a., reading the prayers. Wesley 
 preached on the psalm for the day, " the church 
 not being so well filled in the memory of man 
 before. All were seriously attentive, and many 
 
238 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 received the word with joy." The next morning 
 the vicar again read prayers, and Wesley preached 
 from a passage in the second lesson, speaking as 
 plainly as he '^ possibly could." ^ 
 
 The first meeting-house was erected in 1757. 
 Its entrance was from the Bull Ring. It afforded 
 accomodation for 200 persons, and was opened by 
 Wesley himself on July 16, 1757. It cost ^yS 
 3s. 3d., and ^65 19s. 3^d. was contributed 
 towards that amount. By 1807 it was too small 
 for the congregation that crowded it, and in 1808 
 a much larger building was erected in New Street, 
 which was enlarged in 1837, and ultimately 
 superseded by the noble structure in George 
 Street, which was built in 1847. Since that time, 
 Victoria, Duncombe Street, Arlington Street, and 
 South Parade Chapels have been erected. 
 
 PRIMITIVE METHODISM 
 was introduced into *' Old Grimsby" on October 
 31, 1 8 19, by the Rev Thomas King of Notting- 
 ham. 
 
 He had given up a lucrative position for 
 the work of Evangelism, and laboured with 
 marked success for many years. He met with 
 
 * The above is taken from the last entry in the Joumah respecting 
 Grimsby. Wesley being then in his eighty-sixth year. 
 
RELIGIOUS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS. 239 
 
 great and almost unsuperable difficulties but 
 succeeded in laying the foundation of a work which 
 has continued to spread to the present day. First 
 a stable, was occupied for religious services, then 
 a portion of a large warehouse opposite Grime 
 Street, then a disused chapel in Loft Street was 
 purchased, which, after undergoing enlargements, 
 was sold and superseded by the present building 
 in Victoria Street. A chapel had been already 
 built in Cleethorpe Road, then Hainton Street, 
 Flottergate, Ebenezer, and other places were 
 erected, until at present the Connection has 
 eighteen chapels in the two Grimsby Circuits and 
 property to the value of about ^40,000. 
 
 The Free Methodists, were not founded until 
 "Old Grimsby" had become modern, and the 
 Railway and Docks about finished. They have 
 now a large chapel in Freeman Street, and have 
 recently erected a second one in Park Street, 
 where they are carrying on a successful Mission. 
 The Presbyterians, Salvation Army, and others, 
 have also places of worship, but these are of recent 
 date. 
 
 This is also the case with the Roman Catholics. 
 We have had the privilege of perusing a most 
 interesting volume of notes by Mr. Drake, Draper 
 
240 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 of Victoria Street, in which he gives an account 
 of his recollections of Grimsby as he found it in 
 1852, when he came to reside in the town. He 
 found a number of Irishmen, who had been 
 brought over from Ireland direct, to work at the 
 New Dock, who were Roman Catholics. These 
 soon gathered around him, and after many 
 struggles, services were established, conducted by 
 priests from Louth, Brigg, and other places, and 
 eventually a resident Priest was secured and 
 ultimately the present church erected. 
 
lEbucationaL 
 
 THERE is but scanty Information In the 
 Borough Records of the means employed 
 to educate the people, before the times of Edward 
 VI. During his reign an order was made for the 
 erection of a Grammar School for the sons of Free- 
 men, and a grant made of 'Mands and tenements 
 to the yearly value of 40 marks for the support of 
 the school. Also license to Thomas Thomlynson, 
 perpetual chaplain of the chantry called Raynard 
 Chauntrle In the Parish Church of St. James, to 
 give and grant that chantry, and all Its manors, etc., 
 to the Mayor and Burgesses, in part satisfaction of 
 the said 40 marks ; the same being of the yearly 
 value of ;^4 5s. 6d., over and above 9s. 6d., 
 reserved to the King as a tenth." 
 
 Catherine Mason, a few years after the erection 
 of the Free Grammar School, gave to the Mayor 
 and Burgesses an annuity of ^7, payable out of 
 lands In Guelceby, Aterby and Scamblesby, 
 " towards the finding and maintaining of one 
 schoolmaster to teach within the borough, children 
 
 their grammar and Latin tongue." 
 
 10 
 
242 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 The School was erected in what was afterwards 
 called Chantry Lane, which at that time was 
 nothing but a foot path leading from the Bull-ring to 
 the Little Field, called Beinby. It crossed 
 Cartersgate, at its junction with which it passed 
 by the mansions of William Hatclyffe and Richard 
 Thymbleby. 
 
 The schools were endowed from lands which as 
 already stated formerly belonging Rayner's chantry 
 in St. James' Church. In the Corporation Box, 
 No. I are several letters patent respecting these 
 lands. One is dated June 5, 1342, 6 Edward III. 
 licensing " Edmund de Grymesby to give and 
 assign to a chaplain in the Church of St. James 
 ten tofts in Grymesby, and 13s. 4d., yearly from a 
 messuage late of Robert David in the same town ; 
 which premises were held in burbage of the King, 
 viz., the messuage by the service of six marks and 
 the tofts by the service of 3s. 4d." 
 
 Under date Sept. 12 of the same year, letters 
 patent licensed the said Edmund de Grymesby to 
 give and assign to two chaplains ten marks' worth 
 of lands, tenements, and rents, except lands held 
 of the King in chief, and on March 12, 1345, letters 
 to the same licensing him to grant to the said 
 chaplains seven shops, twelve acres of land, and 
 
EDUCATIONAL. 243 
 
 five acres of meadow, in Grymesby held of the 
 King in free burbage, and worth 26s. 8d. 
 
 A second school was afterwards erected in New 
 Street, to which a master was appointed, in which 
 junior scholars were prepared for the higher school. 
 
 These have been merged in new schools which 
 are still under the regulation of the Corporation. 
 
 Early in the present century a '' National Sunday 
 School " was commenced, under the guidance of 
 the Rev. Geo. Oliver, Vicar, and others. It was 
 liberally supported ; the income as appears from 
 the second report being over £60. The Hon. 
 Miss Pelham was Patroness. To an old Grim- 
 barian like the writer, the report has many points of 
 interest. In the list of donors we find such names 
 as Henage, Pelham, Oliver, Daubney, Moody, 
 Goulton, Tennyson, and others. While among 
 the Teachers we find Marshall, Shelton, Robin- 
 son, Joy, Veal, Smith, Searby, Squire, Carritt, 
 Daubney, Woolmer, Blair, Lieut. Hornby, R. N., 
 and many other old Grimsby names. 
 
 The following preface to the General Report is 
 worth quoting, as illustrative of the stand-point 
 from which the educational question was received 
 by our ancestors. 
 
 '* Impressed with sentiments of lively gratitude 
 
244 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 to the Great Author and Dispenser of all blessings, 
 they feel it impossible to enter upon a detail of 
 the Annual transactions, without first paying a 
 tribute to His beneficience who alone can bless 
 our feeble efforts to promote His honour with pros- 
 perity and success. 
 
 In imparting to the lower orders of the Com- 
 munity a competent knowledge of the ground of 
 their obligations to God and man, a benefit is 
 conferred, indeprivable in its nature, and in- 
 estimable in its effects. The human mind, ever 
 active, and ardently bent to the attainment of 
 happiness, cannot remain quiescent. If it be not 
 directed to the acquisitions of piety and virtue, if 
 it be not engaged in laudable pursuits, it will be 
 employed in vicious meditations, or perhaps in the 
 actual commission of crime. And the numerous 
 violations of divine and human laws, which stain 
 the pages of our civil Records, may most frequently 
 be traced to the neglect of cultivation in early life. 
 
 To prevent these evils in the next generation 
 is one great object of the system of education, and 
 the effects already produced in Grimsby, render 
 the Committee sanguine in their expectations of 
 still more extensive benefits." 
 
 So sanguine indeed were the Committee, owing 
 
EDUCATIONAL. 245 
 
 to the large Increase in donations that they com- 
 menced a ''Day-School'' for the reception of poor 
 children three days in each week, and did not doubt 
 but that the benefits resulting from the operation 
 of this "limited plan," would become so apparent, 
 as to induce the inhabitants in general to enlarge 
 their contributions for the purpose of establishing 
 a permanent school for every day in the week, 
 which would '* tend to improve the rising gener- 
 ation, and render them good christians and valuable 
 members of Society." 
 
 The various dissenting bodies were also active 
 in the same good work, and with marked results. 
 
 The present condition of education in the town 
 does not come within the rano^e of this work. 
 
36ibliograpbi?. 
 
 Historical Manuscript Commission. Fourteenth 
 Report. Appendix, Part VIII. 
 
 The Manuscripts of Lincoln, Bury St. 
 
 Edmunds, and Great Grimsby Corporations ; and 
 
 of the Deans and Chapters of Worcester and 
 Lichfield, etc. 
 
 Presented to both Houses of Parliament by 
 Command of Her Majesty. 
 
 London : Printed for Her Majesties Stationary 
 Office by Eyre and Spottiswoode. 
 
 And to be purchased, either directly or through 
 any bookseller, from Eyre and Spottiswoode, 
 East Harding Street, Fleet Street, E.C., and 
 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster, S.W. 
 
 [C— 7881] Price IS. 5d. 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 247 
 
 Oliver^ George, The monumental antiquities 
 of Great Grimsby : an essay towards ascertaining 
 its origin and ancient population. Containing 
 also a brief account of the two magnificent 
 churches and the five religious houses which were 
 once the grace and ornament of the town ; an 
 abstract of the charters and privileges of the 
 borough ; biographical notices of eminent natives 
 of Grimsby ; lists of High Stewards, Members of 
 Parliament, etc., by George Oliver, Vicar of Clee, 
 etc. Hull: Printed by Isaac Wilson, Lowgate, 
 1825, 8vo., pp. 99. 
 
 Oliver, George. The History and Antiquities 
 of the Conventual Church of Saint James, Great 
 Grimsby, with notes illustrative and explanatory, 
 etc. Grimsby: Printed by W. Skelton, the 
 Market Place, 1829, 8vo., pp. 60. 
 
 Walker, Robert. A succient but copious 
 abridgement of various charters granted to the 
 town of Gri^nsby, with some account of its origin, 
 ellucidating also a variety of its ancient and 
 present customs with the oaths, as well taken by, 
 Municipal Officers, as by the Burgesses, in 
 admission to their Freedom. By Robert Walker, 
 with kind aid. Great Grimsby : Printed by Ann 
 for the Author, 1833, i^mo., pp. 119. 
 
248 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 Davenport, J. B. Illustrated Guide to Clee- 
 thorpes visitor's Handbook to Great Grimsby, with 
 a historical account of Thornton Abbey. Roch- 
 dale : Printed and published by J. B. Davenant, 
 8vo., pp. 3^- 
 
 A description of the New Docks at Great 
 Grimsby, situated at the mouth of the great 
 estuary of the Humber ; and of the Manchester, 
 Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, and other 
 Railways in direct communication. With a plan 
 of the Docks and Maps of the Railways in 
 connection. Manchester, 8vo., pp. 24. 
 
 Oliver, Geo. Ye Byrde of Gryme. An 
 Apologue, by the Rev. G. Oliver, d.d.. Rector of 
 South Hykeham, Vicar of Scopwick, late Rector 
 of Wolverhampton, and Prebendary in the 
 Collegiate School there, and Honorary Member 
 of many Literary Societies at home and abroad. 
 Grimsby : Printed and Published by A. Gait, 
 13, Market Place, 1886, 12 mo., pp. 282. 
 
 Dobs on, Edward, A Guide and Directory to 
 Cleethorpes, with a Historical Account of the 
 place, to which is appended a Perpetual Tide 
 Table, showing the proper time for sea bathing, 
 according to the moon's age ; also a Description 
 of Great Grimsby and the neighbouring villages 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 249 
 
 of Clee, Scartho, Bredley, Laceby, Waltham, 
 Humberstone, Tetney, North Coates, and Marsh- 
 Chapel. By Edward Dobson, 8vo. 
 
 The Twistings and Twinlngs of Mr. Timothy 
 Turnabout. By the Rev. Geo. Shaw. Third 
 Edition. Ninth Thousand. A Grimsby Story. 
 
 Councillor Kerwood's Investment, and What 
 Came of It. By Rev. Geo. Shaw, Author of our 
 Religious Humourists, etc. London : T. Mitchell, 
 48, 49, and 50, Aldersgate Street, E.C. 
 
 The History of Freemasonry in Grimsby from 
 its Introduction to 1892. Comprising: — ''the 
 Spurn and Humber," "the Apollo," "the Pelham 
 Pillar," "the St. Albans," and "the Smyth" 
 Lodges; the Aletheai, and "Oliver" Royal Arch 
 Charters ; and the " Sutcliffe Mark Lodge." By 
 Bro. Anderson Bates, P.M., and 1294 P.P.G.D.C., 
 and D.P.G.M.M.M. of Lincolnshire. Compiled 
 for delivery as Lectures, and published by 
 request, for the benefit of a Local Masonic 
 Charity. 
 
 Grimsby : Published by Albert Gait, Market 
 Place, 1892. 
 
 A Gossip about Old Grimsby, with a complete 
 list of the Mayors from the year 1 202 to the present 
 time ; and the Members for the Borough from 
 
250 OLD GRIMSBY. 
 
 1639. By Anderson Bates, Author of the 
 History of Freemasonry in Grimsby. 
 
 Published for the benefit of the Grimsby and 
 District Hospital. 
 
 Grimsby : 
 Published by Albert Gait, Market Place. 
 
 1893- 
 
 ''Ancient Grimsby" is the title of a Paper 
 read before the Lincoln Diocesan Architectural 
 Society at Grimsby in 1858, by the Rev. J. Wild, 
 Vicar of Tetney. It was subsequently published 
 in Gait's Directory. 
 
 The Gentleman s Magazine for November, 1828, 
 pp., 401, 402, contains an article on "Seals of 
 Town of Grimsby," from the pen of Rev. 
 G. Oliver. 
 
 Stephenson, George Skelton. The Register 
 Book of the Parish Church of Saint James, Great 
 Grimsby, for marriages, christenings, and burials 
 beginning in 1538, and ending in 181 2, 
 edited by George Skelton Stephenson, m.d., 
 pp., xvii., 435, only 80 copies printed by 
 Albert Gait, Grimsby 1889, 8vo. Published 
 by subscription. 
 
 Hocken, Joshua, Rev. A brief History of 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 251 
 
 Wesleyan Methodism in the Grimsby Circuit 
 Rev. Joshua Hocken. 1837. 
 
 Lester, George, Rev. Grimsby Methodism 
 (1743- 1 889) and The Wesley's in Lincolnshire, by 
 George Lester. London Wesleyan Methodist 
 Book Room. 1890, pp., 165. 
 
3n&cy. 
 
 Abbey Hill, 16, 27, 28 
 
 Abbey, The, 16, 18, 37, 45, 47, 
 
 67, 77, 127, 161 
 Abbofcs of Thornton, 49 
 Abbots of Newsham, 49 
 Abbots of Wellow, 122 
 Abott, Billy, Anecdote of, 201 
 Abus, The River, 22 
 Abye, 38 
 
 Agriculture, State of, 167 
 Augustine, St., 45 
 Ainsley, Canon, 67 
 Albemarle, Earl of, 79, 86 
 Albemarle, Countess of, 80 
 Aldermen, 59 
 
 Ale, "Raw" and "Buttered," 131 
 Alford, 38, 115 
 Ancholme, River, 112 
 Anchorage, Fees for, 65 
 Ancient Britons, 15, 19 
 Anecdotes, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 121, 
 
 122, 130, 149, 199, 200, 201, 
 
 209, 223 
 Angles, The, 29, 30, 31 
 Anglo-Saxons, 29 
 Anglo-Saxon Poem, 10 
 Anglia, East, 29, 34, 35, 154 
 Annals of Commerce, 23 
 Annerley, Patrick, 143 
 Annesley, Earl of, M. P., 222 
 Antiquities of Grimsby, 17 
 Antonine's description of Britain,! 
 Aquitaine, Duke of, 80 
 Archbishop Whitgift, 46 
 Archery, 97 
 Art, John le, 136 
 Ashby-cum-Fenby, 125 
 Ashby de la Launde, 128 
 Ashby Hall, 128 
 Ashby, 129 
 Atwater, Bishop of Lincoln, 53, 
 
 54 
 Aubery, John, 18 
 Aycolites, 70 
 Aylesby, 26, 35, 50 
 
 Ayscough, Edward, 126, 134 
 Ayscough, Francis, 147, 189, 190, 
 
 191, 192 
 Ayscough, Isabella, 127 
 Ayscough, Sir Christopher, 122 
 Ayscough, Sir Richard, 118 
 Ayscough, Sir William, 117, 122 
 " Awstyn Freers," 144 
 Awstyn's, St., Day, 163 
 Authors Quoted : — 
 
 Antonine, 1 
 
 Bates, A., Mr., 182, 196, 199, 
 201, 249, 250 
 
 Bigland, Ralph, 173 
 
 Boyle, 1, 80 
 
 Bull of Pope Lucius II, 49 
 
 Burnett, 228 
 
 Cajsar, 25 
 
 Camden, 1, 2, 5, 16 
 
 Chambers' Book of Days, 102 
 
 Chancery Inquisition, 82, 84 
 
 Cirencester, Richard of, 31 
 
 Domesday Book, 109, 156, 159 
 
 Dugdale, 49 
 
 Erasmus, 117 
 
 Eumenius, 32 
 
 Fra Breton, 117 
 
 Fordham, Bp. Register, 51 
 
 Froude's History Eng. (Vol. 
 II), 164 
 
 Gloucester, Robert of, 6 
 
 Gordon, Dr. James, 18 
 
 Gough, 16 
 
 Hallam's Cons. His., 61 
 
 Herodian, 21 
 
 Historical Manuscript Com- 
 mission, 39, 95, 113, 121, 
 123, 124, 125, 132, 134, 
 137, 143, 147, 149 
 
 Hoare, Sir Richard, 26 
 
 Holies, Gervase, 3, 5, 7, 160 
 
 Hollingshead, 19 
 
 Hone's Every Day Book, 102 
 
 Ingulphus, 22 
 
 Irvine, Washington, 103 
 
254 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Isaac Pontatus, 8 
 
 King's Antiquities, 19 
 
 Knight's, C, History of Eng., 
 26, H-2 
 
 Langtoft, Peter, 9, 11, 22 
 
 Leland, 8, 49 
 
 Lester, G., Rev., 251 
 
 Lincolnshire and the Danes, 
 35, 38, 42 
 
 Lincolnshire Notes and Quer- 
 ies (Vol I), 46 
 
 Louth, History of, 175 
 
 Macpherson's Annals of Com- 
 merce, 23 
 
 Macaulay, 33 
 
 Maddock's His. of Exchequer, 
 104 
 
 Murray's Hand-Book of Lin- 
 colnshire, 10, 34 
 
 Nicholson's Pedigree of the 
 English People, 13 
 
 Pepy's Diary, 130 
 
 Pontanus, Isaac, 8 
 
 Parish Registers, Hagworth- 
 ingham, 167 
 
 Poll Book, 213 
 
 Pryme, Rev. A. de La, 171 
 
 Rapier, 22 
 
 Roger de Hovedon, 61 
 
 Rot. Hund, 3; Edward III, 89 
 
 Stachouse, 25 
 
 State Papers and Public 
 Records Otiice, 170 
 
 Speed, 49 
 
 Stephenson, Geo. S., Dr., 250 
 
 Stukeley, Dr., 25 
 
 Tacitus 24 
 
 Topographer, Aug. 1789, 3 
 
 Wild, Rev. J., 89 
 
 Zyphiline, 21 
 
 Bailiffs, 51, 57, 58, 87 
 
 Baldwin, 136 
 
 Baptist, St. John, the Feast of, 
 
 94, 98 
 Bar, The, 25 
 Bargate, 18, 25, 28 
 Barnardiston, Geo., M.P., 120 
 Barnardiston, Nathaniel, Sheriff, 
 
 134 
 Barnardiston, Sir John, M.P., 120 
 Barnardiston, Sir Thomas, M.P., 
 
 133, 134 
 Barnoldby, 38 
 Barrow, 25 
 
 Bartholemew's, St , Day, 62 
 Bassingbourne, Robert de, 52 
 Bates, Abram, Vicar, 103 
 Bates, Anderson, Esq., 182, 196, 
 
 199, 201, 249, 250 
 Bath, 18, 19 
 Bear Baiting, 93 
 Bear Hunting, 93 
 Beaumont, Viscount. 187 
 Becket, Thomas A., 49 
 Bellamy, Thomas, 76 
 Bellasyse, Sir H., M.P., 129 
 Bellasy-se, (Killed in a duel), 132 
 Bellow, Aid. John, 123, 124, 191 
 Benedict, St., 18 
 Benynholme, Wm. de, 137 
 Beelsby, 41 
 Beesby, 137, 143 
 Berserkers, 37 
 
 Bibliography of (Jrimsby, 246 
 Bishop s Eye, The, 76 
 Binbrook, 40 
 Black Canons. 45 
 Blue Stone, The, 63 
 Bondeloi, 41 
 Borough, The Old, 55 
 Booth, Wm., Mayor. -54, 149 
 Boudery, Rev. Daniel de, 75 
 Bottesford, 40 
 Boy's Lane, 71 
 
 Boucherett, Ayscough, M.P.,194 
 Bradley, 26, 94, 95, 156 
 Bradley (ilen, 41 
 
 Bradley Woods, 22, 37, 41, 95, 102 
 Breweries, The Abbey, 144 
 Bridlington, 116 
 Bridgeway Gate, 118 
 Brigg, 38, 40, 152 
 Brigghowgate, 6, 143, 144 
 Britons, Early, 17, 150, 151 
 British Trade, Early, 23 
 British and Roman Times, 14 
 Britannia, Beautiful Description 
 
 of, 32 
 British Art, 28 
 
 British Boat, Discovery of, 152 
 British Camp, 20 
 British Mounds, 11, 14 
 British Settlements, 10, 151 
 British Towns, 20, 22 
 British Villages, 20, 24 
 Brockle&by, 38, 120, 169 
 Brown, J. D, 76 
 Brune, VVra., 83 
 Burstwyk in Holderness, 113 
 
INDEX. 
 
 255 
 
 Bury St. Edmunds, 59 
 Bubbles, Billy, 209, 210, 212 
 Burn Creek, 115 
 Butler, Wm., 142 
 
 Caistor, 40 
 Camden, 1, 2, 5, 16 
 Candlemas Day, 163 
 Canute, 5, 37, 39 
 Cates, Anne of, 147 
 Cedric, 29 
 Ceorbs, 61, 154 
 Chandler, Railf, 187 
 Chapel Hill, 17 
 Chaplin, John, Esq., 134 
 Chancery Inquisition, 84 
 Chantry Lane, 72, 445 
 Charles II, 129, 135 
 Chester, County of, 30 
 Chester, Earl of, 85, 159 
 Chitourpe, 40 
 Church, Old, 66 76, 173 
 Church, St. Mary's, 45 
 Cirencester, Richard of, 31 
 Clayton Hall, 77 
 Clea, 23 
 
 Clee, 23, 41, 57, 114, 117, 157 
 Clee Rental, 165 
 Cleeness, 41 
 Cleethorpes, 23, 40, 157 
 Cleethorpes Cliff, 172 
 Cleethorpes, Guide to, 248 
 Clerk, Wm., 136 
 Clinton, Lord, 191 
 Coates, Great, 134, 144, 157 
 Coates, Fitties, 135 
 Coates, Little, 28, 49. 10 1 
 
 Coates, Middle, 135 
 
 Coates, South, 135 
 
 Caesar, 30 
 
 Cotes, Maria and Hugh de, 83 
 
 Cockfighting, 95 
 
 Condition of the People, 150, 174, 
 176 
 
 Conisby, 40 
 
 Conisby, William de, 156 
 
 Constable, Thos., 123 
 
 Constable, Robt., 138 
 
 Commercial Hill, 18 
 
 Connium, 19 
 
 Corporation Ordinances, 56 
 
 Coleby, 41 
 
 Conway, Sir Ed., 169 
 
 Cost of a Charter, 166 
 
 Court-Leet or Baron, 58 
 
 Cornwall, Earl of, 87 
 
 "Crosse all Wyke," 163 
 
 Cross Lane, 105 
 
 Creek Burn, 115 
 
 Crowland, Lord Abbot of, 115 
 
 Cun Hu Hill, 20, 21, 26 
 
 Cuneda. 20 
 
 Cunes, 20 
 
 Cunedagis, 20 
 
 Cuneglasis, 20 
 
 Cungretrix, 20 
 
 Curious Claim for Fish, 123 
 
 Danes, The, 38, 39, 40, 42, 153 
 Danish Invaders, 22 
 Danish Invasion, First, 34 
 Danegelt, 39 
 Dalbye, 37, 38 
 Darcy, Lord, 143 
 Darcy, Sir Thos., 143 
 Dawson, G. R., 73 
 De Neholennoe, 23 
 Dean, John, 124 
 Deansgate, 71 
 Dean's Grounds, 71 
 Denmark, 35, 37 
 Denmark, King of. 39 
 Derby, County of, 30 
 Docks, The, 185, 248 
 Dobson, Edward, 248 
 Doggs flesh a dainty dish, 170 
 Doomsday Book, 44 
 Douglas, W., 72 
 Draper, Lawrence, 95 
 Drinking Customs, 42, 43 
 Drogo de Bensere, 44, 157 
 Druids, 28, 152, 153 
 Druidism, 18 
 Druidical Temple, 17 
 Dry den, 129 
 
 Ducking Stools, Grimsby Digni- 
 taries subjected to, 88-105 
 Ducking Chair, Haven, 104, 179 
 Dumpling, Johnny, 74 
 Dunham on -Trent, 87 
 Dwellings, Early, 24 
 
 Early Trade and Commerce, 77-92 
 Easter Levies, 78 
 Eden Hugo, 115 
 Edelsey, King, 8, 9 
 Edward I, 49, 84, 175 
 Edward II, 64, 89 
 Edward III, 90, 110 
 Edward IV, 162 
 
256 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Edward VI, 123 
 
 Edmund, King of East Anglia, 35 
 Educational, 241 
 Egerton, Sir Charles, 143 
 Elections, Bribery at, 195 
 Elections, Close, 194 
 Elections, First at, 187 
 Election, Pole's and Wood's, 131 
 Elections, Reds and Blues, 192 
 Elections, Rivalry at, 191 
 Elections, Statistics of, 194, 197, 
 
 219, 221, 222 
 Election Incidents, 199, 200, 201, 
 
 224 
 Elizabeth, Queen, 123 
 EUys, Thos., 127 
 Ellyn Hill, 27, 28 
 Ethelbright, King, 8 
 Essex, 29 
 Empringham, Michael, 104, 138, 
 
 191 
 Empringham, Mr. 57, 136, 183 
 Empringham, Richard, 138, 146 
 Empringham, Robert, 138 
 Empringham, Sir John, 96, 137, 
 
 138 
 
 Feast of Mary Magdelyn, 163 
 Feast of Mydsomer Even, 163 
 Feast of St. Matthew, 137 
 Feast of Penticost, 163 
 Ferry between Grimsby and Hull, 
 
 94, 158 
 Fisheries, 79 ; Decay of, 192 ; 
 
 Efforts to restore, 173 
 Fitties' West Marsh, 144 
 Fitties' Great Coats, 135 
 Fitzroy, Hon. H., M.P., 221 
 Fleet Street, 133 
 Florentine Merchants & Grimsby 
 
 Trade, 78 
 Floods, Destructive, 177 
 Foreigners, Disqualifications of, 62 
 Fotherby, 41 
 
 Fotherby, Bishop of Salisbury, 148 
 Fotherby, John, 143, 144 
 Fotherby, Maurice, 148 
 Fotherby, Martin, D.D., 147 
 Fotherby, Dr. J., Dean of Canter- 
 bury, 148 
 Fortebus, Wm. de, 79 
 Fortebus, Isabella de, 80 
 Fountenay, Simon de, 145 
 Frank, Pledge of King John, 121 
 Fraunk, Sir Wm., 136 
 
 Fraunk, Sir Thos., 137 
 Freshney, River, 116. 134. 135, 
 
 175 
 Freemen, 61, 189 
 Freemen. Full Court of, 63 
 Friscians, 29 
 Frodingham, 40 
 
 Gainsborough, 87 
 
 Gannocks, The, 134 
 
 Gardiner, Robt. , 141 
 
 Gedge, Rev. Mr., 73 
 
 Geese, Law for them to be 
 " pygoned," 163 
 
 Gildwit, 86 
 
 Glasyner, W., Mayor, 54, 138, 
 139, 140, 162 
 
 Glanford Brigg, 112 
 
 Gloucester, Robert of, 6 
 
 Golceby, 124 
 
 Golderburg, Princess, 7, 8 
 
 Good Queen Bess, 198 
 
 Gordon, Robert Home, 194 
 
 Goxhiil, 41 
 
 Grant, J. P., M.P., 195 
 
 Grammar School, 341 
 
 Gregory and British Youths, 30 
 
 Gronow, Rees Howell, Esq., 213 
 
 Gronow, Election Address of, 214 
 
 Grosteste, Robt., Bishop of Lin- 
 coln, 50 
 
 Gryme, (Jreme, Grime, 2, 3, 4, 9, 
 10, 24, 35 
 
 Grymesby, Edmund de, HI, 241 
 
 Grymesby, John de, 112 
 
 Grymesby, Petrous de, 112 
 
 Grymesby, Sir Peter, 112 
 
 Grymesby, Walter de, 110, 112 
 
 Guide to Cleethorpes, 248 
 
 Gunster, 6 
 
 Habrough, 41 
 Habloc, 7 
 Haconnby 
 
 Hagworthingham, 167 
 Hall, Joseph, 72 
 Hall, The, 116 
 Halton, Robert, 192 
 Halsham, Peter de, 137 
 Hanging a Priest, 160 
 Hanley, John de, 82 
 Hansley, Patrick, 144 
 Hanseatic Merchants, 78 
 Harrison, Bransby, Esq., 71 
 Harrison, John, M.P., 197 
 
INDEX. 
 
 257 
 
 Harris, Capt., M.P., 213-219 
 
 Harris, Election Address, 216-217 
 
 Hardicanute, 102 
 
 Haslerbon, Sir Thos., 50 
 
 Hausage, 65 
 
 Habcliffe, Christopher, 120, 148 
 
 Hatcliffe, Stephen, 121 
 
 HatclifTe, Sir Thos., 120 
 
 Hatcliffe, William, Aid., 120, 242 
 
 Haven, The, 135 
 
 Hastings, Battle of, 110 
 
 Havelock, 2, 8 
 
 Havelloke, 2, 8 
 
 Havloc, 2, 8 
 
 Havloc, Story of, 4, 5, 6 
 
 Hay ton Croft, 180 
 
 Hazeltine's Monument, 67 
 
 Healing, 191 
 
 Herapringham, John, 138-141 
 
 Heneage, George, 191 
 
 Heneage, Edward, 222 
 
 Heneage, John, 119-147 
 
 Heneage, Sir Thomas, 46 
 
 Heneage, Lady Cathrine, 46 
 
 Henry I, 45 
 
 Henry II, 44 
 
 Henry III, 47-59, 64, 159 
 
 Henry IV, 50 
 
 Henry VI, 162 
 
 Henry VII, 59-62, 97, 138, 163 
 
 Henry VIII, 46, 47-52, 115, 123, 
 143, 145, 165 
 
 Hengist, 31 
 
 High Street, 71-122 
 
 Highbury, 41 
 
 Hill, Henry, 140 
 
 High Sheriff of County, 113 
 
 Hilfort, 41 
 
 Historic Records, 150, 241 
 
 History, Written and Unwritten, 
 150, 151 
 
 Historical Manuscript Commis- 
 sion Report, 246 
 
 Hobhouse, H. W., Esq., 213 
 
 Hobhouse, Election Address of, 
 215 
 
 Hocktide, 101 
 
 Hollingshead, 19 
 
 Holies, Gervase, M.P., 3, 4, 5, 128, 
 149, 170 
 
 Holies, Folio MSS, 5 
 
 Holies, Sir F. M., M.P., 129-147 
 
 Holies, Sir F. M., M.P., Killed in 
 
 Battle, 130 
 Holderness, 113 
 
 Holte, Rev. Mark, 149 
 
 Holgate, William de, 86 
 
 Hopkin, Mr. J., 47 
 
 Horsa, 31, 33 
 
 Holbeck, 38 
 
 Holton, 40 
 
 Holme Hill, 15, 16, 19, 27, 37, 43, 
 
 78 
 Hood, Robin, 100, 103 
 Horskeford Money, 86 
 Hospitalers, House of, 18, 51, 52 
 Hostwood Manor, 95 
 Hotel, Royal, 185 
 Hotham, Sir John, 125 
 House, Church, 100 
 House, Ivy, 115 
 Hinguar Hill, 35 
 
 Hu Sovereign Deity of Britain, 20 
 Hubbard Hills, 35 
 Hubber, 35 
 Huborgh, 41 
 Hull, 64, 113, 115, 172 
 Humber, River, 16, 18, 19, 22, 34, 
 
 38, 85, 175, 183 
 Humberstone, .34, 35, 159, 178 
 Hunger Hill, 35 
 Hutton, John, 124 
 Hussye, Thomas, Esq., 147 
 Hyll, Robert, 144 
 
 Icelandic Writers, 24 
 
 Ida, 30 
 
 Illustrated London News, 152 
 
 Immingham, 40 
 
 Infantry, Volunteer, 175 
 
 Invasion of France, Grimsby's 
 
 Contribution, 89 
 Itterby, 114, 117, 157 
 Isabella, Queen Dowager, 136 
 
 Jackson, Dickie, 8, 11 
 
 James II, Letters Patent from, 56 
 
 Johnson, Wm., 13 
 
 John, King, 51, 96 
 
 Joys, Richard, 73 
 
 Julius, .33 
 
 Jutes, The, 29 
 
 Kal, Edmund de, 136 
 Kaldehall, 47 
 Keelby, 38, 110, 157 
 Kelsey, 117 
 
 Kennington, Alderman, 199 
 Kent, Kingdom of, 29 
 Ketell, 5 
 
 17 
 
258 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Ketelsby, 5 
 
 Kettelby, 127 
 
 Ker, H. Bellender, M.P.. 221 
 
 Key age, 65 
 
 Kingstone, James, 89, 138 
 
 Kingstone, John, 129, 145, 146, 
 
 187 
 King, Edward, M.P., 128 
 King's Antiq., quoted, 19 
 Kirketon, Allan de, 88 
 Knight's Pic. Hist. Eng., 26 
 Knat, King, 9 
 Kynyar Ferry, 87 
 
 Laceby, 38, 77, 87, 156 
 
 Lacy, Hen. de, 86. 87, 142 
 
 Lacy, Robt., 142 
 
 Lady, Church, at Lincoln, 144 
 
 Lady, Chappell, 69 
 
 Laughing in Church, 149 
 
 Lawrence, Sir Kobt., 124 
 
 Lastage, 65 
 
 Leicester, 19, 127 
 
 Leland, 8 
 
 Leofric, Earl of Mercia, 153 
 
 Lete, The, 55 
 
 Lincoln, 19, 86, 127, 179, 190 
 
 Lilburn, Win., 139 
 
 Lincolnshire, 29, 35, 37 
 
 ,, People of, 155 
 
 North, 29, 30 
 Lindesay, 8 
 Lindsey, 9 
 
 Local Names, Fourfold use, 11 
 Loft, Colonel, 175 
 
 ,, John Henry, M.P., 194, 195 
 Loft Street, 184, 185 
 Loughboro, Lord, M. P., 181, 222 
 Louth, 88 
 Lou tit, Rev. J., 75 
 Ludford, 19 
 Ludbro, 76 
 Lucy, Sir W., 52 
 Lydyngton, Peter de, 91 
 Lynde, Sir Walter de la, 87 
 
 Mablethorpe, 148 
 Maerleyre, Wm., 192 
 Malberthorpe, Robert de, 91 
 Machpherson, Annals of Com- 
 merce, 23 
 Manby, Robert, Gent., 95 
 Marshall, Carr, Rev., 76 
 Marshall, W., Gent., 71, 95 
 Marsh, East, 78, 170 
 
 Marsh West, 78, 170 
 
 „ The, 177, 185 
 
 „ Extent of, 183 
 Mason, Peter, 121, 143 
 Mason, Michael, 123, 143, 144 
 Massacre of the Danes, 39 
 Mayor Choosing, 56 
 Mayson, Cathrine, 124, 241 
 Maximinus, 30 
 Maxwell, Captain W., M.P., 221, 
 
 222 
 Maypole, 102, 103 
 Melish, W., M.P., 194 
 Merchard, W., 137 
 Mercia, Kingdom of, 30, 154 
 Mes Buke Hooly, The, 140 
 Messer Rich, 88 
 Mesynden, Frances, 191 
 ,, Maister, 139 
 
 Methodist Chapel, 174 
 M.S. and L. Railway, 179, 180 
 Mill Hill, 17 
 Military Roads, 30 
 Minage, 65 
 Money, Value of, 39 
 Monuments, 67 
 
 Monastries, Dissolution of, 164 
 Moot, Bell Ringing of, 58 
 
 ,, Hall, 60 
 Moore, Arthur, High Steward 
 
 and M.P., 119 
 Mortimer, Ralph De, 157 
 Moridunum, 19 
 Musgrave, Thomas de, 93 
 
 Names, Their Origin, 2 
 Napoleon I. , Threatened Invasion 
 
 of, 175 
 National Sunday School, 243 
 Nehalenmse, 23 
 New Street, 184, 42 
 Newby, Dr., 73 
 Newstead, 124 
 Nomonie, A curious, 106 
 Norman Conquest, 156 
 Norse Old, 39 
 North, Dudley, M.P., 197 
 Northumberland, Earl of, 93 
 Norwegians, Early, 23, 35 
 Nottingham, Bailiffs of, contest 
 
 with Bailiffs of Grimsby, 87 
 Nottingham, Bishop of, 161 
 Nun-Ormby, 6 
 
 Nunnery. St. Leonard's, 48, 77 
 Nuns, The, 27 
 
INDEX. 
 
 259 
 
 Nundy, Mr., Anecdote of, 199 
 Nuttall, Benny, 74 
 
 Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, Grant of 
 Grimsby to, 44, 155, 156 
 
 Old Haven, 16, 22 
 
 Old Town Hall, 60 
 
 Oliver, Dr., History of Grimsby, 
 145, 195 
 
 Byrde of Gryme, 7, 44, 59, 
 100, 102, 109, 113, 118, 122, 
 132, 248 
 
 Monumental .Antiquities, 15, 16, 
 18, 21, 26 
 
 Origin of Names, 2 
 
 Orme, 5 
 
 Ormesby, 5 
 
 Orwenne, 8 
 
 Oxford Parliament, 147 
 
 Patrington, 1 
 
 Parliament, The first in England, 
 186 
 
 Parliament Man, A Public- 
 spirited, 173 
 
 Parliament, Long, The, 129 
 
 Passage, 65 
 
 Peaks, 17 
 
 Pedigree of the English People, 
 13 
 
 Pee- wit Land, 179 
 
 Pelham, Mr., 95 
 
 „ Henry, M. P., 128 
 ,, Sir William, 119; curious 
 letter from, 169 
 
 Peppercome, 97, 
 
 Pepy's Diary, 130 
 
 Petre, Lord, 125 
 
 Philip and Mary, 124 
 
 Picts and Scots, 30 
 
 Pilgrimage of Grace, 164 
 
 Pole, Hon. W. Westley, 197 
 
 Poll, Sir William, 56 
 
 Pontage, 65 
 
 Pontanus, 8 
 
 Porter, F., duel with, 129 
 
 PrHBtorium, 12 
 
 Proctor Saur, 149 
 
 Proportion of British and Norman 
 Population, 32 
 
 Pyweep House, 179 
 
 Pywipe Inn, 179 
 
 Pryme, Rev. A., His Description 
 of Grimsby, 171-172 
 
 Quarter Sessions, 58 
 Queen Elizabeth, 167, 172 
 
 Ralph de Mortimer, 44 
 Raven, Standard of the, 35 
 Ravenser, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86 
 Raven srodd , dispute with G r im sby 
 
 79, 109 
 Rayner, Edmundus, the Deacon, 
 
 109 
 Recorder, 58 
 Reds and Blues, 192, 193 
 Reform Bill, 192, 197 
 Religious Institutions, 226 
 Report of Historical Manuscript 
 
 Commission, 59, 241 
 Riby, 38 
 River Head, 78 
 River Humber, see Humber 
 Robinson, Jabez, 199 
 Roman Arts, 29 
 Roman Civilization, advantages 
 
 of, 30 
 Roman occupation of England, 
 
 period of, 29 
 Roman Remains in Grimsby, 17 
 Romans, Retirement of, from 
 
 Britain, 30 
 Romans, The, 24, 150 
 Romilius, 33 
 
 Rossitor, Colonel Edward, 125 
 Rowena, 33 
 Russel, W., 136 
 Russian Folk-Lore, 179 
 
 Sand Hills, 18, 27 
 Sandhouse, 48 
 
 Sanderson, Robert, M.P., 127 
 Sauntivile, a Danish Idol, wor- 
 ship of, 43 
 Saxon Remains, 33 
 
 ,, Supremacy in England, 33 
 Saxons, The, 24, 29, 33 
 
 West, 29 
 Say, Lord, Clinton and, 127 
 Scarlett, Sir John, 117 
 Scartho, 34, 64, 156 
 Schaddewrth, Robert de, 80 
 Scolds, Ducking of, 103 
 Scope, Sir Andrew, 129 
 
 ,, ,, Thomas, 165 
 Scott, William, 168 
 Scotland Lane, 125 
 Scotter, 127 
 Scotts, 30 
 
26o 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Scropshire, William de, 111 
 
 Scymer, Robert, 165 
 
 Seaton, 19 
 
 Seals, 46 
 
 See, Sir Martin dela, 117 
 
 See, Sir John de la, 117 
 
 See, Sir Peter de la, 115-116 
 
 See, Sir Bernard de la, 116 
 
 See, Sir Stephen de la, 54, 96, 
 
 116 
 Secundus, an ancient merchant, 
 
 23 
 Seleby, Robert de, 83 
 Seymour Mule Bridge, 184 
 Shakespeare's Pear-tree, 118 
 
 ,, Sonnet, 118 
 
 Shelley, John Villiers, 213, 219 
 Shelley, Election, address of, 218 
 Sheriff, Johannes, 188 
 Silsbury Hill, 26, 28 
 Sixhills, 41 
 
 Skipwick, George, 192 
 Skipwith, Edward, 127 
 Skipworth, Captain H., 5 
 Skyatt, Henry, 142 
 Smyton, John, 165 
 Swallow, 110 
 Smyth, Antony, 95 
 Solway, The, 31 
 Spittal Garths, 54 
 
 ,, Hill, 17, 18, 52 
 
 ,, House, 52 
 Sports and Pastimes, 93, 108 
 Stang, Riding the, 105 
 Stallingburg, Rodger de, 82 
 Stallingboro, 110 
 Stackhouse, 25 
 St. Saviour's Glee, 114 
 Stephenson, George, 251 
 Sutton, Bishop Lin, 159 
 Storr, 41 
 
 Stone Bridge, The, 133 
 Storme, Richard of Ilterby, 114 
 Stopious, John, 141 
 Stockwith, 173 
 Stukely, Dr., 25 
 Stow, 34 
 Suffolk, 29, 39 
 Sweyn of Denmark, 9, 156 
 
 Tacitus, 24 
 
 Tarratt, Edward, 192 
 
 Teut, Principal Deity of Ancient 
 
 Britons, 19 
 Terrage, 65 
 
 Tetney, 35, 37 
 Thanes, 61, 154 
 Thetford, 35 
 Thimoldby, John, 125 
 Thingsby, W., 105 
 Thor, 33 
 Thomlynson, 53 
 Thorneton, Gilbert de, 80 
 
 ,, Robert de, 80 
 
 Thorold, Rev. , 76 
 Thoresby, Robert de, 80 
 Thurnsco, 157 
 Tides, Invasion of the, 25 
 Timothy Turnabout, 2, 9 
 Toll Bar, 185 
 Topographer, The, 3 
 Toothill, 19, 20, 28 
 Tosti, 156 
 Trade in Malt, 91 
 Trade, Early, and Commerce, 79 
 
 92 
 Translaye, Patrick, 144 
 Treebucket, 106, 107 
 Trotho, King of Denmark, 8 
 Tumuli, 15 
 Turnabout Tommy, How, won a 
 
 wife and an election, 201 
 Tyrwhith Hall, 118 
 
 ,, Sir Marmaduke, 127, 
 191 
 Sir Philip, 131 
 Sir Robert, 118, 127, 
 
 191 
 William, 127 
 
 ., Tristram, Esq., M.P., 
 127 
 
 Ubba, 29 
 
 Ubber or Ubbo, 35 
 Ulceby, 38, 168 
 Ulterby, 41 
 
 Valence, Sir William de, 87 
 Vane, Sir Henry, Junior, 126 
 Via Fossa, 18 
 Vicars, William, 140 
 Victorius, St., 184 
 Villuis, 35, 36 
 Virgin, Nativity of, 94 
 Viveesly, Phillip de, 135 
 Visitof Henry VIIL, 145 
 Voluntary Infantry, 175 
 Vortigen, 31, 33 
 
 Vote,^Market Value of, 195, 196, 
 197 
 
INDEX. 
 
 261 
 
 Walker, George, 247 
 VValtham, 40, 111 
 Watson, John, 58 
 
 Thomas, 144 
 Weelsby, William de, 114 
 Wele, Willielmus, 113 
 
 „ Walter de, 113 
 
 ,, Richard de, 115 
 Welby, Adam, 136 
 Wellow Abbey, 17 
 Well's, Manor of, 95 
 Welldale Poll, 108 
 Weltongate, 144 
 Went worth, H., 120 
 Westmoreland, Earl of, 54, 137, 
 
 138, 188, 190 
 Wessex, 29 
 
 Whale driven on shore, 178 
 Wharton Molly, 201 
 Whitgift, Henry, 147 
 White Hart, 75 
 Wild, Rev. J., 3, 44 
 William the Conqueror, 44, 110 
 William de la Perci, 44 
 
 Will of W. Bornett, 167 
 
 Willett, Paul, Rev., 149 
 
 Winch, Xpopher, 190 
 
 Woden, 33 
 
 Wolds, The, 25 
 
 Worlaby, 38 
 
 Worth, 73 
 
 Wood, Robert, 197 
 
 Wright, John, 139 
 
 Robert, 58, 146 
 
 Wray, Sir Christopher, 125 
 ,, Sir John, 126 
 ,, Sir William, 126 
 ,, William, Esq., 126, 127 
 
 Wynde, John, 52 
 
 Yarborough, Lord, 128 
 Ye Byrde of Gryme, 248 
 York, 127 
 
 Zealand, 13 
 Zelle Even, 163 
 Ziphiline, 21 
 
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 Chronologies and Calendars. 
 
 By JAMES C. MACDONALD, f.s.a. Scot. 
 Crown 8vo. , price 7s. 6d. 
 
 '* It is unlike most books on its subject in being brief and readable to an 
 unlearned student. But its chief interest and its unquestionable value is for 
 those who consider dates more curiously than most men need do in an age 
 in which incorporated societies endeavour to persuade a man to insure his 
 life by presenting him with an illuminated table of days. Those who are 
 engaged in original historical researches will find it invaluable both for 
 study and for reference." — 7 he Scotsman. 
 
 "A large amount of carefully prepared information." — Aberdeen Free 
 Press, 
 
 A Lawyer's Secrets. 
 
 By HERBERT LLOYD. 
 Author of *'The Children of Chance," etc. 
 
 Price One. Shilling. 
 
 ** Mr. Herbert Lloyd gives us a succession of stories which may 
 reasonably be taken to have their origin in the experience of a lawyer 
 practicing at large in the criminal courts. It is natural that they 
 should be of a romantic nature ; but romance is not foreign to a 
 lawyer's consulting room, so that this fact need not be charged against 
 this lawyer's veracity. . . . The stories, seven in all, cover the 
 ground of fraud and murder, inspired by the prevailing causes of 
 crime — greed and jealousy. Our lawyer is happy in having the 
 majority of his clients the innocent victims of false charges inspired 
 and fostered in a great measure by their own folly ; but this is a 
 natural phase of professional experience, and we are only concerned 
 with the fact that he generally manages it as effectively in the interests 
 of his clients as his editor does in presenting them to his audience." 
 — Literary World. 
 
 " A volume of entertaining stories. . . . The book has much the 
 same interest as a volume of detective stories, except that putting the 
 cases in a lawyer's mouth gives them a certain freshness. It is well 
 written, and makes a capital volume for a railway journey." — The 
 Scotsman. 
 
 " A very entertaining volume." — Birmingham Daily Gazette. 
 
In The Temple. 
 
 By a BARRISTER-AT-LAW. 
 
 Price One Shilling. 
 
 This book opens with a chapter on the history of the 
 Temple. Next follows an account of the Knight Templars. 
 The story of the Devil's Own is given in a graphic manner. 
 A Sketch of Christmas in the Temple is included. In an 
 entertaining manner the reader is informed how to become a 
 Templar, the manner of keeping terms is described, and lastly, 
 the work concludes with a chapter on call parties. 
 
 "Amusing and interesting sketches." — Law Times. 
 
 " Pleasing gossip about the barristers' quarters." — The Gentlewoman. 
 
 "A pleasant little volume."— T^i^ Globe. 
 
 The Red, Red Wine. 
 
 By the rev. J. JACKSON WRAY. 
 
 Crown 8vo.y S30 pp. A portrait of the Author and other illvstrations. 
 
 Price 3s. 6d. 
 
 '* This, as its name implies, is a temperance story, and is told in the 
 lamented author's most graphic style. We have never read anything so 
 powerful since * Danesbury House,' and this book in stern and pathetic 
 earnestness even excels that widely-known book. It is worthy a place in 
 every Sunday School and village library ; and, as the latest utterance of 
 one whose writings are so deservedly popular, it is sure of a welcome. It 
 should give decision to some whose views about Local Option are hazy." 
 — Joyful News. 
 
 " The story is one of remarkable power." — The Temperance Record. 
 "An excellent and interesting story." — The Temperance Chronicle. 
 
 Faces on the Queen's Highway. 
 
 By FLO. JACKSON. 
 
 Elegantly Bound, Crown 8vo., price 2s. 6d. 
 
 Though oftenest to be found in a pensive mood, the "WTiter 
 of this very dainty volume of sketches is always very sweet 
 and winning. She has evidently a true artist's love of 
 nature, and in a few lines can limn an autumn landscape full of 
 colour, and the life which is on the down slope. And she can 
 tell a very taking story, as witness the sketch "At the Inn," 
 and " The Master of VVhite Hags," and all her characters are 
 real, live flesh-and-blood people, who do things naturally, and 
 give very great pleasure to the reader accordingly. Miss Jackson' 
 gifts are of a very high order. — Aberdeen Free Preaa. 
 
" Valuable and interesting." — The Times. 
 
 ** Readable as well as instructive." — The Globe. 
 
 "A valuable addition to any \\}at2sy.''^ —Derbyshire Times. 
 
 The Bygone Series. 
 
 In this series the following volumes are included, and issued at 7s. 6d. 
 each. Demy 8vo., cloth gilt. 
 
 These books have been favourably reviewed in the leading critical 
 iournals of England and America. 
 
 Carefully written articles by recognised authorities are included on 
 history, castles, abbeys, biography, romantic episodes, legendary lore, 
 traditional stories, curious customs, folk-lore, etc., etc. 
 
 The works are illustrated by eminent artists, and by the reproduction of 
 quaint pictures of the olden time. 
 
 BYGONE BERKSHIRE, edited by Rev. P. H. Ditchfield, m.a., f.s.a. 
 
 BYGONE CHESHIRE, edited by William Andrews, f.r.h.s. 
 
 BYGONE DERBYSHIRE, edited by William Andrews, f.r.h.s. 
 
 BYGONE ESSEX, edited by William Andrews, f.r.h.s. 
 
 BYGONE ENGLAND, by William Andrews, f.r.h.s. 
 
 BYGONE KENT, edited by Richard Stead, b.a. 
 
 BYGONE LANCASHIRE, edited by Ernest Axon. 
 
 BYGONE LEICESTERSHIRE, edited by William Andrews, f.r.h.s. 
 
 BYGONE LINCOLNSHIRE (2 vols.), edited by William Andrews, 
 
 f.r.h.s. 
 BYGONE LONDON, by Frederick Ross, f.r.h.s. 
 BYGONE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, by William Stevenson. 
 BYGONE SCOTLAND, by David Maxwell, C.E. 
 BYGONE SOMERSETSHIRE, edited by Cuming Walters. 
 BYGONE SOUTHWARK, by Mrs. E. Boger. 
 
 BYGONE SURREY, edited by George Clinch and S. W. Kershaw, f.s.a. 
 BYGONE SUSSEX, by W. E. A. Axon. 
 
 BYGONE WARWICKSHIRE, edited by William Andrews, f.r.h.s 
 BYGONE YORKSHIRE, edited by William Andrews, f.r.h.s. 
 
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