Hicbecolooical Hbapcie 
 
 relating to tbe 
 
 Counties of Somerset, Milts, IF^ants, 
 
 ant) 2)ev>on, 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 REPRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 
 
 MUCCCCII.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Brook, — of Somerset and Devon, Barons of Cobham 
 
 in Kent, their history and descent ... Parti 1. 
 
 „ „ „ „ „ Part 2 II. 
 
 Parti III- 
 
 HuYSHE, — of Doniford, Somerset, and Sand, Sidbury, 
 
 Devon, a pedigree with notes ... ... IV. 
 
 Courtenay-Clyvedon, — of Aller, Somerset ... \'. 
 
 MoELS-BoTREAUX, — of North Cadbury, Somerset ... VI. 
 
 Lady Alice de Moels, — ,, ,, ... \'II. 
 
 MoLYNS-HuNGERFORD, — of Stokc-Pogeis, Bucks, and 
 
 Farleigh-Hungerford, Somerset ... ... \'III. 
 
 The "Heart-Case" and Tomb, — of Sir Edwartl 
 Hungerford ob : 1648, at Farleigh-Hungerford, 
 Somerset ... ... ... ... IX. 
 
 Stafford, — of Suthwyke, Wilts, and Hoke, Dorset, 
 
 their descent with notes ... ... ... X. 
 
 Rogkrs-Courtenay-Huddesfeld, — of Bradford-on- 
 Avon, Wilts, — Cannington, Somerset, — and 
 Shillingford, Devon ... ... ... XI. 
 
 The Poulett Brass, — Minety Church, Wilts ... XII. 
 
 The Dorset Chapel and Knightstone, — Bonville, 
 
 and Sherman, Ottery St. Mary, Devon ... XIII. 
 
 Golde-Strechleigh, — of Seaborough, Somerset, 
 
 and Ermington, Devon ... ... ... XIV. 
 
 Haydon, — of Woodbury, and Ottery St. Mary, 
 
 Devon, their local history ... ... ... X\'. 
 
 Two Tudor Merchants of thi: Staple, — Greneway 
 
 and Lane, of Tiverton, and CuUompton, Devon XVI. 
 
 Lisle-Kingston-Lisle, — of the Isle of Wight, — 
 
 Thruxton, Hants, and of Wilts and Dorset ... XVII. 
 
 Thomas Andrew, — Merchant Adventurer and Mayor 
 
 of Exeter, — St. Mary-Arches Church ... X\TII. 
 
 The Renaissance Tomb, of Anthony Harvey, — 
 
 Exeter Cathedral ... ... ... ... XIX. 
 
 Effigy of a Priest, — Wellington Church, Somerset XX. 
 
 The above Papers are reprinted from the Tninsactions of thi Sumcrsi-l- 
 shire Anhaotogical and Natural History Society: — Notes and Queries for 
 Somerset and Dorset ; — Notes and Queries for Wilts ;— and Notes and Queries 
 for Devon, with three exceptions (Nos. 17, iS and ig) hitherto unpublished. 
 Several further illustrations are also inchided. 
 
 
 1453052
 
 RUINED TOWER. — OLDTTCH rOT'RT. 
 
 THORSCOMBE, DEVON.
 
 (IK 
 
 Somerset aiiD Deuon: 
 
 BARONS OF COHIIAM IX THK (JOLTNTY (>F KKN' 
 
 THKIK I.OCAI, lllsrnin- AMI l)KS(.'KNT. 
 
 W. II. II A M 1 I/I'ON i;()(ii:HS. F.S.A. 
 
 "WHY Inj.sr THOC DUILD IIIK HALL. .SUN Ml THL WINuEii DAY.S ? lUur 
 LOOKEST FUOJI lUY TO\VIil(.S 'I'U-DAY : YEl' A l-IiW YEAt:.S AND THE BLAST 
 OF THE DESEKT COMES ; IT HOWLS IN THY' EMPTY' (.GLUT. AND WHLSTLKS 
 HOL'Xl) IIIV HALr-'-WdliN SillKLll."— C»v/('». 
 
 ^ a II 11 r n : 
 
 BAIIMCOTT AND PKARCK, ATIIEN.-EUM PRESS 
 
 MU<V(.'XC1X.
 
 This Paper is reprinted /rom Vol. 1 1', T/iinI Series, nf the Proceedinj/a of the 
 Somcriselshirc Arch(eolo(jical and yatiind History Socicti/, for ISOti. 
 
 I X D I : X 
 
 Olditch Villaire, and ( liajicl of St. .Mflmii 
 
 Olditeh Court . 
 
 Manor of Olditch . 
 
 Manor oi Weycrot't . 
 
 Descent of Brook — I 
 
 Cobhain, of Kent 
 
 Cobluini. of lil:u'kl)iii'<iiiuli 
 
 Cobham = ( 'oiiiicnax 
 
 Dela Pok- = ('(iMuMii 
 
 .loan (k' la Pole. I>ailv of Cukl 
 
 Heniendale = l)v la Pole 
 
 Braybroke = Dc la Pole . 
 
 Hawberk = Dc la Pole . 
 
 ()],|,.astle = Dela Pole . 
 
 Harj)cnden = De la Pole 
 
 Descent of Chedder 
 
 Talbot = Chedder . 
 
 Xe^vton = Chedder = Brook 
 
 Brook ^ Xewton 
 
 Descent of Brook 1 1 
 
 Brook, of Heckinjitou 
 
 Tcinplc =^ Brook 
 
 C Owlinji' Castle 
 
 Cobham Hall . 
 
 Henry Brook . 
 
 Bliiuiit. of ()l(litch aiiil \\'c\cr(iri 
 
 P.\HK 
 
 1 
 
 !l 
 10 
 13 
 
 20 
 
 35 
 
 .'JH 
 oG 
 .S8 
 ■10 
 42 
 44 
 4S 
 ■')! 
 
 (i4 
 ()7 
 67 
 
 (iK 
 f)l) 
 
 70 
 74
 
 COKRIGEXDA. 
 
 Piige 2:), line 2, For " !> Hdw. II (loKi). ;i,u\m1 7(i,"' i-cnil "'J.') 
 Aug.. I^Etlw. Ill (UilW) aged 7!)." 
 
 I'ago 72, line >^, tor " first." read "thii'il '" : line 2.'). I'cir •'Heni'v 
 Coliliain. real! ■■llciirv llroi)]'.. 
 
 I'agX' G4, line 17, lor " J'Jlizal)utli, read " ,Mary;ux'l.
 
 I LLUSTBATIONS. 
 
 Ruined Tower. ()l(litcli Coiiit . 
 
 Cliapel of St.. Melonis 
 
 Priest's House, Chapel of St. Mdoii 
 
 Gateway, OMitcli Court . 
 
 Weycroft (2) . 
 
 Brass of Sir Thomas and .lohanua !> 
 
 Brasses of Sir .Jolui Cobhain and Martjaret Courtcn 
 
 Brass of John dc hi Pole and .loan de Cobhani 
 
 Bi-ass of .lohanna de la Pole. ]>a(ly of ('(dihani 
 
 Brass of Sir Kejjinald Brayhroke 
 
 Brass of Sir Xieholas Hawhei'k 
 
 Brass of Sir .lohn Hai-pendeu .... 
 
 Brass of Clithcrow. Oldeastle .... 
 
 Brasses of Thomas Chedder and Isabel Scobahidl 
 Monument of .loan Chedder, Viscountess IjTsle 
 Ktfigies of Sir .lohn Nekton and Isabel Chedder 
 Brass of .lohn liassett and wives 
 Monument and I'iffipry of Sir .lohn Newton 
 Shield on Tomb ...... 
 
 The ( 'h;incrl. ( (ilihiiiu ( liiirch 
 
 riic (^iiadran'i;'le, ( Obhani ('olle<>'e . 
 
 Doorway, Cobhani Hall ..... 
 
 A (rlimpse of Weycroft ..... 
 
 Fire-place at Weycroft ..... 
 
 CliMrles Blount, I^^nrl ol l)c\on 
 
 Middclbursi: ....... 
 
 fimti.- 
 
 vm: I'. 
 
 ulrt-r 
 
 4 
 
 .> 
 
 S 
 
 12, 
 
 V 2S. 
 
 44, 
 
 :V2 
 .33 
 
 o(J 
 
 :57 
 
 40 
 41 
 4.> 
 4S 
 49 
 
 tj,s 
 
 ()!> 
 To 
 74 
 1 ,') 
 7(i
 
 TStoOk, 
 
 OF SOaiEKSET AND DEA'ON ; I5AKONS OF COBHAM, IN KENT. 
 
 UV W. II. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 ()l, DITCH ViLLACiE AND C IIAPEL OF St. MeLORUS. 
 
 AMID delifjhtfiil rural surroundings, in the main upper 
 reach (if the valley of the Axe, the wayfarer, as he 
 leaves tlie station of the railway junction to Chard, sets his 
 foot on classic ground. 
 
 To the left, comparatively close by, nestled in luxuriant 
 foliage, and glimmering richly in contrasting colour by being 
 fabricated of spoil brought from giant Hamdon, is the ever- 
 interesting Al)bey of Ford ; where, in the early dawn of the 
 twelfth century, the Cistercian founded a sanctuary, and es- 
 tablished his home, under the fostering care of the earlier 
 ancestors of the illustrious Courtenay, many of whom sleep in 
 unmarked sepulchres beneath its shadow, for the consecrated 
 structure wherein they were laid at rest has vanished, and its 
 site is almost unknown. But the larger portion of the dwelling-
 
 2 The Brook Famili/. 
 
 place of the mouk lias happily survived, anil in the creation 
 of its beautiful front the " spirit " of its architect, builder, and 
 last abbot — Thomas Chard, who surrendered his tasteful home 
 to the rapacious Henry — still "' walks abroad." 
 
 Under the dii-ection of a succeeding secular possessor, the 
 shade of anotlier renowned name haunts its precincts, that of 
 the famous Inigo .Tones : but his alterations, however excellent 
 in themselves, were altogether alien to the Abbot's design, in- 
 harmonious and unfortunate. His employer, who spent large 
 sums on the work, was a person, the turn of whose mind was, 
 presumably, equally incongruous with the traditions of the 
 Abbey. This was Edmond Prideaux, learned in the law, and 
 Attorney-General to the Lord Protector Cromwell, by whom 
 he was created a baronet. He, fortunately pre-deceased his 
 powerful patron, and so probably escaped being sent to Tyburn 
 at the re-entry of the Stuart. Not so fortunate his son, name- 
 sake, and successor, famed for his extensive learning, for 
 which he was styled "the Walking Encyclopaedia." He had 
 entertained the unfortunate Monmouth when on one of his 
 western progresses, and after Sedgmoor, although Mr. Prideaux 
 remained at home, and took no part in the insurrection, he 
 was nevertheless, on very slender presumption, deemed to be 
 implicated, seized, and sent to the Tower. And it is related, 
 he was handed over by the amiable James II — the prisoner 
 being a rich man — to the brutal .letferys as a '"present " ; who, 
 had he not been so valuable a prize, would doubtless have 
 hanged him, but by whom he was ultimately released, on 
 paying that atrocious disgrace to the ermine, fifteen thousand 
 pounds ; and so, both father and son rest in peace in the 
 Chapter House of the Abbey. 
 
 One further curious and interesting association clauns 
 notice. Here resided for a few years, at the commencement 
 of the present century, the celebrated jurist, Jeremy Bentham, 
 the quiet solitude of the place being doubtless congenial to 
 the contemplation of his philosophic investigations.
 
 Tlir Ilrdoh Fiinilh/. 3 
 
 Dismissing from our tiiouglits the Abbuy — a most alluring 
 subject, whose antecedents have occupied the attention of many 
 investigators — a sharp turn to the right discloses the path that 
 leads to the locality where our story takes its beginning, and 
 which, expanding in its development as we pursue it, becomes 
 second to none in the west-coimtry in historic interest. A tree 
 and bush shadowed lane, rising in easy elevation for about a 
 mile's length, brings us to a gate on the right, where a trackway 
 through a few pleasant meadows, ascending and descending in 
 ty)iical Devonian sequence, takes us to Olditch village, — for 
 village it is, though of small dimensions — that includes two 
 old farm-houses (one very antient), a trio or so of cottages, 
 an elementary school-house, together with the usual adjunct, 
 by rustic euphemism termed "a house of call," hut otherwise 
 known as the waysile public-house. 
 
 The origin of this hamlet — an outpost of Olditch Court, 
 whicli i> located a short distance beyond — is soon apparent. 
 The long building that faces us as we leave our meadow path, 
 altiiough now in large measure modernized to the re(piirements 
 of a farm-house, still displays along its front considerable 
 traces of venerable antiquity, that take us back five centuries 
 into tlic past. The eastern portion, a building of some size 
 and still fairly intact, assures the practised eye that it was 
 originally a Chapel dedicated to the service of the Most High. 
 A glance within the building immediately confirms it. There 
 is an open waggon-shaped roof of close-set oak ribs, but little 
 injured. At the east end, the pointed arch, splays, and sill of 
 a window, now walled u]), a])))ear, the muUions and tracery 
 gone. In the north wall is a similar but smaller window, also 
 walled up, the arched mouldings and jambs visible from the 
 outside. Beneath the east window, on each side, above where 
 stood the antient altar, are two brackets or perks, whereon 
 were ])robably placed figures of the patron saints of the 
 C'iiapel and the mother Church of the parish. High up in the 
 west wall is a small window, from which the inhahiters of the
 
 4 The Brook Family. 
 
 adjoining house could observe the service. There is no 
 piscina i-emainiug, and the original side doorway was situate 
 probably where the large opening ap])ears, the structure being 
 now used as a barn. 
 
 Stretching westward from the Chapel, joined to it, and 
 bearing evidence of the whole having been one continuous and 
 coeval erection, is the now farm-house, the further end still 
 shewing much evidence of the architectural featui-es of the orig- 
 inal structure. The ]iointed arch of the doorway, flanked with 
 narrow lancet windows, others above and behind, together 
 with a regular set in the gable, strongly grilled with iron, and 
 built into walls of great thickness, take us back to the con- 
 cluding vears of the fourteenth century ; and here, it may be, 
 i-esided the pi-iest that ministered in the adjoining sanctuary. 
 
 Of the identification of this venerable and interesting 
 structure, it is believed no description appears in any county 
 history ; nor is there that we are aware of, any local accoimt 
 or tradition extant respecting it, and but for a passing memo- 
 randimi in the Re(/ister oi Y,A.m\mdL Stafford, Bishop of Exetei", 
 relative to a breach of ecclesiastical discipline connected with 
 the parish, no information as to its histoiy would have been 
 available. This reference, with commentary, Dr. Oliver 
 supplies. 
 
 " In this parish (Thorncombe), dependant on the parochial church, I have 
 met with two Chapels. One I think at Holditch, viz. the Chapel of St. 
 Melorus ; " Capel/a Sancti Melori infra fine « et limited paroehie de Thorncombe," 
 as Bishop Stafford describes it in a deed dated Crediton, '29th .Jan., 1411-12, 
 (Reg., vol. i, p. 143) the parish church and chapel of St Melorus having been 
 placed under an interdict, the Bishop granted relaxation of the same. The 
 other of St. .James, at Legh- Barton, which is mentioned in a lease of Abbot 
 William White, of Ford, 7th Dec, 1490. 
 
 If we may credit the Legtnda Sanctorum, compiled by Bishop Grandison, 
 St. Melorus was the son of Melianus, King of Cornwall, by his wife ."Vurilla, 
 a lady of Devon ; that at seven years of age he lost his royal father ; that his 
 uncle, Rivoldus, by his father's side, returning from abroad cruelly treated the 
 youth, and at length contrived his decapitation." [A parish in Cornwiill is 
 called after this saint — St. MeUion, in east Cornwall, mid-way between Saltash 
 and Callington.] 
 
 In point of age this structure is apparently of the same date 
 as Olditch Court. As there is no record of the grant of a 
 private oratory to that mansion, as was usual to dwellings of
 
 ^*<r^'-, 
 
 H 

 
 
 'SI 
 
 ■A 
 
 CM 
 
 Q 
 
 u 
 
 CO 
 
 a 
 
 C3
 
 'Jllr liroiih Fiiiiiili/. 5 
 
 such importance, it is not iinjjrohable that the Brook t'ainily — 
 the parish clmi'ch being' a considerable distance ott' — iielpeil to 
 found, or support it, and occasionally worsliipped tliere, using 
 it instead of a domestic chapel. 
 
 Leaving Olditch village, our ])atli, traversing two or thi'ee 
 fields further in tlie same dii'ection, l)riugs us to Olditi'h Court. 
 
 ©IDitcb Court. 
 
 Olditch Court I Here our Httle history ])raetically begiiis, 
 and halting as we enter its leafy precincts, and glancing round, 
 the (juery presents itself, where are the evidences of its foi-mer 
 existence : where stood tlie mansion of the knightly lirooks, 
 or the niins thereof, so \\-\\ mmiI indistinct are the vestiges that 
 remain to arrest the eye. 
 
 In a most retiretl s])ot, situate on a jjlcasant plateau, gar- 
 nished \\itli fine trees, and still exhil)iting evidence of that 
 indefinable distinction wliicli continues to linger Mromul tiiese 
 old places of gentle origin with inextiuguislnibie charm ; over- 
 looking southerly, a spur of the Axe valley that extends 
 beneath, and which gradually shallowing, is lost in the rising 
 ground stretching upward to the Dorsetshire hills, known as 
 Lambert's and Conigs castles, Itounding the scene on the 
 north, is the site — for little beside is visible — of Olditch Court. 
 
 What time and change has spared is soon described. Innne- 
 diately at the entrance, and still dignified as Olditch Court, 
 is a small and modern farm-house, but a scrutiny of its front 
 shews that in it was incorporated a portion of what was ap- 
 parently the gate-house of the mansion. This is indicated by 
 a wide, depressed arch, now filled up and almost hidden by 
 ivy, a ])ointed doorway by its side, strikingly simiiai- in form 
 to that tounil in tiie old cliapel-iiouse in the village, and a 
 buttress, the intervening windows being of seventeenth cen- 
 tury work, after the place liad passed out of the possession of 
 the Brooks. Within, a few old features have been preserved,
 
 6 77(r Bri'oh Ftimilij. 
 
 a trio of pointed arches ojipositc the larger one, which led into 
 a demolished portion of the original fabric, and a couple of 
 plain fireplaces of large dimensions. 
 
 Behind this building is the site of the Court. All that now 
 exists of its structure is the ])ortion of a tower of considerable 
 height, clad with magnificent ivy. It appears to have been 
 square in form, with a circular angle for a stairway. Leading 
 from it is a comparatively large space, irregularly and tiunul- 
 tuously hillocked, shewing here and there, where bare of grassy 
 covering, foundations of massive masonry. This comprises 
 everything elsewhere to be seen, and in the absence of careful 
 excavations, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to get an 
 approximate idea of the ground-plan of the vanished edifice, 
 but it may be surmised the ruined tower formed one of its 
 angles. 
 
 The date of its erection may be assigned to the first half of 
 the fourteenth century, and a license to crenellate (otherwise 
 castellate) it, was granted 20 Rich. II. 1396. The Brooks 
 doubtless continued to reside in it, until their purchase of 
 Weycroft. and then probably alternately at both places, 
 Weycroft apparently getting the preference, until their final 
 migration to baronial Cobham. 
 
 Lysons records "that in 1773 there were considerable re- 
 mains of the old mansion and the chapel, some traces of which 
 are still to be seen." As to the Chapel, there is no record 
 that we know of, of the grant of an orator}" to Olditch. The 
 site and estate were purchased in 1714, by William Bi-agge, 
 Esq., of Sadborough, from Mr. John Bowdi^ch, to whose family 
 they had been conveyed by Lord Mountjoy. 
 
 Of its social history, a remarkable, but by no means unusual 
 incident in those lawless times — when might, actuated by fierce 
 party feeling, constituted right of i-eprisal or injury among 
 the " nobles " of the land — befel Olditch. Its origin, in our 
 modern and comparatively tame amenities, would be classed 
 as political, but in those days desperately partizan, and
 
 TIk Braok F((iiiili/. 7 
 
 occurred (liiriiifj- the wars of the Roses. The Brooks were 
 stauuch adherents of the house of York, and this Sir Edward 
 Brook " was consulted by Richard, Duke of York, as ' a man 
 of great witte and niiiidi experience;"" and was witli tiie 
 York faction at tlieir Hrst victory at St. Aiban's, in 14o5 ; 
 the depredator of their home, a strong supjjorter of tlie rival 
 Lancaster, in whose cause he ultimately lost his liead at 
 Newcastle, in 14H1, after tiie battle of Towton. He was 
 James Hutler, Earl of Orniond and Wiltshire, and Lord 
 Treasiu'er of England to Henry VI ; and the then owner of 
 Olditcli, Ldward Brook, who fought in several battles mider 
 the Y^orkist banner, was the first Lord t'obham of that name, 
 son of Sir Thomas Brook, wlio married Joan Bravbroke, 
 Lady of C'ol)hain. 
 
 The record of this raid is ju'eserved among the Haideian 
 MSS. : the date is not given, but it must have taken place 
 between 1449-61 : and the document gives a grapiiic des- 
 cription of the proceedings. It is superscribed : 
 
 ArtldeK of the ijmit wroinjs, injuries, grev'ncen, and tree/ias«eM, that Jainys, 
 Brie of Wyltxldre, and hi.i Xfrvanten, hath don to Edward Broke, Lord 
 Cobham, and his .servants. 
 
 First — Wheu the said lord was pesibelly in his luauer of Holdyche, in 
 Devonshire, the said Erie ymageuying to huite the said lord, the third of 
 Janier last passed, at Holdyche foresayd, wyth many other of his servantes to 
 the nonibre of CC, and nio', of the whiche Kob'rt C'appys, esquier was on, with 
 force and armes arayd in nian'r of werre, that is to say, jackys, saletts, bowys, 
 arowys, swerdis, longbedeves, gleves, gonnys, colu'yns, with many other 
 ablements of werre, bisegid, the said l^ord Cobh in there at tynie beying in his 
 place, and hym assauted coutynuelly by the space of v owres, as hit had be in 
 lande of werre. And at that tyme ther, the sayd erle, wyth his sayd ser- 
 vantes, brake a sniythis house, beyug tennt of the sayd lord Cobh'ni, and there 
 toke oute grete sleggys and many barrys of yryn, and pykeys and mattockys to 
 have mynye the sayd lord C'obh'm is place. And" there, at that tyme. the 
 dorys of tlie said lord is stablys and barnys brake, and his coruys beyng in the 
 sayd barnys, to a grete notabell value, wych thaire horses yete, wasted, de- 
 fonlj'ed, and distroid. And dyv's goodis of the sayd lord beyng in the said 
 stablys, that is to say sadellys, bridell, peyterett, croperys, and also tronkys, 
 clothesackys, stuffed with conveniett stuft'e to his estate, for he was purposyd 
 to remove frothens to his place of VVycrofte, to a grete notabell value, toke 
 and bare away to the utt'myst dishonur and shame to sayd lord, and grete 
 hurte in lusyug of hys sayd goodes. 
 
 Also the sayd erle, lat at Dorchest'r, by hys grete labour, excitati'n and 
 steryng hath caused the sayd lord Cobh'm, and Piers hys brotiier, wyth other 
 of the sarvantes of the sayd lord, to be endyted of felonye, wyth oute cause or 
 dese'vyng of thym, the which owneth as well to the destrucc'on of the said lord 
 and hys brother, is p'sones and liis sayd servantes as to the corrup'cou of thaire 
 blood.'' — From Pulman's Book of the Axe, and noticed by Mr. Waller in 
 Archceuloyia Cantiana.
 
 8 Thf Bniok Ftiiiiih/. 
 
 The " Robert Cappys esquier, who was one " that joined 
 the "Erie" in this disjjracefnl foray, was a neighbour (?) of 
 Lord C'obham's, and lived in the adjoining estate of Beerhall, 
 wliich he inherited by marriage with Elizabeth daughter of 
 John Jew, and widow of Sir John Hodj. "This woman," 
 says Pole, " disinherited her eldest son and conveyed her land, 
 part unto Sir William Hody — Chief Baron — and part unto 
 her issue bv C'appis, betwixt whose issue theire eontynewed a 
 long contencion. Hut it is nowe in ye possession of a younger 
 house issued from Sir William Hody." 
 
 It would appear from the foregoing account that Lord 
 C'ol)hani was staying at Olditcli at the time of the "assaut," 
 engaged in packing some of his " stuffe '" in " tronkis " and 
 other receptacles, prior to their removal to his other seat at 
 Weycroft, about two miles distant, and had deposited the 
 same in tlie stables and outhouses, ready for transit. Not- 
 witlistaiiding the " 200 and mo' " retainers " Erie Jamys " 
 brought with him, their " sleggys " and weapons of " werre," 
 and the " five owres " attack ; the " besegid " appear to have 
 successfully resisted an entrance into the mansion, and the 
 raiders contented themselves with pillaging the stables and 
 outhouses, and carrying off the goods packed for removal. 
 Lord Cobham probably left Olditch as soon as things wei'e 
 quiet, for Cobham in Kent : passing Dorchester on his way, 
 the " Erie " apparently following and continuing the perse- 
 cution, by there getting Sir Edward and his brother Peter, 
 " endyted for felonye." 
 
 A similar outrage to this was made by Robert Willoughby, 
 afterward Lord Willoughby de Broke, of Beer-Ferrers, on 
 his almost neighbour on the opposite side of the river Taniar, 
 Richard Edgcumbe, of Cothele, in 1470 ; and a document in 
 the possession of the Earl of Mount-Edgcumbe gives a des- 
 cri])tion of it with claim, couched in almost exactly similar 
 language. The bottom of the quarrel was also, their adherence 
 to the opposing Roses, although afterward they both held high
 
 Tlif Brook Finnihj. 9 
 
 office unilei" tlie amal<ianiated nile of Henry VII. The well- 
 known incident of" the Courtenays sallying- forth at night from 
 Tiverton Castle to Upcott, sacking his residence first, and 
 afterwards slaying the old lawyer, Radford, because he was 
 "of covnisel " to their o])|)onent Bonville, described iu tlie 
 Paston letters, happened about the same time. 
 
 This lawless method of deciding quarrels was never legalized 
 in England, but the shifting governments at that era, whose 
 adherents were alternately guilty of this guerilla warfare, were 
 either too weak or careless to effectually suppress it : if they 
 did not secretly connive at it, as each had opportunity. 
 
 Cf)e sganor of ©IDitcf). 
 
 "The parish of Tliorncomb," to (piotu the i[uaint language of 
 Pole, " is the uttermost lymytt of Devonshire, and is an island 
 compassed about w'th Dorsetshin' and Somersetshir on ye 
 west ; and took his name of ye »Saxon names Thorn and Cimib, 
 wh'ch is a familiar name in most parts, and signifieth a bot- 
 tome, or lowe ground, subject imto thornes." 
 
 The principal manor of the parish had been given to, and 
 belonged to the Abbey of Ford. The descent of the manor of 
 Olditch and its ac([uisition by Brook, is thus described by the 
 above historian. 
 
 •■ It was first belonging to the family of Klemyug, and was by Richaril 
 Flemyng given in marriage uuto William de Sancer. a Norman, with .lone, 
 daughter of the said RicKard ; which William with his wife and children re- 
 volting from King John unto the French king, the said manor was seized into 
 the king's hands. But the said Richard so much prevailed with the king, that 
 he restored it unto him again, and left it unto William Fleniyng his son, and he 
 unto William his son. which gave it and all other his lands to Reginald de 
 Mohun, which Reginald alienated it unto Henry de Broc (or as now called 
 Brooke) in which family it continued from the reign of King Henry III, unto 
 the first of James, that Henry Brooke, Lord Cobham, being attainted, the said 
 king gave this manor, with other lands, unto Charles Blount, Lord Montjoy, 
 created by the aforesaid king. Earl of Devonshire, and he conveyed the same 
 unto Montjoy, his base supposed son, who now enjoyeth the same." 
 
 "The family of Brooke long continued their dwelling in this place." 
 
 Similar to Pole, Kisdon speaks of Thorncomlje being "sub- 
 ject to thorns and briers (if manurance did not jirevent it).
 
 10 Thr lirdiih Famil;/. 
 
 unto which it is naturally prone,"' and gives the text of the 
 transfer mentioned by Pole. 
 
 WillieimuH le Sancar Normanus, tetiuil 31anerium de Holdich tempore JtegU 
 Johannin de Richardo le Fleming et idem Sirh. ei dedit in Maritagio cum Johanna 
 Filia *«a, quae in separatione. Anglorum el Normanorum remansit ad fidem 
 Jieijis Franciae una cum pueris, quo facto Rex nenioil. 
 
 And adds " that this manor was given by the King to the Lord 
 Reginald Mohun, who in the time of King Henry III, gave 
 the same to one of the ancestors of the Lord C'obham.'" But 
 Pole's description of the descent is probably the correct one. 
 
 This Sir Reginald de Mohun is supposed to have acquired 
 so large a portion of the Fleming property, by his presumed — 
 but not absolutely authenticated — marriage with Avice or 
 Hawis, a daughter of William Fleming, as his first wife. He 
 was munificently inclined toward the Church, was the Founder 
 of the Cistercian Abbey of Newenham, and a great benefactor 
 to the similar foundation at Tor- Mohun, where he died. "iOth 
 January, X'l'u . Its possession by the Brooks continued for 
 about three centuries and half. 
 
 The six succeeding Barons of Cobham, following Sir Thomas 
 Brook, who mai-ried Joan Braybroke, heiress to the barony, 
 held Olditcli until the attainder of its last unfortunate possessor, 
 Henry Brook, tenth Lord Cobham, K.G., in whom the 
 title expired. In 1604, James I gave it to Charles Mountjoy, 
 Earl of Devon. 
 
 ^U aganor of 8]Mepcroft. 
 
 The early descent of the Manor of Weycroft, or Wycroft, 
 antiently Wigoft, prior to its acquisition by Sir Thomas Brook, 
 is somewhat obscure as related by historians in collation with 
 the l^'isitnfiiDis and the remaining deeds of transfei-, but a fairly 
 complete account may be made out. It is situate about a mile 
 east of Axminster, on the road leading to Chard. 
 
 Its first recorded possessors appear to have been Adam and 
 Henry de Gelond or Galland, and named of the place "de
 
 77(<' lirtHik I'liiiiili/. 1 1 
 
 Wiiroft." who held it tt-inp. Henry II ( 1 l.')4-S<J ). Heiirv de 
 Grelond or de Wigoft, gave it to his son John, last of that 
 name, "in marriage," with Joan, daughter of Richard de 
 Chudderlegh (of Chiidderlegh, in Bickleigh, east Devon), 
 temp. Edw. II (1307-27), liy whom he had issue Joan his 
 daughter and heiress, the wife of John ( iohodeslegh. "some- 
 time written de Wicroft." They had issue Thomazin<', who 
 married John C'hristenstow, and had issue William (hristen- 
 stow, of Wycroft, who died without issue, and Alice his sister 
 and heiress, the wife of .lohu Dennys, of Bradford, in North 
 Devon, whose grandson was Thomas Deimys, subsequently of 
 H olcombe-Buruell . * 
 
 " It a]3;)ears." says Pole, 
 
 "that William Christenstow, who died in King Hichard II's time (1377-99), 
 had made some grant (of Wycroft) to Sir Thos. Brooke, Knt. , which being im- 
 perfect. Sir Thomas Brook his son, had a new grant from Thomas Dennys, 
 grandchild of Alice, sister of William Christenstow, and in recompense granted 
 unto Dennj's his manor of Holcombe-Burnell, anno 9 Henry VI, 1418." 
 
 This account must be read in conjunction with the following. 
 
 "Original deeds relating to the purchase of Weycroft are still in existence. 
 By one of them dated 1395, Robert Deyghere, of Crukern, and .^vicia his wife, 
 daughter and heir of .Adam Wycroft, convey to Sir Thomas "the manor of 
 Wycroft and its appurtenances"; and by another, dated 1.397, Robert Digher 
 and Avicia his wife, daughter and heir of Adam Gobald, of Wycroft, convey 
 the manor to Philip Holman, clerk, and John Swaldale. This deed is attached 
 to a later one, dated '^ die Jovis jtroxi/ni po»t festum aanrti Luce evangel iste^^' 
 9 Henry IV, 1407, by which Holman and Swaldale convey the said manor to 
 Thomas Brook, the youuger." — Pulman's Book of the Axe, p. 579. 
 
 It is ])robable these jiarties wei'e intermediate holders of the 
 manor, oi' some ]3art of it, derived from William Christenstow 
 or his assigns, whose interest Sir Thomas Brook, senior, pur- 
 chased, and subsequently his son completed the title and pr)s- 
 session by exchange of lands at IIolcombe-Bnrnell with 
 Thomas Dennys, the grandson of Alice Christenstow, sister 
 and heiress of her brother William, wiiose interest in Wycroft 
 had descended to him. 
 
 * Arms of Chudderlegh, Argent, on a ehevfou Hiible, tkree acoriut or, between 
 three ravens head" erazed sable ; of Gobodesley, Party per pale argent ami sable, 
 an eagle dixplai/ed double-neckeil mble and or ; of Christenstow, of Wycroft, 
 Azure, a bend indented or and ermine, between two cotizes ermine ; of Dennys, 
 Ermine, a chevron between three Danish axes gulen.
 
 1-2 The BnioJi Fainily. 
 
 The manor of Holcombe-Burnell had been possessed from 
 a very early date by the family of de Kanl or Kaile, whose 
 last male owner appears to have been John Kaile, son of 
 Thomas Kaul, alias Kaile, temp. Rich. II (1377-99); and in 
 the Msitatimi for 1564, it is set down that Sir Thomas Brook 
 married Johanna the daughter and heir of John Kaile, and so 
 presumably acquired the manor ; and it is added that Thomas 
 Brook, his son, " (/in cum prucdicfa Johanna matrc rjiis vcndi- 
 dernnt manei-ium praedictum Tluunae Dcnnys ar.^' But the 
 herald is evidently in error as to Sir Thomas Brook marrying 
 a daughter of Thomas Kaile ; no such alliance is on record. 
 Sir Thomas doubtless purchased it, about the same time he 
 aciiuired the part interest in Weycroft, and exchanged it with 
 Thomas Dennys to complete the title, the entry in the Visi- 
 tation confirming Pole's account. There was a family of 
 Kaile or Kanll that held lands at Chard, where also Sir 
 Thomas Brook had considerable possessions. Arms of Kaul — 
 Quarterlij embattled urgent and sable. 
 
 At the death of Dame Johanna and the migration of her 
 son to Cobham, the glory appears to have departed from 
 Weycroft. and Risdon writing about 1G30, remarks — 
 
 "Sir Thomas Broke, the father of him that married with Joan Bray Broke, 
 who brought the barony of Cobham into that family, built here, on the rising of 
 an hill, a fair new house, castle-like, and enclosed a large and spacious park, 
 being a very pleasant scite over the river, and hath a good prospect. It con- 
 tinued in this family until the attainder of the Lord Cobham, in the reign of 
 King James, who gave it to Charles (Blount), late Earl of Devon, whose feoffees 
 have sold it unto Mr. Bennet, Sheriff of London. The park is destroyed, and 
 the house begins to decay for want of a worthy dweller to make his abode 
 there." 
 
 Weycroft still exhibits in some degree a measure of its 
 antient importance, is most picturesquely situated on a knoll 
 overlooking the Axe river and valley, and there is a portion 
 of the avenue remaining leading from the mansion across a 
 field in the direction of Axminster. There are also remains 
 of buildings, walls with arches built up, extending south of 
 till' present house, the site being now a garden.
 
 >< 
 a
 
 The Brook Fdmili/. 13 
 
 TBrook, 
 
 OK LE BROOK, IN ILCllKSTKK, SOMERSET, 
 OMMTCH, IN THORNCOMBE, AND WKYCROFT, IN AXMINSTER, 
 
 DEVON. 
 
 The earliest location nf tlie family of Brook, and from u-iiich 
 they presumably derived their name, was from a village so 
 called near Ilchester. Collinson thus refers to it. 
 
 " At Ilchester without the walls toward Montacute, was an antient village 
 called Brook, or the Brook, whence a family of great antiquity derived the 
 name oi at Brook, and de la Brook, this being the place of their usual residence. 
 There are some faint mentions of this family in times approaching the Norman 
 invasion, but in the time of Henry III (121(i-72) and Edw. I (l'J72-l.'?07), we 
 can speak with certainty of the owners of this place, who had therein manorial 
 rights under the commonalty of the town of Ilchester." 
 
 1.— (LcLUlUam UC Bror, or dr Brook, lord of the manor of 
 Hrook, appears to have been the first of these, who died li) 
 Henry III (1281 ), leaving- a son Henry. 
 
 II. — l^Cnrp UC Brook. He is apparently the Henry de 
 Broc, described by Pole as acquiring the manor of Olditch 
 from Sir Reginald de Mohun, who died about 1257. He 
 married j|5irl)0lCil, daughter of Bryan dk Goritz, doniiniis 
 de KiiKjesdnn. There was a Brian de Goritz, of Chipping- 
 Biandford, Dorset, temp. Edw. II, whose arms were — Vaire, 
 fii^e fusils conjoined in bend, gules. They left a son Henry. 
 
 III.— |3Cnrf He Brook married (EUuillCti) and 
 
 deceased IM Edw. II (1324), leaving a son John. 
 
 IV.— 3]oljll tic Brook. He held at his death, 22 Edw. Ill 
 (1348), "the manor of Brook, and a messuage with a curtilage 
 and garden, and one carucate of land, without the town of 
 Ivelchester, of the commonalty of that town, and also lands at 
 Sock-Dennis, Bishopston, and Kingston." He married 5|0iin, 
 daughter of Sir John Bradstone, Knt. — probably of the 
 Gloucestershire family of that name, of whom Thomas de 
 Bradestone, a Knight-Banneret, was summoned to Parliament 
 as a Baron, from 25th February, 13-12, to 3rd April, 1360, in 
 which year he died — and was succeeded by his grandson 
 Thomas, who died about 1370, leaving an only daughter and
 
 14 The Brook Family. 
 
 heiress, married to Walter de la Pole : their arms — Anient, on 
 a ronton t/itles, a rose or, Ixirhcd rert. John de Hiook left a 
 son Thomiis. 
 
 v.— Cljoniao tir Brook. He granted, 31 Edw. UK 1358), 
 "to Thomas Waryn and his heirs a certain yearly rent of 
 twenty pounds, payable out of his lands and tenements in la 
 Broke jnxtd Irelcbester, and in the town of Ivelchester." He 
 married CoitOtanCf. the daughter of ... . Markensfeld, 
 died 41 Edw. Ill (1368), leaving a son Thomas. The arms 
 of Markenfield, of York, are given as Arf/ent, on a bend sable, 
 three bezants. 
 
 y\.—'Z,\)OmaQ tic SrOOh. He is included by Pole among 
 " the men of best worth in Devon," during the reigns of 
 Rich. II, Henry IV, and Henry V (1377-1413), and styles 
 him Sir Thomas Brooke, de Holditch, Knt. In liini we reach 
 the most important member i>f the family while resident in the 
 west, owing in large measure to his marriage with the wealthy 
 widow of Robert C'hedder, which gave him considerable in- 
 fluence in the counties of Somerset and Devon. 
 
 He was SheriiF of Somerset (1389) ; Sherilf of Devon, 17 
 Rich. II (1394), 4 Henry IV (1403) ; Knight of the Shire 
 for Somerset, 10, 11, 1.5, 20, and '21 Rich. II (1388-98), 1, 3, 
 5, and 1 1 Henry IV ( 1400-11), and 1 and .') Henry V ( 1414-19). 
 
 Sir Thomas Brook married ^loljaiUia. second davighter and 
 coheiress of Simon Hanap, or Hanham, of Gloucestershire 
 (according to Hutchins so denominated from a place of that 
 name, situate a short distance east of Bristol) and widow of 
 Robert C'hedder, Mayor of that city in 1360-1, who died 
 1382-4 ; and by whom she had four sons. She held in dower 
 extensive landed possessions, and sevei'al advowsons, in Somer- 
 set, Gloucester, and Dorset, which passed at her death to 
 Thomas C'hedder, her only surviving son by this marriage. 
 This family of C'hedder will be further referred to.* 
 
 * Arms of Brook, of Olditch — Gules, on a chevron argent, a lion rampant sable ; 
 of Chedder, Sable, a chevron ermine, between three escallops argent ; of Hanhatu, 
 Quarterly or and gules, over all on a bend engrailed sable, three crosses formii 
 Jitche of the first.
 
 Tlif Brook Famibj. 1.5 
 
 Uy her secoad liiishaiiil, Sir Tlioniu-; Urook, slip appears to 
 have hail two sons, Thomas and Michdcl. 
 
 Between the years 139.5 and 9 Henry IV ; 1407), Sir Thomas 
 purchased the manor of" Weycroft, in the parish of Axminster, 
 situate about a mile from that town, and three from Olditeli ; 
 and there erected a residence of castellated form, on a pic- 
 turesque eminence overlookin<>- the river and valley of the Axe. 
 Although, apparently from traces left, much of the original 
 structure has been destroyed, the portion remaining is of con- 
 siderable size, and if somewhat modernized, its antient fea- 
 tures have been tolerably well preserved by subsequent repairs. 
 In the extension of the building, at the rear, what was once 
 the hall still exists, with side windows of transomed and 
 cusped lights, and a handsome chimney-piece in the gable end ; 
 as shown in the illustration. 
 
 An important event was now about to happen which raised 
 the family of Brook to their highest position, and withdrew 
 them soon after from their pleasant squire-built residence in 
 this Devonshire valley, to the grand associations of baronial 
 Cobham, in the fertile plains of Kent. 
 
 This was the marriage of Thomas Brook, their eldest son, 
 born about 1391, with .loan Braybroke, the daughter, only 
 surviving child, and sole heiress of Joan de la Pole, Lady of 
 Cobham, in Kent, by her second husband Sir Nicholas Bray- 
 broke. 
 
 On February 2(tli, 11 Henry IV (1409-10), a contract was 
 entered into between Sir Thomas Brook of the one ])art, and 
 Sir John Oldcastle, and the Lady Joan, his wife, on the other 
 (he was her foiu'th husband), that his son Thomas should 
 marrv .loan the daughter of the latter, before the Feast of 
 Pentecost, next ensuing, if (rod should grant them life — si 
 Dens illis vitri.m couced/f. 
 
 On 29th November. 1417, Edmund Statlbrd, Bishop of 
 Exeter, granted a license to Thomas Brook, Esq., and Joan 
 his wife, to have a domestic chajxd or oratory, " infra Mans-
 
 16 The Bniiih Fa mill/. 
 
 ionem suam dc Wycroft hi Parofhld de Axmynstrr." 
 
 The death of Sir Thomas, according to the inscription on 
 
 the brass is placed as occurring on the 23rd January, 1419, 
 
 5 Henry IV : but the year is probably an error, as the probate 
 
 of his will was granted 5th February, 1417-8. 
 In 1427, a license 
 
 "To enclose a park of eight hundred acres and to crenellate the mansion was 
 granted to Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester, Sir Thomas Brooke, Sir Giles 
 Daubeney and others, who appear to have been acting as his co-trustees, prob- 
 ably in connection with a settlement made in 1410, on the marriage of the (then) 
 owner. Sir Thomas Brooke, with Joan Bray broke. With stones and lime to enclose, 
 crenellate, turrellate and embattle their Manor ( House) of Wycroft, in Axminstre, 
 and make a park there, with all liberties and franchises, so that no one should 
 flee into it, or enter to seize anyone without leave — Manerium suum de Wycro/t 
 in Axminstre, cum petris el cake indudere krenellare et baltellare et octinneiitan 
 acras terre et bosci in Axminstre indudere el parcum inde facere possint.' — 
 Pulnian's Book of the Axe, p. 579. 
 
 In the enclosing of this park, an incident not uncommon of 
 its kind occurred, pertinent to such operations, that of ob- 
 structing or closing certain rights of way belonging to neigh- 
 bouring owners and the public, over the said park, and causing 
 a dispute thereby. 
 
 At Shute, abont four miles from Weycroft, there resided at 
 that date Sir William Bonville, afterward Lord Bonville, K.G., 
 of Chewton-Mendip, executed after the second battle of St. 
 Albans, in 1460-61. He was the grandson of Sir William 
 Bonville, of Shute, who died in 1407-8, to whose will '• Mon- 
 sieur Thomas Brooke," the husband of Lady Johanna was 
 appointed an ovei'seer. It is easy to see how the dispute 
 arose, as between them. 
 
 On the other side of the valley, and nearly opposite Wey- 
 croft, is an estate or manor called Uphay, which belonged to 
 Sir William BonvQle ; and the residence thereon, whicli his 
 family probably occasionally occupied, appears to have been 
 of sufficient consideration for Bishop Brantyngham to grant 
 him a licence for a domestic chapel there, 24th July, 1375 — 
 a further licence for the same object being granted or renewed 
 by Bishop Lacy on 8th May, 1421. 
 
 By the imparking such a large tract of land as eight hundred
 
 SIR THOMAS AND DAME JOHANNA BROOK. 
 
 THOBNCOMBE CHDRCH DEVON.
 
 The BriH'k Fiiiiiili/. 17 
 
 acres, by tliu ui(U)\ved Lady .lolianna and lier son Sir Thomas, 
 doubtless some public rights of way from Uphay and elsewhere 
 across it, liad been obstructed or stopped. 
 
 Accordingly the matter was referred to Nicholas Wysbeche, 
 Abbot of the adjacent Abbey of Newenham, and otiiers for 
 adjustment, who, observes Mr. Davidson — 
 
 " Was appointed with five of his neighbours a mediator in a dispute between 
 Sir William Bonville, of Shute, and Joan the widow of Sir Thomas Brooke, 
 arising from the obstruction of several public roads and paths in the foundation 
 and enclosure of the park at Weycroft by the lady and her son. The transcript 
 of an instrument has been preserved which recites the circumstances of the case 
 at great length, and concluded with an award, which as the Abbot was nomi- 
 nated by the Lady Brooke, does credit to his justice as an umpire, as well as to 
 his hospitality ; for, after deciding on every ]ioint in favour of Sir William 
 Bonville, and directing all the ways to be thrown open to the public, it con- 
 cludes by directing the knight and the lady should ride amicably together to 
 Newenham Abbey on a day appointed, where they should exchange a kiss in 
 token of peace an<l friendship, and dine together at the Abbot's table. The 
 deed is dated at Axniinster, K^th .August, 14*2S. 
 
 Lady Johanna iSrooiv sur\ived her second husband just 
 twenty years, and died on 10th April, 1437, and tliey were 
 both buried at the east end of the north aisle of Thoracombe 
 old church, where two fine brass effigies were placed to their 
 memory on a stone in tlie pavement, with a ledger inscription 
 and four shields. The figures have fortunately been preserved, 
 but only a small portion of the inscription remained, and the 
 shields were gone. The new church at Thorncombe does not 
 occupy the same site as the former one, but tiie effigies have 
 been preserved and inserted in another stone and placed in a 
 relative position therein on a low tomb, with tliis restored in- 
 scription around them : 
 
 '"'• Here lyth Sir Thoiiutf: Bmoh Kni/t/fc the irliiche dyed the xxiii 
 ddij of J(niuirre tlie yere of oiire lorde MCCCC &f XTX 
 a/td the Jijte yere of Kynyr Harry tlie V. Also here lyth 
 dame Johan Brook the wyfe of the xayde Thomas the 
 irhyche died the x day of Apryll : The yere of our lorde 
 MCCCC §• XXXVIJ and the .,:>• yere of Kynye Harry 
 the rj: on ivhois Soiiles God haue mercy ^- pite that for rs 
 dyed on the Node tree. amen. 
 The effigies are two of tlie most distinguished to hv found
 
 Ig The Brook Family. 
 
 remaining of that era. Sir Thomas is clad in a long gown, 
 with dec}) dependant sleeves, guarded with fur around the 
 skirt and collar, and pulled in at the waist by a belt studded 
 with roses. Within the gown a second garment appears, with 
 fdiu- rows of fur around the skirt. His hair is polled, and 
 his feet rest on a greyhound couchant, collared. Lady 
 Johanna wears a long robe fastened across the breast by a 
 cordon with tassells, over a plain gown. Her hair is dressed 
 in semi-niitrc shape, and confined by a richly jewelled net, 
 over Avhich is placed the cover-chief, edged with embroidery, 
 and dependant to the shoulders. At her feet is a little lap- 
 doo-. collared and belled. Both wear the collar of S.S., their 
 arms are in tightly-fitting sleeves, and the hands are raised in 
 prayer. 
 
 At the death of Lady .Johanna Brook, the large possessions 
 she had held in dower of her first husband Robert Cheddar, 
 which included the manor of Cheddar and the advowson of the 
 Chantry of our Blessed Lady in the church there, was inherited 
 l)y her only surviving son by him, Thomas Chedder (ob. 
 1442-3), who had mamed a Devonshire lady, Isabel Scobahull, 
 of South-Pool, a parish in the soxithemmost angle of that 
 count)'. 
 
 Thomas Brook, her eldest son by her second husband, suc- 
 ceeded to Olditch, Weycroft, Brook-Ivelchester, and other 
 lauded property of considerable extent belonging to his father 
 — and he had made a distinguished match with Joan Bray- 
 broke, only daughter and heiress of the Lady of Cobham, in 
 Kent. 
 
 Of the other son, Michael Brook, we get no account, and he 
 probably died without issue. 
 
 VII. — »)ir '(El)Omfl0 25r00k, the son of Sir Thomas Brook 
 and the Lady Johanna, was born about 1391, he being twenty- 
 six years of age at the death of his father, 23rd January, 
 1417-8. He was Knight of the Shire for Dorset, 1 Henry V 
 (1413-4) : for the county of Somerset, 8 Henry V (1420-1),
 
 The Brook Family. 19 
 
 and 1 and o Henry VI i\AT2-.\ anil 142()-7), and was knigliti'd 
 between 141G and 1422. 
 
 His marriage with ^l"'^'^- o"'y surviving child and sole 
 heiress of Joan dk la Pole, Lady of C'obham, by her second 
 husband Sir Reoixald Bkayhuoke, took place in 1409-10, 
 and she proved a prolific mother, bringing him ten sons and 
 four daughters. Of the sons (1) Edward, eldest son and heir 
 was summoned to Parliament as a Baron by writs from l.'Uh 
 January, 1444-5 (23 Henry VI), to 28th February, 1462-3 
 (2 Edw. IV), as '■'■Edward Broke de Cohhain, Chicalier." He 
 was a strong adherent of the House of York, and as previously , 
 related, had his mansion at Olditch sacked by the Lancastrian 
 Earl of Ormond ; was present at the first battle of St. Alban's, 
 23rd May, 1455 ; took part in the solemn procession to St. 
 Paul's, London : and commanded the left wing of the York- 
 shire men at the battle of Northampton, 10th July, 1460. 
 He married Elizabeth, daughter oi' James Toaehet, Lord Audleij, 
 and died in 1464. (2) Regimild, was of Aspall, in Suffolk, with 
 descent still in existence. (3) Ihu/h : he married Fetronrl 
 .... and his descendants settled in Somerset. John, his son, 
 Sergeant-at-law to Henry VIII, married a daughter of 
 Mericke, of Bristol, and had three sons : Thomas, married Joan 
 Speke, and had issue ; Hiif/h, of Long Ashton ; Arthur, whose 
 son Edward, was of Barrow-Gurney, and he had issue Hmjh, 
 who married Dorothy Preston, of Glastonbury, ; Thomas, 
 also of Glastonbury Abbey (1623), who married Rebecca, 
 daughter and co-heir of John Wyke, of Ninehead, ; and Sir 
 Davy or David Brook, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, 
 Knighted 1 Mary (1553), who married Catherine, sister of 
 John Bridges, Lord Chaudois — this descent is given in the 
 Somerset Visitation for 1623. (4) Thomas; (5) John; (6) 
 Robert ; (7) Peter; (8) Christopher ; (9) Henry ; (10) Moryaii ; 
 all died without issue. Of the daughters : ( 1) Margaret ; 
 (2) Christian, died without issue; (3) Joan, or (juery Isabel, 
 married John Carrant ; (4) Elizabeth, John St. Maure, whose
 
 20 Tlif Brook Fnmihj. 
 
 daughter Joan marrlecl John Blrwitt, of Holcombe-Kogus, 
 whose son Nicholas, oh. 22iicl August, 1523. 
 
 Although his wife styled herself Lady of Cobham, her 
 hushand was never summoned to Parliament as a Baron — the 
 title remaining in abeyance thirty-two years, from 22nd March, 
 141.3, temp. Sir John Oldcastle, until Sir Thomas Brook's son, 
 Sir Edward Brook, had summons, 13th January, 144.3. He 
 survived his mother seven years, his mother-in-law five years 
 only, and died in 1429. A continuation of the descent of 
 Brook, will be given. 
 
 Cobbam, 
 
 OF COBHAM, KENT, AND OF SOMERSET AND DEVON. 
 
 Oil! little annals have shewn that Sir Thomas Brook, the 
 younger, of Olditch and Weycroft, made the distinguished 
 match of taking to wife, Joan Braybroke, the only daughter 
 and sole heiress of Joan de la Pole-Braybroke, Lady of Cob- 
 ham, in Kent : thereupon, or soon after, he appears to have 
 forsaken the olden associations of his birth-place, and the in- 
 heritances derived from his ancestors in Somerset and Devon, 
 migrating to the grander attractions of baronial Cobham, 
 where his name and posterity, ennobled and otherwise greatly 
 honoured, flourished for several generations. A notice of this 
 succession now demands attention. 
 
 The very antient family of Cobham, in Kent, although so 
 far removed from the west-country, had very early associations 
 with the counties of Somerset and Devon. 
 
 The first so related, and pertaining to this account, were two 
 brothers, Heniy and John de Cobham, the sons of John de 
 Cobham, fourth in the Kent descent. 
 
 •FoHN DE Cobham was Sheriff of Kent, 1259-61 ; Justice 
 Itinerant of the Common Pleas, 1267-71 ; King's Sergeant 
 and Justice of the King's Bench, 1275 ; Baron of the Ex-
 
 The Brook luini/li/. 21 
 
 chequer,* and Constable of" tlie Castle and City of Rochester, 
 1279-80. Botii were his sous by his first wife, Joan, daughter 
 of Sir Robert de Septvans ; she died before 1298, and he de- 
 ceased in March, 1300. They were both buried in the parish 
 church of St. Mary ]Magdalen, Cobham, where his gravestone 
 remains, denuded of its brasses : but his wife's effigy still 
 exists clad in wimple, cover-chief and long robe, vmder a fine 
 canopy, said to be the earliest known example of a canopy to 
 a monumental brass. Boutell (1848) says, "the Longobardic 
 letters and narrow fillets of latten have been removed from 
 the verge of the slab, to which this fine brass is attached," and 
 that the inscription ran thus : 
 Dame : Jone : de : Kobcliam : f/ist : isi : devs : de : sa : dime : 
 
 eft : tiierri : kike : pur : le : a/mr : priera : quaraiHite : jours : 
 
 de : jjiirdovii : avera. 
 which may be rendered : 
 " Daitie Jone de Koheham lies here — God, have mercy on her soul. 
 
 Each one who shall pray for her soul, shall have forty days 
 
 jiardon. 
 This brass has been erroneously assigned to represent the 
 wife of her grandson, Joan de Beauchamp, who died subse- 
 quent to 1343, a period much too late for the costume. 
 
 Henky de Cobham, his eldest sou, was appointed Con- 
 stable of the Castle and City of Rochester, 1304, and Constable 
 of the Castle of Dover, and Warden of the Cinque Ports, 34 
 Edw. 1, 1305-6. He was the first Baron of Cobham, being 
 summoned to Parliament as such, from 8th .Tanuary, 1313, to 
 22nd .lanuary, 1336 ; and is described by Mr. Waller, as "a 
 stirring and active man in the public administration and mili- 
 tary enterprises of the nation." He married Mauu, the 
 daughter of Eiido de Moreville, and widow of Matthew de 
 Colurabers. 
 
 * Pole mentions a John Cobham, " who sate in Devon, ye 33 yeere K. Henry 
 III," 1249— probably father of this John, who was Justice Itinerant and of the 
 Common Pleas at this time — and another John de Cobham. "who sate at 
 Exon.," in 128G.
 
 22 The Brooh Faiiiih/. 
 
 In pursuing our narrative we have now to make a diversion 
 into Somerset, and follow him there. 
 
 At Stoke-snb-Hamdon was one of the mansions or cas- 
 tellated residences of the antient and distinguished family of 
 the Beauchamps — Barons Beauchamp,also styled, "of Hacche," 
 (Hatch-Beauchamp), in the county of Somerset. It was of 
 considerable size as befitted their rank and station, license to 
 fortify it being granted, 7 Edw. Ill (1334), and attached to it 
 was a chantry or free chapel, apparently of large size, dedicated 
 to St. Nicholas ; but of all these extensive buildings, a few 
 insignificant portions only, now remain. 
 
 Its occupant at this era was John de I5eauchamp, tlie first 
 of the family summoned to Parliament as a Baron, 27 Edw. I 
 (1299) — he was frequently engaged in military service under 
 that monarch, by whom he was Knighted in 1306, in company 
 with the king's eldest son, Prince Edward, in the expedition 
 to Scotland, in that year ; he also signed the celebrated letter 
 to the Pope, 29 Edw. I (1299). He was also constituted 
 Governor of Bridgwater Castle. In 1304 he founded in the 
 chapel at Stoke-Beauchamp, a Collegiate Chantry, consisting 
 of a Provost and four other Chaplains, and suitably endowed 
 it, together Avith a house in the village for their common resi- 
 dence, which still exists. The Beauchamps were munificently 
 inclined toward the Church, some eaidier members of the 
 family are assigned to be the founders of the Augustine Priory 
 of St. Gregory, at Frithelstock, in north Devon, and bene- 
 factors to the Cistei'cian Abbey of Ford, where their arms 
 Vaire, appear on the sinister side of the Conventual seal. He 
 died 10 Edw. Ill (1337), and by his wife, Joan, left two sur- 
 viving children, John his heir, and a daughter Joan. 
 
 In the year 1316, the aforesaid Henry de Cobham was 
 apparently on a visit to this John de Beauchamp, at his man- 
 sion at Stoke-sub-Hamdon. About 1314, tlohu de Cobham, 
 his son, had married the above Joan, only daughter of liis 
 host, John de Beauchamp, and her father gave her a mai-riage
 
 Tlu; Brook Familij. 23 
 
 portion of four hundred ])ounds. Henry de Cobham died at 
 Stoke during his visit, 9 Edw. II (1316), aged 76, and was 
 buried in the Collegiate C'hapel adjoining the mansion, his son 
 John being present, the details of whose journey and expenses, 
 whicli were defrayed by the C'obhams, were extant in 1574. 
 
 The interesting old itinerant Leland, who visited Somerset 
 about 1541-2, was evidently greatly impressed with the impor- 
 tant castle of the Beaucliamps at Stoke-sub-Hamdon, and its 
 attendant chapel, and so ]iut on recoi-d a singularly detailed 
 account of what he witnessed there, at that time apparently in 
 the earlier stages of decay. For the easier realization of its 
 then remaining glory, his description has been rendered in 
 modern sjjelling : 
 
 " I saw at Stoke iu a bottom hard by the village very notable ruins of a great 
 Manor Place or Castle, and iu this Manor Place remaineth a very ancient 
 Chapel, wherein be divers tombs of noble men and women. 
 
 In the south west side of the Chapel be live images on tombs, one hard 
 joined to another, three of men harnessed and shielded, and two of women. 
 There hath been inscriptions on each of them, but now so sore defaced, they 
 cannot be read. I saw a shield or two all Vairi, of })lae and white. There be 
 in this part of the Chapel also, two tombs without images. 
 
 There is in the north side of the body of the Chapel, a tomb in the wall 
 without image or writing, and a tomb with a goodly image of a man of arms in 
 the north side of the quire with shield as I remember all Vain'i ; and even afore 
 the quire door bnt without it, lieth a very great flat marble stone, with an 
 image in brass flatly graven, and this writing in French about it. 
 
 ^' Ici f/ist le noble it vaUlant Cliivaler Maheu de Gurney iadys seneschal de 
 Landes it capilain du Chastel Daques pro noslre seic/nor /e roy en la duche de 
 Guyene, que en sa vie fu a la hciluil de P>eaumarin, it- ala apres a la sicrje Dal- 
 gezire sur le Sarazines, it auj-i a lex hakiiUes de Lescluse, de Cressy, de 
 Yngenesse. de Peyteres, de Nazara. Dozrey, it a plusours aulrex batailleg <L- 
 asserjes eii les qiiex it iiaina noblemenl graund los it honour per le .ipace de 
 xxiiij lO rvj ans, it morust le xxvj jour de Septembre Ian noatre seignor .lesu 
 Christ MCCCCVJ que de salme dieux ell mercy. Amen." 
 
 There was beside this grave another, in the west-end of the body of the 
 Chapel, having a great Hat stone without inscription. 
 
 I marked in the windows three sorts of arms, one all Vair^, blue and while, 
 another with three atripen (jutes dovn-right in a field of gold. The third was 
 fj-o«s/e(.f of gold many intemixt in one in a field, as I remember, gold. 
 
 There is a Provost belonging to this Collegiate Chapel now in decay, where 
 sometime was good service, and now but a mass said three times in the week." 
 
 Of the fine mansion only the barest traces of the foundations 
 iire now visible, and of the evidently large chapel, filled with 
 an array of the most interesting tombs — eleven in number — 
 to the Beauchamps, the antient lords of the place, knights and 
 ladies reclining around, "in their habits as they lived," doubt-
 
 24 The Brook Family. 
 
 less among them their visitor and relative Henry de Cobham, 
 who was there binned, the brazen effigies of the aged warrior, 
 Sir Matthew Goiirnay, in his harness, stretched upon the floor* 
 at the entrance door of the choir, and the windows above them 
 sparkling with the armories of their families and descent, 
 must have formed an unique sight. 
 
 Of this once almost fairy scene of mediaeval interest, now, 
 not a vestige remains, and when the writer visited the place a 
 few years since, a potato garden occupied its site, in the centre 
 of which an interment or two had been discovered, the remains 
 indicating their having been male and female, and from time 
 to time a few pieces of encaustic tiles and fragments of 
 sculpture are occasionally exhumed. Its desecration and 
 effacement is complete. 
 
 John de Cobham, second Baron, was Knight of the Shire 
 for Kent at intervals between 1.312 and 1334-5, in which latter 
 year he was constituted Admiral of the Fleet from the mouth 
 of the Thames westward, a Justice of Oyer and Terminer, and 
 Constable of Rochester Castle. He was summoned to Parlia- 
 ment as a Baron, from 24th November, 1350, to loth March, 
 1354-5, and for his military services was created a Knight- 
 Banneret by Edward III, Avith an annuity of a hundred marks. 
 His first wife Joan Beauchamp, was alive in 1343, and he 
 married secondly Agnes, daughter of Richard Stone, of Dart- 
 ford. He died 25th February, 1354-5. and was buried in the 
 chancel at Cobham, where his brass still exists, the armour 
 and appointments being very similar to those of his son, the 
 Founder of the College. The inscription is remarkable and no 
 other exactly like it is known : 
 " Vous qe passez ici entour Priez pur lahnc le cortays viandonr 
 
 * This redoubtable old knight was the last possessor of Stoke, by his marriage 
 with Alice, ob 1383, widow of John, fourth and last Baron Beauchamp, ob. 1361, 
 and at his death it reverted to the Crown and was included in the possessions 
 of the Duchy of Cornwall. He died in 1406, aged ninety-six, and had for his 
 companion-in-arms, another venerable west-country knight, Sir John Sully, 
 K.G.. of Iddesleigh, in Devon, whose tomb and effigies are in Crediton church, 
 and who died in 1387, aged one hundred and seven. They fought together at 
 Cressy and Najara, serving in the French wars of that era.
 
 77/c- Brook Family. 25 
 
 Qr Jolmii (le Ciiblidiii (tuiiit a noun JJirii.r hii/ fair iicrnii/ 
 fianloiin Qr trrpassu. Inuhtiiayn de Sr/nt Maihei Lc puU- 
 aiint (ifr/i- iidonorer one b/ En Ian tir ijruce Mil CCCI^ 
 <l(itrc Crs t'ncniis Jisf iibatrc. ' 
 
 which tells us 
 
 " Yc who pa.ts by here, prai/ for the sold of the (jcntle host, iidio 
 WHS named Joluin dr Cobh((ni. God to him i/irc rrri/ pardon ; 
 wlio passed axcay the day after St. Matthew's dm/. The 
 Almighty grant (him) to dwell with. Ilim. In the i/ear of 
 grace, 1364. Those enemies he hath made to be abased.' 
 The date w(nil(l be the 2.')th Feliruary, 13.j4-5. 
 A second digression awaits us here, concerning John de 
 
 Cobham, the yovuiger brother of" Henry de Cobham (the first 
 
 baron of that name who died at Stoke-sub-Ilanidon) and who 
 
 came into Devon and settled there. 
 
 Cobbam, 
 
 OF BLACKBOUOUGH, DEVOX. 
 
 Blackborough, a parish in east Devon, lying under the 
 Blackdown hills, a few miles east of CoUumpton, Avas held by 
 the Bolhays, of Blackburgh-Bolhay. Hamelin de Bolliay died 
 54 Henry III (1270), and Dame Piiilippade Bolhay presented 
 to the living of Blackborough, 8th January, 1274-5. Here a 
 branch of the C'obhams was located in Devon. 
 
 John de Cobham, described by Pole as a "younger son 
 of Cobham in Kent," was the younger sou of John de Cobliam 
 and Joan de Septvans, and brother to Henry de Cobham, the 
 first Baron, who died at Stoke-sub-Hamdon, in l;539. He 
 married Amicia or Amy, daughter of James de Bolhay, of 
 Blackburgh-Bolhay, and inherited the manor. There were 
 four children, James, his heir ; Isabel, who married John Bam- 
 field, of Poltimore ; Elizabeth, to Sir Hugh Beverell, from 
 whom the Hungerfords ; and Philippa, to Nicholas Ingpen, 
 from wh(jm successively Fitchett, Hill of Spaxton, Cheney of
 
 26 The Brook Family. 
 
 Pinhoe, and Walgrave, of Siittblk. James de C'obhani was 
 succeeded by John, named as eighth in the entail settled In' 
 John de C'obham, third Baron, who married Margaret Courte- 
 nay, son of John, second Baron, who married Joan Beauchamp, 
 of Stoke-sub-Hamdon. He was succeeded by Sir John Cob- 
 hum, 7 Rich. II (1394), who married Kathrrinr, eldest daughter 
 of Sir Jf'il/iiun Bonrillf, of Shute, ob. 1407-8, by his first wife 
 Margaret de Aumarle. They would thus be contemporary 
 with Sir Thomas and Dame Johanna Brook, whose son married 
 the heiress of the main descent of C'obham in Kent. It was of 
 tliis lady the domestic incident is related that occurred at the 
 baptism of her nephew, tlie imfortunate Lord William Bon- 
 ville, of C'hewton, K.G., when he made proof as to his coming 
 of age, before the king's escheator, in the first year of King 
 Henr}' V, 1418-14. John C'okesdene and others deposed that 
 on the day of his baptism, the last day of August, 1393 — 
 
 "They were together elected at Houiton on a certain 'love-day,' to make 
 peace between two of their neighbours, and ou that very day, there came there 
 a certain Lady Katberine, widow of Sir John Cobham, Kut. , and then wife of 
 John Wyke, of Nynhyde, an aunt of the said William, proposing to drive to 
 Shute, thinking she should be god-mother to the said infant, and met there a 
 certain Edward Dj'gher, servant to the said Sir William Bonevile. who was re- 
 puteil to be half-witted in consequence of bis being loquacious and jocular, and 
 who asked her whither she was going. Who answering quickly, said, 'Fool, 
 to Shute, to see my nephew made a Christian,' to which the said Edward 
 replied, with a grin, in his mother tongue, 'Kate, Kate, ther to by myn pate 
 coraystow to late,' meaning thereby that the baptism of the child was already 
 over ; whereupon she mounted upon her horse in a passion, and rode home in 
 deep anger, vowing that she would not see her sister, to wit the said child's 
 mother, for the next six months, albeit she should be in extremia, and die." 
 
 By Sir John Cobham she had one daughter, Elizabeth, 
 married to fValter Charleton, but there was no issue, " after 
 whose death," says Pole, "by virtue of a remainder iu an 
 entail, tlie Lord Bonville enjoyed this (Blackburgh) and other 
 lands, notwithstanding the claim of Huugerford, Hill, and 
 Bamfield, the right heirs. The issue male (of Cobham) failed 
 in the time of Rich. II, 1377-99." 
 
 Secondly, Dame Katherine married John Wyke, of Nyne- 
 head-Flory, Somerset — he presented to the rectory of Black- 
 borough, in June, 1405, and died 12 Henry IV, 1411. Thirdly,
 
 Thr Briiok Fainili/. 27 
 
 she married Humphrey Stafford, of Graftou, Worcestershire, 
 and died 1st August, 1416. 
 
 They differenced the Cobham arms with eui/lets for Hans, 
 and bore, (iidcs, mi a clicrron in; three eiitjlets displayed sable. 
 
 Cobbam, 
 
 OF KENT, KTC. — CONTIXl'KO. 
 
 .John dk Cobham, third Baron, was the eldest son of John 
 
 de Cobham, second Baron, by .loan Beauchamp, of Stoke-sub- 
 
 Hamdou, his first wife. He married about 1332-3, M akgaket, 
 
 eldest daughter of Hurjh Conrtenay, second Earl of Devon, ob. 
 
 1377, by his wife Margaret, ob. 1392, daughter of Humphrey 
 
 de Bohun, EarLof Hereford and I'js>cx. by his wife the Princess 
 
 Elizabeth, seventh daughter of King Edward I ; and who 
 
 were then residing at Colcombe, in Colyton, Devon. 
 
 At tlieir marriage the Earl a]3pears to have settled sumli-y 
 
 lands on them, and on the Stii Ai)nl, 1355, John de Cobham 
 
 gave a certain sum of money to his fatlier-in-law, the Earl at 
 
 Colcombe, for tlie maintenance of his wife there, and the Earl's 
 
 receipt for the same is still in existence, which runs thus : 
 
 ' ' Conue chone soict a totes r/entz que nous hui/he de dorlenay counte de Deunes- 
 chire auons receu de Johaun de ( 'obehaum chhialler filtz monsieur Johaun de 
 Cobehaum de Kent chiualier ijui/nze lijures sys soulhe <i oyct deniers pur le 
 sniourn et auUres necessaries Manjtirete de Cobehaum nostre J'ylle sa compa.vjne 
 del' terme de Pasche darroyne passe come pleynement aperct par endentures enire 
 nous J'eates. Dea queaux quynze lyures sys south <0 oyct deniers nous nous tenoms 
 jdeynement tstre paietz et lauaunct diet Joluiun quytes par icestes noz presented 
 lectres daquytaunce du nostre seal enseales. Done a Colecomb le viij"" Jour de 
 April Laan due reipie nostre sor/nour le Roi Edward troys puis le conqueste 
 vynct it neo/ysme." 
 
 which may be tluis rendered : 
 
 " Be it known to all people that we. Hugh de Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire, 
 have received of John de Cobham, Knight, son of .Sire John de Cobham, of Ktuit, 
 Knight, fifteen pounds, six shillings, and eightpence, for the lodging and other 
 necessaries of Margaret de Cobham. our daughter, his companion, from the term 
 of Easter last past, as fully appears from the indentures made between us. Of 
 which fifteen pouud.s. six shillings, and eightpence, we hold ourselves to be fully 
 paid, and the aforesaid John released by these our present letters of acquain- 
 tance with our seal attached, (liven at Colcombe the 8th day of April, the 29th 
 year of the reign of our Lord King Edward the third after the Conquest."
 
 28 The Brook FamUy. 
 
 This John de Cobham was the last, as he was also the most 
 remarkable and influential representative of this the main 
 descent. Mr. J. G. Waller in his comprehensive and admir- 
 able account of the family of Cobham, in the Kent Arc/icBo- 
 lot/ical Transactions * gives this interesting sketch of his life, 
 and infers that at the time he gave the curious receipt : 
 
 He was then probably about to serve with the army in France, where 
 Edw. Ill, exasperated at the double dealing of Philip, had begun an active 
 campaign. At his father's death, in 13.5.5, he became Lord of Cobham, was 
 first summoned to Parliament '20th September, the same year. In 1359, he 
 was in the great expedition to France, under Edw. III. In 136'2, he founded 
 and endowed Cobham College, for five priests, one to be the \\'arden, to say 
 masses for the repose of the souls of the founder's ancestors, for the good 
 estate of himself and family while living and .all Christian souls. In 1.366-7, 
 he was again in France, engaged in the war. In 1367, he was sent ambassador 
 to Rome, to obtain from Pope Urban V, the appointment of William of VVyke- 
 ham to the .See of Winchester. In 1370 he was made a Banneret by the King 
 in person. In 1 337 he served on several commissions in the public service. 
 In 1380-1. he had license to crenellate .and fortify his mansion of Cowling, the 
 reconstruction of which he had commenced, and was in progress. In 1383. he 
 was sent to treat with the Count of Flanders, long at war with his subjects ; 
 and subsequeutlj- with the Duke of Lancaster .and others, to conclude a peace 
 or truce with France. In 1386, he was appointed with others by Parliament to 
 examine into the state of the King's (Pilchard's) court, revenues, grants, etc. ; and 
 made one of the Kiug's great and continual Council for one year. This Council, 
 which restrained the King's power was afterward to feel his full resentment. 
 
 The outcry against the King's rule made itself heard early in 1388, in the 
 U]emorable impeachment by the Commons of Michael de la Pole, Duke of 
 Suffolk, the Chancellor, .and others. .-^mong the names of the Lords Apellant, 
 we find that of John de Cobham. On the day fixed for the meeting of these 
 Commissioners, an armed ambuscade was placed at the Mews under the 
 command of Sir Xicholas Brembre. the Lord Mayor, to way-lay them on 
 their route to Westminster. Being duly warned they avoided the snare, and 
 then demanded a safe conduct under the King's own hand. On the day 
 appointed the Barons came well attended, and the records of Parliament 
 contain no more exciting scene. The Lords Appellant brought a long list 
 of charges against the accused, none of whom appeared, and in the presence 
 of the King, flung down their gages on the floor of the house, ready to 
 make them good by battle. Ln the meantime Sir P>obert Tresillian, the 
 Judge, one of the accused, was taken in disguise within the precincts of the 
 Abbey, and produced before the Lords. With great spirit he offered to defend 
 himself by wager of battle, but this was disallowed. Judgment was recorded 
 against him, and l.e was subsequently drawn on a hurdle to Tyburn, and there 
 executed. .Subsequently the same fate befel Sir Nicholas Brembre. 
 
 In 1389, he sat as a member of the Court of Chivalrj'. in the celebrated 
 case between Scrope and Grosvenor,t and on another in 1392, in the dispute 
 between Morley and Level, and engaged in sundry other public official acts, 
 and useful services near his home. He then lost his wife, Margaret Courtenay, 
 and probabl3- anticipating his dying without a direct heir, executed an elabo- 
 rate deed of entail, which included several members of the family. 
 
 * From which we largely quote both here and elsewhere in this Paper, and 
 desire to render all acknowledgments and thanks. 
 
 t The venerable old Sir John Sully, K.G. , before alluded to, gave evidence 
 in this case, on 2nd July, 1386, the Commissioner, John Kentwode, proceeded 
 to Iddesleigh, in Devon, and in the church there took the old knight's, and his 
 esquire, Richard Baker's evidence on oath . He must have been then 106 years old.
 
 JOHN DE COBHAM, FOUNDER OF COBHAM COLLEGE. 
 COBHAM CHrRCH, KENT.
 
 MARGARET COURTENAY. WIFE OF JOHN DE COBHAM. 
 
 COiJHA.M I Hl'lU H.
 
 Tlir lirodk Fdittili/. 29 
 
 It was only just in time. A Parliament had been assembled in which 
 the King had, by special writs to the Sheriffs, tampered directly with the 
 elections, and thus gained a party directly in his interest. Immediate steps 
 were taken against those who had acted upon the Commission of 1,387-S, and 
 Lord Cobham Heeint; to the Monastery of the Carthusians in London, renounced 
 the world. That did not protect him, for he was drawn from this seclusion, 
 and with Sir John Cheney, committed to the Tower. He was then brought 
 before the Parliament, which h.ad already condemned the Earls of Warwick 
 and .Arundel, the former having been banished and the latter executed, even in 
 contempt of accorded pardon. 
 
 The proceedings, as recorded in the Rolls of Parliament, are interesting, 
 as they certainly justify what the historians of the time had said, respecting 
 Cobham's simplicity and good faith. When called in question by the King, 
 concerning the Commission of I.3SS, he replied 'that touching the making of 
 the Commission he was not culpable, and touching the use and exercise of the 
 same Commission, he would not have used it. nor meddled with it, but with 
 the command of the King.' To which the King replied, 'that he was under 
 such governance at that time, that he could not otherwise say by reason of 
 those that were around him. ' 
 
 Lord Cobham was adjudged guilty and condemned to be hanged, drawn, 
 and quartered. .All his estates were confiscated. But, for mere shame, an 
 historian has said, the King commuted this sentence on the venerable noble 
 into banishment for life to Jersey, with the proviso, that if he escaped, the 
 sentence should have full effect. In this sentence there was a saving of entail, 
 which is worthy of note, as showing the jealousy of Parliament over estates 
 that might otherwise pass into the hands of the Croivn. Not long afterwards, 
 this sentence was made an article of accusation against the King himself. 
 
 Two Lords Cobham were in exile at the same time, for Sir Itegiuald, second 
 Baron Cobham of Sterborough, was included in the condemnation. The numerous 
 and powerful families connected with them, the .Arundels, '^taft'ords. Beau- 
 champs, and others, each had their special wrongs against the King. Henry, 
 of Boliugbroke, was urged by the Archbishop of Canterbury, himself an exile, 
 to return. Starting from Vannes. in Brittany, and coasting along the shores of 
 England, he eventually landed at Ravenspurn, and amoug the few knights in 
 his train was .Sir Reginald Cobham. The event is known as one of great 
 moment in our history. The exiled nobles returned, and Parliament called 
 King Richard to account for the sentences passed on Lord Cobham, and others 
 the Lords Appellant. A solemn surrender of the Crown took place in Parlia- 
 ment, which decreed that the deposed monarch should be placed in safe keeping, 
 and on the record appears the name of Lord Cobham. A few years later, he 
 signed the entail of the Crown upon the four sons of Henry IV, and this was 
 the last of his public acts. 
 
 His whole life was an unbroken succession of services rendered the .State, 
 at one of the most critical periods of English history, when the power of Parlia- 
 ment was rapidly developing, and the C'ommons shewed themselves to be 
 growing in strength. There was no matter of public importance either at home 
 or abroad, in which his advice as a councillor or as a diplomatist, was not 
 sought or given. It is evident, even from the scanty information contained in 
 our records, that John de Cobham, the ' Founder,' must be placed among the 
 most eminent statesmen of his time. 
 
 He died loth January, l-IUT-S, and must have reached a very advanced 
 age, for at least seventy-four years had elapsed since his marriage contract, 
 allowing for extreme youth at that time, he could scarcely have been leas than 
 ninety-two." 
 
 Lady Mari>'ai-ft Cobham died on the 2iul of Au<iust, 138n, 
 and was l)\iried in the eliaiicel of Cobham church, where there 
 i.s a fine brass to her memory, with this iiiseription :
 
 30 The Brook Fnniihf. 
 
 " Sy gist dame Mari/aretc dc Cobchiini Jadys Jille a noble S'>' le 
 
 Coitnte de Dencnschir feme le sire dc Cobeham foiindour de 
 
 ceste place qe murust le secoiuule joi' dil inoys Dai/ii.it l<iii 
 
 de (/race M^ CCCLXXXV hilmc de qy deux eyt uierei/. 
 
 Amen." 
 
 The arms are C'obham, and Cobham impaling C'oiutenay. 
 
 Although so far removed from Devon, she was destined to 
 
 have her distinguished brother, William C'oiirtenay, located 
 
 comparatively near her a few yeai's before her death, he 
 
 being successively ti-anslated to the See of London in 1375, 
 
 and elevated to the Archbishopric of Canterbury, in 1381. 
 
 Nor were her virtues and fine character toi'gotten in Devon 
 
 after her decease, for ten years later, Edmund Staftbrd, 
 
 Bishop of Exeter (he had been consecrated by her brother), 
 
 on the loth of August, 1395 : 
 
 "Ordered public prayers throughout the diocese for the deceased ladies, 
 Margaret Cobham and Elizabeth Luttrell, sisters of the Primate, William 
 Courtenay, Archbishop of Canterbury, and describes them — 
 
 " Velut arbor in domo Domini, fructificana in vitae sanctitate el puritate ac 
 moriim et actuum virtuosorum homstate Domino studuerunt pro xnribus com- 
 placere. " 
 
 Which may be rendered : 
 
 " Like a tree in the house of the Lord, bearing fruit in holiness and purity of 
 life, and in dignity of conduct, and virtuous deeds, they studied to please the 
 Lord with (all) their might." 
 
 And the Bishop : 
 
 ■ ' Further to encourage the faithful who should assist at the solemn obser- 
 vances of the exequies of these distinguished ladies, and pray for their de- 
 parted souls, he grants an indulgence of forty days." — Oliver. 
 
 Elizabeth, Lady Luttrell, was the wife of Sir Andrew 
 Luttrell, of Chilton, and relict of Sir John de Vere — she died 
 1395. 
 
 The fine brass to John de Cobham's memory lies beside that 
 of his wife in Cobham church, he supports a church in his 
 hands, referable to his being the founder of the College. The 
 armour is interesting from its diverse character being com- 
 posed of banded chain-mail and plate, the covering of the 
 thighs and gauntlets being of cuir bouilli. But it is doubtfid 
 if he was buried here, the brass being probably laid down
 
 Tlic Brook Fittiiili/. 31 
 
 diirinfi- his life-time, and the iuseri])ti()ii exhibits nothing 
 
 tlefinite to confirm his interment bencatli it : 
 
 '' />r trrrc fii fait ct foiinni-, ct en Terre ct a Tcrrc siii/ rctourne, 
 
 Johan dc Cobham foundeur de ceste place 'ji fii iodia nomine 
 
 Mercy dc mtilmc cit la sriiitc T'rinitc.^^ 
 That is— 
 " Of earth was I made and furnied, and into earth and to the 
 
 earth am I returned, who lua.i formerly named Johan de 
 
 Cohhum, Founder of this place. May the Holy Triniti/ 
 
 have mercy on my so?il.'^ 
 There is the record of a monument once exisiiiifv in the 
 Church of the Grey Friars, in London, to a .John de Cobham, 
 Baron of Kent, "in a tomb raised u]) at the end of that altar 
 by the door under the cross (transept) lies John de Cobham, 
 Harou of the County of Kent," and it is difficult to see to 
 whom this can refer if not to this John de Cobham. Stow, in 
 his account of this magnificent structure, gives a graphic des- 
 cription of the arraj' of tombs then within it, and a long list 
 of the influential persons buried beneath tliem. Among them 
 he mentions " .lohn Cobham, Baron of Kent," as being in- 
 terred " between the choir and the altar," and notes that " in 
 the choir," lay the Tyburn-executed Cornishman, "Sir Robert 
 Tresilian, Knight-Justice," and his unfortunate comjianion, 
 "Sir Nicholas Brembre, Mayor of London, buried 1386 ' — 
 previously referred to — of whom he adds, " he was Mayor in 
 1384 and 188,5, was Knighted with Sir William Walworth 
 in loS4 : and in 1387, as late Mayor of London, was this 
 year beheaded.'' 
 
 In addition to his being the founder of the College, he also 
 erected the original seat of the Cobhams, Cowling Castle, 
 near Rochester, early in the reign of Richard II. By his wife, 
 Mai'garet Courtenay, he left one daughter only, Johanna, 
 married to John de la Pole, of Chrishall, in Essex. He was 
 named as one of the Surveyors of his wife's mother, the Coun- 
 tess of Devon's will.
 
 32 Thr Brook Family. 
 
 V>z la Pole = CotJbam, 
 
 OF CHKISHALL, ESSEX. 
 
 John de la Pole, who inarricd Joan Cobhaiii, only daughter 
 of John de Cobham and Margaret Courtenay, was the son of 
 William de la Pole, who was the son of Richard de la Pole, 
 to whom Edward III, in 1338, gave "for his extraordinary 
 merits," a thousand pounds sterling out of the Exchequer. He 
 was the second son of the noted Sir William de la Pole, the 
 great merchant of Kingston-upon-Hull, whose descendants 
 occupy a distinguished place in English histoi'y, a gallant and 
 highly gifted race, who, after attaining by merit and alliance, 
 the highest position and honours, were — similar to the t'ob- 
 hams — summarily extinguished by Henry VIII, by the de- 
 capitation of Edmund de la Pole, the second duke of Suftolk, 
 on Tower Hill, 30th April, 1513 — the oflence being his descent 
 from the House of York, his mother having been, unfortunately 
 for him, the Lady Elizabeth Plantagenet, sister to Edward IV 
 and Richard III. 
 
 William de la Pole, the father of John, married Margaret 
 Peverel. She was the sister and heiress of tlohn Peverel, of 
 C'astle-Ashby, in Northamptonshire, after whose death he held 
 C'astle-Ashby and Milton, in right of jiis wife. She was 
 living in 1358, and he in 13(52. 
 
 John Peverel, who was aged nineteen, at Easter, 1349, died 
 without issue, in November of the same year. He had mar- 
 ried Isabella Basset, and was the first of this lady's six 
 husbands. The birth and career of this lady was a remarkable 
 one. According to Bui'ke, she was the daughter of Ralph, 
 the third Lord Basset, of Drayton, ob. 1343 — but "it is doubt- 
 ful if this lady was legitimate or not." At the death of her 
 presumed brother, Ralph, fourth and last Lord Basset, in 1390, 
 s.p.— 
 
 "He devised his estates according to some authorities, to Sir Hugh Shirley, 
 his nephew, son of his sister, Isabel, upon condition he should assume tbe 
 surname and arms of Bassett, in failure of which, those estates were to pass to
 
 
 JOHN DE LA POLE AXD JOAX DE COBHAM. HIS WIFE. 
 
 CHKISHALL CHrHCH, ESSEX.
 
 • IjirianrjDliaiiiia Diia Drcoliljifi (iiionDa^ji'UiiiRisui'iIDi Srtiliwok mm Wfm 
 in !iif|iiiiiti liilliitg ejii r'lniiui m igiiaiio-sfettsx^'nf-cumff air iiiiri(t1ifli8;jiiiiBi ■ 
 
 JOHANNA DE LA POLE. liADV OF COBIIAM.
 
 The Brock Famili/. 33 
 
 Edmund Lord Stafford. It is certain, however, great disputes arose after his 
 decease, but it does not appear the Shirleys were engaged in it, nor did they 
 take the name of Bassett." 
 
 Her second husband was Robert de Bradeston, who was 
 living 1,S50-I. Tlie tliird, Robert Rigge, living 1357-8. The 
 fourth, Sir Thomas Shirley, who died before 1362. Bv him 
 she appears to be ancestress to Shiidey, Earl Ferrers. The 
 fifth. Sir John de WodludI, who died 1367-8. 
 
 Her sixth and last match is an interesting one as coiuiected 
 with our little history. She married, as his second wife, Sir 
 Gerard Braybrokc (fourth of that name, oh. 1403), the father 
 of Sir Reginald Braybroke, the second husband of Joan de la 
 Pole, who was the grand-daughter of her first husbands sister, 
 Margaret Pevei-el.* 
 
 John de la Pole and his wife, Joan Cobham, were buried in 
 the church of Chrishall, a ])arish in nortli-west Essex ; and (jf 
 their relationship there we learn : 
 
 "The manor of Chrishall was held under Lord Stafford by William and 
 Margaret de la Pole in 1351-58, and in 1399 by the heirs of John de la Pole, 
 from whom it passed to his descendants the Brookes. The exact year of Sir 
 John's death has not been ascertained ; his lady died before her father, Lord 
 Cobham, and that barony descended to their only daughter, .Joan, and they 
 were both dead in 1389, as Lord Cobham had Kast Tilbury appropriated to his 
 CoUege at Cobham in that year, to maintain two chaplains to sing for their 
 souls. The time of their deaths, however, would probably not affect the date 
 of the brass, as there is good reason to suppose that it was put down in their 
 lifetime, and perhaps soon after their marriage. Their daughter Joan was 
 born in 1377, and the costume of the figures, and the style of the brass is such 
 as to make it almost a certainty that it was executed about the year 1375, at 
 which time it is probable they also rebuilt tbe church, as their arms remain on 
 the south door, and many parts of the building are of late Decorated or Transition 
 character." — Ardueoloijical Journal, vol. iv, p. .338, by Mr. C. J. Manning. 
 
 At this time, 1847, the brass lay in the nave, partly liidden 
 by the seats ; the canopy mutilated, and the supporting shafts 
 gone. Of the marginal inscription, only the words ^^ safemme 
 pi-iez" {/lis tinfc, pruy yc) remained, and but one shield, that 
 between the lieads of the figui'es, Pole im])aling Cobham, is 
 noted. 
 
 The brass now lies in the pavement of the west end of tlie 
 south aisle. It has been almost completely restored, inclusive 
 of two shields bearing resjjectively Pole and Cobham over the 
 
 * Miscellanea Genealogica et Heraklica, vol. ii, New Series, 1874, p. 61, by 
 Mr. E. W. Brabrook.
 
 34 The Brook Famih/. 
 
 canopy. Nothing has been added to the three words re- 
 maining of the original inscription. 
 
 The costume of the figures is very similar to that of the 
 lady's father and mother at Cobhara — the knight shews the 
 gradual change to plate armour — and the close-buttoued bodice 
 and long dependant lappets of the lady's sleeves are note- 
 worthy. The joined hands is not an unusual attitude found 
 on brasses of that era. 
 
 If they did not wholly rebuild the church, as has been sur- 
 mised, it is probable they added the south aisle, which was 
 apparently a chantry chapel. At its east end in the soutli 
 wall, under the first window, and in the usual situation of 
 founders' tombs near the altar, is a recessed tomb, with low 
 canopied arch, having sculptured leaf-ornament running round 
 its edge. Within it is the recumbent figure of a lady, in 
 costume almost exactly similar to the lady in the brass. There 
 is no inscription, nor is it known who it commemorates. If a 
 surmise may be hazarded, it may represent Margaret de la 
 Pole (Peverel), the mother of John of the brass ; as herself 
 and husband held the manor of C'hrishall before their son 
 John. On each side of the doorway of the porch leading into 
 this aisle is a shield, with scxdptured bearings — that on the 
 dexter side, although considerably denuded, was evidently 
 charged with the jaarent coat of De la Pole — (Arfjent) a fess 
 beticeen three leopards' heads (or). The other, in better preser- 
 vation, De la Pole of C'hrishall {Azui-e) two bars nebulee {or). 
 
 According to Morant, the manor of Chrisall-Bury was held 
 by Ralph, Lord Staftbrd, ob. 1372, and liis heirs; Thomas, 
 Loi'd Stafford held it in 1392, as three parts of a fee, and the 
 heirs of John de la Pole under him, and afterward Sir John 
 Harpenden (fifth husband of Joan de la Pole) held it. 
 
 Joan de Cobham was married to John de la Pole in 1362, 
 and both were dead before 1389 ; thus pi-edeceasing her father 
 who died in 1407-8, and leaving one daughter Joan, who at 
 her grandfather's death became Lady of Cobham.
 
 The Brook Famihj. 35 
 
 Joan Oc la Pole, 
 
 fLADY OF COBHAM, IN KENT. 
 
 Joan de la Pole became Lady of Cobham at her grand- 
 father's death, on 10th January, 1407-8 ; at the date of which 
 event she iiad been widow to two husbands, and was married 
 to a third. 
 
 Doubtless as a great heiress in prospective, as also of the 
 barony of Cobham, her hand Avas eagerly sought for, and she 
 was of youthful age when niai'ried to her first husband, Sir 
 Robert Hemendale, and after his death in 1391, she was suc- 
 cessively wedded to Sir Reginald Braybroke, Sir Nicholas 
 Hawberk, Sir John Oldcastle, and Sir John Harpenden, 
 notices of whom will follow. 
 
 As shewn on her brass she appears to have had ten children 
 by her several husbands, six sons and four daughters, but a 
 portion of them, six only, have been assigned to their fathers. 
 A son, William, to Sir Robert Hemendale ; two sons, Reginald 
 and Robert, and a daughter, Joan, to Sir Reginald Braybroke ; 
 a son, John, to Sir Nicholas Hawberk ; and a daughter, Juan, 
 to Sir John Oldcastle. 
 
 Little further is known of her. She died in 14.'j3, and was 
 
 buried in the chancel of the church of St. Mai-y Magdalen, 
 
 Cobham, with her ancestors and two of her husbands, and 
 
 where thei'e is her brass etfigy. She is habited in gown with 
 
 robe over and long dependant coverchief to the shoulders. A 
 
 little dog with collar and bells sits at her feet. At her right 
 
 are six sous, and at her left four daughtei's. Over her liead a 
 
 scroll, " t//i'« tncy. Lady help," and two other scrolls, one on 
 
 each side, " Jhu -mercy." Below this inscription — 
 
 " Hie jacet Johanna d'na de Cobham quonda «,r' d'ni Reyinaldi 
 
 Braybrook militis ijue obiit in die Sancti Hillary EpH Anno 
 
 d'ni MiUm\, CCCCO XXXIIJO Cuius aie ppicieV 
 
 dens. Amen." 
 
 Arms — six shields — 1, Cobham ; 2, Cobham impaling Cour-
 
 36 The Brook Famih/. 
 
 tenay ; 3, A fess between six cross-crosslefs (Peverel, of 
 Castle-Aslibj), and De la Pole, (luarterly, iuipaliug- C'obham ; 
 4, Quarterly, C'obliam and De la Pole ; 5, Braybroke, impaling 
 Cobliam ; 6, Brook, impaling Cobham. 
 
 Her death would have occurred on the 13th January, 1433-4. 
 Her only surviving child, Joan, by Sir Eeginald Braybroke, it 
 was who became Lady of Cobham, and married Sir Thomas 
 Brook, the younger, of Olditch and Weycroft. 
 
 ©emenDale = Dc la Pole. 
 
 The first of the five husbands of Joan de la Pole, Lady of 
 C'obham, was Sir Robert Hemendale, or Hemenhale, of a 
 knightly family in Norfolk, liotli of them being very young at 
 the time of the marriage. She had one son by him named 
 Willintn, who died in infancy. His death occurred in 1391, 
 and he was buried in Westminster Abbey. 
 
 Morant says " Sir Ralph Hemenhale held the manor of Rad- 
 winter Hall, in Essex, and advowson of the church, afterwai'd 
 by Sir Robert, and subsequently by the family of Cobham." 
 
 The arms of Hemenhale, of Norfolk, ai-e given as Argent^ 
 on a fe.ss between two chevron f (/vies, three escallops or. 
 
 TPtapbrofee = ^z la Pole. 
 
 The second husband of Joan de la Pole, Lady of Cobham, 
 was Sir Reginald Braybroke, the second son of Sir Gerard 
 Bravliroke, knt., third of that name, ob. 1403, by his first 
 wife, Margaret, daughter and heiress of .T ohn de Lunge vile, and 
 widow of Sir Peter Saltmershe. ^ Secondly his father married 
 Isabella Bassett, being the last of her six husbands, already 
 referred to. She died in 1393. 
 
 Sir Reginald died 20th September, 1405, at Middleburg, on 
 the Scheldt, in Flanders. He appears to have had three
 
 SIR REGINALD BRAYBROKE. 
 
 COJJHAM <'HUKCH.
 
 SIK NIfHOI.AS H.WVBRRK 
 
 LuiiiiAM I iiritcii.
 
 The Broult Funiih/. 
 
 37 
 
 children by his wife, the Lady .loan: Reginald and Robert, 
 sons, who predeceased him, and a daughter, Johanna, who, of 
 all her mother's five unions and ten children, was finallj' the 
 only surviving child, and who married Sir Thomas Brook. 
 
 Sir Reginald is commemorated by one of the splendid brasses 
 in the chancel of Cobham church. He wears the chain and 
 plate armour of the period, and his two deceased sons stand on 
 pedestals, one on each side. 
 
 The inscription reads — 
 " //zf iacct d n s Rcc/inaldiis Brdj/brok Miles Jiliits Gerurdi Bnuj- 
 brok Militis ac mnritiis d'nc Johaane d'ne de Cohh'm heredis 
 dn'i df Ctibb'in fiiitdti.toris /stais C(dlct/ii, qui qitidcm Rcf/i- 
 tKtldus (ihiit apud Myddclbnnili in Flundrea riccsiiiid die 
 niensis Srj/trinbris Anno doinini AlilfiiKi Qi/(idrin(jcntesimo 
 Qniiifd Cltins iiniinr j/rojiiciefnr dens. Anicn, AMEN. 
 The inscriptions on his sons' pedestals record — 
 Ilic jacct Rci/imikV fi.lt cor . 
 Hicjiicit Rubcrf fiW cor . 
 The arms are, 1, Scren niiisc/c'i raided, f/trcc, three, and otic 
 (Brayi!i;i)kf,) and Braybroke im])aHug Cobham. 
 
 MIDDELBURO, ON THE SCHKLDT, HOLLAND.
 
 38 The Brook Family. 
 
 The Braybrokes were ecclesiastically connected with Devon. 
 Nicholas Braybroke, presumably uncle to Sir Reginald, was 
 Vicar of Bideford, and he exchanged with his brother Robert 
 for the Archdeaconry of Cornwall, in 1381. He was Canon 
 and Prebendary of Exeter, Boshani, and Crantock ; also Canon 
 of St, Paul's, London. He died about 1399-1400. He was 
 also librarian to Bishop Bitton, 1291-1307, mentioned as such 
 at the beginning of Bishop Bronscombe's Rcc/iatcr. 
 
 Robert Braybroke was instituted Vicar of Bideford, 26th 
 July, 1381. The patron was John Grenville (son and heir of 
 Sir Theobald Grenville, deceased), who was mari-ied to Mar- 
 garet, daughter of Ismania Hanham (elder sister of Dame 
 Johanna Brook), by her second husband. Sir John Burghersh. 
 
 These brothers, says Dr. Oliver, " were of a noble family in 
 the county of Northampton, founders of our Lady's Chantry, 
 in the episcopal palace of London, adjoining the nave of St. 
 Paul's Cathedral. He (Robert) became Bishop of London, 
 5th January, 1382, died 27th August, 1404." Tliey were 
 named as executors and administrators to the will of Bishop 
 Grandison, of Exeter. 
 
 ^atotjctk = 2Dc la IPole, 
 
 The third husband of Joan de la Pole, Lady of Cobham, was 
 Sir Nicholas Hawberk. His marriage life was of short dura- 
 tion — about two years — as Sir Reginald Braybroke died 20tli 
 September, 1405, and Sir Nicholas on 9th October, 1407. 
 One son, John, appears to have been born and predeceased 
 him. Sir Nicholas died at CowUng Castle, the other and older 
 residence of the Cobhams, a few miles distant, near Rochester. 
 On 19th December, 1396, in succession to Sir John Golofre, 
 deceased, he was appointed Constable of Flint Castle, Sheriff 
 and Raglor, or Steward of Flintshire, and Mayor of Flint 
 borough : offices he held until his death, having been re- 
 appointed by Henry IV, on his accession to the throne ; and
 
 The Brook Family. 39 
 
 was holding them when that monarch made Richard II a 
 prisoner in Flint Castle. Sir Nicholas maintained four men- 
 at-arms and twelve archers within the fortress, at the then 
 considerable annual expense of £146. Subsequently lie was 
 one of the six knights forming the train of Queen Isabella, 
 widow of Richard II, on her return to France in 1401. He 
 was also in the escort of Henry IV when he visited Cologne 
 in 1402, to attend Blanche his eldest daughter's marriage with 
 Louis, Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria. 
 
 In the jousting at Smithtield in 1393, Stow records that — 
 
 "Sir William Darell, knt., the King's banner-bearer of Scotland, challenged 
 Sir Pierce (Peter) Courtenay, the King's banner-bearer of England, and wlien 
 they had run certain courses, gave over without conclusion of victory. Then 
 Cookebourne, esquire, of Scotland, challenged Sir Nicholas Hawberke, knt., 
 and rode five courses, but Cookebourne was borne over, horse and man." 
 
 He was twice married : his first wife's name was Matilda, 
 
 and she was living 1 Henrj- IV (13D9-14O0), but nothing is 
 
 known of her parentage. By deed dated three days before 
 
 his death, he left all his goods and chattels (except one hundred 
 
 shillings in silver, which he reserved to Sir Hugh Luttrell 
 
 and others) in trust for his wife, which was duly confirmed the 
 
 same year. Nothing is known of his parentage : there is no 
 
 family of the name, and he was probably "a soldier of fortune." 
 
 His memorial in Cobham Church is considered one of the 
 
 finest military brasses in existence. The inscription records — 
 
 " Hie jacpt d'ns Nicholaus Haioberk miles quondam maritus (f ne 
 
 Joline £ne de Cohh^m lieredis d'ni Joliis de Coblim fun- 
 
 datoris istius CoUet/ii (jui quidem Nic/iolans obiit Castru' de 
 
 CoicUng lumo die Ortobris, Anno domini Mil'mo quadringen- 
 
 tesimo septimo. (^iiiiis iniinie jiropicietur dens. Amen." 
 
 Under his son — 
 
 '■'■ Hie jacet John^sjili' eor. 
 
 The arms are of an unusual and remarkable blazon — Cheehi/, 
 
 are/ent and gules, a ehief cituinpourne gules and or. His arms 
 
 in both shields in the brass had been wilfxdly defaced as if by 
 
 heralds in the officious exercise of their craft. Hawberk by 
 
 them was evidently not considered entitled to bear arms.
 
 40 The Brook FamUy. 
 
 ©IDcastlc = Dc la ipolc. 
 
 The fourth husband of Joan de hi Pole, Lady of < 'obham, 
 was Sir John Oldcastle. He was the son of Sir Richard Old- 
 castle, a family in Herefordshire, where there is a village so 
 named, but it is presumed that Almeby Castle in that county 
 which belonged to the Oldcastles gave the surname. The 
 name of his mother is not known, but he was born about 1360, 
 and Sheriff of Herefordshire, 7 Henry IV (1405-6). He was 
 thrice married : his first wife was named Katherine, but of 
 what family is not known, of his second nothing at all, except 
 that she bore him foin- children — a son, Henry, who is alluded 
 to in Fat., 7 Henry VI (1429), wherein he is styled ''Henry 
 Oldcastle, son (aid heir of John Lord Cobhani," and three 
 daughtei's, Katherine, Joan, and Maud. 
 
 His marriage with the Lady of Cobham must have taken 
 place before 26th October, 1409, when he was summoned as a 
 Baron to Parliament as Lord Oldcastell, by writ directed to 
 "Johanni Oldcastell ChTr;' to 22nd March, 1413-4. 
 
 The life of Sir John Oldcastle, so well known as " the 
 Lollard Martyr," and " the good Lord Cobham," his conscien- 
 tious conviction, dauntless courage, bitter persecution and 
 cruel death, is one of the best known and strongly contested 
 episodes of English history, and it would be altogether beyond 
 the province or limit of this paper, to give anything like an 
 outline of it, even of ascertained facts. Suffice it to say, after 
 great vicissitudes, he was brought for trial before his clerical 
 accusers, before whom he made what has been termed a clear, 
 manly, courageous, enlightened defence, but as a matter of 
 course was condenuied by the Church as a heretic, leaving 
 him to the civil power for judgment. Committed to the Tower, 
 he from thence contrived to escape into Wales, where he hid 
 himself, and for four years remained in comparative safety. 
 Unfortunately a rising of the Lollards took place in London, 
 imder Sir Roger Acton, in St. Giles" Fields, which was sup-
 
 SIR JOHN HARPENDEN. 
 
 WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
 
 CLITHEROW, DAUGHTER OF SIR JOHN OLDCASTLE. 
 
 ASU CHUltClI, KENT.
 
 Thr Hnidk Fninilij. 41 
 
 pressed by the King's forces. Naturally— although tlierc was 
 no proof of such — Sir John Oldcastle's name and influence 
 was associated wit'i it : a proclamation and reward of a 
 thousand marks was offered for his capture, dead or alive, and 
 shortly after at Bromiarth, in Montgomeryshire, four tenants 
 of Edward Charletoun, Earl of Powis, discovered and ari-ested 
 him, after some resistance in wliicli he was grievously wounded, 
 and, continues Mr. Waller — 
 
 " He was brought to London, and produced before the Lords of Parliament, 
 the Duke of Bedford presiding, when the former judgment for heresy was 
 recorded against him. On his endeavouring to defend himself, the Chief 
 Justice told him he could not be allowed to waste the time of the Lords, and he 
 was adjudged 'traitor to God and heretic,' also 'traitor to the King and King- 
 dom,' and sentenced to be drawn through the city of London, as far as the 
 '7iove/le.s /'urche.i,' in the parish of St. Giles, beyond the Bar of the OliI Temple 
 of London, and then be hung and burnt hanging. On Christmas day, 1417, this 
 terrible sentence was carried out. There was an immense concourse of specta- 
 tors, .at the newly appointed place of execution, recently moved from the P^lms 
 in Smithtield, to the front gate of St. Giles' Hospital, at that time surrounded 
 by fields, and distant from i,ondon. Near the unfortunate Oldcastle stood old 
 Sir Thomas Erpingham, whom he is said to have asked to seek peace for his 
 sect, if he arose from the dead in three days. We must distrust the monkish 
 chronicler, who has words of insult for the unfortunate man in this supreme 
 hour, and there is nothing in the authentic accounts of Sir John Oldcastle to 
 suggest that he was a victim of fanatical delusion." 
 
 Apparently the infliction of this dreadful sentence was in- 
 tended to have a double significance ; he was first hanged as 
 a traitor for his offence against the civil power, and after- 
 wai'd burnt as a heretic in accordance with his condemnation 
 by the ecclesiastical. 
 
 The married life of the Lady of Cobham with Sir John 
 Oldcastle was not to be envied, and she could have seen but 
 little of him during its term of about five years, for in 1413 he 
 became a fugitive in hiding, and it is probable she never saw 
 him afterwai'd in the interval before his death in 1417. Slie 
 apparently had one daughter by him named Joan, who died 
 young. 
 
 A daughter of Sir John Oldcastle, presumably by his second 
 wife, married Richard Clitherow, Esq., of Ash, near Sandwich, 
 Sheriff of the county of Kent, 4 and .5 Henry IV (1403-4), 
 Admiral of the Seas from the Thames westward. They were 
 buried in Ash Church, where is theii- mem<n-ial, a large flat
 
 42 T]ic Bvixik Finiiily. 
 
 stone under the tower, which originally covered a tomh in the 
 chancel. On it is the indent of a fine brass of a man and his 
 wife under a double canopy with pinnacles, four shields at the 
 top, and of six children at the bottom, the border inscription 
 is also gone. Of this once very handsome brass, only the 
 upper half of the lady and part of the canopy over her, remains. 
 
 She appears on the right-hand side of her husband, as a 
 widow clad in gown with mantle or cloak over, bai-be under 
 the chin, and cover-chief falling to the shoulders. Weever 
 gives this portion of the inscription as remaining in his time : 
 
 ^^ Hie jacet Ciitheroio Ar : ^' iixor ejus, Jilia 
 
 Johannis OldciistcU, qui ohiit . . ." 
 
 The shields from recorded evidence appear to have been 
 charged, 1, Within a bordurc engrailed, three covered cups 
 (Clitherow) impaling, a Castle triple-towered (OhDCASTLE) ; 
 2, Clitherow alone ; .3, Oldcastle, (juarteriiu/, party per pale, u 
 dovhle-heuded eaxjle displaijed. And this appears to be the only 
 surviving memorial relating to Sir John Oldcastle or his 
 family. 
 
 With regard to the arms of Sir John Oldcastle, in an in- 
 dentiu'e made between him and his wife Johanna of the one 
 part, and Sir Thomas Brook on the other (query of the mar- 
 riage of Johanna Braybroke and Thomas Brook, elsewhere 
 referred to) the seal exhibits Quarterly, one and four a 
 Castle, two and three C'obham, and was circumscribed with 
 " Siffillujii Johannis Oldcastle, D'ni de Cobham." 
 
 His arms are also found in the roof of the cloisters of Can- 
 terbury Cathedral, and their blazon is given both as Argent, a 
 Castle triple-towered and embattled sable, and Argent, a tower 
 triple-towered sable, chained, transrersed, the port, or. 
 
 ^arpcnDcn = De la pole. 
 
 The fifth and last husband of Joan de la Pole, Lady of Cob- 
 ham, was Sir John Harpenden. The circimistauce of the
 
 TItc Brook Fiunilij. 43 
 
 (li'eadful fate of her preceding Inisbaiid docs not appear to luive 
 deterred her from again entering the matrimonial state. 
 
 He was " of a good knightly family in Hertfordshire," and 
 a Sir John Harpenden — probably his father — is mentioned by 
 Froissart as being of good service in the wars with France, 
 and Seneschal of Bordeaux. 
 
 According to Boutell {Brasses and Slabs, j). 66) " he married 
 three wives, one of whom was a daughter of Sir John Old- 
 castle " — evidently a mistake for '• the widow." The date of 
 his marriage with the Lady Joan is not recorded, but as she 
 was born about 1377, and Sir John Oldcastle was executed in 
 1417, she would have been still comparatively young, and 
 lived sixteen years afterward, dying in 1433, and Sir .lohn 
 Harpenden survived her twenty-four years, and died in 1458. 
 Tiiere was no issue of this marriage. 
 
 Morant, in his History of Essex, speaks of Sir John Har- 
 penden holding the manor of Chrishall-Bury in that county, 
 the inheritance that descended to his wife as the only daughter 
 of John de la Pole, and by tine passed it to Thomas Brook 
 (the younger, husband of his step-daugliter Joan Braybroke) 
 and that his descendant, George Brook, Lord Cobham, and 
 Ann (Bray), his wife, alienated it by license, 21st October, 
 1544, to Thomas Crawley, the manor consisting of near a 
 thousand acres of land, twenty messuages, and twenty cottages. 
 
 Sir John Harpenden was never summoned to Parliament, 
 and does not appear to have been recognised as Lord of 
 Cobham. 
 
 Similar to her first husband Sir Robert Hemendale, Sir 
 John Harpenden was buried in Westminster Abbey. His 
 monument is in the north choir aisle, and consists of a grey 
 marble stone on a low tomb whereon is inlet his brass effigy, 
 habited in complete plate armour : ids feet rest on a lion, his 
 head on a hehnet with crest — oat of a ducal coronet, a hind's 
 head, couped at the shoulders. There are four shields — 1, on a 
 mullet, or estoile of six points, a roundel, thereon a martlet
 
 4-4 The Brook Faniihj. 
 
 (Harpexden), impaling, quarterly, one and four, Mortimer, 
 two and three, a plain cross (St. George) ; 2, Harpenden, 
 impaling, on a chevron, three mullets or estoiles wavy ; 3, Har- 
 penden impaling Cobliam ; 4, Harpenden alone. The ledger 
 inscription has disappeared. 
 
 The tinctures of the Hai-penden arms are given as Aryent, 
 on a mullet of six points f/nlcs, a bezant, charcjed with a martlet 
 sable ; other branches of the family in Gloucestershire and 
 Oxfordshire, bore the mullet sable. 
 
 The armour and appointments of the knight are almost 
 identical with those found on the brass of Thomas Chedder, 
 ob. 1442-3, in Cheddar Church. 
 
 CbeDtier, 
 
 OF BRISTOL AND CHEDDAR, AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 
 
 The aiitient vSomersetshire family of Cheddre, or de Cheddre, 
 it may be fairly surmised, acquired their name from the parish 
 so-called in the centre of that county, although the earliest 
 recorded mention of them comes from the city of Bristol, 
 whei'e it may be inferred they migrated, and after fortune had 
 favoured them to become opulent and influential citizens, again 
 returned to the original home of their race. 
 
 The first of these was John de Cheddre, who was Steward of ^ 
 Bristol, 1288-9, and 1291-2, and subsequently M.P. for that 
 city in 1298, being the second parliamentary representative of 
 Bristol, whose name has been preserved. To him succeeded a 
 John de Cheddre, who, in 1334, conveyed some property in 
 Eedclifte Street, and was probably M.P. for Bristol in 1369. 
 
 To these followed two brothers, Robert and William Chedder. 
 
 William Chedder, the younger brother, died without issue. 
 His will is dated 21st November, 1382, and was proved 27th 
 February, 1382-3, wherein he desires to be buried in the 
 Chapel of the Blessed Mary, in Cheddar Church, leaves
 
 '^> 
 
 If 
 
 Si IS 
 
 
 mmF' 
 
 V ' ■■:- 
 
 THOMAS CHEDDEK. 
 
 CHBDDAK CHUKCH, SOMEESKT.
 
 ISABKJ. SCOBAliri.!-, WIKK OF THOMAS CHEDnEU. 
 
 CUtlDDAK CIlUllCH.
 
 Tlic Brddh Faniih/. 45 
 
 sundry legacies to tliat fabric and religious houses, and dona- 
 tions to the needy poor of Cheddar and Axhridge. The 
 residue of his goods lie leaves to Affiles, his wife, and appoints 
 his brother Robert one of his executors. 
 
 Robert Chcdder was Bailiff of Bristol in 1351-2, Mayor in 
 lo6()-l, and is the first of the family recorded in existing 
 documents as holding possessions in Cheddar. In 1.362, therein 
 described as of Bristol, and executor of William Hussee, he 
 gave a bond to Ralph (de Salopia), Bishop of Bath and Wells, 
 for " two hundred pounds left to the church by the said 
 William." Soon after this a chantry was established in 
 Cheddar Church, of the annual value of ten marks, on behalf 
 of our present King Edward, and the benefit of his soul after 
 death. This was the " Chauntrie of (Jure Lady," and situate 
 on the north side of the chancel, the descendants of Chedder 
 retaining the patronage of the advowson. 
 
 Robert Chedder married Johanna, yoiuiger daughter of 
 Simon Hannap, or Hanharii, of Gloucestershire, and by her had 
 four sons who all appear to have been born in Bristol — Richard, 
 on 9th September, 1.379, one of the knights of the Shire for 
 the county, 1407, 141.3, 1417, 1421, and 1426: Robert, 28th 
 October, 1380, and living in 142,5 : William, 14th December, 
 1381: and Thomas, their only surviving son and heir: the 
 other brothers appear to have died without issue. 
 
 He survived his brother William one year only, his will is 
 dated 21st March, 1382-3, and proved 30th June, 1384. He 
 desires his body to be buried in the Chapel of St. Mary, de 
 novo fundata, gives sundry religious legacies, and to his son 
 Richard " vj Ciphos rocaf Bolles de arffento,'^ and other plate, 
 to William Draper, clerk, a third best cup, which was then at 
 Cheddar, and the residue of his goods to Joan his wife, who, 
 with William Draper, and William Bierden, were to be his 
 executors. 
 
 Robert Chedder and Joan his wife, appear to have been the 
 possessors of considerable property, including the manors of
 
 46 The Brook Fatiiily. 
 
 Iddesleigh and Ashreigny, in Devon, together with the advow- 
 son of Ashreigny, in 1383-8, then held by the venerable Sir 
 John de Sully, K.G., whose heir, the said Robert pi-obably 
 was. Sir Thomas Broke presented to Iddesleigh, in 1 425-6, 
 and Isabel, relict of Thomas Chedder, Esq., in 1474. 
 
 Johanna Chedder, widow of Robert Chedder, married 
 secondly as we have seen. Sir Thomas Brook, of Olditch, and 
 died 10th April, 1437. 
 
 Thomas Chedder, heir to his father Robert Chedder, married 
 Isabel Scobahnll. She was of an antient and important family, 
 who owned and had their residence on a manor so-named in 
 South-Pool, a parish abutting on tiie mouth of the Kings- 
 bridge estuary, immediately opposite Salcombe, in South 
 Devon. It is now a farm known as Scoble, and tradition 
 states the present farm-house occupies the site of the former 
 manor-house. The ScobahuUs held it for about two centuries, 
 from temp. Henry III to Henry V. 
 
 Thomas de Scobahnll was Sheriff of Devon, 19, 20, and 21 
 Edward I (1291-2-3). Thomas ScobahuU married Margery, 
 sister and coheir of Robert Coffin, of Coffinswell. Thomas 
 had issue Sir Robert, of Coffinswell (19 Edw. II, 1324), who 
 had issue Sir Thomas (7 Edw. Ill, 1334), who married Edith, 
 daughter of Sir Roger Prideaux, of Orcherton, Knt. (55 Henry 
 III, 1273), by his wife Joan, daughter of Sir William Bigbury 
 (4 Edw. II, 1311). Thomas had issue Robert, which, by Elinor 
 , left four daughters, coheiresses — Joan, wife of Wil- 
 liam Holbeame; Isabel, wife of Thomas Chedder; Elizabeth, 
 •wife of Robert Kirkham ; and a daughter- — the second — married 
 to Nicholas Speccot. who inherited the manor of Scobahnll. 
 
 Of the residences of the Chedders, in Cheddar, Rutter 
 (edition 1829) thus notices their remains : 
 
 " At the entrance of the village from Axbridge is a farm house which formed 
 part of the manor house of John de Cheddar. The surrounding wall has been 
 castellated, but the only part of the building remaining tolerably entire is the 
 HaO, now used as a stable and granary, the ornamented chimney-turret, to- 
 gether with fragments of arches and mullions of windows, are lying about in a 
 contiguous garden.
 
 The Brook Family. 47 
 
 lu a field a little on the uorth-east of the road leadiug to Wells, about a 
 quarter of a mile from Cheddar, stood the mansion of Thomas Cheddar, where 
 the foundations may be easily traced." 
 
 Thomas Cheddar died 1442-3 (/«</. p. mortem, i\ Heury 
 VI), holding eighty-four messuages in Bristol, the manor of 
 Cheddar, and several others in Somerset. Also estates in 
 Gloucestershire, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall. He left two 
 daughters, his coheiresses, Joan and Isabel — his widow, Isabel, 
 survived liim more than thirty years.* 
 
 On the table of a high tomb, under an elegant floriated 
 cano])y, on the north side of the chancel of Cheddar Church, 
 is the presumed brass effigy of Thomas Chedder, ob. 1442-3. 
 He is in tiie complete plate armour of the period, whose ap- 
 pointments exactly correspond with those of Sir John Har- 
 penden, ob. 14.58 (the fifth husband of Joan de la Pole, Lady 
 of Cobhamj, in \\ estminster Abbey. His feet rest on a lion, 
 the four shields and border inscription are gone. 
 
 The brass effigy of Isabel Scobahull, his wife, is in the pave- 
 ment immediately in front of her presumed husband's tomb. 
 She is attired as a widow, with barbe (under the chin, shewing 
 she was not of noble jjarentage or position), large cover-chief 
 that depends to the shoulders, gown with cloak over, fastened 
 across tlie breast with cordon and tassels. No inscription 
 remains, and three of the four shields are gone, but the re- 
 maining one is, fortunately, preserved in its proper position at 
 the sinister corner of the stone, and identifies the lady. It is 
 charged with Chedder, impaling. Argent, three Jleurs-de-bjs 
 yules, in chief a label of three azure (Scobahull). The arms 
 of Scobahull ai'e also found among the old painted glass col- 
 lected in the .south transept window, both with and without 
 the label. She was alive in 1474. 
 
 The history of the descent from the two daughters of 
 Thomas Chedder is interesting, as connected with the county 
 of Somerset. 
 
 * For many of these particulars the compiler is indebted to the paper on the 
 Family of Chedder, by Mr. W. George, in the Som. Arch, and Nat. Hist. 
 Society's Proceedings, vol. xxxiv, p. 114.
 
 48 The Brook Fiinnli/. 
 
 Caltot = CbcDDer. 
 
 VISCOUNTS l'iSLE. 
 
 Joan Chedder, the eldest — called after her grandmother, 
 Lady Brook — was a widow at the date of her father's death, 
 having married as her first husband, Richard Stafford. She 
 secondly made a distinguished matcli with iFohn Talbot, the 
 eldest son of John Talbot, the " great " Earl of Shi'ewsburv, 
 by his second wife, Margaret Beauchamp. It will be necessary 
 to trace the descent of this Countess, to account for the 
 disastrous circumstances that resulted in the premature death 
 of her grandson. 
 
 Thomas, fifth Lord Berkley, married Margaret, daughter 
 and heiress of Gerard Warren, second Loi"d L'Isle — ob. 1381 
 — by Alice his wife, daughter and heir of Henry Lord Tyes, 
 '' the marriage being solemnized at Wengrave, in Bucks, the 
 said Lord L'Isle's house." She died at Wotton-under-Edge, 
 20th March, 1392, "and lieth buried in the church there, 
 under a fair tomb." He made liis will in 1415, and died 13th 
 July, 1416, and was buried beside his wife. 
 
 They left one daughter, Elizabeth, then about thirty years 
 of age, married to Richard Beauchamp, fifth Earl of Warwick, 
 who died at Rouen, oth April, 1439 (whose fine effigy is in 
 St. Mary's Church, Warwick) leaving with other issue, his 
 eldest daughter Margaret, who became the second wife of 
 John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and mother of John Talbot, 
 Viscount L'Isle, who married Johanna Chedder. The Coun- 
 tess died 14th June, 1468, and was buried in the Jesus Chapel 
 in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, "where was this inscription 
 to her memory upon a pillar within it." 
 
 ' ' Here before the image of Jesus, lyeth the right worshipful and noble Lady 
 Margaret, Countess of Shrewsbury, late wife of the true and victorious Knight, 
 John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury. Which worshipful man died at Ouienfor the 
 right of this land. 
 
 She was the first daughter and one of the heirs of the right famous and 
 renowned Knight, Richard Beauchamp, late Earl of Warwick fiohich died at 
 Roan) and of Dame Elizabeth his wife, the which Elizabeth was daughter and 
 heir to Thomas, late Lord Berkley, on his side; and on her mother's side Lady 
 L'Isle and Tyes.
 
 mi
 
 
 MONUMENT OF JOAN CHEDDER, VISCOUNTESS L'ISLE. 
 
 WELLS CATHEDRAL.
 
 Boscoc Gihb^ del. 
 
 SIR JOHN NEWTOX AND ISAIiKIi CIIEDDF.U. HIS WH-^E. 
 
 YATTON CKritrH, SOMKitSKT.
 
 The Brook Family. 49 
 
 Which Countess passed from this world the fourteenth day of June, in the year 
 of our Lord, 1468. On whose soul, Jesus haue mercy. Amen." 
 
 •lohn Talbot, her eldest son, second husband of Johanna 
 Chedder, was created Baron L'Isle, of Kinjjston L'Isle, a 
 manor and hamlet in the parish of Sparsholt. Berks, an antient 
 inheritance of the L'Isles, then possessed by him, 26th .Inly, 
 1443, .sibi hceredibus et assupiatis, and afterward, 30th October, 
 1452, Viscount Lisle, sibi et hceredibu.^ musculis de eorpore siio. 
 
 lie was eufijaged with his fatlier in the war with France, 
 
 and we learn that — 
 
 * ' The year next ensuing, his father being then constituted Lieutenant of the 
 Duchy of Acquitaue, and he one of the Captains there under him, he was by 
 indenture retained to serve the King there for one quarter of a year, with two 
 Bannerets, four Knights, seventy-three Men-at-Arms, on horseback, and eight 
 hundred Archers on foot, receiving for himself six shillings per diem, for his 
 two Bannerets four shillings apiece, for his seven Knights two shillings, for the 
 Men-at-Arms twelve pence, and for the Archers sixpence apiece." 
 
 And there with his father, the Earl, he was destined to die, 
 under circumstances similar to the vmfortunate Bonvilles, 
 although not engaged in internecine strife (that fate was re- 
 served for his son), but sustaining the fame of English valour 
 in a neighbour's territory, for he was slain with his father at 
 Chastillon, July, 14.53. "The Earl of Shrewsbury," Dugdale 
 narrates — 
 
 " Hearing that the French had besieged Chastillon he advanced thither and 
 gave them battle, but the event of that day's work (though for a while it stood 
 doubtful) at length proved fatal to the English, for this renowned General 
 being smitten from his horse by a cannon bullet there ended his life, whereupon 
 his whole army became presently routed." 
 
 And as to his son John Talbot's death, Rapiu thus notices 
 it— 
 
 "The English overpowered by numbers began to give ground. The Earl of 
 Shrewsbury was wounded in the thigh by a musket ball, and had his horse 
 killed under him. In this condition not being able by reason of his wound to 
 remount, he bid Sir .John Talbot, his son, to retire, and save himself for another 
 occasion, where he might be still serviceable to his country. But Talbot rather 
 than basely fly, chose to die by the Earl, his father, who also presently after 
 resigned his breath." 
 
 Dugdale thus gives the Earl's epitaph as occuring at Whit- 
 church, in Salop, to which church his body was conveyed and 
 buried, and where liis effigy is still found, but with no inscrip- 
 tion remaining —
 
 50 The BriKik Foini/i/. 
 
 "Orate pro anima pnwnobills domini, domini Johannis Talbot, qitondam 
 Comitis Salopir. domini Furnivall, domini I'erdon, domini Strange d/>. B/ackmere. 
 et Marcxchalli Francice. qui obiit in hello apud Burdewa, vij Julii, MCCCCLIII.' 
 
 It is not recorded whether the body of his son was also 
 brought to England for Ijurial. 
 
 .lohanna Chedder, the Viscount's widow, survived him just 
 eleven years, dj'ing loth July, 1464, and was buried in Wells 
 Cathedral. 
 
 The monument assigned to lier is in the south transept. It 
 is very handsome, and consists of a low tomb, under a high 
 ogee canopy, originally richly painted and gilded, but is now 
 greatly tarnished and injured, and was almost concealed from 
 view, until early in the present century, by being plastered up, 
 which obstruction was then removed. The inscription is on a 
 square brass plate at the back of the canopy, and has the ap- 
 pearance of being of later date than the monument, although 
 Lelaud saw and copied it within a century of the date of her 
 death. It contains the following : 
 
 ^^ Hie jacet Joanna Viceconiitissu dc Lisle una Jiliarum et haere- 
 diitn Thoma Chedder armiijer (jucb fiiit uxor Joannis ]lce- 
 comitis de Lisle Jilii et heeredis Joannis Comitis Salojria et 
 Marqareta ux' ejus unins Jiliarum et hareduin Ricardi 
 Comitis f-Farwici et Elizabcthas uxvris ejus Jilioe et hceredis 
 Thomce de Berkeley militis domini de Berkeley, qua ohiit 
 AT'"" die mensis Julii Ann' B'i MCCCCLXIW 
 
 Ap])arently there was a high tomb beneath the canopy of 
 this monument, which has been removed. This is evidenced 
 by the niches at the back, now devoid of sculpture, which 
 terminate at about the height whei-e the table of the tomb 
 would meet them. The lettering on the brass plate is of com- 
 paratively modern form, and the inscription preserved from 
 Leland's description, who copied it from the original tomb, 
 tlien in existence, and which was afterward probably destroyed 
 when the monument was mutilated and plastered up. 
 
 There were three children, Thomas, son and heir, and two 
 daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret.
 
 JOIIX TAI.HOI-, KAKi. Ul' SHKKWSliUKV. KG 
 
 WlMTCiaKCH, SllKOPSHIRE - A D 1453
 
 The Brook Fiimily. 51 
 
 Tliomas Talbot, son of John Talbot and Johanna Chedder, 
 second Viscount, at his father's death was committed to the 
 tuition of his grandmother, Margaret, Countess of Shrewsbury, 
 twenty marks iter nininiii lieiiig allowed for his maintenance 
 during his minority. At her death she left him tlie manors of 
 Wotton and Siraondsall, with the borough of Wotton, and 
 much other property. He was then nineteen years of age 
 and married. His wife was Margai-et, daughter of William 
 Herbert, first Earl of Pembi'oke, the unfortunate commander 
 of the Yorkists, executed at Northampton by the Lancastrians 
 after the battle of Danesmore, in 1469, where he was defeated 
 owiug to the defection of Humphrey Stafford (of Suthwyke), 
 Earl of Devon, who deserted him immediately before the 
 engagement with liis contingent of ai'chers, and for which 
 act of treachery, Stafford was beheaded at Bridgwater soon 
 after, and his body buried in Glastonbury Abliey Cliurcli, 
 under the central tower. 
 
 This unfortunate young man, like his father and grand- 
 father before him, was fated to meet his death in sanguinary 
 conflict — not fighting the adversaries of his native country 
 abroad, but in a deadly lamily broil at home. 
 
 The origin of the feud appears to have arisen over the 
 question (which has been diligently investigated by historians 
 of the peerage, and apparently never satisfactorily settled) as 
 to whether the Barony of Berkley, created by writ of summons 
 23 Edw. 1 (1295), descended as such, or otherwise Avhether 
 the tenure of the Castle of Berkley conferred the Barony, on 
 which, William Lord Bei-kley, tlien in j)ossessioii of it, founded 
 his claim and assumed the title. 
 
 The young Viscount L'Isle was the lineal descendant of his 
 great great-grandmother, Elizabeth, only daughter of Thomas, 
 fifth Lord Berkley, and the controversy was, whether it de- 
 volved on the said Elizabeth, instead of the heir male, an 
 intricate question : but James Berkley, nephew of the above 
 Thomas, "inherited by special entail and fine the Castle of
 
 52 Tlif Briidli Finiiib/. 
 
 IJerkley, etc., and was suniiiioued to Parliament from 1421 to 
 1461," while the last of his three wives was Joan Talbot, 
 daughter of John, Earl of Shrewsbury, by his second wife, 
 and so amit to the young Viscount, still further complicating 
 matters. William Lord Berkley was the eldest son and heir 
 of James by his second marriage. 
 
 Dugdale gives this description of the conflict — 
 
 "But it was not long after (the death of his grandmother) ere this young 
 Viscount L'lsle arrived at his full age, and thirsting after the Castle of Berkley, 
 practised with one Thomas Holt, the Keeper of Whitby Park, and one Maurice 
 King, Porter of the (Berkley) Castle, to betray it into his hands ; one Robert 
 Veel (the Viscount's Engineer) being likewise an active person in that design, 
 giving bond to Maurice King in the sum of an hundred pounds that so soon as 
 the work should be accomplished he should be make Keeper of Wotton Park, 
 with the fee of five marks per annum during his life." 
 
 Then appeared tlie inevitable traitor — 
 
 "But this plot being discovered by Maurice King, so much perplexed the 
 Viscount L'lsle, that he forthwith sent this Lord Berkley a challenge requiring 
 him of " Knighthood and manhood to appoint a daif, and meet him half-wai/, to 
 trii their quarrel and title, to eschew the sheddimj of Christian blood, or to brinrj 
 the •<ame day (he utmost n/ hi^ prncer.^' This letter of challenge under the hand 
 of that Viscount was sent 19th March, 10 Edw. IV (1471), he being then not 
 fully twenty-two years of age, having sued out his livery upon the fourteenth 
 of June before, and his wife then with child of her tirst-born. Unto which 
 Lord Berkley returned this answer in writing : ' that he would not brinei the 
 tenth man he could make, and bid him to meet on the morrow at Nybleij Green, 
 by eight or nine of the clock, which standeth on the borders of the Lioelode that 
 thou keepest untruly from me.' 
 
 Whereupon they accordingly met and the Viscount's vizor being up, he was 
 slain by an arrow shot thi'ough his head." 
 
 A striking pictm-e of the barbarity and lawlessness of the 
 age, this wager of l)attle, literally lighting it out to the death, 
 rather than having recourse to the peaceful, if more prosaic, 
 process of law, and followed by the usual seizure and confis- 
 cation of the personal property and landed possessions of the 
 vanquished. 
 
 " After which (the very same day) the Lord Berkley advanced to Wotton, 
 and rifling the house, took thence many writings and evidences of the said 
 Viscount's own lands, with a suit of arras hangings, wherein his arms, and the 
 arms of Lady Joan, his mother (daughter and coheir of Thomas Chedder), were 
 wrought, aud brought them to lierkley Castle. 
 
 To this skirmish came divers from Bristol, Thornbury, the Forest of Deane, 
 and other places, to the number of about a thousand, which exceeded what the 
 Viscount brought. 
 
 But the business did not so end, for the widow of the Viscount L'lsle 
 brought her appeal against this William Lord Berkley, aud against Maurice 
 and Thomas his two brethren, for thus killing her husband, with an arrow 
 through his head, and a dagger in his left side."
 
 Tlie Brook Family. 5.'i 
 
 The exact cause of the Viscount's death is said to have 
 been by an arrow shot through his mouth. The appeal of his 
 widow apjjears to have been unsuccessful, for the recovery of 
 the property, it beiiig decided that Lord Berkley should enjoy 
 the manor of Wotton-under-Edge, etc., paying to the said 
 Viscountess ilargaret, a hundred pounds a year out of the 
 same. 
 
 This William Lord Berkley was a great favourite of Edward 
 I V, who created him successively. Viscount Berkley, Earl of 
 Nottingham, Earl Marshall of England, and ^Larquis of 
 Berkley. He died in 1491-2, leaving no surviving issue, and 
 disinherited his brother Maurice for marrying lowly, leaving 
 the Castle of Berkley to King Henry VII, and it remained 
 witli the Crown until the decease of Edward VI, the last 
 male descendant of Henry VII, when it returned to the 
 Berkleys. 
 
 The controversy over the disputed property was again re- 
 vived by Sir Edward Grej', who married Elizabeth, the un- 
 fortunate Viscount's sister, but the Berkleys finally retained 
 possession of it, on payment of a comparatively small annuity. 
 
 The widowed Viscountess is said by Burke to have after- 
 ward married Sir Henry Bodrugan, of Bodrugan (Castle), in 
 St. Goi'ran, Cornwall. If so, it must have been the Sir 
 Henry Bodrugan (otherwise Trenowth) "an opulent knight," 
 ami large landed proprietor in Cornwall, a zealous Yorkist, of 
 whom Lysous relates that — 
 
 "He was attainted on 1485, on the accession of Henry VII, fled to Ireland, 
 and his larger estates, including the Manor and Barton, were siezed by the 
 Crown. Tradition relates, that he was in anus in Cornwall, against the Earl 
 of Richmond, that he was defeated on a moor not tar from his own castle by 
 Sir Richard Edgcumbe and Trevaniou, and that he made his escape by a 
 desperate leap from the cliff into the sea, where a boat was ready to receive 
 him." 
 
 The victors of course received the usual spoil, the defeated 
 
 man's possessions, which cost the generous monarch for whom 
 
 they fought, nothing. 
 
 "Most of Bodrugan's estates, including this manor, were granted to Sir 
 Richard Edgcumbe. Borlase describes the remains of the castle as very ex-
 
 54 The Brook Family. 
 
 tensive, that there was uothing iu Cornwall equal to it for magnilicence. 
 There was chapel converted into a barn, the large hall, and an antient kitchen 
 with timber roof, the architecture about the time of Edward I. All these 
 buildings were pulled down about 1786. A great barn still remains.' 
 
 Elizabeth, second daughter of John Talbot, Viscount L'Isle 
 and Joan Chedder, married Sir Edvrard Grey, brother to Sir 
 John Grey, second Lord Grey of Groby. By this alliance 
 she became sister-in-law to Elizabeth Widville, afterward 
 Queen to King Edward I V, and aunt to Cicely Bonville. the 
 great heiress of Shute, a few miles distant from Olditch. 
 
 On the death of her brother Thomas, Viscount L'Isle, 
 without issue, she became with her sister Margaret his co- 
 heiresses, and in them also the barony of L'Isle remained in 
 abeyance. 
 
 Margaret married Sir George Vere, knt., and died without 
 issue, in 1471. After her death tlie title was revived in Sir 
 Edward Grey, the husband of Elizabetli, and he was created 
 by Edward IV, in 1475, Baron L'Isle, and 28th .Tune, 1483, 
 Viscount L'Isle. 
 
 There were four children : John, Ann married to John 
 Willoughby, Muriel, and EUzabeth. 
 
 Muriel married first Edward Staftbrd, second Earl of Wilt- 
 shire, grandson of Hmnphrey, first Duke of Buckingham. 
 He died without issue, 24th March, 1499, when the earldom 
 became extiilct. His fine tomb and effigy are in Lowick 
 Church, Northamptonshire. Secondly, she married his first 
 cousin, Henry Statibrd, younger son of Henry, second Duke 
 of Buckingham, and in him Heniy VIII, in 1509, revived the 
 title of Earl of Wiltshire. There was no issue by this mar- 
 riage, her husband survived her, and married secondly as her 
 second husband. Cicely Bonville of Shute, widow of the 
 Marquis of Dorset. He died in 1523. 
 
 John Grey, her son, second Viscount L'Isle of that creation, 
 married Margaret, daughter of Thomas Howard, Duke of 
 Norfolk. 
 
 He died in 1512, leaving an only daughter Elizabeth. She
 
 Thr lirooh Fainili/. 55 
 
 was contracted iu marriage witli Charles Brandon, afterward 
 Duke of Suffolk, and lie was in consequence on 5th March, 
 5 Henry VIII (1514), created Viscount L'Isle, but when she 
 became of age, she refused to have him, and the patent was 
 cancelled. She soon afterwards married Henry Courtenav, 
 the unfortunate Man^uis of Exeter (of C'olcombe), as his first 
 wife, but died without issue befox'e 1526, leaving her aunt, 
 Elizabeth Grey, her father's surviving sister as her heir. 
 The Marquis married secondly Gertrude, daughter of William 
 Iilount, foiu-th Lord Mont joy, ob. 1535, to whose grandson 
 Charles Blount, eiglith Lord Montjoy, K.G., created Earl of 
 Devon, James I subse([uentlj- gave Olditch and Weycroft, 
 after the attainder of Henry, the last iU-fated Lord Cobham. 
 
 The wardship of Elizabeth, the surviving daughter of the 
 before-named Sir Edward (irey, had been obtained by Ed- 
 mund Dudley, the rapacious minister of Henry VIII, and he 
 subsequently married her, but was attainted and beheaded by 
 Henry VIII on Tower Hill, 28th August, 1511. There 
 were four children, John, Andrew, and Jerome, and a daughter 
 Elizabetii, married to William, sixth Lord Stourton. 
 
 John, their eldest son, only eight years old at his father's 
 deatli. was restored " in name, blood, and degree," and in- 
 herited all his father's property ; but his life was a troublesome 
 one, notwithstanding his honours and ambition, and ended at 
 last like his father's, on the scaffold. In him the Viscounty 
 of L'Isle was again revived, the antient dignity of his mother's 
 family, on 12th March. 1542, the year following the death 
 without male issue of his step-father, Ai'thur Plantagenet, 
 who had been so created. He became the well-known Duke 
 of Northumberland, who together with his son, Lo)'d Guilford, 
 and his wife, the unfortunate Lady .lane Grey, all perished 
 successively at the headsman's l)lock. 
 
 A further and distinguished alliance awaited Elizabeth (irey, 
 the widow of Edmund Dudley, and grand-daughter of Johanna 
 C'hedder. She married secondly Arthur Plantagenet, natural
 
 56 The Brook Family. 
 
 son of King Edward 1 V, by the Lady Elizabeth Lucy. He 
 was installed Knight of the Garter, and created on 26th April, 
 1533, on surrender of that dignity by Charles Brandon, Vis- 
 count L'Isle. 
 
 In Risdon's Note Book, it is stated that •' he was knighted 
 at Turney," and is included among the Devonshire peers as 
 "Arthur Plantaginet, Viscont Lisley, of Umberley," in Devon, 
 with the arms — Quarterly, first and fourth, England (juar- 
 tering France, second and third ; or, a cross f/ules, over all a 
 beiidlet sinister sable. 
 
 His death, although happening in an indirect manner, must 
 include him among the victims that perished in the blood- 
 stained reign of Henry VIII. 
 
 "In 1533, he was Lieutenant of Calais, and sometime after incurring sus- 
 picion of being privy to a plot to deliver the garrison to the French, he was 
 recalled and committed to the Tower ; but his innocence appearing manifest 
 upon investigation, the King not only gave immediate orders for his release, 
 but sent him a diamond ring, and a most gracious message, which made such 
 an impression on the sensitive nobleman that he died the night foUowing, 3rd 
 March, 1541, of excessive joy." 
 
 Three daughters and co-heirs only, were the issue of this 
 marriage, Bridget, Frances, and Elizabeth. Bridget married 
 Sir WiUiani Garden ; Elizabeth, Sir Thomas Jobson ; Frances, 
 the second daughter, by both her marriages found her home 
 in Devon. 
 
 Her first husband was John Basset, of Umberleigh. in 
 North Devon. He was the eldest son and heir of Sir John 
 Basset, Knt., of Umberleigh, Sheriff of Devon, 1524-5, died 
 31st January, 1539, by his first wife Honor, daughter of Sir 
 Thomas Grenville, Knt., ob. 17th March, 1513, whose tomb 
 and effigy are in Bideford Church. The brass of himself, liis 
 wives, and their twelve children is in Atherington Cliurch ; 
 he is bare-headed, but otherwise in full armom- ; his wives, 
 Honor Grenville, and Ann, daughter of John Dennys, of 
 Orlelgh, in pedimental head-dresses, gowns with full sleeves 
 guarded with fur, and girdles with dependant chains and
 
 JOHN BASSETT AND HIS WIVES. 
 
 ATHtUlSUToN CHL'ECH, DLVuN.
 
 Tilt' Rnidk Fiimili/. 57 
 
 pomander ballr-. Tlie arms are liasset quartering Willington 
 and Beaumont., impaling Grreuville and Deunys.* 
 
 .John Basset, the first husband of Frances Plantagenet, was 
 Sheriif of Cornwall, 15 IS and 1523, and died 20th April, 
 1541. There were two children, a son described on an ad- 
 joining tomb as " tlic H'orshipfnl and Worthy Sir Arthur,' 
 perished of gaol fever after the Black Assizes at Exeter, in 
 1586, and a daughter married to William Whiddon. 
 
 Secondly, she married Thomas Monke, of Potheridge in 
 ^lerton, North Devon (as his first wife), ob. 1583, by whom 
 she had three sons and three daughters. By her eldest son 
 she was great-grandmother of George Monke, the " Restora- 
 tion " Duke of Albemarle. 
 
 Thus through this long and intricate genealogy are inter- 
 esting local associations constantly interwoven, and tlie strain 
 of Chedder per])etnated. 
 
 jQctoton = CbeDDet - IBxook, 
 
 OF YATION AND EAST HAKPTREE. 
 
 The descent from Isabel, secon<l daughter of Thomas Chedder 
 and Isabel Scobahull, and grand-ilaughter of Lady .Johanna 
 Brook, of Olditch, by her first husband Robert Chedder, 
 although not so distinguished as her elder sister, is neverthe- 
 less most interesting in conncctio7i with our little history. 
 
 Presumably — for tliere is some obsou'ity in the earl}- })ub- 
 lished pedigrees of Newton — it was Frances Newton, a de- 
 scendant of Thomas Newton, brother to Sir John Newton, 
 the husband of Isabel Chedder, who was destined to become 
 the second wife of William Brof)k, K.G., fifth Baron of 
 
 * It may be uoted here tliat the series of brasses illustrating this acciiuut 
 have all been engraved from rubbings specially taken and completed by the 
 author and are fac-similes ; as also the views of Olditch and Weycroft from 
 photographs taken by him ; and for three of the other illustrations that bear his 
 initials, to the kindness of Mr. Roscoe Gibbs, from his original drawings.
 
 58 71ic Brook Fdiiiili). 
 
 Cobliam, and inotlier witli seven other children of Heurv 
 r>i-ook, K.G., the sixth and last unfortunate Karon of that 
 descent, so cruelly used by James I, as also of his brother, 
 George Brook, who perished on the scaffold at Winchester, 
 oth December, 1603, for alleged participation in what was 
 termed " Raleigh's conspiracy." 
 
 Isabel Chedder married Sir .lohn Newton, who was the 
 eldest son of Sir Richard Newton, Chief Justice of the 
 C'onnnon Pleas, by Emma, daughter of Sir John Perrot, of 
 Islington. 
 
 The Judge and his wife are buried in the C'ourt-de-Wyck 
 Chapel, or north transept of Yatton Church, under a high 
 tomb, whereon are their effigies in alabaster, originally painted 
 and gilded, and displaying fine examples of the legal and 
 social costume of the age. The .ludge wears a long red robe 
 with tippet and hood, collar of S.S., a naiTow jewelled belt 
 from wliich depends a short sword, and scrip or purse, on his 
 head a coif, pulled down over the ears and tied under the chin, 
 a fringe of hair shewing over the forehead. There is great 
 expression in the features indicating a powerful mind, and is 
 probably a portrait. His head rests on a helmet with crest of 
 Newton (or Cradoc), a wheat shenf issnant from a ducal coronet, 
 both gilded. Several rings are on his fingers, and one on the 
 thumb of the right hand. At his feet two dogs. The lady 
 in rich robes and a ])rofusion of massive jewellery, with rosai'y, 
 at her feet a dog with collar and bells. 
 
 There is no inscription, underneath are angels bearing shields, 
 the bearings denuded, but they appear to have been Newton, 
 Or, oil II c/icrron azure, tliree //arbs of the fimt, and Newton 
 quartering Perrot, Gules, three penn pendant or, and those of 
 his ancestor, Nicholas Sherborne, Ermine, four fusils in fess 
 sable. He was admitted Sergeant-at-law, 1424 ; Judge on 
 Circuit, 1426; Recorder of Bristol, 1430; Justice of the 
 Common Pleas, 8th November, 1438, and died soon after. 
 He appears to have left two sons, John and Thomas.
 
 T}ip Jirtnih F<iiiiily. 59 
 
 Sir John Newton, tlie eldest, in rijjht of his wife, ajjpears 
 to have been of (."onrt-cie-VVyck, in Yatton, a manor originally 
 belonging to the de Wj'cks, or Wykes, from them to the de 
 Gyeues, and from them to the Chedders, and to have built or 
 rebuilt the mansion there, on which were his arms, with those 
 of his wife, and also of Norris. From the similarity of the 
 details of the j)ortions preserved of Court-de-\Vyck, now at 
 Clevedon I'onrt, whieli are given as the frontispiece of Rutter's 
 Somerset, and those found on Yatton Church, together with 
 apparently the arms of Sherborne imjjaling Chedder on the 
 fine south porch, it is ])robable they were considerablv inter- 
 ested in tlie rebuilding of that edifice, in addition to the con- 
 struction of the "New Chapel " of St. John, east of the north 
 transept in which they were interred. 
 
 According to the llsifntioii.i, 15.31-73, they appear to have 
 had one son H/r/iurd, ob. l.'iOl, who married Elizabeth St. 
 John, and they had issue two daughters, Isabel, who married 
 Sir Criles Capel (buried at Abbots-Roothing in Essex, 1613), 
 and Joan to Sir Thomas Griffin, of Braybrook, to whom 
 Court-de-Wyck ultimately descended. 
 
 " His will was proved 'iOtli April. 14(S7 ; for his burial in Yatton Church, 
 £6 8s Sd., this good man also directed twenty shillings to be paid to his taUor 
 in Bristol, and the document ends thus — 'In imtm^^s of thh mi/ efeciual and 
 last iriU, / hare herrtti put mi/ spale in t]i.h c/ttiirh of our Ladij of Yattonf 
 
 His widow, Isabel, died in 149S, she made her wUl, 14th March, 1498-!), 
 and ordered her executors. ' to find a well disposed priest to sing for my soul 
 within the Church of Yatton, and the new Chapel of St. John, durinej the space 
 of Jive years.' She also bequeathed six shillings and eight pence in money, 'for 
 the poor prisoners of Nev^fjate in tlie town of Ijristowe."^ (8om. Arch, and Nat. 
 History Society's Proceedim/s, vol. xxvii). 
 
 They were both buried under a splendid t(mib in this new 
 Chapel or Chantry of St. .lohn the Evangelist, which is 
 situate in the angle between the north transept and the 
 chancel, it is on the north side, or Foiuiders place, of the 
 Chantry altar, and consists of a fine (-anopy tianked by but- 
 tresses richlv ])innaeled, and with niches. Across the to]) a 
 string-course studded with s((uare four-leaved ornament, and 
 above a trefoil ]iierced cresting. Below are ten large niches 
 with rich canopies, in one the lower portion of the figui'c
 
 60 Tile Braiih hiiiiiiii/. 
 
 remains. These are succeeded by another string-course with 
 four-leaved ornament, below which a pierced and cusped 
 canopy of open work enriched with leaf-work and bosses. 
 
 At the back of the canopy over tlie effigies is a remarkable 
 sculpture of the Annunciation. The Virgin crowned, sits on 
 a cushion before a lily, rising from a vessel with a handle, and 
 above the lily flowers, from clouds, issues a beam of light 
 ending in a dove streaming toward the Virgin, and behind 
 her is a book-stand with a book on it. She has her hands 
 raised and extended, as if surprised at her devotions b>' the 
 angel on tlie other side of the lily, who, advancing towards 
 her, holds a long scroll (emblematic of the angelic salutation) 
 which sun-ouiids the stem of the lily, and floats back over the 
 head of the angel, who wears a cap with a band round the 
 brow studded with roses, and in front rises a Maltese cross. 
 
 The knight is bai'e-headed, but otherwise in complete plate 
 armour, he wears the collar of S.S., and his head rests on a 
 helmet with tlie crest of Newton. The lady wears a pyi-amidal 
 head-dress with flowing front lappets, and has a band or 
 collar of I'ich jewellery round the neck. 
 
 Thomas Newton, second son of the Judge was of East 
 IIarj)tree. The manor of East Harptree belonged to a family 
 of that name, the last of whom William Harptree had a 
 daughter and heiress Ellen, who married Robert Gourney, the 
 son of Sir Anselm Gourney, whose descendants " lived at the 
 noble Richmonte Castle at Harptree, now in miins." His 
 great-grandson, Sir Thomas Gourney, was the father of the 
 redoubtable Sir Matthew (of Stoke-sub-Hanidon) aud three 
 other sons, who all died without issue, and a daughter Joan, 
 married to Philip Caldicott, whose daughter Alice, married 
 Philip, the son of Richard Hampton and Elizabeth Bitton. 
 Their grand-daughter Lucy, ob. 1504, married Thomas Newton, 
 who thus succeeded to the manor. 
 
 Thomas Newton and Lucy Hampton had a son Thomas, 
 who married Joan, daughter and heiress of Sir John Barr, of
 
 Thr Bniiili Ftiilii/i/. 61 
 
 Ban-'s Court, Hitton, Gloucester, temp. Edw. IV. Their son 
 Thomas married Margaret, daughter of Sir Edmond Gorges, 
 of Wraxall, and their son Sir John married Margaret, 
 daughter of Sir Antliou}- Pointz, of Iron-Acton, Gloucester, 
 liy whom he had twenty children, eight sons, and twelve 
 daughters, one of whom was Elizabeth, who became the second 
 wife of William Brook, fifth Lord Cobhani. 
 
 Sir John Newton, who died in 1568, is buried in East 
 Harptree Church, where there is a tine monument, on which 
 is his effigy in the costume of the period, and below him kneel 
 his twenty children ; at the back of the canopy is this inscrip- 
 tion : — - 
 
 //n-r TJrth i/i' Bodfi of S>' Jiihit Newton, irlio Married Mar- 
 ijin-ft, Ddiujhter of .S'»' Anilionij Pointz, Kiiii/ld, Bi/ Wlionip 
 he Had Issue Eit/ht Sons, and Twelve Daiifjhters, and 
 Deiiarted this Life the l()th April, 1568. 
 
 In Assured Hope of a Joy full Resnrreetion. 
 If'liat merit Hononr brini/s and all World s Pride, 
 ll'hen fiitall stroke Rents thread of Mortal wit/ht ; 
 If Saered J'^ertiie Have not been the Guide 
 That manaxfd all with Gifts of niatehless inii/ht ? 
 JVhich well liee knew that Here interred is, 
 II hose J'ertues rare Proelnime his endless Bliss. 
 
 And on the end of the tomb : — 
 
 Katharina Newton, Nujter \ 'xor Henrici Newton Extriiit Hoc 
 Tunnibnn An l)o\ 160-5. 
 
 This was Katherine Paston, daughter of Sir Thomas Paston 
 of Norfolk, and wife of Sir Henry Newton, ob. 1599, eldest 
 son and heir of Sir .John. 
 
 Over the monument is a shield with twenty quarterings, in- 
 teresting as illustrating the descent of Newton (including 
 Chedder, although presumably not tlesceuding from them) 
 and alliance with Pointz : 1, Newton ; 2, Sherborne ; 3, Pen- 
 nington ; 4, Pen-ot ; 5, Norris ; 6, Chedder ; 7, Hampton ;
 
 62 
 
 The Brook Family. 
 
 8, Bitton ; 9, Furneaux ; 10, Bet wren three leaves, on a cherrvn 
 an eaglet displayed; 11, (TOurney : 12, Harptree, impaling 
 1, Pointz ; 2, Bardolf"; 3, Three escallops ; 4, Acton ; 5, Clam- 
 bow ; 6, Berkeley ; 7, Fitz-Niclioll ; 8, Per f ess, and a canton 
 sinister. Above is the crest of Newton, a Kiiiy of the Moors, 
 clad in mail, and crowned or, kneeliny and deliveriny up his 
 sword, allnsive to an ex]iloit of their maternal ancestor, Sir 
 Anselm Gourney, at the "winning of Accom," temp. Rich. I. 
 
 ON THE MONUMENT AT EAST HARPTREE. 
 
 Succeeding Sir Henry was Sir Theodore, ob. 1608, who 
 married Penelope, daughter of Sir John Rodney, of Rodney- 
 Stoke, who was succeeded by his son. Sir John, the last of 
 the Newtons of Barr's Court, who married Grace Stone, was 
 created a Baronet, 16th August, 1660, died sine prole, and 
 was buried in Bristol Cathedral.
 
 Thr BriKili Fdiiiili/. 63 
 
 15rook = Jl3ctt)ton, 
 
 HAHON OF C(JBHAM. 
 
 Francks Newton was married to William Loi-d Brook, 29tli 
 February, 15.59-60, and died 17tli October, 1.592; lier husb.and, 
 6tli March, 159()-7. "She was constituted one of (^ueen 
 Elizabeth's ladies of the Bedchamber, with great and quaint 
 ceremony at Westminster in the presence of the Queen herself. 
 Her Majesty also stood sponsor for her first-born, a son called 
 Maximilian, who however died at Naples in 1.583." (Waller). 
 
 He erected in 1.561, in Cobhani Church, the splendid tomb 
 with alabaster effigies, .to his father George lirook, K.G., 
 fourth Baron, ob. 1558, and mother Anne, daughter of Edmund, 
 Lord Bray ; their fourteen tabarded children kneel below, 
 and among them is William Brook.* An escutcheon at the 
 west end has twenty-seven quarterings, the impalement of 
 twelve thereof being for his second wife Frances Newton, 
 among them the sixth quarter is C'hedder; the crest, a Saracen s 
 head, the ancient crest of C'obham. At the east end is his 
 father's escutcheon, quartering Bray — crest, a. lion passant, 
 crowned, with the motto JE • ME • FIE • EN • DIE\'. 
 
 George Brook, third son of George Lord Cobham, ob. 1558, 
 and brother to F'rances Newton's husband, came into Devon- 
 shire for a wife. " He appears," says Mr. Waller, 
 
 ' ' In his parent's magniticent tomb, kneeling on one knee, and his tabard 
 shews Cobham impaling Duke (of Ottertou, Devon), parted per pale anjent and 
 a'ure, three wreaths counierchaniied. He was born 27th January, 1532-3, was 
 sent abroad with a tutor, and studied Greek, Latin, and Italian with him at 
 Venice, 1545-6. Returning to England, he was apprenticed to his father (his 
 father was Deputy of Calais), 3Ist December, 1552, as Merchant of tlie Staple 
 of Calais in the usual form, (Sir) George Barnes (Haberdasher), Lord Mayor of 
 London, (William (ierard and John Majnard) the Sheriffs being witnesses. 
 And this is all that can be said of him, except that in 1561, he took refuge at 
 Antwerp, from his German creditors. He married Christina, daughter and 
 heir of Richard Duke of Poerhayes, Otterton, .Sherifi' of Devon 1565, died 
 8th September, 1572, by his first wife, Elizabeth Franke, of York. She appears 
 to have been previously married, for as joint administratrix to her father she 
 is described as Christian Sprente alias Duke." 
 
 This match is recorded in the Msitations for Devon. 
 
 * The tomb was terribly mutilated, and the brasses injured, restorations of both 
 were made at the cost of F. C. Brooke, Esq., of Ufford, carried out under distin- 
 guished authorities and documentary evidence, and completed 1865-6." — Waller.
 
 64 Tile Brtiok Family. 
 
 15roob, 
 
 OF ILCHESTER, OLDITCII AND WEYCKOFT ; 
 BARONS OF COBHAM. 
 
 A SHORT notice in continuation of their descent, may be 
 included. 
 
 I. Sir Thomas Brook, Knt., the younger, who married 
 Joan de la Pole-Braybroke, Lady of C'obham, and 
 previously noticed, was succeeded by his son Edward. 
 
 II. Sir Edward Brook, Knt., summoned to Parliament 
 as a Baron, from 1445 to 1462, was a fii"m adherent to the 
 House of York ; at the battle of St. Alban's, 144.5. and 
 Northampton, 1460. He married Elizabeth, daughter of 
 James Tuchet, Lord Audley, died 1464, leaving a son Jalin. 
 
 III. Sir John Brook, Knt., summoned as a Baron, 
 1472 to 1511. Was at the coronation of Richard III ; em- 
 ployed by Henry VII in an expedition to Flanders; and 
 helped to defeat the Cornish insurrection on Blackheath, in 
 1497, where his cousin Lord Audley was taken prisoner and 
 afterward executed. He married first Eleanor, daughter 
 
 of Austell, of Sufiblk, and secondly Elizabeth, 
 
 daughter of Edward Nerill, Lord Abergavenny ; she died 30th 
 September, 1506 ; he died 9th March, 1511-2. Both buried at 
 Cobham, where there is a fine brass to his memory. Weever 
 gives this inscription : — 
 
 '■ Hie jacet Johannes Broke miles ac Baro Baronie de Cobham ac domina 
 Margareta. uxor sua quondam filia nobilis viri Edouardi Ntvil nuper Domini de 
 
 Burgaveny, qui quidein Joliannes obiit die menv\Sejitfmb' Ann' Dom' 
 
 loOQ, quorum ani7nabu^ Amen." 
 
 He was succeeded by his son Thomas. 
 
 IV. Sir Thomas Brook, Knt., summoned as a Baron, 
 1515 to 1523. Was at the siege of Tournay ; the "battle of 
 Spurs," in 1513 ; made a Knight Banneret by the King, 1514 ; 
 and at the "Field of the Cloth of Gold," 1520. He married, 
 ■first, Dorothy, daughter of Sir Henry Heydon, by whom lie
 
 The Briiok Famili/. 65 
 
 had thirteen children ; secondly, Dorothy South wi:i-l, a 
 widow, and thirdly, Elizabktii Haijt, who both died without 
 issue. He died 19th July, 1529, buried at Cobhani wiiere is 
 his brass, the last of the remarkable series of these memorials 
 there. Weever gives the followiiiii- inscription : — 
 
 "Orate pro anima Tho' Broke militis Domini tie Cob/uim coimanguinei et 
 lieredis Richardi Be.aiichampe niiUtis, qui quidcm Thomas cepit in uxorein Doro- 
 theam, Jiliam Henrici Het/don militis : et liahiienaii exiiitm intereos, septem Jilios^ 
 et sex filial, et predicta Dorothea obiit . . . . et predictus Thomas cepit in 
 uxorem Dorotheam Soivthewet viduani, que obiit sine exitu : et jfo-itea cepit in 
 uxorem Elizabetham Harte et habuernnt nullum exitum inter eos ; qui quidem 
 Thomas obiit 19 Julii, 15'29." 
 
 He was succeeded by his son Gcorf/c. 
 
 V. Sir George Brook, Kxt., summoned as a Baron, 
 1529 to 1557. Attended with his father at the marriage of 
 the Princess Mary with Louis XII, in France. 1514 ; knighted 
 in the French war by Earl of Surrey, 1522 ; one of the Peers 
 at the trial of Anne Boleyn, 1536 ; in the expedition against 
 the Scots under the Earl of Hertford, 1546 ; Deputy of Calais, 
 and K.G., 1549. Obtained large grants of ecclesiastical lands, 
 including the manor of Chattingdon, and the college of Cobham. 
 One of the four laylords at the trial of the Protector Somerset, 
 and constituted in 1551, Lieutenant-General of the forces 
 sent to the north. Although he accpiiesced in Queen Mary's 
 Proclamation, he was considered implicated in Sir Thomas 
 Wyatt's treason ( which his younger son Thomas had joined), 
 and was with his son William committed to the Tower, but 
 whose pardon with other's " was extorted from the Queen by 
 the Council." He entertained Cardinal Pole on his progress 
 at Cowling Castle, in 1555, and the year following was on the 
 Commission to "enrpiire about heretics." He married Anne, 
 daughter of Edtnaiid Lard Braijc, by whom he had ten sons 
 and four daughters. She died 1st November, 1558, and he 
 deceased 29th September, 1558 : were both buried at Cobham, 
 where his son and successor IVilliam, in 1561, erected the 
 magniKceiit tomb to his memory, whereon are the effigies of
 
 66 The Brook Famili/. 
 
 himself and wife, and below them their fourteen children kneel 
 around. 
 
 VI. SiK WiLLi.vM Brook, Knt., .summoned as a Bakon, 
 1558 to 159.3. Lord- Warden and Chancellor of the Cinque 
 Ports, Constable of Dovei", and Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, 
 
 1558 to 1596. In November, 1558, was sent to Brussels to 
 annoiuice to King Philip of Spain, the death of his Consort, 
 Queen Mary; and again in 1578 and 1588, was on an embassy 
 to the Spanish Governor of the Netherlands. Entertained 
 Queen Elizabeth at Cobham Hall during her progresses in 
 
 1559 and 157.3. Privy Councillor and K.G., 1585 ; Custos of 
 Eltham Palace. 1592; and Lord Chamberlain a short time 
 before his decease, which took place 6tli March, 1596-7. He 
 added greatly to Cobham Hall, I'efouuded Cobham College 
 for the good of the poor, and was a great patron of literatiu'e. 
 In 1572, was one of those committed to the Tower for par- 
 ticipating in the designs of the Duke of Norfolk, regarding 
 his marriage witli Mary, Queen of Scots, and made a discovery 
 of the whole affair, in the hope of attaining his own pardon. 
 
 He married first, Dorothy, daughter of George Lord 
 Aberfiaveiuu/. who died 22nd September, 1559, and by whom 
 he had an only daughter, Frances; and secondly to Fkances, 
 daughter of Sir John Newton, of East Harptree, who died 17th 
 Octobei", 1592, and by whom he had ( 1 ) Maximilian, (2) Henry, 
 his successor, (.3) George, executed at Winchester for alleged 
 participation in Raleigh's conspiracy, (4) William, (5) Eliza- 
 beth, (6) Frances, (7) Margaret. He died in 1596, and was 
 succeeded by his second son, Henry. 
 
 VII. Sir Henry Brook, Knt., summoned as a Baron, 
 1597, and K.G., 1599 ; died in 1619. A notice of tliis unfor- 
 tunate man, the last of the Brooks, and also of the Barons of 
 Cobham, in Kent, of the original creation which was by writ 
 in 1313, will be subsequently given.
 
 The Brook Family. 67 
 
 113 cook, 
 
 OF HECKINGTON, 15AKON OF COBHAJI. 
 
 Sir John Brook, Knt., styled "of Heckington, in the 
 county of Lincoln," was the son of Sir Henry Brook, ob. 1591, 
 of Sutton-at-Hone, Kent (who was the fifth son of Geoi-ge 
 Brook, fourth Baron of Cobham, ob. 1558), by his wife Anno, 
 ob. 1612, daughter of Sir Henry Sutton, of Notts. He was 
 raised to the peerage as a Baron by Charles I, 3rd January, 
 1645, "to enjoy that title in as ample a manner as any of his 
 ancestors, and to have the same place and precedency," save 
 that the remaindership was limited to heirs male. He married 
 first, Ann K . . . buried 23rd February, 1625, at Kensington ; 
 secondly, Frances, daughter of Sir William Bamjield, by 
 whom he had a son, George, who died in infancy ; she was 
 buried in 1676, at Surfleet, co. Lincoln. He appears to have 
 been a weak-minded man, similar to his cousin Henry, and 
 described as a worthless spendthrift, who dispersed the family 
 estates. He died sine prole, and was buried 20th May. 1660, 
 at Wakerley, in Northamptonshire. 
 
 Ccmple, 
 
 of STOWE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, 
 VISCOUNTS AND BARONS OF COBHAM. 
 
 Descending through a succession of distaffs from Maryuret 
 (daughter of William Brook, fifth Baron of Cobham, ob. 1597), 
 wife of Sir Thomas Sondes, ob. 1592, of Throwley, Kent; SlK 
 KiciiARD Temple, Bart., of Stowe, Buckinghamshire, ob. 
 1749; was on the 19th October, 1714, created Baron Cobham,
 
 68 Thr Brook Faiiiih/. 
 
 of Cobliani, in Kent ; and on 23i-d May, 1718, was re-created 
 a Bakox with the same title, and also Viscount Cobham, 
 with remainder to his sisters, Hester GrenvUle and Christian 
 Lyttelton. The titles subsequently, through Hester Grenville, 
 merged in the Earldom of Temple, and Dukedom of Bucking- 
 ham. 
 
 Cotoling Castle, 
 
 IN KENT. 
 
 This was the original seat of the Cobhams in Kent, and 
 situate in the parish of Cowling, near Rochester. The manor 
 was acquired liy them teni]). Henry III, 1216-72, and the 
 manor house was erected by John de Cobham, the founder, 
 temp. Richard II, and he obtained that King's license to 
 crenellate it, 2nd February, 1380-1. 
 
 " It was of large size, and the two wards or courts, cover nearly eight acres 
 of ground, and considerable remains still exist. The outer gate towers are 
 forty feet high, and the gateway altogether fift}' feet wide, and other large 
 portions of the buUdiugs, and flanking towers, attest the original strength and 
 size of the structure, which was enclosed by a moat fed from the Thames. " 
 
 It seems to have been the principal residence of the Cob- 
 hams, Joan de la Pole, the grand-daughter of its builder, 
 apjjears to have lived here, for her third husband. Sir Nicholas 
 Hawberk, died here in 1407, and her fourth luisband. the un- 
 fortunate Sir John Oldcastle, took refuge here, until arrested 
 by order of King Henry IV, with an armed force, in 1413. 
 
 But the most remarkal)le event in its history was — 
 
 " Its assault and capture by Sir Thos. Wyatt, 30th .January, 1554, who had 
 married the sister of its then possessor, George Brook, Lord of Cobham and 
 Cowling. Wyatt had a large force with him with artillery, and the attack 
 lasted from eleven iu the morning until five in the afternoon, when Brook 
 capitulated, as he had cnly a few men of whom four or five were killed and 
 others wounded. Although he had been made promise to join Wyatt the next
 
 a 
 
 X 
 
 X 
 03 
 O 
 
 CJ 
 
 J 
 a 
 o 
 2; 
 
 X 
 
 ■J 
 
 a 
 
 X
 
 mil 
 
 
 
 a
 
 The Brook Famili/. 69 
 
 clay, as soon as Wyatt's back was turned. Brook despatched a messenger to 
 Queen Mary giving her an account of the whole affair, superscribed with ' /ia'<t, 
 haul, pout liait, irith all dy/i/gence possible, fur the liife,for the I'lfe,' for well he 
 knew the jeopardy of his relationship to Wyatt, and what was likely to be 
 made out of it. It did not avert the Queen's displeasure, for he and his sons 
 were sent to the Tower, where the name of his younger son, Thomas, still ap- 
 pears carved on the wall of the Beauchamp Tower — ' Thomas C'obham, 1.553 ' — 
 l5ut they did not remain long, intercession was made for them and they were 
 released in March, 1,553-4. It is probable Cowling Castle was seldom afterward 
 occupied as a residence, and suffered to fall to decay." ( Waller). 
 
 It i.< now a ruin of con.-^ideralile si/.e. 
 
 Cobbam IDalt, 
 
 AT COBJIAM, IN IvEXT. 
 
 Ii' is not known when thi.s fine strnctiire was begun, nor the 
 style or size of the original building. Of what at present 
 appears, it is probable the two last Brooks, Barons of C'obham, 
 erected the north and south wings between 1584 and 1603, but 
 Henry, Lord Cobhani apparently never completed the original 
 house, previous to his attainder. The date on the north porch, 
 shewn in the engraving, is 1594. 
 
 On 13th August, 1613, James I granted to his relative, 
 Ludovic Stuart, second Duke of Lenox and Richmond, ob. 
 16:24, C'obham Hall, and some of the forfeited estates. James 
 Stuart, fourth Duke of Lenox, employed Inigo Jones to com- 
 ])lete the main portion of the structure between the wings, and 
 was proliably the first of his race that resided within it. 
 
 Subsequently it descended to the Earls of Darnley, who 
 made important additions and alterations to the edifice, finishing 
 it as it now appears. Built of red l)rick with white stone 
 dressings, the array of large windows, Hanking turrets, and its 
 great size, fonns a splendid and picturescpte structure, sur- 
 rounded by an extensive park.
 
 70 The Brook Family. 
 
 J^enrp TBroofe, 
 
 THE LAST LORD OF COBHAM. 
 
 Although the story of his misfoi-tuues, or rather tragedy of 
 fate, that waited on Henry Brook, tenth and last of the 
 Barons of Cobham, and hereditary possessor of Cobham Hall, 
 is now correctly known through the able investigations and 
 research of Mr. Waller, from whom the following account is 
 derived, a short reference to them here, as the closing scene 
 of the Brooks, and connected with their west-country associa- 
 tions maj' not be out of place. 
 
 "He was the second son of Sir William Brook, ninth Lord Cobham (by 
 Frances Newton, of Harptree), and Maximilian the eldest having died young, 
 he succeeded to the barony ou the death of his father, in 1596-7, being then 
 thirty-two years old. No one could have entered life with more brilliant 
 prospects. In his blood were represented many noble and historic names. The 
 vast estates of the family had been constantly on the increase, and an addition 
 had been made to them by Queen Elizabeth in 1564 of St. Augustine's Abbey, 
 at Canterbury. At her Court, indeed, the lords of Cobham were in high favour, 
 and she had honoured his father. Sir William, on two occasions with a visit to 
 Cobham Hall, where she was entertained with much magnificence. Without 
 any great ability, and still less personal character, he nevertheless fell in 
 naturally, as it were, to those honours which his ancestors had engaged. In 
 1597 he was made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, an office of much impor- 
 tance in those days. He was installed ou St. Bartholomew's day (159S) at 
 Canterbury, " at which ceremonious solemnitie were assembled almost 4000 
 horse, and he kept the feast very magnificently, and spent 26 oxen with all 
 provision suitable " The following year he was installed Knight of the Garter, 
 as his father and grandfather before him, and here his honours and good luck, 
 seem to have culminated." 
 
 Then came his marriage, and with it arose the first little 
 
 cloud in the golden horizon of distinction that surrounded him. 
 
 " So great a favourite of fortune, and yet in his prime of youthful manhood, 
 it will not be a matter of wonder, that the ladies of the Court considered him 
 as a matrimonial prize. The prize fell to Frances, daughter of Charles Howard, 
 Earl of Nottingham, and widow of Henry, Earl of Kildare. She was a warm- 
 hearted woman, but of strong passions, and a violent temper, yet there is no 
 doubt she had conceived for Lord Cobham a powerful affection. It did not 
 take place until 1601, and does not appear to have been one of good omen, for 
 it is thus alluded to in a letter of the time — 'The Lord Cobham hath married 
 the Lady of Kildare, but I hear of no great agreement ' It was not a happy 
 marriage, but the union was destined to be soon abruptly dissolved." 
 
 The cloud gradually, but at last sm-ely and rapidly spread, 
 and the remainder of his history simply becomes one of mis- 
 fortune and misery.
 
 TItr Brook Family. 71 
 
 "In this age of Court intrigue and political plotting, Lord Cobham and Sir 
 Walter Raleigh (who had been his father's friendj took the same side. They 
 were both the enemies of the unfortunate Earl of Essex. At the attack upon 
 Essex House in lOUl, Lord Cobham took part, and afterwards sat as one of his 
 peers at the trial, little thinking then how soon his own turn was to come. It 
 is extremely probable that this emnity to Essex was the shadow cast before, 
 a warning to the event fatal to himself. Between Essex and James of Scotland 
 a warm friendship subsisted, and when the latter ascended the throne of 
 England, the enemies of that nobleman soon felt his displeasure." 
 
 Thf last and great ini.sfortiine was now at hand. 
 
 ".Tames was no sooner upon the throne than there arose those plots against 
 him which to comprehend or unravel is one of the most difficult tasks in 
 English history. In the phraseology of the time, they were known as the 
 Treasons of the Bye and the Main, the Priests' Treason (or the Surprising 
 Treason) and the Spanish Treason. It was the Treason of the Main, or Spanish 
 Treason, in which Lord Cobham and .Sir Walter Raleigh are said to have 
 plotted, and if we are to believe his accusers, the latter was the soul of the con- 
 spiracy. 
 
 The Priests' Treason, so called from two Catholic priests, Watson and 
 Clarke, said to have been its promoters, was to surprise the person of the King. 
 In this George Brook, Lord Cobham's brother. Sir Griffin Markham, and Lord 
 Grey of Wilton, were joint actors, and Lord Cobham was said to be privy to it. 
 As before mentioned. Cobham and Raleigh were the actors in the Main or 
 Spanish Treason. These unfortunate men were tried and found guilty, and 
 Raleigh's trial, from the eminetice of his character, and also from the able 
 defence which he made, hfis excited nustly the attention of historians. We 
 cannot rise from its perusal without a sentiment of disgust, anil a feeling that it 
 remains a blot upon our history." 
 
 Then came the punishment awarded these unfortunate men. 
 
 " The two priests suffered the extremity of the law with all its attendant 
 barbarities, and George Brook, his brother, was beheaded at Winchester." 
 
 But one of the most extraordinary punishments on record, 
 for its studied cruelty, was that practised on Lord Cobham 
 and liis two companions. 
 
 " The Lords Obham and Grey, and Sir Griffin Markham, were, one cold 
 morning in \ovember, 1603, brought upon the scaffold at Winchester Castle, 
 Sir Walter Raleigh looking on from the window of his prison ; and after being 
 severally played with, as the pike when hooked by the angler, with the bitter- 
 ness of death before their eyes, they received the commutation of their sentence. 
 Those who have read James's letter to the Council, wherein he glorifies himself 
 on his royal mercy, and have also read the narrative of an eye witness of the 
 scene enacted on the scaffold, will understand and appreciate his character. 
 
 We have now to state their fate. Sir Griffin Markham was banished the 
 realm, and died abroad. The young Lord Grey died after eleven years con- 
 finement in the Tower, his high spirit utterly crushed. Sir Walter Raleigh's 
 fate is well known. Posterity will ever regard his execution as a crime. 
 
 Henry Brook and Sir Walter Raleigh were conducted back to the Tower, 
 16th December, 1603, and henceforth Lord Cobham, like most unfortunate 
 men condemned to imprisonment for life, became as one dead to the outer 
 world." 
 
 But what became of the immense Cobham possessions, of
 
 72 The Brook Family. 
 
 which Olditch and Weycroft formed a comparatively small 
 portion ? These of course were all confiscated, although there 
 was a difficulty in the way, and a legal one, for they were en- 
 tailed — this however was soon surmounted and over-ridden by 
 cruel subtei'fuge and other despicable means, and the estates 
 seized and distributed by the magnanimous James to his 
 favourites in various ways. A strong contrast this which 
 befel the fate of the possessions of the hist Baron of Cobham, 
 to that which attended, under similar circumstances, the pos- 
 sessions of the first Baron, John de (.'obham, when attainted 
 in the reign of Richard II, sentenced to death, as a traitor, 
 and his estates confiscated. Then, as jjreviously described, in 
 the sentence " there was a saving of entail, showing the 
 jealousy of Parliament over estates that might otherwise pass 
 into the hands of the Crown." No such patriotic caution 
 appears to have animated the government of James, the 
 sycophants of whose Court were evidently only too ready to 
 further the illegal proceeding, in the hope afterward to share 
 the spoil. 
 
 In addition to this confiscation, all his honours were for- 
 feited, and to complete the contumely and ruin heaped on him 
 he was "degraded" from being a Knight of the Garter, and 
 his achievement as such taken down and cast out from his stall 
 in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, 16th February, 1603-4. 
 
 Henry Cobham — for he was a baron no longer — endured liis 
 imprisonment fifteen years ; it was of varying degrees of 
 severity, and toward the end of the time, on accoimt of ill 
 health, he was allowed — 
 
 "For the bettering of his healthe his Majestie's leave to go to Bathe atteuded 
 by his keeper. In his returne being as he conceved thoroughly cured of his 
 maladie, was at Hungerford surprized with a dead palsey ; from thence with 
 difficulty he was carried alyve unto Odiam, Sir Edward Moore's house (who had 
 married his sister, Frances), he is yett livinge but nott like to continew many 
 dayes. " 
 
 This was in September, 1617, but — 
 
 ' ' From this attack he sufficiently recovered to be enabled to return to the 
 Tower. Soon after we lose all trace of him as a living man. He died 24th 
 January, 1619. '
 
 
 b'i »BJ IIE», lllllit, 
 T tf"* N F,«, 
 
 " 'll^'- 
 
 DOORWAY, C B H A M HALL.
 
 Tlir Brtiiik Fainilij. ^73 
 
 Where was he Inirieil ? 
 
 " At Cobham the Registers do not carry us back so far. Those in the Tower 
 have not his name. He was therefore not buried there. Search has been made 
 at Odihani without success, and at Aldgate also, as well as at Trinity Minories 
 by the Tower. l>ut no entry has been found." 
 
 And what of tlie wife of this unhappy prisoner ? 
 
 "Of the Lady Kildare, his widow, nothing is said at this time of his death. 
 She was living at Cobham Hall, and it seems as if she took no notice whatever 
 of the unfortunate man who was her husband, and in whose house she lived." 
 
 Burke gives tlie furtiier following description of him. 
 
 " Lord Cobham appears to have been not many degrees removed from a fool, 
 but enjoying the favour of the Queen, he was a fitting tool in the hands of his 
 more wily associates. LTpon his trial he was dastardly to the most abject 
 meanness. 
 
 The mode of bringing the prisoners on the scaffold, and aggravating their 
 sufferings with momentary expectation of their catastrophe, before the pre- 
 intended pardon was produced, was a piece of management and contrivance for 
 which King .James was by the sycophants of the Court very highly extolled, 
 but such a course was universally esteemed the pitiful policy of a weak, con- 
 temptilile mind 
 
 'On this occasion.' says Sir Dudley Carleton, 'Cobham who was now to 
 play kis part did much cozen the world, for he came to the scall'old with good 
 assurance, and contempt of death.' And in the short prayers he made, so out- 
 prayed the conipanj- which helped to pray with him, that a stander-by observed 
 'that he had a good mouth in a cry, but nothing single.' 
 
 After thej- were remanded (Sir Dudley says) and brought back on the scaffold, 
 ' they looked strange on one another, like men beheaded and met again in 
 another world.' " 
 
 A jiitiahlc exiiibitiou, the rightly-constituted humane mind 
 .shrinks from contemplating ; no matter what kind of fool- 
 knave this imfortunate man may have been. It has been 
 stated that he died in a state of filth for lack of apjiarel and 
 linen, and in .such abject poverty, wanting the common neces- 
 saries of life. This has been proved not to have been the case, 
 he was afforded a moderate sum, payable monthly, during liis 
 imjirisonment, enougli to keep him fairly comfortable, and he 
 had medical attendance dui-ing his illness. It is j)rol)able his 
 death occurred outside "the verge of the Tower," as he had 
 petitioned for more lilierty to take the air for his health in the 
 July previous to his decease, the Kings surgeon to certify to 
 his weak state. It was also stated his poor paralyzed frame 
 remained unburied some days for want of means. But this is 
 scarcely ])rol)abh' either, f'.n- his assignee, Lady Hurgli, widow
 
 74 The Brook Fatnilij. 
 
 of his brother, George Brook, had an order from the Treasury 
 for a considerable sura due to him, the day after his decease. 
 Where was his rich wife at this final scene ? Of her we hear 
 nothing, she had clearly disowned and entirely disassociated 
 herself from him ; and wdiere the noble outcast died, and found 
 his last resting-place is not known. 
 
 It would be difficult amid the whole current of English 
 history to find a more mournful narrative ; and of surpassing 
 interest as connected with the last possessorship by the Brooks 
 of the crumbling fragment of ruin at Olditch, the original 
 seat of his ancestors, and text of our story. Both have be- 
 come a sad memory only glimmering in the gloom of the Past. 
 
 "Blount, 
 
 LAST POSSESSOR OF OLDITCH AND W'EYCROFT, 
 EAKL OF DEVON. 
 
 The cruel attainder of Henry Brook, the last unfortunate 
 Baron of Cobhani, and consequent confiscation of his estates, 
 took place in 1603, and that "high and myelitic prince"' 
 James I, in 1604, gave the manors of Olditch and Weycroft 
 to one of his favourites, Charles Blount, eighth Baron Mount- 
 joy of Thurveston, in Derbyshire, who in the year previous, 
 21st July, 1603, he had ci-eated Earl of Devon and K.G. 
 
 Lord Mountjoy was the second of the " interpolated '" Earls 
 of Devon — the hereditary honour of the Courtenays — but an 
 ill fate hung over their creations, for Blount held it barely 
 three years, and leaving no legitimate issue, the title became 
 extinct at his death, 3rd April, 1606. The Jirst was Hum- 
 phrey Stafford, of Suthwyke, so created by Edward IV, 7th 
 May, 1469, after that monarch had given him "the bulk of 
 the estates "' forfeited by the attainder of the three unfortunate
 
 The BriHik FninUy. 75 
 
 brothers, Thomas, Henry, and John Courtenay, successively 
 Earls of Devon, who, within nine years, lost their lives on the 
 scatfold and battle field, fighting- for the iiouse of Lancaster, 
 and whose deaths ended the first descent of that noble family. 
 But for Staflbrd's treachery at the battle of Banbury, only 
 thi'ee months afterward, " by diligent enquiry by King Ed- 
 ward's order, he was foimd at Brent, near the river Axe in 
 Somersetshire, and carried to Bi-idgwater, and tliere beheaded," 
 the monks of Glastonbury giving him sepulture beneath the 
 central tower of the Abbey Church. 
 
 Why Charles Blount chose the title of Earl of Devon, was 
 probably also in part connected with the fate of the above un- 
 fortunate Earls, for his ancestor, Walter Blount, first Lord 
 Mountjoy, Lord Treasurer of England, and K.G., ob. 1474, 
 a staunch adherent of Edward IV, "shared largely in the 
 confiscated possessions (jf the leading Lancastrians," and 
 among others, "particuhii-ly those of Thomas Courtenay, Earl 
 of Devon, obtaining tliereby extensive territorial possessions 
 in Devon." 
 
 But another ancestor of his was further, and in more pleasant, 
 relationship connected, similar to the Cobhams, with tlie Cour- 
 tenay s by intermarriage. 
 
 William Bloimt, fourtli Baron Mountjoy, ob. 1.j3,3, grand- 
 fatiier of Charles Blount, married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir 
 William Say, and bv her had one daughter Gertrude, who 
 was the second wife of Henry Courtenay, Manpiis of Exeter, 
 beheaded by Henry VI 11, in l,3;^y, slie narrowly escaped the 
 same fate, and afterward I'csided at Great Canford, near Poole, 
 died in 1558, and is buried within the presbytery of Wimborne 
 Minster, in a tomb of Purbeck marble, with traceried panels, 
 and tliis fragment of inscription now remaining — 
 " Conjnx (jiwmlani Hcarivi Coiirtouij, Marchionis J'lvoii, tj" 
 Mater Edwardi Cunrtcneij niipcr Co ' 
 
 Edward Courtenay, Earl of Devon, hei- unfortunate >on, a 
 prisoner almost all liis life, died at Padua, in 1500, "not
 
 76 The Bi-ooh Finnih/. 
 
 without siisjilcion of poLsou," and at liis death without issue, 
 the tlien eldei* descent of the Courtenays became extinct, and 
 tlie title of Earl of Devon passed into abeyance, until claimed 
 and allowed to William, third Viscomit C'ourtenay of the 
 Powderham descent, 15th March, 1831. 
 
 Charles Blonnt was a person of high military reputation, 
 and had a command in the fleet that dispersed the Spanish 
 Armada, was constituted Governor of Portsmouth, and sidi- 
 sequently in 1597, Lieutenant of Ireland, and in 1599 rejiulsed 
 the Spaniards with great gallantry at Kinsale. Camden de- 
 sci'ibes him as being "so eminent for valour and learning, that 
 in those respects he had no superior, and few equals," and 
 Moryson, his secretary, writes, "that he was beautiful in 
 person as well as valiant, and learned as well as wise." But 
 his high public character, and all these accomplishments, were 
 tarnished by his imfortunate intrigue with Penelope, daughter 
 of Walter Devereux, Earl of Essex, and wife of Robert, third 
 Lord Rich, and first Earl of Warwick, ob. 1618, by whom he 
 had several illegitimate children, and who on her divorce he 
 subsequently married at Wanstead, in Essex, 26th December, 
 1605. William Laud, afterward Archbishoj) of Canterbury, 
 performing the ceremony. 
 
 The portrait is from an old etching, probably of coutem- 
 porarj- date. The crest encircled by the Garter is that of 
 Blount : IVHliin the Sim in sjilmdoiir, iin eye, jiroper. Below 
 is mscribed : Are to be sold hi/ Henry Bolam in Lombard Street. 
 
 Another is found in Lodge's Portraits, sitting in a chaii-, the 
 face in profile, from a picture in the possession of the Duke of 
 Hamilton, by Juan Pantoxana. 
 
 Pole says, "he conveyed the same (Olditch) unto ]\Ioimtjoy, 
 his base supposed son, who nowe enjoyeth the same" — this 
 was Monntjoy Blount (one of liis children by Penelope Rich) 
 who was afterward created, in 1627, Baron JNIountjoy by 
 James I, and in the year following Earl of Newport by 
 Charles 1, who died in 1665, and either himself or one of his
 
 From ini Old Kmjraving.
 
 Till' BrtKik Fdinih/. Ti 
 
 descendants, sold it to Mr. Jolin Bowditch, I'rom whom it was 
 acquired in 1714, liy an ancestor of Mr. Bragge, of Sad- 
 borough, ill Thorncombe, its present possessor. Arms ol' 
 Blount, Barnj nchnUc of six, or and siible. 
 
 Weycroft was sold by Charles Blount, Earl of Devon, ac- 
 cording to Pole "unto John Bennet, Sherif of London, whose 
 son Mr. Bennet nowe enjoyeth it." He disposed of the manor 
 in parcels, and it is now divided among various owners. 
 
 In a social, if not in a political aspect, Charles Blount was 
 as great a transgressor as the hapless man, a large ])ortioii of 
 whose confiscated possessions he did not hesitate to accc])t. 
 And it proved to be no bar in that unscrupulous age, to the 
 bestowal of an Earldom both on the father and his unhappily 
 begotten son, nor hinder at their deaths, the burial of the 
 elder in Westminster Abbey, and the younger in Christ 
 Church Cathedral, Oxford. But Nemesis appeared at their 
 graves-side, where their " liouours "' perished with them. 
 
 So concludes our little history of the knightly Brooks, and 
 their possessions in these western parts. The wayfarer, who, 
 carrying within his memory its three centuries of incident, 
 regards the departed importance of Weycroft, and views on 
 the site of their first home, the solitary ivy-clad tower at 
 Olditch — sole relic of its former dignity — standing amid the 
 grass-grown foundations, over which 
 
 " Stem ruin's ploughbharu drives elate," 
 and joins with it the moiii'ul'id climax that extinguished their 
 honours and fame, in the sad fate that befel their last heredi- 
 tary i)ossessor, in the grander snrroniidiugs of Cobhain : sees 
 in them a striking instance of the instability and transitory 
 character of the belongings to human life, which no station 
 can shield, nor wealth avert, or rescue from the sentence of 
 doom whi(di Time pi'onounces on all earthly things.
 
 78 
 
 The Brook Famihj. 
 
 From the banks of the Axe our steps first led us to Oklitch, 
 and having completed the circuit of our little investigation, 
 terminate in this particular at Wey croft, close overlooking 
 that delightful stream — home of the speckled trout, haunt of the 
 stately heron, the flashing kingfisher, the bounding swallow — 
 and by whose ripe we return to the phice from whence they 
 first set out. The air is radiant with summer sunshine, the 
 red kiue are dozing and dreaming in the grateful shadow of 
 the tall elms, the bee and butterfly are bustling and flickering 
 among the reeds, the golden iris, the purple flags, that fringe 
 its margin, and all is contentment and peace. Musingly we 
 ask, who, privileged to dwell amid these pure enjoyments, 
 which Nature with perennial hand spreads so bountifully, that 
 bring no care or alloy, would, listening to the syren voice of 
 ambition, be tempted to forsake them for the glamour of 
 Courts, the smiles and suspicions of Princes, with, as we have 
 seen, the attendant dangers of the confiscator's hand, the 
 prison door, the headsman's axe, the exile's fate, an unknown 
 grave ? 
 
 LET ME, INGLORIOUS, LOVE THE STREAMS AND WOODS.
 
 GEOllGK BROOK, LORD rORIlA.M, -OB : lOOi^. 
 Fruin the Dniwinq bij Holbein.
 
 iferoofe 
 
 OF 
 
 %omcr0ct anD Dction: 
 
 BARONS OF COBHAM IN THE COUNTY OF KENT: 
 THEIR LOCAL HISTORY AND DESCENT 
 
 W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 'THE GLORIKS OF OUR BIRTH AND STATK 
 ARE SHADOWS, NOT SUBSTANTIAL THINGS." 
 
 fHiirUtj. 
 
 PAii r II. 
 
 BARNICOTT AND PEARCK, ATHEN.-EUM PRESS 
 
 MDCCCO
 
 This Palmer is reprinted from Vol. V, Third Series, of the Proceedings of the 
 Somersetshire Arclucolotjical and Natural History Society, for 2899. 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Their e:irly liistory ...... 
 
 Thomas Chcdder, and his descendants 
 The Brook JNIemorials, in C'olihani Churcli, etc. 
 The sons of George Brook, Lord Cobhani 
 Brook of Athehngton and Yoxford, Suffolk 
 Cobham Hall, of the Brooks .... 
 
 Frances Howard, wife of Heni'v Brook. Lord Cobh 
 Elizabeth Brook, Lady Cecil .... 
 
 Sir William Brook, Knight .... 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 12 
 
 
 1.5 
 
 
 17 
 
 am 
 
 19 
 
 
 •21 
 
 
 22 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 George Brook — Lord Cobham . . . Front 
 
 Brass of John, Lord Cobham, and ^Lirgaret Nevill 
 Brass of Thomas, Lord Cobham, and Dorothy Haydon (2) 
 Brass of Faith Brook ...... 
 
 Brass of .Tohanna Weld, Lady Brook ... 
 Tomb of George Brook, Lord Coltham, and Ann( 
 
 Bray (3)* 
 
 MoTunncut to John Brook ..... 
 
 Mouimient to Sir Robert Brook and Elizabeth Culpepei- 
 
 Brass of Alice Cobbc (Lady Norton) 
 
 Brass of Mary Brook ...... 
 
 Arms of Brook ....... 
 
 PAGE 
 
 pirce 
 
 2 
 
 3, 9 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 i;5 
 
 14 
 1.5 
 24 
 
 * From photograplis, by the kindness and skill of the i!ev. Arthur 11. 
 Berger, Vicar of Cobham
 
 T5roob, 
 
 OF SOMERSET AND DEVOX ; BAUOXS OF COBHAM, IX KENT. 
 
 BY W. 11. HAMILTON ROGEKS, F.S.A. 
 
 Part 11. 
 
 THE additional notes comprised in this Paper, allusive to 
 the Brook family, are offered as supplementary to the 
 account found in the preceding volume of Som. Arc. and Nat. 
 Hist. Soc. Priicecdinys, and are designed to render the notice 
 of their history to some extent more complete. 
 
 Cf)cir a3arlj> It)istorv. 
 
 The following interesting c.jiitirmatory particulars relating to 
 Brook, Cobham, lieauchaini), iS;c., are extracted from Coll. 
 Topoij. et Ge/tcu/., vol. \ii, ])]). .320-354, therein stated to be 
 taken from " Chartrrs,&,^c.,/ii tlw liaiid-irritiiui of Rulicrt Glover, 
 Somerset Herald, in a r(diiiiie of the librari/ of the College of
 
 2 The Brook Familr/. 
 
 Arms, marked Pfn'lijiot, E. •/., and were derived from the muni- 
 ment room at Cohhani Ila/l" about 1574. These refer to the 
 early possession of Olditch : — 
 
 "Brianusde Gomz (Goritz) D'n's de Kingesdon. dedit, &c., Henrico de la 
 Broke et Niclmlea uxor su.-e, &c., s. d. (Seal) 'S. Bkiani de Oomz.' (Arms) 
 voire, a bend lozengij. 
 
 Henricus de Brok, de Holdyche, S Regis Edw. 
 
 Elizabeth qii.t fuit uxor Henrici de Broke, 7 Edw'd. Ill— 1334. 
 
 Henricus Hroke, relaxavit Thoniie Broke nepoti suo et Conatantia uxoris 
 ejus, &c. Dat. ap. Holdyche, 8 Edw. 111—1335. 
 
 Thomas Broke, et Constantia uxor eius, 9 Edw. Ill — 1.3.36. 
 
 Thomas de Broke, tenuit maner, de Broke juxta Yilehester in Com. Sora'st. 
 14 Edw. Ill— 1341." 
 
 The following to Heiii-y de C'ohham, the mairiage of liis son 
 
 to Joan IJeauchani]), his burial at Stoke-sub-Hamdon, and 
 
 inventory of his goods. It will be observed the date of his 
 
 son's attendance at the funeral is of a vague nature, stated as 
 
 " anno 9 Edw. rei/is "' ; if of Edwd. II, 1316 ; if of Edwd. Ill, 
 
 1336 ; and this would be nearer the correct date, for he died 
 
 in 1339, which agrees with the year the inventory was taken 
 
 and exhibited. 
 
 '•Johannes de Cobham miles quseritur versus Dn'm Thomam fratrem suura, in 
 qua querela dicit quod cum Joh'es de Cobham leur sage auncestor, le quel Dieu 
 assoile, perquisivit nianerium de Chessebury, (juod desrendit D'no Henrico 
 patri eorum utpote hivridi per successionem ; Et postea idem H. accepit D"no 
 .loh'e de Beauchamp pro nuptiis dicti D'ne Johannis filii sui 40U lib. sub eo 
 conditione quod nunquam dishereditaret d'cin J. tilium suum. Id nou obstante 
 diet. D'ns Thomas ita rem tractavit cum eorum patre anted'co q'd ille ieoifa\-it 
 d'cm Thom. de advocatione eccl'sie pred'ce, &c. Tandem convenit inter eos iu 
 praeseutia Reginaldi de Cobham, Prioris Roft'ens', et aliis. 
 
 Henricus de Cobham, miles, d'ns de Chissebury, 6 Edward II — 1313. 
 
 Joh'es de Cobham dedit D'ne Matilde de Columbariis et Henrico de Cobham 
 filio suo maueria de Chissebyri, &c. , s. d. (seal) arms of Cobham, dimidiated, 
 impaling a bend (Columbers). 
 
 Henricus de Cobham, miles, D'ns de Cobham, dedit Joh'i de C. tilio suo et 
 Johanne uxori ejus, pro sexcentis marcis argenti ille pra; manibus solutis, 
 manerium suum de Henton in Com. Wiltes, cum omn' pertin', &c, Dat. 
 Londini die Lunie in f. b Maria; Mag. 8 Edward II — 1315 
 
 Joh'es de Cobham, mUes, filius D'ni H. de Cobham, salut in D'no. nov't 
 uuiv. vestra me attornasse, &c., Will'm de Blanford ad capieud. (pncedimi 
 i/rantj. Dat. ap. Stoke-subtus-Hamedon die Martis p'x. p. f. b. Marg. 
 8 Edward 11-1315. 
 
 D'ns Johe's de Cobham celebravit funus D'ni Henrici de Cobham apud Stoke 
 in Com. (Somerset) anno 9 Edw. regis. 
 
 Henricus de Cobham sepelitur apud Merston Stoke in Com. Somerset, et 
 Joh'es de Cobham tilius ejus aderat apud funus suum, cujus quidam Joh'is 
 expensa itinerando et reduudo ad'co funere adhuc extant. 
 
 Inventiarum omniu' honor' D'ni Henrici de Cobham, mil. defuncti die 
 Assumpc'onis beatie Maria; virginis anno D'ni mUlo ccc'uo xxxixo. Henricus 
 iste habuit duos tilios Joh'em et Thomam, milites, qui contraversar'rit pro tes- 
 tamento patris sui. (1339).
 
 1^ ■ ?;afciit '^Dtiaotg fecte ' PTite f^ Bavc Bmmt W ^ 
 
 (JOHN BROOK, LORD COHHAM), AND .MAKGARKl NKVILL HIS WIFE. 
 COBHAM <'HUIUH,
 
 THOMAS liKOOK, U>ni> ((HMIAM, \M> lM)l:ii||iV llAVDON IMS WIFK. 
 COHHAM Clinu H.
 
 The Brotili Fmiiili/. 3 
 
 Inveutiarum omnium bouorum U'ni Hen. de C. mil. ilefuncti die Aasumpt. 
 b. Mari» virg. l.'!39, exhibit Ep'o Roffensi per Thomam C. mil.' 
 
 These relate to John de Cobham, his niarriar;e contract 
 with Margaret Courtenaj, and receipt for the payment, "pro !<■ 
 sojourn " with her father subscc^uently. 
 
 "Joli'es Cobham dat terras Johi filio suo et Margaretie filiiE Hugonis Comitis 
 Devon. ."> Kdn-ard III — I.S32. (Seal) on a sprrad e.a(jte, (wo n/iidUs, 1 voire (for 
 .loan lieauchamp), '2 Cobham, wit/i lahel. 
 
 Indentura facta 6 Edward III l.SS.'J, inter D'm'n Hugonem de Courtenay, 
 Comitem Devon et .loh'em de Cobham testatur quod Joh'es tilius D'ui Joh'is 
 accipiet in uxorem Margaret filiam dicti Comites, &c. 
 
 Hugo (le Courtenay Cornea Devonia.' fatetur se recipisse de Johaune de 
 Cobeham mil. tilio D'ni Johis de C. de Kent, niilitis. ."> libras sex solidoa pro le 
 sojourn de Margarete de Courtenay lilia sua, 29 Kdward III — l.SSli. 
 
 .loh'es, D'uus de Cobham, haliuit licent. fund.ire Collegium de Cobham — • 
 1362. " 
 
 These exliibit the marriairc contract of Tlionias IJrook. and 
 Johanna Braybroke, Lady of Cobham, with the seals of 
 Cobham and Brook ; and a deed relating to the widowed 
 Lady Johanna Brook, with her fonr sons (including Michael 
 Brook), concerning Kingeston, one of tlie oldest of their 
 possessions, and dated at 01dit(-h. The seal to this document 
 is specially interesting as displaying Lady .Fohanna's arms. 
 Engine, on /i chirf t/ules, three bucks head's affroiiti' or, impaled 
 with Brook, her second husband. 
 
 These arms are now as.signed to HannnKj; and their a])peai'- 
 ancc here makes it questionable if she did not belong to a 
 family so named, and not lIuHnup, or Ilunhum, unless all three 
 arc variants of the same name. The arms at present assigned 
 t(i lliinhdiii aic altogether different. 
 
 "Indentura facta inter Sir -John Oldcastell mil D'u'ni de Cobham et 
 .lohannem uxoris ejus ex una parte, et Thomam Broke, militeni ex altera. 
 Testatur (juoil Thomas tilius et heres d'ci Thome Brooke accipet in uxorem 
 •Johaniiam tilium d'ce .lohann.'X' uxoris d'ei .loh'is 0. D'ni de C. infra datum 
 pra'sentium ad festum I'entecostes proxime venturuni si Deus illis vitam 
 coucedit, &c. Dat. 2(1 Feb. II Henry IV — 1411). (Seal) ".Slcii.I.UM JoiiANNIs 
 Oldi'astei.l d'ni UK CoBiIAM.'' (Amis) quarterly, one and four, (r ai«lle, two 
 and three Cobham, (supporters) tiro lions ■u-jaiil i;fl'roiit('e, (crest) on a lulniet and 
 wn'uth, a Santeen\'i lirad it'farin'j a raji. 
 
 .loanna Brooke relicta Thome Brooke mil. defuiioti fecit attornatus ad 
 deliberandum Kic'o Chediler, Thome Brooke, Thome Chetlder ct Micluaeli 
 Broiike tiliis meis seisinam in maner' de Kingeston. Dat. apud Holdyche 
 .') Henry V, HI 8. (.Seal) Brook, impaling, Krmiiir, on « cliie/, three bucks' 
 /i/'tif/s cohfis/iiu/. 
 
 .Michael Brooke, til, Tlioma- et .lolianiuc B., II Henry V, 1424.
 
 4 The Brook Fmiiilf/. 
 
 Deed dated 12 Henry VI. 1434. (Seal 1) ' Sigillum Thom.e Brooke 
 MiLiTis,' (arms) on a chevron a lion rampant (Brook), (supporters) two lions, 
 (crest) on a hrjmet and wreat/i a xpread wing. (Seal 2) 'Sigillum Johanne 
 Broke,' (arms) Brook, impaliug, Ermine, on a chief, three stag'<' heads cabosked." 
 
 These notes to Johanna, Lady of Cobham, and Hemenhale 
 and Hawberk, two of her liiisbands, and Hawberks first wife. 
 
 " Rob'ts Asheley et alii demiserunt maner. de Creshale in Com. Essex. Joh'e 
 quondam uxori Rob'ti Hemenhale mil. filia; Joh'is de la Poole, miiitis, 19 Ric. 
 II, 1396. (Seal) 'Sigillum D'ne Johanne Hemenhale.' (Arms) on a /ess 
 between two chevronels, three escallops (Hemenhale) impaling, tiro bars wavy (De 
 la Pole). 
 
 Nicholaus Hawberk, miles, et Domina Matilda uxor ejus, 1 Henry IV, 1399. 
 
 Nich. Hauberk, miles, dedit Hugoui Lutterell, &c., omnia bona et catella 
 sua ubicumque fuerint inventa exceptus centum sol. argenti quod sibi reseravit. 
 Dat. apud Couliug, 6 Oct., 9 Henry IV, 1407. 
 
 Hugo Lutterell, miles, &c., contirmaverunt D'n'ieJohannae, D'nje de Cobham, 
 omnia bona et catella qax habuerunt ex dono Nicholai Hauberk, miiitis, 
 9 Henry IV, 1407. (Seal) 'Sigillum Nicholaus Hauberk, militis.' (Arms) 
 cheeky, a chief per J'ess nebuUe.*^ 
 
 And these refer to John de Cobham, of Blackborough, 
 Devon. 
 
 " Joh'es Cobham de Blakeburgh, et Katerina uxor ejus 51 Edward III, 1378. 
 
 20 Richard II, 1396. Coniub. Johannes Cobham de Blakeburgh, miles, obiit 
 seisitus de reversione manerii de Hilton cum pertin. et de redditu. 10 solid, 
 annuatim Castro de Launceston solvendo. Quod quidem manerium tenetur de 
 Rege in cap. ut de Castro suo pr;edicto et de Ducato Cornubiie per serv. 
 militare et per redd. 10 solid, per annum. Quodque Elizabetha soror dicti 
 Johaunis est hajres. (Seal) ' Sigillum Johannis de Cobeham.' (Arms) o?i a 
 chevron, three spread eagles, in dexter chief point an estoile." 
 
 These arms of Cobham of Blackborough were quartered by 
 Hungerford, as descending fi-om EHzabeth, daughter of the 
 first John Cobham of that place, who married Sir Hugh 
 Peverell. They are found on the large escutcheon of the 
 splendid monument with their effigies, in the Chapel at 
 Farleigh Castle, of Sir Edward Hungerford, ob. 1648, and his 
 wife Margaret Halliday, ob. 1672; and are, apparently, the 
 only trace of remembrance of the Cobhams of Blackborough 
 existing:. 
 
 Cfjomas CbcDDcr 
 
 AND HIS DESCENDANTS. 
 
 In Canon Jackson's Guide to Furlek/h Hnne/erford 1S79, the 
 following " courteous and gentle epistle, &c.," appears, quoted
 
 The Bniiik Fdiiiih/. 5 
 
 from the fine Cnrliihin/ of the Hiiii(/crfor<l Faviily, in the 
 possession of the lit. Hon. Henry Hobhouse, of Hadspen, 
 near Bruton. An indenture by which Thomas Chedder does 
 homage to Walter, Lord Hungerford (ol). 14-49) for bis i;ind 
 at Litleton near Weilow; 21 Henry VI, 1441. 
 
 "This Indenture made the Fest of Seinte Cutberd the Bisahoppe, the yeare 
 of the Reigning of King Harry the Sext after the Conqueste the 19th, 
 Witnesseth that Thomas Chethler, Scirer {Esquire) hath done Homage to 
 Walter Lord Hungerforde for the Londes and Tenements which the saide 
 Thomas holdeth of the saide Lord in Litleton. In witness whereof to the 
 parties of this Indenture as well the saide Lorde as the forsaide Thomas enter- 
 chaugeably have set their seales the day and the yere aliove wnten. " 
 
 "To the worshipfuU noble and my ryght gode and gracious Lord the Lorde 
 Hungerford. 
 
 Worshipful Noble and my right gode Lord. I recomaunde me unto your 
 ryght gode Lordeshippe. beseoliyng the same to have me excused of that I com 
 not to your Presence atte this Tyme for the Doying of myne Homage : for 
 trule, my Lord, God hath visited me with such Intirmite that I may not ryde 
 without right grete Perell of mine Yie\e ( health j s.s 1 hope my Brother Fortescu 
 which hath sene myne Intirmite will pleynle enforme your gode Lordeshippe : 
 Wherfore I sende unto you by the Berer hereof an Endenture ensealed with 
 the .Seale of myne Armys by which 1 have done unto you Homage. 
 
 WorshipfuU noble and my ryght gode Lord, I beseech Almighti God alwey 
 your gode and gracious spede. 
 
 Write on the Fest of Seinte Cutberde the Bisshoppe ; — 
 
 Thomas Cheddek." 
 
 Thomas Chedder had uo brother named Fortescue, and the 
 Canon surmises it may have been the L.C.J, of the King's 
 Bench, Sir John Fortescue, " who was connected with the 
 neiglibourhood of Wcllow and Farley, by marriage (according 
 to Lord Clermont) with the heiress of John James, of Norton 
 St. Philip's." Thomas Chedder, then in ill health, appears to 
 have died the following year, 1442-3. 
 
 Sir Edward Grci/ — I'iscoiiiti V Isle. He carried the Rod 
 with the Dove at the coronation of Richard III — 7th July, 
 1483. His first wife, Elizabeth Talbot, granddaughter of 
 Thomas Chedder, died 8th September, 1487, and was buried 
 at Astley, Warwickshire; he died 17th July, 1492, and be- 
 queathed his body to be buried in the new chapel ol Our 
 Ladj, begun by himself to be built in the College of Astley, 
 where the body of his late wife lay interred. The interesting- 
 pair of effigies in Astley Church may represent them ; the 
 knight, in full armour, witli collar of S.S. : the lady, with long
 
 6 Thf Brook Fdiiiily. 
 
 riowiiig- hair, coronet, and wearing the rare Yorkist collar of 
 Suns and Roses. Another efiigv of a lady, with pedimental 
 head-dress, in the same church, is presumed to represent her 
 niece, Cicely Bonville, of Shute. 
 
 The Viscount married secondly, Jane, widow of Sir Robert 
 Drope, citizen and draper, Lord Mayor of London, 1474-5, 
 knighted the same year, and who died about 1485. She 
 survived her second husband and died 1499-1.500. Sir Robert 
 Drojie and liis widow, the Viscountess, were munificently in- 
 clined in founding some substantial charities, and both were 
 buried in the clmrch of St. Michael, Cornhill, " on the north 
 side of the choir under a fair tomb of grey marble,'" but. 
 continues Stow, "notwithstanding their liberality to that 
 church and parish, their tomb is pulled down, and no monu- 
 ment remaineth of them." 
 
 Sir Joliii Grey — Viscoitnt J.'Islr, son of the preceding, was 
 created Knight of the Bath, 18th February, 1503, "being one 
 of the Knightes of the Sword dubbed at the creation of 
 Prince Henry.'" He died 9th February, 1504: his widow, 
 Muriel Howard, remarried Sir Thomas Knyvett, K.B., of 
 Buckenham, Norfolk, ob. 1512; she died about the same date, 
 and was buried in the Friars' Clmrch, Greenwich. 
 
 Arthur Plinitaf/enet — I'iscoiiiit L' Isle. He married Elizabeth 
 Grey-Dudley, 12th November. 1511 : knighted 14th October, 
 1513 : Sheriff of Hants, 1513-14 : Knight of the Garter, 
 23rd April, 1524 ; Vice-Admii'al of England, 1525 ; First 
 Commissioner to Francis I, King of France with the Garter, 
 invested at Paris, 10th November, 1527 ; Governor of Calais, 
 153.3-40; Pantler at the coronation of Anne Boleyn, 1st tlune, 
 1533; Privy Councillor, 1540. His committal to the Tower, 
 in April 1540, was owing to a suspicion that he had a design 
 of betraying Calais to the French, and when Henry VIII, 
 being convinced of his innocence, ordered his release, he is said 
 to "have died of joy" th.ereat, on 3rd March, 1541-2, and was 
 buried there. His wife appears to have died the preceding year.
 
 Tlir Brook Vinnihi. 7 
 
 John Ditd/fi/, Duke of Northumbcrlaiul. lie was tlie eldest 
 son of Elizal)ctli (rrov-Dudlcj, l)y lier fir.st liiishand, and heir 
 to the possessorshi]) ol Kingston l/lsle, and the title, as 
 specified on the patent, dependant thereon. Hut before his 
 mother's death, wliicli oceiirred about 1.540, during licr lite- 
 time, on the 27tli Marcli, 1.3.'i8, lie disposed of the reversion of 
 the manor and estate of Kingston L'lsle, to William Hyde, 
 whereby on her death, when he became heir to the grantees of 
 the IJarony of L'lsle, he failed to comply with the conditions 
 of the grant, and the title so created liecanic extinct. He was 
 executed on Tower Hill, 22nd August, 1.5.Jo. 
 
 €.\^z lecook a^emoriats 
 
 I \ ( () II II A M ( II r iM II, i;tc. 
 
 Altu()1"(;ii there were seven descents of Brook after their 
 migration to C'obham, of whom six were summoned as Barons, 
 oidy three menioi'ials exist to them in the church there, 
 wherein all, except the last — Henry Brook — were interred. 
 
 The oldest of these is the brass to Sir John Brook, fifth 
 Baron of Cobham (grandson of Sir Thomas Brook, of Olditch. 
 who mari-ied tloan de la Bole, Lady of C'obliam ), anil his wife, 
 Margaret Nevill, which lies in the pavement of the chancel. 
 
 He mari-ied first Eleanor, daughter of Anstell or Anstic, 
 
 of Suffolk, who left no issue, and secondly Martjaret, daughter 
 of Edward Nevill, Lord Abergavenny, youngest sou of Hulplt, 
 first Kiirl of Ifcfttnorcland, by his wife Eliziihctli. daiiglitci' 
 and sole heir of liichard Be.aucham]), Lord Berga\cniiy, 
 created Earl of Worcester in 1420, who married lsal)el 
 Despencer, sister and sole heir of Richard, eighth Baron 
 Despencer and Baron Burghersli. This descent explains the 
 iinpaleincnt of the shields on the brass, namely Cobham, 
 imjialing Nevill, Warren, Clare, Despencer, and Beauchani]), 
 icitk a crescent for difference. It is curious to note that the
 
 8 Tlte Brook Famili/. 
 
 arms of Brook, proper, are not included. Bj her he appears 
 to have had eighteen children, as depicted at the foot of the 
 brass, eight sons, and ten daughters. The inscription as it is 
 now found reads thus : — 
 
 Hie Jucent Johanes Broke Miles Ac Baro Baronie de Coblivi 
 et Domiiia Miirqaretii vxor siui (jnondani filia nohiUs iriri 
 Edwiirdi Nerill nnper Dili de Bni-f/'eny ijui (jnidcin Jokes ubijt 
 .... die niens^ .... A\) Dni M" i< . . . . ip'a vero 
 Domina Marfjaretd (d>ijt ritiino die i/ie'sis Scptemhris A'o d'ni 
 M° v'^ vj qiwra animabns jjrupicietur Dens : amen. 
 
 Only the figure of the lady now remains, but that of Sir 
 John was in existence in 15lt7. The costume of Lady 
 Margaret is very simple, gown with full sleeves guarded with 
 fur, mantle with cordon, and pedimental head-dress. John 
 Brook, Lord Cobham, died 9th March, 1511-12, but the date 
 was never filled in upon the brass. Affixed to the central 
 pinnacle is a square panel, whereon is a representation of the 
 Trinity, the Father seated, with triple crown, and right hand 
 raised in benediction, supports the Saviour on the Cross, 
 which rests upon the orb of the Earth, and on the left ai'm of 
 the cross is the Holy Spirit, sitting as a Dove, with partially 
 extended wings ; in the central compartments of the canopies 
 are shields, on one the instruments of the Passion, and on the 
 other the Five Wounds. 
 
 In Couling (hodie Cooling) Church, Kent, the parish in 
 which Couling Castle, the original seat of the Cobhams, is 
 situate, is the brass of Faith Brook, one of the ten daughters 
 of tlie aforesaid John Brook, Lord Cobham (ob. 1512) which 
 lies in the Hoor of the nave. The figure is of small size, and 
 clad in pedimental head-dress, gown with fur cuffs, and orna- 
 mental girdle. Below is the inscription : — 
 
 Fraif for ye soiile of Ft'i/tlt Brooke Irite ye dowyt'r of Syr 
 John Brook lord of Coblim wliichc Fetjth deccssed the xxj day oj 
 Sepfe'h'r i/r yi'r of (/;■ lord i>i.r<^riij o' irhose soiile J h'li have 
 vi'ey.
 
 FAITH BKOUK. — roWJ.lNG CHURCH. 
 
 KENT.
 
 .lOHANNA WKIJ), Fn;ST UIFK oK SIK KtHJKKT liKOOK. 
 voxFoiti) iHim M, sirroi.K.
 
 ra«»Kl 
 
 IpilJil 
 
 Immwm 
 
 THOMAS BKOOK. LORD COBHAM, ANI» IKjKo'lHV HAVhOX HIS WIFE. 
 COEHAM CHUlttH
 
 Tlie Brook Fintiili/. 9 
 
 The second memorial in Cobham CHiurch is also a brass (the 
 last of the series), in the pavement of the chancel, and com- 
 memorates Sir Thomas Brook (eldest son of Sir John), sixth 
 liaron of Cobham, his first wife, Dorothy Haydon, and liieir 
 thirteen children. He died lythJuly, 1529. 
 
 The inscription is : — 
 
 Orate pro anima Tliotnr Broohf iiiilitia r/'ni dr Coliliniii <ic 
 Cotisitiif/ii/n/ ct heredis Richiirdi lirdiiclnniijic iiiilitis ijui (jiiidcm 
 '[IwiiKia Cfjiit in vxorr.m Dorolliea filiani llcnrici Hai/don iiiilltis 
 ct Itnhnrrunt cxitii inter eos septr' Jilios ct sex filias et p'd'ra 
 Dorothea obijt et ji\rciis T/wtnas Cepit in rxorem Dorotheii 
 S'on-f/ure/l vidiiii^ que obijt sine exitn ct posted Cepit in r.nire' 
 Elizabctlui Ilnrt et Iinbuerunt nullu" cxifu inter eos qui (jnirlc 
 Thomcis obijt xix die Julij A'o d'ni MCCCCCxxixti. 
 
 He is in the elaborate armour of the period, with skirt irf 
 mail, and broad-toed sabbatons, a chain with dependant cross 
 suspended from the neck, an ornament found on many effigies 
 about this date. The lady wears the pedimental head-dress of 
 that era. The children are in two groups below. Arms, four 
 shields at the corners, each charged alike with Brook, Cdbliam, 
 Braybroke, and De la Pole — Azure, a fess between three leopards 
 heads or, an annulet for difference, being the bearings assigned 
 to the younger branch of De la Pole ; those on the brass of 
 Lady .Johanna Braybroke, as also on her mother's at C'hrishall, 
 being the older blazon of the main stem, azure, two burs 
 nehulee or; in the porch at t'hrishall both shields occiu- 
 separately, dexter being the foss and leojiards heads, sinister 
 the bars ncbi/lrc. A Sir Henry Heydon, was made K.B. at 
 the coi'oiiation of Henry VII, 30th October, 1485, his arms, 
 (Quarterly, iirf/cnt and //ulcs, a cross eni/nrilcd counterr/iant/cd. 
 Ltsoiis (Iinrirons of London) in describing West-Wickliani, 
 Kent, says : — 
 
 " The manor house, which stands near tlie church, was built by Sir Henry 
 Heydon, tenii) : Henry VII. In a winilow of tile hall arc the arms of Heydou 
 and his wife, Anne, daufljhter of Sir (iodfi'cy HuIIeyne. The parish eiiuroh, 
 dedicated to St. .lohn the l-laptist, was re-huilt by Sir Henry Heydon temp : 
 Henry VII. In the east window is the representation of a skeleton in kneeling
 
 10 The BriHik Ftimily. 
 
 posture, with label issuing from its mouth inscribed, ' Ne reminUcaru Dom'me 
 Uelicta nua nut par . . . ,' intenrled for that of Sir Henry Heydon, 
 Founder of the church, as appears by the helmet and his shield of arms lying 
 at its feet." 
 
 ()f his thirteen children, Jnhii, the eldest son, died in his 
 fathers lifetime ; George, who became his heir, Thomas, 
 Willidtn, and Edward. Of his daughters, Margaret was 
 married to Sir John Fogge, of Repton ; Faith, to William 
 Ockenden, Gentleman Porter of Calais; and Elizabeth, to Sir 
 Thomas Wvatt, of AUington, and afterward to Sir Edward 
 Warner. 
 
 The third and last memorial to the Brooks, in Cobham 
 Church, is the splendid tomb and recumbent effigies of George 
 Brook, seventh Baron Cobham, and his wife Anne, daughter 
 of Edmond Lord Bray, with their fourteen children kneeling 
 below. From Mr. Waller's excellent description we extract 
 the following : — ■ 
 
 " It stands in the midst of the chancel, and before its restoration exhibited 
 terrible signs of past neglect and dilapidation. It is of rare beauty, both of 
 design and execution, and consists of a large altar tomb constructed of 
 alabaster, with the exception of the table, which is of black marble. Upon 
 this rests the effigies of the deceased, and it is partly sustained by sixteen 
 fluted columns of the Ionic order. Kneeling figures of the fourteen children 
 are ranged round the sides on a supplemental table below. The four daughters 
 are at each end, the sons on each side, placed according to their priority of 
 birth alternately, tir.st on the right or south side, then on the left or north side 
 of the tomb. The effigies are finely executed, and are most likely of Flemish 
 workmanship, being in character very similar to that of Count Lalaing, at 
 Hogstraaten, in Belgium. This nobleman, who also figured in the political 
 arena of his time, died in 155S, and it cannot be doubted but that the same 
 sculptor executed the monuments of both. 
 
 Lord Cobham is represented in armour surmounted by a tabard, emblazoned 
 with his arms, through a slit of which, on the right side, appears the lance 
 rest. Over this he wears the mantle with cordon, collar, and hood of the 
 Order of the Garter, and the gaiter with the motto is on his right knee. His 
 hands are clasped in prayer, and his head rests on an embroidered cushion 
 At his feet is the heraldic antelope, or 'gazelle.' resembling, however, a young 
 ram couchant. The figure of Lady Anne wears over the gown a tabard of her 
 arms. Bray and quarterings, and over this a mantle of estate with the arms 
 and quarteriugs of Brook, her head rests on an embroidered cushion, and she 
 wears the French hood. Her hands are joined in prayer, and at her feet is the 
 'gatiiger,' as a lion roucliavt winged, the tvhii/n heraldically emblazoned 
 ' vaire ' It is a cognizance of the house of Bray. On a semi-circular projec- 
 tion of the west end of the talkie lies a helmet, surmounted by the antient crest 
 of the Cobham family, the Moor, or S.iraren's head, and the same is seen upon 
 a helmet on the north wall, possibly that of Lord George. 
 
 At the east end of the tomb are two escutcheons. The upper one is Brook 
 quartering Cobham. De la Pole, Peverill, Braybroke, and St. .\mand quartering 
 Bray, thus — Troughton, Bray, Hallighwell, Norbury, Boteler, Sudeley.
 
 z 
 < 
 
 o 3
 
 =) ? 
 
 < p 
 
 ^ "J 
 
 8 I
 
 Tlir /iriiii/i Fdiiiili/. 11 
 
 Montfort, Croyser, auil Daliernoii. Beneath this is a large escutcheon, having 
 as supporters, dexter, nn aiifdaiip. sinister a (jrijjin ; with helmet and crest of 
 a lion }m»>iaiit crowned^ a coguizauce of Brook; VjeU)W, the motto, *./e me Jit 
 en Dim ' In this escutcheon, the quarterings of Brook impale those of Bray, 
 as above. 
 
 At the west end there are also two escutcheons, the upper Brook as before, 
 with the quarterings of Bray on an escutcheoji of jiretence. It is surrounded 
 by the Garter. Beneath is a large escutcheon of twenty-seven coats of arms, 
 consisting of the quarterings of Brook and Bray, impaling the arms and 
 quarteriugs of Newton, the latter rejjresenting the second wife of Sir William 
 Brook, SOD and heir of Lord C'i>bliani. by whom this monument was erected. 
 It has supporters, and the motto as before, the crest being that of iJtf Moor^!< 
 head." (These bearings of Newton have been before described). 
 
 The cliildren, in varied costumes, with tabards emblazoned 
 witli their parents' arms, impaling tlieir own allianees. kneel 
 around, and have their names snperscrilied aViove them. Tliey 
 are caret'ullv described by Mr. Waller, who continues : — 
 
 'The inscription, in Latin, very long, and expressed in capital letters, is 
 well carried on the bevelled edge of the marble table on which the effigies lie, 
 and is as follows ; — 
 
 Honoratissimvs et darisKimvs vir Georijivs Brokvs fvit dominvn Cotihnmvs 
 ex uppidi Cohami posneisione cognominatvs et idem Imidatisnmvi aliqvut annis 
 Calesi prafectes in illustrixsimv' Collei/ivm cnoptatvs eqvitvm Divi Gtwrjii nee 
 Kolvm hanc prestantUsimam hahvit honorvm et familm comendalionem aed etiam 
 nati'ra fvit o/Hima et animo omni yenere lavdis ornatissimo dvx fvit in hello 
 preatantissimvs et napientissim-vs in pace eonsiliarivs princi/nbvs in qvorvm 
 temporibvs vixit eqregie probatva Cantianin svis inter qvos luibihivit eximie cliarim 
 deniqz toti reipvblicfB propter konorv^ splendorem et vii'txitv' notii-^imvs et 
 dilectissimvs et haic o'ia Jvervnt in illo illustriora quoniam et prufexnionem 
 evanpetii susceperat et defensionem ac eandcm ad extremV vnqz gpiritvm conser- 
 vnvit. Iste nobilissimvs vir constantissimvx Dei servrs et ornatissimv patriae 
 membrv' com ad matvram aenectvtem pervenineet annv' agens itexagesimv' secundv' 
 et fnhris ardorihvx conj/agranf lerlio calendar octobrif: est niortvvs anno 155,S 
 cvivs dixcessv liberi qvos pout se nivltos et imprimis lavdatos reliqvit el aniici ac 
 nece«sarii tola deniqz respvblica maqnv et ivstv' dolorem acce/iervnt Gvlikelmvs 
 autem Brokvs eqves appelatvs ex antiqvie families cotjnominac' oe d'ns Cobliamvi 
 flivs Georqii patris et hares henevolenlissimvs hoc monvmentv memoriee Georgii 
 patris svi charissimi dedicavit anno 1.561, et flizabethce Regince terlio. 
 
 Patrefvit domino foslix dominoqz marito alter erat Braivs Cobhamvs alter erat 
 Anna fvit frvgi fvit et prosperiina mater jianperihvs larga profbvit anna manv. 
 Nil erat hac melivs nil fortunativs una. Donee erat charo charior ilia viro 
 Vltimvs hvnc annvs Mari(e cv fune.re mersit ilia pari fato vtense novembre rvit 
 Sic qvos vita dvus Concordes sem/ier hahebat extinrtos eadem nv c qvoqz busta 
 tenent." 
 
 As mentioned in the inscription, the tomb was erected by 
 his son and heir, William Brook, eighth Lord C'obham, to the 
 memory of his parents, .'^ Elizahoth, 1.561. Lord Cobham 
 made his will 31st March, 1,).)2. and <lied 29th September, 
 l.O.-JS aged sixty-one.
 
 12 The Brook Famili/. 
 
 Cf)e sons of (George TBcook. 
 
 J.OKD COHUAM. 
 
 Genrtje Brook, liis fifth son (previously noticed), married 
 Christiana Duke, of Otterton, Devon, and, apparently, three 
 of tlieir sons, Peter, Duke, and Cliarks, were of Templecombe, 
 Somerset, where they held influential positions as Lords of 
 the Manor. Peter, his administration was granted to his 
 brother Charles, I'ith July, 1606. Duke, his nuncupati\e will, 
 27th May, 1606, also to his brother Charles, 12th July, 1606, 
 3Iurf/iiret, his widow and executrix, renouncing. These 
 brothers appear to have died in date very near each other, and, 
 in a worldly sense, unprepared. Charles, the survivor, will 
 dated 4th April, proved 7th May, 1610, mentions his "kins- 
 man," Richard Duke, of Otterton, Esq. (his cousin's son, who 
 married IMargaret, daughter of Sir Arthur Bassett, of Umber- 
 leigh, ob. 1641), with his sister, Elizabeth (wife of Humphrey 
 Walrond, of Ottery St. Mary), and foiu- hundred pounds for 
 his funeral. There are no memorials to them in the church, 
 but interesting evidence of these descendants of Brook is foxmd 
 in the Beqister at Templecombe : — 
 
 " 15S7. — Duke Brooke, the Sonne and heir of Duke Brooke, Esqr., was 
 buryed xiij October. 
 
 1()06. — Duke Brooke, Esquire, Lord of this Manor, departed this life at 
 London, the 27th day of Maye, and was buryed at Cobhani, in Kent, on x''> 
 June. 
 
 1610. — Charles Brooke, Esquire, Lord of this Manor, dyed and was buryed 
 51' Aprill. 
 
 These three brothers were cousins to the unfortimate Henry 
 Brook, last Lord Cobham, and it appears that after his 
 attainder, Duke Brook, who died in 1606, must have purchased 
 in ^Lay, 1605, from King James, for £10,669, a considerable 
 interest in the confiscated estate, and this accoimts for his 
 burial at Cobham. He left the residue of his property to his 
 wife Margaret. From the large sum then paid, they appear 
 to have possessed considerable wealth, as evidenced also by 
 the amount ordered to be set aside by Charles, the surviving 
 In-other, for his funeral.
 
 .lOIIN )!H(>()K, NKWINCTON CHl'llCH, KKNT.
 
 SIK ROIIKKT lilKHiK AM) KMZVIlETH CI' 1,1'Ki'KH, Ills SKroND WIl'K.
 
 The Driioh Fiiiiiili/. 13 
 
 Tluimas Broiih, fointli son, his tabard on his fatlier's tomb 
 displays Brook, with u Jicur-de-li/s ur(/rnt for diffei-ence, im- 
 paling, (jiinrtcrli/, 1 and 4, gtiii/r, three st//f/s' heads ralwshed 
 arijent ; 2 and .'i, ii ehernni i/iih's lidireen lltree crosa-crvsslets, 
 sable, a erescent or, for differenee ( C AVEN DISh). (Waller). 
 Is this the Thomas Brook mentioned by Collins (as being the 
 fourth son of Thomas, Lord C'obham) as "of Wiltshire," who 
 married Katherine, daughter of Sir William Cavendish, ob. 
 1562 (the ancestor of the Dukes of Devonshire) by his first wife 
 Anne, daughter of Ivlmund Bnstock, of Wallcroft, Cheshire? 
 
 He ap])ears to have been a man of infamous character, the 
 "scapegrace of the family," and became a buccaneer of the 
 worst class, with revolting cruelty, an instance of which, 
 almost unparalleled in atrocity, is grapliically described by 
 Fronde. 
 
 John Brook was his third son, born 22nd April, 1534, died 
 25th .September, 1594, and was buried in Newington Church, 
 Kent. He served with distinction as a soldier in the Low 
 Countries. His monument is on the south wall of the chancel, 
 and a very fine one. Of alabaster, Ionic columns, handsome 
 design, and richly ornamented. He is represented kneeling 
 before a prayer-desk with book on it, habited in armour, with 
 great character in the features, all being of excellent work- 
 manship. The inscription lecords : — 
 
 ** Hie siti^t fst JoJiannes Brook, ariiiii/ej', illvstrissivii herois Domini Oeorf/ii 
 Brook, Domini de. Cobham, filivs lertivx : qui in pace apvd xvon optima farna 
 vixit, in praelio Belgicofaclvs puditv' pqvitvmq' Anglicorvm arcliistrateyvn contra 
 Hinpanon furliler /aelicitvrqve pvgnavit: tandem in palria vita pie defvnclvs 
 placide in D'no obilormivit incensimo qvinto die mensis Septembrii A'no D'rii 
 1594. 
 
 Ovilielmvs et Oeori/ivH Brook fratres, patrvo svo charinnimo monrinmlrni 
 posvervnt." 
 
 Which may be read : — 
 
 "Here is interred John Brook, Esquire, third son of Ike moat illustrious mid 
 disliniiiiished Lord George Brook, Lord of Cobham, who in peace lived among 
 his jieiii'li' with the highest reputation ; and in the war in the Setherlands, was 
 made leader hulk of the Bnglish infantry and cavalry against the Spaniards, he 
 fought bravely and successfully : at length in his native land he ended his pious 
 lije, and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord, Sfjth September, 1594 
 
 The brothers, ii'illiaiu mid George Brook, have set up this monument to their 
 dearest uncle."
 
 14 The Brouk Family. 
 
 Arms — Brook, loith aniiulpt, and eleven other qiiarterings, 
 Cobham, Brajbroke, De la Pole, Peverel, Braye, Troughton, 
 Norbiuy, Boteler, &c. Helmet with crest, on a cup of main- 
 tenance a spread loinr/. 
 
 He married Alice, daughter of Edivard Cobhr, iTxy., and 
 ■widow of Sir John Norton, of Noi'thwood, Kent. She is also 
 buried in the chancel, and on the floor is her brass memorial. 
 She is represented in embroidered petticoat, gown with 
 dependant sleeves, ruft', and close cap, and has her hand on the 
 head of the eldest of her two sons, who are standing by her 
 side. Below is the inscription : — 
 
 *' The Lachj Sorton once ^he ivas, whose corpes i^ couched here^ 
 Jnhn Cobham' s late and loving wyfe. of the Country of Kent, Esqr., 
 Who in her lyfe did well deseriie to have a future fame. 
 For that she was vnto the poore, a good and gratiug dame. 
 With eharitie and modesty, and all the gyfte of grace, 
 A ctquanted so she was to good to tarry in thys place. 
 
 She died ye 9 daye of September, 1580." 
 
 John Brook appears on his father's tomb, his tabard em- 
 blazoned with Brook, impaling, Arr/ent, a chevron betivecn three 
 cocks ffiiles. (Cobbe). 
 
 Henri/ Brook, seventh son, was, says Mr. Waller: — 
 
 "perhaps the most distinguished of them all, born 5th February, 1S37, a good 
 part of his life was employed in diplomacy at various Courts as Ambassador, 
 but specially at those of France and Spain, where he proved himself an able 
 public servant. He was knighted by the Queen at the festivities of Kenil- 
 worth in July, 1575, was Knight of the Shire for Kent 1586-9. married Anne, 
 daughter of Sir Henry Sutton. Knt., and widow of Sir Walter Haddon, 
 principal Master of the Court of Requests, ob. 1571-2." 
 
 He died in 1.391, was described of Sutton-at-Hone, near 
 Dartford, Kent, but no memorial or reference to him is found 
 in the church there. His son was the Sir John Brook, to 
 whom the peerage was restored in l()4o. In the Eeijisfer, of 
 East Barnet (Lysons) is this entry : — 
 
 "George Brookes alias Cobham. the son of Sir John Brookes alias Cobham, 
 Knt., and Frances, his wife, born October 11th. and baptized 15th same 
 month, 1636." 
 
 This was Sir John's only son by his second wife : he pre- 
 deceased his father, at whose death the revived title became 
 extinct.
 
 
 ^)piabiJji(ptfln murflifSa5'fi]|)oIfC(aprsigxfluf(iE& Imt 
 
 ^ Ulr DifD 1 9 ii^ of epff tnlin.' u$ o 
 
 ALICE COBBE, LADY NORTON, WIFE OF JOHN BROOK 
 NEWINGTON CHURCH, KENT.
 
 IfeRE lycHBVRiED THE BODy Of "MAgy Bhooise, 
 
 AUAS CbBEtVM WIDDO VNTO ETJWWD BROOKR, 
 ALIAS COBBYM EsqVIER,WHOE DEPARTED THIS 
 
 J.1FE THE xxn™n^ OF Iviy An Dni. 16^00^ 
 
 MARV, WIFE OK KUWAUI) ilHOOK. 
 NKWiNirniN (iiriu M, Ki;Nr,
 
 77/c Braok Famih/. 15 
 
 Edward Brook was, ajjparently, the tenth and yoiingest of 
 
 his sons. His widow, Mary Brook, is also buried in Newinjj- 
 
 ton C'hurcli. Who she was does not appear; no impalement 
 
 appears on his tabard on his father's tomb, and he was probably 
 
 unmarried at the time of its erection. The brass to her 
 
 memory represents her in plain costume, with ruff and close 
 
 cap. The inscription records : — 
 
 "Here li^elh bvried the bodi/ 11/ Mary Brooke alian Cnhhvm, widtlo vnto 
 Edward Bronke alian Cohbvm, kxqvier, whoe departed this life the xxijth daye of 
 Jvly, An'o U'ni, 1600." 
 
 lerook 
 
 OF YOXFOUD AND ATIl KLINfiTON, SUFFO].K. 
 
 Sir Robert Brook, of (."ockfield Hall, Yoxford, was, according 
 
 to Cotman {Suffolk Bnissc.s), 
 
 "the son of Robert Brooke, Citizen and Aliiemian of Loudon, descending from 
 a younger branch of the noble family of Cobham. He purchased the estate of 
 the HoptcMis at Yoxford and Blytheburgh, aViout 44 Elizabeth, 161(2, built the 
 present CuckHeld Hall, ltil3; Sheriff of Suffolk, 1614; M.P. for Duuwich, 
 1623-5-8." 
 
 He married first, Joliiinmi, dann'hter of Sir Hiiniphrci/ If'r/d, 
 knighted 26th July, IGOo, Lord Mayor of London, 1608, died 
 29th November, IGIO, by his wife Frances, daughter and heir 
 of Nicholas Wheler, of Hollwell, in Hatfield, Co. Hertford. 
 His grandson Humphrey, purchased of James, Lord Howard 
 de Walden, and Earl of Suffolk, the LuUworth and other 
 estates in Dorset, 20th January, 164L He married Clara, 
 daughter of Thomas, Lord Arundell of Wardour, died about 
 1685, and was buried in Heiwy VII Chapel, in Westminster 
 Abbey. (Hutchins). 
 
 She is buried in Yoxford Cliuich, where there is her brass ; 
 she is portrayed in Elizabethan costume, with large and 
 elaborately embroidered farthingale. The inscription records : 
 
 " Hie jacet sepvlta Domina Johanna Brooke, vxor lloberti Brooke, Militis, 
 qme fril piimugenita JiUarvm llmnfridi Weld, Militis, vixit annos tricjinta 
 octo, el obiit xxij die Maij, A'no D'ni, 1618." 
 
 Arms destroyed, but were those of Brook of Cobham, impaling — Azure, a 
 fess nebulec, between three crescents, ermine. (Weld).
 
 16 The Brook Family. 
 
 Secondly, lie married Eliznbetlt, daughter of Thoimis 
 
 Culpcper, of Wigsale, Sussex. V>j her he had three sons, 
 
 James. Jo/in, and Robert, and four daughters, ]\Iary, Elizabeth, 
 
 Anne, and Martini. Tlunr monument is in Yoxford Church, 
 
 thus inscribed : — 
 
 " Mobertus Brooke Miles Fortunis cequc ac nioribus Par Ilonori Hie conditiis 
 jacet. Cui proxime accubat sua Lectissima et Dilectissima Conjux ElizabeOia 
 Rari Exempla Femina : Omnibus et Natune et Gratia: dotibus Ornatissima : 
 Ingenio. et Judicio, supra Sexum. Prudentia Singulari, Pietate admirabili : 
 Cognmninis Zachariai Cmijugis Effigies Expressiina : Thmnce Culpeper de 
 Wigsale, In agro Sussexienci Armigcri, Filia : Jacobi, Joannis, et Roberti 
 (Itidem tit Pater Militis) Marice, Elizabethie, Anna, Martlue q' mater, E 
 Quibus Maria sola Superstes Lugens curavit Hcec Apponenda Marmori. Pile, 
 Jul: 10 An Chr', 1646— ^tat 74—H(ec, Jul: 32 An' Chr\ 1683—JEtat 82. 
 
 Memoria Justi Benedicta. 
 
 Arms — 1, Brook of Cobham, impaling. Argent, a bend engrailed sable 
 (Colpeper). Crest, on a helmet — a cap of maintenance, thereon a spiread wing 
 erect, cliarged with the arms of Brook — being an antient cognizance of Brook ; 
 2, Brook, impaling, A fcss dancette betu'cen three roses or roundch : 3, In a 
 chief two mullets (St. John) imjialing Brook ; 4, Brook impaling. Three lions 
 rampant : 5, Gules, a bend vaire argent and azure, between tico flcurs de Us 
 argent (Blois) impaling Brook." 
 
 Sir Robert Brook, his son and heir, M.P. for Aldeburgh, 
 
 1660-1, married Margaret, daughter of Sir Henry Mildmay, 
 
 of Wanstead, Essex (ob. 1666), and was drowned in the 
 
 Rhone in 1669, aged 33, s.p. Martha, his sister and ultimate 
 
 heiress, married Sir William Blois, Knt., of Grundisburgh 
 
 Hall, Suffolk, to whom she brought Cockfield Hall. Her son, 
 
 Sir Charles, was created a baronet loth April, 1686. She is 
 
 buried at Grundislnirgh, and on the north wall of the chancel 
 
 is her moninnent thus described : — 
 
 "Mural of marble, and inscribed; — 
 
 'Martha natu minima Roberti Brook, Eq., Aur. filia V: A: 28 — Obijt 18 
 Sep. 1658.' 
 
 .Arms — Blois impaling Brook Beneath are the figures of a man and woman 
 kneeling at a faldstool facing each other, behind him four sons, behind her 
 three daughters, all kneeling. Below is 
 
 ' Gul. Blois : jun : arm : conjugi dulcissivue ac p'petuum desiderand : 
 M.F.C 
 
 (Topographer and Geneal., vol. i, p. 5.52)." 
 
 Sir Robert Brook probably descended from one of the ten 
 sons of Sir Thomas Brook, and his wife, Joan de la Pole 
 Braybroke. 
 
 In Athelington churchyard, Suffolk, is the genealogic
 
 The Brook Fnmili/. 17 
 
 memorial of John Brook, a desct'iidaiit of Reginald Brook, of 
 Aspall, in that county, second son of Thomas Brook, and Joan 
 de la Pole Brajbroke, Lady of Cobham : — • 
 
 "H.S.E. (Hie situs est) — Johannes fiUus Edtvardi, filii Edwardi, Oeorgii, 
 Oeorgii, Geortjii, Edwardi, licijinaldi Brooke Arm : de Asphall in hoc 
 Comitatu— Filii natu secundi D'ni Tliomce Brooke, Militis, Baronis C-jbham 
 de Cobham, in agros Gantlano — Filii Thomce, Thomce, Johannis Brooke, 
 Mil : (filii) Henrici, Henrici, Willclmi de la Brooke arm : de la Brooke Comit: 
 Somerset : Obeuntis anno xv Henrici III, Domini Manerii de la Brooke juxta 
 Ilchesterii. 
 
 Siqira memoratus Johaymes Brooke uxorem duxit Mariam filiam Georgii 
 Green de Brandish in hoc vicinid ex qua Georgium et Penelopen liberos 
 superstites reliquit. Obiit, Hie, xx" Novembris, A.D. — il.D.ccxxxiij ; Hla, 
 xxio Januaril- -A.D. — M.D.ccxxxij. In memoriam inclytum majorum, et 
 pietatem erga charissimos parentes Georgius filius unicus et hceres posuit." 
 
 Other memorials record the deaths of 
 
 George Brooke, 8th Dec. 1732: Mary, his wife, 13th March, 1733 ; George 
 Green Brooke, their son, 3rd March, 1764: Rebecca Brooke, 2Sth October, 
 1732; Penelope Brooke, ivife of Rev. Nalh. Rye, of Hcpworth, Suffolk, 15th 
 A2>ril, 1741. 
 
 [The brasses in this Paper, as in the former one, have been engraved from 
 rubbings specially taken anil completed.] 
 
 Cobbam £)all, of tbe l5rooks. 
 
 A KEFEitENCE to the jjortions of the structure of Cobham 
 Hall, existing as completed, or in process of erection at the 
 date of the attainder of Henry Brook, and especially of the 
 ornamental details, at present remaining, may be interesting. 
 Of the main edifice, the north and south wings appear to have 
 been the priuci[)al portions then existing. The large expansion 
 and completion of this fine edifice as it now apjDears is due 
 to its subsequent possessors the Dukes of Lenox, and their 
 descendants and present owners the Earls of Darnley. 
 
 An excellent detailed history and description of it is given 
 by Canon Scott-Robertson— -in vol. xi Archaologia Cant/inin, 
 p]). Ixv-xc — and fi-om it we extract the following account of 
 the ornamental portions that had their origin with the Brooks 
 now found therein. Of these — 
 
 "The southern door of the south wing, dated 1584, which suggests that
 
 18 The Brook Family. 
 
 Lord Cobham commenced the work in that year, and another date 1 587, and 
 the initials W.C. and F.C. (Frances ^e^vt;m) upon the heads of the leaden 
 shooting, points to the completion of the roof of the south wing." 
 
 But the most conspicuous remnant of the exterior of the 
 Brook mansion as then existing appears to be the handsome 
 doorway in the south face of the north wing. 
 
 " In 1591. Lord Cohham obtained permission, under the sign-manual of King 
 Henry IV of France, to transport, from the city of Caen, '200 tons of stone for 
 building. Much of this stone was devoted to the construction of this doorway, 
 which, being desigued to lea 1 directly towards the chapel is inscribed : — 'Deo. 
 Opi. Max.' And in addition to the date 1594, bears the text, 'CrsinDi 
 PEDEM TUUM I-N'GKEDIENS ' (Eccles., chap. v). In the spandrels of the arch 
 appear on one side the twelve-quartered coat of \^'illii^m Brooke ( Lord Cobham), 
 anil on the other side, within a lozenge-shaped shield, the coat of twelve 
 quarterings, borne by his second wife, F" ranees Newton (of Harptree). In the 
 second stage, we see the same shield of Lord Cobham sculptured on a large 
 scale, with lion supporters, and the Cobham crest. The whole flanked by 
 huge vases of flowers sculptured in stone." 
 
 The principal reminiscences of Cobham within the mansion 
 are three fine mantelpieces, one of these is in the entrance 
 hall, brought hither from the south wing. 
 
 "It is of coloured marble and reaches to the ceiling, dated 1587. The em- 
 blazoned heraldic coat of William Brooke (Lord Cobham), with its twelve 
 quarterings, its huge lion supporters, and its crest (a Saracen's head), are tine 
 examples of Elizabethan work." 
 
 The other two are in the picture gallery. 
 
 "The first (or easternmost) of these is the more handsome of the two. Its 
 lower stage, containing the fireplace, is flanked on each side by two coloured 
 marble columns with Corinthian caps. The two inner columns project con- 
 siderably in front of the othets, their shafts formed of black marble, banded 
 with others of light colours. The cornice above them supports the second 
 stage, which is boldly carved. The arms of Henry (Lord Cobham), encircled 
 by the (iarter, occupy its central space, which is flanked on each side by two 
 demi-tigures, issuing from small altars, ornamented with flowers, carved in bold 
 relief. Between each pair of altars and figures the space is carved with shields 
 and weapons. The demi figures support a large projecting, quarter-round 
 cornice of marble. The date upon this mantelpiece is 1599, which shows it 
 was erected by Henry Brook, the last and hapless Lord Cobham. Remember- 
 ing this fact, it is very remarkable to read the motto inscribed upon the marble, 
 ^Sibi quisqufi Jiaufrafjiiim farit.' 
 
 The second mantelpiece, also of marble, reaches to the ceiling, but looks 
 poor and tame in compaiison with the bold and massive character of its fellow. 
 Both the upper and under stages are flanked by pairs of Corinthian columns, 
 sculptured in delicate coloured marbles, but the columns are thin, and are all 
 upon the same level, neither do the cornices above them project as in the 
 other mantelpiece. In the upper stage appears a sculptured representation of 
 the Fates with their human victim, w'ho sits in the middle of the design. A 
 nearly vertical scroll of marble on his right hand probably once bore a 
 bronze inscription, descriptive of him and his fate. One of the Fates is seated 
 above, another with the distaff is on his right hand, while the third appears on 
 his left."
 
 'I'lir /iriiiik Fdiiiili/. 19 
 
 This curious allegoiT, coupled with tlie significant inscri})tion 
 on the other mantelpiece, seems to imply a presentiment of 
 the dark fate that subsequently overwhelmed their erector ; 
 at any rate tlie coincidence is very striking. 
 
 The sculpture on these chimney-pieces and on. tlie fine porch 
 appears to have been the work of a carver named Jellis (or 
 Giles) de Whitt, but tlie work proceeded very irregularly, and 
 his steward, in KiDl, thus writes to Lord Col^ham — 
 
 "That he 'must resolve what and how muche you are pleased to have doen 
 by Oiles de Whitt, either upon some newe ehymney piece, or upon my IjO : 
 yo'r father's tonib, that the poore tiian, have some woroke, to get wherewithal! 
 to maintaine and susteyne hnnself.' It seems pretty clear that, at least, the 
 chimney-piece, dated 1599, must have been the work of (iiles de Whitt, and 
 that he was afterwards engaged to make two others. It also seems probable 
 that he had been brought over from the Low Countries expressly for the 
 Cobham work, and if so all the sculpture about the house was done by him. 
 It is interesting to identify the sculptor to whose skill we owe the work that 
 adorns this stately mansion." 
 
 The " yo'r father'.s tomb " was ])robabIy one designed by 
 
 Henrv, Lord Cobliam, to be erected to William, Lord Cobham, 
 
 his father, but never carried out. 
 
 jTranccs If)otoatO, tuifc of it)cnrp, LorD Cobljam. 
 
 CorXTESS OF KILDAUE. 
 
 Heu first husband, Henry Fitzgerald, twelfth Earl of Kildare, 
 
 died 31st July, 1597, aged 37, and by him she had two 
 
 daughters, Bridget, wife of Nicholas, Viscount Bariiewall, of 
 
 Kingsland, and Elizabeth, wife of Lord Killeen, first Earl of 
 
 Fingall. 
 
 "Lady Kildare seems to have been extremely unfortunate in her husbands. 
 She appears to have suffered so much illtreatment from the Earl of Kildare, 
 that Queen Elizabeth caused the Lord Deputy in Ireland to interfere with 
 remonstrances, and to order him to send the lady to England. She did not 
 fare better when, as her second husband, she married Henry Bro<ike, Lord 
 Cobham, who. at the age of thirty-three, had succeeded to his father's title 
 and estates, in March, l.i97, a few months before Lord Kildare's death. Soon 
 after their marriage. Lord Cobham was arrested on a charge of high treason. 
 
 Whatever may have been the treatment received by Lady Kildare from her 
 husbands, all testimony seems to agree in charging her with cruel neglect of 
 Lord Cobham in his misfortunes. Yet she obtained for herself the enjoyment 
 of (nearly) all his vast possessions during her life. Immediately after Lord
 
 20 The Brimk Faiiiihj. 
 
 Cobham's arrest, the King seized the whole of his estates. In October, 1603, 
 he granted to one of the (irooms of his Privy Chamber, Miles liansford, the 
 custody of Cobhani Hall, its deer park, gardens, orchards Ac, and in the May 
 following, the King granted a lease of the whole of the forfeited estates in 
 Kent, Middlesex, .and Leicestershire, in trust for Lady Kildare for a hundred 
 years, if she should live so long, dated 13th May, 1604, including Lord 
 Cobham's house in Black-friars, London. The King reserved no rent for him- 
 self, and she had simply to paj- those reserved rents, upon certain lands, 
 which her husband had been accustomed to pay before his attainder. Yet it 
 would seem she left him utterly unassisted during his imprisonment, which 
 extended over more than tifteeu years, and to subsist upon the royal bounty, 
 while she enjoyed his estates."* 
 
 But some twenty years afterward, and when Henry Brook 
 had for three years been laid in his unknown grave, and his 
 wife was still occupying Cobham Hall, King James 
 
 " desired her to sell her life interest in Cobham, to his cousin, the Duke of 
 Lenox, and her own cousin, the Duchess of Lenox, in order that they may 
 obtain immediate possession, but she was not easily persuaded to do so. In 
 ■June, 1622, when the King was going to Rochester to inspect his navy, he 
 said he would call at Cobham Hall and dine with Lady Kildare hoping that 
 he might then be able to persuade her to sell the (reversion) of the place on 
 reasonal>le terms to the Duke and Duchess. Proliably the King succeeded, 
 although not at once. Within a year or two. however, it is evident she made 
 some bargain with the Duke, and retired to a house she had purchased at 
 Deptford." (Ibid.) 
 
 Here, she made her will, dated 2('th June. 1628, and in it 
 this liard-hearted woman, who styles her.self the " ric/ht Itonor- 
 able Dame ffraaces Countes Doicager of Kildare,'^ begins with 
 this religious exordium — 
 
 *' I give and commende my soule into the hands of Allmightie god my 
 maker and Creator, and to his deere sonne Jesus Christ my onelie Saviour and 
 Redeemer, liy the merritts of whose most bitter death and painefull passion I 
 faithfuUie trust and stedfastlie believe to be saved and to be partaker of his 
 most blessed and glorious resurreccion and with him for ever to live in the 
 Kingdome of Heaven. And 1 will that my bodie shal be decentlie buried in 
 the Chappell of the Cathedrall Church at Westminster in the night season, 
 as neigh the place whereas the bodies of Ffrances late Couutesse of Hartford 
 my late Aunt (her father's sister) lyeth buried as convenientlie may be." 
 
 From the Begister of BuriaJa of the Abbey, we learn — 
 
 " 1628. The Lady Frances, Countess of Kildare, was buried in St. Bene- 
 dict's Chapel, .July 1 1 ." 
 
 Fitting and consistent sequel; the noble outcast in jn's 
 
 obscure and unidentified grave ; his wife — if she may be so 
 
 called — sepulchred with the kings of the land. Ignored in 
 
 death as well as life, the last indignity had now been ottered 
 
 to his memory. 
 
 * Archceoloijia Cantiana, vol. xi, pp. 218-19, by Canon W. A. Scott-Robertson.
 
 Tlic Brook I'diuilij. 21 
 
 OEU^atietb T5rook, ILaDj) Cecil. 
 
 She was the eldest daughter of William Brook, Lord 
 Cobham, oh. 1596-97, hj his second wife, Frances Newton, 
 of Harptree, oh. 1592 ; and married Sir Robert Cecil, Knt., 
 Principal Secretary to Queen Elizabeth, afterward tirst Earl 
 of Salisbury ; was Lady of the Privy Chamber and of the 
 Bed-Chamber to the Queen. She was sister to Henry Brook, 
 the last Lord Cobham, and 
 
 "on his re-committal to the Tower in !60;j, he amused himself with classical 
 study making translations from Seneca, and dedicating them to Cecil, his 
 brother-in-law, with feeble hopes of release. But Cecil hated him, and was 
 not above bargaining for shares in the estates. .So hope died within him, and 
 he became as lost to the outer world." ( Waller ) 
 
 After his death, which took place in 1619, and incredilile as 
 it may appear — 
 
 "The King, too, enters his prison-house and seizes ' 1000 volumes of good 
 books of all learning and languages,' which had been the solace of his im- 
 prisonment. " 
 
 By which it seems that not even death could appease the 
 implacable revengeful meanness of this King toward his 
 victim. 
 
 Lady Cecil left two children, William and Frances, and 
 died after the birth of a third, ^^ at her house in the Strand" 
 on j:4tli January, 1596, to the great grief of her father, 
 " which event seems to have hastened his own end, as he died 
 the 6th March following, aged seventy-one." 
 
 She was buried by the Queen's order in Westminster Abbey, 
 in the Chapel of St. Nicholas, with groat state ; her i)all- 
 bearers were interesting from their local derivation, l)eiiig Sir 
 Walter Raleigh, Sir Thomas Gorge, Sir George Carew, and 
 Sir Edward Dyer. There is a marble monument to her 
 memory, with a long inscription in Latin and I'lnglisji.
 
 22 The Brook Family. 
 
 %\\. Mlilliam TBrook, lanigbt 
 
 He was the eldest of the three children of George Brook 
 (brother of Henry Brook, the last Lord Cobham), who was 
 beheaded at Winchester, oth December, 1603, and, according 
 tn the will of his great grandfather George, Lord Cobham, at 
 the death of his attainted nncle Henrj, was heir both to the 
 title and estates, but under the cruel rule of James it will be 
 seen what hapjoened ; and, narrates Mr. Waller — 
 
 " By the will of George, Lord Cobham, 1552, the estates were so elaborately 
 entailed that the Crown could only be entitled to a life interest after the 
 attainder. This the King immediately sold to Duke Brooke for £10,669, 4th 
 May, 1605. To understand this transaction, we must recall that the im- 
 mediate heirs were the three young and friendless children of George Brooke, 
 e.xecuted at Winchester. Now the Crown had usually waived the absolute 
 claim by which the innocent were attaint in blood, and restored the heir, 
 possibly through the jealousy of Parliament. 
 
 But King James knew nothing of the prerogative of mercy, so nobly taught 
 by the great and then living poet, the mercy which ' is twice blessed, which 
 blesseth him that gives and him that takes.' He went in for his bond, his 
 pound of flesh. The infants, whose innocence might have pleaded for them, 
 were not thought of. It was some years later, in 1610, after he had done his 
 best to beggar them, that he restored them in blood. But it was bitter irony 
 that in this Act a strict clause was inserted, that William Brooke, the heir, 
 was not to claim any of the property of his father, nor of that of Henry, Lord 
 C'ibham, nor was he ever to assume the title of Lord of Cobham without the 
 King's especial grace, which was never accorded. 
 
 Thus, the great feudal barony passes away like an insubstantial dream. 
 WiUiam Brooke seems almost like a phantom on the scene, or as an ignis 
 /atiui.s. now visible, now eluding the mental vision. A peer by the law of the 
 land, but with no title, by law entitled to large estates, yet not allowed to 
 claim them. Scarcely one of his ancestors but had not played a part in his 
 country's history. But shall we not record an act of his in accordance with 
 these traditions of his family ? 
 
 William Brooke was knighted, and a small pittance was granted to him out 
 of the large estates to which he was the heir. He was married twice, tirst 
 to Pembroke, daughter of Henry Lennard, first Lord Dacre ; secondly, to 
 Penelope, daughter of Sir Moyses Hill, Bart , and by her had three daughtei.=. 
 Hill. Margaret, and Frances. He represented Rochester in 1628. And now, 
 year-liy-year, was the long accumulating cloud growing blacker and blacker, 
 and more ready to burst. Great issues were at stake, which were to define 
 our future history. King .fames taught kingcraft, and his son followed in his 
 steps but to be the victim. 
 
 Sir William chose his side, in a spirit similar to his ancestors with De 
 Montfort and in the repression of Richard II, and he died a soldier's death at 
 Newbury, in 1643. or from wounds received in that battle, fighting on the side 
 of the Parliament 
 
 Thus, then, with the rightful heir of Cobham lying dead upon the field of 
 Newbury, the curtain appropriately falls as upon the last scene of a great 
 tragedy. In him the barony by writ became extinct, and no more 'than a 
 tale that is told.' " 
 
 Here we take final leave of the three last direct representa-
 
 The Brook Famiiij. 23 
 
 tives of Brook, and tlieir disa])pear;ince from this risi;htly- 
 named "great tragedy," which overwhelmed them with its 
 avalanche of misfortniie. Of Henry Brook, weak and unfor- 
 tunate, led with all its terrors up to the very jaws of death, 
 there to experience a cat-like re])ricve, but subsequently con- 
 demned to be socially dead, strij)ped of all his honom-s and 
 possessions, dependant on his jailer for means of subsistence to 
 eke out the remaining fifteen years of his life of hopeless 
 captivity, disowned by his wife, and com])aratively all others, 
 until death entered the obscurity of his ])rison-house, and 
 released him from his misery. Of his brother, (ieorge 
 Brook, with existence summarily extinguished in the prime of 
 life, carried in a blood-stained shroud from the scatibld at 
 Winchester, 5th December, 1603. Of his, George's son, 
 William Brook afforded the wretched mockery of being 
 " restored " literally " in blood," and a small sustenance doled 
 out to him from the wreck of the family estates, but absolutely 
 prohibited otherwise to assume the honoiirs, or make any 
 claim to the extensive possessions of his ancestors, to whom he 
 was the legal heir, except "by the king's especial grace,"' 
 which was never accorded him ; and his life was ended, 
 stretched in death upon the battlefield at Newbury, 2()th 
 September, 1643, lighting for the return of that mercy and 
 justice, which in life had been so rigorously denied him. 
 
 It is interesting to entjuire what befel the descendants of 
 the royal oppressor of their race, and despoiler of their home. 
 Retribution sometimes appears to follow with halting step, 
 but it rarely stops, and its ultimate approach is generally sure. 
 It is written " the iniquities of the father will be visited on the 
 children unto the third and fourth generation," and it is in- 
 structive — although a matter of common knowledge — to 
 observe how completely this declaration became fulfilled in 
 them. 
 
 King James himself, after nari-owly escaping a violent death, 
 passed unscathed to his great account. Not so his unfortunate
 
 24 
 
 The Brook Family. 
 
 son, who, niu'tiiied in the hazardous pretensions of irresponsible 
 king-craft, perished on the scatt'old so often set iip for others. 
 His elder grandson, generously recalled to the nation's rule, 
 meanly revengeful, licentious, and passively cruel, left one of 
 the least honoured names on the roll of its kings ; while the 
 yoimger, forgetful of his father's fate, unscrupulous and 
 merciless (whose memory linked with his blood-thirsty minion 
 Jefferys, lives with luidying horror in these western parts) 
 hated and desei'ted by his subjects, forsaken at last by his own 
 kindred and deprived of his crown, fled for refuge to a foreign 
 land ; and when at Kochester, on Sunday, 23rd December, 
 1688, he "privately withdrew himself," and stepped on board 
 " a small frigot " that immediately set sail for Ambleteuse, in 
 France, the foot of the last Stuart king had trod the English 
 shore. And the same adverse fate followed him and his 
 descendants ; who, after futile attempts to recover their lost 
 position, lapsed into the comparative indigence and obscurity 
 of exile, and at their deaths, this royal dynasty, of which they 
 were the last direct male representatives, became as completely 
 extinguished as that of their victims, the knightly Brooks. 
 
 IE ME FIE EN DIEY. 
 
 ^^
 
 
 
 
 JOHN IJROOK, AND JOHANNA AMEHIKK. HIS WIFE. 
 
 REDCLIFFE CHVUCH, BRISTOL.
 
 iSrciob 
 
 OF 
 
 Somerset anD Detion: 
 
 BARONS OF COBHAM IN THE COUNTY OP KENT; 
 THEIR LOCAL HISTORY AND DB^SCENT 
 
 BY 
 
 W. H. HAxMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 " AS A TALE THAT IS TOLD." 
 
 FART III. 
 
 tE a iiiu 11 : 
 
 BAKNICOTT AND PEARCE, ATHEN.EUM PRK.SS 
 
 MDCCOCI
 
 '/7//.- I'npt'r ii rtpriiiti'il /rum \'ol. 17, Thinl ^eiirx, q/' llii I'voa-i-diiiiix uj the 
 Sdnicr-tdshirv .\rr/iiiiolo(jic<it nnil Xaluriit llixlnr/i Soi'ictii for I'.Xlii 
 
 C()^' TENTS. 
 
 IJrook of IJristdl .... 
 
 ,, of Lonjj Aslitoii 
 
 „ of f);ii-i-o\v-( iiiriiey 
 
 ,, of (rl;istonl)iLry 
 Notes ;is to otlici- ik'sccnilaiits ot Bi-ook 
 
 1' Ali V. 
 
 1 
 
 .5 
 
 7 
 8 
 9 
 
 I LLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Brass of .loliii r>i-ook ;mil .loliaiiiiii Amcrykc . 
 
 Aslitoii-l'liillips. Lout;- Aslitoii 
 
 Sir Tlioiiiiis Wviitt ..... 
 
 RiclianI Tciu|ilc. N'iscouiit ('ol)liaiii 
 
 Anii~ IVoiii till- licilrlirt'c Brass 
 
 I> A(i K 
 
 I'rdiil ispii-rr 
 
 7 
 . 11 
 
 . i;5
 
 T5took, 
 
 OK SOMEHSKT AM> 1)K\()X, I'.AUDXS OK COIUIAM IN' KKNT. 
 
 BY W. II. II A MIL TON 1{0(;KI!S, F.S.A. 
 
 A 
 
 Part 111. 
 
 DESt'ENT of Brook proceeding from a younger son 
 -^^ of the main stem of tiiis family, appears to have been 
 first located at Bristol, and subsequently at Long-Ashtoii, 
 Barrow-Gurney, and (jrlastonbury, in Somerset. The follow- 
 ing account of tliem is not ottered as complete, but it is believed 
 the principal particulars are included. 
 
 Its founder was Hugh Brook, third son of Sir T/toiiuis 
 Brook. ,Iunr.. of Olditcli and Weycroft in Devon, by his wife 
 ./oiiH dr III Pole-Briiybroke, Lady of C'obham, where he had 
 settled on his luarriage with the heiress of that name and place, 
 an<l whore lir died in 1429. 
 
 TProok, of T5risfol. 
 
 HiTciH Bitooic, who ai;c(»rding to the llnitut/oii, Somerset, 
 
 H)23. married PinitoNEL , of whom no further i>ar- 
 
 ticulars are recorded. He appears to liave left a son Thumiis. 
 
 Thomas Biiook, — not named in the Somerset Visifufioii,- 
 
 but according to Dr. Xorris, the late Vicar of Redclift'e, in his 
 
 acccmnt of that chiu'ch ( 18(S2). 
 
 " Thomas Canynges, the last surviving grandson of the wealthy and miiniti- 
 cent William Canynges, inherited an estate at Wells from his mother, and sold 
 his grandfather's house in Redclitfe .Street. In 1500 it seems to have become 
 the residence of Thomas Brook, the father of .fohu Brook, wliose gravestone, 
 inlaid with brass, is in Redcliffe church."
 
 2 Tlir Brook Fdiiiili/. 
 
 Who he married is not recorded, hut in the (jloucestershire 
 Visitation, a Thomas Brooke is mentioned as having married 
 Anne, daughter of Sir Thomas Spert, of Stybonheath. ^Nliddle- 
 sex, Comptroller of the Ships to Henry VIII. Lysons in 
 the Enrirons of London, Part II, thus refers to him : — 
 
 " On the south wall of Stepney church is the monument of Sir Thomas 
 Spert, Comptroller of the Navy in the reign of Henry VIII. the Founder and 
 first Master of the Corporation of the Trinity House, 1541 ; and that it was 
 erected by them in 1622." 
 
 4 
 
 He appears to have left two sons, IVilliam. apparently the 
 eldest, died s.p. A William Brooke married Agnes, daughter 
 of John Wvnter and Alicia his wife, daughter and heir of 
 William Tirrey. and she married secondly Dr. Thomas Wilson, 
 Secretary to Queen Elizabeth. The younger was John. 
 
 JoHX Bkook, second son, was a person of considerable 
 position. Serjeant-at-Law to Henry VIII. and Justice of 
 Assize to that King for the western parts of England. He 
 also held the office of Chief Steward to the Monastery of 
 Glastonbury, which must have occurred diu-ing the rule of 
 Abbot Richard Beere, who presided there from Jan. 1492-3, 
 to his death 20th Jan., 1.524. 
 
 He married Johanna, only daughter and heiress of 
 RiCHAi:i) Ameuike, of Ashton-Phillips (or Lower Court), in 
 Long-Ashton, a manor of which he purchased " one moiety in 
 1491 from Thomas Withyford, and the other half from Hum- 
 phrey Seymour in 1503, thus being proprietor of the whole.'" 
 This property John Brook probably possessed /«rr uxoris, and 
 resided on it; he was married in 1494. They left three sons, 
 Thomas, eldest and heir,— Arthnr, and David, and one daugh- 
 ter Lucia, who married Nir/io/as Toozc, son and heir of John 
 Tooze of Taunton, and his wife Johanna, daughter of .lohn 
 Combes. Arms of Tooze, — Sable, two swords in saltin- an/ent, 
 hilts or, points doionwards, loithin a bordure of the sennid. 
 
 He was interested in the management of Redcliffe Church, 
 and, continues Dr. NoitIs :
 
 The Broiih Fiiinili/. 3 
 
 "An antient document iu the vestry of Redcliflfe Church is, — 'A book of 
 acrompU: of John Brooke and others, pror.uratorti of the church,' containing 
 charges for obits said in Canyuges Chantries. This book is much scribbled 
 over by Chatterton, teaching himself to counterfeit the fifteenth century 
 writing." 
 
 He died 2.5th Dec, 1522, and was interred together with his 
 wife, on the north side of the chancel of Redchffe Church, 
 beneath a fiat stone whereon is inlet their effigies in brass, with 
 inscription : and originally ;ilso four shields, one of which only 
 remains. 
 
 He is in forensic costume, with coif, tippet and hood, and 
 long gown with full sleeves. His wife wears a pedimental 
 head-dress with flowing lappets, close-fitting gown with fur 
 cuffs, an embroidered girdle with enriched fastening, from 
 which depends by a chain an ornamented pomander. Both 
 have their hands raised in prayer. 
 
 Beneath them is this inscription : — 
 
 Hie iacct Corpus venerabilis oiri Joli is Brook <iaondu,in srriiviit 
 (id lc(icni lUiistrissiini prinripis felicis mcmorie Ref/is Hinrici 
 oi-imii it Jiisticinni eiusdem Rrr/is (i.d assisi/s in p'tih\s occidcnt- 
 nlih's Aiujlic nc Capitalis ScnescalU illius honorabilis Domiis rt 
 MoiKistiirii Beiite Marie de Glasconia in Com' Som'ri'tt </iii 
 f/iiide>ti Joli'es obiit xxtfO die Mensis Decembris aniw (tiii Millr- 
 siiiiii iiiiiiKirntrsiiiio x.t:ijo I't iiixtd c'd'm Rct/uiescit Johannii 
 exor eiiis riiu fiiid in ct hrrcdii' Rir/tiirdi Amcrikr t/iior ai'ab s 
 p^picietnr dens Amen. 
 
 Which may be read : 
 
 Here lies the body of the venerable man John Brook, formerly a Serjeant at 
 Law of the most illustrious prince of happy memory King Henry the eighth, 
 and a .Justice of Assize of the same King in the western parts of England, and 
 Chief Steward of that honourable House and Monastery of the Blessed Mary 
 at Glastonbury in the County of Somerset ; which said John died the •2r)th day 
 of the mouth of December, l.Vii,— and next to him rests Johanna his wife, 
 only daughter and heiress of Richard Amerike, on whose souls may God have 
 mercy , — Amen. 
 
 The arms on the remaining shield are greatly denuded, and 
 two of the quarters, those assigned to Braybroke. unfinished, 
 simi)lv marked out, as if the engraver was imccrtaiii of his 
 work, and sub.se(iuently hatched over one of them ; the bear-
 
 4 Tltr Brook Family. 
 
 ings of Brook also are nearly obliterated. But sufficient re- 
 mains to identify them with careful scrutiny, and may be thus 
 described. 
 
 Per pale, dexter paly of Uuo, — 1. On a chevron, three lions 
 rampant, in the dexter chief, a crescent for difference, (CoBHAM 
 of Kent). 2. On a chevron, a lion rampant crotcned, (Brook, 
 the crown an augmentation after their migration to C'obham) 
 impaling iwiw^er, quarterly of four, 1. Cobham with crescent, 
 — 2 and 3, sci-en muscles, :i. 3 and 1. ( Braybuoke). 4. 
 Brook. 
 
 Of Thomas and Arthur, the eldest and second sons, presently. 
 
 SiK David ok Davy Brook, third son of John Brook, 
 Serjeant-at-Law. He appears to have followed his father's 
 profession of the law, and to have risen to considerable emi- 
 nence herein, being described as Lord Chief Baron of the 
 Exchequer, was knighted at, or immediately after the Corona- 
 tion of Queen Mary in 1.553, and bore for his arms, — Gules, 
 on a chevron argent, a lion rampant sable, ducally crowned or, a 
 crescent azure, on another of the third, for difference. Crest, — 
 A Blackamoor's head proper, wreathed anient and sable. 
 (Metcalfe). 
 
 In the Visitation, Somerset 1623, he is stated to have mar- 
 ried Katherine, "sister" of John Bridges, Lord Chandois, 
 and that he died s.p. Li the Visitation. Gloucestershire, this 
 lady is recorded to have married Leonard Poole of that countv, 
 who died 30th Sep.— 30 Henry VIH, 1539, (by Collins called 
 Richard), and if so Sir David must have been her second hus- 
 band. 
 
 She was the third daughter of Sir Giles Bruges or Bridges, 
 of Coberly, co. Gloucester, knighted by Henry VII, being 
 '•dubbed at Blackheath feild on St. Botolph's day," — 17th 
 .Fnne, 1497,— Sheritf of Gloucestershire 1500, and died 1511. 
 
 This brother. Sir John Bridges, appears to have been a busy 
 soldier and flexible courtier, in the reigns of Henry VIII, 
 Edward VI, and Queen Mary, and his career gives an inter-
 
 Tlir IhiHih Fdiiiillj. 5 
 
 esting glimpse of the shifting adaptations in vogue at that 
 era. 
 
 As narrated by Burke and Collins : — 
 
 " He was in the retinue of Henry VIII during his French wars, and subse- 
 quently constituted Deputy-Governor of BuUoign, — was "in nomination" for 
 one of the Knights of the Garter, 1 Edward VI, — and on her accession " waited 
 on Queen Mary, assisted her against those who liad usurped the government, 
 and on her entrance into London, to the Tower, was one of the principal per- 
 sons in her train, for which services she tlien committed to him the charge of 
 the Tower," and on Sunday, Sth .\pril, 15.^4, created him at St. James's, 
 Baron Chandos of .Sudely, and gave him also a grant of the Manor and Castle 
 of Sudeley, of which he had previously l)een constituted Constable "Four 
 days afterward," continues Burke, "he attended Lady Jane Grey to the 
 scaffold, and that unhappy lady presented him (as related by some), in testi- 
 mony of his civilities to her with her prayer book, but according to others, it 
 was a table book, with some Greek and Latin verses which she wrote in it, 
 upon his begging her to write something that he might retain as a memorial of 
 her." But Mr. Doyne Bell in his " Chapel in the Tuioer. ' gives a circumstan- 
 tial account of this pathetic incident occurring in the last moments of this 
 good and brave-hearted young creature. "The book she gave to Thomas 
 Brydges, for his brother Sir John Brydges, Lieutenant of the Tower, is now in 
 the British Museum. It is a manual of prayers a small square vellum book, 
 bound in modern times, and is No. 2342 in the Harleian MSS. : it is believed 
 that Lady .lane (Jrey had borrowed it of Sir .lohn Brydges, carried it with her 
 to the scaffold, and then returned it through the hands of his brother, with the 
 following written in it : — 
 
 " For'as mutche as you have desyred so simple a woman to wrighte in so 
 worthye a booke. good mayster Lieufteuante, therefore I shall as a frende 
 ilesyre you. and as a christian require you, to call uppon God to encline your 
 harte to his lawes. to quicken you in his wayes, and not to take the worde of 
 trewethe utterlye oute of youre mouthe. Lyve styll to dye, that by deathe 
 yon may purchas eternall life, and remember howe the ende of Mathusael, 
 whoe as we reade the scriptures was the longest liver that was of a manne. 
 died at the laste ; for as the precher sayethe, there is a tyme to be borne, and 
 a tyme to dye : and the daye of deathe is better than the daye of oure birthe. 
 Youres, as the Lord knowethe, as a frende. 
 
 Ja.ne Duddelev 
 
 It would be ilitticult to find from so young a luind, over which the shadow 
 of death was hanging, a parallel remembrance at once so beautiful and appro- 
 priate, and it perhaps was intended to convey a special meaning to its recipi- 
 ent ; as the sequel apparently shews, for the " Lieufteuante," who only Jived 
 about three years afterward, died "an adherent to the old religion," 4th 
 March. 1557-8, and although in his will he ordered his body to be buried in the 
 chancel of Sudeley, "according to his degree, hut without worldly pomp or 
 vain glory," yet, " his funeral solemnities were performed with great pomp, 
 being carried in a hearse of war, with four banners of images, and all append- 
 ages of honour." 
 
 The arms of Bridges are, — An/ent, on a cro.ix sa/i/t; a 
 leiijnirif s head cdlxissrd tir. The date of Sir David's death 
 does not appear. 
 
 Of ILong^asbton 
 
 Thomas ISh.x.k, eldest son of .lohn Brook, Serjeant-at- 
 Law. he succeeded to Ashton-Phillii)S, in Long-Ashton. and
 
 6 The Brook Family. 
 
 was living in 1524. He married Joax, daughter and co-heir 
 of John Speke, ''of Somerset," and left a son, HiKjh. 
 
 HiciH HuooK, son and heir of Thuma.t. He succeeded to 
 the manor of Ashton-PhilHps and was resident thei'e. He 
 married a daughter and heir of ... . Morice, by wliom he 
 had four daughters — \, Elizalieth ; '2, Frances ; '.i. >!ii.sii)i ; and 
 4, Alice. He died in 1586, and was buried at Long Ashton; 
 and CoUinson notes : — 
 
 " In a chapel in Long Ashton Church, against the south wall is a large stone 
 monument erected to the memory of Hugh Brook, of Lower Court, Esq , who 
 died 31) Elizalieth (?), and was buried •2'.i February, 1586 There is no inscrip- 
 tion on this tomb, it having been left unfinished." 
 
 This is a low altar tomb of plain character, in an arched 
 recess, in the south wall at the west end of the south aisle. 
 There is no date, arms, or inscription. 
 
 Elizahetii Hkook, eldest daughter and co-heir : she 
 married Giles IFuhci/n, Esq., of Herefordshire. He sold that 
 part of the manor he held in right of his wife to Mrs. .lane 
 Smith, widow of Matthew Smith, of Long Ashton. Esq., in 
 1593. 
 
 Frances Brook, second daughter and co-heir; she mar- 
 ried fVilliam Clarke, of Minchin Barrow, by «liom she had a 
 son and heir, Christopher, who sold their portion to Sir Hugh 
 Smith in 1603. 
 
 Stsan Brook, third daughter and co-heir : she married 
 Hugh Halswell, Esq. (probably of Goathurst, Bridgwater); 
 they had a son and heir, T/ioiuus, who disposed of this share 
 (if the manor to Sir Hugh Smith in 1600. 
 
 Alice Bi;ook, fourth daughter and co-heir; she married 
 Thomas Votvliell, of Cannington, Esq., who sold their moiety 
 of the manor to Mrs. Jane Smith, in the same year as did her 
 sister Elizabeth, 1593. The Somerset Visitation mentions 
 Margaret, as being the name of one of the daughters. These 
 four co-heiresses appear to have ended this descent. 
 
 In describing the manor house of Ashton-Phillips, called
 
 Tlir liriidh Fiiiiiili/. 7 
 
 Lower Court, which was prol)abIy built by Richard Ainerike, 
 Collinson observes : — 
 
 "It was formerly a very large and grand structure, but little now remains 
 except an east wing for the dwelling apartments, in which is a large room 
 wainscotted and the edges of the panels gilt. At the south end stands the 
 chapel, twenty-two feet by ten in breadtii. The altar is of stone, and still 
 remains in its pristine state. The pulpit stood on the left side, and in the 
 south wall is a niche for holy water. .\ small bell till of late years hung in an 
 arcade over the entrance." 
 
 The house or mansion of Ashton-Phillips, or Lower Court, 
 built as presumed by Richard Ameryke — although no ai'ms or 
 date remain to attest it — and which subsequently became the 
 residence of his daughter and heiress Johanna, with her 
 husband .John Brook, and their descendants, has, except the 
 detached Chapel, been almost entirely rebuilt and modernised. 
 By the aid of a recent careful inspection, with accompanying 
 photograph, we are enabled to give a detailed account and 
 view of the building as it now appears, and the antient portions 
 that at present remain. 
 
 " On the right of the dwelling house is a low pointed doorway, covered with 
 ivy. which runs up the gable, and clothes a separate detached Chapel, having 
 a walied-up two-light window on the north side, facing the end of the house, 
 the label and heads bemg still in the wall. The east wiudow is tilled up out- 
 side, but inside are the remains of a nice perpendicular window. On the .south 
 is a two-light window, matching the north, and both about where the altar- 
 rails would be, this has been turned into a doorway leading into a farm shed. 
 The niche, which is apparently a true piscina, is just east of this. The altar 
 as described by Collinson has vanished. The roof is in capital condition, every 
 rafter being continued as a tie-beam across, moulded and slightly curved. 
 The interior is now used as a lumber room. Outside the ivy going up to the 
 top covers the bell-cot, and is too dense to make out any cross on the east 
 ridge. Apparently what looks like an ivy-covered buttress, but level with the 
 top of the Chapel door, is the springing of an arch, so that the building must 
 have stretched away to the west, and then probably turned again to the south. 
 On the east, or other side of the house, is a good doorway, and the remains of 
 some later S(iuare-headed and labelled windows, but the rest of this side has 
 been generally rebuilt. Apparently the house was moated, and there are con- 
 siderable remains of lish-ponds, iS:c."i 
 
 Of T5arroto=*©iirncp. 
 
 Arthir Buook, second son of Jolu} [irook, Sergeant-at- 
 Law. In him the male su(!cession of the family was con- 
 tinued ; but who he married, or any further particulars 
 
 1. By the kindness of F. Were, Escj., and the photograph by Mr. C. K. 
 Master.
 
 8 Tlie Brook Faxiily. 
 
 respectins: liim, are not available. He appears, however, to 
 have left a son, Edward. 
 
 Edwakd Brook, his son, is described as being "of 
 Barrovv-Giirney," and to have married Florence, the daughter 
 of ... . Brfindbridfie. They left four sons. Arthur, Thomas. 
 Edward, and Hiujh : as stated in the Visitation, confirmed in 
 the will of their nephew Edward, proved 2nd Februarj-, 
 1636-7. There are several entries in the Barrow-Gurnej 
 Rc(lister, between 1607-1663. to families named Thomas alias 
 Brooke, and Brocke, but they do not appear to be connected 
 with this descent of Brook. 
 
 Arthur Brook, eldest son of Edward, aforesaid. He is 
 described as having died s.p. 
 
 Of <©lastont)urp. 
 
 Thomas Brook, second son. He is mentioned as "of 
 (jlastonburv Abbey, 1 623," to have married Rebecca, daughter 
 and co-heir of Juhn Wike, of Ninehead ; and to have left a son 
 and two daughters, who, at that date 1623, wei"e respectively 
 Arthur, aged six; Elizabeth, five; and Man/, three years. 
 The three are also mentioned in their cousin Edwards will in 
 1636. 
 
 Edward Brook, third son. He is also mentioned by his 
 nephew Edward, in his will, and is recorded to have died s.p. 
 
 Hif.H BuooK, fourth son. also of (xlastonbury ; he married 
 Dorothi/, daughter of Edward Preston of that place, was dead 
 before 1636, and his wife married secondly Mr. John Strode. 
 In the Visitation he is described as then having three children : 
 Edward, aged ten, Joan, aged twelve, and Jane, aged thirteen; 
 but in Edwai"d\s will two other sons, S'ilranns and Thomas, are 
 mentioned, and two further daughters, one Dorothy, who ap- 
 parently married Edioard. Davis, and another unnamed to 
 William Court alias Paris. Jane, the eldest daughter, married 
 John Gaylard, of Lovington, Somerset. Joan was wife of 
 Matthew Sheppard, of Calne, vintner.
 
 The Brook Fdiiiili/. ' 9 
 
 El)WAiii> Brocik, eldest son, appears to have succeeded his 
 father, and to have died young, aged about twenty-three, and 
 unmarried in 1636-7. The following particulars of his will 
 are taken from the Rev. F. Brown's Extracts : — 
 
 "Edward Brooke, of Glaston, Somerset, gent., will dated 5th .)uly, 16."56, 
 proved 2nd February, 103(i-7. My mother, Dorothy Stroade (daughter of 
 Edward Preston, of Glastonbury) ; my uncle, Thomas Brooke, gent. ; my 
 father, Hugh Brooke, of Glaston, gent., deceased; my sister, .Jane, wife of 
 John Gaylard, of Lovington, Somerset, yeoman ; my sister, .Joan, wife of 
 Matthew Sheppard, of Calne, Wilts, vintner (who proved the will); ray 
 brothers, Silvanus, Thomas, and F^dward Davies ; my brother. Will. Court 
 alias Paris ; my sister, Dorothy Davieo ; my father-in law (step-father). Mr. 
 .lohn Strode, twenty shillings for a ring ; my uncles, Edward and Thomas 
 Brooke, of Glaston ; my cousins, Elizabeth and Mary Brooke, and Arthur 
 Brooke. " 
 
 The arms of this descent of i5rook, as given in the 
 ]^isitatioiL oi Somerset for 1623, consist of nine quarterings : 
 1, Gules, on II. chevron nr//ciit, it lion nnnjiant sahle, crowned or 
 on II crescrnl. n iniilht fur difference (Bkook), of Olditch and 
 Weycrott. the croivn being an nuf/mentation, added ap])arently 
 after they had migrated to C'obham : 2, Gules, on a chevron or, 
 three lions rampant sable (C'ohiiam, Barons of C'obham): 3, 
 Ermine, on a chevron ijiiles, three hiieh s liemls eiilmsseil or 
 (Haxxim;), this evidently rejircsents the alliance of the first 
 Sir Thomas Brook, and .Johanna Manning, widow of Thomas 
 C'hedder, on her seal the biiclis heads are in a chief-, 4, 
 Ermine, seven muscles conjiiined, S. 2. 1. (sic) ( Bi; A Y i'.lK )Ke) 
 should be 3. 3. 1., the second Sir Thomas Brook married 
 .lohanna Braybroke-C'obham, Lady of Cobham ; .), Gules, a 
 cherron dancettee, between, twelve cross-crosslets or ; 6. Burn/ 
 nebiilee of si.i- arijent and i/ules (Bassett); 7, Aziin, u fess 
 dancettee hetivcen three i/arhs or ; S, Azure, two burs iiehulee or 
 ( De L.\ PdLE); 9. Gules, a fess arijent betiveen six cross- 
 crosslets or (Pe\ EIIELL). 
 
 Jl2otes as to otljcr DcscenDants of TProok. 
 
 Maucvuet Biiuok, the widow of Duke Brook, of Tcuijiie- 
 combe, ob. 1606, and buried at Cobhani : sJie ap])ears to have 
 been a Berklev, and deceased 1641-2. Her will is dated .idth
 
 10 The Brook Fatiiili/. 
 
 Jiin., 1641. and proved 7tli Feb., 1641-2. In it she mentions 
 " my nephew, Michael Berkley ; Maurice, youngest son of my 
 brother, Robert Berkley ; my niece, Penelope Warnford. 
 eldest daughter of Sir William Brook." 
 
 These further particulars relating to them are extracted 
 from " The fate of Henry Brooke, tenth Lord Cohh/nn, ' l)y I. 
 (t. Wallei', Esq., in the Arrhaolor/io of the Society of Anti- 
 ipKirles, Vol. xlvi, 1S81, relative to their acquisition of some 
 of the forfeited estates of their cousin, the hapless Henry 
 Brook. 
 
 "The will of George, Lord Cobham, dated 31st March, 1552, made an 
 elaborate settlement of the estates, entailing them on the next heir, with 
 remainder in the usual manner. The king — James I — therefore by the law of 
 the land, could only be entitled to a life interest on the Cobham domains. 
 Possibly this consideration may have had much to do with the royal mercy (?). 
 
 No sooner, therefore, did he become possessed than he began to realize. 
 And, for this purpose, he entered into a bargain of a cruel, if even of a legal 
 character. Unfortunately, the next heir was (WiUiam), the son of George 
 Brooke, who was executed at Winchester— a poor friendless child of tender 
 age, unable to assert his own rights before the law, and deserted by those near 
 to him in blood, whose duty it was to aid him. 
 
 This transaction was entered into with Duke Brooke, the sou of an uncle of 
 Lord (Henry) Cobham, and next in succession, if George Brooke's children 
 were debarred by attaint of blood This appears from the answer by the king 
 to " Tlie Humble PHition of Duke Brooke, of Temple Combe, £<«/., and in con- 
 xideration of £4,369 on 4th May, 1605, and £3,250 on Sth yooember, 1605, and 
 £3,250 on the 4th May. 1606, by the mid Duke Brooke paid, we grant, <£-c." 
 Then follows a recital of the manors, &c., making in all ninety-one items. So 
 here we tind the king, in two years after the attainder, is proceeding to realize 
 on the estates seized. 
 
 The recipient did not live long in possession of the property thus acquired, 
 but died without issue '27th May, 1 606 (buried at Cobham, 10th June follow- 
 ing) only twenty-three days after the time fixed for his last payment. On 
 •25th October, 1607, Charles Brook, his brother, had a renewal of this grant 
 from the king, but on what terms does not appear. Whilst the property was 
 in his hands, he parted with several manors to Cecil, then Earl of Salisbury, 
 for £5,000, as well as to others. He died 5th April, 1610 (and was buried at 
 Temple Combe)." 
 
 In the meantime " the unfortunate prisoner, Henry Brook, 
 was living out those who were enjoying and scattering his 
 estates." And it was in this year of 1610, that "the restora- 
 tion of blood" took place, of the still young children of 
 (reorge Brook, his brother, was accorded, but shorn of all 
 claim to the estates or title. " But," continues Mr. Waller — 
 
 " It must surely be questionable if the king had a right to set aside the will of 
 George, Lord Cobham, for it is clearly shewn by the instruments drawn up by 
 the lawyers respecting the sale of property by John Brooke (afterward) created
 
 SIR THOMAS WYATT OB ; 1542.
 
 rill Brook tiiiiiili/. 1 1 
 
 Lord Cobham by patent, to the Duke of Lenox and Richmond, tliat they con- 
 sidered the will and entail in force, notwithstanding the attainder, as it is 
 constantly recited, and the death of all who could claim duly proved. 
 
 It seems probable that .James, with the connivance of Cecil, who bought 
 some of the estates of Charles Brooke, used or abused the law. and threw such 
 obstacles in the way of the rightful heir, as rendered any process against the 
 Crown hopeless." 
 
 Margaret Bkook. the youngest daughter of William 
 Hrook, Lord Cohhain, K.G., oh. 1,')96, was, according to 
 Lysons, (Environs, Stqinci/) baptized there, and giv(>s this 
 entry from the Rci/lster : 
 
 "Margaret Brooke, the dauri/Uer of Sir William Brooke, Lord Vohhum, bait- 
 tized 8th June, 1564- " 
 
 She was sister to the ill-fated Henry Brook : and ancestress 
 of Sir Richard Temple, created Viscount Cobham. 
 
 Elizabeth Hhook, Lady Wyatt, one of the daughters 
 (if Thomas Hrook, Lord Cobham, oh. lo^i). married Sir 
 Thoma^ Wyatt, the elder, the w(dl-kno\vn poet, who died near 
 Sherborne. Hutchins says : — 
 
 " Being sent by the King (Henry Vill) to Falmouth to cnuduct Montmor- 
 ency, the imperial embassador, to London, from an excess of zeal to please the 
 King, he made more expedition than was necessary, riding hard in a very hot 
 season, and died of a violent fever here, and was buried in the great church, 
 1541, aged SS." 
 
 He was conveyed to his friend. .Sir ,l(ihn Horseys house, at 
 Clifton-Maubank, close by. where he died, and who after- 
 wards laid him in the vaidt jirepared for himself in the Al)bey 
 Church, where lie subsequently found a resting place beside 
 him. The Rei/istrr records: — 
 
 " 11 MtWiis Octobris 1S4H.S4 Be: Ben. S,—>Sijmltu« est D ns Tlnnnas Wi/el 
 miles D ni Reifm Consllinrivs vlr Venerabilin. 
 
 Hut no memorial or inscription exists to record his burial 
 there, a strange reproach to the histoi'v of English literature. 
 
 Bkook — StoI'iitoX. Jolm, eighth Huron .Stin/rloii. mar- 
 ri<'d in l.)SO Eliznbetli, daugliter of fVi/liiiw Brooli, Lord 
 Coblmin, K.G., ob. l.i(K)-7, l)y his second wile. Fnnu-t's 
 Newton, of East Harptree. and sister of Henry Brook, the last 
 iml'ortnnate Baron Cobham.
 
 12 Till- BriKih Fiiiiiilii. 
 
 He was the sou of Charles, seventh liaroii Stourton, by his 
 wife Anne, daughter of Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby, who 
 
 "with the help of four of his own servants committed a foul murder on a 
 person named Hartgill and his son. burying their bodies fifty fefit deep in the 
 earth, thinking thereby to prevent the discovery ; but afterwards it coming to 
 light, he had sentence of death passed on him, which he suffered at Salisbury, 
 Itith March, 1.1.57, by (as it is said) an halter of silk, in respect of his quality. 
 His tomb is in the nave of Salisbury Cathedral.'' 
 
 He — Lord John — was restored in blood by Act of l-'arlia- 
 ment, 18 Elizabeth, 157.5, and acted as one of the ]ieers on 
 the trial of Mary, (^ueen of Scots. He died 13th October, 
 1588, without issue, appointed his body to be buried in the 
 chapel of the church at Stourton : and was succeeded by his 
 brother and heir, Edward. The date of Lady Stourton's death 
 does not appear. 
 
 Thomas Brook, the fourth son of (leorffe Brook. Lord 
 Cobhani. K.(t.. ob. 1558, whose lawless career has been previ- 
 ously alluded to, the cruel incident recorded of him ui his con- 
 duct as a Iniccaneer is thus described by Froude, in his Histary 
 (if Kinihiiid : — 
 
 •' The sons of Lord Cobham of Cowling ( 'astle. who had first distinguished 
 themselves in Wyatt's rebellion, had grown uj; after the type of their boyhood, 
 irregular lawless Protestants ; and one of them, Thomas (Brook) Cobham, was 
 at this time (l.)6.S) roving the seas, half-pirate, half knight-errant of the Refor- 
 mation, doing battle on his own account with the enemies of the truth, where- 
 ever the service of God, was likely to be repaid with plunder. He was one of 
 a thousand whom Elizabeth was forced for decency's sake to disclaicn and con- 
 demn in proclamations, and whom she was as powerless, as she was probablv 
 unwilling to interfere with in practice. \\'hat Cobham was, and what his kind 
 were, may be seen in the story about to be told. 
 
 A Spanish ship was freighted in Flanders for Bilbao ; the cargo was valued at 
 80,00(1 ducats, and there were on board also forty prisoners condemned, as the 
 .Spanish accounts say ' for heavy offences worthy of chastisement,' who were 
 going to Spain to serve in the galleys. Young L'obham, cruising in the Channel, 
 caught sight of the vessel, chased her down into the Ray of Biscay, fired into 
 her, killed her captain s brother and a number of men, and then boarding when 
 all resistance had ceased, sewed up the captain himself, and the survivors of the 
 crew in their own sails, and flung them overboard. The fate of the prisoners 
 is not related : it seems they perished with the rest. The ship was scuttled ; 
 and Cobham made off with booty, which the English themselves admitted to 
 be worth .50.000 ducats, to his pirate's nest in the south of Ireland. Eighteen 
 drowned bodies, with the mainsail for their winding sheet, were washed up on 
 the Spanish shores, ' cruelty without example, of which but to hear was 
 enough to break the heart.' 
 
 Cobham was tried for piracy the next year at the indignant requisition of 
 .Spain. He refused to plead to his indictment, and the dreadful sentence was
 
 RICHARD TEMPLE, VISCOUNT C0BHA5I. 
 ob: 1749.
 
 Till' Bnnih Fiiiiiili/. 13 
 
 passed upon him <if the /leine forte ft dure J His rehitious, de .Silv:i said, 
 strained their iuduence to prevent it from being earried into effect ; and it 
 seems that either thej' succeeded or that Cohham liimself yielded to the terror, 
 and consented to answer. At all events he escaped the death which he 
 deserved, and was soon again abroad on the high seas." 
 
 It wiiiihl he (litticult to Hud n m;itt'l) to llic iiiliiiiuaiiit v of" 
 this occurrence, an unparalleled example it is to be lio])e(l. of 
 the barbarous spirit acooni])anTino- the depredations of these 
 sea-rovino' freebooters. 
 
 Sii! RuH.viii) Tk-mi'i.k, B.vin., Viscorxr .\xi) P.,\i;()\ 
 CoHHA.M. It has been mentioned these titles were revived in 
 this o-enth'iiian, as a descendant of Murr/uret Brooh. dauehter 
 of Williuni Brook, Lord Cobham, ob. 1.597. 
 
 He ac(juired considerable renown as a military commander under the Uuke 
 of Marlborough in Flanders, and having risen to the rank of Lieutenant- 
 (Jeneral. was elevated to the peerage as Baron Cobham, of Cobham, co. Kent. 
 I9th Ortober. 171Jf. and further created Viscount and Baron Cobham, JSrd May, 
 171S, to him and his heirs male, and in default thereof, by special remainder, 
 to his sisters, Hester (irenville, and her heirs male, and in default, to Dame 
 Christian Lyttelton, third sister of the said Viscount, and her heirs male. He 
 died at Stow, 13th September. 1749, and these dignities then devolved on his 
 elder sister Hester, widow, and relict of Richard (irenville, of Wottou, co. 
 Buckingham, Esq.. ob 17th February. 17"26-7. 
 
 Hester Grenville, Viscountess Cobham. was ISth October. 1749, created 
 Countess Temple, with succession to her heirs male, and both titles continued 
 with her descendants to the Dukes of Buckmgham, the last of whom deceased 
 in 1889. without male issue, when the Viscounty of Cobham reverted to the 
 male descendant of Christian Lyttelton the second sister in remainder. The 
 Temple earldom, which had been recreated 14th February. 1822, with 
 remainder to a female heir, then passed to the present Earl Temple, of 
 Newton House, Bristol. 
 
 The family of Lyttelton is of antient descent in the county 
 of Worcester, with considei-able possessions. Thomas dt' 
 Luttelton, of Frankley, "esc^uire of the body to three succes- 
 sive kings, died 1 Henry VI, 1422, leaving an only daughter 
 and heiress, Elizabeth. 
 
 1. "The English judgment of pen.ance for standing mute was as follows,— 
 that the prisoner be remanded to the prison from whence he came, and put 
 into a low dark chamber, and there be laid on his back, on the bare floor 
 naked ; that there be placed upon his body as great a weight of iron as he 
 could bear, and more ; that he have no sustenance save only on the first day 
 three morsels of the worst bread, and on the second day three draughts of 
 standing water that should be nearest to the prison door ; and in this situation 
 this should be alternately his daily diet, or, as anciently the judgment ran, till 
 he answered." — Blacksto.ve's Commentaries, book iv, chap. 25.
 
 14 The Brook Fdiiiily. 
 
 Thomas Westcote, of an antient family in Devon, presumed 
 to have derived their name from the manor of Westcote, in 
 tlie parish of Marwood, near Barnstaple, married this heii'ess. 
 He is described 
 
 "as being a gentleman of Devon, anciently descended, the king's servant in 
 Court, and celebrated for his military prowess, which brought him to the 
 notice of Kings Henry IV and V ; but the lady being fair and of noble spirit 
 (to use the phraseology of Lord C'oke), and having large possessions from her 
 ancestors De Luttleton. and from her mother, daughter and heir of Quarter- 
 main, and other ancestors, resolved to continue the honour of her name, and 
 therefore provided by Westcote's assent, before marriage, that her issue in- 
 heritable should be called by the name of Luttelton. Upon this marriage Mr. 
 Westcote settled at Frankley, and served the office of Escheator to Henry VI, 
 1450, soon after which he died le:iving four sons and as many daughters." He 
 was succeeded by his eldest son, Sir Thomas Lyttelton, K.B. , the celebrated 
 lawyer and Chief .Justice of the King's Bench, who died SSrd August, 1481. 
 But according to Westcote, the Devonshire historian, this change of name 
 applied only to the eldest son as heir of Lyttelton, the three other younger 
 sons were to retain their father s patronymic, Guido, Edmund, and Nicholas, 
 and from the elder of these he describes himself to descend. 
 
 Their descendant, .Sir Thomas Lyttelton, Bart., M.P. for co Worcester, etc., 
 married 8th May, 1708, Christian, sister of Sir Richard Temple, Bart., of Stow, 
 created Viscount and Baron Cobham. and she and her heirs male, were consti- 
 tuted second in remainder to those titles. They had eight children : of the 
 sons, George the eldest and heir, held several important mmisterial offices, he 
 represented Oakhampton ill Devon, iii Parliament, and married, first, Lucy 
 daughter of Hugh Fortescue, Esq., of Filleigh, in that county He was 
 created Baron Lyttelton, of Franktty, co. Worcester, 19th Nov.. 1757, died 
 22nd Aug , 1773. He was succeeded by his son Thomas, who dying without 
 issue, 27th Nov., 1779, the peerage expired. William Henry Lyttelton, their 
 fifth son, held a distinguished position in the diplomatic service ; he was ele- 
 vated to the peerage of Ireland .'Hst .hily, 177fi, by the title of Baron Westcote, 
 of Baltymore, co. Lonf/ford, being the surname of Thomas Westcote, who mar- 
 ried the heiress of Lyttelton. On l.'Hh Aug., 1794, he was created a peer of 
 Great Britain by the same title (Baron Lyttelton, of Frank-ley), which had ex- 
 pired with his nephew Thomas He died 14th Sep., ISOS. At the death of 
 the Duke of Buckingham in 1889. without heirs male, the title of ^'iscount 
 Cobham reverted to George William, fourth Baron Lyttelton and Westcote, as 
 the existing heir male of Christian Temple-Lytteltou, the second sister in re- 
 mainder of Sir Richard Temple, the original grantee in 1718. 
 
 Arms of Westcote, — Ar(/init, a bend coliscd salilc, iritlim a 
 bordiirc cni/railed yules hczunt'ee. Of Lyttelton, — Arjinit. ii 
 clicvi'oii between three e.sca//oj>.i .table. 
 
 Few titles appear to have been subject to greater Huctuatioii 
 and re-creation than that of the Barony of Cobham. From 
 the family of lirook of Ilchester and ( )lditch, descending from 
 the reigns of the earlier Plantagenet Kings, the knightly heir
 
 TItc Bruoli Family. 15 
 
 of the house in the days of their Lancastrian successor, 
 " Kjuge Harry the VI,'" wedded the Lady of Col)ham in 
 Kent, sole heiress to the title and possessions of the Barony of 
 that name, which had descended to her through many genera- 
 tions, and was one of the most antient and important in East 
 Anglia. Their descendants, the Cobham- Brooks, througli 
 successive summonses to Parliament by the York and Tudor 
 sovereigns, as peers of the realm, occupied from their official 
 functions and honours, a position in the first rank of social 
 intiuence among the hereditaiy nobility, which continued com- 
 paratively unaffected by the varying phases of national affairs, 
 until the first Stuart king remorselessly extinguished them, 
 title and possessions. Revived by the second Stuart king in 
 the person of a descendant of a younger son of the fourth 
 Baron, an empty title shorn of all that gave it dignity and 
 inHuence, it tlickei'ed a few years, and at the death of its fiist, 
 unfortunate, and only possessor, again expired ; and at his de- 
 cease, the name of Brook in coimection with the Barony, as 
 its original inheritor, completely disappeared. Seventy years 
 afterward, Ijy the first Georgian king, the abeyant title was 
 once more revived, — to be again re-conferred and enhanced — 
 in the person of a remote descendant bearing another name, 
 deriving from a distaff of the main house, sister to the last un- 
 fortiuiate Baron, and this re-creation, only by its liberal re- 
 mainders to female heirs, survives to the present. 
 
 It is a singular coincidence that after so much vicissitude, 
 tlie title should have returned to the descendant of a gentle- 
 man, who. although his family patrcmymic was supplanted on 
 their union by that of his heiress wife, came from Devon, the 
 county from which the Brooks also migrated on marriage with 
 the heiress of Cobham, but ncjt in their case, with the extinc- 
 tion of their name. 
 
 The Westcotes continued to descend fi-om (ruido, the second 
 son of Thomas Westcote and P^lizabeth LytteUou, and of 
 them was Thomas Westcote, who, "following the Court in the
 
 16 
 
 Thf Brook Fdtiiily. 
 
 time of King Henry VIII, came into Devon with Sir Thomas 
 Dennis, Knt., of Holcombe-Biirnel, Devon, Chancellor to 
 Queen Anne of Cleves, and was much desired in marriage by 
 Anne, daughter of Wilson, relict of .lohn Raddon (of West- 
 Raddon, in Shobrooke, near Crediton, Devon), whom he mar- 
 ried," where the Westcotes afterwards resided in honourable 
 estate, and it was here there was baptised on 17th June, 1567, 
 his grandson, the historian, genealogist and heraldist, so well 
 known to the archajologists of his native county by his work, 
 "^ View of Devonshire in MDCXXX, with a Pedigree oj most 
 of its Gentry, by Thomas Jt'estcote, Gent.,"' and it is pleasant 
 to observe the name is honourably preserved in one of the 
 titles of the ennobled descendants of the preceding Thomas 
 Westcote, who flourished two centuries antecedent. 
 
 FROM THE KEDCLIFFE BRASS.
 
 APPENDIX, 
 
 The following particulars are gleaned from the "History of 
 the Manor of Clifton," in the Gloucestershire Arclucologieal 
 Transactions, Vol. iii, pp. 223-6, for 1878, by A. S. Ellis. 
 
 Richard Amenjke, a wealthy citizen o£ Bristol, who had been purchasing 
 large estates in Somerset, in 1470 was in possession of one-third of the Manor 
 of Clifton, probably the portion held by Sir John Chideock, and on Aug. 1 of 
 that year he conveyed the same to John Brook, and Joan his wife, and the 
 right heirs of John, remainder to the right heirs of Hugh, grandson of John. 
 Richard Anieryhe died 9 June 1.501, and in the Brook brass in St. .Mary Redcli£fe, 
 there was until recently, the arras of Cobham and Brook quarterly, and Brook 
 impaling Araeryke, — Paly of six or and azure, on a /ess (/ules, three mullets 
 argent. 
 
 John Brook, who had in right of his wife (the daughter of Ameryke) the 
 Manor of Ashton-Phillips and other estates in Somerset, in 1-508 bought lands 
 at Clifton of John Oldmixon of Weston-super-Mare, and on "the morrow of 
 the feast of St. John Baptist " in 150'J, acquired of John, Lord Zouche, another 
 third, and thus became apparently lord of the entire manor. He appears to 
 have died 25 Dec. 1525, and 15 Sep. 152li (15 Henry VIII, No 85), the inq. 
 p. mortem was held " at Barton Hundred near Bristol," containing full 
 particulars ; Thomas, his son and heir aged 3H. 
 
 Joan lirook, his widow, succeeded to two-thirds of the manor of Clifton, and 
 the lands acquired of John Oldmixon. The inq. p. m. for her was taken at 
 Chipping-Sodbury, 11 Dec. 1539 (31 Henry VUI, No. 37), stating that she died 
 "on the penultimate day " of Sep. 1538, — Hugh, her grandson and heir, son 
 of Thoma.i her son deceased. 
 
 Thomas Brook, eldest son and heir, born about 1489, died in his mother's 
 lifetime 9 Dec. 1537, seized of lands at Long-.\sliton, Baokwell, Portishead, &c., 
 in Somerset. He had married Joan, daughter of Sir John Speke, of White- 
 Lackington, Somerset, and she had died on 3 November of the same year 
 preceding her husband's death. Two inq. p. m. on their deaths were taken at 
 Keynsham 20 March 1538 (29 Henry VIII, No. 24), Unrfh their son and heir 
 aged 22 years and more. A Tliomas Brook was Sheriff of Bristol 1512, and 
 Mayor 152IJ. 
 
 Hugh Brook, their son and heir died Feb. 1588, over his uninscribed 
 monument in Long-.\shton church, CoUinsoQ says, " hang his helmet and 
 gloves." 
 
 .Sir David Brook (brother of Thomas), Recorder of Bristol 1541, and Lord 
 Chief Baron of the Exchequer, died 1558, s. p. 
 
 The principal part of the Clifton manor seems subsequently 
 to have come to Andrew Whittington, ob. 2 May, 16.'!4, and 
 was afterwards acquired by the Society of Merchant 
 Adventurers of Bristol. The estate of Ashton-Phillips, or 
 Lower Court, was sold by the four daughters and coheirs of 
 Hugh Brook, to Sir Hugh Smyth.
 
 18 
 
 The Brool Family. 
 
 The shield of Brook impaling Aineryke, stated to have 
 existed on the brass, displayed similar bearings to Merick of 
 West-Camel, Somerset. They were apparently of the same 
 family, and of contemporary descent, their pedigree being 
 given in the Somersetshire Visitations for 15:ll-72 ; proceeding 
 from Merick of Mericks Court, co. Hereford. Kobert Merick 
 of Taunton, had a son Eobert ob. 10 Elizabeth, 1568, whose 
 son Eobert married Cicely daughter of William Morris of 
 Queen-Camel, whose son Andrew married Elizabeth daughter 
 of Christopher Chudleigh, Esq., of Ashton, Devon, and it is 
 probable that to liim, or his son Chudleigh Merick, the before- 
 mentioned arms were granted or re-granted in 1589, with 
 crest a dog passant argent.
 
 c 
 
 a 
 z 
 
 <
 
 Somerset anD Dction. 
 
 A PEDIGREE 
 
 EDITED WITH NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS 
 BY 
 
 W. H. HAMILTON KOCiKKS, F.S.A. 
 
 Reprinted from, Vol. Ill, Third Series, of the ProcecdinQS of the Somcraelnhire 
 ArchcEological and Natural History Society, for 1S07. 
 
 'Zlnunfon : 
 
 BARNICOTT AND PEARCE, ATHENAEUM PRESS 
 
 MDCCCXCVIl.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Prefatory Note ...... 
 
 Introduction ....... 
 
 Printed Accounts o£ Huyshe .... 
 
 Arms ........ 
 
 Lineage — 
 
 Huyshe, of Lod-Huyshe and Douiford, Somerset 
 „ Sand, Sidbury, Devon 
 
 Taunton 
 
 Nottingham 
 
 Wells, Somerset 
 
 Aller, Somerset . 
 
 London ; Sand and Clysthidou, Devon 
 
 55 
 55 
 55 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 15 
 19 
 22 
 
 25 
 29 
 I'M 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Sand, Sidbury . . . . . . Front l.tpiece. 
 
 Heraldry in the windows of the Hall at Sand ( 1 and 2) . 32 
 Escutcheon over the Garden Gateway, Sand . . .33 
 Shield and Inscription on Summer House, Sand . . 34 
 Arms of Huyshe ........ 44
 
 It)uysbe J 
 
 OF L()J)-]ll"l.SH AND DDXIFOKD, I\ S()MEESF,T, 
 AND OF SAND, IX DEVON. 
 
 PREFATORY NOTE. 
 
 A FEW" years since the MS. containing the following 
 pedigree of Hnyshe was purchased from the catalogue 
 of a London liookseller. It is carefully written and bound, 
 and appears from a letter preserved and inserted, that it was 
 sent by the Rev. Francis Huyshe, of Pennsylvania, Exeter, to 
 John Burke, Esq., of Raynham Place, Chelsea, Loudon, on 
 19th September, 1839. In this letter Mr. Huyshe says, "with 
 this you will receive a correct copy of Mr. Protheroe's pedi- 
 gree of Huyshe, which I l)elicve you exjiect from him. I am 
 fully confident, that you will think your most valuable work 
 really honoured by the high ability and zeal that has spai'ed 
 neither trouble nor expense, which he has brought to the work, 
 upon which he has been engaged very many years." 
 
 It is probable Mr. Burke was then compiling his Gcnea- 
 Uxjical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain 
 and Ireland, and this pedigree was furnished him to give 
 particulars relative to the family of Huyshe. It has been 
 transcribed verbatim, slightly re-arranged in a few places for 
 greater clearness. The Notes added have been collected from 
 various sources, and special tlniidis are ottered to Mr. Roscoe 
 Gibbs for the gift of his excellent dr;i wings for the illustrations. 
 
 W. H. HAxMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A 
 
 ExETEu, June, 1897.
 
 The Hiiijslte Fdinihj. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The following pedigree is based : — 
 
 1. — On the MSS. of Mr. Palmer of Fairfield, who took 
 great pains in the beginning of the last century on families of 
 West Somerset. His papers, which are in possession of Sir 
 Peregrine Palmer Acland, Bart., and his mother Lady Acland, 
 give the whole of the old Doniford Hnyshes, and the branch 
 (of Wells) which produced Alexander Huish, the great 
 assistant of Walton in his Polyglott. Collinson is greatly 
 indebted to Mr. Palmer. 
 
 II. — The Heralds Vhitatwns, which give Doniford and its 
 branches of London, Sand, and Clysthidon, from Oliver Huyshe 
 temp. Henry VI, down to the present. 
 
 III. — An old pedigree fomid among deeds that had been 
 brought from Sand in 1724. This gives the family of Huyshe 
 who first resided at Sand before the building of the present 
 house ; and states the connection of the Huyshes of Taunton 
 with those of Doniford and Sand. Its correctness is eveiy- 
 where proved. 
 
 I conceive that every real judge will be struck with the 
 ability and indefatigable zeal of Mr. Protheroe, now M.P. for 
 Halifax, in corroborating these, and filling up from every 
 kind of authentic documents. 
 
 FRANCIS HUYSHE. 
 
 Pennsylvania, near Exeter, 
 September, 1837.
 
 TItc I/iii/s/ic Faiiu'li/. 
 
 PRINTED ACCOUNTS OF THE FAMILY 
 OF HUYSHE. 
 
 Some notices occur in Collinson's Histori/ of Somersetshire : — 
 
 1. — Introduction, page xxviii. Richard de Lod-Hywish, 
 among the possessors of land temp. Edward I. 
 
 II. — Page 201. Beckington, — Alexander Huish. 
 
 III. — Page 491. St. Decumans. 
 
 III. — Page 541. Nettlecombe, — Lodhuish. 
 
 A brief notice is found in Risdon's Devon (Sid bury, p. .34, 
 ed. 1811 ), who seems to have thought that none but an upstart 
 could hefaber sua fort untB. 
 
 Sir William Pole — Collections, \)agf .514 — on " Hiwys of 
 Hiwys," bears testimony against this ; p. 16.5 on Sand, Sir 
 William notices Rowland Huyslie. who built the "dainty 
 dwelling," as it was in Risdon's time. 
 
 A drawing of Sand appears in the Gentleman s Mufjazine of 
 March, 1S34. 
 
 Lyson's Britannia notices Huyshe at p. cxlix, p. 119 and 
 444. He has deviated from the account that I gave him, and 
 is incorrect where he chose to depart from it. He, like Risdon, 
 at cxlix, is in oppositiou to Sir William Pole, .514. He saj's 
 Huyshe was probably a younger branch of Hiwis of Hiwis. 
 
 Note. — The offending notice by Risdon runs thus : — " Sand, was by the dean 
 ami chapter granted unto Wilham, surnamed of the place, in the reign of King 
 Henry III, to whom succeeded Deodatus his son, afterwards by a daughter of 
 Trivett, this land came to Tremayle, from whom descended Sir Thomas Tre- 
 mayle, one of the justices of common pleas in King Henry Vll's time. This 
 was since purchased by one Huish, who is here seated in a tlaintj' dwelling." 
 
 Sir W. Pole, who Risdon appears to have followed in his description of the 
 descent, says nothing as to a "dainty dwelling" ; which was Risdon's com- 
 mentary ; with the somewhat contemptuous prefix as to its builder. 
 
 Westcote notes — •' In Sidbury at Sand, is a generous race of Huish." 
 
 The engraving of Sand was given by the Rev. Francis Huyshe to the Oentle- 
 man's Maijazitie.
 
 The Hiiyshc Family. 
 ARMS. 
 
 The bearing of Hiiyshe since the mai'riage with the heiress 
 of Roach has been : — Arycnt, on a bend siibic, three luces of the 
 field. Crest: — On a wreath argent and sable, an clephanfs 
 head couped argent, croicned and tusked or. 
 
 The ancient bearings of Hujshe (tricked in the MS.) were 
 
 1. A cherron between three roundels. 
 
 2. A chevron, and in a chief three walnut or oak leaves. 
 
 Note. — In a genealogical window in Clysthidon church, the tinctures of the 
 antient coats of Huyshe are thus given; — (1) Sable^ a chevron or, in a chief 
 arijent, three leaves proper, and (2) Oules, a cheoron between three plates argent. 
 
 The Rev. Francis Huyshe, sometime rector of Clysthidon, 
 Prebendary (of) Cutton in the Castle of Exetei", born 29th 
 Feb., 1768, married at Halifax in Yorkshire, 18th May, 1803. 
 Harriet, third daughter of John Waterhouse of Well- 
 head, Halifax, Esq., and Elizabeth his wife, second daughter 
 and coheir of Charles Beaty of Louth, by Bridget, daughter 
 and coheir of Robert Saunderson of Alford ( Lincolnshire), 
 born 14th Oct., 1771. Issue: 
 
 \. — Horatio, born 3rd Nov., 1805, died 3 1st Dec. same year. 
 
 •>.— Harriet, born 13th March, 1810 (married 20th Feb., 
 1838 to Arthur Abbott). 
 
 S.— ireiitworth, born 29th May, 1812, died at Madeira 22nd 
 Nov., 1829. 
 
 Note. — Inscription in Clysthidon church:— "The Rev. Francis Huyshe, 
 M.A., many years rector of this parish. Born at Pembridge, Herefordshire, 
 29th February, 176S. Died, 2Sth August, 1839." 
 
 Arms: — Huyshe, impaling ; Or, a pile engrailed sable. (Waterhouse). 
 
 A memorial window to Arthur Abbott, ob. Nov. 1848, erected by his widow, 
 and a tablet to Weiitworth Huyshe who died at Madeira, 1829. 
 
 His early virtues and the affection of his schoolfellows are 
 recorded on a cenotaph erected by them to his memory in 
 Harrow church.
 
 Thr Ilnyshp Family. 
 LINEAGE. 
 
 This is a branch of the antient family of Iluyslie of Doniford, 
 in Somersetshire, whose name, originally spelt Hywis, was 
 taken from their residence Lod-Hywis in the same county. 
 
 James Huyshe, third son of John Hiiyshe of Doniford, 
 living in the latter part of the sixteenth century, aci|uirod 
 consideralde wealth by trade in London. 
 
 Sand in Devonshire, which he bought of liis cousins, Tiiomas 
 and Anthony Huysh, became the residence of liis eldest son 
 Rowland and his posterity until 1724. 
 
 James Huyshe, the eldest son of Rowland, married a c(jheir 
 of the Reynells, of Credy, and his descendants thus became 
 possessed of the manor and advowson of Clysthidon. 
 
 Note. — The very antient name of Hiwis or Hywis, subsequently softened 
 by many variants to Huisli or Huyslie. as a family appellative, is found in the 
 three counties of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. These may all have de- 
 scended from a common ancestor, or what is equally probable derived the name 
 from the locality they resided in. A recent writer, the I!ev. ,J. .Stubbs —article, 
 Huish-Episcopi — in Vol. XX, <S'. A. <fc ^V. H. S. ProceediiKjn, 1894, p. 76. remarks 
 " The word Huish is variously derived. By some it is traced to the Celtic 
 ' Wych' (pronounced 00-ish) mean'iig 'water,' and it is assigned as a reason 
 why so many places bear this designation that they are to be found in those 
 spots, where a small rivulet or stream trickles down between two rising grounds. 
 By others, the origin of the name is to be found in the Anglo-Saxon * Hi-wisc ' — 
 'the homestead' — 'the homesteail farm' — consisting of a 'hiile' of land, the 
 territorial possession of a primitive Teutonic family, and we are pointed to the 
 fact that each Huish is to be found near some large town. But whatever the 
 origin of the word ' Huish ' the name carries us far back into history." 
 
 Hiwis is mentioned in Domesday, and thus quoted by Collinson, vol. i, p. 
 xxviii : — 
 
 Si'MMERSETE. Raimer (clericus; ten. de VV. Hiwi.s. Chinesi tenuit 'I'.R.E. 
 & geldebat pro una virg terrie. Terra est 1 car. qua; ibi est cum 1 servo & 
 ! cotar & 3 bord. Valuit & val. 10 solid. Radulfus ten. de \V. Hiwis. Ailuui 
 tenuit T. R. E. & geldebat pro una virg. terr:e. Terra est 1 car. qua; ibi est 
 cum 5 bord. Valuit & val. 10 sol. 
 
 Beside the Lod-Hywish of this present descent in Nettlecombe, we have 
 Huish-Episcopi and Huish-ChauqjHower in Somerset, and Huish in North 
 Devon, and North and .South Huish in .South Devon, all parishes so named. 
 
 The Somersetshire family of Hywis or Huish, is carefully traced in the 
 pedigree Of the Devonshire descent Sir W. Pole writes, p. iiil, "Stowford, 
 or Stafford, and Boveland (in North Devon), did Philip de Hiwis hold in King 
 Henry IPs time (1 l-i4-80), unto whom succeeded three of the name of William. 
 The last .Sir William married .Jone, daughter and heir of Sir Richard liauceyu, 
 of Norton Bauceyu, Knt., and had issue, ISir Richard do Hiwys, which married 
 Matild, daughter of Sir Alan Blochou the elder, Knt., and had issue. Sir 
 Richard ; he died, .\ i)., I'iilT. Sir Richard, his son, married .Margaret, daughter 
 of Sir Adam Crete, and had issue by Emeline, daughter of Sir William 
 Botreaux, Sir Richard. The said Sir Richard died, a.d. , 1340, and his son
 
 6 The Hui/she Family. 
 
 Richard ten years before him. Sir Richard Hiwis the fourth, married Alis, 
 daughter of Sir Kalph Blanchmonster, and had issue. William Hiwis, which 
 died without issue, and Emeline. wife of .Sir Robert Tresilian, Chief Justice of 
 England, and after unto Sir John ColshuU." 
 
 This descent of Hywis had possessions and were also seated at L.insallos and 
 Tremodart in Duloe, Cornwall- On '2ud August. 1310, Dame Matilda de Hiwis, 
 relict of Sir Richard, ob. 1297, obtained from Walter Stapledon, Bishop of Exeter, 
 license for an oratory at Tremodart. in Duloe. and on the 20th May, 1332, Sir 
 Richard de Hywische. Kut.. obtained licenses from John Gr.andison, Bishop of 
 E.xeter, for oratories at Rathewell, in Lansallos, and Tremoderet, or Tremodart, 
 in Duloe. Their arms appear to have been Gules, fretlij anjeid. with sometimes 
 the addition of a Canton of Ike second. 
 
 Pole, further observes, p. 514, "The issue male (of Hiwis) continued unto 
 the latter end of King Edward Ill's time. The heir general is Copleston, by 
 Hauley and Tresilian. There is not any left of that family ; but there is of 
 the name of another family which came out of Somersetshire." 
 
 PEDIGREE. 
 
 I. — IRiCljcirtl DC It^pioiS, of Lod-Hywis, living in the reign 
 of King John (1199-1216), hail issue (1) Richard de Hywis, 
 and (2) John. 
 
 II. — ^0\>\\ lir I^J'toiS, of Lynch, in the pari,sh of Lux- 
 l)(ii'ough. He iiad i.-^siie, Jolin. 
 
 III. — 'J(i\}\\ OC Il3['toiS^, who had a grant of a house and 
 a canicate of land in Doniford, from John Fitzurse, .38 Henry 
 III, 1254. (Contemporaries). Mr. Palmer mentions a Bar- 
 tholomew de Lod-Hywish and an Andrew of the same name, 
 living ill the reign of Henry III. The latter had a daughter 
 ■who married Andrew de Cottele. He iiad issue, Geffry. 
 
 LOD-HYWISH. 
 
 Note. — Collinson notes. "The family of Hewish takes its name from Hewish, 
 otherwise Lud- Hewish, in the parish of Nettlecombe. and is descended from 
 John de Hywis, of Linch, in the parish of Lnxborough. The descendants of 
 this .John lived at Linch, and sometimes at Doniford till the time of Henry 
 IV (1399-1413), when Oliver Hewish, of Doniford, gave his lauds at Linch to 
 Richard his younger son. whose posterity settled at Holnicot, in the parish of 
 Selworthy, and were the ancestors of the Steynings of that place." There 
 appears to have been two manors in Nettlecombe with the affix Hywish — 
 Begarn-Hywish, and Lud-Hywish. "The latter, in the time of King .John 
 (1199-1216), had owners of the same name, progenitors of the Hewishes of 
 Linch and Doniford. Richard de Hewis. of Hewis, in the time of Henry III 
 (1216-72), w,as the father of another Richard, who, 17 Edward I (1289), calls 
 himself Richard de Lod-Hywish. At the same time there were Bartholomew 
 and Andrew de Lod-Hywish, the last of whom had a daughter married to 
 Richard de Cottelle. " 
 
 Begarn-Hywish appears subsequently to have passed into the possession of 
 the Wyudhams, and Lod-Hywish to the Trevelyans.
 
 Tlir Hui/slir Finn ill/. 7 
 
 IV.— (BrffV)' lir iJ3j'toi0, living lO Eihvanl I (1282). He 
 was on the Jury, 2 Edward I, for tl»e liundred of Williton, 
 county of Sonu-rsot {see Hundred Rolls). He had issue, John. 
 
 v.— 3l0l)n Df l|J?toi0lj. of Lynch and Doniford, 19 Edward 
 II (1326); He had issue (1) Gilbert de Hi/wish; (2) mi- 
 liaiii (1c Hi/iri/.s/i, living 3 and 5 Edward III (1330-2), as a])- 
 pears by Fine's in tlie Chapter House, Westminster; (3) Joan, 
 married Walter I'erceval, second son of Sir Richard Perceval, 
 of Corneville, Knt. A widow in 1387. She conveyed her 
 lands in East Quantock to her brother Gilbert. 
 
 Note, — There was a family of Percival located at Weston-ia-Ciordano, 
 Somerset, nieiitioued iu the Visilationx of that county, " whose ancestors came 
 out of Wales." Their arms, Anjenl, on a diief iiidenttd ijules, tliree erases 
 patie or. 
 
 VI.— (Bilbrrt lie Ii3{'toi0l), aforesaid was of Doniford and 
 Lynch, 4 Edward III (1331), and by Fine dated 5 Edward 
 III, he with .lolin Durborough and others was witness to a 
 grant made by John Mohun, Lord of Dunster, to that Priory, 
 15 Edward III (1343). 
 
 He married SiiKt, daughter of Siu Joiix DiKiiououGH, 
 Knt., and had is.sue (1) Oliver; (2) Alexander; (3) John. 
 (4) Agnes, wife of John de Tetton. 
 
 Mote. — Sir John Hulle (or Hylle) of Kyton, in Holcombe-Iiogus, Devon, one 
 of the judges of King's Bench, ob. ^4th .June, 14(l,s, married as his first wife, 
 Dionysia, daughter of Sir. John Durburgh, Kut., and widow of Martin Langdon. 
 She died, 13th October, 1387. Sister probably of Alice Hywish. The HuUes 
 were afterward of Spaxton. 
 
 VII.— iDlitCr |3j'toi0l), of Doniford and Linch. 42 and 49 
 
 Edward III (1369-76). He married the daughter and 
 
 heir of Simon de la Roche. 
 
 Note.— 2 Edward I (1274), William de la Roche, one of 
 the Jurors of the Hundred of Williton {see Hundred Rolls). 
 32 Edward I (1304), William de la Roche. 2 Edward II 
 (1309), Richard de la Roche. 3 Edward III ( 1330), Richard 
 de la Roche. Simon de la Roche and Elizabeth his wile. 
 Alice, widow of Richard de la Roche {see Fines, C'lui])ter 
 House, Westtninster, Somerset.) 
 
 In consequence of this marriage the arms of Roche, Anjenf,
 
 8 The Hill/ she Fen III'/ 1/. 
 
 on a bend sable, three roaches proper, were taken by him and 
 his ])Osterity instead of the antient bearings of the Hywis's, 
 which had been a cherron betireen three roundels, and a chevron 
 on a chief three leaves. (Contemporary) 3 and 5 Edward III 
 (1330-2), a William de Hywish (Fines, Chap. H, Westminster, 
 Somerset). 
 
 He had issue (1) John Ilni/ish ; (2) Richiird Ilni/ish, to 
 whom his father gave Lynch, living 10 Henry V (1423), who 
 had issue Oliver Heteish, of Holnicault, in the parish of Sel- 
 worthy, whose daughter and heiress married John Woode, of 
 North-Tawton, and had issue a daughter (represented by some 
 pedigrees as an heiress) who married William Steynings. 
 Other pedigrees, those of Woode, give her a brother John, 
 ancestor of the Woodes of North Tawtou. 
 
 Note. — 'I'here was a family of de la Kupe, or de la Roche, in Devon. 
 Richard de Rupe, or de Roche, held Cotleigh, 27 Henry III (1-243), and to him 
 his son Robert, temp. Edward I. Sir Ralph .\rundell married Eva, eldest 
 daughter and coheir of Richard de Rupe (Pole). 8ir Thomas Archdeacon 
 married Alice, daughter and coheir of Sir Thomas de la Roche, their sou John 
 married Cecily, daughter and heir of Jordan de Haccombe Through this mar- 
 riage the Carews quarter the arms of this descent of Roche, which are given 
 as Gulea^ thrive roaches in pah' naiant art/ent. 
 
 Collinsou says Simon Raleigh (second son of John Raleigh, of Nettlecombe, 
 by Ismauia Hant am, his second wife), a celebrated knight who was at the battle 
 of Agini'ourt. married secondly Joan, daughter of Oliver Huish, of Doniford. 
 She survived him seventeen years, and 33 Henry VI (145.5), completed the 
 endowment of the chantry her husband had founded in Nettlecombe church. 
 John Wood, of North Tawton, married Margaret, daughter and heir of Oliver 
 Hewish, and had issue John, and Maud married to William Steyning. 
 
 VIII.^3|0ljn 1i5UJ'i0f), of Doniford, 10 Henry VI (1433). 
 He married CatfjCrJllC and had issue Oliver. 
 
 Note. — John Huyshe was seized of the manor of Lud-Huyshe, and by his 
 deed, dated Tuesday, the Feast of S S. Peter and Paul, Henry V, he thereby 
 enfeoffed Hugh Cary and others to hold to them and their heirs for ever, to the 
 use of the said John Huyshe and his heirs. And by deed dated 8th May, 
 8 Henry VI (1430), gave the said manor to John Hyll and Cecyle his wife, 
 remainder to Thomas, son of John Hyll and his heirs, and failing them to the 
 right heirs of John Hyll ( MisceUanea Genealogica rt Heraldica, Vol iii, second 
 series, page I1'2). This was John Hyll, of Spaxton (grandson of Sir John Hyll 
 before mentioned), ob. I4th October, 1434, married Cecily, daughter and coheir 
 of John .Stourton, of Preston, Somerset, ob. 19th April, 1472. 
 
 IX.— S?librr lt3C\l)i0l), of Doniford, 30 Henry VI (1455). 
 He married ^Olianna, daughter and coheir of JoilN Avenell, 
 of Blackpoole, in the parish of Southmolton, in the county of 
 Devon.
 
 The 1 1 II I/. the Fill II II I/. 9 
 
 Note. — The pedigree of lluysh in tlie Visitation df Somer- 
 set, and that in Mr. Palmer's MS. in the Dowager Lady 
 Acland's possession at Bath, state that Oliver Huysh married 
 Johanna, daughter and lieir of Richards. This appears to be 
 an error arising from a family of Kichards, of Somersetshire 
 and Devon, having home tlie arms of Avenell. It is probable 
 that they adopted them in consequence of the marriage of 
 their ancestor Edward Ricliards, with Eleanor, one of the 
 daughters and coheirs of John Aveiiell, of Loxbeare, iu 
 Devon. Edward Richards died, it appears, by inquisition, 
 lOtii Oct., 5 Henry VIII (1514). 
 
 The statement in the text is iu accordance witii tiic old 
 family pedigree found at Sand, which calls lier coheir of 
 Avenell with her sisters, wives of Weekes (or Wykes), and Hol- 
 combe ; and this is corroborated by the pedigrees of Weekes 
 or Wykes, and those of Holcombe, and by the following Inqui- 
 sitions post mortem. 
 
 Richard Wykes, of North Wykes, county of Devon, married 
 Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of John Avenell, of Black- 
 poole. By in(juisition taken after the death of his son, 
 William Wykes, who died last day of March, 14 Henry VIII 
 (1523), it appears that he held a third of Blackjjoole, imder 
 the manor of Warkley. 
 
 Roger Holcombe married Margaret, another coheir. By 
 inquisition taken after the death of Margaret Holcombe, who 
 died 7th April, 15 Henry VII (1502), it appears she held a 
 third of Blackpoole of the Bourchiers, Lords of the manor of 
 Warkley. Her son Charles Holcombe died 2nil .lamiary, I!) 
 Henry VIII (1528), awl also among other lands held a third 
 of Blackpoole. 
 
 No positive proof has been found that .lolianiia, wifi' of 
 Oliver Huyslie, inherited a third of I>l:iekpoole, as one ot' the 
 three coheiresses, but Risdon, on Southmolton (p. .JOT, ed. 
 1811) says, "IJlackpole is a tything of Molton, where Pollani, 
 Gambon, and Iluish, lield lands: some are of opinion that a
 
 10 The Huyshc Family. 
 
 mauor divided between coheirs, each of them hath a manor." 
 This shews that the manor of Bhickpole was divided into three 
 shares by the marriage of coheiresses, and that one share 
 continued in the name of Huish, after those of Wykes and 
 Holcombe were lost. 
 
 Oliver Hewish had issue (1) Oliver; (2) Elizabetli, wife 
 of John Dodington of Dodingtuu ; (3) Anne, wife of Alexan- 
 der Vernie, son by the third wife of John Vernie, of Faii-field, 
 county of Somerset. 
 
 Note. — The Avenells were a very antient Devonshire family. From Pole 
 we learu that William Avenell married Emma, one of the daughters of Baldwin 
 de Brionis, or de Sap, to whom the Conqueror gave the honour of Okehampton. 
 A Nicholas Avenell held yheepwash, temp. Henry III (1216-72), and gave for 
 his arms on a seal circumscribed with liis name, three ewjlefs diKplai/ed, tii'n and 
 one. The main branch was seated at Loxbeare. Galfride de Avenell held Lox- 
 beare, temp. Henry II (1154-89) William Avenill presented to the living in 1285, 
 and John Avenill, " Lord of Lokkesbeare," also in 1401. The family continued 
 there until one of the three ultimate coheiresses married Richards, whose son 
 James was joint holder of the land. temp. Henry VII (148.5-15U9). They bore for 
 their arms the coat displayed in the third and fourth shields in the window. 
 
 The t/iird shield in the window at Sand is charged with argenl, five f units in 
 fess sable, between two cotises (julen (Avenell of Loxbeare), impaling anjent, a 
 fees between three mens /»>;/.<, saile (Gambon). 
 
 This implies that Avenell married a daughter and probablj' a coheiress of 
 Gambon, and their daughter married Huyshe. The Gambons were of Morystone, 
 or Morestone in Halberton from a remote period. Walter Gambon presented to 
 Bondleigh, 131(j-17, and they had property and a residence at Blackpole in 
 Southniolton, where Bishop John Grandison licensed Walter Gambon to have 
 an oratory for the celebration of Divine service there, l-5th May, 1.S32. Walter 
 Gambon, domieeHux presented to Bondleigh in 1401, and Bishop Stafford 
 licensed John Gambon and Idenia his wife to have an oratory within their 
 mansion of Moorstone in Halberton, 23rd January, 1405-6. 
 
 The/oiirth shield in the window, is Huyshe, impaling Avenell. 
 
 John Wood, of Asheridge in North Tawton, married Margaret, daughter of 
 Oliver Huish, and had issue .John, who married Anne, daughter of William 
 Pollard of Horwood, with further descent (Pole). 
 
 In the Somerset \'iii>tatiij/is,v/e tind William Steyningeof Holnicote, married 
 Maud, daughter of John Wood, and heir to her mother, Margaret, daughter of 
 Oliver Huish, and if so, sister of John Wood the younger. 
 
 The nixth shield in the window is charged with Argent, a hat volant, on a 
 chief table, three pallets of the field (Steyninge), impaling Huyshe. 
 
 The seventh shield in the window, although much mutilated, is Steyninge, 
 impaling Hujshe, apparently a duplicate of the sixth, and probably bore some 
 heraldic difference on the portion destroyed. 
 
 The Dodingtons were of Dodington, near Bridgwater. John Dodington, 
 who married Elizabeth Huyshe, was son and heir of .John Dodington. and Mary 
 the daughter of John Payne of Hutton. They were living, 2 Richard III, 1485. 
 
 iLha fifth shield in the window is Sable, three huntinfj horns argent, stringed 
 and l|arnish^d or. (Doijingtun), impaling Huyshe. 
 
 The iiedigree of Verney, of Fairlield, in Stoke Courcy, is found in the 
 Visitations of Somerset for 1531 and 1573. No Alexander appears or John 
 with three wives, but they matched with Broughton, Gambon, and Sydenham, 
 similar to the Huyshes ; their arms, Argent, three fern leaves in f esse.
 
 Tlic Ilin/slic Famlli/. 11 
 
 X.— ^Utirr li?rtU10lj. of D..uit<n-.l, lO Iloiuy VII (1495), 
 married a CiltlCni3l£flj, auJ liail i-ssiie (1) Juhn Hiii/.ilir; (2) 
 Hnmplirci/ llrtrish, from whom Huysh first of Saiul ; (3) 
 T/iomas Hiii/s/i, from wliom Huy.sli of Taunton ; and (4) a 
 daughter who married Chichester, of Hawle, in Devon. 
 
 Note. — The eighth shield in the window is charged with Huyshe. impaling, 
 Sable, three bucks heads anjent (Cavendish). Her descent has not been traced. 
 
 The ninth shield displays Sable, a chevron or, between three buclis heads 
 ariient, attired or ; impaling Huyshe. For a daughter's alliance, the dexter coat 
 being that of Broughton, of Samford-Bickford in Wembdon. Granted in 1591, 
 with crest, A spaniel sejant ermine. 
 
 Oliver Hewish was Escheator for Somerset, 1!) Henry VIII, 1.328. 
 
 Will of Thomas Broughton, of Sampford-Bickfield, in Wembdon, Esq.. dated 
 20th August, 1519, proved 2Sth .January, 1.379-80. mentions his sons Robert, 
 George, Erasmus (he married .loan, daughter of .John Haydon, of Devon), and 
 daughter Marie (wife of William Saunders), to be buried at Wembdon, " in 
 the Allt/e near unto nii/ seate." Testator appears to have married thrice, (1) 
 Dorothy, daughter of John Cuffe ; (2) Alice, daughter of Robert Corborne, or 
 Cutbert, of Chester ; (3) Lucy, daughter of John Weh;h. 
 
 Will of Robert Broughton, his son and heir, of the same place, proved 20th 
 May, 1631. My daughters .Jane (wife of James Clarke of Norton Fitzwarrenl, 
 Elizabeth (wife, first to Wm. Frampton, of Moreton, Dorset, and there buried, 
 aged 43 ; and second to Thomas Haunam, of Wimborne-Minster, ob. lfi.32), to 
 be buried at Wembdon, near my wife. She was Gertrude, daughter of Richard 
 Cooper, of Winscombe. 
 
 The unnamed d,aughter probably married a son of Richard Chichester, the 
 first of Hall, by marri.age mth Thomasine, ob. 1503, daughter of Simon de Hall. 
 The alliance is not mentioued in the Visitations. 
 
 XI. — 3|0ijn l3Ctoj?0l)C, of Doniford, gentleman. His will is 
 dated 24th Jxdy, 1.5.51, .5 Edward VI, and proved in the P.C.C. 
 8th February, 15.52. He married (IBrilCC. daughter of 11iciiai{d 
 Walroxd, Esc^. Her brothei-, Ilunipliry Walrond, is men- 
 tioned in John Hewyshe's will. They had issue — { 1 ) ll'ilUum, 
 of whom hereafter; (2) i?(Y/(''-, ancestor of Huysh of Aller ; 
 (?,) James, ancestor of Huyshe of London, Sand, and ("lyst- 
 hidon, and two daughters; (4) Dorathi/, married to Ivhvard 
 Hensley, of Devon ; (5) Alice, married to John Borne. 
 
 Note. — Richard Walrond was probably a younger son of John Walrond the 
 younger, of Bovye, Devon, whose will was proved 14tli May, loOT, by Joan, his 
 relict. To be buried at Seaton ; mentions his daughters, Elizabeth and Jane, 
 Edward and John his sons, Richard my youngest son, his brother Humphrey, 
 and cousin Humphrey. 
 
 John Hewyshe, by his will — to be buried at St. Decumau's — mentions his 
 eldest daughter, Dorothy, his youngest, Alice Borne ; his son Roger to be his 
 executor, and to him "my lease of my tenement in Donyford. which I had of 
 the grant and demise of one John Walton, and afterward conliruied by one 
 Robert VValton, gent., cousin and next lieir of the said John Walton "
 
 12 The Iliii/sltr Faijiili/. 
 
 The Hensley's were o£ Berrynarlpour, in North Devon. John Hensley 
 married Margaret, daughter of Richard Chichester, of Hall, and had issue 
 Edward Hensley. 
 
 The tenth shield in the Sand window, the dexter coat, which was, doubtless, 
 Huyshe, is destroyed, but the impalement displays argent, three buHn' heads 
 cabossed sable, eyed and horned anjent, a crescent gules /or difference (Walronp, 
 of Bovey). 
 
 XII.— dcllilUam l|5UJ'0ljr, of Donifonl, Esq., married fir.st, 
 (EUfll, daiigliter of JoiiN Gaunt, of Dorset, Esq., aud 
 secondly, ^lolliinua, daughter of John Sydenham, Esq. By 
 his first wife he had issue ( 1 ) Si/h'ester, of whom hereafter ; 
 
 (2) John ; (.3) Honor a ; (4) Dorothy; and by his second; (5) 
 John Hiii/she, ancestor of Huysh of Wells. 
 
 Note. — In the Somerset Visitation, 162,3, Hewish quarters Gaunt (of Dorset, 
 in the Visitation, 1.573, queried as Graunt of Somerset) Barry of ^i.r or arid 
 azure, on a bend em/railed gules, three spear heads or; and she is there called 
 Elizabeth. The crest of Huyshe is given as, an elephant's head couped azure 
 bezantie, crowned or, and the Jish in the shield as argent, finned and tailed, or. 
 
 There was a family named Gaunt or Agaunt, who were located at Nash, in 
 Broadwinsor, Dorset, of which Hutchins says "it was anciently a manor, a 
 member of Marsh wood, now a farm." It came to the Coplestones of Shipton- 
 Gorge (a parish near), a branch of the main descent of Coplestone, in Devon, 
 temp. Edw. IV, whose posterity long enjoyed it. 37 Henry VIII, 1546, .John 
 Agaunt held this manor, and about 1516-7, Heniy VIII, Anthony Beaushin, 
 married Margaret his daughter, but both appear to have been only lessees. 
 John Coplestone, of Nash, son of Nicholas of Shipton-Gorge, '28 Henry VIII, 
 1537, married Margerie, daughter and coheir of John Gaunt, of Nash. From 
 the Visitations, we learn that William Hancock of Combe-Martin, Devon, 
 married Elizabeth, daughter aud coheir of John de Gaunt of Lambert's Castle — 
 a high hill with a British encampment on its summit, situate in the neigh- 
 bouring parish of Hawk church, but no residence there ; and George Knolles, 
 of Little-Hempston, Devon, married Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of John 
 Gaunt of Marchwood, Dorset. As these coheiresses had dift'erent names, and 
 were living about the same time, it is quite probable they were sisters. The 
 arms given also are the same. 
 
 Johanna (or query Dorothy) his second wife, was daughter of John Syden- 
 ham, Est)., of Combe, Somerset, ob. 1561, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of 
 John Frank, of Allerbutler (?), Somerset. He was the son of Edward Syden- 
 ham, Esq., by Joan, daughter of Walter Combe, of Combe, which Edward 
 was the son of John Sydenham by the heiress of Collyn, of Culmstock, in 
 Devon. Arms, Argent, three rarns passant -iiable. 
 
 XIII.— silbrgtfr l?tlj,'0!), of Doniford, Esq., 18 and 32 
 Ehzabeth (1,576-90), married SlUCf. daughter of William 
 NoRiiis, of Milverton, Esq., and had issue (1) IVilUain, of 
 whom hereafter ; (2) G?7pi', died 6th July, 1625 (i'cc proceedings 
 of suit Wyndham v. Huysh, Court of Wards and Liveries) ; 
 
 (3) Amias, living 1599; (4) Elizabeth, living 1599; (5) John, 
 and (6) Jtimcs, also mentioned in Mr. Palmer's MS.
 
 The Hiiyshf FiimiJi/. 13 
 
 Note. — Westcote saj's : " John Xorris of tiibhouse iu Winkleigh, Devon, had 
 issue, John of Splate in Somerset, and William of Milverton, who had issue 
 .Tohu, Richard, and Sylvester. John Norris, grandson of John of Splate is 
 described of .St. Decunians, Somerset." 
 
 Will of William Xorrice (Xorris) of Milverton, Somerset, dated 9th June 
 (but ijuery January), and proved 2nd Xcjvember, l.57.'S, by Elizabeth Xorrice, 
 the relict (she was daughter of Baker, and testator was buried 'iOth .January, 
 1573). To Alice my daughter " «i.'/ while beure cupp of silver." My daughters 
 Elizabeth and Joban. My son-indaw Silvester Huishe. My daughter Huishe. 
 My sons .John and Robert, etc. 
 
 XIV.— (Icllllliam l^tliSij, of Douiford, Esq. His niiucu- 
 pative will dated 11th October, 1.599; proved 17th October, 
 1599. By in([uisition. taken at Bridgwater, 16th January, 
 2 James I (lOOo), it appears he died 16th November, 42 
 Elizabeth (1600). He married (EUjabCtlj Q^orffail. Thomas 
 Morgan, of St. George's, Somerset, is the guardian of their 
 son, a minor. 
 
 XoTE. — The Morgans were of Easton-inOordano. or St. George's ; (36 Henry 
 VIII, 1545) Richard Malet, of Enmore, and Joan his wife, sold the manor of 
 Easton to Richard Morgan and his heirs ; he died about 1559. 
 
 Administration of Richard Morgan (son of the above) of Easton-in-Gordano, 
 granted to Dorothy Morgan his relict, 17th Septeniber, 1584. 
 
 Will of Dorothy Morgan of >St. George's, Somerset, widow, proved 19th 
 June, 1599. To be buried in St. George's. Mentions her sous Edward, 
 Richard, Thomas, and Arthur. My son Hewish. My son-in-law, John Neth- 
 waye, and my daughter Ann his wife. Many monuments to them are in 
 Easton church, their arms sabie, three eros^-cro-ssieti in bend ardent. 
 
 XV.— 31ol)n |3U['0ljC or Ii3tli0lj, of Doniford, aged seven 
 years at his father's decease. By iiKjn/sitio /i<i.sf mortem, taken 
 at Sowton, 2nd April, 4 Charles I (1629), it appears he died 
 2nd November, .3 Charles I ( 1 628). He married JOfln, daugh- 
 ter of John JNIannixge, of Hackland, in Cidlompton, Devon, 
 by Dorothy, daughter of Sir John Strangeways, of Melbury, 
 Dorset, and Dorothy, daugliter of Sir John Thynne, of Long- 
 leat, Knt. She had licence to re-marry from the Court of 
 Wards and Liveries, 30th November, 5 Charles I (1630), a 
 liberty she does not appear to have availed herself of, for ad- 
 ministration of the eft'ects of Joan Hnish was granted 1.5th 
 April, 1649, by the P.C.C. to her son, Edward Huish. They 
 had issue four sons, viz. : — (1 ) John, (2) Edward, (3) William, 
 (4) Lewis. 
 
 Note. — There is the will of a Joan Hnish, of Tuckerton in North Petherton. 
 widow, dated l'2th September, IG.SS ; proved 9th February, 1038-9, by lleur;.
 
 14 The ilui/slic Faiuili/. 
 
 Bidygood. To be buried in West Monkton. My sister, Margaret Biilgegood ; 
 my children, ifanjaret, Geonje. and William ; Jiubert, Son of William Huislie ; 
 WiitiJ'redt daughter of Evtj(:r Ilul-^he. 
 
 XVI. — 3!"?)'^ ^i?ltl'2fi) 01" ^i^tliSl), aged six years, ten months 
 and twentj'-seven days at his father's death. He was baptized 
 at St. Decuman's, May, 1621. His will is dated 27th Novem- 
 ber, 104:8, and proved 4th jNlay, 1649. He makes no mention 
 of either wife or issue ; but from a monument at St. Decuman's 
 Church, which is much defaced, it appears probable that he 
 had a wife, 3DorOtlj)'. who wa^^ buried 27th April, 164 — . 
 
 Note. — Bj' his will, dated 27th November, 1648, proved -tth May, 1G19, by 
 his brother Edward. To be buried in the south aisle of .St. Decuman's Church. 
 Mentions his brothere William and l^ewis, and twenty shillings to his cousin, 
 Ann Lucas, for a ring. 
 
 DON I FORD. 
 
 CoUinson thus describes the descent of Doniford : — "In the time of Henry 1[ 
 (1154 — 89), Richard Fitzurse granted this manor to William de Keigni, before 
 which grant it had been part ot his demesne. In this family of Keigni, who 
 lived at Asliolt, iu the hundred of Canniugton, it continued till 6 Edward II 
 (1313), being held by the service of a whole knight's fee and suit of court twice 
 a year, if required, of the families of Caiitilupe and Hastings, lords of the manor 
 of Berwick. 8 Edward II (1315), it was, together with its appurtenances in 
 Watchet and .Stogumber, jointly held by Nicholas de Barton, \\ lUiam de Horsi, 
 John Fr.aunceis, and John Crabbe, as heirs to William de Keigni, who died 
 5 Edward II (1312). All these shares continued in these families till 42 Edward 
 III (1369), when the part of Fraunceis became the property of Oliver de 
 Hewish. " 
 
 The old house at Doniford — the cradle of the Huyshe family — which, to- 
 gether with the paternal estate there, this John Huysh, ob. 1648 — 9, is said to 
 have alienated to the Wyndhams, still exists ; it is of some size, but now 
 modernized to the extinction of almost all its autient features. 
 
 The massive oak front door, opening under a somewhat acutely pointed arch, 
 and apparently the oldest relic left, still hangs on its hinges, as solid and firm 
 as when first placed there. Several elliptic arched doorways occur within, and 
 the original walls are of great thickness. The most perfect portion remaining 
 is a transeptal end, extending a little beyond the main front, gabled, and with 
 two stone-muUioned and labelled windows of some size (similar to that found at 
 Sand) of early seventeenth century date. 'J his part is now used as a cellar, but 
 one of the old chambers within exhibits an ornamental stuccoed cornice con- 
 tinued across the central beam. There are no arms, imtials, or date discover- 
 able. Doniford is pleasantly situate about a mile eiist of Watchet and close on 
 the sea shore. 
 
 The monument to John Huysh, noted in the pedigree as having existed in 
 the parish church of St. Decuman's, h;is now totally disappeared, and no trace 
 of it discoverable after careful search. 
 
 Therecord on Edward Huish's gravestone at St. Cuthbert's, that ''he departed 
 this life litre at Well.i" and was there buried, appears to confirm the information 
 that it was his brother, John Huysh, who disposed of Doniford, which had been 
 held by the family for nearly three centuries. 
 
 XVII.— (Elltoart) I^UiSl), of Doniford, Esq., baptized at 
 St. Decuman's, December, 1622 ; buried at St. Ciitlibert's, 
 Wells, where his monnment, a flat stone in the south aisle,
 
 The llin/slir Fainihj. 15 
 
 yet remains. He died 16tli August, and was buried the 19th, 
 
 1669. The arms on the stone are Iluysh, impaling, a chevron 
 
 between three mnllets pierced. 
 
 Note. — The Hat stoue still exists in the south aisle of St. Cuthbert's, but 
 exceedingly woru and frayed, and it was with the utmost difficulty the following 
 portiou of the inscription could be recovered : — 
 
 " Here rexteth the bodij of Edward IIv'ikIi, uf Donl/urd, 
 Enq., who departed thin life here at tfel/s the (16) day of 
 Aiymt, 16G9. 
 
 fo live iinth me. 
 
 And I not ijood enovijh to d)/e with thee. 
 
 Behuhl thi/ fife btj me. 
 Who sometime teas an thov, 
 A nd thov in time shalt hc\ 
 Bvt dvst as I am now." 
 
 Above the inscription is an hour-gUss, etc., and faint traces of the shield 
 bearing Huish, impaling a chevron between three mullein, or cinquefoils. At the 
 base of the stoue another and apparently later inscription has been cut, but too 
 denuded to be made out. There is a mournful cadence apparent in the inscrip- 
 tion and epitaph, which seems to point to the adverse fate then awaiting this, 
 the main stem of Huyshe, not only by the disposal of the family patrimony, but 
 its extinction also on the deaths of his two brothers, \VilIiani and Lewis, of 
 whom no further particulars are recorded. 
 
 The impalement on the gravestone is similar to that of Sambourne, of Tims- 
 bury — ari/ent, a chevron .table, beticeen three mullets ijtdes, pierced or. 
 
 XVIII.— (laUlUnm it?lliOlj, baptized March, 1623, at St. 
 Decunian's. According- to Mr. Palmer, he it was who sold 
 the family estate to the Wyndliams in 1671. I>ut this is cer- 
 tainly a mistake, for, according to the late i\Ir. Tripp, Lord 
 Egremont's steward, the Wyndham title shews that John was 
 the man who alienated the old paternal proj^erty. 
 
 Xix.-2.ctoic Inmi). 
 
 FIRST rOSSKSSOlt OF S.A.XD, IN SIDliURY, DEVON. 
 
 I.— It^tmipljrC}^' I3rtt)i0lj, or l^UJ*©!), second son of Oliver 
 Hewish, of Doniford, married ^I'lflt'Cf. daughter and coheir 
 of John Hawlk, of High-Bray, in the parish of Southmolton, 
 Devon, and had issue ( 1 ) Henry Hewisli, of whom hereafter ; 
 (2) Joint llni.-<h, of Okcford, Devon. Will dated 12th March,
 
 16 The Hnyslie Fa mill/. 
 
 31 Elizabeth (1589), proved at Harnstaple, May, 1589. He 
 married Wilmot, daughter of Ro(jcr Prescott, Est/., and relict 
 of Gregory Radford, of Okeford, Esq. Will dated 1 7th 
 January, 1604, and proved at Barnstaple, fith March, 1()()4. 
 He died without issue. (3) Bartholomew Hiiishe, of Studley, 
 Devon, gentleman. Will dated 4th May, 1578, and pi-oved at 
 Barnstaple, 9th .Time, same year. He had no issue by Mnri/, 
 his wife, who was relict of Veysie. (4) Jolni Hin/shc, who 
 died unmarried. 
 
 Note. — High-Bray is a distinct parish in North Devon. Hall is in the parish 
 of Bishops-Tawton, "where the name of Hall had formerly their residence, 
 but Simon de Halle, a man learned in the laws, procured this his ancestor's 
 dwelling to be his inheritance, and left it unto Thomasine, his daughter, wife 
 of Richard Chichester, third son of Ilichard Chichester, of Kalegh." — (Pole). 
 
 Gregory Radford, of Oakford, in North Devon (son of Richard Radford, of 
 Oakford, and Joan, daughter of ... . Hill, alias Spurway), marrieil U'ihnot, 
 daughter of Roger Prescott, and by her had two sons — Richard, buried 1.569, 
 and .John, buried 162'2. 
 
 II. — I^ruri' |3ftoi0l), or laiD'Olj. afoi-esaid, purchased the 
 estate and dwelling of Sand, in the parish of Sidbury, Devon, 
 in 1560-1. By inquisition taken at Tiverton it appears that 
 he died 21st January previous. He was buried at Sidbury, 
 21st January, 1566. He married (Ellm, daughter of John 
 Staveley, of East Bnckland, in the county of Devon, Esq., 
 by Junn, davighter and coheir of John Lapjiode. She was 
 buried at Sidbury, 27th May, 1592. He had issue, three sons 
 and five daughters : ( 1 ) Thonms ; { 2 ) Antlioni/, of both of 
 whom hereafter : (3) IVilliam //('«•/>//, Rector of Kilkhampton, 
 in Cornwall. Will dated 5th January, 1610, proved in the 
 Bishop of Exeter's Court, 4th May, 1611. He married Joan, 
 daughter of WilUuni Perr/'e, and relict of Osborne, by whom 
 he had issue two daughters, Elizdhctli, wife of JViUium JVeston, 
 and Nazar, wife of George Lijipincott, of Wibbery, Devon. 
 (4) Ellen, wife of Richard Cooke, Esij., who had issue, Mari/ 
 and Ellen. (5) Joan, wife of IVilliam Stoford, of Ottery St. 
 Mary, and had issue. (6) Elizabeth, died without issue, first 
 married Peter Drayton, of Exeter (Schoolmaster), secondly 
 John Doughtie, mcwvah&at of Alphington. (7) Graee, married
 
 The llid/slii- Fannh/. 17 
 
 Wilhnm Norrej/s, of Lyme, and liad issue. (8) Jane, married 
 Richard Bevys, of Exeter, and had issue. From her descend 
 the Bevys, of Clist House, Dartmouth, and Barnstaple. Mr. 
 Westcote, in his pedigree of Devon families, iVr*. 2297, MSS. 
 Harlei/, says she married secondly William Martin, Recorder 
 of Exeter. 
 
 SAND I. 
 
 NoTK. — The descent of the manor of Sand is thus stated by Pole. It was 
 granted about Heury II s time (12l(>-72), by the iJean and Chapter of Exeter, 
 to William and Deodatus de Sand, from whom divers descents proceeded. In 
 the reign of Henry V (1413-2'2). Iloger Tremayle had Over-Sand. To Roger 
 Tremayle and Margaret his wife. Bishop Stafford granted license for an oratory 
 in their house at Over-Sand, Sidbury, -i.'ith .January, 141S 19. 
 
 To him succeeded .John, and to him Sir Thomas Tremayle, a Justice of the 
 Common Pleas, temp. Henry V^II. Philip his son succeeded, who married 
 Jane, daughter of Nicholas VVhitiiig, of Combe, in the adjoining ])arish of 
 Gittisham. Thej' left a daughter Florence, married to Nicholas .Ashley, and it 
 is probable from her. or her representatives, that Henry Huyshe purchased 
 Sand. 
 
 Sir Thomas Tremayle was kuighterl at the marriage of Prince Arthur, in 
 1501. He bore for his arms, quarterly, (1| A /"cm between three hrogue», {'2) 
 Trivett. (.'i) .4 chevron between three escallopa arijeiit (Farway). 
 
 The first shield of the series of twelve displayed in the hall windows at .Sand 
 is charged with Tremayle. anjent, a/ef:.-: between three hriu/ueti (slioes) i/iden. 
 
 'I'he adjoining manor of Stone, in Sid ford, was held by the family of Trivett. 
 From the same source (Pole) we learn that Roger Tremayle (as above) married 
 Margaret, daughter of John Trivett and .Joan F.arw.ay, Joan her sister (?), to 
 whom the manor fell, married Roger Pym .John Trivett was the son of Peter, 
 "who had a great part thereof," in King Fldward Ill's time. The Pyms held 
 it for several generations, ultimately disposing of it to Periam. of Exeter. The 
 Somerset VhiHation. KLSl-TS, gives Peter Trivett. of Chilton-Trivett, in Cau- 
 nington, married Joan Farway, to him John, of Sidbury (a younger branch of 
 Trivett of Durborough, Collinson), and to him Peter, ob s.p., and liis sister 
 and heir married Roger Pym. The arms of 'I'rivett (ar'jetitj ei triret (sahlej^ 
 apparently, super-imposed by the arms of Pym (anjent) an annulet (xah/e), 
 appear in a shield on a boss in the roof of the nave of .Sidbury church. 
 
 Harcombe. another manor in Sidbury, was, according to Pole, "the inheri- 
 tance of William de Harcombe, temp. Edward 1, and after, at the latter end of 
 King Edward III, Ralph Lapflode (of Laptiode, in Bridford) was owner thereof, 
 which left issue Jane, wife of John Staveley. and Sibil, wife of John Halse. 
 This land fell unto .Staveley by partition, and Bartholomew .Staveley sold the 
 same, and Rowland Huysh, of Sand, Esquire, hath bought a good part thereof 
 and enlarged his demesnes." 
 
 Ellen Staveley, the wife of Henry Huysh, was the grand-daughter and 
 coheir of John Lapriode — Bartholomew Staveley was her brother. 
 
 The arms of Laptiode, 'jnles, a chevron betweeen three ijoats heads erazed 
 anjent, armed or, are on a shield in the windows of the hall at Sand, second in 
 the series, thus with that of Tremayle, indicating the acquisition of both manors 
 of .Sand and Harcombe by Huyshe. The .arras of Staveley do not a])pear. 
 
 Nazar, or Nazareth Huish, second daughter of the Rev- William Huish, of 
 Kilkhanipton, married first George Lippiucott, of Barnstaple, ob. 7th December, 
 1624, ami secondly, in 163,5, William Fauntleroy, of Fauntleroy Marsh, Dorset. 
 
 Richard Cooke, probably of Thorne, near Ottery. The .Stowfonls of Ottery 
 were a younger branch of that family settled there. 1!. Norris, merchant, 
 Mayor of Lyme-Regis, 1,597.
 
 18 The Huyshe Faiiilhj. 
 
 John Doughty, B. D., was Rector of Alphingtou. 1593—1637-8 ; patron Wil- 
 liam Bourchier, Earl oit Bath. Richard Bevis, of Exeter, husbaml of Jane 
 Huisb, was Sheriff 1591, Receiver 1592, Mayor 1602. He died during his 
 Mayoralty, 26th August, 1602 Ou a flat stone in St. Mary- Arches Church, 
 Exeter, is : — 
 
 "Here lyeth the body of Richard Bevis who died Mitior of this 
 
 Citlie, and was buried . ... of Auijuit, 1G02. My habitation is in heaven." 
 
 William Martin (a descendant of the Martins of Athelhampton, Dorset), 
 second husband of Jane Huish, was elected Mayor for the residue of the year. 
 He was Steward 1571. Receiver 1.">S3, Sheriff 1584, Mayor 1590 and 1602, 
 Recorder 1605. He was buried 12th .\pril. 1617, at St. Petrock's, Exeter. 
 
 In St. Mary-Arches, Exeter, on a flat stone : — 
 
 "Here lyeth Jane Bevis loho was secondly married to William Marlyn 
 (the Recorder of this Citty) obiit . . . . 16 . . ." 
 
 The worthy Recorder appears to have taken to himself the wife, as well as 
 the office of the deceased Mayor. lie was Recorder of Exeter, and a learned 
 historian. His biography is given in Princes' tVorthies. Jane Bevis was his 
 second wife. 
 
 Ou a further partially obliterated stone — 
 
 " widinr of ./iihn Marshsall, Ei(j., and dau<jhter of Richard 
 
 Beavis, Esq., died 'tti January, 1630." 
 
 John Marshall was Mayor of Exeter in 1615. 
 
 Peter Beavis, Esq., Sheriff of Devon, 1653, the son probably of Richard 
 Beavis and Jane Huish, purchased the manor and manor house of Bishop's- 
 Clyst, in the parish of Sowton, from the Earl of Bedford. He died 27th 
 October, !656. and was buried at Sowton. His descendants continued to reside 
 there until the death of Miss Ellery Beavis in 1801, when the estate was dis- 
 posed of to Thomas, Lord Graves. Their arms were — Azure, three close helmets 
 in profile anjent, ijantished or. 
 
 In the handsome oak-panelled bedroom at Sand, a portion of the head-board 
 and some carved figures, being parts of an old bedstead, have been preserved 
 and affixed to the panelling. On it is inscribed 
 
 H. HVYSHE.— E. HVYSHE. 
 
 Apparently for Henry Huyshe, ob. 1566. who first purchased .Sand, and his 
 wife Ellen Stavely. This room has Ionic pilasters and a richly carved cornice, 
 the consoles with \um'a heads A lion sejant, sits on the newel-post of the old 
 circular solid oak-stepped staircase — there is a finely carved oak screen that 
 separates the hall from the front passage ; and an interesting old cupboard with 
 lockers, the doors ornamented with the linen pattern, and coeval with the 
 building of tlie house, is preserved. An immense crocodile hangs sprawling 
 against the pass;ige wall ; the skull of an elk with huge horns, and another of 
 a red-deer are affixed to the carved hall skreen, all evidently of great age of 
 preservation. Relics of the period, when the olden owners of Sand had residence 
 here ; which appears to have ceased at the death of James Huvshe who died in 
 1724. 
 
 III. — '(TljOmaef lailiol), aforesaid, he wa.* of Axminster, 
 gentleman, 9th Augtist, 39 Elizabeth, 159fi, and died without 
 issue. He, together with his brother, Anthonj-, sold the two 
 estates of Higher and Lower Sand to their cousin, James 
 Huish, of London, 26 Elizabeth, 1583-4.
 
 The Hiiyslw Family. 19 
 
 IV. — SilltljOIll' l^ctoiolj, atbresaid, was of Axminster : will 
 dated ITtli tlune, loiJ.S, and proved in the P.C.C 5th December. 
 He married ^liCf, daughter of Turner, and relict of 
 Alexander Osborne. Administration of the effects of Alice 
 Hewishe, of Axminster, was granted in September, 1612, by 
 the Archdeacon of Exeter's Court, but owing to the careless 
 manner in which these records have been kept, the document 
 is not to be found. They had issue Henry. 
 
 v.— li^rnr)' liSrtolOJ), married iJBcirCflla, eldest daughter 
 and coheir of William Svmonos, of Exeter. She was 
 twice married afterwards ; to Richard Herbert, of Exeter, and 
 to Thomas Duke, of Exeter, who died 14tli November, l(i44. 
 Slie was buried in Salcombe Churcli, Hrd April, 16.57. Her 
 will was proved in P.C.C, 10th December, 16o7. They had 
 issue Soiitkcott. 
 
 Note. — William Simonds, of Exeter (son of Thomas Simonds, of Taunton, 
 Somerset), married Alice, daughter of .... Moore, of Bamton (Botheuhamp- 
 ton?), in Dorset. There were three daughters coheiresses, Marcella, the eldest, 
 then wife of Richard Herbert, of Exeter ( Visitation, 1620). Arms of Simonds — 
 Per f ess dancettee fjule^i and anjent, a [tale counterchamjed, three trefoils one and 
 two s/ippe<l of tlie first. 
 
 VI. — »>0tltl)C0tr 1(311151), of Exeter, who died unmarried. 
 Administration of his effects was granted by the P.C.C. to 
 his mother Marcella Duke, ISth .lune, 1642. 
 
 OF TAUNTON, SOMERSET. 
 
 I. — Thomas Huysh, third sou of Oliver Hewish, of Doni- 
 ford, was, according to the family pedigree found at Sand, the 
 ancestor of the Huyshes, of Tetton, in the parish of Kingston, 
 and of " tlins other Huyshes about Taunton, and so oj liiekard 
 Huyshe who lycth buried in Tannton." There seems no reason 
 for doubting the truth of this .statement. Richard Huyshe's
 
 20 The Hiii/shc Fuuiih/. 
 
 will proves his affinity to the Hiijsh's of Doniford and Sand, 
 and the rest of the pedigree is confirmed by substantial 
 evidence. The above named 
 
 II. — ll^lcljai'U ^i^Ul'SljC, was of New Inn in 1.589. He died 
 without issue, and be([ueathed his property in the Black Friars, 
 London, and in Taunton, to trustees for the maintenance of 
 an Alms House in Taunton, for aged men, with preference to 
 any poor among his kindred, and for exhibitions at the Uni- 
 versities of Oxford and Cambridge to young men of his name 
 and kindred only, and in default of these, to young men born 
 in the counties of Somerset and Devon. The full particulars 
 of this charitv are to be found in Vol. V. of the Charity 
 Commissioners Reports. The i)rivileges thus attached to his 
 kindred make it an act of justice to record all that can be 
 o-athered respecting his connexions. But no connected pedi- 
 gree of this branch of tlie family appears ever to have been 
 formed, and those interested in the enquiry must be referred 
 to the collections deposited in the Alms House by the Rev. 
 Francis Huyshe, and to some MSS. recently added to the 
 librarv of the College of Arms, where the result of an exami- 
 nation of wills and parish registers will be found. Richard 
 Huysh married (EbfaOt. daughter of William Lovel, of 
 Bishops- Lydiard, in Somerset, Esq., and heir to her brother 
 John Lovel. She was relict of James Clarke, of Norton 
 Fitzwarren, Esq. Her will, where she is described as of 
 Noi-ton Fitzwarren, was proved in the Archdeacon's Court, 
 Taunton, in 1628, but is lost. Richard Huysh died 2.3rd Feb., 
 161.5, and was buried in St. Mary Magdalen, Taunton, on 
 21st March following. A tablet to his memory with the arms 
 of Huysh and Aveaell quarterlj- is fixed on the wall of the 
 south aisle of that church. By inquisition taken 14th July, 
 18 James I (1621), it appears his next heirs were Johanna, 
 wife of John Mounsteven ; Margaret, wife of Henry Webber; 
 and Thomazine, wife of John Cox — she being the daughter 
 and coheir of John Huish, son and heir of Richard Huish, son
 
 'I'lif lliii/slif Fiimihi. 21 
 
 and heir of Robert Haisli, brother of his father Thomas llii!sh. 
 This Thomas and Robert Huish must have been sons of 
 Thomas Huish, third son of Oliver Hewisli, and Thomas is 
 ]n-obal)ly the Thomas Huysli l)iiri('(l in St. Marv Mau'ihdcn, 
 Taunton, 12th March, lo.jf), and Hol)t'rt is jirobably the 
 Robert Huish whose will dated 28th November, l.J,)8, was 
 proved in the Archdeacon's Court by his son Richard Huish. 
 
 Note. — Will of .John BoikI, of Tavintou, gent , dated 14tli .June, Hili.— " I 
 have sold to Mr. liichard Hiiishe. of Loudon, certain houses in Magilalyn Lane, 
 for a Hospital," 
 
 The test.ator was evidently the "learned .John Bond, .\.M.," horn at Trull 
 in 1550, and who, accordiDi; to Collinson, in l.")79, was elected Master of the 
 Free School in Taunton. •' He was educated at Winchester, and in 1.509 entered 
 as student at New College, in Oxford, where he w.as highly esteemed for his 
 classical learning. He continued in the Mastershiji many year.*!, and thence 
 sent into the world many eminent scholars. At length he turned his tlumghts 
 to the study of physick, which after relinquishing his former employment, he 
 practised with much reputation. He died .>rd August, 161'2 and was huried in 
 chancel of the church of St. Mary Magdalen, with the following inscription : — 
 
 Qui medicus tloctus, pi-udenti-i nomine clarus, 
 
 Eloquii 8]deiulor, Fieridmni]U<; dvcus. 
 Virtutis cultor, /tiftnti^ rixit amicua. 
 
 Hoc jaCft in tumulo, s/tiritus alia tenet." 
 
 The tine character of a man 
 
 Who waft a learned phif-sician, renowned hy name for hiti skil/f 
 
 Celebrated for oratory, and the ornament of the Munes. 
 A cnltii^ator of virtue^ he lived the friend of piety ; 
 
 He lies in this tomb, but his spirit occupies the heights above. 
 
 The gravestone to his memory has disappeared, (iilhert .Sheldon, .Archbishop 
 of Canterbury, was one of his scholars. He does not appear to have been form- 
 ally admitted a physician by ilipioma. He wrote several classical works. 
 
 Tbese worthy men, Richard Huish and John Bond, were doubtless friends, 
 in sympathy with each other in good works, and three years only parted their 
 deaths. 
 
 Will of Richard Huish, of the precincts of the Blackfriars, London, dated 
 30th .Tauuary, 1615. To be buried in the south aisle of St. Mary Magdalen's, 
 Taunton, with some memorial over me. .'V Hospital to be built for l.'i poor 
 men — President of the same to be appointed by such of my name as shall be 
 heirs male of the house of Huyshe, now of Uonifor.l, .Somerset, and of .Sand, 
 in Sidbury, Devon. Rowland Huish, of Sand, one of the Governors, to be my 
 Ex'or. 
 
 The monument to the memory of Richard Huyshe in St. Mary Magdalen's, 
 Taunton, contains this inscription — 
 
 Here under lyeth buried the body of Richard Huish, es(/uire, borne in 
 Taunton, and aunciently descended of the familie of the Huyshes of Doni- 
 ford, in the countie of Somerset. 
 
 He founded the hospital in Mawdelyn-tane in Taunton, for thirtecne poor 
 men, bee/urine hy himself in his life-tyme, and Jtnished by his executors after 
 hit death. And for the reliefe of the said poore men, he nare by his last will, 
 one hundred and three pounds by the yeare for ever, yssuing out of certain 
 howses and tenements in the lilack-Fryars, London.
 
 22 The Huyslie Family. 
 
 And also, by his sayd will lie ijave one hundred pounds a yeare fo"' ecer, 
 <)Wt of the sayd tenements, for the maintainance offyve schoUnrs of his natne 
 of Huysh and Kindred, at one or both of the Universitys of Oxford or Cam- 
 brid(je : and dyed in the true fayth of Christ- Jesus, the 2'Ard day of Feb., 
 A'/io Dom\ 1615. 
 
 These further wills relate apparently to the Taunton branch of the Huyshes. 
 
 Will of Robert Huish, of Taunton, Somerset, gent., dated 5th September, 
 and proved 8th December. 1635. To be buried in the Chancel. Toward the 
 repairs of the organ, 40/- To the Lady Ann Portman, of Orchard, a ring of 
 30 -, and the same to Robert Cuffe, Esq., and to Mary Hill, my daughter. 
 To my son, Alexander Hill, my Ex'or, £5. Robert Browne, of Taunton Castle, 
 Esq., overseer. 
 
 I'he Hills were of Poundisford Park, near Taunton. 
 
 Will of Robert Huish, of Luckham, Somerset, yeoman, dated iSth January, 
 1646 ; proved iOch May, 1647, by Edith Huish, relict. Mentions John and 
 Robert, the sons of my brother, John Huish. Jone Huish, widow. John 
 Doddington, my son-in-law. My brother-in law, Matthew Herring, of Dul- 
 vertou. 
 
 Nuncupative will of Mary Huish, of Taunton St. James, Somerset, spinster, 
 loth July, 1650 ; proved 14th September, 16.50, by Jane Huish. Mentions her 
 mother, Marie ; the children of her uncle, Mark Huish ; Agnes, wife of John 
 Cole. 
 
 IDuist), 
 
 OF NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 In this family there is a tradition that their ancestor having 
 joined in Monmouth's rebellion, fled instantly after the battle 
 of Sedgmoor, and that to escape the punishments inflicted by 
 Judge Jeiferys on the adherents of the Duke's cause, he 
 altogether quitted his native place, Taunton, and settled at 
 Leicester. The arms of Huish and Avenell have been borne 
 quarterly by this family, and they possess a bible of the date, 
 1676, with the name ^^ Elizabeth Huish, Taunton, Somerset- 
 shire,'''' on the binding. These traditions coujiled with the 
 coincidence of the rather uncommon C'hristian name of Mark 
 recurring with that of Robert at that precise period, attbrd 
 the strongest grounds for believing them to be of the same 
 race. 
 
 Mark Huish, of St. James's, Taunton, whose will was proved 
 in 1651, had issue a Robert Huish and a Mark Huish, the
 
 The lliiijskc Famil;/. 23 
 
 latter baptized 14th November, 1630 ; Robert Huish liad a 
 son Murk baptized 18th June, 1654, born 2.5th May; and a 
 son Robert baptized 1659. Future enquiries may decide 
 whether either of these was the Robert Huish, of Leicester, 
 who follows. 
 
 I.— Eobnt UStllOlj. or i}r\UIOlj, as it is sometimes spelled in 
 the Registers of St. Martin's and St. Nicliolas, Leicester ; he 
 and his wife Sarah were living in 1729. He was married to 
 »>ciral) Cooke, at St. Nicholas, Leicester, 30th April, 1693. 
 
 They had issue (1) Robert; (2) Mark llewish, baptized at St. 
 Martin's, 20th January, 1695, burird at St. Nicholas's, 1729. 
 Will proved at York, Uth February, 1729. (3) John Hewish, 
 died and buried September 1700, in St. Martin's Leicester. 
 
 (4) Elizabeth, bajitized 15th September, 1697, at St. Martin's, 
 married 5th October, 1720, to .Tohn Weston, son of Richard 
 Weston, of Leicester, Alderman. 
 
 II.— Eobcrt ^\\\Q\) aforesaid, baptized at St. Martin's, 
 Leicester, 4tli March, 1694. He removed to Nottingham, of 
 wliich town he was Sheritf in 1736; Alderman in 1759; and 
 Mayor in 1760. He was buried in St. Nicholas, Nottingliam. 
 Will proved at York, 23rd Deceml)er, 1765, and in P.C.C, 
 5th June, 1765. Married at Hugglescote, 3iiCC, daughter of 
 Richard Weston, an Alderman of Leicester, and sister of 
 John Weston before mentioned, buried in St. Nicholas, Not- 
 tingham. By her who survived him he had issue ( 1 ) Robert, 
 immarried, drowned on his passage to Guernsey ; (2) Mark, of 
 whom hereafter ; (3) Elizabeth, wife of Nathaniel Denison, of 
 Daybook, Notts, died in 1811, aged 90, leaving issue; (4) 
 Alice, wife of John Davison, of Leicester, M.D., and had issue ; 
 
 (5) Mary, wife of Sir Robert Bcwicke, of Close House, 
 Northumberland, Knt., and had issue: (6) Anne, who died 
 unmarried. 
 
 III.— Sl^ark li3Ui0lj, of Nottingham, baptized 16th Decem- 
 ber, 1725, married at St. Philip's, Birmingham, 13th December, 
 1774, Sl^aUffiircr. daughter of Charles Stuart, of Bimiing-
 
 24 The Hiii/slte Faniihj. 
 
 ham. She was born iu 1752, and died 24th April, 1822. Mr. 
 Hnish died 9th June, 1807, and was buried at St. Nicholas, 
 Nottingham. They had issue (1) Mark, of whom hereafter. 
 (2) Robert, author of The History of Bees, and various other 
 worlcs. He married at St. George's, Southwark, 23rd August, 
 1805, Maria Petty, daughter of Kobert Greening, Esij., of 
 H.M. Customs. They have issue, Robert, boj-n 16th June, 
 1811 ; John, born 14th January, 1814; Calverly, born 26th 
 October, 1821; Maryaret Eliza, born llth May. 1806; Har- 
 riet Maria, born 5th December, 1807. (o) John, born 14th 
 July, 1780, died October 1823, buried at Sneinton, Notts ; 
 married at Willoughby, in the county of Leicester, in 1809. 
 Mary, daughter of Henry Norton Gamble, of Willoughby, 
 Capt. R.N. She died 30th April, 1825. They had issue, 
 John, born 17th March, 1813, now of Derby, solicitor; Mar- 
 cus, horn 19th July, 1815; Mary, horn 5th June, 1809, died 
 3rd October, 1821 ; Maryaret, born 27th October, 1810; Anne 
 Caroline, born 19th Septembei-, 1817 ; Eliza, born 8th March, 
 1812. (4) Calverly, of Liverpool, merchant, born 15th July, 
 1786, married 26th May, 1809, Harriet, daughter of John 
 Youle, of Nottingham, Esq., they have issue, Calrerly, born 
 27th April, 1817, died 18th September, 1818 ; Harriet, born 
 14th January, 1813 ; Maryaret Anne, born 10th July, 1819. 
 (5) William, Lieutenant 6th Regiment Dragoons Carabineers, 
 born 1787, married at Manchester Mary Anne Taylor, died 
 3rd June, 1822, burled at Newington Butts. (6) Eliza, wife 
 of Francis Hart, of Nottingham, banker, born 1782, married 
 at St. Peter's, Nottingham, 1809, issue, Eliza, born 1810 ; 
 Frank, born 1816, died 26th April, 1836. (7) Maryaret, born 
 1777, wife of J. B. Smith, Esq., of Newark. He died 1807, 
 married 9th November, 1806. Now of Bridgend House, 
 Nottingham. Issue, Joseph, born 1807, died 23rd July, 1823. 
 IV.— Sl^arfe !|3UtOf), born 1st March, 1776, died 14th 
 January, 1833, and buried at St. Nicholas, Nottingliam. A 
 Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire. Married at Work-
 
 Thr 1 llll/^hr Fdtllih/. ' 25 
 
 sop, 5th August, 1799, (EUui, iliuinhtor of John Gainsford, 
 of WorksQ]), Esq. She died in 1824. They had issue (1) 
 Murk; (2) Ilriiry, died 1831 ; (3) Eliza, bom 27th July, 1800; 
 (4) Mari/dvct ; (5) Mm-y ; (0) Stuart — these all died young. 
 
 v.— a^aik IflUJOij. born 9th March, 1803, now (1837) a 
 C'ii])tain ill tlu' 74th Kegiment Bengal Native Infantry. 
 
 louysfjc, 
 
 OF WKLLS, S()iIi;i;SET, 
 
 Accoi!DiNG to Mr. Palmer's Mb. John Huyshe, son of 
 William Huyshe of Doniford ])y his second wife, was father 
 of the eminent divine Alexander Huisli. 
 
 I. — aiCianliri' i^lUSlj. He was born in the parish of St. 
 Cuthbert's, at Wells. His birth appears to have been about 
 the year 1594, for according to his own testimony (ride Greek 
 Hymn in the Polyglot) he was sixtj'-three years of age in 
 1658. He was a Commoner of Magdalen Hall, Oxford, in 
 1()09 ; E.A., loth February, 1013; original scholar of Wad- 
 ham College, 20th April, 1013 ; M.A., 17th December, 1616; 
 B.D., 2nd December, 1627. Presented to the Rectory of 
 Beckington, Somerset, in 1627, and to that of Hornblotton in 
 the same county by Thomas Milbourne, Esq., in February, 
 16;)S. Of this living he was dispossessed in 1650, but restored 
 to it in 1660, and 12th Sejitember same year, he was collated 
 to the Prebend of White Lackington, in Wells Cathedral, of 
 which he had the gift before the Rebellion. He died loth 
 April, 1668, and was buried in the chancel of Beckington, 
 where a brief inscription was placed to his memory, which has 
 been copied by Collinson in his History of Somerset. His will 
 was proved on (ith June, l(i(JS, in the P.C.C., by his relict 
 Deborah, who was his second wife. In the preface, he shortly 
 but earnestly expresses his thankfulness to God, for his res- 
 toration to his living.
 
 26' Tlic Iliiyslic Fnniihj, 
 
 He was a man distinguished for theological learning, accu- 
 rate criticism, knowledge of languages, especially the oriental 
 tongues, sound divinity, and excellence in preaching, and he 
 was much celebrated among the learned throughout Europe. 
 The prominent part he took in the preparation of Walton's 
 Polyqlnt Bible, is gratefully acknowledged by Walton himself, 
 and subsequent critics have mentioned with praise, the accu- 
 racy and fidelity with which he executed his celebrated 
 Collation of the Alexandrian MS. of the Bible. 
 
 His sufferings during the Rebellion are evidence of more 
 than common attachment to the King, and of his exertions in 
 his cause. He was driven from one place to another, im- 
 prisoned for a few days at Chadfield, in Wilts, where he 
 narrowly escaped starvation, having been saved from perishing 
 by the pious but accidental care of some charitable persons, 
 and finally in 1650, was dispossessed of his living. By the 
 Royalist composition papers (in the State Paper Office), it 
 appears the value of his estate was ^^40, on which a fine, 
 £13 6s. 8d., was imposed. 
 
 His writings are Musa Ruralis in Advent, Car. II, 4to., 
 London, 1660 ; Lectures on the Lords Prayer, in Three Parts, 
 London, 1626. The notes of John Flavel having come into 
 his possession, he published them under the title of Tractatus 
 de Demonstratione Methodicus et Polemicus, Oxou., 1619. 
 
 He was twice married. By Sl^arffiirCt, his first wife, who 
 was buried at Beckington, 4th October, 1642 (1) Alexander, 
 of whom hereafter; (2) James, baptized 29th October, 1637, 
 living 1667 ; (3) Maryarct, wife of Thomas Milbourne, of 
 London, printer, wlio had issue. By 2Drti0ril|), the relict of 
 Bryant, whose will was proved in the P.C.C, 3rd June, 1671, 
 he had issue (1) Anne, baptized 29th February, 1643, living 
 1671 ; (2") Deborah, baptized 2nd May, 1645, buried January, 
 1645 ; (3) Dorothy, co-executrix with Anne of their mother's 
 will.
 
 77/'' Hiii/sltc Futnili/. 27 
 
 Note. — On a tiat stone in Beckingtou Church (CoUinson) : — 
 
 "Sub hoc saxo reconditum jacet corimn Alexandri. Hiiish linjus ecdaiice 
 o/ini rectorin, qui obijt decimo ijuiiito die Aprilin, MDChX VIII." 
 Walton's Poli/nlot Hible and the Lexicon is thus described :— 
 
 "BiBLiA Sacka I'oLYGi.oTi-A, com/ilectentia TextusOrii/inales, Ilehraicum 
 (cum Pentateuchi) Samaritaim) Chal.daicum, Graccttm VersiomimquK And- 
 quarum, SamariUinae, Oraecae LXXIJ IiUer/iretiim, Chaldaicae, Syriacae, 
 Arabicae, j!!lho/)icae, Vv/iiatae Latiiiae, cum omnium Translationibus 
 Latinix H Appafiilii, Appendicihuii, Tabu/is, etc., edidit Brtanus Wal- 
 TONUS, 1G57. Castelli, Lkxicon Heptaglotton, Heb., Cliald., Syr., 
 Samar., .iethiop.. Arab., et Pcrs., cum omnium Gramaticis, 1GS6. 
 
 Six volumes folio of the Po/i/ij/ot aud two of the Lexicon — they contain por- 
 traits of Walton and C'astell, and illustrations by Hollar — priced in a recent 
 bookseller's catalogue at fourteen guineas. 
 
 II.— aiClMlltirr l>uiQ\] aforesaid, bix])tized fith December, 
 1632. l]y hii^ wife HDOrOtlj;', who was buried at Beckiiigton, 
 8tli August, 1G.')(), he had issue (1) Ahwandcr, baptized 21st 
 August, \i]~?>; CI) Antlidiii/. liaptizcd IGtii June, 1676; (3) 
 James, ba])tized 31st August, and buried l.')tli March, IGiSl ; 
 (4) Sarali, baptized 6th October, 1669, living 1670. 
 
 1.— (EtlVuartl \^\[\q\), of Wells, Notary Public, will dated 
 4th March, 162:;, and proved r.C.C, 14th Juno, 1624, buried 
 at St. Cuthbert's, 25th March, 1624. By his will he appears 
 to have been twice married. The marriage ring of his first 
 wife he leaves to his son James. His second wife who sur- 
 vived liini nas named Cljl'tCtiilll. He liad issue (1) ./«wc'.v, of 
 whom below : (2) Alexander ; (3) Aiitlwni/ ; (4) Edward, 
 living 1624-38; i'j) Petemell, manned at St. t'uthberts, 14th 
 November, 1625, to Thomas Lowe, and she was living in 1638. 
 
 Note. — The occurrence of a daughter, Petrouell, and of a 
 son, Alexander, at the same time, in two distinct families of 
 Huyshe, settled in the parish of St. Cuthbert's, seems so 
 highly improbable, that little or no doubt can be entertained 
 that the learned assistant of Walton was the Alexander here 
 mentioned as the brother of James, and of Petronella Rouse, 
 widow, in Alexander's will, being the Petronell, wiio is here 
 said to have married Thomas Lowe, in November 16th, 1625. 
 
 There is certainly, jirima facie, a strong objection to the
 
 28 The Hiu/shc Family. 
 
 hypothesis of this .Tames heing lirother of Alexander, Walton's 
 assistant, from the proof that Edirard was the father of .lames, 
 Init that John, sou of William Huish, of Donifoi'd, as stated 
 above, to be the father of Alexander. 
 
 This however rests solely on the avithority of Mr. Palmei-'s 
 MS., where he probably had no document to depend upon. 
 Mr. Palmer may have mistaken .Tohn for Edward, or he may 
 have omitted a generation in his pedigree, and so if there were 
 this John the son of William of Doniford, he may have been 
 the grandfather of .lames and Walton's assistant. 
 
 Note. — By his will he appears to have had another daughter, Jane. His 
 second wife and executrix was Christian, daughter of Anlhoni/ Oodwin, of 
 Wookey, Somerset. She remarried Adrian Bower. Died in 1640, and was 
 buried at Brightwell. Berks. 
 
 2. — 3I'"^^f£i l?UiOl), aforesaid, Notary Public, and Registrar 
 to five Bishops of Bath and Wells. He died 10th February, 
 1639, aged 47, and was buried in the south aisle of the Cathe- 
 dral, where a flat stone to the memory of him, his wife, and 
 daughter, still remains. His will was proved P.C.C., 9th 
 April, 1640, and in it he mentions his brothers, the three sons 
 of his father above named, feci Til I), his relict married secondly 
 John Prickman, gentleman, and died 27th May, 1670, aged 
 73. They had issue (1) Edward, baptized 3rd January, 1634; 
 (2) Jdii/es, baptized 1st Novembei", 1637, probably the same 
 as buried in the Cathedral, 10th August, 1675 ; (3) Christian, 
 baptized 28th November, 1622 ; (4) Martha, baptized 26th 
 December, 1623, dead in 1684 ; (.5) Hester, baptized 8th April, 
 1625, query if same as buried 30th May following : (6) Bridget, 
 baptized 15th June, 1626 ; (7) .S'ara A, baptized 7th December, 
 1628, died 23rd .lanuary, 1694-5, in the sixty-sixth year of 
 her age, her will proved in the Bishop's Court, Wells, in 1695; 
 (8) Mary, wife of Broderlck, had is.sue George Broderick, 
 living 1684. 
 
 There are now at Wells (1837) a poor family of Huishe, 
 who have lived in St. Cuthbert's parish, and are descended 
 from a Henry Huish of Warminster and Hillhouse, who died
 
 Tlie 1 1 III/ she Fdiiiih/. 29 
 
 in 1726. A wirlow Hiiisli, of Ilillliouse, was biiriod 26th 
 September, 16I(t. 
 
 Note.— Around the edge of a tiat stone in tlie south choir aisle of Wells 
 Cathedral : — 
 
 " Deposilum Jacobi lluixli nolarii puldki '/uiiupte hujus duncexedn episco- 
 j>orum reijixlrarii qui annum aeUitit ijuadrayesimvm septimum aijens obiit 
 (leciino die Fehruarii Anno Domini miUesimo nexcentessimo tricessimo noru>." 
 In the centre of the stone : — 
 
 " Hie etiam sepuUa etsl Sara primum praed' d'ni Iluiali dein d'ni Joh'lt 
 
 Prirhnan ijen^ uxor, quae obiit Ho Maii anno D'ni, 1674. Aetaf xuae 73. 
 
 Hie etiam jaeel Sara Huish fitia d'orum Jacobi ct Sarae, quae obiit 23o die 
 
 Jan'rij anno D'ni 1694, aetati.t mtae 66"" 
 
 From the Cathedral Reqiater — Burials — 1674, May 27, Mrs. Sarah I'rickman, 
 
 widow of Mr. .Tohn Priekman. 1694, February 1, Mrs. Sarah Huish. From 
 
 St. Cuthbert's I'arish Ri'gisti-r — Baptmnis — 162(), .January 29, Maud ; 1626, 
 
 .June 1.'), Bridget ; 1627, November 1, .Jumes : 1632, March 2(1, Frances ; 1634, 
 
 January 8, Edward — the children of Mr. .James and Sarah Huishe (.Jewers;. 
 
 On a monument in the cloisters of Wells Cathedral, to William Taylor, Esq., 
 ob. 13th August, 1776, and Catherine his wife, ob. 6th January, 1764, the arms 
 are. Ermine on a ehief indented sable, three escallops or, for Taylor, quarterly, 
 with Huyshe. 
 
 It)iipsf)e, 
 
 OF AI.I^KR, SOMERSET. 
 
 I. — ll^OjyCr ll3tll£fl), second son of John Hcwyshe, of Doniford, 
 and Grace Wah-ond had issue (1) IVilliam ; (2) Grace; (3) 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 IT.— (Lcllilliam ^UJ'SljC, of Aller, liis will dated 9th June, 
 1611, proved in P.C.C, 12th June following, mentions his 
 sister Grace Parker, and his brother-in-law Nicholas Parker, 
 and his sister Elizabeth Blake. Also his sons (1) William; 
 (2) George; (3) John, and his daughter; (4) Grace, and liis 
 sons-in-law, John Marshe and Nicholas Sellacke. 
 
 NoTK. — His will was dated, 8th May, 1611. Mentions his three sons Wil- 
 liam, George, and .John, to his sister Elizabeth Blake, "20 nobles" — his sons-in- 
 law, .John Marshe and Nicholas Sellacke ; his .sister, Grace Parker, to her 
 husband NichoIa.s Parker, "rt ijouldf rimj." 
 
 III.— aaiiUinm Istii'olir.— 
 
 Gcorije Ilinjahe. — 
 
 John H Ill/she. — 
 
 Note.— Will of Robert Boteler. of Old Cleeve, Esq., dated I7th May, 1635, 
 to my godson John Huishe, sou of my brother-in-law George Huishe, 40/-. 
 George Huishe, Overseer.
 
 30 Tlie Hill/she Famili/. 
 
 OF LONDON, SAND, AND CLYSTHIDON. 
 
 I. — '^timC0 |3UJ'Sl)C aforesaid, third aud yonngest son of Jolin 
 Huyslie, of Doniford, aud Grace Walrond, was sometoie of 
 Cheapside, London, and a member of the Grocei-s' Company, 
 He died 20th August, 1590, and was buried in St. Pancras, 
 Soper Lane. His atIII dated 7th Jidy, 1590, was proved in 
 P.C.C., 27th October, 1590. His monvunental inscription is 
 preserved in Stow's London. By his first wife he had eleven 
 children, and by his second wife eighteen. Of these Rowland, 
 William, James, and Thomas are the only sons named in his 
 will, and the others here recorded are taken from the parish- 
 register of St. Pancras, Soper Lane. His first wife was 
 Sl^nrjjaret, daughter aud heir of Bowser or Bourchier, of 
 London. She was buried in St. Pancras Church, 12th May, 
 1568. On the cross in the Bourchier arms she bore a martlet 
 on a crescent by way of dijference. By her he had issue (1) 
 Rowland, of whom hereafter; (2) John, baptized 4th August, 
 1556, and died immediately ; (3) Geffry Hiiysh, baptized 17th 
 August, 1561, he was living at the Visitation of Loudon, 1568 ; 
 
 (4) Lawrence, baptized March, 1562, buried 28th JNIay, 1564 ; 
 
 (5) Mary, baptized 7th September, 1554, married, 2nd Decem- 
 ber, 15 — , Nicholas Pendlebury, aud she was buried 29th April, 
 1616, they had issue ; (6) Anne baptized 3i-d November, 1555 ; 
 (7) 676//, baptized 7th November, 1557; (8) Gmce, baptized 
 14th November, 1558 ; (9) Martha, baptized 28th October, 
 1565, buried 28th April, 1569. James Huyshe's second wife 
 was iJl^tirp, daughter of William Moffyt, of Barrfet, in 
 Herts. She died after having married two other husbands, 
 and was buried in St, Pancras, Soper Lane, 25th September, 
 1601. Her second husband was Sir William Eowe. Knt., 
 Lord Mayor of London. He died 3rd October, 1593. His 
 will was proved 11th May, 1594, in P.C.C, and he was Inu-ied
 
 Tile Iliiyslic Fiiiiiili/. 31 
 
 in St. Lawreiico-Jewiy, and left no issue by his second wife. 
 Her third liiisbatid's arms on tlie banners borne at her ftineral 
 ai)])ear in tlie funeral eertificates at the Heralds College, 
 argent, on a chevron sable, between three martlets of the second, 
 three mullets or. By her he had issue (1) William, baptized 
 9th August, 1570 — he was of the city of London, grocer, 33 
 Elizabeth (1591), and is styled of London, gentleman, 27th 
 November, 42 Elizabeth (1600); (2) James, baptized 20th 
 January, 1576 — he was of Gray's Inn, Middlesex, gentleman, 
 22 November, 42 Elizabeth (1600), and was living 17th 
 December, 4 James I ( 1606). He was married, and his relict 
 had married in 1626 a Mr. Farrer. (3) John, baptized 20th 
 July, 1582 ; (4) Thomas, baptized 17th Jidy, 1583, of London, 
 gentleman, 42 Elizabeth (1600), and living 4 James 1 (1606); 
 (5) Cliristojih(r,hA\)UvA-A 21st June, 1584 ; (6) John, Itaptized 
 and died immediately, 4th August, 1586; (7) Eltjn, baptized 
 9th October, 1572; (8) Alice, baptized 17th January, 1574 
 (unmai-ricd 1590), wife of Robert Brett, Esq. Argent, a lion 
 rampant (jiiles, beticeen eight cross-crossletsjitehc of the serontl. 
 
 SAND II. 
 
 Note. — Higher and Lower Sand were first purchased in 1560-1 by Henry 
 Huyshe, eldest sou of Humphrey Huyshe, the second son of Oliver Huyshe, of 
 Doniford, temp. Henry VII, of Thomas and Anthony Huyshe, of Axminster, 
 the elder sons of the aforesaid Henry Huyshe, who sold the both estates to 
 their cousin, .James Huyshe, of London, 26 Elizabeth, 1583-4. It is situate 
 about half-a-mile north of Sidbury. 
 
 The enormous number of children born to .James Huyshe — eleven by his first 
 wife and eighteen by the second, in all twenty-nine— is a remarkable circum- 
 stance. The descent of Margaret, his fir.st wife, has not been ascertained (there 
 was a large branch of the Bourchiers in Kssex), but she is described as an 
 heiress, and thv murllet on ilie crescent would imply from the fourth son of the 
 second house. The arms, argent, a crosx enijrai/td gules, heticeen four water 
 bouf/ets sable, is the usual bearing of Itourcliier, and occupies the third quarter 
 of the family shield at Sand, where it should be noted the arms of Huyshe are 
 also duly differenced both in the shield and on the crest by a mullet. The 
 eleventh shield in the window displays Huyshe inij)aling Bourchier. His second 
 wife, Mary Moffit, after bearing her husband eighteen children, after his decease 
 further adventured twice into the bonds of matrimony, capturing the Lord 
 Mayor of the great city for one of them. 
 
 The thirteenth shield in the hall window at Sand displays the arms recorded : 
 Argent, scmce of cross-crosxiets Jitchee and a lion rampant gules, impaling Huyshe, 
 of Sand, being the arms of Brett, of Pillond in Pilton, North Devon, and relate 
 to the alliance of .-Vlice, their youngest daughter, with Robert Brett. 
 
 The twelfth shield in the window is Huyshe impaling, argent, a lion rampant 
 sable, between eight escallops in orle gules, for Mary, the second wife of .James
 
 32 The Hiujshe Famili/. 
 
 Huyshe, daughter of William Mofl'ett, of Chipping- Barnet, Hertfordshire, to 
 whom these arms were granted, 10th May, 158S. 
 
 Stow speaks of St. Pancras, Soper Lane, as "a proper small church, but 
 divers rich parishioners therein," and the etlitice was apparently going to decay 
 and neglected in his day. The inscription was found on "a fair monument in 
 the north wall of the quire '" : — 
 
 "Here under lielh buried James Huysk, Citizen and Grocer, of London, 
 tliird son of John Huisli, of Beanford Csic), in the County of Somerset, Esq., 
 which James had to his first Wife, Man/aret Bourchier, by whom he had 
 Issue eleven childre.n : And to his second Wife, Mary Hoffett, by whom he 
 had Issue eighteen Children. He died the 20th Day of August, Ann. Dom., 
 1590. 
 
 Hac defunctus Huy.sh tenui sub mole quiescit 
 
 Nee tamen hac totus mole quiescit Huysh. 
 Cm-pus in est Tumvlo, colit aurea spiritus astra 
 
 Scilicet hunc cmlum vendicat, illud humus. 
 Londinensis erat Civis dum Fata sbuhant, 
 
 Jajn cum sidereo milite mile^ agit. 
 Bis Thalami lociam duxit ; Prior edidit illi 
 
 Undenas Proles, altera bisq : novem. 
 Munificam. per smpe manum jiorrexit egenis, 
 
 VirtutumJ'auior, Pierulumq : fuit. 
 
 Nil opus est plUres illi contexere laudes ; 
 
 Sufficil in Cailo jam i-eperisse locum." 
 
 Which may be rendered : 
 
 " Under this narrow mound rests departed Huysh, yet not all of Huysh 
 rests in this mound ; his body is in the tomb, his spirit inlmbits the golden 
 stars ; heaven indeed claims the latter, earth the former. He was a citizen 
 of London, xehilst the Fates permitted, now as a soldier he abides with the 
 starry host. Twice was he married : his first wife bare to him a progeny of 
 eleven, his .second twice nine. He very often extended a generous hand to the 
 needy, and was a patron of the Virtues and the pluses. There is no need to 
 entwine more praise to him : it sujices that in heaven lie has Jiow found a 
 place 
 
 Sir William Eowe, the second husband of Mary Mofl'et, was Lord Mayor in 
 159"2. A Sir Thom.is Roe, or Rowe, was Lord Mayor in 156S, knighted in 
 1569 ; and a Sir Henry Rowe, Lord Mayor, 1607, knighted at Whitehall, 1603. 
 8ir Thomas bore for his arms, Argent, on a chevron azure, between three trefoils 
 slipped per pale gules and vert, as many bezants, with crest — a stag's head gules, 
 attired or. These arms appear to have been borne by all three, who were prob- 
 ably members of the same family. 
 
 There was a descent of Rowe located at Kingston, in Staverton, Devon, who 
 bore the same arms and crest. Their ancestors appear, from the Visitations, to 
 have belonged to Kent, whose descendant, .John Rowe, of Totnes, Serviens ad 
 legem, tempore Henry VIII, ob. 1544. married Agnes, daughter and coheir of 
 William Barnhouse. of Kingston. Prince includes him among his Worthies. 
 Sergeant Rowe was succeeded at Kingston by his son, John Rowe, ob. 1592. 
 They were a family of good position in the county : extinct appaiently early in 
 the eighteenth century. 
 
 The arms given of the third husband of Mary Moffet, on the funeral certifi- 
 cate, are those assigned to Madeston, granted in 15S7, with crest — a cubit arm 
 erect in armour, per pale crenelle, or and argent, holding in the gauntlet a halbert. 
 headed and garnished of the last. 
 
 II.— KotolnnU l9UJ|S(jC. aforesaid, baptized llth April, 
 1560. Tlii.s name was given him after Sir Kowlaud Hill, who 
 was one of his srodfathers. He was sometime of South Brent,
 
 z 
 
 T 
 
 Q 
 Z 
 
 < 
 
 < 
 
 < 
 X 
 
 w 
 
 X 
 O 
 
 c 
 
 Q 
 Z 
 
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 X 
 H 
 
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 2! 

 
 ^^i' 
 
 "^ — "^'^ _ ^ '^■J'^^^ \.^^ 
 
 SHIKI. n OVER THE GARDEN GATEWAY AT SAND.
 
 The Iliii/sltr Ftniilli/. 33 
 
 ill Somersetshire, and afterwards of Sand in the ]iarish of Sid- 
 
 biiry, Devon. He liad livery of his father's hinds, 8th June, 
 
 33 Ehzabeth (1.591). By incpiisition taken at Sherborne, 29th 
 
 August, 9 Charles I (1634), it appears he died 19th .lamiary, 
 
 8 Charles I (1G31-2). Administration to his effects was 
 
 granted in 1632 to his son .James by the Dean and Chapter's 
 
 Court, Exeter. He was buried at vSidbury, 7th February, 
 
 1632. He married ^^IIIIC, daughter of John Wentw<ii;tii, 
 
 of Hocking, in Essex, by J'^lizabeth, daughter of Sir Edward 
 
 Capel, Knt. She, through Spencer and Clare was descended 
 
 from Edward 1. She was buried at Sidbury, 7th October, 
 
 1629. They had issue one son James, of wiioin below-. 
 
 Note. — The appearance of King Philip's badge, temp. 15.i3.8, among the 
 stained glass, apparently points to its being a relic preserved from a former 
 building, as Sand was not purchased by Huyshe until 156(1-1. .James Huyshe 
 probably commenced the building of the present house, and his son, Rowland, 
 completed the structure ; as on one of the gables of the outbuildings are the 
 initials — 
 
 R. A. H.—\mo. 
 
 marking, it may be assumed, the period of its completion. .James Huyhse died 
 in 1590, and the heraldic succession of the smaller shields ends with the impale- 
 ment of his second wife ; Rowland Huyshe's alliance also occurs of larger size, 
 and the family escutcheon of four (juarterings is dated 1594. 
 
 It should be added this interesting series of shields has greatly suffered in 
 dilapidation since a description taken of them about ten years ago. and referred 
 to in these notes — apparently all have been re-set and the original sequence 
 disturbed. 
 
 In the garden at Sand was a gateway — now dilapidated — and over it a sculp- 
 tured shield of arms, which has been preserved, and is now re-set over another 
 gateway. It displays ([uarterly of six : — 1. A lion hetimen threr' cruSK/i'lji Jltchie 
 (Capell), 2. A chfvroii hetwe.en three roundeh, on a c/iiej' a fret between two 
 cimiuefoils (Capell). 3. On a chevron three ijarbn (Newton). 4. A chevron 
 ermine between three escallops (Cheddek). 5. A chevron between three Jleurs-de- 
 lyn (Dexwell). 6. iSemie of cross-crossletK, a lion rampant, crowned. Under- 
 neath — 
 
 " HOBTVS JOHANNIS Capell, 1610." 
 
 The heraldry is interesting. .Sir William Capel, an eminent merchant and of 
 vast estate in Loudon ; Lord Mayor, 1503 ; knighted at the coronation of Henry 
 VII, of Kayne Hall, Essex, ob. 6th .September. 1515; was succeeded by his son, 
 Sir Giles, Sheriff of Kssex, 1528. He married Isabel. diUighter of Richard 
 Newton, ob. 1501, son of Sir .John Newton, of East Harptree, buried at V;itton, 
 1488, by his wife Elizabeth, ob. 1498, daughter of Thomas Chedder and Isabel 
 Seobahull, both buried at Cheddar. He was succeeded by their second son. Sir 
 Edward Capel, ob. 1577, who was followed by his second son, .Sir Henry, 
 Sheriff of Essex, 1579, ob. 158S. His second wife was Kathcnnc, fourth 
 daughter of Thos. Manners. Earl of Rutland, by whom he had six sons and 
 four daughters. .lolm Capel (of the arms) was his fourth son. .\n exact dup- 
 licate of this shield occurs on the tomij of his next younger Ijrotlier. Sir 
 Gamaliel, ob. 1613, in Abbots-Roothiug Church, Essex. Lysons says this .John 
 Capel was cousin-gennan to Anne W'entworth, Rowlantl Uuyshc's wife.
 
 34 21u' lliiyslie Finnih/. 
 
 The Wentworths were a branch of that large and inliuential family, settled 
 in the three adjoining parishes of Wetherstield, Gostiekl, and Becking, in Essex. 
 Sir Roger Wentworth, Knt. , of Codham Hall, and jure vxorix, of Gostield, 
 Sheriti' of Essex and Herts, 1499, ob. 1539, with his wife, Aune Tyrell, ob. 1534, 
 a great heiress, are both buried in Wetherstield Church, where is their fine 
 altar tomb and recumbent efEgies. They quarter De Spencer in their a-ms. 
 Roger Wentworth, their third sou, was of Felsted, and afterward of Bocking, 
 which manor, in 1540, was granted to him by Henry VIII, on the suppression 
 of the Priory of St. Saviour's, Cauterlmry, to which it belonged. He had two 
 wives — Mary, and the second, Alice, daughter of William Buckf ord. He died 
 in 1557, and was buried at Bocking. He was succeeded by his son, John 
 Wentworth, of Bocking, born 1535, died 1603. He married Elizabeth, daugh- 
 ter of Sir Edward Capel, of Hadham, county of Hertford. They had two chil- 
 dren — Edward Wentworth, of Bocking, born 1573, died 1610 ; and Anne, the 
 wife of Rowland Huyshe, of Sand, m Sidbury. Devon. They dift'ereuced their 
 arms with a crescent. This royal descent will be further referred to. 
 
 The shield representing this alliance, Huyshe impaling Wentworth, of larger 
 size, also occurs in the hall window. 
 
 In a corner of the garden is an old summer or pleasance house, the usual 
 adjunct of this era. It is entered beneath a pillared archway, within, opposite 
 the doorway is apparently the remains of a bay window or fireplace, and an 
 arched aumbry or recess occurs in one of the side walls. The little building 
 now shares the fate generally reserved for these antient haunts of squire and 
 dame, being used as a storehouse for farm lumber. Without, in the back gable, 
 in an ornamental panel, are the arms of Huyshe ; and over the entrance from 
 the garden the escutcheon of Rowland Huyshe, difi'erenced with the mullet, im- 
 paling, a chevron between three leopards' heads, a crescent for difference, for his 
 wife, Anne Wentworth. 
 
 Below the arms in a sculptured panel is this beautiful inscription : — 
 
 EY0YMIA2 • FONS • BENE • CONVKNIRE ■ CVM • DEO 
 which tells us that although 
 
 The hand that placed those words is gone. 
 
 His presence is with us to-day ; 
 No strangers tread these paths alone. 
 
 With them his spirit walks ahvay. 
 
 And thou, who dost the import scan. 
 That lives within the crumblmg words, 
 
 Sees there the image of the man. 
 
 More true than subtlest art aflbrds : — 
 
 Who bids thee to remember this. 
 
 Though sweet these odours from the sod. 
 '• The fountoin of true J'rai/rayice is 
 To be in fellowship with Ood. ' 
 
 Formerly in the window of the stairway, but now removed to that in the 
 hall, is the ponieiiranate with regal crown, and the initials K.P. , for King Philip 
 of Spain, the husband of Queen Mary, and her medallion doubtless originally 
 accompanied it. The quartered shield of Huyshe is also sculptured over the 
 entrance porch. 
 
 Sir Rowland Hdl, godfather of Rowland Huyshe, born in 1560, was presum- 
 ably the son of Thomas HiU, of Malpas and Hodnet, and is described as having 
 been "the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London, 4 Edward VI, 1551, one of 
 the richest and most considerable merchants of his time. He did great acts of 
 generosity, was an eminent benefactor to the public, founded Drayton and other 
 free schools, built Stoke and Hodnet churches, Atcham and Terne bridges, at his 
 own expense, and left his large acquisitions among his four sisters, his coheirs, 
 Agnes, Jone, Jane, .and Elizabeth. ' He appears to have been the first of his 
 race called Rowland, a name perpetuated in the Huyshe family, and also by the
 
 ON THE SUMMER HOUSE IN THE GAKDEN AT SAKD.
 
 Tlic Uiii/shc Finiiili/. 35 
 
 present Viscounts Hill, who descend from Rowland Hill, of llawkestone. the 
 son of Humphrey Hill, the nephew of the Lord Mayor, ^ir Rowland was 
 knighted between ir)37-42, and bore for his a.rmii— Azure, two bars argent, on a 
 canton sable, a chevron between tliree jthnons argent, on the eltevron, a hintTs head 
 erazed azure, between two mullets of the third. Crest— /I hind's head erazed azure, 
 collared argent, in the mouth a trefoil, slip/ied vert. (Jranted Sir Rowland Hill 
 by Thomas Tonge, Clareucieux. Sth November, 26 Henry VIU, 15.'i."i. The 
 bearing on the canton, less the charge on the chevron, appears as one of the 
 quarterings on the escutcheon of Viscount Hill (1872), being the arms of Malpas. 
 
 III.— 31amC0 Inil'CfljC, of Sand. He was twenty-four years 
 of age at his father's decease, and liad livery of his fatiier's 
 lands granted him 2.5th .lune, 10 Charles I, 1634. He engaged 
 most actively in support of the Royal cause in the Rebellion, 
 making great sacrifices of his private fortune. The estates he 
 had inherited fi'oni his wealthy and industrious grandfather, 
 were, some sold, and on the remainder a fine was imposed of a 
 tenth, viz. £283. By the Royalist Composition Papers it 
 appears he took up arnis against the Parliament, laid them 
 down in lfi43, and compounded in 164(5. He was appointed 
 a Captain in the Militia of Foot in East Devon, raised by the 
 Duke of Albemarle, 29th January, 1660. He was baptized at 
 Sidbury 2nd May, 1604, and buried there 26th May, 1681. 
 He married 2DftiOrai), daughter of Richard Reyn'ell, of 
 Credy-Wiger, in Devon, Esq., by Mary, daughter and coheir 
 of Sir John Peryam, Knt. She was coheir of her brother 
 Peryam Reynell, and through this match the manor and ad- 
 vowson of Clysthidon came to the Huyshe family. The old 
 family toast at Ogwell commemorates his connexions — 
 
 " Fulford, Otterton, Credy, Clysthidon, and Sand, 
 And all our relations by sea and by land." 
 
 By her he had issue four sons and seven (laughters : ( 1 ) James, 
 of whom hereafter; (2) .Ta/ni, liajitizcd 2f!th February, 1634-5, 
 he was a merchant of Dnlilin in l(i68, and dii'd uiiniai-ricd at 
 Barbadoes ; (3) Rowland, baptized 21.st September, 1636, 
 buried 28th November, 1638 ; (4) Ricluird, of whom hereafter; 
 (5) Anne, baptized 9th May, 162.), married John Vernon, Esq. 
 He was a Ca])tain in tlir Parlianicntai y ai-niy and ()l)tained 
 the estate of Clontarf of Oliver Cromwell. Of this lie was
 
 36 The Huijshc Family. 
 
 dispossessed in favour of Edward Vernon, by Charles II. 
 They had issue John Vernon, sometime of Dublin. Will 
 dated 24th December, 171«, and proved in P.C'.C, 14th 
 November, 1720. She married secondly Courtenay. {Q) Mary, 
 baptized 1st March, 1626, died in Dublin before 1657, wife of 
 H'i/l/aiii Allen, Adjutant-Cleneral in Ireland, living 1657, when 
 he dates from vSand the preface to his Memoir uf Deborah 
 Huish. In the British Museum there is a copy of a curious 
 pamphlet of his writing', A Memorial of a remarkable meeting 
 vf many Officers at IVindsor, in 1648, London, 1659, quarto, 
 69 pages. In Thurlow's State Papers is an account of his 
 being arrested at his father-in-law's house at Sand, on sus- 
 picion of plotting against the Government, as appeai-s by his 
 letter to the Protector. They had a child. ( 7 ) Deborah, bap- 
 tized 5th September. 1628, buried 21st August, 1661. In the 
 British Museum there is a curious book written by her brother- 
 in-law, General Allen, in which he gives an account of her 
 most melancholy state of religious despondency for several 
 years, and of her recovery to a true view of the Christian 
 faith, according to his own tenets. The title of the book is 
 The Captire taken from the Strong, London, Chapman, 12mo., 
 1668. (8) Rebecca, baptized 20th January, 1632, married at 
 Sidbury 26th June, 1663-4, Elijah Dene, rector of Clysthidon, 
 and buried there 27th July, 1670. (9) Jael, baptized 24th 
 December, 1642, married 2nd February, 1663, Francis Drake, 
 of Ide, merchant. (10) Tryphena, ba^jtized 5th February, 
 1645-6, wife of Jolni Gay. of Frithelstock, died 1731. (11) 
 Sarah, who died young. 
 
 CREDY-WIGER AND CLYSTHIDON. 
 
 Note. — Credy-Wiger, near Creditoii, says Pole (who was nearly related by 
 marriage to its iirst owner of the Periaius) " was sold by Thomas Prideaux, of 
 Nutwell. Esq., unto Sir William Periam. Knt., which built a fair dwelling- 
 house, and left it to descend unto his four daughters, Mary my wife, (and three 
 others named), which have sold it to John Periam, of Exeter, Esq. (he was not 
 a knight), brother to Sir William Periam aforesaid, which hath left it unto his 
 eldest daughter, Mary, wife of Richard Reynell, Esq., younger son of (George) 
 Reyuell. of Malston (in Sherford. South"l)evon), which have made it their 
 dwelling-house " Deborah, their fifth daughter was married to James Huyshe, 
 l.S August, 1621.
 
 The Huijshc Fainih/. 37 
 
 Of Clysthidon, the same authority remarks, "Habriel St. f'lere sold the 
 same to Eilmuiid I'arker, Esij., his lirother-iiidaw, who sohl the same to John 
 Periam, Esq.. of Exeter, who gave it unto .Mary his ehiest daughter, wife of 
 Kiehard Reyuell, of C'redy-Wiger, Esq., lately dceeased." He was a Beucher 
 of the Inner Temple. Their arms, Ari/ent, manonry nable n chief indented of 
 the second. Pole notes, of Malston, "ft crejirent for dijerence," of C'redy- 
 Wiger, "a vre.-icent and a rnne/^ 
 
 On monuments in Sherford Church : — 
 
 ••/fere lyeth l.lie hodij of Oeon/e tiei/nett, of Malston. Esquire, icho died 
 the Sth day of A/irill, An'o Domini, HM.S." 
 
 "In gratam Elizahelhae memoriam ftiae Petri Specolt de Thoriiburi/, 
 A rmigeri. nu/itae Oeonjii Heiinell de Malston, A rmigeri, quae obiit vicesimo 
 secundo die Maij An Doni'' 16G2." 
 
 Arms — Specott — Heynell impaling Specott, and Reynell. Crest, a fox passant. 
 
 The St. Clerea evidently built the south aisle of Clysthidon Church, where 
 their arms occur on the capital of the western respond of the arcade, and on a 
 boss outside at the east corner. The entrance porch of this aisle i.s Hnely 
 groined, and on the keystone of the outer arch is an angel holding a shield, 
 quarterly of four (1) A sun (St. C'leke) ; (2) « fess lietn-een tltree grijfins' heads 
 erazed (Hal.se) ; (3) afss en'/railed between three niidUts pierced (Tli)WELL) ; (4) 
 Three roundels, a label of three (HiDONi. 
 
 St. Clere inherited Clysthidon by marriage with the heiress of Hidon. Halse 
 and Tidwell represent other matches of St. Clere. (iabriel St. C'lere appears to 
 have dissipated the family estates, and Pole gives a curious account of his 
 proceedings anent. The Hal.ses were of Keuedon. an estate antl manor house, 
 in Sherford, not far from Malston. It .should be noted that I'eriani acquired 
 also the manor of Stone, adji/iuing Sand, in Sidbury. On a Hat stone in the 
 chancel of Clysthidon : — 
 
 *' Here lieth ye body uf Elijah Dene, late Rector of this (Jhurch, u'.ho died 
 yc 11) day of May. Anno Dom., 1703. And also the body of Alary his wife, 
 wito died '26th September, Anni) Dom., 1701. Together with ye Imdyes of 
 Dorothy. John, Thomas, and Elijah their children.^' 
 
 Probably of the family of Dene, of Xewton St. Petrock and llorwood, in 
 North Devon, their arms, Argent, a lion rampant purpure. Rebecca Iluyshe 
 must have been his first wife. 
 
 The Periams wtre eminent citizens and merchants of Exeter, for three 
 generations. William Periam was Mayor, l.i.32 — John, his son, Mayor 1563 
 and I.')7"2--he had two sons. The ehiest, Williaui, became .successively a Jus- 
 tice of the Common Pleas, and Loril Chief H.aron of the Exchequer. He died 
 in 1605, and is buried in Creditoii Church, under a tine monument, whereon is 
 his recumbent effigy. John, his brother, mayor, 1587 and 1598, acquired C'redy- 
 Wiger from his four nieces, the daughters and coheiresses of his Ijrother, Sir 
 William. By his first wife. Elizabeth, daughter of Roger Prideaux, of .Soldon, 
 he had three daughters, and to the eldest, Mary, the wife of Richard Reynell, 
 he gave C'redy-Wiger and other property. His jjortrait, dated UilG, hangs in 
 the Uuildhall at Exeter, and another m Exeter College, Oxford, to which he 
 was a benefactor A small portrait i^f Sir William, the Lord Chief Baron, is 
 in the National Portrait (jallery. 
 
 On a panel outside between two upper windows at Sand, are the initials — 
 
 1. D. H.-IU73. 
 
 which evidently refer to .lames Huj she and his wife, Deborah Reynell. 
 
 In 33 Elizabeth, 15'JI, Rowland, son and heir of James Huish, citizen and 
 grocer, of London, purchased one third of the manor of East Ringsted (in Os- 
 mington, Dorset), of Andrew Rogers value four iiounds. This family seems 
 afterward to have possessed the whole farm, for in 1040, Mr. (.lames) finish's 
 farm here was sequestered. They also held Middle Ringsted. It was pur- 
 chased of — Huish, Esq , by Awnsham Churchill, Esq. (Hitchins).
 
 38 The IIiii/.i/tc Famih/. 
 
 John Gay, eldest son of John Gaj', of Frithelstock, ob. 1678. and Joau, daughter 
 of John Smith, of Torrington ; baptized •24th November. lU.'lO, at Barnstaple ; 
 matriculated Exeter College, Oxford. 8rd April, 1661 ; B A. 15th October, 1664; 
 buried at Frithelstock. 25th January, 1716-17. His wife, Tryphena, daughter 
 of James Huish, of Sand, died 6th and buried 10th May, \1'M, at Frithelstock. 
 They had issue three sons and four daughters ( Visitationx, Vivian). 
 
 IV. — 3!''"^fS !^UJ_'Sljr, eldest son, was of Sand, baptized 
 loth .Inly, 1630, and buried oth June, 1708 ; will proved in 
 Dean and Chapter's Court, Exeter ; he married 25th .lulv, 
 1684, at Seaton, Jllritlj, daiifrhter of Edmoxd Walronu, of 
 Bovey, Esq. She was baptized ji9th June, 16.52 ; will dated 
 1st December, 1710; proved Dean and Chapter's Court, Exe- 
 ter, 16tli December, 1716. They had issue one son and four 
 daughters (1) James, of whom hereafter; (2) Dcharah, bap- 
 tized at Seaton, 4th November, 1685, married Jnhii IVoolcot, 
 of Bossel, in Sidbury, and issue from wliom descends the 
 present James Huyshe Woolcot ; (.3) Aiine, ba])tized at Sid- 
 bury, 15th September, 1687, and died ; (4) Mary, bai)tized 3rd 
 July, 1691, married the Rev. ll'iUiam Symuns, vicar of Otter- 
 ton, and had issue Johii Symons, of Heavitree, James Symons, 
 vicar of Broadhembiu'v, and two daughters, vpho all died with- 
 out issue; (5) Urith, baptized at Sidbury 25th July, 1693. 
 
 Note. — Urith Walrond was great grand-daughter of Sir William Pole, the 
 Antiquary. She was probably called after Urith Shapcote, the daughter of 
 Thomas Shapcote, of Exeter (by Urith, daugher of Henry Sothern. of Poughill, 
 Devon), and wife of Sir Courtenay Pole, Bart, of Shute, her father's tirst 
 cousin. A pleasant name. Saxon, for wreath or garlaiut, adopted afterward by 
 several of the allied families of Pole. Trevelyan, and Walrond. 
 
 A sundial is affixed to the front of .Sand house, on which is the motto — 
 Sol Jl'STIT.-E ORIATtTR. 1701. 
 '* May the sun of righteousnestt arise'' — below are the arms of Huyshe impaling 
 VValrond, for James Huyshe and his wife, Urith Walrond. 
 
 The Rev. William .Symons, who married Mary Huyshe, was collated to 
 Otterton. Oth June, 17"21 ; died Oth aud was buried l'2th October. 1782. aged 
 86, after serving his church sixty-two years. 
 
 v.— 31amC0 ISU^'Sl), of Sand, baptized 25th June, 1689, 
 buried lotli Marcii, 1724 (at Sidbiu-y) ; will proved in Bishop 
 of Exeter's Court, 4th June, 1725. He married CiltljCriUC, 
 daughter of ( William) Drake, of Yardbury, Colyton. They 
 had issue (1) James, baptized 31st March, 1717, buried 14th 
 April, same year; (2) Anne, baptized 24th August, 1720, and 
 buried 6th Mav, 1721.
 
 Tlir JJi/i/s/ic Fainili/. 39 
 
 Note — Katherine Drake, the wife of James Huyslie, was the daughter of 
 William Drake, of Yardbury, Colyton, ol). 18th November, I7'i7, by his wife 
 Katherine, daughter ami coheir ot .lohii Pennington of Wieken Hall, SuU'olk, 
 and Chiswell, in Kssex. .'^he died l.Hh December, 17;j0. The Drakes of Yard- 
 bury, descended from William Drake, second son of John Drake of Ash, 
 Musbury, ob. 1628, by his wife Dorothy, daughter of William Button, of Alton 
 Priors, Wilts. 
 
 The fifth bell in the tower at Sidbiiry bears the arms of Huyshe. and the 
 following inscription — 
 
 "God BLE.SS the Queen and save the Chi'RCH. James Huyshe, Henrey 
 CoNENT, Gent., Wakoens, 1712, T. W. 
 T. W. is for Thomas Wroth, the bell-founder. 
 
 VI.— EiCljiirl) |3tI)'0l)C. aforesaid, wa.s baptized November, 
 1638. He was a nurcliaut of Dul)liii : adininistration irranted 
 to Joliii Vernon, of C'lontarf, his ne])lie\v, in HiT.'S, lOtli De- 
 cember, but set aside 9th November, 1704, and granted to his 
 son, Richard Huyshe. He married (ElijiJbCtl), daughter of 
 Moke, of Queen'.s County. She died before her husband. 
 They had issue two sous (1) Richard, (2) Fniiir/s. 
 
 VII.— ElCiMrO l^in'OljC. He was, Avith his brother, left 
 an orphan at an early age. He succeeded to the Sand estate 
 on the death of his cousin, .lames Huyshe. He resided in St. 
 Martin's-in-tiie-Fields, Westminster, at tiie date of liis will, 
 6th December, 1726, which was ])roved in P.C.C, lath De- 
 cember, 1726. He married fl^tlfhimir. relict of Synot, but 
 died without issue. 
 
 VIII.— JFranClS l^tn'sljC. born 6tli May, 1672: M.A., 
 Trinity College. Dnl)lin, 12tli .luly, 169S ; Rector of C'lyst- 
 hidon, September, 17U.] ; died 'Jth February, 1764; will proved 
 P.G.C., 10th August, 1765; married 16th August, 1706, ^aral), 
 daughter of Richard Nkwte, of Duvale, near Tiverton, in 
 Devon, son of the Rev. Richard Newte, Rector of Tiverton 
 (.ice Prince's Worthies of Deviin). She died 19th March, 1747, 
 in hei- seventietli year. They had issue four son.s and four 
 daughters (1) Hiehnnl, l)orn 'InA ,lannai-y. 1 7(>!)-lO. died 24th 
 June, 1736, unmarried, of HuUioi L'oliege, Oxfonl ; will ])roved 
 2.5th March, 1737, in the i'.ishop's Court, Exeter. (2) Jmnes, 
 (3) John, of both of wiioni hereafter; (4) Fnincis, born 17th 
 .laniiarv, 1722-:'). died at I);irl)adoes, October, 1740, unmarried;
 
 40 The Hiii/.slic Fniiiili/. 
 
 (5) JSlizuhefli, hovn 17th .lamuiry, 1711,ilied 12th November, 
 1731, unmarried, buried at Sidbury : (6) Frances, born 2()th 
 April, 1715, died at Exeter 12th April, 1797. buried at Sid- 
 bury, unmarried; (7) Jdiic, born 23rd Jxuie, 1720, died 23rd 
 October, 1802, unmarried ; (8) Surah, born 3rd December, 
 1707, died at Exeter 2nd January, 1794. She married the 
 Rev. Joltn Thompson, B.D., Rector of Mesey-Hampton, Glou- 
 cestershire, who died 12th P^ebruary, 1773, in his seventy- 
 second year. They had issue one son, John Thompson, who 
 died young. 
 
 Note. — A monument in Clysthidon C'luirch, thereon : — 
 
 "Frauds Huyshe, M.A., 61 i/eai.< Rector of ClyMhlon, Oth February, 
 1764, aned 92. Sarah, hin wife, dawjliter of Richard }iewte, Esq., of Da- 
 vale, Bampton, 19th March. 1748, oi/ed 70. Richard, their eldest son, '24th 
 June, 1736, aged 27." 
 
 Arms, Huyshe, impaling Newte. 
 
 A mural memorial, with a remarkable inscription, to these four daughters, 
 is found in the chancel of Sidbury Church. 
 
 "Beneath this stone in the burial place if their ancestors of Sand in this 
 parish, are deposited the bodies of the four daughters of Francis Huy.^he, 
 formerly Rector of Clysthidon, and his tcif: Sarah, daughter of Richard 
 iVtwte, of Duval, in the parish of Bampton, who themselves closed the eyes 
 of Elizabeth, November \'2lh, 17.il. in her '2\st year : Sarah, the eldest, and 
 widow of John Thomson, Rector of Mesey-Hampton, cotinty of Oloucester, 
 died January ind , 1794, havitig completed 86 years. Frances follutved her 
 .sister, April 22nd, 1797, at the age of 82. Jane, the youngest, ended that 
 line of the family, with her oxen blameless life, October 2Srd, 1802, in her 
 83rd year. 
 
 Where now is their boast, that they and their forefathers of Sand were a 
 branch of the family of Huyshe of Lud-Huyshe and Doniford. county of 
 Somerset, and that the blood of the Plantagenets flowed in their veins, 
 through Joan, daughter of the first Edward ? 
 
 Nothing now can avail them, but their endeavours, through the grace of 
 our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, to be prepared to meet that Saviour 
 as their Judge. ( Titus J I , \'i). 
 
 Reader! the same judgment awaiteJh thee." 
 Arms on a lozenge — Huyshe, quartering Avenel, Bourchier and Reynell. 
 
 The royal descent of Huyshe througli Wentworth, from the Princess Joan of 
 Acre, third daughter of King Edward 1, is interesting. 
 
 Hugh le Despeucer, Junior — Lord de Spencer, and K.B. — summoned to Par- 
 liament as a Baron, 1314 to 1325, was the eldest son of Hugh le Despencer, 
 Senior, Earl of Winchester, by his wife, Isabel, daughter of William Beau- 
 champ, Earl of Warwick. He married, in -May, 130(). at the Friars' Minors, 
 London, Eleanor, then aged thirteen, eldest daughter of tiilbert de Clare, 
 seventh Earl of Hertford, aud third of Gloucester — surnamed the Red Earl — 
 by his second wife, the Lady Joan I'lantagenet, third daughter of King Edward I. 
 After his decease, she re-niarried Lord Zouche de Mortimer, and died ;jOth June, 
 1337.
 
 Ilir Hin/.slii- Finiiili/. 41 
 
 'I'lie tragic fate of these nobleineii, father and son — tl)e hnpless favourites of 
 King EcUvaril 1 1 — tlieir bein;: executed witli great barbarity, the elder at Bristol, 
 27th October, 132n and the younger at Hereford, 2ytl' November, 1320, are 
 well known episodes in English history. 
 
 The fuiirth son of Huirh le Despeneer, Junior, ard Eleanor Clare, was Sir 
 Philii) le Despeneer, who married Margaret, daughter and heir of Ralph de 
 GousiU. and died about \'.W.i. He was succeeded by his son, Philip le i)espencer, 
 ob. 1349, who married .Joan Strange. To him. his soc. Sir Philip, who was sum- 
 moned to Parliament as a Baron — Lord le Uespencer — by writs from 17th De- 
 cember, 11 Ivichard II. 1.3S7, to 3rd October, 2 Henry IV, 1400. He married 
 Margaret Cobhani, and died 14110-1. He was surcefded by his son, Philip, Lord 
 le Despeneer, but he apjiears never to have been aiimnioned to f'arlianient as a 
 Baron. He married Elizabeth, youngest of the three daughters and coheirs of 
 Kobert, Lord Tiptoft, ob. 1372, by .\Iargaret. daughter of William, Lord Dein- 
 court, ob. 1370, and grandson on liia niother-s side of the unfortunate Bartholo- 
 mew, Lord Badlesmere, who, after the defffff at Boroughbridge, in 1.322, was 
 taken ])risoner, and. with about ninety mere, lords, knights, and others, who 
 suffered a similar fate, he was "hanged, drawn, and quartered at Canterbury, 
 and his head set upon a pole at Burgate.' By this match with Elizabeth 
 Tiptoft, Sir Philip inherited Nettlested. and died 1423-4. This descent is found 
 on the shiehl further referre.l to, on .Sir .lohn Wentworth's tomb. 
 
 Sir Philip .Spencer appears to li.ave had an only daughter and heiress, Mar- 
 gery, ob. 1475, and she m.arried .Sir Roger Weutworth, ob. 14.52. He w,as the 
 son of .John \Ventworth and Agnes Drontield, the son of .lohn Weutworth and 
 Alice Bissett, of Elmsall, co. York. 
 
 Sir Roger, who is styled of Nettlested, apparently jure uxori^, had two sons : 
 one. Sir Philip, of Nettlested, ancestor of the Barons Weutworth, of Nettle- 
 sted. and Earls of Cleveland ; and the second, Henry Weutworth, ob. 1482, of 
 Codham Hall, Wethersfield, Essex, which he appears to have accjuired, and 
 was the first of the family settled in the county. He married Elizabeth, the 
 only daughter of Henry Howard, of VVigenhall, Norfolk, brother of Sir Robert 
 Hcv/ard, ancestor of the Dukes of Norfolk. Arms of Howard, as found on his 
 grandson's, .Sir .John Wentworth's, tomb — Gules, on a bend between nix crosses 
 crossiel Jitcliie ardent, an ermine spot for ilifference. 
 
 He was succeeded by his son. Sir Roger Weutworth, of Coiiham Hall, and 
 also of Costield, ./«rp tixoris, by marriage with Ann. daughter and coheiress of 
 Humphiey Tyrell, of \\ arley. In 1407 he was .at Blackheath. engaged in the 
 suppression of the Cornis-h insurgents, on which occasion, in company with six 
 others, he vsas knighted; in 1490, .■served as Sheriff of Essex and Hertfordshire; 
 and in LV20, was in the train of Henry VIII, being in attendance on the Queen 
 at the Field of the Cloth of (iold, where met the two mouarchs of France and 
 England — 
 
 "Those suns of glory, those two lights of men, 
 'Twixt Guines and Arde." 
 
 He died yth .\ugust, 1539, his wife 1534; they were buried in Wetherslield 
 Church, where there is a tine monnnient to them, with their recumbent efhgies 
 in alabaster, originally tinely painted and gilded, but of which scarcely a vestige 
 remains. Both tomb and figures are much mutilated : the knight is bare-headed, 
 but otherwise in full plate armour, over which he wears a surcoat or tabard, on 
 which his ,irnis were once illuminated ; his feet rest on a unicorn. The lady 
 has a pyramidal head-dres-s with lluwiiig lappets, and a rich collar and pendant 
 of roses around the neck. Panel.-<. with shields denuded of their charges, appear 
 below. He left four sons and three daughters. Roger, /iw thii-d s<,n, was of 
 Bocking, and gTaiidlather of -Ann Weutworth, who married Rowland Hnyshe. 
 Arms of Tyrell, as found on his son's tomb — Ajijml, two chevrons azure, on tlie 
 ■upper an annulet fn- ilijirri'iice, it biirdure eiiijrai/eil ijulrs. 
 
 To Sr Uofer came his eldest son. Sir .lohn Weutworth, of Codham Hall and 
 Goslield ; kifighted by Henry Vlll in 154(i, and ob. l.iG7. He married Ann 
 Bettenham. of Kent, ob 1575, by whom he had one son, who died young, and
 
 42 The Iliitjshc Fumili/. 
 
 three daughters. They are buried in Gosfield Church, under a high tomb of 
 Purbeck marble, beneath the arch which separates the Wentwnrth chapel 
 (built by them) from the chancel. A portion only of the inscription on the 
 border fillet remains ; below, in cusped panels, were originally ten shields of 
 brass, their bearings enamelled and gilded ; of these three remain. One, with 
 fourteen quarters, displays in the first seven the descent of Sir Roger, who 
 married Margery Spencer, on both sides : — 1. Sable, a chevron between three 
 leopards' heads or, a crescent (jiilea surmounted of another or, for difference (West- 
 worth). 2. Gules, on a bend arr/ent, three escallops azure (Bissett). 3. Pali/ 
 of six, sable and argent, on a bend ijules, three mulleti or (Dronfikld), being the 
 descent of Wentworth, and 4. Quarterly arijent and yules, in the second and 
 third quarters a fret or, over ait on a bend sable, three mullets of thejirst (appar- 
 ently for difference) (De Spencer). 5. Barry of six, or and azure, a canton 
 ermine (GousELL). 6. Argent, a saltire engrailed gules (Tiptoft). 7. Argent, 
 a fess between two bars gemel gules (Badlesmere), being the descent of De 
 Spencer. The remaining seven quarters relate to succeeding matches of the 
 family. Above the shield on a helmet, in profile with mantling, is the Went- 
 worth crest : — Out of a ducal coronet or, an unicorn's head couped at the shoulders. 
 Arms of Bettenham on the tomb : — Argent, a saltire engrailed sable, beticeen four 
 bears' /leads crazed, of the last, muzzled or. 
 
 IX. — 31'llWC0 l?tl['0^e. born 12th September, 1712, died at 
 CuUompton 25th May, 1784; married SLmj Pill'SOnO. She 
 died at CuUompton 16th June, 1807. They had issue one son, 
 ■who died young. 
 
 X. — 31"^'^ ^tlJfSljf, changed the spelling of his name to 
 l^Uieflj. born 29th Jime, 1717, died 17th May, 1802, buried at 
 Pembridge ; will proved P.C.C., 22ud July, 1802. He was 
 rector of Pembridge, Herefordshire, and married 20th March, 
 1766, at Oxford, (EUjnbftl), daughter of Thomas Hornsby, 
 of Durham, Esq. She was born 17th June, 1738, died June, 
 1792. They had issue two sons and one daughter (1) Francis, 
 of whom hereafter; (2) John, in holy orders, sometime of 
 Heathenhill, in the parish of Clysthidon, now of Exeter, born 
 10th December, 1772, married at Eardisley, Herefordshire, 
 October, 1799, MiUborough Ann, daughter of Thomas Hai-ris, 
 of Hereford. She died 19th July, 1824. They have now 
 hving four sons and one daughter ( 1 ) John, of whom hereafter ; 
 (2) Roioland, vicar of East Coker, Somersetshire, born 26th 
 August, 1801, married Hannah, daughter of John Bullock, of 
 East Coker; (3) George {Henri/), born 2nd Februarj', 1804, 
 major in the 26th Bengal Native Infantry, late Assistant Com- 
 missary-General, married (1830) in India, Harriette Matilda, 
 daughter of— Lightfoot; has issue John Troughton, born 10th
 
 The /fio/s/ir Finiiili). 43 
 
 February, 183ii ; ;i (lauj,rlitrr, bum :^()tli January, li^37. (4) 
 Alfred, born 8th August, 1811, a first lieutenant in the Bengal 
 Horse Artillery, married 183G, in India, J«/m (J/«?vW), daugh- 
 ter of the Rev. (George) Hagar. (.5) MUUioromjli Ann, boi-n 
 29th November, 1803, married 2.jth January, 1832, the Rev. 
 Charles If'/ilket/, of Lucton, Herefordshire, and has issue (1) 
 John Charles Elliott, horn 14th September, 1833; [2) Francis 
 Samuel, born fith January, 1836, and a daughter, born 24th 
 August, 1837 ; (3) Sarah, born 1st January, 1770, married 
 at Pembridge, 1st June, 1793, Richard H'hifciniihe, Esij., of 
 Bollingham, Herefordshire (of the Whitcombes of Berwick- 
 Mavesyn, county of Salop), who died April, 1829, at Cleveley, 
 Cambridgeshire ; their only issue, Richnrd f-Fhitcomhe, born 
 2nd March, 1794, a bari-ister of Lincoln's Inn, one of the 
 Commissioners of En(|uiry into the Municipal (orjjorations, 
 died 12th November, 1834, buried at Hastings. 
 
 Note. — Sarah Huyshe, who married Bfchard Whitcombe, was daughter of 
 John, ob. 1802, and sister of Francis, the compiler of the pedigree. 
 
 Rowland Huyshe, vicar of East Coker, diecl without issue in 1863. 
 
 Major George Henry Huyshe became a general in the army and C. B. He 
 had another son, George Lightfoot, born 1839, a captain in the liiHe Brigade. 
 His daughter was called Mary Millborough, and married in 1857, Richard ftbliot 
 Eliot. 
 
 Lieut. Alfred Huyshe also became a general in the army and C. B. He had 
 issue (1) Alfred George Huyshe, of Sand, died 6th August, 1886, without issue ; 
 he was also a major-general in the army and C.B. ; he married IS7U, Harriet 
 Helena, daughter of Francis Arthur French, of Newlands, I'ublin. (2) Francis 
 John Huyshe, of Sand, born 1840 ; clerk in holy orders ; (rector) of Wimborne- 
 Minster, Dorset ; married 1877, Amy, daughter of ... . Ratclyffe, and has 
 issue. (3) Dunbar Frazer Huyshe, born 1841 ; Lieut. -Colonel, Royal Artillery 
 (late Bengal) ; married 1876, Augusta, daughter of the Venerable Archdeacon 
 iSridge, and has issue. (4) Wentworth Huyshe, born 1847 ; married 1870, 
 Gertrude, daughter of ... . Ulhorne. (n) Edward Vyvyan Huyshe, born 
 1850 ; a major in the Welsh Regiment, 1889. (Vivian's Visitations of Devon, 
 1895). 
 
 XI.— JFriinci£5 liSUIGlj, now Ji5U)'0l)C, having returned to 
 
 the old spelling of the name, of wjiom in the eoinniencement 
 
 of this pedigree. 
 
 Note. — Within the Castle of Exeter was the antient Church or Collegiate 
 Chapel of St. Mary, established at a remote period for four Prebendaries. 
 Lysons says it was founded in the reign of King Stephen by Ralph Avenell 
 (grandson of Baldwin de Brionis) and his aunt, -Adda. Dr. Oliver .issigns its 
 foundation to be coeval with that of the Castle, and speaks of letters patent 
 addressed by William Avenell to Robert Chichester, Bishop of Exeter, 1138-50, 
 wherein it is styled, " Ecdcsia de CnsteUo Kxunie cum quatuor Prebendis." The
 
 44 
 
 Tlw Hut/she Family. 
 
 four Prebends were those of Hayes, Cutton, Carswell, and Ashclyst, the patron- 
 age of all being vested in the Barony of Oakhampton. The College was sup- 
 pressed with other Collegiate Churches and Chapels, but the building continued 
 in use, and divine service was performed in it till it was taken doM'n about the 
 year I7S'2. The Prebend of Cutton, valued in Henry VIII's taxation at eight 
 pounds, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, came into the possession of the Aclands, 
 the present holders, and the lands of the Prebendal manor are in the parish of 
 Poltimore. 
 
 It is interesting to note that the Rev. Francis Huyshe, M.A., the compiler 
 of this pedigree, was the Prebendary of Cutton, of this antient foundation, 
 being instituted thereto 4th July, 1S31 — patron, Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, 
 Bart. ; and further, the coincidence of an Avenell being concerned in its early 
 foundation, whose arms form one of the quarterings of the family escutcheon 
 of Huyshe, from one of whom they descend. 
 
 The old Chapel was situate to the right, just inside the main gateway of the 
 Castle. In it was a considerable collection of arms and armour, given early in 
 the present century by Lieutenant-General Sinicoe, Commander of the District, 
 to John Houlton, Esq., of Farleigh Castle, Somerset, but which a few years 
 since was restored to Kxeter, and is now preserved in the Museum. A house 
 for the custodian of the Castle precincts has lately been erected on the site of 
 the Chapel, and in taking out the foundations the floor of the preceding edifice 
 was discovered, together with some human bones, probabl}' the remains of 
 former Prebendaries, there interred. 
 
 There is a tradition that the final destruction of the Chapel was determined 
 on through the tolling of the bell for the daily service, which, during assize 
 time, annoyed the Judges, and the Prebendaries declined to cease. 
 
 XII.— 3Joljn lt3U)'eljr, now rector (1837) of Clysthidon, 
 born loth September, 1800, married ^llll ilptlia, daughter of 
 William Greaves, of Mayficld, Derbyshire, M.D. 
 
 Note. — Grand Master of the Freemasons for the Province of Devon ; was 
 married 4th May, 1837, and died 18th October, 1880 ; buried at Clysthidon. 
 
 FROM THE HALL WINDOW, SAXD.
 
 COURTENAY-CLYVEDON 
 
 IN SOMERSET 
 
 By \V. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S..L 
 
 SHERBORNE: 
 
 I'KINTED BY J. C. S: A. T. SAWTELL, 
 
 MDCCCXCIX.
 
 SIR PETER COURTENAY, K.G., OF ALLER, SOMERSET. 
 EXETER CATHEDRAL.
 
 COURTENAY-CLYVEDON, 
 
 IN SOMERSET. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 The almost princely sway of the noble and influential family of 
 Courtenav, independent of documentary record, has left its evi- 
 dence in many a sculptured token and tinted pane, still remaining 
 in the churches and mansions of the western counties. One of these 
 relationships occurring in Somerset, and connected with the parish 
 o( Aller, near Langport, which has hitherto scarcely received the 
 attention it deserves, we propose to notice, and resulting there- 
 from through a well-dowered daughter came the succession that 
 followed through the families of Botreaux, Moels, Molyns, 
 Hungerford and Hastings, similarly linked together by ennobled 
 distaffs in interesting sequence. 
 
 Sir Philip Courtenay was the fifth son of Hugh Courtenay, 
 second Earl of Devon, ob. 1377, by his wife Margaret Bohun, 
 daughter of Humphrey Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex, by 
 Elizabeth, daughter of King Edward I., ob. 1391, whose tomb 
 and effigies are in Exeter Cathedral. 
 
 The biography of this knight being fully given in Prince's 
 VVor/kics and Cleav'eland's History, a brief notice of its more im- 
 portant features will be sufficient. 
 
 Described by Prince as " a true son of Mars, and wholly 
 addicted unto feats of arms," briefly but comprehensively indicates 
 the principal employment of his life, which may be termed that 
 of a soldier of fortune, engaged at intervals both on sea and land 
 in actual warfare, fighting the supposed enemies of his country 
 abroad, and practising at home, between, the scarcely less 
 hazardous pastime of tourney and joust— even more so, as it 
 proved to him eventually. 
 
 In 1366, in company with his brothers Hugh and Philip, he 
 was with the Black Prince at "the famous battle of Navaret, in 
 Spain," for which, and other valiant services, he was afterward 
 substantially rewarded. He was knighted by the Black Prince 
 the day before the battle. 
 
 His next martial exploit was not so fortimate. In i 37S, " the 
 French having landed on our coast and done great spoil," a fleet 
 was organised and sent out under the Earls of Arundel and Salis- 
 bury to meet them. The three brothers Courtenay, " having the
 
 2 Courtcnay - Clyvcdon. 
 
 command of some ships, espying certain vessels belonging to the 
 enemy (off the coast of Brittany), inconsiderately attacked them, 
 being the whole Spanish fleet." The result was, although they 
 fought bravely, they were defeated, " most of the men being gentle- 
 men of Somerset and Devon slain ; Sir Philip sore wounded, and 
 Sir Peter taken prisoner and carried to Spain," but was released 
 the following year, on peace being made. 
 
 In 13S3, Sir Peter, "in requital of the civilities he had 
 received in France when there," had leave from the King, accom- 
 panied by a herald and pursuivant, to take over "to certain 
 noblemen of that realm," sundry presents of cloth, " scarlet, 
 black, and russett," also horses, saddles, bows, arrows, and a 
 greyhound, &c. 
 
 In I 387 he was made Lord Chamberlain, and in j 389 a Privy 
 Counsellor; and the same year he proceeded to France to take 
 part in a grand tournament, " whereat were present a hundred 
 English gentlemen," and Sir Peter " did notably manifest his 
 military skill and valour," but the French king appears to have 
 stopped the proceedings, and having made Sir Peter "an honour- 
 able present, commanded Monsieur de Clary to accompany him 
 to Calais, then in the hands of the English." On their way 
 thither, they visited a relative of Sir Peter's, and afterward on 
 their arrival at Calais, boasting and altercation as to the " magni- 
 ficence " of the two countries appears to have taken place between 
 his companion and himself, which ended in challenges for the 
 renewal of the combat being given, and they accordingly met 
 between " Calais and Bologne." In " the first course both parties 
 broke well ; " in the second, " by the fault of the English knight's 
 armour, he was hurt in the shoulder, his armour being broken." 
 Both the French and English kings were much displeased at this 
 unauthorized renewal of the tourney, and Richard II. gave orders 
 " that the said Sir Peter, now at Calais, should forbear to e.xercise 
 any feats of arms without the special leave of the Earl Marshal." 
 
 In 13S7, II Richard II., he was made Lord Chamberlain by 
 that king; in 1389, a Privy Counsellor; in 1391, Constable of 
 Windsor Castle ; he had also been constituted Captain or Governor 
 of Calais for a term of six years, and elected a Knight of the 
 Garter. 
 
 In the celebrated jousts and tournaments held in Smithfield 
 in 1393, Stow relates: "Sir William Darell, Knt., the King's 
 Banner-Bearer of Scotland, challenged SirPercie (Peter) Courtney, 
 Knt., the King's Banner-Bearer of England, and when they had 
 run certain courses, gave over without conclusion of victory." 
 
 And according to Prince, it was owing to his further taking 
 part in one of these dangerous martial engagements that he lost 
 his life, " for it was not longafterthis (the Smithfield tournament) 
 when this noble chevalier had another combat with a far more 
 mighty champion than any of those afore-mentioned, by whom
 
 Courtenay-Clyvedon. 3 
 
 he was soon foiled, and that was his death, which took him off by 
 an unhappy stroke in the flower of his age. Where he died is 
 not certain." It happened on 2 Feb., 1404-5. 
 
 He was buried by the side of his parents, whose tomb with 
 their effigies was formerly within a mortuary chantry, in the south 
 aisle of the nave of Exeter Cathedral, now removed to the south 
 transept. Over Sir Peter, in a flat stone, was placed his effigy 
 (now removed to the south aisle of the choir) ; he is in the plate 
 and chain armour of the period, the Garter round his knee, and 
 his feet on a dog. The brass is much worn, a part of the ledger 
 inscription only remains ; the arms are Courtenay, and Courtenay 
 impaling Bohun. An unusual feature — seemingly allusive to the 
 warlike character of liis life — is found in the corner-pieces, which 
 represent birds of prey destroying- their quarry. The epitaph is 
 in rhyme : — 
 
 Dcvoniis nalus Comes Pelrusque vocalus 
 Regis cognalus camerarius intilulaius 
 Calesie graius Capitaneus ense prohatus 
 Vila privaiiis fuit hinc super astra retains 
 El quia sublatus de tnutido Iransil amatus 
 CceIo firmatus rnaneal sine fine beaius 
 A very curious circumstance connected with the life of Sir 
 Peter was the belief that he died unmarried. Cleaveland in his 
 History so relates it, and this statement has apparently been 
 followed by all succeeding historians up to a comparatively recent 
 period. Yet an mspection of the escheats, or a glance into 
 Hutchins {History of Dorset), who had consulted them, would at 
 at once have dispelled the illusion. 
 
 Sir Peter married Margaret, only child and heiress of Sir 
 John de Clyvedon, and widow of Sir John de Sancto Laudo, or 
 St. Loe. Sir John de Clyvedon, her father, who died before 1 348, 
 was the son of Sir John de Clyvedon, M.P. for Somerset 1326-7, 
 and Mary Drokensford, daughter of Philip, brother to John 
 Drokensford, Bishop of Bath and Wells, 130Q-29. He was the 
 son of Matthew de Clyvedon, descending from the main branch, 
 who appears to have been the first that held AUer, near I.angport, 
 died before 1332, and whose descendants were the second, or 
 Aller branch of the Clyvedons.* 
 
 Her first husband was Sir John de Sancto Laudo, or St. Loe 
 — of an ancient Somersetshire family, who appear to have been 
 principally of Chew-Magna — and who died 8 Nov. 1375. He 
 was the son of Sir John St. Loe, and Ella his wife, who was the 
 son of John St. Loe, and Joan, daughter of Alexander Cheverell, 
 Sheriff of Wilts, 1308-10. Margaret Clyvedon was his second 
 
 •A full account of the Clyvedon family by the Liti- .Sir John Maclcin is 
 given in Vol. XLI. Somcnct Aich. &■ N . H. Society's Proceedings, from which 
 many of these particulars are extracted.
 
 A Coiuicnay - Clyvedon. 
 
 wife, and by him had two children, Alexander and Elizabeth. 
 Alexander died in his mother's lifetime, leaving his sister Eliza- 
 beth sole heiress to her mother, and joint heiress to her father. 
 Sir John St. Loe's first wife was Alice, daughter of Sir John 
 Pavely of Broke, Wilts ; she died 21 Oct., 1361. There were two 
 daughters by this marriage — Joan, ob. 1375, married first to Sir 
 John Chidiock, ob. 1390, and secondly to John Bache, ob. 1409-10; 
 Ela, ob. 8 Feb., 1409-10, first to Sir Thomas Bradston, of Brad- 
 ston, CO. Gloucester, ob. 16 May, 1374; secondly to Sir Richard 
 de St. Maur, Knt., summoned to Parliament as Baron St. Maur. 
 senr., 1380, who died 15 May, 1401 ; buried in Stavordale Priory. 
 
 After Sir John St. Loe's death on 22 Nov., i 375, an inquisition 
 was held for Wilts, when it was found Alexander his son, then 
 aged half a year, and now surviving, was his next heir, by Mar- 
 garet, his second wife. 
 
 Secondly, she married Sir Peter Courtenay, by whom she 
 had no issue. Sir Peter died before his wife, on 2 Feb., 
 1404-5, and an inquisition was taken on Saturday before Passion 
 Sunday, 6 Henry IV. (4 April, 1405), on the death of Sir Peter 
 Courtenay, Knt. It was found that the said Sir Peter died on the 
 second of February last past (1404-5), without issue, and that 
 Edward, Earl of Devon, is his kinsman and nearest heir, viz , son 
 of Edward, brother of the said Sir Peter. The jurors found that 
 the said Sir Peter held, in right of Margaret his wife, who is still 
 surviving, the following manors, viz., Mayden-Newton (and three 
 others) in Dorset ; Little Cheveral (and another) in Wilts ; Aire, 
 its Advowson and Chantry, Cheddre (with nine others and two 
 advowsons) in Somerset ; with remainder, after the decease of 
 Margaret his wife, to William Botreaux, son of Elizabeth, daughter 
 of the said Margaret by John de Sancto Laudo, her former 
 husband. 
 
 Lady Margaret Courtenay died 5 Jan., 141 1-2 ; her will was 
 proved 7 Feb. following. In it she desires to be buried in the 
 Cathedral Church of Bath, " near the body of my late husband, 
 John St. Lo," and directs prayers to be said for the souls of her- 
 self, her first husband, John de St. Laudo, for his father, and Ela 
 his wife, my late husband's mother. 
 
 For her large possessions three inquisitions were held : for 
 Wilts, 28 Jan., 141 1 ; for Dorset, 21 Nov., 141 z ; and for Somerset, 
 19 Jan., 141 1 -2. Her grandson William, Lord Botreaux (ob. 1462) 
 was found her next heir ; her daughter Elizabeth had predeceased 
 her twenty-two years, ob. 14 Sept. 1389; as also her daughter's 
 husband William, Lord Botreaux (father of the preceding), sixteen 
 years, ob. 25 May, 1395. 
 
 Among the numerous manors Lady Margaret brought her 
 husband Sir Peter was the chief family patrimony of AUer, near 
 Langport, and interesting evidence of their alliance exists in the 
 Church there. It may be fairly assumed they built its substantial
 
 Conrtcnay-Clyvedon. 5 
 
 tower, with its bold turret, and unique features within. Although 
 situate at the west end, it is supported inside on three fine arches, 
 with buttresses springing from the nave walls, and two narrow 
 passages, or side aisles, on the north and south sides, outside the 
 arches. 
 
 On the corbels of the label of the west window are two 
 sculptured shields ; on the dexter side, 'J'hree tortcaiix and label 
 (Courtenay), on the sinister, Courtenay impaling. Three escallops 
 (Clyvedon of AUer). The Aller branch of Clyvedon bore. 
 Ermine, three escallops, gules, found on the seal of her great-uncle 
 Matthew de Clyvedon, 34 Edward III., 1361; crest, an Escallop 
 be/ween livo cozv's horns. The arms of the main branch were. Or, 
 a lion rampant sable; of St. Loe, Argent, a bend sable — a label of 
 three ; crest, a Phcemx or, vulnitig herself. 
 
 Under an ogee arch in the chancel is the effigv of a knight 
 in chain and plate armour somewhat similar to Sir Peter, referable 
 to the middle of the fourteenth century, and may represent an 
 earlier Clyvedon, but there is no inscription or arms, and near it 
 a gravestone, preserved and set upright, commemorates Lady 
 Margaret's great grandson, Reginald Botreaux, which will be 
 further referred to in a succeeding account. 
 
 Reprinted from Notes &■ Queries for Somerset &• Dorset, Vol. VI., /■/>. 241-5. 
 
 "^^
 
 MOELS-BOTREAUX, 
 
 OF NORTH CADBURY, SOMERSET. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 SHKKBORNE: 
 
 l'KINTl-;i) HY J. C. & A. T. SAWIKI.L 
 
 MDrcrxcix
 
 e^^ZZZ 
 
 WILLIAM LORD BOTREAUX, AND ELIZABETH HKAUMONT HIS WIFE. 
 NORTH CADBUKY CHL'RCIl
 
 FROM Tllli liOrKEAUX GRAVKSTON'E.^ALLER CIIL'KCM.
 
 SEAL OF MARGARET DE BOTREAUX.
 
 MOELS-BOTREAUX 
 
 OF NORTH CADBURY, SOMERSET. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 The earliest recorded account of the " ancient and noble 
 race of Moelis, alias Mules de Valence," appears to have been 
 in Devon, wherein at the time of the Domesday survey, a Roger 
 de Molis possessed Lew-Trenchard, and other estates in that 
 county ; and descending from him was : — 
 
 I. A'ic/wlas de Mods, who was a stirring and influential man 
 in the reign of Henry HI, — 1216-72, — Sheriff alternately of 
 Hampshire, Yorkshire and Kent, Governor of the Castles of 
 Winchester, Caermarthen, Cardigan, Rochester and Canterbury, 
 at various times, and had custody of Guernsey, Jersey, and Alder- 
 ney. In 1242 he was deputed a joint Ambassador for denouncing 
 war again the French king, and soon after appointed Seneschal 
 ofGascony. In i 24.4. " he gave the overthrow of battle to the 
 King of Navarre," obtaining a signal victory, for which and other 
 services Henry HI gave him the Manor of Kings-Carswell and 
 others in Devon (subsequently descending to Dinham) and he 
 was afterwards appointed Constable of Dover Castle, and War- 
 den of the Cinque Ports. He married Hmvise, daughter and co- 
 heir of James de Newmarch of North Cadbury, and in her right 
 possessed that Manor and Saperton. He was succeeded by his 
 son Roger. 
 
 II. Roger de Moeh. married /J /;>/", daughter of William de 
 Preux, and was of North Cadbury. He served in the Welsh Wars 
 and had the Castle of Lampadervaur committed to his custody, 
 died in 1294, and was succeeded by his i,or\ John. 
 
 \\\. John de Moeh, he married a daughter of Zo'</ Griy </if 
 Ruthyn, and distinguished himself, temp. Edward I, in the Scot- 
 tish Wars. He was summoned to Parliament as a Baron 
 from 6 Feb., 1299 — 27 Edward I — to 16 June, 131 1. Speaking 
 of this Baron, Risdon (in his Suroey, 1630) narrates: — 
 
 " Of tliis tribe \v.as John, Lord Mules, one of tl)e ninety-four barons that in 
 a P.irliament bolden at Lincohi, in the reign of Kinfj liiiward I, anno 1301, sub- 
 scribed nletterdenyinK the Pope's pretended title to the Kingdom of Scotland."
 
 8 Mods-Botrcaux. 
 
 He died in i 31 i, leaving a son Nicholas; also apparently a 
 daughter yo/ia««<7, married to Sir Henry de la Pomeroy, (ob: 
 22 Oct. 1367,) of Stokeley, Berye, &c., in south Devon, as his 
 first wife. 
 
 IV. Nicholas de Mods, — styled second Baron, but never sum 
 moned, — he married Margarel Sourih daughter of Hugh Courtenay- 
 Baron of Okehampton, ob : 1328, by his wife Eleanor, daughter, 
 of Hugh De Spencer, Earl of Winchester, by whom he had two 
 sons, Roger, his successor, and John who succeeded his brother. 
 
 Ladv Margaret Moels, was sister to Hugh, first Earl of Devon, 
 and great-aunt to Sir Peter Courtenay who married Margaret 
 Clyvedon ofAUer. He (Nicholas) died in 1316, and was suc- 
 ceeded by his elder son Roger. 
 
 V. Roger de Moels, — styled third Baron, but never summoned, 
 — he died ig Edward H, 1326, sine prole, and was succeeded by 
 his brother _/(?/;«. 
 
 VI. John de Moels, — styled fourth (and last) Baron, but never 
 summoned. He was created Knight of the Bath, 20 Edward II, 
 1327, and in the expedition to Scotland by Edward III in 1334. 
 
 He married Joan, daughter of Richard, Lord Level, of 
 Castle Cary, (summoned as a Baron from 20 Nov. 1348, to 25 
 Nov. 1350,) by his wife Muriel, daughter of his guardian John 
 Soulis of Old Rokesburgh (Burke says she was the daughter of 
 William first Earl of Douglas in Scotland) and who died in 1351. 
 Arms of Lovel of Cary : — Or, semee of crosses-crosslet a lion rampant 
 azure. 
 
 By her John de Moels had two daughters, Muriel and Isabel, 
 coheiresses. He died about 1337. 
 
 VII. Muriel de Moels, — she married her cousin Sir Thomas 
 Courtenay — ob: 1357, styled of South-Pool and Wotton in Devon, 
 fourth son of Hugh, second Earl of Devon, ob: 1340, by Agnes 
 St. John. Cleaveland states : — 
 
 " He was put in commission with his brother Hugh, Earl of Devon, to lead 
 the Devonshire and Cornish men against the French, who landed in the west, 
 and they bravely beat oiT the French, and made them return to their own 
 country, he did likewise serve King Edward HI, in the w.ars against Great 
 Britain." 
 
 They had three children. — Hugh, oh: i }bq, sine prole, Mar- 
 garet, married to Sir Thomas Peverell, whose daughter Kaiherine 
 married Sir Walter Hungerford, K.G. of Farleigh, ob: i44q, sum- 
 moned as Baron 1426-48, and were both buried in Salisbury 
 Cathedral ; — Muriel married Sir John Dinham, who succeeded to 
 the Manors of Kings-Carswell, &c., in Devon, and Stoke-Moels 
 in Oxfordshire. The Dinhams were also connected with Somer- 
 set ; at Buckland-Dinham, thev founded a Chantrv in the church.
 
 Moels-Botnaux. 9 
 
 and within it there still remains a gravestone to them, of early 
 date, with busts and shields, greatly denuded ; and at Corton- 
 Dinham. 
 
 In South-Pool church is an antient effigy in the transept of 
 a lady clad in long gown and robe over, with very large cushion- 
 shaped head-dress, richly embroidered, with cover-chief, — that 
 may probably represent this Muriel de Moels-Courtenay, the cos- 
 tume being of contemporary date. 
 
 VIII. Isabel de Mods, — she married Sir Winiar?i Bolreaux, 
 and inherited the Manor of North Cadbury, and Dappleford in 
 Devon ; this match will be further referred to. At the death of 
 John de Moels about 1337, the presumed barony fell into abey- 
 ance between these two daughters. 
 
 The arms of Moels, Argenl, Iwo bars and in chief three 
 roundels gules, are exactly similar to the bearings of Hungerford, 
 whose tinctures differ by the charge being sable and argent. The 
 crest of Mules is given as a Mule passant. 
 
 A junior branch of Moels was settled at Ernesborough, in 
 Swimbridge, north Devon, which, continues Risdon — 
 
 "As the name imports is a principal place or court house in the lord's 
 manor, and so this seems by the ruins yet remaining. It became the sent of the 
 Flavels whose inheritrix brought this heritage with a goodly patrimony to Sir 
 Roger Mules, second son of the Lord Mules, baron of Cadbuiy in Somersetshire. 
 The north aisle of the church was built by Sir John Mules of Ernesborough, as 
 the inscription in a window, and a proof there once fairly painted and gilded, 
 with the arms and matches of that family make evident, unto the maintenance 
 whereof for ever he gave to that church his lands called Furse." 
 
 The Chantrv, dedicated to St. Bridget, is entered from the 
 north aisle by a good arch, and on the bosses of the roof are 
 shields, — Mules, impaling Battin, — Calmady, Dabernon, &c.,and 
 the date 1729, when these armories were probably restored, and 
 the tinctures apparently incorrectly blazoned. 
 
 A branch from this house migrated to Halmeston in the 
 neighbouring parish of Bishops-Tawton ; of which place he 
 further notes : — 
 
 "in Edward III time, Baldwin Ackland was inrested, which descended to 
 Joan his heir, married to Thomas .Mules, second son of Thomas Mules of Ernes- 
 borough in Henry V time (1413-22) and so lineally after six descents to John 
 Mules the late lord thereof, who married the daughter of Chafe, his father the 
 heir of Yeomans of Northamptonshire, — his only daughter and heir, married to 
 Bennet." 
 
 This John Mules appears to have been the last male de- 
 scendant of this branch of the family of whom Wustcote (1630) 
 observes, — 
 
 "the name is continued in this gentleman, John Moelis of Yalmston, whose 
 company and assistance in this our journey would be very delightful and profit- 
 able unto us, for his many good parts."
 
 10 Moels-Botreaux. 
 
 A monument in the church commemorates him thus in- 
 scribed : — 
 
 Erected to admonish the living of their end, and to reserve his memory who is not 
 dead but sleepeth, John Mulys of Halmeston, Esq., lineally descended from 
 ihitt worthy family of hts name. Barons of North Cadbiiry in Somerset, whence a 
 branch transplanted to Ernisboroiigh in Swimbridge, continewed on the dcscente to him 
 who here lay down to rest the 12th September, 1633. 
 
 Arms, — Quarterly of six, — i. Mules, with crescent for difference, 2. Ermine, 
 on a bend gules, three escallops argent, — 3. Barry of nine argent and gules, a canton 
 sable : — 4. Fretty argent and azure, a chief ermine, — 5. JIules, — 6. Azure, six fusils 
 in fess, and a canton argent, a crescent for difference, (Chabe). Four otlier 
 shields, — i. Mules, impaling. Ermine, on a bend gules, three escallops argent 
 (Perrot ? ) — 2. Mules, impaling. Azure, three battle axes or, (Battin) 3. Mules, 
 impaling, Sable a chevron between three escallops argent, (Dyer) 4. Checquy argent 
 and sable, a chief of the first, (Acland) impaling Mules. 
 
 Apparently this is the only memorial existent to tlie " ancient 
 and noble race" of JNIoels. 
 
 In alliance with the heiress of North-Cadbury, Isabel de 
 Moels, we reach the equally antient family of Botreaux. Their 
 original home was at Botreaux Castle, on the north coast of 
 Cornwall, and subsequently also in Devon at Molland-Botreaux, 
 where, according to Pole, " they had their dwelling in this 
 country from Henry I tyme (1100-25) unto Henry VI tyme 
 (142Z-61) that the name fell into the famyly of Hungerford." 
 There were seven descendants, of whom five were named William 
 and two Reginald, and these bring us to their four successors, 
 each named William, of North-Cadbury, with the first of whom 
 our account begins. 
 
 I. Williatn de Botreaux, — he was thirty years old at his 
 father's death, and married Isabel, daughter and coheir of Sir 
 Jnhn de Moels, K.B , styled fourth (and last) Baron, by his wife 
 Joan, daughter of Richard, Lord Lovell of Castle-Cary. She was 
 married in 1337,, and at the decease of her father inherited the 
 manor of North-Cadbury, &c. ; and was joint heiress to the 
 Barony. She died 19 July, 1349, her husband surviving her 
 three days only, dying 22 July, 1349; — they left a son Wuliain. 
 
 II. William de Bolreaux, aged twelve at his father's death, — 
 he was in the expedition to Saxony. Portugal and Spain, and was 
 summoned to Parliament as a Baron, from 24 Feb. 1367, to 12 
 Sept. I 390. He was born 13 Sep. 1337, and married 6 Feb. 1369-70, 
 Ehzabelh, daughter of Sir Ralph Daubeney, of South Petherton, 
 Knt., by Katherine daughter of William Lord Thwenge, and died 
 10 Aug, 1 39 1. His wife. Lady Elizabeth Botreaux, appears to have 
 survived him more than forty years, and CoUinson relates, — 
 
 " Sbe rebuilt the p,arish church of North-Cadbury, and in 1427, pr(}CUied 
 license from Henry VI to erect and transfer the s.iid foundation into a Colle- 
 giate Church, and to establish a Perpetual College of seven Chaplains, one of 
 them to preside andhave the government thereof, and to be called Rector of the
 
 Mods - Botreaux. 1 1 
 
 College of St. Michael the Archangel of North Cadburj', and four Clerks to 
 pray for the good estate of the King, and of her the said Elizabeth, and Sir 
 William Botreaux the younger, Knt." 
 
 She died in 1433, and there appears to have been four sons, 
 William, the heir, Thomas, Ralph and John, on all of whom the 
 manor was entailed successively. 
 
 III. William de Botreaux, second Baron, aged twenty four at 
 his father's death. He married Elizabeth Clyvedon-Sl. Loe, of 
 Aller, previously described. She died 1+ Sep. 1389, her husband 
 25 i\Iay, 139s ; — they left a son William. 
 
 IV. William de Botreaux, third and last Baron, was sum- 
 moned to Parliament from i Dec. 1412 to 23 May, 1461. He 
 was born 20 Feb. 1389-90, and married first before 1415, Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of /ohn. Lord Beaumont, by whom he had two 
 sons, William and Reginald, and two daughters, Anne, and Margaret 
 eventually their sole heiress. Anne married Sir John Stafford, Knt, 
 (ob: 5 Nov. 1427) second son of Sir Humphrey Stafford " of the 
 Silver Hand," (ob : 1442) the marriage contract dated 16 March, 
 1426, the event " to take place before the Feast of Whitsunday 
 next ensuing "; by him she had one son Humphrey, who died in 
 Scotland 6 Aug. 14&1, s.p. EHzabeth Beaumont, Lady Botreau.x, 
 died before 37 Henry VI, 1459. Secondly, he married Margaret, 
 daughter of 7'homas, Lord Roos, and she remarried before 1464 
 Sir Thomas Burgli, Knt. He, Lord Botreaux, died ib May 1462, 
 and is said to liave made his will in 1415. fortv-seven years before 
 his death, when he was about to accompany Henry V to France. 
 He directs his burial to be in North-Cadbury church, and died 
 seized of fifty manors in the western counties, the administration 
 dated i July, 1462. 
 
 The presumed tomb, with the effigies of Lord William 
 Botreaux and Elizabeth Beaumont his first wife, now occupies a 
 corner of the tower of North-Cadbury church, but its original 
 position was in the Founder's place on the north side of the 
 chancel. He is in complete plate armour, his head on a helmet, 
 with the remains of a crest, apparently a griffin, the cognizance 
 of the family, his feet on a lion. The lady has a richly orna- 
 mented mitre head-dress, necklace, and clad in long robes. Two 
 angels support her shoulders, and her feet rest on two dogs, one 
 collared. Above their heads are the remains of a canopy. 
 
 V. William de Botreaux, eldest son, predeceased his father, 
 and died before 1434, s.p. 
 
 VI. Reginald de Botreaux, second son, also died before his 
 father in 1420, — ,r. p. The memorial to this son is in .\ller church, 
 the principal family manor descending on his grandmother's side. 
 Originally a flat stone in the pavement, it is now set upright in 
 the chancel and is considerably denuded. The shield is in low
 
 12 Moels-Botreaux. 
 
 relief, and tlie letters of the inscription are incised in a ledger 
 line, — it records : — 
 
 Hie jiicel Roginaldus filius William doni de Bolreaux qui 
 obiii XXX die mens/s /u/ii anno dotti HJoCCccxx. 
 
 Arms, — A griffin rampant, (BoTREAUX)impaling — Semce fleurs 
 de tys, a lion rampant, (Beaumont.) 
 
 VII. Margaiet de Botnaiix, — sole surviving daughter and 
 heiress. She was aged forty at her father's death, and had mar- 
 ried Sir Robert Hungerford, Knt., second Baron, and brought to 
 her husband a vast estate, in Somerset, Cornwall and Devon, 
 that descended to her by Clyvedon, iNIoels and Botreaux, being 
 also joint heiress to the barony of .Moels, and sole heiress to that 
 of Botreaux. 
 
 Notwithstanding her great possessions and noble espousal, 
 the life of Margaret Botreaux was a succession of great vicissi- 
 tude and trial, but she was a most energetic wife, and a much- 
 tried, devoted mother. Her son. Sir Robert, having been taken 
 prisoner after the unfortunate battle of Chastillon, she advanced 
 immense sums to procure his freedom, which was only effected 
 after an incarceration of seven years and four months. But she 
 was destined subsequently to experience a similar but far greater 
 trial that resulted in the loss of this son, for whom she had suf- 
 fered and spent so much, perishing by the executioner's hand, he 
 being again taken prisoner, this time at home, fighting on the 
 Lancastrian side at Hexham, and being conveyed to Newcastle, 
 there beheaded by the victorious Yorkists, in 1463. Six years 
 afterward, she lived to experience further the death of her grand- 
 son Sir Thomas Hungerford, awarded the same dreadful fate at 
 Salisbury in 1469. She was mulcted of large sums during her 
 widowhood " for the composition of the lands of her late husband, 
 divers times seized and given to several great lords," and also in 
 " the loss she sustained when she was put into the Abbey of Am- 
 bresburv at the King's command, her moveable goods of great 
 value being there burnt," — yet notwithstanding these amerce- 
 ments, she faithfully carried out her husband's intentions in 
 founding and endowing the Chantrv in Salisbury Cathedral, and 
 buried him there in a tomb of marble with his effigies, and erect- 
 ing another destined for herself; together with the Almshouse 
 at Heytesbury, which still exists; in all at almost fabulous cost. 
 
 Robert, Lord Hungerford, her husband, died in 1459, and 
 she was released from her troublous life 7 Feb. 1478-9. But mis- 
 fortunes did not cease at her death ; they were both buried in the 
 Chantry this devoted woman had erected, and which Wyatt sub- 
 sequently ruthlessly demolished. Her tomb, — described by 
 Hutchins"as an altar tomb, the cover-stone being a good imi- 
 tation of a pall with a cross on it," — was completely destroyed, 
 no identified trace remaining. The effigv of her husband was
 
 Moch-Botreaux. '3 
 
 preserved, and ii now reclines on a patched-up tomb in the nave. 
 It is of alabaster, clad in enriched fluted plate armour, throat- 
 piece and gussets of chain-mail, ornamented baudnc with anflace 
 The hair polled, collar of S.S., feet on a dog collared, and held 
 
 bv a leash. i i t i ^ 
 
 But a characteristic remembrance of this remarkable laa} 
 remains in her seal, where she is represented as sitting in laced 
 bodice and coverchief, with an open book on her lap and 
 around her a label inscribed '' Myne trouth assured" on the dexter 
 side a lion slalant supporlint? a banner over her head bearing the 
 arms of Hungerford impaling Botreaux, on the sinister a griffin 
 slatan!, (the badge of Botreaux) with a banner charged with the 
 arms of Botreaux impaling Beaumont, for her mother. The in^ 
 scription, " .SV<V//«/;; Mar<;,irete d' ne <h H iingcrford el de Botreaux. ' 
 The arms of Botreaux were originally, Argen/, three toads erect sable, 
 and subsequently, Argent, a griffin rampant gules, armed and num- 
 bered azure. _ ,, 
 In his description of the parish of Minster, north Cornwall, 
 in which Botreaux Castle the original home of Botreaux was 
 situate, Lysons records, — 
 
 •• The manor, honour, an,l borough of Botreaux Castle (now called Bos- 
 castle) were among the antient possessions of the baronial family of B°'>.«j;"- 
 who wer. settled here as early as the reign of Henry II, ("54-89)- ^^ >lli^"^ 
 Botreaux and his younger brother Reginald were both among 'b^^^belba onsin 
 arms against Henry III. William Lord Botreaux, the last ofthefamilv, was killed 
 at the battle of St.' Albans in 1462. (second batt e) leayng an «" - d='"ghte 
 married to Sir Robert Hunger ford. The principal residence o thi, antien 
 family was at the Castle called after their name, of which ""'V'^e ~ 
 rem.ains. Leland speaks of the manor place as a ''>>"? "f^'"^'','^,™'"""" 
 •■ far unwortnie the name of a castel, the pc-ople there call 1 the ^o^^- J;'^^ 
 savs "the dnersified rooms of a prison in the castle, for both sexes, better pie 
 sefved by the inhabitants memorie than discernible by their own endmanee 
 show the same heretofore to have exercised some large jurisdiction. Tie 
 manor-house.-now in a state of dilapidation,-and manors passed Mth the 
 hehess of liungerford to Hastings. Henry Hasting, Earl o Huntingdon, 
 temp : Qneen Elizabeth, sold the manor and lordship to John Hender. Esq. 
 Risdon (1630) speaking of Molland-Botreaux, their posses- 
 
 '^°" Bot^eaux'park-wLTThe antient dwelling of Botreaux in Devon, from the 
 Conquest to the reign of Henry VI, at .hich time John Botreaux, a younge 
 son of William Lord Botreaux, Captain of Charenton ,n Normandy temp. 
 Henry V en pyed this land, who figfting valiantly at St. flbans was s^arn by 
 the Duke of York, 23 May, 33 Henry VI, (1455. tbe A"' /•>''<=■ }^ ■"^^^.: 
 first of this name, I find was in great favour with Henry I. ("°°-35) =?"d mat 
 ried Alice, daughter of Robert Corbett, sister ol Amasia, by whom th„t King 
 had Reginald, Earl of Cornwall." 
 
 » The illustration of her seal is taken from Canon Jackson's Faricigh 
 
 Hungaiord, with all -^^-^^^"^1^^. ^^^'^^l^^^ The effigies at North 
 It IS also given in Sir R. C. Hoare s ii/oa«)K 'i""^- ',. " ,, .,,,. 
 Cadbury, from the drawing by Mr. Roscoe Gibbs. The outline from the .^llei 
 Gravestone by the author.
 
 I A Moels-Botreaux. 
 
 The interesting old Cornish tradition of the wreck of the 
 vessel bearing a peal of bells to Botreaux, and whose notes are 
 said to be still occasionally heard from the ocean depths, has 
 been made famous by the poet-parson of Morwenstow, who in 
 " The Stlenl Toiver of Boheaux," pleasantly recounts the legend 
 concluding, — 
 
 " Still when the storm of Bottieau's waves, 
 Is wakening in his weedy caves, 
 Those bells, that sullen surges hide 
 Pejl their deep notes beneath the tide : — 
 " Come to thy God in time ! " 
 Tims saith the ocean chime ; 
 Storm, billow, whirlwind past 
 " Come to thy God at last ! " 
 
 Reprinted from Notes &■ Queries for Somerset &■ Dorset, Vol. VI , pp. 2S0-95. 
 
 '^^
 
 LADY ALICE DE MOELS, 
 
 OF NORTH CADBURY. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 SHKRBORNE: 
 
 PRINTED BY ]. C. & A. T. SAWTEI.I., 
 
 MDCCCC.
 
 JOHN DE WOTTON (?) VVIDWORTHY CHURCH. DEVON.
 
 IN LUSTLEIGll CHUKCH, DEVON.
 
 LADY ALICE DE MOELS, 
 
 OF NORTH CADBURY. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 This lady, of whom some interesting particulars are recorded, 
 was, with little doubt, the wife of Sir Roger de Moels of North Cad- 
 bury, styled third Baron, elder son of Sir Nicholas de Moels, (ob : 
 1315-ib) by his wife Margaret, daughter of Hugh Courtenay, 
 Baron of Okehampton. He, Sir Roger, is said to have died sine 
 prole, (1323-4) but this is only correct as far as male issue, for he 
 really had three daughters by the Lady Alice, who became her 
 co-heiresses. 
 
 The descent of this lady is given shortly by Pole, and more 
 extended, but with obvious uncertainty by Risdon. 
 
 Her lineage has however been comprehensively cleared up 
 by that careful antiquary, the late Mr. Winslow Jones, in his paper 
 on " The early Northcote Pedigree^ in Notes and Gleanings for Devon, 
 i8gi — Vol. IV, pp. 133-143 — a John de Northcote, having 
 married (as her second husband) /cij^ eldest daughter of the Lady 
 Alice, with no issue, but from which marriage the Northcotes 
 were in error made to descend. This will be further alluded to. 
 From this analysis we propose to quote the main particulars, 
 together with some collateral information. 
 
 The Lady Alice was 
 
 " the only child and heiress oi Sir William Prouz, lord of the manors of Lust- 
 leigh, Ilolbeton, Ashton, Gidleigh, Throwlcigh, Widworlhy, and Aveton-Giftard, 
 and owner of the aiivowsons of 1-ustloigh, Ashton, (-iidlcigb, W'idworthy, and 
 Avetoii-Giffard, (all in Devon) and Alice his wilV, il.iu^htor and co-heiress of 
 Sir William Hcigny lord of the manor of Brixton-Reiyny, in the parish of 
 Brixton." 
 
 The family of Prouz was a very antient one in mid-Devon, 
 and of them Westcote remarks, — 
 
 "Here flourisheth also (as saith Mr. Camden, an<l justly might he so say) 
 the clarous family of Prouz, and so it doth at this day, (1630) though not per- 
 chance in equal estate or addition of titles with thcni. They flourished in this 
 kingdom (if we may give credit to tradition and no slight manuscripts) even 
 before the Conquest."
 
 2 Lady Alice de Mods. 
 
 Sir William was the eldest of four brothers all knights, and 
 the parent coat armour of the family was Sable, three lions ram- 
 pant argent. The Reignys were also of considerable antiquity 
 from temp. Henry III, and left their name as an affix to several 
 places in the county ; their arms are given as Gules, three paring 
 knives argent, hafts or. 
 
 When Lady Alice was married to her husband does not 
 appear, but 
 
 " On I. Aug., 131S, Peter de Honetone was instituted to the rectory of Aveton- 
 Giffard on Sir Roger's (Mules) presentation, which he exercised in right of his 
 wife." 
 
 Five years afterward Sir Roger appears to have died, and the 
 inquisition on his death was taken 7 Feb., 1323-4. (17 Edward II. 
 No. 20.) On ig June, 1329, Lady Alice presented Roger Hoche 
 to the rectory of Gidleigh. 
 
 Apparently Lady Alice contemplated a second marriage with 
 a William de Moels. Who he was or of what branch of the family 
 does not appear, but probably, from her local associations, either 
 from the Exourne or Halmeston descents. 
 
 " By a fine levied on the Octaves of the Holy Trinity 3 Edward III, {25 
 June, 1329) in which iVillicim de Moclys was pWmtiff and Lady Alice de Moelis 
 deforciant, she settled the manors of Aveton-GifFard, Widworthy, Lustleigh, 
 Gidleigh, Holbeton, and nine carucates of land and £2j los, rent in Clist, 
 Heghclierche, Whitecherche, Stodbirv, Dornford and Asshehoult, and the 
 advowsons of the churches of Aveton-Gifiard, Widworthy, Lustleigh, and Gid- 
 leigh, to hold to the s.iid William and the heirs of his body by the said Alice, 
 and in default of such herrs, to the said Alice and her heirs." 
 
 But nothing further is mentioned as to this contemplated 
 marriage ; if it did take place there was no issue of it, nor is any- 
 thing said about it in the deed of partition of Lady Alice's 
 manors after her death ; but in a subsequent deed of settlement, 
 dated 13 (.!ct., i 3+3, relating to Joan de Moels, eldest daughter 
 of Lady Alice, and her second husband John de Northcote, the 
 name of Beatri.x the widow of William de Moels is ment\on&A, who 
 held a rent charge, &c., for life in the vill of Brixton, which 
 reverted at her death to the said John de Northcote and his wife 
 Joan, and at their deaths to Richard de Wotton, Joan's eldest 
 son by her first husband John de Wotton. 
 
 In the July following the above dated deed of June, 1329, 
 Peter de Honetone, (who had been previously presented by her 
 husband to the rectory of Aveton-Giffard) being dead, she as 
 •' Dame Alice, relict of Sir Roger de Moeles, Knt.," the patron, pre- 
 sented Simon de Wybbury, to the vacant benefice. This 
 presentation brought the following letter to her, from the then 
 Bishop of Exeter, the great John de Grandisson. It is preserved
 
 Lady Alice dc Mods. 3 
 
 among his private letters, and included in the Register of that 
 Prelate, by Mr. Hingeston- Randolph, Part I., page 224. 
 
 (Litcra Missa Dominc Alicie de Mulls.) 
 
 A nostrc treschere et treshonure fiUeen Dieu, Dame Alice de Mules, Johan, 
 par le soflFraunce de Dieu Evesque Dexcestre, saluz et trescheres amistez, ove la 
 beniscoun de Dieu et la nostie. — Treschere Dame, — Purceo qe nous avoms 
 entendu qe lesglise DalTetone Giffard est ja voide par la mort Sire Peres de 
 Honetone, qi Dieux assoile, et apertient a vostre Avoesou ; coment qe nous 
 ne eioms conisaunce de vous ne de vostre persone, qy nous peise durement et 
 de queor, nepurquant, pur la graunde bounte qe nous avoms de vous oy, et la 
 queyntaunce qe nous esperonis de vous avoir en temps avenir, nous enprenoms 
 de vous prier qe vous plese pur lamur de nous voucher sauf le presentement de 
 la dite Esglise et un de nos Clerics qil nous vous nomeroms, et que vous porra 
 bon lieu tenir come yl ferra al eide de Dieu solonc son poer. E, chere Dame, 
 ceste chose sovraynement requeroms, purceo qe le lieu en le mayn dun de noz 
 nous seroit eise pur nostre giste en alaunt per pais. Et, sil vous plese, Dame, 
 faire ceste nostre requeste, nous seroms prest autrefoich de avaunser un des vos, 
 pur qi vous nous requerez, quant nous verroms lieu et temps covenable. Tres- 
 chere Dame, le Seynt Espirit vous eit en Sa garde par Sa pite ! — Escriptes a 
 Nostre Manoir de Peyngtone, len demeyn de la Magdalene. (23 July, 1329.) 
 
 In November of this same year, 1329, a curiotis circimislance 
 took place with regard to her father's interment, tiiat cannot be 
 better described than in the homely language of Risdon. 
 
 " Sir William Prouz ordained by his will to be buried among his ancestors 
 at Lustleigh, but his executors interred him at Holberton. The Lady Alice 
 -Mules his daughter, who married Sir Roger Mules, baron of North Cadbury, 
 after sometime coming to the knowledge of her father's will, touching his 
 funeral, was not performed, — petitioned tlie then lord bishop of Exon, that the 
 corpse might be taken up, and according to his will be buried at Lustleigh, which 
 was granted, and thereupon a mandatum was sent forth to that purpose; which 
 in regard of a matter so strange and unu~u;d, some happily may desire to read 
 it, whereof behold the transcript.' 
 
 This Risdon supplies, but a more correct one is found in tlie 
 Register, of Bishop Grandisson by Mr. Hingeston-Randolph, part 
 I, page 534, which we quote instead : — 
 
 " Registriim Venerabilis in Christo Patris, Domini Johaimis. Dei gracia Exon- 
 iensis Efiscopi, inccpti in Mancrio ejusdetn Patris apud Chuddelcghc, die Mercurii in 
 Fcsto Sancti Luce, Evangeliste , Videlicet xviija die mensis Octobris, Anno Domini 
 Millesimo CCC"") XXo nono, et Consccrationis sue tercio Incipiente. 
 
 Holbeton ; Mandatum ad cxkumandum corpus Domini Willelmi Proticz, 
 Militis,— 
 
 Quarto decimo Kalendas Novembiis (19 Oct.) apud Chuddeleghe, emanavit 
 Mandatum Domino Henrico, Vicario Ecclesie de Uolboghctone, sub hac 
 forma: — Johannes, etc. — Ex parte Nobilis Mulierin, Domine Alicie de Moeles, 
 nobis est intimatum, quod, cum Nobilis Vir, Dominus Willelmus Proucz, pater 
 suus. Miles, parochianus Ecclesie de Lusleleghe, corpus suum disposuisset, in 
 ultima sua Voluntate, in liicta Ecclesia dc Lusteleghe sepeliri, quidam, tamen, 
 corpus ipsius in Ecclesia de Hollioghetone sepelire nimis voluntarie presump- 
 serunt. Volentes, igitur ut tenemur, pias et honestas voluntates exequi defunc- 
 torum,vobis committimus et mand.imusquatinu.^^. si per legitiniam Inquisicionem, 
 vocatis vocandis, ita esse iuvcneritis, ossa prefati Militis. cum revcrencia qua
 
 4. Lady Alice de Mods. 
 
 decet, facialis exhumari, et apud Ecclesiam predictam de Lusteleghe, quam 
 primo comode poteritis, transportari. Datum, &c. 
 
 Sir William Prouz, the father of Lady Alice, died in beginning 
 of 1316, and his inquisition was taken ig May, 1316, and a 
 second on the following day ; his wife Alice Reigny was alive in 
 1318, and as his widow, made two presentations to Lustleigh. 
 Doubtless the knight's bones were duly removed from Holbeton 
 to Lustleigh church, within which are three supulchral effigies. 
 Two of these, a knight and a lady, from the character cf the 
 defensive appointments and costume, point to the second half of 
 the thirteenth century, and may represent Sir William Prouz's 
 father Sir William, and his wife Emma de Widworthy, — the other, 
 her second husband, Sir Robert de Dinham, as it is of somewhat 
 later date ; or with equal probability Sir Hugh, the father of 
 Lady Alice. 
 
 "On May 14, 1332, a license was granted by Bishop Grandisson to Lady 
 Alice de Moeles, lor the celebration, during his good pleasure, of divine offices 
 in her Chapel of the Virgin Mary at Wallen in the parish of Throwleigh, which 
 was founded by Sir Richard de Chagford, priest, And on 21 March, 1332-3, 
 Richard de Wodeford was instituted to the rectory of Widworthy on her 
 presentation." 
 
 Nothing further appears to have been recorded concerning 
 the life of Lady Alice, and 
 
 " She died in, or shortly before December 1335. and by the inquisition 
 after her death (9 Edward III, No. 24) taken on AVednesday, alter the feast of 
 the Circumcision in that year, i Jan., 1335-6; it was found that she held in fee 
 the manors of Gidleigh, Holbeton and Widworthy, and the hamlet of Clyffe. 
 and that " Johunna, que fuit uxor Johannis de Wotton, Isolda, uxor Oliveri de 
 Wybbury, et Alicia uxor Johannis Damnarle sunt heredes propviquiores etusdem 
 Alicii et de etate triginta annorum et amplius." 
 
 Joan de Moels, eldest daughter. She was of Widworthy, a 
 manor brought into her mother's family with Lustleigh and 
 Aveton Giffard by her great grandmother, Emma de Widworthy. 
 She married John de Wotton. He was of a family of whom 
 little or nothing is known, but may have descended from Matthew 
 de Wooton, who held Wooton, in the parish of Colebrooke, sans 
 date. He appears to have died before his wife's mother. Lady 
 Alice, 1335-6. By her he had two sons Richard & John. She 
 married secondly 7o/j« de Norlhcole, by whom she had no issue. 
 
 Richard de Wollon married Julian , by whom he had a 
 
 son William. She married secondly Thornas Jewe,Y>xoha.h\y of the 
 family settled in the adjoining parish of Cotlegh, whose arms 
 were Vert, a lion rampanl guardant ermine dehrutsed with a /esse 
 gules. 
 
 William Wotton married Gundred, daughter and coheiress of 
 Thomas Wiger, and Christian his wife, by whom he had a son
 
 Lady Alice de Mods. 5 
 
 John. The Wigers were an antient Devonshire family whose arms 
 were Or, a Saliire vaire. John Wotlon rndLTxitd Engarel or Englesa, 
 (laughter of Waller Dymock, by whom he had an only daughter and 
 heiress Alice. Lieut.-Col. Harding in his description of the arms 
 on the Chichester monument at Pilton, North Devon, Dioc. Arch. 
 Trans. Devon, Vo\. \i, pa.ge \is, says she was tlie daughter of 
 Walter Dymock of Leicetershire, (but query of Ivybridge), and 
 gives the arms to be further referred to. 
 
 "On 8th March, 1408-9, Bishop Stafford granted a license to John Wotton 
 domtcellus, (a young esquire), and Englesa his wife for an Oratory in their mansion 
 of Wythworthy, m Widworlhy." 
 
 Ah'ce Wolion. She married Sir John Chichester of Raleigh in 
 Pilton, North Devon, who succeeded to the manor of Widworthy, 
 by whom she had two sons Richard and John. She deceased 
 before her husband, who died i+th Dec, 1437. Her death ended 
 the descent of Wotton. 
 
 I.soLDE DE MoELs, second daughter. She married Oliver de 
 Wybbury of Wybbury, in the parish of Alverdiscot, North Devon. 
 They were assigned the mansion at Holbeton, with its gardens, 
 closes, woods, meadows, dove cotes, &c., and nearly all its de- 
 mesne, the demesne of Clist- Widworthy in Colyton, rents at 
 Throwleigh, and the advowson of Lustleigh. No further descent 
 appears of this match. The older Wibberys appear to have been 
 of Chagford from 24. Edward I. 1296, for several descents, their 
 arms are given as Gules, semee Jleurs de Ivs, three lions rampant, 
 within a bordure engrailed or. Wibbery of Wibbery, Argent, a Jess 
 embattled counter-embattled sable, between three quatrejoils gules. 
 
 Alice de Moels, third daughter. She married John 
 Dam.-vrell, or D'AuMARLE, of Fleet in Holbeton, and Aveton- 
 Giflard in South Devon, about 4. Edward HI., 1331. They 
 appear to have had two daughters, Joan and Claricia. 
 
 Joan married /tf/iw Dernford or Durnjord ; they were an antient 
 family holding various manors in Devon. Pole gives two bearings 
 as belonging to them. Sable, a rams head carbossed argent, horned 
 or, and, A Pillar with a crown on the top, a serpent enjolded about the 
 pillar. 
 
 Claricia married John Berry or Bury, an antient race of 
 Berrynarbor in North Devon, settled there from temp. Edward I. 
 and had issued John. Their arms were Gules, three bars or. 
 
 Of the Damarells, Pole says, " Robert dc Albemarle or 
 Damarell held lands in Devonshire in the Conqueror's time, from 
 whom issued divers houses ; there is remaining one of this name 
 of mean quality." Damarell of Fleet gave this variation of the 
 parent coat, Azure, a chief gules, three crescents argent, i &- \.
 
 6 Lady Alice de Mods. 
 
 Descents of the ' clarous ' family of Prouz were settled in 
 Exeter and Crediton, — Richard Prouse, Mayor of Exeter, 1578 
 and 1589, ob. 1 60S, buried in the Cathedral, and John, his son, 
 Mayor 160S-1619, ob. 1620. The last of the Crediton branch is 
 thus commemorated on a monument in Crediton church — 
 
 Underneath Lie deposited the Remains of Mrs. Honor Prouze, the last of a 
 numerous and worthy family of this Parish, who, after having corapleated 73 
 years in the Practice of every Christian virtue, — In which she shone thro' Life 
 Superiour to most Inferiour to none, was suddenly summoned to receive her 
 reward, ist July, 1773. 
 
 Arms, — Ermine, three lions rampant gules. 
 
 It was from John de Northecote, the second husband of Joan 
 de Moels, eldest daughter of Lady Alice (who appears to have 
 been Sheriff of Devon, 28 Edward III., 1354,) and his assumed 
 issue by her that Robert Cooke, Clarenceux, connected the 
 present descent with an older pedigree of Northcote. But Mr. 
 Winslow Jones in his able investigation of the descent has con- 
 clusively proved there was no issue of this second marriage, and 
 that Cooke must have surreptitiously inserted it.* 
 
 In Widworthy Church there is a very perfect effigy of a 
 knight in chain and plate armour, with bascinet and shield on the 
 left arm on which is sculptured Semee of cross crosskts, three lions 
 rampant, and there can be little doubt that it represents John 
 de Wotton, husband of Joan, eldest daughter of Lady Alice, being 
 the coat of Prowz with the augmentation for difference.! Pole 
 assigns this coat also to Sir Hugh Prowz, the uncle of Lady Alice 
 who held the manor of Gatcombe, &c., in the adjoining parish 
 of Colyton, as well as to " VVooton of Widworthy," but it is not 
 probable the knight was buried there. On the monument of Sir 
 John Chichester, ob. 1569, at Pilton, fifth in descent from Sir 
 John and his wife Alice Wotton, is a profuse display of heraldry 
 
 ♦The authentic pedigree of Northcote commences with John Northcote, a 
 clothier of Honiton, who married Alice Durke, whose will dated 22nd Aug., 
 1558, was proved the 15th October following. His immediate descendants 
 Walter, ob. 1572, and John, 1587, removed to Crediton where they continued to 
 carry on the business of clothiers, then the principal staple trade of the West of 
 England. They appear to have amassed considerable fortunes which they laid 
 out in land, and themselves and their descendants made alliances with influential 
 families in the neighbourhood. It was to Walter Northcote, Robert Cooke 
 granted their arms in 1570, — Argent, three cross-crosslets m bend sable. Their 
 descendant Sir John Northcote was created a baronet i6th July, 1641. His 
 descendant Sir Henry Northcote, married Bridget Maria, only daughter and 
 heiress of Hugh Stafford of Pynes near Exeter, whose name they have incor- 
 porated with their own, and where they have since resided. 
 
 + The illustrations are taken from The Sepulchral Effigies oj Devon, by the 
 compiler.
 
 Lady Alice de Mods. 7 
 
 which Lieut. -Col. Harding (before alluded to) carefully describes. 
 In the pediment a shield of ten quarterings bearing i, Chichester ; 
 2, Raleigh; 3, Wotton; 4, Mules; 5, Dymock, &c. ; and in the 
 large number ofshields otherwise appearing, numbering apparently 
 twenty-seven in all, he places No. 8, ArgenI, hvo bars and three 
 lorleauxi's in chief, (MoELs) impaling Sable, three lions rampant 
 argent, (Prouz) 9, Sable, crusilee or, three lions rampant argent, 
 (Wotton) impaling Moels. 10, Wotton, impaling Sable, two 
 lions passant argent, crowned or, a crescent for difference, (DvMOCK 
 oflvybridge ?) John Wotton having married Englesia, daughter 
 of Walter Dymock of Leicestershire, but Pole assigns Argent, on 
 chief sable, three stars or, for Dymock of Ivybridge. i i. Cheeky, 
 or and gules, a chief vair argent and azure, (Chichester) impaling 
 Wotton, which completes this part of the series relating to the 
 heiress of Wotton. A descendant of Sir John Chichester and 
 Alice Wotton, [ohn of Widworthy on 24th Feb., 1570, married at 
 Shute, Dorothy, daughter of Giles Daubeney of VVayford, near 
 Crewkerne, and to their grandson in the chancel of the church is 
 the only memorial there of the family, — a flat stone with their 
 arms inscribed " Dormitorium /ohannis Chichester, armigeri, qui 
 obiit nono die funii anno Salutis, 1661." The Chichesters sold the 
 estate to the iVIarwoods, and from them to Elton and others, their 
 descendants. 
 
 Reprinted from Notes &• Queries for Somerset &■ Dorset, Vol. VII., pp. 49-55. 
 
 -^^^
 
 MOLYNS-HUNGERFORD, 
 
 OF FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD, SOMERSET. 
 
 Bv IV. H. UAMILTOX ROGliRS, F.S.A. 
 
 S1I1;K150RNI5: 
 
 PRINTED BY J. C. & A. T. SAWTELL. 
 
 MDCCCC.
 
 vw 
 
 
 SIR WILLIAM MOLYNS AND MARGARET HIS WIFE. 
 STOKE POGEIS.
 
 KATHERINE MOLYNS, DUCHESS OF NORFOLK. 
 STOKE-BYNAYLAND.
 
 ELEANOR MOLYNS, LADY HUNGERFORD. 
 STOKE POGEIS.
 
 MOLYNS-HUNGERFORD 
 
 OF FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD, SOMERSET. 
 
 By \V. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 "The family of Moleyns," says Dugdale, "was originally 
 of French extraction, and from that town in the Bouibonois 
 so named, is not at all to be doubted," of whom the first of any 
 note in England was John de Moleyns, temp. Edward III. 
 
 I. John de Molyns, — he married about 1331, Egidia, 
 daughter (or cousin) and heiress of John Je Mauduit, ofSomerford- 
 Mauduit, &c, Wilts, by his wife Margaret, daughter and co-heiress 
 of Robert de Pogeis, of Stoke-Pogeis, Co : Bucks. 
 
 His military exploits consisted, in 1332, with William de 
 Montacute surprising in the night time the Castle of Nottingham, 
 and taking Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, prisoner, for which 
 offence he was soon after pardoned ; and subsequently he was 
 engaged in the Scotch wars, and in 1339 in the expedition of 
 Flanders. 
 
 He was early attached to the Court of Edward III, in 1332, 
 was a Gentleman of the King's Privy Chamber, and in i 339, Treas- 
 urer of the Chamber to that King ; and for lands granted him in 
 '337' to hold in capite, by the service of Marshal of the King's 
 Hawks & Falcons. He was also made a Banneret, and in 1353, 
 was " in such esteem with Queen Philippa that she made him 
 Steward of all her lands and lordships, with power to supervise 
 her Castles, and to repair them, in case of need." 
 
 On 18 Feb., 1346-7, he was "summoned lo a Council" by 
 writ directed to "John de Molyns. but this summons was clearly 
 not such as to entitle him to an hereditary Barony, though gener- 
 ally spoken of as such, nor were any of his descendants 
 summoned." 
 
 His relationship to the Court, and favourable consideration 
 of King Edward HI., appear to have given him great influence 
 in the acquisition of a large number of manors, estates and advow- 
 sons in various counties at intervals throughout the whole of his 
 life (fully detailed by Dugdale) with license at difterent times to
 
 8 Molyns- Hungerjord. 
 
 embattle his mansion houses at Stoke- Pogeis, Ditton and Weston- 
 Turville, to impark considerable areas of land on his various 
 properties, with grants of fairs, and occasionally, other strangely- 
 sounding to-day antient privileges of " Iiigfanthcf, Outfangthef, 
 Felons' goods, Wayf, Stray, Gallows, and Trial of Malefactors ; Court- 
 Leet, Correction of the Assize of Bread (~ Ale," and immunities, 
 " to be quit of Pontage, Murage, Pavage, S'C." 
 
 Among these grants to him by Edward III., was a charter in 
 1337-8, giving him the patronage of the adjacent Abbey of Burn- 
 iiam, originally founded by Richard, King of the Romans, about 
 1265, for Nuns of the Order of St. Augustine. For this concession 
 he endowed tiie Abbey with his manor of Silveston, Co. North- 
 ampton, and other lands, with the condition that a priest was to 
 be found lor the altar of St. Katherine in the Abbey, a second 
 for the chantry of St. Thomas the ^Martyr in the church of Stoke- 
 Pogeis, and a third for the chapel at Ditton, to pray for the souls 
 of himself and his wife Egidia, of Vincent and Isabel de Moleyns 
 his parents, and others, and to distribute afterward on the 
 anniversaries of their deaths, certain doles of money and bread to 
 the poor and needy. On the Abbey seal (the principal device on 
 which was Christ crowning his Spouse the Church) were also, 
 presumably, the arms of this John de Moleyns as second Founder, 
 — Sable on a chief argent, three lozenges gules, and this coat, ascribed 
 to Moleyns, is, or was, to be found among the heraldry at Far- 
 leigh-Hungerford. 
 
 The dale of his death has not been recorded. His wife Egidia 
 survived him and died 41 Edward III., 1368, "seized in fee- 
 tail of the manors of Aston-Bernard and Ilmore, Co. Bucks, held 
 of the King by service of Falconry, and formerly granted to her 
 husband and his heirs." They left a son William. 
 
 II. William de Molyns, (styled second Baron) was engaged 
 in the French wars and Knighted. He married Margaret, daughter 
 and heir of Edward Bacoun, and died 4 Richard II, 1381, leaving 
 Richard, his son and heir. 
 
 III. Richard de Molyns, (styled third Baron) he married 
 Eleanor, daughter of Henry, Lord Beaumont, and died 8 Richard II, 
 1385, leaving a son William, then seven years old. 
 
 Presumably, so stated by Collins and others, he had also a 
 daughter, Katherine, who married Sir John Howard, created by 
 Richard III. Duke of Norfolk, 28 June, 1483, who was slain at 
 Bosworth, fighting on the side of that monarch Z2 August, 1485, 
 and of whom this warning was said to have been afH.xed to his tent 
 door the night before the battle : — 
 
 " Jockey of Norfolk be not too bold, 
 
 For Dickon thy master is bought and sold ;"
 
 Molyns - Hun^erford. 9 
 
 his body being conveyed to the Priory Church at Thetford, and 
 there buried. A rather strange coincidence occurs here, relative 
 to this Duke and Farleigli-Hungerford. Farleigh Castle, which 
 had been forfeited with the other estates after the attainder of 
 Sir Thomas Hungerford in 1469, Edward IV gave to his brother 
 Richard, and when lie became king he transferred it in 1483, to 
 this John Howaril, Duke of Norfolk, who on his death at Bosworth 
 two years afterward, was attainted, when its possession reverted 
 to the Crow-n and Ilenry VII. restored it to the Hungerfords. 
 
 But there is some obscurity as to the Duchess being the 
 daughter of Richard Molyns*, and the jirobability is, she was the 
 daughter of his son WiUiam ob. 1424, with which a comparison of 
 dates would more nearly coincide. She was the Duke's first wife, 
 and by him had five children, — Thomas, his son and heir, Anne, 
 married to Sir Edmond Gorges, whose son Sir Edmond was of 
 Wraxhall, Somerset, Isabel, to Sir Robert Mortimer of Essex, Knt., 
 Jane, to Sir John Timperley, Knt. ,Mai-gai'ei, to Sir John Wyndham, 
 Knt., of Crowthorpe, Norfolk, ancestor of the Wyndhams of 
 Somerset. Slie died in 1452, and is buried in the chancel of the 
 church of the Blessed Virgin .Alary, at Stoke-by-N'ayland in 
 Suffolk. Her brass, which has probably b(;en moved from a 
 position in the main chancel, now occupies the south corner of 
 the south or Windsor aisle of the chancel, and is inserted in a 
 slab of granite eight feet long, which has been broken and repaired. 
 The costume of tlie figure is of much later date than that of her 
 death, being apparently about 1500-25 : and n was probably laid 
 down by her son who was restored to the Dukedom in 15 13, died 
 at Framlingham 21 May, 1524, and ordered his body to be buried in 
 the Priory Church at Thetford ; and the fine monument w ith efligies 
 in Framlingham church, is considered to represent him and his 
 wife, and to have been moved there from Thetford at the Disso- 
 lution (Beattie). 
 
 She wears a pedimental head-dress, acote-hardie edgeti with 
 ermine, and sleeved gown with fur cuffs. Over this is a mantle 
 of estate, having embroidered on the right side the arms of 
 Brotherton, Howard and Mowbray (.'') and on the left those of 
 Molyns. The inscription was on a square panel under her feet 
 and has disappeared. There were four shields at the corners of 
 the stone, of which only one remains, — of the other three as noted 
 and illustrated by Weever, one was Howard and quartcrings 
 encircled by the Garter, another Howard with five (juarterings 
 
 • With reference to this doubt a- to her being the daughter of Richaiii 
 Molyns, Collins signilicantly aikls in a loot-note, — " Chaos, No. i, />. 35 in Coll. 
 Arm
 
 10 Molyns-Hnngerford. 
 
 impaling Molyns, and the third Molyns alone f. Weever has also 
 preserved the following inscription : — 
 
 Under this Stone is buried the body of the right honorable woman 
 and Ladie, sometime wife unto the right high and mighty Prince, Lord 
 John Howard, Duke of Norfolke, and mother unto the right noble and 
 puissant Prince, Lord Thomas Howard, Duke also of Norfolke. 
 Which Lady departed this present life, Ann' Dom' 1452. 
 
 IV. William de Moly?is,{s,\.y\eA fourth Baron) he was knighted 
 and married Margaret ( Whalesborough ?) died 3. Henr}- VI, 8 June 
 1425, aged 47, leaving a son William, then nineteen years of age. 
 
 They were both buried, or intended to be, in the church of 
 Stoke-Pogeis, on the north side of the altar, under a flat stone, 
 whereon are their brass effigies and inscription. The Knight is 
 clad in the full plate armour of the period, armed with sword and 
 misericorde, his feet on a lion. The Lady is habited as a widow, 
 in long robes, barbe, and coverchief. Below the figures is this 
 inscription : — 
 
 Hie facet Will'ms Molyns, Miles, qui obijt viij die Mens' Junii 
 Ao d')ii MCCCCXXV, — Et d'na Marg'ria ux' ei' qo'r a'ib's 
 p'piciet' de' amen. 
 
 Arms, over the knight, (Or) Three piles wavy {gules) (Moi.yns, 
 antient) over the lady, Molyns impaling, {Argenf) Three bends 
 {gules) wilhin a bordure (sable) bezanlee, (Whalesborough.) 
 
 By this it would appear that his wife was Margaret presumably 
 the daughter o{ John Whalesborough, of Whalesborough in Mar- 
 hani-Church near Stratton in Cornwall, by his wife Joan, daugh- 
 ter and heir of John Raleigh of Nettlecombe, Somerset. He held 
 
 t A curious circumstance connected with this brass is, that the crosses-crcsslet 
 of Howard on the lady's mantle, appear to have been defaced — "delete," — 
 ploughed out by a graver, and those on the shield nearly obliterated also, both 
 being restored in the illustration from the faint indications visible. Is this 
 .apparent defacement significant of the troubles that befel the Howards during 
 the latter part of the reign of Henry VIH, and his daughter Queen Elizabeth .' 
 After the barbarous execution of the aged Countess of Salisbury, — the last of 
 the Piantagenets, — by Heniy Vllf in 1541, orders were given to " render delete" 
 all armorial bearings, &c., found in the beautiful Chantry she had built in the 
 Priory Church, at Christchurch. Hants, which wretchedly vindictive proceeding 
 was carried out, as may now be observed. Pertnient and interesting to our 
 little history it may be mentioned, this ill-fated Countess Margaret Plantagenet 
 was born at Farleigh Castle, 14 Aug., 1473, and the circumstances were these. 
 After the attainder of Sir Thomas Hungerford, in 1469, to be subsequently 
 noticed, Edward IV. gave it to his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the 
 other "unhappy brother " being George, Duke of Clarence, and father of the 
 Countess Aiargaret ; apparently some arrangement existed between the brothers 
 and the Duke of Clarence, and his wife the Lady Isabel Neville appears to have 
 occupied the Castle for a time, and during this sojourn their daughter was bom. 
 This must have been a temporary' occupancy only, as the same year Richard, then 
 King, gave it to the Duke of Norfolk, who apparentlv held it until his death in 
 1485.
 
 Molyns ■ Ilitiigerjord. 1 1 
 
 at his death the manor of Bampton and four others, Co. Oxon, — 
 Stoke-Pogeis and tight others Co. Bucks, — and Somerford, La 
 Lee, and si.x otliers Co. Wilts. 
 
 As to the burial of his widow, a diflficulty arises. From a 
 Register of Sepulchral Inscriptions, existing temp. Henry VIII, in 
 the Church of the Grey Friars, London, the following then found 
 in the Chapel of St. Francis in that edifice, is included.* 
 
 " ven'l d'lia, d'na Anna Molens, ux'r d'ni Wiirmi, d'ni 
 
 deMolens, (t filia Joh's Whalyshtrgh, armig'. de Com Cornubieoh. 
 I March 1487." 
 
 Are these for the same person, the scribe having mistaken 
 Anna for Mtirg' ria ? The Stoke-Pogeis inscription does not give 
 a date ; the lady, habited as a widow, doubtless laid down the 
 brass and intended to be interred beneath it. Even if she had 
 married very young, she would have been in extreme old age in 
 1487, as the words vertl d'na would imply. 
 
 V. William de Molyns, — (styled fifth, and last Baron) survived 
 his father's death only four years, being slain at the siege of Or- 
 leans, 8 .May, 142(5, then aged twenty-three. He married Mar- 
 garet and left one daughter and heiress, A lianore, then three 
 
 years of age. .\t his death he was seized of all the foregoing 
 manors held by his father, and also Pengelley in St. Neot, — Pol- 
 ruan-Molyns in Lanteglos near Fowey, and Trengref in Cornwall, 
 which presumably he must have succeeded to Jure matris. It 
 would be interesting to get the difficulty of the Whalesborough 
 alliance solved, as also the correct parentage of the Duchess of 
 Norfolk. 
 
 VI. Alianore de Molyns, only daughter and heiress, — she 
 married first Sir Robert, third Lord Hungerford, and secondly 
 Sir Oliver Manyngham. 
 
 Sir Robert Hungerford, third Baron, was one of tiie central 
 figures of that noble but unfortunate race, the vast ramifications 
 of whose family by descent, and territorial possessions, held such 
 large influence over an extensive area comprised in the adjoining 
 counties of Somerset, Wilts, Gloucester and Oxford. 
 
 He was the eldes-t son of Robert, second Baron Hungerford, 
 of Farleigh-Hungerford, by his wife Margaret Botreaux, of North 
 Cadbury, a heiress by descent to large possessions, as also to the 
 Barony of Botreaux. and joint heiress to that of Moels. 
 
 He married before 19 Henry VI, 1441, and this tiate would 
 agree with her age, recorded to i)e " when she was thirteen," his 
 child-wife being the aforesaid Eleanor Molyns, the little orphan 
 daughter of William Molyns, slain at Orleans in H29, she being 
 
 *Mis : Top. ctGeneal. — Vol. 5, p. 289, MS. Cotlon. Vitellius. F.xii.
 
 12 Molyns-H linger ford. 
 
 then only three rears of age. But she was heiress to considerable 
 possessions — which accounts for the desire to secure her, though 
 of such tender age — as also to the Barony of RIolyns, a title 
 afterwards revived in her husband, who represented also in right 
 of his mother, the abeyant baronies of Moels and Botreaux, 
 honours subsequently restored to his descendants. 
 
 But all these worldly distinctions and wealth did not save 
 him from misfortune ; Sir Robert's life was a troublous one, and 
 ended — as did so many of his race — disastrously on the scaffold. 
 His wife during the twenty-two years of their married life, must 
 have found it a period of considerable trial, and she could have 
 seen comparatively but little of him, nor did her sorrows end with 
 his death. 
 
 On 13 Jan., 1444-5, (to 20 Jan., '45 '"^) ^e was summoned to 
 Parliament, during his father's lifetime, as Baron Molyns, his 
 wife being the sole representative of that honour. Subsequently 
 he was in the French wars, serving under the Earl of Shrewsbury, 
 and was taken prisoner after the unfortunate battle of Chastillon 
 25 July, 1453. Here he suffered an incarceration of seven years 
 and four months, his energetic mother spending immense sums 
 to procure his release. In 1459 his father died, during his im- 
 prisonment, and he succeeded to the title as Baron Hunger- 
 ford. 
 
 In 1460, on his arrival home, 38 Henry VI, that monarch : — 
 
 " In consideration of his services and his sufferings, gave him license to trans- 
 port fifteen hundred sacks of wool, into any foreign parts, without custom of 
 the same, as also to travel bejond sea, and to take as many with him in his 
 compan)', with gold, silver, and other necessaries as should be suitable to his 
 degree, and on this occasion he travelled into Italy." 
 
 Returning soon after, he became an active adherent of the 
 Red Rose, fought at the battle of Towton 2g March, 1461, and 
 fled afterward to York, joining Henry VI and accompanying him 
 to Scotland. For this he was at ainted by the first Parliament of 
 Edward IV, but notwithstanding . — 
 
 " The kini; regarded his wife Alianore, and his younger children with such 
 feelings of compassion, that he committed them to the keeping of Lord Wenlock, 
 to whom he granted the attainted lord's estate, fora fitting support." 
 
 The Lancastrian cause being once more in the ascendant. 
 Lord Hungerford was again found in their ranks, and with them 
 at the battle of He.xham, 15 May, 1463, but the Yorkists were 
 victorious, and he was taken prisoner, conveyed to Newcastle, 
 where, in accordance with the savage reprisals'of that period, he 
 was beheaded. His body was brought to Salisbury, and buried 
 in the Cathedral, and when the alterations in that edifice took 
 place, a large flat stone was discovered, having the indent of a 
 knight in full armour, his head on a helmet, and feet on a lion, 
 with numerous shields and sickles, which was considered to be his 
 memorial, doubtless laid down by his wife.
 
 Molyns-H linger ford. 13 
 
 They had four children, — the eldest Sir Thomas, was of 
 Rowdon, near Chippenham, — 
 
 " he sided for a while with Richard Nevill, Earl of Warwick, who then espoused 
 the cause of Edward IV.,,bul afterward falling off, and exerting his influence for 
 the restoration of Henry VI., he was seized, and tried for his life at Salisbury, 
 8 Edward IV., 1469, and having had judgment of death as a traitor, was 
 executed the ne.\t day." 
 
 He married Anne daughter of Henry, Earl of Northumber- 
 land, and left one daughter Mary, sole heiress to all the accumu- 
 lated properties that were unforfeited, and the dormant baronies 
 of Moels, Botreaux and Molyns. She married Sir Edward 
 Hastings, summoned to Parliament in 1483, as Baron Hastings 
 of Hungerford, ob : 8 Nov., 1507, and secondly she married Sir 
 Richard Sacheverell. 2. Sir Walter Hungerford; he lived at 
 Heytesbury, and was " one of those who deserted Richard at 
 Bosworth," — to iiim Henry VH. in 1485 restored the possession 
 of Farleigh Castle, which had been forfeited by the attainder of 
 his brother in 1469, and by Edward IV. given to his brother 
 Richard Duke of Gloucester, as previously noticed. He died in 
 1516. 3. Leonard, — and 4 Frideswide, a nun of Sion. 
 
 Lady Eleanor Hungerford, his widow, aged about thirty-four 
 at his death, married secondly Sir Oliver Manyngham. She was 
 buried at Stoke-Pogeis — the home of her family, — on the south 
 side of the altar, where, on a large flat stone, is the indent of the 
 figure of a woman, with a square portion beneath her feet for an 
 inscription. From recorded evidence, (Lysons) the effigy repre- 
 sented a woman in a shroud, or winding sheet, with which the 
 outline corresponds. Below the indent, and separate from it, on 
 a narrow brass is this inscription : — 
 
 '• Hie hoc sub lapide sepelitur corpus vcnerabilis domine Elenorc Mullens, baron- 
 esse, quant primitius desponseivit dominus Robertas Hitngcrforde, miles et baro', et 
 hanc posted nupsit honorabilis dominus OUverus Manyngham, miles, — quorum 
 animabus propicietur Deus, — Amen." 
 no date is given here, but she was living in 1469. 
 
 There were four shields at the corners of the stone, of these 
 three remain, each charged with the modified arms subsequently 
 adopted by Molyns, Paly wavy of six (or and qules). Apparently 
 this gravestone is a memorial to two persons, the indent to the 
 earlier, and inscription and shields to a later one, — query if the 
 earlier was to her mother .-' 
 
 There is a fine ogee canopied and crocketled monument, 
 with supporting pinnacles, in the north wall of the cliancel at 
 Stoke-Pogeis, referable to the middle of the fourteenth century. 
 but there is no tomb or effigy now within it, arms or inscription. 
 George Hastings, first Earl of Huntingdon. — son of Edward, 
 Lord Hastings, by his wife .\L'iry Hungerford, grand daughter and 
 sole heiress of Eleanor Molyns, — who died 24 March, 1544, was 
 buried in the chancel at Stoke-Pogeis, but there is no monument 
 to his memory. The Arms of Hastings are sculptured on the 
 south porch. 
 
 Reprinted from Notes &• Queries for Somerset &■ Dorset, Vol. VI., pp. 337-43.
 
 THE 
 
 "HEART-CASE" & TOMB 
 
 OF 
 
 SIR EDWARD HUNGERFORD. OB. 1648, 
 
 FARLEIGH-HUNGERFORD, SOMERSET. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 SHERBORNE :- 
 
 PRINTED BY J. C. & A. T, SAWTELL, 
 
 MDCCCC.
 
 Hie INTVS HECONOrr MORTALETOTV INEtGNI?S' / 
 r^l ECfW.HVNGERFCRDDE COSSA IN COM:WlLT.^ / 
 
 . HO'QrD.BaliMIlfilina'i' maxiDnti /inthon: 
 
 HvNGEKPORD D£ BLACKBOVR^pN IN CoMlOXON Ed! 
 AVRAr:£T VicCR Eivi DNS. LVCI/t HvNGtRFORt) 
 
 FiLiitGv^rm'N'GBRFORDDE Fasilei HvNCEnroii' 
 
 IM AGRO SOMEBSEf EQiATlAT CVIVS .\NT10VlfS: rx 
 CLARISS; PRDSAPLS. Vf. FARLEY HYNCERPORDI? VI T ' 
 L TKRMINVS FJE-IICITHALAMOCONIVNCT' J 
 
 DNAJ'TaRGARETPE. TlLl a. ET LOH/tKED : 
 k GVlI.HALEyiMi'ClVISETALD£RT-5,^N0- 
 ■ PERANNOSXXvn Obiit x'Kal IX -^ 
 "^ NDCXLVUJAN AXiTLU - 
 
 FROM THE 'HEART-CASE" OF SIR EDWARD HUNGERFORD.
 
 THE 
 
 HEART-CASE" AND TOMB 
 
 OF 
 
 SIR EDWARD HUNGERFORD, OB. 1648, 
 
 AT 
 
 FARLEIGH-HUNGERFORD, SOMERSET. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 In the remarkable mortuary Chapel of the Ilungerfords, 
 at Farleigh Castle, Somerset, among the many interesting monu- 
 ments to them found within it, the splendid marble tomb with 
 recumbent efTigies to Sir Edward Hungerford, K.B., of Corsham, 
 and his wife Margaret Halliday, immediately arrests the attention 
 of the spectator. 
 
 He was the son of Sir Anthony Hungerford, of Black 
 Bourton, Oxfordshire, (ob. 1627) by his first wife Lucy, (widow 
 of Sir John St. John) daughter of Sir Walter Hungerford, 
 ob. 1596) by his second wife Anne Dormer. 
 
 He was born in 1596, and created a Knight of the Bath at 
 the Coronation of King Charles I., 2 Feb., 1625. He took the 
 side of the Parliament, was Commander of the Wiltshire Forces 
 for the Commonwealth, and besieged Wardour Castle when it 
 was so heroically defended by Blanche Somerset, Lady Arunddl. 
 He lived chiefly at Corsham, which his great-uncle Sir Edward 
 Hungerford (ob. 1607: s.p.) purchased in 1602. He died 23 
 October, 1648, aged fifty-two, leaving no issue. 
 
 He married Margaret, daughter and co-heiress of William 
 Halliday, an eminent Citizen, and wealthy Alderman of London. 
 Soon after her husband's death, the side-chapel of St. Anne, in 
 which their tomb is erected, was, says Canon Jackson, 
 
 " cmlx-llished, and the vault utnlerneath was enlarged by Lady Margaiet, and 
 the walls, lieling, and he.ams were covered with coats of arms, and lipurcs of 
 angels in various fantastic attitudes, blouinfj trumpets, &c. ; the Apostles with
 
 2 The " Heart-Case " and Tomb of Sir Edward Hungerford. 
 
 their respective emblems ; also tlie representation of the interior of some church 
 with altar tombs and effigies, all in fresco, and not in very good style. The 
 lloor was inlaid with black and white marble in lozenge, and gilded iron gates 
 with arms and crests were placed between this side-chapel and the nave." 
 
 The monument itself is a very fine one, the recumbent 
 effigies are of white marble, and recline on a slab of black marble 
 in a single piece, eight feet long by five wide, and the whole is 
 said to have cost eleven hundred pounds. Concerning its 
 erection, the following inscription was " formerly painted on the 
 west window, but blown out in the great storm of 1703," and 
 is thus quoted by the Canon : — 
 
 '• Margaret, Ladv Hungerford wife and relict of Sir Edward 
 Hungerford, daughter and co-heir of William Hallyday, Alderman of the 
 city of London, and Susan his wife, (who was afterwards Countess of WarwicU) 
 out of her pious affection to the memory of her deceased husband, beautified 
 this Chapel, and erected this monument at her own cost ; and designs when it 
 shall please God to take her out of this world, to rest by her husband in this 
 Vault." 
 
 Lady Hungerford died in 1672, and — 
 
 " by her Will, proved in London, 2nd May, 1673, she charged her manor and 
 lands at Stanton-St. Quintin with " Five pounds per annum, for the repair uf 
 the vault at Farleigh Castle, when it shall be defective, the same to be kept in 
 stock in the mean tyme ; " but the bequest appears to have been overlooked. 
 She was Foundress ot the large Almshouse at Corsham, which, under the same 
 will, is maintained out of the Stanton-St. Quintin estate." 
 
 The tomb of the great-uncle (who left his property to Sir 
 Edward) commemorating himself and Dame Jane his wife, also 
 occurs in the north east corner of this side-chapel, and is thus 
 inscribed : — 
 
 " Edward Hungerford, Knight, sonni to IVa'ter Lord Hungerford, and late 
 hcire to Sir Walter Hungerford, deceased the 5th date of December 1607, and 
 lieth here with Dame Jane his wife, daughter to Sir Anthony Hungerford of 
 Downe Amny," 
 
 and they are both buried in the vault underneath, together with 
 their great-nephew, and Dame Margaret, his wife. 
 
 Thus much for their memorials in the Chapel ; we have now 
 to follow them to their last resting place in the vault below. 
 
 " This is reached from the outside by a descent of eleven steps. It is well 
 built of ashlar and arched, about fourteen feet long, twelve wide, and si.\ high 
 in the centre, and on the further side lying across two stone trenches are the 
 leaden coffins of four males, two females, and two children. The wooden outer 
 coffins have long since perished. There were formerly plates with inscriptions 
 upon the coffins, but as these have disappeared it is impossible to distinguish 
 whose bodies are now lying here." 
 
 Some of these coffins are shaped to the form of the bodies 
 within them, a method not unusual at the date of their being 
 placed there, their occupants embalmed, and the coffins filled
 
 The •' Heart -Case " and Tomb of Sir Edward Hungerford. 3 
 
 with the embalming fluid. Up to a comparatively late date the 
 vault was open and unprotected, and as a consequence its uncon- 
 scious inmates were subjected to thoughtless indignities, and an 
 attempt was made to rob it for the sake of its leaden contents, 
 but it has since been properly secured by an iron gate from 
 further intrusion. 
 
 It appears also that : — 
 
 " About the year 1650 there were in this vault some fjla'-ed earthenware 
 jars covered with white leather, one of which being broUeii by accident, dis- 
 covered a heart, &c. preserved in liquor. There was also until 1822, — when, 
 upon an attempt being made to steal the leaden coffins it was carried away, — 
 a cylindrical um of lead, enclosing the like contents." 
 
 .\nd Canon Jackson further observes: — 
 
 " Against the east wall of the side Chapel, there is affixed a circular copper 
 plate, which for many years lay loose on one of the coffins in the vault below .and 
 was originally on the lid of tlie cylindrical leaden urn below, which contained 
 the heart (and probably viscera) of this Sir Edward Hungerford, ob. 1648." 
 
 Of this copper plate a rubbing has been taken and is offered 
 as an illustration. It is somewhat mutilated at the edges, hut 
 the inscription and arms, both of much interest, are intact. The 
 inscription reads: — 
 
 " Hie intvs rccondif mortalc toiii insigniss' D'lii Edw : 
 Hvngerford dc Cossa in Com: Wilts Ho'b'lis Ord: Bal: Mil: Jd' 
 nat' max: D'ni Anthon: Hvngerford de Blackhovrton in Com: Oxon 
 Eq: Avrat: et vxor' eivs D'nce Lvcia Hvngerford filia Gvalf 
 Hvngerford de Farley Hvngerfor in agro Somerset' Eq: Avrat' 
 cvivs antiqviss: et clariss: prosapia de Farley Hvngerford fvit ter- 
 minvs falici thalamo conivnct' I/na Margareta filia: et Colurrcd: 
 Gvil: H ally day Civis et Alderm' Land: per aniios XXV H Ohiit 
 Xo. Kal IX''"' MDCXLVHI An" cetat' LU"" 
 
 Which the Canon thus translates 
 
 " Within are defosited the mortal remains of the most illustrious Sir Euward 
 Hungerford, ok Coksham, in the County uf Wilts, Knif^ht of the Honourable 
 Order of the Bath ; eldest son of Sir Anthony Hungerford, of Black Bourton, in the 
 County of Oxford, Knight, liy his -wife Dame Luey Hungerford, daughter of Sir 
 ]Vallcr Hungerford, of Farley Hungerford, in the County of Somerset, Knight, of 
 which most eminent and ancient line of Farley Hungerford, he was the last. 
 
 He was united in hafpv marriage for 27 years, with Dajne Margaret, daughter 
 and co-heir of William Halliday, Citizen and A Iderman of London. He died on the 
 10th before the Calends of November, (23 October) IMS, in the 52nd year of his age." 
 
 and adds in a note 
 
 "'this Sir Edward was representative of two branches of tlie Hungerford 
 family, Black Bourton and I'arlcigh ; the former on his father's side, the latter 
 on his mother's. He had no children. The estate passed lo -Vnthony his brother 
 by a din'erent mother; consei|uently, though not the lasi of the Hungerford 
 owners of Karleigh, he was strictly the last male representative by blood of the 
 Farlcigh branch of the family.
 
 4 The " Heart-Case " and Tomb of Sir Edward Hungerford, 
 
 The arms over the inscription on the copper plate that 
 formed the cover of the heart-case are interesting, as shewing the 
 descent of the Knight: — 
 
 Quarterly of fifteen, — i. Two bars, and in chief three roundels, 
 — (Hungerford) 2. Per pale dancette, a chevron, {H-eytusbuky) 
 ■i. Barry of six, three ermine, (Hussi£y) 4. Three garbs and a chief, 
 (Peverell) 5. A lion rampant, within a bordure engrailed bezante. 
 (Cornwall) 6. On a chevron, three eaglets displayed, (Cobham. 
 of Blackborough.) 7. Three roundels, (Courtenay) 8. Two bars, 
 and in chief three roundels, (Moels) 9. Three toads erect, — 
 (Botkeaux, antient) 10. A griffin rampant, (Botreaux) ii. 
 Paly wavy of six, (Molyns) 12. In a chief, three lozenges, 
 (MoLYNS, of Burnham) 13. A lion rampant croivned within a bor- 
 dure, (Burnell) 14. A saltire engrailed, (Botetourt) 15. On 
 a fess engrailed three crescents, (Lister ?) 
 
 The inscription on the marble tomb, much to the same effect 
 as that on the copper plate, is as follows : — 
 
 Prostratos huic marmori habes iconismos paris honoraiissimi ; — 
 
 D'iti Edwardi Hungerford, Honorabilis OrdinU Balniensis Militis ;— 
 
 Filii illustyissimi viri Anthonii Hungerford, dc Black Burton, in agro Oxon. 
 
 equitis ciuvati : et Lucin uxoris ejus, ex nobilissimd frosapid Himgerjordorum. dc 
 
 Castro Fiirlcigkcnst, in com. Somerset, oriundn. 
 
 Religionis in Deum, — zeli in patriam — amoris in uxorem, — fidci in amicos : — 
 celebcrrimi exemplaris. 
 
 Vixit Deo patria suis annos 52. Serenissime obdormivit, 23. Octobris, anno 
 salutis 1648. 
 
 Domiiue Margarita Hungerford, conjugts dilectissimii ; — 
 
 Filiii et cohcered : insignissimi viri Gulielmi Hollyday, civis ct Aldermani Lond: 
 et Susanna uxoris ejus, postea Comitissa IVarwicensis. 
 
 In cujus encomium plurima/as estdicere. sed superstes vetat ; ista in future. 
 Resurgemus. 
 
 The shield of arms displays also the exact same quarterings 
 as on the copper plate, with the addition of an escutcheon of pre- 
 tence charged with the arms of Halliday, — Within a bordure, 
 three helmets in profile with barred visors, — it is surmounted with 
 the Hungerford crest, and below is the motto " Et Diev mon 
 appvy" {God is my support)— ihe ciesi of Halliday also appears, 
 A demi-lion rampant, supporting an anchor. 
 
 The disposal of the body and heart apart from each other — 
 here probably from the process of embalming, — and often at 
 different places, was a well known practice occasionally adopted 
 in the middle ages, extending to later times, and well authenti- 
 cated instances are on record ; and it sometimes happens during 
 restorations or repairs, a small " heart-case " composed of lead 
 enclosing its poor withered unknown occupant, is found 
 immured in our parish churches.
 
 The " I hart -Case " and Tomb of Sir Edward Hungerfoyd. 5 
 
 "The strange and useless process of embalming" remarks 
 Canon Jackson, " seems to have been adopted in some of these 
 burials, and it certainly seems a little anomalous to pronounce 
 over a corpse embalmed and strongly cased in lead, such words 
 as 'earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.' How much 
 wiser the resolve,— instead of attempting to wage a futile war 
 against decay, and so expose the lifeless remains to the irreve- 
 rent curiosity and desecration of strangers, — to lay them at once 
 in the eartii with simple burial, accepting the irrevocable decree, 
 ' dust thou art, and unto dust shall thou return.' " Pulvis et nmhva 
 sumiis. 
 
 Reprinted from Notes S- Queries for Somerset &• Dorset, Vol. Vll. pp. 10-13. 

 
 STAFFORD 
 
 OF 
 
 SUTHWYKE IN NORTH BRADLEY, WILTS, 
 AND HOKE, DORSET. 
 
 By IV. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 "gazette" printing works. 
 
 M D C C C C .
 
 ^j,^ q9U^,<:^ 
 
 INDENT OF THE BRASS OF ARCHBISHOP STAFFORD IN 
 
 cantf;rbury cathedral.
 
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 ^Iq^^A 
 
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 EMMA, MOTHER OF ARCHBISHOP STAFFORD. 
 NORTH BRADLEY, WILTS.
 
 STAFFORD 
 
 OF SUTHWYKE IN NORTH BRADLEY, WILTS, 
 AND OF HOKE, DORSET. 
 
 Bv \V. 11. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 ^'rW/ HF following Pedigree of Stafford of Suthwyke, 
 
 <^'~ ^ and Hoke {/iodic Hook) and their immediate descen- 
 
 \^^^ dants, was given the transcriber about ten years 
 
 ^V^f'r since, when he was investigating the subject, by 
 
 Vst, his late kind, much-valued friend, and unequalled 
 authority on west-country genealog}-, Mr. B. W. Green- 
 field, who had himself written comprehensively thereon, 
 clearing up several obscure points that had remained unex- 
 plained. It has been arranged for convenience in paragraph 
 form, the details and dates (with the exception of a few 
 additions) being given verbatim. Some supplementary notes 
 have been added where such seemed desirable, and were avail- 
 able. 
 
 Ph'UIGREE. 
 
 1.— g>ix- Solin £ttnffov^. fint., of Amelcnte and Bnimshull, co. 
 Stafford. He was living in 1361. 
 
 He married first, tf-tijalu-tl), second daugliter of Sir Piulii' 
 SoMERViLLE, of Wliichnor, CO. Stafford, about 1340. By her he had an 
 only child Matilda, born 29 Dec. 1340, married before 1355, Edmund 
 Vtniov, and died before 13-g, s.]). Lady Elizabeth Stafford died before 
 1355-
 
 8 Stafford of Siiilm>\'kc. 
 
 Secondly, he married £a^«) JWavoan-t, daughter of Ralph, first 
 Earl of Stafford, who was of Amelcnte in 1374. By her he had two 
 sons, Hiimp/iiy and Ralph, of Grafton, co. Worcester, from wliom the 
 Staffords of Blatherwick, Tottenho, Bradfield, and Malwood. 
 
 II. — &iv •Qimiplivjj gitl^tTo^•^. ©»«t., senior, of Siithvvyke in right 
 of his first wife, and of Hoke, Dorset, in right of his second wife, 
 which she held in jointure from her first husband. 
 
 He married first, ^Itce, daughter and heir of Joh.n Greinvil, or 
 Greyvyle, of Suthwyke, in North Bradley, co. Wilts. She was aged 
 nine years in I3i3, married in or before 1365, and was living in 1377. 
 Jolm Greimiil held the manor of Suthwyke, and patronage of the 
 Chapel of St. John Baptist in North Bradley, manors and advowsons of 
 Farmburgh and Glutton, co. Somerset, and Burmington, co. Warwick. 
 His arms. Argent, six !io7is rampant gules By her Sir Humphry had 
 one son, Humphry, his heir. 
 
 Secondly, he married Crlifrtl'etli, second daughter of Sir William 
 D'AuMARLE, of Wodebury, Devon (ob. 1361), and was co-heir of her 
 brother William in 1362, when she was aged seventeen years. Sir 
 William D'Aumarle held the manors of Wodebury, Devon, Middle- 
 Chynnock, Somerset, and Alvredeston, Isle of Wight ; and in 1395, this 
 Elizabeth, as cousin and co-heir of Sir John de Meriet, knt. of Meriet 
 (with her cousin Margaret, wife of Sir William Bonville, through their 
 mother Agnes or Ellen de Meriet, aunt of Sir John de Meriet) inherited 
 a moiety ol the manors of Meriet, Great Lopen, and Stratton, co. 
 Somerset. His arms. Per f esse, gules and astire, three crescents argent. 
 
 She was then the widow of SiR John Mautravers, knt., of Hoke, 
 Dorset, and Crovvel, co. Oxon. He was born at Hoke, 11 Nov. 1337, his 
 will, dated 16 May 1386, proved at Sarum 19 July 1386. He died 15 June 
 13S6, and was buried in the Chapel of St. Andrew, m the Abbey Church 
 of Abbotsbury. He also held the manors of Stapelford and Over Kent- 
 combe, &c., in Dorset. His arms, Sable, a/ret or. By him she had two 
 daughters, Maud and Elizabeth. 
 
 Maud, eldest daughter and coheir, aged eighteen in 13S6, and then 
 the wife ol Peter de la Mare, of Ofilegh, Herts, who died about 1395, s.p. 
 She married secondly, as his first wite. Sir John Dinham, knt., of Boke- 
 land Dinham, Somerset, who died about 7 Henry VI, 142S-9, when his 
 son John was of full age, and he married secondly a daughter of Lord 
 Lovel. She {Maud) died 2 Nov. 1402, s.p. 
 
 Elizabeth, younger daughter and co-heir, married her mother's 
 second husband's son Humphry .Stafford. 
 
 Elizabeth D'Aumarle was married to her first husband Sir John 
 Mautravers, about 1365, and to her second husband Sir Humphry 
 Stafford, before Hilary (January) 1387-8, her will dated 18 Sept. 1405, 
 and codicil 13 Oct. 1413, was proved 29 Nov. 1413. 
 
 She died 15 Oct. 1413, leaving no issue by her second husband Sir 
 Humphry, and was buried beside both her husbands in the Abbey 
 Church of Abbotsbury.
 
 Stafford of Snlliwyke. 9 
 
 Si)' Humphry's will dated 5 April, and proved 29 Nov. 1413. He died 
 31 Oct. 141 3 (surviving his wife a fortnight only), and was buried beside 
 her in Abbotsbury Abbey Church. His arms. Or, a chmron gidcs, within 
 a bordiere engraitcd salilc. 
 
 Sir Humphry had another son named John, (destined to be the 
 most celebrated of the race that bore the name of this branch ot Stafford) 
 by a mother named OSinma, of parentage unknown, but who were pro- 
 bably located in the neighbourhood of North Bradley. She was admitted 
 to the sisterhood of the Priory of the Holy Trinity, Canterbury, of which 
 her son, the Archbishop, was a Brother. She died 5 Sept. 1446, and was 
 buried in a mortuary chapel in the church of North Bradley. 
 
 \Notc. — Her effigy is incised on the cover-stone of the tomb, she is clad 
 in long robes with wimple and cover-chief; there is a dog at 
 her feet, over her head a rich canopy, whose side supports 
 rest on a pedestal. On a ledger line is this inscription : — 
 
 Hicjacetd'na E?nma mater Venerabilisimi patris ct domini D'7ti Joh'is 
 Stafford dei grd Cantuaric7isis Archiepf que obiit quijito die 
 Mcnsis Septetnbris anno d'ni Millesimo CCCC""> qiiadra'stno 
 vjo cuf animc p'picict' de am'. 
 
 Her son, although born vmdcr what are termed such adverse circum- 
 stances, rose rapidly in the Church, as also the State, even to 
 the highest position ni both, being successively Dean and 
 subsequently Bishop of Bath and Wells, Archbishop of Canter- 
 bury — a Privy Councillor and Lord Chancellor; a very remark- 
 able career. He died on the 6 July 1452. He was buried in the 
 "Transept of the martyrdom," in Canterbury Cathedral, under 
 a very large marble stone, on which was inlet a splendid brass, 
 where, under a fine canopy, his effigy in complete episcopal 
 costume, with mitre and crozier was shown. Nothing but the 
 indent now remains. The inscription was on a ledger line, 
 and is thus given by Weever : — 
 
 Quis fttit cnuctccs qtiem cclas saxca moles ? 
 Stafford Aiitistcs fucrat dictusquc Johannes. 
 (Jiia scdit sede marmor qiieso siinii! edc ? 
 Pridcm Bathonie, Regiii totius et inde 
 I'rimas egregius. Pro preside fiinde precatns 
 Aiireolam grains Ituic det de Virgine natus. 
 
 Dr. Grose, in a note on Edmund Stafford, Bishop of Exeter, page 3S7, 
 in Vol. ii, of these Notes &• Queries, says: — 
 
 "When John Stafford left Bath and Wells for Canterbury, he was 
 succeeded in that Bishopric by one who had been born not 
 far from his own (probable) birthplace, by Thomas Beckington. 
 For if the Archbishop were born at Bradley, the new Bishop 
 first saw the light at Beckington. I have introduced hmi in 
 order that I may reler to a deed which perhaps may throw a 
 glimmer of light on the question of the Archbishop's birth.
 
 lo Stafford of Siithwyke. 
 
 Bishop Beckington granted certain lands to a Dawbridgecourt, 
 wlio married Beatrice, a relative of the Prelate ; and the deed 
 states that these lands had formerly been held by Emma, who 
 was mother, and Agnes Bradley, sister of Bishop John 
 Stafford." 
 
 From this additional information, we learn the Archbishop had a sister, 
 her name Agnes, also that with her mother Emma, they had 
 been possessors of lands, and so, presumably, persons of 
 some position, and that Bishop Beckington acquired them. 
 The appearance of Bishop Beckington here, merits exami- 
 nation. He was born in the adjoining parish of Beckington, 
 and it is quite probable that the Archbishop and himself, 
 being such near neighbours, and both in the Church, were 
 great friends, and as Beckington succeeded Stafford in the 
 See of Wells, it may be fairly inferred that the Primate used 
 his influence for the promotion. Was Beckington the family 
 name of the Bishop, or did he adopt it ? The latter the more 
 probable, as he is described as Thomas rfi' Beckington, LL.D., 
 consecrated to Wells, 13 Oct. 1443, and died 14 Jan. 1464-5. 
 So in the grant of lands by him to Dawbridgecourt, the name 
 of the parish in which the previous possessors presumably 
 lived, Bradley, was adopted, and it is quite surmisable to 
 prevent further identification. The Primate, his mother and 
 sister, had probably no heirs or representatives to bequeath 
 them to, and their transfer to Beckington would be a friendly 
 arrangement. 
 
 The Primate placed no surname to his mother on her tomb — himself 
 boldly assumed his presumed father's name and arms, appar- 
 ently without protest from the family, with whom he was on 
 terms of friendship ; and his distinguished position — the first 
 in the land — disarmed any captious exception from others. 
 
 One more interesting fact has been added to his history, but here the 
 clue to further identification ends for the present. An exami- 
 nation of the diocesan muniments at Wells may further help 
 to clear up this curious bit of medifeval romance. 
 
 The illustrations are from drawings by Mr. Roscoe Gibbs. 
 
 Sir Humphry Stafford, senior, was sheriff of Dorset, 10 Richard H, 
 13S7, and 7 Henry IV, 1406. He was one of the Knights of the 
 Shire for that County 12 Richard H, 1389, at Cambridge, and 
 13, 16, 20, of the same King, 1390-7, also i, 5, S, Henry IV', 
 1399-140/1 at Westminster.] 
 
 III. — giiv £)xniivl)vu S'tiiffcvb, ^iiit., junior, of Suthwyke by 
 inheritance, and Hoke jure nxoris, — "With the Silver H.^nd," — 
 was aged 34 years and more at his father's death in 1413. 
 
 He married Clifalietli Itlautvanci-s, second daughter and co-heir 
 of Sir John Mautravers, Knt., by his \v\te Elizabct/i D'Amnarlc, who
 
 Slaffonl of Sulhiuyke. 1 1 
 
 subsequently became the second wife of liis, Sir Humpktys, father. 
 She was aged eight years in 1386, heir of her mother and aged thirty- 
 three years and more in 1413. She was married in, or before 1399, died 
 about 1420, and was buried in St. Anne's Chapel in the Abbey Church ol 
 Abbotsbury. 
 
 By her he had four (i\\\\Axcn— Richard, John, and William, and 
 one daughter, Alice. 
 
 His will was dated 14 Dec. 1441 ; and he died 27 May 1442. He 
 founded the Chapel of .St. Anne in the Abbey Church of Abbotsbury, 
 wherein he desired to be buried with his wife. 
 
 [-Vo/c. — He was a Sheriff of Dorset, 11 and 12 Henry IV, 1410-11, and 
 Knight of the Shire, 2 and 5 Henry V, 1415-8, at Leicester, 
 and I Henry VI, 1422, at Westminster.] 
 
 IV. — giiv l^iclIav^ !,ntl•lff^•>v•^, t'lixt., eldest son. 
 
 He married about 1415 (as her first husband) ltl^^u^, daughter and heir 
 of Robert Lovell, Esq., and his wife, Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir 
 oi Sir Guy de Bn'ene, Kiit., junior. 
 
 By her he had one daughter, Avice, sole child and heir. She was 
 born 4 Dec. 1423, was aged eighteen and married before September 1442, 
 on the death of her grandfather Sir Humphty. 
 
 She married about 1438, Sir James Butler, Knt., fifth Earl oj OrmoHd, 
 created Earl of Wilts 1449, and K.G. He was taken prisoner after the 
 battle of Towton, and beheaded at Newcastle, i May 1461, s.p. His wife 
 Aciice Stafford \YM''m^ predeceased him, he had married secondly, Eleanor, 
 daughter of Kdminid Beaufort, Duke oi Somerset, and she married, 
 secondly, .Sir Robert Spencer, ot Spencer-Combe, Devon. She had issue 
 by him two daughters, and died 16 Aug. 1501. 
 
 Avice Stafford died 3 June 1457, s.p., when Iliniiphry, son of her 
 uncle. Sir John Stafford, was found her next heir. 
 
 Secondly, Maud Lovell-Stafford (her mother) married John 
 FiTZALAN, K.G., Earl of Arundel, who proved his age in 1429 ; his 
 will is dated 8 April 1430, proved 15 Feb. 1435. By him she had one son 
 Ilumpliry, Earl of Arundel, aged six 1435, and who died a minor, 24 
 April 1438. 
 
 Her will was dated 11 May, and proved 25 Oct. 1436. She died 19 
 May 1436, and was buried with her lirst husband in St. Anne's Chapel, in 
 the Abbey Church of .Abbotsbury. Sir Richard had died about 1427, and 
 was there interred. 
 
 \_Nolc. — We. was Knight of the Shire for Dorset, 2 and 3 Henry VI, 1424-5.] 
 
 V. — giv -TioliK C'tuffovb, Ctiit., second son. 
 
 He married about June 1426, llie marriage contract dated 16 March 
 1425-6, when he was abroad, — ^mic, daughter of WiLLL\M, third Lord 
 BoTREAUX (of North Cadbury), by his lirst wife Elizabeth Beaumont, and 
 she died about Oct. 1427.
 
 12 Stafford of Sutliwyke. 
 
 By her he had one son Humpliry, died 5 Nov. 1427, and was buried 
 at Abbotsbury Abbey Church, 
 
 VI.— •S)ximpl)i-ii &la1Tcvb, (Baq., only child and heir, heir also to 
 his cousin Avicc, Countess of Wilts, in 1457. 
 
 He was born at Michaelmas 1427, and died in Scotland 6 Aug. 1461, 
 s.p. 
 
 VII. — St'iUirtiii gititlfiivli, (0SC1., of Suthwyke, third son. 
 He married S*atl)eriite, daughter and coheir of Sir John Chidiock, 
 about 1437, the marriage articles dated 1 1 March 1436-7. By her he had 
 one son Humphry. 
 
 She married secondly (as his second wife) Sir J ohn .-Xrundell, Knt., 
 ot Lanhern, Cornwall, the marriage settlement dated 5 March 1457. His 
 first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Lord Morley, married 
 April 1446, died about 1447. Sir John Arundcll AkA 12 Nov. 1473. 
 
 She married, thirdly. Sir Roger Lewkkor, Knt., who died 4 August 
 1478. She died 14 April 1479. 
 
 IVi/tiam Stafford was Vi'Med fighting against the rebels under Jack 
 Cade at Sevenoaks, Kent, 18 June 1450. 
 
 [AWiT. — He was Sheriff of Dorset, 20 Henry VI, 1442. Sir John Chidiock 
 died 28 Henry VI, 1450, his wife was Katherine, daughter of 
 Ralph Lumley, died i Edward IV, 1461.] 
 
 VIII. — §iv- •gixmpljvij §taffc>i-t), ilnt., of Suthw3'ke, only son 
 and heir. 
 
 He was born about 1440, and next heir to his cousin Hicinphry in 
 1461. He was created by Edward IV Baron Stafford, of Suthwyke, 1464, 
 and Earl of Devon, 7 May 1469. 
 
 He married goabtl, daughter and heir of Sir John Barre, Knt., 
 and she married secondly Sir Thomas Bourchier, Knt. 
 
 For acting treasonably at Banbury against Edward IV, the Earl was 
 apprehended and beheaded at Bridgewater, 17 Aug. 1469: s.p. He was 
 buried under an arch of the central tower in Glastonbury Abbey. She 
 died I March 14S7-8, s.p. 
 
 [Mote. — His wife was buried with her second husband at Ware, Herts, 
 and Weever has preserved the following inscription : — 
 "///(T iacct Thomas Bourchier miles, filius Henrici Comitis Essex; ac 
 Isabella vxor cius nuper Comitissa Deno?!, filia et heres 
 Johannis Barre militis ; qui obiit . . . 1491 . . . c/ 
 Isabella oh: \ die Marcii \i,%% ; quorum animabus . . . ." 
 
 He was Sheriff of Dorset, i Edward IV, 1461.] 
 
 IX.- JVltcc &ta1Tov&, only daughter of Sir Humphry Stafford, of 
 Suthwyke, junior, ob. 1442, and sister to the three preceding brothers, 
 Richard, John, and Willia>n.
 
 SIK JOHN <()I.SIH'1.1., 
 
 UiLoii CiiLKCH, Cornwall.
 
 >?a^-«^ e^ 
 
 I. OK 
 
 KI) WlLLUlGUBV I'li HKOKK, Kll 
 
 Cai.lington Church. Cornwall.
 
 Stafford of Snthwyke. 13 
 
 She married first Sir Edmund Cheney, Knt., of Broke, Wilts, about 
 1424. He was born 4 Dec. 1401 ; and died 30 IMay 1430. By him she 
 had two daughters Elizabeth and Antie. 
 
 Elisabeth, eldest daughter and co-heir, was born Nov. 1424. She 
 married before 1438, Sir John Colcshill, Knt., of Duloe, Cornwall, who 
 was of age before 1437, and died 30 March 14S4, s.p. She died about 
 1492, s.p. 
 
 [A'Ote.—We is buried at Duloe, where is his tomb with effigy in a 
 Chantry of the Church.] 
 
 /4««^, second daughter and co-heir, born 26 July 142S, and married 
 beiore 1445, Sir John IVilloHghbv, Knt., who was aged filteen in 1437. 
 He was killed at Tewkesbury 3 May 147 1. By him she had lour sons 
 and two daughters, Robert, William, Richard, Edward, Cecily and 
 Elisabeth. 
 
 Sir Robert IVilloughby, eldest son, created /jjrd IVilloughby dc 
 Broke, and K.G. 12 An?:. 1492. He married Blanclie, eldest daughter 
 and co-heir ofyo/;« C/(rtOT/!'t'r«o?c«(', of Beer Ferrers, who died in 1475; 
 and she was living in 14S0. His will was dated 19 Aug. 1502, proved 21 
 Dec. 1502. 
 
 [A'c/^. — He was buried in the chancel of Callington Church, Cornwall, 
 under a fine tomb whereon is his effigy in alabaster, clad in 
 full armour, and insignia of the Garter.] 
 
 William, second son, was of Turners-Piddle, Dorset. Richard, 
 third son, was of Silton, Dorset. Edward, fourth son, was Dean of 
 Exeter Cathedral, and Canon of St. George's Chapel, Windsor. He died 
 in 1508. Cecily, was Abbess of Wilton, and died in 152S. Elizabeth, 
 married William Crt;v<ZH/ of Toomer in Henstridge, Somerset, and was 
 living in 1501. 
 
 Secondly, Alice Stafford, married (as his second wife) Walter 
 Tailboys, Esq., of Newton Kyme, Yorkshire, and Golthawe, co. Lincoln. 
 He died 13 April 1444. 
 
 By him she had one daughter Alianore, sister ol the half blood ol 
 Elizabeth and Anne Cheney, and co-heir with them of her cousin 
 Humphry Stafford, Earl of Devon, m 1469, when she was aged twenty 
 seven years and more, and wife of Thomas Strangewayes. 
 
 She married first Thomas Strangeways, Esq.; his will dated 18 Dec. 
 1484, and proved 24 March 14S4-5. By him she had two sons, Henry, 
 eldest and heir, and Thomas, and one daughter, _/<?««. 
 
 Thomas, second son, married Elisabeth, daughter of Reginald 
 Walwyn. 
 
 [A'ote. — He appears to have been the Thomas Strangenuays, who as 
 executor to his mother Alianore, in Feb. 1505, confirmed the 
 foundation of the Strangewayes Chantry or Mass, which she 
 had endowed previous to her death in Abbotsbury Abbey
 
 14 Stafford of Suthwyke. 
 
 Church, "in consideration of which the Abbot, &c., obliged 
 themselves to find for ever a monk, being a priest of the con- 
 vent, to celebrate a daily mass in the Chapel of St. Mary in 
 the Monastery, for the souls of Alianore, Foundress of the 
 Mass, her late husbands, and all her ancestors and descendants 
 (therein named), they were bound to pray for; the monk that 
 celebrates it, to receive, at the end of every week, fourteen 
 pence for his salary." — {Hiitchiiis). 
 
 Joan, only daughter, married Henry Champncys. 
 Secondly, she married John Twyiiyho, who died about November, 
 1485, s.p. 
 
 [^Nolc. — The Twynyho's were of Turnworth, Dorset, and there was a 
 branch in co. Gloucester. A John Twynyho of Cirencester, 
 12 Edward IV, 1473, founded a perpetual Chantry tor one 
 Chaplain at the altar of St. Blase in the church of Lechlade. 
 Their arms — Argent, a chevron between three lapwings sable.'] 
 
 Thomas Strangewayes died in 14S4 — his \v\{e Alianore, her will dated 
 II Feb. 1500-1, proved 15 Apl. 1502, died 2 April 1502, and both 
 were buried in the Lady Chapel of the Abbey Church of Abbotsbury. 
 
 [JVoie. — Thomas Strangewayes, senior, born 1430, is described as of 
 Stinsford, " and was the first that settled in this county, being 
 brought into these parts by Thomas Grey, Marquis of Dorset, 
 who married Cicely Bonville, the great heiress of Shute, in 
 Devon. He married i Edward IV, 1460, and by his wife had a 
 great part of the estate of the Staffords. His relict lived to be 
 a very great age, and parted not the lands (between the issue 
 of Sir Edmund Cheney, her mother's first husband, and her 
 own), till 1492 — 7, Henry VII,— her household goods being 
 parted after her death in 1502." — (Huichms.) 
 
 He appears to have had two other sons, John and James. 
 
 James Strangnuavs — "he married Lady Catherine Gordon, then widow 
 of Matthew Cradoc, of Cardiff. His will, dated 30 Nov. 1516, 
 proved 9 Jan. 1516-17, orders his body to be buried in the 
 Abbey Church of St. Mary Overie, Southwark, but he seems to 
 have been buried in Abbotsbury Abbey Church. His wife re- 
 married Christopher Asheton, of Fyfield, Berks — her will, dated 
 12 Oct., and proved 5 Nov. 1537, ordered her body to be in- 
 terred in the church there. Dugdale has preserved his epitaph 
 formerly in the Abbey : — 
 
 Hie j ace t corpus Jacobi St?'angwaYS, nrmigcri, qui obi if octavo idus Dec. 
 A.D. M.ccccc . . II, pi'o ciijus anima celebrabitur ad pracscns 
 altare, in perpetuam missa cotidiana, ex ordinationc, et fnnda- 
 tione domijiae Katcrinae Gordon, consortis suae: quorum 
 animae perpetua pace quicscant. Amen. (Hutchins).]
 
 Stafford of Suthwyke. 1 5 
 
 Hcmy StraJigeways, £sy., eldest son, was ol Melbiiiy Sampford, 
 Dorset, and married Dorothy, daughter oi Sir John Arundcll, iii Lan- 
 herne, Cornwall, by liis wife Kathcrhic, daughter and heir of Sir John 
 Chidiock; his will was proved lo May 1504. 
 
 [AWi?.— He was the first that possessed Melbury Samplord. He appears 
 to have married first, Elizabeth, daughter oi John Wadham, 
 by whom he had a daughter, Elizabeth, married to ^/r Thomas 
 Trcnchard, of Wolveton, as his first wife, and three children 
 by Katherine Ariindcll— Giles, his heir, ob. 1547, John and 
 Maryl\ 
 
 The Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter at Abbotsbury, 
 appears to have been founded by Orcus, a native of Rouen, 
 about A.D. 1026, in succession to a rehgious estabHshment that 
 had existed on the same spot "from the very infancy of 
 Christianity among the Britons." It was well endowed, and 
 presided over by a succession of about twenty Abbots, termi- 
 nating with Roger Roddon alias Corton, who, with the Prior 
 and ten Monks, surrendered the Monastery to Henry VIII, 
 12 March 1539. Almost immediately after, the site of the 
 Monastery, Manor, and lands around, were granted to Sir Giles 
 Strangeways, Knt. (the son of Henry Strangeways, ob. 1504), 
 with whose descendants its possession still remains. The 
 dismantling of the Abbey and Church appears to have at once 
 taken place, but "the Chapel of St. Mary at the east end, of 
 most excellent workmanship. Sir Giles Strangeways preserved 
 this curious Chapel for his place of sepulture, but it was after- 
 wards demolished." Included in this — the Lady Chapel- 
 was the Clopton Chantry, founded by a family of that name of 
 whom there is little record, but who appear to have been 
 identified both with Dorset and Somerset, a Baldwin Clopton, 
 of Clopton, being mentioned as early as temp. Henr}' III, 
 1216-72, (their arms — Argent, a chevron between three eagles 
 displayed azure), the Chapel of St. Andrew, and the Chapel of 
 St. Anne, founded by Sir Humphry Staftbrd, wherein so many 
 of their race had been interred, as also several of the Strange- 
 ways, but Sir Giles was buried at Melbury, where is his 
 tomb with effigy. The arms of the Abbey were— yis/»Y, six keys 
 addorsed in three pairs, or.
 
 1 6 Stafford of Snthwykc. 
 
 Only a few comparatively insignificant portions of these 
 edifices now remain ; and, speaking of the Conventual Church, 
 Hutchins says (edition 1774) : — 
 
 " It seems to have stood a little north of the Abbey, and parallel 
 to the parish church, between both (as at Muchelney) as may be 
 judged by an ancient low gate — probably one of the porches — on the 
 north side opposite the Abbey house. A little west of the said gate is a 
 large heap ot ruins, under some large elms, where perhaps the tower 
 stood; so that, it being entirely destroyed, we are left to judge of its 
 beauty and grandeur, by the fondness of the nobility and gentry of these 
 parts being buried there, and for erecting chantries and chapels in it." 
 
 Thus from this life the name and succession of the 
 knightly family of Stafford, erstwhile of Suthwyke and Hook, 
 lapsed to extinction ; and the stately edifice, within which at 
 death they found their last resting-place, also disappeared, both 
 becoming a memory of the Past only. 
 
 "Where stood the tower, there grows the %veed. 
 Where stood the weed, the tower, — 
 The present hour no likeness leaves, 
 To any future hour." 
 
 \_Reprintcd from "Wiltshire Notes &• Queries," vol. Hi, pp. 193 — 202.]
 
 R0GER8-C0URTENAY-HUDDE8FIELD, 
 
 OF 
 
 lU^.\DFC)RD-OX-AVOX, WILTS ; CAXMNGTOX, 
 
 SOMERSKT, AXD 
 
 SniLI.IXGFORD, UK VON. 
 
 By IV. II. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 Devizes : 
 
 " G A Z l; T T E " r R I N T I N G WORKS. 
 
 M D C C C C I .
 
 Cflutiitoiffirfirpiti^ (D^jioi Huinie 
 ^iliiiiidiiiiidiiPiiB^tuflilto^Mlniiiii!' 
 
 iTlftiOliHnstir'OffiJlfil fuuflufl/i linwlit 
 
 SIR WILLIAM HI liIlKbFIliLU AND KAI IIERINK COIRTENAY, HIS WIFE, 
 SHILLINGFORD CHURCH, DEVON.
 
 R06ER8-C0URTENAY HUDDE8FIELD, 
 
 OF 
 
 BRADFORD-ON-AVON, WILTS ; CANNINGTON, 
 
 SOMERSET; AND SHILLINGFORD, 
 
 DEVON. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 j^wpj?/ HIS descent, founded at Bradford-on-Avon, subse- 
 ^•M k^ quently by migration to Canningtoii in Somerset, 
 IT-^^)? and b}- a second marriage to Sliillingtbrd in Devon, 
 •}f/ f 'r contains features of considerable interest. 
 
 ^-*'> ®llomrts llc>i'»ci-a, of Bradford-on-Avon, 
 
 Wilts, Serjeant-at-La\v, is the first member of the family 
 mentioned in Visit. Soiii. 1625. 
 
 lie appears to have married, first, (iJccilia, daughter and 
 heir of IVilliain Bcssils, of Bradford. By her he had two .sons, 
 IVilliani and John. 
 
 IVilliaiu Roi^rrs, eldest son, marnedjo/iaiiiia, daughter of 
 Jo/ii! Horton, of Uford, Wilts. He is mentioned in the will of 
 his stepmother (Katherine Courtcnay) thus: — "/ bcfjiicthr to 
 IVtlliaiii Rogers of Bradford, gcni., son of the said Thomas 
 Rogers, a standyng cup oj silver and gilt, ivilh a cover of 
 dragons' wings." He left two sons, Anthonv and Henry, and 
 two daughters, Cccilv and Awdrir. Anthony, who married.
 
 4 Rogcrs-Coiirtcnay-Huddcsficld. 
 
 Dorothea, a daughter of Eniely, of Cannings, Wilts, left three 
 sons, Anthony, who married Anna, daughter of Thomas 
 Wroughton, of Broughton, Hants, Richard, Ambrose, and 
 a daughter Elisabeth, married to William Cavell, of Bath. 
 
 John Rogers, his brother, was probably of Sutton-Valence, 
 Kent. In her will his step-mother adds: "To his {William's) 
 brother John Rogers, a flatt cup of silver white, ivith a cover of 
 my own Arms." Nothing further is recorded of this brother. 
 
 Secondly, he made a distinguished match, and married 
 ^rttl)cx-tm*, daughter of Sir Philip Courtenay, of Powder- 
 ham, Devon, knt., ob. i6 Dec. 1463, by Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Walter Lord Hnngerford, K.G., who ob. 14 Dec. 1476 — and 
 she, Katherine, was sister to Peter Courtenay, Bishop of 
 Exeter and Winchester. 
 
 At the time of her marriage to Thomas Rogers, she was 
 the relict of Sir Srinlclere Pomeroy, knt., son and heir of 
 Henrv de Pomeroy, ob. 1481, by Alice, daughter of John 
 Raleigh, of Fardell, Devon. Sir Seintclere, died in the life- 
 time of his father, 31 May 1471, s.p. 
 
 By her he appears to have had one son, George. The 
 date of his death does not appear. In his wife's will she directs 
 "the churchwardens of Bradford, Wilts, to take mv wryten 
 Mass-Book to prav /or the souls of me, and 0/ Thomas Rogers, 
 sometyme my husband, and Ser/eaut at the Laive, and, I will 
 that there be a stone laid upnn liyin mv said husband at Bradford 
 aforesaid." 
 
 CBcc>x*0e li<ii'<in-s, son and heir, aged thirty at his mother's 
 death. He is described as of Lopit (Luppit), Devon. This is 
 a parish near Honiton, in which Mohuns-Ottery is situate, 
 the seat of the Carews. whose occupant at the time was Sir 
 Edmund Carew, who had married his half-sister, Katherine 
 
 Huddesfield. He niarried (Blijiibctl) , by whom he 
 
 had a son Edward, and two daughters, Katherine, to whom her 
 grandmother bequeatiied " twenty marks in money," and Eliza- 
 beth, daughter "0/ the same George my Sonne," who, with her 
 father she constitutes two of her residuary legatees.
 
 Rogers-Coitiicuay-Huddesfield. 5 
 
 §iv CBbiwavb |ilo0cv». hut., son and licir. His name 
 appears among those, " to the nombre of 40, that were ad- 
 vanced to the honorable Ordre of Knighthood in the happy 
 reigne of Kinge Edward the Sixt, dubbed by the Kinge on 
 Sonday the da}- of his coronation the 20 of February 1546"; 
 his arms described as Argent, a chevron between three stags 
 passant sable, a mullet or for difference. Crest — A stag passant 
 sable plate'e, attired and ducally gorged. — (Metcalfe). 
 He was the first of Cannington, Somerset, and the Rev. 
 Thomas Hugo, in his " History of Canyngton Priory," Sow?. 
 Arch. Trans., vol. xi, says : — 
 
 " In tlic 3otli )-car of his reign, 1538, the King Henry VIII, 'of his 
 special grace, and in consideration of good, true and faithful service,' 
 granted to Edward Rogers, who had been in possession, as farmer, of 
 the property, the whole House and site of the late Priory of Cannyngton, 
 in the County of Somerset, and all the church, bell-tower, and cemetery 
 of the late said Priory. And also all messuages, houses, buildings, 
 gardens, orchards, &c., near the site of the said Priory, — also all the 
 manor and rectory of Cannyngton, nomination and presentation to the 
 Vicarage whensoever vacant, &c., all messuages and lands, &c., situate 
 in Cannyngton, Powlett, Stowey, and Ffedyngton, Somerset, or else- 
 where wliatever ; to be held by the said Edward Rogers, and heirs male 
 of his body lawfully begotten, in chief, by the service ot a tenth part of 
 one knight's fee, and a yearly rent of ^^16 Ss. \od. The grant dated 8 
 May 153S," 
 
 The Prior}' was of the order of Benedictine Nuns, and 
 some very interesting remains of the structure still exist, 
 and a few fragments of sepulchral memorials to the Nuns. 
 
 He married Itlnx-iit, daughter and coheir of 
 
 Lisley or Lisle, co. I lants. By her he had two children, George 
 and Elisabeth, married to Thomas Baiuficld, of Ilardington, 
 Somerset. 
 
 §it- CBcovi^c lUii'icx's, son and heir, of Cannington. 
 His name appears among the twenty-two knights "dubbed 
 in the progresse to Bristowe, 1574," vvliich included several 
 other Somersetshire gentlemen. He married 3itnc. daughter 
 and heir of Thomas (or Edward) Winter, and left a son 
 I- raiicis.
 
 6 Rogers-Courlenay-Huddesfield. 
 
 §iv Jlvojicia |.loocrs, son, and heir of Cannington. 
 A "Sr. Francis Rogers, Somerset, was made knight at Wood- 
 stocke, 28 Aug. 1616." He married Qclcmt, daughter of 
 Sir Hugh Smith, Knt., of Long Ashton, Somerset, hy Elisabeth 
 his wife, daughter of Sir Thomas Gorge, of Langford, Wilts. 
 They left a son Edward. 
 
 (fBb»uitx-b lloittve, son, and heir of Cannington. He 
 married ^atljcx-im", daughter of Sir John Fopliam, Lord 
 Chief Justice of England. 
 
 He appears to have been the last of the family who held 
 the Cannington estate, which had been in their possession a 
 hundred and thirty-four years, and passed from them at his 
 death as its last male descendant, owing to the natural and in 
 no way unusual circumstance, that his children consisted of 
 daughters only, and as a consequence, under the original 
 condition of the grant, it reverted to the Crown. This Mr. 
 Hugo proceeds to narrate, accompanied by one of those extra- 
 vagant and unwarranted commentaries as to the alleged cause, 
 which occasionally deform the investigations of this pains- 
 taking writer. 
 
 " The property at Canyngton remained in the possession ot the 
 family of Rogers until the year 1672. Intestine feuds had bitterly cursed 
 the doomed race {i.e., for being in possession of what had been " church " 
 property) when 'the estate tayle of the sayde Edward Rogers deter- 
 mined by the failure of his issue male, on or about the 2nd day ot the 
 month of September, 1672.' The sin attracted the usual judgment. 
 The land reverted to the Crown, and was granted by Charles II, on the 
 15th July, 1672, to Thomas, Lord Clifford." 
 
 This " eminent man " (who was a Roman Catholic), con- 
 tinues Mr. Hugo, was raised to the peerage 20 April, and 
 made Lord High Treasurer in November, in the same year in 
 which he had received the grant of Cannington. He held the 
 property about a year only, dying toward the close of the 
 following year, but Mr. Hugo makes no allusion as to the 
 " usual judgment." Lord Clifford's descendants continue to 
 possess it.
 
 Rogers-Coiirleiiay-H ikIiIi's field 7 
 
 From Colliiison we learn that, 011 the south wall oi the 
 chancel of the church is an ancient monument of alabaster 
 thus inscribed : — 
 
 Amy, second daughter of Edward Rogers, of Caiiiiington, Esq., in 
 the Countie of Somerset/, and Katherine his ^vifc, daughter of Sir 
 John Popham, knight, Loi d Chief Justice of Englatid; the beloved wife 
 of Henry Saint fiarbe, of Ashington, in the same county, Esq., died 
 Alio Dni 162 1, agedy},; whose pious life warrants her eternal happiness 
 with Christ. 
 
 Arms — Paly of eight argent and sable, per fcss countcrchanged 
 (St. Barbe) impaling Rogers. 
 
 We have now to revert to the third alliance of Katherine 
 Courtenay. 
 
 Katherine Coitrlciiay, surviving her second husband, 
 Thomas Rogers, married thirdly-, Sir IVitliaiii Uuddesficld, knt. 
 
 He is described as being the grandson of IVilliaiu Hud- 
 desfield, of Iloniton, and son of IVilliani Hiiddcsfuld, of 
 Shillingford, near Exeter, b}- his wife, yllia; daughter o^ John 
 Golde, of Seaborough, Somerset, who died before 1427. 
 
 He was of Shillingford, and Dr. Oliver, speaking of him, 
 
 says :— 
 
 "I have seen a deed dated 21 April 1481, by wliieli this learned 
 gentleman, describing himself as Attorney-General ol' King Edward IV, 
 assigns and releases to Peter Courtenay, Bishop of Exeter 1478-1487 
 (his wife's brother), to Robert Morton, Master of the Rolls, and others, 
 the manor ol Shillingford, the advowson of its church, and of St. Mary 
 Steps' church, Exeter." 
 
 The tangle of marital relationship in this descent is very 
 remarkable. 
 
 Sir William Huddesfield, had married as his first wife 
 Jciinct, daughter of John Bosom, of Bosom's Hele, Devon. 
 He was her second husband, she being relict of .Sir Bahiivin 
 FulJord, knt., of Fulford in Dunsfoi'd, .Sheriff of Devon, 1460, 
 by whom she had Sir Thomas, son and heir, ob. 1489 (who 
 married Philippa Courtenay, sister to her second husband's 
 second wife), John, canon of Exeter, ob. 1518, 'Thoiiia^tnc, 
 married to Thomas Wise, of Sydenham, Devon, and Anne, to 
 Sir William Gary, of Cockington, Devon, beheaded after the 
 battle of Tewkesbur}-, 1471.
 
 8 Rogcrs-Cotirtriiav-Huddesfield. 
 
 By Sir William Huddesfield, Katherine Courtena3'-Rogers, 
 appears to have had two daughters, Elisabeth and Katherine. 
 Genealogists have differed as to the assignment of the mother 
 of Elizabeth, but the remarkable clause in her will as to this 
 daughter, and the appearance of two daughters on the brass, 
 apparentl}^ confirms that she was mother of both. 
 
 Elizabeth Huddesfield, eldest daughter, she married Sir 
 Anthony Poynts, of Iron Acton, Gloucestershire, who died 26 
 Henr}- \'III, 1535. In her (presumed) mother's will is this 
 conditional bequest : — 
 
 "My daughter Elizabetli Poynlz to have all such stuff as reinaineth 
 in my place at Britportc (Bridporf), as in a bill made and subscribed 
 bv jne, is specified and declared, so that the said Elizabeth and her 
 husband Sir Anthony Poyntz, O'C, GfC. If they vex; or trouble viy 
 Ex'ors, I give it to my son George." 
 
 Katherine Huddesfield, second daughter, she married Sir 
 Edmund Carew, Baron Carew, of Mohuns-Ottery, Luppit, 
 Devon, he was knighted at Bosworth, and killed at Terouenne, 
 24 June, 5 Henry VIII, 1514. She predeceased her husband 
 and her mother, her will being proved at Lambeth 6 July 1499, 
 and this would account for no mention of her in her mother's 
 will. 
 
 Sir IVilliant Huddesfield died 20 March, 1499. Dame 
 Katherine, his wife, her will dated 21 Nov. 1510, proved 1514. 
 In addition to the bequests before recited, she first desires : — 
 
 " J/l' body to be buiied in the Church of the Grey Friars, E.reter, 
 before St. Francis, beside the High Awter." And in conclusion names 
 as " residuary legatees, George Rogers my soiinc, Edward Rogers his 
 son and heir apparent, and Elizabeth, daughter of the said George." 
 
 But it is probable she was buried at Shillingford with her 
 husband ; in which church there is now, on the north side of 
 the chancel, a plain high tomb, with cover stone of grey 
 marble, round whose verge is an indent for an inscription, 
 now lost. Over the tomb, affixed to the wall, is a brass, 
 whereon, depicted under a double canopy, are the figures of a 
 knight and lady, with a son and two daughters.
 
 Rogers-Courtenay-Hiiddcsfield. 
 
 The knight is in armour, with sword and spurs. He is 
 bare-headed, and wears over his armour a tabard, on which is 
 embroidered the arms of Iluddesfield — Argent, a fcss lu'tiueen 
 three /mars /)nss(Vit sa/>/e, uii lite /ess a crescent for difference. 
 1 Ic kneels before a f^rie dieit, on wliicii is an open book, and on 
 tlie lloor by his side Me his gauntlets, and lielmet with 
 mantling and crest, a Inmr rampant. The lad\' kneels in the 
 other canopy behind the knight. Siic has the pedimental 
 head dress and lappets, gown, ornamented girdle, with de- 
 pendant pomander. Over this she wears a robe of estate, on 
 which is her arms, Or, three torteaii.x a label of three, for 
 Courtenay. Behind her kneels her onl}- son by her second 
 husband, George Rogers, and following them her two daughters 
 by Sir William Iluddesfield, in similar costume to their 
 mother, Elizabrlli I'nyiil::, and Kalltcriiie Caren<. 
 
 Below is this inscription, the abbreviations of the Latin 
 extended : — 
 
 (oiiditor et Redeniptor, corporis el aninie 
 
 .Sit iiiichi inediciis et ciistos ulrittsqtte. 
 
 Dame Katcryn ye wife of S'r IVillia' lluddesfeld 
 
 &' daiighC of S'r Phil' Coitrtnay kiiy'ht. 
 
 In the centre of the cover-stone of the tomb is a shield 
 with the arms of Iluddesfield impaling Courtenay. 
 
 When Westcote, in 1630, 
 visited the church, he noted this 
 inscri]ition, which was probably- on 
 the ledger line round the table of 
 the tomb, and has since disap- 
 appeared : — 
 
 "Here lielli Sir William Huddi- 
 ffei/d, /ciii<;/i/, Attorncy-KCticral to t^ing 
 l-.dward IV, and of tlie Council to King 
 Henry VII, and Justice of Oyer and 
 Determiner; ivtiic/i died the 20th day of 
 March, i?i the year 0/ our J.ord, 1499. On 
 whose soul Jesus ha;ie mcrcY, Amen. Honor Deo el Gloria."
 
 lo Rogers-Coiirlcnay-Hitddesficld. 
 
 And further observes : — 
 
 " In a window over his picture, in glass, — " Hi tics sunt m/hi s'/>i's, 
 JkesHs, Afar/a, /o/ianues." Over the head of her picture, '^ Omr peperit 
 florem, det nobis floris odorem." Under both their pictures — " Orate pro 
 bono static XVillihcmi Huddcsfeild militis ct Katharime uxoris ejus." 
 
 These " pictures " have disappeared, and Westcote speaks 
 also of some shields of arms. These have been preserved and 
 carefull}' reinstated, in this secluded, well-kept, little church; 
 and are found in the south chancel window, — i. Courtenay, 
 
 impaling. Sable, tivo bars and in chief three roundels, argent, 
 (Hungerford) for Lady Katherine's mother. — 2. Or, three 
 lions passant sable, — ^Carew) impaling Huddesfield, — for her 
 daughter Katherine's alliance. — 3. Huddesfield, impaling. Azure, 
 three bird-bolts in pale, points dowmvard or (Bosom) for the 
 first wife of Sir William. — 4. Quarterly, 1 and 4, Huddesfield, 
 2, Courtenay, 3, Gules, a chevron argent — (Fulford), for 
 his first wife's first husband.
 
 Rogers-Coiirtniav-l IiKMcsfuld. 1 1 
 
 Sir William Huddesfield Ijuili the tower of the churcii, and 
 on its west front are three sculptured panels, with arms and 
 labels, but greatly denuded. On the first is Huddesfield impaling 
 Courtenay, with supporters a />o«/' and dolfihin, in the sinister 
 spandrel, the three sickles interlaced, of Hungerford, — 
 inscription on the label indistinguishable. The second shield 
 and label quite denuded. Tiic third shows traces of arms as 
 
 on the first, and the words " Spes inea Marea "is all 
 
 that is decipherable on the label. 
 
 The church. Dr. Oliver observes, "is often described in 
 the episcopal registers as " Capella vel Capella ciirata" is 
 dedicated to St. George, and was probabl}' at first a domestic 
 chapel of the Shillingfords." The manor and advowson was 
 purchased by John Southcotc of the daughters and coheiresses 
 of Sir William, — his gravestone is inscribed: — 
 
 " John Soitthcote, Esqtiyer, soinetyutes Lord and Panon uj 
 this Church, tidio departed this present life the 6 day of September, 
 yl'no D'i MCCCCCLFI." 
 
 riic transfer, in the deed previousl}' mentioned, to Bishop 
 Peter Courtenay, (his wife's brother) and others, was probably 
 temporary only, and for trusteeship purposes. 
 
 The seal of Sir Philip Courtenaj', of Powderham, father 
 of Dame Katherine Rogers Huddesfield (in the illustration, 
 drawn by Mr. Roscoe Gibbs), is taken from one of two (the 
 other being that of his contemporary Sir William Bonville) 
 appendant to a deed relating to Wynard's Charity, dated 
 14 Ilcniy \T (1435-6), preserved among the E.xeter City 
 Muniments. 
 
 [Reprinted /mm "Wiltshire .Votes and Queries," vol. Hi, /'/'.337 — 345.
 
 THE POULETT BRASS, 
 
 MINETY CHURCH, WILTS. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 SHEKliORNE: 
 
 PRINTED UY J. C. & A. T. SAWTELL, 
 
 MDCCCXCIX.
 
 a 
 o 
 
 D 
 K 
 O 
 
 H 
 O 
 
 Cm 

 
 THE POULETT BRASS, 
 
 MINETY CHURCH, WILTS. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 A few miles north of Swindon is the parish of Minety, and in 
 its Church, among many features of interest, is one specially 
 relating to the county of Somerset, the brass of Nicholas Powlett, 
 who was presumably a member of the principal descent of that 
 family at Hinton St. George. 
 
 Aubrey — the Wiltshire Leland— in his description of the 
 church taken A.D. 1659-70, relates: — 
 
 " In a south window of three columnes (lights) in the top are these two es- 
 cutcheons, the first by the name of Chiche, the second by the name ol Clay. 
 Jlinety Court in this parish was the mansion of the Lord of the Mannour, or 
 some great person : the seat in the church belonging to the house is under the 
 windowe in whicli tliese two coates are, and therefore not unlikely they were 
 coates of some of the possessors of the Court aforesaid. In the limb; — "Orate 
 
 fro d'iabus de - - - - gencrosi et Alicic" — In the third column" ac 
 
 Xtojcri Joh'h Dorothee habdlc - - - qti hanc fencstram -" 
 
 Over this inscription in the window is the effigies of a knight armed cap-i- 
 pee, with his mandiiion or surcoatc, on which his coat of armes; (Hungerford, 
 with a mullet for diffeicnce,) with the effigies of his three sonnes, and three 
 daughters. They are in purple gowns. First daughter in a cap argent, semee 
 guttee de poix ; second a kind of French hood; third haire dishevelled, temples 
 bound round with pearle>. Over the three sonnes and tliree daughters' heads in 
 a scroll, " That we niay long." — " Laudatc fucri." These, in this and the next 
 windowe, are the pictures of the benefactors and their children kneeling, in the 
 habitts of those daycs bidding their beades. 
 
 The next windowe, three columnes, one is scmce horseshoes or. The other 
 semee fetters or ; a terrett of a greyhound's collar. Another semee escallops or ; 
 besides M and R for the Blessed Virgin. 
 
 In a north windowe, — " Orate fro a'iabus Thome Hungerford militis et Dame 
 Cristian iixoris ejus qui — ." This coate in several places of the windowe 
 (Powlett impaling Hungerford, with a mullet for diflerence) underneath is a little 
 brass inscription of Nicholas Powlett, and Mary his wife who was a Hungerford." 
 
 Of this glass only a few fragments remain, but there is little 
 doubt the group origmally represented Sir Thomas Hungerford, 
 of Down-Ampney, ob : Oct., 1494, his wife Christian Halle and 
 their si.x children. Sir Thomas was the son of Sir Edmund of 
 Down-Ampney, ob : 1485, who was the thirci son of Walter, the 
 first Lord Hungerford, K.G., ob : 1449, by his wife Katherine 
 Peverell.
 
 2 The Poulett Brass. 
 
 Christian Halle was the daughter of John Halle of " The 
 Halle," Salisbury, an eminent merchant and woolstapler of that 
 city, whose fine mediceval residence still remains there; and 
 within it, as also at Down-Ampney, are found the arms of 
 Hungerford with mullet for difference, impaling the coat of Halle, 
 — Argent, a ctievron sable, charged with an estoile of six points or, 
 between three columbine floivers azure, leaved and stalked vert. 
 
 The brass of Nicholas Powlett occurs on the north wall of 
 the chantry, at the east end of the north aisle, which is enclosed 
 from the body of the church by oak screens of carved tracery. 
 Canon Jackson says this was a chantry " used"' by the Hunger- 
 fords, which was probably the case, but its origin may be ascribed 
 to the Claye family, as on the corbels that support its roof, are 
 shields that bear their arms, — (Argent,) a chevron engrailed, 
 between three trefoils slipped (sable,) as previously observed by 
 Aubrey in the windows. The Claye family appear to have 
 belonged to the parish of Chrich in Derbyshire, where they held 
 an influential position, and in the church there (in 1750) were 
 several monuments to them, one with incised effigies and arms, 
 and punning inscriptions on their name, which from their quaint- 
 ness deserve quotation. On a tomb to several members of the 
 family dated 1583-1603-32, is, — 
 
 " Heere lieth John Clay gentleman, and ilary whom he first did wive, 
 
 With her he lived near eight years space, in which God gave them children five. 
 
 Daughter to William Gallon, esquir, who was unto that Kynge of fame 
 
 Hcnrie the eight, chief cock-matcher, and seivante of his hawkes by name. 
 
 And as she had a iormer match, Chamellof Swarston in Lestershire, 
 
 So she deceast, this Clay did take the widow of German Poole, esquire, 
 
 D.TUghter of Edward, who was son to Sir John Ferrers of Tamworth, Unight, 
 
 Shee is entombed in this church with him to whom she first was plight. 
 
 And now this Claye is closed in claye, the fairest flesh doth fade like grass, 
 
 He had on sister who unto .Stuflyn of Shirbrook married was. 
 
 For death doth give an end to ali, and now this Clay shall reste herein, 
 
 All Claye to claye shall com at last by deathe, the due reward of synne. 
 
 Thou deathe, his deathe, thy deathe is he whose soule doth live with Cristeforaye, 
 
 The stinge of death can no one flee, the greatest monarchs are but claye." 
 
 and over the tomb, — 
 
 " Soules the\ are made of heavenly spirit ; 
 
 From whence they come ye heavens inherite. 
 
 But know that bodyes made of Claye : 
 
 Death will devoure by night or daye, 
 
 Yett is he as bee was I saye ; 
 
 He living and dead remainelh Claye. 
 
 His very name that nature gave : 
 
 Is now as shalbe in his grave. 
 
 Tymesdoth teache, experience tryes : 
 
 That claye to duste the winde up-dryes. 
 
 Then this a wonder coumpte wee must : 
 
 That want of minde should make Claye dust."* 
 
 * Coll. Top. ct Geneal: Vol. I., page 46-9.
 
 The Pouktt Brass. 3 
 
 The foundation of the chantry points to a date antecedent to 
 the inscriptions; and it was erected, probably by a person resident 
 and holding possessions in the neighbourhood — it may be 
 Minety ('ourt, — as suggested by Aubrey. 
 
 Nicholas Powlett and his wife Mary Hungerford appear 
 kneeling in prayer, and facing each other, with their children 
 behind them, treated in the conventional style adopted at this era, 
 that of late in the sixteenth century. He is in full armour with 
 sword and misericorde, above his head " Nicolas Powlett,'' 
 behind him kneels his son in academic gown, and over him 
 " Ames Powlett." His wife in rich costume, above her " Mary 
 Powlett," behind her kneel her three daughters named re- 
 spectively "Elizabeth," — " Mary," — " Edight." 
 
 Above them are some interesting armories illustrative of 
 their descent. Over Nicholas is, — i. Ort a wrealh, an embowed 
 arm in armour, the hand glaived, grasping a sword, on the arm a 
 crescent for difference, — being the crest of Powlett, and cadency for 
 a second son ; — 2. a shield charged with, three swords in pile, 
 (Powlett) — 3. — A hand with wrist ruffled grasping a sword erect, 
 across the blade a label with the motto " Gardez La Fox" — also 
 for Powlett. Above the lady are, i . Out of an Earl's coronet, a whcat- 
 sheaf supported by two sickles, being the crest of Hungerford, — 2. A 
 shield thereon, Two bars, in chief three roundels, a crescent for differ- 
 ence, (Hungerford). 3. Three sickles in triangle, ejtclosing a mul- 
 let for difference, badge of Hungerford, with cadency for a third 
 son. Below the shield is this inscription. — "of svfferance 
 COMES ease." There is no further inscription, or date. 
 
 With little doubt the brass may be assigned to Nicholas 
 Powlett the second son of Sir Hiigli Poulett of Hinton St. George, 
 Sheriff of the county 29 and 34 Henry VHI, 153S-43, and 1 
 Edward VI, 1547, who married, first, Elizabeth daughter of 
 Walter Blount with no issue, and secondly, Philippa, daughter of 
 Sir Lewis Pollard,* by whom he had three sons and one daughter, 
 and according to Collinson was buried in Hinton St. George 
 church, where there is his efhgy in armour with that of his wife, 
 and this inscription, " Hie jacet Hugo Powlet miles, qui obiit 6 die 
 
 Deccmhris, Anno D'ni ." The eldest son of Sir Hugh was 
 
 the well-known Sir Amias Poulet, ob : 1588, gaoler of the unfor- 
 tunate Mary Queen of Scots, and Nicholas appears to have 
 named his son after his uncle Sir Amias. 
 
 Mary Hungerford, the wife of Nicholas Powlett (according 
 to Canon Jackson) was the daughter of Thomas Hungerford of 
 The Lea, near Malmesbury, by Edith Strange his wife, and he 
 was great-grandson of Sir Thos. Hungerford and Christian Halle 
 before referred to. Of their three daughters, Elizabeth married 
 Henry Long, of Ashley, near Box. 
 
 • A Juaiici.- of the Common Pk-.-is, of Gorlcston, and King's-Nvmiiton m 
 North D..vun, and who is said to have h.id twenty-seven children by his two 
 wives, eleven sons and sixteen daughters.
 
 4 The Poulett Brass. 
 
 The Stranges were of Somerford-Keynes, and in the north 
 aisle of the church is a fine monument with this inscription : — 
 
 Pie Lector : — Dormientem hie liabes Robertum Straung Filium unigenitum et 
 Posthumum Roberti Strating dc Somerford-Keynes in Agro Wilts Armigeri et Janes 
 uxoris, Jiliie Anthonij Hutiger/ord de Black-Bourton in agro Oxon. Mtlitis. Qui e 
 quints Sororibus tres habuit super stitcs : Quis (concurrentibus maritis) fragile hoc 
 erexerunt Monumentum in Fratris sui mcmoriam : qui e vivis decessit 14o die Junii 
 An'o D'ni 1654. JEtatis sua 23. 
 
 (He whom God loves dies young.) 
 
 Non facet hie Straung attamen hicjacet ille Robertas 
 Qui modo Straung fuerat, Straung libit, ille manet. 
 
 Arms, — Quarterly, — Two lions passanl, debndsed by a bend 
 ermine, (Strang)e and Hungerford. 
 
 With regard to the figured quarrels observed by Aubrey, a 
 few are still found in the west window, the columbine, escallop, 
 chain- felter, primrose-plant {^) and letters R. and A. R., &c. 
 
 The chain -fetter, is probably a badge of Percy. Sir Thomas 
 Hungerford of Farleigh, executed at Salisbury in 1469, married 
 as his first wife, Anne, daughter of Henry Percy, Earl of North- 
 umberland. The^ columbine o{ 'L.dAy Christian (Halle) widow of 
 Sir Thomas Hungerford, of Sudington-Langley, Worcestershire; 
 by her will dated July, 1504, she desires to be buried in "Mo«- 
 asterio D'na de Circestre." Sir John Hungerford, her eldest son, 
 will dated 24 July, 1524, desires " to he buried in the Abbey Church 
 of Cirencester " ; as also his wife, the Lady Margaret, will 6 April, 
 1527, " to be buried in the Chapel of Our Lady in the Abbey Church 
 of Cirencester, where my husband Sir John is buried." Where Sir 
 Thomas the husband of Christian Halle was buried, does not 
 appear. 
 
 Reprinted from Notes &■ Queries for Somerset &• Dorset, Vol. VI.. pp. 193-6. 
 
 -^^
 
 I'lOURED QUARRELS— WEST WINDOW— 
 MINETY CHURCH.
 
 THE DORSET CHAPEL, 
 
 AND 
 
 KNIGHTSTONE; 
 
 BONVILLE AND SHERMAN ; OTTERY ST. MARY. 
 
 By IF. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 SHERBORNE: 
 
 PRINTED BY J. C. & A. T. SAWTELL, 
 
 MDCCCCI.
 
 THE DORSET CHAPEL. 
 
 OTTF.RY ST. MARV CHURCH, DEVON.
 
 O^ ( 
 
 : 
 
 
 CICELY UONVILLE, MARCHIONESS OF DORSET. 
 
 ASTLEV CHURCH, WARWICKSHIRE.
 
 X 

 
 loANNts Ob t^+i 
 
 , CVILIELMVS OBlj'if. 
 
 yLT MEMORIA. 
 
 loANNis Sherman, cenerosi, Gviueumi fili^ eivs. 
 
 ET RlCHARDl NEPOriS SVI E\ IP60KN>1 VOTCVNATttiVIESCVl. 
 TRES TEGIT HOC VNVM >URMOR:-nRT\TlB\'S 0>CSE5. 
 
 VtTVMVLO, MERITIS, iVNGMNE, l..««DE PATIE.5. 
 HiC P.CTER, HIC VATVS^. XEP062,, PROPACINt CLARA 
 
 SHERMANNI. OTTRAO. NOMINA' CHARA SOLO, 
 SaNCTA DEI CVLTV; CVRA2, CELEBRIA EGEJ^\-n 
 
 2,VE1S PIA SVBSIDH HfC MVNERA IN S.VA DABANT. 
 ^MLIBET OCTO ANNOS DECIES PROPE VIXIT, M AViA 
 
 ViVIT I AM ATERNA. 5P1RITVS- ORBE DECVS. 
 Hfc VNA IX -VOTO, RECVBANT ; VNA VNDE RESVRCANT, 
 
 Ac VNA A CHR15T0 LAVREA PAR.TA BEET. 
 
 THK SHERMAN BRASSES. 
 
 OTTERV ST. MARV CHURCH, DEVON.
 
 THE DORSET CHAPEL, 
 
 AND 
 
 KNIGHTSTONE; 
 
 BONVILLE & SHEEMAN ; OTTEEY St. MAEY. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 In describing the social history of the antient town and 
 parish of Ottery St. Mary, apart from its ecclesiastical import- 
 ance, Pole says " Their hath bine, and nowe are, in this towne 
 and parish, dwellers of goode meanes, and, theire bee divers 
 others, which hold by customary estate, some old barton, some 
 new barton, and other tenures, and some by grant, which have 
 good livinge in this parisli." 
 
 Among these " old bartons " or manors, whose owners and 
 occupants successively represented the foregoing description, is 
 Knightstone, an estate and small mansion situate about a mile 
 south of Ottery. 
 
 The same authority gives a succinct accoimt of its pos- 
 sessors : — 
 
 "Knightstone, was the ancient possession of the name of Knit;htstone, and 
 about the 44. of King Edwani III., 1371, Richard the son of John de Knight- 
 stone conveyed the same unto Thomas Bittlesgate, unto whom afterward Mar- 
 garet, that was the wife of John Upton, and sister of the said Richard, and 
 Elias Upton her son, did make a release thereof. In this place Bittlesgate made 
 his dwelling, whom succeeded Thomas his son, which entailed this, among other 
 his lands, unto the children of Thomas his son (which died in his father's life- 
 time) and in remainder to William, Lord Bonville. All the children died with- 
 out issue, by means whereof Bittlesgates lands came unto the L.ady Cicely 
 (Bonville) wife of Thomas Gray, Marquis of Dorset, notwithstanding Anthony 
 Woodville, Karl Rivers, his claim made as next heir to Bittlesgate 
 
 By the attainder of the Duke of Suffolk, this land fell unto the Crown, and 
 was purchased by William -Slicrman, of St. Mary Ottery, and descended unto 
 Mr. John Sherman his son, which made his dwelling at Knightstone, and left it 
 unto Gideon his son who is latclv dead."
 
 2 The Dorset Chapel and Knightsione ; — 
 
 In October, 1381, Bishop Brantyngham granted a licence 
 for the performance of divine service to Thomas Bittlesgate and 
 Jane his wife in " Oraloria si've Capellas infra lifaneria sua de 
 Kyngeston (Knigh/slone) infra Parochiam de Otryde Sanclce Maria, 
 el de Sparkeye {Sparkhayne) infra Parochiam de Cole/on {Colyion) 
 siiuat." An obit was also kept for them by the College at Ottery, 
 on 26 August yearly. Arms of Bittlesgate, — Argent, an annulet 
 sable, over all a fess gules. 
 
 The circumstance of William Lord Bonville, K.G., of Chew- 
 
 SEAL OF LORD WILLIAM BONVILLE. 
 
 ton-Mendip, Somerset, acquiring the reversion of Knightstone, 
 was destined in the person of his descendant, and great-grand-
 
 Bonvilk and Slierinan ; Ottery St. Mary. 3 
 
 daughter, Cicely Bonville, successively Marchioness of Dorset and 
 Countess of Wilts, to leave a striking and permanent memorial 
 of their ownership, by the addition of the beautiful north aisle to 
 the grand church of Ottery St. Mary, and named after her as 
 "The Dorset Chapel," which apparently without doubt she 
 caused to be erectetl. 
 
 The personal history of this influential but unfortunate noble- 
 man is well known, and a few facts only need be related. Born 
 in the not distant parish of Shute, he inherited large properties 
 in Somerset and Devon, and to these he appears, from his influ- 
 ential position, to have considerably added by " entails," 
 acquired occasionally from the descendants of other families, and 
 apparently sometimes to the prejudice of the rightful heirs, of 
 which Knightstone was one, although this reversion did not 
 fall into hand until more than thirty years after his decease. 
 He was a zealous Yorkist, as were also his son and grandson, and 
 all three tiirew in their lot even to the deatJi with that faction, and 
 perished, the father on the scaffold after the second battle of St. 
 Albans, Feb., 1461, the son and grandson having been previously 
 slain at tlie battle of Wakefield, 31 Dec, 1460, and through these 
 tragic circumstances the male descent of Bonville in the main 
 line became extinct. * 
 
 From tliis wreck there remained one little infant daughter, 
 born to the grandson who fell at Wakefield, Cicely by name, 
 heiress to all the accumulated possessions of her family, Knight- 
 stone included, but which she was not put in possession of until 
 1404, when the homage represent the death of Richard liittles- 
 gate — apparently the last descendant of that family — and the 
 right descended to Thomas, Marquis of Dorset, and Cicely his 
 wife, in right of the said Cicely ; and she had then been married 
 many years. 
 
 A short notice as to who this husband was. Of course so 
 great an inheritri.x was destined not long to remain single, and in 
 due time " a convenient marriage was purveyed for her," her hus- 
 band being no less a personage than Thomas Grey, step-son to 
 the King Edward IV. by his Queen Elizabeth Widville, widow to 
 Sir John Grey of Groby, who fell on the Lancastrian side at St. 
 Albans, where his wife's great-grandfather lost his head after the 
 
 * The seal of .Sir William Bonville, is from a deed among the Kxeter 
 Municipal Muniments, dated 1435-6, the effigy of Cicely Bonville from Astley 
 Church, both drawn by Mr, Roscoe Gibbs; the .Sherman brasses, and interior 
 of the Dorset Chapel, (rom rubbings and a photograph speci.dly taken. The 
 arms on the seal are Bonville quartering I-'itz-Roger, of Chewtoii-Mendip, for 
 his mother I'^lizaheth Fitz-Rogcr, the heiress general of that family, through 
 whom he succeeded to the manor of Chewton, &c., and took his title therefrom. 
 In the church are the effigies of a knight and a lady ; the knight has their arms, 
 three lions rain/'unt, on hh amcoat. The legend " S' Wii.iam de Boneuille 
 MILITIS."
 
 4 The Dorset Chapel, and Knightstone ; — 
 
 same battle engaged in the interest of York. He had been 
 created Marquis of Dorset by Edward IV, Cicely Bonville was 
 his second wife, and by him was said to have had seven sons and 
 eight daughters. He died lo April, i5oi,and bequeathed his 
 body to be buried in the Collegiate Church of Astley in Warwick- 
 shire. 
 
 Cicely Bonville married, secondly, Henry Stafford, second son 
 of Henry Stafford, second Duke of Buckingham, KG., — beheaded 
 in the Market Place, Salisbury, "without any arraignment or legal 
 proceeding," 1483, — by his wife Katherine, daughter of Richard 
 Widville, Earl Rivers, K.G. — executed at Northampton, 1467. 
 He was cousin to her first husband, and she was his second wife. 
 He was created by Henry VIII, in 1509, Earl of Wiltshire and 
 K.G., and died 6 March, 1523, leaving no issue, when the title 
 became e.xtinct. 
 
 It must have been during the lifetime of her second husband, 
 Henry Stafford, that Cicely Bonville caused the beautiful aisle or 
 Chapel in Ottery Church to be erected. Although no docu- 
 mentarv evidence, we believe, remains to confirm this, it is clearly 
 attested by the heraldic symbolism found sculptured on the fabric. 
 The arms over the doorways, both inside and outside the porch, 
 are unfortunately too much denuded to be made out, and were 
 probably made ' delete ' after the attainder of her grandson, Henry 
 Grey, Duke of Suffolk, in 1554, but in the back of the niche with 
 the arms, outside, the mullet of Bonville, and the Stafford knot 
 alternate, still conspicuously remain, and studding the moulding 
 under the parapet above, these devices again occur, together with 
 the Harrington /"r^/, for her grandmother from whom she inherited 
 the barony of that name, and the btilTs head of Hastings for her 
 mother's second husband. Within the Chapel, on the pillars of 
 the arcade, are the arms and rebus of Hugh Oldham, Bishop of 
 Exeter, 1504-g, and those of his successor. Bishop Veysey, eviden- 
 cing that it was erected during the episcopates of these Prelates. 
 The Wardens of the College during this period were Thomas 
 Cornish, Bishop of Tyne, Suffragan to Bishop Fox, 151 1, Thomas 
 Chard, also Suffragan Bishop to Oldham and Abbot of Ford, 1 5 1 8, 
 Walter Diidman, and Oliver Smyth, 1525, who with the other 
 members of the College subscribed to the King's supremacy, iz 
 July, 1534, he died 4 April, 1544, and his inscribed gravestone is 
 in the ambulatory behind the reredos. 
 
 This great lady stood very high in the Court of Henry VIII., 
 and assisted at the christening of the Princess (afterwards Queen) 
 Elizabeth, the daughter of the hapless Queen Anne Boleyn, when, 
 according to Hall, she was one of the child's godmothers, and 
 in the procession her son, the second Marquis, " bore the Salt," 
 and afterwards the " old Marchioness of Dorset, widow," — his
 
 Bonville and Sherman ; Ottery St. Mary. 5 
 
 mother Cicely — made the infant princess "a present of three gilt 
 bowls pounced with a cover." 
 
 She made her will 6 IMarch, 19 Henry \']II., 1528-9, and 
 " bequeathed her body to be l)Uried in the Chapel of Astley, in the tomb where 
 her late husband the late Lord Mai quis lay, and a thousand masses to be said 
 for her soul. That a goodly tomb should be made in the Chapel of Astley, over 
 the Lord Marquis her husliand, and another for herself, and two priests daily to 
 sing in the said Chapel of Astley by the space of eighty years, to pray for the 
 soul of the said Lord Marquis, and her own soul." 
 
 She appears to have died the year following, 1530, — and a 
 " goodly tonil),'' — at least for her, — was probably erected in this 
 beautiful but now much mutilated church, in which was placed 
 the fine efiigy, presumably representing her, still remaining, but 
 the tomb has disappeared. It is comjiosed of alabaster of fine 
 workmanship, and the costume consists of pedimental head-dress, 
 embroidereii cote-hardie, and from her girdle are suspended por- 
 tions of an aumdmere on the right side, and a rosary on the left. 
 There was a mantle over with cordon and tassels. A little dog 
 with collar and bells is at her feet. The figure which exhibits 
 much simple dignity is greatly injured, the hands and other por- 
 tions destroyed. It was originally emblazoned with colour, traces 
 of crimson are on the mantle, and the embroidered ornamen- 
 tation gilded. The costume e.xdctly coincides with that prevalent 
 at the date of her decease. 
 
 Succeeding Cicely Bonville, IMarchioness of Dorset, was her 
 eldest son, Thomas Grev, second Marquis. He married first, 
 Eleanor, AdiW^Mttx ol Oliver, Lor,i Si. J ohti, by whom he had no 
 issue, and secondly Margarei, daughter of .SVr Robert Wotion, of 
 Bocton, Kent, by whom he had Henry, his heir, and other child- 
 ren. He made his wilHn 1530, and ordered himself to be buried 
 at Astley. He was succeeded by his son, Henry. 
 
 Henry Grey, third and last Marquis of Dorset, and subsequent- 
 ly Duke of SufTolk and K.(J. He married secondly, Fra?ices, 
 d'dughter of Ciitiries Bnindon. /Juke of .Suffoili and K.G., by his 
 third wife the Princess Mary, daughter of King Henry VH, widow 
 of Louis XH., and so Queen Dowager of France. By her he had 
 three daughters, the eldest being the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey 
 who perished with her husband. Lord Guilford Dudley, 12 Feb., 
 1554. The Duke, accused of participation in Wyatl's rising, 
 fleeing from his accusers, secreted himself in a hollow tree in his 
 park at Astley, and was betrayed by one of his park-keepers, who 
 was in the secret of iiis hiding place. He was executed on Tower 
 Hill, 23 February, iS54- 
 
 His death ended the possessorship of Knightstone by the 
 Bonville-Greys, and the Duke having been attainted, his prop- 
 erties were forfeited to the Crown. From the Crown, accordinL'
 
 6 The Dorset Chapel, and Knighistone ; — 
 
 to Pole, it was purchased by William Sherman, designated a mer- 
 chant, third in descent of a reputable family of that name, settled 
 in Ottery St. Mary, and who died in 1583. The Shermans appear 
 to have held it about a hundred and twenty-five years to the death 
 of Gideon Sherman, apparently the last n'ale heir in 1679, when 
 it passed to the descendant of Richard Coplestone of Woodland, 
 Devon, who had married in 1624 Gertrude, eldest daughter of 
 John Sherman of Knightstone, who died in 1620. 
 
 The " Dorset Chapel " or aisle is of considerable size, and 
 has a rich fan-tracery vault with pendants. Many of tlie original 
 bench-ends remain, but there is no symbolism on them beyond 
 the double-rose, the carving is of architectural character, and long 
 panels of litieti moulding, bound the passage from the entrance 
 porch. The structure forms a second north aisle, the arcade of 
 depressed arches, the columns and sculptured capitals being of a 
 type prevalent in the neighbourhood. No mention is made of 
 any endowment for this Chapel, nor to whom dedicated, by the 
 authorities, — the probability is there was none, if intended ; the 
 Marchioness died in i 530, and events were then fast hastening 
 for the suspension, and subsequent suppression of ecclesiastical 
 endowments. 
 
 The first of the Sherman family we get an account of is, — 
 
 Robert Sherman, described in the Visilation of 1620, as 
 of Yaxley, a parish near the town of Eye, in north Suffolk. In 
 Yaxley Church is an inscribed stone to Thomas Shermati and 
 Barbara, his wife, dated 1621, and numerous entries to the family 
 occur in the Regisler. 
 
 He is said to have married the eldest daughter of William 
 Sherman of Ottery St. Mary ; by this it would appear there was a 
 family of that name settled there, both probably emanating from 
 the same parent stock. They had a son John. 
 
 John Sherman, of Ottery St. Mary, son and heir of the 
 preceding. Whom he married does not appear, but they had two 
 sons, yo^// and William. He died in 1542, and was buried at 
 Ottery. On the gravestone is his brass effigy, clad in ruflF, 
 doublet, short trunk-hose, and mantle over with dependant 
 sleeves, richly banded with lace, the hands raised in prayer. On 
 a label over the figure is 
 
 "Joannes Ob: 1542." 
 
 John, eldest son died in the lifetime of his father, s. p. 
 
 William Sherman, second son and heir. He married, first, 
 a daughter and heir of William Terrent or Trent of Ottery. 
 By her he had two sons, John the eldest, and William ; and four 
 daughters, Katherine, Johanna, Agnes, and Isabel.
 
 Bonville and Sherman ; Ottery St. Mary. 7 
 
 Willia?!!, second son, died without issue. 
 
 Kalherine, eldest daughter, married as his second wife, Gilbert 
 Drake, of Pratshead, in the parish of Littlehani, third son oi John 
 7??a*f of Exniouth, and Margaret daughter of John Cole. His 
 will proved 9 May, 1580 ; her's 12 May, 1604, she was buried at 
 Littlehani, 29 March, 1604. 
 
 /ohantia, second daughter, married William Mallock, of 
 Bindon, Axmouth, and Rousdon, son of John Mallock of Axmouth, 
 M.P. for Poole, ob: 1566-7, by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of 
 John Cliaplyn of Taunton. Her will proved i May, 1606. 
 
 Agnes, third daughter, married Willtam Coram, of Ottery, he 
 was buried there 18 Jany., 1606-7, his wife 16 Aug., 1622. The 
 Corams appear to have been a respectable family found in the 
 Visitation, 1620, of several descents, — their arms, — Argent, a cross 
 sable between four eagles displayed gules. C rest, — A beaver passant or. 
 
 Isabel, fourth daughter, of her there is no further account. 
 
 The arms of Terrent or Trent as given by Pole are. Argent, 
 a chevron betiveen three eagles displayed gules. This will be further 
 referred to. 
 
 Secondly, William Sherman married Joan, daughter of /o^w 
 Matlock, of Axmouth ; her place in the pedigree is not assigned. 
 By her he had one son Richard. The arms of Mallock are, per 
 chevroji engrailed or and sable, on three roundles three fleurs de lys, 
 all counter-changed. Crest, An arm etnboived grasping a mallet. 
 Their arms with inscriptions to their memory, almost obliterated, 
 on flat stones, are, or were to be found in Axmouth Church. 
 
 Richard Sherman,— third son, and only child by the second 
 wife. He married firat Joan, daughter o{ John Eveleigh, of Hol- 
 combe, Ottery, son of John Eveleigh of that place, by Joan, 
 daughter of John Southcott, of Bovey-Tracy. By her he had two 
 sons, William and Henry, and two daughters, Margaret and Susan. 
 
 William, eldest son, thirty years old in 1630, appears to have 
 died without issue. Henry, second son, died an infant. 
 
 Margaret, — she married 14 May, 1607, at Ollaxy , J ohn Cooke, 
 of Thome, in Ottery, gent, son of Christopher Cooke of that 
 place, and Joane, daughter of Richard Coplestone of Woodland. 
 His administration dated 5 Jan. 1632-3. 
 
 The monument of this John CoUe or Cooke, is on the east side of ihe wall 
 of the north transept, and consists of a large and somewhat uncouth effigy, 
 standing under a pediment supported by Ionic columns. He is clad in half- 
 armour, bare-headed, trunk hose, boots and spurs. In his right hand he holds a
 
 8 The Dorset Chapel, and Knightstone ; — 
 
 baton, his left rests on his sword, behind him is a pike orlance with a pennon, and 
 at his feet his helmet. The whole painted and gilded. Below is the inscription: — 
 
 " The monvment of John Coke of Thome Esq. the sone of Christofhei- Coke and 
 of ]oan the daughter of Richard Copleston Esq : he marryed Margaret the davghter 
 of Richard Sherman, gent, and had issve Richard, John, William, Jane and Joan: 
 he was of the age of 42 yeares and 7 moneths, and dyed the 28 day of March, 1632. 
 
 Nos simnlac otimur, morimur : cocus inclitus tirnd 
 
 Conditiir exigitd popnlo-peramabilis omni: 
 
 Vivit at tile tamen. quern sic lugetis ademptum, 
 
 Non obiit sed ahivit ; agit felicia calo 
 
 Secula nee tenui possit sub cespite claudi." 
 
 Arms, — a shield quarterly of nine, — i. Ermine, on a bend cottsed, gules, three 
 cais-a-mountain passant guardant or, — (Coke). 2. Argent, a fess gules, between 
 three lions rampant sable, — (Thorne). 3. Gules, a chevron between three owls 
 argent, croivned or, (Radway). 4. Argent, two glazier's irons in saltire sable, 
 (between four pears pendant proper) — (Kellawa^'). 5. Argent, a chevron gules 
 betK'een three pears pendant sable, (Periham, or Orchard). 6. Azure, a lion 
 rampant {sem& of escallops) or, (Hendower) 7. Or, a lion rampant gules, a 
 bordure indented sable, (bezants) a label of three azure, (Cornwall). 8. Argent, 
 on a chevron gules, three mullets, or, — 9. Argent on a bend sable, six bezants. 
 (Chamberlayne). Crest, on a helmet, a demi-leopard rampant guardant or, 
 holding an oak branch vert,fructed of the first. Owing to the height of the monu- 
 ment from the ground, and deca}' of the colours, the bearings are very indistinct 
 and apparently inaccurately blazoned when restored : directly o^er the figure are 
 two other shields, i. Thorne, — 2. Sherman. 
 
 Immediately beside the foregoing inscription is another : — 
 
 " This was new bcavtificd by his grandson John Misson,gent, Jvly 30, 1726." 
 
 In the comer, a shield, apparently Three cock's heads erazed or, impaling, an 
 anchor, or : for Misson. 
 
 Susan, of whom nothing further is mentioned. 
 
 Secondly, Richard Sherman married /oi2«, daughter oi Richard 
 Cofileslotie, of Woodland, ob: 25 Oct., i,s86, and Alice daughter of 
 Henry Kelly; and widow of Christopher Cooke of Thorne. Her 
 son John, by iier first liusband, married her second husband's 
 daughter Margaret, by his first wife. 
 
 'By Joan Coplestotie he had two sons. Richard and Chrislophet , 
 anti two daughters, /oaii and Margerie. 
 
 Richard, third son, was aged twentyone in 1620; date of the 
 Visitation. Christopher, fourth son, baptized 5 Jan., 1602-3, 
 buried at Ottery 13 Jany., 1633-4. Joan was buried at Ottery 
 8 .\pril, 1615. 
 
 Margarie, married as his first wife, William Collins of Offwell, 
 son and heir of Thomas Collins, and Mary, daughter of John Bere 
 of Huntsham ; ob: 1657-8. She was married 28 April, 1637, and 
 died without issue. The CoUyns' were originally of Ottery. their 
 arms. Azure, three torches or, enjlamed proper. Crest, A cubit arm' 
 erect, the hand holding a torch all proper.
 
 Bonviile and Shenturn ; Ottery St. Mary. g 
 
 This Richard Sherman, the grandson of John, ob: 1542, and 
 nepolis oi ihe inscription, li is effigy on the gravestone represents 
 him in ruff, doublet, with large cloak over, gathered up, and held 
 by his left hand, the right being laid on his breast; he wears 
 trunk-hose, high boots with large tops, spurs, and sword. The 
 figure is a very fine one, and well proportioned. There is an 
 indent over the head for an inscription, as in the other two, but 
 it has disappeared. The date of his death does not appear. 
 
 The inscription on the gravestone is on a brass plate below 
 the three effigies : — 
 
 Act Memoriae 
 Joannis Sherman, generosi, Gviliclmi filij eivs, 
 et Richardi iicpotis qvi ex ipsorvm voio, vim reqvuscvt. 
 Tres tegit Iwc vnvm tnarmov : virtvtibvs omnes, 
 
 Vt ivmvlo, meritis, sangvine, lavdc pares. 
 Hie pater, hie natvsq\ neposq', propamine clara 
 
 Shermanni, Ottrao iiomina chara solo. 
 Sancta Dei cvltv ; cvraq' celebria egcnvm, 
 
 Qveis pia svsidtj hie mvnera in ava dabant. 
 Qvilihet octo annos decies prope vixit, at nvla 
 
 Vivii iam aterna spiritvs orbe decvs. 
 Hie vna ex voio, recvbant ; vna vnde resvrgant, 
 Ac vna a Christo lavrea parta beet. 
 
 The following is offered as a translation : — 
 
 To perpetuate the memory of John Sherman, gentleman, William his son and 
 Richard (his) grandson, who by their oum wish rest together. 
 
 This one monument covers the three, all equal as in (their) tomb (so) in virtues, 
 worth, birth, aud praise. 
 
 This same father, son and grandson, of the renoumed race of Sherman, (are) 
 celebrated names in Ottery from (their) piety, and distinguished care of the destitute 
 for whose assistance for ever they here bestowed pious gifts. 
 
 Each lived n'ar eighty years, and 7iotv lives in the eternal mansions an ornament 
 of the world of spirits. 
 
 Here together according to their wish they lie, hence together may they rise, and 
 together be blessed with the crown promised by Christ (himself), 
 
 A touching testimony as to their social worth, and of the 
 unity and family affection existing between the three generations 
 of these aged men, in life and death. 
 
 William Sherman aforesaid, who succeeded liis father, John, 
 ob. 1542, appears to have purchased Knightstone from the Crown, 
 forfeited on the attainder of Henry Grey. Duke of Suffolk, in 
 1554, and he probably erected the original mansion, the date on 
 the chimney piece being 1567. 
 
 His name is included among tlie four first Governors of the 
 Church Corporation, — 
 
 " On 24 Dec. 1545, the Kiny (Henry VIII) granted to John Uayilon Esq, 
 Hugh More, William Trent, ami Willi.ini Slierman, gentlemen, as the four
 
 10 
 
 The Dorset Chapel, and Kttightstone ; — 
 
 Governors of the Church of the Blessed Mary of Ottery, all its Church, belfry, 
 Lady Chapel, and cemetery, vestries, cloisters, chapter house, vicars, secondaries, 
 and choristers houses, and school house, with their appurtenances, lately belong- 
 ing to the College there, and all manner of tythes in the parish, excepting the 
 sheaf, but out of the profits to provide a preacher with salary of /20, a school- 
 master ;^io. to instruct the youth of the parish in " the Uynges newe grammer 
 scole in Seynt Marye Otterey." 
 
 His effigy appears on the gravestone, as Jili! ejus of 'John ; 
 he is clad in very similar costume to his father, but with less 
 ornament on the robe, and longer trunk hose ; the hands also 
 raised in prayer. On the label over his head is, 
 
 "GVILIELMVS ObIIT 1 583.''" 
 
 A remarkable coincidence occurs here. In St. Stephen's 
 church, Ipswich, there was in 1843, — [Topographer and Genealogist, 
 Vol. iii, p. 303) a brass with the figures of a man and woman, 
 and part of the inscription remaining, together with the arms, 
 Or, a lion rampant sable, betiveen three oak leaves vert, Sherman, 
 impaling Lany, Or, on a bend between two fleurs de lys gules, a lion 
 passant of the field. Of this brass, only the portion with the in- 
 scription now remains 
 
 ^nm of loniion ttljo 6ecral&(^ ^t 
 \t in tl)^ pfrr of ntii* taui> ^o^. 1 5" 8 ^ . 
 
 but which when complete probably read thus: — 
 
 (Here lyeth bur) ied the bodye of William Sherman gent' 
 
 (citizen and) grocer of London who deceassed the ( day of 
 
 Ju) ne in theyere of our Lord God, 15S3, 
 
 It appears from information kindly supplied by the Rector, the Rev. W. F. 
 Clark, this fragment was found under the Communion Table many years ago 
 when the Church was reseated, and as \.he Register doe^ not commence until two 
 or three years after, the date of the month cannot be supplied. Although theie 
 can be little doubt he belonged to the same Suffolk lamily, whereof a branch 
 migrated to Ottery, and the name and date of death is the same, it is clear the 
 two memorials do not commemorate the same person. 
 
 John Sherman, of Knightstone, eldest son and heir. He 
 married first, Bridget, daughter of Thomas Haydon of Bowood 
 and Ebford, ob: 1589, and Christian, daughter of Robert Tyther- 
 leigh, of Tylherleigh, Chardstock, Dorset, ob. 1600, both buried 
 at Woodbury ; by her he had no issue. 
 
 Secondly, he married Mary, second daughter of ^/> Bernard
 
 Bonville and Sherman ; Ottevy St. Mary. 1 1 
 
 Drake, Ktit., o\r. 1586, of Ash, Musbiirv, Devon, by his wile 
 Gertrude, daughter of Barlholomeiv Forlescue of Fillegh, Devon, 
 oh: 1 60 1. By her he had two sons, Gideon, and John, and two 
 daughters, Gertrude and Mary. 
 
 John Sherman, second son, lie was aged nineteen in ib20. 
 Gertrude, eldest daughter, married 16 June, 1624, at Ottery, 
 Richard Coplestone, of Woodland, Devon, eldest son of Richard 
 Coplestone, ob: 1617, by his wife Eleanor, fifth daughter of Richard 
 Betlew of Ash-Rogus. Mary, buried at Ottery, 15 May, 1626, s. p. 
 
 John Sherman was buried at Ottery 12 June, 16 17; Mary, 
 his second wife, buried there 4 Sep., 1620. 
 
 On enriched mural panels inserted on the north wall of St. 
 Stephen's Chapel in Oitery Church are two long poetic inscriptions 
 to their memory. 
 
 The first to John Sherman : — 
 
 Under this monument lies one 
 
 Did {jood to many, hurt to none. 
 
 Friended ye rich, releeved ye poore, 
 
 Was kiiide to all, — who can do more .' 
 
 That loved ho>pitaIUie, 
 
 And loathed prodigalitie ; 
 
 That raised his stale and portion, 
 
 Vet used no oppression. 
 
 Each dweller and each tenant roar'd 
 
 At such a neighbour, such a lord. 
 
 When aged weakness did possess 
 
 His erased body, nay-the-less 
 
 His steps his church-path so would wear. 
 
 The church should often have him thi re ; 
 
 His limbs were weak, the walk was long. 
 
 Yet seemed this short, ye other strong ; 
 
 His live above, his death hereunder 
 
 Was full of goodness, full of wonder; 
 
 .Six years beyond man's com'on age, 
 
 He walked here in pilgramage; 
 
 And then one age, one very day, 
 
 Tooke both the sire and sone away ; 
 
 As if time for the sire and sone 
 
 As much as time cou'd do had donne, 
 
 Making them live and die uneven. 
 
 And yet to live as twyns in heaven ; 
 
 Let us thai are here standiiige by 
 
 I.earne so to live, and so to die. 
 
 That after life and death's annoy, 
 
 We may revive and meet in joy. 
 
 It is difficult to explain who the son was, mentioned in the 
 inscription, as no date or person seems to indicate it, — but the 
 premature decease of Agnes Fry, the first wife of his son, Gideon, 
 whose burial did take place on the same day as John Sherman's, 
 appears to be the circumstance alluded to.
 
 12 The Dorset Chapel, and Knightstone ; — 
 
 The other is to his second wife Mary Drake. — 
 Within this monument doth also lie 
 A patterne true olo'v infirmitie ; 
 Whose infancie, childhoode, youth, and age 
 Was still attended by ye wrathful rage 
 Of that which crept in by our parent's fall : 
 Her welcome, entertainment, end, and all 
 Seemed all alike from first to latest breath. 
 She alwaes seemed to die one living death. 
 Small griefs sometimes seeme gieat, but her's were so 
 As greater seild (seldom) or never made less mo, (more) 
 These were her passions ; now her actions stoode 
 Like the Samaritan's, intituled good ; — 
 Had she a respite from her proper woe. 
 That day should respite other's pains also. 
 It was her custome and her comforte here, 
 As soon as h-r owne tod did disapeere 
 The comfortlesse to comforte, and restore 
 According to her talent, sicke and sore. 
 Hence envious death did slay without remorse 
 Her that in others did withstand his force, 
 And pitilesse to her no pitie yielded 
 ' Cause others paines she pitifull releeved. 
 What need more wor<ls ? Works shewe her life was action. 
 Her dying words, her death was contemplation. 
 She died xxxvii August, 1620. 
 
 Above these inscriptions in an ornamented panel is a shield, quarterly, i & 
 4, Or, a lion ramfaitt sable, betit'ccn three oak, or holly leaves, vert, (Sherman) 2 
 8c i, A rgeiit, a chevron between three eagles displayed gules, — (Trent, or Tekrent) 
 for his mother; and above an arch in the north transept is a similar panel with 
 a sh\e]d, Argent, a wyvern with mings displayed and tail noived gules, and crest, 
 An eagle displayed gules, (V)-RA.K¥., o{ h-s\i, iSIusbury, and Littleham) which evi- 
 dently has relation to this alliance, and that of his sister Katherine, who married 
 Gilliert Drake. The crest of Sherman as given by Burke was, — A sea-lion 
 sejeant, per pale or and argent guttie de poix, finned of the first, on his shoulder a 
 crescent for difference. 
 
 Gideon Shf.rman, of Knightstone, eldest son and heir, 
 aged Z2 in 1620. 
 
 He married first 28 May, 1617, at Oitery, Agnes, sixth 
 daughter of Nicholas Fry oi YditVy, Membury, ob: 25 Oct., 1632, 
 by his wife Eleanor, daughter of Johti Brett, of VVhitestaunton, 
 ob: 18 March, 1 620-1. A most unusual and melancholy fate met 
 this bride, for she died within the first week of her marriage, and 
 was buried on the 12 June, 1617, at Ottery, apparently on the 
 same day as her husband's father, and in the same church wliere 
 she had been married a few days previously. Her memory is 
 preserved also by a poetic epitaph in a panel on the north wall of 
 St. Steplien's Chapel, placed there the following year:— 
 If wit, wealth, bewtie, youth, or modest mirth 
 
 Could hire, persuade, intice, prolong, beguile, 
 Death's fatall dart, this fading flowre on earth 
 
 Might, yet unquailde, have flourished awdiile, 
 But mirth, youth, bewtie, wit, nor wealth, nor all, 
 C.an stay, or once delay, when death doth call.
 
 Bonville and Sherman; Ottery St. Mary. 13 
 
 No sooner was she to a loving mate 
 
 From carefiill parents solemnlie bequeathed, 
 
 The new alliance starve congratulate, 
 
 Than she from him, tliem, ail, was straight bereaved; 
 
 Slipping from bridal feast to i'unerall here. 
 
 She soon fell sicke, expirde; lies buried here. 
 
 Oh, death, thou mightest have waited in the field 
 Of murd'ring canon, wounding sworde and ?peare. 
 
 Or there, where fearful pas>engers doe yeld 
 At every surge, each blast of wind doth rear ; 
 
 In stabbing taverns, or infected towns, 
 
 On loathsome prisons, or on prince's frownes. 
 
 There, not unlookte for, many a one abides 
 
 Thy direlul summons ; but a nuptial feast 
 Needs not thy grimnie attendance ; max den brides 
 
 In strength and (lower of age, thou mightst let rest. 
 "With winges so weaUe mortallitie doth fly, 
 In height of flight death strikes, we fall and dy. 
 
 1618. 
 
 With regard to these poetic epitaphs, the Rev. Dr. Coniish in his Notes on 
 Ottery Church, says " that when -Southcy the late Foet Laureate visited the 
 Church, he expressed his opinion that they were written by William Browne, 
 the well-known poet, born at Tavistock in 15S8, and author of Biitaiinia's 
 Pastorals, See, and that Wood in his Athens Oxonieiises is very doubtful with 
 regard to his death, that in his searches he finds one William Browne of Ottery 
 St. Mary, died in 1C45, but cannot tell whether he was the same with the poet. 
 Nothing appears to have been afterward heard of him, nor the place of his inter- 
 ment claimed to be elsewhere." 
 
 Secondly, Gideon Sherman married at Christow 21 Sep., 1622, 
 Elizaheth, daughter ol Robert Davie o[Q.diVioxiX.ii\oj\, Christow, by 
 Anne, daughter oi John Norlhcote of Creditor], Devon. By her 
 he had three sons, John, Gideon, and John, and two daughters, 
 Anne and Elizabeth. 
 
 John, eldest son, died an infant, buried at Ottery, 26 Feb., 
 1623-4. John, third son, also died a child, buried at Ottery, 27 
 Jany., 1633-4. Anne, died an infant, buried at Ottery, 26 Dec, 
 1625. Elizabeth, buried at Ottery, 17 Feb., 1644-5, 
 
 Gideon Sherman was buried at Ottery, 10 March, 1 630-1, 
 aged about 32. Where his second wife was buried does not 
 appear. 
 
 Gideon Sherman, second surviving son and heir. He 
 married, 6 March, 1653-4, st Ottery, Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Richard Duck, of Broadhembury, and Mount Radford, Exeter, 
 ob: 1656-7, and Bridget, daughter of Sir Thomas Drove, of the 
 Grange, Broadhembury, Devon, ob : 1656; both buried at 
 Hcavitree. 
 
 Gideon Sherman, was buried at Ottery, 31 .March, 1679, aged 
 about 53. Elizabeth, his wife was buried at Ottery, 24 Jany., 
 1688-9, aged 60.
 
 14 The Dorset Chapel, and Knightstone ; — 
 
 The death of Gideon Sherman appears to have ended this 
 descent of the family in the male line, — Knightstone reverting to 
 Coplestone through a former daughter of the house, who became 
 the heiress. 
 
 Knightstone is pleasantly situate, in a retired nook, at the end 
 of a short lane leading off from the main road to Sidbury, about a 
 mile south of Oltery, and there are the usual ineffaceable features 
 still remaining to shew it was a place of gentle origin. 
 
 The house is of good size, of somewhat E-shaped form, 
 with two gables, and the porch between them, and is now covered 
 with luxurious creepers, with barge-boards on the gables. The 
 principal antient features outside, are two large square-transomed 
 windows lighting the hall within, and an exceedingly massive 
 oak and iron-studded front door, opening under an elliptic arch. 
 The hall is entered within by a door on the left of the front en- 
 trance. It is of some size, with originally an open-timbered roof 
 to the height of the main building, which is now ceiled over level 
 with the corbels that support the principals. The two large 
 windows fill nearly one side, and extend almost from floor to the 
 springing of the roof. There is a deep stuccoed cornice of 
 arabesque ornament, in relief, and in the corners, as also on the 
 roof-corbels, stand large grotesque figures, apparently of the 
 same material. Opposite the windows is the hearth fire-place, a 
 stone mantel-piece of proportionate size, with depressed arch and 
 frieze over of four sunk quaterfoils, having in their centres 
 sculptured on lozenges, — 
 
 G s. — E s. — A° D'*' — 1567. 
 
 These initials apparently refer to Gideon Sherman, and 
 Elizabeth Davie his second wife, and the inference would be that 
 they built the house. But this could scarcely be the case, as 
 Gideon Sherman died in 1630-1, aged about thirty two. The 
 probability is that his grandfather, William Sherman, who pur- 
 chased Knightstone in 1554, built the original house (Pole seems 
 to infer it was his father, John,) which Gideon may have com- 
 pleted or enlarged, retaining the date of its first erection in 1567. 
 
 No notice of Sherman of Knightstone would be complete 
 without inclusion of the following found in Dr. Cornish's Notes: — 
 
 " The Almshouses in /«SH, otherwise Yonder Street, are said to have been 
 founded by the Sherman family, who settled at Knightstone about 1547. At 
 the eastern gable there was a small Chapel for the use of the inmates, rising the 
 wnole height of the loof, and abutting upon the road which is still called Chip, 
 an abbreviation for Chapel Lane. The premises being very dilapidated were re-built 
 by the Feoffees of Ottervin 1S37, and are now capable of accommodating twenty- 
 four inmate?, who are maintained by weekly allowance from the funds of the 
 trust." 
 
 That the Shermans did found or considerably aid the
 
 Bonviltc 
 
 id She 
 
 Oitery St. Miiyy. 
 
 '5 
 
 endowment of tliese Alms houses, is evidently confirmed by the 
 inscription on their brass in the church. And although "that 
 devout womaji, Cecilia, Alanhwiiess oj Donet, Lady de Honville, and 
 Haryngton " has left a striking memorial of her ownership of 
 Knightstone in 
 
 " The long diawn aisle and fretted vault " 
 she caused to be added to the Church, — her immediate successors 
 in its possession, the Shermans, if of humbler rank and estate, in 
 goodness of heart by their "distinguished care of the destitute, for 
 ■whose assistance for ever they here bestowed pious gi/ts," have left 
 a more gracious, and equally permanent remembrance, for thus 
 
 " the actions of the just 
 Smell sweet and blossom Irom the dust." 
 
 
 Reprinted from Notes (&■ Queries for Somerset &• Dorset, 
 Vol. VII., ft- !-S7-!)t and 235-43. 
 
 •^^
 
 GOLDE-STRECHLEIGH 
 
 OF 
 
 SEABOROUGH, SOMERSET, 
 
 AND 
 
 ERMINGTON, SOUTH DEVON. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 SHERBORNE: 
 
 PRINTED BY J. C. & A. T. SAWTELL, 
 
 MDCCCC.
 
 GOLDE-STRECHLEIGH 
 
 OF 
 
 SEABOROUGH, SOMERSET, 
 
 ANIJ 
 
 ERMINGTON, SOUTH DEVON. 
 
 By W. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 The history of the Golde family of Seaborougli, from their 
 first settlement there in the thirteenth century, down to their 
 extinction in ilie main descent at the conclusion of the sixteenth, 
 and their immediate descendants, contains much of an interesting 
 nature. 
 
 The Conqueror gave the manor to one of his followers, 
 named De Vaus, or Vallibus, and the feuilal service due for its 
 possession was the finding of one soldier, to the King's use. 
 His descendant Ralph de Vallibus, temp. Henry HI, being obliged 
 to send men when that King undertook a Crusade in Palestine, 
 among others despatched one Gole or Golde, for the manor of 
 Seaborough, " who went accordingly," says CoUinson 
 
 "to Jerusalem, and was present at the siege of Damietta, where lie fought 
 valiantly, and after his return, as a reward for his merils, this Ralph de Vallibus 
 gave him an estate at Seaborough, — by deed still extant, — A.D. 1229." 
 
 Ralph de Vallibus had one daughter and heiress, Grecia, who 
 married Eudo de Rochford, and they settled the manor, &c, on 
 their son John, who in the year 1320, disposed of it to John 
 Golde, a presumed descendant of the Crusader, and at the time 
 possessor of property there ; he presented to the rectory in 1341, 
 and his grandson John Golde, gave a piece of land for the build- 
 ing of a new church at Seaborough, 3 Henry V, ,-414- 15. The 
 edifice was considerably added to, and partially rebuilt in 172S. 
 
 The grandson of this last John Golde, Thomas Golde, of Sea- 
 borough, who died 5 May, 1502,— he married Eleanor — who was 
 living in 1522-4. They had three sons, Thomas, the heir, of 
 whom presently, — John and James. 
 
 John Golde or Gould, second son, was of Staverton in South 
 Devon, having married Kathertne,i\\eddMg\\ieT oi Richard Pn-slon, 
 of that place, and from them proceeded the Dorsetshire and 
 Exeter, &c, descents. They appear to have used diiferent arms
 
 4. Golde - Strechldgh . 
 
 from those belonging to the main line at Seaborough, which 
 were, Or, on a chevron between three roses gules, as many bunches of 
 grapes, or rose leaves of the first, — and gave, Per saltire azure and or, 
 a lion rampant counterchanged. 
 
 James Gould, third son, — he married RIargaret daughter and 
 coheir of Roger Appleton, and apparently sister to Edith, the wife 
 ot liis brother TXowai-. He died March 1529-30; and is described 
 as being of Henley in Crewkerne, the estate on which his nephew 
 John Gould, was murdered in 1555 ; the owner and occupier at 
 the date of that event being John Weeks, or Wyke. From them 
 descended the families of Gould of Wilts, and London. 
 
 Thomas Golde, or Gould, eldest son and heir, aged thirty at 
 his father's death. He married Edith, daughter and coheir of 
 Roger Appleton. By her he had one son and heu John, and four 
 daaghiexs, Margaret, Katherine, Alice, and Anne. He died 13 
 Sep. 1525, and was buried in Crewkerne Church, where, on the 
 south wall of the chancel is a brass to his memory. 
 
 He is represented in the full armour of the period, with skirt 
 and collar of mail, sword, broad-toed sabbatons, and spurs. 
 Bare-headed, he kneels on a cushion, with hands raised in prayer. 
 The inscription records, — 
 
 (Pray for the soule of) Thomas Golde esquier which decessed 
 the xiij day of September the y ere of our lord m° v" xxv (on 
 whose soule J hu have mercy.) 
 
 an almost unique peculiarity of this inscription is, that the words 
 contained within the brackets, but which can be readily made out, 
 have been designedly obliterated, evidently by the direction of a 
 person who did not believe in prayers for the dead, after the soul 
 had passed into the more immediate presence of its Maker. 
 That this deletement was caused by some one having relationship 
 with the deceased, and exercising authority to do so, admits of 
 little doubt, and from some after circumstances, to be further 
 alluded to, we think it may be fairly inferred who that person 
 probably was. The date of his wife's death does not appear. 
 
 John Golde or Gould, only son and heir, aged thirty at his 
 father's death. He married Elizabeth — whose will dated 4 Dec. 
 1584, was proved 12 Feb. 1584-5. They had one son John, 
 "named in a deed of enfeoflfment 6 Oct., 15 Henry VHI, 1524," 
 he died young, s. p. 
 
 Joh7i Gould, the father, met with a dreadful death, having 
 been murdered on the 7 August, 1555. Collinson gives this 
 account of the tragedy : — 
 
 "The last of the family was John Golde, who was killed in a field on 
 Henley farm, near Seaborough, in the reign of Queen Mary, as he was pursuing 
 his favourite diversion of hawuing at harvest time. Mr. Weeks the then owner 
 of the farm (between whose family and that of the Goldes there had existed an
 
 Golde-Strechleigh. 5 
 
 antient animosity) being in the field at the time, ordered some of his men to 
 beat Mr. Golde otf his horse, which one of them did with a rake and killed him. 
 For this murder, Mr. Weeks and two of his men, were tried at an assize held at 
 Crewkerne, and being found guilty, were condemned and executed.' 
 
 Pulman, in his Book of Ihe Axe, give.s a more circumstantial 
 and somewhat dramatic narration of this unfortunate occurrence. 
 
 " An unfriendly leeling had long subsisted between Mr. Gould, and Mr. 
 Weeks or Wyke, who was then the owner and occupier of Henley farm. One 
 morning in harvest time, Mr. Weeks was engaged superintending his work- 
 men in one of his fields. Hawking at that time was a favourite amusement of 
 country gentlemen, and a p.arty engaged in its pursuit in the plain below, 
 attracted the attention of Mr. Weeks and his reapers. Mr. Golde who was 
 passionately attached to the amusement, had often been cautioned against 
 tresp,a.ssing upon the lands of his unfriendly neighbour. He was one of the 
 party on the morning in question. The sport was most exciting, and the horse- 
 men were galloping in different directions as the movements of the contending 
 birds required different positions from which to command a view. Mr. Golde 
 in the eagerness of the sport, had become separated from his friends, and, in 
 order to rejoin them, rode into one of Mr. Weeks fields. No sooner had he done 
 so, th.an the owner who had long been waiting an opportunity for a personal 
 encounter, rushed down upon him with his men. A furious quarrel immediately 
 commenced, and Weeks in the height of his passion, directed his men to fell 
 Mr. Golde off his horse. They instantly proceeded to do so, and one of them 
 struck him a blow with a rake, which brought him to the earth a corpse. 
 Weeks and two of his men, were afterward tried at an assize held on the 
 occasion at Crewkerne, they were sentenced to be hanged." 
 
 The execution is traditionally related to have taken place in 
 the iMarket Place, Crewkerne, it being scarcely probable the 
 culprits would be conveyed to the county gaol at Ilchester for 
 that purpose. In the November following "the goods of the 
 felon Wikes," were escheated to tiie Crown. 
 
 Connected by a date some si.\ty years afterward and relative 
 to Wyke, is a monument in Crewkerne Church recording the 
 death of " Elizabeth Wyke, wife of fohn Wyke 0/ Heniey, Esq., and 
 daughter of James Coffitie of Munckly, Devon, Esq.,i\ May, 161 3," 
 with an acrostic epitaph, — evidently the wife of a descendant of 
 the offender. 
 
 John Golde made his will 2 Oct. 15+5, and proved by 
 Elizabeth his relict, 25 Oct. 1555, — in it he desires, — 
 " To be buried " m the church of Cruchorne," to which church, and that of 
 Norton-sub-Hamdon, each six shillings and eight pence. To my sister 
 Katherine Golde, twenty pounds, and an annuity of four pounds. Giles Penny 
 the younger to have the Alanor of Seaborough during his natural life, paying 
 the heirs twenty marks yearly ; my wife to give yearly for (we years four pounds, 
 six shillings and eight pence, to a priest to pray for me and iny friends ; and 
 twenty shillings to Thomas Hobell, priest of CharJstock ; to Bernard Golde 
 (his cousin) " my best gelding, and a standing cupp," &c. 
 
 At the death of his widow in 15S4-5, his son having pre- 
 deceased him, the estate reverted to his four sisters, coheiresses. 
 
 Margaret Golde, eldest daughter, married as his first wife, 
 Richard Martin, second son of Sir William Martin, of Athelham-
 
 6 Goldc- Strechleigh . 
 
 ston, Dorset ; from their eldest son and heir Adam, who succeeded 
 to their portion at Seaborough, the descent of Martin at that 
 place was continued down to the close of the last century. Two 
 memorials of them appear to have existed ; one described by 
 Pulman, as occurring in Crewkerne Church, was not observable 
 on a recent visit, but is thus noticed by him,— 
 
 A brass, bearing the arms of Martin of Seaborough quartered, and the 
 motto, " AccEDlMVS, SVCCEDIMVS, DECEDIMVS," and on a stone beneath, 
 
 " These are the arms of Adam Marline, of Seaborou!, Esq. and his wife, the 
 dafter of Hvbvrde Hossie, of Sedland, Esq." 
 
 This appears to have been Hubert Hussey, Esq. of Sydling 
 St. Nicholas, Sheriff of Dorset 1645, of whom, says Hutchins, — 
 
 "His then estate here value /'400 per annum, was sequestered, and in 1642 
 he was ordered to be sent for as a delinquent for having said " that if the 
 peace of the country was disturbed it was owing to Sir Walter Erie" which 
 was deemed as a rejection on the Parliament." 
 
 The arms mentioned must have been those of Martin, Argenl, 
 two bars gules, — quartering Hussey, Barry of six, ermine and gules. 
 
 The other, a monument in Seaborough Church, with a fine 
 bust of the deceased, life size, in close-gathered robe and flowing 
 wig, — inscribed 
 
 "M.S. — Adami Martin armig. qui, lanquam semper nioriturus, 
 vivens : tandem semper victurus, mortuus est, die ic^Jan. 173S. /Etat. 
 bb." 
 
 Trouble appears to have continued at Seaborough, — Collinson 
 relates 
 
 "The families of Martin and Bale (who married Alice Golde, third 
 daughter) inhabited each their lespective parts of the dwelling or mansion house. 
 But they were too near neighboui s to continue long good friends, and the ways 
 to each others grounds became also a matter of contention. Wherefoie Mr. 
 Hugh Martin, grandson of Mr. Richard Maitin, pulled down his third part of 
 the Mansion, and carrying oft' the materials, built the house at Seaborough in 
 1591, in which some of the Martins have dwelt ever since; and soon after they 
 parted their respective grounds." 
 
 Katherine Golde, second daughter, — she married Henry 
 Hoskvns, and died 20 IMarch, 1586, s. p. when her moiety of the 
 manor, reverted to her three surviving sisters ; who divided the 
 whole property by lot in 1589. 
 
 Alice Golde, third daughter, married John Bale; he sub- 
 sequently acquired the other sister, .^nne Strechleigh's portion, 
 whereon their descendants resided for nearly a century. 
 
 Anne Golde, fourth daughter, — she married William Strechleigh, 
 of Strechleigh, in Ermington, South Devon, a family of antient 
 descent, and who held considerable possessions in the neighbour- 
 hood. They had one daughter and heiress. Christian.
 
 TlllC COMMUMON TAIil.E AND KAILS. 
 ERMINGTON CHURCH. A.D. l8Co.
 
 lJ8$.m»i^^nnrt|l!0[lil^ftx^ 
 
 mm»i8t«„«ln?™i&n»clnffl^ 5 lotmr sruMjrpr of sur:s 
 
 WU.IIAM STk\CllM;l<;H AMI AWE GOUM) )IIS Willi, 
 KKMINGTON CHURCH. DEVON.
 
 THOMAS GOLDE. 
 CREWKERNE CHURCH, SOMERSET.
 
 3S 
 O 
 
 Q 
 
 5 
 
 
 C o 
 
 o 
 < 
 
 o
 
 Golde - StrechUigh. 7 
 
 WtlHam Strechleigh " oi Krnnngton, Devon, Esq." died 21 
 July, 1583. His will dated 1 1 Dec. 1582, was proved 16 Oct. 1583, 
 by Anne, his relict. In it he gives 
 
 " to John Cbudleigh (his grandson) my chain, — to Wilham Carje, son an^l 
 heir of George Caiye only son of my daughter deceased ( by her second marriage) 
 /loo, — to Ehzabeth, Mary, and Anne Carve daughters of the same, /loo each, 
 — ^to my wife Ann .Strechley. Sir George Spel^e (of Whitelacldngton, Somerset, 
 whose daughter Elizabeth married John Cbudleigh his grandson) and Mr. 
 Robert Carye, Esq. overseers." 
 
 Ann Strechleigh, his wife, her will dated 3 Sep. 1591, — 
 proved 27 Jan. 1591-2, by the trustees of her lands, — 
 
 ' To be buried at Ermington, — to my only daughter Christian, now dead, 
 wife of Christopher Cbudleigh, — to her daughters Elizabeth (wife of Peter 
 Carew, of Bickleigh) Mary, and Ann (now wife of William Nobell, gent.) /150 
 each ; William and JIary Gary, children of George Carye of Clovelly, Esq., 
 Robert Cbudleigh, son of John Cbudleigh, deceased, — Elizabeth Merricke 
 (her grand-daughter, wife of Andrew Merricke of Queen-Camel, Somerset), and 
 her son Cbudleigh Merricke, and her daughters Dorothy and Penelope 
 Merricke, — To the church and poor of Ermington, — "To the setliiig up of the 
 organs in the church of Criwhernc, if they shall he set up in the honour of Almighty 
 God," — to the poor of Crewkerne 10/-, — to the church of Seaborough, Somerset, 
 10/-, — To Ann Stretcbley daughter of Nicholas Stretchley, gent, 40/-, — 
 Bridget and Dorothy daughters of John Cbudleigh, Esq. deceased ; John 
 brother of Robert, son of John Cbudleigh, — to George Cbudleigh, son of John 
 Cbudleigh (her grandson, created a Baronet i Aug. 1622, married Slary 
 daughter of Sir William Strode, of Newenham) "three gold rings, whereof one 
 was my wedding ting, another with a turkts my brother Couldc's, and the other was 
 cut from the finger of my brother, after he was dead," — (when he was murdered)." 
 
 They were both buried in Ermington Church, where there is 
 a brass to their memory, and their only daughter. It is now 
 affi.\ed to the wall of the north transept, and inserted iti the 
 recess of a small granite frame which forms a kind of double 
 canopy, all of plain design. The inscription reads; — 
 
 //ere lyeth bitryed ye body of WiUia Slrachleigh of Sirachleis^h 
 Esquire ivho dyed the xxi day of July in the yeare of our Lorde God 
 1583, and Anne his wife ye daughter and heyre of John Gould of 
 Dorc' Esquier and Chrislia' there only daughter and heyre who 
 maryi-d ivith Christopher Chudleigh ye Sonne and heyre of Syr Richard 
 Chudleigh Knight by whom she had issue John, Slrachleigh, John, 
 Robert, Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Marye, and Anne. 
 
 There arc three figures, — the man in fur-lined robe with 
 large short sleeves, over a gown with close sleeves, ruffs round 
 neck and wrists, bare headed, kneeling in prayer on a cushion 
 before a prie dieu, on which is an open book with clasps, — tlie 
 woman in close cap with dependant veil, gown with large striped 
 sleeves, ruffs on neck and wrists, also kneeling and fronting her 
 husband, on a cushion, before another /inif r/;f«, on which is an 
 open book. Behind her kneels the daughter in similar costume, 
 with embroidered petticoat.
 
 8 Golde-Strechleigh. 
 
 Over the figures are three shields, — i. Quarterly, — i and 4, On a chevron three 
 cinquefoils, — (Strechleigh) 2 and 3, A chevron between three heath-cocks, — 
 (Bromford). 2. Quarterl)', — i and 4. On a chevron three rose leaves, (or 
 bunches of grafes ?) between three roses, (GoLDE) 2 and 3, A /ess between three 
 pine cones erect, — (Appleton or Pyne). 3, Per pale, — i and 4, Ermine, three 
 lions rampant, (Chudleigh) 2. Three bends — (Merton) 3. A lion rampant double 
 queue, (Nonant) impaling — i. Strechleigh, — 2. Bromford, — 3. Golde. 4. 
 Appleton ? 
 
 A curious example of the inaccuracy of monumental inscrip- 
 tions occurs here, Anne Golde-Strechleigh, was the dauglUer of 
 Thomas Golde, of the brass at Crewkerne, and sister zx\A coheiress 
 of John Golde her brother, who met with such an untimely death, 
 and died s. p. 
 
 Christian Strechleigh, only daughter and heiress. She married 
 first Christopher Chudleigh of Ashton, Devon, son of Sir Richard 
 Chudleigh, Knt. ob : 1558, by Maria daughter of Sir Nicholas 
 Wadham of Meryfield, Somerset. His will was proved 14 Sep. 
 1570. By him she had eight children, four sons and four 
 daughters as mentioned on the brass. 
 
 Of the sons, Strechleigh, died 3 .April 1570, s. p. John, 
 third son, succeeded. His life was short and unfortunate. 
 Living here probably a considerable portion of his time within a 
 short distance of Plymouth, he appears to have been smitten with 
 the glamour of the buccaneering and sea-roving adventures of 
 the era, — half-" glory "-half-rapine, — toward which Devonshire, 
 in the persons of Drake, Raleigh, Gilbert, and others of lesser 
 note, had contributed a large quota engaged in these e.xploits. 
 When he was barely twenty four years of age, (born in 1565) he 
 determined to throw in his lot with these adventurers, and for 
 that purpose disposed of the Broadclyst estates that had descended 
 to him from Nonant, and with the proceeds, fitted out at his own 
 entire expense, three vessels, ostensibly on a voyage of discovery, 
 round the world. They set sail from Plymouth 5 Aug. 1589, a 
 few days afterward, the Delight one of the little squadron, parted 
 company from the others, during a storm, and was ultimately 
 wrecked on the coast of France, only four of her crew being 
 saved. Of the other two, with John Chudleigh aboard, nothing 
 further appears to have been heard, the supposition being they 
 were lost on the dangerous coast of the Straits of Magellan. 
 
 The date of his death however is given as 6 Nov. 1589, — 
 administration to his relict i June 1590, who renounced; and a 
 second g Dec. 1599, to Hugh Walden, one of his creditors 
 (Vivian). 
 
 He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir George Speke of 
 White Lackington, Somerset , (named as one of the overseers of 
 William Strechleigh's will.) He left four daughters, and one son 
 George, who was created a Baronet i August 1622, he married 
 Mary daughter of Sir William Strode of Newnham, died 1 5 Jan.
 
 Golde-StrechUigh. 9 
 
 1657, and was buried at Ashton, where there is a large monument 
 to ills memory. It was to liim his great-grand-mother Anne 
 Golde-Strechieigh, bequeathed the three rings, one of them 
 having been cut from the finger of her murdered brother. 
 
 Christian Strechleigh-Chudleigh, married secondly, as his first 
 wife, George Gary of Clovelly, eldest son of Robprt Gary of that 
 place (who perished of gaol fever after the Black Assizes at Exeter, 
 I April, 1586). He was Sherifl" of Devon, 1587, died 10 July 
 1601, By him she appears to have had two children William son 
 and heir, and Afargarel. The date of her death does not appear, 
 but she was dead before 1583, the year of her father's death. 
 
 Anne Slrechleigh, " gentlewoman," sister of William of the 
 brass, her will proved 16 Oct. 15S3. In it she mentions 
 
 " My late brother Edward,— cousins Jolin, Philip, Arthur, Sampson and 
 John Strowde,— Mrs. Catherine Champemoun, a gold »(hj,— Anthony, and Jane 
 wife of Edward Bonvile, a gold ring, (they were of .Modbury and Ivybndge, 
 descendants of John Bonville, a natural son of William, Lord Bonville, of 
 Chewton Mendip, Somerset, beheaded at St. Albans 19 Feb. 1460-1) to Mrs. 
 Elizabeth Chudleigh, (wife of the buccaneer)— my god-daughter, -My best 
 bilkment of pearlc, and my carkanet (ntck-chain) of Pearles:'—'My cousm Mr. 
 Edmund Lighte,— Elizabeth Chudleigh the elder, Maiy and Ann Chudleigh;— 
 •■ For ringing and penny doale to the pnor, £6." Residue to my sister Anne 
 Strechleigh (Golde) of Armington, Extx." 
 
 At the east end of the south chancel aisle at Ermington, is a 
 high tomb and canopy, of considerable size, of Transition 
 ch° ractcr, and much inte'rest. The face of the canopy is covered 
 with carving of Arabesque design, in the spandrels are large 
 shields with quartered armories, the richly ornamented mouldings 
 of the arch, and general contour of the monument, shew that the 
 spirit of the e.xpiring Gothic still held its charm over the designer. 
 The tomb is divided in front by fluted pillaslers intothree enriched 
 panels, with one at each end, and all are occupied with large 
 shields of arms. Centrally, over the canopy, is an escutcheon, 
 surmounted by a helmet with mantling, wreath and crest, with 
 two dragons for supporters, exhibiting much vigour of design, 
 and boldness of workmanship. The sculptured charges on all 
 the shields were originally tinctured with their proper colours, 
 which have now nearly disappeared. Resting on the canopy are 
 two esquires helmets in good preservation, and a glaive. There 
 is no inscription or date, and although these clues are wanting, 
 we think there can be little doubt of its being erected by Mrs. 
 Anne Golde-Strechleigh in her life time, to commemorate her 
 husband, self, daughter, and son-in-law. She outlived them all, 
 her daughter and her husband Christopher Chudleigh, by many 
 years, her own husband eight years, she also survived her grand- 
 son John Chudleigh ; and this accounts probably for the absence 
 of inscription, inadvertently omitted to be placed on it, — if ever
 
 10 Golde-Strechlcigh. 
 
 intended — by the trustees of her will. The large escutcheon in 
 the place of honour over the tomb, shews Stretchleigh impaling 
 Golde only, and their crest, — the shields in the spandrels and 
 panels below, exhibit the descent of her daughter, and that of 
 Chudleigh, her husband, and his alliances.* The two helmets 
 would also represent her husband and son-in-law. It is probable 
 also she erected the brass, for although stating herself and daughter 
 were also there buried, the dates of their deaths are not given ; 
 and this brass before its removal to its present position, appears 
 to have been on the wall over the tomb, and it may be, was so 
 intended to explain both. 
 
 Arms. Over the canopy, a large sculptured shield, charged with Brom- 
 ford and Strechleigh quarterly, impaling Golde. Crest, — on a helmet mth 
 manthng and wreath, Tii'o aims in armour embowed holding a cinque/oil. Supporters, 
 — Tii'o dragons, — all vigorously sculptured. In the spandrels, — i. Ermin'^, three 
 lions rampant, (Chudleighi mi| aling i and 4 Strechleigh, 2. Bromford 3. Golde. 
 2. Quarterly, i and 4, Strechleigh, — 2. Bromford, — 3. — Golde, impaling Chud- 
 leigh. In the panels of ihe tomb, below,— i. Golde. — 2, Quarterly, i and 4 
 Strechleigh, 2 and 3 Bromford. — 3. Chudleigh. At the dexter end, — i. A 
 chevron between three blackamoors heads, faces affronte, — 2. Golde, impaling the 
 same, — Sinister end, — A chevron between three conies sable, (Strode). It should 
 be noted all the Golde charges have three bunches of grapes dependant on the 
 chevron, — and on those of Strechleigh, the cinquefoils take ttie form of roses on 
 the shields in the spandrels. 
 
 In the church there existed some years after the middle of 
 this century, one of those rare remaining arrangements adopted 
 soon after the Reformation, by which the Communion Table was 
 moved forward from the east wall of the chancel, and surrounded 
 by a railing. Here it consisted of a massive twisted balustrade 
 of oak, carved, and buttressed ; and its erection may be ascribed 
 to the second half of the si.xteenth century. In the north chancel 
 aisle there was also a lofty and handsome squire's pew, that then 
 enclosed the large monument, which is now moved to the south 
 chancel aisle. 
 
 We have mentioned that surmise may be hazarded, as to 
 whose influence the erasure on the brass at Crewkerne may be 
 ascribed. That it was caused by some relative, having authority 
 to do so, admits of little doubt, and taking the strong pronounce- 
 ment in her will as to the " setting up the organs " in Crewkerne 
 Church, the arrangement of the Communion Table at her home 
 in Ermington, indicating the trend of religious thought prevalent 
 there at that era, we think, without offering any semblance of 
 
 *The illustrations are from original rubbings and photographs. The 
 Communion Table, Sec. by courtesy of the Exeter Dioc : Arch : Society.
 
 Goldt-Strechleigh. ii 
 
 dishonour to her memory, the deletement on Thomas Golde's 
 memorial, may be set down to the action of his daughter Anne, 
 with probably her sister's concurrence. 
 
 Portions of the erstwhile richly-carved squire's pew, and 
 massive Communion Table rails, still appear in this lavishly 
 " restored " church ; but now incorporated with arrangements, 
 that would we opine considerably exercise the presumed simpler 
 Evangelical belief of the strong-minded and venerable Somerset- 
 shire lady, who resided at Strechleigh, and worshipped here, in 
 the eventful but real days of Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 Reprinted from Notes &■ Queries for Somerset &■ Dorset, Vol. VII., pp. 91 -98. 
 
 "^
 
 HAYDON 
 
 Ol- 
 
 WOODBURY 
 
 OTTERY ST. MARY. 
 
 Bx \V. II. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 EXETER : 
 
 I'klNTKD BY JAMES G. COMMIN, 
 
 MDCCCCl.
 
 HAYDON 
 
 WOODBURY 
 
 A \ 1 1 
 
 OTTERY ST MARY. 
 
 Haydon, of Woodbury and Otteuy St. Mary, 
 ETC., Devon. .Among the old Devonshire families whose 
 ancestry lead us hack to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, 
 the descent of Haydon, located in south-east Devon, and who 
 flourished in influential estate there for about six centuries, 
 finds conspicuous and honourable place Of them their first 
 recorded representative appears to have been : — 
 
 JOHN DE Havdon, who is thus spoken of by Prince : — 
 '• He was n Jiidye in tlic lirst year of the rcigii of Kiii.^ Edward I 
 (1272), accordin.U to the cii^iiiii.U record, taken out of llie Tower of 
 lyjiidoii bv Hciiiy S' Gcor.ue Richmond I liv altiiloi^r. in Miui.Cul. tl,ixiloii 
 Aimiil. M.S.) 
 
 Hcrbcrlns lie ilorUcs. Joliiiiin:<^ <li- HaviLnt, Wdlichiiiis dc Bikhiir and 
 Gnido lie Monnnfil i-ojislilnnntnr jn<liiiiriii ad Cuulani Eton, dildicrnndivn 
 24 Jnl. I. Edw. I, 1273. 
 
 This jjeiilleina'i was a yniMii;er hniiich of a Kiiiylitly slock so called. 
 that lioiirislicd in the eastern parts of Kngland " 
 
 Referring probably to the Heydons of Kent, but with no 
 authority. 
 
 In the following descent the Visitation of 1620 is 
 principally followed. 
 
 Robert Haydon, probably a son of John, was of Bough- 
 wood, an estate in Harpford, near Ottery S' Mary. This 
 appears to have been their earliest recorded settlement, which 
 their descendants held for four succeeding centuries. He 
 married Joan, and resided there 19. Edward I, 1291. They 
 left three sons, Henry, Roger, who was of Nether-Stowford, 
 and left a son John, who died s.\-i.,— Peter, heir to his lirother 
 Roger, and a daughter Meraud (Maud ?) 
 
 Henry Haydon, 1291, married [l'lian, ami left a son 
 William. 
 
 Wii.i.iAM Haydon, left two sons Robert and Thomas. 
 
 Robert Haydon, 12 Edward HI, 1339, left a aon John. 
 
 John Haydon, left two sons, Henry and /<)/(«.
 
 2 Hnydon, of Woodhnry and Otteiy St. Mary. 
 
 Henry Haydon, of Bowood and Ebford, being the first 
 named of that place, 20 Richard II, 1397, left a son JoJin. 
 
 Pole thus notices Ebford, and the Haydon family : — 
 "Ebbeford lietli in this parish (Woodbury), and in King Edward I 
 time — 1272-1307, — Ralph de Ebford was the owner thereof, and it hath 
 been divers descents in the name of Hasdon, which name I find often, 
 and very ancient, as witnesses to the grant of lands in these parts. It is 
 now (1630) the land of Gedeon Haydon, Esq., who dwelled there in his 
 father's lifetime, as other his ancestors had formerly done." 
 
 John Haydon, of Bowood and libford, 8 Henry IV, 1417, 
 left a son Richard. 
 
 Richard Haydon, of Bowood and Ebford, 15 Edward IV, 
 1476, left two sons Richard and John, and one daughter Jane, 
 married to Robert Gilbert, of Powderham. 
 
 Richard Haydon, described as of Bowood, Ebford, 
 Lympstone, and Woodbury, 13 Henry \'III, 1522, appears to 
 have been the first influential member of the family. Speak- 
 ing of his gravestone at Woodbury, Dr. Oliver enquires : — 
 
 "Is it not the tomb of Ricliard Haydon. geni, wlio was Slewaid to 
 Bishop Veysey, and by his will dated 2 April, 1533, desires to he Iniried 
 in Woodbury church, near his wife Jane ? " 
 
 He died the 16 October following. He appears to have 
 been thrice married. First to Joan, daughter of Morris Trent, 
 of Ottery S'' Mary, who bore for their arms — Argent, a chevron 
 between three eagles displayed gules. By her he had three (or 
 four) sons, TJwmas, his heir ; John, of Cadhay, in Ottery (to 
 be further referred to) ; George, of Hornshayes, Northleigh ; 
 and probably Peter, of Poltimore, Farway ; and one daughter, 
 Joan, married io John Coravi, of Ottery, with descent given in 
 the Visitation, 1620, and arms Argent a cross sable, between four 
 eagles displayed gules ; crest : a beaver passant or. 
 
 Secondly to Agnes, daughter of ... . Ulerifeild, probably 
 of Huish, near Crewkerne, whose arms were, Or, on a Jess 
 cotized azure, between three crescents sable, as many roses, argent. By 
 her he had one son John. 
 
 Thirdly, he appears to have married Eliza, of what family 
 does not appear, but stated on his gravestone to be there 
 buried with him; with no issue recorded. 
 
 Richard Haydon, died 16 Oct. ; Inq. p. m. 24 Henry VIII 
 (1533), No. 8. 
 
 The north, or Haydon aisle, of the church of S'Swithin, 
 Woodbury, was with little doubt, either wholly or partially
 
 Haydon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 
 
 erected by the Haydcns, with a mortuary chantry at the east 
 end, beneatli which they were interred. This is attested by 
 the character of tiie arcliitecture, wliich dates towards the 
 conckision of tiie fifteenth, or early in the sixteenth century, 
 the period at which Richard Haydon Hved. The Chantry at 
 the east end was screened off from the aisle, but opening toward 
 the chancel, is an enriched panelled arch, lower than the rest 
 of the arcade, and apparently designed to become a monu- 
 mental canopy, where, beneath, the gravestone of Richard 
 Haydon, was with little doubt originally placed, and himself 
 and wife interred below it. This gravestone is now outside, 
 and has probably been moved more than once ; the Chantry 
 continued to be the burial place of his descendants. Shields 
 with alliances of Haydon, apparently recently emblazoned, 
 are on the capitals of the pillars of the aisle. 
 
 The gravestone of Richard Haydon was originally very 
 handsome. It is of Purbeck marble, and consists of an 
 ncised ledger line inscription, and in the centre is the indent
 
 4 Haydon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 
 
 of a gentleman, in long gown, his feet on a dog, and below it, 
 a square, on which was probably an elegiac Latin inscription. 
 Above the figure is a long label, at the corners ot the stone 
 four shields, and a central one in the base, all with labels over 
 them, and six other labels, three on each side are inserted 
 between the words of the inscription. All the brasses are 
 now gone, the stone has been broken, and is greatly denuded 
 and decayed, the inscription considerably obliterated, but can 
 be satisfactorily tiiade out, (the upper portion appears in the 
 illustration) and is to this effect : — 
 
 Here liethe Richard Haydon, esqtiier, and Eliza his iiyfe, the 
 which Richard dyed ye 26 day of October, aii'o doiit'i 1533, on whose 
 sonles God have mercy. 
 
 John Haydon, fourth son, and only child by his second wife, 
 married Martha, daughter of Nicholas Rose, of London, where 
 he appears to have settled, and became a wealthy and influen- 
 tial man, a Mercer by vocation, an Alderman and Sheriff of 
 London, 1582-3; and according to Stow, was buried "in the 
 fair parish church of S'- Michael, called Paternoster Church 
 in the Royall, and Ward of Vintry," and apparently died s.p. 
 He left large legacies for charitable purposes, mentioned by 
 Stow, and thus summarispd by Prince : — 
 
 " He gave more than ;t3,ooo for the relief of the poor, to 100 poor so 
 many gowns, and I2d. apiece in money ; to the Company of Mercers, in 
 London, j£6oo to be lent to young men at £3 6s. 8d, per cent. ; ;f400 more 
 to the same Company, to be lent at the same rate, tlie interest whereof to 
 go to the maintenance of a lecture in S'- Michael, Paternoster ; to Christ's 
 Hospital ^500 ; to the eleven Worshipful Companies ;^I,I00 ; to Exeter 
 ;f200 ; to Bristol and Gloucester ;f 100 each, to be lent to young tradesmen 
 at tlie before-named percentage ; to the Company of Mercers, wliich was 
 liis profession, for a cup, ^^40 ; to his servants X240, etc." 
 and the following donation to the poor of Woodliury, as set 
 forth on a tablet in the church there : — 
 
 III ilcinoiiam rcrpctumn. 
 
 John Haydon. Geni., Merchant and Citizen of London, gave by will in 
 1579, Thiee pounds, six shillings and eight pence, lo be distributed to three 
 poor inhabitants of this parish (Woodbury) every Sunday in the year, 
 viz : — four pence in money and one penny in bread, the remainder 
 to be distributed by the Churcliwardens for the time being, payable for 
 ever by the Wardens and Masters of the Company of Mercers, of the 
 City of London. 
 
 Thomas H.avdon, eldest son and heir of Bowood and 
 Ebford, aged 23 at his father's death, and heir to his nephew 
 Edward Haydon, oi Hornshayes, who ob. 1562. He married
 
 Haydon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 5 
 
 J o.w, daughter and sole heir of y^zV/wrf/ I^^feSjOf Honichurch,by 
 A lice, daughter of Henry Kelly ; their arms, Ermine, three battleaxes 
 sable. By her he had one son, Tlwmas, and three daughters, Jane, 
 married first to Richard IViltianis. secondly to John Gove, third 
 son of John Gove, of Bridge, Woodbury, 11 Feb., 1588-9, died 
 1627, s.p. On a flat stone in the Haydon aisle : — 
 
 Here lieih the hodic of John Gove, gent., who died ye xxix day of 
 June, An'o D'ni, 1627. 
 
 Arms of Gove : Argent, a cross lozengy between four eagles 
 displayed sable ; and thirdly to John Towell ; Mary, married to 
 Walter Leigh ; and Margaret, to Thomas Browning. 
 
 Thomas Haydon died 27 June, and was buried at Woodbury, 
 17 July, 1576. Inq. p.m., 18 Elizabeth (1576), P'- I, No. 23. 
 
 Thomas Haydon, eldest son and heir of Bowood and 
 Ebford, aged 30 at his father's death. He married Christian, 
 daughter of Robert Tytherlcigh, of Tytherleigh, in Chardstock, 
 Dorset ob. 1578, and Johanna his wife. 
 
 Arms: Ermine, two glaziers irons in saltire gules. By her he 
 had three sons : Robert ; Thomas, buried at Ottery, 20 Jan., 
 i6og-io; Peter, oi Netherbury, Dorset, will 18 June, proved 
 4 Oct., 1627, s.p., and four daughters : Amy, wife of Edmund 
 Huntly, son of John Huntly, of Milborne, S' Andrew, Dorset, 
 Margaret, unmarried, her administration 27 Jan., 1634-5 ; 
 Joan, married at Woodbury, 5 Feb., 1589-90, Erasmus 
 Broughton, son of Thomas Broughton. of Sandford-Bickford, in 
 Wembdon, Somerset. Anns : Sable, a chevron between three 
 bucks' heads cabossed argent. Crest: a spaniel sejant ermine ; and 
 Bridget. He died 25 Sep., buried 6 Oct, 1589, Inq. p.m. -3,2 
 Elizalieth (1590) No. 211. His wife was buried 30 Oct. 1600, 
 and both were interred at Woodbury. Bridget marrried as 
 his first wife, John Sherman, of Knightstone, Ottery, and died, s.p. 
 
 Robert Haydon, eldest son, of Bowood and Ebford, also 
 of Cadhay, in Ottery, which had been left him by his great 
 uncle John, of that place, aged 29 at his father's death. He 
 married /o«H, eldest daughter of 5»' /I ;hws Paulet, Knt., P.C. 
 to Queen Elizabeth, and Governor of Jersey, of Hinton S'- 
 George, Somerset, by Margaret, only daughter and heir of 
 Anthony Harvey, of Columb-John, ob. 23 May, 1564, whose fine 
 renaissance tomb is in the north choir aisle of E.xeter Cathedral. 
 
 By her he had three sons : Gideon, Amias, buried at Ottery, 
 12 Jan. 1614, with this inscription on a stone to his memory : —
 
 Hciydon, of Woodbuyy ami Ottery St. Mary. 
 
 Epitaphmm Amicii Haydonfilii Rvberii llaydon, Armigeri, qui 
 obiit 12 Jamiarii, An.' Dom.' 1614. 
 
 Oitis Jacet hie, quaris, percussis vidiurc mortis ? 
 
 Virtiitis socius nohilis, alter Ajax : 
 Mortiius, ah ! dixi ? revoco, sic esse videtur 
 In ccelis vivit nescius tile inori. 
 Drcwe, living 1621, and two daughters, Margaret, wite of 
 William Every, of Cotthay, Somerset, son of John Every of 
 Weycrofl, Devon, and Frideswith, daughter of WilHam Jervice 
 of Heniiock, arms, Or, four chevronels gules, cvest, A deini unicorn, 
 conped gules, armed, ungulcd and maned or, and Sara, buried at 
 Ottery, with this inscription on a stone, now utterly decayed: — 
 Sara Haydon, Jilia Roberti Haydon, Armigeri, qmc obiit 24 
 Aprilis, An' Dom' 1620. 
 
 Apollo moist this tomb unth tears. 
 For such great loss in tender years. 
 Virtue's hope now' is dead. 
 A nd fro' earth to heaven jled. 
 Wits perfection ivith pure spirit. 
 Doth an A ngel's place inherit. 
 Stay in that celestial skie. 
 Where thou shall live, and never die. 
 
 Robert Haydon, 
 died 10, and 
 buried 15 Dec. 
 
 1626, at Wood- 
 bury. Will, 12 
 Jan. I 620- I , 
 proved 14 Dec. 
 
 1627. On a flat 
 stone in the Hay- 
 don aisle, W'ood- 
 bury is this in- 
 scription :-- 
 
 Here lieth the 
 Bodye of Robert 
 Haydon, Esquire, 
 who died the Xth 
 of December, An'o 
 d'o, 1626. 
 
 .\rnis: I J ay- 
 don, impaling, 
 three swords in pile, points in base, {P.\ulet).
 
 Hiiydon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 7 
 
 Gideon Haydon, son and heir, of Ebford and Woodbury, 
 aged 40 at his fathers death. He married Margaret, daughter 
 
 01 John Davie of Sandford, Crediton, and Margaret daughter of 
 George Soiithcoie of Cah^erleigh, their arms Azure, three cinquefoih 
 
 2 &>! or, on a chief of the last a lion passant gules. By her he had 
 nine sons, Robert, John, baptised 2 Nov. 1606, at Ottery, Gideon, 
 heir to Robert, Thomas, baptised 23 June, 161 1, at Sandford, 
 George, of Houndsbeare, Woodbury, baptised 11 Sep. 1614, he 
 was probably unmarried, and buried at Woodbury. On a 
 marble stone in the pavement of the Haydon Chantry is this 
 
 inscription : — 
 
 Here lyeth the Body of 
 George Haydon, sonne of 
 GedeonHaydon ofEbfford, 
 Esq. who Departed this 
 life the 26th Day of 
 February, Anno Dom'i, 
 1685. 
 
 Arms : Haydon, 
 with helmet, crest, and 
 niotto,IE-AY-PRISE 
 ■ MON • PROVE. - 
 Amias, baptised at 
 Woodbury, 30 April, 
 1 61 8, James, baptised 
 17 May, buried 18 
 
 July, 1619, at Ottery, 
 Nicholas, baptised 19 
 May, 1620, he married 
 A nne, daughter of Henry 
 Trosse, of Exeter. He 
 was buried at Wood- 
 bury, beneath a high 
 tomb in the church- 
 yard, outside the Hay- 
 don aisle, with this 
 
 w«>[nls! 
 
 ^ 
 
 inscription 
 
 motto, found on 
 
 *This appears to be the only example of the Haydon 
 their memorials except the FIRM • liX • FOY, on ""; "••;>l'"" I;'";';.''.' 
 Ottery. In Prince (1810) it is given as JFO • .\Y ■ PUIS • LT • MOKILR. 
 The illustrations to this account are from origmal sources.
 
 § Hayiion, of Woodbury and OUcry St. Mary. 
 
 Here lycth the Body of M''- Nicholas Haydott, eighth son of Gideon 
 Haydon of Cadhay, Esq, who departed this life the 26 of January, 
 1676. Aged ^b years. 
 
 Arms : Haydon, impaling, Gules, three cutlasses barways in 
 pale argent, the hilts or (Trosse). She was buried at Ottery, 
 16 Feb. 1652-3. A flat stor.e in the north choir aisle thus 
 commemorates her : — 
 
 Ita hoc sub marmore deposita sunt rcliquia Anna filia Henrici 
 Trosse Exoniensi Armigeri, ex uxore Rebecca uxoris Nicolai filii 
 Gedeon Haydon de Cadhay, Armigeri, ex uxora Margareta, qua obiit 
 Vn Februarii A.D. CIDIDCLH. 
 
 Arms : much obliterated, apparently Haydon impaling 
 Trosse. 
 
 They had two sons, Walter, Rector of Talaton, buried ig 
 June, 1680, at Ottery, aged 32, Nicholas, baptised 6' Aug. 1651, 
 at Ottery, he married Mary, daughter of (William ?) Martyn of 
 Woodbury, 5 Dec 1673, and she remarried at \\'oodbury, 30 
 Nov. i6-jS, John Hall. 
 
 .\ flat stone in the Haydon aisle, thus probably commemorales Martyn. 
 Doniiiloriinii GnilUltni Martyn tie Ehfoul, Gcncroii, qui 'I'iccsinio seciiinio 
 die Febiuiini Anno salulis 1670. a'lolis svw 75, vinllnm lic^idcratiis ohijt. 
 Da vciiiaiu quis qiiis ternr fossessor es liujiis 
 .iiiiborinn ciiicrcs nrna nt coiidaulnr in una 
 Cinn Clni<itus index super mllicra vcnerit orbis : 
 Corpora divisim iumnlo cjiijnncia resurQciil. 
 .Anns : llirec bars, a crescent for difference (Martyn) impaling /ico bars, 
 in a chief Ihrcc cinquefoils pierced. 
 
 This was William Marlyn, second son of William Martyn, of 0.\lon, 
 Kenton, Recorder of Exeter, by his wife Susan, daughter of Thomas 
 Prestwood, Mayor of Exeter, 1576 ; he was baptised 6 Oct., 1596, at 
 All-Hallows Church, Goldsmith Street, Exeter, a date that would agree 
 with his age on the stone. 
 
 And two daughters, Rebecca, buried at Ottery St. Mary, 
 8 May, 1652 ; and Anne, baptised at Ottery, 20 Dec, 1652. 
 
 Richard Haydon, ninth son of Gideon, before named, 
 baptised at Woodbury, 22 May, 1623, married at Ottery, 
 June, 1658 ; Elizabeth, daughter of John Ware; and si.x 
 daughters making fifteen children in all. 
 
 Of these, Johanna, married at Ottery, 13 June, 1629, John 
 Coke, of S' Erme. Cornwall. Polwliele records : — 
 
 ■• In S Erme church, in Cornwall, in tlie window ol Tregas?o aisle, I 
 found this inscription : — 
 
 '^Joanna lilia Gideonis Haydon de Cadliay. aniii:;cri, n.\or yohanuis 
 Coke dc Tregnsotce armig,eri, obit 28 die Deccinbris, a'no do'iiii 1630 corpus
 
 llaydon, of Woodbury and Otiery St. Mary. g 
 
 III, il.ponilur. Filiiini inouin iiniiiiii ijiitilciii tjiii^- ohlarcl mulicriKU 
 dciiiqitc frob.ilisiniuim prtv^ciilis stciili Icsliiiioiiio f<oslcriliis crcilnl.' 
 
 He was the son of John Coke, of Trerice, and Prudcnee Goclolpliini 
 who was tlie son of Christopher C •ke, of Thorne. Otteiy, and Maij^aret 
 Gail.ind Thomas, liis son wa-i Sliei'iff of Cornwall, temp. Charles I : 
 Thomas, his son, sold the estate to Hoscawen. Tre.ijasow House was built, liu' 
 left in an nnfinislied st ite, by Thomas tlie younijer ; it is now a farmliouse.'' 
 
 Maria, married at Woodbury, i May, 1624, George Raleigh; 
 Margaret, buried 13 June, 1634, at Woodbury ; Frances, baptised 
 I Sep., 1612, at Woodbury; Dorothy, at \\'oodbury, 9 May, 
 1616; £/!Vafe//(, buried at Otiery, 12 Nov., 1644. In Ottery 
 church is this inscription, prol)ably to one of these daughters : — 
 
 lleerc lieth the hoJyes of William Coke, of Thome, Esq. who 
 died the 26th day of July 1632 ; and alsoe Margaret his 'wife 
 daughter of Gedcon Haydoii, Esq. who dyed the first day of January, 
 Anno Domini 1667. 
 
 RoBKRT H.WDox, of Cadhay, eldest son and heir, baptised 
 17 Aug., 1604. at Sandford. ile married liLlZABETH, daughter 
 of William Gould, of Hayes, near Exeter. His will 29 Sep., 
 1634, proved 10 May, 1635, he died 12 Nov,, 1634, s.p. His 
 wife married secondly at \\'oodbury, 26 Jan., 1637-8, .\rtiiur 
 Upton, ot Lupton, South Devon, oJ. 1661-2, by whom she had 
 two sons and two daughters, and was buried with her second 
 husband at Bri.\hani, 17 Dec, 1685. 
 
 Arms of (iould ; I'er saltire or and azure, a lion rampant 
 counterchanged. 
 
 GiuiiON Haydon, of Cadhay, third son and heir to his 
 brother Robert, baptised at Sandford, 25 June, 1609, buried 20 
 .Aug., 1680, at Ottery. He married Ei.kanoi{ . . . . , hurled 
 29 Jan., 1690-1, at Ottery, by whom he had three sons: 
 Gideon: Robert, bmied 2 July, 164S. at Ottery; William, ob. 
 7 .\pril, 1722, aged 80, bulled at Ottery; lie married June, 
 1680, Dorothy, widow of ... . Lee, by whom he had a 
 daughter, Dorothy, married 6 July, 1704. at Ottery, to Nicholas 
 Fry, son of Henry l'"ry, of Buckerell, ob. 1697, he died 16 
 March, 1714, buried at Buckerell, and she married secondly 
 the Rev'' Gilbert Varde, of Bradmnch, The inscription to 
 his memory is on the pediment of John Haydon's tomb, at 
 Ottery, facing the aisle : — 
 
 Here Lyeth the Body of William Ilaydou, Gent., Son of Gideon 
 llaydon Esq. of Cadhay, who Departed this Life in ye 80th year of 
 his age, 1722.
 
 10 Haydon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 
 
 Polwliele gives this insci iplioii to four of their children, as then found 
 in Ottery church : — 
 
 " Ncnr this place arc biuied the bodies of Robcit Hay<loii, who died 
 2 July. 1652 ; fane Haydon, 'who died 2 April, 1653 ; Elizabeth Haydon, 
 who died 3 .April, 1653 ; and Eleanor Haydon, who died 2 April, 165S, the 
 son and dant^hlers of Gideon Haydon, Esq. and his wife Eleanor Haydon." 
 
 Gideon Haydon, of Cadhay, son and heir, buried 2 March, 
 1702, at Ottery, married Feb., 1660-1, Catherine, daughter 
 of .... Stokes, of Colyton, buried 3 June, i6g7, at Ottery. 
 by her he had four sons: Gideon; William, buried at Ottery, 
 10 Dec, 1670; r/ww(is, baptised at Ottery, 24 Jan., 1671-2; 
 John, buried at Ottery, 5 March, 1677-8; and four daughters: 
 Catherine, her gravestone at Ottery, thus inscribed : — 
 
 Here lyeth ye Body of Catherine eldest Daughter of Gideon 
 Haydon of Cadhay, Esq. and of Catherine his Wife, who deceased 
 the XXV HI of July, Anno Domini MDCLXHI. ; cctate sua 
 dii tenia. 
 
 Arms: ?Iaydon in a lozenge. £/f(Z«(7i', baptised at Ottery, 
 17 March, 1664-5 ; Margaret, at Ottery, i Nov., 1666 ; Mary, 
 20 July, 1676. 
 
 Gideon Haydon, son and heir, of Cadhay. Baptised at 
 Ottery, 26 July, 1666, buried there 17 Mar., 1706-7. He 
 married Alice, daughter of John Fitch, of Henbury and 
 Sturminster-Marshali, Dorset, ob. 1705, son of Sir Thomas 
 Fitch, of High Hall, Wimborne-IMinster. Arms : vaire on a 
 chevron or, hetiveen three leopards faces of the seccnd, three crosses 
 pati-e fitchee. By her he had three sons : Gideon ; John, died in 
 London, buried at Ottery, Feb., 1701-2 ; Thomas, baptised at 
 Ottery, 18 June, 1705, living 1707. The inscription to Gideon 
 Haydon is on the pediment of John Haydon's tomb at Ottery, 
 facing the altar : — 
 
 Here Lyeth the Body of Gideon Haydon, of Cadhay, Son of 
 Gideon Haydon Esq., who departed this Life in ye j^ist year of his 
 age 1706. 
 
 Gideon Haydon, of Cadhay, son and heir, baptised at 
 Ottery, 6 Oct., 1696, named in his father's will, 1707. 
 
 Haydon of Cadhay, Ottery, S'- Mary. John Haydon, 
 the first of Cadhay, was the second son of Richard 
 Haydon of Woodbury, vb. 1533, and whose gravestone is in the 
 church there. 
 
 Pole thus describes the demesne, and its acquisition by 
 Haydon.
 
 Haydon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 1 1 
 
 " Cadliay, licth wesl, over llic river Tale, which there un!adelh itself 
 into the river of Otier. It was the land of the name of Cadehay, and not 
 of any great quantity. It came after imlo one Robert (ircnvill, whose 
 daughter and heir- Jone, wa-. mariied unto John Haydon, Esquire, 
 who hiillded there a fair house, and enlarged his demesnes. The said 
 John Haydon and Jone his wife conveyed it unto Robert Haydon, Esqr, 
 son of Thomas H.iydon. his nephew, whose dwelling was at C.ideh ly, and 
 hath left it unto Cjedcon Haydon. Esq, his son. The said John Havdon 
 before mentioned builded a fair bridge of (three) aiches over the river 
 Otter, betwixt his honse, and the town of Ottery." 
 
 This circumstantial account of Cadhay, and its acquisition 
 by Haydon througli a daughter of Robert Grenvill, is ap- 
 parently the correct one, although the inscription on his tomb 
 states she was " coiisangiiinea el hares Johanna Cadhay, qua fitii 
 uxor Hiigonis Grenvile, Gcnerosi," but in either case it became 
 his Jure uxoris. 
 
 Prince in his inconsequent way, says he was one, — 
 
 " wliose genins inclining him to tlie study of the common law, he bec.nne 
 eminent for liis skill aiubknowledge tlierein. He was lirst a member, and 
 aftei- th.it a bencher of F-incoln's Inn. Although I must confe.'^s I don't 
 hnd him nuntioned by that nam,- in Sir W. Dugdales Orinuicsjundicaloi '. 
 and mi.xes his name up with the Heydons of Kent. 
 
 That he was a man of large generosity and social influence, 
 which he dedicated to tiie welfare of the town, there is ample 
 evidence. He appears to have been considerably interested 
 in procuring 37 Henry VHI, 1545-6, Letters Patent from that 
 monarch, granting a Charter of Incorporation for Ottery, and 
 founding "the King's Ncwpramniar School of Saint Maryof Ottery." 
 Prince speaks of him as its first Governor, a statement ap- 
 parently confirmed by the inscription on his tomb, btit this was 
 scarcely the case, four names are given as the first Governors, 
 of these John Haydon stands first, ami with his are 
 associated Hugh More, William Trent (probably his cousin, 
 Haydon's mother having been a Trent) and William Sherman, 
 gent, subse(]uently of Knightstoiie. He also built the bridge 
 mentioned by Pole, and apparently erected the south porch of 
 the Church, as specified, with other his good deeds, in the long 
 elegiac ode thereon, found over the door, inside the so-jth aisle 
 of the Church. He appears to have extended his cliaritable 
 bequests to E.xeter, by atigmenting the endowment of the 
 Alms House of Simon Cjrendon, thrice i\I;iyor of Exeter, 1395, 
 1398, 1405, and founded 1406, thus mentioned by Izacke, —
 
 12 Haydoii, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 
 
 " Hy his (Jolin Hayclon's) deed indented dated 6 Mai tit, ^2 Etizatu-th, 
 .Anno boinini, 1590, he (/»/('/- a/j(7j fjave the poor of the aforesaid Alms- 
 house, tlie yearly siun of Forty-six Shillings and eight pence, to be be- 
 stowed in bread tor them, at two feasts of the year at Clnistmas and 
 Easter for ever." 
 
 Relating to the bridge built by John Haydon over the river 
 Otter, Powhele observes : — 
 
 "The following inscription was on this bridge : — 
 John and Joan built me, 
 Pray, good people, repair me. 
 it was very ungraciouly destroyed on the repairing of the bridge," and he 
 further notes : — 
 
 " .At this place (Cadhay) there was, some years since, a curious picture 
 of John and Joan of Cadhay, where John is represented on one side of an 
 altar, together with his sons, kneeling, and Joan on the other side of the 
 altar, with her daughters, in ihe same attitude. There is a taper burning, 
 on the altar. This picture is said to be, somewhere, in the possession of 
 the descendants of the Haycions." 
 
 The picture could not have represented John and Joan 
 Haydon of Cadhay, as they had no children. It probably 
 pourtrayed his father and mother, Richard of Woodbury and 
 Joan Trent of Ottery, and their five or six children. He pre- 
 sumably built the north or Haydon aisle, with mortuary 
 Chantry at its east end, in Woodbury Church, where they and 
 their descendants are interred, 
 
 Cadhay House is a large and picturesque structure about 
 a mile north west of Ottery. It is of quadrangular shape with 
 an inner court, and the architecture characteristic ot the 
 Elizabethan era during which it was erected, i)Ut of compara- 
 tively plain character. The most striking portion is the inner 
 court or " Court of the Kings," as it is designated, from the 
 circumstance that the effigies of Henry VIII, and his three 
 children Edward \T, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth during 
 whose reigns John Haydon lived, are represented standing in 
 enriched niches, one on each face of the quadrangle. They 
 are clad in royal robes, with sceptres, and crowns on their 
 heads. The niches consist of ornamented brackets, with 
 Corinthian pillars by the sides, supporting pediments with 
 fmials, the canopies, domed and fluted. The walls of "dice- 
 work," chequered courses of squared black flint and white 
 stone. The building has been well cared for, and although 
 considerably modernized, the repairs have been carried out in 
 harmony, as far as possible, with the original characteristics.
 
 Haydon, of Woodbury lutd Oitery St. Mary. 13 
 
 John Haydon ami Johanna his wife, are l)uried on the 
 north side of the liigh ahar in Ottery church, and over them 
 is a large high tomb, of commanding character, with a 
 pyramidal canopy. On the Purbeck marble tal)le is this 
 inscription : — 
 
 Hie iacet Johannes Haydon de Cadhay, Avmtger, et Johanna 
 uxor eins consaiigiiinea et heres Johanna Cadhay qua Juit uxor 
 Hugonts Grenuile, Generosi qui quidem Johannes fuit primus 
 Gubernator incorporatus hiiius Parochia ac obiit sine exitu nono die 
 Martii Anno Domini 1587, dicta autem Johanna obiit sine exitu 
 decimo nono die Decembris .Anno Domini 1592, pro qnibus laus 
 sit Deo. 
 
 Arms : in the pediment, an escutcheon wilii helmet and 
 mantling, Quarterly of four, 1 and 4, Haydon, 2 and 3, per 
 saltire sable and argent, in the sable divisions Ik'o lions rampant argent, 
 and in the argent two bulls cotirant sable, also for Haydon, being 
 the device of their crest borne as a charge, below is the motto 
 FlRM-b:N-FOY, and the date 1587, Under the table of the 
 toml) in quatrefoil p;inels is a shield. Gules, three clarions, or rests or 
 (Gkenville), and in another the crest of Haydon. 
 
 In the south porch, which presumably he erected or re- 
 edified, on the ironwork of the door is '"J. H. — 1571." Over 
 the doorway the royal arms are sculptured, and above them is 
 inscribed : — 
 
 He that no il will do 
 
 Do nothyng yt lang yto. 
 and below is : — 
 
 In te Domine speravi, 
 
 Non conf under, in aterntim. 
 
 on a tablet above the door witliin tlie aisle is the following : — 
 
 111 obitum oriuitissiiiii viii Joliaimis Haydoni, annigeri : 
 
 Vita defuncli carmen. 
 
 Dicite niortales. quis fructus cliviliaruin 
 
 Hiiic qiiuin demifjiaiis vita pttita fu^it ? 
 
 Uicilc qiiam imilliiin dives sit paiiperc major 
 
 Qmim Icra iiiDis una tollit iitriiinqiic die ? 
 
 Oiniiis liomo (;eiumi est, levis ct vancscit iit umbra ; 
 
 N'ulla est, et fcedis vermiliiis esca niaiiet. 
 
 'hidicat li;cc nobis lu.i mors. Haidonc. dolenda, 
 
 Qn;e siceas liomimim 11011 sinal esse jjenas. 
 
 Ill patriam benefacta tuam primaqiie siipersuiit, 
 
 Qua; poteraiit multi multa referre viri.
 
 14 Haydon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mary. 
 
 A Rege Henrico priiiius Diploma parasti 
 
 Floreat ut literis Ixti juventa bonis ; 
 
 Ludus et erectus fiat et Rectoria clara 
 
 Effecit studium sedulitasque tua. 
 
 Sparsit ubique luain pietatcm Pons novus infra, 
 
 Inque Dei nionstrat Porticus ista fidem. 
 
 I.ej;em ciiltor eras, semper dilectus egenis, 
 
 Impia devitans jnrgia, pacis amans ; 
 
 Vo^ igitur pucri, juvenes properate senesque 
 
 Et mecuni Haidoni tiadite corpus humo. 
 
 Illi, qui meruit proecouia reddite justa, 
 
 Faniam et elegiis concelebrate suum 
 
 Dicite, livor abi ; tandem post funera cessa 
 
 Spiritus Haidoni nam loca sancta tenet. 
 
 Qui multa in terris vivens benefacta locavit, 
 
 Cum Clirnto sedem, jam capit ille suam. 
 
 i6r8. 
 
 This inscription is given as approximate only. It has 
 been somewhat differently read by the older authorities, and 
 appears to have been renewed of late years. 
 
 He also gave to the poor of Woodbury as recorded 
 there — ; 
 
 1590. 
 John Haydoti. of Caddy, Gent, gave five nobles per annum to the poor 
 of this parish (Woodbury), payable by the Chamber of Exeter, for ever. 
 
 Cadhay appears to have been alienated by Haydon, early 
 in the eighteenth century to William Peere Williams, 
 Esq., and is now the property of his descendant, Sir George 
 Ralph Hare, Bart., of Stow Hall Norlolk. 
 
 Haydon, of Hornshayes, Northleigh, and Farwood 
 CoLYTON. George Haydon, third son of Richard Haydon, 
 of Woodbury, oh. 1533, was of Hornshayes, North- 
 leigh, and the adjoining estate of Farwood, Colyton. He 
 married Susan, daughter of ... . Parke, of London, by 
 whom he had a son Edimrd. He died 28 Aug. 1558, and was 
 buried at Farnay, inq. p. m., 2 Elizabeth (1560) p' i. No. 38. 
 His wife married secondly Richard Yorke. 
 
 Edward Haydon, son and heir, was of Lincoln's Inn, Co. 
 Middlesex, aged 18, 22 June, 1560, died 12 May, 1562, s. p. 
 Inq. p. m. 9 Elizabeth (1567) No. 202. His uncle Thomas, of 
 Woodbury his heir, ob. 1576. 
 
 •' Farwood," says Pole, belonging to the Abbey of Quarr, 
 in the Isle of Wight, was purchased by George Haydon of 
 Hornshayes, and from him descended unto Thomas his nephew,
 
 Haydon, of Woodbury and Ottcry St. Mary. 15 
 
 and from Robert his son, unto Gideon Haydon, whose now it 
 is." Farwood house was burnt down, several years since, but 
 an escutcheon of painted glass, in one of the windows although 
 considerably mutilated, was fortunately preserved, and 
 exhibits : — 
 
 Quarterly of six : — 
 
 i. — Argent, three bars 
 gcincls agure, in a iliicf 
 gules a harrulet dancctte 
 or ( 1 J AY i)o \ ). 2. — 
 Ermine, three battle axes 
 sable (Weekes). 3. — 
 Argent, within a bordnre 
 engrailed, two chevrons 
 gnles. :^.— Ermine, two 
 glaciers irons in saltier 
 g!:les (Tythekm-igh). 
 5. — Argent, H'ithin a 
 bordnre engrailed gnles, 
 two chevrons asiire, a 
 martlet for dijjerence 
 (Tykicli.). h.— Argent, 
 ten torteanx, 4, 3, 2, 1, a 
 label oj three aznre (Babington), Crest, a lion argent, seising a 
 ball sable. In Northleigh Church there was formerly a small 
 squires pew, with the Haydon arms carved on it, as given below. 
 Haydon, of Poltimoke, Farvvay, Devon. Peter 
 Haydon presumably a son of Richard Haydon of W'oodbiuy, 
 ob. 1533, and his wife Joan Trevill, query Trent, was of 
 Poltimore, with a sepaiatt- descent gi\'cn in the Visitation, 1620, 
 left a son William. 
 
 W'lEEiAM Haydon, of Poltimore, married Joan, daughterof 
 . . . . Hales, CO. Kent, left a son Thomas. 
 
 Thomas Haydon, married Grace, daughter of 'Thomas 
 Collins of Colwell in the adjoining parish ofOffwell, a reputable 
 family originally of Ottery S Mary, whose arms were, .iziire, 
 three torches or, enjlamed proper, crest, A cubit ami erect, the hand 
 holding a torch proper. They had two sons William a.nd Francis, 
 and she married secondly 21 Oct. 161 1, Clement Southwoodof 
 Crediton. I''riincis, of l\5Uimore, married, and had a daughter, 
 Anne.
 
 i6 
 
 Havdon, of Woodbury and Ottery St. Mavv. 
 
 William Haydox, of Pokimore. He is described as being 
 Rector of Honiton, Dr. Oliver does not include him in the 
 succession of rectors, his incumbency was apparently during 
 the Commonwealth. He married 29 Jan. i6og-io, at S'' 
 Martin's Church, E.xeter, Ebett, daughter of John Senile, 
 of Honiton. She was buried at Farway, 12 May, 1647. They 
 had three sons, Thomas, John who married Agnes .... and 
 left a son John baptised 21 Sep 1641. at Farway, Simon, 
 baptised at Farway, i .-\pl. 1625. and two daugliters Ann, 
 buried at Farway, 1622, and Grace, baptised 14 June, 1622. 
 
 'I'homas Haydon, eldest son, baptised at Farway, i Nov. 
 1610. Poltimore is an estate of some size in this parish. 
 Inscriptions almost obliterated are found on some old tombs in 
 Farway churchyard to members of this descent. 
 
 W. H. H. Rogers.
 
 
 
 Two Tudor Merchants 
 
 OF THE Staple 
 
 OF 
 
 Tiverton & Cullompton 
 
 Devon. 
 
 Ily W. II. IIAMII.TOS k'OCKRS, F.S.A. 
 
 EXETER : 
 
 I'RINTKU liY JAMES G. COMMIX, 
 
 MDCCCCIl.
 
 John and Joan Gr»:neway, 
 
 Tix'erton C h urrli , I)t~,'i>n.
 
 Two Tudor Merchants ov the Staple of 
 Tiverton and Cullomtton, Devon. — The rise of the 
 woollen trade, or Staple of the West of England, appears 
 to have occurred during the reign of Henry \TI, after the 
 internecine conflict of the Wars of the Roses had ceased, 
 and men, weary of its strife, turned their attention from the 
 ravages of the desolating sword to the peaceful pursuits of 
 industry and commeice, one of which, largely in these western 
 parts, resulted in the beneiicent employment 'of shuttle and 
 loom. 
 
 As at the inception i>[ all great industrial occupations the 
 growth of which was destined to be of national importance, 
 those pioneers fare best, as a rule, who by foresight and 
 energy first lay hold of and diligently follow up the new or 
 revived avocation before competition distributed the spoils, so 
 with regard to the fresh impetus given to the woollen trade at 
 this era, when the inherent commercial proclivities of the 
 Englishman were rapidly developed, wealthy merchants arose 
 and held influential positions amid tiie social and industrial 
 surroundings of the district they were associated with, and 
 they often sprung from the humblest beginnings as spinner or 
 weaver. Of two such merchants we propose to append a few 
 particulars. 
 
 At this period the inhabitants of central East Devon 
 appear to have been largely engaged in the occupation of the 
 woollen trade, Tiverton and CuUompton being the chief 
 industrial centres. Great commercial activity prevailed, and 
 rich " Marchants of the Staple" had their residences within 
 these old towns, with, doubtless, accompanying premises for 
 the storage of wool gathered from farms in the west country 
 or imported from beyond seas, together with its subsequent 
 manufactured products of kersey, serge, and other materials 
 of kindred description pertinent to the clothing trade, princi- 
 pally fabricated in the cottage looms for many miles around, 
 there all duly trussed either for e,\port or home use, each bale 
 with the special "mark" of the merchant carefully impressed 
 thereon. 
 
 50(311 (3rCUC\Va\}, of Tiverton, was one of these Mer- 
 chants of the Staple wlio flourished at that era, and who has 
 left behind him ample and enduring testimony of the opulence 
 he acquu'ed in the pursuit of its avocation in this world, now 
 
 E
 
 2 Two Titdor Merchants of Tiverton and Cnllompton. 
 
 principally exemplified by the careful provision by chantry 
 and almshouse he essayed to make therefrom — in pursuance of 
 the light stimulated within him in accordance with the 
 religious teaching inculcated at that period— for the welfare 
 of his own soul, and that of his wife, m the next. 
 
 Of his early history little is known. Born with no titled 
 pedigree or heirdom to large possessions to help him forward, 
 he appears to have been one of those self-made men whose 
 innate capacity, force of character, and energy, from the 
 humblest beginnings, carry them through all hindrances to 
 the goal of success, and to whom fortune, as it is termed, 
 generally holds out an encouraging hand. 
 
 Martin Dunsford, the original and careful historian of 
 Tiverton (1790), in his "Memoirs" of that place, records 
 probably as much as is certainly known of his home life : — 
 
 " He was boi n at Tiverton, <if parents in a very low station, about llie 
 year 1460, as supposcci : lie lived therefore at a time when the woolen 
 nianufactiMe was in its infancy, and consciiuently afforded greater propor- 
 tionate protits ; by his care and diligence in this employ he acquired in a 
 short time considerable substance, which enabled him to extend his trade, 
 as a merchant, to Spain, and afterwards to heland. 
 
 " His chief business was the importing large quantities (.f wool and 
 selling it to the clothiers of Tiveiton, and probably exporting some of 
 their woolen manufactures ; by this trade in the course of a few years he 
 became very rich ; and having no descendants, employed great part of his 
 wealth dui ing life for the benefit of the poor and public, and left, it is thought, 
 all his estates at his death to perpetuate the blessings of his muniticence. 
 
 " He founded the Almshouses known by his name, took down and 
 rebuilt the south aisle <.f St. Peter's Church ; erected the large curiously 
 carved porch in front, built a rich screen between the chancel and middle 
 aisle, provided for lights to be constantly burning upon the high alt.ar, 
 and obiits and other masses to be sung. In front of the aisle he built a 
 magnificent Chapel with large and costly vault, and lived twelve years 
 after the completion of the works ; himself and wife died in the year 
 1529, and were buried in the vault under this Chapel. 
 
 '• Mr. Greenwaye appears, in his general conduct through life, to have 
 been a worthy member of society ; frugal and industrious in the early 
 part of his life, animated in the beneficial pursuit of trade and commerce, 
 generous and bountiful in age. By some cf his inscripiions (on the 
 buildings he erected) and the tenor of his will, he seems to have been 
 strongly impressed with dread of a future state of purgatory, and to have 
 been influenced by the hope of escaping it, and winning heaven, to 
 bestow for the purposes described his well-earned fortune, like many others 
 in those times. By others of his inscripiions he appears to have had just 
 notions of human life, and to have been actuated in his public bene- 
 factions by genuine piety and disinterested benevolence.
 
 Two Tudor Mcrclianh of Tiverton and Culloiiipton. 
 
 ^ <) f( 
 
 m M ^y\ 
 
 "He is supposed ti) h.ive lived aliciut the midillc ni Ihe west side of 
 Peler Street. Tliere are now to be seen in tlie courts behind tliis house 
 shapes of ancliors, etc., symbols of con' nierce, described by while 
 pebbles in the conmion pavenif in." 
 
 His wife's name was 3'ObaniU'l "i 30tlC, ln't "f ^^llat 
 
 family there is no record. No impaiemenl occurs on his 
 
 arms, and she w'as probably of humble origin, similar 
 
 to himself. The aims he assumed as found 
 
 sculptured on the frieze of the chapel 
 
 fioiit, and which were piesimiably granted 
 
 him, are: (Gidesj a cluvrvn bdnren three 
 
 coveicd cups (or) on a clnef of the second, 
 
 three griffins' heads erased (azure) with 
 
 griffins couchant. as supporters, to this 
 
 and other shields of this series. 
 
 The chapel, and accompanying porch, 
 aie externally of great richness, covered 
 with sculpture, e.xhibiting all the ornate 
 features characteristic of late Tudor Per- 
 pendicular. I'eneath a deep pierced and 
 pinnacled parapet, with string course below, studded with 
 bosses (among which an ewe's and horned ram's head are 
 conspicuous as allusive to his calling) is the first section of 
 the frieze, which is divided into live panels in front and two 
 at the east end. These are occupied by a series of shields 
 with supporters in full relief :— i, Greneway ; 2, The Merchant 
 Adventurers ; 3, Three clouds radiated in base, surmounted by 
 triple crowns (The Drai'krs' Comiwny, of London) ; j\, Grene- 
 way; 5, a plain cross (St. George?). These have griffins 
 couchant, vigorously sculptured as supporters, except the 
 Drapers, which has angels, as also the shield at the east end, 
 charged with the arms of the Founder, the other with his 
 Tnonograiu the griffins. 
 
 The string-course below these panels contains sculptured, 
 in relief, a series of twenty subjects illustrative of the life of 
 our Saviour, from the Flight into Egypt to the Ascension. 
 Following this is the second portion of the frieze, the base 
 sculptured in continuous wavy lines to represent the sea, on 
 which six vessels, apparently intended to depict both ships of 
 war and peacefid tiaders, are voyaging. Some have sails 
 filled and others furled, rigging and '-crow's-nests," those of 
 war, or for protection, with port-holes and cannon of
 
 4 Two Tudor Mcrcluints of Tiverton and Cnllompton. 
 
 portentous size peeping through them, "castles" fore and 
 aft, some propelled also by oars, one being probably a galley. 
 These, although somewhat denuded by age, still shew 
 interesting examples of the shipping of the period, and 
 embody with considerable reality a little panorama illustra- 
 tive of the principal occupation of the founder as an 
 importer and exporter of wool and its manufactured products. 
 Below this are the windows of comparatively plain character, 
 two in the side and one of larger size at the east end, the 
 spandrels filled with tracery containing emblems, among them 
 the anchor, conspicuously repeated with, on each side, the 
 founder's monogram. Between the windows rise staged 
 buttresses, also covered with similar sculptures, and two 
 niches wherein are figures costumed alike, of the period, one 
 seated writing or reading a book, the other erect holding a 
 label, probably representing Greneway both in his commercial 
 and religious activities ; the buttresses are carried through the 
 frieze and terminate in the pinnacles above the parapet. 
 Beneath the east window is an arched recess, at its back are 
 shields charged with the monogram, mark, and arms of the 
 Founder. On the arch above is inscribed, " Whilst ii>e think 
 well, and think f amend. Time passeth azvay and Death's the end." 
 At the angle is a large niche, and "God spe'd — I.G." and on 
 labels below what appears to read " Of y'v charitie pray for the 
 souls of John Gremvaye and (Joan^ Iiis 7tyfe." — "/J«'o d'ni 
 Mo CCCCCXVIJ." 
 
 The porch attached to the chapel of similar ornamental 
 character is groined within, and forms part of the facade. It 
 is embattled, and the frieze divided into six compartments, 
 each separated by a figure. All are filled with sculptured 
 subjects representing different scenes in the Scriptures. 
 Beneath in the centre is a niche, from the canopy rises a tall 
 ornamental cross, and withm it are the arms of William 
 Courtenay, Earl of Devon, oi. 151 1, quartering De Redvers 
 and impaling quarterly of four, Plantagenet, Ulster and 
 Mortimer, for Katherine his wife, youngest daughter of 
 Edward IV, oh. 1527, crest, the eagle displayed on a bundle of 
 sticks ; supporters, dexter, a man in armour treading on a dragon, 
 probably for St. George ; sinister, a female figure. On each 
 side of this niche is a sunk panel, in tlie dexter a shield with 
 the Drapers' arms, in the other the Drapers' quarterly, with
 
 o
 
 Tivo Tudor Mercluuils of Tiver/on and Ctillotnpton. 5 
 
 Grenewaye's monogram ; both shields have angels with wings 
 elevated as supporters. Above them are large double roses, 
 and below, extending to the doorway arch, are two large 
 tenantless niches. A label, much denuded, runs along the 
 strmg-course between them, and is inscribed, " /« iymt and 
 space, God find grace, John Grencway, to p'rforme yt yr hate 
 begone." \\\\.h\n the porch is the entrance to the chapel, the 
 door carved with architectural panels above and rich 
 arabesques below. Over the entrance to the church is 
 sculptured apparently the scene of the Assumption, under 
 the feet of the Virgin a half-moon, on either side a male and 
 female figure, probably intended for John and Joan 
 Grenevvay. 
 
 Along the embattled cornice of the south aisle, which 
 Greneway also rebuilt, are panels containing a profusion of 
 trade symbolisms, ivool-packs, inns, anchors, roses, monograms, 
 mark, etc., and the buttresses ornamented as the chapel. 
 Within, the chapel, which is of comparatively plain character, 
 is considerably raised from the body of the church, and was 
 separated by a screen from it, access being then, as now, only 
 obtained by the door in the porch, and by several 
 steps, to its floor. Toward the church it opens by two 
 depressed arches with pilastered columns, and is ceiled 
 with a semi-circular stone vault, the surface divided into a 
 series of panelled circles, with short pendants in their 
 centres, being the latest form adopted in pointed architec. 
 ture of Perpendicular character. Within the opening of the 
 arches the chapel 
 
 '• was (iiiiiiiially separated fiuiii the aisle l>y a skrcen, wliicli with the 
 ornamental poilioiis of the Chapel were formerly richly tl'" J on the top 
 were some iron spikes marking the situation, most probably, of fiijures of 
 sainls. Williin was much curious stulptuie on Ihe wainscotting and 
 stone, behind the seals occupied by Ihe poor men of Grenewaye's alms- 
 houses. The wliole of this was destjoyed when the Chapel was rebuilt 
 in or about 1830. and enclosed in a niche of modern tracer y (ihen added) 
 are the names of Grenewaye's trustees as they e.visted at that time." 
 
 {Dnnsford — Harding). 
 
 Around the cornice is this inscription : — 
 
 "John Greneway built this Chapel Anno Dom' MDXVII, the 
 Porch, Aile, and Ends of the sanu, and an Almshouse at the East 
 end of the Town for V poj)r men, and finished the same XII years 
 before (his death) and was interred underneath with his Wife."
 
 6 Two Tudor Merchants of Tiverton and Cullompton. 
 
 Risdon gives the following as then found therein : — 
 
 " To the honour of St. Christopher, St. Blaise, and St. Anne, 
 This Chaptl hy John Greneway khis began." 
 
 Bishop Blaize was the patron saint of the wool-combers. 
 The chapel, which probably was gettuig dilapidated, appears 
 to have been nearly rebuilt. 1820-30, and although some of its 
 features naturally disappeared, yet altogether it was favourably 
 reinstated. The screen dividing it from the aiale within was, 
 we believe, preserved and set up afresh in Powderham 
 Church. 
 
 Dunsford also mentions these inscriptions as being seen on 
 the chapel : — 
 
 " God speed our ivaye, — Pray for the soul of John Greenwaye." 
 and 
 
 " O that the Lord maye, — Grant unto John Gremmye, 
 Good fortune and grace, — And in heaven a place." 
 
 This is still found incised on the chapel outside. 
 
 The Founder and his wife were interred near the centre of 
 the chapel, in front of the altar at its east end, the vault 
 being immediately lielow their gravestone. Dunsford 
 records: — 
 
 " 111 the yeai' 1776 I went down into it, thiougli a hole in the floor of 
 the seats bj' the wall, and fuund a skull and some other human bones and 
 dust, under the arch that supports the front wall, but nothing besides to 
 afford us any information These suppo>ed remains of the Founders 
 were, some little time after, put intu a lead chest hy order of the church- 
 warden, and an inscription, in brass, laid on it. The vault about eight 
 feet square was lined with brown gla/ed tiles." 
 
 The gravestone of the Founder and his wife of Purbeck 
 marble and large dimensions, is in the centre of the ch.ipel, 
 and originally very handsome. In the centre are their effigies 
 of considerable size, the Merchant in long fur-lined robe with 
 collar and full sleeves (probably the Drapers' livery) a gypctere, 
 or penner and inkhorn suspended from his girdle, hands raised 
 in prayer, his feet in a parterre of flowers. His wife with 
 embroidered pedimental head dress, gown, sleeves with deep 
 fur cuffs, rings on her fingers, a rich girdle fastened with three 
 jewelled ornaments, ftom which depends a chain with 
 pomander and jewel, her hands raised in prayer. Below 
 their feet were three shields; of these only one remains,
 
 T-ivo Tudor Mc/r/i(iii/s of Tiverton and Cullonipton. 
 
 charged with the arms of the Merchant Adventurers and 
 label over inscribed, '' Pray juv Joh'n Grcnnvcy." The blanks 
 
 were probably occu- 
 pied byGreneway's and 
 the Drapers' arnis. 
 This is all that is 
 
 UjflotainningainiW 
 
 now visible, the other 
 portion of the stone 
 being covered by the 
 seats, but Dunsford 
 records there were 
 labels issuant from the 
 months of the figures, 
 on John's : " then to 
 thee we praye, — Have 
 mercy on John Gren- 
 waye " ; on his wife's : 
 " then to thee we praye,— Have mercy on Johan Greiiwaye " ; 
 and that the stone "was ornamented with curious sculp- 
 tures of animals, flowers, etc.," which probably referred 
 the flowers to those under their feet, and the animals were 
 between the words of the inscription, which was on a ledger 
 line around to tiiis effect : — 
 
 " Of your •Jiaritie prey for the sonls of John and Joan Grenwaye 
 his wife, which died .... and for their fad ers and vioders, and for 
 their friends and their lovers, on them Jesu have mercy : amen. Of 
 your charitie say Pater-noster and Ave." 
 
 The " Merchant's Mark " of John Greneway was a varia- 
 tion of the common west country mark of the Staple, but 
 noticeable for having the substitution of a cross for the usual 
 triangular symbol at the top. 
 
 John Greneway and his wife Johanna left no children, and 
 none are mentioned in his will, gravestone, or the numerous 
 other inscriptions. There is no further record to any members 
 of his family; but among the names of the trustees to a 
 clause in his will, a "John Greneway of Hemioke" is 
 included. 
 
 The Almshouses foimded by Greneway are in Gold 
 Street, and appear to have sufl'ered considerably from the 
 mutation of lime and fire, but many of the ancient features 
 have been preserved as well as the benetirent purpose of the
 
 8 TVt'o Tudor McrcJianls of Tiverton and CuUomptun. 
 
 Founder duly cared for, and extended as circumstances per- 
 mitted. The principal parts of the building, porch, house, 
 
 and chapel, are profusely ornamented with sculpture of 
 subjects similar to those found on his Chantry in the church, 
 with accompanying precatory inscriptions for his soul's 
 welfare. Under the cornice in front is ; — 
 
 " Hmte grace ye men and ever pray, for ilie sowles of [oliii ami 
 J one Grenwaye." 
 and on the west end of the Chapel : — 
 
 ^^ John and Jane Gre'w'y foiviiders of this place." 
 " Rest awhylc ye tJiat may, — Pray ye for vie hi nyte and daye." 
 John Greneway made his will 5 Aug. 21 Henry VIII 
 (1529-30) and died the same year. In it for his almshouses 
 he provides — 
 
 " for the habitation of five poor men, to have there continual abideing and 
 liabitation in the same, every one of them to have in the house a siveral 
 house and chamber by himself, and every one of them to have weekly 
 every week in the yere and yerely and weekly for ever, eightpence of 
 good and lawful money of England, to pray dayley for me the said John 
 Greneway, Johannah my wiffe, and for all Christian people " and directs 
 " that choice should be made of such persons as be impotent and aged, not 
 able to serve and get tlieir Uvinge, and have not wherewith to find them- 
 selves meat, drinke, and cloths," the accounts of the trustees to be duly 
 audited yearly, and put into a chest safe locked, and the same chest to
 
 Tv'o Tudor Mcirluuih of Tiverton and Cullompton. 
 
 remayiie in the Cbapiu-ll wlicivin the bddy of mu the said Joliii Grfm.-way 
 shall, God williiii;, lye buiicd, to this iiileiit, that there be some yerely 
 ..bitt'keept in the'saide Church, with the Priests to sing or say Five Masses 
 oil tlie nyneth dav of Kebrnary, at even, before dirjie, for the soiile of me, 
 my wife! our fathers and mothers, and for all our friends," together " writh 
 five shillings a year to lind a lamp, which shall be continuallv burning 
 before the sacrament at the high altar, in the parish church." 
 
 Greneway appears to have been associated with two trade 
 societies or companies, The Merchant Adventurers and 
 Drapers, both of London. 
 
 The Merchant Adventurers— probably the oldest associated Company- 
 were first incorporated by Kdward IV, and appear to have been a 
 maritime trading body, w^ho chartered and owned vessels, as shareholders, 
 for the purpose of export and import of commercial products beyond 
 seas. Their arms : Ncbiil\,oii <i chief qiuxilcdy, i and 4 a lion fassant 
 guarilaiit, 2 and 3, hfo roses (for supporters they used hfo pci^nsi, and 
 motto God be ol-r I'"riI'ND). These arms appear both on Grenew^ay's 
 brass and facade of the Chapel ; and they 
 '1 are also found on the tomb with cfligy of 
 Thomas Andrew, in St. Mary Arches Church, 
 Mayor of E.xetcr 1504-10, ot-. 1528, a con- 
 temporaiy of Greneway's and probably 
 engaged in the same occupation. There 
 was also a local Company so named in 
 Exeter, who were incorpoiated 4 Mary, 1556, 
 for export to France. Their arms, Azuic, 
 the />(!.«■ banr-ifavy of four{u<alci) ardent and 
 of llic Held, llicreon a lower Iri/^lc Inrtetted 
 hrluren in chief Iwo ducal cioxi'iisor; motto, 
 DlCO ULXK, 1-0RTUN.4 COMITE {Isact.c). 
 
 The arms of the Drapers' Company of 
 London, are also sculptured on the front of 
 the Chapel, botli singly, and quarteied with his monogiam. They display, 
 Azure, three cloiidi radiated in ba-ic f roper, sui mounted by triple crowns, 
 or, on the facade of the Chapel heraldically shewn, nebnlee rayonne ; (for 
 supporters the Company assume two lions plalec ; crest, on a mound 
 a horned ram coiuhant ■ motto, UxTO Gon oxi.Y HE HONOH .4X1) (a.oKY). 
 The Drapers rank as the second most wealthy and influential of the great 
 London Companies, getting their lust grant from Edward III in Ijfu, and 
 first charter 30 Nov. 17 Henry VI, 1439. Their duties appear to have been 
 the regulation of the .sales, and inspection of the finished pioducts of the 
 woolen trade, these functions gradually ceasing as the business of the 
 country outgrew their supervision. The Company, at the beginning of 
 the sixteenth century, were celebrated for their generous hospitality and 
 great feasts in Drapers' Hall, St. Swithin's Lane, at which all the 
 important personages, civil and ecclesiastical, and ladies also were 
 occasionally guests. One most extraordinarily sumptuous and costly was 
 given at -.the grand election of 1516, at which numerous distinguished 
 persons were present, among them Leland the antiquary, ladies (who
 
 10 T'wo Tudor Merchants of Troer/on ami Cidlonipton. 
 
 appear to liave dined in a separate chamber), and '■ two players wliu had 
 their messes and rewards." 
 
 At this grand feast John Grcneway was present, as evidently a trusted 
 and important official, and some idea of the magnificent appearance of 
 the "tables" and ninnber of guests may be formed from the following 
 account of the silver plate displayed thereon, and thus placed on record :— 
 
 "The plate delivered in for the tables, by M' Greneway and 
 Mr Swythen, included : — 
 
 " 2 potts, gilt ; 2 potts, parcel gilt ; i6 standing cups with covers, gilt ; 
 6 basins ; 6 ewers ; 4 principal salts, gilt, one with a cover ; 6 otlier salts, 
 parcel gilt ; i dozen and a half of gilt spoons ; i dozen of white spoons, with 
 gilt knobs ; 16 dozen and a half of spoons, white ; 18 bowls and 3 ewers, 
 gilt ; a chaste (chased) bowl, gilt ; a nutt (cocoa) with a cover, gilt ; a 
 standing gilt cup with a cover (broken) ; a little pigot with a cover ; and 
 a standing cup and cover, gilt, from Mr Swyllynton."* 
 
 It is scarcely conceivable these Liverymen could have 
 furnished this immense quantity of silver plate in their 
 private capacity, although they may have contributed a 
 portion of it. With greater probability it formed the princi- 
 pal part of the Company's plate, used on these occasions, 
 which Greneway and his friends apparently had the official 
 custody of. By the repetition of their arms on the Chapel 
 and Almshouses he evidently thought highly of his association 
 with the Company ; and had this apparent custody of the 
 plate any reference to the thvee gold covered cups in his arms ? 
 
 It is probable Greneway expended a considerable portion 
 of his wealth in building the aisle and his chapel at the 
 church, and the erec'tion of the almshouses, which from the 
 quantity of sculpture displayed upon them, must have been 
 costly undertakings. The residue of his possessions duly 
 enumerated in his will, consisting principally of properties in 
 Tiverton, and an estate of some size at Diptford in South 
 Devon, he devised for the carrying out the beneficent pro- 
 visions, therein carefully described, for the endowment of his 
 almshouses. 
 
 The Courtenays were Lords of the Manor of Tiverton, 
 and resided occasionally at the Castle. Tiie Earl William 
 and the Princess-Countess Katherine, his wife, were con- 
 temporaries and probably patrons of Greneway, and he, with 
 dutiful regard to their position, gave their escutcheon the 
 place of honour over the entrance both of his Chapel and 
 
 * Herbert's "History of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of 
 London," Vol. I, p. 470.
 
 Chapel of John Lane. 
 CiiUtoiiptofi ChurcJi, Devon.
 
 T7V0 Tudor Merchants of Tiverton and Cnllompton. i i 
 
 almshouses. Tlie Earl was buried in old St. P;iurs, London, 
 his royal wife, who describes herself as " ihe Daughter, Sister, 
 and Aunt of Kings," with great funereal pomp in their Chapel 
 attached to the chancel of Tiverton Church, wherein her son, 
 the unfortunate .Mar(iuis of Exeter, placed a magnificent 
 monument with their effigies in alabaster to their memory. 
 This chapel was subsequently ruthlessly demolished, and the 
 monuments destroyed, not a trace being left scarcely ; but the 
 beautiful mausoleum of the lowly-born Merchant and his wife 
 still survives, their effigies with prayerful hands, covering the 
 inanimate dust entombed below, and although the surrounding 
 legend of identification has disappeared, and no children were 
 given him to perpetuate his race, still in the building of his 
 chapel and foundation of his Almshouses, wherein " he hath 
 dispersed and given to the poor," his name "shall be in ever- 
 lasting remembrance." 
 
 Contemporary with John Greneway aforenamed, the 
 wealthy wool merchant of Tiverton, who, with his good wife, 
 Johanna, flourished there toward the end of the fifteenth and 
 in the first quarter of the sixteenth centuries, there lived in 
 the not distant town of Cullompton, another eminent Merchant 
 of the Staple, and who was apparently chiefly engaged in 
 pursuit of the same branch of business, as an importer and 
 exporter of wool aiul its products, ^ObU XailC by name, and 
 his help-mate tTbOmaStnC. 
 
 Similarly to Greneway, he appears also to have risen from 
 the humbler class of workers engaged in the trade, and by his 
 industry and foresight apparently acquired a like prosperous 
 condition of life, evidenced at his death by leaving a corres- 
 pondingly striking memorial of himself and wife as Founder 
 of the beautiful Chapel he erected and attached to the noble 
 parish Church of St. Andrew, of Cullompton. Concerning 
 this fine edifice, with its beautiful roof and screens, and com- 
 manding tower, it is needless to enlarge, being so well known 
 and admired. 
 
 The Chapel erected by John Lane, and dedicated to Our 
 Lady, is of considerable size, forms a second south aisle, and 
 opens to the church by i'we arches, lit by a corresponding 
 series of windows opposite, and others at the east and west 
 ends. The vault is of rich fan-tracery (almost exactly similar 
 in design to that of the contemporary Dorset Chapel at
 
 12 TVtw Tudor Men'hants of Tiverton ciiid i'tiUomplon. 
 
 Ottery) with pendants at the intersections wherein stand 
 angels with wings elevated supporting sliieids charged with 
 the instruments of the Passion, the Five Wounds, Lane's Mark, 
 a fulling apparatus, etc., and it springs from corbels having 
 angels bearing scrolls and trade symbols. Between the 
 windows are brackets, on which formerly stood figures. The 
 arches, which rise to the roof, have partly continuous mould- 
 ings, and pilasters with carved capitals at the angles ; on the 
 side toward the church they are strengthened in support of 
 the vault by staged buttresses, ornamented with small 
 recessed niches containing figures standing on pedestals, the 
 two easternmost had screens within them, probably of stone, 
 and so to have partially separated the Chapel from the church. 
 The gravestone of the Founder and his wife is 
 at the east end, in the centre immediately in front 
 
 of the ancient altar. It is of Purbeck marble of consider- 
 able dimensions, having in the centre the indents of the 
 Founder and his wife, in costumes apparently similar
 
 
 Chapel of John Lane. 
 Ciilltimpton Churchy Devon .
 
 Tivo Tudor Merchants^ of Tivcrto}i and CiiHoiiip/on. 13 
 
 to those of Greneway at Tiverton, but tlic Cigures of 
 smaller size. There were four lozenges, two abo\e and 
 two lielow the effi^'ics, but all the brasses have disap- 
 peared. .At present the lower portion of the graveslone 
 is covered bv the scats. The inscription incised on a 
 ledger line : — 
 
 " Hie iacd Joh's I. tine M'lator /mi's q'e Cafflle Fu'dator in' 
 Thomasia uxore sua q'i did' Join's ohiit xv., die Fehniavii An'o 
 D'ni Millfcccc„xxviiJ"." 
 which may be read — 
 
 '■ Here lies J0I111 Lane, iiierch:uil, Finiiidcr of this Chapel, wiih 
 Thoinasine. his wife, wliich s^iid John died Ihe 15 d.iy r)f Febrnary in the 
 year of our L'lrd, 1528." 
 
 The e.xterior, which is constructed of the 1 eddish-brown 
 stone of the district, with white stone dressings, is much 
 ornamented. The parapet is battlemented on a base pierced 
 with quatrefoils. Below is a siring course, over e.ach window 
 are two groups of little figures apparently illustrative of 
 scenes taken from the life of our Lord, with a corbel head in 
 the centre and a four-leaved ornament between. lught 
 buttresses of three stages rise between the windows and at the 
 ends, and a comparatively modern sundial has been placed on 
 the south-west ape.\ of the parapet. On the second stages 
 are sculptured the Founder's monogram or mark, or pairs of 
 shears crossed, above them ships in water, apparently 
 merchantmen, with sails set or furled, of different sizes, and 
 form interesting e.\amples of the vessels of the period. Over 
 these are anchors, with the Founder's initials. On the third 
 stage are brackets, on which figm-es were probably designed 
 to be placeil. The sculptures, although now tnuch denuded, 
 were originally sharp .and well-modelled. Shafts were 
 formerly carried up from the buttresses, terminating in 
 pinnacles above the i)araiiet. These were omitted when the 
 battlements were renewed. 
 
 Immediately below the sills of the windows, cut in large 
 raised letters on wdiite stone, rims this inscription : - 
 
 •' /;; lioiiny 0/ God mid Iiis Blessed Mother Moiy Reiiie'h' the 
 Sanlis of John Lone ?.'' ii pot'iiost' t^- are Mary and the Sawle of 
 Thouisyn his tviffe to haite In Memory n'ith all other thcr Cheldryn &> 
 frendis of yoiire aivne Cheryty K'hich vcre FoK'uders of this Chapelt 
 (00 here lyeth yn Cepnltiire The ycre of om-r Lorde God I thovsant 
 fvye hvndrith Syx and tuynti God af his grace On thcr hoyth
 
 14 Two Tudor Mcrcluints of Tivcrlon and Cullompton. 
 
 Sawhs to I lane Mairy A nd fyually biyiig to the Eteiimll Glo)y 
 allien for Cheryty." 
 
 The general character of the architecture and ornamenta- 
 tion — late Perpendicular — is very similar in spirit to 
 Greneway's Chapel at Tiverton, both having been built 
 within a few years of each other, Lane's being completed in 
 1517, and this one in 1526, two years before the Founder's 
 death, the inscription on the exterior lieing anticipatory. 
 
 The ^lark of John Lane has at the top the usual 
 triangular figure with cross on the arm, adopted by the 
 woollen trade, and in the base a variation that is probably 
 intended to represent a basket or receptacle filled with fleeces 
 of wool. Both it and the Founder's monogram are largely 
 distributed both within and without the Chapel. 
 
 It is not known whom Lane married ; he left no issue, none 
 are mentioned in his will, although the inscription on the 
 chapel speaks of " ii'ith all other their children," it is probably a 
 conventional e.xpression only. Nor did he leave any bequests 
 for charitable purposes, as did Greneway by his almshouses 
 at Tiverton, onlv in endowment for the perpetuation of the 
 services in his Chapel. No coat-;irmour attributed to him is on 
 record, and the lozenges on his gravestone were occupied 
 probably by his Trade Mark and Monogram, but the vessels
 
 T-zi'O Tu(/(ii Mcrcluiiils of Tiverton and Ciillomp/oii . 15 
 
 sculptured on ihe exterior of the cliapel, as on Greneway's, 
 seem to indicate lie may have belonged to the company of 
 the Merchant Adventurers, although their arms do not appear. 
 The will of John Lane is dated 3 February, 1528, twelve 
 days before his death. In it he directs : — 
 
 " I desire to be Iniricd in the New Ch.ipel of Oiir Lady in CuUomptoii ; 
 I heqiie.itli to tlie High Cross light of the parish churcli six shilhngs and 
 eiglitpence, also that sum to the liglit of Our Lady ; to the store of the 
 name of Jesu ; to the Brotherhood of S, Johu the Evangelist, and to the 
 Cathedral church of E.xcter three shillings and fourpence ; and six 
 shillings and eightpeiice to hundred parish churches round Cullompton 
 that they may pray for me. To my servants Emma, John Pewc, and 
 .■\lexander Trott each ten dozen woollen cloths, or ten shillings in money. 
 My tenement in Cullompton which I lately bought of John Eye, now 
 occupied by John Pytt, wherein Humphrey More, Esq., John Smyth, 
 Thomas Waryn, and George Cockeram stand enfeoffed, shall go to the 
 holding of the priest in the .New Chapel of Our Lady aforesaid, as also 
 such leases and estates as 1 have of the Prior of St Nicholas (Exeter) for 
 tilling which I have for a period of twenty six years in reversion after 
 John Kaleway, gentleman, sixteen years of which have yet to come. 
 Residuary legatee and executrix, my wife, Thomasine. Overseers, John 
 Smytli, constable of Cullompton. Thomas Waren, Gerrge Cockeram, and 
 my servant Harry Harton, each to have ten pounds for their pains. 
 General Supervisor, Master Humphrey More, Esq., to whom I bequeath 
 thirteen shillings and fourpence for his pains. Witnesses, Thomas 
 Preston, clerk, William .\dams. John Eard, John Pewe, and others. 
 Proved P.C.C. 5 .April 1529, by Thomasine, relict and executrix of 
 deceased. 
 
 Humphrey More was the then head of that ancient family 
 of More-Hayes, Cullompton ; he married .Vgnes, daughter of 
 Sir Lewis Pollard, Justice of the Common Pleas, of Bishop's- 
 Nyitipton. His gravestone is in the More Chantry: — 
 
 "WiL lau-t il/.is/' Hii'fiid' More, iii'iicr, d'uns dc Morrlu' isli eccl'tc 
 spCtUd' b'lifado et Agues ti.\or ens if q'd Hii'fi'd obiit 20 dif A'gsli ci'o 
 'i' 1 5.171 9""' "''''' ffcielur dais. 
 
 Their arms, Ermine, on a chevron nznre, three cinqucfoih or. The 
 Cockerams were a reputable family found in the Visitation, 
 1620. Inscribed gravestones occur to them in the church ; 
 their arms, Argent, on a hcnd sable, three leopards' heads of the field. 
 John Kaleway was of the old and wide-spreading family of 
 that name, a branch of which was located near, and with 
 great probability was the John who married Joan, daughter of 
 John Tregarthin, of Cornwall, by whom she had fourteen 
 children, and secondly she wedded John Wadham, of Meri- 
 fteld, Ilton, Somerset, and Edge, Branscombe, by whom she
 
 1 6 Tivo Tudor Merchants of Tiverton (iiitl Cidlomptou. 
 
 liad six more, one being Nicholas W'adhani, the Founder of 
 W'adham College, Oxford ; a " virtuous and antient gentle, 
 woman," who was buried at Branscombe, 1581. A John 
 Kaleway, without local description, but apparently the same, 
 made his will 13 Feb., 1530; in it he names his wife Jane* 
 and gives to "the lights in the church of Cullumpton twenty 
 pence," and Dr. Oliver notes his gravestone as being in the 
 church inscribed, oh. 24 Feb., 1530. The arms of this branch, 
 A rgent, within a borditre engrailed sable, tii'o glazier's irons in saltier 
 of the second, helu'cen four pears pendant or. and vert. He appears 
 to have survived Lane two years only, when the priest who 
 officiated in his Chapel succeeded to the emoluments accruing 
 from the " tenements, leases, and estates," bequeathed to him 
 in the Founder's will. The date of the death of I homasine, 
 the Founder's widow, does not appear, but according to the 
 inscription, she was buried with him in the Chapel. 
 
 Although John Lane left no recorded issue, nor public 
 benefaction to keep him in memory, the voice of the inter- 
 cessory priest no longer heard in his sanctuary, and the 
 prayerful semblances of himself and helpmate riven from 
 their tomb — still the wayfarer w'ho beholds the beautiful 
 structure he erected " /« honor of God," feels it to be a 
 sufficient memento, and as he scans the earnest request 
 inscribed on it, imploring his prayers to Him for the welfare 
 of tlie souls of the Founder and liis wife, who " lyeth in 
 Cepulture " within, and •'fyually hryng them to the Eternal 
 Glory," cannot of his " aitnie Cheryty," disregard the appeal, 
 and with no uncer'ain thought respond with the benediction, 
 " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, that they may 
 rest from their labours, and their works do follow them." 
 
 In reviewing the lives of these old merchants, it is felt 
 they were very real men — real as to their careful, intelligent 
 energ)', and consequent successful business career in this life — 
 real also as to their constant fear of God here, and unceasing 
 anxiety for the eternal welfare of their souls in the life which 
 is to come. Their history is writ large in stone on the walls 
 of the Chapels they erected, with that careful detail the 
 mediaeval craftsman so well knew how to display, over which 
 the ages have now cast their solemn charm, and which the 
 imperceptible but consecrating hand of Time can alone confer. 
 
 W. H. H. Rogers.
 
 ■^^"r -^ 
 
 W 
 
 fe- 
 
 
 LISI.E-KINGSTON-L1SLE, 
 
 OF 
 
 \\CM)1-:T0N, 1S1J-: Ol" WUiHT; 
 TIIRUXTON, HANTS; 
 
 AX!) Ol' 
 
 WILTS AND 1)()KS1:T. 
 
 By IF. H. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 KXETEK; 
 
 i'rinti;d bv \v. p. Lrni.ic. 
 
 MDCCCCll.
 
 51K JOHN LYSLE, 
 Thruxton Church, Hants.
 
 LISLE-KINGSTON-LISLE 
 
 OF WoDETON, Isle of Wight ; Thruxton Hants ; and 
 
 OF Wilts and Dorset. 
 
 The principal particulars of the following pedigree were 
 furnished the compiler by his friend the late Mr. B. W. 
 Greenfield, and these are supplemented by further notes 
 derived from various authorities. The description of the 
 monuments, and illustration of the brass in Thruxton Church, 
 are from original and special sources. 
 
 WiLLLAM UH Lisle — He left a son and heir John. 
 
 John DE Lisle, son and heir. 51, Henry III, 1267; made 
 Governor of Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight ; summoned 
 to advise the King on affairs of the realm 1294; distinguished 
 himself in the French and Scottish wars; summoned to 
 Parliament as a Baron by writ, 29 December, 28 Edward I, 
 1299, and subsequently signed the letter to the Pope. Died 
 1303-4, lea\'ing a son and lieir [olin. 
 
 John UK Lisle, son and heir, aged twenty three at his 
 lather's death ; made K.B. witli Prince Edward and others 
 1306, served in the Scottish wars; summoned as a Baron to 
 Parliament, as ''John dc Insula, de Insula Vcctis" bv writs from 
 22 January, 1304-5 to 29 December, 131 1 ;'()ne of the 
 Commissioners to treat with Scotland 1317-18; obtained free 
 warren in all his demesne lands lying within his lordships of 
 
 Wodeton, &c. Married Petronilla died about 1331, inq. 
 
 p.m. 24 November, 1337? leaving Bartlwlonici,i, his son and 
 heir. 
 
 Bartholomew de Lisle, son and heir aged twenty three 
 at his father's death. He held the manor of Maiden-Newton, 
 Dorset, and other manors in Hants. He married Elizabeth, 
 second daughter of Hugh Courtenay, (of Colcombe, Colyton, 
 Devon) Earl of Devon, ob : 23 December 1340, by his wife 
 Agues St. John, ob : 27 June, 1310. He died 19 Edward HI. 
 1345, his wife sur\i\ed liim. Thcv left a son /o//;;. 
 
 John de Lisle, son and heir, aged nine at his father's 
 death. He held the manors of Maiden-Newton, Up-Sydling, 
 and Bryts- Place in Wimborne All -Saints, Dorset. He 
 
 married Matilda died 45, Fdward HI. 1371. They left 
 
 a son John.
 
 2 . L isle -Kingston - L isle . 
 
 Sir John Lisle, son and heir aged two at his father's 
 death. He held Wodeton in the Isle of Wight, and several 
 other manors in Berks, Wilts, and Hants. He married first 
 Marg.^ret, daughter of John Brcmshot, of Bremshot, Hants, 
 
 and secondly Elizaueth He died 31 January, 1407, 
 
 his will proved 1409 wherein he desires to be buried in 
 Thruxton Church, Hants, where there is a brass to his 
 memory. They left two sons john eldest and heir, and George 
 to be subsequently referred to. 
 
 The brass in Thruxton Church is a very fine one and lies 
 in the chancel. Under a rich canopy of three arches and 
 pinnacles is the effigy of a Knight in complete plate armour, 
 much ornamented, armed with sword and misericorde, his feet 
 on a lion, and the figure is considered to exhibit, one of the 
 earliest examples if not the earliest, of the adoption of complete 
 plate armour. On a ledger line is this inscription : — 
 
 Suh lapide isto jacent pie memorie dominns ^ohannis Lysle Miles 
 dominus de IVodynton de Insula Veda ; Et domina Elisabeth Lysle 
 uxor eius ; Idem dominus Johannis ohiit vltimo die mensis 'Jamuirij 
 Anno Domini Millcsimo CCCC" vij" ; Eovnni anime pace fvnantur 
 eferna, AMEN. 
 
 Around the efligy there are four shields: — i. On a chief 
 three lionceh rampant, (Lisle). 2. A chevron betu'een three birds ; 
 this is not the original shield but one substituted for it, is of 
 different metal, and shallow engraving. 3. Lisle, impaling, 
 three roundels, a labelof three, (Courtenav, for his grandmother). 
 4. Lisle impaling, A chevron between three roses, or cinquefoils, 
 — this impalement has been tampered with, and sought to 
 be erazed with a graver apparently. 
 
 George Lisle, second son, he married Anne, daughter of 
 
 Montgomery, of Calais, left two sons, John, and Lancelot, 
 
 of whom hereafter. John Lisle, eldest son, was of Kimpston, 
 Hants ; he married Mary, daughter of John Coker, of Mapouder, 
 Dorset, — they left a son Sir Thomas Lisle, SherifT of Hants 
 1526, 1530, 1537; M.P. for Hants 1542. He married Mary 
 Kingston, to be further referred to. He died 10 October, 36 
 Henry VHI, 1544, s. p. 
 
 Sir John Lisle, Knt, eldest son, — of Wodeton ; and of 
 Up-Sydling, Toller- Porcorum, and other manors, in Dorset. 
 He was aged twenty two in 1408. M.P. for Hants 1433. 
 SherifT 1439-40. He married Anne, daughter and heir, of 
 John Botreaux, son of William Lord Botreaux, ob : 1391, by his 
 wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Ralph Daubeney, — John Botreaux 
 died 1444, at which date his daughter was aged twenty four.
 
 Lisle-Kingston- Lisle. 3. 
 
 Sir John Lisle's will dated 1468, and proved same year, to 
 he buried at Thrnxton. Inq. p. in. 11 Edward IV, No. 59. 
 
 The tomb on the north side of the altar at Thruxton prob- 
 ably commemorates him. It is of Purbeck marble, with 
 traceried panels, having in their centres shields, on which 
 were brasses, now gone, as also the ledger line inscription 
 on the coverstone. 
 
 They left one son Nicholas, and two daughters Alice and 
 Agnes. Alice Lisle married John Rogers, of Freefolk, Hants, by 
 whom she had one daughter, Anne, sole child and heir. She 
 married John Brocas, of Beaurepaire, who died 1492. The 
 manor of Allington, Dorset, came to her as co-heir of Christo- 
 pher Rogers oi^ the Brianston family, 21 May, 3 Henry VII, 
 1488. She died (> February, 1517-18. .4gnes Lisle, second 
 daughter, married John Philpot, of Compton and Twyford, 
 Hauls, ob : 1504. — their issue extinct. 
 
 Sir Nicholas Lislk, — only son and heir; of Wodeton. 
 Maiden-Newton, &c., aged twenty in 1471. He married 
 
 first ELiZABiirn Rogers and secondly, Isabella , 
 
 and she re-married Thomas Beanchanip of Ryme, and died 2, 
 Richard III, 1484-5. He left one son John, and one daughter 
 Eleanor, subsequently heir ; she married John Kingston of 
 Kingston, Berks, and will be further referred to. His will 
 dated 1496, proved 1506, he desired to l)e buried on the south 
 side of the altar at Tliruxton. 
 
 Sir Nicholas Lisle was Knighted at the Coronation of 
 Elizabeth Queen of Henry VII, 25 November, 1485. His 
 arms are given as. Or, on a chief azure, three lionccls rampant of the 
 field. Crest, . / buck statant argent, attired, collared, and lined or. 
 The tomb on the south side of the altar at Tliruxton is probablj' 
 his. It has (jualrefoil pinels. lint no inscription or arms. 
 
 Sir John Lisle, of Wodeton, Thruxton, &c., only son 
 and heir; SherifT ot H<aits, 1506-1517. He married Mary or 
 Joan Courtenav, (of the Powderham descent,) her will was 
 proved 1524. His will dated 1520, proved 1524, and died s. p. 
 He left Wodeton and all his unentailed estates to J/ary 
 Kingston his niece, for life, with remainder to his 'cousin' 
 Lancelot Lisle. In his will he desires to be Iniried on the north 
 side of the chancel of the church at Thruxton, in a Chapel to be 
 erected there. 
 
 Described as •' Sir John Lisle of Throxton in Wiltshire," 
 he was " dubbed Knight at the creation of Prince Henry,
 
 4- Lisle-Kingston- Lisle. 
 
 i8 Feb. anno 19 Henrj* VIII, 1502," his arms same as before. 
 The correct place in the Courtenay pedigree of his wife has 
 not been assigned, but she was of the Powderham descent 
 by the nine plates on the label, deriving by the mullet from a third 
 son, the lozenge on the tomb indicating she was a widow at the 
 time of her decease ; or at the date of her marriage. 
 
 The Chapel he ordered to be erected, appears to have 
 been built, and is now used as a vestry. Under an arch 
 opening toward the Chancel, is a high tomb and on it the 
 effigies of a Knight and a Lady. The Knight is in armour, 
 his head bare, resting on a shield, his feet on his glaives. He 
 wears a tabard, embroidered with the arms of Lisle, quartering 
 a fess betmeen three birds, and a collar of the letter S, roses, and 
 knots alternate, with a cross pendant garnished with roses. 
 The Lady is in long robes and pedimental head-dress, her head 
 on a cushion, and chain round her neck. Below are shields, 
 with arms as on the Knight's tabard, the other a lozenge, 
 charged with Courtenay the label with nine plates, and a miillet 
 for difference. Over this, and the other two tombs, are depressed 
 pannelled arches as canopies with cornices, the keystones with 
 the arms of Lisle, — they are of late transition character, with 
 classic details. A great " restoration " of this church took 
 place some years since, and this tomb apparently removed and 
 rebuilt, but there is no doubt, it commemorates Sir John 
 Lisle and his Courtenay wife. 
 
 DESCENT FROM GEORGE LISLE. 
 
 He was the second son of Sir John Lisle, ol) : 1407, of the 
 brass in Tin-uxton Church. 
 
 George Lisle, — he married Anne, daughter of 
 
 Montgomery, of Calais, and left two sons, John his heir, and 
 Lancelot, of whom subsequently. 
 
 John Lisle, of Kimpston, Hants. He married Mary 
 daughter of John Coker, of Mapouder, Dorset, ob: 5 Henry 
 VIII, 1490, and Avice daughter oi Thomas A/alet. They left one 
 son Thomas. 
 
 Sir Thom.vs Lisle, Knt, he was Sheriff of Hants, 1526, 
 ^530' 1537. and M.P. for Hants, 1542. He married Mary, 
 daughter of Jchn Kingston, (whose descent will follow) and 
 died about 10 October, 36, Henry VIII, 1544, s.p., w^hich ended 
 this succession of Lisle.
 
 Lisle -Kinsstflii-I. isle. 
 
 KIN'GS lON-LISLK. 
 
 Sir Thomas Kingston', of Kingston Court, Wilts. Mi; 
 nuinied Alice, daughter and heir of Hugh, Lord Poynings and 
 Lord St. John of Basing. She was aged nineteen in 1429, died 
 19 April, 1439, and was buried in the Grey Friars Church, 
 London. Sir Thomas Kingston was her second husband, and 
 she was daughter of Lord Poynings by his second wife, 
 daughter of John, Lord Welles, and thus half-sister to Joan 
 daughter of his first wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Martin 
 I'^errers of Beer-Ferrers, Devon, Joan married Thomas 
 lionville of Halnaker, Sussex, and Shute, Devon, and died s.p. 
 Hence the Shute connection of her son Thomas Kingston. 
 
 Thomas Kingston, son and heir, of Kingston Court, 
 Wilts, and of Childrey, Berks, Sheriff of Berks, 1483-4, born 
 1435, described also as "of Shute, Devon," died 22-3 Henry 
 VHI, 1508. Who he married does not appear. They left a 
 son ]ohn. 
 
 John Kingston, of Kingston, Berks, living 2 Henry \T1, 
 1487, and died 6 December, 7 Henry VHI, 1516. He married 
 Ki.EANOR, daughter of Sir Nicholas Lisle, of Thruxton, &c.,ob; 
 1496, and sister and heir to his son Sir John Lisle, ob : 1524, 
 she was living 2 Henry VH, 1487. They had two sons John 
 and Nicholas and one daughter Mary. 
 
 John Kingston, eldest son and heir. He died in 1513, 
 s.p. 
 
 Nicholas Kingston, second son and lieir to his brother, 
 he died 7 Henry VHI, 1516, s.p. 
 
 Marv Kingston, sister and heir, also heir genera! to the 
 Lisles of Wodeton, &c., her brother Sir John Lisle left all his 
 unentailed, estates to her for life, and in case of no issue, with 
 reversion to his cousin Lancelot Lisle. She married Sir Thomas 
 Lisle of the Kingston descent (see ante) and died about ^54 
 Henry N'HI, 1542, s.]). 
 
 DliSCKNT I'ROM LANCIU.OT l.lSI.i;. 
 
 Lancelot Lisli;, was the second son of George Lisle, who 
 was the second son of Sir John Lisle, ob : 1407, and whose 
 brass is in Thruxton Church. He was the heir in remainder 
 of the Wodeton and other estates, under the will of his ' cousin ' 
 Sir John Lisle, buried at Thruxton 1524, s.p. He married 
 Anne daughter of Sir Thomas Wrounhton. Knt, they left a son 
 Tliomas.
 
 6 . Lisle- Kiii^s ton-L isle . 
 
 Thomas Lisle, son and heir. He married a daughter of 
 Moore, of Moore Court. Tliey left a son Anthony. 
 
 Anthgn'v Lisle, son and lieir, of W'odeton, Esq., tempore 
 30 Queen Elizabeth, 1588. He married Elizabeth, daughter 
 of John Dormer of Steeple-Barton, Co. Oxford, Esq. They 
 left a son William. 
 
 Sir William Lisle, son and heir. Knighted 14 May, 1606 
 and living 1622. He married Bridget, daughter of Sir John 
 Hungerford of Down-Ampney, Co. Gloucester, Knt. They 
 left a son William. 
 
 Sir William Lisle, of Holt, Wilts, Knt, and of Wodeton 
 or Wooton, Isle of Wight. He married jNIarv, daughter of 
 Sir Edward Loive, Knt, and was a zealous Royalist, died 1665. 
 and buried at Wooton. From him descend the Moyles Court. 
 Wooton, and Cru.\-Easton lines. 
 
 John Lisle, of Moyles Court, jnre u.xoris, one of the 
 Commissioners of the Great Seal to the Protector Cromwell, 
 Recorder of Southampton, and M.P. for that borough 1654- 
 1656, and Master of St. Cross Hospital, Winchester. He was 
 one of the "Regicides" of Charles \, and appears to have 
 wisely retired to Lausanne in Switzerland, where he died, 
 August, 1664. He married Alice, daughter and co-heir of 
 Sir White Beconsawe, of Moyles Court, Hants, and the 
 subsequent fate of this poor lady, was apparently the first, as 
 it was also, perhaps, the worst instance of the bloodthirsty 
 brutality of Jeffreys, and his equally infamous abettor James H. 
 Her husband had been created a lord by the Protector, and she 
 was commonly known as the Lady Alice. The circumstances 
 of her death have been thus related : — 
 
 "Although her husband had ranged himself on the side of the 
 Parliament, she had always shown kindness to the followers of the King 
 during the Civil war, and on that account after her husband's death his 
 estate had been granted to her. During the rebellion of Monmouth her 
 son had served in James the Second's Army against the invader. Yet 
 this poor old lady on Aug. 27, 16S5. was accused of having given a night's 
 shelter to two fugitives from Sedgmoor — John Hicks, a Nonconformist 
 minister, and Richard Xelthorpe. a lawyer who had been outlawed for 
 taking part in the Rye House plot. Mrs. Lisle was allowed no counsel, 
 and after the witnesses had been examined she pleaded in defence that 
 though she knew Hicks to be in trouble w-hen she took him in, she did not 
 know or suspect that he had been concerned in the rebellion. He was a 
 divine — a man of peace It had, therefore, never occurred to her that he 
 could have borne arms against the Government, and she had supposed 
 that he wished to conceal himself because warrants were out against him 
 for field preaching. The jury, consisting of the principal gentlemen of
 
 HUlill COURTENAY, EARL OF DEVON, and HIS COUNTESS MAKCAHET BOIUJN, 
 
 Exeter Cathedral.
 
 Lislc-Kiiigsion- Lisle. 7. 
 
 Hampshire, shrank from convicting a woman for conduct which seemed 
 rather deserving of praise than of blame. Jeffreys was beside himself 
 with fury lest the first victim accused of treason should escape liim. Me 
 stormed, cursed, swore, and threatened to adjourn the Court, and lock the 
 jury up for the night. Thus put to the torture they came, but came to 
 say that they doubted whether the charge had been made out. Jeffreys 
 expostulated vehemently, and. after another consultation, they gave a 
 reluctant verdict of "Guilty." On the following morning sentence was 
 pronounced. Jeffreys gave directions that Alice Lisle should be burned 
 alive that very afternoon. The clergy of Winchester remonstrated with 
 the Chief Justice in such a manner that he consented to a respite of five 
 days. During that time the friend.s of the unfortunate lady besouglit 
 James to be merciful, but in vain. The utmost that could be obtained 
 was that her sentence should be commuted from burning to beheading. 
 She underwent her fate with serene courage on Sept. 2, 1683." 
 
 Her husband had died twenty one years previously, and 
 so was mercifully spared the dreadful knowledge of his aged 
 wife's fate. Their issue is extinct. 
 
 Hu«h Conrtcnay, Earl of Devon of the illustration, ob : 
 1377 — was brother to Elizabeth, wife of Bartholomew de Lisle 
 ob : 1345. The effigies, drawn by Mr. Roscoe Gibbs, are now 
 on a tomb beneath the south tower of the Cathedral. The 
 brass of Sir John Lysle at Thruxton, is from a rubbing 
 specially taken and completed.
 
 <f<M 
 
 ^ 
 
 i^,m^ 
 
 '^. Z^ZLit-'^Z^^ 
 
 
 :m 
 
 
 
 THOMAS ANDRE\A^. 
 
 MKKCHANT ADVENTURER, 
 
 AND 
 
 MAYOR OE EXETER, 
 
 By If. //. 11,1 MILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 EXETER : 
 
 PRINTED BY W. I'. LITTLE, 
 
 MDCCCCII
 
 THOMAS ANDREW. 
 
 St Marv-Akcues Church, Exeter.
 
 THOMAS ANDREW, 
 Merchant Adventurer, and Mayor oi- Exeter. 
 
 Among the opulent Merchants of the Staple, who flourished 
 at the era of the great extension of the woollen trade, that 
 occurred in the reign of the first Tudor soxereign, the name of 
 Thomas Andrew should be presumably included, and who in 
 similar manner to others of his contemporaries in East Devon, 
 engaged in this avocation, has left characteristic remembrance 
 of himself by chantry, sepulchral monument, and charitable 
 bequest. 
 
 Of his parentage nothing is known, nor who he married, 
 nor of his children, except a daughter named Alice. The names 
 of Richard Andrew in 1519, and Humphrey Andrew in 1533, 
 subsequently occur among the city officials, who may have 
 been his sons. 
 
 He probably resided in the Parish of St. Mary-.-Vrches, — 
 was Steward for the City, 1494; Receiver, 1500; Mayor, 1504 
 and 1510; he is also mentioned as being M.P. for Exeter in 
 1509. He belonged to the Company of Merchant .Adventurers 
 of London, from their arms repeated on his monument, and he 
 was probably largely engaged in the importation of wool, and 
 export of its manufactured products, and otherwise interested 
 in agricultural pursuits, as indicated by his trade symbol. 
 
 He was buried at the east end of St. Mary-.\rches Church, in a 
 Chantry dedicated to S.S. Thomas and .\ndrew (in alhision to his name) 
 which he had founded, his monument being situate in the Founders' place 
 on the south side of the antient aUar, It is of square elevation, buttressed 
 by the sides, with canopy, formed by an elliptic arch, uith vine-tracery 
 enrichment. Below is the tomb with his effigy His head with long 
 curled hair, reclines on a cushion, and he is clad in a long flowing robe, 
 probably Mayoral, gathered up and held by a knot on the left shoulder. 
 The hands raised in prayer, the sleeves full, and a gyfciin is suspended 
 beneath the left arm. The feet in hose and shoes, rest on a woven mat, 
 and against the back of a dog stretched on it. Below are four panels, in 
 which are angels supporting shields, occupied alternately with the arms of 
 the Merchant Adventurers, and symbolism that has been assumed to be his 
 coat-armour, with the field /•<•) (•.lie gulfs and vert, and the bearings urgat, — 
 but with greater probability represents his Merchants' Mark only, and 
 displays, Tia) slaves surmounted Willi Maltese crosses, crossed saltier-nnse, interlaced 
 liiit/i a sickle, oi- reaping liook — there is no trace of colour, and the bearings 
 are sculptured in relief, angels with shields similarly charged occupy the 
 spandrels of the canopy, the back of which was filled with sculpture, now 
 hopelessly mutilated, but which probably represented the .\nnunciation, 
 with apparently censing angels kneeling on cushions at the sides. On each 
 side of the buttresses are three small niches containing figures of saints.
 
 2. Thomas Andrew. 
 
 On a scroll in the cornice is this inscription : — 
 
 Hie jacet Magister Thomas A mireu' quomiam Maior civitatis 
 
 Exonie qui obi'it Anno D'ni MCCCCCXVIIJ ct nonodie Marcii cuius 
 
 anime propitietur Deus, Amen. 
 
 Whi:h may be read ; — 
 
 Here lies Master Thomas Andrew formerly Maj-or of the City of 
 Exeter, who died in the year of our Lord 15 iS, and ninth day of March, 
 on whose soul God have mercy, Amen. 
 
 According to Col. Harding [Dioc. Arch. Trans, vol. iv, 
 p. 122). 
 
 " His will is dated 23 April. 1517, by which he left certain lands and 
 tenements to find a priest to pray for his soul, and to sustain for ever, 
 twelve poor men " 
 
 And Isacke adds that in 1531, 
 
 "The last wills and testaments of John Xosworthy and Thomas 
 Andrew late Mayors of this City, according to the an:ient custom hereof, 
 were proved in the King's Court held in the Guild-hall" 
 
 The inscription to the daughter of Thomas .Vndrew, is 
 found on a large gravestone now immediately outside the south 
 door, which has doubtless been removed from the Chantry : — 
 
 Orate p : a'i'a M' Allicie Blakcaller filia Magistra Thome 
 Andrew que obiit vltim" die lulii .4" d^ M" V" X. XXV cut' fc'af d'. 
 
 Which reads : — 
 
 Pray for the soul of Mistress Alice Blackaller daughter of ilaster 
 Thomas Andrew, w-ho died on the last day of July, in the year of our Lord 
 1535, on whom God have mercy. 
 
 She was probably wife to John Blackaller, Stci;'ard of the 
 City, 1520; Receiver 1527, and Mayor, 1530, 1536, 1548. 
 Risdon gives their arms as Paly of six or and sable, on a chief 
 gules, three bezants. 
 
 The monument, much dilapidated, has been recently 
 restored by a name-sake of the deceased, and who had also held 
 the same civic dignity, an unique coincidence. 
 
 The deep religious feeling evinced by these old merchants, 
 as well as their diligent business enterprise, and charitable 
 character, makes the study of their lives, an interesting and 
 instructive subject. 
 
 " Of these the pious dead. 
 May we their footsteps trace, 
 'Till with them in the land of light. 
 We dwell before Thy face "
 
 -mi 
 
 '■iSL 
 
 
 
 "^m^im^ 
 
 
 THE 
 
 RENAISSANCE MONUMENT 
 
 OF 
 
 ANTHONY HARVEY. 
 
 IN EXETER CATHEDRAE, 1564. 
 
 By W. 11. HAMILTON ROGERS, F.S.A. 
 
 EXETiii; : 
 
 I-UINIKI) IIV W. r, I.ITTLK, 
 MDCCCCII.
 
 ANTHOXV HAK\-EY, 
 
 Exeter Cathedral, 1564.
 
 THE RENAISSANCE MONUMENT 
 
 OF 
 
 ANTHONY HARVEY, 
 
 IN Exeter Cathedral, 1564. 
 
 This tomb situiite in the north choir aisle, presents one 
 of the most complete examples of Transition or Renaissance 
 monuments now remaining. It is remarkable for the decadent 
 Pointed dominating the design, with ornamentation almost 
 wholly classic, and marks with rare exception, the short inter- 
 mediate era, before the new influence passed with rapid 
 declension to the ornate painted and gilded effigies kneeling 
 or recumbent under their pillared canopies, and amply described 
 by epitaphs ' conceited ' and genealogic. The monument is 
 composed of white stone, the sculpture of only medium merit, 
 with no apparent trace of colour having been used on it. 
 
 Of Anthony Harvey who it commemorates described 
 as of Aylesbeare, and also of Columb-John in Broadclyst few 
 particulars are on record. 
 
 He appears to have been the eldest son of Thuiuas Harvey, by 
 Constance, daughter of Jenkyn Herbert of Monmouth, who was the 
 second son of Thomas Harvey (descending from the family so-named, of 
 Thirley, Co^ Bedford) by Jane daughter of Henry Drury of Ickworth, 
 Suftblk, from whose other son William descended the Manjuis of 
 Bristol, and Anne wife of George Carew, Dean of Exeter. He had a 
 brother named Richard of Queen-Camel, Somerset, who married Margery, 
 daughter of William CarwTthen of Panton, Devon, whose descendants, on 
 the death of his brother, subsequently settled at Aylesbeare. 
 
 Who he married is not recorded, but he had an only 
 daughter called Margaret, his sole heir, she married Sir Amias 
 Poulet of Hinton St. George, Somerset, the well-known 
 courtier to Queen Elizabeth, and custodian of the unfortunate 
 Mary, Queen of Scots. 
 
 Pole says — 
 
 " Here (at Columb-John) dwelled some time .\ntuny Harvy, Esq., 
 an e.\pert surveyor, and father of the Lady Margaret, wife of Sir Amyas 
 Pawlet, and grandmother of John Lord Pawlet, that now is." 
 
 and Dr. Oliver narrates that, 
 
 " fortunately for his worldly interest, he had been Steward of the Abbeys 
 of Hartland, Buckland, Newenham, &c., at the suppression of religious 
 houses, and amongst other properties he obtained of King Henry VHI, 
 on 4 July, 1545, the manor of IMydlond, or Medland in the parish of 
 Cheriton-Bishop, then lately belonging to the .Abbey of Tewkesbury. 
 This he sold to Robert Davy of Crediton, clothier."
 
 2. Tlie Renaissance Monument of Anthony Harvey. 
 
 He died 23 May, 1564 — Inq. p.m. 6 Elizabeth, No. 36, his 
 daughter being then twenty six years of age, and more. The 
 inscription on the table of his tomb is : — 
 
 Here lieth Master Anthony Harvy, Esqnier, n'ho dyed the 
 XXIII dayc of Maye A'o D'ni, 1564. 
 
 Arms, (imperfectly sculptured) L)darterly. i. {Gnles) on a 
 bend [arf^ent) three trefoils slipped, [vert) (Harvey). 2. Billetc, a 
 lion rampant, (Bulmer, or Le Brun ?) 3. Billetc, three lions 
 rampant (Herbert?); 4as i : — in the /ess /o/H^o/the escutcheon, 
 a crescent for difference; the crest, A ram passant guardant, appears 
 in the dexter spandrel, in the sinister are the arms of Harvey, 
 and both are repeated in the panels below. ■> 
 
 Among the llat stones on the site of St. Kerrian's church, 
 E.xeter, is one of black marble thus inscribed : — 
 
 Here lyeth ye body of Margaret Harvye, grandavghter to 
 Mary Modyford of this Citty, widdojve, vhodied ye 12 of September, 
 1643, 2'/ J£ 8 /('((;•(■ of her age. 
 
 Arms, — Harvey in a lozenge. jV John Modyford, was 
 Steward, 1602, — Receiver, 1612, — Sheriff, 1613, — and Mayor of 
 Exeter, 1622. She probably descended from the branch of 
 Harvey settled at Aylesbeare. 
 
 Of the Modyford family, originally of Somerset, probably related to 
 tfiose of Exeter, and allied by marriage with Devon, were two brothers, 
 both created Baronets, and successively Governors of Jamaica, temp. 
 Charles II. Sir James "of Middlesex," iS Feb., 1660-1, who married 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Nicholas Slanning, buried at St. Andrew's, 
 Jamaica, 13 Jan., iGyj-j. Sir Thomas, a stirring and strong administrator, 
 '■ of Lincolns Inn," i March, 1663-4, married Elizabeth, daughter of Lewin 
 Palmer of Devon, and was buried, with his wife, in the Cathedral at St. 
 Catherines, Jamaica, with this incription : — 
 
 Mistake not Reader for here lyes not oiicly the deceased budy oj the Hoiw'ble S'r 
 Thomas Modyford, Barronctt, but even the sotde and life of all Jamaica, who first 
 made it what it now is. Here lyes the best and longest Governuur, the most consider- 
 able planter, and ablest and most upright Judge this Island ever injoyed, he dyed 2 
 September, 1679. 
 
 Here also lyes S'r Thomas Modyford, Jun'r, Barronett, that hopeful and 
 flourishing branch, which the root being dead, sooneafter withered, who as they lived 
 in continuall unity, were not even in death to be separated, he dyed 19 Oct., 1679. 
 
 .Vrms, — {Ermine) on a bend (a^Hic) a mullet {argent) between two garbs, {or 
 impaling, a chevron between three palmers scripts, — crest, .-1 garb (Archer). 
 
 Both titles are extinct.
 
 EFFIGY OF A PRIEST IN WELLINGTON CHURCH.
 
 EFFIGY OF A PRIEST IN WELLINGTON CHURCH. 
 
 At the east end of the north aisle of Wellington Parish 
 Church, under a low arch, is the effigy of a priest. 
 
 This, however, could not have been the original position of 
 the monument, and it appears that at one time it was in the north 
 wall of the aisle, an appropriate place, and probably represents 
 the Founder of the Chapel therein. 
 
 The figure is tonsured, and habited in the usual ecclesiastical 
 vestments of chasuble and stole, with maniple on the left arm. 
 The face is almost completely denuded, and the hands, which 
 were probablv raised in prayer on the breast, entirely destroyed. 
 The head rests on a cushion, but there is no support under the 
 remains of the feet. Its date may be ascribed to about the close 
 of the thirteenth century. 
 
 The peculiarities of the monument were thus described by 
 .Mr. Buckle at the meeting of the Somersetshire .Archaeological 
 Society at Wellington in 1892 {Proceedings, Vol. xx.Kviii, page 16.) 
 
 "They might take it the figure represented the Founder of the north 
 Chapel, and it was an interesting figure in many ways. There were marks 
 along the side, where the ends of the iron hoops were fixed, which were bent 
 over the figure, and connected by horizontal bars to form the he.irse for sup- 
 porting the pall. Besides that, an iron bar went across llie arch from side to 
 side, so that apparently the monument was doubly r.iilcd in. The inscription 
 on the tomb had now nearly perished, and he took it that thi^ was a very 
 remarkable instance of the early use of English for a monumental inscription." 
 
 Mr. Buckle gives a reading of the inscription, but apparently 
 imperfect. To this Mr. Elworthy in an appended note, adds 
 
 "the following transcript made by Sir Hill, of the British 
 
 Museum : — 
 
 + . RICHARD : PEP" : d MERE '. OF '. 
 
 WELINTONE ! '. LIGGITH I IN '. GRAVE '. 
 
 iHv : CRIST : CODES : sone : grawnte ; 
 HIM : 
 
 which may be read, 
 
 Richard Person of Mere {i.e. Parson of Mary) of Welinlone, 
 (here) lieth in i^rave, fesu Christ, God's son, grant him 
 
 There does not appear to be any record identifying him. 
 The expression " Parson of Mary," — to whom the Church appears 
 to have been originally dedicated — would not infer that he had 
 been its vicar, but one of the clergy attached, probably as a priest 
 ministering in the Chapel of the north aisle, which he may have 
 founded, wherein he was buried, and his efiigy afterward placed. 
 
 The accompanying sketch was made a few years since, and 
 is offered as an illustration. 
 
 W. H. H. Rogers. 
 
 Reprinted from Somerset iS- Dorset Notes &■ Queries, Vol. VII., p. 331.

 
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