THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 

 
 THE 
 
 HISTOR Y 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COUNTY OF GILOUCESTJEH 
 
 BROUGHT DOWN 
 
 TO THE YEAR 1803. 
 
 VOL. II. A
 
 PROVINCIAL TOKK xs 
 
 PI 2 
 
 JIMpM /Jr- it,, KJiUr < Tkr tltftarr at Oloarrftfrikiir.rovprrfmlJM-' JZ WCJ f ' fc.r~A.lfc4..- <;A. r
 
 THE 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COUNTY OF GLOUCESTER; 
 
 COMPRESSED, 
 
 AND 
 
 BROUGHT DOWN TO THE YEAR 1803. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 VOL. II. 
 
 BY THE REV. THOMAS RUDGE, B. D. 
 
 RECTOR OF SAINT MICHAEL, IN GLOUCESTER. 
 
 Nee mihi vitio vertas, si res, quas ex lectione varia mutuabor, ipsis saepe verbis, quibus 
 ab ipsis auctoribus enarratx sunt, explicabo, quia praesens opus, non eloquentix ostentatio- 
 ncm, sed nosceudorum congeriem pollicetur. 
 
 MACROBIUS, SJTURN. Lib. i. c. 1. 
 
 GLOUCESTER : 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY G. F. HARRIS, 
 
 HERALD NEWSPAPER OFFICE; 
 
 AKD SOLD BY LONGMAN AND K.EES, LONDON; WASHBOURN, HOUGH, AND 
 ROBERTS, GLOUCESTER; AND ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 
 
 1803.

 
 THE 
 
 DA 
 
 v. 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 COUNTY 
 
 FOREST DIVISION. 
 
 'T'HIS division contains six hundreds, four market-towns, 
 -* 55 parishes, besides hamlets, 6050 inhabited houses, 
 6521 families, 274 uninhabited houses, 15,672 males, 
 15,221 females, 9975 persons chiefly employed in agricul- 
 ture, 5052 in trade, 6Cc, 15,866 not comprized in the two 
 last classes, 30,893 total. 
 
 I. BOTLOE HUNDRED, 
 
 Contains the following parishes: 
 
 191 Bromsborow 
 
 192 Dymock 
 
 193 Kempley 
 
 194 NEWENT, market town 
 
 195 Oxenhall 
 
 VOL. II. B 
 
 196 Pauntley 
 
 197 Rudford 
 
 198 Tainton 
 
 199 Upleaden 
 
 1011
 
 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 II. DUTCHY OF LANCASTER. 
 
 200 Bully 
 
 201 Huntley 
 
 202 Longhopc 
 
 205 Blaisdon 
 
 206 Churcham 
 
 207 NEWNHAM, m. t. 
 
 ,203 Minstenvorth 
 204 Tibberton 
 
 III. WESTBURY. 
 
 208 Tidenham 
 
 209 Westbury 
 
 210 Woolaston 
 
 211 Abbenhall 
 
 212 Bicknor, English 
 
 213 DEAN, MITCHEL, m.t. 
 
 214 Dean, Little 
 
 215 Flaxley 
 
 216 Hewelsfield 
 
 IV. St. BRIAVELS. 
 
 217 Lea 
 
 218 Newland, with COLT- 
 
 FORD, m. t. 
 
 219 Ruerdean 
 
 220 St. Briavels 
 
 221 Staunton 
 
 V. BLIDESLOW. 
 222 Awre J 223 Alvington | 224 Lidney 
 
 VI. DUDSTON and KING's BARTON. Upper Part. 
 
 231 North Hamlets 
 
 232 Norton 
 
 233 Sandhurst 
 
 234 Shurdington, Great 
 
 235 Witcomb, Great 
 
 225 T&dgworth 
 
 226 Barnwood 
 
 227 Brockworth 
 
 228 Churchdown 
 
 229 Down-Hatherley 
 
 230 Lassington 
 
 236 Barton Hamlets 
 
 237 Brookthrop 
 
 238 Elmore 
 
 239 Hascomb 
 
 240 Hempstead 
 
 Middle Part. 
 
 241 Matson 
 
 242 Pitchcomb 
 
 243 South Hamlets 
 
 244 Upton St. Leonards 
 
 245 Whaddon
 
 The History of the County of Gloucester.- 3 
 
 Lower Part. 
 246 Hartpury | 247 Maisemore | 248 Preston 
 
 The following places are either members of aggregate 
 hamlets in the same, or of parishes in different, hundreds. 
 The figures prefixed mark to which they respectively 
 belong: 
 
 206 High Leaden 
 
 228 Hucklecot 
 
 231 Wotton 
 
 206 Highnam 
 
 231 Longford 
 
 206 Linton, and Over 
 
 243 Littleworth 
 231 Kingsholm 
 
 244 Prinknash 
 243 Tuffley 
 231 Twig worth 
 
 Woolstrop is a portion of Queclgeley (180). 
 
 At the time of the conquest, WESTBERIE, WESTBE- 
 RIES, part of LEDENEI, and TEDENHAM, were included 
 in the modern hundreds of ST. BRIAVELS and WEST- 
 BURY. 
 
 BLITESLAU, BLIDESLAWE, and part of LEDENEI, in 
 BLIDESLOW. 
 
 BOTELAU, part of WESTBERIE, in BOTLOE and the 
 DUTCHY OF LANCASTER. 
 
 DUDESTAN, DUNESTAN, LANGEBRIGE, ToLANGEBRI- 
 CES, in DUDSTON and KING'S-BARTON. 
 
 2
 
 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 FOREST DIVISION. 
 
 FOREST OF DEAN. 
 
 THE most conspicuous feature in this division is the 
 FOREST of DEAN, situate in the western part of the 
 county, between the rivers Severn and Wye. The name 
 has been variously defined. Camden and Atkyns derive 
 it from the Gaulish and British word Arden, by removing 
 the first syllable. A very extensive forest in Germany 
 was so called before the time of Caesar, and is so at the 
 present period. The Latin writers, among whom is Gi- 
 raldtis, called it, Danica Sylva, Danubia, or Dane's Wood, 
 from the traditional account of that people having shel- 
 tere4 themselves in it. Others derive it from the dens, or 
 small vallies, which abound in the forest. 
 
 No history or record mentions the origin of any of the 
 forests belonging to the crown, (the New Forest, in Hamp- 
 shire excepted,) which, though made by William the 
 Conqueror, is called by Manwood, " the newest forest in 
 all England." The bounds of many of the forests were 
 enlarged by Henry II. , Richard I. , and John ; but they 
 were reduced to their ancient limits in the reign of Edw. 
 I. agreeably to the provisions of the Charta de Foresta ; 
 and, in order to ascertain those limits, perambulations 
 were then made, and afterwards confirmed by Parlia-
 
 forest Division. Forest of Dean. 5 
 
 merit. In the tenth year of Charles I. at a justice seat 
 held at Gloucester castle, the ancient and legal bounds 
 were settled, according to the perambulations made 12 
 Hen. III. and 10 Edw. I.; and within these bounds are 
 contained 23,015 acres belonging to the crown, exclusive 
 of a tract of land called Abbott's Wood, containing 872 
 acres, which was granted in fee, 42 Hen. II. to the con- 
 vent of Flaxley, and at the dissolution, 36 Henry VIII. 
 granted to Sir Anthony Kingston and his heirs, from 
 whom, by purchase and inheritance, it has descended, 
 with the manor of Flaxley, to Sir Thos. Crawley Boevey, 
 Bart. The original grant reserved the herbage for the 
 King's deer and wild beasts; with all mines and quarries, 
 giving power to the grantee to inclose one-tenth part 
 thereof, and to hold the same inclosed, against all ani- 
 mals, except the King's deer and other wild or venary 
 beasts, leaving nine parts always open. 
 
 In consequence of public commotions, the grants of 
 weak or improvident Princes, the neglect or abuses of of- 
 ficers, and the unlawful encroachmants of others, great 
 waste and devastations have been committed at various pe- 
 riods. In no instance perhaps was greater mischief done 
 than by Sir John Wintour, to whom a grant was made by 
 Charles I. of all the King's coppices and waste soil of the 
 forest, (except the Lea Bayley ) with all mines and quarries, 
 in consideration of 10,6007. and a fee farm rent of 1950/. 
 1 2s. 8d. for ever. At this time, within the limits of the 
 forest so granted, there were growing 105,557 trees, con- 
 taining 61,928 tons of timber, 153,209 cords of wood. 
 The full extent of the mischief likely to be occasioned by 
 this grant was prevented by the civil war, which put an 
 end to this patent. Eighteen thousand acres were in- 
 tended to be inclosed, but the inclosures which bad been 
 B 3
 
 6 'The History of the County Qf Gloucester. 
 
 made were now thrown down, and the whole rc-afforested. 
 On the restoration of monarchy Sir John's grant was re- 
 vived ; but on the representation of the neighbouring in- 
 habitants to government, of the injury they and the public 
 were likely to sustain, a commission was issued for the 
 purpose of enquiring into the state of the forest; and upon 
 an accurate survey there were found 25,929 oaks, and 
 4204 beeches, containing 121,572 cords of wood, and 
 11,335 tons of ship timber fit for the navy. On return 
 of this commission, a new grant was made to the nominees 
 of Sir John Wintour, of all the above mentioned trees, 
 except the 11,335 tons of ship timber. Five hundred cut- 
 ters of wood were immediately employed, and so rapid 
 and alarming was the devastation, that an order of Parlia- 
 ment was made to put a itop to any further felling of tim- 
 ber or cutting of wood. The parliament, however, being 
 prorogued before a bill could be passed, Sir John was left 
 at full liberty to continue cutting, so that on a new survey 
 in 1667 it was found, that of the 30,133 trees only 200 re- 
 mained; and of the 11,335 tons of ship timber reserved, 
 not more than 1100 tons had been delivered, and there 
 would be a deficiency of 1 or 8000 tons. To repair these 
 mischiefs, by an act of 20 Charles II. 1 1 ,000 acres were in- 
 closed, planted, and carefully protected ; and it is chiefly 
 in the parts at that time inclosed, that the timber with 
 which the dock-yards have since been furnished from this 
 forest, has been felled, and in which any considerable 
 quantity of useful timber is now to be found. 
 
 Another cause of considerable mischief was, the in- 
 croachments and intrusions of the free-miners and others; 
 therefore during the usurpation, Cromwell expelled nearly 
 400 cabins of beggarly people, living upon the waste, and 
 destroying the wood and timber. In 1680, about thirty
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 7 
 
 cabins had been again erected, which were demolished, 
 with the inclosures about them. Sir Robert Atkyns ob- 
 serves, that in his time the six lodges built for the keep- 
 ers were the only houses within the forest, and that all 
 the cottages were pulled down. These attentions and re- 
 gulations seemed to have produced many beneficial effects, 
 and it is probable that, by the ^eal and co-operation of 
 the crown officers, surveyors, and other subordinate 
 agents, the forest was in its best state about this time. 
 From the relaxation, however, of the legal government 
 of the forest, and the neglect of those to whom the care 
 of this valuable property was entrusted, abuses gradually 
 crept in, and have been suffered to increase to such a 
 height as sufficiently accounts for the wasted and unprofit- 
 able condition to which it is now reduced. In 1714 it was 
 computed, that there were 27,302 loads fit for the navy, 
 and 16,851 of about sixty years growth, besides 20,066 
 loads of dotard l and decaying. In. 1783 it was computed, 
 on a fresh survey, that there were 90,382 oak trees, con- 
 taining 95,043 loads, and 17,982 beech trees, computed 
 at 16,492 loads; and in 1788 the timber growing in the 
 forest was nearly as follows : 24,000 oak trees, measuring 
 on an average a load and a quarter each, girt measure ; 
 22,000 about half a load each, besides unsound trees, 
 which were numerous, and a considerable quantity of fine 
 large beech, and young growing trees in various parts. 
 The persons employed in the last survey observed, that if 
 the survey of 1783 were accurately taken, an immense 
 quantity of timber must have been, in one way or other, 
 taken down since that period. The ravages, indeed, of 
 the timber stealers are very great. In seven years, Tho- 
 mas Blunt, Esq. with the assistance of the keepers, 
 brought to conviction 247 persons of this description 
 B4
 
 8 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The principal stock of young timber from which any 
 expectation can be formed at present, is in the Lea 
 Bally, and Liningwoods, which in general are well planted 
 and preserved ; but it is apprehended that of the inclo- 
 sures which have been made within the last 35 years, of 
 upwards of 2800 acres, only 323 will produce any great 
 advantage from the almost total demolition of the fences. 
 In the Buckholt inclosure, made about 100 years since, are 
 some fine large oak, and young beech in abundance. 
 
 The general demand of timber for the use of the navy 
 of England is said to be 25,000 loads yearly ; of which 
 2000 only are supplied from all the King's forests. The 
 forest of Dean furnishes about half of the 2000, while the 
 remainder ismade up from Dantzic, in plank about 1 000, and 
 21,000 purchased from individuals. It has been stated by 
 surveyors that the forest is capable of furnishing an annual 
 supply of 1500 loads for 70 years in constant succession 
 from the present stock, (1788), and by proper manage- 
 ment, and regular inclosures it may be made perpetual. 
 
 From 1761 to 1786, (both inclusive) the total quantity 
 ttrtd value of timber felled for the use of the navy was as 
 
 follows: 
 
 Loads. . 3. d. 
 
 Total quantity of oak - - - 16,573 30,814 14 4 
 
 Ditto beech - - - 871 908 13 7 
 
 Cords. 
 
 Total quantity of cordwood - 22,430 6,953 7 1 
 
 Stakes sold in 1786 - - - 12 3 10$ 
 
 Tons. 
 Total quantity of Bark - - 1,510 2,650 1 5 
 
 41,339 3$ 
 
 Expences of viewing, felling, wages, 
 poundage, allowances, &c. immedi- 
 diately connected with the timber - - 13,619 13 7$ 
 
 Balance of navy timber account - .27,719 6 8f
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 9 
 
 This balance divided by the number of years in the sta- 
 ted period, produces an annual profit to the crown of near- 
 ly 1066, and the annual quantity of oak timber supplied 
 in the same period was about 631 loads, bearing little less 
 than a fortieth proportion to the quantity regularly requir- 
 ed for the use of the navy. It is obvious, therefore, what 
 dependance is to placed on this resource for the support of 
 our naval armament, without some vigorous means being 
 adopted for the planting and protecting nurseries for tim- 
 ber. It has however been stated by the surveyors, that 
 the forest of Dean may be made a very valuable nursery 
 of timber for the navy, and productive of a considerable 
 revenue. The soil is unquestionably in a high degree fa- 
 vourable to the production of oak, but unremitted care 
 and attention are necessary on the parts of those who are 
 intrusted \vith the superintendance of this great nationaJ 
 concern. 
 
 THE PRESENT STATE OF THE FOREST. 
 
 The forest is divided into six walks, called by the seve- 
 ral names of the Speech-house walk, Ruerdean walk, Wor- 
 cester walk, Latimer walk, Blakeney walk, and Park-end 
 walk; which are under the care of six keepers, each of 
 whom has a lodge and other buildings, and from 30 to 
 acres of land, inclosed from the forest. In the three first 
 of these walks the whole of the lands belong to the crown; 
 in the three last upwards of 1185 acres are claimed by in- 
 dividuals as freehold. These in general are encroachments 
 made at different times, and now not easily to be reclaimed. 
 In 1712 there was not one cottage in the forest ; there are 
 now 696, and 1798 patches or small inclosures of land, con- 
 taining about 1385 acres, which are occupied by 3325 
 inhabitants. It is not perhaps easy to calculate the injury
 
 JO The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 which arises from* this circumstance: but it is worthy of be- 
 ing remembered, that in 1300, during the extraordinary 
 scarcity and clearness of provisions, these numerous in- 
 truders, having from their settlement in an extra parochial 
 district, no legal demand of relief, were assisted by the 
 crown, at the expence of 1000 pounds. 
 
 RIGHTS AND CLAIMS. 
 
 The 11,000 acres which M'ere inclosed 20 Cha. II. are 
 freed and discharged from all rights of common whatever. 
 In the remaining quantity of 12,888 acres, the crown has 
 different interests ; in 10,816 it has the property of the 
 soil, and of all the wood and timber, with a power to in- 
 close any part thereof for the growth of timber, on throw- 
 ing open an equal quantity of the original inclosure. In 
 Abbot's wood, the herbage and mines are reserved to the 
 crown; and in a detached part of the forest called Hud- 
 nalls, containing 1025 acres, the privilege of taking, cut- 
 ting, and enjoying the wood growing thereon, is reserved 
 to the inhabitants of St. Briavels. On the whole of the 
 uninclosed, the neighbouring parishes liave a right of com- 
 mon from May 4, to June 20, and from July 20, to No- 
 vember 22. The first interval is the Fence or Fawning 
 month, and during the winter Haining, no animal, ex- 
 cept 800 deer, which the crown has a right at all times to 
 keep, ought to abide in the forest. 
 
 The crown may grant leases on the uninclosed part, 
 but the right has not been exercised during the last cen- 
 tury, and no lease now exists. 
 
 DEER. 
 
 It appears that the usual annual demand for deer on ac- 
 count of the crown, is four bucks and four does, but it
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 1 1 
 
 frequently happens, that the number is not completed, 
 and the warrants are sent back unexecuted, in conse- 
 quence of the scarcity of these animals. 
 
 COAL. 
 
 The free miners and colliers claim a right not only to 
 dig for coal and ore, with the consent of the gaveller, but 
 to be supplied with wood and timber for their works ; and 
 on an average of seven years, 1478 trees are annually de- 
 livered to them. In 1788 there were one hundred and 
 twenty one coal-pits, (thirty one of which were not work- 
 ed;) in these were employed 662 men, who are free- 
 miners. The quantity of coal raised was about 94,432 
 tons in the year, which are conveyed to the lower parts 
 of the county on the east side of the Severn, Monmouth- 
 shire, and Herefordshire. There are three sorts of coal, 
 which at the pit were at that time delivered at the follow- 
 ing prices : house-coal at about 4-?. per ton : smith's-coai 
 at about 35. 6d. and lime-coal at about 2s. but the prices 
 now are greater 2 . 
 
 The miners, generally speaking, gain little more than 
 a mere subsistence from their labours : to this circum- 
 stance, and perhaps a jealous anxiety about their rights, 
 it is owing that the usual methods adopted in collie- 
 ries, of drawing off the water by steam and other engines, 
 are not introduced here. Hence new mines are frequently 
 opened, as they cannot pursue the old ones to any consi- 
 derable depth, on account of the water. 
 
 IRON. 
 
 In 1188 there were eight mines of iron, in which were 
 employed twenty men. The following sorts of iron-ore 
 are found here ;
 
 1 2 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Minera fcrri chjystallizata, of a cbrystalline form, not 
 much attracted by the magnet. 
 
 Minera ftrri nigricans, magneli arnica, called by the 
 miners brush ore. The colour is dark, and the forms are 
 infinitely various, striated, radiated, and tesserated or 
 broken into dice, very strongly attracted by the magnet. 
 
 The pipe ore is a collection of small cylindrical columns, 
 standing close together, and issuing at one end from a 
 lump of the same kind of matter, occasioned, it is sup- 
 posed, by the metal falling like icicles in a state of fusion 
 from the mass to which the pipes are affixed. 
 
 There is another rich and valuable ore, being a fine 
 dark-coloured gravel, when washed by the rains, which 
 is known by the name of smithy ore among the miners. 
 This probably received its name from the smith works, as 
 they are called, in the code of Forest Laws. The men 
 who were employed in working them were called smith 
 men, or smitliy men; and the masters, smith holders. 
 
 CINDERS. 
 
 The CINDERS, which have been found in different parts 
 of the county, and particularly about the forest of Dean, 
 are the scoria of iron, so are the shining glass-like cin- 
 drrs of which great heaps, or mounts are to be seen at 
 every iron furnace now in use, as well as the sites of those 
 which arc gone to decay. These are called scruff; the 
 former liaving been called cinders before any of the latter 
 were seen. Scniff' is the scoria which rises upon the sur- 
 face of the metal by the present mode of melting the ore 
 in large furnaces : but the cinders were produced by the 
 works of the ancients, before the use of the furnace was 
 known. The scruff is a mere scoria, generally destitute of 
 metal, and consisting of a vitreous substance, more or
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 1 3 
 
 less mixed witli the impurities carried off with it in its 
 fluid state. The best is used as an ingredient in the ma- 
 nufacture of common green glass ; for which purpose it is 
 picked out, and reduced to a fine powder, by large 
 stamping engines ; after which the lighter substances arc 
 washed away by a stream of water. Sometimes among 
 the scruff, during the process of stamping, are found con- 
 siderable quantities of granulated iron and ragged lumps, 
 which are called shot and scap iron. These are separated 
 by the stampers and carried to the forges, to be worked 
 up with the pig-iron. 
 
 But the cinders are very different; being not at all 
 vitreous, nor having any transparency like the scruff, but 
 ponderous and opaque, containing a large quantity of 
 iron ; and hence, since the modern improvements, were 
 for some time used as a principal material in working the 
 furnaces of this country. 
 
 There is no doubt but that these cinders were left by 
 the works called blomaries, or blomary forges. The pro- 
 cess in this was very tedious and elaborate. The bellows 
 were only such as could be blown by the strength of man, 
 and the hammers no other than sledges worked by men's 
 arms, for it is known that the beds of cinders are generally 
 found in places where no stream of water could ever be 
 led to turn a wheel; and the large quantity of iron found 
 in them shews that the blast was not strong enough to ex- 
 tract from the ores more than a small proportion of metal. 
 The work of the present finery forges, which perform the 
 first operation of the pig-iron after it comes from the fur- 
 naces, appears to bear some resemblance to that of the 
 b/omaries; only that the bellows and hammers being dri- 
 ven by water, are larger and more powerful ; and that
 
 1 t The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 these bring the pis iron into a state of malleability, as the 
 others did the o/Y 3 . 
 
 To what acra these blomary cinders belong is a question 
 of some curiosity. 
 
 Casar says, that the Britons had iron when he was here, 
 and brass, but the latter was imported. The iron they 
 must have made themselves, and this they could not do 
 without leaving scoria, or refuse. Hence it may be con- 
 cluded, that they have been laid here from the earliest 
 ages, and before the time of Caesar. That considerable 
 quantities were afterwards deposited by the Romans is as- 
 certained by coins, fibulae, and other things known to be 
 in use with that people, having been frequently found 
 among the cinders 4 . 
 
 It is possible that some of the cinders might be made by 
 the Danes, during the short time they were in this coun- 
 try. Both they and the Saxons had too much use for iron 
 and steel not to take advantage of the mines, which had 
 long since been opened, and the works which had for ages 
 been carried on by their predecessors. As little doubt can 
 there be, that they were continued through a long succes- 
 sion of ages after the conquest. By an inquest of the re- 
 garders of the forest, returned at he justice seat holden 
 as long since as 10 Ed. I. it appears, " that certain wages 
 either in money or iron ore were settled to be paid to the 
 miners, who supplied the King's works with ore." In 
 process of time the King's works were let out to farmers, 
 who paid an annual rent to the crown for them. William 
 Earl of Pembroke, 1602, rented all the ironworks, coal, 
 wood, to make charcoals, &V. in the forest, at the yearly 
 rent of 2 J-33/. 6s. 8d. There is therefore little doubt of 
 the blomaries having existed from the earliest times, when 
 the art of making iron from the ore was first found, to
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 1 5 
 
 that period when these works were superseded by others 
 more effectual. At what period the use of furnaces was 
 first known, is our next enquiry. 
 
 The present method of melting the ore in large furnaces, 
 and running it into massy ingots of pig iron, is a modern 
 improvement, at least not of very remote date. The heaps 
 of scruff which are visible in different parts, point out both 
 the number and situation of the furnaces, which have ever 
 been in this country ; and it is probable, that the first in 
 England were erected in this forest, under the tenancy of 
 the Earl of Pembroke; since it may be presumed, that so 
 large a sum as 2433/. 6s. Sd. (which in 1612 was a prodi- 
 gious yearly rent for an individual to pay,) could only be 
 undertaken to be paid, from the inducement of the most 
 sanguine expectations, raised by an extraordinary turn in 
 a trade unknown and unthought of in former ages. lu 
 1613 an information was filed in the Exchequer, on the be- 
 half of the said Earl, against several miners, for digging 
 and carrying away the several materials recited in the 
 lease, to other works ; and an order of Court was made, 
 that, in consideration of his Majesty's farmer of the iron- 
 works not being furnished with matter to keep the forges 
 at work, if the ore and cinders should be carried away, 
 therefore the parties, and others accustomed to dig, Kc. 
 should of charity and grace, &V. be permitted to continue 
 digging and getting the said ore and cinders, so that they 
 carry, or cause the same to be carried, to his Majesty's 
 iron works and forges. Cinders, it is well known, have 
 never been made use of as a material for any other iron 
 works besides furnaces. The word furnace is not indeed 
 mentioned in that record ; but in the early days of these 
 works, as is the case now with persons little conversant
 
 16 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 with iron works, the necessary distinction might not be 
 observed between furnaces and forges 5 . 
 
 The ancient works or blomarics, have in early records 
 the name of forgii, or forgite errantes, from their capa- 
 bility of removal from one situation to another. In P. 
 Nicholas's taxation, they are mentioned under the name 
 of molendin* filer 1 : Two were in the forest at that 
 time, belonging to the abbey of Flaxley, and the Prior 
 of Lanthony. " Bona temporal. Abbis de Flaxl" In Grang. 
 ju.it a Abbiam unum molend\ foler\ ibidem per annum 
 \QS. Od. " Prior de Lenton. juxta Glouc. percipit de uno 
 molena? . foler 1 . apud Aylbriton per ami. Ol. los. od." The 
 new names of furnaces and forges, (and sometimes of iron- 
 mills,) distinguished the works, which in their improved 
 state, had so increased the royal income: and that they 
 were furnaces on the same principle as the present, such 
 as are called fineries and chafferies, and all worked by wa- 
 ter, cannot be doubted. 
 
 In a demise from the crown in 1622 to Harris and Cha- 
 loner, " all the ironworks, with the furnaces, forges, 
 &V." are recited, and it was agreed, that the miners should 
 furnish them, with ore for the furnaces, at the same 
 prices they were obliged to find them for the King, wheu 
 they were worked on his account. Hence it appears, 
 that furnaces and forges, such as are now used for making 
 iron, though since much altered, and improved, were, in 
 use early in the reign of James I. and that the scoria or 
 cinders, were then employed in working them. It can- 
 not well be supposed that such powerful works were 
 brought *o perfection but by slow degrees, and after some 
 considerable experience. The first projectors could not 
 be aware of the strength required to resist the force of
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 17 
 
 these furnace fires, and therefore in the early surveys they 
 are described, as " very much cracked," and ruinous. 
 The works of those days have, indeed, long been silent, 
 and resigned the trade to others better placed and more 
 improved ; and the small mounts of scruif to be seen now 
 at the places where they stood, are a lasting evidence, 
 that they were not going through many reigns. Upon 
 the whole of these facts, it is a fair conjecture, that the 
 first erection of our modern furnaces in England was 
 about the middle or end of the 16th century, or during 
 the reign of Elizabeth, under whom every art and manu- 
 facture was cherished and promoted. 
 
 It was before observed, that since the modern improve- 
 ments, cinders were for some time used as a principal ma- 
 terial in working the furnaces of this country. For this 
 purpose they differ much in their goodness and value. 
 Some were light and porous, and yielding little iron ; others 
 were heavy, and abounding in metal. Of these latter, some 
 were more brittle, and might be broken into small pieces by 
 a slight blow of the hammer, and consequently more 
 easily brought into fusion ; whereas others, not at all 
 richer in metal, were more obdurate and intractable, 
 requiring a greater strength of fire to melt them. It 
 is observable, that these differences in the banks of 
 cinders are commonly preserved through the whole of 
 each; and that those found in every respective village 
 or place, have a resemblance ; so that whether it be owing 
 to their having been worked from any particular mines, 
 or to any peculiar mode or process in the working of the 
 blomaries, the peculiarity seems to have been preserved 
 through the whole time in which the works were going on 
 at the several places. The best ores which are raised in 
 the forest or its neighbourhood are hard to be worked by 
 
 VOL, II. C
 
 1 S The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 themselves ; probably owing to the quantities of heteroge- 
 neous matters contained in them. A proportion of other 
 ingredients, exempt from these matters, is required to 
 bring them into perfect fusion ; for without this, the sco- 
 ria, which must be freely separated and drawn off, becomes 
 not sufficiently fluid ; and the labour to the men is thereby 
 rendered extremely hard to keep the furnaces clear. It 
 seems therefore particularly fortunate for the adventurers 
 who first erected iron furnaces, that the^ found upon the 
 spot an ingredient ready prepared in the cinders, dis- 
 charged of all noxious substances, and on that account 
 well fitted to assist in bringing the ores into fusion, and 
 also itself affording a large portion of metal. 
 
 The great consumption of cinders necessarily produced 
 a gradual scarcity, and suggested the introduction of Lan- 
 cashire ores in their room ; and these are now found so 
 easy of fusion, and productive of metal, as in some furna- 
 ces even to supersede the use of forest ores altogether 6 . 
 
 REDUCTION OF IRON ORE. 
 
 The modern form of the furnaces, and the mode of em- 
 ploying them for the reduction of the ores are the follow- 
 ing: " The furnaces are between twenty and thirty feet 
 high, built of a gritty stone found in the forest, capable of 
 enduring a fire intense enough to melt and break down al- 
 most any other material. The shape is that a crucible, or 
 cone inverted, about seven or eight feet in diameter at the 
 top, to which the approach is by a natural or artificial 
 bank. The process is begun by throwing into the furnace 
 some lighted brushwood, then charcoal, with the ore and 
 fluxing matters, which are usually calcareous and argilla- 
 ceous stones, sometimes quartz and flints. These materi- 
 als are thrown in alternately, and the whole covered with
 
 \ Forest Division.'- Forest of Dean. 19 
 
 charcoal. The blast is made at a hole about three inches 
 diameter towards the bottom, by two large bellows nearly 
 thirty feet long, which are driven by water, and work by 
 alternate movements. At an orifice somewhat lower, the 
 dross, which separates from the metal in fusion, is let out. 
 Quite at the bottom is another opening-, occasionally 
 closed with a plug, through which the metal is let out, 
 upon a bed of sand, to the length of thirty feet, every 21 
 hours. A large groove is formed on the s.-.nd, which 
 serves to convey the metal to several grooves on each 
 side, smaller and shorter. In the former are cast the sows, 
 and in the latter the pigs of iron ; both which are carried 
 to thejine?y and chafery. On the hearth of the finery is a 
 large charcoal fire, excited by bellows something smaller 
 than those used at the furnaces. The ends of two or three 
 pigs or sows are put into the finery together, where, soft- 
 ening gradually, the metal is stirred and worked till it run 
 into one mass or lump, which they call half 'bloom. This 
 is taken out, and first submitted to the strokes of sledges, 
 then of a large weighty hammer, which is moved by a wa- 
 ter wheel. By this operation it is soon beaten out into a 
 thick, short, square figure. It is then put into the finery 
 again, and worked to the shape of a bar with a square knob 
 at each end. The chafery finishes it into bars of the requir- 
 ed shape and size. 
 
 It is found by experiment, that the coals of the forest 
 are too much impregnated with sulphur to answer the pur- 
 pose of blowing the furnaces with complete success. In 
 other parts of the island, where the ore is less mixed with 
 noxious substances, coke is made from pitcoal, and thus 
 possessing in a weaker degree the essential principles of 
 charcoal, has been applied with good effect to the fusing of 
 ore. The practice is not altogether unknown in this dis- 
 trict, as atLidney furnace much ore is reduced in this way;
 
 20 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 but at this and every other place where pitcoal is used, 
 the iron is allowed to be of inferior tenacity and ductility 
 to that manufactured by means of charcoal ; and a propor- 
 tionate value is allowed it ; for when the former is sold for 
 twenty pounds per ton, the latter will produce twenty- 
 four. 
 
 QUARRIES. 
 
 Stones of different qualities and for different uses are dug 
 in the forest. Mill stones are found at Stanton, paving 
 stones at Bromley quarry, near Ruerdean hill, and other 
 places, particularly atBlakeney. In colour they are gene- 
 rally of a dark white or reddish brown. Exposed to the 
 air they stand perfectly well, but often scale when used in- 
 ternally for floors and kept in the dry. 
 
 ROADS. 
 
 The roads through the forest, and also through part of 
 Awre, for the purpose of conveying his Majesty's timber 
 to the Severn, were formerly repaired at the expence of 
 the crown, but 36 G. III. an Act of Parliament was 
 passed, by which his Majesty was exonerated from all 
 future repairs, on advancing 10,645/. and enabling cer- 
 tain commissioners to make the following roads. One 
 from Mitchel Dean to Colford. A second from Little 
 Dean, by the Speech-house, to the same place. And a 
 third from the extremity of Awre, (which also extends to 
 Pyrton Passage and Gatcomb,) to the same place. These 
 great roads have opened a convenient and highly agree- 
 able communication through a beautiful country to Mon- 
 mouth and South Wales, and relieved the crown from the 
 annual expenditure of nearly 450/. which was no way 
 conducive to the preservation of the forest, nor much to 
 the convenience of the public.
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 2 1 
 
 THE GENERAL APPEARANCE 
 Of the Forest is beautiful and picturesque, finely broken 
 with deep vallies and rising grounds. The majestic oak, 
 interspersed with beech, hanging birch trees, hawthorns, 
 hollies, and low wood, adorn the landscape with rich, 
 verdant, and various foliage. Springs issue in copious 
 streams, tinged with the colour of the ochveous beds, 
 through which they pass, and strongly impregnated with 
 iron 7 . One in particular, which rises about a mile west of 
 Gunn's Mills,(211) after having made its way through a 
 small grove, falls into an artificial square bason, five feet 
 deep, with steps leading down to it, and large enough to 
 bathe in. It is called St. Anthony's Well, and has long 
 been famed for the cure of cutaneous disorders. The 
 quantity of water furnished by this spring, is considerable 
 enough to supply the adjoining paper-mills, and the iron- 
 works at Flaxley, a little below, and it is said never to 
 decrease in the driest seasons. 
 
 The soil of the Forest is various, but generally inclining 
 to a red marl, congenial to the growth of oak, but per- 
 haps less so to that of corn. The styre apple is the boast 
 of this district, from which a cyder is made of great 
 strength, and, in the opinion of some, perceptibly par- 
 taking a chalybeate flavour. 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE FOREST. 
 
 LORD WARDEN. The Right Hon. FREDERICK AU- 
 GUSTUS, Earl of Berkeley. This office, and that of Con- 
 stable of the Castle of St. Briavels, are held by patent 
 during the King's pleasure. He appoints six deputies 
 and the keepers; whose conduct he superintends, in re- 
 gard to deer only, but has nothing to do with the timber 
 No salary is annexed to the office. 
 
 DEPUTY WARDENS. Sir Berkeley William Guise, 
 c 3
 
 22 The History cf the Counly of Gloucester. 
 
 Bart. Sir T. Crawley Boevcy, Bart. Roynon Jones, Esq. 
 Kdmund Probyn, Esq. JosephPyrke, Esq. ; and the sixth is 
 vacant by the death of the late Maynard Colchester, Esq. 
 
 This office is held during the pleasure of the Lord War- 
 den, and the duty of the Deputy Wardens is to preside as 
 Judges at the Miner's Court, and the Hundred Court of 
 St. Briavels, for the recovery of debts and other purposes. 
 No salary or fee is annexed to this appointment. 
 
 VERDERORS. Edmund Probyn, Esq. Roynon Jones, 
 Esq. Joseph Pyrke, Esq. and Sir Berkeley William 
 Guise, Bart. 
 
 These are chosen for life by the freeholders of the 
 comity at large, and their duty is to preserve the vert 
 and venison of the forest. Each is entitled to a buck and 
 doe in the season. 
 
 STEWARD OF THE SWANIMOTE AND ATTACHMENT 
 COURTS. John Matthews, Esq. 
 
 CHIEF FORESTER IN FEE, AND BOW-BEARER. Charles 
 Wyndham, Esq. 
 
 This office is held by the family of Wyndham by inhe- 
 ritance ; in virtue of which he claims to be entitled to the 
 left shoulder of all bucks and does killed within the forest ; 
 also to ten fee-bucks and ten fee-does annually, to be 
 there killed and taken of his own free will and pleasure, 
 with licence to hawk, hunt, fish, and fowl within the said 
 forest. As Bow-bearer, he is to attend the King with a 
 bow and arrow, and six men cloathed in green, when his 
 Majesty shall be pleased to hunt in the Forest. 
 
 OTHER FORESTERS IN FEE. Corporation of Gloucester; 
 Jane Clark; T. Foley, Esq.; Heirs of Ralph Colster, Esq.; 
 Heirs of Thomas Williams; Heirs of John Ayres; Heirs of 
 Sir Robert Gunning, Knt.; Heirs of Henry Yearsley. 
 
 These succeed by inheritance, but no emoluments are 
 annexed to the office.
 
 Forest Division. Forest of Dean. 23 
 
 WOODWARD of Stanton, Wm. Hall, Lord Vise. Gage. 
 
 Ditto of Bicknor, the same. 
 
 Ditto of the Bearse, C. Wyndham, Esq. 
 
 Ditto of Mitcheldean, Maynard Colchester, Esq. 
 
 Ditto of the Lea Bay ley, Ditto. 
 
 Ditto of Blakeney, Sir Thomas Crawley Boevey. 
 
 Ditto of Ruerdeane, Jane Clarke. 
 
 Ditto of Abbenhall, Edm. Probyn, Esq. 
 
 Ditto of the Blyths Bayley, John Beale, Esq. 
 
 The office of Woodward is to watch and preserve the 
 timber, woods, and underwoods, and to present all of- 
 fences relating thereto at the Forest Courts. They claim 
 lops and tops of all timber and other trees felled within 
 their bailiwicks, also all windfalls and dotard trees within 
 the same, and house-bote for repairing the Woodward'* 
 mansion-house. 
 
 Six KEEPERS, who live in their lodges in the respective 
 walks. Their duty is to preserve the vert and venison of 
 the forest, for which they receive each a salary of 22/. 
 per annum, with other emoluments, which amount in the 
 whole to more than 800/. or about 135/. to each, besides 
 the lodge, land, and right of common. 
 
 WATCHMAN and SWORN DEPUTY KEEPER. His duty 
 is to detect wood-stealers, and assist the keepers. He has 
 a salary of 10/. per annum, and a house, but no casual 
 fees or emoluments, except the fine on conviction of of- 
 fenders. 
 
 SURVEYOR GENERAL. The Right Hon. Sylvester Lord 
 Glenbervie, who was appointed by the King January 5, 
 1803, on the death of John Robinson, Esq. 
 GAVELLER. George Caesar Hopkinson, Esq. 
 This office is held by letters patent of his Majesty, un- 
 der the title of Keeper of the Gawles above and under 
 c 4
 
 2-t The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 the wood, riding forester, and ale Conner within the Forest 
 of Dean, during the King's pleasure. His duty is to 
 watch the King's rights in the mines of coal and other 
 mines, or the compositions paid in lieu of them. He has 
 no fixed salary, but what arises from fines, fees, or com- 
 positions, which after paying a deputy, amounts to about 
 one hundred pounds a year. 
 
 REGARDERS. By the old forest laws there should be 
 twelve, but in this forest there is not one. 
 
 CONSERVATOR. Roynon Jones, Esq. 
 
 His office is to take care of the waste lands inclosed pur- 
 suant to the statute of 20 Car. II. and of the woods and 
 underwoods there growing. The appointment is in the 
 Lords of the Treasury, with a clear yearly salary of 64/. 1 6s. 
 
 Of the several officers above enumerated, few can be 
 considered otherwise than as honorary, except the survey- 
 or general, and his six under keepers, to whose hands the 
 whole management of the forest in every particular, ex- 
 cept the mines and coal, has been for many years con- 
 fided. 
 
 COURTS. 
 
 There are three courts properly belonging to forests, 
 namely, the Court of Attachments or Woodmote, the 
 Court of Swanimote, and the Justice Seat, or Court of 
 Chief Justice in Eyre. To this forest another court be- 
 longed, called the Mine-law Court, held by the deputy 
 wardens and deputy constables, for the regulation of all 
 matters relating to the mines, and settling disputes and 
 questions between the miners ; but for several years past 
 this court has been discontinued. 
 
 These courts are generally held at the King's lodge, or 
 Speech-house, situate nearly in the centre of the forest.
 
 Forest Division. Botloc Hundred. 25 
 
 XVI. BOTLOE HUNDRED. 
 
 CXCI. BROMSBOROUGH anciently BRUNMEBERGE, 
 
 Is a parish about eight miles in circumference, contain- 
 ing 1100 acres, and distant 14 miles N. w. from Glou- 
 cester ; at the extremity of the county, and adjoining to 
 Worcestershire. The land in general is a deep red sand, 
 'better adapted to the production of rye, and the inferior 
 sorts of grain, than wheat or beans. Some rich meadows 
 however are found on the banks of the Glynch, a rivulet 
 which intersects the parish. The soil is also favourable to 
 the production of many fruits, and particularly the Old- 
 bury and other pears. 
 
 The road from Gloucester to Led bury leads through 
 this parish. 
 
 The etymology of the name is with great probability 
 supposed to be bryme Sax. famous, and berg, a town, 
 or beorgh, a castle. 
 
 In Domesday survey, Radulfus de Todeni is the propri- 
 tor of Brunmeberge, in Botelau hundred, containing five 
 hides. In the descendants of this family it probably con- 
 tinued till it passed to the Beauchamps, Earls of Warwick, 
 by marriage with a female of the Todeni's 8 . In the reign 
 of Richard the second, a collateral branch of the family 
 of Bromwiche, of Castle Bromwich, co. Warwick, be- 
 came and continued possessors through several centuries. 
 Early in the last century it passed by purchase from Ed- 
 mund Bromwich, Esq. to John Hyett, Esq. of Gloucester, 
 and soon after, in the same way was transferred to Walter
 
 26 The History qf the CoutUy of Gloucester. 
 
 Yate, Esq. From him it passed by will, after a beneficial 
 term of BIX years to John Yate, Esq. barrister at law, to 
 John Yate, only son of Charles Yate, Esq. of Arlingham, 
 co. Gloucester. He died unmarried, and the property de- 
 dolved to Robert Dobyns, Esq. the heir general of Wal- 
 ter Yate, Esq. being the grandson of his sister, Catherine 
 Unett. He assumed the name of Yate, and dying in 
 1765, left two sons and four daughters by his Avife Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of Richard Gorges, of Eye, co. Hereford. 
 Robert Gorges Dobyns Yate, the eldest son succeeded to 
 the manor and estates in this and other places. On his 
 death in 1785, he left two sons and two daughters under 
 age, by his wife Annabella Christiana, only daughter of 
 William Honey wood, Esq. of Maling Abbey, co. Kent, 
 and sister to Sir John Honeywood, Bart. Walter Ho- 
 ney wood Yate, Esq. the eldest son, is now lord of the 
 manor, and proprietor of about half the parish. 
 
 The family mansion now called Bromsberrow-place, was 
 built on the site of Hooke-house by Robert Dobyns Yate, 
 Esq. and finished in its present elegant style by the late 
 Robert Gorges Dobyns Yate, Esq. 
 
 GROVE-HOUSE and RUSSELS-END belong to William 
 Brooke, Esq. in whose ancestors they have for many years 
 been vested. 
 
 BROWNS-END is the property of Mrs. Webb, late of 
 Mrs. Nanfan, relict of John Nanfan, Esq. 
 
 The HILL, and another estate are the property of Lord 
 Somers. 
 
 The BROOK-END has long been in the family of Stone, 
 and is now vested in Sam. Stone, Esq. resident in Ireland. 
 
 WOOD-END is a small hamlet or place in this parish. 
 
 Seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 80 1 38 235. Houses inhabited, 40.
 
 farcsl Division. -Rotloe Hundred. 27 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the Forest deanery. Wal~ 
 ter Honeywood Yate, Esq. is patron, and Henry Gorges 
 Dobyns Yate, LL. D. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient struc- 
 ture, but has been very much modernized by some late re- 
 parations. It consists of a nave only, with a battlement- 
 ed tower at the west end. A burial chapel, adjoining the 
 chancel, and appropriated to the family, was built by 
 Walter Yate, Esq. in 1725. By the care of the present 
 incumbent, some curious painted glass has been preserved 
 and arranged in the windows of this chapel. 
 
 In P. N. tax. The church of Brymmesbarewe, 10/. 
 
 In the King's books, ll. 15.v. Of/. 
 
 CXCII. DIMMOCK, DYMOCK, anciently DIMOCK, 
 
 Is a parish containing 3500 acres, distant four miles N. 
 from Newent, and twelve N. w. from Gloucester. The 
 *oil is generally of sand, in some places inclining to loam, 
 and applied in about the proportion of a third part to the 
 production of wheat, barley, and peas. Eight hundred 
 acres are in wood, and the rest in pasture, Apple and 
 pear trees are planted in the open fields, and the oak and 
 elm grow in great luxuriance. The small Ryeland sheep 
 are bred here, and it is said, that King Edward selected 
 the sheep which he presented to the Spanish monarch 
 from this parish 9 . 
 
 The name is derived by Atkyns from the Saxon Dim, 
 dark, and Ac, oak, as giving the character of the place, 
 in ancient days, when it was covered, in a great measure, 
 with trees of that kind. 
 
 This parish is intersected by the canal that leads to He-
 
 28 Tlic History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 reford from Gloucester, and by the Leden in its course to 
 the Severn. 
 
 The buildings were formerly much more numerous and 
 extensive than at present, as may be inferred from the 
 names of several streets now retained. In the 10th 
 Hen. III. the inhabitants had the privilege of markets and 
 fairs, which are now totally disused. 
 
 Near the turnpike-road, on the southern borders of the 
 parish, is an elevation called Castle Tump, evidently the 
 work of art. It is said that one of the Bohuns, Earls of 
 Hereford, built a castle here, but of that no vestiges are 
 remaining, and this eminence is too small for a building 
 of that kind. It was probably thrown up during the civil 
 wars, to serve the purpose of an arx ex-ploratoria^ or place 
 of observation ; a provision absolutely necessary in a coun- 
 try so much concealed in wood. Sir John Winter had a 
 garrison here for the King, which, it is not unlikely, 
 misht have been the old moated mansion, on the west 
 
 O * 
 
 side of the road, and separated from Castle Tump by not 
 more than two hundred yards. 
 
 The manor is part of the ancient demesne of the crown, 
 and was held by King Edward before the conquest. It is 
 recorded in Domesday as containing 20 hides, and a wood 
 3 miles long, and 1 broad. It came afterwards to Earl Wil- 
 liam and his son Roger, on whose death without issue, it 
 came to Roger, Earl of Hereford, who gave the demesne 
 thereof, and half the wood, to the abbey of Flaxley. In 
 1291, five carucates, with a water-mill, are recorded to 
 have belonged to that abbey. The manor is said to have 
 belonged to the families of Clifford and Grandison. In 
 J454, Sir Walter Devereux, and Elizabeth his wife, 
 claimed four parts of the manor, which were vested in
 
 Forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 29 
 
 1565 in Walter, Viscount Hereford, who left them in 
 settlement to Lettice his widow, afterwards wife of Ro- 
 bert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, whose right was proved 
 in 1581. Giles Forster was proprietor in 1608, and soon 
 after Sir John Winter of Lydney, from whom it was 
 taken by Parliament during the usurpation, and sold to 
 Evan Seys, 1657, and by him resold to Edward Pye, 
 merchant, who left it by will to Edward Pye Chamber- 
 lain, Esq. 1712, and his son transferred the mansion- 
 house called the Boyce, with the manor and estate, to 
 Anne Cam, spinster, by purchase, from whom they passed 
 by will to John Moggridge, Esq. of Bradford, co. Wilts, 
 and from him by gift in his life-time, to his son, John 
 Moggridge, Esq. who resides at the mansion-house, and 
 is lord of the manor of Great Dymock. 
 
 The customs of this manor, which were enrolled in the 
 reign of Elizabeth, and investigated by a committee of 
 the House of Commons in 1776, are in some respects pe- 
 culiar. Among them are the following : The ancient de- 
 mesne tenants hold to them, and the heirs of their body, 
 with reversion and remainder thereof in fee to the lord. 
 For licence of alienation are paid one years rent, by the 
 name of relief, and 2s. fee to the steward for a copy. In 
 case of any tenant being attainted by law, the lands do 
 not escheat to the lord, nor the King, but descend to the 
 next heir. If a tenant die seized without issue of his body 
 then the lord shall have the land to him and his heirs. 
 The widow is entitled to the third part of her dower, 
 against the heir and the lord. The tenants are bound to 
 do such services in war, as have heretofore been accus- 
 tomed. 
 
 The parish is divided into five tythings, which are in-
 
 30 Tlte History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 eluded in three divisions. I. WOODEND division takes in 
 the tythings of Flaxley and Gamagt-hall. 
 
 The Boyce, with several other estates, belong to John 
 Moggridge, Esq. 
 
 The IVhitehouse was the property of George Pritchard, 
 Esq. of Hope-end, nearLedbury, co. Hereford, whose only 
 daughter was the wife of Henry Lambert, Esq. by whom 
 she left one daughter, married to Sir Henry Tempest,Bart. 
 who in her right is now the proprietor of this and various 
 other estates. In this house was born John Kyrle, the 
 MAN OF Ross 10 . 
 
 The Old Grange was part of the ancient property of the 
 abbey of Flaxley. At the dissolution it was granted to 
 Sir Anthony Kingstone. Thos. Wenman purchased it in 
 1582, from which family it descended to Wenman Wyn- 
 niatt, Esq. and is now the property of the Rev. Reginald 
 Wynniatt, A. M. (33) who is also lord of the manor of 
 Little Dymock. 
 
 Gamage hall was anciently held by the families of de 
 Gamage, Pembruge, and Moreton, and was late the pro- 
 perty of Richard Serjeant, Gent. 
 
 This was the manor house of Little Dymock, from 
 which it was detached early in the last century, by sale, 
 with the reservation of the right of holding courts there. 
 This manor has the same jurisdiction within itself as the 
 greater manor. 
 
 Other properties of considerable extent have for many 
 generations been vested in the family of Hill, and are now 
 held by different branches of it. 
 
 2. RYLAND division includes the tythings of Ryton and 
 O eking ton. 
 
 John Thackwell, Esq. possesses the Linch y and other es-
 
 Forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 3 1 
 
 tates. He was the surviving residuary legatee of Mrs. 
 Cam, and by that means succeeded to a large property 
 not disposed of in her will. 
 
 Ketford Farm, with several other estates, belong to W. 
 H. Yate, Esq. (191) 
 
 Great Lintridge, and another estate called Ketford, are 
 the property of Henry Lambert, Esq. 
 
 Other proprietors are William Baylis, Esq. John Hart- 
 land, William Brooke, Esq. Kc. 
 
 3. LEADINGTON division comprehends that part of the 
 parish which lies on the banks of the Leden. 
 
 Great Netherton, with other estates to a considerable 
 amount, belong to John Thackwell, Esq. 
 
 Rowshill, Wincross, and other estates, are the property 
 of the Rev. Reginald Wynniatt. 
 
 The Green House is the property, and has been the re- 
 sidence of the family of Hankins for many generations. 
 
 Other competent properties belong to the families of 
 Cole, Hiett, Hodges, Hooper, Kc. 
 
 This parish is said to have been the birth-place of Roger 
 Dimoc, a learned Dominican, who died 1390; and of Ro- 
 bert Burhill, D. D. in the seveateenth century. 
 Thirty -four freeholders voted in 1116. 
 Population, 1000 1116 1223. 
 
 The benefice is vicarial, in the Forest deanery. It has 
 received an annual stipend from the impropriator, which 
 has been raised from 40/. to 60/. According to the re- 
 turn of the commissioners appointed to ascertain the first- 
 fruits, the vicar was then entitled to vicarial tythes. It 
 belonged, as appears from P. N. tax. to the priory of 
 Newent, in 1291, and in the reign of Hen. IV. was trans- 
 ferred to the college of Fotheringhay, which Henry ha4 
 founded. At the dissolution of religious houses, it was
 
 32 Y/ttf llisloiy of the Cuuiiiy qf Gloucester. 
 
 granted to Sir Richard Leu, at the yearly rent of 40$. 
 The family of Winter held the rectory in the seventeenth 
 century, till it was confiscated by Parliament, amongst 
 other property, and sold to Wycherley and Milward, 
 Sir Orlando Humphreys was afterwards impropriator, 
 and sold it to George Pritchard, Esq. from whom it de- 
 scended, as before, to Sir Henry Tempest, Bart, with the 
 advowson. 
 
 Part of the tythes have been sold to several of the land- 
 holders by the present impropriator. 
 
 Evan Evans, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of a nave, 
 of large dimensions, with a transept, unequal in height, 
 and not opposite. The south side has some Saxon, or 
 early Norman windows, which ascertain its date ; modern 
 improvements having nearly removed all other marks of 
 antiquity. The tower is massive, and supports a spire of 
 obtuse form. In the north transept is an arcade or recess, 
 which once contained an image of the patron saint. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Dymmock is recorded as 
 belonging to the, prior of Newent, and taxed at 26/. 1 3s. 
 4d. In the King's books, 9/. 13s. 9d. 
 
 CXCIII. KEMPLEY, KEMPLEYE, anciently CHENEPELEI, 
 
 Is a parish containing about 750 acres of stiff red clay 
 and loam, peculiarly fruitful, and applied nearly in equal 
 proportions to pasture and arable. The fields are chiefly 
 planted with fruit trees, at such a distance from each 
 other as not to obstruct the cultivation of corn. The soil 
 being deep, is productive of the oak and elm in great 
 luxuriance. The church is distant fifteen miles N. w. 
 from Gloucester.
 
 Forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 33 
 
 Roger de Laci held Chenepelei of the King at the time 
 of the survey. Henry de Grey, in the reign of Rich. I. 
 and his descendants till 1399. John Abrahall was pro- 
 prietor in 1464, and William Pigot, 1539. Anne, sole 
 heiress of Henry his grandson, carried it by marriage to 
 Henry Finch, of the Winchelsea family, by whose grand- 
 son, John, it was sold to Sir Thomas Howe, Knt. third 
 son of John Howe, Esq. of Compton Abdale, who died 
 without issue. It was afterwards purchased by Reginald 
 Pyndar, Esq. lord of the manor 1711. His son Thomas 
 succeeded, and died 1722. Reginald Pyndar Lygon, 
 Esq. of Maddersfield, co, Worcester, (which latter name 
 he has assumed,) is the present lord of the manor, and 
 proprietor of more than two-thirds of the parish. 
 
 The manorial house is large, and appears from the date 
 and armorial bearings carved in some of the apartments, 
 to have been built in 1610, by Henry Finch, Esq. The 
 sharp pediments and bay windows mark the style of that 
 age. It is now used as a farm-house. 
 
 The only estate of consequence, independent of the 
 manor, belongs to Dan. Hulbert, Gent, besides which, 
 other small properties belong to Messrs. Thackwcll, Wil- 
 liams, Cummins, and Wyrmiatt. 
 
 Lands in this parish were formerly held by lease of the 
 Hospital of St. Bartholomew, in Gloucester, at -a rent of 
 three cranocs (half quarter) of wheat and two quarters of 
 oats. 
 
 Seven freeholders voted in 1770. 
 
 Population, 180 257 218. Houses inhabited, 49. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the Forest deanery, en- 
 dowed with the impropriate tythes of the whole parish, 
 except Prior's Court, which is charged with the repairs of 
 the chancel. It is held under the Hospital of St. Kathe- 
 VOL. ii. n
 
 3 1 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 rine in Ledbury, and has been from a very early period, 
 as appears from the entry in P. N. tax. " Ecclia de Kcm- 
 pdey tst IlospiC de Led." The Dean and Chapter of He- 
 reford, as trustees of the hospital, are the patrons, and 
 R. D. Squire, A.M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church is small, having only a nave, divided from 
 the chancel by a heavy arch, with Saxon mouldings, and 
 a door-case in the same style. The spire is low, and co- 
 vered with shingles. 
 
 Value in P. N. tax. Si. 
 
 Value in King's books, 5l. 6s. b\d. 
 
 CXCIV. NEWENT, anciently NOENT, 
 Is a parish and market-town, distant eight miJes N. w. 
 from Gloucester. More than 4000 acres are comprehended 
 within the parochial boundaries, the soil of which is vari- 
 ous. In general it is a light sand inclining to red, better 
 adapted to arable than pasture, of which however there is 
 some of a superior quality, as well as excellent orchard- 
 ing. By Leland and others, the name is said to signify 
 New Inn, being, when the communication was first 
 opened by this way into Wales, a single house. Others 
 were afterwards erected, till it became a IOM n. 
 
 The Ell, a rivulet, runs through the north part, and 
 drives several mills before it falls into the Leden. 
 
 Newent appears to have been formerly a place of con- 
 siderable importance, and so large as to have had nine 
 streets and lanes. Ancient writings confirm the account 
 of its having been a borough town, governed by a bailiff. 
 William White is recorded as 1 the last officer, towards the 
 end of the 17th century. A house now dilapidated, re- 
 tains the name of the Boothall ; and Woeful Hill, in the
 
 Forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 35 
 
 hamlet of Bowlesdon, is by tradition said to be the place 
 where criminals were executed. 
 
 Newent, in its present state, is a small irregular town, 
 with a few good houses, but the greater part are poor 
 and mean. A shorter communication, which is now 
 making by means of a new turnpike road over Gorstley 
 common to Hereford, will' probably much increase its 
 consequence, and add to its improvement. The market 
 is held on Thursday; and four fairs, viz. Wednesday be- 
 fore Easter and Whitsunday, first of August, and Friday 
 after the 8th of September. 
 
 There was anciently an Alien Priory here. King Wil- 
 liam the Conqueror, at the instance of Roger of Montgo- 
 mery, gave this manor to the abbot and convent of Cor- 
 meile, in Normandy, who thereupon sent over a prior and 
 some Benedictine monks, and it became a coll to that fo- 
 reign monastery. When, during the wars with France, 
 this alien priory was seized by the King, it was farmed at 
 190 marks a year, and after the suppression of these 
 houses, was granted by Hen. IV. and Hen. V. to the 
 collegiate church of Fodringhey, co. Northampton, and as 
 parcel thereof, 1 Edw. VI. to Sir Richard Lee. It was 
 afterwards sold to Arnold, and next to Sir William Win- 
 tour, from whose descendant it passed by purchase to an 
 ancestor of the present proprietor, the Hon. Andrew 
 Foley, youngest son of the late Thomas Lord Foley, 
 created Baron 1776. 
 
 In P. N. tax. " Bona temporalia, P*or de Ncwent in 
 Epatu Heref. summa 461. 9s. Old.'" 
 
 Very little remains of the old building to ascertain ifs 
 site, except a gateway. 
 
 A person of the name of Home was burnt in the yard 
 D 2
 
 36 Tlie History qf the County of Gloucester, 
 
 belonging to the priory, for supposed heresy, in the reign 
 of the bigotted Mary. 
 
 TYTHINGS AND HAMLETS, i. NEWENT. In the 
 town are resident Francis La wson, Esq.; James de Visme, 
 Esq.; John Moggridge, Esq.; (who have considerable 
 estates in other counties,) and other gentlemen of for- 
 tune. 
 
 Nellfield'sfami is the property of Mr. J. Beale. 
 
 John Careless, Gent, has an estate in this tything. 
 
 2. COMPTON tything takes in Carswall, formerly a dis- 
 tinct manor, belonging to Roger de Laci, and held of him 
 by Odo. It afterwards came to the Pauncefote family, 
 and is now the property of Sir George Pauncefote, Bart, 
 of East-Stoke, co. Nott. ". 
 
 Compton and Court Orchard, once the property of the 
 Brays, of Barrington, now of Mrs. Jones, (relict of the 
 late Charles Jones, Esq. ) and Edward Bearcroft, Esq. son 
 of the late Edward Bearcroft, Esq. Chief Justice of Ches- 
 ter. He married a sister of Mrs. Jones, and co-heiress of 
 the late Mr. Rogers, of Okie, in this parish, who pur- 
 chased the estate of the Brays. 
 
 Waters, or Athelord's Place, or the Scar, formerly be- 
 longing to Mr. Dobyns, afterwards to Mr. Sargeant, now 
 to Mr. Hankins. 
 
 Hays, or Hege, as in Domesday, formerly the property 
 of the Walls, afterwards of Mr. Pritchard, of Hope-end, 
 near Ledbury, now of Sir Henry Tempest, Bart, by mar- 
 riage with his daughter(192). 
 
 Stardens, annexed, with other considerable estates in 
 this tything, to the manor. 
 
 Ford-house estate is the property of John Wood, Gent. 
 
 Waterdine, late the property of John Pitt, Esq. M.P. of
 
 Forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 37 
 
 Gloucester, is now vested in John Wood, Gent, of the 
 Fordhotise, by purchase. 
 
 Callow-hill belongs to Mr. Woodward. 
 
 3. MAULSWICK, contains Okeky Clifford, Okeley Pritch- 
 ard, and Okeley Grandison; Avhich are not always dis- 
 tinguished in the old records. The family of Rogers 
 were proprietors of Okeley Clifford at the beginning of 
 last century, whose representatives, Mrs. Jones and Edw. 
 Bearcroft, Esq. are the present owners of more than half 
 the property of this tything. 
 
 Wyndhams, with other considerable property, belongs 
 to the Hon. And. Foley. 
 
 Other proprietors are Miss Chinn, J. Wood, James 
 Cummins, Kc. 
 
 4. CUGLEY. A good house and estate, formerly be- 
 longing to the Woodwards, afterwards to the family of 
 
 Chinn, has lately been sold by Ed. Chinn, Esq. to 
 
 Fowke, Esq. of Tewkesbury, 
 
 Other proprietors are, Samuel Draper, Gent. Rev. 
 Wm. Beale, W. Hartland, and James Cummins. 
 
 Woods of considerable extent in this tything belong to 
 the lord of the manor. 
 
 5. BOULESDON gave name to a family, who held it from 
 1475 for several generations. It belonged to the Porters 
 in 1558, and to the family of Nourse at the beginning of 
 last century, from whom it passed by purchase to Mr. J. 
 Nourse Morse, who is now lord of this manor, and a con- 
 siderable proprietor. 
 
 Other proprietors are, Grosvenor, Esq.; 
 
 Wyndham, Esq. Kc, 
 
 In this tything are two coal-pits, lately sunk at the ex- 
 pence of several subscribers. The depth to the coal is 
 forty-one yards ; the stratum, between four and five feet ; 
 P3
 
 Ss Tlie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 about seven tons a day are brought; up ; and 125. per ton 
 is the price at the mouth of the pit. 
 
 6. KILCOT, late the property of Mr. Nourse, now be- 
 longs to Mr. Morse, who holds a court-leet. A chapel, 
 dedicated to St. Hilary, stood formerly on the edge of 
 Gorstley, but no traces of the building now remain ; the 
 scite, however, is recognized under the name of * Saint 
 Ililly's Nap, or Tump.' 
 
 At YARTLEDON-hill (now called May-hill > on account of 
 the festive games celebrated there on May-day 12 ) is a 
 place called the Glass-house, and many entries appear in 
 the register of persons buried from the Glass-house. 
 Hence an opinion has been taken up, that a glass-manu- 
 factory was once established here ; but it is conceived, 
 without foundation. There does not appear a single ad- 
 vantage arising from the nature of the situation, likely to 
 induce a manufacturer to try the experiment, nor are 
 there any remains of cinders, rubbish, Kc. to give colour 
 to the tradition. In early times, when glass was not 
 common, it might be sufficient to fix the name on the first 
 farm house that happened to enjoy the improvement of 
 glazed windows. 
 
 Part of Gorstley common is leased out in small inclo- 
 sures, to various tenants, by the lord. 
 
 The tything contains a great deal of woodland. 
 
 In this parish was born John Lightfoot, A. M. the cele- 
 brated botanist 13 . 
 
 One hundred and nine freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 1100 1560 2354. Houses inhabited, 
 459. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in the Forest deanery, en- 
 dowed with great tythes. An ancestor of the Foley fa- 
 mily made the grant of all the tythes, except those of
 
 forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 39 
 
 Yartledon woods. The Hon. Andrew Foley is patron ; 
 and John Foley, A. M. incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is spacious 
 and handsome, and by the reparations made in 1679, the 
 interior has lost all vestiges of antiquity. The roof 
 of the nave is sustained by screws, there being no pillars ; 
 and over the porch is a lofty steeple, with six bells, and 
 measuring 153 feet from the ground. The top of the 
 spire was blown down in 1662, and the whole roof of the 
 nave fell in, after divine service had been concluded, on 
 Sunday, January 18, 1673. 
 
 Dr. Crayster, who died vicar of this church 1737, left 
 by will a valuable and extensive library, for the s jle bene- 
 fit of his successors. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Newent, with the chapel of 
 Panteley, 26/. 13s. 4d. 
 
 The vicar's portion is not worth 4/. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 23/. 
 
 CXCV. OXENHALL, EXENHALE, dim HORSENEHAL, 
 Is a parish of moderate size, eleven miles N. w. from 
 Gloucester. The soil is in general a rich sandy loam, in 
 some places inclining to clay. It contains 960 acres of 
 meadow, pasture, and arable, besides 400 acres of wood 
 land. About a moiety of the ploughed land is what is 
 called rye land, and the other part wheat land, or bastard 
 land ; and in all, the apple and pear are planted and grow 
 with great luxuriance. Of timber trees, the elm and the 
 oak thrive abundantly. 
 
 A stream called Ellbrook, which rises in Herefordshire, 
 runs through this parish, and falls into the Leden, at 
 Leden Court. 
 
 D4
 
 40 The History of the CoutUy of Gloucester . 
 
 This manor, of three hides, anciently belonged to Ro- 
 ger de Laci. William de Evers hud charter of free war- 
 ren 1252, and the same family possessed it till 1287. The 
 family of Grandison held it for some years, and the ma- 
 nor came afterwards by marriage to the Earls of Ormond. 
 About 1462, James Earl of Wiltshire was seized of it, 
 and on his attainder, it was granted, with the advowson, 
 to Sir Walter Devereux. The manor again reverted to 
 the crown, and was granted to the Duke of Northumber- 
 land, on whose attainder, it came once more to the 
 crown, and was mortgaged for money borrowed of the 
 citizens of London, 1545. It was the property of Joan, 
 
 widow of Arrowsmith, and daughter of Thomas 
 
 Brook, Esq. 1548. William Pigot, Esq. died seized of 
 Oxenhall and Kempley (193), whose grandson Henry left 
 Anne, his only daughter and heiress, married to Henry 
 Finch, Esq. ; who, in her right, was seized of this manor, 
 and at his death, 1631, left an only son, Francis, whose 
 son, by Jane, daughter of Dr. Thornborough, Bishop of 
 Worcester, succeeded to the manor and property. From 
 this family they passed to the Foleys, and the Honorable 
 Andrew Foley is now lord of the manor, and proprietor 
 of the whole parish, except a few small estates belonging 
 to Sir G. Pauncefoot, Mr. Perkins, and Mr. H&>k. 
 
 More than twenty tons of iron a week are said to have 
 been worked, some years since, at a furnace in this parish, 
 which is now out of blast. 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 202 313. Houses inhabited, 69. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the Forest deanery. The 
 impropriation formerly belonged to the preceptory of 
 Dinmore, co. Heref. a cell to the priory of St. John of Je- 
 rusalem, " Ecclesia de Exenhale, hospitcr sunt ibi recto
 
 Forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 41 
 
 >w." P. N. tax. The family of Colchester bad been for 
 many years impropriators, but they have lately sold their 
 interest to Samuel Beale, Esq. of Upton-upon-Severn. 
 Ninety acres of glebe belong to the impropriation. The 
 Rev. Thomas Davies is incumbent, who receives 13/. 6s, 
 %d. a year, in lieu of vicarial tythes. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Anne, is small, with a 
 spire at the west end. 
 
 No value in P. N. tax. In the King's books (dischar- 
 ged) 9/. 12*. 6(1. 
 
 CXCVI. PAUNTLEY, anciently PANTELIE, 
 Is a small parish, 11 miles N.W. from Gloucester, sepa- 
 rated from Worcestershire on the N. E. by the Leden. 
 The soil, in the elevated parts of the parish, is a red sand, 
 formerly much cultivated with rye, and therefore called 
 rye land. The lower part inclines to clay, and for a simi- 
 lar reason is called wheat land. The remainder, which 
 lies on the Leden, is a red clay, and meadow. The whole 
 parish contains about 1000 acres, five-sixths of which are 
 in tillage, and a considerable quantity in wood. The 
 ploughed fields are generally planted Avith fruit trees. 
 
 Ansfrid de Cormelus is recorded as holding one hide 
 and a half in Pantelie. Walter de Paunteleye died seized 
 of an estate called Paunteleye, 1248, whose daughter by 
 marriage carried it into the family of Solers, a female de- 
 scendant of whom, Maud de Solers, daughter and heir of 
 John de Solers, Hope, co. Hereford, by marriage brought 
 this estate into the family of de Witington, or de Vytein- 
 ton. The manor appears, by the sheriff's return, 1 281 , to 
 have been in William de Whytington. By the inquisition 
 taken 1311, William, son of the last, was found to be the
 
 4-2 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 next heir of John, son of Thomas de Solers, then twenty- 
 four years of age, in whom the manor and estates were 
 probably united. The fatnily of Wliittington were pro- 
 prietors from this period till the year 1546. Richard de 
 Whitington, the celebrated Lord Mayor of London, was 
 the younger son of William. His eldest brother Ro- 
 bert was sheriff of the county of Gloucester in 1402 and 
 1407. Thotnus, the last of the name, died in 1546, and 
 left six daughters coheiresses, Blanch, married to John 
 Saint Aubin ; Anne, married to Brice Berkeley ; Jane', to 
 Roger Bodenham ; Margaret, to Thomas Throgmorton ; 
 
 Alice, to Nanfant; and Elizabeth, to Sir Giles Pool, 
 
 of Saperton, to whom four shares of the manor were con- 
 veyed, 1588. Sir Henry Pool, his son, was lord in 1608, 
 and died in 1616. The manor came afterwards to Henry 
 Somerset, Esq. whose son Edward Maria Somerset was 
 lord at the beginning of the last century. It was trans- 
 ferred by purchase from Lady Somerset to Henry Scuda- 
 more, Esq. of Cannon's Bridge, near Hereford, who was 
 succeeded by his son, Henry Blackford Scudamore, Esq. 
 He died and left his shares in this manor and estates to his 
 vidow, Tamor Scudamore, for life, and at her death to 
 be divided among the children. Since his death the 
 whole of the estates has been purchased by Mrs. Scuda- 
 more. 
 
 In this and some neighbouring parishes, a custom, in- 
 tended to prevent the smut in wheat, in some respects re- 
 sembling the Scotch Beltein, prevails. On the eve of 
 twelfth day all the servants of every particular farmer as- 
 semble together in one of the fields that has been sown 
 with wheat. At the ends of twelve lands they make 12 
 fires of straw in a row ; around one of which, made larger 
 than the rest, they drink a chearful glass of cider to their
 
 Forest Division. Qotloe hundred. 4-3 
 
 master's health, success to the future harvest, and then re- 
 turning home, they feast on cakes made of carraways, Kc. 
 soaked in cyder, which they claim as a reward for their past 
 labours in sowing the grain. This seems to resemble a 
 custom of the ancient Danes, Avho, in their addresses to 
 their deities emptied on every invocation a cup, in honor 
 of them. NIORDI et FREI^E memoria poculis recolebatur, 
 annua ut ipsis contingeretfelicitas, frugumyue et rdiquee an- 
 -nona uberrimus pr&ventus. Worm. Monum. Dan. lib. i. 
 p. 28. 
 
 Other proprietors are the Hon. Andrew Foley, Esq. Sir 
 H. Tempest, Bart. Samuel Beale, Esq. Thomas Wood, 
 Gent. Mr. Hook, MissChinn, and Mrs, Cook. 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 11587 215. Houses inhabited, 41. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Forest deanery, in the pa- 
 tronage of the impropriator ; but ho presentation has 
 been made for several years, on account of the smallness 
 of the income, and the curate has been appointed by the 
 Bishop. In 1292, it was a chapel annexed to Newent, as in 
 P. N. tax. (194). The abbey of Cormeille was possessed of 
 the advowson of the chapel 1 272. On the seizure of alien 
 priories, the rectory and advowson of the vicarage were 
 granted to the college of Fotheringhay, co. Northampton, 
 and after the general suppression were granted to Sir Rd. 
 Lee, 1547. Charles Welch, Esq. of Evesham, co. Wor- 
 cester, is impropriator, who pays 13/. 6s. 8d. to the cu- 
 rate. Thomas Davies, clerk, is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, consists of 
 -a nave and chaneel, with a low embatteled tower. The 
 south door is circular, with chevron and billeted mould- 
 ings. Many of the families of Whittington, Poole, and 
 Pauncefoot, are buried in the chancel.
 
 44 The History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) clear yearly value of 
 J3/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 CXCVII. RUDFORD, RODESFORD, anciently RUDEFORD. 
 
 Is a small parish, containing 600 acres, bounded on the 
 N. by the Lcden, distant four miles w from Gloucester. 
 The soil is a deep red loam, and applied nearly in equa. 
 proportions to arable and pasture. The meadows on the 
 banks of the Leden are fertile, but subject to frequent in- 
 undations. Cyder and perry fruits of excellent quality 
 grow here. The name is generally derived from Rude, 
 Sax. /on/, or the Red Ford, from the color of the soil. 
 
 Madock was proprietor of Rudeford, containing two 
 hides, under Edward the Confessor and William the Con- 
 queror. William II. gave Rodesford to the abbey of Glou- 
 cester, in the time of abbot Serlo. Winebald de Balun, a 
 great Baron, gave the manor of Rudford to the same 
 church, 1 126 15 . At the dissolution, it was granted to the 
 dean and chapter of Gloucester, 1542. From Mr. Edw. 
 Holder, the former lessee, the estates passed to the Guise 
 family, but the manor was reserved. 
 
 The estates in lease to Sir B. W. Guise, Bart, compre- 
 hend about two-thirds of Rudford. 
 
 Other proprietors are Mr. William Holder, John Spiers, 
 and Thomas Matthews. 
 
 HIGHLEADEN is a hamlet of this parish, but in the hun- 
 dred of Dudstan and King's Barton. More than half the 
 property belongs to Sir William Guise. 
 
 Other proprietors are the Right Hon. Lord Viscount 
 Southwell, and Robert Canning, Esq. in right of their 
 wives (246), the chapter of Gloucester, Mr. William 
 King, Kc.
 
 Forest Division. Botloe Hundred. 4o 
 
 In digging the canal there were found in this hamlet se- 
 veral human skeletons, supposed to have been buried here 
 in the time of the civil wars. A garrison was placed at 
 Hisfhleaden house, under Colonel Min, on the side of the 
 
 O ' * 
 
 King. Corbet, in his History of the Military Government 
 of Gloucester, relates, p. 69, the issue of a skirmish here, 
 as follows: " When we drew thence (from Tainton) our 
 men beheld a faire body of horse at Highleaden, whereon 
 a forlorn hope of our musketeers, with 20 horse, advanced 
 upon them, and found their horse and foot drawn out at 
 Highleaden house. These were to joyn with Colonell 
 Min, who at that instant was marched out of Newent 
 with a purpose to fall on Hartpury garrison. Here at 
 the first some few of our horse gave the charge, hurried 
 the enemy, and beat up their ambuscadoes. Then they 
 drew out their whole garrison, and fell on ; their horse 
 did not stand to it ; but with their foot there was an hot 
 skirmish almost an houre. And though our seconds were 
 slow in comming up, yet did the forlorn hope drive them 
 from hedge to hedge, and after awhile our body comming 
 on, beat them in, and pursued them up to the very house, 
 took some few prisoners, and came off with the losse onlj 
 of two men." 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 106 106 165. Houses inhabited, 28. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Forest deanery, in the pa- 
 tronage of the chapter of Gloucester, and John Smith, 
 D. D. is incumbent, who is also Master of Pembroke Col- 
 lege, Oxford, and a Prebendary of the cathedral of 
 Xjloucester. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a small building, 
 and consists of a nave only, and chancel, with a low tower 
 at the west end. The whole building, excepting a few
 
 46 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 pointed arches, of modern introduction, exhibits a fine 
 specimen of the circular Saxon, or early Norman style. 
 The south door is ornamented with the chevron or zig-zag 
 moulding ; and though the four windows of the chancel, 
 as well as the east window, have been altered and reduced 
 in size ; yet the old circular form is still visible. The 
 arch which forms the entrance to the chancel is of the 
 same style, resting on Saxon pilasters, with capitals 
 finished with ziz-zag mouldings. On the side of the al- 
 tar is a niche or cupboard, for holding the materials be- 
 longing thereto 16 . The building seems to have been the 
 work of the 1 2th century, not far distant from the period 
 when the manor was given to the abbey. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Rodeford, with the chapel 
 of Witledene 17 , 8/. 
 
 In the King's books, 10/. 
 
 ( XCVIII. TAINTON, TEYNTON, olim TETINTON, 
 Is a parish of considerable extent, containing 1400 
 acres, five miles w. from Gloucester. The soil is gene- 
 rally a deep, red, loamy clay, and nearly in equal pro- 
 portions applied to pasture and tillage. Cyder of the 
 first quality, and a perry of peculiar flavour and value, 
 called Tainton Squashy are produced here. The oak also 
 flourishes with great luxuriance. 
 
 William Goizenboded held Tetinton at the general sur- 
 vey, taxed at five hides. It was granted to Peter Ber- 
 dune, 1201, and John de Abernoox purchased a charter 
 of free warren, 1253. It came afterwards to the Mus- 
 groses, and about 1290, passed into the family of John de 
 Ferrers, Baron of Chartley, by marriage with Hawise, 
 heiress of Robert de Musgrose, (who died 1281,) and wi-
 
 forest Division. Botloc Hundred. 47 
 
 dow of Sir William Mortimer, younger son of Roger Earl 
 of March. In the family of Ferrers it continued till about 
 1460, when Anne, the only daughter of the last William 
 Lord Ferrers in that line, carried the title to her husband, 
 Walter Devereux, Esq. but the manor of Tainton being 
 entailed on the male heirs, passed to Edmond Ferrers, 
 brother of William, on whose descendants the whole, or 
 part of the manor, continued till 1483. The Whitting- 
 tons were the next possessors,( 199) and 1547, Thomas 
 Whittington left his estates among his six daughters, but 
 it does not appear to which of them this property came. 
 It is however probable that one of the co-heiresses was 
 married to a Blunt, as Sir Christopher Blunt was possessed 
 of it in 1601, when he was attainted, and beheaded with 
 the other conspirators in the plot of the Earl of Essex. 
 The property being forfeited, was given by James I. to 
 Sir Simon ^Weston and John Wakeman. In 1693, Mr. 
 T. Pury, died lord of this manor and Minsterworth. 
 lie was mayor of Gloucester during the siege in the great 
 rebellion, and took an active part in it. He is acknow- 
 ledged to have been a man of piety and worth, and to 
 have used his influence in performing several very gene- 
 rous acts. It is not improbable, that to his interference 
 was owing the preservation of the cathedral of Gloucester 
 from the outrages of fanatic madness. Mrs. Pury, his 
 daughter and heiress, was proprietor at the beginning of 
 last century. 
 
 The property is now very much subdivided, and it does 
 not seem to be agreed in whom the manor is vested. 
 
 The principal estates belong to Ed. Probyn, Esq. Wil- 
 liam Holder, John Holder, and the Rev. Mr. Price. 
 
 Less considerable proprietors are Messrs. Burgess, Has- 
 kins, Smith ? and others.
 
 48 The History of the County of Gloucester^ 
 
 LITTLE TAINTON is a hamlet and manor. It was held 
 by William, soaof Norman, at the time of the survey. 
 Hugh de Kelpeck held the manor of the King, by the ser- 
 vice of guarding a Aj/, or wood, near Hereford, at his 
 o\\ n charge. By marriage with Hugh's daughter and co- 
 heiress, Isabel, it came to William Waleran, and was 
 purchased of him by Bogo, or Bevis, sheriff of Salop 
 and Staffordshire, Edw. I. With him it continued till 
 1339, when it passed to the Verdunes, and afterwards to 
 the Casseys(51 ), of Cassey-Compton, the last of whom died 
 1596. John Viney, Esq. was lord of the manor at the 
 beginning of last century, and his descendant, James 
 Viney, Esq. is the present proprietor. 
 
 Other proprietors are John Nourse, Esq. , Mr. T. Per- 
 kins, Kc. 
 
 Twenty freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 250' 378. Houses inhabited, 69. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the Forest deanery. Thr 
 dean and chapter of Gloucester are patrons ; and John 
 Luxmore, D. D. dean of Gloucester, is incumbent. 
 
 Maud de Teynton gave the church of Teynton to St. 
 Peter's Abbey, to find lights; and Radulph Avenal con- 
 firmed it, likewise giving a hermitage here, with a villein 
 and his family to the same house ; and in the charter of 
 endowments after the dissolution, the patronage of this 
 church was confirmed to the chapter of Gloucester cathe- 
 dral. A portion of tythes, formerly belonging to Kil- 
 peck priory, co. Heref. is held under the same chapter 
 by James Viney, Esq. 
 
 The old church, which had been built in very ancient 
 times, and stood at the north end of the parish, was, to 
 gether with the parsonage, burnt down in the civil wars. 
 The present church, dedicated to St. Lawrence, was
 
 Forest Division Eotloe Hundred. 49 
 
 trected during the usurpation of Cromwell, principally by 
 the interest of Thomas Pury. It consists of a nave and a 
 low spiral turret, and is dedicated, like the former, to St. 
 Lawrence. Contrary to general custom, it stands north 
 and south 18 . 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Teintone, 8/. Portion of 
 the sacrist of St. Peter, Glouc. I/. 05. Sd. Portion of the 
 prior of Kilpeck, 165. 
 
 In the King's books, 9/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 CXC1X. UPLEADON, anciently LEDENE, 
 Is a small parish, containing about 1000 acres, distant 
 eight miles N. from Gloucester. The soil- is a- red loam, 
 about a third of which is in pasture and meadow, on the 
 banks of the Leden, which bounds it on the east. The 
 ploughed fields are planted with fruit trees, of the choic- 
 est sorts, particularly tbe squash-pear. 
 
 There were formerly considerable iron forges here, 
 which are now converted into flour mills. 
 
 St. Peter's Abbey at Gloucester held this manor, con- 
 taining four hides, before the time of the Conqueror, and 
 continued in possession of it till the general suppression. 
 It was then granted to John Arnold, and continued in his 
 family till the beginning of the 17th century, when Do- 
 rothy Arnold, the heiress, carried it by marriage to Sir 
 T. Lucy, of Charlecot, co. Warw. who was lord of the 
 manor 1608. T. Brown, Esq. alderman of Gloucester, 
 was afterwards proprietor. William Dowdeswell, Esq. 
 was the next lessee, of whose representatives it was pur- 
 chased by the Rev. John Foley, rector of Newent, who is 
 now lord of the manor, with a considerable estate. 
 
 VOL. II. E
 
 50 The History oftltf County qf Gloucester. 
 
 James De Visme, Esq. is proprietor of an estate con- 
 taining about 200 acres. 
 
 The Hay estate belongs to the Rev. Mr. Beale, of Eve- 
 sham, about 60 acres. 
 
 Benjamin Hyett, Esq. has an estate here, of about 80 
 acres. 
 
 Drews, containing 100 acres, is the property of Mr. 
 White. 
 
 Seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 100 80 160. Houses inhabited, 31. 
 
 The benefice is a curacy in the Forest deanery, held by 
 licence under the Bishop, and augmented with forty- 
 three acres of land. The impropriation, formerly be- 
 longing to the abbey, was granted to the dean and chap- 
 ter cf Gloucester, and is in lease to Rev. John Foley, 
 charged with 14/. 10s. to the curate. Thomas Davies, 
 clerk, is incumbent. 
 
 The church is small, with a low wooden tower at the 
 west end. On the north side is an elegantly ornamented 
 door-way, of Saxon architecture. 
 
 Among the temporal possessions of the abbot of Glou- 
 cester, in P. N. tax. is the following entry : " He holds 
 " also, in the manor of Upleden, eight acres of meadow, 
 " valued at Is. 4d. per acre. 
 
 " The portion of the abbot of Gloucester in the chapel 
 "of Upleden, 2/."
 
 forest Division. Dutchy of Lancaster. '>l 
 
 II. DUTCHY OF LANCASTER. 
 
 In 50 Ed\v. III. Lancashire was erected into a county 
 
 J 
 
 palatine, and John of Gaunt, son of that King, was 
 created Duke of Lancaster. All the estates in Gloucester- 
 shire, that came to him in right of Blanch his wife, daugh- 
 ter of the preceding Duke of Lancaster, were severed 
 from the hundreds to which they formerly belonged, and 
 erected into a new one. 
 
 When the Duke of Lancaster came to the throne, under 
 the title of Henry the Fourth, the dutchy was extinct in 
 his person, by reason of the union of it with the crown, 
 but he, (suspecting himself to be more rightfully Duke of 
 Lancaster than King of England,) determined to save his 
 right in the dutchy, whatever might befall the kingdom, 
 and therefore separated it from the crown, and settled it 
 so in the natural persons of himself and his heirs, as if he 
 had been no king or politic body at all. In this condi- 
 tion it continued during the reigns of Hen. V. and VI. 
 who descended from him ; but when Edw. IV. had, (by 
 recovery of the crown,) reassumed the right of the house 
 of York, he appropriated that dutchy to the crown again, 
 but suffered the court and officers to remain as he found 
 them ; in which manner it came, together with the crown, 
 to Hen. VII. who, approving of Hen. IV.'s policy, (by 
 whose right he also obtained the kingdom,) made a like 
 separation of the dutchy, and so left it to his posterity, 
 who still enjoy it. 
 
 All matters appertaining to the dutchy, or county pa- 
 E 2
 
 S3 The History of the County nf Gloucester. 
 
 latine of Lancaster, are decided in the dutchy court, by a 
 decree of the Chancellor. Tin- principal officers arc, Karl of 
 Liverpool, Chancellor; J. Ord, Ksq. Attoraevpeperal; T. 
 PlniiKT, Esq. King's Serjeant; Lord Bolton, Receiver- 
 General. 
 
 Persons resident within the dutchy enjoy the peculiar 
 privileges of- being exempt from the payment of toll, ton- 
 nage, pickage, pontage, and other such like duties and 
 demands within the kingdom of Great Britain. To enable 
 them to establish their claim, it is only necessary to pro- 
 duce an annual certificate of their residence within the 
 dutchy, under the hand of the minister of the parish ; but 
 when the residence is changed to a different hundred, the 
 right ceases. This is the case in the county of Glouces- 
 ter, but does not exactly apply in all other places where 
 the custom prevails. A burgess of the town of Monmouth, 
 whether by birth or otherwise, carries the right with him, 
 wherever he resides, and to justify his right to immunity, 
 has only to produce the certificate, or patent of his free- 
 dom, under the se^al of the corporation cf Monmouth. 
 
 CC. BULLY, BOLAY, anciently BULELEGE, 
 Is a small parish, containing 500 acres, distant w. from 
 Gloucester five miles, bounded on the s. by the turnpike- 
 road leading to the Forest. The soil is a deep red loamy 
 clay, producing plentiful crops of grass $ corn, and fruit. 
 The elm and oak grow luxuriantly here and in the neigh- 
 bourhood. 
 
 Walter Balistarius is recorded in Domesday as proprie- 
 tor of Bulelege in Westberie hundred, taxed at four hides. 
 The immediate successor is not known, but the manor 
 was in the family of Musgrose during the reign of Hen, IJT-
 
 Forest Division. Dutchy of Lancaster, 5!> 
 
 John de Monemuthe held it 9 Edw. I. and Mortimer, Earl 
 of March, 1361. It was held successively by John Elliford 
 <md his son, and afterwards by John Milborn, Esq. till 
 1437. Morgan, Burgess, and Webb, were afterwards 
 joint lords, and during the last century it came to the fa- 
 mily of Hyett. Benjamin Hyett, Esq. is the present lord 
 of the manor, with about 400/. a year annexed to it. 
 
 A considerable estate belongs to John Eiton, Esq. of 
 Gloucester. 
 
 James Wood, Esq. of the same place, is lessee under the 
 dean and chapter of Gloucester, of more than 100 acres, 
 purchased of the Rev. Mr. Burgess, of Kidderminster. 
 
 Callow's Elm is a good estate belonging to Noah Neale, 
 Esq. by descent from Noah Neale, Esq. late of Gloucester. 
 
 A good estate, late the property of William Kendall, 
 Esq. is now, fey purchase, vested in BracUtock, Gent. 
 
 Twenty-three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 85 51 176. Houses inhabited, 38. 
 
 The benefice is a chapelry annexed to Churcham, and 
 the impropriation is in the chapter of Gloucester. William 
 Gyllett, Clerk, M.A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, consists of a 
 nave only, with a small low spire at the w. end. There 
 seems to have been little alteration from the original 
 building, which, as appears by the semi-circular zig-zag 
 arches, was erected either before, or immediately after 
 the conquest. The chancel has, at some former period, 
 either been destroyed by violence, or fallen from the de- 
 cays of time, but the arch which led to it still remains, 
 and is a fine specimen of Saxon architecture. The south 
 door likewise is of the same period. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the portion of the vicar of Chirchehm, 
 with the chapel of Bolay. 
 3
 
 54- The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCI. HUNTLEY, HUNTKLI- v, anciently HUNTELEI. 
 
 Is a parish about seven miles in circumference, and dis- 
 tant seven miles w. from Gloucester. The soil consists of 
 stone-brash, sand, and loam of good quality. About u 
 thousand acres in cultivation are nearly in equal propor- 
 tion applied to pasture and arable. Nearly one third of 
 the parish was formerly considered as waste land, but 
 much is now converted to the purpose of raising young 
 trees for timber. The woodland comprehends 100 acres, 
 besides which a considerable quantity is still in common. 
 The village is intersected by the turnpike-road to Mon- 
 mouth and Hereford. 
 
 Yercledene or Yttrtleton, or more commonly May-hill, is 
 partly within this parish. This is daily passing into culti- 
 vation by the wise and politic conduct of the lord of the 
 manor, in granting small portions of waste land on bene- 
 ficial leases to the cottagers, thereby enabling them by 
 industry to enjoy the comforts of independence, and 
 adding to the stock of provisions for the support of an 
 increasing population. 
 
 William, son of Baderon, held Huntelei at the time of 
 the conquest in Botelau hundred, taxed at two hides. Re- 
 ginald de Grey purchased a charter of free warren, 1269. 
 Robert Sapye, or de Sapy was lord with free warren, 1327. 
 Richard Lord Talbot, of Goderick castle, had the ma- 
 nor by marriage with Elizabeth, one of the daughters and 
 coheiresses of John Comyn, of Badenagh, and died seized 
 of it, 1 357. His son Gilbert Lord Talbot died seized of 
 Huntley and Longhope, 1387, and was succeeded by Rich- 
 ard, whose son Gilbert Lord Talbot was also succeeded 
 byhisbrotherJohn, famous for his victories in France, who 
 having been created Earl of Shrewsbury, was killed by a
 
 Forest Division. Dutchy of Lancaster. 55 
 
 cannon-shot atthesiegeof Chastillon, in France, 1453, when 
 John, second Earl, succeeded, and the manors continued 
 in the male line till Francis fifth Earl died without male 
 issue, 32 Eliz. leaving three coheiresses; the second of 
 whom married Henry Earl of Kent, and carried this ma- 
 nor as her portion into that family ; with whose descend- 
 ants it continued till the death of Henry, Duke of Kent, 
 1740; soon after which his great estates were sold, and 
 this manor was purchased by Sir Edmund Probyn, Knt. 
 whose heir, Edmund Probyn, Esq. of Newland, co. Glou- 
 cester, is now lord of the manor, and proprietor of near- 
 ly the whole of the parish. 
 
 Thomas Blunt, Esq. resides here in a handsome man- 
 sion-house, near the turnpike-road, and is also proprietor 
 of a considerable estate. 
 
 Sixteen freeholders voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, 242 269 313. Houses inhabited, 84. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the Forest deanery, the ad- 
 vowson of which was for several ages annexed to the ma- 
 nor, but on the sale of the Duke of Kent's property, was 
 purchased by John Morse, clerk, the late incumbent, and 
 on his death devolved to John Morse, Martha Morse, and 
 Hannah Morse, who presented Richard Foley, M. A. the 
 present incumbent. It belonged in early times by grant 
 from Wikenoc de Monmouth, to the Benedictine Priory, 
 founded by him within the castle of Monmouth, as a cell to 
 the abbey of St. Florence de Salurmo. 
 
 The church, dedicated to John the Baptist, consists of 
 a nave and chancel, with a low slated tower at the west 
 end. 
 
 In the church-yard is growing a yew-tree of 20 feet in 
 girth. 
 
 4
 
 jC The Histoiy qf the Comity of (^louceater. 
 
 The rectorial house luiving been burnt down, \\. 
 built by Jackmun Morse, in 1720. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Ilunteleye is not worth 4/ 
 a year. 
 
 In the King's books, (discharged) ll. 5s. lOd. 
 
 CCII. LONGHOPE, ancitntly LONGKHOPL. 
 
 Is a parish containg 2000 acres, distant nine miles w. 
 from Gloucester. The soil is stone-brash, sand, and clay, 
 applied in nearly equal proportions to arable and pasture, 
 the latter of which is generally planted with fruit trees, 
 producing cyder of a superior quality. About 368 acre- 
 are in woodland. Part of May-hill is in this parish. The 
 rocky parts are formed of a very fine, hard limestone. 
 The name is derived from Hope, Saxon for a valley r ; which 
 is descriptive of its situation, and Long is prefixed to dis- 
 tinguish it from Mansd-hope, co. Hereford, not far distant. 
 
 Thomas Bright, mentioned by Atkyns, as remarkable 
 for his great age, and strength, died in 1708, at the ad- 
 vanced period of one hundred and twenty -four, as ap- 
 pears from his monumental stone in the church-yard. 
 
 A turnpike-road leads in a north-west direction to Ross, 
 and another more westerly to Mitcheldean, and from 
 thence to Moninouth, through the Forest. 
 
 The manor of Longhope was held by Forne and Ulfeg, 
 two Saxons, in the reign of Edward the Confessor. Jt 
 was afterwards held by William, son of Baderon, in the 
 time of the Conqueror, rated at five hides, and was part of 
 Westbury hundred. It continued in that family till 1256, 
 when John de Monemuta, (Moninouth), having no issue 
 male, gave all his lauds to'Prince Edward, eldest son of
 
 Forest Division. Dutchy of Lancaster. A 7 
 
 .Henry III. The manor was soon after granted to Gilbert 
 Talbot, Avho married Gwenthlean, daughter of Illiese ap 
 Griffith, Prinee of Soutli Wales. It afterwards devolved 
 to the family of Talbot, with whom it remained for several 
 centuries, and was sold with other estates of the Duke of 
 Kent, to Sir Edmund Probyn, Knt. and is now the pro- 
 perty of his nephew, Edmund Probyn, Esq. whose landed 
 estates. in this parish amount to about 400/. a year, a part 
 of which belonging in the last century to the families of 
 Broin \vich, Nourse, and Yate, were purchased by Mr. 
 Howell, and by marriage with his daughter came to the 
 present proprietor. 
 
 Thomas Blunt, Esq. of Huntley, Mrs. Colchester, and 
 Mr. Sargeant are possessed of considerable estates. 
 
 Less considerable proprietors are Messrs. Taylor, Hop- 
 kins, Rudge, Coleman, and Dykes. 
 
 Robert Coghlan, Esq. has also a house here, in which he 
 resides, with an estate annexed. 
 
 A great part ofthe parish is copy-hold tenure, held by 
 a small reserved rent, and on every surrender, one year's 
 value of it is paid to the lord. The property is not lost bj 
 failure of surrender, or want of heir. 
 
 Forty freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 500 470 636. Houses inhabited, 145. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Forest deanery. The ad- 
 vowson was anciently in the abbey of Lyra, in Norman- 
 dy; afterwards in the priory of St. Mary St. Florence, in 
 Monmouth, as appears from P. N. taxation, 1299. After 
 tin; dissolution, the impvopriation was vested in the family 
 of Nourse, and descended to Mr. Nourse Yate, who res- 
 tored the whole tithes to the vicarage. Edmund Probvn, 
 Esq. is patron, and John Probyn, clerk, incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to All Saints, consists. of a nave
 
 58 Vie History of the Cowity of Glouceslfr. 
 
 and transept of large dimensions, with a steeple at the 
 west end. In the south transept are the remains of a stair- 
 case, leading probably to the Holy-rood loft (6). The 
 chancel was rebuilt, and the church repaired in 1771 . The 
 Avhole stile of the present building is more modern than 
 that which existed at the time of the taxation Ed. I. and 
 may be referred to the early part of the 15th century. 
 ' Estates to the amount of sixty pounds a year are vested 
 in trustees for the poor. 
 
 The rectory is valued in P. N. taxation at 3J. 6^. 8d. 
 
 The vicarage at 4/. 05. Or/. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 9/. 7*. lie?. 
 
 CCIII. MINSTERWORTH, anciently MORTUNE, 
 Is a parish distant four miles w. from Gloucester, and 
 intersected by the turnpike road leading to Chepstow. It 
 consists of 1850 acres, which are applied nearly in equal 
 proportions to pasture, arable, and meadow. The soil is 
 in general deep and fertile, well adapted to orcharding, to 
 which particular attention is given. Extensive meadows 
 lie on the banks of the Severn, and in general form the 
 boundary on the east; but opposite to the church a consi- 
 derable portion of land is cut off by the river, and lies on 
 the other side (233). It is supposed that the abbey of 
 Gloucester having lands in Elmore, procured them to be 
 annexed to the parish of Minsterworth, where their prin- 
 cipal property was. Tradition offers another reason, in 
 supposing that the Severn at some distant period changed 
 its course, and that on the formation of the new channel 
 this part was separated from the body of the parish ; but 
 no vestiges can be found to confirm this tradition. 
 
 The ancient name of Mortune, evidently signifies " the
 
 Forest Division. Dutchy of Lancaster. 59 
 
 own on the river :" Mor, British for sea, but in composi- 
 tion, ' water\ only. The name of Minsterworth is of 
 more modern date, and was given when this parish came 
 into the possession of the abbey of St. Peter: * Worthy 
 Saxon, for town or villa, belonging to the Minster. 
 
 The copyhold estates in this parish are much decreased. 
 The custom is, for the inheritance to descend to the eld- 
 est daughter, on failure of a male heir. 
 
 In this manor acknowledgements are paid to the lord, 
 for the liberty of fishing in the Severn, under the name 
 of Prid-gavel. The custom is of very ancient date ; but 
 there is a difference of opinion about the origin. Atkyns 
 derives the term from Lamjn^eyd and Gavel, that is, a tri- 
 bute for fishing for lampreys. Rudder, from Pride, a 
 wickered put or pouchin^ a machine used for taking this 
 kind of fish 19 . 
 
 The church of St. Peter in Gloucester held Mortune at 
 the time of the survey. Simon de Montford held it 1259. 
 Henry de Lancaster was lord of Minsterworth and Rodley 
 1281 ; and his posterity continued in the possession of it, 
 with only one interruption, till 1362; and 1415 it 
 was granted to the Archbishop of York, in trust, and af- 
 terwards held by several leases under the crown, till 1610, 
 when it was granted in fee to Salter and Williams, at an 
 annual rent of 20/. 6s. 1 l$d. About 1645 it became vested 
 in Thomas Pury, and was sold by him to Mr. T. Burgess, 
 1704. From his heir it passed by purchase to Mr. Cook, 
 of Highnam, and from his daughter to the late Sir Charles 
 Barrow, by purchase, who was the heir male of the Bar- 
 rows or Berrows, of Field Court, in the parish of Hard wick 
 and Aure, co. Gloucester. Charles Evans, Esq. is now 
 lord of the manor, and propietor of the estates, by marri- 
 age with Sir Charles'* daughter and heir, by will. The
 
 60 'The History of the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 property now annexed to the manor, comprehends nearly 
 halt* the parish. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. MORCOTE or BOYFIELD. The former 
 name signifies Coed, the wood, wor, near the water. The 
 latter, according to Kudder, is derived from liuis, Nor- 
 man for wood ; and Jit'ld, a plain in Saxon; or Bois might 
 only be the name of an ancient proprietor. It is a reputed 
 manor, and was held by William, son of Norman, at the 
 time of the survey, under the name of Morcote. It was 
 afterwards in the possession of Richard Veel, 1343; John 
 Boteler, 1363 ; John Kenn and heirs from 1405 to 1453; 
 Thomas Elmbridge, by purchase, and his son, afterwards, 
 to 1526 ; Sir John Danet, by marriage with a daughter of 
 Thomas Elmbridge, became possessed of it, and his sou 
 sold it to Thomas Atkyns, Esq. of Tuffleigh, from whom 
 it passed to Thomas Hoard, Esq. who married a co-heiress 
 of that family, and John Chamberlayne, clerk, descended 
 from another co-heiress. Edmund John Chamberlayne, 
 Esq. and Anne Hoarde, the heirs general of that family, 
 sold their joint estates to Jeremiah HaAvkins, Esq. and Mr 
 Joseph Hawkins, the present proprietors (84). 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Dray ton has a good estate in this hamlet, 
 which is vested in her for the benefit of her children, and 
 came by the will of her uncle, William Box, Esq. late 
 alderman of Gloucester. 
 
 2. HAMPTON is situate in thecentre of the parish, adjoin- 
 ing to the Ham, or great meadow, now inclosed 20 . Roger 
 de Boyfield, who probably took his name from his place 
 of residence in the hamlet of Boyfield, was seized of one 
 messuage and one yard-land, in Hampton, parcel of the 
 manor of Minsterworth. 
 
 3. DUNNY, or DUNI, is not mentioned in Domesday, 
 but understood to be the half hide of land held by Goi-
 
 i'orest Division. Dutchy of Lancaster. &l 
 
 ssenboded, witli half the fishery in Westberie hundred. 
 Koger de Staunton gave a yard-land, called Duni, in Min- 
 sterworth, to Gloucester abbey, in the 12th century. Ro- 
 ger Earl of Hereford gave half the fishery to the same 
 church, which Hen. II. confirmed. The other half was 
 granted by Edward III. and these fisheries Mere after- 
 wards granted with the manor, 7 James. 
 
 Other estates belong to Mr. D. Ellis, son of the late 
 Mr. Ellis, of this parish. 
 
 Mr. Oakey had a good property here, which on his death 
 devolved, together with the lease of the impropriation, to 
 his daughter, now the wife of Mr. Syms. 
 
 Atkyns makes Minster worth the chief place of residence 
 of John Guellem, eminent for his book of Heraldry. 
 
 Fourteen freeholders voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 300 300 354. Houses inhabited, 72. 
 
 The benefice is vicarial, in the Forest deanery. The 
 impropriation was given to the priory of St. Oswald, 1 399. 
 It afterwards belonged to the monastery of Boileau, co. 
 Hants, and at the dissolution the rectory and advowson 
 were granted to the see of Bristol, 1543. It is now in 
 lease to the representatives of John Oakey, deceased. 
 The King's auditor pays 10/. annually to the vicar, and the 
 impropriator four loads of hay. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Peter, consists of a nave 
 and aisle of equal length, and a chancel to each. The 
 south chancel is separated by an arch, pointed, and orna- 
 mented with zig-zag moulding?. This is probably a part 
 of the ancient building, in the 13th century, when it was a 
 chapel to Westbury. The tower is low, and unembatteled; 
 it is said, that a steeple which stood upon it was destroyed, 
 by lightning, and the bells melted, 1702.
 
 62 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 In' P. N. tax. the church of Westbury, with the chapel of 
 Newnham and Minstreworth. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged), JO/. 13*. \d. 
 
 CCIV. TIBBERTON, TYBRETON, anciently TEBRISTOX, 
 Is a parish of middling size, distant about six miles N. 
 w. from Gloucester, and was anciently in the hundred of 
 Botloe. The soil is of a deep loamy clay, and produces 
 plentiful crops of every kind of grass, corn, cyder, and 
 perry. The whole is upwards of 1337 acres, 700 of 
 which are under tillage. The landholders of this parish 
 enjoy an unlimited right of common in Dean Forest and 
 Huntley common. 
 
 William the son of Baderon held Tebriston, in Botelau 
 hundred, containing five hides, and a wood three miles 
 long and one broad. Henry Earl of Lancaster was lord 
 of this manor 1329: he was afterwards duke; and left two 
 daughters 1362. Blanch, the younger, succeeded, upon 
 the death of the elder, to the estates, having been mar- 
 ried to John of Gaunt 1359 ; who, with her, levied a fine 
 of Tibberton, Rodley (209), and Minsterworth, to the use 
 of themselves in taille 1366. He died 1399, and his son 
 Henry came to the crown the same year, by the resigna- 
 tion of Rich. 11^ by which means this manor came to the 
 crown. Henry IV. by act of Parliament, severed the 
 Dutchy of Lancaster from the crown, and entailed it on 
 his heirs ; and Henry V. in 1414, by act, annexed all the 
 great estates that descended to him from Mary his mother, 
 daughter and co-heiress of Humphry de Bohun Earl of 
 Hereford, to the Dutchy of Lancaster. The House of 
 York, however, with the crown became possessed of Tib-
 
 Forest Division,. Dutchy of Lancaslcr. 63 
 
 berton in the person of Edw. IV. who levied a fine of it, 
 to the use of Elizabeth his queen, in 1476. The manor 
 continued in the crown till 1608, and was granted by Jas. 
 I. to Edward and Robert Ramsay. At the beginning of 
 last century it had passed to Mr. Payne and Mr. Twytty, 
 both of Worcester, as joint proprietors. About 1740 it 
 was purchased by Peter Haynes, of Gloucester. His son 
 died before him, and the manor with the estates de- 
 scended to his daughter, pf whom it was purchased, about 
 1766, by Edward Elton, Esq. then of Gloucester, but now 
 of Burley-hill, co. Glamorgan. He is descended from an 
 ancient family seated near Ledbury, co. Heref. 
 
 The principal estates, containing about 303 acres, were 
 lately sold by him to Henry Sharpc Pocklington, Esq. who 
 resides in the mansion house. 
 
 All manerial rights are reserved and excepted out of the 
 purchase. 
 
 The other principal proprietors are, Mr. C. Bullock, 
 of 145 acres ; Mr. W. Bullock, of 103 acres ; Mr. Dobbs, 
 of 100 acres; Mr. Loveridge, of 114 acres; Mr. W. 
 Young, of 98 acres ; and Mr. Lewes, of 84 acres. 
 
 A part of Tibberton, Tainton, and Bully compose a ma- 
 nor, of which the dean and chapter of Gloucester are 
 lords. 
 
 One freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 150 230 254. Houses inhabited, 37. 
 
 The benefice is rectorial, in the Forest deanery. On the 
 death of the late incumbent, another claim was set up to 
 the advowson, but a decision was at length made in the 
 Court of Exchequer, which confirmed it to Edward Elton, 
 Esq. Gilbert Elton, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to Holy Trinity, is a small
 
 oV I he J fistory of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 building, consisting of a nave only and chancel, \\itli a 
 tower at the west end, pointed, and covered with tiles. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Tybreton, 8/. 
 
 In the King's books (discharge:!) ll. 10*. 0\d. 
 
 III. WESTBUKY HUNDRED. 
 
 CCV. BLAISDON, BLECHESDEN, crn>w//^ BLETESDEN. 
 
 Is a small parish, nine miles w. from Gloucester. The 
 soil is chiefly clay, and nearly divided equally into pas- 
 ture, arable, and woodland. Natswood brook intersects 
 it, in its way to the Severn. It was anciently a part of 
 the Forest, and probably derived its name from that cir- 
 cumstance, prefixing the name of the original proprietor. 
 
 About the beginning of the last century, 50 acres of 
 waste land were planted with firs, which have been cut 
 down within the last ten years. Some of them, and par- 
 ticularly those to which the greatest interval had been al- 
 lowed, measured 100 feet each of timber. The average 
 
 f O 
 
 measure of each was about 50 feet. Five yards square 
 were in general allowed to each plant, which, allowing 
 4840 square yards to an acre, gives on the whole' planta- 
 tion 48,400 plants. If each tree, while standing, were 
 valued at five shillings, the product would be 12,100/. and 
 estimating the rent of the land, during the whole period, 
 at 3750/. the remainder is left for the expence of planting 
 and preserving. The property belonged to John Wade, 
 Esq. and the land is now converted into tillage 21 .
 
 Forest Division. IVestbury Hundred. N 6.5 
 
 Blechesden Avas anciently appendant on Longhope, and 
 in 1281 was returned by the escheator as a hamlet to it. 
 The first account of its having a church and parochial 
 rites is found in P. N. tax. 1299; and 1:359 Jeltry de Ma- 
 rescal held the advowson. Humphry de Bohun was pro- 
 prietor 1373. The manor was afterwards granted by him 
 to the abbey of Flaxley, and at the suppression, it was 
 granted to Sir Anthony Kingston, 1545. In 1608 Wil- 
 liam Kingston held it, and from him it passed to the 
 family of Wade. The manor is now the property of 
 Anna, relict of William Gordon, Esq. late of Bristol, and 
 heiress to the late John Wade, Esq. ( 114) 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Boughton is in possession of an ancient free- 
 hold, long vested in the family of that name. 
 
 Uppw Standleys belonged to the family of Bullock so 
 early as the reign of Elizabeth, and is now vested in Wil- 
 liam Bullock, gent. 
 
 Brickhouse is an estate belonging to the family of Hayle 
 in Gloucester. t 
 
 The Felt House, with the greater part of the other pro- 
 perty in the parish, is attached to the manor. 
 
 The number of buildings in this parish were much re- 
 duced in 1699 by fire, and the loss on oath amounted to 
 42 10/. The event is recorded on a tablet, placed in the 
 church. 
 
 Nine freeholders voted in 1776. 
 Population, 180 137 152. Houses, 34. 
 The benefice is rectorial, in the Forest deanery, and the 
 patronage annexed to the manor. John Black, A. M. is 
 incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Michael, consists of a 
 nave only, with a low battlemented tower at the west 
 end. 
 
 VOL. II. F
 
 66 T)ie Hislary of the County of Glouccttcr. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Blechedene, 4/. 
 In the King's hooks (discharged) 5l. Is. 3W. 
 
 CCVI. CHURCH AM, anciently HAM ME, 
 
 Is a parish of considerable size, distant nearly five mile* 
 N. w. from Gloucester. The soil is in general a fine red 
 loamy clay, producing good crops either in grass or corn. 
 The arable bears a greater proportion than pasture, and 
 fruit trees are generally planted in the fields. Bird wood 
 common is now inclosed. The east side of this parish 
 lies sloping so advantageously to the morning sun, that the 
 harvest is generally a fortnight earlier than in most of the 
 adjacent places. 
 
 Ham, Saxon, signifies -A farm or village; hence are de- 
 rived names of places with this termination ; this place 
 was anciently called Hamme simply, but being the part 
 of the parish where the church was built, the addition was 
 given to distinguish it from the other hamlets. This dis- 
 tinction took place in 1 28 1 . 
 
 The two manors of Churcham and Highnam were given 
 by mandate of the Pope to the abbey of Gloucester, for the 
 support of seven monks there, as an atonement for the 
 murder of seven monks in their way to this place, by 
 Wolphin de Rue, the proprietor of it, and consul of 
 Gloucester, about 1048. The abbey continued the posses- 
 sion till the dissolution, when Churcham, with Byrdewood, 
 was granted to the dean and chapter of Gloucester, 1542. 
 
 Sir John Chamberlain held the manor in 1608, as lessee. 
 It afterwards passed to the family of Brown , an alderman 
 of Gloucester, who died 1639, and left it to his widow. 
 By her it was devised to John Harris, of London, in which 
 family it was at the beginning of last century. Sir Charles
 
 rarest Division. Westbury Hundred. 67 
 
 Barrow, Bart, and Colonel Money were lessees till near 
 the latter end of last century. The former permitting his 
 Jease to expire without renewing, the manor, with the 
 appendant estates, reverted to the dean and chapter, by 
 Avhom they have since been granted to other lessees. 
 
 Part of the estates belonging to Colonel Money were 
 sold to Mr. Howies, and by him devised to his two sisters, 
 Mrs. Crump and Mrs. Phelps. 
 
 An estate called Cold Comfort, was devised by Colonel 
 Money to Mrs. Roberts, and on her death descended to 
 the Rev. Mr. Roberts, of Much Marcle, co. Hereford. 
 
 In the last leases granted, the chapter reserved all nia- 
 nerial rights. 
 
 HIGHNAM, LINTON, and OVER are hamlets forming 
 
 77 o 
 
 one tything, and lying in the hundred of Dudstan and 
 Kings-barton, but anciently of Tolangebriges. 
 
 1. HIGHNAM is two miles distant from Gloucester, and 
 contained according to Domesday seven hides. Part of 
 the grange or mansion-house was reserved in the lease 
 dated 7 Hen. VIII. for the abbot and his men, if the 
 plague should be in Gloucester or Over. The manors of 
 Highnam and Over were granted, 1542, to John Arnold, 
 of Monmouthshire, who was succeeded by his son Nicho- 
 las Arnold, and he by Rowland Arnold, who left an only 
 daughter and heiress, wife of Thomas Lucy, son of Sir 
 Thomas Lucy, of Charlcot, co. Warwick. He left an 
 only daughter, married to Sir William Cook, descended 
 from the family of Cook, of Giddy-hall, co. Essex. Sir 
 Robert Cook, his son, was succeeded by William, and his 
 eldest son, Dennis Cook, dying in his father's life-time, the 
 estate came to his brother Kdward. William Cook, his 
 Bon and heir, dying without issue, was succeeded by his 
 brother Dennis, who having no male issue, die estate de- 
 F 2
 
 68 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 volved to his two sisters, agreeably to the father's will. 
 The elder, Anne, was married to Roynon Jones, Esq. of 
 Nass, co. Gloucester, who died, 1732(207), and the young- 
 er, Mary, to Henry Guise, of Gloucester, Esq. who dying 
 1749, was succeeded by his son, John, afterwards Sir John 
 Guise, Bart. He purchased the moiety which belonged 
 to Roynon Jones, Esq. in right of his father's marriage. 
 On his death, in 1794, he was succeeded by his eldest 
 son, Sir Berkeley William Guise, Bart, the present lord 
 of the manor, and proprietor of the estates dependant 
 upon them, and heir to the late Sir William Guise, Bart, 
 of Rendcomb, subject to the life-estate of the Honorable 
 Jane Barrington, his sister, and Lady of the Bishop of 
 Durham (238). 
 
 The manshon-house was built after a plan of Inigo 
 Jones, soon after the civil war, by William Cook, Esq. 
 who had been a colonel under Cromwell, but was recon- 
 ciled after the restoration. The old house was ruined 
 during the seige of Gloucester, by having been used in 
 turns as a garrison to both parties. The situation is plea- 
 sant, and the gardens and offices extensive and conve- 
 nient. Near the house, and too much in the front of it, 
 is a private chapel, wherein several of the Cooks are in- 
 terred, by whom it was built. 
 
 The whole of this hamlet, as also of Linton and Over, 
 
 with a very trifling exception, belongs to Sir B. William 
 
 Guise, Bart. 
 
 OVER lies on the banks of the western channel of the 
 
 Severn, and communicates with Gloucester by a bridge, 
 
 repaired at the expence of the county. 
 
 This bridge probably gave name to the old hundred of 
 
 Langebrigi. Over is derived from the Saxon Ofer, the 
 
 bank of a river 22 .
 
 Forest Division. Westbury Hundred. 69 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776, for Churcham; and two 
 for the three hamlets. 
 
 Population of Churcham, 340 309 327. Houses in- 
 habited, 74. 
 
 Population of the three hamlets, 202. Houses inhabit- 
 ed, 52. 
 
 The benefice is vicarial, in the Forest deanery, in the 
 patronage of the chapter of Gloucester, who are also the 
 impropriators. William Gyllett, A. M. is incumbent, 
 with the chapel of Bui ley annexed. 
 
 The church consists of a nave only, with a low spire at 
 the west end, covered with shingles. The arch which 
 separates the chancel and the south door-way, now re- 
 duced, is semicircular, resting on plain pillars, and ex- 
 hibits the style of the early Norman, soon after the con- 
 quest. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Chirchehm belongs to the 
 abbot of Gloucester, 20/. Os. Qd. 
 
 The vicar's portion with the Chapel of Bolay, 5/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 In the King's books, 20/. 5s. Qd. 
 
 CCVII. NEWNHAM, anciently NEUNEHAM, 
 
 Is a market town, distant from Gloucester twelve miles, 
 s. w. and situate on the Severn, which is here at high wa- 
 ter nearly a mile from one side to the other. The parish 
 is about eight miles in compass, and comprehends 900 
 acres of various soil, but a red loam predominates, and is 
 chiefly in pasture. Cyder of excellent quality is produced 
 here and in the neighbourhood. 
 
 From this town is one of the passages over the river, 
 which is perfectly safe, and may be made almost in every 
 state of the tide for men, horses, and carriages. Near to 
 F 3
 
 T0 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 this place rock rises so near to the surface at low water, 
 that horses and carriages are conducted across with great 
 sal'i ty, by a guide, without a boat. But to those who are 
 unacquainted witli the line of the ridge, the attempt is 
 attended with extreme danger, as the rock does not gra- 
 dually shelve off, but precipitates suddenly to a great 
 depth on either side 23 . The passage is the property of 
 Roynon Jones, Esq. 
 
 The first fortification erected on the west side of the 
 Severn against the inroads of the Welch, was at Newnham; 
 and Strongbow, Earl of Chepsto\v, in pursuance of royal 
 mandate, met Henry II. here. No remains of the ancient 
 castle are now to be seen, frequent mention of which is 
 made in several grants of lands in Newnham from the prior 
 and brethren of St. Bartholomew's hospital in Gloucester 24 . 
 
 This town had also a considerable share in the military 
 events of the reign of Charles I. A strong party of Sir J. 
 Wintour's forces kept garrison in the church and the fort 
 adjoining, of considerable strength. The enemy soon pos- 
 sessed themselves of the town, and got near the works, 
 which were strengthened with double pallisadoes. The 
 royalists, seeing the uncertainty of their situation, jumped 
 over the works, and ran from the out-work into the 
 church, hoping to clear the mount which the enemy had 
 gained. Both parties tumbled into the church together. 
 In this state of things, a barrel of gun-powder was fired 
 in the church, conceived to be done by one Tipper, a pa- 
 p:st, and a servant of Sir John Wintour. By this explo- 
 sion many were blown out of the church) a great number 
 injured, but none killed. The enraged soldiers fell upon 
 the royalists, and, in the heat of blood, slew near twenty, 
 and took a hundred prisoners, without the loss of a man 
 on the side of the rebels 25 .
 
 Forest Division. Wcstbury Hundred. 7 1 
 
 The town, which was once distinct from the manor, 
 was probably more extensive formerly than at present, as 
 in the ancient grants of land in the borough, many names 
 occur, of streets and lanes, which are now forgotten. It 
 was one of the five boroughs within the county, in the 
 rei n of Edw. I. and was governed by a mayor and bur- 
 gesses. The sword of state given by John is still pre- 
 served, and on it an inscription, signifying the year 
 1584, when it was repaired, with the name of the mayor, 
 who presided at that time. The annual election of mayor 
 has been some time laid aside. A court is held for the 
 manor, at which two constables are appointed and 
 sworn. 
 
 A considerable trade is carried on from this place to 
 London, Ireland, and other places; large quantities of 
 bark and timber are exported, and wines imported: and 
 some ships are built here. The situation is indeed fa- 
 vourable to trade, but has not been perhaps improved 
 with the same advantage as at other places. The glass- 
 house which was worked in the reign of Cha. I. is en- 
 tirely destroyed. 
 
 Neuneham signifies Nova Villa, or New Town; from 
 which Baxter is of opinion, that there was once another 
 place in the neighbourhood of more ancient date, and op- 
 posite to Framilode Passage, which he imagines to be the 
 Durotuobriga of the Itinerary 26 . 
 
 The cliff on which the church is situated, commands 
 the great semicircle which is here formed by the Severn, 
 with admirable effect, while the Cotswold range, ter- 
 minating in the bold elevation of Stinchcomb Hill, bounds 
 the vale to the east, and the undulating hills of the Forest 
 of Dean close in upon it on the west, opening into vari- 
 ous sweetly picturesque glens. 
 
 F4
 
 T'J The. History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 William, the son of Badcron, held Neuneham in the 
 t ime of the Conqueror, taxed at one hide. The Bohuns 
 afterwards held it, but resigned all right to King John in 
 the first year of his reign. After having been held by 
 William, Earl of Shrewsbury, and John Foliot, it seems 
 to have reverted to the crown, but much confusion has 
 followed, from the manor and town having been distinct; 
 so that it is perhaps more difficult than useful to trace the 
 descent with accuracy. The abbey of Flaxley were pro- 
 prietors some time before the dissolution, after which it 
 was granted to Sir Anthony Kingston, 154-5. Henry, 
 Lord Stafford, and Ursula his wife, held it in 1555, by 
 grant from the crown. It descended to Edward, his son, 
 his grandson of the same name, and lastly to Henry his 
 great grandson, on whose death, unmarried, it passed, 
 1637, to Sir William Howard, younger son to Thomas, 
 Earl of Arundel and Surrey, in right of marriage to Mary, 
 the sister and sole heiress of Henry. He was created Vis- 
 count Stafford by Cha. I. and beheaded on account of the 
 Popish plot, 1680. Henry, the eldest son, was created 
 Earl of Stafford by James II. and succeeded to the manor 
 in 1689. The Earl of Effingham was lord of the manor 
 till his death, when he was succeeded by Henry Howard, 
 Esq. M. P. for Gloucester. 
 
 RUDDLE is a hamlet, formerly called Rodele, in early 
 times belonging to the abbey of Gloucester; the possession 
 of which was confirmed by Henry I. to find lights to 
 burn continually before the high altar, for the soul of 
 Duke Robert Curthoise, his brother. At the dissolution 
 the manor was granted to William, Earl of Pembroke, 
 who sold it to Sir Giles Pool, 1557, from whom it passed 
 by purchase, to the family of Jones. Roynon Jones, Esq. 
 the present lord of the manor, is the son of the late Wil-
 
 Forest Division. Westbury Hundred, 73 
 
 Ham Jones, Esq. of Nass, co. Glou. by Cholmley, daugh- 
 ter of Sir John D'Oyley, Bart, of Chessel Hampton, co. 
 Oxon. His residence is at Hay-hill House, which he has 
 built within a few years past. 
 
 Stairs or Staure, the seat and estate of William Mar- 
 went, Esq. at the beginning of the last century, was de- 
 vised to the family of Baron, from whom it passed by pur- 
 chase to Thomas Morris, Gent, the present proprietor. 
 
 Cockshoot, formerly belonging to Mr. Rolls, is now the 
 property of Joseph Pyrke, Esq. of Littledeane. This, 
 and Stairs are part of Rod ley manor (209), and in the 
 Dutchy of Lancaster. 
 
 Bleythe's Court, or Blaze Bailey, was the property of 
 Mr. Pyrke, now of Thomas Beale, Esq. 
 
 The Hill-house, formerly the property of Mr. Trigg, 
 afterwards of Mr. Pyrke, is now held by his widow, under 
 'settlement. 
 
 Twenty-nine freeholders voted in 1776. 
 Population, 400 400 821. Houses inhabited, 144. 
 The benefice is a curacy under the Corporation of Glou- 
 cester, as trustees of St. Bartholomew's hospital, who 
 lease the impropriate tythes to the curate at a small rent. 
 William de Bohun gave the impropriation and advowson 
 to the prior and brethren of the hospital, 1344. James 
 Parsons, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, stands on a 
 knole near the river, and is a prominent feature in the 
 landscape of the surrounding country. It has a small aisle 
 on the south side, belonging to the Marwent family, and a 
 low wooden spire at the west end. The arch leading to 
 the chancel shews considerable antiquity, being in the 
 early Norman style, pointed and ornamented with zig-zag 
 mouldings 27 . The more ancient building, which was a
 
 74 The History efthc County of Gloucetter. 
 
 chapel to Westbury (209), stood, according to tradition, 
 at Nabb's-end, but being undermined by the water, was 
 taken down ; and it is not improbable that the present 
 building, from the continual wasting of a marly soil, will 
 have a similar termination. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the abbot of Gloucester hath in the manor 
 of Rodele three carucates of land. 
 
 CCVIII. TIDENHAM, TUDLHAM, anciently TEDENHAM, 
 Is a parish of large extent, containing 5000 acres, ex- 
 tending to the Wye on the west, and the Severn on the 
 east, and distant twenty-five miles from Gloucester. The 
 soil is light, and of a colour inclining to red, covering at 
 a small depth a rock of limestone. The pasture exceeds 
 the arable in quantity, and on the banks of the Severn are 
 some fine meadows or salt marshes. Very good cyder is 
 made in this parish. 
 
 Atkyns deduced its name from the circumstance of the 
 tides running up the rivers on each side of it ; but tbis con- 
 jecture can with difficulty be admitted, because the name 
 in Domesday is Tedenham, and it does not appear, that 
 either Britons, Romans, or Saxons, gave the appellation 
 of Tide or Teden to this natural phenomenon. More 
 likely, the place or town might belong to a very early pro- 
 prietor of that name. 
 
 The bridge over the Wye, forming the junction with 
 Monmouthshire, commences here. The half on the Glou- 
 cestershire side is repaired at the expence of this county. 
 The flooring of this part is formed of thick planks, which 
 are kept firm in their places by wedges of wood. The 
 general account is, tliat the flooring is left loose, for the 
 purpose of rising with the tide ; but the truth seems to be,
 
 Forest Diiision. Watbwy Hundred. 75 
 
 that no such rise has ever been known to take place ; and 
 though it is said, that the water is accumulated to the 
 height of seventy feet here, yet it has been proved, that 
 fifty-six feet is the highest point it has risen to in the me- 
 mory of man. The cause why the swell of tide is greater 
 in the Wye than in the Severn, is supposed to arise from 
 the projection of the rocks at Beachley and Aust, which 
 forces the current with increased rapidity up the fornu r 
 river. 
 
 The turnpike road leads through this parish into Wales, 
 and for a considerable way commands a very extensive 
 prospect over the wide estuary of the Severn to the east, 
 and as far as the Hofines down the Channel. 
 
 Near the confluence of the two rivers, are some ruin?, 
 t r isible only at low water, said to be the remains of a very 
 ancient chapel dedicated to St. Terendake, or Tecla, who 
 was martyred in 47. 
 
 The famous dyke made in 760 by Oflfa, King of the Mer- 
 cians, (who had made himself master of the greater part of 
 England,) to prevent his dominions from the incursions of 
 the Welch, began here, and now forms a separation be- 
 tween Beachley and Sudbury. This serves to shew the 
 bounds of Wales about the middle of the eighth century. 
 Claudh Offa, which is the British name, passes through 
 Colford (218), is seen on Brachy-hill, and near Ryhd ar 
 Helig, and Lanterden, in Herefordshire; and is continued 
 northwards from Knighton, over a part of Shropshire into 
 Montgomeryshire ; and may be traced over the long moun- 
 tain called in Welch Kevn Digolh, to Harden Castle, 
 cross the Severn and Lhan Dunio Common. Whence ir. 
 passes the Vyrnwy again into Shropshire, not far from 
 Oswaldstry, where there is also a small village called Tre~
 
 76 The Hittory of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 vyrclawdh. In Denbighshire it is visible along the road 
 between Rhywabon and Wrexham; from whence being 
 continued through Flintshire, it ends a little below Holy- 
 well, where that water falls into the Dee, at a place for- 
 merly the site of the castle of Basingwerk. 
 
 Harold established a law, that if any Welshman should 
 be found armed on this side Offa's Dike, his right hand 
 should be cut off by the King's officers. 
 
 At the time of the survey there were several proprietors 
 in Tedenham, but the abbey of Bath held the largest, 
 containing thirty hides. The Welch took this with Wol- 
 laston, but Walter and Roger, younger brothers of Gil- 
 bert, Earl of Clare, retook them in 1 1*60. Richard Strong- 
 bow, son and heir of Gilbert, became Earl of Pembroke 
 and Strigule, (Chepstow). William Mareschal married 
 Isabel, his only daughter, and in consequence succeeded 
 to his title and property. William Earl of Pembroke died 
 1219, leaving five sons, who were successively Earls of 
 Pembroke, but all dying without issue, their four sisters 
 were coheiresses. Hugh Bigot, Earl of Norfolk, mar- 
 ried Maud the eldest, and in her right became proprietor 
 of the manor of Tidenham. Roger, his great grandson, 
 dying without issue, the manor came to the crown, and 
 was given by Edward IT. to his younger brother Thomas, 
 fifth son of Edward I. with the title of Earl of Norfolk. 
 Margaret, one of his daughters, afterwards created 
 Dutchess of Norfolk by Rich. II. carried the estate by 
 marriage into the family of De Segrave. Elizabeth, the 
 sole issue of this union, was wife of John de Mowbray, 
 who was created Earl of Norfolk, and Earl Mareschal. 
 In this family the manor and estates continued, but not in 
 the direct line, till they passed to the male heir of a col-
 
 Forest Division. Westbury Hundred. 77 
 
 lateral branch, on failure of issue from Anne, daughter 
 of John, Duke of Norfolk, who was married to Richard, 
 Duke of York, second son of Edward IV. 
 
 Isabel, daughter of Thomas de Mowbray, who was cre- 
 ated Duke of Norfolk by Richard II. had been married a 
 second time, to James, fifth Earl of Berkeley ; and Mar- 
 garet, the other daughter, to Sir Robert Howard. These 
 great estates were partitioned among their heirs in 1499, 
 as descendants in the female line. 
 
 The manor of Tidenham came soon afterwards to the 
 Earl of Worcester, and from Henry Earl of Worcester, 
 who died 1550, it has regularly descended through the 
 noble family of Beaufort to the present Duke, with the 
 property of the greatest part of the parish. 
 
 HAMLETS, or PLACES of distinct names. 
 
 1. CHURCH-END. Near the church Thomas Williams, 
 Esq. has a good house, beautifully situated for an exten- 
 sive view over the channel, with a considerable estate, late 
 the property of Mr. William Jones. 
 
 2. BISHTON, formerly written BISTEN, is almost ex- 
 clusively the property of the Duke of Beaufort. 
 
 3. SUDBURY, or a station two miles south of the mili- 
 tary works, called the Bulwarks, is also the property of 
 the Duke, in the proportion of nearly half. 
 
 Mr. William Lewis is a considerable proprietor. 
 
 4. BEACHLEY, BETTESLEY or BETESLEGH. This ma- 
 nor had been in the Lewis family for at least two centu- 
 ries, till it lately became the property of Samuel Jenkins, 
 sen. Esq. 
 
 Some military works are seen here, by the name of 
 Bulwarks. 
 
 The almost insular situation of Beachley must have 
 made it in all ages a place of importance, and therefore
 
 7 8 Tfte History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 it is difficult to assign the earthworks, which are so fre- 
 quent here, to any particular people. In the civil wars it 
 was esteemed of so much importance, that Prince Ru- 
 pert sent 500 horse and foot into the Forest, for the pur- 
 pose of making it a lasting guard. The passage, which 
 was the only commodious one from Wales to Bristol and 
 the western parts, added much to its consequence. Cor- 
 bet relates, that before the fortifications were finished, Go- 
 vernor Massic attacked the royal forces, and after killing 
 a great many, entirely dislodged the rest. The King's 
 friends made a second attempt to fortify this place, but 
 with no better success. Two hundred and twenty were 
 kiHed in this attack, and Sir John Wintour was forced 
 down the cliff into the river Wye, where a little boat lay 
 to receive him. The traditional account of his leaping 
 with his horse down the precipice, which is now called 
 Winter's Leap, from the certainty of destruction conse- 
 quent upon the attempt, carries its own confutation with it. 
 
 5. WIBDEN or WIDDEN, formerly belonged to John 
 Madocke, Esq. who had a good estate and house. The 
 latter is in ruins, and the former after having been in the 
 family two centuries, passed to William Sheldon, of Wes- 
 ton, co. Warwick. 
 
 The manor of Walden in this hamlet, which belonged 
 to Morgan Lewis, Ksq. is now the property of Samuel 
 Jenkins, sen. Esq. 
 
 Considerable property in this hamlet belongs to Thos. 
 Williams, Esq. 
 
 6. STROAT or STROTE. Mere the family of James have 
 for many years possessed a good estate, which is now vest- 
 ed in Selwyn James, Esq. 
 
 Charles James, Esq. of London, is also proprietor of 
 a good house and estate, by marriage with the surviving
 
 Forest Division. Westbury Hundred. 79 
 
 daughter of the late Somerset Jones, Esq. of Tiden. 
 ham. 
 
 1. LANCAUT. In this hamlet is a chape], on the banks 
 of the Wye, dedicated to St. James, In .which divine ser- 
 vice is performed once a month, ft was formerly a dis- 
 tinct rectory, to which the Earl of Worcester presented 
 in 1548, but is now annexed to Wollaston. The princi- 
 pal property belongs to Thomas Williams, Esq. 
 
 Twenty-seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 600 500 696. Houses inhabited, 138. 
 
 The benefice is vicarial, in the Forest deanery, and pa- 
 tronage of James Davies, Esq. and Davies is in- 
 cumbent. 
 
 The impropriation formerly belonged to the priory of 
 Sheen, co. Surrey, who gave 13 bushels of wheat, and 
 1 3d. in money, to be distributed yearly to the poor, on the 
 Thursday before Easter; in 1608 it was granted to Thomas 
 James, with reservation of the same annual payment, which 
 has been regularly continued. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of a nave 
 and aisle, separated by circular pillars, supporting plain 
 pointed arches. The tower is ornamented with pinnacles ; 
 the whole building stands on an elevated spot, and is seen 
 at a great distance. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Tudeham, belonging totlia 
 Prior de Lyra, 1 3/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 The vicar's portion, 6/. 135. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 9/. 0$. Od.
 
 80 Tfie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCIX. WESTBURY, anciently WESBERIE. 
 
 Is a large parish, distant two miles N. E. from Newn- 
 "ham, ten s. w. from Gloucester, and containing 8000 
 acres. The soil, except in the meadows adjoining the 
 Severn, is rather light, and of a colour inclining to red. 
 Nearly equal quantities are applied to pasture and arable. 
 The former is planted, in considerable portions, with 
 fruit. There are about 100 acres of wood. Rudder sup- 
 poses the name to signify West camp, and observes that he 
 can find no traces of ancient entrenchments; but there is 
 no necessity of referring to a military station : if the ety- 
 mology be decided from the termination of berie, it Avill 
 signify the plain on the west ; or if from burh or burgh, 
 Sax. it will mean a town on the west ; for these words as 
 often have reference to a city or town, as an encampment: 
 and west only refers to its situation on the western side of 
 the river, in opposition to Eastington on the other. The 
 addition upon Severn^ is given to distinguish it from ano- 
 ther place of the same name in Henbury hundred. 
 
 Here is a safe passage for men and horses over the Se- 
 vern to Framilode on the other side. 
 
 John Baynham, of this place, son of Sir Alexander 
 Bajnham, the elder, a man of large property, was burnt 
 in the reign of Hen. VIII. 1531, in Smithfield, for promot- 
 ing the cause of the Reformation. 
 
 This manor, at the time of the Conqueror's survey, con- 
 tained thirty hides, and belonged to the King. It was 
 granted to Ralph de Beauchamp 1216, and passed next to 
 the Burghulls, or Bornhulls. Robert de Sapy was propri- 
 etor 1337 ; Jeffery de Mareschal in 1359 ; John de Ayles- 
 ford 1396 ; John Milborn in 1437 ; John Earl of Shrews- 
 bury 1454; and Alice, widow of William Codder, 1456.
 
 Forest Division.' 'Wcstbury Hundred. 8 1 
 
 The manor passed afterwards to the Baynhams. Joseph 
 Baynham was lord of it 1572. The records relating to 
 this manor are intricate, in consequence of the inferior 
 manors being often specified under the general name of 
 Westbury manor. Several grants appear from the crown, 
 but they were probably of estates and lands only, as the 
 great manor or hundred of Westbury still belongs to the 
 crown, and the court-leet is held by the sheriff. 
 
 The parish is divided into several 
 
 TYTHINGS and HAMLETS. 1 . WESTBURY tything. 
 The church is situated in this, and the principal property 
 belongs to Maynard Colchester, Esq. 
 
 A good handsome modern house belongs here to the fa- 
 mily of Colchester. It was built by Maynard Colchester, 
 Esq. who died in 1756. In the front over the door is the 
 following inscription : < 
 
 D. 
 
 O. , M. 
 N. M. M.H. E. P. N. C. 
 
 that is Deo Optimo maxima, 
 
 Nwic mei, mox hiyus, et postea nescio ciijus. 
 
 The present proprietor, who is a minor, is grandson to 
 the said Maynard Colchester, Esq. who was nephew and 
 sole heir of Colonel Maynard Colchester, grandson of Sir 
 Duncomb Colchester, and great grandsorj of that eminent 
 lawyer, Serjeant Maynard. 
 
 2. RODLEY is a member of the Dutchy of Lancaster, and 
 Ues'E. from the church. Rodele was held at the time of 
 the survey by Walter Balestarius, taxed at one hide 28 . It 
 belonged to Henry de Bohun, 1 199 ; to Simon Mountford, 
 Earl of Leicester, 1259 ; Gilbert Talbot, 1274; and after- 
 wards to Richard Talbot. The Earls of Lancaster were 
 successive proprietors from 1287 to 1359, when Blanch, 
 
 VOL. II. G
 
 SJ The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 one of the daughters and co-heiresses of Hen. Duke of Lan- 
 caster, by marriage carried it to John of Gaunt, Duke of 
 Lancaster, from whom were descended the Kings of Eng- 
 land of the line of Lancaster. Hence it became a part of 
 the Dutchy. From the late Sir William Guise, Bart, of 
 Rendcomb, it passed to his sister Jane, and in right of 
 marriage to Shute Harrington, Lord Bishop of Durham, 
 the present owner of the manor, without any estate at- 
 tached to it. 
 
 The principal estate belongs to Maynard Colchester, 
 Esq. 
 
 Other proprietors are John Hartland, Newton Brabant, 
 Gents. Kc. 
 
 Prid-gravel is paid to the lord of this manor, for the i pri- 
 vilege of fishing for lampreys (203). 
 
 2. CLAXHILL and BOLLOE, both situate E. from the 
 church, and under one tythingman. The property is di- 
 vided between Benjamin Hyett, Esq. and the Rev. Samuel 
 Lysons. 
 
 3. UPPER LEIGH is situate about two miles N. E. from 
 the church. 
 
 The two principal estates belong to Sir T. Craw ley Boe- 
 vey, Bart, and Edmund Probyn, Esq. 
 
 4. WALMER is a distinct manor, lying chiefly on (the 
 banks of the Severn. The name is given from the circum- 
 stance of its situation near the Sea Wall: Val or Wall, Sax. 
 and Afere, the sea. Anthony Kemp, Esq. was seized of 
 the manor, and a large house called the Grange ; both are 
 now the property of Lord Newburgh, by marriage. 
 
 5. NORTH WOOD is a ty thing, situate N. from the church, 
 und chiefly belonging to Lord Newburgh. 
 
 6. NETHER or LOWER LEIGH tything, N. E. from the 
 church. The property is much divided. Anthony Ellis,
 
 Forest Division. Westbury Hundred, 83 
 
 Esq. of Gloucester, is the principal landholder. Other 
 small estates belong to Lord Newburgh, Chas. Evans, Esq. 
 and Rev. S. Lysons. 
 
 7. BOSELEY is a tything which lies N. w. from the 
 diurch. 
 
 8. CLEEVE. 9. ADSET. 10. STANTEWAY, have one 
 tythingman. The property of these places belongs to 
 Maynard Colchester, Esq. the Rev. Mr. Lawrence, and 
 Mr. Boughton, Kc. 
 
 11. ELTON tything lies w. from the church. The prin- 
 cipal estates belong to Sir T. C. Boevey, Wm. Bullock, 
 Wni. Baylis, and Mrs. Brown. 
 
 A garrison was kept at Westbury in the great rebellion, 
 on the side of the parliament, which, according to Corbet, 
 was treacherously sold to Sir John Wintour, by Capt. T. 
 Davis. 
 
 The collector of extraneous fossils will be highly grati- 
 fied in exploring the curious treasures of Garn's-hill (West- 
 bury Clift), after the rocks and deposit of soil have been 
 cleansed by a spring tide. Bones and other substances are 
 found, embedded in a blue clay stone, always attended 
 with, and sometimes completely enveloped in martial py- 
 rites. The large bone mentioned by Rudder is still pre- 
 served in the church, and probably, as he supposes, did 
 belong to an elephant. In 1634 many bones of the same 
 description were found in this neighbourhood, collected by 
 order of Charles I. Dion informs us, that Claudius brought 
 elephants with him into Britain ; and as the Romans had 
 several stations on the Severn, the conjecture is not ill- 
 founded 29 . 
 
 Sixt3*-four freeholders voted in me. 
 
 Population, 1200 1300 1651. Houses inhab. 286. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the Forest deanery, in thr 
 G 2
 
 84 Tlte History of the County of GloKccster. 
 
 patronage of the custos and vicars choral of Hereford, and 
 Richard Wetherell, A. M. is incumbent. The impropri- 
 ate tythes belong to the same body, and are in lease to C. 
 Evans, Esq. of Highgrove (203). 
 
 The more ancient church, dedicated to -St. Peter, ad- 
 joins the steeple, and is now used as a school house. The 
 church in which divine service is performed, was built on 
 the south side of the church yard in 1530, and dedicated 
 to St. Peter and St. Paul. It consists of a large nave, and 
 chancel, with a north and south aisle of less height. The 
 spire is lofty, and covered with shingles, or small pieces 
 of oak board, in imitation of tiles. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Westbury, with the chapel 
 Newenh'm and Ministreworth, 53/. 6s. $d. Besides the 
 vicar's portion, 6l. 1 3*. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books, 20/. 2s. 8ld. 
 
 CCX. WOOLASTON, anciently ODELAVESTON, 
 Is a parish of considerable extent, twenty-two miles 
 s. w. from Gloucester, and washed on the E. by the Se- 
 vern. The soil, extending over not less than 3000 acres, 
 is a red loam, and is proportionably divided into pasture 
 and arable, in both which it is alike fertile and produc- 
 tive ; with more than 500 acres of wood. A small brook 
 runs through it towards the Severn, and the turnpike road 
 continues its course over an eminence towards Chepstow 
 and South Wales, leaving the church to the right. The 
 name is evidently derived from an ancient proprietor, and 
 might once be called OdelaveV town. The situation is 
 peculiarly beautiful, and the prospect over the broad estu- 
 ary of the Severn is bounded by the distant hills above 
 Sodbury, while the castles of Berkeley and Thornbury,
 
 Forest Division. Westbury Hundred. 85 
 
 with some other buildings of inferior consequence, fill up 
 the middle distance, and give variety to the scene. 
 
 Domesday records William de O\v as the proprietor 
 of this place, in Twiford hundred, which included only 
 this parish, a part of Tidenham, and a place called Mo- 
 dicete, now forgotten. It is probable that Woolaston was 
 afterwards granted to the abbey of Tintern, co. Monmouth, 
 by Walter and Roger, brothers of Gilbert de CJare, who 
 retook this and Tidenham from the Welch. After the 
 dissolution, Henry, Earl of Worcester was possessed of 
 the Grange estate, and in 1608, Edward, Earl of Wor- 
 cester was lord of the manor, which has descended to the 
 present noble proprieter, Henry, Duke of Beaufort, in 
 whom, with the exception of a few estates belonging to 
 W. Williams, Esq. Selwyn James, Esq. James Hammond, 
 Gent. &c. the whole parish is vested. 
 
 The following are HAMLETS and HOUSES: 
 
 PLUSTERWYNE, BROOKEND, NOVEREND, and HIGH 
 WOOLASTON, hamlets ; in the last of which is Mr. Ham- 
 mond's estate. The Grange, Keynsham, and Gumstod, 
 are the names of farms belonging to the Duke of Beau- 
 fort. 
 
 Fourteen freeholders voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 400 459 613. Houses inhabited, 97 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the Forest deanery, with 
 the chapels of Alvington and Lancaut annexed, in the 
 patronage of the Duke of Beaufort. John Price, B. D. is 
 incumbent. 
 
 The tythes were given to the abbot of Tintern, with the 
 advowson, in 1131, by William, Earl of Pembroke, and 
 after the dissolution were held with the manor. The liv- 
 ing had been considered as a vicarage till the rectorial 
 tythes were recovered by Mr. Griffiths, a late incumbent, 
 c 3
 
 86 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, consists of a nave 
 and cross aisles, with a low tower in the middle. The 
 south door, and some other parts of the building, exhibit 
 remains of Saxon architecture. 
 
 Value in P. N. tax. 20/. 
 
 Value in King's books, (discharged,) 18/. \\s. 5\d. 
 
 IV. St. BRIAVEL's HUNDRED. 
 
 CCXI. ABBENHALL, 
 
 Is a small parish, about three miles in circumference, 
 including 500 acres, adjoining to Mitcheldean on the 
 N. w. and twelve miles w. from Gloucester. The soil is 
 in general light, and converted more to arable than pas- 
 ture. Several acres of common are in an uncultivated 
 state, and covered with fern. The name is supposed to 
 have been given it from a house belonging to the abbot of 
 Flaxley, here. The turnpike-road leads through this 
 parish to Newnham. 
 
 The name does not occur in Domesday, and even so 
 late as Edw. I. it was returned by the sheriff as united to 
 Mitcheldean. In 1281, John de Abbenhalle held it, and 
 his successors of the same family to 1 348. The Grenders 
 were proprietors from 1 404 to 1 448 , when it passed by 
 marriage to John Tiptot, Earl of Worcester, and on his 
 death without issue, reverted to the male branch of the 
 Grender family, but by marriage with the heiress of John 
 Grender, it came into the family of Walwyn, about the
 
 Forest Division. St. Briavel's Hundred. 87 
 
 reign of Hen. V. Alice, daughter and heiress of William 
 Walwyn, by marriage carried it to Thomas Baynham, of 
 Clearwell, whose great great grandson, Thomas, was 
 seized of in 1609. Marshall Brydges, of Worcestershire, 
 Esq. was lord of it in 1711, and after him, John Howell, 
 Esq. on whose death in 1778, it passed to his grandson, 
 Edmund Probyn, Esq. (21 8) wno is the present proprietor 
 of the principal part of the parish. 
 
 One considerable estate belongs to Joseph Pyrke, Esq. 
 of Littledean. 
 
 The Wilderness i situated on the brow of the hill, and 
 commanding a most extensive prospect, belongs to Mrs. 
 Colchester, as trustee for her son (209). The same in- 
 scription is found here as at the house in Wesrbury. 
 
 GunrHs Mills, formerly an iron-forge, belongs to Mr. 
 Lloyd, who carries on a very considerable manufactory of 
 paper, by the assistance of a stream of water, which is- 
 sues from St. Anthony's Well, just within the Forest. 
 
 Seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 88 158 185. Houses inhabited, 38. 
 
 The Grenders, or Grendours, were a family of consi- 
 derable importance in the county of Gloucester, in the 
 fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Sir John Greyndour 
 was sheriff in 1405 and 1411, and his official seal was some 
 time since found in a field near Dursley, and is now in the 
 possession of Mr. Shrapnell, F.A.S. of Berkeley. -It is 
 circular, with the legend S. IOHANNT GREYNDOUR, 
 and on a quatrefoil, H.R.D.G. Henricus Rex, DeiGratia 30 . 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the Forest deanery, and the 
 jidvowson is annexed to the manor. Rev. William Pro- 
 byn, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Michael, hath a nave and 
 G 4
 
 88 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 south aisle, which was rebuilt in 1749, with an unembat- 
 teled tower at the west end. 
 
 Value in P. N. tax. less than 4/. 
 
 Value in the King's books, (discharged,) 6l. 6s. 6d. 
 
 CCXII. ENGLISH BICKNOR, anciently BICANOFRE. 
 
 Is distant nineteen miles w. from Gloucester, and con- 
 tains about 1600 acres, nearly divided into pasture and 
 arable, except some rich meadow land on the banks of the 
 Wye, which is the boundary on the north side. The soil 
 covers a lime stone rock, and produces sty re cyder of the 
 best quality. The name is probably derived from bee, a 
 river, and cfre, a bank, or upon; and English is prefixed 
 to distinguish it from a village of the same name, on the 
 Monmouthshire side. 
 
 Several collieries are worked in this parish, and from 
 hence were supplied very considerable quantities of cin- 
 ders, so long as they were wanted. 
 
 The manor of Bicanofre was held in the time of Ed- 
 ward, by Morganan, and in the time of the Conqueror, 
 by William, son of Norman. William de Musgros was 
 seized of it, 1287; Richard Talbot, of Goderick castle, 
 1339; and in the time of Edward III. the family of Fer- 
 res, with whom it continued till 1454. The manor soon 
 after passed to W. Wallein, or Walwyn, of Abbenhall, 
 who was seized of it, 1472. Sir John Luterell was propri- 
 etor, 1658; and the Earl of Clanricard in 1608. It after- 
 wards came to Benedict Hall, of Highmeadow, Esq. ; from 
 whom it descended to Lord Viscount Gage, his son-in-law, 
 and is now the property of William Lord Viscount 
 Gage (321).
 
 Forest Division. St. Briauel's Hundred. 89 
 
 Eicknor Court, is the property and occasional residence 
 of George Wyrhale, Esq. It is situated near the Wye, 
 and partakes in a high degree of the romantic character of 
 that river. Many of its wildest features have 'been chas- 
 tened by art, and the whole has received various improve- 
 ments from the taste and judgment of the present posses- 
 sor. The family of Wyrhale settled in this place towards 
 the latter end of the 15th century, upon the marriage of 
 W. Wyrhale with Ann Asshehurst. Before this period, 
 Whitecliffe, near Colford was their residence, and part of 
 the old mansion-house was standing about the middle of 
 the last century, when it Avas taken down and a farm-house 
 built on the scite 31 . 
 
 Eastbatch Court, belonged to Edward Tomkins Machin, 
 Esq. a descendant of T. Machin, Esq. mayor of Glou- 
 cester in 1601, for the third time. He died in 1778, and 
 left his widow a life interest in the estate, on whose death 
 it became vested by heirship in James Davis, Esq. who 
 resides there. 
 
 Another good estate belongs to the widow of the late 
 William Lane, Esq. of Gloucester. 
 
 Considerable property belongs to Mr. Wm. Amberry. 
 
 Thirteen freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 300 800 465. Houses inhabited, 100. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the Forest deanery, former- 
 ly in the deanery of Ross, the advowson of which is by 
 purchase in the visitors of Mr. Mitchell's foundation, 
 Queen's coll. Oxford. Duncomb Pyrke Davis, M. A. is 
 incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is large, 
 with a nave and two aisles, and a chapel on each side of 
 the chancel. The north chancel is separated from the 
 nave by a Saxon, or early Norman arch. The window of
 
 90 The History of the Counly of Gloucester. 
 
 the south chapel is of a later style, ornamented with nail 
 heads. The chapels are the dormitories of the Wyrhale 
 and Machin families. The tower is low and battlemented. 
 
 On Chapel-liill, in the s. w. part of the parish, the ruins 
 of an oratory are said to have been visible in the memory 
 of some persons now, or lately living. 
 
 In P. N. taxat. The church of English Bykenore, 
 I6/. 13s. 4rf. 
 
 In the King's books, 1 3/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 CCXIII. DEAN, MITCHELDEAN, DEAN MAGMA, anciently 
 
 DENE, 
 
 Is a parish of small extent, and a market town irregu- 
 larly built, much in ruins, and inhabited by few good fa- 
 milies ; distant from Gloucester 12 miles west. The soil, 
 extending over 600 acres, is of the same kind as is gene- 
 rally found through the Forest, and the greater part of the 
 land in the neighbourhood is jn pasture. It is said that 
 the clothing business was formerly carried on in this town, 
 and not many years since the pin-making; but both are 
 now lost, without being supplied by any other. The 
 collecting of cinders for some years furnished the poor 
 with the means of a livelihood; but that resource has 
 failed, for reasons before given. Monday is the market- 
 day, and two fairs are held annually, on Easter Monday, 
 and October the tenth. 
 
 The great travelling road to Monruouth from Glouces- 
 ter, now leads through this place, which with the good ac- 
 commodations afforded to travellers, will in process of time 
 be probably the occasion of raising it to a considerable 
 rank among towns of this description. 
 
 William the son of Norman was proprietor at Domes-
 
 Forest Division. St. Briavel's Hundred. 9 1 
 
 day survey of two hides and a half in Dene. Whethex 1 
 this comprehended the whole of the manor at that time, 
 is uncertain. The canons of Southwick, co. Hants, were 
 seized of lands in Dene in the reign of John, while the 
 rest remained in the King's hands. The manor was held 
 by William de Dean 1263, and by his son 1292. John 
 Abbenhall held it 1317, and William Dean 1319. The 
 Grenders were proprietors in 1404, from whom it passed, 
 as in Abbenhall (211), to the Walwyns and Baynhams, 
 and T. Baynham had livery of the fourth part of the ma- 
 nor 1578, and third part of the advowson. It afterwards 
 passed to Sir Robert Woodruff, by purchase, in 160O. 
 From the beginning of last century the old manor has been 
 and still continues in the family of Colchester (209). Eli- 
 zabeth Colchester, widow of the late Maynard Colchester, 
 Esq. holds the manor and estates in trust for their son, 
 Maynard, a minor. 
 
 Excepting one competent estate, which belongs to Jos. 
 Pyrke, Esq. and a few small freeholds, the whole property 
 of the parish is in the Colchester family. 
 
 In a wood upon the hill is said to be a subterraneous pas- 
 sage, communicating with the church, supposed with pro- 
 bability to have been, in feudal time,*, the retreat of out- 
 laws, who sought sanctuary. 
 
 Twenty-four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 600 590 563. Houses inhabited, 117. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Forest deanery, in the pa- 
 tronage of the Colchester family. Edward Jones, A.M. 
 is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Michael, is large, of a 
 quadrangular form. It has a lofty nave, with an upper 
 tier of windows on each side, two north aisles, and one on 
 the south 32 . On an unembatteled-tower rises a spire 156 feet
 
 2 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 high, light, and well proportioned. Early in the last cen- 
 tury it received considerable reparations. The whole 
 roof of oak frame, studded with roses, and other devices, 
 of excellent carving. The aisles appear to have heen 
 built at different periods, by the varying forms of the 
 arches ; but the whole may probably be referred to the 
 middle ages. In the south aisle is a piscina. There are 
 considerable remains of stained glass, particularly in the 
 E. window of the farther N. aisle, where is an assemblage 
 
 7 O 
 
 of female figures, with musical instruments, and in the 
 other panes the heads of nobles and ecclesiastics, finely 
 wrought. 
 
 Value in P. N. tax. 6/. 1 3s. 4d. 
 
 Value in King's books, 10/. 16s. Old. 
 
 CCXIV. LITTLEDEAN, 
 
 Is a small parish, twelve miles distant N. w. from Glou- 
 cester, and containing about 300 acres. The soil is of the 
 same nature as that which is generally found in the Forest 
 district, and principally in pasture and orcharding. 
 
 The market house which is still standing seems to shew, 
 that this place formerly enjoyed the privilege of a market; 
 but it is now lost. On Whitmonday, and November 26, 
 it has a fair for pedlary. 
 
 Coal and iron ore are found in abundance here. The 
 labouring inhabitants are chiefly employed in mining, 
 and the manufacture of nails. 
 
 In pursuance of an act of parliament, passed in 1784, a 
 house of correction was built here, for the Forest division, 
 on a, very convenient plan, and has been found to be pro- 
 ductive of most salutary effects. 
 
 Littledean was the scene of some military operations in
 
 Forest Division. St. Briavel's Hundred. 93 
 
 the time of the rebellion, and the circumstances are re- 
 lated by Corbet, with his usual acrimony against the roy- 
 alists. After their success at Newnham, a party of repub- 
 licans was detached to Littledean, where the King's forces 
 were in garrison. Lieutenant-Colonel Congrave, governor 
 of Newnham, and Captain Wigmore, with a few private 
 soldiers, were surrounded in some houses by a party of the 
 horse. After having accepted quarter, a trooper hap- 
 pened to be killed by one of the company from the house, 
 which so enraged the rest, that they broke in, and put 
 them all to the sword. 
 
 In the middle of the village is a curious market cross, 
 around the shaft of which is a low octangular roof. A 
 pinnacle of fine Gothic workmanship finishes the summit, 
 witli small niches and statues. 
 
 This place was probably a part of Mitcheldean, as it is 
 not mentioned in Domesday survey. The descent of it to 
 the present family of Colchester is nearly, if not altoge- 
 ther, the same as that of Mitcheldean (213). ' 
 
 Joseph Pyrke, Esq. has a good house and estate here. 
 Thomas Pyrke, Esq. the late proprietor, married Dorothy 
 daughter of Richard Yate, Esq. of Arlingham, and had 
 four sons and two daughters, whom he survived. He died 
 1752, and left his estates to Joseph Watkins, Esq. de- 
 scended by the mother's side from a brother of the said T. 
 Pyrke. On coming to the estates, he took the name of 
 Pyrke, and now resides in the family mansion. This fa- 
 mily is said on a monument in Abbenhall church to have 
 had their residence in this neighbourhood ever since the 
 conquest (139). 
 
 Sir T. C. Boevey, Bart, and George Skipp, Esq. are 
 considerable proprietors here.
 
 91 TJte History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Grecnway, late JMonnor's, is now vested by purchase ua 
 Mis. Abrahall, of the Lea (217). 
 
 Twenty-nine freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 320 423 541. Houses inhabited, 108. 
 
 The benefice is an impropriation, belonging to the 
 corporation of Gloucester, as trustees of St. Bartholo- 
 mew's Hospital, and is generally annexed to Newnham. 
 The curate has a lease of the tythes, for which he pays 
 Si. a year, to the use of the hospital. James Parsons, 
 A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Ethelbert, consists of a 
 nave and north aisle, with a chantry parallel to the chan- 
 .cel, and a spire of good proportion. Considerable re- 
 mains of stained glass are in the north aisle and chancel. 
 The ancient sacerdotal vestments of velvet, embroidered 
 with the portraits of saints, are now used as a covering 
 for the reading-desk. 
 
 JLittledeane is not in charge in the King's books. 
 
 CCXV. FLAXLEY, anciently FLAXLYN. 
 
 Is a parish containing about 700 acres, distant eleven 
 miles s. w. from Gloucester. The soil in general is a red 
 marl or loam, lying on a limestone rock, and is chiefly in 
 pasture, and about 150 acres woodland. It is intersected 
 by the turnpike road leading from Mitcheldean to Newn- 
 ham. 
 
 The abbey was founded here by Roger, second Earl of 
 Hereford, in the reign of Stephen, for Cistertian monks. 
 The occasion of its foundation according to Leland, who 
 copied the account from a table hung up in the abbey 
 church, was an accident that happened to the Earl's bro-
 
 forest Division. St. JSriavel's Hundred. 95 
 
 ther, who was killed by an arrow in hunting. It does not 
 appear that the members of this community were ever nu- 
 merous, as at the suppression there were only nine monks, 
 and their yearly revenues were rated at 112/. 13s. Id. 
 The Blessed Virgin was the tutelary saint of this monas- 
 tery, as she was of most other houses of this order. 
 
 The scite of the abbey, with its appendages, was 
 granted at the dissolution, 1545, to Sir Anthony Kings- 
 ton, in whose family it continued till 1608, soon after 
 which period it ipassed to Abraham Clarke, Esq. who was 
 succeeded by his son, and on his death William Boevey, 
 Esq. came to the possession of it. By his will, 1697, it 
 passed, subject to jointure, to Thomas Craw ley, Esq. of 
 Gloucester, who assumed the surname of Boevey. His 
 grandson, Sir Thomas Crawley Boevey, Bart, is now lord 
 of the manor, and proprietor of the estates, which include 
 the whole parish, having succeeded to the title of Baronet 
 in 1789, on the death of Sir Charles Barrow, Bart, of 
 Highgrove, Minsterworth, in w r hose patent of creation the 
 dignity was limited to the family of Boevey. 
 
 Early in the last century, as appears by the plate iu 
 .Atkyns, the ancient residence of the abbot and monks re- 
 mained nearly perfect. It was low, but long in front, 
 being sixty feet long, twenty-five feet wide, and only 
 fourteen high ; the whole arched with stone, and the vault 
 intersected with plain and massy ribs. The first floor con- 
 tained a long gallery, and at the south end one very spa- 
 cious room, which was supposed to have been the abbot's 
 chief room. The dormitories or cells were connected 
 with the great gallery. In 1777, a considerable part of 
 the building was destroyed by fire, and rebuilt. In 178S 
 the scite and floor of the chapter-house were discovered at 
 a small depth in the garden, 45 feet long by 25 wide; at
 
 96 The History of tlic County of Gloucester, 
 
 the upper end a stone bench of circular form, and in tlia 
 centre, the carved base of a pillar. Seven coffin-lids of 
 stone were then found, sculptured with ornamented 
 crosses, and upon one, a right hand and arm holding a 
 crosier, probably the memorial of one of the abbots. 
 
 The mansion house, the residence of Sir Thomas Craw- 
 ley Boevey, Bart, is a square building, with sashed win- 
 dows, and the front towards the turnpike road. The si- 
 tuation is low, but the environs are beautifully picturesque 
 and the views from the eminences extensive and interest- 
 ing. The whole is well covered with wood, and affords a 
 delightful retreat. 
 
 The Grange Estate, riow vested in and the residence of 
 the family of Skipp, is held under this manor. 
 
 Abbots wood was given to the abbey in 1238, in lieu of 
 the privilege of two oaks weekly, Avhich had been granted 
 by Richard II. for the supply of an iron forge. The ma- 
 nufactory is still carried on, and the iron is esteemed pe- 
 culiarly good ; but its goodness does not arise from any 
 extraordinary qualities in the ore, but from the practice of 
 working the furnace and forges with charcoal wood, with- 
 out any mixture of pit-coal. The quantity of charcoal re- 
 - quired is so considerable, that the furnace cannot be kept; 
 in " blow," or working, more than nine months succes- 
 sively. At this time (October 28, 1802) a cessation has 
 taken place for nearly a year. Lancashire ore, which is 
 brought to Newnham by sea, furnishes the principal sup- 
 ply : the mine found in the Forest being either too scanty 
 to answer the expence of raising it, or when raised too dif- 
 ficult of fusion, and consequently too consumptive of 
 fuel to allow the common use of it. A ton of Lancashire 
 ore in the furnace requires fifteen or sixteen sacks of 
 charcoal. When the furnace is at work, about twenty
 
 Forest Division. S(. Briarel's Hundred. 97 
 
 tons a week are reduced to pig-iron : in this state it is 
 carried to the forges, where about eight tons a week are 
 hammered out into bars, ploughshares, &c. ready for the 
 smith. 
 
 The wheels which work the bellows.and hammers, are 
 turned by a powerful stream of water which rises at St. 
 Anthony's Well(2 11), and after passing the works, falls 
 into a large bason below the house, and arlength empties 
 itself into the Severn near Newnham. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 196 135. Houses inhabited, 28. 
 
 The benefice, in the archdeaconry of Hereford, is a do- 
 native, receiving 8/. a year from the impropriation, Avhich 
 is united to the manor, and endowed with an estate pur- 
 chased for 12001. by Catherina, relict of William Boevey, 
 Esq. for that purpose. John Longden, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church is small and neat, consisting of a nave and 
 low spire covered with shingles. It was rebuilt about 
 1730, by Mary Pope, in pursuance of the will of the be- 
 fore-mentioned Catherina Boevey. She was of the family 
 of Riches, in London, a great benefactress on many occa- 
 sions, is interred at Flaxley, and has a monument erected 
 to the memory of her virtues, in Westminster Abbi j y. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the bona temporalia of the Abbot of Flax- 
 ley were valued at 14/. in the archdeaconry of Hereford, 
 and 6/. in the archdeaconry of Gloucester. 
 
 At the dissolution the value was according to Dugdale, 
 13s. Id. 
 
 Flaxley is not in charge. 
 
 VOL. II. H
 
 98 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCXVI. HEWELSFIELD, HUETSFIELD, anciently 
 
 HlWOLDESTONE, 
 
 Is a parish about four miles square, containing 1200 
 acres s. w. from Gloucester twenty-four miles. The soil 
 is various, but chiefly inclining to a deep red loam, and 
 nearly in equal proportions applied to pasture and arable. 
 The meadow saffron (colchicum autumnak) grows in the 
 meadows with great luxuriance, and flowers in the autumn. 
 The name of this place has been variously written at dif- 
 ferent periods; but from the stile of it in Domesday, it 
 may be supposed to mean, Hiwolde's town. 
 
 The inhabitants claim the privilege of the Dutchy of 
 Lancaster (to which they pay a certain annual sum), with 
 other liberties in the Forest, and the right of common in 
 Harthill. The situation of the village is high and healthy, 
 and owes many advantages to the Wye, which flows on 
 the west, and presents declivities peculiarly abrupt, but 
 cloathed with timber and low wood of the greatest luxuri- 
 ance. Over the rich scenery of the foreground, the eye 
 is arrested by prospects at once grand, extensive, and di- 
 versified. The long line of the Black Mountains, the tow- 
 ering point of the Sugar Loaf, the Skyrrid, and the magni- 
 ficent swell of the Blorenge, compose the scene. 
 
 Hiwoldestone is recorded in Domesday as the property 
 of William, son of Baderon, and by the King's order is in 
 the Forest. Johnde Monemuta, constable of Sf. Briavel's 
 castle, gave the vineyard, with the manor, to the hospital 
 of the Holy Trinity, in Monmouth, of his own foundation; 
 but Hualdesfield having escheated to the crown, Edw. I. 
 gave it in free alms to the abbot of Tintern 1276. It con- 
 tinued in the same religious house till the general suppres- 
 sion ; and was soon after vested, with other large proper-
 
 Forest Division. St. Briavcl's Hundred. 99 
 
 ties, in Henry Earl of Worcester, whose noble descendant, 
 Henry Duke of Beaufort, is now lord of the manor, but 
 the estates belong to different proprietors. 
 
 Huelsfidd Court, which claims manorial privileges, be- 
 longed to the family of Macldox, and passed by marriage 
 to G. Gough, 1558, whose grandson Richard Goughlcftit 
 in moiety between his daughters Alice, married to Sir Ni- 
 cholas Throckmorton ; and Eleanor, married to Sir W. 
 Catchmay, Knt. Of the coheirs of Throckmorton, one 
 moiety was purchased by Robert Symonds, Esq. whose de- 
 scendant, T. Symonds, Esq. of Pengethly, co. Hereford, 
 sold it to William Turner, Esq. of Upton Bishop, co. He- 
 reford, the present proprietor and occupier of the mansion 
 house. 
 
 The other moiety descended to Tracy Catchmav, Esq. 
 and by marriage with his daughter passed to Major James 
 Rooke, pn whose death in mi, it descended to General 
 James Rooke, the present proprietor. 
 
 Another estate, late the property of Mr. Warren Jane, 
 now belongs to the same William Turner, Esq. by pur- 
 chase. 
 
 Jlrockwear or Brockwere, on the banks of the Wye, is a 
 small village and port, from which iron and timber are 
 conveyed to Bristol, and some other trade curried on. 
 Mr. Selwyn James, of Chepstow, has a good estate here. 
 Fourteen freeholders voted in 1776. 
 Population 200 253 298. Houses, 64. 
 The benefice is annexed to Lidney, the incumbent of 
 which has all the tythes. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, is of va- 
 rious architecture. Circular pillars, with unornamented 
 Capitals, support the plain round arches, which separate 
 the nave from the north aisle. The tower, low and co- 
 H2
 
 1 00 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 vered with slate, rises on pointed arches between tlie nave 
 and chancel. The bier is used here for carrying the dead, 
 and a porch or lich-yate is at the E. side of the churchyard. 
 
 CCXVII. LEA, LEIGH, anciently LEGA, 
 
 Is situate partly in Gloucestershire, and partly in Here- 
 fordshire, and in Domesday is described as in Letbcrgc 
 hundred. It is distant from Gloucester w. twelve miles, 
 and two N. from Mitcheldean. The soil is universally of 
 a sandy loam,, and applied in the proportion of about three 
 fourths to tillage. The turnpike road from Gloucester to 
 Hereford, by way of Ross, leads through it. 
 
 The manor, at the time of the Conqueror's survey, be- 
 longed to the Bishop of Constance, and contained one hide 
 and two plow tillages in demesne, of the value of 20s. It 
 afterwards came to the Marshalls, and from them de- 
 scended to the Talbots. Big. Coll. John Talbot, the 
 great Earl of Shrewsbury held it, and his son after him, 
 who was killed at Northampton, in battle, 145O. The 
 manor and estate were then confiscated, and granted to 
 the Throckmorton's about 1470, in which family they con- 
 tinued a century and a half, and are found 1 6O8 vested in 
 Richard Hammeline. In the same century a transfer was 
 made to Sir Duncombe Colchester, Knt. whose descend- 
 ants have continued proprietors to the present time (209) 
 of the manor and principal part of that portion of the pa- 
 rish which lies in Gloucestershire. 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 80 96 75. Houses inhabited, 15. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy in the Forest deanery, 
 annexed as a chapelry to Linton, co. Hereford. The im- 
 propriation was held under the Bishop of Hereford, by the
 
 Forest Division,St. Briavd's Hundred, 101 
 
 late William Lane, Esq. of Gloucester, by whose will, 
 on the death of his widow it will be the property of the 
 Colchester family. 
 
 Charles Whatley, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The small tythes belong to the curacy, which has been 
 twice augmented by the Queen's bounty. 
 
 The church, whieh stands in this county, is dedicated 
 to John Baptist, and consists of a nave, separated from a 
 north aisle by light pillars, and a sepulchral chapel, with 
 a low spire at the west end. 
 
 CCXVIII. NEWLAND, anciently NOVA TERRA, 
 
 Is a parish containing 1 0,000 acres, distant w. from Glou- 
 cester twenty miles, and four E. from Monmouth. It is 
 at least thirty miles in circumference. Through so large 
 a district a variety of soil must necessarily occur, but in 
 general the surface is of red loam. Pasture is more fre- 
 quent than arable, and styre and other cyder liquors are 
 produced in abundance and of good quality. About 1000 
 acres are in wood. 
 
 NEVVJ.AND does not occur in Domesday, as probably at 
 that time no grant had been made of it. Upon its being 
 assarted and cultivated, it was called Nova Terra, (New 
 Land) and 39 Hen. III. it is found under that name in the 
 family of Kinerdsley. On the attainder of his son and 
 successor, it reverted to the crown, and was regranted to 
 Richard Marine, 1 277. Sir John Ap Howel held the ma- 
 nor, which was forfeited by his rebellion against Ed. II. 
 but restored by Ed. III. William Baynham levied a fine 
 of it, 1553, after which it escheated to the King, and is 
 now in the Right Hon. Frederick Augustus, Earl 
 H 3
 
 1O2 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Icy, as Lord Warden and Constable of St. Briavel's, with- 
 out any estate annexed. 
 
 The village of Ncwland is principally built round the 
 church, and forms an irregular square. Several families 
 of wealth and consequence reside here in good houses, and 
 thereby contribute very greatly to the pleasure and natu- 
 ral advantages of the situation. 
 
 Edmund Probyn, Esq.(21l) has a good house on the 
 west side of the church-yard, which, from the back front 
 commands the view of a beautiful country. His estates 
 in this parish, and other parts of the county, are very 
 considerable. 
 
 A house and estate, late the property of Edmund Pro- 
 byn, Esq. deceased, (of a different family,) now belong 
 by heirship to William Perry, Esq. of Bristol. Mr. Pro- 
 byn resided for many years at Newland, but had some 
 time before his death in 1801, lived in a handsome house 
 at Winterbourn (305). 
 
 Highmeadow, the seat of Lord Gage (221), lies about 
 half a mile north of the village. The house is large and 
 handsome, with two wings in each front, and from its 
 elevated situation, gratifies the spectator with a pleasing 
 bird's-eye view of the church and houses below, and an 
 extensive prospect of the scenery around. Colonel Kyrle, 
 of the Royalists, being posted in Highmeadow-house dur- 
 ing the civil wars, was surprised by the Governor of Glou- 
 cester in the night. 
 
 Wye Seal is an estate belonging to the dean and chapter 
 of Hereford, late the property of Lord Sherbourn, as les- 
 see to that society, but now transferred by sale to the 
 Rev. Mr. Powell, of Monmouth. Manerial rights are 
 claimed, and the privilege of a fishery in the Wye.
 
 Forest Division. St. Briavd's Hundred. 103 
 
 At.Redbrook is an iron furnace and copper works, to 
 which belong three considerable estates, Upper Rcdbrook, 
 Lower Redbrook, and Clidden Farms, containing in the 
 whole 750 acres. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. CLOWERWALL, anciently called Wel- 
 lington, sometimes Cleanvell, formerly belonged to the 
 Joyces, and from them descended to the Grinders or 
 Greyndours, from whom it passed, as in Abbenhall (211), 
 to T. ap Enion or Baynham,'and continued in that family 
 till 1609; about which time it passed to Sir William 
 Throckmorton, of Tortworth, co. Glo. Bart, by marriage 
 with Cecily, daughter and coheiress of Thomas Bayn- 
 ham. It came afterwards to Thomas Wyndham, Esq. 
 descended from an ancient family in co. Somerset. Tho- 
 mas, his son, succeeded, and Charles after him, who in 
 1762, married Eleanor, second daughter of James Rooke, 
 Esq. of Bickswear (220), by Jane, daughter of Tracy 
 Catchrnay, Esq. of the same place. He died in 1801, 
 having some time before taken the name of Edwyn, and 
 is succeeded in the estates by Thomas Wyndham, Esq. 
 his son and heir. The mansion-house was built by the 
 grandfather of the present proprietor, in the Gothic style, 
 and is surrounded by plantations arranged with taste, and 
 without injury to the natural beauties of the situation. 
 
 Longney-farm, containing 272 acres, belongs to Tho- 
 inas Wyndham, Esq. 
 
 2. COLFORD, is a small market-town. Kino- James 
 
 *f O 
 
 granted the market and two fairs, one on the 20th of 
 June, the other on the 24th of November. The market- 
 house was built in 1679, towards which Cha. II. contri- 
 buted forty pounds. 
 
 This was the scene of some skirmishing in the civil wars. 
 Offa's Dyke (208) passes through this hamlet. 
 H 4
 
 Id* The History oj tlx Counly of Gloucester. 
 
 At White Cliif is an iron blast-furnace, belonging to 
 Messrs. Teague and Co. and near it a pottery, where cast- 
 ing-pots are made. 
 
 The chapel was built in the reign of Queen Anne, who 
 gave 300/. towards it, the old one having been destroyed 
 in the great rebellion. The Bishop of Gloucester appoints 
 the curate. 
 
 The principal property belongs to Lord Gage and Ed- 
 mund Probyn, Esq. 
 
 Upper and Lower Eden Wall are the property of Wil- 
 liam Partridge, Esq. 
 
 3. BREAM lies" four miles s. from the church. It has a 
 chapel, to which the curate is appointed by certain 
 trustees. 
 
 Ji ream's Lodge is a large handsome house, lately be- 
 longing to Mr. Barrow Lawrence, who died in 1773. 
 He was of the Shurdington family, and proprietor of a 
 good estate here and other places. This estate is now 
 vested in John Matthews, Esq. of Newnham. 
 
 Pastors hill belonged to Mr. W. Gough, jun. great 
 grandson of William Gough, of Willsbury, who received 
 t'i s estate from James Gough, Gent, younger son of War- 
 ren Gough, of Willsbury. It is now the property by pin - 
 "chase of William Partridge, Esq. of Monmouth. 
 
 Yorklty Court, with other property, belongs to Mr. 
 Packer. 
 
 James Gough, by his will dated 1676, gave five shil- 
 lings ro the minister of Bream every time he shall read 
 prayers and preach on Sunday in the chapel. On default, 
 to be spent in repairing the chapel, or given to the poor. 
 
 4. LKA BAILEY, formerly the estate of John Tiptot, 
 Earl of Worcester, and afterwards of the Talbots, Earls 
 of Shrewsbury, though a part of the parish of New-
 
 Forest Division. St. Briatel's Hundred. ] 05 
 
 iand, lies near to Mitcheideane. The property is much di- 
 vided, but the principal belongs to Maynard Colchester, 
 Esq.(213) 
 
 On the west side of the church yard is a free grammar 
 school, founded by Mr. Edward Bell, in 1632, ,is appears 
 from the following inscription on the front of the school 
 house: " Edwardus Hell, Gen. scholam iianc ct vetus hos- 
 pitiumfundavit, et expiavit y annoj}om. 1632," The origi- 
 nal stipend was ten pounds a year, to which Alderman 
 Whitston, of Bristol, made by will an addition of the 
 same value. 
 
 The same Edward Bell also founded an alm's-house (hos- 
 pitium) for eight poor people of this parish, with 20s. a 
 year to each. 
 
 A large hospital, with sixteen tenements for as many 
 women and children, with a weekly allowance of two shil- 
 lings each, was founded here by Mr. William Jones, a 
 Hamburgh merchant, who also established a lectures!) ip 
 here, with a salary of a hundred marks yearly. The lec- 
 turer is chosen by the Company of Haberdasher's in Lon-r 
 don, out of three clergymen, whose names are returned 
 by the parishioners. James Birt, A. M. is the present 
 lecturer. 
 
 A hundred and two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, Newland, 2543. Houses inhabited, 504. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the Forest deanery, for- 
 merly in the deanery of Ross, in the patronage of the 
 Bishop of I^andaff. Robert Gibson, clerk, is incumbent. 
 The tythes of all the assart or ploughed lands in the Forest 
 were granted to the church of Newland 1336, and the 
 great tythes were appropriated to the see of Landaff 1399. 
 
 The church, dedicated to All Saints, is large, with a 
 tower at the west end, handsomely ornamented with pin-
 
 .106 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 nacles, and battlements with open trefoils. On the right 
 side of the chancel is a piscina, and a lich-yate at the 
 north cast angle of the church yard. 
 
 In P V N. tax. the church of Nova t'ra, 26/. 13s. 4rf. 
 
 In King's books, 18/. 6s. 
 
 CCXIX. RUERDEAN, anciently REWARDYNE, 
 
 Is a parish distant fourteen miles w. from Gloucester, 
 bounded on the west by the Wye, and containing 800 
 acres. The soil partakes of the general nature of the Fo- 
 rest, chiefly applied to pasture, and covering strata of coal 
 in great abundance. The village consists of one long 
 street, where iron cinders lie plentifully scattered, but no 
 iron mine is worked in this parish. The prefix is probably 
 a corruption from River, and was intended to distinguish 
 it from the neighbouring places of the same name. 
 
 Ruerdean does not occur in Domesday. The first men- 
 tion is made of it in 1 256, when it seems to have become a 
 distinct manor or estate, and was held by William de Alba 
 Mara ; and in 1293, Thomas Devenrry was proprietor of 
 it and St. Briavel's castle. 
 
 At the dissolution of religious houses it was parcel of 
 the possessions of Flax ley Abbey, and was granted to Sir 
 Anthony Kingston, 1545. The Baynhams held it in 1608, 
 and the Vaughans after them. John Vaughan, Esq. was 
 lord of the manor at the beginning of last century, with a 
 good house and estate. From this family it passed to the 
 Clarks, of the Hill, co. Hereford, and Jane dark, spin- 
 ster, surviving coheiress of Richard Clark, is now lady of 
 the manor, with nearly the whole landed property of the 
 of the parish attached to it. See Note '. 
 
 HATHEWAYS was anciently a distinct manor, and long
 
 Forest Division. St. BriaveVs Hundred. 1 07 
 
 held by a family of the same name. In 1472 it belonged 
 to William Walleyn, afterwards came to the Baynhams, 
 and is now united with the other manor, by possession of 
 the same proprietor. 
 
 Sixty freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 500 758 845. Houses inhabited, 179. 
 
 The benefice is a curacy in the Forest deanery, in the 
 appointment of the vicar of Walford, co. Hereford. John 
 Houghton Beeston, A. B. is incumbent. 
 
 o * . 
 
 The impropriation is in the precentor of Hereford. 
 
 In P. N. tax. Walford is mentioned with its chapels, 
 of which Ruerdean was one ; and hence it is supposed that a 
 chapel was at that time standing, and the Saxon construc- 
 tion of the interior arch of the porch, she \vsthaf to have been 
 a part of it. Over the arch are the figures of St. George 
 and the Dragon, in relievo. The other parts of the church 
 'are of a later style. The west window is large and beau- 
 tiful, and was probably the work of the 14th century.. The 
 whole is spacious, and consists of a nave and south aisle, 
 with a handsome spire erected at the west end on an un- 
 embatteled tower. In the chancel is a piscina, and from 
 the south aisle there was once an opening, now stopped 
 up, through which the elevation of the host was seen. 
 The lich-yate is here on the south side of the church yard. 
 
 CCXX. St. BRIAVEL's, anciently ST. BRULAIS, 
 Contains nearly 4000 acres of cultivated, commonable, 
 and forest land, and is distant twenty-three miles s. w. 
 from Gloucester. The soil varies with the situation of 
 clay or sand, of which about 800 acres are woodland, and 
 the rest is nearly divided into arable and pasture. Styre 
 cyder of prime quality is made here,. Scoria or cinders
 
 105 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 are found in great plenty a little below the surface of the 
 ground. A turnpike road from Ross to Aust passage leads 
 through this village. 
 
 There is no mention of St. Briavel's in Domesday ; but 
 in later records it is noticed as belonging to the following 
 persons: Jeffrey Wether 1219, William de Lescbroke 
 1261, Walter Wether 1270, the crown 1276, Hugh de 
 Despenccr the you ger 1319. William de Staure 1324, 
 and Robert de Aure 1326. 
 
 The castle was founded by Miles Fitz Walter, Henry I. 
 to curb the incursions of the Welch. In this family it 
 continued about a century, when it was seized by the 
 crown, which has appointed the constables ever since. 
 The present Earl of Berkeley is the twenty-seventh on the 
 roll of record from 1215. This castle once enjoyed pecu- 
 liar privileges, exercising an exclusive jurisdiction, and 
 has long since had the wardenship of the Forest annexed. 
 The scite of the castle includes within the moat a compass 
 of 500 yards, and is extra parochial. The north west 
 front only has escaped the ravages of time. It is formed 
 by two circular towers, of three stories. On either side a 
 narrow elliptic gateway. Within are hexagonal rooms, 
 with Avails eight feet thick, one of them serving for the 
 prison of the hundred. Three or four other rooms are 
 used for the purpose of holding courts. The keep, with 
 two other smaller towers, fell down in 1752, and in 1774 
 the demolition was almost complete. 
 
 The village seems, from some ruins lately discovered, 
 to have been formerly more extensive than at present. 
 The market anciently granted by Ed. II. and the exemp- 
 tion from all tolls, pontage, pavage, and other customs 
 granted to the burgesses of the town by Ed. III. are now 
 disused and obselete. A right of common in a wood
 
 Forest Division. St. Briuvd's Hundred. 1 Oy 
 
 called Hudnalls, confirmed by Cha. II. is still exercised. 
 It is said that the right was originally granted on the same 
 terms as Lady Godiva obtained the privileges for Coven- 
 try. Each inhabitant now contributes annually one penny 
 to purchase bread and cheese, which are given on Whit- 
 sunday to every claimant, as a condition of the charter. 
 The inhabitants have also a right of- common of pasture, 
 imd common of estovers in the Forest. 
 
 The Earl of Berkeley is lord of the manor, and para- 
 mount of the hundred, but the property is much divided. 
 
 The Hatheways were anciently possessed of lands in this 
 parish, and gave name to a manor, which passed to the 
 Baynhams in the same way as Ruerdeane(2I9), and is now, 
 with a good estate, the property of Thomas Wyndham, 
 Esq. of Clearwell. 
 
 Bickwear, on the banks of the Wye, an ancient seat, 
 was formerly a parcel of the possessions of the Bishop of 
 Llandaff, and afterwards of the abbey of Tintern. It is 
 now the property of General Rooke, to whose father it 
 came by marriage with Joan, the only daughter of Tracy 
 Catchmay, Esq. The family of Rooke are from Kent. 
 James Rooke, Esq. rebuilt the mansion-house, 1755. 
 This is said to be an ancient manor, and to owe no homage 
 to the castle, as is the case with other manors in the 
 neighbourhood. 
 
 Aylesmore house belonged to the family of Bond, the co- 
 heirs of which, the '-relict of Rosser, and her sister, 
 
 Bond, joined in the sale of it to Mr. John Mudway, 
 
 or Muthway, the present proprietor. 
 
 Willslniry has been vested in the family of Gough fof 
 many generations. By marriage witli one of the co le'.r- 
 csses of William Warren, of St. BriavePs, they became 
 possessed of this and other estates. James Gough, Esq.
 
 1 10 The Hisloiy of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 who took the name of Aubrey, from his mother's ances- 
 tors, soKl it to Tho. Evans, Gent, the present proprietor. 
 
 Stmo Grange is the property of Kedgwyn Hoskins, Ksq. 
 of Clear well. 
 
 Marksbrook formerly belonged to the family of Dale, 
 and now by purchase to John Griffiths, Esq. of Monmouth, 
 a descendant of the same family on the female side. 
 
 Dunkelns t formerly in the tenure of the Barrows, is 
 now vested in John Hughes, Gent. 
 
 Hoggins, formerly belonging to the same family, is 
 now the property of William Allen, Esq. a descendant of 
 the female line. 
 
 In a ground called Closctuft, a mile and a half N. w. is 
 a stone setup on end, ten leet high, six broad, and five 
 thick, which is supposed to have been erected by the an- 
 cient Britons, probably a pillar of memorial. No stone 
 of similar component parts is found in the neighbour- 
 hood. . 
 
 Thirty-four freeholders voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, 400 766 670. Houses inhabited, 144. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the Forest deanery, an- 
 nexed to Lidney. The impropriation belongs to the 
 chapter of Hereford. The rectorial tvthes, late in lease 
 to Mr. Joseph Clewer, came, on his death, among seve- 
 ral relations, sister's children. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, consists of 
 a nave and transept, with a low tower in the middle, pin- 
 nacled .md embatteled. The south transept is sepa att-d 
 by plain circular arches on octagon pillars, and the north 
 by arches of the same kind on round pillars. The whole 
 building is of an earlier date than the fourteenth century, 
 and the transepts probably more modern. 
 
 No mention is made of it in P. N. tax.
 
 Forest Division. St. Briavd's Hundred. 1 1 1 
 
 CCXXI. STAUNTON, STANTON, anciently STANTONE, 
 Is t\vo miles w. from Coleford, twenty-three s, w. from 
 Gloucester, and contains 2885 acres. The soil is thinly 
 scattered over a limestone rock, and generally in tillage. 
 The name is derived from the Saxon Stan, a stone, and 
 ton, a town ; either meaning, the town on the stone rock, 
 or refering particularly to the curious remain of antiquity 
 in this parish, called Buckstone^ '. 
 
 Stantorie. is mentioned in Domesday, as a member of 
 Blachelaue hundred, held by Turston, the son of Rolf, and 
 taxed at five hides. John Walding, who is afterwards 
 called de Stanton, held it 1285. From this family it 
 passed to the Baynhams, and from them, 1558, to the 
 Brains. By marriage with one of the sisters and coheir- 
 esses of Robert Brain, it passed to Sir Wm. Winter, of 
 Lidney, and from this family to the Halls, of Highmea- 
 dow(218). Sir Thomas Gage possessed it, by marriage 
 with Beata Maria Theresa, daughter anrl heiress of Bene- 
 dict Hull, Esq. Sir Thomas was created Viscount Gage, 
 of Castle Island, co. Kerry, and Baron Gage, of Castlebar, 
 co. Mayo, 1720. On -his death, 1754, William Hall, 
 Viscount Gage, succeeded. He married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Sampson Gideon, Esq. and sister of Sir Samp- 
 son Gideon, Bart, of Spalding, co. Lincoln, and is the 
 present lord of the manor, and proprietor of nearly the 
 whole of the parish. 
 
 A road, certainly Roman, leads from Stanton up to the 
 Kymin, on the way to Monmouth, and seems to havo 
 been the ancient route from the last-mentioned place to 
 Gloucester. Here are many indications of a Roman set- 
 tlement ; vestiges of a considerable entrenchment appear
 
 112 Tke History of tke County of Gloucester. 
 
 in the vicinity of the church, and great quantities of sco- 
 ria are scattered about the fields. 
 
 The Kymin is now become a place of considerable cele- 
 brity and resort, on account of the NAVAL'PEMPLE which 
 has been erected on its summit, as a public monument of 
 the splendid victories obtained over the enemies of Eng- 
 land, on the seas, at different periods, but particularly in 
 the last war. 
 
 The building is a square of thirteen feet, situate on the 
 ridge of a rock, and inclosed by a high wall. The broad 
 frieze on the four sides is adorned with medal ions of the 
 most distinguished British commanders, with the dates of 
 their victories. The names of BOSCAWEN, MITCHELL, 
 KEITH, PARKER, HOOD, HOWE, DUNCAN, WARREN, 
 CELL, NELSON, VINCENT, THOMPSON, RODNEY, HAWKE, 
 and BRIDPORT, are recorded, with the different rlags un- 
 der which they fought, decorated with appropriate and 
 emblematical devices. The Temple is with great propri- 
 ety dedicated to her Grace the Dutchess of Beaufort, not 
 only as a considerable benefactress, but also as a daugh- 
 ter of the late Admiral Boscawen. In every direction 
 from this spot the views are extensive, grand, and often 
 highly picturesque. 
 
 Eleven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 220 220 159. Houses inhabited, 42. 
 
 The beneftce is a rectory, in the Forest deanery, in the 
 patronage of Lord Gage. William Barnes, A. M. is in- 
 cumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to All Saints, consists of a nave 
 and north aisle, with a handsome pinnacled tower. The 
 separating arches are pointed and canopied, supported by 
 plain round pillars, having their capitals alternately foli-
 
 Forest Division. Bledisloe Hundred. 1 1 3 
 
 ated. The pulpit, now not used, is of storue, as also the 
 font, both the works of an early period, and probably 
 coeval with the building : the latter is ornamented with 
 quatrefoil and other Gothic devices. In the south chancel 
 is a piscina. The square Gothic windows of the north 
 aisle exhibit the architecture of a less remote aera. 
 
 In P.N. tjix. the church of Stanton, 6/. 13s. \d. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) ll. 
 
 V. BLEDISLOE HUNDRED. 
 
 CCXXII. AWRE, anciently AURE, 
 Is situated on a tongue of land, which is bounded by the 
 Severn on the ;N. w. and w. at the extremity whereof is 
 Awre Point. The whole parish consists of about 4000 
 acres, and the proportion of pasture to arable is nearly 
 three parts to one. The soil adjoining the river is a 
 deep clay, but the uplands are more mixed with sand. 
 The name is supposed to be derived from Aure, British 
 for yellow, which in some places is the colour of the soil. 
 Others derive it from Gilbert de Awre, who is said to have 
 come over with the Conqueror, but as it is observed that 
 no such name occurs in the roll of Battle Abbey or Scri- 
 ven, it is more probable tliat he took the name himself 
 from the place. 
 
 A small rivulet runs on the north and separates this pa- 
 rish from Newnham, and another called Lynch Brook 
 makes a boundary on the south. 
 
 VOL. II. I
 
 j 1 <t Tlic History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The width of the Severn here is more than two miles, 
 and by a bar of sand, called the Noose, lying opposite to 
 the church, the navigation is rendered unsafe. A few 
 years since the danger was increased by the wreck of a 
 Newnham brig, but this has since been raised. The tide 
 is sometimes very violent here, and occasions much inun- 
 dation and mischief from the forcing down of the sea 
 walls. In the register it is recorded, that on January 9, 
 1737, about nine at night a violent storm of wind arose 
 at the time of high water, which broke down the sea wall, 
 and laid the whole level 50 feet under water, which com- 
 prehended at least 3 1 2 acres. These inundations used to 
 produce ague, but by a proper attention to the ditches, 
 or reens, in keeping them open, so that the water may 
 flow back, it has in a great measure disappeared. 
 
 The tide is found at this time to gain considerably upon 
 the land between Breame's Pill and a little to the north of 
 the Woodend, where its encroachment is checked by an 
 embankment of stone and earth, under the care of the 
 commissioners of sewers of the Lower Level. 
 
 The turnpike road to Chepstow intersects this parish. 
 
 Aure was part of the ancient demesne of the crown. 
 King Edward held it before the conquest, and Henry I. 
 afterwards. Henry de Bohun held it 1 John, and releas- 
 ed all his right to the King; and in the fifth year of the 
 same reign Walter de Aure had a grant of it for his life. 
 By the sheriff's return 9 Ed. I. it appears, that Thomas 
 Berkeley, sen., Maurice Berkeley, and Margaret Morti- 
 mer had the lordship of Aure, in which last family a cer- 
 tain share continued till the death of Maud de Mortimer, 
 1301, when her estate descended to Edmond, son and heir 
 of Earl Roger, her husband; and on his death, 1303, Mar- 
 garet his widow was seized of Awre. In 1369 Sir Mau-
 
 Forest Division. Bledisloe Hundred. 115 
 
 rice, son of Thomas de Berkeley, held the manor of Awre 
 with its members, Etloe, and Blakeney, and the hun- 
 dred of Blideslow. Sir Thomas de Berkeley was seized 
 of them, 1418, from whom they passed by marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Thomas Lord Berkeley, 
 to Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. They had 
 three daughters, of whom, Elizabeth married George Ne- 
 ville, Lord Latimer, and carried it into that family, whose 
 descendant, John Lord Latimer, was seized of it 1531. 
 Sir Edward Wintour was lord of the manor of Aure 1608, 
 and towards the latter end of that century the corporation 
 of Gloucester, as trustees under the will of Sir Thomas 
 Rich, purchased, and still are lords of this and Etloe ma- 
 nors, with a considerable estate portioned into five farms. 
 The customary lands in these two manors descend to the 
 youngest son. 
 
 TYTHINGS. 1 AURE. This tithing contains 1187 
 acres, of which 900 are pasture, 280 arable, and 7 wood- 
 land; 24i afcres of the pasture, and those only in the pa- 
 rish, are tythe free. It is supposed that they are the glebe 
 lands mentioned in the endowment of 1478, but when or 
 how separated, cannot now be ascertained. 
 
 Fieldhouse estate, formerly belonged to John Trippett, 
 Esq. and came by marriage with Elizabeth his daughter 
 to Mr. W. Presbury, who died in 1767, and left three 
 daughters, coheiresses, who by marriage carried the un- 
 divided estate to Messrs. Hooper, Cadogan, and Terrett. 
 Elizabeth, first married to Hooper, and afterwards to 
 James Dee, now lives in the estate, 
 
 Woodend house, with the garden and some land, has 
 
 within the last twenty years been washed away by the 
 
 tides, and therewith will probably be lost, as it is deemedj 
 
 the fabulous account which is given of Sternhold having 
 
 I 2
 
 1 16 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 been born at Woodend, and Hopkins at Woodside. The 
 arms of Tudor, and a verse from Romans, c. 13. were 
 found on one of the walls. It is however remarkable, that 
 Woodend has long been, and now is the property of a Hop- 
 kins, and Woodside did once belong to the Stcrnhokls. 
 
 The corporation of Gloucester have considerable pro- 
 perty in this tything. 
 
 John Awre, a descendant of the ancient family, lately 
 died, seized of a copyhold estate, leaving a widow and 
 several children. 
 
 2. BLIDESLOW or BLIDESLAU, which gives name to the 
 hundred, lies N. w. from the church. It belonged to Tip- 
 tot, Karl of Worcester, about 1431, and passed succes- 
 sively to the Grenders, Walwyns, and Baynhams, which 
 last had a seat here, 1574. 
 
 The house and estate belonging to Eustace Hardwicke, 
 Esq. descended by marriage of his daughter to Captain 
 Walters, of Bristol, and were lately sold by his son to 
 Mr. T. Ambrose, of Blakeney, and the mansion is now 
 converted into a farm house. 
 
 The principal house is one newly erected by Mr. John 
 Wade, called New house, which commands a distant view 
 over the Severn. He is a considerable landholder. 
 
 Bledisloe Court farm, modern built, lately belonging to 
 Mr. Bellamy, of Shipston upon Stour, is now with the 
 estate by purchase the property of T. Barber, Gent. 
 
 Mrs. A. PooleBathurst, as lady paramount of the manor,ap- 
 points the chief constable, and holds courts baron and leet. 
 
 3. ETLOE tything and dutchy are in the parochial rates 
 united. Charles Evans, Esq. by marriage \rith the daugh- 
 ter of Sir Charles Barrow, who was proprietor^ by pur- 
 chase from the Cooks of Highnam, is now lord of the ma- 
 nor of Etloe Dutchy, with some property.
 
 Forest Division, Rledisloc Hundred. 117 
 
 Matthew A' Dearie, Esq. of Alderley, has a good house 
 and estate here and in other parts of the parish. 
 
 Other estates belong to Rev. Anselni Jones, of Naun- 
 ton, and Dean Bayly, Esq. of Bristol. 
 
 4. HAGLOE, about a mile and half south-west from the 
 church. 
 
 Hagloe house, with a considerable estate, is the proper- 
 ty of John Byrkin Thomas, Esq. He is grandson of John 
 Byrkin, Esq. of the same place, who dying in 1740, left 
 three daughters. Mary died unmarried ; Elizabeth was 
 married to the late Rob. Boy, Esq. of Hagloe house, and 
 died without issue ; Susannah was married to Mr. James 
 Thomas, father of John Byrkin Thomas, Esq. 
 
 Poultoris Court, belonged to Sir William Poulton in the 
 reign of Hen. IV. by marriage with an heiress of the fa- 
 mily of Wrath, descended by the female line from the 
 Willingtons(301). It was granted to the Duke of Somer- 
 set on his attainder ; and to William Bridgeman and Rich- 
 ard Willyson 1558. In 1661 Charles Bridgeman sold it 
 to Jonathan Blackwell, of Bristol, gent, whose son Jo- 
 nathan devised it by will, 1744, to Mr. Samuel Kellican, 
 witli directions to assume the name of Blackwell. In 1766 
 he sold it to James Thomas, Esq. of Oatfield in this parish, 
 with all its manerial rights, from whom it descended to 
 John Byrkin Thomas, Esq. the present proprietor. 
 
 The manor of Poulton, or Poulton's Court, includes 
 the whole tything of Hagloe, and part of Bledisloe 34 . 
 
 Pyrton lies a little below this ; and from hence is a pas- 
 sage over the Severn to Slimbridge. 
 
 5. BLAKENEY is three miles s. w. of Awre church, a 
 large village in the hundred of St. Briavel's, through 
 which the road is continued to Chepstow. The earliest 
 account of this place is found in 1385. It has two fairs 
 
 i 3
 
 1 18 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 annually, April 12, 'and November 12. A place of the 
 name of Pomerton is mentioned by Atkyns, as once a 
 large town, but then in ruins. The oldest inhabitants 
 have no traditional account of it. Rudder suggested the 
 possibility of its being the same place as Ponfune, men- 
 tioned in Domesday, which might have taken its name 
 from the bridges built over the streams that run down to 
 Bream's Pill. The change from Pontune to Pomerton is 
 not difficult. 
 
 Hayfield is the residence of Mr. T. Barber, purchased, 
 with a good estate, of the representatives of Miss Mary 
 A'Deane, the late proprietor, who was the only daughter 
 of James A'Deane, Esq. by Margaret, the only daughter 
 of GoughChinn, Esq. ofSempstye, who died 1758. 
 
 Sempstye, or, according to its modern name, Woodside, 
 belongs to- Selwyn James, Esq. of Chcpstow. It was, 
 during the life of Miss Mary A'Deane, her property and 
 residence. The house has been unoccupied since her 
 death, about 1790, and is much dilapidated. 
 
 Near Blakeney, in a ground called Churchcroft, were 
 found, some years since, considerable ruins under ground, 
 consisting of four semicircular walls, twelve or fifteen feet 
 in diameter, the ends of which crossed each other, with 
 two square rooms irregularly connected with the other 
 building, in one of which were bricks or tiles for pave- 
 ment, from seven to fourteen inches square. The search 
 was occasioned by a traditional story, that the old church 
 was intended to be built there, but that what was done in 
 the day was removed in the night to the present situa- 
 tion. 
 
 The old wharf, with some common field and intermixed 
 lands, to the amount of 507 acres, was inclosed in 1796, 
 at the expence of 1336/. which was defrayed by a very
 
 Forest Division. Bledisloe Hundred. 1 1 9 
 
 advantageous sale of part of the wharf, but there was no 
 commutation for tythes. 
 
 The New Wharf, containing nearly 49 acres, is ground 
 gained from the Severn, and still increasing. 
 
 Forty freeholders voted in 1716. 
 
 Population, 700 755 952. Houses, 191. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the Forest deanery. It 
 was given by Thomas, Lord Berkeley, in 1352, to the 
 priory of Lantheny, in exchange for the manor of Coaley, 
 and in the same year was appropriated by the Bishop of 
 Hereford, under the pretext that great expences and 
 losses had been sustained by the priory, in the entertain- 
 ment of strangers, and by inundations and fire. 
 
 From the dissolution, the rectory and advowson remain- 
 ed in the crown till 1608, when they were granted to 
 Thomas James, Esq. of Lidney, with a rent of 1.3/. 10s. 
 Id. reserved to the crown. In 1657, the Company of 
 Haberdashers in London became the proprietors of both, 
 with the chapel of Blakeney. Various arrangements have 
 been made since that time between them and the vicar, 
 but in 1786 all the great tythes were leased to the vicar 
 for 21 years, with the reservation of 50/. a year to the 
 chaplain of Blakeney. Usually the vicarage and chapelry 
 have been held by two distinct persons, but are now both 
 vested in Charles Sandiford, Clerk, M.A. The patrons 
 however reserve a right of dissolving this union on any 
 future presentation. The above-mentioned quit- rent is 
 paid by the vicar as lessee, to the crown. 
 
 By a decree of the Court of Exchequer in 1769, a mcN 
 dus for milk, and another for fruit were set aside. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, consists of a 
 nave and aisle, oftconsiderable length, which are sepa- 
 i 4
 
 120 The History of tit Covnly of Gloucester. 
 
 rated by large round pillars, and unornamented pointed 
 archfs. The tower, containing six bells, is strong, and 
 finished with battlements. 
 
 Blakeney chapel, dedicated to All Saints, was enlarged 
 by subscription in H48, and other alterations and addi- 
 tions were made, which are recorded on the front of the 
 gallery. 
 
 Value in P. N. tax. 40/. before the appropriation. 
 
 Ditto in the King's booksj 10/. 5s. 
 
 CCXXIII. ALVINGTON, 
 
 Is a parish containing 1000 acres, six miles N. E. from 
 Chepstow, and twenty-two from Gloucester. The soil is 
 principally of sand, in some placfcs clay, and equally di- 
 vided between arable and pasture. It is separated from 
 Lidney by the brook Coin, and is bounded on the s. . by 
 the Severn. The turnpike-road leads through the parish 
 to Wales. 
 
 Atkyns, upon the authority of Camden, supposes Al- 
 vington to have been the Abone of Antoninus, and in 
 Bigland's Collections, the same opinion is adopted. To 
 this opinion, it may be objected, that no Roman remains, 
 which are so plentiful in almost every part of the neigh- 
 bourhood, are here to be discovered 35 . 
 
 Alvington is not mentioned in Domesday. In 1265, the 
 manor belonged to the prior of Lanthony near Gloucester, 
 with markets and fairs. At the dissolution it was granted, 
 with divers lands, to Arthur Porter. In 1551, to Sir 
 William Herbert, and in 1608, was vested in William 
 Compton, Esq. From that family it passed to the family 
 of Higford, of Dixton, co. Glouc. and on the death of the
 
 Forest Division. Bledisloe Hundred. 121 
 
 Rev. Mr. Higford, in 1795, it descended to John Parsons, 
 Esq. of Prestbury, and the two sons and two daughters of 
 Mrs. Davis, of Chepstow(56). 
 
 Aldington Court, a building of considerable antiquity, 
 with an estate, belongs to Mr. Eaton. 
 
 A paper-mill belongs to Mr. Jenkins, of Chepstow. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 , 211. Houses inhabited, 40. 
 
 The benefice is annexed to Wollaston, and the chapel, 
 dedicated to St. Andrew, is small, with an aisle on the 
 south side, belonging to the lord of the manor. The 
 tower stands at the west end, partly of stone, and partly 
 of wood, apparently in the state of its original building, 
 which must have been subsequent to 1 300, since in P. N. 
 tax. no church is mentioned. The separating arches, 
 which are plain and pointed, are supported by octagon 
 pillars. On the left entrance of the porch is a stair-case, 
 leading up to what probably was a room. This is not un- 
 frequent in the churches of this neighbourhood. At the 
 N. E. angle of the church-yard is a lich-gate. 
 
 In P. N. tax. among the temporal possessions of the 
 prior of Lanthony, near Gloucester, is the following 
 record : 
 
 " The prior of Lenton, near Glouc. holds Ayllington 
 with Aylbriton, and has there three carucates of land, 
 worth 13-y. 4d. yearly." 
 
 CCXXIV. LIDNEY, anciently LEDENAI, 
 
 Is an extensive parish, nine miles N. E. from Chepstow, 
 
 nineteen s.w. from Gloucester, and containing 47 10 acres. 
 
 The Severn is the boundary on the east, which, in its 
 
 broadest part, is not less than eight miles. In so
 
 122 The History of the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 large a district, the lands must vary a good deal ; but, in 
 general, except in the marsh, the Forest soil prevails. 
 Pasture and marsh meadow bear the greatest proportion : 
 the remainder is occupied with arable, and 1180 acres of 
 woodland. The channel of the Severn in the lapse of years 
 has taken a different course ; in consequence of which se- 
 veral hundred acres of rich pasture, called the New- 
 Grounds, have been gained. The turnpike road from 
 Gloucester to Chepstow leads through the middle of this 
 parish. 
 
 The various remains of Roman antiquities which have 
 been discovered in this district, sufficiently prove it to 
 have been an important station of that people. On an 
 eminence in the park, the outworks of a speculum are ea- 
 sily traced, and the ruins of an hypocaust, or bath of oval 
 form, whose diameters are 17 and seven feet, are in good 
 preservation. The walls beneath the surface are still en- 
 tire. Among other remains are two large statues of stone, 
 coins of the latter empire, fragments of pottery, and tes- 
 serae, which once composed a pavement 36 . The whole 
 scite occupies about eight acres within the park pale. From 
 these appearances Rudder attempts to fix the Abone of An- 
 toninus at this place 37 . 
 
 In the wood above the mansion house is a cavern, called 
 the Scowls, to which the entrance is between long un- 
 wrought stones, serving as pillars to support a rocky roof. 
 Within it is about 18 feet long and nine wide. This was 
 unquestionably an old mine. 
 
 Coal in great abundance, and yellow ochre, iron ore, 
 and scoria, are found here, and considerable works are 
 also carried on for smelting and manufacturing iron. 
 
 Pudling works belong to Messrs. Pidcock and Hum- 
 phris. Sixty tons of iron are said to be turned out a
 
 Forest Division, Bledisloe Hundred. 1 23 
 
 week. The works are erected on a stream, called the Ca- 
 nop, which rises near Bromley Quarry. 
 
 Domesday mentions two manors, one of six hides, the 
 property of William Fitz Baderon ; the other of Earl Wil- 
 liam, containing eleven hides. 
 
 The princj^al manor was in the Beauchamp family for 
 many centuries. Henry Earl of Warwick held it in 1229, 
 and Henry, who was created Duke of Warwick, died 
 seized of it 1445. Anne de Beauchamp, his sister (and 
 heir on the death of his infant daughter) the wife of Rich- 
 ard Neville, Earl of Warwick, succeeded him. He was 
 called the King Maker ; but being at length slain in Bar- 
 net-field, his widow Anne was dispossessed of her vast es- 
 tates, having taken part in the designs of her husband, and 
 her two daughters were put in possession. Isabel was mar- 
 ried to George Duke of Clarence, and Anne to Richard, 
 then Duke of Gloucester, but afterwards King Richard 
 III. When Henry VII. came to the throne, he procured 
 an act of parliament to disinherit the daughters, under 
 pretence of the injustice done to their mother; but with 
 the real view of securing the possession of their immense 
 property for himself; which lie did by prevailing upon her 
 to levy a fine of Lidney and many other manors to him, 
 1488(69). This manor continued in the crown till a grant 
 was made of it, under the title of Warwick and Neville's 
 lands, to Sir T. Seymour, Lord High Admiral, in 1547. 
 On his attainder it reverted to the crown, and was again 
 granted to Sir William Wintour, for his services against 
 the Spanish armada, by Queen Elizabeth, 1558. He built 
 a manor house called White Cross, which during the ci- 
 vil wars was garrisoned by his grandson, Sir John, for the 
 King. Of the heirs of Sir John it was purchased by Benj. 
 Bathurst, Esq. younger brother of Allen, first Earl Bath-
 
 121- The History of the Coutuy o/ Gloucester. 
 
 urst. He was succeeded by Thomas Biithurst, Esq. win* 
 died in 1792, leaving Mrs. Anne Poole Bathurst, his wi- 
 dow, in possession of the manor and estates for her life. 
 On her demise it will devolve to Charles Bragge, Esq. 
 member of Parliament for the city of Bristol. He is son 
 of Charles Bragge, Esq. late of Mangotsfiel^ . co. Glouces- 
 ter, by Anne, eldest daughter of Benjamin Bathurst, Esq. 
 and Finetta, daughter and heiress of Henry Poole, of'Kem- 
 ble, co. Wilts. 
 
 The present lady was sole heiress and daughter of Sir 
 William Fazakerley, of Totteridge, co. Hertford. 
 
 Of the other manor, now consolidated by unity of pos- 
 session, Hatheway and Butkr are mentioned in the early 
 records as proprietors. In 1474 it belonged to Humphrey 
 Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, as appears by the eschea- 
 tor's roll, since which period the. manors have probably 
 been united. 
 
 The old mansion house, large and commodious, was re- 
 paired by Benjamin Bathurst, Esq. It is surrounded by 
 an extensive park, well wooded, and in many passages 
 high picturesque. 
 
 Sir John Wintour was a zealous partizan in the royal 
 cause, and by his valour, influence, and activity, very 
 much annoyed the plans of Parliament, and checked their 
 forces in the Forest district. The character drawn of him 
 by Corbet, p. 60, is a remarkable instance of party enthu- 
 siasm: " Sir John Winter was wise for himselfe, nimble 
 in inferiour businesses, delighted rather in petty and cun- 
 ning contrivance then open gallentry, referred all his in- 
 dustry to his own house or the limmits of the Forrest, 
 vexed his neighbours more then weakened his enemy, and 
 advanced the catholike cause no otlier way, then by the 
 plague and ruine of the countrey." On the restoration,
 
 Forest Division. Bledisloc Hundred. 125 
 
 however of Charles II. the government set so high a value 
 on his former services, as to renew an imprudent grant, 
 made in a former reign, which but for some timely re- 
 straints would have operated to the complete destruction 
 of the Forest (page 6.J 
 
 TYTHINGS and HAMLETS. 1. AILBERTON is a 
 tything about a mile w. from the church. From the fa- 
 mily of Harpere, through several possessors, it passed to 
 the Berkeleys, of Kingsweston. Sir William Berkeley lost 
 it by joining the party of Richard III. The Wintour fa- 
 mily had it afterwards, and united it to the manerial es- 
 tate, to which the greater part of the property in this pa- 
 rish is now attached. 
 
 Prior's Meen belonged to the priory of Lanthony, and 
 was granted to Sir W. Wintour, 1541. It is recorded in 
 the temporal possessions of that religious house, as con- 
 taining three carucates of land (223). 
 
 A small chapel stands in this tything, in which also is 
 the mansion house before mentioned. 
 
 Here likewise is the principal repository of Roman an- 
 tiquities. Without fixing this as the Abone of Antoninus, it 
 is easy to account for the appearance of fortifications 
 and other works, by recollecting the necessity of keeping 
 up a regular chain of posts on each side of the Severn, to 
 guard the conquered country, and prevent surprise. 
 
 2. PYRTON or PURTON, a tything three miles N. E. from 
 the church. It appears to have had the same proprietors as 
 Ailberton, and the manor is now united to Lidney J8 . 
 
 Lord FJliott is proprietor of a considerable estate for- 
 merly belonging to the family of Doring, and purchased 
 by his Lordship's ancestors. 
 
 Another estate the ancient property of the family of 
 Doring, is now vested in John Hopton, Gent.
 
 126 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The passage over the Severn from this place, is the 
 property of Lord Elliott. 
 
 On the shores of the river and under the projecting 
 cliffs in the neighbourhoood, are frequently found (and 
 particularly after a storm from the east, or when the soil has 
 been loosened by frost)many beautiful specimens of fossils, 
 amon<r others the encrini or asteria 39 . 
 
 o 
 
 3. NASS, a tything two miles s. E. from the church. It 
 is mentioned in Domesday, under the name of Nest, as a 
 distinct manor of five hides, held by Earl Herald. It was 
 afterwards the property of the Greyndours, and descended 
 to the Baynhams. 
 
 The ancestor of the present proprietor, Roynon Jones, 
 Esq. who claims manerial rights(207), obtained it early in 
 Elizabeth's reign, and built the mansion house. 
 
 This tything derives its name from Nasse, Sax. the 
 point of land which projects into the Severn. / 
 
 4. ALLISTON, a tything two miles N. from the church, 
 held in the nth century by the Morgans. 
 
 The widow of Edward Jones, Esq. late of Monmouth, 
 has a good estate here. 
 
 Soilwell or Sully, is a large farm, the property of John 
 Townsend, Esq. of Chiswick, co. Middlesex, by purchase. 
 This place is memorable for the share it had in the civil 
 war. The parliamentary forces made it a temporary gar- 
 rison for blocking up of Lidney, and by a feigned retreat 
 of the main body, drew out Sir John Wintour from his 
 strong hold at Lidney, and cut off many of his troops. 
 In this engagement, one of the Wintours fell by a shot in 
 his forehead, and his scull is said to be now in the family 
 vault, marked with the hole where the ball entered. 
 
 Yarkley farm belongs to Baker, Esq. 
 
 NEWARNE is a hamlet, and the only part of the parish
 
 Forest Division. Bledisloe Hundred. 1 27 
 
 which has a continuation of houses. Mrs. Lewis, dau-h- 
 
 ' O 
 
 ter of Richard Morgan, Esq. of Hurst, had a good house 
 
 here, which passed by will to Peade, and on his 
 
 deatli to his sons.. 
 
 Mrs. Bathurst claims as paramount lady of Bledisloe or 
 Lidney hundred, and holds a court for Ailberton, Nass, 
 Pyrton, and Alliston. 
 
 Twenty-five freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population of Lidney and Ailberton, 700 661 783. 
 Houses inhabited, 186. 
 
 The benefice is vicarial, in the Forest deanery, in the 
 patronage of the chapter of Hereford, who have likewise 
 the impropriation, formerly belonging to the abbey of 
 Lyra, in Normandy. Charles Morgan, A. M. is incum- 
 bent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is large, consisting 
 of a nave, two aisles, and a lofty spire. The chantry, at 
 the east end of the north aisle, was built and endowed by 
 John Chardborough and Julian his wife, 1376. John 
 Cook, the last incumbent, retired with a pension. The 
 pillars are circular and plain, supporting plain pointed 
 arches ; the windows in the north chancel are square Go- 
 thic, but the general stile is that of the middle ao-es. A 
 lich-yate leads into the churchyard. --**A good parsonao-e- 
 house is conveniently situated near the church' 10 . 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Ledeney, with the chapel, 
 53/. 65. Sd. Vicar's portion, 6^. 13s. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books, 24/. 6s. Sd.
 
 J2S The Ilistary qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 VI. DUDSTAN and KING's BARTON HUN- 
 DRED. Upper Parl. 
 
 THESE united hundreds were anciently within the 
 county of the city of Gloucester. By a grant of Ricliard 
 I. they were separated from the county at large, and con-, 
 tinued so till the present charter was granted in the reign 
 of Charles II. in which it is provided, that these hundred^, 
 with the inhabitants and places contained in them, shall 
 for ever after remain parcels of the county of Gloucester. 
 Sir Berkeley William Guise, Bart, is lord paramount of 
 this hundred and manor. 
 
 CCXXV. BADGEWORTH, BEGGEWORTH, anciently 
 BEIEWRDE, 
 
 Is a parish of large extent, five miles N. E. from Glou- 
 cester. The soil, extending over 3 1 40 acres, is univer- 
 sally a deep clay, and nearly divided between pasture and 
 tillage. Worth or worde, signifying in Saxon a village or 
 mansion, it may, in general be inferred, when this is the 
 termination of a name, that the place was the residence or 
 property of some Saxon chief, of whom nothing farther 
 has been recorded. The high hills above Crickley defend 
 this village from the eastern winds. 
 
 This manor, with ten others in Gloucestershire, and a 
 hundred and four in other parts of the island, was given to 
 William de Owe, or de Ewe, Earl of Ewe in Normandy, 
 by the Conqueror, as a reward for his great services.
 
 forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred.-^- Upper. 129 
 
 But in the following reign, joining the party of Robert 
 Curthose against the King, he lost his estates, which were 
 forfeited to the crown. Gilbert Marshal, so called on ac- 
 count of his office of Earl Marshal to the King, had the 
 grant of this manor, which descended to his grandsonj 
 and for want of issue went to William, Earl of Pembroke, 
 brother of the last. His sons, William) Richard, Gilbert, 
 Walter, and Anselm, successively held it, but all dying 
 without issue, it was divided among their five sisters, co- 
 heiresses. From this division of the property, there arises 
 considerable difficulty in ascertaining with accuracy the 
 distinct possessions of the different pei'sons who are re- 
 corded as having been seized of the whole or parts of 
 .Badgworth, from Hen. III. to the reign of Mary; when 
 John Lord Chandos died seized of Badgworth, and Ed. 
 Lord Chandos after him, who was succeeded by Giles 
 Bridges, who had livery of that and the Grange, and te- 
 nements called Crippits, 1 5 Eliz. George Gwinnett, Esq. 
 was lord of the manor in 1712, descended from an anci- 
 ent family in North Wales. He married Mary, daugh- 
 ter of Jeremiah Gough, Esq. of London, by whom he 'had 
 a son, George, who took his mother's name, and suc- 
 ceeded to the manor and estates ; but he died at the age 
 of thirty-five. Mrs. Gwinnett, his mother, then became 
 proprietor, and was married a second. time to Thomas 
 Chester, Esq. of Knole, in the parish of Almondsbury, un- 
 cle to the late Bromley Chester, Esq. She survived Mr. 
 Chester, and dying in 1782, left the manor of Badgworth 
 to William Catchmayd, Esq. of Monmduth, who, in pur- 
 suance of her will, took the name of Gwinnett, and dying 
 without issue in 1793, was succeeded by his brother Geo. 
 Gwinnett, Esq. who is now lord of the manor, and propri- 
 etor of a considerable estate. 
 
 VOL. II. K
 
 130 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The manor house is situated in Great Shurdington. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. BADGWORTH, where the church 
 stands, near to which is a good estate, belonging to Wil- 
 liam Viner, Esq. of Gloucester. This is a moiety of the 
 glebe lands anciently belonging to the nunnery of Usk 41 . 
 In 1640, C. Norwood, Esq. sold the whole to Thos. Rogers, 
 Esq. who left it by will, in 1 680, to Thomas Machen and 
 Paul Dodwell, Esq. in equal shares, but annexing the 
 house to the former, who sold his moiety to Mr. S. Bur- 
 roughs 1704, from whom it descended to Mr. Benj. Bur- 
 roughs, and was sold by him 1788 to the present owner. 
 
 The other moiety has descended in the family of Dod- 
 well, and was the property of Mrs. Tracy of Sandiwell, at 
 her death in 1800- She was daughter and heir to Sir W. 
 Dodwell, and dying without will, the right of inheritance 
 has not yet been determined. 
 
 2. LITTLE SHURDINGTON. In this hamlet is Greenway, 
 the estate and residence of Mrs. Lawrence, relict of Rob. 
 Lawrence, Esq. The family of Edwards, which Avas set- 
 tled here, became extinct, by the death of William Ed- 
 wards, Esq. in 1774, and the estate devolved to his co- 
 heirs, Mary, the wife of Robert Lawrence, Esq. and Anne, 
 first the wife of Mr. Blanch, afterwards of S. Walbank, Esq. 
 
 The mansion house is handsomely built, in the style of 
 the 17th century. 
 
 William Lawrence, Esq. the heir to the great estates of 
 this family in Badgworth, and other places, is a descend- 
 ant from Nicholas Lawrence, Esq. who was third son of 
 Sir R. Lawrence, Knt. about 1454, the sixth in succession 
 from Sir Robert Lawrence, Knt. of Ashton-hall, co. Lane. 
 
 3. LITTLE WITCOMB, in which Doddington Hunt. 
 Esq. has a good estate, formerly belonged to the Stephen.*- 
 family, of Lyppiatt.
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 131 
 
 4. BENTHAM, in which is a manor, called Hunt Court, 
 and a mansion-house of the same name. At the beginning 
 of the last century it belonged to the family of Hinson, 
 and was afterwards sold to Charles Hyett, Esq. of Glou- 
 cester, and is now the property of his grandson, Benja- 
 min Hyett, Esq. of Painswick. The estate attached to 
 the manor is very considerable, about an eighth part of the 
 whole parish. The old manor house is taken down, and a 
 new farm house built near the scite. 
 
 5. CRICKLEY gives name to an estate belonging to Dod- 
 dington Hunt, Esq. 
 
 6. Part of GREAT SHURDINGTON, where the manor 
 house is situated. 
 
 7. BUCKLAND'S place, granted by Richard Buckland, 
 3 Henry VIII. to Alderman Cook, of Gloucester, and by 
 Dame Joan Cook bequeathed, with other estates, to the 
 Corporation of Gloucester, in trust for the use of the 
 poor of St. Bartholomew's hospital. 
 
 In the quarries of the hill above Criddey are found the 
 echinus, and petrifactions of the bivalve kind. 
 
 There is a spring of mineral water at Cold Pool, in qua- 
 lity resembling that at Cheltenham. 
 
 Forty freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 360 500603. Houses inhabited, 108. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Winchcomb deanery, in 
 the patronage of the representatives of the late William 
 Tracy, of Sandywell, and C. Coxwell, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The rectory and advowson of the vicarage belonged to 
 the nunnery of Usk, co. Monmouth, and were granted to 
 James Gunter and Walter Lewis, at the dissolution, 37 H. 
 VIII. Other tythes, belonging also to the nunnery, were 
 
 granted to Bergavenny, 34 H. VIII. The priory of 
 
 Chepstow had also tythes and rents in Badgworth. 
 K 2
 
 1 32 The History of the Counly of Gloucester. 
 
 The impropriation belongs to Jesus College Society, 
 Ox. for the support of a school at Abergavenny, out of 
 which 16/. a year is paid to Christ Church College, Cam- 
 bridge, in lieu of tythes due to that soc 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary or Holy Trinity, 
 consists of a nave and chancel with a lofty tower, adorned 
 with battlements of fret work. On the N. side is a chapel, 
 dedicated to St. Margaret (the legendary Saint Pelagius). 
 The Norman style prevails throughout the buikling. The 
 door and windows of the north aisle are pointed and 
 highly finished with nail head mouldings. The canopies 
 of the windows are supported by corbel heads : two of 
 which in the west window are particularly striking, a 
 crowned head, and a knight with a casque and gorget, 
 well preserved, and expressive, peculiar to the Norman 
 aera. This aisle was probably built in the reign of Ste- 
 phen. The nave is more modern, and the tower still 
 more so. It is well built, with weather free stone, and 
 neatly finished with battlements ornamented with Gothic 
 fretwork. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Begge, with the chapel of 
 Schwrdington and Upper Hatherley, 23/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 The vicar's portion , 4/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 In the King's books, 20/. 11s. 3d. 
 
 CCXXVI. BARNWOOD, anciently BERNEUUDE, 
 Is a parish containing 1500 acres, two miles E. from 
 Gloucester, intersected by the turnpike road leading to 
 London. The soil in general is light, lying on a bed of 
 gravel, and applied rather more to pasture than tillage. 
 The latter part of the name gives an obvious etymology, 
 and shews that this part was formerly overrun with wood.
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 1 3:> 
 
 In Domesday it is mentioned as a member of the manor 
 of Bertune, and belonging to the abbey of St. Peter, be- 
 fore the conquest. The conqueror confirmed the posses- 
 sion in the time of Abbot Serlo ; and free warren was 
 granted by Edward III. At the dissolution it was granted 
 to the dean and chapter of the cathedral of Gloucester, and 
 forms a part of their revenues. The manor of Bernewod 
 is mentioned in P. N. tax. among the temporal posses- 
 sions of the abbot of St. Peter, who is described as having 
 four carucates of land, and two mills. 
 
 Sir T, Stephens, of Little Sodbury, appears among the 
 early lessees, and afterwards the Johnson family for near a 
 century. , John Morris, Esq. became the principal lessee 
 in 1182, by transfer from the three daughters, coheirs of 
 W. Johnson, Esq. and on his death was succeeded by his 
 eldest son Robert Morris, Esq. who resides in the mansion, 
 which he has greatly improved and beautified, near the 
 church. 
 
 All the estates in this parish, except the copy hold, which 
 Avere enfranchised under the land tax redemption act, are 
 held by lease, under the chapter, of which Mr. Morris has 
 two thirds. 
 
 Other principal lessees are Mr. John Jordan, John 
 Jones, &fc. 
 
 No freeholder voted in 1116. 
 
 Population 180 220 309. Houses, 46. 
 
 The benefice is a curacy in Gloucester deanery, en- 
 dowed with the vicarial tythes. The impropriation has 
 descended with the manor from the earliest times. 
 
 The dean and chapter are patrons, and John Longden, 
 M. A. is curate. 
 
 The present chancel is said to have been the ancient 
 chapel, and on the eastern end of the roof there was a
 
 1 34- The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 cross pat6e encircled, said to be the badge of the Knightj 
 Hospitallers of Jerusalem, but within the last two years it 
 fell down, and has not been replaced. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Lawrence, with the neat 
 embatteled tower, and a narrow aisle resting on the arches 
 of the nave were added by abbot Parker, about 1520. 
 Over the door of the tower is an escutcheon in a decay- 
 ing state, for Parker, " a stag at gaze, between three 
 phaeons." On the east end of the nave stands a handsome 
 square turret, finished with an ornamented pinnacle, of the 
 same style, and built at the same time with the more mo- 
 dern parts. 
 
 The zig-zag moulding on the exterior of the east win- 
 dow, which is lancet shaped, refers it to a period not far 
 from the middle of the 12th century, when the pointed 
 arch was beginning to take place of the Saxon, but still 
 retained some of its ornamental mouldings. 
 
 The roof of the nave was cieled 1730, and the whole 
 neatly pewed in 1752, at the expence of 200/. left by will 
 of Mrs. Whitehead for that purpose. 
 
 CCXXVII. BROCKWORTH, dim BROCOWARDINGE, 
 
 Is a parish of 1600 acres extent, distant four miles . 
 from Gloucester, and intersected by the Irmin-street, or 
 great Roman foss road ; some appearances of which were 
 not long since to be seen. The soil is chiefly a stiff" clay, 
 more in pasture than tillage. The name is derived from 
 Broc or Broco, a Saxon proprietor of the manor, arid worth 
 Saxon, for mansion. 
 
 The manor was originally held by Hugo Lasne, of the 
 King, and taxed at five hides. Afterwards it was in the 
 Chandos family, and in the reign of John was given to
 
 Forest Division. Dudstanund King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 135 
 
 the priory of Lanthony. In the charter of confirmation, 
 a house on the west side of the church, with several lands, 
 are particularly specified. At the dissolution, it passed to 
 John Gyes, Esq. in exchange for Asple Gyes, co. Bedford, 
 and Weddington, co. Ox. 1541. In this family it has con- 
 tinued ever since, and is now the property of the Hon. and 
 Right Rev. Shute Barrington, Bishop of Durham, in right 
 of his Lady, Jane, sister and heir of Sir William Guise, 
 Bart, deceased. 
 
 DROYSCOURT, claiming manerial rights, was purchased 
 of Sir Lawrence de Chandos, 1 260, by the abbot of Glou- 
 cester. At the dissolution this made part of the endow- 
 ment of the see, and the scite of it is now in lease to Shute, 
 Lord Bishop of Durham. Lands appurtenant to this ma- 
 nor are held under the same tenure, by Mr. John and H. 
 Jones, and Mr. Davies. 
 
 BUCKHOLT or Buckwood, containing 300 acres, a mem- 
 ber of the same manor, was in lease to Robert Morris, 
 Esq. who sold it to Thomas Jeflferies, Esq. (244) by whom 
 it has since been resold to David Whatley, Gent. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. COOPER'S-HILL, famous for having; 
 
 o 
 
 been the birth place of John Theyer, a learned antiquary, 
 and firm loyalist to Charles I. He died 1673, and is said 
 to have been buried in Brockworth church, but no monu- 
 mental remains of him are to be found. The estate was 
 late in the possession of Theyer Townsend, Esq. deceased. 
 It was part of the manor of Droyseourt, but sold under the 
 land-tax redemption act, by the Bishop of Gloucester, and 
 separated from the see. It afterwards passed by purchase 
 to Messrs. Davies and H. Jones, and is now vested in them 
 as freehold. 
 
 Cooper* s-hill house, most delightfully situated, and com- 
 manding a most extensive view of the vale, was lately 
 K 4
 
 1 36 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 sold by James Lee, Gent, to Charles Dighton, Esq. who 
 resides in it. 
 
 Ten freeholders voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, 200 253 350. Houses inhabited, 63. 
 
 The bene6ce is vicarial in Winchcomb deanery. The 
 impropriation once belonged to the priory of Lanthonv, 
 and was granted to Robert Earl of Leicester, in exchange 
 for other lands, 16 Eliz. It is now vested in the lord of 
 the manor, and Edward Jones, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. George, consists of a nave 
 and north aisle, with a low tower in the middle, slated in 
 a conical form. The internal arches are of early Norman 
 architecture. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the prior of Lanton. holds at Brockworth 
 four carucates of land, and each carucate is worth 30s. a 
 year. 
 
 The church of Brockworth ll. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 6/. 175. \d. 
 
 CCXXVIII. CHURCHDOWN, CHOSEN, anciently CIR- 
 
 CESDUNE, 
 
 Is three miles from Gloucester eastward. It contains 
 2300 acres of pasture and arable. Fourteen hundred acres 
 are in tillage. The soil is generally of clay, in some 
 places inclining to sand, but mostly productive of good 
 crops. The name has evidently a reference to the situa- 
 tion, and signifies the church on the hill, for don, doun, 
 dun, are Saxon for a down, high hill or mount. The hill, 
 on the summit of which the church stands, rises out of 
 the vale in an oval shape, four miles in circumference at 
 the base, and about 850 yards high. The whole is in cul- 
 tivation, and equally fertile with the vale. The reason
 
 forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 1 .37 
 
 of the church being built on so elevated a spot must be 
 assigned either to the laborious piety of our ancestors, 
 which connected merit with difficulty ; or to the satisfac- 
 tion of a penance self inflicted, or enjoined the founder 
 by ecclesiastical authority, as an atonement for some 
 crime committed. To works of this kind, which cannot 
 otherwise be explained, a legendary tale is generally at- 
 tached. The vulgar tradition is, that the original inten- 
 tion was to build the church at the foot' of the hill, but that 
 the work of the day Avas removed by some invisible hand, 
 in the night, to the summit, and that these interruptions 
 were so constant and unremitting, as at length to enforce 
 a compliance with the will of the unseen agent, in build- 
 ing the church on the spot where it now stands. The 
 present situation is unquestionably unfavourable as far as 
 it respects the convenience of the inhabitants ; but the 
 building, as an object, may be considered not altogether 
 uninteresting in the landscape of the country. 
 
 John Harmar, the famous Greek professor was born in 
 this parish. 
 
 In the fields about the hill, and particularly at the eas- 
 tern base, the crowstone is found in abundance. 
 
 The manor anciently belonged to Stigand, Archbishop 
 of Canterbury, afterwards to Thomas, Archbishop of 
 York and his successors. In the reign of Edward III. this 
 among other temporal possessions of that see was extend- 
 ed, but again restored, and continued in possession of the 
 Archbishoprick till 1553, when it was granted to Sir 
 Thomas Chamberlayne, in whose descendants it has been 
 vested since that time, and Edmund John Chamberlayne, 
 Esq. of Maugersbury, is now lord of the manors of Church- 
 down ancj Hucklecott. He holds a court leet, to which
 
 138 The Hiitory qf the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 Norton owes suit and service. A small property is attach- 
 ed to the manor (83). 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. CHURCHDOWN, where the church stands. 
 
 2. HUCCLECOTT, Hochilicote, and anciently Uchelcoed, 
 which means a lofty wood (Uchel coed.) In Domesday 
 survey, the wood is described as one mile long, and half a 
 mile broad. 
 
 A good house in this hamlet was built by the late Sir 
 Edward Strachan, Bart, which, on his death, was pur- 
 chased by Samuel Hayward, Esq. of Gloucester, and is 
 now vested in Walter Wilkins, Esq. by marriage with 
 his daughter. 
 
 The Rev. Richard Rogers is proprietor of a good house 
 and estate, which formerly belonged to the family of 
 Wyndowe. 
 
 Another house is also the property and residence of Mrs. 
 Colchester. 
 
 Parton and Elmbridge. The property of these places 
 was anciently in the priory of St. Oswald, and passed 
 through several branches of the Jennings family. The 
 former is now vested, with manerial rights, in Mrs. Ca- 
 therine Hayward, relict of the late Samuel Hayward, Esq. 
 by purchase of the representatives of the late William Sin- 
 gleton, Esq. of Norton, co. Glo 42 . The latter is the pro- 
 perty of the Hon. Henry Augustus Berkeley Craven. 
 
 Noke is an estate belonging to Mrs. Catherine Hayward. 
 
 Brickhamptoj}-, at the beginning of the last century, be- 
 longed to Sir Robert Atkyns, afterwards to Robert Atkyns, 
 Esq. of Nether Swell. By marriage with one of his 
 daughters and coheiresses, it came to Edmund Chamber- 
 layne, Esq. the grandfather of the present proprietor, 
 Edmund John Chamberlayne, Esq. (83)
 
 Forest Division. Dudslan and King's Bar ton Hundred. Upper. 139 
 
 The Loons is a considerable estate belonging to Mrs. 
 Mary Holcomb. 
 
 Twenty-five freeholders voted in 1T76. 
 
 Population, 400 630 644. Houses inhabited, 144. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy augmented, in Glou- 
 cester deanery. The impropriation anciently belonged to 
 the priory of St. Oswald, and at the dissolution was 
 granted to the chapter of Bristol, whose lessee pays tho 
 curate 20/. per annum. The nomination is in the impro- 
 priator, and James Evans, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, was used as 
 a chapel to the priory of St. Oswald. It has a nave and 
 north aisle, with an embatteled tower at the west end. 
 The following information is said in Bigland's Collections 
 to be found on the inside wall of the tower, " This bei- 
 hous was buylded in the yeere of our Lorde God, 1601." 
 
 In P. N. tax. " The prior of St. Oswald, Glouc. holds 
 at Parthon three caruc. of land and a half, and each 
 caruc. is worth thirty shillings yearly. 
 
 " The church of St. Oswald, with the chapel of 
 Churchesdon, Kc. 4Ql." 
 
 Not in charge in the King's books. 
 
 CCXXIX. DOWN HATHERLEY, anciently ATHEI.AI, 
 Is three miles N. E. from Gloucester, and contains about 
 750 acres of rich pasture and arable land. The soil is a 
 mixture of clay and sand. The parish is intersected by a 
 rivulet, which rises in Badgeworth, and falls into the Se- 
 vern at Sandhurst. The turnpike-road to Worcester and 
 the North also passes through it. 
 
 The manor was seized by the Conqueror, and is re- 
 corded in Domesday under the title of Terra Regis. On
 
 1 40 The History of the Cointfy of Gloucester. 
 
 the creation of the barony of GifTard of Brimpsfield, it was 
 annexed thereto. In 1311, it was held by Sir John de 
 Wyllenton, and passed by marriage to Sir T. Brooke, in 
 1389. Fulk Grevil, second son of Sir Edward Grevil, 
 succeeded by marriage with the surviving grand-daughter 
 and heir of Robert Willoughby, Lord Broke. The ma- 
 nerial estate was purchased by Nicholas Norwood, Esq. of 
 Leckhampton, from which family, in 1608, it was trans- 
 ferred to the Gwinnetts, of Badgevvorth, and George 
 Gwinnett, Esq. is the present lord of the manor(225). 
 
 The most considerable estate in the parish was vested, 
 1368, in John At-Yate, from whom it passed to the 
 Berkeleys, of Beverstone, and from them, in the seven- 
 teenth century, to the family of Brett, which was suc- 
 ceeded by that of Gibbes, about 1120. William Gibbes, 
 Esq. resided in the mansion house till his death, 1784, 
 when Sir Richard Sutton, Bart, of Norwood Park, co. 
 Nott. succeeded by will, and dying in 1802, left his 
 estates, which include about a fourth part of the parish, 
 to his second son, Sutton, Clerk. ^ 
 
 Other considerable proprietors are, T. Mee, Esq. Mrs. 
 Catherine Hayward, Mrs. Anne Wicks, and Mr. Peter 
 Herbert. 
 
 Ten freeholders voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 100 100 119. Houses inhabited, 22. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Winchcomb deanery. The 
 patronage anciently belonged to the priory of St. Oswald, 
 afterwards to the priory of Usk, and in 1500 the abbey of 
 Glouc. presented to it. Since the dissolution, it has been 
 retained by the crown. Martin Barry, LL. B. is incumb. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary and Corpus Christi, 
 is small, and has a low, strong battlemented towej* at^the 
 west end.
 
 Forest Division.- Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. \ 4 1 
 
 In P. N. tax. the chapel of Hatherl. inferior, 5/. 
 Portion of the prioress of Usk, I/. 
 In the King's books, 8^. 145. 4-1 </. 
 
 CCXXX. LASSINGTON, LASSINGDON, anciently LES- 
 SEDUNE, 
 
 Is a small parish, two miles N. w. from Gloucester. It 
 contains about 350 acres, the soil of which, in general, 
 is a cold clay ; in some places, particularly near 'the 
 church, more inclined to gravel, with pebbles intermixed. 
 About two thirds are in pasture, besides the rich meadow 
 which lies on the banks of Leden. The place, with some 
 probability, is supposed to owe its name to the hill, which 
 forms a considerable part of the parish. Lessedune signi- 
 fies the smaller down or elevated spot, in opposition to 
 Churchdown, which rises from the vale to the east. Both 
 were held by the same proprietor. 
 
 The canal which leads from Gloucester to Hereford in- 
 tersects the parish at the foot of the hill. 
 
 The astroites or star stones, of a grey colour, and 
 pentagonal shape, are found in abundance here. They are 
 of different lengths, but seldom exceed three inches, 
 striated, and of the form of a star at the ends, easily 
 breaking into thin plates (224). 
 
 The bee orchis (fuciflora} grows on the side of the 
 hill, with the spurge laurel, ( 'Daphne lanreolaj , and other 
 plants, not very common. 
 
 Ulchetel held Lessedune in Langebrige hundred, a ma- 
 nor of two hides, in the time of Edward the Confessor. 
 Roger held it of Thomas, Archbishop of York, in the 
 time of the Conqueror. The family of Musgros was pos- 
 sessed of two thirds of it for many generations, one of
 
 1 42 The History t>f the County of Gloucester. 
 
 whom (Walter) gave to the hospital of St. Bartholomew, 
 in Gloucester, two cranocs (eight bushels) of oats, pay- 
 able out of his barn at Lessedune, on Michaelmas day 
 for ever. The family of Cooke were proprietors in the 
 reign of Edward the third, and from the heirs of John 
 Cooke, a transfer was made to Thomas Raleigh, Esq. of 
 Farnborough, co. Warwick, 1390, in which family it re- 
 mained till William Raleigh sold it to Sir John Scudamore, 
 in the reign of Henry the sixth. In the next reign Sir 
 John was attainted of treason, and this with his other es- 
 tates escheated to the crown, 1465. In the same year a 
 grant was made of it to Sir Richard Herbert and his heirs 
 male, whence it passed to William Whorwood, Esq. At- 
 torney General to Henry the eighth ; on his death, 1546, 
 he left two daughters, Anne married to Ambrose Dudley, 
 and Margaret married to Thomas Throgmorton. 
 
 The other third part, lying in the parish of St. Mary 
 de Lode, was given by John Pyrie to the abbey of Glou- 
 cester, and confirmed by patent, 1272, according to Big- 
 land; but probably Rudder is more correct, who fixes 
 the grant at the latter end of the reign of Edw. III. as it 
 is not mentioned among the temporal possessions of the 
 abbey in P. N. taxation in the time of Edw. I. At the 
 dissolution this third portion made part of the endowment 
 of the , see of Gloucester, and was leased 1536 to John 
 Arnold, Esq. who purchased the other two parts. At the 
 beginning of the 18th century Edw. Cooke, of Highnam, 
 Esq. was lord of two thirds of the manor. The other 
 third part was in lease to different tenants till 1790, when 
 Sir John Guise, Bart, became the lessee (206), and in 1800 
 under the powers granted by the land tax redemption act, 
 it was sold to Sir B. Wm. Guise, Bart, his son, and is now 
 consolidated with the other parts of the manor.
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 1 43 
 
 The property in this parish is annexed to the manor. 
 One freeholder voted m 1776. 
 
 Population, 45 33 85. Houses inhabited, 13. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the deanery of Gloucester, 
 charged with an annual payment of eight shillings to the 
 chapter of Bristol, a pension formerly due to the prior of 
 St. Oswald's, in Gloucester. A third part of the advow- 
 son was granted by John Pyrie with the third of the ma- 
 nor, and confirmed to the see by Hen. VIII. On the 
 sale of the latter, as mentioned before, the share of pa- 
 tronage was reserved. Two turns are now vested in Sir 
 B. Wm. Guise, Bart, and one in the Bishop of Gloucester. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Oswald, consists of a 
 small turret at the west end, a nave, and a chancel. 
 
 Portion of the prior of St. Oswald in the church of 
 Lassindon Ql. 8s. Qd. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 6/. IQs. Qd, 
 
 CCXXXI. NORTH HAMLETS, 
 
 Lie on the north side of Gloucester, and belong chiefly 
 to the parishes of St. Mary de Lode and St. Catherine 
 within the city. 
 
 1. KING'S HOLM, containing 152 acres, adjoins the 
 city, and is intersected by the turnpike-road leading to 
 Tewkesbury. It lies in the two parishes of St. Mary de 
 Lode and St. Catherine. Hen. III. granted King's Holm, 
 then valued at Si. per annum, to Robert le Savage, to be 
 held by the service of door-keeper of the King's pantry. 
 In his family it continued till 1363, when John Boteler, of 
 the Park, held it. Through several proprietors, it passed 
 to the Beauchamps. Sir Robert Willoughby, Lord Broke, 
 was seized of it by right of marriage with Elixubeth,
 
 HI. The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 daughter of Sir Richard Beauchamp. It came afterward-; 
 to three coheiresses of that family, and again passed to 
 Rowland Arnold, Esq. who died seized of it in 1573, 
 leaving a daughter, Dorothy, wife of Thomas Luci. 
 The hamlet is now divided among several proprietors. 
 John Pitt, Esq. M. P. for Gloucester, is the principal 
 landholder, and lord of the manor. The Kingsholm close 
 came to him by purchase from the late Sir John Guise, 
 Some copyholds were anciently held under this manor, 
 but they are all extinct. The inhabitants of this hamlet 
 owe suit and service to the lord of Dudstan and King's 
 Bailon. 
 
 Scattered properties belong to Messrs. Wilton, Rudge, 
 Ellis, Kc. 
 
 This hamlet was included within the operation of the 
 late act of inclosure, and was discharged from tythes. 
 
 A traditionary account prevails, that in the Kingsholm 
 close once stood the palace of a Saxon King, but it is not 
 corroborated by history. A house certainly stood there, 
 but it is supposed to have been the manerial residence. 
 From the great abundance of coins of the latter empire, 
 and skeletons which have been dug up, there is no doubt 
 of its having been a station of considerable consequence. 
 It is generally understood that the principal part of Glou- 
 cester lay here in the time of the Romans. If the conjec- 
 ture may be allowed that in Saxon ages, the watery way 
 was continued from Longford, and fell into the old chan- 
 nel of the Severn near the chapel house, the etymology 
 of the name is easily ascertained. Kings Holm, signi- 
 fying, a plain belonging to the King, surrounded with 
 water 43 . At what period the channel was filled up is un- 
 certain, but the traces are now well marked, and the pro- 
 pert}' of the soil belongs to the corporation of Glouces-
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 145 
 
 ter, whereas the land immediately adjoining on both sides 
 is separate and distinct. Subsequent to the foundation of 
 St. Oswald's priory, in 909, the key or wharf, which was 
 near it, on the banks of the Severn, was removed, in con- 
 sequence of a dispute between the priory and the town. 
 After this removal, the channel was of little use, and from 
 neglect, or other designed or accidental circumstances, 
 might easily fill up. From this period we may probably 
 date the ruin of the city in this quarter, and the increase 
 of it in others. 
 
 The poor of this hamlet are supported in the Gloucester 
 workhouse, and the rates are assessed upon the inhabi- 
 tants as if they were within the limits of the city. 
 Two freeholders voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, , , 139. Houses inhabited, 30. 
 
 2. LONGFORD is distant one mile from Gloucester, on 
 the turnpike-road to Tewkesbury, and belonging to the 
 parishes of St. Mary de Lode and St. Catherine. The 
 soil is a black mould on a bed of gravel, and nearly di- 
 vided between arable and pasture. By the late act of in- 
 closure, tythes were abolished. The name is derived 
 from the watery way, which till of late years extended 
 through the hamlet. 
 
 Little is known relative to this hamlet prior to the disso- 
 lution. Hen. VIII. gave the manor of Longford, among 
 others, with all its rights, members, and appurtenances, 
 to the See of Gloucester, since which time, the estates 
 appurtenant to the manor, have been held by lease under 
 the Bishop. The principal lessees are, Richard Brown 
 Cheston, M. D. James Wood, Esq. Mrs. Catherine Hay- 
 ward, and John Pitt, Es The Bishop of Gloucester is 
 lord of the manor. 
 
 The dean and chapter have also considerable property 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 ] 4-6 7 he History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 here, under whom the principal lessees are, the governor 
 and guardians of the poor of Gloucester. 
 
 A good estate belongs to the Rev. Mr. Beale, of Evesham. 
 Another to Benjamin Hyett, Esq. 
 
 Other proprietors are Messrs. Rudge, Olive, Theache r 
 Kc. Kc. 
 
 Longford-house was built by Rich. B. Cheston, M. D. 
 and commands a beautiful view in front of Churchdown- 
 hill, and the long range of the Cotswolds in the distance. 
 From the back front are seen May-hill, with the high lands 
 of the Forest of Dean, forming together a pleasing land- 
 scape. The estates appendant to it are very consi- 
 derable. 
 
 In the support of the poor the hamlet is distinct, and 
 separated from the city. 
 
 Ten freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population in Longford St. Mary, , , 82. 
 
 Houses inhabited, 18. 
 
 Population in Longford St. Catherine, , , 84. 
 
 Houses inhabited, 15. 
 
 3. TWICWORTH, adjoining to Longford, is wholly in 
 the parish of St. Catherine. It consists of pasture and 
 arable, and the soil varies very little from the last. The 
 termination of the name, with the prefix, seems to imply 
 that it was a village belonging to some Saxon chief (225). 
 Twigworth is not mentioned in Domesday, but was 
 probably included under the general account of the King's 
 lands in Bertune. Cuthbert de Rivers had a grant of it in 
 the reign of John. The manor afterwards belonged to the 
 Beauchamps, and by marriage came to the Grevils. Fulk 
 Grevil had livery of it in 1562. It is now divided among 
 several proprietors. Mrs. Catherine Hayward has nearly 
 two thirds of the whole hamlet.
 
 forest Division. Dudstan and King's Burton Hundred. Upper. 147 
 
 A considerable property is held under the chapter of 
 Gloucester. 
 
 The tythes of Twigworth belonged to the priory of St. 
 Oswald, were granted to the See of Bristol 1543, and were 
 commuted for lands by the late act of inclosure. 
 
 It is said that the chapel of Twigworth was 'seized by 
 Edw. III. into his own hands, but no mention is made of 
 it in P. N. tax. nor is there any traditionary account of the 
 place where it stood. 
 
 This hamlet has its proper officers, and maintains its 
 own poor. 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, , , 59. Houses inhabited, 12. 
 
 4. WOTTON, anciently ULETONE, is a vill or hamlet 
 adjoining to Gloucester on the N. E. It is in the parish of 
 St. Mary de Lode, but has its own officers, and supports 
 its own poor. The soil is generally a black mould on a 
 substratum of gravel, and a good deal in pasture. 
 
 The lands were much divided soon after the conquest. 
 
 Some property belonged to the priory of St. Oswald in 
 1305, and was granted to Thomas Gatwick and Anselm 
 Lamb 1558. Other lands belonging to the same house, 
 with the tythes, were granted to John Hercy and John 
 Edwards, 20 Eliz. By the late act of inclosure, tythes 
 were abolished, and lands allotted in lieu of them. The 
 property of this hamlet, though it contains but few acres, 
 is divided among thirty-five holders. 
 
 Wotlon-house , formerly the property of Mr. Horton, 
 lately of the Rev. Richard Brereton, deceased, now be- 
 longs to his son, Thomas Westfaling, Esq. of Rudhall, 
 co. Heref.(l59) 
 
 G. Caesar Hopkinson, Esq. colonel in the army, has a 
 good house and estate here. 
 
 L2
 
 1 48 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 Population, 156. Houses inhabited, 28. 
 
 5. THE VINEYARD HILL lies on an eminence, about a 
 mile west from Gloucester, with the Leden and the western 
 channel of the Severn flowing at its base. It had been, 
 from early t mes, part of the property of the abbey of 
 Gloucester, and was continued to the bishopric at the dis- 
 solution. The abbots had a large house here, to which 
 they frequently retired. It was demolished during the 
 civil war, but the scite and the surrounding moat are now 
 visible. This building excited an emulation in the prior 
 of Lanthony to erect a rival house on the south side of 
 Gloucester (243). 
 
 6. WALHAM-MEAD, anciently WOLLAMS, lying north 
 of the city, was the property of the prior of Lanthony, 
 49 Hen. III. By virtue of the late act of inclosure, the 
 several properties which were before ill-ascertained, were 
 settled, and the limits of the respective parishes defined. 
 The privilege which used to be enjoyed by the lord of the 
 manor of Highnam, of turning two horses into the mowing 
 grass of this meadow, ceased on a compensation being 
 given in lieu of it. 
 
 7. ALNEY, anciently OLANEGE, is an island formed by 
 the separation of the Severn into two channels, and com- 
 prehends many acres of fine rich pasture, about half of 
 which is in the parish of Maisemore, and the other at- 
 tached to the parishes of St. Mary de Lode or St. Nicholas, 
 in Gloucester. Portham or Importham, was the property 
 of the abbey, and at the dissolution, (according to Atkyns 
 and Rudder,) was granted to John Arnold 33 Hen. VIII. 
 but Importams otherwise Porthame, containing about 67 
 acres of meadow, and the first shoot thereof being part of 
 the demesnes of Barton Abbotts, and for some time ap-
 
 Forest' Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 149 
 
 pertaining to the late monastery of St. Peter, was granted 
 to the Bishop of Gloucester, towards the endowment of 
 the new see, and continued so till about 1801, when it 
 was alienated under the powers of an act for the redemp- 
 tion of the land-tax, and is now vested in Sir Thomas 
 Crawley Boevey, Bart, who had been for many years the 
 lessee under the Bishop. It is remarkable, that a small 
 portion of this meadow is in the hamlet of Highnam, and 
 the property of Sir B. W. Guise, Bart. 
 
 The after pasture is the property of the freemen of 
 Gloucester. 
 
 This island is famous for the meeting of Edmund and 
 Canute in 1016. The two Kings had stood in sight of 
 each other for some time, at the head of their respective 
 armies, at Deerhurst, without either giving the signal for 
 battle. At length Edmund challenged Canute to single 
 combat, which was refused by the Dane, on the ground 
 of the inequality of the combat, but he proposed a re- 
 ference to the principal officers of each army, which Avas 
 accepted. The plenipotentiaries met in the isle of Alney, 
 and after a short conference, the peace was concluded by 
 the partition of the kingdom 44 . 
 
 The Castle-meads are the property of Sir Charles Henry 
 Talbot, Bart, and lie in the parish of St. Nicholas. 
 
 8. Part of LITTLE-MEAD lies also in this hamlet, and in 
 the parish of St. Mary de Lode, the property of Mr. 
 Thomas Jones. The after-pasture of this also is reserved 
 for the freemen. 
 
 Monkleighton, on the north side, contains some rich 
 pasture lands, the property of John Turner, Esq. 
 
 9. The CASTLE OF GLOUCESTER, (on the scite of which 
 is the New County Gaol,) with its appurtenances, lies 
 
 L3
 
 1 50 The Histoty of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 close to the city, and is extra parochial' 15 . The three 
 last, with some other small portions, are included in the 
 same assessments for the public service. 
 
 ST. MARGARET'S HOSPITAL 
 
 Is situated about half a mile N. of the city. It was built 
 in honor of the sepulture of our Lord and St. Margaret, 
 and has at different periods been known by the names of 
 the Ifospital, or House of the Lepers of St. Sepidcher's and 
 St. Margarets, also the Lower House of Dudstan. The 
 foundation of it is of great antiquity, but the exact time as 
 well as the name of the founder, are equally unknown. 
 Alured, Bishop of Worcester, granted these lepers liberty 
 of burial in their own church yard, about the middle of 
 the 12th century. The intent of the establishment is as- 
 certained to have been for persons afflicted with leprosy, 
 a disease which, in the early periods of our history, was 
 very prevalent. The patronage of the house belonged to 
 the abbot of St. Peter, and the domestic economy was 
 placed in a master, or supervisor, a prior, or chaplain, 
 and brethren and sisters. At the dissolution the yearly 
 value was 1 \l. Ss. 4rf. of which the brethren and sisters re- 
 ceived 8/. 1 2s. and the priest had 2l. besides 1 5s. of out 
 rents. The offices of master and prior ceased in the reign 
 of Elizabeth, when the corporation of Gloucester be- 
 came the governors, by grant from the crown. Since 
 which time the number of persons has occasionally va- 
 ried, but is now fixed to eight men, a reader, and some 
 other officers. Two shillings is the weekly allowance, 
 and a room. The chapel is a little to the east of the hos- 
 pital, anil service is performed in it at stated times.
 
 Forest. Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 1 J I 
 
 ST. MARY MAGDALEN, or KING JAMES'S HOSPITAL, 
 
 Is situated a little beyond the last, and owed its founda- 
 tion to the priory of Lanthony, which supplied it with a. 
 certain weekly allowance of bread. The lordship of Ber- 
 nitone, Harrington Great(&6), was given by Earl Milo to 
 that priory, in part for the purpose of supporting thirteen 
 lepers. The brethren received yearly to the value of 12/. 
 6s. 8d. for providing certain loaves, called the loaves of 
 Dudestan, from the priory, and it is recorded in the regis- 
 ter book of Henry Deene, a prior in the time of Edward 
 IV. that the poor people of this hospital were assigned two 
 loaves a day, a load of hay, and a tree for fuel yearly, 
 with the pasturage of a cow, and some lands for the main- 
 tenance of their priest. At the dissolution the income of 
 the lands was certified to be yearly 3/. 6s. 3d. The go- 
 vernment was afterwards placed in the hands of the corpo- 
 ration, who rebuilt the hospital, and by a grant of Jas. I. 
 the annual pension which had been usually paid by the 
 crown, to the amount of 13/. to this hospital, was ordered 
 to be applied to the maintenance of nineteen poor people 
 und a minister. The present establishment consists of nine 
 women and ten men, with an allowance of eighteen pence a 
 week. The chapel, which stands near the turnpike road, 
 bears in some parts of it,' and particularly the south door, 
 the characters of great antiquity. In the certificate of the 
 commissioners, at the dissolution, both the chapels are 
 called parish churches ; but now they are extra-parochial, 
 retaining the right of sepulture. 
 
 CCXXXII. NORTON, anciently NORTUNE, 
 
 Is a parish containing 1400 acres, five miles distant N. 
 L4
 
 1 j'2 The History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 from Gloucester, and intersected by the turnpike road 
 leading to Tewkesbury. The soil in general is a deep 
 clay, in many parts mixed with rounded pebbles, and 
 produces good crops both in grass and corn, and nearly in 
 equal quantities. 
 
 Tin' name is evidently derived from its relative situation 
 to Gloucester, North town. 
 
 Part of Wainload hill is in this parish. 
 Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, held Nortune, con- 
 taining five hides and a half, before the survey; and 
 Thomas, Archbishop of York at the time of it. The ma- 
 nor was afterwards held of the honour of Gloucester, and 
 divided into two, Bishop's Norton and Prior's Norton. 
 The former continued in the Arshbishopric of York till 
 the dissolution, when it was granted to Sir Thomas Cham- 
 berlayn, 1553, and passed to the family of Whitmore,of 
 Lower Slaughter (96). George Whitmore, Esq. son of 
 General Whitmore, sold it to William Singleton, Esq. of 
 of whom it was purchased by the late John Webb, Esq. 
 and is now in pessession of Mrs. Arabella Webb, his re- 
 lict, for her life. 
 
 Norton house, with a good estate, belongs to the same 
 proprietor. It passed from John le Brun, 1301, and con- 
 tinued in the same family (afterwards called Brown) to the 
 beginning of the last century, when it was purchased by 
 Daniel Lysons, Esq. of Hempstead, and sold again some 
 years after to William Singleton, Esq. from whom it passed 
 to John Webb, Esq. 
 
 Prior's Norton, belonged to the priory of St. Oswald, 
 Gloucester, and at the dissolution was granted, with the 
 chapel of St. John's and a portion of tythes, to John 
 Bloxholm, 1545. John Read, and after him Oliver St. 
 John, had a livery of it in the reign of Elizabeth. It af-
 
 rarest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 15S 
 
 terwards passed to a daughter of Lord Scndamore, and is 
 now vested in the Duke of Norfolk, in right of marriage 
 with Frances Fitzroy Scudamore. The temporal property 
 of St. Oswald Priory, is thus described in P. N. tax. 
 " Prior Sci. Oswalde, Gloucestre, habtt apud Northon unam 
 caruc. terr. et dimid. at valet quadraginta solid. Kc. et ha- 
 bet unu. moknd. quod valet p. annu. duos solid" 
 
 The two reputed manors above mentioned are said to 
 owe suit and service to Churchdown (228). 
 
 Mrs. Catherine Hayward has a considerable property 
 here. 
 
 Another estate belongs to Thomas Paytherus, Esq. of 
 London. 
 
 Twelve freeholders voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 300 240 303. Houses, 64. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy in Gloucester dean- 
 ery. The dean and chapter of Bristol are impropriators, 
 who appoint the curate, and pay him twenty pounds a 
 year. Mr. William Butt is lessee. James Evans, M. A. 
 is incumbent. 
 
 The advowson was given to the abbey of Gloucester by 
 Emmelina, and the grant was confirmed by her grandson 
 Robert, 1126. 
 
 In the thirteenth century Norton was a chapel to the 
 church of St. Oswald, and the rectory and advowson of 
 the vicarage of Norton, which belonged to the said priory, 
 were granted to the dean and chapter of Bristol, 1543. 
 
 The church consists of a nave and chancel, and has a 
 well built battlemented tower at the west end. 
 
 In P. N. tax. " The church of St. Oswald, with the 
 chapels of Churchesdon, Norton, Sandhurst and Compton.'*
 
 Ij i The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCXXXIII. SANDHURST, SAXTHURST, anciently 
 SANHER, 
 
 Is a parisli of 2000 acres, three miles N. from Glouces- 
 ter, and bounded on the west by the Severn. The soil in 
 some parts inclines to sand, in others is a deep clay, and 
 on the banks of the river a red fertile loam. The propo- 
 tion of pasture and arable is nearly equal ; of the former 
 there is a considerable quantity of meadow, of the latter 
 about 100 acres are common field. 
 
 The manor of Sanher, in Dudestan hundred, was held 
 by Edmar, a thane, in the time of the Conqueror. Karl 
 Herald took this away with four other manors after the 
 death of Edward, and Robert de Lurei put them to farm 
 for 46/. 13$. 4d. Soon after the conquest it belonged to 
 the family of de Willington, who either gave, or receiv- 
 ed their name from Willington Court. In this family it 
 continued till 1412, when John Wrath was proprietor, as 
 son and heir of John Wrath, who had married Joan de 
 Willington. He left two sisters, coheiresses; Elizabeth, 
 wife of Sir William Poulton, and Isabel, wife of William 
 Beaumont. On the death of Elizabeth, without issue, 
 the whole fell to Isabel, who was succeeded by her son, 
 John Beaumont; on his death without issue, Isabel, his 
 sister, became possessed of the whole property of the 
 Willington family in various parts of the county. She 
 dying unmarried, was succeeded by Sir Thos. Beaumont, 
 her kinsman and next heir, whose successors of the same 
 name, in several periods of th reign of Hen. VII. levied 
 fines to Giles Lord d'Aubeny, and other great lords, pro- 
 bably to the use of the King. The before-mentioned 
 Lord and his son Henry were successively seized of them, 
 in the following reign, when they reverted to the crown,
 
 forest Division, Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 155 
 
 and having been granted to Edward, Duke of Somerset, 
 on his attainder c. t me again to the crown. James Basset 
 was grantee in the reign of Mary, and Arthur Basset, 
 7. Eliz. The manor came afterwards to the family of 
 Winston, of whom, Philip died at Willington Court, and 
 is buried in the church, 1672. John Viney, Esq. was lord 
 of the manor at the beginning of the last century, from 
 whom it has descended to James Viney, Esq. (198). 
 
 Abiotic 1 s court, or Abbdode is a reputed manor. It was 
 granted by Hen. I. to the abbey of Gloucester, Avith the 
 grove of Barton, called Pay Grove, in exchange for an 
 orchard belonging to the monks, the scite of the present 
 cathedral tower. A farther grant of six ridges was made 
 by the same King, and a similar portion by Ralph be Wil- 
 lington and Olynipias his wife, situated behind the court 
 in the same reign. Among the abbot's temporal posses- 
 sions in P. N. tax. are mentioned " three carucates of 
 land, valued at 145. each," and the same house had free 
 warren in all their demesnes, 28 Ed. III. At the dissolu- 
 tion it was granted, together with half a wood, called 
 Woolridge in Ablode, to the chapter of Gloucester. John 
 Guise, Esq. a younger branch of the Rendcomb family, 
 was lessee, and afterwards a Mr. Cocketel. By an ordi- 
 nance of Parliament, 1645, it was given to the mayor 
 and burgesses of Gloucester, but on the restoration the 
 chapter were reinstated, under whom it is held by Lord 
 Sydney, their lessee, heir to the estates of the late Geo. 
 Selwyn, Esq. (241). 
 
 The abbot is supposed to have had a lode or passage 
 over the Severn at this place 46 . 
 
 BRUERNE, is another ancient manor, now by corruption 
 called Brawn. It was formerly held by yEldred, Arch- 
 cishop of York, under the name of Brewere, and con-
 
 1 56 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 tained three yard lands, and through several proprietors, 
 among whom was the family of Boteler, during the reigns 
 of the three first Edwards, it passed at length to General 
 Carpenter, whose descendants sold it to Thomas Vernon, 
 Esq. in 1775, from whom it descended to his grandson, T. 
 Vernon, Esq. now living. 
 
 Culverden, or Bengrwe, is also a reputed manor, and 
 seems to have gone with the manor of Sandhurst till Hen. 
 VII. when it was transferred to, and continued in the fa- 
 mily of Throckmorton. Subsequent to the reign of Eli- 
 zabeth it passed into the family of Bell, of whose repre- 
 sentatives it was purchased towards the latter part of the 
 last century, by the late Samuel Hay ward, Esq. who died 
 in 1790, and is now the property for life of Walter Wil- 
 kins, Esq. by marriage with the daughter and heiress. 
 
 Walsworth-hall, is a handsome modern built house, situ- 
 ated in the hamlet, from which it derives the name, and is 
 surrounded by a good estate, belonging to the same pro- 
 prietors as the last. 
 
 The Moat, with a considerable estate, is the property of 
 Samuel Lysons, clerk (240). 
 
 Other proprietors are Mr. John Phillpotts, Samuel 
 Olive, and John Sulcomb. 
 
 Fifteen freeholders voted in 1*776. 
 
 Population, 300 260 365. Houses inhabited, 64. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Gloucester deanery. The 
 rectory and advowson formerly belonged to St. Oswald 
 Priory, and at the dissolution were granted to the see of 
 Bristol. The Bishop of that see is patron, and Samuel 
 Sadler, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The impropriate tythes are in lease from the Bishop of 
 Bristol to the famil y of Vernon. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Lawrence, consists of a
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 1 57 
 
 nave and chancel, with a low tower at the west end. The 
 present building was probably erected about the beginning 
 of the 16th century. The chancel was repaired and beau- 
 lifted at the joint expence of Samuel Hay ward and Thos. 
 Vernon, Esq. 
 In P. N. tax. it is recorded with Norton, 5Cc, (232). 
 
 CCXXXIV. GREAT SHURDINGTON, olim SCHHWR- 
 
 DINTON, 
 
 Is a parish of 400 acres, distant six miles N. E. from 
 Gloucester, and situate at the base of Leckhampton hill. 
 The soil in general is of clay, and chiefly in pasture. 
 
 A tumulus or barrow was opened not many years 
 ago, and at the depth of about sixteen feet a stone sepul- 
 chre was discovered, seven feet long and four broad, con- 
 taining a perfect skeleton. The bones had a fresh and 
 firm appearance, and the teeth were white. Over the 
 head was suspended a helmet, which being entirely cor- 
 roded by rust, fell to pieces on the slightest touch. It is 
 said, that the numeral characters answering to 10OO were 
 visible 47 . 
 
 Gilbert Clare, last Earl of Gloucester, was proprietor of 
 this manor 8 Ed. II. It afterwards continued in the family 
 of Maltravers, and thence passed by marriage with Elea- 
 nor, sister and heiress to Henry Maltravers, to John Arun- 
 del, alias John Fitz Alan, in which family it continued to 
 35 Hen. VIII. when William Earl of Arundel died seized 
 of it. All the latter possessors seem to have been mesne 
 lords under the Archbishop of York, as in the grant of the 
 manor to T. Chamberlayne, 6 E. VI. it is mentioned to 
 have belonged to the Archbishop. It has continued in a 
 direct line in the Chamberlayne family, and is now the pro-
 
 158 The History qf the Cottnly of Gloucester. 
 
 perty of Edmund John Chamberlayne, Esq. of Maugers- 
 burv, in this county, without any landed property in the 
 parish. 
 
 UPHATHERLEY is a hamlet in this parish, having its 
 own constable and overseer. George Gwinnett, Esq. is 
 lord of the manor, but without any landed property in it. 
 
 The principal property belongs to W. Lawrence, Esq. 
 and Mrs. Hannah Palmer. 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 70 80 85. Houses inhabited, 16. 
 
 The church is an impropriation in Winchcomb deanery, 
 belonging to Jesus College, Oxford, and Christ College, 
 Cambridge (235), and is annexed to Badgeworth. The 
 tythes anciently belonged to the nunnery of Usk, co. 
 Monmouth, and were granted with, those of Up-Hatherley 
 and South Hatherley to James Gunter and Walter Lewis, 
 1546, and tythes under the same description were granted 
 to John Ferham, 1580. 
 
 The chapel is dedicated to St. Paul, and has a hand- 
 some steeple at the west end, with an aisle on the N. side, 
 called Hatherley Aisle, which is repaired by the inhabi- 
 tants of that hamlet. 
 
 CCXXXV. GREAT WHITCOMB anciently WYDE- 
 
 COMBE, 
 
 Is a parish six miles N. E. from Gloucester, and contain* 
 about 760 acres of pasture and arable, with a large pro- 
 portion of woodland, chiefly beech, which is burnt into 
 charcoal. The name evidently defines the situation of the 
 place, which is a wide valley, between hills, from the 
 two Saxon words wid, wide, and comb, a valley. 
 
 The manor is not mentioned in Domesday, but occurs
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Upper. 1 55 
 
 under the title of Wydecombe in P. N. tax. In 1276 Ed- 
 mund Earl of Cornwall is said to have been seized of it. 
 The Archbishop of York held it afterwards for the use of 
 the priory, by agreement. At the dissolution it was 
 granted to Sir Thomas Chamberlain, in whose family it 
 continued till the beginning of the nth century, when it 
 was purchased by the widow of Sir Michael Hicks, about 
 1613, in which name and family it has descended to Sir 
 W. Hicks, Bart, the present lord of the manor, and 
 proprietor of more than two thirds of the parish. 
 
 The family of Hicks is distinctly traced up to J. Hicks, 
 of Tort Worth, 2 Henry VII. who was descended from Sir 
 Ellis Hicks, Knight Banneret, in the reign of Ed. III. who 
 added the three fleur de lis to his arms, as a reward for 
 his bravery, and taking a pair of colours when in the ser- 
 vice of the Black Prince. 
 
 The family seat is situated at the base of the hills, co- 
 vered with beautiful beech woods, and commands, thro' 
 some openings, a grand and interesting view, bounded 
 by the distant hills of Malvern, over the rich vale of 
 Gloucester. 
 
 William Caple, Esq. is a considerable proprietor here. 
 
 Three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 9096 119. Houses inhabited, 26. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Gloucester deanery, The 
 advowson formerly belonged to St. Augustine's Abbey, in 
 Bristol, and now pays 135. 4?d. yearly to the chapter of 
 that cathedral. Sir William Hicks, Bart, is patron, and 
 Thomas Nash, D.D. incumbent. 
 
 Wydecbmb is mentioned as a chapel in P. N. tax. and 
 it is not ascertained at what period it first received paro- 
 chial privileges. Some tythes anciently belonged to the
 
 )CO The history qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 priory of St. Oswald, which, in 1578, were granted to 
 John Hercey and John Edwards. 
 
 The church is small, dedicated to St. Mary, consisting 
 of a nave, nortli aisle, and low wooden tower. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the portion of the prior of St. Oswald, in 
 the chapel of Wydecomhe, 1 3s. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books, discharged, 4/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 Middle Part. 
 
 CCXXXVI. BARTON HAMLETS 
 
 Adjoin the city on the east side, and form a street of 
 considerable length. The houses and lands are divided 
 between the parishes of St. Michael and St. Mary de Lode. 
 The name was given from its having been a farm or bar- 
 ton in the King's own hands, to subsist the castle of 
 Gloucester. This howeVer was only one part, and pecu- 
 liarly King's Barton: Another portion was called Barton 
 Abbotts, and belonged to the abbey of Gloucester. In 
 Bertune, King Edward had nine hides, and received from 
 the farm 9/. os. and 3000 loaves for the dogs. In the 
 reign of the Conqueror, it paid 20/. 20 cows, 20 hogs, 
 and 165. in lieu of the bread. This manor continued ia 
 the crown till 1218, when Jeoffry Lucy held it. Robert 
 le Savage was seized of Barton Court 1261. Walter 
 Wither 1270. John Musgross 1275. Ralph de Wales- 
 worth 1280. The rent of the castle, and the Bertone and 
 Tyne of Gloucester, which was 1 10/. a } f ear, was settled on 
 Queen Margaret, in part of her dower, 1 299.
 
 Forest Division, Dudstun and King's Barton Hundred. Middle. 161 
 
 BARTON ABBOTS belonged to the abbey of Gloucester* 
 by gift of Adelred, Governor of the Wicces, about 120, 
 when Eva was abbess. This manor continued, (with the 
 interruption only of its having been seized by the Arch- 
 bishop of York)(228), in the abbey of Gloucester, to the 
 dissolution, when a lease of the scite of it, with several 
 lands belonging to it, for 21 years, was granted to John 
 apRice, at the yearly rent of 14/. 45. 4d. ; and the re- 
 version of all this and other estates were sold to the cor- 
 poration of Gloucester, 1543 ; but the crown seems to have 
 resumed its claim ; for the manor of Barton Abbots was 
 granted to Sir Adrian Fortescue, and his heirs male, 1558. 
 According to Atkyns, it again reverted to the crown in 
 1608. The manor and Barton Farm, with other lands, 
 now belong to the corporation of Gloucester. 
 
 This manor was always exempt from geld and royal 
 service. 
 
 On the 28th of September an annual fair is held in Bar- 
 ton-street, which some years ago was well supplied with 
 cheese ; but the modern mode of passing it through the 
 factor's hands, has very much reduced the quantity offered 
 to public sale. It is however still a fair much attended for 
 the purchase of horses and cattle of all kinds. A certain 
 toll on cheese, cattle, Kc. is received by Mrs Hayward 
 (233). Queen Elizabeth, in the 28th year of her reign, 
 granted to Edward Reade, and William Hulbert, among 
 other premises, to be held as of her manor of Estgrene- 
 wyche, at the yearly rent of two shillings and sixpence 
 for ever, all the profits, customs, tolls, &V. of a certain 
 fair, called Pigfayer, hoklen in Barton-street, on St. 
 Lambert's day, which was the 17th of September; now, 
 by the alteration of the stile carried forward to the 28th. 
 From the original grantees the right has passed through 
 
 VOL. II. M
 
 16-J The History cf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 different proprietors, and last from the late W. Singleton, 
 Esq. (232) to 8. Hay ward, Ksq. (233). 
 
 Enquiries into the ancient state of property in this ham- 
 let are now rendered unnecessary by the operation of a 
 late act of Parliament for inclosing the open fields in the 
 neighbourhood of Gloucester ; and the confusion and per- 
 petual disputes, which have for many years prevailed, both 
 as to parochial boundaries, and tythes, are superseded by 
 the commissioners award, M hich is deposited among the 
 archives of the chapter of Gloucester, and open for in- 
 spection, by application to their clerk. 
 
 Population of Barton St. Mary, , ,412. Houses 
 inhabited, 81. 
 
 Population of Barton St. Michael, , , 285. Houses 
 inhabited, 54. 
 
 CCXXXV1I. BROCKRUP, BROCKTHORP, anciently 
 BROSTROP, 
 
 Is a parish containing 800 acres, and distant four miles 
 s. from Gloucester. The soil is generally a stiff clay, and 
 chiefly in pasture. Some land is in tillage in the unin- 
 closed fields. The name is derived from JBroco, or Broc, 
 in Saxon times(227), and threp orthrop, in Anglo Saxon, 
 a street or village. 
 
 Corbet, in his military government of Gloucester, men- 
 tions a considerable skirmish that happened at Brockthorp 
 hill, in which the parliamentary forces, under Massie, 
 were brought into great danger by a manosuvre of the 
 enemy, and the governor himself nearly cut off. 
 
 In Brostrop Aluric held three virgates of land. In 1 1 03, 
 Adeline, widow of Roger de Ivori gave this manor to the 
 abbey of Gloucester, and King Stephen confirmed the
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. 'Middle. 163 
 
 o-rant. In 1121 Elias Giffard granted to the monks of Glou- 
 cester all his land, estimated at half a hide and half a yard 
 land, free from all customs except Danegelt due to the 
 King ; and some time afterwards Roger I. granted to the 
 same society eight acres of land near Brockthrop Court. 
 The manor and estates continued in the possession of the 
 abbey till the suppression, when they were granted to the 
 new see of Gloucester. 
 
 The family of Wood were lessees for many generations, 
 and lived in the Court-house, now converted into a farm. 
 The whole parish was held by lease under the Bishop of 
 Gloucester. 
 
 The manor and demesnes, which were in lease to Caro- 
 line Busby, became the property of Alexander Maitland, 
 Esq. on his marriage with her. A considerable part of 
 this has been made free by sale to the said A. Maitland, 
 under the land tax redemption act. About 240 acres are 
 now in lease to him with the manor, on lives : the remain- 
 der is freehold. 
 
 Other lessees are John Pitt, Esq. Mr. Trye,and T. Smith. 
 
 No freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 107 112. Houses, 27. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the deanery of Gloucester. 
 The rectory and church, which belonged to the abbey of 
 St. Peter, were given at the dissolution to the dean and 
 chapter of Gloucester, who are now the impropriutors and 
 patrons. Samuel Sadler, clerk, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Swithin, is an inconsider- 
 able building, consisting of a nave, w\th a low slated 
 tower. 
 
 Value in P. N. tax. I/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 Value in King's books (discharged), 7/. 17*. 6d. 
 
 M 2
 
 1 6't 'I he lltstory <>J the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCXXXVIII. ELMORE 
 
 Is a parish containing 1200 acres, distant s. from Glou- 
 cester four miles. The soil is generally of a deep clay, 
 and about 25.0 acres are in tillage, the remainder is in pas- 
 ture and meadow. Elm and oak trees grow here in great 
 luxuriance, and on situations raised above the reach of 
 the floods, the pear and apple are planted to advantage. 
 The low meadows being subject to frequent inundations, 
 are called the Moors, and hence the name is derived : the 
 the British word Allmor, signifying a low situation near 
 the sea, or some great river 48 . 
 
 A rock called Stone-bench runs nearly across the rivet- 
 here; it is sometimes visible above the water, and a small 
 channel only is left on the opposite side for the passage of 
 boats and barges of small burden ; but no trows or brigs 
 can pass, till the high water of spring tide gives them 
 depth sufficient over the ridge. 
 
 A curious circumstance is recorded by Leland, that 
 " the roots of oaks in this parish were converted into hard 
 stones, within the ground." If the learned antiquary was 
 correct in his account, it exhibited a petrifaction of an un- 
 usual kind, but nothing like it is now to be seen, or even 
 heard of by tradition. 
 
 FAmorc Back lies on the banks of the Severn opposite 
 to Minsterworth, so called from bac or hec, British for a 
 ferry. It comprehends that portion of land mentioned as- 
 in the parish of Minsterworth (203). 
 
 The earliest possessor of the manor mentioned by histo- 
 rians, was Hubert de Burgo, Earl of Kent, 1260, who 
 granted to the priory of Lanthony the tythes of lampreys, 
 and all fish taken. in lu's gurges or fisheries of Elmore. J. 
 de Burg, his son, gave it in dower with one of his kindred
 
 forest Division.-~Dudstanand King's Barton Hundred. Middle. 165 
 
 to Nicholas de Gyse, of the family of Gyse, of Asple 
 Gyse, co. Hereford, who assumed the arms of Burg, in 
 honour of that family. The manor was re-granted to his 
 son Sir Anselm Gyse, 1274, at the yearly rent of a clove 
 gilly -flower. It is said, however, that the family of Gyse 
 were only mesne lords under Lanthony, for Sir John Gyse 
 invested three clerks in trust for the priory with the lord- 
 ship, with the reservation of a fee farm rent, 1 358. Whe- 
 ther the inheritance of the manor passed by this grant is 
 uncertain; for Anselm Gyse died seized of it 1412, and 
 Reginald in 1517. It was allowed to be parcel of the ho- 
 nour of Hereford 1359, 1373, and 1558. Sir Christopher 
 Guise, the eleventh in lineal succession from Anselm, 
 who had the manor in the reign of Ed. I. by the gift of 
 John de Burg, was created a Baronet by Charles II. 1661, 
 and Sir William Guise, who died in 1783, was the fifth 
 Baronet. He was unmarried, and on his death bequeath- 
 ed this, with other estates, to his sister Jane, Lady of the 
 Hon. and Right Rev. Shute Barrington, Lord Bishop of 
 Durham, who in her right is lord of the manor (227), and 
 with the exception of a few small freeholds, proprietor of 
 the whole parish. 
 
 Elmore-Court, the manerial house, stands on an elevated 
 situation, and was built in the reign of Elizabeth, by John 
 Guise, Esq. with stone brought from the castle of the De 
 Bohuns, Earls of Hereford, at Harscomb (239). 
 
 Ten freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 300 300 381. Houses inhabited, 64. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy augmented in Glou- 
 cester deanery. It was endowed by Sir John Guise, the 
 second Baronet, with the privy tythes. The impropriate 
 tythes were given 1137 by Milo, constable of Gloucester, 
 M 3
 
 1 66 The History of the County of Gloucester 
 
 to the priory of Lanthony, and the vicarial to the church 
 of St. Owen, in Gloucester, and confirmed by Walter de 
 Cantilupo, Bishop of Hereford, 1256. At the dissolution 
 both were granted to the family of Guise 49 , in which fa- 
 mily the patronage now is. Joseph Chester, D. D. is in- 
 cumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, consists 
 of a nave and north aisle, long and spacious, with a low 
 battlemented tower at the west end. 
 
 In the churchyard is a mausoleum, in a pyramidal form, 
 supported by arches springing from each angle, under 
 which are deposited the ancestors of the Guise family. 
 
 CCXXXIX. HASCOMB, HARSCOMB, anciently 
 HERSECOME, 
 
 Is a parish situate in a secluded comb or valley, distant 
 five miles s. from Gloucester. The contents of the whole 
 are about 350 acres, and the soil generally of a stiff clay, 
 chieriy in pasture. 
 
 In the early accounts of this manor there is some confu- 
 sion. One manor, probably that of Brockthrop, is stated 
 to have been let by Earl Lurei for 46/. 1 3*. 4d. for the use 
 of the King. The abbey of Glouces'erhelda manor, which 
 was connected with Brockthorp, in early times, by dona- 
 tion of Ade isa de Ibreio. Of this, the family of Wood 
 were sometime lessees, and Alexander Maitland, Esq. 
 now(237). But the original manor is said to have belonged 
 to the Rufi, or le Rous, of Duntesborne Militis, the first 
 of whom died seized of it 1273, and it descended, after 
 five generations, to Juliana de Rous, first the wife of Sir 
 Andrew Herle, Knt. and afterwards of Thomas MUl, ESQ
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Middle. \ 67 
 
 of Tremill, co. Devon. Thomas Mull, or Mill, his heir, 
 settled at Harscomb 1 360, and was the ancestor of a fa- 
 mily which remained there till the middle of the nth cen- 
 tury, when their estate, much reduced, passed to Sand- 
 ford and Roberts, from them to the Michells of Randwick, 
 and some years since, first to Thomas, then to his brother, 
 Miles Huntley, Gent, and on the death of the last, in 
 1790, it came by heirship to Miles Mitchell, Gent, of 
 Westrip, whose uncle married a sister of Miles Huntley 
 The estate is about a tenth part of the parish. 
 
 The est tes called Backhouse and Laddersiik in this, 
 and others in Brockthorp parish, which had been for many 
 years in lease to the family of Savage, fell in to the Bishop 
 of Gloucester, on the death of Colonel G. Savage, and are 
 now in lease to Thomas Smith, Gent, who has other consi- 
 derable property. 
 
 Withyrows is the property of Mr. J. Kemberry. 
 
 Other proprietors are, Mr. Hewett, Mrs. Jane and Mary 
 Neale, S. Peach, Esq. Kc. 
 
 Alexander Maitland, Esq. is lessee of the manor. 
 
 An old mansion, said to be the castle of the Bohuns, 
 was situated a little to the westward of the church. The 
 materials were carried to Elmore, for the purpose of 
 building the court-house, in the reign of Elizabeth. The 
 appearance of the moat, &c. is still to be observed 
 (23d). 
 
 Fourteen freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 60 74 108. Houses inhabited, 24. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Gloucester deanery, with 
 Pitchcomb annexed. Fourteen acres of glebe belong to 
 the rector. 
 
 The church, dedicated to John the Baptist, is a small 
 
 M 4
 
 168 The History of the County oj Gloucester. 
 
 building, with a nave only, and a low conic turret, of 
 singular structure, finished with a cross. The dedication 
 of the church was in 1315, according to Bishop Thomas's 
 survey ; but either this is a mistake, or the church at this 
 time was newly erected, because in the taxation of eccle- 
 siastical property in or about 1291 , a church is mentioned, 
 " Porco Prioris Lanthorf in Ecdia de Harscomb K Py- 
 chem-comb" 
 
 Value in King's books, (discharged,) 6l. Ss. lid. 
 
 CCXL. HEMPSTEAD, HEYHAMPSTEDE, anciently 
 HECHANESTEDE, 
 
 Is a parish of 600 acres, distant one mile s. from Glou- 
 cester, situated on a pleasant eminence, gently declining 
 on all sides, and overlooking the vale in every direction. 
 The soil in general is clay, and principally in pasture. 
 Sted signifies a place or station, and probably the name 
 originally might signify Hechane's town or station. 
 
 The Berkeley canal, which here runs in a parallel di- 
 rection with the turnpike road, intersects the parish. 
 
 Domesday records the manor, containing five hides, as 
 held by Edric Lang, a thane of Earl Herald's, but then 
 let by the vice-comes or sheriff at 605. a year. In the 
 next century it was parcel of the great property of Milo, 
 Earl of Hereford, who 1 136 gave it to the priory of Lan- 
 thony, near Gloucester, of his own foundation. The 
 rights of the priory, and among othef s of free-warren in 
 Hey-Hempstead and Podgemead, were confirmed in sub- 
 sequent reigns. At the dissolution of religious houses, the 
 Court of Augmentations sold this manor, with a fishery on 
 the Severn to Thomas Atkyns and Margaret his wife 1546, 
 from whom it descended in a regular line to Sir Robert
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Burton Hundred. Middle. } 69 
 
 Atkyns, of Saperton, who about 1-708 sold it to Allen 
 Bathurst, Esq. of Cirencester, afterwards Earl Bathurst, 
 of whom it was purchased by Daniel Lysons, Esq. about 
 the middle of last century, from whom it descended to the 
 late Daniel Lysons, M. D. his grandson, and on his death 
 in 1800, Samuel Lysons, Clerk, M. A. of Rodmarton, 
 his brother, became the proprietor. 
 
 The manor-house is fronted towards the turnpike-road, 
 and commands a beautiful view of the city and vale of 
 Gloucester. It was built at the beginning of last century, 
 and has received very considerable improvements under 
 the direction of the present proprietor. 
 
 The family of Lysons were principal lessees under the 
 manor so early as 1630, but the manor was aot purchased 
 till some years after. 
 
 Their property now extends to something more than 
 half the parish. 
 
 The RHEE or REA, a hamlet lately belonging to 
 T. W. Payne, Esq. is now by purchase the property of 
 Mr T. Bacon. 
 
 PODGEMEAD, another hamlet, once parcel of the en- 
 dowment of the priory of Lanthony, is of considerable ex- 
 tent. At the dissolution this estate, with some others in 
 different places, were sold to Joan Cook, relict of John 
 Cook, alderman ef the city of Gloucester. It was after- 
 wards held by Henry Hoskins, Gent, who in 1653 granted 
 it by will to the corporation of Gloucester, on condition 
 that they should renew to the heir male of his descendant* 
 a lease for 3 1 years, at a certain reserved rent, subject to 
 a fine. The present hereditary lessees are George Phelps, 
 Gent, and the family of Hope, and William Newman, 
 Gent, is their assignee. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776.
 
 170 The, History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 i 
 
 Population, 140 129 159. Houses inhabited, 22. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Gloucester deanery, in the 
 patronage of the Duke of Norfolk, in right of his Dutchess, 
 who was Miss Scudamore. Samuel Commeline, M. A. is 
 incumbent. 
 
 It was anciently a chapel to St. Owen's in Gloucester, 
 which was at that time endowed with the small tythes of 
 Hempstead. The great tythes given by Earl Milo 1 137, 
 were confirmed to the Augustine canons of Lanthony, 
 about 1240. At the general suppression they were 
 granted to Sir Christopher Hatton, and were sold after- 
 wards to Henry Powell, Esq. who resold them, 1662, to 
 Lord Scudamore. By authority of Parliament, he made 
 this church rectorial, and endowed it with all the impro- 
 priate tythes, to which he added the tythes of the extra- 
 parochial demesne of Lanthony adjoining. At this time 
 the ancient house assigned for the officiating minister be- 
 ing much dilapidated, the same noble benefactor erected 
 the present parsonage house, at the expence of 700/. 
 Over the door is written in gold letters : 
 
 Whoe'er doth dwell within this door, 
 Thank God for Viscount Scudamore. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Swithin, consists of a nave 
 and chancel, with a tower, low but neat. The architec- 
 ture is probably of the early part of the fourteenth century. 
 There are remains of handsome decoration on the inside, 
 such as painted bricks. and stained glass in the windows. 
 Under canopies the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth is re- 
 presented. The font is curious and antique. 
 
 Value in King's books, 8/.
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Brirton Hundred. Middle. 17 * 
 
 CCXLI. MATSON, MATESKNOLLE, MATTESDUNE, 
 anciently MATESDEN, 
 
 Is a small parish, two miles s. E. from Gloucester. It 
 contains 323 acres of land, the soil of which is a mixture 
 of clay and loam, principally in pasture. 1 he name docs 
 not occur in Domesday survey, but the termination of the 
 old names knoll, dune, and den, evidently refer to the hill, 
 as its principal characteristic, and the prefix may prob- 
 ably be the name of some ancient proprietor, who has not 
 been recorded. 
 
 The hill, which rises conically out of the vale, is called 
 Robinhood's Hill, or, perhaps with far more propriety, 
 Robin's- wood Hill, probably from the family of Robins, 
 who were mesne tenants for many years. It is not at all 
 likely thatRobinhood, the hero of romance, could be con- 
 nected with this part of the island 56 . The hill forms a beau- 
 tiful object to the surrounding country, being to the very 
 summit in a state of fertile cultivation, and covered with 
 continual verdure, almost in the driest seasons. It is said 
 that before the Norman conquest great quantities of iron 
 ore were supplied from this hill to the forges in Glouces- 
 ter. The ochreous water that issues from the sides seems 
 to shew, that this ore is concealed in its bowels, but not 
 any scoria or cinders have been found, which are generallv 
 considered as the proofs of ancient blomaries having been 
 worked. It has, however, been for more than four hun- 
 dred years useful in another respect, in the supply of wa- 
 ter of an excellent quality to the city of Gloucester, W. 
 Gerard having granted the monks of the Grey Friars in 
 Gloucester the privilege of water from this place, a ques- 
 tion arose between that house and the abbey as to the 
 quantity the former was to receive, which was settled by
 
 172 The History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Edward the Black Prince. At this day the water is con- 
 veyed by pipes to every part of city ; and the inhabitants, 
 by means of smaller pipes, have a regular supply in their 
 own houses, at a moderate expence. The profits arising 
 therefrom, as well as the expences of repairs, belong to 
 Lord Sydney. 
 
 The manor of Matson was held of Humphrey de Boliun, 
 Earl of Hereford and Essex, 46 Ed. III. William deGardi- 
 nis had been lord of Mattesdon in the reign of Ed. I. 
 During the former period many leases are still extant in 
 the archives of Gloucester cathedral. It was given to the 
 abbey by W. Nottingham, Esq. attorney general to Ed. 
 IV. for the erecting of a chantry in the abbey, to be sup- 
 plied by two of their monks. At the dissolution the ma- 
 nor was granted to the chapter of Gloucester, 33 H.VIII. 
 The mansion-house, with its appurtenances, which had 
 been parcel of the possessionsof Lanthony, and inP.N.tax. 
 are recited as containing one carucate of land, were grant- 
 ed to the mayor and burgesses of Gloucester, 34 H. VIII. 
 who, with the King's licence, sold the same to Thomas 
 Lane, Esq. 1544, from whom it passed to Richard Pate, 
 Esq. and then to his daughter Susannah, wife of Richard 
 Brooke, and in marriage dower to Sir Ambrose Wil- 
 loughby, Knt. From him it came by purchase to Jasper 
 Selwyn, Esq. at the latter end of Elizabeth's reign. He 
 was of Stonehouse, descended from John Selwyn, who set- 
 tled in this county from Sussex, Rich. III. The estate 
 passed in regular line to Colonel John Selwyn, eldest son 
 of Major Gen. Wm. Selwyn, Governor of Jamaica. The an- 
 cient entail being cut off, it was re-entailed on the de- 
 scendants of his daughter, Albinia, wife of the Hon. T. 
 Townsend. On his death it descended to John, who died
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Middle. 17 3 
 
 1751, leaving a younger brother and successor, George 
 Augustus, representative in several parliaments for Glou- 
 cester ; on whose death in 1791, it devolved to Thomas 
 Lord Viscount Sydney, eldest son of Thomas and Albinia 
 Townsend before mentioned, who is now lord of the ma- 
 nor, and proprietor of nearly the whole of the parish, ex- 
 cept three small estates belonging to T. Mee, Esq. Rob. 
 Raikes, Esq. and John Howell, Esq. of Prinknash. 
 
 By virtue of the act for redemption of the land-tax, an 
 exchange took place between the chapter and Lord Syd- 
 ney, by which his Lordship's estate was enfranchised at 
 Matson, and the Lower Sheephouse in Tuffley given up to 
 the chapter by way of compensation. 
 
 The mansion-house was built by Sir Ambrose Wil- 
 loughby, Knt. in the reign of Eliz. and during the siege 
 of Gloucester in the rebellion, was the residence of Kino- 
 
 o 
 
 Charles and his court. The army were stationed in Tred- 
 worth field, to which place, according to the Iter Caroli- 
 num, he came Aug. 10, 1643. William Kendall, Esq. is 
 the present occupier. 
 
 One freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 50 45 51. Houses, 8. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Gloucester deanery. By a 
 a late inclosure it has been much improved, and in lieu of 
 tythes has a considerable estate allotted. 
 
 Ernulph, the son of Ralph, gave the church of Mattes- 
 done to the abbey of Gloucester, and Simon, Bishop of 
 Worcester, confirmed the grant. At the dissolution it 
 was granted to the chapter of Gloucester, 34 Hen. VIII. 
 and the dean and chapter are now patrons. Edward 
 Jones, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The old church was taken down in 1739, and the pre-
 
 1 7 V The History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 sent neat building erected, at the sole expence of Albinia 
 Selwyn, relict of Major General Selwyn. The church- 
 yard is planted with evergreen shrubs, which give a neat 
 appearance. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the portion of the church of the Blessed 
 Mary before the abbey gate in the church of Matesdon, 5s. 
 
 The portion of the precentor of St. Peter, Glouces- 
 ter, 105. 
 
 Value in King's books, 3/. 16s. b\d. 
 
 CCXLII. PITCHCOMBE, anciently PYCHENECOMB, 
 Is a parish of about 200 acres, distant five miles s. E. 
 from Gloucester. The soil is generally rich, and applied 
 to pasture. The streams of water which run through it, 
 make the situation commodious for cloth-working, and 
 several mills are employed for that purpose. The termi- 
 nation Combe easily explains the nature of the village. 
 
 The name is not mentioned in Domesday, and therefore 
 at that time it was probably a part of Harscomb, as it is 
 now in some respects united to it. It appears by an ex- 
 tract from the Pipe Office, that firma de Pinchcomb be- 
 longed to Osbert Gifford, in the reign of Hen. III. Wal- 
 ter de Bruhl released to Gloucester abbey, and the al- 
 moner of Standish a messuage, lands, and a hundred acres 
 of wood in Pychenecomb 1 303, and Gilbert de Maysinton 
 gave two messuages and lands in the same place to Glou- 
 cester abbey the same year. The abbey of Gloucester had 
 free-warren in all their demesne lands in Pychenecombe, 
 1355. At the dissolution, a messuage and lands, with 
 Pitchcombe wood, were granted to Richard Andrews and 
 Nicholas Temple in trust. Thomas Porter, Knt. died
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Middle. 175 
 
 seized of the scite and capital mansion of the manor of 
 Pitchcombe, 1598. John Throckmorton was lord of the 
 manor in 1608. Thomas Stephens, of Lypiatt at the be- 
 ginning of last century, who was succeeded by John Ste- 
 phens. On his death it came to his nephew Thomas Baer- 
 
 \ * O 
 
 hot de la Bere, of Southam, and from him by purchase to 
 Paul Wathen, Esq. of Lypiatt, the present lord of the 
 manor, without any land attached. 
 
 The parish, which is not more than five hundred a year, 
 is principally divided between John Rollings, Esq. John 
 Carruthers, Esq. Mr. John Palling, and some small land- 
 holders. 
 
 Thirteen freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 80 90 216. Houses inhabited, 40. 
 
 The benefice is rectorial in Gloucester deanery. The 
 patronage is in the family of Purnell, of Kingshill, near 
 Dursley, and Charles Wallington, M. A. is incumbent. 
 It is annexed to Harscomb. 
 
 The church is small, consisting of a nave only, with 
 a chancel and low tower at the west end. 
 
 CCXLIII. SOUTH HAMLETS. 
 
 1. LANTHONY comprehends several estates on the s. 
 side of the city, among which the principal belongs to the 
 Duke of Norfolk, being the scite and lands anciently be- 
 longing to the monastery of Lanthony. 
 
 The Upper Sheep-house, with Sudgroves, is the pro- 
 perty of Lord Viscount Sidney. The Lower Sheep-house 
 belongs to the dean and chapter of Gloucester (24-1 ). 
 
 The Rigley-stile Grounds belong to John White, Esq. of 
 Stonehousc, co. Gloucester.
 
 176 The Hisloiy of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Besides these, are some other small properties. 
 Before the canal was dug, a little island was formed 
 between the present bason and the river, called the 
 
 The PRIORY of LANTHONY was founded in 1137 by 
 Milo, constable of Gloucester, for Austin Canons, to the 
 honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John the Bap- 
 tist, and for the reception of the monks of Lanthonv, in 
 the north part of Monmouthshire, who had been driven 
 from their habitation by the ravages and ill-usage of the 
 Welch. The new monastery was built on a place called 
 the Hide, and, as appears by the charter of Milo, amply 
 endowed. At first it was only a cell to the old monastery, 
 but afterwards became the head house, and much exceeded 
 the other in revenues 52 , being endowed at the dissolution 
 with 748/. 11)5. lid. The possessions of this religious 
 house are taken notice of in the respective places or pa- 
 rishes as they occur. In the time of P. N. tax. the 
 nues amounted to 111. Is. 6d. 
 
 The scite was granted 32 Hen. VIII. .to Arthur Porter, 
 and Thomas Porter had livery of it 1558. Thomas Por- 
 ter left an only daughter, married to Sir John Scudamore, 
 ancestor to Lord Viscount Scudamore, of Horn Lacy, co. 
 Heref. who was proprietor at the beginning of last cen- 
 tury. The Duke of Norfolk, by marriage with Frances 
 Fitzroy Scudamore, is the present proprietor. 
 
 Very little now remains of the old monastery ; the barn 
 is the principal part. Over the gate-way are the arms of 
 the great family of the Bohnns, Earls of Hereford ; some 
 of whom were buried in the church of the monastery. 
 
 In digging the Berkeley canal, the foundations of the 
 old church were discovered, and some bodies disturbed,
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Middle. 17* 
 
 but no stones appeared, which could ascertain by inscrip- 
 tions the names or dates of any ^of them 53 . 
 
 At the dissolution this hamlet was exempted from the 
 payment of tythes, as being the demesne lands of the 
 priory of Lanthony ; but John Lord Scudamore 16G2 an- 
 nexed all the tythes to the rectory of Hempstead, which 
 grant was confirmed by Act of Parliament(240). 
 
 Newark-house, standing on a fine elevation, which com- 
 mands a view of the vale, is the property of the same fa- 
 mily. It was built in the 17th century, on the same spot 
 where stood the house belonging to the prior of Lanthony. 
 It is said that in consequence of the abbot of Gloucester 
 building for himself a country residence at the Vineyard, 
 the prior felt something of rival jealousy, and erected 
 another, which he called Newark(231). Both houses ex- 
 perienced the same fate in the great rebellion. Behind 
 the latter are still to be seen the entrenchments and earth- 
 works. 
 
 One freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, , , 60. Houses inhabited, 8. 
 
 2. LITTLEWORTH, or Little Village (225), lies just with- 
 out the liberties of the city, on the south side. 
 
 Gaudy Green is the property of Sir Thomas Crawley 
 Boevey, Bart. (2 15) 
 
 The hamlet is small, and divided into inconsiderable 
 portions. 
 
 Both Lanthony and Littleworth are extra-parochial, and 
 have their respective and separate officers. 
 
 Seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, ,100 150. Houses inhabited, 39. 
 
 3. TUFFLEY, anciently Tujjkge, is part of the parish of 
 St. Mary de Lode, lying on the s. E. side of the city. It 
 belonged to the abbey of Gloucester before the Conquest, 
 
 VOL. II. N
 
 178 I he History oj the County of Gloucester. 
 
 and excepting a temporary alienation, about the time of 
 Hen. II. continued with it till the dissolution, and was then 
 granted to the dean and chapter of Gloucester ; but the 
 tythes of TufHey, and a place called Sudgroves mentioned 
 before, were granted to Arthur Porter, 32 Hen. VIII. 
 
 The Atkyns's were anciently tenants of the manor, and 
 held a large estate in this place, where they had a good 
 house anil park. This is now the property of Thomas 
 Mee, Esq. of Gloucester. 
 
 Considerable estates belong to Sam. Lysons, Clerk(240), 
 and Edward \Vilbraham, Esq. (168) 
 
 No freeholder voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, ,140 112. Houses inhabited, 18. 
 
 4. WOLSTROP is reckoned among the South Hamlets br 
 Rudder, but improperly ; as in every res|>ect, but that of 
 being in a different hundred, it is a member of Quedgeley, 
 and is included in the account of that parish(181). 
 
 CCXLIV. UPTON SAINT LEONARD'S anciently 
 OPTUNE, 
 
 Is a parish distant three miles E. from Gloucester. It 
 contains more than 2500 acres of land, of which half is in 
 pasture, the remainder in tillage and woodland. The soil 
 in general is clav or loam. The situation of the village 
 on a gentle elevation, gives the etymology of Upton or 
 Upper Town. 
 
 Optune Avas a member of the great manor of Bertune 
 or Barton, and appears in Domesday survey, among the 
 crown lands. There were anciently two manors of the 
 common name of Upton. Walkelyn de Fabrica held Up- 
 tone of Edw. I. by the service of paying 200 arrow heads. 
 Edmond Fitz Alan had the manor in the reign of Edw. II.
 
 Forest Division. Dudatan and Kings Barton Hundred. Middle. 179 
 
 but on his being beheaded at Hereford, all his lands came 
 to the crown, and this manor was granted 1330 to Richard 
 de Munemuth. It afterwards belonged to the Dukes of 
 Norfolk, and to different branches of the Arundel family 
 till 1455, when Eleanor, the widow of Sir Walter Hun- 
 gerford, late wife of Sir Richard Poinings, and formerly 
 the wife of John, Earl of Arundel, died seized of it. 
 
 Another manor belonged to the Berkeleys, from the 
 reign of Edw. III. to the 3d of Mary. 
 
 The manor of Upton was granted to Walter Pye and 
 William Beal, 1605. 
 
 The manor now belongs to the freeholders, and is 
 vested in Benjamin Hyett, Robert Campbell, Peter Snell, 
 and Robert Raikes, Esqrs. for their use. 
 
 Bullins is a reputed manor belonging to Lord Sydney, 
 who has other considerable property besides. 
 
 Grove Court is another reputed manor, formerly the 
 property of Jeoffery de Grave, who held one yard land in 
 Upton, by the service of attending the King in his wars 
 against Wales, with bow and arrows, 40 days at his own 
 expence, and afterwards at the cost of the King, 1221. 
 This estate afterwards passed to -the Berkeleys ; then to 
 Richard Walter, Esq. at the beginning of last century ; 
 now to Joseph Blisset, Esq. 
 
 Creed's Place is the property of Thomas Jeffreys, Esq. 
 The house was built a few years since on an estate pur- 
 chased of the late Sir John Guise, Bart, in 1770, by 
 Robert Campbell, Esq. 
 
 Whitley Court is a good house, surrounded by a consi- 
 derable estate, the property of Peter Snell, Esq. ' 
 
 St. Bridge, Simbridge Farm, with other lands, belongs 
 to Robert Raikes, Esq. 
 
 The LowerFarm is vested in Benjamin Hyett, Esq. 
 N 2
 
 1 80 7/a- History nf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The Farm, with other estates, belongs to John Howcll,, 
 Esq. of Prink nash. 
 
 The remaining property within this parish is very much 
 divided among small landholders. 
 
 Thirty-three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 450 300 621. Houses inhabited, 123. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy in Gloucester dean- 
 ery. The impropriation belongs to the see of Gloucester, 
 and is no\v in lease to Mr. Thomas Frankis, of Upton, the 
 patronage being reserved to the Bishop. Samuel Com- 
 meline, A. M. is incumbent 64 . 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Leonard, has a nave and 
 north aisle, with a well proportioned embatteled tower at 
 the west end. 
 
 At the west end of the north chancel is a turret for the 
 Saint's bell. This chancel is now the dormitory of theSnell 
 family. There are many appearances of antiquity about 
 the church, particularly the south door-way, now stopped 
 up, the arch of the chancel, &V. The nave is certainly 
 much more modern, as well as the tower; on the south 
 side of which is the following, on a tablet : 
 
 This tower was repaired, and the pinnacles first erected, in the year 
 1745 ; SirTho. Snell, Knt. and Rich. Frankis, churchwardens. 
 
 PRINKNASH is an extra-parochial district, adjoining to 
 Upton St. Leonard's, about four miles E. from Gloucester. 
 It contains 190 acres of meadow and pasture land, and 37 
 of arable. The derivation of the first part of the name is 
 v uncertain, but the latter part seems to be easily explained 
 from its situation. Nesss, Saxon, Ness, English, signifies 
 a promontory, as Sheerness in the isle of Shepey, and an- 
 swers to Rhyn, British, in composition Penrhyn, the com- 
 mon word for a promontory or ridge of land.
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Middle. 1 8 1 
 
 This manor anciently belonged to the abbey of St. Peter 
 in Gloucester. Echv. III. granted free-warren 1355, which 
 was confirmed by Rich. II. and by the interest of the 
 abbot was made extra-parochial. At the dissolution it was 
 granted, under limitations, to Edward Bridges and Do- 
 rothy Pray e, 1545, and the reversion of the house and 
 park, which were formerly the retreat of the abbots, was 
 granted to Sir William Sandys and Thomas Spencer 1606. 
 The estate was soon after purchased by Sir John Briclg- 
 man, Chief Justice of Chester, descended from an ancient 
 family, who resided at Littledean, co. Glo. John Bridge- 
 man, Esq. was lord of the manor at the beginning of the 
 last century, from whom it descended to Henry Toy 
 Bridgeman, Esq. of whom it was purchased in 1770, by 
 John Howell, Esq. who dying 1802, was succeeded by his 
 son, Thomas Bayley Howell, Esq. the present proprietor. 
 
 The house is situated on the acclivity of the hill, shel- 
 tered from the east winds by the high ground behind it, 
 and in the front looking over an extensive and rich tract 
 of land. 
 
 In the house is a private chapel, consecrated 1629, and 
 dedicated to St. Peter. 
 
 The population is included in Upton. 
 
 CCXLV. WHADDON, anciently WADUNE, 
 
 Is a parish of 700 acres, three miles s. from Gloucester. 
 The soil is chiefly a deep clay, and more adapted to pas- 
 ture than arable. The elm grows freely here, and fruit- 
 trees of various kinds. 
 
 Domesday records Wadune as held by Durand the 
 sheriff, and containing five hides. The manor after- 
 wards came to Robert de Pont de Larch, or Pont de 
 1'Arch, 30 H. III. Robert Waleran, sheriff of the county, 
 N 3
 
 1 82 Tlie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 was seized of it in the next year, 1246, and obtained the 
 grant of an annual fair, to be held on the eve, the day, 
 and the morrow after the feast of Margaret the virgin. 
 William de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, brother on the 
 female side to Hen. III. received the manors of Whaddon 
 and Moreton Valence, by gift of Rob. de Pont de Larch, 
 and had a confirmation of them from the King 1252, and 
 privileges of court leet and free warren were allowed him 
 1287. Audomar de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, sur- 
 viving son, dying 1324, left no issue, wherefore his pro- 
 perty passed to his three sisters, co-heiresses. Joan, the 
 3 T oungest, was wife of John Comyn, of Badenagh, in 
 Scotland. They left only daughters. Elizabeth, one of 
 them, was married to Rich. Talbot, of Gooderick castle, 
 co. Hereford, by which this and the other manors came 
 into that family, and continued in it till 1456, when they 
 were transferred to John Vise. Lisle, a younger branch 
 of the Talbot family by Margaret, eldest daughter of 
 Rich. Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, and Elizabeth, the 
 great heiress of Thomas Lord Berkeley. Margaret, widow 
 of Thomas Viscount Lisle, Elizabeth Courtney, Countess 
 of Devonshire, and Sir Arthur Plantagenet and Elizabeth 
 his wife, cousin and heir of the Countess, were succes- 
 sively in possession, till the property came to the crown, 
 and was granted to Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, and, 
 upon his attainder, to George Earl of Shrewsbury 1539. 
 Sir William Kingston was the next grantee 1541, who 
 was succeeded by his son, who levied a fine to Sir Nich. 
 Pointz 1552. The manor was afterwards transferred from 
 the Kingstons to the Jerninghams of Cossey, co. Norfolk ; 
 from whom itagain passed to Sir Wm. Dorrington, who was 
 lord of it, 1608. Sir Samuel Eckley was the next pro- 
 prietor, in the reign of Anne. It afterwards passed to 
 Mr. John Small, and from him to Samuel Peach, Esq,
 
 Forest Division. Dudstan and King's Bart on Hundred. Lower. 1 83 
 
 who is the present lord of the manor, with about half the 
 parish. 
 
 Thomas Smith, Gent, is the only considerable land- 
 holder besides. 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 110 123 88. Houses, 20. 
 
 The benefice is a curacy annexed to Moreton Valence, 
 in Gloucester deanery- The tythes are appropriated to 
 the church of Hereford, whose lessee generally appoints 
 the curate. Henry Burgh, Esq. is the present lessee, and 
 Benjamin Jones, Clerk, incumbent. 
 
 The church dedicated to St. Margaret, consists of a 
 nave and chancel, with a strong embatteled tower at the 
 w. end. 
 
 In 1299 it was a chapel to Moreton, as appears by the 
 record in P. N. tax. " Ecdia de Morton cum capdf de 
 Whaddon." 
 
 Lower Part. 
 
 CCXLYI. HARTPURY, HARDEPER, HARDEPERY, 
 
 anciently MERE WENT, 
 
 Is a parish of considerable extent, distant five miles N. w. 
 from Gloucester, and six E. from Newent, bounded on the 
 w. by the river Leden. The soil is in general a deep red 
 loamy clay, including 3036 acres, of which about 1170 
 are in pasture, 367 in meadow, and the remainder in til- 
 lage, with a small portion of wood. Abundant crops are 
 generally produced, but the meadow on the banks of the 
 Leden. is uncommonly fruitful. Sudden inundations, how- 
 ever, oftentimes injure or carry off the grass when ready 
 N 4
 
 1 8-t The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 for the scythe, or after it has been converted into hay. 
 Great quantities of cyder and perry of excellent quali- 
 ties arc made here. The original name of Merewent oc- 
 curs in the early records, and gave place (but on what 
 account is not known) to the more modern appellation, 
 about the reign of Hen. I. 
 
 Offa, King of Mcrcia, gave the manor of Merewent to 
 the nunnery established at Gloucester, when Eva was 
 abbess about the year 769, and it continued a parcel of 
 the possession/of the abbey of St. Peter, till the dissolu- 
 tion. Sir W. Herbert, Knight of the Garter, the first 
 Earl Pembroke, had a grant of it from Ed. VI. From 
 him it -passed by purchase to Walter Compton, Esq. in 
 1551, and to his descendant Walter Compton, who was 
 created Baronet 1686. Sir Walter Compton, the iifth 
 and last Baronet, died 1773, without issue, and the ma- 
 nor and estates devolved to his surviving sisters, Catherine 
 and Jane. The eldest was married to Edw. Bearcroft, 
 Esq. of Droitwich, co. of Wore, and died in 1775, with- 
 out issue. Jane was the wife of John Berkeley, M. D. of 
 Hereford, and of that branch of the family which is set- 
 tled at Spetchley, co. Worcester. They left two daugh- 
 ters, Catherine and Jane. The youngest is married to 
 the Right Hon. Viscount Southwell, and the eldest to 
 Robert Canning, Esq. in whom, by right of marriage, the 
 manor, with the estates, comprehending about three- 
 fourths of the parish, is vested jointly. 
 
 The manor house was anciently called Abbofs Place, 
 being at that time one of the country residences of the 
 abbots of St. Peter, and for many years after the dis- 
 solution, of the Comptons. 
 
 For some time it has been inhabited, under the munifi- 
 cence of the benevolent proprietors, by a few nuns, who,
 
 forest Division. Dudstan and King's Barton Hundred. Lover. 1 85 
 
 having been obliged to leave the Continent, during 'the 
 late revolutions, found here a comfortable retreat, in the 
 enjoyment of their own religious opinions. 
 
 A considerable estate and manor for many generations 
 belonged to the Pultons, and another to Cha. Havward, 
 
 O x * 
 
 Esq. The former, worth 400/. per ann. is by marriage 
 vested in Jeremiah Hawkins, Esq. of Minsterworth(203), 
 and the latter by purchase is annexed to the manor. 
 HAMLETS. 1. MOREWENT-END. 
 
 2. MOOREND, a commonable meadow on the banks of 
 the Leden. 
 
 3. CORSE-END. 4. BLACKWELL'S-END. 5. LAMPER'S- 
 END. 6. BUTTER'S-END. 
 
 A decisive skirmish was fought here in the civil wars, 
 when Col. Myn, of the royal party? suffered great loss. 
 
 Ten freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 300 300 567. Houses inhabited, 92. 
 
 The benefice is vicarial in Gloucester deanery. The 
 impropriation is in the Bishop of Gloucester, with a cer- 
 tain portion reserved to the vicar. Robert Berkeley, Esq. of 
 Spetchley, co. Worcester, is lessee in trust for the lords 
 of the manor. The exception in favour of the vicar is 
 about 104 acres, of which the tythes are payable to him. 
 Twenty acres of arable, and 55 of meadow and pasture 
 belonging to the demesnes are exempt. George Rollo, 
 M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of a nave 
 and chancel, with a tower at the west end. The south 
 door exhibits some remains of Saxon architecture, but the 
 general style is that of the middle centuries. In the north 
 window are some remains of painted glass. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Hardiper, 6/. 13s. 4d. 
 
 The vicar's portion, 5/. In the King's books, 16/. 6s. 5{d.
 
 136 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCXLVII. MAYSEMORE, MAZEMORE, MAYSMOR, 
 
 Is two miles N. w. from Gloucester, and contains 1408 
 acres of rich meadow and pasture, with a proportionate 
 quantity of arable. The soil varies with the situation. 
 On the banks of the Severn, which flows on the eastern 
 side, it is a red loam; and on the higher parts clay or 
 gravel. The name does not occur in Domesday, it being 
 at that time a member of St. Mary de Lode, in Glouces- 
 ter. In a grant of Hen. J. it appears as part of the tem- 
 poral possessions of the abbey. The etymology is pro- 
 bably from maes, Celtic for a field or plain, and mor often 
 in composition water only ; which is perfectly descriptive 
 of its situation on the banks, and subject to the overflow- 
 ings of the Severn. 
 
 The parish was inclosed in 1793, and a great deal 
 of waste and unproductive common brought into culti- 
 vation. 
 
 Upon the old bridge over the Severn at this place, there 
 formerly stood a cross with this inscription, In honore Dni 
 nri Jhu Christi, quiiwbis crucifixus erat, Ceosie croz fist 
 Wilbn fiz Anketill de Lilton, et Ciseoli Willm fiz Anketill 
 comenza pont de Mazemore. That is for the honour of 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified for us, William 
 son of Anketill began the bridge of Mazemore Rudder. 
 This evidently refers to the person who built the cross 
 and began the bridge, but it does not fix the date. 
 
 During the siege of Gloucester, a bridge was cut down 
 by Colonel Nich. Myn, commander of the Royal Irish 
 Brigade, and another rebuilt on the restoration of 
 peace. This also being much decayed, was taken down
 
 Forest Division.- Dudstun and King's Barton Hundred. Lower. 1 87 
 
 about twenty years since, and another of two arches built 
 about fifty yards higher up the river. 
 
 The manor, with large woods, was given by Hen. I. 
 to the abbey of Gloucester, 1101, with free warren, and 
 continued with the abbey till the dissolution, when it was 
 granted to the Bishop of Gloucester, who is now lord of 
 the manor, and under him the greatest part of the parish 
 is held either by copy or lease. 
 
 The Manor-house^ with an estate of more than 200 acres 
 is held by Benj. Hyett, Esq. 
 
 Adjoining to this Wm. Pitt, Esq. has a good house, with 
 nearly 400 acres of land. 
 
 The Pei^sh estate is the property of Thomas Hawkins, 
 Esq. held in moiety under the Bishop, and chapter 55 . 
 
 Other proprietors are Thomas Smith, Esq. T. Rudge, 
 Esq. T. Vallander, Tho. White, &c. 
 
 OVERTON, or Upper town is the name of a hamlet. 
 
 Three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 210 343. Houses inhabited, 51. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy in Gloucester dean- 
 ery, and has been twice augmented. John Pcarce, clerk, 
 js lessee of the impropriation, under the Bishop, who re- 
 serves the nomination of the incumbent. By the late act 
 of inclosure, the glebe consists of 133 acres of land, and 
 six cow common of pasture in the ham, in lieu of all 
 tythes. Richard Raikes, clerk, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Giles, consists of a nave 
 and chancel only, with a handsome embatteled tower at 
 the west end. The style of building is of the Tudor sera. 
 The feast of the patron Saint is celebrated on the first 
 Sunday in September annually 56 .
 
 1 83 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCXLVIII. PRESTON, anciaitly PRESTETUNE, 
 
 Is a parish of 800 acres, situate at the extremity of the 
 county, and in the nearest line about sixteen miles dis- 
 tant from Gloucester. 1'he soil is a deep red loam, chiefly 
 in tillage, except the meadows, which lie on the banks of 
 the Leden. The fruit trees are planted here, as is the 
 practice of this district, in the fields. The name is de- 
 rived from the ancient proprietors, (Priest-town), it 
 having been from a very early period appendant to a re- 
 ligious house. 
 
 This parish is entirely separated by many miles from 
 any part of the hundred, of which it is a member. 
 Anciently before the consolidation of the hundreds, it was 
 a part of Tolangebriges hundred, as appears from the 
 Domesday record, " The church of St. Peter, Gloweces- 
 tre, holds Prestetune, in Tolangebriges hundred." In the 
 same church it continued till the dissolution, when it was 
 granted to the new see of Gloucester, under which it has 
 long been leased to the family of Bromley. 
 
 The manor-house near the church, called the Court, is 
 built in the stile of the seventeenth century, and was the 
 residence of former proprietors, but is now occupied by 
 John Wood, Gent, the tenant of the greatest part of the 
 parish. 
 
 The White house, a competent estate belongs to 
 
 Elton, Esq. and is the only one detached from the manor. 
 
 One freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 60 10 87. Houses, 16. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in the Forest deanery, in the 
 patronage of the Bishop of Gloucester, and Jenkin Jen- 
 kins, clerk, is incumbent.
 
 Forest Division. Dudstun and King's Barton Hundred. loiter. \ 89 
 
 The church is small and inconsiderable, consisting of a 
 nave and chancel, with a low wooden tower at the west 
 end. In the south window of the nave is preserved a 
 painting on glass, of the crucifixion. The north door is 
 of Saxon-architecture, and probably a part of the church 
 as it stood before, or soon after, the conquest. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Preston, 3/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) ll. 6s. 8d,
 
 I&O 
 
 Ttie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 BERKELEY DIVISION, 
 
 IS divided into Upper and Lower, and contains 7 hun- 
 dreds, 1 market-towns, 71 parishes, 13,240 houses inha- 
 bited, 15,127 families, 488 houses uninhabited, 34,256 
 males, 39,321 females, 13,567 persons employed in agri- 
 culture, 13,843 in trade, 46,162 not engaged in any par- 
 ticular occupation, and 73,577 total. 
 
 i 
 
 VII. BERKELEY HUNDRED. Upper Part. 
 
 249 Ashelworth 
 
 250 Arlingham 
 
 251 BERKELEY, m. t. 
 
 252 Beverstone 
 
 253 Cam 
 
 254 Coaley 
 
 255 Cromhall 
 
 256 DURSLEY, in. t. 
 
 257 Kingscot 
 
 258 Newington 
 
 268 Almondsbury 
 
 269 Elberton 
 
 270 Filton 
 
 259 Nimpsfield 
 
 260 North Niblejr 
 
 261 Olepen 
 
 262 Ozleworth 
 
 263 Slimbridge 
 
 264 Stinchcomb 
 
 265 Stone 
 
 266 Uley 
 
 267 WOTTON, m. t. 
 
 Lower Part. 
 
 271 Hill 
 
 272 Horfield
 
 Berkeley Division, Berkeley Hundred.- Upper Part. 191 
 
 VIII. GRUMBALDS ASH. Upper Part. 
 
 273 Alderley 
 
 274 Badminton, Great 
 
 275 Badminton, Little 
 
 276 Boxwell and Leighterton 
 
 277 Charfield 
 
 278 Didmarton 
 
 279 Hawkesbury 
 
 280 Horton 
 
 281 Oldbury on the Hill 
 
 282 Tortworth 
 
 283 WICKWAK, m. t. 
 
 Lower Part. 
 
 284 Acton Turville 
 
 285 Doddington 
 
 286 Dyrham and Hinton 
 
 287 SODBURY, CHIPPING, 
 
 m. t. 
 
 288 Sodbury, Little 
 
 289 Sodbury, Old 
 
 290 Tormarton 
 
 291 Wapley and Codrington 
 
 292 West Littleton 
 
 IX. PUCKLECHURCH. 
 
 293 Cold Aston 296 Westerleigh 
 
 294 Pucklechurch 297 Wick and Abston 
 
 295 Syston 
 
 X. LANGLEY AND SWINESHEAD. 
 
 302 Littleton on Severn 
 
 303 Olveston 
 
 304 Rockhampton 
 
 305 Winterbourn 
 
 298 Alveston 
 
 299 Bitton 
 
 300 Deynton 
 
 301 Frampton Cotterell 
 
 XL THORNBURY. Upper. 
 306 MARSHFIELD, m. t. 
 
 Lower. 
 
 307 Acton, Iron 
 
 308 Rangeworthy 
 
 309 THORNBURY, in. t. 
 
 310 Tytherington
 
 1 92 Tfie History nf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 XII. HENBURY. 
 
 3 1 1 Compton Greenfield 
 
 312 Hcnbury 
 
 314 Westbury on Trim 
 
 315 Yate 
 
 313 Stoke Gifiard 
 
 XIII. BARTON REGIS. 
 
 316 Clifton 
 
 317 Mangotsfield 
 
 318 St. George's 
 
 319 Stapleton 
 
 At the time of the conquest EDERASTAN und part of 
 BACHESTANE'S were included in the modern hundred of 
 THORNBURY. 
 
 LANGLEI, LANGNEI, SUINEHEVE, SINESHOVEDES, 
 TUIFERDE, nearly in SWINESHEAD. 
 
 BERTUNE apud BRISTOW, part of WESBERIE, and 
 BERNINTRERE, in BARTON REGIS and HENBURY. 
 
 POLCRECERCE in PUCKLECHURCH. 
 
 GRIMBOLDESTOWES*, part of BACHESTANE'S, part of 
 POLCRECERCE, and EDREDESTAN, EDERESTAN, in GRUM- 
 BALDSASI;. 
 
 * Grimbolclestowcf, means Grirabold's place, now corrupted (o GrumbaldsaU.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 193 
 
 BERKELEY DIVISION. 
 
 VII. BERKELEY HUNDRED. Upper Part. 
 
 CCXLIX. ASHELWORTH, anciently ESCELEUUORDE, 
 . Is a parish four miles N. from Gloucester, and separated 
 at least ten miles from the nearest part of the hundred to 
 which it belongs. It contains about 1560 acres of land, 
 of which about one third is in tillage, and the remainder 
 rich pasture and meadow, particularly on the banks of the 
 Severn, which bounds it on the east. The soil is partly a 
 light loam, and in some places inclining to sand. A 
 whitish clay stone, which burns very well to lime is found 
 not far below the surface. 
 
 This manor, of three hides, belonged to Berchelai, and 
 was part of that lordship in the time of Edward the Con- 
 fessor. It was given by Robert Fitz-harding to the abbey 
 of St. Augustine, in Bristol, which he founded, and 
 remained there till the dissolution, when it was granted, 
 with the rectory and advowson, 1543, to the see of Bris- 
 tol. Charles Hayward, Esq. was the lessee under the Bi- 
 shop of Bristol, of the manor and greatest part of the 
 parish. On his death in 1803 he was succeeded in this 
 and other large estates by his brother Thomas Hayward 
 Winstone, Esq. (181) 
 
 VOL. II. O
 
 ] 91 The History of the County of Gloucester, 
 
 The manor-house, which bears the marks of great an- 
 tiquity, is now occupied by a farmer. 
 
 PLACES. 1. Longridge. 2. Knights Green. 3. Nup- 
 ping end. 4. White end. 5. High Cross. 6. IVickcridge. 
 7. Mare-end; all of which are included in one ty thing 
 of Ashelworth. 
 
 The only freehold estate in the parish, about sixty 
 pounds a veur, belongs to Jesse Colchester (not a branch 
 of the Westbury family) The others are held by lease 
 or copy under the principal lessee. 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 350 , 476. Houses, 80. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Gloucester deanery, in 
 the patronage of the Bishop of Bristol, and James Ed- 
 wards, M. A. is incumbent. The impropriation, with the 
 exception of some great tythes belonging to the vicar, is 
 held by lease with the manor. The vicarage house is a 
 very old building, chiefly of timber. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, consists of a nave 
 and south aisle, with a good tower, embatteled, six bells, 
 and a stone spire upon it, at the west end. There are 
 two chancels, one of which belongs to the lord of the 
 manor. It is liable to inundation from its vicinity to the 
 river. In 1770, November 18, the water rose to the 
 height of four feet seven inches through the whole church. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the abbot of St. Augustine, Bristol, holds 
 at Assel worth of rent sixty-six shillings and eight-pence. 
 
 The church of Asselworth, 6/. 13$. 8d. The vicarV 
 portion, 4-1. 6s. Sd. In the King's books, III. 9s. 2d.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 1 95 
 
 CCL. ARLINGHAM, anciently ERLINGHAM, 
 
 Is thirteen miles s. w. from Gloucester, and contains 
 2100 acres of deep rich soil, which are applied in nearly 
 equal proportions to tillage and pasture. 
 
 The common meads and fields were inclosed in 1802. 
 
 The name is supposed to be derived from the British 
 words Ar, upon, Iiig, a meadow, or watery place, and 
 ffam, a village, that is, a village in a watery place. 
 
 From this parish a communication is maintained with 
 the western side of the county and Wales, by a ferry 
 across the Severn to Newnham, the passage-house being 
 on the opposite side (207). 
 
 The Severn in this district makes a very singular turn, 
 and comprizes this parish and Frethern completely within 
 a peninsula, in the form of a horse-shoe ; the distance 
 from the nearest points not much exceeding half a mile. 
 
 This parish is in the Upper Level, and under the ma- 
 nagement of the Commissioners of Sewers, who by judi- 
 cious arrangements and banks have preserved 738 acres 
 from inundation, 
 
 Erlingham, as it is written in Domesday, is one of the 
 five inferior manors, which were parcel of the great ma- 
 nor of Berkeley, and is now, though distinct in other 
 respects, within the leet of that hundred ; but it appears 
 that there was formerly more than one manor in this pa- 
 rish. The abbot of St. Augustine, in Bristol, was seized 
 of a manor, 1287, of lands called Kern and Bethlea, 
 which at the dissolution were given to tlie chapter of Bris- 
 tol 57 . The monks of Flaxley had another manor, which 
 was granted to Sir Anthony Kingston, 1545. The prin- 
 cipal manor continued in the Berkeley family, till Wil- 
 liam, Marquis of Berkeley, granted it with some others 
 
 > 2
 
 196 The History oj the Courtly of Gloucester. 
 
 to Hc-nrv the seventh and his heirs mule. On the death 
 of Kd\v. VI. it reverted to Henry Lord Berkeley, who had 
 livery thereof granted to him 1 Mary (251). The family 
 of Westwood were afterwards the proprietors, and Ro- 
 bert Westwood on the de..th of his father had livery there- 
 of f Eliz. From this family it p; ssed to the Yates. They 
 came in with the conqueror, and have been possessed of 
 property in Arlingham more than 500 years. John-at- 
 Yate, bv marriage with the youngest daughter of John 
 Berkeley, who died in 1321, became seized of an estate 
 in Arlingham. He left a son, John, whose son, of the 
 same name, died 1368. William his son left two sons, 
 Richard and Walter, the former dying without issue, 
 Walter succeeded, and from him came in lineal descent, 
 Thomas, Richard, R'chard, and Walter, who was high 
 sheriff of the county in 1696. Richard, his son bv Eliza- 
 beth, one of the daughters and co-heiresses of Thomas 
 Price, Esq. mayor of Gloucester, had t\vo sons, Charles 
 and John, and three daughters, two of whom died in 
 their infancy. Charles, son and heir of Richard, bv mar- 
 riage with Mary, daughter and co-heiress of Hickes, 
 
 Esq. had one son, John, to whom the manor and estate 
 devolved in 1738. On his death without issue in 1758, 
 the male line was extinct. It is now the property of 
 Dame Dorothy Mill, relict of the late Sir Richard Mill, 
 Bart, of Mattisford, Hants, and daughter of Richard 
 Warren, Esq. late of Redcliff, near Bristol, by Henrietta 
 his wife, who was youngest daughter of Charles Yate, 
 Esq. of Coldthrop(i83), by Elizabeth, daughter of Richard 
 Yate, who married Elizabeth Price, as before(26). 
 
 The old familv mansion called the Courl, is said to have 
 been built nearly five hundred years. Round a side door 
 that leads imo a court before the house, is some sculpture
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkelty Hundred. Upper Part. 1 97 
 
 in stone, which bears the murks of great antiquity. The 
 style, however, of the present building, is of the early 
 part of Hen. VIII. as appears by the square gothic win- 
 dows. 
 
 Slowwe, is a handsome old house, belonging to the fa- 
 mily of Hodges, to whom it came by purchase in 1586, 
 from the Bridgemans. It continued in the family of 
 Hodges till Thomas Hodges, Clerk, died in 1784, arid in 
 him the male line of Slowwe ending, the estate passed to 
 his sister. 
 
 Puckpool is a good estate belonging to Mr. William 
 Carter. 
 
 Otlier proprietors are, Sir S. Wathen, Knt. Ch. Vcele, 
 Esq. Kc. 
 
 Thirty -two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 400 372 506. Houses inhabited, 87. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Gloucester deanery. It 
 was anciently given by Roger, Lord Berkeley to the 
 priory of Leonard's Stanley. In 1502, upon Leonard's 
 Stanley becoming a cell to the abbey of Glou. ester, that 
 society presented to it. After the dissolution, the rectory 
 and advowson were granted to Sir William Rider, 1610; 
 were afterwards in the Bridgemans and Toyes ; and from 
 them came by purchase to Mrs. Eliz. Rogers, who pre- 
 sented Thomas Jackson, A. M. the present incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, consists of 
 a nave only, and chancel. Part of the ground on which 
 it stands was given by one of the Yates, and the style of 
 architecture is that of the fifteenth century. The interior 
 is very neat, having been lately pewed. The pulpit, 
 cloth, and cushion, of purple velvet richly fringed, were 
 given by Lady Mill, and a handsome service of commu- 
 nion plate by the late John Yate, Esq. Some portraits of 
 o 3
 
 198 Tlic History qf the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 saints appear in the windows in stained glass. The tower 
 is ornamented with a parapet of open Gothic work ; and 
 at the end of the nave is a turret for a saint's bell. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Erlingham, 18/. 6s. 8rf. 
 
 In the King's books, 19/. Is. 
 
 CCLI. BERKELEY, anciently BERCHELAI, 
 From which the hundred takes its name, is sixteen miles 
 from Gloucester, seven N. from Thornbury, and one mile 
 from the Severn, with which it communicates by the 
 Avon, a small river, but capable of carrying vessels of 
 forty or fifty tons burthen. The tide flows up this narrow 
 channel round the castle gardens, near a mile above the 
 town. The soil is composed of clay and rich loam, and 
 is principally pasture. Here, and in the neighbourhood, 
 is made the famous cheese called single and double Glou- 
 cester; the best sorts of which are exceeded in no country 
 whatever. Golden, or London-pippin cyder is made in 
 good perfection here. 
 
 ,The town of Berkeley is called a borough, though it 
 sends no Members to Parliament. A MSS. written by 
 John Smith the elder of Nibley, 1639, in possession of the 
 Earl of Berkeley, explains the signification of burgh or 
 borrow in the following manner : " Burgh or borrow 
 " notes unto us from the Saxon, that the place was an- 
 " ciently fortified ; the prints whereof are in some places 
 " not digged down or washed out; the name also of 
 " Lockfast-bridge yet remaininge, leading from Hame, 
 " over the further ewe or water, seemeth to imply as 
 " much." The town in former days was certainly much 
 larger than it is now. At present it consists principally 
 of one street, containing very few good buildings. In
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 1 99 
 
 consequence of the change in the direction of the main 
 turnpike road, it is little visited, except for the purposes 
 of business or curiosity. Tuesday is the regular market- 
 day, but it is not much attended. 
 
 The manor is one of the largest in England, taxed in 
 Domesday at 160 hides, and 294 plow tillages and a half. 
 
 The nobie family of Berkeley were so much concerned 
 in the affairs of most of the reigns from the conquest, and 
 so many historical anecdotes belong to them, that it 
 would take up more room to relate than is compatible 
 with the plan of a compressed history. The following 
 account brings down t!ie pedigree to the present time. 
 
 Roger, who came in the retinue of the Conqueror, was 
 rewarded with this manor, and took the name of de Berke- 
 ley from it. On his death without issue, William, h : s 
 nephew and heir, possessed it about 1100. He was suc- 
 ceeded by Roger, his son, who, taking part with Stephen 
 against Henry II. was dispossessed of his castle, and lost 
 his estate. Henry, as a reward for the services h,e had re- 
 ceived, granted the castle and lordship of Berkeley to 
 Robt. Fitzharding, governor of Bristol, descended, ac- 
 cording to Leland, from the Kings of Denmark ; and 
 Robt. Fitzharding, the ancestor of the present family, 
 took his seat in the House of Peers as Lord Berkeley, 
 1. Hen. II. By family intermarriages, a reconciliation 
 took place between the late and newly created lord ; and 
 the former having been restored to the barony of Dursley, 
 voluntarily released all right to the barony of Berkeley. 
 On his death, 1170, Maurice, his second son, (Henry, the 
 elder, having died young) succeeded, took the name of 
 Berkeley, and was the first who resided here. He was 
 succeeded, in 1189, by Robert, his eldest son. This lord 
 took up arms twice against John, and lost his castle and 
 i) 4
 
 200 Tlie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 lands. In the 18 John, he obtained a grant of the manor 
 of Cam, on his submission, and upon the accession of 
 Hen. III. was restored to all his lands, except the castle 
 and town of Berkeley. He died 1220. Thomas, his bro- 
 ther, had restitution of the castle, 8 Hen. III. He died in 
 1243, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Maurice the 
 second. He had attended his father in the wars against 
 France, and, 41 Hen. III. was in the expedition with 
 Prince Edward against the Welsh. He was succeeded by 
 Thomas, his second surviving son, a wise and provident 
 person. Dying, in 1321, he was succeeded by Maurice 
 the third, his eldest son, who had been summoned twice 
 to parliament in his father's life-time, as lord Berkeley, of 
 Berkeley castle ; and being of a warlike character, was 
 engaged in many military actions; and after having been 
 successful against the Spencers, with the earl of Lancaster, 
 was, by a strange reverse of alfairs, with his adherents, de- 
 clared traitors; and refusing to submit, lost his castle and 
 lands, and was sent prisoner to Wallingford castle, and 
 died there in 1326. Thomas the third, second lord Berke- 
 ley, succeeded his father, and had the castle of Berkeley 
 delivered to him, whereof Hugh le Despencer had pos- 
 sessed himself. During this lord's time, Edward the se- 
 cond was murdered at Berkeley, but he was acquitted 
 both by jury and also parliament of having been concerned 
 in it. He died in 1361, and was buried in Berkeley 
 church, when Sir Maurice the fourth succeeded him, and 
 died in 1367. Thomas, eldest son, succeeded as fourth 
 lord Berkeley. He first let out his estates at a yearly rent, 
 a custom which then began to prevail over England. He 
 died without issue male, and was succeeded by his nephew, 
 James 58 , who died 1463, and was buried in an alabaster 
 tomb, in a chapel he had built on the south side of the
 
 "Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 201 
 
 high altar, in Berkeley church. William, his eldest son, 
 was sixth lord of Berkeley, and died without issue in 
 1491, after having been created viscount and marquis of 
 Berkeley, and lies buried in the church of the Friers 
 Augustins, near Broad-street, London. Here the family 
 honours are interrupted; for the Marquis having taken 
 exception at his brother Maurice's conduct, settled the 
 castle and appendages on Henry the seventh and his issue 
 male; in failure of which, to revert to the right heirs of 
 the Marquis. Maurice, the fifth of that name, chiefly re- 
 sided at Yate. He died 1506, and was succeeded by 
 Maurice the sixth, his son, who w r as made Knight of the 
 Bath, at the coronation of Hen. VIII. and summoned to 
 parliament as a baron, 14 Hen. VIII. He died without 
 issue, 1523, and was buried at Calais. Thomas, his bro- 
 ther, succeeded, and was made constable of Berkeley 
 castle, which was then in the crown. He died 1531, and 
 was succeeded by Thomas, his eldest son, the sixth of that 
 name, who being in his way to London from Yate (315), 
 where he resided, died at Stone, county of Kent, and 
 was buried there, in 1535. 
 
 Henry, a posthumous son, was his heir, and recovered 
 the long-lost honours and lordships which William, the 
 Marquis, had settled on King Henry VII. For Edward 
 VI. dying before he was of full age, and no heirs of the 
 male line being left, by special warrant from the Queen, 
 he was put in possession of the barony of his ancestors, 
 and summoned by writ to parliament, and there placed 
 according to his ancient precedence. He was appointed 
 lord lieutenant of the county of Gloucester, 7 Jac. He 
 died in 1613, and was buried in the chancel at Berkeley. 
 His eldest son, Thomas, died before him, but left a son, 
 George, who succeeded his grandfather as twelfth lord of
 
 202 Tfte History of the County of Glottctstot. 
 
 Berkeley, if the succession had not been interrupted. He 
 died in 1653, and was succeeded by his only surviving 
 son, George, who was advanced to the dignity of Viscount 
 Dursley and Eurl of Berkeley, 31 C. II. 1679. He died 
 in 1689, and was buried at Cranford, in the county of Mid- 
 dlesex. 
 
 Charles, his eldest son, succeeded to the honours and 
 estates. He had been made Knight of the Bath at the co- 
 ronation of Charles II. and, in 1680 and 1681, returned 
 member in parliament for Gloucester. He died in 1710, 
 and was interred in the family vault at Berkeley. He was 
 succeeded by James, his second son, third earl, who, in 
 the same year, was made lord lieutenant of the county of 
 Gloucester and city of Bristol, warden of the Forest of 
 Dean, and high steward of the city of Gloucester. He gave 
 many proofs of skill <ind gallantry in the sea service, and 
 was made Vice- Admiral of the White in 1709. During his 
 father's life, he was called by writ to the House of Peers, 
 by the title of Lord Dursley. His lordship died in 1736, 
 and was buried at Berkeley. On his dt ath, his eldest son, 
 Augustus, became the fourth Earl of Berkeley, and from 
 him, by marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Drax, 
 of Charborough, in Dorsetshire, and of Ellerton abbey, in 
 Yorkshire, Esq. descended the present earl ; lady Eliza- 
 beth, first married to Lord Craven, now theMargravme of 
 Anspach; and Admiral George Cranfield Berkeley, mem- 
 ber for the county of Gloucester. 
 
 Frederick Augustus, the present and fifth earl, and the 
 twenty-first in descent from Harding, the Dane, was born 
 May 24, 1745, and succeeded to the family honours and 
 estates in 1755. His Lordship's titles are Earl of Berkeley, 
 Viscount Dursley, Baron Berkeley, of Berkeley castle, 
 Mowbray> Seagrave, and Breaus of Gower, in Glamorgan-
 
 Berkeley Division, Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 203 
 
 shire, Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the 
 county of Gloucester, and of the cities of Bristol and 
 Gloucester, Constable of the castle of St. Briavel, and 
 Warden of the Forest of Dean, High Steward of Glouces- 
 ter, and Colonel of the militia of the county and cities of 
 Gloucester and Bristol. 
 
 The present form of the castle is nearly that of a circle. 
 The great gate leads, under a lofty pile of building, con- 
 nected with the keep on the left side, into an irregular 
 court, about one hundred and forty yards round. The 
 keep, whose walls are very lofty and massive, resembles 
 the form of a Roman D, flanked by three semicircular 
 towers, besides that in which the great stone stair-case is 
 contained, which is square, and has a small room where 
 Edward is said to have been murdered. The whole is 
 rudely embatteled. The original building was finished 
 some time before or about the reign of Stephen, by Roger 
 de Berkeley. Many parts have been added at different 
 periods. The hall, which is 48 feet by 33, was built in 
 the reign of Edward the third. It is a lofty room, and has 
 four windows on the north side, of Norman architecture, 
 Of the same date is the chapel of St. Mary adjoining, 
 which is 36 by 24 : the windows are within two spacious 
 niches, formerly used as private oratories. Many good 
 family portraits are dispersed about the castle. A state 
 bed is here shewn, with a date 1530, the pillars of the Co- 
 rinthian order of ebony gilt. 
 
 Leland mentions several parks and chaces ; but all ex- 
 cept Michael-wood chace and Whitley park, have received a 
 better destination, by being converted into farms. The 
 latter is near the castle, abounds with good timber, and is 
 enclosed with a wall seven miles round. The fishery of
 
 20 J- The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 the Severn, to a great extent, is enjoyed among the ma- 
 nerial rights, but there arc some exceptions of individual 
 privilege. 
 
 TYTHINGS and HAMLETS. 1. The BOROUGH, in 
 which are various properties belonging to the families of 
 Hicks, Jenner, Joyner, &'c. 
 
 2. ALKINGTON, in which Newport is included. Some 
 part belongs to the manor ; the rest is vested in the names 
 of Hicks, Cornock, Kc. 
 
 3. BR.EADSTONE, the property of which is divided 
 among R. Nelmes, Esq. W. Adey, Esq. Jas. Crooine, 
 Gent. Kc. 
 
 4. HAM. In this ty thing the families of Jenner, Jen- 
 kins, and Gee, are among the principal proprietors, but 
 the greatest part is attached to the manor. 
 
 5. HAMFALLOW. Lord Berkeley is the principal pro- 
 prietor here. Other proprietors are, Miss Fust, Sir Sa- 
 muel Wathen, Knt. W. Joyner, gent. Sfc. 
 
 Wanswell Court is an old building; and that part which 
 has Gothic windows was probably built in the 14th centu- 
 ry; the other part about the time of Elizabeth, or James 
 the First. The hall, which occupies the centre of the 
 building, quite to the roof, is lofty and spacious, and has 
 a curious Gothic chimney-piece. A moat still surrounds 
 the house, full of water; and the remains of two draw- 
 bridges may be traced. In the reign of Edw. I. the ma- 
 nor belonged to Robert de Stone : by a marriage with his 
 grand-daughter, in the reign of Edw. III. it passed to John 
 Swonhonger. In the beginning of the reign of Rich. II. 
 John Thorpe, a burgess of Bristol, was possessed of it, 
 by marriage with Isabella, daughter of Swonhonger. sin 
 1672 it was purchased of this family by D. Lysons, Esq.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 203 
 
 '2 tO), whose great-grandson, D. Lysons, M. D. held it to 
 his death, in 1800, when it came to his brother, the Rev. 
 S. Lvsons, the present lord of the manor(m). It is said, 
 that the tenure of the manor of Wanswell is by military 
 service in a tower in the castle, called Thorpe's Tower, 
 but this is disputed. 
 
 6. HINTON. More than half the property here is an- 
 nexed to the manor. An estate, late Weston's, is vested 
 in I. H. Hicks, M. D. by marriage with the heiress of that 
 family. 
 
 1. STONE, was originally a hamlet, but is now in many 
 respects a distinct parish (265). 
 
 These tythings and hamlets have all distinct officers, 
 and maintain their respective poor. 
 
 At Purton the present Earl has made a large decoy- 
 pool, the only one in this county 59 
 
 Iron ore abounds within the limits of this parish; and it 
 appears from the quantity of cinders to be found, parti- 
 cularly about Peddington, that blomaries were formerly 
 worked here. 
 
 An old religious house existed here long before the 
 conquest, which might have been the family " atBercka" 
 mentioned in the acts of a synod at Clovesho, A. D. 824. 
 But it is more doubtful, whether it consisted of monks or 
 nuns, who were suppressed by the villainy of Earl God- 
 win, in the time of Edward the Confessor, as related by 
 Cam den. 
 
 The hospital of St. James and John is also mentioned, 
 cart 12, Hen. III. m. 4, wherein is a confirmation of seve- 
 ral parcels of land with which it was endowed. 
 
 A priory or hospital was also founded in Long-bridge, 
 in the tything of Ham, by Maurice Lord Berkeley in 
 lien. II. and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The estate
 
 206 The History of the County qf' Gloucester. 
 
 with which it was endowed is now a parcel of the impro- 
 priation. 
 
 One hundred and eleven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 2500 1854 3090. Houses inhab. 498. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Dursley deanery, of which 
 the Earl of Berkeley is patron, and Caleb Carrington, elk. 
 is incumbent. 
 
 The patronage of the church was granted by Hen. VIII. 
 to the chapter of Bristol, and was alienated by them, un- 
 der the powers of an act of Parliament, to George, first 
 Earl of Berkeley, in exchange for the rectory of St. Mi- 
 chael's, in Sutton Bennington, co. Nott. but the impro- 
 priate tythes were retained, and are now in lease to Ed- 
 ward Lloyd, Esq. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of a nave, 
 two aisles and a chancel, all of considerable dimensions. 
 The original church was probably built by Robert Fitz- 
 harding about 1 1 20, but it has been much altered from 
 its ancient form by frequent reparations, and particularly 
 those of 1732, w r hen it was newly pewed. The west win- 
 dow and door seem to be the principal unaltered parts of 
 the first building, and are very elegant examples of the 
 architecture of that age. 
 
 The tower is at some distance from the church. It was 
 erected about forty years since, on the same spot where 
 the old tower stood. On the base of the windows of the 
 south aisle are three cumbent figures, with a lamb couchant 
 at the feet of each ; these are not more than a yard long. 
 Whether they are meant for any children of the family 
 who died in their infancy, or three nuns belonging to the 
 foundation which once existed here, is not ascertained. 
 To the chancel, on the south side, is joined the sacellum 
 or burial chapel, erected by James, Lord Berkeley, 1450.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 207 
 
 In P. N. taxation the church of Berkleye, that is, the 
 rectory, 24/. 6^. Sd. In the King's books, 32/. 15.9. 
 
 CCLII. BEVERSTONE, anciently BEURESTAN, 
 
 Is twenty miles s. from Gloucester, and contains 2300 
 acres of light stony soil, three fourths of which are in 
 tillage, 
 
 The manor, containing ten hides, was anciently a par- 
 cel of tlte great manor of Berkeley, and at the time of the 
 general survey was holden of it. Hen. II. gave it to Ro- 
 bert Fitzharding, ancestor of the Berkeley family, who 
 settled it on Robert his son, on his marriage with Alice, 
 the daughter and heiress of Robert de Gaunt. Maurice 
 de Gaunt, taking his mother's name, succeeded him, and 
 dying without issue, his sister Eva, by marriage with An- 
 selm de Gourney, carried the Beverstone property into 
 that family, 1230. Robert, their son, the founder of 
 Gaunt's hospital, in Bristol, was succeeded by his son 
 Anselm, 1269, who left the manor to his son John, 1286, 
 whose only daughter and heiress Elizabeth, by marriag 
 carried it to John Ap Adam 1287. From their son Tho- 
 mas the manor passed by purchase to Thomas Lord Berke- 
 ley, 1331, in which family it continued till the reign of 
 Elizabeth, when Sir John Berkeley alienated the manor 
 to Sir John Poyntz, from whom it soon passed to Henry 
 Fleetvvood, Esq. and from him after 1608, to Sir Michael 
 Hicks; from him to Sir Henry, whose younger son, 
 Michael Hicks, Esq. dying without issue in 1764, left the 
 Beverstone manor and estate to Michael, son of Sir Howe 
 Hicks, Bart, of Witcomb, tUen an infant, who is now lord 
 f the manor, and proprietor of the whole parish (122).
 
 20S 1 lie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 BEVERSTON CASTLE, 
 
 Is of uncertain foundation, but undoubtedly prior to 
 the conquest. Earls Godwin, Swane, and Harald met at 
 this place, under the pretence of assisting JEdward the 
 Confessor against the Welsh, about 1048. Maurice, Lord 
 Berkeley, or de Gaunt, fortified and repaired it, and 
 was prosecuted by the King for doing so without royal 
 permission, in 1227. It then became a military fortress, 
 and was probably much dilapidated during the Barons' 
 wars; for when purchased by Thomas Lord Berkeley, 
 it was so much beautified and enlarged by the spoils 
 and ransoms of the prisoners he took at Poictiers, in 
 the reign of Edw. III. as to be almost a new structure. 
 Soon after this period it was used only for a mansion- 
 house, till the great rebellion, when it was held for the 
 King and besieged by Col. Massie, to whom it was sur- 
 rendered by the Lieutenant then in command, at the first 
 summons. Soon after the siege the castle was destroyed 
 by fire, and a large dwelling-house that was built within 
 its walls was burnt down about a century ago. The pre- 
 sent is a farm house. 
 
 The castle was originally a -square building, moated 
 round on all sides, with a tower at every corner, one only 
 is now standing. The chapel still remains, and has a 
 beautiful arched roof, a gothic window, and on the right 
 side of the altar a shrine of two compartments of taber- 
 nacle work, with a lavatory, a closet in which is a confes- 
 sional, and over it a prison, the floor of which was once 
 covered with lead, as appears from some now inserted on 
 the walls. In the uppermost story is an aperture of about 
 two yards square, through which the prisoner was K t 
 down into the dungeon, which is only 9 feet square, and
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 209 
 
 has only one entrance by a dark passage, excavated thro' 
 the wall. 
 
 The windows and chimney-pieces were altered to the 
 style of the 16th century, when it became a private 
 "house. 
 
 The outer gate stood over the moat, which was 200 
 yards in circumference, and the ruins are still remaining. 
 
 It is impossible to traverse these remains without shud- 
 dering at the unfeeling cruelty and unrestrained fero- 
 city of ancient Barons, and reflecting with sensations of 
 gratitude on the improved state of society and manners, 
 by which the inferior ranks are protected from oppres- 
 sion, and the superior indisposed, if it were in their 
 power, to renew the tyranny of feudal times. 
 
 The barn mentioned in Big. Col. is in the parish of 
 Rodmarton. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 164 144 142. Houses inhabited, 30. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Dursley deanery, with the 
 chapel of Kingscote annexed, in the patronage of the 
 King, and Thomas Pettat, A. M. is incumbent. The 
 impropriation and advowson anciently belonged to the; 
 monastery of Bristol, but at the suppression the advowson 
 was retained by the crown, and the benefice endowed 
 with the tythes. One hundred and eight acres of arable 
 in Beverstone, thirty-two in Kingscote, and thirty-five 
 acres inclosed in both parishes belong to the rectory. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of a nave, 
 one narrow aisle, with a smaller one belonging to the lord 
 of the manor, and an embatteled tower, with pinnacles. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Beverston, \Ql. 
 
 In the King's books, 30/. 
 
 VOL. II. V
 
 210 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCLIII. CAM, 
 
 Is one mile w. from Dursley, and fourteen s. w. from 
 Gloucester, and contains 3000 acres, the chief part of 
 which is in pasture, with fruitful and extensive orchards, ' 
 and 280 acres of commonable lands. 
 
 The village is divided into Upper and Lower Cam, 
 which are separated by a rivulet which rises at Owlpen, 
 passes bv Dursley, gives name to this parish and to Cam- 
 bridge, and falls into the Severn at Frampton Pill. It is 
 called Cam, from its winding course ; that word in British 
 signifying crooked. 
 
 The lower classes here and in the neighbouring parishes 
 are generally employed in the different branches of the 
 clothing business. 
 
 Cam was a member of the great lordship of Berkeley, 
 and included in the original grant from Hen. II. to Robert 
 Fitzharding, in whose noble descendants it has been vested 
 ever since, -with a very x considerable property. 
 
 Down-house, with a competent estate, is vested in Thos. 
 Morse, Esq. of Dursley. 
 
 Clinger-house and estate is the property of Dan. Weight, 
 Esq. 
 
 Other proprietors are, J. D. Matthews, Esq.(2oo) John 
 Yv r allington, Esq.(264) J. Blagden Hale, Esq.(273) John 
 Tyler, Esq. Mrs. Purnell(256), Kc. 
 
 Lorenge-jmin was anciently a member of this parish, 
 and is still rated in the same assessment of land-tax: but 
 in parochial rates it is joined with Leonard's Stanley. This 
 estate was given in the reign of Hen. III. by Thomas Lord 
 Berkeley to the priory of Leonard's Stanley, of which the 
 abbot of Gloucester had the patronage. The monks of 
 the last abbey procured it to be considered as a part of
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hwdred. Upper Part. 2 1 1 
 
 Leonard Stanley parish, and it has so continued ever 
 since, though separated from it by the intervening 
 parishes of Coaley and Frocester. 
 
 UPPER CAM contains Upthorp, Ashmeads, and Hocker- 
 hill. LOWER CAM contains Tilsdown, Clinger, and 
 Bower Lye. 
 
 Longdowne and Pikedowne are two eminences on the 
 eastern side of the parish. The former is a long plain or 
 down running nearly north and south, and terminating 
 abruptly on the north, but on the south separated by a 
 hollow road from Pikedown or Camlev, as it is sometimes 
 called, which swells out of the vale in a conical form, ter- 
 minating in a point. No vestiges of encampment appear 
 upon it. 
 
 Twenty-eight freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 800 1070 1285. Houses inhabited, 247. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage or rather curacy, endowed 
 in Dursley deanery. The great tythes were appropriated 
 to the abbey of Gloucester in 1361, and were continued to 
 it after the dissolution. The Estcourt family have been 
 lessees of the impropriation for many years. The curate 
 receives 60l. per annum from the lessee, which was so 
 settled by Bishop Goodman, in 1660. The Bishop of 
 Gloucester is patron, and William Fryer, clerk, incum- 
 bent. The present lessee is Edmund Estcourt, Esq. of 
 Lincoln's Inn (169). 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. George, consists of the 
 nave arid an aisle on each side, with a lofty and lio-ht 
 
 ' O 
 
 tower, embatteled and pinnacled at the west end. The 
 effigy of the saint, carved in wood, stood in the porch of 
 the church, and was taken from thence by a clothier, and 
 removed to Colnbrook, in the reign of Hen. VI. whence 
 the inn there received its name. (AtkynsJ. 
 P 2
 
 - 1 ^ Th* History of ttic Cowuy qf Gloucester. 
 
 The church, in some records of the reigns of Hen. IV. 
 and V. is called the Blessed St. Mary. 
 
 CCLIV. COALEY, COVVLEY, anciently COVELEGE, 
 
 Is a parish three miles N. from Dursley, and twelve s. 
 from Gloucester. It contains 22SO acres of a deep clayey 
 soil, the greater part of which is pasture, and very fertile. 
 The manor of Covelege belonged to the Honour of 
 Berkeley, and has been constantly appendant to the pro- 
 prietors of Berkeley castle down to the present time ; near- 
 ly two thirds of the parish belong to the Earl of Berkeley. 
 J. D. Matthews, Esq. is proprietor of a considerable es- 
 tate (255). 
 
 Eleven freeholders voted in 1716. 
 Population, 500 598 800. Houses inhabited, 148. 
 The .benefice is a vicarage in Dursley deanery ; the 
 King is patron, and Meredith Jones, clerk, incumbent. 
 
 The impropriation was given by Roger de Berkeley, to 
 the abbey of Gloucester, and continued in it till the disso- 
 lution, when it was granted to Sir Anthony Kingston, and 
 after to Morris and Phillips, from whom it came to the 
 Brownings, and of them was purchased by John Minett, 
 by whose family it was sold to the Rev. John Golightly, 
 M. A. the present impropriator. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, consists of 
 a nave and north aisle, with a tower at the west end, em- 
 batteled and pinnacled, with handsome fret- work, proba- 
 bly the work of the convent of Gloucester. 
 
 Two escutcheons are on either side the door case ; upon 
 one the gothic D inclosing A, on the other a chevron de- 
 faced, part of the arms of Berkeley.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 213 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Covele, 9/. 6s. 8d. 
 fn the Kings books (discharged) 8/. 2s. 3\d. 
 
 CCLV, CROMHALL, anciently CROMHAL, 
 
 Is seven miles s. from Berkeley, and twenty-three from 
 Gloucester, and contains 3000 acres of light soil on a bed 
 of excellent lime stone, on the higher grounds, and a deep 
 soil in the lower. The former is principally in tillage, 
 and the latter in pasture, beside extensive woodlands in 
 the park, and a considerable portion in orcharding. 
 
 Before and after the conquest, Cromhall was a member 
 of the great lordship of Berkeley. In 1148 Robert Lord 
 .Berkeley gave one part of it, which has since been called 
 Cromhall Abbotts, to the monks of St. Augustine, in Bris- 
 tol. They had free warren and a court leet in it, 1287, 
 and continued in possession of this manor till the dissolu- 
 tion, when it was granted to the new see of Bristol, and 
 still continues with it, but is inr lease to Lord Ducie. 
 
 CROMHALL LYGON, so called from the proprietor of it 
 in the reign of Eliz. belonged to Sir John Berkeley in 
 1428, from whose family it went by purchase to the Li- 
 gons, of whose descendant, Richard Ligon, it was pur- 
 chased by Sir Thomas Throckmorton, Bart. ; his son, Sir 
 William, sold it to Sir Horatio Veele, lord of Tylbury 
 in the reign of James I. Avho resold it to Sir Robert Ducie, 
 alderman of London, from whom it has descended to the 
 present noble proprietors (115). 
 
 The park is not entirely within this parish. It was en- 
 closed by Sir William Ducie 1661, and is very well wood- 
 ed, with an extensive piece of water in the middle. The 
 vestiges of a perfect encampment still remain. The dis- 
 covery of a tesselated pavement, proves that the Ro- 
 P 3
 
 2 1 i Tlic History qf the County of Glouceslei: 
 
 mans were once stationed there, but can hardly be al- 
 lowed as proof that the Iter Antonini led through or near 
 this place from Bath. 
 
 A retired spot, called Anchorites' 1 hill, supports the tra- 
 ditionary account of a hermit of the early ages having 
 had n cell here; something like the ruins of which are now 
 to be seen. 
 
 Cromhall h'ath is a large uninclosed tract of land, to 
 which this parish and.Wickwar claim a right of common. 
 
 Woodend house, is a handsome modern mansion, built 
 by Daniel Matthews, Esq. about [110. He was succeed- 
 ed in this and other considerable estates by his son Joseph 
 Daniel Matthews, Esq. who sold the house and some lands 
 belonging to it, to Lord Ducie, the present proprietor 60 . 
 
 Bibstonc house is the property and present residence of 
 JOK' h D. Matthews, Esq. 
 
 Heathend house, with the estates, were for many years 
 the property of the family of Robins, and was sold by one 
 his descendants to Mr. James Rudge, some time after 
 whose death they were transferred to Thomas Webb, Esq. 
 He died early in 1803, and the house is now the residence 
 of his sister, Mrs. Dyer. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Hickcs was proprietor of a good house, 
 called Court-house, and estate, near the churcft, in the be- 
 ginning of last century, descended from an ancient fami- 
 ly, of which, Sir Baptist Hickes, Lord Campden, and Sir 
 William Hickes, of Beverston, were branches. He died 
 in 1726, and by the death of two brothers, Mary, the 
 surviving daughter, became heiress. She died in 1783, 
 when the property came to Thomas Webb, Esq. and on 
 Ins death to the family of Dyer. 
 
 The higher parts of this parish are on a limestone rock; 
 which diverges from this point as from a centre, to the
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. '2 \ j 
 
 south-east, as far as Sodbury, and to the south-west ter- 
 minated by Aust Cliff. The lime made from it is pecu- 
 liarly good and white, and in the interstices at various 
 places, arc veins of lead ore, and Sulphate of Strontian 
 (310) (315) (287). The lower parts, and the whole dis- 
 trict south of it, extending beyond Bristol, abound with 
 coal (31 5) (296) &V. In this parish some mines were sunk 
 at the expence of the late Lord Ducie, but soon disconti- 
 nued on account of the frequently intervening strata o! 
 earth. The steam engine is now neglected and nearly in 
 ruins. 
 
 About the beginning of last century, there was in the 
 park a large plantation of vines, which is said to have pro- 
 duced ten hogsheads of good wine in one year 61 . 
 
 Twenty-one freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 360 316550. Houses inhabited, 115. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkcsbury deanery, in 
 the patronage of Oriel College, Oxford. Robert Penny,' 
 D. D. incumbent. 
 
 The advowson was annexed to the manor for many o-e- 
 nerations, till Matthew, the first Lord Ducie, sold it to 
 the present patrons in 1728. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, consists of a 
 nave and south aisle, with a low embattelcd tower on the 
 north side, apparently of a more modern date than the 
 other parts of the building. The effigies of a man cross 
 legged, mentioned by Atkyns, .and supposed to be one of 
 the Ligons, was either built up in the wall, or hid from 
 sight by the pews, when some reparations were made in 
 the church in 1775. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Cromhale, 7/. 
 
 In the Kings books, 16/. 19s. 2d. 
 P 4
 
 '2 1 6 77/0- History qf tltc. County of Lloucester. 
 
 CCLVI. DURSLEY, anciently DERSILEGE, 
 
 Is a parish and market town, fifteen miles s. of Glou- 
 cester. It is in compass eight miles, of a soil light and 
 gravelly, mostly in pasture, with '2000 acres of woodland. 
 Under the ancient constitution of the borough, there 
 was a chief officer, called Praepositus, who now receives 
 the name of bailiff. His office was formerly to collect the 
 King's rents, and now it is, to examine into weights and 
 measures, nor does it appear that his authority extends 
 farther. The first priepositus, in 1567, was James Small- 
 wood, and the present is Isaac Danford, Gent. The mar- 
 ket-house stands in the middle of the town ; it was buiit 
 of freestone about the year 1733, and h^s the statue of 
 Queen Anne at the east end, and the arms of the lord of 
 the manor in the front, who was at the sole expence of 
 it. Thursday is the market-day, and the annual fairs are 
 on the 6th of May, and 4th of December. The town 
 itself is situated at the base of a steep hill, irregularly 
 built, and not of great extent. Some of the houses are 
 handsome and respectable, and others bear the charac- 
 ters of great antiquity, particularly one, which possibly 
 might have belonged to the Webbs, alias Woolworth, or 
 Wekys; one of the chambers is lined with oak wainscot, 
 the arched roof framed with timber, and the beams high- 
 ly carved and ornamented with a cypher, E. W. 1539. 
 In Dr. Parson's MSS. it is said that the first charter for 
 markets and fairs was granted in 1471, b}* Ed. IV. at the 
 petition of William Lord Berkeley, and renewed in 1612, 
 on the petition of Sir Thomas Estcourt, Knt. 
 
 On the s. . side of the church-yard, some springs rise 
 out of the ground, like boiling water, in so copious a man- 
 ner, as to drive a fulling mill at about a hundred yards dis-
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part, 2 1 T 
 
 tance below, and are never known to diminish in quantity. 
 At their rise, they cover a fine level gravelly bottom, for 
 about fifteen feet square, with nearly two feet of water, 
 wherefore the inhabitants call it Broad Well ; but farther 
 back than the time of Hen. III. it was called Ewelme. 
 This is a Saxon word, signifying the head of a spring; 
 arid it is conjectured that this remarkable water gave name 
 to the town; for in British, dwr is water, and ley, tege, 
 lega, are common terminations for pasture ground, parti- 
 cularly in elevated situations. In any way, this remarkable 
 spring seems to have suggested the first idea of the name. 
 There is a stone found here of a peculiar nature, called, 
 by Leland, towfc stone, and by moderns, puff stone, or 
 tophus. It lies in one entire bed or stratum, on which the 
 workshops of Mr. Phelps are now built, and is so soft, as to 
 be cut into pieces or blocks of any size or shape ; but 
 when it has been exposed some time in the sun and air, 
 assumes an uncommon degree of hardness and durability. 
 
 d 
 
 The walls of Berkeley castle, and in part the churches of 
 Dursley and Cam, were built with this stone, and are suf- 
 ficient proofs of its power to resist the usual effects of 
 weather and age. The extreme lightness of it renders it 
 highly useful in the construction of vaulted cielings, to set 
 between the ribs of springing arches. The high choir 
 vault of Gloucester cathedral is said to be a fine specimen 
 of it. 
 
 On the top of the hill, near Niblev-park, is a place cal- 
 led the Hermitage , bleak and dreary, where, it is said, an 
 anchorite thought proper to spend his days. The last 
 mention of Heremite, or Hemitage, is in the court roll of 
 Ham, in 8 Hen. VIII. 
 
 In this and the adjacent parishes, the following fossils 
 ire to be found. Nautili, ammonoidoD, cochlese, and be-
 
 218 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Jemnites. Likewise ostracites, mytili, and pinnae marinae; 
 besides asteria columnaris, found in some running streams, 
 but not in abundance. 
 
 Dursley gives the title of Viscount to the Earls of Berke- 
 ley, and the eldest son is stiled Lord Dursley. 
 
 Edward Fox, well known in history for the active part 
 he took in promoting the divorce of Hen. VIII. from 
 Queen Catherine, was a native of this town 62 . 
 
 The ditch of the old castle is still to be seen in an or- 
 chard at the N. w. end of the town, which is called the- 
 Castle Orchard. 
 
 The Conqueror gave three hides in Dersilege, being a 
 member of the honour of Berkeley, to Roger de Berkeley. 
 In this name it continued till the reign of Richard II. 
 About which time the manor passed, by the marriage of 
 Maud, daughter and surviving heiress of John de Berke- 
 ley, to Robert de Cantelupe, and by marriage with their 
 daughter to Richard Chedder, from which name also it 
 was transferred by marriage with the heiress to Thomas 
 Wike, or Wekys, who died seized 1474. His fifth de- 
 scendant in lineal succession, Robert Wekys, sold the 
 manor to Richard Bude and his heirs, from whom it soon 
 passed to Edmond Woolworth, alias Webb, whose son 
 William sold it to Thomas Estcourt, Esq. from whom it 
 descended to Sir Thomas Estcourt, Knt. and on his death, 
 in 1625, to Walter Estcourt, of Lasborough, Esq. who 
 Avas succeeded by Thomas Estcourt, Esq. of Shipton 
 Moigne. He dying unmarried, was succeeded by his 
 brother, Edmond, of Burton-hill, near Malmsbury, co. 
 Wilts, Esq. who dying without issue male, bequeathed his 
 property to Thomas Estcourt, Esq. (second son of the late 
 Matt. Estcourt, Esq. of Cam) who is the present lord of the 
 manor, and resides at Estcourt-house, near Tctbury( 112).
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 219 
 
 King* s-hill-house is the property and residence of Mrs. 
 Purnell, relict of Thomas Purnell Purnell, Esq. who died 
 in December, 1801. 
 
 WOODM ANCOTE is a tything and hamlet, adjoining to the 
 borough, and an ancient manor, of which Otto was pos- 
 sessor at the general survey. It afterwards came into the 
 Svvyneburne family, from them to Thomas Lord Berkeley, 
 and continued Avith his descendants till sold by John 
 Berkeley to Richard Lambert, a merchant, of London, 
 1567. In 1670, it was transferred by purchase from 
 William Luden and Elizabeth his wife, sister of Arthur 
 Bromwick, Esq. to John Arundell. In 1762, it was sold 
 by the co-heirs of John Arundell, Gent, to John de la 
 Field Phelps, Esq. the father of John de la Field Phelps, 
 Esq. the present lord of the manor. 
 
 The homage paid twice a year to the court at Berke- 
 ley, is a thong of blue leather, tagged with ten at each 
 end. 
 
 The clothing manufacture is carried on here to a large 
 extent, and with every advantage of modern machinery 63 . 
 The principal works belong to Messrs. John (264) and 
 Edward Wallington, William Phelps, and Mr. Tippetts. 
 
 Nao Mills is a good house, belonging to William Pur- 
 nell, Esq. (184). 
 
 Fifty-eight freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 2500 2000 2379. Houses inhabited, 
 460. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in the deanery to which it 
 gives name, anciently charged with the payment of 
 I/. 6.?. 8cl. to the priory of Stanley St. Leonard, and in the 
 patronage of the abbot of Gloucester, who, in 1475, at the 
 instance of John Carpenter, Bishop of Worcester, ex- 
 changed this rectory for the Archdeacon's house in Glou T
 
 220 The History of the County nf Gloucester. 
 
 cester, to which dignity it was then appropriated, and has 
 continued annexed ever since. James Webster, LL. B. is. 
 the present archdeacon and rector of Dursley. The 
 church, dedicated to St. James, consists of a spacious 
 nave, two aisles, a tower of modern Gothic, and a very 
 handsome portal. The arms of Berkeley and Fitz Alan, 
 and the device of Thomas Tanner, are carved on the tim- 
 ber frame roof. The latter erected a chapel at the south 
 end of the aisle for chantry, and the figure of a skeleton 
 beneath a canopy is intended as a memorial for him. Tlie 
 south aisle probably owed a great deal of its external em- 
 bellishments to him, which is in the -best stile of that 
 period. The old spire fell in 1699, while the bells were 
 ringing, and many lives were. lost. It was re-built and 
 finished in 1709, at the expence of 10001. The chancel 
 was also re-erected in 1738, and neatly fitted up. On the 
 end of the nave is a saint's bell turret. 
 
 In P. N. taxation the church of Durselege is valued at 
 6l. 13s. 4d. In King's books, 10/. 14s. 6 Id. 
 
 CCLVII. KINGSCOTE, anciently CHINGESCOTE, 
 
 Is distant five miles N. w. from Tetbury, and sixteen s. 
 from Gloucester. It contains 1 300 acres of a light stone- 
 brash soil, chiefly in tillage and woodland. There are 
 several deep valleys, whose acclivities are covered with 
 beech, which grows with great luxuriance on this whole 
 extensive range of hills. The termination of the name is 
 evidently descriptive of its being overgrown with wood in 
 ancient days. 
 
 This manor, at the time of the general survey, was a 
 member of the lordship of Berkeley. It was given to Ro- 
 ger de Berkeley by the Conqueror, and afterwards taken
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 221 
 
 from another Roger of tho same name, and given to Ro- 
 bert Fitzharding, who soon after gave it to Nigel de 
 Kingescote, to be holden of him by half a knight's fee, on 
 marriage with his daughter Aldena. They left two sons, 
 Adam and Robert, the latter of whom, on failure of issue 
 in the elder branch, succeeded to the estate. The manor 
 was confirmed to his son Nigel! by Robert Lord Berkeley, 
 in the reign of Richard, who dying without issue, left 
 Richard, his younger brother, his heir. He was suc- 
 ceeded by Nigell, who died 1319, and was father of Wil- 
 liam, father of Nicholas, father of William, father of 
 John, who died in the life-time of his father, leaving his 
 son William a minor, father of William, who died 1525, 
 and was father of William, who died 1541, who was fa- 
 ther of William, who died 1583, leaving Christopher his 
 heir, who died in 1608, leaving his son Anthony, on 
 whose death in 1654, Abraham his son succeeded, and in 
 1 610 left William Kingscote, Esq. who died 1706. William 
 his son died in 1731, and was succeeded by Nigell, on 
 whose death without issue in 1773, this manor and family 
 estates devolved to his nephew, Robert Kingseote, Esq. 
 (son of Robert Fitzharding, K, brother of the said Nigell,) 
 who is now lord of the manor, and twenty-first possessor 
 from the original grantee, Nigel de Kingescote. 
 
 The ancient manor-house, which has been the residence 
 of the family nearly 700 years, has been much modernized 
 and improved. 
 
 PLACES. 1. Binley. 2. Hazlecote. 3. Smith's Shop, 
 or Hunter's Hall, which is a commodious inn on the turn- 
 pike-road from Gloucester to Bath. 
 
 This place was probably the scene of military transac- 
 tions. Some discoveries of coins, fragments of tesselated 
 pavement, and other antiquities are said to have been dis-
 
 222 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 covered in a field called the Chcstles. but tradition gives, 
 no account of any place where they were deposited. 
 
 In this neighbourhood are quarries of stone full of pe- 
 trifactions, and when polished, not unlike the Derbyshire 
 marble. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population 180 134 171. Houses inhabited, 47. 
 
 The living is a portion of Beverstone rectory, to which 
 it is annexed as a chapel, but exercising all the rights 
 which belong to a parish. 
 
 The chapel is a small building, dedicated to St. John 
 the Baptist, having a nave only, and a low embattelled 
 tower. 
 
 The cenotaph of the Kingscote family is a triangular 
 pyramidal structure, on the bases of which are three mar- 
 ble tables, with momumental inscriptions. 
 
 CCLVIII. NEWINGTON BAGPATH, anciently 
 NEWENTON, 
 
 Is a small parish, four miles east from Wotton-under- 
 Edge, and seventeen south from Gloucester. The soil is 
 stone-brash, and extends over 1600 acres, applied nearly 
 in equal proportions to arable and pasture. 
 
 Atkyns is probably mistaken in his assertion, that this 
 manor was held of the honour of Hereford, as it was a 
 member of the Lordship of Berkeley befpre the conquest, 
 and has continued to be so ever since. Soon after the 
 reign of Rich. II. it passed from the Berkeleys, as imme- 
 diate possessors, to the Wckys, descended from an heiress 
 of that family (256). Robert Wekys, a descendant, sold 
 it in the reign of Elizabeth, probably to Sir Thomas Low, 
 as he was lord of the manor in 1608. Edward Webb,
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 223 
 
 Esq. was lord of it at the beginning of last century, from 
 whom it passed, by purchase, to Nigel Kingscote, Esq. 
 whose nephew, Robert Kingscote, Esq. is the present pro- 
 prietor (257). 
 
 BAGPATH is a hamlet, lying half a mile from the 
 church. It was in the family of Pointz for several genera- 
 tions, and was sold by Nicholas Pointz. Edward Webb, 
 Esq. was lord of it at the beginning of the last century, 
 and it is now vested in Robert Kingcote, Esq. 
 
 Culcot, or Caldfcot, is a farm, formerly the demesnes of 
 the abbey of Kingswood. This likewise was a part of the 
 property belonging to the Pointz fahiily, from whom it 
 passed to the Estcourts; and Edmund Estcourt, Esq. is 
 now lord of the manor (169). 
 
 Lurgesall, formerly belonging to the abbey of Glou- 
 cester, and granted first to Sir Walter Raleigh, and in 
 1606 to Peter Vanlore, merchant, and William Blake, 
 scrivener, is now vested in the Corporation of Glou- 
 cester. 
 
 Edw. Sheppard, Esq. of Uley, is the present lessee, by 
 assignment from Mawle. 
 
 Five freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 220 354 217. Houses inhabited, 36. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Dursley deanery, the 
 patronage of which was in the abbey of Gloucester in 
 
 1512, and is now, by purchase, in Taylor, Esq. of 
 
 Wotton-undcr-Edge. Thomas Hickes, A. M. is incum- 
 bent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, consists of 
 a nave only, and a low tower at the west end. 
 
 In P. N. tax the church of Newenton 8/ In King's 
 books, 4/.
 
 22 1 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCLIX. NIMI'SFIELD, anciently NIMDESFELLE, 
 
 Is four miles N. E. from Dursley, fourteen s. from Glou- 
 cester, and contains about 1 130 acres. The soil is a light 
 stone-brash, about half in tillage, with some woodland. 
 
 The turnpike road from Bath to Gloucester leads down 
 Nimpsfield hill, which is remarkably steep. The famous 
 Col. Massie, who had been disgusted by the conduct of 
 the republicans in the great rebellion, and deserted the 
 cause, after having been taken prisoner by a party sent 
 on purpose, and placed on horseback behind a trooper, 
 contrived in coming down this hill, to tumble himself and 
 guard off the horse, and by this means made his escape. 
 
 The manor is a member of the Lordship of Berkeley. 
 Robert Fitzharding gave this to his youngest son, Avho 
 afterwards took the name of Fitz-Nicholls. Sir Thomas 
 Fitznicholls died in 1419, leaving two daughters; Cathe- 
 rine, married to Robert Pointz, Esq. and Eleanor to John 
 Browning, Esq. whose moiety was soon after conveyed to 
 Robert Pointz. It came afterwards into the family of 
 Tame (l 25). On the death of Edmond, without issue, 
 the family estates came to his three sisters, co-heiresses ; 
 and in the partition, this was settled on Sir Thos. Verney, 
 who had married Alice, the second, whose great grandson, 
 Sir Richard, was lord of the manor in 1608. The Bridg- 
 mans were soon after possessed of it, and John Bridgman, 
 of Prinknash, was lord at the beginning of last century. 
 From this family it was transferred to the noble family of 
 Ducie; and Francis Reynolds Morton, Lord Ducie, is 
 now lord of the manor (282), with the greatest part of the 
 parish. 
 
 HAMLETS. KYNLEY. or KINLINE. The manor an- 
 ciently belonged to the warden and bretheren of a priory
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 225 
 
 established here, which Avas seized by William I. and res- 
 tored by Will. II. 1099. It was dedicated to the Blessed 
 Virgin, and became in a short time a college or free cha- 
 pel of secular priests. Here was also a chantry chapel, 
 dedicated to St. Anthony, whose figure was painted at the 
 east end, with a boar by his side. After the general sup- 
 pression the manor of Kynley was granted to William 
 Stump, whose son, Sir James, had livery 1554. 
 
 The priory, though converted to a dwelling-house, is 
 still chargeable with tenths. The chantrv lands wer .; for 
 a long time the subject of dispute between Thos. Throck- 
 morton, of Tortworth, and Sir Henry Winston, of Stan- 
 dish, but now are vested in Lord Ducie. 
 
 Tinkley is another hamlet, consisting of two farms. 
 Some property in this parish belongs to the family of Est- 
 court 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 250 497 523. Houses inhabited, 93. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Stonehouse deanery, in the 
 patronage of the King, and George Hay ward, the young- 
 er, A. M. is the present incumbent. The inhabitants bap- 
 tized and buried at Frocester, which was the mother 
 church in 1185. The chapel of Nympsfield and the ad- 
 Vowson of Frocester were given to the abbey of Glouces- 
 ter by William de Blois, Bishop of Worcester, in 1225. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Margaret, consists of a 
 nave, with a handsome embatteled and pinnacled tower 
 at the west end. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Nymedesfeld, 5/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 1 1/. 5s. Od. 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 226 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCLX. NORTH. NIBLKY, 
 
 Is two miles N. w. from Wotton-under-edge, and eigh- 
 teen s. from Gloucester, situated partly on the hill and. 
 partly in the vale, and the soil, extending over 3000 acres, 
 varies accordingly. On the former the land is light and 
 strong, and chiefly in tillage, but in the latter are found 
 very rich pasture and dairy farms, on which cheese of 
 prime quality is made. The acclivities are covered with 
 beech, but in the lowlands the elm and the oak thrive with 
 luxuriance. Some parts of this parish lie three miles from 
 the church. The prefix of North is used to distinguish it 
 from a hamlet of the same name in the parish of Wester- 
 Jeigh(296). 
 
 Domesday takes no notice of this place, and it was pro- 
 bably included in the accounts of the manors of Wotton 
 and Dursley. Part of the parish is now within the ma- 
 nor of Woodmancote, in the parsh of Dursley. Robert 
 Fitzharding received this manor from Hen. II. and the no- 
 ble family of which he was the ancestor have retained it 
 ever since, excepting an interruption of 192 years, dur- 
 ing which it was in litigation, and violently detained bv 
 Lord Lisle. It was determined in 1610 in favour of the 
 noble famil} of Berkeley, who still continue lords of the 
 manor. During the pendency of the suit Thomas Talbot, 
 Viscount Lisle, sent a challenge to William, sixth Lord 
 Berkeley, to decide the quarrel by the sword. Nibley 
 Green was the place appointed, where, on the 20th of 
 March, 1470, both parties met, with their respective fol- 
 lowers to the amount of nearly 1000, of whom 150 fell, 
 and amongst them Lord Lisle, who was shot in the mouth 
 with an arrow by one James Hiatte of the Forest of Dean. 
 The victory was thus decided, and Lord Berkeley hastened
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. -Upper Part. 227 
 
 immediately to Wotton, the residence of Lisle, and seiz- 
 ed all the papers and writings, some relating to Lord 
 Lisle's own estate, which are still preserved in Berkeley 
 castle. Lady Lisle, who was then pregnant with her first 
 child, miscarried through the fright. 
 
 Some lands in this parish anciently belonged to the reli- 
 gious houses of Lanthony and Kingswood, and the Knights 
 Hospitallers of Jerusalem. 
 
 George Smyth, Esq. father of Nicholas Smyth, Esq. 
 built a very good house in 1163, upon the scite of an old 
 mansion, which had long been in the family. It has 
 lately been sold, with a considerable estate, to John Jor- 
 tin, Esq. of Bloomsbury-square, London. 
 
 John Smyth, of Nibley, ancestor of the family, made 
 very accurate collections rela ing to the history of this 
 county, and committed to writing a very minute account 
 of the customs of the several manors within the hundred 
 of Berkeley, and the pedigrees of their respective lords, 
 which cost him the labour of forty years' compilation. 
 
 HAMLETS and PLACES. l. CHURCHEND, in which 
 is situate the mansion house; which, with 2. GREAT and 
 LITTLE GREEN ; and 3. SOUTHEND, are the property 
 of John Jortin, Esq. 
 
 4. MFLL-END ; with 5. SMART'S GREEN ; 6. WOODER- 
 LEN, or WOODLANE'S-END ; and 7. WATERLEICH, are 
 the property of the Earl of Berkeley. 
 
 8. SWINNY, belongs to Mr. Clere. 
 
 9. WHOREND. The principal estate is vested in Wil- 
 liam Purnell, Esq. by purchase (256). It was a parcel 
 of the great estate, late Smyth's. 
 
 10. FORTOY. The principal estate here belongs to 
 Thomos Robinson, Gent. 
 
 11. REDEMISSE, is chiefly in wood. 
 Q 2
 
 228 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 12. ISLE OF RHEA, is the property of Mr. Cornelius 
 Harris. 
 
 Thirty-one freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 1000 1700 1211. Houses inhab. 225. 
 
 The benefice is a curacy in Drfrsley deanery, endowed 
 with 20/. a year from the impropriation, and twice aug- 
 mented. It was formerly a chapel to Wotton-undcr- 
 edge, and belonged to the abbey of Tewkesbury. The 
 patronage and impropriation belong to Christ Church Coll. 
 Oxford, and John Jortin, Esq. is lessee. Thomas Jones, 
 clerk, is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Martin, consists of a nave 
 and south isle, with a low embatteled tower at the west 
 end, and a small turret for a Saint's bell at the junction of 
 the nave and chancel. 
 
 CCLXI. OLEPEN, OLDPEN, anciently OLEPENNE, 
 
 Is a small parish, three miles E. from Dursley, and fif- 
 teen s. from Gloucester. The soil is in general strong, 
 adapted to pasture, and full of springs. It contains about 
 1100 acres. 
 
 The name seems to be made up of ole, or idle, corrupted 
 from ulty, and pen, which signifies the head or top of any 
 thing ; that is, the top of uley, which is exactly descriptive 
 of its situation. This is more probable than that the pa- 
 rish received its name from the proprietor, as Sir Robert 
 supposes. 
 
 The place does not occur in ancient records till 1311, 
 when John de Olepenne, is mentioned in the Escheator's 
 Inquisition, as having granted one messuage and a half to 
 Edmond Basset, and again in 1325, the same person oo-
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. '2W 
 
 curs as a benefactor. to St. Bartholomew's hospital in Glou- 
 cester, and a Bartholomew de Qlepeniie as a benefactor 
 to the abbey of Gloucester. These were, at that t.mc, 
 lords of the manor, and their descendants continued so till 
 it passed bv marriage \vflh the b.eiress o f Robert Olepenne 
 into the family of Daunt. He died 1522, and Thomas 
 Daunt, Esq. was lord of the manor in 1608, and another 
 of the same name in 1112. Thomas Daunt, Esq. is also 
 the present proprietor of nearly all the parish. 
 
 This ancient family trace their pedigree as far back as 
 the reign of Hen. VI. in an uninterrupted line. 
 
 The mansion-house adjoins the chapel-yard, and u 
 built in the style of Eliz. with pointed pediments, and the 
 windows projecting, and finished at top with battlements. 
 
 The mayor and corporation of Gloucester, as trustees 
 for St. Bartholomew's hospital, are possessed of the estate 
 called Schescombe, which was given by Henry de Ole- 
 penne to the brethren of the said hospital, in the reign of 
 Hen. IIL 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 140 196 188. Houses, 35. 
 
 The benefice is a chapel annexed to Newington Bag- 
 path. 
 
 The chapel is very small, and has a low wooden turret 
 at the west end. 
 
 CCLXII. OZLEWORTH, anciently OSLEUUORDE, 
 
 Is a small parish, generally called Ozerley, two miles 
 east from Wotton-under-edge, and eighteen south from 
 Gloucester. It is situated on the verge of the hill district, 
 chiefly in tillage, and environed with woods. It contains 
 1100 acres, of which half is in pasture.
 
 230 Tlie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Word, or Worth, as was before observed (225), implies 
 the mansion or estate of some early Saxon proprietor. 
 
 This place was a berewick or member of the Lordship of 
 Berkeley, at the time of the general survey. The manor 
 was afterwards granted by th^feerkeley family to the 
 abbey at Bristol; but in 1411, it had been granted again 
 to the abbey of Kingswood, which was possessed of it till 
 the dissolution. The family of Pointz had before been 
 mesne lords under the last-mentioned abbey, and ob- 
 tained the grant of it from Hen. VIII. Nicholas Pointz 
 sold it about the beginning of the reign of Eliz. to Sir 
 Thomas Rivet, alderman of London, of whom it was pur- 
 chased by Sir Gabriel Lowe, an alderman also of the 
 same city. It continued in the Lowes till the middle of 
 the last century, when it was purchased by James Clutter- 
 buck, Esq. who died in 1176; and Lewis Clutterbuck, 
 clerk, is lord of the manor, and proprietor of more than 
 half of the parish. 
 
 In P. N. tax. " Abbas de Kyngeswood, habet apud 
 Grang. qua vocat. Ozleworth, septem caruc. terr. et valet 
 caruc. duodecim solid" 
 
 Newark-house was originally built by Sir Nicholas 
 Pointz, out of the ruins of Kingswood abbey, but has been 
 considerably improved by its successive proprietors, and 
 is now the family residence of the Clutterbucks. 
 
 George Millar, Esq. has a good house, near the church, 
 very finely situated, with a park, and considerable estate. 
 
 Nash Croft is the property of the heirs of the late T. 
 Chandler, Gent. 
 
 Five freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 70 80 133. Houses inhabited, 22. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Dursley deanery, in the 
 patronage of the lord of the manor, and Lewis Clutter-
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 23 1 
 
 buck, M. A. is patron and incumbent. The advowson 
 of this church was anciently given by Roger Lord Berke- 
 ley to the priory of Stanley St. Leonard ; and when that 
 became a cell to the abbey of Gloucester, the advowson 
 came to the same abbey. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, consists of a 
 nave and chancel. In the centre rises an octagon tower, 
 (with small Saxon windows, divided into two compart- 
 ments,) terminating in a pointed roof. The west side of 
 the tower rests on a very singular Saxon arch, with 
 chevron mouldings. The whole bears the marks of great 
 antiquity, and may be ranked among the earliest speci- 
 mens of church architecture in the county. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the portion of the priory of Stanley in the 
 church of Osle worth, 6s. 8d. 
 
 In King's books (discharged) 6/. 10s. 5d. 
 
 CCLXIII. SLIMBRIDGE, anciently HISLINBRUGE, 
 Is a parish containing 4000 acres, five miles from Berke- 
 ley, and eleven s. from Gloucester. It is bounded N. w. 
 by the Severn, and consists of good pasture and meadow 
 land, with some arable. A thousand acres, which are 
 called the Dumballs, or more usually the New Grounds, 
 were gained from the Severn some ages since, and were 
 added to the Berkeley estates, on the plea that the Earl's 
 manor extended to the middle of the river. To break the 
 violence of the waves, and preserve the land from being 
 washed away by floods and high tides, one of the Earls 
 built a wall of large stones, firmly cramped together, and 
 projecting a hundred yards into the river, in the parish of 
 Frethern(ne) \ yet strong as it appears to be, it has not 
 been able altogether to withstand the amazing pressure of 
 a 4
 
 232 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 the water when the spring tides run in, but is in many 
 places ruinous. It is called the Hock Crib. 
 
 Slimbridge Wharf c, or Warthe, is a piece of rich pasture 
 ground, lately inclosed, adjoining to the river, affording 
 excellent food for sheep, but s%t>ject to the inundation of 
 the tides, and now again wearing away with rapidity. 
 
 Slimbridge was, at the time of the survey, a member of 
 the manor of Berkeley. It continued with the Berkeley* 
 till, by marriage with Elizabeth, the only child of Thomas 
 Lord Berkeley, it passed to Richard Beauchamp, Earl of 
 Warwick, who died possessed of it 17 Hen. VI. His 
 daughter, Margaret, Countess of Shrewsbury, died seized 
 of this, and some other estates in the neighbourhood, 1 
 Edw. IV. By a fine levied of this manor, with others, to 
 the use of Hen. VII. it came to the crown, and so conti- 
 nued till the death of Edward VI. when they reverted to 
 Henry Lord Berkeley, the fifth in lineal descent from 
 Maurice, brother to William Lord Berkeley, who had 
 livery granted him 1 Mary; and from him the manor of 
 Slimbridge descended to the presentEarl of Berkeley (25 1 ). 
 
 Most of the estates in this parish belong to the Earl, 
 either directly in possession or in lease. 
 
 CAMBRIDGE is a hamlet in this parish, and receives its 
 name from its situ.ition on the Cam, which falls a little be- 
 low into the Severn 64 . 
 
 RoWs-court is an estate held by lease under the Earl of 
 Berkeley, late the property of Mrs. Davies, now of the 
 Rev. Mr. Davies, of Eastington. 
 
 Gossing ton-hall belonged to Capt. Jones, was sold by 
 his co-heiresses to Mr. Pick, and from him passed, by pur- 
 chase, to W. Cornock, Gent. 
 
 Hurst, Sages, Churchend, Moorend t Kingston, are name* 
 of places and farms.
 
 Berkeley Division, Berkeley Hundred, Upper Part. 23S 
 
 Thirty-six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 560800770. Houses inhabited, 117. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, is 
 neat and well pewed, consisting of a nave and two side 
 aisles, with a gallery, and, a lofty well-proportioned spire 
 at the west end. The Berkeley arms are painted in the 
 window of the chancel and south aisle. The patronage 
 of this church was originally in the Berkeley family, and 
 was granted to the priory of Stanley Saint Leonards. 
 Thomas de Bredon, Abbot of Gloucester, released the ad- 
 vowson to Thomas Lord Berkeley, in consideration of 
 lands, called Lorlyrge, or Lorrenge, near Cam. It now 
 belongs to Magdalen College, in Oxford, and the rector 
 pays 10/. a year to the college, to support a peculiar cus- 
 tom of having choir music every year on the top of Mag- 
 dalen tower. Three rectors have been removed from this 
 parish to bishoprics. The last, Owen Oglcthorpe, was 
 made Bishop of Carlisle, by Queen Mary, and was the 
 only one that could be prevailed upon to crown Queen 
 Elizabeth, Jan. 15, 1559. Charles Walker, A. M. is in- 
 cumbent. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Slymbrugg, 28/. 13s. 4d. 
 
 In King's books, 28/. 2-y. 1 id. 
 
 CCLXIV. STINCHCOMB, 
 
 Is a parish, two miles from Dursley, fifteen south from 
 Gloucester, and contains 1 208 acres, chiefly in pasture, 
 with some tillage. It is said to have been formerly a part 
 of Cam. 
 
 Stinchcomb is not mentioned in Domesday ; the family 
 of Braddeston were early proprietors, and continued so
 
 23* The History of the County oj Gloucester. 
 
 till the reign of Hen. IV. Elizabeth, the heiress, carried 
 it by marriage to Walter de la Pool, about 1434: and Sir 
 Edward Ingoldsthorp was seized of this, and other estates, 
 which had belonged to the Bradstones, 1457. It came 
 afterwards to Lord Wentworth, who, in the reign of 
 Elizabeth, sold it among several proprietors. Mr. John 
 Hollister was lord of tue manor in 1608, after whom it 
 came to the family of Pinfold. John Pinfold, Esq. died 
 in 1119, and left it to Edward Hoskins, Esq. from whom 
 it passed, by purchase, with the mansion-house and a 
 good estate, to John Wellington, Esq. 
 
 Peers Court, the residence of J. Wallington, Esq. is si- 
 tuated on a commanding spot, overlooking, on the west 
 side, the fine rich vale of Berkeley, and the distant cliffs 
 which overhang the Severn. 
 
 A good house and estate belong to John Mabbett, Gent, 
 and a considerable estate to Thomas Morse, Esq. 
 
 STANCOMB is a hamlet, in which Stancomb-house, with 
 a considerable estate, is the property of William Purnell, 
 Esq. (256) 
 
 CLINGER, is partly in this parish (253). 
 
 Abundance of fossils of different kinds are found in the 
 quarries in this neighbourhood. 
 
 Stinchcomb-hUl shelters the village on the east : on the 
 summit of it is an extensive plain, the scene of many 
 rustic diversions. The prospects from this elevated spot 
 are peculiarly beautiful, as far as bird's-eye views will 
 admit. The extent of rich country which lies within its 
 command is very great ; and one of its principal beauties 
 is the wide estuary of the Severn, which is here displayed 
 in its grandest features. 
 
 Sixteen freeholders voted in 1776.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 
 
 Population, 500 450419. Houses inhabited, 74. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy in Dursley deanery, 
 augmented by a benefaction of Mr. Pinfold and Queen 
 Anne's bounty. The impropriate tythes did belong to the 
 Bishop of Gloucester, till they were sold under the late 
 act for the redemption of the land-tax, to John Walling- 
 ton, Esq. William Purnell, Esq. Tho. Morse, Esq. and 
 John Mabbett, Gent, with a reservation of twenty pounds 
 a year to the curate, and patronage to the bishop. Rev. 
 William Fryer is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Cyril, consists of a nave 
 and chancel, with a steeple of moderate height, restin<* on 
 a tower battlemented and pinnacled. On the north side 
 is a handsome porch, with ribbed vaulted cieling. On all 
 the upper windows of the tower are the figures, ' 1632, 1 in 
 open work, probably the date of its erection. The 
 church is of an earlier period, about the latter end of the 
 fourteenth century. No church was standing at the time 
 of P. N. tax. 
 
 CCLXV. STONE, 
 
 Is a small parish eighteen miles s. from Gloucester, and 
 ^ixteen N. from Bristol. It is in general considered 
 only as a tything of Berkeley The soil is nearly the same. 
 The turnpike road from Gloucester to Bristol passes 
 through it, crossing a large brook, which forms the Avon 
 and joins the Severn below Berkeley. It contains about 
 300 acres. 
 
 The manor is not mentioned in Domesday, but unques- 
 tionably included in the lordship of Berkeley. Some per- 
 sons occur in ancient records as possessors of the manor,
 
 36 The History of the County of Gloucettcr. 
 
 but they were probably mesne lords, or the manor soon 
 reverted to the Berkeleys, and now belongs to the same 
 noble family, withjio property attached. 
 
 The principal estate belongs to the Rev. Stiverd Jen- 
 kins, who has a good house in the village. Considerable 
 property is vested in the family of Cox. 
 
 In Lower-stone, John Hooper Bromedge, Esq. has an 
 estate and house, in which he resides. 
 
 Seven freeholders voted in me. 
 
 Population, 200 200242. Houses inhabited, 39. 
 
 The benefice is a curacy in Dursley deanery, annexed 
 to Berkeley, the vicar of which pays 8/. a year to the cu- 
 rate. Mr. Morse left 300/. to purchase lands, and directed 
 that 10/. a year should be paid to the curate, on condition 
 of his residing there. To this has been added Queen 
 Anne's bounty. 
 
 The tythes of this place belonged to the priory of Bra- 
 denstoke, co. Wilts, and were granted to the chapter of 
 Bristol. Edward Lloyd, Esq. is lessee. 
 
 The church, dedicated to All Saints, is a handsome 
 building, consisting of a nave and tower, with a neat 
 spire. The whole is adorned with battlements and pin- 
 nacles. 
 
 CCLXVI. ULEY, anciently EUUELEGE, 
 
 Is two miles N. E. from Dursley, and fourteen s. from 
 Gloucester. The soil in the lower parts is deep and in 
 pasture, with some orcharding, intermixed with arable 
 and wood land. The name seems to owe its origin to the 
 springy nature of the land, as the word, like Dursley, sig- 
 nifies a wateiy place.
 
 Berkeley Division, Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 237 
 
 The clothing manufacture flourishes here to a consider- 
 able extent, and the poorer classes are entirely employed 
 in it. A fine stream runs through the village, most con- 
 veniently adapted and applied to the Various machinery 
 of modern introduction. 
 
 EUUELEGE was anciently a member of the great lord- 
 ship of Berkeley. This estate was held by the elder 
 branch of the family, till it was settled upon Maurice 
 Berkeley, second son of Maurice Lord B. some time in 
 the re ; gn of Edw. Hf. This Maurice was the ancestor of 
 the Stoke Giffkrd family, and his descendants held this 
 manor without interruption till the reign of Richard III. 
 when joining with the Duke of Buckingham against the 
 King, he was forced to fly into Britaigne, and his estate 
 given to Jasper, Duke of Bedford, uncle to Hen. VII. but 
 in 1489, it was again re-granted to the family, and has 
 descended to the present Earl of Berkeley. 
 
 Bassets-court, an ancient seat of the Basset's, is a re- 
 puted manor. It came into this family by marriage of Sir 
 Anselm Basset, with Margaret, daughter of Thomas Lord 
 Berkeley, and continued in their descendants till about 
 the middle of last century, when it was parcelled out and 
 sold to different proprietors. A small part only of the 
 old manor is now remaining. The principal part belongs 
 toG. Millar, Esq. (262) 
 
 The White-Court is another reputed manor, and is said 
 formerly to have had two parks. The manor house has 
 been demolished time immemorial, but the name is still 
 retained, and the premises are covered with the buildings 
 of various proprietors. 
 
 Stoufs-hill, is an elegant building, ornamented in the 
 Gothic style, situated on an eminence, Avith the village in
 
 238 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 front. It was the property of Timothy Cycle, Esq. and 
 was purchased by Lloyd Baker, Clerk, who resides in it. 
 
 Beticombe, is a good house with a considerable estate 
 attached to it, the property of the same gentleman. 
 
 Thirty-seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 900 1310 1724. Houses inhabited, 312. 
 
 The Berry is the scite of an oblong encampment, cer- 
 tainly Roman, inclosing a space of nearly forty acres, 
 and fortified with double entrenchments round the edge of 
 the hill. Some coins of Antoninus and Constantino have 
 been found here. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Dursley deanery. Roger 
 Lord Berkeley gave the advowson to the priory of Stanley 
 St. Leonard's, and thirty acres in this parish now pay 
 tvthes to Stanle} T . The patronage is now in the King, and 
 Thomas Esbury Partridge, A. B. is incumbent. 
 
 Sir Herbert Croftes, Bart, was promoted to the see of 
 Worcester from this church, in 1677. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Giles, consists of a nave 
 and south aisle, with a low embatteled tower on the north 
 side. There is a sepulchral chapel belonging to the Bas- 
 set's family on the N. side of the chancel. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Iweleye, 1l. 6s. Sd. 
 
 In King's books, 12/. 3s. 4d. 
 
 CCLXVII. WOTTON-UNDER-EDGE, olim UUTUNE, 
 
 Is four miles s. from Dursley, and nineteen from Glou- 
 cester in the same direction. The soil, extending over 
 3500 acres, is in general of stone-brash, and in tillage, ex- 
 cept immediately in the vicinity of the town, where it is 
 deeper, and affords excellent parture and meadow. The 
 situation of this place near the foot of a ridge of hills.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. L'pper Part. 23i? 
 
 seems easily to lead to the etymology 'of the name, which, 
 when resolved into its component parts, is Wood town 
 under ridge. 
 
 It is a market town and borough, but sends no mem- 
 bers to Parliament. In 1253 Muurice Lord Berkeley 
 caused a leet, consisting of the resiants within the borough, 
 to be taken out of the great hundred of Berkeley, and 
 granted to the inhabitants of the borough the same 
 usages, liberties, and customs which were enjoyed by 
 Tetbury ; and in the following year obtained a grant of a 
 weekly market on Friday, and a fair on the eve, day, 
 and morrow of the Exaltation of the Cross, which is now 
 kept on the 25th of September. In 1272, the jury at the 
 leet holden at Michaelmas, were authorised to chuse one 
 person out of the burgesses, under the title of mayor, 
 which they have continued to do till the present time. 
 The right of imposing a fine on the mayor elect for refus- 
 ing to take the office, was confirmed by a verdict at the 
 Lent assizes in 1695. This town gave name to an usurped 
 jurisdiction called the hundred of Wotton, set up by the 
 descendants of Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, 
 during the long dispute between that family and the Ber- 
 keley s, but no such independent jurisdiction was ever le- 
 gally obtained. Thomas Talbot, Viscount Lisle, grand- 
 son of Richard de Beauchamp, by Elizabeth, the heiress 
 of William Lord Berkeley, resided in this borough, and 
 
 tf ** O * 
 
 there are some remains of the house in arched door-ways^ 
 Sfc. still distinguishable at the lower part of the town (260). 
 Wotton was burnt down in the reign of John, and a 
 place called the Brands, is supposed to mark its ancient 
 scite. The modern town consists of several streets, and 
 stands on sixty acres of ground. The buildings in gene- 
 ral are good, and some belonging to particular families of
 
 fl 10 T7f History of tlie County of Glovfuter. 
 
 property are modern and elegant. The clothing manu- 
 facture furnishes employment for the poor. New Mill, 
 belonging to Messrs. Austin, about a mile and a half from 
 the town, is a complete establishment of the clothing ma- 
 nufacture, and employs under its roof about 200 men, 
 women, and children. Spanish wool alone is manufactured 
 at this work, and prepared for the weaver of broadcloth 
 and kerseymere. The process is as follows 65 : the wool in 
 its rough state is first pidktd or freed from its tags and 
 other impurities, then oiled on a tin floor to soften it for 
 working; after this it goes into the first scribbling machine, 
 where the locks are loosened, detached and divided, from 
 thence into a second similar machine, where the wool is 
 reduced to a still finer consistence ; it is then thrown into 
 another machine of similar construction, and experiences 
 the same process, except that passing under a fluted cy- 
 lindrical roller, it is discharged from it in long and thin 
 masses, as a preparation for spinning. These are car- 
 ried by children to the Spinning Billy, by the curious and 
 rapid operation of which they are lengthened, twisted 
 into coarse threads, and wound up into cones; the Spin- 
 ning Jenn its then receive them, which first untwisting 
 thorn, twist them again in a contrary direction into finer 
 and tighter threads, and' form them into cones as before. 
 These are sent to the neighbouring weavers and manufac- 
 tured into cloth, which is rowed, or smoothed and cleansed 
 from ends and knots, by being passed under a cylinder 
 revolving with a rapid motion, and armed with teazle 
 heads. After frequent repetitions it is carried to the ful- 
 ling mill, and then completed by the dyer. The men and 
 women work by the piece, and earn from one to two gui- 
 neas per week, and children of six years old are enabled 
 to earn each eighteen-pence at least (25,6).
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Upper Part. 2-ti 
 
 This manor was a member of the lordship of Berkeley. 
 Thomas Berkeley, the fourth of that name, married Mar- 
 garet, daughter of Gerrard Warren, Lord Lisle, and on 
 his death in 1418, left an only daughter, Elizabeth, mar- 
 ried to Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, and heir 
 general to the whole estate of the Berkeley family. 
 From this marriage arose the great dispute before referred 
 to, and which was at last settled in favour of the Berkeley 
 family, against the family of Talbot, Lord Lisle, whose 
 claim was founded on -the marriage of his father, John, 
 the great Earl of Shrewsbury, with Margaret, the eldest 
 daughter of the before-mentioned Earl of Warwick. The 
 title on the side of the Berkeley s was derived by an estate 
 faille limited to the heirs male, and James, Lord Berke- 
 ley, the brother of Thomas, the father of Elizabeth, 
 Countess of Warwick, set up his claim under it, but 
 Richard Beauchamp being in possession of he castle, had 
 possession also of the papers and writings, which pre- 
 vented the regular evidences being brought forward. The 
 Earl of Berkeley is now lord of the manor of Wotton bo- 
 lough and Wotton foreign. 
 
 TYTHINGSand HAMLETS. 1. SINWELL and BRAD- 
 LEY make one ty thing. The parish church stands within 
 the hamlet of Sinwell. 
 
 Bradley gave name to a family who were proprietors of 
 it in the reign of Rich. I. Thomas Lord Berkeley gave 
 many lands in this place to the abbey of Bristol, which, 
 after the dissolution, were granted to the dean and chap- 
 ter of Bristol, under whom they are now held by lease, 
 Thomas Dawes, Esq. was lessee, from whom the house 
 called Cannons House, with a good estate, descended to 
 his great niece, Mrs. Smart. It 4* aw the property ef 
 VOL. n. R
 
 212 The History of the Comity of Gloucester. 
 
 Richard Nelnies, Esq. son of the late Thomas Nelmes, 
 Esq. of the same place. 
 
 Other proprietors in these hamlets are, George Austin, 
 Henry Austin, and Goodson Vines, Esqrs. 
 
 2. SYMONDSH ALL and COMBE constitute another tything. 
 
 Svmondshall is said to be one of the most elevated spots- 
 in the county, extending over a large plain, on which is a 
 house, which has been the residence of the Veels for many 
 generations. This family derive their origin from Elias, 
 a younger brother or Robert Fitzharding, the ancestor of 
 the Berkek vs, to whom the manor and estate belong. " 
 
 A church or chapel formerly stood here, as is evident 
 from a writing belonging to St. Bartho. Hospital, Gloc. 
 which mentions a fardel of land lying between the land of 
 Adam deTedepen and the church of Symondeshall on the 
 south. 
 
 Combe lies E. of the church, in which a good estate be- 
 longed to the Rev. Mr. Somerville(iai), lately dead, 
 which came to him in right of his mother, who was daugh- 
 ter of Mr. Hicks, a former proprietor. 
 
 William Moore Adey, Esq. has a very good house and 
 estate here. 
 
 The Rudge is sometimes called a manor in ancient re- 
 cords. It belonged to the abbey of Kingswood, and with 
 those religious societies it was not unusual to give the 
 name of a manor to all their property, and in most case* 
 to gain manerial rights. At the dissolution it was granted 
 to the Poyntz family, and from them probably passed to 
 Nathaniel Ridler, Esq. and from him to the late Rev. Ri- 
 chard Brereton, Clerk, in right of his wife, youngest 
 daughter of the said N. Ridler, Esq.(159) and is now the 
 property of his son and heir, Thomas Westfaling, Esq.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. -Clipper Part. 2-ft 
 
 In P. N. tax. Abbas de Kyngeswod habet apud Grang. 
 qua vocat. Egge, (res caruc. terr. tt valet caruc. decem solid. 
 
 WORTLEY is another tything, and very populous, where 
 was formerly a chapel dedicated to St. John, ana founded 
 by Thomas Lord Berkeley. This was part of the manor 
 of Wotton, and was sold by George Lord Berkeley and 
 his mother, 1632, to Richard Poole, Gent, and was en- 
 rolled in chancery by the name of a manor. It afterwards 
 passed into the family of the Hales, of Alderley, and has 
 descended to John Blagdon Hale, Esq. of Alderley (273). 
 
 HUNTINGFORD tything formerly belonged to the same 
 proprietors as Symondshall, and passed into the family of 
 Wogan by marriage with an heiress. At this time the 
 manor was held of the King as of the hundred of Grum- 
 baldsash. The Earl of Berkeley is now lord paramount, 
 but WilliamMoore Adey, Esq. of Combe, has a good estate 
 .here, . and exercises manerial rights. 
 
 In Church-lane is an alms-house for the support of 30 
 uged women, at 3s. each per week. The following in- 
 scription is over the door: 
 
 GLORIA DEO, GRATIA FUNDATORI. 
 
 Which Founder was Hugh Perrie, Esq. and Alderman of the city of 
 London, who was borne in this -town, and besides this guift gave 
 many other good guifts for the good of this towne. 
 
 Anno Domini, 1638. H. P. 
 
 Fifty-seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 3500 4000 3393. Houses inhabited, 638. 
 
 The benefice is styled a vicarage in Durstey deanery, 
 but is endowed with no tythes, only with a stipend of 43/. 
 6s. 8d. from the impropriation. It has been augmented by 
 a donation from the late Ed. Colston, Esq. by another 
 from the feoflees of thxj market, and Queen Anne's bounty 
 R 2
 
 2 14 The History of the County (# Gloucesur. 
 
 The advowson anciently belonged to the nunnery of Berke. 
 lev, and was treacherously obtained from 'them by Kri 
 Godwin. It was afterwards in the crown, then in the 
 Berkeley family, and next in the abbey of Bristol. It 
 was again restored to the Berkeleys, and by them given 
 to the abbey of Tewkesbury in the reign of Hen. VII. 
 After die dissoluton the rectory and advowson were 
 granted to Christ Church Coll. Ox. the dean and chapter 
 of which cathedral are now patrons, and William De- 
 chair Tattersal, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a large and 
 handsome structure, consisting of a nave and two aisles, 
 with a loftv embatteled and pinnacled tower at the west 
 end. The arms of Berkeley are in many windows of the 
 church. There were several chantries in it, and a hous* 
 founded for Friars of the Holy Cross in the town. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of VVotton, 3S/. 6s. *d. 
 
 The vicar's portion, 5/. 135. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books, 13/. 10$. 
 
 Lowt?- Paj't. 
 
 CCLXVIII. ALMONDSBURY, anciently ALMODESBURY, 
 Is seven miles N. from Bristol, and about twenty-seven 
 s. from Gloucester. Th parish, containing 6000 acres, 
 affords a great variety of soil. On the higher lands it 
 covers a bed of limestone, and is light and chiefly in til- 
 lage. In the lower parts, it is a deep loam, and princi- 
 p. II v in pasture, meadow, and orcharding. Those lauds 
 which lie near to the Severn are liable to inundations, 
 and though every posgiWe precaution is taken by the OMB-
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Lower Part. 245 
 
 rnissioncrs of Sewers, yet great damage is often done; 
 particularly in 1786, very considerable mischief happened 
 on both sides of the river. From a return made by the 
 proprietors of lands, it appeared, that 1342 acres in this 
 parish were liable to be overflowed. 
 
 The name was probably derived from Alcmond, a West 
 Saxon Prince, fattier of Egbert, who was supposed to 
 have been buried here, and previous to his death to have 
 had a burgh or bury, that is, an encampment or fortiiie.i- 
 tion here, the remains of which, or some other, are visi- 
 ble, both on the top of the hill, near to the windmill, auU 
 also at Knole, where is a rampire and double ditch. 
 Whether this was the w % ork of the Saxons or the British, 
 must remain a doubt; but if credit is to be given to 
 Wantner's Papers, now preserved iu the Bodleian, (which 
 however is not allowed by some,) the skeletons of two men 
 were found in 1650, with two coins of doubtful authority, 
 no inscription being legible, but one of them bore the im- 
 pression of a falcon, and the other was a head, with the 
 appearance of Claudius Caesar. If the hecid be allowed to 
 be Roman, the eagle might easily be mistaken for a fal- 
 con, and the person buried will then be a IlomaM, which 
 certainly is not improbable ; but the same author adds, 
 that the skeleton exceeded the usual heighth of a man by 
 three feet, and was buried sitting, which, according to 
 Drexelius, was the customary manner of burying kings 
 and princes. . One circumstance militates against the sup- 
 position of their being Roman, which is that of being co- 
 vered with a tumulus, which was not the practice of that 
 people, but more common with the British. 
 
 This manor belonged to Robert Fitzharding, who gave 
 it, among other manors, to the abbey of Bristol. At the 
 R 3
 
 2*6 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 dissolution 1545, it was granted toMiles Partridge. Henrv 
 D'Arcy, who had livcrv of it in 1553, sold it to Thomas 
 Chester. William Chester his father, was a younger 
 branch of the Chesters, co. Huntingdon. Thomas, the 
 purchaser of this manor, was high sheriff of the county 
 1577, and mayor of Bristol in 1569. William, his son, 
 was succeeded by Thomas, high sheriff in 1617, whose 
 son, Thomas, died 1686, leaving Thomas, high sheriff 
 1699, and lord of the manor at the beginning of last cen- 
 tury. Thonrvas, his son, died without issue in 1763, and 
 bequeathed his property to Elizabeth Lucy Chester, the 
 daughter and only child of his brother, Richard Howe 
 Chester. She was married to William Bromley, of War- 
 wickshire, (who assumed the name and arms of Chester.) 
 He was elected Member in Parliament for this county in 
 1776, but dying soon after, left his widow in possession 
 of this and other estates, and on her death about 1800, 
 the family property descended to Thomas Masters, Esq. 
 of Cirencester. 
 
 Knolc-house t the family mansion of the Chesters, is si- 
 tuated on a high point, and commands a view of the Bris- 
 tol channel, with the distant hills of South Wales. Of the 
 old manor house, which was in a bottom, only a barn 
 remains. 
 
 TYTHINGS. 1. HEMPTON and PATCHWAY, alias 
 Pittishaw, is in the loAver division of the hundred of Lang- 
 ley and Swineshead, a mile from the church. The manor 
 belonged to the Rev. John Sedgewick Whallev, in right 
 of his wife, the daughter and heiress of Edward Jones, of 
 Langford-court, co. Somerset, who sold it to Edmund 
 Probyn, Esq. of Winterbourn, from whom it again passed 
 by purchase to Edmund Brice, the younger, Esq. and Jos. 
 Mason Cox, M. D. (305).
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. loiter Part . 247 
 
 The principal estates in Hampton arc the property of 
 Ed. Sacheverell Sitwell, Esq. (298) Those in Patchway 
 of Ti:oma< Ma ters, Esq. (99) 
 
 WOODLAND is a hamlet, in which Sydenham Tcast, 
 Esq. was principal proprietor; but now, by purchase, 
 Ady, Esq. The other estates are vested in the fa- 
 milies of Marsh and Cox. 
 
 2. OVER, in the same hundred, has had a variety of 
 proprietors since the general survey. Maurice dc Gaunt 
 held it 1230. From him it passed to the Gourneys, and 
 by marriage to the Ap Adams, from whom it came, by 
 purchase, to Thomas Lord Berkeley. On the attainder 
 of Sir William Berkeley, the manor was granted to Thos. 
 Brian, 1485, who sold it to John Poyntz ; and by mar- 
 riage of his daughter Alice with Sir Edward Berkeley, it 
 reverted to that family, and continued there till John 
 Berkeley, about 1570, sold it to John Dowell, of Bristol, 
 from whom it passed in lineal descent to John Bridges 
 Baker Dowell, Esq. who dying unmarried, 1743, be- 
 queathed all his property to his tutor and friend, the Rev. 
 Mr. Degge, on whose death, in 1776, this manor, with se- 
 veral other large estates, devolved to his sister, Mrs. Wil- 
 mot. By marriage with her daughter, they came into the. 
 family of Sitwell (298). 
 
 The manor house is delightfully situated within a park 
 of considerable extent, and commands all the advantages 
 of prospect which nature has allowed to this picturesque 
 district of the county. 
 
 EASTER COMPTON, that is Eastward, three miles from 
 the church, is a hamlet in this tything, and principally be- 
 longs to Thomas Masters, Esq. by heirship from die 
 Chesters. 
 
 R 4
 
 248 The History of the Cdwtty of Gloucester. 
 
 3 GAUNT'S URCOTT, so called from an ancient pro- 
 prietor, alias Earthcote, lying in the lower division of 
 '1 hornbury hundred, nearly three miles from the church. 
 
 Richard de Gourney before mentioned founded a hos- 
 pital in his manor house, called Bilswick, and endowed it 
 with this manor. At the dissolution, Hen. ViII. granted 
 it to the corporation of Bristol, who are no\v lords of the 
 manor. The hospital was re-founded in the reign of 
 Queen Elizabeth, and is no\v called Gaunt's hospital. It 
 stands within the liberties of Bristol, and is now applied to 
 the use of the blue-coat boys. 
 
 Within this manor is a moated farm, belonging to the 
 corporation of Bristol, called St Swithin's chapel, the 
 body of which and the chancel were standing at the begin- 
 ning of last century ; and in the present house is a room 
 now called the chapel. 
 
 BROKENBOROW is a reputed manor, wherein a chantry 
 was founded in the same year with the abbey of Bristol. 
 After the dissolution, it belonged to the Berkeleys, and 
 from Henry Lord Berkeley a fourth part passed by pur- 
 chase to John Hollister and others, in 156G. The house 
 was called Standshall-court, and the lands are known by 
 the same name. 
 
 In the MSS. of John Smith, dated 1639, it is remarked, 
 that *' lead hath byn digged in the hilly part of this parish, 
 and that the fay re castle of Berkeley, for part of her co- 
 veringe, doth acknowledge herself beholdinge to it.*' 
 
 Seventeen freeholders voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 530 , 851. Houses inhabited, 112. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in the deanery and diocese 
 of Bristol, but archdeaconry of Gloucester. Before the 
 reformation, the advowson was in the abbey, and was af-
 
 Berkeley Division. ^Berkeley Hundred. Lo^fr Pare. 24-9 
 
 terwards granted to the new see of Bristol ; the Bishop of 
 which 13 now patron, and Thomas Hunter, clerk, is in- 
 cumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is large, and 
 handsomely pcwed with Dutch oak. It consists of a nave 
 and two aisles, a well proportioned spire in the middle, 
 with eight bells, and cross aisles on each side. The 
 whole is covered with lead. In the chancel is an altar- 
 piece of Dutch oak, of the Corinthian order, with a neat 
 pavement before it, and a table of grey marble. The 
 whole building and ornaments are in a style of elegance, 
 chastened by simplicity, worthy of its sacred destination. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Almoudsbury, 20/. 1 3s. Qtd. 
 
 In King's books, 20/. 
 
 CCLXIX. ELBERTON, anciently ELDBERTON, 
 
 Is eleven miles N. from Bristol, and twenty-eight s. w. 
 from Gloucester. The soil is a strong red loam, an<i 
 chiefly in pasture, with a small portion of tillage. 
 
 The name, according to Smith's MSS. and Atkyns, sig- 
 nifies an old barton or farm : this, however, does not al- 
 together agree with the name as written in P. N. tax. 
 
 Domesday records five hides in this place as belonging 
 to the manor of Berkley, which were included in the 
 grant of Henry II. to Robert Fitzharding (see Beverstone). 
 By him it was given to Robert, his third son, on whose 
 death, in the reign of John, it descended to Maurice de 
 Gaunt, who had taken the name of his mother, Alice de 
 Gaunt ; by whose death without issue, in 1 230, it came to 
 Robert de Gournay, son of Eva, sister of Maurice, and on 
 his death, 1269, descended to his son Anselm, and from 
 him to John, on \vhose death without issue, it passed to
 
 250 The Hilary qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Elizabeth his sister, and wife of Sir John Ap Adam, ot . 
 whom, 1312, it was bought by M uri e Berkeley, Knt. 
 s cond son of Maurice, the third Lord Berkeley, and con- 
 tinued in his descendants till the attainder of Sir W. 
 Berkeley, in the first year of Hen. VII. when it was 
 granted to Jaspar, Earl of Pembroke ; however, upon 
 composition with the Earl, most of the lands came back to 
 Sir William Berkeley; but it is not clear from the records 
 how or from whom the manor passed out of the family to 
 the Walshes, who were proprietors to the latter end of 
 Hen. VIII. George Smith \vas lord of the manor in 1 608 ; 
 and Sir Thomas Cann, at the beginning of the last cen- 
 tury, by descent from Sir Robert Cann, Bart, who came 
 to it by marriage with Cecily, daughter of Humphrey 
 Hooke. The last Baronet of that name died in 1765, 
 without issue, and was succeeded by his nephew, Robert 
 Cann Jefferies, Esq. on whose death, in 1713, unmarried, 
 his sister, the widow of the late Sir H. Lippincott, became 
 the heiress; whose son, Sir Henry Cann Lippincott, Bart, 
 is now lord of the manor. 
 
 Some lands were separated from the manor by Anselm 
 de Gournay, in the reign of Edw. I. and sold to Thomas 
 Norrys, which, after having frequently changed their pro- 
 prietors, and much divided, have been transferred in a 
 great measure from the families qf Browne and Vaughun 
 to the Goldneys, of Clifton. 
 
 Some lands which formerly belonged to the abbey were, 
 after the dissolution, granted to the see of Bristol. 
 
 Upon an eminence above the church are the remains of 
 a camp or outpost, probably Roman. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 104 122 179. Houses inhabited, 37. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Bristol deanery and arch-
 
 Berkeley Division.--Berkeley Hundred. L&ivcr Part. 26 i 
 
 deacoiirv of Gloucester, and was consolidated with Olves- 
 ton in 1767; in consequence of which the Bishop has one 
 turn, and the Dean ,.nd Chapter of Bristol two, in the pre- 
 sentation. John Robert Charlton, A. M. is incumbent. 
 The impropriation was given by tlu Bishop to the curate 
 of Horfield. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of a nave, 
 two aisles, and a tower and spire in the middle, probably 
 of the architecture of the 13th century. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the chapel of Aylbrightori, 5/. 
 
 CCLXX. FILTON and HAY, 
 
 Is a parish of small extent, situate on the great road 
 from Gloucester to Bristol, thirty miles s. from the for- 
 mer, and four N. from the latter. It is nearly square, and 
 the soil being of a stiff clay, is chiefly in pasture. 
 
 One head of the little river Trin or Trim rises here. 
 
 At the time of the general survey Filton was a part of 
 Horfield, and therefore is not mentioned ; but it seems 
 to have become a distinct place, or parish, when Robert 
 Fitzhardmg gave the other part of Horfield to the abbey 
 of Bristol. Sir Thomas Fitz-Nicholls, a descendant of the 
 Berkeley family, and his son Thomas, died seized of it in 
 1393 and 1419. The manor, still held under the Berke- 
 leys, was probably divided after this between the families 
 of Browning, of Haresfield, and Blount, by marriage 
 with the daughters, co-heiresses of Thomas Fitz-Nicholls. 
 In 1570 it had passed to Thomas Mallet, Esq. and after- 
 wards to John Pope, Esq. about the beginning of last cen- 
 tury, and now belongs to Frederick, Earl of Berkeley, 
 without landed property.
 
 1b2 Tfie History of the Cawity f>f Gfouccstfr. 
 
 Six messuages in this parish were given by Rob. Fitz- 
 harding to the abbey of Bristol, whose claim to them as 
 part of the manor of Horfield was allowed 15 Ed. I. Af- 
 ter the dissolution they were granted to the see of Bristol, 
 and are still part of its possessions. 
 
 The principal estate was* transferred to John Brickdale, 
 Esq. and, with another, the property of the family of 
 Gayner, is held under the manor by Matthew Brickdale, 
 Esq. who resides at Monkshorton, co. Somerset. 
 
 HAY, is a hamlet and manor, formerly belonging to 
 the family of Mallet. 
 
 The principal proprietors are Sir Cecil Bishop, James 
 Fowler, Esq. Kc. 
 
 In this and some of the adjoining parishes great quanti- 
 ties of Woodwaxen {genista linctoria) are collected in 
 the summer and carried into Bristol; from which by boil- 
 ing and other processes, a fine yellow colouring matter ii, 
 produced, and being mixed up with whiting is sold under 
 the name of yellow-pink. 
 One freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 80 125 115. Houses inhabited, 18. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in the deanery and diocese of 
 Bristol, originally appropriated to the abbey of that place, 
 but the advowson was once annexed to the manor. In the 
 sale of episcopal estates, made in 1649, the manors and 
 impropriations of Horfield and Filton were purchased by- 
 Thomas Andrews for 1256^. 14s. but this can refer only 
 to the six messuages before mentioned as far as relates to 
 this parish. Matthew Brickdale, Esq. is patron, and 
 ncumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Peter, is a small and iov, 
 building, consisting of a nave and semitransept with a
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred, Lower Part, '2^3 
 
 law tow r and five bells at the west end. Atkyns uien- 
 tu)i)s the spire as having been blown down by the wind. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the chapel of Filton, 5l. 
 
 In the King's books, ""d, 
 
 CCLXXI. HILL, or HULL, 
 
 Is situate between Berkeley and Thornbury, three miles 
 3. w. from the former, four N. from the latter, and twenty- 
 two s. w. from Gloucester. It seems to have been so 
 named from its elevation towards the east, particularly 
 that part on which the seat of the Fust family is built. 
 The lands after shelving from the hill extend in a level di- 
 rection for about two miles to the Severn, divided into 
 spacious meadows, of a deep soil, very fertile, but front 
 the nature of the situation, subject to frequent inunda- 
 tions. The parish contains about 2000 acres. 
 
 The manor is mentioned in Domesday as a member of 
 the groat lordship of Berkeley. It was granted by Hen. 
 I!, to Robert Fitzharding, to hold by knight's service; by 
 him it was given to Nicholas his second son, and his heirs ; 
 he died 119o, and left it to his son Roger, who on his 
 death, in 1231, was succeeded by his son Nicholas; he 
 died in 1262, and left issue Ralph, who died in 1291, and 
 left Nicholas, who was succeeded by his son John 1333, 
 who died in 1316, leaving Thomas his grandson and heir, 
 son of Reginald, who died in his father's life time. Thos 
 usually written Thomas Fitz-NicholJ, had two daughters, 
 one of whom, Catherine, was married to Robert Poyntz, 
 and by this marriage the manor of Hill canie to the family 
 of Poyntz, in which it continued till the reign of Queea 
 Elizabeth, when it was sold by Sir John Poyntz to Nich. 
 Dimery, who sold it to Henry Fleetwood, and from bin
 
 254 The History of the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 it soon passed by purchase to Richard Fust, of London. 
 From Sir Kdward Fust his son, who was created Baronet 
 in 1662, it descended to Sir John Fust, the fifth Baronet, 
 who dying without issue male, in 1779, bequeathed his 
 manerial estate to dame Phillippa his relict, with remain- 
 der to Miss Langley, of Thornbury, co. Clone, his sister's 
 daughter. The greatest part of the rjarish is attacbeJ to 
 the manor. 
 
 The family of Fust came from Switzerland, and about 
 1420 had considerable property in Sussex. Thomas Fust, 
 of Ware, co. Herts, suffered death for the protestant re- 
 ligion in 1555 ; and Edward Fust was an eminent loyalist 
 during the civil war, and his zealous services procured him 
 the dignity of Baronet on the restoration of Charles the 
 second. 
 
 The ancient manor-house, of which a view is given in 
 Atkyns, is now demolished, and in the place of it was built 
 by Sir Edward Fust, the fourth Baronet, the present house. 
 It consists of one side of an intended square, and is very 
 extensive. The centre is occupied by the hall, 80 feet 
 long, and in good proportion. 
 
 From the sci'e of this house the prospect opens on the 
 west to a very fine reach of the Severn, and beyond it the. 
 cliffs of Monmouthshire, and the distant mountains of 
 Wales, with the high lands and pendant woods of the fo- 
 rest of Dean, on the right, compose the landscape. 
 
 The great sewer at Hill Pill, called thelmpt rial Draught^ 
 ind the two others above it, were planned, built, and 
 erected in 1750, by Sir Francis Fust, Bart, at his own 
 expence, and have been productive of great benefit to the 
 inhabitants. 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 2OO 146 220. Houses inhab. 35.
 
 Berkeley Division. Berkeley Hundred. Lower Part. 255 
 
 The benefice is a donative or free chapel, in the deanery 
 of Dursley, having been with the whole tythes, parcel of 
 the abbey of St. Augustine's, in Bristol. It was granted 
 to the chapter of Bristol on the establishment of the new 
 see, and is no\v in lease to the family of Fust^ who have 
 likewise the nomination of the curate. William Lle\\ ellin, 
 clerk, is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Michael, has a nave only 
 and low obtuse spire. It was completely repaired at tho 
 expence of Sir Francis Fust, Bart, in 1759. 
 
 CCLXXII. HORFIELD, anciently HORFELLE, 
 
 Is a small parish two miles N. from Bristol, and thirty- 
 two s. from Gloucester, intersected by the turnpike road 
 between these two cities. The soil is a strong and fertile 
 clay, chiefly in pasture, and extends over 1 100 acres. 
 
 One of the heads of the Trin, or Trim, rises in this pa- 
 rish. 
 
 At the time of the Domesday survey this was part of 
 the great manor of Berkeley; but being given by Robert 
 Fitzharding to the abbey of St. Augustine, it continued a 
 parcel of its possessions till the dissolution, when it was 
 granted to the new see of Bristol, which has held it ever 
 since. 
 
 The lease of the manor was long held by the ancestors 
 f Thos. Michell, Esq. barrister-at-la\v, whose sole daugh- 
 ter and heir was Isabella, the Avife of John Shadwell, Esq. 
 of Cork, in Ireland; and John Shadwell, M. D. is now 
 lessee of the manor, with more than half the parish. 
 
 Lady Jane Cave is proprietor of a considerable freehold 
 estate. 
 
 One freeholder voted in 1776.
 
 &56 'lite History of the Coutuy oj' Gloucester, 
 
 Population, 100 125 119. Houses inhabited, 19. 
 
 The benefice is a curacy, in the diocese and deanery of 
 Bristol, of small value, but was augmented, in 11 IS, by 
 Queen, Anne's bounty, and the benefactions of Edward 
 Colston and Thomas Edwards, Esqrs. The impropriation 
 formerly belonged to the abbey, and does now to the Bi- 
 shop of Bristol, is incumbent. 
 
 The church is a small building, with a nave only, and 
 low pinnacled tower at the west end. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the chapel of Hgrefeld, 3/. C*. 8</. 
 
 VIU. GRUMBALDSASH HUNDRED, 
 
 Upper Part. 
 
 CCLXXHI. ALDERLEY, anciently ALRELIE. 
 
 Is two miles s. E. from Wotton-under-edge, and twenty, 
 one s. from Gloucester. The soil is principally a firm 
 reddish sand, on the lower lands, and extends over about 
 850 acres, applied more to pasture than arable. 
 
 Two small brooks bound the parish on the north and 
 south ; and, uniting their streams, form the Avon, which 
 falls into the Severn at Berkeley. 
 
 This manor, among others, belonged to Milo Crispin at 
 the time of the general survey. In the reign Ed. IV. it 
 was the property of the Stanshaw family (315), afterwards 
 of Richard Becket, and in the reign of Hen. VIII. of John 
 Poyntz, son of Sir Robert Poyntz, and younger brother 
 6f Sir Anthony Poyntz, of Iron Acton. Robert, his great
 
 BerKfley Divtsion. Grumbaldsush Hundred. Upper Part. 2J7 
 
 grandson, sold the manor to Rogers, of whom it was 
 
 purchased by Mr. Barker, of Fairford, who exchanged it 
 with Sir Matthew Hale for the manor of Meyseyhampton. 
 The family of Hale has been of long standing in this coun- 
 try, and always esteemed for their probity and charity. 
 Matthew Hale, Ksq. a descendant from Sir Matthew, the 
 purchaser, was the late possessor of the manor and family 
 estates, and dying in 1784, left the property to John 
 Blagdon Hale, Esq. who having married his niece and 
 heiress, pursuant to the directions of the will, assumed, 
 by the King's licence, the arms and surname of Hale. 
 
 The mansion-house was rebuilt on a spacious and ele- 
 gant plan, but on a more elevated situation than the for- 
 mer, by the late Matthew Hale, Esq. 
 
 Sir Matthew Hale, Knt. Lord Chief Justice of the Court 
 of King's Bench, son of Robert Hale, and Joan, daughter 
 of Matthew Poyntz, of Alderley, was born in 1609, and 
 buried in the church-yard of this parish 1676 66 . His ex- 
 tensive knowledge of the law, impartiality in the adminis- 
 tration of it, together with his piety and benevolence, ren- 
 dered him at once an ornament to his country, an honour 
 to the county of Gloucester, peculiarly so to this parish, 
 in which he was born, and the family from which he was 
 descended. His private contemplations were given to the 
 public at the importunity of his friends. His uniform at- 
 tendance on the public service of the church for thirty-six 
 years without an omission, and the constant homage of re- 
 verence which he paid on each mention of the name of 
 GOD, ought to be recorded for the admonition of every 
 age. 
 
 The clothing manufacture is carried on in this parish to 
 a considerable extent by Matthew A'Deane, and Wil- 
 liam Larton, Esqrs. 
 
 VOL. II. s
 
 258 Tlie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The former resides in a handsome house, with an cstato, 
 which came to him by marriage with the daughter and 
 heiress of the late William Springett, Esq. of Wick- 
 war (283). 
 
 The latter has a good modern-built house, pleasantly 
 situated on the side of a hill fronting the south. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 120 157 212. Houses inhabited, 36. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbitry deanery, in 
 the patronage of John Blagdon Hale, Esq. and James 
 Phelps, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The, church (which is now taking down, and a new 
 one rebuilding) was dedicated to St. Kenelme, and con- 
 sisted of a nave and two- aisles of different dimensions, 
 with a pinnacled tower at the west end. There was a head 
 of a king on the outside of the stone work of the south 
 window, and another of a bishop opposite, which have 
 been supposed to be those of Hen. III. and the bishop in 
 whose time the church was founded. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 1 \l. 4s. Id. 
 
 CCLXXIV. BADMINTON, (GREAT,) anciently MAD- 
 
 MINTUNE, 
 
 Is distant from Gloucester about twenty-six miles, and, 
 with Little Badminton, is nearly comprehended within the 
 boundary wall and liberties of the Duke of Beaufort, a cir- 
 cumference of ten miles, and comprehending 2000 acres. 
 The soil is best adapted to arable, and principally applied 
 to it. 
 
 The manor was originally held by Edric, next by Her- 
 nulfus, and 1275 by Ralph Boteler, in whose family it 
 passed in regular succession to the twelfth descendant, Ni-
 
 Berkeley Division. Gnunbuldsash Hundred. Upper Part. 259 
 
 cholas, in 1608, who sold it to Thomas Somerset, third 
 son of Edward Earl of Worcester, who was created Vis- 
 count Somerset, ofCashel, in Ireland. His only daugh- 
 ter Elizabeth dying unmarried, left it to Henry Somerset, 
 Lord Herbert, afterwards first Duke of Beaufort. 
 
 This noble family derive their origin from Geoffry 
 Plantagenet, who was lineally descended from John of 
 Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, whose eldest son, John, was 
 created Earl of Somerset 20 Rich. II. He died in 1410, 
 and was succeeded by his eldest son, John, who dying 
 unmarried, left his inheritance to his brother John, who 
 was created Duke of Somerset 1443. He left an only 
 daughter, Margaret, married to Edmund Tudor, and by 
 him the mother of King Henry VII. Edmund, the third 
 brother, succeeded, Marquis of Dorset, and Duke of So- 
 merset, who being killed in the battle at St. Alban's in 
 1455, left Henry, third duke, who, after many great ex- 
 ploits, was beheaded at the battle of Hexham, in 1463, 
 and was succeeded by his brother Edmund, who was be- 
 headed at the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. He dy- 
 ing without issue, as also his two younger brothers, John 
 and Thomas, the male line of John of Gaunt was ex- 
 tinct. 
 
 Henry left a natural son, Charles Somerset, who, by 
 his great and gallant conduct, was raised to high honours, 
 and in 1517, was created Earl of Worcester, having be- 
 fore borne the title of Lord Herbert, in right of his wife, 
 Elizabeth, sole daughter and heiress of William Herbert, 
 Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Herbert, of Ragland, Chep- 
 stow, and Govver. At his death in 1526, Henry, second 
 Earl of Worcester, came to the title, and died 1549, 
 and wa's succeeded by his son William, who sat as one of
 
 260 '1 lie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 the peers on the trial of Mary Queen of Scots. F.cl \vanl, 
 his only son, was fourtli earl, who dying in 1627, was 
 succeeded by his second son, Henry, the eldest having 
 died in his life time; this was the noble earl who main- 
 tained the castle of llaglarid \Vith so much success against 
 the Parliament for four years, with a garrison of 800 men, 
 at his own expenoe. In 1646 Edward, the eldest son, suc- 
 ceeded him, and received from the King the title of Mar- 
 quis of Worcester. He was the renowned author of * The 
 Century of Inventions.' On his death in 1667, Henry, his 
 only son came to the title, and in 1632 was advanced to the 
 title of Duke of Beaufort. Henry, his grandson, son of 
 Charles, the second son, succeeded as duke iri 1699, and 
 was followed in 1714 by his eldest son, Henry, who dying 
 without issue, was succeeded by his brother, Charles Noel 
 Somerset, who, by marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of 
 John Berkeley, of Stoke Giffard, and sister of the late 
 Norborne Lord Botetourt, had issue Henry, born in 1744, 
 and five daughters, Lady Anne, married to Charles, Earl 
 of Northampton ; Lady Elizabeth, who died in 1760; Lady 
 Rachael, who died an infant ;- Lady Henrietta, who was 
 married to Sir Watkyn Williams Wynne, and died 1769; 
 and Lady Maria Isabella, the present Dutchess Dowager 
 of Rutland. His present Grace, Henry, the fifth Duke 
 of Beaufort, came to the title in 1756, and in 1766 mar- 
 ried Elizabeth, daughter of the late Admiral Boscawen, 
 by whom he hath a numerous issue living. 
 
 Badmington house, the residence of the noble familv of 
 Beaufort, stands on the scite of the ancient building 
 which was the seat of the Botelers. The first Duke of 
 Beaufort founded it soon after his accession to the title. It 
 is a noble edifice, Avith one regular and magnificent front, 
 looking to the north. The grand approach is through the
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumboldstuh Hundred. Upper Part. 26\ 
 
 park from Worcester lodge, which is an elegant building, 
 and distant nearly three miles from the house. The 
 grounds around it are agreeably varied with gentle risings 
 and depressions, and well managed plantations. The 
 formal box and yew trees, which were the fashion of King 
 William's days, have given way to the more natural and 
 easy style of modern gardening. 
 
 Some fossils of the oyster and periwinkle kind are found 
 here, and it is said the bullet stone, which Dr. Plot so 
 much wished to examine. 
 
 No freeholder voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 176 200 423. Houses inhabited, 70. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage in Hawkesbury deanery. It 
 formerly belonged to the abbey of Pershore. The Duke 
 is patron, and Robert Penny, D. D. incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Michael, stands at the 
 soutii east corner of the house, and is connected with it by 
 a passage. It was built by the present noble duke in 1785, 
 and is an edifice of singular elegance. The whole is di- 
 vided into a nave and two side aisles, by two rows, of co- 
 lumns, and at the Avestern end, in a transverse direction, 
 is a gallery of oak for the accomodation of the family. In 
 correctness of taste, chastity of design, and neatness of 
 execution, it is perhaps not equalled, certainly not ex- 
 ceeded. The approach to the altar is made by steps of 
 jasper and verd antique. The pavement is composed of 
 precious marbles, disposed in such a manner that the cen- 
 tre forms, on a large scale, the arms of the family, parts 
 of which are inlaid with lapis lazuli. On each side of the 
 altar is a marble monument, in memory of some branches 
 of the Somersets, executed in the best stile of llysbrack ; 
 and a great variety of memorials are erected in other parts, 
 s 3
 
 262 The History oj <Ac County of Gloucctttr. 
 
 of the church. The whole is finished with a pinnacled 
 tower containing three bells. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of great Badmynton, is/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 5/. 5/r. 5\d. 
 
 CCLXXV. BADMINTON, (LITTLE,) anciently MAD- 
 
 MINTJJNE, 
 
 Is a hamlet or chapelry, formerly considered as belong- 
 ing to Hawkesbury, but in ecclesiastical concerns annexed 
 by an agreement and order made in 1750 to Great Bad- 
 minton. The soil, which is light, consists Avholly of ara- 
 ble lands, which contribute to the parish rates of Hawkes- 
 bury. The whole is included within the limits of Badmin- 
 ton Park. 
 
 The manor and chapel formerly belonged to Pershorc 
 abbey, and at the dissolution were granted to John Bo- 
 teler, and have ever since had thp same proprietors as 
 Great Badminton. No house of consequence now re- 
 mains in it. 
 
 The benefice was a chapelry of ease to Hawkesbury, 
 but annexed to Great Badminton. 
 No freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, , 100 95. Houses inhabited, 15. 
 The chapel, dedicated to St. Michael, is an ancient 
 structure, consisting of a nave and aisle, which are se- 
 parated by low pillars, and a small slated tower at the 
 west end. It was much dilapidated, but has lately been 
 repaired, and divine service is occasionally performed in 
 it. On the building of the new church at Great Badmin- 
 ton, 1785, the bury ing-ground was enlarged and re-con- 
 secrated, and appropriated to the use of both places.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred. Upper Part. -263 
 
 CCLXXVI. BOX WELL, anciently Bo XE WELLE, 
 With LE1GHTERTON, 
 
 Is distant about four miles E. from Wotton-under-edge, 
 and twenty-four s. from Gloucester. The soil is light, 
 and in the proportion of two-thirds applied to tillage, the 
 remainder is meadow and pasture. The whole extent of 
 this and Leighterton, is about 2039 acres. 
 
 The name is derired from a box wood, of about six- 
 teen acres, within a free warren of 40 acres, from which 
 rises a plentiful spring. This is the most considerable 
 wood of the kind in England, excepting Box hill, in Sur- ' 
 ry, and from the name, which has now been on record 
 more than seven centuries, it must have been of long 
 standing. The spring rises in sufficient quantity soon to 
 form a stream and one of the heads of the Avon which falls 
 into the Severn, at Berkeley, and the productions of it 
 are small trout and crayfish. 
 
 Domesday records Boxewell as a portion of the posses- 
 sions of Gloucester abbey, and taxed at five hides. The 
 family of Huntley were either possessed of a joint pro- 
 perty with the abbey, or mesne lords under it, for many 
 generations. In the taxation of Pope Nicholas about 1 29 1 , 
 the abbey was charged for three carucates of lands, valued 
 at seven shillings each, and a mill. John Huntley, Esq. 
 of Standish, was certainly a lessee under the abbey, as 
 appears by a grant, dated 1533. A moiety of lands in 
 Boxwell, Laterton, and Wast, belonging anciently to 
 the abbey of Glouc. and afterwards to Sir Walter Raleigh, 
 till his attainder, was by the crown granted to Vanlore 
 and Blake, the former of whom was lord of the manor in 
 1 60S . George Huntley was purchaser of it in 1612: from 
 
 s 4
 
 261- Pie IJlatoiy of the County of Cl<ntfu>tcr. 
 
 whom it has descended to Richard Huntley, clerk, A. M, 
 with the estates in Boxwell. 
 
 An ancient manorial house near the church, now mo- 
 dernized and elegantly improved, has been the residence 
 of the family from the original purchase at the beginning 
 of the nth century. 
 
 In the dining parlour, the present proprietor has judi- 
 ciously preserved a handsome chimney-piece, erected 
 probably by his ancestor when it first came into the fa- 
 mily, and finished with Corinthian columns in the best stile 
 of workmanship. The arms of the family are among the 
 ornaments with which it is embellished. 
 
 Leland retains a tradition of a nunnery in this place, 
 which was destroyed by the Danes. Foundation-stones 
 which have been discovered, fix the sciteof the building 
 in a most romantic valley between the church and the hill. 
 
 Near the road from Gloucester to Bath, on the west 
 side is a tumulus, called West Barrow, of considerable 
 dimensions. On its being opened, more than a century 
 since, three small vaults were discovered, in which were 
 urns filled with ashes, some bones, but no coins or other 
 Roman antiquities. Barrows, it has been before observed, 
 were, with very few exceptions, British; and if any Ro- 
 man coins happen to be found in them, it can only be in- 
 ferred that they were the burial places of some British of- 
 ficers who served in the Roman army. 
 
 In the. warren were lately discovered a small quantity of 
 Roman coins, some human bones, and stones discoloured 
 as by fire. 
 
 The deadly night-shade (solatium dulcamara), hen- 
 bane (hyoscamus nigcrj, hemlock (conium maculalum). 
 wild thyme (i hymns s-rpyl/umj, marjoram (origanum 
 y and some other plants, grow in the Barren.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsasft Hundred. Upper 1'art. i>65 
 
 LEIGHTERTON, is a hamlet about a mile distant from 
 the church. The manor formerly belonged to Humphry 
 de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex, 1313, and to 
 Robert Stanshaw, 1473. It is now in the same proprietor 
 as Boxwell, but the lands are much divided. 
 
 This hamlet has separate parochial officers imd rates. 
 
 Six freeholders voted from this parish in 1776. 
 
 Population, 104 175 217. Houses inhabited, 44. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, in 
 the patronage of the lord of the manor, who also is the 
 incumbent. The advowson formerly belonged to the 
 prjory of Walsingham, in Norfolk. After the dissolu- 
 tion it was granted to William Grew and Anthony Forster, 
 J564. The abbey of Gloucester presented in 1541. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, is a low struc- 
 ture, consisting of a nave, one small aisle on the north 
 side, and an octangular turret, terminating in a point, in 
 the middle. The whole building bears marks of great an- 
 tiquity, but the turret is probably the only part of the 
 original building. 
 
 The chapel of Leighterton is a small structure, neatly* 
 fitted up in the interior, and has a low embatteled tower 
 at the west end. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Boxwell, 5/. 
 
 In the King's books, 23/. 4s. 9{d. 
 
 CCLXXVII. CHARFIELD, anciently CIRVELDE, 
 
 Is a parish, four miles w. from Wotton-under-edge, 
 twenty-three s. w. from Gloucester, and containing about 
 1800 acres. The greater part of the parish lies on the vast 
 bed of lime-stone rock which is the basis of a considerable 
 }ine of country in tfiis district. The soil in general is of
 
 266 Tlic History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 sufficient depth to be applied to pasture, with only a 
 small portion of arable. The stream which rises in Box- 
 well wood, here forms a boundary between this parish and 
 Kingswood, having received another rivulet from Alderley 
 a little higher up. 
 
 Tafarn Bach, now corrupted into Tavern Bath, is a 
 small inn, at the crossing of the two roads on the borders 
 of the pariah, and is worthy of notice on account of its 
 having been a house of entertainment in very early times ; 
 the derivation being purely British, Tafarn Bach, signify- 
 ing in that language a little alehouse. 
 
 The manor was held at the time of the general survey 
 by Gozelinur Brito, and is described in Bachestanes hun- 
 dred. It was in the family of Mayseys or Masseys, and 
 the Veels, by intermarriages, from Hen. III. till 1458; and 
 during this interval, it was once in the Berkeleys by mar- 
 riage. The family of Stanshaw were seized of it from 
 1473 to 1497. The manor, in 1608, was in the Throck- 
 mortons, of Tortworth; and afterwards in the family of 
 Hickes, about the beginning of the 17th century, who 
 were the proprietors of it till the death of Richard Hickes, 
 when it came to his nephew, Joseph Walton, Esq. and it 
 is now the property of Charles Brome Walton, Esq. with 
 some estate. 
 
 Lord Ducie has the most considerable estates in the 
 parish. 
 
 Other proprietors are, Richard Haynes, Esq. (297) W T m. 
 Pullin, Wm. Cullimore, 5Cc. 
 
 Eleven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 145 200 247. Houses inhabited, 40. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, en- 
 dowed with 20/. a year out of Micklewood chace, in lieu 
 of tythes. The advowson was for several years in the
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbuldsaslt Hundred. Upper Part. 207 
 
 family of Tyndale, but is now, by purchase, in William 
 Jolliffe, Esq. of Bristol ; and Richard Jones, A. M. is in- 
 cumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. James, consists of a nave 
 and south aisle, with a low tower at the west end. Some 
 fragments of painted glass are in the windows, but nothing 
 perfect except the holy rood. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Charefeld, 5/. 
 
 In the King's books, 10/. 1*. 3rf. 
 
 CCLXXVIII. DIDMARTON, anciently DEDMERTONE, 
 
 Is six miles w. from Tetbury, and twenty- three s. from 
 Gloucester, situate on the lower extremity of the Cotes- 
 wold, and bounded by Wiltshire. The soil, extending 
 over fOO acres, is, with a small exception, under tillage. 
 
 The latter part of the name signifies, in Saxon, a' bound- 
 ary town (mere town}. 
 
 The turnpike road from Oxford, through Cirencester, to 
 Bath, leads through the village. 
 
 The manor anciently belonged to Durand, of Glouces- 
 ter, and passed from him through the Sy wards, Wroston, 
 and Wroughtons, and from the last to the Seacoles. By 
 marriage with Anne, the younger daughter and co-heiress 
 of Richard Seacole, Esq. in the reign of Elizabeth, the 
 manor came into the name and family of Codrington ; and 
 of the lineal descendants of this family it was purchased 
 by the late Duke of Beaufort, and the present Duke is 
 Jord of the manor, and proprietor of the whole parish. 
 
 The old manerial house, built by the Codringtons, is 
 now nearly in ruins. 
 
 Several tumuli are existing in different parts of the 
 parish.
 
 268 lite History of the County nf Gloucester. 
 
 No freeholder voted from this parish in 1716. 
 
 Population, 56 72 74. Houses inhabited, 20. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Hawkesbury deanerv, in 
 the patronage of the Duke of Beaufort, and George Cook, 
 D. D. is incumbent. 
 
 In 1735, it was united to Oldbury-on-the-hill. Fifty- 
 two acres belong to the glebe. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Lawrence, is small, con- 
 sisting of a nave and aisle projecting from the end of it. 
 The form is therefore that of L, intended, as it is thought, 
 to answer the initial of the tutelar Saint's name. The tur- 
 ret is of wood. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 8/. 
 
 CCLXXIX. HAWKESBURY, ancitntly HAVOCHESBERIE,. 
 
 Is a large parish, lying chiefly on the edge of the Lower 
 Coteswolds, containing 6400 acres, distant four miles N. E. 
 from Sodbury, and twenty- five s. from Gloucester. The 
 soil on the hills partakes of the nature of the Coteswolds, 
 and is chiefly in tillage; but the lower parts are deep, and 
 afford rich pasture, which is about four parts in five of the 
 whole, excepting some hundred of a'cres of wood land. 
 
 The latter part of the name implies a camp or military 
 station ; but who Havoche was, history does not inform 
 us. Two small brooks rise here, and join the Berkeley 
 Avon near Falfield. 
 
 The manor anciently belonged to the. church of Saint 
 Mary, Pershore. A grant of markets, fairs, free warren, 
 and court leet, was given in 1253, and allowed 1287. At 
 the dissolution, the manor was granted to John Butler, or 
 Boteler, of Badminton, upon whose death, in 1552, he left 
 it in dower to his relict Sylvestra, daughter of John Guise,
 
 Berkeley Division. Grunibaldsash Hundred. Upper Part. 269 
 
 Esq. of Elmore, who was succeeded by John Boteler, in 
 1565. In 1608, the manor, with the hamlets of Hillsley, 
 Kilcot, Tresham, Seddewood, Upton, and Guston, was 
 held by Nicholas Boteler, Esq. and in 1612, was transfer- 
 red to Arthur Crewc, Esq. of Alderlev, from whose execu- 
 tors it passed by purchase to Sir Robert Jenkinson, Knt. 
 of Walcot, co. Oxford, who was created Baronet in 1661. 
 On the decease of Sir Banks Jenkinson, the sixth Baronet, 
 the title and property devolved to the next heir male, the 
 Right Hon. Charles Jenkins^n, Chancellor of the dutchy of 
 Lancaster, who was created Baron of Hawkesbury in 1786, 
 and Earl of Liverpool in 1796, and is now lord of the 
 manor. 
 
 The manorial house, which was for some years the resi- 
 dence of the family of Jenkinson, is now reduced to ruins. 
 
 In P. N. tax. Abbas de Persor. habet apud Haukesbar. 
 septem came. terr. et valet caruc. tresdecem solid. 
 
 TYTHINGS. 1. HILSLEY, anciently HILDESLEI, is a 
 large village, and has a distinct tythingman. One mes- 
 suage, a small wood, and certain lands at Brodecroft, be- 
 longed to the abbey of Pershore 1316 ; and other tenants 
 are mentioned. In 1623, Francis Thynne, of the Kemps- 
 ford family, held this manor. It afterwards passed to 
 the Symonds's, of Dorsetshire, and was purchased of Edw. 
 Cosyn, Esq. of Great Stoughton, co. Huntingdon, and 
 passed, in marriage with his daughter Eliza, to George 
 Tipping, Esq. It has since passed from the families of 
 Hale and Springett, of Alderley, to Matthew A' Dearie, 
 Esq. by marriage with a daughter of the last. 
 
 The principal property is in the Duke of Beaufort. 
 
 Hilsley had a chapel, which is now totally delapidated. 
 
 2. TRESHAM, belonged to Thomas Kennett in 1348. 
 John Blagdon Hale, Esq. is lord of the manor, with cousi-
 
 270 The UiiUorjf of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 dcrabie property (97 3). The principal proprietors are tlifc 
 Duke of Beaufort, L>. Hunt, Esq. (43), Daniel Adey, Esq. 
 Matthew A'Deane, Esq. Kc. 
 
 In this hamlet is a small chapel, annexed to Hawkesbury. 
 
 Population, 125, included in total at the end. 
 
 3. KILLCOTT. The manor with free warren in Killcott 
 was confirmed to Matilda de Every 1287. It afterwards 
 passed to the families of Bodisant and Stanshawe. Rob. 
 Poyntz, Esq. of Alderley, sold it to Samuel Barker, Esq. 
 of Fairford, who resold it to William Springett, Esq. from 
 whom it descended to Matthew A'Deane, Esq. of Alder- 
 ley, in right of marriage with his daughter, and he is now 
 lord of the manor. 
 
 4. SEDDLEWOOD, is a manor, and belonged for many 
 generations to the family of Workman. Some years since 
 it was sold by Timothy Thomas, gent, to Daniel Adey, 
 Esq. who is succeeded by his nephew, Daniel Adey, Esq. 
 The three last compose one tything. 
 
 5. UPTON, is a very extensive tything, situate on the 
 hill. An estate belonged to the Codringtons in 1459, and 
 w;is by their descendants sold to Sir Robert Jenkinson, 
 and is now part of the possessions of that noble familv. 
 An estate, belonging formerly to Robert Wicksey, gent, 
 of Sherstone, co. Wilts, descended to the late Richard 
 Wood, Esq. of Gloucester, who sold it to Nathaniel 
 Watts, Gent, the present possessor. 
 
 6. WASTE, or LE WASTE, was transferred from the ab- 
 bey of Pershore to that of Gloucester, with the advowson 
 of the chapel, by deed executed at Standish in 1 377. The 
 chapel of Le Wast, with all tythes and appurtenances, 
 were granted to Francis Marcs and Michael Cole, 1615. 
 The manor afterwards belonged to the Codringtons, and 
 by them was sold to the noble family of Beaufort.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumluldsush Hundred. Upper Part. 27 I 
 
 7. BADMINTON PARVA (275). 
 
 8. CHALKELEY, belonged to Sir Abraham Elton, Bart, 
 in 1780, and is now vested in his son, of the same name. 
 
 Forty-four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 5988961301. Houses inhab. 224. 
 
 The berrefice is a vicarage, in the deanery to which it 
 gives name. It was formerly impropriate, and annexed 
 to the abbey of Pershore, and the advowson is now in the 
 manor. At the suppression, 1546, the great tythes were 
 granted to John Boteler, and have since been divided into 
 several parcels, and attached to particular estates. Potter 
 Cole, M. A. the last incumbent, was resident sixty-three 
 years on his benefice; and, until the last year of his life, 
 1.801, never was absent from a visitation. Christopher 
 Swainson, M. A. is now incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St, Mary, is a large building, 
 with a nave, two aisles, and a heavy embatteled tower at 
 the west end. The original building was erected, prob- 
 ably, by the abbey of Pershore, but from the arms of 
 Boteler, carved in stone, and the square windows, which 
 bep-an to be introduced on the decline of the Gothic, .in 
 
 o ' 
 
 the sixteenth century, it is likely, that the whole was re- 
 cvected or repaired by the Botelers. The chancel bears 
 the marks of greater antiquity. In the south chancel was 
 a chantry, established in 1452, to which belonged a geld, 
 or fraternity, endowed with lands at Chalkeley, in this 
 parish, which are still subject to the repairs. 
 
 CCLXXX. HORTON, anciently HOREDONE, 
 
 Is a parish of 2800 acres, two miles N. E. from Chipping 
 Sodbury, and twenty-eight s. from Gloucester. It is di- 
 vided nearly equally between hill and vale, and the soiJ
 
 272 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 varies accordingly from stone-brash to clay, the former 
 being principally in tillage, and the latter in pasture. 
 
 Domesday records this manor us hold by Robert de To- 
 deni, and taxed at ten hides. From the families of De 
 Abbington and Kay le way, it was traii'-lerred to the Brad- 
 stones, in the reign of Ed\v. III. and continued with them 
 for many generations. It was afterwards in the Baxtons,. 
 and again in Win. Knight, Esq. in the reign of Hen. VIII. 
 from whom it passed to Edward Paston, Esq. of Appleton, 
 co. Norfolk, who died in 1630. William Paston, Esq. was 
 succeeded by his brother Clement Paston ; on whose death 
 without issue, in 1739, the manor and estates, including 
 the greater part of the parish, were bequeathed to his 
 third wife, Mary Isabella, daughter of John Kempson, 
 Esq. of Sandon, co. Stafford; and are now, by devise, 
 vested in Thomas Brooke, of Chipping Sodbury, Esq. 
 
 The Court-house is said to have been built by W. 
 Knight. The chapel, used in the time of the Paston s for 
 the Romish service, has door-cases with Saxon mouldings, 
 over which is an escutcheon, bearing a saltire, charged in 
 the centre with two annulets braced. Another door-case, 
 of the principal entrance, exhibits the kind of sculpture 
 which appeared in England in the reign of Henry VIII. 
 under the protection of Holbein, on the disappearance 
 of the Gothic. The device of a spread eagle, ensigned 
 with a cardinal's hat, is repeated on the chimney-pieces. 
 The late proprietors of this house came first to reside in it 
 in 1710, in consequence of their mansion at Appleton be- 
 ing burnt down in. 1708. 
 
 Another reputed manor, called Horewood, was given by 
 Agnes widow of Henry de Ria and her son, to the church 
 of Salisbury, and was annexed to a prebend there : the 
 claim was allowed in 1287. After the dissolution, it was
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred. Upper Part. 273 
 
 granted to the Protector, Somerset, and on his attainder, 
 re-granted, in 1554, to Clement Paston, Esq. father of 
 Edward Paston, whose descendants enjoyed it till it came, 
 with the manerial property, to Thomas Brooke, Esq. as 
 before. 
 
 The preceptory of Knights Hospitallers at Quennington 
 were seized of lands, called Frayers Hay, which, at the 
 suppression, were granted to John Bellow, 1647. 
 
 The only estate independent of the manor was held by 
 the late George Hardwicke, M. D. of Chipping Sodbury, 
 and is now vested in his son, James Hardwicke, clerk, 
 LL. D. 
 
 Three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 120 332 366. Houses inhabited, 65. 
 
 The benefice is rectorial, in Hawkesbury deanery, with 
 thirty acres of glebe. The advowson is annexed to the 
 manor, but the late Mr. Paston sold the right of presenta- 
 ion, some years since, for three lives, to John Unwin, of 
 Took's Court, London. John Thornhill, A. M. is incum- 
 bent. Horwood Estate, called the demesnes, claims an 
 exemption in lieu of tythes on payment of 0.1. I3s.4d. 
 
 Potter Cole, clerk (279), was rector of this parish during 
 sixty-six years. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. James, consists of a nave, 
 north aisle, and chancel, with an embatteled tower at the 
 west end, of uniform construction, and in the style which 
 prevailed about the close of the fourteenth century. The 
 sepulchral chapel of the Pastons is separated by an arch, 
 and has a timber roof, beautifully carved. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Heorton, 5/. 
 
 Portion of the prebend of Sarum, in tythes, 4l. s. 8rf. 
 
 In the King's books, J 6l. 
 
 VOL. II. T
 
 274- The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCLXXXI. OLDBURY-ON-THE-HILL, ancietitly 
 ALDEBERIE, 
 
 Is a parish six miles s.w. from Tetbury, twenty-three s. 
 from Gloucester, containing 1600 acres, and intersected 
 by the turnpike road leading from Cirencester through 
 Tetbury to Bristol. The soil is stone brash, and princi- 
 pally in tillage. 
 
 The additional name was given to distinguish it from 
 another Oldbury, on the Severn. 
 
 Hernulf de Herding was proprietor at the time of the 
 survey, and taxed at five hides. Till the 7th Hen. IV. the 
 family of Burdon, and after them of Thorp, were posses- 
 sors till 1465, when, by marriage with Thomasin Thorp, 
 sister to William, the manor passed to Thomas Clifford, 
 whose great-grandson, William, sold it and the advowson 
 to Henry Dennis 1562, whose descendants continued pro- 
 prietors and patrons till they passed to the noble family 
 of Beaufort, in whom nearly all the parish is vested. 
 
 Some barrows remain to shew that this place has been 
 formerly the scene of military transactions. 
 
 The bistort or snake-weed (polygonum bistorta) is found 
 in this parish. 
 
 Five freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 80 232 239. Houses inhabited, 54. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, iii 
 the patronage of the Duke of Beaufort, and George Cooke, 
 D. D. is incumbent. It was united to Didmarton 1735. 
 
 The church, dedicated to Auld the Virgin, has only a 
 nave and chancel, with a low embatteled tower at the 
 west end. The interior is decent, and neatly pewed. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the portion of the church of Great Bad. 
 mynton, in the chapel of Odebur. in money, Ss. 6d.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbuldsash Hundred. Upper Part. 275 
 
 CCLXXXII. TORTWORTH, anciently TORTEWORDE, 
 
 Is four miles s. from Berkeley, twenty-one s. from 
 Gloucester, and contains 1600 acres. The soil is a red 
 rich loam, producing pasture of an excellent quality, 
 particularly for the dairy, with a small portion of arable, 
 and some wood-land. 
 
 This manor was held by Turstin, the son of Rolf, and 
 described as in Bachestane hundred. Nicholas de Kyne- 
 stone was lord of Tortworth in 1 28 1 , probably by mar- 
 riage with a co-heiress, as Sir W. Mansell released all his 
 right in the manor and advowson in exchange for other 
 lands, to Sir Nicholas. He purchased privilege of mar- 
 kets and free-warren in 1359. By marriage with his only 
 daughter, the property passed into the family of Veel, 
 whose descendants were lords, till by marriage with Alice, 
 the heiress of the family, Sir David Matthews, of Gla- 
 morganshire, became proprietor in the reign of Hen. VII. 
 William Throckmorton, descended from an ancient family 
 of that name at Fladbury, co. Worcester, married Mar- 
 garet, the eldest of five daughters of Sir David, and was 
 succeeded by his son, Sir Thomas, in 1567; whose son, 
 
 Sir William, sold this manor to Webb, of whom it 
 
 was afterwards purchased by Sir Robert Ducie, alderman 
 of London, descended from the Ducies in Staffordshire. 
 His son, Sir Richard, dying unmarried, was succeeded 
 by his next brother, Sir William, who was first made 
 Knight of the Bath, and afterwards ci-eated Viscount 
 Down in the kingdom of Ireland, by Cha. II. On his 
 death without issue, the manor descended to Elizabeth, 
 only daughter of Robert Ducie, Esq. his younger brother, 
 who by marriage carried it into the present noble fa- 
 T 2
 
 276 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 mily(n5), and Francis, Lord Ducie, is now lord of the 
 manor, and proprietor of the whole parish. 
 
 There was another manor in this parish, which was held 
 of the king as of the hundred of Grumbaldsash. 
 
 Avening-House has been sold by Mr. Matthews to Lord 
 Ducie. 
 
 Tortworth-House is the residence of Lord Ducie, and 
 has been for some years of the family. The present noble 
 proprietor has made great improvements, both in the 
 house and pleasure-grounds. The situation is near the 
 church, and though locv r , commands some beautiful views. 
 The large chesnut-tree is still living ; and measured in 
 1791 forty-four feet and four inches in circumference in 
 the largest part of the trunk 67 . 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 240 241 269. Houses inhabited, 52. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery. 
 The advowson was for many years in the manor, but is 
 now vested, by purchase, in the Society of Oriel Coll. 
 Oxford, and George Cook, D. D. is incumbent, who 
 has a good parsonage-house, and sixty acres of glebe 
 around it. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Leonard, has a nave and 
 south aisle, with an embatteled tower at the Avest end. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Tortworth, 7/. 1 3s. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books, 16/. 3s. 9d. 
 
 CCLXXXIIL WICKWAR, anciently WICHEN, 
 Is a market town, six miles s. w. from Wotton-under- 
 edge, and twenty-six s. from Gloucester. It is situated at 
 the western base of the Lower Cotes wold, and consists of
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred. Upper Part. 277 
 
 a rich soil, varying in its qualities from stone-brash to 
 clay. The greater part, of 2000 acres, is in pasture, 
 with some arable, and several acres of common. 
 
 The place received the name of War from a family of 
 that name, who were lords of the manor for several gene- 
 rations. 
 
 Nearly in the centre of the parish stands the town, 
 consisting of one long street. The privileges of a weekly 
 market on Monday, and a yearly fair, were first granted 
 in the reign of Edw. I.; and the same, with the addition 
 of another fair, were confirmed to Thomas West, Lord 
 La Warr, by Henry VIII. The fair days are Lady-day 
 and July 4. The same grant received a further confirma- 
 tion from Charles I. in 1629, in the charter by which it 
 was constituted a borough town, with a mayor and twelve 
 aldermen. Two courts are held ; one for the borough, 
 and another for the ty thing or foreign, and they have se- 
 parate constables. 
 
 The clothing manufacture, which once flourished here, 
 has long been on the decline, but the lower classes are 
 still employed in spinning for the clothiers of other 
 places. 
 
 The old market house has been lately taken down, and 
 rebuilt in a more convenient situation, 
 
 Humphry the chamberlain held Wichen at the time of 
 the general survey. John Earl of Gloucester, brother to 
 Richard I. gave the manor to John La Warr, and con- 
 firmed it to him, on his coming to the throne. In this fa- 
 mily it continued till the year 1618, more than four cen- 
 turies. Thomas, Lord de la Warr, the last of the familv, 
 and the eleventh Baron, died on his return from Viroinia. 
 
 * O 7 
 
 at sea, in 1618. The manor was afterwards purchased 
 T 3
 
 27 8 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 by Sir Robert Ducie, from whom it has descended in the 
 same way as Tortworth(232). More than a third of the 
 whole parish is appendant to the manor. 
 
 BAGSTONE, supposed to have given name to the hun- 
 dred, as it is mentioned in Domesday, under the appella- 
 tion of Bachestane , but now comprized in the hundreds of 
 Thornbury and Grumbaldsash, is a hamlet, and was once 
 a manor belonging to Kingswood abbey. Matthew Hale, 
 Esq. was lord of it at the beginning of the last century. 
 
 WESTEND is situate on the west side of the parish. 
 Matthew ATJeane has a good house here, which was the 
 property and residence of William Springett, Esq. de- 
 ceased (273). 
 
 The Pool-house, late the property of Mr. Jobbins, now 
 of Mrs. Haynes, wife of Richard Haynes, Esq. of Wick 
 (291), was built in 1496, by Richard Woolworth, a clo- 
 thier, since which time it has not undergone any external 
 alteration. At the east end, within a plain square Gothic 
 niche, is a rude figure of John the Baptist, according to 
 some 68 , carved in stone, holding a book in his left hand. 
 Over him is an inscription, in black letter, " SCTE. 
 JOHES. BAPTISTA OR**;" and under, " IN YE YEAR 
 OF OURE LORDE GOD Mccccun :" score, and," xvi. 
 TRENITE MONDAY, xxn DAY OF MAY." There is also 
 a figure of an angel, holding a shield, whereon are the 
 initials of the owner's name, " R. W." and his cloth-mark 
 In an upper chamber is a window, with painted glass, 
 and a rebus of his name, formed by the last syllable 
 joined to a fleece of wool. Others have the names of the 
 months, in black letter. 
 
 This passage of country, beginning at Cromhall, and 
 extending to Sodbury, lies on a basis of ponderous stone,
 
 Berkeley Division. Gnunbaldsash Hundred. Upper Part. 27 y 
 
 which, from its colour, lias usually been called White 
 Lays. It calcines to a fine white lime. Calamine stone 
 and lead-ore have also been found here. 
 
 Alexander Hosea established a free grammar school 
 here in 1684, and endowed it with a house in Gray's Inn 
 lane, Holborn, London. He gave 600/. for building a 
 house for the master, in which he lives, and receives 28/. 
 per annum. There is another free school for teaching to 
 read, with a salary of 10/. per annum, and a house for 
 the master. The founder was originally apprenticed to a 
 weaver, and acquired a large fortune in London. 
 
 The corporation are trustees to both schools, and ap- 
 point the masters, with the approbation of the burgesses. 
 
 Twenty-seven freeholders voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, 1000 850 764. Houses inhab. 157. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery. 
 Thorn, s Cook, L L. B. is patron and incumbent. 
 
 The advowson formerly belonged to the manor, but 
 Avas sold from it by one of the Ducie family, and passed 
 through Springett and Chester to the present proprietor. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a handsome 
 building, situate on an eminence, and consists of a nave 
 and north aisle, and well proportioned tower at the west 
 end ; Woolworth, before mentioned, is said to have 
 built the church. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Wykewar, 8/. 6*. 8d, 
 
 In the King's books, 1 8tf. 
 
 o 
 
 T 4
 
 280 The History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Lower Part. 
 
 CCLXXXIV. ACTON TURVILLE, anciently ACHETONE. 
 
 Is'a small parish on the confines of Wiltshire, five miles 
 E. from Ch. Sodbury, and twenty-eight from Gloucester, 
 s. The soil in general is a light stone-brash, and about 
 two-thirds of it are in arable. In some parts it is a deep 
 clay. The whole parish contains 700 acres. 
 
 The name of Turville was added to distinguish it from 
 Iron Acton, and is a contraction of Turberville, an early 
 proprietor. 
 
 In the middle of the village stands a small antique stone 
 building, which was formerly a sanctuary , dedicated to 
 St. Margaret, and supposed to have been built by one 
 of our Saxon kings. It is now converted into a dwel- 
 ling-house. 
 
 Domesday records this manor as held by Ernulphus, 
 and soon after the conquest it came to the Turvilles or 
 Turbervilles. From Richard Earl of Arundel, 1302 ; John 
 delaRivere, 1315; Sir John Drayton, 1418; and Wil- 
 liam St. Loe, 1560; it came to the Earl of Shrewsbury, 
 1608 ; afterwards to Henry Cavendish, Duke of Newcas- 
 tle, who granted it to Sir John Top, from whom it des- 
 cended to Sir John Top, late of Tormarton, and after- 
 wards came to Hungerford, Esq. by marriage with 
 
 one of his daughters, from whose son, John Peach Hun- 
 gerford, Esq. it has lately been transferred to the Duke 
 of Beaufort, who is now lord of the manor, with nearly 
 the property of the whole parish. 
 
 A fair is annually kept here on the first Friday in Aug.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred. Lower Part. 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, 80 90 156. Houses inhabited, 33. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Hawkesbury deanery, 
 united to Tormarton in 1344, and was formerly in the pa- 
 tronage of the rector of Tormarton, but Nathaniel Cas- 
 tleton, Esq. presented the Rev. Newdigate Pointz, LL. B. 
 the present incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to Sf. Mary, is small, consist- 
 ing of one aisle, and a low spire in the middle. Service 
 is performed in it once a month, and marriages are cele- 
 brated at Tormarton. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Acton Turbervell, 4/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) <5/. 1 35. 4d. 
 
 CCLXXXV. DODINGTON, anciently DODINTONE, 
 Is three miles s. E. from Sodbury, and twenty- eight 
 from Gloucester s. The soil in the lower parts is clayey, 
 but becomes lighter on the more elevated lands. Sixty 
 acres only of 1200 are under tillage in the parish. 
 
 The manor was given by the Conqueror to the Bishop of 
 Constance, under whom Roger de Berkeley, of Dursley, 
 and his descendants, held it for many years. In 1403, it 
 passed by marriage into the family of De Cantilupe ; and 
 in 1473, by similar means, to Thomas Wekys, whose de- 
 scendants had the possession of it till about the reign of 
 Elizabeth, when it was sold to Giles Codrington, who was 
 great grandson of Thomas, a younger son of Robert Cod- 
 rington, of Didmarton. Samuel, the great great grand- 
 son of Giles, re-sold the manor to his kinsman, Christopher, 
 son of the celebrated Christopher Codrington, Governor 
 of the Leeward Islands. On his death, in 1702, he left it
 
 282 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 by will to his relative, William Codrington, who was ere, 
 ated a Baronet in 1721. He was succeeded in title and 
 estate by the late Sir W. Codrington, and on his death, 
 about 1790, the title descended to his son; but the manor 
 and estates at Dpdington, with other property, came by 
 virtue of his will to Christopher Codrington, Esq. his ne- 
 phew, the present lord of the manor. 
 
 One estate, belonging to Walter Long, Esq. which was 
 formerly a parcel of the possessions of Keynsham abbey, 
 is independent of the demesnes. 
 
 The ancient manor house, the residence of the family, 
 was built by Robert Wekys, in 1557. The front was 
 added in the reign of James I. A new house, near the 
 old one, is now building, on a very spacious and elegant 
 plan. The park and grounds are extensive, and judici- 
 ously disposed. The whole is seen from the great turn- 
 pike road leading down to Bath. 
 
 On the tops of the adjoining hills are the traces of a 
 chain of castra exploratoria ; and it is recorded by Leland, 
 that bones were found inclosed in glass, near Dodington 
 church, and pots finely embellished dug in the neighbour- 
 ing fields. These posts were afterwards occupied by the 
 Saxons, when they repelled the Danes landing at Bristol. 
 
 Edw. IV. rested his army here some days, when on his 
 march towards Tewkesbury, where he totally destroyed 
 the forces of the Lancastrian party. 
 
 The bee orchis (orchis apif era), and enchanter's night- 
 shade (circaa), grow here. 
 
 This parish is in the jurisdiction of the honour of Glou- 
 cester. 
 
 No freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 56 98 P5. Houses inhabited, 12.
 
 Berkeley Division. Gnimbaldsush Hundred. Lower Part. 283 
 
 The benefice is rectorial, in Hawkesbury deanery, in the 
 patronage of the lord of the manor, and Rich. Jones, A.M. 
 is incumbent. 
 
 The old church, which was of small dimensions, and 
 had a low tower at the west end, was taken down in 1801, 
 and a new one, on modern principles, is nearly finished. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Dodinton, 6l. 
 
 In the King's books, 5/. 6s. 1 \d. 
 
 CCLXXXVI. DURHAM, DYRHAM, anciently DIRHAM, 
 Is five miles s. from Sodbury, and thirty-one nearly in 
 the same direction from Gloucester, situated at the base of 
 surrounding acclivities, from which issue the springs, the 
 source of the Boyd. 
 
 The parish includes 2400 acres, the greatest proportion 
 of which is in pasture. In some records the name is 
 Deorham, Saxon for Deershome, as it is explained in Lye's 
 Saxon Dictionary 70 . 
 
 Soon after the conquest the manor was transferred from 
 William the son of Widen to the barons of Newmareh, 
 (de novo Mercatu) a family that came in with the Conque- 
 ror. On the death of James, baron of Newmarch and 
 Deerham in 1199, the manor came by his will to Isabel, a 
 coheir, wife of Ralph de Russel. In this knightly family 
 (the ancestors of the Duke of Bedford, and Gorges of So- 
 mersetshire and Herefordshire) it descended to Sir Mau- 
 rice Russel, who dying in 1401 left the manor in moiety 
 to his two daughters, Margaret, wife of Sir Gilbert Den- 
 nis, and Isabel, of Sir John Drayton ; the former pur- 
 chased the whole, and his descendants enjoyed it till Sir 
 Walter Dennis joining with his eldest son, Richard, sold 
 the manor in 1571 to George Winter, Esq. brother of Sir
 
 28+ The History of the Counfy qf Gloucester. 
 
 W. Winter, of Lydney(224). Here they resided in splen- 
 dor till the death of John Winter in 1668, when William 
 Blathwayte, Esq. descended from a family in Cumberland, 
 came to the possession of the manor and estates in right 
 of his wife, daughter of John Winter. His grandson, 
 William BUthwayte, Esq. is now lord of the manor ot 
 Durham and Hinton. 
 
 The manorial house was built by William Blathwayte, 
 Esq. Secretary at War and of State in the reign of Will. 
 III. on the scite of the old house belonging to the 
 Dennis's; it was completed in 1693, from a design of 
 William Tolman, who conducted the whole at an im- 
 mense expence. It consists of two fronts, the principal 
 of which extends 130 feet. The base is rustic, the win- 
 dows are decorated with alternate pediments, and the 
 cornice finished with trophies, urns, and other ornaments 
 in profusion. The gardens were formerly laid out agree- 
 ably to the taste which was brought in with William at the 
 revolution, but have since been altered in the modern 
 style. The park, including 500 acres, was first inclosed 
 by Sir William Dennis, one of the Esquires of the Body to 
 Hen. VIII. by licence of that King, and is well planted. 
 
 HINTON is a hamlet about a mile from the church. 
 
 This manor anciently belonged to the family of De la 
 Riviere, or De Ripariis, of whom it was purchased by the 
 Russels, and annexed to the demesnes. The co-heirs of 
 Sir Maurice Russel sold a principal estate to Nicholas 
 Stanshaw, whose heir re-sold it to Thomas White, Esq. 
 who was mayor of Bristol in 1530. He gave it, at that 
 time producing 22/. 1 2s. a year, to exempt Severn vessels 
 from the customs of the port of Bristol, and other chari- 
 table purposes.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbuldsash Hundred, Lower Part. 285 
 
 A bloody battle was fought in this parish between the 
 Britons and Saxons in 599, in which the Britons were 
 vanquished, and the cities of Gloucester, Cirencester, arid 
 Bath surrendered to the conquerors, with the country 
 about them. 
 
 On Hinton-hitl is an encampment inclosing at least 
 twenty acres of ground, supposed to have been occupied 
 by the Saxons at the time of this engagement. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 270350 437. Houses inhabited, 82. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, the 
 patronage of which has always been attached to the ma- 
 nor ; George William Blathwayte, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Peter, is said to have 
 been built by Sir Maurice Russel, before 1401 . The style 
 of architecture favours the tradition. It consists of a nave 
 two aisles, and an embattelecl tower of regular Gothic. In 
 1520, Sir William Dennis and Anne his wife founded a 
 chantry gild, and erected and prepared the south aisle 
 for the reception of its service. The method of its foun- 
 dation, and the statutes are still extant. 
 
 In P. N. lax. in the deanery of Button, the church of 
 Derhm, 10/. 6,y. Scl. 
 
 In the King's books, 14/. 12s. 6d. 
 
 CCLXXXVII. SODBURY (CHIPPING), anciently 
 
 SOPEBERIE, 
 
 Is a small parish, containing only 90 acres, and market 
 town, twelve miles N. from Bristol, and thirty s. from 
 Gloucester, situate at the foot of the great Howby hill, a 
 continuation of that chain which extends from north to 
 south through the county. The basis of this district is
 
 286 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 lime-stone, and the soil is therefore in general shallow, 
 and in many parts the rocks are bare. It is, however, 
 productive of good pasture, which generally prevails. 
 
 This, and the two adjoining parishes of the same name, 
 were so called from the berie or camp, which is found on 
 the summit of the hill above Old Sodbury. Chipping dis- 
 tinguishes it as a market town (3), and was first used in 
 the reign of Hen. III. on the establishment of its market. 
 The town consists of one long street, has a few good 
 houses, and is the great thoroughfare between the eastern 
 part of the island and Bristol. It has a market on Thurs- 
 day, and two yearly fairs, on Holy Thursday and the 
 24th of June. King Cha. II. granted to the inhabitants a 
 charter of incorporation in 1681, whereby the govern- 
 ment of the borough was lodged in a mayor, six alder- 
 men, and twelve burgesses, with a high-steward, recor- 
 der, and town-clerk, and at the same time was granted 
 the privilege of holding pleas of all manner of personal 
 suits and debts under five pounds, arising within the bo- 
 rough. But in 1688, at the recjuest of the inhabitants, 
 from what cause is not now remembered, the charter was 
 annulled by proclamation, and from that period the an- 
 cient government by a bailiff was revived, Avho is annually 
 chosen by the lord of the manor out of three persons re- 
 turned to him at the court-leet. 
 
 Two estates, called the Stub Ridings and Meadow Rid- 
 ing, were anciently granted by two lords of the manor, in 
 the reigns of Hen. II. and John, to the. bailiffs and bailiff- 
 burgesses, for the following purposes : The former, 
 consisting of about 100 acres, is granted for summer- 
 pasture, under certain regulations, for sixty-eight cow 
 beasts, to as many persons as have been inhabitants of the 
 town for fourteen years. The latter is divided into
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred. Lower Part. 287 
 
 eighty-one lots, besides two others, called the Bailiff's and 
 Hayward's piece. Each of these, containing rather more 
 than a statute acre, is held by a lessee for his own life and 
 the life of his widow. Out of these estates the lord of 
 the manor receives an annual payment of 5l. and the vicar 
 of Old Sodbury I/. 135. 4d. in lieu of tythes. The bailiff 
 is entitled to 505. yearly, for which, by ancient custom, he 
 provides an ox and two barrels of ale, on St. Stephen's 
 clay, for the inhabitants. 
 
 In the sanguinary reign of Mary, John Pigott was burnt 
 here, for his adherence to the Protestant religion. And it 
 is recorded in Fox's Book of Martyrs, that while Doctor 
 Whittington, the vicar-general of this part of the diocese, 
 was attending the execution of a woman whom he had 
 himself condemned for heresy, a bull, that had broken out 
 of the town, rushed into the midst of the surrounding 
 multitude, and, without attempting to injure any other 
 person, ran furiously at the doctor, and having torn out 
 his entrails, carried them off on his horns. 
 
 The manor was granted by the Conqueror to Odo, 
 Earl of Champagne, whose grandson, William, granted 
 the privilege of pasture-common in the Ridings before- 
 mentioned, the original of which is now in existence. 
 About, the same time William Green, of Sodbury, gave 
 Gaunt's Fields to the burgesses ; and Jurdan Bishop, who 
 was lord of Little Sodbury, granted them common of pas- 
 ture for cattle in Dymershed and Norwood ; which, in 
 consequence of a dispute with the lord of the manor of 
 Little Sodbury, in the reign of Edw. VI. was confirmed 
 to them, on appeal to the Council of the Marshes. The 
 manor, after having been held, in successive reigns, by 
 the Earl of Albermarle, 1226 ; by the family of Weyland, 
 in the reign of Edw. I.; by the Burnells, in Edw. III.; and
 
 288 The History of the County of Gloucester* 
 
 the Despencers, in the same reign ; passed into the family 
 ofStanshaw, and continued with them during the reigns 
 of Hen. IV. Hen. VI. and Edward IV. The family of 
 Walsh was possessed of it in the time of Hen. VII. and 
 from them it passed by purchase, in the reign of James I. 
 to Thomas Stephens, Esq. Attorney General to Prince 
 Henry and Charles (163). By marriage with Eliz. daugh- 
 ter and co-heiress of J. Stone, Esq. of London, he had three 
 sons, the eldest of whom, Edward, succeeded in the manors 
 of Sodbury, on the death of his father in 1 6 1 3. He married 
 
 Anne, daughter of Crew, and left Sir Thomas, his 
 
 son and heir, who married Catherine, daughter of 
 
 Combs, and was succeeded by his son Thomas, who 
 
 married Anne, daughter of Neale. From him the 
 
 manor and estate descended to Edward Stephens, and at 
 his death 1728 to Rob. Packer, Esq. as heir at law, through 
 his mother, who was daughter of Richard Stephens, Esq. of 
 Eastington. Robt. Packer married Mary, one of the daugh- 
 ters, and at length sole heiress of Sir Hen. Winchcombe, 
 of Bucklebury, co. Berks, Bart, by whom he had four 
 sons, who died without issue, and one daughter, Eliza- 
 beth, who, by marriage carried the manor and estates 
 to David Hartley, M. D. From this marriage sprung two 
 sons, Winchcombe Henry, and David, and one daugh- 
 ter. Winchcombe Henry Hartley, Esq. the eldest, suc- 
 ceeded, and dying a few years since, left a son 
 and heir, now a minor, by Anne Blackwell, daugh- 
 ter of Samuel Blackwell, Esq. of Williamstrip (122). 
 Anne Hartley, widow, David Hartley, Thos. Wm. Coke, 
 Esq. and the Rev. Rich. Coxe, as trustees by the will of 
 Winchcombe H. Hartley, Esq. are now lords of the manor. 
 A gild was founded in this borough, dedicated to St. 
 Mary, in the reign of Hen. VI. of which John Glover was
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred.' Lower Part. 289 
 
 the last incumbent. The lands belonging to it were 
 granted to Miles Patrick 1549, by him to Richard Pate 
 the same year, and 1558 to the burghers of Sodbury, part 
 for a town-hall, and part for an alms-house. 
 
 In the rocks of limestone adjoining the town on the w. 
 some veins of sulphate of strontian have been disco- 
 vered (314). 
 
 There is probably as great a variety of fossils within the 
 compass of four miles as can be found any where. On 
 the descent of the hill from Cross Hands, the banks on 
 each side are full of belemnites, nautilites of the ribbed 
 sort, $c. At the entrance of the town, a little s. of the 
 road, is a quarry of blue stone, composed of masses of 
 bivalve shells. 
 
 Forty-five freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 650 800 1090. Houses inhabited, 217. 
 
 A free school is supported in this parish by the profits 
 of lands lying in different parishes. To this 10/. annually 
 was added by Mr. Robert Davis, of Little Sodbury, in 
 1680; and the late Dr. Hardwicke, of this town, and 
 others, natives of it, were considerable benefactors to- 
 wards providing a house for the master. 
 
 The benefice is a chapelry to Old Sodbury. 
 
 The church consists of a nave and two aisles of the same 
 length. The tower which rises at the west end, is orna- 
 mented with pinnacles and battlements, and furnished 
 with a clock and chimes and six bells. The battlements 
 were taken down and rebuilt in 1795, at the expence of 
 200/. 
 
 In a window in the north aisle is the figure of St. George 
 conquering the dragon. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Great Sodbury, 10/. 
 
 The vicar's portion, 5/. 6s. 8d. 
 VOL. ii. u
 
 290 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCLXXXVIII. LITTLE SOBBURY, 
 
 Is a small parish adjoining to the former, situate on the 
 side of a hill, and extending to the summit of it. The 
 soil is in general deep, extending over 900 acres, and 
 the greater proportion in pasture. 
 
 On the edge of the hill is a very strong camp, in the 
 form of an oblong square. The area is from E. to w. 200 
 yards, and in breadth from N. to s. 300 yards. On three 
 sides it was defended by a double ditch, and double vallum, 
 through which were three portee or entrances. On the 
 north side, a precipitous declivity formed a sufficient bar- 
 rier, without artificial vallations. The interval or ditch 
 between the elevations is twenty-two yards. With little 
 difficulty, from the form, it may be ascertained to be Ro- 
 man. Leland mentions it as having been "occupied by 
 Edward the Fourth's army a little before the battle of 
 Tewkesbury. 
 
 The manor at the time of the survey was held by Hugo 
 Maminot, under the bishop of Lisaux, in Normandy. 
 Jurdan Bishop was proprietor in the reign of Hen. III. 
 The Despencers in the reigns of Edw. II. and III. Rich, 
 de Alerdine in 1388, from whom it passed to the family of 
 Stanshawe, who held it to the time of Edw. IV. In the 
 reign of Hen. VII. it was the property of Richard Forster, 
 and then passed into the family of Walsh 1486, who con- 
 tinued the possession of it through several descents to the 
 reign of Elizabeth, From the heir of this family it passed 
 by purchase to Thomas Stephens, Esq. and descended in 
 the same manner as Chipping Sodbury. 
 
 On the side of the hill, situate on a most commanding 
 spot, is the manerial house, formerly the seat of the Ste- 
 phens's, and prior to that of the Walsh's. In 1556, while
 
 Berkeley Division. Gntmbiildsash Hundred. Lower Part. 2J1 
 
 Mr. Walsh and his family were sitting at dinner, a dread- 
 ful storm came on, and the lightning- entering in at tin; 
 parlour door, instantly killed one of the children, and so 
 much injured six others, with the unfortunate father, that 
 they all died within two months after. 
 
 William Tyndale lived in this house with Sir John 
 Walsh, as tutor to his children^ in the time of Hen. VJII. 
 
 Two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 90115 89. Houses inhabited, 22. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, in 
 the patronage of the lord of the manor ; and Richard 
 Coxe, Clerk, is now incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Adeline, is a low build- 
 ing, with an aisle at the north-east side, belonging to the 
 lord of the manor. There is no chancel, and the inhabi- 
 tants bury at Old Sodbury, for which privilege ten shil- 
 lings are paid to the vicar of that parish. 
 
 In the King's books, 7/. 
 
 CCLXXXIX. OLD SODBURY 
 
 Adjoins to Chipping Sodbury on the N. E. and lies 
 partly on the hill, and partly in the vale. It contains 
 3000 acres, the greater part of which is in pasture. 
 
 This manor anciently belonged to the Earls of Glouces- 
 ter and Hertford, and continued by descent in that family 
 till the reign of Hen. VII. During this long succession, it 
 passed by female heirs into the great families of Despencer 
 and Beauchamp ; and in the same way, and by the same 
 arts as Kemmerton(67) and others, came at last to Hen. 
 VII. By Hen. VIII. it was given to Sir John Walsh, and 
 descended from him to the present family of the Hartleys, 
 through the same proprietors as the two last manors. 
 u 2
 
 292 The History of the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 Hampsteed, an estate in this parish, formerly belonged 
 to the monastery of Bradenstoke, in Wiltshire. In P. N. 
 tax. it is measured at one carucate, and valued at twelve 
 shillings. After the suppression it was granted as the ma- 
 nor, grange, or farm of Hampsteed, to Sir Adrian For- 
 tescue, 1558, and was sold by that family to Ed. Ste- 
 phens, Esq. 1634. From Sir Thomas Stephens it passed 
 to William Clutterbuck, 1615, by purchase, and in the 
 
 same way to Okey, then to the trustees of Henry 
 
 Woolnough, Esq. from whom it passed, by marriage 
 with his daughter and heiress, to John, afterwards Sir 
 John Hugh Smith, Bart, of lx>ng Ashton, co. Somerset. 
 He died in 1802, and left this, with other estates, to his 
 widow (294). 
 
 Ly grove is a considerable estate in this parish, incorpo- 
 rated now with the manerial property, but anciently dis- 
 tinct. A good old house, now in ruins, formerly stood 
 in the midst of a park, and was the residence of Edward 
 Stevens, Esq. at the beginning of last century. It is now 
 vested in the Hartley family, as before. 
 
 Considerable estates belong to C. Codrington, Esq. Miss 
 Dorney, Edmund Chapp, Esq. &c. 
 
 Eleven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 200 687. Houses inhabited, 92. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Hawkesbury deanery, in 
 the patronage of the chapter of Worcester, and Charles 
 Neve, B. D. is incumbent. 
 
 The rectory was given in 1218 to the Benedictine monks 
 of Worcester, by the bishop, and at the dissolution was 
 granted to the chapter 1542, and confirmed to them 1609. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, consists 
 of a nave and transept, with a low turret at the west end. 
 
 In the King's books, 14/. 5$. lOd.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred. Lower Part. 293 
 
 CCXC. TORMARTON, anciently TORMENTONE, 
 
 Is three miles from Marshfield N. and thirty-two s. from 
 Gloucester. It is situated on high ground, but the soil is 
 in general rather inclined to loam, and of 2400 acres, 
 about 1390 are in pasture. 
 
 The common lands were inclosed, by act of parliament, 
 in 1760. 
 
 Three turnpike roads lead through the parish: one 
 from Gloucester and Cirencester to Bath, a second to Sod- 
 bury and Bristol, and the third from Christian Malford, 
 co. Wilts, through Pucklechurch to Bristol. 
 
 There are found in the north fields stones about the 
 size of pistol bullets, which being broken, look rusty 
 like iron ore. It is thought by some that they are real 
 bullets, which is not unlikely, as this was the scene of 
 much fighting during the rebellion. 
 
 Richard Legate held the manor of Tormarton in the 
 time of the Conqueror. In the reign of Ed. III. it belonged, 
 with other manors in the county, to the Willingtons, un- 
 der whom as chief lords, the family of de la Riviere, or 
 de Ripariis were proprietors from the reign of Hen. III. 
 to Hen. VI. when by marriage of Isabel, the heiress ge- 
 neral, the manors and estates passed to the family of St. 
 Loe, by whom they were held till Elizabeth, daughter, 
 and at length heiress of John Hardwicke, of Hardwicke, 
 co. Derby, by marriage with Sir W. St. Loe, took it out 
 of that family, and by second marriage with Sir William 
 Cavendish, of Chatsworth, in the same county, had the 
 inheritance of this estate settled upon her, which on her 
 fourth marriage passed to George Earl of Shrewsbury, 
 whose son Gilbert was lord of the manor in 1608. The 
 Marquis of Newcastle afterwards purchased this manor, 
 u 3
 
 294 Vie History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 and resold it to Sir Francis Top, Bart, an ancient Wilt- 
 shire family, whose son, Sir John, resided here in an old 
 mansion-house near the church, a great part of which 
 was destroyed in the civil wars, but the ruins of a stately 
 porter's lodge were to be seen the beginning of last cen- 
 tury. 
 
 Sir John Top left two daughters, and by marriage, with 
 
 one of them the manor and estates came to Hun- 
 
 gerford, Esq. whose son, John Peach Hungerford, Esq. 
 of Dingley hall, in the county of Northampton, has lately 
 transferred them by purchase to the Duke of Beaufort, 
 who is lord of the manor, and proprietor of nearly the 
 whole parish. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the prior of Bradenstoke, in Wiltshire, is 
 taxed for two carucates of land, value twenty shillings, 
 which at the suppression were granted to John Pope. 
 
 The record of Atkyns relative to the property which 
 he supposes the priory of Bonhommes, at Eddington, co. 
 Wilts, to have had in this manor, probably belongs to 
 Farmington, which retained the name of Tormentone for 
 some time after the period of the foundation of that 
 priory (135). 
 
 Three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 130 207 225. Houses inhab. 43. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, in 
 the patronage of Nath. Castleton, Esq. and Newdigate 
 Poyntz, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The advowson was in very early times appropriated to 
 the abbey of Malmsbury, by the Bishop of Winchester. 
 
 Ninety-five acres belong to the glebe. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, has an aisle on the 
 south, and a low embatteled tower on the west end. Sir 
 John de ] a Riviere is supposed to have been the founder of
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsash Hundred. Lower Part. 295 
 
 fche church about the 14th century, and the style of archi- 
 tecture is of that age. In Atkyns's time there was an ef- 
 figy of him in the chancel, with the model of the church 
 in his hand, but the brass plates are now lost. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Tormacton, in the deanery 
 of Button, IQl. 13s. 4d. In the King's books, 27/. 
 
 CCXCL WAPLEY, anciently WAPELIE, with 
 CODRINGTON, 
 
 Is three miles s. w. from Sodbury, and thirty-two s. 
 from Gloucester. The soil is generally of clay, and ap- 
 plied to pasture. It contains 2000 acres. 
 
 Wapelie is described in Domesday as a member of the 
 manor of Betune, in Swinheve hundred, and parcel of the 
 king's demesnes. Two estates are also recorded: one be- 
 longing to the Bishop of St. Laud, in Constance, con- 
 taining one hide; another held by Radulph, brother of 
 Roger de Berchelai, of one hide ; both in Polerecerce 
 hundred. 
 
 Hen. II. granted the manors of Wapley and Codrington 
 to Radulph, son of Stephen, who immediately gave them 
 to the abbey of Stanley, in the diocese of Salisbury. 
 
 In P. N. tax. 1292, the same abbey is taxed at seven 
 carucates, value 20s. in Cuderington, with other revenues 
 there, to the annual amount of 13/. 11$. 8d. 
 
 In 1455, the Abbot, by licence of the crown, alienated 
 the manor, with the reserved yearly rent of 111. to John 
 de Codrington, which rent is now paid to the crown. 
 The manor continued in the same name and family till it 
 passed, by marriage with Jane, daughter and heiress of 
 Col. John Codrington, of Wraxall, co. Somerset, to Sir 
 Richard Bamfylde, Bart. He died in 1776; and Sir 
 u 4
 
 296 The History of the County of Glouceiter. 
 
 Charles Bamfylde, his son and heir, is now lord of thfc 
 manor, with a large property. 
 
 CODRINGTON is a hamlet of considerable extent, and 
 
 ' 
 
 gave name to the family, who were resident here many 
 years. In P. N. tax. 1292, the abbey of Stanley, co. of 
 Wilts, was taxed for seven carucates of land in Cudering- 
 ton, and the Abbot of St. Augustine's, in Bristol, for one. 
 After some dispute between these two abbies, about 1 290, 
 or perhaps later, the former had permission to build a 
 chapel in this hamlet, for the sole use of the Grange at 
 Cotherington. The chapel is now standing at Codring- 
 ton-court, but converted to other uses. In the E. window 
 is a good deal of stained glass, and on one pane are the 
 letters "DUS III." which seem to refer to the reign of Edw. 
 III. The cieling is curiously formed, and in good pre- 
 servation. A bell was hanging over the part where the 
 nave and chancel seem to have been separated, in the 
 memory of an old man, who has not long been dead. 
 Under the E. window is a stone table, which has the ap - 
 pearance of a tomb, but evidently a table which served 
 for the altar. The window is painted, and in the style of 
 the fourteenth century. 
 
 John Sloper was lord of the manor, and dying in 1550, 
 left an only daughter, who, by marriage with Simon 
 Codrington, ancestor to Robert Codrington, of Didmar- 
 ton, carried it into that family, and from them to the Bam- 
 fyldes as before. 
 
 Mousfwell. Sir F. Roe charged an estate which he held 
 here, with 25/. per annum, to Cirencester, for apprenticing 
 out poor boys. 
 
 The property not attached to the manor is much sub- 
 divided, but the principal estates belong to Moses Higgs, 
 Gent. John Parker, Mrs. Oseland, Kc.
 
 Berkeley Division. Grumbaldsush Hundred. Lower Part. 297 
 
 Two freeholders polled in [116. 
 
 Population, 180 200 258. Houses inhabited, 3y. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Hawkesbury deanery. 
 The advowson originally belonged to St. Augustine's ab- 
 bey, and at the dissolution was granted to the chapter of 
 Bristol. This, together with the impropriation, is in lease 
 to the Bamfylde family. Edmund Willes, clerk, is incum- 
 bent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Peter, is a small building, 
 with an aisle on the s. side, anciently the dormitory of the 
 Codringtons. Of whom John Codrington, Esq. is re- 
 corded on a monumental tablet against the wall to have 
 died at the age of 1 1 1, A. D. 1475. 
 
 In P. N. tax. in the deanery of Button, the church of 
 Wappeleye, ll. 6s. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) ll. 19s. 6d. 
 
 CCXCII. WEST LITTLETON, 
 
 Is a small parish, two miles N. w. from Marshfield, and 
 thirty-one s. from Gloucester. It was formerly a tything 
 in the adjacent parish of Torrnarton, nor is it exactly 
 known when it first was invested with parochial rights. 
 The soil is generally of a light stone-brash, and applied to 
 tillage. The whole does not exceed 1800 acres. 
 
 The additional name was given it by way of distinction 
 from Littleton near it, in Wiltsliire, and another on the 
 Severn. 
 
 The manor was included in Tormarton at the general 
 survey, and is first mentioned as distinct from it in J263, 
 when Richard de Clare, Earl of Gloucester held it. The 
 family of De la Riviere, Willingtons, and St. Loes, suc- 
 cessively were proprietors. Geo. Talbot, Earl of Shrews-
 
 29 S The History of the County of (Gloucester. 
 
 bury, was seized of it, in right of his \vife Elizabeth, 
 widow of Sir William St. Loe, in 160S 71 . They having 
 no issue, joined in conveying this manor to William Ca- 
 vendish, Earl of Newcastle, who sold it to the families of 
 Francombe, Fisher, and Osborn. The Duke of Beaufort 
 is lord of the manor, with some property. 
 
 The principal estates are vested in William Blathwayte, 
 Esq. Mr. West, Mr. W. Osborn, Kc. 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 44 67 100. Houses inhabited, 17. 
 
 The benefice is a chapelry, in Tormarton, in Hawkes- 
 bury deanery. 
 
 The church is a small building, consisting of a nave 
 and low spire in the middle, of octangular form. 
 
 IX. PUCKLECHURCH HUNDRED. 
 
 CCXCIII. ASTON, or COLD ASHTON, anciently 
 
 ESCETONE, 
 
 Is three miles w. from Marshfield, and thirty-four s. 
 from Gloucester. The soil, extending over 2016 acres, is 
 various ; in some parts clay, in others sand, and in others 
 stony ; and is nearly equally divided between pasture 
 and tillage. 
 
 There seems little doubt concerning the etymology of 
 this place. Easton evidently implies an easterly situation, 
 but whether it referred to its being the most easterly
 
 Berkeley Division. Pucldcchitrch Hundred. 299 
 
 town in the hundred, or merely east of the fortified post 
 ut Deinton, must be left to conjecture. The higlj and 
 exposed situation of the village, no doubt, suggested the 
 additional name. Five springs, viz. Hameswell, Bridewell, 
 Romewell, Clintonswell, and another large one rising in 
 
 7 s CD O 
 
 Monkwood, empty their united streams into the Lower 
 Avon. 
 
 In the fields are found stones resembling the bill of a 
 duck, something rounder than muscle-shells, and others 
 of a serpentine form. The subterraneous cavity men- 
 tioned by Atkyns, with tunnels ascending to the surface 
 of the earth, and extending a mile in length, and to a 
 breadth not ascertained, has now no entrance, nor any 
 mode of access, by which either the measurement or de- 
 sign of it might be discovered. 
 
 Sir Eevil Granville, who was mortally wounded at the 
 battle of Landsdown, was brought to the parsonage-house 
 of this parish, and there died. 
 
 This manor belonged to the church of Bath prior to the 
 general survey, and continued with it until the dissolu- 
 tion ; after which, both the manor and several woods in it, 
 were granted to Sir Walter Dennis, 1541. The family of 
 Stratford conveyed it, in the reign of Elizabeth, to Pip- 
 well, alderman of Bristol, whose grandson, John, son of 
 Michael, sold it to Mr. Gunning, mayor and alderman of 
 Bristol. Sir Robert, his son, dying without issue, his 
 daughter carried it by marriage to Sir T. Langton, and 
 Wm. Gore Langton, Esq. is now lord of the manor(300). 
 
 Lilliput, near Landsdown Monument, is the property of 
 Bush, Esq. 
 
 HAMLET. HAMESWELL is a hamlet formerly belong- 
 ing to the priory of Bath, afterwards the property of the 
 Pipwells, and now of Thomas Whittington, Esq. whose
 
 300 'Hit History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 ancestors have been in possession of it more than a cen- 
 tury. They were originally descended from the Whit- 
 tingtons of Pauntley. The mansion house is large and 
 handsome 72 . 
 
 Turner s Court is an old house, anciently belonging to 
 the family of Stroud, but now to John Gunning, Esq. 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 142 213 224. Houses inhabited, 39. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, 
 formerly in Bitton deanery, in the patronage of Thomas 
 Whittington, Esq. of Hameswell, and John Whittington, 
 A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is spacious 
 and handsome, consisting of a nave and south aisle, with 
 an embatteled tower, ornamented with pinnacles, at the 
 west end : the roof is flat. This church and parsonage- 
 house were built in 1509, by Thomas Key, rector of the 
 parish, as appears from the images of two angels carved 
 in stone, from whose breasts hangs a label of 4 stone ; on 
 ne, " x MARTII," on the other, " 1509." 
 
 CCXCIV: PUCKLECHURCH, anciently PULCRECERCE, 
 
 Is seven miles w. from Marsfield, and thirty-four s. w. 
 from Gloucester. '1 he soil is chiefly a stiff clay, and ap- 
 plied to pasture, in the proportion of 1300 acres out of 
 1 400, which the parish contains. 
 
 The name is said to be taken from the fair church, 
 which stood here, but of that no vestiges now remain ; 
 the present church being probably the third that has been 
 built here since it became a parish. 
 
 Camden calls this village Villa Regia, because it had 
 been the residence of some of the Saxon kings, and a
 
 Berkeley Division. Pucklechurch Hundred. 301 
 
 house on a rising ground, in the way to Durham, is said 
 to be built on the very scite of the ancient palace. The 
 ruins of great buildings were to be seen in the time of 
 Atkyns, and there are now appearances of heaps of stones 
 and rubbish, just covered, under the surface of the 
 ground. History records the death of King .Edmund here 
 in 946, by the hand of one Leolf, a notorious robber, 
 who had been banished for his villainies, and had the as- 
 surance to seat himself at one of the tables in the hall 
 where the king was at dinner. In a scuffle with Leon, the 
 king's sewer, who made an attempt to apprehend him, the 
 king interposed, and received a stab in his breast with a 
 dagger from the hand of Leolf, who is said to have made 
 his escape. A market was formerly held here, but has 
 long since been disused. 
 
 A great abundance of coal is dug here, and the poor 
 have some employment in the manufacture of felt hats. 
 A blue clay stone is also dug here, which takes a good 
 polish, but has nothing unusual to distinguish it from 
 others of the same nature. 
 
 King Edmund was buried at Glastonbury, and the ma- 
 nor was immediately given to that abbey, which at this 
 time included Westerleigh, and Abson and Wick. In 1205 
 the monks of Glastonbury quitted their right to these ma- 
 nors to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, on condition that 
 Joceline the bishop would restore to them the election of 
 their own abbot. They remained with the see of Bath 
 and Wells, till Edw. VI. took them, with W r esterleigh 
 and others, in exchange, and granted the management of 
 them to Sir Nicholas Poyntz. They were afterwards, in 
 1554, granted to William, Earl of Pembroke, with an ex- 
 ception of the lands only, called Pucklechurch Park ; from 
 whom they passed, by sale, to Sir Maurice Dennys, knt.
 
 302 lite History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 and from him to the family of Codrington, who afterwards 
 sold them to another branch of the Dennys's. From them 
 they went, by sale, to Mr. W. Halliday, and by marn;ipf 
 with his daughter, to Edward Hungerford, Esq. From 
 this family they passed, by marriage with an heiress, to 
 Robert Sutton, Lord Lexington, whose only daughter was 
 married to John Manners, Duke of Rutland ; from whom, 
 in 1717, they were transferred, by purchase, to Sir Kdw. 
 Bouverie, of Longford Castle, co. Wilts; and from him, 
 by will, to his brother Jacob, Viscount Folkstone, grand- 
 father of Jacob Pleydell Bouverie, Earl of Radnor, the 
 present lord of the hundred and manor of Pucklechurch. 
 
 Park Manor , was excepted out of the exchange made 
 in 1554, as before observed. It was first granted to Sir 
 W. Herbert, afterwards to Sir Nicholas Poyntz in 1560, 
 and finally came into the family of the Whitmores, of 
 Slaughter, in whose possession it still continues ; and (96) 
 Geo. Whitmore, Esq. is proprietor of the manor. 
 
 The old house and estate formerly belonging to William 
 Dennis, Esq. was sold by his daughter and coheir, Mrs. 
 Mary Butler, to Henry Woolnowgh, Esq. whose sole 
 daughter by marriage carried it to John Hugh Smyth, Esq. 
 late Sir John, eldest son of Sir Jarrit Smyth, Bart, to 
 whose title and estates he succeeded, and dying in April, 
 1802, left his lady in possession of the family property in 
 this parish (3 19). 
 
 Teriy Estate, belonged to the late Thomas Hathway, 
 Esq. and is now vested in his widow. It is held on lives 
 under the manor. 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 250 460 542. Houses inhabited, 121. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Hawkesbury deanery, to 
 which Westerleigh and Abston are annexed.
 
 Berkeley Division. Pucklcchurch Hundred. 303 
 
 The chapter of Wells have held the advo\vsori and im- 
 propriation since the grant of Ralph Ergam, Bishop of 
 Bath, in 1388. Walter S\vayne, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 Fifty acres belong to the glebe. 
 
 The chnrch, dedicated to St. Thomas a Becket, is a 
 large structure, consisting of a nave and north aisle, with 
 an embatteled and pinnacled tower at the "west end. The 
 separating arches are pointed, and resting on plain octa- 
 gon pillars. The tower is remarkably plain and unomiu 
 mented; except the north door, which is early Norman, 
 the whole structure may be referred to the latter end of 
 the 14th century. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the Bishop of Bath holds at Pokelchurcli 
 of penny rent ten pounds, and three carucates of land, 
 each carucate worth twenty-four shillings. 
 
 In the deanery of Button, the church of Pokelchurch, 
 S3/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 The portion of the sacrist of Glastonb. 2/. 10.?. Qd, 
 
 In the King's books, 14/. 13s. 4d. 
 
 CCXCV. SYSTON, anciently SISTONE, 
 
 Is seven miles N. E. from Bristol, and thirty-six s. from 
 Gloucester. The soil, extending over 1700 acres, is ge- 
 nerally a deep loam or clay, and chiefly in pasture. 
 
 The manor originally belonged to Roger de Berkeley, 
 and passed through the families of Serlo, Waleran, and 
 Corbet; by marriage with a coheiress of Sir Peter Corbet, 
 it came into the family of Dennis, in the reign of Ed. III. 
 who held till the reign of Elizabeth. Henry Billingsley, 
 Esq. was lord of the manor in 1608. It was vested in Sa- 
 muel Trotman, Esq. at the beginning of last century, 
 from whom it descended to Thomas Trotman, Esq. whose
 
 301 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 son> Trotman, (iying, the manor came to Fiennes 
 
 Trotman, Esq. a collateral branch of the family. He is 
 now lord of the manor, and proprietor of large estates. 
 
 Syston House, the old mansion of the Dennis's, and now 
 the residence of the Trotman family, is a very fine unal- 
 tered specimen of the style of architecture in the time of 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 Moon's Court, or Mound's Court, was an ancient seat be- 
 longing to the Stranges, who resided there several centu- 
 ries. At this place Catherine Parr, Queen of Hen. VIII. 
 kept her court for many days on her return from Bath 
 and Bristol. It is now demolished, but the estate belongs 
 to the manor. 
 
 This parish was within the forest of Kingswood , and 
 abounds with coal. Dr. Parsons in his MSS. mentions, 
 that at a place called Berry, there had been discovered a 
 vein of tin ore, intermixed with grains of silver, but no 
 memory of the circumstance remains among the inhabi- 
 tants. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. WARMLEY. At this place are carried 
 on brass-works on an extensive scale. 
 
 2. BREACH YATE lies partly in this, and partly in Ab- 
 son and Wick. 
 
 Twelve freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 450 , 856. Houses inhabited, 159. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, for- 
 merly in Bitton deanery, in the patronage of the lord of 
 the manor, and Christopher Haynes, M. A. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of th 
 Blessed Virgin, is small, and had a low flat tower, which 
 was taken down and rebuilt by the present Fiennes Trot- 
 man, Esq. a few years since, in a neat style, with open 
 parapets, and plain pinnacles.
 
 Berkeley Division. Pucklechurch Hundred. 305 
 
 There were formerly two other churches in this parish: 
 one dedicated to St. Bartholomew, the other to St. Cuth- 
 bert, and the feast days of all the tutelary saints are ob- 
 served by the inhabitants. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Siston, 4/. Gs. Sd. 
 
 In the King's books, 5/. 145. 4|</. 
 
 CCXCVI. WESTERLEIGH> 
 
 Is a large parish, three miles s. from Chipping Sodbury, 
 and ten N. E. from Bristol. The soil is generally of a deep 
 clay, in some parts of a red colour, and chiefly in pasture. 
 A large tract of waste common remains uninclosed. The 
 whole parish contains 4100 acres, and the greater oart is 
 in pasture. 
 
 The name signifies the ley, or up-hill pasture, west of 
 the principal place, which was Pucklechurch. 
 
 Westerleigh was anciently a member of the extensive 
 manor of Pucklechurch; as a part of which it Avas given 
 to the church of Glastonbury, and passed through the 
 same revolutions, till it was sold by Nicholas Poyntz to 
 John Roberts, alderman of Bristol, who was lord of the 
 manor in 1608, as was Thomas Roberts, Esq. at the time 
 of his death, 1673. Sir Samuel Astry, knt. died possessed 
 of it in 1104, and on the death of his widow, the manor 
 descended to his three daughters, co-heiresses; Elizabeth, 
 wife of Sir John Smyth, of Long Ashton, co. Somerset, 
 Bart.; Diana, wife of Richard Orlebar, E~q. and Ara- 
 bella, afterwards married to Charles William, Earl of 
 Suffolk, whom she survived, and bequeathed her share to 
 her elder sister. Sir John Smyth, her nephew, sold a, 
 moiety of that share to the heirs of Edward Colston, Esq. 
 who had before purchased Orlebar's partition. A moiety 
 
 VOL. II. X
 
 30d 77r History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 was then jr. Sir John Smyth, whose three sisters and co- 
 heirs sold it to Sir Jurrit Smyth, Bart, who married Flo- 
 rence, one of the co-heirs ; and the other moiety descen- 
 ded to the two daughters and co-heirs of Thos. Edwards, 
 Esq. of Filk'ns, co. Oxf. one of whom was married to 
 Lord Middleton, the other to Alexander Ready, Esq. who 
 afterwards took the name of Colston, and died 1775. Sir 
 Hugh Smyth, son of the late Thomas Smyth, Esq. of Sta- 
 pleton, is now owner of one moiety, and the other be- 
 longs to Henry Lord MiddJeton, and Edward F. Colston, 
 Esq. son of Alexander Colston, Esq. grandson of the 
 former. 
 
 Very extensive coalworks are carried on, under the di- 
 rection of the lords of the manor, in various places, but 
 particularly at Coalpit-Heath. 
 
 The coal in some pits lies near the surface. At Ser- 
 ridge it is within 12 fathom, or 60 feet. The strata dip 
 to the east, and generally one foot in twenty-five. The 
 deepest pits are 60 fathoms ; the average is from 30 to 40. 
 The veins vary in depth ; some are five feet thick : on 
 these 80 bushels are a man's labour per day ; but on the 
 shallower veins, which are from two to three feet thick, 
 ;oid are called the holly-bush, 60 bushels, or 30 heaves. 
 The coal is generally small, and in burning has very 
 much the property of the Newcastle. It entirely wastes, 
 and leaves no cinder. A quarter, or eight bushels, weigh- 
 ing seven cwt. is sold at the pit's mouth for 2s. 6d. 
 
 HAMLETS, l. NIBLEY; 2. MAYSHILL; 3. HENVILD; 
 4. WOTTON'S-END ; 5. COALPIT-HEATH ; 6. KENDAL- 
 
 SH1RE. 
 
 The whole, or nearly so, of the parish, is either in im- 
 mediate possession of, or held by lease under, the lords of 
 the manor.
 
 
 Berkeley Division. PucMechurch Hundred. 307 
 
 The turnpike road from Sodbury to Bristol passes 
 through Nibley, Mayshill, Coalpit-Heath, and Kendal- 
 shire. 
 
 On Westerleigh Heath is found the flowering fern (os- 
 munda regalis.) 
 
 Four freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 400 930 1582. Houses inhabited, 235. 
 
 The benefice is annexed to Pucklechurch, to the vicar 
 of which a mortuary of 10s. is due from the executors of 
 all householders who die in this parish worth 40/. 
 
 The church is spacious, and consists of a nave and s. 
 aisle, with a lofty tower at the w. end, ornamented with 
 handsome battlements of open lace-work, and ten pinna- 
 cles, not finished. Grotesque figures are placed for 
 spouts ; and at the end of the nave is a turret for a saint's 
 bell. The pulpit is of stone, elegantly supported on a 
 single pillar. In the chancel is a recess, of tabernacle- 
 work, where was probably placed the image of St. James, 
 the patron saint. The separating arches are pointed, and 
 the pillars plain octagon. The church exhibits the archi- 
 tecture of the early part of the Tudor aera ; the windows 
 being, with few exceptions, finished in the square Gothic 
 style. 
 
 Westerleigh was not a separate parish, nor had it any 
 church, till the fourteenth century, as it does not occur in 
 P. N. tax. 
 
 CCXCVII. WICK AND ABSTON, 
 Is seven miles E. from Bristol, and thirty-four s. from 
 Gloucester. The soil is principally red loam, and in some- 
 places inclining to sand. Pasture and meadow are in 
 greater proportion than arable 
 x 2
 
 'JOS J lie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Ahston is probably a contraction of Abbot's Town, anct 
 //Vc/.' signifies a hamlet. 
 
 The turnpike road from London to Bristol leads through 
 Wick, and a portion of the London road over Lundsdown 
 to Bath. 
 
 This manor \vas included in Pucklechurch, and was in 
 the hands of the same proprietors, till it passed to Sir Ed. 
 Wintour, who was lord of it in 1603; and by his son Sir 
 John, it was conveyed to Mr. Thomas Hay nes, in 1665. 
 Richard Hayncs, his Tson, succeeded, from whom it de- 
 scended to Thomas, the father of Richard Haynes, Esq. 
 the present proprietor. The ancestors of this family were 
 for many generations possessed of Southmcad, in the 
 parish of Westbury-upon-Trim ; but since the purchase 
 of this manor, they have resided in a large mansion house 
 in Wick. 
 
 Three distinct streams, one rising at Pucklechurch, 
 another at Dyrham, and the third at Toghill, fall into the 
 Boyd here, which, by this union, furnishes water suffi- 
 cient for six different mills in the course of two miles, a 
 rolling or splitting, a paper, an iron, a cotton, and two 
 grist mills. The first is worked under the direction, and 
 is the property, of Richard Haynes, Esq. 
 
 This parish is the most remarkable of any in this county 
 for antique remains and natural curiosities. 
 
 The cliffs rise perpendicularly to the height of two 
 hundred feet and upwards, and consist of a series of beds 
 of lime-stone and petrosilex, alternating with each other, 
 exhibiting towards the w. a vein of coal of fourteen inches 
 thick, and another of lead, both formerly worked, with a 
 mass of petrosilex on each side. In the centre of the glen 
 is a bed of lime-stone, nearly six hundred yards broad, 
 lying between two beds of petrosilex, of nearly the same
 
 Berkeley Division. Puckkcltiirch Hundred. 30 
 
 dimensions, all dipping to the N. w. in an angle of sixty 
 feet with the k plane of the horizon. In this are embedded 
 lead ore, spathous iron ore, caulk or barytes, and that 
 large species of anomia which abounds in the rocks of the 
 Hotwells and Mendip. The division of petrosilex adjoin- 
 ing to this bed on the E. combines again with the lime 
 rock on the road to Deynton, and at this union becomes a 
 mill stone or pudding stone. By the side of the road 
 nearer to Bristol, under the surface of the red soil,, are 
 sometimes found a great abundance of geodes or nodules, 
 containing within them beautiful quartz ohrystal, with cal- 
 careous dog-tooth spar. Belemnites, astroites, and ser- 
 pentine stones, are frequent ; and coal dug in great 
 abundance. 
 
 In a field, called the Ckestles or Castles, there were for- 
 merly three large stones, placed near together in a trian- 
 gular form, and probably designed as memorials for some 
 British chief : only one now remains. 
 
 Not far from this spot various Roman coins have been 
 dug up, and in an adjacent field several bricks undoubt- 
 edly Roman ; and from the urns, bricks, Kc. this place has 
 the appearance of having been a Roman pottery. 
 
 On the summit of the northern cliff is a camp, from its 
 oblong form, decidedly Roman ; it is defended on three 
 sides by a broad ditch and double vallum, and contains 
 more than twelve acres. 
 
 There are five hamlets in this parish. 1. BERDWICK, 
 now written WICK, in which is the manor house. 
 
 2. HOLY BROOK, so called from a brook dedicated to 
 the Holy Virgin. 
 
 3. CHURCHLEY, or Churchaight, so named from an an- 
 cient chapel, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, now in ruins. 
 
 x 3
 
 310 'Hie History of the Comity of Gloucester. 
 
 4. BRIDGE YATE, or Breach Yale, adjoining to Siston 
 parish. 
 
 5. TOG-HILL. Near to this are the remains of an old 
 fortification and entrenchments. Here was fought one of 
 the most memorable battles between the king and parlia- 
 ment during the civil war. The army of the king was 
 drawn up under the command of Sir Ralph Hopton and 
 Prince Maurice ; the forces of the other party under Sir 
 William Waller. The engagement was long and bloody, 
 but terminated in favour of the royalists, with the loss, 
 however, among others, of the brave Sir Beville Gran- 
 viilej who, on the falling of his horse, in addition to many 
 wounds, received a mortal one from a pole axe (293). 
 The titles of Earl of Bath and Viscount Lansdown were 
 conferred on his son by Charles II. in compliment to the 
 father ; and in commemoration of the action, a handsome 
 freestone monument was erected near the place where 
 the event happened, with an appropriate inscription, re- 
 corded in Clarendon's history, where a full account is 
 given of the battle. 
 
 Twenty-three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 230 400 571. Houses inhab. 111. 
 
 The benefice is annexed to Pucklechurch. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. James, consists of one 
 aisle, with a handsome pinnacled tower, and stands in 
 Abston. 
 
 This district had neither church nor parochial privileges 
 till the fourteenth century, as it is not taken notice of in 
 P. N. tax. The images and niches round the battle- 
 ments, tabernacle work of the west door, #c. are the 
 work of that period. The plain Saxon arch of the north 
 door seems to be remains of a chapel of earlier date.
 
 Berkeley Division. Langlej/ and Swlneshead Hundred. 3 1 1 
 
 X. LANGLEY Sf SWINESHEAD HUNDRED. 
 
 CCXCVIII. ALVESTON, anciently ALVESTONE, or 
 ALWESTAN, 
 
 Is situated on an eminence, eight miles and a half from 
 Bristol, and twenty-six from Gloucester. The soil on the 
 low grounds is mostly clay, but on the higher parts light 
 and sandy. Pasture land prevails, but good crops of corn, 
 particularly barley, are raised by tillage. 
 
 The turnpike-road between Gloucester and Bristol inter- 
 sects this parish, over a limestone rock, which descends 
 westerly towards the Severn, and another road, in a cross 
 direction, to the Old Passage. 
 
 Domesday records Earl Harold as the ancient possessor 
 of part of Alwestan, and the abbey of Bath of the other. 
 When it was transferred from the abbey does not appear ; 
 but it seems to have been in the crown in the reisfii of 
 
 O 
 
 Hen. III. who reserved the park here, when Kingswood 
 was disafforested. The manor was soon after granted to 
 
 O 
 
 the Fitzwarrens, and from them by marriage came to the 
 family of Corbet, and in the same way to the Dennis's. 
 Richard Dennis, a lineal descendant, sold it to Maurice 
 Shephard 1577. From Richard Haughton, who had mar- 
 ried a daughter of the last, it passed by sale to Robert 
 Webb 1580, and then to Nicholas Veel, whose grandson 
 Nicholas sold it to Edward Hill, Esq. from whom it passed 
 in the same way to John Pinfold, Esq. who left it by will to 
 Edward Hoskins, Esq. by whose son Lewis it was sold to 
 x 4
 
 31 '2 The History oj ihe Cuunty of Gloucester. 
 
 Samuel Peach Peach, Esq. but without landed pro- 
 perty (303). 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. ALVESTON VILLAGE, in which the 
 church stands, and near to this the remains of a large 
 handsome house, with lofty and spacious rooms. The 
 style of building is that of Elizabeth's reign. Annexed to 
 this is a good estate, formerly the manorial, and at the 
 beginning of the last century, belonging to Edward Hill, 
 Esq. from whom it passed by purchase into the family of 
 Sitwell, and Edward Sacheverell Sitwell, Esq. is the pre- 
 sent proprietor (303) (268). 
 
 2. GROVESEND, is two miles from the church. Near 
 to this are the remains of a large round encampment on 
 the brow of the hill, called the Old Abbey, but it is not 
 clear that any abbey ever stood near it, unless it be sup- 
 posed that this portion of the parish was what belonged to 
 the abbey of Bath at the time of the general survey. Upon 
 opening a barrow near to this place in 1670, several stone 
 coffins containing human bones were found. Each coffin 
 seemed to consist of one solid stone, no appearance of ce- 
 ment being discoverable. From the form of the encamp- 
 ment it may be presumed to be of British origin. 
 
 A very old mansion in this hamlet, with a good estate, 
 belonged to the family of Stephens, of Chevenage, but 
 
 lias latejy passed by purchase to Rolph, Esq. 
 
 Henry King, Esq. has a good modern house and estate 
 here, well planted with fruit trees. 
 
 James Lackington, Esq. late an eminent bookseller in 
 London, has a house here, in which he resides. 
 Philip Prothero, Esq. is a considerable proprietor. 
 3. ROW-URCOTE, or EARTHCOTE, or HERDICOT, lie* 
 about a mile w. from the church.
 
 Berkeley Division. Langiey and Swineshead Hundred. 3 1 3 
 
 Ten freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 240 198 412. Houses inhabited, 71. 
 
 The benefice is annexed to Olveston. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Helen, is small, arid neatly 
 fitted up within, consisting of one aisle and a low tower, 
 with battlements. The latter have been lately repaired. 
 A turret for a saint's bell stands on the extremity of the 
 nave next the chancel. 
 
 CCXCIX. BITTON, anciently BET UN E, 
 
 Lies at the southern extremity of the county, separated 
 from Somersetshire by the Avon, six miles E. from Bristol, 
 and thirty-eight s. w. from Gloucester. The soil in ge- 
 neral consists of loam and strong clay, principally in pas- 
 ture. The whole parish contains not less than 5500 acres, 
 and the greater part lies in the old forest of Kingswood, 
 which was disafforested in the reign of Hen. III. The 
 river Boyd intersects this parish, and falls into the Avon. 
 Hence the name is supposed to be, as it were, Boyd town. 
 
 Coal and iron-ore are found here in great abundance, 
 and the pits for the former are sunk to a great depth. 
 
 At Conham, near the river, was lately established a 
 manufactory called Gibbesium, from Dr. Gibbes, a re- 
 spectable physician of Bath, for the speedy conversion of 
 animal matter into spermaceti, on the principle of Four- 
 croy, the French chemist ; and from the blood, horns, 
 hoofs, and other parts of the animals which are not converti- 
 ble, were made Prussian-blue, hartshorn, Kc. but the 
 design, from some causes, did not answer the necessary 
 expences, and is now laid aside. 
 
 At Warmley is an extensive manufacture of pins, be- 
 longing to Messrs. Barratts and Co.
 
 3 1 4- The History qf the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 Atkyns mentions a kind of fierce vipers, about eigh- 
 teen inches long, with great heads, large mouths, and 
 copper-coloured backs, with yellow and dark spots, 
 and their bellies of a bright yellow, marked with red 
 and brown spots, being frequently seen on the bunks 
 of the Boyd. Whatever foundation there might have 
 been for such persuasion at that time, it is certain 
 that no animals of the viper kind are now to be found 
 there in greater plenty, or of a fiercer nature, than in 
 other places. 
 
 This manor, including Wapelie and Wintrebornc, was 
 part of the royal demesnes in the time of Edward the Con- 
 fessor. 
 
 Domesday records Dons, one of the King's thanes, as 
 the possessor of Betone. The family of d'Amavil held it 
 by grant of Hen. II. till !5 Edw. I. when by marriage it 
 passed to the Blounts, and continued in different branches 
 till 1483, when an heiress carried it to Sir John Barr, and 
 his daughter to Sir Thomas Newton. This family derive 
 their pedigree from Howel ap Grono, Lord of Newton in 
 Rouse. The family name was Cradock for many genera- 
 tions, till Sir Richard Cradock, Lord Chief Justice of 
 England, on his marriage with Emma, daughter and 
 co-heiress of Sir T. Ferret, of Islington, changed his 
 name to Newton. According to Leland, " he dwelled, 
 or was born at Tre-neivrth, (New-town,) in Powisland, 
 and so was called (Newton) after that place." Sir John 
 Newton, the last of this line, was buried in Bristol cathe- 
 dral, among his ancestors. He entailed the manor and a 
 large estate on Sir John Newton, co. Lincoln, with tht- 
 baronetage. Michael Newton, Esq. is now lord of the 
 manor. 
 
 Hit/grove, is the property of Mr. Thos. Smallcome.
 
 Berkeley Division. Lungley and Swinesheud Hundred. 3 1 5 
 
 Barr's Court, the ancient manerial house, mentioned 
 by Camden, has long since been in ruins. 
 
 Highjield, is the seat of Archibald Drummond, Esq. 
 with a good estate. 
 
 TYTHINGS AND HAMLETS. 1. HANHAM. The 
 manor of Hanham Abbotts belonged to the abbey of 
 Keynsham, and was granted in 1555 to Rowland Hay- 
 ward; but Hanclif wood, and the lands belonging to it, 
 were granted to John Fernham, 1577. The former, with 
 a large estate, is now the property of Henry Cresuicke. 
 Esq. 
 
 Hanfiam-hall ', is the property of James Emerson, F.sq. 
 
 The Grange, once held by the priory of Farley, Co. 
 Wilts, and granted to Roger Langsford and Christopher 
 Martin, in 1567, was the property of Chalres Bragge, 
 Esq. but now of John Whittock, Esq. 
 
 Among the other proprietors are the names of Rock, 
 Batty, and Cocking. 
 
 John Henderson, a young man of extraordinary abili- 
 ties, was born here in 1757, died at Oxford Nov. 2, 1783, 
 and was buried in St. George's church-yard (3 18). Dr. 
 Tucker, the late very worthy dean of Gloucester, patro- 
 nised him early in life. 
 
 In this hamlet is a small chapel, which is divided by 
 low arches. 
 
 The Roman road from Bath is supposed by some to 
 have passed here. 
 
 2. OLDLAND, is a large tything, mentioned in Domes- 
 day as belonging to the Bishop of Excestre, on whose 
 death it seems to have reverted to the crown, and to have 
 been regranted to the Amavils, and by marriage with one 
 of the co-heiresses to have passed to Richard dc la More, 
 in whose descendants it continued till 1350; afterwards
 
 3 1 6 The History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 it passed through several possessors to the family of 
 Wikes. 
 
 Westoifs Court, so called from its ancient possessors, in- 
 the reign of Hen. VI. was lately the estate ot" Mrs. Blake, 
 afterwards of Dr. John Warren, Lord Bishop of Bangor; 
 now of his representatives. 
 
 Oldland has a small chapel appendant on Bitton, with 
 a right of sepulture. 
 
 3. UPTON, or UPTON CHEYNEY, and 4. BEACH and 
 SWINFORD, are hamlets. 
 
 Beach-farm, is the property and residence of John Bush 
 Beach, Esq. 
 
 Ban's Court, Hanham, Oldland, Upton Cheney, and 
 Beach, are within the jurisdiction of the honour of Glou- 
 cester. 
 
 Eighty freeholders voted in me. 
 
 Population, 1150 46344994. Houses inhab. 1053. 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Hawkesbury deanery, 
 annexed to the prebend of Bitton, in the collegiate church 
 of Salisbury, and the prebendary is patron. 
 
 The impropriation, which is part of its endowment, is 
 in lease to Thomas Edwards Freeman, Esq. of Batsford. 
 John Adey Curtis, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, consists of a long 
 spacious nave, probably as old as the conquest. Lys. E.t. 
 and a north aisle or chantry chapel, built by Sir John 
 Barr, for many generations the dormitory of that and the 
 Newton family. The tower is of light Gothic, erected 
 in the 15th century, ornamented with battlements and pin- 
 nacles, and containing six bells. 
 
 In the north chapel are three stone stalls, with the pis- 
 cina or drain, formerly used by the priest in celebrating 
 mass. The rich oak foliage and other ornaments with
 
 Berkeley Division. Langlty and Swineshead Hundred. 3 i 7 
 
 which they were decorated, were very prevalent at the 
 latter end of the twelfth century and beginning of the 
 thirteenth. The columns and other parts of these stalls 
 correspond with the architecture of that age. Lys. Etch. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Button, 26 1. 13s. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books, 18/. 14s. 10</. 
 
 CCC. DEYNTON or DOINTON, anciently DIDINGTOX, 
 
 Is a small parish, eight miles E. from Bristol, and thirty- 
 three s. from Gloucester. The soil is light and loamy, 
 chiefly pasturage, with an inconsiderable proportion, of 
 tillage. The Boyd separates ihis parish from Abston, 
 pursuing its course between rocks of a great perpendicu- 
 lar height, on each of which are fortifications and en- 
 trenchments. Lead ore is found here, but not in suffi- 
 cient quantities to encourage the establishment of works. 
 The chief employment of the poor is burning of lime, 
 and the women and children spin woollen yarn. 
 
 This place was formerly in Pucklechurch hundred, and 
 is so mentioned in Domesday as part of the possessions of 
 the Bishop of Constance. The manor was afterwards in 
 the Deintons, by whom it was sold to John de Tracy, 
 1218. After having continued in this family 300 years, 
 it was sold to Mr. Arthur Player, and others, in the reign 
 of Elizabeth. Early in the last century it belonged to tlie 
 Langtons, and the present proprietor is William Gore 
 Langton, Esq. who assumed the last name on his marriage 
 with the heiress (293). 
 
 Bury, an ancient and exempted manor, belonged to the 
 Tracy s, was sold to the Stills, and again to Henry Hill- 
 man, Esq. on whose death, in January, 1803, the estates 
 descended to Stephen Hill man, Esq. of Devizes, co. of
 
 3 1 8 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Wilts, \vho married the widow of the late Henry Hill- 
 man's son. 
 
 The family mansion is called the Castle, finely situated 
 on an eminence on the banks of the Boyd, and command- 
 ing an extensive view towards Bristol. 
 
 Tracy Park Lodge, for many years the estate and resi- 
 dence of the Ridleys, afterwards of Frankham, is now 
 vested in George Bush, Esq. 
 
 Twenty-three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 340 303. Houses inhab. 70. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, in 
 the patronage of the crown, and Peter Gunning, D. D. 
 is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, consists of 
 a nave, north aisle, and embatteled tower. The arches are 
 low and pointed. The chancel and parsonage house were 
 re-built by the late incumbent, T. Coker, A. M. and the 
 nave has been lately lengthened and modernized. 
 
 This parish is not mentioned in P. N. tax. 
 
 In the King's books, 14/. 1 \s. 3d. 
 
 CCCI. FRAMPTON COTTEIIELL, anciently FRANTONE, 
 Is five miles s. w. from Sodbury, and twenty-nine s. 
 from Gloucester. The soil, including more than 1400 
 acres, is of a red grit, and principally in pasture. 
 
 The name is taken from the river Froome, which runs 
 through the parish in its course to Bristol, where it forms 
 part of the Quay, and falls into the Avon. Cotel Avas 
 added by way of distinction, being the family name of an 
 ancient proprietor. 
 
 The hat manufacture is carried on here, and supplies 
 employment for a great many hands.
 
 Berkeley Division. Langlcy and Sivineshcad Hundred. 3 \ 'j 
 
 Walter BulisUirius, who assumed that name from the 
 oBice of bowman under the king, was proprietor of the 
 manor at the time of the survey, and soon after the family 
 of the Cotejs, till 1245. Robert Walerond and his de- 
 scendants held it till 1309. Afterwards the family of Wil- 
 lington (19C) held it as of the honour of Wallingford till 
 1397, when the heiress carried the estate by marriage to 
 John Wrath, or Wriothesley, whose son dying without 
 issue, 1412, Elizabeth and Isabel, his two daughters, were 
 heiresses. Elizabeth and her husband, Sir W. Poulton, 
 dying without issue, left the whole to Isabel, the widow of 
 William Beaumont, whose heirs held it till 1505, when it 
 was conveyed to the crown. The manor was afterwards 
 granted to Giles Lord D'Aubeny, and on the death of his 
 son, reverted to the crown. Edward Duke of Somerset 
 was the next grantee, and on his attainder, John Basset, 
 1557. It was afterwards transferred to the Players, and 
 William Player was lord of the manor at the beginning of 
 last century, from whose son, Thomas Player, about 17-50, 
 it passed by descent to Charles Bragge, Esq. In 1788, 
 Robert Tucker, Esq. became possessed of it by purchase 
 from Charles Bragge, the son, with consent of his mother, 
 and is now lord of the manor. No estate was at that time 
 appendant to the manor. 
 
 TYTHINGS. 1. FRAMPTON. In this lies the principal 
 estate, which was detached from the manor bv Hen. VIII. 
 and given to Sir John Seymour and Sir H Seymour, to 
 the latter of whom he bequeathed it. By marriage with 
 Anne Seymour, a co-heir, Henry Symes, Esq. became 
 possessed of a moiety, and purchased the remaining in- 
 terest. He afterwards gave it in dower to Edward Bisse, 
 Esq. on marriage with his second daughter. Their daugh- 
 ter Amy married Gabriel Hale, of Alderley, Esq. grand-
 
 320 T/ie History of the County of Cloucsslci. 
 
 son of the Chief Justice, and was succeeded by Edward 
 Bisse Hale, Esq. who died in 118 5, and the estate wa* 
 soon afterwards sold to William Southwell, Esq. By 
 marriage with his only daughter, it passed to Sir Cecil 
 Bishop, ofParam, co. Sussex, and from him by purchase 
 in 1802, to Robert Tucker, Esq. who is also possessed of 
 other property in this parish to a large amount, and re- 
 sides at Crossley-house, in Winterbourn(305). 
 
 The manorial house, called Frampton Court, is a very 
 ancient building. Some parts of the interior are in the 
 style of the 15th century. A large Gothic arch leads to a 
 small room, which was probably the chapel, as a reading- 
 desk, ornamented with elegant Gothic work, is now 
 among the lumber. The principal parts were modernized 
 by John Symes, who retired to this place from Poundis- 
 ford, in the parish of Pitmister, co. Somerset, and died 
 in 1661 ; or by his son Henry, who married Ann, daugh- 
 ter of Sir John Seymour, Knt. In the great parlour, and 
 over the portal, arc the arms of Seymour, Symes, and 
 others. 
 
 Northwood House, with a considerable estate, was the 
 property of Richard Bailey, Esq. late of Hambrook(305), 
 and is now, by purchase, of Edmund Griffiths, Esq. who 
 resides in it. 
 
 2. WICKWICK, which claims manerial rights, gave 
 name to an ancient family. This was a portion of the es- 
 tate granted to the Seymours, and came afterwards to the 
 Kempses in the reign of Eliz. and by marriage, to Rob. 
 Brown, Gent, whose descendant, Francis Brown, Esq. left 
 two daughters ; the eldest married John Daubeny, Esq. of 
 Bristol, from whom it passed to George Daubeney, Esq. 
 and from him to James Taylor, Esq. of Frenchay(305), by 
 purchase.
 
 Berkeley Division. -Lfin^ley and Swineshcad Hundred. 321 
 
 On Mr. Tucker's estate are quarries of grit (or pennant ) 
 stone, of a very hard quality, and capable of resisting, 
 without the least injury, continual exposure under all 
 changes of the atmosphere. 
 
 Twenty-eight freeholders voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 300393 1203. Houses inhabited, 226. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, 
 the advowson of which was formerly annexed to the ma- 
 nor. In 1744 Wm. Southwell, Esq. who had purchased 
 the estate of the Symes's, presented on that claim, but it 
 appearing that the right had descended in certain parts to 
 the coheirs of Edw. Symes, Esq. and their representatives, 
 in 1765 it was agreed, that the presentations should for 
 the future be arranged in the following succession: 1. the 
 Duke of Beaufort, by descent from Elizabeth, the eldest 
 daughter of Henry Symes, the wife of Richard Berkeley, 
 Esq. of Stoke Giffard; 2. and 3. William Southwell, Esq. 
 in right of Seymour, by purchase from Ed. B. Hale, Esq. 
 
 4. Robert Buxton, Esq. nephew of the late John Jacob, 
 Esq. of Norton, co. Wilts, in right of Hooke, whose 
 mother was Susannah, the youngest daughter and coheir ; 
 
 5. Duke of Beaufort; 6. and 7. William Southwell, Esq.; 
 3. Robert Buxton> Esq. ; 9. W. Southwell, Esq. The 
 late incumbent, Philip Bliss, M. A. was presented by John 
 Jacob, Esq. It is now vacant. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Peter, consists of a nave 
 and south aisle, with a tower, embatteled and pinnacled, 
 in which are niches for the effigies of saints. The whole 
 is of the style of the middle centuries. The high altar 
 was dedicated, in 1315, by William Maydenstone, Bi- 
 shop of Worcester. The family of Acton, whose arms 
 formerly were in the windows, were possessed of a mill 
 VOL. ii. y
 
 3-22 The History of the County vf Gloucester. 
 
 and eighty acres of land in tlib parish, and were proba- 
 bly contributors to this building. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Frompton Cotele, 6/. 1 3.?. 4rf. 
 
 In the King's books, ill. \6s.0kd. 
 
 CCCII. LI TTLETON-UPON-SEVERN, amiently 
 
 LlTELTONE, 
 
 Is a parish containing about 1000 acres, three miles w. 
 from Thornbury, and twenty-six s. w. from Gloucester. 
 It is bounded on the west by the Severn, in which the se- 
 veral proprietors of estates claim the right of fishery. 
 The soil is generally marie, but in some places clay, and 
 is employed principally in pasture. Some arable in com- 
 mon fields. 
 
 The manor anciently belonged to St. Mary of Malms- 
 bury, and at the dissolution was granted, with the tythes 
 of the demesnes, to Sir Richard Long, with reservation 
 of a rent to the crown. It passed afterwards to Richard 
 Hampden and his descendant. In 1608 it was the pro- 
 perty of Ed. Felton, Esq. ; and of William Hopton, Esq. 
 of Cam and Berkeley, at the beginning of the last cen- 
 tury. Sir Robert Cann, Bart, afterwards possessed it ; it 
 passed as parcel of his estates to Dame Catherine, on the 
 death of Sir Henry Lippincott, Bart, of Stoke Bishop, 
 her husband, during the minority of Sir Henry Cann Lip- 
 pincott, Bart, who is now lord of the manor, with a con- 
 siderable estate (303). 
 
 Other estates did belong to Thomas Prichard, late of 
 Ross, but now sold out to different persons in small lots. 
 
 William Taylor, Gent, of Cote in Olveston parish, 
 has a considerable estate.
 
 Berkeley Division. Langley and Swinesliead Hundred. 323 
 
 STOCK, anciently ESTOCK, is a hamlet in this parish, 
 particularly mentioned in Domesday , hut a part of the 
 abstract which Atkyns has given as belonging to the Bi- 
 shop of St. Laud, will probably apply better to Stoke Bi- 
 shop, a hamlet in Westbury-upon-Trim. 
 
 Seven freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 80 84 136. Houses inhabited, 21. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory in Bristol deanery and dio- 
 cese, but archdeaconry of Gloucester The abbey of 
 Malmsbury had the advowson. From the family of 
 Hawksworth, of Thornbury, it descended to Christopher 
 Willoughby, Esq. by whom the present rector, William 
 Trueman, clerk, was presented. 
 
 The church is a small building- with a nave, south aisle, 
 and slated tower. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the chapel of Littleton, 5l. 6s. Sd. 
 
 The abbot of Malmesbur. holds two caruc. and each 
 caruc. is worth 40,?. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) III. 4-s. 9%d. 
 
 CCCIII. OLVESTON, 
 
 Is ten miles N. of Bristol, and twenty-five s. w. of 
 Gloucester. The soil, extending over 6300 acres^ is a 
 rich loamy clay, chiefly in pasture and meadow, with 
 some orcharding, but on the elevated parts it inclines to 
 a red grit, covering rocks of lime-stone, which, running 
 in a south-w r est direction over Old-down, terminate here. 
 
 The vewain, or herba sacra, celebrated in a pam- 
 phlet by John Morley, Esq. as a specific for the King's 
 evil, grows in the meadows. 
 
 This place and Alveston were probably one in ancient 
 times, and as such are recorded in Domesday. 
 Y 2
 
 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The manor of Olveston, with the rectory 
 were parcel of the possessions of the abbey of Bath, and 
 continued so till the dissolution. It was then granted to Sir 
 Ralph Sadleyr, 1547, and came by purchase to Sir Robert 
 Cann, who was succeeded by his younger son Sir T. 
 Cann, whose eldest son, Robert, came to the title of Ba- 
 ronet, but dying unmarried was succeeded by his brother 
 William, town clerk of Bristol; his only son, Robert, 
 dying without issue in 1765, the title became extinct, but 
 the manor came to his nephew, Cann Jefferies, Esq. son 
 of his daughter Elizabeth, married to Mr. Jeflferies, of 
 Bristol ; he also dying without issue, the manor came to 
 Henry, afterwards Sir Henry Lippincott, Bart, and is 
 now the property of his son, Sir Henry Cann Lippincott, 
 Bart. (302), with little landed property. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the prior of Bath holds at Olweston two 
 caruc. of land, and each caruc. is worth 205. 
 
 There was another estate which claimed manerial rights, 
 called Alveston and Berwick, held by Roger Crook in 
 1327, and by Robert Green 1354. 
 
 Another manor was held by Edward Lord Stafford, 
 Duke of Buckingham, which by his attainder coming to 
 the crown, was granted to Thomas Henage, 1532, and 
 afterwards to Sir John Walsh in 1547, whose grandson, 
 Henry, was possessed of it in 1578. 
 
 TOCKINGTON is a large hamlet in this parish ; in the ge- 
 neral survey it is taxed under the name of Tochintune, at 
 five hides, and in the reign of Hen. III. belonged to Sir 
 Nicholas Poyntz, and continued in that family till Alice, 
 the heir general, by marriage with Sir Edward Berkeley, 
 carried it into that family, 1509. John Lawford, Esq. was 
 lord at the beginning of last century. By marriage with a 
 daughter of the Lawford's, (a widow of Mr. Goodyer), Mr.
 
 Berkeley Division. Langley and Swineshead Hundred. 325 
 
 Rayner became possessed of it, and sold it to the Rev. 
 Mr. Degge, whose sister, Mrs. Wilmott, continued lady 
 of the manor till her death, when her son, Edward Sa- 
 cheverell Sitwell, Esq. succeeded. 
 
 Tockington has the privilege of two annual fairs, on 
 the 9th of May, and 6th of December. 
 
 Samuel Peach Peach, Esq. has an estate in this hamlet, 
 and a good house, where he resides. 
 
 The manor of Tockington Park belongs to Richard Lle- 
 wellin, Esq. 
 
 Ingst and Upper Hazdl are the property of Richard 
 Ward, Gent. 
 
 Walning belongs to Mr. W. Osborn. 
 
 Gredige and Aukeley are vested in Thomas Salmon, Esq. 
 
 Cote is a very considerable estate attached to the manor, 
 and is assessed to to the land-tax in aid of Thornbury. 
 
 In Lower Tockington a large property belongs to Thos. 
 Masters, Esq. (268) 
 
 The Court-House, with a competent estate, was the pro- 
 perty of Mr. Pardoe, who is lately dead. The pointed 
 arch of the gateway, and battlemented wall in good pre- 
 servation, refer the date of this building to a remote 
 period. 
 
 Old-down is a beautiful and extensive down, whence the 
 Severn is seen with peculiar advantage, and on a very ex- 
 tensive scale. 
 
 Haw belongs to the family of Turton. 
 
 There was formerly a church in Tockington, as appears 
 from the following account in P. N. tax. " Portia abbis 
 Scti. Augustin. in Ecclia. de Tokinton" 
 
 Fifty-three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 240 588 1117. Houses inhabited, 202. 
 Y 3
 
 326 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 The benefice is annexed to Alveston ; and the impropri- 
 ation belongs to the chapter of Bristol. 
 
 The church, dedicated to Si. Mary, has a low pinna- 
 cled tower, on which a spire once stood, but was thrown 
 down by lightning 1603. The chancel is wainscotted 
 with oak, and the altar-piece and table are inclosed with 
 neat circular rails. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Olweston, 22/. 
 
 The portion of the prior of Bath, 2/. 6s. 
 
 In the King's books, 24/. 
 
 CCCIV. ROCKHAMPTON, anciently ROCHEMTUNE, 
 
 Is two miles N. from Thornbury, and twenty-two s. \v. 
 from Gloucester, bounded on the west by the Severn. 
 The soil is deep and rich, chiefly in pasture and meadow ; 
 the latter of which being within reach of the water, is sub- 
 ject to inundations : the whole contains 1400 acres. 
 
 Osborn Giflfard had the grant of Rockemptune manor, 
 among others, from the Conqueror, for his services (148). 
 Maurice, second son of Maurice Lord Berkeley, 1338, 
 had the grant of it, and his family continued the proprie- 
 tors, with a little interruption, till the reign of James I. 
 Afterwards the Wilioughbys were possessed of it, and 
 Edward Hill, of Alveston, at the beginning of last centu- 
 ry ; from whom it passed to Pinfold and Hoskins, and 
 by the last was sold to S. P. Peach, Esq. without landed 
 property. 
 
 The principal proprietors are Matthew A'Deane, Esq. 
 (273), John Cox, gent. Rev. Mr. Jones, Kc. 
 
 NEWTON is a hamlet in this parish. 
 
 SHEPHARDINE is another hamlet, distant three miles w.
 
 Berkeley Division. Langley and Swineshead Hundred. 327 
 
 from the church. Here was formerly a chapel, but it has 
 long since been converted to other uses, still, however, 
 retaining the name of Shephardine Chapel. At this place 
 was formerly a passage over the Severn, but long since 
 disused. The properry is in Lady Fust(271). 
 
 Seventeen freeholders voted in 1116. 
 
 Population, 120 122 160. Houses inhabited, 26. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Dursley deanery, in the 
 patronage of William Davies, A. M. who is also incum- 
 bent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Oswald, is small, consist- 
 ing of a nave, with a tower pinnacled and embatteled at 
 the west end. A staircase leads up to the rood-loft near 
 the chancel. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Rochmton. 6/. 
 
 In the King's books, 15/, 
 
 CCCV. WINTERBOURN, anciently WINTREBORNE, 
 
 Is a large parish, six miles distant from Bristol, and 
 thirty s. from Gloucester. The soil is a reddish loam, and 
 Tincommonly productive both in pasture and tillage, but 
 of the latter the proportion is 2970 of 4000 acres. 
 
 Two annual fairs, on the 29th of June and 1 8th of Oc- 
 tober, are held here. The village is intersected by the 
 turnpike road that leads to Bristol from Wotton-under- 
 edge, at a considerable distance from the church. 
 
 In Domesday this manor is joined with Wapelie, as 
 members of the manor of Betune,and the whole constituted 
 a part of the ancient demesnes of the crown before and 
 after the general survey. Philip de Albeniaco died seized 
 of this manor in 1216. Ralph de Wales in 1246. Jeffrey 
 de Wrokshall and Ralph de Hadele, in right of their wives 
 Y 4
 
 32S Tlie History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 co-heiresses, J287. Thomas Lord Bradeston, of Brades- 
 ton, in the parish of Berkeley, in 1631 ; and the manor 
 continued in that family and name till the reign of Eli/.a- 
 beth, when James Buck purchased it; and after four de- 
 scents, it passed to the Browns, the last of whom died 
 seized of it 1691. John Jones, Esq. was lord of the manor 
 at the beginning of last century, from whom it descended 
 to his son, Edward Jones. Upon his decease without 
 issue male, it passed by marriage with his daughter to 
 Thomas Sedgwick Whalley, clerk ; and from him was 
 purchased, in 1792, by Edmund Probyn, Esq. late of 
 Newland (218), with the manors of Hambrook, Hampton, 
 and Patchway (268), but with very little landed property. 
 On his death, in 1801, the house and small property ad- 
 joining descended by will to William Perry, Esq. of Bris- 
 tol, but the manors were sold to Edward Brice, Esq. of 
 Frenchay, and Joseph Mason Cox, M. D. (319), who are 
 now joint lords of the manor. 
 
 The greatest part of the parish was attached to the 
 manor when first in possession of Mr. Whalley, which by 
 him has been sold to different purchasers. 
 
 TYTHINGS or HAMLETS, l. WINTERBOURN, in 
 which the church stands. iVinterboum-court, adjoining 
 the church, is the ancient manorial house. With a large 
 estate, it was purchased of Mr. Whalley, by Thos. Smith, 
 Esq. (319), and is now the property of Sir Hugh Smith, 
 Bart. (312). 
 
 Crossley-house is the property and residence of Robert 
 Tucker, Esq. (301 ), whose family have been seated here 
 more than 300 years. 
 
 Warnage is an estate of considerable value, belonging 
 to the same proprietor. 
 
 Stourden manor, within the manor of Winterbourn,
 
 Berkeley Bivi&ion.~-~Langlcy and Swineshead Hundred. 329 
 
 lately belonged to Sir Jarrit Smith, Bart, of Long Ashton, 
 co. Som. by purchase of the co-heirs of Sir John Smith, 
 Bart, of the same place; came, on his death, to John 
 Smith, Esq. of Stapleton (319), arid is now vested in Sir 
 Hugh Smith, Bart. (312). 
 
 Stern-court , an old ruined building, belonged formerly 
 to the family of Stern, or Hicinstern, or Sterten, as it is 
 found on a tomb in the manorial chancel ; one of whom is 
 said, by tradition, to have been a great robber 73 . The 
 estate now belongs to Sir H. Smith as bef6re. 
 
 2. HAMBROOK, anciently Hanbroc, belonged to the 
 Bishop of Laud. The estates are now very much divided. 
 
 A good house, with considerable property, lately be- 
 longed to Richard Bayley, Esq. and descended to John 
 Bayley, Esq. the present proprietor. 
 
 FRENCH AY, or more properly FROOMSHAW?*, belongs to 
 numerous proprietors, who reside here in modern elegant 
 houses. The situation is most desirable and healthy; and 
 its easy distance of four miles from Bristol, renders it a 
 convenient and agreeable retreat from the busy scenes of 
 commercial life. 
 
 Winterbourn has a distinct constable, but Hambrook 
 and Frenchay are in one tything. 
 
 Twenty-two freeholders voted from this parish in 1776. 
 
 Population, 500 567 1592. Houses inhab. 246. 
 
 The church is a rectory, in the deanery and diocese of 
 Bristol, but in the archdeaconry of Gloucester. The so- 
 ciety of St. John's college, Oxford, are patrons. Rev. 
 Parker, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary,, consists of a nave 
 and north aisle, and is handsomely pewed. On the tower, 
 at the west end, a well-proportioned steeple is built. 
 There is an orator}* against the north wall of the church.
 
 330 The History qfthe County qf Gloucester. 
 
 The general style of architecture is of the 1 4th century. 
 The chancel is ornamented with a modern altar-piece of 
 the Ionic order. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Winterbourn, 20/. 13s. 4d. 
 
 In the King's books, 21l. Is. 6d. 
 
 XI. THORNBURY HUNDRED, 
 
 Upper Part. 
 
 CCCVI. MARSHFIELD, anciently MERESFIELD, 
 
 Is a parish and market town, seven miles N. E. from 
 Bath, thirteen E. from Bristol, and thirty-five s. from 
 Gloucester, on the borders of Wiltshire. It is about five 
 miles long, by about three in the narrowest part; and the 
 soil varies from stone-brash to the richer kinds, nearly in 
 equal proportions of pasture and tillage, with a large com- 
 mon, and considerable tracts of wood land, of oak and ash. 
 
 The town of Marshfield stands in the centre of the 
 parish, consisting of one street of a mile in length, through 
 which the great road leads from London to Bristol. Some 
 years since, the principal trade of the inhabitants was 
 malt making, which is still carried on to some consi- 
 derable extent. 
 
 The reputed borough is within the jurisdiction of the 
 honour of Gloucester, and is governed by a bailiff, an- 
 nually elected at a court baron, whose power, however, 
 though he is attended by a serjeant at mace, extends little
 
 Berkeley Division. Tlwrnbury Hundred. Upper Part. 331 
 
 further than the examination of weights and measures. 
 The market on Thursday, and two fairs, on the. 24th of 
 May, and the same day in October, were first granted to* 
 the abbot of Keynsham in 1262, renewed at various times, 
 and finally confirmed by James T. 
 
 This place was anciently part of the demesnes of the 
 crown, but soon after the conquest, the manor, consisting 
 of fourteen hides, was given to the see of Wells, to be 
 holden as of the honour of Gloucester. In 1106, John, 
 Bishop of Wells, who first assumed the title of Bishop of 
 Bath, gave the manor to the monastery of Bath. It af- 
 terwards came to the Earls of Gloucester. William, the 
 second Earl, gave it, with the hundred, to the abbey of 
 Keynsham, co. Somerset, which he had founded for black 
 canons in the reign of Hen. II. In which abbey the ma- 
 nor continued till the dissolution, when Hen. VIII. granted 
 a lease to Sir Anthony Kingston for six years, at 80/. rent, 
 and Thomas Lord Willoughby and Sir T. Heneage, Knt. 
 had a grant of the inheritance in 1549, in exchange for 
 lands in Lincolnshire. It was purchased by Edward, Duke 
 of Somerset, and on his attainder came to the crown. Sir 
 Henry Sidney held it for his life, after which Elizabeth 
 gave it to Thomas RatclifFe, Earl of Sussex, for his mili- 
 tary services; by him the greater share was sold to Tho- 
 mas Gorslet, jointly with John Chambers, Nicholas Rich- 
 mond, alias Webb, and Thomas Crispe, which last died 
 in 1660, seized of many estates in this parish. William 
 Gorslett left a daughter and sole heir, who by marriage 
 carried a share to John Harrington, Esq. of Kelwcston, 
 co. Somerset, by whose descendant it was transferred by 
 purchase to Sir William Codrington, Bart, under whose 
 will it passed to Christopher Codrington, Esq. the prcr
 
 332 Tim History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 sent lord of the manor, with a large property in the pa- 
 rish (285). 
 
 TYTHINGS. There are three besides the borough, 
 with their proper officers. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. WESTONTON, formerly called Old or 
 Little Marshfield. 
 
 2. OKEFORD is a reputed manor, of which John Jacob, 
 Esq. descended from the family of the Nortons, co. Wilts, 
 was lord at the beginning of last century, from whom it 
 descended to Miss Jacob ; upon whose demise, as the last 
 heir female of the family, it passed to Isaac Webb Hor- 
 Jock, Esq. the present proprietor. 
 
 The mansion-house is called The Rocks. 
 
 3. AYFORD or EYEFORD is annexed to the manerial 
 property. 
 
 4. ASHWICK. Mr. William Webb was lord of the ma- 
 nor at the beginning of last century, with an old mansion 
 and competent estate, from which family it has passed by 
 inheritance to Isaac Webb Horlock, Esq. 
 
 5. BICKS formerly belonged to the family of Crispe, 
 afterwards to Sir William Deans; at the beginning of last 
 century was the property of Miss Gland, afterwards of 
 John Vickers Dickenson, Esq. and now, by heirship, of 
 William Dickenson, Esq. 
 
 Besides these was the manor of Meers, attached to the 
 honour of Thornbury, which was forfeited by the attainder 
 of Edward, Duke of Buckingham, but afterwards granted 
 to Henry, Lord Stafford. Henry Howard, Esq. (309) now 
 receives the chief rents of this demesne. 
 
 Upon the great common called the Downs, are the evi- 
 dent remains of ancient intrenchments. Of five tumuli or 
 barrows near them, the largest is called Oswald's tomb.
 
 Berkeley Division. Thornbury Hundred. Upper Purl. 333 
 
 The traditional account of this being the grave of Oswald, 
 the king of the Northumbrians, is not supported by his- 
 tory. The battle in whicn that prince lost his life was 
 fought at Oswestry, in Shropshire, then called Maserfield, 
 about 640. From the similarity of names the mistake pro- 
 bably arose 75 . 
 
 Near the rocks are three stones, set up to mark the li- 
 mits of the three counties of Gloucester, Wilts, and So- 
 merset, which meet here in a point. Rudder thinks that 
 to this circumstance we are indebted for the name of the 
 parish, meare being an Anglo-Saxon word for limit or 
 boundary. 
 
 Thomas Gawen, a celebrated writer, was born in this 
 parish. He turned Papist, and died in 1633. 
 
 Forty freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 800 1237 1246. Houses inhabited, 262. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Hawkesbury deanery, 
 which has been several times augmented by Queen Anne's 
 bounty and private donations. The impropriation, in the 
 reign of Richard II. belonged to the abbey of Keynsham, 
 afterwards to the abbey of Tewkesbury, and after the 
 dissolution, being in the crown, was given by Queen 
 Mary in exchange for Steepinglee and other manors iu 
 Bedfordshire and Essex, to the society of New College, 
 Oxon, who are now patrons. John Byrkin Watkins, 
 A. M. is incumbent. The family of Mereweather have 
 long been lessees of the tythes. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is large and hand- 
 some. It consists of a lofty nave, two aisles, and a well 
 finished tower, with pinnacles, at the west end. The 
 whole building being in the style of the age of Hen. IV. 
 was probably built by the abbey of Tewkesbury, assisted 
 by the contributions of the inhabitants. On the left hand
 
 334 The History of the County oj Gloucester. 
 
 of the high altar are three subsdlia, or stone stalls, with 
 light canopies and finials, where the officiating priests 
 used to be seated. 
 
 In 1529 Thomas Parker, chancellor to the Bishop of 
 Worcester, at the request of John Gosselas, the bailiff and 
 lord of the ville of Marysficld, as it was called at that 
 time, established a gild in this church, with rules for the 
 conduct of the fraternity. 
 
 The parsonage-house, which was built by Tho. Parker, 
 was taken down and rebuilt by John Carey, M. A. the 
 vicar, about 1734. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Maresfield, in the deanery 
 of Button, III. 
 
 The vicar's portion, 5/. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 29/. 4s. 9i</. 
 
 CCCVII. IRON ACTON, anciently ACTUNE, 
 
 Is nine miles N. E. from Bristol, and twenty -six s. from 
 Gloucester. The soil is light brash and rich, lying on a 
 bed of stone of a reddish colour. It is principally in til- 
 lage and artificial grasses, and produces abundant crops: 
 the lands which lie on the banks of the Laden and Frome 
 are rich meadow. The former of these streams intersects 
 the parish on the west side, and joins the Frome, which 
 runs on the south from Dodington, and thus united, they 
 flow on to Bristol, where, forming a part of the quay of 
 that port, they fall into the Avon. The name is probably 
 derived from Ac, Saxon for oak, with which trees, tradi- 
 tion says, it was once overrun, and in no place do they 
 better thrive at present, when sufficiently encouraged : 
 the prefix of Iron was given to distinguish it from Acton 
 Turville, and arises from the great quantity of iron scoria
 
 Berkeley Division. Thornbury Hundred. Upper Part. 33 
 
 or cinders found here (see page \2J, which shews tlie re- 
 mains of former iron works. The strata of coal extend- 
 ing over this district of country are found in this parish, 
 but not sufficiently thick to answer the expence of work- 
 ing. The commonablc lands Avere inclosed about 1780, 
 but no commutation was made of tythes. Two annual 
 fairs are held here, on the 25th of April, and the 13th of 
 September. 
 
 This parish is in the honor of Gloucester. 
 The manor is said by Leland to have belonged to the 
 Earls of Hereford : John de Acton, who possessed it soon 
 after the conquest, was probably of that family. The 
 Actons held it till 1344, when, for want of male issue, it 
 passed by marriage with Maud, the heir-general, to Sir 
 Nicholas Poyntz. This family descended from Drogo, 
 son of Poyntz, or Pontz, of Normandy : three brothers, 
 Walter, Drogo or Drew, and Richard, came over with, 
 the Conqueror ; Walter, grandson of Drogo, resided at 
 Clifford Castle, co. Heref. and took the name of Clifford ; 
 but the younger branch remained in this county, and re- 
 tained the name of Poyntz. Sir John Poyntz, the tenth 
 in lineal succession from Sir Nicholas, who brought this 
 manor into the family, died without issue, and left it to his 
 widow 1619, of whom it was purchased by Wm. Player, 
 and of his widow, who had been married, secondly, to 
 Simon Harcourt, Esq. by Sir Philip Packer, from whom it 
 descended to Sir Walter Long, of South Wraxall, county 
 of Wilts, the present lord of the manor, Avith good estates. 
 Two considerable estates, called the Lodge and Mudge-. 
 down, were detached from the manor, and sold to Thos. 
 Listen, of Bristol, merchant, 1679. From him they de- 
 scended to the late Thomas Listen, Esq. on whose death, 
 about 1770, without issue, they came to Samuel
 
 536 T/ie History of the Cuttnfy of Gloucester. 
 
 Esq. (whose mother was sister of the said Thomas Liston,) 
 who is the present proprietor, and resides at the Lodge. 
 
 The manor house, formerly the residence of the Poyntz 
 family, was of considerable extent, but a small part only 
 remains. At the E. end is the chapel, now a cellar, with 
 some remains of painted glass in the window. The great 
 chamber has been partitioned into several rooms. The 
 upper part of the walls, above the cielings, still retain the 
 old Fresco painting. It is now used as a farm-house. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. LATERiDGE,or LADENRIDGE, so called 
 from its situation above the Laden. 
 
 A good estate belongs to the family of Battersby. 
 
 2. ACTON ILGER, which lies in the hundred of Grnm- 
 baldsash, so called from Ilgerus, or Olger, who owned 
 this manor in the Conqueror's time, as mesne lord, under 
 the bishop of St. Laud. The two manors are much inter- 
 mixed, and were originally in Bachestane's hundred. 
 
 To Mr. Thomas Richardson, of this parish, the public 
 are indebted for a valuable discovery or improvement in 
 the method of curing sheep-skins with the wool on, for 
 which he has an exclusive right by patent. When thus 
 prepared, they are applied to the various purposes of rugs, 
 mats for doors and carriages, carpets, boots, shoes, &c. 
 They are very durable ; and from being stained with dif- 
 ferent colours, and in a variety of patterns, are handsome 
 and elegant. The use of them is become now very exten- 
 sive, and they are found in the houses of the first families 
 in the kingdom. In many respects they supersede the use 
 of bear and other skins, and thus may ultimately prove of 
 national importance, as very large sums are annually ex- 
 pended in the fur trade. See a pamphlet on the Uses, Sfr. 
 of Sheep-skin Rugs, printed at Bristol, 1803. 
 
 Fortv-six freeholders voted in 1776.
 
 Berkeley Division. Thorn-bury Hundred. ~ Low Part. 337 
 
 Population, 240 460 860. Houses inhabited, 140. 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, 
 in the patronage of Christ church coll. Ox. and Alexan- 
 der Akehurst, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. James, and built by one 
 of the Poyntz's in the fifteenth century, consists of a 
 nave and south aisle, with a large tower, embatteled and 
 pinnacled, at the w. end. The sudden contraction of the 
 tower seems to shew the intention of the builder to have 
 carried it higher. On the south side the chancel is a vault 
 belonging to the manor-house, \\here some of the Poyntx 
 family are deposited. In the church-yard is a cross of 
 beautiful Gothic architecture, probably older than the 
 present church 76 . 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Ircnacton, 10/. 
 
 In the King's books, 16/. 10s. Ocl. 
 
 CCCVIII. RANGEWORTHY, 
 
 Is a small parish, six miles s. E. from Thornburv, and 
 twenty-four s. from Gloucester. The soil and produce are 
 nearly the same as Iron Acton. It contains about 800 
 acres. 
 
 Domesday takes no notice of this place; but how it was 
 separated from Thornbury, or when it acquired maneriul 
 and parochial rights, does not appear. The first mention 
 of the manor of Rangeworthy is in the time of Ed. III. 
 it was held of Hugh de Audley, Earl of Gloucester. 
 John Talbot, Viscount Lisle, was seized of it afterwards, 
 and Joan his widow, died seized of it in right of dower, 
 1468. Elizabeth Courteney, Countess of Devonshire, 
 died possessed of it, 1520, and was succeeded by Sir Ar- 
 thuif Plantagenet, in right of his wife, her daughter and 
 VOL. ir. z
 
 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 heir, lu 1608 Robert Hale, Esq. was lord of the manor, 
 and Matthew Hale, Esq. at the beginning of last century. 
 From this family it passed to the Phclps's, and John de I'd. 
 Field Phelps, lord of the manor in mi, was succeeded 
 by his son, John dc la Field Phelps, Esq. of Durslcy. 
 
 The Farm, formerly part of the property of the Hale's, 
 belonged to the late James Hard \vicke, M. D. of Sodbury ; 
 and by descent is now the property of James Hardwrcke, 
 clerk, D. D. of Sop worth, co. Wilts. 
 
 Six freeholders polled in 1776. 
 
 Population, 150 120 230. Houses inhabited, 48. 
 
 The church is a curacy, in Hawkesbury deanery. The 
 impropriation belongs to Christ church coll. Ox. The 
 vicar of Thornbury is patron, and William Llewellin, 
 clerk, is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is a small 
 building, with a low tower at the west end. The south 
 door, which is of Saxon architecture, as well as the turret, 
 exhibits marks of great antiquity. It was probably the 
 chapel recorded with Thornbury in P. N. tax (309). 
 
 CCCIX. THORNBURY, anciently TURNEBERIE, 
 
 Is a large parish, containing, with its hamlets, 7200 
 acres, and gives name to the hundred. It is bounded by 
 the Severn on the N. w. which here forms a wide estuary. 
 A fine rich country of pasture land is comprehended in 
 this district, and the meadows are unusually abundant in 
 grass, but the inconvenience of being frequently inundat- 
 ed attends that part which lies next to the Severn, and 
 two thousand acres of land are rated to the repair of the 
 sea walls in the upper level. 
 
 The town of Thornbury stands in the middle of the pa-
 
 Berkeley Division. Thornbury Hundred. Lower Part. 339 
 
 rish, at the distance of seven miles from Berkeley, twen- 
 ty-four s. from Gloucester, eleven N. from Bristol, and 
 two miles and a half from the Severn. It is a borough by 
 prescription, and is governed by a mayor and twelve al- 
 dermen, but returns no members to parliament. The 
 mayor, who is chosen out of the aldermen, collects the 
 lord's chief rents, attends the borough court, and ex- 
 amines weights and measures; but whatever power was 
 formerly annexed to the office, is now lost by disuse. 
 
 Very little is known with certainty respecting the an- 
 cient state of this borough. Leland, in his Itinerary, 
 describes it as " set almost on equalle (level) grounde, 
 " being large to the proportion of Y, having first one 
 " longe strete, and two homes goyne owt of it. There 
 " hathe bene (says he) good clothing in Thornebyry, but 
 " now ideness much reynithe there." The clothing busi- 
 ness is now entirely lost, and no manufacture supplies its 
 room. The market, on account of its vicinity to Bristol, 
 is little attended. There are some good houses, ami per- 
 sons of property in it, but, with a few exceptions, the 
 buildings are old and bad, and the inhabitants poor. 
 There is a Boothall, in which are held four courts. 
 
 1. THE COURT OF THE HONOUR OF GLOUCESTER. 
 Here pleas are held for the recovery of debts from 40.?. to 
 any amount, within its jurisdiction, which extends over 
 the following places, viz. ThormVury, Kington, Old- 
 bury-upon-Severn, Cowhill, Morton, Mars, alias Mares, 
 and Falfield, Philpots, Saltmarsh, (the marshes in Olves- 
 ton and Almondsbury), Rowles, Buckover, Hope, Range- 
 worthy, Titherington, Iron Acton, Charfield, Dod ing-- 
 ton, Marslifield, ' Mangotsfield, Bitton, Upton Cheney, 
 Beech, Barr's Court, Oldland, Hanhum, Doynton, Gaunt's 
 F.rdicot, Over, Tockington, Coate, Towkesbury, O\- 
 2 2
 
 3 10 The History of ihe County of Gloucester. 
 
 endon, Alderton, Boddington, Walton Cardiff, Kem- 
 merton, Framptori Cote I, Hampton Mesey, and Holy- 
 rood Amney. The action commences by afHdavit of the 
 debt, before tin-, steward or his deputy, who issues an at- 
 tachment against the defendant's goods, to be condemned 
 and forfeited at the next court, unless two sufficient per- 
 sons within the jurisdiction become pledges, in the nature 
 of bail, for the debt and costs, if the defendant should 
 be condemned in the action. Pledges being given, the 
 goods are released, and the plaintiff proceeds by decla- 
 ration, as in the course of common law. 
 
 2. THE HUNDRED COURT, held on Thursday in everv 
 three weeks, before the steward, for the recovery of debts 
 under 40s. arising within the hundred. 
 
 3. THE BOROUGH COURT, held also on the same day, 
 before the steward of the manor, in the presence of the 
 mayor, attended by the Serjeant at mace, for debts under 
 40s. within the borough. 
 
 4. THE MANOR COURT, or COURT BARON, for the usual 
 purposes. 
 
 Bv the custom of the manor, estates descend to the 
 next heir, like freeholds, with this exception, that the 
 tenant's children being all daughters, the eldest inherits, 
 and so of nieces. 
 
 At the time of the surrey, Brictric, the son of Algar, 
 held Turneberie, in Langelei hundred. This manor was 
 Queen Maud's, and descended in the same way as Tewkes- 
 bury (69), till the death of Gilbert, the fourth Earl Clare, 
 without male issue, when the estates were divided between 
 his three sisters, Eleanor, Margaret, and Elizabeth ; Ele- 
 anor married Hugh Despenser, the younger, 1321, and 
 carried a third part, including Tewkesbury, into that fa- 
 mily ; Elizabeth, the youngest, married John de Burgo,
 
 Berkeley Division. Tliornbury Hundred. Lower Part. 31 1 
 
 sow and heir of the Earl of Ulster, in Ireland ; Margaret, 
 the second, was married first to Peter or Piers de Guves- 
 ton, and secondly to Hugh de Audeley; from this last 
 marriage sprung one daughter, Margaret, who was mar- 
 ried to Ralph Lord Stafford, afterwards Earl Stafford, and 
 thus carried into that family the manor of Tliornbury, and 
 the honour of Gloucester. He died 46 Ed. III. and left 
 his surviving son and heir, Hugh, Earl of Stafford, who 
 dying at Rhodes, in his return from a pilgrimage to Jeru- 
 salem, 9 Rich. II. was brought to England, and buried at 
 Stone. He was succeeded by his son 
 
 Thoaias, Earl of Stafford, who dying without heir, was 
 buried at Stone, and succeeded by his brother William, 
 who dying unmarried, 18 Rich. II. was succeeded by his 
 brother Edrnond, Earl of Stafford, who having married 
 Anne, the widow of his brother Thomas, was slain at the 
 battle at Shrewsbury, 2 H. IV. His relict, Anne, died 
 17 H. VI. and was buried at Lanthony priory, near 
 Gloucester. 
 
 Humphrey, Earl of Stafford, his son, married Anne, 
 daughter of Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmoreland, and 
 ivas created Duke of Buckingham, 23 H. VI. He was 
 slain at the battle of Northampton, when H. VI. was taken 
 prisoner. 
 
 Humphrey, Earl of Stafford, his eldest son, married 
 Margaret, daughter and co-heiress of Edmond, Duke of 
 Somerset, and was slain at the battle of St. Alban's, in his 
 father's life-time; whereupon his son Henry succeeded 
 his grandfather in the title of Duke of Buckingham, and 
 in the manor of Tliornbury. He was beheaded at Salis- 
 bury, 1 R. III. Avithout judicial form, for taking up arms 
 against the king. 
 
 Edward, Duke of Buckingham, Avas son of the last 
 z 3
 
 34-2 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Humphrey. He married Alianora, daughter of Henry 
 Percy, Earl of Northumberland. He was beheaded for 
 treason, through the intrigues of Cardinal Wolsey, 13 
 Hen. VIIF. 
 
 Henry Stafford, his eldest son, was, by act of parlia- 
 ment, restored in blood, and to some, but not all, his fa- 
 ther's honours and estate, 14 Hen. VIII. The manor, 
 castle, town, and park, Me. of Thornbury, and the manor 
 of Bedellanam, in Thornbury, were granted to him as 
 Lord Stafford, and to Ursula his wife, daughter of Sir 
 Richard Pole, and their heirs for ever, 2 Mar. He died in 
 1558, and was succeeded by his son 
 
 Edward, Lord Stafford, who died in 1592, and his elder 
 son Edward dying before his father, left a son Henry, who 
 died young, and a daughter Mary, who being heiress of 
 the family, was married to William Howard, a younger 
 son of Thomas, Earl of Arundel and Surry, who, in her 
 right, was seized of the manor of Thornbury. He was 
 created Viscount Stafford by Chas. I. and was beheaded 
 in Chas. II. upon the testimony of the infamous Doctor 
 Gates. An attempt was made, in Jac. II. to reverse the 
 attainder of this lord by a bill in parliament; but some 
 of the lords protested against it, and the commons re- 
 jected it. 
 
 Henry Stafford Howard, son of William, Viscount 
 Stafford, was created Earl of Stafford by James II. and was 
 lord of the manor of Thornbury at the beginning of the 
 last century. Henry Howard, Esq. is the present lord of 
 the manor. 
 
 The CASTLE at Thornbury was begun by Edward Duke 
 of Buckingham, on the scite of a house which had been 
 built by Ralph Lord Stafford. There was anciently a 
 Castle here, but by whom built is uncertain. Hugh d^
 
 Berkeley Division. Thornbury Hundred. Lower Part. 3-1-3 
 
 Audley was in possession of it, Ed. II. The Duke was 
 prevented finishing it by his attainder and death. It is 
 prohable that the king (who was entertained here with 
 Anne of Bulfoigne, in 1539) might conceive some jealousy 
 on account of the extent and strength of the building, 
 and that might lead to his destruction. The following is 
 an abridged account of the castle taken about the time of 
 James I. 
 
 The castle stands within two miles of the Severn, near 
 the church. The entrance is into a court of two acres 
 and a half, with buildings for servants lodgings, left un- 
 finished without timber or covering. The west entrance 
 is by two. gates, and a wicket in the larger of them. A 
 porter's lodge to the left, and a dungeon under it. Ad- 
 joining is a handsome room, called the Duke's wardrobe, 
 and within the same a lodging room, and a vault under- 
 neath. Over all this are four lodging rooms. On the 
 right of the gates are two rooms, called the Dutchess's 
 wardrobe, and over, two rooms, called the steward's cham- 
 bers. Within all which is a stone paved court of half an 
 acre, leading to the great hall, at the entry whereof is a 
 porch, and on the right the ewery 77 . 
 
 On the north are the kitchen and other offices. From 
 the lower end of the great hall is a passage leading to the 
 chapel. The outer part of the chapel is a room for peo- 
 ple to stand in during service, and over it two rooms, with 
 each of them a chimney, where the Duke and Dutchess 
 used to attend service. The body of the chapel is neat, 
 and has twenty-two settles of wainscoat, for priests, clerks, 
 and choristers. The hall is large, and has a hearth in the 
 middle for fire. Near to this, a cloyster walk, paved with 
 bricks, leads from the Duke's lodgings to the private gar- 
 den, containing about three quarters of an acre. Three 
 z 4
 
 3 ji The History of the County nf Claurester. 
 
 sides of tlc garden are surrounded with a cloyster, and 
 the fourth with the new buildings. Over this clovster is 
 a gallery, which leadcth to the parish church; and at the 
 end is a room with a chimney, and a window into the 
 church, where the Duke used to hoar divine service. 
 Near the gallery are thirteen rooms, called the Farl of 
 Bedford's lodgings. The whole is built w'.tli freeston , 
 and covered with slate or tile. The lower part is called 
 the new buildings, at the end of which is a tower. Se- 
 veral chambers are in this part. Among others, the 
 Duke's closet, from which is a private way to the Duke's 
 lodgings. In the new buildings, are the dining room, the 
 privy chamber, and the Duke's jewel chamber. On the 
 second story is the Duke's bedchamber, and above this, 
 being the third story of the tower, another chamber, and 
 over this the treasury. These buildings are of freestone, 
 covered with lead, and embattcled. 
 
 On the east side is another garden of three quarters of 
 an acre, adjoining the Earl of Bedford's lodgings. The 
 whole, with the gardens and orchards, contain about 
 twelve acres. 
 
 Since this account was written, many parts have fallen 
 into ruins. The gatehouse, however, and much of the 
 walls, with the outer wall that inclosed the whole, are 
 standing. One of the towers is fitted up for the steward 
 of the castle. The following inscription is still over the 
 gatehouse: " This gate was begun in the yere of our 
 Lorde Gode MCCCCCXI. the u ycre of the reyne of 
 Kynge Henri the vui. by me EDW. Due of Bucking- 
 ha~, Erlle of Harforde, Staflforde, and NorthamptoV The 
 Duke's word " DORENTE SAVANT," (upon a label). 
 Besides this are several ornamental devices, and the Staf- 
 ford's knot frequently repeated.
 
 Berkeley Division. Thornbury Hundred. Lower Purl. 34-5 
 
 The toadstone is found abundantly in this neigh- 
 bourhood. 
 
 In the meadows grow the wild asparagus, seed purs- 
 lane, acanthus, black maidenhair, agrimony, wholesome 
 wolfsbane, yellow centaury, wild germander, great cela- 
 dine, houndstonguc, wild clary, betony, St. John's wort, 
 polypody of the wall, and others. 
 
 By an act of Chas. II. the TYTHINGS of Oldbury, 
 Kington, Morton, and Falfield, were consolidated into 
 the manor of Thornbury. 
 
 1. OLDBURY-UPON-SEVERN stretches along the shore 
 of the Severn, and is supposed to be the Roman station 
 called the trajectus or ferry, mentioned in Antoninus's 
 fourteeth Iter from Isca, now Caerleon, in Monmouth- 
 shire 78 . The remains of several ancient camps are s'ill 
 extant. The smaller one, or campus minor, was on the 
 east side of the hill, near the church, where every thing- 
 passing upon the river might be seen; and many Roman 
 coins have been found upon the spot. Eastward of this 
 was the campus major; and part of the intrenchments, 
 with high banks, forming two sides of a square, still re- 
 main tolerably distinct. 
 
 The chapelry of Oldbury is annexed to Thornbury. 
 The chapel stands on the top of the hill, and seems to 
 have been built in this situation as a commanding object 
 from the chancel. 
 
 COWELL is a hamlet in this tything. It continued many 
 years in the family of Campness, and was lately pur- 
 chased of Sir Thomas Campnes-s by Peter Holfbrd, of 
 Weston Birt, in this county, Esq. 
 
 A good estate here belongs to Joseph Saunders, Esq. 
 
 2. KINGTON. The church of Thornbury stands in this
 
 3 K3 'ike History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 tything. The lands anciently belonged to the Staffords. 
 At Marlewood was an ancient scat and park belonging to 
 them. Edward Stafford sold them at the beginning of the 
 last century, and an ancestor of the present owner, the 
 Rev. Mr. Knight, was purchaser. Considerable property 
 belongs to the manor. 
 
 3. MORTON. Eastwood is a very large estate here, and 
 formerly had a park. The mansion-house is still remain- 
 ing, but used for a farm-house. It was formerly the pro- 
 perty of Edward, Duke of Buckingham, but now Belongs 
 to Lord Liverpool. 
 
 Hope and Buckover are places in this tything. In the 
 former a good estate is divided into moieties between Mrs. 
 Morris, relict of the late Thomas Morris, of Cromhall, 
 Gent, and Mrs. Bond. 
 
 4. FALFIELD. A good estate here, called Sundy's hill 
 has been for many generations in the family of Skey, and 
 is now vested in William Skey, Esq. This hamlet was a 
 separate manor, but now consolidated with Thornbury. 
 
 Considerable property here belonged to the late Tho- 
 mas Webb, Esq. (255) 
 
 Great quantities of scoria or cinders have been collected 
 here. (See p. 1 2.J Falfield has a chapel. 
 
 Eighty-two freeholders voted in 1176. 
 
 Population, 1100 1971 2462. Houses inhab. 476. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Dursley deanery. The 
 appropriation once belonged to Tewkesbury abbey, by 
 the gift of Gilbert de Clare. At the dissolution it was 
 granted to Ch. Ch. Coll. Oxf. The chapels of Oldbury 
 and Falfield are annexed to it, Richard Slade, A.M. is. 
 incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a 1
 
 Division. Thornbury Hundred. Loucr Part. 34.7 
 
 and handsome building, consisting of a nave, with u clere- 
 story and two aisles, and a transept. The tower, which 
 stands at the west end, is ornamented with pinnacles and 
 battlements. The frequent repetition of the Stafford's 
 knot, and the depressed arches of the windows, shew the 
 time of its building to have been at the latter end of the* 
 15th century; but the north and south doors exhibiting 
 the Saxon style, are probably parts of the original 
 building. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Thornbury, with chapel, 
 .11 /. 13J. 4d. 
 
 Portion of the abbot of Tewkesbury, 3/. 3,?. 
 
 Jn the King's books, 25l. 1 5s. 
 
 CCCX. TITHERINGTON, anciently TIDRENTUNE, 
 Is three miles s. E. from Thornbury, and twenty -three 
 3. from Gloucester. The soil, extending over 1600 acres, 
 excepting that which is found on the rocky side of the pa- 
 rish, is deep, and generally applied to pasture. The vil- 
 lage is situated at the southern base of that vast bed of 
 lime-stone rock which forms a very prominent feature in 
 this part of the county. It is here called Tower-hill, and 
 adjoins to Milbury-heath, which lies partly in this parish. 
 About a quarter of a mile w. from the church is a strong 
 intrenchment on an eminence called Castle-hill. The. 
 form, which is an oblong square, decides it to be a Ro- 
 man post, and the extent of country taken within its view 
 to the east and south-east, over the vale, made k a station 
 of very considerable importance. The ground inclosed i? 
 not more than four or five acres. 
 
 A tesselated pavement was dug up at Stidcot, about it 
 hundred years since.
 
 514 The l/istory of t fie County of Gloucester. 
 
 The traditionary account of a castle having once, stood 
 here, does not seem to be justified by any discover. 
 foundations or other remains of such kinds of buildings. 
 The Roman castra have in other places suggested the idea 
 of castles, where were only common intrenchments. 
 About the year 1772 two stone coffins were found on the 
 eastern side of the parish, placed in a north and south di- 
 rection, containing perfect skeletons, one of which mea- 
 sured six feet three, but no coins, armour, or inscription 
 were found, by which any conjecture could be formed of 
 the persons to whom these reliques belonged, but as no 
 barrow was raised over them, it is probable they Mere 
 Romans of rank belonging to this post. 
 
 The Laden runs from this place to Iron Acton. 
 
 Domesd.iy records this manor as parcel of the lands of 
 the Bishop of Excestre. It was held of the honour of 
 Gloucester, and is now within the jurisdiction of the Ho- 
 nour Court. William Corbet was lord of it 1281, and it 
 continued in that family till 1324. The Lords Bradeston 
 were proprietors during the reign of Edw. III. from whom 
 it passed by marriage with Elizabeth, the heiress to Wal- 
 ter de la Pool. It had passed into the family of the Wil- 
 loughbys of Broke in the reign of Hen. VIII. Elizabeth, 
 the only surviving daughter of Robert, second Lord Wil- 
 loughby of Broke, and the richest heiress in England, 
 was married to Sir Fulk Grevil, second son of her guar- 
 dian, Sir Edward, of Melcot, co. Warwick. On bis 
 death in 1558, his son, Sir Fu Ike, succeeded, whose son 
 Fulke was an eminent character in the reigns of Elizabeth, 
 James, and Charles I. He was stabbed by one of his ser- 
 vants at Brook House, London, 1628, in the 75th year 
 of his age, and dying unmarried, the title devolved on 
 his kiusman Robert, but this manor came to Sir Richard
 
 Berkeley Division. Thornbury Hundred. Lower Part. 349 
 
 Verney, Knt. who had married Margaret, daughter of 
 Sir Fulke. This family afterwards claimed the barony of 
 Willoughbv of Broke by descent, and George Verney, 
 I). D. surviving son and heir of Richard, Lord Willoughby, 
 was lord of this manor at the beginning of last century. It 
 afterwards passed to James Hardwicke, Esq. by purchase, 
 and from him to Samuel Hardwick, his first cousin, who 
 dying without issue, it came to Joseph Hardwick, Esq. 
 their uncle, who dying in 1T71, was succeeded by his son, 
 John Hardwick, Esq. whose son, Thomas Machin Harcl- 
 wicke, Esq. is now lord of the manor, with a very consi- 
 derable estate attached to it, but part leased out. 
 
 A considerable estate belongs by purchase, to James 
 Puliin, Gent. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1 . ITCHINGTON, is a member of Henbury 
 hundred. The principal property belongs to Lord Wil- 
 loughby de Broke, who is also lord of the manor. 
 
 2. HIDCOT. The principal property here is divided be- 
 tween the families of Russel, Drew, and Pullen. 
 
 Seventeen freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 320 310368. Houses inhab. 67. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in the deanery of Hawkes-r 
 bury. It was anciently appropriated to the priory of 
 Lanthony. The impropriation now belongs to the lord of 
 the manor, who is also patron, and James Hardwicke, 
 1). D. is incumbent. 
 
 The parsonage-house was built in 1662, by William 
 F.ldridge, vicar. 
 
 The church consists of a nave and two aisles, and a low 
 tower at the west end. The chancel was built about 177S 
 by the late vicar, Thomas SheJlard, A.M. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Tyderinton, 9/. f>5. 8</. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 10/.
 
 350 lite History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 XII. HENBURY HUNDRED, 
 
 CCCXI. COMPTON 
 
 Is a small parish adjoining to Almondsbury on the s. \v. 
 bounded on the Severn on the w. in the hundred of Hen- 
 bury, six miles from Bristol, and thirty-three from Glou- 
 cester. The soil is deep, and being subject to water, is 
 chiefly applied to pasture. The addition was given to 
 the name to distinguish it from Compton Eastward, in the 
 parish of Almondsbury. The turnpike-road from Bristol 
 to Aust Passage leads along the N. E. side of it, near the. 
 church. 
 
 It appears from Domesday,- that this was a part of the 
 manor of Huisberie (Westbury), and that Gilbert, the 
 son ofFiTrold, held three hides and half in Contone (Comp- 
 ton). It was granted to Ralph Bloet 18 John ; in 1355 it 
 passed to Sir Maurice Berkeley, Knt. ; Thomas de Beau- 
 champ held it in 1401; Sir T. Brooke in 1418; Sir J. 
 Berkeley in 1428; and Sir Maurice Berkeley, of Bever- 
 stone, in 1465 and 1475. Sir Wm. Berkeley, of Stoke 
 Giffard, is found seized of it in or about 1484; but after 
 the battle of Bosworth Field, his estates were seized by 
 Hen. VII. and the manor given to Thomas Brugge in 
 1485. The Berkeleys were afterwards restored to their 
 estates, and on Sir William Berkeley's death in 1552, his 
 grandson, John Berkeley, sold it to T. Mallet, Esq. who 
 left a son, John Young, 1582. Patrick Young had the 
 manor in 1608 ; it then passed to Sir Thomas Cann, Knt. 
 M-hose eldest son, Robert, succeeded to the title of Baro-
 
 Berkeley Division. Henbttry Hundred. 35 1 
 
 act on the death of his cousin, Sir William Cann, but dy- 
 ing without issue, his brother William succeeded, who left 
 a son, Robert, and a daughter, Elizabeth. Sir Robert 
 died without issue, and the title was lost, but the manor 
 and estate devolved to his nephew Robert, and from him 
 to his sister Catherine, (son and daughter of Elizabeth, 
 who had been married to Charles Jefferies, of Bristol, Esq). 
 Sir Henry Lippincott, Bart, married Catherine, and dyino- 
 about 1782, left his son, Sir Henry Cann Lippincott, 
 Bart, who is now lord of the manor. 
 
 Six freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 20 37 175. Houses inhabited, 27. 
 
 The living is a rectory, in the diocese of Bristol and 
 archdeaconry of Gloucester, endowed with considerable 
 glebe. In the thirteenth century it was styled " Capella 
 de Contone," and probably a chapel to Westbury-upon- 
 Trim. 
 
 The church has a low tower at the west end, and in the 
 arch of the door at the south entrance bears the marks of 
 early architecture. Sir H. C. Lippincott, Bart, is patron. 
 Rev. James New, M. A. incumbent. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the chapel of Compton, 2/. 
 
 In the king's books (discharged) ll, 
 
 _ 
 
 CCCXIL HENBURY, anciently HENBERIE, 
 Is a parish of large extent, four miles N. from Bristol, 
 and thirty-five s. w. from Gloucester. It is washed by the 
 Severn on the w. and adjoins Westbury, which lies to the 
 E. and with this anciently formed the hundred of Bernin- 
 trere. The extent is 10,500 acres, and the soil chiefly of 
 rich loam or sand, with little exception applied to pas- 
 turage. The lands which are contiguous to the chaund
 
 35.' T/K History of tlit County qf Glouccslcr. 
 
 are marsh, and hence in ancient records it was styled 
 .//i'nbury in salso tnarisco. The name is derived from hen, 
 old, and berg, a camp or fortification. 
 
 From Thomas's Survey of t Worcester, it appears that 
 thirtv cassats of land at Henbury and Aust, with the 
 fisheries of the river Severn, were given to the see of 
 Worcester in 69 1 , by Osfter, the second bishop. King 
 Offa, added twenty manses in 795. From Domesday it 
 appears that Huersberie in Bernintre hundred, belonged, 
 in Saxon times, with Henbury and others, to the church 
 of St. Mary, Worcester. Soon after the conquest, the bi- 
 shops of Worcester founded a palace here, for their occa- 
 sional residence, the scite of which is now marked by some 
 ruinous buildings near the church. Soon after the 
 general dissolution the manor, with its appendages, was 
 granted to Sir Rafe Sad ley r and his heirs, who had gained 
 twenty-one other manors from the spoils of the church. 
 Gertrude was the daughter, and at length sole heir of Sir 
 Thomas Sadleyr, and wife of Sir Walter Aston, of Tixal, 
 co. Stafford. Walter, Lord Aston, their son, sold the 
 manerial estate, with the aclvowson of the vicarage to 
 T. Yate, Esq. of Grays Inn, London, and Gregory Gear- 
 ing, of Den worth, co. Berks, Esq. in 1675, who resold 
 them in 1680 to Sir Samuel Astry, Knt. a lineal descen- 
 dant of Sir Ralph Astry, lord mayor of London, 1594, 
 and on his death without issue male, to his three daugh- 
 ters, co-he. resses, and by the game succession as Wester- 
 Jcigh(296), to the present joint lords of the manor, Henry, 
 Lord Middlcton, Edward F. Colston, Esq. and Sir Hugh 
 Smith, Bart. * 
 
 Blaise Castle rises above the village on the south-west 
 side, and was probably the scite of a chapel dedicated to 
 St. Werburgb (Capdla St. Warburg* super montim Hem-
 
 Berkeley Division. Henbury Hundred. 353 
 
 bine sita) though more generally thought to have been to 
 St. Blazius, from whom it received its present name. It 
 stands on the scite of a Roman camp, perhaps the work of 
 Ostorius, when he built the range efforts along the Avon 
 and Severn, as mentioned by Tacitus. Many Romun 
 vestiges, and coins of the Lower Empire, discovered in 
 1108 and 1768, prove that it was a specula, or out-post, of 
 the Romans ; and in the later ages there is said to have 
 been a beacon, for the use of the ships in the Bristol chan- 
 nel. In 1768, when the foundations of the present build- 
 ing were preparing, the under-walls of the old chapel 
 were dug up, and in a vault were discovered many hu- 
 man bodies, with the skulls entire, and the teeth white. 
 On the summit of a fine conical knoll, which rises from 
 the centre of the park, was erected by the late Tho. Farr, 
 Esq. a castellated building, of considerable height and di- 
 mensions, resembling the citadel or keep of an ancient 
 castle. The turrets from the north are distinct, and the 
 whole is most beautifully embosomed in wood. It is now 
 the property of Scanderet Harford, Esq. 
 
 A good house and estate have for many generations 
 been vested in the family of Sampson. 
 
 TYTHINGS arid HAMLETS. 1. KING'S WESTON, 
 which received its name from being the King's ancient 
 demesnes, and lying most westerly of any part of Berke- 
 ley hundred, of which it is a member, though far de- 
 tached from any part of it. This manor originally was 
 given, in the lordship of Berkeley, to Robert Fitzharding, 
 and continued in the Berkeley family, till Sir William B. 
 sold it to Sir William Wintour in 1570, from which fa- 
 mily it passed, by purchase, to Humphry Hook, and from 
 his son to Sir Robert Southwell in 1679, descended from 
 an ancient family. His grandfather was one of the over- 
 VOL. ii. A a
 
 U64- 1/ic Hittury of the County uj' Gloucester. 
 
 seers of the will of Hen. VIII. from whom the present 
 nohle proprietor, Edward Lord de Clifford, is the sixth in 
 lineal descent. 
 
 Roger de Clifford was summoned to Parliament in 1 298. 
 The father of the present lord put in his claim to the ba- 
 rony, which had been some time in abeyance, as being 
 the son of Catherine Viscountess Sondes, eldest daughter 
 of Thomas Earl of Thanet, in whom the barony had been 
 revived, and who died without issue male in 1729. After 
 Lord Thanet's death the barony was revived in the person 
 of Lady Margaret Tufton, his third daughter, and wife 
 of Thomas Lord Lovell. She left no surviving issue at 
 her death, and in 1776 Edward Southwell, Esq. was sum- 
 moned to Parliament, as a descendant, on the female side, 
 Iron) the house of Clifford. 
 
 The mansion-house, which stands in a most command- 
 ing situation, within a park of 500 acres, was built by Sir 
 R. Southwell, from a design of Sir J. Vanbrugh, and is in 
 the best style of that artist. The portal, finished with 
 Corinthian pilasters, leads to the great hall, which is lofty, 
 as are the other rooms, and most of them ornamented 
 with portraits of the Southwell family, and their connex- 
 ions, by the most eminent masters. 
 
 Bevvy's Cross, of which there are still remains, stood 
 near the Severn. Seamen formerly held it in high esti- 
 mation, and paid their devotions to it upon their safe 
 landing. 
 
 This ty thing contains 1400 acres. 
 
 2. LAWRENCE WESTON, so called because the hospital 
 of St. Lawrence, near Bristol, had lands there, once be- 
 longed to the Berkeleys ; and in the reign of James I. to 
 the family of Lewis. It is now vested in Lord de Clifford, 
 with the impropriation. No remains are extant of the
 
 Berkeley Division. Henlury Hundred. 35.5 
 
 chapel of ease, which formerly stood in this tything.' It 
 contains about 1100 acres, which nearly all belong to 
 Lord Clifford. 
 
 3. STOWICK, tything, lies in the Marsh, and contains 
 about 2500 acres: the manor and tythes, except those of 
 Crookmarsh, belong to Lord Clifford. 
 
 Other proprietors are, John Sampson, Esq. JohnEasson, 
 Esq. S. Edwards, Esq. Me. 
 
 4. CHARLTON, hamlet and tything, containing about 1000 
 acres, is said to be annexed to the manor of Westbury. 
 
 The property is divided between the names of Jefferies, 
 Powell, Sampson, Teast, and Osborn. 
 
 5. NORTHWICK and REDWICK, including jointly about 
 1400 acres, stretch along the banks of the Severn, and 
 were a part of the large manor of Westbury. In it is a 
 chapel, of the architecture of the later centuries, five miles 
 distant from the mother church. 
 
 The property is divided between Sir H. C. Lippincott, 
 John Marsh, Andrew Daubeny, T. Lewis, Esqrs. &'c. 
 
 In the hamlet of Redwick is the- New Passage, which 
 crosses over to Monmouthshire, about four miles below 
 Chepstow. The title of New Passage arose from its re- 
 newal in 1718, after an abolition, in consequence of the 
 following remarkable incident : Charles I. being pursued 
 by a strong party of his enemies, crossed the Severn to 
 the Chissel Pill, on the Gloucestershire side : the boat was 
 scarcely returned, when a corps of sixty republicans came 
 to the Black Rock, and, with violent threats, compelled 
 the boatmen to ferry them across. But the boatmen, who 
 were in the interest of the King, left them on the English 
 Stones, which are separated from the Gloucestershire shore 
 by a lake fordable at low water; and the tide having then 
 just turned, and flowing in with great rapidity, they were 
 \ a 2
 
 3,56 'I tie History of the County oj Gloucester. 
 
 all drowned. Cromwell, for this reason, abolished this 
 ferry, which was us ancient as the other ; nor was the 
 claim resumed till IT 18, when, after a legal dispute be- 
 tween the Duke of Beaufort and the family of St. Pierre, 
 it was adjudged to the latter. The river is here three 
 miles over. 
 
 6. AUST, or the Old Passage over the Severn to Beach- 
 ley, in the parish of Tidenham, is three miles below the 
 New Passage, and eight miles from Henhury church. Its 
 name is by some derived from Austre, south, referring to 
 its situation on the south cliff of the Severn ; by others 
 from Ostorius Scapula, who, it is said, established a passage 
 into South Wales, for the conveyance of the legions over 
 it, whence came Oster Clive. The river is here nearly 
 two miles across. 
 
 The manor of Aust came to the family of Astry, in 
 1G52. On a partition of his estates between his three 
 daughters (296), it fell to the youngest, Arabella, Coun- 
 tess of Suffolk, who devised it to Sir John Smith, Bart. 
 His son, Sir John, dying in 1741, without issue, devised 
 his estate to his three surviving sisters and co-heirs, who, 
 in 1750, sold this manor to Sir Jarrit Smith, Bart, who re- 
 sold it to the Rev. Staunton Degge, late of Over, from 
 whom it passed, at his death, to Mrs. Wilmot, his sister ; 
 and on her death, to her son Edward Sacheverell, who as- 
 sumed the name of Sitwell (268) (303) (298). The prin- 
 cipal property is annexed to the manor. 
 
 Aust Passage is memorable for the meeting that took 
 place between Edward the elder and Leoline Prince of S. 
 Wales, who, from pride, refusing to cross the Severn, 
 learnt a lesson of condescension from the English monarch, 
 and did homage to him on his own shore for the principa- 
 lity.
 
 Berkeley Division. Henbury Hundred. 357 
 
 The cliff exhibits some curious mineralogical appear- 
 ances. It is composed of two strata of clay, the upper of 
 a blue, and the under of a red tinge : these rest upon a 
 grey limestone rock, but embedded in the lower stratum 
 is one of gypsum, of great depth and extent, continued 
 through the counties of Monmouth and Glamorgan, and 
 stretching as far as Tenby, in Pembrokeshire. From this 
 mine the plaisterers of Bath, Bristol, and other places, are 
 supplied with what, after calcination, becomes alabaster, 
 the uses of which are well known. Its dip is to the s. E. 
 about thirty degrees. Two small veins of sulphate of 
 strontian are found at this spot, running in a perpendicu- 
 lar direction through the strata of clay. One occurs at 
 the commencement of the cliff, close to the well of water; 
 the other, which is four inches in breadth, presents itself 
 opposite to the pier 79 . 
 
 7. AYLMINTON, or KLMINTON, former!}' belonged to 
 the Blounts. Sir John Smith was lord of the manor at the 
 beginning of last century, from whom it has passed to Sir 
 Hugh Smith, Bart. (296) 
 
 The mareh asparagus (asparagus officinalisj, small knot- 
 grass (polygonum minus) , and mountain cress (lepidium 
 petreumj, are found in this parish. 
 
 The entrochus is found in some places about King's- 
 Weston. 
 
 Sixty freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 880 1200 1383. Houses inhab. 256. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Bristol 4eanery and dio- 
 cese, and w r as appropriated to the see of Worcester 1140. 
 In 1549 the impropriation was alienated by Nich. Heath, 
 then bishop, to Lord Dudley, Duke of Northumberland ; 
 and this, with the advowson, has been since held with the 
 manor. is incumbent. 
 
 A a 3
 
 358 The History of tlic L<ntntij of Gloucester. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, has a very spacious 
 nave, with two aisles, one of which is continued parallel 
 with the chancel. The arches of the windows are in the 
 lancet shape of the early Norm.m: tin: external form is 
 much altered, from repairs made probably about the be- 
 ginning of the sixteenth century ; the interior is orna- 
 mented in a judicious, chaste, and decent style. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the bish. of Worcest. holds at Ilambur. in 
 Salso Marisco, of rent per annum 40/. ; also five caruc. of 
 land, each worth I/. 6s. Scl. yearly. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 30/. 
 
 CCCXIII. STOKE GIFFARD, ancunth/ STOCKS, 
 
 Is a parish, containing 2000 acres, four miles N. from 
 Bristol, and thirty-two s. from Gloucester. The soil is 
 various, but generally of clay, and in a large proportion 
 applied to pasture. 
 
 The name was added to distinguish it from other Stokes 
 (42) (314) in the county, derived from the family who 
 were proprietors for many generations. 
 
 The manor of Stoke was given, among others, by the 
 Conqueror to Osborn Giffard(l60). In 1338 it passed into 
 the family of Berkeley after the death of Margaret, wi- 
 dow of John Giffard, who was executed at Gloucester for 
 rebellion against Edward the second. 
 
 Sir Maurice Berkeley, the grantee, was the second son 
 of Maurice Lord Berkeley, of Berkeley castle, in whose 
 posterity it lineally descended from father to the eldest 
 son through twelve generations till 168.3, when George 
 Berkeley, Esq. dying without issue., w;is succeeded by 
 his brother, John Symes Berk -v.*v, from whose mar 
 with his second wjfe, Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir of
 
 Berkeley Division. Henbury Hundred. 36y 
 
 Walter Norborn, of Calne, co. Wilts, Esq. sprung Nor- 
 borne Berkeley, Esq. and Elizabeth married to Charles 
 Noel, Duke of Beaufort, and mother of the present Duke. 
 Norborne Berkeley, Esq. had the claim allowed him of the 
 Barony of Botetourt, which had long been in abeyance, 
 and was summoned by his Majesty to Parliament as Baron 
 Botetourt by descent. On his death, in 1770, the title 
 became extinct, and his sister Elizabeth, Dutchess Dow- 
 ager of Beaufort, succeeded to the manor and estate; 
 and on her death, both descended to his Grace Henry, 
 the present Duke of Beaufort, her son. 
 
 Stoke house, the manerial seat, was built originally in 
 the reign of Queen Elizabeth, by Sir Richard Berkeley, 
 and being much injured during the great rebellion, the 
 present mansion was partly rebuilt, and entirely repaired 
 and decorated by the late Lord Botetourt about 1760, and 
 it is recorded in honour of his Lordship, that the motto 
 placed in the front (mihi vobisquej perfectly accorded with 
 the amiable disposition and acknowledged character of the 
 noble proprietor. The eminence on which the building 
 is erected gives it a peculiar grandeur, and nature has 
 been unusually fortunate in the assistance she has derived 
 from art, in embellishing the local beauties of the situa- 
 tion. 
 
 HAMLETS. 1. GREAT STOKE, in which the house is 
 situated. 2. LITTLE STOKE. 3. HARRIS or HERRY 
 STOKE. The whole parish is the property of the Duke. 
 
 No freeholder voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 200 283 281. Houses inhabited, 39. 
 
 The benefice is in the deanery and diocese of Bristol, 
 
 but archdeaconry of Gloucester, a vicarage, anciently 
 
 appropriated to Little Malvern, co Worcest. for which 
 
 John Gifiard held the advowson in trust. The patronage 
 
 A a 4
 
 3GO Tlie Uisloiy of the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 is now with the manor, and James Hammond Foxcroft, 
 A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Michael, consists of a 
 nave and north aisle, separated hy two fluted pillars, and 
 as many pilasters, with capitals. The interior is neat and 
 uniform. The tower is finished with battlements and pin- 
 nacles, and the porch ornamented with elegant tabernacle 
 work. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Stoke Giffard, 10/. 
 
 In the King's books (discharged) 6/. 
 
 CCCXIV. WESTBURY-UPON-TRIM, anciently 
 
 HUESBERIE, 
 
 Is a parish of large extent, two miles and a half N. 
 from Bristol, and thirty-five s. from Gloucester. The ri- 
 ver Avon bounds it on the west, and the small rivulet 
 Trim runs through the parish on its way to the Avon, at 
 Sea-mills dock. The soil is generally a light loam, lying 
 on a limestone rock, and more than half is in pasture. 
 
 The etymology of the name is difficult to be settled ; 
 the word means a station west of some place, but of what 
 is uncertain. Henbury may signify the old town or sta- 
 tion, but the two places lies N. and s. of each other. 
 
 A turnpike road leads through this parish from Bristol 
 to South Wales, over the old and new passages. 
 
 There was an ancient religious foundation here for a 
 dean and five canons, situated on the banks of the Trim. 
 The estates with which it had been anciently endowed, 
 were long before the conquest appropriated to the church 
 of Worcester; and many particulars relating to this insti- 
 tution are mentioned in Thomas's Survey of Worcester 
 Cathedral. Edw. III. gave the hospital of St. Lawrence,
 
 Berkeley Division, llenbury Hundred. 361 
 
 near Bristol, towards the maintenance of the monks of 
 this college. Richard, Duke of York, and his third son, 
 Edmond, Earl of Rutland, were such great benefactors 
 as to have had the honour of its foundation attributed to 
 them. At the dissolution the scite of this college was 
 granted to Sir Ralph Sadleyr. In the reign of Charles the 
 first, the walls, with turrets at the angles and on the sides, 
 also a large turret on the south side with battlements, were 
 standing, but in a great measure destroyed by order of 
 Prince Rupert, that it might not be made a garrison to 
 annoy the city of Bristol. What little now remains is in- 
 corporated with buildings since erected, which together 
 constitute the seat of Isaac Hobhouse, Esq. 
 
 The manor was the property of Ralph Sadleyr, Esq. in 
 1608 ; it afterwards passed by purchase to Yates, next to 
 Goring, and then to Simon Harcourt, Esq. of Penley, in 
 right of his wife, the widow of Sir Samuel Astry, for her 
 life. From Sir Samuel Astry it descended to his three 
 daughters, co-heiresses, and down to the present pro- 
 prietors, Henry Lord Middleton, Ed. F. Colston, Esq. 
 and Sir Hugh Smith, Bart, without landed property (296). 
 TYTHINGS AND HAMLETS. 1. STOKE BISHOP, so 
 called because it belonged to the bishop of Constance, in 
 Normandy. It was afterwards vested in the bishops of 
 Worcester, and held by them till it was alienated in 1547, 
 and given to Sir Ralph Sadleyr, from whom it has de- 
 scended, as Westbury, to the present proprietors. 
 
 A handsome seat and large estate in thistythingbelonged 
 to Sir Henry Cann Lippincott, Bart. This, and other 
 considerable manors and estates, were formerly the pro- 
 perty of the Canns, and came into the present family by 
 marriage of the late Sir Henry Lippincott, Bart, with
 
 562 The History of the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 Catherine, sister of Robert Cann Jeffries, Esq. in 1774, 
 who died unmarried (31 1 ). 
 
 The Lippincotts are descended from an ancient family 
 in the county of. Devon ; and the father of the present 
 baronet was twice sheriff of Bristol, and high sheriff of the 
 county of Gloucester in 1776. 
 
 The mansion house, with some land, has lately been 
 sold from the estate to Sir R. B. Johmtone. 
 
 Sneed-park lies in this tything, and formerly belonged 
 to the bishop of Worcester ; but at the dissolution was 
 granted to Sadler, and sold by that family to Joseph Jack- 
 son, an ancestor of the present proprietor. This family is 
 originally from the county of York, and has been seated 
 here more than a century and a half. Robert Jackson, 
 Esq. son and heir of Nicholas Jackson, Esq. (by Anne, 
 eldest daughter of Sir Thomas Cann, of Stoke Bishop) 
 and great grandson of the original purchaser, left his 
 widow in possession of this large and beautiful estate. 
 
 An octagon tower, within the park walls, and near the 
 edge of Vincent's rocks, called Cook's Folly, from the 
 name of the supposed builder, two or three centuries 
 since, forms a fine object from the house, and commands 
 a most extensive view of the country around. 
 
 Say or Syi Mills is an estate in this tything, at the con- 
 fluence of the Avon and Trim, where large docks for the 
 preservation of the shipping were made more than a hun- 
 dred years since. The plan was the production of Joshua 
 Franklyn, a wealthy citizen of Bristol, who sunk the 
 greatest part of his own fortune, and considerable sums 
 raised by the subscription of his friends, in the undertaking. 
 The docks have been utterly abandoned for many years. 
 
 The villa and estate attached to Say Mills, and held b\
 
 Berkeley Division. Ihnbwy Hundred. 363 
 
 lease of a thousand years of the Clifford family, belong to 
 Rowles Scudamore, Esq. of Bristol. 
 
 Roman coins have been found here and pieces of pot- 
 tery; and here Mr. Coxe has fixed the Abom, or great 
 Roman station 80 . 
 
 REDLAND is a hamlet, formerly belonging to the abbey 
 of Tewkcsbury; came, at the general dissolution of reli- 
 gious houses, to the family of Wilson, afterwards to the 
 fossins, then to John Innys, Esq. and by marriage to 
 Jeremiah Baker, Esq. who died about 1798. The estates 
 have since been sold to Seymour, Esq. who occasion- 
 ally resides here. 
 
 The mansion house, which is a very elegant building, 
 was erected by the late Mr. Cossins, who also, in 1740, 
 built a chapel for the convenience of the inhabitants, and 
 endowed it with lands for the support of a minister, for 
 whom also he built a house, at the expence of 1000/. The 
 chapel is of freestone, to which the entrance is at the west 
 end, with a portico supported by four Ionic pillars. A 
 single bell hangs under an elegant dome. The interior is 
 neatly fitted up and decorated. The altar-piece is half 
 an octagon, wainscoated in compartments, and well 
 finished with carvings of trophies and festoons, and an 
 excellent painting of the embalming of Christ. , The table 
 is of marble, and supported by a gilt eagle, before which 
 two other eagles are raised on pedestals, for the usual pur- 
 pose of supporting books. The cieling is finished in the 
 best taste ; and, taken as a whole, this chapel is perhaps 
 no where exceeded. In a small vestry room, on the right 
 of the door, a handsome monument is erected, for the fa- 
 mily of Cossins and their relatives. On one side of the 
 entrance is a bust of Mr. Cossins, the founder, executed 
 ip marble, by Rysbrack; and opposite to it, another of
 
 36 1 The History qf the County qf Gloucester. 
 
 Mrs. Cossins, his wife. The chapel is annexed to 
 Westbury. 
 
 A good estate here belongs to Thomas Edwards Free- 
 man, Esq. of Battsford. 
 
 2. SHIREHAMPTON is another large tything, s. w. of 
 the church, in the precincts of which are Kingroad and 
 Hungroad. In Domesday it is called Chire, and has been 
 thought, not ver} r probably, to have belonged to West- 
 bury-upon-Severn hundred. The confusion that unavoid- 
 ably arises from records which relate to two places of the 
 same name, without any characteristic distinction, makes 
 it difficult to apply them always with certainty. In the 
 reign of Elizabeth, the manor belonged to Thos. Mallett, 
 Esq. and afterwards passed to the family of Lewis. 
 
 Lord de Clifford has the largest property ; the rest is 
 much divided. 
 
 Service is performed in this tything once every fort- 
 night, at the chapel, annexed to the mother church. 
 
 SOUTHMEAD is another manor in this parish, formerly 
 belonging to the nunnery of St. Mary Magdalen, in Bris- 
 tol. At the dissolution it was granted to Thomas Haines, 
 and was sold by a descendant to Mr. Barker ; and after 
 having often changed owners, it came at length to Mr. 
 Joshua James, a distiller, of Bristol, who made great im- 
 provements on the mansion and estate; and soon after his 
 death, it was purchased by Thomas Jones, Esq. of Bristol, 
 who is now lord of the manor, and proprietor of the ap- 
 pendant estate. 
 
 Durdham Down, a large tract of high uninclosed ground, 
 lies partly in this and partly in Clifton parish, and around 
 it are many well-built elegant villas. 
 
 Pen-park is a villa belonging to John Harmar, Esq. for- 
 merly Mr. Thomas Wasborough, delightfully situated,
 
 Berkeley Division. Henbury Hundred, 365 
 
 with pleasure grounds laid out in a stile of elegance not 
 often exceeded. 
 
 On this estate is a prodigious cavern, called Pen-park 
 Hole, which v was afew years since brought into notice, and 
 more accurately examined in consequence of an unfortu- 
 nate accident which happened to the Rev. T. Newman, a 
 member of Bristol cathedral. Going too near to the 
 mouth of the pit, and trusting to a twig that sprung from 
 the root of an ash tree for support, he unfortunately fell, 
 by his foot slipping and the twig giving way, in the sight 
 of his friends, and was not found till thirty-nine days after 
 the accident. The investigations which took place in con- 
 sequence led to different opinions ; but there seems no 
 reason to depart from the conclusion made by Capt. Col- 
 lins, in 1682, that it was formerly a pit for lead ore. A 
 full account was given in 1775, in the Philosophical Trans- 
 actions by Mr. White, an eminent surveyor, who de- 
 scended into it several times, measured and made drawings 
 
 * O 
 
 of every part of it. The whole depth of the cavity is 215 
 feet ; and the surface of the water, which is about 140 feet 
 from the top of the funnel, is 80 feet long and 52 wide ou 
 the average. 
 
 Cote, is a large house on the south side of the road from 
 Bristol to Westbury, built with turrets and battlements, 
 and within the last sixty years successively the property 
 of William Phelps, John Thomas, and John Webb, Esqrs. 
 and since the death of the latter gentleman, has been 
 sold to Josiah Wedgewood, Esq. 81 
 
 Another house, near to the last, lately belonged to Mrs. 
 Hort, and on her death came to the family of llooke, 
 and is now the property of Mrs. Ilooke. 
 
 Cot ham House stands about a quarter of a mile from
 
 366 The History qf the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Keel land Court, and is the property and residence of Sa- 
 muel Edwards, Esq. 
 
 The Cotham stone is a natural, but rather scarce produc- 
 tion, of great curiosity. It lies in a detached manner 
 within the surface of the ground. The upper side is full 
 of nodules and bunches, and the prominences on some of 
 the stones resemble the interlacings of iA'y, crossing each 
 other. They are sometimes two feet and a half long, and 
 seven or eight inches thick. Cut longitudinally and po- 
 lished, they exhibit the appearance of landscape, trees, 
 shrubs, and rivers. In general they are used rough in 
 the rustic work of gateways and similar buildings. 
 
 Lead-ore and calami ne-stone arc found in various parts 
 of the parish. 
 
 Calcareous spar also is in great abundance at Redland, 
 with some veins of sulphatof strontian. 
 
 Forty-six freeholders voted in IT7G. 
 
 Population, 650 900 2325. Houses inhabited, 412. 
 
 The benefice is a stipendiary curacy, in the deanery 
 and diocese of Bristol. The impropriation pays IO/. per 
 annum to the curate, but it has been augmented by the 
 bounty of Queen Anne, and the joint donations of Edward 
 Colston and Thomas Edwards, Esqrs. The impropriation 
 and patronage are in the Westmoreland family, and the 
 Rev. T. Broughton, A. M. is incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is large and 
 handsome, consisting of a nave and two aisles, with a 
 large chancel, and handsome pinnacled tower at the west 
 end. In the north window of the chancel are the figures 
 of St. Augustine, St. Gregory, and St. Ambrose, with 
 their names, and in the other window the arms of those 
 probably who contributed to the building 82 .
 
 Berkeley Division. Henbury Hundred. 357 
 
 In P. N. tax. exempt in the church of Westbury, pre- 
 bend, decani, 10/. 6s. Sd. 
 
 With five other prebends, 37/. 
 
 CCCXV. YATE, anciently GIETE, 
 
 Is a parish of considerable extent, ten miles N. E. from 
 Bristol, and twenty-seven s. from Gloucester. It is si- 
 tuated in the vale, and the soil is generally a red grit, ex- 
 cept a small portion of higher lands, which lie on a bed 
 of limestone. The greater part of the parish is in pasture; 
 of 4500 acres, about 3500 are in pasture, 400 in common, 
 and the remainder in arable. 
 
 At the time of the general survey this place was a part 
 of the great manor of Huesberie, or Westbury, and was 
 called Giete. The church of Worcester were lords of 
 Huesberie, but this manor soon passed into Jay hands, and 
 Ralph de Willington purchased it of Robert d'Evereide, 
 1208. Ralph de Willington had licence to erect a castle 
 in 1293. In 1424 it had passed from this family to the 
 Beaumonts, who held it till 1501, when Hugh Beaumont 
 and others levied a fine of it to the crown. Hen. VII* 
 granted it to Lord D'Aubeny. In 1557, after the attain- 
 der of the Duke of Somerset, who had obtained a grant 
 of it, the manor was granted to James Basset, and again 
 to his son in 15C5. At the beginning of the last century 
 Mr. Oswick was lord of the manor. Sir Francis Knollis, 
 and after him his widow, Lady Knollis, were proprietors 
 till about 1800, when it descended to Beckford Cator, Esq. 
 of Church Hall, Duninow, Essex, related to Sir Francis 
 Knollis, on the female side, who had married Miss Cator, 
 and with her fortune purchased the manor of Yate, and 
 other estates appendant to the amount of 1 200/. a year.
 
 368 T/te History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Stanshaw, is an ancient manor in this parish. The fa- 
 mily of Stanshaw were early proprietors in the reigns of 
 Hen. IV. and Ed. IV. It has been for some years in the 
 family of Stokes. On the death of Richard Stokes, Esq. 
 about 1780, the manor and estate descended to Thomas 
 Stokes, Esq. his nephew, who dying 1803, Thos. Stokes, 
 Esq. his son, came into possession of the manor and 
 estates. 
 
 BRIMSHAM, is another manor in this parish, which con- 
 tinued for many generations in the name and family of 
 Burnell, from the reign of Ed. I. Thomas Burnell, the 
 last heir male, married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas 
 Chester, of Knole, Esq. and dying without issue gave 
 this manor and estate to Thomas Chester, his wife's bro- 
 ther; from whom it has descended to Thomas Masters, 
 Esq (99) (268). 
 
 The scite of the castle where the Lords Berkeley re- 
 sided during the alienation of the estates to the crown, is 
 visible, but overgrown with briers and brambles, without 
 any building remaining (251). 
 
 HALL END. Pinchpoor, a good estate belonged to the 
 late Richard Hill, Esq. and is now the property of Wil- 
 liam Veel, Esq. of Simonds hall (266). 
 
 RIDING END, a good estate, was the property of Tho- 
 mas Russell, Gent, who died 1803. 
 
 Considerable veins of lead have been discovered on this 
 estate, and some attempts made to work them, but not 
 with success. 
 
 Lead-ore and calamine are found in other parts of the 
 parish, but no mines are worked. 
 
 Considerable coal works are carried on here. 
 
 Twenty-three freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 320 412 654. Houses inhab. 126,
 
 Berkeley Division. Henbury Hundred. 369 
 
 The benefice is a rectory, in Hawkesbury deanery, the 
 patronage of which has been purchased by the family of 
 Goodenough, and W. Stephen Goodenough, A. M. is 
 the present incumbent. 
 
 The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is a spacious build- 
 ing, consisting of a nave and north aisle, and three chan- 
 cels, with two transepts. The north transept is the dor- 
 mitory of the family of Stokes. The tower at the west 
 end seems never to have been finished, being without bat- 
 tlements. Grotesque figures serve for spouts, and there 
 are niches with canopies on every side, but no effigies in 
 them. There are some remains of painted glass about the 
 windows, and fragments in the highly finished style of ta- 
 bernacle work of the age of Hen. VII. The old church 
 consisted of the nave and chancel ; on the termination of 
 the former is a saint's bell turret : in the north chancel 
 are the steps remaining which led up to the rood-loft. 
 
 In P. N. tax. the church of Zates, 13/. 6s. Sd, 
 
 In the King's books, <2ll. 1 6s. 4rf. 
 
 VOL, II. Bb
 
 37 O Tlte Ilislory of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 XIII. BARTON REGIS HUNDRED. 
 
 CCCXVI. CLIFTON, anciently CLIFETONE, 
 One of the most agreeable and healthy villages in the 
 island, is distant one mile from Bristol, and thirty-four 
 from Gloucester. The soil consists of a thin surface of red 
 earth on a limestone rock, unfavourable to agriculture, 
 and littte under tillage. The situation on a cliff decides 
 the etymon of the name, and at the foot of this flows the 
 Avon joined by the Frome in its course to the- channel 
 The whole parish is about 1000 acres. 
 
 Clifton, at the time of the survey, was part of the an- 
 cient demesnes of the crown, and a member of the manor 
 of Westbury, in which the King had thirty hides. This 
 extensive property was soon after divided between the 
 abbey of Cormeile, Osborn, and William, the son of Rich- 
 ard. The portion belonging to the abbey, as an alien 
 priory, reverted to the crown 1415. The shares of the 
 other proprietors descended under the name of Clifton, 
 through a great variety of names. That which had be- 
 longed to the abbey was granted to Sir Rafe Sadleir 1544, 
 and Ralph Sadler, Esq. was lord of the manor in 1603, 
 whose heirs sold it to the Merchants Adventurers' Com- 
 pan} r in Bristol, who are the present lords of the manor. 
 
 The account of the descent of this manor is not sa- 
 tisfactory as it stands on record, and the confusion seems 
 to arise from the general name of Clifton being retained, 
 without any distinction of the. different properties into 
 which it was divided.
 
 Berkeley Division. Barton Regis Hundred. 37 1 
 
 The numerous buildings which have been erected in 
 this place during the last century, give it the appearance 
 of a large town. Some of these are in an elegant style. 
 One of the principal was built about thirty years ago by 
 Sir William Draper. The area before it is ornamented by 
 an obelisk and sarcophagus : on the former is inscribed a 
 memorial of friendship to the late Lord Chatham, and 
 upon the base of the latter the exploits of the 79th regi- 
 ment of foot in the East Indies are particularized, and the 
 names of 34 officers recorded, who were slain in battle in 
 the East Indies 1759, and the three following years. 
 
 Another house belongs to the family of Goldeney ; the 
 gardens are cultivated at a great expcnce in the taste which 
 prevailed in the reign of William. A grotto formed by 
 marine and mineral productions of great rarity, is an ob- 
 ject of curiosity. 
 
 Clifton is peculiarly distinguished by the immense ac- 
 clivities of its rocks, and the medicinal springs which rise 
 at their base. The rocks, the highest of which is 250 
 feet, are composed of limestone of an excellent quality. 
 Internally are chasms and fissures of unfathomable depth, 
 and about one third of the way down the rock, called 
 Ghyston 'Cliff near the remains of a ruined windmill, is a 
 large cavern called Gianfs Hole, supposed to have been 
 an old hermitage, and originally to have had a communi- 
 cation with the surface near to a chapel, formerly dedi- 
 cated to St. Vincent, who was a native of Spain, and suf- 
 fered martyrdom at Valencia in 305 ; whence the rocks 
 are called St. Vincent's, and the springs anciently St. 
 Vincent's Well. Before pastes and other fictitious jewels 
 were brought to their present perfection, chrystals col- 
 lected here were held in great 'estimation, as approaching 
 nearest to the diamond, both in consistence and brilliancy. 
 B b 2
 
 372 The History of tlu County of Gloucester. 
 
 They are found on the blowing up of the rocks, between 
 the joints of the different strata, in crevices and small ca- 
 vities, and are known by the appellation of Bristol stones 
 or diamonds, of whose qualities they so far partake as to 
 cut glass, to be unaltered by fire, and uncorroded bv 
 aqua fortis. Hence they materially differ from the calca- 
 reous spar, which is found here also, but which breaks 
 when applied to glass, calcines into lime, and is corroded 
 by the nitrous acid. Between them likewise is this re- 
 markable difference, that the shoots of spar are triangular 
 or pentangular, but those of chrystal are hexagonal and 
 pointed. The strata of the rocks on each side of the river 
 so perfectly coincide, that little doubt remains of the se- 
 paration having been effected by some violent convulsion 
 of nature. The river which runs between them is almost 
 dry at low water, but on the return of the tide, it rises to 
 the height of thirty feet and more, having sufficient wa- 
 ter for a man of war of 70 guns to pass up and down in 
 safety. One thousand pounds were left by Mr. Vick, 
 about forty years since, to throw an arch from one rock to 
 the other, which, should it ever be completed, would be 
 the grandest work of the kind in the world. 
 
 The celebrated well, so efficacious a remedy in cases of 
 bodily decay, was very anciently known, though its pro- 
 perties were but little examined till the close of the 1 7th 
 century, when one William Gagg, a baker, having re- 
 ceived peculiar benefit, in a disorder that was considered as 
 incurable, from drinking the water, its virtues were an- 
 nounced. The spring, which rises close to the river, was 
 protected from the irruptions of the tide by a wall. In 
 1690 the Corporation increased the buildings, and five 
 years afterwards the Society of Merchant Adventurers, as 
 lords of Clifton, granted a lease to Sir Thomas Day, Knt.
 
 Berkeley Division. Barton Regis Hundred. 37 3 
 
 and others, who erected the Hotwell House and other 
 buildings, for the accommodation of company. During 
 the interval between that and the present time, so nu- 
 merous and constant has been the resort, that the whole 
 distance of ground to Bristol has been covered with 
 houses, and formed into streets and squares. 
 
 The water of these springs, on different analyses, has 
 been ascertained to be specifically as three-fourths to hu- 
 man heat, raising Farenheit's thermometer to 16 degrees. 
 When viewed in a glass it is perfectly pellucid, sparkling, 
 and full of air-bubbles, which are continually rising from 
 the bottom and sides to the surface, is without smell, and 
 leaves a kind of roughness or dryness on the palate, grate- 
 ful to the stomach, cooling and quenching thirst ; on eva- 
 poration it contains an alcaline earth resembling levigated 
 pearls, with a nitrous and small portion of marine salts. 
 The exact proportion is as follows : in a gallon of water, 
 calcareous earth combined with vitriolic acid, in the form 
 of selenite, 8 grs. |-; calcareous earth combined with aci- 
 dulous gas, 1 dwt. 1 2 gr. f ; marine salt of magnesia, 
 5 dwts. |; sea salt, 6 dwts. f; it moreover contains eight 
 ounce measures of acidulous gas, beyond the quantity re- 
 tained by the calcareous earth in the heat of boiling wa- 
 ter, and two ounce measures of air, equal if not superior to 
 atmospheric air in purity ; it curdles with soap, becomes 
 clouded with oil of tartar, purple with galls, green with 
 syrup of violets, and slightly ferments with acids. Va- 
 rious instances of the restorative properties of this spring 
 have been adduced by the different chemists and physi- 
 cians who have resided on the spot, watched their effi- 
 cacy, and published them to the world for the benefit of 
 ethers. 
 
 In 1755 the water at the Hotwell became red as blood, 
 Bb 3
 
 374- The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 and so turbid that it could not be drank. It happened at 
 the same time as the Lisbon earthquake, but what influence 
 that could have here, is uncertain. 
 
 Upon Clifton hill arc the remains of some ancient for- 
 tifications and entrenchments, of a circular form, sur- 
 rounded by a double ditch and mounds. Some coins of 
 the latter empire, discovered here, she\v that the Romans, 
 if they were not the first occupiers, made use of it at 
 least for the protection of this neighbourhood. 
 
 In making Sion and Gloucester Rows, coins, urns, tiles, 
 and inscribed bricks were found, and a quantity of human 
 bones. 
 
 St. Vincent's rocks and neighbourhood produce a great 
 variety of plants, either peculiar to the place or rarely to 
 be found. They have been enumerated in the botanical 
 part of the general history of the county. 
 
 Fifty-two freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 450 1367 4457. Houses in hab. 649. 
 
 The benefice is a perpetual curacy, in the archdea- 
 conry of Gloucester, and diocese of Bristol, augmented 
 with Queen Anne's bounty. The advowson, anciently an- 
 nexed to the impropriation, was given to Westbury col- 
 lege, by Carpenter, bishop of Worcester. From the fami- 
 ly of Hodges the impropriation has passed by purchase to 
 S. Worrell, Esq. and the advowson from the late incum- 
 bent John Taylor, clerk, to his son, the present incumbent. 
 
 The church consists of a nave and two aisles, rebuilt in 
 1654; the tower is more ancient, and ornamented with 
 pinnacles. 
 
 A chapel in Dowell-square is appendant to the church 
 of Clifton, and supported by voluntary subscription. No 
 parochial duties are performed in it. 
 
 It does not occur it: P. N. tax.
 
 Berkeley Division. Barton Regis Hundred. 375 
 
 CCCXVII. MANGOTSFIELD, olim MANEGODESFELLE, 
 
 Is four miles N. E. from Bristol, and thirty-two s. w. 
 from Gloucester. The soil, including 3000 acres, is of a 
 reddish loam, and nearly divided between pasture and til- 
 lage. The common lands are extensive. 
 
 Abundance of coal is raised here, of a very good qua- 
 lity ; and on the hill at Downend is one of the finest rocks 
 of stone in the county. 
 
 Domesday records this place as a member of the large 
 manor of Bertune. It appears to have been afterwards 
 divided into three distinct parts ; of the principal, the 
 BlountSj of Bitton, were among the earliest proprietors. 
 It was purchased by William Player in the reign of Jas. I. 
 and continued in that name for many generations. Early 
 in last century it was transferred to Charles Bragge, Escf. 
 whose son Charles, by Anne, the eldest daughter of Ben- 
 jamin Bathurst, late of Lydney park, in this county, sold 
 the manerial estate, with the house called Cleeve hill, to 
 John Gordon, Esq. but retained the manor. 
 
 ///// house, is a handsome modern house, the property 
 of Isaac Elton, Esq. with a considerable estate. 
 
 Another manor belonged in early times to the family of 
 de Putot; it afterwards passed to the families of Langley 
 and Meredith, and was purchased by the late Edward Col- 
 ston, Esq. from whom it has descended to Lord Middle- 
 ton, and Edward F. Colston, Esq. (296) (312). 
 
 A third manor, called Ruggeway or Ridgeway, lies 
 partly in this parish, and partly in Stapleton. It is a 
 member of Sturden manor (305), and passed from the 
 Seymours to the family of Smith, of Long Ashton(305). 
 
 DOWNEND and MOOREND are hamlets, in the last of 
 which is a small camp of observation at Bury hill, with a 
 Bb 4
 
 376 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 deep foss and high agger, supposed to have been thrown 
 up by Ostorius, the Roman general. 
 
 Sixty-three freeholders voted in me. 
 
 Population, 750 200O 2492. Houses inhab. 483. 
 
 The benefice is a stipendiary curacy, in Bristol deanery 
 and diocese, and augmented by the bounty of Queen 
 Anne, and the donations of Edward Colston and John 
 Dowel 1, Esqrs. ; and a second time, by the contributions 
 of the principal inhabitants, in 1758. It was originally 
 a chapel of ease to St. Peter's church, in Bristol, and be- 
 longed to St. James's monastery there. At the dissolution 
 the impropriation and advowson were purchased by John 
 Brayne, and afterwards belonged to the family of Dowel, 
 of Almondsbury, and soon after were sold to the several 
 landholders in the parish, by which their lands were ex- 
 empted from tythes. 
 
 The church is a neat Gothic building, dedicated to St. 
 James, consisting of a nave and north aisle, with an em- 
 batteled tower, and spire at the west end. The patro- 
 nage belonged to Edward Sacheverell Sitwell, Esq. (298) 
 
 who has sold it to Wadham, Gent, of Bristol. 
 
 Christopher Haynes, clerk, is incumbent. 
 It does not occur in P. N. tax. 
 
 CCCXVIII. ST. GEORGE's, 
 
 Is a newly erected parish, formerly part of the out- 
 parish of St. Philip and Jacob, in Bristol. The western 
 extremity is distant three quarters of a mile from Laford, 
 or Lord's, Gate, Bristol, and its greatest length, from east 
 to west, is two miles and a quarter, comprehending 3500 
 acres, two-thirds of which are in pasture. The bounda- 
 ries, and every other regulation as to taxes, parochial pay-
 
 Berkeley Division. -Burton Regis Hundred. 377' 
 
 jments, ttc. Avere settled by the act of 24 George II. which 
 raised this into a distinct parish. Before its detachment, 
 the general name was Easton, and more anciently Ber- 
 tune, being a part of the ancient demesnes of the crown, 
 and from which the hundred received the name of Barton 
 Regis. The greater part of the parish lies within the li- 
 mits of Kingswood Forest or Chace, and, like this whole 
 district, abounds in coal. One turnpike road from Bath, 
 and another from London, to Bristol, lead through the 
 parish. 
 
 The manor and hundred of Bertune were anciently held 
 by persons of great eminence. The Earl of Gloucester 
 held it in 1219; Queen Isabel, in dower, 1318; Queen 
 Philippa, 1331 ; Edward Duke of York, and his brother 
 Richard Earl of Cambridge, sons of Edw. III. and Hum- 
 phry Duke of Gloucester, were successive proprietors. 
 It came afterwards into the family of Beauchamp, Earl of 
 Warwick, and finally to King Edw. VII. (69) 
 
 The manor and hundred, and two mills, called French 
 Mitts, were granted by Hen. VIII. to his last Queen, Ca- 
 therine, in part of dower. On her death, in 1549, the 
 manor was granted to Sir Thomas Arundel, the Duke of 
 Somerset's favourite; on whose attainder and execution, 
 with the duke, 1552, it was granted to William Earl of 
 Pembroke, for 8000/. It was afterwards in the Dennis 
 family, and finally in Thomas Chester, Esq. of Knole; and 
 On the death of his widow, came to Thomas Masters, Esq. 
 of Cirencester, the present lord of the manor (268). 
 
 The lords of this manor have constantly held courts- 
 leet and hundred courts, for the manor and hundred. 
 
 Blackswvrth, or Blakcnsworde, is a manor, consisting of 
 detached lands in several parishes. The greater part is in 
 this, and some, particularly the passage over the river at
 
 373 The History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 Rownham, is in the parish of Clifton. Robert Fitzliard- 
 ing endowed the abbey of Bristol with this manor. At 
 the dissolution it was granted to the chapter of Bristol, 
 and was leased from them to Thos. Tyndall, of the Fort, 
 Esq. who has lately transferred his interest to Thomas 
 Jones, Esq. of Bristol. 
 
 On a hill, within a few yards of the turnpike-gate lead- 
 ing down to Crews, was said to be a small dwelling house, 
 in former ages a Romish chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, 
 and retaining the name, of the saint ; but at present the 
 inhabitants remember nothing of it. In the highway, 
 about 200 yards west of the church, stood Don John's 
 Cross, which was a circular column of freestone, raised on 
 an octangular base. What remained of it is said to have 
 been placed near an adjacent house, when the church was 
 built; but its memory is now preserved only by a sign at 
 the door of an inn adjoining to the spot. The k-gendary 
 tale attached to this pillar is, that the corpse of one Don 
 John, a noble Spaniard, rested here, on the way to its 
 place of interment, probably to Spain, from the port of 
 Bristol, if any credit is to be given to the story. 
 
 Seventy-five freeholders polled in 1776. 
 
 Population, 3435 3933 4038. Houses inhab. 847. 
 
 The benefice is a vicarage, in Bristol deanery and dio- 
 cese, but archdeaconry of Gloucester, in the patronage of 
 the corporation of Bristol, and the Rev. Rich.ird Han is 
 incumbent. 
 
 Dr. Butler, bishop of Durham, gave 400/. towards en- 
 dowing the church, and Thomas Chester gave the land. 
 The contributions of various persons, to a large amount, 
 were laid out, together with an augmentation from Queen 
 Anne's bounty, in the purchase of lands. The building 
 was begun in 1752, by the mayor, attended in proccssiou
 
 Berkeley Division. Barton Regis Hundred. 379 
 
 by the corporation, who laid the first foundation-stone, 
 with the following inscription : 
 
 Templum hoc, 
 
 DEI Opt. Max. Gloria?, 
 
 Et hominum in dies peccantiuni saluti 
 
 Sacrum, 
 Erigi voluit pietas publica. 
 
 Absit tamen 
 
 Quod inter ignota nomina, 
 Reverendi admodum in Christo patris, 
 
 JOSEPHI BUTLER, 
 Nuper Bristoliensis Episcopi, 
 
 Lateat nomen. 
 D. D. D. =400. 
 
 Jam turn ad Dunelmenses migraturus. 
 Regnante Georgio Secundo, 
 
 Justo, dementi, forti, 
 
 Angularem hunc lapidem, 
 
 5 Non. Mart. A. D. 1752, S. N. 
 
 Posuit, 
 David Peloquin, Bristoliae Praetor. 
 
 Another stone was laid on this, with the 29th and 30th 
 verses of the 3d chapter of the first book of Kings, in- 
 scribed in Latin. 
 
 The church was consecrated Sept. 6, 1*756, and called 
 St. George's. It is a neat plain building, seventy feet long 
 by fifty broad : the nave is separated from the aisles by 
 pillars. The chancel is small, with a Venetian window 
 over the table. At the west end is a large tower, square, 
 and seventy-two feet high, with two bells 83 .
 
 3 SO Tlte History oj the County of Gloucester. 
 
 CCCXIX. 8TAPLETON, 
 
 Is two miles N. E. from Bristol, and thirty-four s. w. 
 from Gloucester. It contains 2000 acres, applied in 
 nearly equal proportions to arable and pasture, The soil 
 is in general a reddish sandy loam. 
 
 The parish is intersected by the Frome running through 
 a deep and rocky glen. 
 
 The turnpike road from Winterbourn passes through 
 the village. 
 
 I\'o particular mention is made of Stapleton in Domes- 
 day, and therefore it must have been included in some 
 other manor, probably in Bertune. The Berkelcys, of 
 Stoke GifTard, were early possessors of the manor, and 
 Richard Berkeley, Esq. was lord of it in 1608. Sir Mau- 
 rice Berkeley sold several tenements to the citizens of 
 Bristol, and others, but reserved the royalty, which is now 
 vested in the Duke of Beaufort (3 13). 
 
 Stapleton-house, near the church, is the property and 
 residence of Colin Campbell, Esq. by marriage with the 
 widow of the late Isaac Elton, Esq. 
 
 HAMLETS., l. OLDBURY. Thomas Winstone, Esq. 
 died seized of it in 1757, and gave it to his widow, by 
 whose will it passed afterwards to William Haywanl, 
 Esq. (second son of her brother, Thomas Hay ward, late 
 of Quedgeley, Esq.) who marrying a niece of Mr. Win- 
 stone's, assumed the family name, with the Oldbury 
 estates. He was high sheriff of the county in 1777. It 
 is now the property, by purchase, of Thomas Greme, 
 Esq. who resides at the mansion house, called Otdbuiy- 
 court. 
 
 The situation is very pleasant, and the grounds agree- 
 ably arranged, but capable of further, improvement.
 
 Berkeley Division.- Barton Regis Hundred. 381 
 
 2. RUGGEWAY, or RIDGEVVAY, is a distinct manor, 
 lying' partly in this parish, and partly in Mangotsfield 
 
 (317). A good house and estate belongs to Drum- 
 
 inond, Esq. son of Dr. Drummond, who died in 1802. 
 
 Heath-housA, with the estate, belonging to Mrs. Whit- 
 church and her ancestors, since the reign of Edward Vf. 
 now belongs to Sir John Hugh Smith, Bart, of Ashton, 
 co. Somerset. He is a son of the late Thomas Smith, Esq. 
 by Jane, daughter and sole heiress of J. Whitchurcb, Esq. 
 
 Charles Harford, Esq. resides in a good house, inherited 
 from the late Charles Harford, Esq. who died in 1802. 
 
 The Fishponds belong to Joseph Mason C'ox, M. I), 
 under whose roof lunatics find a private asylum, and are 
 treated with skill and humanity. 
 
 The well arranged plantations in the pleasure grounds, 
 which ornament the villas in this neighbourhood, give a 
 very picturesque and rural effect to this elegant village. 
 
 Twenty-nine freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, 7001280 1541. Houses inhabited, 301 . 
 
 The benefice is a curacy, in Bristol deanery and diocese, 
 augmented by Queen Anne's bounty, and the donations of 
 Edward Colston and Thomas Edwards, Esqrs. The pa- 
 tronage is in the family of Smith; and Sliute, A. M. 
 
 is incumbent. 
 
 The impropriation, which anciently belonged to the, 
 
 cell of St. James, in Bristol, was granted to Brain,, 
 
 in 1544. It came aftervrai'ds to the Walters, and was 
 vested in Mrs. Mary Whitchurch, widow of Joseph Whit- 
 church, Esq. and heiress general of the Walters, from 
 whom it came to the Smiths as above. 
 
 The church is modern, small, and neat, consisting of a 
 nave and pinnacled tower at the west end, and six belli- 8 *. 
 
 This parish is not mentioned in P. N. tax.
 
 392 'lite History of the County of Gloucester. 
 
 SAINT PHILIP AND JACOB, Outparish, or 
 LOWER EASTON, 
 
 Is a part of the parish of the same name within the city of 
 Bristol, but lying in the county of Gloucester. It is a very 
 populous district, and abounds with manufactories. 
 Among others, are the iron foundries of Messrs. Harford, 
 Win wood, and Co.; an extensive distillery of Messrs. 
 Castle and Co.; a red lead manufactory of Messrs. Bailey 
 and Co.; vitriol works of Messrs. Caves; brass and wire 
 works of Anderson, New, and Co.; extensive works of the 
 same kind, at Baptist mills, belonging to Messrs. Harford 
 and Brass-wire Company ; sal ammoniac and spirit of nitre 
 works, to Messrs. Lewis, Ceser, and Co. Besides these, 
 are lead and lamp black works, Kc. 
 
 In parochial concerns, except the management of the 
 poor, the outparish is united to the city. At the entrance 
 into Bristol from Stapleton is a house of correction for this 
 part of the county, built at the same time with the gaol 
 at Gloucester, and under the same act of parliament. 
 
 Two hundred and sixteen freeholders voted in 1776. 
 
 Population, , , 8406. Houses inhab. 1324. 
 
 St. JAMES AND St. PAUL's, Outparishes, 
 Are parts of those parishes which extend from the boun- 
 daries of the city into the county of Gloucester. The pro- 
 perty is very much subdivided. 
 Seventy freeholders voted in JT76. 
 Population, , , 18P7. Houses inhab. 362.
 
 Berkeley Division. Barton Regis Hundred. ' 33* 
 
 *CCCXIX. KINGS WOOD, 
 
 Is a parish belonging to the hundred of Chippenham, 
 co. Wilts, but entii-ely separated from that county ; and 
 being environed by Gloucestershire, was introduced by 
 Sir Robert Atkyns. It contains about 3000 acres, of a 
 deep fertile soil, almost entirely in pasture. It is dis- 
 tant twenty miles s. from Gloucester. 
 
 This place is not mentioned in Domesday, nor does it 
 appear to have been surveyed with the adjacent parishes. 
 
 William de Berkeley founded an abbey of the Cister- 
 tian order in this place, 1139, dedicated to the Virgin 
 Mary. Reginald de Walery, lord of Haseldcn, in Rod- 
 marton, taking part with the Empress Maud, was dis- 
 seized of Haselden, 1141, which was given to this mo- 
 nastery. Upon his recovery of the estate afterwards, and 
 building a monastery at Haselden (171), the monks of 
 Kingswood removed there, and afterwards, for want of 
 water, to Tetbury. Bernard, son of Reginald de Walery, 
 having purchased lands in Kingswood of Robert Lord 
 Berkeley, removed the monks again to that place, 1 169. 
 The patronage was now taken from Tinterne Abbey, on 
 which it had been dependent. According to Dugdale, 
 the value, at the dissolution, was 244/. 11.9. 2d. It does 
 not appear that this abbey ever had pontifical privileges, 
 or was summoned to parliament. The scite and demesnes 
 were granted, 1560, to Sir John Thynne, Knt. from whose 
 family it passed to the Witchels. Thomas Witchel was 
 lord of the manor 1712. From this family it passed to the 
 Kriowles; and was purchased by John Blagdon Hale, 
 Esq. the present proprietor. 
 
 The gatehouse, and a considerable part of the abbey 
 are still standing, but divided into tenements. There arc
 
 381 Tlie History qf the Coiotiy qf Gloucester. 
 
 carved, ami still remaining, over the kitchen chimney of 
 the abbey, a tygcr, a hart, an ostrich, a mermaid, an 
 ass, and a swan ; the initial letters make THOMAS, the 
 name of the Lord Berkeley who was a considerable bene- 
 factor and patron to that foundation. 
 
 Kingswood is a large and populous village, but irregu- 
 larly built. The clothing manufacture has long been car- 
 ried on in it. 
 
 This place gave name to a forest of large extent. The 
 office of keeper was formerly annexed to the constable- 
 wick of Bristol Castle. Humphry Stafford was constable 
 1 Edw. IV. and Humphry Cook was keeper of the forest 
 1660; but the whole is now disafforested, and vested in 
 different proprietors. 
 
 Population, , , 901. Houses inhabited, 173. 
 
 The benefice is in the diocese of Gloucester, and 
 deanery of Dursley ; a perpetual curacy, endowed by de- 
 cree of the Exchequer Avith the annual payment of 26''. 
 16.*. out of the estates in the parish, which are therefore 
 exempted from tythes. The nomination of the curate is 
 in the parishioners, and Thomas Thomas, clerk, is in- 
 cumbent. 
 
 The chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was taker* 
 down about 1719, and a new one completed in 1723, con- 
 sisting of a nave only, Avithout a tower. 
 
 In P. N. tax. abbot of Kingeswode, \L \Qs.
 
 NOTES. 
 
 f. Pagel. 'T'HE colliers used to claim the dotard and decayed 
 A trees; and that there might be a plenty for their use, 
 their practice was, to bore large holes in sound trees, which soon ren- 
 dered them unfit for the navy. 
 
 2. p. 11. Many of the facts and observations here produced, are 
 collected from the third report of the commissioners relative to the 
 Forest of Dean, dated June 3, 1788. 
 
 3. p. 14. The father of the late Mr. James Cocksluit, of Pontypool, 
 found, some years ago, an old man working by himself at a bwmary 
 forge, in a remote part of Yorkshire. Being himself well acquainted 
 with every branch of the iron trade and works, he stayed with the man 
 long enough to investigate and comprehend his mode of working, and 
 saw him work, with his own hands, a piece of iron from the ore to 
 the bar. 
 
 4. p. 14. At Whitchurch, between Ross and Monmouth, were 
 found a coin of Trajan, and a small image of brass, about four inches 
 long, being a very elegant female figure, in a dancing attitude, and 
 evidently an antique by the drapery. 
 
 5. p. 1C. In Barber's Tour through South Wales, published 1803, 
 the same misapplication of terms occurs. After having justly observed, 
 that the mineral wealth of this district was not unknown to the ancients, 
 and that large quantities of scoria, imperfectly separated from the me- 
 tal, are evidently the refuse of Roman blomanes, he adds, " that many 
 "furnaces, (instead of forges,) whose origin no tradition reaches, ap- 
 " pear in several parts of the country." 
 
 6. p. 18. This, indeed, seems to be the real cause of the disuse of 
 cinders, rather than is the scarcity of them ; as it is affirmed, that in 
 English Bicknor the heaps appear almost inexhaustible. 
 
 7. p. 21. The chemical reason of the ochreous tinge which is gene- 
 rally given to water in the neighbourhood of iron ore is, that the fixed 
 air with which the water is impregnated having dissolved a certain por- 
 tion of the metal, leaves it in that state of solution, on its emerging 
 from the earth and mixing with the common air. 
 
 VOL. If. C C
 
 ;i6G NOTES. 
 
 8. p. C5. Kalph cle Todeni came \vitii the Conqueror, and wa^ 
 liandsoinely rewarded. He had a son and daughter by a daughter ot 
 Simon de Monlfort. On his death, 1102, Ralph, his son, succeeded, 
 and had two sons, Roger and Hugh, by a daughter of the Earl of Hunt- 
 ingdon and Northumberland. Roger died HG2, leaving a son of the 
 same name, an infant, by. his second wife. Jle was succeeded by 
 lialph, who bore anus with tin; barons against John. In 1233, he and 
 Jphn de Monmouth were made generals of all the King's forces (Henrv 
 III.) on the confines of Wales; awl Maud Castle, co. Heref. which u;u 
 his own right before, was given to him. lie died at sea, going to th^ 
 Holy Land, 1239, and left by his wife Petroniile, Roger, who died 
 1277, and left Ralph, whose ton Robert died in 1310, and left Alice 
 his sister, widow of Thomas Leybourn, his heir, who, by marriage, 
 carried the family estates to Guy dc Beauchamp, where they continued 
 till the attainder and death of Warwick, 1495. 
 
 9. p. 27. Some writers affirm, that the sheep which were sent to 
 Spain were of the Cotswold breed ; but Marshall is decidedly of opi- 
 nion, that if the Spaniards improved their wool by any breed of Eng- 
 lish sheep, it was most probably by that of the Ryelanders. These are 
 a small white-faced hornless breed; their form is often beautiful, and 
 their flesh of the finest quality. The average weight of a quarter is 
 seldom more than from twelve to eighteen pounds. 
 
 10. p. 30. See biographical account in the general history. 
 
 11. p. 36. Sir G. Bromley, who was first Sir G. Smith, of East- 
 Stoke, co. Notts, assumed the name and arms of Pauncefote only, in 
 memory of his descent from the ancient and knightly family of Paunce- 
 fote, by royallicence, April 23, 1803. This is a very ancient family, 
 and is found at Hasfield, in possession of that manor, as far back as 
 1245 (78). 
 
 12. p. 38. See an account of May-games in Note on Apperley(Sl). 
 
 13. p. 38. See biographical part of general history. 
 
 14. p. 42. Pennant gives the following account of the Mtein : On 
 the first of May, the herdsmen of every village hold their beltein, a rural 
 sacrifice. They cut a square trench in the ground, leaving the turf in 
 the middle. On th.1t they make a fire of wood, and on it dress a large 
 caudle of egg;, butter, oatmeal, and milk ; besides which ingredients, 
 they bring plenty of beer and whisky, for each of the Company must 
 contribute something. The rite begins with spilling some of the caudl* 
 on the ground, by way of libation ; on that every one takes a cake of 
 oatmeal, upon which are raised nine square nobs, each dedicated to some 
 particular being, the supposed preserver of their flocks and herds, or to 
 some particular animal, the real destroy er of them. Each person then, 
 turns his face to the fire, breaks oft a knob, and, flinging it over his 
 shoulder, says, " This I give ihee, preserve thou my horses; this to 
 thee, preserve thou my sheep;" and so on. After that, they use the 
 same ceremony to the rinxious animals: "This I give to thee, O fox, 
 spare thou my lambs; this to tlxv, O hooded crow ; thi to thee. Q
 
 NOTES. - GST 
 
 tagle," &c. When (he ceremony is over, they dine on the caudle ; and 
 after the feast is finished, what is left is hid by two persons deputed for 
 that purpose; l>ut on the next Sunday they re-assemble, and finish the 
 reliques of the first entertainment. 
 
 Another custom is still observed by some in this neighbourhood: 
 Upon the eve of old twelfth-day, a cake is made for each of the inah- 
 servants, and a large one besides, which is cut into pieces, and being 
 soaked in drink, is distributed among them. Another is provided, with 
 a hole in the middle, which is put on the horn of the best o\. If the ox 
 throw it behind him, it belongs to the female servant ; if into the fodder 
 stall, to the servant who has the care of the oxen ; if into the boossey(tht 
 place out of which the beast eats), to the boy. After this, they make 
 themselves merry round the cake; and before they drink, eacli repeats 
 the following lines: 
 
 Here is to you, Champion, with thy while horn, 
 
 God send our master a i-ood crop of corn, 
 
 Both wheat, rye, and barley, and all sorts of grain ; 
 
 If we meet this time twelvemonth we'll drink to thee again : 
 
 Thee eat thy pouse, and I will drink my beer, 
 
 And tjie Lord send us all a happy new year. 
 
 15. p. 44. Hud ford does not appear among the temporal estates of 
 the abbot of Gloucester, in P. N. tax. unless it is included in the fol- 
 lowing entry: "Idem h't apud Hyneh'm, cum Ilymeleden, septem 
 caruc. t're." 
 
 .16. p. 46. This was called an antbre, or almorij. It was generally 
 on the right side of the altar, and contained the sacrament of the Lord's 
 body, the holy oil for the sick and Christmatorie. 
 
 17. p. 46. No traces nor traditional account of the chapel of Witle- 
 dene are now existing. 
 
 18. p. 49. When we recollect the temper of the times, we are not 
 surprized at any instance of puritanical contradiction ; but in a matter, 
 confessedly of mere indifference, it is easy .to see the absurdity of devi- 
 ating from established customs, without the probability of some benefi- 
 cial end to be answered by it. 
 
 19. p. 59. Plolt, in his History of Oxfordshire, and Nash, in that 
 of Worcestershire, give the name of Pride, to the small fish generally 
 called Ninc-ltoles, and never found but in brooks. At Monmouth, how- 
 ever, the LoHipern is still known by that name. 
 
 20. p. 60. Ham might signify Home, meaning the Home-twin. 
 
 21. p. 64. In this calculation, the value of the trees is certainly 
 taken too low, according to the price at which the timber, when saweJ, 
 was sold. The profit was considerable enough to encourage more fre- 
 quent plantations on lands, otherwise of little use, and not well calcu- 
 lated tor other productions ; but the coarseness of the grain, the fre- 
 quency of knots, and quick tendency to decay on exposure to the ex- 
 ternal air, make it very much inferior to foreign fir. 
 
 c c 2
 
 385 NOTES, 
 
 22. p. 68. The royal army narrowly escaped a plot which was laid 
 for their destruction, while they lay in this neighbourhood. Some com- 
 munications had been held between them and a Captain Bakehouse, re- 
 lative to the betraying of Gloucester into their hands. On the night of 
 its intended execution (Feb. 15), the governor ordered four stout men to 
 lie in a boat under the main arch of Over's bridge, with direction, that 
 upon the firing of the first ordnance, they should cut a cable rope ; which 
 being done, the bridge would fall into the river: by which means the ar- 
 my would have been all killed, drowned, or taken. But a fortunate delay 
 occasioned them to be too late at their station (it being open day before 
 they arrived within a mile and a half of the city), and they retreated to 
 Newent. 
 
 23. p. 70. During the last year the channel has changed its direc- 
 tion, and removed the bed of sand which communicated from the rock 
 to the shore. 
 
 24. p. 70. The mention of the fort in these deeds, seems to shew that 
 some remains of the castle were then existing ; but the situation could 
 not be on the mount, because that is separately taken notice of. 
 
 C5. p. 70. This and other quotations from Corbet are to be received 
 with all the jealousy due to an author, who was an enthusiast in the cause 
 of the parliamentary party which he had espoused. 
 
 26. p. 71. See note on Framilode passage (184). 
 
 27. p. 73. If the history of the old church be well founded, it is pos- 
 sible that the Norman arch'leading to the chancel of the present building 
 might have been preserved at the demolition of the h'rst, and re-erected 
 in the second. 
 
 28. p. 8 1 . Rudder observes, that Sir R. Atkyns, in his account of the 
 manor of Kodley/has confounded it with Ruddle, in Newnham, which 
 was given to the abbey of Gloucester. He adds, " The manor of 
 Rodele, in Westbury, was never any part of the possessions of that mo- 
 nastery : \ et, in his list of donations to the monastery, p. 150, he first re- 
 cites Rodele (in Newnham) as the donation of Radulph Bluet, which was 
 confirmed by Will. II. in the time of abbot Serlo; and then mentions 
 Rodele (in IPestbimj), with a wood and fishery, as the gift of Hen. I. to 
 the same monastery, to find a light at the high altar, to be continually 
 burning, for the so'ul of Robert Curtoise, his brother, who was buried 
 there." The record in P. N. tax. mentions " three carucates of land, 
 in Rodele, as belonging to the abbot and his sacrist, besides a mill and 
 fishery." 
 
 29. p. 83. In many other places, bones of the same kind have been 
 found. In 1730, or 1731, in digging the great sewer in Pall-Mall, Lon- 
 don, at the depth of 28 feet, in a oed of sand, were found several very 
 large bones, which were pronounced to be the remains of an elephant. 
 The particulars were the acetabulum, or upper bone of the neck ; the 
 scapula, or shoulder blade ; and several of the vertebra: of the back bone, 
 with the bones of the two fore logs and feet. About eighteen years be*
 
 NOTES. 389 
 
 fore, similar bones had been dug up in St. James's-square ; and about 
 fourteen years before that, some in St. James's-place ; all at the same 
 depth. Gent. Mag. 1758, p. 166. 
 
 30. p. 87. The legend, in Bigland's collections, is S. D. II. B. 
 sigillum domini Henrici regis; but on the seal, the letters are evidently 
 H. R. D. G. Henricus Rex Dei Gratia. And on the coins of Hen. IV. 
 particularly the farthings, the same letters occur. Besides that, the mar- 
 ginal inscription having described it as the seal of Greyndour, it is not 
 
 Sobable that it would have been again described as the seal of king 
 enry. 
 
 31. p. 89. George Wyrhale, Esq. the present possessor, is the seven- 
 teenth in succession from Matthew, who was high sheriff in 1259. Du- 
 ring so long a period, the male line was never interrupted till 1726, 
 when, by the death of George, unmarried, the present representative of 
 the family came in. He is a son of Barbara, youngest daughter of 
 Jepthah Wyrhale, and wife of Richard Davis, of the \Vigmorefamily, 
 co. Hereford. He assumed the family name, and, by marriage with 
 Sarah, daughter of John Blunt, had one son, Jenkin, who died 1801, 
 without issue; and two daughters, Martha and Mary, now living. 
 
 32. p. 9 1 . The tier of windows, which overlook the aisles of a church, 
 is called the clerestory; probably from the apparent intention and real 
 effect of throwing light into the nave. 
 
 33. p. 1 11. See Buckstone in index, vol. 1. 
 
 34. p. 117. In this tything was first produced the Haglae crab, so 
 much esteemed for the richness and flavour of its liquor. The original 
 tree is still standing. From this, and tret-s which have been grafted from 
 it, this variety of apple has been dispersed through this county and He- 
 refordshire. 
 
 35. p. 120. See Abone, in index of vol. 1. 
 
 36. p. 122. See tesstlated pa-cement, in index of vol. 1. 
 
 37. p. 122.~See Abone, in index of vol. 1. 
 
 38. p. 125. See note 42. 
 
 39. p. 126. See Asteria, in index of vol. 1. 
 
 40. p. 127. In the church-yard is a female figure cumbent, with 
 hands uplifted, as in the act of praying, without inscription, but only the 
 date 1680. It was probably brought out of the church. 
 
 41. p. 130. In all the deeds of conveyance relative to this estate, it is 
 described as a manor, and parsonage or rectory ; as also in the Auditor's 
 receipt for the annual rent-charge of 3?. 10d due for each moiety to the 
 crown, which has lately been sold to Baron d'Aguilar; and the proprietors 
 of the glebe-lands still keep up their claim. 
 
 42. p. 138. Sir Robert Atkyns has applied some records to Pyrton in 
 Lidney, which belong to Churchdown. No lands in Lidney belonged 
 
 c c 3
 
 3fO NOTES. 
 
 to St. Oswald's monastery; the records therefore that mention 1'iirtoii, or 
 ;mv part of it, as parcel of the possessions oi that monastery, are to be 
 referred to Churcluiown. 
 
 43. p. 14-4. KINGESHAM or K.rNGSHOMi>.-tiret oceiirs in ancient re- 
 cords, 1273. Kingsltolm therefore, now altered in its modi: of spelling, 
 may mean nothing more than the Kings home staid, and adds strength 
 to the traditional account of a Saxon king having resided there. 
 
 44. p. \ 49. borne historians mention the actual combat of the princes, 
 with some additional circumstances not recorded by authentic authors. 
 According to William of Malmesbury, Edmund challenged Canute to 
 single combat; which he refused, with this answer, " that though he 
 was superior to him (Edmund) in powers of mind, yet districted his own 
 little body against a man ol so great bulk, (animo ,se quidem exccllerc, 
 sed contra tarn ittgentis molis homiitetn corpuscuto dijjidere.)" Rapin, anno 
 1016. William of Malmesbury, p. 40. iloveden Annal. p. 250. 
 Huntingdon. Hist, in the year 1016. 
 
 45. p. 150. See Castle of Gloucester in index of vol. I. 
 
 46. p. 135. Another etymology of Ablode may be given. AB in an- 
 cient British signifies Furca unda; that is, the place where the river sepa- 
 rates into two streams, which answers to the situation of this place, and 
 would apply to the passages here and at Maisemore, before any bridge 
 was built. In the reign of Hen. 1. Maisemore had the name of Abloae, 
 and is so recited in the charter of the following reign. 
 
 47. p. 157. It is not said what kind of figures were found on this se- 
 pulchral stone, but it may not be improper hereto remark, that the pre- 
 sent numerals, called Arabic, were not known in England before 1 130. 
 Philos. Trans. No. 439. 
 
 48. p. 164. Sir R. Atkyns explains this name from the circumstance 
 of eels being caught in great abundance in the moors; which does not 
 seem so improbable as Rudder supposes : for as the place had not been 
 known by its present name earlier than the latter part of Hen. 111. there 
 is certainly no necessity of referring its etymon to a British origin altoge- 
 ther. Mor, British for moor, had already been adopted into the popular 
 language, and the Saxons might add, El or .-KL for eel. These moors 
 in the rude and unimproved state of those times, may well be supposed 
 to have abounded in that kind of rish, and circumstances of less conse- 
 quence have often given names to places. 
 
 4P.p. 166. Though the priory of Lanthony had t he great tythes, and 
 Sir Owen the vicarial tythes, as appears from Dug. Mon. Vol. IF. p. 70, 
 yet no mention is mad'j of either in P. N. tax. nor does the name of. 
 Elmore appear; so that the present church must have been built subse- 
 quent to that period. 
 
 50. p. 171. Some account is given of Robin Hood in note to Der- 
 hurst (51). See also Steevens's note to a passage in Shakespeare's Hen. 
 IV.
 
 NOTES. 3Di 
 
 ol.p. 176. -Micks in his Saxon Grammar, observes, that the English 
 of the South call an island formed by the separation of the channel of a 
 river, "en eight" (romiggath, Saxon lor an island. 
 
 52. p. 176. King John confirmed this priory as a cell to the more an- 
 cient one in Monmouthshire; but Edw. IV 7 . in MSI united them by 
 charter, making this the principal or superior, obliging the members to 
 maintain only a residentiary prior and four canons in the old house, to say 
 masses, which prior was removable at will: thus circumstances were so 
 completely altered, that the former became a cell to the latter. While, 
 however, the demolition of this at the'suppression was so unmercifully 
 perfect, as not to leave a vestige of any part but the outbuildings, the 
 other in Monmouthshire has still very rich and beautiful remains to ex- 
 hibit of its former grandeur; but these also are fast hastening to decay 
 from the mouldering hand of time. 
 
 53. p. 177. Several coins also of the later empire were found. 
 
 54. p. 180. As this church is not mentioned in P. N. tax. it is not 
 easy to account for the Saxon and early Norman appearances, without 
 admitting the traditional account, that the north chancel was, in early 
 times, the chapel to Prinknash. 
 
 55. p. 187. By the charter of foundation, Hen. VIII. a moiety or 
 half part of the wood called le Perche, is given to the Dean and 
 Chapter. 
 
 56. p. 187. FEASTS or WAKES, when first instituted in this coun- 
 try, -were established upon religious principles, and greatly resembled 
 the Ac APJE. or tore-feasts of the early Christians. These festivals were 
 primitively held upon the day of the dedication of the church in each 
 district, or the birth-day of the saint whose relicjues were t herein depo- 
 sited, or to whose honour it was consecrated. In process of time, the 
 people assembled on the vigil or evening preceding the saint's day, and 
 came, says an old author, to church with canddlys burnyug, and would 
 wake, andcome towards night to their devotion. Abuses were introduced 
 us early as the tenth century, and the fathers of the church were obliged 
 to order the people to leave off waking. The original design was at 
 length totally abolished; and a promiscuous crowd from all the neigh- 
 bouring parishes attended. Pedlars and hawkers likewise came to sell 
 their wares, and so by degrees the religious wake was turned into a secu- 
 lar fair. Kiots and debaucheries, which eventually took place at these 
 nocturnal meetings, became so offensive, that at length they were sup- 
 pressed, and regular fairs established. At many places iliese Sunday 
 fairs, but still called wakes, are kq>t up, and celebrated jn manner often- 
 times disgraceful to religion and morality, seldom without improper and 
 indecorous excesses. 
 
 CHURCH ALES, or, as they are more commonly called, /f'hitsun 
 Ak-s, originated from wakes. The chief parish officers observing the 
 latter to be more popular than any other holidays, conceived that by 
 establishing other institutions something similar to them, they might 
 draw together a large company, and annually rolkvt from them such 
 
 c c 4
 
 392 NOTES. 
 
 sums of money as would considerably ease the parish rates. By wav <>' 
 enticement to the populace, they brewed a certain portion of strong'ale, 
 which was sold on terms advantageous to the seller. Philip Stnbbs, in 
 his Anatomic of Abuses, 1595, severely censures the disorderly conduct 
 of these popular meetings; and it must be confessed, that wakes and fairs 
 are often conducted in a manner not at all advantageous to sobriety and 
 good morals. In some places they are dwindled into mere markets for 
 petty traffic, or confined to the purposes of drinking, or the display of 
 vulgar pastimes. Chaucer, in the Ploughman's'! ale, charges the priest? 
 with being expert 
 
 At the w restl ynge anil at the wake, 
 
 And chefc chauntours at the nale, 
 Markcttc heaters, and medlyng make, 
 
 Hoppen and lioutcrs with hcvc and hale. 
 
 In the Spectator, No. 161, is given a pretty correct description of a 
 country wake, as it is celebrated^ in many parishes at this day ; where- 
 wrestling, cudgel-playing, sack-running, smock-running, and other di- 
 versions are in use on the Sunday, but generally deferred to the following 
 dav. In this parish, Sunday is the principal day, and to the contiguity 
 of it to Gloucester, is probably owing the numerous concourse of people 
 which assemble there on the feast day, and the consequent deviations 
 from decorum and sobriety. In the more southern parts of the county, 
 these meetings have, probably from the abuse of them, received the ap- 
 propriate name of REVELS. 
 
 57. p. 195. The monks affected to call their estates by the names of 
 manors. 
 
 58. p. 200.' The Berkeley family were at this time possessed of the 
 following manors and estates in this county ; ChedwortH, Lydney, Awre, 
 Etloe, Blakeney, hundred of Bledisloe, 1'ockenhall, Cowley, Coven's 
 Court, Wickwar, Cambridge, Rodley, Wike, Ham, Lockingtons' 
 Court, Setiloe, Cromhall, Acton Ilgar, Kingscot, Alkington, Holts, 
 Saul-Mary's Court, Woodford, Newport, Hinton, Pockamore, Durs- 
 ley, Wotton, Cam, Slimbridge, Kingstone, Gossington, Hurst, Hor- 
 ton in Horwood, Nibley, Bornfield, South Cernev, Certiey \Vike, 
 Bradley, Bradston, Berkeley hundred, Erlingham, Mercote, SimonV 
 hall, JVampton-upon-Severn, Wortley, Berkeley, &c. Atkyns. 
 
 59. p. 205. The management of a decoy-pool is very curious and in- 
 teresting. The wild-ducks are enticed into it by means of decoy- 
 ducks, bred up for the purpose. At certain times of the year they fly 
 abroad into foreign countries, it is supposed, and return, after an ab- 
 sence of several weeks, with a vast flight of fowls along with them. 
 When their return is known, the decoy-men go secretly to the side of the 
 pond, and from a covered place, throw over the reeds handfuls of com, 
 in the shallow places, where the decoy-ducks are usually fed, and where 
 they are generally followed by their new companions. This is continued 
 for some days, and they are progressively enticed from the wider parts, 
 till at last they come to a narrow channel, over which the boughs are 
 brought U> meet like an arbour, and the nets are laid over so artfully a->
 
 NOTES. 393 
 
 not tol>e seen. By continual feeding, they are at length all enticed un- 
 der the sweep of the nels; and now the arched way gradually lowers In 
 height, and diminishes in width, till it terminate-; in a point like a purse; 
 but the furthest end is kept out of sight. When the strangers are follow- 
 ing the decoys, and unwarily feeding on the corn, and have proceeded 
 too far to retreat, on a sudden a dog rushes from behind the trees, jumps 
 into the water, and swimming directly after the ducks, forces them on 
 by barking. The frighted ducks immediately attempt to take wing, but 
 are beaten down by the nets, and are thus obliged to swim before tlit} 
 dog, to the end of the net, where the decoy-man stands ready to receive 
 them, and takes them alive with his hands. The deco)s either escape 
 back into the pond, or are taken up by the decoy-aim, to whom they 
 go without fear, and are caressed and well-fed for their services. 
 
 This parish has the honour of being the birth-place of Dr. Jermer, so 
 well known for the introduction of Vaccine Inoculation. 
 
 60. p. 214. Robert Webb, Gent, lived in the house at Woodend, 
 and from him it passed by descent to Thomas Day, Esq. who sold it to 
 Daniel Lapley, from whom it passed to Matthews, Esq. by mar- 
 riage with Roach, a sister and heiress, and from him descended to 
 
 Joseph Daniel Matthews, Esq. who sold this and Avening estate to Lord 
 Ducie. 
 
 61. /;. 215. The vine plantation was discontinued or destroyed, in 
 consequence of a dispute with the rector, on a claim of the tythes. 
 This subject is discussed more fully in the General History. See index 
 of vol. 1. 
 
 62. p. 218. See Biographical Account in the General Historv, vol. 1. 
 Fuller, in his Worthies, p. 353, remarking on the proverb, " You are n 
 man of Dursley," observes, " Thus sure I am, that there was a man of 
 Dursley, a man of men, Edward Fox by name, a right godly and gra- 
 cious p'relate." 
 
 Jt may be remarked, by the way, that the proverb here referred to, 
 has been" usually applied to a person possessed of more understanding iu 
 worldly concerns than his neighbour; but it is not within the knowledge 
 of the writer of this, that it has been at all understood in a bad sense. 
 
 63. p. 219. Very ill-founded objections have been raised against the 
 use of machinery in the manufacturing of cloth: the most material is, 
 tire probability of a deficiency of work for the great numbers of people 
 depending for employment and support on this trade: but one reason i* 
 sufficient to outweigh every objection, which is, NECESSITY. If the 
 clothiers here are not enabled to undersell, or at least to sell as low a* 
 other markets, the trade must be entirely lost. The consequence then 
 which is merely suspected from the use of machinery, v ill inevitably fol- 
 low: but the fact is, that at present, notwithstanding all the advantages 
 derived from the machines, every hand finds employment. 
 
 64. p. 232. Camden, who has been followed by Atkyns and Rudder, 
 seems to have fallen into a strange error, in supposing that Edward the 
 Elder in 911, obtained at this place a great victory, and slew many 
 thousands of the Danes, with their princes, Ilealfden, Cinvil, and In-
 
 391 NOTES. 
 
 guer. The truth is, that the first battle was fought at Wednesfield, ia 
 S1J, and the second at Theolenhall, co. Staff, the next year. In the 
 Annals of Roger de Uoveden, p. '242, is to be found the only passage 
 which could have led to the mistake: " In occidental ripu Subruuz flu- 
 wiiris, in loco qui dici.tur, BKIGK, tinrin nutnitum constraint :" but this 
 referring to the western bank of the Severn, could have had no connec- 
 tion with Cambrige. And the whole narration of Henry of Huntingdon 
 confines the battles to the same places in Staffordshire. See Hen. Hunt. 
 p. 203; Rapin, vol. 1, p. 341, 8\o. ed. Plott's Hist, of Staflordsh. p! 
 414. 
 
 It is remarkable that Camden himself mentions the same battle in his 
 account of Staffordshire, as fought at Theoten-hall, (a house qfPagaivs), 
 now called Tettenliatl, where he says many of the Danes were cut oil ia 
 i*l I, by Edward the Elder. 
 
 65. p. 240. This account is taken from Warner's Excursions from 
 Bath. 
 
 66. p. 251. Burnet in his life of Sir Matthew Hale, says, that con- 
 scientious Judge would be interred in the church-yard of Alderlev, ob- 
 serving that churches were for the living, and churchyards for the" dead. 
 The old Roman laws forbad a corpse to be buried or burnt within th- 
 city; and of the same opinion were the primitive Christians in England- 
 Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, is said to have been the first who 
 brought up the practice of vaults in chancels, and under the very altar, 
 about 1075. Kennels par. antiq. and Soinner's Kent, p. 232. 
 
 67. p. 27fi. This tree was measured in 1791, and found (o be 
 forty-four feet and four inches in circumference. Different conjecture* 
 have been formed about its age; some suppose it to have been growing 
 ever since the time of Egbert, which would make it 970 years old at 
 least ; and others speak of it as a boundary tree of the manor "in the reign 
 of John ; this conjecture is not altogether improbable, because, long 
 after this period there were two distinct manors in Torlworih, though 
 now, from length of time, and unity of possession, the exact division .- 
 not known. That it is very old there can be no doubt, but it is im- 
 possible, perhaps, to ascertain the true age of it. It is now fast hasten- 
 ing to decay. On a copper-plate affixed to the tree is engraved, " 1 V* 
 tree supposed to be 600 years old, Jan. 1, 1800. 
 
 " May man still guard thy venerable form 
 " From the rude blast, and the tempestuous storm : 
 " Still maj'stthou flourish through succeeding time, 
 " And last, long last, the wonder of the clime." 
 
 Two accurate views are given in Lysons' etchings of the antiq. of the 
 county of Gloucester, No. 3. 
 
 68. p . 27S. The figure at the east end of the Pool-house is more likely 
 to represent the builder than the saint, according to Rudder ; since it has 
 no emblematic attendant, usually found with him, and the costume is 
 of the same age with the former. 
 
 69. p. 280. A sanctuary was a place priveleged by the Prince for 
 the safeguard of men's lives, that are offenders, being* founded on the
 
 NOTES. 59; 
 
 Jaw <}f mercy, and the great reverence, honour, and devotion, which 
 the prince beareth to the place, whereto he granted such privilege. 
 The ancient Kings of England permitted those who had committed both 
 felonies and treasons to shelter themselves in them, so that within forty 
 da\s they acknowledged their fault, and submitted themselves to banish- 
 ment ; during which time, if any layman expelled them, he was ex- 
 communicated ; if any clerk, he was made irregular; but after forty 
 
 da\ s no man might relieve them. Of these there were many in England, 
 but one more famous than the rest at St. John's, of Beverley, which the 
 
 proTeniens, omnimodo nauet secuntatern. By 21 Jac. I. the privilege 
 of sanctuary was taken away. See Cunningham's law die. abjuration 
 and sanctuary. 
 
 70. p. 283. Rudder gives a British derivation of this name; Dzur, 
 water, and ham, a village ; but as this was long the residence of the 
 Saxons (291), a Saxon etymology is most probable, especially as the 
 more ancient name \sDeorbam: which signifies Damarum damns or 
 Deer's home. See Hicks's Sax. diet. sub. Deorham ; and Henry's hist, 
 of Eng. 
 
 71. p. 298. In Bigland's coll. it is remarked, that Collins in his 
 peerage, disproves the account given by Atkyns and followed by Rud- 
 der, of this estate having come by marriage with the widow of Sir \V. 
 St. Loe. 
 
 72. p. 300. Atkyns has brought down the descent of the manor of 
 Cold Aston through a great many names as a lay possession, but men- 
 tions another manor as belonging to the abbey of Bath. Rudder makes 
 only one manor, and Bigland takes no notice of the descent. In Domes- 
 day record, under the title, Terra Eccle de Bade, Escetone is mentioned 
 as containing five hides ; but in P. N. tax. Hamesziell only is mentioned 
 among the temporal possessions of the prior of Bath. 
 
 73. p. 329. The tomb ofSterten is within the wall in the north chan- 
 nel, with an arch of Gothic, ornamented with cinquefoils, and crocket 
 pinnacles. A dog is placed at the feet of this effigy, which is cumbenU 
 A legendary tale is preserved, thai this man had sold himself to the 
 devil; and it was among the articles of the contract, that he was to be 
 carried to the church after his death, neither with his feet or head fore- 
 most, nor to be buried in the church or churchyard: to evade this part 
 of the agreement, or cheat the deiit of his due, he directed that his body 
 should be carried sideways to burial, and that it should be buried in the 
 wall of the church. A similar account is mentioned in Cox's Mon- 
 mouthsh. Vol. ii. p. 337, of John of Kent, a supposed wizard, who 
 according to the legend, would have been the property of the devil, if 
 he had been buried within or out of the church. Jlis tombstone is close 
 to the east wall of the chancel in Grosmont, co. Montn. 
 
 Jl was not unusual for the founders of churches, or tiie builders of 
 hancels or aisles, to preserve a niche in the wall for their own tombs. 
 
 74. p. 329. This village is supposed by son>e to have received the
 
 356 NOTES. 
 
 name of Frcnchay, as having been the place where suintfoin or French 
 grass was first introduced into the system of cultivation; ljut if Froom- 
 yhaw be the riglit name, another etymology mav be adopted: Froont 
 gives the name of the river which inns by it, and Haugh or Haw, sig- 
 nifies green land or meadow on the banks (75). 
 
 75. p. 333. The place is called Mesnfdd by Henry of Huntingdon. 
 William of Malmesbury relates that a lew years afterwards the bones of 
 Oswald were removed to Gloucester, lib. J. page 10. Oswald was also 
 King of Northumberland, and therefore' not likely to be at Marshfield, 
 the extremity of the kingdom of Aiercia, which belonged to Fenda; 
 especially as it is recorded that Penda was the first to disturb the har- 
 mony of the kingdoms ; and it appeal's likewise, that the battle in which 
 he fell, was the first that was fought between them. Rapin, sub anno 
 634. 
 
 76. p. 337. On the subject of crosses much has been written by the 
 antiquaries. In Stowe's annals, it is said, that crosses were erected by 
 Edward I. in 1290, for the loss of his Queen, in every place where 
 the corpse stopped in its way to London. Some of these crosses are now 
 remaining, ana it is probable that in other parts of the kingdom the 
 royal example was followed ; but these crosses were in the highways, 
 and there are at this day few parishes, where they are, either not entire, 
 or some fragments remaining ; but crosses in churchyards seem to have 
 bad other uses: for in the earlier ages, in some places, where they had 
 no church built, divine service was performed under a cross in some 
 open and convenient place. The superstition of ancient times seems to 
 have led to another use of these crosses. In the copy of an original in- 
 strument, dated 25th Nov. 1449, concerning the churchyard of St. 
 .Mary Magdalen, in Milk Street, London, exhibited to the society of 
 antiquaries by Thomas Loggen, Esq. and read March 23, 1797, is the 
 following obbservation, " that there stode a crosse in and uppon the 
 same voide grounde, of the height of a man, or more; and that the 
 same crosse ~cas uorshipped fa/ the parishens there, as crosses be commonly 
 worshipped in clturc/t-yardes." 
 
 77. p. 343. Ewery was an office (room) in the King's household, 
 where they took care of the linen for the King's table, laid the cloth, 
 atid served up water in silver evers after dinner. Johnson's dictionary. 
 
 78. p. 345. See Abonein index of vol. 1. 
 
 79. p. 357. Sulphate of strontian is found at Red land, Sodbury,. 
 and Ham-green. The fibrous variety in 200 parts, contains of strontiau 
 1 16. 5. of acid 83. 5. with a small proportion of iron. See contribu- 
 tions to Physical, &c. Knowledge, by Dr. Beddoes. 
 
 80. p. 363. See Abone in index of vol. 1. 
 
 81. p. 365. This gentleman is celebrated for his many discoveries of 
 new species of earthen ware and porcelains, his studied forms and chaste 
 style of decoration, and the correctness of judgment with which all his 
 works were executed under his own eye. He was founder and chief
 
 NOTES. 397 
 
 an association of manufacturers in London, which he deno- 
 minated " the general chamber of the manufacturers of Great Britain." 
 
 82. p. 366. In this church is the representation of a skeleton figure, 
 on a table tomb, supposed to be that ot Bishop Carpenter. Mr. Gougli, 
 in his Sepul. Mon. p. 1 10, remarks, that he has observed one of these, 
 but scarcely ever more than one, in almost all the conventual and ca- 
 thedral churches through England. He mentions one at York, as old as 
 1241 ; and another in Bristol, as late as 1558, for Paul Bush, Carpenter 
 died 1476. 
 
 83. p. 379. In the church-yard is a plain tomb stone, to the memory 
 of John Henderson (299), with the following inscription : 
 
 John Henderson, B. A. died Nov. 2, 1788, at Oxford, aged 31 years. 
 Withhold thy hand, nor seek the chisel's aid, 
 
 To add a mole-hill to a mount of fame : 
 Tell, humble stone, here Henderson is laid, 
 And bear the best of epitaphs, his name. 
 
 He was a person of uncommon abilities, but eccentric in his manners. 
 Seepage 315. 
 
 84. p. 384. The following lines are inscribed on a neat marble monu- 
 ment in the church, to the memory of an excellent woman, Mary, the 
 wife of Charles Joseph Harford, Esq. who died 1798: 
 
 Cara vale, ingenio prsestans, pietate, pudore, 
 
 Et plus quam sponsx nomine cara vale ! 
 Cara Maria -vale ! et veniet felicius xvutn, 
 
 Quando iterurn tecum, sim. tnodo dignus, ere.
 
 TYTHINGS, HAMLETS, AND PLACES, 
 
 fag* 
 
 ABLODE's Court . 1 55 
 
 Abbot's Wood . . 5, 96 
 AbVon ... .308 
 
 Acton Ilgar . ... . 336 
 
 Acton Manor-house . . 336 
 
 Adset ..... 83 
 
 Ailberton .... 125 
 
 AJkington . . . . 201 
 
 Alliston 126 
 
 Alney, Isle of . . . 14-8 
 
 Alvington Court . . 121 
 
 Anchorite's Hill . . 214- 
 
 Ashmead's . . . . 211 
 
 Ashwick . . . . . 332 
 
 Athelard's Place ... 36 
 
 Aukley 325 
 
 Aust 356 
 
 Avening House . . . 276 
 
 Avon River .... 256 
 
 Ayford 332 
 
 Aylesmore House . . 109 
 
 Aylminton .... 356 
 
 Backhouse . . . . 167 
 
 Badminton House . . 260 
 
 Bagpath 223 
 
 Bagstone 27 S 
 
 Barr's Court . . , . 3 Iff 
 
 Barton Abbots . . . Ig] 
 
 Barton King's . . . 160 
 
 Basset's Court . . . 237 
 
 Beach . . . . , 316 
 
 Beachley .... 77 
 
 Bencombe .... 237 
 
 Bentham 13i 
 
 Bengrove . . . . 15g 
 
 Berry 238 
 
 Bevvy's Cross . . . 354 
 
 Bibstone House . . . 2H 
 
 Bicknor Court ... 89 
 
 Bicks 332 
 
 Bickwear . . . . 109 
 
 Binley 221 
 
 Bishton 77 
 
 Blackwell End . 185 
 
 Blacksworth . 
 Blaise Castle . 
 Blakeney 
 Blaze Bailey . 
 Bledisloe Court 
 Blythe's Court 
 Botloe . . 
 Bosclcy . ' , 
 
 377 
 
 352 
 
 117 
 
 73 
 
 116 
 
 73 
 
 82 
 
 83
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Boulesdon 
 Bower Lye . 
 
 Page 
 37 
 . 211 
 30 
 
 Clinger . 
 Coal-pit Heath 
 Cockshoot 
 
 Pan 
 
 . . 210, 23* 
 . . . 305 
 
 7'] 
 
 Boy field .... 
 
 60 
 
 Codrington 
 
 29S 
 
 
 . 239 
 
 Cold Comfort 
 
 67 
 
 Breach-Yate . . . 
 
 . 304- 
 
 Colfbrd- . . 
 
 103 
 
 Bread stone ... 
 
 204 
 
 Cornbe . . ' 
 
 249 
 
 Bream . . . * . 
 
 104 
 
 Gompton 
 
 16 
 
 Bream's Lodge . 
 
 . 101- 
 
 Conham . . 
 
 <l 1 <2 
 
 Brickhampton 
 Brickhouse . - . 
 Bridge-Yate . 
 Brimsham 
 Broadwell 
 Brockweare . 
 Brokenborovv 
 Bromsberrovv Place . 
 
 . 138 
 65 
 . 310 
 . 368 
 . 217 
 99 
 . 248 
 '26 
 
 Cook's Folly 
 Cooper's Hill 
 Corse End 
 Cote . . . 
 Gotham House 
 Court House 
 Court Orchard 
 Co we 11 
 
 . . 362 
 .. 135 
 /85 
 179, 325, 365 
 . . . 365 " 
 . -. 325, 214 
 36 
 179 
 
 Brookend . . -. 
 Brownsend 
 
 26 
 26 
 
 Creed Place . 
 Crews 
 
 . . ' 131 
 378 
 
 Bruerne .... 
 
 155 
 
 Crickley . 
 
 131 
 
 Buckhold . . . 
 Buckland's Place 
 Buckover 
 Bulwarks 
 Bullins .... 
 
 . 1 3,5 
 . 131 
 . 346 
 77 
 . 179 
 
 Cross Hands . 
 Crossley House 
 Cugley 
 Culverden 
 Downend 
 
 . . ' . 289 
 . . . 328 
 . - . 37 
 . . 156 
 37 ^ 
 
 Bury ..... 
 
 . 317 
 
 Down House 
 
 <?in 
 
 Butters End . 
 
 . 185 
 
 Downs 
 
 3<j<> 
 
 Calcot . . 
 
 . 223 
 
 Drews 
 
 <<f) 
 
 Callow Hill . . . 
 Callow's Elm . . 
 Cam, River . . if 
 Cambridge . . , 
 
 37 
 53 
 . 210 
 232 
 
 Droy's Court 
 Dumballs 
 Dunkelns 
 
 . 135 
 . . 231 
 
 . . . no 
 
 6O 
 
 Cannon's House 
 Castle, Gloucester . 
 Casllemeads . . , 
 Chalkley . . . 
 
 . 2-H 
 . 14-9 
 . 149 
 . 271 
 
 Durdham Down 
 Eastbach Court 
 Easter Ccmpton 
 Eastwood 
 
 . . 364 
 . ' . . 89 
 . . . 247 
 346 
 
 Chapel Hill . V ' .1 
 
 90 
 
 Easton 
 
 377 
 
 Charlton . - . 
 Chestles . . . ." 
 
 . 355 
 . 221 
 
 Edenwall 
 Ell ... 
 
 . . . 104 
 34 
 
 Churchend . . 77, 
 
 227, 232 
 
 Ellbrook . 
 
 39 
 
 Churchley . . .* 
 Claxhill . . . v ! 
 
 . 309 
 
 82 
 
 Elmbridge 
 Elmore Court 
 
 . . . 138' 
 165 
 
 Clearwell . . . 
 Cleeve . . . . 
 
 . 103 
 
 83 
 
 Elmore Back 
 Elton 
 
 . . . 165 
 83 
 
 Cleave Hill . ;5 
 
 . 375 
 
 English Stones 
 
 . . . 355'
 
 400 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Etloe 
 
 Pngr 
 116 
 
 217 
 346 
 338 
 115 
 31 
 30 
 36 
 227 
 320 
 273 
 329 
 30 
 247 
 177 
 232 
 315 
 325 
 
 Henvild .... 
 
 f*& 
 
 316 
 
 
 Hermitage 
 Hitfhfield . . . 
 Highgrove 
 High Meadow 
 Highnam 
 The Hill .... 
 
 . 217 
 . 315 
 
 60 
 . 102 
 67 
 26 
 
 Falficld . . . . 
 Farm . . . .180, 
 
 Fishponds 
 Flax ley Abbey 
 Ford House .... 
 Fortoy 
 
 Hill Grove . 
 Hill House . . . 
 Hill Pill . . . . 
 
 . 314 
 
 73, 37.5 
 . 254 
 
 Frampton Court . 
 Frayer's Hay 
 Frenchay .... 
 Gamage Hall 
 Gaunt's Urcott . . . 
 Gawdy Green 
 Gossington Hall . 
 Grange . . . 85, 96, 
 Gredefje . . 
 
 Hillsley . . . . 
 
 . 269 
 
 HintonHill . . . 
 Hinton . 
 Hooker Hill . . . 
 
 . 285 
 . 284 
 . 211 
 . 110 
 
 Holy brook 
 Hook chouse . 
 Hope .... 
 
 . 309 
 26 
 . 346 
 
 Green, Great and Little . 
 Green House 
 Greenvvay ^ 
 Grove Court .... 
 Grove House 
 Groves End .... 
 
 227 
 31 
 94 
 179 
 26 
 312 
 85 
 87 
 117 
 368 
 204 
 329 
 204 
 292 
 60 
 315 
 315 
 106 
 325 
 36 
 252 
 118 
 221 
 325 
 381 
 214 
 216' 
 
 Horewood 
 Horton Court House 
 Horvvood 
 Hospital, St. Marg. . 
 Hospital, St. Magd. . 
 Hucclccote . . . 
 Hueldsfield Court 
 Hunter's Hall . . 
 Huntingford . 
 Hurst . 
 
 . 272 
 . 272 
 . 273 
 . 150 
 . 151 
 . 138 
 99 
 . 221 
 . 243 
 . 232 
 
 Gunn's Mills . . 
 
 Hallend . ... 
 
 
 Imperial Draught 
 Ingst ..... 
 
 . 254- 
 . 325 
 
 Harabrook .... 
 Hamfallow .... 
 Hampsteed .... 
 Hampton .... 
 Haiiham ..... 
 
 IsleofRhea . . . 
 Itchington 
 Kendalshire . 
 Ketford Farm 
 Keynsham 
 Kilcot . . . . 
 King's-Hill House . 
 Kingsholm 
 Kingston . ... 
 Kings weston 
 Kingswood . . . 
 Knole House 
 
 . 228 
 . 349 
 . 306 
 31 
 85 
 38, 270 
 . 219 
 . 143 
 232, 345 
 . 353 
 . 383 
 . 246 
 . 112 
 
 Hanham Hall 
 Hatlieways .... 
 Haw 
 
 Hays 
 
 Hay 
 
 Hayfield . . . . . 
 
 Hazlecote .... 
 Hazle, Upper 
 Heath House 
 Heath End House . . 
 Hempton .... 
 
 Kviiley . 
 
 . 224 
 
 Ladderstile . 
 
 . 167
 
 INDEX. 
 
 401 
 
 Page 
 
 Laden, River .... 348 
 
 Lancaut 79 
 
 Lamper's-end . . . . 185 
 
 Lanthony 176 
 
 Lateridge 336 
 
 Lawrence Weston . . 354 
 
 Leadington 31 
 
 Lea Bailey . . . . 5, 104 
 
 Leigh, Upper .... 82 
 
 Leigh, Nether .... 82 
 
 Leighterton 265 
 
 Linch 30 
 
 Lining Woods 8 
 
 Linton 67 
 
 Lintridge, Great ... 30 
 
 Littleworth 177 
 
 Lodge 335 
 
 Longdown 211 
 
 Longford 145 
 
 Longford House . . . 146 
 
 Longney Farm . . . 103 
 
 Loons 139 
 
 Lorenge Farm . . . . 210 
 
 Lower Farm .... 179 
 
 Lurgesale 223 
 
 Lygon Cromhall . . . 213 
 
 Ly grove ...... 292 . 
 
 Marksbrook . . . . 110 
 
 Maulswick 37 
 
 May Hill 38 
 
 Mayshill 306 
 
 Meadow Ridings . . . 286 
 
 Meers 332 
 
 Michael Wood . . . 203 
 
 Millend 227 
 
 Moat 156 
 
 Monkleighton .... 149 
 
 Moonscourt 304 
 
 Moorend . . 185,232,375 
 
 Morcote 60 
 
 Morton 346 
 
 Mouswell 296 
 
 Mudgedown .... 335 
 
 Nashcroft . . . . . 230 
 
 Nass . 126 
 
 Nelfields 36 
 
 Netherton, Great. . . 31 
 
 Newark House . . . 177 
 
 Newarne 126 
 
 New Grounds .... 231 
 New Mills . . . .219, 240 
 
 New Passage .... 355 
 
 Newton 326 
 
 Nibley 306 
 
 Noke 138 
 
 Norton House . . . . 152 
 
 Northwick 354 
 
 Northwood 82 
 
 Northwood House . . 320 
 
 Novcrend 85 
 
 Ockington 30 
 
 OnVs Dyke .... 75 
 
 Okeford 332 
 
 Okely Clifford .... 37 
 
 Okely Grandison ... 37 
 
 Oldbury 345, 380 
 
 Oldbury Court . ... 380 
 
 Old Grange .... 30 
 
 Oldland 315 
 
 Old Passage .... 356 
 
 Over 247 
 
 Overton 187 
 
 Park Manor .... 302 
 
 Parton 138 
 
 Pastor's Hill .... 104 
 
 Patchway 246 
 
 Peer's Court .... 234 
 
 Penpark 364 
 
 Persh 187 
 
 Pikedown 211 
 
 Pinchpoor 368 
 
 Plusterwyne .... 85 
 
 Podgemead 169 
 
 Poolhouse 278 
 
 Poulton's Court ... 1 17 
 
 Prinknash 180 
 
 Prior's Meen .... 125 
 
 Puckpool 197 
 
 Pyrton 117,125 
 
 Redemisse 227 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 Dd
 
 402 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 
 Pagf 
 
 Redland. . . . 
 
 . . 363 
 
 Red wick . . . 
 
 . . 354 
 
 Rhee 
 
 . . 169 
 
 Riding-end . 
 
 . . 368 
 
 Rodley .... 
 
 . . 81 
 
 Rowshill . . . 
 
 . . 31 
 
 Row Urcote . . 
 
 . . 311 
 
 The Rudge . . . 
 
 . . 242 
 
 Ruddle .... 
 
 . . 72 
 
 Ruggeway . . . 
 RyFand .... 
 
 . 301,375 
 . . 30 
 
 Ryton .... 
 
 . . 30 
 
 Sages .... 
 
 . . 232 
 
 Saymills .... 
 
 . . 362 
 
 Seddlewood . 
 
 . . 270 
 
 Sempstye 
 
 . . 118 
 
 Sheephouse . 
 
 . . 175 
 
 Shepherdine. 
 
 . . 326 
 
 Shescomb . 
 
 . . 229 
 
 Shirehampton . 
 
 . . 364 
 
 Shurdington, Little 
 
 . . 130 
 
 Sin well .... 
 
 . . 241 
 
 Slowwe .... 
 
 . . 197 
 
 Slimbridge Wharf . 
 
 . . 232 
 
 Smart's Green . 
 
 . . 227 
 
 Smith's Shop 
 
 . . 221 
 
 SneedPark . . . 
 
 . . 362 
 
 Soilwell or Sully . 
 
 . . 126 
 
 Southend , . . 
 
 . . 227 
 
 Southmead . ., . 
 
 . . 364 
 
 Stairs .... 
 
 . . 73 
 
 Stancomb House . 
 
 . . 234 
 
 Standleys . . . 
 
 . . 65 
 
 Stanshaw 
 
 . . 368 
 
 Stantshall Court . 
 
 . . 248 
 
 Stanteway . 
 
 . . 83 
 
 Stapleton House . 
 
 . . 380 
 
 Stern Court . 
 
 . . 329 
 
 St. Anthony's Well 
 St. Hilly's Nap . 
 
 . . 21 
 
 . . 38 
 
 Stinchcomb Hill . 
 
 . . 234 
 
 Stock .... 
 
 . . 322 
 
 Stoiiebench . . 
 
 . . 1 64 
 
 Stone, Lower . . 
 
 . . 235 
 
 Stoke .... 
 
 . . 359 
 
 Stoke House .... 359 
 
 Stoke, Bishop .... 361 
 
 St. Philip and Jacob . . 382 
 
 Stourden 328 
 
 Stout's Hill 237 
 
 Stow Grange .... 110 
 
 Stowick 355 
 
 Stroat 78 
 
 Stub Ridings .... 286 
 
 Swinford 316 
 
 Swinny 227 
 
 Symondshall .... 242 
 
 Syston House .... 304 
 
 Tafarn Bach .... 266 
 
 Tainton, Little .... 48 
 
 Terry Estate .... 302 
 
 Tillsdown 211 
 
 Tinkley 225 
 
 Tockington Park . . . 325 
 
 Toghill 310 
 
 Tortworth House . . . 276 
 
 Tracy Park Lodge . . 318 
 
 Tresham 269 
 
 Trin, River .... 255 
 
 Tuffley 177 
 
 Turner's Court .... 300 
 
 Twig worth 146 
 
 Velt House 65 
 
 Villa Regia 300 
 
 Vineyard Hill .... 148 
 
 Up Hatherley .... J 58 
 
 Upthorp 211 
 
 Upton 270,316 
 
 WalhamMead. . . . H8 
 
 Walmer 82 
 
 Walning 325 
 
 Walsworth 156 
 
 Wanswell Court . . . 204 
 Warmley . . . .304,313 
 
 Warnage 328 
 
 Waste 270 
 
 Waterdine 36 
 
 Waterleigh 227 
 
 Waters 36 
 
 Wellington . ....... H),'J
 
 INDEX. 
 
 403 
 
 Weston's Court . . 
 
 Page 
 . 316 
 
 Wolstrop. 
 
 Page 
 177 
 
 Westonton . 
 White Court . . . 
 White House 
 Whitley Court . . 
 Whitley Park . . 
 Whorend 
 Wibden .... 
 
 . 332 
 . 237 
 30, 188 
 . 179 
 . 203 
 . 227 
 78 
 
 Woodend 
 Woodend Division . 
 Woodend House 
 Woodlane's End . 
 Woodland 
 Woodmancote 
 Wbrtley . 
 
 26, 115 
 30 
 . 214 
 . 227 
 . 247 
 . 219 
 243 
 
 Wickwick . . . 
 
 4 320 
 
 Wotton .... 
 
 147 
 
 Wilderness . 
 ^Willsbury .... 
 
 85 
 109 
 
 Wotton's End . . 
 \Vyndhams . . 
 
 . 306 
 37 
 
 Wincross 
 Winterbourn Court . 
 Witcomb, Little . . 
 Withyrows . 
 Wollaston, High . < 
 
 31 
 
 . 328 
 . 130 
 . 167 
 
 85 
 
 Wye Seal 
 Yarkeley Farm . 
 Yartledon Hill . . 
 Yorkeley Court . 
 
 . 102 
 . 126 
 38, 54 
 . 104 
 
 INBEX 
 
 OF 
 
 LANDHOLDERS. 
 
 Page 
 
 A'DEANE 1 1 8, 257, 269, 270, 
 278, 326 
 
 204, 243, 247, 270 
 .... 110 
 .... 89 
 . . . . 116 
 . . . 240,242 
 . . . . 169 
 . . . . 238 
 . . . .296 
 
 Barbe'r 116 
 
 Barratt 313 
 
 D d2 
 
 Page 
 
 Barrington, Bishop 68, 82, 1 35 
 Bathurst . . . .116, 124- 
 Beale . . 37,41,50,73 
 Bearcroft ... 36, 37 
 Beaufort, Duke 77, 85, 260, 267 
 
 269, 270, 280, 294, 359, 380 
 Berkeley, Earl 1 09, 202, 232, 
 
 237,241,251 
 
 Bishop of Glouc. . 145,252 
 Blathwayte . . . 284,298 
 Blunt .... 55,57 
 Boevey, Sir 82, 93, 95, 149, 177
 
 404 
 
 Bond 
 Bough ton 
 Bradstock 
 Brice 
 Brick dale 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 . . 34-tt 
 . . 65 
 . . 53 
 . 24.6, 328 
 
 252 
 
 Bristol, Chapter . . . 153 
 Broke, Lord . . . 349 
 Bromedge .... 236 
 Bromley . . . . 188 
 Brooke . . 26,31,272,273 
 
 Bullock 65 
 
 Burgh 183 
 
 Bush 299 
 
 Bush Beach .... 316 
 Campbell .... 380 
 Canning . '. . 44, 184 
 
 Caple 156 
 
 Careless .... 36 
 Carter . * . . .197 
 Caruthers . . . . 175 
 
 Cator 368 
 
 Cave 255 
 
 Chamberlayne . . . 139 
 Chandler .... 230 
 
 Cheston 145 
 
 Clark 106 
 
 Clere . -. . . . 227 
 Clutterbuck .... 230 
 Codrington . . . 282,331 
 Coghlan .... 57 
 Colchester;'' 57, 81, 82,91, 100, 
 
 105, 136,194 
 
 Colston . 306,352,361,375 
 Cornock .... 232 
 Corporation of Glouc. 1 15, 1 16, 
 
 131,138, 155,223,229 
 Cox . . 246,247,326,328 
 Craven .... 138 
 
 Creswicke . . . '. 315 
 Croome .... 204 
 Cullimore .... 266 
 Cummings .... 37 
 Daubeny .... 355 
 Daunt .... 229 
 
 Davies .... 135 
 
 Pag, 
 
 Davis . . .89, 121,232 
 De Clifford, Lord . 354,355 
 
 Dee 11, 
 
 DeVisme . . . 30,56 
 Dickenson .... 322 
 Dighton . . . . 135 
 Draper . . . . 37, 37 1 
 Dray ton .... (>o 
 Drummond . . 315,381 
 
 Dyer 21-t 
 
 Easson 355 
 
 Eaton 121 
 
 Edwards . . . 355. 366 
 Elliott, Lord . . .121 
 Ellis . . . . 61, 1 14 
 Elton 53,63, 188, 271,375 
 Emerson . . . .315 
 Estcourt . . . 223,225 
 Fendall . . . . . 173 
 Foley ... 37, 39, 49 
 
 Fow'ke 37 
 
 Fowler .... 252 
 
 Freeman .... 364 
 Fust .... 254,327 
 Gage, Lord . . 88, 102, 110 
 
 Gawen 333 
 
 Gee 204 
 
 Gloucest. Chapter . . 175 
 Goldney . . . 25,0,371 
 Gordon . . . 65, 375 
 Greme .... 380 
 
 Greyndour .... 87 
 Griffiths . . .110,320 
 Grosvenor .... 37 
 Guise, Sir 44,68, 135, 142, 165 
 Gunning .... 300 
 Gvvinnett . . . 139, 158 
 Hale 210,243,257,278,383 
 Hankins . . . 31,36 
 Hardwicke . . . 273,349 
 Harmar . . . . . 137,364 
 
 Harris 228 
 
 Hartland .... 37 
 Hartley . . . . 228 
 Hathway , . . . 302
 
 INDEX. 
 
 405 
 
 Pmt 
 
 . . 60, 185, 187 
 . . , . 65 
 266,278,308 
 138, 140, 14-5, 153, 
 
 Hawkins 
 Hayle 
 Haynes 
 Hayward 
 
 161 
 
 Herbert HO 
 
 Hewett . ... 167 
 
 Hicks . . 159,204,205 
 Higford . . . . 120 
 
 Higgs 296 
 
 Hill ....... 30 
 
 Hilhnan . . . . 318 
 
 Hodges .... 197 
 
 Holcomb . . . . 139 
 
 Hollings . . . . 175 
 
 Holford ..... 345 
 
 Hope 169 
 
 Hopkins . . . . 116 
 Hopkinson . . . . 147 
 
 Hoskins 110 
 
 Howard . . . 72,332,342 
 Ho well . . 173,180,181 
 Hughes . . . . 110 
 
 Hulbert .... 33 
 Hunt . . 130,131,270 
 Huntley .... 264 
 Hyett . 82,130,179,187 
 Jackson .... 162 
 
 James . . . 78,85,99 
 
 Jeffries 179 
 
 Jenkins . . .77, 121,204 
 
 Jenner 204 
 
 Jones 36. 37, 70, 1 16, 127, 1 35, 
 
 140, 326,364,378 
 Johnstone, Sir . . ' . 362 
 
 Jordon -131 
 
 Jortin 227 
 
 Joyner ... . . : 204 
 Kemberry . . . . 167 
 
 King 312,335 
 
 Kingscote . . . 221,223 
 Lackington . . . . 312 
 Lambert .... 31 
 
 Lane 89 
 
 Langton . . . 299,317 
 
 Larton 257 
 
 Lawrence . . 83, 130, 158 
 
 Lawson 36 
 
 Lewis . . .77, 355, 364 
 Lippincott, Sir 250, 322, 324, 
 
 351,355,361 
 
 Liverpool, Earl . . 269, 346 
 Llewellin .... 325 
 
 Lloyd 87 
 
 Long 335 
 
 Lysons 82, 83, 1 56, 1 69, 1 7 8, 205 
 Maitland . . . . 167 
 
 Marsh 247 
 
 Masters 246, 247, 325, 368, 377 
 Matthews 1 02, 2 10, 2 1 2, 2 1 4 
 Mee . . . 140, 173,178 
 Middlelon 306, 352, 361, 375 
 Mill, Dame . ^ . . 196 
 Millar .... 230,237 
 Moggridge . . 29, 30, 36 
 
 Morris 346 
 
 Morse . 37,38,55,210,234 
 Muthway . . . . 109 
 Neale . . . . 53, 1 67 
 Nelmes .... 204,242 
 Newburgh, Earl . . 83 
 Newman . . . . 169 
 Newton . . . . 314 
 Norfolk, Duke . . 153, 176 
 Olive . . . . 146, 156 
 Osborn . . 2198, 325, 355 
 Oseland . . . .- . 296 
 
 Packer lot 
 
 Palmer 158 
 
 Palling 175 
 
 Pardoe .... 121,325 
 
 Parker 296 
 
 Parsons 121 
 
 Partridge .... 104 
 Pauncetbte, Sir . . . 36 
 Paytherus . . . . 153 
 
 Prjelps 338 
 
 Phillpotts . . . . 156 
 Pitt . . 144, 145. 163, 187" 
 Pocklington .... 63
 
 40G 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Pa K e 
 
 Powell . . . .102, 355 
 Probyn . 47, 5.5, 57, 87, 102 
 Protheroe . . . . 312 
 Pullin .... 266, 319 
 Purnell .... .210,234 
 Pyrke . . 72, 87, 91, 93 
 Radnor, Earl ... 302 
 Raikes .... 173, 179 
 Richardson . 336 
 
 Robinson ... 227 
 
 Roberts 61 
 
 Rogers ..... 138 
 Rolph ..... 312 
 Rxwke . . .99, 109, 365 
 Rudge . 57, 144, 146, 187 
 Russel .... 349, 368 
 Salcomb . ... 156 
 
 Salmon . * . . . 325 
 
 Sampson 355 
 
 Sargeant 57 
 
 Saunders .... 345 
 Scudamore ... 42, 363 
 
 Seymour 363 
 
 Shadwell 255 
 
 Sheldon ..... 78 
 Sheppard .... 223 
 Sitwell . 247, 312, 324, 355 
 
 Skey 346 
 
 Skip ...... 93, 96 
 
 Smallcomb . . . . 314 
 
 Smyth 163, 167, 183, 187,292, 
 302, 306, 328, 329, 357 
 
 Snell 179 
 
 Somers, Lord ... 26 
 Somerville .... 242 
 Southwell, Lord . . 44, 1 85 
 Stephens .... 290, 292 
 
 Stone 26 
 
 Sutton 140 
 
 Sydney, Lord . 155, 172, 175 
 
 Syms 67' 
 
 Talbot, Sir . . . . 1 49 
 Taylor .... 320, 322 
 
 Teague 102 
 
 Teast 355 
 
 / 
 
 Tempest, Sir . 30, 32, 36 
 Thackwcll . . . 30, .SI 
 
 Theache 147 
 
 Thomas 117 
 
 Tracy . . . . 130 
 
 Trotman 304 
 
 Tucker . . 319, 320, 32 S 
 Turner . . . . 99, 149 
 
 Turton 325 
 
 Tyler 210 
 
 Tyndale 291 
 
 Vallander . . . . 187 
 Veele . . . . 197, 363 
 Vernon . ... 156 
 
 Viner ..... 130 
 
 Vines 240 
 
 Viney . . . . 45, 155 
 
 Wade He 
 
 Wallington . . . 210, 234 
 
 Walton 266 
 
 Wathen . . . . 175, 197 
 
 Watts 270 
 
 Webb . 26, 152,214, 346 
 Wedge wood .... 355 
 
 Weight 216 
 
 West f 298 
 
 Westfaling ... 1 47, 242 
 
 Whatley 135 
 
 White . . .50, 175, 187 
 Whitmore .... 302 
 Whittington .... 300 
 Whittock . . . . 315 
 
 Wicks 140 
 
 Wikes 316 
 
 Wilbraham . . . . 178 
 Wilkins . . . . 138, 156 
 Williams . . . . 79, 85 
 
 Wilton 14-4 
 
 Winstone . . . . 193 
 Wood . . 36, 37, 53, 162 
 Woodward .... 37 
 Wyndham . . 37, 103, 109 
 Wynniatt . . . 30, 3 1 
 
 Wyrhale 89 
 
 Yate .... 26, 30, 31
 
 INBEX 
 
 REMARKABLE PERSONS, THINGS, 8V. 
 
 ABBEY, Flaxley - . . 95 
 Abbey, Kingswood . . 383 
 Abone .' . . . 120, 363 
 Age, great .... 56 
 Ammonoidae . . . . 217 
 Ancient House . . . 278 
 Anthony's Well ... 97 
 Antiquities, Roman . . 125 
 Army of Ed ward IV. . 282 
 Asparagus Officinalis . 357 
 Asteria . . 126,141,218 
 Barrows . 157,264,267,274, 
 
 312 
 
 Barton Fair . . . . 161 
 Battle .... 226, 285 
 Beltein, Scotch ... 42 
 
 Bier 100 
 
 Bistort 274 
 
 Blomaries . . . 13,205 
 Box Wood .... 263 
 Bristol Stones ... 37 1 
 Bullet Stones . . .261,293 
 
 Burgh 80 
 
 Burhill, Dr 31 
 
 Burials in Churches . . 257 
 Bury-hill Camp ... 375 
 Calcareous Spar . . . 366 
 Calamine Stone 279, 286, 366, 
 
 388 
 Camps 239, 250, 282, 285, 290, 
 
 309, 310, 345, 347,375 
 
 Page 
 Castles 108, 167, 203, 208, 342, 
 
 368 
 
 Channel of Severn . . 122 
 Chesnut-tree .... 276 
 
 Chestles 309 
 
 Churchcroft, ruins . . 118 
 Church removed . . . 1 37 
 Cinders . . . 12,108,346 
 Cliff, Wick .... 308 
 Cliff, Newnham ... 71 
 Cliff, Westbury . . .83 
 Clothing Manufacture 237, 257 
 
 384 
 
 Clothing Machines . . 210 
 Coal Pits 37, 122, 301, 306, 313, 
 
 335, 377 
 
 Cochleae 217 
 
 Coffins found . '. 96, 3 tS 
 Gotham Stone . . . 366' 
 Cotton Mill .... 308 
 Crowstone . . . . 1 37 
 Customs of Longhope . 57 
 Customs of Dimock . . 29 
 Customs, old . . . 109 
 Cyder .... 101, 198 
 Decoy Pool .... 205 
 Don John's Cross . . 378 
 Dutchy of Lancaster . 51 
 
 Echini 131 
 
 Edmund, King . . . 301 
 Edmund and Canute . 149
 
 408 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 Edward, King, murdered 203 
 Elephant's Bone ... 83 
 
 Elm 32, 39 
 
 Entrochus . . . .357 
 Fir Trees .... 64- 
 Flood high .... 1 94- 
 Forest, Account of . . 4, fyc. 
 Forest of Dean, present 
 
 state 9 
 
 Ditto Timber ... 8 
 Ditto Rights .... 10 
 Ditto Deer .... 10 
 Ditto Coal .... 11 
 Ditto Courts .... 11 
 Ditto Iron .... 24 
 Ditto Officers ... 21 
 
 Forgii 16 
 
 Fossils . 83,261,289,309 
 
 Furnaces 17 
 
 Forges, Iron .... 49 
 Fruit Trees .... 27 
 Gaunt's Hospital . . 248 
 Giant's Hole. ... 371 
 Gibbesium . . . . 313 
 
 Gild 288 
 
 Gypsum 357 
 
 Hat Manufacture . 318 
 
 Henderson . . . . 315 
 Hermitage . 214,217,371 
 Hock Crib .... 231 
 Honour of Glouc. Court 339 
 Home, burnt ... 37 
 
 Hotwells 37 1 
 
 House of Correction . . 92, 382 
 Jealousy of Abbots . . 177 
 Inundation .... 245 
 Iron Ore, Reduction of . 19 
 Iron Furnace ... 40, 96 
 Iter Antonini . . . 214 
 Kingswood Forest . . 384 
 
 Kymin 112 
 
 Lansdown Battle . 299, 310 
 Lead Ore 215, 248, 279, 309, 
 
 317, 366, 369 
 Leolf, Robber ... 301 
 
 T ,- 
 
 Lepidmm petreum . . 357 
 
 Lightfoot, Rev. ... 38 
 
 Lightning, effects of . . 291 
 Lime. . . 215,279,286 
 
 Mad-house, private . . 381 
 
 Man of Ross .... 30 
 
 Manufactories . . . 382 
 
 Mylili . . . ' . . 218 
 
 Nautili 217 
 
 New Grounds . . . 122 
 
 New Passage . . . 355 
 
 Noose 114 
 
 Oak 32, 39 
 
 Ochreous Water . . . 171 
 
 Offa's Dyke .... 7 > 
 
 Osmunda regalis ... 307 
 
 Ostracites . . . . 218 
 
 Osvvestry, Battle at . . 333 
 
 Palace of Saxon Kings . 1 44 
 Paper Mill . . .87, 308 
 
 Parr, Catherine . . . 304 
 
 Passage, Newnham . . 69 
 
 Passage, Purton - . . . 1 26 
 
 Passage, subterraneous . 91 
 
 Pavement, tesselated . 347 
 
 Pen-park Hole ... 365 
 Perry, Squash . . 46, 49 
 
 Perry's Alms-house . . 243 
 
 Petro silex .... 308 
 
 Pigot burnt .... 287 
 
 Pillar of Memorial . . 110 
 
 Pinnae Marinas . . . 218 
 
 Polygonum minus . . 357 
 
 Pridgavel, custom . . 59 
 
 Priory, Alien ... 35 
 
 Priory, Lanthony . . 176 
 
 Prospects extensive, &c. 234, 
 
 242, 246, 247, 254, 325 
 
 Puddling Iron Works . 1 22 
 
 Pufistone 217 
 
 Quarries . . 20,321,375 
 Road, Roman . . 111,313 
 
 Robins Wood Hill . . 171 
 
 Roofs petrified . . . J64 
 
 Ro\vnham Passage . . 377
 
 IND 
 
 Sanctuary .... 
 Scowls Cavern . 
 Seal, Greyndour's 
 Sheep, Ryland 
 Sheep-skin Rugs 
 
 Shire stones .... 333 
 
 Skeleton, large . . . 157 
 
 Smut in wheat, custom . 42 
 
 Spinning Billy . . . 240 
 
 Spinning Jenny . . . 240 
 
 SplfTling mill . . . 308 
 
 Stern, the robber . . 329 
 
 Sternhold .. . . . 116 
 Strontian . 215,289,357 
 
 )EX., 
 
 Temple, Naval . 
 Thornbury Manor, cust. 
 Thorpe's Tower 
 
 Tide 
 
 Toadstone . 
 Towfestone . 
 Trajectus 
 
 Verbena .... 
 Vines, planted 
 Vipers fierce 
 White Lays . 
 Winter's leap 
 Woodwaxen 
 Yew tree 
 
 409 
 
 Page 
 112 
 
 340 
 205 
 
 71 
 345 
 217 
 345 
 323 
 215 
 314 
 279 
 
 78 
 252 
 
 55 
 
 Glocester, printed by G. F. HARRIS, Herald Newspaper Office.
 
 [A LIBRARY 
 University of California 
 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles. CA 90024-1388 tamped below. 
 Return this material to the library 
 from which It was borrowed. 
 
 f \ r-\ 1 \r- 
 
 IB 
 
 
 B/ffi 
 
 Bid 
 
 . 
 
 APR 
 
 Qjfuw: 
 7 1997 "$5 
 
 SH 
 
 LF 
 
 QUARTE 
 
 RLOAN 
 
 
 REC'D YRL 
 
 ..212003 
 
 
 
 VBH^M
 
 i: 
 
 "0 
 
 f 
 
 PLEA* DO NOT REMOVE 
 THIS BOOK CARD o 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 University Research Library 
 
 M 

 
 I 
 
 Uni