HUGH E.E.KVERARD. ^^^ ■■.4e # A . Jinylo-Smium CAunA . D WarderJ- Ton-er . Z CarnnonCfl^Y^ CASTLE AKD OVTWORKS , RISIN G .NORFOLK. 1850. -V Oui> BvUtlifias . J^tilishMl^IV-r^lo?' S7S'yarnrsS6,etZyMf /g^O. JT' THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING, NORFOLK, BY WILLIAM TAYLOR, author of Annals of Jbt. iWarg (Bbexit^ ^nttqufttes of Hpnn, $rc. HON. MBMBER &F TII3 A3CH<70j:.0GICAL INSTITUTE. MEMBER OF THB N6n?CLK''ANli, .JTORWICH ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND THE, LYNN AND yv^ST NORFOLK, ECCLESIASTICAL " Scenes must be beautiful, which, daily view'd Please daily, and whose novelty survives Long knowledge and the scrutiny of years." LYNN: PUBLISHED BY W. TAYLOR, BOOKSELLER, ST. JAMES's STREET, AND THEW AND SON, HIGH STREET. LONDON: J. MASTERS, 33, ALDERSGATE STREET, & 78, NEW BOND STREET. W. TAYLOR, PRINTER, LYNN. IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE FULKE GREVILLE HOWARD, WHOSE NAME WILL BE LONG REVERED IN ITS CONNEXION WITH CASTLE RISING, NORFOLK, AS A KIND, INTELLIGENT, AND EXCELLENT LORD OF THAT MANOR, AND FOR THE PIOUS ZEAL MANIFESTED BY HIM IN CAUSING THE RESTORATION OF THE ANCIENT AND BEAUTIFUL CHURCH OF THAT PARISH, THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED > BY WILLIAM TAYLOR. M87816 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. The Right Rev. the late Lord Bishop of Norwich. AjTe, J. T. Esq. Rising 2 Copies Aldham, B. Esq. Lynn Aylmer, Mr. Stanhoe Alvis, Rev. W. Lynn Bowen, Rev. J. West Lynn Blencowe, Rev. E. E. West "Walton Bulwer, Rev. J. Aylsham Bagot, Rev. C. "W. Rising. Baney, Mrs. Lynn Bridges, C. Esq. Ludlow Banyard, Mr. J. S. Bury St. Edmunds Bell, the Misses N. Runcton Blyth, Rev. W. Fincham Brereton, Rev. C. D. L. Massingham Baney, Mr. Heacham Broome, Rev. J. Houghton Bowman, H. Esq. Manchester Barton, Mr. W. London Barton, Mr. G. London Belcher, Mr. W. P. Lynn Barton, Mr. Barnes, Mrs. Gayton Cox, Mrs. W. T. Spondon Chadwick, J. N. Esq. Lynn 2 Copies Cooper, Mr. W. Lynn Cresswell, F. Esq. Ditto Clarke, Rev. W. W. Wootton Clarke, Miss ditto Cotton, C. Esq. Lynn Cresswell, W. E. Esq. ditto Currie, Rev. C. Tilney Carter, T. A. Esq. Craystone, Mr. W. Rising 2 Copies Coe, Mr. J. W. Islington Cozens, W. Esq. Lynn Calvert, Rev. T. Norwich Durdin, Rev. A. W. Great Warley Dalton, J. Esq. Bilney Dawson, J. Esq. London Dickenson, Mr. T. Lynn Durrant, W. Esq. Dawson, C. Esq. Boston Edwards, Rev. E. Lynn 2 Copies Edwards, Rev. J. F. Holme Everard, W. Esq. Lynn 2 Copies Ewer, Mr. D. Rising Fann, Mr. T. Rising Fachney, Mr. J. Lynn Ffolkes, Sir. W. J. H. B. HiUington Fearon, Rev. W. C. Hunstanton Francklin, Rev. J. F. W. Newton Freeman, Rev. J. Ashwicken Grenside, Rev, C. Gt. Massingham Grenside, Rev. W. B. Claughton Greene, Jos. Esq. Lynn Gurney D. Esq. Runcton Gurney, Hay Esq. Norwich Gumey, W. Esq. N. Runcton Gurney, C. H. Esq. Rimcton Garerd, W. Esq. Lynn Goodlake, E. W. Esq. Farringdon Bucks Goodwin, C. Esq. Lynn Gurney J. H. Esq. Norwich Garland, Mr. W. H. Lynn Greene, Mrs. W, Chessington Hall 2 Copies Green Mr John Lynn Hankinson Rev. E. F. E. ditto Hill, Rev. H. Hale, R. D. Esq. Norwich Howman, Rev. E. J. Bexwell Holditch, Rev. H. Cambridge Hogge, G. Esq. Bilney Hankinson, Rev. R. E. Lynn Hall, Mr. S. Lynn Hogge, W. Esq. Biggleswade Howard, Hon. Mrs. Rising 4 Copies Holden, Mr. Gaywood Harrison, Mr. Hunstanton Hutchinson, ^Eneas B. Esq. London Hawkes, Mrs. Boston Jarvis, L. W. Esq. Lynn 2 copies JefFery W. W. Esq. ditto Jarrott, Miss, Bircham Johnson, G. Esq. Norwich King, Mr. John, Lynn Kittoe Rev. E. H. Lane, Mrs F. Heacham Learmouth, Mr W. Lynn Learmouth, Mr J. ditto Lewin, S. Esq. Boston Lewis, Miss, Rising Le Strange, H. S. Esq. Hunstanton Lane, S. Esq. London Moss, W. H. Esq. Hull Munford, Rev. G. East Winch Moore, Rev. A. Walpole Moody, J. Esq. Lynn Malam, J. Esq. Hull, 2 Copies Matheson, Mr. O. SwaflFham Moyse, W. Esq. Lynn Metcalfe F. M. Esq. Wisbech Mawby, Mr. Gaywood Marriott, Mrs. Rising Moxon, Rev. G. B. Sandringham Norgate, Mr. Heacham Oxley, T. Esq. Lynn Partridge, F. R. Esq. ditto Peckover, W. Esq. Wisbech Patrick, Mr. W. Lvnn Plowright, Mr. G. *S. Wootton Rolfe, Rev. S. C. E. Neville Heacham Royle, Rev. L Stanfield LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Rigby. Rev. G. Lynn Rangely, Rev. W. D. Grimstone Rose. Mr. Rogers, W. H. Esq. London Saxelby, J. Esq. Hull Seppings, T. Esq. S. Raynham Sheppard, Mr. Lynn Sugars, J. Esq. ditto Seppings, W. Esq. ditto Smetham, J. O. Esq. ditto, 3 copies Sampson, J. H. Esq. Hull Swatman A. H. Esq. Lynn Spurgeon, C. W. Esq. Sims, Mr. Law, Brancastej Shipp, W. Esq. Lynn Turner, Dawson Esq. Yarmouth Turner. Miss, ditto Tenniel, Mr. B. Liverpool Tuck, Mr. J. Lynn Twaits, Mr. Dersingham Taylor, B. Esq. Swaffham Valentine, J. S. Esq. Lynn Wilson, F. R. Esq. ditto Wythe T. Esq. Middleton Wright Mr. N. Runcton Wetherell, T. F. Esq. Lynn Woods, Mrs. Rising Wilkinson, Mr. Lynn Wells, Mrs. Henry, ditto Watson, T. Esq. ditto Walker, Mr. R. Wisbech Welton, Rev. T. Upper Clapton Wodderspoon, Mr. Norwich. Yaxley, Mrs. Heacham HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF > CTajaitle l^iuing, ^orfolft* BOUT four miles from the East Gate of the good old town of Lynn, or rather from the spot where the East Gate once stood, is the ancient borough of ©astle IClismg, a spot that will recall to the mind of the historian, events of stirring interest in early English an- nals, and where the architectural anti- quary may pass a delightful day in conning over ruined fragments of castellated and ecclesiastical buildings, reared ages since by the Norman conquerors of our land : nor will the pious anglo-catholic feel less interest in visiting ground, within sight of which twelve centuries ago, St. Felix the East Anglian Apostle and Bishop, is said to have first planted the sacred cross in these parts.* Perhaps we should not be justified in claiming for Rising a Roman origin, but it frequently happened that the castles built by Norman invaders, and of such a building we shall have to speak hereafter, were erected on sites before oc- cupied as Roman stations ; the industry of that people in embanking, draining, and road-making, usually gave to the localities in which they resided a degree of habitable com- fort and security, that could not fail to tempt their succes- * At Babingley, an adjoining village, where, in Sir Henry Spelman's day, were hills bearing the traditional name of Christian Hills. 2 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. » sors to avail themselves of the benefit of their pre-occupa- tion : the probability, however, of such an origin must rest on mere conjectural inference. ; ; :k%e^ laborious and careful antiquary Sir Henry Sp&lman, who. resid^ed at Congham a neighbouring village, has re- c<>i:d!ed the finding of Roman coins at Rising, one of which, a Constantine, was taken to him, from which he infers that the Romans may have had a place of defence there. Tradition, the careful guardian of many a curious fact that may have escaped the pen of the chroniclers of olden time, has handed down to us the following memorial, the truth of which there is no reason to doubt : " Idismg foas a sea^port toton, toj^en Ugnn toas but a tnars]^, iEoto Itgnn it is a sta=port toton, anH l^ising fares t^e iuorst." An ancient street in this town long retained, and may still retain the name of Haven-gate-lane, which seems to imply that it once led to the port or haven ; on this spot some la- bourers in digging found a portion of a ship's anchor em- bedded in the soil. Sir Henry Spelman supposes that the gradual silting up of the river may have caused the decay of the port of Rising, by no means an improbable conjec- ture, seeing the great changes that are constantly taking place along the line of the eastern coast generally, from the tidal action. Whatever may have been the former state of Rising, at present it is but a small village, the number of its inhabi- tants, according to the last census, being 358 ; but the time is not far gone by when this little village could boast of its parliamentary representatives, its mayor and its aldermen ; the two aldermen themselves a corporation, alternately filling the more dignified post of mayor. As proof of the antiquity of this borough, it may be men- m tf / I .i It 1 M .^ * SSA1L.§ Oy QASTILIS, MSSHtS»H@lS]?®SJS Hrav.-n. and Engraved. Vv'Vi' Taylor 1 Hospital S.eal. 2 ^3 Seals of Corp oration. 4- Seai of CotnTnifsa-r^ General <■; \ 1 I ,' ,/ :i I \ ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 3 tioned, that at the reading of the king's commission of the peace before the judges of the assize, the mayor of Rising was always called before the mayors of any other boroughs in the county. The mayor was chosen annually, the day before the feast of St. Michael, but was not sworn into his office till the holding of the court leet, which was held about All Saints'-day. A silver mace was carried before the mayor on Sundays when he went to church, and also on all public occasions. A small silver mace, probably the one above alluded to, is still retained, and has on the end the seal of the corporation. There is also a brass seal apparently of an earlier date being more rudely executed ; perhaps this was the predecessor of the silver seal. This borough was formerly governed by a mayor, recorder, high steward, twelve aldermen, a speaker of the commons, and fifty burgesses. A castle triple towered, is the armorial bearing of Rising and forms the device on its municipal seal. This borough first sent members to parliament in 1558, and continued so to do till the sweeping measures of the reform act deprived it of that power ; it had too its weekly markets, and its annual mart of fifteen days' duration ; but of all these things the present inhabitants speak as appertaining to their predecessors, and the recollection of the fifteen days mart is faintly retained in the humble festivities of a merry making on the third of May, at which a solitary stall dis- plays all the sweets that now tempt the juvenile population to exchange their hoarded pence, to gratify the epicurean tastes usually manifested on such occasions : but still it is an an- niversary, a day looked forward to, a slight break in the dull routine of every day village life, when parents hope to see their absent children, and children for " auld lang syne," re-visit their native homesteads. 4 ' ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. But the great attractions of Kising are its architectural re- mains of the medieval ages ; and foremost amongst these, the recently discovered ruins of a christian temple, in which, prior to the erection of either the castle or the present church, both of which are works of the Norman era, the Anglo-ca- tholic forefathers of the hamlet worshipped. Perhaps the flowers of a thousand summers may have blossomed and faded since this little church was reared, and, judging from its massive remains, it might to this day have served the sa- cred purposes for which it was designed, had not the Nor- man settlers, tempted by the eligible spot of rising ground on which it stood, determined there to raise a strong defensive castle, to be hereafter described, and in its stead to build the present church. Partly buried in the mound that surrounds the Norman Castle, amid the ruins of buildings connected with that fortress, no traces of this church were left, until in the course of an investigation by the late Colonel Howard, of respected memory, the interesting remains shown in the annexed en- gra\dng were discovered and exposed to view, being the undoubted vestiges of an The first christian church erected in Britain was at Glaston- bury ; this, according to the legend, was built in the Apos- tolic ages, its dimensions were sixty feet in length, by twenty-six feet in breadth. The ancient Irish churches, of which many specimens still exist, were almost all of small dimensions, varying from sixty to eighty feet in length. The measure prescribed by St. Patrick was sixty feet, this agrees with the traditional length of the first British chris- tian church. The early Irish churches were always without the circular east-end, the small ones simply of a quadian- -!► #■• m- •m t -r^- ^ # ' ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 5 gular fonn, the larger ones with a second oblong attached, of smaller dimensions, extending east-ward and forming the chancel : this was also, probably, the form of the earliest English churches, the addition of the apse may denote a rather more advanced period. These preliminary remarks are offered in order that the reader may compare the descrip- tion and measurements of the church at Rising, with the early examples quoted, and as proof that an apparent uni- formity, perhaps a prescribed one, existed in these primitive edifices. Allusion has already been made to a tradition, that St. Felix first promulgated the Christian faith in the vicinity of Rising, and that the first Christian church erected here- abouts, was at Babingly, an adjoining village ; this tradition has led to the erroneous opinion still entertained, that Bab- ingly church is the oldest church in the county, while in fact no part of that structure is of date prior to the thirteenth century, the parish church at Rising being at least a century older. If a claim might be asserted to so great antiquity for any remains in existence at this time, it would be in favour of the ruined church at Rising, but for such a claim there is no valid reason, if St. Felix in the sixth century founded a church here, it was probably a more simple structure, and like most other Saxon churches, built of wood, a material that continued to be used both for sacred and other edifices, up to the time of the Norman conquest, though examples of the use of stone are not wanting. Perhaps we may with jus- tice claim for it a date as early as the ninth or tenth century, in such case it may have been the immediate successor of the church founded by St. Felix, and perhaps it is built on the site of it, for tradition says that the first church was erected on one of the Christian Hills, and a careful exami- 6 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. nation will show that prior to the throwing up of the castle mound, the ground on which the church stands, was consi- derably above the common level of the sunounding country. To prove that the i-uined church was of date anterior to either the castle or the present parish church, is a work of no difficulty, but to claim for it an early date as a Saxon work, would be to assert a claim perfectly unfounded; its very outline bespeaks it a work of advanced Saxon art, it is not simply an oblong building, as was the most early form, but has the appendage of a chancel, and the still more advanced addition of a circular east-end. In further proof that the simple oblong form, was that of the earliest churches in England as well as in Ireland, the ancient Oratories of Cornwall may be adduced. For a careful investigation of these interesting specimens of early christian architecture we are greatly indebted to the researches of the Rev. W. Haslem, as detailed in an able paper of vol. 2, of the Archaeological Journal. The ground plans there given of the Cornish Oratories have a striking resemblance to that of the nave of the ancient church at Rising, by separating which from the general ground plan, we shall have a very good idea of the form of our most ancient stone churches. The author trusts he need not apologize to the reader for these lengthened preliminary remarks, as in the present state of ecclesiology, every writer is bound to offer a good reason for an assertion, or even a conjecture as to the date of a building, as well as for every theory he may offer thereon, and such reasons should be the result of the most careful ex- amination and comparison. The writer feels greatly indebted to G. Petrie, Esq., for the information gleaned from his most admirable work on the Round Towers of Ireland, and to the Rev, W. Haslem, for his excellent and judicious investiga- TO FACE PAGE 6. Note. — On the very eve of the completion of this work, an opportunity has for- tunately been afforded for further investigation as to the Saxon origin of this rare structure; Mrs. Howard having permitted an excavation to be made on the north and east sides of the building, it is clearly shown that the church is more ancient than the mound, which was evidently thrown up against the north wall. The section of the mound is very interesting, it has exposed at the base about two feet of bowlder stones, thrown in as a sort of foundation, above this a mass of some twelve feet of sea sand, the ordinary soil of the vicinity, and at top a shallow siuface of vegetable soil. The only doubtful point is the want of the exterior splay of the windows, supposed to be a character- istic of Saxon Architecture, but an instance of this variation occurs also in a window considered to be Saxon in Brixworth Church, Northamptonshire, with this exception, the whole mass of evidence is in favour of the early origin assigned to this chiu-ch by Mr. Salvin, Mr. Hadfield and other practical ar- chitects who have examined it. The exposure of the north wall shows that the exterior has been plastered, which is another feature of works supposed to be Saxon : and on a careful examination I found many instances in the interior of the style of masonry called long and short work, at the angles of the walls. There are no external buttresses, but at the west end of the nave we have two internal ones. W. T. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 7 tion of the ancient Cornish Oratories, and hopes by a care- fully illustrated essay on the ruined church at Rising, to do for that place an humble service, such as they have done on a larger scale for the places to which their acceptable labours have been devoted. We proceed to our details. — The ground plan gives aiSabt, ©]banal, and well defined ^acrarium, the latter raised eighteen inches above the level of the nave and chancel, and affording a very early example of careful attention to this Catholic arrangement of a church, an arrangement which every archi- tect who values his reputation should well consider when de- signing, as no beauty of detail will ever compensate for the violation of this great principle. ®]&e i^abe is 41 feet 3^ inches in length, by 19 feet 9 inches in width at the west-end, which differs slightly from the measurement at the east-end. There are door-ways on the north and south-sides near the west-end of the nave, and between them stands the base of the Jpont, 2 feet 3 inches square, with an aperture for the drain. During the recent repairs of the parish church, Mr. Hadfield, an ecclesiastical architect, who visited it at that time, discovered that the shaft of the font now in use is formed of the font originally used in the earlier church now under consideration. Here we have an instance of care for the presei-vation of a consecrated vessel, that cries shame on those who have desecrated so many of our ancient baptismal fonts to baser uses, when supplying their places with the meagre marble basins so common in the 1 7th. century. The nave is surrounded by a stone seat 18 inches in breadth, the walls are 3 feet 2 inches in thickness, but there are not sufficient remains of them to show what windows gave light to the nave. At the east-end of the nave, an opening 8 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 9 feet 3 inches wide, gives the width of the chancel arch ; passing which, we enter ^i)f ^Sancel, which is 13 feet 4 inches in width, by 12 feet 10 inches in length: the light was from a deeply splayed win- dow on the south-side, the exterior opening being but 1 foot in diameter gradually widening to 7 feet 3 inches on the in- side. A stone seat 18 inches wide is built on the south and west-sides; on the east-side is an opening corresponding with that at the west, this leads to '^fit ^bacrarium, or third division of the church, the length of which is 15 feet 1 inch, and the width 13 feet 4 inches at the point where the apsidal termination conunences ; by referring to the ground plan it will be seen that this division is rather wider at the east-end than at the west. The floor here is elevated 18 inches above the level of the nave and chancel, and the elevation shows the spot where erst the sa- cred mysteries of the Eucharistic rites were solemnized. Two small windows, one on the east and one on the north side, shed a calm light on the altar, through small openings of but 5 inches diameter; these appear to have been glazed. The whole length of the interior from west to east, is 76 feet 8 inches. The walls of the nave are 3 feet 2 inches in thickness, those of the chancel 3 feet 7^ inches. The materials of the building are rubble, formed of car- stone in large and small blocks, mixed with bricks, said to be Eoman. It is worthy of observation that the walls of the sacrarium, are formed of smaller stones, laid with much greater care than those of the other parts of the church. The whole of the materials differ from those used in the building of either the castle or parish church, and are such as are found in the neighbourhood. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. Sincerely we hope that this christian relic may remain uninjured for many generations, to show in after times, when perhaps cathedrals and churches far surpassing our best con- ceptions may grace the land, one of the simple but correctly formed structures, in which the first prayers of the primitive worshippers of Christian England were offered. The County of Norfolk is rich in architectural remains of the Norman era ; at Castleacre we have the magnificent ruins of a conventual church of cathedral-like dimensions ; at Bawsey we have the roofless ruins of a parish church, the mouldering walls of which, serve but to shelter the flocks of the neighbouring farm from scorching sun or chilling winds; doorways, fonts, and other isolated fragments are found in abundance in the churches of the villages bordering upon Rising : at Sharnbourne, in a little unimportant looking church, the exterior of which would scarcely invite inspec- tion, is a font that has not a rival in the county, perhaps not in England; at South Wootton church we have another only second to it, and at Castle Rising we have a parish church affording a splendid example of the architecture of this period, and this happily is not a ruin, but a carefully and faithfully restored fabric that in all probability will stand firm, when many of the feeble efforts of modem church builders, will have fallen to decay. The lordly founders of the neighbouring castle, when they raised its proud walls, did well in erecting also a church sur- passing it in beauty, they chose a rising spot of ground as best adapted for their purpose, but that ground was hallowed, the little Saxon church stood there, and even the proud Nor- mans with all their hatred to their Saxon predecessors, did not dare to destroy that building till they had provided ano- ther and more beautiful house, to the altar of which they probably conveyed the relics from the former one, and to B 10 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. which they removed the baptismal font ; but even this careful proceeding would scarcely reconcile the descendants of the early converts, to the loss of that more simple building where their forefathers sung the canticles, and they themselves re- ceived the sacred sign of Christianity. We have spoken of the Castle and of the Church as works proceeding simultaneously, it matters little then, which we describe first ; let us previously glance at the page of history to refresh our memories as to the events that probably led to their erection. The Norman Conqueror, though he proudly triumphed in the field of Hastings, overpowering the English in distant combat by the superior skill of his practised bowmen, had been taught on nearer approach, that neither stout hearts nor sturdy arms were wanting to wield the English bill, want of discipline and a knowledge of the Norman mode of warfare were the weak points, that led to the overthrow of the Eng- lish army. William knew the men he had to deal with ; he felt that he had subdued, but he was not sure that he had conquered them ; he knew that the forces he had raised for the attack upon England had left him exposed to rebellion at home, and he felt that some step must be taken to prevent insurrec- tion among his newly acquired subjects ; to effect this, he parcelled off the land as rewards to his followers, who to de- fend their possessions, raised the numerous strong-holds, that are now scattered in ruins over the British Isles ; thus, by giving them an interest in the soil, did William make his chieftains guardians of the territories he had conquered. The galling yoke of captivity sits painfully on the necks of a con- quered people, so it was with England, and succeeding events showed the wisdom of the conqueror's measures. In this distribution of lands, the domains of Kising fell to ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 11 the share of Odo, bishop of Bayeux, in Normandy, half bro- ther to William — Odo held them at the time of the great survey in 1085. The former possessor of them v/as Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, who forfeited them with his other possessions, for his resistance to the Norman Conqueror. They then consisted of " three carucates of land, held by twelve villains and thirty-eight borderers, three servi, and fourteen acres of meadow, two carucates in demean, and two amongst the tenants, and seven socmen had twenty-four acres of land, to whom there always belonged one carucate ; there were three mills, twelve salt pits, or salt works, and a fishery, and three socmen held sixty acres of land, with one carucate, and one socman, sixty acres and one carucate, and twenty- six borderers, one carucate and eight acres of meadow, one mill and one salt pit." The presence of William being required in Normandy, where a spirit of insurrection had arisen, he appointed a regency for the government of his newly acquired English dominions, during his absence. Odo, who then possessed the manor of Kising, was a member of this regency, which, dur- ing the absence of William, became oppressive, in conse- quence of which the English rebelled, this caused the return of William whose presence soon quieted them, but the hearts of the people were still bent on restoring their ancient line of monarchy, this led to frequent insurrections, to guard against which, fortification and castle building now became pretty general. Rapin states that this Odo, during the fifteen or sixteen years of his residence in England, became so rich that he thought himself equal to the purchase of the Papacy to which he aspired, and to this end he bought a stately palace at Rome, to which he designed to carry all his treasures, and having provided ships for the purpose, was about to embark, when his plans were frustrated by William, who seized him. 12 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. with his own hands, his officers hesitating to do so out of respect to the Bishop's high calhng, the privileges of which he pleaded in vain to William, who made him prisoner, not as Bishop, but as Earl of Kent, and confiscated his effects. It was with difficulty that William, even on his death bed, was prevailed upon to release Odo, he having sworn never to do so, but at the earnest entreaty of the Bishop's friends he at last yielded to their importunities and released him. It appears that he was re-instated in his possessions, for we find that early in the next reign, Odo was deprived of the manor of Rising together with his other possessions, he hav- ing espoused the cause of Robert, Duke of Normandy, the Conqueror's eldest son, who claimed the crown of England by right of hereditary succession, in opposition to William Rufus, the reigning monarch. The manor was then given to William D' Albini, the king's butler, he was the son of Roger D'Albini, and Amicia de Montbray or Mowbray his wife, and ancestor of the Earls of Sussex and Arundel, he married Maud, daughter of Roger Bigod, ancestor of the Earls of Norfolk ; with Maud he had ten knights' fees in Norfolk. From this marriage came that William D'Albini, who so gallantly signalized himself in the battle of Tinchebray, 1106, and was created by Henry I., Earl of Sussex. Boger D'Albini of ====: Amicia de Mowbray. Normandy. William D'Albini, ] Maud, daughter of The King's Butler. I j Boger Bigod. L"*' of Bising Manor, j I William D'Albini, \ — Adeliza Dowager Queen of Earl of Sussex. Henry I. William D'Albini. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 13 This latter William had for his seal "Gules a lion rampant or," which bearing had proudly distinguished his father's banner in the battle field of Tinchebray. William D'Albini, the king's butler, founded the abbey at Wymondham, 1130, for his own and wife's souls, and those of his ancestors, he also endowed it with various possessions, and at the burial of his wife Maud, he further confirmed to the monks there, for the benefit of his soul, and those of Henry, king of England, and Adeliza his wife, and their ancestors, &c. ; all Happisburgh, whatsoever, church and all, (except Ansgot the chamberlain's land, and a hamlet called Eccles), and this he did because it was of her inheritance; and he gave the convent possession on her burial day, by delivering them a cross of silver for their use, in which were many precious relics, as a piece of the wood of the holy cross, of the manger our Lord lay in, of the holy sepulchre ; and also his gold ring, and a silver cup in the shape of a sphere, of excellent workmanship, in which to keep the holy eu- charist ; all which he offered upon the altar, by the hands of bishop Ebrard, just at the end of the litany, and as the bishop was going to celebrate mass for the soul of Henry's queen. The remains of this William, and of several of his sons, were buried before the altar of Wymondham church. The following interesting account of the exhumation of the bodies of Maud D'Albini and her infant child, has been kindly communicated to the author, by the Rev. J. F. Franck- lin, who was present on that occasion. " In the year 1832 or 1833, while the ground in the ruined chancel of the priory church at Wymondham was being levelled, a leaden coffin, together with a very small one of the same material, was dis- covered under the spot on which the high altar formerly stood. On its being opened in the presence of the church- wardens and the principal inhabitants of the place, the body 14 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RiSlI^(Ji of a female in a very perfect state of preservation was ex- posed to view, the features were strikingly handsome even in death, the hair of the head, of a deep auburn colour, had been cut off and was tied in a loose knot round the neck, the eye was found to retain its vitreous humour, and the body, excepting the left foot, which was somewhat decom- posed, appeared on dissection, like an adipose substance of whitish colour. It was enveloped in sere cloth from head to foot. Mr. Dalrymple, of Norwich, surgeon, who was present, opened the body and clearly ascertained that the deceased died in child-birth. The small coffin was likewise opened, and it was found to contain the skeleton of an infant. This coffin was completely filled with cummin seeds, which were taken by many of the bye-standers, some of whom planted the seeds, and they were found to be as vigorous as seeds of a year old. The coffins were shortly afterwards closed up and buried in the present church at Wymondham." We have now reached that period of time when the castle was probably built ; a glance at this structure with its bold outworks will be sufficient to convince us, that Rising must then have presented a busy scene — there were the free-ma- sons of the church engaged at one spot in the hallowed work of erecting that house of prayer which is now the parish church, and of which St. Lawrence is the patron saint. Ano- ther set of masons were perhaps busied in building the castle, a massive structure, combining strength with elegantly finished detail : swarms of labourers with barrows, spades and mattocks, forming the outwork, hollowing the moat, and throwing up the castle mound, all which works there is good reason to suppose proceeded simultaneously. Before entering upon the description of the castle, the writer feels that he need scarcely apologize for the insertion of the following elegant and highly poetic impromptu, hitherto ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 15 unpublished, which was written by the late Rev. T. E. Han- kinson, at the request of a lady on the occasion of a visit to Rising Castle. " But my soul wanders ;— I demand it back, To meditate amid decay, and stand A ruin amid liins." — Childe Harold — Cant, iv., Stanz. xxv. I gazed upon the shattered wall Of yonder castle grey. Where wild flowers weave a coronal For the forehead of decay : And I thought, how once, to the sunny sky, The hon-banner, hung on high. Rolled forth its proud embroidery. O'er chiefs of former day ; And how, of yore the wassail shout From tower and fosse rung gaily out. Where knights and squires, in mingled rout. Poured forth their glad array. And such, I said, the victim seems. Who led by fancy's meteor gleams Danced on through pleasure's faery dreams, Nor asked a surer guide ; But poured in one tempestuous burst His high-bom feeling, fondly nurst, 'Mid scenes the brightest and the first Of passion and of pride : — And then upon the eye of youth Dawns the chill stern unbending truth; And then the spirit's haughty wings Drop from their high imaginings ; — And fade those visionary things. From fancy's pencil caught ; — And wan Despair with sallow cheek. Smiles ghastly o'er the prostrate wreck. And scarcely leaves a flower, to deck The ruin she hath wrought. 16 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. And is this all ? — I gazed again, — The Sun was sinking in the main. Shedding his last, — ^his loveliest light From his car of chrysolite ; While to keep and tower were given All the pensive hues of even : Oh how soft the lustre falls On the touched and mellowed walls. With a mild and chastened splendour. So inimitably tender ! — And *tis thus with the ruin, — The ruin in the breast. That wrought its own undoing, — And sleeps, — ^but not in rest : Perchance when pass away The charms, that earth had given. Lingers one last, lone, lovely ray ; — But that too smiles from heaven. Castle Rising, T. E. H. Nov. 27, 1828. The style of architecture displayed in the castle, evidently ranks it as a work of the middle of the twelfth century ; in such case William D'Albini, first Earl of Sussex, was proba- bly its founder, and if so Kising Castle would early attain the dignity of a royal residence, as this William married the dowager Queen of King Henry the first. Before we enter upon its history, we will first introduce the reader to the roofless ruins of this time-worn structure, time-worn it is, but its massive walls have suffered more from intentional in- juries than the decay of age — walls nine feet in thickness, well squared stones, and cement, like stone itself, were the time-defying materials with which the men of bygone days were wont to build their castles, and such were the materials. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 17 and such was the solidity of Rising Castle, of which the re- mains existing to this day bear incontrovertible evidence. Cfic (Bnttv J^allium, A large outwork thrown up for the protection of the approach from the western road, a purpose for which the bold existing remains show it to have been well suited, the area of the outer ballium was about eighty feet in diameter, it was sur- rounded by a ditch, with the scarp about forty-five feet, and the counter-scarp twenty-four feet high ; this outer ballium was also the defence of the only entrance to the castle, which is on the east-side. Cfie lEnttance to tit CTajstle is over a strong stone bridge of beautiful construction, about thirty paces in length, by eight or nine in breadth, part of which probably was originally constructed to lift up and let down. The bridge spans the great fosse, which is about seventy-eight feet wide. Passing over the bridge we reach This was the warder's apartment, and here in time of need a small band of guards could be placed to defend the entrance. Some idea of the mode of defending these gates may be formed from accounts extant of the fitting up of the warder's towers or gates of the city of Norwich, in 1342, when " Richard Spynk, a patriotic citizen, at his own cost gave thirty espringolds, or warlike instruments, to cast great stones with, to be always kept at the different gates, and to every espringold one hundred gogions or balls, locked up in a box, with ropes and other accoutrements belonging to them ; and also four great arblasters or cross-bows, and to each of them one hundred gogions or balls, and two pair of graphs to draw up the bows with." There is a very old, and probably a very scarce engraving, 18 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. which shows much more of this tower than at present remains ; the lower part is still very perfect, in the walls are grooves for the portcullisses ; and there are four stone recessed seats for the warders. A flight of stone steps on the south-side, led to the guard-room, in which was the ma- chinery for raising the heavy portcullisses, this apartment is now destroyed, but appears to have been standing when the drawing was made for the old engraving to which I have just alluded. • The annexed engraving, from a very faithful drawing by Mr. Pickford, shows the present state of this gate-way, as seen in the afternoon of a sunny day, a time when the picturesque beauty of this interesting ruin is greatly height- ened by effective light and shade; the same lights and shadows played over it centuries gone by — but how different a picture it would theii have made, when the jag_ged points of its heavy portcullis hung fro wningly above, andthe.trusty warder in his mailed coat was there, and when every object told of warfare and offends; — the warder has gone to his rest, his horn is silent, — a quiet shepherd passes through the ruined arch, and the bleatings of his sheep and the tinkling of the sheep-bell are the sounds which now tell of peaceful and of happy times. Having passed this tower we reach the court-yard of the keep, which is it forms a circus of nearly two hundred feet diameter; here stands the square keep, surrounded by the various buildings for servants' offices and other purposes required in the eco- nomy of the arrangements of a fortified residence ; the mas- sive keep is still in fine preser\^ation, but the minor structures have fallen to decay, only the foundations and a few frag- ments of walls remaining. A lofty mound surrounds this t J^ ~ TOWER AND -THE: KEEP', Lvnn. I'l^ili-rA c ^^- b_^-JThei^- &^S'on Hicfk Shv.at and J/Taylt-r; S.'J ames'Sl'. m-§- #■ » -• ^ # • »l f - ^^S=^?=^By »» ^^^^K-^ /- ^^^^^^^^^--=^^^=^^^1^ ^- -.-i _-,*- 1f*= ■RISING CASTLE. 2jJ.T>?« Ai ByJTAiH'^-Sh^.ff'ohSiiKi^ V/Taywi''. S'Ja.7nej-Sa-f^i-fm. #. Jii^' # ^►j» ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 21 erected prior to that period ; and the alterations made in the older castles tended also to give them such a character. As we advance in our history, events will be recorded, that would in all probability lead to alterations and enrichments in the Castle at Rising, to adapt it for a royal resident and for royal guests about the 14th century. With the exception of the groined ceiling which is of later date, this room retains its original Norman features ; it receives light from two windows on the east, two on the north and one on the south sides. The entrance from the grand staircase is on the south side, and on the west is the noble portal of the great hall or state apartment, (C) so altered is the appearance of this fine door- way by the conversion of it to its present purpose, viz, a fireplace, that some thought is required to effect even an imaginary restoration of it to its original grandeur. The arch which is semicircular, is highly enriched with zigzag, pellet, and lozengy mouldings. The bold and impressive character of this fine archway when it opened into a vast and stately hall, must have been exceedingly good. The vesti- bule was altered apparently in the 14th. century by the addition of a groined roof springing from sculptured stone corbels, on one of which is a dragon, and on another a rich cluster of leaves. A semicircular headed doorway at the north-west angle of this apartment leads to a flight of stone steps in the north-east turret of the keep. In order to render our description as clear as possible, we must now descend by the grand staircase, at the bottom of which is a small pointed doorway leading to the basement story of the keep, by this we enter a large apartment, the plain walls of which will not assist our enquiry as to its former appropriation, nor is it very important to particularise here, as the whole of the basement story or ground floor was usually the depository for provisions and stores, in the eco- 22 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. nomy of castellated dwellings. Passing through a doorway on the east side of this apartment, we reach that part of the keep which is immediately under the great hall, with which it corresponds in dimensions. This portion of the building •was buried in the accumulated rubbish of ages until the year 1822, when the Hon. Fulke Greville Howard gave directions for clearing it out — this desirable work resulted in the disco- very of the bases of tw^o columns which had supported arches, and a fine well sixty-three feet in depth, built with great truth, of stones careftilly cut to figure. The necessity for a supply of water within the walls of the keep will be readily seen, if we bear in mind that the whole garrison took refuge here, in case of inability to defend the outworks in a time of siege. The basement story received light, from loop-hole windows on the north, south, and west sides. At the south-west and north-east angles are newil staircases of stone, which led to the various apartments and roof of the keep. A doorway at the north-east angle of the ground floor leads to the staircase last named ; an ascent of thirty spiral steps leads to a doorway of entrance to the vestibule described at page 20, and a further ascent of six steps conducts to another doorway, which is the entrance to an arcade on the north side of the state apartment, to which it was open through a series of arches. In this ar- cade are the windows which gave light to the hall ; these are alternately of one and two lights, and there is also a loop- hole light at the west end. The window at the east end, (E) which is of two lights, is worthy of careful examination, being rich in ornamental detail. Near to this is a curious arrange- ment, consisting of three openings, by which for some purpose a connexion was made between the ground floor and the first story : the express intention of them will afford matter for conjecture, but it may readily be conceived that in case of siege, when even internal communication might be cut off". 1^ RISING . Upper Storey - Zj»^!Fui&/i^^7f^7avZiT'. 27S^7am<-s}Slred-. ^M{?. Wk ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 23 the means of conveying provisions or even information from one apartment to another, might be turned to considerable advantage. This gallery terminates at the west in a circular recess, formed in the north-west turret. Westward of the hall are two small apartments (F.G) with several recesses for lockers or cupboards : between these rooms a passage from the hall leads to a narrow closet in the wall with openings that probably answered the common pur- pose of sewers or drains. €t)t ^mt isioom, (c) Was a spacious apartment measuring from east to west forty- eight feet, and from north to south twenty-four. Deprived both of its floor and roof, it is difficult at this time, even in imagination, to picture the former appearance of this apart- ment; but certainly it once was just such an interior as Cattermole would have delighted to paint. Its walls covered with the rich hues of Norman decorative art, distinctly visible only in those parts that were illuminated by gleams of light falling upon them from the few small windows on the north side, the rest toned down into the repose of gloomy shade, effects harmonising well with the varied costumes of its early occupants. Trophies of antlers, skulls, and hides of the slain beasts of chase, cross-bows, helmets, and shields sus- pended on the walls, on one of which with crimson field is emblazoned D'Albini's golden lion, and beneath it sits the feudal chief, habited perhaps in mail, with surcoat like his shield, near him the lords of Hunstanton, Roydon and Wootton, who held their lands by tenure of " castle guard," and were bound to defend the three watch towers, with others whose suits and services were required at the court baron ; the floor occupied by hounds in couples and leashes — ima- gine such a scene, and you will then have an ideal picture of the early state of the baronial hall of Rising Castle. 24 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. On the south side of the hall was a large ante-room mea- suring forty-two feet from east to west, and fifteen feet from north to south : this, which perhaps was the principal apart- ment for ordinary use, received light from trefoil headed windows on the south side, and communicated on the east side with 'Eit Wommic CTfiapeU (H) The general outline of this apartment is Norman, but alter- ations and enrichments were effected in it about the time of Edward III. : we mentioned that such had been the case in the vestibule, and probably other parts of the building were also altered at that time. The arrangements of the chapel were quite in accordance with ecclesiastical usuage ; it stood east and west — at the east end under a bold Norman arch stood the altar, on the south side of which is a small recess, curiously constructed in the wall, this was the sacristy. An enriched groined roof over the altar is an addition in the decorated style of the 14th. century, to which period also the east window may be assigned. Whatever reminiscences may have been awakened by the contemplation of the state apart- ments of the castle, they must fail in interest when compared with the recollections of the probable events connected with this little chapel, where in early times the D'Albinis, the Montalts and others have retired to pray — where queen Isabella in her widowhood, Edward the III., his queen Philippa, Edward the black prince, and others of the royal progeny have bent the suppliant knee. The dimensions of the chapel are from east to west seven- teen feet six inches, from north to south thirteen feet. There are stone seats at the west, north and south sides. t!i:j&e ©uarK lioom* (I) A small apartment on the north side of the chapel is thus denominated, and from its relative position with the chapel. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 25 the Sally-port and the State Room, it is very probable that it was used for such purpose : the wall between the chapel and guard room is pierced with openings, an arrangement that would admit of the service at the altar being audible to the attendant guards, and it may be fairly inferred that this was the design of these openings, for it is but reasonable to suppose that men who themselves rigidly attended at daily prayers, would be careful to afford facilities to their depen- dants for the exercise of their religious duties. — Froisart says that anciently the morning service was daily read in every Castle ; and in the Camp, the Knights of old never al- lowed themselves to be absent from the morning service of the Church as soon as they were risen. The dimensions of this room are 12 feet 6 inches, by 8 feet 6 inches. — Adjacent to the guard-room is Cfie Sall|)=port (J) This is a narrow passage through the external wall of the Keep, on the east side, of only sufficient width to admit of one person passing at a time : in case of siege this would form the only way of egiess and ingress to the keep, as the other approach by the gi'and staircase would be barricaded by an accumulation of sand-bags, faggots and other obstruct- ing materials thrown in from above ; the sally-port might be easily guarded by a very small force, and could only be entered by a ladder from the exterior. Having thus completed our survey of the principal or state apartments of the Castle, w^e continue our ascent by the staircase turret at the north east angle, nineteen steps of which bring us to a short passage formed in the thickness of the wall, in which is the entrance to an apartment over that at the head of the grand staircase described as the vestibule. — We have now reached the third story of the Castle which was probably devoted to the principal sleeping 26 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. apartments, but the floors being entirely destroyed they cannot now be traced. Resuming the ascent by the north east staircase, nineteen more steps conduct us to Here we have a charming view of the surrounding countiy, which in the vicinity of Rising Castle, is far more picturesque and varied in outline than in the adjacent villages ; but he only has seen it in its best attire, who from this battlement has watched at the close of an autumnal day the varying tints of glowing sunset, — the evening western sky as seen from the Norfolk coast is proverbially beautiful at such times, but especially from this point it is glorious, — in the distance we have the prismatic tinted sky reflected in the ocean, — while nearer the red and safli'on hues tinge the landscape with a mellow and harmonious light, that must ever defy im- itation from even the best efforts of pictorial art. With playful brilliance o'er the slumbering deep The sun's last rays in dazzling glory sweep ; Here^ burnished gold its noontide radiance sheds. There, the soft violet its beauty spreads ; And oft^ with flashing light, each tint between Burst the bright glories of the emerald green. Above the setting sun, in splendour drest. In liquid fire imbues the flaming west ; Intensely bright the vast horizon glows. Till mingling ocean clasps him to repose ; Yet still reflected from the varied cloud The mellowed tints of solar glory crowd ; Soft and more soft, the ocean and the sky Unite at last in vivid harmony. Let US pause, the scene invites reflection, — how many generations have passed away since the first possessor of this castle, watched from its heights as we now do, the glorious sun sinking to his rest ; how many suns have set, how many ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 27 inhabitants of the castle gone to their rest, — changing scenes flit over the imagination Hke optic illusions of fading pic- tures : — the royal standard, — the banner of D'Albini; — the pennon of Montalt, are proudly floating on the battlements, — prancing steeds are in the court-yard and the hall rings with sounds of festive revelry — anon the picture changes — the standard is lowered — the mirth is silenced — funeral plumes are seen — a solemn procession passes through the warders tower, and the herald breaks his staff over the grave of a Lord of Rising — and where are the poor serfes that did his will ? — they too are resting, but in humbler graves. Having described the Castle we will now resume our account of its possessors. It was stated at page 16 that William a son of that William D'Albini who married Adeliza the Dowager Queen of Heniy I. was probably the founder of this Castle, and in the reign of King John, we find it was still in possession of that family; for amongst the rebellious barons who harrassed the latter days of King John, was William D'Albini Earl of Arundel and at that time Lord of Rising, and for his re- bellion it appears he was imprisoned, as a fine of one hun- dred marks of silver was paid by his wife Agatha de Trusbutt for his freedom, to King John, when that monarch was at Lynn, probably during the two or three days he passed in that loyal town, when, being hunted and persecuted by the barons, (as an old writer says like a partridge on the moun- tains,) he was received by the townsmen of that place Avith great joy, and honoured with large gifts, and in return for their loyalty presented them with the far famed cup which they to this day retain. The next possessor of this castle and lordship, it appears was Hugh D'Albini, who gave King Henry HL in his 1 8 year a fine of 2050 marks to have seisin of the Kings term of 28 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. his inheritance till his fiill age, for all the castles and manors whereof his brother died possessed, and of all the inheri- tances, of his uncle the earl of Chester and Lincoln; which al- so were in the Kings hands by reason of the nonage of Hugh de Albini : the King retained the right of presentation to the Churches until the earl attained his full age. — Hugh mar- ried Isabel daughter of William 5th Earl Wan-en and Sur- rey, the Countess appears to have inherited the characteristic benevolence of the noble family from which she descended, and the shield of D 'Albini was honorably quartered when graced with the chequers of De Warrenne.* Hugh de Albini died May 7th 1243 in the 27th year of Henry HI. Hugh D 'Albini dying childless his large possessions were divided between his four sisters and coheirs, Mabel, Isabel, Nichola, and Cicily. The lady Isabel relict of Hugh D 'Albini had an assignation of dower in these Knights fees,t held chiefly if not entirely of the honour of Arundel and Sussex ; viz. three Knights fees held by John de Buhner in Wooton, two held by Thomas de Grimston; — two by Hugh de Ver- ley ; — half a fee by Hubert Hacun ; — ^the fourth part of a fee by Thomas de Ingaldesthorp ; — ^three fees by Henry de Shelton ; — ^two by Giles de Wachesham ; — three and a fourth part by William de Brom ; — one by W^illiam Rusteng ; — one by Ralph de Ho; — ^half a fee by Thomas de Hengham ; — six by Henry Tregoz ; — ^two by John le Fleming ; — three by William Aguillon ; — one by Wilham de Dive ; — one by Pe- ter de Hotot, and half a one by Walter de Cherlcot. * The armorial bearings of Arundel, quartered with those of De Warren, are sculptured on a shield on the gatehouse of the Priory at Castleacre. t A Knights fee at first was a Military teniu-e under the feudal system of Wm. the Conquerer who parcelled out the lands of the whole kingdom into portions called knights fees, for every one of which the holder was bound to furnish one soldier to attend the king in the wars for 40 days. A Knights fee varied in quantity ac- ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 29 A year after the death of Hugh D'Albini, Isabel his rehct paid a fine to the King for permission to marry to whom she pleased; had she followed her own inclination in this matter, by marrying without the King's consent, a much heavier fine would have been the consequence: she also paid a fine as one of the heirs of Joan de Beauchamp for a relief of lands. Out of her ample dowiy she devoted a very liberal sum to the foundation and support of an Abbey at Mar ham* appropriated to the use of the Cistercian nuns, which Abbey afterwards became very eminent and wealthy. It was stated above that at the death of Hugh D'Albini his possessions were inherited by his sisters and coheirs : one of these ladies Cicily married Roger Lord Montalt who in her right became possessor of the lordship of Rising. A lion rampant still graces the shield of the possessor of the Castle, Azure a lion rampant argent, is the bearing of the house of Montalt, and the family name is from a place in Flintshire, where Robert the grandfather of Roger Montalt built a Castle and had his residence. Not only on the bat- tlements of the Castle in Wales, and the turrets of that at Rising was the banner of Montalt displayed, but foremost in the ranks of the barons who in the time of Henry III. at- tended Prince Edward to the holy land, was Roger Montalt the husband of Cicely de Albini, (we call her by her maiden name, for it is a noble one) and one of the greatest barons of the realm was this Roger reputed to be. Roger Montalt had in addition to tbe township of Rising (the castle of which he made his chief residence,) a fourth part of the Tolbothe at Lynn &c. In the 28th year of the cording to the value of the soil — in Norfolk it consisted of about 480 acres valued in the time of Hen. II. at ,£'20 a year. * On the Manor which her father the earl of Wairen gave to Hugh de Albini on her marriage with that lord. 30 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. reign of Henry III.* he gave to the King three palfreys to have a partition of the late earl (Hugh de Albini's) estates ; and at the same time he had also a grant of a fair in this town, and a charter of free-warren. Tlie following is a liberal translation of a precept contained in the patent Rolls of the 28th of Heni*y IH. presei'ved amongst the records in the Tower of London. " The King to Geffery de Langlye Greeting, know ye that of the Lands which were formerly Hugh de ArundeVs and which have remained in our custody by our precept, we have assyned to Robert de Tattershall son of Robert de Tattershall, being one and the first born of the heirs of the said Earl, the Castle and Manor of Buckenham with the appurtenances and Capital Messuage and to John Fitz Alan the Second of the heirs of the aforesaid Earl who is in our Custody, the Castle and Manor of Arundel with the appurfs and the Capital Messuage. And to Roger de Somery who married Nichola the Sister and one of the heirs of the said Earl, the Manor of Barwe in I^eicestershire with the appurtenances and capi- tal Messuage. And to Roger de Montalt who married Cecilia a second sister and the fourth of the heirs of the aforesaid Earl, the Castle and Manor of Rising with the appurten- ances and Capital Messuage and the Homage of them we have in such manner received so that, to each of the aforesaid heirs should be perfected their portions of the lands and rents, a^ they shall be nearest (of kin) in the manors singularly ^ and that this should be done in our name. And as to the portion which the said John the son of John Fitz Alan should happen to receive we have assyned to you, provided that the land theretofore given in marriage of the inheritance of the said Earl should be taken in part. And thus We command you that the premises should be diligently fulfilled saving to the *• Blpomfield gives it in the 38th of Hen. III. which appeacs to be an error^ ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 31 {^ountess late the wife of the said Earl her Dower. And we assyne to her fto he retained nevertheless in our handsj the Manor of Blessington in the County of Kent, which is land of the Normans. Witness the King at Westminster the 27th day of November^ In the 29 year of the Reign of King Henry HI. the heirs of Hugh Earl of Arundel accounted for £76 for 76 Knights fees, on the aid for maiTying the Kings eldest daughter. Roger lord Montalt died in the 44 year of Henry III. leaving issue John who was his heir. — His relict Cecilia was still in her widowhood in the 52 Hen. III. at which time it appears she was in the King's hands, who claimed the power of giving her in marriage, she holding in fee £60 per Annum. John Lord Montalt son and heir of Roger Lord Montalt was the next possessor of the Manor of Rising, he was twice married, first to Elizabeth widow of Robert de Stockport, and secondly to Millicentia, daughter of William de Cante- lupo, there was no issue by either of these marriages, Milli- centia was a widow in the 13 of Edward I. and died in the 27 of that Kings reign. Robert Lord Montalt succeeded to the possessions of his brother John, who died childless ;— in the 52 year of Hemy III. Richard Hawardyn held one fee of him at Rising, and in the same year this lord refused the Kings bailiff per- mission to enter his manor, the return of all writs being vested in him. He died in the third year of Edward 1st when he was found to have full possession of all the rights and privileges appertaining to the lords of Rising, as a chase, free warren, assise of bread and beer, the lete, wTeck at sea &c. From Robei-t Lord Montalt the manor of Rising passed to Roger his son and heir by Isabel his wife. Roger married Julien daughter of Roger Chfford : he was impleaded together with his sei-vants on account of the 32 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. rights of his chase, in the 18 of Edward I. by \Yilliara Rusteng lord of Congham, for expeditating (cutting off the claws) of a dog of one of his villains, for which damages were awarded, Congham being found to be out of the liber- ties of Rising chase. He died at the age of 27 in the 25th year of Edward I. without issue in default of which his brother Robert became the inheritor of his large possessions. Robert Lord Montalt on his succession to the estates of his brother, paid to King Edward I. for relief as follows : viz. £25 for the 4th part of the earldom of Arundel. — £6. 5s. for the 4th part of the earldom of Chester. — £12. 10s. for two fees and a half held of the King in capite in Cheshire. — £10. for the manor of Kenynghale, in Norfolk, the manors of Wymondham and Buckenham held of the King by being his butler ; also he held the manors of Hawerden and Bose- ley in Cheshire of the King in capite, by the service of being steward to the earls of Chester, and placing the first dish on the table of the said earl, at Chester, on the feast of the nativity of of our Lord and Saviour ; the manors of Leston and La Lee, the moiety of Wrichholm in Chester, of the King, by the service of two fees and a half, and to find a judge to sit eveiy six weeks at Chester to try causes. This Montalt mamed Emma, relict of Roger Fitz John a baron, patron of Shouldam Priory who died 25th of Ed- ward I — His possessions were very large ; he conveyed to Henry de Cliff, clerk, the Castle and manor of Montalt in Wales, the Castle and manors Hawardyn and Neston in Cheshire, the stewardship of Chester, the manor of Boseley in the said county, the manors of Walton on Trent, Dere, and Cheylesmore in Warwickshire, £107. yearly rent from the priory of Coventry, with the homage and service of the prior, the Castle of Rising, the manors of Rising, Snettisham, and Kennynghale ; the fourth part of the Tolbothe of Lynn To face page 32. MONTALT'S PEDIGREE. Hugh. Norman, temp. William Rufus. Ralph. Roger. Robert de Montalt of Flintshire. I Robert son of the above Robert de Montalt. 1. Eliza- beth. Roger de Monta lt Cicily de Albini. died 44. Hen. HI. John de Montalt. died without issue. — 2. Millicentia daughter of Wil- liam de Cante- loup. Robert de Montalt- died 3. Edward I. Isabel. Roger de Montalt Julian daughter of Roger died without issue. de Clifford. Leucha widow of Philip de Orreby. Robert de Montalt. died 1329. -Emma de Stradsett. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 33 in Norfolk ; Cassingland and Framesden in Suffolk, with all their rights, privileges and appurtenances thereunto belong- ing ; which the said Henry reconveyed to the said Robert and Emma, and their heirs male, lawfully begotten ; with remain- der to Isabella, dowager queen of England, for life, then to John of Eltham, second son of King Edward 11. earl of Corn- wall, and his heirs : with a remainder to King Edward III. and his heirs, by deed dated at Nottingham May 8th. in the first year of King Edward III. Witnesses, John Bishop of Ely, the King's Chancellor, Sir William de Herle, Roger de Bilney, Roger de Wateville, Nicholas de Gonevill, and John Walewyn, Knights ; for this settlement the King paid to the Lord Montalt 10.000 marks. There are impressions in wax of the seal of Robert de Mon- talt, attached to several documents in the office of the town clerk at Lynn ; the bearing is a lion rampant on a heater sha- ped shield, which is suspended from the branch of a tree ; on each side of the shield is a dragon, the shield &c, are within a quatrefoil, and this again is encircled with an inscription as follows: s. ROBERTi. DE. MOVNALT. The dragons appear to be merely ornamental devices for filling up the vacant spaces round the shield, not supporters. One of the seals is annexed to an acquittance of Robert de Montalt for the sum of £30. 17. 4. in part payment of £500. which was part of a larger sum of £4000 recovered by his brother Roger (and due to him as the heir of Roger) in a suit prosecuted in the court of Kings Bench, in the seventh of Edward 2nd. A. D. 1313 against the Mayor and Commonalty of Lynn, for an assault which they, with the Prior of Lynn and certain others had committed upon him during his sojourn in the town ; it appears from the record of the proceedings in this suit, that in the alledged riot, the dwelling house of the said Roger de Montalt was attacked and broken open, and the said Roger de Montalt forcibly car- 34 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. ried off to a certain house in the same town, where he was com- pelled by threats to release all action which he had against the said Mayor and Commonalty, and moreover to grant to them the right of appointing a Bailiff of the Talbothe, and the col- lection of that part of the profits of the Talbothe House, Water and Port of Lynn which belonged to the said Roger de Montalt. — This very heavy fine appears to have been paid by instalments, which extended over several years, as the date of the acquittance of Robert to which his seal is attached is the 16th. of Edward 11. and the offence was committed in the 7th. of that King. Robert Lord Montalt died without issue in the 3rd year of Edward IIL 1329, on Tuesday next after the feast of the Nativity, and was buried at Shouldham Priory. — ^Two yeai's after his death Emma his widow sun'endered the above named possessions, with all her rights in London to the dowager Queen Isabella for an annuity of £400 per Annum, the deed of surrender bears date December 3rd, 5th. of Edward IIL a small seal was appended to this deed bearing two shields — on the first quarterly with a bordure — on the second the arms of Montalt, the whole surrounded by this inscription, S. Emme. de Monte. Alto. Soon after the execution of this deed, Emma died and was buried in the church at Stradsett, in the pavement of which is, or was when Bloomfield wrote, a grey marble stone which had once been enriched with a cross flory with Hons couchant at the foot, the inscription was then legible, and has been recorded by Bloomfield as follows : — ici. gist. dame. emme. de. movnavt. femme. de. deux. barons. diev. par. sa. pitie. aver, merci. de. la. AME. We have now reached an important era in the annals of Castle Rising, Emma de Montalt probably was a resident at the Castle two years after the death of her husband, the next ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 35 inhabitant of it was the Dowager Queen Isabella, who it ap- pears took possession immediately on the execution of the deed of surrender above named. The readers of english history will remember, that one of the early acts of Edward III., was to free himself from the power, and the nation from the disgrace, of the government of the dowager Queen Isa- bella and her guilty favourite Mortimer — ^the latter was con- demned to an ignominous death, and suffered as a traitor ; and the Queen Mother was deprived of her authority and the immense dowry which had been settled upon her (which is said to have swallowed up two thirds of the revenues of the crown) and put to her pension of a thousand a year ; — she was also restricted to a residence at Rising Castle, but still treated respectfully both by the king and his subjects . Her residence here could scarcely be called imprisonment, and it is probable that the thirty years of her life passed at Rising, included her happiest days ; freed from the anxiety of government, — ^frequently visited by her son Edward the King — his Queen .Philippa and the young princes of the royal family, and continually receiving presents from her subjects, she appears in her retirement to have regained her lost reputation, indeed it may be inferred that one of her first acts, in connexion with her history at Rising, bears evidence of her repentance, for it appears by a comparison of dates, that before taking possession of the castle, she visited Walsingham, — and may we not hazard a conjecture that she went there to offer at the shrine of Our Lady, that far famed oratory where hosts of repentant pilgrims in those days were wont to offer gifts of their worldly posses- sions, to obtain pardons promised in return. — That she did ga there is proved, by the following entry in the Account Rolls of the Chamberlain at Lynn Norfolk, among the records of which town it is still carefully preserv^ed : 36 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. " 5th of Edward 3rd 1331. Also for 2 Id. for sheep and to be had on behalf of the queen. — Also for two solid! for the carts to carry the queens luggage. — Also for 2s. 8d. given for the expenses of the queens Seneschal. — Also they answer for 20s. given for bread sent to Isabella the Queen dowager when she came from Walsingham. — Also for £4. 3s. 4d. given for a cask of wine sent to her. — ^Also for 40s. given for barley sent to her. — Also for 78s. 6d. given for a piece of wax* sent to her. — Also for the carriage of the same purchases 3s. It appears that immediately on the arrival of the Dowager at Rising she was visited by her son King Edward III. and his queen Philippa, who, with the various officers of state are mentioned in in the next entry on the account rolls of the Lynn Chamberlain. Also they answer for 46d. given to Ralph de Say and his valet. — Also for 4s. given to two of the kings messengers. — Also for 7s. 2d. given Gillard Sergeant at mace to our Lord the King. — Also for 3s. 4d. given to the queen's Charioteer. — Also for 6s. 8d. given to the queen's other servants. "Also they tender an account of 100 shillings given to the Baron of Stafford the king's Seneschal. — Also for 100s. given Sir John D'Arcy the kings Chamberlain. — Also for 40s. given to Sir. John Sturmy. — Also for 5s. 8d. given to * The frequent mention of Wax in old records of expenditure both for public and private establishments, will not appear strange it being remembered how important an article it was before the invention of the candles now in use. — It was used extensively for ordinary domestic purposes, and at most of the religious services, — in common use it frequently consisted of simply a square cake of wax with a wick placed in the centre, but for the services of the church was sometimes made into tapers of many pounds weight, especially when used at funerals, for which occasions sums are continually left in old wills, to provide large taj)ers, to be afterward given to the various altars of neighbouring churches. — The univer- sal consumption of wax at this time must have rendered it comparatively a costly article. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 37 the esquire and chamberlain of the said John. — Also for 20s. given the porter of our Lord the King. — Also for 20s. given the under porter and his servant. — Also for 6s. 8d. paid the porter for his fee. — Also for 6s. 8d. paid William de Hadham keeper of the king's falcons. — Also for 6s. 8d. paid Souch, Esquire of the kings Chamberlain. — Also for 3s. 4d. given the servant of the Queen Isabella there. — Also for 20s. given to the household of Walter de Chestehunte. — Also for 40s. given to John le Charrer. — Also for 28d. given to the servant of John le Charrer. — Also for 6s. 8d. given to Walter de Botele. — Also for 28d. given to the servant of John le Charrer. — Also for 6s. 8d. given to Robert de Lederede Sergeant at arms to our Lord the king. In the 8th. year of King Edward III. Sir. Robert de Morley by his deed dated at Swanton Morley in Norfolk May 2nd. 1334, released and confirmed the settlements made by his uncle, the last lord Montalt, on the dowager queen. Sir Robert de Morley was the son of a sister of Robert de Montalt and heir to that lord who died as before stated without issue. His seal bore, argent a lion rampant, sable, crowned or, the inscription sigillvm rob'ti de morley. In the 11th. year of Edward III. that monarch settled the reversion of the Manor and Castle at Rising, on his eldest son Edward the black prince, after the death of his mother his brother John of Eltham, earl of Cornwall on whom it was before settled, being dead and leaving no issue. In the 14th. of Edward III. we have accounts of another visit of the King to Rising, — on this occasion Queen Isa- bella sent her precept, dated at the castle, to John de Cokes - ford, mayor of Lynn, for eight carpenters to make prepar- ation for the reception of the royal party, and during this visit the account rolls of Adam de Reffham and John de Newland of Lynn mention a present of wine sent to the King. 38 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. It was about this time that the various alterations in the castle were effected, in the vestibule and the domestic cha- pel additions of this period may be traced, and if the state apartment had not been demolished, we should doubtless there have seen evidence of the love of architecture mani- fested by the accomplished Edward III. as at Windsor Cas- tle and other places too numerous to be here mentioned. The next visit of the King to Rising occurs in the 1 7th year of his reign, between this visit and the previous one he was probably much occupied with the Scottish war, and his disputes relative to the succession to the throne of France which he claimed, and the war consequent thereon ; but a truce for three years having been agreed upon, one of the first acts of Edward III. it appears was a visit to the Queen his Mother. The Royal Standard now waves from the bat- tlements of Rising Castle, and it bears the flowers of France quartered with the lions of England. The next entries in the Chamberlain's accounts at Lynn are highly characteris- tic of the pursuits of the King, and his love for tournaments, hawking, hunting &c. which in times of peace were his sub- stitutes for the more arduous exercises of enterprising war- fare, in which he also delighted. 17th. Edward III. 1343. "Also the same answer for £11. 18s. lOd. paid for meat sent to our Lady Queen Isabella. — Also for £3. 16s. Id. for a present sent to the household of our Lord the King at Thorndenes* on the first coming of our Lord the King to Rising.f — Also for 100s. for two salts sent to our Lord the King at the same time. — Also for 6s. 8d. given to John de Windsor steward of the King at * Probably Thorndens Suffolk, the seat of the Earl of Suffolk. t This must mean the first coming of the King after the war in which he had been engaged, as it has been shown that he had been at Rising several times be- fore. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 39 at same time (offerings) . — Also for 4s. 7d. given to the keepers of the palfreys of our Lord the King at the same time. — Also for 3s. given fp • cerotet . . eu falc ^ at the same time. — Also for 3s. 4d. given to the servant of our Lord the King taking the luggage, at the same time. — Also for 7s. given to William Fox and two of his compan- ions messengers of our Lord the King at the same time. — Also for 3d. for a horse being conducted by the messenger towards Rising, at the same time. — Also for 12d given to W. de Lakenham the falcon bearer there. — Also for 3s. l|d. as a present sent to William Storey Knight, and Richard de Cortenhale sergeant at arms to our Lord the King at the same time. Also the same answer for 12d. given to John Disarchis the King's Messenger. — Also for 18d. given to Thomas de Rouston the King's Messenger. — Also for 4d. given to one of the runners ( footmen ) of our Lord the King. — Also for 12d. given to the Minstrels of the Earl of Suffolk. — Also for 12d. given to the Minstrels of the Lord Bardolf — Also for 2s. 6d. given to different footmen of our Lord the King at different times. — Also for 20d. given to two Messengers of our Lord the King. It appears that the King and royal family on their way to Rising, visited the Earl of Suffolk at Thornden, to which place messengers and presents were sent to them from Lynn where they were afterwards entertained, either on their way to, or during their visit at Rising : their retinue was probably large, and in the Lynn Chamberlain's account we have items showing how the persons composing it were lodged, agreea- bly to the usage of the times, at the Monasteries of the town. "Also they account for 7s. 2d. paid for wine and spices expended on the household of our Lady the Queen, at the 40 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. friars. — Also for 22s. 6d. in entertainment of the household of our Lord the King in Quintagesima (part of lent) "&c. Also they answer for 4s. 3d. given the messengers and Minstrels of Queen Isabella. — Also they account for 2s. 8d. in wines sent to the queen's maid. If music had charms for the royal guests, there was no lack of minstrelsy, for there were the King's minstrels, the Town minstrels, Queen Isabella's, those of the Earl of Suffolk and of Lord Bardolf, and perhaps many more assembled. And sports and pastimes were provided, for there were the keepers of the king's palfreys and his falconer, and there was William de Lakenham the falconer to the Dowager Queen ; — and wine, one of the staple articles of trade with the good burgesses of Lynn, was not withheld from the royal banquet, and doubtless the loyal townsmen failed not to fill to the brim the Wassail Cup, which many years before King John had given them, and which to this day they religiously pre- serve ; and gaily the toast passed round to royal Edward, to Phihppa his queen, to the heir of Cressy and the other branches of this noble tree, and there were peals from the merry bells of St. Margaret's and sweet chimes from the steeple of St. Nicholas to welcome the King. Pass over another year, and again w^e find the King at Rising as appears from several letters sent by him, to Wil- liam, Bishop of Noi*wich, at Avignon, in the 18th year of his reign, to be presented to the Pope. The further we proceed in our history the less appearance we find of imprisonment in Queen Isabella's residence at Ri- sing Castle ; indeed it is clear from the following patent that she had another castle at Hertford, and was resident there in the 20th year of the reign of Edward III. when she ap- pointed John de Herlyng Constable of Rising Castle. The patent runs as follows : ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 41 " Isabella, by the Grace of God, Queen of England, Lady " of Ireland, Countess of Pontiffe, &c., to whom these pre- " sents shall come, greeting." " Know ye, that We, for the good and faithful service " which our beloved servant John of Herlyng hath long since " performed to our thrice dear son the king, and Hkewise to ** Us, have granted to the said John, for the term of his life, *' the constableship and guard of our castle of Rysing, and "to be surveyor of our chase there, he receiving of Us the " said offices during his life, every day 12d. of the profits of ' ' our manor there, by the hands of our bayliffe and provost " for the time being, wherefore we command all them whom " it shall any wayes concern, that to the said John, as to our " constable, guardian, and surveyor there, they be attending " and respondent in the manner as appertains to the said " offices. In testimony of which, we have caused these our " letters patent to be drawn." " Given at our Castle of Hertford, the 6th day of No- " vember, in the 20th year of the reign of our aforesaid dear " son the king." This appointment was afterwards confirmed by Edward Prince of Wales by his letters patent in the following manner. " We, for the affection we bear the person of the said " John Herlyng &c., at his request confirm to him the grant " which our lady and grandmother hath made &c., and be- " sides, in consideration of the contumelies and hardships, " the said John hath from day to day in the service of our •' said lord and father, the king, and being therefore willing " for that cause to show him more especial favour, We do, and " grant, &c. to the said John, in case the said castle and manor *' should come into our hands, by the decease of our said lady " and grandmother, &c. the reversion being in Us, the said " constableship, &c. to hold for the term of his life, &c." 42 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. ** In witness whereof, we have caused these our letters to " be made patents. Given at London under our privy seal, " the 21st day of July, in the reign of our said lord and fa- " ther the king of England, the 27th,and of France the 14th." King Edward also approved and ratified the said letters witnesses, the King, at Westminster, &c. John de Hyrling was a famous soldier and remarkable for his skill in maritime affairs, he had the custody of the sea coast about Bristol in 1342. We retrace our steps to insert, a little out of the order of time, a few more extracts from the Lynn Chamberlains ac- counts, relative to this interesting period of the history of Rising Castle. " Expenses. 7th & 8th of Edward IIL Item for 25 pence given for the carriage of gifts to the Queen, to Rising. Item for 2 1 pence for the can'iage of ballast or earth to the east gates, and for a hackney sent to Rising. Item for 3s. 4d. given towards the Queen's carnage and 3s. given for one " Pouch " given for the Queen's carriage." " Debts paid 8th & 9th of Edward III. Item for 12s gi- ven to Edmund de Bilney for Bitterns sent to the Queen, in the preceeding year. Expenses. Item for 26s. 6d. given for the expenses of the King and Queen when they passed over the water : by the hands of Lawrence de Fordham and Reginald de Sistem. Gifts. Item for 58s. given for Meat sent to Queen Isabella and for 20s. for Lampreys, and 8s. lOd. for wine sent to the same Queen. Expenses. 10th & 11th of Edward III. Item for 40s. gi- ven for gifts for the Old Queen. — Item for 3s. 5d. given for the expenses of the Queen's cook. 1 1th & 12th of Edward III. Item for 8d. given for the car- riage of one barrell of Sturgeon to Rising, sent to the Queen. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 43 Gifts sent, Item for 24s. given for Sea Wolves and Eels sent to the Old Queen : and for 12 pence given for the car- riage of the same. Item for 53s. given for one barrell of Sturgeon sent to the Old Queen. 12th & 13th of Edward III. Item for 13s. 4d. given for Wine sent to Robert de Morley, and for Wine sent to Our Lady the Queen, and for 2s. given for Ale bought for the Queen's men at the Friars Minorites. Expenses. Item for 9s. 6d. paid for expenses of Messen- gers to Rising. And for 60s. given to GefFery de Boures- yard for his coming to reestablish peace between the Queen and the Commonalty of the Town. Item for 8 pence given to the same GefFery the same time. Item for 3s. given for the carriage of Wine &c., sent to the Queen. 22nd & 23rd of Edward III. Expenses. Item for 9s. 6d. given for Garcoibz of our Lord the King when he was at Rising. Queen Isabella, it appears, was resident here in the 31st year of Edward III. when according to Rymer a safe conduct was granted to one William de Leith a Scotchman to wait on her at Castle Rising. From the numerous extracts above quoted it is clear that Queen Isabella was resident here for many years, and the last recorded date brings us down nearly to the time of her death, which occurred in the following year. There can be but little doubt that it was here, and not at Ry sings near London, as stated by several of the old historians, that the Dowager died. This event occurred on the 22nd of August 1358. It appears that the royal remains were not removed from Rising for three months after death, during which pe- riod it is probable they found a temporary resting place in the parish church, until the tomb designed for their final reception was prepared at London. The date of the Dow- 44 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. ager's death is correctly given by most historians, but the time of her burial has been erroneously stated by Barnes as on the 27th of September following ; no doubt however re- mains on this point, for there is extant an order from the King, given by letter to the sherriffs of London and Mid- dlesex, dated at Westminster November 20th., for clensing the streets without Bishop sgate and Aldgate, against the arrival of the corpse of his mother in London : and another order was given in December following, to the treasurer and barons of the exchecquer, to allow nine pounds to the sheriffs in payment of their expenditure on this cleansing of the streets. Queen Isabella was buried in the quire of the church of the Grey Friars in London, under a monument of alabas- ter erected to her memory. There were dark spots in the history of Isabella, but it may be pleaded in extenuation of her faults, that it was a dark age in which she lived, acts were then tolerated that would now be thought the extreme of licentiousness ; let us in charity hope that in her retirement she atoned for the errors of her more active life, — doubtless it was so, or how shall we reconcile the frequent visits paid to her by Edward's sternly virtuous queen Philippa and her children. On the death of Isabella the castle and possessions at Rising were inherited by her grandson Edward Prince of Wales, of famous memory, he with the sable armour, whose plumed crest told of valour in the battle field of Cressy ; — while this prince was lord of Rising, the Castle was probably guarded by a constable, — early inured to war- fare, Edward's delight was in the tented camp, but where he gained his honours, there he lost his health, he returned victorious but with a broken constitution, and at the age of forty six he died, and was buried at Canterbury, having had ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 45 possession of Rising Castle about eighteen years. This lordship was valued in the time the prince held it, at ninety pounds per annum as appears by an account of his revenue. The castle and manor, on the death of Prince Edward were inherited by his son Richard afterwards King of En- gland by the title of Richard II. who was crowned in the year 1377 being then but eleven years of age. On Monday after the feast of the decollation of St. John- Baptist, in the 2nd year of this king, Richard II. an in quisition was taken before Thomas Gissing, Richard With- ermersel and Simon de Fincham, assigned to make a true valuation of the castle and manor of Rising, with its appur- tenances, by the oaths of honest and lawful men, viz. Ed- ward Warren, William SefuU, John de Teversham, John* Salmon, William Lambrith, Sim. de Hall, John Boteler, John Pinchto, Richard Florys, John Sekelow, John Drye, John Seman and Roger Bately ; who say upon their oaths, that the lord's fields, pastures, and marsh lands apper- taining to the said manor, are let to John Salmon, to farm for the term of 7 years, giving 40 marks per ann. with the part of the Talbothe at Lynn, belonging thereto, and is let to Jeffrey de Talbothe, paying 40 marks per ann. to the king ; that 5 mills belonging to the manor, are worth, above all reprises, lOZ. per ann. that the perquisites of the courts, view of frankpledge of Rising, North Wootton, and Roydon, belonging to the said manor, are worth lOZ. per ann. that the rents of assises belonging to the said manor are worth 20/. per ann. that the sale of conies in the warren, of the said manor are worth 20 marks per ann. that the sale of wood is worth 10 marks per ann. without any waste or de- struction to be made. That there is a certain dovecote worth 6s.Sd. per ann. that there is a certain watermill in the marsh of the said manor worth 205 per ann. that there is a certain 46 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. water called Broades, worth 55. per ann. that the toll of Ri- sing is worth 405. per ann. that there is one meadow, called Werdele meadow, worth \2d. per ann. and several parcels of land let to several men worth 95. 2d. per ann. and certain water, called Wigenhall, which Edward Noun holds for life by the grant of Edward, late Prince of Wales, worth 8 marks per ann. that John Kadeneys holds certain lands and ten- aments in Rising, Roydon, and Wootton, for term of life, by grant of the said prince, worth 21. IO5. per ann. also there were certain knights fees belonging to the castle and ma- nor, viz. Roger Colvill, Kt. holds in Carelton, and Petoughe one fee, — ^Thomas de Latymer Clynal holds in Gissingland one fee, — Robert de Brokenhul, holds in the same town the 10th part of a fee, — Emma Wylot holds in Framesden the seventh part of a fee, — Ralph Holyday in the same town, the fifth paii; of a fee, — ^ John Winston holds in the same town the seventh part of a fee, — John de Inglose holds three knights fees and a half in Loddon and Stratton, — Richard, son of Osbert, the 6th part of a fee in Besthorp, — ^William de Rokingham, in Elingham, the fomth part of a fee, — Thomas de Hengham, in Baconsthom, half a fee, — John L'Estrange, Kt. in Hunstanton, Totington, Ringsted, and Holm, five knights fees, — ^William de Milliers, in Wymond- ham and Rising one fee, — Emma de Warren, in Wootton, three fees, Roger de Scales, in Middleton, half a fee ; and they say that the advowson of the church, &c. of Rising, and South Wootton belongs to the said castle and manor. The valuation as above, appears to have been made pre- paratory to a grant of of the lordship of Rising to John de Montfort, Surnamed the valliant, Duke of Britain and Earl of Richmond ; and to Joan his wife, in exchange for the cas- tle of Brest in Bretagne, as the exchange was made imme- diately after the valuation. In this gi'ant Richard II. desig- ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 47 nates Joan de Montfort as his sister, but she was not so re- lated to him by blood, being thus descended 1 . Thomas Holland^_ Joan called the fair maid of Kent __2. Edward the Black Earl of Kent I Prince. John de Montfort Joan. SO it appears that Joan de Montfort was descended from Thomas Holland Earl of Kent, the first husband of her mo- ther Joan the fair maid of Kent, which Joan afterwards married Edward the Black Prince father of Richard II. so that in fact the relationship was that of half brother and sister. John de Montfort afterwards became disaffected to the crown, and on his revolt was deprived of all English posses- sions and titles of honour, and among them he forfeited the castle and appurtenances at Rising, which he had possessed a- bout twelve years ; they then reverted to the king, and were gi- ven by him to his uncle Thomas de Woodstock duke of Glou- cester, sixth son of Edward III. About five years after this duke took possession of Rising he became dissatisfied with the conduct of the king and his counsellors the Dukes of Lancaster and York, and entered into a confederacy with the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, Marshall and others, who binding themselves by an oath of secrecy, determined to raise a power to remove the Duke of Lancaster and York with others, from about the king, with a view to affecting a reformation in the government : — but Thomas de Mowbray Earl of Nottingham and Marshall one of the disaftected lords and a party in the plot, revealed their plans to the King, and was employed to seize the Duke of Gloucester, which he accomplished by lying in wait for him in a wood through which he was to pass. Gloucester was too great a favourite with the people to be brought to trial with the other con- spirators, he was therefore sent as a prisoner to Calais, where he was secretly smothered with pillows and featherbeds.- — 48 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. The Earl of Arundel and several others were tried and suf- fered death as traitors on Tower Hill. On the death of the Duke of Gloucester his brother Ed- mund de Langley Duke of York fifth son of Edward III. ob- tained a grant of the manor and castle at Rising, together with the manors of Beeston Mileham &c. in Norfolk, which he retained about five years being possest of them at the time of his death which happened in the fourth year of the reign of King Henry IV. Edmund Plantagenet, the founder of the powerful House of York, was surnamed of Langley from the royal manor of Langley, near St. Alban's, where he was born, in the yaer 1341, and baptized by Michael, then Abbot of St. Alban's. He was the fifth son of Edward III., by Philippa, daughter of William, Earl of Heinault. In 1362, being then Lord of Tindal, his father created him Earl of Cambridge, and soon after conferred upon him the knighthood of the Garter. In 1376 he was constituted constable of Dover Castle, and war- den of the Cinque Ports. Upon the death of Edward III., he was one of the com- missioners of the government, during the minority of his nephew. King Richard II. In 1381 he was at the head of the army sent into Portugal, to assist his brother the Duke of Lancaster, in his claim to the crowns of Castile and Leon ; where, in conjunction with his brother he obtained a memo- rable victory, in which the Castilians lost ten thousand men- On the 6th of August, 1385, in the ninth year of Richard II., and not long after his return from Portugal, he was, in re- ward for his eminent service, created Duke of York. Nine years after this, he was constituted custos of the realm, du- ring the absence of Richard the Second in Ireland. And in the second expedition of that King into that part of his do- minions, to revenge the murder of Roger Mortimer, whom ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 49 he had nominated his successor to the crown, Edmund, duke of York, was appointed the king's heutenant ; who, faithful to his trust, endeavoured to withstand the usurping power of the duke of Hereford, afterwards King Henry IV. — On the elevation of the House of Lancaster to the crown, he re- tired to his manor of Langley, where he died on the first of August, A. D. 1492. He was buried in the friary at Lang- ley, under an altar tomb of alabaster and black marble, or- namented with escutcheons of arms ; which, at the dissolu- tion, was removed to the north-east corner of the parish church. On the demise of this last possessor, the manor descended to his eldest son Edward who inherited his title. This duke retained the lordship of Rising about twelve years, at the end of which period he was slain at the famous battle of Agin- court, where at his own request he led the vanguard, and fell on Friday the 25th of October 1415. His remains, which were found among the slain and wounded, miserably defaced, were afterwards borne to England and buried in the collegi- ate church at Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire. He left directions for his funeral ; by which he ordered his body to be buried in the church of Fotheringhay, in the midst of the high quire, near the steps to the altar, under a flat marble slab. In compliance with this order, from Agincourt's victorious plain. They bear the fallen hero o'er the main ; and his funeral exequies were solemnly performed by the archbishops and most of the bishops, by the king's order in the cathedral of St. Paul, the body was then taken to Fotheringhay and on the first of December 1415, buried as directed, in the choir. The direction he had given for his tomb was carefully observed : which is described by Leland, who saw it, as " a flat marble stone ; and upon it was his 50 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. image flat in brass." — He married Philippa daughter and co- heir of John Lord Mohun of Dunster. Richard de Coningsburgh Earl of Cambridge, brother of the Duke of York, the last named possessor of Rising, next held the lordship, — he held it but for a very brief term, for in the same year that he obtained it, he was concerned in a conspiracy against King Henry V. for which he was tried, and having cenfessed to the crime, was beheaded : — this conspiracy was the first spark, as an old chronicler has WTit- ten, of that flame which consumed in process of time, the two houses of Lancaster and York. The manor of Rising then reverted to the crown, where it remained till the 36th year of Henry VHL when an act of parhament passed, confirming an exchange between the king, Thomas Howard, duke of Norfolk, and Henry his son, earl of Arundel and Suri'ey ; they giving to the king the manors of Walton," Trimley, Falkenham, and the rectories of Walton and Felixton in Suffolk, for the castle, manor, and chace of Rising and all its appurtenances, with the manors of Thoi'pe, Gaywood, South Walsham, Halvergate, and Ditchingham in Norfolk, Donningv\'^orth, Cratfield, Hoo, Staverton and Bromswell in Suffolk, to be held of the king in capite, by the thirtieth part of a knight's fee and the rent of £26 per ann. payable at the feast of St. Michael into the court of Augmentations. Thomas Howard duke of Norfolk held the manor until his death ; his son Henry the earl of Arundel never attained to the possessions, he being attainted during his fathers life- time ; — it appears that towards the close of the fife of king Henry VHI. that monarch entertained a jealousy of the greatness of these noblemen, and determined on effecting their overthrow ; — accordingly he caused them to be committed to the tower of London and commanded a proceeding against ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 51 them upon certain surmises of treason : but the king being sick, and his end fast approaching, and fearing that the de- lay of a trial by the ordinaiy course of the law might place his victims beyond the reach of his power, caused a Bill of Attainder to be passed in parliament against the earl of Surrey, for being so insolent as to quarter the Arms of St. Edward in his escutcheon ;* which though a far fetched pre- tence, was sufficient to get him capitally condemned, and sentence was soon followed by his execution on tower hill. — It was a noble head that fell when the tower axe did its work on Henry earl of Surrey, and the king's shield was more suUied by this deed, than it would have been by dividing the honours of its bearings, with one descended from Thomas Howard duke of Norfolk. — He died much pitied, being a man of great parts and high courage, with many other no- ble qualities — his sentence was generally condemned as an act of injustice and severity. Very soon aftei'wards a simi- lar act was prepared against the duke of Norfolk, on some pretence or other, and with as httle foundation as the former, and the said acts having passed through both hou- ses of parliament, the king gave his approbation thereof by commission. The duke used every means to obtain the king's pardon, he wrote a submissive letter reminding him of his former faithful services, and requesting a full investigation of the charges laid against him, and prayed that he might be ex- amined face to face with his accusers, but thinking that no- thing short of the most abject submission would satisfy the * The right of the Howards to bear the arms of Edward the Confessor was de- rived from the marriage of the second Sir Robert Howard, son of the third Sir John Howard, with Margaret, the ehlest daughter and coheir of Thomas de Mowbray, first Duke of Norfolk, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of Richard Earl of Arundel. 52 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. king, he made, probably at the entreaty of his friends, a full confession "That on several occasions he had been guilty of high treason, in concealing from the king that his son the earl of Surrey bore the arms of St. Edward the Confes- sor, which did only belong to the king ; — That himself had borne in the first quarter of his arms, ever since his father's death, the arms of England, with a difference of the labels of silver, which were the proper arms of the king's eldest son, and of no other. That he owned it to be high treason by the laws of the realm ; and that he signed this submission without compulsion and threw himself on the mercy of the king : but the king was not to be diverted from his pur- pose, and immediately after the lieutenant of the tower received an order to carry the duke to the place of exe- cution on the 29th of January ; but happily for him the king himself died the night before, viz. the 28th ; and thus the duke almost miraculously escaped, Edward's council not thinking it advisable to stain his accession to the crown, with the execution of the first nobleman of England. The Duke of Norfolk's attainder was reversed in 1553 ; on pretence that all the necessary formalities were not observed ; he enjoyed his restored honours but for a very brief time, as his death occuiTcd the following year, when the son of the attainted earl of Surrey was by act of parliament restored to the honours forfeited by his father, and so became the next lord of Rising. The duke enjoyed a few years quiet possession of his ti- tles, honours and estates, being in great favour both with his sovereign and the people, and like his father, in the possesion of great learning and talent, but it was his fate eventually to fall into disgrace, and on the 16th of January 1572, he was brought to his trial at Westminster Hall, before the earl of Shrewsbury, ( high steward of England for that day ) and ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 53 other commissioners, who being seated Sir Owen Hopton, lieutenant of the tower was commanded to bring his pri- soner the duke of Norfolk to the bar ; then was the duke trought to the bar, the Heutenant of the tower leading him by his right hand, and Sir Peter Garowe by the left, and so he was placed at the bar, they still holding him by the arms ; the chamberlain of the tower, with the axe of the tower standing with the edge towards Sir Peter : while behind the duke stood Mr. Henry Skipworth, who after the duke's imprisonment, was appointed to attend upon him in the tower. Then the duke with a haughty look, and oft biting his lip, surveyed the lords on each side him : then silence be- ing obtained, the clerk of the crown said, Thomas duke of Norfolk, late of Kenningale, in the county of Norfolk, hold up thy hand, which the duke did very lustily, — then the clerk with a loud voice read the crimes laid to his charge : That in the eleventh year of the queen's reign he had trai- torously consulted to deprive her of her crown and life and seize the throne by the aid of foreigners. — ^That unknown to the queen, he had treated of marriage with the queen of Scots, though he knew she had usurped the title and arms of England. — That he had lent her a great sum of money. — That he had supplied with money the earls of Northum- berland and Westmorland, who were banished the kingdom and declared enemies of their country. That he had writ- ten to the pope, the king of Spain and the duke of Alva, desiring aid to free the queen of Scots, and restore the religion of the Romanists in England. — Lastly that he had sent sup- plies to the Lord Herries, and others of the queen's enemies to Scotland. The indictments being read the clerk deman- ded of the duke whether he were guilty of the crimes or not ? Here the duke requested he might be allowed coun- 54 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. sel, — ^to which the chief justice Cateline objected that it was not lawful. The duke pleaded that he had heard that Sir Humphrey Stafford in the reign Henry VH. in a cause of treason had counsel assigned to plead for him. To which Dyer chief justice of the common pleas made answer, that Stafford had counsel assigned him concerning the right of sanctuary, from whence he was taken by force ; but in the indictments of treason he pleaded his own cause : after this the duke yeilding to be tried by his peers, the clerk of the crown again said, how sayest thou Thomas duke of Nor- folk art thou guilty of the treasons whereof thou art here indicted, Yea or No. The duke answered Not Guilty. The trial then proceeded and the duke defended himself throughout with great ingenuity learning and tact, but failed to convince his judges of his innocence ; at the close of the trial he was asked whether he had aught else to say. The duke said I trust to God and my Truth, The pri- soner was then withdrawn, and the lords retired to consult, and after an hour and a quarter, it being then late in the evening, returned to their places on the scaffold and seve- rally pronounced the prisoner Guilty. Then the lieutenant of the tower brought his prisoner again to the bar, and the lord steward said thus, Thomas duke of Norfolk thou hast been heretofore indicted of high treason, and hast been arraigned upon the same, and hast pleaded Not Guilty, and hast put thyself upon thy peers ; the lords, thy peers, have found thee Guilty : what hast thou to say, why I may not proceed to judgment ? The duke an- swered. The Lords will be done, God be judge between me and my false accusers. — Then the axe turned the edge to- wards him. Then the queen's counsel prayed judgment, according to the verdict, and sentence was pronounced in the accus- ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 55 tomed form by the lord steward, with tears in his eyes. Then the duke said this is the judgment of a traitor, and I shall die as true a man to the queen as any liveth, knock- ing himself hard upon the breast, he said, I will not desire any of you all to make any petition for my life ; I will not desire to live, I am at a point. And, my lords, seeing you have put me out of your company, I trust shortly to be in better company : — only I beseech you my lords, to be hum- ble suitors to the queens majesty for my poor orphan chil- dren, that it will please her majesty to be good to my poor orphan children, and to take consideration of my poor ser- vants ; for I am at a point. God doth know how true a heart I bear to her majesty, and how true a heart to my country, whatsoever this day hath been falsely objected against me. Farewell my Lords. Then the Heutenant was commanded to avoid his prisoner, which thing was done. The Serjeant pronounced the com- mission dissolved, and the lord steward standing up before his chair, broke his rod in the midst and the people cry'd, God save the Queen. Amen. The trial ended, the prisoner was conveyed by water to the tower, — ^the iron port-cuUis of the water-way known as the traitors gate is raised, and another Howard passes through its low arch to his cell — ^but the execution of his sentence was long delayed, for says the chronicler. Baker, the queen was so tender of his case, that it was four months after, before he was executed, at last on the second of June at eight of the clock in the morning, he was brought to the scaffold upon tower hill, and there beheaded. The lordship of Rising, with the other possessions of the attainted duke of Norfolk, being confiscated, reverted to the crown, and Rising was granted by queen Elizabeth, together with the demeans of Gay wood, to Edward earl of Oxford, who 56 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. possessed the manor but lor a short time as the gi'ant was soon revoked. It was next given to Henry Howard earl of Northampton, brother of the attainted duke of Norfolk who held it till his death in 1616 : he died without issue. Thomas Howard earl of Arundel as heir to his brother next became the lord of Rising. He was grandson of Tho- mas the attainted duke of Norfolk ; and in this family it remained till it was bought by Thomas Howard, Esq. (one of the tellers of the exchequer son and heir of Sir Robert How- ard, Kt. auditor of the exchequer, sixth son of Thomas Howard, earl of Berkshire ) of Hemy duke of Norfolk in 1693. After this it came to the earl of Berkshire, as heir to the aforesaid Thomas Howard Esq : the earl of Berkshire dying s. p. it descended to the earl of Suffolk. From this period, down to the present time the lordship of the manor of Rising, has been in the Howard family. In 1 707 we find the gift of the rectory was in William Fielding Esq. and the Lady Diana his wife. — In 1740 Lord Viscount Andover presented to the living as lord of Rising. — In 1799 it was in the gift of Richard and the Hon. Frances Howard. In 1825 the Hon. Fulk Greville Howard and Mary Howard his wife were patrons of the living, and since the decease of Colonel How- ard, Mrs. Howard, as lady of the manor has the gift. Col- onel Howard died in 1846. and a brief but satisfactory me- morial of him is recorded on a monument erected to his memory in Rising church as follows : Sacred to the Memory of Fulk Gre\ille Howard. Born April 2nd MDCCLXXIII. Second Son of Clotworthy first Baron TempletoAvn some time lieut. Col. inter Majesty's 1st Regt. of Foot Guards He took the name of Howard when (July 7th MDCCCVII ) ^••^ CO X r^ :i CU ^ 5i ^ ^ l>^ ^ ^ 2 S ^''i c^ > C/J ^ ^ ^~ QJ (•! -d £ o ■^ r; ^ ro ■>s % o ^ ^ >_ "^ Oj r^^ l\ o s; s; 1^ ^ feo ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 57 He married Mary Daughter and sole Heiress of Richard and the Honble Francis Howard of Castle Rising in Nor- folk Levens in Westmorland — Ashstead in Surrey and Alford in Staffordshire at which place He departed this Life March 4th MDCCCXLVI in the 73rd year of his age. In him were combined acuteness of Intellect, firmness of Character and benevolence of Heart — As Husband, Friend, Landlord and Master, He afforded an example of the qualities which distinguish and adorn a Christian. This Memorial of His virtues and their grief is erected in this Church which He restored by a grateful tenantry. " If we beHeve that Jesus died and rose again even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. Wherefore comfort ye one another with these words. " Thessalonians 1st 4th Chap. Verse 14 & 18. Having thus briefly sketched an outline of the history of the lords of Rising, we will take one more glance at the ru- ined castle, — ^the annexed etching is a literal copy of Buck's old view taken in 1738, it shows that during the last cen- tury the castle has undergone but little change in its general aspect, the print is curious as showing the remains of one of the three towers, where castle guard was kept, which now no longer exists . If Buck has left us a faithful sketch of the surrounding country, the combined efforts of nature and art have greatly altered its appearance since that time, there is every indication that the sea once flowed much nearer to the castle than it now does, but whether so near as shown in his view, may be doubtfiil, except perhaps on the occasion of spring tides ; when according to the account given by Parkins, it frequently overflowed its banks between Rising and the neighbouring village Babingly. This print conveys but little idea of the boldness of the earth -works of the cas- tle, its boldly thrown up mound, or its deeply hollowed fosse. Many relicks that speak of olden times, are preserved in a safe in the castle, these have been found at different times H 58 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. when clearing the accumulated rubbish of the forsaken struc- ture. — ^There be cannons and cannon balls, bullet moulds and daggers that tell of troubled times. — ^There be spurs that may have goaded on the heavy charger, and others more suitable for the heels of gentle riders of ambling palfi-eys ; — and there are horse shoes of curious form, one with rings attached especially so ; — and then there are objects which speak of calmer hours, of sports and pastimes, as bells of hawkes, &c. Also keys, fragments of vessels of medieval pottery, portions of chain, rings, and tho' last not least in mterest the heavy wooden clogs and shackles formerly used for the punishment of offenders in the town corporate of Castle Rising. The cannons are of that curious form, where the charge is placed in a separate piece, which when loaded was attached to the barrel, so that several persons might be engaged in preparing, while others as rapidly discharged the guns. The Constableship and government of the castle appear to have been given to persons eminent for gallantly in mili- tary affairs, mention has already been made of the appoint- ment of John de Herlying to this honorable post by Queen Isabella in reward for his services. In the sixth year of King Henr}^ IV John Wodehouse oc- curs constable, who was remarkably famous in the following reign, at the battle of Agincourt in France. Ralph, lord Cromwell, was constable in the reign of Hen- ry VI. The said king, in his 27th year granted to Thomas Daniel Esq. the office of constable, keeper of the forest, chase or warren, then held by Ralph, lord Cromwell, on the death of the said lord, or on rendering up his letters patents, or any otherway, when they shall be vacant, to him the said Thomas, and to his heirs lawfully begotten, to recieve the same fees as perquisites, &c., as the said Ralph holds ; ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 59 dated at Canterbury the 8th of September. This Tho- mas was afterwards made a knight, and married Margaret, daughter of Sir Robert Howard, and sister of John, the first duke of Norfolk, of that family ; he is said to have been at- ainted in the first of Edward IV. but was afterwards res- tored in blood and possessions in the fourteenth of that king. In the 34th of Henry VI. Thomas, lord Scales, had a pa- tent to be the governor or constable, and was appointed to reside at the castle for its better safeguard. John de Vere earl of Oxford, who commanded the van- guard in the battle of Bosworth, wherein king Richard III. was slain, was made constable of the castle, steward of the honor of Rising, and ranger of the chase for life, in the 1st year of the reign of Henry VII. In the reign of Henry VIII. Sir Henry Marny, lord Mar- ny, was constable and had £13. 8s. per ann. fee allowed him, also 40s. per ann. as steward of this lordship, and £4. 1 Is. 3d. per ann. as ranger of the chase ; and 53s. 4d. per ann. for two under foresters, or walkers. The chase for deer, and the rabbit warren at Rising ; which have been often named in the course of this work, extended over a considerable district, one account states the circumfer- ence of the purlieus of the chase as 23^ miles and 26 perches. In the 39th of Elizabeth, great disputes arose about the bounds and limits of the chase^ between Ann countess of Arundel, widow of Philip, earl of Arundel, and William Cobb, Esq., Henry Spelman, and other neighbouring lords of manors, this lordship being part of her jointure ; and in the said year depositions were taken at Lynn, on the 26th of July, before Thomas Fermer, Richard Stubbs, John Wil- loughbye, and William Guybon, Esq. On this occasion a labourer named John JefFery aged 7Q years, and who had known the chase and wan'en for 60 years, 60 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. having resided all his life in Wootton and Rising, gave evi- dence and named the following limits as the boundary of the walks of the chase : viz : *' From Rysinge to Babingly MiU, from thence to Rattle- man's Lane, so to Hall Lane, so to Butler's Cross, so in a green way leading to Newton, so to Wades Mill, so south- ward down a way leading to Capp Mill, so to Pedders Lane, or way, so to Gatton, so to Hillington Bridge, so southward over the moor to Homeston, so into Ruston's Lane, so to two lanes, the names he remembereth not, so southward to Bones Bridge, so along the river to Weyvelinge house, so along the river to Bawsey Dike, so by the old river to Baw- sey water, and so along the river to Gaywoode Bridge. And further saith, that so much of the ground that lyeth in the towns of Rising, North and South Wooton, Ryfflye, Grim- ston, Wyvelingham and Rydon, are within the limits of the chase, and have been reputed, used, lett, &c. as parcel of the said chase. He saith also that the bounds and hmits of the said warren extend from Rydon, to Hall Hill, and so near to Rydon church, and thence down a way to Hillington Cawsey, thence to Querne Hill, and so to Wardyke ; and he saith that the keepers, &c. have at their wills, used to chase and rechase the deer, within the said limits, that in the 9 acres, there were burrowing a 1000 conies and diverse falls, that the war- reners have at their wills, untill now of late, quietly and peaceably hunted, hayed, ferited, digged, killed, and carried away such conies as bred and burrowed upon the 9 acres, Congham Lyings and Moor, and that the warreners always paid tithe conies thereon to the parsons of Congham, and he never heard any farm conies, to Mr. Spelman, or any other for the nine acres and Congham Lying : he saith Mr. Waller's grounds begin at King's Thorn, where sometime was great store of conies, and so southward to the said pitts, so to Hall ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 61 Hill, SO to the hangings of Goldsworthy hill, unto the south side thereof, and never knew it ploughed but by Mrs. Wal- ler : he knoweth the grounds in Mrs. Waller's occupation in Rydon, extending to Shepherd's Hill, with all Rydon Lyings and so to Skegaey Fen, and thence to Rydon Shrubbs, and so to Eleven Heme, called Rydon common ; and saith in both these places last bounded in Rydon, the warreners used like liberty as before in Congham 9 acres and Lyings ; and paid tithe conies to the parson of Rydon ; that in Wyve- ling grounds they used the hke liberty ,^as in other parts of the warren, without any interruption, untill now of late years : he deposed the same of South Wooton grounds, and of Great Cromer's Close, and Little Cromer's Close, both which lye in Ry singe." In the commencement of this book it was stated that Ri- sing was formerly a corporate town, and its high antiquity as such, may be gathered from the following report of certain commissioners appointed to survey the manor in 1588. In the 31st of Elizabeth, on the 1st of August, a survey of this lordship was made by Sir Nicholas Bacon, Kt. John Hill Esq. one of the auditors of the exchequer, Robert Bux- ton Esq. and Robert Shephard Gent: commissioners appoint- ed by that queen, to suiTey this manor, part of the lands of Philip, earl of Arundel, attainted and convicted ; who on the oaths of Henry Mordant, Gent : Thomas Winde, Gent : Tho- mas Spratt, Gent : Joseph Wright, Gent : and fifteen others present and affirm, that the town of Castle Rising is an an- cient burgh, and hath in it a mayor, and burgesses ; and many antient privileges, franchises and liberties have been granted to Hugh de Albini, earl of Sussex and Arundel, some time lord of the manor, which privileges have been heretofore found by diverse inquisitions, viz. First, 'Tis granted to the said earl and his heirs, his stew- 62 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. ards and tenants fi'om this time, to be quit and free of pan- nage, tallage, passage, payage, lastage, stallage, portage, pe- sage and terrage, thro' the parts of England ; also that they shall have a mayor, that by them shall be chosen, and be presented to the earls and his steward. They shall sell, or give their burgages to whom they will, without any gainsaying. If a burgess die the next heir shall enter into burgage without any gainsaying. The lord shall not have the custody or the heir of a bur- gager, but his kin, or next cozen by the mother's side. Their heyres shall marry themselves, wheresoever they like. If siesure of a burgage be made, it shall be by the bayHffs and keepers of the market. They shall take for their debts, in the town of Rising and without, as far as the warren stretches. They shall distrain no burgess within his burgage. If actions or strife shall happen between burgess and bur- gess, in the town, or without, the mayor shall have them attached, shall set them a day imtil the Monday next, and before him shall their tales be told and brought. If their tales happen not to be appeals of felony, or of a deadly wound, or such other as longeth to the crown. Also frill amercement in court the burgess that is guilty and hath trespassed shall make to the mayor, and that shall he present to the steward or lord's bayliff, and theyshaU do therein their wills. If the lord will have any burgess in his service, he shall find him reasonable expenses. They shall not serve to the hundred, or shire, they shall not be put upon assise. They shall not be distressed by bay leys of the hundred. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 63 They shall not be accused at the view of frank-pledge for answer, but he that trespasses for that pledge shall make amends. If the son of a burgess shall enter into frank -pledge, that is to say the lete, he shall not pay, and he shall have free entry into the common pastures of the town. The burgesses have grants of a fair, or free mart, from the feast of St. Matthew, during 1 5 days, and two markets in the week, Monday and Thursday. They shall give no custom in the market of Rysinge, of com, that comes out of their barns, or any other thing that they buy to their proper use in the said market, and they shall do no suit. If any burgess be a merchant, and put any thing to the market of Rysinge to sell, he shall give half custom, except bakers who shall give whole custom to the lord. Also they shall give no custom, or usage, in the havens of the lord in the marsh. If any burgess be summoned before the lord, or his stew- ard, his summon shaU be made by the mayor, and by no other. If the lord make his eldest son a knight, or his eldest daughter be married, then the burgesses shall give him rea- sonable help, else not. The servants of the lord shall not take the geese, capons, or fish, or flesh, meat or drink, at their wills, without leave of the burgesses, and without their consent. Also they shall have all their measures the same as in Norwich. That the warren hath been by the space of two or three years past greatly surcharged, the warrener being covenan- ted to leave for his view, 3800 coneys ; he has killed the last year 1 7000, and may kill as many, or more, his num- 64 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. ber for view being treble reserved, and by this the castle stock of 600 wethers is utterly overthrown, and the inhab- itants and tenants of the town adjoining, injured, which will be an occasion of impairing her majesty's rent, and the un- doing of the inhabitants, &c. and that by the increase of these conies by the warrener, and their breeding in the castle ditches and banks, the same are decayed, and the walls are ah'eady in part, and the rest are in danger of overthrowing, that the said banks and ditches are no parcel of the warren, and that the constablery of the castle is no part of the war- ren of Rysing, and that the burgh, and the closes belonging, &c. are also no part of the warren. Parkins in his history of Freebridge Hundred mentions an imperfect copy of an old charter, which he supposes to be a charter of confirmation, granted by King Edward III. at the request of his mother Isabella tbe Queen Dowager in the 18th year of his reign : it contains several privileges not mentioned in the presentment at the time of the above sur- vey, viz. The return of all writs. A goal in the said borough for felons and offenders in its liberties, to be kept by whom the mayor and burgesses shall depute till deUvered to be tried at Norwich, by the king's judges. . Cognisance of all pleas, as well real as personal, in the liberties of the said burgh. A pye-powder court. Not to be impleaded in any other court or assise, on ac- count of any tenement, lands or debts, whilst living in the said burgh. The mayor to be coroner in the said burgh and its Uberty, and to take an oath on his admission before the lords bay- liff, also to be clerk of the market. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 65 To have a tumbrell, pillory, assise of bread and beer, wine and all victuals, &c. scrutiny of all weights, measures, with punishment of any delinquents against the statutes therein. The burgesses &c. thro' the whole kingdom, as well by land as by water, as well in London as without, may buy and sell of and to foreigners, and natives, all manner of mer- chandise, &c. without any hindrance, and as the citizens of London do. No merchant or any other person, shall hinder or oppose any merchants, or others coming to this burgh by land, or by water, with victuals, or any other things to be sold, or to buy, before they shall arrive, under a penalty of Parkins in continuation says : " It is here observable that there was a mayor and burgesses at the time of this grant, and adds : — ^The oldest mayor that I have met with, is John Armourer, in the 17th year of King Edward IIL A. D. 1343. John Ward was chosen mayor, the 21st of Edward IIL The mayor was chosen annually the day before St. Michael but was not sworn into office until the court leet, which was held about All Saints' day. — In 1662 the mayor elect re- fused to serve the office and was fined £40. for non-compli- ance. In a petition to the lord of this manor, Henry Howard, Esq. in the said year, signed by Robert Buthoer, mayor, and 24 free burghers, and inhabitants at his request : " We do most humbly desire of your honour to be pleased to hold a court leet yearly, presently after the feast of St. Michael, that the new elect may then be sworn, and have some reasonable allowance for the time of his office, sufficient to countervail the loss of his time, not heretofore considered." There was formerly a burgh court kept, as appears from a large table of fees kept by the mayor, to which there be- longed a steward and a Jewry of twelve ; but this was discon- 66 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. tinued long before Rising lost the dignity of a corporate town, so also was an old custom and punishment of the clog and shackle. The above accounts of the municipal rights and privileges of Castle Rising, are inserted here merely as matters of curi- ous history, — the reform act has rendered them obsolete, and Rising now differs not from other quiet villages, except in the many memorials it still retains of its importance in bygone days; of these the parish church will next claim our notice. HIS structure, which within a few years has un- dergone a iaithful restoration, is an object of pecuhar interest to admirers of mediaeval church architecture. In general form the outUne is not pleasing, but this deficiency finds ample compensation in the beauty of its varied details, especially as displayed in the west front. The church consists of a nave, central tower, and chancel, and a great portion of it is built in the Anglo-Norman style, probably sometime between the years 1115 and 1 140. The following are the dimensions within the walls : Nave,. - - .62 feet 4 inches by 23 feet 9 inches. .Tower, - 18 — „ 18 — 4 Chancel, -.25 — ,,18—10 These measurements are given in the clear, add 10 feet the thickness of the nave and chancel arches, which gives 115 feet 4 inches as the whole length of the interior. Exterior." — The general appearance of the exterior is for- ,'mal and stiff, and the quaint looking gabled tower, as re- ticently restored, is a novel feature in EngMsh churches, so new indeed, that some have questioned its correctness as a matter of taste, but:Mr. Salvin, the architect under whose » m-''t ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 67 guidance the restoration was effected, gives the best possible answer to this objection, by stating that he had no choice left him, his business was to restore, and that he merely fini- shed what he found done in part in the remains of the original work. — It were well if all restorers would thus rigidly adhere to the original plans of the churches committed to their care, we require them for examples, and it rarely happens that they can be improved by deviation from the builder's design ; however we are least in danger of such innovations, when restorations are entrusted to experienced architects ; those best know how to appreciate the churches of our forefathers, who have studied them most ; and a thorough knowledge of the principles on which their architects wrought, is calcu- lated to inspire veneration and a sense of humility, in church builders of the present day. West Front. — In accordance with the usage of the An- glo-Norman architects, this, being the principal entrance to the building, is most elaborately and beautifully ornamen- ted, and it is doubtful whether another example so richly decorated can be found in any parish church, the writer is not acquainted with any that will bear comparison with it, whether as a whole composition, or on account of its varied details. — It consists of three stages ; in the lower one, which is plain in character, is a very fine door-way, with two rece- ding arches, enriched with zig-zag mouldings, and support- ed by detached shafts ; there is a small buttress of very slight projection at each angle of this stage. The second stage displays one of the most elaborate and beautiful combinations of Norman detail known ; it consists of a rich arcade of intersecting arches, with a magnificent window, of unusually large dimensions for the style, in the centre : — a multitude of words would fail to convey to the reader so good an idea of it, as one glance at the accompany- 68 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. ing plate of details will do, it may however be worth while to direct attention to the remarkable way in which the in- tersecting arches of the arcade spring from grotesque corbel heads inserted in the shafts of the colums which support the window arch, and at the extreme beauty of the spiral and lozengy ornament of those colums : if after having weather- ed the storms of more than seven centuries they are still so beautiful, what must they have been when first from the chisel of the Norman sculptor ? South Side. — ^The south door-way is plain in character, and consists of one exterior arch supported on detached columns, and one recessed arch for the door : the zig-zag ornament enriches the front and sofiit of the arch. The windows, which range with the arcade of the west front, are very plain, but characteristic of the period. The little cha- pel, shown in the view, is of modern construction and as such will not require notice. The Tower, which is gabled, rises above the nave, as shown in the etching which will best explain it. A beau- tiful arch on the south side of the tower, built in the early english style, is an insertion of the 13th century, when pro- bably a transept was added to the church ; the transept is now entirely gone, but judging from the east window which is of the same period, it was probably very beautiftil. The Chancel. — The whole of the chancel walls, belong to the Norman era, both on the north and south sides they are extremely plain, being destitute of windows, if indeed we except one on the south side which belongs to a much later period. The three lancet windows at the east end be- long to the 13th century, and wiU be described with the in- terior. A small doorway on the north side of the nave must not pass unnoticed, it has a single detached shaft in the jamb, Plate 1 . -i- NORMAN DETAILS .RISING CH URCH, NORFOLK. m # J%- t'^ ■^ # P • byWilIiamTaylo 4< ST J^AWRENCE'. CASTLE RISING. LynnFiMishecLly W^ T^Ur Z^S.'Jamo' ' Slrefl,. iSJ^. ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 69 supporting an arch enriched on the front only with the zig- zag moulding ; this doorway is smaller than either the west or south doors, and more simple in character. Interior. — Entering by the west door, the visitor is at once impressed with the solemn grandeur of the perspective effect of the interior ; he feels that he is on hallowed ground, the subdued light of the nave, with here and there a sun- beam stealing through the narrow appertures on the south, the rich hues of the eastern window, the venerable font, — the altar with its appropriate symbol, and the general or- derly arrangements, all combine in producing this impres- sion : let us examine them more in detail. The Font, is properly placed near the western or prin- cipal entrance to the church, its capacious bowl is richly and elaborately covered with sculptured adornments. — An interesting discovery was made at the time the church was restored, when it was found that the font of the Anglo-Sax- on church described at page 4 had, with a proper feeling of veneration for a consecrated vessel, been preserved and made to form a part of this, of which it is the shaft, so that we have in fact, a font here in use at which long before the Norman Conquest, the early converts to Christianity and their babes have received the gift of Baptismal Regeneration : it is worth the labour of a pilgiimage to visit such a relic : — and then, the font as it now stands, filled to the brim with pure water reflecting in its glassy surface the glowing tints of the western window, when illumined by the rays of the setting sun, is in itself an object of much beauty ■* but when we think how many generations have here received the moist impress of the sacred sign, how many lordly babes from the * The writer observed this beautiful effect on one occasion on looking down upon the font, from the triforium arch of the tower. 70 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. neighbouring castle, and infant serfs from adjacent hovels, have here met an equal welcome to the bosom of the church, we cannot but pause, and be thankful, for the stability of that faith which St. Felix taught, almost on this very spot, a thousand years ago. The nave is fitted up with goodly rows of open b enches, — no closed pew here presents a heartless barrier to the peni- tent, who comes weary and heavy laden to seek him who has promised rest : — happily the day is not far distant when open seats will not require a remark, closed pews are already felt to be a disgrace to a national church. The tower arch, at the east end of the nave, is bold and simple in its mouldings and ornaments ; the characteristic cheveron or zig-zag ornament forms the decoration. On the north side of this arch, in the same wall, is an al- tar still very perfect, in an arched recess of plain character ; at the back is a mural picture, executed simply in outline, representing the Crucifixion of our Lord ; it appears to be the work of a late period, and had perhaps proceeded thus far when some revolution in the church prevented its com- pletion : the outline is very beautiful, and the attitude and expression of the figures all that could be wished. In the north wall, close to this altar, is another recess, much larger than that containing the altar, and quite plain in character, this was probably an Easter sepulchre. On the south side of the tower arch is another altar, in a recess formed by a pointed arch, a century later in style than the altar on the north side : this alteration was proba- bly made when the south transept was built, and the east window inserted. — On the right of this, a pointed archway formed in the south wall, was the inlet to the transept, and now leads to a small modern chapel built on its site. Close by this altar, in the south wall, is a piscina, and behind the Plate 2, . ^ ^a. W Taylor Feed DETAILS EAST WINDOW "RISING CHURCH NORFOLK . 13 CENTURY 9?W' ."^ :NK». ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 71 piscina is an opening from the chapel to the altar recess, so formed as to command a view of the latter, by a person in the transept or chapel on the south side. Above the great arch there are three small arches in the triforium ; this exquisitely- beautiful triplet of arches was for many years entirely shut out from view, by a tasteless ceiling thrown across the nave. In the north west corner of the tower a spiral staircase con- ducts to a gallery running completely round the tower, on the west side of which a charming view of the nave is obtained through the arches just described. On again reach- ing the ground floor, and looking up, a groining, consisting of two diagonal ribs enriched with zig-zag mouldings will be seen ; and the beautiful semi-norman arch of the pointed form, leading from the tower to the chancel will not fail to arrest the attention. A beautiful monument designed by Mr. Salvin, has recently been placed on the north wall of the tower : it is erected in memory of the late Colonel How- ard — the inscription is given at page 56. The Chancel. — The north and south walls of the chan- cel are very plain in character, there being but one window, and that of comparatively modern date, in the south side. The triple lancet window over the altar, is the grand feature of the chancel ; this is a work of the 13th century : if any thing could compensate for the loss sustained by at all alter- ing such a church as this from its original design, it would be the insertion of so charming a window as we have here ; the details are truly beautiftil, whether we speak of the form of the arches, the light elegance of the columns, the graceftiUy flowing foliage of the capitals and bosses, or the richly sculp- tured characteristic mouldings, all are the very perfection of mediaeval masonry : the practised eye will at once discern this by a glance at the plate of details. — ^The east window has recently been filled with painted glass by Wailes, and never 72 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. has the work of this deservedly applauded artist been exhi- bited in a more beautif\il fi-amework than in this instance : the closing scenes of our Lord's ministry are most appropri- ately chosen as the subjects for this window, and the work was designed as a memorial of the rector's sister. The Altar is on a stage raised above the level of the chan- cel floor, and there are Sediha on the south side. We could hnger long in the hallowed stillness of this goodly temple at any time, but he has not seen it in per- fection who has not been present at a service : — should the reader be within a walk, even if it be a long one, of Rising, on some festal day appointed by the church for holy obser- vance, let him wend his way to St. Lawrance's Church, it will well repay him, and in after days he will have a pleas- ing recollection of a village church well filled with an or- derly congi'egation, he will remember the full response, the loud amen, the Canticles sung to Gregorian tones, — he will think of the well apparelled altar, and suitably vested priests, the quaintly dressed inmates of the neighbouring hospital, and the Httle chorister girls, in their gipsy bonnets and scar- let cloaks ; and he will wish that every village had such a church, and that every church was so attended, and that throughout the land the matin bell were daily heard, and the red letter days of our calendar duly observed. Leaving the church we observe, a few yards westward of the church-yard wall, remains of the ancient market-cross, doubtless at some time there stood a goodly one on that spot, for it was the custom of our forefathers, to place this chris- tian memento in the market places and crossways as well as in churches, to constantly remind the wayfaring churchman of his duties. — In the church-yard too, this emblem of the christian faith is found on several graves ; a far better device this to meet the eye of those that mourn, than the pagan de- ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 73 signs which so long usurped its place on christian tombs. — We close our account of the church with a list of the Rectors. In 1302, John de Cockermuth was instituted rector, pre- sented by Sir Robert de Monthalt. — 1309, John de Heydone, ditto.— 1318, Reginald de Thorp, ditto.— 1349, Hugh de Trykingham, by Isabell, Queen of England. — 1350, Robert de Congham, ditto. — 1355, William Rouse, ditto. — 1361, John de Rougham, by Edward, Prince of Wales. — 1377, John de Stalham, by Richard, King of England. — 1381 , John Brune, by the king, on account of the duke of Montfort's lands. — 1385, John Smelt, by the locum tenens of the Duke of Britain.— 1389, William de Fryseby, ditto.— 1393, John Symond, ditto. — 1398, Richard Hopton, by the duke of York. 1.416, John Ellyswick, by the king. — 1419, Arnald Ym- brede, ditto. — 1427, William Gameleston, ditto. — 1427, Richard Trever, ditto. — 1443, John Chapman, ditto. — 1448, Robert Ferriby, ditto. — 1462, William Hamond, ditto. — 1476, Richard Craneworth, by Edward, Prince of Wales. — 1487, William Dikkys, ditto.— 1491, WilHam Carter, by Arthur, Prince of Wales. 1506, John Toche, by the king.— 1509, Richard Ball, ditto. — 1530, John Lane, ditto. — 1545, Thomas Chanon, by the Duke of Norfolk. — 1 550, Richard Hammisley, by the king. — 1560, WilHam Goshawke, by Thomas Stainings, Esq. and Frances, Countess of Surrey. — 1568, Thomas Fairfax, by Thomas Duke of Norfolk. — William Davy, rector. — 1575, Robert Gray, by WilHam Djhj: and William Cantrell, WiUiam Grimshaw occurs rector 1606. — Hamond Bald- win in 1640. — Calvert occurs in 1662. — 1664, Samuel SHp- per, by Henry Howard. — 1665, Thomas Lawson, ditto. — J 74 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING." 1676, Matthew Bolton, A. M. by H. Howard, baronof Ri- sing.— 1684, Matt. Bolton by Simon Fox, Esq ; &c. ^ 1 707, Elisha Smith, A. M. by WilHam Fielding, Esq ; and the Lady Diana his wife. — 1740, Henry Loftus, by William, Lord Viscount Andover. — 1754, John Newton, by the Lord Viscount Andover. — 1755, Phil. Pyle, by the Lord Andover. —1 799, William Fawsett, by Richard and the Hon. Frances Howard. — 1825, William John Brodrick, by the Hon. Fulke Grevilk Howard and Mary his Wife. — 1839, Lewis Francis Bagot,- ditto .—1846, Charles Walter Bagot, ditto. CJe JgojjpttaL , Near the east end of the church stands one of those chari- table institutions, of which happily our countiy possesses many, where protection and freedom from the dread of want are afforded to the declining years of friendless humanity — The Reformation, among many abuses that required cor- rection, swept away many of the good things which existed prior to that great change in the church's history ; among these were the monasteries and other conventual buildings, where the way-farer could ever claim hospitable shelter, the sick and infirm relief, and the orphans protection and edu- cation : the want of such asylums soon became apparent, and in the reigns of Elizabeth,Edward VL and King James, the hearts of many good men were moved to provide a re- medy — if prayers for the dead were available, many w^ould rise to heaven for blessings on the founders of these houses of refuge for the poor and needy ; surely it would be par- donable if in the fullness of his gratitude, the aged bedes- man, while seated calmly in the porch of his little dwelHng, mentally comparing the turbulent past, with present repose, and fully conscious of the blessing of freedom from anxiety for the future, surely it would be pardonable if such an one, when thinking of the founder, thankfully ejaculated may he 4- ■n ^^ # >• I » # ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 75 rest in peace — however, if they may not pray for them, after generations will bless the memory of such benevolent donors. The Hospital at Rising was founded by Henry Howard earl of Northampton in the reign of King James I. a noble- man eminent both for his learning and virtues, and who was also the founder of two other hospitals, one at Greenwich in Kent, the other at Clun in Shropshire, he was governor of Dover Castle in Kent, and at his death was buried in the chapel of that castle, but in 1696 his remains, together with his monument, were removed to the chapel of the hospital at Greenwich, which he had founded, by order of ^he Mer- cer's company, trustees of the said Hospital. — In the 6th year of the reign of James I. Owen Shepherd, Gent, recei- ver of the lands &c. of the earl, accounts for £451. 14s. 2d. paid in that year to Richard Hovell, Jun. Esq. for building this almshouse. The endowment is on lands lying in Rising, Roydon, South and North Wootton, and Gay wood, and the trustees of the almshouse at Greenwich are chargeable with £5. every fifth year as a fund towards its repairs. The inmates have monthly 8s. each, and the governess has 12s. but on certain festival days ajppointed by the foun- der, viz. All Saints, Christmas, New Year's, Epiphany, Pu- rification, Matthias, (which is the founder's birth-day) An- nunciation, Easter day, Ascension, Whitsunday, Trinity Sunday, St. John Baptist's, and St. Michael's day, they have an addition of one shilling to the governess, and 8d. to every poor woman. Every year each poor woman (and the governess) has for their constant appareF a gown of strong cloth, or Kersey, of dark colour, and every seventh year, a livery gown, (and a hat) of blue broad cloth fined with baize, with the founder's badge or cognizance set on the breast, being a lion rampant, argent, embroidered. The 76 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. Governess is allowed two chaldrons of coals per ann. and the rest one chaldron, each. They are obhged to be regularly and constantly at the church of Rising on Sundays, and at their own chapel every day at 9 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, by the toll of a beU, where the governess reads prayers ; they are also enjoined to use certain prayers (appointed by their founder) morning and evening, in their own apartments, and not to go out without the leave of the governess. The qualifications required on admission are ; They must be of an honest life and conversation, religious, grave and discreet, able to read, if such a one may be had, a sin- gle woman, her place to be void upon marriage, to be 56 years of age at least, no common beggar, harlot, scold, dmnkard, haunter of taverns, inns, or ale-houses ; to lose their places if, after admission, any lands descend to them of the value of £5 per ann. or goods to the value of £50. To go to prayers 3 times every day, and to say the Lord's prayer, the creed, and a prayer ordered by the founder ; to go to church morning and evening every Sunday and holyday, and Wed- nesday and Friday. On being guilty of atheism, heresy, blasphemy, faction in the hospital, injuring, or disgi'acing the assistants, neglect of duty, or misbeha\dour in the perform- ance of duty, doing any thing to the hurt or prejudice of the hospital, is expulsion. The duty of the governess is to preserve the household stuff of the hospital, to take care of the sick, to cause the gates to be shut morning and evening at due hours ; to de- liver out the blue gowns, every Sunday and holyday morn- ing, and to receive the same back again at night. To ring the bell every morning and evening for prayers, to shut the gates at prayer time, to look to the reparations of the hos- pital, that not so much as one stone be missing either in ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. 77 the walls, or upon the hospital, by the space of a month, to keep the piece of ground on the north west side of the hos- pital next adjoining to the walls, and to preserve the trees, to keep her garden plot fair and handsome, to reside con- stantly there, not to lye abroad without licence, nor above 7 days (with licence) in any one year ; to give security in £20 penalty upon her admission, for the performance of duty, the security to be given to the mayor of Rising ; she is also to read prayers appointed in the chapel twice every day, not to permit any stranger to lye in the hospital, to dine and sup with the poor women in the hall on festival days. The offences of the governess, by the statutes of the foun- der, are to be certified to the earl of Arundel, or his heir, (who is now earl of Suffolk) by two of the assistants, and then the earl to take order therein, by expulsion, or other- wise, as he shall think fit. fsee Bloomjield's Norfolk J The building itself is not sufficiently interesting to require representation, all that need be said of it is, that it is in the characteristic style of an era when architecture possessed but few good features, when the beautiful character of me- diaeval art had been superceded by bad attempts at the clas- sic style of a much earlier period, and which being designed for temples, and for other climes, is but ill suited for humble edifices in this country, and only tolerable when fully carried out in all its details. — One feels however a pleasure in con- templating a building that tells its own history, a glance at this structure would be sufiEicient for the practised eye to know the period of its first erection, and this is as it should be in all cases, — even where it becomes necessary to re- build a public charitable institution, if the period of its foun- dation be marked by any style at all, it surely would be in correct taste to retain that style, choosing of course the best 7*8 ANTIQUITIES OF CASTLE RISING. examples and as far as possible introducing modern im- provements. The Hospital Seal, which is engraved on the plate of seals, page 3, is well designed for the period, it is oval in form, and has the figure of the founder kneeling beneath a canopy, with clasped hands in the attitude of prayer : habited in a surcoat on which the Howard arms depicted, the background is diapered, and the whole is surrounded with the following inscription. SIGILL. HOSPITALIS. SCT^. ET. INDIVIDU^. TRINITATIS. IN. RISING. AD. CASTRUM. We must now lest we be wearisome, bring our account to a close : — ^an outline has been sketched that may form the groundwork of a picture to be finished by future antiquaries, — ^much has been added to former accounts, much doubtless yet remains untold ; many fi^agments of the history of Rising are yet scattered, time and the labours of future writers may bring them to Hght. Gentle reader " I cry you mercy" for my omissions, be not too critical on the labours of one who has had no ordinary task to perform, as wiiter, drafts- man, and engraver : doubtless each of these works would have been better done, had each been done by separate hands, but the probability is that the expense of such a work would always have operated against its being undertaken — nothing but the love of the pursuit, and the desire to fiilfil his en- gagement with the few kind friends who were subscribers to the book, could have enabled the writer to carry his la- bours on to that point where printers usually place the word INDEX. PAGE. Arms of Rising . . . . 3 Anglo-Saxon Church. 4 Albini, Wm. de Lord of Rising 12 arms of 13 buried at Wymond- ham ib. Maud, exhumation of ib . Wm. d' E. of Arun- del temp. K. John L. of Rising . . 27 Hugh d' L. of Rising ib. Andover, Viscount, L. of Rising 56 Antiquities found at the Castle 57 Berkshire, E. of, L. of Ri- sing 56 Castle, the, when built . . 16 Outer Ballium . . 17 Warder's Tower . . ib. Inner Ballium . . 18 Garrison Chapel . . 19 Keep ib. Vestibule .. .. 20 State Room . . . . 23 Domestic Chapel . . 24 Guard Room . . . . ib. Sally-port .. .. 25 Battlements, view from 26 Antiquities found at 57 Coningsburgh E. of Cam- bridge, L. of Rising 50 beheaded . . . . ib. Cromwell, Ralph, Lord, Constable of the Cas- tle 58 PAGE. Duke of York, Edmund de Langley L. of Ri- sing 48 notice of ib. Edward L. of Rising 49 burial of ib. tomb of ib. Edward III. visits Rising 36, 37, 38, & 40 Edward the black prince, L. of Rising . . . . 44 Herlying, John de. Con- stable of Rising . . 40 Howard, Thomas, D. of Norfolk L. of Rising 50 attainted . . , . 51 narrow escape of . . ib. attainder reversed . . ib. trial of 53 beheaded . . . . 55 Henry E. of North- ampton, L. of Ri- sing 56 Thomas E. of Arun- del L. of Rising . . ib. Thomas Esq. L. of Rising 56 Lieut. Col. Monu- ment of . . . . ib. Hospital, The 74 foundation of . . . . 75 costume worn at . . ib. qualification of in- mates 76 governess, duty of. . ib. stvle of building . . 77 seal of 78 Inhabitants, number of . . 2 INDEX. PAGE. Isabella^ Queen inhabits the castle . . . . 35 died at Risiag . . 43 buried in London . . 44 Knight's Fee, nature of. . 28 Lynn Chamberlain's ac- counts . . 36, 42 & 43 Market, one formerly at Rising 3 Mart, one formerly at Ri- sing ib. Montalt, Roger L. of Ri- sing 29 arms of ib. John, L. of Risiag . . 31 Robert, ditto . . . . ib. Roger Son of Robert ib. pedigree of . . . . 32 seal of 33 Emme de, seal of . . 34 Morley Robert de, seal of 37 Minstrels, E. of Suffolk's 36 Lord Bardolf's ' . . ib. Queen Isabella's . . 40 Lynn ib. Manor of Rising, valua- tion of 45 PAGE, Montfort, John de L. of Rising 46 Market Cross remains of 72 Odo, Bp. of Bayeux, a lord of Rising. . . . 11 Oxford, Edward, E. of L. of Rising 55 Oxford, John de Vere E. of. Constable of Ri- sing Castle . . . . 59 Rising tradition of . . . . 2 probably once a port ib. poetical description of 15 Chase 59 boundary of . . . . 60 lordship survey of . . 61 privileges of Lord- ship 63 Cburch St. Lawrence 66 Rectors, List of . . . . 73 Richard II. L. of Rising. 45 Scales, Thomas Lord Con- stable of Rising . . 59 resides at the Castle ib. Wodehouse John consta- ble of the Castle . . 58 LIST OF PLATES. Plan of Castle and outworks to face title. Seals of Castle Rising . . Ruins of Anglo-Saxon Church Warder's Tower Grand Staircase, Rising Castle Plans of Castle S. E, View of Rising Castle . St. Lawrence's Church, exterior Details of Church, Plate 1 . . Interior of Church .... Details of Churchj Plate 2. . Alms-women page 3 4 18 20 22 57 66 68 69 70 74 'w^asmmwTTi^E^. U DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WmCH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewals only: Tel. No. 642-3405 Renewals may be made 4 days i>rior to date due. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. !JU:'14197'^ 7 8 RECDtD J UN V 73 -9 AM 8 3 (Q8677slO)476-A-31 UDiversyy^M^^mornia M87816 PAfe^O C43T5 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY il i {■'■!' -l n '-. .,v--; ■'