The Stanhope Family
Agnes (Stanhope, Trafford) Strelley
Richard
Stanhope
Elizabeth
(Languillere) Stanhope
Henry Trafford
Robert Strelley about 1409
The covenants of this marriage were signed by their fathers in 10 Henry IV
(30 September 1408 - 29 September 1409).
Robert was born about 1390, the son of Sir Nicholas Strelley. He married,
secondly, Joan Fraunceys, the widow of Sir Thomas Harcourt by 1424. Robert
was a Member of Parliament, representing Derbyshire in 1407 (The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1386-1421 (J.S.
Roskell, 1993) entry for STRELLEY,
Sir Robert (d.1438), of Strelley, Notts. and Shipley, Derbys). Robert
died on 26 November 1438.
Inquisitions
Post Mortem of Robert Strelley, Knight 1438-9
ROBERT STRELLEY, KNIGHT
231 Writ. 2 December 1438. [Bate].
YORKSHIRE. Inquisition. Ferrybridge. 28 March 1439. [Fitzwilliam].
[Inquisition: ms galled and faded.]
Jurors: William Whotley ; Henry Croft ; John Ledys ; William Bramwith ;
William Wodekerke ; John Philipson ; Thomas Hend ; John ... ; William ...
; William Wynke ; Roger Bu...ges ; Robert Forster ; and Richard Pigburn .
Nicholas Strelley, knight , was lately seised of the following in demesne
as of fee.
Ferrybridge and Ferry Fryston, 7 messuages, worth nothing yearly; 9
bovates, each worth 4s. yearly; 2 crofts, each worth 4d. yearly; and 20d.
assize rent taken by the hand of various tenants at Martinmas and
Pentecost equally, held of the king as of the honour of Pontefract as of
his duchy of Lancaster, service unknown.
He granted them to Thomas Meres of Auburn, Thomas Hunt , and Richard
Metham , esquires, and their heirs and assigns. The grant was made by
charter shown to the jurors, and the lands and tenements were described as
all lands, tenements, rents, reversions, services of free tenants and
neifs, meadows, woods, parks, fisheries, and pasture in Ferrybridge and
Ferry Fryston. Thomas, Thomas, and Richard were thus seised in demesne as
of fee. Richard Metham afterwards quitclaimed for him and his heirs to
Thomas Meres and Thomas Hunt all right and claim that he had in the lands
etc., and the quitclaim was made by indented deed, shown to the jurors.
Thomas and Thomas then demised the lands at farm to Nicholas Strelley for
life, rendering £3 6s. 8d. yearly to Thomas and Thomas and their heirs and
assigns at Pentecost and Martinmas equally. The demise was made by
charter, shown to the jurors. The lands were described as all the lands
and tenements that Thomas Meres and Thomas Hunt , together with Richard
Metham , had by enfeoffment of Nicholas Strelley, knight , in Ferrybridge
and Ferry Fryston. Nicholas was thus seised in demesne as of free
tenement. Thomas Hunt died. Thomas Meres survived and held reversion of
the lands and tenements. Nicholas Strelley afterwards died, and Thomas
Meres entered all the lands and tenements. Robert Strelley , named in the
writ, occupied them at the will of Thomas Meres , and died possessed of
this estate and no other. Thomas Meres is still living and holds the lands
and tenements.
He died on 26 November last. Robert Strelley, esquire , is son and next
heir of Robert, and aged 26 years and more.
[Head:]
Memorandum that this inquisition was delivered to Chancery on 16 April
1439.
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E 149/249/18 m. 1
232 Writ. 2 December 1438. [...].
Addressed to the escheator in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Inquisition. Newark. 16 January 1439. [Heton].
[Writ: ms worn and dirty; inquisition: ms worn, dirty, and galled.]
Jurors: Robert Yong of Norwell; Thomas Crengere ; William Kellum of
Kelham; John Dauett of Newark; Robert Morwod ; Robert Broun ; Richard
Rothwell ; Robert Garnon of North Muskham or South Muskham (Muskham);
William Parker of Weston; John Clerk of Dunham; William Ripper ; Robert
Baxter of North Collingham or South Collingham (Colyngham); John Clerk ;
and John Stokum .
Nicholas Strelley, knight , was lately seised of the following in demesne
as of fee.
Strelley, the manor and advowson of the church there. The manor is held of
the king as of the honour of Nottingham, formerly of William Peuerell , as
1/2 knight’s fee. There is the manorial site, a dovecot, and 12 messuages,
worth nothing yearly; a park, worth 10s. yearly; 200 a. arable, each acre
worth 4d. yearly; 12 virgates of land, each worth 6s. yearly; 12 cottages,
worth nothing yearly; and a court held every 3 weeks, worth nothing yearly
above the steward’s fee.
Bilborough, the manor and advowson of the church there. The manor is held
of the king as of the said honour as 1/20 knight’s fee. There is the
manorial site, a small park, 8 messuages, and 3 cottages, worth nothing
yearly; 40 a. land, each acre worth 4d. yearly; 16 bovates, each worth 5s.
yearly; 4s. assize rent taken by the hand of free tenants at Martinmas and
Pentecost equally; and a court held every 3 weeks, worth nothing yearly
above the steward’s fee.
Trowell, Cossall, Nuthall, Chilwell, Attenborough, Hempshill, Basford,
Nottingham, Watnall, Costock, Cotgrave, and North Muskham or South Muskham
(Muskham), 16 messuages, worth nothing yearly; 45 bovates, worth £10
yearly; 2 a. meadow, worth 8d. yearly; and 6s. 8d. rent. They are not held
of the king , but of whom and by what service, unknown.
Nicholas granted them to John Dabrigecourt , Robert Cokefeld , knights,
Thomas de Annesley of Kinoulton, Thomas Hunt of Linby, Nicholas Parker,
late parson of Strelley , all now deceased, and Peter del Pole , still
living. The grant was made by charter, shown to the jurors. John, Robert,
Thomas, Thomas, Nicholas, and Peter were thus seised in demesne as of fee.
They afterwards demised the manors, lands, tenements, and advowsons to
Nicholas Strelley , to hold at the will of John, Robert etc. [as above],
and Nicholas died possessed of this estate. After the death of Nicholas,
Robert Strelley entered the manor of Strelley and was seised of it. A fine
was afterwards levied at Westminster on 20 January 1435 [the octave of
Hilary] before William Babyngton and his associates, then justices of the
Bench, between John Lemyng and William Bland, querents , and Robert and
Joan his wife, deforciants, regarding the manor of Strelley. Robert
recognised the manor to be the right of John as held by John and William
by grant of Robert and, for that recognition, John and William granted it
to Robert Strelley and Joan his wife, and the heirs male of the body of
Robert. Robert and Joan were thus seised, viz., Robert in demesne as of
fee tail and Joan in demesne as of free tenement, and Robert died seised
of this estate. Joan continued her possession by virtue of the fine. After
the death of Nicholas, Robert occupied, for life at the will of John,
Robert, Thomas, Thomas, Nicholas, and Peter, the manor of Bilborough and
the lands and tenements in Trowell, Cossall, Nuthall, Chilwell,
Attenborough, Hempshill, Basford, Nottingham, Watnall, Costock, Cotgrave,
and North Muskham or South Muskham (Muskham). He died possessed of this
estate and no other. Nicholas Strelley occupied the manor of Oxton at the
will of John, Robert, Thomas, Thomas, Nicholas, and Peter. He died
possessed of this estate and no other and, after his death, Robert
occupied the manor all his life at the will of John, Robert, Thomas,
Thomas, Nicholas, and Peter.
Oxton, the manor, held of Henry, archbishop of Canterbury , Henry, bishop
of Winchester , and Walter Hungerford , service unknown.n155 There is the
manorial site, worth nothing yearly; a park, worth 10s. yearly; 160 a.
arable, each acre worth 1d. yearly; 8 messuages and 3 cottages, worth
nothing yearly; 14 bovates, each worth 3s. yearly; 3s. assize rent taken
by the hand of free tenants at Martinmas and Pentecost equally; and a
court held every 3 weeks, [no value given].
Robert Strelley was seised of the following in demesne as of fee.
Strelley, 2 bovates, each worth 2s. yearly; and 2 a. meadow, each acre
worth 2d. yearly, held of Margaret de Rempston as of her manor of Arnold,
service unknown.
Harby, 4s. assize rent taken by the hand of free tenants at Easter and
Michaelmas equally. He held the lands and tenements from which the rent
issued of Robert Cecelyn , service unknown.
Date of death as 231 Robert Strelley, esquire , is his son and next heir,
and aged 25 years and more.
C 139/93/42 mm. 3, 5
E 149/249/18 m. 1
233 [Writ: see 232].
DERBYSHIRE. Inquisition. Chesterfield. 24 January 1439. [Heton].
[Inquisition: ms galled and faded.]
Jurors: Thomas Cawse of Brampton; Ralph de Glapwell of Glapwell; William
de Hardwik of Hardwick; John Holyngworth of Staveley; John de Bo...h of
Elmton; William Irlond of Yeldersley ; John ?Leueson of Compton; John
Spynkill of Spinkhill; William Atereme of Holmesfield; John Hare of
Harlesthorpe; Thomas Mar...day of Bolsover Woodhouse (Wodhows); and John
Wodhows of Palterton.
Nicholas Strelley, knight , was lately seised in demesne as of fee of the
following manor.
Shipley, the manor, held of William, Lord Zouche , as of his manor of
Ilkeston, service unknown.n158 There is the manorial site, 7 messuages,
and 6 cottages, worth nothing yearly; 60 a. demesne land, each acre worth
3d. yearly; 20 a. meadow, each acre worth 6d. yearly; 14 bovates, each
worth 3s. yearly; 200 a. pasture, each acre worth 2d. yearly; 10s. assize
rent, payable at Martinmas and Pentecost equally by the hand of the
tenants; a certain park, worth 20s. yearly above sustaining the beasts;
and a court held every three weeks, worth nothing yearly above the
steward’s fee.
Continues as 232. Robert Strelley, named in the writ, afterwards occupied
the manor and took the profits all his life at the will of John, Robert,
Thomas, Thomas, Nicholas, and Peter, and he too died so possessed.
Date of death and heir as 232
[Foot:] Delivered to court on 12 February 1439.
C 139/93/42 mm. 3–4
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Transactions of the Thoroton Society of
Nottinghamshire vol 10 p17 (1906)
Sir
Nicholas Strelley, son of Sir Sampson, married Elizabeth, daughter
of Sir E. Pierpont, Knt. ... He was succeeded by his son Robert: his
tomb is probably the incised alabaster slab at the north-west corner of
the altar tomb; he died 1438. The slab has had the figures of a knight
in armour and a lady with long flowing robe, with children kneeling at
her feet. The inscription is now illegible; some years ago could be
read: “MCCCCXXXVIII. quõr ãibū p’piciet’ deus Amen.” He
married twice: 1st Jane Harcourt, 2nd Agnes Stanhope. He was among the
lancers at Agincourt in the retinue of Lord Grey of Codnor.
- Robert Strelley (1413 - 1488)
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p230
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Robertus de Strelley, mil. ob. 16 H. 6. - Joana
fil. Ric. Stanhope, mil.
|
Robertus de Strelley, mil. ob. 3 H. 7. Mar. 12. - Isabella fil. ... Kempe
soror Cardinalis
p393
This Sir Richards first wife was Elizabeth,
but by others said to be Joane,
the daughter of Robert and
sister of Raph (Staveley
or) Staley, by whom he had
divers Children, Richard, Thomas,
James, Elizabeth, and Agnes.
There were Covenants of Marriage, 10 H. 4. between Sir Richard
Stanhope, and Sir Nicolas Strelley, for the marriages of Agnes,
daughter of Sir Richard, to Robert Strelley, son of Sir
Nicolas.
The
Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the Years 1569 and 1614
p20 (William Flower, 1871) names the wife of Robert Strelley as
"Joanne d. of Richard Stanhop" and Pedigrees of the county families of Yorkshire
vol 2 p175 (Joseph Foster, 1874) names her as "Anne, or Joan,
Stanhope, wife of Sir Robert Strelley, of Strelley, co. Notts."
before 23 April 1424, by which date
Robert Strelley is known to have remarried Joan (_____) Harcourt.
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871); mother
from The History of Parliament: the House of
Commons 1386-1421 (J.S. Roskell, 1993) entry for STRELLEY,
Sir Robert (d.1438), of Strelley, Notts. and Shipley, Derbys
- The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1386-1421 (J.S.
Roskell, 1993) entry for STRELLEY,
Sir Robert (d.1438), of Strelley, Notts. and Shipley, Derbys
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); Robert birth from age "40 or more" at the IPM
of his father, Nicholas, dated 24 October 1430 from Inquisition
Post Mortem of Nicholas Strellay, knight Derbyshireshire 24 October
1430; Robert father from Inquisition
Post Mortem of Nicholas Strellay, knight Derbyshireshire 24 October
1430, The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); Robert death from The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p230
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
- The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1386-1421 (J.S.
Roskell, 1993) entry for STRELLEY,
Sir Robert (d.1438), of Strelley, Notts. and Shipley, Derbys
- Agnes Joanna Stanhope
Anne (Stanhope, Seymour) Newdigate
|
Anne Stanhope, aged 16
This oil painting by Thomas Youngerman Gooderson from between 1846
and 1868 is "in the manner of Bernaert van Orley". The inscription
reads "THE DVTCHES OF SOMERSET HER GRACE ÆTATIS SVE 16". The
painting is the Egremont Collection in Petworth
House, West Sussex
|
|
Anne (Stanhope, Seymour) Newdigate
|
about 1497
The inscription on Anne's tomb in Westminster Abbey states that she was aged
90 at her death on 16 April 1587, from which we infer her birth in 1496 or
1497.
Edward Stanhope
Elizabeth (Bourchier) Stanhope
|
Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford, by
unknown artist held in the Collection of Marquess of Bath,
Longleat House, Wiltshire. The Latin inscription either side of
his head is: "E(dwardus) SE(mour) C(omes) HER(tfordiensis)"
("Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford"). He wears the chain of the
Order of the Garter from which hangs the Great George.
|
Edward Seymour
Edward
Seymour was the son of Sir
John Seymour and Margery
Wentworth. He was the eldest brother of Jane
Seymour, who became the third wife of King Henry VIII and mother of
Henry's only son, Edward. Upon the death of Henry VIII (28 January 1547),
Seymour's nine year old nephew became king as Edward VI. Henry VIII's will
named sixteen executors, who were to act as Edward's Council until he
reached the age of 18. The will did not provide for the appointment of a
Protector - it entrusted the government during his son's minority to a
Regency Council that would rule collectively, by majority decision, with
"like and equal charge". Nevertheless, a few days after Henry's death, on 4
February, the executors chose to invest almost regal power in Edward
Seymour. Thirteen out of the sixteen (the others being absent) agreed to his
appointment as Protector, which they justified as their joint decision "by
virtue of the authority" of Henry's will. In March 1547, he secured letters
patent from King Edward granting him the almost monarchical right to appoint
members to the Privy Council himself and to consult them only when he
wished. Social unrest in England in 1548 undermined Edward Seymour's
popularity, especially within the Council, and by 1 October 1549, Seymour
had been alerted that his rule faced a serious threat. He issued a
proclamation calling for assistance, took possession of the king's person,
and withdrew for safety to the fortified Windsor Castle, where Edward said,
"Methinks I am in prison". Meanwhile, a united Council published details of
Seymour's government mismanagement. They made clear that the Protector's
power came only from them, and on 11 October, the council had Seymour
arrested. Seymour was pardoned by the king on 15 February 1549(50), released
from the Tower and restored to the council on 10 April 1550, with diminished
prestige. On 16 October 1551 he was again sent to the Tower, on an
exaggerated charge of treason. Edward was executed on 22 January 1552 for
felony (that of seeking a change of government), after scheming to overthrow
the regime of John Dudley, his effective successor as leader of the Council.
King Edward noted his uncle's death in his Chronicle: "the duke of
Somerset had his head cut off upon Tower Hill between eight and nine o'clock
in the morning". Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset was interred at St. Peter
ad Vincula, Tower of London.
Edward was knighted by the Duke of Suffolk at Roye on 1 November 1523. On 5
June 1536, a week after his sister's marriage to the King Henry VIII,
Seymour was created Viscount Beauchamp of Hache, Somerset. He was created
the 1st Earl of Hertford on 18 October 1537, and elected a knight of the
Garter on 9 January 1540(1). On 16 February 1547, shortly after becoming
Protector, he was created the 1st Duke of Somerset. Edward was married
firstly to Catherine
Fillol, the daughter of Sir William Filliol, with whom he had two
sons, John, who was sent to the Tower on 16 October 1551 with his father and
died there on 19 December 1552 and Edward (1529–1593).
Dictionary of National Biography vol 51
pp299-310 (1897)
SEYMOUR,
EDWARD, first EARL OF HERTFORD
and DUKE OF SOMERSET (1506?–1552), the
Protector, was the eldest surviving son of Sir John Seymour (1476?–1536)
of Wolf Hall, Wiltshire. The Seymours claimed descent from a companion
of William the Conqueror, who took his name from St. Maur-sur-Loire in
Touraine, and was ancestor of William de St. Maur, who in 1240 held the
manors of Penhow and Woundy in Monmouthshire (cf. J. R. Planché in Journ.
Archæol. Assoc. xiii. 327–8). William’s great-grandson, Sir Roger
de St. Maur, had two sons: John, whose granddaughter conveyed these
manors by marriage into the family of Bowlay of Penhow, who bore the
Seymour arms; and Sir Roger (fl. 1360), who married
Cicely, eldest sister and heir of John de Beauchamp, baron Beauchamp de
Somerset (d. 1361); she brought to the Seymours the manor of
Hache, Somerset, and her grandson, Roger Seymour, by his marriage with
Maud, daughter and heir of Sir William Esturmi or Sturmy, acquired Wolf
Hall in Wiltshire. The Protector’s father, Sir John, was
great-great-grandson of this last Roger. Born about 1476, he succeeded
his father in 1492, was knighted by Henry VII for his services against
the Cornish rebels at Blackheath in 1497, and was sheriff of Wiltshire
in 1508. He was present at the sieges of Tournay and Therouenne in 1513,
at the two interviews between Henry VIII and Francis in 1520 and 1532,
and died on 21 Dec. 1536. He married Margaret (d. 1550), eldest
daughter of Sir Henry Wentworth of Nettlested, Suffolk; her grandfather,
Sir Philip Wentworth, had married Mary, daughter of John, seventh lord
Clifford, whose mother Elizabeth was daughter of Henry Percy (‘Hotspur’)
and great-great-granddaughter of Edward III (Notes and Queries,
1st ser. viii. 51–2; Harl. MS. 6177). Sir John Seymour had ten
children, of whom, John, the eldest, died unmarried on 15 July 1520, as
did two other sons, John and Anthony, and a daughter Margery; Edward the
Protector; Henry, who took no part in politics, was executor to his
mother in 1550, and died in 1578, leaving three sons from whom there is
no issue remaining, and seven daughters, from one of whom, Jane, are
descended the barons Rodney; Thomas, baron Seymour of Sudeley [q. v.];
Jane Seymour [see JANE]; Elizabeth, who married, first,
Sir Anthony Ughtred, secondly, in August 1537, Cromwell’s son Gregory,
and thirdly William Paulet, first marquis of Winchester [q. v.]; and
Dorothy who married Sir Clement Smith (inscription in Bedwyn Magna
Church printed in AUBREY, pp. 375–6).
From the inscription on an anonymous portrait at Sudeley (Cat.
Tudor Exhib. No. 196), Edward appears to have been born about
1506, and is said to have been educated first at Oxford, and then at
Cambridge (WOOD, Athenæ Oxon. i. 210; COOPER,
Athenæ Cant. i. 107). In 1514 he was retained as ‘enfant
d’honneur’ to Mary Tudor on her marriage with Louis XII of France. On 15
July 1517 he was associated with his father in a grant of the
constableship of Bristol. He was probably with his father in attendance
upon Charles V on his visit to England in 1522, as Chapuys afterwards
mentioned Seymour as having been ‘in Charles's service’ (Letters and
Papers, x. 1069). He joined the expedition of the Duke of Suffolk
which landed at Calais on 24 Aug. 1523, and was present at the capture
of Bray, Roye, and Montdidier, being knighted by Suffolk at Roye on 1
Nov. In the following year he became an esquire of the king’s household.
On 12 Jan. 1524–5 he was placed on the commission for the peace in
Wiltshire, and in the same year became master of the horse to the Duke
of Richmond. In July 1527 he accompanied Wolsey on his embassy to the
French king (Chron. of Calais, p. 37), and in 1528 was granted
some lands of the monasteries dissolved in consequence of Wolsey’s
visitation. On 25 March 1529 he was made steward of the manors of
Henstridge, Somerset, and Charlton, Wiltshire, and in 1530 he received
with his brother-in-law, Sir Anthony Ughtred, Wolsey’s manors of Kexby,
Leppington, and Barthorpe, all in Yorkshire. On 12 Sept. following he
was appointed esquire of the body to Henry VIII, who showed him much
favour, borrowing from, and occasionally lending, him money (see Letters
and Papers, vols. iv. v. and vi. passim). In 1532, Seymour and his
father accompanied Henry to Boulogne to meet Francis I. In the following
year he became involved in a dispute with Arthur Plantagenet, viscount
Lisle [q. v.], and his stepson, John Dudley, afterwards duke of
Northumberland [q. v.], about some lands in Somerset, which lasted many
years, and is the subject of innumerable letters in the Record Office
(cf. WOOD, Letters of Illustrious Ladies, iii.
41; GAIRDNER, Letters and Papers, vols.
vii–xii.). In March 1534–5 he was granted various lands in Hampshire
belonging to the convent of the Holy Trinity, Christchurch, London, and
in the following October Henry VIII visited him at his manor of Elvetham
in the same county. In March 1535–6 he was made a gentleman of the privy
chamber, and a few days later, with his wife Anne and his sister Jane,
was installed in the palace at Greenwich in apartments which the king
could reach through a private passage (Letters and Papers, X.
601). On 5 June, a week after his sister’s marriage to the king, Seymour
was created Viscount Beauchamp of Hache, Somerset. Two days later he
received a grant of numerous manors in Wiltshire, including Ambresbury,
Easton Priory, Chippenham, and Maiden Bradley (one of the seats of the
present Duke of Somerset). On 7 July he was made governor and captain of
Jersey, and in August chancellor of North Wales. He had livery of his
father’s lands in the following year, was on 30 Jan. granted the manor
of Muchelney, Somerset, and on 22 May sworn of the privy council. In the
same month he was on the commission appointed to try Lords Darcy and
Hussey for their share in the ‘pilgrimage of grace.’ On 15 Oct. he
carried the Princess Elizabeth at Edward VI's christening (WRIOTHESLEY,
Chron. i. 68), and three days later was created Earl of Hertford.
The death of Queen Jane was naturally a blow to Hertford’s
influence, and in the following year he was described as ‘young and
wise,’ but ‘of small power’ (Letters and Papers, XIII.
ii. 732). In December he was put on commissions for the trial of the
Marquis of Exeter, Lord Montagu, Sir Geoffrey Pole, and others; and in
March 1539 he was sent to provide for the defence and fortification of
Calais and Guisnes. He returned in April, and on the 16th was granted
Chester Place, outside Temple Bar, London. In August Henry VIII and
Cromwell spent four days (9–12) with him at Wolf Hall (Wilts Archæol.
Mag. xv. App. No. iv). In the same month he received a grant of
the Charterhouse at Sheen (WRIOTHESLEY, Chron. i.
105). In December he met Anne of Cleves at Calais, and returned with her
to London; he wrote to Cromwell that nothing had pleased him so much as
this marriage since the birth of Prince Edward (Letters and Papers,
XIV. i. 1275).
Cromwell’s fall—which, according to the Spanish ‘Chronicle of
Henry VIII,’ Hertford instigated—in the following year did not check
Hertford’s continuous rise in Henry’s favour; and Norfolk, now the most
powerful member of the council, sought to purchase his friendship by a
marriage between his daughter, the Duchess of Richmond, and Hertford’s
brother Thomas. Throughout 1540 Hertford took an active part in the
proceedings of the council, and on 9 Jan. 1540–1 he was elected a knight
of the Garter. A few days later he was sent on a fruitless mission to
arrange the boundaries of the English Pale in France with the French
commissioners (Corr. de Marillac, pp. 257, 266–8; State
Papers, viii. 510, 523–30). He then proceeded in February to
inspect and report on the defences at Calais (Proc. Privy Council,
ed. Nicolas, vii. 130). During Henry’s progress in the north from July
to November, Hertford, Cranmer, and Audley had the principal management
of affairs in London (State Papers, i. 660–90), and in November
the earl and the archbishop were the recipients of the charges against
Catherine Howard (cf. Chronicle of Henry VIII, ed. Hume, 1889,
pp. 82–4). In September 1542 Hertford was appointed warden of the
Scottish marches. He served there for a few weeks (21 Oct. to 7 Dec.)
under Norfolk, but in November he requested to be recalled on the ground
that ‘the country knew not him, nor he them’ (State Papers, v.
222), and Rutland took his place. In December Hertford resumed
attendance on the king (ib. ix. 257). On 28 Dec. he appears as
lord high admiral, a post which he almost immediately relinquished in
favour of John Dudley, viscount Lisle, and in January 1542–3 he was lord
great chamberlain. On 1 April he took an active part in procuring the
conviction and imprisonment of Norfolk’s son, the Earl of Surrey, for
eating flesh in Lent and riotous proceedings (BAPST, Deux
Gentilhommes Poètes, p. 269). During that year Henry again visited
Hertford at Wolf Hall.
Meanwhile in December 1543 the Scots formed a new alliance with
France, and declared the treaty with England null and void. On 5 March
1543–4 Hertford was appointed lieutenant-general in the north. He was
ordered to proclaim Henry guardian of the infant Scots queen and
protector of the realm, and to accuse Cardinal Beaton of causing the war
between the two nations (proclamations in Addit. MS. 32654, ff.
49, 58). In the middle of April a deputation of Scottish protestants
waited on Hertford with a proposal to raise a force to aid in the
invasion and assassinate the cardinal; but Hertford declined to assent
on his own authority, and sent the deputation on to Henry. At the end of
the month his army embarked at Berwick, and on 3 May the fleet arrived
in the Firth of Forth. Next day ten thousand men landed at Leith, and
Blackness Castle was taken. On the 5th Lord Evers, with four thousand
English horse, arrived from Berwick. The provost offered Hertford the
keys of Edinburgh if he would allow all who desired to depart with their
effects; but the earl demanded unconditional surrender, proclaiming that
he had come to punish the Scots ‘for their detestable falsehood, to
declare and show the force of his highness’s sword to all such as would
resist him.’ The Scots replied defiantly. On the following day Sir
Christopher Morris [q. v.] blew in Canongate, and for two days the
capital was pillaged without resistance. The English then returned to
Leith, seizing the ships in the harbour and lading them with spoil. By
the 18th they were back at Berwick, having accomplished no permanent
result except further exasperating the Scots and strengthening the
French alliance (Hertford’s correspondence dealing with this expedition
is in Addit. MS. 32654).
A month later Hertford returned to London, and on 9 July he was
appointed lieutenant of the kingdom under the queen-regent during
Henry’s absence in France (State Papers, i. 765; RYMER,
xv. 39–40). On 13 Aug., however, he joined Henry at Hardelot Castle,
near Boulogne, and was present at the capture of that town on 14 Sept.
Hertford, indeed, is said to have bribed the French commander De Vervins
to surrender the town for a large sum of money (Mémoires du Maréchal
de Vieilleville, ed. 1822, i. 152–3; NOTT, Surrey’s
Works, p. lxix). Five days later Charles V secretly concluded the
peace of Crêpy with the French, leaving his English allies still at war,
and on 18 Oct. a conference was opened at Calais by the three powers to
arrange terms. Hertford was the principal English representative, but no
results followed, and on the 26th he and Gardiner were despatched to
Brussels to endeavour to extract a definite declaration of policy from
the emperor (State Papers, X. 63–6, 119–36,
147–50; Addit. MS. 25114, ff. 312, 315). After much
procrastination, Charles granted them three interviews, the last on 17
Nov.; but their efforts to keep him to the terms of his alliance with
England were unavailing, and on the 21st they were recalled (State
Papers, 202–7 et sqq.). England now made preparations to carry on
the war single-handed. On 14 Jan. 1544–5 Hertford was sent to survey the
fortifications of Guisnes, and a few days later he took command at
Boulogne, which the French made a desperate effort to recapture. On 26
Jan. Marshal De Biez encamped before it with fourteen thousand men,
while those at Hertford’s command were but half that number.
Nevertheless, before dawn on 6 Feb. the English sallied out with four
thousand foot and seven hundred horse, and took the French by surprise.
A panic seized them, and they fled, leaving their stores, ammunition,
and artillery in the hands of the English (HERBERT, Life
and Reign of Henry VIII, ed. 1719, p. 250).
This brilliant exploit rendered Boulogne safe for the time, but
the defeat at Ancrum Muir, on 17 Feb., decided Henry to send Hertford
once more to the Scottish border. On 2 May he was appointed
lieutenant-general in the north in succession to Shrewsbury (RYMER,
XV. 72), but, owing to the smallness of his force and
lack of supplies, Hertford suggested a postponement of the projected
invasion until August. Throughout the summer he remained at or near
Newcastle, providing against the contingency of a Scots or French
invasion. At length, on 6 Sept., he crossed the border; on the 13th he
was at Kelso, and a few days later at Jedburgh. A list, which he sent to
the government, of monasteries and castles burnt marks his course. He
met with no opposition; but his invasion was only a border foray on a
large scale, and on the 27th he was back at Newcastle (State Papers,
v. 448–52; Hamilton Papers, vol. ii.). On 10 Oct. he received a
summons to parliament, which met in November, and on the following day
he set out for London. From the 24th until the following March he was in
attendance at the council. On 21 March he was appointed lieutenant and
captain-general of Boulogne and the Boulonnois in succession to Surrey,
who had failed to hold his own against the French. He reached Calais on
the 23rd (State Papers, xi. 60), and on 4 April was commissioned
lieutenant-general of the army in France. In the same month he was
appointed to treat for peace, which was concluded on 7 June. On the 31st
he was again in London. On 19 Sept. he was once more sent to Boulogne to
carry out the terms of the destruction of the fortifications (DE
SELVE, Corr. Politique, 1888, pp. 31, 34; State
Papers, i. 877, 879); but in October he was back at Windsor (Acts
P. C., ed. Dasent, i. 535). From that time to the end of Henry’s
reign Hertford was constant in his attendance at court and council.
These few months witnessed the momentous struggle for the
succession to power during the coming minority of Edward VI. The
numerous attainders of Henry’s reign had left Norfolk and Hertford face
to face as the most powerful nobles in the kingdom. The former, with his
son Surrey, headed the conservative party, while Hertford, though he was
far too cautious to give open expression to his views, was known to
favour further steps in the direction of ecclesiastical reform. This
divergence of view was accentuated by personal jealousy between Surrey
and Hertford, who had recently been called in to retrieve his rival’s
military blunders. Surrey vowed vengeance, and, hating Hertford as an
upstart, he rejected his father’s proposals for matrimonial alliances
between his children and Hertford’s two daughters, as well as between
the Duchess of Richmond and Hertford’s brother Thomas. The hope of
conciliation thus failed, but the struggle between the rivals, which
might have led to civil war, was averted by the dramatic fall of the
Howards in January 1546–7 [see HOWARD, HENRY,
EARL OF SURREY, (1517?–1547), and HOWARD,
THOMAS II, EARL OF SURREY,
(1473–1554)]. Hertford took an active part in Surrey’s trial (WRIOTHESLEY,
Chron. i. 177; BAPST, p. 358); he was commissioned
to convey Henry’s assent to the bill of attainder against Norfolk, and
he acquired a share of the Howards’ property; but there is not
sufficient evidence to show that their fall was due to his machinations,
and he did nothing to molest Norfolk after Henry’s death.
That event took place at 2 A.M. on Friday, 28
Jan. 1546–7; Hertford and Paget had spent the previous day in
conversation with the king, they were present at his death, received his
last commands, and had possession of his will. But Hertford must have
already determined to set aside its provisions, and in an interview with
Paget in the gallery immediately before Henry’s death, and another an
hour afterwards, he persuaded him to abet his bold coup d'état,
promising to be guided by Paget’s advice. They decided to keep the
king’s death a secret for the present, and to publish only so much of
his will as seemed convenient; and then the earl hurried down to
Hertford to get possession of the young king. On the way back, at
Enfield on the 30th, Sir Anthony Browne (d. 1548) [q. v.], though
‘inclined to the old religion, gave his frank consent to Hertford being
Protector, thinking it to be the surest kind of government’ (Lit.
Remains of Edward VI, p. ccxlvii). On the same day, in a letter to
the council, Hertford adopted the style ‘we,’ and on Monday the 31st he
arrived with Edward at the Tower. Henry’s death was then made known, and
on the same day Paget proposed in the council that Hertford should have
the protectorate. The council was divided: the reformers were
represented by Cranmer, Hertford, and Lisle; the conservatives by
Tunstall, Wriothesley, and Browne. Gardiner was excluded according to
the terms of Henry’s suspicious will; Browne had already given in his
adherence to Hertford, but the chancellor Wriothesley strongly opposed
the scheme. Paget’s influence, however, prevailed, and the council gave
Hertford ‘the chief place among them,’ with ‘the name and title of
Protector of all the realms and domains of the king’s majesty, and
governor of his most royal person,’ adding the express condition that he
was to act only ‘with the advice and consent of the rest of the
executors’ (Acts of the Privy Council, ii. 4–7). On 2 Feb. he was
appointed high steward of England for the coronation of Edward; on the
10th he was granted the office of treasurer of the exchequer, and that
of earl marshal, which had been forfeited by Norfolk. Five days later he
was created Baron Seymour of Hache, and on the 16th Duke of Somerset. On
6 March Wriothesley was removed from the chancellorship on the ground
that he had used the great seal without a warrant (ib. ii.
48–59). Six days later Somerset rendered his position independent of the
council by obtaining a patent as governor and protector, in which he was
empowered to act with or without their advice, and ‘to do anything which
a governor of the king’s person or protector of the realm ought to do’ (ib.
ii. 63–4, 67–74). He had now attained to almost royal authority; in a
form of prayer which he used, he spoke of himself as ‘caused by
Providence to rule,’ and he went so far as to address the king of France
as ‘brother.’
As the first protestant ruler of England, Somerset at once set
about introducing radical religious reforms. His numerous letters,
preserved in the British Museum, throw little light on what convictions
he had reached during Henry’s reign, or how he had been induced to adopt
them, but by Henry’s death he had become a ‘rank Calvinist’ (Nicholas
Pocock in Engl. Hist. Rev. July 1895, p. 418), and he soon
entered into correspondence with the Genevan reformer. ‘From the moment
of Henry’s death there was a systematic attempt made by the men of the
new learning, headed at first by Somerset … gradually to get rid of
catholic doctrine’ (ib. p. 438). ‘There is really no other
account to be given of the gradual changes that culminated in the second
prayer-book of 1552 … than that Somerset was supreme, and exercised for
a few years the same arbitrary sway that the late king had brought to
bear upon the parliament when the Act of Six Articles was passed’ (Church
Quarterly Rev. October 1892, p. 38). Cranmer, whose leanings were
then Lutheran, was a ‘mere tool in his hands’ (ib. pp. 41, 42,
56). The Protector secretly encouraged books of extreme protestant views
(cf. The V Abominable Blasphemies conteined in the Masse, 1548,
anon. printed by H. Powell); and in the preface to the new communion
office (March 1547–8), which Somerset almost certainly wrote himself, he
hinted plainly at further sweeping reforms. But in his public procedure
he was compelled to observe more caution. The first of his
ecclesiastical acts was to compel all bishops to exercise their office durante
beneplacito (6 Feb. 1546–7), and their position as mere state
officials was emphasised by an act in the following November, ordering
that their appointment should be made by letters patent. An
ecclesiastical visitation followed for the removal of images, assertion
of the royal supremacy, and the enforcement of the use of English in the
church services; for their opposition to this measure Gardiner and
Bonner were imprisoned in June. In July appeared the book of homilies,
and in November parliament authorised the administration of the
communion in both kinds, and granted all colleges, chantries, and free
chapels to the king. Early in 1548 a proclamation was issued against
ceremonies, and at Easter a new communion office was published; in July
an English version of the Psalms and litany followed, and in November
began the visitation of the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, of the
latter of which Somerset had been elected chancellor in 1547. In January
1549 was passed the Act of Uniformity; tithes were also regulated by
parliament, and the marriage of priests allowed.
Meanwhile Somerset turned his attention towards the completion of
the marriage between Edward and Mary of Scotland. He had been identified
more prominently than any other statesman with this policy during the
late reign, and Henry had enforced it upon him during his last moments.
Religious even more than political considerations urged Somerset in the
same direction. He dreamt of the union of England and Scotland into one
state, which under his guidance would become distinctively protestant
and act as the protagonist of the Reformation in Europe. {At first he
avoided all reference to the feudal claim which Henry VIII had revived
in 1542, and sought to win over the Scots to the projected union with
England by promising free trade between the two kingdoms, autonomy for
Scotland, and the substitution of Great Britain for the words England
and Scotland. France encouraged the Scots to resist, and during the
summer the Protector collected a large army}* at Berwick. In August the
French captured the castle of St. Andrews, where a body of Scots
protestants had held out in the English cause, and Somerset’s
pretensions united all Scotland in opposition. In the last week of
August he reached Berwick; a fleet commanded by Clinton accompanied the
army, which marched along the coast. On Sunday, 4 Sept., Somerset
crossed the Tweed; passing {Dunbar}* without waiting to attack it, he
came in sight of Musselburgh on the evening of the 8th. There the Scots
were encamped in numbers greatly superior to the English; on their left
was the sea commanded by the English fleet, on their right was a marsh,
and in front was the river Esk. The position was almost impregnable, but
the Scots did not wait to be attacked. Before dawn on the 10th they
crossed the Esk. Four thousand Irish who charged the English right were
scattered by the fire from the fleet, but the Scottish right almost
succeeded in occupying the heights on the English left. Grey’s horse
broke against the Scottish infantry and fled, but in their pursuit the
Scots came upon the English men-at-arms and Italian musketeers, while
the English cavalry formed once more and charged. A panic seized the
Scots, they broke and fled, and the rout soon became a massacre; many
thousand Scots were killed, the English loss being, it is said, only two
hundred (cf. DE SELVE, p. 203). Decisive
as was this battle of Musselburgh or Pinkie Cleugh—the last fought
between England and Scotland as independent kingdoms—and greatly though
it strengthened Somerset’s personal position, it postponed further than
ever the attainment of his objects. Leith was burnt on the 11th, but
Mary was removed to Stirling; while the English army, provisioned only
for a month, was compelled to retreat (TEULET, Papiers
d'Etat relatifs à l'Histoire d'Ecosse, Bannatyne Club, vol. i.; KNOX,
Works, Bannatyne Club, i. 209, 213; The Complaynt of Scotland,
Early Engl. Text Soc.; PATTEN, Expedicion into
Scotland, 1548).
Somerset reached London on 8 Oct. (WRIOTHESLEY, Chron.
i. 186), and was received with fresh marks of honour. He declined the
proposal of the city of London to welcome him with a triumphal
procession, but his designation became ‘Edward, by the grace of God,
duke of Somerset,’ &c., and he was allowed a special seat in the
House of Lords above the other peers. Parliament met on 4 Nov., and,
besides ecclesiastical reforms and other measures for the regeneration
of morals, proceeded to embody in statutes Somerset’s wishes for a
relaxation of Henry’s repressive system. All treasons created since 1352
were abolished; the six articles, the acts against lollards, and the
severer clauses of the Act of Supremacy were repealed; and the Protector
made an ineffectual attempt to repress vagrancy by enabling justices to
condemn incurable offenders to two years’ slavery, and in the last
resort to slavery for life. It was probably in order to find occupation
for the unemployed, as well as to afford an asylum for protestant
refugees, that he established a colony of foreign weavers on his estates
at Glastonbury (cf. Acts P.C. iii. 415, 490; KNOX,
Works, iv. 42, 564; STRYPE, Eccl. Mem. ii.
i. 378). The last act of parliament dealt with the status of the
Protector, but seems never to have passed the great seal. The fact that
it made his tenure depend upon the king’s pleasure instead of the
duration of his minority seems to indicate that it was a machination of
Somerset’s enemies (see Archæologia, XXX.
363–89).
But foreign affairs claimed a large share of the Protector’s
attention, and he retained their management almost exclusively in his
own hands, aided by Paget and the two secretaries of state, Sir Thomas
Smith and Sir William Petre. At the beginning of Edward’s reign the pope
had urged Charles V to support Mary’s claims by invasion, and, as a
counterpoise, the council opened communications for a league with France
and the German princes in March (Acts P. C. ii. 47, 60); but the
proposal did not prosper (cf. DE SELVE, Corr.
Politique, 1546–9, ed. 1888, passim). Somerset’s designs on
Scotland inevitably offended France, while the irritation was constantly
growing through the bickerings about the fortifications of Boulogne.
Though war did not formally break out, acts of hostility frequently
occurred. The Protector was still sanguine of accomplishing the marriage
between Edward and Mary. On 5 Feb. 1547–8 he issued ‘An Epistle or
Exhortacion to Unitie and Peace, sent from the Lorde Protector … to the
Nobilitie … of Scotlande’ (printed by R. Wolfe, 1548, 8vo), pointing out
the advantages of the English proposals and attributing the cause of the
war to Arran and his advisers. The Scots protestants were naturally on
Somerset’s side, and by means of bribery he maintained a party among the
nobles; but he failed to prevent the conclusion of a marriage treaty
between Mary and the dauphin of France, and in June a French force
sailed for Scotland from Brest. In order to anticipate it, Somerset had
directed William, thirteenth baron Grey de Wilton [q. v.], and Sir
Thomas Palmer (d. 1553) [q. v.] to cross the border on 18 April.
They took and fortified Haddington, where they left a garrison of two
thousand five hundred men, and, after wasting the country round
Edinburgh, returned to Berwick. In June Somerset sent Sir Thomas Smith
to the emperor, and to raise two thousand German mercenaries; but
Charles contented himself with fair words, while the French fleet
carried off Mary to France, and the Scots recovered Home Castle and
closely besieged Haddington in August.
The marriage of Mary with the dauphin completed the failure of
Somerset’s Scottish policy, and in the following autumn his position was
menaced by the intrigues of his brother the admiral [see SEYMOUR,
THOMAS, BARON SEYMOUR OF SUDELEY].
The Protector had naturally resented his brother’s marriage with
Catherine Parr, but he wrote him an affectionate letter on the occasion
of his daughter’s birth (31 Aug.), and endeavoured to divert him by
persuasion from his reckless courses. Failing in this, he sent for him
early in January 1548–9, but Thomas was contumacious, and the Protector
then left him to his fate. According to the privy council register, he
‘desired for natural pitycontumaciouss sake licence at the passing of
the bill [of attainder] to be away’ (ii. 260), and assented to that
measure with the greatest reluctance; while Queen Elizabeth subsequently
stated that the admiral’s life would have been saved had not the council
dissuaded the Protector from granting him an interview. He was present,
however, at each reading of the bill of attainder in the House of Lords
(see Lords’ Journals, i. 345 et seq.; cf. TYTLER,
i. 150–1). In any case, his brother’s fall was a fatal blow to
Somerset’s authority, and involved him in much popular odium (cf. HAYWARD,
Edward the Sext).
Troubles now began to gather thickly round the Protector; the
Scots took Haddington {(Sept. 1549)}* and other castles held by the
English except Lauder. Somerset projected another invasion, but the
German mercenaries refused to serve without an advance of pay, and the
exchequer was not only empty, but deep in debt. The French were pressing
hard on Boulogne; the outworks of Blackness, {Boulogneberg}*, and
Newhaven {(Ambleteuse)}* fell one after another, and on 8 Aug. war with
France was declared (DE SELVE, p. 410; WRIOTHESLEY,
ii. 20). The religious innovations created a widespread discontent,
which was intensified by the economic condition of the country. The
depreciation of the currency was growing steadily worse in spite of the
Protector’s feeble efforts to reform it, and the increase of enclosures
and conversion of arable into pasture lands caused widespread distress
which Somerset’s efforts failed to abate (see A Discourse of the
Common Weal of this Realm of England, ed. Lamond, 1893). He
appointed a commission to inquire into abuses arising out of the decay
of tillage and frequency of enclosures {(June 1548)}*, but three bills
introduced to remedy the evil were all rejected in the following session
of parliament [see HALES, JOHN, (d.
1571)]. Somerset thereupon issued a proclamation in May {1549}*, by
which all who had enclosed lands were commanded to restore them. This
produced no effect except to exasperate the landowners against him,
while the commons, getting no redress, rose in revolt in Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire. The rising was soon put down by Lord Grey, but in June
a rebellion broke out in Devon and Cornwall, followed by another under
Robert Kett [q. v.] in Norfolk. The former was actuated by religious
motives, and was suppressed by John Russell, first earl of Bedford [q.
v.] The Norfolk rebels laid more stress on social and economic
grievances, and their revolt was more serious. Somerset thought of
taking the command against them himself, but it was finally given to
Warwick, who crushed the rebellion in August.
This success encouraged Warwick to begin intriguing against the
Protector, and he found ready listeners among many of the council.
Wriothesley (now Earl of Southampton) had never forgiven Somerset his
ejection from the chancellorship, and, like other adherents of the old
religion, he thought that nothing but good could come of Somerset’s
fall. On the other hand many of the reforming party had grievances
against the Protector; even his stout adherent, Paget, warned him
against his arrogance and ambition, and the folly of ‘having so many
irons in the fire.’ At the same time the rapacity with which he seized
on church lands and the fortune he acquired for himself deprived him of
popular sympathy, and added to the irritation the council felt at such
arbitrary acts as making a stamp of the king’s signature and erecting a
court of requests in his own house. They knew, moreover, that the
authority he enjoyed was usurped contrary to Henry’s will. Failure at
home and abroad gave Warwick his opportunity. In September he waited on
Somerset with two hundred captains who had served in suppressing the
late rebellions, and demanded extra pay for their services. Somerset
refused, and Warwick then enlisted their support in his attempt to
overthrow him (Chron. of Henry VIII, pp. 185–6). Secret meetings
were held at the houses of the disaffected councillors. Somerset heard
of these gatherings while at Hampton Court with Cranmer, Paget, Cecil,
Petre, Sir Thomas Smith, and Sir John Thynne, all his devoted adherents.
In the first few days of October he issued leaflets urging the people to
rise in his defence and that of the king. His enemies, he asserted,
wished to depose him because ‘we the poore comens being injuried by the
extorciouse gentylmen had our pardon this yere by the … goodness of the
lorde Protector, for whom let us fyght, for he lovith all just and true
gentilmen which do no extorcion, and also us the poore commynaltie of
Englande’ (Acts P. C. ii. 330–6). Ten thousand men are said to
have responded to this call (Chron. Henry VIII, p. 186), and
Somerset sent his son, Sir Edward Seymour, to Russell and Herbert, who
were then returning from the west with the army that had suppressed the
rebellion, entreating them to come to the rescue of the king. On the 6th
he despatched Petre to London to inquire the meaning of the council’s
proceedings. There Warwick’s adherents were in session at his residence,
Ely House, Holborn. They had drawn up an indictment of Somerset’s rule,
and were on the point of setting out to lay it before the Protector. On
the receipt of Petre’s message threatening to arrest them if they
proceeded to Hampton Court, they determined to remain in London. On the
same day they requested the support of the mayor and aldermen, to whom
Rich described the Protector’s evil deeds, and sent out letters to
various nobles summoning them, with their adherents, to London. Petre
remained with the council, and Somerset started that night for Windsor
with the king. Next day the council wrote to Cranmer and Paget requiring
their adherence. On the 8th the city gave the council its support, the
Tower was secured, Russell and Herbert inclined to the same side, and
fifteen thousand men gathered in London to support the council (Chron.
Henry VIII, p. 189). Somerset saw that his cause was lost, and
promised submission. On the 10th the council wrote ordering the
detention of Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Michael Stanhope (the Protector’s
brother-in-law), Sir John Thynne (the manager of his estates), and
others. On the 12th they went down to Windsor, and on the 14th Somerset
was sent to the Tower.
Early in January 1549–50 an account of the proceedings taken
against him was presented to parliament, and the charges were embodied
in {thirty-one}* articles. Somerset made a full confession and threw
himself on the mercy of the council; on the 14th he was deposed from the
protectorate by act of parliament, deprived of all his offices and of
lands to the value of 2,000l. While in the Tower he solaced
himself by reading devotional works, such as Wermueller’s ‘Spyrytuall
and most precyouse Pearle,’ translated by Coverdale, which was lent to
him in manuscript, and for which he wrote a preface; it was published in
the same year (London, 8vo), and subsequently passed through many
editions (see Brit. Mus. Cat. and HAZLITT, Collections).
He is also said to have translated out of French a letter written to him
by Calvin, and printed in the same year, but no copy is known to be
extant. On 6 Feb. he was set at liberty (Acts P. C. ii. 383; WRIOTHESLEY,
ii. 33–4), and on the 18th received a free pardon. On 10 April he was
again admitted of the privy council, and on 14 May was made a gentleman
of the king’s chamber. He resumed his attendances at the council on 24
April, taking precedence of all the other members, and rarely missed a
meeting for the next eighteen months. Three days later his property,
except what had already been disposed of, was restored to him; and on 3
June his eldest daughter, Anne, was married to Warwick’s eldest son,
Viscount Lisle.
Although an opportunity of recovering his position seemed to be
thus offered Somerset, the ambition of his rival Warwick rendered his
ultimate ruin inevitable. A public slight was put on him when, on the
death of his mother on 18 Oct. 1550, the council refused to go into
mourning. On 10 May 1551, however, he was made lord-lieutenant of
Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, in August he put down an insurrection in
Sussex, and in face of the ill success of the new administration the
influence of Somerset’s party seemed for a moment to revive. As early as
February 1550–1 some members of parliament had started the idea of again
making him Protector, but a dissolution brought the scheme to nothing.
Somerset endeavoured to procure Gardiner’s release from the Tower, and
to prevent the withdrawal of the Princess Mary’s license to practise her
own religion. Paget and Arundel gave him their support, and popular
feeling was strongly in his favour. With this encouragement, Somerset
seems to have meditated seizing his three chief enemies, Warwick,
Northampton, and Pembroke, who, on their side, determined to destroy
him. During the whole of September 1551 Somerset was prevented from
attending the council by sickness in his household, and probably during
this period the designs against him were matured. On 4 Oct. he appeared
once more by their order at the council; on the same day Warwick became
Duke of Northumberland, and his adherents were likewise advanced a step
in the peerage. Three days later Sir Thomas Palmer (d. 1553) [q.
v.] revealed to Warwick and the king a plot, which he described as
having been formed in April by Somerset, Arundel, Paget, and himself,
with the object of raising the country and murdering Warwick. On the
11th, Northumberland and Palmer again discussed the matter, and on the
same day the council ordered an inquiry into the amount of Somerset’s
debts to the king. This roused Somerset’s suspicions, but he attended
the council as usual on the 16th. A few hours later he was arrested and
sent to the Tower. The duchess, Lord Grey, and others of his adherents,
followed him thither next day; and finally, Palmer, who had been left at
liberty for ten days after giving his information, was arrested. On the
19th the council communicated to the corporation the baseless story that
Somerset had plotted to destroy the city of London, seize the Tower and
the Isle of Wight (WRIOTHESLEY, ii. 56–7). He was also
accused of endeavouring to secure for himself and his heirs the
succession to the crown (cf. ‘A Tract agaynst Edward, Duke of Somerset,’
extant among the Loseley MSS., Hist MSS. Comm. 7th Rep. App. p.
607). For six weeks Somerset remained in the Tower while evidence was
being collected against him. There can be no doubt that he had meditated
supplanting Northumberland, but the plot against the duke’s life rests
on no satisfactory evidence. Apart from the improbabilities of Palmer’s
story (see TYTLER, ii. 1–70), there is the direct
statement of Renard that both Northumberland and Palmer confessed before
their death that they had concocted the evidence (FROUDE,
v. 36 n.) On Tuesday, 1 Dec., at 5 A.M. Somerset was conveyed by water
from the Tower to Westminster Hall, to stand trial by his peers. The
charge of treason broke down, but he was condemned for felony, and
sentenced to be hanged; the people ‘supposing he had been clerely quitt,
when they see the axe of the Tower put downe, made such a shryke and
castinge up of caps, that it was heard into the Long Acre beyonde
Charinge Crosse,’ and on his way back to the Tower they ‘cried God save
him all the way’ (WRIOTHESLEY, ii. 63; cf. STOW,
p. 607). He was beheaded on Tower Hill on Friday, 22 Jan. 1551–2,
between 8 and 9 A.M.; to prevent a tumult, orders were
given that the people should remain indoors till ten o’clock, but an
hour before the execution Tower Hill was crowded. Somerset addressed the
people in a few dignified words, rejoicing in the work that he had been
able to do in the cause of religion and urging them to follow in the
same course. While he was yet speaking a panic seized the crowd, and in
the midst of it Sir Anthony Browne rode up. A cry of ‘pardon’ was
raised, but Somerset was not deceived, and, protesting his loyalty to
the king, he laid his head on the block, while those nearest the
scaffold pressed forward to dip their handkerchiefs in his blood (ELLIS,
Orig. Letters, 2nd ser. ii. 216). He was buried in St. Peter’s
Chapel in the Tower, on the north side of the aisle, between Anne Boleyn
and Catherine Howard. In the Stowe collection (No. 1066) in the British
Museum is a manuscript calendar used by Somerset in the Tower, inside
one cover of which he wrote some pious reflections the day before his
execution; on the other cover is the signature of his daughter-in-law,
Catherine Seymour [q. v.], who also used it while in the Tower. As he
was attainted for felony and not for treason, his lands and dignities
were not thereby affected, but an act of parliament was passed on 12
April following declaring them forfeited and confirming his attainder (Lords’
Journals, i. 425).
Somerset occupies an important place in English history. Strength
of conviction and purity of morals admirably fitted him to lead a
religious movement. He did more than any other man to give practical
effect to the protestant revolution, and his immediate successors could
only follow on the lines he laid down. Alike in his conception of a
union between England and Scotland, in his feeling for the poorer
classes of his community, and in his sincere adoption of protestant
principles, he gave evidence of lofty aims. As a general he was
successful in every military operation he undertook. But he was too
little of an opportunist to be a successful ruler, and he failed to
carry out his objects because he lacked patience, hated compromise, and
consistently underrated the strength of the forces opposed to him.
Ambition entered largely into his motives, and his successful usurpation
showed him to be capable of prompt and resolute audacity. He had as high
a conception of the royal prerogative as any Tudor, but he used it to
mitigate the severity of Henry VIII’s government. The mildness of his
rule earned him a deeply felt popularity, and under his sway there was
less persecution than there was again for a century. Naturally
warm-hearted and affable, the possession of power rendered him peevish
and overbearing; but, like his brother Thomas, he possessed handsome
features and many personal graces. A portrait, by Holbein, belongs to
the Duke of Northumberland; two anonymous portraits are at Sudeley
Castle; another belongs to Mrs. Cunliffe; and two more, also anonymous,
belonged in 1867 to William Digby Seymour [q. v.] and Mr. Reginald
Cholmondeley respectively (see Cat. First Loan Exhib. Nos. 168,
174). The portrait by Holbein has been engraved by Houbraken, R. White,
and others (see BROMLEY, p. 10).
The chief blot on Somerset’s career is his rapacity in profiting
by the dissolution of monasteries, the abolition of chantries, and sale
of church lands. The estates he inherited brought him 2,400l. a
year, those he acquired between 1540 and 1547 added 2,000l. to
his income, and between 1547 and 1552 it increased by another 3,000l.;
the total 7,400l. would be worth at least ten times as much in
modern currency (Wilts Archæol. Mag. xv. 189). The number and
extent of his manors can be gathered from a list of the ‘Grants of the
Forfeited Lands of Edward, Duke of Somerset,’ and ‘Cartæ Edwardi, Ducis
Somerset,’ both printed by Sir Thomas Phillipps, London, 1866, fol. His
most famous possession was Somerset House in the Strand, which he
commenced building very soon after Henry’s death; two inns belonging to
the sees of Worcester and Lichfield were pulled down to make room for
it, and, to furnish materials, the north aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral,
containing the ‘Dance of Death,’ and the priory of St. John of
Jerusalem, Clerkenwell, were demolished. Somerset took great interest in
its construction, and, as Knox lamented (Works, iii. 176),
preferred watching the masons to listening to sermons. Somerset House
was occupied by Henrietta Maria, who added to it her famous Roman
catholic chapel; by Catherine of Braganza, and by Queen Charlotte until
1775, when it was pulled down; the present building was finished in 1786
(WHEATLEY and CUNNINGHAM, London Past
and Present, iii. 268–73).
Somerset was twice married, first, about 1527, to Catherine (d.
before 1540), daughter and coheiress of Sir William Fillol of Woodlands
in Horton, Dorset, and Fillol’s Hall in Langton Wash, Essex. She {is
erroneously said to have been divorced} in consequence of her misconduct
with Somerset’s father (cf. manuscript note in ‘Vincent's Baronage’ in
the College of Arms, quoted by COURTHOPE, Peerage,
p. 249). By her Seymour had two sons: John, who was sent to the Tower on
16 Oct. 1551 with his father, died there on 19 Dec. 1552, and was buried
in Savoy hospital (MACHYN, Diary, pp. 10, 27,
326); and Edward (1529–1593), who was knighted at the battle of Pinkie
on 10 Sept. 1547, was restored in blood by act of parliament, passed on
29 March 1553, before his half-brothers (Lords’ Journals, i. 441,
442, 445), settled at Berry Pomeroy, Devonshire, and was ancestor of Sir
Edward Seymour [q. v.], the speaker, and of the present dukes of
Somerset. Somerset’s second wife was Anne (1497–1587), daughter of Sir
Edward Stanhope of Sudbury, Suffolk, by his wife Elizabeth,
great-granddaughter of William Bourchier, earl of Eu, by Anne, sole
heiress of Thomas of Woodstock, youngest son of Edward III. She was a
woman of great pride, and her disputes as to precedence with Catherine
Parr are said to have originally caused the estrangement between the two
Seymours and most of the duke’s misfortunes and errors (LODGE,
Portraits). Surrey, in spite of his antipathy to her husband,
paid her attention, which she scornfully rejected, and addressed to her
his ode ‘On a lady who refused to dance with him’ (BAPST,
pp. 370–1; Gent. Mag. 1845, i. 371–81). She was imprisoned with
her husband, subsequently married his steward Francis Newdigate, died on
16 April 1587, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Two anonymous
portraits of her belong respectively to the Duke of Northumberland and
Earl Stanhope. By her Somerset had four sons: (1) Edward, born on 12
Oct. 1537, died before May 1539; (2) Edward Seymour, earl of Hertford
[q. v.]; (3) Henry, born in 1540, who was appointed in 1588 admiral of
the squadron of the narrow seas, and kept close watch on the Duke of
Parma off the coast of the Netherlands; on 27 July he took an important
share in the battle off Gravelines, and subsequently kept guard in the
narrow seas; he married Joan, daughter of Thomas Percy, seventh earl of
Northumberland [q. v.], but died without issue (Papers relating to
the Defeat of the Spanish Armada, ed. Laughton, passim); (4)
Edward (1548–1574), so named probably because Edward VI stood godfather
(Lit. Rem. p. 61), died 1574 (COLLINS; cf. Cal.
State Papers, Dom. 1547–1581, p. 238). By his second wife,
Somerset also had six daughters: (1) Anne, who married first, on 3 June
1551, John Dudley, commonly called Earl of Warwick, eldest son of the
Duke of Northumberland, and, secondly, Sir Edward Unton, and died in
February 1587–8 (cf. A Sermon preached at Farington in Barkeshire
the Seventeene Daye of Februarie 1587 at the buriall of Anne, Countess
of Warwicke, widow of Sir Edward Vmpton, London, 1591, 8vo); (2)
Margaret, died unmarried; (3) Jane (1541–1561), whom Somerset was
accused of plotting to marry to Edward VI, became maid of honour to
Queen Elizabeth, died unmarried, and was buried on 26 March 1561 (MACHYN,
pp. 254, 384; ELLIS, Orig. Letters, 2nd ser. ii.
272). These three ladies won some literary repute by composing, on the
death of Margaret of Valois, some verses published as ‘Annæ, Margaritæ,
Janæ, Sororum Virginum, heroidum Anglarum in mortem Margaritæ Valesiæ
Navarrorum Reginæ Hecadistichon,’ Paris, 1550, 8vo; a French translation
appeared in the following year; (4) Mary, married first Andrew Rogers of
Bryanstone, Dorset, and secondly, Sir Henry Peyton; (5) Catherine, died
unmarried; (6) Elizabeth, who married Sir Richard Knightley of Fawsley,
Northamptonshire.
{By an act of parliament passed in 1540, Somerset’s estates were
entailed upon his issue by his second wife in preference to his issue by
his first, and similar clauses were introduced into the patents for his
subsequent dignities and grants of land.}* By act of parliament 5 Edw.
VI the duke’s dignities were declared forfeited, but his son was created
Earl of Hertford in 1559, and his great-grandson William [q. v.] was
‘restored’ to the dukedom of Somerset in 1660 by the repeal of the said
act. The younger line died out with Algernon, the seventh duke [see
under SEYMOUR, CHARLES, sixth DUKE
OF SOMERSET], in 1750, and the dukedom then
reverted, according to the original patent, to the Seymours of Berry
Pomeroy, Devonshire, the elder line, in which it still remains.
According to the curious document ‘Third Report of the Lords’ Committee
on the Dignity of a Peer’ (p. 49), the representative of the elder line
would have become Duke of Somerset on the failure of the younger,
without the ‘restoration’ of the second duke in 1660, on the ground that
the attainder could not touch the right vested in the elder line by the
patent (cf. NICOLAS, Peerage, ed. Courthope,
pref. p. lxvii).
[There is no biography of Somerset except a worthless brochure
published in 1713 comparing him with the Duke of Marlborough, but the
materials for his biography are extensive. Of manuscript sources, most
of Somerset’s public correspondence is in the Record Office, but a
portion on Scottish affairs is among the Addit. MSS. in the British
Museum, especially Nos. 5758, 6237, 25114, 32091, 32647, 32648, 32654,
32657 (these papers, originally deposited among the archives of the
council of the north, were subsequently moved to Hamilton Palace,
Scotland; in 1883 they were acquired by the German government, but
repurchased by the British Museum six years later; they have been
calendared as the Hamilton Papers, 2 vols. 1890–1892). Many papers,
relating principally to his genealogy and family history, are among the
Harleian and Cottonian MSS. in the same library. Much information
respecting his private affairs is to be found among the Lisle Papers in
the Record Office, and the manuscripts preserved at Longleat, their
presence there being due to the fact that Sir John Thynne, ancestor of
the marquises of Bath, managed Somerset’s estates during his
protectorate. Many of his letters have been printed at length in the
State Papers of Henry VIII (11 vols. 1830–52), and these, with others
down to 1540, have been calendared in Brewer and Gairdner's Letters and
Papers of Henry VIII (15 vols.); the manuscripts at Longleat were used
by Canon Jackson in his paper on the Seymours of Wolf Hall in Wiltshire
Archæol. Mag. vol. xv. Other scattered letters have been printed in
Ellis’s Original Letters. See also Sadleir’s State Papers, Haynes’s
Burghley Papers, and the Calendars of Domestic, Foreign, Venetian, and
Spanish State Papers (in the index to the last of which he is
consistently confused with his brother the admiral); Hist. MSS. Comm.
1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 7th Rep. passim. Other contemporary authorities
are the Lords’ Journals; Acts of the Privy Council (ed. Nicolas vol.
vii. and ed. Dasent vols. i.–iv.); Rymer’s Fœdera; Wriothesley’s Chron.,
Machyn’s Diary, Greyfriars Chron., Narratives of the Reformation,
Troubles connected with the Prayer Book, Chron. of Calais, Services of
Lord Grey de Wilton (all these published by Camden Soc.); Lit. Remains
of Edward VI (Roxburghe Club); Teulet’s Papiers d’Etat and John Knox’s
Works (Bannatyne Club); The Complaynt of Scotland (Early Engl. Text
Soc.); The Late Expedicion into Scotlande, 1544, 8vo; Patten’s
Expedicion into Scotlande, 1548, 4to; Letters of Cardinal Pole; Zürich
Letters (Parker Soc.); Mémoires of Du Bellay (Panthéon Littéraire);
Mémoires de Vieilleville, ed. 1822; Correspondance de Marillac, ed.
Kaulek; Corresp. Politique de Odet de Selve, ed. 1818; Spanish Chron. of
Henry VIII, ed. M.A.S. Hume, 1888; Wood’s Letters of Royal and
Illustrious Ladies; Somerset’s Works in Brit. Mus. Libr. See also
Hall’s, Grafton’s, Fabyan’s, Baker’s, and Holinshed’s Chronicles; Stow’s
and Camden’s Annals; Speed’s Historie; Hayward’s Life and Raigne of
Edward the Sext; Herbert’s Life and Reign of Henry VIII; Leland’s
Commentaries; Strype’s Works, passim; Wood’s Athenæ Oxon.; Lloyd’s State
Worthies; Foxe’s Actes and Mon. and Book of Martyrs; Burnet’s Hist. of
the Reformation, ed. Pocock; Fuller’s Church Hist. ed. Brewer, and
Worthies of England; Myles Davies’s Athenæ Brit. vol. ii.; Walpole’s
Royal and Noble Authors; Nott’s Works of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey;
Cobbett’s State Trials; Lodge’s Illustrations; Maitland’s Essays on the
Reformation; Tytler’s, Lingard’s, and Froude’s Histories; Spelman’s
Hist. of Sacrilege; Cooper’s Athenæ Cantabr.; Dixon’s Hist. of the
Church of England; Gasquet and Bishop’s Edward VI and the Common Prayer;
Friedmann’s Anne Boleyn; Bapst’s Deux Gentilshommes Poètes; Hoare’s
Modern Wiltshire; Collinson’s Somersetshire; Lipscomb’s Buckinghamshire;
Collins’s, Courthope’s, and G. E. C.’s Peerages; Gent. Mag. 1845, i.
371, 487; Archæologia, i. 10–12, v. 233, xviii. 170, xxx. 463–89;
Genealogist, new ser. vol. xii.; Church Quarterly Rev. Oct. 1892;
English Hist. Rev. Oct. 1886, and July 1895.]
* this wording was substituted for the original in the Dictionary of National Biography: Errata
(1904)
- Edward Seymour (1537 - 1539)
- Anne Seymour (1538 - 1588)
- Edward Seymour (1539 - 1621)
- Henry Seymour (1540 - ? )
- Margaret Seymour (1540 - ? )
- Jane Seymour (1541 - 1561)
- Catherine Seymour (1548 - 1625)
- Edward Seymour (1548 - 1574)
- Mary Seymour (1552 - ? )
- Elizabeth Seymour (1552 - 1602)
Francis Newdigate in 1558
Francis was born on 25 October 1519, the son of John Newdigate, of Moor
Hall, Harefield, Middlesex and Arbury, Warwickshire, and Anne Hilton.
Following his marriage to the Duchess of Somerset, Francis sat in Parliament
three times, representing Great Bedwyn in 1559, Chippenham in 1563 and
Middlesex in 1571 (The History of Parliament: the
House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for NEWDIGATE,
Francis (1519-82), of Hanworth, Mdx.) Francis died on 26 January
1581(2).
The Gentleman's Magazine vol 177 pp374
(Sylvanus Urban, 1845)
On
recovering her freedom, the Duchess of Somerset adopted the course which
was almost universal in former days with the most illustrious widows:
she chose a protector not so much of her person as her property, and, in
order to give him all the authority which the law could bestow, she made
him her husband. The gentleman so distinguished in the present instance
was Francis Newdegate, esquire. He had been Gentleman Usher to the Duke
of Somerset, and suffered imprisonment with him in the Tower at the time
of his disgrace. He was a younger son of John Newdegate, esquire, of
Harefield, in Middlesex.
... Mr. Newdegate died before the Duchess, in the year 1581. By
his will he left everything to her; “according as I have received all my
preferment by the Duchess’s, marriage so do I, in few words, will and
bequeath her all that I am able any way to give her.” He afterwards
specifies mansion in Canon Row, Westminster, bought of Lord Hunsdon, the
manor of Littleton in Middlesex, and that of Little Ashfield in Surrey.
Anne was titled the Duchess of Somerset when her husband was created 1st
Duke of Somerset in 1547. When her husband was sent to the Tower for the
second time on 16 October 1551, Anne was also arrested and imprisoned there
the following day, remaining there after her husband's execution and
throughout the reign of Edward VI, probably being released by Queen Mary in
July 1553.
The Gentleman's Magazine vol 177 pp371-81
(Sylvanus Urban, 1845)
ANNE DUCHESS OF
SOMERSET.
THE lady here named was the second wife of the Protector Edward
Seymour, Duke of Somerset. Mr. Lodge has remarked, in his memoirs
accompanying the “Illustrious Portraits,” that “The Protector was twice
married. By his first lady, Katharine, daughter and co-heir of Sir
William Fillol, of Woodlands, in Dorsetshire, whom he repudiated, he had
an only son, Edward. He married, secondly, Anne, daughter of Sir Edward
Stanhope of Rampton, in the county of Nottingham, to whose pride,
insolence, intriguing spirit, and controul over his conduct, some
writers have ascribed most of his misfortunes and errors.”
The character given to the Duchess of Somerset in this passage is
but the echo of what previous writers have said respecting her; but we
must confess that our researches have hitherto failed to discover the
evidence upon which it is founded, except in these two circumstances,
that her children were preferred in the Duke’s inheritance to those of
his former wife, and she had some dispute for precedency with the Queen
Dowager (Katharine Parr).
With the former matter, an arrangement which a superficial
inquirer attributes to her influence, she had probably nothing to do. It
was a sequence of the feelings under which Seymour had divorced his
former wife, for a reason too sad to dwell upon;* and the same
preference might have been given to the children of any lady that became
his second wife.
Born in 1497, and the mother of nine children, the marriage of
Anne Stanhope to Sir Edward Seymour must have taken place at a date some
years anterior to the time when Sir Edward’s sister Jane attracted the
amorous regard of King Henry the Eighth.
Sixteen days after the event which had so material an influence
on his fortunes, the marriage of the King with Jane Seymour, Sir Edward
was raised to the peerage by the title of Viscount Beauchamp, by patent
dated June 5, 1536. On the 18th Oct. 1537 he was advanced to the dignity
of Earl of Hertford, with remainder to the heirs male of his body thereafter
to be begotten. As yet he had no son by his present wife, for Edward,
afterwards Earl of Hertford, as he was eighty-three years of age when he
died in 1621, was not born until 1538; though, as already suggested,
some of the many daughters of the Duke, and perhaps the son Edward,
supposed to have died young, were probably already born. In 1540, by Act
of Parliament, 32 Hen. VIII., lands were settled upon the issue of his
wife Anne.
The descent of the Duchess of Somerset was not unworthy of her
exalted fortunes. It is thus set forth upon her monument in Westminster
Abbey:
“A Princesse descended of noble lignage beinge daughter of the
worthie knight Sir Edward Stanhope, by Elizabeth his wyfe, that was
daughter of Sir Foulke Burgchier Lord Fitzwarin, from whome our moderne
Erles of Bathe are spronge. Sonne was he unto William Lord Fitzwarin,
that was brother to Henry Erle of Essex and Jhon lord Berners; whome
William theire sire, sometyme Erle of Eu in Normandy, begat on Anne the
sole heire of Thomas of Woodstocke, Duke of Gloucester, younger sonne to
the mighty prince Kinge Edward the Third, and of his wyfe Aleanoure
coheire unto the tenth Humfrey de Bohun that was Erle of Hereford,
Essex, and Northampton, High Constable of England.”
It was shortly after the Earl of Hertford had assumed the office
of Governor of King Edward VI. and Protector of the realm, that he was
advanced to the of a Duke, and at no great interval of time his brother
the Lord Admiral married the Queen dowager. Then (if ever) it was that
the contention or rivalry took place between the wives of the King’s two
uncles, which has formed the ground of the very severe character given
to the Duchess of Somerset by Sir John Hayward, and by the numerous
historical writers that have followed in his train. It appears to have
been a question of precedency between the dowager of a deceased King and
the wife of an existing Regent. All, however, that is known about it is
that Sanders calls it “a very great contest:” and that Hayward,
following Sanders, amplified and enlarged on it in more than one of
those florid passages so frequent in his work. Sanders, indeed, had
attributed a powerful and continued influence to the Duchess, which, if
correctly stated, might have justified Sir John Hayward’s expressions:
“Then arose,” he says, “a very great contest between Queen Katharine
Parr and the Protector’s wife who should have the precedence; and the
contest rested not in the women, but passed to the men; and, when the
emulation continually increased, the Protector’s wife would not let her
husband alone, till at last it came to pass that the Protector, who
although he ruled the King yet was ruled by his wife, must cut off his
brother, that nothing might be an hindrance to her will.”
It is only necessary, however, to refer the reader to Mr. Lodge’s
memoir of Thomas Lord Seymour of Sudeley, to prove how inaccurate a
picture this gives of the progress of the discord between the two
brothers Seymour; and, if Sanders has been deservedly characterised by
Mr. Lodge as “a writer equally remarkable for vehemence of prejudice,
and carelessness of truth,” it is but fair to ascribe to the same
qualities those portions of the story which relate to the Duchess of
Somerset. Yet Mr. Lodge has continued to designate her as “a woman of
intolerable pride and malice,” at the same time that he condemns
Sanders, and allows that Hayward neither sought for a corroboration of
Sanders’s account, nor, if he had so done, would have succeeded. No one,
certainly, was ever more grossly slandered than was Anne Duchess of
Somerset by Hayward, supposing that he proceeded on no better authority
than the statements of Sanders: such, however, was apparently the case,
and the acrimonious ingredients with which he embittered the potion must
be ascribed to his ambition of fine writing, and a certain lurking
prejudice against any wife that was assumed to be “a controler and
director” of her husband. But the reader must judge of the passage for
himself.
“— the first cause proceeded from the pride, the haughty hate,
the unquiet vanity of a mannish, or rather of a develish, woman. For the
lord Sudley had taken to wife Katharine Parre, Queen dowager to King
Henry the Eighth, a woman adorned with many excellent virtues,
especially humility, the beauty of all others. The Duke had taken to
wife Anne Stanhope, a woman for many imperfections might intolerable,
but for pride monstrous. She was exceeding both subtile and violent in
accomplishing her ends, for which she spurned over all respects both of
conscience and shame. This woman did bear such invincible hate, first
against the Queen dowager, for light causes, and women’s quarrels,
especially for that she had precedency of place before her, being wife
to the greatest peer of the land; next to lord Sudley for her sake;
that, albeit the Queen dowager died by childbirth, yet would not her
malice either die or decrease, but continually she rubbed into the
Duke’s dull capacity, That the lord Sudley, dissenting from him in
opinion of religion, sought nothing more than to take away his life, as
well in regard of the common cause of religion, as thereby haply to
attain his place. Many other things she boldly feigned, being assured of
easie belief in her heedless hearer, always fearful and suspicious (as
of feeble spirit), but then more than ever by reason of some late
opposition against him. Her perswasions she cunningly intermixed with
teares, affirming that she would depart from him; as willinger to hear,
both of his disgraces and dangers, than either to see the one, or
participate of the other. The Duke, therefore, imbracing this woman’s
counsel,” &c.
Such is too often the “romance” of history.
On the Duke of Somerset’s second and fatal disgrace the Duchess
was sent to the Tower, on the day after her husband, the 16th Oct. 1551.
The Duke was beheaded on the 22d Jan. 1551-2. The Duchess remained in
the Tower during the remainder of the reign of Edward the Sixth, and was
probably released after the accession of Queen Mary in July 1553. The
following curious records of her imprisonment have been preserved:
“The Daily Dietts of the Duches of Somerset, being in the Towre.
(MS. Lansdowne 118, art. 32.)
By the Day.
} xjs
Dyner
} vs ixd
Mutton stewed with potage viijd
beef boilde
viijd
boilde mutton 1 legg
vd
veale rost
xd
Capon rost
ijs
iiijd
Connys ij
xd
Supper } iijs id
Mutton and potage
vjd
slysed beef
vijd
Mutton rost
viijd
Connys ij
xd
Larkes 1 doz. or other
vjd
Dyner and Supper }
} ijs ijd
Bred
xd
bere
viijd
Wyne
viijd
Sum of theis Dietts as appere
} iiijlbs xvijs
By the weke
lxxvijs
Wood, coalls and candells by the weke xxs
“Memorandum, that the leutenant dothe fynde the said Duches all
nappry, plate, pewter vessaille, spice, and rosting of her meat, butter
to baist the same, with divers other charges incedents, as venigre,
musterd, verjous, onyens, salletes, and other.
“Also the lady Page, being for the most part with the said
Duches, withe ij gentilwomen and one man attending on her, for whome is
none allowance to the leutenant,”
In an account rendered by Sir Arthur Darcy, Lieutenant of the
Tower, 5–6 Edw. VI, (MS. Harl. 28,) also occurs this passage:
“The Lady of Somerset for her Dietts from the last of October
unto the first of Maye, beinge xxvj wekes at cs the weeke,
cxxxli; and for ij gentilwomen attending on her the same tyme
at xxs the weke, xxvjli; for thre of the kynges
majesties servaunts attending on her xv wekes, ending the xiijth
of February, at xs a man the weke, xxijli xs;
for her cooke for the said xxvj wekes at vis vijd
the weke, viijli xiijs iiijd; for ij of
the leutenant’s men attending on her from the said xiijth of
February, after the discharge of the kings servaunts, to the forsaid
first of Maye, being vj wekes, at xvjs viijd the
weke, ixli iijs iiijd. And for fewell
and candell for the said xxvj wekes, at xxs the weke, xxvjli,
Total, ccxxijli xjs viijd.”
In the beginning of 1553, 100l. was assigned to the
Duchess out of the profits of the late Duke’s lands, by a letter of
order to the Chancellor of the Augmentations, to be paid to the
Lieutenant of the Tower for her use: and, it being the time of Easter,
leave was given to Bishop Hooper, formerly the Duke’s chaplain, to visit
her.
On recovering her freedom, the Duchess of Somerset adopted the
course which was almost universal in former days with the most
illustrious widows: she chose a protector not so much of her person as
her property, and, in order to give him all the authority which the law
could bestow, she made him her husband. The gentleman so distinguished
in the present instance was Francis Newdegate, esquire. He had been
Gentleman Usher to the Duke of Somerset, and suffered imprisonment with
him in the Tower at the time of his disgrace. He was a younger son of
John Newdegate, esquire, of Harefield, in Middlesex.
A letter of Mr. Newdegate to Lord Burghley, in which the Duchess
inserts a part, is indicative of amiable feelings.
[MS. Lansdowne, No. 13, art. 30.]
“To the right honrable my L. Burley, principall Secretary to
the Q. Maty, and one of her hygh[n]es’ prvy
cownsell at Courte.
“Pleaseth your Lordship (accordyng to th’effect of your letter,
dated 3o Sep. and delyvered 11o) I have moved my
La. grace for her interest in Combe Nevell, who hath not only
referryd the matter over unto me, but also wisht me any way therin to
pleasure your Lordship. Wherfor this only respect I have, that my Ladys
grace’ yerly rent be not dimynished by me whiles I live, and therafter
may it please you to commande any such conveyance to be made as wherby
my Ladys grace may be assured of her rent without sute, and yt shalbe
most willingly assented unto at both our hands. And so with my La. grace
wishing you and yours all good, and the offre of my redy duety in all
servise, I humbly take my leave.
“From Hanworth, 13o Sep. 1571.
Then follows, in the Duchess’s own hand,—
“Good my lord, because you shall knowe the uttermost payne for
your ferme, the fyne shalbe that you and my Lady contynew to let me have
some of your renysh wyne when you chaunse upon good. And so,
notwithstanding master Newdegates takyng leve for me in his leter, with
myne owne hande I wret thys my herty well-wyshyng to you and all yowrs,
and therwith comyt you to God.
“Your lovyng frynd in what I may,
“ANNE SOMERSET.
“Your Lordship’s most redy to command,
“F NEWDEGATE.”
And another letter of the Duchess, in which she undertakes the
defence of Mr. Newdegate from an attack of the Lord Chamberlain
(Hunsdon) is no unfavourable specimen either of her or her affection:
[MS. Lansdowne, No. 18 art. 89.]
”To the Ryght Honorable my Lorde Tresorer of England.
”My good Lorde, stylle as I am perplexed I cannot but unfold my
cares unto you. By redyng my L. Chamberlaynes leter and my answer you
may knowe my grefe. The lyke was never offered to any, nor the lyke
threats of contempt, withowt offendyng any law, have ben gyven owt as to
Mr. Newdegat. Yf your Lordship canne do any good to stay thys defacement
to the world, I wolld be glad of yt; yf not, I pray you thynke yt hath
eased my stomacke to make you partener of my troubles. My fre offryng
and yeldyng deserveth not such extremytes. And so wyshyng God to mend
all malycyous procurers therof, I pray for the Queen’s Majesty, and wysh
you good helth and long life.
“From Hanworth, the xx of Apryll [1574].
“Yor L. most assured frynd,
“ANNE SOMERSET.”
Hanworth in Middlesex, from whence letters were written, had been
a royal residence; and it was within its walls that the youthful
Princess Elizabeth (afterwards Queen) had been subjected to those
importunities of the Lord Seymour of Sudeley to which ambition rather
than any softer passion had prompted him. It was granted to Anne Duchess
of Somerset for life in the year 1558.
Mr. Newdegate died before the Duchess, in the year 1581. By his
will he left everything to her; “according as I have received all my
preferment by the Duchess’s, marriage so do I, in few words, will and
bequeath her all that I am able any way to give her.” He afterwards
specifies mansion in Canon Row, Westminster, bought of Lord Hunsdon, the
manor of Littleton in Middlesex, and that of Little Ashfield in Surrey.
After this, the Duchess of Somerset lived on, to a very advanced
age, accumulating great stores of wealth, that it became a matter of
interest, not only to her children and immediate connections, but even
to the Queen herself how it should be bestowed. The Duchess had been
dissatisfied with the conduct of her younger son, Lord Henry Seymour,
and was inclined to favour the elder, Lord Hertford. He had suffered
much from the displeasure of the Crown, in consequence of his alliance
with the sister of Lady Jane Grey, whilst Lord Henry had acquired the
favour of the Queen as one of her courtiers and servants. With these few
preliminary observations, the following very curious documents will tell
their own story.
A Copy of the Duchess of Somerset’s Will, July 14, 1586.
[Burghley Papers, MS. Lansd. 50, art. 90.]
In the name of God. Amen. The xiiij day of Julie, in the yeare of
our Lord God 1586. I ANNE by the goodness of God DUCHESSE
OF SOMERSET, considering the many yeres
wherwith God hath blessed me, and the sicknes wherwith I am visited, doe
in perfect mynde and remembrance make this my last will and testament in
manner and forme following. First, I thank God in Christ Jesus that he
hath long agoe called me to the knowledge and love of the Gospell, and
ever since kept me therein to an assured hope of life everlasting,
thorough faith in the righteousnes of Jesus Christ alone. In which faith
I recomend my bodie to the dust whence it was taken, and my soule into
the most mercifull handes of him that redemed it, to be kept of him till
it shalbe reunited to the bodie in that glorious daye of the
resurrection of all flesh. Secondly, I geve thanks to God allso for the
temporall blessings of my landes, goodes, and chatells, which I dispose
to my childeren, servaunts, the poore, and others, as followeth.
First, I geve to my sonne the Earle of Hertford, and his heyres
for ever, all my mansion howse situate in Chanon rowe, within
Westminster, in the Countie of Middlesex, with the howsholde and
furniture therof. Item, I geve him a glasse of cristall dressed with
gould, a basen and ewer all gilt plaine, a payr of gilt pottes, a payer
of flagons newe bought, iij gilt trenchers, a spone of gould not
foulded, iiij other spones gilt antique fashion. Item, I geve him ij of
the fayrest gilt bowles with covers, a salt of cristall, and my beast
cheane of greate pearle with long beades of goulde betwene, a fayer juel
of diamondes, and a greate pearle worth by estimation about xxxl.
Item, I geve to his wife my daughter of Hertford a fayer tablet
to weare with antique work of one syde and a row of diamondes on the
other syde. Item, I geve her a clock of gould work worth about xxxl.
Item, I geve to my sonne the Lord Henry Seymour xiij hundred
powndes of lawfull English monie, over and above the vij hundred I have
allreadie geven him towards the payment of his debts. Item, I geve him a
fayer jewel of an egret with divers stones. Item, I geve him ij bowles
silver and gilt, with ewers, and a basen and ewer of sylver.
Item, I geve to my daughter the Ladie Marie Rogers all my lease
and tearme of yeres in the manner and ferme of Ashford, in the countie
of Middlesex, which I have fermed of (blank). Item, I geve her a
harkenet of pearle, in number about c.c.c. two ropes of perle, in number
about ij thousand, a lace with small pearle, a jewel of jacinth rownd
with small pearle, a cople of bowles with covers, a spice box of sylver
with the furniture of it, a ladle sylver and gilt, and my saddel
embroydered with black velvet.
Item, I geve to my daughter the Ladie Elizabeth Knightley a
greate cheane of pearle with true-loves, a jewel of a balist, ij great
standing cuppes sylver and gilte, a jugge of stone fayer dressed with
sylver and gilt, and a skellet of sylver.
Item I geve to my sonne Beuchamp* ij hundred powndes of lawfull
English monie and a cheane of pearle and gould with friers’ knottes, the
gould by estimation worth about LXXXl.
Item, I geve to my sonne Thomas Seymour† a hundred powndes of
lawful English monie and a cheane worth about LXl,
Item, I geve to my sonne Beuchampes wife a booke of gould kept in
a grene purse and a payer of bracelets without stones.
Item, I geve to my daughter Maries husband a cheane of gould
black.
Item, I geve to my daughter Elizabethes husband one of my ringes
that hath the best diamonds.
Item, I geve to my goddaughter Anne Knightley five hundred
powndes of lawful English monie and a rope of small pearle, in number
about a thousand.
Item, I geve to my Lord Treasurer a jugge of cristall with a
cover dressed with sylver and gilt, and a ring with an emerald.
Item, I geve to my nephew John Stanhope the fortie powndes he
oweth me.
Item, I geve to my nephew Michael Stanhope a piller of gould with
viii diamondes.
Item, all the reast of my plate not geven before I geve to my
fower childeren equally to be devided betwene them.
Item, I geve a cofer of sheetes and pillowberes and a case
standard with fine white naperie to my two daughters, equally to be
devided. Item, I geve to the same my ij daughters my apparell, equally
allso to be devided.
Item, I geve to my servant Wm. Dickinson tenne powndes of lawfull
English money, to be paide him for an annuitie or pension by myne
executor during his life. Item, I geve to Richard Saunders, my servant,
five powndes of lyke lawfull English monie, to be paide him by myne
executor for a yearly pension during his life. Item, I geve to Richard
Lanckeshire, John Trodde, and mother Gardener, to every one of them a
yerely pension of 40s. to be payde them by myne executor
during there lives. Item, I geve to all the rest of my gentilmen,
yeomen, and gromes, and others in ordinarie, a yeres wages.
Item, I geve to Margaret Ashhurst all my wearing linnen, which is
in her keeping, and a new black satten gowne. Item, I geve to Anne Jones
40s. Item, I geve to Mrs. Ansley a gowne of wrought velvet
furred thorough with cunnie. Item, I geve to Jane Seymour 1001
of lawfull English mony.
Item, I geve to godly and poor students in the ij Universites xxl,
xl to the one and xl to the other.
Item, I geve to the poor prisoners in London xx markes, willing
that these ij legacies be distributed by ij godly preachers.
The rest of all my landes, tenements, rentes, plate, jewells,
with other goodes, leases, chattles, horses, mares, geldinges, oxen,
shepe, and all other stock and store, together with all mony, debts, now
or hereafter dew, by bonde, covenant, or otherwise, my debts and
legacies being payd, I geve to my sonne the Earle of Hertford, whom I
make and appoint my sole executor, to see my debts payd and my legacies
faithfully performed, and my funeralls discharged according to this my
last will and testament. In witness whereof, to this my last will and
testament, I have subscribed my name with myne own hande, and putte my
seale this daye and yere abovesayd.
Signed, ANNE
SOMERSET.
Postscriptum. Memorandum, that there is no materiall enterlyning,
but the gown geven to Mrs. Ashhurst, these wordes, “lawfull English
monie,” and abowt the recitall of the goodes, tenements, leases, &c.
Witnesses. THO. PENNEY.
THO. MUFFET. W. CHARKE.
Endorsed. This was acknowledged and avowed by her Grace
the Duchess of Somerset to be her last will and testament, we witnesses
whose names are under written.
Tho. Penney. Tho. Muffet. W. Charke.
The will is followed in the MS. by
An Inventorie of the jewells, plate, money, and other goodes of
the late Duchesse of Somerset, taken at Hanworthe the xxjth of Aprell
1587, by John Wolley, one of her Majesties pryvie councill, and John
Fortescue, master of her saide Majesities greate wardrobe, by order from
her Majestie, in presence of the right honble Earle of
Harforde, Henry Lorde Seymour, Ser Recharde Knightley knight, Andrew
Rogers esquier, Willm. Dyckenson, and Richarde Sawnders.
In a copher of crimson vellette.
Imprimis, a chaine of pearle, and golde, black inamiled with
knottes.
Item, a carkenette of golde and pearle with knottes, with a
pendant saphire, with a fayer pearle annexed.
Item, a carkenette of pearle and padlockes of golde.
Item, a chayne of fayer pearle, furnished with pipes of golde,
inamyled with blacke.
Item, a playne chayne of golde with small linkes.
Item, a pomaunder chayne, with small beades of pomaunder and
trew-loves of pearle, and many small pearles, to furnishe the same, with
a pendant of mother of pearle, and a little acorde appendant.
Item, a salte of golde fashioned like a bell.
Item, a fawcon of mother of pearle, furnished with diamondes and
rubyes, standing upon a ragged staffe of fayer diamondes and rubyes.
Item, a greate jacincte, garnished with flowers of golde and
pearle, with a lesse jacincte on the backe side, with a fayer pearle
appendante.
Item, a tablette of golde of a storie furnished with diamondes
and rubies, with a pearle appendante.
Item, a tablette of golde made like an artichoke, blacke and blew
ennamyled.
Item, an aggatte sette in golde, garnished with small pearle,
with a pearle appendante.
Item, a booke of golde with artichokes, of daye worke, upon
blacke vellett.
Item, a payer of flaggen braceletts of golde playne, in each
bracelette a jacincte.
Jewells.
Item, a payer of braceletts of golde, wrought like scallope
shelles with hollowe worke.
Item, a dowble rope of pearle of one ell longe.
Item, a fayer pendant of mother of pearle, flourished with gold,
like an S.
Item, twentie-eight small rubies unsett.
Item, three pearles, whearof two pendants.
Item, a dowble rope of pearle of one yarde iij quarters longe.
Item, a chayne of pearle of a bigger sorte, of fower dowble.
Item, a lyllie potte of golde with a sea water stone in the
myddle, with two pearles pendant.
Item, two fayer emerauldes set in collettes of ledde.
Item, a little tablette of golde, enamelled with golde, with a
pearle appendante.
Item, a piller of golde garnished with eight dyamondes.
Item, ninetene amythystes, wheareof one greate one.
Item, a fayer jewell of golde sette with diamondes on both sides,
bordered with small pearles.
Item, a greate tablette of golde enamyled blacke and white,
garnished on the one side with an aggatte and sixe rubies, and on the
other side with twelve diamonds.
Item, a tablett of golde curiouslie wrought, sette with sixe
fayer diamonds, and three fayer pearles, wheareof one pendante.
Item, a tablette of golde garnished rownde with small pearles,
with a greate ballaste in the middeste, and a pearle pendante.
Item, a fayer square tablette of golde like an H, with fower
diamondes, and a rocke rubie or ballast in the middeste, garnished with
pearles, and a pearle pendante.
Item, a spectakle* case of golde.
Item, a chayne of golde, innamyled blacke.
Item, a booke of golde innamyled blacke.
Item, a spone of golde inamyled blacke.
Item, a bodkynne of golde, with clawes in the ende, inamyled
blacke.
Item, two peeces of unicorn’s horne in a redde taffeta purse.
Item, a foldinge spone of golde.
Item, a little signette of golde, with her Graces owne crestte.†
In the same copher of crimson vellette.
1. Item, a blewe knytte silke purse, with an hundred pounds in
angells and crowns.
Then follows the description of twenty-one other purses, each
containing one hundred pounds or rather more.
In a blacke vellett jewell copher—Jewells.
Item, a confecte boxe of golde like a scallope shell.
Item, a payer [of] bracelettes of fayer pearle with bugle, the
pearles in number fower score and eight.
Item, a payer of bracelettes of currall cutte like acorns, laced
with small pearles.
Item, in a little blacke boxe sixe ringes sette with diamondes,
some les and some bigger.
Item, in an other little blacke boxe two ringes of golde, one
with a fayer emeralde, and the other with a rubye.
Item, in an other boxe two ringes, the one a topis, the other a
small rubye.
Item, in an other little boxe one little ringe with a diamond.
Item, in a little white boxe divers sortes of course pearles.
Then follows an enumeration of thirty more bags and purses of
gold, each containing one hundred pounds, half of which were “In a
square green copher of vallence;” and half “In a compasse green
copher of vallence.” Her treasures in gold amounted therefore to
50001.
A brefe note of the Depositions of the Witnesses concerninge the
Testament of the late Duches of Somerset.
[MS. Lansdowne 50, art. 91.]
The said Duches upon the xiiij of July, 1586, upon good advice
and deliberacon, caused her testament to be written by Mr. Charke,
preacher, and therein bequeathed divers particular legacies to her
children, servants, and frends, and the residue of her goods (her debts,
legacies, and charges deducted) her Grace gave to her sonne the Earl of
Hertford, and him made her onely executor; which will she did subscribe
and seale up before Mr. Charke, and caused her twoo phisitions, viz.
Doctor Penney, and Doctor Muffitt, to be called in unto her; and before
them and the said Mr. Charke did acknowledge the same to be her last
will and testament, and desired them to bare wittness thereof, and to
subscribe their names to the same, which they did accordinglye. (Thomas
Penny, fol. lmo. Tho. Muffitt, fol. 18mo. ex parte d’ni Henr. ad primum
interr. Willmus. Charke, fol. 12, ad 5tum artic. ex parte Comitis.)
The said will, after the death of the said Duches, was found in
her closett shutt up in her chefe jewell chest, laid up among her chefe
jewells. (Willmus. Dickinson, fol. 9mo. ex parte Comitis. Richus.
Saunders, fol. 11, ad 8 ar.)
Upon the vijth of Aprill, 1587, Sir Thomas Gorge, knight, came to
her Grace to Hanworth, from the Quenes Majestie, about xi of the clocke
before dynner, and delivered his message unto her, and used such reasons
and perswasions unto her Grace as is contayned in a schedull here unto
annexed.” Sir [Thomas Gorges.]
After dynner her Grace sent for Sir Thomas Gorge, and made
answare unto his message as followeth: ‘My good cozen, I have thought
upon your last motion, touching puttinge Harrye in truste, and am fullye
resolved thereen to follow her Majesties deuise (undertakinge so
gratiouslye for his faithfulnes), and my last will is her Majesties
will; and so I praye you saye, cosen, from me,’ &c. Upon which
speches her Grace sent a ring to her Majestie and desired them to bare
wittnes, and that it should be kept secret from both her sonnes. (Sir
Thomas Gorge. Dr. Muffitt, as in the schedule annexed. The Lady Marye
Rogers, “I have thought upon your last motion before dynner, and am
determined to yeald to putt Harrye in trust, for my will is the Quenes
will.” Fol. 5to. ex parte d’ni Henrici, ad 3 artic.)
Upon the next daye, beinge the viijth of Febru. in the morninge,
the Earle of Hertford came to her bedside, and said to her Grace as
followeth: ‘I understand that Sir Thomas Gorge hath bin with your Grace
from the Queen’s Majestie, and I cannot learne what the matter is, and I
praye God that both her Majestie, your Grace, and myself, are not abused
by him; but if it be to take away any trust reposed upon me, and to laye
it upon my brother Harrye, I beseche you Grace to lett me understand it,
and I shalbe very well contented withall.’ Whereunto she answeringe
said, ‘No, no, sonne, their is no such matter.’ (Thomazina Harrington,
ex parte Comitis, fol. 6, ad 10 artic. Margareta Ashehurst, fol. 7, ad
10 ar. Jana Seymer, fol. 10, ad 4 interr. ex parte d’ni Henric. D. Maria
Rogers, fol. 8, ad 5 interr. deposeth of the question, but doth not
remember the answare.)
Upon Good Fridaye followinge, being the xiiijth of April, Doctor
Muffitt, seinge her Grace to be verye weake, and more like to dye then
to live, did not onelye advetise her Grace of her weaknes, but also
earnestlye moved her to sett all things in order; and whereas he was
made a witness of her Grace’s message sent to the Quenes Majestie by Sir
Thomas Gorge, he requested her that she woulde suffer him to explaine
the same to them that were present, to the ende that all controversie
betwene her children might be cutt awaye after her decease, to the which
she answaringe said, ‘No, no, what nedes it?’ Whereupon the said Dr.
Muffitt answaringe said, ‘Is it then your Grace’s pleasure to doo for my
Lord Harrye accordinge to your Grace’s message sent unto her Majestie by
Sir Thomas Gorge?’ To the which her Grace answared, ‘Yea, yea.’ (Thomas
Muffitt, fol. 17, ad 10 artic. ex parte d’ni Henric. D. Maria Rogers,
fol. 7, ad 10 artic. ex parte d’ni Henric. Jane Seymer, fol. 9, ad 10
artic. Elizabeth Peckham, fol. 12, ad eund. articul. Tho. Penny, fol. 2,
ex parte Comitis.) “Your G. will is accordinge to her Majesties message
sent unto you by Sir Tho. Gorge, and her G. answaringe said, ‘Yea,
yea,’”)
The next document has two indorsements.
(1) The breaviat, with the note of the deposition of Sir Tho.
Gorge and D. Muffitt annexed.
(2) The message done by Sir Thomas Gorge, and his owne
perswations to the Duchesse.
Upon Fridaye, beinge the seaventh of Aprill, 1587, abowte eleven
of the cloke in the forenoone, Sir Thomas Gorges, knight, entered into
her Graces chamber whilst I and the howsehold weare at prayers in the
chapple; from thence I was called into her Graces chamber, and requested
by her Grace and Sir Thomas Gorges to beare record of a messuadge which
he had brought from her Majestie to my ladies Grace, which was this:
That her Majestie, understandinge by Doctor Baylie of her Graces
weaknes, thought it good to advertise her of one thinge, the performance
whereof should be right acceptable to her Majestie, and also moste
honorable for her Grace, namelie, she would especiallie be good to my
Lord Henrye; and that, as his eldest brother was made the father’s sonne
by descente of so noble and great a birthright, so likewise my Lord
Henrye might be made a sonne by the mother’s side beinge especiallie
enriched by her goodnes. This request he also said in her Majesties name
to be moste wise and reasonable.
“First, because he was poore and had moste need of healpe;
contrariwise, my lord of Hertford was riche, and neded not the like
healpe.
“Secondlie, that whatsoever her Grace hearetofore obteyned for
the betteringe and mainteyninge of her estate, hit was uppon her erneste
complainte that otherwise she knewe not howe to provide for her younger
children; for, albeit the elder was well provided for, yeat without
further maintenance the youngest (beinge all a Duke’s children) should
have nothinge to further themselves withall in the world; whearfore, yf
your Grace (said Mr. Gorges) shall leave that to your eldest sonne which
was given for the relieff of yourselfe and your younger poore children,
hit may be thought that the prince was deluded by you, and turne to your
great dishonor.
“Thirdlie, that it weare a thinge agreable to her Grace’s
singular wisdome, to make as many heads of her howse as possible she
might; contrariwise to advance only one sonne (and hym moste honorablye
provided for) and to prese downe the other, was a thinge nether
politique in itselfe, nether of comone example amongste the wiseste.
“Lastelie, he added that her Majestie hade also especiall cawse
to tender my Lord Henrye so muche the more, becawse he hade benne these
many yeres her faithfull servant, and moste prudentlie and sincerelie
discharged many matters of truste; and also that She had purposed againe
to have imployed him by sea or by lande, wear it not that she comaunded
him to tender his mother’s healthe, and hade rather looke out other to
supploye his place, then her Grace should want the benifite of his
attendance, whearfore she expecteth (saied Mr. Gorges) that your Grace
should espetiallie do for hym; and yf you laye any charge of truste
uppon him (be it executorship or what soever), her Majestie will (I dare
say) promise for his faithfulnes, and undertake he shall trewlie
discharge it, otherwise she would prove his moste heavie mistris, and
denaye him her service and favour.”
Her Grace’s Answeare.
“I moste humblie thanke her Majestie that she vouchsafeth not
only to tender my health, but also myne honour, and trewlie Harrie shall
fare never a whitt the worse for her good oppinion of him, but much the
better. As for makinge him mine executor I cane not do it, for I have
alredie made another.”
“Whye, madame (saied Mr. Gorges), so longe as you leve you may
make ether the Lord Henrye your executore, or whom you will; and yf you
mislike the demeanour of my Lord Henrie, you may prefere my lord of
Hertford againe; yet, madame, I will urge you to nothinge; I only shew
what her Majestie wisheth and counseleth, as your deare freind and
soveraigne, namlie, that your espetiall favour in all thinges should be
bestowed uppon him, and that yf you truste him with any thinge I deare
saye her Majestie will undertake for his uprighte dealinges.”
Her Grace’s Answeare.
“I praye you, cozine Gorges, goo to dinner, and in the meane
season I will advise of this pointe.” So we departed.
After dinner her Grace called for us againe, and of her selfe,
without any farther speache or motion used by any, uttered these words:
“My good cozine, I have thought uppon your laste motion,
touchinge puttinge Harrie in truste, and am fullie resolved therein to
followe her Majesties devise (undertakinge so gratiouslie for his
faithfulnes); and my laste will is her Majesties will, and so I pray you
saye, cozine, from me; and I praye you returne my moste hartie and
humble thankes unto her Majestie for thinkinge so well of my sonne, and
so carefullie tenderinge his estate, as also for her love shewed alwaies
to my nephewes John and Michael, desiringe her to continewe the same.”
Mr. Gorges.
“Will it please your G. to comaund me any farther service, or to
send some ringe or token in witnes that you will it thus towards my Lord
Henrie.”
Her Grace.
“Yes;” and kissinge a ringe delivered it unto him, and willed me
and my Lady Marie† to beare record thereof, prayinge moste godlie and
hartilie (even with teares) for the preservation of her Majesties liffe
many yeres.
Mr. Gorges.
“Her Majestie wilbe very glade of your Graces answeare touchinge
my Lord Henrie; neverthelesse, she would not that all love should be so
conveyed to him, but that you should also carrie a natural and lovinge
affection towards my Lord of Hartford, your righte honorable sonne, and
sometimes my old master, desiringe you to love him stille, and to make
muche of hime, who (as he himselfe hath often protested) wilbe glade of
his brothers prosperitie, and often hath he wished that my Lord Henrie
might be pute in truste with your goodes, and not hymselfe; whearfore,
beinge a thinge that he himselfe hath desired, and this beinge donne not
for any evell opinions conceaved of him, but for betteringe of his
brothers estate, I doubt not but he wilbe contented.”
Her Grace.
“Yet I beseeche you all to let nether him nor Harrye knowe of it
as yet;” which havinge promised, we departed.
It is remarkable that much of the Duchess of Somerset’s plate may
be traced as late as 1618 in the will of Sir Valentine Knightley (124
Meade) whose father had married for his second wife one of the Duchess’s
daughters.
The Duchess died on Easter Day, April 16, 1587, at ninety years
of age: when, according to her epitaph, “with firme faith in Christ, in
most mylde manner rendred she her life.” Her body was interred in
Westminster abbey, where her monument still remains. It is one of those
gigantic erections which contribute to block up the various chapels, and
occupies, to the height of twenty-four feet, the very spot where
anciently stood the altar in the chapel of St. Nicholas. An effigy of
the Duchess, in her robes as a peeress, is placed on a sarcophagus in
its front. Engravings of this will be found in Dart’s Westminster Abbey,
plate 23, and in Akermann’s Westminster Abbey, plate 31: where also, and
in Neale and Brayley’s History, the epitaph, both in Latin and English,
will be found.
A portrait at Strawberry Hill, said to be painted by Sir Anthonio
More, was attributed to Anne Duchess of Somerset; and an engraving of
it, by T. Nugent, was published in Harding’s Biographical Mirrour, 1792.
It represents a young woman, in the costume of Queen Mary’s reign,
holding in her right hand her gloves and in her left a miniature. It is
not, therefore, the Duchess, who was then more than fifty years
of age, but possibly represented another “Anne Stanhope.”
Eight letters of the Duchess of Somerset to Lord Burghley occur
among his papers, and may be found as follows:
1565, Jan. 9. Soliciting the release of her son, the Earl of
Hertford, and his bride. MS. Lansd. 8, art. 43. Printed by Strype,
Annals, II, 445.
1566, Apr. 18. On the same subject. MS. Lansd. 9, art. 32.
1571, Sept. 13. Now printed.
1574, April 20. Also now printed.
1576, Dec. 12. Recommending Mr. Druse for preferment. MS. Lansd.
22, art. 87.
1581, May 7. Recommending Edward Stanhope, her nephew, to be a
Master of Requests. MS. Lansd. 33, art. 3.
1582, July 17. On the conveyance of the manor of Asted to her son
Henry. MS. Lansd. 36, art. 5.
—July 22. This letter mentions “some unnaturall and unjust
dealing used by Henry towardes me.” Ibid. art. 6.
There is another document in the British Museum, which though it
has been erroneously connected with the Duchess of Somerset, yet
requires notice here from having been made the occasion for Strype’s
adoption of those very severe views of her character which he had found
in the pages of Hayward. This occurs in his Life of Sir Thomas Smith, as
follows:
“Yet he had his share of trouble and sorrow; as, the anger of his
haughty mistress, the Duchess of Somerset, and many unjust imputations
that were raised against him, whereto she gave too much credit; which
was the cause of a large letter, which he addressed unto her; wherein he
vindicated himself against many slanders which were told the Duchess;
whereof she had twitted him in the teeth.” * * “Indeed, she
was an imperious and ill-natured woman, and had taken some occasion to
fall out with him; and in her passion, it seems, had cast out these
reports before him.”
Now this document, which Strype ought to have printed at length
in a Life of Sir Thomas Smith, particularly if he had really apprehended
the person to whom it was addressed,) but to which he does not even give
a reference, is still existing in the MS. Harl. 6989, art. 84, and is
described in the printed Catalogue with the same error as that committed
by Strype—
“Sr. Thomas Smith to the Dutchess of Somerset, in vindication of
himself against certain Reflections about his acquisition of Wealth.”
But the document was evidently addressed to the Duke of Somerset, not
the Duchess. The blunder arose from the indorse, in which the word Duke
was first written “Duch,” and then by a second hand, (Strype’s own, it
is believed,) altered from misapprehension to “Duches.”
There is, then, no evidence to show that the Duchess interfered
with the affairs of Sir Thomas Smith, and Strype’s abuse of her on this
occasion is consequently gratuitous.
In his Life of Cheke, Strype again speaks of her as “a very
imperious woman,” and “this lofty lady,” founding those epithets on a
letter written by Cheke to the Duchess in Jan. 1549, to excuse some
offence which his wife had given to her Grace. The original of this
letter is in the Burghley Papers, MS. Lansd. 2, art. 34.
The children of the Duchess of Somerset are thus enumerated in
her epitaph.
“Edward Earl of Hertford.”
“Henry.” He married Lady Jane Percy, daughter of the Earl of
Northumberland.
“Another Edward,” probably one who died in infancy before the
birth of the Earl of Hertford, as he is not otherwise mentioned.
“Anne Countess of Warwick:” whose memorable marriage took place
when the feud between her father and the Duke of Northumberland was
temporarily patched up. She was subsequently the wife of Sir Edward
Unton, K.B. and at length died insane.
“Margaret,” who during the period of her father’s elevation was
destined for the heir of the earldom of Derby, but subsequently died
unmarried.
“Jane.” This daughter her father is said to have endeavoured to
contract to her cousin, King Edward. She died “in her virginitie” at the
age of nineteen, the 19th March, 1550, and was buried in Westminster
Abbey, where a monument was erected to her memory by her brother
Viscount Beauchamp. See it engraved, with its epitaph, in Dart, pl. 12.
“Mary;” married first to Andrew Rogers, esquire, and secondly to
Sir Henry Peyton.
“Katherine.” She died unmarried.
“Elizabeth,” who became the second wife of Sir Richard Knightley.
J. G. N.
* To the
name of Catharine Fillol in Vincent’s Baronage at the Herald’s College
is this note: “repudiata, quia pater ejus post nuptias eam
cognovit.”
* Her
grandson, and probably also “son” by baptism.
† His brother.
* The
old lady had recourse to the optician. This word was misprinted
“sopertakle” by Strype. GENT. MAG. VOL.
XXIII.
† An impression of this appears to some of her letters, viz. the
crest still used by the Stanhope family, a castle, therefrom issuant a
demi-lyon, crowned, and holding in his paws a fireball.
† Lady Mary Rogers
The History of Parliament: the House of Commons
1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for NEWDIGATE,
Francis (1519-82), of Hanworth, Mdx.)
Shortly before
the marriage, and perhaps in preparation for it, the Duchess obtained
from the Crown a grant of the manor of Hanworth, Middlesex, and it was
as ‘of Hanworth’ that a few months later Newdigate sued out his general
pardon. The manor, a royal property, had formerly been held and occupied
by Catherine Parr, and it was in the manor house that the Princess
Elizabeth had passed some of her early years. Of that house, which was
to remain the couple’s principal residence for the remainder of their
lives, parts of the walls and two large fireplaces alone survived a fire
in 1797; but it must have been an imposing one and have reflected
Newdigate’s dignity as a leading gentleman of the shire.
More information on Anne's life can be found in the 2013 thesis "A woman for many imperfections intolerable": Anne
Stanhope, the Seymour family, and the Tudor court by Caroline
Armbruster of Louisiana State University.
16 April 1587, at Hanworth Palace,
Middlesex, England
|
Tomb of Anne (Stanhope, Seymour) Newdigate
in Westminster Abbey. The ermine lining of her peerage robe is
exposed as a play on her paternal arms of Stanhope: Quarterly
ermine and gules, shown on escutcheons behind impaled by
Seymour and impaling Bourchier. On the base are shown 4 Bourchier
knots
|
|
Effigy of Anne (Stanhope, Seymour)
Newdigate on her tomb in Westminster Abbey
|
St Nicholas chapel in Westminster
Abbey
Her tomb is described in An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in London,
Volume 1, Westminster Abbey
(1924)
The
Chapel of St. Nicholas ...
Monuments and Floor-slab. Monuments: In N.E. bay—(1) of Anne
(Stanhope), wife of Edward, Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector, 1587,
large monument of various marbles, consisting of sarcophagus with
effigy in recess with lofty superstructure. The shaped sarcophagus
stands on a panelled plinth and is enriched with lions' heads and
feet; the effigy (Plate 191) is in ermine-lined robes with French cap
and coronet; at the feet is the Stanhope crest; the round-arched
recess has a coffered soffit and an enriched inscription-tablet at the
back with small shields-of-arms; flanking the recess are coupled
Corinthian columns on pedestals, an entablature, two obelisks and a
centre-piece; the centre-piece has a large achievement-of-arms flanked
by columns and having entablature and obelisks all similar to those in
the stage below; between the obelisks is a large three-towered castle
with a lion on the top holding a fireball (the Stanhope crest); the
bases of the lower obelisks have three shields and three
lozenges-of-arms.
The inscription on Anne's tomb, transcribed at westminster-abbey.org
reads:
Heare
lieth entombed the noble duchesse of Somerset, Anne, deere spouse unto
the renowned prince Edward Duke of Somerset, Earle of Hertford, Viscount
Beauchampe and Baron Seymour, Compaignon [Companion] of the most famous
knightly Order of the Garter: uncle to King Edward the Sixt, Gouvernor
of His Roial Person and most worthie Protector of all his realmes,
dominions, and subiectes: Leiutenant Generall of all his armies:
threasoror and Erle Marschall of England, Gouvernor and capitayne of the
Isles of Guernsey and Jersey: under whose prosperous conduct, glorious
victory hath ben so often and so fortunatly obteyned over the Scottes,
vanquished at Edinburgh, Leth [Leith], and Musselborough Field.
A princesse discended of noble lignage, beinge daughter of the
worthie knight Sr Edward Stanhope, by Elizabeth his wyfe that was
daughter of Sr Foulke Bourghchier Lord Fitzwarin, from whome our moderne
earles of Bathe ar spronge, sonne was he unto Willm. Lord Fitzwarin,
that was brother to Henry, Earle of Essex and Ihon [John] Lord Berners:
whome Willm. their sire sometyme Earle of Ev in Normandy, begat Anne the
sole heire of Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, yonger sonne to
the mighty Prince, Kinge Edward the Third, and of his wyfe Aleanore,
coheire unto the tenth Humphrey De Bohun that was Erle of Hereford,
Essex and Northampton, High Constable of England.
Many children bare this lady unto her Lord, of either sort: to
witte Edward, Erle of Hertford, Henry, and a younger Edward: Anne,
Countesse of Warwike, Margaret, Jane, Mary, Katherine, and Elizabeth.
And with firme faith in Christ in most mylde maner renred she this life
at XC yeres of age on Easter day, the sixtenth of Aprill
Anno.M.CCCCC.LXXXVII.
The Erle of Hertford, Edward her eldest sonne, in this dolefull
dutie carefull and diligent, doth consecrate this monument to his deere
parent: not for her honor wherewith lyvinge she did abounde and nowe
departed flourisheth: but for the dutifull love he beareth her, and for
his laste testification therof.
- Aged 90 at death in 1587
from memorial inscription in Westminster Abbey; Dictionary of National Biography vol 51
p308 (1897)
- The Peerage of England vol 3 p260
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Dictionary of National Biography vol 51
p308 (1897)
- The Peerage of England vol 3 p260
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Dictionary of National Biography vol 51
p308 (1897)
- Dictionary of National Biography vol 51
p309 (1897); The Gentleman's Magazine vol 177 pp371-81
(Sylvanus Urban, 1845); wikipedia page for Anne Stanhope (Anne
Seymour, Duchess of Somerset)
- The Gentleman's Magazine vol 177 pp371-81
(Sylvanus Urban, 1845); The History of
Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler,
1981, entry for NEWDIGATE,
Francis (1519-82), of Hanworth, Mdx.)
- Memorial inscription;
wikipedia page for Anne Stanhope (Anne
Seymour, Duchess of Somerset)
- Wikipedia page for Anne
Stanhope (Anne
Seymour, Duchess of Somerset)
- Anna Stanhope
Anne (Stanhope) Witham
2 January 1576(7) in St Helen
Bishopsgate, London, England
The Registers of St Helen's Bishopsgate p1
(ed. W. Bruce Bannerman, 1904)
BAPTISMS.
1576. Jan. 2 Anne d. of Edward Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
_____ Witham
Anne received a bequest in the will of her grandfather, Thomas Colshill of
Chigwell, Essex, dated 23 April 1593, held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/85/243).
... Item I give and bequeathe to Ann Stanhope the
daughter of Edward Stanhope one hundered markes
Anne received a bequest in the will of her uncle, Sir Edward Stanhope,
Doctor of the Civil Laws, dated 28 February 1602(3), held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do give to every one of the sons and
daughters of my brother, Edward Stanhope, and my sister, Susan, his wife,
which shall be living at the time of my death one gold signet ring of
three angels’ weight apiece with the same crest and inscription as is set
down for the sons and daughter of my brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight,
deceased;
Anne is stated to be the eldest daughter in the will of her father, Sir
Edward Stanhope, one of His Majesty's Councellor in the North, dated 8
August 1603 and held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
... to Anne Stanhope my eldest daughter in liew
of her porcion or childes parte,
the somme of one thouzand poundes to be paide her in three yeres viz: two
hundred and fiftie poundes parcell
of the saide One thowzand poundes at or vppon the feast daie of saint
Michaell th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde god One
thowzand six hundred and fower, And two hundred and fiftie poundes in
further payment of the saide one thowsande poundes at or vppon the saide
feast day of saint Michaell th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of
our Lorde god One thowzand six hundred and fiue, And Five hundred poundes
residue of the said one thowzande poundes at or vppon the saide feast day
of saint Michaell th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde
god One Thowsand six hundreth and six in full payment of the saide One
thowsand poundes, And nevertheles in respect that it will be soe longe
before her saide porcion doe come
into her handes, my will is that she shall haue for the saide first two
yeares vntill she haue receuied fiue hundred poundes parte of her saide
porcion of One thowsand poundes
an allowance of fourtie poundes per
Annum to be paied her quarterly for her private mainetenance, whereof the first
payment to begynne at the Feast of sainte Michaell th'archangell next and
soe quarterly for and during the saide terme of two yeres vntill she haue
receiued the saide somme of fiue hundreth poundes
Edward Stanhope
1469 or 1470
Edward is stated to be 24 years old at the Inquisition Post Mortem of his
grandfather, John Stanhope, held on 22 April 1494, and 30 years old at the Inquisition virtute officii of the same
John Stanhope, held on 28 April 1500.
Thomas Stanhope
Mary
(Jerningham) Stanhope
Adelina
Clifton
Elizabeth (Bourchier,
Beaumont) Verney
Elizabeth was the daughter of Fulk
Bourchier, 10th Baron FitzWarin and Elizabeth Dynham. She married
firstly Henry Beaumont, and secondly a husband surnamed Verney, by whom she
had a daughter, Katherine Verney. Edward Stanhope was her third husband and
after Edward death in 1511, Elizabeth married her fourth husband, Sir
Richard Page, by whom she had a daughter, Elizabeth Page. Elizabeth
died on 8 August 1557, and was buried on 11 August at Clerkenwell. A mini
biography is on wikipedia (Elizabeth
Bourchier (died 1557))
Elizabeth is mentioned in the IPM of her stepson, Richard Stanhope taken on
6 June 1528, in which she is described as "Lady Elizabeth Stanhope, late
wife of Sir Edward Stanhope".
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp162-70 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
Richard Stanhope, esquire.
Delivered into Court, 18 June, 20 Henry viij [1528].
Inquisition taken at Retfford, 6
June, 20 Hen. viij [1528]
... The manor of Houghton is charged to the Lady Elizabeth Stanhope,
late wife of Sir Edward Stanhope, knight in a yearly rent of 20
marks payable to the said lady for term of her life; and it is also
charged to Edward Thurland, esquire, his heirs or assigns in 7
marks and a buck yearly or in default of such buck 3s. 4d.
... And the said manor, land and tenements in Houghton are held of the
heir of Monbocher by one rose for all, and are worth yearly besides the
said 20 marks of yearly rent payable to the Lady Elizabeth Stanhope
and 7 marks payable yearly to Edward Thurland, 5 marks.
The Diary of Henry Machyn in Works of the
Camden Society p147 (1848)
The xj
day of August was bered at Clrakenwell my lade Page, with (unfinished).
Edward was a Royalist commander at the Battle
of Stoke Field on 16 June 1487. This is considered the last of the
battles of the War
of the Roses, confirming the earlier victory of Henry VII. Edward was
knighted by Henry VII on 17 June 1497, at the Battle
of Blackheath, against Cornish rebels. In 1508 and 1509, Edward was
appointed Sheriff
of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests. His arms are
described as "Sable a bend between six cross crosslets Argent" (The Antiquarian Magazine & Bibliographer
vol 2 p170 (Edward Walford, 1882)).
Edward is mentioned in the will of his father-in-law, Sir Gervase Clifton,
on 27 April 1491.
Testamenta
Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-70 (1869)
April
27, 1491. I Gervas Clifton, knyght. ... To my son Edward Stanop oon of
my best stagges in Hodessok park.
Edward's age is given in two inquisitions into the land held by his
grandfather, John Stanhope. Edward is named as John's "kinsman and heir, to
wit, son of Thomas his son" - presumably Edward's father, Thomas,
predeceased John.
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp10-2 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
John Stanhope, esquire.
Delivered into Court, 10 May, 9 Henry vij [1494].
Inquisition taken at Notyngham,
22 April, 9 Henry vij [1494]; before Thomas
Hunt, escheator, after the death of John
Stanhope esquire, by the oath of Thomas
Parsons, gentilman, Gervase
Bampton, gentilman, Thomas
Samon, gentilman, Thomas
Burton, gentilman, Edward
Hartop, yoman, Robert Buck,
yoman, Robert Wryght, yoman, Robert Bales, yoman, Thomas
Edrysche, yoman, Robert Blod,
yoman, William Gresley, yoman,
John Wright, yoman, Robert
Grene, smyth, John Chapell
and Ralph Whitchurche, yoman,
who say that
John Stanhope was seized in his demesne as of fee of the manors
of Rampton, Tuxford, Egmanton, Laxton and Skegby, 2 messuages, 40 acres
of land, 51 acres of meadow, and 2 acres of wood in West Markam and
Milneton.
So seized, by his charter, long before his death, he enfeoffed Robert Markam, knight, Gervase
Clyfton, Thomas Fitzwilliam, Thomas Molyneux, Robert Molyneux, John
Leek and Ralph Stanhop,
clerk, of the same property, to have and to hold to them their heirs and
assigns for ever, to the intent that after his death the feoffees should
make a sufficient estate in law of the said property to Edward
Stanhop, kinsman and then heir apparent of the said John
Stanhop and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. By virtue
whereof they were seized of the property in their demesne as of fee to
the intent aforesaid.
The manor of Rampton is held of the King as of his Duchy of
Lancaster by the eighth part of a knight’s fee and is worth yearly
besides reprises £20.
The manor of Egmanton is held of the Duke
of Norfolk by the tenth part of a knight’s fee, and is worth
yearly besides reprises £18 6s. Sd.
The manors of Laxton and Skegby are held of the King as of his
Duchy of Lancaster by the tenth part of a knight’s fee and are
worth yearly besides reprises £10.
The messuages, land and tenements in West Markham and Milneton
are held of the King as of his Duchy of Lancaster by fealty, and are
worth besides reprises 8s.
The manor of Tuxford is held of the King in burgage and is worth
yearly besides reprises 40s.
They say also that one Walter,
Vicar of the Church of Laxton, was seized in his demesne as of fee of
the manor of Hoghton, 2 messuages, 2 oxgangs of land in Elkesley, 2
messuages, 2 oxgangs of land and a moiety of a watermill in Allerton.
So seized, by his charter he gave that property to Thomas
Languillers for term of life, and after Thomas’
death to remain to John son of
Thomas and the heirs of his
body for ever. In default of such issue to the right heirs of Thomas
for ever. By virtue of
which gift Thomas was thereof
seized as of his free tenement and died so seized. After whose death the
property remained to the
said John Languillere and the
heirs of his body lawfully begotten, and he became seized thereof in his
demesne as of fee tail, and had issue Elizabeth
and so seized he died. After whose death the property descended to Elizabeth as daughter and heir of
the said John Languillere,
which same Elizabeth took to
husband Richard Stanhop and
had issue Richard Stanhop,
esquire. After the death of Elizabeth
all the said manors, lands, tenements and other the premises descended
to the said Richard Stanhop,
esquire, as son and heir of the said Elizabeth,
and after Richard’s death they
descended to the said John Stanhop
son and heir of Richard, son
and heir of Elizabeth as
kinswoman and heir of the said John
Languillere.
By virtue whereof John Stanhop
entered into the manor, land, tenements and other the premises and was
thereof seized in his demesne as of fee tail and so died seized. After
whose death they descended to Edward
Stanhope as kinsman and heir of the said
John Stanhope, namely son and
heir of Thomas son and heir of
the said John Stanhop.
John Stanhop was also
seized in his demesne as of fee of 1 messuage, 6 acres of land, 1 acre
of meadow in Willoughby, 14d.
of rent of assize in Kyrton and Walesby and 3 oxgangs of land and the
fourth part of 1 oxgang of land in Grymston, and 3 cottages in Whellay,
54 acres of arable land, 6 acres of meadow, 5s. of rent in Tuxford. And
so seized he died. After whose death that property descended to the said
Edward Stanhop as kinsman and
heir of the said John Stanhope.
The manor of Hoghton is held of the heir of
Lord Mountbourghchier by the service of one rose yearly and is
worth yearly besides reprises 40s.
The land and tenements in Kyrton, Walesby, Grymston, and Welley
are held of the heir of Hugh Hastyngs
by the service of one
rose yearly, and are worth yearly besides reprises 40s.
The land and tenements in Tuxford are held of the King in chief
by the third part of a knight’s fee and are worth yearly besides
reprises 23s. 6d.
John Stanhope held no
other or more lands of the King in chief nor of any other, either in
demesne or service, on the day he died.
He died 12 December, 9 Henry vij [1493], and Edward
Stanhope, esquire, is his kinsman and next heir, namely son and
heir of Thomas son and heir of
the said John Stanhop, and is
aged 24 years and upwards.
Inq.
p. m., 9 Henry vij., No. 92.
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Henry VII
vol 1 pp410-1 (1898)
962. JOHN STANHOPE,
esq.
Writ 20 Dec., inq.
22 April, 9 Hen. VII.
He
enfeoffed Robert Markham, knt., Gervase Clyfton, Thomas Fitzwilliam,
Thomas Molyneux, Robert Molyneux, John Leek, and Ralph Stanhope, clk.,
of the under-mentioned manors of Rampton, &c., to the intent that
after his death they should make a sufficient estate thereof in law to
Edward Stanhope, his cousin and heir apparent, in tail.
One Walter, vicar of the church of
Laxton, gave the under-mentioned manor of Hoghton, and lands in Elkesley
and Allerton, to one Thomas Languillers for the term of his life, with
remainder to John his son in tail, with remainder in default to Thomas’
right heirs. On the death of Thomas the premises remained to the said
John Languillers, and descended on his death to Elizabeth his daughter
and heir. She took to husband one Richard Stanhope and had issue Richard
Stanhope, esq., to whom on her death the premises descended, as her son
and heir. After the death of the said Richard the son the said manor and
lands descended to the said John Stanhope as his son and heir, and
cousin and heir of the said John Languillers, viz. son of Richard, son
of Elizabeth, daughter and heir of the said John. At the death of the
said John Stanhope the said premises descended to Edward Stanhope his
cousin and heir.
He died 12 Dec., 9 Hen. VII,
seised of the other under-mentioned lands in Willoughby, Kyrton,
&c., in fee. The said Edward Stanhope, aged 24 and more, is his
cousin and heir, viz. son of Thomas his son and heir.
NOTTS.
Manor of Rampton, worth 20l.,
held of the King, as of the duchy of Lancaster, by knight-service, viz.
by ⅛ of a knight’s fee.
Manor of Egmanton, worth 17l.
6s. 8d.,
held of the Duke of Norfolk, by 1/10 of a knight’s fee.
Manors of Laxton and Skegby, worth 10l., held of the King, as of the
duchy of Lancaster, by ⅒ of a knight’s fee.
Two messuages, 40a.
land, 51a. meadow, and 2a.
wood in West Markham and Milneton, worth 8s.,
held of the King, as of the duchy of Lancaster, by fealty only.
Manor of Tuxford, worth 40s.,
held of the King in burgage.
Manor of Hoghton, worth 40s.,
held of the heirs of the lord Mountbourghechier, by service of a rose,
for all service.
Two messuages and two bovates of land in
Elkesley.
Two messuages, two bovates of land, and
the moiety of a water-mill in Allerton.
A messuage, 6a.
land, and an acre of meadow in Willoughby.
Fourteen pence rent of assise in Kyrton
and Walesby, three bovates land and the fourth part of a bovate in
Grymston, and three cottages in Whellay, or Welley, worth 60s.,
held of the heirs of Hugh Hastyngis, by service of a rose yearly, for
all service.
Fifty-four acres of arable, 6a.
meadow, and 5s. rent in
Tuxford, worth 23s. 6d.,
held of the King in chief, by knight-service, viz. by ⅓ of a knight’s
fee.
C.
Series II. Vol. 9. (92.)
The Knights of England vol 2 p29 (William
Arthur Shaw, 1906)
[1497, June 17.]
Knights made at the same battle of Blackheath.
... EDWARD STANHOPE
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Series 2, Volume
3, Henry VII pp501-521 (1955)
1015.
JOHN STANHOPE.
Inquisition, virtute officii, 28
April, 15 Henry VII.
By an inquisition taken before Thomas Hunte, late escheator, on a writ of
Diem clausit extremum after the
death of the said John, it was found that he was seised in fee of the
under-mentioned manors of Rampton, Tuxford, Egmanton, Laxton and Skegby,
and 2 messuages, 40a. land and 51a. meadow with 2a.
wood in Westmerkham and Milneton, and that their value and tenure were as
stated below in brackets. The present jurors, however, swear that the
value and tenure of the said manors and messuages was as stated below
outside brackets.
They also swear that the said John died seised in fee of the
under-mentioned manors of Southmarnham and Southcottom, which are not
specified in the aforesaid inquisition.
He died 3 April, 9 Henry VII. Edward Stanhop, knight, aged 30 years and
more, is his kinsman and heir, to wit, son of Thomas his son; and
immediately after his death the said Edward entered into the two
last-mentioned manors and has taken the issues and profits thereof ever
since without obtaining due livery thereof, thereby defrauding the king of
the said issues and profits.
NOTTINGHAM.
Manor of Rampton, worth 37l.,
held of the king by one knight’s fee (worth 20l.,
held of the king, as of his duchy of Lancaster, by an eighth part of a
knight’s fee).
Manor of Egmanton, revised value and tenure not given (worth 18l.
6s. 8d.,
held of the duchy of Norfolk by a tenth part of a knight’s fee).
Manor of Skegby, worth 20l., held
of the king by service of one knight’s fee.
Manor of Laxton, worth 15l., held
of the king by service of one knight’s fee.
(Manors of Skegby and Laxton, worth 10l.,
held of the king, as of his duchy of Lancaster, by a tenth part of a
knight’s fee).
2 messuages, 40a. land and 51a. meadow in Westmerkham and
Milneton, worth 4l., held of the
king, as of his duchy of Lancaster, by a tenth part of a knight’s fee
(worth 8s., held of the king, as
of his duchy of Lancaster, by fealty only).
Manor of Tuxford, worth 20l.,
held of the king in chief by service of a third part of a knight’s fee
(worth 23s. 6d.,
held of the king in chief by a third part of a knight’s fee).
Manor of Southmarnham, worth 6l.,
held of the king by a sixth part of a knight’s fee.
Manor of Southcottom, worth 16l.,
held of the king in chief by a sixth part of a knight’s fee.
Endorsed:—Execucio fit sicut continetur
in Memorandis de anno xv. regis Henrici vij., videlicet, inter Recorda
de termino Pasche, rotulo —, ex parte rememoratoris thesaurarii.
E. Series II. File 729. (5.)
Edward received a bequest in the will of his "cousin" William Mering, whose
will was dated 13 August 1500.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 p180 (1869)
August
13, 1500. Thomas Meryng of Newerk, esquier. ... To my cosyn, Sir Edward
Stanhopp, j doss, sylver spounes wt gilt knoppes: I lent
thame unto James Lece dwellyng in Loncashire.
On 24 January 1503, Edward was a participant in the laying of the
cornerstone of the Henry
VII Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey.
The Annales of England p810 (John Stow,
1600)
1503
King Henry the seuenths chapell at Westminster
This yéere the chappell of our Ladie, aboue the east end of the
high altar of Westminster church, with also a tauern néere adioyning
called the white rose, were taken downe: in the which place or plot of
ground, on the 24. of January the first stone of our Lady chappell was
laid by the hands of Ioh. Islip abbot of the same monastery, sir
Reginald Bray bnight of the Garter, Doctor Barons matter of the Roles,
doctor Wall chaplaine to the king, master Hugh Oldham chaplaine to the
countesse of Derby and Richmond the kings mother, sir Ed. Stanhope
knight, and diuers other. Upon the which stone was ingraven the day and
yeere, &c.
The following curious incident has Edward avoiding arrest in London, dated
by later historians to 16 March 1507.
The Antiquarian Magazine & Bibliographer
vol 2 p170 (Edward Walford, 1882)
Early
Chancery Proceedings, Bundle 65, membrane 240. “To the most Reuerend
ffather in God William Archibusshop of Canterbury and Chaunceller of
Englond—Shewith to your good and gracious Lordship, your daily Oratours
James Jenken and John A More seruauntes to Sir Edward Stannop, Knyght,
that where as the same Sir Edward, vppon Tuesday last past, that is to
say the xvjth day of this present moneth of Marche, after he
had herd his seruyse and masse in the Austen ffryers of London, entended
frome thens to haue goone to his dyner to the Kinges Hede in ffisshe
strete within the said Citie; and in the way theder wardes, as he went,
theire came tow[arde]s hym dyuers of the Shereffes seruauntes of the
same Citie, to the nomber of x or xij persones, or theraboutis,
entendyng to haue arrested hym, as he supposed whan he sawe theym; and
by cause he wolde auoyde the daunger of theire arrest he enloigned hym
selfe and gaffe bakke, and so avoyded the secret wayes that he cowde,
for fere of the same arrest, with such his seruauntes as he then had;
and in so auoydyng, the seruauntes of the same Shireffes arested and had
your said Oratours to pryson, without any maner of cause of right that
they or any other personne had or hath ageynst theym or either of theym”
etc. The above transaction took place on Tue., 16 March, 1507 (Ao
22 Hen. VII.) because the Bill is addressed to Archbishop Warham, who
was Chancellor from 2. Jan., 1504, to 22 Dec. 1515, and the 16 March
fell upon Tuesday only twice in that interval, viz., on the above date
and, again, in 1512 (Ao 3 Hen VIII.); but Sir Edward Stanhope
died on 6 June, Ao 3 Henry VIII., 1511, as is gathered from
the Inquisition taken after his death in respect of his property in co.
Nottingham (Chancery Inquisitions post
mortem, Ao 3 Hen. VIII., No 23).
The attention of the Sheriff was likely to do with debt - the re-examination
in 1500 of the property inherited by Edward from his grandfather John in
1494 found that Edward had seriously underestimated his financial
obligations to the Crown, and Edwards's own inquisition post mortem in
1511(2) seems to show almost all of that property mortgaged to a debt of
£600 to the King.
Edward was named an executor of the will of his brother-in-law, Gervase
Clifton, dated 3 June 1508 (Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp276-7)
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p394
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Rampton.
This John's eldest son was Thomas Stanhope, Esquire, who by his
wife Mary, the daughter of Edward Jerningham of Sommer
Laytun in Suff. was father of Sir Edward
Stanhope
... Sir Edward Stanhope had to his first wife Adelina,
daughter of Sir Gervas Clifton, by whom he had Richard
Stanhope, Esquire, his eldest son; and Sir Michael Stanhope,
who seconded by his son Sir Thomas, raised a greater Family, as
in Shelford may be observed. Sir Edwards second
wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Fulk Bourchier Lord Fitz
Warin, by whom he had Anne, the wife of Edward Seymour
Duke of Somerset, Lord Protector in the time of Edward
the sixth, by whose means her brother Sir Michael Stanhope (a
great Courtier before) might receive some assistance for advancing his
fortune, though he lost his head, as in Shelford is said.
Sir Edward Stanhope’s Lady was after his death married to Sir Richard
Page.
The Peerage of England vol 3 pp259-60
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
Thomas
Stanhope, Esq. ... married Mary, daughter of John, and sister to Edward
Jerningham, of Somer-Layton, in com’ Suffolk, Esq. and left issue Edward
his son and heir.
Which Edward Stanhope, bringing forces to the aid of King Henry
VII. was one of the principal commanders of the army that vanquished
John Earl of Lincoln (son of John de la Pole Duke of Suffolk, and
Elizabeth, daughter to King Edw. IV.) at the battle of Stoke, near
Newark upon Trent, June 16, in 2 Henry VII. (1487) wherein the Earl and
4000 of his followers were slain, who had set up Lambert Simnel to
counterfeit Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick, and had caused him to
be proclaimed King of England. In 1497, 12 Henry VII. this Edward was
one of the principal persons commanding those forces that defeated the
Lord Audley, and the Cornish rebels, at Black-Heath in Kent, June 22,
and for his valour in that engagement was knighted by the King in the
field of battle. He was afterwards Knight for the body to that Prince,
and was constituted Steward of Wakefield, and Constable of
Sandale-castle in the county of York, 17 Nov. 18 Henry VII. likewise
Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 23 and 24 Henry VII. and
departed this life on June 6, 1511, the third of Henry VIII. having been
twice married: fi st to Avelina, daughter of Sir Gervase Clifton of
Clifton in com’ Nottingham, Knt. of the Bath; and secondly, to
Elizabeth, daughter of Foulk Bourchier Lord Fitz-Warren, grandson of
William Earl of Ewe in Normandy, by Anne his wife, sole heir of Thomas
Plantagenet of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, younger son to King Edward
III. The said Elizabeth, after his decease, married Sir Richard Page of
Beechwood, in Hertfordshire, Knight. Sir Edward Stanhope had by his
first wife only two sons, Richard and Michael, that lived to maturity;
and by his second wife an only daughter, Anne, second wife to Edward
Seymour, the great Duke of Somerset, Protector of his nephew King Edward
VI. and the realm; from which Anne, the late Dukes of Somerset lineally
descended.
Notices
of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights pp8-9 (Philip Henry
Stanhope, 1855)
His son, SIR EDWARD
STANHOPE, was one of the principal commanders of the Royal
army at the battle of Stoke, against the partisans of Lambert Simnel. In
1497 he was knighted by King Henry VII. on the field of battle of
Blackheath, for the valour he had shown in that engagement. He was
afterwards Knight for the Body to the same prince, and was constituted
Steward of Wakefield and Constable of Sandale Castle, in the county of
York. He was also, like his predecessors, Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and
Derbyshire, and died in June 1511.
The name of his first wife appears in Collins as Avelina. Hence it
has been thought that Avelina, or Evelyn, is an old family name of the
Stanhopes. But, on referring to the earlier authorities (as in the
original edition of Thoroton, p. 147., and again p. 392., ed. 1677) it
appears that the true name was Adelina, nearly equivalent to the German
Adelheid, or the French Adele; so that the Avelina of Collins is simply a
misprint.
This ADELINA, then, was the daughter of Sir Gervase
CLIFTON, of Clifton, in Nottinghamshire. By her Sir Edward
had two sons, Richard and Michael. His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter
of Foulk Bourchier, Lord Fitzwarren, and grand-daughter of William “Earl
of Ewe” (Comte d’Eu) in Normandy. She left him an only daughter, Anne, who
became the second wife of the Protector, Duke of Somerset.
6 June 1511
Edward was possibly buried in the parish church at Tuxford, Nottinghamshire,
where a picture of him was placed in a stained glass window described in the
early 17th century:
Lincolnshire
Church Notes Made by Gervase Holles, A. D. 1634 to A. D. 1642 p97
(R. E. G. Cole, 1911)
Tuxford,
Notts.
In ye uppermost window of ye North Isle :—
The picture of a man in a red roabe wth longe yellow
hayre, underwritten Eduardus Stanhope
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp67-9 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
Sir Edward Stanhope, knight.
Delivered into Court, 12 February, 3 Henry viij
[1511-12].
Inquisition taken at Stapulford,
22 January, 3 Henry viij [1511-12]; before Henry
Cokayn, escheator, after the death of Sir Edward
Stanhop knight, by the oath of Robert
Kyrkby, gentleman, John
Farrys, Richard Marten, Thomas Fedurson, John Caleys, Richard Borowe,
David Wryght, Nicholas Clemenson, Richard Chamburlen, John Skott,
William Wryght, Richard Wilson and Thomas
Samon, esquires, who say that
Sir Edward Stanhop,
knight, was seized in his demesne as of fee on the day he died of 3
messuages, 3 gardens in Est Retford, 3 acres of meadow in Eyton, 1
messuage, 30 acres of land, 5 acres of meadow, 40 acres of pasture in
Truswell, 2 messuages, 30 acres of land, 6 acres of meadow, 10 acres of
pasture, 14s. of rent in South
Leverton and Northe Coton. And he held no other or more lands of the
King or others in demesne, reversion or service
Long before his death, Sir
Giles Dawbeney, Lord Dawbeney, Sir James Hubert, knight, Sir Richard Empson, knight, Thomas Lucas, esquire, Sir
Henry Willoughby, knight, Sir
Gervase Clyfton, knight, Sir
William Perpoynt, knight, Richard
Cawston, esquire, and Avaricius
Thorney esquire, by a writ of entry super disseisin in le post
in the term of [ ] * in the [ ]* year of Henry vij
recovered against Sir Edward
the manors of Rampton, Marnham, Skegby, Tuxford and Houghton and 37
messuages, 400 acres of land, 100 acres of meadow, 400 acres of pasture
and 40s. of rent in the said
places, by pretext of which recovery they became seized of those and of
other premises in their demesne as of fee. The recovery being to the use
specified in certain indentures between the said Dawbeney,
Hubert, Empson and Lucas,
of the one part, and the said Edward
Stanhope of the other part, dated 18 November, 20 Henry vij
[1504]. Afterwards, so seized of the premises, they by their charter,
dated 30 November, 20 Henry vij [1504] demised the said premises,
together with all other the messuages and lands in Rampton, Marnham,
Skegby, Tuxford, Houghton, Wylloughby, Wollesby, Boughton, Kyrton,
Grymston and Welle which lately they recovered against the said Edward
Stanhop. To have and to hold the same to the said Edward
and his assigns for 15 years commencing at the feast of St. Peter ad
Vincula last part before the date of the said demise. Yielding therefor
yearly by equal portions at two terms, to the lessors, their heirs and
assigns £40 to the use of the King his heirs and assigns until the sum
of £600 shall be fully paid to the said King. Provided always that
should a certain Katherine Ratclif,
grandmother of the said Edward,
die before the said sum was fully paid, that then after her decease, Edward should pay to the lessors
their heirs and assigns to the use of the said King £70 yearly until the
residue of the sum of £600 be paid. Should the rent of £40 during Katherine’s life, or £70 after her
decease, be in arrear 3 months after either of the two terms, then the
lessors their heirs and assigns may re-enter upon the premises,
notwithstanding this lease and take the profits thereof to the use of
the said King until full payment of the money so in arrear of the
aforesaid sum of £600. By virtue of which lease the said Edward was
possessed of the manors lands and other the premises.
They further say that the manor of Tuxford and other premises
there are held of the King in chief, but by what services they know not,
and are worth yearly besides reprises 20 marcs.
The manors of Rampton, Houghton and other the premises there are
held of the King as of his honor of Tykhyll parcel of the Duchy of
Lancaster, by what services they know not, the manor of Rampton and
other premises there being worth £30, and the manor of Houghton and
other premises there being worth yearly besides reprises 20 marcs.
The manors of Marnham and Skegby and other the premises there are
held of the King as of his honor of Donyngton parcel of the Duchy of
Lancaster, but by what services they know not, and they are worth yearly
besides reprises £12 10s.
The premises in Truswell are held of the King as of his honor of
Tykhyll parcel of the Duchy of Lancaster, by what services they know
not, and are worth yearly besides reprises 40s.
The premises in Southleverton and Northcoton are held of the
Abbot of the Monastery of St. Peters, Westminster, as of his soke of
Oswalbeke [“ut de Sulco suo vocat̃ oswalbeke sulcoñ”], by fealty for all
service, and are worth yearly besides reprises 40s.
The premisses in Est Retford are held of the King in burgage as
of his borough of Est Retford and are worth yearly besides reprises 20s.
The three acres [in Eyton] are held of the King as of his honor
of Tykhyll and are worth yearly 6s.
They further say that Edward
Stanhop died 6 June, 3 Henry viij [1511] and Richard
Stanhop is his son and next heir, and was aged 19 years on the
feast of St. Wilfran the Bishop last past [i.e. 15 October].
Inq.
p. m., 3 Henry viij, No. 23.
* Left blank in original.
- Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Series 2,
Volume 1, Henry VII pp407-430 (1898); Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Series 2,
Volume 3, Henry VII pp501-521 (1955)
- Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Series 2,
Volume 3, Henry VII pp501-521 (1955); The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p394
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 pp259-60
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
- The will of
Adelina's father, Sir Gervase Clifton at Testamenta Eboracensia vol 4 pp64-71,
names his daughter Adelina and his son (in law) Edward Stanhope; The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p394
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
pp8-9 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p394
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p9 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855); Elizabeth burial from The Diary of Henry Machyn in Works of the
Camden Society p147
- Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem
relating to Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp67-9 (W.P.W.
Phillimore, 1905); The Peerage of England vol 3 pp259-60
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
- Edward Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
Cambridge University, where
Edward graduated M.A. in 1563. He is possibly the Edward Stanhope who
matriculated from St John's College, Cambridge, in 1554.
Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
STANHOPE,
EDWARD. Matric. pens. from ST JOHN'S,
Easter, 1554. Perhaps Edward (1563).
...
STANHOPE, EDWARD. M.A.
1563 (fil. nob.). Doubtless 2nd
s. of Sir Michael, of Shelford, Notts., Knt. Recorder of Doncaster;
member of the Council of the North. Adm. at Gray's Inn, 1579; Treasurer.
M.P. for Notts., 1572; for Yorks., 1601.
Knighted. Of Edlington, and of Grimston, Yorks., Esq., J.P. Married
Susan, dau. of Thomas Coleshull, of Chigwell, Essex, Esq. Buried 24
Apr., 1603, at Kirkby Wharfe. Confused by authorities with his brother
Edward (above). Doubtless brother of Edward (above) and of Michael
(1561), father of George (1602) and Michael (c.
1597). (Genealogist, N.S., XIII.
107; F.M.G., 986; Vis.
of Notts., 1569.)
The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889
p54 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1579. EDWARD
STANHOPE.
Susan
Coleshill
Lawyer and Member of Parliament
Edward was Recorder of Doncaster and a member of the Council of the North.
He was admitted at Gray's Inn in 1579 and on 7 May 1581, his aunt, Anne, the
Duchess of Somerset wrote to Lord
Burghley, chief adviser to Queen Elizabeth, recommending him to be a
Master of Requests (The Gentleman's Magazine vol 177 p380).
Edward was M.P. for Nottinghamshire in 1572 and for Yorkshire in 1601. He
was one of five of his brothers who sat in Parliament during Elizabeth’s
reign, along with John, Michael, Sir Thomas and Edward Stanhope II. Details
of Edward's parliamentary career can be found at The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W.
Hasler, 1981, entry for STANHOPE,
Edward I. Edward resided at Grimston
and Edlington Hall, which he built.
Portraits of Edward, his wife Susan, and his father-in-law Thomas Coleshill,
were noted to be in the house at Panmure, Scotland, north of Dundee, on 30
August 1772 on a tour of Scotland made by Thomas Pennant.
A Tour in Scotland part 2 pp129-31 (Thomas
Pennant, 1776)
Panmure,
a large and excellent house, surrounded by vast plantations.
... In the house are some excellent portraits of distinguished personages:
among them, ...
Mr. Coleshill of Chigwell,
Yorkshire, a half length, in a black cap, furred gown, with a
gold chain.
His daughter, grotesquely dressed in black; her arms perfectly herisseès with points. She was the
lady of Sir Edward Stanhope,
president of the north, whose picture, in small, is by her.
Edward purchased Edlington around 1574, and made many improvements to the
Hall.
South Yorkshire: the history and topography of the
deanery of Doncaster, in the diocese and county of York vol 1
pp92-3 (Joseph Hunter, 1828)
Parish of Edlington.
In 1572 Henry, the ninth lord Scrope, sold Edlington and Stainton
to Thomas Jennison, esq. who in the next year sold them to sir Ambrose
Jermyn of Rushbrook in the county of Suffolk; and he, in 1574, to John
Cletham of Great Livermore in the same county. His assigns present once
to the living; but the manor and advowson were soon passed to sir Edward
Stanhope, knt. and LL.D., in whose family they remained for a somewhat
longer period.
This sir Edward Stanhope has been supposed to be the knight of
that name who is mentioned in the Fasti Oxon. as being chancellor to the
bishop of London, who died in 1608. In Collins’s Peerage he is so
represented. But it is undoubtedly a mistake; for the sir Edward
Stanhope of Edlington, father to the sir Edward who married a daughter
of sir Henry Constable, died in 1603, and was buried in the church of
Kirby Wharff, in which parish he had a house called Grimston. This sir
Edward was one of the queen’s council in the north, a justice of the
peace, and recorder of Doncaster. He had four sons: 1. sir Edward, of
Grimston, knight, who presented to the rectory of Edlington in 1614; 2.
Michael Stanhope, M.D, who had two children buried at Edlington in 1620;
3. sir John Stanhope of Stotfold and of Melwood Park in the isle of
Axholme; and 4. George Stanhope, D.D. a prebendary of York.
Sir Edward Stanhope the elder appears to have built much at
Edlington. When I saw the old house in 1802, in the ceiling of one of
the principal apartments were several memorials of him; the letters E.
S. and S. S. (the latter for Susan his wife, a daughter of Thomas
Coleshull of Essex), the arms, crest, and quarterings of the Stanhope
family, and a large shield of the arms and quarterings of Cromwell of
Tattershall, from whom the Stanhopes inherited a large portion of their
Nottinghamshire possessions.
This house stood on the west of the church-yard. It was the
residence of the successors of the Stanhopes at Edlington, the Bosviles,
Whartons, and Molesworths. In the time of the Bosviles it was visited by
king Charles I. at a dark period of his disastrous life. Much of it was
taken down by lord Molesworth in 1775, and then probably perished other
armorial ensigns of the Stanhopes and their connections, as well as the
following inscriptions which were once to be seen on part of a
chimney-piece:
Quo Rosa signiferis ornatur punica scutis,
Lancastriæ hseredi Dux dedit alma suis:
Elizabetha hæres niveum donum addidit Ebor:
Neutra manet sola, ast utraque mixta manet.
——
Splendida nobilium videas expressa nepotum
Stemmatis egregii symbola nexa simul,
Quorum connubiis hinc atque hinc finibus olim
Propagata fuit, crevit et ampla Domus.
These inscriptions evidently refer to some heraldic ornaments of
the room in which they were placed; the first to a view of the descent
of the houses of York and Lancaster till the union in the person of
Henry VII. and Elizabeth of York, with the issue to queen Elizabeth, in
whose reign these inscriptions were probably placed here, and who
appears to be alluded to in the last line, utraque mixta manet.
She inherited the blood of the two houses.
The second alludes to a pedigree with heraldic ensigns of the
family of Stanhope. You see, it says, addressing the spectator, the
splendid symbols united together of an illustrious race, by whose
marriages this house (family) has widely extended itself and become
enriched.
What remained a few years ago shewed the taste of sir Edward
Stanhope for such decorations; and in the old seat of the Kayes at
Woodsorne there is still remaining a work of the same kind and the same
age.
A letter written by Edward on 4 January 1592 to the justices of the peace of
Doncaster relays concerns about the navigability of the Don.
South Yorkshire: the history and topography of the
deanery of Doncaster, in the diocese and county of York vol 1
pp208-9 (Joseph Hunter, 1828)
Concerning this ford there is the following letter in the Hopkinson
collections, addressed to the justices of the peace assembled at the
quarter sessions at Doncaster. The writer is sir Edward Stanhope, of
Edlington.
After my harty commendations: itt may please yow to understand
that I have heard of late yeres at divers tymes when 1 have bene at
Edlington, that the country towards Barnesley and further west, wch
were used to be releved wth corne transported out of
Lincolnshire and Yorkshire up the river of Donne to Doncaster, and soe
to have come unto them, both by their own fetching and by badgers,
better cheape, by reason it came soe farre by water, then hat wch
came by horse carriage out of Nottinghamshire and those parts, have
greatly complayned that now of late years itt hath not come up in any
such quantitye by water as heretofore, or at least wayes not soe farr by
reason they have beene enforced many tymes to fetche the same at
Stainforth much more to their troble and chardges, wherupon I have
enquired the reason of itt, and am informed that itt groweth by mearies
of a foard wch the townesmen of Barnbye Dunne have forced of
late yeares in the river, stopping up the same on both sides the river
where the channell had wont to be of reasonable depth to carrye
vessells, and soe straiteninge the river; and in the midst where a
greate shelfe or shallowe is, they have layed stones called stepping
stones, wherby not onely themselves goe ovr the river most
part of the yeare, but drive their sheepe alsoe to and from their
commons that waye drye for the most part: and this devise for a little
ease of their owne soe much to the prejudice of all the west parts of
the country used but of late yeares: wherupon I wished that the mayor of
Doncaster and those that dwell nerest unto the premises might inform you
her maties justices of peace in those parts, not doubting but
upon proof made by oath hereof, the jurie will find this common nuisance
made upon the queen’s stream: and yow therupon sett some good
paine to have itt reformed by a day to be prefixed, as it is usual in
like cases. And therefore I thought good for your better information
herein to lett yow know what I have heard, and how farr I
have enquired, to learne the truth thereof: referring the further
consideration thereof to your wisedomes and good considerations: and soe
even bidd yow right hartilye farewell. York 4 January
1592.
Your very loveing freind to his power
E. STANHOPE.
Edward is named as "my sonne in lawe" in the will of Susan's father Thomas
Colshill, dated 23 April 1593, which is held at the
National Archives (PROB 11/85/243):
Item I give and bequeath to my sonne in lawe
Edward Stanhope one neest of Drinking boules of silver and guilte, with a
cover conteyninge by estimaticion sixtie five ounces or there aboutes
requiring my sonne Stanhope for rememberance of the giver he would cause
the colshill arms to be sett uppon the cover to be delivered within one
halfe yeare after my decease. ... Item I doe give and bequeathe unto my
sonn Stanhope and to his wife and to either of them a mourning gowne to be
worne at my funerall Item I give and bequeath to two of his men that shall
wayte upon him at my funerall to either of them a black coate
Edward is also named as "my sonne" and "my sonne in lawe" in, as well as
appointed an executor of, the will of Susan's mother Mary (Crayford)
Colshill, dated 2 June 1599 and proved on 29 June 1599, held at the The
National Archives (PROB 11/93/439).
... Item I doe give to my sonne Stanhope and my
daughter Susan his wyfe, to my sonne Leeke, and my daughter Mary his wyfe,
to my brother Arthur, and his wyfe, to my cosen Manwood and his wyfe, to
my Grand childe Elizabeth Dacres each of them mourning gownes and of such
stuff as shalbe thought meete by my Executors. The gentlemen to have cloth
of Eighteene shillings the yarde
... Item whereas my Sonnes in Lawe Edward Stanhope and Jasper Leeke
did kindly and frendly compound with Alderman Lee for a debt which he
challenged of and as Executor to my late husband and recovered by verdite
against me for the same ??? action of ???. Three hundred and ??? poundes
And nevertheless they did not only compound and agree with him for it, for
Eight score poundes to be payd in ff??? years but ??? their bondes unto
him for payment of the same whereof they have allreddy payd him fforty
poundes and there is Thirty poundes thereof payd by my annuity out of
Goodnoy for Three quarters rente which I doe well allowed of and doe
acquitt him of soomuch And for that it was allways my meaning to give them
security by that my Annuitie duringe my lyfe, and by somuch of my goods as
should make up the sayd some of Eight score poundes as was ??payed at my
death. Therefore my will is that yf there be not other order taken by my
deede in my lyfe time of speciall goods set out for the purpose, That then
my Executors shall (before any division made of my goods) make choyse of
the best of such goodes as shall remayne (my funeralls discharged and my
legacies therein particularly named excepted) And the same shall sell
towardes the paymente of the ??? of the said debte owing to Allderman Lee
which at this presente is Six score and Ten poundes, and Mr Lee to be
taken order withall for the ??? of the said debte for such ??? as the said
Edward and Jasper can agree with him to be payd out of the ??? of those
goods So as all their bondes for that debt may be discharged betwixt this
and michellmas next, and what they can save by that ??? or by the payd
goods to be devided equally betwixt them.
... Item my will is that my sonne Stanhope may take away at his pleasure a
suite of hangings being of ffive ??? which he bought of my the last yeare
and payed me Twenty poundes for them.
... Item I give to my sonne Stanhope my husbands seale ringe of gold.
... All the rest of my goodes and chattells unbequeathed (my funerall and
debts discharged) I doe aswell in support of the paymts before mentioned
by them to be made, and for the trust in me reposed by most deare and
lovinge husband give unto Edward Stanhope, and Jasper Leeke esquires my
sonnes in lawe for the good and betteringe of the estate of them and their
wyves my motherloved and kinde daughters whom I pray God to bless and all
their children and posteritie, And doe ordayne and make the sayd Edward
Stanhope and Jasper Leeke my sole Executors of this my last will and
Testamt
Familiae minorum gentium vol 3 p987 (Joseph
Hunter, 1895)
Sir Edward
Stanhope of Edlington, Knt, built the Hall there. One of the
Council of the North. Also of Grimston in the psh. of Kirby Wharff,
where he was bur. 24 April 1603. In Commission of Oyer & Terminer,
and Surveyor of the Dutchy lands. Will dated 8 Aug 1603; proved at Dr
Com. 16 Feb 1603.
Lower Wharfedale p195 (Harry Speight, 1902)
In the
reign of Queen Elizabeth the manor of Grimston passed by purchase to the
Stanhopes. A fine was concluded in 1589 between Edward Stanhope, Esq.,
plaintiff; on the one part, and Christopher Nelson, gent., and Mary, his
wife, deforciants, on the other part, with reference thereto, and the
sale included the manor, with 10 messuages, 10 cottages, a windmill, and
lands in Grimston, Kirkby, Tadcaster, and Stutton; also free fishing in
the Cock and Wharfe. This Edward Stanhope was one of the counsel at York
for the Northern Parts. He was also Recorder of Doncaster. He died in
1603, and was buried at Kirkby Wharfe, leaving issue six sons, the
eldest of whom, Sir Edward Stanhope, of Grimston, was High Sheriff of
Yorkshire in 1615.
Edward was involved in the attempt by Thomas Hoby to become the third
husband of Margaret Dakins.
The
Fortescue Papers vol 1 pp xi-xiv (George Matthew Fortescue,
1871)
It soon appeared, however, that Hoby had no chance.
Sidney's marriage to Walter Devereux' widow took place some time before
the 31st of May, 1592, as appears from a letter of Huntingdon's to him
of that date. On the 23rd of July, 1592, Arthur Dakins died, leaving the
young couple to take possession of Hackness. But this second marriage,
like the first, was not of long duration. Thomas Sidney died in the
summer of 1595, probably about the end of July or the beginning of
August, and her old suitor lost no time in making another stroke for the
prize. A fresh application was made to the Earl of Huntingdon, who,
knowing that the lady had not listened to Hoby on the last occasion,
contented himself with giving him the following letter to Mr. Edward
Stanhope, a member of the Council of the North, of which Huntingdon was
President. Stanhope was in some way or other related both to Mrs. Sydney
and to Hoby, who, as will be seen, had been knighted since we last heard
of him :—
Mr Stanhope. This gentleman, Sir Thomas Hobby, taketh a longe
jorney into the North for a good cause, as himself will shewe you. My
Lady his mother did first write unto me to give him my best freindly
meanes in the matter. And since my Lo. Trea. hath also required the same
of me, both by his letters and speaches to me, which I am willinge to
performe; but, as I have said to the Knight himself, I take it to be
verry sone for me to deale therein, yet; and, to speake the trewthe,
though I be verry willinge to do any good office towards him that may
lye in me, yet so bad hath bin my successe that yf I might be spared I
would never deale that way agayne for any such matter. And for this tyme
I am spared to write, but he requireth that I would assigne some man to
accompany him to the place that he may the redilyar have a sight of the
gentlewoman. And because you are his kinseman, I hope shortely to see
you in Yorkesheire, and for this tyme, with my harty commendacions, I do
comitt you to our Lord.
Your loving freind,
H. HUNTINGDON.
At Highgate the xiith of Septemb., 1595.
The result of Hoby's diplomacy appears in the next letter, which is
Stanhope's reply to the Earl :—
My humble duetie to your good Lp. premysed. It may please you to
be advertised that of Saterday last the xxth of this moneth,
I receyved your Lps. lettres by my cosen Sir Thomas Hobby, and
understandinge that night at Yorke that the gentlewoman was newely
removed to Hull, wee spent the Sabbath at Yorke. The next daye, good Mr
Cotrell's funerall beinge to be solemnized, in respecte he put me in
trust as a supervisor, wee staid ther till that afternoone, and then
went towarde Hull, accompanyed also with Mr. Peres Stanley, whither we
came upon Tuesday by one of the clocke, and went to the manor, where my
cosen Sydney after a while admitted mee to her chamber. I founde her
layde complayninge of payne in her eyes and heade, which I founde to
proceede of greate lamentacion for the losse of the worthy gentleman her
late hnsbande, for she coulde not then speake of him without teares.
After some speches of curtesey and entertaynment, I recomended
your Lps. favor unto her, apperenge by your lettres which I shewed her,
whereby finding the occasion of my cominge, she shedd teares againe,
sayinge that thoughe she helde her selfe bonnde to your Lp. to whom she
was wholly devoted, yet the tender love she bare to him that was dead,
made yt grevous to her to hear of any newe ; and much more to be thought
of the gentleman that she were to be delt with in any snche matter soe
soone, which I excused, as I had receyved from himselfe before, that he
had that reverend regard of her, as that in his owne opinione he might
be thought to blame ; but that two respectes ledd him.
One, in desier his eyes to witnes that which publicke reporte had
delivered him that the guyftes of nature had in some sorte equalled her
vertues.
Thother, havinge bene longe drawne to affect her for thes
guyftes, he was desirous to be made knowne to her, as the first that
shoulde seeke her, though he after forbore for some tyme to entertayne
or prosecute his suyte.
In thend, unwillingly, bnt in duetifull regard of your Lps.
recomendacion, and to avoyd to offer that discurtesey, not to be sene to
a gentleman of his worth that came soe farr for that purpose, in very
modest sort she yelded that after some tyme of my withdrawinge from her,
she woulde admytt him to doe your Lps. comendacions to her.
In which meane while my cosen Alred's wief cominge thither, after
some half hower, my self was required to bringe Sir Thomas and Mr. Peres
Stanley into her chamber, where curteousley and modestly intertayning
him with fewe speeches, she retired to the gentlewomen, and after smal
tyme spent in the chamber, wee left her, I sayinge to her that if your
Lps. cominge downe were not very shortely, this gentleman woulde be
boulde in his cominge up, to knowe if she woulde comannde him any thinge
to your Lp. and my good Lady.
That eveninge I acquainted my cosen Aldred and his wief both with
your Lps. favor to recomende the gent. to this match, and with the
licklyhoode how well, by the naturall affeccion borne him of his
honorable mother, his owne industry, his edncacion in soe good a schoole
of experience as my L. Threasorer's chamber, and his alyence and
kindered, he might prove a very good match to the gentlewoeman.
They both cheifely respectinge that it was mocioned with your
Lps. speciall liking, which they doubted not bnt woulde be seconded by
my Lady, when tyme had overworne the great grefe she takes for the losse
of a kinsman of soe greate good parts and expectacion, did not onely
yeelde to geve there best furderance to the match, as occasione might be
offered them, but my cosen Alred entred into consultacion with us, what
course might be helde in prosecuting of yt, best beseminge the
reputacions of them boeth.
Whereupon, although Sir Thomas at the first was desirous to have
procured some place in or nere the towne of Hull, to the which, within a
weeke or thereabouts, he might have repaired the better to take
oportunitye to intertayne the gentlewoman ; yet, upon better advisement,
be yeelded to this counsell, that he woulde retyre himselfe for v or vi
dayes, and if in that tyme he harde not of your Lps. presente cominge
into the cuntry, he woulde take his journey by Hull to your Lp. and
there salutinge the gentlewoeman, woulde let her knowe that he was so
fully satisficed by sight of her, that all things was answerable to the
goode reporte he had receyved of her before, as he ment to settle
himselfe upon her favor. Nevertheles, tenderly regardinge her
reputacion, he woulde for a tyme retyre himselfe into the southe, and
there eyther awayte your Lps. cominge downe, or if it were not soe soone
as he wished, hoped to receyve your Lps. recomendacion to her as well of
himselfe, as by his freendes, for his state and haviour.
And this course he meaninge to observe, and apperinge to as
desirous to be onely behonldinge to your Lp. and my Lady for this
matche, which, chefelie in regard of the gentlewoeman's vertues, whereof
he heareth by all that speake of her, he will accompt a greate
preferment to him, we came of Wedensday from Hull soe farr together
towardes Doncaster as I comytted him to Mr. Stanley nere his house at
Womersley, and I repaired to Doncaster, where I was in respect of my
place ther to attende the next day the eleccion of the [mayor], where by
foresight and good meanes, without contradiction or shewe of faccion
(not usuall heretofore), William Hansley, one in duetie and service
towards your Lp. was chosen there maior.
I humbly cease to trouble your Lp. 27 7br 1595.
Your Lps humbly
to command,
E. S.
This intervention of Mr Edward Stanhope, which in the present day
would have been enough to ruin any one's suit, was well received by the
man who was chiefly interested in its success. The great Lord Treasurer
wrote at once to Stanhope, and to his “cozen Alred,” to thank them for
their assistance.
...
The next month a new phase of the affair presented itself. The
new Earl of Huntingdon, looking over his brother's accounts, found, as
he asserted, that he was himself the real owner of the Hackness estate.
A long letter, written on the 28th of May to Mrs. Sidney, by Edward
Stanhope, whom we have heard of before as Hoby's supporter, informed her
that she had a Chancery suit before her. The story of Mrs Sidney's
business difficulties need not detain us here, all that is necessary to
be known being given in a note at the end of the Preface. But the
conclusion of the letter is in every way too noticeable to allow of its
omission :—
Now, my good cosen, what course for yon to take in the meane
while to make yt [i.e. the chancery suit] sure, I cannot so well advise
you, as if I were voyd of suspicion that my advise tended not to serve
some other's turne, which I protest I am free from intencion, and
therfore will let you simply know what I thinke for your good ; which is
that having thes great folks to stand against you, (and you having none
greater, that you may make account as sure to you, that may sway with my
L. Keeper to cast the ballance being indifferent of your syde,) if you
would so farr use your faithfull servant Sir Thomas as dyrect him by
your appointment to trye his credytt with my L. Threr. for you, I know
his Lp. may sway the matter wholly, and I am assured he so much
affecteth his kinsman, as if he fynde that the mocion proceedeth from
your self, and that Sir Thomas shall have kynde thanks of you for yt, he
will stryke it sure for you.
Herein use your ownc discrecion, for if I were not assured that
the speciall favour I wish you to afford Sir Thomas for his long service
and entyer affeccion should not fall out as much to your good and
comfort hereafter, as his, and that I know his estate shall be so well
supplyed by his honorable mother as that he shall be able (without that
which you bring) to maintaine you according to his degree, I protest to
you, by the faith of an honest man, I would not use thes speeches unto
you, or seeke any way to draw you to your hinderance, and knowing the
trust you repose in me, which I will never deceyve ; and therfore what I
have ingaged my creditt unto you for, I doubt not but be able always to
maintaine, and even so referring you to your owne good wisdome and
honorable government, which hitherto you have caryed of yourself to your
great creditt, I leave the report of the rest of the buysines to Mr.
Mease, and so betake you to God.
It is not necessary to believe that Lord Burghley and Sir Thomas
Egerton would have lent themselves to such a scheme as this. But that
their names should have been mentioned in connection with it is
certainly startling. But returning to a less important subject, it looks
very much as if it was this letter that effected the marriage, and that
the widow granted, to the fear of losing a suit in Chancery, what she
had denied to her wooer's importunity. At all events Stanhope's letter
is dated May 28, and the 26th of June we have the following letter from
Hoby to Lady Huntingdon, couched in terms which show that he considered
himself in a fair way to obtain the object of his desires.
Doncaster from the Roman Occupation to the Present
Time p282 (John Tomlinson, 1887)
1599.
“It was agreed and concluded by Mr maior, the Aldermen and
Comon Counsell assembled yt Edward Stanhop Esquier, Recorder of the Town
and Borough of Doncaster, shall and may take by his servants, Deputyes
or workmen Tenn Tymber Trees of Oke in Rossington parke, and the same to
convert to his vse, Provyded that the said Trees shall be sett forth by
the maior and the Chamberlaynes for the tyme beinge, and that the Toppes
of the sayd trees shalbe imployed and converted to such vses as Mr
Maior and the Chamberlaines shall think good.”
King James
VI of Scotland also became King James I of England on the death of
Queen Elizabeth on 24 March 1603. On James's journey from Edingburgh to
his coronation in London, King James stopped a night at Sir Edward
Stanhope's home at Grimston.
Two thousand miles in Wharfedale pp49-50
(Edmund Bogg, 1904)
King
James, in his triumphal progress from Edinburgh to London for kingdom
and crown, was met “uppon Saturday the 16th April, by John Robinson
and George Buck, Sheriffs of Yorke, with their white roddes, being
aecompanyed with an hundreth cittizens, and threescore other esquiers,
gentlemen, and others, the most substantial persons being all well
mounted. They received the King at the east end of Skip Bridge, which
was the utmost boundes of the Libertyes of the Cittie of Yorke, and
there kneeling, the sheriffes delivered their white roddes unto the
King with acknowledgment of their love and allegiance unto his
majesty, for which the King, with cheerfull countenance thanked them
and gave them their roddes agayne, the which they carried all the way
upright in their handes, ryding all the way next before the
Sergeant-at-Armes until they came to the citie.” On the Saturday
evening, Sunday, and until the afternoon of Monday, Jamie of Scotland
was entertained by the nobility and mayoralty right sumptuously, but
the records of these doings belong rather to the History of York.
The chronicler of the event informs us “at Tenne of the Clock
the King, with his Royal Traine, went to the Lord Major's House and
there dined; after dinner the King walked to the Deane's House, and
was there entertained with a Banquette. At the Deanerie the King took
horse and passed through the Cittie forth at Micklegate towards
Grimstone, the house of Sir Edward Stanhope, the Earl of Cumberlande
and the Lord Major beareing the Sword and Mace before the King untill
they came unto the house of St Kathren, at which place the Earl said:
‘Is it your Majestie's Pleasure that I deliver the Sword agayne unto
my Lord Major, for he is now at the utmost Partes of the Liberties of
this Cittie?’ Then the King willed the Earl to deliver the Major his
sword again. Then the Major alighted from his horse and kneeling took
his leave of the King, and the King, pulling off his glove tooke the
Major by the hande and gave him thankes, and so rode towards
Grimstone, being attended by the Shrieffes to the Midell of Tadcaster
Bridge, being the utmost Boundes of their Liberties. The next day the
Lord Major, according as he was commanded by a nobleman, came the next
morning unto the Court at Grimstone accompanyed with the Recorder and
foure of his Brethren, viz., W. Robinson, James Birkbie, William
Greenburie, and Robert Askwith, and certain chief officers of the
Cittie; and when his Majestie understood of their coming, he willed
that the Major, with Master Robinson and Master Birkbie should be
brought up into his Bed-Chamber, and the King said, ‘My Lord Major,
our meaning was to have bestowed a Knighthood upon you in your own
House, but the companie being so great, we rather thought it good to
have you here’; and there his Majestie knighted the Lord Major, for
which honour, the Lord Major gave his Majestie most humble and heartie
Thankes and returned.”
In the following June, the Queen Consort, during her journey
from Edinboro’ to London, was most royally entertained by the people
of York; and was later a guest of Sir Edward Stanhope in his house at
Grimston, Tadcaster.
Edward was one of two brothers both named Edward, and both of whom attended
Cambridge University and were knighted. That the two were separate men is
clear from the will of the younger Sir Edward which repeated refers to "my
loving brother, Sir Edward Stanhope"
THE
NATIONAL ARCHIVES PROB 11/111/228 (Prerogative Court of Canterbury
copy of the last will and testament, dated 28 February 1603 and proved 25
March 1608, of Sir Edward Stanhope (d. 10 March 1608), modern spelling
transcript ©2007 Nina Green)
Item, I give
unto my loving brother, Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, one of her
Majesty’s Council at York, to remain to him during his life and to the
heirs of his house after his decease, and so from heir to heir of that
house, one basin and ewer of silver and gilt of the same weight,
fashion, engraved arms and crest with the words as it is set down to my
nephew, John Stanhope, before for his basin and ewer;
...
Item, I do make executors to this my last will and testament my most
dear and loving brothers, Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, one of her
Majesty’s Council established for the North, my honourable brother, Sir
John Stanhope, knight, Vice-chamberlain to the Queen’s most excellent
Majesty, and my brother, Michael Stanhope, esquire, one of the Grooms of
her Majesty’s Privy Chamber, and so many of them as shall be living at
my death, praying them that as our loves have never been severed whilst
we lived, and as I cannot divide the same from them until our heavenly
Father do change this our earthly habitation, so they would be pleased
after my departure to continue the band of brotherly love unto me in
performing this my last will and testament according to my trust
committed unto them so far as they shall find and in their consciences
know that I do leave sufficient estate to perform it;
All the rest of my goods, lands copyhold or free, leases, chattels,
household stuff, moneys or whatsoever not by this my last will and
testament given, disposed and bequeathed, my debts being paid, which I
hope will not be great for that I have always had care to avoid them, I
do wholly give them equally to be divided amongst my said executors,
amongst whom there be some of them who do owe me good sums of money for
lands purchased in my name and their own, and some other lands mortgaged
unto me alone for which I have scarce anything to show for that I only
paid the moneys and they wholly dealt with buying, selling and disposing
of those lands; other do owe me moneys upon specialties of statute which
in this distempered age God knows into whose hands those specialties may
come; I therefore desire them, as they will answer it unto God, that
they will disclose one to another, as they are brethren and so should be
but one, what several debts is owing by any of them unto me, I mean only
money disbursed out of my purse and paid in pecunijs
numeratis for them without any further allowance, and then
casting that up unto the rest of my whole estate, I freely and
absolutely give the whole remainder as is above set down to be equally
divided betwixt my said three brothers who shall take upon them the
execution of this my last will and testament;
Overseers I need not make others than the three consciences of my
foresaid three executors, my brothers, whom I ascite before the
tribunal-seat of God, that as my love hath always been unto each of them
one brotherly love, so they will justly and truly perform that which I
have herein trusted them with
12 August 1603
Three late 19th and early 20th century published sources (Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p219 (William Dugdale, 1894), Familiae minorum gentium vol 3 p987 (Joseph
Hunter, 1895) and Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)) show Edward buried on 24 April 1603 in Kirkby Wharfe,
Yorkshire. Presumably the latter sources here are simply copying the
earliest, but this date is debunked in Historical Notices of Doncaster vol 2 p7
(Charles William Hatfield, 1868) as a misreading of the Kirky Wharfe parish
register. The History of Parliament: the House of
Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for STANHOPE,
Edward I as well as many online sources put Edward's death as 12
August 1603, but I cannot find an original source for this. Since Edward's
will was dated 8 August 1603, I think the 12 August 1603 death date is
probably correct, and certainly 24 April 1603 cannot be correct.
There is also a letter, held at the Lambeth Palace Library from Robert
Somerscales, dated 9 August 1603, that mentions that Edward Stanhope is
dying
Talbot
Papers
Folio 106
Robert Somerscales to the Earl of Shrewsbury, from York, 9 August 1603.
Sir Edward Stanhope is dying and refuses to make his will; if he dies
'which God grant', Somerscales recommends the Earl to request the
appointment to the Recordership of Doncaster.
Another data point comes from Two thousand miles in Wharfedale pp49-50
(Edmund Bogg, 1904) describing the journey of King James from Edinburgh to
his coronation in London in which he stays at "Grimstone, the house of Sir
Edward Stanhope". This would have occurred on 18 April 1603 and Bogg's
account continues that the Queen Consort, on her journey to London that
June, was "a guest of Sir Edward Stanhope in his house at Grimston".
Assuming that this all refers to this Sir Edward Stanhope in this confusing
family, and I believe it does, then it seems unlikely for Edward to have
been buried in Kirkby Wharfe (the parish in which Grimstone is located) on
24 April 1603.
The will of Sir Edward Stanhope, one
of His Majesty's Councellor in the North, dated 8 August 1603 and proved 16
February 1603(4), is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
In the name of
god amen the eight day of August in the yeare of our Lorde god
1603 I Sir Edward Stanhope knight one of his majesties councell in the
North weake in body but stronge in minde and of good and perfect
remembrance, doe willinglie and with a free harte render and giue againe
into the handes of my Lorde god and creator my spirite which he of his
fatherly goodnes gaue unto me when he first fashioned me in my mothers
womb, making me a living creature; nothing doubting but that for his
infinite mercies set forth in the precious bloud of his dearest beloved
sonne Jesus Christe our onely saviour and redeemer he will receive my
soule into his glorie and place it in the companie of the heavenly Angells
and blessed saints, And as concerning my bodie even with a goodwill and
free harte I giue it over commending it to the earth from whence it came,
nothing doubting but according to the article of my faith at the great
daie of the generall resurrecion when we shall appear before the iudgmente
seate of Christe I shall receiue the same againe by the mighty power of
god wherewith he is able to subdue all thinges to himself, nott a
corruptible vile and weake bodie, as it now is but an uncorruptible
imortall stronge and perfect bodie, in all pointes like unto the glorious
bodie of my Lorde and saviour Jesus christe, first as touching my wife
with whom I haue lived these manie yeres in the blessed estate of
honorable wedlock in the feare of god and true and perfect loue; by whom
by the blessing of god I haue had manie children and by her good helpe and
furtherannce hetherto I hope well educated and brought vp in the feare of
god whom I must confess before Jesus christe hath alwaies bin a moste
kinde and loving wife vnto me, And therefore in parte of recompence
thereof I hope I haue to her good liking assined her for her Jointure
certaine of my landes and tennementes wherewith I doubt nott but she is
well placed yet neuertheles am
content to giue her my Lease and terme of yeres in Hedlay Grange with the
sheepe walke And Conny warrant there, And my Leases of the woodes of
Osmondthirk Blackson and Whitwell Ca???, for the better prouision of her
howse at Grimston, And also a rent chanrge of xxli per Annum
out of my mannor of [blank] during her naturall life, And as towching my
children albeit I am full perswaded
that god will be a father vnto them, and if they live in his feare will
nott see them lack: yet since the lawe of god and nature requires that I
should haue a reasonable care of them, Therefore I have left to descend to
my eldest sonne the chief parte of my inheritance; And I haue alreadie
estated for the payment of my younger daughters porcions,
to Sir Thomas Hesketh knighte Charles Hales and John Horne esquires and
their heires all that my mannor of Goxhill in the Countie of Lincolne
which I lately purchased of th'erle of Rutland, and two hundred and
thirtie acres of meadowe lieng in Dailes in th'east and west marshes of
Goxhill aforesaid with certaine other landes purchased by me in Goxhill
aforesaid, And also of and in diverse closes in Thorneton neare vnto the
saide mannor of Goxhill called Southclose, martin closes and
sheepecote closes, togeather withall my landes yennements and
hereditaments in Thorneton, Hallon and Goxhill, which my will and pleasure
is shall be sould for the payment of such porcions
as shall be hereafter expressed unlesse my saide eldest sonne Sir Edward
Stanhope knight doe within one whole yeare from the feast of saint
Michaell th'archangell next ensuinge giue sufficient securitie to the
saide Sir Thomas Hesketh knight Charles Hales and John Ferne esquires for
the paymente of those porcions
and sommes of money hereafter expressed which are as followeth to Anne
Stanhope my eldest daughter in liew of her porcion
or childes parte, the somme of one thouzand poundes to be paide her in
three yeres viz: two hundred and fiftie poundes parcell
of the saide One thowzand poundes at or vppon the feast daie of saint
Michaell th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde god One
thowzand six hundred and fower, And two hundred and fiftie poundes in
further payment of the saide one thowsande poundes at or vppon the saide
feast day of saint Michaell th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of
our Lorde god One thowzand six hundred and fiue, And Five hundred poundes
residue of the said one thowzande poundes at or vppon the saide feast day
of saint Michaell th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde
god One Thowsand six hundreth and six in full payment of the saide One
thowsand poundes, And nevertheles in respect that it will be soe longe
before her saide porcion doe come
into her handes, my will is that she shall haue for the saide first two
yeares vntill she haue receuied fiue hundred poundes parte of her saide
porcion of One thowsand poundes
an allowance of fourtie poundes per
Annum to be paied her quarterly for her private mainetenance, whereof the first
payment to begynne at the Feast of sainte Michaell th'archangell next and
soe quarterly for and during the saide terme of two yeres vntill she haue
receiued the saide somme of fiue hundreth poundes Item to Marye Stanhope
my daughter for her porcion or
childes parte the somme of fiue hundred poundes, whereof two hundred and
fiftie poundes parcell of the saide Fyve hundred poundes be paid to the
saide Marie or her assignes at or vppon the feast daie of saint michaell
th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde god One Thowsand
six hundreth and seauen, And soe consequently the somme of two hundtreth
and Fiftie poundes residue of the saide somme of fiue hundred poundes at
the saide that time twelve moneth which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde
god One Thowsand six hundreth and eight, And my will and pleasure is, that
she shall haue allowed vnto her yerely vntill she haue receiued two
hundred and fiftie poundes parcell
of the saide fiue hundred poundes, the somme of twentie pounds per
Annum for her private
maintenance, which saide somme of twentie poundes to be paide vnto the
Ladie Stanhope my wief to her use quarterly, whereof the first payment to
begin at the feast of saint Martin the Bishop in winter next ensuing the
date hereof, Item to Fraunces Stanhope my daughter for her porcion
or childs parte the somme of fiue hundred poundes, whereof two hundred and
fiftie poundes parcell of the said fiue hundred poundes to be paied to her
the saide Fraunces or her assignes at or vppon the Feast of saint Michaell
th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde god One Thowsand
six hundred and nine, And soe consequently the somme of two hundred and
fiftie poundes residue of the saide somme of fiue hundred poundes at the
like feast And my further will and pleasure is that she shall haue allowed
vnto her yerely vntill she haue reciued two hundred and fifty poundes
parte of the said somme of Fiue hundred poundes the somme of twentie
poundes per Annum for her private maintenance, which saide somme of
twentie poundes to be paide vnto my said wief for my said daughters use
quarterly whereof the first payment to begin at the Feast of saint Martin
the Bishop in winter next ensuing the date hereof, And my Will and further
desire is that my saide two daughters Marie and Fraunces maye contynue in
howse with my said wife their mother to th'end she may bringe them up and
educate them in the fearfe of god, as hitherto she has doen, vntill they
come vnto the age of eightene yeres or be married, whether shall first
happen, of whose approued and virtuous educacion
of them, I make no doubte, having had soe good experience thereof, And if
it shall fortune either of my saide daughters Marie and Fraunces to die
before they accomplish the age of eightene yeres unmarried then I will
that her porcion soe dyeng shall
remaine to my younger daughter surviving Item I giue and bequeath vnto
Michaell Stanhope my second sonne All that my Lease of Martindale within
the Barony of Barton in the Countie of Westmorland which I tooke of the
late Queene Elizabeth deceased for the terme of my life, And after my
decease surrender or forfeiture to Michaell Stanhope my saide second sonne
for the terme of his naturall
life, And after his decease surrender or forfeiture to John Stanhope my
third sonne for the terme of his naturall life, And also a rente charge of
twentie poundes per Annum out of my landes during the life of the said
Michaell to be giuen when he shall by proceading in his study of the lawe
attaine to be vtter Barrister, Item I giue vnto John Stanhope, my third
sonne, all that the hall house or mannor called Smith hall with the landes
as well freehold, as coppiholde there, which I purchased with it, or had
in other purchases in exchainge to me and mine heires lieng in Snaith
Cowick Pollington Hensall Gowle and Balne, willing that he make his wife a
Jointure of it for the terme of her naturall
life, And also I giue vnto my saide sonne John, all that my lease of the
Tithes of Swinfleet in the said Countie of yorke Item I give unto George
Stanhope my fourth sonne all that the copyhould lande lieng within the
mannor of Goddenhay in the County of Somerset
wherin I haue already procured him to be tennannt admitted in revercon
after the death of the nowe tennannte or tennanntes havinge estate in the
same And in the meane time twentie poundes yerely to be assinge out of my
landes Item I giue vnto Thomas Stanhope my youngest sonne oute of my
landes fourtie poundes by yeare during his naturall
life, That he may distreyne for the same in and vppon my landes for non
payment of the rente for the same, to be paide at two vsuall Feastes in
the yeare, that is to saie, at the feast of sainte Michaell th'archangell
nexte ensuing the date hereof, And I further giue and bequeath vnto the
poore within the parishes of [blank] to be distributed according to the
minde of my Executor the somme of ten poundes, And further my will and
meaning is That the Ladie my wief shall haue the cubbard of plate
commonlie called the chamber plate And all the furniture for the same
chamber to her owne propper vse and vses, And for the residue of my plate
housholdstuf and movable goodes wheresoever, my will and purpose is, that
the same shall be equaly devided betwene the Lady my wife, and the saide
Sir Edward Stanhope my sonne; my meaning likewise is that each of my
children shall haue a peece of plate for a remembrannce of me. And if it
shall fortune hereafter anie ambiguitie doubte or question to growe or
aerise by reason of the imperfection
or defecte of or in anie the words and clauses or sentences for the
assurannce of my childrens porcions
or anie estates conveyed vnto them by this my will and which may be
supplied by anie act assent or assurannce of my sonne and heire, to whom
the chief parte of my inheritannce doth discende Then my will purpose and
meaning is, that he will doe and performe
all and and every reasonable act and assurannce for the better assuring
and confirming vnto them and every of them of their seauerall porcions,
as by the Overseers of this my said will and trustie frendes or the more parte of them shall be thoughte fit
and convenient, And further for the better accomplishment of this my will
I doe ordaine Sir Edwarde Stanhope my sonne my sole Executor of this my
last will and testament, And appoint Supervisors of this my will my deare
and lovinge brethren Sir John Stanhope knight vice chamberlaine and one of
his maiesties moste honorable priuie councell Sir Edwarde Stanhope Doctor
Sr Michaell Stanhope and Sir Percivall Harte knight my sonne in
lawe. Published in ??? Ch: Hales of Bevercotes Thomas Morton Jo:
Sleightholn Francis Williams.
In his will, Edward "expressed his belief in ‘the company of the heavenly
angels and blessed saints’. His property was to be divided among his wife
and children. His eldest daughter was to receive a dowry of £1,000 and the
two younger ones £500 each. Property in Westmorland was left to his second
son as well as a rent charge of £20 a year as soon as he became an utter
barrister, and property in Yorkshire and Somerset was secured to the third
and fourth sons, while the youngest, Thomas, was to have an annuity of £40.
Some of the Yorkshire lands were to go to his widow as an addition to her
jointure, but most of it descended to his eldest son Sir Edward, aged about
24, the executor of the will. Stanhope’s brothers, Sir John, Sir Edward and
Sir Michael, were appointed supervisors, with Sir Percival Hart, his
son-in-law." (The History of Parliament: the House
of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for STANHOPE,
Edward I).
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p219 (William Dugdale, 1894); Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927); Lives of Nottinghamshire Worthies p109
(Cornelius Brown, 1882)
- Susan is named as "my
daughter Susan the wife of Edward Stanhope" in the will of her father
Thomas Colshill, dated 23 April 1593, which is held at the National
Archives (PROB 11/85/243); Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p219 (William Dugdale, 1894); A Tour in Scotland part 2 pp129-31
(Thomas Pennant, 1776); Familiae minorum gentium vol 3 p987
(Joseph Hunter, 1895); Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p219 (William Dugdale, 1894)
- Edward Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire,
England
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
Cambridge University, where
Edward graduated B.A. in 1562(3), M.A. in 1566 and LL.D in 1575.
Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
STANHOPE,
EDWARD. Scholar of Trinity, 1560. Doubtless 4th s. of Sir
Michael, of Shelford, Notts., Knt. B. c. 1546. B.A. 1562-3; M.A.
1566; LL.D. 1575. Fellow, 1564. Incorp. at Oxford, 1566 (apparently
re-incorp. LL.D. 1578; as of Grimston Park, Yorks., but Foster
is here confusing him with his brother). Preb. of York, 1572. Adm.
advocate, Jan. 15, 1575-6. Master in Chancery, 1577. Vicar-General of
Canterbury, c. 1583. M.P. for Marlborough, 1584, 1586. R. of
Terrington, Norfolk, 1589. Preb. of St Paul’s, 1591. Chancellor of
London diocese, 1591-1608. Knighted, July 25, 1603. Received a grant
from the Crown (together with his brother Michael) of the Manor of
Hucknall Torkard, Notts., 1600. Died Mar. 16, 1607-8. Buried in St
Paul’s Cathedral. M.I. in Old St Paul’s. Benefactor of Trinity College.
(There is considerable confusion among authorities concerning the two
Edwards, both sons of Sir Michael.) Doubtless brother of the next, of
Michael (1561) and perhaps of John (1556). (Cooper, II.
470; Coote; D.N.B.)
Clergyman, Advocate and Member
of Parliament
Edward was M.P. for Marlborough in 1584 and 1586. He was one of five of his
brothers who sat in Parliament during Elizabeth’s reign, along with John,
Michael, Sir Thomas and Edward Stanhope I. Details of Edward's parliamentary
career can be found at The History of Parliament:
the House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for STANHOPE,
Edward II (c.1547-1608), of London.
Edward was one of two brothers both named Edward, and both of whom attended
Cambridge University and were knighted. That the two were separate men is
clear from the will of the younger Sir Edward which repeated refers to "my
loving brother, Sir Edward Stanhope". This Edward was knighted at Whitehall
on 23 July 1603.
Edward was mentioned in the will of his brother-in-law, Sir Roger Townshend,
dated 4 December 1587, held at the National
Archives PROB 11/77/149
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
First, whereas
I did of late purchase of Edmund Bell, esquire, the manor of Wellingham
with the appurtenances and all lands, tenements and hereditaments
accepted, reputed or taken as part, parcel or member of the said manor
or with the said manor usually occupied, demised or letten in the county
of Norfolk, and yet nevertheless did cause the said Edmund Bell and
Henry Osborne and Christopher Osborne, gentlemen, to convey and assure
the said manor with th’ appurtenances to my brother-in-law, Mr Edward Stanhope, Doctor of Law, and to his heirs to the
use of him and his heirs upon confidence and trust notwithstanding to
the benefit and behoof of me and my heirs forever, my will and mind is
that my executors of this my last will and testament from and after my decease shall perceive, take and enjoy the rents,
issues and profits of the said manor with th’ appurtenances for and
until such time as they, the same my executors, shall or may with the
money coming and growing of the same rents, issues and profits and of
the revenues and profits of other my
lands, tenements and fold-courses hereafter in this my will mentioned,
and with such of my goods, chattels and leases as are herein also
specified, well and truly satisfy and pay all and singular the debts
which I owe to any person and all other the legacies by me herein
bequeathed to any person, and if my said executors or the survivors or
the survivor of them shall think it necessary to make sale of the said
manor of Wellingham with th’ appurtenances and all lands, tenements and
hereditaments accepted, reputed and taken as part, parcel or member of
the said manor or usually occupied, demised or letten with the said
manor or any part thereof, that then I will and devise that my executors
or the survivors of them shall make sale of the same or of any part
thereof at and by their discretion or at and by the discretion of the
survivor of them, and I heartily pray and desire my said brother-in-law
and good friend that he will execute and perform all such acts and
devises in law as shall be in that behalf from time to time required by
my said executors or the survivor of them, and after my debts and
legacies paid, if my said executors or the survivors of them or survivor
of them shall notm make sale as is aforesaid, then I will and devise my
said manor of Wellingham and other the premises thereunto belonging as
is aforesaid, or so much thereof as shall not be sold as is aforesaid,
to my son John and his heirs forever;
... Item, I give and bequeath to my
brother [=brother-in-law], Doctor Stanhope, one piece of plate of the
value of ten pound;
The Knights of England vol 2 p114 (William
Arthur Shaw, 1906)
1603. July 23. EDWARD STANHOP, of Co.
York (Northampton), LL.D (ibid) [in the Royal
garden at Whitehall before the King’s
Coronation.]
Edward was named as a supervisor of the will of his older brother, also
named Edward, one of His Majesty's Councillors in the North, dated 8 August
1603, which is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
... And
further for the better accomplishment of this my will I doe ordaine Sir
Edwarde Stanhope my sonne my sole Executor of this my last will and
testament, And appoint Supervisors of this my will my deare and lovinge
brethren Sir John Stanhope knight vice chamberlaine and one of his
maiesties moste honorable priuie councell Sir Edwarde Stanhope Doctor Sr
Michaell Stanhope and Sir Percivall Harte knight my sonne in lawe.
Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 pp470-3
(Charles Henry Cooper, 1861)
EDWARD
STANHOPE, fourth or fourth surviving son of sir Michael Stanhope,
governor of Kingston-upon-Hull and high-steward of Holderness under
Henry VIII., and chief gentleman the privy chamber to Edward VI., by his
wife Anne, daughter of Nicholas Rawson, esq., of Aveley in Essex, was
born at Hull. On 26 Feb. 1551-2 his father was beheaded as an accomplice
of his brother-in-law Edward duke Somerset, sometime lord protector. His
mother, an excellent and pious woman, survived till 20 Feb. 1587-8. Her
epitaph records that she brought up all her younger children in virtue
and learning.
This Edward, for he had an elder brother of the same name, was
educated at Trinity college in this university. His matriculation does
not appear to have been recorded, but in 1560 he was elected a scholar
of the house, going out B.A. 1562-3. On 23 Sept. 1564 he was admitted a
minor fellow, becoming a major fellow 30 April 1566. In the same he
commenced M.A., and was incorporated in that degree at Oxford during the
queen’s visit to that university in September following his creation
here. On 25 Nov. 1572 he became prebendary of Botevant in the church of
York, in 1575 was created LL.D., and on 15 Jan 1575-6 was admitted an
advocate. On 7 June 1577 he was sworn a master in chancery, and in or
before 1578 was appointed chancellor of the diocese of London. On 1
September in that year he supplicated the university of Oxford in a
convention called simile primum, that he might be incorporated doctor of
the civil law, which though granted simpliciter, yet it appears not that
he was incorporated. In or before 1583 he vicar-general of the province
of Canterbury, and he represented Marlborough in the parliament of 29
Oct. 1586. In or perhaps before 1587 he was in the high commission for
causes ecclesiastical. We find him on 10 Dec. 1588 writing to lord
Burghley, (to whose wife he was related) soliciting to be appointed a
master or commissioner of the fine office, and the application was
successful.
In 1589 he was instituted to the rectory of Terrington in
Norfolk, on the presentation of William Cooper, esq., patron for that
turn, (and son of sister Eleanor, who married Thomas Cooper, esq., of
Thurgarton in Nottinghamshire). Dr. Stanhope, it is said, also held the
rectory of Brockley in Suffolk, but when or how he obtained it does not
appear. In 1591 he resigned the prebend of Botevant, and on 31 May in
that year was collated to the prebend of Cantlers, alias Kentishtown, in
the church of S. Paul.
His name occurs in the special commission touching jesuits and
other disguised persons issued 26 March 1593; the special commission of
oyer and terminer for London dated 25 Feb. 1593-4, under which Rodrigo
Lopez, M.D., Emanuel Louis Tynoco, and Stephen Ferrara de Gama were
tried and convicted of high treason; and the commission issued by
archbishop Whitgift 19 Nov. 1594 for survey of all the ecclesiastical
courts within the diocese of London. It is said that soon after this
period he became chancellor of the church of S. Paul.
On 27 June 1600 queen Elizabeth granted to him and his brother
Michael the manor of Hucknall Torkard in the county of Nottingham, at
the yearly rent of £13 9s. 0d., and he was in a special
commission touching piracies, issued 2 April 1601.
He was knighted at Whitehall 23 July 1603, and his name occurs in
the special commission of oyer and terminer, issued for the county of
Middlesex 15 November following. Under this commission Henry lord
Cobham, Thomas lord Grey de Wilton, sir Walter Ralegh, George Brooke and
others were indicted for treason. In the same year sir Edward Stanhope
was one of the four learned civilians whose names were inserted in a
commission for perusing all books printed within the realm without
public authority, and suppressing the same or determining in what sort
they should be permitted to be dispersed.
His death occurred 16 March 1607-8, and he was interred in S.
Paul’s cathedral, where he was commemorated by the following inscription
on the eastern wall near the great north door:
Memoriæ Sacrum.
Edwardo Stanhopo, Michaelis Stanhopi, ex ordine equestri filio,
Equiti aurato, Legum Doctori, Episcopi Londinensis Cancellario,
Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis Vicario generali, in publicis Ecclesiæ
& Reipublicæ negotiis versatissimo, Qui certa spe in Christo
resurgendi, piè placidèque animam Deo reddidit 16 die Martii 1608.
Johannes Baro Stanhopus de Harington, & Michael Stanhopus
eques auratus, fratres mæstissimi officiose, pietatis ergo, P. P.
This inscription was, it appears, drawn up by William Camden, who
stated sir Edward Stanhope’s death to have occurred in 1607, agreeably
to the computation of time then in general use. The inscription was
however slightly altered, and the date of 1608 was substituted for 1607.
This circumstance has occasioned some errors.
During his lifetime he gave £100 for the construction and fitting
up of the library of Trinity college.
In his will, which is dated 28 Feb. 1602-3, and was proved in the
prerogative court 25 March 1608, he confessed that from Trinity college,
next unto God and his good parents, whom he had long since taken to his
mercy, he had received the foundation of all which he had been enabled
unto; he therefore gave £700 to that college to buy lands to be bestowed
on the maintenance of the library keeper, and of his man, a poor scholar
in the said college, for ever. The will contains minute directions as to
the library keeper, the poor scholar and under-library keeper, the
preservation of the library and the visitation thereof annually. He gave
to the college his great polyglot bible in 7 vols. fo., commonly called
king Philip’s bible, also all his books of divinity, civil, common,
canon, or statute law, history, and other humanity books in greek or
latin, which the college had not, and which were not specifically
bequeathed by his will or any codicil. He also gave the college
permission to change books which they had for any of his which were of a
later impression or more fitly bound. He bequeathed to the college £40
to be distributed amongst the subsizars, and £20 to provide one very
great book of large vellum, wherein should be fairly written and limned
the names, titles, arms, and dignities of all the founders of the
college set out in proper colours; after them the arms of the college;
after that the names of all the benefactors and the names and
preferments of the masters. This book to be kept for the public register
book of all the particular books, maps, globes, or other ornaments
belonging or to belong to the college library. This book, furnished with
leaves sufficient to add what should thereafter by good men be supplied,
he desired might with such good speed be prepared that it should be one
of the first books which should be perfected, bound, chained, and
affixed to the library.
His will also contains bequests of £20 as a stock for employing
the poor dwelling in the manor of Cantelows alias Kentish town; £40 to
the poor of Terrington; £200 to the town of Hull; and £200 to archbishop
Whitgift (under whose government he had lived thirty years before he
became his grace’s chancellor to be laid out in land towards the
foundation of his college at Croydon. He entailed his estate called
Wellwood park in the isle of Axholme, which he had bought of lord
Sheffield, on the sons of his brother sir Edward, viz., Edward, Michael,
George, John, and Thomas successively, and devised his estate at
Caldecott to his nephew Charles son of his brother sir John (afterwards
lord Stanhope of Harington). He gave handsome remembrances in money,
plate, and rings to all his brothers and their wives, his sisters, and
all his nephews and nieces by name, and also to many friends, the whole
tenor of the will shewing a strong feeling of affection towards his
family. He desired that £4000 should be reserved to purchase land of
£200 per annum to be settled on the son or sons of his brother Michael,
if he should have any. He alludes to certain scandal relative to his
gallantry towards a fair lady, Mrs. Elizabeth Blackwell, wife of the
registrar of the court of arches, and daughter of Mr. Thomas Wilford
chamberlain of London, with whom he admits he had been so familiar as to
have occasioned misconstruction, but he solemnly exculpates both the
lady and himself from any criminality, and bequeaths her his large gold
chain weighing thirty-seven ounces which he was accustomed to wear, and
all his plate not bequeathed to his relatives.
He appointed his brothers sir John, sir Michael, and sir Edward
his executors, saying that he had no need to appoint overseers other
than and except their own consciences. Some of his brothers being
indebted to him in divers sums advanced for the purchase of estates in
their names, they having bought and sold and he found the money, for
which he had little or no acknowledgment or security, he therefore
exhorted them truly and conscientiously to disclose those transactions
to each other, and to come to a fair and just reckoning with each other
as his residuary legatees.
Trinity college library received under sir Edward Stanhope’s bequest 15
MSS. and 321 printed volumes.
His works are:
1. Memoriale Collegio Sanctæ et Indiuiduæ Trinitatis in Academia
Cantabrigiensi dicatum 1614 cura et industria Ed. Stanhope Militis Legum
Doctoris Collegii huiusce quondam Socii compositum et ordinatum.
Eivsdemq. sumptibus delineatum et exornatum in piam gratiam et perpetuum
honorem munificentiæ et olim, et nunc, et in posterum, huic Collegio
Deuotororum. MS. Coll. Trin. Cantab. R. 17. 2. Only the earlier portions
of this book were drawn up by sir Edward Stanhope. His account of the
ancient foundations of King’s hall and Michaelhouse is especially
curious and interesting. This magnificent volume, which is richly
illuminated with armorial and other embellishments, was put into its
present shape in compliance with his testamentary directions, under
which it was continued from time to time till about 1700. It was for
many years and until recently kept in the master’s lodge, from which
circumstance it has been occasionally referred to as the Lodge Book.
2. Letters. The number is probably not very large. There were
some in the collection of the late Mr. Dawson Turner, and Richard
Almack, esq., F.S.A., of Long Melford, has others.
It is not surprising that this sir Edward Stanhope has often been
confounded with his elder brother of the same name. He, who was the
second son of sir Michael, was a knight, represented the counties of
Nottingham and York in parliament, was one of the surveyors of the duchy
of Lancaster, treasurer of Gray’s inn, recorder of Doncaster, and for
many years one of the council of the north. He was seated at Edlington
and Grimston in Yorkshire, and dying in 1603 was buried at Kirby Wharffe
in that county, leaving issue sir Edward, K.B.; Michael, M.D.; sir John
of Mellwood in the isle of Axholme, who died 1627; George, D.D., fellow
of Trinity college, chaplain to Charles I., and rector of Wheldrake,
whom we shall hereafter notice; and Thomas. We have taken no little
pains to distinguish the two brothers, but it may be that we have not
entirely succeeded in so doing, It must be observed that besides these
two sir Michael Stanhope had a son Edward who died in infancy.
Arms: Quarterly, 1. (Stanhope) Quarterly Erm. & G. a martlet
for difference. 2. (Maulovel) V. 3 wolves courant O. 3. (Longvilers) S.
a bend between 6 cross crosslets A. 4. (Lexinton) A. 3 saltires S. a
crescent for difference. Crest: a tower Az. charged with a martlet,
issuing from the battlements a demi-lion rampant O. ducally crowned G.
holding in the jamb an ogress. Motto: Ut Deo sic Regi.
MS. Addit. 5852. p. 171. Baga de Secretis, pouches 52, 58. MS.
Baker, xi. 334; xxvi. 353. Blomefield’s Norfolk, ix. 96. Charity
Reports, xiv. 203. MS. Cole, xxxii. 83, 84. Coote’s Civilians, 52.
Information from George R. Corner, esq., F.S.A. Ducarel’s Croydon,
App. 37. Dugdale’s S. Paul’s, 56. Foss’s Judges of England, v. 401; vi.
8. Gorham’s Gleanings, 494. MS. Harl 6996. art. 2. Leon. Howard’s
Letters, 621. Hunter’s South Yorkshire, i. 92. MS. Kennett, xlix. 117,
119. MS. Lansd. Lemon’s Cal. State Papers, 381. Le Neve’s Fasti, ii.
361, 405; iii. 177. Lysons’ Environs, iii. 376. Marprelate’s Epistle,
13, 25, 29. Mem. Scacc. Mic. 8 Eliz. r. 15; Trin. 9 Eliz. r. 21. Monk’s
Bentley, ii. 275. Monro’s Acta Cancellariæ, 8, 27, 28, 532, 620, 639,
733. Newcourt’s Repert. i. 171, 279. Nichols’s Prog. James I. i. 81, 83,
208, 225; iii. 1055. Originalia, 33 Eliz. p. 3, r. 45; 36 Eliz. p. 2. r.
248, p. 4, r. 57; 43 Eliz p. 5, r. 8; 44 Eliz. p. 5, r. 107; 3 Ja. I.,
p. 1, r. 7. Parkeri Scel. Cantab. Restituta, iv. 404. Rymer, xvi. 201,
412. J. R. Smith’s Old Book Circular, 9890. Stanhopii Memoriale Coll.
Trin. MS. 62, 63, 94, 95. Earl Stanhope’s Notices of the Stanhopes, 10.
Stonehouse’s Axholme, 259. Strype’s Annals, iii. 592; iv. 152, 183, 184,
218, 255, 284, 396. Strype’s Whitgift, 248, 340, 418, 577; App. 137.
Strype’s Aylmer, 29, 85, 91, 112, 130. Strype’s Stow, iii. 166.
Thoroton’s Nottinghamsh. 148, 257. Sale Cat. of Dawson Turner’s MSS.
192. Willis’s Not. Parl. iii. (2) 116. Willis’s Cathedrals, i.124.
Wood’s Annals, ii. 273-275. Wood's Fasti, ed. Bliss, i. 174, 211,
212.
Dictionary
of National Biography vol 54 pp7-8 (Sidney Lee, 1898)
STANHOPE,
SIR EDWARD (1546?-1608), chancellor of the diocese of
London, born at Hull about 1546, was the fourth son of Sir Michael
Stanhope [q. v.], by Anne, daughter of Nicholas Rawson of Aveley, Essex.
John Stanhope, first baron Stanhope [q. v.] was his elder brother.
An elder brother, also named Edward, represented in parliament
Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire successively, was a surveyor of the duchy
of Lancaster, treasurer of Gray’s Inn recorder of Doncaster and a member
of the council of the north. He died in 1603, and was buried at Kirby
Wharffe, Yorkshire.
Sir Edward the younger was scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge,
from 1560 to 1563, minor fellow in 1564, and major fellow in 1569. He
graduated B.A. in 1563, M.A. in 1566, and LL.D. in 1575. He was
incorporated M.A. at Oxford in September 1566, ‘when Queen Elizabeth was
entertained by the Oxonian Muses’ (WOOD, Fasti Oxon.
i. 174). On 1 Sept. 1578 he supplicated to be incorporated D.C.L., but,
though it was granted simpliciter, ‘it appears not that he was
incorporated’ (ib. p. 211). On 25 Nov. 1572 he was appointed to
the prebend of Botevant in York Cathedral. He was admitted as advocate
at Doctors’ Commons in 1576, and on 7 June 1577 was sworn as a master in
chancery. About 1583 he was named vicar-general of the province of
Canterbury, and, having meanwhile (Nov. 1584–Sept. 1585 and Oct.
1586–March 1587) served in parliament as member for Marlborough, was
appointed a member of the ecclesiastical commission in 1587. Two years
later he obtained, through the influence of Lord Burghley, to whose
second wife he was related, the place of commissioner of the fines
office. In 1589 he was also presented to the rectory of Terrington in
Norfolk by his nephew William Cooper. In 1591 he resigned his stall at
York on his appointment as canon and chancellor of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Stanhope’s name appears in the commission of March 1593 ‘touching
jesuits and other disguised persons,’ and also in that of oyer and
terminer for London in February 1594. In the same year he was also a
member of Whitgift’s commission for the survey of ecclesiastical courts
in the London diocese; and in April 1601 was a commissioner in the
inquiry concerning piracies. Together with his brother Michael he
received a grant from the crown in June 1600 of the manor of Hucknall
Torkard, Nottinghamshire, and was knighted at Whitehall on 25 July 1603.
In that year Stanhope served on the commission under which Raleigh and
his associates were tried for high treason, and was appointed one of the
four learned civilians who were to examine and adjudicate upon all books
printed in the realm without authority.
Stanhope died on 16 March 1607–8, and was buried in St Paul’s
Cathedral ‘near to the great north door.’ His epitaph on the monument on
the eastern wall, printed in ‘Monumenta Sepulchraria Sancti Pauli,’ 1614
by H. H[olland], was drawn up by William Camden [q. v.] During his
lifetime he had given 100l. for the construction and fitting up
of a library at Trinity College, Cambridge, to which he bequeathed 700l.
to buy lands for the maintenance of a library-keeper and his man. He
also left to the college fifteen manuscripts and over three hundred
books, among which was his polyglot bible known as King Philip’s bible.
A small benefaction was set apart for the provision of a large vellum
book ‘wherein should be fairly written and limned the names, titles,
arms, and dignities of all the founders of the college,’ and of the
benefactors and masters, with a list of preferments. Benefactions were
also left by Stanhope to the town of Hull and the poor of Kentish Town
and Terrington, as well as 200l. towards the foundation of
Whitgift’s college at Croydon. Having no children, he entailed his
estates in the Isle of Axholme and at Caldecott on his nephews.
Stanhope wrote the earlier portion of ‘Memoriale Collegio [sic]
Sanctæ et Individuæ Trinitatis in Academiâ Cantabrigiensi,’ a manuscript
inscribed with his name and left to Trinity College. It was continued,
in accordance with his wishes, up to 1700, and was known as the Lodge
Book from being kept in the master’s lodge. Several of his letters were
in the collections of Dawson Turner and Richard Almack.
[Cooper’s Athenæ Cantabr. ii. 470-3, where is an exhaustive list
of authorities.] G. LE G. N.
16 March 1607(8)
St Paul's Cathedral, London, England
Edward's memorial did not survive the destruction
of St Paul's in the Great
Fire of 1666, although descriptions of it still exist.
Catalogue
of the Tombs in the Churches of the City of London, A.D. 1666
pp99-101 (Payne Fisher, 1684)
THE TOMBES OF ST PAUL’S.
... Near to the North Middle Door stood a Fair Mural Monument, with this
Inscription.
Memoria Sacrum
Edwardo Stanhopo, Michaelis Stanhopi ex ordine equestri,
Filio; Equiti aurato;
Legum Doctori; Episcopi Londinensis Cancellario;
Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis
Vicario Generali;
In Publicis Ecclesiæ & Reipublicæ
negotiis versatissimo:
Qui certa spe in Christo resurgendi,
Piè placidéque animam DEO reddidit,
Decimo sexto die Martii, MDCVIII.
Johannes Baro Stanhopus de Harington,
Et Michael Stanhopus eques auratus,
Fratres mæstissimi
Officiosè, Pietatis ergò P.P.
Englisht thus.
Sacred to Posterity
And to the Memory
Of Sir Edward Stanhop Knight, and a Knight’s Son;
Doctor of the Civil Laws,
And Chancellor to the Bishop of London,
And Vicar General to the Archbishop
Of Canterbury.
He was a Person Industriously Active
In the Concernes
Of both Church and State.
And in an Assurance of a Blessed Resurrection in Christ;
Most Christianly, Piously, and Peaceably
Resigned his Soul into the Hands of his Redeemer
On the 16th of March 1608.
In Remembrance of whom
His two sorrowful Brethren
John Lord Stanhop Baron of Harrington,
And Sir Michael Stanhop Knight
Have erected this Monument in Testimony of their Pious affection
to their deceased Brother.
Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 p471 (Charles
Henry Cooper, 1861)
His
death occurred 16 March 1607-8, and he was interred in S. Paul’s
cathedral, where he was commemorated by the following inscription on the
eastern wall near the great north door:
Memoriæ Sacrum.
Edwardo Stanhopo, Michaelis Stanhopi, ex ordine equestri filio,
Equiti aurato, Legum Doctori, Episcopi Londinensis Cancellario,
Archiepiscopi Cantuariensis Vicario generali, in publicis Ecclesiæ
& Reipublicæ negotiis versatissimo, Qui certa spe in Christo
resurgendi, piè placidèque animam Deo reddidit 16 die Martii 1608.
Johannes Baro Stanhopus de Harington, & Michael Stanhopus
eques auratus, fratres mæstissimi officiose, pietatis ergo, P. P.
This inscription was, it appears, drawn up by William Camden, who
stated sir Edward Stanhope’s death to have occurred in 1607, agreeably
to the computation of time then in general use. The inscription was
however slightly altered, and the date of 1608 was substituted for 1607.
This circumstance has occasioned some errors.
The will of Sir Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the Civil Laws, dated 28 February
1602(3) and proved 25 March 1608, is held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228 (modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green),
some parts of which are excerpted below:
... I, Edward
Stanhope, Doctor of the Civil Laws, the
fourth son of Sir Michael Stanhope, knight, and the Lady Anne, his wife,
deceased, being in good health and of
perfect memory at the writing hereof
... For the place where my body shall be
interred, if I die in London or suburbs thereof, and serve the church
and commonwealth in those places which I do now attend, my desire is to
be buried in the body of the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, London, in
the north aisle, somewhat towards the stairs going up to the choir;
If I depart this life forth of London and the suburbs thereof,
then I will my body to be buried in such place of the chancel of the
parish church where I shall exchange my life at the appointment of my
executor or executors hereafter to be named unless I do before my death,
either by writing or by word before witness, dispose of my body to be
buried in some other place by me to be named;
For the charge and place of a tomb to be made for me, if I be
buried in the north aisle of the body of the Cathedral Church of St
Paul, London, my desire is to have the like vault to be made in the wall
upon the left hand going to the choir as is in the same wall made for Mr
Linacre betwixt his tomb and the going to the choir stairs, with such
proportion of my body as my executors shall best like to make for me,
and some inscription easy to be read so high setting down my parentage,
my degree of school, my place in that church, and the time which I spent
both in the church and commonwealth since I served in them;
If it please God I be buried elsewhere, I leave it to the love,
kindness and discretion of my executor or executors what moderate
charge they will be at for my tomb in the parish church where they shall
lay my body;
... Item, I give to the township of the town commonly called Kingston
upon Hull in Yorkshire, being the town wherein I was born, the sum of
two hundred pounds current money, to be paid unto them within one year
after my death by my executor or executors, which two hundred pounds I
will shall be employed upon a stock to set the poor on work, with the
benefit of the said work to be to the relief of the poor born and
dwelling in the said town
... First, for that I was from my infancy brought up in that worthy
College of the Blessed and Undivided Trinity in Cambridge of the
foundation of King Henry the Eight, and there lived of the College’
charge many years as scholar and fellow there, and therefore next unto
God and my good parents whom he hath long since taken to his mercy I do
confess to have received of that good College the foundation of all
which I have since been enabled unto, I give unto the College of the
Blessed and Undivided Trinity in Cambridge the full sum of seven hundred
pounds of current English money
... Item, I do give unto Mr William Blackwell, now principal Register to
my Lord Bishop of London, besides a mourning gown to him by me before
bequeathed, one gold ring of the weight of four angels to be made in a
seal with his notary’s knot graven in it, and in the inside of it graven
these words: Edwardus Stanhope Legum doctor;
Item, unto his virtuous and good wife, Mrs Elizabeth Blackwell,
daughter to Mr Thomas Wilford, Chamberlain of London, not in regard of
any dissolute life which at any time hath been betwixt us, wherein
whatsoever my sins and offences have been otherwise, yet for the
clearing of her from those imputations which by my familiarity with her
hath been undeservedly brought upon her, I do in discharge of my own
conscience, who now prepare myself to stand at the chief seat of justice
where all flesh is to give account, protest and profess before him who
knoweth all secrets, how sinful or offensive soever myself have been in
seeking over-much familiarity with her, which God for his mercy’s sake
forgive me, yet is not she, neither of God nor in the true censure of
man, to be condemned at any time to have yielded her body to filthy
whoredom with me, but in the deepest familiarity that ever was betwixt
us she hath been so religiously careful of her duty towards God and of
her own good name as that she hath preferred them many degrees before
any consent of yielding to filthiness of life, and hath rather always
desired to lose her life than to yield her body to any filthy fleshy
lust, and this I protest before God, that knowing so much as I have long
known and understood of the carriage of her life these many years, I
should condemn myself for the filthiest wretch in the world if I should
seek that filthiness at her hands which she hath ever since my first
acquaintance with her so religiously, honestly and virtuously abhorred
and detested; I do give unto the said Mistress Elizabeth Blackwell my
gold flagon-chain which I have used to wear, being of the weight of
about thirty-seven ounces, all my plate, both silver or silver and gilt
whatsoever which I shall be possessed of at my death, and all my rings
and other jewels which I shall then likewise be possessed of, to her own
proper use to dispose of during life to her benefit and use, and so much
or so many of them as shall remain with her at the time of her death to
be equally divided for the value & property of them to the three
children of her sister, Mistress Anne Clerke, and of her late brother,
Mr Geoffrey Clerke, and to such other children as her sister, Mistress
Anne Clerke, now widow, shall have of her body born at the time of [+the
death of?] her sister Blackwell, and amongst such children as Mrs
Blackwell’s brethren, Mr James Wilford and Mr William Wilford, shall
have of their bodies lawfully begotten by either of them at the time of
Mrs Blackwell’s death, but if the said Mrs Elizabeth Blackwell have any
children of her own body born at the time of her death, then is she
freely to dispose of the said chain, plate and jewels to her own child
or children as she shall best like of;
... Item, I do make executors to this my last will and testament my most
dear and loving brothers, Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, one of her
Majesty’s Council established for the North, my honourable brother, Sir
John Stanhope, knight, Vice-chamberlain to the Queen’s most excellent
Majesty, and my brother, Michael Stanhope, esquire, one of the Grooms of
her Majesty’s Privy Chamber, and so many of them as shall be living at
my death
... I have affixed my seal in testimony that this is my true last will
and testament. Vltimo Februarij 1602. Computo Angliae. Edward Stanhope.
Bequests to:
- my my nephew, John Stanhope, son and heir to my late loving brother, Sir
Thomas Stanhope, decease
- my nephew, Edward Stanhope, the Lady Anne Holles, and my nephew, Thomas
Stanhope, being the sons and daughter of Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight,
deceased
- my nephew, William Cooper, the heir of my late sister, Eleanor Cooper of
Thurgarton in the county of Nottingham, deceased
- my nephew [=great-nephew], Thomas Coote, son to my niece Anne Coote
- my loving brother, Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, one of her Majesty’s
Council at York
- my loving sister, Susan Stanhope, wife to my said brother, Edward Stanhope
- every one of the sons and daughters of my brother, Edward Stanhope, and my
sister, Susan, his wife
- my nephew, Michael Stanhope, son to my brother, Edward Stanhope
- my nephew, George Stanhope, son to my said brother, Edward Stanhope
- my nephew, John Stanhope, my godson, the third son of my brother, Edward
Stanhope\
- my godson, Percival Harte, the son of my nephew, Percival Harte, and of my
niece, Jane Stanhope, his wife
- my very loving brother, Sir John Stanhope, knight, Treasurer of her
Majesty’s Chamber
- my nephew, Charles Stanhope, son to my loving brother, Sir John Stanhope
- my said niece, Elizabeth Stanhope, daughter unto my honourable brother,
Sir John Stanhope
- my niece, Katherine Stanhope, daughter to my honourable brother, Sir John
Stanhope
- my honourable sister [=sister-in-law], the Lady Margaret Stanhope, wife to
Sir John Stanhope
- every of the sons and daughters of my honourable brother, Sir John
Stanhope
- the wife of my nephew, John Stanhope, son to Sir Edward Stanhope, and my
godson
- my niece [=great-niece], Eleanor Coote, daughter unto my niece, Anne Coote
- my niece, Mary Stanhope, daughter to my brother, Sir Edward Stanhope
- my niece, Frances Stanhope, daughter to my brother, Sir Edward Stanhope
- my nephew, Thomas Stanhope, son to my brother, Sir Edward Stanhope
- my nephew, John Stanhope, son and heir to my late loving brother, Sir
Thomas Stanhope
- my very honourable lady and sister, the Lady Jane Berkeley, late wife to
Sir Roger Townshend
- my nephew, Sir John Townshend, knight, and to my nephew, Robert Townshend,
his brother
- my kind and loving nephew, Sir John Holles
- my good nephew, Sir Percival Harte
- my very loving brother, Michael Stanhope
- my loving sister, Mrs Anne Stanhope, his wife
- my niece, Jane Stanhope, daughter to my brother, Michael Stanhope
- my cousin, Samuel Bevercote
- Edward writes in his will
held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228 (modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina
Green) "I give to the township of the town commonly called Kingston upon
Hull in Yorkshire, being the town wherein I was born, the sum of two
hundred pounds current money"; Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 pp470-3
(Charles Henry Cooper, 1861)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 pp470-3
(Charles Henry Cooper, 1861); Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
- Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 pp470-3
(Charles Henry Cooper, 1861); Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
- Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 pp470-3
(Charles Henry Cooper, 1861); Catalogue of the Tombs in the Churches of the City
of London, A.D. 1666 pp99-101 (Payne Fisher, 1684); Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
- Catalogue of the Tombs in the Churches of the City
of London, A.D. 1666 pp99-101 (Payne Fisher, 1684); Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 pp470-3
(Charles Henry Cooper, 1861)
- National
Archives PROB 11/111/228 (modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina
Green)
- Sir Edward Stanhope II
Edward Stanhope
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
In Shelford Church,
Here lyeth the body of the Lady Anne Stanhope, wydowe ...
By Sir Michaell she had these children, Sir Thomas Stanhope
of Shelford in the County of Nott. Knight;
Elenor married to Thomas Cooper of Thurgarton
in Com. Nott. Esquire; Edward Stanhope, Esquire,
one of her Majesties Councell in the North parts of England;
Julian married to John Hotham of Scoreborough
in Com. Eborum, Esquire; John Stanhope, Esquire, one of
the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to our most deare Soveraigne Lady Q.
Elizabeth; Jane married Sir Roger Towneshend of Eyam
in Com Norf. Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the
Civile Law, one of her Majesties High Court of Chancery; Michaell
Stanhope, Esquire, one of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth;
besides Margaret, William, and Edward, who died in their
infancy.
in infancy
Edward Stanhope
27 July 1579 in St Helen
Bishopsgate, London, England
The Registers of St Helen's Bishopsgate p2
(ed. W. Bruce Bannerman, 1904)
BAPTISMS.
1579. July 27 Edward s. of Edward Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
Gray's Inn, where Edward was
admitted in 1593.
The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889
p82 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1592-3.
Jan. 29. EDWARD STANHOPE, son and heir of
Edward Stanhope, Esq., of this Society.
Margaret Constable on 11 June 1604
or 1605, in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, England
England
Marriages M04403-1 is a transcription that has the marriage date as 11
June 1604, in Waddesdon. The description of the marriage settlement,
however, is shown dated 2 June 1605.
East Riding of Yorkshire Archives and Local Studies
Service
Marriage Settlement
Reference: DDCC/133/11
Title: Marriage Settlement
Description: Sir Edward Stanhope K.B. and Sir Henry
Constable of Burton Constable: on marriage of Sir E.H. and Margaret
daughter of Sir H.C., property: manors of and all property of Sir E.S. in
Edlington, Stainton and Maltbye, rectories of Swinefleet and Readnesse
Trustees, Sir Michael Stanhope of Ousterley co. Middlesex, Sir Thomas
Fairefax of Wallton, Sir Edward Stanhope D.L., and Sir Rawffe Lawson of
Browgh. Witn. Tho. Fairfax, Bry. Metcalfe, Willfr. Kettlewell, Tho. Kelde,
John Sidgwicke, Wm. Marshall.
Date: 2 June 1605
Margaret was the daughter of Sir Henry Constable of Burton Constable,
Yorkshire, and Margaret Dormer. She was remembered in the will of her
brother-in-law, Sir John Stanhope, dated 30 April 1627 and proved on 30
September 1627, held at the National
Archives PROB 11/153/40
Itm I give to my eldest brother Sr
Edward his wife one little hoope ringe to the value of ten shillings
Margaret was buried at Kirkby Wharfe, Yorkshire, on 27 February 1662.
- Edward Stanhope ( ? - 1658) - Edward and his wife are mentioned in
the will of his uncle John dated 30 April 1627
- John Stanhope ( ? - 1688)
- Elizabeth Stanhope (1613 - ? )
- Dorothy Stanhope (1614 - 1615)
- George Stanhope (1615 - 1678)
- Catherine Stanhope (1620 - ? )
Edward is mentioned in the will of his
uncle, Sir Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the Civil Laws, dated 28 February
1602(3), held at the
National
Archives PROB 11/111/228
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do
give to every one of the sons and daughters of my brother, Edward
Stanhope, and my sister, Susan, his wife, which shall be living at the
time of my death one gold signet ring of three angels’ weight apiece
with the same crest and inscription as is set down for the sons and
daughter of my brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased; ...
Item, I do give unto my nephew, John Stanhope, my godson, the third
son of my brother, Edward Stanhope, all those my lands commonly known
by the name of Mellwood Park, lying in the Isle of Axholme, with all
the lands thereunto belonging lying within the said Isle or elsewhere
within the county of Lincoln which I lately bought of the right
honourable the Lord Edmond Sheffield of the most noble Order of the
Garter, knight, and since repurchased of the Queen’s Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth, by what name or names soever they be called, as if
particular mention had been made of the particular parishes wherein
the said lands do lie, together with all deeds, writings, escripts,
fines, leases, indentures, statutes or whatsoever to the said lands
belonging, to have and to hold the said lands called by the name of
Mellwood Park and other the premises unto my foresaid nephew and
godson, John Stanhope, and the heirs male of his body lawfully
begotten forever, and for default of heirs males of his body lawfully
to be begotten, then to the heirs males of the body of my nephew,
Edward Stanhope, the eldest son of my brother, Edward Stanhope,
lawfully to be begotten
The Knights of England vol 1 p155
(William Arthur Shaw, 1906)
Knights of the Bath made at the Coronation of king James I., 1603,
July 25.
... 1603. July 25. EDWARD STANHOPE,
of Yorkshire.
Edward was the sole executor and primary beneficiary of the will of his
father, Sir Edward Stanhope, one of His Majesty's Councellor in the North,
dated 8 August 1603 and proved 16 February 1603(4), which is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
... And as towching my children albeit I am
full perswaded that god will be
a father vnto them, and if they live in his feare will nott see them
lack: yet since the lawe of god and nature requires that I should haue a
reasonable care of them, Therefore I have left to descend to my eldest
sonne the chief parte of my inheritance; And I haue alreadie estated for
the payment of my younger daughters porcions,
to Sir Thomas Hesketh knighte Charles Hales and John Horne esquires and
their heires all that my mannor of Goxhill in the Countie of Lincolne
which I lately purchased of th'erle of Rutland, and two hundred and
thirtie acres of meadowe lieng in Dailes in th'east and west marshes of
Goxhill aforesaid with certaine other landes purchased by me in Goxhill
aforesaid, And also of and in diverse closes in Thorneton neare vnto the
saide mannor of Goxhill called Southclose, martin closes and
sheepecote closes, togeather withall my landes yennements and
hereditaments in Thorneton, Hallon and Goxhill, which my will and
pleasure is shall be sould for the payment of such porcions
as shall be hereafter expressed unlesse my saide eldest sonne Sir Edward
Stanhope knight doe within one whole yeare from the feast of saint
Michaell th'archangell next ensuinge giue sufficient securitie to the
saide Sir Thomas Hesketh knight Charles Hales and John Ferne esquires
for the paymente of those porcions
and sommes of money ... And further my will and meaning is That the
Ladie my wief shall haue the cubbard of plate commonlie called the
chamber plate And all the furniture for the same chamber to her owne
propper vse and vses, And for the residue of my plate housholdstuf and
movable goodes wheresoever, my will and purpose is, that the same shall
be equaly devided betwene the Lady my wife, and the saide Sir Edward
Stanhope my sonne; my meaning likewise is that each of my children shall
haue a peece of plate for a remembrannce of me. ...
And further for the better accomplishment of this my will I doe ordaine
Sir Edwarde Stanhope my sonne my sole Executor of this my last will and
testament
Edward is mentioned, but left no bequest, in the will of his mother, Susan
Marburie alias Dame Susan Stanhope, dated 12 February 1618(9) and held at
the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/133/312).
Item whereas the saied Sr Edward
Stanhope by his laste will and testament did give and bequeathe unto me
the moitie of one halfe of all his goodes and ymplementes of houshould
stuffe a greate parte whereof is nowe remayning in the handes, custodie
or possession of Sr Edward Stanhope knight my eldest sonne as, in and by
a certaine booke conteyning an Inuentarie of the same goodes and by some
other writinges in my custodie appeareth And whereas allso I am nowe
possessed of divers goodes and chattells jewells lynnen and ymplements
of houshoulde and houshoulde stuffe All which I have onto a purpose to
have given to some of my best deserving children But fynding my estate
to be muche ympayreil by many chardgable and troublesome suites in lawe
betwene my selfe and some of Those that were neerest and ought to haue
ben deerest in love and affection towards me I haue nowe altered my
mynde and purpose in yt poynte and do leave the same to the disposition
of my Executores herein after named for the payment of my debtes and
suche Legacys as are herein after expressed
Edward was mentioned in, and was a witness to, the will of his brother, Sir
John Stanhope, dated 30 April 1627 and proved on 30 September 1627, held at
the National
Archives PROB 11/153/40
Itm I give to my beloved brother Sr
Edward Stanhope Knight of the holie order of the Bayth a ringe
wth a dyamond in it of the value of five pounds ...
Witnesses hereunto Edward Stanhope Michaell Stanhope Edward Cripling and
Henry ???
Historical
Notices of Doncaster vol 2 p7 (Charles William Hatfield,
1868)
at the end of the baptisms in the old register is
the following interesting entry, in the vicar’s handwriting:—
“March 20, Ann. Dom. 1632.
“Whereas, Sir Edward Stanhope, of the honourable order of the Baythe
Knight, dwellinge and now beinge in Grimston, in this parish of Kirkbie
upon Wharfe, is there sick of the goute, and of other sicknesses and
infirmities, wherewith he is, and long time hath beene, vexed and by
rason hereof is enforced, for the recoverye of his health, to eate flesh
in the time of his sayd sicknesse; be it known to all men that I, Thomas
Clarke, clerke, master of arts, and vicar of this parish of
Kirkbie-upon-Wharfe, by virtue of the statute and statutes in that
behalfe made, have licenced, and by this presents doe licence, the sayd
Sir Edward Stanhope to eat flesh for the time of his sayd sicknesse. In
witness whereof I, the sayd Thomas Clarke, have signed the licence with
my hand, in the presence of
“THO: CLARKE, Vic: “THO: DENIS.
“W : THOMPSON.”
Calendar of the Proceedings of the Committee for
Compounding, &c., 1643-1660: Cases, 1643-1646 p982 (1890)
SIR
EDWARD STANHOPE, Grimston, Co. York, and EDWARD, his Son.
22 Nov. 1645. Sir Edward submits to composition, his estate being
sequestered though he never took up arms, nor was in any service for the
King against the Parliament. His son has no present estate.
1 May 1649. His son compounds for delinquency in adhering to and
assisting the late King against Parliament, in the beginning of the
troubles.
31 July. Fine 258l. 3s. 4d.
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p221 (William Dugdale, 1894)
II. Sr
EDWARD STANHOPE of Grymston, in com. Ebor., Knt, High
Sheriff of Yorkshire 1615, (?) bur at Kirkby Wharfe 3 Oct. 1646,
mar. Margt, daughter of Sr Henry Constable of
Burton Constable, in co. Ebor, Kt, sister to Henry, first
Visct Dunbar, bur. at Kirkby Wharfe 27 Feb. 1662.
3 October 1646, at Kirkby Wharfe,
Yorkshire.
- FreeReg
transcript of St Helen Bishopsgate baptisms; The Registers of St Helen's Bishopsgate p2
(ed. W. Bruce Bannerman, 1904)
- FreeReg
transcript of St Helen Bishopsgate baptisms; The Registers of St Helen's Bishopsgate p2
(ed. W. Bruce Bannerman, 1904)
- England
Marriages M04403-1; Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p221 (William Dugdale, 1894); Margaret father, burial from Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p221 (William Dugdale, 1894); Margaret mother from The Visitation of the Country of Yorke p137
(William Dugdale, 1859)
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p221 (William Dugdale, 1894)
- Edward Stanhope
Elenor (Stanhope) Cooper
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
Thomas Cooper
Thomas was the son of William Cowper, of Thurgarton, Nottinghamshire, and
Cecilia Toll. Wiliam was buried on 13 January 1551, and his custody and
marriage was given to Arthur Darcy. Thomas is noted to be sick, possibly
dying, in a letter from his mother to Sir William Cecil on 30 March 1570,
and he probably died in 1571, when his brother-in-law, Sir Thomas Stanhope,
applied for wardship of his eldest child.
Thomas is named as the eldest son, and is not yet married, in his father's
will dated 1 January 1549(50). The will is dated 1 January 3 Edward VI,
which was the year 1549/50 (Old Style/New Style) despite the notation in the
transcription below. This then lines up with the will being proved on 15
June 1550 (not 5 June 1550, as below).
North Country Wills 1383-1558 p211 (1908)
1 Jan.,
3 Edw. VI (1550-1). William Cowper. ... To my eldest sonne Thomas all my
landes in Thurgarton after the death of Cicele my wyf, and for lacke of
issue male to William my sonne, and for lacke of issue male to Richard
Couper, and for lacke heyres to Olyve Cowper my doughter, provided that
if it fortune either William, Richarde, or Thomas to have issue female,
so that the landes do dyssend to Olyfe, then I will my doughter shall
give to every of the said daughters one hundreth markes. Also I will
that where my wyfe Cycile ys joyned purchaser with me of all my landes
in Thurgarton, that she shall have the same duringe her lyfe yf soole
and unmarried, she to give unto Thomas fyftene poundes by yere until he
be maried, and then fourtie markes, and to fynde his wyfe and chyldren,
and he to kepe his lernynge, where my wife hath promysid fathfully never
to take husbande after my decease, and for the great paynes she hath
susteyned with me I will that she have the custodye of all my household
stuff at Thurgarton, and if my wyfe do fortune to marrye, then I will my
goodes shalbe devyded in three partes, and that my sonne Thomas shall
have two partes and my wyfe the thirde parte. And I will that my wyfe
shall have the keping of all my plate of silver and two chaynes of gold,
and if she fortune to marrye the plate shalbe devyded, my wyfe to have
one parte, my sonne Thomas the second, and the thirde to be devyded
betwixt my sonnes Richard and William and my doughter Olyfe. (Further
bequests to children and to servants.) I make myne executours Mr
Thomas Alen, parson, John Langley of London, goldsmyth, and Sr
Richard Sackevile and Sr Arthur Darcye, knightes, my
supervisours.
[Proved 5 June, 1550]
Thomas's wardship was given to Arthur Darcy after his father's death.
Calendar of State Papers: Edward VI 1550-1553
p229 (1926)
1552. 28 Nov. [m.
21.]
The like to Arthur Darcy, knight, of an annuity of 5 marks from
the rent of 100 ac. wood in Thurgarton, Notts, and the custody and
marriage of Thomas Cowper, son and heir of William Cowper, gentleman,
deceased. By p.s. [II. 954. Westm., 23 Nov.]
Original Letters, Illustrative of English History
2nd series vol 2 p328 (Henry Ellis, 1827)
I am further to
geve you humble thankes that upon a motion made from me by word by
Edward Stanhope afore Christmas, that I mought have the graunt of my
sonne Coopers sonnes wardship, if he being yet sicklie should dye, yow
promised it to me; I am the glader therof for that I knowe some would
seke it rather for gaine sake then meaning good education to the child.
I trust the father shall live and do well, and if he do not, I hope my
daughter and I shall I so deale in his education as you shall like well
of the disposing of him. And yet I rest most bound unto you for the
same. And so I humblie leve you to the Almightie. Thurgarton this last
of Marche, 1570.
Your honors most humble bounde kinswoman,
ANNE STANHOPE.
To the right honorable Sir William Cicill knight, chiefe
Secretary to the Quenes most excellent Majestie, & one of her
Highnes most honorable Privy Councell.
Calendar of State Papers: Of the Reigns of Edward VI,
Mary, Elizabeth 1547-1580 p367 (1856)
1570. March 20.
Shelford.
27. Thomas Stanhope to Sir Wm. Cecill. Is an humble suitor for
the wardship of his sister’s child, eldest son of Thomas Cooper, of
Thurgarton, Notts.
- Thomas Cooper ( ? - 1584)
- William Cooper
Elenor is noted to be deceased in the will of her brother, Sir Edward
Stanhope, Doctor of the Civil Laws, dated 28 February 1602(3), held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228. That will also mentions their son, William
Cooper.
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do
give to my nephew, William Cooper, the heir of my late sister, Eleanor
Cooper of Thurgarton in the county of Nottingham, deceased, to remain to
himself during his life and to the heirs of his house after his decease,
and so from heir to heir of that house, one basin and ewer of silver and
gilt of the same weight, fashion, engraved arms and crest, with words as
is set down to my nephew, John Stanhope, for his basin and ewer before.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
In Shelford Church,
Here lyeth the body of the Lady Anne Stanhope, wydowe ...
By Sir Michaell she had these children, Sir Thomas Stanhope
of Shelford in the County of Nott. Knight;
Elenor married to Thomas Cooper of Thurgarton
in Com. Nott. Esquire; Edward Stanhope, Esquire,
one of her Majesties Councell in the North parts of England;
Julian married to John Hotham of Scoreborough
in Com. Eborum, Esquire; John Stanhope, Esquire, one of
the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to our most deare Soveraigne Lady Q.
Elizabeth; Jane married Sir Roger Towneshend of Eyam
in Com Norf. Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the
Civile Law, one of her Majesties High Court of Chancery; Michaell
Stanhope, Esquire, one of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth;
besides Margaret, William, and Edward, who died in their
infancy.
pp305-6
Thurgarton
The Priory of Thurgarton was granted to William
Cowper the Kings Servant, and Cecily his wife, and their
heirs, 30 H. 8.
Cecilia was daughter and heir of John Toll of London:
she had three sons, Thomas Cooper, Esquire, who married Elianor,
one of the daughters of Sir Michael Stanhop; William,
who married An, daughter of James Mering of Holleston;
and Richard Cooper, and a daughter called Oliva, wife of
Ed. Sutton of Averham, but she died without
issue; her eldest brother the said Thomas Cooper, had Thomas Cooper
his eldest son, who was slain without issue; and William Cooper
his second son, who was heir to his brother, and married . . . . the
daughter of Judge Hutton, by whom he had Sir Roger Cooper
a worthy honest Gentleman, whose fidelity and constancy to the Royal
interest weakened his fortunes, so that Cecill Cooper, Esquire,
his son, will have too hard a task to make this House and Demesnes
intirely his own, the Woods being also extremely wasted. His brother John
Cooper, second son of Sir Roger, was Carver to his Majesty
that now is, King Charles the second, and a very industrious
person, but died 1672, in his Majesties debt, having been receiver
general of the Royal Aid, and Additional supply, and Collector of the
Harth-money, &c. in this County.
The will of Thomas Cooper, the eldest son of Thomas and Eleanor, was dated
24 August 1584, and proved on 1 September 1584. In the will, transcribed at
North Country Wills: 1558 to 1604 p111
(1912), he mentions a number of his Stanhope uncles - Eleanor's brothers -
and Sir Thomas Stanhope is named as an executor. There is no mention of his
mother or father.
before 28 February 1603, when Elenor
is described as deceased in the will of her brother, Edward.
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 pp264-5
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p11 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p306
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); Thomas parents from The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p305
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p306
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); William is also named in the will of Elenor's
brother, Edward at THE
NATIONAL ARCHIVES PROB 11/111/228 (Prerogative Court of Canterbury
copy of the last will and testament, dated 28 February 1603 and proved
25 March 1608, of Sir Edward Stanhope (d. 10 March 1608), modern
spelling transcript ©2007 Nina Green)
- Described as deceased in
the will of Elenor's brother, Edward at THE
NATIONAL ARCHIVES PROB 11/111/228 (Prerogative Court of Canterbury
copy of the last will and testament, dated 28 February 1603 and proved
25 March 1608, of Sir Edward Stanhope (d. 10 March 1608), modern
spelling transcript ©2007 Nina Green)
- Elenor Stanhope
Elizabeth Stanhope
Richard
Stanhope
Joan (Staveley) Stanhope
Elizabeth is left a bequest in the will of John Gilby, rector of Knesale, in
January 1434(5). The will documents that she is the sister of Thomas and
Jacob Stanhope.
Testamenta
Eboracensia vol 2 p51-2 (1855)
XXXVIII.
TESTAMENTUM MAGISTRI JOHANNIS GYLBY RECTORIS DE KNESALE.
... Codicillus, 24 Jan. 1434.—Domino Ricardo Stanhopp
militi, quatuor quysshyns blodii coloris cum plumis, et
novam cathedram quietis. Henrico Stanhopp meas trussyng coffers. Thomæ
Stanhopp meam peciam meliorem de argento; et meam aliam peciam
debiliorem lego Jacobo fratri suo. Elizabethæ Stanhopp, sorori suæ,
blodiam togam furratam cum byse, et meam nigram zonam de serico cum
barrez deauratis. Katerinæ, sorori suæ, meam nigram togam furratam cum
pelour.
which roughly translates as:
36.
TESTAMENT OF MASTER JOHN GYLBY RECTOR DE KNESALE.
... Codicil, 24 January 1434.—To Sir Richard Stanhope, knight,
four cushions of blood color with feathers, and a new chair of rest. To
Henry Stanhopp my travelling chests. Thomas Stanhope my better piece of
silver and I bequeath my other weaker piece to Jacob his brother.
Elizabeth Stanhopp, his sister, a red gown lined with fine linen, and my
black leather with satin barrez gilt. Katherine, his sister, my black
gown lined with fur.
Elizabeth is bequeathed a grey gelding in the will of her brother, Thomas,
in May 1462
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 p254-5 (1855)
CXCVII.
TESTAMENTUM THOMÆ STANHOP DEFUNCTI.
Die Veneris proxime post festum Philippi et
Jacobi Apostoli 1462. Ego Thomas Stanhop de Hoghton, armiger—sep. in
ecclesia parochiali Omnium Sanctorum de Rampton coram cruce. Et nomine
principalis lego vicario de Walesby optimum equum meum et omnia averia
eidem pertinencia, prout equitare solebam. Willelmo Wilbram unam togam
penulatam. Johanni Tunstall unum equum coloris le blak gray. Katerinæ
sorori meæ unam equam cum pullo. Elizabethæ sorori meæ unum equum
vocatum gray geldyng. Johanni filio meo unum yrne bonden wayn, et xxx
bull stirkus. Johanni Stanhop armigero unum cornu garnest. Executores
meos facio Elizabetham et Katerinam sorores meas, Johannem Tunstall
armigerum et Johannem filium meum, Johannemque Stanhop de Rampton
armigerum supervisorem. Johanni filio meo sex cocliaria argenti.
Johannæ Stanhop filiæ Johannis Stanhop armigeri duas togas penulatas
cum martis et menyver. [Pr. 10 May, 1462.]
which roughly translates as:
197.
TESTAMENT OF THOMAS STANHOP DECEASED.
Friday after the feast of Philip and James the Apostle 1462. I Thomas
Stanhope of Hoghton, esq. to be buried in the parish church of All
Saints of Rampton before the cross. And by the name of the principal I
bequeath to the vicar of Walesby my best horse and all the beasts that
belong to him, as I am accustomed to ride. William Wilbram one lined
toga. John Tunstall one horse of the color black gray. To my sister
Katherine, one mare with a colt. To my sister Elizabeth one horse called
gray geldyng. To my son John one yrne bonden wayn (???), and 30
bullocks. To John Stanhope, esquire, one garnest (???) horn. I make my
executors my sisters Elizabeth and Katherine, John Tunstall, esquire,
and John my son, and John Stanhope of Rampton, esquire, supervisor. To
my son John six silver spoons. To Joan Stanhope, daughter of John
Stanhope, esquire, two gowns lined with marten and squirrel fur. [Pr.
10 May, 1462.]
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
This Sir Richards first wife was Elizabeth,
but by others said to be Joane,
the daughter of Robert and
sister of Raph (Staveley
or) Staley, by whom he had
divers Children, Richard, Thomas,
James, Elizabeth, and Agnes.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p257 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
Sir Richard
Stanhope ... had two wives, first, Elizabeth (or, as others say, Joan)
daughter of Robert, and sister of Ralph de Stavely, who bore him
Richard, Thomas, James, Elizabeth, Joan, wife of Sir Robert Strelley of
Strelley, in com’ Nott. Knt. and Catherine, wedded to William Basset, of
Fledburgh in Nottinghamshire, Esq. and secondly to ——— Tonstall.
Elizabeth Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Adelina
(Clifton) Stanhope
Elizabeth is mentioned, and is still unmarried, in the IPM of her brother,
Richard Stanhope, taken on 6 June 1528, in which she is left a bequest
towards her marriage.
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp162-70 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
Richard Stanhope, esquire.
Delivered into Court, 18 June, 20 Henry viij [1528].
Inquisition taken at Retfford, 6
June, 20 Hen. viij [1528];
... The said Richard Stanhope by his last will among other
things willed that Elizabeth Stanhope, his sister, should have
the issues and profits of all his lands and tenements in Estretford and
South Leverton, until she had taken £40 for her marriage.
Frances (Stanhope) Maule
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
|
Patrick Maule - the 1st Earl of Panmure
This portrait is likely the one described as " A
half-length of the first Earl of Panmure, in his robes"
in a visit made to Panmure House by Thomas Pennant in 1772 ( A Tour in Scotland part 2 p130)
|
Patrick Maule in 1616
Patrick was born in 15956/, the son of Patrick Maule and Margaret Erskine.
He was introduced early in life as a page in the court of King James VI of
Scotland, and accompanied the king on his progress through England to
London, to be crowned King James I of England in 1603. Interestingly, one of
the stops on that progress was at the house of Sir Edward Stanhope, of
Grimstone, the father of the woman Patrick would marry 13 years later.
Patrick was a groom
of the bedchamber to King James, and then to King Charles I, fighting
with the Royalists in the Civil War. Charles raised Patrick to the peerage
on 2 August 1646, with the title of Baron Maule of Brechin and Navar and
Earl of Panmure, and Patirck remained by the king's side during his
imprisonment, and was his last attendant before the king's execution.
Patrick was then heavily fined by Cromwell's government. Patrick married
twice more after Frances's death in 1624 - his second wife was Mary
Waldrone, one of the Queen’s maid of honour to Queen
Henrietta Maria, by whom he had four children, who seem all to have
died in infancy, Mary Waldrone herself died in March 1636. His third wife
was Lady Mary Erskine, daughter of John Earl of Mar, and relict of William,
sixth Earl Marischal, by whom he had no issue. Patrick died on 22
December 1661, and was buried in the family vault at Panbride, Forfarshire.
The Peerage of Scotland pp 297-8 (Robert
Douglas, 1767)
Which
Patrick was a gentleman of the bedchamber to king James VI. and king
Charles I. keeper of the king’s house and park at Eltham; high sheriff
and vice admiral of the county of Forfar; and created lord Brechin and
Navarre, and earl of Panmure, and to the heirs male of his body for
ever. This earl was with king Charles in all the battles in which his
royal person was engaged, and attended his majesty in all his removes
after he was delivered up by the Scots army to the English
commissioners; and staid with him till he was made prisoner in
Carisbroke castle, that all his old servants were forbid, upon their
peril, to come near him; and after the king’s murder, Oliver Cromwell
imposed a fine of ten thousand pounds sterling on him, for his loyalty.
This noble earl married first, Frances, daughter of Sir Edward Stanhope,
lord president of the North, and elder brother of the lord Stanhope, by
whom he had George lord Brechin, his successor. His second wife was Mary
Waldrum, maid of honour to queen Henrietta, and a near cousin to the
great duke of Buckingham: and his third wife was Mary, daughter of John
earl of Mar, lord high treasurer of Scotland, and widow of William earl
Marshal.
A portrait of Patrick is noted to be in the house at Panmure, Scotland,
north of Dundee, on 30 August 1772 on a tour of Scotland made by Thomas
Pennant. It is likely the image depicted in Registrum de Panmure vol 1 page xxxix shown
on this page.
A Tour in Scotland part 2 pp129-31 (Thomas
Pennant, 1776)
Panmure,
a large and excellent house, surrounded by vast plantations. It was
built about a hundred years ago, on the site of the feat of the antient
family of the Maules, in the barony of Panmure, conveyed
into that house by the marriage of the heiress of the place, daughter of
Sir William de Valoniis, lord chamberlain of Scotland in
the reign of Alexander II. ...
In the house are some excellent portraits of distinguished
personages: among them, ...
A
half-length of the first Earl of Panmure, in his robes. He was
lord of the bed-chamber to Charles I. and a faithful servant to
his Majesty in all fortunes. After the King’s death he retired into Scotland;
where, in 1654, he was fined, by an ordinance of the Protector’s
council, in the sum of ten thousand pounds, for no other reason than
that his sons were engaged in the royal cause.
Registrum
de Panmure vol 1 pages xxxviii-xliii (ed. J. Stuart, 1874)
Patrick
Maule was succeeded by his only son, Patrick, of whom Commissary Maule
thus writes:—
“Patrick succeedit him, being 19 years of age when his father
died, and was in Ingland with King James the Sixth. Except he had gotten
favour in Court, his house had ended, for his lands held ward, so he got
that in gift frae the King. Thereafter he obtained, by the King’s
intercession frae the Marquess of Hamilton, his haill teinds for three
shillings and fourpence the boll, three liferents, and three nineteen
years’ tacks. Thereafter he obtained a new infeftment frae the King;
whereas his lands held ward. he got it taxt for ward and marriage. Also
he made a tailzie to the nearest of the name. His infeftment and letter
of tack of his tiends he got confirmed in Parliament. Thereafter he
began to quit and relieve piece and piece parts of his estate, till at
length it pleased God to bless him with great lands and honour, and a
long life, He was a faithful servant to King James the Sixth, and one of
his Bedchamber, and had that same place of King Charles the First, and
stayed constantly with him all the time of his imprisonment, till a
little before the rebels did execute their lawful king, Charles.” “In
King James the Sixth time, when he was one of his Bedchamber, he
married, in anno 1616, Frances Stanhope, daughter to Sir Edward Stanhope
of Grimstone, within six miles of York. His younger brother was Lord
Stanhope, Vice-Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth and King James. Sir
Michael, his other younger brother, was Groom of the Privy Chamber to
Queen Elizabeth.”
In 1625 he got a charter from Charles the First of the Lordship
of Colleweston, in Northamptonshire, which narrates his good and
faithful service to the King’s father, and in the year 1629 he received
from the same monarch a gift of the Keepership of the Great Park of
Eltham. The letter to “Good Mr. Maule” from the Queen of Bohemia is an
additional testimony of the Royal estimation, where she says that those
whom the King her father held worthy of his service, she always esteemed
as most deserving of her love.
In 1635 Patrick Maule was constituted Sheriff-principal of the
county of Forfar, and in the same year he received from the Duke of
Lennox, Great Admiral of Scotland, a deputation of the admiralty of the
bounds between the South Water and the Water of Bruchtie.
In 1634 he purchased from the Earl of Mar the Lordship of Brechin
and Navar; and in 1642 he bought from the Earl of Dysart the Abbacy of
Aberbrothock.
During the civil wars of this period Patrick Maule took the
King’s part, and was engaged in the battles fought for the royal cause.
By a patent dated at Newcastle, 3d August 1646, Charles the First, on
the narrative of the long and faithful service of Patrick Maule, both to
his father and himself, created him a peer by the title of Earl of
Panmure, Lord Brechin and Navar, with a destination to the heirs-male of
his body.
His Lordship was in company with the King while he was a prisoner
at Holmby and Carisbrook; and he has left us an account of the royal
movements, which is printed in the Appendix to the Preface.
In the manuscript of Commissary Maule there is recorded a very
striking incident which took place at the parting between the King and
his devoted follower:—
He was the last servant that stayed with him, and
stayed ever untill that unlawful parliament did put him from him. The
King himself told Panmure that the order for his departure was come.
Panmure asked his Majestie what he should do in it. His Majestie told
him there is no help, but you must obey; but deal with him that has the
warrand for a continuation for two or three days quhilke he got granted
to him. Panmure’s servant that was there with him, told me, when Panmure
took his leave of his Majestie, he did that quhilke he never saw him do,
nor heard of any that ever saw him do the like, quhilke was, he burst
out in tears; and the King was standing, and his back at ane open
window; and when the tears came in the Kings eyes, he turned him about
to the window a while till he settled, and prayed God to bless him, for
he knew him to be a faithful servant; and called for his man, and gave
him a kiss of his hand, and said, ‘John, thou hast a faithful master.’
This John Duncan, who was Panmure’s man all the time, and had been long
with him before, told me this.
While in attendance on the King he presented his Majesty with a
little token of affection, in the shape of a gold signet ring, for the
price of which (£12) we have the receipt of “Thos Rawlins,
grauer to his Majestie,” dated July the 20th, 1647. Of the same period
is an account of other outlays for the King, viz., “for ane mell for his
Majestie to play with, with lace and plush in the hand thereof, 15s.
Item, for ane scoop conforme thereto, 10s. Item, for tuo other mellis,
being plain, £1. Item, for ten beaten ballis at 5s. a peece, £2 10s.”
A fine of £10,000 was imposed on the Earl by the Government of
the Commonwealth, but it was finally restricted to £4000.
He was three times married. His first wife, as we have seen, was
Frances, daughter of Sir Edward Stanhope of Grimstone, in Yorkshire, by
whom he had Jane, born in 1617; Anna, born in 1618, who died in 1623;
George, born in 1619, by whom he was succeeded; Henry, born in 1620, who
came to be Henry Maule of Balmakellie; Elizabeth, born in 1622, died
1650; Catherine, born in 1623, died 1625. His wife died in January 1624.
His second wife was Mary Waldrone, one of the Queen’s Maids of
Honour, by whom he had four children, who seem all to have died in
infancy, Mary Waldrone herself died in March 1636. His third wife was
Lady Mary Erskine, daughter of John Earl of Mar, and relict of William,
sixth Earl Marischal, by whom he had no issue.
The contract of marriage between them is dated 19th October 1638,
and was written by the Countess. It is stipulated that the marriage
should take place before 1st September 1639, “or sooner if they can with
convenience;” and that as their “resolution of marriage is without
worldly ends, and meerlie from a religious affection, whereby that they
may together to enjoy the company and conversation of each other, and to
witnes the same, seeing that either of them has sufficient estate and
meines of their owne without being burthensome to one another, therefore
it is appointed, agreed, and condescended unto by both the saids
parties, that neither of them shall intromit with one anothers estates,
meins, or any part thereof, further than it shall be by the free
allowance of the partie whom it concerns, nor shall not dispose
thereupon, directly nor indirectly, but be the consent and free
voluntarie allowance of the party concerned. And seeing that both the
saids parties is blessed with children and grandchildren, whose
necessities will require their assistance of the naturall affections and
kindness of their parents; and seeing that when we, the said parties,
lives together, it will be fitting the said parties live in some sort
according to their degree and qualitie, and to prevent the prejudice
that may arise to either, it is agreed and condescended to by both the
saids parties, that the charge of the house shall be so equally layd,
that they may have content therein; and for that effect we oblidge
ourselves, the one to the other, that so soon as we can resolve what
servants is necessar for us to keep as household servants, that their
wages shall goe in with the charges of the house, and what servants the
said parties shall have appropriated to others, if the difference be
considerable, then and in that case the party whose servants they are
shall contribute to the charge of the house proportionally, without any
consideration of their yearly fee or wages, the which is to be payed by
the said partie to whom they are appropriate to, and the ordering and
directing of the house and family shall be done by the
said , with the assistance and advice of
the foresaid , upon all occasions”.
After the Earl’s dismissal from the King at Carisbrook, he
retired to his house of Panmure, where he lived quietly until the
arrival of Charles the Second in Scotland, when he was implored again to
assist the Royal cause. The King’s letter to the Earl from Stirling is
dated 28th July 1651.
The Earl was now an old man, and it does not appear that he that
he personally took any public part in the actions which ensued; but his
eldest son, Lord Brechin, fought in the Royal army both at Dunbar and at
Inverkeithing, while he himself showed his unabated loyalty by sending a
large sum to the Royal coffers, for which the King’s acknowledgment is
preserved. It is in the following terms:—“CHARLES R. My
Lord Panmur has sent to myselfe two thousand pound. Given at our Court
of Dumfermling the seventeine of June 1651.”
The aged peer survived to see the Restoration of the King, and
died in December 1661. As an evidence of his historical tastes he has
left in manuscript a history of the patriot Wallace, whose deeds of
unselfish devotion and lofty daring he himself aspired to emulate
throughout his whole course. The history, of which the first forty three
folios have been preserved, is in the handwriting of the Earl.
His will is dated 12th January 1651. In it he ordered that his
burial should be decently done, but without pomp or solemnity, “which is
properer for the living than the dead.” He directed his son to build a
house and repair the burial-place of his family, as he himself meant to
have done, but had been hindered through the confusions and hardness of
the times from doing.
Dictionary
of National Biography vol 37 pp 87-8 (Leslie Stephen, Sir
Sidney Lee, 1894)
MAULE,
PATRICK, first EARL OF PANMURE (d.
1661) was the son of Patrick Maule of Panmure, Forfarshire, and
Margaret, daughter of John Erskine of Dun, the reformer. He succeeded to
the estate on the death of his father in 1605, but before that time had
made his appearance at court, and accompanied James I to London in 1603,
being then appointed a gentleman of the bedchamber. He had charters of
the barony and teinds of Panmure in 1610 and 1619. After the death of
James I, in 1625, he was continued in his office as gentleman of the
bedchamber, and was made keeper of the palace and park of Eltham, and
sheriff of Forfarshire. He gained the confidence of Charles I during his
long term of service at the court, and became one of that monarch’s
special favourites. There is ample evidence afforded by his letters to
his nephew, Alexander Erskine of Dun, that Maule did his best to bring
about a reconciliation between the king and the covenanters. Throughout
the troubles in which Charles I was involved Maule adhered to him with
unshaken fidelity, and he espoused the cause of Charles II, fighting
bravely in his defence. His faithfulness was recognised by his being
raised to the peerage on 2 Aug. 1646, with the title of Baron Maule of
Brechin and Navar and Earl of Panmure. His loyalty provoked the
resentment of Cromwell and by the Act of Grace and Pardon he was fined
in the exorbitant sum of 10,000l. sterling (afterwards reduced to
4,000l.) while his son, Henry Maule, was mulcted in the penalty
of 2,500l. These fines were paid in 1655. Maule died on 22 Dec.
1661, and was buried in the family vault at Panbride, Forfarshire. He
was thrice married, his first wife being Frances, daughter of Sir Edward
Stanhope of Grimston, Yorkshire, who was the mother of his two sons,
George, second earl of Panmure, and Henry Maule of Balmakelly,
Kincardineshire. His two daughters by this wife were Jean, married to
the second Earl of Northesk, and Elizabeth, married to the second Earl
of Kinghorne, and ancestress of the Earls of Strathmore. His second wife
was Mary Waldrum, maid of honour to Queen Henrietta Maria; and his third
wife was Lady Mary Erskine, daughter of John, earl of Mar, and widow of
William, sixth earl Marischal, but by neither of these had he issue.
[Millar’s Roll of Eminent Burgesses of Dundee, p. 144; Registrum
de Panmure; Taylor’s Historic Families of Scotland, ii. 300; Hist. MSS.
Comm. 5th Rep. p. 637; Nichols’s Progresses of James I, i. 597, 600, ii.
440, 610.]
A. H. M.
- Jane Maule (1617 - ? )
- Anna Maule (1618 - 1623)
- George Maule (1619 - ? )
- Henry Maule (1620 - ? )
- Elizabeth Maule (1622 - 1650)
- Catherine Maule (1623 - 1625)
Frances received a bequest in the will of her uncle, Sir Edward Stanhope,
Doctor of the Civil Laws, dated 28 February 1602(3), held at the
National
Archives PROB 11/111/228
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do
give to every one of the sons and daughters of my brother, Edward
Stanhope, and my sister, Susan, his wife, which shall be living at the
time of my death one gold signet ring of three angels’ weight apiece
with the same crest and inscription as is set down for the sons and
daughter of my brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased; ...
Item, I do give to my niece, Frances Stanhope, daughter to my brother,
Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, forty pounds to be paid her by my
executor or executors at the day of her marriage;
Frances is mentioned in the will of her father, Sir Edward Stanhope, one
of His Majesty's Councellor in the North, dated 8 August 1603, which is
held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
She is under the age of eighteen at the time the will was written.
Item to Fraunces Stanhope my daughter
for her porcion or childs parte
the somme of fiue hundred poundes, whereof two hundred and fiftie
poundes parcell of the said fiue hundred poundes to be paied to her the
saide Fraunces or her assignes at or vppon the Feast of saint Michaell
th'archangell which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde god One Thowsand
six hundred and nine, And soe consequently the somme of two hundred and
fiftie poundes residue of the saide somme of fiue hundred poundes at the
like feast And my further will and pleasure is that she shall haue
allowed vnto her yerely vntill she haue reciued two hundred and fifty
poundes parte of the said somme of Fiue hundred poundes the somme of
twentie poundes per Annum for her private maintenance, which saide somme
of twentie poundes to be paide vnto my said wief for my said daughters
use quarterly whereof the first payment to begin at the Feast of saint
Martin the Bishop in winter next ensuing the date hereof, And my Will
and further desire is that my saide two daughters Marie and Fraunces
maye contynue in howse with my said wife their mother to th'end she may
bringe them up and educate them in the fearfe of god, as hitherto she
has doen, vntill they come vnto the age of eightene yeres or be married,
whether shall first happen, of whose approued and virtuous educacion
of them, I make no doubte, having had soe good experience thereof, And
if it shall fortune either of my saide daughters Marie and Fraunces to
die before they accomplish the age of eightene yeres unmarried then I
will that her porcion soe dyeng
shall remaine to my younger daughter surviving
Frances is also mentioned in the will of her aunt, Jane (Stanhope,
Townshend) Berkeley, dated 20 July 1617
The
National Archives PROB 11/131/287 modern spelling transcript ©2007
Nina Green)
Item, I give unto my well-beloved
sister-in-law, the Lady Susanna Stanhope, my jewel thick-set with small
diamonds, only with a round pearl at each end thereof, and to her
daughter Frances, my niece, one jewel with diamonds therein and a ruby
in the middest of the same and a pearl hanging thereat;
Frances was named, in her married name of
Frances Maule, an executor of the will of her mother, Susan Marburie alias
Dame Susan Stanhope, dated 12 February 1618(9) and held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/133/312).
Nowe for my daughter Frances Maule whome I must
confess hath ben always a deerlie beloved child unto me And for my vncle
Mr Thomas Marburie whom I have allways found to be my
faithfull friend in my greatest necessities and whoe doth nowe stand
mgages for me, I do make the said Francis Maule and my said vncle Mr
Thomas Marburie my sole and onlie executors of this my last will and
Testament
Frances, her husband Patrick and her daughter Jane are left bequests in the
will of their uncle, Michaell Stanhope dated 6 November 1621 and proved 6
February 1621(2), which is held at the National
Archives PROB 11/139/119
Item I give and bequeath unto Paterick Male Esq
and to my Niece Frances his wife two guilt spoons and one bason ... Item I
give and bequeath unto Jane Male their daughter one hundreth pounds of
good money
January 1624
- Will of Frances's
father, Sir Edward Stanhope, one of His Majesty's Councellor in the
North, dated 8 August 1603, which is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253)
- Registrum de Panmure vol 1 page xxxix
(ed. J. Stuart, 1874); Patrick birth from aged 19 at his father's death
in 1605 from Registrum de Panmure vol 1 pages xxxviii;
Patrick death, burial from Dictionary of National Biography vol 37 pp
87-8 (Leslie Stephen, Sir Sidney Lee, 1894)
- Registrum de Panmure vol 1 page xli
(ed. J. Stuart, 1874); Patrick wikipedia Patrick
Maule, 1st Earl of Panmure
- Registrum de Panmure vol 1 page xli
(ed. J. Stuart, 1874)
- Frances Stanhope
George Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
Trinity College, Cambridge, and
Gray's Inn, where George seems to have been admitted on 14 August 1599,
prior to attending Cambridge, and again, on 17 February 1610(1), after
becoming a fellow at Trinity College.
The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889
p97 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1599.
Aug. 14. GEORGE STANHOPE, one of the sons
of Edward Stanhope, Esq.
p125
1610-11.
Feb. 17. GEORGE STANHOPE, of Trinity
College, Cambridge.
Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
STANHOPE,
GEORGE. Scholar of TRINITY, 1602. 4th s.
of Sir Edward (1563), of Grimston, Yorks. B.A. 1603-4; M.A. 1607; B.D.
1614; D.D. 1620. Fellow, 1606. Incorp. at Oxford, 1611. Adm. at Gray’s
Inn, Feb. 17, 1610-1. Ord. deacon (Peterb.) Feb. 27; priest, Feb. 28,
1613-4. Presented to Trumpington, Cambs., 1616-7. V. of Flintham,
Notts., 1617-20. V. of Burton Agnes, Yorks., 1619. R. of Wheldrake,
1628. Canon and precentor of York, 1631-44. R. of Bolton Percy, 1641.
Buried in York Minster, July 26, 1644. Probably brother of Michael
(1597). Father of Thomas (1653) and Arthur (1648-9). (Vis. of Yorks.,
1666; F.M.G., 987; Genealogist, N.S., XIII.
107.)
Alumni Oxoniensis Early Series vol 4 p1408
(Joseph Foster, 1892)
Stanhope,
George, 4s. Sir Edward of Grimston, Yorks; B.A. from TRINITY
COLL., Cambridge, 1603-4, M.A. 1607 (incorporated 9 July
1611),, B.D. 1614, D.D. 1620, and re-incorporated 10 July, 1627; student
of Gray’s Inn 1611, as of Trinity college, Cambridge; vicar of Flintham,
Notts, 1617, and of Burton Agnes, Yorks, 1619, canon 1631, and precentor
of York 1632, and rector of Bolton Percy, Yorks, 1641; brother of Thomas
1616, perhaps grandfather of George 1681. See Lansdowne MS. 985.
f. 72; & Foster’s Graduati Cantab.
Susan Mole on 16 September 1619 in
St Michael le Belfrey (Minster Yard), York, Yorkshire, England
Susan was the daughter of John Molle, and Elizabeth Cheke, the sister of Sir Thomas Cheke.
John Molle was a tutor to Lord Ross, grandson of the Earl of Exeter, in
which capacity he took Lord Ross on a continental tour, but in Rome John was
arrested by the Inquisition on the grounds of having translated Du Plessis's
book "The Visibility of the Church" from French into English. John remained
imprisoned in Rome for thirty years until his death there in 1638, never
seeing his wife or children again. Details of John's life are recorded in The
Church History of Britain vol 3 p258-9 (Thomas Fuller, 1868)
and accounts of the long running efforts to free him in The Gentleman's Magazine vol 300 pp183-5
(February - June 1906)
Susan and her mother, Elizabethm were remembered in the will of Susan's
brother-in-law, Sir John Stanhope, dated 30 April 1627 and proved on 30
September 1627, held at the National
Archives PROB 11/153/40
Itm I give to my loveing friend Mrs
Elizabeth Mole one gould Ringe of the value of ten shillings Itm I give to
my brother Jiors wife and to my nephew Edward Stanhope Sonne to my brother
Sr Edward Stanhope and to my said nephews wife each of them a
little hoope Ringe to the value of ten shillings as a remembrance of my
love to them
- Edward Stanhope (1620(1) - 1623)
- Matthew Stanhope (1622(3) - 1623)
- Elizabeth Stanhope ( ? - 1623(4))
- Arthur Stanhope
- Frances Stanhope
- Arabella Stanhope (1633 - ? )
- George Stanhope (1634 - 1635)
- Thomas Stanhope (1638 - ? )
- Ann Stanhope (1639 - 1639)
Clergyman
George was ordained deacon on 27 February 1613(4) and priest a day later. He
was presented to Trumpington, Cambridgeshire, in 1616 to 1617 and was
instituted vicar of Flintham, Nottinghamshire, on 9 July 1617, resigning
that post in 1620. On 27 May 1619 he was instituted vicar of Burton
Agnes, Yorkshire, and he was admitted rector of Wheldrake on 5 July 1628.
George was collated to the precentorship of York on 4 November 1631 holding
that office until 1644 and in 1641 he succeeded to the rectory of Bolton
Percy. George was one of the chaplains in ordinary to the kings James I and
Charles I, and was Justice of the Peace for the liberties of St Peter.
An Attempt Towards Recovering an Account of the
Numbers and Sufferings of the Clergy of the Church of England
Part
II p83 (John Walker, 1714)
YORK
GEORGE STANHOPE, D.D. Chauntership,
Canonry Resid. And Prebend of Drifield, annexed to
the Chauntry.
He was Admitted to this Dignity in the Year 1631, had
been Chaplain to their Majesties King James I. and King
Charles I. Rector of Wheldrake in Yorkshire
(but whether he lost that Living or not, I cannot say) and was Grandfather
to the present Learned and Excellent Dean of Canterbury; who
hath further told me that he was * Driven to Doors with Eleven
Children, and died in Year 1644.
* Which seems to make it probable, that he lost the Living of
Wheldrake also. If he had not, by the time of his Death,
suffered in the Revenues of his Chauntry and Canonry;
and when he was Turned to Doors, was dispossessed of his Living
only, then he must be removed to the Parochial List; Nor could
there be any Suffering Chaunter in this Church; unless
some other Person was nominated to that Dignity before the Restoration.
Biographical
and Literary Anecdotes of William Bowyer p30n (John Nichols,
1782)
† His
grandfather George Stanhope, D.D. was Chaplain to James
I. and Charles I. had the chauntership of York, where he
was also a canon-residentiary, held a prebend, and was rector of Wheldrake
in that county. He was for his loyalty, “driven to doors with eleven
children,” and died in 1644. See Walker’s Sufferings of the
Clergy, Part II. p. 83.
Dictionary
of National Biography vol 54 p10 (Sidney Lee, 1898)
STANHOPE,
GEORGE (1600-1728), dean of Canterbury ... His grandfather, George
Stanhope (d. 1644), was canon and precentor of York from 1631,
and was rector of Wheldrake, Yorkshire, and chaplain to James I and
Charles I; he was dispossessed during the Commonwealth
George is mentioned in the will of his uncle, Sir Edward Stanhope,
Doctor of the Civil Laws, dated 28 February 1602(3), held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do
give to every one of the sons and daughters of my brother, Edward
Stanhope, and my sister, Susan, his wife, which shall be living at the
time of my death one gold signet ring of three angels’ weight apiece
with the same crest and inscription as is set down for the sons and
daughter of my brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased; ...
Item, I do give unto my nephew, George Stanhope, son to my said
brother, Edward Stanhope, to be paid unto him after he shall have
continued a student in either of the universities of Cambridge or
Oxford, and shall have performed all his exercises by the statutes of
the university required for Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, the
sum of one hundred pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto him
within one year after he shall so have commenced Master of Arts by my
executor or executors, which if he shall not attain unto, then that
legacy to determine;
George is named as the fourth son, and bequeathed the manor of Goddenhay
in Somerset, in the will of his father, Sir Edward Stanhope, one of His
Majesty's Councellors in the North, dated 8 August 1603 and proved 16
February 1603(4), which is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
Item I give unto George Stanhope my fourth
sonne all that the copyhould lande lieng within the mannor of Goddenhay
in the County of Somerset
wherin I haue already procured him to be tennannt admitted in revercon
after the death of the nowe tennannte or tennanntes havinge estate in
the same And in the meane time twentie poundes yerely to be assinge out
of my landes
George was left a bequest in the will of his aunt Jane, dated 20 July
1617, held at
The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287). A modern spelling transcript
(©2007 Nina Green) is at
oxford-shakespeare.com
Item, I give unto my nephews, Michael
Stanhope, John Stanhope, George Stanhope and Thomas Stanhope, sons of my
deceased brother, Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, to each of them forty
shillings apiece, and to the said George Stanhope more, a Jacobine piece
of gold to make him a ring of;
George was remembered in the will of his brother, Sir John Stanhope, dated
30 April 1627 and proved on 30 September 1627, held at the National
Archives PROB 11/153/40
Itm I give to my wellbeloved brother Jior
Stanhope one gould Ringe of the value of thirty shillings and he to choose
his poesy and soe the rest of my Brothers to choose theire poesies.
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
pp220-1 (William Dugdale, 1894)
4. George
Stanhope, Dr in Divinity, Chaplain to the King, Vicar
of Flintham, co. Notts., of Burton Agnes, Rector of Wheldrake and Bolton
Percy, Succentor of York, d. intest., bur. in York Minster 26 July 1644.
Adm. 21 Dec. 1644, mar. Susan, dau. of John Mole at St. Mich-le-Belfrey,
York, 16 Sept. 1619. (C.B.N.) They had issue—
Edward, bp. at Belfreys 28 Jan. 1620/1,
bur. at Kirkby Wharfe 15 Mar. 1633 (puer optimæ spei).
Matthew, bp. at St. Dennis, York, 6 Mar 1622/3,
bur. there 8 Nov. 1623. (C.B.N.)
Elizabeth, bur. 24 Mar 1623/4 at St
Martin’s, Coney St. (C.B.N.)
Arthur.
Frances.
Arabella, bp. at Belfreys 1 May 1633.
George, bp. at Belfreys 11 Dec. 1634, bur. at Kirkby Wharfe Apr.
1635.
Ann, bp. at Belfreys 2 July, bur. at York Minster 27 Oct. 1639.
Thomas, Rector of Hertishorn, co. Derb., Vicar of St. Mary’s,
Leicester, bp. at Belfreys 23 Apr. 1638. (C.B.N.) Adm. at St. John’s
Coll., Camb. 25 June 1653, mar. . . . Allestry, of co. Derb. They had
issue—
George Stanhope of King’s Coll., Camb., D.D.,
thirty-six years Vicar of Lewisham and Deptford, Dean of Canterbury, b.
at Hertishorne 5 Mar. 1689/90, d. 18 Mar.
1728, mar. first Olivia, dau. of Charles Cotton of Beresford, co. Derb.,
d. 1 June 1707. They had issue—
George, only son, Captain in General
Egerton’s Regiment of Foot, d. v.p. 1 June 1725.
Catherine.
Mary.
Jane.
Elizabeth.
Charlotte.
He mar. secondly . . . sister of Admiral Sir Ch.
Wager, d. 1 Oct. 1730.
1644
26 July 1644 in York
Minster, formally known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter in York,
Yorkshire, England
The Yorkshire Archælogical and Topographical Journal
vol 1 pp236-7 (1870)
THE
REGISTER OF BURIALS IN YORK MINSTER, ACCOMPANIED BY MONUMENTAL
INSCRIPTIONS, AND ILLUSTRATED WITH BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES.
By ROBERT H. SKAIFE, The Mount, York.
(49). Dr. George Stanhope, bur. ye twenty-sixth of July,
1644.
George Stanhope, D.D., fourth son of Sir Edward Stanhope, of
Grimston, near Tadcaster, one of the Council of the North. He was one of
the chaplains in ordinary to the king. On 9 July, 1617, he was
instituted to the vicarage of Flintham, co. Notts, which he resigned in
1620. On 27 May, 1619, he was instituted vicar of Burton Agnes; on 5
July, 1628, he was admitted rector of Wheldrake; on 4 Nov., 1631, he was
collated to the precentorship of York; and in 1641 he succeeded Hen.
Wickham (see No. 12) in the rectory of Bolton Percy. As “Mr.
George Stanhope” he was married, at St. Michael’s-le-Belfrey, 16 Sept.,
1619, to Susan Mole, by whom he had issue Edward, Elizabeth, Arthur,
Frances, Arabella, Thomas, and Ann. Of these children, Thomas (bap. at
St Michael’s, 23 April, 1638) became rector of Hertishorn, co. Derby,
vicar of St Mary’s Leicester, and chaplain to the earls of Chesterfield
and Clare, and was father of George Stanhope, dean of Canterbury from
1704 to 1728.
Dr. George Stanhope died intestate, and on 21 Dec, 1644,
administration of his effects, with tuition of five of his children, was
granted to Susan Stanhope, his widow, who was joined by Tho. Baduley,
esq., of Durham, and Sir Edward Stanhope, of Grimston.
George died intestate and, on 21 December 1644, administration of his
effects with tuition of five of his children was granted to Susan Stanhope,
his widow, who was joined by Tho. Baduley esq. of Durham and Sir Edward
Stanhope of Grimston. An image
of these letters, written in Latin, can be found in the York's
Archbishops Registers database.
-
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p220 (William Dugdale, 1894); named as the fourth son in the will
of his father held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253)
- Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927); The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn,
1521-1889 p97 and p125
(Joseph Foster, 1889)
- FreeReg
transcript of St Michael le Belfrey (Minster Yard) parish register;
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p220 (William Dugdale, 1894); Susan father from Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p220 and Familiae minorum gentium vol 3 p987
(Joseph Hunter) with mother's surname from The Gentleman's Magazine vol 300 pp183-5
and mother's first name from Notes and Queries vol 139 13 November 1920
p386
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p220 (William Dugdale, 1894)
- Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927); The Yorkshire Archælogical and Topographical
Journal vol 1 pp236-7 (1870); The Life of Marmaduke Rawdon of York pp2-3
(Robert Davies, 1863); Dictionary of National Biography vol 54 p10
(Sidney Lee, 1898); Familiae minorum gentium vol 39 p987
(Joseph Hunter, 1895); Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1541-1857 vol 4
pp9-11 (ed. Joyce M Horn and David M Smith, 1975)
- An Attempt Towards Recovering an Account of the
Numbers and Sufferings of the Clergy of the Church of England
Part II p83 (John Walker, 1714)
- The Yorkshire Archælogical and Topographical
Journal vol 1 pp236-7 (1870); FreeReg
transcript of The Cathedral Church of St Peter, York, parish register
- The Yorkshire Archælogical and Topographical
Journal vol 1 pp236-7 (1870)
- Rev. George Stanhope
Henry Stanhope
Richard
Stanhope
Maud (Cromwell) Stanhope
Henry was left a bequest of travelling chests in the will of John Gilby,
rector of Knesale, in January 1434(5).
Testamenta
Eboracensia vol 2 p51-2 (1855)
XXXVIII.
TESTAMENTUM MAGISTRI JOHANNIS GYLBY RECTORIS DE KNESALE.
...
Codicillus, 24 Jan. 1434.—Domino Ricardo Stanhopp militi,
quatuor quysshyns blodii coloris cum plumis, et novam
cathedram quietis. Henrico Stanhopp meas trussyng coffers. Thomæ
Stanhopp meam peciam meliorem de argento; et meam aliam peciam
debiliorem lego Jacobo fratri suo. Elizabethæ Stanhopp, sorori suæ,
blodiam togam furratam cum byse, et meam nigram zonam de serico cum
barrez deauratis. Katerinæ, sorori suæ, meam nigram togam furratam cum
pelour.
which roughly translates as:
36.
TESTAMENT OF MASTER JOHN GYLBY RECTOR DE KNESALE.
... Codicil, 24 January 1434.—To Sir Richard Stanhope, knight,
four cushions of blood color with feathers, and a new chair of rest.
To Henry Stanhopp my travelling chests. Thomas Stanhope my better
piece of silver and I bequeath my other weaker piece to Jacob his
brother. Elizabeth Stanhopp, his sister, a red gown lined with fine
linen, and my black leather with satin barrez gilt. Katherine, his
sister, my black gown lined with fur.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Raph
Lord Crumwell, who married Margaret co-heir of the Lord
Deincourt, had no issue, so that his sister Matildis,
whom he married to Sir Richard Stanhope about 12 H. 4. became
his heir, she was his second wife, and by him had a son called Henry
Stanhope, who died without issue 31 H. 6. and two daughters, Joane
wife to Humfrey Bourghchier, who was therefore styled Lord Crumwell,
but had no issue that I have found; and Maud, first married to Robert
Lord Willughby of Eresby; secondly to Thomas
Nevile; and thirdly, to Sir Gervas Clifton; the said Maud
their mother died 33 H. 6.
The
Covenants of Marriage between Sir Richard
Stanhope, and Sir Raufe
Cromwell, for Maud,
sister of the said Sir Raufe,
to the said Sir Richard, were
dated 12 H. 4. By her he had Henry
Stanhope, who died without issue, 12 Aug.
31 H. 6. and was buried at Lamley;
and Matilda, first married to
Robert Lord Willoughby;
secondly, to Thomas Nevile,
and thirdly, to Sir Gervas Clifton
: and Joane married to Humfrey Bourchier, as in Lamley
is noted.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p257 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
Richard
Stanhope, the second son, became heir
... He married, secondly, in 12 Henry IV. Maud, daughter to Ralph
Cromwell, and sister and heir to Ralph Lord Cromwell of
Tattershall-castle in Lincolnshire, Treasurer of England, and by her had
a son and two daughters, who by their mother were great fortunes. His
son Henry Stanhope (by he) died without issue, Aug 12, in 31 Henry VI.
and was buried at Lamley;
12 August 1453
Lambley, Nottinghamshire, England
Henry Stanhope
John Stanhope
Elizabeth
(Talbot) Stanhope
Joane Rochford
Joane was the daughter of Henry Rochford, of Stoke Rochford, Lincolnshire.
The Peerage of England vol 3 pp258-9
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
John
Stanhope, Esq. (son and heir to the said Richard) about 5 Henry VI. took
to wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Talbot of Bashal in the county
of York, Knt. ... departed this life; leaving Thomas his son and heir;
and Henry Stanhope of Stoke Rochford, in com’ Lincoln, Esq. in right of
Joan his wife, daughter of Henry Rochford of the said place, Esq. by
which Joan he had Edmund Stanhope, Esq. who by Alice his wife, left two
daughters, 1. Margaret, his heir, who was married to Thomas Skeffington,
of Skeffington, in Leicestershire, Esq. and dying Jan. 1, 1539 40, 31
Henry VIII. left him a son, William Skeffington, Esq. then of full age,
and heir to his father, 35 Hen. VIII. 2. Joan, the wife of Humphrey
Hesey of Grove, in Nottinghamshire, Esq.
Henry Stanhope
30 July 1593, at Kirkby Wharfe,
Yorkshire, England
Historical
Notices of Doncaster vol 2 p7 (Charles William Hatfield,
1868)
1593—Itm. Henrye, sonne of Edward Stanhope,
Esquire, was haptyzed July 30.
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p221 (William Dugdale, 1894)
6 Henry, (?)
bp. at Kirkby Wharfe 30 July 1592, bur. at Belfreys 3 Oct. 1594.
3 October 1594 in St. Michael le
Belfrey, Yorkshire, England
Henrye is recorded as the "sonne to mr Stanhoope one of her maiesties
councell". He was buried in the side choir.
Jacob Stanhope
Richard
Stanhope
Joan (Staveley) Stanhope
Jacob is left a bequest in the will of John Gilby, rector of Knesale, in
January 1434(5). The will documents that Jacob (the name could also be
translated from the Latin as James) is a brother of Thomas Stanhope.
Testamenta
Eboracensia vol 2 p51-2 (1855)
XXXVIII.
TESTAMENTUM MAGISTRI JOHANNIS GYLBY RECTORIS DE KNESALE.
...
Codicillus, 24 Jan. 1434.—Domino Ricardo Stanhopp militi,
quatuor quysshyns blodii coloris cum plumis, et novam
cathedram quietis. Henrico Stanhopp meas trussyng coffers. Thomæ
Stanhopp meam peciam meliorem de argento; et meam aliam peciam
debiliorem lego Jacobo fratri suo. Elizabethæ Stanhopp, sorori suæ,
blodiam togam furratam cum byse, et meam nigram zonam de serico cum
barrez deauratis. Katerinæ, sorori suæ, meam nigram togam furratam cum
pelour.
which roughly translates as:
36.
TESTAMENT OF MASTER JOHN GYLBY RECTOR DE KNESALE.
... Codicil, 24 January 1434.—To Sir Richard Stanhope, knight,
four cushions of blood color with feathers, and a new chair of rest.
To Henry Stanhopp my travelling chests. Thomas Stanhope my better
piece of silver and I bequeath my other weaker piece to Jacob his
brother. Elizabeth Stanhopp, his sister, a red gown lined with fine
linen, and my black leather with satin barrez gilt. Katherine, his
sister, my black gown lined with fur.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
This Sir Richards first wife was Elizabeth,
but by others said to be Joane,
the daughter of Robert and
sister of Raph (Staveley
or) Staley, by whom he had
divers Children, Richard, Thomas,
James, Elizabeth, and Agnes.
Jacob/James is documented as "still living" in the IPM of his brother,
Richard, on 24 May 1436 (Inquisition
Post Mortem of Richard Stanhop Nottinghamshire 24 May 1436) but he is
not mentioned in the will of his brother, Thomas, in May 1462 - a will
which does leave bequests to two sisters of Thomas - and likely Jacob had
died by this latter date (Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 p254-5).
Jane (Stanhope, Townshend) Berkeley
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
|
Sir Roger Townshend
This image is from a 1739 engraving, by John Pine, of Tapestry
2 of the Armada
Tapestries, based on the drawings of Clement Lemprière who
in turn used the original maps by Adams. The Armada
Tapestries were a series of ten tapestries made to
commemorate the English victory over the Spanish Armada that hung
in the House of Lords until being destroyed by fire in 1834.
|
Roger Townshend
Roger was the son of Richard Townshend and Catherine Browne. He was of
Raynham, Norfolk, and represented Norfolk in the second session of
parliament of 1563. Roger entered the service of Thomas
Howard, the 4th Duke of Norfolk, as his man of business, for the most
part in London, and after the Duke's execution in 1572 he took charge of the
affairs of the heir, the Earl of Arundel, who was still a minor. He married,
firstly, Ursula Heydon, with whom he did not have children. In 1588 he
served with the English fleet against the Spanish Armada, fitting out ships
at his own expense and sailing with them. He was knighted at sea on 26 July
1588 by the Lord Admiral. Roger died in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, and was
buried on 30 June 1590 in St Giles without Cripplegate, London. See wikipedia
(Roger Townshend (courtier, died 1590)) and The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603 entry for TOWNSHEND,
Roger (c.1544-90), of Raynham, Norf. and Brampton, Suff. (P.W. Hasler,
1981).
Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p259
(John Venn, 1927)
TOWNSHEND, ROGER. Matric. pens, from TRINITY,
Easter, 1553. S. of Richard, of Brampton, Norfolk (and Catherine, dau.
of Sir Humphrey Browne, Judge of C.P.). Officer in the Queen’s
household. Commanded in the fleet against the Armada, 1588. Knighted,
1588, for his services against the Armada. Married Jane, dau. of Sir
Michael Stanhope, of Shelford, Notts. Buried June 30, 1590, at St
Giles’, Cripplegate, London. Father of John (Trinity). (Cooper. II.
93; Collins, II. 460; D.N.B.)
The
Spanish Armada, 1588 vol 3 p262 (Charles Hervey Townshend,
1878)
On Friday,
July 26, the Lord High-Admiral sent for the Lord Thomas Howard
the Lord Sheffield, Roger Townshend, Captain Martin
Forbisher, Captain John Hawkins, on board his own Ship the
Ark; and there confer’d on them the Honour of Knighthood, as well
for a Reward of their good Services in the late Engagement, as for an
Encouragement to the rest of the Officers.
...
SIR ROGER TOWNSHEND.
Sir Roger Townshend of Raynham, Knight, was descended, according
to Collins and other learned antiquaries, through a long line of
ancestry from Lodovic or Lewis, a Norman nobleman, who married
Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Sir Thomas de Hauteville or Havile, Lord
of Raynham, through which match the Raynham estate came into the family
and is now the chief seat of the Marquis Townshend.
This Sir Roger was born about 1550, and was heir to his great
grandfather, Sir Roger Townshend, Kt., whose will was proved at Norwich,
Co. Norfolk, May 10, 1552. He was a gentleman of high rank and great
worth in his native county Norfolk, and while Spain was preparing the
Invincible Armada of 1588 to invade England, he manifested the greatest
spirit and energy in fitting out and manning ships at his own expense to
repel the invaders, going in person in the cause of his country, and on
account of his undaunted spirit and bravery in the several engagements
previous to the 26th of July, he was knighted that day on board the Ark
Royal, by the Admiral Lord Howard of Effingham, who had power from
Queen Elizabeth so to do. This Sir Roger was in the thickest of the
fight and suffered the loss of many of his men, and we have evidence
from a letter dated at Margate, Kent, August 10, 1588, in which Lord
Howard writes Burghley “that of all the men brought by Sir Roger
Townshend he has but one left alive.”
He lived but two years afterwards, dying in the flower of his age
at a seat he had purchased of Thomas Sutton, Esq., at Newington, Co.
Middlesex, and was buried June 30, 1590, in the church of St. Giles,
Cripplegate, London.
Athenae
Cantabrigienses vol 2 p93 (Charles Henry Cooper, 1861)
ROGER
TOWNSHEND, son and heir of Richard Townshend, esq., of Brampton in
Norfolk, by Catharine, third daughter and one of the coheiresses of sir
Humphrey Browne, justice of the common pleas, was born about 1543, and
lost his father 9 May 1552. He was educated at Trinity college, but took
no degree. It would appear that he and his wife held offices in the
household of queen Elizabeth. At the new year 1575-6 Mrs. Townshend
presented the queen with a small ring of gold, with a phoenix of opal
and a rose of eight small rubies; and at the new year 1577-8 she gave
her majesty a round kirtle of tawney velvet, edged with a broad bone
lace of silver and gold, set with spangles. In return she received 29
ounces of gilt plate. At the new year 1579-80 Mr. Townshend’s present
was an armring of gold and wood enamelled green, being a snake with a
cream-white sapphire on the head. At the new year 1580-1 he gave her
majesty a bodkin of gold enamelled green, with a pendant of two white
birds of mother-of-pearl and small sparks of rubies and diamonds, “with
a pendant stone being a jasent hartwyse.” Mrs. Townshend at the new year
1583-4 presented to the queen a bodkin of gold, with a pendant of opal,
representing a cony sitting on a rock, garnished with very small sparks
of rubies and one small pearl pendant. In 1588 he had a command in the
fleet which defeated the spanish armada, and was for his valiant conduct
knighted at sea by the lord admiral on 26th July. Lady Townshend at the
new year 1588-9 presented the queen with a large ruff of lawn cutwork,
unwrought, receiving from her majesty in return 16¾ ounces of gilt
plate. Sir Roger Townshend died in June 1590, at Stoke Newington
Middlesex, being buried on the 30th of that month at S. Giles’
Cripplegate, London. He resided occasionally at Stoke Newington, where
he purchased an estate of Thomas Sutton, esq., but more frequently at
Raynham in Norfolk. He married about 1564 Jane, youngest daughter of sir
Michael Stanhope, by whom he had issue sir John, of whom mention will
hereafter be made, and sir Robert. His widow, 10 March 1597, remarried
Henry lord Berkeley.
The portrait of sir Roger Townshend was depicted in the margin of
the tapestry representing the defeat of the spanish armada, executed by
Francis Spiering from the design of Henry Cornelius Vroom. This
tapestry, which was in the old house of lords, was destroyed by the fire
of 1834, but there is an engraving of it by John Pine.
Arms: Az. a cheveron Erm. between 3 escallops A.
Blomefield’s Norfolk, vii. 134. Collins’s Peerage. Proc. Soc.
Antiq. iv. 110. Aske’s Elizabetha Triumphans. Collect. Topog. &
Geneal. vi. 112, 117. Lemon’s Cal. State Papers, 469. Mem. Scacc. Pasch.
22 Eliz. r. 33. Nichols’s Prog. Eliz. ed. 1823, ii. 1, 76, 87, 290, 301,
420, 579; iii. 9. MS. Lansd. 59. art. 16. Lysons’ Environs, ii. 519; iv.
253. Cal. Chanc. Proc. temp. Eliz. ii. 78, 180; iii. 53, 134, 147, 149,
160. Ducatus Lancastriæ, iii. 234. Walpole’s Painters, ed. Wornum, i.
166.
Dictionary of National Biography vol 57 pp130-1
(Sidney Lee, 1899)
TOWNSHEND,
SIR ROGER (1543?-1590), courtier, of East Rainham,
Norfolk, born about 1543, was son and heir of Richard Townshend, of
Brampton, Norfolk, by Catherine, daughter and coheiress of Sir Humphrey
Browne, justice of the common pleas [see under TOWNSHEND,
SIR ROGER, d. 1493]. He was
educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, but did not graduate. Both he
and his wife held court offices under Elizabeth, and they and the queen
exchanged presents on New Year’s day of various years between 1576 and
1581. In the latter year Philip, earl of Arundel, made a deed of gift to
Townshend and William Dyx of all his goods, jewels, and other property,
in consideration of the payment of certain sums of money (Cal. State
Papers, Dom. 1547-80 p. 469, 1581-90, p. 117). Besides his Norfolk
property Townshend purchased from Thomas Sutton (1532-1611) [q. v.] an
estate at Stoke Newington, Middlesex, and also acquired property in
Essex. He served with the fleet against the Spanish armada, and on 26
July 1588 was knighted at sea by Lord Howard of Effingham. His portrait
was to be seen on the margin of the tapestry in the House of Lords
(destroyed by fire in 1834) depicting the defeat of the Armada (see PINE,
JOHN]. He died two years later, in June 1590, at Stoke
Newington, and was buried on the 30th in the church of St. Giles,
Cripplegate. He married, about 1564, Jane, youngest daughter of Sir
Michael Stanhope [q. v.] of Shelford, Nottinghamshire, who in 1597 was
remarried to Henry, lord Berkeley.
His eldest son SIR JOHN TOWNSHEND
(1564-1603), sat in parliament from 1593 to 1601, served in the Low
Countries under Sir Francis Vere in 1592, and four years later
accompanied Essex in his expedition against Cadiz, and was knighted for
his services. He was mortally wounded in 1603 in a duel on Hounslow
Heath with Sir Matthew Browne, who was killed on the spot. Townshend
died of his wounds on 2 Aug. His son, Sir Roger (1588-1637), who was
created a baronet on 16 April 1617, was father of Horatio, first
viscount Townshend [q. v.]
[Cooper’s Athenæ Cantabr. ii. 93, 355, where are full lists of
authorities, Foster’s Alumni Oxon; Carthew’s Hundred of Launditch, vols.
ii. iii. passim; Playfair’s Brit. Families of Antiquity, i. 181-2;
Fuller’s Worthies of England, ii. 152-3; Kennet’s Register and
Chronicle, p. 409n.; Richards’s Hist of King’s Lynn, i. 168.]
The Townshends of Raynham part 1 pp30-2
(James Durham, 1922)
THE
first half of the 16th century history of the family, to sum up, was the
long life of the second Sir Roger. It is curious that both his son and
grandson should have died before him, so that when he himself came to
die in 1551 he was succeeded in the family estates by his
great-grandson, Roger, eldest son of his grandson Richard. Roger
Townshend was a minor when his great-grandfather died—and was a ward of
Queen Mary and King Philip. We know little of him beyond what is to be
read in the Dictionary of National Biography: and can only
conjecture that he returned to the faith of his fathers as he certainly
married into a Catholic family. That his old great-grandfather was a
time-server there can be no doubt from the foregoing evidence in these
pages. He had been, no doubt, useful to King Henry, in securing evidence
against the monastic orders, and for that he obtained that advancement
in the things of this life that he coveted so greatly. The house by the
Wensum stream had now seen some 150 years of life in the Townshend
possession, and before long it was to be dismantled, and soon on the
hill above it the new house was to rise—but of that in its place. With
the new chapter the long life and large family of the second Sir Roger
closes—and the head of the family is his great-grandson, young Sir
Roger.
Young Roger was Richard Townshend’s son, and his mother,
Katherine, daughter and heir of Sir Humphrey Brown of Ridley Hall in
Terling, Co. Essex—a Judge of the Common Pleas: after Richard
Townshend’s death she married Peter Sentyell, who held his first Court,
jure uxoris, for the Manor of Ingoldesthorpe, in Wimbotsham in
1552. After his death Mrs. Townshend married Sir William Roper, Knight,
and was buried 20th February, 1616, at St. Dunstan’s, Canterbury.
Roger was seven years old at his great-grandfather’s death. Had
his mother lived one year longer she would have seen her great-grandson
created a baronet.
He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, but did not
graduate. Both he and his wife, who was Jane, daughter of Sir Michael
Stanhope of Shelford, Co. Nottingham, held Court offices under
Elizabeth, and they and the Queen exchanged presents on New Year’s day
of various kinds between 1576 and 1581. In the latter year, Philip, Earl
of Arundel, made a deed of gift to Townshend and William Dix of all his
goods, jewels and other property in consideration of the payment of
certain sums of money. Besides his Norfolk property, Townshend purchased
from Thomas Sutton an estate at Stoke Newington, Middlesex, and also
acquired property in Essex. He served with the Fleet against the Spanish
Armada, and on the 26th of July was knighted at sea by Lord Howard of
Effingham. His portrait was to be seen in the House of Lords (destroyed
by fire in 1834) in a tapestry depicting the Defeat of the Armada.
There were also two pictures of him at Raynham which were sold,
alas, in 1904.
The question of Sir Roger’s religion is a difficult one. He is
mentioned in the Catalogue, drawn up by a Catholic, of “the Catholics of
England,” date about 1574 (published by the Catholic Record Society, vol
XIII. p. 94, note). Both he and Mrs. Townshend were then
at Court and in the Queen’s favour. About 1583 or 4, however he was in
difficulties, which one may suppose fell on him in consequence of the
Earl of Arundel’s conversion to Catholicism. Roger was very likely one
of the Earl’s “men,” for Arundel was by right Duke of Norfolk. Arundel
had arranged for Roger to take over some of his property: to which
transaction I have alluded before. Roger was now confined for a short
time in the Tower and then in the house of an Alderman in the City.
Sir Roger had married first of all, Ursula, daughter of Sir
Christopher Heydon, his cousin. His grandmother, Eleanor Townshend,
having been a daughter of Sir John Heydon of Baconsthorpe, but by her he
had no issue.
The Townshends were owners and patrons of Heydon for nearly 146
years from 1497 to about 1643 when it was sold. They last presented the
living in 1642.
After Sir Roger’s death his widow married at St. Giles’,
Cripplegate, as I have said before, Henry Lord Berkeley. She had no
issue by him and seems to have interested herself chiefly in her first
husband’s family, and there are to this day Lady Berkeley’s charities
distributed at Raynham.
I append their wills.
She died
at her house in the Barbican which means fortification) in London in
1617.
He died in 1590 and was buried on the 30th day of June in the
church of St. Giles, without Cripplegate, in the City of London. Lady
Townshend survived him and in 1597 married Henry Lord Berkeley.
Roger's will was dated 4 December 1587 and proved on 12 February 1590(1),
held at the National
Archives PROB 11/77/149
The Townshends of Raynham part 1 pp32-3
(James Durham, 1922)
Prerogative Court of Canterbury—Register Sainberbe 16
Abstract of the Will of Roger Townshend, late of Easte Raineham,
Co. Norfolk, esquire, made 4th December 30th Elizabeth (1587).
I bequeath to my executors, for the performance of my Will, the
manor of Wellingham, which I did of late purchase of Edmond Bell,
esquire, and which was by him conveyed to my brother-in-law Master
Edward Stanhopp, Doctor of Law, with power to sell such part as they
shall find necessary. Such part as remains unsold I bequeath to my son,
John.
I direct that my cousin, Robert Whitney, gent: and Robert Herwood
(later on called Harwell) my trustees of one moiety of the manor of
Chastleton alias Castleton, Co. Oxford, shall make sale thereof, and the
money thereof coming shall likewise be employed by my executors for
payment of my debts etc. They shall have also the lease of my farm and
capital messuage called Ludgraves in Hadley, Co. Middlesex, and of the
manors of Hytcham, Byrcham, Newton and Sydisterne alias Systerne, Co.
Norfolk.
I bequeath to my wife Jane, the lease of my Capital messuage in
Newington, Co. Middlesex, which I hold of Thomas Sutton, esquire, and
all my stock and sheep in East, West and South Raineham, Hillington,
Shereford, Coxford and East and West Rudham, or on any lands late
belonging to the dissolved priory of Coxford, heretofore assured to the
said Jane as her jointure. My executors shall have my sheep pastured in
the marsh of Alborowe, Co. Suffolk, and my term of years in a moiety of
the said marsh, which my cousin Robert Whitneye holds in trust for me,
and one half of the sheep going in certain sheep pastures in Westwick,
and other towns nigh thereabouts, in the occupation of my said cousin,
which he has of the demise of Philip, Earl of Arundel: also all my sheep
stocks in the County of Norfolk, not above bequeathed to my wife, until
my son John be 22, when he shall enjoy the same on condition he suffer
my wife and my son Robert to enjoy such lands etc. as I have conveyed to
them.
I bequeath to my wife the rectory of South Raynham, for her life
with remainder to my son John.
To my niece, Ann Godsalve, £200 at 21.
To my sister Godsalve, wife of Thomas Godsalve, esquire £40.
To my brothers John Stanhopp, esquire, and Dr Stanhopp, each a
piece of plate, worth £10.
I Will that my men that have served me shall be considered
according to their service, which is best known to my wife.
I ordain my cousin, Frauncis Windam, one of the Justices of the
Common Pleas at Westminster, and my brother-in-law and cousins Michaell
Stanhopp, Esquire—Edward Coke and Miles Corvett, Esquires, my executors.
I desire them to demise to my friend Mr John Huggen all the
grounds now in his occupation belonging to my manor of Skerning, for
term of his life.
By me ROGER TOWNESEND.
WILLIAM DIX—THOMAS SMITH—THOMAS
MYNORS—RICHARD DYES—JOHN
OWLES. Witnesses.
Proved 12th February, 1590(-1) by the Proctor of Michael Stanhopp
and Miles Corbett, with power reserved, etc. etc.
A modern
spelling transcript of the complete will is at www.oxford-shakespeare.com
©2007 Nina Green)
In the
name of God, Amen. This is the last will and testament of me, Roger
Townshend, late of East Raynham in the county of Norfolk, esquire, by me
made and declared the fourth day of December in the thirtieth year of
the reign of our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth
... Also I give and bequeath to Jane, my wife, all my estate, lease,
interest and term of years of and in all that capital messuage in
Newington in the county of Middlesex and of and in all the lands,
pastures and grounds thereunto belonging which I had of the demise and
grant of Thomas Sutton, esquire;
Also, I give and bequeath to the said Jane, my wife, all my
sheeps stock and flocks of sheep wheresoever going, being, pastured or
kept upon any of the fold-courses, lands or grounds whatsoever in East
Raynham, West Raynham, Hillington, South Raynham, Shereford, East
Rudham, West Rudham, Coxford or elsewhere upon any lands or grounds late
belonging to the late-dissolved priory of Coxford in the said county of
Norfolk heretofore by me assured or conveyed to or to the use of the
said Jane, my wife, for her jointure, to have and enjoy the same as her
own proper goods forever;
And my will and meaning likewise is that the said Jane, my wife,
shall have all my plate, jewels, apparel, linen and household stuff and
utensils of household whatsoever and wheresoever within this realm of
England to her own only use;
... Item, I give and bequeath unto the said Jane, my wife, all that
rectory and parsonage of South Raynham in the county of Norfolk with all
and singular the appurtenances, to have and to hold the same unto the
said Jane, my wife, and her assigns for and during the term of her
natural life, and after her decease I will that the same shall remain
unto the said John, my son, and to his heirs forever;
... And in witness that this is my last will, I, the said Roger
Townshend, have set my hand and seal to every leaf thereof the day and
year above-written. By me, Roger Townshend. Witnesses: William Dix,
Thomas Smith, Thomas Mynors, Richard Dyes, John Owles.
- John Townshend (1568 - 1603)
- Robert Townshend (1580 - ? )
|
Henry Berkeley
image (credit: Berkeley Castle) posted
at bbc.co.uk
|
Henry Berkeley on 9 March
1597(8) in St Giles without Cripplegate, Middlesex, England.
The Berkeley Manuscripts: The lives of the Berkeleys
vol 2 pp392-3 (John Smyth, ed. John Maclean, 1883)
His
second wife was Jane daughter of Sr Michaell Stanhope and
widow of Sir Roger Townfend, whom before hee had two years continued
widower hee maryed at St Giles Church without Creplegate in
London, the Ninth of March in the fortieth of Elizabeth A° 1597, then
aged about 64, who survived him, And after dyed at her houfe in Barbican
on Satterday the third of January in the 15th of king James,
1617, in as ripe an age, loaden with many honorable and well reported
daies.
Howbeit, such was not alwaies the accord, but for
this lords not performance of such Covenants as hee had entred into the
day before his marriage, to the lord Thomas Howard, (after Earle of
Suffolke,) and to her brother Sir Michaell Stanhope and others, which
hee was charged in many ƚres and rescripts to have broken; They at her
request and pressure, extended his lands in Gloucestershire upon a
Statute of ten thousand pounds given by this lord for performance of
those covenants, As by the Inquisition thereof taken at Berkeley the 15th
of January in the 42th of Elizabeth appeareth; Whereupon
shortly after followed such an agreement, as occationed the sale of all
the manors and lands which this lord had in the County of Huntington, to
Sir John Spencer an Alderman of London, as before is written.
Many learned men have longe since censured this
amorous humour or dotage in old men. And Ovid in this disticke,
Militat in teneris annis amor, hospes amaenus,
Est in canitie ridiculosa venus.
In young men love is pleasant to behold,
But t’is rediculous, in one that’s old.
And divers Canonists doe hold, That an old man cannot lawfully bee
marryed, for say they., The end of marriage is only twofold, for
procreation of Children, avoidance of fornication; And that if but one
of these two ends bee only aymed at, the marriage is not good.
And St Ambrose in his comentary upon St
Luke, And St Augustine, say That such a mariage without hope
of Children, non matrimonium sed concubium dici debet, is not to bee
called an holy wedlock, or mariage, but a copulation or coming
togeather; But I write the words of others, my self being farre from
censuring this honorable couple: Howbeit, neither of those two ends
could bee in this marriage, nor the third. Of mutuall society help and
comfort; ffor as they never bedded togeather that any of their
attendants could observe, whereby they might have become one flesh; soe
were themselves and their families for most part as farre asunder as
Barbican in London, and Callowdon by Coventry: neither medled hee more
with her lands or goods, or ought else that was hers, then with her.
Henry was the 10th Lord Berkeley and claimed the title of 7th
Baron Berkeley. He was born on 26 November 1534, the son of Thomas
(10th Lord Berkeley) and his second wife, Anne Savage, nine weeks after the
death of his father, which led to him sometimes being known as "Posthumous
Henry". Henry inherited vast estates, including Berkeley
castle, on the death of King Edward
VI in 1553, as over sixty years before, his great-great uncle, William
Marquess of Berkeley, in order to disinherit his brother, had settled
his estates on King Henry VII and his heirs male, with remainder to his own
right heirs. As Edward VI was the last male descendent of Henry VII, the
estates reverted to William's heir, who was the young Henry Berkeley. The
estates came with a lifetime of lawsuits and litigation (detailed in The Berkeley Manuscripts: The lives of the Berkeleys
vol 2 pp265-421) which, along with Henry lavish lifestyle, led to the
sale of many of his lands. Henry was made a Knight of the Bath on 28
September 1553 at the coronation of Mary I, and was Vice-Admiral
of Gloucestershire from 1603 until his death. He married, firstly,
Katherine Howard, who died in 1596, with whom he had two sons and four
daughters. Henry died of food poisoning at Caludon,
Gloucestershire, on 26 November 1613,
|
Tomb of Henry Berkeley and his 1st wife,
Katherine Howard in St Mary, Berkeley, Gloucestershire.
John Smyth writes of the effigies in The Berkeley Manuscripts vol 2 p407
"Of which monument it may rightly bee faid—Sic oculos, sic ille
manus, sic ora ferebat: The resemblances of both Henry and
Katharine are to life"
|
and was buried in the chancel at Berkeley, Gloucestershire, leaving his
will, dated 20 December 1612, which was proved on 7 February 1614 (TNA
PROB 11/123/109).
A great deal of detail on Henry's life can be found in The Berkeley Manuscripts: The lives of the Berkeleys
vol 2 pp265-421 (John Smyth, ed. John Maclean, 1883). I have excerpted
a few passages below:
The Berkeley Manuscripts: The lives of the Berkeleys
vol 2 pp265-6 (John Smyth, ed. John Maclean, 1883)
The Life of Henry the First
The life of Henry lord
Berkeley the first of that name, stiled in writings Sir Henry Berkeley
knight, Lord Berkeley, Mowbray, Segrave, and Breouse; never otherwise
written from his cradle to his grave; ... And may bee
called Henry the harmless, or posthumus Henry.
...
And the lady Anne great with child, delivered of this lord Henry nyne
weekes and fower days after his death. To whom king Henry the eighth
that gave his name was godfather;
p281
the 26th
day of January in the first of her raigne, Mary the Queen ...
Not longe after, (like a young lord left to much
to the oversight of his own education,) hee came to London, setled at
Tower hill, frequented the Court, and spent all his time at tenys,
bowles, cards, dice, and in the company of his huntsmen and faulkeners,
delights that drew on greater totalls in his Accompts at the years end
then his revenue would support, espetially two Joyntures of his fathers
and grandfathers widows draining a third part thereout.
p284
In
September in the second of Queen Mary this lord maryed the lady
Katharine Howard, at the Duke her grandfathers house in Norfolke, (of
the life, death, and funerall of which lady Katharine I have much to
write,) whom fhortly after hee brought to his house at Tower Hill;
... And thus up and down all the time of Queen Mary
removed this lord and his wife, with seldom lesse (often more) then one
hundred and fifty servants in livery, between Yate, Mangottesfeild,
London, Callowdon, and other places; And used to hauke as hee travelled
those waies, making his removes from those places to London eight days
at least, and as many back againe.
p285-7
And
thus lived this lord and his wife betweene London, the Dukes houses in
Norfolke, Callowdon, and Berkeley, never longe at one place, the first
thirteene yeares of Queene Elizabeth : In which their
travells, (if both togeather,) they were seldom or never attended with
fewer then one hundred and fifty servants in their tawny cloth coats in
summer, with the badge of the white Lyon rampant imbroidered on the left
sleeve; And in coats of white frize lined with crimsen taffety he
winter, This lord allowing only cloth, buttons, and badge; amongst whom
many were gentlemen and Esquiers of remarkeable families and discent,
and of alliance to this house;
... His Christmas, (as most part of this second year of
Queen Elizabeth,) hee kept at Yate with great port and solemmty, as the
extraordinary guilded dishes, the vanities of Cookes arts, (having none
other guests but the gentlemen and ruralty of the Country,) served to
the table on Twelvth day, well declare; whereof one was a whole bore
inclosed in a pale workmanly guilt by a Cooke hired from Bristoll, as
the Clarke of the Kitchens booke declareth: In perusall whereof, I could
not observe how that dish was brought unto the table.
ln which yeare having in March extreamly heated
himself by chasing on foot a tame Deere in Yate Parke, with the violence
thereof fell into an imoderate bleeding at the nose, for the stay
whereof by the ill counsell of some about him, hee clapt his whole face
into a bason of cold water, whereby that flush and fulnes of his nose
which forthwith arose, could never bee remedied;
p363
The
hours may seeme too many which this lord spent in his best ages at
bowles tenis Cockpit Shufgrote cards and dice, especially when hee liked
the company; And I will, without blemish to his honor,
tell his posterity, That his longe and slender lady-like-hand knew a dye
as well and how to handle it as any of his ranke and time: ... But
his cheife delights wherein hee spent near three parts of the yeare,
were, to his great charges, in hunting the hare fox and deere, red and
fallow, not wanting choice of as good hunting horses as yearly hee could
buy at faires in the North; And in hawking both at river and at land; And
as his hounds were held inferior to no mans, (through the great choice
of whelps which with much care hee yearly bred of his choicest braches,
and his continuall huntings,) soe were his hawks of severall sorts;
which if hee sent not a man to fetch from beyond seas, as three or fower
times I remember hee did, yet had hee the choice as soone as they were
brought over into England, keeping a man lodging in London, in some
years a month or more, to bee sure of his choice at their first landing;
espetially for his haggard falcons for the river, wherein hee had two
that fell in one after the other, and lasted twelve or more years, the
one called stella, and the other kate, that were famous with all great
faulconers in many counties, and prized at excessive rates, esteemed for
high and round flying, free stooping, and all other good conditions,
inferior to none in Christendome.
p378
Queen
Elizabeth in her progresse time in the fifteenth of her raign came to
Berkeley Castle, what time this lord Henry had a stately game of red
deere in the park adjoyning called the Worthy, whereof Henry Ligon was
keeper; during which time of her being there, such slaughter was made,
as—27. stagges were slaine in the Toiles in one day, and many others in
that and the next stollen and havoked; whereof when this lord Henry,
then at Callowdon, was advertised, having much set his delight upon that
game, hee sodainly and passionatly in discontent disparked that ground:
But in fewe monthes after, hee had a secret freindly advertizem’ from
the Court, That the Queen was informed how the same was soe disparked by
him in repyning at her coming to his house, (for indeed it was not in
her Jests,) and at the good sport shee had in that parke; Advising this
lord to carry a wary watch over his words and actions, least that, that
Earle (meaning Leicesler) that had contrary to her set Jests drawn her
to this Castle, and purposely had caused that slaughter of his deere,
might have a further plott againft his head and that Castle, whereto hee
had taken noe small liking, and affirmed to have good title thereto.
p380
This
Lord Henry had three great deliverances from iminent death, as in his
middle age hee would often comfortably remember; The first whereof was
in Kingswood chace neare Bristoll, (where himself under Queen Elizabeth
was ranger,) as hee was gallopping upon a full speed through the fearne
and brakes there to have rated the forehead of his hounds then in chase
after a wronge bucke. The second was not farre from his manor of
Callowdon in Warrwicksh’ then also in a swift gallop after his hounds
hunting the hare. At both which times, the gelding hee rode on, called
Brimsley, (than which, I never knew a better,) being within less then
his length first of an old Colepit unfilled up, hid from sight by those
brakes, sudainly (in an instant as it were) upon the glimpse thereof
threw himfelf flat upon his side: As likewise the second time the same
gelding did, upon the like glimpse of a deepe pit of water like a well,
kept also from sight by like fearne and weeds; no other way in mans
reason (as himself would say,) being for his preservation then the
geldings soe casting down himself, without hurt at either time to his
rider; neither of those pits being by this lord discerned till hee was
tumbling on the ground: The third was neare Holborne bridge in the
parish of St Andrewes in London, what time his Coach horses
in a furious course down Holborne hill, having cast off the Coachman,
had run the coach and themselves besides that bridge into a desparate
downfall, (as the passage at that time was,) if Laughan his Irish
footman, (a man of extraordinary strength and footmanship,) had not by
as swift a course and strength overborne the foremost horses against the
coine end of a wall, which at that time stood neare the said bridge:
pp406-7
Howbeit
death prevented whatsoever was intended, for this lord having at dinner
on fryday the 12th of November, taken liking to the tast of
small custards then ferved to his table, hee willed that some of them
should bee reserved for his supper: whereupon feeding, surfeited, so
that the same not well digesting, hee grew distempered in the night
following, sicknes by degrees increasing upon him till that day
fortnight after the 26th of that month: In the evening before in his
private prayers hee cryed, come, come, lord Jhesus, which hee often
doubled till the morning; And when his weak breath caused the words
(lord Jhesus) to bee unsounded. Then only was heard, come, come. And
after when the letter (C) became somwhat too harsh, hee was heard to
say. Tome, tome, the letter (T) being more soft and easy of sound; And
soe without any plunge motion or stirre of body, at five of the clock in
the morning the faid 26th of November 1613, in the 11th
year of king James, rendred back his spirit to him that gave it, his
chaplin Henry Briggs (a learned divine) then on his knees in prayer by
him: And thus having the comfortable memory of a well led life, hee
beheld death without dread, and the grave without fear, And imbraced
both as necessary guides to endles glory: And in this sort did this
pious peere, in this navigation of his life, lett fall his fatall anchor
that never can bee wayed up againe.
... The Executors Sr William Coke and Sr
Thomas Estcourt having after their coming informed themselves of the
personall estate of this lord, entred into the execution of the will,
and sattisfyed all debts and demands in those parts ere they departed
thence: And having in fitting manner provided a Coach and all things
necessary for conduction of the Corps to Berkeley Castle according to
his will, the 21th of December set forward with it, attended
with a fair troope of his and their own servants, to Warwicke; thence
the next day to Campden, thence the next day to Tetbury, thence on
Christmas even to Berkeley Castle; in the Chappell whereof it remained
till a [f]air Tombe (after some months) was set up in his own Chapple
and place of buriall, adjoyning to the Chancell of the said Church, (his
wholl body and bowells laid thereunder,) with this inscription.
Here lieth the body of Sir Henry Berkeley knight
lord Berkeley, Mowbray, Segrave, and Breouse, lord Leivtenant of the
County of Glouc, who departed this life the 26th day of
November in the year of our lord God, 1613. being the day that hee
accomplished the age of ffowerscore years: Hee first maryed Katharine,
sister to Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolke, by whom hee had issue,
Thomas, Mary, and ffrances; Thomas being a knight of the Bath maryed
Elizabeth only daughter and heir of Sir George Carey knight lord
Hunsdon, Mary the eldest daughter was maryed to Sr John Zouch
knight, And ffrances the second daughter was maryed to Sir George
Shirley Baronet: Hee seconly maryed Jane the widowe of Sir Roger
Townsend knight, yet living, by whom hee had noe iffue.—Thus the Tombe.
Of which monument it may rightly bee faid—Sic
oculos, sic ille manus, sic ora ferebat: The resemblances of both Henry
and Katharine are to life: And hee whose coming was to
find the lost sheep, to bind up the broken hearted, to call sinners to
repentance and by it unto salvation, save and have mercy upon them,
mercifull in their lives to many.
Hee fate lord from the first to the last of his
life just 79 years, not 80 as his Epitaph hath. A misinformation of
those that waited in his sicknes. Telling his Executors how hee oft told
them, That if hee lived till fryday the 26th of that November
hee should bee just 80 years old.
The Peerage of England vol 3 pp460-1
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
Thomas
aforesaid, the eldest son (10th Lord Berkeley, in virtue of the
aforesaid summons) ... by Anne, his second wife, daughter of Sir John
Savage, of Frodsham in Cheshire, Knt. he had Henry his son and heir,
born nine weeks and four days after his death; also a daughter
Elizabeth, scarce three quarters of a year old at his death, married to
Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond, without issue. He departed this life
at Stone, in his journey from his house at Yate in Gloucestershire
towards London, on September 19, 1534, 26 Hen. VIII. and was there
buried.
Which Henry, his son and heir, at the death of King Edward VI.
the last male heir of King Henry VII. had thereby possession of
Berkeley-castle, and all those lordships settled on that King by William
Marquis of Berkeley, before-mentioned. He obtained livery of them in 1
& 2 Philip and Mary, before he arrived at full age. The said castle
and lordships had rested in the crown full sixty-one years, four months
and twenty-two days; and were then of the value of 687l. 5s.
per annum, old rent, not accounting the parks and chases thereto
belonging. The inquisition taken of the estate on the decease of King
Edward VI. recites the remainder made by the said William Marquis of
Berkeley to King Henry VII. and the heirs male of his body, and for
default of such issue to his own right heirs. The several manors,
&c. so entailed, are as follows: The castle and manor of Berkeley;
the manors of Hame, Apulridge, Slymbridge, Hurst, Cowley, Alkington,
Came, Hynton, Wotton-under-Edge, with the advowson thereof, Symondshall,
and Erlingham, in Gloucestershire, the manors of Portbury, and Potshed,
in Somersetshire; one fourth of the manor of Tiborne, alias Marybone, in
the county of Middlesex; and the manor of Shington, in Warwickshire.
These manors, with the appurtenances, coming to the Lord Henry Berkeley,
within age, as heir, in remainder; and the doubt being whether he was to
be in ward to the Queen, and to sue livery at full age; Queen Mary, by
her warrant, under her signet, dated Sept. 8, 1554, the 1st and 2d of
Philip and Mary, to the Master and Council of the Court of Wards, gave
them special warrants to pass his livery of the said lands at the old
rent, during the minority, as if he had been of full age. Also in the
said inquisition it is recited, that he was son of Thomas Lord Berkeley,
son of Thomas Lord Berkeley, and brother and heir of Maurice Lord
Berkeley, the eldest son of Maurice Lord Berkeley, brother and heir of
the said William Marquis of Berkeley. His Lordship thereupon,
repossessing the old barony of his ancestors, was summoned by writ to
parliament in 4 & 5 Phil. and Mar. and there placed on Jan. 25,
according to the ancient precedence.
He took to his first wife Catherine, third daughter to Henry
Howard Earl of Surry, by Frances his wife, daughter to John Vere, Earl
of Oxford; and she, dying at Calaudon, on April 7, 1596 (38 Eliz.) was
buried in the North-isle of St. Michael’s church in Coventry. He
married, secondly, on March 10, 1597, Jane, youngest daughter of Sir
Michael Stanhope of Shelford in Notttinghamshire, Knt. widow of Sir
Roger Townshend, of Raynham, in Norfolk, Knt. but by her, who survived
him, and died on January 3, 1617-18, (15 Jac. I.) he had no issue.
By the said Catherine, his first wife, he had two sons, viz.
Thomas, born at Calaudon, on July 11, 1575, 17 Eliz. and Ferdinand, who,
dying at Yate in Gloucestershire, was there buried. He had also four
daughters; of whom Mary was the wife of John Zouch, son and heir to Sir
John Zouch, of Codnore in com’ Derb. Knt. and Frances was married to
George Shirley, of Astwell in com’ Northampt. Esq; afterwards created a
Baronet, and ancestor to the present Earl Ferrers.
This Henry, 11th Lord Berkeley, died aged 79 years and 4 days, at
Calaudon before-mentioned, on Nov. 26, 1613, and was honourably conveyed
to Berkeley, and buried in the chancel, there where a fair tomb is
erected to his memory.
Jane - "my awnte Townesend" - was left a bequest in the will of her
nephew, Thomas Cooper, dated 24 August 1584.
North Country Wills: 1558 to 1604 p111
(1912)
To my awnte
Townesend one ringe in Poyser keeping, whiche is called a snake’s head.
Jane is mentioned in the will of her brother, Edward, dated 28 February
1603. That will also left bequests to her sons John and Robert. It is held
at the National
Archives (PROB 11/11/228).
Modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
I do
give to my nephew, John Stanhope, son and heir to my late loving
brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, deceased, to remain to the heirs of his
house after his decease, and so from heir to heir of that house, one
basin and ewer of silver and gilt of the weight of six score ounces with
the Stanhope arms in the bottom of the basin and the Stanhope crest upon
some part of the ewer with the difference of the fourth brother, with
this inscription about the arms: Memoria Edwardi Stanhope Legum
Doctoris;
Item, I
do give to my nephew, Edward Stanhope, the Lady Anne Holles, and my
nephew, Thomas Stanhope, being the sons and daughter of Sir Thomas
Stanhope, knight, deceased, to each of them one signet ring of gold of
the weight of three angels apiece, the crest belonging to our own arms
being engraven on them, and on the inside of each of them to be engraven
these words: Edwardus Stanhope Legum Doctor;
...
Item, I do give to my very honourable lady and sister, the Lady
Jane Berkeley, late wife to Sir Roger Townshend, knight, deceased, one
basin and ewer of silver and gilt of the weight of six score ounces, to
be marked with the arms, crests and inscription as those above set down
to my other brothers, she to have the use of it during her life, and
after her decease the same to remain to my good nephew, Sir John
Townshend, knight, her son and heir, and to the heirs of that house as a
memorial of my love to them;
Item, I give to my nephew, Sir John Townshend, knight, and to my
nephew, Robert Townshend, his brother, each of them one gold ring of
three angels apiece, with their crest engraven on it and inscription as
to my other brothers’ children;
If my sister Berkeley do die before me, then my will is that my
nephew, Sir John Townshend, shall have a basin and ewer of silver and
gilt of the same weight and fashion which my Lady Berkeley’s should have
been;
Jane was also remembered in the will of her nephew, John Stanhope, the son
of her brother Thomas, dated 19 July 1610, at The
National Archives PROB 11/117/473 (modern
spelling transcript ©2007 Nina Green)
To my honourable loving aunt, the Lady Bertley
[=Berkeley], and to my two most dear uncles, the Lord Stanhope and Sir
Michael Stanhope, though a small, yet a token of my true love, and as my
present estate will admit, to each of them I give a twenty shillings’
piece of gold to make a ring of to wear for my sake, who did ever truly
love and honour them;
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
In Shelford Church,
Here lyeth the body of the Lady Anne Stanhope, wydowe ...
By Sir Michaell she had these children, Sir Thomas Stanhope
of Shelford in the County of Nott. Knight;
Elenor married to Thomas Cooper of Thurgarton
in Com. Nott. Esquire; Edward Stanhope, Esquire,
one of her Majesties Councell in the North parts of England;
Julian married to John Hotham of Scoreborough
in Com. Eborum, Esquire; John Stanhope, Esquire, one of
the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to our most deare Soveraigne Lady Q.
Elizabeth; Jane married Sir Roger Towneshend of Eyam
in Com Norf. Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the
Civile Law, one of her Majesties High Court of Chancery; Michaell
Stanhope, Esquire, one of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth;
besides Margaret, William, and Edward, who died in their
infancy.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p262 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
Jane, who was
married to Sir Roger Townshend of Raynham, in Norfolk, ancestor by her
to the present Viscount Townshend, and on March 10, 1597, after his
death, to Henry Lord Berkeley, but without issue by him
Longman's Magazine vol 27 pp353-6 (1896)
Some Seventeenth Century Matrons and their Housekeeping.
... Such a stately and gracious figure is the Lady of Berkeley, Jane,
daughter of Sir Michael Stanhope, and wife of Henry, Baron Berkeley of
Berkeley, Mobray, Segrave, and Breuse of Gower, and lord of many fair
castles and manors in the West.
... Lord Berkeley’s first wife, Lady Katherine Howard, not so notable a
housewife, was inclined to ‘betake herself to the delights of youth and
greatness.’ She was an adept with her crossbow, and was ‘soe good an
Archer at butts with the Longbow, as her side by her was never the
weaker.’ She accompanied her lord on his hunting journeys, and ‘kept
commonly a cast or two of merlins mewed in her own chamber,’ to the
great detriment, as her maidens lamented, of ‘her gownes and kirtles.’
Lady Katherine died in 1596, and two years later Lord Berkeley married
Jane Stanhope. She did not share in her predecessor’s sporting tastes,
and at once, in gracious and womanly ways, set to work to put her house
and household in order. That this was no slight task may be seen by the
size of the household she ruled over. When the Lord of Berkeley moved
from one of his castles to another, accompanied by his lady, ‘he was
seldom or never attended with fewer than one hundred and fifty servants
in their tawny cloth coats in summer, with the badge of the white Lyon
rampant embroidered on the left sleeve, and in coats of white frieze
lined with crimson taffety in the winter . . . amongst whom many were
Gentlemen and Esquires, of remarkable families and descent, and of
alliance to the house of Berkeley.’ For the conduct of these esquires
and pages, who are under the control of the ‘Gentleman Usher in
waiting,’ the Lady of Berkeley draws up full and minute directions. The
laws for the whole household she has fully entered in the ‘Yeoman’s
book,’ which she expects her gentlemen to observe ‘without any breach or
contempt of them;’ but she thinks good to give them some special rules,
that by their ‘obedience, well-behaviour and tractableness,’ they may
‘procure the meaner sort of my servants in calling to amend their faults
by their good examples.’
When the yeomen of the chambers have done their work, the
gentleman usher is to go round, at eight o’clock in winter and seven
o’clock in summer, or ‘if strangers be there, then at more early hours,’
and see that all things in the dining and withdrawing chambers are in
fair order and ‘well set up, according to his lady’s former directions
set down.’ The rooms are to ‘be always ready for the entertainment of
strangers; he is to see that the great fires of oak logs are burning
brightly in winter and in summer; that ‘the chimneys are trimmed with
green boughs and the windows with herbs and sweet flowers, and the
chamber strowed with green rushes.’ There are minute rules for the
attendance of ‘the gentleman usher and the rest of my gentlemen when I
shall walk any way out of the park, as into the fields or any of my
outward grounds. Further, when I do walk in the park then I do license
the gentlemen either to walke, bowl, shoote, or use any other pastime,
where I walk in this order. If I do walk in the high walk, then they may
be in the lower walk; if I do walk in the lower walk, then they may be
in the upper.’ When my lady walks in ‘the greate garden,’ she gives
gracious license to the gentlemen to be in another part of it, whether
she has strangers with her or not.
Lady Jane is minutely solicitous about the comfort of guests in
their own chambers, and her anxiety that breakfast should be served
punctually to the moment they have asked for it is worthy of railroad
days. A ‘gentleman of calling’ must be attended from his bed-chamber to
the dining-room when meals are served, and there is much ceremonious
etiquette of leave-taking when the guests’ riding-horses are brought
round to the hall-door.
Some of Lady Jane’s decrees, as regards attendance upon her walks
and suchlike, are not, she says, ‘express commandments,’ but rather the
intimation of her wishes; but the really serious duties of the day
culminate in the dining-hall. No trifling or negligence can be allowed
during the august ceremonial of dinner and supper—the ‘commandment’ here
is absolute: ‘My pleasure is that the gentleman usher and the rest of my
gentlemen shall, with due reverence and great diligence, wholly give
their attendance to wait upon us, and none for those times to go to rest
themselves in other places . . . and not to go to any bye places to eat
meat in corners, nor to take nor give away any meat . . . but to give
good attendance till they go all together to take their diversion. And
therein all to behave themselves civilly like gentlemen . . . to use no
playing fence nor disorderly pastimes in the hall which causeth great
disorder and gives cause of offence by the great noise that comes by
that means.’ ...
MARGARET. M
VERNEY.
A complete list of Jane's household orders can found in The Berkeley Manuscripts: The lives of the Berkeleys
vol 2 pp418-21 (John Smyth, ed. John Maclean, 1883)
3 January 1617(8), at her house in
the Barbican, London, England
The Court and Times of James the First vol 1
p456 (ed. Robert Folkestone Williams, 1848)
John
Chamberlain, Esq., to Sir Dudley Carleton.
London, January 10, 1617.
... Besides Mrs. Middlemore, one of the
queen’s maids, who died lately of a consumption, we have lost three or
four old ladies these holidays—as the Lady Barclay, sister to the Lord
Stanhope; the Lady Allet, our oldest London lady; and the Lady North,
the Lord North’s mother.
In her will, Jane requested "to be
wholly buried in the chancel or parish church of St Giles without
Cripplegate, London, where the body of my first husband, Sir Roger
Townshend, doth also lie interred"
dated 20 July 1617 and proved 10 March
1617(8) by her son, Roger Townshend, held at The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287)
The
Townshends of Raynham part 1 pp34-6 (James Durham, 1922)
Will of Jane,
Lady Townshend, afterwards Lady Berkeley, widow of Henry, Lord Berkeley,
decd. Dated 20th July, 1617.
I bequeath to my brother John, Lord Stanhope of Harrington, a
piece of plate and a key of gold set with diamonds.
To his wife a piece of jewellery.
To his son, Sir Charles Stanhope, Knt: a piece of plate.
To my brother, Sir Michael Stanhope, Knt: a piece of plate.
To my brother-in-law, Sir Nathaniel Bacon, Knt: a piece of plate.
To my daughter-in-law, Lady Elizabeth Berkley, my little clock of
gold and £20 which her late husband, Sir Thomas Berkley, owed me.
To her son, Lord Berkley, my godson, a ring with diamonds, which
was his grandfather’s.
To my niece, Lady Haughton, a jewel set with diamonds.
To my nephew, Lord Haughton, her husband, a ring.
To my sister-in-law, Lady Susanna Stanhope, a jewel.
To her daughter, Frances, a jewel.
To my niece, Lady Harte, a jewel and to her husband, Sir Percival
Harte a ring, and to their daughter Elizabeth Harte a “portague” of
gold.
To my niece, Lady Katherine Stanhope, widow of my nephew Sir John
Stanhope, deceased, a jewel, and to her three daughters a Jacobin piece
of gold each.
To my daughter in law, Lady Anne Townesend, a basin and ewer of
silver.
To my nephews, Michael, John, George and Thomas Stanhope, sons of
my deceased brother, Sir Edward Stanhope, Knt: 40s. each.
To my nephews, Thomas and William Coote, two Jacobins each.
To Mr Giles Fletcher, of Trinity College, Cambridge, late tutor
to my grandchild, Sir Roger Townesend, a Jacobin piece of gold.
To the said Sir Roger Townesend, Knt, and Bart: son of my late
son, Sir John Townesend, Kt. my best basin and ewer, parcel gilt, and a
jewel of diamonds called a “harrow,” to be left by him as heirlooms:
also I give to him a large carpet, a cupboard, chair and so forth: the
suit of hangings being the story of David and Solomon in my house in
Barbican and the rest in my house at Kensington and other hangings in
iny said houses.
I give him also my manor of Beusoes (? Beaufoes) in Southcreake,
Co. Norfolk and my liberty of foldcourse, foldage and shacke for sheep
there and the close called Caldwell Close in Tittleshall, Co. Norfolk,
and lands called Normansborough in South Raynham and my capital messuage
late Bolter’s in South Creake and lands etc. there and in North Creake,
Co. Norfolk, to him in tail male, with contingent remainders in default
of male issue, to my grandchild Stanhope Townesend, younger brother of
Sir Roger, in tail male to the issue of the said Sir Roger, the issue of
said Stanhope, the issue of my late son, Sir John Townesend, to my
brothers John, Lord Stanhope and Sir Michael Stanhope, Knt. and their
heirs for ever—the rent of £150 a year to Richard Mason, gent: my
servant for 21 years after my death, to be paid out of the same.
To the said Sir Roger, my manor or lordship of West Rudham, Co.
Norfolk and all the lands etc. in West and East Rudham, Barwicke and
Barmere, and the moiety of Whynbarghill, in tail male, with remainders
as before.
To Sir Roger and his male issue my sheep pasture in West Rudham
called the Great Ground which I hold by grant dated 5th January, 11
James I., of Sir Michael Stanhope, Knt. and Richard Mason, gent: and a
messuage and lands in East Raynham and Tofts, Co. Norfolk which I hold
by grant dated 16 March 5 James I., of William Pearne and others, with
remainders, as before.
To the poor and needy people dwelling in East Raynham £5 a year, to
those of West and South Raynham and Helloughton £3. 6. 8. a year, and to
the poor and needy of East Rudham £5 a year, out of the sheep pastures
etc. in West and East Rudham and Tofts before devised to Sir Roger
Townesend, in tail, with remainder and over and ultimate remainder to
Sir Roger Townesend and his heirs, to be paid to the parson, vicar,
churchwardens and overseers of parishes named for distribution among the
aged and impotent poor, on the feast of S. Thomas, for ever.
To the said Sir Roger, my dwelling house in Kensington, Co.
Middlesex, lately bought of Sir George Coppyn in Sir Walter Cope, Knts:
in the name of Sir Michael Stanhope, my brother (as appears by Fine) and
which my said brother has since conveyed to me.
To the poor of Kensington £10 a year for ever.
To said Sir Roger, a tenement in the Barbican, in the parish of
St Giles without Cripplegate, next my now dwelling house there, after
the death of my servant, John Harbert, now dwelling there.
To my grandson, the said Sir Roger, all my sheep, except 800
mother ewes given to Richard Mason.
To my said grandchild, Stanhope Townesend, £1000, which I gave
his father to preserve the Manor of Stinton Hall from sale and which а
manor was conveyed to said Stanhope to be paid him at his age of 24.
To Anne Townesend, daughter of my son, Sir John, deceased, £2,000
at her age of 24.
(Legacies to servants, godchildren, apothecary etc. etc.)
I desire to be buried in the Chancel of the Parish Church of St
Giles, Cripplegate, London, near my first husband, Sir Roger Townesend,
and a monument to be erected in East Raynham Church.
To 74 poor women in St Giles and Kensington, a black dress and 12
pence each.
To the poor of St Giles £100.
Residuary legatee—the said Sir Roger Townesend.
My executors I appoint as my brothers John, Lord Stanhope of
Harrington, Sir Michael Stanhope of Sudborne, Co. Suff. Knt: my
grandchild Sir Roger Townesend and my servant Richard Mason.
(signed) JANE BERKLEY.
(There are no witnesses’ names.)
On 10th March, 1617/18 Commission issued to
Sir Roger Townesend of East Rainham, Co. Norfolk, Bart: to administer
the goods and chattels of deceased, according to the tenor of the will,
because that John, Lord Stanhope of Harrington and the other executors
have expressly for certain causes renounced executorship of the same.
Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
Register “Meade” fo. 24.
A modern
spelling transcript (©2007 Nina Green) of the complete will is at oxford-shakespeare.com
In the
name of God, Amen. This twentieth day of July anno Domini one thousand
six hundred and seventeen, and in the years of the reign of our
Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France
and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith etc., that is to say, of
England, France and Ireland the fourteenth, and of Scotland the
fiftieth, I, Jane, Lady Berkeley, widow, late wife of the right
honourable Henry, Lord Berkeley, deceased
...
Item, my will is, and I do straitly charge and require my
executors hereafter named, that they suffer not my body after my decease
to be cut or opened, but that as soon as conveniently may be after my
life shall be departed, they cause the same to be wholly buried in the
chancel or parish church of St Giles without Cripplegate, London, where
the body of my first husband, Sir Roger Townshend, doth also lie
interred, and this I also charge and require my executors to see
performed and done in private manner and sort without set or solemn
funeral or any other vain pomp or worldly ostentation;
Item, my will and desire also is that my executors hereafter
named shall within two years next after my decease cause a handsome and
decent monument or tomb in memory of my first husband, Sir Roger
Townshend, and of myself and our children to be made and erected in or
near unto the chancel of the parish church of St Mary in East Raynham in
the county of Norfolk with such inscriptions therein as to my executors
shall seem fit;
...
I, the aforesaid Jane, Lady Berkeley, do ordain, constitute, nominate,
appoint and make my well-beloved brothers, John, Lord Stanhope of
Harrington, and Sir Michael Stanhope of Sudbury in the county of
Suffolk, knight, Sir Roger Townshend, my grandchild, and Richard Mason,
my servant, to be my executors of this my last will and
testament
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p262
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p306
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p262
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Complete Peerage vol 1 p334 (George E.
Cokayne, 1887); Jane's will dated 20 July 1617 at The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287); Roger parents from Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 p93, Dictionary of National Biography vol 57
p130; Roger 1st marriage from The record of the house of Gournay part 2
p412 (Daniel Gurney, 1848) and The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603 entry for
TOWNSHEND,
Roger (c.1544-90), of Raynham, Norf. and Brampton, Suff.; Roger
death from Roger parents from Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 p93;
Roger burial from Athenae Cantabrigienses vol 2 p93 with
place from Jane's will dated 20 July 1617 at The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287)
- The Peerage of England vol 3 p262
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Jane's will dated 20 July 1617 at The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287); Longman's Magazine vol 27 pp353-6
(1896); Henry birth, parents, 1st marriage, death burial from The Berkeley Manuscripts: The lives of the
Berkeleys vol 2 pp265-421 (John Smyth, ed. John Maclean,
1883)
- Jane's
will dated 20 July 1617 at The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287)
- Complete Peerage vol 1 p334 (George E.
Cokayne, 1887); The Court and Times of James the First vol
1 p456 (ed. Robert Folkestone Williams, 1848)
- Jane Stanhope
Jane (Stanhope) Harte
25 June 1578 in St Helen
Bishopsgate, London, England
The Registers of St Helen's Bishopsgate p2
(ed. W. Bruce Bannerman, 1904)
BAPTISMS.
1578. June 25 Jane d. of Edward Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
Percival Harte
This marriage occurred between October 1595, when Percival's first wife was
buried and 1595, when their first son, Percival was born.
Percival was born in 1567-8, the son of Sir George Harte and Elizabeth
Bowes, and was educated at New College, Oxford. He married, firstly, Anne
Manwood on 10 January 1587, in Hackington, Kent, with whom he had a son,
William born in 1593. Anne was buried in Lullingstone, Kent, on 11 October
1595. Percival married, thirdly, Mary Harrison in 1628. Percival was a
Member of Parliament for Kent on 1597 and Lewes in 1601 (The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W.
Hasler, 1981, entry for HART,
Percival (c.1568-1642), of Lullingstone, Kent.) and was knighted in
June 1601 (The Knights of England vol 2 p99 (William
Arthur Shaw, 1906)). Percival died on 8 March 1641(2) and was buried on 11
March 1641(2) in St Botolph, Lullingstone, Kent.
Alumni Oxoniensis Early Series vol 2 p664
(Joseph Foster, 1891)
Hart,
(Sir) Percyvall, of Kent, equitis fil. NEW COLL.,
matric. 18 Dec., 1584, aged 16; of Lullingston castle, Kent (son of Sir
George, who died 16 July 1587); knighted 1 June 1601, M.P. Bossiney 1597
(by double return) till void, Lewes circa Nov. and Dec., 1601. See Burrows,
536; & Foster’s Parliamentary Dictionary.
Irish
Pedigrees p255 (John O'Hart, 1881)
10. Sir
Percival Harte, of Lullington, Knight: son of the aforesaid Sir George.
Sir Percival was twice married: 1st, to Anne, daughter of Sir Roger
Manwood, Knight; by whom he had a son named William, who was married to
Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Anthony Weldon, of Swanscombe, Kent: this
William died without issue in 1671, and was buried at Lullington. Sir
Percival’s second wife was Jane, daughter of Sir Edward Stanhope, of
Grimstone, knight: the issue of this marriage were—1. Percival Harte,
who died without issue; 2. Jerome Harte, obiit, s.p.; 3. Sir
Harry Harte, of Lullington, knight, K.B., died (before his father) in
1636; 4. Edward; 5. George. This Sir Percival had three brothers—1.
Robert Harte, ob. s.p.; 2. George Harte, 3. Sir Peter Manwode Harte.
Percival's will, dated 11 February 1640(1) and proved on 31 March 1642, is
held at The National Archives (PROB
11/188/395)
In the name of God Amen: This eleventh day
of ffebruarie in the yeare of our lord god 1640. And in the sixteenth
yeare of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles ... I Sir Percivall
Hart of Lullingston in the County of Kent knight ... ffor my body I will
the same to be buried in the parrish church of Lullingston in the
sepulchor of my ffather and Anncestors in as private manner as may be ...
my said sonne William Hart ...
my daughter in lawe Elizabeth wife of my said sonne William ...
my loving daughter the Lady fferby ...
my daughter in lawe the Lady Hart ...
my daughter in lawe the wife of my sonne George Hart ...
my coson John Hart of the parish of St Martins wthin Ludgate
London gentleman ...
my sonne George Hart ...
ffrances Hart my grandchilde the daughter of my sonne Sir Henry Hart
knight deceased ...
my sonne in lawe Sir Leonard fferby ...
Item I doo nominate and appoint mu sonne George Hart to be the executor of
this my last will and testament ...
my grandchilde Percivall Hart and my then Grandchilde George Hart wch
is since deceased
- Percival Harte (1599 - 1616)
- Hierom Harte (1607 - 1608)
- Henry Harte (1608 - 1636)
- Edward Harte ( ? - 1630)
- George Harte
- Elizabeth Harte
Jane received a bequest in the will of her grandfather, Thomas Colshill of
Chigwell, Essex, dated 23 April 1593, held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/85/243).
... Item I give and bequeathe to Ann Stanhope
the daughter of Edward Stanhope one hundered markes Item I give and
bequeathe to Jane Stanhope her sister one hundered markes
Jane, her husband Percival Harte and their son, also Percival, received
bequests in the will of Jane's uncle, Sir Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the
Civil Laws, dated 28 February 1602(3), held at the
National
Archives PROB 11/111/228
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do
give to every one of the sons and daughters of my brother, Edward
Stanhope, and my sister, Susan, his wife, which shall be living at the
time of my death one gold signet ring of three angels’ weight apiece
with the same crest and inscription as is set down for the sons and
daughter of my brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased; ...
Item, I do give unto my godson, Percival Harte, the son of my nephew,
Percival Harte, and of my niece, Jane Stanhope, his wife, if he be
living at the time of my death, one piece of plate of silver and gilt
of the weight of one hundred ounces, praying Almighty God to increase
his blessings upon him; ... Item, I give to my good nephew, Sir
Percival Harte, one piece of plate of silver and gilt of thirty
ounces;
Jane was not mentioned in the will of her father, Sir Edward Stanhope, one
of His Majesty's Councellor in the North, dated 8 August 1603, presumably
because she was already married and her sisters are bequeathed marriage
portions, but her husband, described as "Sir Percivall Harte knight my
sonne in lawe", was appointed a supervisor of the will which is held at
the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
... And appoint Supervisors of this my will my deare and lovinge
brethren Sir John Stanhope knight vice chamberlaine and one of his
maiesties moste honorable priuie councell Sir Edwarde Stanhope Doctor Sr
Michaell Stanhope and Sir Percivall Harte knight my sonne in lawe.
Published in ??? Ch: Hales of Bevercotes Thomas Morton Jo: Sleightholn
Francis Williams.
Jane is mentioned with kind words, but no bequest, and her daughter
Elizabeth is left a petticoat, in the will of her mother, Susan Marburie
alias Dame Susan Stanhope, dated 12 February 1618(9) and held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/133/312).
Item whereas the saied Sr Edward
Stanhope by his laste will and testament did give and bequeathe unto me
the moitie of one halfe of all his goodes and ymplementes of houshould
stuffe a greate parte whereof is nowe remayning in the handes, custodie
or possession of Sr Edward Stanhope knight my eldest sonne as, in and by
a certaine booke conteyning an Inuentarie of the same goodes and by some
other writinges in my custodie appeareth And whereas allso I am nowe
possessed of divers goodes and chattells jewells lynnen and ymplements
of houshoulde and houshoulde stuffe All which I have onto a purpose to
have given to some of my best deserving children But fynding my estate
to be muche ympayreil by many chardgable and troublesome suites in lawe
betwene my selfe and some of Those that were neerest and ought to haue
ben deerest in love and affection towards me I haue nowe altered my
mynde and purpose in yt poynte and do leave the same to the disposition
of my Executores herein after named for the payment of my debtes and
suche Legacys as are herein after expressed ... And touching my daughtr
Harte I do acknowledge her to have ben a good and loving childe and
according to my power I have done well by her And yf my abilitie were
awnswerable to my mynde I would remember her better. ... Item I give and
bequeathe unto my twoo kynneswomen Mrs Mary Manwood widowe
and to her sister ??ley [blank] widowe and to my servannte Katherine
Burknell all the residue of my wearing apparrell whatsoever to be
equallie devided amongst them three (saving onlie and except my newe
scarlett petticoate layers with gould lace) which I do hereby give unto
Elizabeth Harte my grandaughter
Percival Harte married for the third time in 1628, so presumably Jane had
died before that date, but after 1618, when she is named in her mother's
will.
- FreeReg
transcript of St Helen Bishopsgate baptisms; The Registers of St Helen's Bishopsgate p2
(ed. W. Bruce Bannerman, 1904)
- FreeReg
transcript of St Helen Bishopsgate baptisms; The Registers of St Helen's Bishopsgate p2
(ed. W. Bruce Bannerman, 1904)
- The will of Jane's
uncle, Sir Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the Civil Laws, dated 28 February
1602(3), held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228 (modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green)
mentions "Percival Harte, the son of my nephew, Percival Harte, and of
my niece, Jane Stanhope, his wife"; Percival birth from age 16 at
matriculation in Decemebr 1584 from Alumni Oxoniensis Early Series vol 2 p664
(Joseph Foster, 1891); Percival parents from Irish Pedigrees p255 (John O'Hart,
1881); Percival education from Alumni Oxoniensis Early Series vol 2 p664
(Joseph Foster, 1891); Percival 1st marriage from Canterbury
parish registers and Irish Pedigrees p255 (John O'Hart,
1881) with Anne death from FreeReg
transcript of Lullingstone St Botolph burials; Percival third wife
and death from The History of Parliament: the
House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for HART,
Percival (c.1568-1642), of Lullingstone, Kent; Percival burial
from FreeReg
transcript of Lullingstone St Botolph burials
- Jane Stanhope
Joan (Stanhope, Bourchier) Radcliffe
about 1426
Joan is stated to be aged 28 in the IPM of her mother in December 1454
Richard
Stanhope
Maud (Cromwell) Stanhope
Humphrey Bourchier before 14
February 1456
Humphrey is documented as the husband of Joan in a document dated 14
February 1456 concerning the death of Joan's uncle, Ralph Cromwell.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1452-1461 p275
(1910)
1456. Feb. 14.
Westminster.
Licence
for Thomas Nevyll, knight, and Maud, lady of Willughby, his wife, one of
the kinswomen and heirs of Ralph, late lord of Cromwell, deceased, and
for Humphrey Burghchier, esquire, and Joan his wife, sister of Maud
Humphrey was the third son of Henry
Bourchier the first Earl of Essex, and Isabel Plantagenet, daughter of
Richard Plantagenet, Earl of Cambridge, aunt of Edward IV. He was constable
of Nottingham castle and steward of Sherwood Forest. Humphrey was created
1st Lord Bourchier of Cromwell on 25 July 1461 and summoned to parliament by
the title of Lord Cromwell, in 1, 2, 6, and 9 Edward IV (1461-1470).
Humphrey died on 14 April 1471, fighting for the Yorkists, in the Battle
of Barnet, and was buried in St Edmund's chapel in Westminster Abbey,
near the grave of Robert de Waldeby, but has no monument. Coincidentally,
Humphrey's cousin, Sir Humphrey Bouchier, the son of Sir John Bourchier and
Margery Berners and who married Elizabeth Tilney, also died in the Battle of
Barnet and is buried in Westminster Abbey, where the latter Humphrey's tomb
survives.
Calendar of the Fine Rolls 1461-1471 pp26-7
(1949)
1461. July 15.
Commitment to Humphrey Bourgchier of Cromwell, knight,—by mainprise of
Richard Denton of Denton, co. Lincoln, esquire, and Simon Hareby of the
same county, esquire,—of the keeping of the manor or lordship of Eltham
with its members, to wit, Brandon, Mordyngton or Mordyngham, and Henley,
with the rents, lands, meadows, feedings, pastures, pannages, hays,
agistments and other profits and commodities pertaining to the said
manor, lordship or members, both within and without the park, saving
sufficient pasture for the king’s deer there and excepting the capital
manor with the whole precinct there and the garden of the manor; to hold
from Easter last for 20 years at a yearly farm of the extent or as much
as may be agreed upon between him and the treasurer by Michaelmas next;
with proviso that he have due allowance yearly in the payment of the
said farm of any charges, annuities or fees granted or made to any
persons from the manor or lordship with the members aforesaid; and that
he be discharged of the maintenance and repairing of the said manor or
lordship; and that if any other person shall be willing without fraud to
give more by way of increment for the said keeping, then the said
Humphrey shall be bound to pay so much if he will have the keeping. By
bill of the treasurer. Dated etc.
Vacated on surrender, since the king on 7 September 5 Edward
IV, moved by certain considerations, ordered George archbishop of York
the chancellor (by writ of privy seal, filed in the Chancery) to
receive and cancel the said letters together with the enrolment of the
same. And so these letters are cancelled.
July 15.
Commitment to Humphrey Bourgchier of Cromwell, knight,—by
mainprise as above (last entry),—of the keeping of the manor or
lordship of Willeford and the castle or lordship of Somerton, co.
Lincoln; to hold from 4 March last for 20 years at a yearly farm of as
much as may be agreed upon between him and the treasurer by Michaelmas
next; with clause touching maintenance of houses, enclosures and
buildings and support of charges; and with proviso for the increase of
the farm.
By bill of the treasurer. Dated etc.
July 15.
Commitment (with like clause and proviso) to Humphrey Bourgchier of
Cromwell, knight,—by mainprise as above (last entry but one),—of
the keeping of the manor of Burwell and Mukton, co. Lincoln; to hold
from 4 March last for 20 years at a yearly farm of as much as may be
agreed upon between him and the treasurer by Michaelmas next.
By bill of the treasurer. Dated etc.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1461-1467 p460
(1897)
1465. July 17.
Westminster.
Grant to
Humphrey Bourchier, knight, lord Cromwell, and the heirs male of his
body from 4 March, I Edward IV. from which date he has held the same, of
the offices of constable of the king’s castle of Notyngham, porter or
keeper of the gate of the castle, steward and keeper of the forest of
Shirwode, and keeper of the king’s parks of Beskewode and Clypston and
woods of Billowe, Birkeland, Rumwode, Ouseland and Fulwode, co.
Nottingham, all herbage, agistment and pannage of the said parks and the
said woods of Bilwode, Birkeland, Bumwode, Ouseland and Fulwode, the
king’s mills of Notyngham called ‘the Castellmylnes,’ the king’s rivers
of Trent and Lene in the town of Notyngham and free fishery in the same,
all the king’s meadows below or by the castle between it and the Trent,
called ‘the Castelmedowes’ and ‘Constable Holme,’ all the king’s pasture
there called ‘the Conygarth’ alias ‘the Castell Apilton’ and
‘Mildam,’ three parcels of meadow lying on the bank of the river Lene
and in ‘le Castell Hilles’ and all other meadows and pastures that any
constable of the castle had by reason of his office, all chattels waived
and strays and all profits and emoluments of cheminage within the said
forest, parks and woods belonging to the king in any way by reason of
the said forest and castle, all fines, issues and amercements of tenants
and residents within the forest and forfeitures of non-residents for
non-expeditation of dogs called ‘dogsilver’ according to the custom of
the forest, and the office of one of the chamberlains of the receipt of
the Exchequer or the office of one of the chamberlains of the Exchequer
with the appointment of one of the ushers of the said receipt and all
other officers and ministers belonging to the office, to hold the above
by fealty only, receiving the accustomed fees for the said offices and
custodies. By K.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1467-1477 p47
(1900)
1467. Aug. 6.
Westminster.
Grant to
the king’s kinsman Humphrey Bourgchier, knight, lord Cromwell, and the
heirs male of his body of the manor or lordship of Hesell with ‘le
ferry’ and the passages there with courts, rents and services of free
tenants and bondmen in the county of the town of Kyngeston on Hull, the
manor or hamlet of Paddokthorpe and Hornyngton with all woods and lands
belonging to it in the county of York, or the county of the city of
York, and all lands, rents, services, reversions and possessions in
Hesell, Paddokthorpe and Hornyngton, with rents, services, knights’
fees, advowsons, wards, marriages, reliefs, escheats, chaces, parks,
warrens, forests, woods, franchises, liberties, forfeitures, chattels of
felons, fugitives and outlaws, moors, marshes, meadows, pastures, wreck
of sea, deodands, reversions and all other profits, late of William
Tailboys, knight, and in the king’s hands by reason of an act of
forfeiture in Parliament at Westminster, 4 November, 1 Edward IV. and
the manor of Penley or Penle in the counties of Buckingham and Hertford,
and all lands, rents, services, reversions and possessions in Penley
with knights’ fees, advowsons, wards, marriages, reliefs, escheats,
parks, warrens, woods, franchises, liberties, forfeitures, chattels of
felons, fugitives and outlaws, moors, marshes, meadows, pastures and
other profits, late of Robert Whytyngham, knight, and in the king’s
hands by reason of the act aforesaid, to hold from Easter last by the
services of as many knights’ fees and as many other rents and services
as they were held by before 4 March, 1 Edward IV.; and the reversion of
the manor and lordship of Wragby, co. Lincoln, and the manor of Orston
with the soke of the same, co. Nottingham, and all lands, rents,
services, reversions and possessions in Wragby and Orston of Thomas,
late lord of Roos, and in the king’s hands by reason of the act
aforesaid, which the king’s kinsman John, earl of Worcester, and
Philippa Roos, his sister, late the wife of the said Thomas, hold for
her life, to hold from the death of the said Philippa with knights’
fees, advowsons, wards, marriages, reliefs, escheats, courts leet, views
of frank pledge, parks, warrens, chaces, fairs, markets, waters,
fisheries, liberties, franchises and all profits by the rents and
services aforesaid. By p.s.
Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain vol 2
part 3 p221 (Richard Gough 1786)
Another
Humphry Bourchier, who was lord Cromwell, by marriage with Joan
neice and coheiress of Robert lord Cromwell of Tateshale, see p. 172,
and son of Henry earl of Essex by Isabel daughter of Richard earl of
Cambridge and sister to Richard duke of York, was slain at the same
battle, and buried in this chapel by the monument of William de Valence,
without any further remembrance of him.
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire: A Historical &
Descriptive Survey pp99-100 (Marquess Curzon of Kedleston,
Henry Avray Tipping, 1929)
With such
ancestry and connections Humphrey Bourchier, although a cadet, could
look to wealth and honour, and so he not only wedded one of the Stanhope
heiresses, but obtained her uncle’s barony which had fallen into
abeyance between her sister and herself. Cokayne tells us that Humphrey
Bourchier was summoned to Parliament in 1461 and again in 1470, the writ
being addressed to “Humfrido Dmo Cromwell,” and it is as Lady
Cromwell that his wife is mentioned on her sepulchral brass in
Tattershall church and in a document sealed by her sister Lady
Willoughby in 14871. At that time both the “Dominus” and his
lady were dead. The former had ended his days in April 1471 at Barnet.
Describing the battle—which Edward IV won against Warwick the Kingmaker,
who then lost his life—Sir John Paston mentions “the Lord Cromwell” as
having been killed “on the Kynge Edwardes partye2.”
1 Penshurst MSS. p. 176.
2 Gairdner’s ‘Paston Letters,’ vol. III,
p. 4.
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire: A Historical &
Descriptive Survey p103 (Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, Henry
Avray Tipping, 1929)
By her first
husband she must have had a son who grew to manhood, for in a list of
important people who were of the fraternity of the Guild of Corpus
Christi in Boston we find under date 1466 the names of “Humphrey
Bourchier Lord de Cromwell, Joan Lady Cromwell, Ralph Bourchier her son3.”
But we hear nothing more of him and he certainly did not outlive his
mother, whose heiress will have been her sister, Lady Willoughby.
3 Prof. Thompson, ‘History of Boston,’ p. 121.
Robert Radcliffe in 1472
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire: A Historical &
Descriptive Survey p101-3 (Marquess Curzon of Kedleston,
Henry Avray Tipping, 1929)
But in the
1471-2 accounts of Richard Parker, bailiff of Tattershall, we find a
payment made “to the lord Robert Ratclif, squire,” while in the
following year the same Richard Parker is termed “steward of the
household to Robert Ratclyff, squire, and Joan, his wife3.”
... From the already quoted letter that John Leynton wrote to John Gigur
we gather that Robert Ratcliff, when he wedded the widow, found that her
affairs and property had been much neglected and the income greatly
lessened. He had applied to her uncle’s executors as if it was their
fault, but as Leynton points out, their duties ended on the delivery of
the entailed estates “to his right heirs.” That they had duly done, and
therefore Leynton refuses all responsibility for the mismanagement that
had since occurred and he thinks it “straunge that y shuld laboure for
every mannes mater, seth the heires sey their lyvelode is so lytell it
must nedys so be when they gif out suche fees,” but insists that:
“where my Mayster Radcliff seith his lyvelode is not worth iiiijc marc
by yere, it was when it was delyvered to my lady his wife and hir
husband lytell wers then vjc marc by yere. And though they have letten
it go in dekaye we been not to blame therfore, we been not bounden to be
theire bayllifs ne theire husbandes, they gete no more of us1.”
3
Penshurst MSS. p.227.
1 Penshurst MSS. p.187.
Robert (wikipedia)
had estates at Hunstanton in Norfolk. He was steward of the Lincolnshire
estates of the Duke of York. Robert married secondly Katherine (Drury) Le
Strange, a daughter of Roger Drury and widow of Henry Le Strange. Robert
died in 1498.
In his will, dated 24 November 1496, Robert mentions his late wife, "Lady
Cromwell".
Testamenta Vetusta vols 1-2 pp433-4 (Sir
Nicholas Harris Nicolas, 1826)
SIR ROBERT RADCLYFFE, KNT.
Robert Radclyffe, Knight. On the eve of St. Katherine the Virgin,
1496. My body to be buried on the South side of the Chapel of
Hunstanton. To the Parish Churches of Hedersel and Wymondham, each a
black vestment of velvet, with my arms and the arms of the Lady
Cromwell, late my wife; to the Church of Tattershall a vestment. I will
that a tomb be made of free stone, with the images of myself and two
wives on the top. To Ann Radclyffe, my daughter, a bed of gold; and I
make the said Ann and Elizabeth, my daughters, my executors, and will
that they have DCCC marks betwixt them to their
marriage, when they come to sixteen years old; to be levied out of my
lands in Dokkinge, Stanhow, Trynge, Snetesham, Sherneborne, Secheforth,
Brycham, Darsingham, Inglethorpe, Hecham, Hunstanton, Ryngested, and
Holme. And I constitute Robert Drury, Esq. Robert Lestrange, Esq. and
John Lestrange, Esq. my executors. Proved 19th May, 1498.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1452-1461 p275
(1910)
1456. Feb. 14.
Westminster.
Licence
for Thomas Nevyll, knight, and Maud, lady of Willughby, his wife, one of
the kinswomen and heirs of Ralph, late lord of Cromwell, deceased, and
for Humphrey Burghchier, esquire, and Joan his wife, sister of Maud and
the other of the kinswomen and heirs of Ralph, to wit, daughters of
Maud, sister of Ralph, tenant in chief on the day of his death, to enter
all possessions and hereditaments in the counties of York, Lincoln,
Norfolk, Northampton, Leicester, Rutland, Stafford, Huntingdon,
Nottingham, Derby, Middlesex, Kent, Gloucester, Oxford, Berks, Bedford
and Buckingham, and elsewhere in England, whereof Ralph was seised in
his demesne as of fee and in fee tail on the day of his death, in the
king’s hands after his death, and to hold the same to them and the heirs
of Maud and Joan, without inquisitions to be taken thereon by pretext of
writs de diem clausit extremum or other mandates and without
suing any livery thereof out of the king’s hands according to the course
of Chancery. By p.s. etc.
March 2.
Westminster.
Grant in survivorship to the same Thomas and Humphrey of the
offices of constable of Notyngham castle and steward and keeper of
Shirewode forest, the parks of Beskewode and Clypston and the woods of
Billowe, Birkelande, Rumwode, Ouselande and Fulwode, co. Nottingham, and
of chamberlain of the Receipt of the Exchequer, to hold themselves or by
deputies, taking the usual fees, wages, rewards and
profits. By K.
On 19 June 1463 Joan and her sister Maud and their respective husbands at
the time, Humphrey Bourchier and Gervase Clifton, sold a large number of
manors and other property inherited from their uncle, Ralph Cromwell, for a
total of over £2000, some of the sales being made by command of the king.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/294/74 #15
CP 25/1/294/74,
number 15.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Lincolnshire.
Northamptonshire. Rutland.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from Holy
Trinity, 3 Edward IV [19 June 1463].
Parties: John Gygur,
master or warden of the college and almshouse of the Holy Trinity of Tateshale,
and the chaplains of the same place, querents, and Humphrey Burgchier,
knight, and Joan, his wife, one of the heirs of Ralph
Cromwell', knight, late lord Cromwell', and Gervase
Clyfton', knight, and Maud, his wife, the other of the heirs
of the said Ralph, lord Cromwell', deforciants.
Property: The manors of Dryby,
Brynkhill', Foletby, Thorp' by Wayneflete, Saltfletby, Baston',
Askby Puero[rum], Wynthorp', Kynthorp', Wythcall' Souche, Wythcall',
otherwise called Wyth'call' Skypwyth', Bynbroke called Northall'
Maner, Clathorp', Menyngysby, Wodenderby, Moreby, Wylkesby, Conyngesby,
Holtham, Crofte, Stykeney, Merton' by Tymberland', Careby,
Estbytham, Castelbytham, Edenham, Byrton', Holbeche, Swynhope,
Wyllughton', Bylyngay, Walcote, Helpryngham, Wrote, Screyfeld',
Wodthorp', Maltby, Thuresthorp', Cherywyllyngham, Toft, Lound',
Manthorp' by Wytham, Wytham, Tydde, otherwise called Tretonhall'
in Tydde of the Blessed Mary, Southall' in Colby, Langton'
by Hornecastre, Whythall', Deynecourt Maner in Kyrketon' in
Holand', otherwise called Deynecourthall', and Burwell'
and 63 messuages, 11 tofts, 2 mills, 6 dove-cots, 724 acres of land, 202
acres of meadow, 1000 acres of pasture, 360 acres of wood, 38 pounds and
13 shillings and 4 pence of rent in Dryby, Brynkhill', Foletby, Thorp'
by Wayneflete, Saltfletby, Baston', Askby Puero[rum], Wynthorpe,
Kynthorp', Wythcall' Souche, Wythcall', otherwise called Wythcall'
Skypwyth', Bynbroke called North'all' Maner, Clathorp',
Menyngisby, Wodenderby, Moreby, Wylkesby, Conyngisby, Holtham, Croft,
Stykeney, Benyngton' by Boston', Merton' by Tymberland',
Careby, Estbytham, Castelbytham, Edenham, Byrton', Holbeche, Swynhope,
Willughton', Bylyngay, Walcote, Helpryngham, Wrote, Screyfeld',
Wodthorp', Maltby, Thuresthorp', Cherywyllyngham, Toft, Lound',
Manthorp' by Wytham, Wytham, Tydde of the Blessed Mary, Colby,
Langton' by Hornecastre, Whythall', Kyrketon' in Holand',
Burwell', Merton' by Hornecastre, Grenewyk, Sutton' in le
Merssh', Thursthorp', Asfordby, Byllesby, Myntyng', Skegneys, Tateshale,
Haydore and Whasshyngburgh' and also the advowsons of the
churches of Tateshale, Dryby, Careby, Swynhope and Skegneys
and of a chantry of 2 chaplains in the church of Dryby and of the
chantry at the altar of St Giles in the church of Careby in the
county of Lincoln and the manors of Eston' in Eston' by Colyweston'
called Knyvetesmaner and Eston' by Stamford' and
160 acres of land, 30 acres of meadow, 160 acres of wood and 40 shillings
of rent in Eston' by Stamford' in the county of
Northampton and the manors of Tyxouer, Manton' and Kelethorp'
and 2 messuages, 4 tofts, 3 dove-cots, 100 acres of land, 40 acres of
meadow and 80 acres of pasture in Tyxouer, Manton' and Kelethorp'
in the county of Rutland.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Humphrey and
Joan and Gervase and Maud have acknowledged the manors, tenements and
advowsons to be the right of the master or warden of the college and the
chaplains, and have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the
heirs of Joan and Maud to them and their successors for ever.
Warranty: Warranty against George, abbot of Westminster, and
his successors.
For this: The master or
warden has given them 1000 pounds sterling.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/294/74 #16
CP 25/1/294/74,
number 16.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Derbyshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from Holy
Trinity, 3 Edward IV [19 June 1463].
Parties: Thomas Tyrell',
knight, Thomas Billyng', one of the serjeants-at-law of the lord
king, and Richard Illyngworth', querents, and Humphrey
Burghchier, knight, lord Cromwell', and Joan, his
wife, one of the heirs of Ralph Cromwell', knight, late lord
Cromwell', and Gervase Clyfton', knight, and Maud,
his wife, the other of the heirs of the said Ralph, lord Cromwell',
deforciants.
Property: The manors of Boney
and Staneford' sup[er] Sore and 7 messuages, 4 tofts, 1 dove-cot,
12 bovates of land, 50 acres of meadow and 30 shillings of rent in Stanton',
otherwise called Staunton', sup[er] le Wolde, Hyklyng', Magna Leek',
Parua Leek', Sutton' Bonyngton' and Bradmare, otherwise called Bradmere,
and the advowson of the church of Stanton', otherwise called Staunton',
sup[er] le Wolde in the county of Nottingham and the manor of Breydeshale
called le Netherhall' and 16 messuages, 400 acres of land, 58
acres of meadow, 220 acres of pasture, 2 acres of wood and 16 shillings of
rent in Breydeshale in the county of Derby.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Humphrey and
Joan and Gervase and Maud have acknowledged, to wit, the manor of Boney to
be the right of Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the manors of Staneford'
sup[er] Sore and Breydeshale, the tenements and the advowson to be the
right of Richard, of which Richard, Thomas and Thomas have the manors of
Boney and Breydeshale, the tenements and the advowson of their gift, and
have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Joan
and Maud to Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the heirs of Richard for ever.
And besides Humphrey and Joan and Gervase and Maud granted for themselves
and the heirs of Joan and Maud that the manor of Staneford' sup[er] Sore -
which Joan Bertram holds for life of the inheritance of Joan, the
wife of Humphrey, and Maud on the day the agreement was made, and which
after the decease of Joan Bertram ought to revert to Humphrey and Joan,
his wife, and Gervase and Maud and the heirs of Joan and Maud - after the
decease of Joan Bertram shall remain to Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the
heirs of Richard, to hold to wit, the manor of Boney of the lord king and
his heirs and the manors of Staneford' sup[er] Sore and Breydeshale, the
tenements and the advowson of the chief lords for ever.
Warranty: Warranty against George, abbot of Westminster, and
his successors.
For this: Thomas, Thomas
and Richard have given them 1000 marks of silver.
Note:
This agreement was made by the command of the lord king.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/294/74 #17
CP 25/1/294/74,
number 17.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Hertfordshire.
Nottinghamshire. Norfolk. Northamptonshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from Holy
Trinity, 3 Edward IV [19 June 1463].
Parties: William,
bishop of Winchester, William, bishop of Ely, Thomas Tyrell',
knight, Thomas Billyng', one of the serjeants-at-law of the lord
king, and Richard Illyngworth', querents, and Humphrey
Burgchier, knight, lord Cromwell', and Joan, his
wife, one of the heirs of Ralph Cromwell', knight, late lord
Cromwell', and Gervase Clyfton', knight, and Maud,
his wife, the other of the heirs of the said Ralph, lord Cromwell',
deforciants.
Property: 4 tofts, 1
carucate of land, 4 acres of meadow, 20 acres of pasture, 20 acres of wood
and 30 shillings of rent in Whathamstede in the county of Hertford
and 14 messuages, 3 dove-cots, 6 tofts, 20 acres of land and 12 acres of
meadow in Newerk' in the county of Nottingham and the manor of Gunviles
in the county of Norfolk and the manor of Parua Burley and 129
acres of land and 8 and a half acres of meadow in Burley and Pillesyate
in the county of Northampton.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Humphrey and
Joan and Gervase and Maud have acknowledged the manors and tenements to be
the right of Thomas Tyrell', as those which the same Thomas, the bishop,
the bishop, Thomas Billyng' and Richard have of their gift, and have
remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Joan and
Maud to the bishop, the bishop, Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the heirs
of Thomas Tyrell' for ever.
Warranty: Warranty against George, abbot of Westminster, and
his successors.
For this: The bishop, the
bishop, Thomas, Thomas and Richard have given them 400 pounds sterling.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1476-1485 p48
(1901)
1477. July 1.
Westminster.
Licence
for the alienation in mortmain by William, bishop of Winchester, Robert
Radclyff, esquire, and Joan his wife, John Fortescu, knight, Thomas
Byllyng, knight, Walter Moyle, knight, and John Say, knight, to William
Tyberd, the president, and the scholars of the college of St. Mary
Magdalen in the University of Oxford of the manor of Candlesby and
thirty messuages, twenty tofts, three mills, 500 acres of land, 800
acres of meadow, 500 acres of pasture, 100 acres of wood, 100 acres of
heath, 100 acres of moor, 200 acres of marsh, 19l. 14s. 5¾d.
of rent and a rent of 10 quarters of salt in Candelesby, Gunby, Botheby,
Halbertofte, Tateshale, Orby, Ingoldesmelles, Wynthorpe, Burgh, Sutton,
Trusthorpe, Tethelthorpe, Aggesthorpe, Thorpe, Leke, Haneby, Frysceney
and Waynflete, co. Lincoln, extended at 40l. yearly and held in
chief, as appears by an inquisition taken before Robert Haryngto,
esquire, escheator in the county, to hold to the value of 46l.
yearly in part satisfaction of a licence by letters patent dated 10
October, 7 Edward IV.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Raph
Lord Crumwell, who married Margaret co-heir of the Lord
Deincourt, had no issue, so that his sister Matildis,
whom he married to Sir Richard Stanhope about 12 H. 4. became
his heir, she was his second wife, and by him had a son called Henry
Stanhope, who died without issue 31 H. 6. and two daughters, Joane
wife to Humfrey Bourghchier, who was therefore styled Lord Crumwell,
but had no issue that I have found; and Maud, first married to Robert
Lord Willughby of Eresby; secondly to Thomas
Nevile; and thirdly, to Sir Gervas Clifton; the said Maud
their mother died 33 H. 6.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p257 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
Richard
Stanhope, the second son, became heir
... He married, secondly, in 12 Henry IV. Maud, daughter to Ralph
Cromwell, and sister and heir to Ralph Lord Cromwell of
Tattershall-castle in Lincolnshire, Treasurer of England, and by her had
a son and two daughters, who by their mother were great fortunes. His
son Henry Stanhope (by he) died without issue, Aug 12, in 31 Henry VI.
and was buried at Lamley; so that his sisters Joan and Maud were his
heirs; the first whereof was married to Humphrey Bourchier (third son to
Henry the first Earl of Essex) who thereupon had summons to parliament
by the title of Lord Cromwell, in 1, 2, 6, and 9 Edw. IV. but left no
issue;
Tattershall Castle: Building a History
pp176-7(James Wright 2021)
At the time of
his death Ralph Cromwell cut a rather isolated figure. ... What little
family he had remaining ... were doubly incensed upon finding out the
details contained within his most recent will of 1454. Cromwell had
secretly switched the terms so that they only received his entailed
lands – less than 40 percent of his estates which were worth just 500
marks per annum (see Chapters 6.2 and 8.3).
... The
husbands of Cromwell’s heirs Maud and Joan Stanhope, Thomas Neville and
Humphrey Bourchier were present at Cromwell’s funeral at Tattershall;
perhaps not entirely in a state of reverential mourning as they used the
opportunity to loot £2,130 19s 4 1/2 d worth of goods from the castle.
Furthermore, at the end of 1457, Bourchier advanced on Wingfield Manor
with an armed retinue and forcibly seized it from the earl of Shrewsbury
who had recently purchased the house (see Chapter 8.4). Nearly three
years later Cromwell’s executors estimated that the two Yorkists had
seized a further £15,974 2s 5d in profits from 35 manors to which they
were not entitled. Neville died at Towton in 1460, but it was not until
1462 that Bourchier was legally compelled to accept the terms of the
will - although he continued to quibble over minor details and never
returned the goods looted from the castle (Friedrichs 1990, 111-12).
Despite the intense and lengthy wrangles over Cromwell’s
property, ownership of Tattershall Castle itself passed to Joan Stanhope
who retained ownership in her own right according to the terms of
Cromwell’s will - which specified that it should be entailed with his
own heirs. When her husband, Humphrey Bourchier, died fighting for the
Yorkists at Barnet in 1471, Stanhope swiftly married Robert Ratcliffe -
possibly a relative of one of Cromwell’s former feoffees John Ratcliffe
(Curzon & Tipping 1929, 99-102, 114). ... By this period Tattershall
was probably much reduced – a point confirmed by a letter from the
lawyer John Leynton to the Master of Tattershall College, John Gygour,
in which he candidly noted that the estate had been allowed to fall into
decay due to a result of a lack of funds (Curzon & Tipping 1929,
102-03).
Joan Stanhope died in 1481 and was buried under a fine brass
memorial at the collegiate church (Figure 238). At this point the
ownership of the castle becomes clouded. Ratcliffe outlived Joan but, as
he was not a specified heir of Cromwell, he would not have been eligible
to retain custodianship. Neither does the castle seem to have been
inherited outright by Joan’s thrice-widowed sister Maud, whose last
husband - Gervase Clifton - had died fighting for the Lancastrians at
Tewkesbury. The allegiance with the Yorkist’s enemies probably precluded
her from consideration and, instead, the castle seems to have become a
possession of the crown by the last years of Edward IV’s reign. Richard
III was definitively lord of the manor in 1484 and upon his death, at
Bosworth the following year, the estate was seized by Henry VII (Curzon
& Tipping 1929, 103-05, 114).
10 or 12 March 1481
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire: A Historical &
Descriptive Survey p103 (Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, Henry
Avray Tipping, 1929)
Richard Parker,
bailiff of Tattershall,
... In 1481 Parker renders an account for Tattershall from March 12th to
Michaelmas, adding, after the earlier date, “on which day Joan, Lady
Cromwell, lately lady there, died2.”
2 Penshurst MSS. p.227: “quo die Johanna, domina Cromwell,
nuper domina ibidem diem clausit extremum.”
|
Closeup of year of Joan's death from her
memorial brass, perhaps "cccc° lxxjx" (1479)
|
The date of 10 March is given in Joan's memorial brass which seems to be
clear about the day (decimo Marcii), but seems to indicate that the year was
"cccc lxxjx" (1479). This date is given in the transcriptions in both Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain vol 2
part 3 p267 (Richard Gough 1786)) and Transactions of the Monumental Brass Society
vol 5 part 9 pp333-7. A photograph of the year in question is to the
right, and appears to me as well to read "cccc lxxjx". Curzon notes the
discrepancy to Richard Parker's accounts, and suggests that the brass has a
transposition of the last two characters:
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire: A Historical &
Descriptive Survey p106 (Marquess Curzon of Kedleston, Henry
Avray Tipping, 1929)
There is a
curious point about the date of the lady’s decease. We have seen that
bailiff Parker specially marks it in his accounts as having occurred on
March 12th, 1481. But the brass gives the date as MCCCCLXXIX, so that
the engraver must have transposed the I and the last X.
|
18th century illustration of the memorial
brass of Joan (Stanhope, Bourchier) Radcliffe in Holy Trinity,
Tattershall, Lincolnshire
|
|
2012 photograph of the memorial brass of
Joan (Stanhope, Bourchier) Radcliffe in Holy Trinity, Tattershall,
Lincolnshire
|
Holy Trinity, Tattershall,
Lincolnshire, England
Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain vol 2
part 3 p267 (Richard Gough 1786)
JANE
neice and coheir of Ralph lord Cromwell, before-mentioned, p. 174, was
buried in the chancel at Tateshale, on the right hand of her
uncle. She married first Sir Humphrey Bourchier, knight, third son of
Henry earl of Essex, who in her right, and in consequence of the great
fortune he had with her, was, 1 Edward IV. summoned to parliament as
lord Cromwell, but was as we have already seen, p. 221, slain at
Barnet-field, 1471, leaving no issue. His widow remarried Sir Robert
Ratcliffe, knight, but by him also had no issue. She died March 10,
1479. On her slab is a brass figure of a lady in long hair, neat fillet
of roses with collar of pendants, a mantle, a surcot Ermine, the apron
of her kirtle hemmed with large ermine, the wristbands studded, a ring
on each little finger; under a canopy adorned with figures of saints;
S’ca Maria (the Virgin with the lily and child), St. Christopher, one
with a flower and bowl, perhaps St. John the Evangelist, S’ca Anna (a
woman and girl), St. George with his banner, St. Edmund (a king with a
dart); and below this epitaph :
Orate p’ a’i’a Johanne d’ne Cromwell que obiit decimo Marcii
anno d’ni mill’mo CCCC LXXJX cuj’aic p’piciet’ deus. amen.
Four shields gone, had a bend and chief, Cromwell,
quartering cheque O. and Az. a chief Erm. Tateshale, impaled with a bend
engrailed, Ratcliffe.
1. Quarterly, 1.4. A cross engrailed between four waterbougets. Bourchier.
2. In a bordure France and England under a label of 3. Thomas of Woodstock
duke of Gloucester.
3. A fess between 10 billets. Lovain.
Over all a label of three points, impaling Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
This coat is for Joan Stanhope and her first husband Sir
Humphrey Bourchier; and it is worthy of remark, that she here from being
heir to her mother assumes her arms, without noticing her
paternal coat of Stanhope.
2. A bend engrailed, Ratcliffe, impaling Cromwell
quartering Tateshale.
3. A bend between six cross crosslets; the antient coat of Stanhope
quartering Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
4. Stanhope impaling Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
Upon the death of this Joan lady Cromwell without issue
her younger sister Maud was her heir, of whom hereafter.
IV. Joan,
Lady Cromwell, dec. 1479, hut brass engr. c. 1470.
Now on floor of north transept, formerly on the choir floor on
the north side of the brass to her uncle, the Lord High Treasurer. The
composition originally consisted of a full-length figure of Lady
Cromwell under a single canopy with side shafts filled with figures of
saints, a small foot inscription, and four shields of arms. The upper
part of the canopy is now much mutilated and the shields of arms have
long been lost. The slab measures 9 feet 1 inch x 4 feet. The figure is
60 inches in height. The extreme length of the canopy from the top of
the centre finial to the bottom of the lower cresting is 7 feet 6
inches, its extreme breadth 2 feet 6 inches. The inscription plate
measures 20½ x 2¾ inches and the shield indents 6 x 4¾ inches.
Lady Cromwell is represented with long flowing hair encircled by
a richly-jewelled fillet. Her hands are clasped in prayer and rings
appear on her two little fingers. She stands on a chequered ground
composed of blank squares and quatrefoils alternately, and wears a
close-fitting kirtle with tight sleeves edged with ornamental braidwork
at the wrists. Over the kirtle is worn the sideless cote-hardie, trimmed
and edged with ermine, and over all a long plain fur-lined mantle with a
top edging of rich embroidery. The mantle is fastened across the breasts
by a short cord attached to two large oval brooches or ouches. Round her
neck is a rich carcanet of jewels.
The canopy is of an unusual and curious design, it consists of a
main centre pediment groined underneath and having a large crocketted
finial flanked by two pinnacles which act as supports to the two flying
buttresses attaching the centre pediment to the main shafts. This
portion of the canopy is now much damaged but is shown nearly perfect in
Gough’s engraving. The main shafts contain the figures of six saints,
three on either side; all stand on small circular pedestals inscribed
with their names and are surmounted by long finials with large crockets.
The main shafts also terminate in short finials with similar crockets.
The saints on the dexter side are (1) St. Mary, crowned, with long hair,
holding the Infant in her left hand and a lily in her right, the
pedestal is inscribed St̃a Maria; (2) St. Christopher, a
bearded figure with long staff, carrying the Infant Christ over the
water, inscribed St̃s Cristofor'; (3) St. Dorothy, with
long hair and a curious round cap or turban, holding in her left hand a
basket of flowers and a rose branch in her right, inscribed St̃a
Dorathea;. On the sinister side (1) St. Anne instructing the
Virgin, the saint is, as usual, represented as a widow, before her
stands the Virgin with long flowing hair, holding in her right hand a
book towards which the saint is pointing with her right hand. The Virgin
wears a low-necked dress open at the side and fastened with a bow. The
pedestal is inscribed St̃a Anna; (2) St. George, in
armour with tabard charged with his cross, he is represented spearing
the dragon, inscribed St̃s Georgi'; (3) St. Edmund, a
bearded figure, crowned, wearing an ermine hood and holding an arrow in
his left hand, inscribed St̃s Edmond; an ornamental
cresting, with a shield at each corner, closes the bottom of the canopy.
Below this cresting and between the shields is the following
inscription:
Orate p aĩa dne Cromwell que obiit decimo die marcii.
Anno dñi millm̃o cccc° lxxix cui’ aĩe p̰piciet’ deus amen.
This inscription1 is much inferior in
workmanship to the rest of the brass and is very small for such a large
composition. It is also extremely meagre in detail considering the
importance of the lady represented. Although the brass differs in style
from that to the Lord Treasurer and that to her sister Maud, both of
which undoubtedly came from one workshop at one time, it seems probable
that it belongs to the series and was laid down during the Lady Joan’s
lifetime, the inscription being added at her death, possibly by some
local engraver.
Harleian MS. 6829, fol. 185, said to be Gervase Holles’
Lincolnshire Church Notes, contains a trick of the arms on the four
shields :
(1). The upper dexter. Quarterly I. blank. II. France and
England quarterly with a label of five. III. a fess. IV.
Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
(2.) The upper sinister. A bend engrailed impaling Cromwell
quartering Tateshale.
(3). The lower dexter. Quarterly I. and IV. Stanhope. II.
and III. Tateshale.
(4). The lower sinister. Quarterly I. and IV. Stanhope. II.
and III. Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
Gough2 notes “four shields gone, had a bend and
a chief, Cromwell, quartering cheque O and Az. a chief Erm. Tateshale,
impaled with a bend engrailed, Ratcliffe." He then, without
quoting his authority, gives the four shields thus: ‘‘Quarterly 1 and 4.
A cross engrailed between four waterbougets. Bourchier. 2. In a
bordure France and England under a label of 3. Thomas of Woodstock,
duke of Gloucester. 3. a fess between 10 billets. Louvain.
Over all a label of three points, impaling Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
This coat is for Joan Stanhope and her first husband Sir
Humphrey Bourchier; and it is worthy of remark, that she here from being
heir to her mother assumes her arms, without noticing her
paternal coat of Stanhope. 2. A bend engrailed, Ratcliffe,
impaling Cromwell quartering Tateshale. 3. A bend
between six crosslets; the antient coat of Stanhope quartering Cromwell
quartering Tateshale. 4. Stanhope impaling Cromwell
quartering Tateshale.’'
A manuscript in the College of Arms entitled Lincolnshire
Church Notes, 1634, attached to the Visitation for that year, gives a
trick of the arms thus :
(1) The upper dexter. Quarterly I. France and England
within a bordure. II. Bourchier. III. Louvain. IV.
Cromwell quartering Tateshale. Over all a label of five points.
(2) The upper sinister. Ratcliffe impaling Cromwell
quartering Tateshale.
(3) The lower dexter. Stanhope quartering Tateshale.
(4) The lower sinister. Quarterly I. and IV.
Stanhope. II. and III. Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
Except in the case of the upper sinister shield, none of these
three accounts quite agree, but there is no doubt that the upper dexter
shield commemorates the lady’s alliance with her first husband, Sir
Humphrey Bourchier. The Harleian MS. and the College of Arms MS. agree
in making this a quartered shield only, but the Harleian MS. places the
coat of England in the second quarter, whilst the College of Arms MS.
has it in the first. Gough, who mentions the coat of England as in the
second quarter, speaks of the whole as an impaled shield, shortly as
Bourchier impaling Cromwell, which might well be expected as a record of
the alliance. The upper sinister shield, upon which all the authorities
are in agreement, represents the lady’s second marriage with Sir Robert
Ratcliffe. Gough and the Harleian MS. give the lower dexter shield as
Stanhope quartering Cromwell and Tateshale quarterly, but the College of
Arms MS. gives Stanhope quartering Tateshale only. As to the lower
sinister the Harleian MS. and College of Arms MS. agree upon Stanhope
quartering Cromwell and Tateshale quarterly, whilst Gough speaks of it
as Stanhope impaling Cromwell and Tateshale quarterly.
Joan, elder daughter of Sir Richard Stanhope, of Rampton, by his
second wife Maud, only sister of Lord Treasurer Cromwell, married Sir
Humphrey Bourchier, third son of Henry Bourchier, first Earl of Essex,
by Isabel, daughter of Richard Plantagenet, Earl of Cambridge. Sir
Humphrey, who in and after 1461, was summoned to Parliament as Lord
Cromwell or as Lord Bourchier de Cromwell, was killed at the battle of
Barnet in 1471. Lady Joan subsequently married Sir Robert Ratcliffe, of
Hunstanton, Norfolk, and died in 1479 without leaving issue by either
husband, her sister Maud (No. V.) being her heir.
Lady Joan’s brass is illustrated in Gough, vol. II., part
3, pl. xcviii., p. 267, and in the Society’s Portfolio, vol.
III., pl. 17.
1 The inscription plate and
the lower half of the canopy shaft containing St. Edmund are loose. The
rest of the brass is only fastened by rusty nails.
2 Sep. Mon., vol. ii., part 3, p. 267.
- Aged 28 in the IPM of her
mother in December 1454 cited in Rich
Old Ladies Made Poor p214n (Rhoda Friedrichs) published in Medieval Prosopography vol 21 (2000)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p257
(Arthur Collins, 1768); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p257
(Arthur Collins, 1768); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871); date
bounded to before 14 February 1456 by Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1452-1461
p275; Humphrey father from The Peerage of England vol 3 p257
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Humphrey mother from westminster-abbey.org;
Humphrey death, burial from westminster-abbey.org
- The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871); Wikipedia
(Robert Radcliffe of Hunstanton); Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire: A Historical
& Descriptive Survey p103 (Marquess Curzon of
Kedleston, Henry Avray Tipping, 1929)
- Date of 12 March and year
from Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire: A Historical
& Descriptive Survey p101 (Marquess Curzon of
Kedleston, Henry Avray Tipping, 1929); date of 10 March from Joan's
memorial brass in Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain vol 2
part 3 p267 (Richard Gough 1786), Transactions of the Monumental Brass Society
vol 5 part 9 pp333-7
- Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain vol 2
part 3 p267 (Richard Gough 1786); Transactions of the Monumental Brass Society
vol 5 part 9 pp333-7 (April 1908); Brass
of Joan, Lady Cromwell, Tattershall (12247949843).jpg (Jules &
Jenny, 2012)
- Joan Stanhope
Joan Stanhope
John Stanhope
Elizabeth
(Talbot) Stanhope
John Stanhope was appointed a supervisor of the will of his uncle, Thomas
Stanhope, in May 1462. This will also names his daughter, Joan.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 p254-5 (1855)
CXCVII.
TESTAMENTUM THOMÆ STANHOP DEFUNCTI.
Die Veneris proxime post festum Philippi et
Jacobi Apostoli 1462. Ego Thomas Stanhop de Hoghton, armiger—sep. in
ecclesia parochiali Omnium Sanctorum de Rampton coram cruce. Et nomine
principalis lego vicario de Walesby optimum equum meum et omnia averia
eidem pertinencia, prout equitare solebam. Willelmo Wilbram unam togam
penulatam. Johanni Tunstall unum equum coloris le blak gray. Katerinæ
sorori meæ unam equam cum pullo. Elizabethæ sorori meæ unum equum
vocatum gray geldyng. Johanni filio meo unum yrne bonden wayn, et xxx
bull stirkus. Johanni Stanhop armigero unum cornu garnest. Executores
meos facio Elizabetham et Katerinam sorores meas, Johannem Tunstall
armigerum et Johannem filium meum, Johannemque Stanhop de Rampton
armigerum supervisorem. Johanni filio meo sex cocliaria argenti.
Johannæ Stanhop filiæ Johannis Stanhop armigeri duas togas penulatas
cum martis et menyver. [Pr. 10 May, 1462.]
which roughly translates as:
197. TESTAMENT OF THOMAS STANHOP
DECEASED.
Friday after the feast of Philip and James the Apostle 1462. I Thomas
Stanhope of Hoghton, esq. to be buried in the parish church of All Saints
of Rampton before the cross. And by the name of the principal I bequeath
to the vicar of Walesby my best horse and all the beasts that belong to
him, as I am accustomed to ride. William Wilbram one lined toga. John
Tunstall one horse of the color black gray. To my sister Katherine, one
mare with a colt. To my sister Elizabeth one horse called gray geldyng. To
my son John one yrne bonden wayn (???), and 30 bullocks. To John Stanhope,
esquire, one garnest (???) horn. I make my executors my sisters Elizabeth
and Katherine, John Tunstall, esquire, and John my son, and John Stanhope
of Rampton, esquire, supervisor. To my son John six silver spoons. To Joan
Stanhope, daughter of John Stanhope, esquire, two gowns lined with marten
and squirrel fur. [Pr. 10 May, 1462.]
John Stanhope
Richard de
Stanhope
Alice
(Houghton) Stanhope
Elizabeth
Maulovel
This marriage occurred before 27 January 1364(5) when the manor of Rampton
was settled on "John de Stannop, and Elizabeth his wife" (Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/33 #396)
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Stephen
Malovel, the Father of Elizabeth,
who had to her first husband John
Stanhope, the son of Richard
Stanhope, a Burgess of Newcastle
Member of Parliament, bailiff
and escheator
of Nottingham and Derbyshire
John was a burgess
representing Newcastle upon Tyne in the Parliaments of 1359 and 1360. He was
mayor of Newcastle in 1367 (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 7 1356-1368 p371),
and an escheator of Nottingham and Derbyshire in 1374 (Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 8 1368-1377
p269).
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1367-1370 pp66-7
(1913)
1367. Nov. 20.
Westminster.
Commission to John Moubray, William de Fyncheden, John de Stanop and
Richard Poutrell, on information that John de Ongham and John de
Navenby, whom the king lately appointed to collect pavage at
Dunham-on-Trent for a certain time, have converted the moneys arising
from the said pavage to their own use, to summon the said collectors
before them, to audit their account of sums collected and expended, to
allow what they have done reasonably and justly, and for the rest, to do
as the nature of such account requires.
p140
1368. May 12.
Westminster.
Commission to Adam de Everyngham, ‘chivaler,’ John Moubray, John de
Stanope, William de Cressye, and John de Wheteleye,—an information that
John de Navenby of Donham, William de Navenby and Roger de Navenby, whom
the king lately deputed to collect a pavage at Dunham-upon-Trent, have
converted the sums so collected to their own use, applying little or
nothing to paving the said town,—to call the said collectors before
them, audit their accounts, survey the paving done by them, allow them
what has justly and reasonably been done, and do all else that the
nature of such account requires.
Calendar of the Fine Rolls vol 8 1368-1377
p269 (1924)
1374. Dec.
12.
Westminster.
Commitment during pleasure to John
Stanhop of Rampton of the Westminster, office of the escheatry in the
counties of Nottingham and Derby, so that he answer at the Exchequer for
the issues. By K. and C.
Order to all persons of the said counties to be intendant to him.
John represented Newcastle upon Tyne in parliament in 1360 and 1361, and was
a bailiff of Newcastle at various times between 1361 and 1375.
The History and Antiquities of the Town and Country of
the Town of Newcastle vol 2 p203 (John Brand, 1789)
In the parliament held at London in the
year 1301, Newcastle upon Tyne was represented by Nicholas Carliol and
Thomas de Frisina. ...
In that held at Westminster A. D. 1335, by John Emeldon and Richard
Heite. ...
In that held ibid. A. D. 1360, by William Strother and John
Stanhopef.
In that held ibid. A. D. 1361, by John Chambersg and
John Stanhopeh.
f Prynne ut supra [4th part of a Brief Register].
g “35 Ed. III. Johannes o’ the Chaumbre, Johannes de
Stanhop burg’ ville Novi Castri super Tynam de octo libr’ et octo solid’
pro quadraginta et duobus diebus..”—Prynne ut supra, p. 253
h Prynne ut supra.
pp415-6
In the
year 1361, John Chambre was mayor, and John Emeldon, John Stanhope, John
de Ruffen, and Elias de Airwhitt, were bailiffs.
In the year 1362, John Chambers was mayor, and John de Emeldon,
John de Stanhope, Elias de Airwhitt, and Robert de Duxfield, were
bailiffs.
...
In the year 1363, Robert Angreton was mayor, and John Emeldon,
William Acton, John Stanhope, and John Byker, were bailiffs.
In the year 1364, the same mayor was continued, and William de
Acton, John de Stanhope, John Ruffan, and ———, were bailiffs.
In the year 1365, Richard de Stanhope was mayor, and William de
Acton, John Stanhope, John de Emeldon, and John de Ruffan, were
bailiffs.
The year following, William de Acton was mayor, and John de Stanhope,
John de Ruffan, Thomas Draper, and John de Byker, were bailiffs.
...
A. D. 1375, William Scot was mayor, and John Stanhope, John de
Ruffan, Thomas Draper, and John de Byker, were bailiffs.
History of Newcastle and Gateshead vol 1 p157
(Richard Welford, 1884)
1360.
PARLIAMENT was ordered to
assemble at Westminster on the 15th May.
William Strother and John Stanhope were appointed to represent the
burgesses of Newcastle.
p160
1361.
PARLIAMENT was summoned to meet
at Westminster on the 24th January.
John Chambers and John Stanhope represented Newcastle, receiving 8l. 8s. for forty-two days’ attendance
In 1350, John was granted permission to travel to Rome with a horse and a
groom. The letter below from the king instructs the constable of Dover to
allow the men listed to travel freely.
Fœdera, conventiones, literœæ et cujuscunque generis
acta publica, inter reges Angliæ vol 5 pp681-3 (Thomas Rymer,
1708)
Pro
Peregrinantibus, ad Urbem Romanam, Licentia Regis.
A.D.
1350
REX, Dilecto & Fideli suo, Bartholomæo de Burgherssh
Constabulario Castri sui Dovorriæ & Custodi Quinque Portuum, vel
ejus Locum tenenti, in Portu Dovorriæ, Salutem.
Quia concessimus, Dilecto & Fideli nostro, Willielmo Fitz
Waryn, quòd ipse, cum Sex Valettis, & Septem Equis, ad Urbem Romanam
peregrè valeat proficisci,
Vobis mandamus quòd ipsum Willielmum, cum Valettis & Equis
suis prædictis, cum rationabilibus Expensis suis in Auro, absque aliquo
alio Apporto, ultra dictas Expensas, faciendo, ad Urbem prædictam, in
dicto Portu Dovorriæ, liberè & absque impedimento aliquo transire
permittatis, quibuscúmque Mandatis, Proclamationibus, seu
Inhibitionibus, in contrarium factis, non obstantibus.
Teste Rege apud Retherhithe octavo die Septembris.
Per ipsum Regem.
Consimilia Brevia habent subscripti, cum
Hominibus & Equis subscriptis, ad Urbem prædictam proficiscen.
videlicet,
...
Johannes de Stanhope, cum Uno Garcione
& Uno Equo.
On 27 January 1364(5), the manor of Rampton in Nottinghamshire was settled
on John and Elizabeth, his wife. The manor was part of Elizabeth's
inheritance, and had been held by Queen Philippa during Elizabeth's
minority.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/33 #396
CP 25/1/185/33,
number 396.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: One week from St John
the Baptist, 38 Edward III [1 July 1364]. And afterwards two weeks from St
Hilary, 39 Edward III [27 January 1365].
Parties: William de
Eton', the vicar of the church of Rampton', and John,
son of Robert de Lanum, querents, and John de Stanop' and
Elizabeth, his wife, deforciants.
Property: The manor of Rampton'.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: John and
Elizabeth have acknowledged the manor to be the right of William, as that
which William and John, son of Robert, have of their gift.
For this: William and John,
son of Robert, have granted to John de Stanop' and Elizabeth the manor and
have rendered it to them in the court, to hold to John de Stanop' and
Elizabeth and the heirs of their bodies, of the chief lords for ever. In
default of such heirs, the manor shall remain to the heirs of the body of
Elizabeth, to hold of the chief lords for ever. In default of such heirs
the manor shall remain to Richard de Stanop', to hold of the chief lords
for the life of Richard. And after the decease of Richard the manor shall
remain to the right heirs of Elizabeth, to hold of the chief lords for
ever.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
The
Mannor of Rampton,
with the Appurtenances, was by Fine, 38 and 39 E. 3. between Will.
de Eton, Vicar of the Church of Rampton,
and John, son of Robert
de Lanum, Plaintiffs, and John de Stannop, and Elizabeth
his wife, Deforc. settled on the said John
and Elizabeth, and the heirs
of their bodies; remainder to the heirs of the body of Elizabeth,
remainder to Richard Stannop
for life, remainder to the right heirs of Elizabeth.
John was granted permission to hold masses at his oratory at Rampton about
1375
York's
Archbishops Registers Revealed Register 12 fol 108 entry 51
Summary: Licence for John
Stonhope [Stanhope] to have masses celebrated at his oratory at Rampton',
on his own consideration.
Note: Undated, but document
perhaps created between 1375 and 1376; no place of dating given
On 16 January 1376, John was removed from his position of justice of
the peace for Nottinghamshire by order of the king.
Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward III vol 14
pp186-7 (1913)
1376 Jan. 16.
To John Stanhope. Order not to meddle further in the office of justice of
oyer and terminer and guardian of the peace in Notynghamshire, although
the king lately appointed him and certain other lieges to that office and
to do certain other things in their commission contained; as for
particular causes laid before the council the king has removed him. By C.
The like to Thomas de Staunton.
On 27 January 1377, John and his wife, Elizabeth, bought the manors of
Oxton, Nottinghamshire, and Ratcliffe Culey, Leicestershire, from John and
Joan Waltiers, the second being an interesting deal, in which the Waltiers
were paid an annuity for life rather than an upfront payment for the manor.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/185/34 #475
CP 25/1/185/34,
number 475.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from St
Hilary, 51 Edward III [27 January 1377].
Parties: John
de Stanhop' and Elizabeth,
his wife, querents, and John Waltiers
and Joan, his wife, deforciants.
Property: The manor of Oxton'.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: John Waltiers
and Joan have acknowledged the manor to be the right of Elizabeth, and
have remised and quitclaimed it from themselves and the heirs of Joan to
John de Stanhop' and Elizabeth and the heirs of Elizabeth for ever.
For this: John de Stanhop'
and Elizabeth have given them 100 marks of silver.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/125/67 #324
CP 25/1/125/67,
number 324.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Leicestershire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from St
Hilary, 51 Edward III [27 January 1377].
Parties: John
de Stanhop' and Elizabeth,
his wife, querents, and John Waltiers
and Joan, his wife, deforciants.
Property: The manor of Radclyf' Culy.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: John Waltiers
and Joan have acknowledged the manor to be the right of Elizabeth, and
have remised and quitclaimed it from themselves and the heirs of Joan to
John de Stanhop' and Elizabeth and the heirs of Elizabeth for ever.
For this: John de Stanhop'
and Elizabeth have granted for themselves and the heirs of Elizabeth that
they will render each year to John Waltiers and Joan for the life of Joan
100 shillings of silver, to wit, a moiety at the feast of the Nativity of
St John the Baptist and the other moiety at Christmas. John Waltiers and
Joan shall have the right to distrain. And after the decease of Joan, John
de Stanhop' and Elizabeth and the heirs of Elizabeth shall be quit of the
payment for ever.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1377-1381 p389
(1895)
Pardons of outlawry to the following:—
1379. Nov. 29.
Westminster.
... John de
Stanhope, alias Stanape of Rampton alias Stanhape of the
county of Nottingham, for not appearing to render a horse, value 10l.
to Adam de Bekwych and Elizabeth his wife, executrix of the will of John
Heryng, and to answer Robert de Ekyngton of London, ‘taillour’ touching
a debt of 65s., Walter Lodeney, citizen and clothier of London,
touching a debt of 100s., and John Walsshe, citizen and goldsmith
of London, touching a debt of 60l.
co. York, and London.
The
History of the Manor of Rampton, in Nottinghamshire printed in Transactions
of the Thoroton Society vol 24 (Rev. H. Chadwick, 1920)
In the Patent Rolls, November 29th, 1379,
there is an entry "John de Stanhope alias Stanhope de Rampton alias
Stanope co Notts for not appearing to tender a horse value £10."
The explanation of this is "that John de Stanhope held land
direct from the King on Grand or Petty Sergeantry, connected with which
was furnishing a horse to the King on some special occasion, the
alternative of not furnishing stood assessed at £10, by which it was
assumed that the King could buy the horse with the money, and the odds
were the King, always in need, would put the money in his pocket. John
de Stanhope, on his side, would look which was his best step—to deliver
the horse, possibly in Scotland, at, say a cost of £12, or let it go by
default and pay the £10, or it might be the King hinted it would suit
him best to handle the coin." (W.
Stevenson).
This Chancery certificate, dated 1 May 1384, documents John as the son of
Richard, who is deceased, probably by the 1360 date mentioned in the
document. Although it is unclear from the National Archive description, the
1384 date is likely when the document was re-examined as part of the legal
wrangling by John's executors, as John, from other evidence, died in 1383 or
perhaps slightly earlier.
The
National Archives C 241/172/1 Debtor: John, the son of Richard de Stanhope
Description:
Debtor: John, the son of Richard de Stanhope.
Creditor: Richard de Stanhope, his father [deceased].
Amount: 1000m.
Before whom: Peter de Belasise, Mayor of Lincoln; John de Wigford, Clerk.
When taken: 25/08/1360
First term: 08/09/1360
Last term: 08/09/1360
Writ to: Sheriff of Notts
Sent by: Robert de Saltby, Mayor of Lincoln; Nicholas de Work, Clerk
Endorsement: Notyngh' Coram Justic' de Banco in xv s'ti mich'is.
Date: 1384 May 1
The Peerage of England vol 3 pp254-5
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
John de
Stanhope (eldest son of Sir Richard) was also a Knight. In 24 Edw. III.
(1349) he, with other persons of quality, had the King's licence to
travel to the city of Rome. In 34 Edw. III. 1359, I find him and Will.
de Strethre elected burgesses in parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne; and
the next year he served (with John de Chambers) for the same place, in
the parliament then held, their expences for 44 days attendance being
allowed them. In 41 Edw. III. 1366, he was mayor of that town; and in 48
Edw. III. 1373. constituted escheator for the counties of Nottingham and
Derby, an office not inferior to that of sheriff, which was then of
great trust and authority. At which time he was denominated of Rampton,
having added to his patrimony a good estate in Nottinghamshire, by
marriage with Elizabeth, daughter and heir of Stephen Maulovel (of
Rampton aforesaid) who was son and heir of Robert Maulovel, by
Elizabeth, his wife, daughter to Thomas, Lord Longvilers, and sister to
Sir John de Longvilers, of Tuxford in Nottinghamshire, Knt. grandson and
heir to Thomas Longvilers, one of the Barons of the realm in the reign
of King Edward III. by his wife Berta, daughter and coheir of Robert
Markham, son and heir of Richard Markham, by Isabel his wife, sister and
heir of Richard de Lexinton, Lord of Tuxford in com’ Nottingh. And
surviving the said Elizabeth his wife, was likewise possessed of several
manors in Warwickshire, by a second marriage with Elizabeth, daughter
and (at length) heir of Thomas de Cuily, who died in 8 Rich. II. tho’ I
don’t find he left any issue by her, who after his decease married Roger
de Axley, to whom she had a son Ralph: but by his first wife he had five
sons, John, Richard, Stephen, Robert, and Ralph, and a daughter
Margaret, wife of Giles St Lowe; also the third wife of Henry Statham,
of Morley in com’ Derb. Esq. who died April 30, 1381, as appears by an
inscription on a monument in the church of that place.
Notices
of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights p5-7 (Philip Henry
Stanhope, 1855)
John de
Stanhope, eldest son of Sir Richard, was also a Knight. In 1350 he is
mentioned as follows, in a list of persons who had the King’s licence to
travel to Rome:
“Johannes de
Stanhope, cum uno garcione et uno equo.”
This entry is in Rymer’s Fœdera, vol. v. p 683. In 1359 he was
elected Burgess in Parliament for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and in 1366 Mayor
of that town. In 1373 he was constituted “Escheator” for the counties of
Nottingham and Derby; an office at that time of some trust and
authority. On this last occasion we find him designated as “of Rampton,”
thus indicating (as indeed does the appointment itself), that he had
already changed his residence, and raised his fortunes, by his marriage
with a great Nottinghamshire heiress.
... Sir JOHN DE STANHOPE, Knight, Lord of
the Manor of Rampton, and of several more, through his marriage with ELIZABETH
MAULOVEL, heiress of Maulovel, Longvillers, and
Lexington. By her he had one daughter, Margaret, and five sons, John,
Richard, Stephen, Robert, and Ralph.
John, his eldest son, was twice married, first to Elizabeth,
daughter of Thomas de Cuily, of Oxton; and secondly, to Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir Edmund Pierrepont, of Holme Pierrepont; but had no issue
by either. It appears an error of the old Pedigrees, plainly arising
from reduplication, and too easily admitted by Collins and the later
collectors, to ascribe to the father, also, a second marriage with
another Elizabeth de Cuily.
The History of Parliament: the House of Commons
1386-1421 (J.S. Roskell, 1993) entry for STANHOPE,
Sir Richard (c.1374-1436)
The Stanhopes
were particularly fortunate to secure, through marriage, the two manors
of Rampton and Haughton, which constituted the inheritance of Elizabeth
Malovell. Thanks to the territorial influence which she brought him, her
husband, John Stanhope, was able to play a leading part in the
Nottinghamshire community, serving as escheator there and in Derbyshire,
and also sitting for some time on the local bench. That he continued to
pursue a variety of mercantile interests is evident from the substantial
debts which he owed at the time of his death. His widow and her second
husband, Roger Ardern, were, indeed, outlawed for their refusal to
appear in court when being sued by the aggrieved creditors, and although
they obtained royal letters of pardon in 1383, Stanhope’s son, Richard,
the subject of this biography, was still being called to account for
part of the money 16 years later.
about 1382-3
John's executrix, his wife Elizabeth, is involved in legal issues regarding
his debts, in October 1373, but Elizabeth had already re-married by this
date so John's death was likely about a year or so earlier.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1381-1385 p295
(1897)
1383. Oct. 23.
Westminster.
Roger
Arderne and Elizabeth his wife, executrix of the will of John de Stanape
of the county of Nottingham, for not appearing to render 701. 6s.
to Robert Boxford, citizen and clothier of
London. London.
John Stanhope
John Stanhope
Elizabeth
(Maulovel) Stanhope
Elizabeth Cuily in 3 Richard II [22
June 1379 - 21 June 1380]
Elizabeth Cuily was the daughter of Thomas Cuily, of Oxton, Nottinghamshire,
and the sister and heir of John Cuily.
In the same year that John married Elizabeth Cuily, a covenant of marriage
was made for him to marry Elizabeth Pierpont. It is unclear if that marriage
covenant simply never took effect, or if he married Elizabeth Pierpont, her
dying soon after the marriage and John then married Elizabeth Cuily that
same year. (The former assumption seems to me to be the more likely). We
know that Elizabeth Cuily survived John Stanhope from an inquisition of
Margery Deyncourt on 20 January 1384(5) that records that "Elizabeth
sometime the wife of John de Stanop of Rampton, kinswoman and heir of the
aforesaid Roger [de Cuyly], in her widowhood released by deed all her right
and claim in the manor" (Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Richard II
vol 16 pp33-472).
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Richard II
vol 16 pp33-472 (1974)
109.
Margery late the wife of John Deyncourt
Writ of precipimus, 10 December, 8 Richard II
WARWICK. Inq. taken at Coventre, Monday, 30 January, 8
Richard II.
Roger de Cuyly, knight, formerly held the under-mentioned manor and by
his charter he gave it to John de [Conyn]gesby, parson of a mediety of
the church of Schepeye, Sir Nicholas, his brother, chaplain, and Sir
William de Ansty, chaplain, their heirs and assigns; and they by their
charter gave the same to Roger and the aforesaid Margery, then his wife,
and the heirs of their bodies, with successive remainders to Roger and
the heirs of his body, to Thomas de Cuyly, Roger’s uncle, and the heirs
male of his body, and to the right heirs of Roger. The said Roger died
in Margery’s lifetime without heir of his body by Margery or otherwise;
and the said Thomas died without heir male of his body. Afterwards the
said Margery, being in seisin of the manor in form aforesaid, took as
her husband John Deyncourt of Blaunkeneye; and during their possession
Elizabeth sometime the wife of John de Stanop of Rampton, kinswoman and
heir of the aforesaid Roger, in her widowhood released by deed all her
right and claim in the manor to the said John Deyncourt, his heirs and
assigns.
Ansty by Combe. The manor, held of the king, as of the king’s manor of
Cheylesmore, by homage and fealty and suit to the court of Cheylesmore
every three weeks.
She died on Thursday before Michaelmas, 4 Richard II. Thomas de
Ardeswyk, her brother, aged 30 years and more, is her heir.
John de Catesby had possession of the manor for a year after her death.
Since then William de Allesley and John Bray have had possession and
received the issues, by what title the jurors know not.
C. Ric. II File 35 (11)
(See also Calendar of Close Rolls, Richard II 1381-1385
p524, dated 10 March 1385)
Twenty-one years later, in 1406, Roger Deyncourt, son of John Deyncourt,
quitclaimed the manor of Ansty to John Stanhope's brother, Richard (Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry IV 1405-1409
p231).
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p298
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
By another Fine
so E. 3. John Waltiers, and Joane his wife, remised and
quit-claimed Mannor of Oxton from the said John
and Joane, and the heirs of Joane, to John de
Stanhop, and Eliz. his wife, and the heirs of Eliz.
This Eliz. was the Sister and heir of John, and Daughter
of Thomas de Culy; her Husband was certainly John the
eldest Son of Elizabeth, the Daughter and heir of Stephen
Malonel of Rampton, as in that place will appear,
but had not issue. John de Stanhop of Rampton,
and Elizabeth his wife, by a Fine 3 R. 2. passed the Mannors of
Oxton and Rampton in this County, three
Acres of medow in Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire,
the Mannor of Bresigcotes in Darbyshire,
of Radcliff [Cuylly] in Leycestershire,
and of Ansly in Warwickshire, to Raph
Aderley and his heirs.
p393
Stephen
Malovel, the Father of Elizabeth,
who had to her first husband John
Stanhope, the son of Richard
Stanhope, a Burgess of Newcastle;
and to her second Roger Arden,
by whom she had Raph Arden;
but her eldest son and heir was John
Stanhope of Rampton,
who married the heir Cuily, as
in Oxton is
noted, but had no issue
... There were Covenants of Marriage, 3 R. 2. made between Sir Edmund
Pierpont, Knight, and John, his brother on the one part,
and John Stanhope on the other, for the Marriage of John
Stanhope his son and heir with Elizabeth, sister of the
said Sir Edmund, but whether it took effect or no is uncertain,
but that he had no issue is certain, and that he had to wife the heir of
Cuily that year, as by the Fine noted in Oxton,
and what is said before out of Mr. Dugdale’s Antiquities of Warwickshire
appeareth, though his wife might die that year and a new match be
treated on.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p255 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
John
Stanhope, the eldest son, was of Oxton, Nottinghamshire, in right of his
wife Elizabeth, (whom he married 3 Rich. II.) daughter of Thomas Cuily,
and sister and heir of John Cuily of Oxton aforesaid, and of Radclyffe
Cuily, in Leicestershire, who was cousin and heir to Sir Roger Cuily,
Knight. Their marriage was of short duration, for in the same 3d of
Richard II, he wedded Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Edmund Pierrepont, of
Holme Pierrepont, in Nottinghamshire, but had no issue by either.
Notices
of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights p5-7 (Philip Henry
Stanhope, 1855)
Sir JOHN
DE STANHOPE, Knight, Lord of the Manor of
Rampton, and of several more, through his marriage with ELIZABETH
MAULOVEL, heiress of Maulovel, Longvillers, and
Lexington. By her he had one daughter, Margaret, and five sons, John,
Richard, Stephen, Robert, and Ralph.
John, his eldest son, was twice married, first to Elizabeth,
daughter of Thomas de Cuily, of Oxton; and secondly, to Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir Edmund Pierrepont, of Holme Pierrepont; but had no issue
by either.
between June 1379, the earliest
possible date of his marriage, and 20 January 1384(5), when the IPM of
Margery Deyncourt records that "Elizabeth sometime the wife of John de
Stanop of Rampton" is "in her widowhood" (Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Richard II
vol 16 pp33-472).
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p255
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p7 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871); The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1386-1421 (J.S.
Roskell, 1993) entry for STANHOPE,
Sir Richard (c.1374-1436)
- Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Richard II
vol 16 pp33-472 (1974); The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p255
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p7 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855)
- between date of marriage
and 20 January 1384(5), the date of the IPM of Margaret Deyncourt from Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Richard II
vol 16 pp33-472 (1974)
- John Stanhope
John Stanhope
1354 or 1355
John is stated to be 24 years old at the IPM of his father, Richard
Stanhope, taken on 10 October 1379.
Richard
Stanhope
Alice (de Parva Useworth, del Bothe)
Stanhope
The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of
Durham vol 2 p46 (Robert Surtees, 1820)
Alice, co-heir of her brother, and of her sister,
Dionesia, aged 24, 17 Hatf.; liv. and made feoffment of the manor 1391.
m1. Walter del Bothe.
m2. Richard Stanhop, Burgess of Newc. on Tyne, had license to settle his
lands in the two Usworths on trust for himself and wife, and his own right
heirs, 12 Dec. 33 Hatf, Inq. p. m. 35 Hatfield.
(child) John de Stanhope, son and heir, aged 24, 35
Hatf. 1380
m.3 Thomas de Moderby & Alice his wife settled Little Usworth, & a
third part of Great Usworth, on themselves & their own right heirs 20
Feb. 3 Skirlawe.
...
Alice, the wife of three husbands, notwithstanding she had a son
John Stanhop, seems to have transferred her moiety of Little Usworth and
of the Shelemore, to a family unconnected by any discoverable trace of
blood or affinity to her father's house.
By charter 14 R. II. 1391, Alice, then perhaps a widow for the
third time, granted her lands to Adam Fenrother, Clerk, Robert de Whitton
and Peter Hedlam, her trustees, who enfeoffed Elizabeth, wife of Gerard
Heron and Joan de Ridell, (daughters of Cecily Taillor)
Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p5 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855)
Sir
Richard married Alice, daughter and heiress of the Houghtons (called
Hough by a misprint in Collins). His second son, also Richard by name,
served in Parliament for Newcastle-on-Tyne in the first of Richard II.
He married Alice de Moderby, heiress, through her brother and sister, of
lands in Great and Little Usworth. It has been shown from ancient
records, that “Richard Stanhop, Burgess of Newcastle-on-Tyne, had
licence to settle his lands in the two Usworths on trust for himself,
and wife, and his own right heirs, 12 Dec. 33 Bishop Hatfield (A.
D. 1378.).” It may also be deduced from the Inquis.
post mortem that he died in the thirty-fifth of Bishop Hatfield
(A. D. 1380). He had a son, named John de Stanhope, aged
twenty-four in 1380; but finally his lands appear to have passed away to
a son of his wife by another marriage. See on all these points the
History of Durham by Robert Surtees, vol. ii. p. 46.
Report of the Deputy Keeper of the Public Records
vol 45 p262 (1884)
35. Stanhop,
Richard.
Inq. p.m. taken 10 October [1379] at Durham. John, aged 24 is his son
and next heir. Jointly with Alice his wife he had held his lands of the
enfeoffment of John de Levyngthorp, chaplain, and John de Yeland.
Useworth Parva, manor of.
Useworth Magna, a fourth part of the vill of.
Reg. Vol. II, fo. 101.
John Stanhope
1412 - 13
John is stated to be 23 years old at the IPM of his grandfather, Richard
Stanhope, taken on 22 May 1436, and 24 years old at the death of his mother,
Elizabeth (Markham) Stanhope, on 22 June 1437.
Richard Stanhope
Elizabeth
(Markham) Stanhope
Elizabeth
Talbot
The marriage covenants were agreed in 5 Henry VI (1426-7)
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Sir Richard Stanhope, 5 H. 6.
covenanted with Sir John Assheton,
and Elizabeth his wife,
sometime wife of Sir Thomas Talbot
of Bashall
in Lanc.
for the marriage of John Stanhope
his (Grandson) Nephew, to Elizabeth,
daughter of the said Sir Thomas
Talbot.
Katherine (Molyneux)
Ratcliffe
Katherine was the daughter of Sir Richard Molyneaux of Sefton and Joan
Haydock, and the widow of Sir Robert Radcliffe of Smithills, Lancashire,
with whom she had a daughter, Catherine who married Ralph Barton.
A window in the nave of the parish church of Tuxford, described by Gervase
Holles in the early 17th century, described John Stanhope as married to
Catherine, and her Molyneux arms.
Lincolnshire
Church Notes Made by Gervase Holles, A. D. 1634 to A. D. 1642 p96
(R. E. G. Cole, 1911)
Tuxford,
Notts.
In proxima fenestra :—
Orate pro animabus Johannis Stanhop et
Catharinæ uxoris.
In ye same window, he & his wife kneeling, over
hir gowne :—
B. a crosse sarcely Or . . . . . [Molyneux]
and Thoroton adds:
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p383
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Upon a
Surcoat of John Stanhop,
Azure, a Crosse Moline Or, in
the next Window.
p282
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
In the
next Pane of the same Window, Arg, ten Torteauxes, and a file of three
Labels Azure . . . Babinton,
Militis, Barry of six Arg. and Az. Henrici
Grey. Sable, a Bend between six Crosse Croslets Arg. Arme
Johannis Stanhope Armig.
The Stained Glass of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
1400-1550 p559 (Allan Barton, 2004)
Principal among those commemorated in the glazing was John Stanhope, who
succeeded to the manor of Rampton and the Lungvillers portion of the
manor of Tuxford in 1436. He founded a chantry in the church shortly
before his death in 1493. In the window he was commemorated alongside
his second wife Catherine Molyneaux the widow of Sir Robert Radcliffe of
Smithills, Lancashire and daughter of Sir Richard Molyneaux of Sefton.
Catherine's daughter was married to Ralph, the heir of John Barton of
Holme-by-Newark (q.v.) and no doubt through this connection, John
Stanhope came to be a close associate of Barton and supervisor of his
will. John Stanhope's arms and name were also formerly in the windows of
the priors lodging at Newstead (q.v), where, as the descendant of
Lungvillers, he was accorded the dignity of 'founder' of the house.
A Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Deeds vol 2
p272 Deed B.2165 (1894)
[Notts.] B.2165. Grant by Nicholas the
prior, and the convent of Beauvale, binding themselves and their
successors, to pray for John Stanhope of Houghton, and lady Katherine
his wife. 12 December, 1486, and 2 Henry VII. Fragment
of seal.
Katherine appears to still be living in February 1511(12), when she is
mentioned in the IPM of her step-grandson, Edward Stanhope.
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp67-9 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
Sir Edward Stanhope, knight.
Delivered into Court, 12 February, 3 Henry viij
[1511-12].
... Provided always that should
a certain Katherine Ratclif,
grandmother of the said Edward,
die before the said sum was fully paid, that then after her decease, Edward should pay to the lessors
their heirs and assigns to the use of the said King £70 yearly until the
residue of the sum of £600 be paid. Should the rent of £40 during Katherine’s life, or £70 after her
decease, be in arrear 3 months after either of the two terms, then the
lessors their heirs and assigns may re-enter upon the premises,
notwithstanding this lease and take the profits thereof to the use of
the said King until full payment of the money so in arrear of the
aforesaid sum of £600. By virtue of which lease the said Edward was
possessed of the manors lands and other the premises.
Member of Parliament, and
Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests
John was appointed Sheriff
of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the Royal Forests on 4 November
1454 (Calendar of Fine Rolls vol 19 1452-1461 p101)
and served in this role in the years 1455, 1462 and 1463. He was elected to
represent Nottinghamshire in Parliaments in 1449, 1452(3), 1459, 1470 and
1472.
In 1453, John was appointed a distributor of an allowance on a tax in
Nottinghamshire (Calendar of Fine Rolls vol 19 1452-1461 p43).
In the summer of 1455, while John was Sheriff, James II. of Scotland
attacked Berwick. Forces were gathered from the Midlands, including
Nottinghamshire, and John Stanhope gathered together 300 men in accordance
with the king’s mandate, and marched towards Berwick. On reaching Doncaster,
however, he heard that the Scots, finding the garrison prepared, had
abandoned the attempt. He later petitioned the king for the expenses he had
incurred in defence of the kingdom.
On John being a knight: John was a Member of Parliament representing the
shire of Nottingham and in the terminology of the time, was called a Knight
of the Shire for Nottingham. The term "knight of the shire" originally
implied that the representative had to be a knight, by the 14th century men
who were not knights were commonly elected. John's
own IPM refers to him as "John Stanhope, esquire" indicating he was
not knighted. The confusion is ancient - in his Antiquities
of Nottinghamshire in 1677, Robert Thoroton corrects his source:
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p385
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
John
Stanhope, Knight, 9 H. 6. in a recovery claimed against William Lassells, Esquire, the
Mannor of Little Barkham,
with the Appurtenances. This surely
is miswritten, John for
Richard, or Knight for
Esquire.
The only other historical reference I find that refers to him as "Sir John"
is The History of the County of Derby vol 1
pp258-9 (Stephen Glover, 1829), listing the Sheriffs of Derby, which
names "John Stanhope" as Sheriff in 1455 and "Sir John Stanhope" as Sheriff
in 1462 and 1463 but all other early sources I have seen (e.g. The Peerage of England vol 3 pp258-9
(Arthur Collins, 1768) and the aforementioned Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp10-2) refer to him as "John Stanhope,
esquire", along with Thoroton's correction, make me believe that John was
not knighted.
John inherited substantial lands in Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire from
his grandfather, Richard Stanhope, knight, in 1436, providing dower to his
stepmother, Maud.
Inquisition
Post Mortem of Richard Stanhop Warwickshire 22 May 1436
RICHARD STANHOP, KNIGHT
465 Writ. ‡ 20 April 1436. [Wymbyssh].
WARWICKSHIRE. Inquisition. Warwick. 22 May 1436. [Bateman].
Jurors: John Edward ; Thomas Yardeley ; William Prentoste ; John Starly of
Berkswell (Derkeswell); John
Overton of Warwick; William Roggere ; William Pinner ; John Boteler ;
Thomas Bynesham ; Roger Asplon ; Henry Hert ; Thomas Smyth of Weddington (Wowynton).
William Wylbram , John Holynworth , John Thouresby , William Walton and
Ralph de Lyndeley were formerly seised in demesne as of fee of the
following manor, which, by their indented deed, shown to the jurors, they
demised to Richard Stanhop, knight and the heirs of his body, describing
it as their manor of Ansty in Warwickshire. By virtue of this agreement he
was seised in demesne as of fee tail, and he died thus seised.
Ansty, the manor, held of John Starke by service of 4d. yearly, payable at
Christmas . There is a site, worth nothing yearly; 60 a. demesne land,
each acre worth 4d. yearly; 12 a. meadow, each acre worth 12d. yearly; 40
a. pasture, each acre worth 3d. yearly; 30s. assize rent, payable at
Midsummer and Martinmas equally.
He died on 9 April 1436. John Stanhop is his kin and next heir, viz., son
of Richard, son of the Richard named in the writ, and is aged 23 years and
more.
C 139/74/28 mm.1–2
Inquisition
Post Mortem of Richard Stanhop Nottinghamshire 24 May 1436
466 Writ.
‡ 20 April 1436. [Wymbyssh].
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Inquisition. Retford. 24 May 1436. [Curson].
Jurors: John Power of Tilne; William Lorde of Retford; John Porter and
Robert de Fenton of East Markham; John Rasyn and John Bokyngham of
Rampton; William Robertson of Hayton; John Lancastr of Gringley on the
Hill; John Wylkynson of Bole; Ellis Ekkylles of Chaworth; Robert Haddon of
Sturton le Steeple; and Robert You of Rampton.
He died seised of the following manor in demesne as of fee tail by a fine
levied on the octave of St John the Baptist 1364, and afterwards, on the
quindene of Hilary 1365 [CP 25/1/185/33, no. 396], between William de
Eton, vicar of Rampton , and John, son of Robert de Lamun, querents , and
John Stanhop and Elizabeth his wife, deforciants, by which John and
Elizabeth recognised that it belonged by right to William as that held by
grant of John Stanhop and Elizabeth to William and John, son of Robert. By
this recognition William and John, son of Robert, granted the manor to
John Stanhop and Elizabeth his wife and the heirs of their bodies, the
other part of the fine being shown to the jurors. John and Elizabeth were
thus seised in demesne as of fee tail and afterwards they had issue,
Richard Stanhop, and after their deaths the manor descended to him by form
of the fine, as their son and heir, and he was seised in demesne as of fee
tail and died thus seised.
Rampton, the manor, held of the king as of his duchy of Lancaster, as 1/8
knight’s fee. There is a manorial site, worth nothing yearly; a dovecot,
worth 6s. yearly; 410 a. demesne land, each acre worth 4d. yearly; 60 a.
meadow, each acre worth 12d. yearly; 20 a. pasture, each acre worth 6d.
yearly; 40s. assize rent, payable at Midsummer and Martinmas equally;
pleas and perquisites of the court held every 3 weeks, worth 20s. yearly,
after the steward’s fee, wage and customary payment; and 5 ruinous
cottages, each worth 20d. yearly.
William Wylbram, John Holynworth, John Thouresby, William Walton and Ralph
de Lyndelay were formerly seised of the following in demesne as of fee.
They demised it, among other things, by a deed of theirs to Richard
Stanhop, knight , and the heirs of his body. One part of this deed, with
their seals, was shown to the jurors. By virtue of this Richard was seised
in demesne as of fee tail and died thus seised.
Egmanton, 1/2 manor, held of John, duke of Norfolk , by knight service,
viz., as 1/10 knight’s fee. There is the site of the 1/2 manor, worth
nothing yearly; 60 a. demesne land, each acre worth 4d. yearly; 16 a.
meadow, each acre worth 10d. yearly; 32s. assize rent, payable at
Midsummer and Martinmas equally.
William Wilbram, John Holynworth, John Thouresby, William Walton and Ralph
de Lyndeley were seised of the manors of Skegby and South Cotham in
demesne as of fee. The former they demised to Thomas Stanhop for life,
reversion to themselves and their heirs, and the latter to James Stanhop
for life, reversion to themselves and their heirs. By virtue of this,
Thomas and James were separately seised of these two manors in demesne as
of free tenement. Afterwards, by an indented deed of theirs, the grantors
granted, among other things, that both manors, which should separately
revert to them, remain wholly to Richard Stanhop and the heirs of his
body, by virtue of which Thomas and James, still living, attorned to
Richard for these manors.
Skegby and South Cotham, the manors, held of the king as of his duchy of
Lancaster as 1/10 knight’s fee.
Richard Stanhop, knight, was formerly seised of the following 1/3 manor in
demesne as of fee. Two parts of this he granted to Richard Stanhop his son
and Elizabeth his wife for Elizabeth’s life, and by this grant they were
seised in demesne as of free tenement. Afterwards, Richard Stanhop,
knight, granted the third part of it by an indented charter of his, one
part of which, with his seal, was shown to the jurors, to William Wylbram,
esquire, John Holynworth, esquire, and Stephen Stanhop and their heirs and
assigns. By virtue of this, the grantees were seised of this third part in
demesne as of fee. By the same charter, Richard Stanhop, knight, conceded
that the said two parts held by Richard the son and Elizabeth for
Elizabeth’s life, which after her death should revert to Richard Stanhop,
knight, wholly remain to William, John and Stephen and their heirs and
assigns. By virtue of this Richard the son and Elizabeth attorned to
William, John and Stephen for these two parts. William, John and Stephen,
by an indented charter of theirs, the part of which with William, John and
Stephen’s seals being shown to the jurors, granted to Richard Stanhop,
knight, the third part to have and to hold to him and the heirs of his
body. By the same charter they conceded that the two parts held by Richard
the son and Elizabeth should wholly remain to Richard Stanhop, knight, and
the heirs of his body. By virtue of this Richard Stanhop, knight, was
seised of the third part in demesne as of fee tail and he died thus
seised, Richard Stanhop the son and Elizabeth attorning to him for the
other two parts. Richard the son is dead, but Elizabeth is still living.
Tuxford, 1/3 manor, held of the king in chief by knight service, viz., as
1/3 knight’s fee. In the third part of this 1/3 manor is 54 a. of arable,
each acre worth 3d. yearly; 6 a. meadow, each acre worth 10d. yearly; and
5s. assize rent, payable at Midsummer and Martinmas equally.
Date of death and heir as 465.
C 139/74/28 mm.3–4
Calendar of Fine Rolls vol 16 1430-1437 p296
(1936)
1436. June 12.
Westminster.
Order to the escheator in the county of Notyngham
to cause John Stanap, son of Richard the son of Richard Stanap knight
and kinsman and heir of the said Richard Stanap, to have full seisin of
all the lands in the bailiwick which the said Richard Stanap held of the
king in chief or was seised of in his demesne as of fee and in fee tail
on the day of his death, as the king has taken his fealty and for 13s.
4d. paid in the hanaper has respited his homage until Martinmas
next; saving to Maud late the wife of the said Richard Stanap her
reasonable dower thereof.
Order in like terms to the escheator in the county of Warwick.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1429-1436 p589
(1907)
1436. June
12.
Westminster.
It was found by inquisition, taken before John Curson, escheator
in the county of Nottingham, that Richard Stanap, knight, being seised
in his demesne as of fee of a third of the manor of Tuxford, granted one
third of the said third to William Wylbram, esquire, John Holyngworth,
esquire, and Stephen Stanhop, their heirs and assigns, and they
regranted the same to the said Richard and the heirs of his body,
without the king’s licence: also that the said third part is held in
chief by knight service and that John Stanap son of Richard son of the
first named Richard is his kinsman and next heir, and of full age. The
said third of the third part was taken into the king’s hand, but for 4
marks paid in the hanaper he has pardoned the trespass and granted
licence for the said John Stanap to have the third part again and to
hold it entailed as aforesaid.
Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI 1435-1441
p24 (1937)
1436. June 13.
Westminster.
To the escheator in Notynghamshire. Order to take of Maud, who
was wife of Richard Stanap knight an oath etc., and in presence of John
Stanap son of Richard son of the said Richard, being cousin and heir of
his grandfather, or of his attorneys, to assign her dower.
To the escheator in Warwickshire. Order to assign dower to the
said Maud, of whom the king has commanded the escheator in
Notynghamshire to take an oath etc.
When his mother died in 1437, John inherited two thirds of the manor of
Tuxford, that had been in the possession of his mother for her life.
Calendar of Fine Rolls vol 17 1437-1445 p23
(1937)
1437. Nov. 30.
Westminster.
Order to the escheator in the county of
Nottingham;—pursuant to an inquisition made by him showing that
Elizabeth late the wife of Richard Stanop esquire, on the day of her
death held two-thirds of the manor of Tokesford, called ‘Longvilers
manoir,’ for life of the gift and grant of Richard Stanhope knight, with
reversion to the said Richard Stanhope knight, and his heirs; and that
the said two-thirds are held of the king in chief by service of
two-thirds of a third part of a knight’s fee; and that John Stanhope is
the kinsman and next heir of the said Richard Stanhope knight, to wit,
the son of the said Richard Stanhop esquire, the son of the said Richard
Stanhope knight;—to cause the said John to have full seisin of the said
two-thirds, if they are in the king’s hand by the death of the said
Elizabeth and for no other cause, as the king has taken his fealty, and
for 6s. 8d. paid in the hanaper has respited his homage
until the quinzaine of Easter next.
Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI 1447-1454
p332 (1941)
1452
Robert
Takell, cousin and heir of sir Thomas Haksey, clerk, to John Stanhop
esquire. Release of all lands, rents and services wherein sir Richard
Stanhop knight enfeoffed Thomas with others. Written at Westminster, 6
March 30 Henry VI. English.
Memorandum of acknowledgment, 6 March.
Maud (Cromwell) Stanhope, the surviving third wife of John's grandfather,
died in 1454(5) and the lands she held in dower then fell into John's
possession.
Calendar of Fine Rolls vol 19 1452-1461 pp124-5
(1939)
1455. May 14.
Order to the escheator in the county of
Nottingham;—pursuant to an inquisition taken before him showing that
Maud late the wife of Richard Stanhop knight at the time of her death
was not seised of any lands in her demesne as of fee but died seised, by
way of dower, of a third part of the manor of Rampton, a third part of a
third part of the manor of Toxford, and a third part of the manor of
Egmanton, after the death of the said Richard, with reversion to John
Stanhop esquire, who is of full age, the kinsman and heir of the said
Richard, to wit, son of Richard Stanhop esquire the son and heir of
Richard Stanhop knight; and that the said manor of Rampton together with
the said third part of the same is held of the king as of his duchy of
Lancaster as of the honour of Tykhyll by service of a knight’s fee, the
said third part of a third part of the manor of Tuxford of the king in
chief by service of a third part of a knight’s fee, and the said third
part of the manor of Egmanton of another than the king;—to cause the
said John Stanhop to have full seisin of the said third part of a third
part of the manor of Tuxford, which is held of the king in chief, as the
king in 12 June 14 Henry VI took the fealty due from the said John for
all the lands which the said Richard Stanhop knight held of the king on
chief on the day of his death and for a certain fine paid in the hanaper
respited his homage to a certain day now past [Calendar of Fine
Rolls, 1430-1437, p. 296]; removing the king’s hand from the said
third part of the manor of Rampton, which is held of the king as of the
duchy of Lancaster, and from the said third part of the manor of
Egmanton, which is held of another than the king, if the said third
parts are in the king’s hand by the death of the said Maud and for no
other cause, and delivering to John any issues taken therefrom since the
time of the death of Maud.
John was appointed a supervisor of the will of his uncle, Thomas Stanhope,
in May 1462. This will also names his daughter, Joan.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 p254-5 (1855)
CXCVII.
TESTAMENTUM THOMÆ STANHOP DEFUNCTI.
Die Veneris proxime post festum Philippi et
Jacobi Apostoli 1462. Ego Thomas Stanhop de Hoghton, armiger—sep. in
ecclesia parochiali Omnium Sanctorum de Rampton coram cruce. Et nomine
principalis lego vicario de Walesby optimum equum meum et omnia averia
eidem pertinencia, prout equitare solebam. Willelmo Wilbram unam togam
penulatam. Johanni Tunstall unum equum coloris le blak gray. Katerinæ
sorori meæ unam equam cum pullo. Elizabethæ sorori meæ unum equum
vocatum gray geldyng. Johanni filio meo unum yrne bonden wayn, et xxx
bull stirkus. Johanni Stanhop armigero unum cornu garnest. Executores
meos facio Elizabetham et Katerinam sorores meas, Johannem Tunstall
armigerum et Johannem filium meum, Johannemque Stanhop de Rampton
armigerum supervisorem. Johanni filio meo sex cocliaria argenti.
Johannæ Stanhop filiæ Johannis Stanhop armigeri duas togas penulatas
cum martis et menyver. [Pr. 10 May, 1462.]
which roughly translates as:
197.
TESTAMENT OF THOMAS STANHOP DECEASED.
Friday after the feast of Philip and James the Apostle 1462. I Thomas
Stanhope of Hoghton, esq. to be buried in the parish church of All
Saints of Rampton before the cross. And by the name of the principal I
bequeath to the vicar of Walesby my best horse and all the beasts that
belong to him, as I am accustomed to ride. William Wilbram one lined
toga. John Tunstall one horse of the color black gray. To my sister
Katherine, one mare with a colt. To my sister Elizabeth one horse called
gray geldyng. To my son John one yrne bonden wayn (???), and 30
bullocks. To John Stanhope, esquire, one garnest (???) horn. I make my
executors my sisters Elizabeth and Katherine, John Tunstall, esquire,
and John my son, and John Stanhope of Rampton, esquire, supervisor. To
my son John six silver spoons. To Joan Stanhope, daughter of John
Stanhope, esquire, two gowns lined with marten and squirrel fur. [Pr.
10 May, 1462.]
The Peerage of England vol 3 pp258-9
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
John
Stanhope, Esq. (son and heir to the said Richard) about 5 Henry VI. took
to wife Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Talbot of Bashal in the county
of York, Knt. the marriage covenants agreed to by his grandfather Sir
Richard Stanhope bearing that date. He was upwards of 23 years of age in
14 Henry VI. when he succeeded to the estate of his grandfather; and in
16 Henry VI. was found son and heir of Elizabeth, relict of Richard
Stanhope, Esq. son and heir of Sir Richard Stanhope, Knt. In 28 Henry
VI. he was elected one of the Knights for Nottinghamshire, in the
parliament summoned to meet at Westminster; and in 31 Henry VI. to that
parliament summoned to Reading. In 33 Henry VI. he paid relief for lands
in Rampton, Tuxford, and Egmanton, which fell to him that year, by the
death of Maud the second wife of his grandfather. He took part with the
house of Lancaster; for in 36 Henry VI. he was in the commission for the
array of men in the counties of Nottingham and Derby, with Humphry
Stafford Duke of Bucks, who lost his life on that part: and having been
thrice Sheriff of the counties of Nottingham and Derby, viz. in 33 Henry
VI. as also in 2d and 3d Edw. IV. and again Knight of the Shire for the
county of Nottingham in the parliament held at Coventry in 38 Henry VI.
likewise in the 9th and 12th of Edw. IV. at Westminster, departed this
life; leaving Thomas his son and heir; and Henry Stanhope of Stoke
Rochford, in com’ Lincoln, Esq. in right of Joan his wife, daughter of
Henry Rochford of the said place, Esq. by which Joan he had Edmund
Stanhope, Esq. who by Alice his wife, left two daughters, 1. Margaret,
his heir, who was married to Thomas Skeffington, of Skeffington, in
Leicestershire, Esq. and dying Jan. 1, 1539 40, 31 Henry VIII. left him
a son, William Skeffington, Esq. then of full age, and heir to his
father, 35 Hen. VIII. 2. Joan, the wife of Humphrey Hesey of Grove, in
Nottinghamshire, Esq.
Lives
of Nottinghamshire Worthies and of Celebrated and Remarkable Men of the
Country pp60-2 (Cornelius Brown, 1882)
To the same
family belonged another John Stanhope, who on the 14th May, 33 Henry
6th, paid relief for lands in Rampton, Tuxford, and Egmanton. This
gentleman filled the office of sheriff at a time when great difficulty
was experienced in obtaining persons to undertake the duties. The
counties were in a disturbed state, and the expenses of the sheriff were
heavy. In 1455 tumultuous assemblies existed in Derbyshire, the leaders
of which were Sir John Gresley, Nicholas Gresley, and Roger Vernon, all
of whom were ordered to appear before the Court to answer for their
conduct. About midsummer of the same year James II. of Scotland attacked
Berwick. Forces were speedily hurried up from the Midlands, the counties
of Nottingham and Lincoln contributing a powerful quota. Stanhope
gathered together 300 men in accordance with the king’s mandate, and
marched towards Berwick. On reaching Doncaster, however, he heard that
the Scots, finding the garrison prepared, had abandoned the attempt. A
petition which Stanhope presented some months after his return, viz. in
December 1455, is worth quoting as illustrating the disturbed state of
the counties at this period, the onerous duties and expenses of
sheriffs, and the ill-requited public services which the petitioner
rendered:—
It is directed “to the Kyng, our soverayne lorde, and to his
discrete Lordes of his Counsell,” and runs thus: “Shewez unto youre
highnesse, your humble servante, John Stanhope, squyer, late sheriff of
the countes of Nottingham and Derby, howe that divers personez the
whiche have been sheriffez before him have ben charget in youre
exchequier with grete and notable somez of certayn revenewez and
profitez commyng of and in the saide countez; the whiche of mony yerez
agoon were not levable ne paieable, the which was to the grete hurt and
undoyng to such persones as have occupiet before youre saide servaunt,
hade not youre gode grace ben showet to them by youre gracious letters
of pardone, that is to wite, to Thomas Staunton iiijxx ꝉi.,
Nicoỻ Fitzherberd iiijxx ꝉi., and Robert Strelley iiijxx
ꝉi., and to suche personnes that have accomptet sithen, to eche persone
iiijxx. ꝉi. Please it youre highnesse by the avise of youre
Counsaill to considre the premissez, and over that to considre that
youre saide servaunt in the saide office has had grete charge and
expenses as in gaderyng and taking with hym grete people opon his own
costez to come to youre sessions of Oyer and Terminer holden at
Chestrefelde and at Derby in supporting of youre justices and youre
officers there, and divers tymez commying with muche people to holde
youre shires to resist suche people as was not wele disposed, and in
riding with much people on his owne costez in executing of his office
because the people is wilde, also in assembling c.c.c. personez by
virtue of letters of privee seal to him directe for the recoverez of
your towne of Berwik, the wheche c.c.c. personez youre said servaunte
broght to the towne of Doncastre to him right grete costez and chargez
where youre said servant had word of withdraght of youre adversariez fro
youre towne of Berwik, of youre . . . by the advise of your Counsaill to
pardone, relesse, and quitclame unto ye said John Stanhope cꝉi. of the
sūmez of money, fermez, issuez, or dettez whereof he is or shall be
chargiet agayne you in his accompt at exchequier, and theropon to
adresse you gracious letters of prive seal unto youre Tresorer and
Barons of youre saide exchequier, commandyng thaym to discharge youre
saide suppliaunt of the seide cꝉi., and him and his heyrez and
executours make quiete and discharget agenst you and your heyrez for
evermore, most gracious soverayne lorde, for the love of God and by way
charitie.” In response to this appeal the King “de avisamento Consilii
sui mandavit custodi privati sigilli fieri facere litteras Thes. et
Baronibus scaccarii sui de exonerando infra scriptum supplicantem sūme
iiijxx ꝉi. in compoto suo coram vice com̃ratione officii sui
reddendo secundum tenorem infra specificatum.”
Notices
of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights p8 (Philip Henry
Stanhope, 1855)
His son,
and the heir to Sir Richard, JOHN STANHOPE,
was upwards of twenty-three years of age in 1436, when he succeeded his
grandfather. In the civil wars of his time he took part with the House
of Lancaster, and he was Knight for his county in several Parliaments.
Thrice, also, was he Sheriff of the counties of Nottingham and Derby. He
married, first, Catherine, daughter of Richard Molineux, and widow of
Sir Robert Ratcliffe, by whom he had no issue. He married, secondly, ELIZABETH,
daughter of Sir Thomas TALBOT, of Bashall, in the county
of York. By her he had two sons, Thomas and Henry. This last married
Joan, daughter of Henry Rochford, Esq., of Stoke Rochford, in the county
of Lincoln; she left an only son Edmund, and was buried in the chapel at
Houghton.
12 December 1493
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp10-2 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
John Stanhope, esquire.
Delivered into Court, 10 May, 9 Henry vij [1494].
Inquisition taken at Notyngham,
22 April, 9 Henry vij [1494]; before Thomas
Hunt, escheator, after the death of John
Stanhope esquire, by the oath of Thomas
Parsons, gentilman, Gervase
Bampton, gentilman, Thomas
Samon, gentilman, Thomas
Burton, gentilman, Edward
Hartop, yoman, Robert Buck,
yoman, Robert Wryght, yoman, Robert Bales, yoman, Thomas
Edrysche, yoman, Robert Blod,
yoman, William Gresley, yoman,
John Wright, yoman, Robert
Grene, smyth, John Chapell
and Ralph Whitchurche, yoman,
who say that
John Stanhope was seized in his demesne as of fee of the manors
of Rampton, Tuxford, Egmanton, Laxton and Skegby, 2 messuages, 40 acres
of land, 51 acres of meadow, and 2 acres of wood in West Markam and
Milneton.
So seized, by his charter, long before his death, he enfeoffed Robert Markam, knight, Gervase
Clyfton, Thomas Fitzwilliam, Thomas Molyneux, Robert Molyneux, John
Leek and Ralph Stanhop,
clerk, of the same property, to have and to hold to them their heirs and
assigns for ever, to the intent that after his death the feoffees should
make a sufficient estate in law of the said property to Edward
Stanhop, kinsman and then heir apparent of the said John
Stanhop and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. By virtue
whereof they were seized of the property in their demesne as of fee to
the intent aforesaid.
The manor of Rampton is held of the King as of his Duchy of
Lancaster by the eighth part of a knight’s fee and is worth yearly
besides reprises £20.
The manor of Egmanton is held of the Duke
of Norfolk by the tenth part of a knight’s fee, and is worth
yearly besides reprises £18 6s. Sd.
The manors of Laxton and Skegby are held of the King as of his
Duchy of Lancaster by the tenth part of a knight’s fee and are
worth yearly besides reprises £10.
The messuages, land and tenements in West Markham and Milneton
are held of the King as of his Duchy of Lancaster by fealty, and are
worth besides reprises 8s.
The manor of Tuxford is held of the King in burgage and is worth
yearly besides reprises 40s.
They say also that one Walter,
Vicar of the Church of Laxton, was seized in his demesne as of fee of
the manor of Hoghton, 2 messuages, 2 oxgangs of land in Elkesley, 2
messuages, 2 oxgangs of land and a moiety of a watermill in Allerton.
So seized, by his charter he gave that property to Thomas
Languillers for term of life, and after Thomas’
death to remain to John son of
Thomas and the heirs of his
body for ever. In default of such issue to the right heirs of Thomas
for ever. By virtue of which gift Thomas
was thereof seized as of his free tenement and died so seized. After
whose death the property remained to the said John
Languillere and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, and he
became seized thereof in his demesne as of fee tail, and had issue Elizabeth and so seized he died.
After whose death the property descended to Elizabeth
as daughter and heir of the said John
Languillere, which same Elizabeth
took to husband Richard Stanhop
and had issue Richard Stanhop,
esquire. After the death of Elizabeth
all the said manors, lands, tenements and other the premises descended
to the said Richard Stanhop,
esquire, as son and heir of the said Elizabeth,
and after Richard’s death they
descended to the said John Stanhop
son and heir of Richard, son
and heir of Elizabeth as
kinswoman and heir of the said John
Languillere.
By virtue whereof John Stanhop
entered into the manor, land, tenements and other the premises and was
thereof seized in his demesne as of fee tail and so died seized. After
whose death they descended to Edward
Stanhope as kinsman and heir of the said
John Stanhope, namely son and
heir of Thomas son and heir of
the said John Stanhop.
John Stanhop was also
seized in his demesne as of fee of 1 messuage, 6 acres of land, 1 acre
of meadow in Willoughby, 14d.
of rent of assize in Kyrton and Walesby and 3 oxgangs of land and the
fourth part of 1 oxgang of land in Grymston, and 3 cottages in Whellay,
54 acres of arable land, 6 acres of meadow, 5s. of rent in Tuxford. And
so seized he died. After whose death that property descended to the said
Edward Stanhop as kinsman and
heir of the said John Stanhope.
The manor of Hoghton is held of the heir of
Lord Mountbourghchier by the service of one rose yearly and is
worth yearly besides reprises 40s.
The land and tenements in Kyrton, Walesby, Grymston, and Welley
are held of the heir of Hugh Hastyngs
by the service of one
rose yearly, and are worth yearly besides reprises 40s.
The land and tenements in Tuxford are held of the King in chief
by the third part of a knight’s fee and are worth yearly besides
reprises 23s. 6d.
John Stanhope held no
other or more lands of the King in chief nor of any other, either in
demesne or service, on the day he died.
He died 12 December, 9 Henry vij [1493], and Edward
Stanhope, esquire, is his kinsman and next heir, namely son and
heir of Thomas son and heir of
the said John Stanhop, and is
aged 24 years and upwards.
Inq.
p. m., 9 Henry vij., No. 92.
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Series 2, Volume
1, Henry VII pp407-430 (1898)
962 JOHN
STANHOPE, esq.
Writ 20 Dec., inq.
22 April, 9 Hen. VII.
He enfeoffed Robert Markham, knt., Gervase Clyfton, Thomas Fitzwilliam,
Thomas Molyneux, Robert Molyneux, John Leek, and Ralph Stanhope, clk., of
the under-mentioned manors of Rampton, &c., to the intent that after
his death they should make a sufficient estate thereof in law to Edward
Stanhope, his cousin and heir apparent, in tail.
One Walter, vicar of the church of Laxton, gave the under-mentioned manor
of Hoghton, and lands in Elkesley and Allerton, to one Thomas Languillers
for the term of his life, with remainder to John his son in tail, with
remainder in default to Thomas’ right heirs. On the death of Thomas the
premises remained to the said John Languillers, and descended on his death
to Elizabeth his daughter and heir. She took to husband one Richard
Stanhope and had issue Richard Stanhope, esq., to whom on her death the
premises descended, as her son and heir. After the death of the said
Richard the son the said manor and lands descended to the said John
Stanhope as his son and heir, and cousin and heir of the said John
Languillers, viz. son of Richard, son of Elizabeth, daughter and heir of
the said John. At the death of the said John Stanhope the said premises
descended to Edward Stanhope his cousin and heir.
He died 12 Dec., 9 Hen. VII, seised of the other under-mentioned lands in
Willoughby, Kyrton, &c., in fee. The said Edward Stanhope, aged 24 and
more, is his cousin and heir, viz. son of Thomas his son and heir.
NOTTS.
Manor of Rampton, worth 20l.,
held of the King, as of the duchy of Lancaster, by knight-service, viz. by
1/8 of a knight’s fee.
Manor of Egmanton, worth 17l. 6s. 8d.,
held of the Duke of Norfolk, by 1/10 of a knight’s fee.
Manors of Laxton and Skegby, worth 10l.,
held of the King, as of the duchy of Lancaster, by 1/10 of a knight’s fee.
Two messuages, 40a. land, 51a. meadow, and 2a.
wood in West Markham and Milneton, worth 8s.,
held of the King, as of the duchy of Lancaster, by fealty only.
Manor of Tuxford, worth 40s.,
held of the King in burgage.
Manor of Hoghton, worth 40s.,
held of the heirs of the lord Mountbourghechier, by service of a rose, for
all service.
Two messuages and two bovates of land in Elkesley.
Two messuages, two bovates of land, and the moiety of a water-mill in
Allerton.
A messuage, 6a. land, and an acre
of meadow in Willoughby.
Fourteen pence rent of assise in Kyrton and Walesby, three bovates land
and the fourth part of a bovate in Grymston, and three cottages in
Whellay, or Welley, worth 60s.,
held of the heirs of Hugh Hastyngis, by service of a rose yearly, for all
service.
Fifty-four acres of arable, 6a.
meadow, and 5s. rent in Tuxford,
worth 23s. 6d.,
held of the King in chief, by knight-service, viz. by 1/3 of a knight’s
fee.
C. Series II. Vol. 9. (92.)
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem: Series 2, Volume
3, Henry VII pp501-521 (1955)
1015.
JOHN STANHOPE.
Inquisition, virtute officii, 28
April, 15 Henry VII.
By an inquisition taken before Thomas Hunte, late escheator, on a writ of
Diem clausit extremum after the
death of the said John, it was found that he was seised in fee of the
under-mentioned manors of Rampton, Tuxford, Egmanton, Laxton and Skegby,
and 2 messuages, 40a. land and 51a. meadow with 2a.
wood in Westmerkham and Milneton, and that their value and tenure were as
stated below in brackets. The present jurors, however, swear that the
value and tenure of the said manors and messuages was as stated below
outside brackets.
They also swear that the said John died seised in fee of the
under-mentioned manors of Southmarnham and Southcottom, which are not
specified in the aforesaid inquisition.
He died 3 April, 9 Henry VII. Edward Stanhop, knight, aged 30 years and
more, is his kinsman and heir, to wit, son of Thomas his son; and
immediately after his death the said Edward entered into the two
last-mentioned manors and has taken the issues and profits thereof ever
since without obtaining due livery thereof, thereby defrauding the king of
the said issues and profits.
NOTTINGHAM.
Manor of Rampton, worth 37l.,
held of the king by one knight’s fee (worth 20l.,
held of the king, as of his duchy of Lancaster, by an eighth part of a
knight’s fee).
Manor of Egmanton, revised value and tenure not given (worth 18l.
6s. 8d.,
held of the duchy of Norfolk by a tenth part of a knight’s fee).
Manor of Skegby, worth 20l., held
of the king by service of one knight’s fee.
Manor of Laxton, worth 15l., held
of the king by service of one knight’s fee.
(Manors of Skegby and Laxton, worth 10l.,
held of the king, as of his duchy of Lancaster, by a tenth part of a
knight’s fee).
2 messuages, 40a. land and 51a. meadow in Westmerkham and
Milneton, worth 4l., held of the
king, as of his duchy of Lancaster, by a tenth part of a knight’s fee
(worth 8s., held of the king, as
of his duchy of Lancaster, by fealty only).
Manor of Tuxford, worth 20l.,
held of the king in chief by service of a third part of a knight’s fee
(worth 23s. 6d.,
held of the king in chief by a third part of a knight’s fee).
Manor of Southmarnham, worth 6l.,
held of the king by a sixth part of a knight’s fee.
Manor of Southcottom, worth 16l.,
held of the king in chief by a sixth part of a knight’s fee.
Endorsed:—Execucio fit sicut continetur
in Memorandis de anno xv. regis Henrici vij., videlicet, inter Recorda
de termino Pasche, rotulo —, ex parte rememoratoris thesaurarii.
E. Series II. File 729. (5.)
- Inquisition
Post Mortem of Richard Stanhop Warwickshire 22 May 1436 states
John's age as 23 on 22 May 1436; Inquisition
Post Mortem of Elizabeth (Markham) Stanhope Nottinghamshire 2 November
1437 states "She died on 22 June last. John Stanhope , her son and
next heir, was aged 24 years and more at the time of her death."
- Inquisition
Post Mortem of Richard Stanhop Warwickshire 22 May 1436 states
"John Stanhop is his kin and next heir, viz., son of Richard, son of the
Richard named in the writ, and is aged 23 years and more"; The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p385
(Robert Thoroton, 1677) has "John
Stanhope (son of Richard,
son of Sir Richard) married Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Thomas Talbot"
- Inquisition
Post Mortem of Elizabeth (Markham) Stanhope Nottinghamshire 2 November
1437 states "She died on 22 June last. John Stanhope , her son and
next heir, was aged 24 years and more at the time of her death. John is
kin and next heir of Richard Stanhope, knight, as the son of Richard
Stanhope, esquire, son of Richard Stanhope, knight"
- Marriage
covenant from The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p393
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p385
(Robert Thoroton, 1677) has "John
Stanhope (son of Richard,
son of Sir Richard) married Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Thomas Talbot"; The Peerage of England vol 3 pp258-9
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p8 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871)
- Lincolnshire Church Notes Made by Gervase Holles,
A. D. 1634 to A. D. 1642 p96 (R. E. G. Cole, 1911); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p8 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855) states that John had a first
marriage to Catherine (Molyneux) Ratcliffe and his second marriage was
to Elizabeth Talbot but I think this marriage order is doubtful - the
marriage covenants to marry John and Elizabeth were agreed in 1426-7,
when John was only 14 or 15 years old, and highly unlikely to already
have been a widower. The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p385
(Robert Thoroton, 1677), The Peerage of England vol 3 pp258-9
(Arthur Collins, 1768) and Lives of Nottinghamshire Worthies and of
Celebrated and Remarkable Men of the Country pp60-2
(Cornelius Brown, 1882) all only mention John's marriage to Elizabeth
Talbot. The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871) has a
different variation, showing John married to Elizabeth Talbot and then
married to Catherine Molyneux who was secondly married to Rad'us
Radcliff. It also notes that the Stanhope who married Catherine Maylneux
is named as Richard in "Harl. 1400", i.e. the second manuscript of the
1614 Visitation.; Catherine father and first husband from The Stained Glass of Derbyshire and
Nottinghamshire 1400-1550 p559; Catherine mother from The Visitation of the County Palatine of
Lancaster, Made in the Year 1567 pp103-4 (William Flower,
1870) and History, genealogical and biographical, of the
Molyneux families p10 (Nellie Molyneux, 1904)
- Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem
relating to Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp10-2 (W.P.W.
Phillimore, 1905)
- John Stanhope
John Stanhope
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
Trinity College, Cambridge,
matriculating in 1556 and admitted the same year to Gray's Inn.
Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
SPANHOPE, JOHN. Matric. pens, from TRINITY,
Mich. 1556. Possibly 3rd s. of Sir Michael, of Shelford, Notts. B. c.
1545. If so, Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth. Probably
adm. at Gray’s Inn, 1556. M.P. for Marlborough, 1572; for Truro, 1586;
and for Rochester, 1588. Knighted, c. 1601. Created Baron
Stanhope of Harrington, May 4, 1605. Died Mar. 9, 1620. Perhaps brother
of Edward (1560), etc. and father of Charles (1608). (Collins, III.
417.)
The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889
p27 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1556. JOHN
STANHOPE.
Joan Knowles
Joan was the daughter of Sir William Knowles of Bilton in Holderness,
Yorkshire. The marriage has been disputed by some authorities, most notably
by George Corner in Archaeologia vol 38 p392 (1860) who notes
that "In Collins’s Peerage, 1741, iii. p. 308, Sir John Stanhope is stated
to have first married Joan, daughter and heiress of Sir William Knowles of
Bilton in Holderness: but as this marriage is omitted in the 3rd edition of
Collins, 1756, ii. 335, the editor had probably ascertained that it belonged
to another John Stanhope."
George Poulson, in his History of Holderness,
notes that the will of Sir William Knowles contains a bequest to John
Stanhope "if he shall live and cohabit with Mary Knowles, or any other
daughter, lawfully" and also that Sir Michael Stanhope, the father of the
John Stanhope of this entry, had been appointed the king's steward of
Holderness, making it likely that Sir William's will refers to this John
Stanhope.
The history and antiquities of the seigniory of
Holderness vol 2 p250 (George Poulson, 1842)
Sir Wm.
Knowles, of Bilton, knt by w. d. 1 Sep. 1557, gives his soul &c.,
and his body to be buried in the church of Bilton, or where God shall
dispose; leaves to John Stanhope, Esq., if he shall live and cohabit
with Mary Knowles, or any other daughter, lawfully, all the glass and
sealing within the manor house of Bilton, and all the furniture. Michael
Stanhope, second son of Sir Edward, 35 H. VIII. was constituted the
king’s steward of the great lordship of Holderness. Sir John Stanhope,
first Lord Stanhope, third son of Sir Michael Stanhope, gent. of the
privy chamber to Queen Elizabeth, married first, Joan, daur. and heiress
of Wm. Knowles, of Bilton, she died s. p. he married secondly, Margaret,
eldest daughter and co-heir of Henry Mac Williams, of Stanborne, in com.
Essex, Esq.
Margaret Macwilliams on 6 May
1589, in St Luke, Chelsea, Middlesex, England
Parish
registers for St. Luke's Church, Chelsea
Johes Stanhope Armiger et Margarita Mackwilliams
allias Cheeke traxerunt matrimonium 6o die May Anno
dni 1589 et Regni Elizabeth 31 P Ward Rect.
Margaret was the daughter of Henry Macwilliams of Stamborne Hall, Essex, one
of the Gentlemen-pensioners to Queen Elizabeth, and Mary (Hall) Cheke. She
died in 1640, and buried next to her husband in St Martin in the Fields.
She was remembered in the will of her brother-in-law, Michael Stanhope, of
Sudborne, Suffolk, dated 6 November 1621, held at the National
Archives PROB 11/139/119
Item I give and bequeath unto my Sister the Lady Stanhope widdowe late
wife to my brother John Lord Stanhope of Harrington deceased one peece of
goulde called a ???
- Elizabeth Stanhope (1593 - ? )
- Charles Stanhope (1595 - 1675)
- Catharine Stanhope
John was a Gentleman
of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth. He served in eight
Parliaments, representing eight different constituencies, between 1571 and
1604, despite being defeated in a upset in an election in Yorkshire in 1597.
John was appointed Postmaster of England for life on 20 June 1590, with a
fee of over 66 pounds a year. He was knighted in 1596, and was Treasurer
of the Chamber from 1596 until 1618, appointed keeper of the
Colchester castle, for life, in 1599 and vice-chamberlain
from January 1601 until April 1616 and was a member of the Privy
Council from 1601. John was raised to the peerage on 2 May 1605 as
Baron Stanhope of Harrington. He was also a commissioner for the union with
Scotland in 1604 and a councillor for the colony of Virgina in 1609. Further
details of his parliamentary career and government offices held can be found
in Archaeologia vol 38 pp389-404 and The History of Parliament: the House of Commons
1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for STANHOPE,
John (c.1545-1621), of Harrington, Northants. and St.
Martin-in-the-Fields, London.
John was forgiven a debt to his aunt, Anne, the Duchess of Somerset, in
Anne's will dated 14 July 1586
The Gentleman's Magazine vol 177 p376
(Sylvanus Urban, 1845)
A Copy of
the Duchess of Somerset’s Will, July 14, 1586.
...
Item, I geve to my nephew John Stanhope the fortie powndes he
oweth me.
Item, I geve to my nephew Michael Stanhope a piller of gould with
viii diamondes.
John was knighted in 1596.
The Knights of England vol 2 p94 (William
Arthur Shaw, 1906)
1596. JOHN STANHOP.
John was remembered in the will of his brother-in-law, Sir Roger Townshend,
dated 4 December 1587, held at the National
Archives PROB 11/77/149
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I
give and bequeath to my brother [=brother-in-law], John Stanhope,
esquire, one piece of plate of the value of ten pounds;
John was left a bequest in, and is appointed an executor of, the will of his
younger brother, Edward, dated 28 February 1603. That will also leaves
substantial property to John's son, Charles, as well as bequests for his
wife and two daughters. It is held at the National
Archives (PROB 11/11/228)
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
I do
give to my nephew, John Stanhope, son and heir to my late loving
brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, deceased, to remain to the heirs of his
house after his decease, and so from heir to heir of that house, one
basin and ewer of silver and gilt of the weight of six score ounces with
the Stanhope arms in the bottom of the basin and the Stanhope crest upon
some part of the ewer with the difference of the fourth brother, with
this inscription about the arms: Memoria Edwardi Stanhope Legum
Doctoris;
Item, I
do give to my nephew, Edward Stanhope, the Lady Anne Holles, and my
nephew, Thomas Stanhope, being the sons and daughter of Sir Thomas
Stanhope, knight, deceased, to each of them one signet ring of gold of
the weight of three angels apiece, the crest belonging to our own arms
being engraven on them, and on the inside of each of them to be engraven
these words: Edwardus Stanhope Legum Doctor;
...
Item, I do give to my very loving brother, Sir John Stanhope,
knight, Treasurer of her Majesty’s Chamber, one basin and ewer of silver
and gilt of the same fashion, weight, graving of arms and inscription as
is above set down for my nephew, John Stanhope, son and heir to Sir
Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased, to be and remain to my said loving
brother during his life, and after his decease to be and remain to the
heir of his house, and so to be and continue from heir to heir of that
house;
Item, I give to my nephew, Charles Stanhope, son to my loving
brother, Sir John Stanhope, knight, all those my lands commonly called
or known by the name of the manor and farm of Calcott alias Caldecott
with th’ appurtenances in the county of
Warwick, together with all the lands to the same belonging, set, lying
and being within the lordships, parishes, towns, hamlets, villages and
fields of Calcott alias Caldecott, Granborough alias Grenborowe and
Napton in the said county of Warwick or any of them which I lately
purchased and bought of Thomas Stapleton the eldest of Upton in the
county of Chester, gentleman, or by what other name soever they be
called as if true mention had here been made of them, to have and to
hold all the said lands with th’appurtenances in Caldecott alias Calcott
aforesaid to my said nephew, Charles Stanhope, and to the heirs male of
his body lawfully begotten forever, and for default of such issue, to be
and remain to any the son or sons hereafter lawfully to be begotten of
the body of my said brother, Sir John Stanhope, knight, successively,
and to any the heirs male of his body lawfully to be begotten, and for
default of such issue male, then to the heirs male of the body of my
brother, Michael Stanhope, lawfully to be begotten, and for default of
such issue male, then to the heirs male of the body of my nephew and
godson, John Stanhope, third son of my brother, Sir Edward Stanhope,
knight, begotten or to be begotten, and for default of such issue male,
then to the heirs male of my nephew, John Stanhope, son and heir to my
dear eldest brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased, provided
always that if the said lands in Caldecott by me bequeathed as above to
Charles Stanhope, son and heir to my honourable brother, Sir John
Stanhope, knight, Vice-chamberlain to her Majesty, or after Charles
Stanhope’s death without issue male of his body, then to any other the
sons of the said Sir John Stanhope, knight, so as it doth go from the
said Sir John Stanhope’s sons to any other of the substitutes above set
down, then my will is that before he to whom my said lands in Caldecott
shall so come shall first enter into one statute of two thousand pounds
to my executor or executors to pay to my loving nieces, Elizabeth
Stanhope and Katherine Stanhope, daughters to my said honourable
brother, Sir John Stanhope, five hundred pounds of lawful English money
to each of them within one year after he or they shall have entered upon
the said lands, and if either of the two sisters, Elizabeth or
Katherine, be dead before that day, not having any child lawfully
begotten of her body, then the surviving sister to have the whole of one
thousand pounds so given betwixt them, but if either of them shall have
any child or children living at that time, then that part of five
hundred pounds to be divided amongst the said child or children;
Item, I do give unto my said niece, Elizabeth Stanhope, daughter
unto my honourable brother, Sir John Stanhope, forty pounds to be
bestowed by my executor or executors at the day of her marriage upon
some good jewel of that value or else forty pounds in
money at my executors’ choice;
Item, I do give unto my niece, Katherine Stanhope, daughter to my
honourable brother, Sir John Stanhope, knight, £40 to be bestowed by my
executor or executors at the day of her marriage upon some good jewel of
that value or else £40 in money at my executors’ choice.
Item, I give unto my honourable sister [=sister-in-law], the Lady
Margaret Stanhope, wife to Sir John Stanhope, knight, one piece of plate
silver and gilt of thirty ounces. to remain after her death to her
youngest daughter;
Item, I do give to every of the sons and daughters of my
honourable brother, Sir John Stanhope, knight, to each of them one gold
ring of three angels with such crest and inscription as is set down for
the sons and daughters of my eldest brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope,
knight, deceased;
... Item, I do
make executors to this my last will and testament my most dear and
loving brothers, Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, one of her Majesty’s
Council established for the North, my honourable brother, Sir John
Stanhope, knight, Vice-chamberlain to the Queen’s most excellent
Majesty, and my brother, Michael Stanhope, esquire, one of the Grooms of
her Majesty’s Privy Chamber, and so many of them as shall be living at
my death, praying them that as our loves have never been severed whilst
we lived, and as I cannot divide the same from them until our heavenly
Father do change this our earthly habitation, so they would be pleased
after my departure to continue the band of brotherly love unto me in
performing this my last will and testament according to my trust
committed unto them so far as they shall find and in their consciences
know that I do leave sufficient estate to perform it;
All the rest of my goods, lands copyhold or
free, leases, chattels, household stuff, moneys or whatsoever not by
this my last will and testament given, disposed and bequeathed, my debts
being paid, which I hope will not be great for that I have always had
care to avoid them, I do wholly give them equally to be divided amongst
my said executors, amongst whom there be some of them who do owe me good
sums of money for lands purchased in my name and their own, and some
other lands mortgaged unto me alone for which I have scarce anything to
show for that I only paid the moneys and they wholly dealt with buying,
selling and disposing of those lands; other do owe me moneys upon
specialties of statute which in this distempered age God knows into
whose hands those specialties may come; I therefore desire them, as they
will answer it unto God, that they will disclose one to another, as they
are brethren and so should be but one, what several debts is owing by
any of them unto me, I mean only money disbursed out of my purse and
paid in pecunijs numeratis for
them without any further allowance, and then casting that up unto the
rest of my whole estate, I freely and absolutely give the whole
remainder as is above set down to be equally divided betwixt my said
three brothers who shall take upon them the execution of this my last
will and testament;
Overseers I need not make others than
the three consciences of my foresaid three executors, my brothers, whom
I ascite before the tribunal-seat of God, that as my love hath always
been unto each of them one brotherly love, so they will justly and truly
perform that which I have herein trusted them with
John was named as a supervisor of the will of his older brother, also named
Edward, one of His Majesty's Councillors in the North, dated 8 August 1603,
which is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
... And
further for the better accomplishment of this my will I doe ordaine Sir
Edwarde Stanhope my sonne my sole Executor of this my last will and
testament, And appoint Supervisors of this my will my deare and lovinge
brethren Sir John Stanhope knight vice chamberlaine and one of his
maiesties moste honorable priuie councell Sir Edwarde Stanhope Doctor Sr
Michaell Stanhope and Sir Percivall Harte knight my sonne in lawe.
John was remembered in the will of his nephew, John Stanhope, the son of his
brother Thomas, dated 19 July 1610, at The
National Archives PROB 11/117/473 (modern
spelling transcript ©2007 Nina Green)
To my honourable loving aunt, the Lady Bertley
[=Berkeley], and to my two most dear uncles, the Lord Stanhope and Sir
Michael Stanhope, though a small, yet a token of my true love, and as my
present estate will admit, to each of them I give a twenty shillings’
piece of gold to make a ring of to wear for my sake, who did ever truly
love and honour them;
John, his wife and his son are left bequests in, and John was appointed an
executor of, the will of John's sister, Jane, dated 20 July 1617, held at The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287). A modern spelling transcript
(©2007 Nina Green) is at oxford-shakespeare.com
I give
and bequeath unto my well-beloved brother, John, Lord Stanhope of
Harrington, one piece of plate of the value of twenty pounds, and one
key of gold set with diamonds, and to my honourable sister, his lady,
one jewel thick-set with small diamonds, only with a round pearl at each
end thereof, for remembrances of my love unto them;
Item, I give unto my nephew, Sir Charles Stanhope, knight, son of
my foresaid brother, the Lord Stanhope, one piece of plate of the value
of twenty pounds
...
I, the aforesaid Jane, Lady Berkeley, do ordain, constitute, nominate,
appoint and make my well-beloved brothers, John, Lord Stanhope of
Harrington, and Sir Michael Stanhope of Sudbury in the county of
Suffolk, knight, Sir Roger Townshend, my grandchild, and Richard Mason,
my servant, to be my executors of this my last will and testament, whom
I charge and heartily desire to see the same well and truly executed,
performed and accomplished in every part thereof according to my true
intent and meaning set down and declared in and by the same so far-forth
as by any lawful way or means they may or can, and for the better
execution, performance and doing thereof I do hereby give unto my said
executors full power and authority to be my only true and lawful
executors of this my last will and testament in as large and ample
manner as by any means I may or can do;
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
In Shelford Church,
Here lyeth the body of the Lady Anne Stanhope, wydowe ...
By Sir Michaell she had these children, Sir Thomas Stanhope
of Shelford in the County of Nott. Knight;
Elenor married to Thomas Cooper of Thurgarton
in Com. Nott. Esquire; Edward Stanhope, Esquire,
one of her Majesties Councell in the North parts of England;
Julian married to John Hotham of Scoreborough
in Com. Eborum, Esquire; John Stanhope, Esquire, one of
the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to our most deare Soveraigne Lady Q.
Elizabeth; Jane married Sir Roger Towneshend of Eyam
in Com Norf. Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the
Civile Law, one of her Majesties High Court of Chancery; Michaell
Stanhope, Esquire, one of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth;
besides Margaret, William, and Edward, who died in their
infancy.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p263 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
Sir John
Stanhope (third son of Sir Michael) Gentleman of the Privy-chamber to
Queen Elizabeth (as above specified) was seated at Harrington in com’
Northampt. for which county he was elected one of the Knights of the
shire in parliament, anno 43 Eliz. being at that time a Knight, and
Vice-chamberlain of the houshold to the Queen. Before which, viz. in 38
Eliz. he was constituted Treasurer of the Chamber for life; and in 42
Eliz. Constable of the castle of Colchester in com’ Essex for life. In
44 Eliz. he was with the Lords of the Privy-council in a special
commission, whereby any six of them were impowered to stay from
execution all felons (except for wilful murder, rape and burglary) and
to commit them to serve in the gallies. On the accession of King James I
he was continued Vice-chamberlain sworn of his Privy-council, and
appointed by act of parliament, in the first year of his reign, one of
the Commissioners to treat of an union with Scotland; and afterwards by
letters patent, bearing date May 4, 1605, 3 Jac. I. was advanced to the
dignity of a Baron of this realm, by the title of Lord Stanhope
Harrington; continuing in his office of Vice-chamberlain till 14 Jac. I.
when he resigned it to Sir John Digby. He married Margaret, daughter of
Henry Mac-Williams of Stanborne in com’ Essex, Esq. one of the
Gentlemen-pensioners to Queen Elizabeth; and departed this life March 9,
1620, leaving issue two daughters, Elizabeth, married to Sir Lionel
Talmash of Helmingham in com’ Suffolk, Knt. and Bart. ancestor to the
Earl of Dyfart; and Catharine to Robert Viscount Cholmley of Kellis in
Ireland, afterwards created Earl of Leinster in that realm; as likewife
an only son,
Charles Lord Stanhope, who, in the year 1610, was made Knight of
the Bath at the creation of Henry Prince of Wales, son and heir-apparent
to James I. He retired beyond the seas all the time of the rebellion
against Charles I. and having married Dorothy, daughter of Charles
Barret, of Aveley-Belhouse in Essex, and sister to Edward Barret, Lord
Newburgh, died without issue, A. D. 1675, aged 82, as appears by an
inscription on his tomb-stone in Nocton church in Lincolnshire; and the
barony in him became extinct.
Archaeologia vol 38 pp389-404 (1860)
XXVI. Notices
of John Lord Stanhope of Harrington, with reference to certain Letters
to him, communicated to the Society by the EARL STANHOPE,
PRESIDENT, and by RICHARD ALMACK,
Esq. F.S.A.; together with some Account of Sir Thomas Holcroft and
Sir John Wotton, the writers of two of those Letters. By GEORGE
R. CORNER, Esq., F.S.A.
Read January 26th, 1860.
John Lord Stanhope of Harrington.
Sir John Stanhope, afterwards Lord Stanhope of Harrington, was
the third son of Sir Michael Stanhope, the King’s Steward of Holderness
and Cottingham, Lieutenant Governor of Hull in the reign of King Henry
VIII. and Chief Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to King Edward VI.
...
In November, 1556, John Stanhope matriculated as a Pensioner of
Trinity College, Cambridge, and in the same year he was admitted a
member of Gray’s Inn (of which society as many as eighteen members of
the Stanhope family were admitted between 1556 and 1654); and on the
26th January, 1568, he became an Ancient of that society.
In 1572 he was returned as M.P. for Marlborough to the Parliament
which met 8th May.
In 1578 he occurs as a Gentleman of the Queen’s Privy Chamber.
In 1585 he was elected M.P. for Beverley in the Parliament which
met 23rd November; and in 1586 he was elected M.P. for Truro in the
Parliament which met 29th October.
In 1588-9 he was returned to the Parliament which met on the 4th
February as Member for Rochester.
June 20, 1590, he was constituted by patent Postmaster of England
for life, with a fee of 66l. 13s. 4d. per annum
Sept. 27, 1592, he was elected M.A. at Oxford, the Queen then
being there.
He marriedc on the 6th May, 1589, at Chelsea, Margaret
Macwilliams, otherwise Cheke, daughter and heir of Henry Macwilliams,
Esq. of Stambourne, Essex, one of the Queen’s Gentlemen Pensioners, and
Governor of Colchester Castle, by Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of
Richard Hill, serjeant of the winecellar to King Henry VIII. and widow
of the learned Sir John Cheke, schoolmaster and secretary of state to
King Edward VI.
In the previous year (March, 1588) he had obtained a grant from
the Queen of the manor of Chelsea for his life, at the rent of twenty
marks: he had however surrendered it in 1592, when it was granted by the
Queen to Catherine Lady Howard, wife of the Lord Admiral, upon the like
terms. The Lord Admiral dated letters from Chelsea in 1589, 1591, and
1597. It would seem, however, that Mr. Stanhope was resident at Chelsea
until 1595, for his daughter Elizabeth was baptized there in 1593, and
his son Charles in 1595.
In Lodge’s Illustrations of British History, Biography, and Manners,
from the MSS. of the Howards, Talbots, and Cecils, at the College of
Arms, (published in 1791,) there are some letters of John Stanhope; the
first of which is from him to Lord Talbot, dated at Richmond, 22nd
December, 1589, conveying thanks for a Sherwood hind, praises of Lady
Talbot, and foreign news. He adds the following postscript: “The Queen
is so well as I assure you six or seven gallyards in a morning, besides
music and singing, is her ordinary exercise”
Another letter in Lodge’s Illustrations is from John Stanhope to
the Earl of Shrewsbury, dated Richmond 9th Dec. 1590, as to the Queen’s
letter of condolence to the earl on the death of his father, and
disposal of the lieutenancy of Derby, Notts, Stafford, and Warwickshire,
&c. in which he says, “God be thanked, she is better in health this
winter than I have seen her before; her favour holdeth in reasonable
good terms to the Earl of Essex. I hope you shall hear that my cousin
Robert Cecil shall be sworn secretary before Christmas; whether Mr.
Woutton, or who else, is yet uncertain.”
There is also a long and interesting letter from him to Lord
Talbot, written in 1590, containing a jocular excuse for not having
written before, and giving an account of the Queen’s entertainment of
Viscount de Turenne at Windsor, in which we read, “This night, God
willing, she will go to Richmond, and on Saturday next to Somerset
House; and, if she could overcome her passion against my Lord of Essex
for his marriage, no doubt she would be much the quieter; yet doth she
use it more temperately than was thought for, and, God be thanked, doth
not strike all she threats.” . . . . . “The favours of the Court be
disposed as you left them; and I assure you never a man that I know hath
cause to brag of any. My Lord Treasurer hath been ill of his gout of
long, and so continues; our new maid, Mrs. Vavasour, flourisheth like
the lily and the rose.” He then notices the foreign news, return of Sir
John Hawkins, prizes taken at sea, and concludes with professions of
attachment, &c.
Mr. Lodge gives also another letter from John Stanhope to the
Earl of Shrewsbury, dated 10th March, 1590.
July 5, 1596, he was sworn Treasurer of the Chamber, and he was
knighted in the same year.
In 1597 he was elected M.P. for Preston, in the Parliament which
met 24th October.
On the 3rd November, 1598, Sir John Stanhope writes to Sir Robert
Cecil: “I have been reading Mr. Edmonds’s letter and yours to Her
Majesty, which came not to my hands till six o’clock; for I was all the
afternoon with Her Majesty at my book; and then, thinking to rest me,
went in again with your letter. She was pleased with the philosopher’s
stone, and hath been all this day reasonably quiet, and hath heard at
large the discourse of the calamities in Kerry—French news and visitors
to the Queen.”
In 1601 he was appointed Vice-Chamberlain of the Queen’s
Household, which office he retained in the following reign; and in June
or July of the same year he was sworn of the Privy Council.
In 1601 he was elected M.P. for the county of Northampton, in the
Parliament which met 7th October.
June 17th, 1602, he was named in a Commission to reprieve felons,
and to commit them to serve in the galleys.
29th January, 1602-3, he was named in a Commission touching
Jesuits and Seminary Priests.
In 1603-4 he was Member for Newton in the Isle of Wight, in the
Parliament which met 19th March.
The style of his letters is very easy, and free from the
affectation and extravagant phrases common at that period. They seem to
me to approach more to the lively character of Horace Walpole’s
epistolary writings than any I have ever seen of the time of Elizabeth.
There are numerous letters and documents of and referring to Lord
Stanhope of Harrington in the State Paper Office, as we learn from Mrs
Green’s admirable calendar.
On his accession King James granted, June 21, 1603, to Sir John
Stanhope and Charles his son the office of Keeper of Colchester Castle
for life. Sir John also retained the offices of Vice-Chamberlain and
Master of the Posts under King James.
In the State Paper Office is a letter, dated 19th October, 1603,
from Mercury Patten to Sir John Stanhope, Vice-Chamberlain, concerning
Raleigh’s conference, soon after he got into trouble, with Parks, of the
Stannary, about Lord Cecil, where he desires Parks may be questioned
about it.
1604. February 5. A Commission was issued to the Lord
Chamberlain, Lord Cecil, Sir John Stanhope, and Sir George Hume, to make
an inventory of all robes or apparel left by the King’s progenitors.
1604. October 14. A warrant was issued to Sir John Stanhope,
Vice-Chamberlain, to preserve the game in the hundreds of Rowell,
Orlingbury, Gilsborough, Hookeslow, and Fawsley, in Northamptonshire.
As steward of the manor of Eltham he had a residence at that
royal palace; and in the State Paper Office there is a letter dated 22nd
October, 1604, to the Lord Treasurer and Sir John Stanhope, steward of
the manor of Eltham, to compound with owners of land to be added to the
Middle Park there.
1605, March. Sir John Stanhope writes to Viscount Cranbourne,
inclosing him two letters out of France from Furtado the Spanish friar,
and a note from Lady Adeline Nevill, sister of the late Earl of
Westmoreland.
1605, April 19. There is a letter from Sir John Stanhope, Sir
John Fortescue, and Lord Chief Justice Popham, to Sir Julius Cæsar, from
which it appears that the aldermen of London were “so obstinate and tied
to their own will,” that they would neither attend to the petition of
Thomas Stanley and others about the House of Correction, nor reimburse
their expenses. There would be no way to deal with them, unless the King
were to write to the mayor and aldermen; they inclose the draft of a
letter which they think suitable.
In the same year (1605), 4th May, Sir John Stanhope was created
by King James I. Baron Stanhope, of Harrington, in the county of
Northampton, being the first of his family who was raised to the
peerage.
1605, May 21. A warrant to pay to Lord Stanhope 2,000l.
for the expenses of his office as Treasurer of the Chamber.
On the 3rd June, 1605, a Commission had issued from the Court of
Exchequer, directed to Lord Stanhope as High Steward, Sir Edward Cooke
(Attorney-General), Sir Thomas Walsingham (of Mottingham), Sir Percival
Hart of (Lullingstone), Sir Oliff Leigh, John Doddridge
(Solicitor-General), Sir Francis Bacon, one of the King’s Council, and
others to make a perfect survey of the royal manor house and demesne of
Eltham, which was commenced on the 11th July in the same year, and
resulted in a very full and particular description of the palace, manor,
and the crown lands and woods. The Survey is still preserved among the
Records of the Court of Exchequer.
During his lordship’s residence at Eltham he is frequently
mentioned in the parish books particularly as a communicant.
“1605. Paid for the communyon, the syext of October, when my Lord
Stannope received, for bread and wyne . . . xx d.
“Item, paid for a communion, the ix of September, 1606, for wyne
and breade, when my Lorde Stanhop and others receyved . . . ij s. jd.
“1610. Payd for brede and wyne for ij communions for my Lor
Stanup’s i s. ix d.”
King James visited again Lord Stanhope at Eltham in the year
1611, as appears from the following entry in the churchwardens’
accounts:—
“Paied for ryngers, when the Kinges Mas came to lye at
Ealtham . xij d.”
The last notice of Lord Stanhope at Eltham that I find in the
parish books is in 1614—
“Recefed of the honorabell Lord Stanhope, at a communione, the
4th of September, for wine . . . i s.”
Oct. 10, 1605. Warrant for increase of payment to Lord Stanhope,
Treasurer of the Chamber, because of his being ordered to discharge the
salaries of the Prince’s chamber servants. Annexed is a list of the
Prince’s servants and their salaries.
In 1607, April 7th, the King granted to John Lord Stanhope and
Charles his son the custody of Colchester Castle, as theretofore held by
Thomas Lord D’Arcy, John Earl of Oxford, Henry Macwilliams (Lord
Stanhope’s father-in-law), and Sir John, then Lord, Stanhope.
In the same year, July 26, the King, on the surrender of the
former patent, granted to John Lord Stanhope and Charles his son the
office of Postmaster in England for their lives.
1608, June 5th. A letter from Lord Stanhope to the Earl of
Salisbury; in which he states that he purposes to go to Northamptonshire
for the benefit of his health, and prays the earl’s favour if any
prejudice should arise against him for his absence.
In August 1608, the King wrote to Lord Stanhope reproving him for
negligence in allowing spoil of game near the house at Eltham, of which
he had the charge, and exhorting him to greater vigilance, and to
proclaim the execution of the laws with all severity against the
offenders.
August 30, 1608. Lord Stanhope wrote to the Earl of Salisbury
from Eltham, with thanks for the view of occurrences in the Low
Countries, and states that he is ready for service when commanded.
August 31. Another letter from Eltham soliciting licence for his
nephew, son of Sir Edward Stanhope of York, to travel.
In this year he appears to have had some transactions with Sir
Thomas Holcroft respecting, most probably, a mortgage on the lands of
the latter, to which refer the two letters in Mr. Almack’s collection,
printed at the end of this communication (Nos. III. and IV.).
In 1609, June 14, he was named in a Commission to raise an aid on
Prince Henry being made a knight.
In 1610, June 14, he was in a Commission for banishment of
Jesuits and Seminary Priests.
In 1616, May 31, he was named in a Commission for the rendition
to the States General of Flushing, Ramakins, and Brill.
In 1617, April 5, he was in a Commission to enlarge certain
prisoners from the Gatehouse.
In 1618, June 23, he was in a Commission for banishment of
Jesuits and Seminaries.
In 1620, April 29, he was nominated a Commissioner for Causes
Ecclesiastical.
And November 17, in the same year, he was named in the Commission
for repair of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Lord Stanhope resigned his office of Vice-Chamberlain in the 14th
James I. (1617), but he retained the office of Postmaster until his
death, as appears by his will, in which he styles himself Master and
Comptroller-General of all his Majesty’s Posts, and one of the Lords of
the Privy Council. It is dated 5th October, 1620, and he therein
expressed his desire to be buried in the chancel of St. Martin’s in the
Fields, because he had lived in that parish thirty years and more. He
desired his wife not to display any pomp at his funeral, but only to
remember the poor. He gave to the poor of St Martin’s five pounds, to
the poor of Harrington five pounds, and to the poor of Eltham forty
shillings. He gave to his son Sir Charles Stanhope all his furniture and
household stuff in his house at Harrington, and all his armour, pistols,
calivers, and instruments of war in a little chamber in his house at St
Martin’s called the Armoury Chamber; and he also gave him all the plate
which he brought with him from court when he was a courtier (specifying
the articles); he gave to his daughter the Lady Tollemache a piece of
plate, value ten pounds; and to his daughter the Lady Cholmondeley a
piece of plate of like value. He gave to his wife, Margaret Lady
Stanhope, his house in St Martin’s, with all the furniture therein, and
all his furniture remaining in the steward’s house at Eltham, and in the
house there occupied by Mr. Dyer. He also gave her, with many
expressions of affection, all his plate, some of which had been called
her plate, or her cupboard plate, and all his jewels, chains, and
carcanets, and his best diamond ring, which he wore daily on his finger,
and which had been given to him by her, and all the residue of his
personal estate. And he constituted her sole executrix of his will;
which she proved on the 14th April, 1621.
His lordship died March 9, 1620-1, leaving by his first wife one son,
Charles, second Lord Stanhope of Harrington (who died in 1675, without
issue, when this title became extinct); and by his second marriage, two
daughters, Elizabeth, who married Sir Lionel Tollemache, Bart. of
Helmingham, ancestor of the Earls of Dysart; and Catherine, who married
Sir Robert Cholmondeley, Bart. afterwards created Viscount Cholmondeley
of Kells, in Ireland, and Earl of Leinster.
By an inquisition taken after the death of John late Lord
Stanhope, 29 March, 3 Charles I., it was found that he died seized of
Harrington Park, Northamptonshire, the site of the late College of
Stoke, in Suffolk; the manors of Rothwell and Ardingworth; the
parsonage, rectory, and advowson of Rothwell, in Northamptonshire; lands
in Wittlesea, Cambridgeshire; a mansion house at Charing Cross, in the
parish of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Middlesex; and other lands in
Harrington and elsewhere in Northamptonshire; and that he died 9th
March, 1620.
Harrington Park and manor had been acquired in the 41st
Elizabeth. On the front of the house are the arms of Stanhope with three
other quarterings (probably Maulovel, Longvilliers, and Lexington) as
borne by Sir Michael Stanhope, his father. After the death of Charles
Lord Stanhope, the Harrington estate descended to his sister, Elizabeth
Lady Tollemache.
Lord Stanhope’s house in St. Martin’s was probably where Stanhope
Court formerly was, i.e. on the west side of the highway at
Charing Cross, to the north of Buckingham Court, and between that and
Spring Gardens.
Lord Stanhope was buried at St Martin’s (where his father-in-law
and mother-in-law, Mr. Macwilliams and his wife, were buried), but I do
not find mention of any monument in Strype’s Stowe, although he
describes a memorial there for Mr. and Mrs. Macwilliams, with an
inscription recording the alliances of their daughters.
His widow, Margaret Lady Stanhope, died on the 7th April, 1640,
at Stanhope House, Charing Cross, and was also buried in the chancel of
St Martin’s church, as appears by her funeral certificate in the College
of Arms.
c
In Collins’s Peerage, 1741, iii. p. 308, Sir John Stanhope is stated to
have first married Joan, daughter and heiress of Sir William Knowles of
Bilton in Holderness: but as this marriage is omitted in the 3rd edition
of Collins, 1756, ii. 335, the editor had probably ascertained that it
belonged to another John Stanhope. See Poulson’s History of Holderness,
4to. 1841, ii. 250.
d Lysons’s Environs of London, vol. ii. p. 118.
Dictionary
of National Biography vol 54 pp19-20 (Sidney Lee, 1898)
STANHOPE, JOHN, first BARON STANHOPE OF HARRINGTON
(1545?-1621), born probably about 1545, was third son of Sir Michael
Stanhope [q. v.] by his wife Anne, daughter of Nicholas Rawson of
Aveley-Bellhouse, Essex. His father’s attainder in 1552 did not affect
his estates, and John was brought up at Shelford, Nottinghamshire, where
his mother’s household was noted for hospitality and piety. He is
probably the John Stanhope who was returned to parliament for
Marlborough on 22 April 1572, for Truro in October 1586, and for
Rochester on 14 Oct. 1588; but he is confused in Foster’s ‘Alumni
Oxonienses’ (1500-1714, iv. 1408) with his nephew John (1560-1611),
father of Philip, first earl of Chesterfield [q. v.] On 20 June 1590 he
was appointed master of the posts in succession to Thomas Randolph [q.
v.] He was also a member of the council of the north and master of the
posts (see Border Papers, 1595-1603, passim), and in 1596 he was
appointed treasurer of the chamber and knighted. He appears to have had
some influence at court, which Bacon sought to enlist in his favour (SPEDDING,
Letters and Life of Bacon, ii. 50). On 16 Oct. 1597 he was elected
member of parliament for Preston, and in 1600 was granted the
constableship of Colchester. In the following year he was placed on a
commission to ‘stay from execution all felons (except for wilful murder,
rape, and burglary) and to commit them to serve in the gallies.’ On 24
Sept. he was elected knight of the shire of Nottingham. His offices were
regranted him on the accession of James I, and he was one of the
commissioners appointed to treat of a union between England and
Scotland. On 10 March 1603-4 he was returned to parliament for Newtown,
Isle of Wight, and by letters patent dated 4 May 1605 he was created
Baron Stanhope of Harrington. He was made member of the council of the
Virginia Company on 23 May 1609, and in 1615 was one of the privy
councillors who signed the warrant for the application of torture to
Edmond Peacham [q.v.] He resigned the treasurership of the chamber in
1616, and died on 9 March 1620-1.
Stanhope was twice married: first to Joan, daughter of William
Knollys, by whom he had no issue; and secondly, on 6 May 1589, to
Margaret, daughter of Henry MacWilliams, one of the queen’s gentlemen
pensioners. By her he had issue one son, Charles, born in 1593, who
succeeded as second baron, but died without issue in 1675, when the
title became extinct, and two daughters: Elizabeth, who married Sir
Lionel Talmash or Tollemache, ancestor of the earls of Dysart: and
Catherine, who married Robert, viscount Cholmondeley (afterwards created
Earl of Leinster). The later peers of the Stanhope family descend from
the first baron’s brother, Thomas.
[Cal. State Papers, Dom. 1581-1620; Hatfield MSS. pts. iv-vi.;
Winwood’s Memorials, ii. 57, 59; Collins’s Letters and Mem. of State,
vols. i. and ii. passim; Off. Ret. of Members of Parl.; Lords’ and
Commons’ Journals; D’Ewes’s Journals; Strype’s Works; Spedding’s Letters
and Life of Bacon, vols. ii. iv. v. and vi.; Thoroton’s Nottinghamshire;
Alexander Brown’s Genesis U.S.A.; Cornelius Brown’s Nottinghamshire
Worthies; Peerages by Collins iii. 308-9 and G. E.
C[okayne].] A. F. P.
9 March 1620(1)
14 March 1620(1) in St. Martin in
the Fields, Middlesex, England
The burial record notes "The Right Honourable And Respected Man. Bur In
Chancel At Night."
dated 5 October 1620, proved by his
widow on 14 April 1621, held at The National Archives (PROB
11/137/292)
In the name of God the Father God the
Sonne and God the holie Ghost three persons and one God infinite equall
and incomprehensible to which undivided trinity in unity be all honor and
glory for ever and ever. The Fivth daye of October in the yeares of the
Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord James by the Grace of God of England
Scotland Fraunce and Ireland kinge defender of the faith That is to say of
England Fraunce and Ireland the eighteen and of Scotland te fouer and
Fiftie And in the yeare of our Lord God One thousand sixe hundred and
Twenty I John Stanhope Baron of Harrington Master and Comptroller generall
of all his Mates Post, and one of the Lords of his Mate
most honorable privie Counsell beinge at this present of sounde and
perfect memoroe (thanks be given to God) calling to minde the instability
of this present life the certainty of the change thereof and the
uncertainty of the tyme and place of the endinge thearof and remembering
that ??? tyme may prevent the fitt reasonable and considerate disposing of
the transitorie blessings of this world Wch God hath ??? to be
left to posteritie, doe, with deliberate Consideracion nowe in the time of
perfect memorie ordaine and make this my lastwill and testament renouncing
and revoking hereby all former wills, and pronouncing and declaring hereby
that this is it and so shall remain for ever, my true irrevocable last
will and testament First therefore to God the father sonne and holie ghost
I humbly willingly and faithfully yield and render upp my soule assuredly
trusting that by the meritts and mercies of my Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ I shall have life everlasting to my unspeakable joy and I appoint
and desire that my bodie my be interred in the Chauncell of the parrish
Church of St Martins in the Fields in the County of Midx
becasue I have lived there the space of thirty years and above and as I
desire no Pompe ??? with my wife to be ???, nor extraordinary Cost of my
buriall but onely to remember the poore And concerning the disposition of
my Wordly goods I will and bequeath as followeth first I give unto the
poore people of the parrishe of St Martins aforesaid the somme
of Five pounds Item I give unto the poore people of the towne of
Harrington in the County of Northampton the like som of Five pounds Item I
give and bequeath unto the poore people of the town of Eltham in the
Countie of Kent the somme of Fortie shillings all of good and lawfull
money of England to be paid severally by my Executrix and distributed by
the overseers for the poore in the severally parrishes aforesaid the day
after my funerall or so soone as conveniently may be Item I give and
bequeath unto my sonne Sr Charles Stanhope all my furniture and
houshold stuff which is nowe remaining in my house at Harington in the
Countie of Northampton aforesaid Item I give and bequeath unto my said
sonne Sr Charles all the armour, pistolls, callivers and all
other instruments for Warr which now are and remaine in my nowe dwelling
house in St Martins aforesaid in one litle Chamber there called
the Armoury Chamber Item I likewise give and bequeath unto my said sonne Sr
Charles Stanhope all such of my plate as I did ordinarily use when I was a
Courtier and brought homewith me into my Chamner in my nowe dwelling house
which I think good to express by ???wise One silver Bason and Ewer plain
two silver standing potts, two other silver potts, two other Ewers, two
silver Candlesticks, two black ??? covered and bound wt silver
three silver Bowels One silver parfuming pann, One silver salt Item I give
unto my welbeloved daughter my Lady Tollemarch one piece of plate of the
value of Tenn pounds or thereabouts Item I give unto my welbeloved
daughter my Lady Cholmonley one piece of plate like wise of the value of
Tenn pounds or thereabouts And as for my servants I desire that they may
be paid their board wages which may be due unto them at my death and a
month longer (if there be sufficient to discharge it) And also that litle
apparrell which I shall leave behinde me may be bestowed uppon such my
servants as daylie waight uppon me in my Chamber, or also the money that
the apparrell shalbe prised at to be distributed among them at my wives
discretion Item I give unto my servant Browne beinge a groome of my stable
two of my horses which shalbe by my wife thought fittest to bestow uppon
him Item as I am thrisely bound I give unto my welbeloved wife my Lady
Margarett Stanhope my house wherein I nowe dwell situate in the parrishe
of St Martins aforesaid And all the furniture and houshold
stuffe of mine which is nowe remaining in the Stewarde house at Eltham,
and also all the houshold stuff of mine which remains in the house wherein
Mr Dyer dwelleth in Eltham aforesaid and in respect of the
constant love and fond affection which I have ever found in my said wife I
give unto her also all that little plate which I am possessed of both
guilt plate or plaine silver whereof some hathe usually been called by the
name of her plate, as her Cupbord plate except such plate and other
thinges as are by me before in and by this my last will and Testament
given and bequeathed Moreover I give and bequeath unto my welbeloved wife
my best Diamond Ring which I daily weare uppon my finger which she gave
unto me, And likewise I give unto my said wife all the rest of my Jewells
whatsoever whether they be Chaines or Carcanette or pearles or of what
kind soever they be as most due unto her selfe and also all the rest of my
goods cattles, and chattles whatsoever I doe give and bequeath unto my
said welbeloved wife my Ladt Margarett Stanhope whom I doe constitute
nominate and appopint sole Executrix of this my last will and Testament
prayinge my said wife to take uppon her the execution thereof And to the
end this may appeare to be my last will and testament I have to everie
sheete of paper beinge sixe in number sette my hand and seale the daye and
yeare above written John Stanhope In the presence of Edm: Scarburgh John
Pittman
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 pp264-5
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
- Alumni Cantabrigienses part 1 vol 4 p146
(John Venn, 1927)
- The history and antiquities of the seigniory of
Holderness vol 2 p250 (George Poulson, 1842); Dictionary of National Biography vol 54
pp19-20 (Sidney Lee, 1898); The History
of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler,
1981, entry for STANHOPE,
John (c.1545-1621), of Harrington, Northants. and St.
Martin-in-the-Fields, London. states that John married Mary
Knowles
- Parish
registers for St. Luke's Church, Chelsea; Archaeologia vol 38 p392 (1860); The History of Parliament: the House of Commons
1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981, entry for STANHOPE,
John (c.1545-1621), of Harrington, Northants. and St.
Martin-in-the-Fields, London.
- Archaeologia vol 38 p398, citing John's
IPM
- Parish registers for St
Martin in the Fields transcribed
at FreeReg
- John
Stanhope, 1st Baron Stanhope
- Sir John Stanhope
John Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
John was admitted to Gray's Inn
on 23 October 1598
The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn, 1521-1889
p95 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
1598 Oct. 23. JOHN
STANHOPE, third son of Edward Stanhope, of Gray’s (sic),
Esq.
Mary
Hawley on 27 May 1593, in Chigwell, Essex, England
The marriage license is dated 25 May 1593.
Allegations for Marriage Licences Issued by the Bishop
of London vol 1 p207 (Joseph Lemuel Chester, 1887)
1593 May
25 John Stanhope, son of Edward Stanhope, of Gray's Inn, Esqr,
& Mary Hawle, Spr, of Chigwell, co. Essex, dau. of [blank] Haule, of the City of York,
Esq., decd; at Chigwell afsd.
- John Stanhope (1602 - 1664)
- Edward Stanhope (1606 - ? ) adm Camb 1624 see Alumni Cantabrigienses
- Margaret Stanhope (1607 - ? ) named and described as eldest daughter
in her father's will (1627) and named in mother's will (1658) which
names her husband Robert Dyndley and two daughters Mary and Elizabeth
- Susan Stanhope (1608 - ? ) named in mother's will (1658) as the late
wife of James Curtis and has son Francis and daughter Anne
- Mary Stanhope (1609 - ? )
- Francis Stanhope (1609 - 1609)
- Ursula Stanhope (1610 - 1654)
- Elizabeth Stanhope (1611 - ? ) - named in mother's will (1658) along
with husband William Blythman and daughter Mary
- Thomas Stanhope (1610or11or15or16 - 1691) - named in mother's will
(1658); mentions a 1st wife and her daughter Elizabeth, and 2nd wife
Grace; daughter Elizabeth m. Edmund Yarburgh see Some
Notes on Our Family History; Thomas's 4 wives named in South Yorkshire: the history and topography of the
deanery of Doncaster, in the diocese and county of York vol 2
p153
- Michael Stanhope - see will of his great uncle and godfather, Sir
Michael Stanhope dated 6 November 1621; see also will of his mother in
1658 referring to Michael's will and estate; adm Camb 1636 see Alumni
Cantabrigienses
- Tobias Stanhope (1618 - 1620)
- Henry Stanhope
- Anthony Stanhope (1621 - 1621) see FreeReg
- Anne Stanhope - named but deceased in mother's will (1658); married
Malrrtin Harris and has daughters Maria and Anne
- 5 other children - the MI on John and Mary's grave notes that she bore
19 children ("cui peperit 19, optimae indolis, liberos."
Sir John Stanhope was of Melwood Park, Owston parish, Isle of
Axholme, Lincolnshire, inherited from his uncle, Edward Stanhope, and of
Stotfold, Hooton Pagnell, Yorkshire, property which his wife inherited from
her father.
John is named a third son, and inherits Smith Hall, in the will of his
father, Sir Edward Stanhope dated 8 August 1603 and proved 16 February
1603(4), is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
Item I giue vnto John Stanhope, my third sonne,
all that the hall house or mannor called Smith hall with the landes as
well freehold, as coppiholde there, which I purchased with it, or had in
other purchases in exchainge to me and mine heires lieng in Snaith Cowick
Pollington Hensall Gowle and Balne, willing that he make his wife a
Jointure of it for the terme of her naturall
life, And also I giue vnto my saide sonne John, all that my lease of the
Tithes of Swinfleet in the said Countie of yorke
In 1608, John inherited Melwood Park in Owston parish of the Isle of
Axholme,. Lincolnshire, from his uncle and godfather Sir Edward Stanhope,
Doctor of the Civil Laws. Edward's will is dated 28 February 1602(3) and
proved 25 March 1608 and is held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228.
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do give
to every one of the sons and daughters of my brother, Edward Stanhope,
and my sister, Susan, his wife, which shall be living at the time of my
death one gold signet ring of three angels’ weight apiece with the same
crest and inscription as is set down for the sons and daughter of my
brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased;
...
Item, I do give unto my nephew, John Stanhope, my godson, the third son
of my brother, Edward Stanhope, all those my lands commonly known by the
name of Mellwood Park, lying in the Isle of Axholme, with all the lands
thereunto belonging lying within the said Isle or elsewhere within the
county of Lincoln which I lately bought of the right honourable the Lord
Edmond Sheffield of the most noble Order of the Garter, knight, and
since repurchased of the Queen’s Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, by what name
or names soever they be called, as if particular mention had been made
of the particular parishes wherein the said lands do lie, together with
all deeds, writings, escripts, fines, leases, indentures, statutes or
whatsoever to the said lands belonging, to have and to hold the said
lands called by the name of Mellwood Park and other the premises unto my
foresaid nephew and godson, John Stanhope, and the heirs male of his
body lawfully begotten forever
...
Item, I give to the wife of my nephew, John Stanhope, son to Sir Edward
Stanhope, and my godson, one piece of plate silver and gilt of twenty
ounces;
John was knighted on 18 April 1617.
The Knights of England p162 (William Arthur
Shaw, 1906)
1617, Apr. 18.
JOHN STANHOPE, of Co. Yorks. (by the King
at Bishop Auckland, in Durham).
The Progresses, Processions, and Magnificent
Festivities, of King James the First pp275-6 (John Nichols,
1828)
On the
17th of April, the King was received by Bishop James, at his Palace of
Bishop Auckland, whence on the 18th, the Earl of Buckingham wrote to the
Lord Keeper Bacon, that “his Majesty, though he were a little troubled
with a little pain in his back which hindered his hunting, is now, God
be thanked, very well, and as merry as he ever was, and we have all held
out well.”
On the 18th, the King knighted, at Bishop’s Auckland, Sir John
Stanhope, of Yorkshire3; and Sir Thomas Merry, Chief
Controller; and on the 19th, before his departure, Sir Arthur Grey, of
Northumberland; and Sir Marmaduke Wyvell, of Yorkshire.
3 Also of Melwood Park in the Isle of Axholme.
John was left a bequest in the will of his aunt Jane, dated 20 July 1617,
held at The
National Archives (PROB 11/131/287). A modern spelling transcript
(©2007 Nina Green) is at oxford-shakespeare.com
Item, I
give unto my nephews, Michael Stanhope, John Stanhope, George Stanhope
and Thomas Stanhope, sons of my deceased brother, Sir Edward Stanhope,
knight, to each of them forty shillings apiece
John is also mentioned in the will of his uncle, Sir Michaell Stanhope of
Sudborne, Suffolk, dated 6 November 1621, held at the National
Archives PROB 11/139/119
Item I give and bequeath unto my Nephew Sr John Stanhope knight
Sonne of my brother Sr Edward Stanhope late of York knight And
to my Godsonne his child the Summe of twenty pounds of good money
John was a Justice of the Peace, and seems to have paid special attention to
drinking on Sundays.
The
Communities of the Manor of Epworth in the Seventeenth Centurye
p191 (Joy Lloyd, 1998)
Alehouse tippling on the Sabbath was also a
matter of considerable concern to Sir John Stanhope of Melwood Park in
Owston parish, whose will of 1627 shows clear evidence of his godly
outlook. He served as justice of the peace, and the Lindsey quarter
session records of 1625 contain nine cases of men of the manor indicted
for keeping alehouses open on the Sabbath, all tried before Sir John. One
of these, that of Robert Fish of Kinnall Ferry in Owston parish, was noted
by the justice of the peace as 'upon my owne veiw and sight'. Two alehouse
keepers of Haxey were indicted for allowing two labourers of Melwood Park
to drink on the Sabbath. These two labourers on Sir John's estate had
travelled to the far end of the manor for their Sunday tippling, but not
far enough to escape the notice of the magistrate. Men from Owston, Haxey
and Epworth parishes were brought before the court for both keeping and
frequenting alehouses. Those named as drinking in the alehouses included
labourers, a number of yeomen and Richard Thornhill, a gentleman from
Owston. John Whittaker of Epworth, whose wife was presented in 1623 for
keeping an alehouse on Sunday and who was himself presented for taking
part in the drum-beating incident, was indicted as an alehouse keeper.
John Starkey, another of the drumming crowd, was one of the tipplers named
at the quarter sessions. He was the son of the yeoman of the same name who
was one of the past churchwardens accused in 1609 of tippling in
alehouses. Another of the Sunday drinkers was Matthew Winder, presented to
the church courts for teaching without a licence. It seems clear that at
this time a godly discipline was attempted by some of those in authority
and that it was strongly resisted by others.
South Yorkshire: the history and topography of the
deanery of Doncaster, in the diocese and county of York vol 2
p153 (Joseph Hunter, 1831)
Stotfold.
William Hawley is named in the Œconomia Rokebeiorum, as having had by
Catherine his wife, a daughter and coheir of Henry Rokeby, Mary, his
only daughter and heir, whom sir John Stanhope took to wife.
Sir John Stanhope was brother to sir Edward Stanhope, of
Edlington, both influential men in these parts of the county in the reign
of king James I. He had another seat at Melwood Park, in the isle of
Axholme, but he probably died here, as he lies buried in the church of
Hooton Paynel, where is an inscription to his memory, which has already
been given. In her widowhood of thirty-three years the wife of sir John
resided here, and was buried at Hooton Jan. 24, 1660-1.
By his will, dated 11 April 1627, sir John Stanhope appointed his
feoffees in trust to receive the profits of his lands called Stotfold and
Shippenes, in the parish of Hooton Paynel, and in Frickley and Clayton,
to raise fortunes for his younger children, to each of whom he leaves a
ring with the posy “Feare God.”
The History and Topography of the Isle of Axholme
p258-60 (William Brocklehurst Stonehouse, 1839)
HIGH MELWOOD.
WITHIN a short distance of the Priory in the Wood was the park
and residence of Darcy Stanhope, Esq. which being situated on a rising
ground has obtained the appellation of High Melwood. Standing in a field
above the house called Maw Hill, the spectator may see at one view the
whole level of Hatfields Chase, the Yorkshire Wolds beyond the Humber,
and the valley through which the Trent winds its course from Gainsbrough
to that magnificent estuary.
It appears from the Patent Rolls in the time of Edward the First,
that this Park was the property of John Clifford, who was attainted, and
that it was then conferred on Nicholas Ganesford. Into whose hands it
passed next I have not been able to trace; but in the reign of James the
First it had become the property of Sir John Stanhope, of Stotfold, in
the county of York. Sir John Stanhope was the son of Sir Edward Stanhope
of Edlington, near Doncaster, in the county of York. Sir Edward was one
of the Queen’s Counsel in the north, a Justice of Peace, and Recorder of
Doncaster. He had four sons Sir Edward Stanhope, of Grimstone, Knight,
Michael Stanhope, M.D. Sir John Stanhope, of Stotfold, and of Melwood
Park, in the Isle of Axholme, and George Stanhope, Prebendary of York,
D.D.
... The house was a large stone building, surrounded by a moat,
pleasantly situated on the side of the hill, with a south-west aspect.
Not a vestige of it remains. When the property came into the family of
Acklom, it was disparked, and converted into an arable farm.
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p222 (William Dugdale, 1894)
SIR JOHN
STANHOPE of Mellwood, in the Isle of Axholm, died in ao
1627, and of Stotfold, in the par. of Hooton Paynel, bur. at
Hooton 28 Aug. 1627. M.I. Will 30 Apr., pr. 30 Sept. 1627, mar.
Mary, daughter and heire of Will’m Hawley of Stotfold in co. Ebor.,
mar. lic. 25 May 1593, bur. at Hooton Paynel 24 Jan. 1660.
1627
28 August 1627, in the north, or
Stotfold, choir, in All Saints, Hooton Pagnell, Yorkshire, England
The history and antiquities of Doncaster and its
vicinity pp283-4 (Edward Miller, 1804)
HOOTON, OR HOOTON PAGNELL, PAYNELL, OR PANNELL.
Here is only one monument, which is in the north, or Stotfold
choir, with the following inscription:
Memoriæ Sacrum Dni. Joh. Stanhop
et Dnæ. Mariæ uxoris ejus.
Hic mortales deposuit exuvias Dni. Joh. Stanhop de Melwood Park, in
insula Axholm Eques auriat. filius Dni. Edwardi ex antiqua familia
Stanhoppi de Grimston, in agro Eboracensi oriundus, et cum eo jacet
Dna. Maria filia et hæres Gulielmi Hawley de Stotfold, armigeri, uxor
ejus charissima cui peperit 19 optime indolis liberos, ambo vixerunt
fœliciter, moriebantur pie, et nunc placide quiescunt in certa spe
resurrectionis sub monumento, quod Jasper Blithman de Newlathes
armiger, nepos corum in gratam memoriam ultroq. consecravit Anno Dni.
1674. Morituri sequimur mortuos.
Which may be thus rendered,
Sacred to the memory of Lord John Stanhop,
and Lady Mary, his wife.
Here lie deposited the mortal remains of Lord John Stanhop, of Melwood
Park, in the Isle of Axholme, Knight and Bart. son of Lord Edward, of
the ancient family of the Stanhopes, of Grimstone, in the county of
York, and with him lies Lady Mary, daughter and heiress of Wm. Hawley,
of Stotfield, Esq. his dearly beloved wife, to whom she bore nineteen
children of the most amiable dispositions; they both of them lived
happily, died piously, and now rest in peace, in certain hope of a
resurrection, beneath this monuments which Jasper Blithman, of
Newlathes, Esq. their grandson, has consecrated to them in grateful
remembrance, A. D. 1674. We who are to die, must follow those who are
dead.
The arms of this monument have been so often white-washed over, that
they cannot be exactly made out, but the armorial ensigns of the
Stanhopes are visible.
South Yorkshire: the history and topography of the
deanery of Doncaster, in the diocese and county of York vol 2
p147 (Joseph Hunter, 1831)
Parish of Hooton Paynel.
In the north or Stotfold quire:
... There are also the following inscriptions.
Memoriae sacrum Dni JOHnis
STANHOP
et Dnae MARIÆ
uxors ejus.
Hic mortales deposuit exuvias Dns Joes Stanhop de
Melwood-park in insulâ Axholm, eques auratus, filius Dni
Edwardi, ex antiquâ familiâ Stanhoppi de Grimston in agro Eboracensi
oriundus. Et cum eo jacet Dona Maria, filia et haeres Gulielmi
Hawley de Stotfold, Armigeri, uxor ejus charissima, cui peperit 19,
optimae indolis, liberos. Ambo vixerunt fœliciter, moriebantur piè; et
nunc placidè quiescunt (in certa spe beatae resurrectionis) sub hoc
monumento, quod Jasper Blithman de New Lathes, armigr nepos
eorum maternus, in gratam ergo eos memoriam utriusque consecravit Ano
Dni l674.
Morituri sequimur mortuos.
The History and Topography of the Isle of Axholme
p259 (William Brocklehurst Stonehouse, 1839)
Sir John
Stanhope and his wife were buried in that part of the Church of Hooton
Pagnel which is called the Stotfold Choir. Stotfold is a single house in
the parish of Hooton, similar to High Melwood in the parish of Owston, a
distinct lordship to itself, and one of the old gentlehommeries of
England. The following inscription covers their remains.
MEMORIÆ SACRUM DNI. JOHNES.
STANHOP,
ET DNÆ.
MARIÆ UXORS. EJUS.
HIC MORTALES DEPOSUIT EXUVIAS
DNS. JOES. STANHOPE, DE
MELWOOD PARK, IN INSULA
AXHOLME, EQUES. AURATUS, FILIUS
DNI. EDWARDI EX ANTIQUA FAMILIA STANHOPI
DE GRIMSTON, IN AGRO EBORACENSI
ORIUNDUS. ET CUM EO JACET DONA.
MARIA, FILIA ET HÆRES GULIELMI
HAWBY DE STOTFOLD, ARMIGERI,
UXOR EJUS CHARISSIMA, CUI PEPERIT 19 OPTIMÆ
INDOLIS, LIBEROS AMBO VIXERUNT FELICITER, MORIEBANTUR PIE, ET NUNC
PLACIDE QUIESCUNT IN CERTA SPE BEATÆ RESURRECTIONIS SUB HOC MONUMENTO,
QUOD JASPER BLITHMAN DE NEW
LATHES, ARMIGR. NEPOS EORUM MATERNUS,
IN GRATAM ERGO EOS MEMORIAM UTRI USQUÆ CONSECRAVIT,
ANO DMi. 1674.
MORITURI SEQUIMUR MORITUROS.
A pair of shields carved in All Saints, Hooton Pagnell combines the arms of
the Stanhope and Hawley as well as those of Blithman and Mounteney.
The
Heraldry in the Churches of the West Riding of Yorkshire vol 2
p89 (James Harvey Bloom, 1892)
1. On a
tablet (two shields carved)—
Quarterly erm. and gu. (Stanhope) imp. a fess betw. three
talbots’ heads (Hawley).
2. On a fess betw. three bears ramp. as many fleur-de-lis (Blithman)
imp. a bend betw. six martlets (Mounteney).
In M. Dni Johnis Stanhop, et Dua Mariæ uxoris ejus, filia et
heres Gulielmi Hawley, de Stotfold.
This tablet was erected by Jaspar Blithman, of New Lathes Armig.
1674. H.D.D. II, p. 147.
Stanhope, quarterly erm. and gu. Hawley, gu. a fess
betw. three talbots heads’ arg. B.
Blithman, vert. on a fess betw. three bears ramp. arg. as
many fleur-de-lis of the last. Mounteney, arg. a bend betw. six
martlets gu. B.
The will of Sir John Stanhope of Melwood Park, Lincolnshire, dated 30 April
1627 and proved on 30 September 1627, is held at the National
Archives PROB 11/153/40
In the Name of God Amen The thirtith daie
of April in the third yeare of the Raigne of our Soveraigne
Lord Charles by rge grace of God King of England Scotland France &
Ireland defender of the faith etc I Sr John Stanhope of Melwood
Parke
in the Countie of Lincoln knight being sicke in body but in good and
perfect memory I thanke my gratious god doe make and ordaine this my last
will and Testament in writing in manner and forme following revoaking all
fomer wills by mee made that is to saie First in all humilitie with the
bended knees of my soule I commend my soule into the hands of the
allmightie lord god the father of Spiritts constantly beleving and being
fully persuaded that he is the god allmightie that made heaven and earth
and all things therein and that he is not only the father of all his elect
people in generall but that he is in particular my Father and that I am
his Child by adoption and grace in Jesus Christ wch Jesus
Christ I doe verilie beleeve to bee the only Sonne of that allmightie god
begotten before all worlds and that of his infenite love to mankinde he
gave that eternall some of love out of his bosome to take upon him the
true nature of man with all his naturall properties (sinns onely excepted)
and that for the ransominge of mankinde from the power of Sathan sinns,
hell, and eternall death to bee partakens of the glorious inheritance of
the kingdome of heaven for ever of wch number I doe verilie and
constantly beleeve my selfe to bee one in particular And I doe beleeve
that this Jesus Christ was that true annoynted of god both king Pontiff
and Prophet, a king to Rule and Raigne over them that have hould of him by
a true and saintly faith, a Prophet to teach and instruct his people, his
will and ho trulie to please god and how to serve him, a Pontiff to offer
upp unto his most heavenly Father upon the alter of his Crosse his body as
that onely sweete smelling sacrifice above all and onely acceptable unto
God his Father And I doe verilie beleeve and am fully persuaded that by
his last sacrifice wherein his precious bloud was shed & was paid unto
his Father a full and sufficient prize as for all his ??? soe for mee in
particular and that by his obedience he fully satisfied that lawe of god
for mee and all mankinde & haveing further undergone the punnishmt
due to mankinde I am freely discharged from the curse of the lawe from the
guilt of sinne and from the eternall punnishmt due to me for
the same: and that thereby god is become my mercifull and loveing father,
in that his deare sonne and my Saviour Jesus Christ and in him fully
reconciled with mee And therefore I doe renounce all other waies and
meanes as merritts of Saints and my owne seeming righteousnes and wholy
and solye relye and depend upon that blessed powerfull and all ???
sacrifice of his death and bloudy passion as the true sole and onely
meanes of my salvation for ever And this faith and assurance I verilie
beleeve to be wrought in my hart by the spirit of truth wth ???
from the father who with the father and the sonne is one and onely to bee
worshiped and glorified Item I comitt my body to the earth to bee buried
in the parish Church where I shall departe this life being fully
persuaded and stedfastly beleeving that though by body be for a tyme ???
in the bowells of the earth as the bedd of my body I meene my grave, and
soe seperate for a tyme from my soule, wch soule of mine soe separated I
beleeve upon the Separation shalbe rascuyed by the Angells of god into the
society of gods blessed saints and Angells where all teares shalbe wyped
from my eyes And that when the eternall sonne of god Jesus Christ shall
come in glory to iudge both the quicke and the dead that by his allmightie
power he will raise up this my vile and fraile body & change it into a
glorious and immortall habitt and that my soule and body being againe
ioyned togeather by his allmightie power whereby he is able to doe all
things they shall neaver bee separated againe and that wth
theise eyes to my endless and everlasting comforts I shall see him ??? was
my Saviour to bee my Judge and that having heard that most endless and
comfortable sentence pronounced unto mee amongst and togeather wth
the rest of his elect children and Saints, come yee blessed Children of
Father inherite the kingdom prepared for you before the beginning of the
world I saie I doe verily beleive that then I amongst the rest of the
blessed Saints and Children of god our Father shall attend Christ Jesus
the glorious bridegrome of my soule my blessed Saviour and mercifull Judge
into those blessed habitacions wch he purchased for mee by his pretious
bloud and went to prepare for mee after his glorious resurrection, and
where I doe beleeve my soule and body joyntly shall partake and
participate and for ever enjoy such ioyes as eyes hath not seene, ears
hath not heard of neither the hart of man is able to conceive thereof wch
the lord god allmightie hath prepared of his infenite love and mercy in
Jesus Christ for mee And the rest of his elect people: And that there I
doe verelie beleeve I shall ever reaine in singing praises to the glorious
Trinitie Father Sonne and holy Ghost Amen soe bee it Amen Item I give to
my Eldest sonne's wife a peece of plate to the value of five pounds Item I
give to Margaret Stanhope my eldest daughter in full satisfaccion of her
Child's part and porcion the entyer some of fower hundred pounds
when she shall accomplish her age of twentie fower yeares or bee married
by the consent of her mother wheather of them shall first happen, and if
it please god to call my wife from this mortal life before the said prefixed
tyme, then my will is that it shalbe paid within fower moneths after my
wives death to my said daughtr and that till such tyme as the
said porcion shalbe paid to my said daughter my will is that my
wife shall paie unto her twentie pounds yearely for her maintenance And
further my will is that if my said daughter shall departe this life before
shee accomplish the age of twentie fower yeares or bee married that then
the said sume of fower hundred pounds allotted to her for her porcion
shalbe equallie devided amongst the residue of my younger daughters then
living Provided likewise that if my said daughter Margaret shall marry or
contract herselfe in marriage without the consent and likeing of her
mother then my will is that she shall have one hundred pounds onely for
her porcion and that the other three hundred pounds allotted to her
as before shalbe equallie devided amongst the residue of my youngest
daughters then liveing for the increase of theire porcions Itm
whereas I have a surrender of certeyne lands called Marren hall from
William Copley of Sprodbrouigh in the Countie of Yorke Esquire for the
paymt of three score pounds yearely for eight yeares yet to
come my will is and I doe accordingly bequeath the same rents as they
shall growe due during the said tearme to my well and dearely beloved
wife: And my intent and meaning is that if the said rents or any of them
shall not be paid according to the said surrender that then my heires or
assignes shall surrender the said Copyehould lands to the use of my wife
and her heires Itm whereas there hath lately by ye mutall
consent of my selfe and my wife an estate beene made by Feofment to
Godfrey Copley of Sprodbrough in the Countie of Yorke Esqr Godfrey Copley
of Skedbrooke in ye said Countie Esqr Godfrey Bosvile of
Guythwaite in the said Countie Esquire & Anthony Hamond as feoffes in
trust for my younger children aswell Sonnes and Daughters for the sale of
certeyne lands called Stodfould and Sheppend in the parish of Horton
pannell in the countie of Yorke and the parish of Firkley and
Clayton in the said Countie wch said landes are to be sould and to bee
disposed for the sevall porcions of my said Sonnes & Daughters as in
and by the said deeds of Feoffment maie more at lrge appear. I having an
assured confidence that my dearly beloved wife wilbe a loving Mother to
them, if they serve god and demeane themselves dutifully towards her, am
not willing to charge her with any payment of further porcions for
increase of theirs formerly allotted unto them by the said feofant in
trust but leave them to her use, and as they shall deserve of her onely I
give to each of them a ring of the value of twentie shillings wth this
poesie Feare God Itm I give to my beloved brother Sr Edward
Stanhope Knight of the holie order of the Bayth a ringe wth a
dyamond in it of the value of five pounds Itm I give to my welbeloved
Brother Michaell Stanhope my best blacke cloake lyned wth velvet and
inbrodered about the skirt with blacke silke and purle. Itm I give to my
wellbeloved brother Jior Stanhope one gould Ringe of the value of thirty
shillings and he to choose his poesy and soe the rest of my Brothers to
choose theire poesies. Itm I give to my welbeloved brother Thomas Stanhope
one gould Ringe of the value of twentie shillings Itm I give to my eldest
brother Sr Edward his wife one little hoope ringe to the value
of ten shillings Itm I give to my loveing friend Mrs Elizabeth
Mole one gould Ringe of the value of ten shillings Itm I give to my
brother Jiors wife and to my nephew Edward Stanhope Sonne to my brother Sr
Edward Stanhope and to my said nephews wife each of them a little hoope
Ringe to the value of ten shillings as a remembrance of my love to them
Itm I give to my Eldest Sonne a Ringe to the value of twentie shillings
Itm I give to my brother in lawe Anthony Hamond a gould Ringe of the value
of thirtie shillings with this poesie engraven Judge charitably Itm I give
to my Sister in lawe Ursula Hamond the same of ten pounds Itm I give
to Mr Askough Preatcher of the Citty of Yorke fortie shillings Itm I give
to Mr Garthwaite preatcher of Bellfrey Church in Yorke fourtie shillings
Itm I give to Mr Langley Preatcher of Trewell in the Countie of Nottingham
fortie shillings Itm I give to Mr Ellis Preacher of Owston in the Ile of
Axholme fortie shillings Itm I give to my faithful friend Mr Charles
Broxholme Preacher of Denton Chappell in Lancashire the some of five
pounds Itm I give to the poore of the severall parishes of Epworth
Owston and Haxey in the said Ile of Axholme the sevall somes of fortie
shillings Itm I give to the poore of the parish where I shall departe
this life the some of three pounds The rest of all my goods and chattells
leases moneys Bonds plate houshold goods and the residue of my personall
estate unbequeathed my legacies discharges I give unto my dearely beloved
and faithfull wife whom I doe freely acknowledge hath beene a speciall
instrument next under god to enlarge my wordlie estate and doe make her my
sole and onely Executrix of this my last will and testament the success
whereof I humbly comend to gods blessing Amen
Witnesses hereunto Edward Stanhope Michaell Stanhope Edward Cripling and
Henry ???
Mrs Elizabeth Mole, mentioned in John's will above, was presumable
the mother-in-law of his brother George, Elizabeth (Cheke) Molle, wife of
John Molle imprisoned by the Inquisition in Rome.
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p222 (William Dugdale, 1894); named as the third son in the will
of his father held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253)
- The Register of Admissions to Gray's Inn,
1521-1889 p95 (Joseph Foster, 1889)
- England
Marriages GS film 571177; marriage license from Allegations for Marriage Licences Issued by the
Bishop of London vol 1 p207 (Joseph Lemuel Chester, 1887)
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p222 (William Dugdale, 1894)
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p222 (William Dugdale, 1894), citing Memorial Inscription
- The History and Topography of the Isle of Axholme
p259 (William Brocklehurst Stonehouse, 1839); date from Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p222 (William Dugdale, 1894)
- Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p222 (William Dugdale, 1894)
John Stanhope
17 October 1602, in Kirkby Wharfe,
Yorkshire, England
Historical
Notices of Doncaster vol 2 p7 (Charles William Hatfield,
1868)
1602—Itm. John, the sonne of Mr. John Stanhope,
Esquire, was haptized Oct. 16.
John Stanhope
Mary
(Hawley) Stanhope
Margaret Piers on 8 June
1626, in St Michael le Belfrey, York, Yorkshire, England
Margaret was the daughter of John Piers.
- John Stanhope ( ? - 1663)
- Elizabeth Stanhope - "eldest daughter" in the will of Mary (Hawley)
Stanhope dated 1658
Ann Carville on 12 April
1638, in Holy Trinity Micklegate, York, Yorkshire, England
Paver's Marriage Licences vol 40 p118
(1909)
John Stanhope,
Esq., Trinity, Micklegate, and Ann Carville, spinster, Milforth—at
Trinity.8
... 8 At Trinity, 12 Apr., 1638.
Ann died before 30 April 1651, when her brothers, Francis and Robert,
petitioned the Committee for Compounding on behalf of William, Michael, and
Ann Stanhope, infants, for a continuation of an annuity that Ann had for
life, as otherwise the children had no support (Calendar of the Proceedings of the Committee for
Compounding, &c., 1643-1660: Cases, 1643-1646 pp1034-5).
In The Records of the Honorable Society of Lincoln's Inn
vol 1 p259 Francis Carvile is listed as being of North Milford,
Yorkshire. Ann was presumable related to the Mary Carvile who was one of the
executors of John's mother's will dated 4 September 1658, with a codicil
dated 7 September 1660 and which Mary proved on 23 November 1661.
- Margaret Stanhope (1644 - ? )
- Michael Stanhope (1646 - 1724)
- Ann Stanhope ( ? - 1672)
- William Stanhope
John is the eldest son in the will of his father, Sir John Stanhope of
Melwood Park, Lincolnshire, dated 30 April 1627, which is held at the National
Archives PROB 11/153/40. The will also leaves a bequest to John's
wife, Margaret.
Item I give to my Eldest sonne's wife a peece of
plate to the value of five pounds ...
Itm I give to my Eldest Sonne a Ringe to the value of twentie shillings
Calendar of the Proceedings of the Committee for
Compounding, &c., 1643-1660: Cases, 1643-1646 pp1034-5
(1890)
JOHN
STANHOPE, Womersley, Co. York, and Melwood Park, Co. Lincoln.
29 Nov. 1645. Begs to compound. The Earl of Newcastle put upon him a
commission to raise a troop of horse, which he was enforced to accept,
though he never put it into execution. Begs direction to the County
Committee of Lincoln to certify his estate.
16 Jan. 1647. Begs dispatch of his composition
27 May. Fine at ⅒, 400l.
30 April 1651. FRANCIS and ROBERT CARVEIL,
of Lincoln’s Inn, petition the Committee for Compounding on behalf of
William, Michael, and Ann Stanhope, infants. John Stanhope, who married
petitioners’ sister, had an annuity of 100l. out of lands in
Melwood Park, payable by Dame Mary Stanhope, widow, which became
sequestered for his delinquency in 1644, and for which he was unable to
compound.
By the death of their mother, Ann Stanhope, who during her life
had ⅕ of the said annuity, William, Michael, and Ann Stanhope have
nothing for their support. Petitioners being brothers of Ann Stanhope,
deceased, beg that the fifth of the annuity may be continued, and they
authorized to receive it.
30 April 1651. County Committee of Lincoln, if the contents of the
petition are true, to allow a fifth.
2 July 1653. John Stanhope petitions the Council of State. Has been
unable to pay his fine, which was first set at 400l., and in
1649, at 300l. Begs that as the profits of his estate have been
received for 9 years, and he has had only ⅕ to support a wife and six
children, he may be admitted to compound at 300l. without
interest.
2 July. Referred by the Council of State to the Committee at
Haberdashers’ Hall to admit him accordingly.
26 July. Fined 300l., without interest.
27 Sept. 1655. Petitions the Committee for Compounding. Was disappointed
by a friend of receiving the said 300l. till Aug. 1655, and begs
that it may now be received, and his sequestration discharged.
John was named as the eldest son in the will of his mother Dame Mary
Stanhope, Widow of Owston, Lincolnshire, dated 4 September 1658, with a
codicil dated 7 September 1660, that was proved on 23 November 1661, and is
held at the National
Archives PROB 11/306/329. The complicated bequest to John is
conditional on him being "capable to receive the same to his owne use in
respect of his delinquency" and if not, most Mary's estate flows directly to
John's children and grandchildren. In addition, there is vergiage around
John's legavy being dependent on his allowing access to Melwood Park to the
will's excutors to retrieve items bequeathed elsewhere, perhaps indicating
poor sibling relationships. The will also names two daughters of John,
Elizabeth the eldest, and Anne, as well as a grandson, John.
... Inprimus I give and bequeath unto my eldest
sonne John Stanhope Esquire the sume of Three score poundes to bee payd
unto him within one yeare after my decease in case hee shall then be
capable to receive the same to his owne use in respect of his delinquency
But in case hee shall not then be capable to receive the same for his owne
benefit for the reason aforesaid Then I give unto him instead thereof of a
Legacy Diamond Ring of ffive pounds price in full satisfacion of his
filliall parte and porcion And in that case my will and mynde is
the said Three score pounds shalbe equally amongst his Children and
Childrens Children my Grandchildren and great Grandchildren Item I give
unto Elizabeth Stanhope my Grandchilde the the eldest daughter of my said
sonne John Stanhope the summe of Tenn pounds to be payd to her within
twelve months next after my decease And to Anne Stanhope another of his
daughters forty shillings And I give to my Godsonne John Stanhope
Grandchile of my said sonne John Stanhope Tenn pounds to bee paid at the
end of five yeares next after my decease ... And all the rest of my
wearing apparrell not yet hereby bequeathed I give and bequeath unto the
Children of my Grandchilde John Stanhope my great Grandchildren and to
their now mother
... In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my seale and subscribed my
hand the day and yeare above written Mary Stanhope Signed sealed and
subscribed in the presence of us John Pindar Antho: Allan William
Thornhill Dan. Woddell Robert Jeffreson.
...
Whereas I Dame Mary Stanhope of Mellwood Parke in the parish of Owston in
the Countye of Lincolne widdowe have made my last Will and Testament in
writeing under my hand and seale beareing date the ffourth day of
September in the yeare of our Lord one thousand six hundred ffifty and
eight And therein and thereby made Thomas Stanhope Margaret Dindley
Elizabeth Blythman Godfrey Walker and Marye Carvile Executors
of my said last Will and Testament And also therein and thereby have
bequeathed and given many Legacyes to divers persons therein named And
amongst the rest I have given unto John Stanhope Esquire my eldest sonne
the sume of Three score pounds to bee payd unto him within one yeare next
after my decease in case hee shalbe capable to receive the same to his
owne use in respect of his delinquencye But if hee shall not then bee
capable thereof to his owne benefitt for the reason aforesaid Then I did
give unto him instead thereof a Legacie Diamond Ring of ffive pound price
in full satisfacion of his fillial part and porcion And in that
case I did give the said Three score pounds to bee equally devided amongst
his Children and Childrens Children my Grandchildren and great
Grandchildren Since the makeing of which my said last Will and Testament I
doo now and hereby declare And it is my mynde and will that the said
Legacye of Three score pounds given by my said last will unto my said
sonne John Stanhope shalbe utterly voyd and of none effect And I doo
hereby revoke and make voyde the same as if the same had never beene by
mee given unto him his Children or Grandchildren And I doo hereby declare
And my will and mynde is that if the said John Stanhope my sonne shall
immediately after my decease permitt and suffer the Executors
in my said last Will and Testament named To have hould occupye and enjoy
the benefitt use and occupacion of the house at Mellwood wherein I
now live and of the grounds ffoulds and houses there for the tyme and
space of Two monethis next after my decease for removall of those goods
and Chattles without the interrupcion hinderance molestation and
disturbance of him the said John Stanhope or any other person or persons
by from or with his consent appoyntement or Command permission or
sufferance Then I doo give and bequeath unto the said John Stanhope the
just and entire summe of Threescore pounds to bee pays unto him by my
Executors within one yeare next after my decease But in case
hee the said John Stanhope shall refuse and not permitt and suffer my said
Executors to have and enjoy the said house at Mellwood the
outhouses fould Feeds and grounds there Two moneths next after my decease
for the removall of the said goods within doores and without and keepinge
and disposall of the same without loss and damage but shall hinder and
disturbe them in the peaceable enjoyment of the said houses and grounds
aforesaid to their losse and damage Then I doe hereby revoke and make
voyde the said gifte and legacye of Threescore pounds which I have hereby
given unto him as if the same had never beene by mee given unto him And
then I doe give and bequeath unto the said John Stanhope one diamond Ring
of ffive pounds price and ffive shillings in money in full satisfaccion
of his Childs part and porcion
The History and Topography of the Isle of Axholme
p259-60 (William Brocklehurst Stonehouse, 1839)
HIGH MELWOOD.
... John Stanhope, the son of Sir John, and Darcy the grandson, seem to
have resided principally at High Melwood, as they are both buried in
Owston Church. John Stanhope, the son of Darcy, also resided here, and
was buried in Owston Church in the twenty-ninth year of his age. He
married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Robert Farmery of High Burnham, by
whom he acquired that property; and and he left issue two daughters,
Elizabeth and Isabella. Elizabeth married Mr. Richard Acklom, by which
marriage High Melwood came into that family, and then into the family of
Earl Spencer, who married the great-grandaughter of Mr. Acklom, and by
him it was sold to the present owner, the Rev. Thomas Skipworth, of
Belton. The house was a large stone building, surrounded by a moat,
pleasantly situated on the side of the hill, with a south-west aspect.
Not a vestige of it remains. When the property came into the family of
Acklom, it was disparked, and converted into an arable farm.
14 October 1664, in St Martin,
Owston, Lincolnshire, England
John Stanhop, Esquire, is recorded as living at Mellwoodyke
- Yorkshire
parish register ref B-PR-K-W-1; Yorkshire
Bishop's Transcripts; Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p223 (William Dugdale, 1894); Historical Notices of Doncaster vol 2 p7
(Charles William Hatfield, 1868) has the date as 16 October 1602
- Named as the eldest son
in the wills of both his father and mother; Historical Notices of Doncaster vol 2 p7
(Charles William Hatfield, 1868); Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p223 (William Dugdale, 1894)
- England
Marriages batch M13564-1; Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p223 (William Dugdale, 1894)
- Paver's Marriage Licences vol 40 p118
(1909); Yorkshire
Bishop's Transcripts film 007587761 image 00022; that this
identifies the correct John Stanhope shown by identification of Ann's
brothers in Calendar of the Proceedings of the Committee for
Compounding, &c., 1643-1660: Cases, 1643-1646 pp1034-5
(1890)
- Parish
register of St Martin Owston transcribed at FreeReg; Lincolnshire
Parish Registers film 007011498_002_M99N-2R3 image 59; The History and Topography of the Isle of Axholme
p259 (William Brocklehurst Stonehouse, 1839)
Julian (Stanhope) Hotham
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
John Hotham
John was the eldest son of Sir Francis Hotham, of Scorborough, Yorkshire,
and Mary Hercy. He was sheriff of Yorkshire from 1584 to 1585, and a Member
of Parliament, representing Scarborough in 1584 and Hedon in 1586 (The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603 (P.W. Hasler,
1981) entry for HOTHAM,
John (d.c.1609), of Scorborough, Yorks.). He married, secondly, Mary
Goring and thirdly Jane Legard. John died in 1609.
The Baronetage of England vol 1 p245
(William Betham, 1801)
19. Sir
Francis Hotham of Scorbrough, Knt. who married Mary, daughter of
Humphrey Hercy of Grove, in Nottinghamshire, Esq. (and Elizabeth his
wife, daughter of Sir John Digby of Kettilby, Knt. and — — his wife,
daughter of Sir John Griffin, Knt.) and sister and co-heir to Sir John
Hercy, Knt. her brother, by whom he had
20. Sir John Hotham, Knt. who had three wives; 1. Julian,
daughter of Sir Michael Stanhope of Shelford, in Nottinghamshire, Knt.
by whom he had several children, who all died S. P. 2. Mary, daughter of
Sir George Goring of Burton, in Sussex, Knt. by whom he had no issue; 3.
Jane, daughter of Richard Lydyard (quere Legard_ of Rysome, in
Holderness, Esq. by whom he had Mary, the wife of Richard Remington of
Lund, in Yorkshire, Esq. Elizabeth, and Faith, who both died unmarried;
The Hothams pp23-4 (A.M.W. Stirling, 1918)
In 1540
there came into existence a John Hotham who was distinguished in the
annals of his family for four things. First, he was the son of Sir
Francis Hotham who afforded the sohtary instance for ten generations of
a head of the fanuly who did not bear the name of John; secondly, he was
one of the three members of his family who inherited his estate before
he was seven years old; thirdly, he was the first head of his race for
three hundred years on whom was not conferred the honour of knighthood;
finally he attained to what in the records of that race was the
unusually advanced age of sixty-nine.
By this date, it may be remarked, knighthood had long ceased to
be an obligation of military service; it had become, as now, a personal
honour granted for some service to the country or to the Sovereign. A
subject of Queen Elizabeth, John Hotham of the sixteenth century was not
called upon to take his part in any battle on behalf of his country, for
the reign of this Queen, compared with that of many of her predecessors,
was a time of peace. Thus, no doubt, it happens that his portrait, with
its fine, intellectual face, represents him clad in civilian attire, and
bears the appearance of a scholar rather than a soldier. And thus, too,
it probably befell that his sheltered life was prolonged to an age so
rarely attained by his forefathers.
Nevertheless John Hotham of Elizabethan days was a man of
considerable local importance and influence—Justice of the Peace, Member
of Parliament, and High Sheriff of the County. He married three times,
in which he set an example followed and surpassed by his successors; and
by his third wife, Jane Legard, daughter and co-heiress of Richard
Legard of Rysome in Holderness, he had an heir born in 1589.
(The portrait referred to appears on page
8 of this book, and is labelled "John Hotham (1540—1609) / Father of
the Governor of Hull / Portrait by Abraham Janssens" but on the portrait
itself are painted the words "SR JOHN
HOTHAM BT." and also inscribed "Sr
John Hotham Gov of Hull", so I assess the portrait to be of Sir JOhn Hotham,
the son of this John Hotham, by his third wife, Jane Legard.
- Elizabeth Hotham
- Jane Hotham
- Juliana Hotham
The wardship of John Hotham had been purchased by Anne (Rawson) Stanhope,
who then married him to her daughter, Julian. The marriage was unhappy, as
illustrated in these letters from Anne and John to Sir
William Cecil, Lord Burghley, into whose service John Hotham had been
placed by Lady Stanhope in his minority, and John sued for divorce from
Julian.
Original Letters, Illustrative of English History
2nd series vol 2 pp321-8 (Henry Ellis, 1827)
LETTER CLXXXIV.
The Lady Stanhope to Sir William Cecil, for his counsel to Mr. Hotham
who had married her daughter, and through jealousy wished to divorce
her.
[MS. LANSDOWNE 12. art.
1. Orig.]
RIGHT honorable, my humble dewtie
premised, it may please yow to be advertised that I am at this present
driven to write unto yow, as to one at whose handes, if I have not
frindlie helpe, I am like in short time to bring my old dayes with sorow
unto my grave; for alas how unhappie a woman am I, that having ever sins
the death of Mr. Stanhope imployed my hole tyme, and that
litle that God left me for the setting forwardes and advauncement of my
children, should now in my elder yeres have any of them turned home to
me with misery and shame. Woe be to that unluckye hower that I first
delt, at the ernest desir of himselfe, to buy the wardship of that
unkind gentleman my sonne (if he were worthy of the name of a sonne)
Hotham. I sought his good by all meanes possible, I preferred him to
your service, for the which he was so long the better, as while he
remembred the vertuous education, in honest liffe and good religion, he
received with yow; but sens, for theis foure yeres, he is so geven over
to his owne will, as he forgetteth God, abuseth his owne body with evill
company, and which is the frutes therof, hathe, of long tyme, upon a
hatred conceived of my daughter his wiffe, evill intreated & in
sundry sort slaundred her; and now lastlie confederat with a naughty
pack which he kepeth in his house, who served her as her woman, hathe
made a traine to have colour to sclaunder his saide wiffe, sent her
away, and caused his servauntes to leve her at my sister Bevercotsis, as
it were to the wide world; and sins seweth to be divorced from her, to
the end to mary the said wicked woman. O Lord! Sir, I pray yowe, thinke
what discomfort it was to me to receive her in that sort, but how muche
more grief it is to my hart to heare the sundry sclaunders he hath most
untrulie bruted & blasted of her, and how can I live to se him worke
his tirannous will against her by the way of divorce, especiallie in
Yorkshire, where he may suborne men & women to say what he listeth
to serve his develishe purpose, I beseach yow Sir even for the frindship
I I have ever reposed in yow, stretch forth now your helping hand to me
& my daughter in this our misery, & not ours onlie, but a blott
& rebuke to my hole kinred & frindes. The case how it standeth,
this bearer my sonne, Edward Stanhope, shall report unto yow, as we
receive it of her, & otherwise aswell by the report of servauntes as
his owne; & other her bretherins knowledge of his usages hertofore,
as also by good & evident presumptions, which if it be trew, Justice
requireth she should not be oppressed, and thoughe I know yow are not in
this case a Judge, yet how hardely the unbrideled rage of a husband that
is disposed to spoile his house, & undone himselfe may be stayed by
the wiffe that is left penyles to defend her cause, onles she hath the
ayde of some good frindes, I trust yow will for alliaunce &
frindship sake judge. For alas Sir I am not able (onles I should undoe
myselfe and my children, that be yet unprovided for) to wade in defence
of her cause by lawe; and besides the world is geven to condempne the
woman where any sute of divorce is made; I therfore humblie beseache yow
lett the auctorytie that you have had over him whilest he served yow
extend thus farr, as it will please yow to call him before yow, and by
your frindlie wisdome so govern his unstayednes, as if it may be, they
may live together in the feare of God which with all my hart I do wishe.
But if the rage of his jelous hed be such as he cannot yet content
himselfe so to do, then it may please yow to order it so, that she may,
having some allowaunce, live with her frindes, and I will do the part of
a mother to frame her to devise by all good and godlie meanes possible
to recover him to that contentacion which should be their greatest
comfort. All which referring to your good government, with my most
hartie comendacions to my good Lady, I humblie leve yow, being somewhat
stayed with the assured hope we have of your frindlie dealinge in this
behalfe. And so with my dew comendacions to my good Lady, I humblie leve
you to the Almightie. Shelford this vij th of Aprill 1569.
Your honors most humblie bound,
ANNE STANHOPE.
To the right honorable Sir William Cycill knight, chief
Secretarie to the Quenes most excellent Majestie, & one of her
Highnes most honorable Privye Councell.
LETTER CLXXXV.
John Hotham to Sir William Cecil, requesting to be excused from
appearing before him.
[MS. LANSD. 12. art.
93. Orig.]
MAY it pleas your Honor that wheras I have
resavid your Lettre wherin your Honor willethe me to repare unto yow to
be orderyd towchinge th’occasions of my wyffe. Thes may be most humblie
to dessire your Honore that waye to hold me excusede. For as much as in
thes affayres (your Honor not offendid) I am fullie resolvid never to
order that abuse but as the Lawe will therin determyne, as ryghtlie
moved therunto by the truthe of my cause, as also thorrowe the
Stanhope’s eville delinge many wayes with me. At this instant I am
boythe unfurnyshed of horse and mony for such a suddeyne Jorney, havinge
so lyttle warnynge as Edward Stanhope haithe geven me to provid my
wants; the which consideryd, I trust your Honor will taike myne absence
in good part. Further it meight not all to gethere be without danger, by
meane of a bound that the Stanhope’s have agenst me, in whos curtesie I
nethar have nor will none affiance. I beseche your Honor in resspeckt of
my bounden dewtie unto yow, nethar urge me to th’inconvenience that myne
Adversaries requier, nor forget what shame by the bringinge my wyfe and
me together your Honor meight heape to me your sarvante, the which I
hope your Honor will not, altho the perswacions of the contrarie be
never so importunate. Trewe it is I rest holye at your Honor’s
comandement duringe my lyfe; but in this case onlie I humbly trust your
Honor will pardone my boldnes in delinge playnly lyke myne intencion.
Humbly my service remembred I wyshe yow th’increace of honor that your
hart desyrethe. From Skorbrowghe the 15 of Apriļl Ao. 1570.
Your Honor’s humble Servant at
comaundement,
JOHN HOTHAM.
To the right honorable Sr William Cecylle knyght, Mr.
of the Wards and Lyveries, Secretorie to the Quenes Majestie, and of her
Heyghnes most honorable Counsell at the Court, geve thes.
LETTER CLXXXVI.
Lady Stanhope to Sir William Cecil, to bring the business between
Hotham and her daughter to a good end.
[MS. LANSDOWNE 12. art.
76. Orig.]
SIR, It is my very hard fortune to live to this
day to have one of my daughters with reproche turned home unto me, &
muche harder had it ben for her if I had not now lived, being as she was
turned to the wide worlde to seke relieffe. And thoughe I thoughte yow
could not be voide of many troubles, yet had I divers occasions to move
me to trouble you also; to take some order betwixt her husband and her.
I perceive hitherto he hathe not onlie litle regarded your favourable
dealing with him in this matter, but turnes the delay alltogether to my
daughters sclaunder, what with reporting sundry untruthes of her in all
places where he comes, & causing the meanest that is towardes him to
do the like. I trust it is all untrew that he hathe charged her with to
yow, & to others, but it is manifest that many of his reportes be
utterlie against trouthe. In the meane while I am greatlie burdened to
kepe his wiffe who seketh the defacing of me and mine. And were it not
that God dothe reveale his and his womans evill intentes against my
daughter, in that he hathe had a child by her begotten as it should seme
about that very time, he hathe already layed that blott of my daughter
which she should hardlie ever wype of. At my sonne Edward Stanhopes
deliverye to him of your honors last letters, he saide he would not come
onles he might be assured not to be arrested for debt which he oweth me,
which advauntage I was content to refuse, thoughe the debt hathe ben
long dew, because I would not be a hinderer of your good motion,
wherupon he promised to come. I pray yow therfore Sir, either make some
good end therof, or if the default be in him as the delaye hathe ben
hitherto to my great charge, howsoever we deale with him, yet suffer him
not so muche to abuse your gentlenes. What els resteth to be done, I
referr it to your wise consideracion. I am further to geve you humble
thankes that upon a motion made from me by word by Edward Stanhope afore
Christmas, that I mought have the graunt of my sonne Coopers sonnes
wardship, if he being yet sicklie should dye, yow promised it to me; I
am the glader therof for that I knowe some would seke it rather for
gaine sake then meaning good education to the child. I trust the father
shall live and do well, and if he do not, I hope my daughter and I shall
I so deale in his education as you shall like well of the disposing of
him. And yet I rest most bound unto you for the same. And so I humblie
leve you to the Almightie. Thurgarton this last of Marche, 1570.
Your honors most humble bounde kinswoman,
ANNE STANHOPE.
To the right honorable Sir William Cicill knight, chiefe
Secretary to the Quenes most excellent Majestie, & one of her
Highnes most honorable Privy Councell.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
In Shelford Church,
Here lyeth the body of the Lady Anne Stanhope, wydowe ...
By Sir Michaell she had these children, Sir Thomas Stanhope
of Shelford in the County of Nott. Knight;
Elenor married to Thomas Cooper of Thurgarton
in Com. Nott. Esquire; Edward Stanhope, Esquire,
one of her Majesties Councell in the North parts of England;
Julian married to John Hotham of Scoreborough
in Com. Eborum, Esquire; John Stanhope, Esquire, one of
the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to our most deare Soveraigne Lady Q.
Elizabeth; Jane married Sir Roger Towneshend of Eyam
in Com Norf. Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the
Civile Law, one of her Majesties High Court of Chancery; Michaell
Stanhope, Esquire, one of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth;
besides Margaret, William, and Edward, who died in their
infancy.
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 pp264-5
(Arthur Collins, 1768); Notices of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights
p11 (Philip Henry Stanhope, 1855)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p306
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Baronetage of England vol 1 p245
(William Betham, 1801); John parents, 2nd marriage and 3rd marriage from
The Baronetage of England vol 1 p245
(William Betham, 1801); John career, death from The
History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603 (P.W.
Hasler, 1981) entry for HOTHAM,
John (d.c.1609), of Scorborough, Yorks.
- Julian Stanhope
Katherine (Stanhope, Basset) Tunstall
Richard
Stanhope
Joan (Staveley) Stanhope
William Basset about 1431
Property transactions between William Basset and Katherine's father, Richard
in 1431 were likely to be related to the marriage of William and Katherine.
Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI 1429-1435
p163 (1933)
1431.
Richard
Stanhop knight to William Basset esquire, son and heir of Thomas Basset,
and to his assigns during his life. Gift with warranty of a yearly rent
of 12l., with power to distrain for arrears in the grantor’s
manor of Fledburgh and all his lands in Starnthrop, Normanton,
Wodecotes, ‘Estdrayton,’ Dunham and Stokun co. Notyngham late of Thomas
Basset, and bond to pay 40s. in name of a pain if the same shall
be forty days in arrear after any term of payment, with like power to
distrain for the pain. Proviso that the said William shall deliver
letters of acquittance for every payment. Dated 24 November 10 Henry VI.
Memorandum of acknowledgment, 27 November.
p164
1431.
William Basset, son of Thomas Basset of Fledburgh, to
Richard Stanhope knight, his heirs and assigns. Quitclaim with warranty
of the manor and advowson of Fledburgh and of all the lands, rents and
services in Fledburgh, Starnthorp, Normanton, Wodecotes, ‘Estdrayton,’
Dunham, Stokum and elsewhere in Notynghamshire and in Bernangle, Sutton
and Wilmyncote co. Warrewyk, and all reversions of tenants for life or
years thereto belonging which were of William Basset grandfather of the
said William, or of the said Thomas his father. Witnesses: Robert Warsop
parson of Fledburgh, John Wastneys, William Wilbram of Laun’, William
Neville of ‘Southleverton’, John Croftes of Ragenhill. Dated Rampton, 16
December 7 Henry VI.
Memorandum of acknowledgment, 27 November this year.
William was the son of Thomas Basset, of Fledborough. Nottinghamshire.
- Thomas Basset (c.1443 - ?)
John Tunstall
Katherine is left a bequest in the will of John Gilby, rector of Knesale, in
January 1434(5). The will documents that she is the sister of Thomas and
Jacob Stanhope.
Testamenta
Eboracensia vol 2 p51-2 (1855)
XXXVIII.
TESTAMENTUM MAGISTRI JOHANNIS GYLBY RECTORIS DE KNESALE.
... Codicillus, 24 Jan. 1434.—Domino Ricardo Stanhopp
militi, quatuor quysshyns blodii coloris cum plumis, et
novam cathedram quietis. Henrico Stanhopp meas trussyng coffers. Thomæ
Stanhopp meam peciam meliorem de argento; et meam aliam peciam
debiliorem lego Jacobo fratri suo. Elizabethæ Stanhopp, sorori suæ,
blodiam togam furratam cum byse, et meam nigram zonam de serico cum
barrez deauratis. Katerinæ, sorori suæ, meam nigram togam furratam cum
pelour.
which roughly translates as:
36.
TESTAMENT OF MASTER JOHN GYLBY RECTOR DE KNESALE.
... Codicil, 24 January 1434.—To Sir Richard Stanhope, knight,
four cushions of blood color with feathers, and a new chair of rest. To
Henry Stanhopp my travelling chests. Thomas Stanhope my better piece of
silver and I bequeath my other weaker piece to Jacob his brother.
Elizabeth Stanhopp, his sister, a red gown lined with fine linen, and my
black leather with satin barrez gilt. Katherine, his sister, my black
gown lined with fur.
Katherine is bequeathed a mare with a colt in the will of her brother,
Thomas, in May 1462. John Tunstall is also bequeathed a horse.
Testamenta Eboracensia vol 2 p254-5 (1855)
CXCVII.
TESTAMENTUM THOMÆ STANHOP DEFUNCTI.
Die Veneris proxime post festum Philippi et
Jacobi Apostoli 1462. Ego Thomas Stanhop de Hoghton, armiger—sep. in
ecclesia parochiali Omnium Sanctorum de Rampton coram cruce. Et nomine
principalis lego vicario de Walesby optimum equum meum et omnia averia
eidem pertinencia, prout equitare solebam. Willelmo Wilbram unam togam
penulatam. Johanni Tunstall unum equum coloris le blak gray. Katerinæ
sorori meæ unam equam cum pullo. Elizabethæ sorori meæ unum equum
vocatum gray geldyng. Johanni filio meo unum yrne bonden wayn, et xxx
bull stirkus. Johanni Stanhop armigero unum cornu garnest. Executores
meos facio Elizabetham et Katerinam sorores meas, Johannem Tunstall
armigerum et Johannem filium meum, Johannemque Stanhop de Rampton
armigerum supervisorem. Johanni filio meo sex cocliaria argenti.
Johannæ Stanhop filiæ Johannis Stanhop armigeri duas togas penulatas
cum martis et menyver. [Pr. 10 May, 1462.]
which roughly translates as:
197.
TESTAMENT OF THOMAS STANHOP DECEASED.
Friday after the feast of Philip and James the Apostle 1462. I Thomas
Stanhope of Hoghton, esq. to be buried in the parish church of All
Saints of Rampton before the cross. And by the name of the principal I
bequeath to the vicar of Walesby my best horse and all the beasts that
belong to him, as I am accustomed to ride. William Wilbram one lined
toga. John Tunstall one horse of the color black gray. To my sister
Katherine, one mare with a colt. To my sister Elizabeth one horse called
gray geldyng. To my son John one yrne bonden wayn (???), and 30
bullocks. To John Stanhope, esquire, one garnest (???) horn. I make my
executors my sisters Elizabeth and Katherine, John Tunstall, esquire,
and John my son, and John Stanhope of Rampton, esquire, supervisor. To
my son John six silver spoons. To Joan Stanhope, daughter of John
Stanhope, esquire, two gowns lined with marten and squirrel fur. [Pr.
10 May, 1462.]
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p365
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Richard
Stanhope, Knight, 10 H. 6. granted to William Basset,
Esquire, son and heir of Thomas Basset, a certain yearly Rent of
12l. to be perceived out of the Mannor of Fledburgh,
and his Lands in Starnethorpe, Normanton,
Wꝏdcotes, Est Drayton, Dunham,
and Stokhum, which lately were the said Tho. Bassets.
Will. Basset, son of Thomas Basset of Fledburgh,
10 H. 6. released to Sir Richard Stanhope, Knight, and his
heirs, all his right in his Mannor of Fledburgh, and
Advowson of that Church, and all his Lands, Tenements, Rents, &c. in
Fledburgh, Starnethorpe, Normanton,
Wꝏdcotes, Est Drayton, Dunham,
and Stokhum in this County, Bernangle, Sutton,
and Wilmincote in Warwickshire. Katherin,
the relict of William Basset of Fledburgh,
demised Newhall, a member of Sutton in Warwickshire,
10 H. 6. for twenty one years. Katherin Tunstall (the sister of
Richard Stanhope) who had interest here, and was dead, 17 E. 4. I
suppose was that relict of William Basset the younger; and Thomas
Basset, who by the Inquisition, is found to be then thirty four
years old, viz. 17 E. 4. I take to be son of William the
younger.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p257 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
Sir Richard
Stanhope ... had two wives, first, Elizabeth (or, as others say, Joan)
daughter of Robert, and sister of Ralph de Stavely, who bore him
Richard, Thomas, James, Elizabeth, Joan, wife of Sir Robert Strelley of
Strelley, in com’ Nott. Knt. and Catherine, wedded to William Basset, of
Fledburgh in Nottinghamshire, Esq. and secondly to ——— Tonstall.
Southwell
& Nottingham Church History Project: Fledborough St Gregory
William Basset, Esq. is noted as the son and heir
of Thomas Basset in 1431, and he married Katherine, a daughter of Sir
Richard Stanhope. However he must have died shortly after because she is
recorded as a widow in 1432 and the following year Sir Richard executed a
deed declaring that after his death the manor of Fledborough and lands in
Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire which he had recently been given by
Thomas Basset should go to his daughter for life. It is questionable
whether he was entitled to make such an arrangement, but its effect was to
leave Katherine in charge of the estates, which eventually descended to
her son Thomas Basset in 1477-8, when he was 34.
Margaret (Stanhope, St Lowe) Statham
John Stanhope
Elizabeth
(Maulovel) Stanhope
Giles St Lowe
Henry Statham
Henry was of Morley, Derbyshire. Margaret was Henry's third wife.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p255 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
John de
Stanhope ... by his first wife he had five sons, John, Richard, Stephen,
Robert, and Ralph, and a daughter Margaret, wife of Giles St Lowe; also
the third wife of Henry Statham, of Morley in com’ Derb. Esq. who died
April 30, 1381, as appears by an inscription on a monument in the church
of that place.
30 April 1381
Morley, Derbyshire, England
Margaret Stanhope
Michael Stanhope
Anne
(Rawson) Stanhope
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p148
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
In Shelford Church,
Here lyeth the body of the Lady Anne Stanhope, wydowe ...
By Sir Michaell she had these children, Sir Thomas Stanhope
of Shelford in the County of Nott. Knight;
Elenor married to Thomas Cooper of Thurgarton
in Com. Nott. Esquire; Edward Stanhope, Esquire,
one of her Majesties Councell in the North parts of England;
Julian married to John Hotham of Scoreborough
in Com. Eborum, Esquire; John Stanhope, Esquire, one of
the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber to our most deare Soveraigne Lady Q.
Elizabeth; Jane married Sir Roger Towneshend of Eyam
in Com Norf. Edward Stanhope, Doctor of the
Civile Law, one of her Majesties High Court of Chancery; Michaell
Stanhope, Esquire, one of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth;
besides Margaret, William, and Edward, who died in their
infancy.
in infancy
Mary Stanhope
22 April 1595, in St. Michael le
Belfrey, Yorkshire, England
Mary is recorded as the "Daughter of the Right Worshipful Mr Stanhoope "one
of hir Maiesties counsel hear in the northe p'tes"." Her father's occupation
is recorded as Queen's Counsel in the North.
Edward Stanhope
Susan
(Coleshill) Stanhope
Mary is mentioned in the will of her uncle, Sir Edward Stanhope, Doctor of
the Civil Laws, dated 28 February 1602(3), held at the National
Archives PROB 11/111/228
modern
spelling transcript at www.oxford-shakespeare.com ©2007 Nina Green
Item, I do
give to every one of the sons and daughters of my brother, Edward
Stanhope, and my sister, Susan, his wife, which shall be living at the
time of my death one gold signet ring of three angels’ weight apiece
with the same crest and inscription as is set down for the sons and
daughter of my brother, Sir Thomas Stanhope, knight, deceased; ...
Item, I do give to my niece, Mary Stanhope, daughter to my brother,
Sir Edward Stanhope, knight, forty pounds to be given and paid her by
my executor or executors at the day of her marriage;
Mary is named in the will of her father, Sir Edward Stanhope, one of His
Majesty's Councellors in the North, dated 8 August 1603 and proved 16
February 1603(4), which is held at the
National Archives, Kew (PROB 11/103/253).
Item to Marye Stanhope my daughter for her porcion or childes parte the somme of
fiue hundred poundes, whereof two hundred and fiftie poundes parcell of
the saide Fyve hundred poundes be paid to the saide Marie or her
assignes at or vppon the feast daie of saint michaell th'archangell
which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde god One Thowsand six hundreth
and seauen, And soe consequently the somme of two hundtreth and Fiftie
poundes residue of the saide somme of fiue hundred poundes at the saide
that time twelve moneth which shall be in the yeare of our Lorde god One
Thowsand six hundreth and eight, And my will and pleasure is, that she
shall haue allowed vnto her yerely vntill she haue receiued two hundred
and fiftie poundes parcell of
the saide fiue hundred poundes, the somme of twentie pounds per
Annum for her private
maintenance, which saide somme of twentie poundes to be paide vnto the
Ladie Stanhope my wief to her use quarterly, whereof the first payment
to begin at the feast of saint Martin the Bishop in winter next ensuing
the date hereof ... And my Will and further desire is that my saide two
daughters Marie and Fraunces maye contynue in howse with my said wife
their mother to th'end she may bringe them up and educate them in the
fearfe of god, as hitherto she has doen, vntill they come vnto the age
of eightene yeres or be married, whether shall first happen, of whose
approued and virtuous educacion
of them, I make no doubte, having had soe good experience thereof, And
if it shall fortune either of my saide daughters Marie and Fraunces to
die before they accomplish the age of eightene yeres unmarried then I
will that her porcion soe dyeng
shall remaine to my younger daughter surviving
Dugdale's Visitation of Yorkshire, with Additions
p221 (William Dugdale, 1894)
Mary, (?) bp.
at Belfreys 22 Apr. 1594
Maud (Stanhope) Willoughby (Neville, Clifton)
Although Maud married twice more after the death of her first husband,
Robert Willoughby, to Thomas Neville and Gervase Clifton, she seems to
have retained the Willoughby name (as Maud Willoughby or Lady Willoughby),
and she is so named in her IPM and the memorial brass under which she was
buried.
about 1424
Maud is stated to be aged 30 in the IPM of her mother in December 1454
Richard
Stanhope
Maud (Cromwell) Stanhope
Robert Willoughby before 8
January 1449
Robert (wikipedia
entry) was born about 1385 (he was aged 24 at his father's
IPM on 27 January 1410), the son of William Willoughby, 5th Baron
Willoughby de Eresby, and his first wife, Lucy le Strange. He became the 6th
Baron Willoughby de Eresby upon his father's death on 4 December 1409.
Robert married firstly, before 21 February 1421, Elizabeth Montagu, daughter
of John Montagu, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, by whom he had an only daughter,
Joan Willoughby, who married Richard
Welles, 7th Baron Welles. Joan was only a year or so younger than
Robert's second wife, Maud.
Robert was a career army officer, serving England mostly in the French Wars
starting in 1412. He participated in the battle
of Agincourt on 25 October 1415. He was made a Knight
of the Garter in December 1417. Robert served almost continously in
many military campaigns (detailed in the wikipedia entry) until the end of
1438. On 17 July 1439 he had licence to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land,
and according to Harriss, may well have done so as his name does not
reappear in English records until May 1443. Robert died on 25 July 1452,
aged about 67, and was buried in the chantry college at Mettingham, Suffolk. Robert's will was dated 6 June 1452, but
it was not proved until over 16 years after his death, on 2 November 1468.
Testamenta Vetusta vols 1-2 p275
(Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas, 1826)
ROBERT LORD WILLOUGHBY OF ERESBY.
Robert Willoughby, Knight, Lord of Eresby, June 6th, 1452. My
body to be buried in the Chapel of my College or Chauntry of the Blessed
Virgin at Mittingham; to Eleanor Fitz-Hugh my cousin, towards her
marriage . . . . . . And I appoint John Viscount Beaumont and Ralph Lord
Cromwell, my executors. Proved 2d November 1468.
Thomas Neville in August
1453, at Tattershall
Castle, Tattershall, Lincolnshire, England
The license for this marriage was granted on 1 May 1453
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1452-1461 p64
(1910)
1453. May 1.
Westminster.
Licence
for Thomas Neville, knight, one of the sons of Richard, earl of
Salisbury, and for Maud, late the wife of Robert, lord of Willughby,
tenant in chief, to intermarry. By K. etc.
Tattershall Castle: Building a History p118
(James Wright 2021)
Cromwell’s
position was now parlous. He sought to create new allies with the
powerful Neville family. He did this by making a substantial loan of
£1800 to Richard Neville, earl of Salisbury, alongside arranging the
marriage of his niece and co-heiress, Maud Stanhope, to Sir Thomas
Neville. The wedding took place at Tattershall Castle in August 1453,
but the event was marred by the actions of Thomas Percy, Lord Egremont,
who subsequently ambushed the Neville party at Heworth Moor near York.
This was staged as part of a long running feud between the two families
newly inflamed by the Neville’s connection to Cromwell. They were
incensed that Cromwell was in possession of the manors of Burwell and
Wressle - which the rebellious Percies had forfeited in 1403.
Thomas (wikipedia
entry) was born about 1429, the second son of Richard Neville, 5th
Earl of Salisbury, and his wife Alice Montagu. He was knighted by King Henry
VI in the Tower of London on 5 January 1453. Thomas fought alongside his
father and the duke of York at the battle
of Blore Heath in 1459, a battle that the Yorkists won, but Thomas and
his brother John were captured the next day near Tarporley, Cheshire. The
brothers were attainted and imprisoned in Chester Castle, from which they
were released after the battle
of Northampton in June 1460 in which their brother, Richard
aka Warwick the Kingmaker, was victorious. Thomas was heavily involved
in the Earl of Salisbury's push back against the Duke of York's attempt to
claim the throne, but when the Lacastrians, regrouping in Yorkshire,
attacked Yorkist estates, Thomas joined the march out of London on 2
December 1460, arriving at Sandal Castle on 20 December. Nine days later
they engaged a Lancastrian army gathered near the castle falling to a
disastrous defeatat the battle
of Wakefield on 30 December 1460. Thomas died in combat, and his
father was executed in the aftermath, and their heads were displayed above
the gates of York. Thomas's remains were removed from the Micklegate Bar
after the Yorkists' decisive victory at the battle
of Towton three months later, and buried at the Dominican Priory in
York. Along with his father, he was subsequently reinterred with his mother
on her death in February 1463 in Bisham Priory.
Gervase Clifton
This marriage occurred before 19 June 1463 when Maud is named as the wife of
Gervase Clifton in Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/294/74 #15
Gervase (wikipedia
entry) was the son of Sir Gervase Clifton of Hodsock and Clifton,
Nottinghamshire, and Isabel Fraunceys. He married, firstly, Isabel Herbert,
the widow of William Scott of Brabourne, Kent, and daughter of Vincent
Herbert (alias Finche) of Netherfield, Sussex and his wife Isabel Cralle.
Gervase and Isabel had two daughters, Isabel and Joan. Isabel died circa
November 1457. Gervase was a supporter of Margaret of Anjou, and the
Lancastrian cause, and he took part in and was captured at the battle
of Tewkesbury on 4 May 1471, and was beheaded in Tewkesbury market
place along with other Lancastrian leaders on 6 May 1471.
The
Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p54 (Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Here
was a notable Sir Gervase Clifton, of this Family, who sometimes
hath been thought to be son of this Sir John Clifton; but
whether he was Brother or Cousin, I cannot yet discover; he married Isabel,
daughter of . . . Harbard alias Finch of Brabourn
in Kent, the widow of William Scot, and was
several times in the Raign H. 6. Sheriff of Kent. He was,
23 H. 6. Lieutenant of Dover Castle, under Humfry,
Duke of Gloucester. The King, 29 H. 6. upon resignation
of Sir Richard Vernon, made him for his good Service, Treasurer
of Cales, and the Marches of the same; and the next year
following, viz. 30 H. 6. committed the Temporalties of the
Archbishoprick of Canterbury into his hands, upon the
death of John the Archbishop. He was a Commander at several
places in France; Pontois he was Captain of. After Robert
Lord Willughby of Eresby, and Thomas Nevil,
he was third husband to Maud, Niece and co-heir of Raph
Lord Crumvel by Maud his Sister, second wife of Sir
Richard Stanhope. In a pardon he had the 9 E. 4. he was stiled Gervas
Clifton, Knight, late of Brabourn in the County of
Kent, alias late of Clifton in the
County of Nott, alias of London, alias
of Eresby in County of Lincoln, but
continuing his zeal to his old Masters interest, he was 10 E. 4.
dispatched at Tewkesbury, and 11 E. 4. amongst the rest
proclaimed Rebell and Traytor. He left issue by his first wife two
daughters, Joan married to John Digges, and Isabell
to John Gerningham. He bore the same Arms with this Family, as
appears by his Seal.
Two modern researchers have published and blogged excellent articles about,
or including, Maud Stanhope that are well worth the read. They add great
colour to Maud's life with her three husbands who all died before she was
forty, followed by a long widowhood. I have excerpted some short parts, but
highly recommend reading the complete articles, which contain so much more
information than I have repeated here. "Rich Old Ladies Made Poor" goes into
extensive detail of how Maud's wealth was made off with over the years by
various claimants, but I loved this personal detail:
Rich Old Ladies Made Poor
pp214-27 (Rhoda Friedrichs) published in Medieval
Prosopography vol 21 (2000)
... there can
be little doubt that it was her uncle Lord Cromwell who got her a place
at court. Maud moved in cultivated circles; her name appears in the
anagrams and acrostics of the poetry of Sir Richard Roos, who liked to
hide allusions to his friends in appropriate poems. Maud’s was evidently
a forceful and outspoken personality, for Roos tells us that Mercury
endowed her with eloquence at birth, and that no man could withstand the
arrows of her tongue.
The Remarriage of Elite Widows in the Later Middle
Ages p79 (Rhoda L.
Friedrichs, 2006)
A Case Study — Maud Stanhope, Lady Willoughby
... Ten months
after Lord Willoughby’s death, Cromwell arranged a second marriage for
his widowed niece, this time to gain allies against his political
enemies. In August of 1453, Maud was married to Thomas Neville, the
second son of the earl of Salisbury. This marriage lasted seven years,
until Neville was killed at the Battle of Wakefield.
It was only after this second widowhood, with her powerful uncle
dead as well, that Lady Willoughby, as she still called herself, was
able to make her own marriage. It flew in the face of all prudence and
common sense, and was in all probability a love match.
Marriage
& the Nevills: Robert, Thomas, Gervase & Maud – the director’s cut
(Karen Clark, 2012)
Maud Stanhope’s
life was turbulent and tumultuous to say the least. It didn’t begin that
way, though. The oldest of three children born to Richard Stanhope and
Maud Cromwell, she was probably destined to marry into comfortable and
safe Nottingham gentry. Her father had children from a previous
marriage, and her full brother Henry was set to inherit both their
mother’s property and that of their uncle, Ralph Lord Cromwell.
(Cromwell was a large figure in Maud’s life, both during his lifetime
and after his death.) Apart from her brother, Maud had a sister Jane,
who was two years younger than her. At the time of Maud’s first
marriage, neither she nor Jane had much to recommend them as brides of
noblemen – they preferred wives who could bring them wealth or,
particularly for younger sons, titles. Maud had neither.
... Around 1448, Uncle Cromwell found Maud a husband. He was a widower
of mature years with a grown up daughter of his own. On her marriage to
him, Maud would gain herself a title – Lady Willougbby – but little by
way of wealth. Robert Willoughby was not a rich man. He owed Cromwell
money and wasn’t in a position to pay up. So the two men struck up a
deal. Cromwell’s niece, Maud, would marry Lord Willoughby, with the debt
written off against her dowry.
... By this time, Henry Stanhope had died, leaving Maud and Joan as
Cromwell’s joint heirs. As the expected practice was for a rich man to
leave one third of his property to his wife, one third to his heirs and
one third for the salvation of his soul, and as Cromwell was a very rich
man indeed, suddenly Maud became a much more attractive marriage
prospect. ... Cromwell had troubles of his own and was in need of
powerful support. Allying himself to the Nevills, and giving Maud into
the hands of an energetic young man like Thomas, the earl of Salisbury’s
second son, might just be the answer to both their problems. In May
1453, the marriage contract was sealed. In August, the wedding took
place at Tattershall castle.
... Maud had a husband fighting on one side at Wakefield and at least an
old friend on the other. Whatever grief she suffered at the news of
Thomas’s death, it was shortlived. Some four months after the battle of
Towton, she and Gervase were married.
Maud didn’t attend Thomas’s funeral at Bisham in 1462. Perhaps
she was neither welcome nor invited.
She also, by her marriage to a man committed to the Lancastrian
clause, forfeited her chance of gaining the Cromwell title. In 1461, it
was Jane’s husband, Humphrey Bourchier, the new king’s cousin, who was
summoned to parliament as Lord Cromwell.
(see also Marriage
and the Nevills – Thomas Nevill and Maud Stanhope (Karen Clark, 2010),
Two
poems possibly written for Maud Stanhope (Karen Clark, 2012), Things
you find when you’re looking for something else (Karen Clark, 2012)
and Richard
Welles, Lord Willoughby (Karen Clark, 2012)
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1452-1461 p275
(1910)
1456. Feb. 14.
Westminster.
Licence
for Thomas Nevyll, knight, and Maud, lady of Willughby, his wife, one of
the kinswomen and heirs of Ralph, late lord of Cromwell, deceased, and
for Humphrey Burghchier, esquire, and Joan his wife, sister of Maud and
the other of the kinswomen and heirs of Ralph, to wit, daughters of
Maud, sister of Ralph, tenant in chief on the day of his death, to enter
all possessions and hereditaments in the counties of York, Lincoln,
Norfolk, Northampton, Leicester, Rutland, Stafford, Huntingdon,
Nottingham, Derby, Middlesex, Kent, Gloucester, Oxford, Berks, Bedford
and Buckingham, and elsewhere in England, whereof Ralph was seised in
his demesne as of fee and in fee tail on the day of his death, in the
king’s hands after his death, and to hold the same to them and the heirs
of Maud and Joan, without inquisitions to be taken thereon by pretext of
writs de diem clausit extremum or other mandates and without
suing any livery thereof out of the king’s hands according to the course
of Chancery. By p.s. etc.
March 2.
Westminster.
Grant in survivorship to the same Thomas and Humphrey of the
offices of constable of Notyngham castle and steward and keeper of
Shirewode forest, the parks of Beskewode and Clypston and the woods of
Billowe, Birkelande, Rumwode, Ouselande and Fulwode, co. Nottingham, and
of chamberlain of the Receipt of the Exchequer, to hold themselves or by
deputies, taking the usual fees, wages, rewards and
profits. By K.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls 1452-1461 p572
(1910)
1460. Feb. 20.
Westminster.
Grant to
John, viscount Beaumont, of 200l. yearly from the rents of the
lordships, manors and lands whereof Maud, lady Willoughby, wife of
Thomas Nevill, knight, now in prison waiting the king’s grace, is
dowered by the feoffment of Robert, lord Willoughby, sometime her
husband, to hold to the use of Maud until she have redelivery of the
said possessions, now in the king’s hands; grant also to her of all
clothing and goods seised of late in the king’s
name. By p.s. etc. .
On 19 June 1463 Joan and her sister Maud and their respective husbands at
the time, Humphrey Bourchier and Gervase Clifton, sold a large number of
manors and other property inherited from their uncle, Ralph Cromwell, for a
total of over £2000, some of the sales being made by command of the king.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/294/74 #15
CP 25/1/294/74,
number 15.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Lincolnshire.
Northamptonshire. Rutland.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from Holy
Trinity, 3 Edward IV [19 June 1463].
Parties: John Gygur,
master or warden of the college and almshouse of the Holy Trinity of Tateshale,
and the chaplains of the same place, querents, and Humphrey Burgchier,
knight, and Joan, his wife, one of the heirs of Ralph
Cromwell', knight, late lord Cromwell', and Gervase
Clyfton', knight, and Maud, his wife, the other of the heirs
of the said Ralph, lord Cromwell', deforciants.
Property: The manors of Dryby,
Brynkhill', Foletby, Thorp' by Wayneflete, Saltfletby, Baston',
Askby Puero[rum], Wynthorp', Kynthorp', Wythcall' Souche, Wythcall',
otherwise called Wyth'call' Skypwyth', Bynbroke called Northall'
Maner, Clathorp', Menyngysby, Wodenderby, Moreby, Wylkesby, Conyngesby,
Holtham, Crofte, Stykeney, Merton' by Tymberland', Careby,
Estbytham, Castelbytham, Edenham, Byrton', Holbeche, Swynhope,
Wyllughton', Bylyngay, Walcote, Helpryngham, Wrote, Screyfeld',
Wodthorp', Maltby, Thuresthorp', Cherywyllyngham, Toft, Lound',
Manthorp' by Wytham, Wytham, Tydde, otherwise called Tretonhall'
in Tydde of the Blessed Mary, Southall' in Colby, Langton'
by Hornecastre, Whythall', Deynecourt Maner in Kyrketon' in
Holand', otherwise called Deynecourthall', and Burwell'
and 63 messuages, 11 tofts, 2 mills, 6 dove-cots, 724 acres of land, 202
acres of meadow, 1000 acres of pasture, 360 acres of wood, 38 pounds and
13 shillings and 4 pence of rent in Dryby, Brynkhill', Foletby, Thorp'
by Wayneflete, Saltfletby, Baston', Askby Puero[rum], Wynthorpe,
Kynthorp', Wythcall' Souche, Wythcall', otherwise called Wythcall'
Skypwyth', Bynbroke called North'all' Maner, Clathorp',
Menyngisby, Wodenderby, Moreby, Wylkesby, Conyngisby, Holtham, Croft,
Stykeney, Benyngton' by Boston', Merton' by Tymberland',
Careby, Estbytham, Castelbytham, Edenham, Byrton', Holbeche, Swynhope,
Willughton', Bylyngay, Walcote, Helpryngham, Wrote, Screyfeld',
Wodthorp', Maltby, Thuresthorp', Cherywyllyngham, Toft, Lound',
Manthorp' by Wytham, Wytham, Tydde of the Blessed Mary, Colby,
Langton' by Hornecastre, Whythall', Kyrketon' in Holand',
Burwell', Merton' by Hornecastre, Grenewyk, Sutton' in le
Merssh', Thursthorp', Asfordby, Byllesby, Myntyng', Skegneys, Tateshale,
Haydore and Whasshyngburgh' and also the advowsons of the
churches of Tateshale, Dryby, Careby, Swynhope and Skegneys
and of a chantry of 2 chaplains in the church of Dryby and of the
chantry at the altar of St Giles in the church of Careby in the
county of Lincoln and the manors of Eston' in Eston' by Colyweston'
called Knyvetesmaner and Eston' by Stamford' and
160 acres of land, 30 acres of meadow, 160 acres of wood and 40 shillings
of rent in Eston' by Stamford' in the county of
Northampton and the manors of Tyxouer, Manton' and Kelethorp'
and 2 messuages, 4 tofts, 3 dove-cots, 100 acres of land, 40 acres of
meadow and 80 acres of pasture in Tyxouer, Manton' and Kelethorp'
in the county of Rutland.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Humphrey and
Joan and Gervase and Maud have acknowledged the manors, tenements and
advowsons to be the right of the master or warden of the college and the
chaplains, and have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the
heirs of Joan and Maud to them and their successors for ever.
Warranty: Warranty against George, abbot of Westminster, and
his successors.
For this: The master or
warden has given them 1000 pounds sterling.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/294/74 #16
CP 25/1/294/74,
number 16.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Nottinghamshire.
Derbyshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from Holy
Trinity, 3 Edward IV [19 June 1463].
Parties: Thomas Tyrell',
knight, Thomas Billyng', one of the serjeants-at-law of the lord
king, and Richard Illyngworth', querents, and Humphrey
Burghchier, knight, lord Cromwell', and Joan, his
wife, one of the heirs of Ralph Cromwell', knight, late lord
Cromwell', and Gervase Clyfton', knight, and Maud,
his wife, the other of the heirs of the said Ralph, lord Cromwell',
deforciants.
Property: The manors of Boney
and Staneford' sup[er] Sore and 7 messuages, 4 tofts, 1 dove-cot,
12 bovates of land, 50 acres of meadow and 30 shillings of rent in Stanton',
otherwise called Staunton', sup[er] le Wolde, Hyklyng', Magna Leek',
Parua Leek', Sutton' Bonyngton' and Bradmare, otherwise called Bradmere,
and the advowson of the church of Stanton', otherwise called Staunton',
sup[er] le Wolde in the county of Nottingham and the manor of Breydeshale
called le Netherhall' and 16 messuages, 400 acres of land, 58
acres of meadow, 220 acres of pasture, 2 acres of wood and 16 shillings of
rent in Breydeshale in the county of Derby.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Humphrey and
Joan and Gervase and Maud have acknowledged, to wit, the manor of Boney to
be the right of Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the manors of Staneford'
sup[er] Sore and Breydeshale, the tenements and the advowson to be the
right of Richard, of which Richard, Thomas and Thomas have the manors of
Boney and Breydeshale, the tenements and the advowson of their gift, and
have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Joan
and Maud to Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the heirs of Richard for ever.
And besides Humphrey and Joan and Gervase and Maud granted for themselves
and the heirs of Joan and Maud that the manor of Staneford' sup[er] Sore -
which Joan Bertram holds for life of the inheritance of Joan, the
wife of Humphrey, and Maud on the day the agreement was made, and which
after the decease of Joan Bertram ought to revert to Humphrey and Joan,
his wife, and Gervase and Maud and the heirs of Joan and Maud - after the
decease of Joan Bertram shall remain to Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the
heirs of Richard, to hold to wit, the manor of Boney of the lord king and
his heirs and the manors of Staneford' sup[er] Sore and Breydeshale, the
tenements and the advowson of the chief lords for ever.
Warranty: Warranty against George, abbot of Westminster, and
his successors.
For this: Thomas, Thomas
and Richard have given them 1000 marks of silver.
Note:
This agreement was made by the command of the lord king.
Feet
of Fines: CP 25/1/294/74 #17
CP 25/1/294/74,
number 17.
Link: Image
of document at AALT
County: Hertfordshire.
Nottinghamshire. Norfolk. Northamptonshire.
Place: Westminster.
Date: Two weeks from Holy
Trinity, 3 Edward IV [19 June 1463].
Parties: William,
bishop of Winchester, William, bishop of Ely, Thomas Tyrell',
knight, Thomas Billyng', one of the serjeants-at-law of the lord
king, and Richard Illyngworth', querents, and Humphrey
Burgchier, knight, lord Cromwell', and Joan, his
wife, one of the heirs of Ralph Cromwell', knight, late lord
Cromwell', and Gervase Clyfton', knight, and Maud,
his wife, the other of the heirs of the said Ralph, lord Cromwell',
deforciants.
Property: 4 tofts, 1
carucate of land, 4 acres of meadow, 20 acres of pasture, 20 acres of wood
and 30 shillings of rent in Whathamstede in the county of Hertford
and 14 messuages, 3 dove-cots, 6 tofts, 20 acres of land and 12 acres of
meadow in Newerk' in the county of Nottingham and the manor of Gunviles
in the county of Norfolk and the manor of Parua Burley and 129
acres of land and 8 and a half acres of meadow in Burley and Pillesyate
in the county of Northampton.
Action: Plea of covenant.
Agreement: Humphrey and
Joan and Gervase and Maud have acknowledged the manors and tenements to be
the right of Thomas Tyrell', as those which the same Thomas, the bishop,
the bishop, Thomas Billyng' and Richard have of their gift, and have
remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Joan and
Maud to the bishop, the bishop, Thomas, Thomas and Richard and the heirs
of Thomas Tyrell' for ever.
Warranty: Warranty against George, abbot of Westminster, and
his successors.
For this: The bishop, the
bishop, Thomas, Thomas and Richard have given them 400 pounds sterling.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Raph
Lord Crumwell, who married Margaret co-heir of the Lord
Deincourt, had no issue, so that his sister Matildis,
whom he married to Sir Richard Stanhope about 12 H. 4. became
his heir, she was his second wife, and by him had a son called Henry
Stanhope, who died without issue 31 H. 6. and two daughters, Joane
wife to Humfrey Bourghchier, who was therefore styled Lord Crumwell,
but had no issue that I have found; and Maud, first married to Robert
Lord Willughby of Eresby; secondly to Thomas
Nevile; and thirdly, to Sir Gervas Clifton; the said Maud
their mother died 33 H. 6.
Gervase Clifton, Knight and Maud his wife, late
wife of Robert de Willughby, 5 E. 4. granted to Anthony
Wydevile Lord of Scales and of Newfells,
the Mannors of Candlesby, Halem, Lamley, Snowdon, Boston,
Bleseby, Gippesmere, Gourton, Dranfeild, Baleford, Nuynton, Rasyn,
Lurton, Belcheford, and Tuxford, with the
Rent of Deyncourt there, in the Counties of Linc. Nott.
Derb. and Warw. also the Mannor of Tumby,
except the great Wood called Tumby Woods, or Tumby Chase
in the said County of Linc. which late were Raph
Lord Crumwells, together with the Advowsons of the Churches,
Chapells, and Chantrys thereto belonging.
By an Inquisition, taken 20 January, 19 H. 6. concerning
the Mannor of Hetherset in Norfolk it appears,
That this Lady Willughby Maud died 30 Aug. 13 H. 7. and
that Sir William Knyvet at the time of the said Inquisition aged
sixty years, who was son of John, son of Elizabeth,
daughter of Constantine Clifton, son of John and
Elizabeth, daughter of Raph Crumwell, Knight, (great
Grandfather of the said Lady Willughby) and William Fitz-William,
Esquire, then aged thirteen years and above, who was son of John,
son of William, son of William, son of John, son
of John, son of Maud, another daughter of the said Raph
Crumwell, were found Cousins and heirs of the said Maud
Lady Willughby.
The Peerage of England vol 3 p257 (Arthur
Collins, 1768)
Richard
Stanhope, the second son, became heir
... He married, secondly, in 12 Henry IV.
Maud, daughter to Ralph Cromwell, and sister and heir to Ralph Lord
Cromwell of Tattershall-castle in Lincolnshire, Treasurer of England,
and by her had a son and two daughters, who by their mother were great
fortunes. His son Henry Stanhope (by he) died without issue, Aug 12, in
31 Henry VI. and was buried at Lamley; so that his sisters Joan and Maud
were his heirs; the first whereof was married to Humphrey Bourchier
(third son to Henry the first Earl of Essex) who thereupon had summons
to parliament by the title of Lord Cromwell, in 1, 2, 6, and 9 Edw. IV.
but left no issue; and Maud, the other, was the wife of Robert Lord
Willoughby of Eresby (a great soldier and valiant commander under King
Henry V. and VI. who bore the title of Earl of Vendosme in France) whom
she survived, having by him a daughter Joan, married to Richard Lord
Welles, who in her right was also Lord Willoughby. In 31 Hen. VI she had
the King’s precept to the Sheriff of Lincolnshire for assignation of her
dower. She was afterwards married to Sir Thomas Nevile, Knight (a
younger son to Richard Earl of Salisbury) who lost his life in the
battle of Wakefield, Dec. 31, 1460, 39 Henry VI. and had his lands and
goods seized for his rebellion; yet she found so much favour, that 200l.
per annum was assigned her, out of those lands that were of her own
inheritance. She was, thirdly, wife of Sir Gervase Clifton, of
Scots-hall, in Braxbourne, in Kent, Knt. who being taken prisoner at the
battle of Tewkesbury, May 9, 1471, 11 Edw. IV. was beheaded: but she had
no issue by her two last husbands.
By her testament, bearing date July 18, 1497, 12 Hen. VII. she
bequeathed her body to be buried in the church of the college of
Tattershall in Lincolnshire, before the high altar, on the right hand of
her uncle Ralph Lord Cromwell, under a stone beforehand provided by her,
appointing, that if she should die in the parish of Tattershall, her
solemn obsequies (except burial) should be done in that church. And
deceasing there the same year, was buried according to her desire, with
this epitaph on her tomb:
Hic jacet nobilis Domina Matilda, nuper Domina
Willughby, quondam Uxor Roberti Domini de Willughby Militis,
ac Consanguinea & Hæres illustris Domini Radulphi, nuper
Domini Cromwell, Militis, Fundatoris hujus Collegii; quæ obiit
30 Die Augusti Anno Dom. MCCCCXCVII, cujus
Animæ propitietur Deus. Amen.
Tattershall Castle: Building a History
pp176-7 (James Wright 2021)
At the time of
his death Ralph Cromwell cut a rather isolated figure. ... What little
family he had remaining ... were doubly incensed upon finding out the
details contained within his most recent will of 1454. Cromwell had
secretly switched the terms so that they only received his entailed
lands – less than 40 percent of his estates which were worth just 500
marks per annum (see Chapters 6.2 and 8.3).
... The
husbands of Cromwell’s heirs Maud and Joan Stanhope, Thomas Neville and
Humphrey Bourchier were present at Cromwell’s funeral at Tattershall;
perhaps not entirely in a state of reverential mourning as they used the
opportunity to loot £2,130 19s 4 1/2 d worth of goods from the castle.
Furthermore, at the end of 1457, Bourchier advanced on Wingfield Manor
with an armed retinue and forcibly seized it from the earl of Shrewsbury
who had recently purchased the house (see Chapter 8.4). Nearly three
years later Cromwell’s executors estimated that the two Yorkists had
seized a further £15,974 2s 5d in profits from 35 manors to which they
were not entitled. Neville died at Towton in 1460, but it was not until
1462 that Bourchier was legally compelled to accept the terms of the
will - although he continued to quibble over minor details and never
returned the goods looted from the castle (Friedrichs 1990, 111-12).
Despite the intense and lengthy wrangles over Cromwell’s
property, ownership of Tattershall Castle itself passed to Joan Stanhope
who retained ownership in her own right according to the terms of
Cromwell’s will - which specified that it should be entailed with his
own heirs. When her husband, Humphrey Bourchier, died fighting for the
Yorkists at Barnet in 1471, Stanhope swiftly married Robert Ratcliffe -
possibly a relative of one of Cromwell’s former feoffees John Ratcliffe
(Curzon & Tipping 1929, 99-102, 114). ... By this period Tattershall
was probably much reduced – a point confirmed by a letter from the
lawyer John Leynton to the Master of Tattershall College, John Gygour,
in which he candidly noted that the estate had been allowed to fall into
decay due to a result of a lack of funds (Curzon & Tipping 1929,
102-03).
Joan Stanhope died in 1481 and was buried under a fine brass
memorial at the collegiate church (Figure 238). At this point the
ownership of the castle becomes clouded. Ratcliffe outlived Joan but, as
he was not a specified heir of Cromwell, he would not have been eligible
to retain custodianship. Neither does the castle seem to have been
inherited outright by Joan’s thrice-widowed sister Maud, whose last
husband - Gervase Clifton - had died fighting for the Lancastrians at
Tewkesbury. The allegiance with the Yorkist’s enemies probably precluded
her from consideration and, instead, the castle seems to have become a
possession of the crown by the last years of Edward IV’s reign. Richard
III was definitively lord of the manor in 1484 and upon his death, at
Bosworth the following year, the estate was seized by Henry VII (Curzon
& Tipping 1929, 103-05, 114).
30 August 1497
|
18th century illustration of the memorial
brass of Maud (Stanhope, Willoughby, Neville) Clifton in
Tattersall college, Tattershall, Lincolnshire
|
|
2012 photograph of the memorial brass of
Maud (Stanhope, Willoighby, Neville) Clifton in Holy Trinity,
Tattershall, Lincolnshire
|
Holy Trinity, Tattershall,
Lincolnshire, England
Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain vol 2
part 3 pp329-30 (Richard Gough 1786)
In the
chancel at Tateshale is another slab, with a brass figure of a
lady, under a triple canopy within a rich arch, and under her this
inscription,
Hic jacet Nobilis d’na Matilda nuper d’na Willughby
quondam uxor Rob’ti d’ni de Willughby militis, ac consanguinea et
heres illustris d’ni Radulphi nup’ d’ni Cromwell militis fundatoris
hujus collegii ac Specialis benfactrix ejusd’m collegii que obiit 30
die Aug. Anno Domini millimo CCCCLXXXXUJJ. Cujus anime p’picietur
om’ps deus. Amen
On the pillars of the arch eight figures of saints, with inscriptions:
Ste. Thoma Cantuar.
Ste. Christopher
Ste. J’hes Evang, with cup and snake.
Ste. M.chael, weighing the devil against a naked
penitent or soul.
Sancta Anna, with her daughter.
Sancta Helena, with the cross.
Sancta Sytha, with bible and keys.
Sancta Elizabet, with St. John and the Lamb.
On the top of the centre pediment the Virgin sitting crowned
holding the child in her right hand and a sceptre in her left,
Arms at the upper corners: A bend and chief. Cromwell,
quartering Tateshal.
Quarterly, 1. 4. 2. 3. a spread eagle,
quartering a lion rampant, impaling the lion rampant; quartering Tateshal.
Quarterly, 1. a bend between six cross crosslets; the
antient coat of Stanhope.
2. Cromwell.
3. Tateshal.
4. blank.
A cross ingrailed quartering a cross moline impaling Stanhope.
Cromwell quartering Tateshale impaling Stanhope.
A lion rampant impaling Cromwell quartering Tateshale.
Of these remained, when I first visited Tateshale, 1762,
the first and the baron side of the second.
This lady was daughter of Sir Richard Stanhope, knight, and
younger sister of Jane before mentioned, p. 267. cousin and coheir to
Ralph lord Cromwell, and married to Robert lord Willoughby, who was a
distinguished commander in the wars of Henry V. and VI. in France, and
of Cardinal Beaufort in Bohemia; and having been summoned to Parliament
from 12 Henry IV. to 29 Henry VI. died 30 Henrv VI. leaving one daughter
Joan, married to Sir Richard Willis, knt. His wife Maud remarried to Sir
Thomas Neville, younger son of Richard earl of Salisbury, and on his
imprisonment and the seizure of his estate for rebellion 38 Henry VI.
had an affignment of £. 200. out of those which were her own dowry. By
her will, dated July 18, 1497, 12 Henry VII. she bequeathed her body to
be buried in the church of the college of Tateshale, before the
high altar, on the right hand of her uncle Ralph lord Cromwell, under a
stone there ready provided by her for the same, appointing, that if she
should die in the parish of Tateshale her solemn obsequies, except
burial, should be done in that church.
Patterns of
Patronage: Brasses to the Cromwell-Bourchier Kinship Group
by SALLY BADHAM
... Brass
to Maud, Lady Stanhope
With the last brass commissioned from the London D workshop by this
kinship group, we move back to Tattershall, for the brass in question
commemorates Maud Stanhope, the elder niece of Ralph, Baron Cromwell
and, together with her sister Joan, his co-heiress (Fig. 15). She was a
woman of immense wealth and high position, but her life was marred by
tragedy. She was thrice widowed, twice as a result of the troubled times
in which she lived. Her second husband, Sir Thomas Neville, died at the
Battle of Wakefield in 1460 and her last husband, Sir Gervase Clifton,
was a casualty of the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. This last blow was
followed closely by the attainting and beheading of Lord Welles, the
husband of her only child Joan. Maud evidently spent much of her
widowhood supporting the completion of her uncle’s collegiate foundation
at Tattershall. Her testamentary bequest to the College of three
lucrative manors in return for her obit and daily Masses for herself,
her husbands, parents, sister and uncle led to her being named as a
co-founder of the College.
An examination of the inscription on Maud’s brass shows that her
date of death in 1497 was filled in, so the brass was evidently made in
her own lifetime. This is confirmed by her will, made in 1487, in which
she requested burial in Tattershall church before the high altar on the
right hand of her uncle, Ralph, Lord Cromwell ‘under a stone ready
provided by her’. She thus ensured she was buried in a position of
honour and was commemorated by a brass designed to her own
specification, which gives a clear indication of how she wanted to be
remembered. She is shown garbed as a widow and was surrounded by shields
which proclaimed her distinguished descent and the three eminent
families into which she married. The inscription gives more evidence of
her self-image and shows that she valued most highly her first marriage
alliance. It names her as ‘the noble lady Matilda, the late Lady
Willoughby, being the wife of Robert, Lord Willoughby, knight, and a
relation and heiress of the famous Ralph, late Lord Cromwell, knight,
founder of this College; she was a particular benefactor of the
College’.41
41
The full inscription reads: Hic iacet Nobilis domina Matilda
nuper domina Willughby quondam uxor Roberti domini de
Willughby militis ac consanguinea et heres illustris domini
Radulphi nuper domini Cromwell militis fundatoris huius
collogij [sic] ac Specialis benefactrix eiusdem collegij
que obijt xxx° die augusti Anno Domini Millesimo CCCC°
Lxxxxvij° Cuius Anime propicietur omnipotens Deus
Amen. (Here lies the noble lady Matilda, the late Lady Willoughby,
being the wife of Robert, Lord Willoughby, knight, and a relation and
heiress of the famous Ralph, late Lord Cromwell, knight, founder of
this College; she was a particular benefactor of the college, and died
on the 30th of August A.D. 1497; on whose soul may God Almighty have
mercy Amen.)
There was also a window created for Maud in the church at Tuxfrd.
Lincolnshire
Church Notes Made by Gervase Holles, A. D. 1634 to A. D. 1642 p96
(R. E. G. Cole, 1911)
Tuxford,
Notts.
In Fenestra opposita:—
Crumwell Quarterly G. a crosse sarcely Arg . . . Sa. a crosse
engrayled Or . Willughby
Arg. a cheife G.
over all a Bend B. . . . Crumwell
Neare to this Escocheon in the same window the picture of a Lady,
hir goune adorned with the ensignements of Beke, Ufford &
Crumwell; over hir head this inscription— Orate pro anima Dñæ
Matildæ uxoris Dñi Robt̃i Willughby quæ illam fenestram fieri fecit.
dated 18 July 1497, proved 31 November
1497
Testamenta Vetusta vols 1-2 p433
(Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas, 1826)
MAUD LADY WILLOUGHBY.
Maud Lady Willoughby, July 18, 1497. My body to be buried in the Church
of the College of Tattershall, in Lincolnshire, before the high altar,
on the right hand of my uncle, Ralph Lord Cromwell, under a stone
provided by me; and I desire that if I die in the parish of Tattershall,
my solemn exequies, excepting burial, shall be done in that Church.
Proved 31st November, 1497.
The writ for the inquisition post mortem in to Maud's estate was issued on 3
November 1497, but the inquisition was only held on 20 June 1498. Another
writ was issued on 11 September 1498, with that inquisition held on 3
November 1498. In addition a writ of Quœ plura (indicating that the King is
informed that the tenant held other lands besides those mentioned in a
previous inquisition) was issued on 27 May 1497 and that inquisition held on
11 June 1497.
Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Henry VII
vol 2 pp18-22 (1915)
12. MAUD
WILLOUGHBY, widow.
Writ 3 November, inquisition 20 June, 13 Henry VII.
She died seised in her demesne as of fee tail, to herself and the
heirs of her body issuing, of the under-mentioned manor and advowson of
Crumwell, &c. by virtue of a certain gift thereof made by one Ralph
Crumwell to one Ralph Crumwell, knight, and the heirs of his body
issuing, by virtue of which gift the same Ralph Crumwell, knight, was
seised thereof in his demesne as of fee tail by the form of the gift,
and had issue Ralph, Elizabeth and Maud, and died, whereupon the said
manor, &c. descended to the said Ralph, the son, as son and heir of
the said Ralph Crumwell, knight, of his body begotten, who entered and
was seised thereof in fee tail by the form of the gift aforesaid.
She was also seised in her demesne as of fee tail, to herself and
the heirs of her body issuing, of the under-mentioned land, &c. in
Baseford, with the homage and service of the late Stephen Brokilstowe
and his heirs, for the land &c. which they formerly held of one
Ralph Crumwell, and Avice his wife, by virtue of a fine levied in the
octave of Hilary, 25 Edward III, between the said Ralph Crumwell,
knight, and Maud his wife, querents, and one Ralph Crumwell, and Avice
his wife, deforciants, of the said land, &c. with the homage and
service of the said Stephen, whereby the said Ralph and Avice granted
the same inter alia to the said Ralph and Maud, and the heirs of
their bodies issuing. The said land descended to Ralph the son, as
above, who entered and was seised thereof in his demesne as of fee tail
by the form of the fine aforesaid.
And the same Ralph the son being thus seised of the said land,
&c., and also of the said manor, &c., in fee tail, to him and
the heirs of his body issuing by virtue of the gift aforesaid, had issue
Ralph and Maud, and died, whereupon the said manor, &c. and land,
&c. descended to the said Ralph his son, as son and heir of the said
Ralph, son of Ralph and Maud, who entered and was seised thereof in fee
tail by virtue of the fine and gift aforesaid. And the said Maud,
daughter of Ralph, had issue Maud, named in the writ, and Joan, late the
wife of Humphrey Boucher. And the said Ralph, son of Ralph, son of Ralph
and Maud, died without heir of his body begotten, whereupon the said
manor, &c. and land, &c. descended to the said Maud, named in
the writ, and the said Joan her sister, as his cousins and heirs, viz.
daughters of Maud his sister; they entered and were seised thereof in
their demesne as of fee tail by the form of the fine and the gift
aforesaid. And afterwards the said Joan died so seised without issue of
her body issuing, whereupon her purparty descended to the said Maud,
named in the writ, as her sister and heir, whereby the said Maud was
solely seised thereof in her demesne as of fee tail by virtue of the
fine and gift aforesaid, and died so seised without issue of her body
issuing.
She died the last day but one of August last. William Knyvet,
knight, and William FitzwilHam, esquire, are her next heirs, viz. the
same William Knyvet, son of John, son of Elizabeth, daughter of
Constantine, son of Elizabeth late the wife of John Clifton, knight, one
of the daughters of the said Ralph Crumwell, knight, father of Ralph,
father of Maud, her mother, and the aforesaid William Fitzwilliam, son
of John, son of William, son of William, son of John, son of John, son
of the said Maud, the other of the
daughters of the said Ralph Crumwell, knight, father, &c.; they are
also cousins and next heirs of the said Ralph Crumwell, knight, of his
body begotten, viz., the same William Knyvet, son of John, &c., as
above. The said William Knyvet, knight, is aged 56 and more, and the
said William Fitzwilliam 7 and more and in the king’s ward. See
Nos. 13, 14, 33.
NOTTINGHAM. Manor of Crumwell with its appurtenances in
Carlton next Crumwell, worth 10l., the advowson of the church of
the town of Crumwell, the church being worth 10l., and a wood
called ‘Suthwode’ in Wodeborough, worth 2s.; the said manor and
wood are held of the bishop of Lincoln, as of the castle of Newark, in
right of the bishopric, service unknown.
Six messuages, six tofts, two carucates of land and 15s. 4d.
rent, in Baseford, worth 60s.. with the homage and service of the
heirs of Stephen Brokilstowe for tenements there, held of the archbishop
of York, in right of his archbishopric, service unknown.
C. Series
II. Vol. 12. (13.)
13. MAUD WILLUGHBY,
widow.
Writ 11 September, inquisition 3 November, 13 Henry VII.
She died seised in her demesne as of fee tail, to her and the
heirs of her body issuing, of the under-mentioned land, &c. in New
Bokenham, &c. parts of the manors of Wymondham and Bokenham, by
virtue of a fine levied, 19 Edward II, between Joan late the wife of
Robert Dryby, querent, and Gilbert de Barnak, parson of the church of
Tateshall, and Johb de Geslyngham, parson of the church of Wolverton,
deforciants, whereby they gave the tenements aforesaid to the said Joan
for the term of her hfe, with remainder after her decease to William de
Barnak and Alice his wife, and the heirs of the body of the said William
and Alice issuing; by virtue of which fine the said Joan was seised
thereof in her demesne as of free tenement by the form of the fine, and
died, whereupon the said William and Alice entered and were seised
thereof in their demesne as of fee tail by the form of the fine, and had
issue between them John [de] Barnak.
She was also seised, the day she died, in her demesne as of fee
tail, to her and the heirs of her body issuing, of the under-mentioned
manor of Plasset, &c. by virtue of a charter of gift thereof made by
Robert Tateshall to the said William de Barnak, and the heirs of his
body; by virtue of which gift the said William was seised thereof in his
demesne as of fee tail by the form of the gift, and had issue the
aforesaid John de Barnak.
And the said William de Barnak and Alice afterwards died,
whereupon the said John as son and heir both of the said William and
Alice and of the said William entered upon the said manor, &c. and
the other premises above entailed and was seised thereof in fee tail by
the form of the fine and the gift aforesaid, and had issue Maud late the
wife of Ralph Cromwell, knight, and died, whereupon the said manor,
&c. and the other premises descended to the same Maud as his
daughter and heir. She was seised thereof accordingly in her demesne as
of fee tail by the form of the fine and gift, and had issue Ralph
Cromwell, Elizabeth and Maud, and died, whereupon the said manor,
&c. and the other premises descended to the said Ralph, as son and
heir of the said Maud daughter of John. Ralph as such son and heir
entered and was seised thereof in his demesne as of fee tail by virtue
of the fine and gift aforesaid. The remainder of the descent as in No.
12, ‘Humphrey Boucher’ being described as ‘Humphrey Burghchier knight.’
She died the last day but one of August last seised of the
under-mentioned advowsons, knights’ fees, Tolboth and manor of Stowe
Bedon in fee. William Knyvet, knight, aged 56 and more, and William
Fitzwilliam, esquire, aged 6 and more, are her cousins and next heirs,
and cousins and next heirs both of the bodies of the aforesaid William
de Barnak and Alice and of the body of the same William begotten, viz.
William Knyvett son of John, son of Elizabeth, daughter of Constantine,
son of Elizabeth, wife of John Clyfton, one of the daughters, and
William Fitzwilliam son of John, son of William, son of William, son of
John, son of John, son of Maud the other of the daughters of Maud, wife
of Ralph Cromwell, knight, daughter of John, son of the aforesaid
William and Alice, and mother of Ralph, father of Maud, mother of the
said Maud named in the writ. See Nos. 12, 14, 33.
NORFOLK. Nine messuages, 146a. ¼r. land, 5½a.
meadow, 3a. pasture, 7s. ½d. rent, and a rent of
two sparrow-hawks, in New Bokenham, Old Bokenham, Attilburgh and
Elyngham.
A third part of the manor of Wymondham.
An eighth part of the manor of Bokenham.
The above messuages, &c. and parts of manors, comprised in
the fine aforesaid, are worth, together with the knights’ fees below, 30l.,
and are held of the king in chief by service of being the king’s butler
on the day of his coronation.
Manor of Plasset (de Plasseto) in Attilbugh and Besthorp,
except the wood of Shrewode and except Robert Anketyll, bondman, and his
suit and tenement, worth 6l., held of Wilham Knyvet, knight, as
of the manor of Plassynghall, by service of one knight’s fee and a pair
of gilt spurs at Midsummer, and by William of the king in chief by
service of 1/20 of a knight’s fee.
The advowson of the church of Congham St. Mary.
The advowson of the churches of Stanhowe and Denton, to present
in turn.
The moiety of a knight’s fee in Darsyngham, which the prior of
Bynham and Edmund Pakenham lately held.
The moiety of ¼ of a knight’s fee in Freton which Margaret
Hardegrey held.
A knight’s fee in Besthorp, which Thomas Payne held.
The sixth part of a knight’s fee in Shelfanger, which Edmund
None, knight, and Isabel, his wife held, in her right.
Two parts of a knight’s fee in Bricham and Bricham Toftes, which
Roger Davy held.
The moiety of a knight’s fee in Illyngton, which John
Brusard and Robert Flemmyng held.
The fourth part of a knight’s fee in Denton, which Margaret
Marchall, countess of Norfolk, held.
The fourth part of a knight’s fee in Denton, which Geoffrey
Pesenhale held.
The moiety of a knight’s fee in Darsyngham, which Maud Straunge
held.
Two parts of a fourth part into three divided of the profits of
the Tolboth of Bishops Lynn (Lenn’ Episcopi), worth 3s. 4d.,
held of the king in chief by paying blaunch farm of the castle of
Norwich (per albam firmam castri Norwic’ solvend’).
Manor of Stowe Bedon, worth 10 marks, held of the king as of the earldom
of Warwick, by suit to the hundred of Weylond.
C. Series
II. Vol. 12. (14.)
14. MAUD WILLUGHBY,
widow.
Writ of Quœ plura, 27 May, inquisition 11 June, 13 Henry
VII.
William, bishop of Winchester, William, bishop of Ely, John
Fortescue, knight, John Say, knight, Thomas Byllyng, knight, C.J.K.B.,
and Walter Moylle, knight, were seised of the under-mentioned manor in
fee, and being so seised demised it to Robert Ratclyff, then esquire,
for the term of his life, whereby the said Robert was seised of it in
his demesne as of free tenement, and being so seised, the said bishop of
Ely and the others died and the said William, bishop of Winchester,
survived them, and was seised of the reversion aforesaid in fee, and
died so seised, whereupon the reversion descended to the next heir of
the said bishop, but who is such heir the jurors know not. And
afterwards the said Robert Ratclyff died seised of his estate aforesaid.
Long before the said bishops and the others had anything in the
said manor, a fine was levied in the quinzaine of Michaelmas, 34 Edward
I, between Wlliam de Bernak and Alice his wife, querents, and Joan late
the wife of Robert de Tateshall, the elder, deforciant, of the said
manor, whereby the said Joan gave it to the said William and Alice, his
wife, and his issue by the said Alice, to hold of her and her heirs. The
said William and Alice were seised thereof accordingly in their demesne
as of fee tail by the form of the gift, and died, whereupon the said
manor descended to John Bernak, as their son and heir. He entered and
was seised thereof in his demesne as of fee tail by the form of the
gift, and took to wife one Joan and had issue John, William and Maud.
And the said Joan died, and the said John, the father, took to wife
Juliana, and they had issue between them William. And the said John
Bernak, the father, died seised of the estate tail aforesaid, whereupon
the said manor descended to the said John, as son and heir of the said
John Bernak, the father. He entered and was seised thereof in his
demesne as of fee tail by the form of the gift, and died without issue,
whereupon the said manor descended to William son of the said John, the
father, as brother and heir of the said John the son. He entered,
&c., and died without issue. After whose death, Maud, daughter of
the said John and Joan, both by colour that she was sister and heir of
the said William, and by colour of a certain unjust inquisition after
the death of the said William, brother of John, whereby it was found
that the said William was seised in his demesne as of fee of the said
manor, and died so seised, and that the said Maud was his sister and
next heir, entered into that manor, the said William, son of John Bernak
and Juhana being at that time under the age of six years. And afterwards
the said William, son of John Bernak and Juliana, died, whereupon the
right of the said manor descended to Robert Broughton, knight, as cousin
and heir both of the said William, son of John and Juhana, and of the
said John, as well as of the said William and Ahce, viz. son of John,
son of Elizabeth, daughter of Mary, daughter of John, son of the said
William, son of John and Juliana, son of the said William and Alice;
which Robert at the time of the death of the bishop of Winchester
aforesaid was under the age of twenty-one years.
After the death of the said Robert Ratclyff the said Maud named
in the writ, by colour that she was cousin and heir of the said Maud,
sister of the said William, entered into the said manor by permission of
the bishop of Winchester’s next heir, and was possessed thereof and
died; after whose death the said Robert Broughton, knight, as such heir
as abovesaid, entered thereon, and was and is seised thereof in his
demesne as of fee tail, by the form of the gift, and took the issues
thereof from the time of her death to the day of the taking of the
inquisition.
NORFOLK. Manor of Hedersett, worth 6l. 8s.,
held of the king, as of the manor of Swaffham, by fealty and 38s.
rent to the ward (de warda) of Rychmond, and of the hundred of
Humbyard by 5½d. rent, other services unknown.
C. Series
II. Vol. 12. (15.) E. Series II. File 610. (12.)
pp34-5
33. MAUD
WILLOUGHBY, widow.
Writ 20 November, inquisition 28 May, 13 Henry VII.
She died seised in fee tail to herself and the heirs of her body
issuing of the under-mentioned manor of Tumby, by virtue of a gift
thereof made by one Simon Dryby to Robert Dryby and Joan his wife, to
them and the heirs of their bodies issuing, by virtue of which gift the
said Robert and Joan were seised thereof in their demesne as of fee tail
by the form of the gift, and had issue between them Alice, which Alice
took to husband William Bernak; and the said Robert and Joan afterwards
died, after whose death the manor aforesaid descended to the said Alice
as their daughter and heir of their bodies begotten, whereby the said
William Bernak and Alice, in her right, entered upon the said manor and
were thereof seised in their demesne as of fee tail by the form of the
gift, and had issue John and died; after the death of the which Alice
the said manor descended to the same John, son of the said William and
Alice as her heir, whereby the same John entered and was seised thereof
in his demesne as of fee tail by the form of the gift, and had issue
Maud, which Maud took to husband Ralph Cromwell, knight; and afterwards
the same John died, after whose death the manor aforesaid descended to
the same Maud as his daughter and heir, whereby the said Ralph and Maud,
in her right, entered and were seised thereof in their demesne as of fee
tail by the form of the gift, and had issue Ralph Cromwell, Elizabeth
and Maud, and died, after the death of which Maud, wife of Ralph, the
manor aforesaid descended to the said Ralph, son of Ralph and Maud, as
her son and heir, whereby he entered and was seised thereof in his
demesne as of fee tail by the form of the gift aforesaid.
She was seised the day she died in her demesne as of fee tail, to
herself and the heirs of her body issuing, of the under-mentioned manor
of Kirkeby upon Bayne, with lands, &c. in Roughton, &c., by
virtue of a fine levied in the quinzaine of Michaelmas, 41 Edward III,
between Ralph Cromwell, knight, and Maud his wife, querents, and Ralph,
parson of the church of Cromwell, Roger Mors, William Wakebrygge and
John, parson of the church of Halum, deforciants, of inter alia
the said manor and lands, by which fine the said Ralph and the others
granted the same inter alia to the said Ralph Cromwell, knight,
and Maud his wife, and the heirs of their bodies issuing, by virtue of
which fine the same Ralph and Maud were seised thereof in their demesne
as of fee tail by the form of the fine, and had issue between them the
aforesaid Ralph, Elizabeth and Maud, and died, after whose death the
same descended to the said Ralph as their son and heir, whereby the said
Ralph, as son and heir of the said Ralph Cromwell, knight, and Maud,
entered and was thereof seised in his demesne as of fee tail by the form
of the fine.
The subsequent descent of both manors as in No. 12.
She died the last day but one of August last, seised of the
under-mentioned advowsons, knights’ fees and rent in fee. William Knyvet
and William Fitzwilliam are her cousins and heirs, as in No. 12; they
are also cousins and heirs of the aforesaid Robert Dryby and Joan his
wife of their bodies begotten, viz. the same William Knyvet, son of
John, son of Ehzabeth, daughter of Constantine, son of Elizabeth, late
the wife of John Clifton, knight, one of the daughters of Maud, late the
wife of Ralph Cromwell, knight, daughter of John, son of Alice, late the
wife of William Bernak, knight, daughter of the aforesaid Robert Dryby
and Joan; and the aforesaid William Fitzwilliam, son of John, son of
William, son of William, son of John, son of John, son of Maud the other
of the daughters of the said Maud, late the wife of Ralph Cromwell,
knight, &c. See Nos. 12, 13, 14.
LINCOLN. Manor of Tumby, worth 4l., held of Henry
de Clifford, by 1/20 of a knight’s fee, and by
suit of his court at Folkingham at Michaelmas.
Manor of Kirkeby upon Bayne, worth 5l., held of John de
Willoughby, by 1/16 of a knight’s fee.
Eight messuages, a carucate and six bovates of land, 5a.
meadow, worth 20s., and 10l. rent, in Roughton, Wodehall,
Wynthorp, Langeton next Thornton, Sutton next Markeby, and Maltby next
Strubby, the tenure of the land, &c. unknown; the rent, worth
nothing beyond the same rent, is neither held of the king nor of any
other.
The advowson of the abbey of Kirkested, and the advowson of the
church of Maltby, worth nothing beyond outgoings.
A fourth part of a knight’s fee in Marton, which John son of
Alfred (Alveredi) lately held.
A sixth part of a knight’s fee in Witham, which William de Breton
lately held.
A twelfth part of a knight’s fee in the hamlet of Oldebethorp,
which John de Oreby lately held.
A knight’s fee in Straton and Wadingworth, which William de
Breton lately held.
A fourth part of a knight’s fee in Wyspygton, which Robert de
Willoughby lately held.
Half a knight’s fee in Tumby, which Joan de Tumby lately held.
The above fees are worth yearly in all issues 20s., but of
whom the said fees and advowsons are held the jurors are wholly
ignorant.
A certain yearly rent of 20s. to be received yearly from
certain tenants in Marum, worth nothing yearly beyond the said rent,
neither is it held of the king nor of another.
C. Series
II. Vol. 12. (34.)
A similar transcription of Maud's Nottinghamshire inquisition, with a few
more details, can be found at Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp18-20 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
- Aged 30 in the IPM of her
mother in December 1454 cited in Marriage
& the Nevills: Robert, Thomas, Gervase & Maud – the director’s
cut (Karen Clark, 2012)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p257
(Arthur Collins, 1768); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p257
(Arthur Collins, 1768); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p257
(Arthur Collins, 1768); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871)
- The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire p283
(Robert Thoroton, 1677); The Peerage of England vol 3 p257
(Arthur Collins, 1768); The Visitations of the County of Nottingham in the
Years 1569 and 1614 p6 (William Flower, 1871)
- Documented in Maud's IPM
in Calendar of Inquisitions Post Mortem Henry VII
vol 2 p18
- Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain vol 2
part 3 pp329-30 (Richard Gough 1786);Transactions of the Monumental Brass Society
vol 17 part 5 pp443-5 (2007)
- Matilda Stanhope
Michael Stanhope
Edward Stanhope
Adelina
(Clifton) Stanhope
Anne
Rawson
Michael a was member of the
court of Henry VIII and Edward VI, largely due to his brother-in-law, Edward
Seymour, Duke of Somerset and uncle to Edward VI. Michael was elected a
Member of Parliament, representing Nottinghamshire, in 1545 and 1547 and
further details are found in The History of
Parliament: the House of Commons 1509-1558, ed. S.T. Bindoff, 1982,
entry for STANHOPE,
Michael (by 1508-52), of Shelford, Notts.
The wikipedia
page for Michael Stanhope contains this biography:
By 1532
he was in the service of Thomas
Manners, 1st Earl of Rutland. By 1535 Stanhope's half sister, Anne
Stanhope, had married Edward
Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, the eldest brother of Queen Jane
Seymour, third wife of King Henry VIII, and thus Stanhope entered
the King's service.
In October 1536 he helped to prevent the spread of the Pilgrimage
of Grace rebellion and was rewarded with an appointment as a
Justice of the Peace for Nottinghamshire, and the opportunity to acquire
from the Crown lands in Nottinghamshire which became available following
the Dissolution of the Monasteries. He purchased Shelford
Priory in November 1537, leased Lenton
Priory in 1539, and in 1540 purchased the manor of Shelford and
other properties.
By 1538 Stanhope held a position as an officer in the royal
stables, and by 1540 was one of Henry VIII's Esquires
of the Body.
In the early 1540s Stanhope held several offices in Yorkshire,
and by September 1544 had been appointed lieutenant of the garrison at
Kingston upon Hull, an appointment which he likely owed to the influence
of his brother-in-law, Seymour, then Earl of Hertford. His
responsibilities as lieutenant, and later as governor, included the
supply of provisions, men and ships for Berwick and for English
campaigns on the Scottish border and into Scotland itself. In 1546 he
was in conflict with the townsmen of Hull, who complained to the Privy
Council of his high-handedness, while he in turn complained of their
"lewd behaviour".
Stanhope was knighted in about 1545 and was twice elected as a
Member of Parliament for the prestigious county seat of Nottinghamshire,
in 1545 and 1547.
In 1547 King Edward VI acceded to the throne, and the young
King's uncle and Stanhope's brother-in-law, Edward Seymour, was created
Duke of Somerset and was appointed Lord Protector. Stanhope's own career
reached its apex at this point. He was appointed Groom
of the Stool to the new king, an appointment which effectively
placed him in control of the King's privy purse, and 'was recognised as
the leading figure in the royal entourage'. He was Master
of the King's Harriers in July 1548, and by 1549 was Chief
Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. At about this time he purchased
further former chantry lands, chiefly in Yorkshire.
In 1549 Somerset fell from power, and on 12 October 1549 Stanhope
lost his own appointments and was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Michael is mentioned in the IPM of his elder brother, Richard, held on 6
June 1528
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 pp162-70 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
Richard Stanhope, esquire.
Delivered into Court, 18 June, 20 Henry viij [1528].
Inquisition taken at Retfford, 6
June, 20 Hen. viij [1528];
... by indenture made between the said Richard Stanhope of the
one part, and Humphrey Hersye of the other part, dated 16
October, 6 Henry viij [1514] it was agreed that Thomas Elton,
clerk, Rector of the church of Grove, Robert Nevill, clerk,
Rector of the church of Ordesall, Richard Lasseliz, gentleman, John
Berege, William Roucell and Alexander Nevyle should
recover to them and their heirs against the said Richard Stanhope,
one close, parcel of the manor of Sowthcotom called “Sowthcotom Closse”
in the parish of Donham and the said park of Egmanton before excepted,
and a certain wood in Egmanton, parcel of the jointure of the said Richard
and Anne his wife called “Burgrave,” to the use of the said Humphrey
Hersye and his executors for a term of 7 years then next to follow
in full satisfaction of £120 before paid by the said Humphrey to
Richard; and after the term of 7 years to the use of the said Richard
and the heirs male of his body, lawfully begotten; and in default of
such issue to the use of Michael Stanhope, brother of the said Richard,
and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten; and in default of such
issue to the use of the right heirs of the said Richard, in
fulfilment of which covenant the said Thomas Elton, clerk, and
the others in Michaelmas Term, 6 Henry vij [1490] [“dicto anno sexto
dicti nuper Regis”] by the King’s writ of entry super disseisin in
le post recovered against Richard the said close, and wood
by the name of 400 acres of pasture in Egmanton, Bargrave and
Sowthcotom, by virtue of which recovery they entered and were seized of
the premises to the use aforesaid. And afterwards Richard Stanhope
died without heir male of his body lawfully begotten, and also Richard
Lasselz, John Berige and William Roucell died, and Thomas
Elton, Robert Nevyle and Alexander Nevyle remained seized
to the use of the said Michael Stanhope and the heirs male of
his body lawfully begotten and in default of such issue to the use of
Sanchia daughter and heir of the said Richard and her heirs for
ever. Further they say that
Michael Stanhope claims to hold for term of his life by
lease of the said Richard his brother, all the lands and
tenements of the said Richard in Wylloughby, Wallesbye,
Boughton, Allerton and Tryswell, except one messuage in Wallesbye in the
tenure of Peter Burley, and the wood in Walesby called Nycolles
Grove, and 2 closes in Tryswell of which one is called Woode Close,
afterwards sold to a certain Anthony Babyngton, who is now
seized of it, and another called Myklholme, afterwards sold to Humphrey
Nevyll, who now is seized of it.
Michael is also mentioned in the IPM of Ralph Sacheverell, held on 3
November 1539
Abstracts of the Inquisitiones Post Mortem relating to
Nottinghamshire vol 1 p252 (W.P.W. Phillimore, 1905)
Ralph Sacheverell, esquire.
Delivered into Court, 3 November, 31 Henry viij
[1539].
Inquisition taken at
Nottingham,18 October, 31 Henry viij [1539];
... of which said manor of Stokebardolfe the King now and then was
seized in his demesne as of fee in right of his crown of England, and
the same King so seized by his letters patent at Westminster 27 April,
29 Henry viij [1537], gave and granted to Michael Stanhoppe,
esquire, the said manor of Stokebardolf amongst other manors, lands and
tenements. To have, hold and occupy the said manor of Stokebardolf
together with the advowsons, nominations and presentations, etc., etc.,
to the said Michael Stanhoppe and his assigns from the date of
the letters patent until the end of a term of 60 years. By virtue
whereof the said Michael Stanhoppe entered into the said manor
and was and still is possessed thereof, with reversion to the King and
his heirs.
The
Loseley Manuscripts pp55-6 (Alfred J. Kempe, 1835)
Disguisings, Masks, Interludes, Plays,
&c.
Michael Stanhope to Sir Thomas Cawarden. The Lord Protector, the Duke of
Somerset, desires him to cause garments to be made for six Masks, of
whom the King himself will be one:
they are to be for persons of the King’s stature. The jest appears to
have been to keep the spectators ignorant which of the maskers was the
King. Thus, in a scene of Shakspeare’s Henry VIII. the King is described
as entering with twelve maskers habited like shepherds; and Wolsey says:
“There should
be one among them by his person
More worthy this place than myself—to whom,
If I but knew him, with my love and duty
I would surrender it.
Chamberlain. Such a
one they all confess
There is indeed, which they would have your Grace
Find out, and he will take it.
Wolsey. Let me see,
then.
By all your good leaves, gentlemen here I’ll make
My royal choice.
King. You have found
him, Cardinal.
[The King unmasks.”
See also Cavendish’s Life of Wolsey,
which appears to have been known to Shakspeare, and closely followed by
him in many incidents of the play.
Gentle Mr. Cawerden,
My Lorde Protecto’s
pleaso’
is that you shall cause garments to be made for vi maskes, wherof the
King’s
Matie shal be be woon, and the residue of his statiore, end vi other
garments of like bignes for torch bearers, wt convenient
diligence, so as the same be in arredynes against Sondaye next at the
uttermost, for whiche purpose his grace have comaunded me to write these
my l’res
to yo’
accordingly. ffrom Westm’r
the vth daye of februarie.
Your loving
frende,
MYCHAELL
STANHOPE.
To my verai loving frende Sr
Thomas Cawerden, knight.
John Stow describes the journey of the Duke of Somerset, accompanied by
Michael Stanhope, from Windsor Castle where he was arrested, to the Tower of
London on 14 October 1551
The Annales of England p1011 (John Stow,
1600)
The 14. of October in the afternꝏne, the duke of Somerset was brought from Windsor,
riding betwixt the earles of Southampton, and of Huntington, through
Oldborne in at Newgate, and so to the tower of London, accompanied with
diuers lords and gentlemen, with 300 horse: the lord maior, sir Ralph
Warren, sir Iohn Gresham, master Recorder, sir William Lock, and both the
sherifs, and other knights sitting on their horses against Soper lane, and
all the officers with halbards, and from Holborne bridge to the tower,
certaine aldermen or their deputies on horse-backe in euery streete, with
a number of housholders standing with bils as he passed. There was with
him committed to the tower, sir Michaell Stanhope, sir Thomas Smith, sir
Iohn Thin knights, Wolfe of the priuie chamber, and Grey of Reading.
The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire pp147-8
(Robert Thoroton, 1677)
Shelford.
But King
Henry the eighth, 24 Novemb, in the twenty ninth year of
his Reign, by his Letters Patents, granted the House and Site of the
Priory and Almeshouses, &c. within it, and one hundred sixty four
Acres of Land, thirty of Medow, and sixty of Pasture, with the
Appurtenances, to Michael Stanhope, Esquire, and Anne
his wife, and the heirs Males of Michael; as he did also, 5 Febr.
31 H.8. (amongst other things) the Manor of Shelford,
and the Rectoryes of the Parish Churches of
Shelford, Saxendale, Gedling, Burton Joys, and North-Muskham, and all
Mannors, Mess. Lands, and Tenements, &c. in Shelford,
Saxendale, Newton, Brigford, Gunthorp, Lowdham, Cathorpe, Horingham,
Bulcote, Gedling, Carleton, Stoke, Lemcote, Flintham, Long Collingham,
Cawnton, the Town of Nott.
Newarke, Burton Joys, and North-Muskham.
in this County, late belonging to this Monastery of Shelford,
paying 119l. per annum.
This Michael was second son of Sir Edward Stanhope
of Rampton, by his first wife Adelina, the
daughter of Sir Gervas Clifton; his second was Elizabeth,
daughter of Fulc. Bourchier Lord Fitz-Warin, by whom he
had a daughter named Anne, married to Edward Duke of Somerset,
Lord Protector of Edward the sixth, in whose cause this Sir Michael
Stanhope lost his Head, but left the beginning of a fair Estate,
which his son Sir Thomas, and the rest of his posterity have
well increased.
... In Shelford Church upon the Tomb is for Sir Michael
Stanhope, Quarterly Ermine, and Gules, quartering Mallovel,
Longvillers, &c. impaling Sable a Castle Argent.
p282
Gedling.
The King, Feb. 5. 31 H.
8. granted to Michael Stanhope,
Esquire, and Anne his wife,
amongst other things, the Mannor of Shelford,
with its members and Appurtenances, late belonging to the Monastery of Shelford, and
likewise all the Woods called the Priors Park and Eshawe,
containing one hundred and forty Acres in Gedling.
And the Rectories of the Parish Churches of Shelford,
Sarendale, Gedling, Burton Joys,
and North Buskam.
Also all Mannors, Mess. Lands, Tenements, &c. in Shelford,
Sarendale, Newton, Brigford, Gunthorp, Loudham, Cathorp, Horingham,
Bulcote, Gedling, Carleton, Stoke, Lamcote, Flintham, Long
Colingham, Caunton,
the Town of Nott.
Newark, Burton Joys,
and North Buskam,
to the said Monastery belonging.
p428
Walkeringham.
King E.
6. granted to Sir Michael Stanhope,
Knight, and John Bellowe, 18 August, 2 E. 6. amongst other
things, certain Mess. in East
Retford, and
also Messuages, Lands, and
Tenements, late in the Tenure of Giles
Horbury, Robert Keightey, Thomas Stocom, &c. in Walkeringham,
late belonging to a Chantry in the Chapel of Padham
in the County of Lancaster.
The Peerage of England vol 3 pp260-3
(Arthur Collins, 1768)
I now
return to Michael Stanhope (second son of Sir Edward who, by the death
of his brother Richard, was the chief of the family; and having served
King Henry VIII, from his tender years, obtained from him by letters
patent, bearing date Jan. 28, in the 29th year of his reign, a grant of
Eveshall forest in com’ Nott. Also by other letters patent in the same
year, a grant of the house and scite of the monastery of Shelford in the
same county, the alms-houses, &c. within it, and other lands thereto
belonging, to the use of himself, Anne his wife, and their heirs-male.
He had likewise, in 31 Henry VIII. a grant of the manor of Shelford,
with its members, parcel of the possessions of the dissolved monastery
there, with the rectories of Shelford, Gedlyng, Burton-Jorze, and
North-Muskham, all in the county of Nottingham; Rouceby, and Westburgh,
in com’ Lincoln; Elvaston, and Okbrook in com’ Derby. In 35 Henry VIII.
he was constituted the King’s Steward of the great lordship of
Holderness, and of Cottingham in com’ Ebor. by letters patent, bearing
date the 25th of February. And two years after, viz. 37 Henry VIII. he
was, on Trinity-Sunday at Hampton Court, knighted by the King
immediately after his return from Bulloign, who also constituted him
Governor of Hull. Under King Edward VI. he was chief Gentleman of the
Privy-chamber; and in the first year of his reign was elected one of the
Knights of Nottinghamshire to the parliament then held. In the third of
Edward VI. he was appointed a Commissioner with Robert, Archbishop of
Canterbury, Sir Leonard Beckwith, and others, to examine the state of
the guildable lands in the kingdom; but the next year, when the ruin of
the Duke of Somerset was both projected and perfected (as our historians
agree) by the subtle artifices of that haughty man, John Dudley Viscount
Lisle (afterwards Duke of Northumberland) to make way for his own
ambitious and aspiring designs, Sir Michael Stanhope was, without any
reason alledged, committed prisoner to the Tower, with the Duke of
Somerset, October 14, 1549, his relation to him by his wife being
thought sufficient grounds of guilt; and when the Duke was released, Sir
Michael was likewise set at liberty, without accusation; yet two years
afterwards was again imprisoned with the Duke and his Dutchess, October
16, 1551, and nothing appeared against him, besides the testimony of one
Crane; who, as Sir John Hayward, in his life of King Edward VI. relates,
was a man, who, having consumed his
own estate, had armed himself to any mischief; And what he did
say of him, was only, that he had acquainted the Earl of Arundel (who
was likewise confined) with a design of assassinating the Duke of
Northumberland, the Marquis of Northampton, and the Earl of Pembroke, at
a banquet, to which they were to be invited, at the Lord Paget’s house.
Yet on this evidence he was found guilty of conspiring the death
of a Privy-counsellor, and sentenced to die (as were also three other
Knights on the same account) and a warrant being signed February 25, for
severing his head from his body, he was accordingly beheaded the next
day, with Sir Tho. Arundel on Tower-hill, about a month after the Duke
of Somerset had suffered; For, as this conspiracy is said by our
historians to be a forgery, and that Somerset could not be thought to
offend alone, ’twas therefore judged necessary (to prevent suspicion) to
take off Sir Michael Stanhope, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir Ralph Vane, and
Sir Miles Partridge; who all ended their lives with the most solemn
protestations of their innocence; and Vane added, That
his blood would make Northumberland’s pillow
uneasy.
This Sir Michael has a monument erected to his memory in Shelford
church, by Anne his wife, daughter of Nicholas Rawson of Aveley-Belhouse
in Essex, Esq. by whom she had (as the inscription imports) Sir Thomas
Stanhope of Shelford in the county of Nottingham, Knt. Eleanor married
to Thomas Cooper of Thurgarton in the county aforesaid, Esq. Sir Edward
Stanhope, LL. D. who was one of her Majesty’s learned council in the
Northern court at York; Julian married to John Hotham of Scorborough in
com’ Ebor. Knt. without surviving issue; John Stanhope, Esq. one of the
Gentlemen of the Privy-chamber to Q. Elizabeth; Jane, who was married to
Sir Roger Townshend of Raynham, in Norfolk, ancestor by her to the
present Viscount Townshend, and on March 10, 1597, after his death, to
Henry Lord Berkeley, but without issue by him: besides Margaret, William
and Edward, who died in their infancies. The said Lady, Anne Stanhope,
lived (as is there expressed) a widow thirty-five years, in which time
she brought up all her younger children in virtue and learning, whereby
they were preferred to the marriages and callings before recited. In her
life-time she kept continually a worshipful house, relieved the poor
daily, gave good countenance and comfort to the preachers of God’s word,
spent the most of the time of her latter days in prayer, and using the
church where God’s word was preached. She died February 20, anno 1587
(30 Eliz.) in the faith of Christ, with hope of a joyful resurrection.
Sir Michael Stanhope had another son, also Sir Michael, of Sudbury, in
Suffolk, who was knighted 1 James I. and left several coheirs; of whom
Bridget was married to George Fielding, Earl of Desmond, and was mother,
by him, of William, Earl of Denbigh and Desmond; Elizabeth, second
daughter, wedded to George Lord Berkeley, father, by her, of George Earl
of Berkeley; and Jane, who was wife of Henry Lord Fitzwalter, son and
heir of Robert Radclyffe Earl of Sussex, but had no issue.
Notices
of the Stanhopes as Esquires and Knights pp9-10 (Philip Henry
Stanhope, 1855)
The
second son of Sir Edward, SIR MICHAEL STANHOPE,
having served King Henry VIII. from his tender years, obtained from him
a grant of lands in 1538; and by another grant more fully in 1540 the
manor of Shelford with its appendages the possessions of the dissolved
monastery at that place, together with the rectories of Shelford,
Gedlyng, Burton Jorze, and North Muskham, in the county of Nottingham;
Rouceby and Westburgh, in the county of Lincoln; Elvaston and Okbrook in
the county of Derby. In 1543, he was constituted the King’s Steward of
the great lordship of Holderness and of Cottingham, in Yorkshire, he
being also named Governor of Hull. Two years after he received the
honour of knighthood at Hampton Court from the King, immediately after
his return from Boulogne. Under King Edward VI. he was also Chief
Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, and served in Parliament as one of the
Knights for the county of Nottingham. But, in 1551, he was involved in
the ruin of his brother-in-law, the Protector Somerset. After a mock
trial (as trials were in that age) he was sentenced to die, with three
other Knights, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir Miles Partridge, and Sir Ralph
Vane. There may be seen in Rymer’s Collection (vol. xv. p. 296) the
warrant for their execution, addressed to the Bishop of Ely as
Chancellor, and dated February 25. 1552. Next day, accordingly, Sir
Michael Stanhope, in company with Sir Thomas Arundel, was beheaded on
Tower Hill.
pp26-7
A
contemporary painting of Sir Michael Stanhope the elder (No. x. in the
Line of Descent) was obtained on the Bretby dispersion by Mr. Arthur
Stanhope, and from him descended to his son-in-law Mr. Evelyn J.
Shirley. In 1845 I saw it at Mr. Shirley’s house in Belgrave Square, and
by his kind permission employed an artist, Mr. Gooderson, to make two
exact copies of it in oil-colours, the one for my father, the other for
myself. This portrait is painted upon panel, and, as usual in portraits
of that period, the Coat of Arms appears on one side. In this the
quarterings are as follows:
1. Coat of Stanhope (ermine and gules).
2. Coat of Maulovel (three wolves passant).
3. Coat of Longvillers (sable, a bend between six
cross-crosslets, argent).
4. Coat of Lexington (argent, three saltyres, sable). Above these
arms appears the Stanhope crest of the Lion and Castle; ...
In my reply to Mr. Nichols I thanked him for his explanation
respecting the Motto, “which,” I added, “I think not only very ingenious
but also very probable.
It is much confirmed by the fact that, as an artist (Mr.
Gooderson), who has now the portrait in his charge for the purpose of
copying it, informs me, several letters, as they stood in the original
painting, appear on close examination to have been more lately restored,
and altered in restoring.
Sir Michael Stanhope was a Gentleman of the King'’s Bedchamber,
and as such is represented in this portrait bearing a kind of medal or
badge, suspended by a blue riband. He also holds in his hand one of the
newly discovered watches. I do not know that for either of these objects
there would be any proper motto, but any one of a religious character
seems natural and probable at the period of the Reformation.”
I might have added to this letter that, in the portrait, the
other hand of Sir Michael rests on a closed book—perhaps the Bible.
Lives of Nottinghamshire Worthies and of Celebrated
and Remarkable Men of the Country pp108-9 (Cornelius Brown,
1882)
SIR
MICHAEL STANHOPE was the second son of Sir Edward Stanhope of Rampton,
constable of Sandal Castle, temp.
Henry VII. He was appointed governor of Hull by Henry VIII. and was
enriched by that monarch, who in the twenty-ninth year of his reign
granted to him and his heirs the manor of Shelford, and very
considerable property in the county which had belonged to the monastery
there. Stanhope’s half sister, Anna, was married to Edward Seymour, Duke
of Somerset, who became Lord Protector, temp.
Edward VI., so that Stanhope had a powerful friend at court. Having
received the honour of knighthood, he was made chief gentleman of the
Privy Chamber to Edward VI., and continued to be held in high esteem
until Somerset’s troubles began. Into the details of these troubles we
need not enter; they are matters of general history. Suffice it to say,
that when he was constrained to resign the Protectorate through the
influential conspiracy which had been formed to effect his removal, Sir
Michael did not desert his relative, but remained faithful to his cause.
When the Duke of Northumberland found that “Somerset, though expelled
from his dignity, and even lessened in the public opinion by his
spiritless conduct, still enjoyed a considerable share of popularity, he
determined to ruin the man whom he regarded as the chief obstacle to the
attainment of his hopes.” On the 16th October 1551, Somerset was
arrested; and the next day, the Duchess and her favourites, including
Sir Michael Stanhope and Sir Miles Partridge, were thrown into prison.
Somerset was executed on January 22, 1552, to the great grief of the
populace, many of whom rushed to the scaffold to dip their handkerchiefs
in his blood. Sir Michael Stanhope, and several other of Somerset’s
friends shared the same fate, great injustice having, according to Hume,
been used in their prosecution.
Dictionary
of National Biography vol 54 pp21-2 (Sidney Lee, 1898)
STANHOPE, SIR MICHAEL (d.
1552), partisan of the Protector Somerset, second son of Sir Edward
Stanhope (d. 1511) by his first
wife, Avelina, daughter of Sir Gervase Clifton of Clifton,
Nottinghamshire, was descended from an ancient Nottinghamshire family,
several members of which had been knighted and had frequently
represented the shire in parliament in the fourteenth and fifteenth
centuries. His father was one of the leaders of the army that vanquished
Simnel’s adherents at Stoke in 1487; he also fought against the Cornish
rebels at Blackheath in 1497, and by his second wife was father of Anne,
duchess of Somerset [see SEYMOUR, EDWARD,
first DUKE OF SOMERSET]. On the death of
the elder son, Richard, without male issue, on 21 Jan. 1528-9, Michael
succeeded to the family estates. Soon afterwards he entered the service
of Henry VIII, and early in 1537 he was placed on the commission of the
peace for Nottinghamshire. He benefited largely by the dissolution of
the monasteries, his principal grants being Shelford priory, rectory,
and manor and the priory of Lenton, both in Nottinghamshire (Letters
and Papers of Henry VIII, vols. xii. xiii. passim). On 17 Feb
1541-2 he was appointed lieutenant of Kingston-upon-Hull (TICKELL,
pp. 186 sqq.), and from that date till the end of the reign he was
actively employed in making arrangements for the wars on the border and
various expeditions into Scotland (Hamilton
Papers, vol. i. passim; Acts
P. C. 1542-1517 passim). On 5 Jan. 1544-5 he was returned to
parliament as knight of the shire of Nottingham. Soon after Edward VI’s
accession Stanhope was knighted and appointed chief gentleman of the
privy chamber and deputy to his brother-in-law, the Protector, in the
governorship of the young king. On 10 Oct. 1547 he was again elected to
parliament for Nottinghamshire, and he also received a grant of the
keepership of Windsor park and governorship of Hull. Two years later he
lost all his appointments on the Protector’s fall. and was sent to the
Tower (12 Oct. 1549). On 17 Feb. 1549-50, at a thin meeting of the
council with Warwick absent, his release was ordered, but it was
countermanded on the following day, and he was not set at liberty until
he acknowledged a debt of 3000l.
to the king (22 Feb.) Early in the following year he was reappointed
governor of Hull, in which capacity he came into frequent collision with
the mayor and townsmen (TICKELL. pp. 214 et sqq.) On 18
May 1551 he was released from his recognisances, but on 17 Oct.
following he was again sent to the Tower on a charge of conspiring
against Northumberland’s life. He remained in prison until after
Somerset’s execution, and on 27 Jan. 1551-2 he was tried on a charge of
felony, apparently under the act passed by Northumberland’s influence in
the parliament of 1549-50 (Statutes of
the Realm, IV. i. 104). Stanhope was no doubt
implicated in Somerset’s endeavours to supplant Northumberland, but
there is no evidence that he aimed at taking the duke’s life (Baga
de Secretis, pouch xx; cf. Deputy-Keeper
of the Records, 4th Rep. App. ii. 230-2). He was condemned and
sentenced to be hanged, but the sentence was commuted, and he was
beheaded on Tower Hill, 26 Feb., stoutly maintaining his innocence. An
act confirming his attainder was passed on 12 April following (Lord’s
Journals, i. 425). An anonymous three-quarter-length portrait of
Stanhope belongs to Mr. Sewallis Evelyn Shirley.
Stanhope’s widow, Anne, daughter of Nicholas Rawson of Aveley,
Essex, was allowed to retain the priory of Shelford during life. She
died on 20 Feb. 1587-8 (see Archæologica,
xxxi. 212-4) and was buried Shelford church where there are monuments to
her and her husband. She left, among other issue: (1) Sir Thomas
Stanhope (d. 1596), father of
Sir John Stanhope (1560-1611), who was father of Philip Stanhope, first
earl of Chesterfield [q. v.]; (2) John, first baron Stanhope [q. v.],
and two sons named Edward who are confused by Strype [see STANHOPE,
SIR EDWARD, d.
1608]. From a daughter, Jane, who married Roger Townshend, were
descended the viscounts Townshend.
[Authorities quoted; Cal. State Papers, Dom.; Lit. Remains of
Edward VI (Roxburghe Club); Machyn’s Diary (Camden Soc.); Acts of the
Privy Council, 1542-53; Cal. Hatfield MSS. vol. i. Strype’s Works;
Holinshed’s Chron. ed. Hooker, iii. 1081; Stow’s Annals, p. 607; State
Papers, Henry VIII, vols. i. v.; Off. Ret. Members of Parl.; Tytler’s
Edward VI and Mary, ii. 13, 19, 44, 46-7, 50, 74; Collins’s Peerage,
iii. 300 et sqq.; Brown’s Nottinghamshire Worthies, pp. 108-9; Notes and
Queries, 3rd ser. v. 516, vi. 38.] A.
F. P.
26 February 1551(2), at Tower Hill,
London, England, by execution.
Michael was condemned and sentenced to be hanged, but the sentence was
changed, and he was instead beheaded on Tower Hill.
The New Chronicles of England and France p711
(Robert Fabyan, reprinted in 1811 from Pynton's edition of 1516)
Anno Domini.
M.D.li
... In this yere, the twentie and twoo daie of Ianuary, the duke of
Somerset was beheaded at Toure Hille, for felonie. And on the twentie
and fiue daie of February folowyng, was hanged sir Kaufe Auane, and sir
Miles Partriche; and there were beheaded sir Thomas Arundell, and sir
Mighell Stanhope, for the like offence.
The warrant for Michael's execution is found in Rymer's Fœdera, vol 15.
Fœdera, conventiones, literœæ et cujuscunque generis
acta publica, inter reges Angliæ vol 15 pp296-7 (Thomas
Rymer, 1713)
Simile
Warrantum pro Executione contra alios.
A.D. 1552. Claus. 6. E.6. p.8. n. 28.
EDwarde
the Sixte &c. To the Reverend Father in God, our right Trusty
and right Welbelovid Counseillour, Thomas
Busshop of Elie our Chauncellour of England, Greting.
We let you to understande, that Rafe
Vane Miles Partriche Thomas Arundell and Michaell
Stanhopp Knyghts, have bene before this tyme Endighted of Felony
for moving stirring and procuering of dyvers Persons for the Felonyous
Taking Imprisoning and Killing of dyvers of our Privey Counseill, against
the fourm of our Statutes and Laws of our Realm, and uppon the same
Indightments have been at Westminster, before Sir
Richard Lister Knyght Chief Justice of our Plees to be holden
before Us, and other our Commissioners by our Commission in that behalf
appointed, severally arrained, and therupon the said Rafe
Vane Myles Partriche Thomas Arundell and Michaell
Stanhopp have severally pleaded Not
Giltie and put themselfes to the Trial of the Country, who then
and there them by several Trials Giltie of the said Felonyes, whereupon
they and every of them were so arrayned, and therupon the said Sir
Richard Lyster and other the said Commissioners gave Judgment
that the said Rafe Vane Myles Partriche
Thomas Arundell and Michaell
Stanhopp shuld be hanged until they dead, as by the Record and
Records thereof more at large it doth and may appere, and the said Rafe Vane Miles Partriche Thomas Arundell
and Mighell Stanhopp nowe
remaining in our Towre of London
their Bodies are at our Will and Pleasuer, and by the Actoririty of our
Power Royall to be Executid in such order and fourm as We think moost
convenient,
And We mynding th’Execution of Justice and to have the manner of
Execution of some of them altered and chaungid for certayne Considerations
and Causes Us speciallie moving.
We Woll and Commande you our Chauncellour,
forthwith upon the sight hereof, to make out due Processe Writt and
Writts, to be directid aswell to our Counstable
of our said Towre of London or to his Lieutenant or Deputy there,
commaunding Hym or Theym our Name that the said Counstable Lieutenante or
Deputy forthwith doo bring the said Rafe
Vane Myles Partriche Thomas Arundell and Michell
Stanhopp to the accustomed Place without the Towre Gate, and
there to delivere them to the Sheriffs
of our Cittie of London, as also Prossess Writt or Writts to the
said Sheriffs of our said
Citrie, commaunding them by the same to receyve the Bodies of the said Rafe Vane Myles Partriche Thomas Arundell
and Michaell Stanhopp of the
said Constable or Lieutenante,
and forthwith to cause Execution of Them and every of Them to be doon and
executid in manner and forme following; That is to say, forthwith to bring
the said Thomas Arundell and Michaell Stanhopp to the Scaffold
uppon the Towre Hill, and the Heads of the said Thomas
Arundell and Michaell Stanhopp
and of either of theym then and there forthwith, uppon the said Scaffold
at the Towre Hill aforesaid, to be cut and striken of and clerely severed
from their Bodies, and this Execution to be uppon Friday next, any
Judgement Law or Commaundyment before tyme hadde or made ordeyned or geven
to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding:
And also to bring the said Rafe
Vane and Myles Partrich
to the said Tower Hill, then and there fourthwith to be Hangid
upon the Gallowes till they and either of theym be Dead according
to the said Judgmentl and fail ye not hereof as you will aunswer at your
Parill, and thies our Letters of Warraunte Signed with our Hand shall be
your sufficient Warraunte and Discharge in that behalf.
Yeven at our Palleis of
Westminster the xxv. of February
Tower of London, London, England.
Henry Machyn states that his body and head were buried separately.
The
Diary of Henry Machyn in Works of the Camden Society p15
(1848)
The xxvjth
day of Feybruarii, the wyche was [the morrow aft]er saynt Mathuwe day,
was heddyd on the Tower [hill sir] Myghell Stanhope knyght, and ser
Thomas Arundell; [and in]-contenent was hangyd the seylff sam tyme sir
Raff [a Vane] knyght, and ser Mylles Parterege knyght, of the galowse
besyd the . . . . and after ther bodys wher putt in to dyvers nuw
coffens [to be be-]red and heds in to the Towre in cases and ther bered
. . cent.
|
Memorial to Sir Michael Stanhope
This slab is on the wall below the east window of the south aisle
of St Peter and St Paul, Shelford, Nottinghamshire
|
A memorial to Michael is in St Peter and St Paul, Shelford, Nottinghamshire,
where his widow Anne is buried.
Transactions
of the Thoroton Society of Nottinghamshire vol 7 pp45-6
(1904)
A black
slab on the wall below the east window of the south aisle, has the
following inscription in quaint letters and curious spelling:—
“The Epitaphe of Sir Michaell Stanhope knight whilest he lyved
governor of Hull under the la/te kinge of Famous memorie Henre theighte
and cheife gentleman of pryvie chamber to the la/te noble and good kinge
Edward the sixt. by Sir Michaell she had theis Children Sr Thom/as
Stanhope of Shellford in the Countie of nottingham knight Elenor maried
to thomas/ Cowper of thurgorton in the countie of nott esquier Edward
Stanhope esquier one of her / magesties Counsell in the northe partes of
England Iulyon maried to Iohn Hotham of / Scorborowe in the Coūtie of
yorke esquier Ioh Stanhope esquier one of the gentlemen / of the pryvie
chamber to our most deare Sovarigne ladie queene Elizabeth Iane ma/ryed
to Sr roger towneshende of rayham in the Countie of norfolke
knight Edwarde / Stanhop doctor of the civell lawe one of the masters of
her magesties heigh courte of / Chancerie Michaell Stanhope esquier one
of the pryvie Chamber to Queene El/yzabeth Besides margaret wyllm and
edwarde who dyed in their infancie the / said ladie ann Stanhope lyvede
widowe xxxv yeares in wch tyme she broug/ht up all her yonger
children in vertue and learninge whereby they weare / preferred to the
maridge and callinge before recyted in her lyfe tyme she kept /
Contynewallie a worshipfull house releved the poore dealy gave good
Coūtena/nce and conforte to the preachers of gods word spent the most
tyme of her / latter dayes in prayer and usinge the church where gods
word was preached / she beīge . . . . yeares old dyed the xxth
of februarie 1587 the xxxth yeare of the Queenes Raigne
aforsayd in the faith of Christ wth hope of a loyfull
Resurrecciō.”