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A

HISTORY OF TETTENHALL.

Piffi

A HI5T0RY OF
THE PARISH OF
TETTENHALL,
IN THE COUNTY OF STAFFORD,

BY
JAMES P. JONES.

" Every man's concern with the place where he lives has something more
in it than the mere amount of rates and taxes that he has to pay."
Toulmin Smith.

LONDON ;
SiMPKiN, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent, & Co,, Ld.
John Steen & Co., Wolverhampton.
1894.
{All Rights Reserved,)

TO
MAJOR-GENERAL
THE HON'"-E- GEORGE WROTTESLEY ;
IN
GRATEFUL RECOGNITION
OF
MUCH VALUABLE HELP
AND
KIND ADVICE.

^xtfau*

IEW words are needed to introduce the History of
Tettenhall to the public, for beyond the brief
notices of the village in the Rev. Stebbing Shaw's
incomplete work on Staffordshire, published nearly
a hundred years ago, and the few notes printed in
WilHam Pitt's History of Staffordshire, no separate history of
the parish exists.
In its preparation, my desire has been to make the work
as comprehensive as the material at my disposal would permit,
and at the same time to present these records of an ancient
village in a way that will be interesting to the general reader.
In the course of my researches, I have found the following
works very useful : — Shaw's Staffordshire, the Publications of the
Record Office, the yearly volumes of the William Salt Archaeo
logical Society, and many other works of a kindred nature; while,
at all times, the priceless treasures of the William Salt Library,
at Stafford, have been extremely helpful. I am happy too, in
having had, during the few years it was my privilege to know
him, the ever-ready help and advice of the late courteous librarian
ofthe library, T. J. de Mazzinghi, Esq.
In thanking those gentlemen who have lightened my
labours, by their help and advice, I must first thank Major-
General the Hon. George Wrottesley, but for whose learned and
voluminous notes this history would have been less interesting
and comprehensive than it now is. I have also to thank him for
the valuable plate of the Wrottesley Seals, and for the plate of
the Wrottesley Tonib in Codsall Church.

Preface.

I have also to thank H. T. Hinckes, Esq., for permission
to inspect the Hinckes' papers; John Neve, Esq., Lord of the
Manor of Tettenhall Regis, who gave me free access to the Court
Rolls of the Manor, and other documents of local interest ;
Colonel Thorneycroft, for much kindly help, and the deep interest
he has always taken in my labours ; also many other gentlemen
who have materially assisted my work by their advice and
sympathy. I am indebted to the late G. Wallis, Esq., of South
Kensington, for the hitherto unpublished plate of the Wrottesley
Screen. Writing of this etching, in 1883, Mr. Wallis says: —
" I was visiting Wolverhampton during the School of Design
vacation, in 1842, and amused myself by making detailed
drawings of the screen. If you examine the etching carefully,
you will find all the variations of details in rosettes and
spandrils, etc., are given ; my object being to shew that the
old men did not stereotype their details mechanically."
I must also thank my friend Mr. A. Morgan, the courteous
librarian of the Walsall Free Library, for affording me many
facilities for consulting the numerous works under his care.
While last, but certainly not least, I am indebted to my wife,
for her labour of love in compiling the index for the work.
My best thanks, also, are due to my Printers, Messrs.
J. Steen & Co., for the great care and attention they have given
to the book in its production.
In thus submitting my booli to the public, I do so with
some degree of confidence, feeling sure that my attempt will
be generally appreciated, even if its success be not universally
acknowledged. My task has been a great one, how great, only those,
perhaps, who know me best can form any idea ; but it may
secure me a slight indulgence when I state that the only time
at my disposal for such work has been the few brief hours at
night, snatched from the daily routine of a busy house, and the
occasions on which I have taken a holiday.
JAMES P. JONES.

Tettenhall, June 30tU, 1894.

Btiei of ^uBemBeta*

Adams, T, B., Tynedale, Newbridge,
Aulton, L, J,, Walsall.
Ash, H, W„ The Beeches, Tettenhall Road.
Baker, Mrs,, Tettenhall,
Baker, W. P,, Avenue House, Tettenhall,
Bassett, William, Stockwell End, Tettenhall,
Bayliss, William, J.P,, Ivy House, Walsall.
Beach, Thomas, M.A,, J,P„ Tettenhall Court, Tettenhall,
Beck, F, T., Darlington Street, Wolverhampton.
Brewer, J, Fletcher, Capt,, The Drive, Tettenhall,
Bratt, Alfred, Wergs Road, Tettenhall,
Briscoe, Arthur, Vale Head, Wightwick.
Bruford, William, Mertonville, Tettenhall.
Blizzard, Frank, Ashley Mount, Tettenhall,
Butler, Mrs. L,, The Cedars, Compton,
Butler, Benjamin, Wrottesley Road, Tettenhall,
Caddick, Edward, Edgbaston,
Chatwin, Francis Augustus, Church Street, Birmingham,
Chilton, H,, Oaklands Road, Wolverhampton.
Collett. Rev. E,, M.A., London,
Cope, T. B., The Lodge, Tettenhall Wood,
Corbett-Winder, Major William, Vaynor Park, Mont.
Corbett, Uvedale, Ashfield Hall, Neston, Cheshire.
Cornish & Co., New Street, Birmingham.
Cousins, C. H., J. P , Queen Street, Wolverhampton.
Crane, C. H., The Lowlands, Tettenhall.
Cresswell, E. T,, Albrighton,
Crooke, Victor, Walsall,
Cummins, William, Wood Newton, Wansford,
Dartmouth, Rt. Hon, Earl of, Patshull, Wolverhampton.
Davenhill, H. S , Tettenhall,
Deakin, Miss Constance, Tettenhall Wood,
DeBrisay, Rev, H. D., M.A,, ii, Bradmore Road, Oxford.
Dewsbury, Alfred, Mellish Road, Walsall,
Dey, Charles, Lichfield Street, Walsall.
Dickinson, S., J.P., Wergs Road, Tettenhall.
Dickinson, S, B,, 49, Waterloo Road South, Wolverhampton.
Dixon, Edwin, J. P., Wolverhampton.
Duignan, W. H., Walsall.
Duncalfe, H, G., Stockwell End House, Tettenhall,
Edwards, Mrs. Mary, Wrottesley Road, Tettenhall,
Farnall, Alfred, Tettenhall,
Farnall, Ernest, Hoylake, Cheshire,
Farnall, Joseph, Tettenhall,
Farr, W. B., A.M.LC.E., The Laurels, Latchford, Cheshire.
Foley, Paul H,, Prestwood, Stourbridge (two copies).
Fowler, H. H,, Rt. Hon., M.P,, Woodthorne, Tettenhall,
Fowler-Butler, Col, Robert, Barton Hall, Barton-under-Needwood.
Eraser, John, M,D,, F.G,S., F,R.C S. Edin., Wolverhampton.
Free Public Library, Wolverhampton,

xii List of Subscriber's.

Garland, Rev, T, B.. M,A,, Bishopswood, Stafford,
Gill, George, J.P,, Highgate, Walsall.
Goodby, W., 28, Compton Road, Wolverhampton.
Goodwin. Edwin, Courier Office, Manchester.
Grazebrook, H. Sydney, Middleton Villa, Grove Park, Chiswick.
Green, H. S., Courier Office, Manchester.
Griffin, F. C. E., Woodcroft, Tettenhall,
Hamilton, Rev, C, Chetwode, M.A,, Eastbourne,
Harrison, Rev. A, R,, M.A,, The Vicarage, Tettenhall,
Hartley, G. T., J,P,, D.L,, Wheaton Aston Hall, Stafford,
Haydon, J. H., M.A., The Cedars, Tettenhall.
Head, Robert, Lime Tree House, Nantwich, Cheshire.
Hickman, Sir Alfred, Knt., M.P,, Wightwick
Hill, Rt. Hon. A. Staveley, Q,C., M.P.. Oxley Manor.
Hinckes, H, T., J.P,, Tettenhall Woodhouse.
Hodson, L,, Compton Hall.
Holden, E. T., J. P., Glenelg, Great Barr, Walsall.
Holden, Robert H., The Villa, Rushall.
Hulland. Jonathan, The Upper Green, Tettenhall.
Humphries, William, Oak Street, Wolverhampton.
Jeffcock, Rev, Prebendary, M,A., F.S.A., The Rectory, Wolverhampton.
Jones, Edwin, Henwood House, Compton.
Jones, Joseph, J. P., Coton House, Wolverhampton.
Jones, W. Hall, Wolverhampton.
Johnson, L., Dudley Road, Wolverhampton.
Johnston, V. B,, The Elms, The Wergs,
Kettle, Sir Rupert, Merridale, Wolverhampton.
Lane, Lieut. -Col Henry, Broad Oak, Bexhill, Hastings.
Lawdon, F., 75, Gilman Street, Hanley.
Library, Wolverhampton, Waterloo Road
Lichfield, The Rt. Rev. the Bishop of, Lichfield.
Lees, Mrs. W,, Claregate, Tettenhall.
Lees, Laurence, Claregate, Tettenhall.
Loveridge, Col. Henry, Elmsdale, Wightwick.
Loveridge, S., J.P,, Danes Court, Tettenhall.
Lowder, A, J., Compton Hill, Tettenhall.
Lowry, John, Bradmore. Wolverhampton.
Lysaght, Capt. W. R., Tettenhall.
Manby, Capt. Arthur M., Church Hill, Tettenhall.
Mander, Mrs. S,, Glen Bank, Tettenhall.
Mander, Charles T., J, P., The Mount, Tettenhall Wood.
Mander, S. Theo,, J.P,, Wightwick Manor, Tettenhall.
Mcllwraith, William, 13, George Street, Wolverhampton.
Mitchell, William, Worcester Street, Wolverhampton,
Miller, Alfred, Clifton Road, Tettenhall.
Morson, Richard Fryer, Flemmynge House, Codsall (two copies),
Nayler, Joseph, J. P., Rushall, Walsall,
Neve, John, Oaken, Wolverhampton.
Neve, Charles, J P,, Elmhurst, Tettenhall.
Northgraves, Miss, East Rownton, Northallerton,
Owen, Henry W,, Compton, Tettenhall,
Owen, Major H, C, Compton Hill, Tettenhall,

List of Subscribers. xiii

Partridge, H., Carlton House, Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton.
Perry, Miss, Wergs Hall, Tettenhall.
Perry, F, C, J. P., D.L., Dunston, Penkridge.
Piatt, J. A. Brook House, Uttoxeter.
Plumptre, Mrs. R. C, E., Tettenhall Wood,
Powell, H, G , Wood Villas, Tettenhall Wood.
Pole, Mrs, Chandos, Stapleford, Bridgnorth (two copies).
Pritchard, Col Edwin, Kosemount, Tettenhall,
Pritchard, Thomas, Wood Green Lodge, Wednesbury.
Reade, T., Oakleigh, Tettenhall Wood,
Rowe, Rev, P, P,, The Limes, Tettenhall,
Salt Library, Stafford (per F. C, Perry, Esq.)
Selby, Mrs. J, A,, 316, Hagley Road, Birmingham.
Shaw-Hellier, Col. T, B,, The Wodehouse, Wombourn.
Shaw, Edward J,, The Willows, Hatherton Street, Walsall,
Shaw, Joseph, Lichfield Street, Walsall,
Shaw, Arnold T., Glen Tower, Compton.
Sharrock, Fred. J,, Allerton Hill, Chapeltown, Leeds.
Shelton, W. G., The Wergs, Tettenhall,
Simpkins, R,, Lime Road, Tettenhall.
Simms, R., Newcastle, Staffordshire,
Smith, William, Red House, Tettenhall.
Steen, J, Dunbar, Queen Square, Wolverhampton.
Stirk, J. W,, Parkdale, Wolverhampton.
Stroud, R,, Manor House, Tettenhall.
Swindley, Edward, Stockwell End, Tettenhall.
Thorneycroft, Lieut.-Col. T., J.P., D.L, Tettenhall Towers, Tettenhall
(five copies).
Thorneycroft, J, B,, Netherplace, Mauchline, Glasgow.
Tustin, Alfred, Princess Street, Wolverhampton,
Tyrer, Rev. Frank, The Drive, Stockwell End, Tettenhall.
Vale, Henry, Ashley Mount, Tettenhall.
Viles, Mrs., Ravensworth, St. John's Wood Park, London,
Vile, Miss, 75, Oxford Terrace, London, W.
Walker, R, P,, 4, Rectory Terrace, Wolverhampton,
Walker, Major G, W.. Avondale, Wolverhampton.
Warner, Rev, W., 2, Crick Road, Oxford.
Waltho, Frank, Finchfield, Tettenhall.
Waltho, Peter, Jun., Woodstock House, Perry Barr.
Weaver, A. C, Dudley Road, Wolverhampton.
Weaver, C, F., Newbridge, Wolverhampton.
Weaver, John, High Street, Tettenhall.
Webb, Alfred, Tettenhall Wood.
Wilkinson, J,, Stockwell End, Tettenhall.
Willmore, F, W,, Lichfield Street, Walsall.
Willmore, William Southwick, Lichfield Street, Walsall.
Wilson, James, Bull Street, Birmingham.
Winter, W. H. T., Compton Road, Wolverhampton.
Wright, Lewis J., High Street, Tettenhall.
Wrottesley, Rt. Hon. Lord, Wrottesley Hall (two copies),
Wrottesley, Hon, Charles, Oaken.
Wrottesley, Hon. Major-General George, 26, Cadogan Gardens, S,W.
(two copies),
Wrottesley, Hon. E, B., Middleton Lodge, Bournemouth,
Wrottesley, Capt. A, E,, R,E,, 6, Glenluce Road, Blackheath.
Wrottesley, Rev, F. J,, Belzize Park, London.

Conttnie*

TITLE DEDICATION PREFACELIST OF SUBSCRIBERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ILLUSTRATIONS
General Description
Situation of Village ; Rivers Penk and Smestow ; Village
Green ; Old Houses.
Early History
Ancient remains in Wrottesley Park ; Derivation of Tetten
hall ; Battle at Tettenhall ; Ancient Manors ; Domesday
Survey ; Population at Norman Conquest,
Manorial History (Tettenhall Regis)
Domesday Record ; Grant to Matthew Gamages ; Grant to
Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury ; Forest Rolls ;
Kinver Forest ; Grant to Henry de Ferrers ; Purchase by
Foley Family; Customs of the Manor; List of Tenants ;
Wightwick ; Pedigree of Wightwick ; Compton ; The
Wergs; Fleeming Pedigree; Charter of Kingsley Manor ;
Descent ofthe Manor,
Tettenhall Clericorum (The Dean's Manor)
Domesday Record ; King's Free Chapel ; Dean's right of
presentation ; Encroachments of the Canons on the waste
lands ; Letter of Excommunication ; Grant of Oak Trees ;
Dispute between Prior of Sandwell and Dean of Tettenhall ;
Quarrel between the Canons and the Foresters of Kinver
Forest ; Dispute over advowson of Church ; Valor Ecclesi-
asticus ; Grant to Walter Wrottesley, Esq. ; Barnhurst ;
Cresswell Pedigree ; Prebendal Manor Court,
Pendeford Manor
Domesday Record ; Grant of Manor to Pendeford Family ;
Forest trespass by John de Pendeford ; Sale of the Manor
to Priory of St, Thomas ; Gift of the Manor to Rowland Lee,
Bishop of Lichfield; Succession of Fowler Family; Fowler
Pedigree.
Perton Manor
Edward the Confessor's Grant ; Domesday Records ; En
feoffment of Perton Family; Dispute with Baron of Drayton;
Quarrel with Wrottesley Family ; Forest trespasses; Perton
law-suits ; Death of John de Perton ; Feud between
Perton and Wrottesley Families ; Rival Claimants to the
Manor; Sale to the Leveson Family; Purchase by Sir
Walter Wrottesley ; Perton Pedigree ; Trescott ; Wollaston
Family ; Descent ofthe Manor,

PAGE V
VII
IX & X
XI— XIII
XIV— XVI
XVII 1—5

6 — 14

15—63

64 — 90

91 — 100

lOI-

¦36

Contents. xv

Wrottesley Manor 137 — 243
Grant by William I; Domesday Record; Grant of the Manor
to Evesham Abbey ; Ancestor of the Wrottesley Family,
William de Wrottesley, 1199 to 1241. Hugh de
Wrottesley, 1248 to 1275; Dispute with William de
Perton ; Battle of Evesham ; Dictum of Kenilworth ;
" Tyndede Mere Oak." William de Wrottesley II, 1276
to 1313; Forest trespasses; Appointment as Coroner;
Magna Charta. William de Wrottesley III, 1313
to 1320 ; Knighted at Westminster ; Expedition to
Scotland, Hvgh de Wrottesley, K, Q,, 1334 to 1381 ;
His Marriage ; Crusade of 1 331 ; Feud with Perton Family ;
Seige of Dunbar ; Sir John de Montfort ; Relief of Henne-
bon ; Exploit of Sir Hugh de Wrottesley at Nantes;
Surrender of Calais ; Inauguration of Order of the Garter ;
Escape from the Marshalsea ; Outlawed ; Receives the
King's Pardon ; Sir William de Shareshull ; Battle of
Poictiers ; Quarrel with Adam de Peshale ; Fight at
Albrighton ; Court Roll of Manor : Free Tenants. John
de Wrottesley, 1400 to 1403; First Manor Court,
1401, Hugh Wrottesley, 1421 to 1464; Came of
Age 142 1 ; Pardoned for all treasons, etc., 1452, Sir Walter
Wrottesley, 1464 to 1473; Sheriff of co.'s of Stafford
and Ware; Appointed Sheriff of (Glamorgan; Commander
of the Garrison of Calais; Death of Earl of Warwick;
Battle of Tewkesbury ; Surrender of Calais ; Pardon of
Sir Walter ; Died in London ; Buried in Grey Friars
Church, Richard Wrottesley, 1477 to 1523; JP,
for Staff, ; Deprivation of Manors granted by Edward IV ;
Sheriff for co. Staff, ; Monument in Tettenhall Church ;
Writ of Military Summons ; Ann Askew, the Martyr.
Walter Wrottesley, 1524 to 1563; Appointment as
King's Escheator ; Purchase of Manor of Tettenhall
Clericorum. John Wrottesley, 1563 to 1578 ;
Sheriff of CO. Staff,; Re-settlement of Manor; His death;
Tomb in Tettenhall Church, Walter Wrottesley,
1578 to 1630; Sheriff of co. Staff. 1597; Wrottesley
Estates ; Tomb in Codsall Church Sir Hugh WrotteS'
ley, 1630 to 1633; Knighted at Nantwich by James I,
1617 ; Deputy for the Earl of Monmouth ; Died 28th May,
1633. Sir Walter Wrottesley, 1633 to 1659; His
Marriage ; Civil War period ; Appointment by Earl of
Essex ; Curious quarrel ; Created a Baronet ; Arms at
Wrottesley ; Surrender to the Parliament ; His fine by the
Compounding Committee ; Will dated 1647, Sir Walter
Wrottesley, 3rd Bart., succeeded 1686; Re-built the
Hall ; Buried at Brewood. Revd, Sir Richard Wrot
tesley; Dean of Worcester; Died in 1769, Sir John
Wrottesley, succeeded 1787, raised to the Peerage 1838.
Lord Wrottesley, 2nd Baron; Eminent Scientist;
President Royal Society, Lord Wrottesley, present
Baron; Late Lord-Lieutenant co. Staff, ; Lord-in-Waiting
to the Queen ; Honourable Charles Wrottesley ; General
Wrottesley ; Wrottesley Hall ; The Library ; Wrottesley
Deeds ; Pedigree of Family.
The Church 244 — 266
Collegiate Church, its Foundation ; Saxon Remains ; Norman
Dean ; East Window ; Church Seal ; Enlargement of
Church, 1825; Ancient Stained Glass in Church; The
Font ; Wrottesley Screen ; Bells ; Monuments in Church ;
Perton Chapel ; Wrottesley Chapel ; The Restoration ;
New Windows ; List of Deans, Prebendaries, and Vicars.

XVI

Contents.

PAGE
Christ Church, Tettenhall Wood 267
The Village 268—282
Inclosure of Tettenhall Wood; Judge Pearson; Corbetts, of
Longnor Hall; Tettenhall Towers ; Thorneycroft Pedigree,
The Schools 283—284
The Institute 284
Royal Jubilee 284 — 285
The College 285
Volunteers 286 — 288
Local Qovernment 289 — 296
Parish Charities 297 — 301
Appendix 302 — 312
Additions and Corrections 313
General Index 314 — 327

3ffuer^taiion0+

to face I

3--4--
5-- 6.-7-- 8.-
9--
ic-
II.-
12.-I3--14 15

-The Barnhurst Frontispiece
(Original Etching by -John Full-wood, R.B.A.)
-LicH Gate, Tettenhall
(CjV permission of Mr. A. Webb.)
-The Church Road
-St. Peter's Church, Wolverhampton
(By permission of Messrs. John Steen d Co.)
-Wightwick Old Manor House
-Tettenhall Woodhouse
(By permission of H, T, Hinckes, Esq.)
-Tettenhall Church, 1796
{Facsimile of Old Em^raving, 1706.)
-Lower Street, Tettenhall
-Wrottesley Hall
-Tomb of Walter Wrottesley, Codsall Church
-Tettenhall Church, as restored 1883
-Wrottesley Screen, 1842
{Unpublished Etching by tlie lals G. Wallis, Esq., F.S.A.)
-Wrottesley Armorials, in Wrottesley Chapel
{Three Plates in Colours.)
, — Tettenhall Towers
, — Wrottesley Seals
(Reproduced from Sketches by General Wrottesley.)

44 4664 86
137
221244
¦251 260270302

¦i^

LiCH Gate, Tettenhall,

HISTORY OF TETTENHALL.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

ETTENHALL is a large parish in the Northern
division ofthe Hundred of Seisdon, in the County
of Stafford. It is bounded on the East by Wolver
hampton and Bushbury, on the South by Penn and
Trysull, on the West by Pattingham and Patshull,
and on the North by Codsall and Brewood, Its area is about
8,200 acres. In its greatest length the village measures y^ miles,
and its greatest breadth is nearly 4^ miles. It lies nearly in the
middle of England, and is crossed by the old Royal Mail Road
from London to Holyhead. It is distant from London 126 miles,
14 miles from Birmingham, and 2 miles from Wolverhampton.
The population at the last census, in 1891, was 5,982. Its
rateable value in 1892 was ;£'34,372 5s, od.
Few English villages possess a more picturesque locality
than Tettenhall, which is prettily situated on the slope of an
abrupt hill, rising above the valley of the Smestow. This cliff,
which terminates in a large plateau at Tettenhall Wood, forms a
natural barrier between town and country.

History of Tettenhall.

Along the valley flows the Smestow Brook, which has its
source in Showell farm, in Bushbury parish, and enters Tettenhall
at Autherley, where it is carried over the canal by a short aque
duct It then passes in a south-westerly direction through
Compton, Wightwick, Perton, and Trescott, where it is joined
by the Black Brook, and falls into the Stour near Stourton, and
finally into the river Severn,
The river Penk has its source in the parish, and rises in
what is known as the '¦ Penkridge Well Meadow." This stream
flows in an easterly direction along the valley on the other side
of the cliff from the Smestow, and passing through the Wergs
and Cronkhall, it is joined at Bilbrook by a small tributarj? stream
called the Moat Brook, and thence, passing Pendeford Hall and
Mill, where it does valuable service, it enters Brewood parish,
and finally falls into the river Trent. It is rather remarkable that
the configuration of Tettenhall should make it a part of the water
shed which supplies two of the greatest rivers of our east and
western coasts.
There are four fiour mills in the parish, three on the
Smestow — the Compton, Wightwick, and Perton Mills ; and
Pendeford Mill on the Penk, All these mills are of ancient origin,
probably dating from the first settlement oi the parish, certainly
from the Norman Conquest, Farming is largely carried on here,
and there are still a few workers left of what a century ago might
well have been called the "staple trades of the place," «.«., lock-
making and spectacle-frame making. In the old da3's, when
buckle boots were fashionable, the making of buckles gave em
ployment to many of the village workmen, who sold their wares
to the larger masters and merchants of Wolverhampton But
buckles are not worn now, and locks scarcely pay to make
so that even the latter industry lias but a feeble life in Tettenhall,
and the village is rapidly becoming a residential suburb for the
traders of Wolverhampton,
In 1865, owing to the increase of the population, it became
necessary to provide additional Church accommodation. The
new Church at Tettenhall Wood was then built, and for Eccle
siastical purposes the parish was divided, being now known as
Tettenhall and Tettenhall Wood. It is in the Diocese of Lich
field, and the Archdeaconry of Staflbrd. It forms part of the

' 'V _ sir \ - I Mr \ ~v'

The Church Road,

General Deseriptioi)..

Seisdon Poor Law Union, and is a Polling District for the
Kingswinford Division of Staffordshire,
In 1883 a Local Board of Health was formed for the
better administration of Parochial affairs The Stafiordshire and
Worcestershire Canal passes through the parish. This canal
was commenced in Tettenhall parish, the first sod being cut in a
field at Newbridge on September ist, 1766, It is noteworthy that
on taking the level through the parish, by the engineer, Mr.
Brindley, it was discovered that the highest point on the line of
the canal was in the meadows at Aldersley. (i)
Among other undertakings of more recent date must be
noted the excellent Tramway service between Tettenhall and
Wolverhampton. Lying close to the western borderland of that part of
middle England called the " Black Country,'' and almost within
sight and sound of its grim outposts, it is remarkable that in such
an age of change the village has retained its sylvan beauty.
Unlike its stronger neighbour — Wolverhampton — Tettenhall has
plodded quietly along during its many centuries of village life, and
so far as physical change goes is but little altered from what it
was a thousand years ago, when Saxon and Dane strove for
mastery in its valleys. It has been termed by Elihu Burritt " the
bright green border of the Black Country " In all villages with
any claim to antiquity, interest is more or less centred in the
Parish Church. The present edifice has undergone considerable
alteration and addition , and probably no trace of the Early Saxon
Church exists. Of later Norman and Early English work, there
are some good examples yet left to us. The Church is built on a
gentle acclivity rising from the Smestow Brook, where " bosom'd
high in tufted trees " it overlooks the village green and street, and
seems to breathe a spirit of quiet guardianship over its peaceful
graveyard where so many of the village fathers sleep. Near by,
some ancient yew trees, believed to be coeval with the Church,
form a sombre background to the eastward sloping graveyard,
brightened by promise of early dawn. From the summit of the
chff above the Church, an extensive panorama is obtained of the
surrounding country for many miles. Looking to the east, a

(i) Pitt's Staffordshire.

Hisloi-ii (f Tettenhall.

fine view is obtained of Cannock Chase, the borders of which
Forest anciently joined that of Kingsley. The Manor cf Pende
ford may be said to have been within the purlieus of Cannock
Forest, and the Lords of Pendeford were often fined for trespass
ing within the confines of this Forest in pursuit of game — notices
of these suits appear under Pendeford. Further south is the
tov/n of Wolverhampton, with its forest of tall chimneys belching
forth their soot-laden clouds and obscuring the horizon. To the
south-west will be seen the villages of Penn, Wombourn, and
Pattingham, bounded by the Clee Hills ; while in the valley under
the shadow of these hills lies the town of Bridgnorth, with the
river Severn like a streak of silver meandering through mead and
vale. A few traces of ancient architecture still survive Time's
many changes, these are scattered over the village in the different
hamlets, and are chiefly brick and timber built, with quaint,
irregular gables, and roofed with straw.
The two oldest houses are undoubtedly the Manor House,
at Wightwick, and the Gatehouse and Dovecote at the Barn
hurst. At the latter place also are remains of the ancient moat.
Another very old house is that owned by Mr, Duncalfe, at Stock-
well End Gorsty Hayes, owned by Colonel Thorneycroft, is
a picturesque example of an old half-timbered house, and dates
from the sixteenth century The farm house on the Upper Green,
owned by S. Loveridge, Esq,, is another very old house, which
has undergone little alteration. In the gable wall facing the
green there is a curiously carved lintel stone, with initials UH,
and dated 1686. Several old houses on the Old Hill can claim a
greater age than their present appearance suggests. The half-
timbered fronts of these have been plastered over, and modern
window frames inserted in place of the quaint old leaded diamond
shape panes. Their age is still further disguised by the substitu
tion of tiled and slated roofs for the older and more picturesque,
if less healthy, straw thatch.
During the excavations for the new sewerage scheme, some
interesting discoveries were made on the Old Hill, affording con
clusive proof of the great antiquity of this road. Some eighteen
inches below the surface of the roadway, the workmen came
upon the remains of an ancient road which followed the line of

General Description.

the present road for about three-hundred yards. This roadway
was formed of a layer of faggots on the clayey subsoil, and placed
on these was a layer of loose rubble and stone some three inches
in thickness. Before the new road was made through the Rock,
this was the old London Coach Road.
The following lines, penned by an enthusiastic admirer of
the pretty village nearly a century ago, do not exaggerate its
charms of peaceful beauty : —
"ON THE BEAUTIFUL
VILLAGE OF TETTENHALL,
Near Wolverhampton.

Secura Qules, et nescia fallere Fiua.— VIRGIL.

Sweet, peaceful Place, where rural Charms invite
The Stranger's Eye ; and strike him with Delight,
What modest Looks adorn thy artless Scene,
Thy Grove how lovely, and how gay thy Green !
Here, genial Zephyr spreads his healthful Wing ;
Here chaunt the earliest Warblers of the Spring ;
Here, Contemplation surely builds her Cell ;
And calm Content, and learned Leisure dwell.
Tettenhall, thy still engaging Scenes conspire,
To wake the Sages, and the Poet's Fire.
From noisy town, with worldly cares replete.
To ease the mind, lo ! this the choice retreat.
Here Hampton's sons in vacant hours repair,
Taste rural joys, and breathe a purer air." (i)

(i) Poems, Rev. J, Ferneyhough, Newcastle-under-Lyme, 1810, p, 65.

EARLY HISTORY.

HE first appearance of most English villages in
history occurs in the Domesday Book, compiled
in 1085-6, but Tettenhall can boast of a greater
antiquity than this, for its earliest appearance in
history is recorded 150 years before the date of that Survey.
Forming a part of that great Saxon kingdom of Mercia,
which comprised the whole of Middle England, it early came
under Royal protection, and from its contiguity to the Royal
Forests of Brewood, Cannock, and Kmfare, must have been the
arena of many a stirring episode.
We have no evidence of any Royal Residence in the
Parish, but seeing that the early Norman Kings had a house at
Radmore, in Cannock Forest, (i ) it is not unreasonable to suppose
that the sports of hunting and hawking, indulged in by the King
and Court during these visits to the King's House at Radmore
would occasionally extend to Tettenhall.
There is ample evidence that Tettenhall was a Royal
Manor from time immemorial, and it also included a portion of
the Royal Forest of Kinfare, that portion lying within the confines
of the parish being called Kingsley Forest. Notices of this
Forest will appear further under Tettenhall Regis.
From its close proximity to the great Roman road — the
Watling Street — and lying as it does midway between the Roman
Stations of Wall, " Fennocrucium" (Penkridge), and " Uriconiitm"
(Wroxeter), we naturally look for some traces of Roman occupa
tion in Tettenhall, But so far as we can discover no evidences
of such occupation exist.

(i.) Staffordshire Collections, vol. i, p, 24.

Early History.

Some earlier writers who have noticed Tettenhall have
erroneously styled the extensive remains in Wrottesley Park as
Roman. Camden speaks doubtfully of them as a Roman town,
but is more inclined to believe it a British town. He speaks " of
the several partitions like streets running through it, which are
within its limits," Large blocks of stone, shewing traces of rude
dressing, have been dug up within this area, and fragments of
iron hinges, etc., have occasionally been found. Later writers
also support the British theory, and this has been strengthened
by fresh investigation. A Mr. Andrews, who wrote a small
brochure on " The Romans in Staffordshire,'' endeavours to prove
that Wrottesley is the Roman city " Uxacona," and says, '' under
the Roman government a vicinal way was formed from Penkridge
to Wrottesley, or " Uxacona, "..,',.. . this place
communicated direct with Wroxeter — " Uriconium '' — the Roman
station in Shropshire."
The most visible traces of this ancient camp or town are
to be found in the fields lying to the West of Wrottesley Lodge
Farm. In the Ordnance Survey, six inches to the mile, published
1886, these remains are marked '¦ Site of supposed British Town,"
The road from the farm passes through these traces of ancient
buildings, and skirting the Birch Coppice, crosses the Buck's Leap,
and thence to the Mere Oak, an ancient boundary of the Wrot
tesley estate. Dr, Oliver, in his history of the Collegiate Church
of Wolverhampton, records the fact that in 1834 a brass celt was
dug up at Perton.
Close to Wightwick Mill is a tumulus or burial mound,
which would doubtless yield good results if explored ; and on the
opposite side of the road are some remains of an old fort or earth
works. The field-names also bear internal evidence of the
military character of these remains, such as Tilbury Camp,
Campo de Tettenhall, and others of like import found in old
deeds of this land for several centuries
From the survival of one or two placenames having a
Celtic origin, we may fairly assume that the first settlers here
were British Celts, and that the later Saxon village was founded
upon an earlier British settlement. The very name of the place
is sufficient indication of the use to which the invading Saxons
turned its natural advantages of position. The derivation of the

History of Tettenhall.

word Tettenhall seems to have been a great stumbling block to
antiquarians of half-a-century ago, and many and wonderful were
the theories propounded by some of them, not the least curious
being that of Dr. Oliver, who, in his " History of the Collegiate
Church of Wolverhampton," holds that at Tettenhall was
anciently a temple dedicated to the worship of the "Sun God
Tetan " — hence Tettenhall ! Stebbing Shaw, in his large work
on Staffordshire, quoting from Camden, calls it " Theotenhall " —
" The house of the Pagans." Possibly the fact of its having
received both Camden's and Shaw's authority may explain why
this derivation has been accepted by later v/riters who have
noticed Tettenhall. None of these derivations, however, are
correct, but, by the kindness of Professor W. W. Skeat, I am
enabled to give the right solution ofthe enigma.
His opinion is so valuable and interesting as shewing the
modern surviving form in " Tout," of the A. S " tote " or " tota " ;
that I feel sure it will be read with interest. He says :— " If we
take the words as they stand :— (A. S. Totanhale — Domesday
spelling Totehala), then A. S. totan heall means ' touts corner ' ;
i.e., a corner (or convenient spyplace) whence a spy looks out,
Totan should be To'tan with long o, and is the genitive case of To'ta,
a spy, or lookout man. Mod. Eng. Tout for custom. It means
the Hall or Dwelling on a look out hill. We should call it Spy
Hall if we had to make up the word nowadays."
The summit of the cliff known as Tettenhall Wood forms
an admirable "spyplace'' or ''look out " over the surrounding
country for many miles. Tothill fields, near London, is another
example of the curious survival of this word, and an example of
its local application and modern use is curiously afforded by the
Tiiit-hill. at Carnarvon, in North Wales. This hill is used as a
'' lookout " and signal station over the Menai Straits.
From this lookout station at Tettenhall Wood, the Saxon
scouts gave timely warning of the invading Danish army before
the dawn of that great battle in which mention of Tettenhall first
occurs in history. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, under date A.D.
910, says : — " This year the army of the Danes and the Angles
fought at Totanhale on the eighth of the Ides of August (6 August),
and the Angles obtained the victory." The Chronicle of Florence
of Worcester, a later writer who bases his history on the old

Early History.

Saxon Chronicles, gives the date of the battle as A.D. gii, and
states it took place at Wednesfield,
Henry of Huntingdon gives a similar account of this battle,
differing only a little with respect to the numbers and names of
the great men killed, There seems to be considerable diversity
of opinion among the monkish chroniclers as to the date and
scene of this battle, but all agree that it took place in Stafford
shire. The truth appears to be that two battles were fought in
the district at this date — one at Tettenhall and the other at
Wednesfield — in both of which the Saxons were victorious.
Pitt, in his " History of Staffordshire," quoting Dr, Wilkes,
says : — " About the year A D. 895, the Danes came up the Severn
as far as Bridgnorth, and committed great ravages. We hear
no more of them for 13 years, when they raised a great army and
fought two bloody battles with King Edward, who totally defeated
them with the loss of many thousand men ; these were the battles
of Tettenhall and Wednesfield."
Under the year 911, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle further
states that " In this year the army which inhabited Northumbria
(the Danish army) broke the truce which they had made with
King Edward and his son, and devastated the lands of the
Mercians " (This would bring them into Staffordshire.) The
Chronicle goes on to say that when the King heard ofthe depre
dations of the Danes in iMercia, he sent an army of the West
Saxons and of the Mercians, which followed the Pagans, when
they turned to go home — fought with them and put them to
flight, killing several thousands, and their King Ecwilf was killed,
and their King Healfden, and Ohter the Earl, and the Earl
Scurfa, and Othulf, a chief of the army, and Benesing, a chief of
the Army, and Aniaf the black, and Thurferth, a chief of the
army, and Osferth, the collector of tribute, and Guthferth, a
chief of the army, and Agmund, a chief of the army.
As regards these battles at Tettenhall and Wednesfield, I
believe myself there was only one battle, the distance between
the two places named is only 3 miles. It probably began at Wed
nesfield, where the Danes and English came first into collision,
and the Danes in retreating took up a position at Tettenhall.
This is just such a position as a retreating force would take up,

IO History of Tettenhall.

for it is a commanding ridge intersected by the high road, and it
was here that the Danes probably received their defeat.
The tumulus at Wightwick is probably the burial place of
many of those killed in this battle, and the traces of earthworks
still remaining on the hill side adjacent to it, suggests the locality
of their camp.
With the exception of a grant of Perton to the Abbey of
Westminster by King Edward the Confessor, (which is fully
noticed under Perton) history is silent concerning Tettenhall until
the date of Domesday Survey in 1086. That the parish at that
time had attained considerable importance we know, for there
was already a Deanery and College for Secular Canons — with a
Royal Free Chapel — founded by King Edgar, who endowed it
with lands and revenues out of his estate of Tettenhall, thus
forming two Manors. Tettenhall Regis— the King's Manor- and
Tettenhall Clericorum— the Dean's Manor.
The parish also at this period comprised the following
Manors and townships : —
Tettenhall Regis -
Tettenhall Clericorum '''
Perton *
Wrottesley '¦'¦
Pendeford '•¦
Wightwick *
Trescott Compton *
The Wergs
Bilbrook *
Aldersley
Barnhurst
The first five named were Manors of "ancient demesne,"
by which is meant that the lord had in each his own court and
the view of frankpledge of his own tenants, and the vills were
separately geldable (i) for the Sheriff's aid and other dues, and
were represented by four of the tenants and the Provost in all
the Hundred and County Courts.

All these are returned in the Domesday Survey,
(i) Tax of Danegeld,

Early History. 1 1

The other places named were all manorially subject to
these lordships. Wightwick, Compton, and the Wergs were
subject to the King's .Manor (Tettenhall Regis). Trepcott was
subject to Perton ; Billbrook, Aldersley, and Barnhurst formed
parts of the fee of the Canons of Tettenhall and were subject to
Tettenhall Clericorum It would be interesting to shew the rela-
ti\e importance, value, and area of these Manors, but owing to
the operation of the Poor Laws and Law of Settlement, and other
causes tending to the depopulation of the ancient villages, it is
very difficult, if not impossible, to verify the boundaries of the
ancient Manors.
As previously noted the present area of the parish is a
little over 8,000 acres. Now the " hidation," according to Domes
day, of these five Manors was as follows : —
The King held i\ hides. (Tettenhall Regis )
The Canons held 2 hides. (Tettenhall Clericorum.)
Perton and Trescott was 3 hides
Wrottesley was 2 hides.
Pendeford was 2 hides.
Making a total for the entire parish of 11^ hides, (i ) At the
time of this Survey, Staffordshire was one of the poorest of
English counties, with a thinly-scattered population, and land
only partially cultivated ; it contributed but a small quota to the
revenue of the country. Eyton, in his " Analysis of the Stafford
shire Domesday," shews that " one-third of the entire county was
moorland, which was omitted altogether from the Survey as not
being worth valuation, and more than one-half of the surveyed
lands were woodlands, which were exclusively used for purposes
of chase and warren." According to his " Analysis," the average
hide for the county contained nearly 1,437 acres.

(I.) The hidation has no reference to area or extent, it shews only
the value of the Manor at the date these Manors were hidated in the Saxon
era. probably by King Ethelred. On the hidage was based all the subsequent
local taxation, which was levied by the Sheriff. The virgate was one-fourth of
the hide, and the same remarks apply to this mea-sure : it is a common error
lo use these terms as expressing any fixed area, they are measures of value,
not of extent, and a Manor which contained much moorland, or wood, or
waste land, might contain 3,000 acres to the hide, whilst in other parts of the
county the rel'Jtive areas of the hide and acre might be as i to 500.- Wofe by
Major-General Wrottesley.

12 History of Tettenhall.

If we take this as the basis for defining the extent and
area of Tettenhall at that date, its boundaries must have con
tracted considerably since that time, for the parish was bounded
by the three great Forests of Kinfare, Brewood, and Cannock,
and the record shews that nearly a third of the parish was wood
land. Still, I am inclined to believe that the area and extent of
the parish is much the same now as it was in 1086, and for these
reasons — the condition of the entire county of Staford was one
of abject poverty. The land had been depopulated and laid
waste to such an extent that in many cases the Commissioners
who assessed the Tax returned the value of many of the Manors
as being only worth the normal assessment for hidage, e «., 2S,
per hide. The taxation of the entire count}' only produced
£["508 i6s, od. a year, and when it is remembered that Stafford
shire includes 740,000 acres, the terrible devastation of the county
will be apparent.
The largest share in the ownership and revenue from the
county was claimed by the King — as supreme landlord of the
country. Next in importance to the King was the Church, and
then came the Barons and smaller tenants. The King's revenues
from the county of Stafford amounted to ^152 gs. od., and the
Church received ^70 2S. od., owning more than one-fifth of the
county. The remaining ^286 5s. od. of revenue was distributed
as follows : — The lands of Robert de Stafford, the great landowner
of the county and the Constable of Stafford Castle, were valued
at ;^i23 6s. 8d per annum, and included the Manor of Wrottesley.
Earl Roger and his son Hugh had ^"84 5s od.; and William Fitz
Ansculph held lands of the annual value of £"33 igs. od,, including
the Manor of Pendeford, Five other Norman Barons held
Manors valued at /12 17s, od per annum between them ; and
the twenty Manors which some fourteen English thanes had
managed to save from the general wreck were worth £'3, 14s, od,
per annum The word "Manor" is a Norman name for the Saxon
"township" or community, but it has a wider application, for
while the "township" consisted of a group of householders,
living in common with equal communal rights, the " Manor "
was subject to its "lord," who was absolute owner of a certain
portion of it, and received rents from the tenants of the land

Early History. 1 3

either in services, food, or money. The various Manors comprised
in the parish of Tettenhall, iminediately before the Norman
Conquest were as stated above, five in number. In each of these
the central feature would be the dwelling ofthe lord, or the Manor-
house — which served both as dwelling-house and Court-house for
the annual '^ Courts-Baron" and " Courts-Leet.''
There never was a Manor-house in Tettenhall Regis, the
tenants meeting at the house of the Bailiff or Steward of the
Manor, who, in the absence of the lord, would preside at the
Courts, But, although the King had no Manor House on his
demesne lands in Tettenhall Regis, certain of his tenants had a
Manor-house at Wightwick, and were also tenants of his mills at
Compton and Wightwick.
In the Manor of Tettenhall Clericorum, the Dean, who
was lord of the Manor, had a dwelling-house near to the Church,
and another residence at Bovenhull or Barnhurst, the tithe-barn
ofthe Canons of Tettenhall. Grouped around the Manor-house
were the homesteads and cottages of the tenants, most of whom
inhabited the principal street or road of the village, now called
Lower Street.
The lord of Perton had his Manor-house, and also a mill,
placed on the banks of the Smestow. At Wrottesley and
Pendeford were Manor-houses, and at the latter place a mill.
At this date, Tettenhall was almost entirely forest and
woodland ; what are now main-roads and byeways were then
simply trackways made through the woods from one settlement
to another, but, as the country became more populated, fresh
settlements wete made, and communication between places
widely distant became easier; clearings were made in the foiest,
and the trackways were widened into passable roads.
These clearings formed the centres of village life, and
usually consisted of the Church and Priest's house, the Manor-
house within the demesne lands, and next in importance the
village mill, usually placed on the banks of a stream in order to
use its water power; the rest of t)ie houses would be scattered
along the village street. Around these, and outside the demesne
lands of the lord, would be the common fields of the tenants,
while beyond the confines of the pasture and arable lands, and on
the edge of the clearing, would be the waste land reclaimed from
the forest and commonable to all the tenants-

14 History of Tettenhall.

It is easy, by a reference to the map of Tettenhall, to trace
the progression of the different settlements in the parish. Taking
the Church as the central position, it is only natural that settle
ments should be made at Compton, \Vightwick, Perton, and
TreFcott, as all these places are on the high road, and follow the
course of the Smestow Brook, On the other side of the parish
we find the same causes at work. The Wergs, Wrottesley,
Bilbrook, and Pendeford are all in direct communication with
other villages beyond, and in every case has advantage been
taken ofthe proximity ofthe streams to secure an ample supply
of water. The good government of the community was provided for
by the election of a " Provost " or Steward, and four freemen,
who represented the parish at the Shire and Hundred Courts.
The lord held his own court once a year, and the view of
frank-pledge of his own tenants, who were all liable for service at
court. The freetenants were also under two obligations — to serve
in ihe fyrd or militia, and to repair fortresses and bridges.
The population of the village at the Norman Conquest
may safely be returned as numbering one hundred, Domesdaj'
Book actually returns only fitty persons, made up ofthe following
grades of society: — Six Freemen, twenty-five Villeins, sixteen
Bordarers, and three (servi) Slaves. In addition to these, there
were others of who.n the Domesday Commissioners make no
return, i e. — the Dean, Chaplain, and five Prebendaries ofthe
Collegiate Church ; the wives of the Freemen and Villeins; and
probably the wives of a few Bordarers, who with their families
would swell the population to upwards of one hundred.
Such is briefly an imperfect sketch of the social life of the
parish immediately before the Norman Conquest

MANORIAL HISTORY.

TETTENHALL REGIS,
|E now come to the date of the Great Survey of
England, by William, the first Norman King,
commonly known as Domesday Book. From it we
learn that "the King held Totehala (Tettenhall)
in demesne," which was rated at one hide, and at
Contone (Compton) the King held another hide which pertained
to Totehala, and in Wistewic (Wightwick) he held half a hide
also pertaining to Totehala. The total Royal demesne, A.D. 1086,
was therefore assessed by the Domesday Commissioners at two-
and-a-half hides. The Record is as follows : —

(R, t^ttta (Regi0*

" Rex tenuit Totehala Ibi. i hidam. Terra est ii carucis.
Ibi sunt in d'nio. et iiii villanos et iii bordariis cum i carucae.
Silva ibi dimidia leuva in longa et lata.
In Contone est i hidam pertinet ad Totehala T. R. E
valuit XX solidos. Val xxx solidos.
In WiSTEwic est dimidia hidam et pertinet ad Totehala.
Ibi est dimidia carucae cum i villano. Valuit et val iiii solidos."
Translation.
" The King holds Totehala (Tettenhall) It is i hide.
The (arable) land is ii carucates The same is in demesne ; and
iv villeins and iii bordarers have i carucate. There is also a
wood half-a-mile in length, and the same in breadth.
In CoNTONE (Compton) is i hide also pertaining to Totehala
(Tettenhall) In time of King Edward worth 20 shillings, now
worth 30 shillings.
In Wistewic (Wightwick) is half a hide also pertaining
to Totehala (Tettenhall). Also half a carucate with one villein.
Valued formerly and now at 4 shillings."

1 6 History of Tettenhall.

The Dean's Manor (Tettenhall Clericorum) at the same
date consisted of a hide of land in Tettenhall and another hide in
Bilrebrock (Bilbrook), or altogether two hides. But of this the
hide in Tettenhall appears to have been the only portion held in
demesne, for Domesday records that there were two free tenants
at Bilbrook. Reference to these free tenants will be made here
after. At the date of Domesday, Sampson, a Royal chaplain,
was tenant in capite of the Collegiate estate of Tettenhall, further
notices of whom will be found under Tettenhall Clericorum.
.\mong other new forms of Government instituted by the
Conqueror, was the Court of Exchequer, which managed the
Royal Revenue. With the institution of this Court came the
creation of the office of Sheriffs, upon whom devolved the duties
of collection of revenue, the administration of justice in the Shires.
and the maintenance ofthe Military Forces emploj'ed.
In all cases the Sheriff had to account to the Court of
Exchequer for all " Tallages" and rents received, both from the
community and the Lords of the various Manors. The Sheriff of
Staffordshire, as Fermor of the County, accounted at the Ex
chequer for the rents of those particular Manors described as
" Ancient demesne of the Crown," of whicli Tettenhall is a type.
In many instances the tenants of the King's Manors farmed
them themselves without any overlord. That is, they agreed to
pay so much annually, and arranged the proportion amongst
themselves. The Provost, or Reeve of the Manor, would pay this
amount to the Sheriff, and it would form a portion of the " Corpus
Comitatus " on the Pipe Rolls— which is the lump sum for which
the Sheriff had to account for annually.
In the early years of the Norman Rule this appears to
have been the case at Tettenhall, for on the Pipe KoU of 15 Hen.
II. (A.D. 1168-9) we find :—" Homines de Tettenhala reddunt
compotum de ij Marc et dimida de eodem. In Thesuaro lib.
E. Q. S." (I)
It was customary under the Feudal system for the King to
"Tallage" all his demesne lands (in some instances called " Aids,)
whenever any special occasion arose which could be used as a

(i) p. 56, vol I, Staff, Coll.

Manorial History. 1 7
pretext tor such taxation. In illustration of this, and shewing
how Tettenhall in common with other Royal demesnes was
"Tallaged,'' we have quoted the above from the Pipe RoUs — the
occasion for which appears on the Roll as the "Aid" on the
marriage of the Princess Matilda.
In 1173, John de Dover and his fellows were Commissioners
to assess a Tax, here called an " Assize,'' but afterwards a
"Tallage," on the King's demesnes and Escheats in Staffordshire.
The Pipe Rolls shew TettenhaU as a Royal demesne contributing
£\ 13s. 4d- (i)
In 1187 is another "Tallage" — for which the Sheriff
received £¦>, 3s. lod. from Tettenhall. The next two years, 1 188-9,
we find similar entries, but the sum given is the same each year,
«.«., j£\ IIS. lod.
About midsummer, 1198, King John granted to one
Matthew de Gamages certain Staffordshire Manors, ofthe yearly
value of ¦£'2,^ : — £1^ in the King's Manor of Wiginton, £6 in Mere
(Meretown), and f^^ in Tettenhall Regis. "One-quarter of each
item of Revenue being due to the Grantee at Michaelmas, iigS,
is now allotted to him." (2)
In such cases as the above, the actual lands, nor any part
of them, were ever given over to the Grantee in fee or inheritance;
it being often a mere formal way of securing the payment of an
income or salary to a relative or favourite, or active servant of
the King. The Sheriff was charged with the amount and paid
over the money to the Grantee, but did not surcease from farming
the estate. Matthew de Gamages was a descendant of the Gamages
whose name appears on the Roll of Battle Abbej'. He owned
the ancestral castle and lands at Gamache, in Vexin, Xormandyj
and was Lord of the Manor cf Stottesden, in Shropshire. He
was one of the few Anglo-Norman nobles who adhered to the cause
of King Richard. .\nd in spite of the bribes lavished upon him
by King John, continued to hold his position at the Castle of
Gamache. This grant of a portion of the revenues of Tettenhall

(i) p. 70, vol, I, Staff. CoU.
(2) p. 78, Staff. Coll., vol. II.. pt, 1.

1 8 History of Tettenhall.

is only a single instance of the questionable methods employed
by King John in his attempt to wrest the Kingdom from his
brother, (i)
This same year, A.D. 1198, the Royal estates of Wool-
stanton, Meertown, Tettenhall, and Alrewas had been supplied
with some fresh stock at the King's expense. This shews that
the lands themselves remained in the Sheriff's care, though the
annual values thereof were heavily charged in favour of Matthew
de Gamages. (2)
The entry on the Roll for Tettenhall is as follows : —
" And in renewal of stock at Tettenhall for 8 oxen and
10 cows ... ... ... ... ... 54s.
And for 30 pigs ,,. .,. ... ... ... 30s.
And for i boar ... ... ... ... ... i2d." (3)
There are no further charges on the Pipe Rolls as regards
Tettenhall until the Roll of 6 John (1203-4), when we find that
the ;^2^ received from the three Manors of Tettenhall, Wiginton,
and Meertown has been withdrawn from Matthew de Gamages,
he only receiving that moiety of such sum as fell due to him at
Easter. The Tettenhall estates, value f^\. had been given by King
John to Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury, in furtherance
of that Bishop's design of founding an Abbey at Wolverhamp
ton. (4) It would seem that the behaviour of the Canons at the
Collegiate Church of Wolverhampton had become so notorious
that the Dean, Peter Blensensis, after expostulating with them,
and complaining to Pope Innocent III., finally resigned his Dean
ery into the hands of Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Archbishop visited Wolverhampton, and finding the charges
substantiated, proceeded to break up the Establishment, and re
placed the expelled canons by regulars, who were appointed by,
and would be responsible to, himself.
He therefore obtained permission from King John to found
a Cistercian Abbey in place of the dissolved College. The King
gave the Manor of Tettenhall Regis, and made several grants
(.1) Anderson's Shropshire, p. 74.
(2) Staff. Coll,, vol. 2, p. 78. (3) Ibid. p. 79. (4) Ibid, p, 125.

Manorial History. 19

towards the erection and support of the Monastery. But the
Archishop dying in A.D. 1205, before he had completed his
intended work, his successor, Stephen Langton, restored the
Secular Canons, and the Monastic Institution was abandoned.
The Charters dealing with this grant are printed in a volume of
Charter Rolls for the reign of John. By the kindness of General
Wrottesley I am enabled to give a full translation of both
Charters. The second Charter is very comprehensive in its
privileges and franchises, and is a most interesting document.

No. I,
Carta H)omln( j Johannes Dei gratia, etc, Sciatis nos dedisse,
CantaurieneiS. ) concessisse et presenti carta nostra confirmasse
venerabili patri nostro Huberto Cantuariensi, archiepiscopo
villam de Tautenhall cum pertinentiis quce est juxta boscum de
Kingeslega pro qua idem archiepiscopus dedit excambium
Willielmo de Gamages in manerio de Sautwode et quam idem
Willielmus ei inperpetuum quietam clamavit, cum omni jure
quod in ea habuit sine omni reclamatione de se et heredibus suis.
Concessimus etiam eidem archiepiscopo quod liceat ei eandem
terram conferre religiosis viris ordinis Cisterciensis, ita quod idem
viri religiosi eam teneant, in liberam, puram, et perpetuam
elemosinam Quare volumus, etc., quod predictus archiepiscopus
habeat et teneat predictam villam de Tautenhall cum pertinentiis
et in pace, libere, et quiete, et integre cum omnibus locis, rebus,
libertatibus et liberis consuetudinibus ad eam pertinentibus,
sicut prsedictum est, Testibus, W. Comite Pembroc, R. Comite
Cestrioe. W. Comite Sarrebiense, R. Bigod, Comite Norff,
Sahero de Quenci, Ganfrido de Sahy, Hugone de Xevill, Petro
de Stok. Datum per manum J.de Well, apud Portsmouth, xxxi.
die Mail, Anno tercio vii. (i )
Translation.
Cbarter for tbe 1 John, by the Grace of God, etc. Know ye,
Xor& of Cantcrburg. J that we have given and conceded, and by
this Charter we confirm, to our Venerable Father, H. Archbishop
of Canterbury, the vill of Tautenhall, with its appurtenances,
(i) p. 152, Charter Rolls, 7 Jolm.

20 History of Tettenhall.

which is near the wood of Kingeslegh, for which the same Arch
bishop gave an exchange to William de Gamages in his Manor of
Sautwode (Saltwood, in Kent), and which the said William quit
claimed to him in perpetuity with all the right he had in it for
himself and his heirs, without any exception. We concede also
to the same Archbishop, that it shall be lawful for him to confer
the same land to the religious men of the Cistercian Order, so
that the same may hold it in free, pure, and perpetual alms»
Wherefore, we will, etc., that the aforesaid Archbishop may have
and hold the said vill of Tautenhall, with its appurtenances, well
and in peace freely, and quietly, and fully in all places, things,
with the liberties and free customs appertaining to it, as is
aforesaid. Witnesses : W. Earl of Pembroke, R Earl of Chester,
W, Earl of Salisbury, R, Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, Saer de Quency,
Geoffrey de Sahy, Hugh de Nevill, Peter de Stoke. Given by
the hand ofj, de Welles, at Portsmouth, 31 May, 7th year of our
reign. No. II.
Johannes Dei gratia Rex, Angliae etcetra. Sciatis nos
intiutu Domini, et pro salute anime nostre, et animarum anteces-
sorum et heredum nostrorum, concessisse et presenti carta nostra
confirmasse, Deo et Beate Marie et viris religiosis ordinis Cis
terciensis, in hberam, puram, et perpetuam elemosinam, donum
quod fecimus venerabili, patri nostro domino Huberto Cantuari
ensi Archiepiscopo de decanatu et prebendis, et toto manerio de
Wulrunehamptone, et de bosco de Kingeslega et villa de Taten-
hal. Cum omnibus pertinentiis suis sicut cartas nostrae quas inde
habuit testantur : et volumus quod idem viri religiosi quibus idem
Archiepiscopus ea assignavit habeant et teneant omnia praedicta
cum omnibus pertinentiis suis, sicut cartoe predicti Episcopi quas
inde habent testantur. Concessimus etiam eisdem viris religiosis,
et confirmavimus, omnes rationabiles, donationes, terrarum, homi
num, et elemosinariorum eis vel a nobis in presenti coUatas, vel
in futuro a Regibus vel ex aliaque liberalitate conferrendas, vel
alio modo acquisitas vel adquirendas, tam in ecclesiis quam in
redditibus, et possessionibus mundanis. Quare volumus, etc,
quod praedicti viri religiosi et homines sui omnes possessiones et
elemosinas suas habeant bene et in pace, libere, et quietae, integre
et honorifice, cum omnibus libertatibus, et liberis consuetidinibus,

Manorial History 2 1

et quietantibus suis, in bosco et piano, in pratis et pasturis, in
aquis et molendinis, in . . . et semitis, in stagnis et vivariis,
in mariscis et piscariis, in grangiis et virgultis, infra burgum et
extra, cum soka et saka, et thol, et theam, et infangeneth, et ut-
fangeneth homsaka, gritbrich, blodwite, fichwite, ferdwite,
hengwite, leirwite, flemenfrid, murdrum, latricunium, forstal,
ordel (ordeal), et oreste, infra tempus et extra tempus, et in
omnibus locis, et cum omnibus causis qui sunt vel esse possunt.
Concedimus etiam quod , predicti viri religiosi sint quieti
in perpetuum de omnibus misericordiis, et quod ipsi et homines
sui liberi suit ab omni scotto et geldo, et omnibus auxiliis.
Regum et Vicecomitum, et omnium ministratium eorum et de
hidagio, carrucagio, danegeld, hornegeld et exercitibus, et
wapentac, et de scutagio, tallagio, lestagio, stallagio, syris et
hundredis, placitis et querelis, et warda, wardpany, averpani,
hundredpani, borechalpani, thedingpani, et de operibus castello-
rum, parcorum, pontium et de clausuris, et de omni carriagio
summagio, navagio, et donum regalum edificatione, et omnimoda
operatione, et prohibemus ne bosci eorum ad praedicta opera vel
ad aliqua alia ullo modo capiantur, et similitur bladum eorum vel
hominum suorum ad castella munienda non capiatur. Concedi
mus etiam quod omnia praedicta tenementa tam in bosco quam
in piano sint deafforestata et extra omnem placitum forestiorum.
Precipimus autem quod predicti viri religiosi et homines sui liberi
sint et quieti ab omni theloneo in omni foro, et in mundinis, et
in omnia transitu pontium viarum, et maris, pro totum regnum
nostrum, et pro omnibus terris nostris in quibz libertates eis dare
possumus, et omnia mercata sua et hominum suorum sint simili
ter in praedictis locis ab omni theloneo quieta. Concedimus autem
et confirmavimus quod si aliquis hominum suorum pro delicto
suo vitam vel membrum debeat amittere, vel fugerit et judicio
stare noluerit, vel aluid dehctum fecerit pro quo debeat catalla
sua perdere — (sentence incomplete),
Cancellata quia no erat sigillata immo fracta pro morte
Huberti Cantuariensis, archiepiscopi. (i.)
(i) p. 154, Charter Rolls, 7 John (A.D. 1205),

2 2 History of Tettenhall,

Translation.
John, by the Grace of God King of England, etc Know
ye that we, by the insight of the Lord, and for the health of our
soul, and of the souls of our ancestors and heirs, concede, and by
our present Charter confirm, to God and the Blessed Mary, and
to the religious men (monks) of the Cistercian Order in free, pure,
and perpetual alms, the gift which we made to our venerable
father, the Lord Archbishop of Canterburj', of the Deanery and
Prebends, and the whole manor of Wolverhampton and of the
wood of Kingesley and the vill of Tatenhale, with all their ap
purtenances, as our Charters which we had respecting them
testify ; and we will that the same religious men (monks) to whom
the said Archbishop assigned them may have and hold all the
aforesaid, with all their appurtenances, as the Charters of the
said Bishops which they have respecting them testify. We like
wise concede to the same religious men, and we confirm to them
all reasonable donations of lands, men, and alms granted to them
by us in the present, or in future by Kings or by any other liber
ality, to be conferred either in churches or in rents and worldly
possessions. Wherefore, we will, etc. That the said religious men and
their men may have all possessions and alms well and in peace,
freely, and quietly, fully and honorably, with all liberties and
free customs and exemptions, in wood and in plain, and in
meadows and pastures, in waters and mills, and in pathways and
dams, and fishpools ; in marshes and fisheries, in granges, and
vineyards, within a borough or outside; with sak and sok, thol
and theam, and infangenthef and utfangenthef, homsaken and
gritbrich, blodwite, fisliwite, ferdwite, hengwite, leirwite, flemene-
frith, murdrum, latrocinium, fostal, ordeal and oreste, within and
without limit of time, in all places, and in all causes which exist
or can arise. We concede also that the said religious men should
be quit in perpetuity of all amercements, and that they and their
men should be free from all scot and geld and all Kings aids, or
of aids of Sheriffs and of all their officers ; and of hidage, carruca-
tage, danegelt, hornegeld, and armies, and wapentake, and from
scutage, tallage, lestage, stallage, shires and hundreds, pleas and
suits, and ward, wardpenny, averpenny, hundredpenny, borechal-
penny, tythingpenny ; and from works en castles, parks, bridges.

Manorial History. 23

enclosures, and all cartage, pack-carriage, boat-service, and
erection of King's houses, and every kind of building service ;
and we forbid that their woods should be taken for the said works
or any other kind, in any way, and likewise that their corn or
that of their men should be taken for the provisioning of castles.
We concede also that all the said tenements, both in wood and in
plain, should be deafforested and outside (exempt from) all pleas of
Foresters. We command also that the said religious men and
their men should be free and quit from all toll in every market
and in fairs, and in the passage of bridges, roads, and of sea
throughout our kingdom ; and for all our lands in which we can
give them franchises, and all their markets and those of their men
similarly shall be quit of all toll in the said places. We concede
and confirm that it any of their men should lose life or limb for
his crime, or should flee and not stand to justice, or should commit
any other crime for which he should lose his chattels * « »
(Sentence not complete, hut it is a grant to the Monks ofthe chattels
of all felons and fugitives from justice . )
Cancelled because it was not sealed, but was quashed by the death
of Hubert, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
This Hubert Walter, the grantee, was the famous Arch
bishop of Rouen and Canterbury. In addition to his Ecclesiastical
power he also wielded the sceptre of secular power as Chancellor
and Legatee for the absent King Richard. " Being fitted by
education to be a sound lawyer and financier, as well as a good
bishop and a successful general, he was a strong minister. His
career was a brilliant one — first as Chaplain to Henry II, then as
Bishop of Salisbury, Counsellor, Captain, and Chaplain to the
third Crusade ; then as Chief Justiciar of England, Archbishop of
Canterbury, and Legatee; making laws and canons, leading
armies, administering justice, collecting taxes, under Richard ;
and lastly, acting as Chancellor to John from the coronation to his
own death." (i). Such was the man who, although burdened
with the cares of State, could yet find time to deal vigorously
with the unruly canons ofthe old Saxon College.
On the Pipe Roll of 7 John. The Sheriff deducted 60/- from
the Perm of the County for three-fourths of a year's issues from
(i) Stubbs, Early Plantagenets, p. 137.

24 History of Tettenhall.

Tettenhall, which had been given by the King to Hubert Walter,
as above (i). In the previous year the Sheriff had deducted one-
fourth of the year's issues for the same reason, and 40/- for half
a year's issues from Tettenhall, which had been given to Matthew
de Gamages. (2).
The result of the abandonment of the Archbishop's scheme
was that the £if from Tettenhall Regis reverted to the Crown
again at Midsummer, 1205. (3), I conclude that Matthew de
Gamages had died in the interim, for on the roll of the next year,
1206, we find that the King had granted these ''four lih'rates ' of
land in Tettenhall Regis to William de Gamages, son and heir
of Matthew de Gamages. (4) The manor appears to have
remained in the custody of William de Gamages for some time,
for at the Assizes held at Stafford, 12 Henry III, (a.d. 1228) we
find : — " The King's Manor of Tettenhale appeared by twelve
jurymen, but their names are not given : they presented that the
Manor of Tatenhale is the demesne of the Lord the King, and
that William de Gamages holds it of the gift of the King. It is
worth 60/-. (5) Twenty-one years later (Oct. I24g) a writ was
sent to the Sheriff of Staffordshire, ordering him to return the
extent (i.e., the valued of the Manor of Tettenhale on the oath of
twelve jurymen. The value was returned by the following jury,
viz. : — Robert Maunsell (of Patshull), Robert de Bissopburi
(Bushbury), Hugh de Wrottesleg, ( — ) de Pendeford, Walter de
Overton, William le Sergeant, of Pencriz, Gervase de Wolver-
nehamton, John, son of Stephen de ( — ), Adam de la Lowe,
Henry de Hull, of Bissopburi, and Hugh de Mollesleg, who stated
that the King held in demesne in Tettenhale thirty acres of land,
held by the men of Tettenhall in farm. The rents of assize were
worth f,\ OS, 4d., paid for the said farm and villenage and woods
and pastures. The profits of the manor are worth 2 marks.
Respecting tallage, they stated that when the King tallaged his
manors, TettenhaU was tallaged at 2 marks. The view of
Frankpledge is worth half a mark yearly, and there are two mills
worth 2/- yearly, which the men of the said manor held in this
farm. Total value without the tallage 113s. 8d. (5).
(i) Staff, Coll., vol, 2, p 125, (2) Ibid, p. 120. (3) Ibid, p. 130.
(4) p. 144, vol. 2, pt. I., Staff. Coll, (5) p, 70, vol, 4, Staff, Coll,
(6) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley.

Manorial History. 25

The two mills mentioned above would be those of Compton
and Wightwick. From this date until A.D. 1255, the Manor seems to have
reverted into the King's hands again, for on the Seisdon Hundred
Roll for that year we find it recorded thus : — " The Lord the King
holds the Manor of Totenhale in his hands, and receives annually
of the old ferm ^3 los. od., and of the new increment us. i^A.,
saving tallage at the King's pleasure, and he has the donation of
the Deanery of the Church, and Henry de Wengham holds it of
the gift of the King, (i) and it is worth yearly 50 marks, with
five prebends, and he gives for frankledge half a mark, and Elias
the Canon holds an acre of purpresture of the Canon's fee and
one rood, and it is worth 5d., and Robert le Ware holds half-an-
acre of purpresture of the same (fee) value 2d., also Robert, son
of Isabel, and William, son of Swane, held four acres of purpres
ture, value i6d., and Alexander, the forester, holds an acre-and-
a-half of purpresture value is. Of pleas and perquisites the
Bailiff renders to the Sheriff 20S. annually, and John fitz Phillip
takes for purpresture of underwood and pasturage 5s. 4d. annually,
and the same John receives from the Feast of Michaelmas to the
Feast of St. Martin (de Kingesley written above the line), his
chapuras for a horse 4d., and for an ox 2d., and for a pig id., and
for 5 poneys {hydentibus) id. (In the margin,) The King is in
seisin by the Escheator" (2)
The next year, A.D. 1256, the King granted the Manor of
Tetenhale, in Co. Stafford, to Magister John de Chishull,to farm
for seven years at an annual rent of 8 marks. (3) John de
Chishull appears to have obtained an extension of the grant
of this Manor, for from a writ to Bertram de Burgo, one of the
Coroners of Staffordshire of 50 Henry IIL, we find that he is
" commanded to restore to Magister John de Chishull the goods
and chattells belonging to William the Chaplain, who had abjured
the realm for a felony committed by him. William having held
his land in Tettenhall by gift of John, to celebrate divine offices

(i) This is an error— Henry de Wengham was the King's Escheator.
As Escheator he must have been in possession owing to the recent death of the
last Dean. (2) p. 114, vol. 5, Staff, Coll. (3) Fine Rolls.

26 History of Tettenhall.
in honour of the Blessed Virgin, John having assigned the land
to sustain a chaplain with that object " (i)
The Forest Rolls of 55 Henry III. contain many interest
ing entries respecting Tettenhall, but are chiefly valuable for
giving us the names of the free tenants cf the Manor. It seems
to have been the practice of the tenants to cultivate and reclaim
portions of the waste and woodland, thereby increasing the size
and value of their holdings.
The Forest Laws pressed very heavily on any such
attempts at reclamation, as the following extracts from the Roll
above quoted will shew : — Presentments were made against the
following tenants of Tettenhall : " Osbert of the Bridge of
Wystwyk, Alexander at the Grene of the same, Alexander, son of
Osbert, of the same, Walter, son of Adam, of the same, Adam at
the Spring (fontem) of the same, William at the Spring of the
same, Richard at the Wood of Tetenhale, Thomas, son of
Spyvy, of the same, Roger, son of Margery of the same,
William the Fleming of the same, Henry the Carpenter of the
same, Luke of the Hill (montem) of the same, Ralph son of Robert
ofthe same, Henry son of William and Juliana the widow of Roger
de Tetenhale, for newly occupying and holding the King's soil in
the forest of Kinver, The land is to be taken into the King's
hands, and they are to answer for the value of the crop upon it,
(They were fined sums varying from 4od. to half a mark each,)
The following tenants were also fined for making new
assarts within the Forest : — Adam at the Bridge of Wystewyk,
Thomas de Creye of Compton, William son of Margery, Luke
atte Stone of Tetanhale, Elyas son of Simon, Richard de Clare,
Elyas le Chanoigne (the Canon), and William his son, Richard de
Bosco (of the Wood), Henry le Roer, Roger de Konkwall,
Alexander the Forester of Compton, William le Cock of Compton,
Henry le Carpenter, William at the Spring (fontem) of Wystewik,
Robert at le Grave, Alditha the widow, Alexander atte Grene,
Walter de Wytwyk, and Osbert de Wytewyk." (2)
(i) Close Rolls, 50 Hen. III. (2) p, 144, vol. 5, Staff. Coll.

Manorial History.

At the Assizes held at Lichfield the following year, i.e.,
A,D. 1272, the Liberty of Tetenhale appeared by twelve jurymen,
viz. : — Thomas de Grey and Thomas de Wythegis, Electors (of
the jury), Richard de Cumpton. Osbert de Wythewyk,
William le Flemyng, Adam de Gosfurlong.
Roger fitz Margery. Thomas de Wythegis,
Walter, son of William. Henry le Granger.
Robert de Levedale. Thomas Godwyne.
William fitz Elias was returned as Bailiff of the Liberty
at the same Assizes, and was doubtless son of Elyas le Chanoigne
(Canon) de Tettenhale, who with William his son, was returned
as holding an acre of old assart in Kinver, on the Forest Roll of
55 Henry III., quoted above,
A portion of Tettenhall was within the regard ofthe Royal
Forest of Kinver, and was distinguished from the other portions
of the forest by the title of Kingsley Manor. It comprised the
whole of Tettenhall Wood, and part of Compton and Wightwick.
It was clearly a portion of the Manor of Kinfare or Kinver; but
from the total obliteration of the name in Tettenhall parish I
conclude it never was rated, and thus never became a modern
township. There are numbers of copies of Court Rolls at
Wrottesley for tenements held within it by Wrottesley's, and in
some of these the tenement is stated to be in Kingsley or Kinfare
Manor, as if they were the same.
" In 16 Hen. VIII.) Kynfar Manerium, Venit Walterus
Feb. nth, 1525.' Wrottesley armiger, in propria per
son^ sua in plena curia et clamat habere et tenere de domino
omnia ilia terras et tenementa etc, \n Kingsley quoe sibi descende-
ruit jure hereditaris post mortem Ricardi Wrottesley armiger
patris predicti Walteri."
" On April i6th, 1563. John Wrottesley armiger was
admitted to copyhold property in Kingsley Manor."
" On Nov, 4th, 1580. Walterus Wrottesley armiger cepit
de domina omnia messuagia terra et tenementa etc. Quoe
discendebant prefato Waltero post mortem Johannis Wrottysley
armigeri, patris sui jurehereditabis " (Kingsley Manor).
" In 33 Elizabeth. Walter Wrottesley, of Wrottesley, Esq.,
was admitted to copyhold property in Kinfare or Kingsley Manor."

28 History of Tettenhall,

" I have no doubt all these entries refer to the same land
and give four generations of the family and approximate dates
when they succeeded, and is a good example of the utility of
Court Manor Rolls in proving descents. They are taken from the
original slips of parchment — the Copy of Court Roll ofthe Manor
of Kinfare or Kingsley." (i).
What appears most probable is that the portion of Kinfare
Manor in Tettenhall Regis was called Kingsley to distinguish it
from that portion outside the parish boundaries. Although
surrounded by Tettenhall, it still forms an integral part of the
Manor of Kinfare, and the ownership of the copyhold rights is in
H. W. Foley, Esq., of Prestwood, the representative ofthe great
families of Hodgetts and Foley, Lords of the Manor of Kinver.
Richard de Bosco, of Tettenhall, one of the tenants who
had newly assarted, pays a fine for his misericordia, and is to have
back the land with the grass upon it. (2).
In vol. 5 of the Wm. Salt collections appears a Perambula
tion of Kinfare Forest in 1300.
Some of the boundaries mentioned still live in the place-
names of to-day. As an early instance of beating the bounds it is
interesting, and shews the extent of the forest, and also what new
districts had been newly afforested in King Henry III time. The
Perambulation was made before the Forest Justices, in the pres
ence ofthe Warden of the Forest, with a jury composed of the
lords of the surrounding manors, who testify to the same and
thereunto set their seals.
KINVER FOREST, A.D. 1300.
The Perambulation of the Forest of Kynefare, in the
County of Stafford, made before Monsire Rogier Brabazon, Sire
Wm. Boulevileyn, Sire Johan Druwel, and Sire Henry de
Guldeford, Justices of our Lord the King assigned to make it, on
the Saturday in the week of Pentecuste, 28 Ed. i (14 June, 1300),
in the presence of Johan fitz Philip, Warden [gardien) of the
Forest, Richard de Prestwode, Forrester in fee ; Johan de Perton,
Philip de Lutteleye, and Waryn de Penne, Verderers ofthe said
Forest ; and by the oath of Robert de Estandon, Wm, de Mere,
Geffrey de Gresel, Johan de Wasteneys, Henry de Ciessewall,
(i) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley. (2) p. 139, vol. 5, Staff. Coll.

Ma norial Hi^tj) ry. 29
Hughe de Weston, and Henry Mauveisyn Chevalers ; Wm. de
Wrottesleye, Robt. le Hunt, Estenene de Wolaston, Richard
Sprigornel, Michel de Norton, Henry de Alrewas, Robert de
Somerford, Thomas de Tytnesonvere, Robert de Sewallefeyld,
Henri de Verdoun, Wm. de Tymmor. Ric. de Beckebury, Robt.
de Horseleye, Wm. de Tamenhorne, Johan de Cressewell, Johan
de Tresel, Mestre Robert de Kyderminstre, Clement deDunclent,
Ric, de Suttone, and Thomas de Lutteleve, who state that the
bounds of the said Forest of Kynefare begin at the water Smeth-
estall, and so descending by the Tresel water as far as the doit of
Hinkesford, and thence ascending as far as the high road to
Holebache, and then by the said road as far as a doit which is
between the vill of Amelicote and the vill of Kyngeswynford,
and then descending from this doit as far as the olde forde, and
then ascending by a footpath {sente) as far as the Croked Apeltre,
and thus as far as Wolfreswrosne, and then ascending as far as
Feckebury, and so as far as Berfold, and thence to Overmaste
mere, and then ascending as far as Wheldon huUe, and thus to
Durhull, and then as far as Doun Coppe, and then ascending as
far as Farslades, and then as far as Berke's Medwe, and so
ascending by Stour water as far as a hedge which is the boundary
between the Manor of Kynefare and Wolvardesleye, and then by
the before-mentioned hedge as far as the Wood of Kynefare, and
so ascending as far as the Merehull under the stoneyhull, and then
ascending as far as the Mere Oak on the Egge Coppe, and so
descending to the high road which goes to Kideminstre.and then
across {entravers) this road as far as Kyngesfordes mere, and
then between the meres of Kynyngford arui Kynefare as far as
the boundaries of Arleye, and then between the bounds of Kyne
fare and Arleye as far as the bounds of Rommesleye, and then as
far as Stonemonnesleye, and then ascending by the lane (venelle)
as far as Henedyoell, which is as far as Depedale, and thence to
Rommere, and then descending by a sichet as far as Liones med-
wive, and then by the high road which is called Chestrewey as
far as Spitelbrouk, and then descending as far as Fulsiche, and
then ascending by Foulsich as far as the Urlestrete, and so to
Blake stouche, and then under (desuz) the Rugge as far as the
Brocholes, and so to Quatsouk near Two eth, and then ascending
by a road as far as the Birchles, to ihe Holon merehenell, and

30 History of TettenhaU.

so by the said road as far as a footpath (sente) under the Shode
(desuz de sholle), and so by this path as far as Bachioteswey, and
so descending by this road to Smethestalleswey, and by Smethest-
alleswey as far as Smethestallafad, at the place where the bounds
commence. And they say that within these bounds exists the Forest of
our Lord the King, and they say that the Wood of Kynefare, and
the Manor of Tettenhale, by the bounds written below, are the
demesne of the King in the forest ; that is to say, from Whistey-
wikeford, ascending by the road which leads from Whistwyke
towards Stafford as far as the Mill of Rodesford, and thence to
the Dounpool, thence descending as far as the Mill borowe wall,
and so descending as far as Whitebon in Saffemor, and so
descending as far as Oxenford, and then ascending by a sichet as
far as the high road which runs from Trescote to Wulverenhamp-
ton, and so by the said road as far as Poukediches Lydeyate, and
thence by a road as far as Wythewykesford.
And they say that the vills of Nether Penne, Overton,
Tresel, and Seysdon, Womburne, and Swyndon, and a part of
Hamelebeye (Himley), a part of the land of Kingeswyneford, a
part of the land of Amelecote (Amblecote), the vill of Wolaston,
a part of Swyneford, of Bebbemor, of Haggeleye, of Brome, the
vill of Chirchehull, the villof Wennorton, a part of Yeldentre, of
Chaddesle, of Hurcote, ofthe waste of Kyderminstre, the vills of
Dunclent, Hetheye, and the vills of Wolvardesley, Kynyngford,
Arleye, Evenesfeull (Enville), Morf and Letteley, Bobynton, with
the wood, and the wastes, and the appurtenances, have been
afforested since the coronation of King Henry, the great grand
father of the present King, in testimony of which the jurors above
named have set their seals.
According to Shaw, a William Coyney held the custody of
the Manor of Tettenhall, of the King at will, temp. Edward I.
In 4 Edward II, A.D. 13 ii, the King, at the request of
Ingelard de Warle, the keeper of the King's wardrobe, committed
to William de Perton the custody of his Manor of Tetenhale, Co.
Stafford, rendering for it the same ferm as his father, John de
Perton. (Originalia.) This would imply that John de Perton
had also held the custody of the Manor, but what the terms of
the grant were I am unable to say.

Manorial Hintory. 3 1

In 7 Edward II, A.D. 1314, the King granted Totenhale,
Co. Stafford, and Claverleye, Co. Salop, and two other Manors
named, to Richard de Arundell, to hold for his life, for his support
in the King's service. (Originalia.)
His enjoyment of the revenues of Tettenhall was brief —
for the next year we find it recorded — " That Richard de Arundell
being dead, the Sheriff of Staffordshire is ordered to take the
Manor of Totenhale into the King's hands.'" Four years later,
the King commits the custody of the Manor of Tettenhale to
Henry de Bissebury. (Originalia.)
On the Pipe Rolls of 7, Edward II, the following tenants
of Tettenhall Regis paid fines for encroachments on the waste of
the Forest of Kynfare : — Will. Sweyn, of Tettenhale, 3s. ; one of
the free tenants at Bilbrook, Will, de Bilrebrock, 3s. ; Ric. de
Cumpton, 3s. ; Will, le Flemyng, 3s. ; Oliver de Whytewik, 3s. ;
Roger, son of Walter de Whytewik, 3s, ; Osbert de Whytewik, 3s, ;
John le Flemyng, 3s, ; Adam le Flemyng, of Whytewik, 3s. ; Ric.
de Trescot, 3s.
In the 19 Edward II, A.D. 1326, John, son of William de
Cumpton, gives los. for license to enfeoff Roger, son of Nicholas
de Trescote, in certain tenements in Cumpton, which pertain
to the King's Manor of Tettenhale. (Originalia.) (i)
In the ist Edward III, A.D. 1327, the King commits the
custody of his Manor of Tetenhale to Henry Illary, rendering
what had been previously paid for it. (Originalia.)
In 2 Edward III, A.D 1328, the King granted to Peter de
Knolle, the valet of his chamber, the custody of the Manor of
Tetenhale, in Co. Stafford, to hold during the King's pleasure,
rendering to the Exchequer what had been previously paid for it,
{Fine Roll, 2 Ed. III.) Dated, York, 12 Feb.
In 1333, to enable Edward III to begin that "fatal war
with France — which for more than a hundred years drained the
strength and corrupted the temper of the English people " — the
Commons granted to the King a loth and 15th of moveables.
The return to this for a part of Staffordshire is extant, and
(i) This proves Compton to have formed part o f Tettenhall Regis,

32 History of Tettenhall.
includes Tettenhall. It is valuable for giving a list of the tenants
and their assessments, which are as follows : —
William Sweyn, 4s. Roger Flemyng, 5s.
Adam le Wright, 4s. Roger Henrys, 2S.
Richard le Sweyn, 3s. John, son of Henry, 2S.6d.
John Godale, 2s. William, son of Henry, 3s.
Roger atte Wode, 5s. Thomas Crey, 2s,
Henry de Compton, 5s, 6d. Will, Jones, 3s.
Hugh Olyver, 4s, Roger atte Brok, 2s
John, son of Simon, 3s Henry Oliver, 3s. 6d.
John, son of Alexander, 6s. Walter, son of 'V\'illiam, 3s.
Robert Olyver, 3s William atte Wall 5s,
Rich, Wylgeroun, 3s, ThomaSj son of William, 5s.
Roger, son of William, 4s. Eleanor de Wyteges, 6s.
Walter le Smith, 6s, Adam le Mercer, 3s.
Robert Wythewyk, 2S, Roger de Tetenhale 23. (i)
In 8 Edward III, A.D 1335, the King granted the custody
of Tetenhale, in Co. Stafford, to Thomas de Scoteney, for his life,
Thomas to render the usual rent. Dated, Berwick-on-Tweed,
15 October. {Fine Roll)
In 1 1 Edward III, A.D. 1338, the King granted the custody
of the Manor of Tetenhale to Hugh de Wrottesley, to hold during
the King's pleasure, at an annual rent of loos. Dated, West
minster, 18 March. {Fine Roll)
In the year following, A.D. 1339, the King granted the
Manor in fee to Henry de Ferrers, and to his heirs male, in
consideration of the great and faithful services he had performed
to the King. (Originalia.)
Henry de Ferrers was the representative of a younger
branch of the family of Ferrers, Earls of Derby. He was sum
moned to Parliament as Henry de Ferrers of Groby, from 4,
Edward III to 16, Ed III, and died in the next year. The
Inquisition on his death states he held the Manor of Tettenhall
of the King in capite by homage and fealty, and by no other
service. And he also held in Staffordshire the Manor of Wotton,
(Wotton-under- Wever) by right of Isabel, his wife. And that
Wotton was a parcel of the Manor of Alveton (Alton). William
(I) Subsidy Roll, 6, Ed. III.

Manorial History. 33

his son, is his nearest heir, and is 13 years of age. His wife
Isabel was one of the daughters and co-heiress of Theobald de
Verdon by his second wife Elizabeth, who was the daughter of
Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, and widow of Richard de
Burgh, Earl of Ulster. Isabel died the 23rd Edwd, III. Henry
de Ferrers was succeeded by his son and heir, William, who, in
the 28 Ed, III, A.D. 1355, on attaining his twenty-fourth year
came into possession of his estates. He was summoned to Parlia
ment from 28 Ed. Ill to 43 Ed. Ill, He was also in the wars of
France the 29, 33, and 34 years of Edw. Ill, and died 6 January,
1371. By his will, made the ist of June, 1368, he bequeathed his
body to be buried at Ulverscroft Priory, in Leicestershire. The
Inquisition on his death was taken at Stafford, on the 22 March,
45 Ed. Ill, on the oath of Thomas Buffri, John de Prestwode,
Adam Waryng, John de Coweleye, Geoffrey de Congreve, John
de Steventon, Michael de Morton, and five others, who stated he
held the Manor of Totenhale of the King in capite, and it is of
the ancient demesne of the King. There is no capital messuage
(Manor house), and the rents of assize are worth five marks, and
there are no demesne lands. The pleas and perquisites of the
Court are worth 5s. yearly. He held also the advowson of the
Deanery of the King's Free Chapel of Totehale, and it is worth
nothing by the year. He held also in Staffordshire the Manor
of Wootton-under- Wever of the King by Knight's service, which
was worth £b yearly ; and a rent of i3S.4d. in Fenton Culvard,
of the Duke of Lancaster ; and that William died the 6 January
last, and Henry his son is his next heir, and 16 years of age.
A subsequent Inquisition states that the advowson of the
Deanery was worth 40s. yearly, (i)
It is evident from this Inquisition, that the Ferrers family
considered the advowson of the Deanery had passed with the
part of the King's Manor, but the Crown took steps to reassert
its rights, and a writ on the Patent Roll of i Ric, II, p. i, m, 18,
quoted by Bishop Tanner in his " Monasticon," (2) states that
the King had recovered the advowson of the Deanery in a suit
against Henry de Ferrers, Kt., and John de Harewode, clericus.

(i) ex infra, Gen. Wrottesley,
(2) Unfortunately, this Inquisition is not forthcoming at the present time.

34 History of Tettenhall,

It is in the course of this suit that it comes out that the original
foundation of the Church was by King Edgar. This William de
Ferrers was twice married, first to Margaret, daughter and co
heiress of Robert de Ufford, Earl of Suffolk, by whom he had
issue Henry de Ferrers, his son and heir, and Thomas, a second
son. His second wife was Margaret, the daughter of Henry de
Peray, and widow of Gilbert Umfreville, Earl of Ango. She died
A.D. 1376. William de Ferrers was succeeded by his son Henry in
A.D. 1376. This Henry was with the English army in France
the first four years of King Richard II, and in A.D. 1382 he
succeeded to the estates of his maternal uncle, William de Ufford,
Earl of Suffolk, who had died childless. In the next two years
he was again in France, and died in A.D. 1388; his wife Joan,
the daughter of Sir Thomas Poyning, surviving him until A.D.
1364. She held one-third of this Manor, with several others,
in dower for her life.
From the above-named Henry, the Manor passed to his
son, William de Ferrers, in A.D. 1394, who in the year following
accompanied the King on an expedition to Ireland, In A.D.
1417, he was returned to serve the King in his wars in France.
He died A.D. 1445, and by his will bequeathed his body to be
buried in the Priory of Ulverscroft. He left a granddaughter
and heiress, Elizabeth, who married Edward Grey, son of Reginald
Lord Grey de Ruthyn. Thomas, the grandson of Edward Grey,
was created Marquess of Dorset. Henry Grey, grandson of
Thomas, was created Duke of Suffolk, and was beheaded and
attained A.D. 1554. [Historic Peerage.) This William de Ferrers
had two sons, William and Thomas. William, father of the above-
named Elizabeth, died during his father's lifetime, and as the
estate was strictly entailed upon the heirs male, Thomas, the
second son, succeeded to the Manor, He married Elizabeth, one
of the three sisters and co-heiress of Sir Baldwin Frevill, of Tam
worth Castle, Kt. He was Sheriff of the County of Stafford,
A.D. 1448, and, died in A.D. 1459. He was succeeded by his son,
Thomas Ferrers, who was 36 years of age at his father's death.
The year 1459 saw the beginning of that long and bitter
civil strife known as the " Wars of the Roses." Thomas de
Ferrers threw in his fortunes with the House of York, and was

Mam/rial History, 35
taken prisoner by the Lancastrians at the Battle of Wakefield,
Dec. 31, A.D. 1460. The Duke of York, with his son Edmund
Earl of Rutland, and many other nobles, were killed in this
engagement, but their deaths were soon avenged by the Duke's
eldest son, Edward (now Duke of York), at the battle of
Mortimer's Cross, Herefordshire. Edward, following up his
success here, and being joined by the Earl of Warwick, marched
upon London, where, in an assembly of peers, prelates, and
citizens, he was declared King, March 3, A.D. 1461,
For his faithful adherence to the House of York, Thomas
de Ferrers received the honour of Knighthood, and was also, at
the creation of the Duke of York, made a Knight of the Bath in
14 Ed. IV, (A.D. 1475.) By his will, dated A.D. 1497, he
bequeathed his body to be buried by Annie, his wife, at Tamworth,
and died Aug. 22nd, A.D. 1499, leaving Sir John Ferrers, Knt,,
his grandson and heir, aged 24 ; his eldest son. Sir John Ferrers,
Knt., having died in his father's lifetime. The Inquisition on his
death says : — "The said Sir Thomas Ferrers was seized at his
death of this Manor and advowson of the Deanery and Free
Chapel held of the King in capite by unknown services, and
valued at nothing per annum, being the ' ancient demesne of the
Crown.' "
The Manor remained in possession of the Ferrars family
until 1665, when John Ferrars, Esq., the then Lord ofthe Manor,
sold it to three of his tenants, i.e , Francis Wightwick of Wight
wick, Humphrey Fleming, and Robert Haywood, who became
joint owners of the copyhold rights of the Manor.
It remained in the possession of these families for several
years, and finally passed by purchase to the Foley family, and
from them to Mr. John Neve, of Oaken, who is the present Lord
of the Manor, and from whom I have obtained the accompanying
customary of the Manor. I have met with several copies of this
customary in the possession of various tenants of the Manor,
but on collating them with the one printed here, I find no
material variation of the copy. This copy is dated 1604, and
appears to be a faithful copy of a much earlier document.

36 History of Tettenhall.

" A true Copie of the Customary of the Manner of
Tettenhall Regis taken out of the Original on the 22nd day
of July Anno Domini 1604.
Imprimis i. The Tenants do say that A Bailiff must be
chosen by his neighbours from year to year ofthe best and ablest
men of the Manner ; and besides they say yt no Clarke nor
Smith shall be Bailiff to serve.
Item 2 (Heriots). They say whosoever of the Manour die
the Lord shall have his best Ox or Cowe, and all his Masculine
Horses ; of three Swine he shall have one, and of five one, and of
tenn two, and no more if he have an hundred ; and so of Bees
and such other.
Item 3. Whosoever sitteth on ye ground of any Man and
yieldeth to ye Lord a penny or half penny, or more or less the
Lord shall have an Harriot of him as of an other and ye Cliurch
ye second and the Meane Lord the third.
Item 4. Whosoever sitteth on the ground of any Man
and yieldeth nothing to ye Lord or ye King hee that he holdeth
off shall have his best beast for an Harriot, and ye Lord ye best
after the Church, or four pence if it be bequeathed him.
Item 5. What Stranger soever dye in the I^ordship,
ye Lord shall have his best beast for an Harriot or his horse
if he have any, and if he be a known Man ye Lord shall have
nothing, if his Lord will aske him.
Item 6. Every Heir after the death of his Father, for the
Relief of his Lands, shall give so much as his Father gave of
yearly rent, and his rent according to the Statute, and this is
called a double rent, and if it be Lands of newe purchase, giving
nothing to ye Lords ye Heir shall make his fine with the Bailiff
to the best.
Item 7. They say no man may bequeath his Lands or
Tenements wch he hath by inheritance, but his own purchases he
may bequeath to whome he will.
Item 8. No seisin within ye Manner is of strength, except
it be in full Court, by ye hande of the Bailiff, and be given againe
by the Bailiff to him ye hath ye right.
Item 9. No Widdowe shall paye a Harriott except she
holds other lands yn her dowry, or pay other Rent to ye Ld,

Manorial History. 37

Item 10. Every Widdowe shall answer to ye Heir the
third part of ye Rents and all other things belonging to the
Tenement except Shute of Court.
Item II. If any Man purchase within the Manner any
Tenements, ye Lord shall have nothing of him but his Rent
only, and after his death a Harriott.
Item 12. Ay tenant may sell or give his tenement
without any Harriott to the Lord as well Lands of inheritance
as purchase, and keep to himself any parcel of his house, or
of his Tenements, and for yt Parcell he shall agree with ye Lord
for his year's rent, and appear at his Courts.
Item 13. No strange Man shall marrye a Widdowe
having Lands, to have ye freedome of the Mannour without
license of the Lord or his Bailiff.
Item 14. Every Heir after the death of his Father shall
have ye best brass Pott, and of all other Implements the best.
Item 15. Every Widdowe shall have her dowery of all
lands and Tenements weh she and her husband had together
without any deed withstanding or warrants made; but ye heire
shall please her which hath the deeds by the sight of his Neigh
bours, and to ye valine of ye land lost.
Item 16. If any Woman have Lands or Tenements after
ye decease of her Father by inheritance, or by purchase or by
gift, or condition, or for terme of life, or by fee tayle, or by any
other manner, her husband when she is married may sell all such
lands and tenements so yt ye Woman come into the Court and
there be examined by the Bailiff whether it be her Will or no,
and that she be not constrained by her husband, and then that
done yielding it up excludeth ye Woman and her heirs for ever.
Item 17. If any Man or Woman of the Lordship call any
Woman (or man) whore or thiefe of good fame wedded or not
wedded, except he (or she) can prove it, they shall give to the
Lord 2S, so yt he or she or they so called, come w'h two honest
men and prove themselves good.
Item 18, If any man or woman of ye Lordship call a
wedded woman (common) Strumpet and cannot prove it (he or
she) shall give to the Lord twelve pence, and make his Neighbour
amends for the trespass so that she come to ye Court as aforesaid.

38 History of Tettenhall.

Item 19. If any Man marre or date ye Corne or grass of
his Neighbour wth his beasts either ty'd or kept, he shall give to
ye Lord twelve pence, and make his Neighbours amends for
ye trespass, at ye sight of his Neighbours, and if he do it
againe he shall give ye Lord two shillings and make amends
for ye trespass : and if he do it a third time he shall give to the
Lord six shillings eight pence and also six shillings eight pence
to his neighbour for the trespass.
Item 20, No man shall make Gates or Gaps in ye
Common field upon ye corn or grass of his Neighbour but by
ye consent of ye community and if he doe he shall give to ye
Lord two shillings and to ye community of ye Towne two
shillings. Item 21. No man shall pasture ye Stubbles whilst ye
Corn is upon ye Ground, under ye penalty of twelve pence
unless it be upon his own land.
Item 22. No Man of one Towne shall enter into ye
Stubble of any other Towne whilst the corn is upon ye Ground
except upon his own land and by the good will of all his Neigh
bours under the payne of two shillings to ye Lord.
Item 23. No Man shall be amerced but by ye taxing of
his Neighbours and according to ye trespass.
Item 24. No Man shall be merced for blood drawing or
for bearing of Weapons, or for Shute of Court or for excise of
ale brewing, but at four pence, and if ye Ale be red and ill in
favour or colour then it must be taken into ye hands of the
Bailiff and he shall be grievously merced by ye taxing of his
Neighbours. Item 25. All Brewers in ye like manner shall charge ye
Ale Tasters, to taste ye Ale before they sell it, or else they shall
be merced. Item 26. Every Brewer shall give ye Ale Taster a Gallon
of their best Ale w" they brew to sell.
Item 27. If any Man finds himself agrieved, by the hedges
of his Neighbours not lawfully made, he shall take his Neighbours,
and as many gaps as they then find they present to the Bailiff at
ye next Court, and for every Gapp the Lord shall have a share,
or four pence for a share, and also he shall make amends to him
yt hath ye harme-

Manorial History. 39

Ite.n 28. A Man that hath Sons may set them to Crafts
without license of ye Lord, and he shall give for every marriage
of his daughters in the Mannour twelve pence and out of ye
Manour two shillings except he can get better favour.
Item 29. All the King's Tenants may sett their Lands,
houses, rents, or Tenements for ye terme of thirty years without
license of the Lord, but if it be for terme of life, it must be in full
Courte and with license of the Bailiff.
Item 30. If any Man be lawfully ceised in full Court of
any Tenement or right one day and one night, hee shall never be
excluded, nor expulsed but by the King's right, and by the
Judgment of the King's tenants.
Item 31. Yt twelve Men shall present all the Articles
wch they knowe true and if they stand in doubt of any they shall
have License untill ye next Court day and as well they are to
present that day as the first day.
Item 32. No Presentment of blood drawing or bearing
weapons of a Child shall be presented before he be twelve years
of age. Item 33. If any presentment be not amended, it shall be
presented from year to year till it shall be amended, and also
amends made.
Item 34. Ifany Inquisition be made by the Bailiff of the
Office for Procuration and the Tenants be not wholly present,
then the inquest must take no effect, until the Tenants present
Answer to their doings wholy together in like manner must be
done of twelve men, but if it be taken by the King's right (or
writt) for Lands or Tenement or for Office, and the Plantives and
Defendants are ready present, and are content to abide their
sayings, then they must give a Verdict without any delaying.
Item 35. If any Man takes a writt on his Neighbour for
lands or Tenements, both shall have their delayes and no detaining
of Lands or Tenements shall be made But if it be for default of
Shute of Parties, he yt is cast shall give to the Lord six shillings
eight pence, except he can get better favour.
Item 36. There is a certaine Wood in Brewood called
Kingswood of the gift of King John sometime King of England
which said Wood disforrested he gave to his Tenants of Tetten
hall in helping and easing the old rents of his Tenants for the

40 History of Tettenhall.

said grant gave every man himself thirty four shillings as well for
the Sale as the waste. They did appoint four men of the Manour
to keep the Wood for the profeit of the Tenants of the Manor and
to deliver to the said Tenants house boote and high boote as well
of Oke as of other Wood. Also they have ordained a Forrester,
by Common Cost to keep the said Wood to to the profeit of the
Tenants. The King nor his Bailiffs shall have nothing of the
Wood but only the Amercements of Strangers at the complaint
of the Forrester. Ad so have ye Tenants held this Wood many
King's dayes. And furthermore in the time of King Edward the
first (Sr named long Shankes) Son to Kings Henry the third
came one Oliver Leward and by License of ye Tenants took
three waste places of the Wood and hecause he was of a strange
blood and not of the Mannour they ordained him to give to the
Lord of a certaine Rent and to be of the holding as the Tenants
were. In like manner came one Hugh Wrottesley and tooke
likewise by leave of the Tenants three waste places of the Wood
and because he was of strange blood and not of the Mannour
they appointed him to give to the Lord a certain Rent by the
year, and to be of the same holding that the Tenants were in all
things. And so they have ordained and hold in and do hold the
same Wood from the time of King John untill this day.
Item 37. If any Man doth tye or keep any Mare with a
yonge Foale in ye Winter or Lent field from the Assention day
until ye Nativity of Christ he shall give to the Lord twelve pence
and to the Commonalty of the towne two shillings as often as he
is taken in like manner of Cowes and Calves.
Item 38. No Widdow shall put away her dowry from the
Heir nor the third Sheaf, if the Heir will give as much as another
man will. Item 39. If any Man shall hold lands or tenements of the
mean Lord and he yt holdeth it be willing to sell those lands or
Tenements in parte or whole ye meane Lord shall have it for his
money before any other.
Item 40. All old Tenants shall have severall all the year
a Crofte and a Meadow or a place of Meadowe Ground, or more
if he will have it, but the newe tenants may not challenge any by
custome but only by sufferance of the old tenants : But that they

Manorial History.

41

leave to tye and keepe that so their Neighbours be not harmed
by their Chattels, And if they be hurte they shall be grievously
amersed and shall make amends to his Neighbour for the trespass.

The

TRUE

Rent Roll.

These pay at Christmas :
s
d.
s.
d.
Mr. Wrotesly
.. 2
0
Humphery Whitwick,,.
0
4
Mr. Harrington
,.. I
8
Walter Brick
...
0
5
Mr. Whitwick
... 2
II
Henry Fleemings Land
I
4
Mr. Green
I
4
WiUiam Croft
0
4
John Jones
0
5
New of Whitwick
0
4
John Hubbald
... 0
8
Rob Foxall
0
4
Thomas Sheldon
... 0
8
Total
Henry Whitwick
... 0
7
_
13
4
7
hese pay at
St. Mary Day:
s.
d.
s.
d.
Mr. Wrotesly
2
0
Will Allport
0
I
Mr. Harrington
I
8
Mr, Creswell
I
0
Mr. Whitwick
. 2
II
Tho Northall
I
6
John Whitehouse .
I
4
Will Addenbrooke ..
0
10
John Hubball
0
8
Will Perry
I
I
Tho: Sheldon
. 0
8
John Mason
0
4
Henry Whitwick ..
. 0
7
Rich Billingsley
0
4
Humph Whitwick ..
. 0
4
Bell Tenement
0
9
ob
Walter Brick
, 0
5
John Jones
0
9
John Jones
. 0
5
Thomas Gough
I
4
Rich Gotten
. 0
I
Whetstone Field ..
0
8
The Holes
. 0
10 ob
Edward Parkes
0
4
John Shelley
. 0
2
Michael Parkes
0
I
Rich Smith
. 0
2
William Donn
0
6
John Wyate
. 0
I
Humphry Whitwick
0
6
Roger Dunn
. 0
3
George Barnsley ..
2
8
John Hancox
. 0
5 ob
John Lawrence
0
8
Tho Wilkes
. 0
2
Henry Whitwick ..
0
10
Lewis Hay ward
, 0
I
The Hancox
I
8
Tho Latham
. 0
6 ob
Rich Siddown of y
Lamsey Pool
. 0
I
Mill
0
10
Crankehall
. 0
8
John Gravener
I
4
42

History of Tettenhall,

s.

d.

s.

d

Thomas Wilkes

0

I

Rich Beech

I

5

Whitwick Mill

I

o

John Jewkes

I

I

The Brooke Tenement

Tho: Hancox
I
8
Richard Bradely...
0
8
John Fleeming
I
5
John Marten
0
8
Will Sheldon
o
2
The Heiressof Wilkes
I
o
William Addenbrooke...
o
IO
Humphrey Adden
brooke
o
6 ob
Mr. Grosvener
John Mason
I
o
5 8
Henery Fleeming ...
William Croft
Rob Foxhall
New of Whitwick ...
I
0o 0
444 4
Richard Billingsley
Richard Siddon
Whitwick Mill
o
o I
4
10 o
Memorandn yt those twice named in ye last Roll pay
once at Midsummer and once at Lady day.
Mr. Wrotesley ...
Mr. Harrington ...
Mr, Grosvener .,.
Walter Southwick
John Jewkes
Walter Brick
William Sheldon...
John Croft
Henry Southwick
These pay at Michelmas :
s. d.
2 2 ob
6
9 I
4 ob
I ob
o9
Harvy's Land
John Hubbal
John White
Richard Beech of
Wood
Henery Fleeming
George Cardwell
Mr. Whitwick
Partridge's house Rent is
Farthing.
d. 8
9
IO ob
I ob
IO ob
I
2
The New Land Rent : —
Mr. Wrottesley
s. I
d. 9
For the Field Lefsowe
s. o
d. 4
Mr. Whitwick
o
4
Rich Cotten
I
II
Bell Tenement
0
2
Jewkes ofthe Wood ...
0
6
John Wyatt
o
4
Cope Hall
I
I
Thomas Anson
I
o
March Lefsowe
o
IO
John Croft
4
2
Mr. Cresswell
o
2
John Hubbal
o
9
Bickson of Codsall
0
4
Will Croft for Stonelowe
2
o
Henry Wolloston
0
4
Total of the Newland Rent wch as the Tenants say is due
January ye ist is...
Manorial HiMory.

43

A true Coppy of the Customary of the Mannour of
Tettenhall Regis transcribed from the Original compared wth
these following Customarys in ye year 1691 and found exactly
the same, viz. : —
I. A Copy of Mr. John Sheldon wch -was taken out of a
Customary in Parliament of Walter Southwick's July ye 4th
1604. 2. A Copy of William Clemson taken from ye Original
July ye 22d 1604.
3. A Coppy of Mr. Jonas Grosvener, Script eodem die.
4. Another Coppy of Mr. Jonas Grosvener, more antient,
subscribed by a Jury of the Tenants at a Court Leet.
The Tenants say yt Kingswood was given to Tettenhall
in ye second year ofthe Reign of King John Anno Dom: 1200."

WIGHTWICK.

HIS hamlet formed a portion of the King's Manor of
Tettenhall Regis, and it is recorded in Domesday
Book that the King held half a hide, and also half
a carucate with one villein, and that the land was
worth four shillings.
The Wightwick family who held this land for several
centuries are probably descended from the villein mentioned in
Domesday. The " villanus " was a well-to-do and usually prosperous
tenant of the Manor, with fixity of tenure ; for the obligation of
his possession was reciprocal, and though he could not remove
from his holding the lord could not disposses him so long as he
performed his accustomed services. There is absolutely no trace
of servitude in his position or status. The "villein" services
soon after the Conquest were gradually all commuted into
money payments, in fact, where the lord held no demesne land
in common, the villein services such as reaping, sowing, cutting
grass or wood, and cartage, etc, would be of no value to the
lord in kind, and would be commuted very soon into money
payments. The villein, in addition to his other privileges, could
purchase a remission of his services and become a "free tenant,"
or his residing in a town for a year and a day, without being
claimed by his lord, would give him the rights ofthe "freeman."
This no doubt happened at Tettenhall, for it is difficult on
any other basis to account for the rapid growth of the free-
tenants in the Manor,

o tr-O

O oc

Manorial History. 45

Osbert de Withewyke, variously styled Osbert ad Porta
and Osbert of the Bridge of Wystwyk, is the first named of this
family in the records. In 1271, the Forest Roll of Kinfare
Forest ofthat year states that presentments were made against
the following tenants at Wightwick : —
" Osbert at the Bridge of Wystwyk,
Alexander at the Grene of the same,
Alexander son of Osbert of the same,
Walter son of Adam of the same,
Adam at the Spring (fontem) of the same,
William at the Spring of the same,"
for newly occupying and holding the King's soil in the Forest of
Kinver, and were fined sums varying from 4od. to half a mark.
Osbert had occupied an acre and a half of the King's Wood
pertaining to his Manor of Wytewyk.
The members of the Wightwick family appear frequently
on the Rolls for forest trespasses and in minor suits, but none
have any interest beyond shewing the descent ofthe family; which
appears to have attained a position of wealth and importance
about the end of the sixteenth century.
From 1614, until recent years, the family appear to have
selected the law as a profession. At that date John Wightwick
was one of the Clerks of the King's Bench, and his brother
George is returned of Clifford's Inn. His nephew, Samuel
Wightwick, who founded the Berkshire branch of the family,
was admitted a student of the Inner Temple in 1629, and
afterwards became Prothonotary of the Court of King's Bench.
In 1665, Francis Wightwick, nephew of the above Samuel,
became one of the joint lords of the Manor of Tettenhall Regis.
This family's interest in the Manor continued until 1834, when
they sold their copyhold rights to the Foley family.
Previous to this, in 1814, William Francis Wightwick,
son and heir of John Wightwick, Esq., of Sandgates, near
Chertsey, Co. Surrey, had sold to the Rev. Josiah Hinckes (on
behalf of his brother, Peter Tichborne Hinckes) of Tettenhall
Wood, all his estate and houses, land, etc., situate at Tettenhall
Wood. In addition to this, WiUiam Francis Wightwick gave
permission to the Rev. Josiah Hinckes, to have the uninterrupted

46 History of Tettenhall.

use of " a Chancel and two whole seats or pews, with the appur-
" tenances in the said Chancel, situate and being in Tettenhall
" Church, and known by the name ofthe 'Wightwick' Chancel."
The condition of purchase being that no disturbance of the
Chancel should be permitted during the life of the said John
Wightwick, but that after his death Mr. Hinckes could have
"full possession of the said Chancel, etc., and with full power
" to make it a burial place, or for any other purpose consistent
"with the nature and situation of the property." The pews
conveyed by this sale to Mr. Hinckes were two whole pews in
the Chancel " and the ancient family pew of six kneelings which
" is situate between the pews belonging to Sir John Wrottesley
" and Thomas Fowler of Pendeford." (i) This part ofthe Wight
wick estate is now in the possession of H. T. Hinckes, Esq.,
late M.P. for the Leek Division of Staffordshire, to whom I am
indebted for the above information.

Pedigree OF
Wightwick of Wightwick.

Akms. — Azure on a Chevron Argent, three Crosses formee Gules,
betwixt three Pheons Or,

Osbert de Wythewyk, A,D. 1251, variously called
Osbert ad Porta, and Osbert at the Gate
of Wystewyk, appears on the Forest Roll
of Kinver Forest, A.D. 1271, and was a
juror at the Assizes held at Lichfield, 1272

Alexander de Wythewick= Laurence de Wictwik Walter de Wytwyk
A.D. 1314 [ I
I I
Simon de Wightwyke = Margaretta Roger
 I  A.D, 1314
John de Wightwick = Robert Wythewyk
A.D. 1333 I  AD. T333
I 1
William Wythewyk = Henry Wythewyk
A D. 1,369 I 
John Wightwick = Agnes, dau. . . Roger de Wyghtwyke
A,D. 1397 I A,D. 1386
|A

(i) Hinckes' MSS. 1815.

Tettenhall Woodhouse.

|A
John Wightwick= Alice, dau,
A.D, 1420 I 

John Wightwick
Died s.p.

Henry Wightwick

William Wightwick= Elizabeth, dau,
A.D. 1456 I 

John Wightwick=Joane, dau. of Richard
A,D. 1478 I Brooke of Lichfield

Henry Wightwick of Wightwick
and Coventry

Richard Wightwick = Agnes, dau, of John Clemson
A.D. 1531  of Wrottesley 

Henry Wightwick=Thomasine, dau. of William
Died 1525 I Milsom of Barnhurst

John Wightwick= Margaret, dau. of John
Died 1539 I Brooke of Blacklands

Thomas Wightwick = . . ¦
Richard Wightwick of Ilsley, CO. Berks

Matthew Walter
Member of Corporation
of Lichfield, 1583

Humphrey Wightwick = Margaret, dau. and co-heiress
Died 1594 I of Richard Jenks,
CO. Salop 

Francis Wightwick= Margaret, dau, of

Mar, at Brewood
Feb, 3, 1586
Died 1616

Matthew Morton
of Ingleton,
CO, Salop
B

George W,
of
Clifford's Inn,
London

John W.
A Clerk ofthe
King's Bench
Died 1596
Buried at
Wolverhampton

Joyce

Margaret

Anna, dau, of=
John Hunt, |
CO, Salop
(ist wife)

Alexander
Wightwick Admitted
Student of
the Inner
Temple 1609

Jane
Died s.p.

Sara = Richard Bracegirdle
of Wolverhampton
Died Mar, 29, 1667
Sarah = John Bearcroft
of Shernock Court,
CO. Wore,

Alice, dau, of
John Lane
of Bentley
(2nd wife)

Mary, dau, of:
Richard
James Jones
of
Shrewsbury (ist wife)

=John Wightwick = Sarah, dau, of
Proude
of
Shrewsbury (2nd wife)
Matthew Died s.p.

Samuel Wightwick= Abigail, dau of

of Marleston,
CO, Berks,
Prothonotary
of King's Bench
Died 1662

Wright
of CO, Essex

Edward =
Dobson,
J.P, for
Lanca shire

: Maria :
Died at
London July 22,
1764

= John
Bentley

Samuel
Peter
George
Francis

Maria Sir Henry Williams, = Abigail = Sir Thomas Lane,
Bart, of Glasbury, Knt. of Bentley
CO, Brecon (2nd husband)
Mar, Aug. 29, 1667, Died Jan. 25,
at Glasbury 1715

Margaret = Edward Jordern
Buried at of Dunsley,
Kinver co. Staffs,
Mar. 29, Buried at
1680 Kinver
Sept. 4, 1667

Samuel Wightwick Francis Wightwick = Elizabeth, dau, of

of Wightwick
and Dunstall
Admitted to the
Inner Temple 1634
Called to the
Bar 1646
Died 1692

Richard Pyott
of Streethay,
CO, Staffs.

Francis Wightwick= Elizabeth, dau. of

of Wightwick
Died 1695

Walter Fowler
of Pendeford
Died 1731

John of Fairwell
Died 1703

;Mary, dau of
Walter Fowler
of Pendeford

Richaid= Martha, dau, of
Thomas Willett
of Fulham,
Middlesex

Elizabeth = Roland Frith

John FrancisCharles

Matilda Thomas, was made
York Herald
in 1717
Died in 1722

Francis

Martha = Charles White
of Mapes,
CO, Middlesex

Francis Wightwick=Elizabeth, dau. of

of Wightwick
Died before
Oct. 19, 1714
Was joint lord of
Tettenhall Regis

John Hancox
of Worfield,
CO. Salop
Died 1736

Elizabeth = Thomas Turnpenny
of Wolverhampton

Anna=Jeremiah Whitehouse
Died of Bridgenorth
s.p.
1775

Granada = John Pargiter

Francis

Hancox

Rev. John Wightwick =

= Anna, dau. of

Died 1715

Died 1731

Died 1741

John Baker,

s.p.

s.p.

Joint lord of

Mercer,

Aged 26

Tettenhall Regis

of London
Died 1790

John
Died 1749

Elizabeth
Died 1736
s.p.

John Wightwick = Elizabeth, dau. of
of Wightwick Thomas Browne,

Thomas Wightwick= Margaret, dau. of

Joint lord of
Tettenhall Regis

Garter King
of Arms

Born Jan. 9, 1719
Died Oct. 13, 179S

William Francis Wightwick =
of Sandgates, co. Surrey,
sold the estate in 1815 to
Peter Tichborne Hinckes, Esq.

Thos. Devey, Esq.
of Kingslow, Salop

Juliana

Thomas Devey Wightwick =

Anna-Maria

Born 1758

Harriet

Died at Bath

John

Mar. 25, 1828

Winnifred

Buried in the

Abbey Church

Stubbs of Water Eaton,
CO. Staffs.
Died May 21, 1821

$5

5^

^

Samuel Hall Lord = Lucy
of Pool Castle,
Barbadoes

Stubbs Wightwick = Dorothea, dau, of Richard Fryer,

of Bloxwich,
CO. Staffs.
Died July 4, 1858
He was a J.P. and
Deputy Lieutenant
for CO. Staffs.

M.P. for Wolverhampton
Died May 21, 1888,
at Westwicke, Easthampstead,
CO. Berks.

4^

COMPTON.

|HIS hamlet also formed a part of the Royal Manor,
and is mentioned in Domesday Book, thus : —
" In Contone (Compton) is i hide also pertaining
to Totehala (Tettenhall). In time of King Edward
worth 20 shillings, now worth 30 shillings."
The early settlers who formed the neuclus of the pictu
resque cluster of dweUings built round about the Mill, and on
the banks of the Smestow brook, must have been one of the first
famiHes from the older community of Tettenhall, who, as the
members of the family became too numerous for the township,
migrated to new clearings. That they were Celtic in their origin
is indicated by the name of the place, for Comp-ton is Welsh cwm
A.S. ton, meaning the dwelling or town in the hollow.
Domesday does not record any tenant as being in possession
at that time, but soon afterwards evidences occur of the presence
of villein tenants.
For on the Plea Roll of 2 Henry III, A.D. 1227, we find
that "William de Cronkwel had unjustly disseised Simon de
Cumpton of his free tenement in Wolverhampton ; and the jury
say that Simon is a villein of the Lord the King, and gives
merchetum (i) for his daughter, and is not able to marry her
without the King's permission, and that he was not disseised
of any free tenement, because the tenement in question is not
held except at will of the Parson of Wolverhampton. Therefore
Simon is in misericordia." (2)

(i) Merchetum is the fine payable by customary tenants of a Manor on the
marriage of their daughter, and is the real criterion of a villein tenure.
(2) p. 45, vol. 5, Staff. Coll.

Manorial History. 5 1

On the same Roll, Robert, son of William de Cumpton,
appears as one of the sureties for William le Turner.
This suit against William de Cronkwel affords us another
glimpse of the persistence of the clergy of Wolverhampton in
endeavouring to set up a claim to the Manor of Tettenhall.
Although the record in Domesday Book is so clear, yet the fact
of its being entered under the heading of Wolverhampton seems
to have justified the Dean and Prebendaries of that Church in
their attempts to obtain the lordship of the Manor.
In the 19 Edward II, John, son of William de Cumpton,
gave los. for a license to enfeoff Roger, son of Nicholas de
Trescote, of certain tenements in Cumpton which pertain to
the King's Manor of Tettenhale. (Originalia). (i)
On the Pipe Roll of 7 Edward II, Richard de Cumpton
was one of the tenants fined for encroaching on the waste of the
Forest of Kynfare, and was fined 3s.
This family of Cumpton appears to have either left the
parish, or become extinct, about the reign of Henry V, as no
trace of them appears on the Court Rolls of the Manor from
that date.

(i) Originalia, vol. i, p. 297.

THE WERGS.

HIS hamlet, the smallest of the three subject to the
Manor of Tettenhall Regis, does not appear in the
Domesday Survey ; and it is probable that there was
no settlement here until nearly a century later. The
land had not been cleared from the forest, and the valley ofthe
Penk, which flows through the Wergs, was at that time a dense
forest, infested by criminals and wild animals.
The meaning of the word Wergs, in its Early English
form, is significant ofthe condition of the district it comprised.
Professor Skeat says :^" The Anglo-Saxon Wearg, means (i) a
wolf, (ii) a criminal, (iii) an outlaw. It is another form of wolf,
unlikely as it may seem. The plural is Weargas, of which a late
Early English spelling would be Werges," The name appears on
the Records variously as Werges, Wyrgis, Wykeregis, Wythegis,
Wyrges, and Wergs.
During the reigns of Edward III and Richard II, Sir Hugh
de Wrottesley, K.G,, was engaged in a number of lawsuits with
various people who had taken advantage of his absence from the
country to plunder his estates.
In 35 Edward III, he sued " Henry de Northale and Agnes
his wife for taking vi et armis two fillies (jumenta), ten oxen, four
cows, and forty sheep, belonging to him and worth ;^io, from the
Wergs (Withegies), and other goods and chattels belonging to him
to the value of ;^20. The defendants did not appear, and the
Sheriff returned they held nothing, etc." He was therefore ordered
to arrest and produce them on the Octaves of St. Hillary, (i ) They
did not appear at the Hillary term, nor yet at Michaelmas, but at

(i) Staff, Coll,, vol, 13, p, 18,

Manorial History, 5 3

Trinity term three years later, i.e,, 38 Edward III, a Walter de
Wrottesley, a " Kinsman of Sir Hugh," sued the same defendants
"for breaking vi et armis into his close and houses at the
Wergs, and carrying away his corn, rye, timber, and stones
called Asshelers (i) and doing other damage to the extent
of ;^20." The defendants appeared by attorney, and denied the
injury and trespass and appealed, to a jury. The suit was
adjourned from term to term, until the Michaelmas term, 40
Edward III,, when we find Sir Hugh de Wrottesley again suing
them for the trespass committed twelve years before. The
amount is still the same, i.e., £10, but the defendants are charged
with stealing "linen and woollen cloths, brass and wooden
vessels, wheat, barley, beans, peas and oats."
Henry de Northdale (who is here stated to be of Chilynton),
and his wife Agnes, adopt the same procedure as in the case of
William de Wrottesley and appeal to a jury, which is summoned
for the next Hillary sittings. What the ultimate result of the
suit was I am unable to say, for two years later no jury had
been summoned to try the case, and it was probably abandoned
by Sir Hugh de Wrottesley. Some light is thrown upon it,
from a suit which appears on the Banco Roll of 5 Richard II. ,
fifteen years later, in which " Henry Northdale sued Walter de
Wrottesley, William Wyse, of Bylbrok, John le Wyse, of
Bylbrok, and Walter le Dey, for breaking, vi et armis, into his
close at the Wergs, on the Monday, the Feast of St. James,
36 Edward III., taking his infant from its cradle, and throwing
it upon a dung heap, and taking a horse, a cow, a calf, and twelve
pigs, belonging to him, to the value of 10 marks, and for reaping
and carrying away his wheat, rye, barley, beans and peas, and
taking timber from his house, and other goods and chattels,
viz., two skins, a basin, two dishes, three brass cups, three
mashfates, three lead vessels, a fornax, and linen and woollen
clothes to the value altogether of ;^30, and for which he claimed
^40 as damages. ' The defendants appeared by attorney, and
denied the injury and trespass, and appealed to a jury, which was
(i ) Ashlar is stone which has been squared and wrought ; the term is still in use.

54 History of Tettenhall.
to be summoned for three weeks from Easter. A postscript
shows the case was tried at Stafford on the Friday before the
Feast of St. Matthew, 6 Richard II., when a jury returned a
verdict " that Walter de Wrottesleye was guilty of the trespass
named, except the taking of the cow and calf, and they assessed
the damages of the plaintiff at 20 marks ; and they said the other
defendants were not guilty." Henry was therefore to recover his
damages from the said Walter, and the Sheriff was ordered to
arrest the latter, (i)
Sir Hugh de Wrottesley styles this Walter his consanguinius
in deeds at Wrottesley, but I have not been enabled to discover
his exact relationship to the head of the family. He had served
in France with Sir Robert Knolles, the latter being a famous
commander of condottieri or Free Companies, and appears to
have imbibed some of the lawless habits of his associates.
William le Flemeng, of Wightwick, A.D. , 1271, who was
fined at the Forest Iter of that year, was the ancestor of the
Fleeming family who so long held possession of the Wergs estate.
He was a juror at the Assizes held the next year at Lichfield.
Early in Edward II. reign the Fleemings removed from Wight
wick to the Wergs, where they remained until the family became
extinct, circa 1800.
The Wergs Estate then passed to Mr. Richard Fryer,
first M.P. for Wolverhampton, who had married, August 6th,
1794, Mary, the only child of William Fleeming, and sole heiress
of John Fleeming, of the Wergs. He was succeeded at the
Wergs by his son, William Fleeming Fryer, who thus became one
of the joint lords of the Manor of Tettenhall Regis. The Manorial
Rights had been acquired by an ancestor of Mrs. Fryer, one
Humphrey Fleeming, who purchased a third of the Manor from
John Ferrars, Esq., in 1665.
The present representative of the Fleeming family is
Mr. R. Fryer Morson, of Codsall. Mr. Morson's mother
was Mary, daughter of Richard Fryer, Esq., Banker, of
Wolverhampton, and first M,P. for that Borough. Mr. Richard
Fryer was one of the founders of the Union Flour Mill at

fi) Staff, Col!,, vol. 13, p. 170,

Manorial History.

55

Wolverhampton, and, like many other far-seeing and philan
thropic men, was persecuted by the ignorant monopolists of
his day, but lived to see the fruition of his labours.

Fleeming Pedigree.

William le Flemeng of Wightwick
A.D. 1271

Adam of Wightwick William le Flemyng John
 A.D, 1314 I

Henry le Flemyng
A,D, 1348 I 

Roger Flemyng
A,D. 1333

Agnes Richard le Flemyng John
A.D. 1358 I
Richard Flemyng A.D. 1388

Oliver

John Fleeming A.D. 1459

Richard Fleming A.D. 1459
Richard Flemyng A.D. 1471

John Flemmynge = Elizabeth
Thomas Flemmynge =
Born 1584 I
Henry Fleeming A.D. 1604 Living 1639

Humphrey Fleeming=
A.D. 1665 -
Joint lord of
Tettenhall Regis

John Fleeming=Mary
A.D. 1706
Joint lord of
Tettenhall Regis

John Fleeming A.D. 1744
Joint lord of Tettenhall Regis

Mary
Heiress ofthe
Wergs Estate
Died Dec. 4, 1852
Aged 80 years

William Heeming= Susannah Harper
A.D. 1772 I Mar. at St. George's,
I Hanover Square,
London
Richard Fryer
First M.P, for
Wolverhampton
Born Nov, 11, 1770
Mar, Aug. 6, 1794
Died Aug. 9, 1846
Buried at St, Peter's,
Wolverhampton
Was a D.L. and J.P.
for CO, of Staffs,

56 History of Tettenhall.

|A

John Fryer = . . . Richard William Fleeming Fryer = Caroline Horton
I Joint lord of
I Tettenhall Regis
Joan = Rev. Greene Mary = Uvedale Corbett
ofCrowle, Mar, Aug. 8, of Ashfield Hall,
Wore. 1848 Cheshire

Elizabeth Mary= Henry Dorothea = Stubbs Wightwick Susanna = Robert

Mar. Rev, Thos,
Walker,
Prebendary
of St, Peter's,
Wolverhampton

Morson Died D,L, and J, P. for
May 21, Staff, and Glouc.
1888 Died July 4, 1858

Thacker

III I
Fanny Ann Mary William Fryer
Mar. and Died s.p. Died s.p.
has issue

James Charles Wyld = Dorothea Richard Fryer = Jeanne Henry Charles John
Settled in Canada .Morson Koehler Died s.p.
Has issue

The Fryer Monument in Tettenhall Church has the
following armorial bearings: —
Quarterly, ist and /jth. Or, semee of oak leaves, vert,
between two flanches Az., each charged with a castle Argent.
(Fryer). 2nd and 3rd. Argent, on a chevron engrailed Gules,
between three crosses pat6e fitchde, a Cornish chough and two
crescents Or. (Fleeming).
Fryer Crest. A castle Argent, encircled by a branch of
oak fructed purpure, thereon a cock Sable, combed and wattled
Gules. Fleeming Crest. A cross pat6e fitch^e Or, surmounted
by a Cornish chough Sable.
Motto. " Mea Fides in Sapientia."
Ultimately the whole of the Manorial rights of Tettenhall
Regis were acquired by Mr. John Neve, the present Lord of the
Manor. The Wergs estate in 1874 was acquired through purchase
by the late Thomas Joseph Perry, Esq., who, dying in 1885,

Manorial History. 57
bequeathed it to his brother, Frederick Charles Perry, Esq., of
Dunston, the present proprietor. The residence is at present
occupied by their sister, Miss Helen Perry.
Mr. F. C. Perry, who, besides being a Magistrate and
Deputy Lieutenant for the County, served the office of High
Sheriff in 1888, is the sole surviving male representative of the
ancient Staffordshire family, the Perrys of Bilston, which has for
several centuries resided there.
The records of this family shew that during the long period
they have resided at Bilston, its members have worthily sustained
the dignity of many high positions in the local government of the
place, and have done much to increase its wealth and prosperity.
Having now treated of the history and descent of the
Manor, I propose to briefly sketch the history of the tenants,
who were the antecessors of the yeomen of to-day. It seems to
me rather a defect of local histories that they give only the
pedigrees of the Lords of Manors, for I think the history of these
inferior freeholders is equally interesting.
Nearly the whole of Tettenhall Regis was held by free-
tenants, who farmed the lands themselves. The following list of
free tenants of Tettenhall are compiled from deeds and rolls at
Wrottesley, temp. Henry III and Edward I, i.e. 1216 — 1297: —
William Sweyne de Tettenhale,
William le Fleming,
Richard Burdon,
Oliver de Wytewyke,
Richard son of Walter de Trescote,
Thomas de Creye,
Richard de Compton,
Alexander son of Osbert de Withewyke,
Osbert ad Porta (at the gate or Yate),
Elias son of John de Alreley,
Richard de Bosco (Wood) de Tetenhale,
William son of Swane,
Laurence de Wictwik,
Walter de Wictwik,
William son of Thomas de Monte (Hill) de Tettenhale,
Roger de Wythegis. Prepositus (Provost or Bailiff.)

58 History of Tettenhall.
In 19 Edward III, Wilham Sweyn, of Tettenhall Regis,
and Richard his son, surrender land to Thomas le Muleward and
Alice his wife. Andrew in le lone, of Wolverhampton, Senes-
challus (Steward of the Manor), appends his seal ; a chevron
between three cinquefoils, circumscribed " S. Andree en le Lone."
This is the ancestor of the Lanes of King's Bromley.
In 21 Edward III, Agnes la Flemyng surrenders land
which fell to her by death of Oliver her brother, to the use of
Thomas le Muleward and Alice his wife. In the same year the
following tenants appear on the Court Rolls : —
Oliver son of Henry le Fleming, William atte Broc (Prepositus)
William Sweyn, Provost or Baihff,
Roger atte Wode, Hervey le Muleward,
Richard Henry, Thomas Wilkyes,
John Sweyn, Richard Sweyn.
In 31 Edward III, are —
Agnes dau. of John Sweyn, William Hordon,
Thomas le Muleward, Richard le Flemyng,
Oliver son of Henry le Flemyng, John le Flemyng,
John Sweyn, Walter Jamessone.
In 46 Edward III, Agnes, daughter of William Sweyn,
surrenders all lands and messuages formerly belonging to William
Sweyn to Henry de Oldefallynch, Chaplain, who surrenders them
to the lord, to the use of Agnes Sweyn and Walter de Tettebury,
with remainder after their death to Thomas, son of Agnes, and
heirs of his body, and in default of issue, to John, son of Agnes.
At this date William de Rycroft was Steward of the Manor.
Agnes was a widow, and being about to marry William de
Tettebury, had surrendered her estate to the lord, and obtained
the entail of it for her children.
In n Richard II, the following tenants appear: —
William Hynkeley, Richard Cronkwell, Richard Flemyng, junr,,
Symon Gryffyn, and Alice his wife.
In 8 Henry IV:—
William Muleward, Walter Broke, John Wytwik,
Richard Croncwall, John Baker, and Joan his wife.
In 36 Henry VI : —
John Baker, and Edith his wife, Richard Crofte, and Agnes his wife,
John Wrottesley, William Falleye,
John Fletcher, Richard Baker.

Manorial History. 59
In 37 Henry VI, the following tenants appear: —
Richard Crofte, and Agnes his wife, John Queue,
John Wrottesley, William Fypper, John Fleming,
John Fletcher, Richard Flemyng, junr.
In 38 Henry VI: —
William Sydnale, John Felyppes, Henry Hancokes,
Henry Wyghtewik, William Wyghtwyk, William Whytheges,
John Sheldon, William Madeley.
In 13 Edward IV : — Richard Flemyng, William Yate, and
John Skyrans. In 22 Henry VIII : — Richard Wightwyk, son of John
Wightwyk, John Wrottesley, Armiger, Walter Suthwyk, Thomas
Hancok, John Wightwik, junior, Agnes, wife of John Wightwik
and daughter of John Clemson of Wrottesley.
In 10 Henry VIII, Richard Suthewik, Thomas Hancok,
Richard Farr, John Phippen, John Yucks, Richard Wratelei,
Armiger, Henry Crofte, and Thomas Brugewod are tenants.
And in 32 Elizabeth, John Sheldon is returned as dead,
and Thomas is his son and heir.
In A.D. 1655, William Pargiter was Steward of the
Manor, and Thomas Barnsley, John Croft, Lewis Hayward,
were returned as tenants.
" John Fellows and his wife surrender to the lord all
those two lands and a pike of land lying in a certain field called
Caldercroft, one piece called Mary Flat, and another called Low
Hill Field, abutting upon a way leading from the Wergs to
Stockwellend, to the use of Humphrey Fleeming." {Court
Rolls, 1655.) Walter Grosvenor, Richard Cresswell, Richard Fleeming,
and Thomas Gilpin, clerk, are tenants at the same date.
In A.D, 1709, at a Court held at the house of Samuel
Hanson, at Tettenhall, the following tenants formed the jury.
Richard Stubbs, Henry Southwyke,
John Shelton, Thomas Perry,
Thomas Crofts. Thomas Addenbrooke,
Richard Hubball, John Foxall,
Alex. Stanley, Richard Nicholls,
Wm. Billingsley, Humphrey Gould.

6o History of Tettenhall.

In all Manors which were of the "Ancient demesne of the
Crown," the tenants had very extensive privileges, inter alia, they
could not be sued for their lands without the King's writ of right
previously obtained. They had other franchises, as the following
Charter will shew. This Charter was granted to the Manor of
Kynvare, or Kingsley, but by analogy the tenants of Tettenhall
Regis (i) should have the same privileges, for both Manors are
of the same type. The Henry Southwicke mentioned in the
Charter was the juror whose name appears above, and, although
called of Barnhurst, where he resided, was also a tenant of
Tettenhall Regis.
"Manor of Kynvare,] John Traunter, senior, gentleman,
in the Co. of Stafford. ' Chief Steward to Phillip Foley,
lord ofthe aforesd Manor of Kynvare. To all whom this present
writing shall come, greeting. Know ye that certain letters patent
of our late most serene lord, Charles the first, formerly King of
England, remain in the custody of certain inhabitants ofthe village
(or manor-house) of Kynvare aforesd in the Co. aforesd, which
said letters patent follow in these words, to wit : — ' Charles, by
the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland
King, defender of the faith, etc. To all and singular our bailiffs,
officers, and servants whatsoever within our kingdom of England
lawfully appointed, greeting; I will, according to the custom
hitherto obtaining and approved in our kingdom of England,
persons holding of the ancient demesne of the Crown of our
kingdom aforesd ought to be exempted, and from time imme
morial always hitherto have used to be exempted, from toll,
tallage, forest toll, bridge toll, bok toll, wall toll, hedge toll, and
from the expense of knights coming to our parliament, and that
of our progenitors formerly Kings of England, for the countries
ofthe said kingdom, we command you, and each of you through
our whole aforesd kingdom of England, that you do permit,
according to the custom aforesd, persons holding of the manor
(or villa) of Kynvere in the Co. of Stafford, which is of the
ancient demesne of the Crown of England (as by a certain
certificate in the Chancery of Mary, late Queen of England,

(i) Since the above was written, I have found a MS, at Wrottesley which
shews that tenants of Tettenhall Regis had the same privileges.

Manorial History. 6i

our well-beloved sister, sent according to her mandate by her
treasurer and chamberlain, and remaining in the files of the
Court of Chancery, plainly appears), to be exempted from the
payment of toll, tallage, etc., etc., and from contribution toward
the expense of knights coming to our parliament, and that of our
heirs, for the counties of our said kingdom, according to the
aforesd custom. In testimony of which we have caused our
letters patent to be made; witness myself at Conbury this first
day of Aug. the fourth year of our reign. — Wolseley.'
And further the aforesaid Chief Steward has certified, and
by these presents doth certify that Henry Southwicke of Barn
hurst in the Co. of Stafford, yeoman (by virtue of this certificate)
is now one of the customary tenants of the manor of Kynvare
aforesd within the manor aforesd, and was near upon the i6th day
of July in the 26th year of the reign of our lord Charles 2nd, now
King of England, etc., on which said day Henry Southwick
was admitted tenant in the court of the said lord ofthe manor
aforesd, which is of the ancient demesne of the Crown of England,
and on that account ought to be exempted from toll, etc, etc.,
as bj' the said letters patent of our lord the King is manifest.
In witness whereof the said Chief Steward hath put the seal which
he uses for such office. Given at the view of frankpledge, and in
the court of the manor then held the 23 day of Oct. the 32 year of
the reign of our lord Charles 2nd, by the grace of God, King, etc.,
etc., in the year of our Lord 1680. — John Traunter, Steward." (i)

Descent of the Manor of Tettenhall Regis.

A.D. 959. King Edgar.
1042. Edward the Confessor.
1086. William the Conqueror.
I
1 168. Free tenants of Tettenhall.
1 198. Matthew de Gamages.
I
1203. Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury.
(i) Hinckes' MSS,

62 History of Tettenhall.
1205. King John.
1206 to 1228. William de Gamages, son of Matthew de Gamages.
I
1249. Henry III.
1256, Magister John de Chishull.
I
1272. William Coyney.
131 1. William de Perton.
. I
13 14. Richard de Arundell.
1320. Henry de Bissebury.
1327. Henry Illary.
1328. Peter de Knolle, Valet of the Chamber to Edward III.
I
1335. Thomas de Scotoneye.
1338. Hugh de Wrottesley.
I
1339. Henry de Ferrers.
1355. William de Ferrers.
1376. Henry de Ferrers.
1394. William de Ferrers.
1459. Thomas de Ferrers.
1499. Sir John Ferrers, Knt.
1599. Sir Humphrey Ferrers, Knt.
I
1665. John Ferrers.
1685. Francis Wightwick, of Dunstall, Humphrey Fleeming,
and Robert Hayward.
1706. Francis Wightwick, John Fleeming, and William Hayward.
1714. Elizabeth Wightwick, John Fleeming, and John Hayward.
1746. James Wightwick, Honb'e Major-General Howard,
and John Fleeming.

Manorial History.

63

1768. John Wightwick, Honble Mary Howard, and John Fleeming.
1794. John Wightwick.
1815. Francis Wightwick.
1834. Francis Wightwick, John Mott, and William Fleeming Fryer.
1864. William Fleeming Fryer, and John Neve.
1893. John Neve, present Lord ofthe Manor.

THE DEAN S MANOR.

TETTENHALL CLERICORUM.

jHE history of this Manor is so interwoven with
the history of the old Parish Church, that separate
treatment is scarcely necessary ; the history of one
is the history of both.
The Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is of Saxon origin,
and it has been suggested it owed its foundation to the battle
fought here in A.D. 911, being raised as a thank-offering by the
Saxons for their victory over the Danes on that memorable
occasion. It is far more probable that it was the result of that wave
of religious activity which swept over Mercia about the middle
ofthe tenth century, and out of which grew the whole of those
"Royal Free Chapels" v/hich marked the western boundary of
that great Kingdom.
The evangelisation of Staffordshire had made great pro
gress. St. Chad was the vigorous head of a militant organisation,
under whose untiring energy Parish Churches were springing into
existence in many places. In A,D, 960, we find at Tettenhall a
Collegiate Church of Royal foundation. Some thirty years later
comes St. Peter's, of Wolverhampton, then St. Mary, of Stafford,
and Penkridge, all " Libera Capella Regis," or " King's Free
Chapels." The activity of the Church in the Diocese of Mercia is
well illustrated by a close writ of 11 Ed. II (A.D. 1318) given in
the Monasticon, which shews that at that date there were only
nine of these "Royal Free Chapels" in the kingdom, of which
four, as above stated, were in the County of Stafford.

a^JL'i . ¦"¦¦ "^
•¦Vi^r / •" - ^ 111

The Dean's Manor. 65
There were never more than eleven in the whole kingdom,
and they were all Colleges of Secular Canons. In fact, they were
conventual institutions composed of Secular Clergy, in place of
the Monastic or Regular Orders. Who was Dean of the College
at Tettenhall in Saxon times, and what was its position in the
turbulent days immediately preceding the Norman Conquest, we
cannot say, for, excepting the battle noticed under Tettenhall
Regis, history has no other records of the parish until we reach
the date of that great event.
Some few years after the Conquest, much of the Diocese
of Mercia was in a state of anarchy. No one obeyed the law,
and "Stafford was the rallying point of a rebellion which brought
William himself on the scene." After quelling this rebellion,
William appears to have appointed one of his chaplains to the
Deaneries of Tettenhall and Wolverhampton. Domesday Survey
records that Sampson, a Royal chaplain, was tenant in capite of
the Dean's Manor at Tettenhall. He was also Dean of St. Peter's,
at Wolverhampton. The same record states that the possessions
of the Church at that date were as follows : —
In Totenhala habent i hidam. Terra est ii carucis et
dimidiae, et ibi sunt iii carucse cum i villano et iii bordariis.
Hsec terra non pertinet ad Hantone sed est elemosina Regis ad
ecclesiam ejusdem villae.
De eadem elemosina habent Presbyteri de Totenhale
i hidam in Bilrebroch. Ibi sunt ii liberi homines, cum i villano
et ii bordariis habentes ii carucas in dimidiam."
Translation,
" Lands of the Clergy of Handone (Wolverhampton).
In Totenhala (Tettenhall) they have one hide. The
(arable) land is two-and-a-half carucates, and one villein and
three bordarers have three carucates. The land does not belong
to Hantone (Wolverhampton), but is of the King's alms to the
Church of the said village (Tettenhall).
Of the same alms the Presbyters of Totenhala have one
hide in Bilrebroch (Bilbrook), where are two freemen, who, with
one villein and two bordarers, have two carucates in demesne."

66 History of Tettenhall.

The opening words of this record would lead one to suppose
that the lands quoted belonged to the clergy of Wolverhampton.
This apparent misstatement is however corrected in the second
paragraph of the record. The evident intention of the Com
missioners was to assign these two Manors of Tettenhall and
Bilbrook as members of Sampson's spiritual fief. But his
tenants here were not the Canons of Hampton, but the Priests
of Tettenhall, to whom the King had given this particular
almoign. It is uncertain if these estates were held by the Canons
of Hampton in King Edward's time, but in 1086 they were held
by the Priests of Tettenhall, under Sampson.
As previously shewn under Tettenhall Regis, Tettenhall
was of the demesne of the King from time immemorial. The
Church and College, founded by King Edgar, was endowed with
considerable possessions taken out of the Royal demesne, to
which were added the tithes of five adjacent Manors, each of
which formed a prebend of the College. As the Dean of the
College had the usual Manorial rights within the demesne lands
of the College, the effect of this foundation was to establish a
double Manor within the ancient Royal demesne, one of which
came to be known as Tettenhall Regis and the other Tettenhall
Clericorum. The Dean's Manor then, at the date of this Survey,
consisted of a hide of land in Tettenhall and another hide in
Bilrebroch (Bilbrook), or altogether two hides. But of this the
hide in Tettenhall seems to be the only portion held in demesne,
for, as the record shews, the hide in Bilbrook was held by two
undertenants {liberi homines). These free-tenants would only pay
a fixed quit-rent, and were probably the antecessors of the two
free-tenants mentioned in subsequent records, and to whom
reference will be made hereafter.
The hide in Tettenhall would most probably be represented
by Barnhurst and Autherley. There is no direct evidence of this,
but we arrive at it by a process of elemination, for all the other
parts of the parish can be shewn to belong to other fees. The
Barnhurst I take to be named from the Tithe Barn of the Canons,
and these two places border Bilbrook, the undoubted property of
the Church.

Tlie Dean's Manor. 67

Tettenhall, as previously stated, was a Collegiate Church
dedicated to St. Michael, and one of the " King's Free
Chapels." (i) Appurtenant to it were five prebends; Pendeford,
Bovenhull (Barnhurst), Perton, Wrottesley, and Codsall. An
Inquisition on its possessions, taken 2 Henry IV, quoted by
Bishop Tanner in his " Notitia Monastica," states that it was
founded by King Edgar. Unfortunately this Inquisition is not
forthcoming at the present time.
The Canons of Tettenhall were Secular Priests, and are
called " Presbyteri" in early deeds. Thomas, Presbiterde Tetenhale,
witnesses Hervy de Stretton's deed, printed at p. 252, vol. 2, Staff.
Coll., and which is dated by Eyton, A.D. 1161 — 1165. In deeds
of later date they are styled " Canonici." Elias de Tettenhale,
Robert de Waure, and Hubert de Newton, occur as Canons
of Tettenhall in Wrottesley and Perton deeds of the reign of
Henry III.
The notices respecting the Canons and their lands are few
and far between on the records. I have endeavoured to supply
as complete a list as possible, but the evidences wanting make
sad gaps, especially in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
This " Thomas, Priest of Tettenhall," is the first I have met
with after Sampson, Dean in 1086. In the 12th year of Henry III
reign, Walter de Brakele was Dean ofthe Church. The Stafford
Assize Roll for that year records that " The Church of Tatenhale
is of the King's gift. Walter de Brakele holds it by gift of the
Lord the King." (2) A close writ of 14 Henry III (A.D. 1230),
addressed to the Sheriff of Staffordshire, orders him to give seisin
of the Deanery of Tatenhill, formerly held by Nicholas de Neville,
to Peter Chacepork. Another writ of 39 Henry III (A.D. 1255),
states that the King had granted the Deanery of Tettenhale to
Henry de Wengham, in place of Peter Chacepork, who was dead.
The Hundred Roll of Seisdon of the same date (39
Henry III) states: — "The Lord the King holds the Manor of
Totenhale in his hands, and receives annually of the old farm
£¦>, los. and of the new increment iis, 2jd., besides tallage at

(i) By a Royal Free Chapel is meant a Church exempt from episcopal
jurisdiction and papal supremacy.
{2) p. 69, vol 4, Staff. Coll.

68 History of Tettenhall.
the King's pleasure, and he has the donation of the Deanery of
the Church, and Ralph de Wengham holds the Deanery by gift
ofthe King, and it is worth yearly 50 marks with the five prebends,
and he renders for frankpledge of the Manor half a mark ; and
Elias the Canon holds an acre of purpresture (i) of the Canon's
fee and a rood of land worth 5d. ; and Robert le Warre holds
half an acre of purpresture in the same fee worth 2d.; also
Robert son of Ysabel and William son of Swane hold four acres
of purpresture, value i6d, ; and Alexander the Forester holds an
acre and a half of purpresture, value 6d. The same Alexander
holds a rood of purpresture, value id. Of pleas and perquisites,
the Bailiff renders to the Sheriff 20s. annually, and John fitz
Philip (2) takes for purpresture of underwood and pasturage
5s. 4d. annually, and the same John receives from the Feast of
Michaelmas to the Feast of St. Martin (de Kingesley written
over) his "chapuras" for a horse 4d. and for an ox 2d. and for
a pig id. and for five ponies, " bydentibus," id." (3)
It will be noted that this Inquisition distinctly recognises
the Dean's separate Manor.
A writ, dated two years later (41 Henry III), and addressed
to John Fitz Phillip, Warden of the Forest of Kinfare, states
that the Canons of the King's Free Chapel of Tettenhall, and
their men of the same Manor, having shewn the King that
they have been hitherto free from expeditation (4) of their dogs,
the Warden is to respite the question until the arrival of the
Forest Justices in the County, (5) This writ also expressly
mentions the Canon's Manor in Tettenhall,
Elias the Canon, and William his son, seem to have
persisted in encroaching on the King's Manor, for the Forest
Roll of 55 Henry III (1271), returns them as being fined for

(i) Purpresture is an encroachment on the waste. In this case the
encroachment was in the King's Forest of Kinver. A part ofthe Canon's fee
must therefore have been within the bounds of thiH forest. The Grant of the
Deanery to Walter Wrottesley (3 Ed, VI) states that the Canons held land in
Trescott, and a part of Trescott was within the verge of Kinver Forest,
(2) Seneschal or Chief Warden of Kinver Forest, (3) p. 114, vol. 5, Staff, Coll.
(4) Expeditation was the mutilation practised on the feet of dogs by the
removal of some of their claws, in order to prevent their injuring the King's deer,
(5) Close Roll, 41 Henry HI, ex infra Gen, Wrottesley.

The Dean's Manor. 69
making assarts within the Royal Forest of Kinfare. On the
same Roll, Robert de la Ware (Canon of Tettenhall) is fined
20s. for default, (i)
The Dean, Ralph de Wengham, must have died sometime
during this year, for at the Assizes held at Stafford the next year,
(1272) "The jury of the Hundred of Seisdon stated that the Church
of Totenhale is the King's Free Chapel, and that Dominus Peter
de Wynton holds it by the King's gift, and it is worth 50 marks
annually. To the Church belongs five prebends, and the collation
of them belongs to the said Peter." (2)
Although this record expressly states that the Dean held
the right of presentation to the five prebends, yet attempts were
made, as will be shewn later, to usurp his prerogative.
At the Assizes held at Stafford, 21 Edward I (1293), "The
jury of the Hundred of Seisdon stated that the Church of Tetten
hale, with five prebends annexed to it, is a Free Chapel of the
Lord the King, and is worth 100 marks, and the King presents
the Dean of the Church, and the Dean confers the five prebends,
and William Burnel holds the Deanery by the collation of the
present King."
It will be noted that here again the record mentions the
Dean's right of presentation.
At the Assizes of 34 and 35 Edward I, fourteen years later,
"The jury of Seisdon presented that William, son of Oliver de
Whitewyk, Chaplain, Henry the Clerk of Tettenhale, and Walter
the Chaplain of Tettenhale had broken into the park of John de
Somery, the Baron of Duddeley, and taken his venison. They
also presented that Richard, son of Richard Burdon, Adam his
brother, and Richard, son of Elias de Wolverhampton, had
entered the house of William, son of Luke de Wytheges (Wergs)
the Provost of King's Tettenhale, "w et armis," and had insulted
and illtreated Agatha the wife of William. They also presented
that Robert, Lord of Essington, had taken from Robert de
Wynton goods to the value of loos. to maintain him, " vi et
armis," in his prebend of Codshall, respecting which he had been
(i) p. 154, vol. 5, Staff. Coll. (2) p. 209, vol. 4, Staff, Coll.

70 History of Tettenhall.
impleaded by Magister Thomas de Tesons, and that he after
wards took £\o from the said Thomas to allow him to enter into
the said prebend,"
Robert de Essington was acting as Sheriff at the date in
question. Nothing can better exemplify the lawless condition of the
country at this period than the above extracts from the records.
Even such great ecclesiastical bodies as the Collegiate Church of
Tettenhall were powerless to cope with it, and could not secure
decent morality in their vicinity. The Church's most powerful
weapon was excommunication, and was frequently invoked
against these evildoers; but even that had no terror for them,
and failed to prevent the commission of the most lawless crimes.
So little effect had this weapon of the Church, that, in 1272, one
man kills another before the door of Ralph, Canon of Tettenhall.
Nor were the Canons averse to poaching on the King's
preserves themselves, and many a fat buck helped to grace the
table of the Canons and vary their frugal diet. The Forest Rolls
for Kinfare Forest contain numerous entries of offences committed
by the Canons and their men against the Forest laws, which were
very severe. There is still preserved at Wrottesley a letter from Sir
John Notyngham, Dean of the King's Chapel at Tettenhall,
to the Chaplains of Tettenhall and Codsall, ordering them to
excommunicate certain persons for stealing wheat and beans out
of their neighbours barn or field, unless they gave satisfaction.
It appears that Adam Taylor, a tenant of the Dean's
Manor at Bilbrook, had been robbed of eleven sheaves of wheat
and six sheaves of beans, and that suspicion of the theft had
fallen upon his neighbours, William Colett and his son John
and his daughter Margery, and these last, suffering under the
imputation of theft, had appealed to the Dean for protection.
It seems an absurd thing to excommunicate nameless persons,
but the letter probably had the effect of stopping the defamation
of the character of the accused. It is a curious relic of the
power of the Mediajval Church, and by the kindness of General
Wrottesley, I am enabled to give a translation : —

The Dean's Manor. 71

"The Comisbary of your venerable lord John Notyngham,
Dean of the King's Chapel of Tetenhale, to the Chaplains of the
parishes of Tetenhale and Codeshale, Greeting in the Author of
Salvation. We have received the grave complaint of William Colett
of Brydbrok (Bilbrook) and of John his son and Margery his
daughter, to the effect that certain sons of iniquity, of whose
names they are entirely ignorant, had wickedly and maliciously
defamed the said William, John and, Margery, respecting goods
and (....) that the said William, John, and Margery
had carried away eleven sheaves of wheat and six sheaves of
beans from the grange or field of Adam Taylour their neighbour,
gainst the will of the same. We therefore command you by virtue
of your obedience, firmly enjoining you, after the third monition
from the day of the receipt of this, and within fifteen days, to
excommunicate all and singular defamers of this nature with the
ringing of the bell, candle lighted and extinguished, and cross and
banner held erect in hand, unless they give testimony respecting
the premises and until  but then be cited
nevertheless so that they may appear before us in the Church of
Tetenhale at the next following Chapler  those
things which the said John, William and Margery may legiti
mately bring against them to do or receive . .... In
testimony of which the present seal of our office is appended to
these presents. Dated at Wolverhampton, the Wednesday after
the Feast of St. Martin the Bishop and Confessor, 1387."
In the original, some of the words have become so faint,
that it is impossible to make them out, but there is sufiScient left
to enable the meaning of every sentence to be gathered.
In 1255, ^^^ King gave six oak trees from his forests, to
make stalls in his Church at Tettenhall. This entry on the Rolls
will most probably indicate the first introduction of seats in the
Church, for previous to this date the only sitting accommodation
was a stone bench running round the nave and outer walls, the
floor, of beaten earth and lime, being strewn with rushes for the
congregation to stand or kneel upon.
In 1288, Pope Nicholas IV granted the tenths of all
Ecclesiastical benefices to Edward I, for six years, towards
defraying the expenses of an expedition to the Holy Land. A

History of Tettenhall,

valuation of all the Ecclesiastic property in England and Wales
was accordingly made, and was called "Taxatio Ecclesiastica."
The value of the Church of Tettenhall, with its members, is
returned as being worth ;^29 6s. 8d.
The Subsidy Roll of 6 Edward III (A.D. 1341), already
quoted, gives the following names of the tenants of Tettenhall
Clericorum, and their respective assessments : —
Richard Burdun ... i6d. Richard Clare ... is. 6d.
Will, le Wyse ... 4s. 8d. Walter Odys ... 3s. 3d.
Henry Geffreys ... i8d. Thomas de Cresswall is. 6d.
Will, de Anysone ,,, 13d. Henry de Barnhurst... 4s. 2d.
Will, de Engelond ... i7d. Roger de Levedale ... 2s. lod.
Will, son of Philip ... 2s. 2d. Thom. in le Grene ... 2s. 8d.
Will. Predon ... 2S. 3d. Henry Godewyn ... 2S. 3d.
Roger de Alleleye ... 2S. od. (i)
The William le Wyse is the representative of the family
formerly called de Bilbrook.
Early in Edward III reign, attempts had been made by
certain men of Birmingham, and the Prior of Sandwell, to foist
a nominee of their own upon the Church of Tettenhall. There
is abundant evidence to shew that the Dean of the College had
the absolute right of the presentation to the various prebends ;
but, in spite of this, one Simon, son of William the Mercer, of
Birmingham, had by some means obtained the presentation to
the prebend of Codsall, and was suing the King's nominee in
the Ecclesiastical Courts. The King always stopped such
proceedings summarily, when they affected his own rights, as
the following records shew.
The Patent Roll of 15 Edward III (1342) contains the
following writ : — Translation.
"The King, to his beloved and faithful John de Sutton,
Hugh de Wrottesle, and Adam de Chetewynde, greeting.
Whereas the Chapel of the Blessed Michael of Tettenhall is
our Free Chapel, and exempt from all ordinary jurisdiction,
and the appointment or collation of the prebends of the said

(i) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley.

The Dean's Manor. 73
Chapel has belonged to the Dean of the Chapel there being,
and in the event of the vacancy of a Dean, to us and our
progenitors, and to no other, from time out of memory; and
whereas we have heard, upon worthy testimony, that William
the Mercer, of Birmingham, and Thomas his son, and Richard
and Roger, brothers of the said Thomas, Rob. de Wylders,
Clerk, Simon, son of William the Mercer, Robert, Parson of
the Church of Burmingham, Magister John de Blowitt, John
Mowell, Edmund the Prior's Prest of Sondwalle, and Richard
the Prior of Sondwalle (Sandwell), wishing to subvert and
infringe our Royal privileges and jurisdiction, affirming that
our beloved Clerk Lodowick (Louis) de Cherleton, who was
canonically preferred to the prebend of Codeshale in the said
Chapel, by the collation of William de Sheynton, late Dean
of the said Chapel, had intruded himself therein and held it
intrusively, by virtue of a certain provision of the Roman Court
made to the said Simon in the same Chapel as is said ; and for
this cause had issued certain citations, procurations, appeals,
and process by public instruments, and will not desist, we, in
order to maintain our rights and dignity, and check these
unlawful proceedings and to preserve the liberty of the said
Chapel, confiding fully upon your fidelity and circumspection,
do command you jointly or singly to arrest the said Simon and
the others named, and to commit them to prison, there to be
kept in safe custody, etc." (i)
Some thirty years after the events narrated, the pre
bendary of Codsall again formed the subject of litigation between
the King and a certain Thomas de Bysshebury, who had been
wrongfully inducted into the prebend. Louis de Cherleton, the
former prebendary, had been elected and created Bishop of
Hereford, and the vacancy thus caused had been filled by the
induction of Thomas de Bysshebury at the hands of Robert de
Caldewelle, a Clerk of Queen Matilda's, to whom she had granted
the Deanery of Tettenhall, in usurpation of the King's right.
As the following suit will shew, the King speedily took
steps to recover his rights.

(i) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley,

74 History of Tettenhall,
On the Banco Roll, Trinity, 48 Edward III (1375) :—
" Staff. Thomas de Bysshebury was summoned at the suit
of the King in a plea that he should permit the King to present a
fit person to the Prebend of Codeshale in the King's Free Chapel
of Tetenhale, and Michael Skyllyng, the King's attorney, stated
that the Free Chapel of Tetenhale was a certain Collegiate Church
and Free Chapel of the Lord the King and of his progenitors from
time out of memory, and immediately subject to the King and to
his progenitors, and visited by the King's ministers and exempt
from all kind of ordinary jurisdiction, and it had been founded by
the King's progenitors. And in which Chapel a Dean and College
had existed from the date of the Foundation and five Prebends
were in like manner annexed to the Chapel. And the advowson
and collation of the Deanery of the Chapel belonged to the King
and his progenitors, whenever the Deanery became vacant and
the collation and installation of the Prebends belonged to the
Dean who held under a true title, and at a period of a vacancy of
the Deanery the collation of the Prebends had always belonged
up to this time to the King and to his progenitors ; and so in the
time of the King's father, the Deanery having become vacant the
King's father had collated to it one Magister William de Sheynton
who had been installed, and William de Sheynton, when the said
Prebend became vacant had collated to it one Magister Louis de
Cherleton, clerk, who had been in.stalled in the present reign, and
the said Louis had been afterwards elected and created Bishop
of Hereford, and the Prebend had become vacant by the conse
cration of the said Bishop, and the Deanery being vacant and in
the King's hands by the death of William de Sheynton, the late
Dean, the presentation to the Prebend belonged to the King, and
the said Thomas unjustly impeded the presentation, for which
the King claimed ^1,000 as damages.
And Thomas de Bysshebury appeared in person and
stated that Philippa, late Queen of England, was seised of the
manor of Tetenhale, and of the advowson of the Deanery which
was appurtenant to the said manor, and when the Deanery became
vacant by the resignation of the said William de Sheynton whilst
the manor was in the hands of the Queen, she had granted the
Deanery to one Robert Caldewelle, her clerk, who had been
installed in it in the present King's reign. And the said Prebend

The Dean's Manor, 75

becoming vacant, Robert had granted it to him, and he had been
installed, and up to this time had continued his status in it, so
that the Prebend had never been vacant during the existence of
a vacancy in the Deanery, and this he was prepared to prove.
The King's attorney replied that the said chapel was a Free
Chapel of the King, subject to nobody but to the King himself, and
visited by him and his ministers, and annexed to the Crown of
the Lord the King, and could not be alienated and transferred to
the possession of another, without a special deed of Record, and
he stated that the King was seised of the said manor, to which
the advowson of the Deanery belonged, and had granted it
by his deed to one Henry de Ferrars, to be held by him and the
heirs male of his body, and no mention was made of the
advowson in the deed of gift, so that the advowson of the
Deanery was no longer appendant to the manor, and remained
separate, and a grossa with the King " separatim excitit et tanquam
grossa penes Rege remansit," and from the said Henry the manor
descended with other lands and tenements to one Henry as son
and heir who was under age, and as the said Henry de Ferrars
held divers other lands and tenements of the King in capite, the
King had taken the manor of Tetenhale amongst other manors
into his hands, and afterwards by his Letters Patent had granted
to the said Queen Philippa, his consort, the custody of all the
lands and tenements which formerly belonged to the said Henry
de Ferrars deceased, excepting the manors of Risburgh in co.
Bucks, and in Newport in co. Essex, together with all Knight's
Fees, and advowsons of churches, etc., belonging to the said
Henry ; and by this grant, the said Queen could not be invested
with the advowson of the Deanery, and as the said Thomas
acknowledged the Deanery became vacant by the resignation of
the said William, and that Robert Caldewelle held nothing in the
Deanery except by the collation made by the Queen, and as he
likewise acknowledged that he held no title except through the
said Robert de Caldewelle, the possession of the said Prebend
by Thomas by the collation of Robert, was by intrusion only,
and the Prebend was vacant by law, and he claimed judgment
on these grounds for the King. And Thomas without acknow
ledging that the said Chapel was a Free Chapel of the King, nor
the other facts stated by the King's attorney, stated that the said

76 History of Tettenhall,

Queen, being seised of the advowson, de facto had granted the
Deanery to the said Robert Caldewelle, and he was prepared to
prove that the said Robert obtained the Deanery peacefully by
the collation of the Queen, and no claim was made against him
all the time he held it, and whilst thus in peaceable possession of
the Deanery, and the Prebend being vacant had conferred it
upon him, and he had continued his status in it up to this time,
and therefore his possession of it was effective and by a true
title. The King's attorney replied, repeating his former plea
nearly word for word, and Thomas afterwards withdrew from the
suit. It was therefore considered that the King should recover
the presentation to the said Prebend, and a writ of non obstante
was issued to the Dean and Chapel to admit a fit person on the
presentation ofthe King." m, 266. (i)
Early in Edward I reign, the head of the family of
Bilbrook, the descendants of the free-tenants mentioned in
Domesday Book, became involved in a dispute with the Dean of
Wolverhampton. It appears that attempts had been made by
the Dean, Thedicius de Canville, to recover the supposed title to
the Manor of Tettenhall Clericorum, for on the Banco Roll,
Hillary term, 3 Edward I, " Paul de Billebrok and seventeen
others named, sued Thedisius de Canville, Dean of Wolver
hampton for taking their cattle illegally in the high road of
Wolverhampton in 2 Edward I.
The Dean stated, by his attorney, that the plaintiffs were
customary tenants of his Chapel of Wolverhampton, and with
the other tenants owed loos. for tallage every year at Michaelmas ;
and from the same tenants likewise at the time of pannage, was
due every year their best pig {meliorem porcum) and that for the
last year and a half, Paul and the other plaintiffs had refused
to render their tallage or pigs. A jury was ordered to be
summoned for Easter." (2) When the case came before the
court again, the Dean obtained a verdict by default against
Paul and his co-plaintiffs, owing to their not appearing to
prosecute their claim. (3)

(1) Staff. Coll., vol. 13, p. 112
(2) Staff. Coll,, vol. 6, p. 51. (3) Ibid, p. 70,

The Dean's Manor, 77

The Forest Roll of Kinfare Forest, previously quoted,
mentions one Andrew de Asseburne, whom I take to be a priest
of Tettenhall, as the Record expressly mentions his "manse" in
the vill of Tettenhall. It runs : —
" Tatenhale, Andrew de Asseburne holds in Tettenhale,
half-an-acre of old assart, of the fee of the Church of Tettenhale,
which his predecessor who is dead had assarted without warrant,
and on which he had built a house. But it was shewn that the
house was on the site of his manse in the vill of Tettenhale and
was no injury to the Forest." (i)
The same Roll records a dispute between the Dean of
Tettenhall and John fitz PhiUip, the King's Warden of the
Forest. William, son of Elyas the Canon, had been fined for
enclosing four acres of land from the Forest, and afterwards
the Dean and Canons brought a cross suit against the Forest
Warden and threatened him and his foresters with excommuni
cation if they further molested the tenants. The Reguardors
of the Forest say that " William, son of Elyas de Tettenhale
had newly occupied four acres at Tettenhale of the King's
fee, and had enclosed it with a ditch and a hedge. He is
therefore in misericordia and the fence is to be pulled down." It
was afterwards stated by the foresters and verderers that the
said land was within the fee of the Church of Tettenhale. And
John fitz Philip and his foresters being impleaded because they
permitted the said purpresture, stated that the Canons of
Tettenhale averred that the land was of the fee of the Church of
Tettenhale ; and they threatened the foresters with excom
munication if they interfered by attachment ; and that Walter
de Dunmore, the Canon, had impleaded in Court Christian,
William, son of Alexander the King's forester, and had caused
him much annoyance {eum male vexavit), because he had attached
Henry, son of John de Tettenhale for a trespass of vert. The
Dean of Tettenhale and his proctor are therefore commanded to
cause the said Walter to appear before the Justices to answer
for the same, and he never appeared ; and another day was
given him to appear at Huntingdon at a fortnight from St, John
the Baptist. (2) (i) Staff. Coll., vol. 5, p. 168. (2) Ibid,

78 History of Tettenhall.

A close writ of King Edward III (1372), addressed to his
faithful and beloved Hugh de Wrotteslei, Henry de Busshebury,
Richard Leveson, and the Sheriff of Staffordshire, orders them
to induct Almaric de Shirlond into the Prebend of Tettenhale
and Compton of the Church of Tettenhale ; and is dated August
13th, 1372. (i)
Two years before this date, an Inquisition had been held
on the death of William de Ferrers, Baron of Groby. This
Inquisition, which has been already quoted under Tettenhall
Regis, shews clearly that it had been assumed up to this date
that the advowson of the Deanery passed with the grant of the
King's manor to Henry de Ferrers. There is a decision, I believe
of the Judges in ancient days, to the effect that the grant of a
manor, cum pertinentiis includes the advowson of the Church
when the manor and parish are conterminous, but this was not
the case at Tettenhall, and the Church was one of the King's
Free Chapels, founded by one of his progenitors and exempt
from all ordinary jurisdiction.
However this may be, it is clear that between this date
(1370), and the close of the reign of that sovereign, the King had
recovered the advowson by a suit-at-law, for on the Patent Roll
of the first year of the reign of Richard II occurs the following
writ : — " The King to all, etc. Know ye that our Clerk, John de
Haytefeld, Dean of our Free Chapel of Tetenhale, has made
supplication to us, that whereas five Prebends are annexed to
the said Chapel, of which the collations and installations used to
belong to the Dean of the Chapel, and by a judgement in the Court
of our Grandfather, late King of England ; our Grandfather had
recovered the advowson of the Deanery against Henry de Ferrars,
Knight, then claiming the advowson, and John de Harewode,
Clerk, then holding the Deanery; and by which judgement all
those Prebendaries who held of the gift of the said Henry or of
his ancestors are said to be intruders. We will and concede
that neither we nor our heirs and successors will take any title or
make any collation to the said Prebends in future, and the said

ti) Original Writ at Wrottesley.

The Dean's Manor, 79
Dean and his successors may make the collation to the said
Prebends at times of vacancy without any impediment on the
part of us or our successors, saving to us always the collation to
the Deanery, etc. Dated from Wyndesore, 7 August." (Patent
Roll, I Richard II, pt, i, M. 18.) (i)
I have met with no further notices of the Deanery till the
dissolution of the lesser religious houses, temp. 26 Henry VIII.
The valuation of 1291 had formed the bas-is for all
subsequent taxation, as well to the King as to the Pope, until
the year 1535. When a new Survey was ordered by King
Henry VIII, and on the completion of this Survey, the whole of
the first fruits and tenths, which had been forwarded to Rome,
ceased, and were transferred to the Crown.
This Survey, called the " Valor Ecclesiasticus," was a
survey and valuation of all the Ecclesiastical property in England
and Wales, and was made at the instigation and under the
supervision of Thomas, Baron Cromwell, whom the King had
appointed his " Vicar-General," when he had formally repudiated
the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Pope and made himself the
" supreme Head of the Church in England."
It was made to carry into effect an Act entitled "An Act
concerninge the paimente of firste fruites of all Dignitaries,
Benefices, and promocyons spiritual and temporall," etc., and it
commanded that in future, all these taxes should be paid to
the King only, and " to his heirs and assigns for ever." (2)
The Crown continued to receive these taxes until the
year 1703, when they were appropriated under the title of Queen
Anne's Bounty, and were used to form a fund for the augmen
tation of poor livings. John Talbot, Knight, John Giffard,
Knight, Walter Wrottesley, Esquire, and John Grosvenor,
gentleman, were the Commissioners for Staffordshire ; and they
return the value of Tettenhall as follows. {Translated)
" College of Tettenhall,
William Capon, is Dean there.
His income is returned as being worth f^i 13s. gd.
The five prebends are as follows : — and are valued at
i:2i 6s. 8d."
(i) Ex infra Gen. Wrottesley. (2) 26 Henry VIII, c. 3.

8o

History of Tettenhall.

" Prebend of Bovenhull (Barnhurst),
Henry Southwick, Clerk, Prebendary there

And he hath the manor and glebe lands of the
annual value of
And in rents of Assize, yearly
And in lambs and wool
And in tithes of grain
And in the Easter Book
And in hay

And from this he claims to be allowed for
payment to the Dean every third year for
synodals

£

d.

8o
4

o 6
o i6
I 13
5 marks
140
034 7 10 O

6 8

Leaving a clear sum of ,
The tenth of which is ,

7 3
o 13

44

" Prebend of Wrottesley,
Thomas Neche, Clerk, remaining in Bury St, Edmunds, outside
the Deanery, is Prebendary there.
In glebe ...
And in tithes of grain
And in rents of Assize
And in wool and lambs
And in the Easter Book
And in geese, pigs, and other small tithes

£

s.

d.

0

5

0

2

0

0

0

4

2

I

10

0

0

13

4

0

7

6

And from this he claims to be allowed for
payment to the Dean every third year
for Synodals ...
Leaving a clear sum of
The tenth of which is
" Prebend of Perton,
Henry Wollaston, Clerk, Prebendary there
And he hath the Manor and lands there
And in rents of Assize
And in tithes of grain

6 8

4

'3

4

0

9

4

'£

s.

d.

0

9

0

0

10

0

3

0

0

The Dean's Manor.

£

S.

d.

2

o

0

I

I

o

And in wool and lambs
And in the Easter Book

And from this he claims to be allowed for
payment to the Dean every third year for
Synodals ... ... ... ... 068
Leaving a clear sum of ... ... 5 13 4
The tenth of which is ... ... o 11 4
" Pendeford Prebend,
John Incent, Clerk, residing in the Church of St. Paul, London,
is Prebendary there. £ s. d.
And he hath in lands ... ... ... o 10 o
And in tithes of grain ... ... ... 200
And in wool and lambs ... ... ... i 10 o
And in the Easter Book ... ... ... o 10 o
And in geese, pigs, and other small tithes ... o 10 o

And from this he claims to be allowed for
payment to the Dean every third year for
Synodals ... ... ... ... 068

Leaving a clear sum of ... ... 4 13 4
The tenth of which is ... ... 094
" Prebend of Codsall,
Richard Eden, Clerk, lemaining in Sudbury, in the County of
Suffolk, outside the Deanery, is Prebendary there.
And he hath in lands
And in tithes of grain
And in rents of Assize
And in tithes of wool and lambs
And in the Easter Book
And in geese, pigs and other small tithes

£

s.

d.

0

10

0

2

'3

4

0

5

0

I

5

0

I

0

0

0

6

8

82 History of Tettenhall.

And from this he claims to be allowed for
payment to the Dean every third year for
synodals
And for a piece of land m Okun (Oaken) held
of the Abbot and Convent of Croxden ,,. 068

6 8

Leaving a clear sum of ... ... 5 ^ ^
The tenth of which is ... ... o 10 8
" Chapel of the Blessed Michael in the Church
OF Totenhale,
William Croft is the Chaplain there. £ s. d.
Aud he has a stipend, together with certain lands
and tenements in Totenhale Regis, Toteii-
hale Clericorum, and Bylbroke, of ancient
demesne, and given to the use and support
of the presbyter in the said service, of the
annual value of ... ... ... 568

(i) The tenth of which is .,. ... o 10 8."
After the Dissolution of the College, which event quickly
followed the completion of the Survey quoted above, its revenues
remained m the possession of the Crown until 3 Edward VI,
when it was granted to Walter Wrottesley, Esquire, of
Wrottesley. The Letters Patent which are dated from Westminster,
8th May, 3 Edward VI, (1550), state that the King by the advice
of his uncle Edward, Duke of Somerset, Protector, and his other
counsellors, and for the sum of ^1,018 14s. iid. of lawful money
paid into the Exchequer, grants to Walter Wrottesley, of
Wrottesley, in the County of Stafford, armiger ; all the late
College of Totnall, in the County of Stafford, alias Tednall, alias
Totenhull, alias Tetenhale, with the house and site, and all
edifices, barns, stables, dovecots, orchards, gardens, and all the
profits and commodities pertaining to the said College. Also the
five Prebends of Penford, Bovenhill, Perton, Wrottesley, and

(i) Valor Ecclesiasticus, vol, 3, p, 99 — 104.

The Dean's Manor. 83

Codsall, founded in the said College, and all woods and rents,
and reversions, and services, and tithes of corn and hay, and all
other tithes whatever, together with all oblations and pensions,
profits and rights, now or formerly in the occupation of Richard
Cresswall, Thomas Solman, and the said Walter Wrottesley,
situated or lying within Totenhall, Alderley, Penford, Wirgis,
Compton, Parton, Trescott, Bilbrook, Wrottysley, Wightwyke,
Okyn, and Codsall, or elsewhere in the County of Stafford,
pertaining to the said College, also the garden adjacent, now in
the occupation of the said Walter Wrottesley, and all other
messuages, lands, pastures, tithes, glebes, services, Courts letes,
view of frankpledge, chattels, inaiviata (wayfs), free warren and
all other rights, jurisdictions, privileges, both spiritual and
temporal, or of whatever nature pertaining to the said College,
as fully and freely as any Dean, Master, Warden, or Prebendary,
or any other minister of the College or of the Prebends ever
held them. All which tenements, messuages, etc., had been
extended, i.e., valued at the clear annual value of ^50 17s. o^d.,
excepting only, all the lead, and the bells of the said College and
the advowson of Vicars and Rectors. To be held by the said
Walter Wrottesley and his heirs and assigns for ever, and to be
held of us and our successors in capite by the service of one-
fortieth of a Knight's fee for all services, etc. (i)
The price paid by Walter Wrottesley, which was nearly
twenty-one years purchase must have been the full value of the
lands, rents, tithes, etc., which passed to him by this grant.
Owing to the circumstances of the Church of Tettenhall
being exempt from Episcopal jurisdiction, it formed what was
called in later days a Royal Peculiar, and the wills of the
parishioners were proved in the Dean's Court. The grant to
Walter Wrottesley, Esq., it will be seen, transferred to him and
his heirs the spiritual as well as the temporal jurisdiction, and
the wills of the parishioners were proved, after the dissolution,
before a Seneschall appointed by him and his successors for
several generations afterwards, and until the abolition of the
Peculiars.

(i) ex infra Gen, Wrottesley. See Appendix for original grant.

BARNHURST.

JhE Barnhurst, anciently Bovenhull, from A.S.
A'biifan, or Mod. Dutch Boven — "above the hill,"
was the residence of the Prebendary of that name
in the Collegiate Church of Tettenhall. It formed
part of the Dean's Manor of Tettenhall Clericorum,
but the name does not appear in Domesday Book, although the
hamlet of Bilbrook, which adjoins it, is there returned.
In 20 Edward III, John de Barnhurst, Seneschallus,
occurs in a deed at Wrottesley. He would be Steward of
the Dean's Manor at that date, and would most probably
reside at the Barnhurst ; in fact, it appears to have been the
Manor House and Tithe-barn for the Dean's Manor. The
copies of Court Rolls in the possession of Mr. John Neve, shew
that the Court-Leet and Court-Baron was held there for several
centuries. The customs of this Manor seem to have applied
to all the five Prebendal Manors or Sub-Manors which con
tributed to the support of the Dean, for on no other basis can
I explain the apparent confusion of the Dean's Manor with the
other Manors in the parish.
The tenants are variously returned as of the Manors of
Bovenhull and Pendeford, but Pendeford was a separate Manor
and only contributed tithes to the Church of Tettenhall.
When Walter Wrottesley, Esq. purchased the Manor of
Tettenhall Clericorum from Edward VI., the Estate of Barnhurst
was included in the purchase.
In 1642, Walter Wrottesley, Knt. and Bart., died "seized
of lands, tenements, etc., in Bilbrook and held of the Manor and
Prebend of Bovenhull or Barnhurst." {Court Rolls.)

The Dean's Manor. 85

The Court Roll from which the above is quoted, describes
the position of the lands and tenements, and also gives the names
of the fields which comprised the holding, a list of these, with
many others in the parish, will be found in the appendix.
In 1535 it was valued as being worth f,-] los. od., and
Henry Southwick was returned as tenant of the Prebendal
Manor. Some time before the reign of Edward VI, the Manor
belonged to the Leveson family, for, twenty years after the
date of the valuation of 1535, an Inquisition on the death of
James Leveson, Esq., states that "he died July 7th, the
7 Edward VI, (and Richard was his son and heir, aged 24),
seized inter alia, of a tenement or messuage at Barnhurst, with
20 acres of arable land, 30 acres of pasture, 40 acres of meadow,
and 60 acres of wood, in the parish of Tettenhall, held by the
Prebendary (i) of Bovenhull, Perton, Pendeford and Codsall, in
the College of Tettenhall by unknown services, and valued at
j£^ 8s. od." Another Inquisition, taken 3 Elizabeth, states that
Richard Leveson, Knt., died seized of this Manor.
Early in the reign of Elizabeth, the Cresswells, who had
been tenants of the Manor for some years, purchased it from the
Leveson family.
In 1544, the then head of the family was a Thomas
Cresswell, whose son Richard, who died in 1560, was returned
as holding the Manor of Bovenhill. The Inquisition on his
death says, "he died seized of a moiety of the Prebend of
Bovenhill, in the parish of Tettenhall, founded in that Collegiate
Church; also a moiety of all lands, tenements, and tithes thereof,
and 22s. 6d. rent, held by the Queen, in capite, by the fortieth
part of a Knight's fee, and valued at f$ os. od., also a moiety
of Pendeford Prebend, and a moiety of the lands, tenements,
and tithes, etc., held as before, and valued at £^ os. od. ; likewise
a messuage and lands in Bilderbrooke (Bilbrook) held of the
said Queen, as of her Manor of East Greenwich in Kent, by
fealty, and valued at 33s. 4d." (2)

(1) This is an error, it should be Dean, not Prebendary, as the Dean was in
possession, and the lands mentioned comprised the Dean's Manor,
(z) Shaw's Staff., vol. 2.

86 History of Tettenhall.

His son Richard, who is mentioned in the above
Inquisition as his son and heir, was a minor when his father
died. Soon after attaining his majority he became a " Merchant
of the Staple" — as the old quaintly worded record says — or a
"wool-stapler" — in Wolverhampton. He was one of the early
founders of what afterwards became a great market in Wolver
hampton ; even now, long after the market has died out, traces
of it survive in the names ofthe various "closes" or "folds" of
the town. He married Joan, a daughter of John Dyott, Esq., of
Lichfield, a monument to whose memory is still preserved under
the Great West Window in Tettenhall Church. Joan Cresswell
was a relative of the famous "Dumb Dyott," of Lichfield, the
Royalist who shot Lord Brooke, during the siege of that city in
1643, by the Parliamentary Army.
The Manor remained in the possession of the Cresswell
family until 1786, when it was sold to the Rev. Thomas Shaw
Hellier, of the Woodhouses, Wombourn. After disposing ofthe
Manor the Cresswell family migrated to Rudge, and from thence
to Pinkney Court, Wilts, where the present representative
of this family resides.
The Court Rolls for the Manor of Barnhurst or Bovenhull
are in the possession of Mr. John Neve, who is Steward of the
Manor. The Court Roll previously quoted gives us a glimpse of
the time when every cottage had its croft or field for the
cultivation of hemp, and records that " Matthew Hollies holdeth
at will of Penford, a cottage wherein he dwelt, and one croft or
Hemphutt thereunto adjoining, lying in Tettenhall Clericorum,
between the Churchyard on the west and the common street on
the east." And again, "Thomas Pitt held also a cottage and croft or
Hempbutt, between the land of Alexander Wightwick, north, and
the land leading out of the common street of Tettenhall
Clericorum into the Churchyard," {Court Rolls.)
On the Court Rolls, under date 31st October, 1705, " The
jury found that there had been time out of mind, and were views
of Frankpledge and Courts-Leet held for the several Manors or
Prebends." They also presented, "That Barnhurst with the
lands antiently thereunto belonging were within the Manor of
Bovenhull."

Lower Street, Tettenhall

The Dean's Manor. 87

The first Court held after the acquisition of the Manor by
the Rev. T. Shaw-Hellier, was held on the 17th October, 1786.
The following were the jury on this occasion : — ¦
"View of Frankpledge and Court-Baron Bovenhill and Penford.
The Jury as well for our / Peter Tichborne Hinckes, Esq.

Severn. Lord the King,
as for the Lord of the
several Manors and
Prebends.

I

Wm. Baker
John Bate
Thos. Matthews
Wm. Dalton
Matthias Burrows
Jas. Taylor
Jno. Higginson
Thos. Wightwick, Esq.
Benjm- Dalton
Dan. Ellidge
Jno. Parker
Edw. Coates — all sworn.
Assessors sworn — Thomas Wightwick.
John Brown.
The presentment of the Jury at the Court-Leet and Court-
Baron of ye Revd. Thos. Shaw-Hellier, Clerk, held at Tettenhall
Clericorum for the Prebends of Bovenhull and Penford the 17th
Oct., 1786. First. We present all those persons that doe owe suit
and service to this Court, and have not appeared, and amerce
them in threepence apiece each according to ye Customs of these
Manors or Prebends.
Item. We la}' a pain of 3s, 4d. upon every person that
keeps any swine and lets them go at large. That they be
sufficiently rung, or the Owners of them forfeit the said pain by
the ist day of Nov. next.
Item. We of the Jury find by former presentments that
there hath been antiently time out of mind and beyond the
memory of man, views of Frankpledge and Court-Leets for the
several Manors and Prebends of Bovenhull and Penford aforesaid.
Item. We do Amerce the several persons hereinafter
named for not appearing being legally summoned, as appears on
the Oath of Joshua Brown, Bailiff, namely, John Birch and
John Higgs, at 2s. 6d. each.

History of Tettenhall.

Item. We lay a pain of 5d. upon every person who shall
turn any horse, mare or nag, or any other beast whatsoever,
into any of the lanes within the Manors or Prebends aforesaid,
without some person or persons to attend them.
Signed,
P. T. Hinckes John Higginson
Thos. Wightwick Benj"- Dalton
The X Mark of Wm, Baker DanL Ellidge
Jo'nn Bate John Parker
Thos. Matthews Edwd. Cotes
William Dalton Matthias Burrows."
The Mark of James X Taylor {Court Rolls.)
It would appear from these returns as though there were
two separate Manors in Pendeford. The confusion seems to
have arisen from the fact that the Cresswells, who were the
ancient owners of the Manor, also held certain lands in the
Manor of Pendeford which had paid tithe towards the support
of the Prebend of Pendeford, in the Church of Tettenhall.
The Court Roll quoted above is important, as it not only
gives the names of the tenants of the Manor at that date, but is
the only Roll which bears any record of the customs of the
Manor. The earlier copy of customs must have been lost, for the
Jurors say that they find presentments had been made, but none
are quoted. On the same Roll, there are transcriptions from ancient
copies of Court Rolls dealing with land in Bilbrook as well as
Barnhurst, thus proving conclusively that these two places
formed part of the Dean's Manor of Tettenhall Clericorum.
The earliest Roll copied is dated 1642, and returns the following
tenants.Walter Wrotteslry, Knt. and William Cresswell
Bart. Richard Wyatt
Walter Grosvenor, the Elder Thomas Norton
Alexander Wightwick, Esq. William Foryse
Richard Lee, Clerk Richard Wilkes
John Traunter, Gent. Thomas Southwick
Thomas Cresswell, Son of ^ Richard Simons
William Lewes Hayward
Richard Hill

The Dean's Manor. 89
About 1872 — 3, the Estate was purchased from Colonel
T. Shaw-Hellier, by the Corporation of Wolverhampton, who
now utilize it as a Sewage Farm.
The present remains of the old Manor House consist of a
gateway tower, some portion of the moat, and the ancient
" columbarium " or dovecote, a rare privilege granted to lords
of Manors. The tower is a finely preserved remnant of early
Tudor architecture, and although its interior is now converted
to uses for which its rooms were certainly never intended, it yet
retains much of its ancient character, and has all that " nameless
charm" which seems the peculiar property of old buildings.
The etching, which forms the frontispiece to the volume,
gives a fine rendering of this picturesque old house. In his
treatment of the subject, the artist has tenderly softened its
rugged outlines, and has given it an air of dignity and repose
quite in keeping with its history and associations. The pastoral
element is daintily suggested by the introduction of the group of
sheep in the foreground.

Pedigree OF
Cresswell of Barnhurst.

Arms, — Azure, three plates, each charged with a squirrel Gules,
cracking a nut Or.

Thomas de Cresswall;
was a tenant of
Tettenhall Clericorum
and appears on
the Subsidy Roll of
6 Ed, III A,D, 1433

Thomas Cresswell = . . , , William Cresswell = Christiana

of Barnhurst
Born 1465
Died 1544

1471

Richard Cresswell= . . . John Cresswell = Elizabeth, dau. of

of Barnhurst
Born 1490
Died Nov. 6, 1558

of
W'hampton,

William Barnsley
of Trysull

Margaret = Thomas Gifford
of
Whiteladies

Joyce, dau, of Roger Fowke
and widow of of Barnhurst
Walter Grosvenor Died Aug, 24, 1613
(2nd wife) A Merchant
of the Staple in
 Wolverhampton

 |A
Richard Cresswell = Joan, dau, of John Dyott
-'"-'• of
Stirchbrook and Lichfield
Died Oct, ig, 1590
(ist wife)

Joan:

: Henry Planteney
of
Wolverhampton

Richard Cresswell = Margery, dau. and

Born 157S

heiress of
Reginald Fowke
of Gunston

Sir John Curzon= Susannah;
Knt.

John Elwes Priscina = Matthew Babbington Sarah = William
of Cossington Allen

Three sons William Cresswell = Priscilla
I
Thomas

Elizabeth = Richard Jevon
of Sedgley

Jane = John Burrow

Richard Cresswell:
Born April 6, 1620
High Sheriff for
Salop in 1670
Conspicuous during
Civil War and a
zealous Royalist
Died 1704

Anne, dau. of
George Lea
of Lea,
CO, Hereford,
and half-sister
and devise of
Rold. Purslow
of Sidbury

Dorothy = William
Moseley
of the Mere,
CO. Staff.

Mary = William
Chapman
of Trescott
Grange

Eliza = Edward Butler
of London

Margaret = William Biggs,
son and heir
of
Sir Anthony
Biggs, Knt.

Margery =

Thomas Lowe of
Higley, CO.
Salop

O

'^

Of.

Purslow Richard Cresswell of Sidbury and Barnhurst;
Died s.p. M.P, for Bridgnorth, 1710
 High Sheriff for Salop, 1711

: Margaret, dau, of Edward Moreton
of Moreton, co. Staff, and sister of
Matthevi', first Lord Ducie

Thomas
Died s.p.

Richard Cresswell of Sidbury and Rudge, = Elizabeth, dau. of
CO, Salop, sold the Barnhurst Estate to Sir Thos, Estcourt,
Sir Samuel Hellier, and on succeeding to Knt., of Pinkney,
the Estcourt Estates, went to reside at co, Wilts.
Pinkney Court, Wilts.

Elizabeth = Gervase Scrope of Cockerington,
Lincoln

PENDEFORD.

IjENDEFORD is one of the few places in England
the orthography of which has remained unchanged
since the date of Domesday. That Survey states
that Almar held two hides in Pendeford of William
fitz Ansculph. Ulstan and Godwin had held it in
the time of Edward the Confessor. The land {i.e. the arable
land) was sufficient for three ploughs, and there were four acres
of meadow-land ; there was also woodland three quarentenes long
and the same in breadth, and it was worth twenty shillings.
The record is as follows : —
Isd.W. tenuit in Pendeford ii hides. Almar de eo. Ulstan
et Godwin tenuerit, et liberi homines, suer. Terra est iii carucis.
In d'nio est una. Et iii servi, et iiii villanos, et v bordariis cum
i carucae. Ibi iiii acriis pascuiis. Valuit et val xx solidos."
Tra7islation,
Lands of William fitz Ansculph, Pendeford.
William fitz Ansculph holds in Pendeford two hides, and
Almar holds of him. Ulstan and Godwin held it (in the time of
Edward the Confessor) and were freemen. The (arable) land is
three carucates. In demesne there is one. And four villeins and
five bordarers and three servi have one carucate, and there are
four acres- of pasture. There is also woodland three quarentenes
long and the same in breadth, and it is worth twenty shillings.
William fitz Ansculph was one ofthe Norman Barons who
came in for a large share of the confiscated lands of Staffordshire.
Next to the King and the Church, he was one of the four greatest

92 History of Tettenhall.

landholders in the county, his Staffordshire fief being valued at
f,^2) 19s- — nearly half as much as that possessed by the Church —
which owned more than one-fifth of the county.
The Saxon thane Almar, who was William fitz Ansculph's
tenant, must have been the antecessor of the family of de
Erdington, for on no other grounds can 1 account for Alan
de Erdington's interest in Pendeford.
Early in the thirteenth century, a Robert de Pendeford
occurs frequently as a witness to Wrottesley and Chillington
deeds. The Plea Rolls shew he was summoned as a juror in
the suit between Allreda Marmion and Henry de Audley,
respecting the custody of the Manor of Clifton-Campville, at the
Hillary Sittings of January, 1220. (i) And at the Assizes held
at Warwick two year's later (viz., in January, 1222), he occurs
jointly with William de Wrottesley as surety for 20s. damages,
owing by Robert Maunsel of Patshull, for an unjust disseizin in
Patshull. (2)
Within a few years of the latter date, he had been
succeeded by a son of the same name, for by a deed now at
Pendeford, (3) Alan de Erdington released to Robert, son of
Robert de Pendeford, 19s. out of the 20s. annual rent which
the said Robert paid to him for holding of him the Manor of
Pendeford, and confirms to him the said Manor for one shilling
annual rent for all services. The witnesses to this deed are
Ralph de Coven, Peter Giffard, Robert de Bissopesbury, Robert
de Wyston, Hugh de Wrotesley, Robert de Essington, Richard
de Grendon, William Wymer, William de Benetley, Ralph de
Bromhal, John de Engleton, Ralph Porcel, Magister Thomas
de Chebham, Robert de Hyda, and Peter de Brewode. This
deed, from the witnesses, must have been executed between
A.D. 1242 and A.D. 1262, (4) for Hugh de Wrottesley succeeded
A.D. 1242, and Ralph de Coven was dead A.D. 1263.
It appears from the above deed that the grantor, Alan de
Erdington, held a mesne tenure in Pendeford, and it is probable
that the family styled de Pendeford had been enfeoffed by the

(i) Staff. Coll., vol. 4, p. 10. (2) Ibid, p. 19.
(3) Original deed at Pendeford A.D, 1862, then in the possession of
Mr, Fowler-Butler, ex inha Gen. Wrottesley.
(4) ex infra Gen Wrottesley.

Manor of Pendeford. 93

ancestors of this Alan, who seems to be identical with an Alan de
Haye or de Erdinton, who held Eardington, in co. Salop, under
the Canons of Alveley. (i)
The Seisdon Hundred Roll, of 39 Henry III, gives the
following account of this Manor and of the tenure of the
Pendefords in it : —
" Robert de Pendeford holds two hides of land in the same,
of Alan de Erdenton, of the fee of Roger de Someri, and renders
for frankpledge 2S., for the Sheriff's aid 2S., Hundred aid 8d.,
and he does suit to County and Hundred Courts, and it is
geldable." (2)
The Manor of Pendeford, although forming a part of
Tettenhall parish, lay within the bounds of the Royal Forest
of Cannock, and on the Forest Roll of 55 Henry HI, the
Reguardors of Cannock presented that John de Pendeford had
newly assarted half an acre of his own fee. It is therefore
ordered to be taken into the King's hands. John afterwards
paid a fine of 2S. to have his land back again. (3) Assarts
{i.e. a clearance of wood) were illegal within the Regard of a
Forest. It is clear from this presentment that Robert had been
succeeded by his son John before A.D. 1271. In fact John must
have come into possession ofthe Manor before A.D. 1267, for he
is one of the witnesses to Hugh de Wrottesley's composition of
his estates under the terms of the Dictum of Kenilworth.
John, through his mother Alice, was one of the co-heirs of
Ralph de Coven, (4) and the following extract from the Banco
Roll of Hillary, 56 Henry III, is doubtless connected with his
descent from Ralph : —
" Thomas Payn, and Alice his wife, sued Henry del Park,
and Margaret his wife, for 40s. rent in Horsel (Horseley). Henry
and Margaret called to warranty William Bagod, who appeared
to the summons, and called to warranty John, son of Robert de
Pendeford. The Sheriff is ordered to summon John for the
Octaves of Trinity." (5)

(i) see vol. I, p, 124, Eyton's Antiquities of Shropshire.
(2) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley. (3) Staff, Coll., vol 5, p, 152.
(4) See Bridgeman's History of Blymhill, Staff. Coll., vols, i and 2,
(5) Staff'. Coll,, vol. 4, p. 186.

94 History of Tettenhall,

At the Assizes held at Lichfield the same year, i.e. 12^1,
the Hundred of Offlow presented that " John de Pendeford
and John le Mouner (Miller), of Rideware Mauvesyn, fell into
contention on the high road between those vills, and John de
Pendeford struck John the Miller on the head with a stick, and
John the Miller struck again the said John in the stomach with a
knife, so that he died on the following day; and John straightway
fled and is suspected ; therefore he is to be put in the exigeat and
outlawed. His chattels are worth i8d., for which the Sheriff
answers. And he was received in the vill of Rideware Mauveysin
out of his tything," (i)
The above John de Pendeford who was killed in this
quarrel was not the head ofthe family, for six years afterwards,
viz. A.D. 1278, John de Pendeford sold his Manor of Pendeford
to the Prior and Monks of St, Thomas, near Stafford. The
witnesses to this deed are Ralph, lord of Bishbury, Simon, lord
of Actun, Robert de Somerford, and others. (2)
An explanation of the sale of Pendeford to the Monks
of St. Thomas is afforded by an entry on the Forest Pleas of
14 Edward I, in which the Reguardors of Cannock presented
"that on the Thursday before Easter, 4 Edward I, a certain
buck was driven from the park of Brewode and followed by a
greyhound, which caught it in the fields of Coven, within the
Forest, and one Hugh de Pendeford came up, who is now dead,
and took the greyhound away and retained it without warrant.
And John de Pendeford, who was at that time a Verderer of the
Forest, came up and caused the buck to be skinned and carried
away to his house at Pendeford, and shortly afterwards he sold
all his lands and other goods he had within the county, and went
beyond sea and has never returned, and as the said John was
elected Verderer by the Knights and others ofthe County Stafford
in full County, to faithfully serve the King in his office of Verderer,
ideo inde de eis loquendain. And the Knights and the Seneschall came
before the Justices and asked for a day to be given them to take
advice, and to answer for the same, and a day is given to them at
Lichfield on the Thursday after the Feast ofthe Annunciation." (3)
(i) Staff. Coll., vol 4, p. 214.
(2) Original deed at Pendeford, ex infra Gen, Wrottesley.
(3) Staff, CoU„ vol, 5, p. 162,

Manor of Peiideford. 95

The above John was probably the last of the Pendefords,
and lived for some years after the events narrated ; for it was
not until A.D. 1293, that his widow Agnes claimed dower out of
the lands possessed by him. On the Staffordshire Assize Roll
of 21 Edward I, Agnes, the widow of John de Pendeford, sued
the Prior of St. Thomas for her dower in Pendeford. The Prior
appeared, and conceded her claim, (i)
John de Pendeford appears to have had two younger
brothers, Ralph and Roger, for, on the Fine Roll of 5 Edward I,
Ralph, son of Robert de Pendeford, gives half a mark for an
" Assize," and on the Fine Roll of the following year, Roger, son
of Robert de Pendeford, gave los. for a writ of '¦'ad teimimlm."
It is possible however, that Roger may have been written by
mistake for Ralph in the last of these two entries, and that the
two plaintiffs were identical. Ralph succeeded to the Coven
estates of his mother and assumed the name of Coven.
From the date of the sale of Pendeford to the Priory of
St. Thomas, down to the suppression of the Monasteries by ¦
Henry VIII, the Manor remained in the possession ofthe Monks,
as a portion of their demesne lands, and it remains only to
notice some of the inferior tenures within the Manor.
On the Patent Roll of 22 Henry III, Justices are assigned
to take an assize which Ralph Paynel and Cecilia his wife,
arrainged against Robert de Pendeford concerning a tenement in
Pendeford ; the result of this suit does not appear.
By a deed of the latter part of the reign of Henry III, or
very early in that of Edward I, Amiscia, daughter of Hugh de
Wrottesley, grants in her widowhood to Hugh, her brother, all
that tenement in the vill of Pendeford, which her father, Hugh,
had given to her in frank-marriage with Richard le Boteler,
together with Hugh her native, who held the tenement. The
witnesses were Ralph, lord of Bissobury, John, lord of Pendeford,
John de Eglinton, Robert de Somerford, John de Mollesley,
Robert de Northwode, and Adam de la Lowe. (2)
Hugh de Wrottesley afterwards sold the tenement to
Nicholas, the Prior of St. Thomas, together with his native,
Hugh de Rowley who held it. (3)
(i) Staff, Coll., vol. 6, p, 217. (2) (3) ex infra Gen, Wrottesley,

96 History of Tettenhall.

In this second deed the tenement is described as half a
virgate of land, and the grant is further confirmed by William,
lord of Wrottesley by a third deed.
About this time also, the Monks of St. Thomas became the
owners of the Mill at Pendeford, by purchase from Ralph de
Burgo. (i)
Kirkby's Quest, a Feodary, temp. Edward I, states that
Pendeford is held by the Priory of St. Thomas, near Stafford, by
soccage of Roger de Somery, and Roger holds it in capite of the
King. On the .\ssize Roll of 14 Edward I, Nicholas, the Prior of
St. Thomas, was engaged in a suit with Robert de Wybaldeston,
respecting common of pasture in Pendeford and Bushbury.
Robert withdrew his plea.
Seven years later, the jury at the Assizes, 21 Edward I,
" presented that John de Pendeford had given his lands in the
vill of Pendeford to the Prior and Convent of St. Thomas, but
they afterwards testified that John held the tenements of Roger
de Somery and not of the King, and the Prior had acquired them
before the Statute {of Mortmain)." (2)
At the same Assizes, the Prior disclaimed any franchise in
his Manors, excepting "'free-warren,' for which he produced a
charter of the present King." {Ed'ward I.)
The Subsidy Roll of 6 Edward III, gives the following
list of free-tenants ofthe Manor of Pendeford, and their respective
assessments : —
John Bercarie
Will, de Cronkewall
John le Warde
Nicholas del Kannoc
At the dissolution of the English Monasteries, 27 Henry
VIII, the Manor of Pendeford came into the possession of the
King, who, four years later, viz., 31 Henry VIII, gave the whole
ofthe possessions ofthe dissolved Priory to Rowland Lee, Bishop
of Coventry and Lichfield, and President of Wales. The Bishop
some years previously had married the King to Anne Boleyn
(1) Chetwynd's MS., quoting the Chartulary of St. Thomas,
(2) Staff. CoU,, vol. 6, p. 261.

5s. od.

Hugh atte Wall

i8d.

3s, 6d.

Henry atte Wall

3s. 9d.

2S. 8d.

Will, de Bradeley ...

2od.

i8d.

Henry de Chekeleye...

i8d.

Manor of Pendeford. 97

(Queen Katharine being then alive, and her divorce not allowed
by the Pope) and by this means had much advanced himself in
the King's favour, (i)
The Bishop died three years afterwards, viz., in 34
Henry VIII, seised of the site of the Abbey and the Manors
of Coton, Apeton, Mere (Maer), Drayton, Pendeford, Fradswell,
and other lands in Staffordshire, all of which were divided
amongst the five sons of Sibilla Fowler, his sister, viz., Rowland,
Brian, William, James, and Thomas, the Manor of Pendeford
falling to the share of James Fowler.
James Fowler must have been a very young man when he
succeeded to this estate, for he was lord of the Manor of Pendeford
for forty-two years. He died February 26, 1585, " seised of this
Manor, nine messuages, two tofts, a watermill (Pendeford Mill),
and 1020 acres of land, etc., held in capite by the fortieth part of
a Knight's fee, and Walter was his son and heir, aged 29." (2)
The above-named Walter, who was aged 29 at his father's
death, died in January, 1646. His will, which is dated April 2,
1642, describes him as " Walter Fowler of Pendeford the elder,"
In it "he desires to be buried in the Chancell of the Parish
Church of Tettenhall called Penford Chancell." (3)
Fourth in descent from the above James Fowler, was
Charles Fowler, living in 1694, and son of Walter Fowler and
Elizabeth his wife. Elizabeth was the daughter of S. Hinton,
LL.D., a descendant of Anne Plantagenet, Duchess of Exeter
and sister of Edward IV. Charles married Sarah, daughter and
heiress of Robert Leveson, Governor of Dudley Castle. He was
succeeded by his eldest son, Richard Fowler, who was Sheriff of
the County in 1738. From Richard the estate passed to his
nephew, Thomas Fowler, son of his brother Thomas. Thomas,
who now succeeded his uncle, married a Miss Leversage, and
died in 1796. To him succeeded his son, Thomas Leversage
Fowler, who married his cousin, Harriet Fowler. He was
instrumental in obtaining a grant of "Queen Anne's Bounty"
for Tettenhall Church. He also held the office of High Sheriff
for Staffordshire in 1788, and died in 1815, and v/as succeeded
by his eldest son, Thomas, who died unmarried, and was
(i) Chetwynd's MS. (2) Shaw's Staff., vol. 2, (3) Staff, Coll,, vol. 2, p, 138.

98

History of Tettenhall.

succeeded by his brother Richard, who assumed the name of
Butler on succeeding to the estate of Barton, Staffordshire.
"Richard Fowler-Butler, who now succeeded to the Pendeford
and Barton estates, was a J.P. and D.L, for Staffordshire. In
his early life he was in the Army, and served during the Penin
sular War, and was also present at Waterloo. He died 14th
March, 1864, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Richard Owen
Wynne Fowler-Butler, who dying unmarried in December, 1865,
the estate passed to his half-brother, Robert Henry Fowler-Butler,
the present owner and lord ofthe Manor." (i)

Pedigree of Fowler of Pendeford.

Arms.-

-Az. on a chevron Arg,, between three lions passant guardant Or,
as many crosses formfie. Sable,
Chest. — An owl Arg., crowned vpith a ducal coronet Or,

Roger Fowler
of Broomhall,
CO. Norfolk

Sibilla Lee, sister and heiress
of Roland Lee, Bishop of
Lichfield and Coventry

Rowland Brian Fowler William Fowler James Fowler
Fowler of St, Thomas, of of Pendeford,
of near Stafford Harnage Grange, Died Feb. 25,
Broomhill Salop 1585

Catherine Moreton of
Haughton, CO. Salop

Thomas Fowler
Died s.p.

Richard s.p. of Pendeford.
Robert Died Jan. 1646
^'P' 

Walter Fowler = Margaret, dau of
Thomas Burton,
of Longnor,
CO. Salop

Edward William

John
Robert

1 1 1
3 Richard

4 William

= Sarah, dau.

7 Matthew Fowler, D.D.

= Letitia,

M 1 1
I Lucy

5 John

Fowler

of Edward

Rector of St. Alphage.

dau. of

2 Joice

6 Francis

of Dover,

Burton

City of London

Richard

3 Lettice

Kent

of Longnor,

Matriculated at Ch, Ch,

Wald

4 Elizabet

Died

CO. Salop

I Sept. 1634

of

unmarried

B.A. 3 Feb. 1637
Instituted Rector of
Whitchurch. Salop,
19 Jan. 1666
Died 26 Dec, 1683 Aged
Buried at Whitchurch
Pisland, CO.
Devon
66
Mary, dau. of= Walter Fowler =
Humphrey Galloway
of Stanford,
CO, Wore,
(ist wife)
of Pendeford
Aged 62
April 8, 1663
Bridget, dau. of 2 Thomas Fowler, D,D. = Margaret,
John Harewell Vicar of Whitchurch, dau, of , .
of Salop Sanders of
Wolverhampton Flamstead,
(2nd wife)  Kent
l^ James s.p.
\^ Margaret
(i) Burke's Landed Gentry,
|A

VValter Fowler of Pendeford = Elizabeth, dau. of
Wdl proved at Lichfield j Samuel Hinton
17 June, 1712 j LL.D.

James s.p.

Hester = Richard Gilman
of London

Charles Fowler = Sarah, dau. and
of Pendeford heiress of
Robert Leveson
of
Wolverhampton

Anne = Jonas Astley
of Wood Eaton
CO. Staffs,

Anna Walter Elizabeth = Francis Wightwick William =
'¦P- '-P- Died Of Wightwick Fowler
1731 Died 1695

Mary = John Wightwick
of Fairwell

Richard Fowler = Dorothy, dau. and heiress

of Pendeford
High Sheriff for
Staff, 1738

of Humphrey Whadcock
of Corley

Elizabeth = Samuel Newton
of
Bromley Regis

Robert s.p.

Thomas Fowler
of fihrewsbury
Died 1759
Aged 63

Humphrey s.p.

Walter s.p.

Sarah = John Lane

Elizabeth = William Inge, M.A,
Died I Resident Canon
14 June, Lichfield Cathedral
1784 I
Richard Inge = Mary Fowler
of Shrewsbury

Barbara, sister of
Samuel Newton

Thomas Fowler =
of Pendeford
Died 1796

dau. of Maria = George Richard
Leversage Fletcher

I I
Sarah = Heath of Miss Powys = Charles Fowler = Frances, only dau of
Birmingham of Shrewsbury Rfv Thr.r„„i a„i_.
Born 1741
Died
 31 Dec. 1797

Rev, Thomas Amler,
M.A., of Ford,
CO. Salop

Charles Fowler
Died 31 Jan. 1800
Aged 15

Frances Fowler = Samuel Allsopp
Mar. 6 Sept. I of
1804 I Burton-on-Trent
Sir Henry Allsopp, Bart,
{Raised to the Peerage as Lord Hindlip, 1S86)
Lord Hindlip

I

Thomas Leversage Fowler
of Pendeford Died 1815
High Sheriff of Staff. 1788

Harriet Fowler
his cousin

Barbara =

I B
Thomas Lane,
The Grange,
Essex

Mary = Richard Inge
of Shrewsbury,
her cousin

Diana = Rev. William Walker

Thomas s.p.

WiUiam Elizabeth = Samuel Gerrard,
of Tally-ho,
Birmingham co. Westmeath

Sarah

Mary

Eliza-Anne, dau. of = Richard Fowler-Butler = Eliza, dau. of
R, Faux
of Cliff House,
Leicestershire (2nd wife)

WilHam Wynne,
youngest son of
Rt. Hon. OwenWynne
of Haslewood,
CO, Sligo
(ist wife)

of Pendeford Hall
and Barton Hall,
CO. Staff,
J,P, and D.L. Staff,
Died 14 March, 1864

Agnes, dau, of
John Peel
of Burton
(3rd wife)

Two sons, who both
died young

Richard Owen Wynne Fowler-Butler
Born Sept, 5, 1858
Died Dec, 1865

Sarah-Catherine Mary

Eleanor-Harriet

= Henry Head-Burgoyne son of
Sir John Head Burgoyne

OO

CO

S5

Robert Henry Fowler-Butler =
of Pendeford Hall and
Barton Hall, co. Staff,
Born May II. 1838 Mar. 1864
Lieut, -Col, 7th Fusiliers

Agnes de Courcy,
only dau, ofthe late
Rev. J. de Courcy O' Grady
of Knockany, co. Limerick

Richard Fowler-Butler
Born 1865 Lieut, and Adjt, Royal Fusiliers

PERTON,

JCCORDING to Domesday Book, this Manor
was held by Edward the Confessor before the
Conquest, and A,D, 1086 was in the possession
of the Abbot of Westminster, who held one-sixth
of it in demesne — the remaining five-sixths being
held by a freeman, thirteen villeins, and two bordarers. The
Manor was rated at three hides, and was worth forty shillings
annually. The record is as follows : —

U

Cetrtra ^d ^dti IXfteimonaet

Abbatia S. Petri Westmonastri tenet Pertone, Ibi iii
hides. Terra est vi carucis. In d'nio est una. Et xiii villani,
et ii bordari, et i liberi homini habentes v carucas, Ibi viii
acriis pascuiis, Silva dimidia leuva longa et lata. Valuit et
val xl solidos." Translation.
Lands of St. Peter of Westminster.
The Abbot of St. Peter's, Westminster, holds Pertone.
It is three hides. The (arable) land is six carucates. In demesne
there is one. And thirteen villeins, and two bordarers, and one
freeman have five carucates. There are eight acres of pasture ;
and a wood half-a-mile long and the same in breadth. Valued
formerly and now at forty shillings.
It would seem, from this account, as if the Manor had
come into the po.ssession ofthe Abbot of Westminster subsequent
to the Conquest, but we know from a deed printed by Kemble
jn his " Codex Diplomaticus," and later still in a volume of

102 History of Tettenhall.

" Facsimiles of Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts," published by the
Record Office in 1883, that it was given to the Abbot by King
Edward ; and King William further confirmed this grant, under
a writ dated A,D. 1068. (i)
Edward's grant is more a letter than a charter, and was
addressed to Leofwine, Bishop of Lichfield ; Eadwine, Earl of
Mercia; and his Thanes of Staffordshire; A.D. 1053. It reads
thus : — " Eadward cynge gret Leofwine bishop and Eadwine eorl
and ealle mine theignes on Steffordscire freondlice and ie kythe
eow thaet ie habbe gegifan Criste and Sancte Petre into West-
minstre thagt land aet Pertune and ffilc thera thinga thses the thser
inn to berth on wuda and on felda mid saca and mid socna swa
full and swa forth swa hit me sy fan on handa stod on eallen
thingam than abbute to bigleofan and tham gebrothran the
binnan than mynstre wuniath and ie nane men ge-thafian that
thaer geutige senig thscra thinga thaes the thaer-into hyrth.
God eow ealle ge-healde."
Translation.
"Eadward king greets Leofwine bishop and Eadwine earl
and all my thanes in Staffordshire friendly; and I tell you that
I have given to Christ and St. Peter at Westminster the land at
Pertune, and all of the things that thereinto belong, in woods and
fields, with sac and with socne, as full and as free as it stood to
myself in hand, in all things, to feed the abbot and the brother
hood that dwell within the minster; and I will not permit any
man to oust any of the things that thereinto belong.
God preserve you all." (2)
The Bishop Leofwine, mentioned in this letter, was the
last Saxon Bishop of Lichfield, and the first Abbot of Coventry.
From his death, in :o66, until 1836, no other bishop took title
only from Lichfield, but held the dual title of Lichfield and
Coventry. One cannot but admire the terse directness of this Anglo-
Saxon King's language, as contrasted with the ambiguity and
needless pomposity of later Latin deeds. His meaning is so clear
(r) p, 27, Eyton's Domesday Analysis, Staff,
(2) Facsimiles of Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts, Record Office, 1883,

Manor of Perton. 103

that one would imagine there could be no mistaking it. However,
the Norman Kings who succeeded him seem to have revived the
claim of the Crown to this Manor, for, as will presently be shewn,
the feoffment of a King's Sergeant at Perton paying a chief rent
to the Abbot, bears the appearance of a compromise between
the respective rights of the Crown and the Abbot,
As shewn previously, Perton was of the ancient demesne
of the Crown from time immemorial, and in common with all
other Manors of pre-Norman origin, enjoyed special franchises
and privileges. Its name, Perton, is a contraction oi " Peartoii)n."
Pear, though a Latin word, was often borrowed in Anglo-Saxon
times. The district is still famous for a peculiar kind of pear
found only in Tettenhall parish.
After the confirmation of this charter by King William, the
Abbot and his successors appear to have held peaceful possession
of the Manor for nearly ioo years. The records contain no
entries relating to Perton until 1167, but in that year we find
that the Manor was held by a tenant immediately of the Crown.
For on the Pipe Roll, 13 Henry II, it appears that Perton is
one ofthe vills amerced by the Forest Justiciary, most probably
for default of appearance at the Forest Iter of that year,
A.D. 1 167, and the record shews it was then held by one John
de Perton : — " Pertona Johannis reddit compotum de dimid
marc. In th'ro. lib. E.Q.E." (i)
This John de Perton appears to be the first of his house
enfeoffed at Perton. I have been unable to find any earlier
notices of him than 1167, or to discover any cause for his
enfeoffment there. But I should imagine from the terms of
his service that he was attached to the Court, and had probably
won favour with the King during one of the Welsh expeditions,
as such grants were not uncommon at that period.
His name occurs again on the Pipe Roll of 33 Henry II,
A.D. 1187, where he was fined £1 for keeping dogs within the
bounds ofthe Royal Forest (probably Kinfare) without warranty.
The deed printed at p. 222, vol. 3, Staff. Coll., shews that he had
a son Ralph, and that the initial letter of his wife's name was A,

(i) Staff. Coll., vol. I, p.

ro4 History of Tettenhall.
probably Alice or Amicia. He is not mentioned again in any
contemporary record, nor do we meet with any further notices of
his family until A.D. 1193, when his son Ralph appears on the
Pipe Roll, as having paid his relief on succeeding to the Manor.
John de Perton therefore was succeeded, before A.D. 1193,
by his son Ralph, whose relief appears on the Pipe Rolls of
A.D. 1 1 93 and 1194: — " Ranulphus de Peritona reddit compotum
de ii marc, pro relievo suo. In thesauro i marc, et debit i marc."(i)
And again : — " Ranulphus de Piritona reddit compotum de i marc,
pro relievo suo. In thesauro liberavit." (2)
This Ralph was a King's Sergeant, holding Perton by eight
days' service in Wales in time of war, at his own cost, with a
horse without caparisons (unarmoured), the rider to carry lance
and sword and haubergon, and if detained beyond eight days, he
was to receive wages and be maintained at the cost of the King.
In addition to this service, the Lords of Perton owed a chief rent
to the Abbots of Westminster, which is not mentioned in the
Inquisition from which the foregoing information is taken; for, by
a deed enrolled on the Banco Roll of Michaelmas, 34 Edward III,
Sir John de Perton acknowledged a rent of £s to be due to the
Abbot of Westminster in lieu of all service for the Manor of
Perton, and, by deed of the same date, nov/ at Wrottesley, the
Abbot of Westminster released all his claim to the Manor of
Perton. Sometime between 1194 and 1197, we find Ralph de Perton
engaged in litigation with the Abbot and Monks of Coombe, co.
Warwick, concerning the use of the mill-stream ; the suit was
heard in the County Court, under the presidency of the Sheriff,
the result being drawn up in the form of a chirograph in full
county, by which the said Ralph conceded to the Abbot and
Monks of Coombe free issue of water to their mill, as they had
in the reign of King Henry II.
At the Assizes held at Lichfield at Michaelmas, i John,
i.e. in October, 1199: — "The Jury of the Hundred of Seisdon
presented that Ralph de Perton held a .Sergeantry of the value of
30s., and had fined half a mark at one time, and at another one

(i) Staff. Coll., vol. 2, pt, I, p. 27. (2) Ibid, p, 22.

Manor of Perton. 105
mark, for his passagiwm, i.e, to be excused from crossing the sea in
the King's service.' (i) " De Ranulpho de Purton dimid. marc ;
de sergentia sua." (2) At the Assizes of A.D. 1203 he essoined
his attendance by Robert at fonte, one of his tenants. (3)
On the Pipe Rolls for 7 John, 1204-1205, we find
"Ranulphus de Peretone reddit compotum de iii marc, define
in thesauro liberavit. — E.Q.E." (4) This entry requires some
explanation, as we have already seen that Ralph had paid the
fine for his relief on succeeding to the Manor of Perton some
years before — and we think the explanation will be found in the
following note. Amongst the petitions to King and Council,
there is one {sans date) by the tenants of Perton and Trescott,
complaining ofthe oppression and extortion of John de Perton.
In this petition the tenants state that Perton was of the ancient
demesne of the Crown, and had been given by King John to one
Ralph de Perton, the ancestor of John, their present lord. In
this the tenants confound a confirmation by King John with the
original grant by Henry II ; but it seems to indicate that the
original grant was not much more ancient than the reign they
specify. It is well known that King John exacted sums of money
from the tenants of Crown lands for the confirmation of their
charters, and, although the cause is not mentioned, there is little
doubt that this fine of three marks, paid by Ralph de Perton, was
for some such confirmation.
In the years 1205-6, the seventh scutage of King John was
put in charge, at the rate of £1 per fee. Ralph de Perton appears
on the Pipe Roll for this year as having paid the fine. (5) He
also appears as witness to a deed, by which Isabel, Lady of
Pattingham, gives the Nuns of Brewood an assart in Chillington
in exchange for half a virgate of land in Pattingham, (5)
At the Assizes of A.D. 1227, the Seisdon Jury stated that
" Ralph de Pertun holds by Sergeantry of the King in Pertun,
and it is worth 40s., and he ought to serve in the King's army
with two horses and with a hauberk, and he receives 8d. a day
from the King's purse." (7)

(i) Staff. Coll., vol. 3, pt. I, p. 39, (2) Ibid, p. 62. (3) Ibid, p 89. (4) Ibid, p. 128.
(5; Ibid, vol, 2, p. 137, (6) Ibid, vol. 3, p. 192, (7) Ibid, vol. 4, p, 69.

io6 History of Tettefihall.

This Ralph must have lived to a great age, for he was
head of his house for a period of forty-eight years. He died
A.D. 1241, according to the Fine Roll of that year, (i) He
had a son John, who succeeded him, 25 Henry III, and a
daughter named Idonia, who married Hugh de Wrottesley.
Further references to Idonia will appear later, when we find
her suing for her dower.
By a writ dated 26th September, 25 Henry III, A.D, 1241,
the King accepts the homage of John, son of Ralph de Perton,
for a fine of five marks, and the Sheriff is ordered to give him
seisin of his lands, after taking security for the payment of the
above fine. (2)
A few years after his succession to the Manor, he became
involved in a dispute with Ralph Bassett, Baron of Drayton,
respecting common of pasture for his tenants, and there is a very
interesting deed preserved at Wrottesley, dated 32 Henry III,
A.D. 1248, by which John de Perton compromised this dispute
with his neighbour. As was usual at this date, before enclosures of
common land, the tenants of contiguous Manors intercommoned,
and this was the case with those of Perton and Pattingham. (3)
The deed states that John having brought an assize of
novel disseisin against Ralph Bassett, respecting common of
pasture in Pattingham, appurtenant to his free tenement in
Perton — the contention between them was appeased in this
way, viz., that the Lord Ralph Bassett should hold in peace
all arable land and meadows approved (4) within the territory
of Pattingham up to the date of this convention, and John de
Perton in the same way shall approve as much land within the
territory of Perton, without hindrance from Sir Ralph Bassett,
and Ralph shall have power to close his wood of Passetchf
between the Feasts of St. Michael and St. Martin, (5) so that
the swine agisted in the wood of Harewood should not be able
to enter it, and if the cattle and swine of John, or of his men.

(i) Staff, Coll., vol, 3, p, 194,
(2) Fine Roll, 25 Henry HI. ex infra Gen. Wrottesley. (3) see Appendix.
(4) Appruata, i.e. enclosed and reduced to cultivation,
(5) This was the time of Pannage, when the swine fed on the mast
of trees, such as acorns, chestnuts, etc.

Manor of Perton. 107

should enter through defect of the enclosure, they shall be
delivered up without loss or damage. Ralph and his men to
have common of pasture in all the land of John to be newly
approved as soon as the corn and hay is carried, and in the
same way, John and his men to have common of pasture in all
the land of Ralph which had been newly approved after the corn
and hay had been gathered — as they used to have before the
approvement — excepting within the wood of Harewood, where
they shall not have right of common between the Feasts of St.
Michael and St. Martin ; and for this convention Sir Ralph
retracted his writ of right against Roger de Marefort and
Robert de Wodewell, and John withdrew his writ of novel
disseisin. This convention was made at Lichfield, 12th February,
1248, before Roger de Turkebi and the other King's Justices
Itinerants there. The witnesses being Sir Robert de Grendon,
Sir Nicholas Moverel, Sir Nicholas, son of Ralph, Hugh, Prior
of Kanewell (Canwell), Jordan de Budifort, Thomas de Tresel,
Hugh de Wrottesleg, Walter de Overton, Robert de Wick-
lakesford, and William de Haggele. (i)
Between the years 1247 and 1250, Robert Passelewe, the
Archdeacon of Lewes and Treasurer to the King, visited the
Midland Counties of England, for the purpose of making enquiry
into the alienations of Sergeantries and to impose fines for the
same. His return for Staffordshire is printed in the "Testa de
Nevill." It states that the Sergeantry of John de Porton, for
which he ought to find for the King a "serviens ad anna" mounted
for eight days, at his own cost, had been alienated in part, viz.,
by two virgates of land, held by Roger de Portun, Hugh de
Wrottesleg, and Michael de Trescote. His fine for this appears
to have been eight marks, for the Pipe Roll of 32 Henry III returns
him as owing that sum for a transgression {"pro tra-nsgressione ").
Hugh de Wrottesley had obtained a virgate of land in
Perton, in marriage with Idonia, a daughter of Ralph de Perton.
John de Perton was dead early in the year 1258. The
Inquisition on his death states, he held a carucate of land at

1) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley,

io8 History of Tettenhall.

Perton of the King, by the service of accompanying the King
with his army into Wales, with one horse for eight days at his
own cost, and if detained longer, he receives eightpence per diem
in the King's household {"in hospito domini Resis") ; that Perton
was worth five marks annually; and Ralph, his son, was his next
of kin and 24 years of age at Easter next ensuing, (i)
He was succeeded by his son, Ralph de Perton, as appears
from a writ on the Fine Roll of 42 Henry III, dated 17th January,
which states "that the King had accepted the homage of Ralph
de Peryton {sic), son and heir of John de Periton, for the lands
held of him by Sergeantry ofthe Kirg. The Escheator to give
him seisin, after taking security for a relief of five marks."
Within a very few months of Ralph's succession, we find
him in litigation with Juliana de Glaseley, his stepmother.
On the Coram Rege Roll, Michaelmas Term, of 42
Henry III (October, 1258), Ralph de Perton appeared against
Juliana de Glasle, Alan, Laurence and Henr}', her sons, William
de Glasle, and five others named, for entering vi et armis his free
haye of Harewood, within the Manor of Perton, and which forms
part of the Sergeantry which the said Ralph held of the King in
capite, and cutting down and carrying away two oak trees. The
defendants did not appear, and the Sheriff is ordered to distrain
and produce them at the next Hillary Sittings, (2)
This Juliana, according to Eyton's Shropshire, must have
been the wife of Guy de Glaseley, a Shropshire Knight, who died
circa 1238. An Inquisition, which will be quoted further on,
shews she was the widow §f John de Perton, retaining the name
of her first husband. Instances of this were very common in
former days, and not infrequent at the present time.
Shortly after this date, the Records shew Ralph de Perton
to be dead, "having fallen, I think, in an ambuscade in Wales,
which is noted in the Chronicles, and in which many other knights
and men-at-arms were killed. My reason for this supposition is
the unusual form of the King's writ to the Escheator. The
ordinary term for signifying the death of a tenant in capite is
"diem clausit extremum "; the writ in question runs " Quia Ranulfus

(I) Inq. post-mortem, 42 Henry III. (2) p, 138, vol, 4, Staff, Coll

Manor of Perton. 109
de Perton qui de nobis tenuit in capite nuper in fata discessit, tibi
precipimus, etc." Ralph had evidently come to an untimely end
in some way which was a matter of notoriety. He was only
25 or 26 years of age at the time of his death." (i)
The Inquisition took place on the Thursday after the
Feast of the Virgin Mary, 43 Henry III (nth September,
1259), before Philip de Lega (Leigh), the Escheator, and a
jury composed of his neighbours, Hugh de Wrottesle, Walter
de Overton, Roger Boffari, William fitz Warin, Clement of
Wolvernehampton, Gervase of the same, Roger de Mareford,
Michael de Trescott, and five others, who stated the usual
particulars respecting the tenure of Perton, and added that he
paid five shillings annually to the King for land alienated of
his Sergeantry, and that Perton was worth five marks annually.
William, his brother, was his next heir, and 22 years of age.
They also stated that Juliana de Glaseleye, formerly wife of John
de Perton, father of the said William, held one-third of Perton in
dower, and that Margaret, the widow of Ralph, was now suing
for her dower. By writ dated 19th September, 43 Henry III
(A.D. 1259), the King accepts the homage of William, brother
and heir of Ralph de Perton, and the Sheriff of Staffordshire is
commanded to take security for the payment of his relief of five
marks, as on previous occasions.
At this period, or very shortly afterwards, litigation must
have been in progress between the lords of Perton and Wrottesley,
respecting the bounds of their respective Manors, for on the Close
Roll of 45 Henry III, there is a writ addressed to the Sheriff of
Staffordshire, commanding him to go in person to the land of
Hugh de Wrottele, in Wrottele {sic), and the land of William de
Perton, in Perton, and to take with him twelve discreet and
lawful Knights of his County, and, upon their oath, to make a
perambulation by metes and bounds between the land of the
said Hugh de Wrottele and the land of the said William de
Perton. (2)
In addition to this suit respecting the boundaries between
the two Manors, William de Perton, who seems to have been of

(i) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley. (2) see Appendix.

1 1 o History of Tettenhall.

a very disputatious character, attempted to recover the virgate
of land in Perton which had been alienated by his grandfather,
Ralph de Perton, on the marriage of Ralph's daughter, Idonia,
with Hugh de Wrottesley. On the Patent Roll of 46 Henry III,
Martin de Littelbyri, the Justiciary, is appointed to take the
assize of novel disseisin which William de Pereton {sic) arraigned
against Hugh de Wrokesley {sic), concerning a tenement in
Pereton. By deed of about this date, Wilham, son of John de
Perton, releases to Hugh, son of William de Wrottesley, and
his heirs, all his claim to lands and tenements which the said
Hugh held in frank-marriage by the gift of Ralph, the grand
father of William, The witnesses to this deed are Robert de
Pendeford, Robert de Bissoburi, William de Perton, William
Aleyn, Alan de Howarton (Overton), and Roger de Buffari. (i)
The second witness, Robert de Bissoburi, died between 51 and
55 Henry III {see Forest Rolls and Pipe Rolls of these dates). This
deed bears the appearance of a compromise after the suit.
On the Banco Roll of Easter Term, 47 Henry III (April,
1263), John le Butiler and Margaret, his wife, sue William de
Perton for /lo of arrears of an annual rent of loos. owing to
them. William did not appear, and the Sheriff is commanded
to attach him by his goods and chattels to appear at the next
Trinity Sittings. (2) This Margaret is the widow of his brother
Ralph, who, according to the Inquisition on Ralph's death, was
at that time suing for her dower. The result of this suit is given
further on. And this suit will give an idea ofthe way in which
the local juries understated the value of an inheritance in an
Inquisition. Perton is stated to be worth five marks yearly by all
the juries on Inquisition post-mortem, and at the Assizes up to date,
and even later, and yet here we find the widow's jointure, which
was one-third ofthe value ofthe freehold, to be £^ annually, after
deducting the jointure of Juliana, the widow of John de Perton,
who was still alive at this date. The real value of Perton, on
this computation, would be over £'2,0 a year.
The Forest Plea Rolls for the year 1271, relating both
to Kinver and Cannock Forest, contain many entries of trans-

(i) Dugdale MS., Bodleian Library. (2) p. 155, vol 4, Staff. Coll,

Manor of Perton, \ 1 1

gression against the Forest Laws by this William de Perton
and his friends. These Rolls are printed in vol. 5 of the Staff.
Collections, and are as follows : —
Forest Pleas, Kinver Forest, A.D. 1271.
" It was presented, etc., that William de Perton and
William, son of Alan de Overton, took a hind and a doe in the
said forest on the Thursday before the Purification, 50 Henry III,
without warrant, and carried the venison to the house of the said
William de Perton, who, being convicted of the same, is com
mitted to prison. And the said William de Overton appeared, as
is shown above. And William de Perton was fined 20s., for which
William le Faunt and John de Pendeford are his sureties. He
was afterwards pardoned, at the instance of William Child." (i)

M. 5. — Respecting Venison in Kanock (Cannock).
" It is presented, etc., that William Tolose, who was with
the Bishop of Chester, Henry de Aumary, Colin the Huntsman
of Roger de Aumary, Jordan de Rewel, William Chansfelitte,
WilHam de Perton, John his brother, William, son of Alan de
Overton, Ralph de Bisopburi, Roger his brother, and John de
Brunesford, who were residing at that time in Lichfield and
Stafford, in the forty-eighth year of the reign, were customary
malefactors of the King's venison in the said forest, with grey
hounds, bows and arrows. And they advocaverunt se by Ralph
Basset, so that no forester dared to attach them. And the said
Jordan and Walter appeared, and being convicted are committed
to prison. And the said William Chanselitte, William de Perton,
and William de Overton came as is shown, respecting venison in
Kenefare. And John, son (sic) of William de Perton, is now a
monk at Wenlok. The Sheriff is therefore ordered to distrain
the Prior of that place to produce him before the Justices on the
morrow of All Souls. And the said John de Brunesford could
not be found ; he is therefore to be exigatur and outlawed. Henry
de Aumary is now a Hospitaller, and in the Holy Land. Colin
could not be found ; he is therefore to be exigatur and outlawed.
And the said Ralph bailed his brother {sic) Richard to have him

(i) Staff. Coll., vol, 5, pt, 1, p, 142.

1 1 2 History of Tettenhall.

before the Justices on the Feast of St. Dionisius. Jordan de
Rewel, being brought out of prison, is fined 20s. by the pledge
of John {rest illegible)." (i)
"Robert Chenney, William de Haggeford, Nicholas, his
brother, William de Perton, William, son of Alan de Overton,
and John de Brunesford, took in the forest on the Saturday before
the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (50 Henry III),
three bucks, a doe, and a fecon without warrant, and carried the
venison to Chylnton, which was then in the hands of the said
Robert. William de Perton and William de Overton appeared
as shown above. And the Sheriff has orders respecting William
de Haggeford, and Robert and Nicholas as shown above. And
the said John is to be put in the exigend as shown above." (2)

" It is presented, etc., that William de Perton, William,
son of Alan de Overton, William, son of Hugh de Bosco, of
Trymple, Ralph de Biysopburi, Roger, his brother, William, son
of Hugh de Wrotteslegh, William de Penne, John Selveyn, and
John de Brunesford, are customary malefactors of venison,
{consueti malefactores de venatione) in the bailiwicks of Bentlegh and
Oggele, and that they took three does without warrant in the
bailiwick of Bentlegh, on the Friday before Pentecost, 54
Henry III, and carried them to the house of the said Ralph
Bysopburi, and there divided them between them. The said
William de Wrotteslegh now appeared, and being convicted, is
detained in prison; and the said William de Perton, William,
Ralph, and Roger, appeared as shown above, and the Sheriff is
ordered to arrest the said William de Penne, John and John
are in the exigend as appears above ; and the said William, son of
Hugh de Trympele held nothing by which he could be distrained,
he is therefore to be put in the exigend. William de Penne after
wards appeared, and being convicted, was put into prison, and
afterwards released for a fine of 20s., for which William de
Bentlegh and John de Pendeford are his sureties. And the said
William de Wrottesley was released for a fine of 20s. for which,
Hugh, his father is surety." (3)
(i) Staff, Coll., vol. 5, p, 146, (2) Ibid, vol. 5, p. 146, (3) Ibid, p, 148.

Manor of Perton. 1 1 3
From the above returns, it will be seen that William de
Perton and his friends were common poachers of the King's deer,
in spite of the severe penalties which could be, and were in many
instances, enforced against them.
The Record of the Assizes held at Stafford, 56 Henry III,
shews William de Perton was one of the Jurors for the Hundred
of Seisdon. (i) The same Jury make the usual presentment
respecting Perton : — " Of Sergeantries, they say that William de
Perton holds the Manor of Perton by Sergeantry; and that when
the King goes into Wales to make war, the said William must
follow him, with himself and a horse armed, for eight days at his
own cost, and if detained more than eight days, he receives for
each day eight pence from the King for his wages ; and his land
is worth five marks yearly. The said Williams renders to the
King five shillings for a virgate and a half of land, formerly
alienated by an ancestor of the said William, and the said rent is
accounted for {arentatur) at the Exchequer." (2)
In 5 Edward I, William de Perton appeared at Worcester,
before the Marshal of the King's army and acknowledged he
owed service for eight days against the Welsh, to be performed
by himself with horse, aketun, haubicon, bacinet, sword and
lance. {Writs of Military Summons.)
This William de Perton was dead 8 Edward I, (A.D. 1280),
for the Staffordshire Pipe Roll of that year states that Magister
Walter de Haselshawe has the custody of the lands of William
de Perton, until the full age ofthe said William. The Inquisition
on William's death took place in 2 Edward I, after the heir had
come of age. It was held at Stafford on the Friday before the
Feast of St. Denis, 2 Edward I, on the oath of William de
Wrottesleye {sic) William de Overton, John de Tresale {sic)
William de Tettenhall, Roger Boffri, and seven others, who
stated that William held the vill of Perton of the King in capite,
by the service of following the King into Wales in time of war,
with a horse without armour, and armed himself with an aketun,
purpoint, and lance, for eight days at his own cost, and if
detained longer, then at the cost of the King, he being supplied

(i) Staff, Coll., vol. 4, p. 208. (2) Ibid, p. 209

114 History of Tettenhall,

at the King's table, or else to receive eight pence daily ; and the
vill of Perton is worth yearly ;^io. He also held at Stircley
(Stirchley, co. Salop), a carucate of land of the Abbot of
Buildwas, worth 40s. John, his son, is his next heir, and 21
years of age and upwards. {See Eyton's Antiquities of Shropshire for
account of Stirchley fief .)
The Staffordshire Plea Rolls, for the reign of Edward I,
contain many interesting Perton suits. At Hillary Term, 8
Edward I, "Margaret, the widow of John le Botiller, appeared
against William de Perton in a plea that he should hold to a
convention made between them, respecting the third part of two
carucates of land in Perton and Sterchesle (Stirchley). William
did not appear, and is to be attached for Trinity Term. M. 39
dorso. (i) Margaret, the plaintiff in this suit, was the widow of
Ralph de Perton, the elder brother of William, who died 43
Henry III, now again a widow, and was suing for her dower.
Wilham also died about this time, killed, I think, at the
disastrous passage of the Menai Straits, m one of the Welsh
expeditions at this date. It will be noted that William de Perton,
like his brother Ralph, to whom he succeeded, died during the
existence of warlike operations in Wales, and in the prime of life,
leaving a son a minor. (2)
On the Coram Rege Roll, same date, this same Margaret,
who now styles herself " widow of Ranulph de Pertone," remits
to Magister Walter de Haselchawe, of co. Salop, all her dower
in Pertone and Stirchele until the full age of John, son and heir
of William de Perton, for eight marks, of which half was to be
paid her at the Quindene of Michaelmas, and the other half at
the Quindene of Easter. (3)
On the Banco Roll, Easter Term of Edward I, we find
Joan, the widow of William de Perton, suing certain tenants of
the Manor of Perton for her dower ; none of the defendants
appeared, and the case was adjourned until Trinity Term ; and
the dower claimed to be taken into the King's hands. This suit

(i) Staff. Coll., p. 104, vol. 6, part 1,
(2) See Hollinshed's Chronicles for an account of a great loss of life in one
of these expeditions at this date,
(3) Staff. Coll., vol. 6, p. 105.

Manor of Perton, 115
is most interesting, as it testifies to the growth of the " freemen"
over the " villein," and gives the names of the various free
tenants, with the extent of their holdings of the demesne lands ;
and is as follows : —
" Banco Roll, Easter, 8 Edward I,
Staffs. Joan, the widow of WilHam de Perton, sued John
de Uverton, (Overton) for a third of six acres of land and two
acres of meadow in Perton, and Adam, son of John de Alverton,
{sic) for a third of seven acres of land, and two acres of meadow
in the same vill, and she sued John, son of John de Uverton for
a third of four acres of land and two of meadow, and Richard
Malobe for a third of seven acres of land and one of meadow,
and Henry Franceys, for a third of four acres of land, and
Robert Othehull, for a third of two acres of land and two of
meadow, and Richard Golyghtly, for a third of five acres of
waste, and Richard Wyldy, for a third of seven acres of waste
and half an acre of meadow, and Henry de Bronthall, for a third
of five acres of land and two of meadow, and Adam le Newman,
for a third of five acres of land, and Walter le Mouner, (Miller)
for a third of five acres of land and one of meadow, and Adam
de Northwoode, for a third of two acres of land, and William
de Wodewall, for a third of five acres of land, and Adam de
Shiston, for a third of six acres of land, and Robert Caheles, for
a third of two acres of land, and William Maydus, for a third of
six acres in the same vill, as her dower. None of the defendants
appeared, and they are to be summoned again for the Octaves of
Trinity; and the dower claimed, to be taken into the King's
hands. M. 17, dorso," (i)
Two years later, we find Margaret suing both Joan de
Perton (widow of William de Perton) and John de Tresel, the
executors of the will of William de Perton, for nine marks of
money ; Margaret stated that the said William was bound to her
for ;£^io on the day he died, for certain lands which she had
demised to him for a term ; and the said executors, after the death
of William, had rendered to her six marks of the said debt, and
refused to pay the residue. Joan and John appeared, and Joan

(I) St^ff. Coll. vol, 6, p 107,

II 6 History of Tettenhall.

stated that she was not an executrix of the will and appealed to
a jury. The Sheriff is ordered to summon a jury for the morrow
of the Purification. And John de Tresel stated that Henry de
Dekene, of Totenhale, is his co-executor, and he cannot answer
the plea without him. Henry is therefore to be summoned for
the same day. (i)
John de Perton, who (as shewn by the previous Inquisition)
succeeded to his inheritance, A.D, 1285, survived till the year
A.D. 1331, having been for upwards of 46 years in possession of
the Manor. Nor was this long period an undistinguished one,
for we find him employed in many offices of trust and importance
during the reigns of Edward I, and Edward II. In 1313, we
find him appointed one of the assessors and collectors in the
County of Stafford, of the 20th and 15th, granted in the Parlia
ment at Westminster, He was also Knight of Parliament for
Staffordshire, A.D, 1315. And was appointed in 1317 as one of
the Commissioners of Array — to select 2,000 men, on foot, in the
counties of Salop and Stafford, to be led by John de Baskerville
against the Scots. In 1319, he was appointed one of the
collectors for Staffordshire, of the scutage due 8 Edward II,
{See Parliamentary Writ and Writs of Military Summons ) And in
I Edward II, (1307), he obtained a charter of free warren for all
his demesne lands at Perton, from the King, {Original at
Wrottesley) On the Stafford Assize Roll for 21 Edward I, A,D. 1291,
John de Perton was summoned to show his title to hold Pleas of
the Crown, and to have free warren, fair, market, etc., in the
Manor of Perton, John stated that he only claimed view of
frankpledge twice a year, and such things as pertained to it, and
wayf. The King's attorney disputed his title, and srated that
King Richard had been seized of the said view of frankpledge
through the Sheriff, as appurtenant to his hundred of Seisdon,
and appealed to a jury. The jury found that John and his
ancestors before the reign of King Richard, and from time out of
memory, had view of frankpledge and wayf in the same Manor.
The King's attorney disputed the verdict about wayf on a

(i) Staff, Coll., vol, 6, p. 120.

Manor of Perton. 1 1 7
technical point, and it was adjourned to be heard Coram Rege.
(The King's attorney pleaded luayf was a grossum Corona ;
meaning, I conclude, it was part of the prerogative of the
Crown.) (i)
At the same Assizes. — The jury presented that of franchise
claimed— John de Perton claimed in the Manor of Perton assize
of bread and beer.
The same jury also present that, " Of Dames, {Dominabus)
they say that Margaret, formerly wife of Ralph de Perton, holds
f,^ 6s. 8d. of land in Perton, and is at the King's disposal, (2)
and is maritanda And Joan, formerly wife of William de Perton,
holds £\ of land in Perton, and is at the King's disposal, and is
maritanda." (3)
Aa shewn earlier in a deed previously quoted, the tenants
of Perton and Triscote {sic) complain loudly of the exactions and
extortions of their lord, John de Perton. It would appear, that
John has so abused his power as Assessor and Collector of taxes,
that certain of his tenants took action against him.
On the Banco Roll of Michaelmas Term, 16 Edward II,
(A.D.) 1323, "William atte Nassche and Robert Nicholes,
homagers and tenants "homines et tenentes" of John de Perton, in
the manor of Tetenhale, which is of the ancient demesne of the
King, sued the said John in a plea that he exacted from them
and from Thomas atte Nassche, John Alayn, Richard le Coupere,
and John Nicholes, homagers and tenants of the said John in the
same manor, other customs and services, than they or their
ancestors, tenants in the manor, had been used to render in the
times when the said manor was in the hands of the King's
progenitors. John de Perton did not appear, and the Sheriff was
ordered, to distrain and produce him at three weeks from Easter.
A postscript states that at Easter the Sheriff sent no return, and
he was ordered to produce John at the Octaves of Trinity, upon
which the said William and Robert appeared in Court and
complained that whereas they had delivered to the said John,
the King's writ, " de prohibitione" to the effect that, "pendente
(i) Staff. Coll., vol. 6, p. 248,
(2) The widows of tenants in capite could not marry without the King's permission,
(3) Staff, Coll., vol. 6, p. 260.

II 8 History of Tettenhall.

placito" he should not distrain his tenants, etc., he had distrained
them as before, and detained in prison the said John Aleyn,
Richard le Coupere, John Nicholes, and Thomas atte Nasche,
so that they could not prosecute their suit against him, to the
grave contempt of the King and damage of the said tenants.
The Sheriff was therefore ordered to summon the said John de
Perton to answer for his trespass and contempt at the above date,
and if the said tenants were detained in prison, to set them free
without delay.'' (i)
In December of the same year (A.D. 1323) presentments
were made at Tutbury, in co. Stafford, before John de Stonore
and his fellow Justices, against a whole batch of principal Taxers
and Sub-Taxers and Collectors of the loth and 6th in the
County of Stafford. The jury presenting that "under colour of
their ofiice they had taken a great sum of money from various
vills, to their own use." They were summoned to appear before
the Justices, and, being questioned, did not deny the fact, and
prayed that they might be admitted to make a fine with the King
for this transgression. The whole of the principal Taxers and
Sub-Taxers were fined in various sums, but I have only thought
it necessary to print those which relate to this parish : —
"Walter Welus and William le Reve, Sub-Taxers of Perton, los.
William Gamel and William le Wright, Sub-Taxers of Okene,
half a mark.
Simon Ailewyn and Roger Benigsen, Sub-Taxers of Wrottesley,
one mark, for which Roger Stevens and Adam le Bond
were sureties.
John Richars and William de Bradeleye, Sub-Taxers of Pende
ford, I OS.
Thomas Crey and Henry Godewyn, Sub-Taxers of Tetenhale,
two marks.
And as regards the principal Taxers and Collectors of the 20th,
i8th, and i6th, lately granted to the King, the juries presented
that they misconducted themselves by taking a great sum of
money by extortion from the various vills, so that the viHs might
be spared in the taxation, and not be taxed according to the true

(i) Staff, Coll., vol, 9, p.

Manor of Perton. 119

value of the chattels. The Sheriff was therefore ordered to
summon all the principal Taxers to be at Tuttebury on the
Monday before the Feast of St. Lucy the Virgin."
"John de Perton appeared for himself and the other Chief
Taxers, and Simon Fraunceis for the Sub-Taxers, and stated, as
regards the presentment, that they did tax the men of the vills in
the County according to the true value of their chattels, that they
always trusted to the general interest of the whole County, that
many of the Sub-Taxers were dead, and those now surviving were
of less importance ; and they prayed they might be allowed to
make fine with the King for all transgressions in the said taxation,
respect being had to their status, and the late unproductive years."
And upon this there appeared 94 others named, who appeared
for the various Hundreds of the County, " and for the whole
community offered to be considered as the principal debtors of
the lord the King for the said fine, and they were admitted
for a fine of 340 marks, for which they are all, conjointly and
individually, debtors to the lord the King." (i)
By a deed, undated, but which must have been executed
between A.D. 1318 and 1320, John, lord of Perton, grants to
William, his son, and Matilda, his wife, and the heirs of their
bodies, all the land which fell to him by hereditary right, after
the death of William, his father, in the vill of Styrchleye,
together with a place in Styrchleye called Perton Croft, to enable
him to build a house on it. He also granted to them and their
issue, 40s. rent in the vill of Trescot of his fee of Perton,
proceeding from the tenements held by Robert Parnel, John
Margery, Edith Aleyn, Richard Margery, Philip Ochet, and
Ralph, son of Hugh of Trescot, The witnesses to this deed are
Sir WiHiam de Wrottesleye, Knt., John Giffard de Chylinton,
Henry de Morf, Ralph de Evenfeld, Philip de Lutteleye, Robert
Buffery, and John de Lappele, Clerk. — {Original at Wrottesley.)
Sir John de Perton was dead A.D. 1330, for about
Michaelmas of that year, Ralph Bassett of Drayton, grants
permission to William de Perton to enclose the wood of Hare-
woode, within the fee of Perton, and to maintain it as a park in

(i) Staff, Coll., vol. 9, pp. 93-4-5

I20 History of Tettenhall.

future. The deed, which is French, is dated from Patingham
on the Monday after the Feast of St, Michael, 4 Edward III,
and is witnessed by Sir Philip de Somervile and Sir Thomas le
Rous, Knights, Roger Hillary, Roger le Wodenham, and John
le Benteleye. The tenants of Patingham, previous to this
release, had rights of common within the wood in question,
except during the season of Pannage, (i)
This Sir John de Perton bore for arms, three pears on
a chevron, and his seal on several deeds is still preserved at
Wrottesley, The arms of Perton, in Tettenhall Church, in
Dugdale's time were, Argent, a chevron Gules, on which were
three pears Or.
Contemporary with this John de Perton, there was a
William de Perton, whose name frequently occurs in public
documents of this period, and whom I believe to have been his
brother. On the Pipe Roll of 12 Edward I, he is styled Keeper
of the King's Wardrobe, " Custos Garderobce Regis," and on the
Welsh Roll of 9 Edward I, Magister William de Perton is
commanded by the Kmg's Precept to receive 50 marks which
Lewellyn, son of Griffin, Prince of Wales owed to the King.
The Patent Roll of 31 Edward I, contains a pardon for
another William de Perton for the death of William Vapurnent,
granted in consideration of his services to the King in Scotland.
The Jury of the Hundred of Seisdon at the Stafford Assizes,
three years later, stated that William de Perton, the Forester of
the wood of Kingesleye, had killed William Vapurnent in the
said wood. As noticed under Tettenhall Regis, under date 13 11,
a William de Perton had been given the custody of that Manor
by the King, from the wording of the record, I conclude he was
a son of Sir John de Perton.
The writ of " diem clausit oircmum," on the death of Sir
John de Perton is dated 9 July, 5 Edward III. It gives the
usual particulars about this Manor, and states that William is
his eldest son and heir and 34 years of age and upwards. By
writ of 31 July following, the King accepts the homage of
William, son and heir of John de Perton.

(i) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley,

Manor of Perton. 121

William de Perton who now succeded to the Manor, was
never knighted and probably never bore arms, but his name
occurs frequently in judicial proceedings as a Justice of Assize,
and it is not unlikely he was originally a younger son and had
been bred up to the law. He occurs as a Justice assigned to
take Assizes in Staffordshire in the years 1334, 1335, 1338, and
the two following years. In the year 1339, he was appointed one
of the Justices to hear and determine the complaint of John, son
of John de Sutton-upon-Trent, that Hugh, son of John de
Prestwoode, and John, the brother of Hugh, had robbed him of
goods and chattels to the value of ^60, and money in coin to the
value of ^100, {Rot. Pat, 13 Edvoard III, p. 2, m. 16 dorso.)
In 18 Edward III, he was appointed, by Letters Patent, Com
missioner with John Giffard, of Chillington, to return the value
of the land held by every person in Staffordshire of the value of
IOCS and upwards. And two years later, he was one of the
Justices assigned to hear and determine the complaint of Ralph,
Baron of Stafford, that Thomas, the Prior of St. Thomas, near
Stafford, John de Barnehurst, and others named, had forcibly
broken into and hunted in his park whilst he was abroad in the
King's service. {Rot. Pat. SO Edward HI, p. 2.)
This William de Perton succeeded John de Tresel as lord
of that Manor and of half of Seisdon, at the latter end of the
reign of Edward II. The Subsidy Roll of i Edward III, names
him as the principal tenant of Tresel, and in a deed at
Wrottesley, dated 13 Edward III, he styles himself lord of
Perton and Tresel. He was alive in 30 Edward III, at which
date there were living of his family, besides himself, a son John,
another son William, and a daughter Ermentrude, all of whom
are mentioned in a deed of the above date now at Wrottesley.
He died circa 34 Edward III, and was succeeded by his son. Sir
John de Perton.
The Subsidy Roll of 6 Edward III, gives the following
assessment of the moveable goods of the free-tenants of
Perton: —
WiHiam de Perton
Richard atte Nash
Thomas atte Nash
John en le Hale

s.

d.

s.

d.

6

8

William at Hulle

0

16

2

0

Richard Swyn

2

9

2

6

Thomas Lovekyres

0

18

2

2

William de Nortwode ...

0

20

122 History of Tettenhall.

s.

d.

s.

d.

William de Mareford .,

o

i8

John son of Nicholas ..

2

I

Adam le Harpur

. 2

o

Walter Willes

• 3

0

John atte Wynde

2

6

William Levekys

. 2

4

Robert other Grene .,

¦ 3

o

Nicholas le Swyn

. O

12

Sir John de Perton, who now succeeded to the Manor, had
been knighted during his father's lifetime, and appears to have
borne a conspicuous part in the military operations of the warlike
reign of Edward III. In the years 1336 and 1337 he was in
Scotland, in the retinue of Ralph, Lord Stafford, and no doubt
took a part in the Battle of Halidoun Hill. {Scotch Rolls, 10 and
11 Edward IH.) At Creci he appears to have served in the
retinue of William de Clynton, Earl of Huntingdon. {French
Roll, 19 Edward III.)
In 14 Edward III, the King appointed John de Perton to
the office of Escheator for counties Worcester, Gloucester, Salop,
Stafford, Hereford, and Marches of Wales ; John to receive ;^io
annually, {m. 20, Originalia.) In 29 Edward III, the year the
Battle of Poictiers was fought, he was then serving in France,
in the retinue of Henry, Duke of Lancaster. {French Roll, 29
Edward III.) Four years later, 33 Edward III, he was appointed
Commissioner to array and arm men for the defence of the
kingdom during the King's absence.
He had succeeded his father in 34 Edward III, for by a
deed enrolled in Banco, at Michaelmas Term, and in which he
styles himself John de Perton, Knight, son and heir of Wilham
de Perton, he acknowledges, and agrees to pay to the Abbot of
Westminster an annual rent of f^s in lieu of all services for the
Manor of Perton. {Banco Roll of that Term, m. 60.) And by
a deed now at Wrottesley, dated the same year, the Abbot of
Westminster released aH his claim to the Manor of Perton,
He appears to have taken possession ofthe Manor without
the usual formaHties attendant on his succession, for two year.-^
later, i.e. 36 Edward III, he paid a fine of five marks for pardon
of a transgression of which he and others had been guilty in
taking possession of the Manor of Perton without Hcence, which
was held in capite of the King. {Ongmalia.)
John also held the office of Sheriff of the County of
Stafford for the years 38 and 44-5 of Edward 111.

Manor of Perton. 123

He married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir William de
Shareshull, Knt., Chief Justice of the King's Bench.
The effect of this marriage between Sir John de Perton
and the daughter of Sir William de Shareshulle, the Lord Chief
Justice, was to influence the proceedings in the Courts against
Sir Hugh de Wrottesley. Sir William de Shareshulle was a
near neighbour of Sir Hugh, he having purchased Patshull from
the Bagots of Hyde. He also purchased the two Sardons, in
Staffordshire, and several other Manors and reversions in other
counties, with a view to founding a great family like his
predecessor in the office — Sir William Howard. His desire,
however, for such honours was not destined to be gratified, for
although all these large estates passed to his son WilHam, his
male line became extinct on the death of his grandson William,
whose heir was an only sister, Elizabeth, who left three daughters.
The family feud, which had so long existed between the
Perton and Wrottesley familes, at last culminated in the death
of John de Perton, uncle of the above-named Sir John de Perton,
by Sir Hugh de Wrottesley, in an affray temp. 12 Edward III.
Sir Hugh was accordingly arrested on the capital charge, and was
put in prison, at the Marshalsea, at Kingston-on-Thames. The
Marshal of the Court at this time was Sir Walter de Mauny,
who was a friend of Sir Hugh, and he, having to command an
expedition to France, assisted Sir Hugh and several of his friends
to escape from prison and go with him to France. While abroad,
serving under Sir Walter de Mauny, Sir Hugh de Wrottesley
obtained a full pardon from the King for all offences committed
by him. But during his absence from the country the Perton
family had not been idle, for, backed up by the Lord Chief Justice,
they had obtained a sentence of outlawry against Sir Hugh and
his friends — so that, on their return to the country, they were
arrested and again brought before the Court of the Marshal.
Sir Hugh de Wrottesley and his friend John de Tettebury
were now in great peril, for, by a recent enactment, they had lost
their right to a jury, and could be sentenced to death without
further trial. These proceedings contrast so strongly with the
usual dilatory process of the Court, that they suggest animus on
the part of the Chief Justice, who was connected by marriage
with the Perton family. Luckily for Sir Hugh, he was able to

124 History of Tettenhall.

produce in Court the King's special writ of pardon, and so
frustrate the conspiracy against him. It does not appear that
it was ever intended to hang Sir Hugh, but the Chief Justice was
evidently determined to add Wrottesley to his estates. He
would have stopped the proceedings on condition that Sir Hugh
sold Wrottesley to him for a nominal sum. That Sir William
enriched himself by this devious system of bribery and corrup
tion is notorious, for soon after the events narrated, in 29
Edward III, he was deprived of the Chief Justiceship, for
malversation of his ofiice, and retired into a monastery, where
he died shortly afterwards.
In 37 Edward III, John de Perton wished to enlarge his
Manor House at Perton, and an Inquisition, "ad quod damnum,"
took place at that date, to return if it would be to the detriment
of the King, or any other person, if John de Perton, Knt., enclosed
a certain road leading from the vill of Patyngham under the Curia
(Manor House) of the said John to the vill of Tetenhale, for the
purpose of enlarging his said "Curia."
The Inquisition was held at Perton, on the Friday after
the Feast of St. Clement the Pope, 37 Edward III, on the oath
of Thomas Boffry, Adam Waryns, John de Wyghtwyk, and others,
who say the new road will be more convenient for travellers, and
the road to be enclosed contained 106 perches of land in length
and 26 in breadth.
The Originalia of the next year, 38 Edward III, under the
head of Grossi Fines, states that John de Perton, Knt., paid Haifa
mark for license to enclose this road.
Some Forest Proceedings, of 40 Edward III, name John
de Perton as one of the Verderers of Kinver Forest in that
year. Leo de Perton, his cousin, (i) occurs in the same Roll
as a Reguardor of the Forest. John also appears on the Rolls
as King's Escheator for Staffordshire, in the years 46, 47, and 48
Edward III.
Some years previously, i.e. in 18 Edward III, the King
had granted to Leo de Perton, "the King's Napperer {Panctarius
Regis), IOO acres of waste in the Forest of Kynefare, at Oldeford,
near Stapenhull." {Originalia.)
(i) Leo de Perton was a son of John de Perton and first cousin to Sir John.

Manor of Perton. 125

Leo was also appointed Escheator for Worcestershire in
the following years, i.e. from 21 Edward III to 39 Edward III.
In the 48 Edward III, John de Perton, King's Escheator for the
County of Salop, was fined loos. for an insufficient valuation, he
having valued three carucates in Hodenet and other places at 5s.
annually, which Richard Hodenet paid annually to the King for
them. {Originalia.)
Sir John de Perton died in A.D. 1388. The Inquisition
on his death was taken at Eccleshall, before Robert de Lee, the
King's Escheator for Staffordshire, on the Wednesday after the
Feast of St. Lawrence, 12 Richard II, and states that Simonis
de Salstang and Richard Bekel, Chaplains, were seized of the
Manor of Perton, co. Stafford, by the gift and feoffment of John,
son of William de Perton, and gave it to John, who is named in
the writ, and Elizabeth, daughter of William de Shareshulle,
and the heirs male of John, and if John should die without male
issue, then after the deaths of John and Elizabeth, the Manor
was to revert to John, son of Margaret de Stirchley and his male
issue, and if he should die without male issue, then to Richard,
his brother, and his male issue, and if Richard should die without
male issue, then to Thomas, son of Matilda del Crouch, of
Solihull, and his male issue, and if Thomas should die without
male issue, then to Leo de Perton and his male issue, and if Leo
should die without having male issue, then to right heirs of John
de Perton, and they stated that the said Elizabeth is dead and the
said John de Perton died seised of the Manor as of fee tail, by
virtue ofthe said entail, and he died without leaving male issue,
and the reversion of the Manor therefore lies with John, son of
Margaret, who is now living, and the Manor is held of the King,
in capite, by the service of Little Sergeantry, (i) viz. : — 5s. and a
farthing, and it is worth 20 marks annually beyond reprisals.
And they say the said John died, also seised of the Manor of
Tresele, together with Matilda, his wife, who now survives to
hold to the said John and Matilda, and to the heirs of John, and
it is worth 20 marks annually beyond reprisals. He also died
seised of a carucate of land in (Seisdon) near Tresele, conjointly

(i) This was not the case, it was a Grand Sergeantry ; the jurors confound
the payment made to the Crown, for alienations, with an annual rent.

126 History of Tettenhall,
with Matilda, his wife, who now survives to hold to the said
John and Matilda and heirs of the said John, and Tresel and the
carucate of land in question are held of the lord of Dudley, but
they are ignorant by what service. And John died on the
Friday before the last Feast of the Translation of St. Thomas
the Martyr, and John de Barnhurst is his nearest of kin, being
son of ... . sister of John, and he is thirty years of age
and upwards, (i)
If this Inquisition states the facts correctly, the deduction
drawn from it by Shaw, that Matilda was the heiress of Tresel
seems very doubtful, for it will be seen that Sir John de Perton
was enfeoffed of Tresel jointly with Matilda, and with remainder
to his own issue, if Matilda had been the heiress of Tresel, the
remainder would have been to her issue and not to his. This,
coupled with the fact that William de Perton, the father of John,
certainly held the Manor of Tresel for many years makes it
probable that John had inherited the Manor from his father.
There is a deed at Wrottesley, dated 43 Edward III, in which he
styles himself lord of Tresel, and deals with the Manor without
mentioning his wife Matilda at all. This could not have been
done if Matilda was the heiress of Tresel.
The claim of John, son of Margaret de Stirchley, to
Perton seems to have been ignored altogether, in the proceed
ings which followed the death of John de Perton. By a deed, now
at Wrottesley, John de Barnhurst had relinquished all his right
to the Manor as early as 43 Edward III, to Leo de Perton. It is
doubtful whether such a renunciation of a Manor held in capite
would be valid, and John de Barnhurst now treating the deed as
of no effect, sold the Manor immediately after Sir John Pertons
death to Sir Humphrey de Stafford for 240 marks. {Original at
Wrottesley.) From these causes, dissensions continued for many years
between the rival claimants to the Manor, and the history of the
descent of the Manor becomes very complicated, and can only be
unravelled completely by following the proceedings in Banco and
Chancery. It appears, however, from the Escheator's Accounts,
and from an Inquisition taken 7 Henry V, that William de Perton,
(i) ex infra Gen. Wrottesley.

Manor of Perton. 127

son of Leo de Perton, was seised of the Manor, and had alienated
it without license to Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick,
and to John Baysham, Clerk, and their heirs and assigns.
A writ from Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, the Custos
of the Kingdom, dated from Westminster, i6th February,
7 Henry V, states that divers dissensions and strifes had arisen
between Humphrey Stafford, Knt., and John Throckmorton and
John Baysham, Clerk, in consequence of the said John, and John,
shortly after the King's passage into Normandy, having ejected
the said Humphrey from the Manor of Perton, and the said John
de Baysham {qy. Beauchamp) having been summoned before the
Council and examined, it appeared that William de Perton being
seised as of fee of the Manor, held of the King in capite, had
alienated it without license to Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of
Warwick, and to John Baysham, Clerk. Humphrey de Stafford
having produced Sir William Clyntou, Knt., and Sir Thomas
Carren, Knt., as sureties for the profits of the Manor, in the
event of William de Perton's title being proved to be good, the
Escheator is ordered to remove his hand. {Escheator's Accounts.)
John Throckmorton, according to the account of this family in
Dugdale's Warwickshire, was Steward of the Earl of Warwick,
and no doubt was acting for him during his absence in France
with the King.
Some time after these events, the Staffords must have
recovered the Manor, for Sir John Stafford died seised of it in
6 Henry VI. {Inquisition p.m.) Humphrey Stafford is returned
as his son and nearest of kin.
In 9 Edward IV, that is in A.D. 1269 (forty years later).
Sir Walter Wrottesley, Knt., styles himself lord of Perton {Deeds
at Wrottesley). This Sir Walter was a member of the Council of
the famous Richard de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, the King
maker, and I suspect that the Beauchamps had during this
interval recovered the Manor, and that the Earl had bestowed
it upon Sir Walter Wrottesley. Sir Walter died loth April, 1473,
and after his death the Staffords again entered into possession of
Perton, although by what means I am ignorant.
At Michaelmas Term, 14 Edward IV, Humprey Stafford
sues in Banco, Sir John Colsull, Knt., late of Bonamy, co. Devon,
and Ehzabeth, his wife. Sir John Wylby, Knt., (Willoughby) late

128 History of Tettenhall,

of Broke, in co. Wilts, and Anne, his wife, Thomas Strangeways,
late of Lopton, co. Wilts, armiger, for unlawfully entering his
Manors of Penkerich, Perton, Littiwode, Hyde, Coppenhale,
and others in co. Stafford. The defendants appeared by
attorney, and stated as regards the Manors of Perton and
Littiwode, a certain William Smyth, Clerk, and John Boeff, were
seised of the above Manors, and a fine was levied, 3 Henry V,
by which the said William and John gave them to Sir Humphrey
Stafford, of Hoke, and Elizabeth, his wife, to hold for their
joint lives, to revert after their deaths to John Stafford, son of
Humphrey and Elizabeth, and the heirs of his body, and failing
issue, to revert to William Stafford and his issue, failing which,
to Thomas Stafford and his issue, and failing which, to Sir
Humphrey Stafford, Knt., and his issue, sons of the said
Humphrey and Elizabeth, and failing issue of Sir Humphrey,
then to Richard Stafford and his issue, and failing which, to
right heirs of Humphrey Stafford, of Hoke,
John had issue, Humphrey and died vita parentis, so
that after the death of Humphrey and Elizabeth, the Manor
fell to Humphrey, son of John Stafford, who died without issue.
William Stafford had issue, Humphrey Stafford, late
Earl of Devon, and to whom the Manor reverted after the death
of John Stafford, but he also died without leaving issue. And
the said Thomas Stafford and Humphrey Stafford, sons of the
said Humphrey Stafford, of Hoke, and Elizabeth, and Richard
Stafford, also died without leaving issue, so that after the death
of the Earl of Devon, the said Manors reverted to the said
Elizabeth, Anne, and Alianora, wife of the said Thomas
Strangeways, as heirs of Humphrey Stafford, viz., as daughters
of Alice, the daughter of Humphrey Stafford, of Hoke. {Banco
Roll, Mich. Term, 14 Edward IV, m. 418.)
This Humphrey Stafford, of Hoke, I take to be identical
with the purchaser of Perton from John de Barnhurst. in 12
Richard II, and the above record of the proceedings in Banco
gives us this pedigree : —
Humphrey Stafford = Elizabeth
 of Hoke I 
I \ \ \ I
John Stafford William Thomas Humphrey Stafford, Knt, Alice
Died s.p. I Died s.p. Died s.p.
I A I B

Manor of Perton. 129

I A |B
Humphrey Humphrey,
Stafford Earl of
Died s.p. Devon, Died s.p.

Sir John = Elizabeth Sir John =Anne Thomas = Alianora
Colsull Willoughby Strangeways
de Broke
I have not followed up the record of this suit to its
termination, but it is plain, from subsequent proceedings, that
the Manor of Perton eventually fell to the share of Anne, the
wife of Sir John Willoughby de Broke.
In 31 Henry VIII, there was litigation in the Court of
Chancery, between Sir John Duddeley and James Leveson,
respecting this Manor, for, by a deed now at Wrottesley, Sir
John Duddeley and Joan, his wife, release to James Leveson all
their claim in the Manor of Perton and lands in Trescott, which
formerly belonged to Robert Willoughby (Lord de Broke) by an
award made by Sir John Porte, Knt., Justice and Sergeant-at-
Law, and William Whorwood, Esq., General Solicitor to the
King, and William Coningsby, Attorney to the said Sovereign for
the County ofthe Duchy of Lancaster, arbitrators between James
Leveson and Sir John Duddeley, the sum of £^220 to be paid by
James Leveson to Sir John Duddeley. This deed is dated i8th
February, 31 Henry VIII, i.e. i8th February, 1540, and on the
9th June previously. Sir John Duddeley, Knt., son and heir of
Edmund Duddeley, Esq., appoints Richard Whorwood and
George Colbran, his attorneys, to take possession of Perton
and Trescott, formerly his father's, and to expel all others.
{Original at Wrottesley.)
A deed at Wrottesley, dated 6 July, 31 Henry VIII, i.e.,
6 July, 1539, which is much defaced by damp, and of which a
portion only can be deciphered, recites proceedings in Chancery
of this year respecting Perton, and states that Edmund Dudley
attainted and put to execution, i Henry VIII, had held Perton
by a demise of Lord WiHoughby de Broke, that Lord
Willoughby had mortgaged the Manors of Penkridge, Perton,
and Rodbaston, to Edmund Dudley for ;^56o, it also alludes to
the claim of one Owen Watson, in the Manor, as assignee in
some way of Lord Willoughby, but the deed is too much defaced
to be fully comprehended. It is clear however, that James

130 History of Tettenhall.

Leveson derived his title from this Owen Watson, for, by a deed
23 July, 31 Henry VIII, i.e., 23 July, 1539, James Leveson,
Merchant of the Staple of Calais, appoints William Norwood, of
Wolverhampton, his attorney, to receive the Manor of Perton
and lands in Trescot, from WilHam Cave, of Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, Merchant, son and heir of Agnes Cave, sister and heir of
Owen Watson, Clerk. On the 18 July previous to this, WilHam
Cave, described as above, and George Cambye, son and heir of
Isabella Cambye, another sister and heir of Owen Watson, had
released to James Leveson, all their claims to the same lands.
{Original deeds at Wrottesley.) It appears probable that one of the
descendants of Sir John Willoughby had mortgaged the Manor
to Owen Watson, that this mortgage was prior in date to those
held by Edmund Dudley, and his rights had been overborne by
the power of this unscrupulous minister of Henry VIII. However
this may be, James Leveson held the Manor-house during the
remainder of the reign of Henry VIII, and from him it passed to
Edward Leveson.
In I Edward VI, Edward Leveson, of Shipley, co. Salop,
and Elizabeth, his wife, grant five marks of annual rent to
Margaret, the widow of James Leveson, in lieu of dower in
half of Perton and Trescot. {Original deed at Wrottesley^ By
this deed it would appear as if James Leveson had been forced
to relinquish half the Manor during his lifetime ; and there is a
writ on the Memoranda Roll of i Mary, to enquire by what title
Edward Leveson, armiger, held the Manor of Perton, but I have
not seen the return to the writ, nor the reason why it was issued.
The Manor remained, however, with this branch of the Levesons
during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth, James, and King Charles,
when Sir Richard Leveson, Knight of the Bath, the well-known
Royalist General, possessed it, and from whom it passed to the
Earl of Dorset, whose wife Margaret was daughter of Mary
Curzon, heiress and next of kin to Sir Richard Leveson, Knt. (i)
Lord Dorset had claimed to hold the Manor during the
lifetime of Sir Richard, but, bjf a deed now at Wrottesley, dated
2nd February, 1652, it was arranged, in order to allay all

(i) Deeds at Wrottesley. ex infra Gen, Wrottesley.

Manor of Perton.

13T

contentions respecting Perton, that Sir Richard Leveson, of
Lilleshull, Knt. of the Bath, should hold Perton and Trescot
for his life, and they were to revert after his death to Lord
Dorset and his heirs. The Dorset family obtained their title to
the Perton estates through the marriage of Sir George Curzon
with Mary, sister and heiress of Sir William Leveson, of Lilles
hull ; and their only daughter, Mary, married Edward Sackville,
Earl of Dorset, (i)
In 1662, Sir Walter Wrottesley purchased the Manor of
Perton from Richard, Earl of Dorset, and it has remained in
that family ever since.

Pedigree OF
Perton of Perton,
CO. Stafford.

Arms. — Argent, on a chevron Gules, three pears Or.

John de Perton = A,
Living 13 Hen, II
Dead A,D, 1193
Ralph de Perton
Succeeds 4 Ric. I
Dead 25 Hen, III

John de Perton =
Succeeds 25 Hen. Ill
Dead 42 Hen. Ill

Juliana Idonia= Hugh de Wrottesley

Ralph de Perton = Margaret William de Perton =Joan John
Succeeds 42 Hen. Ill Succeeded his brother Living 48 Hen. Ill
Dead 43 Hen. Ill s,p. Ralph 43 Hen. Ill A MonkatWenlock
Died 8 Ed. I 55 Hen, III

Sir John de Perton, Knt. =
of Parliament, 1314
Had Charter of Free
'A'arren in Perton, i Ed. II
Died 5 Ed, III

Isabella = William Magister William
de de Perton
Bentley Keeperof the King's
Wardrobe, 9 Ed. I

(i) Erdeswick's Staff., Harwood's edition, p. 168,

132

History of Tettenhall.

|A

John
1 1
Leo de Perton = . . Katherine = Philip de
1
Walter
Killed in Panetarius Regis
Lutteley
de
an affray
33 Ed, III
Killed in
Perton
12
Escheator of
an affray
12 Ed, III
Ed. Ill
Wore, 23 to 41
Ed. Ill
26 Ed. Ill
William de Perton
sold his interest in
the Manor to
Richard de Beauchamp
Earl of Warwick
William de Perton
= Matilda
Lord of Tresel
I Ed, III
Died about 34 Ed. Ill
1 1
William Joan =
1
= John de Barnhurst Ermentrude
30 Ed. Ill
Living
Died s.p
30 Ed, HI
John de Barnhurst (junior) Elizabeth = Sir John de Perton =
Returned as nearest of kin dau. of Escheator for Staff.
to Sir John de Perton Sir Wm. 46—48 Ed. Ill
12 Ric, II de Died 12 Ric, II s.p.
Sold his right in the Manors Shareshull,
of Perton and Tresel to Chief
Sir Humphrey de Stafford Justice of the
Common Pleas
Matilda
TRESCOTT.

|hIS hamlet, which formed part of the fee of Perton,
lies at the south-western extremity of the parish.
Its lands were held by the Monks of Combe, co.
Warwick, who had obtained them by gift from
WilHam filius Wydonis ; this gift being further
confirmed by Gervase Paganel, Baron of Dudley, (i) The lands
given are variously styled "two hides" and "two carucates," as
though the terms were synonymus.
In 1272, Robert, son of Roger Buffare, sued Phillip, Abbot
of Combe, for a messuage and six virgates of land in Trescote, of
the fee of Penn Boffare, and states that William, his ancestor,
was seised, as of fee, ofthe land in the reign of Henry II. The
Abbot answered that a writ "de ingresse" could not go farther
back than the reign of King John, and the suit was adjourned. (2)
Some few years previous to the date of this suit, a portion of
Trescott had been acquired by Ralph de Perton, the Inquisition
on whose death stated that he held Perton and Trescott.
A suit on the Staff. Assize Roll of 56 Henry III, gives us
the extent of the Perton interest in Trescott. It states that Alice,
daughter of Julia de Trescote, and neice of Michael de Trescote,
was suing William de Overton and Joan, his wife, for a messuage
and half a virgate of land in Trescote, then held by William and
his wife. Alice stated that her uncle Michael died seised of this
holding, but WilHam de Overton called William de Pereton,
who came and warranted the tenement to them, and stated that

(i) Shaw's Staff., vol. 2. (2) Original deed at Wrottesley,

134 History of Tettenhall.
Michael had not died seised of it, for long before his death he
had enfeoffed him (William de Perton) of the tenement, and he
produced a charter of Michael to that effect. Verdict was there
fore for William de Perton. (i)
Some time during the reign of Richard II, that part of
Trescott known as "Trescott Grange" was acquired by a branch
of the Wollaston family, one branch of whom settled at Trescott
Grange, and the other at the Hollies, in Perton.
Thomas Wollaston, who appears to have been the first
of his family settled here, is stated to have been "a person of
rank and influence in the reign of Henry VII. He had a grant
from the King of the office of Keeper of the Outwoods of Lynd-
ridgge, which he held until 1523." He was succeeded by his
eldest son, John, who lived at Perton. He had also another son,
William, who went to reside at Trescott Grange.
Thomas Wollaston, son of the above John, founded the
Walsall branch of this family. He appears in several deeds at
Walsall, between the years 1565 — 70, and his son Thomas was
appointed a trustee of the Curtis Charity at Walsall in 1618.
Thomas Wollaston, the elder, resided at Bentley Haye, and in
1578 he laid a bill of complaint against certain persons for
" unlawful assembly and riotous behaviour at Bentley Heye." (2)
The above-mentioned William Wollaston, of Trescott
Grange, died January 7th, 1603, "seised of Trescott Grange,
and mill in Overpenne, Caldwall's lands in Overton, Oathill in
Tresull, etc., which he left to Hugh Wollaston, his son, aged 50,"
who died seven years later, leaving a son named Edward, who
was twelve years of age. (3) Edward afterwards sold Trescott
Grange to one Chapman. Edward had a younger brother, Henry,
who became an Alderman of the City of London; he died in 1617;
and left charities for the poor of Tettenhall parish. He had a son,
WilHam, also of Perton and London. This William was Sheriff
of Staffordshire in 1631, and was Lord Mayor of London in 1643,
and received the honour of knighthood. (4) He also left charities
to the poor of Tettenhall, and his memorial brass, with its quaint

(i) Staff, Coll., vol. 4, p. 202. (2) Walsall Corporation Deeds.
(3) Shaw's Staff., vol. z. (4) M,I. in Codsall Church.

Manor of Perton. 135
doggerel epitaph, is still preserved in the Church at Tettenhall.
He had a son named William, whose daughter Judith was twice
married ; first to Thomas Bach, of Oaken, and secondly to John
Traunter, of the same place; she died December 10, 1706, and
was buried at Codsall.
Sir William Wollaston appears to have been the last of his
race at Perton, for the family afterwards migrated to other parts
of the country. The lands afterwards passed to the Wrottesley
family, by purchase, with the Manor of Perton ; and it only
remains to notice that Sir Richard Leveson conveyed the tithes
of Perton and Trescott, in 1646, in trust for the Minister of
Tettenhall parish, (i)

Descent of the Manor of Perton.

A.D. 1053. Edward the Confessor.
1066. Abbot of St. Peter's, Westminster.
I
1 167. John de Perton,
I
1 193. Ralph de Perton.
I
1 241. John de Perton.
1258. Ralph de Perton.
I
1259. WiHiam de Perton.
I
1285. John de Perton.
1334. William de Perton.
I
1336. Sir John de Perton.
1389. Sir Humphrey de Stafford.
I
1428. Sir John Stafford.
1469. Sir Walter Wrottesley, Knt.
I
1475, Humphrey Stafford.
(i) Shaw's Staff., vol. 2.

136

History of Tettenhall.

1503. Sir John Willoughby de Broke.
1539- James Leveson.
1547. Edward Leveson.
. I
1652. Sir Richard Leveson.
1660. Earl of Dorset,
I
1662. Sir Walter Wrottesley.
1894. Lord Wrottesley, present Lord of the Manor.

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The history of this Manor and of the Wrottesley
family, has been contributed by Major-General Wrottesley.
The Author has written the description of the Hall, and
has also recorded some of the more noteworthy achieve
ments of the present family.

HEN King WiHiam
the Norman had
conquered Eng-
and, and began
to divide the spoils
of victory with his followers, he
gave a large slice of Stafford
shire to Count Robert, who assumed the title of Stafford, He
was made Constable of Stafford Castle, and was the great land
owner of the county. Along with other Manors given to him was
that of Wrottesley.
Wrottesley, anciently Wrotslea, is the leag of Wrote. Wrote
is a form of the Saxon name Grote or Wroth — Dutch Groot. The
same name appears in Wroxhall and Wroxeter, the latter place
in ancient days being written Wrotcestre.
This Saxon Manor was owned, in the time of Edward
the Confessor, by a Saxon thane named Hunta. Afterwards it
was sublet by Count Robert to an under-tenant named Glodoen,
In 1072, Robert de Stafford, with the consent of his lord
King William, gave Wrottesley to the Holy Monastery of
Evesham, into the hands of Egelwin the Abbot, and laid the
deed of gift upon the Holy Altar, in the presence of Urso de
Abetot, the Sheriff of Worcestershire, Alwine, the Sheriff of
Warwickshire, and twenty-seven other witnesses, whose names
and crosses appear underwritten upon the deed, (i)

( I ; see Appendix.

140 History of Tettenhall,

Fourteen years later, Domesday Book gives this record of
the Manor : —
Ipse R. tenuit in Wrotolei ii hidam et Glodoen de eo,
Hunta tenure et liberi homini suit. Terra est ii carucae. In d'nio
est una, et i villano et i bordario. Silva dimidia leuva longa et ii
quarentenes lata. Valet iiii solidos,"
This Survey rarely, if ever, mentions mesne tenures, and
takes no notice of the above grant to the Moi:ks of Evesham, It
states that Robert (de Stafford) holds in Wrotolei (Wrottes
ley) two hides, and Glodoen holds it of him. Hunta held it (in
the time of King Edward the Confessor) and was a freeman.
The (arable) land is two carucates, one of which is in demesne,
and there is one villein and one bordarer {i.e. a cottager). There
is a wood half a leuva long and two furlongs in width, and it is
worth four shillings.
Nothing can better exemplify the devastation of parts of
Staffordshire than the foregoing ; here the annual value of the
Manor had been reduced to the normal assessment for hidage,
which was at the rate of two shillings a hide. The reason for so
much land in Staffordshire being styled "waste," and for its
depreciation in value, is to be found in King William's presence
there, in quelling a rebellion against his throne.
Some time during the interval between the years 1072
and 1088, Count Robert appears to have repented of his gift
of Wrottesley to the Abbey of Evesham, and endeavoured to
revoke it. The Monks, however, were not disposed to accept
such revocation quietly, and soon took measures to have the
gift confirmed. In 1088, Count Robert was exceedingly ill, probably on
his deathbed, and had again sought spiritual consolation from
the good Monks of Evesham. To prevent any further risk of
their losing Wrottesley, he had been admitted a member of the
Monastery, and had been shorn a Monk. As the record quaintly
reads: — "Robert de Stafford, then being sick, and shorn a Monk,
to provide for the good of his soul and for the soul of his lord
(William the Great, King ofthe English), gave Wrottesley and
Livinton to the Holy Monastery of Evesham, into the hands of

Manor (f Wrottesley. 1 4 1

the lord Walter the Abbot, his faithful friend." (i) By the same
deed, he gave his body to be buried in the same Monastery, and
his wife and Nicholas, his son, likewise gave their bodies to the
same house and confirmed the grant upon oath. The deed further
states that he did this by the advice of Peter, Bishop of Chester,
who had enjoined it of him for a penitence, for his attempted
revocation, and being made a Monk ofthe house in his sickness,
he had confirmed his gift with his own hand with the sign of the
cross. The witnesses to this deed, whom he styles his Barons,
are Nicholas, his son, Warine Malcorne, Brian and Carnegode ;
after which follow the boundaries of Wrottesley in Saxon.
By a deed without date, but executed early in the reign of
Henry II, Robert de Stafford II, together with Robert his son,
confirmed to the Monks of Evesham the grant of Wrottesley and
Levinton, which his grandfather Robert, and his father Nicholas
had made to that house, (2)
This confirmation of the grant of these Manors probably
immediately preceded the feoffment of Simon, son of William
de Cocton, at Wrottesley and Levinton. For about this period,
Adam, the Abbot of Evesham, granted Wrottesley and Livington
in fee and inheritance to Simon, son of WiHiam de Coctone, and
his heirs ; the said Simon rendering two marks yearly in lieu of
all services, excepting the service of the King, and saving the tenure
of William de Levington, So that the said William (3) should
perform to Simon the service which he formerly owed to the Abbot
and Convent, and for this concession Simon released all claim to
Morton, and lands in Norton and Hampton, and a messuage in
Evesham. The witnesses to this deed are Philip the Dapifer
{i.e. Steward) of the Monastery, Pagan the Clerk, William de
Time, Enguerrand de Humet, Jordan his brother, Bertram de
Verdun, Alexander de Claverley, Robert Pincerna, Walter Bret,
Guy de Verdun, Ralph de Meilnil, and Roland de Verdun. (4)
The original of this feoffment is still preserved at Wrottesley, and
is the title deed by which the Manor is held by the present family
of Wrottesley. (i) see Appendix. (2) Ibid,
(3) Eyton, in his notes, supposes the words " ipso Willielmo " to refer to
William, father of Simon de Cocton, and that 'iVilliam de Livington and William
de Cocton are identical. I prefer, however, the translation as given above, ipso
is used merely to emphasize the sense ofthe clause. — G. It'. (4) see Appendix.

14 2 History of Tettenhall.

The deed is without date, but the period of the grant can
be determined within very narrow limits, for, according to the
Evesham Chronicle, Adam became Abbot A.D. 1160, and on
the Pipe Roll of the Exchequer of 13 Henry II, viz., A.D. 1167,
Simon is returned as owing half a mark which had been assessed
upon Wrottesley at the last Iter of the Justices of the Forest.
Simon was therefore enfeoffed at Wrottesley between the years
1160 — 1167.
As this Simon is the undoubted progenitor of the present
family of Wrottesley, it may be advisable to go back, in order to
give some account ofthe origin of the family of Cocton, and of
their history up to the date of the Abbot's deed of gift.
By a deed in the Evesham Chartulary, which is attested
by the same witnesses as the feoffment of Simon at Wrottesley,
and doubtless executed at the same time, Ralph, the son of
William de Coctone, released to the Abbot Adam all claims to
Morton, and lands in Norton and Hampton, and a messuage in
Evesham, for which release the Abbot gave him the mill of
Samburne (near Coughton in Warwickshire).
This Ralph was an elder brother of Simon, and must have
been head of his house A.D. 1166, at which date he is returned in
the Liber Niger of the Exchequer as holding a Knight's fee of the
Abbot of Evesham, It will now be shewn that this Ralph was
the lineal descendant of a former Ralph, the Domesday tenant of
the Abbot at Kinewarlon and Morton, and the brother of Walter
the first Norman Abbot of the house.
Agelwin, the last of the Saxon Abbots of Evesham, died
A.D, 1077, and was succeeded by Walter, a Monk of Cerisy, in
Normandy, and Chaplain of Lanfranc, the Archbishop of Canter
bury. The Evesham Chronicle records that being a young man
at the date of his accession, and less prudent in worldly matters
than was necessary, quam oportet, he refused to accept the homage
of many worthy tenants of the Monastery, and conferred their
lands upon his own relations, and, it adds, that he enfeoffed nearly
aH the miHtary tenants of the Monastery,
A list ofthe tenants ofthe Monastery, circa A.D. 1130, has
the following :— Ralph, the brother of the Abbot Walter, holds in
Witheley three hides in demesne ; in Kinewarton three hides in
demesne ; in Stoke two-and-a-half hides in demesne ; in Litelton

Manor of Wrottesley. 143
two-and-a-half hides in demesne ; and in Bretferton three hides
and one virgate by the gift of Walter the Abbot, and against the
consent ofthe Chapter, " contradicente capitulo."
Another list of tenants, circa A.D. iigo, states: — Simon,
son of Ralph de Cocton, holds in Litelton two-and-a-half hides;
in Witheley one-and-a-half hide ; and in Bretferton three hides
and one virgate, and he owes the service of one Knight. Ralph
holds in Kinewarton three hides; and in Witheley one-and-a-half
hide; and in Stoke two-and-a-half hides, and he owes the service
of one Knight.
Adding up the respective fiefs of Simon and the last
named Ralph, it will be seen they exactly make up the fief
granted originally by the Abbot Walter to his brother Ralph.
Another Tenure Roll in the same Chartulary states that
Ralph de Coctone holds two-and-a-half hides in Litelton, et hoc
fecit Walterus Abbas injuste, thus shewing that the tenure of the
Coctons in Litelton was derived from a grant of the Abbot
Walter. The "Liber Niger of the Exchequer," A.D, 1166, returns
Ralph de Cocton and Ralph de Kinewarton as each holding a
Knight's fee of the Abbot of Evesham, of old feoffment , by which is
meant that they or their ancestors had been enfeoffed before the
death of Henry I. Ralph, the Abbot's brother, thus appears to
have been the common progenitor of the two famiHes of Cocton
and Kinewarton. Coughton, in Warwickshire, written Coctune in the
Domesday Survey, was one of the Manors held (A.D. 1086)
by Turchil de Warwick. Turchil's under-tenant at the same date
was named William, and was probably William fitz Corbuson,
the tenant of the neighbouring Manor of Stodley ; for Peter de
Stodley, the son of William fitz Corbuson, gave the Church of
Coughton to the Priory of Stodley, when he founded that house
early in the reign of Henry I.
This Manor, so far as regarded its subsequent ownership,
followed the same rule which governed all the other possessions
of Ralph, the Abbot's brother, for in the reign of King John we
find it equally divided between the two families of Cocton and
Kinewarton. By a fine levied i John, Ralph de Kinewarton

14 4 History of Tettenhall.

acknowledged he had endowed Joan, the wife of his son Robert
(then deceased), with two hides of land in Cocton. Coughton,
according to Domesda)', was a Manor of four hides.
Ralph, the Abbot's brother, is mentioned in a Tenure Roll
of Evesham, which bears internal evidence of having been com
piled in the interval between the death of the Abbot Maurice
and the accession ofthe Abbot Reginald, in 1130. During this
interval, the possessions of the Abbey were in the hands of the
King, and the Sheriff of Warwickshire accounts for the revenues
of the Abbey on the Pipe Roll of 31 Henry I. Ralph, the
Abbot's brother, died apparently during the same interval, for
the Chronicle of Evesham mentions, as the first act of the Abbot
Reginald, his removal of the houses of the Knights of Cocton and
Kinewarton, quibus quasi obsessa fuit Abbatia. This took place
A.D. 1 130. The division of Ralph's lands had therefore taken
place at this period, between those two families, and on the
Warwickshire Pipe Roll of 31 Henry I, a William and Robert
pay heavy fines to have the lands of their father Ralph. It is difficult
not to associate this entry with the succession to the feif of Ralph
the Abbot's brother. It will be seen that the date corresponds
with the period which has been already set down on independent
testimony as the probable date of Ralph's death, and the Abbey
being in the hands ofthe King, the reliefs of the tenants would
be paid into the Exchequer.
A grant of Wicklakesford, in fee farm, to Ralph Pincerna,
of Oversley, by the Abbot Robert, in the Evesham Chartulary,
and which is dated A.D. 1121, is witnessed by a Ralph de
Coctone. This Ralph, under the foregoing suppositions, can
be no other than Ralph, the brother of the Abbot Walter, who
having been enfeoffed at Coughton by one of the Corbusons of
Stodley, had taken up his residence there, and was named after
the place. A grant of Peter de Stodley to Bordesley Abbey,
printed by Madox in his " Formularc Anglicanum," is witnessed
by Robert de Cocton and William, his brother. This deed is
addressed to John, Bishop of Worcester, who was consecrated
A,D, 1151, died at Rome, A,D, 1158, and must have passed
within that interval. This Robert 1 take to be the ancestor of
the family afterwards styled de Kinewarton, and his brother
William to be the father of Ralph de Cocton, and of Simon,

Manor of W?'otte.sley. 145

the Abbot's feoffee at Wrottesley — the progenitor of the family
which afterwards assumed that name.
Simon was clearly in seisin of the Manor of Wrottesley
A.D. 1 167, when he is named on the Pipe Roll as responsible for
the fine of half a mark assessed on the vill. He occurs again in
a deed in the Kenilworth Chartulary, by which Henry de Clinton
mortgages the mill of Kibbeclive to Ralph de Cocton for /"lO, to
be repaid within a year from the first Feast of St. Michael, after
the surrender of the Castle of Leicester, and in the event of
Ralph dying within the term, the mill is to be held by his son
Simon, and if the said Simon should die before the money was
repaid, then the mill was to be held by Simon, his brother. The
Castle of Leicester was surrendered in August, 1174, the mort
gagor, Henry de Clinton, being one of the Barons who were then
in arms against the King. No further mention of Simon has
been found, but he probably lived through the reign of Henry II.
Ralph, his elder brother, occurs on the Worcestershire Pipe Roll
of 31 Henry II, and died between that date and the first year of
King Richard. Simon was certainly dead before A.D, 1199,
when he had been succeeded by William de Wrottesley, his son.
Before treating of Simon's successors, it may be advisable
to advert to one of those difficulties of tenure which frequently
occur to puzzle the antiquary. During a large portion, if not the
whole of the period, during which it has been shewn that Simon
was possessed of Wrottesley by gift of the Abbot Adam, the
Manor was apparently held by a tenant named Adam, who,
under the name of Adam de Wrottesley, appears on the " Liber
Niger" of A.D. 1166; on the Pipe RoH of A.D. 1176; attests a
deed dated A.D. 1 176, in Eyton's " Antiquities of Shropshire";
and numerous other Staffordshire Charters of the reign of
Henry II.
Eyton, in his notes on the early Wrottesley Charters, in
vol. 2 of " Staffordshire Collections," attempts to solve this
difficulty by suggesting that there was a double tenure at
Wrottesley, but this solution seems to be at variance with the
terms ofthe "Liber Niger" of A.D. 1166, which expressly states
that the Abbot of Evesham holds a Knight's fee of Robert de
Stafford, and Adam de Wrottesley holds the same of the Abbot.
It is a most remarkable circumstance that Simon, who must have

146 History of Tettenhall.

been enfeoffed at Wrottesley between A.D, 1160 and 1167, after
his one appearance on the Pipe RoH of A,D. 1167, disappears
entirely from the scene, and his place is occupied by an Adam
de Wrottesley, and that this took place during his lifetime,
for he is clearly alive A.D. 1 177, and that he was succeeded at
Wrottesley by a son, who styles himself William, son of Simon.
After long pondering on the matter, I can come to no
other conclusion but that Simon, on coming into possession of
Wrottesley by gift and feoffment of the Abbot Adam, had
assumed the name of his benefactor. This was not an un
common occurrence in the old days. Thus Sismondi, in his
" History of the French," relates how the Emperor Charles IV
had been originally christened Wenceslaus, but had changed
his name out of compliment to Charles, King of France, in
whose Court he had been brought up ; and Orderic Vitalis, the
Historian of the reign of Henry I, informs us that the wife
of that monarch had been originally baptized as Edith, but
had subsequently assumed the name of Matilda, in honour of
Matilda, the wife of the Conqueror. Eyton also, in his " History
of Shropshire," states he has occasionally met with genealogical
difficulties which can only be explained upon the supposition
that both men and women were sometimes known by different
Christian names at various epochs of their lives, (i)

William de Wrottesley (A.D. 1199 to A.D. 1241).
Simon was succeeded, before the year 1199, by a son
William, who is styled indiscriminately William fitz Simon
and William de Wrottesley.
The earliest mention of this William is on a Roll of the
Curia Regis of the first year of King John, where he occurs as
defendant in a suit brought against him by the Abbot of
(i) Since the above was written, researches at the Public Record Office
have shewn that the Wrottesleys descend from the great house of Verdun of
Alton, William de Wrottesley, living between 1199 and 1242, it appears was
originally called William de Verdun, and dropt his French patronymic and
assumed in place of it the name of his Manor or residence. This accounts
for the presence of Bertram de Verdun, and two others of the same family,
as witnesses to the Abbot's feoffment of Simon, son of William de Coctune,
at Wrottesley, As William de Wrottesley is shewn to be son of this Simon, it
becomes manifest now that the family of de Coctune were likewise a branch of
the house of Verdun. See a note on this suLject by Major-General Wrottesley,
at p, 62 vol, 9, Staff, Coll. See also p. 37, vol, 14, Ibid,

Manor of Wrottesley. 147

Croxden. The Abbot was lord of the neighbouring Manor of
Oaken, and essoins his attendance in a suit against William de
Wrotteslee in a plea of land. The date of the Essoin Roll is
September or October, 11 99, but no further reference to the
suit remains. {See Staff, Coll,, vol. S,p, 36,)
William occurs again as surety for Hawyse de Waterfall,
in a suit of Great Assize, at Trinity Term 3 John (May, 1201).
In this suit, Henry de Deneston sued Nicholas de Minster and
Hawyse, his wife, for four bovates of land in Butterton. Hawyse
appeared, and stated that the land was of her inheritance, and
that Nicholas, her husband, corrupted by the gifts of the said
Henry, absented himself and would not appear when the plea
was moved, and she offered 40s, for a Great Assize, as to which
of them had the greater right to the land in question, and that
the King, moved with pity {motus misericordia), and by the advice
of his counsel, had accepted the offering of the said Hawyse. A
day is given to the parties on the morrow of the close of Easter;
when four Knights are to come to elect twelve, as jurors. The
surety for Hawyse for the 40s. is William de Wrottesle, and
Hawyse put in her place William, her son. Hawyse was a
daughter and co-heir of Robert fitz Adam, of Waterfall, or
Butterton on the Moors, a Manor held under the Despencers.
William de Wrottesley was married shortly after this date to her
sister, Ingrith. (i)
In this year, viz., 5 Henry III, or A.D. 1221, an entry
on the Memoranda Roll of the Exchequer orders the Sheriff of
Staffordshire to distrain the following tenants of the Barony of
Stafford for the scutage of three marks, being for each Knight's
fee, viz. : —
"John le Mareschall, for one Knight's fee in Conton (Colton).
Henry de Aldithely, three-and-a-quarter Knights' fees from the
heirs of Roger de Somervill (then in his custody).
The heir of Thomas de Erdington, one Knight's fee in Ocle
(Oakley).
William de Wrotele, one Knight's fee in Wrotele.
The Abbot of Crokesden, one Knight's fee in Oken (Oaken)."

(i) Dugdale MS. and Suits on Assize Rolls of 5 John and 27 Edward I.

148 History of Tettenhall.
As the grant of Wrottesley and Livington to the Abbot of
Evesham had not been confirmed by the King, the Baron of
Stafford was liable for scutage from the fee, and it wiU be noted
he had returned it amongst his fees Hable to scutage in the return
known as the "Liber Niger" of A.D. 1166, but, these Manors
having been granted in frank-almoign to the Abbot of Evesham,
the latter would not be liable for scutage to the Barons of Stafford,
nor could the latter recover it by distraint from the Abbot's
tenant. For this reason the fee of Wrottesley and Livington
ceases to appear on the Scutage Rolls of the " Testa de NeviH,"
although these Rolls, and the Pipe Rolls, shew that the Barons of
Stafford always paid scutage on sixty Knights' fees, and Wrot
tesley and Livington formed a part of the fees which made up
the sixty Knights' fees of the Barony in the " Liber Niger." The
Barons of Stafford had, in fact, subsequently enfeoffed other
tenants, by military service, to make up for the fees which had
been alienated by grants in frank-almoign to religious houses, and
to Templars and Hospitallers.
In this year, i.e. 5 Henry III, William de Wrottesley
commenced a suit-at-law against Luke, son of William de
Boterdon, for customs and services owing for half a bovate of
land in Boterdon (Butterton). The records which are extant of
this suit enable us to identify William de Wrotteslej' as son of a
Simon, and therefore presumably as son of Simon, son of William
de Cocton. The Fine Roll of 5 Henry III, says: — "William,
son of Simon, gives to the King half a mark for a writ cf ' Pone,'
before the Justices Itinerant, against Luke de Buterdon, respect
ing the service which the said William claimed of him for his free
tenement in Buterdon, etc." For the rest ofthe proceedings in
this suit, see the Plea Rolls in vol. 4, " Staff. Coll.," pp. 20 and
21, which shew clearly that the William, son of Simon, who
pays this fine, is no other than William de Wrottesle}-.
On the Staffordshire Pipe Roll of 11 Henry III, William
de Wrottesley is returned as owing Haifa mark for a license of
concord, at the Iter of Stephen de Segrave in Warwickshire.
This fine has been preserved, and is of interest, from the confir
mation it affords of the descent of the Wrottesleys from the
Coctons of Coughton, in Warwickshire. It was levied at

Manor of Wrottesley. 149

Coventry, before Stephen de Segrave, on the morrow of the
Octaves of St. Martin, 11 Henry III, between William de
Wrottesley on one part, and Simon de Cocton and Constance,
his wife, on the other, respecting one-fourth of a hide of land
ill La Wyke, in respect of which an assize of mart d' ancestor
had been summoned between them. By the terms of the fine
WiHiam released all his claim, for which Simon and Constance
gave him a mark of silver. The Wyke is a hamlet of Coughton.
William de Wrottesley was alive as late as A.D. 1241,
for he appears as a witness to deeds of John de Perton, who
succeeded his father Ralph in that year. He also witnesses a
Patshull deed (i) which, although undated, can be shewn to
belong to this j'ear, for it is attested by Nicholas de Willey,
Sheriff of Salop; this Nicholas acted as Sub-Sheriff for John le
Strange, A.D, 1241. (2) William was dead before the 12th
February, 1248, for on that date his son, Hugh de Wrottesley,
witnesses the Convention made before the Justiciaries Itinerant,
at Lichfield, between Ralph Basset and John de Perton, respect
ing common of pasture in Patingham and Perton. (3) He left
four sons, Hugh, Richard, Henry, and Bertram, and a daughter,
Alice, married to Henry le Freeman (4) of Wrottesley. He
appears likewise to have had two brothers, Richard and Henry,
for between A.D. 1241 and A.D. 1249, Thomas de Marisco, by
a deed presented at Wrottesley, grants land in Tettenhale to
Richard, son of Simon. This deed is witnessed by Sir Robert de
Essington, Sir John de Perton, William de Wrottesley, Hugh de
Wrottesley,; Nicholas de Oaken, and Henry, son of Simon. (5)
One deed only of this William is preserved at Wrottesley.
In this he grants an assart in Blakelegh to Richard the Black
smith of Wrottesley. The deed has a seal attached to it of hard
green wax, on which is the impression of a " fleur-de-lys," an
ordinary conventional device of this period, before armorial
bearings became common on seals.

(i) Huntbach's MS. (2) Eyton's Shropshire.
(3) Original deed at Wrottesley, see Appendix, (4) Ibid, (5) Ibid,

150 History of Tettenhall.
Hugh de Wrottesley (A.D. 1248 to A.D. 1275).
This Hugh appears as witness, in his father s lifetime, to
several deeds of the reign of Henry III, in Huntbach's MSS., his
name immediately following that of his father in the testing clause,
as " WilHelmo de Wrottele et Hugone filio ejus." These tran
scripts of deeds contain the only proofs we have that Hugh de
Wrottesley, who succeeded William at this date, was the son of
the latter ; none of the deeds at Wrottesley, or any public docu
ment, containing any evidence on the matter.
As already menlioned, he witnesses the convention made
at the Assizes at Lichfield, in February, 1248, between John de
Perton and Ralph Basset of Drayton. In the latter part of the
same year, he formed one ofthe jury which returned by Inqui
sition the value of the King's Manor of Tettenhall. {See under
Tettenhall Regis.)
On the Coram Rege Roll of Michaelmas Term, 42
Henry III, John de Frene and Wylde Scheil sue Hugh de
Wrotesle and William Shirelok for insulting and illtreating
them, vi et armis, against the King's peace. Hugh did not
appear, but was attached by Stephen de Wrottesley, the
Forester, and Nicholas, son of Richard de Wrottesley. He is
ordered to put in better sureties to appear at the next Hillary
Sittings. The Sheriff returned that William Shirelok could not
be found, and he is ordered to arrest him. No further partic
ulars of this suit are extant on the Rolls.
On the Patent Roll of 46 Henry III, Martin de Lyttelbyri
is assigned to take the Assizes of novel disseisin which William
de Pereton (Perton) arraigned against Hugh de Wrokesley and
others, concerning a tenement in Perton. By a deed in the
Dugdale MSS., undated, but which may be ascribed to this
year, William, son of John de Perton, remits to Hugh, son of
William de Wrottesley, and his heirs, all his right to lands and
tenements which the said Hugh held in frank-marriage ofthe gift
of Ralph, the grandfather of William. William de Perton had,
I think, been attempting to recover the land alienated of the
Sergeantry of Perton by Ralph, his grandfather, and this deed
gives us the conclusion of the suit. A suit in Banco, of 12
Edward I, shews that the name of the daughter of Ralph de

Manor of Wrottesley, 151

Perton, who married Hugh, was Idonia. To about the same
date may be ascribed the entry respecting him in the Testa de
Nevill, which has been already mentioned under Perton.
In 1259, Hugh de Wrottesley heads the list of jurors of
the Inquisition upon the death of the second Ralph de Perton {see
under Perton), On the Patent Roll of the same year (43 Henry III), Giles
de Erdington is appointed to take an assize of novel disseisin,
which Richard de Wrottesley arraigned against Hugh de
Wrottesley, concerning a tenement in Waterfall. No record
of this assize is to be found.
His disputes with William de Perton, of 45 and 46
Henry III, have been already detailed under Perton. In the
former year, by Close Writ of 45 Henry III, the Sheriff of
Staffordshire is directed to proceed in person to the land of
Hugh de Wrottele, in Wrottesle, and the land of William de
Perton, in Perton, and to take with him twelve discreet and
lawful Knights of his County, and, upon their oath, to make
a perambulation, by metes and bounds, between the land of
the said Hugh in Wrottele, and the land of the said William
in Perton. The Patent Roll of 49 Henry III, contains notices of
cross suits instituted between him and the Abbot of Croxden,
respecting common of pasture in Oaken and Wrottesley. In
the first of these suits, Giles de Erdington is appointed to
take an assize of novel disseisin, which the Abbot of Crokesden
arraigned against Hugh de Wrottesleye and Roger le Suur
(Sewer), respecting a tenement in Ake (Oaken), and to take
an assize of novel disseisin which the same Abbot arraigned
against Hugh de Wrokesley, concerning common of pasture in
Wrokesley. Another entry on the same Roll states that Giles
de Erdington is appointed to take an assize of novel disseisin
which Hugh de Wrottesleye arraigned against the Abbot of
Crokesden, concerning common of pasture in Aken.
Before any of these suits could come into Court, an event
occurred which must have effectually stopped all proceedings.
The Battle of Evesham was fought in August of this year, and
Hugh de Wrottesley, who had adhered to the party of Simon de
Montfort, was a fugitive, and disinheriled of all his possessions.

152 History of Tettenhall,

The deeds by which Hugh de Wrottesley subsequently
compounded for his estates, under the provisions of the Dictum
de Kenilworth, have been preserved at Wrottesley, and are
considered by Eyton, and other antiquaries, to be very curious
and rare, it being doubtful whether any other compositions
under the Dictum de Kenilworth are in existence. They are as
follows : — Translation.
" To all faithful in Christ, seeing or hearing of these present
letters. Roger Sprenghose (i), lord of Longenolre, health in the
Lord. Know all the universe, that I, for myself and heirs and
assigns, have quit-claimed in perpetuity to Hugh de Wrottesley
and his heirs, all his land and all the right I had in it of the gift
of the lord the King Henry, son of King John, on the occasion of
the disturbances of the kingdom of England which had then
arisen, and for this quit-claim the said Hugh gave to me sixty
marks sterling for the redemption of his lands, and of which I
declare myself to be fully and legally paid. In witness of which
I have caused these letters patent to be made, sealed with my
seal. These being witnesses: — John fitz Philip, Knight, Richard
de Hevenefend (Enville), Ralph de Bissoburi, John de Pendeford,
William de Overton, and others."Translation.
" Know all present and future, that I, Roger Sprenghose,
lord of Longenolre, demise and quit-claim for myself and heirs,
to Hugh de Wrottesle and his heirs, all right and claim which I
have, or can have, in the lands and tenements of the said Hugh,
given to me by the King. So that the said Hugh and his heirs
ma}.' have and hold the said lands and tenements in perpetuity,
as fully, freely, and pacifically as he and his ancestors have held
them, notwithstanding any impediment or objection from myself
or heirs. And I will warrant and defend them against anyone
who may make any claim for them by reason of any gift made
of them, either by the lord the King, or by the lord Hamon
Lestrange (2) ; and for this demise and quit-claim the said Hugh
(i) Roger Sprenchaux, lord of Longnor, co Salop, see Eyton's Shropshire.
(2) Hamon Le Estrange was Sheriff of Salop and Staffordshire during the
disturbances ot the kingdom, and for some time afterwards.

Manor of Wrottesley. 153

gave to me sixty marks sterling ; and that my demise and quit
claim may have perpetual validity, I have appended the impres
sion of my seal. These being witnesses: — John de Picheford,
Magister Thomas de Chabbeham, John, Chaplain of Albrithton,
William Champeneis, William Olif, William de Unfreiston, and
others." The above deeds are without date, but may be ascribed to
the year 1267 or 1268, the Dictum having been promulgated at
Coventry on the eve of All Saints, 31st October, 1266. It pro
vided that all those who were at Northampton in arms against
the King, or at Evesham, or at the Battle of Kenilworth, or at
Chesterfield, or in the Castle of Kenilworth during the seige,
should give the value of five years to those who held their lands,
for their redemption, and others, according to their delinquency,
should give two years' value, and others one year, and that the
redemption money should be payable within three years.
The Dictum caused great irritation at first amongst the
King's adherents, and many of the holders of the forfeited estates
refused to give them up ; but the country appears to have been
finally appeased by the autumn of 1268, when proclamation was
made that every man might redeem his lands by a ransom.
On the Warwickshire Pipe Roll of this year (52 Henry III)
Hugh de Wrottesley is returned as paying half a mark for a writ
(" breve "). This word is not employed on the Pipe Rolls for an
ordinary writ of Assize, and it may be assumed, therefore, that
the writ in question was an order to the Sheriff to put him into
seisin of his forfeited estates. There is no Staffordshire Pipe
Roll of this year, and it is probable that the royal revenue had
not been collected in Staffordshire during the preceding fiscal
year. At the Forest Proceedings of Michaelmas, 1271, Hugh de
Wrottesley heads the list of the Reguardors of Kinver {see Forest
Pleas, part 1, vol, 5, Staff. Coll.) A presentment was made that
William de Perton, Ralph de Bysopburi, Roger, his brother,
William, son of Hugh de Wrottesley, and four others named,
were common malefactors of venison in the Bailiwicks of Bent
legh and Oggeley, that they took in the Bailiwick of Bentley,
on the Friday before Pentecost, 54 Henry III, three fallow deer,
without warrant, and carried them to the house of the said Ralph

154 History of Tettenhall.

de Bysopburi and there divided them. For this transgression
William de Wrottesley was sent to prison, and subsequently
released for a fine of 20s,, for which Hugh, his father, is surety.
A fine of 20s. would be equivalent to a fine of about ^70 at the
present date.
At the County Assizes of A.D. 1272, Hugh de Wrottesle}'
appears as one of the Jury of the Hundred of Seisdon.
On the Patent RoH 2 Edward I. (A.D. 1274), Ralph de
Hengham and Walter de Hopton are assigned to take an Assize
of novel disseisin, which Hugh de Wrottesleye arrainged against
Ralph Basset, of Drayton, and others, respecting tenements in
Wrottesleye, and on the same Roll, Ralph de Hengham and
Walter de Helioii, are assigned to take the Assize of novel
disseisin which Hugh de Wrotele arrainged against the Abbot of
Crokesdon and others, respecting tenements in Wrotele.
Ralph Basset's Manor of Pattingham adjoined Wrottesley
and Perton, the point of junction of the three manors being
distinguished by a remarkable oak tree, which is styled in deeds
of this date as the "Tyndede Meer Oak.'' (i) With this exception,
the boundaries appear to have been undefined, and consisted
chiefiy of waste and moorland. A suit between a previous Ralph
Basset, who had been killed at Evesham, and John de Perton,
on the subject of common of pasture between their respective
tenants had been concluded at the Assizes at Lichfield in 1248,
by a convention which has been already noticed under Perton.
The suit now commenced between Ralph Basset and Hugh de
Wrottesley seems to have led to no result, for these disputes
concerning the boundaries of the Manors of Wrottesley and
Pattingham were not concluded before the convention made
between Ralph, Lord Bassett, and Sir William de Wrottesley in
1313. The suit was probably stopped by the death of Hugh,
which must have taken place before the close of 1276. The Pipe
Roll of 4 Edward I, states that the Sheriff owed half a mark from
Hugh de Wrottesley for an Assize, and, as no further entry
respecting this debt occurs on any subsequent RlH, it may be

(.1) Although this oak tree has long since disappeared, the name still
exists in the " Meer Oak Lane." and the " Meer Oak Cottages," at the point
of junction of the three Manors.

Manor of Wrottesley. 155
assumed it was never paid. The deeds at Wrottesley shew he
had been succeeded by his son William before the year 1277. (i)
Hugh de Wrottesley married Idonia, daughter of the first
Ralph de Perton (2), and left two sons, William and Hugh, and a
daughter Amiscia, married to Richard le Boteler. During the
latter part of his career, he has the prefix of "Dominus" in
contemporary deeds, and I conclude therefore he was a Knight.
No armorial seal of Hugh de Wrottesley has been preserved, the
only seal at Wrottesley of this Hugh, bears the ordinary
conventional device of a fleur de lys, with the legend S. Hugonis
de Wrotele. 
William de Wrottesley II. (A.D. 1276 to A.D. 1313).
William, the second of his name, succeeded his father
Hugh, before the close of A.D. 1276, for, by a deed at
Wrottesley, Richard de Verdun, of the Wyke (in Coughton)
grants to William, lord of Wrottesley, his kinsman {consanguineo meo)
all his rights and claim in lands, tenements, wardships, reliefs
and services, etc., which may in any way fall to him through the
death of Symon de Werdun, his ancestor, {antecessoris mei). This
deed is witnessed by Henry de Prestwode, and on the Banco
Roll of 5 Edward I, Nichola, who had been the wife of Henry
de Prestwode, was suin;; Leon de Romesleye and others for her
dower in Kinfare. Early in the following year, William de
Wrottesley grants a lease for 21 years of half a virgate of land
in Boterdon (Butterton on the Moors) to Henry, son of Alan of
Boterdon, the term to begin at the Feast of the Purification,
(2 February) A.D. 1177. I conclude he must have been in
possession of his patrimony when he granted this lease.
In II Edward I, A.D. 1283, he is first juror of the
Inquisition on the death of his cousin, William de Perton.
A suit on a Banco Roll of 12 Edward I, (Easter Term)
gives us the name of his mother, the daughter of Ralph de
Perton, which is not mentioned in the deed previously quoted
(i) A deed at Wrottesley shews indirectly that he was dead before the
end ofthe year 1276. This is a grant made to William, lord of Wrottesley, and
is witnessed by Henry de Prestwode. This Henry must have died before the
close of the year 1276, for at Easter Term, 5 Edward I. i.e. in March, 1277,
Nichola, his widow, was suing in Banco for her dower. Staff. Coll., vol 6 p,82
(2) Deed in Dugdale's Collections, Banco Roll, 12 Edward I,

156 History of Tettenhall.

from the Dugdale collection. The entry on the Roll states that
Idonia, formerly wife of Hugh de Wroctesly, sued John le
Botiler for a messuage and half a virgate of land in Perton, and
William del Hulle, (of the Hill) of Lappeley, for Haifa messuage
and one-fourth of a virgate of land in the same vill, and Robert
Laweles for half a messuage and one-fourth of a virgate in the
same vill, which she claimed as her right and maritagium, {i.e.
marriage portion), and in which the said John, William, and
Robert had no entry, except through Amice, daughter of Hugh
de Wrottesley, to whom the said Hugh, formerly husband of
Idonia, had demised the tenements during their joint lives, when
she could not object. The defendants appeared and defended
their right, and John called to warranty, WiHiam, son of Hugh
de Wrottesley, and William stated he held the tenement claimed
against him for the term of his life by a demise of the said John
le Botiler, son and heir of Amice, and the third defendant Robert,
called to warranty, the same John, son of Amice, he stated also,
that the tenements in question were the right and "maritagium"
of Amice, she, together with her husband had demised the said
tenements to him, and he called to warranty, John, his son and
heir. The suit is adjourned to a month from Michaelmas for the
attendance of the warrantors, but no further notice of it occurs
on the Rolls.
Two years later, William de Wrottesley is found in great
trouble for misdemeanors committed in Kinfare Forest, 14 years
previously. The presentments on the Forest Roll of 14 Edward I,
state that William de Wrottesley came into the said Forest on
the day of St. Alphege, in the 56th year of the reign of King
Henry, the King's father, and with greyhounds, etc. {See Forest
Pleas, vol. 5, part 1 , Staff. Coll.) (i)
Another presentment states that William de Wrottesleye,
Hugh, his brother, Nicholas de la Lude, Thomas, brother of
Nicholas, and William, son of Alice de Penne, came into the
wood of Putlesleye, within the said forest, on the Friday before
the Feast of St. James, in the above year, etc. {See Forest Pleas,
vol. 5, part 1, Staff. Coll.)

(i) see Perton, p, 112 ante.

Manor of Wrottesley, 157

In the same year I find him involved in two suits at
law. On the Patent Roll of 14 Edward I, Master Thomas
de Sodington, William de Hopton, and two others, are assigned
to take the Assize of novel disseisin, which WiHiam de Wrottes
legh, and Petronilla, his wife, arraigned against Ralph Folshonk
and others, respecting tenements in Blore, near Okore (Okeover)
and Grendon (Grindon), near Watervale ; and an entry on the
Fine Roll of the same year states that Benedict de Boterdon,
WilHam de Wrotteslegh, and William Pontrel, gave half a mark
to have an assize taken before the same Justices.
The Assize Roll containing the hearing of these suits is
not in existence, but in the first of them, William was evidently
suing respecting land he had obtained in marriage with his wife
Petronilla. We obtain from it, therefore, some clue to her
identity. Blore and Grindon on the Moors was held at this
date by a younger branch of the Baronial house of Audley.
John de Audley, of Blore, who was dead in 8 Edward I, left
a widow Petronilla, and I conlude, therefore, that William was
married to a daughter of this Sir John de Audley.
The Assize Roll, of 21 Edward I, names William de
Wrottesley as one of the Coroners of the County. After giving
the names of nine jurors, who were all Knights, it has an entry
on another membrane stating that "These remain Coroners in
this County, viz., Henry de Cresswell, Roger de Swynnerton,
Henry, the Clerk of Alrewas, and William de Wrottesle." The
last two were not Knights. William de Wrottesley was not
knighted till 24 or 25 Edward I, and, as a statute passed in
the third year of this reign ordained that none should be elected
Coroners in future who were not Knights, the meaning of this
entry, which is somewhat abnormal, I take to be that these four
had been elected before the date of the above statute, and, if so,
it would almost appear that WilHam must have succeeded his
father before A.D. 1275, for he would hardly have been elected a
Coroner before he held some position in the County.
In 1294, William de Wrottesley was juror and witness
(for at this date they were synonymous) upon the Inquisition
to prove the age of Edmund, son and heir of Nicholas, the Baron
of Stafford. The proceedings are curious, but too long to produce
in full, William de Wrottesley, being sworn and examined

158 History of Tettenhall.

respecting the age of the heir, stated he agreed with what Sir
Hugh de Weston had said of the day and place of the said birth
and with his reasons for recollecting it, and further stated that
certain servants of the said Baron of Stafford were journeying on
the morrow ofthe birth ofthe aforesaid Edmund, from Madeley
to Weston, and they came to the house of Hugh de Wrottesley,
the father of the said William, and there related the birth of the
said Edmund, It appears by this deposition that Hugh de
Wrottesley was certainly alive in September, 1273. (i)
In 1298, William de Wrottesley and John de Perton, by an
indented deed, brought to a close dissensions of long standing,
respecting the boundaries of their respective manors.
The preamble of the deed states that whereas various
contentions had arisen between them, on account of divers
unknown boundaries and meers between the lands of the said
William and John, the strife had been finally appeased in this
form, viz,, that the aforesaid William and John, of their common
will and unanimous consent, had conceded and established the
bounds and meers underwritten, viz,, from the oak tree called
the Tyndede Meer Ok, which is the boundary between Ralph
Basset and the said William and John, descending as far as le
Mere Way, and descending le Mere Way as far as the nearest
corner of the assart of Geoffrey le Crouthour, towards the village
of Wrottesley, and from the said corner descending by the ditch
as far as a certain oak tree, and from the said oak tree, descending
by the new ditch as had been perambulated, as far as the corner
of Wodewalle Meadow, and from the said corner by the same
ditch as far as the opposite corner of the assart of Hugh de
Wrottesley, which is called Cronemor, and from the said corner
ascending by the ditch of the said assart as far as the assart of
William de Wrottesley, and from the said assart ascending by
the ditch of the same as far as the corner ofthe assart of William
en la Hale, which is called Grenhul,

(i) Hugh de Weston's deposition was to the effect that the said PMmund
was born on the Feast of St, Edith (i6th Sept.) next after the Iter of Ralph de
Hengham, in Salop, and that shortly after the birth of the said Edmund, Nicholas,
the Baron of Stafford, had come to the house of Hugh, at Weston, and announced
to him that he had a son, and William de Wrottesley must have been at Weston
on the same occasion, and heard the announcement. Inquisitions, temp. Ed, I,

Manor of Wrottesley. 159

This deed is in Latin, but the constant use of the French
preposition, as a prefix to the names of places and persons, shews
that French was still the language of the manorial proprietors at
this date. Of the boundaries named, Cronemore, the Meer Oak,
and the Greenhills, still exist as local names.
An Assize Roll of this year, A.D. 1298, gives some
important information respecting the descent of William, from
the Ingrith of Butterton, mentioned in a previous suit of 5 John.
The entry on the Roll states that an assize came to make
recognition if Henry de Brey, William le Rider, and others,
had unjustly disseised William de Wrottesleye, Benedict de
Boterdon, and William Pontrel, of twenty acres of heath with
appurtenances in Boterdon. Henry pleaded an assize ought not
to be taken, because he was capital lord of Boterdon, and the
plaintiffs held their tenements of him, and the land in dispute
was part ofthe waste ofthe said vill and belonged to the demesne,
and he prayed judgment, whether, as the said William, Benedict,
and William shew no title to the said waste, they ought to have
an assize. The plaintiff's stated that their ancestors had held the
entire Manor of Boterdon, which Manor they now hold, and by
reason of that Manor they were seised of the said heath, until
they had been dispossessed by Henry and the other defendants.
Henry replied that in the time of King John, in the fifth year of
his reign, a fine was levied at Lichfield between one Henry de
Deneston, whose status the said Henry de Brey now held, and
one William, son of Eda, and Ingritha, sister of Eda, and Roger
Pontrel and Margaret, his wife, and Hawyse de Waterfal, tenants
of fourteen bovates of land in Boterdon, of the free tenement
formerly belonging to Robert de Waterfall, the father of the
said Eda, Ingrith, Margaret, and Hawyse, in the same vill, and
ancestor of the said William, Benedict, and William, in which
fine it was contained that the said WiHiam, son of Eda, Ingrith,
and the others named, held and ought to hold the said tenements
of the said Henry de Deneston, and he produced the said fine, in
which there was no mention of a Manor, but of bovates of land
only, and as the said WilHam, Benedict, and William did not
deny that they and their ancestors held their tenements in
Boterdon of the said Henry de Deneston and his heirs, nor
that they held now of the said Henry de Brey, nor shewed any

i6o History of Tettenhall.

special title to the waste in dispute, which is part of the capital
demesne, a verdict was given in favour of Henry de Bre}-.
The plaintiffs to the above suit must have raised the
question again in a different form at the Assizes held at Pencrich
(Penkridge) two years later, for an entry on the Patent Roll, of
29 Edward I, states that "William Inge and R. de Suthcotes are
appointed to take the verdict of a jury of twenty-four Knights,
which Magister Henry de Bray arraigned against Benedict de
Boterdon, William de Wrottesle, and William Pontrel, to convict
the jury who took the assize of novel disseisin which was sum
moned between the said Benedict, William, and William, and the
said Henry and Roger de Bagenholt, and taken before Thomas
de Sodington, Walter de Hopton, Reginald de Legh, and Hugh
de Cave, at Pencrich, concerning tenements in Boterdon."
The meaning of the above is that the coparceners of
Boterdon had obtained a verdict in their favour at Pencrich,
and Magister Henry de Bray had appealed to a jury of twenty-
four to convict the first jury of a false judgment.
The later proceedings are not extant, but it may be
assumed that the final result was in favour of William de
Wrottesley and the other descendants of Robert de Waterfall,
for WiHiam subsequently purchased the interests of the other
coparceners, and his grandson, Hugh de Wrottesley, dealt with
the land in question, under the designation of the Manor of
Boterdon. By Close Writ, dated 27th March, 1300, the Sheriff of
Staffordshire was ordered to cause three Knights of the County
to be elected, who were to appear before the King and Council
at York, on the morrow of the Ascension (20th May), to perform
whatsoever should be enjoined of them, for the better performance
of Magna Charta and the Charter of Forests.
By Letters Patent, dated from St. Edmunds, on the loth
May following, William de Stafford, Robert de Pype, and William
de Wrottesleye were appointed Justices for the due observation
of the articles contained in the Great Charter, and the Statute of
Winchester, in the County of Stafford, and to hear and determine
all pleas and plaints thereon arising.
In this way William de Wrottesley's name becomes
associated with one of the great landmarks of the English

Manor of Wrottesley. 1 6 1

constitutional history. Hume goes very fully into the trans
actions between the King and his Barons, which led to the
Statute known as the " Articuli super Chartas," and the appoint
ment of three Knights in every County, for the better observance
of the Charters. Hallam styles the confirmation of the Charters,
by Edward I, one ofthe pillars of the English constitution, but
it would be beyond the scope of this work to enter further into
the question {see also " Life of Simon de Montfort," and Stubbs' "Early
Plantagenets"). At the Assizes held at Tamworth, A.D. 1302, WiUiam de
Wrottesleye was one of a jury of twenty-four Knights, to which
Sir Richard de Careswell had appealed in an important suit
between him and Theobald de Verdon, respecting the service
due for the Manor of Careswell.
Shortly after this date he formed an alHance of some
importance, by marrying, for a second wife, Katherine, the
daughter of John le Estrange, the Baron of Knockin. She had
previously been married to Sir Alan de Glazeley, a Shropshire
Knight, and was left a widow in 1302. (i)
At Whitsuntide, 1306, (22nd May), his eldest son William
was knighted with great solemnity, before the high altar of
Westminster, with Edward, Prince of Wales, and 267 others,
the eldest sons of Earls, Barons, and Knights, Ashmole gives
a description of the ceremonies used on this occasion, and the
names of those who were knighted, in the Introduction to his
Order of the Garter. As the ceremonial included the Bath, as
well as the religious ceremonies of the Vigil, laying the sword on
the altar, etc, and a distinctive badge was given to each Knight.
Many antiquaries, including Camden, Dugdale, and others,
designate the Knights made on this occasion as the original
Knights of the Bath, Besides William de Wrottesley, the
following members of Staffordshire families were knighted on
this occasion : —
WilHam de Bermingham Ralph Bagot
Thomas de Brompton Peter de Gresley
Urian de St. Pierre Henry Beansun
(i) Eyton's Shropshire, and deeds at Wrottesley.

1 62 History of Tettenhall.

John de Harecourt John de Weston John de Penbrigge
Henry de Erdinton John de Somery WiHiam Trussell
Ralph Bassett Roger de Somerville William de Handsacre
Many others who afterwards played an important part in
the transactions of this reign were knighted on the same occasion,
amongst them were Piers de Gavaston, Roger de Mortimer,
Hugh le Despencer the younger, John Maltravers, Rogei Corbett,
Fulk fitz Warin, William de Montacute, Peter de Manby, John
de Warenne, Roger de Chandos, and Thomas de Veer, the eldest
son of the Earl of Oxford. By the feudal law, the King was
entitled to an aid or subsidy on his eldest son receiving Knight
hood, and Parliament granted him on this occasion the thirtieth
of all moveables in Counties, and a twentieth in Boroughs.
By Letters Patent, dated from Beverley, 22nd July, 1306, William
de Stafford and William de Wrottesley were appointed to assess
and collect this subsidy in the County of Stafford.
In 13 13, William de Wrottesley and Henry de Cresswell,
acting as Sub-Sheriff's for Hugh de Audley, returned into the
Exchequer the names of such as held land of the yearly value of
^^40 in Staffordshire. In the same year his eldest son William
was married to Joan, daughter of Sir Roger Basset, and cousin
of Ralph Basset, the Baron of Drayton.
By deed, dated from Wrottesley on the 8th April, 1313,
William de Wrottesley gave all his lands and tenements upon
the Moors at Boterdon, Waterfal, Grindon, and Hidlesdale, to
his son and heir, William, and Joan, his wife, daughter of Roger
Basset, and the heirs of their bodies, reserving to himself a rent
of five marks annually. This deed is witnessed by John de
Somery, the Baron of Dudley, and Ralph Basset, of Drayton,
kinsmen of the bride (i), and by Sir Henry de Creswall, Knt,,
John de Ipstones, and William Shirard,
(i) The following pedigree will shew this relationship : —
Roger de Somery Living 13 Hen. III. Died i Ed, I

Ralph Basset = Margaret de Someri Roger de Someri
of Drayton Born 1254
Killed Died 1291
at Evesham  [John de Someri
I I Knighted 1306
Ralph Basset Roger Basset Died 1322
Died 1298 t Joan = William de Wrottesley
'-Ralph Basset, Living 1313, Died 1344.

Manor of Wrottesley, 163
William de Wrottesley took advantage of the presence of
Ralph Basset at these marriage festivities, to bring to a close a long
standing dispute concerning the common of pasture between the
two Manors of Wrottesley and Patingham. This question, which
had remained in abeyance since the death of Hugh de Wrottesley
in 1276, appears to have produced much ill feeling between the
tenants of the two Manors, for at the Staffordshire Assizes of
A.D. 1306, the jury of Seisdon presented that William Orldrych
of Wrottesley had killed Roger atte More, of Patyngham, and
had fled in consequence.
The agreement between Ralph Basset and William de
Wrottesley is dated from Drayton, on the 6th April, 1313, and is
witnessed by Sir John de Somery, Sir William Bagot, Sir
William de Stafford, Sir William de Mere, and John de Perton.
It states that Sir Ralph Basset conceded and quit-claimed for
himself and his heirs and natives, [i.e., his villeins) of Patingham,
to Sir William de Wrottesley, all his right and claim in common
of pasture in the land which Sir William held {in defense), i.e.,
enclosed up to the date of the deed in Wrottesleye, and he
conceded further, that the said Sir William could approve the
wood called Sockesmore which lay between the Leye ruddyng
and Faririshurst weye in breadth, and extends from the wood
called Kyngeswode, as far as Nether mulne weye, and could inclose
the wood and retain it enclosed for all time, and for which con
cession, the said Sir William released and quit-claimed to Sir
Ralph, common of pasture in all the land which the said Sir
Ralph held iti defense at the date of the deed, so that neither of
the parties should claim common of pasture in the lands above
specified in future.
William de Wrottesley survived the marriage of his son
a few months only, for, on the 4th October following, the Lady
Katherine, who styles herself formerly wife of Sir William de
Wrottesley, makes an arrangement, by deed, with William, his
son, regarding her dower. He must have Hved to a good old age,
for he had been 38 years in possession of his hereditary estates.
He appears to have been a man of much activity and
ability. At the period of his succession in 1275, the fortunes of
his house were at a very low ebb. The waste and destruction
caused by the civil war, added to the heavy redemption paid

164 History of Tettenhall.
under the provisions of the Dictum de Kenilworth, had greatly
reduced the estate inherited by his father. In the course of his
career he i.ot only recovered all the alienations made to younger
branches of the family, but further augmented his property by
purchases of land at Butterdon, Waterfall, and other places.
Of the local offices under the Crown, held by Knights of
the Shire, there are few which were not held at various times by
this William de Wrottesley. He acted as Coroner, Escheator
and Shuriff, Collector of the Subsidy voted by Parliament, and
was finally elected by the County to the difficult and invidious
ofiice of a Justiciary under an Act of Parliament passed to check
the Royal Prerogative. Twice married himself, into Baronial
houses, he lived to see his eldest son a Knight, and married to a
member of a third Baronial house, and his family raised con
siderably in the scale of local importance and prosperity.
He left a son WiHiam, who succeeded him, and a daughter
Rosea, married to William de Pilatenhale. These are the only
children specifically named in deeds at Wrottesley, but it is
probable that a Richard, John, and Adam de Wrottesley
mentioned in some legal proceedings of A.D, 1320, which will be
mentioned further on, were sons of this William. He had also
a brother Hugh, who is frequently mentioned in deeds and
records oi this period, (i) This Hugh left a widow, Juliana,
who re-married Roger de Levinton, (2) and a son William, whose
claim upon certain land in Tettenhall held by John de Perton,
had an important bearing upon the history of Sir Hugh de
Wrottesley in the reign of Edward III.

William de Wrottesley III. (A.D. 1313 to A.D. 1320).
This WiHiam de Wrottesley succeeded his father between
the 4th August, 1313, and the 4tli October following. Upon the
latter date, a deed of convention was executed respecting the
dower to be assigned to the Lady Katherine, the widow of the
last Sir William, out ofthe Manor of Wrottesley. By this deed,
William, son of Sir William de Wrottesley, concedes to the Lady

(i) Deeds at Wrottesley. Forest Pleas, W. S. Collections. Eyton's Shropshire.
(2) Banco Roll, Hillary, 9 Ed. IL

Manor of Wrottesley. 165

Katherine, the relict of the said Sir William, the messuage, with
curtilages, which Hugh de Wrottesley formerly held, together
with Stephen atte Townesend, Thomas Colates, Roger in Olde-
fore, William Brown, John Robines, and their services, and half
a mark of annual rent from the land of Hugh the Smith, together
with lands and tenements, meadows and pastures, lying in various
places, and a place called Fetheone, and the marl pit of Wodecroft,
to be held by her for her life, m the name of dower. He also con
ceded to her reasonable housbote, and haybote, and fotaliis for
the house of her baiHff, and a third part of the mill of Haukewell,
and for which concessions Katherine acknowledged herself to be
fully endowed out of the Manor of Wrottesleye. This deed is
witnessed by Guy de Glaseley. Henry Bagot. Geoffrey Gataker,
John de Mollesleye, and Richard de Picheford. (i)
By a deed dated the i6th December following, Katherine
remits altogether her claim for dower in Wrottesley, and in tene
ments on the Moors at Boterdon, Waterfall, Hyddlesdale, and
Grendon. (2)
This WilHam de Wrottesley was a Knight at the period of
his father's death ; having been knighted at the High Altar of
Westminster, with Edward, Prince of Wales, and 267 others, as
already described in the account of his father.
The young Knights Bachelor, made on this occasion, were
to accompany Prince Edward into Scotland, and perform their
first feats of arms in his presence. The Scottish nation had
broken out in revolt, in the spring of the year, at the instiga
tion of Robert Bruce, and the King was about to lead into
Scotland the largest and best appointed army he had yet placed
on foot, but Aylmer de Valence, the Earl of Pembroke, who had
been sent on before, being assisted by the friends of Comyn, who
had been murdered by Bruce, had completely defeated the Scots
at Perth before the arrival of the King ; and Robert Bruce took
refuge in the Western Islands till the following year. According
to Fabian and Polydore Virgil, the Prince and his suite of newly

(i) Original deed at Wrottesley. Guy de Glaseley, the first witness,
was son of Katherine, by her first husband. Sir Alan de Glaseley. (see Eyton's
Shropshire.) (2) Original deed at Wrottesley.

1 66 History of Tettenhall.

made Knights, who had been sent on in advance of the King,
were present at the battle before Perth, but the Scotch Chronicles
affirm the contrary.
This William de Wrottesley occurs again on the Rolls
during his father's lifetime, as one of the men-at-arms perform
ing Knight's service for the Abbot of Pershore, in 1310, in
Scotland, (i)
At the Parliament held at Lincoln, in 9 Edward II, i.e.
in 1316, a decree was made that one man-at-arms (2) should be
raised in every township in the kingdom, to serve the King in
his wars m Scotland. In pursuance of this statute, a writ was
addressed to ;ill Sheriffs throughout England, requiring them to
certify the cities, boroughs, and townships within their Baili
wicks, and who were the lords thereof. The return to this writ
is known as the " Nomina Villarum," and in it William de
Wrottesley is certified to be lord of the township of Wrottesley,
in the Hundred of Seisdon.
William de Wrottesley did not require the stimulus of this
decree to serve in a military capacity in Srotland, for he appears
to have been a soldier by profession all his life. He has already
been mentioned as performing Knight's service in A.D. 1307 (3)
and 1310, and I find him ser\ing in Scotland, A,D, 1316, in the
retinue of John de Warren, Earl of Surrey. (4) Of Staffordshire
Kniphts serving m the same retinue, there were Philip de
Hastang, Thomas le Rous, of Walshall, John de Gleseley
(Glazeley), and Ralph Basset, of Drayton.
A.D. 1318, William de Wrottesley was serving in Scotland
in the retinue of his wife's kinsman, John de Somery, Baron of
Dudley. In this retinue there were also \\'illiam de Bermingham,
Henry de Bishbury, Hugh de Heppeham (of Bobbmgton), John
de Swynnerton, and John Giffard (5), and in the following year
he was again serving in Scotland, in the same retinue. In this

(i) Parliamentary Writs, etc , printed, vol. 2, p. 1639.
(2) A man-at-arms was amounted man, fully accoutred as a Knight, and
with his horse covered with armour as well as himself He need not necessarily
be a Knight, but performed Knight's service.
(3) All the Knights made at Westminster in this year accompanied the Prince of
Wales into Scotland, to make their first essais in arms.
(4) Scotch Roll, IO Ed, II, m, 5. (5) Ibid, 11 Ed, II, m, 12,

Manor of Wrottesley. 167

year, besides those mentioned above, there were serving in the
retinue of John de Somery, Thomas de Pype and William
Devereus (of West Bromwich). (i) The letters of protection
granted to Sir William de Wrottesley on this occasion are dated
from York, on the 20th July, 13 Edward II, to last till the
Christmas following. This is the latest notice we have of him.
At Trinity Term, Coram Rege, 13 Edward II, i.e. in May, 1320,
the Abbot of Evesham was suing Joan, the widow of William de
Wrottesley, and others, for a trespass. William de Wrottesley,
therefore, died between the date of the expedition into Scotland
and the following May. The entry on the Plea Roll is as
follows : —
" Staff. The Abbot of Evesham appeared on the fourth
day against Joan, formerly wife of William de Wrottesleye,
Richard de Oneyhotesheye, and William de Engelton, in a plea
of trespass, and they did not appear, and a day had been given
to them on this day by their essoins. And the said Joan was
attached by Richard de Wrottesleye and John de Wrottesleye,
and the said Richard (de Oneyhotesheye) by William de Engelton
and Roger le Carter, and the said William (de Engelton) by
Richard de Wrottesleye and Adam de Vv^rotteslc} e. They are
therefore " in misericordia," and the Sheriff is commanded to
distrain them, etc., and to produce them, "Coram Rege," at
three weeks from Michaelmas."
There is no further mention of this suit on the Rolls.
Joan conceded the point in dispute by a deed, a copy of which is
preserved at Wrottesley. By this deed, Joan, formerly wife of
Sir William de Wrottesleie, acknowledges she had given up to
the lord William, Abbot of Evesham, the manor of Wrottesleie,
together with Hugh, the son and heir of the said Sir William,
which she had unjustly held from the death of the said Sir
William until the date of the present deed, so that the said
Abbot and his successors may have and hold the said manor with
its appurtenances, and the said Hugh in his custody until the
lawful age of the heir of the said Sir William de Wrottesleie,
without any contradiction from her or any others in her name,

(I) Scotch Roll, 13 Ed. II, m. 3.

1 68 History of Tettenhall.

saving to her her reasonable dower. Dated the Wednesday
before the Feast of St. Bartholomew, 14 Edward II, (20th August
1320.) William de Wrottesley left two sons, Hugh and Roger,
and two daughters, Idonia and Alionora, (i) the eldest child
being only six years of age. He died within seven years of his
marriage with Joan Basset, in the prime of life, and allowing for
the interval which must have elapsed before tidings of his death
would reach the Abbot, and an action-at-law " Coram Rege,"
could reach the stage shewn by the above entry from the Records
of Trinity Term, 20 Edward II, (2) the inference seems to be
he must have died during the expedition into Scotland of A.D.
1320. Hugh de Wrottesley, K.G. (A.D. 1334 to A.D. 1381).
We have now to portray the career of a man who, from
his prowess and skill in arms, played a not unimportant part in
the long and warlike reign of Edward III.
His infancy was doubtless passed in the Abbey of Evesham
or its immediate precincts. Five years, however, after his father's
death, and when he would be about eleven years of age, the Abbot
sold the custody of the Manor of Wrottesley, and the marriage
of the heir, to John de Hampton, the hereditary Seneschall, or
Steward of the Monastery. (3)
Two deeds were executed on this occasion. By the first of
them, the Abbot, for a sum of ;^83 6s. 8d., to be paid by John de
Hampton into the King's exchequer, grants to him the custody of
all the lands and tenements which William de Wrottesley, Knt,,
formerly held in Wrottesley, and which are in the hands of the
Abbot by reason of the minority of Hugh, the son and heir of
William de Wrottesley, inasmuch as the said William held the

(i) Deeds at Wrottesley.
(2) There must have been a previous summons, and a default of appear
ance, before the writ of '^habeas corpus" was issued. See the account of the
process of attachment, in the Introduction to the Plea Rolls, vol, 4, Staff. Coll.
(3) These hereditary feudal offices in the household of the greater
Barons and Religious Houses were held by families of Knightly rank. See
the curious proceedings relating to the duties of the hereditary Steward of
Lapley Priory, in part i, vol. 6, of Staffordshire Collections, — G.W.

Manor of Wrottesley. 169

said tenements of the said lord Abbot by Knight's service, the
said custody to be held by John until the lawful age of the afore
said Hugh without causing waste or destruction in the houses,
gardens, and woods ; and if it should happen (which God forbid)
that the said Hugh should die within ten years next ensuing,
then the said John, or his executors, shall hold the custody of the
same until the end of the said ten years, if heirs of the said Hugh
existed under age. Dated from Evesham, on the Tuesday after
the Feast of St. Hillary, in the eighteenth year of King Edward
(15th January, 1325). (i)
The second deed, which is dated on the same day, deals
with the marriage of the heir, and states that for a certain sum
of money which the said John de Hampton paid into the hands
of William, Lord Abbot of Evesham, the said Abbot "conceded
to him the marriage of Hugh, son and heir of William de
Wrottesleie, Knight, so that the said John shall marry the said
Hugh to Elizabeth, his eldest daughter, and it shall not be
lawful for the said John to marry the said Hugh in any other
way." According to the above deeds, the majority of the heir
could not take place before January, 1335. It is therefore
somewhat remarkable to find Hugh de Wrottesley a Knight and
in possession of his patrimony in January, 1334, when he could
not be more than twenty years of age. His Knighthood, in fact,
gave him the possession of his estates, for, at common law, if a
minor was Knighted he was forthwith entitled to the livery of
his lands. (2)
As a minor, he could only have been Knighted on the field
of battle, and he was without doubt one of those Knighted by the
King in Scotland, A.D. 1333. The King, in the autumn ofthat
year, marched a large force into Scotland, took Berwick, and
defeated the Scotch in a pitched battle at Hallidown HiH. The
Chronicles state that the King knighted a great number of young
men on the eve of this engagement. (3)
(i) Old copy of deed, on parchment, at Wrottesley.
(2) Palgrave's English Commonwealth, p. 579. " This was a legitimate
consequence of the old Teutonic custom, for being invested with the arms of
manhood he was deemed to be of full age."
(3) Deeds at Wrottesley.

170 History of Tettenhall.

The deeds at Wrottesley shew he had enfeoffed John de
Fulford in the Manor of Wrottesley, and other lands, on or
before the i6th January, 1334, for on that date John de Fulford
grants by deed to Sir Hugh de Wrottesley, Knt,, and Elizabeth,
his wife, the said Manor and the mill of Aucwalle (Hawkwell) in
the fee of Pateshull, which he held by the feoffment of the said
Hugh, to be held by the said Hugh and Elizabeth, and the heirs
of the body ofthe said Hugh, with remainder to Roger, brother
of Sir Hugh, and the son of William de Wrottesleye, and heirs
male of his body, with remainder to Idonia, his sister, and heirs
male of her body, and with remainder to Elianora, sister of
Idonia, and heirs male of her body, with final remainder to
nearest heirs of Sir Hugh. This deed is witnessed by Sir John
Giffard, Sir John de Swinnerton, and Sir Henry de Bisshebury,
Knights, John de Prestewode, WiHiam de Rugge, and Richard
de Onyotleshay. (i)
Roger, Idonia and Elianora, are described in this deed as
brother and sisters of Sir Hugh, and children of William de
Wrottesleye, owing to the circumstance that Joan, the mother of
Sir Hugh, had married a second husband, John de Tettebury,
and had had issue by him.
At the Stafford Assizes of 8 Edward III, (A.D. 1334),
Hugh de Wrottesley sued John de Tettebury and Joan, his wife,
and William, son of WilHam Barre,of Albrython, for unjustly dis
seising him of a messuage, six acres of meadow, ten acres
of wood, forty acres of pasture, and thirteen marks of rent
in Boterdon, (Butterton), Waterfall and Grendon, (Grindon).
John pleaded he had found his wife seized of the tenements in
question, and stated they were formerly in seisin of one William
de Wrottesleye, grandfather of Sir Hugh, whose heir he is, and
William by his deed had given them to William, his son, father
of Sir Hugh, and to Joan, who was at that time wife of the said
William, son of William, and which Joan is now wife of the said
John de Tettebury, and to their heirs, and they produced the
deed in question in Court. Hugh de Wrottesley pleaded that
William, his grandfather, never delivered seisin of the said

(i) Original deed at Wrottesley.

Manor of Wrottesley. 171

tenements to William, his father, and Joan, by the said deed, but
retained his status in them all his life and died seised of them, and
after his death, William his son, entered into the same tenements
as son and heir, and died seised of them, and after his death he
the said Hugh had entered as son and heir, and had held them
until disseised by the said John and the others named. The jury
found a verdict in favour of Sir Hugh and assessed his damages
at six marks, (i)
Whilst this suit was in progress. Sir Hugh was making
his preparations to join the Crusade under PhiHp de Valois, the
French King, on the 23rd March of this year, and King's letters
of attorney for three years were granted to him whilst on a
pilgrimage to the Holy Land. (2)
The Pope, at the request of Philip de Valois, preached a
crusade by bull, dated 3rd December, 133 1. Philip assumed the
Cross on the ist October, 1331, and had taken an oath to stay
three years in Syria at the head of a French army. The spring
of 1334 was fixed for the departure of the Crusaders. The
Crusade was afterwards postponed to 1336, but the hostilities
which broke out between France and England prevented the
execution of the design. (3)
Passing over a number of lesser suits of law in which Sir
Hugh was engaged about this time, we come in the tenth year of
Edward III, upon the first notice of the feud between the
Wrottesleys and Pertons, on which depended some of the prin
cipal events in his life.
On the Coram Rege Roll of Michaelmas term, 1336, Leon
de Perton sues William Crey, Chaplain, William le Parker,
of Oken, Thomas le Tryt, Mulward, and John le TaiHour, of
Roniton, for a trespass. The suit is carried on for two years by
repeated adjournments until Michaelmas, 12 Edward III, when
the indictment is set out at length, and the number of the
defendants had been increased to twenty-nine. These included,
besides those already named, Thomas de Wollmere, Thomas in
le Hurne, of Wrottesleye, WiHiam atte Yate, of Wrottesleye,

(i) Staffordshire Assize Roll, 8 Ed, III.
(2) Patent Roll, 8 Ed. Ill, part i, m. 22.
(3) Sismondi's Hjstpire des Frangais.

172 History of Tettenhall,

Henry le Freman, of Oken, and Thomas, his son, Ralph le
Freman, Henry de Codeshale, John, son of William le Neweman,
of Wolverhampton, Stephen atte Tounesende, William, his son,
Henry Benyng, Richard Benyng, and Roger Benyng, Simon
Aylwyne and Roger his son, most of whom were tenants of Sir
Hugh at Wrottesley. They are indicted by Leon de Perton for
breaking into his close at Wightwick vi et armis, and carrying off
wheat, hay, beans and peas, to the value of £io, in the tenth
year of the King's reign.
Thomas de Wollmere, the first-named defendant, was one
of those subsequently pardoned with Sir Hugh de Wrottesley for
the death of John de Perton, and William Crey and Stephen
atte Tounesende, are amongst those who were prosecuted in the
following year for aiding and abetting Sir Hugh Wrottesley in
the assault upon John de Perton, which led eventually to his
death. By Letters Patent, dated from Westminster, 7th October,
1337, William de Shareshull, Roger de Swynnerton, and Roger
Hillary, are appointed Justices to hear and determine the com
plaint of John de Perton that Hugh de Wrottesleye, Chivaler,
and Roger, his brother, William, son of Hugh de Wrottesley, (i)
Richard de Oneyoteshay and Thomas, his son, John de Foulford,
and Ralph, his brother, Adam de Hocleye, William, son of
Geoffrey, at Gatacre, Thomas Crey, of Compton, John Leg,
Richard Kempe, John Russell, Thomas, son of Thomas Crey,
William, his brother, Roger Stevens, of Wrottesley, Stephen atte
Tounesende, of Wrottesley, and certain other malefactors and
disturbers of the King's peace, did attack the said John de
Perton, at Totenhalehom, and had beaten and wounded, and
illtreated him, so that his life was despaired of, and had assaulted
his men and servants at the same place, and committed other
enormities to the grievous damage of the said John, and against
the King's peace. (2)
John de Perton having died shortly afterwards, another
Special Commission was issued on the 20th February following.

(i) This Hugh de Wrottesley was the brother of Sir William de Wrottesley,
the grandfather of Sir Hugh.
(2) Patent Roll, 11 Ed, III, part 3, m. 30, ill dorso.

Manor of Wrottesley. 173
addressed to Roger de Swynnerton, William de Shareshull,
William Trussell, Roger Hillary, Thomas de Halghton, assigning
them, or not less than two of them, of whom William de Shares-
hull and Roger Hillary should be one (i). Justices to enquire
"what malefactors and disturbers of our peace had feloniously
killed John de Perton at Tetenhalehome, and by whose procure
ment the same was done, and what persons had knowingly
received the said malefactors, etc., and to hear and determine the
said felony according to the law and custom of our kingdom, etc."
Hugh de Wrottesley however, had left the country for the
purpose of joining the English forces in Scotland, and had taken
with him all those implicated in the attack upon John de Perton.
By writ, dated from Thame, 12th November, 1337, letters of
protection were granted to the following, who were about to
proceed in the King's service to Scotland, in the retinue of William
de Montague, Earl of Salisbury, viz., John Russel, Roger Stevens,
of Wrottesleye, William, son of Geoffrey atte Gatacre, Richard
Kempe, John de Foulford, Thomas Crey, of Cumpton, Hugh de
Wrottesleye, John Leg, Ralph de Fulford, Thomas, son of Thomas
Crey, Richard de Oneyotteshaye, Adam de Hocley, Thomas, son
of Richard de Oneyotteshaye, William, son of Thomas Crey, the
elder, Stephen atte Touneshende, of Wrottesleye. On the 3rd
April previous to this date. Sir Hugh had mortgaged all his lands
at Butterdon and elsewhere on the moors, to his father-in-law.
Sir John de Hampton, for the sum of £20, to be repaid at Elder-
stoke, in Hampshire, on the following ist July.
The English army, under the Earl of Salisbury, was
employed all the early part of the year 1338 in a fruitless attack
upon the castle of Dunbar. (2) On the 7th June, the Earl quitted
the siege and returned to Newcastle-on-Tyne. (3) From New
castle he proceeded to Great Yarmouth, and Orwell, in Suffolk,
the rendezvous of the force collected by Edward III for his
expedition into the Low Countries. On the loth July following,
letters of protection were granted to William de Montagu, Earl
of Salisbury, and others of his retinue, who were about to pass

(i) These were two of the King's permanent Justices,
Holinshed's Chronicle. (3) Army Miscellanea, 11 and 12 Ed. Ill,

174 History of Tettenhall.

beyond seas in the King's service. Amongst these were Hugh
de Wrottesleye, Roger de Wrottesleye, and Thomas Crey, the
younger. By Letters Patent, dated from Antwerp, on the 23rd
November of this year, the King, in consideration of the good
service performed by Sir Hugh de Wrottesley in parts beyond
seas, " in partibus transmarinis," granted him a full pardon for the
death of John de Perton.
A trial which took place at Wolverhampton, at Assizes
held there by William de Shareshill and other Justices, in 12
Edward III, gives us a clue to the causes of the feud between
the Wrottesleys and Pertons. The record states that an Assize,
etc., to make recognitions if William, son of Hugh de Wrottes
ley, Thomas Crey, Richard de Oneyoteshay, Thomas, his son,
Ralph de Fulford, and John, his brother, had unjustly disseised
Walter, son of John de Perton, of thirty acres of wood, two acres
of meadow, three acres of wood, and four acres of pasture in
Tettenhall. William de Wrottesley answered for all the defend
ants, and took exception to the writ, stating that the land was
parcel of the Manor of Tettenhale, which was ancient demesne
of the Crown, and the suit was only triable by writ of right.
Walter pleaded that the tenements were suable by common law.
The jury found that the tenements in question were in seisin of
the King's grandfather, and suable at common law, and that
William de Wrottesley and Thomas Crey had unjustly disseised
Walter ofthe same, and they assessed his damages at 40s., and
that the other defendants had not committed any disseisin or
done any injury to Walter.
On the Coram Rege Roll of Easter Term of 13 Edward III,
Stephen de Leggesbarwe, prosecuted Hugh de Wrottesleye and
Robert de Codeshalle, for taking, vi et armis, on the loth year of
the reign, and on the Tuesday after the Feast of St. Bartholomew,
his goods and chattels from Oxhulle, in Warwickshire, viz., corn,
hay and oats, and utensils, to the value altogether of loos.,
and for beating and illtreating two of his servants, so that he had
lost their services for upwards of a month. Hugh de Wrottesley
denied the trespass complained of, and appealed to a jury, which
is to be summoned for the next Trinity Term. No further
notice of this suit appears on the Rolls and it was probably

Manor of Wrottesley. 175
compromised. Making allowance for the usual exaggeration of
indictments, the trespass appears to have consisted merely in Sir
Hugh having taken by force some forage for the horses of himself
and suite on his passage through Warwickshire at a time when
he was perhaps on the King's service.
In the year 1342, the King decided on supporting the
claim of John de Montfort upon Brittany. The tri;ce between
the two countries did not expire till the month of June, but
Charles de Blois having obtained possession of Nantes by sur
prise and taken his rival, John de Montfort, prisoner, an English
force, under the command of Sir Walter Manny, was sent early
in the year to Hennebon, which was invested and hard pressed
by the forces of Charles. Ralph, Baron of Stafford, was one of
those who accompanied Sir Walter Manny, and amongst the
knights serving in his suite appears the name of Sir Hugh de
Wrottesleye. (i)
The story of the relief of Hennebon will be found in all
the histories of the period, and need not be recapitulated here.
In the autumn of the year the King arrived from England with
a force of twelve thousand, and invested the towns of Rennes,
Vannes and Nantes, but without being able to make any impres
sion upon them. The French and English armies remained in
presence of one another for the greater part of the winter, and it
was probably a relief to all parties when Clement VI, who had
been recently elected to the Papacy, sent two Cardinals to mediate
a peace between them. A truce was concluded for three years,
but the mutual exasperation was so great that it was soon
evident a renewal of the war was inevitable. The respite gained
by the truce was spent in mutual recriminations, some of which
have been printed by Rymer. In one of these occurs an account
of an exploit by an English Knight, who is described as Hugh de
Wrocelesse or Wrotelesse (2), whom I take to be no other than
Sir Hugh de Wrottesley.

(i) French Roll, i6 Ed. Ill, m. 31,
(2) "c" and "t" are indistinguishable in handwriting of this date.

176 History of Tettenhall.

The Pope writes from Avignon, in October, 1343, as
follows : — Translation,
"Clement the Bishop, etc, to his best beloved and illus
trious son in Christ, Edward, King of England, health and
apostolic benediction. It has been shewn to us of late, that
whereas our venerable brothers, Peter, Bishop of Penestre, and
Anibal, Bishop of Tusculum, Nuncios of the Holy See, having
established between thee, our well beloved son, and our well
beloved son Philip, King of France, truces and umdertakings
from both sides, and whilst these were pending and in full force,
our well beloved nobleman, one Ralph de Montfort, and certain
other nobles who were with him in the army of the King of
France, whilst asleep in their beds at night, esteeming them
selves safe under the confidence of the truce, which had up to
that time been unbroken, one Hugh de Wrocelesse, with other
armed men of the retinue of our well beloved son, the noble
Earl of Narantone (i), coming secretly and suddenly, took by
force the said Ralph and the other noblemen with him, whom
they found in a naked and helpless state, as set forth, and carried
them captive to the said Earl, who detains them as prisoners,
subjected to many losses and injuries, both to their persons and
property, even to the extent of depriving them of a considerable
sum of money in gold ; and as such acts, if their truth be estab
lished, should not be tolerated by royal command, nor are
becoming to the honour and good fame of the Earl, we beg of
your Royal Majesty, and diligently exhort you in the Lord, to
interpose your power for the liberation of the captives and for
the reparation of their losses, so that the honour and justice of
the King and the good fame of the Earl may be vindicated, and
that we may extol in future, from our heart, your royal devotion."
The King answers, under date of 29th November following,
from Westminster, that he had always observed in good faith the
truce made between him and Philip, King of France, even when
the other parties to it had not kept faith, and he complained that
they had violated the truce even in the presence of the Papal

(i) William de Bohun, Earl of Northampton, Earl Marshall
of the English Army.

Manor of Wrottesley. 177

Legate, who had been sent to obtain a better observance of it,
and he therefore prayed the Pope to interpose with the other side
for the more efficient maintenance of it, etc.
The truce between the two nations was concluded on the
19th January, 1343, and the King returned to England in the
following March. Sir Hugh de Wrottesley was apparently in
England in September, 1343, for on the 22nd of that month, Leon
de Perton remitted to him all his claim to the mill at Wightwick
and other lands and tenements held by Sir Hugh in Tetenhale
and Wythwyk. On the 15th December following, William de
Stretton likewise released to Sir Hugh, for his (Hugh's) life, all
claim to a mill and lands in Wythwyk. These deeds appear to
have closed for a time the feud between him and the Perton
family, respecting the land in Tettenhall and Wightwick, but
some years after this. Sir Hugh sued out a pardon under the
Great Seal, for the death of Thomas, the son of the above
named WilHam de Stretton.
To meet his expenses on this expedition to France, Sir Hugh
had mortgaged all his lands on the Moors, for there is a copy of
a deed at Wrottesley, dated 5th October, 1242, by which John, the
son of Walter Geffrey, of Salop, conveyed to Adam de Peshale
all the lands and tenements in Boturdon, Grendon, and Waterfall,
which he held by feoffment of Sir Hugh Wrottesley, and a deed
of the same date, and between the same parties, speaks of a sum
of money (i) which had been borrowed on the security of the same
lands. On the 12th January, 1344, Adam de Peshale conveys to
Sir Hugh all the lands and tenements in Boturdon, Grendon, and
Waterfall, which he held by feoffment of John, son of Walter
Geffrey, of Salop, and on the same day Sir Hugh gives a power
of attorney to Richard de Wollmere to receive the same. It is
plain, from these deeds, that Sir Hugh had obtained a sum of
money, after his return from France, which had enabled him to
pay off the mortgage on his lands, and it is not unlikely that this
had been acquired from the ransom of a French prisoner.
Hostilities between the French and English were resumed
in 1345. In June of that year, Edward issued a manifesto
(i) Old copy of deed at Wrottesley.

178 History of Tettenhall.

throwing the blame of the infraction of the truce upon Philip
de Valois, and he shortly afterwards sent his cousin Henry
Plantagenet, Earl of Derby, with a force into Guienne. Edward
prepared to follow the Earl in the following year, but was per
suaded by Godfrey de Harcourt, a French refugee, to land his
forces in Normandy. The battle of Creci was fought in August,
1346, and Calais was invested on the 3td September following.
This place surrendered on the 3rd August, 1347, and in the
following year, through the mediation of the Pope, an armistice
was concluded for a few months, which was gradually extended
to six years. Sir Hugh de Wrottesley was undoubtedly at the siege of
Calais in 1347, for on the 23rd September of that year, the King
granted him a Charter of free warren for all his demesne lands.
This Charter is dated from Calais, and is enrolled on the Calais
Patent and Charter Roll, (i) It is witnessed by Edward, Prince
of Wales, Henry, Earl of Lancaster, William de Bohun, Earl of
Northampton, Laurence de Hastings, Earl of Pembroke, and
Thomas de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. On the 23rd November
following, the King, by Letters Patent, dated also from Calais,
grants him license to form a park at Wrottesley. (2)
I have found no mention of Sir Hugh in any public or
private document for the next eighteen months, but it was during
this interval that, according to the best authorities. King Edward
established the Order of the Garter. The original companions,
amongst whom we find the name of Sir Hugh de Wrottesley,
numbered twenty-six, viz., the King and his son, and twelve
Knights on the King's side, and the same number on the Prince's
side. They were ranged in the following order in the StaHs in
St. George's Chapel at Windsor.
King Edward Edward, Prince of Wales
Henry, Duke of Lancaster Thomas, Earl of Warwick
Piers de Grailly, Captal de Ralph, Lord Stafford
Buch Roger, Count de Marck
William, Earl of Salisbury Bartholomew, Lord Burghersh

(i) Official certified copy at Wrottesley, temp. Charles I.
(2) Original Letters Patent at Wrottesley.

Manor of Wrottesley. 179
John, Lord de Lisle John, Lord Mohun, of Dunster
John, Lord Beauchamp Sir Thomas de Holland
Sir Hugh de Courtenay Sir Richard Fitz Simon
John, Lord Grey, of Codnor Sir Thomas Wale
Sir Miles Stapleton Sir Nele Loring
Sir Hugh Wrottesley James, Lord Audley
Sir John Chandos Sir Edme de Brabant
Sir Otho Holland Sir Walter Parveley
Sir Sanchio Daubrigecourt
St. George's Day, (23rd April) 1349, is the date usually
accepted for the inauguration of this famous Order of Knight
hood, but the evidence on the subject is extremely meagre and
unsatisfactory. Froissart fixes it at the year 1344, but is
supposed to confound it with the first Feast of the Round Table,
which took place in that year, after the King's return from
Brittany. The deeds at Wrottesley shew, that about the same period,
as his election to the Order of the Garter, Sir Hugh relinquished
his paternal coat, the Verdon fret, and assumed in place of it,
the arms of Basset, of Drayton, differenced by a change of
tincture. The earliest deed at Wrottesley, sealed with the three
piles and a quarter ermine, is dated the i6th August, 1349. The
family have borne these armorial bearings ever since, and they
have been set up in St. George's Hall, Windsor, amongst the
banners of the original Knights of the Garter. The arms
assumed at this date by Sir Hugh were those of his maternal
grandfather. Sir Roger Basset, a distinguished knight of the
reign of Edward I.
On the i6th October, 1350, the King, by Letters Patent,
granted to him for his good service, and for his attendance upon
him, "pro mora sua nobiscum," a yearly pension of ;^40. By the
law in force at this period, all men with a clear annual income of
£^0 were bound to attend the King in all his military expeditions,
whether beyond the seas or not, or find a knight as a substitute.
For the next three years there is Httle worth noticing
in his career, but from subsequent proceedings in the Court of
King's Bench, we find, that on the 29th November, 1352, he had
waylaid Philip de Lutteley, the Sheriff of the County, on the

i8o History of Tettenhall,

high road between Dunston and Pencrich, and in an affray which
ensued, had killed him and several of his retinue. Considerable
license was allowed to King Edward's companions in arms, but,
an outrage of this kind, derogatory to the royal dignity, was
deemed too strong, even for those turbulent days, and he was
prosecuted for it with great rigour in the Court of King's Bench,
Philip de Lutteley had married Katherine, the sister of John de
Perton, for whose death Sir Hugh had been prosecuted in 1337,
and another circumstance which operated greatly against him on
this occasion, was the fact that Sir John de Perton, the head of
the house of Perton, had married Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir
William de Shareshull, the Chief Justice ofthe Kingdom, (i)
At the Pleas before the King, of Michaelmas Term, 27
Edward III (September, 1353), Hugh de Wrotteslegh, Chivaler,
William, son of John de Tettebury the younger, Thomas de
Gatacre and Alice, his wife, John de Tettebury the younger, and
Walter, his brother, and John de Derynton, were attached to
answer the plea of Agnes, formerly wife of Philip de Whitemere,
that they had feloniously killed Philip, her husband, on the Thurs
day before the Feast of St. Andrew, 26 Edward III, in the vill of
Dunston, on the high road between the vills of Dunston and
Pencrych, and she stated that the said William had feloniously
struck the said Philip with his sword through the middle of his
body, so that he had died, and she appealed the said Hugh de
Wrotteslegh for sending the said WiHiam for the perpetration of
the said felony, and for aiding and abetting the same, inasmuch
as the said Hugh was present with his sword drawn, and had
harboured the said John de Tettebury, Walter, and John at his
house at Wrotteslegh after the said felony. John and Walter de
Tettebury and John de Derynton had not appeared at previous
proceedings, and had been outlawed.
The same Agnes appealed Thomas de Gatacre and Alice,
his wife, for inciting and sending the said William and the other
defendants to perpetrate the said felony, and for harbouring them
in divers places within the County. The appeal of Katherine,
the widow of Philip de Lutteley, is couched in the same terms as

{i) see Perton, p. 123 ante,

Manor of Wrottesley. i8i
that of Agnes, but adds that at the date of the felony her husband
was acting as Sub-Sheriff and Coroner ofthe County, (i)
The defendants denied the felony, and appealed to a jury,
which was to be summoned for the Octaves of Hillary, and they
were committed in the meantime to the King's prison of the
Marshalsea, in custody of Robert Bolour.
An entry on the same RoH states, later, that the King sent
a close writ to the Sheriff of co. Stafford, that whereas he had
lately commanded him to make enquiry on the oath of lawful and
honest men, concerning the goods and chattels and lands and
tenements which Hugh de Wrottesleye, chivaler, held in his
county on the loth April last, and subsequently inasmuch as the
said Hugh had not appeared, coram Rege, to answer the appeal of
Katrine, formerly wife of Philip de Lutteleye, for the death of her
husband, and for which he had been put into exigend and outlawed,
and to return the value of the same on the Quindene of Holy
Trinity, and the Sheriff had returned at that date that the said
Hugh, before the arrival of the King's writ, had dispossessed
himself of all lands and tenements which he held within his
bailiwick except a rent of ^"40 which he held of the King,
and which the King had taken into his hands, and the King,
believing the said return to be false and fabricated because it had
been testified to him by men worthy of credit that the said Hugh
had in no wise demised himself of his lands and tenements, except
by deceit and collusion to defraud the King of the issues of the
lands, which belonged to him owing to the flight ofthe said Hugh.
And that the said Hugh had received the profits of the lands and
tenements up to the present time by nemencia, he was therefore
commanded to take into the King's hand all the goods and
chattels, lands and tenements of the said Hugh into whosoever
hand they may have come and to be answerable for them until
further orders, and to appear in person, coram Rege, at this date,
to answer for the false return. Tested by WilHam de Shares
hulle (2) at Westminster, 15th September, 27 Edward III, by
writ of privy seal {per breve de segreto sigillo domini Regis),
(i) Henry, Duke of Lancaster, was Sheriff of the County for the greater
part of this reign, and appointed a deputy to act for him.
(2) Sir William de Shareshulle, the Chief Justice, was a near neighbour
of Sir Hugh Wrottesley, as he had purchased Patshull from the Bagots of
Hj'de,

1 82 History of Tettenhall.
The Sheriff answered in these words : — " By virtue ofthe
above writ I have taken into the King's hand of goods and chattels
found in the Manor of Wrottesleye, eighteen oxen for the plough,
each worth 9s. 6d,, two cart horses, each worth 6s. 8d., twenty
quarters of wheat in the granges, each quarter estimated to be
worth 4s,, fourteen quarters oi jtixtilion, each, quarter estimated at
3s., fifteen quarters of barley, each quarter estimated at 3s., seven
quarters of beans, each quarter estimated at 3s., eighteen quarters
of peas, estimated value of each quarter, 2S., and twenty-four
quarters of oats, each quarter estimated at 22d. I have taken
also of the lands and tenements of Hugh de Wrottesleye at
Wrottesleye a messuage with gardens, worth annually beyond
reprisals 5s. and no more, because the houses are in ruins (i),
a pigeon-house worth half a mark annually, three carucates of
land, each worth 40s. per annum and no more, because the third
part of the three carucates lies fallow every year ad warectam,
eighteen acres of meadow, of which each acre is worth 2S., three
enclosed parks, of which the herbage is worth 30s. annually and
no more, because they are stocked with wild beasts, a water-
mill (2), which is worth nothing annually, because it is in a
ruinous state, and 40s. rent from the natives, which is received
annually at Michaelmas and Lady Day. I have also taken into
my hands eight marks of annual rent received by the said Hugh
from the tenants of Boturdon (Butterton-on-the-Moors) at the
Feasts of St. Michael and the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary
every year." m. 41.
An entry on the same Roll, of later date, states that on the
Thursday after the morrow of St. Martin, Simon de Kegworth,
the King's Coroner, proceeded by the command ofthe Justices to
the King's prison of the Marshalsea, at Kingston-upon-Thames,
where the Justices of the King's Bench were stopping, and Robert
Bolour, the Marshall, having made a scrutiny of the prisoners in
his custody, according to custom, found that Hugh de Wrottesley,
Knight, and William, son of John de Tettebury, the younger, who

(i) Sir Hugh Wrottesley appears to have lived at Pilatenhall during the
minority of his wards,
(2) This mill has long since disappeared, but its site is still marked by the
old mill-pool on the Wergs estate, known as " Perry's Pool,"

Manor of Wrottesley. 183

had been appealed at the suit of Agnes, formerly wife of Philip de
Whitemere, for the death of her husband, and also at the suit of
Katherine, formerly wife of Philip de Lutteley, for the death of
the said Philip, and had been committed to his custody, were not
in prison, and being questioned by the Marshall (i), the said
Robert stated that on the Sunday, the morrow of All Souls of this
term (31st October, 1353), the said Hugh and William had broken
out of prison, and from his custody, against his will, viz., in
London, in the Parish of St. Andrew, in Holburn, in the Ward
of Farindon without, where the said Robert had them in custody.
The said Marshall was therefore fined jQio, and Simon de
Kegworth, acting for the King, stated that the said Marshall
had permitted the prisoners to escape, and this he was prepared
to prove by a jury from the said ward, A jury was therefore to
be summoned for the Octaves of Hillary, unless William de
Shareshull (the Chief Justice) should come previously to St.
Martin le Grand, in London, on the Tuesday before the Feast
of St. Andrew. And on the said Tuesday, Robert Bolour
appeared before WiHiam de Shareshull, and a jury of twelve
having been summoned, stated that the said Hugh and WUliam
had feloniously broken out of the King's prison of the Marshalsea
and had escaped from it, without the permission of the said
Robert Bolour, on the Sunday the morrow of AH Souls, 27
Edward III, in the suburb of London, as aforesaid. Robert
was therefore acquitted, and the Sheriffs of London were com
manded to arrest the said Hugh and William and produce them
in Court on the Quindene of St. John the Baptist.
A postscript adds that afterwards, at Michaelmas Term,
29 Edward III, viz., on the 12th October, 1355, the said Hugh
appeared in Court, and stated that the King had pardoned him
for the said felony, and he produced the King's pardon under
Letters Patent, which stated that the King of his special grace
had pardoned Sir Hugh de Wrottesleye, Knight, for the death of
Philip de Lutteleye and Philip de Whitemere, and for breaking
out of the Marshalsea, and also for harbouring John de Tettebury,
William de Tettebury, and Walter de Tettebury, and likewise for

(i) The Marshall at this date was the famous Walter de Manny ;
Robert Bolour was his deputy.

184 History of Tettenhall.

the death of Thomas de Stretton, and for all trespasses of vert
and venison within the King's forests. Dated 5th March, 29
Edward III (5th March, 1355).
On the 8th March, Sir Hugh entered into a recognizance
with the King, to keep the peace towards Katherine de Lutteley,
Philip de Lutteleye, William de Perton, John de Perton, and Leo
de Perton, under a penalty of ^2,000, and on the 8th July follow
ing, a close writ was addressed to Sir William de Shareshull by
the King, annulling the outlawry of Sir Hugh, on the ground that
at the date of its promulgation he was in the King's service in
Brittany, where he had been taken prisoner by the King's enemies
on the i2th June, 1354. {Close Roll, 29 Edward III, m. 20.)
Notwithstanding the above recognizances. Sir Hugh
appears to have recommenced his persecution of the Perton
family, for the Pipe Roll, of 30 Edward III, states that Hugh
de Wrottesleye, chivaler, owes ;^2,ooo, which he had acknow
ledged to owe the King on the 7th March, 29 Edward III.
A postscript on the same Roll adds that he was exonerated
from the debt by the King's Memorandum of 32 Edward III, as
entered on the Exchequer Memoranda Roll of Michaelmas, 32
Edward III.
The Coram Rege Roll of Hillary, 28 Edward III, states
that the Sheriff had been ordered to return an extent ofthe lands,
goods and chattels which Hugh de Wrottesley, chivaler, held
within his bailiwick on the 28th January last, on which day the
said Hugh had been put into exigend for breaking out of the
King's prison of the Marshalsea, and he returned the extent in
these words : —
" Extent of the lands and tenements made before John
Musard, the Sheriff of co. Stafford, at Wrottesleye, on the
Monday after the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed
Mary, 28 Edward III, on the oath of Richard de Fynchfeld,
John, lord of Coven, Hugh de Mollesleye, Richard de Evenfeld,
John de Coulteye, Roger Walters, Roger de Picheford, John de
la More, Thomas Walters, Geoffrey de Congreve, John de St.
Pierre, and Henry Muryweder, who stated that the said Hugh
de Wrottesleye held no goods or chattels in co. Stafford on the
date in question, because John Musard, before the Feast of St.

Manor of Wrottesley. 185

Michael, by virtue of the King's writ, had taken into the King's
hand all the goods and chattels of the said Hugh, and which
goods and chattels still remain in his custody, but the said Hugh
held on the 28th January last at Wrottesleye a capital messuage,
etc. {as already given). And they say that the same Hugh de
Wrottesleye held of the gift of the King, for the term his life, an
annual rent of ;^4o, to be received from the farms ofthe King at
the Feasts of St. Michael and the Annunciation of the Blessed
Mary, and levied by his own hands, and he held on the same day
the wardships of Richard, son of Richard de Engelton, and
of John, son of John de Kenelworth, the heirs of William de
Pylatenhale, who held of the King in capite, and the wardship was
worth 40s. annually." m. 11, Rex.
The records of his further persecution of the Perton family
appear in a suit on the Coram Rege RoH, Trinity, 28 Edward III,
which states that the Sheriff had been ordered to put into exigend
Hugh de Wrotteslegh, chivaler, and William, brother of John de
Tettebury the younger, and if they appeared, to produce them at
this date, viz., on the Quindene of St. John the Baptist, to answer
the appeal of Katrine, formerly wife of Philip de Luttelegh, for
the death of her husband, and Katrine now appeared in her own
person, and the Sheriff returned that at the County Court of
Stafford held on the Thursday after the Feast of St. Valentine,
28 Edward III, he had exacted the said Hugh and William for
the first time, and they had not appeared, and at the Stafford
County Court held on the Thursday before the Feast of the
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he had exacted them
for the second time, and they had not appeared, and at the Staf
ford County Court held on the Thursday before the Feast of St.
Alphege, in the same year, he had exacted them for the third
time, and they had not appeared, and at the Stafford County
Court held on the Thursday after the Feast of St. Dunstan, in
the same year, he had exacted them for the fourth time, and they
had not appeared, but John de Huntyndon had stood bail for
them. And at the Stafford County Court, held on the Thursday
after the Feast of St. Barnabas, he had exacted them for the
fifth time and they had not appeared. They were therefore out
lawed in the presence of the Coroners. And upon this, Katrine
prayed execution of the outlawry, and that the said Hugh and

1 86 History of Tettenhall.
WilHam might be taken as outlaws, (i) The Sheriff was there
fore ordered to arrest and produce them on the Quindene of St.
Michael and to make dfligent enquiries respecting their lands and
chattels, {m. 90.)
The same process was followed in the appeal of Agnes,
formerly wife of Philip de Whitemere, against the same de
fendants for the death of her husband. In this case, Agnes
likewise appeared in person and prayed execution of the outlawry.
A postscript states that afterwards, on the Quindene of St.
Michael, 29 Edward III, the said Hughde Wrotteslegh appeared
and surrendered and was committed to the Marshalsea. And
being brought before the Court by the Marshal, he was asked
why judgment of death should not be pronounced against him,
"morti adjudicari non debet" on account of the said outlawry as
well as on account of the other outlawry promulgated against
him at the suit of Katrine, formerly wife of Philip de Luttelegh,
and he stated that on the Thursday in question when he was
outlawed, and both before and afterwards, he was in Brittany, in
the service of the King, and had been taken prisoner by the

(i) Sir Hugh de Wrottesley and William de Tettebury were now in
great peril, for by a recent enactment they had lost their right to a jury, and
could be sentenced to death without further trial. The above proceedings
contrast so strongly with the usual dilatory process of the Court, that I suspect
there was animus on the part of the Chief Justice, who was connected by
marriage with some ofthe parties to the appeal, as will be seen by the following
pedigree : — Sir John de Perton
Died 5 Ed. Ill
 \ 
I III
William, lord of John de Perton, Leo de Katherine = Philip de Lutteley,
Perton and Tresel stated to have Perton stated to have been
Died 34 Ed. Ill been killed by killed by Sir Hugh
Sir Hugh Wrot- Wrottesley in 26
tesley 12 Ed, III Ed, III
-Sir John de Perton = Elizabeth, dau, of Sir Wm, de Shareshull,
the Chief Justice,
Leo de Perton held an appointment in the King's household, being Pane
tarius Regis, or King's Napper, Philip de Whitemere is styled Clericus in some
proceedings in which he was a defendant in Salop, and in which he had become
liable to penalties, and for which Philip de Lutteley became surety for him. He
was therefore doubtless a clerk to the Sheriff, and the party were probably
serving writs or levying an execution upon the goods of Sir Hugh Wrottesley at
Pilatonhale at the time ofthe quarrel. Some ofthe entries on the Rolls seem to
indicate that, encouraged probably by their relationship to the Chief Justice, the
proceedings of Philip de Lutteley and his clerk were occasionally of a very high
handed nature.

Manor of Wrottesley, 187

French, so that he could not appear on the said Thursday at
Stafford, and he produced the King's writ directed to the Justices,
which was in these words.
Here follows the King's writ addressed to William de
Shareshulle and his fellow Justices, stating that it had been
shown to the King ex parte Hugo de Wrottesley, chivaler, that
whereas on account of the process of appeal against him of
Katrine, formerly wife of Philip de Lutteleye, for the death of
her husband, and likewise on account of the process of appeal
against him of Agnes, formerly wife of Philip de Whitemere, he
had been put into exigend in the County of Stafford, and had
been outlawed, and he had petitioned the King to the effect that
at the date of the outlawry he was in the King's service in
Brittany, and had been taken prisoner in the war there. And it
had been made fully evident to the King, that the said Hugh was
in his service and had been taken prisoner by the King's enemies,
and was a prisoner on the Thursday after the Feast of St.
Barnabas, 28 Edward III, on which day it was stated he had
been outlawed, and that he was still a prisoner {et ibidem ad hue
prisonarius existit), the King therefore commanded the Justices to
take steps to annul the outlawry according to law and the custom
of the Kingdom. Dated from Westminster on the 6th July,
28 Edward III. And the above writ having been seen and
heard {viso et audito), and inasmuch as the King had put on record
that of his certain knowledge, the said Hugh had been in his
service in Brittany on the said Thursday, and both before and
after, and had been taken a prisoner by the King's enemies in
France, so that he could not have been at Stafford on the said
day of Thursday, it was considered that the outlawries promul
gated against him should be revoked, and entirely annulled as
void and erroneous {tanquam irrite et erronee), and that the said
Hugh should be restored to the common law and to the King's
peace, and likewise all actions, real and personal, and that he
should repossess all the lands and tenements he held before the
outlawries had been promulgated, {m, 90.)
On his outlawry in January, 1354, the custody of his
Manors of Wrottesley and Butterton had been given by the King
to Ralph, Earl of Stafford, and Sir Richard Stafford. His goods
and chattels were restored to him by close writ, dated 24th

1 88 History of Tettenhall.

November, 1355. His pension had been restored by writ dated
5th March previously.
Besides the defendants named in the above writs of Agnes
de Whitemere, the following were prosecuted by another writ of
the same Agnes, for the death of her husband, viz., John de
Styvynton, John de Whiston, Roger, son of Geoffrey Leveson,
Richard Leveson, John Russell, and John Broke.
On the 8th April, 1356, Sir Hugh transfered all his lands
and tenements to trustees, who bound themselves by another
deed, in French, to pay him 400 livres annually, (i) This trans
action was doubtless to enable him to join the Black Prince in
Guienne, for, amongst the accounts of the wardrobe of the
Prince, of this period, is an order to deliver to Monsieur Hugh
de Wrotteslee, " 1 peir plates coverts de noir velvet," (2) a pair of
plates would be the breastplate and backplate.
The battle of Poictiers was fought on the 29th September,
1356; this decisive battle and the captivity of the French and
Scotch Kings, gave a short season of repose to the three
countries. In the autumn of 1359, the King again invaded
France at the head of a large army, and did not return to Eng
land till the following summer. It appears from the accounts of
the great wardrobe, that in 34 Edward III, viz., 1360, robes were
issued to Sir Hugh de Wrottesley and eighteen other Companions
of the Garter for the Festival of St. George in that year. Each
knight who was present, was supplied with six eHs of long
black cloth, and fur, composed of two hundred bellies of pure
miniver, for their robes and hoods, with scarlet cloth for the
lining of the same. This Festival of St. George must have been
celebrated in Burgundy, where the King and his forces were in
winter quarters.
In the same year, viz,, in 34 Edward III, a statute was
passed, regulating the Office of Justice of the Peace. The
Justices of the Peace, in Staffordshire, appointed in pursuance
of it were, Ralph, Earl of Stafford, John de Ferrers, WiHiam de
ShareshuH, Richard de Stafford, Nicholas de Beck, Roger Hillary,
Hugh de Wrottesley, John de Perton, John de Brimpton, and
Robert de Shareshull. Patent Roll, 35 Edivard III, m. 31, dorso.

(i) Original deeds at Wrottesley. (2) Beltz's Memorials of the Garter, p. 388.

Manor of Wrottesley, 189
In 1362, Sir Hugh Wrottesley and fifteen other knights of
the Garter, were again supplied with robes from the King's
wardrobe for the Festival of the Order. On this occasion, the
robes issued were of cloth of the colour of sanguine (crimson),
with fur of miniver, and Garters of Tartarin embroidered with
the motto, " Hon y soit qui mal y pense," This Festival was held
at Windsor. The wardrobe accounts shew that robes were
issued to Sir Hugh de Wrottesley in the following years, viz.,
1371, 1372, 1374, 1375, 1376, 1377, 1378, and 1379. In 1373,
robes were issued to other Knights of the Garter, and the
absence of Sir Hugh Wrottesley from this Festival had probably
some connection with his feud with the PeshaHs, which will be
described further on.
Sir Hugh had married, some years before this date, Mabel,
the daughter and co-heiress of Sir Philip ap Rees, of Talgarth
and Ideshale, (Albrighton). The marriage had taken place
before 1366, for, at Easter in that year. Sir Hugh re-settled all
his property, and gave a life interest to Mabel in the Manor of
Wrottesley. Sir PhiHp ap Rees died in 1369. An Inquisition taken at
Hereford on his death, states he died on the 4th August, 43
Edward III, that he held, in capite, the Manor of Talgarth
Engleys, and that Elizabeth, his daughter and wife of Sir Henry
de Mortimer, and Mabel, his daughter and wife of Sir Hugh de
Wrottesleye, were his nearest heirs, and were more than thirty
years of age, and that Hugh and Mabel had a son thirteen weeks
old. An Inquisition taken at Shiffnal, states he held the Manor
of Ideshale, conjointly with Joan, his wife, who was then sur
viving. It makes the same statements respecting the heirs, but
gives their ages at thirty and twenty-four respectively. Joan, the
widow of Sir PhiHp, died in the following year. The Hereford
Inquisition states she held one-third of Talgarth, in capite, as
dower, that she died on the 22nd August previously, and that
Elizabeth, wife of Adam de Peshale, daughter of Philip ap Rees
and Joan, was her nearest heir. Another Inquisition taken at
Ideshale, on the 8th September, 1370, has the same statement
respecting the heir.

I go History of Tettenhall,

Mabel and her son were therefore both dead before the
8th September, 1370, which is the date of the earliest of the
above Inquisitions. This is the year of the third great pesti
lence of the fourteenth century, and which lasted from the
2nd July, 1369, to 29th September, 1369, and Joan and Mabel
and her infant son, had, without doubt, been numbered amongst
its victims. As Mabel had had a son. Sir Hugh was entitled to
hold her share of the inheritance for his life, by the courtesy of
England, but a division of land amongst co-heiresses was always
a fruitful source of discord in these times, and a dispute at once
arose between him and Sir Adam, respecting the partition of these
lands. By the mediation of friends, an accord was drawn up in
the form of an indented deed, the half of which remains at
Wrottesley. It is dated the i8th October, 1370, from West
minster ; but although the testing clause has these words, " En
tesmoniance de quelles choses, a cestes endentures les partiis susditz entre-
chaungeblement ount mys lour scales," the seal attached to the deed is
that of Thomas Gech, the brother-in-law of Sir Adam, and it
would not therefore bind the latter party at all. The deed, which
is in French, begins as follows, "Accorde est per mediation de bones
amys enire Monsieur Hugh de Wrottesleye, Chivaler, d' un part, e Adam
de Peeshale e Elizabet sa femme d' altre part," and then proceeds to
state that Sir Hugh shall allow Sir Adam and Elizabeth to obtain
livery of the third part of the Manor of Talgarth, which Joan,
formerly wife of Sir Philip ap Rees, held as dower, and after they
have obtained livery of the same, they shall levy a fine, in con
junction with him, in the King's Court, by which the said third
part, as well as the third part which they held before, should be
vested in Sir Hugh for his life, and for which he should render to
them ^40 per annum.
It would appear from what follows, that Sir Adam and
Elizabeth never carried out the engagement they had entered
into in the above deed, for although Sir Hugh styles himself lord
of Talgarth in 1377, the Inquisition taken at his death states he
died seised of one-third of it. (i) Itis not unlikely however, that

(i) A writ on the Originalia 0143 Ed. Ill, directs the King's Escheator
to divide the Manor of Talgarth between Sir Hugh Wrottesley, who had married
one of the daughters and heirs of Philip ap Rees, and Adam de Peshale and
Elizabeth, his wife, the other daughter and heir.

Manor of Wrottesley, 191

during that turbulent period which ensued after the death of the
Black Prince, and the failing health and energy of the old King,
he had taken forcible possession of the Manor. Both parties
appeared to be equally unscrupulous in their dealings, for on the
Coram Rege RoH of HiHary, 49 Edward III, Adam de Peshale,
John le Parker of Talgarth, Richard de Peshale, Chivaler, and
sixteen others named, were summoned before the Court for divers
transgressions, extortions and oppressions, when Adam was fined
ten marks, and Sir Richard, forty shillings.
In the first year of King Richard II, A.D. 1377, Sir Adam
preferred a petition to the King and Council stating that he had
been at the Coronation of the King, and, in repairing to his own
country. Sir Hugh de Wrottesley designing his death, had placed
various ambushes, of men armed and harnessed, on the high road
between London and his country, and that the said Hugh had laid
with many armed men in a place called Foxhunte, Ledeyate, (i)
in the County of Worcester, with the intention to have killed and
murdered the said Adam and his people, as was well known
throughout the whole country, and that he had threatened the
said Adam, his servants and his tenants, marketing in the vill of
Shifnal, so that they did not venture to fair or market with their
merchandise, and he had taken from one Will Barker, tenant of
Sir Adam, twenty-four oxen in the high road and retained them
at Wrottesley, until he paid a fine to him of twenty-four shillings,
and that the said Hugh had made a retinue of men from the
counties of Chester and Lancaster, who were outlaws and male
factors, and for which cause the said Adam prayed that the King
would ordain a remedy for him and his tenants.
This petition is endorsed as follows : " Soit brief fait desouz
le grant seal a Monsieur Hugh de Wrottesle q'il soit devant le conseil
lendemain de Seint Martyn posthew venant sur peine de GGG livres pur
repondre a ceste bill." A writ in Latin in these terms was addressed
to Sir Hugh, dated 30th October, i Richard II, and is endorsed
that it was returned into Parliament on the morrow of St. Martin,
on which day Sir Hugh was present in person.
His answer is in French, and states that an agreement
had been made formerly between him and Adam de Peshale
(i) Fox Lydiate, between Alcester and Bromsgrove.

192 History of Tettenhall.

respecting the Manor of Talgarth, by which the said Adam and
Elizabeth his wife, should have long ago levied a fine with the
saitl Hugh, and the said Adam had sworn to do this in the pre
sence of several people, viz., of Sir Ralph Ferrers, Sir Peter de
Catesby, Sir Nicholas de Stafford, and Sir Thomas Harcourt
and others, and this oath he had broken as well as the terms of
an Indenture under his seal, and by this breach of faith, the said
Hugh had been put to great cost and loss, because the said
Manor was held of the King in chief, and he purchased the King's
licence with a large sum of money. Since which time, and in
consequence of the enmity between them, the men of the said
Adam had beaten the men of the said Hugh on the last day
of St. Thomas, at the Fair of Albrighton, and nevertheless they
had sent immediately to the said Adam at Ideshale, complaining
of the men of the said Hugh whom they had beaten, in conse
quence of which, Hamenet, the brother of Adam, armed and
arrayed for war, and others of his household and tenants to the
number of sixty men, arrayed in arms went to Albrighton, and
they pursued the men of the said Hugh, whom they had thus
beaten out of the County of Salop, as far as Wrottesleye in the
County of Stafford, and had beaten, wounded and illtreated them
so that they were in fear of their lives, and they had robbed
them, and calling out, " tuer les larons de Wrottesleye," (kill the
Wrottesley robbers) and exclaiming loudly and praying to God
that the said Hugh had been there so that they might have killed
him, to the terror of all the country, and against the peace of our
lord the King, and to the great hurt and damage of the said
Hugh. And, nevertheless, the said Adam, Hamenet, and Sir
Richard, his brothers, had gone to the Court of the King and
lodged a slanderous complaint against the said Hugh, and had
obtained writs for his arrest without cause, since which time the
said Sir Richard, Adam, Hamenet, and others of their affinity,
had assembled as many as three hundred men arrayed in manner
of war, so that the said Hugh could not venture to remain at
home, nor go out of his house without a large retinue, on account
of their malice. And Thomas Gech, the brother-in-law of the
said Adam, had sent to one William de Godyngfon to go with
them against the said Hugh, and because he would not do so, the
sons of the said Richard had gone to his house meaning to kiU

Manor of Wrottesley. 193
him, and not finding him, had, in spite, taken the daughter ofthe
said William, and "la raviserent felenousment," against the peace
of the Crown and the dignity of the lord the King.
Shortly after the death of Mabel, the second wife of Sir
Hugh, which took place in July or September, 1370, he married
his third wife, Isabella, the daughter of Sir John de Ardenne.
At this period he would be 56 or 57 years of age. In March,
1373, he resettled his properties, giving a life interest in Wrot
tesley to Isabella, with remainder to the heirs of his body, and
failing such, to remain to Walter Wrottesley, (i) and his male
issue. On the i6th August, 1372, he had likewise resettled his
land on the moors at Butterton. In this deed the above lands
were settled on him and Isabella and their issue, with remainder
to the right heirs of Sir Hugh. Both these deeds seem to have
been executed in anticipation of the military operations of those
years. The war with France was renewed in 1372, and the
King embarked with a large force on the 31st August of that year.
Sir Hugh died early in 1381, in the 67th year of his age.
The King's writ of diem clausit extremum is dated 4th February,
1381, and the Inquisition in pursuance of it was taken at Here
ford on the loth February foHowing. It states that Hugh de
Wrottesley, Chivaler, held nothing in fee within the county at
the date of his death, but that he held in the said county, a third
part of the Manor of Talgarth, for the term of his life by the
courtesy of England, by right of Mabel, formerly his wife, and
that the reversion of it fell to Elizabeth, the wife of Adam de
Peshale, knight, the sister of the said Mabel, and that it was held
of the King, in capite, by the service of one-third of a knight's fee,
and was worth £12 per annum, and that Hugh de Wrottesley
died on the Monday after the Feast of St. Vincent last past, and
Hugh, son of the said Hugh, was his heir of blood and was ten
years of age.

(i) The deeds at Wrottesley give no intimation of the relationship
of this Walter de Wrottesley to Sir Hugh, but as he seals with the three piles,
it is probable he was son of Roger, the brother of Sir Hugh. He was a soldier
by profession, and served in France under Sir Robert Knolles, one ofthe famous
leaders of the free companies. In 1373-4 he served in the retinue of the Earl of
Warwick, during the march of John of Gaunt from Calais to Bordeaux,

194 History of Tettenhall.

On the death of Sir Hugh, the controversy respecting
the tenure of the Manor was again revived, and the Abbot of
Evesham claimed the custody and marriage of the infant heir.
Isabella, the widow of Sir Hugh, survived him a few months
only, during which time she would hold possession of the Manor,
under the deed of 1373. Up to the date of her death, she had also
retained the custody of all her children, and when that event took
place, on the 3ot'n September, 1381, her brother. Sir Thomas
Arderne, carried away the heir out of the juris liction, in order to
forestall the Abbot, when the latter took possession of the Manor.
If the tenure of Wrottesley was one by soccage, the nearest
relative on the mother's side would be entitled to the custody
of the lands and person of the heir.
The Abbot (Roger Zatton) at once took possession of
Wrottesley, appointed a Steward, and on the 9th January, 1382,
held a Manor Court. As this is the earliest Manor Roll of
Wrottesley which is extant, it is worth giving in full, for it con
tains an acccount of the customs of the Manor. The original
is in Latin : —
Wrottesleye. The Court of Roger, Abbot of Evesham,
Custos of the Manor of Wrottesleye, and of Hugh, son of Hugh
de Wrottesleye, and Isabella, his wife, in the custody of the
Abbot by reason of the minority of the said Hugh, son of Hugh,
and which belongs to him by right, inasmuch as the said Manor
is held of the said Abbot and his successors by Knight's service,
held at Wrottesleye on the Thursday after the Feast of the
Epiphany, 5 Richard II, in the time of Thomas Newbold,
Seneschal. At which Court, by the oath of WiHiam Carte, William
Richardes, Thomas Rogesson, Richard Cook, John of the Grene,
Richard of the Grene, John Hugynes, Robert de Berneys, John
Fraunceys, Thomas of the Leye, Geoffrey Glasebury, Adam
Smyth, Hugh Wyse, John Milleward, John Hardehbury, and
Walter Seys, tenants of the said Manor, jurors, who stated, on
oath, that the site of the Manor, {i.e., the Manor House) is worth
nothing beyond reprises, but there is a garden there called the
Colnhouse Close, the herbage of which is worth I2d. yearly, and
an orchard, worth i8d,, and a pigeon house {columbarium), worth
4od. above reprises, and there are four carucates of arable land.

Manor of Wrottesley. 195

each of which is worth 13s, 4d., beyond reprises, but not more,
because the third part of the land, every year lies at fallow and in
common. And there are 10 acres of meadow, of which, each is
worth annually, 2s., and there is a several pasture called Calver-
heye, the herbage of which is worth i2d. yearly, and there are
three enclosed parks, of which, one is called le Logge Park (i),
the herbage of which is worth iis. 4d,, and in the said park
there are 60 acres of wood, from which, one year out of six,
8 acres of underwood can be sold, and 11 acres, of which each
acre is worth 13s. 4d. yearly, and in every seventh year, 9 acres,
which are of the same value, could be sold without waste or
destruction, to the inheritance of the said heir, and there is in the
same park, 30 acres of wood, lately sold or prostrated by the
said Hugh, the lord of the Manor, and which is so trodden down
by wild and domestic animals, through defect of the enclosure,
that no profit can be derived from it for the next 20 years. And
there is another park called Le Lee (2), the herbage of which is
worth 13s. 4d. yearly, but there is no underwood which can be
sold in it without waste. And there is another park called
Cronemoor (3), of which the pasture is worth 6s, 4d, yearly, and
there is in this park an acre of wood, of which the underwood
can be sold every seventh year, and it is worth 6s, 4d., and there
is a water mill called Trillemull, which is worth 30s. yearly, after
deducting the tythe, and the said Hugh had two other mills, one
called Wyghtivyke mull, which used to render to the said Hugh
40s., and another water mill called le newe mull (4), which used to
render to him 22s. after deducting the tythe, and which are held
in perpetuity of Henry de Fereres, lord of Groby, of his manor
of Tettenhall, in co. Stafford, of the ancient demesne ofthe King,
VIZ,, bne by the service of 2S,, and the other by the service of id.
in lieu of all service, and they say that the fish pool near the site
of the manor, and all the other marl pits of the said Hugh within
the manor are worth nothing, because they are not stocked, and
they say that the pleas and perquisites of the Court are worth 2s.
yearly, and they say on their oath that there are no other profits
belonging to the said manor which can be valued or appraised,
(i) Now the Lodge or Park Farm. (2) Now called the Big Lea,
(3) Cronemoor Wood, (4) The Wergs Mill,

196 History of Tettenhall.

excepting the rents and the services of the tenants of the manor,
which are particularly and fully written below. Value (as above)
;^i2 13s. 2d.
William Carte, the lord's native, (nativus domini) acknow
ledged that he held of the said custos a messuage and a virgate of
land {Cartes) by the service of 22s. yearly, to be paid at the
Feasts of St. Michael, St Andrew, the Purification of the Blessed
Mary, and at the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary, the Lord's
Ascension, and the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, by equal
portions ; suit of Court, every three weeks, and a heriot when it
shall fall due, and he works with one man for two days in autumn
according to the work, and for each day that he works, the lord
finds him a competent repast {unum repastum competens), viz., at the
ninth hour, and the lord likewise will have, after the death of the
said William, all his horses and male colts, and half of his pigs
and hogs, and the boar of the said William, if there should be one,
and a brazen pot, if there should be one, or 4od. in lieu of it, if
none can be found, according to the custom of the manor, and he
performed fealty as established, by custom, for his body and
chattels {cl fecit fid elitatem quod eidem institnitur de corpore et catallis).
William Richardes, the lord's native, acknowledged that
he held of the lord, in bondage, {in bondagio) a messuage and a
virgate of land {Richardes) by the service of i8s. 4d., to be paid
at the above terms, and he works and does all the services and
customs as William (3arte, and he performed fealty as above.
Thomas Rogersson acknowledged that he held of the lord,
a messuage and a virgate of land, as a native {native) (i), by the
service of 17s. 6d. yearly, to be paid at the above-named terms,
and he does all the other services and customs as the said
William Carte, and he performed fealty.
Richar^i Cook acknowledged that he held of the lord, a
messuage and a virgate of land, as a native (CoAs), by the service
of 16s., to be paid at the above terms, and he does all the other
services and customs as the said William Carte, and he per
formed fealty.

(i) i.e. He held his land by a servile tenure, but was not a serf.

Manor of Wrottesley. 197
John of the Grene, the lord's native, acknowledged
that he held of the lord, a messuage and a virgate of land, in
bondage, by the service of 17s. 4jd., to be paid at the said terms,
and he does all the other services and customs, as the said
William Carte, and he performed fealty.
Richard of the Grene, the lord's native, acknowledged
he held of the lord, in bondage, a messuage and a virgate of land
{Greneplace) , by the service of 24s., to be paid at the above terms,
and he does all the other services and customs as the said
William Carte, and he performed fealty.
John Hugynes, the lord's native, acknowledged that he
held of the lord, in bondage, a messuage and a virgate of land,
{Hugynes) by the service of 15s. 9d. to be paid at the above terms,
and he does all the other services, etc., (as before) and he per
formed fealty.
Robert de Berneye acknowledged that he held of the lord,
a messuage and a virgate of land, as a native {Robardes), by the
service of i6s. 5jd., to be paid at the said terms, and he does all
the other services, etc., (as before).
John Fraunceys acknowledged he held of the lord, as a
native, a messuage and a virgate of land {Fraunceys), by the
service of 15s. gd., to be paid at the said terms, and he does all
the other services, etc, (as before).
Thomas of the Lye, the lord's native, acknowledged that
he held of the lord, a messuage and a virgate of land {Lye Place),
in bondage, by the service of 14s, \\d., to be paid at the above
terms, and he does all the other services, etc., (as before).
Geoffrey Glasebury acknowledged that he held of the lord,
a cottage, with a croft adjoining, {Tuenters), a toft, and a croft
called Cartescroft, another toft with an adjoining croft called
Croutheres Croft, and another toft with a croft which was lately
Adam Benyn's, and another toft with adjoining croft, which was
lately Felice Alison's, and another croft adjoining, called
Machenes croft, lately of the land of the demesne tenants, and
formerly in the hands of the said Hugh, the father, through
default of the tenants, held at will, and another cottage wifh
adjoining croft {Sontes), and a piece of pasture of the demesne
called Cornewalle lone, by the service of 12s. lod. yearly, to be
paid at four terms, viz., atthe Feasts of St. Michael, St. Andrew,

1 98 History of Tettenhall.

the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary, and the Nativity of St.
John the Baptist, by equal portions, suit of Court as above, and a
heriot when it falls due, in lieu of all services, and he performed
fealty. Adam Smyth acknowledged that he held of the lord, a
cottage, with garden {Smythes-place), at the will of the lord, by the
service of i2d. at four terms, suit of Court, and a heriot when it
fall due, and he performed fealty.
Juliana Suel acknowledged that she held of the lord, for
term of her life, a cottage with garden {Fanheuers), by the service
of i2d., at the said terms, and she does all other services and
customs as the said Adam, and she performed fealty.
Thomas Rogersson, the lord's native, acknowledged that he
held of the lord, in bondage, a cottage with a garden {Addesplace),
ior the term of his life, by the service of i6d. yearly, and he does
all the other customs and services as the said Adam, and he
performed fealty.
Isolda of the Grene, the lord's native, acknowledged that
she held of the lord, in bondage, a cottage with a garden {Grene
place), by the service of i6d., to be paid at the said terms, and
she does all the services and customs as the said Adam, and
she performed fealty.
Hugh Wyse acknowledged that he held of the lord, as a
native, a cottage with garden {Greneplace), for the term of his life
by the service of 2S., at the said terms, and he does all the other
services and customs as the said Adam, according to the custom
of the manor, and he performed fealty.
Sum of the rents, £g i6s. iid.
The Homage (i) of Wrottesleye presented that Hugh de
Wrottesleye, Chivaler, and Isabella his wife, jointly enfeoffed,
held in capite, and by knight's service, the Manor of Wrottesleye
with its appurtenances, of the Abbot of Evesham, as of the
right of his Church of St. Egewyne, of Evesham, and that he
died on the Tuesday before the Feast of the Purification of the
Blessed Mary the Virgin, 4 Richard II, (29th January, 1381), and
the Abbot had no heriot after his death, and they say that

(i) The homage is the jury of tenants.

Manor of Wrottesley. 199

the said Isabella survived her husband, the said Hugh, and died
on the Sunday after the Feast of St. Michael, 5 Richard II,
(5th October, 1381), and after her death there feH to the said
Abbot a brown ox worth 13s. 4d., as a heriot. And they say
that Hugh, the son of the said Hugh and Isabella, is the nearest
heir of the said Hugh and Isabella, and was six years old and
more at the date of the death of the said IsabeHa, and that his
custody and marriage and the custody of the aforesaid Manor, by
reason of the minority of the said Hugh, son of Hugh, rightly
belong to the said Abbot, and that Thomas de Arderne, Chivaler,
had unjustly seized and abducted from Wrottesleye the said
Hugh, son of Hugh.
A postscript adds that Hugh Robardes, a native of the
lord, who held of the lord, in bondage, a messuage and a virgate
of land {Roberdes), had died, and after his death there fell to the
lord a black ox worth 8s., as a heriot, and three pigs worth i5d.,
and a brass pot containing two lagenes and a half, according to
the custom of the Manor, and Robert de Berneye, who had lately,
during the lifetime of the said Hugh, Chivaler, and by his license,
married Julia, the daughter of the said Hugh Robardes, and had
made fine with the said Hugh, Chivaler, to have the said tenement
after the death of the said Hugh Robardes, had come and prayed
to be admitted to do fealty to the lord for it, according to the
custom of the Manor usual up to this time: and he was admitted,
and acknowledged he held of the lord the said tenement, to him
and his, by the same services and customs as the said Hugh
Robardes formerly held it, and he performed fealty. Memorandum
that the heriot of the said Isabella was sent to Ombresleye (i) and
the others remain at Wrottesleye, in the hands of the Provost
there. The sum of the whole value of the Manor of Wrottesleye
yearly is ;^22 15s. id.; viz,, by rents, £<j i6s. iid.; tenants'
labour, 5s. ; value of the land and herbage and other things shewn
in the panel, excepting the two demesne mills, ;£'i2 13s. 2d.
A few days after this date, viz., on the 4th November,
1 381, the Abbot, by a deed in French, granted the custody of
all the lands, tenements, services, and rents, with the body of

(i) Roger Zatton, the Abbot, was a native of Ombersley, in Worcestershire.

ioo History of Tettenhall.

villanus {ove corps des vileins) and their issue, which Mons. Hugh
de Wrottesley and Isabelle, his wife, held of him at Wrottesleye,
to Sir Nicholas de Stafford, his executors and assigns, to hold till
the full age of Hugh, son and heir of the said Sir Hugh and
Isabelle, and if the said Hugh, the son, should die under age, to
hold the same till the full age of any other heir being under age,
rendering annually to the Abbot 13s, 4d, Dated from Evesham,
on the Monday after the Feast of All Saints, 5 Richard IL
It will be observed that the rent reserved was only the
chief rent of one mark, payable to the Monastery, but Sir
Nicholas had, without doubt, given a lump sum for the custody
of the Manor, which is not named in the deed, and which went
into the private coffers of the Abbot. The marriage of the heir
is not mentioned in the deed, and this was either reserved by the
Abbot, or, what is very probable, the young heir had been already
married whilst an infant. Sir Nicholas de Stafford, the new
custos of the Manor, was a younger son of Sir Richard de Stafford,
a Knight-Banneret, often mentioned in the pages of Froissart,
and one of the most distinguished soldiers of his age. Sir Thomas
Arderne, the brother of Isabelle, who had taken away the heir,
was married to a daughter of the same Sir Richard.
Shortly after this date, a Manor Court was held in the
name of the young heir, the proceedings being headed " Curia de
Wrottesleye, tempore Hugonis filii Hugonis de Wrottesleye, Chivaler, infra
etatem- existentis," but it contains nothing of interest. Within four
years afterwards, the young Hugh was dead, for the Abbot of
Evesham on the loth April, 1385, had given his younger brother
John in marriage to Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Robert
de Standish. John de Wrottesley came of age on the 29th September,
1400, and when he sued out livery of his mother's lands in
Cheshire, which were held in capite of the Earl of Chester ;
Henry, the Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester, issued a
precept to the Escheator to make enquiry into the extent of the
lands and tenements of which Isabella, formerly wife of Sir
Hugh de Wrottesley, held within his Bailiwick when she died,
who was her nearest heir, and whether the said heir was married
or not. This writ is dated i6th March, 1401, and is tested by
Henry de Percy, the famous Hotspur, who was then Justice of

Manor of Wrottesley. 261
Wales, (i) The return to it is dated 22nd March, 1401, and was
made on the oath' of Sir Richard de Vernon, Arthur de Daven
port, Richard, son of Roger de Cholmundelegh, Thomas de
Twemlowe, Robert de Bulkyley, of Ridalheth, and others, who,
after giving a detailed account of certain small tenancies formerly
held by the said IsabeHa in Budworth and other places, stated
that the said Isabella died on the Monday after the Feast of St.
Michael, 5 Richard II, (30th September, 1381), and that John,
son of the said Hugh and Isabella, was her nearest heir and was
twenty-one years of age on the Wednesday, the Feast of St.
Michael the Archangel last past, (29th September, 1400), and
that the said John had been married by the Abbot of Evesham
to one Elizabeth, the daughter of Robert de Standysshe, Chivaler,
and that John had married her on the Monday after the close of
Easter, 8 Richard II, (loth April, 1385), and this had been done
because Hugh, the father of the said John, held the Manor of
Wrotteslegh of the said Abbot and his successors on the day he
died, by knight's service. (2)

John de Wrottesley (A.D. 1400 to A.D. 1403).
There is little to record respecting this John de Wrot
tesley, who now succeeded to the Manor. His first Manor
Court was held on the Feast of the Conception, 3 Henry IV,
on 8th December, 1401, and one ofthe presentments states that
Agnes, the daughter of John Grene, the lord's native, had been
married to Adam Smyth, in the time of Elizabeth de Stafford,
without the license of the lord. This presentment shews that
Sir Nicholas de Stafford had died during the minority of John de
Wrottesley, and the Manor had been held by his widow. This
Elizabeth was daughter and heir of Thomas Meverel, according
to Vincent. By deeds at Wrottesley, dated respectively 26tli December,
1401, and 4th February, 1402, all the estates of John, at Wrot
tesley and Butterton, were settled on him and his wife, Elizabeth,
for their lives, with remainder to the right heirs of John. The
latest notice of him at Wrottesley, is a deed of manumission made

(1) Cheshire Inquisitions, Public Record Office. (2) Ibid.

202 History of Tettenhall.

by him in favour of Dionisia Hugyns, one of his female villeins.
This deed is dated 7th August, 1402, and on the 7th September
following he was dead.
The writ to the Escheator of Cheshire is dated 13th
October, 1402, and the return to it is dated the 26th of the
same month. The Inquisition contains the same account of his
land in Cheshire as given on the death of his mother, Isabella,
and states that he died on the Sunday, the Vigil of the Nativity
ofthe Blessed Mary, previously, or the 7th September, 1402, and
that Hugh, his son, is his nearest heir, and was two years of age
on the Thursday, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross,
14th September, 1402. (i)
A mandate of Henry, Prince of Wales and Earl of
Chester, dated from Chester, 20th April, 4 Henry IV, (20th
April, 1403), directs the Escheators to assign dower to Elizabeth,
who had been the wife of John, son of Hugh de Wrottesley,
Knight, out of the lands which the said John held of the Earl in
capite in co. Chester, the said Elizabeth giving security not to
re-marry without the Earl's assent.
By another writ dated from Chester, 24th April, 1403, the
Prince, with the assent of his Council, grants to Robert de
Standish, Chivaler, the custody of all the lands, tenements, etc.,
which formerly belonged to John, son of Hugh de Wrottesley,
Knight, in co. Chester, to be held by him till the lawful age of
Hugh, son of the said John, together with the marriage of the
said Hugh, son of John, without disparagement, and if the said
Hugh, son of John, should die within age, leaving a heir within
age, he concedes that the said Robert should have the custody
of all the said lands, etc., until any heir of the said Hugh, son of
John, should arrive at full age, and for this concession the said
Robert is to pay ;^20 within four years, to find competent main
tenance for the said heirs. 
Hugh Wrottesley (A.D. 1421 to A.D. 1464).
According to the date of his birth given in the Inquisitions
above quoted, this Hugh would not come of age till the 14th
September, 1421, but he is returned amongst the Knights and
(i) Cheshire Inquisitions, Public Record Office.

Manor of Wrottesley. 203

Esquires of the County able to bear arms in 1419, his name
occurring in the return to a writ issued in 7 Henry V, A.D. 1419,
by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, the custos of England, com
manding the Sheriffs of each County to elect and appoint a certain
number, in each Shire, of Knights and Esquires bearing arms
from their ancestors, of such as were most able and sufficient to
serve the King for defence of the realm, aH of which were to
attend the King's Council at Westminster, on the Tuesday in
the first week in Lent. During his minority, the Manor of
Wrottesley was in the hands of Sir WilHam BoteHer (i), but
whether by gift of the Crown or of the Abbot, there is no
evidence to shew.
By deeds at Wrottesley, dated respectively 24th and 26th
October, 1441, the Manors of Wrottesley and Butterton were
settled on Hugh Wrottesley and Thomasine, his wife, and their
issue, with remainder to the right heirs of Hugh. In these deeds,
for the first time, the prefix " de " is omitted before the surname,
and was never afterwards resumed. Thomasine, the wife of
Hugh, was daughter of Sir Thomas Gresley, of Drakelow, by
Margaret, daughter of Sir Thomas Walshe, of Wanleys, co.
Leicester; he must have been married to her before 1421, for she
is mentioned as Thomasine Wrottesley in the will of her grand
mother, Katherine, the relict of Sir Thomas Walshe, Knt., of
Anlep, which is dated in that year. Some of the Herald's
Visitations name Sir John Gresley, the son of Sir Thomas, as
the father of Thomasine, and others name Sir Thomas, but
judging from the respective epochs of father and son, she was
probably daughter of Sir Thomas.
On the i6th June, 1452, by original Letters Patent now at
Wrottesley, Hugh Wrottesley was pardoned for all treasons,
felonies, insurrections, etc., perpetrated up to that date. In this
year the Duke of York had levied a large force in the Midland
Counties and marched into Kent, when a reconciliation took
place between him and the Court party, and his forces were dis
banded. The King proclaimed a general amnesty, and pardoned,
by Letters Patent, upwards of 2,000 Knights, and others, who
(1) Manor Rolls at Wrottesley,

204 History of Tettenhall

had appeared in arms on this occasion. {Pardon Roll, SO and 31
Henry VI.)
This is the only public event with which the name of this
Hugh is connected. In 3 Edward IV, by deed dated 14th June,
1468, the Manor of Wrottesley was resettled on Hugh and
Thomasine for life, with remainder to Walter Wrottesley, Knt.,
and Joan, his wife, and their issue, and failing such, to the right
heirs of Hugh. Sir Walter Wrottesley, here named, was the
eldest son of Hugh.
Within eighteen months of this date, Hugh was dead, for,
on the 5th October, 1464, Sir Walter Wrottesley is styled lord
of Wrottesley on a Court Roll of the manor, (i)

Sir Walter Wrottesley (A.D. 1464 to A.D. 1473).
Although Sir Walter Wrottesley is named as lord of
Wrottesley on the Manor Roll of 1464, it must have been done
under some misapprehension by the Steward of the Manor, for
Thomasine, the widow of Hugh, had been jointly enfeoffed with
her husband, and held the manor for her life. As a matter of
fact. Sir Walter Wrottesley never was lord of Wrottesley, for he
died in the lifetime of Thomasine, his mother.
On the assumption of the Crown by Edward IV, in 1460,
Walter Wrottesley had been nominated by that monarch as
Sheriff of Staffordshire, a most arduous post, for the county was
almost entirely Lancastrian in feeling and interest. He was
knighted the same year. In the following year the King granted
to him and to his male issue, for his good and praiseworthy
service, two-thirds of the manors of Cient, Mere, and Hands-
worth, together with the advowsons of the churches of Forton
and Handsworth, and the reversion of one-third of the same
manors after the death of Margaret, the widow of Fulk
Stafford. (2) By other Letters Patent of the same year, the
King also granted lo him and his male issue, the manors of
Ranisham and Penpole, in co. Dorset, and the advowson of

(i) Original Manor Rolls at Wrottesley.
(2) This reversion fell in before 5 Ed, IV, when the King renewed the
grant of these Manors in full to Sir Walter, (Original Letters Patent at
Wrottesley,)

Maiior of Wrottesley. 205
Ranisham. In this year also, the King granted to Henry
Wrottesley, the brother of Sir Walter, who was Sheriff of
Worcestershire, all the lands and hereditaments of Thomas
Litley, who had been attainted of high treason. Besides these
valuable manors. Sir Walter held the manors of Aven, in co.
Glamorgan, and of Perton, in co. Stafford, both of which had
been probably given to him by Richard, Earl of Warwick, the
King-maker, for he appears to have been in the service of that
Earl for the greater part of his career.
On the 22nd March, 4 Edward IV, by warrant dated at
Warwick Castle, under the hand of Richard, Earl of Warwick
and Salisbury, Great Chamberlain of England and Captain of
Calais, Thomas Throckmorton, his receiver of the Lordships of
Glamorgan and Morgannok, was directed to pay to Henry
Vernon, Esq., ;^30, and to certain citizens of Kaerdiff (Cardiff),
/15 7s. 8d., for the expenses of Walter Wrottesley, Edward
Grey and Walter Scale, Knights, and others of the Lord's
Council who had lately been there, (i) This great lordship of
Glamorgan had descended to Richard, Earl of Warwick, by his
marriage with the heiress of the Despencers, who had inherited
it from the De Clares.
In 147c, Warwick was reconciled to Queen Margaret, and
agreed to restore Henry VI to the throne. King Edward, being
deserted by his army, embarked for Flanders, and Warwick
entered London.
Sir Walter Wrottesley had been appointed Sheriff of
Glamorgan, by Richard, Earl of Warwick, the famous King
maker. It was a very important office of trust, for the Earl had
a Palatine jurisdiction, and could raise forces at his own will
from his Welsh tenants there. When he decided to restore King
Henry VI, which event took place on October 5th, 1470, he
assumed the Government of the country. It then became
necessary to send a thoroughly trustworthy person to take charge
of the Garrison of Calais, of which he was the Governor. The
Earl sent Sir Walter Wrottesley to Calais, directing him to
appoint a person on whom he could rely as his deputy in
(i) Original deed at Coughton Court, Warwickshire.

2o6 History of Tettenhall.
Glamorgan, and Sir Walter appointed "John Throckmorton,
his Lieutenant in the Lordship of Aven, with full power to hold
the Court there, and to do all other things according to the
law and custom of the said Lordship." The latter raised and
commanded the Welsh levies of the Earl, which joined Queen
Margaret at Tewkesbury.
King Edward landed in Yorkshire on the 14th March,
1471, and advanced to London at the head of an army, having
eluded Warwick, who was raising forces in the Midlands. The
Earl followed the King, and was defeated and killed at Barnet
on the 14th April.
After the death of Warwick, Edward marched against the
Lancastrians under Queen Margaret, and totally defeated them
at Tewkesbury on the 4th May. John Throckmorton, the
deputy of Sir Walter Wrottesley, was one of the prisoners taken
on this occasion. The Warkworth Chronicle says that about the
same time that the battle of Tewkesbury was fought, "Sere
Watere Wrottysle and Geffrei Gate, Knights of the Earl of
Warwick, sent Sir George Broke, Knight, out of Calais with
three hundred soldiers to Thomas, the Bastard of Falconbridge,
to the intent that he should take King Henry out of the Tower
and destroy King Edward if he could," The Lancastrian party
flocked to this leader in such numbers that he had soon twenty
thousand men under his command, but on hearing of the defeat
ofthe party at Tewkesbury and the death of Prince Edward, he
disbanded his forces. Under date of 15th September, 1471, one
ofthe Paston Letters states "the Lords Hastyngs and Howard
be in Caleys and have it pesebely, and Sir Walter Wrottesle and
Sir Geffrey Gate, be comyn thence, and woll be in London thys
deye, as it is seyde. Written at Waltham, besyd Winchester,
the deye next Holy Roode Deye," (15th September).
On hearing of the above events, the death of the Earl and
the complete collapse of the Lancastrian cause. Sir Walter made
the best terms he could for himself and the garrison at Calais.
Letters Patent dated from Westminster, 6th August, 147 1, were
issued as foHows : — " Edward, by the Grace of God, King of
England, France, and lord of Ireland, to all, etc., of our special
grace, and by the advice of our Council, we pardon and remit to
Walter Wrottesley Geoffrey Gate, John Bensted, John Bromley,

Manor of Wrotte-^ley. 207

George Bissipate, Knights; to John, Lord Clynton, George
Neville, Thomas Gray, Richard Whetehyll, John Curtenay,
Roland Worsley, Thomas Radcliff, Robert Warmyngton, John
Partruit, and William Boyville, Esquires; to Richard Rovehede,
John Parker, and Antony de la Toure, and to all burgessses,
merchants, soldiers and mariners within the town and castle of
Calais, Tower of Ruysbanke, the Castle or demesne of Guynes,
and the Marches, to each of them and to their servants, agents,
and attorneys, all manner of transgressions, offences, impeach
ments, treasons, felonies, murders, robberies, insurrections,
rebellions, conspiracies, etc, howsoever done or perpretrated by
the said Walter, Geffrey, John, etc, before the date of the
present Letters, etc., and we further will that each and every
one of the said persons shall hold and enjoy all lands, possessions,
tenements and offices held by the King's gift or by Letters Patent,
of which they were seised or in possession on the 3rd day of
March, in the eight year of our reign, etc."
Sir Walter Wrottesley survived his pardon by less than
two years. The Inquisition taken on his death, at Burton-upon-
Trent, states that he held on the day he died, within the County
of Stafford, the Manor of Handsworth, worth ;^28 annually, and
the Manors of Cient and Mere, worth ;^20 annually, of the King,
in capite, by knight's service ; that the said Walter died on the
loth April last past, and that Richard, the son of the said Walter,
was his nearest heir, and was aged sixteen years and more, (i)
The Dorsetshire Inquisition is not extant.
Sir Walter Wrottesley died in London, and was buried in
the Chapel of St. Francis, in the Grey Friars Church. In a
register ofthe Sepulchral Inscriptions existing there, in the reign
of Henry VIII, and which is printed in the Collectanea Topographica,
p, 288, vol, 5, there occurs the following : —
" In capella Sancti Francisci. Dominus Walterus Wrot
tesley, miles, Strenuus in armis in comitatu Warwici, obiit loth
April, 1473,"
These monuments were pulled down and the materials
sold by Sir Martin Bowes, Lord Mayor of London, A.D. 1545,
{Stowes, London), (i) Inquisitions post-mortem, Public Record Office,

2o8 History of Tettenhall,

Sir Walter's wife was Joan, daughter and heiress of
William Baron, Esq., of Reading. This William was returned
amongst the gentry of co. Berks bearing arms from their
ancestors by the Commissioners of 1434, and was Member of
Parhament for the Borough of Reading during the greater part
of the reign of Henry VI. His arms, " on a field gules, a chevron
componey, or and blue, between three garbs or," are now
quartered by the family of Wrottesley. (i)
Whilst all these events were passing, Thomasine, the
mother of Sir Walter, was residing at Wrottesley, as lady of the
manor, and in that capacity held Manor Courts in the 49th year
of Henry VI, and loth, 13th, 14th, 17th, and 19th years of
Edward IV. In 21 Edward IV, Richard Wrottesley occurs as
lord. (2) Thomasine died on the Christmas Day, 1480, the Inqui
sition taken at her death, at Stafford, is dated the 20th October,
1481, and states that Thomas Asteley, armiger, Nicholas
Graceley, and John More were seised of the manors of Wrot
tesley and Butterton, and of a messuage and forty acres in
Codsale, and of three mills, etc., and gave them to one Hugh
Wrottesley and to the said Thomasine, and to their issue, and
they had issue, Walter Wrottesley, and the said Hugh died, and
the said Thomasine was seised of the said tenements in fee tail,
and died so seised. And the said Manor of Wrottesley was held
of the Abbot of Evesham, but by what service they are ignorant,
and was worth 20 marks annually, and the Manor of Butterton
was held of the Prior of Tuttebury, but by what service they are
ignorant, and is worth loos. annually, and the said messuage
and land was held of the Dean of Wolverhampton, but by what
service they are ignorant, and is worth 26s. 8d,, and the mills of
Wyghtwyk and the Wergs are held of Thomas Ferers, Knight,
but by what service they are ignorant, and are worth 30s.
annually, and the mill at Patteshull was held of Thomas Asteleye,
armiger, by what service they are ignorant, and is worth 20s.,

(i) There is a very fine seal of Sir Walter Wrottesley, at Wrottesley,
attached to a power of attorney, which shews this coat quartered with his own,
and on either side of the shield two unicorns as supporters.
(2) Original Manor Rolls at Wrottesley.

Manor of Wrottesley. iog

and the said Thomasine died on the Feast of the Nativity of our
Lord last past, and that Richard Wrottesley is her nearest heir,
viz,, son and heir of Walter Wrottesley, son and heir of the
said Hugh and Thomasine, and is twenty-one years of age and
upwards, (i) Richard Wrottesley (A.D. 1477 — 1523).
According to the Inquisition taken on the death of Sir
Walter Wrottesley, Richard, his son, was aged 16, in 1473.
He would therefore come of age in 1478, As his father was a
tenant in capite, his wardship and marriage would fall to the
Crown, and they appear to have been purchased by Sir Edmund
Sutton, who married him to his daughter Dorothy. Sir Edmund
was the eldest son of John, Lord Dudley, who died in 1487. He
pre-deceased his father, but was alive as late as 1483, for he was
present at the coronation of Richard III in July of that year. (2)
As Thomasine, the grandmother of Richard, was jointly
enfeoffed with her husband, Hugh Wrottesley, in the Manors of
Wrottesley and Butterton, Richard did not enter into possession
of his Staffordshire estates till 1480, when Thomasine died.
Richard Wrottesley was included in the first Commission
of the Peace for co. Stafford, issued by Richard III, in the
second year of his reign. Most Staffordshire names are con
spicuous from their absence in this list, for it contains only those
who were considered well affected to the house of York. Besides
Richard Wrottesley, the only names of Staffordshire men of
property on it are those of John Sutton, of Dudley, knight, John
Blount, of Mountjoye, knight, John Gresley, knight, Humphrey
Pearsall, Ralph Wolseley, and John Cawardine.
The accession of the Tudor dynasty, in 1485, must have
affected his interests very materially, for, the Acts of Resumption
of I Henry VII, and the reversal of the attainder of the Earl of
Wilts, deprived him of all the manors granted by Edward IV to
Sir Walter Wrottesley. It must be in allusion to this circum
stance that Leland the Antiquary, who wrote in the following

(i) \n<^\s\\\ons post-mortem. Public Record Office. This Inquisition occurs
in the printed Index as held on Thomas Wrottesley.
(2) Grazebrook's History ofthe Dudleys. Staff. Coll., vol, 9, p, 78.

2IO History of Tettenhall.

reign, says in his Diary, "Sumetime the Wrottesleys were men
of more land than they bee now, and greate with the Earls of
Warwick, yet he hath 200 marks of lond. At Wrotteslee, is a fair
house and a park." It is not unlikely however, that Richard
obtained some compensation, for his brother William v/as put
into the Household of Henry VII at this date, and the revocation
of the Crown grants was made by the King's sole authority, and
not by Act of Parliament ; the King could therefore make what
arrangements he pleased between the rival owners of confiscated
estates. All grants were revoked which had been made by the
Crown since the thirty-fourth year of Henry VI.
In 12 Henry VII, viz,, in 1496, Richard Wrottesley was
one of the Commissioners for collecting the Subsidy granted by
Parliament in that year. The other Commissioners were,
Humfrey Pearsall, Humfrey Swynnerton, and Thomas Wells.
He was Sheriff for the county in 1492, and again in 1501.
By an Indenture bearing date 12th March, 1501, and
which was made between Richard Wrottesley, Esquire, on the
one part, and Dame Margaret Harcourt and Thomas Harcourt,
Esquire, on the other part, it was settled that, "Walter Wrot
tesley, Sonne and heir apparaunt unto the said Richard, shall, by
the Grace of God, wedde and take to wyff, Isabel Harcourt,
daughter of John Harcourt, Esquire, on this half the Feste of
St. Michel the Archangell next ensuying, and att the resonable
request of the said Dame Marget and Thomas, and if hit so be,
that the said Walter discesse byfore marriage had bitween hym
and the said Isabel, as God forbidde, that then the next heir
apparaunt to the said Richard schaH take to wyff the said Isabel,
withyn a halfe yere after the discesse of the said Walter." After
which foHows arrangements for jointure of Isabel, to take effect
after the death of Dame Jane Wrottesley, the mother of Richard,
and also arrangements for the jointure of Dorothy, or any other
wife which Richard might have Richard Wrottesley was placed
on the Commission of the Peace for Staffordshire in the first
year of Henry VIII, and served the Office of Sheriff for the third
time in 8 Henry VIII.
His wiH is dated 1518, the year after his wife died, and
contains bequests to his sons, George, John, Harry, and Walter ;
and his daughters, Elizabeth, Jane, Isabel, Alys, Elinar, and

Manor of Wrottesley. 211

Marget; and his sons-in-law, Jamys Lewsun and Thomas
Lewsun (Leveson), also to his grandson, "lythuH John Wrot
tysley," and to Dorothy, his son Walter's daughter ; and a sum
of 26s. 8d. " for to lay a stone upon me and my wyffe," and eight
marks " for a pryst to synge a wholl rere for my solle and my
wyffys .soil, aud our fadurs sollys, and our modurs sollys, and for
all Chrystun sollys." (i)
This stone still exists in the Wrottesley Chapel at Tetten
hall, and consists of an alabaster gravestone, with the portraiture
of a man in armour, and his wife, drawn in black fines. At their
feet, sixteen children, and round the stone the following rhyming
epitaph in Gothic character : —
" Here lies closed in clay, the body of Richard Wrottesley,
And also Dorothy, his wif, which lived togedder all their lif.
The year MCCCCCXVII of our Lord, Dorothy departed out of this world.
And after within short space, Richard was layd in this place,
Here now our bodies do ley, on our soules Jesu have mercy,
We desire every Xtian mon, to pray for our soules that bin gon."
Notwithstanding the terms ofthe epitaph, which is doubt
less the composition of Richard himself, he survived his wife for
four or five years ; for, at Wrottesley there is a writ of miHtary
summons, addressed to him by name, directing him to be prepared
to join the Earl of Shrewsbury, who had been appointed to lead
an army against the Scots. This took place in July, 1522. The
writ is under the King's Sign Manual, and is one of the writs sent
by the King himself to the Barons and principal tenants in chief
of the Crown. It shews that, notwithstanding the loss of the
manors granted by the Crown to Sir Walter Wrottesley, Richard
was still considered by the Exchequer authorities, as liable to
military service as a tenant in capite, ordinary tenants would be
summoned by the Sheriff,
Of Richard Wrottesley's daughters. Elinor married first,
Edmund Leversedge, of Frome, co. Somerset, and afterwards.
Sir Henry Long, of Wraxall, co. Wilts, a very distinguished
soldier of the reign of Henry VIII, and for many years Sheriff
of Wilts. Another daughter married James Leveson, of Perton,
Merchant of the Staple, and ancestor of the Dukes of Suther
land. Another daughter, Anne, married Thomas Leveson, of

(i) Contemporary copy at Wrottesley ; the original will does not exist.

2X2 History of Tettenhall.

Wolverhampton, (i) And Margaret married Humphrey Onslow,
of Onslow, CO, Salop. (2)
Richard had also a brother William, who inherited a large
portion of the Baron estates, and was the founder of a younger
branch of the family which lasted for some generations. In
I Henry VII, he obtained by grant of the King, the Keepership
of the Park of Rasgyll, co. York (3), and the wardrobe accounts
of the same King shew that he was one of the Esquires of the
Body to the King. (4) His will, in which he styles himself,
William Wrottesley, of Redynge, is dated 26th December, 1512,
and was proved on the 4th February, 1512/13. He names in it
his daughters Elizabeth and Custance, his sons Robert and
Edward, his son-in-law Escue, my Lady Sturton, (his sister), and
my lord, her husband, my Lord Sowche (de la Zouch), my Lady
Scrope (his sister), and Dame Parnel, of the Nunnery of Dert-
ford, (a third sister). Robert, his son, and his daughter Custance,
to be executors. His son-in-law Escue, was Sir William Ayscough, or
Askew, of South Kelsey, co. Lincoln, who married his daughter
Elizabeth, and by her, was father of the unfortunate Ann Askew,
the martyr who was burnt as a heretic in 1546. (5)
Robert, the grandson of this William, was Member of
Parliament for the town of Chippenham in 1553, the first year of
Queen Mary.

Walter Wrottesley (A.D. 1524 — 1563).
Walter succeeded his father, Richard, some time between
1522 and 1524. There is no evidence of the precise date of the
death of Richard, for the Inquisition, /,;;;,, taken on his death, if
it ever existed, has been lost. The first act extant performed by
Walter, in his capacity as head of his family, is a conveyance in

(i) Glover's Visitation of Staffordshire, printed vol, 3, Staff, Coll.
(2) Pedigree of Onslow, in Manning and Bray's History of Surrey.
(3) Materials for a History of Henry VII, printed by the Deputy Record Keeper,
(4) Wardrobe Accounts, 4 Henry VII, printed,
(5) History of the Reformation, printed by the Camden Society, where
Thomas Wrottesley is written by mistake for William,

Manor of Wrottesley. 2 1 3

trust for the Reading Alms Houses (i), in which he is described
as " cosyn and heire of William Baron, late of Redyng, in the
CO. of Berks, decessed, that is to seye, son of Richard, son of
Johanna, doughter and heire to the said William Baron." This
is dated the 3rd June, 16 Henry VIII, or A.D. 1524.
On the Saturday before St, Valentine, 16 Henry VIII
(nth February, 1525), the Kynfare Manor RoH states he
appeared in person in full Court, and claimed to hold of the
lord all the lands and tenements in Kyngeley which descended
to him by hereditary right, after the death of Richard Wrottesley,
Armiger, his father. (2) Kingeley was an outlying portion of
Kinver Manor, lying within the Parish of Tettenhall. (3)
Walter Wrottesley was appointed King's Escheator for
the County of Stafford, by Letters Patent of 19 Henry VIII and
24 Henry VIII. His accounts for these two years remain in the
Public Record Office. He also served the office of Sheriff of the
County in the first year of Edward VI. A letter from Sir John
Dudley, afterwards Duke of Northumberland, written to him
about this date, shews he was retained in the service of t'ne
writer (4), but he was fortunately saved from any participation
in the political acts of that minister, at the death of the King ;
the arrest ofthe Duke having been effected before his partizans
could be collected.
In 1545, by an indented deed dated 28th July, 37 Henry
VIII, Walter Wrottesley covenanted with Thomas Asteley, of
Pattishull, Armiger, that, "John Wrottisley, sonne and heire
apparaunt of the said Walter shall, by the Grace of God, on this
side the Feast of the Natyvytye of our Lord next ensuyng after
the date hereof, marrye and take to wyffe, Elizabeth Asteley,
daughter to the said Thomas Asteley, if the laws of the Holy
Trynyte hit suffer, and the said Elizabeth thereto consent and
agree, etc." By this indenture, the Manor of Butterton, two
pastures in Wyllnalle (Willenhall), a mill, and another pasture,
or lands of equal value, were to be settled, by Walter Wrottesley,
on John and Elizabeth and their issue, and Walter Wrottesley
(i) Original at Wrottesley. (2) Copy of Court Roll at Wrottesley.
(3) see Tettenhall Regis, p, 27 ante.
(4) Original letter at Wrottesley, printed in vol. 9, Staff. Coll.

2 14 History of Tettenhall.

was to be paid £^o by Thomas Asteley. Butterton was stated
to be of the annual value of £& 8s. 4d., the mill, was the Hawk-
well mill, within the fee of Patshull. (i)
In 2 Edward VI, Parliament, with a view of augmenting
the royal revenues, which had been much impaired by improvi
dent gifts, granted to the King, the ancient ecclesiastical colleges
with their lands and revenues. Amongst these was the Collegiate
Church of Tettenhall, and as the Crown purposed to sell the
Colleges to the highest bidder, it became necessary for Walter
Wrottesley to purchase the College and its revenues at a high
price, in order to preclude the interposition of strangers, who
would have levied the tithes from the whole of his estates. The
Crown exacted the full value of the property, for Walter paid
about twenty-two years purchase for it, which was much above
the value of freehold land at this date.
The Letters Patent of 3 Edward VI, which convey the
College to him and his heirs, describe the property as follows : —
" All the late College of Totnall, alias Tatenhale, in co. Stafford,
with the house and the site, and all edifices, orchards, gardens,
etc., and all the profits and emoluments of the said College, also
the five Prebends of Penford, Bovenhill, Perton, Wrottesley, and
Codsall, founded in the said College, and all other messuages,
lands, glebes, tithes, services. Court Leets, view of frankpledge,
free-warren, and all other rights, jurisdictions, privileges, both
spiritual and temporal, or of whatever nature pertaining to the
said College, as fully and freely as any Dean, Master, or Warden
or Prebendary or any other Minister of the College or Prebends
ever held them." (2) By this grant Walter Wrottesley and his
successors became Secular Deans of Tettenhall, an^ as it was a
Royal Peculiar, exempt from all Episcopal supervision, the wills
of the parishioners were proved and registered in his Manor
Court for many generations afterwards, until the abolition ofthe
Peculiars in the early part of this century.
(i) This mill was sold by John and Elizabeth, during the lifetime of
Walter Wrottesley, viz,, in 4 Ed, VI, to Thomas Astley, for a sum of 50 marks
(see the Staffordshire Fines, in vol, 12, Staff. CoU,, p. 205). It is difficult to
understand how they could have given a secure title to Thomas, for if their issue
had failed, the mill would have reverted to Walter and his heirs. It shews,
however, that John and Elizabeth must have had issue at this date, or Thomas
Astley would not have taken the risk,
(2) Original Letters Patent at Wrottesley (see Appendix),

Manor of Wrottesley. 215

Walter Wrottesley's will is dated the 13th December,
1562, and was proved in January, 1565, A copy of the Court
Roll of Tettenhall Regis Manor shews however that he was dead
on the ist July, 1563, for on that day, "John Rotsley, {sic)
Armiger, son and heir of Walter Rotsley, Armiger, appeared in
Court in his own person, and took from the lord {cepit de domino),
all those messuages, etc, of which the said Walter Wrotsley, {sic)
died seised, (i) With the revival of letters, when nearly every
body could write more or less, the orthography of names and
words was fast becoming merely phonetic. In the will of Walter,
his name is written, Walter Rottysley, of Rottysley, Ysquire, he
names in it only his son and heir John, and his cousin, Edward
Levyson. At the time of his death he must have been nearly 80
years of age, for he was appointed joint steward, with his father,
of the Dean's Manor of Wolverhampton in 1506, (2) and it must
be presumed he was of full age at that date. Besides his son,
John, who succeeded him, Walter had another son Richard, and
four daughters, Elizabeth, Elinor, Dorothy and Margaret.
Elizabeth married Sir John Talbot, of Albrighton, the ancestor
of the present Earl of Shrewsbury ; Elinor married Richard Lee,
of Langley; Margaret married Richard Thornes ; and Dorothy
married William Lawrence, of Hartinfordbury.

John Wrottesley (1563 — 1578).
John Wrottesley was Sheriff for the County the year after
his father's death, viz., in 1564. At Easter Term, 14th Elizabeth,
(A.D. 1572), in conjunction with his eldest son Walter, he levied
a Fine of the Manor of Wrottesley, the object of which was to
invest it in the hands of trustees, (Gilbert Astley, Armiger, and
John Talbot, Armiger), with a view of resettling it on himself for
life, with remainder to Walter and his issue. In this Fine, the
manor is described as containing 8 messuages, a cottage, 2 tofts,
20 gardens, 20 orchards, 500 acres of land, 200 acres of meadow,
500 acres of pasture, 400 acres of wood, and 5s. of rent. (3)
This corresponds nearly with the acreage of the present
day, but the amount of woodland has been diminished. The

(I) Original at Wrottesley. (2) Ibid. (3) Staff. Coll., vol, 13, p. 287,

2i6 History of Tettenhall.

small amount of rent named shews that nearly the whole Manor
was held in demesne.
An indented deed at Wrottesley, of 15th May, 10 Elizabeth
(A.D. 1568), states that a marriage had been solemnized at that
date between Walter Wrottesley, Gentleman, the son and heir
apparent of John Wrottesley and Mary, daughter and sole heir
of Hugh Lee, of Woodford, co. Stafford. By this deed, John
Wrottesley, by agreement with Hugh Lee, conveys lands to
trustees for the benefit of Walter and Mary, with a view of
making a provision for the latter.
In November, 1578, he was on his death-bed, and the
following instrument was proved, in the following January, as
his last will : — " Certain wordes spoken by the right worshipful
John Wrottesley, Esquire, the 28th day of November, a little
before his death, 21 Elizabeth. The said John Wrottesley being
asked of Mr. Walter Wrottesley, his son and heir, what he would
bestow upon his two sisters towards their preferment, he said 300
marks apiece. Then the said Walter Wrottesley demanded where
the 600 marks was, or whether he would charge his executors
with the payment thereof ; and he said I cannot tell. Also the
said Walter asked what he would give his brother that was in
London ; and he said he hath 100 marks already, and I will give
him 20 pounds more. Being asked when that was to be paid, he
said out of my lands at Butterton ; then answer being made that
it could not be paid out of those lands, for that it was Mistress
Wrotteslie's, her jointure, then the said John Wrottesley said I
will devise some other way. Also being asked what he would give
his two youngest brethren, he said 10 pounds apiece of annuity.
Signed, John Smith, Roger Onyons (his mark), W. Dunn,
Richard Chillerton (his mark). ' Proved loth February, 1578, (i)
by Elizabeth Wrottesley, the relict.
He was buried at Tettenhall Church, in the Wrottesley
Chancel, where an altar tomb was erected m his memory, with
effigies of himself, in armour, and of Elizabeth Astley, his wife,
in ruff and farthingale. The monument names the following
children : — Walter Wrottesley, Esquire, son and heir, Thomas,

(i) The legal year did not begin till the 25th March, at this date.

Manor of Wrottesley. 217

Edward, and John, and six daughters, Isabell, Mary, Frances,
Dorothy, Margaret, and Elizabeth.
At the date of his death, all the daughters were dead or
married, except the two youngest. Frances was wife of Ralph
Drake, of Blackland, in the parish of Bobington, and Dorothy
had married Richard Whethill, of Great Shepey, co. Leicester.
Margaret eventually married Richard Eld, Esq., of Leighford,
CO. Stafford, and the youngest daughter, Elizabeth, married
Samuel Pype, of Bilston, (i)
Elizabeth, the widow of John Wrottesley, died in 1592,
The copies of her will, which is at Wrottesley, names " my sonne
and heire, Walter Wrottesleye ; Hugh Wrottesleye, his sonne ;
my daughter, Margaret Elde; my daughter, Elizabeth Pype;
my sonne, Thomas Wrottesleye; my daughter, Dorothy Whettyll ;
my sonne-in-lawe, Rafe Drake; my sonne, Rictiard Whettyll,"
The executors were her son, Walter Wrottesley, and Humphrey
Giffard, of Blackladies.

Walter Wrottesley (1578 — 1630).
John Wrottesley was succeeded by his son Walter in 1578.
If the latter was born before the sale of the Hawkwell Mill, in
1550, which seems more than probable, he would be about 33
years of age at this date. In 1597, he was Sheriff of the County,
and the receipts of the exchequer at Wrottesley shew he was the
collector, in conjunction with Roger Fowke, of the subsidy of the
tenth and fifteenth, granted by Parliament to Queen Elizabeth
for the war with Spain, in 1596.
After the death of his first wife, Mary Lee, he married
Joyce, the daughter of Sir Edward Leighton, of Wattlesborough,
CO, Salop, and the widow of Francis Bromley, of Worfield, co.
Salop. This last connection involved him in a troublesome law
suit in Chancery, in 1603 and 1604, an action having been brought
against him and Joyce, by William Davenport, son and heir
apparent of Henry Davenport, of Chorley, co. Chester, and Jane,
his wife, respecting the estate of Francis Bromley, of Hawnde,
Salop, deceased, who was the father of the said Jane, and the
(i) Deeds and wills at Wrottesley.

2 1 8 History of Tettenhall.
former husband of Joyce. Walter Wrottesley and Joyce, in their
reply, state " that about September last past twelvemonth, the
said complainant Jane, being then young, was by some practices
and persuasions of the other complainant, William Davenport
{a man in worth and estate far unworthy of such a match), privily enticed
and stolen away from their house at Wrottesley, and married to
the said complainant, William." William Davenport rejoined
that he was in every way worthy to matcli with the said Jane,
and that the marriage was no disparagement to her at all, neither
did he entice or steal her away, (i)
The object of this suit was, without doubt, to obtain an
allowance for the heiress during hf-r minority, but the sequel of
the suit is not given by the author of the " History of Worfield."
It seems, however, to have been a typical Chancery suit, for
seventy years afterwards proceedings were still pending in the
Court between Sir Walter Wrottesley and Henry Davenport,
Esq,, and Lettice Davenport, widow. (2)
On the 7th October, 40 Elizabeth (1598), Walter Wrot
tesley made a settlement of copyhold property in Wolverhampton,
which gives considerable information respecting his family. The
copy of the Court Roll of Wolverhampton states that Walter
Wrottesley, Armiger, appeared in Court and surrendered to the
lord of the Manor of Wolverhampton, certain messuages, lands,
and tenements, to the use of himself for life, with remainder to
his son, Hugh Wrottesley, Armiger, son and heir apparent ofthe
said Walter, and to Margaret, the wife of Hugh, during the term
of their lives, and that of the survivor, with rtmainder to the heirs
male of the body of Hugh, and failing such, to Walter Wrottesley,
second son of the said Walter for his life, with remainder to
William, third son of the said Walter for his life, with remainder
to the heirs male of the body of Walter the father, with remainder
to Thomas Wrottesley, brother to Walter the father, and to the
heirs of his body, and failing such, to George Wrottesley,
Armiger, kinsman of the said Walter the father, and to the heirs
male of his body, with remainder to the right heirs of Walter the
father, for ever. (3)
(i) The History of Worfield, by the Rev, Samuel James,
(2) Chancery Proceedings, Public Record Office,
'3) Original copy Court Roll at Wrottesley.

Manor of Wrottesley, 219

George Wrottesley, named above, was son of Thomas
Wrottesley, and was subsequently knighted and played a not
unimportant part in the local history of Surrey. Some of his
letters to the Minister Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, are to be found
in the Calendar of State Papers printed by the Government. He
married Catherine, daughter and heir of Sir John White, of
Farnham, who was Lord Mayor of London in 1563, and died at
Aldershot in 1573. By her he had a son, George, who died in his
infancy. Catherine, his widow, proved his will in 1638. (i) In
this he is styled Sir George Wrottesley, Kt., of Guildford.
As the College of Tettenhall and its lands were held in
capite, no settlement of them could be made without the inter
position of the Crown and the payment of a fine for "license to
alienate." The licenses to alienate are preserved in the Public
Record Office, and often afford valuable information for family
history. Amongst them is one dated ist April, 42 Elizabeth,
(1600), by which, license was given to Walter Wrottesley,
Armiger, and to Hugh Wrottesley, Gentleman, to alienate to
Edward Littleton, Knight, and to Thomas Leighton, Armiger,
and to the heirs of Edward, aH the late College of Totnall, in co.
Stafford, alias Totenhall, alias Tatenhall, with its Prebends and
lands in Totenhall, Alderley, Wrottesley, Wightwyke, Codsall,
Billebrooke and Okyn, together with the Rectory of Womborne
and Orton, and tythes in Womborne and Orton, and with license
to reconvey the same (excepting the tythes of Billebrooke and
the Rectory of Womborne and Orton, and tythes in Womborne
and Orton) to Walter Wrottesley for his life, with remainder
after his death to Hugh Wrottesley, and to the heirs male
of his body, and failing such, to Walter Wrottesley, son of
Walter, and heirs male of his body, and failing such, to the heirs
male of the body of Walter, the father. And as regarded the
tythes of Billebrooke, to Walter, the father, for his life, with
remainder to Hugh Wrottesley and Margaret his wife, and to the
heirs male of the body of Hugh, and failing such, after the
deaths of Hugh and Margaret, to Walter the son, and to the
heirs of his body, and failing such, with remainder as before.

{\) History of Surrey, hy Manning and Bray.

2 20 History of Tettenhall.
And as regarded the Rectory of Womborne and Orton, and
the tythes of Womborne and Orton, to the said Hugh and
Margaret his wife, and to the heirs male of the body of Hugh,
and failing such, with remainder as before, (i)
On obtaining the license to alienate, the College of Tetten
hall and the other Wrottesley estates were vested in the Trustees
named by a Fine levied at Easter Term, 42 Elizabeth. This
Fine describes the property as consisting of the manors of
Wrottesley, "Tetnall Clericorum, and Butterton, and of 30
messuages, 10 cottages, 6 tofts, 2 dovecotes, 40 gardens, 30
orchards, 80 acres of land, 150 acres of meadow, 100 acres of
pasture, 100 acres of wood, 500 acres of furze and heath, 100
acres of moor, 20 acres of land covered with water, and 50s. of
rent ; in Wrottesley, Tetnall Clericorum, Butterton, Woodford,
Tresle, Womborne, Wolverhampton, Typton, Grindon, Waterfall,
Codsall, Bilbrooke, Orton, Wightwick, Longdon, and Curburgh,
also of all tithes of sheaves, grain and hay, and of all tithes
whatsoever annually growing, issuing and renewing in Codsall,
Wrottesley, Bilbrooke, Tetnall Clericorum, Wightwick, Wom
borne and Orton, otherwise Overton, co. Stafford; and of the
Manor of Lychfield, and 9 messuages, 9 gardens, 4 orchards,
IOO acres of land, 40 acres of meadow, 100 acres of pasture,
and 10 acres of wood, in the City of Lichfield, the Parish of
Stowe near the City of Lichfield, Longdon and Curburgh in the
CO. of the City of Lichfield." (2)
Walter Wrottesley died in December, 1630. His will was
proved in the following 31st January. A codicil having been
added to it on the 5th December, " in the time of the last sickness
of which he died," The will names the following members of his
family : —
His eldest son. Sir Hugh Wrottesley, Kt. ; his grandsons,
Walter and William; his granddaughters, Mary, Penelope,
Elizabeth, Howard, and Margaret, daughters of Sir Hugh ; his
daughter. Dame Elizabeth Hewitt, wife of Sir Thomas Hewitt, Kt.

(i) Licenses to alienate, 42 Eliz., vol. 7.
(2) Feet of Fines, mixed counties, 42 Eliz. The 500 acres of furze and heath
was the old Wrottesley Park, now cultivated.

Manor of Wrottesley. 221
and Walter Hewitt, eldest son of Sir Thomas ; also, Mary,
his daughter, wife of Richard Prince, Esq, ; Walter Prince,
eldest son of Richard Prince ; and his nephew, Walter Pype.
He made the following bequests : — To the poor of Codsall,
£'i 6s. 8d.; Wolverhampton, £^ os. od.; Patingham, ^3 6s. 8d.;
Brewood, £^ os. od. ; Albrighton, £^ 6s, 8d. ; Bridgenorth,
;^ioo OS. od, ; and ;^i40 for a monument to be erected over his
grave in Codsall Church, The Parish Register of Codsall shews
he was buried on the nth December, 1630.
At the date of his death, he had survived his second wife
and all his sons except the eldest of them, Sir Hugh Wrottesley.
He had likewise survived two wives of the latter, for the Parish
Register of Codsall shews that : — Mr. William Wrottesleye, the
son of Walter Wrottesleye, of Wrottesleye, Esquire, was buried
on the 24th April, 1599. Mr. Walter Wrottesleye, the son of
Walter Wrottesleye, of Wrottesleye, Esquire, was buried 30th
July, 1602. Mrs. Joyce Wrottesleye, wyffe to Walter Wrottes
leye, of Wrottesleye, Esquire, was buryed the 26th December,
1614. The same Register has the following entries: — Mr. Richard
Prynce and Mrs. Mary Wrottesleye were marryed in Wrottesleye
Chapell, by me, Thomas Pytt, i6th June, 1618. Mr. Raynold
Corbett and Mrs. Susanna Wrottesleye were marryed in Wrot
tesley Chappell, 5th August, 1623.
The Tettenhall Register shews that Margaret, wife of
Hugh Wrottesley, of Wrottesley, Gentleman, was buried the
i8th September, 1615, and that Clare, the wife of Sir Hugh
Wrottesley, Knight, was buried the 15th January, 1620.
Walter Wrottesley was in possession of his patrimony for
more than 52 years, and at the time of his death must have been
about 86 years of age. His monument still exists in the Chancel
of Codsall Church, and consists of an altar-tomb, on which is an
alabaster effigy of him in armour, ofthe time of Charles I.
He was probably a Roman Catholic, for he was never in
the Commission of the Peace, and one of the objections made by
Sir Ralph Sadler to Chillington as a residence for Mary, Queen
of Scots, was that none of the neighbours were Protestants, well
affected to Queen Elizabeth, except Sir Edward Littleton at
Pillatenhale, and he was some distance off.

22 2 History of Tettenhall.
Sir Hugh Wrottesley (1630 — 1633).
Sir Hugh Wrottesley v.-as in possession of his estates for
so short a period, that the principal events of his career must be
looked for m the lifetime of his father.
According to Glover's Visitation of Staffordshire, of 1583,
he was born in 1573, and was therefore 57 years of age when his
father died. During his father's lifetime he lived at Woodford
Grange, which had descended to him from his mother, Mary Lee,
daughter and heiress of Hugh Lee, of Woodford, (i)
On the 26th August, 1617, he was knighted at Nantwich,
in Cheshire, by James I, during one of the progresses made by
that King in the Midland Counties. (2)
He appears to have married his first wife, Margaret, about
the year 1597, but his eldest son was not born till 1606, several
daughters having been born previously. She was the daughter of
Sir Edward Devereux, of Castle Bromwich, and sister of Walter,
fifth Viscount Hereford. (3) Margaret died in 16 15, leaving two
sons, Walter and William, and several daughters. Some time
after her death. Sir Hugh married for a second wife, Clara, the
widow of William Sneyd, of Keele, and the daughter of Sir
Anthony Colclough, of Tintern Abbey, co. Wexford. He does
not appear to have had any children by her, for her will names
only Master Wrottesley (Walter, her stepson), who would then
be 14 years of age, and Penelope, Mary, Dorothy, and Susannah
Wrottesley; and among her bequests she left /"lo to the Lady
Devereux, to buy Dorothy Wrottesley a diamond ring. She died
in 1621, and was buried at Tettenhall. (4)
Sir Hugh's name appears amongst the Deputies appointed
by the Earl of Monmouth, the King's Lieutenant of co. Stafford
in 1627. The number of Deputies at this date weie six only, a
remarkable contrast to the number of the present day; they were

(i) Hugh Lee's will is dated 1576. According to the Visitation of
Staffordshire, of 1614, he was descended from the Lees of Langley, This
seems likely, for there had been a previous marriage between the two families;
Elinor, the daughter of V.'alter Wrottesley. having married Richard Lte, ot
Langley, father of Sir Humphrey Lee, the first Baronet.
(2) NichoU's Progresses of Elizabeth and James I,
(3) St, George's Visitation of Staffordshire, A,D, 1614. Staff. Coll., vol. 5.
(4) The Tettenhall Register states she was buried on the 15th January, 1620,
but the legal year did not commence till the 25th March at that date.

Manor of Wrottesley. 223

Sir Walter Aston, Knight ofthe Bath and Baronet, Sir Thomas
Leigh, Knight and Baronet, Sir Walter Chetwynd, Knight,
Sir Hugh Wrottesley, Knight, Sir William Powell, Knight, and
Ralph Sneyd, Esquire. In the first year of Charles I, he obtained
a general pardon for all treasons and felonies, etc. This was a
precaution taken by most men of property who had held any
office under the Crown, as it acted as an estoppel to any claims of
the Exchequer, (i)
On the 4th August, 1630, a Royal Commission was issued
to Robert, Earl of Essex, Walter, Lord Aston, Sir Hugh
Wrottesley, Knight, Sir William Bowyer, Knight, and Richard
Weston, Esquire, "to treat and compound with all those, in the
CO. of Stafford, who by law are to make fine unto us for not
appearing at the time and place by our writs to that purpose
appoynted for receiving the Order of Knighthood." The pro
ceedings of this Commission have been printed in full, in vol.
2 of Staffordshire Collections.
Sir Hugh Wrottesley died on the 28th May, 1633, (2) and
was buried at Tettenhall 011 the ist June following. (3) His will,
which was dated in 1633, and proved in the same year, names the
following children: — "my sonne and heire, Walter Wrottesley ;
my Sonne, William ; my daughters, Mary, Penelope, Elizabeth,
Howard, Margaret, and my daughter Bressy.'' The latter was
Dorothy Wrottesley, who was married in 163 1 to Henry Bressy,
or Bracy, of Escolt, co. Warwick. (4)

Sir Walter Wrottesley (1633 — 16591,
The purchase of the College of Tettenhall had made the
Wrottesleys tenants-in-chief of the Crown, and a heavy fine had
to be paid into the Court of Wards and Liveries, on the succes
sion of a new tenant. At the date of Walter Wrottesley's
succession, his father's livery had not been sued out; nor were
all the formalities completed before the following loth July, when

(i) Original Letters Patent at Wrottesley.
(2) Court of Wards and Liveries. (3) Tettenhall Register.
(4) Marriage Settlement at Wrottesley.

2 24 History of Tettenhall.

the Court issued the discharge of Sir Hugh in the following
terms : —
"Court of Wards and Liveries, loth July, 9 Charles.
Whereas yt appeareth unto this Court by the affidavit of John
Birche, gentleman, recorded in Court this xiith day of this
instant Julie, that Sir Hugh Wrottesley, knight, sonne and heire
of Walter Wrottesley, Esquire, deceased, dyed the xxviiith day
of May last past, and for that yt appeares by a constat under Mr.
Raymonde's hande that xxiiij li for primer seisen, and xiiij li
for the fine hath been paid unto the receipt of this Courte, and
noe rates overdue as by the endorsement upon the Schedule of
the said Liverie under Mr. Auditor's hande more at large
appears. It is therefore ordered that the said Liverie of the said
Hugh, and all charges, seizures, extents, scripts, attachments,
and proces for wante thereof, shall be discharged by decree of
this Courte. And a decree to be drawne up accordingly." (i)
Walter Wrottesley had married, early in life, Mary, the
daughter of Ambrose Grey of Enville, the marriage was not an
unsuitable one, but it had been contracted without his father's
consent, and it caused a complete estrangement for many years
between the two families. Sir Hugh Wrottesley considering
that Ambrose Grey had connived at a private marriage, in order
to save the sum of money which usually passed on these occasions
to the father of the heir apparent. Ambrose Grey was the
second son of Lord Grey, of Groby, and his father had settled on
him, on his marriage with Margaret Prince, the Manors of
Enville, Morf, Trysull, Seisdon, Orton, Wombourne, Whitting-
ton and Amblecote, co. Stafford, and Beckbury, co. Salop. (2)
He was therefore a near neighbour of Sir Hugh.
In 1639, Walter Wrottesley was appointed by the Earl
Marshal, arbitrator in a furious quarrel which had broken out
between his brother-in-law, Henry Grey, and his neighbour,
Nicholas Moseley. Henry Grey had carried the case into "the
Court of Honor, the Earl Marshal's Court, sitting in the Painted
Chamber beneath the Palace of Westminster, and complained
that Nicholas had given him the lie at least twenty times, had

(i) Original at Wrottesley, (2) Deeds at Wrottesley,

Manor of Wrottesley. 225
called him a base scurvy ''' * * and that he durst not fight,
and challenged him to fight if he durst."
The Court issued a decree dated 9th July, 1639, authorising
Walter Wrottesley to end the controversy, he being chosen with
the assent of both parties.
The arbitrator awarded that Nicholas Moseley should pay
the complainant's just expenses, incurred in prosecuting the suit
in the Court of Honor, and make an apology in the presence of
four gentlemen of quality.
The proceedings are very curious, and if the Court had
only had power to enforce its decrees, they would bear very
favourable comparison with the modern system of appealing to
a judge and jury in such cases.
In 1642, the country was convulsed by the disputes
between the King and his Parliament, and the latter had by this
time made such serious inroads upon the executive power, that
the King was forced to raise an army in his own defence. In this
year. Parliament appointed Lieutenants to all the English
Counties. Robert, Earl of Essex, the well-known Parliamentary
General, was selected to fill that office in Staffordshire, and by
warrant dated 29th June, 1649, he appointed Walter Wrottesley
his Vice-Lieutenant, the preamble to Walter Wrottesley's com
mission runs thus, " Whereas, the Lords and Commons in
Parliament assembled, have, for the safety of his Majesty's
person, and the Parliament and Kingdom in this tyme of
imminent danger, by an ordinaunce of the said Lords and
Commons ordeyned me, Robert, Earl of Essex, to be Lieutenant
of the County of Stafford, etc." A more complete usurpation of
the executive power could not be conceived. This commission
seems to indicate that the Earl expected to enlist Walter Wrot
tesley on the side of the Parliament, but in this he was
disappointed, for subsequent events shew that the latter took no
active part between the contending factions. The corres
pondence at Wrottesley leaves the impression that Sir Walter
was what would be called at the present day a Whig ; like
Falkland, he had approved of the proceedings against Lord
Stratford, but he was not prepared to follow the Parliament in
more violent measures against the King.

226 History of Tettenhall.

From some proceedings taken against Lord Denbigh in
1649, it would appear that his first idea was to join a neutral
league in Staffordshire, for mutual defence against both parties.
In the evidence of Colonel Purefoy taken before the Council,
respecting the attitude of the Earl of Denbigh during the Civil
War, he stated that when the Earl came down, and was staying
at \\'e'lingborough, Sir Edward Littleton went into Staffordshire,
and there declared he had come to raise forces for the Earl, and
that Sir Walter Wriothesley, himself and Mr. Skirmishaw would
join in that service. Mr. Swinfen and others of the Committee
(of Parliament) having notice that Sir Edward Littleton had
made his peace with the King, and that these gentlemen intended
to settle that county for the King, gave intelligence to the Com
mittee of Safety, and Sir Edward, finding his design was known,
fled to Oxford, (ij The Earl of Denbigh hearing thereof, feared
he might be suspected, and got him (Colonel Purefoy) to go
down and raise forces for the Parliament. Colonel Purefoy added
that the most charitable construction to put upon the Earl's
proceedings, would be that he had attempted with Sir Edward
Littleton, Sir Walter Wriothesley and others, to form a third
party in tbe County. (2) Even if they had the necessary influence
and power within the County, such an endeavour was doomed to
failure, owing to the violence of the two political parties; and
the unhappy experiences of Sir Walter proved the impossibility
of anybody in a prominent position maintaining a neutral
attitude during a Civil War.
Shortly before the commencement of hostilities, he had
been created a Baronet, the Letter's Patent for which, are dated
from Nottingham, 30th August, 1642, a few days after the King
had raised his Standard, The Patent contained the clause that
"the said Walter Wrottesley shall be created a knight imme
diately after the making of these presents, and that we, our heirs,
and successors, in like manner will knight the first-born son or
heirs male apparent of the body of the said Walter Wrottesley,

(il Elliot Warburton, the Author of the History of Prince Rupert and
the Cavaliers, informed the writer that Sir Walter Wrottesley was kept a prisoner
for some time, by the Committee of Safety at this time.
(2) State Papeis. Domestic, A.D. 1649, Nos, 103 and 104 (printed).

Manor of Wrottesley. 227

and of the body of the heirs male of the said Walter Wrottesley
begotten, on their attaining the age of 21 in the lifetime of their
father or grandfather.'' (i)
Sir Walter therefore, had to attend upon the King, to kiss
hand on his Baronetcy, and to receive Knighthood at the same
time. He waited upon the King at Shrewsbury, and was
knighted on the 22nd September, 1642. He was probably very
graciously received, at so critical a period for the King's fortunes;
it is certain that his personal sympathies were very strongly
enhsted on the side ofthe King, for he shortly afterwards, viz., on
the 5tli January, 1643, sent to Shrewsbury nearly the vvhole of
his plate to be melted down and coined for the King's use. (2)
In pursuance however cf his determination to take no part
in the impending war, he refused to obey the imprests made upon
him by Colonel Leveson for the King's garrison in Dudley Castle,
and a detachment ofthe garrison sallying out, carried off all his
cattle and burnt his barns and granaries, which were outside the
defences of Wrottesley. At the time he compounded for his
estates, he estimated his losses from this cause at £1,000. In
his composition papers he describes Wrottesley as very strong
and moated, and he had taken into his house several of his
tenants' sons and neighbours, to form a garrison for it, as he
says, " he stood upon his guard, there was so much plundering."
At the close of 1645, the King's cause was hopeless, and
Sir Walter surrendered the house to the Parliamentary forces.
A troop of horse and a company of foot were sent to occupy it.
Wrottesley, in fact, must have formed a very respectable military
post at this period. An inventory of the arms at Wrottesley,
made in 1635, shews that there were at that time
" In ye Halle."
" Compleate armes for the bodies of twelve men, whereof two are
for horsemen ; one case of pistolls, fower gauntlets, three coats of
maile, one buffe coate, one quilted coate, a case of horseman's
pistols, nyne and twenty head peeces, forty swords with belts.

(i) The object of this clause was to save the fine payable in lieu of
compulsory Knighthood. A Baronet, in fact, was a kind of hereditary Knight,
upon whom no further fines for Knighthood could be levied. For one payment
he compounded for all future fines,
(2) Wrottesley muniments (see Appendix).

2 28 Histoi'y of Tettenhall,

twelve pikes armed, eleven holbeards, three battle axes, twelve
musketts and their restes, fower calyvers (i), sixteen bandeliers,
a knott of match, one other muskett, two staves for horsemen, a
drum and case, a boxe of bullets, twenty and seven pikes
unarmed, eighteen staves, whereof one hath a pike." This was
in a time of profound peace. Wrottesley also occupied an
important military position, for it commanded one of the main
roads of communication ; the high road between Birmingham
and Shrewsbury passing at that time close to the house.
On the 22nd May, 1644, Colonel Frazer, who commanded
Lord Denbigh's Regiment of Horse, reported from Penkridge to
Lord Denbigh, that he had taken Lady Wrottesley prisoner, (2)
the reason for this arrest does not transpire, but it had probably
some connection with the negotiations going on between Lord
Denbigh, Sir Edward Littleton, and Sir Walter Wrottesley.
Lord Denbigh was in the service of the Parliament.
In considering Sir Walter's attitude, it seems surprising
that any delinquency could have been proved against him, but
the Parliamentary party had agents and spies everywhere, and
they apparently had information that he had acted on more than
one occasion for the King. (3) One direct act was likewise
proved against him ; it was found out that he had sent a horse to
Prince Maurice, when Prince Rupert and his brother had passed
through Staffordshire at the head of any army, he was therefore
declared a delinquet, and had to compound for his estate.
The Committee for compounding made the following
report on his case : —
"His delinquency is, that when Prince Rupert and Prince
Maurice were in that parte of the kingdom, they sent to him for
a horse, which he sent to Prince Maurice, ' and durst doe no other,
(i) Small pieces of artillery for ramparts.
(2) Denbigh Correspondence, printed by the Historical MS, Commission.
(3) In the proceedings against William Engelfield, a Roman Catholic
delinquent of co. Hants, and who fought for the King at Newbury, Antony
Mark Galliardello, a former clerk and factotum of Sir Walter Wrottesley. was
called to prove his delinquency, Engelfield stated in reply that the said .Mark,
who was late clerk to Sir Walter de Wriothesley, and was now clerk to Mr. Stone,
had frequently exercised his skill in the King's cause, and had written a com
mission for Wriothesley to nominate officers and to raise men in the Seisdon
Hundred, and exercise them for the King. This Galliardello seems to have
acted as an agent lor both sides. For an account of him, see Grazebrook's
notes on his pedigree. Staff. Coll,, vol, 5.

Manor of Wrottesley. 229

a potent armye then being quartered round about him,' for which,
as an assistant to those forces and contributing to them, he is
sequestered. That he hath always lived in his owne house untill
it was made a garrison for the Parliament, which he willingly
gave unto. That Sir Walter did disburse for the Parliament
;^839, and he hath lost bj' the enemy when they plundered him,
^2,000, and that he is indebted ;/^3,ooo. That his cheafe seat
is near a garrison for the Parliament, which garrison he main
tained for five weeks at his own charge, viz., a troop of horse
and a company of foote. All his estate lyes surrounded by the
enemy's garrisons, (i) and he was enforced to doe that he did, to
preserve himself, his lady, and eight children alive, and yet could
never yield to make it a garrison for the King, although often
solicited. That himself, his lady and children have nothing to
live on out of all the estate at present, and that the enemy had
taken all his cattle, and burned his stables, barnes, granaries and
corn to the value of ;^2,ooo." (2)
On the 24th February, 1646, the Committee for Com
pounding fixed his fine at ;^i,5i2, to be reduced to ;^i,3i2 los.
if he settled £1^ a year, out of his tithes, on the Vicar of
Tettenhall. (3) The Committee calculated his fine in the
following manner : —
" That he is seised in fee to him and his heirs, in posses
sion of the Manor of Wrottesley and of Wrottesley Park, and
of nine other messuages and farmes, lands and tenements in
Wrottesley, and of a Manor within Womborne, and divers other
lands and tenements in Whitwike, Bilbroke, Tettenhall, Tresle,
Sesdon, Womborne, and Orton, of the yearly value, before the
troubles, of .^566, for which his fine is ^^1,132. And seised of old
rents, granted out upon estates for lives, of certain lands and
tenements ofthe clere annual value, before the troubles, of /40,

(i) These are given in detail in another part ofthe proceedings. They
were Chillington, Brewood Church, Lapley Hall, Lichfield, Rushall Hall. At
Wolverhampton, sometimes the Church and Cross, and sometimes Leveson's
' Hall. Dudley Castle, Patshull Hall, Bridgenorth, Apley Hall, Shufnall Manor,
Shufnall Church, Linsill (?) Manor, and Tong Castle. Most of these must have
been very small military posts, of no advantage to the Royalists,
(2) All these particulars are taken from Sir Walter's petition to com
pound ; which is in nearly the same words as the Report of the Committee,
(3) Composition Papers, Public Record Office.

230 History of Tettenhall.
for which his fine is ;^240, And seised in fee in possession, to
him and to his heirs, of the Rectory of Womborne, of the cleere
yerely value, before the troubles, of ;^62, for which his fine is
;^I24. That there is a Vicar endowed upon the Rector}', which
is worth to the Vicar ;^30 per annum. And seised of a life estate
in fee, to him and his heirs, of certain tithes in Codshall and
Oken, parcel of the Rectory of Tetenhall Clericorum, of the cleere
yerely value, before the troubles, of ;^35 per annum, for which
his fine is ^70. That the King always finds the Curate of
Codshall, only Sir Walter payes £1^ per annum encrease of
means to the said Curate for ever. The whole fine is ;£'i,566.
That he craveth to be allowed this £1^ per annum, which he
payes to the Curate for ever, for which he is to be allowed .^30
more; £1 lis, 4d. for the farme rent paid to the Crown and for
respite of homage, for which he is to be allowed .£"3 2s, 8d. more;
;^ii 15s, which he payes yeerely for a watercourse to his mill,
which mill is valued in his estate at ;^4o per annum, and cannot
worke without the watercourse, for which he is to be allowed
;^23 los. more. His deductions are £^6 12s. 8d." (i)
No allowances were made for his losses incurred at the
hands of the Royalists during the war, and the reader will
probably come to the conclusion that he would have fared much
better if he had thrown in his lot unreservedly with one of the
contending parties. Besides his losses during the Civil War, he
had sold the Manors of Lichfield and Butterton, and a valuable
property at Priestfield, Wolverhampton, the site of the well
known collieries of that name.
His will is dated 1647, He names in it his eldest sonne,
Walter ; his daughter, Elizabeth ; his daughter, Mary, now wife
of Edward Littleton, Esq, ; my daughters, Dorothy, Anne, and
Jane; and my three younger sons, Edward, Richard, and John.
The will contains a proviso that Dame Mary, his wife, was to
dwell after his decease at Woodford Grange, or, " if she shall
desire, to have for her dwellynge the Gate Howse of my howse
at Wrottesley, with the longe new buildinge thereunto adjoining,
my chamber and study over the Gatehowse, also the gallery and

(i) It will be seen that £48 only was taken off the gross fine.

Manor of Wrottesley.

the roomes over the kitchen entrye, where she and her children
and maides of late have used to lye." A codicil, added in 1650,
styles his son-in-law Sir Edward Littleton. He died in 1659, and
was buried at Tettenhall on the 8th November ofthat year.
The foregoing particulars of his proceedings during the
Civil War have been taken from public documents only, for, on
the occupation of his house by the Parliamentary forces, he
appears to have destroyed all the correspondence bearing upon
public matteis. It is remarkable that, whilst all his private and
family letters have been carefully dockelted and put aside, there
is not a scrap of paper extant at Wrottesley relating to the
Civil War. Sir Waller had an only brother, William, who died shoitly
after the commencement of hostilities, and this event left him
during the Civil War the only Wrottesley capable of bearing arms.
He was himself past middle age, and had not been brought up to
the profession of arms, but he seems at one time to have had
some intention of taking the field, for the following Armorer's
account is at Wrottesley : —
"31st March, 1644. Received by me, Peter Johnson,
Armorer of Sir Walter Wrottesley, Knight and Baronet, the
sum of /5 5s. od,, viz. : — for one cap, los. ; for a head piece,
15s. ; for back and breast plates, £'^ los. od. ; and for altering
and coloring and loyning (lining) the old arms, los."
Sir Walter was succeeded by a son Walter, who married
Margaret, the eldest daughter of Sir Thomas Wolrich of Dud-
maston. This look place in 1654. Sir Walter, the second
baronet died in 1686, and was succeeded by a son of the same
name who mat ried Eleanor, daughter and eventually sole heiress
of Sir John Archer of Coopersall, co. Essex, but having quarrelled
with his father-in-law, at the period of his second marriage, the
Coopersall estates was left to a stranger by blood. Sir Waller
pulled down the old moated hall at Wrottesley, and built the
present residence, which was completed in 1693. He died in
1712, and was buried at Brewood. He was succeeded by his
son John, who married Frances, the daughter of the Hon. John
Grey, and grand-daughter of Henry, first Earl of Stamford.
Sir John Wrottesley died in 1726, and was succeeded by
his third son the Rev. Sir Richard Wrottesley, subsequently

232 History of Tettenhall.
Dean of Worcester, who married Lady Mary Leveson-Gower,
the daughter of John, first Earl Gower, Lord Privy Seal, temp.
George II.
Sir Richard died in 1769, and was succeeded by his only
son. Sir John Wrottesley, who, on his father's death, was the
only Wrottesley living. He served with the Guards in the
American War, and subsequently attained the rank of Major-
General, He married Frances, daughter of William, Viscount
Courtenay, and died in 1787, and was succeeded by his son. Sir
John Wrottesley, who was raised to the Peerage on the nth
July, 1838. He married Lady Caroline Bennet, daughter ofthe
fourth Earl of Tankerville, and died in 1841. Lord Wrottesley
was succeeded by his son John, the second Baron, who married
Sophia Elizabeth, third daughter of Thomas William Giffard, of
Chillington, He attained some eminence as a scientist, and was
one of the founders of the Royal Astronomical Society, and for
some years President of the Royal Society. He died in 1867,
and was succeeded by his son Arthur, the third Baron, now
living, and who is the twenty-second in direct male descent from
Simon de Verdon, lord of Wrottefley in 1167.
The present Lord Wrottesley married, i8th July, 1861,
Augusta Elizabeth, fourth daughter of Albert, first Lord Londes-
borough, and has always taken an active and prominent part in
the local government of the County of Stafford. He held the
office of Lord-Lieutenant of the County for many years, and
retired from il shortly after Lady Wrottesley's death, in 1887.
He was also Lord-in-waiting to the Queen, 1869 to 1874, and
again in 1880 lo 1885. His brother, the Hon. Charles Wrottesley,
IS a Fellow of All Souls, Oxon, and lately held a commission as
Major of ist King's Own Staffordshire Militia.
Lord Wrottesley's three younger brothers were all destined
for the Army. Henry, the fourth son ofthe second Baron, was
a Lieutenant of the 43rd Light Infantry, and while serving with
his regiment in South Africa, was killed in an action with the
Caffres at Fuller's Hock, in Albany, Cape of Good Hope, on the
nth March, 1852. Cameron, the youngest, was a Lieutenant
of the Royal Engineers, and while on active service with his
regiment, on the 15th August, 1854, when on duty in the trenches

Manor of Wrottesley. 233

at the attack on Bomarsund, he received a severe wound, of
which he died after four hours suffering.
Lord Wrottesley's third brother, Major-General, the
Hon. George Wrottesley, of the Royal Engineers, entered the
service with a brilliant prospect before him, for he was on the
Staff of the Expeditionary Force to the Crimea, in 1854.
Unfortunately, in spite of such a promising commencement,
his miHtary career was doomed to failure, for, while at Varna,
he was attacked with fever and dysentery, and was invalided
home. He afterwards served as aide-de-camp to the late Field-
Marshal Sir John Burgoyne, for thirteen years, at the War Office,
but the result of the fever was to produce deafness, and as his
military career was marred by it, he took up the study of
antiquities to occupy his leisure time. Since his retirement from
the Army, he has devoted his time to the study of Archeeology,
and is Editor-in-chief of the Publications of the William Salt
Archaeological Society. He has written a life of Field-Marshal
Burgoyne, in two volumes, and has unearthed from the recesses
of the Record Office, and translated, for the benefit of future
historians, an enormous volume of county records. His learning
and erudition, in this particular study, are well exemplified in
the introduction to the Plea Rolls, and in the monograph on the
Ancient Laws of the Forest, which are printed in the volumes
of the Salt Collections. His greatest achievement perhaps in
this line has been the transcribing and translation of the priceless
Chartulary of Burton Abbey, now in the possession of the
Marquis of Anglesey.
Wrottesley Hall stands in a commanding position, on the
summit of a thickly wooded slope leading from the main road
through the Park, and is a conspicuous object from many points
of view in the parish. The present Hall was built in 1698,
on the site of an old picturesque manor-house, which was
unfortunately pulled down to supply material for the new house.
Originally the old Holyhead Road ran through the Park and
passed in front of the Hall. Since the diversion of this road,
the chief approach to the house has been from a point on the
present road about a quarter of a mile beyond the fourth mile
stone from Wolverhampton. The present building is a plain
rectangular structure of red brick, with stone dressings ; the

!34 History of Tettenhall.

flatness of the front being pleasantly relieved by two projecting
wings. The principal entrance is approached by a flight of
stone steps, and opens into the Hall, a spacious and lofty room.
From the Hall access is obtained to the Drawing Rooms, which
occupy the whole of the ground floor of the west wing, the
windows of which look out upon the terrace and gardens. The
Dining Room is paraHel with the Hall, and is upon the site of
the cloisters of the old hall ; from its windows are obtained fine
vistas of mossy turf and winding woodland paths leading into the
Home Park. Over the Dining Room is the Library ; every inch
of wall space in this noble room is occupied by shelving, to receive
the large number of volumes it contains. Amongst the treasures
of the Library are a first folio Shakespeare, many early and rare
editions of the Classics, a copy of De Bry's History, and one of
the finest and most complete sets of ancient historical chronicles
extant. Leading from the Library, through a winding passage,
is the entrance to the Wrottesley Muniment Room, where are
stored priceless treasures of historical deeds, ranging over a
period of 700 years. These deeds and MSS. are valuable, not
only as the title deeds of a private family, but as containing
much that would cast a new light upon the history, manners,
and customs of England during a very extended period, and
especially is this so as regards the mass of materials for the
history of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries,
contained in the various letters which abound in the collection.
A perusal of the deeds printed in the Appendix, from these
originals at Wrottesley, will enable the reader to form an idea of
the historical value of this collection, whicli has been preserved
with such great care.
Taking them in chronological order, the rarest is the deed
of Robert de Stafford, giving Wrottesley and Livington to the
Monks of Evesham. Then follow deeds of the twelfth and
thirteenth centuries ; one MS. which curiously illustrates the
power of the Church at the end of the fourteenth century, is
the letter of excommunication printed under Tettenhall Cleri
corum. Among the documents is a copy of the earHest statutes
ofthe Order ofthe Garter, finely written on two membranes of
vellum. There is also an ancient historical roll, nearly twenty
feet long; it contains the history of Britain, preceded by a tabular

Manor of Wrottesley. 235

conspectus of the Heptarchy, and portions of it are upon the
history of the British Kings. On the back of this roll is written,
in contemporary handwriting, the pedigree of the claimants to
the Crown of Scotland in the reign of Edward I, together with
a copy of the deed of submission of the competitors. This part
of the document is of considerable interest, as the character of
the handwriting shews it to be contemporary with the events
which it describes.
Many of the other important deeds have already been
noticed under Wrottesley, but there is one other that may be
fittingly noticed here, and that is the Letters Patent of 27
Charles II, appointing Sir Walter Wrottesley, Richard Congreve,
and John Giffard, and their heirs, to receive certain rents, etc,
and to pay them to the Pendrill family, and their descendants for
ever, for their services to the King at Boscobel. The Trustees
appointed George Lea, their attorney, to pay the annuities, and
the documents at Wrottesley contain the receipts of the annuitants
to the first payments made to them under the Letters Patent.
Old Richard Pendrill was dead at this date, and his widow, Mary
Pendrill, received his share. She was the only one amongst the
annuitants who could write. She signs herself Mary Pendrill ;
the brothers WiHiam, John, Humphrey, and George, make a
mark only. The total sum to be divided was /451 6s. 7^d.
annually, of which ;^ioo was to be paid to Mary Pendrill, for her
life, with remainder to the heirs of the body of Richard Pendrill;
;^ioo to WiHiam Pendrill and the heirs of his body ; 100 marks
to John Pendrill and the heirs of his body ; 100 marks to each of
the other brothers and the heirs of their bodies ; and /50 to
Elizabeth Yates and the heirs of her body. These annuities are
still paid to the descendants of the Pendrill family.
" Trusty Dick," as old Richard Pendrill was called, was
buried in the Church of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, London, where
a small monument may still be seen, bearing the following
inscription : —
'¦ Here lieth Richard Pendrill, preserver and conductor of his Sacred
Majesty, King Charles the Second of Great Britain, after his escape from
Worcester fight, in the year 1651, who died February 8th, 1761," (i)
(i) Boscobel, H. G. de Bunsen, 1878.

236

History of Tettenhall,

Other memorials of the Pendrill family are to be found at
Whiteladies, near Boscobel, and some of their descendants are
now resident in Walsall. Mr. James Penderel-Brodhurst, of
Walsall, who is one of the annuitants, traces his descent from
Humphrey Pendrill, the Miller.
In connection with Sir Hugh de Wrottesley, K.G., one of
the founders of the famous Order of the Garter, the Wrottesley
family occupy the unique position of being the only family living
who can trace a direct male lineal descent from one of the
original Knights. Lord Wrottesley is the seventeenth in direct
male descent from Sir Hugh, who died in 1381.

Pedigree OF
Wrottesley of Wrottesley,
CO. Stafford.

Earliest Arms, — A Fret. Tincture unknown.
Subsequent to 1349. — Or, three piles sable, a quarter ermine.

Simon de Verdun,
younger son of
William de Coctune,
of Coughton, Warwick.
Enfeoffed at Wrottesley
before A.D, 1167
Dead before A.D. 1199

William de Verdon,
of Wrottesley
Succeeded before A.D. iig
Died about A.D. 1242

Ingrith, dau. and co-heiress
of Robert fitz Adam,
of Wi.terfall and
Butterton on-the-Moors

2 Richard
3 Bertram
4 Henry

5 Alice = Henry le Freman,
of Wrottesley

Sir Hugh de Wrottesley, = Idonia, dau.

Knt.
Succeeded about A.D, 1242
Died about A.D. 1276

of Ralph
de Perton

|A

Katherine, dau. of =
John le Estrange,
Baron, of Knockin
(2nd wife)

Sir William de Wrottesley, Knt. = Petronilla, dau. of Hugh = Juliana Amiscia =

Succeeded A.D. 1276
Died A.D. 1313

Sir John de Audley
(ist wife)

Richard le Boteler,
of Sandon, Knt.

William de Wrottesley

Sir William de Wrottesley, Knt, = Joan, dau. of
Succeeded A.D. 1313 I Sir Roger
Died A.D. 1320 Bassett

Rosea = William de Pilatenhale Richard

John

Adam

dau. and = Isabella, dau. of = Sir Hugh de Wrottesley, K.G. = Elizabeth, dau. of Roger Idonia Alianora

Mabel, co-heir of
Sir Phillip ap Rees
(2nd wife)
A son, Hugh, tlied in infancy

Sir John Arderne
(3rd wife)

Came of age Jan, 1334
Died A.D. 1381

Sir John de Hampton
of Oldstoke, co. Hants.
(ist wife)

A son, Hugh, died in infancy John de Wrottesley, = Elizabeth, dau. of

Armiger Sir Robert de
Succeeded A.D. 1400 Standish, Knt.
Died A.D. 1403
Hugh Wrottesley,
Armiger
Succeeded A.D, 1421
 Died A.D. 1464

: Thomasine, dau. of
Sir Thomas Gresley, Knt.
Died Dec. 25, 1480

Sir Walter Wrottesley, Knt.
Succeeded A.D. 1464
Died A.D. 1473
Buried in the Grey Friars
Church, London

Joan, dau. of
William
Baron, Esq.
of Reading,

Henry Wrottesley,
Armiger, Sheriff of
CO. Worcester, 1462

Elizabeth = Sir William
Stafford

Isabella = Sir William Airmyn,
of Osgodby, co. Line.

B

one of the Tellers of the Exchequer, 1460— 1468

»

^

S

William Henry
Gentleman Fellow of
ofthe New College,
Bedchamber Oxon.
to Henry VII Died in i486

Thomasine = William Lord
Stourton

 L? 
Parnell Joan = Richard Cresset Anne = Sir Anthony Margaret = Sir John
A Nun of Upnor Cresset, St. Amand Scrope,
at CO. Salop of Castle
Dartford Combe

Robert, of Reading, co. Berks
M.P. for Chippenham, 1553

Constance

Richard Wrottesley, Armiger= Dorothy, dau. of Sir Edmund Sutton,

Elizabeth = Sir William Ayscough
or Askew,
of South Kelsey,
CO. Lincoln

Edward

Succeeded A.D. 1473
Died A.D. 1524

eldest son of Lord Dudley
Died 1517

Anne Askew, the Martyr, burnt at Smithfield in 1546

Walter Wrottesley,
Armiger
Succeeded A.D. 1524
Died in 1563

: Isabel, dau. of George Elizabeth Edmund = Elinor = Sir Henry Anne;
John Harcourt, John Jane Leversedge, Long, of
of Ranton, Esq. Harry Isabel of co. Somerset co, Wilts,
Alys (ist husband) (2nd husband)

: Thomas
Leveson

Margaret = Humphrey Onslow,
of Onslow,
CO. Salop

Oj 00

John Wrottesley, Esq. = Elizabeth,

Succeeded A.D. 1563
Died in 1578

dau. of
Thomas
Astley, of
Patshull, Esq.

Richard Dorothy = William Elinor = Richard
Died s.p. Lawence, Lee, of
1564 of Langley
Hartinfordbury

Margaret = Richard
Thornes

Elizabeth = Sir John Talbot,
of Albrighton,
ancestor of the
present Earl of
 Shrewsbury

Sir George
Wrottesley

Thomas Edward Isabella Frances = John Brook,
Died 1610 John Mary of Blacklands,
,  ' Bobbington,
= Catharine, dau. of Sir John White, and secondly to
of Farnham, Lord Mayor of London Ralph Drake
 A.D, 1563 

Dorothy = Richard
Whethill,
of Gt. Shepey,
CO. Leic.

Margaret = Richard Eld, of
Seighford, CO. Staff.

_f George, died young, s.p.

Elizabeth = Samuel Pype, of
Bilston

I c
Joyce, dau. of Sir Edward Leighton, = Walter Wrottesley, Esq

of Wattlesborough, and widow of
Francis Bromley Esq., of Worfield,
Buried at Codsall 26 Dec, 1614
 (2nd wife)

Succeeded A.D. 1578
Buried at Codsall
II Dec, 1630

Elizabeth = Sir Thomas
Hewitt, Knt.
of Shire Oaks,
CO. Notts.

Mary = Sir Richard
Prynce of
Shrewsbury Mar. at
Codsall
16 June,
1618

= Mary, dau. and heir of
Hugh Lee, Esq.
of Woodford,
CO. Staff.
 (ist wife)

Clara, dau. of =Sir Hugh Wrottesley, Knt. = Margaret, dau, of

Sir Walter Wrottesley, Knt. = Mary, dau. of

Sir Ant. Colclough,
Knt., of Tintern
Abbey, co, Wexford,
and widow of
Wm. Sneyd, Esq.,
of Keele
Buried at Tettenhall
15 Jan, 1620

Born in 1573
Died in 1633
Buried at Tettenhall

Sir Ed. Devereux,
son of Walter,
Viscount Hereford
Buried
at Tettenhall
18 Sept, 1615

William
(3rd son)
Buried at
Codsall
24 April,
1599

Walter
(2nd son)
Buried at
Codsall30 July,
1602

Succeeded A,D. 1633
Created a Bart. 30 Aug. 1642
Died in 1659
(ist Baronet)

Ambrose Grey,
Esq.
of Enville,
CO. Staff.
2nd son of
Lord Grey,
of Groby

Susannah = Reginald Corbett, 1623

William = Anne, dau, of Howard = William Mary= John
Thomas (a daughter) Blunden, Lougher,
Chamberlain, of Bishop's of
of Perton Castle, Perton
CO. Salop

Dorothy = Henry Bressey,
of Escott,
CO. Warwick

Penelope = Collett Margaret = Jonathan Elizabeth= Walter
Died 1639 Langley, Hopton,
of of Stretton
Shrewsbury Grantham, CO,
Hereford

Hugh Edward = Martha, dau. of
ob. s.p. Born Sir Thos. Hewitt,
1632 Knt., of
D Shire Oaks, Notts.

Richard John Elizabeth = Sir Francis Mary = Sir Edward Dorothy = Ambrose Grey,
ob.s.p, A Wolrich Littleton, of
Merchant (2nd Bart.) Bart., of Whittington,
in Portugal of Dudmaston Pillaton Hall co. Staff

10
Oj,

Sir Walter Wrottesley, Knt. and Bart. = Margaret, dau. of Sir Thomas Wolrich, Anne = Francis de la Rue

Succeeded A.D. 1659 Died AD 1686
(2nd Baronet)

Bart,
Died 1673

of Dudmaston
Buried at Tettenhall

Jane = John Adams,
of Longdon,
CO, Salop

O

Anne, dau, of
Mr, Justice
Burton,
of Longnor
(2nd wife)
Died 1732

Walter =

Sir Walter Wrottesley
(3rd Baronet)
Succeeded A.D. 1686
Rebuilt the present Hall
in 1688-89
Died 1712
Buried at Brewood

= Elinor, dau. and eventually sole
heir of Sir John Archer, Knt.
of Coopersall, co. Essex
(ist wife)
Died 1693 Buried at Tettenhall

Harry Gray Anne Ursula = Thomas
ob. s.p. Crompton,
1692 of Stone Park,
CO. Staff.

I

Margaret Anne=Thos. Hutchinson,
of Woodhall,
Thomas= Elizabeth co. Hertford
Wrottesley,
dau. of Sir John,
4th Bart.

Sir John Wrottesley
(4th Baronet)
M.P. for Staff,
Died in 1726

: Frances, dau. of
Hon, John Grey
and grand-dau,
of Henry,
ist Earl
of Stamford

MaryDied 1710

Hugh, of Lincoln's Inn
Died 1725
Collected the Library of
Books now at Wrottesley
and bequeathed them
as heirlooms

Dr. Wilkes = Dorothy
of
Willenhall

Frances = Heigham F". Stuart = Elizabeth = Thomas Mary Henrietta = Theodore
Bendish, of Wrottesley, William
Esq, Wolver- her cousin, Inge, Esq.
of East Ham, hampton son of Walter, of Thorpe-
co. Essex (2nd husband) son ofthe 3rd Bart, (ist husband) Constantine

Harriet Elizabeth:

: Anthony Collins, of
Baddow,
CO. Essex

Sir Hugh

Succeeded in 1726 Born 1708
but died in 1729
during his minority
(5th Baronet)

John TheVery Rev. Sir Richard Wrottesley = Lady Mary Gower, dau. of

I

Succeeded 1732
Dean of Worcester
Born in 1721 Died in 1769
(7th Baronet)

John, 1st Earl Gower
She died 9 May, 1778
Buried at Tettenhall

Sir Walter
Succeeded in 1729
but died in his minority
in 1731
(6th Baronet)

Sir John Wrottesley:
Born in 1744
Mar. 17 June, 1770
M.P. for Staff.
Died 23 April, 1787
(8th Baronet)

Hon. Frances Courtenay,
dau. of William,
ist Viscount Courtenay,
of Powderham Castle,
CO. Devon
Died 1828

Mary
Maid of Honour
to
Queen Charlotte
Died unmarried 1769

Frances = Admiral Pigot,
brother of
Lord Pigot, of Patshull
Died April 13, 1811

Elizabeth = Augustus Henry,
3rd Duke of Grafton
Mar. 1769

Dorothy = Christian, Baron
of Kutzleben,
Minister to the
Landgrave of
Hesse-Cassel Mar, 1780

Harriet =
Maid of Honour
to
Queen tharlotte
Mar. 1779
Died 1823

General William
Gardiner,
brother of Luke,
Visct. Mountjoy

Julia, dau. of = Sir John Wrottesley = Lady Caroline
Jno, Conyers, Esq, - - -
of Copt Hall,
Essex,
and widow of the
Hon, Capt.
J. Astley Bennet,
R.N,,
brother of the
deceased
Lady Wrottesley,
I (2nd wife)
{Died 29 Sept, 1S60

Born 25 Oct., 1771
Mar. 23 June, 1795
Raised to the Peerage
II July, 1838
(9th Baronet)
Died 1S41

Bennet,
dau. of Charles,
4th Earl of
'Tankerville She died
7 March, 1818
(ist wife)

Henry
Barrister- at-Law
Born 1772
Died 1825

Hugh = Emma

Born 1782
Died 1830

Matthews, 1811

I I
Hugh A dau.
Wrottesley
Lt.-Col. E.I.C.
Service ob. s.p.

Edward
Born 1785
Comm. R.N.
Died 29 Jul.
1814 Edward John =

= Anne, dau. of
Rev, Thomas
Tringham
Died 15 May, 1853

Wrottesley Born 1814
Mar. 1847
Vicar of
Brewood

Mariana
Eugenia,
dau. of John
Jeffreys,Esq, of Tynone,
Swansea

Rev. Francis John = Agnes Mabel Stillwell,

Born 1848
Mar, 1876

dau. oi
Fredk. Freeland, Esq.

Anna Caroline = Rev. Edward Salt,
Rector of Sandon,
CO, Staff.

Francis Robert
Born 1877

Edward Algernon
Born 1879

Frederick John
Born 1880

S

^

¦SiCo

4^

Charles
Born 1783
M.A.
Rector of East Knoyle,
CO, Wilts,
Died 17 Feb, 1848

Fanny
Died 1814

Louisa
Maid of Honour
to the Queen
Died 12 May, 1842

Rear-Admiral Gordon = Charlotte = Rev. John Hillyer
R.N. Died 1823
Mar, 1826

toto

John
(2nd Baron)
Born 5 Aug. 1798
Mar, 28 July, 1821
Died 27 Oct, 1867
(loth Baronet)

: Sophia Elizabeth,
dau. of
Thos. Giffard, Esq,
of Chillington
Died 13 Jan. 1880

Charles Alexander Robert = Georgiana, dau of Walter
Born 21 Oct. 1799 Born 2 June, 1801 Sir George Pigot, Born 8 April, 1810
Lieut.-Col. 29 Foot In Holy Orders 3rd Bart, of Patshull Fellow of
Died 24 Feb. 1861 Mar, 1828 All Souls, Oxon,
s.p. Died 20 Jan, 1838 Mar. 22 Jun. 1843
s.p. Died 2 May, 1872

Rev, Walter Francis
Born 27 Nov. 1845
Died 16 Feb. 1873
^'P'

Lucy Edith = Charles Gilbert,
2nd son of
John Moyer Heathcote, Esq.
of Connington Castle

= Marianne Lucy,
only dau.
of Col.
Archer
of the i6th
Lancers Died
29 March,
1848

Edward Bennett = Ellen Charlotte, dau. of

Born 26 July, i8ir
Mar. 8 Jan. 1846
Died 21 Jan. 1892

George Rush, Esq,
of Elsenham Hall,
CO, Essex
Died 29 Oct. 1878

Henrietta= Henry Van Straubenzee,
Died Esq.
13 May, of Spennithorne,
1893 CO. Yorks.
 Died 1892

Maria Died

Mary Died

2 May,
1 881

4 May,
1884

Alfred Edward, Capt, R,E. = Ellen Mary Isabel

Born 29 Dec. 1855
Mar, 28 Apr. 1881

dau. of
Col. Drayson, R.A.

Clara Bennett Ellen
Died 25 Sept. Mar.
1882 loJul.iSl

:Rev. Charles Rowland Haydock Hill
Rector of Evershot, co, Dorset

[Hugh Edward, Born 12 Feb. 18S2 [Maud Ellen, Born 20 Sep, li

[Clara May, Born 14 July, 18
Died II March, 18S8

to

'^

5s-

|H

Arthur
(3rd Baron)
(nth Baronet)
Born 17 Jun. 1824
Mar, 18 July, 1861

Augusta Elizabeth
4th dau. of Albert,
ist Lord
Londesborough
Died 20 Jan, 1887

Charles
Born 23 Feb. 1826
Fellow of All Souls,
Oxon,
Major ist
Staffordshire Militia

Nina Margaret, dau. = George = Margaret Anne,
of John William Born 15 Jun. 1827 dau. of
Philip.'!, Esq. Mar. 7 Jan. 1854 Field-Marshal
of Heybridge, Major General Sir John F. Burgoyne,
CO, Staff. late Bart,, G.CB.
(2nd wife) Royal Engineers Died 3 May, 1883
(ist wife)

Henry
Born 4 Mar. 1829
Lieut, 43rd Regt.
Killed in the Kaffir
War, 1 1 Mar, 1852

Cameron
Born 19 Dec, 1834
Lieut, R,E.
Killed at the Siege
of Bomarsund,
15 Aug. 1854

Julia
Died 26 Mar. 1835

Caroline = Edward Wallace
Mar, 28 Dec. 1859 Goodlake, Esq.
Died I Sept. i860 of Inner Temple

William
Born 17 May, 1863
Capt.
4th Dragoon Guards

Bertram Francis
Born 20 July, 1864
Died 26 Oct. 1875

Victor Alexander
(To whom the Queen
stood Sponsor)
Born 18 Sept, 1873

Walter Bennett
Born 28 Sept. 1877

Evelyn Henrietta
Born 10 Oct, 1866

a

'^

OJ

THE CHURCH.

AVING novv traced the history of the various Manors
in the Parish, I propose to deal with the history of
the Church itself. Much of its story is bound up
in the history of the Dean's Manor of Tettenhall
Clericorum. I have gone into the, matter more
fully under that section, because it partakes more of Parish than
of Church history, and what I have now to relate is purely
personal to the Church.
The Church is dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels, is
a "Royal Free Chapel" of Saxon foundation, and was anciently
a Collegiate Church, with a Dean and five Prebendaries.
An Inquisition, dated i Richard II (A.D. 1377), and
already noticed under Tettenhall Clericorum, states that the
Church was founded by King Edgar; unfortunately this Inqui
sition is not to be found, although search has been made for it at
the Record Office.
Another Inquisition, temp, Henry IV, which is calendered
in a volume published by the Record Office in 1803, and is called
an "Inquisition ad quod damnum" on Thomas de Normanton,
confirms the one above quoted. In this, the jury state that
Edgar, late King of England, gave and conceded to the Dean
and Canons of the Free Chapel of Tetunhal, 100 acres of land
and 10 marks annual rent, for the support of the said Church,
to hold to themselves and their successors, etc. (i)
(i) Cald. Inquis. ad cjuod damnum. Hen, IV, p, 346.

The Chvrrh. 245

Assuming the correctness of this evidence, the foundation
of the Church must have been not later than A.D. 975. King
Edgar reigned between the years A.D. 959 — 975, and to this
period must be assigned its foundation and endowment.
Nothing remains of the old Saxon Church, excepting a
rudely carved slab, which probably formed the head of a window,
and is now placed over a drain in the angle formed by the tower
and west wall of the porch. From the few known Saxon
Churches which are yet preserved, it is possible to re-construct
such a Church as Tettenhall must have been.
There is little doubt but that the present building occupies
the site of the earlier edifices from which it has been evolved, the
position is one that would readily commend itself to these early
builders as being the centre of the village community which had
settled at Tettenhall.
The Saxon Church would be simple in form and con
struction, and would consist mainly of a "chancel and nave,
with a low square tower of two stages, the upper one containing
only one bell." It is probable there existed both side aisles and
two smaller chancels, for a Collegiate Church, with a Dean and
five Prebendaries, would require a larger building than is
indicated by the above description.
The masonry of this early Church would be of the rudest
description, being simply rough rubble and wattle, the windows
were merely slits in the walls, splayed either way, a ready
means of obtaining the maximum of light, with the minimum of
interruption and aggression from outside. In the days when
every man bore arms and was liable for the security of the
community, such safeguards from attack without, and easy
defence from within, were a necessity.
The Norman Dean, Sampson, whom King William
appointed, was the first Dean of whom we have any record. To
his efforts, and of those who succeeded him, we owe our present
beautiful Parish Church. Sampson was a Royal Chaplain, and
afterwards became Bishop of Worcester. The Norman Church,
which was built upon the site of the old Saxon one, must have
been a building more in harmony with the dignity and importance
of a Collegiate establishment. Enough remainsof the old Norman
fiqve to niark its extent, and to shew thfit on either side of the

246 History of Tettenhall.

spacious nave must have existed side aisles of almost equal
proportions, with a chancel, and chancel aisles. With the
exception of the Norman " responds " east and west of the nave,
the only other example of this period is the transition arch
leading into the Wrottesley Chapel, and from the appearance of
the stonework round this arch, it is probable that it was brought
from another part of the Church at some later restoration of the
building, and made to serve as entrance to the Wrottesley Chapel.
The beautiful east window, with its curious arcade of
columns, is a pure example of Early English work, probable
date about A.D. 1207, and to the same period must be assigned
the north and south chancel arcade of arches, and the triple
lancet window in the Fowler Chapel.
The outer wall of the south chancel aisle originally
extended the whole length of the chancel and nave, and termi
nated with the old thirteenth century porch. This handsome
porch, with its scriptorium over, was pulled down as recently
as 1825. Shaw gives an engraving of the Church in 1797, which.
shews the whole of the east end and south side, and includes
the porch above mentioned. In the angle formed by the pillars
of the east window and the south chancel arcade is an Early
English piscina in a good state of preservation. The north
aisle was constructed in the fourteenth century, and, as now
restored, is the largest extension of any one date in the Church.
The tower was added nearly a century later, and has
undergone little alteration, in fact, if we except the destruction
of the crocketed pinnacles which originally terminated its four
corneis, it is practically the same now as when the original
builders finished it. The present nave and south clerestory
were probably built about the middle of the fifteenth century,
most likely from the ruins of the old Norman nave. The
windows in the south clerestory are beautiful examples of the
transition period.
Opposite the main entrance to the Church was a door in
the north wall, but in 1799, owing to frequent landslips from the
hillside above the Church, this door became useless, and on the
erection of the north gallery, in 1810, was removed and converted
into a window. The sihs ot the remaining windows pn this north

The Church. 247

side of the Church were also lowered some two feet, to afford
light to the occupants of the seats under the gallery.
Although this gallery extended the entire length of the
north aisle, from the tower end to where the organ now stands,
it was appropriated by twelve people, who purchased the whole
of the seats for a sum of 1^357 15s. The distribution of the
" kneelings," which were 5 guineas for a front seat, and £^ los.
for a back seat, was as follows : —
No. on
Seat Door, Proprietors' Names,
I John Pearson, Esq.
2 Francis Holyoake, Esq.
3 Sir John Wrottesley, Bart.
4 Mr. Henry Granger
5 Rev. John Glover
6 Thomas Lawrence Foley, Esq.
7 Mr. Thomas Falkner Talbot
8 Mr. Roger Birch
9 Mr. John Felton
10 Mr. John Stokes
II Mr. Thomas Becket
12 Mr. Roger Birch

In Shaw's time, i.e. 1798, the seal of the Collegiate Church
was still in use. I have not been able to discover it, nor can I
find any impression from it in any of the Church records extant.
Shaw describes it thus: — "Of an oval form, having in the middle
the figure of a man in a priestly habit, and the arms of Wrot
tesley — Or, three piles sable, a quarter ermine ; and round the
margin this inscription, ' Sigillum commune Ecclesiae Collegiatse
DE TETENHALL.' " (2)
During the long period of neglect into which the Church
fell, on the confiscation of its revenues, at the suppression of the
lesser religious houses, the chancel suffered more than any other
portion, and its roof gradually giving way, it was replaced by a
lower circular roof, meanly constructed and plastered over to hide
its ugliness. (i) Parish Muniments, Tettenhall. (2) Shaw's Staff , vol. 2.

Front Eack Price.
Kneelings. Kneelings. £, s.

d.

• 7

II

86

5

0

• 5

26

5

0

5

24

10

0

• 5

26

5

0

5
22
10
0
[. 6
31
10
0
4
18
0
0
2
5
33
0
0
.
6
27
0
0
¦ 7
36
15
0
.
5
22
10
0
. ...
2
5
5
0
;i) Total
;^357
15
0
248 History of Tettenhall.

The east end of the north aisle, from the Wrottesley Chapel
to the outer wall, was cut off from the main body of the Church
and used as the vestry and village schoolroom. In the space thus
taken was originally the curious old parish chest, over thirteen
feet long, hewn from a solid trunk of oak and thickly banded over
with strips of iron. In spite of its apparent strength, however,
it afforded little security, for in the month of February, 1794, it
was broken open and its contents, including the communion plate,
stolen. Some sixty years ago, when the vestry was thrown open
to the Church again, and the present schools were built, this old
chest was removed to the belfry, but was broken up and destroyed
during the restoration of the Church in 1883.
The south chancel aisle was also cut off from the Church,
and was appropriated by the Fowler family as a private chapel
and burial place, and called the Pendeford Chapel. Part of it
was retained for a similar purpose by the Wightwick family.
In 1825, the need of fresh accommodation for the
worshippers in the Church caused the demolition of the whole
south side, excepting the south chancel aisle, and a new south
aisle, porch, and gallery, was then erected. By this enlargement,
382 additional sittings were obtained, and in consequence of a
grant of ;^300 received from the Society for promoting the
enlargement of Churches and Chapels, 200 of that number were
made free and unappropiated for ever. The floor of this new
aisle was reserved, as free seats, for the poorer members of the
congregation, but the accommodation thus provided was of such
a disagreeable and unhealthy character that the parishioners
eventually ceased to occupy these seats, and the only advantage
gained was in the ugly gallery which covered them.
Some forty years ago, attempts were made at restoring
the Church, and a noteworthy beginning was made by pulling
down the organ and choir gallery, which had been erected in the
tower. The disfiguring whitewash which had formerly covered
the walls of the tower was removed, and the stonework of the
great west window was restored to its original proportions, and
filled with stained glass as a memorial window of the Ward
family. At the same time, the north and south chancel aisles
were again restored to the Church, but the unsafe condition of
the roof of the north aisle necessitated its reconstruction.

The Church. 249

With the removal of the west gallery and organ loft,
came the demand for a new organ, and the fine instrument by
Messrs. Hill, of London, was erected in its present position.
On Sunday, November 7th, 1841, the Church was
re-opened after undergoing thorough repairs and enlargements.
The Sermons on this occasion being preached, in the morning,
by the Bishop of Lichfield, and in the afternoon by the Rev. H.
Moore, A.M., Vicar of Eccleshall, and collections were made on
behalf of the fund for the expenses incurred in repewing and
repairing the Church, and also for the benefit of the National
Schools. Prior to the Civil War period, this Church was excep
tionally rich in the beauty and colouring of its windows ; but
with the advent of Puritan fanaticism, we have to deplore the
destruction of much that was beautiful in our churches.
At the period of which I write, all the windows, even to
the clerestory, were filled with stained glass.
In the west window of the north aisle was the arms of
England : — Gules, three lions passant guardant or. (i)
In the north window of the same aisle was the Wrottesley
arms : — Or, three piles sable, a quarter ermine ; and the crest : —
A boar's head azure, issuing out of a coronet or. These arms
and crest also filled the windows of the south clerestory.
In one of the windows of the south chancel aisle was a
pictorial rebus : — A chalice, having on the top, the sun in its
splendour, and underneath, the legend "Orate pro anima Henrici
Suthwyke, pbd. Bobynhull," and, in addition, a portrait of this
prebendary. In the great east window was a representation of the
Patron Saint of the Church, St. Michael trampHng on the
Dragon. The north window of the Wrottesley Chapel also
contained the Wrottesley arms and crest.
Such then was the condition of the Church before these
"zealous fanatics" appeased their passion, by the ruthless
destruction of this artwork. So well did they employ the time
during their visit to the sacred edifice, that scarce four square

(i) A fragment of this shield is still preserved in the small window
in the Pendeford Chancel.

250 History of Tettenhall,

feet of glass remains of that which was once the pride and glory
of the building. These fragments were afterwards carefully
collected by the then custodian of the Church and used to fill
the "heads" of the great east window, the other part of the
window being filled with plain glass.
On the restoration of the Church, 1882-3, this remnant of
old artwork was carefully taken down and made to fill a small
window inserted in the south wall of the Pendeford Chancel,
where the fragmentary prayer of Henry Suthwyke still appeals
to the beholder.
Of present stained glass in the Church, we must place first
the heraldic window in the Wrottesley Chapel. This window is
of considerable interest, not so much for its design, which is simple
and effective, but as a relic of old armorial glass formerly at
Wrottesley. It contains six hatchments, to the memory of bygone
Wrottesleys ; the small compartment at the top being filled with
the Wrottesley crest.
1st, Arms. — Or, three piles sable, a quarter ermine (Wrottesley) encircled with
the Garter,
Legend.— Sr. Hughe Wrotislei, Knight ofthe Noble Order ofthe Garter,
and one of the first founders of the same.
2nd, Arms, — Wrottesley, impaling chequey or and a2ure.
Legend, — Sr. Walter Wrotisley, Knyght, sone and heyre of Sir Hughe
Wrotisley, maryed Jane, daughter and heires of Hugh Baraey,
Esquier,
3rd, Arms, — Wrottesley, quartering Barrey, and impaling gules, two bars or.
Legend, — Walter Wrotesley, sone and heire of Richard, marled daughter
of Harcourt,
4th, Arms. — Wrottesley, impaling vairy, or, and gules.
Legend,— Hughe Wrotisley, Esquier, sone and heire of Sir Hughe
Wrotisley, maryed Tomasan, daughter of Sir John Gresley,
Knight,
5th, Arms. — Quarterly ; ist and 4th, Wrottesley; 2nd and 3rd, chequey or and
azure. Impaling, quarterly; ist, or, a lion rampant que
forch§e vert ; 2nd, gules, a ciuquefoil ermine ; 3rd, or, two
lions passant sable ; 4th, argent, a cross fleury azure.
Legend. — Richard Wrotislei, sone and heire of Sir Walter, marled
Dorothe, daughter of Edmond, Lord Dudley.
6th. Arms. — Quarterly; ist and 4th, Wrottesley; 2nd and 3rd, Barrey.
Impaling, quarterly ; ist and 4th, azure, a cinquefoil ermine ;
2nd and 3rd, gules, two bars or.
Legend. — John Wrotisley, Esquier, sone and heire of Walter, marled
Elisabeth, daughter of Thomas Astleye, Esquier.
The great west window, the gift of the Ward family, in
memory of their parents, was erected in i860. The design is
what is known as an "Angelus" window, being representations
of the visits of angels to mortals. The window is divided into

TJie Church. 251

eight compartments, numbering from right to left from the top,
the subjects are as follow : —
ist. Genesis iii, 24., — Adam and Eve driven out of Eden.
2nd. Genesis xxviii, 11-12. — Jacob's Vision.
3rd. Judges xiii, 19-20. — The Angel appearing to Manoah and his wife,
4th. I Kings, xix, 5-6. — The Angel appearing unto Elijah.
5th. St. Luke i, 26, 30-31. — The Annunciation.
6th. St. Luke xxii, 43, — The Agony in the Garden.
7th. St. Luke xxiv, 1-3. St. Matt, xxviii, 5-6, — Mary Magdalene and the other
Mary at the Sepulchre.
8th. Acts xii, 7. — The Angel appearing to Peter in Prison,
During the visit of those ruthless "purgers of the
Sanctuary," attempts were made to wreck the beautiful carved
chancel screen and the curiously carved clergy stalls.
Enough remains of the Wrottesley screen to shew its
beauty and purity of workmanship. The clergy stalls, although
partially destroyed, were afterwards utilised to form a large square
family pew in the chancel, formerly in the possession of the
Cresswell family, and called the Barnhurst Pew. At the
Restoration in 1883, this pew was dismantled, and the older
portions of it were used to form the present choir stalls in the
chancel. Under the seats of a few of these stalls are still
preserved some excellent examples of the curious grotesque
carvings known as "misereres."
The ancient font, which is of stone, is octagonal in shape,
and is ornamented with curiously carved panels of Gothic design,
the base and plinth were restored in 1842. The curious old
wooden cover, with its gilt crocketed ornament, was removed
some twenty years ago, and is probably now destroyed.
Until as recently. as 1841, there was a very unmusical
peal of five bells, dated 1604. I have been unable to discover
what became of these when they were removed to give place to
the present sweet-toned peal of six bells which are dated 1841.
The inscriptions on the present peal are as follows : —
No. I. — -Treble. Thomas Mears, Founder, London, 1841.
" O be joyful in the Lord all ye lands."
No. 2. Thomas Mears, Founder, London, 1841,
" Praise the Lord your God with gladness."
No. 3. Thomas Mears, Founder, London, 1841.
" Enter the temple gates with thanksgiving."

252 History of Tettenhall.
No. 4. Thomas Mears, Founder, London, 1841.
" Come before God's presence with a grateful song."
No, 5. Thomas Mears, Founder, London, 1841.
" Come praise and bless the Lord with heart and voice."
No. 6. — Tenor, (i) Thomas Mears, Founder, London, 1841.
" O thank the Lord and speak good of His name."
Tettenhall Church, 1841.
John, Baron Wrottesley, Patron.
Edward J. Wrottesley, M.A., Minister.
Robert Wright, ) churchwardens.
Charles H. Fereday, 1
John Smith, Clerk.
The Register begins in 1602, thence to 161 1 inclusive,
there were 226 births and 169 burials in ten years. From 1775
to 1784 inclusive, there were 526 births and 425 burials in the
same period, thus shewing that the inhabitants had increased
nearly in the proportion of 2 to 5.
Monuments in the Church.
Under the great west window. A monument bearing the
effigy of a woman at her devotions, having a book upon a desk
before her, and underneath this inscription in black letter : —
"Here under lieth the bodi ofthat vertous and godly woman, Jone
Creswell, late wife of Richard Creswell, of Barnhurst, in this parishe and county,
merchant of the staple, and sometime daughter to John Diott, of the citie of
Lichfield, gentleman, which Jone lefte this mortall liffe the xix daye of Oct.,
1590. Having had betwixt them tenne children, fyve sonnes and fyve dawghters,
three sonnes went before her, two the rest with her husband remayne here yet,
God send them well to do. Amen. Vivit Post Funera Virtus."
At the top ofthe monument are these arms and crest: —
Or. A tiger passant, sable (Dyott). Crest: — A tiger passant,
with collar and chain reflexed, or. At the base is another coat
of arms : — Ermine, A martlett gules ; upon a chief azure, five
bezants. This monument was originally fixed on the north wall of
the great chancel, but during the partial restoration of the north
aisle and the enlargement of the south aisle of the Church, in
1825, it was removed to the north wall of the vestry ; during the
restoration of the Church, 1883, it was again removed to its
present position. (i) Weight of tenor bell, 12J cwt , in key of G.

The Church. 253

" Heare lyeth the body of Mr, Thomas Beiston, late curat of this church,
who dyed the last of Desember, An. Dom. 1652, He dyed olid and full of dayes."
This inscription is on a brass plate, found under the floor
of the nave during the late restoration ofthe Church (1883). It
having lain hidden there for more than 100 years. Shaw, in his
list of monuments in the Church, which he copied from Hunt
bach's MSS., says " this plate is now lost." (A.D. 1797.) The
most curious thing in the discovery, was the bringing to light of
a second inscription, which has no connection with the earlier one,
making the plate what is known as a "rescript" brass. The
later inscription is as follows : —
" Here Lyeth the Body of Hannah, the Daughter of Guvenor Dyson (i),
ofthe Hollese, and wife of John Wollaston, of Trescote, who departed this life
the 25 of October, Anno, Dom. 1694. She died in the i8th year of her age,"
It appears from Huntbach, that the plate was originally
fixed " on a gravestone in the middle aisle of the Church." Its
present resting place is now on the north pillar, close to the
lectern. .,. ... .,, ...
Upon an alabaster gravestone is a plate of brass, whereon
is this epitaph : —
" Heere lieth William Wollaston, who longe time livde in health.
Whose honest life, still making peace, did farre exceed his wealth.
With sweate of browe, he went to plowe, he eat still of his labour,
O well was he, and ever free from lawe and lawyer's favour.
Three sonnes, one daughter here he left, all able well to live.
His prayers did advance them more than wealth yt he coulde give.
He fourescore yeares and eight did live, belovede of ritche and poore,
And sawe his children well bestowd, what could he wish for more ?
Twelve yeares before his death, God tooke his lovinge wife awaye.
Then hee all worldly care forsooke and nothinge did but praye.
His senses to the last hee had, the worlde hee did defie,
Still cryinge, come. Lord Jesu come, till death did close his eye."
Originally on the floor of the nave, close to the entrance to
the chancel, ¦now fixed on the north wall of the tower.
* * * »
" Neer under resteth Mary, late wife of Edward Dobson, one of his
matyes justices of the peace and quorum in ye County Palatine of Lancasf ;
ye younger daughter of Alexander Wightwicke, of Wightwicke, in ye County oi
Stafford, esq. ; by Alice Lane of Bentley, his second wife, Shee gave sevVall
yeares before her death, a charity of ^60, to bee perpetual to ye poor of Tetten
hall and Wolverhampton parishes ; and died att London the 22nd of July, 1674.
Te Deum Laudamus. Te Deum Glorificamus."
At the top of the monument, a skull and emblems ; at the
base, an escutcheon, charged: — Argent, a fess nebulae gules,
betwixt six fleurs-de-lis sable (Dobson). Impaling: — Azure, on a
(i) Guvenor (or Grosvenor) Dyson, Esq., was Sheriff for the County
of Staff. A.D. 1693.

254 History of Tettenhall.

chevron argent, three crosses formee gules, betwixt three pheons
or (Wightwick). Originally fixed on the great pillar, near the
Perton Chapel, now fixed near the belfry door.
* * ¦;,; *
"Juxta depositse sunt reliquiae Ben, Gibbons, A,M,, hujus ecclesias dim
digni pastoris. Ob. 14 die Decembris, A.D, 1756." (i)
Formerly in the vestry, now destroyed.
¦::- « ');• *
•' Sacred to the Memory of The Rev. John Ravenhill, M.A., who after
discharging his publick duties as Minister of this parish for upwards of nine and
twenty years, and his private ones as a father, a husband, and a friend. Departed
this life the 13 day of Oct 1797, in the 63 year of his age. His remains lie buried
underneath. Vivit Post Funera Virtus,"
This monument was originally fixed on the north wall of
the vestry, it is now fixed over the belfry door.
* * # •:.-
"In Memory of Mr. William Smith, Architect,
Eminent in his profession.
Faithful to his masters.
Just to his servants.
Sincere to his friends,
Kind to his relations.
And charitable to the poor.
The earthly house, of whose tabernacle being dissolved Aug. ye 21st, 1724, in the
64 year of his age. lieth in ruins near this place, expecting a building of God, an
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Erected by his brother,
Francis Smith."
This monument was formerly in the south aisle, it is now
fixed on the north wall of the tower.

On the south wall of the tower : —
"In
Memory ofthe
Revd. John Ravenhill, M.A.,
for 29 years vicar of this parish,
who died 13th October, 1797, aged 65.
Also of the Revd. John Glover, M.A,,
formerly of this parish,
and for 30 years incumbent of
the parish of Claverly, Salop,
who died 7th October, 1828, aged 66 years.
Also of Sarah, his wife,
(formerly Sarah Ravenhill)
who died 19th August, 1810, aged 54.
Also of Thomas, their son,
who died 27th April, 1863, aged 64.
Also of Mary Ann, wife of the above
Thomas Glover, who died 30th June, 1875,
aged 61 years.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil, for thou art with me, — Ps. xxiii, 4,"

(i) Shaw's Staff., vol, 2,

The Church. 255

At the top of the monument is this crest : — A raven sable,
on a mount vert.

There are also several marble tablets to the memory of
the Granger family. Taking them in chronological order, the
inscriptions are as follows :—
ist : — " Sacred
to the Memory of
Anne Susanna Granger,
vv'ho died the 26th of Oct., 1831.
Also of Benjamin Granger,
husband of the above,
who died the 25th March, 1832.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. — Rev. xiv, 13."

2nd: — "Sacred
to the Memory of
Helen,
wife of Henry Granger,
of Tettenhall Wood,
who died the 20th day of June, 1854,
in her 38th year.
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with
the glory which shall be revealed in us. — Romans, 8 ch. IS verse."

3rd : — " In Memory of
Henry Granger, Esquire,
late of Tettenhall Wood,
who died July 17th, 1856,
in his 45th year.
Not my will, but thine be done."
On the top of the monument, this crest : — A winged
dragon, passant, crined and tufted argent.

Near to these tablets, commemorating the Granger family,
is a decorated mural monument, inscribed : —
" Anne Sophia Cope,
died July 31st, 1851,
aged so years.
Also on the 8th August, i860,
Georgiana Maria,
aged 28 years.
Also on the ist of October, 1874,
George Cope,
aged 83 years."

^5^ History of Tettenhall.

Near this is a monument to the Briscoe family :
" In the family vault
in the adjoining churchyard
are interred —
Richard Briscoe, of Wolverhampton,
who died the 5th of March, 1814, aged 85 years.
Mary, his wife,
who died the 5th of December, 1809, aged 80 years,
William Briscoe, of Wolverhampton,
son of the above,
who died the ist of February, 1837, aged 78 years,
Ellen, his wife,
who died the 8th of August, 1834, aged 66 years.
George Briscoe, of Elmhurst Hall,
son of William and Ellen Briscoe,
who died the 8th of August, 1866, aged 74 years.
Mary, his wife,
who died the 3rd of February, 1879, aged 85 years."

Under the great west window is a brass plate, inscribed : —
"To the Glory of God; and in memory of his servants William Ward,
and Ann his wife, late of Wolverhampton, who lie buried in the adjoining
churchyard. This window was dedicated by their five children, A.D, i860.
William Ward was born July 8th, A.D. 1786; died October 12th, A.D. 1849.
Ann his wife, born January 21st, A.D. 1797 : died February 12th, A.D. 1834."

In the north wall of the tower is a recess, containing a
monument of Gothic design, to the memory of Richard Fryer
and his wife. It is divided into two compartments; on the dexter
side is the inscription to the husband, on the sinister side, that to
the wife, as follows : — Also
,, J in Memory
^^^J'y his°iife
^'tf^the^Wergs^''' ' '^''° ^'"^ ''''^ ^iT^'°^'' '^^^'
Born nth November, 1770. gj^^ ^^^ f ^°ij ^ ^;i,;
Died August _9th 1846. Fleemine Esauire
And was buried in the , , ^i^ ^ '
family vault at St. Peter's, „ . , 1, • . t u ' xn
Wolverhamoton ^°^ ''"'^ 'ci<t\t&ss to John Fleeming,
!1 A T^ q k =i'so of the Wergs.
' a/^^^< 'w i" I, . The Family of the Fleemings, formerly
He was a M.P. for Wolverhampton, ,. t,, „„ °. . . .,¦'
nnd a Mafriqtrate ^P^" Flemmynge, was seated at the
and a Magistrate . ^ ^^ g^^, ^^ ;„ Ej^^rd the
and Deputy Lieutenant j ¦ j .u i r .u r>
for the County of 2nds reign, and that of the Fryers
o.. a- J has been resident in or near

Stafford,

Wolverhampton,
for several centuries,'

The Church. 257

At the top of the monument is a shield, bearing these arms
and crests: — Quarterly ; ist and 4th, Or, sem6e of oak leaves vert,
between two flanches azure, each charged with a castle argent
(Fryer) ; 2nd and 3rd, Argent, on a chevron engrailed gules,
between three crosses patee fitchee sable, a Cornish chough and
two crescents or (Fleeming).
Fryer Crest : — A castle argent, encircled by a branch of oak
fructed purpure, thereon a cock sable, combed and wattled gules.
Fleeming Crest : — A cross pate6 fitched or, surmounted by a
Cornish chough sable.
Motto-. — " Mea Fides in Sapientia."
if: yf ^ ^
On a brass plate, on the south wall of the Church : —
" In a vault outside are the remains of Stubbs Wightwick, who married
Dorothea, third daughter of Richard and Mary Fryer. He died 4 July, A.D.
1858. Aged 64 years," ^ ^ ^ ^^
On a brass plate in the Pendeford Chancel : —
" The aisle eastward of this plate is the Private Chapel belonging to the
Pendeford estate ; by permission of Richard Fowler-Butler, Esq,, it was opened
to the Church, A,D. 1858,"
At top of plate, the Fowler-Butler arms and crest, with
the motto " Depressus extollor."

Monuments formerly in the Perton Chapel.

" On the south wall is a fair raised monument of alabaster,
upon the table whereof is the portraiture of a man and woman
drawn in black lines, and about the edge of the marble this
inscription : —
" Here lyeth the bodyes of Edward Leveson, of Perton, in the county of
Stafford, esq., and Elizabeth, his wife, one of the daughters of Robert Moreton,
late of Haughton, in the county of Salop, esq,, which Edward Leveson deceased
the 2i^t day of August, 1567, and Elizabeth  day of  ."
At their feet, upon the end of the monument, this
inscription : —
" Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord, even so saith the Spirit,
that they rest from their labours and their works follow them."
Upon the side of the monument, these coats of arms : —
I. — Argent, a chevron betwixt three trefoils slipped sable,
quartering gules, a cock or. 2. — Azure, a fess nebulae betwixt
three bay leaves slipped or (Leveson), quartering argent, a
chevron gules, between three cinquefoils sable, impaling the
first (Prestwood). About this escutcheon is written Edward

258 History of Tettenhall,

Leveson, esq., Elizabeth Moreton. At the end of the monu
ment, under the man's head, is Leveson impaling Prestwood,
as before. The crest is a goat's head (Leveson). Under the
woman's head the first coat is repeated." (i) Now lost.

Monuments in the Wrottesley Chapel.

For the purpose of keeping a family group together, I have
departed- from the usual method of chronological order, as I think
in this case such a digression is pardonable.
On the floor, near the screen, is an alabaster gravestone,
with the portraiture of a man in armour, and his wife, drawn in
black lines. At their feet, sixteen children, and round the stone
the following rhyming epitaph in Gothic character : —
" Here lies closed in clay, the body of Richard Wrottesley,
And also Dorothy, his wif, which lived togedder all their lif.
The year MCCCCXVII of our Lord, Dorothy departed out of this world.
And after within short space, Richard was layd in this place.
Here now our bodies do ley, on our soules Jesu have mercy.
We desire every Xtian mon, to pray for our soules that bin gon."
At the top of the monument, these arms : — Wrottesley,
impaling or, two lions passant. -.l! :tf. ;;< >;:
In the south-east corner is an altar-tomb, bearing effigies
of a man, in armour, and a woman, in the costume of the period.
On the front of the monument are carved figures of John Wrot
tesley, Esq., m armour, and Elizabeth, his wife, in ruff and
farthingale, supporting a shield, charged, Wrottesley impaling
Harcourt ; and also effigies of their ten children. There is an
inscription running round the sides of the tomb, as follows : —
" Here lieth the bodies of John Wrotsley, esquire, and Elizabeth his
wyf, whch John died the i8th daye of November, An, Do. 1578 ; which
Elyzabethe being widowe caused this tomb to be made Anno Domini, 1580.''
On the west end ofthe monument are these arms : — Under
the man's head — Or, three piles sable, a canton ermine (Wrot
tesley). Under the woman's head — Azure, a cinquefoil ermine,
impaling gules, two bars or (Astley and Harcourt). Between
these two coats is one escutcheon, containing the first impaling
the second, with this motto round: — " in-dieu-his-pir" {Jn God
is my hope).

(i) Shaw's Staff., vol, 2,

The Church. 259

There is some trace of an inscription over the figures
on the front of the tomb, but it is so much defaced that it is now
illegible. I believe it, however, to have been the names of the
effigies. Shaw gives them thus : —
"John Wrottesley and Elizabeth, his wife; Walter Wrottesley, esq,,
son and heir; Thomas, Edward, John, Isabell, Mary, P'rances, Dorothy,
Margaret, and Elizabeth," (i) # -;.: * *
On a Stone in the floor ofthe north aisle, this inscription : —
" Here lies the Body
of the Honble, John Astley Bennett,
third son of the Earl of Tankerville
and Post-Captain in the Royal Navy,
who died September I4i-h, i8i2,
Aged 33 years.
Also of
Julia, relict of the above,
and widow of
John, First Baron Wrottesley,
Born Jany, 23, 1783.
Died Septr. 29, i860.
She is not dead but sleepeth,"
* * * *
Upon a marble monument on the north wall of the
Chapel : — " Here
sleeping in Jesus
rests all that was mortal
of
the Rev, Robert Wrottesley, M,A .
Rector of Himley,
and for eleven years. Incumbent of this parish,
third son of Sir John Wrottesley, Bart,
Born June 2nd, 1801,
married Georgiana, daughter of Sir George Pigott,
of Patshull, August 19th, 1828,
died January 20th, 1838.
This monument, the last outward token of affection, was erected by his widow
as a memorial of the simplicity and integrity of his character and of the
unbending faithfulness with which he gave himself up to the service of the
Church of God, not seeking the praise of man, but looking to the recompense
that is in Christ his Saviour," # * ¦::¦ ¦::¦
On a small octagnal stone in the floor of the Chapel : —
" Henry Wrottesley, esq., died
Feb. 17th, 1827. Aged 52 years,"
* * *- ¦:.^
On a brass plate, enclosed in a richly carved marble
moulding : —
" Sacred to the memory of the Honourable Henry Wrottesley, fourth
son of John, second Lord Wrottesley, Lieut, of the 43rd Light Infantry, who
fell in action with the Caffres at Fuller's Hock, in Albany, Cape of Good Hope,
the nth day of March, 1852. This monument was erected by his brother
officers as a mark of their affectionate regard."
Arms — Wrottesley, Crest— Wrottesley,

(i) Shaw's Staff , vol 2,

26o History of Tettenhall.

" Sacred to the memory of the Honorable Cameron Wrottesley, Lieut,
R,E,, fifth son of second Lord Wrottesley, whose days, alas I were few but lull
of honour, exemplary in conduct and distinguished by his attainments, he
endeared himself to all by his amiable disposition. On the 15th of August,
1854, when on duty in the trenches at the attack on Bomarsund, he received a
severe wound of which he died after four hours suffering, aged 19.
He sleeps in an uninhabited rocky islet covered with mossy pines, and
washed by a stormy sea. " The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away,
blessed be the name of the Lord."
This inscription is upon a rectangular brass plate, enclosed
in a richly decorated marble frame, and fixed under the preceding
one. On the plate are these arms and mottoes : — Wrottesley
arms, with the motto "Vis unita fortior," England, with the
mottoes " Ubique," and " Quo fas et gloria dicunt-"

THE RESTORATION.

The Restoration of the Church, completed in 1883, and
which has resulted in the present stately building, was in the
capable hands of the late Mr. G. Edmund Street. The plans
and details of that which has been so happily accomplished
were prepared some years before the work was begun, and at
the instance of the Rev. H. D. de Brisay, the then vicar, who
on leaving Tettenhall presented them to his successor, the Rev.
A. Van Straubenzee, as his contribution to the fund. It is not
too much to say that it was due mainly to the untiring efforts
of Mr. Straubenzee that sufficient funds were raised to enable
the work to be carried out.
Death removed the designer before the work could be
attempted, but under the able and immediate direction of his
son, Mr. A. E. Street, to whom the plans were entrusted, the
work was carried out with a thoroughness deserving the warmest
commendation. In the treatment of the older parts of the build
ing, no effort has been spared to preserve original work, and
where it had become necessary to add new work, the new has
been made in strict conformity with the original architectural
lines, Messrs. Horsman & Co. were the builders to whom the
contract was entrusted, and the thoroughly sound treatment
given by them to the stonework and woodwork of the building
justify their selection.
The style of architecture adopted for the new south aisle
and porch, is that known as Early English, and is a development

^~jwn

sir WILLIAM DE WROTTESLEY,
Married Joan, dau,£;hter of Sir Roj.'er Bassett. son of Ralph,
Lord Bassett, of Drayton.

JOHN WROTTESLEV. ESQ .
M;irri,.il E^iixaheth , daughter of Sir Riihert Standish.

SIR HUf;H DE WROTTESI^EV. K,(; ,
Married Isabella, dau.ghtcr of Sir John Arderne. of Ahlfor.l

Hl'fiH WROTTESLEV. KSy..
Married Thom.asine, d.'iut^hter of Sir John (Presley. Knt.

SIR WALTER WROTTESLEY. KNI..
Miirried lane, daughter and heir o( W'illiani Ktiron, E'sq.,
of Reading.

WALTER WROTTESLEV. ESQ..
Married Isabel, daughter of John Hare^'urt Esq ,,f
Ellenhtill.

RICHARD WROTTESLEV, ESQ..
.Married J'urothy, daughter of Sir Ed. Suttr.n. Knt., eldest
son of John, Lord Dudley.

JOHN WROTTESLEV. ESQ..
.Marriefl Eliz.ifteth. daughter of Thomas .\stley, Es,
of Batshull.

WALTER WROTTESLEV, ESQ.
Married .Mar\-. d.aughter .md heir of Hugh Lee, Esi] . of
Woodford Grange.

SIR WALTER WROTTESLEV. B.\RT.,
Marrir.l M.ir\. daughter of .XniV.rose Orey, Esq.. of E~n\ille
'jn.l son u( Her.ry, Lord (irey, of Groby.

SIR HUGH WROlTESLEV. KXT..
.Murieil Marg.'iret, d.inghter (.>f Sir Edward Devereux. Knt,
2ud son of Walter. Viscount Hereford.

SIR W-XLTER WROTTESLEV, B^iRT
M.irried Ehzabeth. daughter ,.f Sir Thomas Woolric'h, Bart.,
of Dudmaston.

SIR WALTER Wa<OTTESLEV. BART .
.Married Eleanor, d.iughter and heir of Sir John .\rrhe
Knt.. of Coopersall, Ci.k Esse.x.

REV. SIR RICH.\RD WROTTEsLEV, BART..
.Married L.tdy Mary t iT'wer, daughtir of J,>hn, Ist Ear
( iow'er.

SIR |()HN WROTTESLEV. BART..
Ir.oi.es. ,1 .u^-hter of H..n. lohn llrev, of Enville
.son .if Henr\', ist Earl of Stamford.

SIR JOILX WROT'I'ESI.EW B.\RT..
Marriel H-ni frame,- Courten.iv , daugh ter ofWilliam, ist.
\'i^, iiuTit C<,urtena\.

SIR lOHX WROTTESLEV. BART., ist R.XRoX
WROTTESLEV.
¦M.irried Lady Caroline lleniielt. daughter nf Chtirles. 4th
Earl of Tankerxille

loHN. 2nd B.XROX WROTTESLEV.
.Married s..phi,i Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas W tii.Tard,
Esq.. of Chillington.

27?^ Restoration. 261

of the style in which the east and south side of the east end were
built some 600 years ago. The reasons for adopting this style
were twofold — on the north side of the Church only are examples
of the preceding century, and these two styles of the 13th and
14th centuries are the only two that can be satisfactorily used at
the present day.
The material used in building the new aisle is the same as
in the older parts of tha Church, i.e., Codsall stone. The old
plastered and whitewashed roofs have been removed, and in their
place are now open timbered roofs of stained deal. The whole
of the floor of the Church was restored to its original level, and
re-paved with wood blocks laid on concrete, and the foundations
of the pillars in the nave strengthened, and their bases restored.
In place of the old square painted box-like pews, handsome oak
benches, more in harmony with the character of the building,
afford seating accommodation for over 800 worshippers. The
present pulpit of Caen Stone was given to the Church by the late
Mr. Joseph Walker, and Caen Stone has been effectively used in
the erection of a carved chancel screen, the two wings of which
are connected by a pair of polished brass gates shutting off the
chancel from the nave. Richly-carved oak screens also divide
the chancel from the chancel aisles.
On Monday, 2nd April, 1883, the Church was re-opened
by a special service, in which a large number of clergy from the
neighbouring parishes took part, the Bishop of Lichfield preach
ing the sermon. At the close of the service, the collection, made
on behalf of the building fund, reached the handsome total of
_;^ioo los. od.
Since the Restoration, the Church has been enriched by
the addition of the following stained glass windows : —
The Lancet window in the Pendeford Chancel is now
filled with a representation of the Resurrection and Ascension of
Jesus Christ, and is the gift of the Perry family; it has this
inscription: —
"In honour ofthe glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in
memory of Thomas Joseph Perry, who died March 29th, 1885. Frederick
Charles, his brother, and Helen, his sister, dedicate this window."
The Perry family are also donors of the east window, and
one of the side windows in the new south aisle. The design
of the east window is illustrative of some of the chief incidents in

262 History of Tettenhall.

the life of Christ, as pourtrayed in St. Luke's Gospel; the
commemorating brass is inscribed: —
" In pious memory of Thomas and Mary Perry (formerly of Bilston), who
died— Thomas, November 21st, 1861, aged 88 years ; Mary, March 15th, 1881,
aged 89 years. This window is given by their children, A,D. 1883.
The side window, the third from the porch, has figures of
St. Catherine, St. Margaret, and St. Agnes; and is inscribed: —
"In honour of God and His holy Martyrs, and in Memory of Jane
Margaret Perry, who died February 20th, 1890. Frederick Charles, her brother,
and Helen, her sister, dedicate this window,"
In the entrance by the south porch is a small window
containing a figure of the Good Shepherd, with a brass plate
inscribed : —
" To the glory of God. In memory of Bishop Selwyn. Gift of the
Revd. C. W. Charlton, Easter, 1883."
The first window in the new south aisle is filled with three
figure subjects: the central figure is that of St. John the Baptist;
the side figures are those of the Prophets Elias and Malachi. It
is inscribed: — ¦
" To the honour of God, and in loving memory of Mary Hewlings, who
died I2th February, 1891. Her loving husband dedicates this window,"
The second window on the same side is filled with repre
sentations of St. Augustine, Archbishop of Canterbury ; St.
Ambrose, Bishop of Mediolanus (Milan) ; St. Ceadda, Bishop of
Mercia (Lichfield). Underneath is a brass plate with this
inscription: —
"The above window was placed in this Church to the glory of God, and
in memory of John Savadge Davenhill and Mary Hind Columbia, his wife, by
their affectionate children. May, 1891."
Two windows in the north aisle have also been enriched
with painted glass— the one nearest the Wrottesley Chapel is
illustrative of Christ's reply to his mother, when he is discovered
arguing with the priests and elders in the temple at Jerusalem,
and is entitled "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's
business?" Underneath are two brass plates inscribed: —
" To the glory of God, and in memory of William, Colonel, Baron de
Kutzleben, who died at Berhampore, in India, 8th October, 1836. Also his first
wife, Susan, who died in India, by whom he had three children: —
Gertrude Wrottesley (Collins), died 1844,
William Fitzroy, died 1817,
Emma (Leycester), died 1872.
By his second wife, Elizabeth, died 1846, he had three children: —
Elizabeth Amelia Bryce (Walhouse), died 1881.
Louisa, died 1834.
Matilda Catherine Alicia (Curtis), the only survivor erects this window,"

The Church. 263

The other window contains two panels illustrative of
Christ's precepts " I was an hungered and ye gave me meat ; I
was sick and ye visited me," and has this inscription.
" To the glory of God, this window was erected by Mrs, M, E, Wright,
in loving memory of her father, Thomas Farmer, late of Goldthorn Hill, who
died July loth, 1885, aged 71 years."

A List of
Deans, Prebendaries, and Chaplains
OF the
Church of Tettenhall.

A.D. 1086. Sampson, a Royal Chaplain, installed as Dean by
King William, who also gave him the Deanery of the
Collegiate Church of St. Peter's, Wolverhampton.
Sampson afterwards became Bishop of Worcester.
1161 — 1165. Thomas, Priest of Tettenhall.
1200. Nicholas de Neville, Dean.
1216. Peter Chacepork, Dean.
Robert de Warre, Canon of Tettenhall.
Hubert de Newton, Canon of Tettenhall.
1228. Walter de Brakele, Dean.
Luke, Canon of Tettenhall.
1255. Ralph de Wengham, Dean.
Elias, Canon of Tettenhall.
I
1272. Peter de Wynton, Dean.
Ralph, Canon of Tettenhall.
1293. William Burnel, Dean,
I
1306. Oliver de Whitewyk, Chaplain.
Henry, Canon of Tettenhall.
Walter de Dunmowe, Chaplain.
Robert de Wynton, Prebendary of Codsall.
1340. William de Sheynton, Dean.
1342. Louis de Cherleton, Prebendary of Codsall, afterwards
elected Bishop of Hereford.

264 History of Tettenhall.
1350. Robert de Barnhurst, Chaplain.
1370. John de Harewood, Dean.
1372. Almaric de Shirlond, Prebendary of Tettenhall.
1376. William de Oldefallynch, Chaplain,
1377. John de Haytefield, Dean.
Robert CruU, Prebendary of Codsall.
1387. John Notyngham, Dean.
1535. William Capon, Dean.
Henry Southwick, Prebendary of Bovenhull (Barnhurst).
Thomas Neche, Prebendary of Wrottesley.
Henry Wollaston, Prebendary of Perton.
John Incent, Prebendary of Pendeford.
Richard Eden, Prebendary of Codsall.
William Croft, Chaplain (Valor Ecclesiasticus, Vol, 3),
At this date the Collegiate Church and Deanery was
dissolved, in common with all lesser religious houses, by King
Henry VIII, Fifteen years later (1550), Edward VI sold it with
all the temporal and spiritual rights to Walter Wrottesley, Esq.,
for ;^ioi8 14s. I id.
For more than thirty years after the sale of the Deanery,
the villagers of Tettenhall were left without a parson to preach
to them or a priest to minister. During this period the Church
was gradually emerging from the turmoil of a fierce and bitter
religious strife, and while the two factions were alternately
persecuting each other, the services of the Church were degraded
and prostituted by the appointment of "priests from the basest
of the people,'' men of all trades, with little honesty and less
learning. The condition of things at Tettenhall can well be imagined
from the following terse but pregnant entry, which appears in a
report presented to Parliament, on 29th October, 1586: —
" Tetnall. — A college dissolved ; five prebends and a
deane. Impropriate to the King's Majestie; worth 300 marks.
One prebend is held by Sir Richard Leveson; one by Mr. Gualter

The Church. 265

Wriotesley; two by Richard Cresswell. Curate's stipend, 20
marks ; no preacher,"
" Codsall. — Prebend of Tetnall. Curate-prebendary, a
loose liver ; no preacher."

Vicars.

1602. William Robie.
1615. Peter Hadfield.
1620. Thomas Beiston. Died December 31st, 1652.
(See M. Brass in Church.)
In 1648, Sir Walter Wrottesley was ordered by the
" Committee for Sequestrations," to settle the Rectory of
Tettenhall, in the County of Stafford, for the maintenance of
a preaching minister, and the same year he settled £1$ per
annum for the maintenance of the minister.
1652. Richard Harrison.
1656. Thomas Buxton.
1672. Jonn Baylis.
1706. Launcelot Stephens.
1709. Christopher Tyrer.
1745. Benjamin Gibbons, M.A. Died 1758.
1758. Sir Richard Wrottesley, Bart., L.L.D.
1769. John Ravenhill, M.A. Died October 13th, 1797, aged
65 years. I
1797- John Bartlam, M.A.
1808. Edward Burton, D.D.
1812. Charles Wrottesley, B.D.
1827. Robert Wrottesley, M.A.
1834. G- W. Woodhouse, M.A.
(now Vicar of Albrighton, Salop.)

266

History of Tettenhall.

1836. Thomas Quayle.
I
1839. J- H. Bright.
1841. Edward John Wrottesley (now Vicar of Brewood).
I
1862. Henry Delacour de Brisay, M.A.
I
1871. Albert John Van Straubenzee.
1888. C. Chetwode Hamilton, M.A.
I
1893. A. R. Harrison, M.A.

CHRIST CHURCH, TETTENHALL WOOD.

||S early as 1856, the increasing population of the
Compton and Tettenhall Wood districts had
rendered another church necessary for the parish,
and in that year a plot of ground was purchased
from Mr. Edwin Hayes for the purpose of
providing a site ; and subsequently conveyed to the Ecclesi
astical Commissioners. At a vestry meeting, held on the 24th
October, 1863, a committee was appointed to take measures for
raising sufficient funds to build a new church, and they reported
later, that, having examined all the available sites for the building
of a church, they were unanimous in selecting as the most central
and convenient site, the plot of land above mentioned.
The Church was erected in 1865, and consists of a chancel,
nave, and side aisles, with seating accommodation for 600 people.
The register dates from 1868. The first vicar appointed by Lord
Wrottesley, who is patron of the living, was the Rev. S. Wigan,
who was succeeded by the Rev. A. B. Hilliard, M.A. On
Mr. Hilliard's death in 1889, the living was presented to the
Rev. B. Danks, M.A., the present vicar.
Christ Church parish comprises the whole of Tettenhall
Wood, and includes Wightwick, Compton, and Finchfield. At
the latter place there is a small Mission Church, capable of seat
ing IOO people, and served by the clergy of Tettenhall Wood.
This was opened in November, 1878, by Archdeacon lies,
under a license from the Bishop. During the week, the room is
used as an infant school, and the chancel is then divided from
the main building by a folding screen.

THE VILLAGE.

|EFORE the inclosure of the great common of
Tettenhall Wood, in 1807, Tettenhall was excep
tionally rich in common lands, and even now, in
spite of inclosure acts and encroachments, it
still possesses two famous village greens as the
common heritage of the parishioners.
Some years before this inclosure, Mr. Thomas Pearson
purchased the fields lying between the Tettenhall Wood Road
and Henwood Lane, from the Foleys, of Prestwood, the Lords
of the Manor of Kinver. Included in the purchase was an old
wayside inn, on the edge of this great common, or, as it was
called, Kinver Chase; once an open sandy common, luxuriant
with gorse, hazel and blackberry bushes, A curious illustration
of the way in which manorial rights still exist in Tettenhall is
afforded by Tettenhall Wood ; before this common was enclosed,
grandfathers of men at present amongst us could have ridden
from Tettenhall to Stoke Edith, on the other side of Malvern
Chase, without crossing a fence or passing along a public way.
The extreme north end of this great open chase, which is
called Kinfare Chase, is Tettenhall Wood, and, as pointed out
under Tettenhall Regis, although surrounded by Tettenhall, it is
still an integral part of the Manor of Kinver, and is called
Kingsley Manor, and the Court Leet of Paul Foley, Esq., the
lord of the manor is still held at Compton.

The Village. 269

After purchasing Tettenhall Wood, Mr. Pearson partially
demolished the old inn and built himself a large house on iis site.
It was here that John Pearson was born, in 1771 ; he was
educated at the Wolverhampton Grammar School, and soon
gave early promise of those eloquent powers which in after life
made him such a famous advocate. While at the Grammar
School, in 1788, he wrote, an "Ode on the King's Birthday,"
verses which exhibit considerable merit, and show strongly his
special ability. From Wolverhampton, Pearson went to Christ
Church, Oxon ; during his term at College he was entered at
Lincoln's Inn, where he afterwards resided, and in due course
was called to the Bar. He came back to reside at Tettenhall,
and practised as a local barrister for a time, but eventually he
again returned to London, and practised for a short time in the
Court of King's Bench, So eminent did he become in his
profession, that he was offered and accepted the appointment
of Advocate-General of Bengal in 1824. He returned to England
in May, 1840, broken in health and constitution, and died in the
month of April, 1841, at his eldest daughter's house, in Milton
Street, Dorset Square, at the age of 70.
After Judge Pearson's death, his son. General Pearson,
sold the Tettenhall Wood estate in building lots. The house was
afterwards tenanted by Uvedale Corbett, Esq., County Court
Judge, second son of Archdeacon Corbett, of Longnor Hall,
Salop, from 1820 to 1841. Mr. Corbett was one of the original
County Court Judges, and was for many years Judge of the
County Courts, Salop. He was also Recorder of Wenlock and
Bridgnorth. On his retirement from the County Court Judge
ship, in 1865, he was presented by the officials of his Court and
district with a service of plate, in recognition of the zealous and
conscientious discharge of his duties, and as a testimony of their
sincere respect and esteem.
His eldest son, Uvedale Corbett, was educated at Rugby
and Christ Church, was called to the Bar in 1844, and went the
Oxford Circuit. In 1861 he was appointed an Inspector of the
then Poor Law Board, subsequently reconstructed as the Local
Government Board, when he was the Board's Inspector for the
Metropolis from 1866 to 1872. He retired in 1876, and since that
time has filled the office of Chairman of the Local Government

270 History of Tettenhall.
Taxation (Ireland) Parliamentary Commission, which reported
in 1878-79-80. He was also adviser to the Poor Law Board
(Ireland) during the same period.
John, his brother, the fourth son of Uvedale Corbett, Esq ,
born in 1822, entered the Navy as Midshipman in 1837, on board
H.M.S. Carysfort, and became Lieutenant in 1847, Commander
in 1852, Captain m 1857, Rear-Admiral in 1875, Vice-Admiral in
1879, and Admiral in 1885. He served in the operations in
Syria, and was present at the capture of St. Jean d' Acre, in
1840. He was severely wounded at the capture of Lagos, West
Coast of Africa, in 1851, was a K.C.B., and died in London,
December loth, 1893.
After Mr. Corbett removed from the house, in 1841, it was
tenanted for a short time by the late W. Fleeming Fryer, Esq.,
and finally was purchased by Colonel Thorneycroft, who has
made it the princely mansion it now is.

TETTENHALL TOWERS.

No history of Tettenhall would be complete which did
not include some notices of Colonel Thorneycroft and his stately
house. Since he first came to reside in the parish, no under
taking for the benefit of the village has been mooted which
does not owe something to his efforts for its success.
Coming of an ancient Cheshire family, he traces his
descent from Hamo de Thorneycroft, who was head of his
house in 1270.
We propose only to deal with this branch of the family,
as the history of the other branches is already recorded in
Ormerod's " History of Cheshire,"
A distinguished branch of the family were the Thorny-
crofts of Milcombe Hall, Oxfordshire, from whom descended a
brilliant barrister, who was created a Baronet in 1701, which
title, however, became extinct at the death of his son. He was
High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 1702. A fine portrait of this
Sir John Thornycroft, Bart,, now hangs in the dining room at
Tettenhall Towers. A singular incident happened to one of this
branch of the family, Mr, Henry Thornycroft, son of Mr. Edward

TETTENHALL TOWERS.

Tettenhall Towers. 271

Thornycroft, who was a wealthy East-India merchant, died
abroad, and his servant, William Martin, securing some
of his clothes, came back to England, impersonated his late
master, and very nearly succeeded in obtaining Mr. Thorny-
croft's property. Fortunately he was recognized at a lawyer's
office by a connection of the Thornycroft family, and his fraud
detected. The story is interesting, and has a parallel in the
celebrated Tichborne case. It was published in Chambers'
Edinburgh Journal, No. 401, September 6th, 1851.
Another celebrated Thorneycroft, who earned lasting
military fame, was Lieut.-Col. Thorneycroft, one of the heroes
of Sir Charles Holtham's regiment, who met his death at the
siege of Alicante, in Spain, in 1709 (see Chambers' Edinburgh
Journal, November ist, 1834).
Miss Ann Thornycroft's brother, Edward Thornycroft,
died a widower, at his friend the Rev. Charles Mytton's house,
Eccleston, near Chester. In his will he left the whole of his
estates to his two old maiden sisters for their lives, and, provided
that they died unmarried, the estate was to revert to Mr. Mytton.
Edward Thornycroft was twice married — first to Miss Bagot
Read, and next to Viscountess Barrington, but left no children
by either of his wives. T'ne several estates were left to the
Rev. Charles Mytton on condition that he changed his name to
Thornycroft. Most of the estates so left have been disposed of,
with the exception of the Thornycroft property, which the
Rev. Charles Mytton's grandson now owns. The estates were
Thornycroft Hall, Milcombe Hall, Oxfordshire (held by this
family for 300 years), Smethwick Hall, Brierton, an estate at
Sandbach, Park House, Basford Hall, near Leek, and other
property. Proceeding now to sketch the leading incidents in the life
ofthe late George Benjamin Thorneycroft, first Mayor of Wolver
hampton, we shall always remember that although his life and
work lay in a sphere outside the scope of this history, yet, as the
present representative of the family has so indelibly associated
himself with the parish, it will not be out of place to recapitulate
some of the more noteworthy achievements of a man, who was
undoubtedly the representative ofthe iron and coal industries of
the " Black Country," during the first part of the present century.

272 History of Tettenhall.

George Benjamin Thorneycroft was born at Tipton, on
the 20th of August, 1791. His parents, through vicissitudes of
fortune, were in humble circumstances, having removed from
Broseley to Tipton about the middle of the last century. Early
in the present century, Mr. G. B. Thorneycroft's father removed
with his family to Kirkstall Forge, near Leeds, where he obtained
work for himself and his two sons ; here they both toiled in the
iron works for nearly five years, and also attended a night school.
About the year 1809, they all returned to Staffordshire,
where Mr, G. B. Thorneycroft readily obtained employment
at the Moorcroft Ironworks, at Bradley Colliery, near Bilston;
and it is a curious instance of " time's revenge," that in after
years, when Mr. Thorneycroft had passed away, the firm he
established should have purchased this Bradley estate of 160
acres for ;^95,ooo. He was employed at Mr. Addenbrook's
Moorcroft Works — first in puddling iron ; but he soon discovered
a plan that improved the quality of the iron, while at the same
time it lessened the cost of making it. He mentioned this to his
employer, Mr. Addenbrook, who offered him the management of
his puddlers, and gave him a percentage on the profits of the
invention. A year or two afterwards he married, and with ;£'6oo
whicli he had saved, and some ^^300 his wife (Miss Eleanor Page,
from Moxley, near Bilston), brought him, he took a small forge
at Willenhall, driven by water power. Finding the power of the
stream was useless for making iron at a profit, he gave up the forge,
his loss on the venture being the whole of his £ goo. He then began
to buy and sell finished and pig iron, and in two years he had
gained /'i,8oo. With this sum he removed to Wolverhampton,
and joined his twin-brother, Mr. Edward Thorneycroft, who had
commenced to build the Shrubbery Ironworks. Here they
began to make iron, and ten tons per week was at first the
modest quantity. For some years this business flourished ; the
times were good, and they made money. There was a certain
quality of round bar iron wanted in the Manchester market for
fluted cotton rollers — this was called "bullet iron." After much
thought and experiment, he, one night at home, suddenly awoke,
exclaiming to his wife, "I've got it; I've just thought of the
plan to suit the Manchester market." And what's it like;"
she asked. He replied, " A besom of small sticks with snow

Tettenhall Towers. 273

wrapped all round it ; the sticks represent scrap iron bars, which
will be made hot, and then put into the puddling furnace to be
wrapped round with good, pure, bright, malleable soft iron, that
would turn in a lathe like steel." The iron was required tough
inside the bar to stand the hammering to straighten it, and soft
turning iron on the outside of the round bar to stand the fluting.
He started before breakfast the next morning, and before leaving
the works he had perfected a plan which realised a fortune.
Mr. Thorneycroft also by his inventions introduced many
improvements in the manufacture of iron. From his superior
knowledge of the iron trade he was selected as arbitrator in a
dispute between Mr, Alderman Thompson, M.P., and another
eminent ironmasters' firm in Wales, involving a large sum of
money. His award gave complete satisfaction, and he was
presented with a silver salver and punch bowl, valued at upwards
of ;^20o. After many years trading, the existing partnership
with his brother Edward was dissolved, the latter retiring from
the business. He then formed the firm of G. B. Thorney
croft & Co., consisting of Mr. J. Hartley, Mr. J. Perks,
Mr. T. F. Kesteven, and afterwards his only son, Lieut.-Col.
Thorneycroft. The works were enlarged, collieries purchased,
blast furnaces built, and the firm at one time made as much as
700 tons of finished iron weekly.
In 1837, Mr. G, B. Thorneycroft was elected church
warden of St. Peter's Church, Wolverhampton, and was mainly
instrumental in completing the restoration of the interior of that
church, entirely re-pewing it. By his exertions he also restored
a large income to the church funds which had drifted away into
other channels and uses than originally intended. This income
was afterwards equally divided amongst the several churches of
the town at the time.
In 1839 he was presented by the farmers of the district
with a testimonial of plate, value ;^500, for advocating their
cause. The year 1840 saw him actively engaged in promoting the
Wolverhampton Hospital, of which institution, his son, Lieut. -
Colonel Thorneycroft, is now Chairman of the Board.
In 1848, Wolverhampton was raised to the dignity of a
corporate town ; and by the universal voice of that town he was

2 74 History of Tettenhall,
chosen for its first Mayor. From this time until the close of his
career, honours fell thick upon him ; he was made Justice of the
Peace for Staffordshire and Shropshire, and his full length
portrait was presented to him by some of the inhabitants, after
wards given by him to the town, and now adorns the walls
of the Exchange. He was also elected an Associate of the
Society of Civil Engineers, where he gained the Telford medal
for explaining in a lecture the art of making iron. At the end of
his Mayoralty, which office he held twice in succession, he gave
;^i,ooo to the poor of Wolverhampton, founding the charity
known as the "Thorneycroft Benefaction," the interest of which
is spent yearly in distributions of blankets and flannels for the
poor. Soon afterwards he closed a long and honorable career in
1851. His widow and family erected a large marble monument
to his memory in the Wolverhampton Cemetery at the cost of
;^i,ooo, the artist being Mr. Thomas Thorneycroft (the eminent
sculptor), also one of a branch of this old family. Shortly after
the new Town Hall was built, the Corporation of Wolverhampton
obtained permission from the Thorneycroft family to remove
the statue to the Town Hall, Wolverhampton, where it can
now be seen in the vestibule. The late Rev. J. B. Owen, the well
known Vicar of Bilston, wrote a "Life of G. B, Thorneycroft"
which was privately published.
His son, Lieut.-Col. Thorneycroft, was born at Willenhall,
on the loth December, 1822. He was educated at the Wolver
hampton Grammar School, and recognising the advantages that
had been obtained by his father in possessing a sound practical
knowledge of the iron trade from actually working at it, he
determined, for the first year or two after leaving school, to work
with the men part of each day, in helping to puddle, roll, and
otherwise make the various sorts of iron ; he also descended and
worked in the coal and ironstone pits, and learned the details of
such work. Some years after, while still a partner in the firm,
trade became so depressed, and orders so scarce, that the house
considered it would be better to close and sell the works than
lose all they had. But before taking this serious step. Col.
Thorneycroft (on behalf of the firm) called the men together
and laid his case before them. The men deferred their decision
for a week, but their delegates advised them not to accept

Tettenhall Towers. 21 <-^

a lower rate of wages, and as a consequence, the works were
closed. Writing of his mechanical genius. Colonel Thorneycroft
invented a new war-ship, constructed on a novel principle, and
is also the inventor of several other patents for warming
apparatus and sanitary appliances.
Amongst two volumes of "Poems and Prose," which the
colonel has written and printed for private circulation, one is
very amusing, being his description of an ascent in a balloon
(September 12th, 1882,) from Molineux ground.
Since retiring from business he has taken a great interest
in the Wolverhampton Hospital, and is Chairman of the Board,
has become Treasurer to the Prisoners' Aid Society, is Chair
man of the Committee for this district, and Chairman of the
Wolverhampton St. John's Ambulance Society. He has devoted
much time to the perfecting and improvement of sanitary
arrangements, (which improvements he has advocated for the
last 25 years), and done much towards alleviating the distress
and suffering arising from bad sanitation. His Bill for com
pulsory sanitary house to house inspection was introduced and
read for the first time in Parliament by Major F. Monckton,
M.P., and a second time by Mr. Staveley Hill, Q,C., M.P. He
has lectured on sanitation at his home and other places, and has
introduced a new system of sewer ventilating pipes. He has
also formed a Sanitary Protection Association for Wolver
hampton and District.
Colonel Thorneycroft is fond of music and has composed
several songs ; also the words and part of the music of an opera,
and has organised a string band, which he himself leads. In
1883 he formed a Driving Club to meet in the Wolverhampton
Park every Saturday afternoon in the summer months. The
Duke of Sutherland was first President, the Colonel, Vice-
President. On June 29th, 1847, Colonel Thorneycroft married Jane,
daughter of Alexander and Janet Whitelaw ; and niece of the
Messrs. Baird, of Gartsherie Iron Works, Old Monkland, near
Glasgow, whose united success in the iron trade is almost unpre
cedented. He has issue, five sons and four daughters. His
eldest son, George Benjamin, married, September 20th, 1876,

276 History of Tettenhall.

Blanche Mary Mervyn, eldest daughter of Captain Mervyn
Archdale, of Castle Archdale, co. Fermanagh, Ireland, and has
issue a son and daughter. His son, George Edward Mervyn
(grandson of the Colonel) is twenty-first in descent from Hamo
de Thorneycroft. (Colonel Thorneycroft was for a quarter of a century in
the Queen's Own Royal Staffordshire Yeomanry Cavalry ; and
on two occasions he received the public thanks of the Mayor
and Corporation of Wolverhampton for promptly turning out at
the head of his troop to preserve law and order during the time
of riots. On being gazetted major, he retired from the command,
and was presented by the troop with a valuable cup in recog
nition of his labour in their interest. For when he took over
the command, the muster-roll was barely twenty-four, but, by
his exertions, at one period it reached the considerable total of
seventy, and had its own band. The Colonel's interest in his
old troop is as great as ever, and though not on active duty he
is a familiar figure at the annual training of the regiment. He
is J.P. for Shropshire and Lord of the Manor of Hadley in that
county, as well as the owner of the Hadley Park Estate at
Wellington, Salop, a J.P. and Deputy-Lieutenant for Stafford
shire, and was chairman of the Mining Accident Fund.
He was High Sheriff for Staffordshire in 1864, and
marked the year by investing ^^i, 100 for the purchase of blankets
and flannel for the poor of Wolverhampton and Tettenhall,
following the example of his revered father. On the 20th
November, 1870, his full-length portrait was presented to him by
friends and neighbours as a mark of respect and esteem.
For three years he was churchwarden for Tettenhall, and
was instrumental in causing the building of the Kingswood
Common Mission Church. It was chiefly due to his exertions
that some eight old cottages and adjoining land was purchased
and added to the Tettenhall churchyard, enlarging it and making
it one of the most picturesque burial places in the county.
Tettenhall Towers is on the site of a quaint old road-side
inn, formerly on the edge of the now inclosed common of
Tettenhall Wood, called the "Holly Bush."
The most recent addition to the house is the great hall, in
which is an elegantly fitted stage. Here it is that Colonel

Tettenh all Toire) s. 277

Thorneycroft gives those charity concerts and dramatic recitals for
which his mansion is so famous. This apartment, which possesses
two galleries, one above the other, is 97 feet long and 60 feet wide,
whilst the height in the centre is about 50 feet. Here, indeed,
is to be found a curious mixture of the modern and the antique.
On the one hand raay be seen some of the clever models, by
which the sanitary theories of Colonel Thorneycroft have been
successfully demonstrated ; and on the other, old suits of armour
which originally had place in Alton Towers; or again, Zulu
assegais side by side, with medals won on the battlefield or gained
at Exhibitions of the peaceful arts. Settees and lounges are
placed about the room, and any abnormally stout visitor can have
the satisfaction of reclining in Daniel Lambert's chair. There
is a small oak table from Moseley Old Hall, used by Charles II,
when concealed there. The lower part of the room is panelled
with oak taken from Tewkesbury Abbey ; and that round the
first gallery is from the old church of St. Peter, Wolverhampton,
being acquired at the time of the restoration of the church.
Curiously enough this oak panelling was placed in the church
by Colonel Thorneycroft's father who was then churchwarden
and who largely assisted in the restoration. When additional
renewals rendered this panelling out of place. Colonel Thorney
croft secured it for his own house. Apart from the stage
the most noteworthy object in the hall is the fireplace. After the
fashion of our ancestors, this is let into the wall and goes back
under the first gallery, thus forming a household ingle, "curtained
and closed and warm," which is by no means to be despised.
The "dogs," upon which huge logs rest, are said to have been
used by Queen Elizabeth. The oak carving over the chimney-
piece is also curious, and some of it is undoubtedly ancient.
The subjects represented are — The Intercession of Esther with
Ahasuerus for the Jews ; The Exaltation of Mordecai ; The
Execution of Haman ; The Ascension of Our Saviour ; and
The Agony in the Garden. There are other carvings, notably
one of King Charles' exploits at Boscobel, and another of the
Siege of Alicante (executed by a local wood-worker). Apart
from the interest which centres round the large hall, one or two
of the smaller rooms deserve attention— one especially — a small
sitting room in the large tower, being panelled with oak, said to

27H History of Tettenhall.

have originally been brought from Ludlow Castle, and which is
known to have been in an old hall about six miles from Ludlow
for upwards of 200 years. In an adjoining bedroom is a quaint
old carved oak bedstead, brought from Gloucester, which is a
fine specimen of sixteenth century woodwork. Taken as a whole,
Tettenhall Towers is no ordinary place. It has an interest wholly
its own to the historian and the archaeologist.
On Saturday, May i8th, 1889, a pleasing ceremony took
place at Tettenhall Towers, the occasion being a presentation to
the Colonel and Mrs. Thorneycroft, as a mark of the esteem and
respect in which they are held in the village. The project was
set on foot by a few of the residents in the neighbourhood, and a
committee being formed, subscriptions readily flowed into the
fund, for even the poorest villager was anxious to bear testimony
to the interest in their welfare and kindly help which had invari
ably been displayed by Lieut. -Colonel and Mrs. Thorneycroft
during their thirty-eight years' residence at Tettenhall. As the
result of their exertions a handsome subscription list was secured,
no fewer than 197 persons contributing, the amounts varying from
j£'>, 3s. to 2d., the total received being ffio 14s. 5d. Subscriptions
were given by rich and poor alike. The presentation was made
in the great hall, and took the form of an ebony and gold time
piece and bracket, with an illuminated address. The timepiece
is made to chime the quarters on eight bells, which can be changed
to Westminster chimes. A solid silver plate at the foot bears the
following inscription : — " Presented to Lieut. -Colonel and Mrs.
Thorneycroft as a token of the high esteem in which they are
held by their friends and neighbours. May, 1889."

Tettenhall Towers. - 279
Pedigree of
The Thornycrofts of Thornycroft Hall, co. Chester;
shewing descent of
The Thorneycrofts of Tettenhall, co. Staff.

Compiled from the Herald's Visitations in the College of Arms ; a M.S.
Genealogy by Gregory King, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant at Arms
in the Harleian Collection ; Ormerod's History of Cheshire ;
Parish Registers; Family Evidences; Wills in the Prerogative
Office ; and other authentic sources ; by the late Stephen J.
Tucker, Esq., Somerset Herald, 1859.

I Hamo de Thornicroft = Joan, dau, of William de Sydington
circa 1270 |
2 Richard, son of Hamo de Thornicroft, 5,(i,= , . . his wife

3 Richard de Thornicroit, of Pexhull = Margery, dau. of Alan de Capesthorne
35 Ed, HI A.D, 1361  I  A,D, 1361 
. I ^1
4 Richard Thornicroft, of Thornicroft, Senr.= , . . his wife Agnes
I Hen, V, 1413 I
5 Richard Thornicroft, of Thornicroft, Junr, = . . . his wife
 I Hen. V and 8 Hen, VI  |
I
6 Hugh de Thornicroft, of Thornicroft = , , . dau, of . , Ward,
14 Hen, VI I of Capesthorne, co. Chester
7 Robert Thornicroft, of Thornicroft = , . , dau, of . . Duncalfe,
18 Hen. VII I of Foxhurst, co. Chester
8 Edward Thornicroft, of Thornicroft = Isabel, dau. of George Hurst,
18 Hen, VII I of Poynton, CO, Chester
Buried at Gawsworth, 20 Dec, 1572 |
Elizabeth . , =9 Roger Thornycroft, = Jane, dau. of Robert Thornycroft = Elizabeth
Buried at of Thornycroft, William Ford, of Cromwell Hall his wife
Gawsworth, (son and heir) of the Marsh, Farm, in the Parish A,D. 1577
15 June, 1569 19 Elizabeth, 1577 co. Stafford of Sydington
(ist wife) Buried at Gawsworth (2nd wife) ig Elizabeth, 1577
20 Oct. 1600

Buried at Gawsworth
T Aiig, 1631

Thos. Swettenham, of Woodhouse,
CO. Chester co. Staff.

10 Edward Thornycroft, = Margery, dau, of Anne = William Morrey
of Thornycroft, (only son)
29 Eliz, II James I Bur. at Gawsworth
5 Jan. 1624
A 
I I
Isabell = Ralph Langton, Mary = Ralph Goodman,
of Whiteley, of Gayton,
CO. Chester co, Chester

II Edward Thornycroft = Alice, dau. of

of Thornycroft,
(eldest son)
Bapt, at Gawsworth
' July, 1579
Buried 30 Sept. 1637

Hy. Adderley of
Blackhaugh, CO. Staff.
Mar. A, 1613

Thomas
Bapt. at
Gawsworth15 Oct. 1594
Died s.p.
(3rd son)

John
Bapt. at
Gawsworth21 Oct, 1396
Died s.p.
(4th son)

Samuel
Bapt. at
Gawsworth31 Aug, 1599
Died s.p.
(5th son)

Elizabeth :
(or
Margaret) Bapt. at
Gawsworth30Aug.i5Si

: Philip Bateman
of Sutton,
CO, Chester

Mary = Symon Gill

Bapt. at
Gawsworth
2oFeb,i5S7

Master of
St. Paul's
School,
London

12 Edward Thornycroft = Katherine, dau, of
(eldest son and heir) John Kinsey
Captain of Horse in the of Blackden,
service of Charles I co. Chester
Bapt. at Gawsworth Mar, rirro 1635
20 Nov. 1614, Buried at
where he was buried Gawsworth
4 June, 1697, Aged 83 13 May, 1698
{For descendants, viz.. Sir John Thornicroft,
and Lieut.-Col. Thorneycroft, of Alicante,
see Ormerod's History of Cheshire.)

Sarah =John Downes,

Bapt. at
Gawsworth15 Feb. 1589

Junr,, Esq,
of Overton,
CO, Chester

Margaret =John Smith Anne
Bapt, at of Bapt. at
Gawsworth Barthoml'y Gawsworth
I Aug, 1592 CO, Chester 17 Oct, 1593

: John (or Thomas)
Lingart
of Wishington

I

II William Thornycroft
(2nd son of Edward
Thornycroft
of Thornycroft)

. , widow of John Downes,
Senr,, Esq,
of Overton, cb, Chester

12 William Thornycroft, mentioned in all the pedigrees = Anne, dau, of Dr, Smith
extant of the family (only son) Died 1673 I of the co, Derby

13 John Thornycroft of Broseley, = Catherine, his wife

CO. Salop, who is mentioned
in all the pedigrees, as are
also his brothers and sisters
Bur, at Broseley, 25 Oct. 1707

Bur. at Broseley
29 Oct. 1717

Edward Samuel
(2nd son) (3rd son)

Mary = Hugh Byron
(or Byrom)

Anne= . . . Hyde
of Prestbury,
CO. Chester

Mary Evans =14 William Thornicraft= Elizabeth Cox

Mar, 5 Nov, 1706
Bur. 1718
(2nd wife)

Bapt. at Broseley
" Mar. 1667

Mar, 19 Nov,
1693
Bur, 22 May, 1704
(ist wife)

John
Died an infant

Jane
Bur. at
Broseley 13 Mar,
1665

Mary
Bapt, at
Broseley 4 Dec,
1670

I
Elinor
Bapt, at
Broseley 13 Feb,
1675

O

Co

a

William (eldest son)
Bapt. at Broseley
29 Sept. 1694
Died s.p.

John (3rd son)
Bapt, at Broseley
17 Nov. 1700
Died s.p.

15 Thomas Thornycraft = Sarah

Bapt. at Broseley
6 June, 1703
Bur, at Abdon,
CO. Salop,
II July, 1739

Elizabeth

Bur. at Abdon Bapt, at Broseley Bapt, at
7 Dec. 1752 3 April, i6g8 Broseley
29Sep.i665 Bur, 30
 Mar. 1768

William = Susanna, his wife

16 Edward Thornicraft
(or Thorneycroft)
Bapt. at Abdon
I March, 1729
Bur. at Dudley,
CO, Worcester,
March, 1795

Anne Prestwood
Bur. at Dudley
4 May, 1797

Elizabeths John Edwards
Bapt.
at Abdon
10 Jan. 1732
Mar. at
Cleobury North
27 Feb. 1754

William, Bapt. at Cleobury North, 10 Dec. 1724
John, Bapt. at Cleobury North, 28 Sept. 1726
Bur. 6 June, 1731
George, Bapt. at Cleobury North, 2 Mar. 1728
Thomas, Bapt. at Cleobury North, Dec, 1736
Samuel, Bapt. at Cleobury North, 17 Oct. 1739
Joseph, Bapt. at Cleobury North, 8 April, 1745
Died in infancy
Elizabeth, Bapt, 29 May, 1722
Elinor, Bapt. 8 Feb. 1731 Bur. 30 Mar. 1732
Susanna, Bapt. 17 April, 1743

Thomas Thornicraft= Lettice, his wife
Bapt. at Astley
Abbots, CO. Salop,
23 Jan. 1763
Bur. at Dudley

17 Edward Thorneycroft
Bapt. at Astley Abbots,
CO, Salop, 30 Oct. 1764
Mar, 12 July, 1784
Bur, at W'hampton.
3 May, 1830 Aged 66

:Mary, dau. of Wm. and Mary
Bradley, of Benthall, co. Salop
Bapt. at Broseley, 2 Jul, 1758
Bur. at Wolverhampton
Oct. 1836 Aged 78

18 George Benjamin Thorneycroft = Eleanor, dau. of Thomas and
T7;.,„* TV/Tn..  ^C^\^K^,.^  1  .  TT - - . T,, T^ ,. ..

First Mayor of Wolverhampton
Bapt. at Dudley, 27 Nov. 1791
Buried at the Cemetery,
Wolverhampton, April, 1851

Hannah Page, Born 28 Mar.
1798, Mar. at the Collegiate
Church, W'hampton. 9 April,
1814, Died 5 Jan, 1874, Bur. at
the Cemetery, W'hampton.

Edward Maria=James
Charles Kesteven
Died, (Has
leaving issue)
issue

John, Bapt. at IBroseley, 13 Dec.
1767, Bur, there 14 June, 1790
William, Bur. at Broseley, 15 Jan.
1774
Samuel, Bapt. at Broseley, 19 Feb.
1775, Bur. at Dudley
William, Bapt, at Broseley, 1 June,
1777, Died in London
George, Bapt. at Broseley, 23 July,
1780, Bur, at Dudley, 23 Feb, 1812
Sarah, Bapt, at Broseley, n Nov,
1770, Died in London about 1832
Esther, Bapt. at Broseley, 27 Mar,
1785, Married Mr. Brewswhatee

^

i

00

Mary = Charles Corser, Esq, Emma
Born Solicitor, Born
2 Mar, 1818 of Wolverhampton 26 Mar. 1821
Married (Has issue) Married
9 Apr. 1839 20 Aug. 1839

Harriet = Frederick Charles
Born Perry, Esq.
20 Aug. 1827

Ellen =
Born
23 Feb. 1830
Married
4 Oct. 1857

= John Hartley, Esq,
of The Oaks,
Wolverhampton (Has issue)

Rt. Honble.
Henry Hartley Fowler,
M.P, for W'hampton.
P.C, and Secretary of
for India, 1894 (Has

Esq.
East,State
issue)

ig Thomas Thorneycroft
Born at Willenhall,
CO, Stafford,
10 Dec, 1822
Bapt. 18 May, 1823
High Sheriff of the
CO, of Stafford, 1864
Major Q,0,R,S.Y.C,
30 July, 1864
Promoted
as Lieut,-Col.
J.P, &D.L.for CO, Staff
and J.P, CO, Salop

:Jane, dau. of Alexander
and Janet Whitelaw
and niece ofthe Messrs,
Baird of Gartsherrie
Born at Drum Park,
CO, Lanark, 1 Oct. 1824
Married at Gartsherrie
House, Old Monkland,
near Glasgow,
29 June, 1847

Jessie (eldest dau,) =
Born 20 Mar, 1848
Mar. 15 Aug, 1876

: Joseph Arthur,
4th son
of the late
J. Piatt, Esq,,
M,P.,
of Oldham,
CO, Pal. Lane.

Jeanie (2nd dau,) = Francis, 2nd son 20 George Benjamin = Blanche Mary Mervyn,

Born 14 Aug. 1852
Mar. 27 Jan, 1876

of
Richard Wheen,
of
Lancaster Gate,
London

(eldest son)
Born 25 May, 1849
Mar. 20 Sept, 1876

eldest dau. of
Capt. Mervyn Archdale,
of Castle Archdale,
CO, Fermanagh

Evelyn Jeanie, Born 18 Oct, 1876
Edith Muriel, Born 13 Nov. 1878
Francis Thorneycroft, Born 6 Sept, iS
Edward John, Born g Jan, 1884
Charles Walter, Born 8 Oct, 1886

Dorothy Inis Eleanor, Born 3 June, 1880
George Edward Mervyn, Born 4 Oct, 1887

Annie Chalmers Nicol;
dau, of
Alexander Nicol, Esq.
of Myrtle House,
Aberdeenshire
Mar, 7 July, 1885

: James Baird Hamo Douglas (3rd son; Born 4 Jan, 1855
(2nd son) Eleanor (3rd dau.) Born 9 Mar. 1S57
Born ig Mar. Alexander Whitelaw (4th son) Born ig Jan. 1859
1851 Captain 21st (Royal Scotch) Fusileers
Wallace (5th son) Born 24 Feb. 1864
Florence (4th dau.) Born 14 Nov, i86g

00 to

^

a

THE SCHOOLS,

HE present improved Village School House, situate
in the Lower Street, the most ancient thoroughfare
of the village, is the modern outcome of a lowly
origin. From the very elementary school of 90
years ago to that of the present day, with its curri
culum embracing nearly every subject taught in the public
schools, there is exhibited a marvellous development. I have
heard old men, no longer with us, describe in picturesque but
accurate language, the elementary methods employed in their
days — methods which in the light of modern developments appear
crude and clumsy, yet must have had a peculiar fascination for
the youth of the time. The earliest record we have of a village
school is preserved in the churchwardens' accounts of the parish,
and dates from the commencement of the present century. The
school was then held in what is now the Vestry of the Parish
Church. At that time, Mr. Job Price filled the dual office of
Parish Clerk a^-nd Schoolmaster. He died 2nd September, 1824,
and his virtues are thus recorded on his gravestone : —
" Beneath this stone lie the remains of Job Price, who died September
2nd, 1824, Aged 65 years. He was Master of the School in this Parish for
forty-eight years, and will long be remembered by those who were educated
by him." In 1834 the Government took up the subject of elementary
education, and grants were made to parishes towards the erection
of schoolhouses ; the first schoolhouses were then built in the
parish. The original building, was a long, low, rectangular

284 History of Tettenhall,

structure, which soon became too small for the needs of the
parish, so that alterations were made in 1873. Finally the
building in its old form was condemned by the Education
Department, and the present Schools were erected.
The Schools have always maintained a high standard of
efficiency, and the pupils receive a good, sound, elementary
education. To meet the needs of the outlying portions of the parish,
Schools have also been built at Tettenhall Wood, at Finchfield,
and at Kingswood Common.

THE INSTITUTE.

The Institute was established about twenty years ago, for
providing recreation and good reading for the working population
of the parish. It has a Reading Room, Bagatelle Room, and
Smoking Room, with a Library of upwards of 1250 volumes.
Lord Wrottesley is President, and the Vicar (Rev. A. R.
Harrison, M.A,) is Vice-President, and a Committee of twelve
members, elected from the general body, with a Secretary and
Treasurer, form the working staff.
In 1887, a Working Men's Institute was opened at
Tettenhall Wood. There is a Reading Room, Bagatelle and
Smoke Room, Lending Library, and a large room for entertain
ments. The building is open from 6-30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily,
and on Saturdays from 2-30 to 10-30 p.m. L. W. Hodson, Esq.,
is President.

THE ROYAL JUBILEE, 1887.

The celebration of Her Majesty's Jubilee was made a
general holiday by the residents of the district, and the principal
streets of the parish were gay with bunting, floral decorations,
and bands of music. By a public subscription, 600 old people,
over 60 years of age, were entertained at dinner, and 700 school
children were regaled with tea, buns, etc. At night, many of the
residences overlooking the Green, and the Local Board Offices,

The College. 285

were illuminated, and the proceedings terminated with a display
of fireworks. The surplus money subscribed was afterwards
employed in partly defraying the cost of the new boundary wall
to the churchyard, the deficiency in the sum required being
contributed by S. Loveridge, Esq. A curious feature of the
dinner to the old people, was the use by the Chairman of a huge
knife, made by one ofthe Southwick family for cutting up an ox,
roasted on the Upper Green, at the celebration of the Battle of
Waterloo, in 1815.

TETTENHALL COLLEGE.

The College was founded in 1863; the present extensive
buildings being shortly afterwards erected. Various extensions
have since been carried out — for instance, a Chemical Laboratory
and Workshops, so that in its appointments the College stands
fully abreast with the demands of modern education ; while a
Swimming Bath and a Gymnasium testify that due attention is
paid to the physical development of the pupils. There is accom
modation for no boarders. A few day boys are also received.
Among the distinguished alumni of the College will be found
Mr. C. E. Shaw, M.P. for Stafford, Mr. J. Lloyd Morgan, M.P.
for Carmarthen, and Dr. R. F. Horton, M.A., late Fellow of New
College, Oxford. The University successes of the College have
been numerous, including Scholarships and Exhibitions at
Oxford, Cambridge, and London Universities. Also at the
Cambridge Local Examinations several boys have taken the
first place in Honours in the whole kingdom, not only in
particular subjects but also in the total aggregate of marks.
The College is worthily represented in the various professions
and branches of commerce all over the world by its " Old Boys,"
of whom a fair number gathers every year to meet once more
within the walls so familiar to them.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors is Mr. Alderman
S. Dickinson, J. P., and the present Head Master is Mr. J. H.
Haydon, M.A., late Scholar of King's College, Cambridge, and
University Scholar ^nd Gold Medallist of London University.

!86 History of Tettenhall.

THE VOLUNTEERS.

In 1798 an Association of Volunteer Cavalry was formed
at Tettenhall under the title of " Loyal Volunteer Cavalry," to
act in aid of the civil magistrates in preserving the peace. The
company was recruited from the following parishes: — Tettenhall,
Penn, Wombourne, Trysull, Pattingham, Patshull, and Codsall.
The Rules of the Association were curious, especially Rule 4,
which provide " That we shall pledge our honour to attend our
officer or officers when required under the Rules of the Associa
tion, but no one shall be obliged to go out of the several parishes
above mentioned, which aU lie within the County of Stafford."
The first meeting was held 28th June, 1798, and the muster
roll gives 35 names, of whom 26 were residents in Tettenhall
Parish ; eventually the roll numbered 57. The uniform and
accoutrements of the troop must have been rather gorgeous,
judging from the cost, i.e., £11 3s. 6d, each. The company does
not appear to have had much support, for it was disbanded
early m the present century.
On 22nd May, i860, the first Rifle Volunteer Company
was formed at Tettenhall, and was named the 30th Staffordshire
Rifle Volunteer Corps, and was of the following strength : —
I Captain, i Lieutenant, i Surgeon, 3 Sergeants, i Bugler, and
58 rank and file — Total 92, of all ranks.
The Honourable Charles Wrottesley was gazetted first
Captain of the Company, but was succeeded immediately after
the enrolment of the Corps by Captain E. Phillips Stubbs, with
J. Prior, Lieutenant, and T, Evans, Ensign.
The uniform of the Corps was of grey Melton cloth, with
green facings, grey cloth shako, and brown leather accoutrements,
with bronze ornaments.
On Captain Stubbs' resignation in 1863, Ensign Evans
was gazetted Captain. In 1861 Dr. J. Cooke joined as Surgeon,
and remained with the Company until 1870, when he resigned.
In 1871, the Rev. A. J. Van Straubenzee, then Vicar of
Tettenhall, succeeded the Rev. E.J. Wrottesley as Chaplain, and
remained in the Battalion until the present year (1894) when he
resigned, having obtained the Volunteer Decoration,

The Volunteers. 287

Captain Evans was succeeded in the command by Captain
Forsyth in 1871.
Lieutenant Pritchard, who joined on 12th June, 1873,
succeeded Captain Forsyth, who resigned in 1879. From nearly
its formation until the year 1873, the Company had the able and
valuable assistance of Sergeant-Instructor John Lowry, who,
with the co-operation of the Sergeants, kept the patriotic move
ment alive when there was a dearth of officers, and their efforts,
under most trying circumstances, deserve to be recorded in the
annals of the Company.
Captain Pritchard was, on his promotion to Field-Rank
in 1888, succeeded by Captain G. W. Walker, who thus obtained
the Honorary Rank of Major by length of Service. Captain
and Hon. Major Walker was in 1890 posted to C Company,
(Wolverhampton) when the present Commanding Officer,
Captain J. Fletcher Brewer succeeded him, and has for his
Subaltern, Lieutenant B. M. P. Bayley, who joined in 1890.
The present strength of the Company is in excess of establish
ment, viz., loi of all ranks, greater than it has been since
formation. For a year or two after the formation of the Corps, the
arms were kept at the old Workhouse in Wrottesley Road, and
the squad drills were held there. When these buildings were
remodelled into cottages, the Volunteers moved to their present
Head Quarters on the Old Hill.
In 1876, the old grey uniform was discarded for the scarlet
with blue facings and buff accoutrements.
In 1879, the Company went into Camp at Oxley Manor,
with the Battalion for the first time. In 1881, the Volunteer
Force came of age, and a grand Review of English Volunteers
was held before the Queen at Windsor. The Tettenhall
Company, under the command of Captain Pritchard, attended
with the Battalion. In 1887, (Her Majesty's Jubilee), this
Company with the Battalion, formed part of the Brigades,
consisting of about 50,000 Volunteers, and some 30,000 Regulars
of all arms, at a Royal Review at Aldershot before the Queen.
It is, I believe, the fact that the 3rd V. B. South Staff. Regiment
was the only Staff. Volunteer Regiment representing the County
on that memorable occasion.

288 History of Tettenhall.

In 1888, the Battalion encamped at Danes Court, Tetten
hall. In 1890 and gi, the Company with the Battalion had their
encampment at Cannock Chase, under Major-General Sotheby,
in command of the Staff. Vol. Infantry Brigade, of which the
Battalion forms a part. The Company was also present at
Aldershot in 1892, under Major-General Sotheby, and again in
1893, under Brigadier Gen. Bridgeman, from 40,000 to 45,000 of
all arms being presenteach year. It will be remembered that
the work then done under trying tropical weather, was deemed
worthy of the highest praise from Gen. Sir. Evelyn Wood, who
was in command of the forces.
The Company has always been celebrated for its crack
shooting, having won all the Battalion Challenge Cups which it
was possible to win absolutely, and occupies the unique position
of holding an unbroken record for nine years in this Competition,
thus securing consecutively the last three Challenge Cups.
In 1877 Private (now Sergeant) Durant won the Champion
ship Prize of the Staffordshire Rifle Association, and in 1883 the
same prize was won by Sergeant (now Colour-Sergeant) Bassett,
who also in 1884 won the all comers prize with the splendid score
of 95 points. Colonel Pritchard and the Rev. A. J. Van Straubenzee
have received the Volunteer Decoration for length of service.
Major G. W. Walker is also entitled to the same distinction, and
his name has been forwarded to the Authorities. Five other
members of the Corps are under the regulations now entitled to
the long service medal. They will in all probabihty have
received it before this book is issued. They are Q.M. -Sergeant
A. Yates, Colour-Sergeant W. Bassett, Sergeants Munslow,
McKay, and Durant. The designation of the Company is now
M Company, 3rd Volunteer Battalion South Staffordshire
Regiment.

<?=>¦

"^ 'f^^^'^'>-Sf^&kjr\^^X>'?r^^^^ '^

LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

|OW that the parish has obtained a centralised form
of Local Government, it may be interesting to trace
its various phases of development, from the early
days when its villagers administered rude justice at
the folc -gemot, down to the modern Local Board, its
present governing body. The early form of Local Government
may be classified under three heads: — i. The township, community,
vill, or hamlet. 2. The lordship, afterwards called the manor,
3. The parish. The latter an ecclesiastical designation, which
included within its boundaries the two previous divisions.
The great principle underlying all these various divisions
was that of making each community responsible for the preservation
of law and order within its boundaries. To obtain this result ten
men were chosen from each township, who were pledged " for
the good conduct of all the individuals belonging to it. If any
individual was accused of crime, the community was bound to
present him to justice, under penalty of themselves paying the
fine, to which his crime had rendered him liable." 'Eyer-y freeman
was obliged to attach himself to the lord of his particular manor,
and was also from the age of twelve and upwards bound to be
enrolled in a tything. The lordless man was an outlaw, and was
liable to be killed by anyone who met him. In addition to these
duties, these ten men, elected one of themselves as head-man or
Reeve (bailiff), and it was his duty to attend with four other
inhabitants at the Shire or Hundred Courts, which were held once

290 History of Tettenhall,

a month. The Courts-leet of the township or parish were held
once a year, and at these courts the list of tenants of the manor
were examined, and enquiries made as to the number oi freemen
in the community. All land-holders, or freemen, were under two
obligations to serve in the fyrd or militia, and to repair fortresses
and bridges. After the Norman Conquest, the system of administration
was changed — the Township became the Manor, and the old
Town Court was converted into the Court of the Lord of the
Manor, at which he or the Steward presided. " The freemen, or
tenants, of the Manor, assisted as judges in this Court. It was
held every three weeks, and, besides the determination of disputes
as to rights in the land of the Manor ; questions of debt, and of
injury to person or property, where the amount involved was less
than 40s., might be tried in it. As the customary Court ofthe
Manor, it was also the tribunal of all matters connected with the
lords' villeins and the demesne land occupied by them ; but in
these matters the freeholders, though present, had no voice.
Moreover, in places where the franchise or liberty of holding
such a Court had been granted to the lord (as was the case at
Tettenhall), it once a year formed the Court-leet, where the frith-
borgas, at this period called frank-pledges, were examined, oaths of
allegiance and fealty were taken to the King and the lord, inqui
ries into nuisances, violations of boundaries, rights of way and
water, false measures, treasure-trove, and thieves and idlers within
the district, and various other local matters were trans-acted." (i)
In fact, the Manorial Court was equivalent to the later Court of
Petty Sessions, in that it dealt with small local disputes summarily,
and referred those outside its jurisdiction to the Shire, or Hundred,
Courts. (See the customs of Tettenhall Regis.)
In the reign of Edward III there was established on
a permanent basis, a new regime, which was destined to occupy a
prominent place in local administration, i,e,, the appointment of
Justices of the Peace.
In the same reign first appears the appointment of Petty,
or Parish, Constables, who were chosen to act under and assist
(i) English Institutions, R. V, Smith, p. 77.

Local Government, 29 1
the High Constable of the County. As the Petty Constable was
chosen at the Court-leet, it generally happened that he held the
office of Constable and Head Tything-man of the Manor.
About 1530 came the imposition of rates for the maintenance
of bridges and roads. These had hitherto been maintained at
the expense of the various parishes.
By an Act passed 2 and 3 Phillip and Mary, c. 8, two
inhabitants of the parish were annually to be appointed surveyors
of highways in every parish, at a meeting convened by the
constable and churchwardens. It was the duty of these surveyors
to see that the parishioners, according to their means — "on some
four days between Easter and Mid-summer" — furnished sufficient
labour to keep the roads in good repair. This obligation was
called statute duty. Any parishioner who neglected this duty was
liable to be punished by fines imposed by the Steward of the
Manor ; and these fines were enforced by the High Constable.
Gradually the power of these old courts declined, until in
the reign of Charles I, the administration of parochial affairs had
passed from the control of the whole body of rated parishioners
tnto the hands of a few irresponsible and self-elected inhabitants,
who styled themselves a select vestry, and as such, imposed and
administered the parish rates, and exercised all parochial
authority. The parish still retained the power to repair the highways,
but in 1773, an Act was passed which gave the Justices of the
Peace, at special petty sessions held for that purpose — "power to
appoint for each parish a surveyor of highways for the ensuing
twelve months, out of a list of at least ten persons, drawn up by
the constable, churchwardens, and ratepayers of the parish, and
submitted to the special sessions for the purpose." (1)
In 1830 was passed the " Lighting and Watching Act,"
rendered necessary by the inadequacy of the old parish constables
to keep proper watch and maintain the peace in the augmented
state of the population.
In 1856, the establishment of a county police force was
made obligatory throughout the whole of every county, and thus
(i) Smith's English Institutions, p, 97.

292

History of Tettenhall,

rendered the appointment of parish constables unnecessary, and
the office was finally abolished by an Act of 1872.
The following curious entries from the account book of
the parish constable of Tettenhall Clericorum are interesting and
throw valuable light on the duties of that officer.
In the year 1744, the office was held by a woman, one
Mrs. Wilkes, widow of Autherley. It is evident from these
accounts that the office of constable was no sinecure in those
days. He acted as almoner to needy wayfarers, disbursed the
payments for repairing the roads, and was responsible for the
jury lists and lists of freeholders in the parish. These old
constables, too, were a convivial race, for it appears to have been
the custom to spend a certain sum in ale, both on accepting
office, and on relinquishing it.
It would be interesting to trace the case of the Walsall
prisoner in 1721. It must have been an important case for
Constable John Turner to disburse f,i 6s, lod. on it. Notice,
too, the uncertain condition of the constable's mind as to the
correct spelhng of Walsall. Another suggestive entry is that of
1724 for timber for the stocks, and cost of making. As a boy, I
remember the remains of these old relics of punishment being
broken up. They were then in front of the present schools.
Constables' Accounts for Tettenhall Clericorum £

1714

1715

'171 3 I gave to five passingers
For going to the Seven Stars as Supervisor
Pd. ye Collector of ye Window Tax Assesmt, Warrant and
going in
Pd, John Davis for paving
Spent giving up my accompts.
For making my p'sentm'- of Papists and Sigd.
the same time pd. for a Warrant for ye Papists ..,
Sept. 27. For returning my Warrt, for Papists
Sept. 28. For writing a list of such as serve at Afss, and
Sefsions
Dec. 8. Pd. for a warant for Tho, Higgs... ...
and taking him to the Monthly Meeting
Dec. 12. pd. to ye Clark for a warant and committing
and taking the man to Stafford
and for my charges and my horse
Feb. 22. For going to Lichfield to return the names ofthe
minteners of the foot
For making a list of the freeholders and copyholders and pd
for taken it in
Paid Thomas Southwick and Humphrey Parker for tending
the prisoner
and paid for mentenance at John Sheldon's
1717 April 17. Pd. ye house of Correction and goal mony
Item. Given to some passengers ... .,.

1716

s. o I3
25 o I
I
o I
2 2

O 10
O 2

d. 6 oo6o 66
o6o o o
6o

Local Government.

293

1718

1719

1720 1721

1722

1723 1724
17251726
1727 1728
1729

17301731 1732 1733
1734

17351736 1737 '739

For taking a list of ye Swailers ,..
pd. the millitia as by order
pd. Mr. Crutchley for Gorse to mend the Roades ...
Returning the Warrant and serving Thomas Higgs' Servant
Maid
Gave a poore Woman ...
Paid for a warant to take in William Clemson and Thomas
Norton and fatching it
Spent mending the Highways ...
Gave to the labourers of Bilbrook
Given to a woman in want
Paid Richard floyd for paving 12 days
Oct. 23. For taking the man to Wassal ...
and spent at Wasale ..,
and paid to the senders
Oct. 24, Going to take beby to Wasole ...
To fatch the prisonor to Mr. Gof's
and spent that day
and paid the senders ...
and one to go back to Wasole with the prisonor,.. In all
Received from Mr. Wilkes towards charges about the geese...
My charges and Horse Hire two dayes
For paving 63 yards on ye Church Hill at 2 pence halfe penny
a yard ...
A man troublesome
Timber for the stocks and carriage
Paid Francis Potham for making them
For taking a hue and cray
For lodging a poor woman in want
Paid malisha the sum of
Paid Samuel Boras for a Jury man
Paid to a woman with a pass
,, one woman with a pass ...
Given to a passenger ...
Given to 2 passengers ,.,
Paid the Robery mony .,,
Paid Mr. Wilkes for the stuff in the field ...
Paid to the Clerke for ale
Paid for paving in Autherley Streete
,, for stepeing stones at the quarry
Paid io a passenger
Paid to 3 poor persons ...
Gave to three men with a pass and one disbanded soldier ...
Paid T. Norton senr. 5 days paving at Autherley ...
„ ,, 4 ,, Bilbrook ...
Paid John Stokes for serving him 4 days ...
Paid Thos. Norton junior 2 days and his lad 2 days paving
at Bilbrook
Paid Thomas Senior for paving in the Ch. Lane ...
Paid Zachary Turly for Careing 5 load of Sand
Thos. Norton junior for work at Newbridge
Paid to Vaggabonds at severall times
Paid to a woman with a pass
Paid to a soldier with a pass
Paid for lime for New Bridge
Oct, 5, Paid Mr, Pitt for two examinations on Thomas
Hollies account ..
Pd. for a Mithmas (?) for Thos. Hollies ..,
pd, for Concognomcrs (?) ,.. ¦,¦ •,-

£

s.

d.

0

0

4

0

16

3i

0

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0

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0

0

0 :

ro

0

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0

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9

0

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0

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0

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0

0

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0

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^

6

10

0

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0

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6

0

13

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0

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0

0

4

6

0

2

0

0

0

2

0

0

6

0

16

3i

0

0

8

0

1

0

0

u

6

0

0

I

0

0

3

I

15

0

0

5

2

0

5

0

0

12

0

0

9

0

0

0

6

0

I

6

0

0

9

0

6

8

0

5

4

0

3

4

0

3

8

0

6

0

0

I

8

0

0

6

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0

0

0

3

0

0

3

0

0

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0

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p

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6

294 History of Tettenhall. £ s. d.
Spent at Stafford at the taking of Thos. Hollies ,., ...028
Pd, two Tenders the night before .. ... ...010
Pd, for a Loave of Bread for the two tenders and him ... o o 6
pd. John Lovett for him and his horse to Stafford ,., ...020
For myself and my horse to Stafford to take him ... ,.,020
pd. all the Charges at Stafford ... ... ,., ...100
For myself and my horse for going to present him ... 020
1742 April 22. For going to Kinfare to make presentment and the
weather being so ill I was forced to tarry all night ... o 2 6."
Tlie maintainence of the highways in the various " Liber
ties ¦' of the parish was still left to the care of the local Surveyors
of Highways until the passing of the " Board of Health" Act of
1848, which gave to any parish to which the Act applied power
to appoint " Surveyors, Inspectors of Nuisances, Medical Officers
of Health, and other officers," and, wherever a Local Board was
formed, they were to be the Surveyors of Highways in their
district. In 1880 part of the parish was formed into a lighting
area, under the Drovisions of the " Lighting and Watching Act,"
and at a meeting held at the Drill Hall, Old Hill, on November
15th, 1880, a Board of twelve Inspectors was elected to carry out
the provisions ofthe Act.
For some years previous to 1882, the unsatisfactory state
of the parish drainage had been the cause of much friction
between the parish authorities and the various riparian owners
along the course of the rivers Smestow and Penk. With a view
to remedy the evil, and to prevent further pollution of the water
courses, a new drainage scheme was prepared by Mr. E. B.
Marten, C.E., which was designed to include Tettenhall and
Penn within its area.
A Government Inspector held an enquiry at Tettenhall on
the scheme, which was eventually adopted by the Seisdon Board
of Guardians, but not carried out for reasons subsequently stated.
The Corporation of Wolverhampton, who had long desired
to include the parish wiihin the borough boundary, opposed the
scheme, and suggested as an alternative a scheme by which they
themselves could join with Tettenhall.
An agitation was commenced against the scheme of the
Corporation : public meetings were held, and the desire for more
direct local government, in the form of a "Local Board of
Health," was fostered, until the year 1883 saw the attainment
of Ihe ratepayers' desire. The Local Board area is the same as

Local Government. 295
the old lighting district, and comprises the most populous part
of the parish. The first Board elected consisted of the following
twelve members ; —
Mr. Edwin Pritchard (Chairman). Mr. Joseph Moseley.
Mr. William Henry Cadwallader. Mr. Henry Wright Owen.
Mr. Thomas George Clear. Mr. Thomas Joseph Perry.
Mr. Thomas Berwick Cope. Mr. Richard Simpkins.
Mr. Charles Henry Crane. Mr. William Smith.
Mr. Daniel Groucutt. Mr, Thomas Walker.
Its first meeting was held at the Drill Hall, Old Hill, when
Colonel Pritchard was chosen Chairman — an office he has filled
with dignity and impartiality from the first meeting of the Board
until the present time.
The officers appointed by the Board at its next meeting
were :— Mr. A. Manby, Solicitor, as Clerk ; Dr. W. H. T. Winter,
Medical Officer of Health; Mr. J. Hulland, Surveyor and
Inspector of Nuisances; Mr. J. Farmer, Collector of Taxes.
Since its formation, the Board has done much good work in the
parish, and certainly the roads and general condition of the
village has been considerably improved.
For some years the Board meetings were held at the Drill
Hall, but difficulties arose which made it necessary for the
Board to have its own offices, and the property on the Upper
Green was acquired from Mr. Dawes, and the present Board
Room and Offices were built.
Among other useful reforms carried out by the Board, may
be noted the improvement of the Upper Green by filling up the
clay-pit, asphalting the footpath from Newbridge to the bottom
of the Old Hill, the widening and improvement of several roads,
and improving the lighting of the parish.
The Board has also recently completed an extensive
system of drainage and outfall works for dealing with the sewage
of the parish, prepared for the Local Board of Tettenhall by
Mr. E. B. Marten, C.E., as a modification of the scheme previously
referred to.
In 1891, and during the progress of this sewerage scheme,
the Board sustained a serious loss by the death of Mr. J. Hulland,
its Surveyor, who also filled the office of Clerk of the Works for
the new scheme. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Hulland

296 History of Tettenhall,
brought to bear the fruits of a ripe experience, and it says much
for his power of administration that he was able to accomplish
30 much with the meagre materials he had to work upon.
Modest, and of an unassuming nature, he was devoted to his
work, and it was in the too close attention to his duties as Clerk
of the Works during the severe and trying winter of 1891 that he
contracted the illness which ended fatally.
After Mr. Hulland's death, the office of Surveyor was held
for a short time by Mr. E. A. York, and on his resignation the
Board appointed Mr. J. Mortimer, the present Surveyor.
The Parish Councils' Act, which has recently been added
to the Statute Book, will have the effect of dividing the parish.
The Local Board ceases to exist in November next, and reappears
as a District Council, while the ratepayers in the Rural districts
outside the area of the Board have the power to elect a Parish
Council for their own district. Should they, however, elect to
throw in their lot with the Local Board, its area will be extended
to embrace the entire parish, which will then be represented on
the District Council by 15 members as against 12. At present
the Rural portion appears to be unwilling to join with the Board,
and the matter now rests with the County Council, who propose
holding an enquiry, with a view to settle the matter in such a
way that the interests of all concerned may be protected.

PARISH CHARITIES.

HE entire income from all sources of the Parochial
Charities of Tettenhall is now ;^i30 15s. 6d.,
and is derived from the following bequests : —
Poors Land at Albrighton.
This is a piece of land about 8 acres in extent, situate at
Albrighton, called " Alcock's Land," and was purchased loth
March, 1630, for £^0, being part of a sum of ^"80. Given by
Walter Wrottesley, Esq., ;^50, Ralph Lovatt, Fraunce Tuncks,
and Thomas Farmer, ;^io each, " for the relief and maintenance
of poor, lame, and impotent people dwelling in Tettenhall parish."
The balance of ;^20 formed part of the purchase money of the old
Workhouse in Wrottesley Lane.

Brych House and Lands.
Purchased in 1714, from Emanuel Burrows, for /123 4s. 6d,,
and comprises a piece of land 5a. ir. 34p., with seven cottages,
originally used for the Workhouse, but now tenanted by cottagers.
The purchase money was made up by the following bequests : —

Ralph Lovatt, Thomas Farmer, Walter Fleeming, Thomas
Southwick, and John Croft, ^'lo each
John Addenbrooke
Francis Tomkys and Francis Morris, £$ each
Richard Garret and Henry Southwick, £1, each
Madam Mary Wrottesley,..
Walter Fowler, Esq.
Francis Wightwick, Esq, ,.,
Part of Mrs. Dobson's Legacy ot £to
Mrs. Catherine Fowler

Part of the £20 from Albrighton bequest

£

... 50

0

0

6

13

4

10

0

0

4

0

0

20

0

0

10

0

0

5

0

0

10

0

0

5

0

0

120

13

4

2

11

2

.^123

4

3

298 History of Tettenhall.

In 1861, the Workhouse was removed to Trysull, and the
buildings were thoroughly repaired and made separate dwelling
houses. 
Croft's Charity.
Several parcels of land, containing about 2a. ir. i2p.,
intermixed with other lands belonging to A. Staveley Hill, Esq.,
and situate at Salt Moor, in Wolverhampton, devised in 1709, by
Thomas Croft and Ann, his wife, to Trustees, for the benefit of
the poor of Tettenhall. 
High Bagridge Lands.
These lands are situate at Wightwick, and are about
loa. 31. 36p. in extent. They were purchased 23rd December,
1729, and conveyed to Sir Walter Wrottesley, Bart., and others,
as Trustees. The purchase money, ;^iio 5s., was derived from
a bequest of ;^ioo, left by Madam Henrietta Wrottesley, and £"15,
part of a legacy of ;^6o given by William Smith.

Dobson Charity.
Mrs. Mary Dobson left /60 to the poor of Tettenhall and
Wolverhampton, of which sum ;^50 was applied in purchasing
land at Standiford Bridge, Coven, the other ^^lo being added to
to the purchase money of the Brych House, as above. The
Tettenhall Trustees still receive two-fifth parts of the income
from the Standiford land, the remaining three-fifths going to
Wolverhampton. 
Matthew Wightwick's Charity.
This is a yearly payment of 20s., derived from certain
lands called the " Churnals," now in the possession of H. T.
Hinckes, Esq. 
Wollaston's Charity.
The first part of this Charity is an annuity of ;^2 12s., left
by William Wollaston, to be paid from certain lands at Trescott,
now belonging to Lord Wrottesley.
The second part is an annuity of £& 2s., demised by Sir
John Wollaston (who was Lord Mayor of London), as a charge
upon lands in Trescott ; these lands also now belong to Lord
Wrottesley.

Parish Charities. 299
Half the amount of these two bequests was to be expended
in loaves of bread, and distributed every Sunday "among widows,
old people, and persons having large families." The other half
was divided annually, in January, among twelve poor widows, in
sums of gs. 2d. each.

Lady Wrottesley's Charity.
Lady Frances Wrottesley bequeathed ;^ioo to be disposed
of to the poor of the parish, at the discretion of the Minister. Of
this sum ;^23 los. was given away, and with the remainder was
purchased ;^ioo 3 per cent. Consolidated Stock, the interest of
which was to be disposed of annually to the poor. This Stock
has since been converted into ;^ioo 2f per cent. Consolidated
Stock, and is now held by " The Official Trustees of Charitable
Funds." . 
Russell's Charity.
A sum of £'20, left by Mrs. Elizabeth Russell, by will
dated 23rd July, 1757, the interest of which was to be distributed
in bread, every first Sunday of the month.

William Smith's and Richard Smith's Charity.
William Smith left /"40, the interest to the poor for ever.
Richard Smith left .^20, the interest to be paid yearly, on the
Feast of St. John the Baptist, in the following proportions : —
" 2S. to the Minister, for reading prayers that day, is. to the
Clerk, and the rest to the poor then at prayer."
Part of William Smith's legacy was applied to the purchase
of the High Bagridge lands, and the balance, with Richard Smith's
beqiiest, was spent in enlarging and repairing the old Workhouse.

Dorothy Fowler's Charity.
" Mrs. Dorothy Fowler left by will ;^50, to be properly
taken care of, and the interest to be given yearly to poor boys
and girls of the parish, in Bibles, Common Prayer Books, and the
whole Duty of Man."
This gift was also expended in repairing the old Workhouse
buildings in Wrottesley Road,

300 History of Tettenhall.

The Tettenhall Charities.
These are various Charities, amounting in the aggregate
to the sum of ;^i78 i8s. 6d., 2f per cent. Consolidated Stock,
now held by " The Official Trustees of Charitable Funds."
Included in this amount are the two bequests of ;^2o each, of
Mrs. Phoebe Rogers, in 1827, to be applied to educational
purposes. 
Church Lands.
The income for this Charity is derived from lands inclosed
from Kingswood Common in 1707, under "Queen Anne's Bounty
Act," and conveyed to Trustees for the benefit of the Vicar of
Tettenhall. The income from these lands, in 1866, was £?iO per
annum. 
The remaining Charities are — The Thorneycroft Chari
ties, a yearly distribution of flannels and blankets to poor
people. Henry Granger's Charity, a sum of £'^, representing
a Canal Share in the Wyrley and Essington Canal Company,
left for the benefit of the National Schools of the parish.
Thomas Hand, a sum of ^28 19s, 6d., 2| per cent. Consolidated
Stock, now in the hands of the Official Trustees, and also applied
to educational uses. 
Cresswell's Almshouses.
Richard Cresswell, Esq., by his will, dated 15th August,
1707, devised to Trustees a freehold house and lands at Bilbrook,
and six newly erected almshouses and gardens in Tettenhall, for
the use and benefit of poor people and " decayed servants of his
family." The income, ;^30 a year, was a rent-charge on the
Bilbrook estate, and was regularly paid for many years, but on
the Cresswell family leaving the parish, and through default of
the appointment of proper Trustees, the rents ceased to be paid,
until there was an arrear of ;^450 due in 1837.

A Report ofthe Charity Commissioners of Endowed Chari
ties, issued in 1866, gives the following return for Tettenhall.
The total gross income of the Charities is returned at ;^232 9s. i id.
Of this sum, ;^54 5s, iid. is devoted to Education, _^8o to Church
purposes, ^^30 from the Cresswell estate, £¦] 14s. is distributed
in articles of kind, ;^49 is distributed in money, and ;^i2 los. is
devoted to the general uses of the poor,

Parish Charities. 301

On 25th May, i885, application was made to " The Board
of Charity Commissioners for England and Wales," to obtain an
order for a new scheme of administration of the Charities, and on
22nd June, 1888, a scheme was approved and sanctioned by the
Commissioners, for the consolidation and better management of
the Parish Charities. Under the provisions of this scheme, the
Charities were invested in nine Trustees, i.e., three ex-oificio
Trustees, three Representative Trustees, and three Co-optative
Trustees, The ex-officio Trustees are the Vicar and Churchwardens
of Tettenhall Regis for the time being. The Co-optative Trustees
are Lord Wrottesley, H. T. Hinckes, Esq., and the Vicar of
Tettenhall Wood. The first Representative Trustees elected
were Colonel Thorneycroft, Dr. J. Cooke, and Mr. R. Simpkins.
The scheme further provides that all expenses of management
shall be paid out of the income of the Charity, and that the net
yearly income shall be divided by the Trustees into five equal
parts. Three of these equal parts are applied, at the discretion
of the Trustees, in the following manner, i.e. : —
" {a) Subscriptions in aid of the General Hospital, and
support of a local Dispensary.
(6) Contributions towards providing and supporting a
Parish Nurse.
{c) Contributions towards providing apprentices with
trade tools, when entering upon a trade.
{d) Supply of clothes and food, fuel, etc., and other
articles in kind, during sickness, to an amount
not exceeding ^^20 in any one year.
{e) Temporary relief in money, by way of loan or other
wise, in the case of urgent distress or unexpected
loss.
Always provided that the Charity funds shall in no case
be applied in relief of the poor rates of the
parish, or that it should be applied in the form
of a pension.
The remaining two equal parts are applied to the advance
ment of the education of children who are bona-fide residents in
Tettenhall parish, and who attend the National Schools in the
parish,"

(^ppenbi;^*

The following Deeds, transcribed from the originals at
Wrottesley Hall, will be found of great interest to the anti
quarian and genealogist.

I.
ifiobn-t be Slttffovb's (Srant of ffilrotteslcn to llj£ %hhi^
of €u^\pm. '^.g. 1072, 7 mhn. i ^
+ In the yeare from the Incarnation of our Lord Ml.xxij in the vij year
of the raigne of William King of the englishmen I Robert de Stadford having
a care over my soule, and also for the soule of my foresaid lord King William,
and also for my wife and my parents, have given certen land Wroteslea by
name to the holy Monastery of Eovesham by the lycens and consent of the
same my lord VVilliam into the hand of lord Agehvins Abbot my faithful friend.
Also I have given the aforesaid land wt woods and medows & pastures wch
to it of right belonge to y' church for ever shall it possese and that non
my Adversary shall presume to Detract from it or take awaie anything. And
if so be yt anie my enemy shall presume to violate these my Almes wch
I have geven to god for the remission of my sins & the health of my soule Be
he alienated from the inheritance of god and damned amongst the infernall
ghosts. Amen,
{The original Deed here proceeded to give the hidage and boundaries of
Wrottesley . Cooke gives a summary rather than a translation of the
passage as follo'ws : — )
" This land Wroteslea hath 2 hydes bounded wth these meeres, ^c.
in Saxon."
{The translation of the original then proceeds : — )
These things Done as is above said that is to wit in Mlxxij yeare of the incar
nation of our lord These + witnesses in word agreing whose names appeare
underwritten 4- I Robert delivered this my chyrograph of gift under the scale
of the holy crosse, and in geving of it I there layd it upon the holy aulter 4- I
Urs a viscount was there a witness, -f I Osborne the sonne of Richard like
wise 4- I Agelwinus viscount 4- I Turkil the sonne of AgeK\inus 4- I
Kelelbearne his brother 4- I Aluricus the King's Knight 4- I Walterius
4- I Kynewardus de lauro 4- I harlebaldus 4- I Robert Knight 4- I Gosbertus
4- I Gilbertus H- I Hughe 4- I Kaiilph 4- 1 Ranulphus 4- I ludicail presbiter
4- I Richard 4- I Edwyne Alfrede 4- I Agelricus 4- I Alfwinus grithman
4- I Osgodus -f I Sweine 4- I leafricus + I Godricus 4- I Thureberniis
4- I Agelwins -f I CoUingus 4- I Agelricus 4- I Edwine his brother.

-Se^s from Deeas. at Wrotle^ley

Sir WlU: de Wrol^GsIej Sir Hugh deVV\-ol:Te.€lO/

S\r Hugh deWi-oUe^ley Ku^h VVVottesIeY
A-D.l'SAQ -T  r — T- A.D. 144-1. ^

Sir- VYcClter A.D

Wrottesl^ 1471

Appendi.}:. 303

II,
l^tobert tit ,Sfaffotti's ^rant of Mroitcsljn aiib Mioiintoii
to \\t %}Q\it^ of ©bfsljiim.
{From an ancient copy on Parchment, in 14th century hand, al Wrottesley.)
Anno ab incarnatione mo Ixxxviiio ego Robertus de Stafford providens
animcE mece necnon et pro anima domini mei Williemi magni Regis Anglorum
nec minus et pro conjuge mea et filio meo Nicholao quandam tenam quce vocatur
Wroteslea et Leventuna dedi in Sancto Monasterio Eveshamensi in manu dompni
Walteri fidelis amici mei, Dedi etiam prefatam terram cum silvis et pratis et
pascuis quce ad eam jure pertinent ita ut ecclesia semper possideat eam libere
in elemosinam ut victum fratrum et ut nullus adversarius ab e4 auferre presumat.
Quod si alguis inimicus hanc meam elemasinam quam pro remiosione pecca
torum meorum et pro salute animas mece deo contuli violate presumpserit ab
hereditate del alienatus et inferne dampnatus sit. Anno supradicto dedi etiam
corpus meum post mortem eidem Sancto monasterio et conjux measimiliter
suum dedit, et Nicholaus filius meus concessit suum, et omnes mei barones
similiter se dederunt et sacramento confirmaverunt quod hoc firmiter tenerent.
Has donationes et conventiones feci consilioet assensu et testimonio Petri
Cestrioe Episcopi qui nitri hoc pro penitenciS, injunxit et omnes desructores
harum donationum perpetuo anathemati dampnavit. Ego Robertus monachus
factus in infirmitate mea in eodem monasterio hanc donationem propria
manu signo crusis confirmavi 4- Ego Nicholaus filius eorum confirmavi 4-
Ego Warinus Malecorne concessi 4- Ego Brien concessi 4- Ego Carnegode
concessi 4- Hcec terra Wroteslea habet duas hidas. Hiis terminis circum-
cincta est. Sprynewall in Smeleheth, of Smeleheth in Dersprynge, of dersprynth
in Caldewell, of Caldewell in Michelmore, of Michelmore in Hyndewell, of
Hyndewell in Cranemore of Cranemore in redewythi in le more, of le more in
in little leia, ot litley in Wulvey, of Wolsey in Stanewell, of Stanywall in
edulfeswey, of edulsewey in Hawkewell, of Hawkwell in Cumbiwell of Cumbiwell
in Whytesyche, of Whytesyche in Michelee, of Michelee este into Spryntwall.
Et nota ubi ista prepositio ' of ' dicitur, nichill aliud significatur nisi fro,' as
fro' Sprynewall to Smeleheth, fro' Smeleheth to derslenthe to Caldewell, et sic
de aliis.

III.
'^ahtxi be ,^laffoi''Ct ii confirms bis (Svaiibfatljer's (grant
of oKlrottesleD aiib itonnton; to ^tifisljam gibbcjj-
{From a copy on Parchment at Wrottesley.)
Sciant universi tam presentes quam futuri quod ego Robertus de
Staffordia et Robertus filius meus et heres concessimus et confirmavimus et
presenti scripto atque sigillo corroboravimus donationes terrarum illarum scilicet
Wrottesleie et Liventune quas Rodbertus avus meus contulit et pater meus
Nicholaus concessit Ecclesie de Evesham et monachis ibidem deo servientibus
ut prenominata ecclesia terras illas predictas habeat et possideat in puram atque
perpetuam elemosinam atque in perpetuum teneat predicta Ecclesia predictas
terras liberas et quietas et solutas ab omni exactione et seculari servitio tam regio
quam ad me et ad heredes meos pertinente in sylvis, in pratis, et in pascuis
et in omnibus aysiamentis que ad predictas villas pertinent, Hiis testibus
Rodberto filio Odonis, Willielmo de Witteleia et Rodberto fratre ejus, Godefrido
Bras et Johanne Constabularii, Rogero de Ulehale, Rodberto clerico et pluribus
aliis. This Charter is a mere confirmation of the Charter of
io88. Therefore it does not touch on the military fee of
Wrottesley, which was the Abbots by a prescriptive and

304 History of Tettenhall.
undisputable title. The Soke lands confirmed are pronounced
to be " free and quit, and released from all exaction and secular
service, whether Royal service or service to the Grantor or his
heirs " — words which cannot have applied to a military feoffment.
The Confirmation was probably sought by the Evesham Monks
to enable Abbot Adam to make a good and clear title to the
precise lands which he was proposing to underlet to Simon fitz
William,  IV.
C'arant of |ibixm, gibbot of dBi3£sbam, to Simon Jfit^
©lilliam. Mrottcslcn anb i\n S£rbic£ of i^oiintoiT.
{From the original Deed at Wrottesley.)
Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego A Abbas et Conventus Evesha-
mensis ecclesi concessimus in feodum et hereditatem Simoni filio Willelmi
de Coctuna et heredibus suis Wrotteslegiam et Livintunam pro duabus marcis
ut eas teneat reddendo inde pro omnibus servitiis singulis annis unam
marcham in Annunciatione beate Marie et aliam in Nativitate beate Marie
liberas et quietas ab omni servitio salvo servitio Regis et salva ipsi Willelmo
de Livintuna tenuria sua, ita quidem ut Simoni faciat servitium quod con
suevit facere Abbati et Ecclesie. Pro hac concessione quam fecimus ei. ipsi
Simon clamavit quietam omnem querelam et calupniam de se et de omnibus
heredibus suis in perpetuum de Mortuna et de terra de Nartuna et de terra
de Hamtun et de illo maisiagio de Evesham et quod defendet easdem terras
contra omnes calupniatores.
Qui si ab hac defensione quocunque modo defecerit, recipiat Abbas et
ecclesia terras predictas liberas, et teneat eas semper absque omni
reclamatione Simonis et omnium suorum. Si post obitum ipsius Simonis
mota fuerit querela de supradictis terris adversus ecclesiam, heredes ipsius
Simonis stabunt in defensione ista pro ecclesia in loco patris sui et si defecrint
recipiat ecclesia terras suas liberas et quietas ab omni calupnia ipsorum. His
testibus— Philippo dapefero, Pagano clerico, Willelmo de Time, Hingeran de
Humet, Jordano fratre suo, Barthramo de Verdun, Alexandro de Claverlega,
Rodberto Pincerna, Waltero Bret, Gwiot de Verdun, Radulpho de Meilnil,
Roelend de Verdun.

NOTES BY MAJOR-GENERAL WROTTESLEY.
For two centuries or more after the Conquest, the boundaries
of manors appear to have been indeterminate, the tenants of con
tiguous manors having reciprocal rights of common over the
waste of both manors.
The Statute of Merton of 20 Henry III, (A.D. 1236)
which authorised the lords of manors, to enclose waste lands, so
long as they left sufficient pasturage for their own tenants and
free ingress and egress to the pasture, gave a great stimulus to
the enclosure of waste lands, but necessarily led to disputes
between the tenants of contiguous manors, as every enclosure of

Appendix. 305

waste land in one manor, pro tanto diminished the pasturage
available for the tenants of the neighbouring manors.
The following Deeds shew how this difficulty was met and
the various rights of the lords and tenants adjusted in the case
of the manors of Wrottesley, Perton, and Pattingham.
From the first deed of A.D. 1248, it appears that John,
lord of Perton had brought an action of disseisin of common of
pasture against Philip Basset, the lord of Pattingham, before
the Justices Itinerant at Lichfield, in which he complained that
Ralph had unjustly disseised him of his common of pasture in
Pattingham appurtenant to his freehold of Perton, and an
agreement was come to before Ihe Justices, by which each lord
was to retain the enclosures made up to that time on the waste
of the respective manors, and if one lord enclosed more of his
waste, it was to be lawful for the other lord to enclose an equal
portion of the waste of the other manor, and it was further
agreed that after the corn and hay had been carried from the
land newly reclaimed in either manor, it should be lawful for the
tenants of both manors, to depasture their cattle over it without
impediment from either lord or his tenants.
The third Deed is much to the same purpose as the above,
but it refers to Wrottesley in place of Perton. The second Deed
settles the boundaries between the two last manors.

V.
%xi inb£nt«b §4£b, tu tobiclj §alp^ §asstt, lorb of
^atingljam, anb |o^n, lorb of ip^rton, agmb to lj]£
terms wnbtr tobiclj mt\ lorb s^oulb reclaim i\t
toaste lanbs of ^xn manor toil^out injnr]j to t|e
other. {Original Deed at Wrottesley, A.D, 12^.8,)
Hee est conventio facta inter Radulphum Basset ex una parte et
Johannem dominorum de Perton ex altera, scilicet cum idem Johannes
portaret breve de nova dissaisina de communa pasture sue in Patingham
spectantes ad liberum tenementura suum in Perton contra dominum
Radulohum Basset, contentio in hunc modum conquievit, scilicet, quod
dominus Radulphus Basset omnes terras arabiles ante conventionem istam
appruata s et etiam prata in territorio de Patingham appruata breve et in
pace tenebit sine calupria Johannis vel suorum, et Johannes in territorio de
Perton tantumden de terra per extensionem sibi appruabitsine calupnia
domini Radulphi Basset vel suorum, ubi sibi magis viderit expedire et si
dominus Radulphus magis velit sibi appruare in territorio de Patingham,

3o6 History of Tettenhall.

Johannes de Perton tantumden de terra appruabit sibi in territorio de Perton
ubi magis viderit expedire, dominus et Radulphus Basset claudet boscum
suum de Passetecliff a festo Sancte Michaelis usque ad festum Sancte Martini
ita quod porci agistati in bosco de Harewode non poterint intrare boscum de
Passetcliff usque ad finem predicti termini, et si averia vel porci dicti Johannis
vel hominum suorum propter defectum clausure intraverint in boscum de
Passetcliff, liberabunter sine dampno et jactura, dominus avtem Radulphus et
homines sui in omnibus terris Johannis de novo appruandis, depositis blado et
feno cum averiis suis communicabunt, scilicet Johannes et homines sui in
omnibus terris domini Radulphi de novo appruatis vel appruandis, depositis
blado et feno, cum averiis suis, sicut consueverunt ante appruationem factam
sine calupria communicabunt, dominus et Radulphus et homines sui et dictus
Johannes et homines sui communicabunt ad invicem sicut predictum est, hoc
excepto, quod dominus Radulphus et homines sui nunquam communicabunt in
bosco de Harewode a die Sancte Michaelis usque ad festum Sancti Martini
cum porces vel averiis sed postea per totum annum, dominus autem Radulphus
quietum clamavit pro liberis hominibus suis et rusticis quod nunquam venient
contra conventionem istam, scilicet Johannes pro se et hominibus suis liberis
et rusticis ; dominus autem Radulphus manucepit Willielmum de Patingham
quem petebat sicut natium suum, et retrabet breve de navitate quod portavit,
et relaxavit et quietum clamavit pro se et heredibus suis Johanni de Perton
et heredibus suis totum jus quod clamavit habere vel habere potuit in omnibus
terris quas petiit per breve de recto et versus Rogerum de Mareford et Rober-
tum de Wodewell it quod post conventionem istam nichil juris in predictis
terris sibi polerit vendicare vel habere, et Johannes retrabet breve suum de
nova dissaisina ; pro hac autem conventione el quieta clamatione dedit dictus
Johannes domino Radulpho quadraginta solidos sterlingorum, facta est autem
hoc conventio apud Lichfield anno regni regis Henrici filii Johannis xxxii
secundo idus Februarii (12 Februa^'y, 12JfS) coram domino Rogero de Turkebi,
Magistro Symone de Wanton, domino G, de Preston, domino Johanne de
Cobeham, Justiciarus domini Regis itinerantibus apud Lichfield et ut hee
conventio rata et stabilis in perpetuum permaneat tam dominus Radulphus
Basset quam Johannes de Perton huic scripto in modo cirografi confecto
alternatim signa sua apposuerunt. Hiis testibus, Domino Roberto de Grendon,
Domino Nicholas Moverel, Domino Nicholas filio Radulphi, Hugoni Priore de
Kanewell, Jordano de Budifort, Thoma de Tresel, Hugone de Wrottesleg,
Waltero de Overton, Roberto de Wiclakesford, Willelmo de Haggelee, et multis
aliis. (Seals destroyed.)

VI.
^n inbenteb §eeb, feinct tlje bounbaries bettoeen ®lrot-
teskfi anb ferton, bateb %.§, 1298.
{Original Deed at Wrottesley, A,D. 1298,)
Anno regni regis Edwardi filii Regis Henrici vicesimo septimo die martis
in festo Sancte Caterine virginis inter Willelmum de Wrottesleye et Johannem
de Perton super variis contentionibus ortis inter eosdem propter diversas et ignotas
bnndas et metas inter terras et tenementa eorundem, conquievit lis finaliter in
hac forma, videlicet quod predicte Willelmus et Johannes communi voluntate et
undnime assensu concesserunt et statuerunt bundas et metas subscriptas, tenendas
et observandas pro se et heredibus suis in perpetuum sine aliqua reclamatione in
futurum videlicet ; a quadem quercu que vocatur le Tyndede Mere Ok que est
bunda inter Radulphum Basset et predictos Willelmum et Johannem, descendendo
usque le Mere Wey et sic descendo le Mere Wey usque ad proximam corneram
assarti Galfridi le Crouthour versus villatam de Wrottesle, et de dicta cornera
descendendo per quoddom fossatum usque ad quendam quercum, et de dicta
quercu descendendo per quoddam novum fossatum sicut perambulatum usque ad

Appendix. 307

corneram de Wodewalle medue, et de dicta cornera per idem fossatum usque ex
opposito cornere assarti Hugonis de Wrottesleye quod vocatur Cronemor, et de
dicta cornera ascendendo per fossatum dicti assarti usque ad assartum Willelmi
de Wrottesle, et de dicto assarto ascendendo per fossatum ejusdem usque ad
corneram assarti Willelmi en le Hale quod vocatur Grenehul, Et est sciendum,
etc. In quorum omnium testimonium et memoriam sempiternam utraque pars
alteriis scripto ad modum cirograffi confecto et partito suum apposuit sigillum.
Hiis testibus Radulpho de Byssebury, Johanne de Tresel, Phillipo de Lutteleye,
Willelmo del Horewode, Thoma de Lutteleye, Roberto Buffary, Warino de Penna,
Galfrido de Bilston, Hugone de Wrottesle, Johanne de Lappele Clerico, et aliis.
(Seals attached to this Deed.) See Plate of Wrottesley Seals.

VII.
%n inbenteb Jleeb fan tobic^ .Sir galp^ |asset, lorb of
Dattingbam, anb ,Sir Milliam fflrottesleg, agree
to tijc terms anb conbitions nnber tobiclj eacj^ lorb
sljall be alloto.eb to reclaim i\t toasle lanbs of ^is
manor toitbont impebiment from t^e otJ^cr-
{Original Deed at Wrottesley, 6 Ed. II, 6, April, 1313.)
Hee est conventio facta die Veneris proximo post festum Inventionis
Sancte Crucis anno regni regis Edwardi filii Regis Edwardi sexto, inter
dominum Radulphum Basset de Drayton ex parte una et dominum Willelmum
de Wrottesleye ex altera, videlicet quod predictus dominus Radulphus con
cessit, relaxavit, et omnino pro se et heredibus suis et nativis suis de Patyngham
quietam clamavit in perpetuum, domino Willelmo de Wrottesleye totum jus et
clamum quod habent vel habere potuerunt in communa pasture quam dictus
dominus Willelmus tenuit in defense die confectionis presentum in Wrottesleye,
vult etiam et concedit predictus Radulphus pro se et heredibus suns et nativis
suis predictis quod dictus dominus Willelmus possit se approviare de quodam
bosco quod vocatur Sockesmore jacente inter le leyeruddyng et le Farnis-
hurstesweye in latitudine et extendit se a bosco quod vocatur Kingeswode
usque Nethermulne weye et boscum ilium includere et in defense tenere omni
tempore anni, et voluntatem suam inde facere sine aliqua contradictione
predicti domini Radulphi heredum vel nativorum suorum predictorum, ita
quod dictas dominus Radulphus nec heredes vel nativi sui aliquid jus vel
clamum neque communam pasture in tenementis predictis de cetero exigere
sen vendicare potuerit vel potuerunt quoque modo. Pro hac quidem
concessione et relaxatione et quieta clamantia predictis, antedictus dominus
Willelmus concessit, relaxavit. et ommino pro se et heredibus suis quietam
clamavit in perpetuum dicto domino Radulpho Basset, heredibus et assignatis
suis comunan pasture totius terre quam dictus dominus Radulphus tenuit in
defenro die confectionis presentum in Patyngham, et quod predictus Radulphus
Basset pro se et heredibus suis et assignatis possint se approviare in vasto suo
de Patyngham in bosco vel extra, absque contradictione vel impedimento dicti
domini Willelmi vel heredum suorum in tantum longitudine et latitudine
quantum extendit se tota terra quam tenuit dictus dominus Willelmus in
defenso die confectionis presentum in Wrottesleye. Ita quod decetero ventra
partium in communa pasture in locis predictis nihil vendicare possint ut in
forma predicta continetur. In cujus rei testimonium partes predicti presenti
scripto indentato sigilla sua alternatum apposuerunt. Hiis testibus Domino
Johanne Somery. Willelmo Bagot. Willelmo de Stafford, Willelmo de Mete,
Militibus, Johanne de Perton et aliis. Datum apud Drayton die et anno
supradictus, (Seal )

3o8 History of Tettenhall,

VIII.
fetters fatent, bateb from ^ntfoerp, 23 llobember, 12
(^bfoarb iii (1338), fan to^ic^ tjje |iing parbons
Sir Iwg^ bc ©Irotteslen for t^e beat^ of |o()n
be iperton.
Rex, omnibus Ballivis et fidelibus suis ad quos, etc. Salutem. Sciatis
quod de gratis nostrd speciali et pro bono servitio quod Hugo de Wrotesle miles
nobis impendit in partibus transmarinis, perdonavimus ei sectam pacis nostre que
ad nos pertinet pro morte Johannis de Perton, unde indictatus, rettatus, vel
appellatus existit, ac etiam utiagariam si que in ipsum ea occasione fuerit
promulgatam et firmam pacem nostram ei inde concedimus, Ita tamen quod
stet recto in curi^ nostra si quis versus eum inde loqui voluerit. In cujus rei,
etc. Teste Rege apud Andewerp xxiii die Novembris, per ipsum Regem. (i)

IX.
#rigrnal §eeb at Mrotteslcg, fan to^ic^ ^ogcr Sjpreng-
jjose lorb of ^ongnor in Sbropsljire, releases to
|)ug^ be Mrolteslen, for a sum of 60 ntarhs, all
^is claim to t{je lanbs of ^ug^, toljic^ ^e ()elb fan
gift of lling Penrn iii on tlje occasion of tbe
bistiirfaances in tbe kingbom.
Universis Chrispi fidelibus, presents literas visuris vel audituris
Rogerus Sprenghose dominus de Longenolre salutem in domino, Noverit
universitas vestra me pro me, et heredibus et assignatis meis, quiet clamasse
in perpetuum Hugoni de Wrotteslega et heredibus suis totam terram suam,
et totum jus, quod habui in ea ex dono domini Regis Henrici filii Regis
Johannis, occasione turbationis regni Angliae in ipso regno tunc exorte, et pro
hac quiet^ clamatione dedit mihi predictus Hugo sexaginta marcas sterling
orum pro redemptione terre sue predicte, de quibus me voco plene et
legaliter pacatum. In cujus rei testimonium has literas meas ei feci patentes
sigillo meo signatas. Hiis testibus Johanne filio Philippi milite, Ricardo de
Hevenfeud, Radulpho de Bissoburi, Johanne de Pendeford, Willelmo de
Overton et aliis.
The above Deed is Hugh de Wrottesley's composition
under the provisions of the Dictum de Kenilworth. The date of
the Deed is probably 1267, the award called the Dictum of
Kenilworth having been made in a Parliament which sat at that
place after the Surrender of the Castle in i256. On the 19
November, i255, the King at the instigation of the Queen,
remits by Letters Patent, all his rancour against John fitz Philip

(1) i.e. By Writ of Privy Seal, the Great Seal not being with the King at Antwerp. In
27 Edward III, wlicn Sir Hugh Wrottesley was prosecuted in the King's Bench for other homi
cides, arising out of his fued with the Perton family, he produced this pardon in Court, renewed
under the Great Seal, and with this note appended to it ; — " Innovata rjuia alia fuit c.onsignata
fer ipsum Regent,"

Appendix. 309

(the first witness) and restores to him his lands. This John fitz
Philip was lord of Kinver and Bobbington. By another Deed
at Wrotteslsy, Roger Sprenghose repeats his release and quit
claim to Hugh de Wrottesley, of all his rights in his lands
whether given to him by the King, or by Sir Hamon L' Estrange
Sir Hamon was Sheriff of Staffordshire and Shropshire during
the civil war between the King and his Barons.

X.
©Irit of Ulilitarn .Summons to |iic^arb ®lrotteslei).
Henry R. By the King. Trusty, well beloved, wee greet you well, and
forasmuch as we be credibly informed that the Scotts by the instigation of our
ancient enemy the French King be determined to invade this our Realme in the
beginning of the month of September next comyng. We therefore taking special
regard to the defense of our said Realme against their malignite have appoynted
our right trusty and right well beloved cousin and counsaillour the Erie of
Shrewsbury, Steward of our houstholde to be our lieutenant-general, and we
have authorised him to have the leding of all and singular our subjetts in those
contries for resisting ofthe said invasion. Withinge therefore and desiring and
nevertheless commaunding you furthwith upon the sight of these our letters not
only to prepaur yourself with such a nombre of hable men horsed and harnessed
as many as ye can prepaur making certificat uuto our said lieutenant of your
said nombre with all diligence possible, but also kepe yourself in further redyness
that upon a houres warnyng after requisition to be made unto you by our said
lieutenant's letters ye may set furthe and joyne with him without delay for
resisting ofthe said invasion. Faile ye not this to do, as ye tendour hourself
and the defense of this our Realme. Goven under our signet at our Manour of
Newhall the xiii day of August.
To our trusty and well beloved Servaunte Richarde Wrottesley.
The above is a Writ of Military Summons, such as was
addressed by the King to all tenants in capite, under the sign
manual. The words "Henry R" is the King's signature.
The Earl of Shrewsbury raised a force and entered
Scotland in 1522. {Tytler's History of Scotland.)

XI.
#riginal fetters patent at Mrottesli-n, for t^e jjurcbase
of tIjc College anb §eanern of ^etten^all fan Salter
^rotteslen, 5 dpbtoavb bi. %,^. 1552.
Edwardus Eextus, Dei gratia Angliae et Francife et Hiberniae Rex fidei
defensor, et in terra ecclesiae Anglicanae et Hiberniae supremus caput. Omnibus
ad quos presentes litterte nostrze perveneriut salutem, Sciatis quod nos pro
summa mille centum octodecim librarum quatuor decim solidorum et undecim
denariorum legalis monetae Angliae ad manus Thesaurarii curiae nostrae
augmentationis et reventionum coronas nostrae ad usum nostrum per dilectum
nobis Walterum Wrottesley de Wrottesley in Comitatu Stafford armigerum,
soluta unde fatemur nos plenarie fore satisfactos et persolutos de gratia no.>itra
special! ac et certd scientifi, et mero motu nostris necnon deavisamento pre-
clarissimi avuncnli et consjliarii nostri Edwardi Ducis Somerset! personae nostra;

3IO History of Tettenhall.

gubematoris ac regnorum, dominicorum subditorumque nostrorum, protectoris
ac aliorum consiliariorum nostrorum, dedimus et concessimus ac per presentes
damns et concedimus prefato Waltero totum illud nuper collegium de Totnall in
Comitatu nostro Staffordise alias dictum Tednall alias dictum Totenhall alias
dictum Tatenhale sen quocumque alio nomine censeatur, modo dissolutum cum
omnibus et singulis suis pertinentiis ac totam capitalum domum et situm ejusdem
uuper coUegiii, ac omnia domos, edificia, horrea, stabula, columbaria, ortos,
pomaria, gardina, terram et sulum, ac alios proficiia, commoditates et heredita-
menta nostra qucecumque cum pertinentiis infra situm, septum, ambitium
circuitum et precinctum ejusdem nuper collegii, ac totum decanatum dicti
nuper collegii, ac omnes illas quinque nuper Prebendas de Penford, Bobenhill,
Perton, Wrottesley, et Codsall fundatas in dicto nuper collegio, ac omnia domos,
edificia, horrea, stabula, etc, boscos, sub-boscos, redditus, reversiones et servitia
ac decimas bladorum, granorum, et feni ac alias decimas quas-cumque, necon
oblationes, pensiones, portiones et fructus ac alia jura proficua, etc, nostra
qucecumque cum pertinentiis modo vel nuper in seperalibus tenuiis sive occupa-
tionibus Ricardi Cresswall, Thome Solman, et dicti Walteri Wrottesley, situatis
jacentibus et existentibus in Totenhalle, Alderley, Penford, Wirgis, Compton,
Parton, Trescott, Bilbroke, Wrottysley, Wightwyke, Oekyn, et Codsall, ac alibi
ubicumque in dicto Comitatu nostro Stafford dictis nuper Collegio et Prebendis,
sive eorum alicui quoquo modo spectantes sive pertinentes aut ut partes vel
parcelloe terrarum possessionum, etc. Ac totam dominicum messuagium, et
mansionem nuper vicariorum, choralium et presbiterorum dicti nuper collegii in
Totenhalle in dicto Comitatu Stafford. Ac totum illud gardinum nostrum eidem
domini messugio mansion! adjacenteni, etc., in Totenhalle, predicto prope
ecclesiam ibidem modo vel nuper in tenur^ siv^ occupatione dicti Walteri
Wrottesley ac omnia alia messuagia, terras, tenementa, pratos, pastnras,
decimas, glebas, etc, servitia, curias-letas, visum franci-plegii, catalla waivata,
extra huras, liberas warennas, ac omnia alia jura, jurisdictiones, privilegia,
possessiones, etc., tam spiritualia, quam temporalia cujus cumque sint generis,
naturce vel speciei, etc., jacentes et existentes in villis, et locis, predictis ac alibi
ubicumque dicto nuper Collegio et dictis nuper prebendis sive eorum alicui
quoquo modo spectantes sive pertinentes, etc,
Addeo plene libere et integre ac in tam amplis modo et forma provet
aliquis Decanus, Magister, vel Gardianus aut aliqui Prebendarii vel socii sen
aliqui alii ministri dicti nuper Collegii et dictarum nuper Prebendarum etc,
unquam habuerunt, tenuerunt etc. Et adeo plene etc., ad manus nostras ratione,
et pretextu cujusdam actus de diveris Cantariis, collegiis, liberis capellis, Gildis,
et fraternitatibus, dissolvend et determinand, in Parliamento nostro tento apud
Westmonast, anno regni nostri primo, etc. Quoe quidem predicta messuagia,
terrce, tenementa etc., modo extenduntur ad clarum annurum valorum quinqua-
quinta librarum, septemdecim solidorum et unius obuli, except tamem semper et
extra presentem concessionem, nobis, heredibus, et successoribus nostris omnino
reservato toto plumbo ac omnibus campanis dicti nuper collegii ac advocation-
ibus vicariarum et rectoriarum quarumcumque premissorum.
Habend : tenend : gardend, predictum nuper collegium ac predictas
nuper Prebendas ac omnia predicta messuagia-terras, tenementa etc, prefato
Waltero Wrottesley heredibus et assignatis suis inperpetuum ad proprium opus
et usum ipsius Walteri, heredum et assignatorum suorum in perpetuum.
Tenendum de nobis, heredibus et successoribus nostris in capite per servitium
quadragesimce partis unius feodi militis pro omnibus redditibus, servitiis et
demandis quibuscumque proinde nobis, heredibus vel successoribus nostris
quoquo modo, reddend, solvend, vel faciend, Et ulterius de uberiori gratia nostra
damusac de avisamento predicto et pro consideratione supradicta per presentes
concedimus prefato Waltero Wrottesley omnia exitus, redditus reventiones et
proficua predictorum messugiorum terrarum, tenementorum etc., a festo Sancti
Michalis Archiepiscopo ultimo preterito hucusque proveniant, sive crescent.
Habend eidem Waltero en dono nostro absque compote sen aliquo alio proinde
nobis heredibus vel successionibus nostris quoquo modo reddendo, solvendo vel
faciendo etc In cujus rei testimonium has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes.
Teste me ipso -apud Westmonasterium octavo die Mali anno regni nostri tertio
per ipsum Regem,

Appendix, 3 1 1

XII.
Commission apjjointing oEalter Mroiteslen tlicc-|!icut.
of l^e Couiitij of Stafforb. ^.g. 1640.
{Original at Wrottesley, 28 April, 1640.)
Robert Earl of Essex appoints his right well beloved and trustie
friend and kinsman Walter Wriottsley of Wriottsley in the co, of Stafford,
Esq., his Deputy in the Office of Lieutenant of the co, of Stafford, during his
absence in attendance upon his Majesty in his high Court of Parliament at
Westminster to joyne with the other deputies in the execution of the said
office of Lieutenancy and also solely by himself if cause require it, to do and
perform all other things requisite for his Majesty's service, and for my said
Deputy Walter Wriottsley his better performance thereof, I have delivered
him a true copie of His Majesty's said Letters Patent to me therein made.
Signed R, Essex.
On the 29th June, 1642, Lord Essex issued a Commission
to Walter Wrottesley appointing him his Vice-Lieutenant in the
CO. of Stafford. The preamble of the Commission states that —
"Whereas the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled have
for the safety of his Majesty's person and of the Parliament and
Kingdom in the tyme of imminent danger by an ordinance of the
said Lords and Commons ordeyned me Robert Earl of Essex to be
Lieutenant of the County of Stafford, etc,"
and shews a complete usurpation of the Royal authority and
executive by the Parliament some time before the King displayed
his Standard at Nottingham.
This Commission is signed " Essex."

XIII.
Wrotteslea Sluniments, iag. 12,
A note of the silver plate sent to be coyned at Shrewsbury, 5 January,
1643 : — One bason
Two ewres
Six Cannes
Two great flaggons
Six bowles
Two candlesticks
A cawdle cuppe
A possnett with a cover
Two silver dishes
A pair of snuffers
An extinguisher
One salver
Twelve trenchei plates
delivered to Mr. Nicolls, 6 January, 1643.
The fossered {sic) plate, 439J ounces and 2 dwt. at 4s.8d. the ounce which
amounts to the total sum of £102 ns. sd.
And of other plate not fossered, 182J ounces at 4S.iod., which amounts
to £44 2s. id., which is, in toto, £146 13s, 6d.

312 History of Tettenhall.

And on another paper pinned to the last : —
2 flagons
12 trencher plates
6 Cannes
One drummer salte
24 slipt spoones
3 pottengers
One cawdle cup and cover
Two candlesticks
One ewer
these, according to Mr. Noells note, weighed 577 ounces 5 dwt.
Twenty-four pieces of other weighed 219 ounces 22 dwts., which is in
all ... ... .., ,.. 796 ounces 27 dwt.
The plate coyned at Shrewsbury ... (322 oz. 2 dwt.

Leaves , . . 174 oz. 25 dwt,
439^ ounces 2 dwt.
182^ ounces (i)

622 ounces 2 dwt.
To countervaile which some, there is yett the plate remaining which is
parte of the particulars above mentioned. The bigger drummer salte pataking
(sic) the weight ofthe other salte, 24 slipt spoones
3 pottengers
The cover for the Cawdle cup, and what other plate my lady hath in
her keepeing.

(i) There is no list of this lot.

(^bbi^ione ant) Cotudione.

It was my intention to have given a reproduction of the old map ot
Tettenhall Wood in 1807, but I found its size made it quite impracticable as an
illustration ; in place of it I have given two more illustrations than I originally
proposed. p. 66.
Fleeming Pedigree : — add after " William Fleeming Fryer = Caroline Horton "
Died 27 Sept, 1891 Died 22 Oct, 1889
p. 85.
I found the list of field names would have excluded other matter more
interesting, so was compelled to leave them out.
p. 95.
Mr. Charles F'owler, not Thomas Leversage Fowler, obtained a grant of
Queen Anne's Bounty for Tettenhall, in 1716.
/. 127.
For A.D. 1269, read A.D. 1469.
p. 14.6,
For A.D. 1177, read A.D. 1174,
p. 146.
The argument used here, in favour of a change of his baptismal name
by Simon, son of William of Coughton, was based mainly on the complete
disappearance from the scene of Simon, within a very short period of his assuming
possession of Wrottesley ; but since the discovery has been made that he was a
Verdun, this argument falls to the ground, for a Symon de Verdun is a frequent
witness to Warwickshire deeds in the Kenilworth Chartulary, and there is now
no reason to doubt that this Symon was identical with the feoffee at Wrottesley,
I now suppose, therefore, that Adam, the tenant at Wrottesley during the reign
of Henry II, must have been a life-tenant only; the practice of putting whole
Manors out to farm for lives of persons was not an uncommon practice in the old
days, and at this early date, before English surnames had become hereditary, a
life tenant at Wrottesley, named Adam, would be known as Adam de Wrottesley,
The weak point in this argument is that Adam is stated, in the Liber Niger of
A,D. 1 166, to hold the Manor under the Abbot of Evesham, but if he was
answerable for the military service due from the fee, it is quite possible, and
indeed probable, that he would be named in a Feodary like the Liber Niger as
the tenant of the Abbot. A Feodary, in fact, is only concerned with the tenant
responsible for the service due from the fee, not with the ownership of the land.
In most cases these persons are of course identical, but not invariably so. A
tenant by the courtesy of England, for instance, who holds a fee in right of a
deceased wife, who was an heiress, is always named in a Feodary as the tenant,
though he holds only for his life. — G.W. p. 305.
For Philip Basset, read Ralph Basset.

3nbe;c+

Abetot, Urso de, 139
Actun, Simon of, 94
Adams, John, 240
Adam de la lowe, 24
 the Mercer, 32
,  Robert fitz, 147, 236
¦  Ingrith, 236
Addenbrooke, William, 41, 42
 Thomas, 59
,  Humphrey, 42
 John, 297
Adderley, Henry, 280
¦  Alice, 280
Ailwyn, Simon, 118, 172
 Roger, 172
Airmyn, Sir William, 237
Alayn, William, no
¦  John, 117
 Edith, 119
Albrighton, 238, 297
 John of, 153
Alcock's Land, 297
Aldersley, 3, 10, 11, 83, 219
 (Autherley), 2, 66, 292
Aldithely, Henry de, 147
Alison, Felice, 197
Alleleye, Roger, 72
Allen, William, 90
Allport, Will, 41
Almar, gi
Alrewas, i8
Alreley, Elias, 57
 John, 57
Alton, 32
Babbington, Matthew, 90
Bach, Thomas, 135
Bagenholt, Henry, 160
 Roger, 160
Bagod, William, 93
Bagot, Ralph, 161
 Sir William, 163
 Henry, 165
Bailey, Lieut. B, M., 287
Baird, James, 275
Baker, John, 49, 58
 Anna, 4g
 Joan, 58
 Edith, 58
 Richard, 58
 William, 87, 88

Alveley, Canons of, g3
Alverton, John, 115
 Adam, 115
Alwine, Sheriff of Warwickshire, I3g
Amblecote, 29, 30, 224
Andrews, Mr., 7
Anglesey, Marquis of, 233
Ansculph, William fitz, 12, gi, 92
Anson, Thomas, 42
Anysone, Will de, 72
Apeton Manor, 97
Archdale, Capt., 276, 282
 Blanche, M. M,, 276, 282
-Archer, Col,, 242
 Marianne Lucy, 242
 Sir John, 231, 240
Ardenne, Sir John, 193, 237
 Sir Thomas, 194, 199, 200
 Isabella, 193
Askew, Sir William, 212, 238
 Anne, The Martyr, 212, 238
Asseburne, Andrew, 77
Asteley, Thomas, 208, 213, 214, 238
 Elizabeth, 213, 216
 Gilbert, 215
Aston, Sir Walter, 223
Audley, John de, 157, 237
 Henry de, 92
 Hugh de, 162
 James, 179
 Petronilla, 237
Aumary, Henry de, in
 Roger, de, in
Aven Manor, co. Glamorgan, 205
Barker, Will, igi
Barnhurst, 4, 10, n, 13, 47, 66,67,
88, 8g
 (Bovenhull), 13, 67, 80, 84, 85,
214
 Henry de, 72
 John de, 84, 121, 126, 132
 Pew, 251
 Robert. 264
Barnsley, William, 89
 Elizabeth, 8g
Baron, William, 208, 213, 237
 Johanna, 213
Barre, William, 170
Barrington, Viscountess, 271
Baskerville, John de, 116

Index.

315

Bassett, Ralph, 106, in, ng, I4g, 150,
154,158,162,163, 166,305
 Roger, 162, 179, 237
 Joan, 237
 Col.-Sergt, William, 288
Bate, John, 87, 88
I'ateman, Philip, 280
Baylis, John, 265
Beanson, Henry, 161
Bearcroft, John, 48
Beauchamp, Richard, 127, 132
 Thomas, 178
 John, ng
Beech, R,, 42
Beck, Nicholas de, 188
Beckbury, 224
 Richard de, 2g
Becket, Thomas, 247
Beiston, Thomas, 253, 265
Bekel, Richard, 125
Bendish, Heigham, 240
Benigsen, Roger, 118
Bennett, Lady Caroline, 232, 241
 Capt, Aslley, 241, 25g
 Julia, 259
Bensted, John, 206
Bentley, 48, 112, 153
 John le, 48, 120
 William, 92
 Haye, 134
Benyng, Henry, 172
 Adam, 197
 Richard, 172
 Roger, 172
Bercarie, John, 96
Berneys, Robert, 194, 197, 199
Biggs, William, go
Bilbrook, 2, 10, n, 14, 16, 31, 53, 65,
66, 70, 76, 82, 83, 88, 2ig,
220, 229, 293, 300
 William de, 21
 Paul de, 76
Billingsley, Richard, 41, 42
 William, 59
Bilston, 217, 238, 272
Birch, John, 87
 Roger, 247
Birmingham, William de, 73, 161, 166
 Robert, 73
Blackladies, 217, 238
Blensensis, Peter, 18
Blois, Charles de, 175
Blount, John, 209
Blowitt, John de, 73
Bobington, 166, 217, 238, 309
 (Bobynton), 30
Boeff, John, 128
Bohunn, William, 178
Boleyn, Anne, 96
Bolour Robert, 181, 183
Bond, Adam le, 118
Boras, Samuel, 293
Bordesley Abbey, 144

Boscobel, 235, 236
Bosco, Richard de, 28
 William de, 112
 Hugh de, 112
Boteler, Richard le, 95, 115, 237
 William le, 203
 John le, 156
Boulevileyn, William, 28
Bowes, Sir Martin, 207
Bowyer, Sir William, 223
Bayville, William, 207
Brabant, Sir Edme de, 179
Brabazon, Roger, 28
Bracegirdle, Richard, 48
Brace, Henry, 223
Bradley Colliery, 272
Brakele, Walter, 67, 263
Bradeleye, William, 96, 118
 Richard, 42
Bressey, Henry, 239
Bret, Walter, 141
Brewer, J. Fletcher, Capt,, 287
Brewood, i, 2, 6, 12, 47, 92, 105, 229,
231
Brey, Henry de, 159, 160
Brick, Walter, 41, 42
Bridgnorth, 4, 9, 4g, 229, 269
Bridgeman, Gen., 288
Bright, J, H,, 266
Brimpton, John de, 188
Briscoe, Richard, 256
 William, 256
 George, 256
Brodhurst, J. Pendrill, 236
Broke, Sir John Willoughby de, 129,
136
 Sir George, 206
 Walter, 58
 John, 188
 Roger atte, 32
 William atte, 58
Brook, Lord, 86
 Richard, 47
 John, 47, 238
 Margaret, 47
Bromhall, Ralph de, 92
Bromley, John, 206
 Francis, 217, 239
Brompton, Thomas de, 161
Bronthall, Henry de, 115
Broseley, 272, 280
Brown, John, 87
 Joshua, 87
 William, 165
 Thomas, 49
 Elizabeth, 49
Brugewood, Thomas, 59
Brunesford, John de, in, 112
Brych House, 297
Budifoot, Jordan de, 107
Buffri, Thomas, 33
 Robert, iig, 133
 Roger, 133

3i6

History of Tettenhall.

Buffri, William, 133
Buildwas, Abbot of, 114
Bulkley, Robert de, 201
Burdon, Richard, 57, 6g, 72
 Adam, 69
Burghursh, Lord, 178
Burgo, Ralph de, 96
Burgoyne, Sir John F,, 233, 243
 Margaret Anne, 243
Burnel, William, 69, 263
Burnet, William, 6g
Burrow, John, go
,  Matthias, 87, 88
Bushbury, i, 2, 96
 (Bissopburi) Robert de, 24,
g2, no
¦  Ralph de, gs, iii, 153
 Roger de, in, 112, 153
¦  (Bissebury) Henry de, 31, 78,
i65, 170
Cadwallader, W. H., 2g5
Cakeles, Robert, 115
Calais, Siege of 178
 Garrison, 205, 206
Caldwelle, Robert de, 73, 76
Cambye, George, 130
 Isabella, 130
Cannock Chase, 4, 288
 Forest, 6, 12, 93, g4, no
 (Kannoc) Nictiolas del, g6
Canal, Staff, and Wore, 3
Canterbury, Archbishop of, 18, 23
Canville, Thedicius de, 76
Capesthorne, Alan de, 27g
 Margery, 27g
Capon, William, 79, 264
Cardwell, George, 42
Careswell, Manor of, 161
 Richard de, 161
Carnarvon, 8
Carte, William, ig4, 196
Carter, Roger le, 167
Catesby, Peter de, ig2
Cave, William, 130
 Agnes, 130
 Hugh de, 160
Cawardine, John, 2og
Chabbeham, Thomas de, 92, 153
Chamberlain, Thomas, 239
 Anne, 239
Champeneis, William, 153
Charlton, Rev, C. W,, 262
Chandos, Sit John, 179
 Roger, 162
Chansfelitte, William, in
Chapels, Royal Free, 64, 65
C^hapman. William, go
Chacepork, Peter, 67, 263
Cheseleye, Hemy de, g6
Cherleton, Louis de, 73, 74, 263
Chester, 202
.  Bishop of. III, 141

Bushbury (Bissebury) Thomas, 73, 74
Burgo, Bertram de, 25
Burton-on-Trent, 207
 Abbey, 233
Burton, Edward, 98, 265
 Anne, 240
Butterton, 147, 155, 170, 182, 187, 193,
201, 203, 208, 213, 216,
220, 230, 236
 William, 148
 Manor, 159, 162, 173, 177
 Benedict de, 157, isg, 160
 Luke, 148
 Henry, 155
 Alan, 155
Butiler, John le, no, 114
 Margaret, no, 114
Buxton, Thomas, 265
Byron, Hugh, 280

Chester, Earl of, 20, 200, 202
Chetwynd, Sir Walter, 223
Chillington, 92, 105, 121, 229
 (Chylinton), 53, 112, 221, 232
Chippenham, 212, 238
Chishull, John de, 25
Cholmondley, Richard de, 201
 Roger de, 201
Church, St, Peter's, 64
 St. Mary's, 64
 Christ, Tettenhall Wood, 267
Claverley, Alexander de, 31, 141
Clear, T. G., 295
Clemson, William, 43
 Agnes, 47
 John, 47, 5g
Cient, Manor of, 204, 207
Clifton Campville, Manor of, 92
Clinton, Henry de, 145
 Sir William, 122, 127
 Lord, 207
Coates, Edward, 87
Cocton, Simon de, 141, 142, 145, 148,
149
 Constance de, 149
— ¦  William de, 141, 142, 148, 236
 Ralph de, 142, 145
 Manor, 97
Codsall, I, 54, 67, 6g, 70, 72, 73, 8r,
83, 85, 135, 208, 214, 219,
220, 230, 239, 286
 Henry de, 172
 Robert de, 174
 Prebend of, 74
Cook, Richard, 194, 196
Cooke, Dr. J,, 286, 301
Colates, Thomas, 165
Colclough, Anthony, 222, 239
-Ciara, 239

Collett, William, 70
 Margaret, 70
 John, 70

Index.

3'7

Collins, Anthony, 240
Colsull, Sir John. 127
Coombe, Abbot of, 133
 Monks of, 104, 133
Compten, 2, 10, n, 13, 14, 15, 25,
27. 50, 172, 267
 Creye of, 26, 32, 57, 118, 171,
172, 173
 Thomas, 32, 57, 118
 William de, 51
 Robert de, 51
 Simon de, 50
 Richard de, 27. 31, 57
 Prebend of, 78, 83
 Henry de, 32
Congreve, Geoffrey de, 33, 184
 Richard, 235
Conyers, Julia, 241
Cope, Annie Sophia, 255
 George, 255
 Georgina Maria, 255
 T. B., 295
Corbett, Archdeacon, 269
 John, 270
 Raynold, 221
 Reginald, 239
,  Uvedale, 56, 269
Corbuson, William fitz, 143
Corser, Charles, 282
Court Leet 13, 84, 2go
Cox, Elizabeth, 280
Crane, C. H., 295
Creci, Battle of, 178

Cresswell, Henry de, 28, 157, 162
 John de, 2g. 8g
 William de, 88, 8g
 Thomas, 41, 42, 59, 72, 85,

-Richard, 83, 85, 89, 90, 265,
300
-Margaret, 89, go
-Susannah, go
-Priscilla, go
-Sarah, go
-Jane, 90
-Jone, 252
-Dorothy, go
-Mary, go
-Eliza, go
-Elizabeth, go
-Margery, go
-Almshouses, 300
-Arms, 8g
-Pedigree, 89, go

Cronemoor, 158
 Wood, igs
Cronkhall, 2, 41
 Richard, 58
 Will de, 50', 51, g5
Crouch, Matilda del, 125
Crouther, Geoffrey le, 158
Croxden, Abbot of, 82, 147, 151, 154
Crull, Robert, 264
Curzon, Sir John, go
 Sir George, 130
 Mary, 130

Dalton, William, 87, 88
 Benjamin, 87, 88
Danes, The, g, 10
Danes Court, 288
Danks, Rev. B,, 267
Davenport, William, 217
 Henry, 217
 Lettice, 218
 Arthur, 201
Davenhill, J. S., 262
De Brisay, Rev. H. D., 260
Dekene, Henry le, 116
De la Rue, Francis, 240
Denbigh, Earl of, 226, 228
Deneston, Henry de, 147, I5g
Derynton, John de, 180
Despencer, Hugh le, 162, 205
Devereux, Sir Edward, 222, 239
 Margaret, 239
 William, 167
Devey, Thomas, 49
 Margaret, 49
Devon, Earl of, 128
Dey, Walter le, 53
Dobson Charity, 2g8
 Mary, 2g7
 Edward, 48, 253
Dickinson, S,, 285

Domesday Survey, 6
Dorset, Earl of, 130, 131, 136
Dover, John de, 17
Downes, John, 280
Drake, Ralph, 217
Drayson, Col,, 242
 Ellen Mary, 242
Drayton, Manor of, 97, 150, 162,
166, i7g
Druwell, John, 28
Dudley, 281
 Castle, g7, 227, 22g
 Baron of, 6g, 133, 162, 209, 213
 Sir John, 129
 Edmund, 129
Dudmaston, 231, 23g, 240
Dunbar Castle, 173
Duncalfe, H. G., 4, 27g
Dunmere, Walter de, 263
Dunn, Roger, 41
 W,, 41, 216
Dunstall, 48
Dyott, John, 86, go
 Joan, 86
 Arms, 252
 Dumb, 86
Dyson, Grosvenor, 253

3'^

History of Tettenhall.

Eadwine, Earl of Mercia, 102
Eden, Richard, 81, 264
Edgar, King. 10, 244
Edward, King, g, 102
Edwards, John, 281
Egge, Coppe, 29
Eld, Richard, 217, 238
 Margaret, 217
Elias, William fitz, 27
 the Canon, 26
Ellidge, Dan, 87, 88
England, Will de, 72
Engelfield, William, 22S
Engleton, John de, 92, gs
 William de, 167
 Richard de, 185
Enville, 30, 152, 224
Erdington, Alan de, 92
 Thomas de, 147
Falkland, 225
Falleye, William, 58
Farmer, Thomas, 263, 297
 Joseph. 295
Farr, Richard, 59
Farringdon, Ward of, 183
Faunt, William le, ni
Fereday, Charles H,, 252
Ferrers, Henry de, 32, 33, 34, 74, 78,
I9S
 William de, 33, 34, 78
 Thomas de, 34, 35, 208
 Sir John, 35, 54, 188
 Ralph de, 192
Felton, John, 247
Fellows, John, 59
Felyppes, John, 59
Fitzsimon, Sir Richard, 179
Finchfield, 267, 284
 Richard de, 184
Fleeming, 27, 256, 55, 58, 295
 Adam, 31
 William, 26, 31, 54, 55, 57
 John, 31, ss, SS, S9
 Roger, 32
 Humphrey, 35, 41, 42, 54, S9
 Agnes le, 58
 Richard, 55, 56, 58, S9
 Oliver le, 58
 Mary, 55
 Thomas, 55
 Pedigree, S5, 5^
Fletcher, John, 58, 59
Foley, H. W., 2R, 35
 Paul H., 268
 T. L„ 247
Ford, William, 279
Forsyth. Capt,, 287
Foryse, William, 88
Fowke, Reginald, 90
 Roger, 90, 217
 Joyce. 90
Fowler family, 97

Erdington, Giles de, 151
 Henry de, 162
Essex, Earl of, 223, 225, 311
Essington, Lord Robert, 69, 70, 92,
149
Estandon, Robert de, 28
Estcourt, Sir Thomas, go
Estrange, John le, 161, 237
 Katherine, 237
Evans, Mary, 280
Evenfeld, Ralph de, ng
 Richard de, 184
Evesham, Monastery of, 139, 140, 142,
144, 168, 199, 234, 302
 Battle at, 151, 153
 Abbot of, 139, 142, 143, 144,
14s, 146, 148, 167, 169, 194,
198, 208, 302
Exeter, Duchess of, 97
Fowler, Thomas, 46
 Sibilla, 97
 Rowland, g7, g8
 Brian, 97, 98
 William, 97, 98, gg
 James, 97, g8, gg
 Thomas, D.D., 98
 Walter, 48, 97, g8, gg, 297
 Charles, 97, 99, 313
 Elizabeth, 97, 98, gg
 Dorothy, 2gg
 Richard, g7, 98, gg
 Harriet, g7
 Roger, g8
 Robert, g8, gg
 Edward, g8
 John, 98
 Francis, 98
 Matthew, D.D., 98
 Lucy, 98
 Joice, 98
 Lettice, 98
 Hester, gg
 Anne, 99
 Frances, gg
 Anna, gg
 Mary, gg
 Maria, gg
 Chapel, 246
 Pedigree, 98
Fowler-Butler, Richard, 98
 R, H,, 98
 R, O. W„ 98
Fowler, H, H., 282
Foxall, Robert, 41, 42
 John, 59
Fradwell Manor, g7
Franceys, Henry, 115
 John, 194, 197
Frankpledge, View of, 10, 14, 87, 290
Fraunceis, Simon, ng
Frazer, Col,, 228
Freeland, Frederick, 241

Index.

319

Freeman, Ralph le, 172
 Thomas, 172
 Henry le, 149, 171, 236
Frene, John de, 150
Freville, Sir Baldwin, 34
Frith, Roland, 48
Fryer family, 56, 257
 John, 56
 William Fleeming, 56, 63, 270
 Richard, 49, 54, 55, 256

Fryer, Elizabeth, 56
 Mary, 56
 Dorothea, 56
 Susannah, 56
 Ann, 56
 Fanny, 56
Fulford, John de, 170, 172, 173, 174
 Ralph de, 172, 173, 174
Fypper, William, 59

Gamages, Matthew de, 17, 18, 24
 William de, 20, 24
Gamel, William, 118
Gardiner, Gen,, 241
Garret, Ric, 297
Gartsherrie Ironworks, 275
Garter, Order of, 188, 234
Gatacre, William, 172, 173
 Geoffrey, 165, 172, 173, 206
-Thomas de, 180

Gaunt, John of, 193
Gavaston, Piers de, 162
Gawsworth, 27g
Gech, Thomas, ig2
Geffreys, Henry, 72
 Walter, 177
 John, 177
Gibbon, Benjamin, A,M,, 254, 265
Giffard, Peter, 92
 John, Knt,, 79, 119, 121, 166,
170. 235
 Humphrey, 217
 Thomas W., 89, 232, 242
 Sophia Elizabeth, 232, 242
 Margaret, 89
Gill, Symon, 280
Gilpin, Thomas, 59
Glasbury, Geoffrey, 48, 194, 197
Glaseley, Juliana de, 108
 Alan de, 108, 161
 Guy de, 108, 165
 Henry, 108
 William, 108
 Laurence, 108
 John de, 166
Glodoen, 139
Gloucester, Earl of, 33
 Duke of, 126, 203
Glover, Rev, John, 247, 254
 Thomas, 254
 Mary Ann, 254
Godale, John, 32
Godwin, gi
Hadfield, Peter, 265
Haggeford, William de, 112
 Nicholas. 112
Haggeleye, William de, 20, 107
Halghton, Thomas de, 173
Halidoun Hill, Battle of, 122, i6g
Hamilton, Rev. C. C, 266

Godwyne; Thomas, 27
 Henry, 72. 118
Godynton, William de, 192
Goodlake, E, W., 243
Goodman, Ralph, 27g
Golyghtly, Richard, 115
Gordon, Rear-Admiral, 242
Gorsty Hayes, 4
Gosfurlong, Adam de, 27
Gough, Thomas, 41
Gould, Humphrey, sg
Gower, Earl, 232
 Lady Mary, 240
Graceley, Nicholas, 208
Grafton, Duke of, 241
Granger, Henry le, 27, 247, 255
Grainger, Susanna, 255
 Benjamin, 255
 Helen, 255
 Charity, 2g7, 300
Gravenor, John, 41
Greene, Rev., 56
Grendon, Richard, 92
 Sir Robert, 107
 157, 162, 165, 170, 177, 220
Gresel, Geoffrey de, 28
Gresley, Sir John, 203, 2og
 Peter de, 161
 Thomas de, 203, 237
 Thomasine, 237
Grey, Thomas de, 27, 207
 Ruthyn de, 34
 Ambrose, 224, 238, 23g
 Lord, 224, 238
 Henry, 224
 John, i7g, 231, 240
 Frances, 231, 240
Grosvenor family, 42, sg, 79
 Walter, 88
 Jonas, 43
Groucutt, D,, 29s
Guldeford, Henry de, 28
Guienne, 178
Hampton, John de, 141, 142, 168,
169, 173, 237
Hancox, John, 41, 49
 Elizabeth, 48
¦  Thomas, 42, 59
,  Henry. 59
Hand, Thomas, 300

320

History of Tettenhall,

Handsacre, William de, 162
Handsworth, Manor of, 204, 207
 Church, 204
Hanson, Samuel, 59
Hardehbury, John, 194
Harecourt, John de, 162, 238
 Godfrey de, 178
Harewood, 107, 119
 John de, 33, 78. 263
Harrison, Richard, 265
 A. R., Rev,, 265, 284
Harpur, Adam le, 122
 Susannah, 55
Hartley, John, 272, 281
Haselshawe, Walter de, 113
Hastang, Philip de, i65
Hastings, Lord, 206
 Laurence de, 178
Hawkewell Mill, 165, 170, 217
Haydon, J, H„ 285
Hayes, Edwin, 267
Haytefield, John de, 78, 264
Hayward, Lewis, 41. S9, 88
Haywood, Robert, 35
Heathcote, J. M., 242
 C, G., 242
Helion, Walter de, 154
Hennebon, Relief of, 17s
Hengham, Ralph de, 154
Henwood Lane, 268
Hereford, 122, 193, 23g
 Viscount, 222, 23g
 Bishop of, 263
Hevenfend, Richard de, 152
Hewitt, Sir Thomas, 220, 23g
 Walter, 221
 Elizabeth, 220
Hewlings, Mary, 262
Higgs, John, 87
Higginson, John, 87, 88
High Bagridge Lands, 2g8, 299
Hill, Richard, 88
 Rev, Charles, 242
Ideshale, Manor of, i8g
Illary, Henry, 31
lies, Archdeacon, 267
Hsley, 47
Incent, John, 81, 264
Jamessone, Walter, 58
Jeffreys, John, 241
 Mariana Eugenia, 241
Jenks, Richard, 47
 Margaret, 47
Jevon, Richard, go
Jewkes, John, 42
Kegworth, Simon de, 182, 183
Keele, 222, 239
Kempe, Richard, 172, 173
Kenilworth, 93, 153
 Chartulary, 145

Hill, A, Staveley, 275, 29S
Hillary, Roger, 120, 188
Hilliard, Rev. A. B., 267
Hillyer, Rev. John, 242
Hinckes, Rev. Josiah, 45
¦  Peter Tichborne, 45, 87, 88
 Harry Tichborne, 298, 301
Hinton, Samuel, L,L.D., g7
Hodson, L. W., 284
Holland, Sir Thomas de, 7g
 Sir Otho, 179
Hollies, Matthew, 86
-The, 134

Hultham, Sir Charles, 271
Holyhead Road, 5, 233
Hordon, William, 58
Horsleye, Robert de, 29
Horton, Caroline, 56
 Dr. R. F., 285
Howard, Sir William, 123
 Lord, 206
Hubbal, John, 42
 Richard, S9
Hubbard, John, 41
Hugynes, John, 194, 197
 Dionisia, 202
Hulland, J,, 2g5, 2g6
Hulle, William at, 121
 Henry de, 24
Hundred Courts, 14, 28g
Hunta, 139
Hunt, Robert le, 29
 John, 47
 Anna, 47
Huntingdon, John de, 185
 Henry of, 9
 Earl of, 122
Hutchinson, Thomas, 240
Hurst, George, 279
 Isabel, 279
Hyda, Robert de, 92
Hynkeley, William, 58

Inge, William, 160
 Theodore W,, 240
Ingleton, 47
Institute, The, 284
Ipstones, John de, 162
Johnson, Peter, 231
Jones, John, 41
 Will, 32
 James, 48
Jordern, Edward, 48
Jubilee, Royal, 284

Kenilworth, Dictum of, 153, 308
 John de, 153
¦  Battle of, 153
Kiderminstre, Robert de, 29, 30
Kinewarton, Abbot of, 142

Index,

32 [

Kinewarton, Ralph de, 143
Kingsley, 4, 20, 22, 27
 Charter of, 60, 213
 Wood, 120
King's Tallage, 16
Kingswinford, 3, 29, 30
Kingswood, 43, 163, 284, 300
Kinsey, John, 280
 Katherine, 280
Kinver, 6, 12, 27, 28, 48, 156, 213,
268, 309
Lancaster, 191
 Duke of, 178, 181
 Earl of, 33, 122
Lane, Sir Thomas, 48
 John, 48
 Alice, 48
 Andrew le, 58
Langley, Jonathan, 239
Langton, Stephen, ig
 Ralph, 27g
Lappelle, John de, 119
Latham, Thomas, 41
Lawless, Robert, 156
Lawrence, John, 41
 William, 215, 238
Lea, George, go, 235
Lee, Richard, 88, 215, 238
 Mary, 217, 222
 Hugh, 216, 222, 23g
 Rowland, Bishop, g6
 Robert, 125
Leg, John, 172, 173
Legh, Reginald de, 160
Leggesbarwe, Stephen de, 174
Leicester Castle, 145
Leigh, Philip de, log
 Sir Thomas, 223
Leighton, Sir Edward, 217, 239
 Joyce, 217, 238
 Thomas, 219
Lestrange, Hamon, 152, 309
Levedale, Robert de, 27
Levekeys, William, 122
Leveisage, Miss, 97
 Thomas, 97
Leversedge, Edmund, 211, 238
Leveson, Richard, 78, 85, 130, 136,
264
 Edward, 130, 135, 188, 215,
217
 James, 85, 129, 130, 136, 211
Madeley, William, 59
Maltravers, John, 162
Manby, Peter de, 162
 A. M,, 295
Manny, Sir Walter, 123, 175
Marefoot, Roger de, 107, log
 William de, 122
Mareschall, John le, 147
Margery, Roger fitz, 27

Kinver Forest, 45, 57, 68, 77, no,
124, IS3, 156
 Perambulation of, 28
Kirkby's Quest, g6
Kirkstall Forge, 272
Knockin, Baron of, 161, 237
Knolle, Peter de, 31
Knolles, Sir Robert, 54, ig3
Kutzleben, Baron, 241, 262
Kynyngford, 2g, 30

Leveson, Robert, g7
 Colonel, 227
 Thomas, 211, 238
 Geoffrey, 188
 Roger, 188
 Gower, Lady Mary, 232
 Hall, 22g
Lewes, Archdeacon of, 107
Lichfield, 86, go, g4, 107, in, i4g,
154, isg, 220, 22g, 230,
305
 Diocese of, 2, 27
 Bishop of, g6, 102, 24g
Lilleshall, 131
Lincoln, 166
Lisle, Lord de, 174
Littleton, 142
 Edward, 2ig, 221, 226, 228,
230, 23g'
Littlebyri, Martin de, no, 150
Litley, Thomas, 205
Livington, 234
 140, 148, 303
 William de, 141
Local Government, 287
Londesborough, Lord, 232, 243
 Augusta Elizabeth, 232, 243
Long, Sir Henry, 211, 238
Longnor Hall, 26g
Lougher, John, 23g
Lovatt, Ralph, 2g7
Loveridge, S., 4, 284
Lovekyres, Thomas, 121
Lowe, Adam de la, gs
 Thomas, 90
Lowry, John, 287
Lude, Nicholas de la, 156
Litteleye, Thomas de, 2g
 Philip de, 28, ng, I7g, 180,
183, 184, 185, 186, 187
 Katherine, 184
Margery, John, ng
 Richard, ng
Marmion, Allreda, g2
Marshalsea Prison, 184, 186
Marten, John, 42
 E. B., 2g5
Mason, John, 41, 42
Matthews, Thomas, 87, 88
 Emma, 241

322

History of Tettenhall,

Matilda, Princess, 17
Maunsell, Robert, 24, g2
Mauveyson, Rideware, g4
 Henry, 2g
Maydus, William, 115
McKay, Sergt., 288
Mears, Thomas, 251
Meilnil, Ralph de, 141
Mercia, 6, g, 64
Mere, Manor of, g7, 204, 207
 Oak, 7, 29, IS4
 William, 28
¦  Sir William, 163
Miller, John le, 94
Milleward, John, 194
Milsom, William, 47
 Thomasine, 47
Mohun, Lord, 179
Mollesley, John de, 95, 165
 Hugh de, 24, 164
Monckton, Major F,, 27s
Montacute William de, 162
Montague, William de, 173
Montfort, Simon de, 151
 Ralph, 176
 John, 175
Monmouth, Earl of, 222
More, Roger, 163
 John, 184, 208
Nantes, 175
Nantwich, 222
Narantone, Earl of, 153, 176
Nash, Richard atte, 121
 Thomas, 117, 121
 William, 117
Neche, Thomas, 80, 264
Neve, John, 35, 56, 84
Nevill, Hugh de, 20
 Nicholas de, 67, 263
 George, 207
Newbold, Thomas, 194
Newbridge, 3, 297
Newcastle-on-Tyne, 173
Newman, Adam le, 115
 William, 172
 John, 172
Newton, Hubert, 263
Nicholles, Richard, S9
Oaken, 82, 118, 147, 151, 171, 230
 Nicholas de, I4g
 (Okyn), 83
Oakley, 147
Oathill, 134
Odys, Walter, 72
Offlow Hundred, g4
Oggeley, 153
Okeover, 167
Oldfallynch, Henry de, 58
 William de, 264
Oldham, 237
Olif, William, 153

Moreton, Edward, 90
 Elizabeth, 258
Moore, Rev, H., 249
Morf, 30, 224
,  Henry de, ng
Morgan, J. Lloyd, 285
Morrey, William, 279
Morris, Francis, 297
Moseley, William, go
 Nicholas, 224
 Joseph, 2g5
Morson, Henry, 56
 Richard Fryer, 54
Mortimer, Sir Henry de, 189
 Mabel, i8g
 Roger, 162
Mortimer's Cross, 35
Morton, 141, 142
 Michael de, 33
 Matthew, 47
 Margaret, 47
Mouner, Walter le, 115
Mountjoy, Viscount, 241
Moveril, Sir Nicholas, 107
Muleward, Thomas le, 58
 Henry, 58
 William, 58
Musard, John, 184
Mytton, Rev. Charles, 271
Nicholles, Robert, 117
 John, 117
Nicol, Alexander, 282
 Annie Chalmers, 282
Norfolk, Earl of, 20
Northall, Thomas, 41
 Henry de, 52
 Agnes de, 52
Northumbria, g
Northumberland, Duke of, 213
Northwode, Robert de, 95
 Adam de, 115
 William, 121, 131
Nottingham, 226
Notyngham, Sir John, 70, 71, 264
Norton, 141, 142
 Michel de, 29
 Thomas de, 88

Oliver, Dr., 7, 8
Olyver, Hugh, 32
 Robert, 32
 Henry, 32
Oneyhotesheye, Richard de, 167, 170,
172, 173, 174
 Thomas de, 172, 173, 174
Onslow, Humphrey, 212, 238
Onyons, Roger, 216
Orldrych, William, 163
Orton, 219, 220, 224, 229
Orwell, 173
Othehull, Robert, 115

Index,

32;

Overpenne, 143
Overton, 30, 134, 280
 Alan de, no, in
 Walter de, 24, 107, log
 William de, in, 112, 113, 133,
152
Pagan, the Clerk, 141
Paganel, Gervase, 133
Page, Thomas, 281
 Hannah, 281
 Eleanor, 272, 281
Pargiter, William, 59
 John, 49
Park, Henry del, 93
 Margaret, 93
Parker, John, 87, 88, 191, 207
 William le, 171
Parkes, Edward, 41
Parnel, Robert, 119
 Dame, 212
Passelewe, Robert, 107
Passetclif Wood, 106
Pattingham, 1, 4, 105, io5, 120, 149,
IS4. 163, 286, 305
 Isabel, Lady of, 105
Patshull, I, 92, 123, 149, 170, 208.
213, 238, 241, 242, 286
 Hall, 229
Payn, Thomas, g3
 Alice, g3
Paynel, Ralpli, 95
 Cecilia, gs
Pearsall, Humphrey, 209, 210
Pearson, John, 247, 269
 Thomas, 268
 Judge, 269
 General, 269
Pembroke, Earl of, 20, 165, 178
Pendeford, 46, 48, 67, 80, 82, 84, 85,
88, gi, 92, 96, g7, 118, 214
 Hall, 2
 Mill, 2, g6
 Hugh de, g4
 Robert of, 92, 93, 94, no
 John de, 93, 94, 95, 96, in,
112, 152
 Roger, 95
 Ralph, 9S
 Chapel, 248
Pendrill, Richard, 235
 Mary, 235
 William, 235
 John, 235
 Humphrey, 235
 George, 235
Penk, River, 2, 2g2, 2g4
Penkridge, 2, 6, 7, 64, 128, 129, 160,
180
Penn, i, 4, 30, 286, 294
Percy, Henry de, 34, 200
Perks, J,, 272
Perry, Will, 41

Overton, John de, 115
 Joan, 133
Owen, H, W,, 295
Oxford, 226
 Earl of, 162
Oxley, 287
Perry, Thomas, 262
 Thomas J,, 56, S9, 295
 Mary, 262
 Frederick C, 57, 282
 Jane, 262
 Helen, S7
Pershore, Abbot of, 166
Perton, 2, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 30, 67, 80,
82, 83, 85, loi, 103, los,
106, log, 113, 116, 117,
118, 128, 129, 130, 133,
149, 156, 171, 174, 205,
211, 23g, 305
 Mill, 2
 Johan de, 28, 30
 Roger de, 107
 John de, 103 — 107, in, 119,
122, 123, 125, 126, 131,
135. 149. ISO. 154. 158,
163, 164, 172, 174, 180,
184, 186, 188, 305
 Chapel, 254
 -Ralph de, 103—107, 114, 131,
i35> 149- 155- 236
 Idonia, 106, 131, 151, 155, 236
 -William de, log — 114, ng,
121, 126, 131, 133, 13s,
150, 153, 155, 184, 186
 Joan de, 114, 132
 Matilda, ng
—  Leon de, 124, 126, 132, 171,
172, 177, 184, 186
 Ermentrude, 132
 Isabella, 131
 Katherine, 132, 180, 186
 Walter de, 174
 Descent of Manor, 135
 Pedigree, 131 — 134
-Arms, 120, 131

Peshale, Adam de, 177, i8g, igi — ig3
 Richard de, 191, 192
 Hamanet de, ig2
Philip the Steward, 141
 John fitz, 25, 68, 77, 152, 309
Philips, John William, 243
 Nina Margaret, 243
Picheford, John de, 153
 Richard de, 165
 Roger de, 184
Pigott, Admiral, 241
 Lord, 241
 Sir George, 242
Pillatenale (Pillaton Hall), 186, 221, 239
 William de, 164, 185, 237
Pitt, Thomas, 86, 221
Plantaganet, Henry, 86, 90

324

History of Tettenhall,

Plantaganet, Anne, 86
Planteney, Henry, go
Plait, J, A,, 282
Poictiers, Battle of, 122, 188
Pontrel, William, 157, 158, 160
 Roger, 159
Porcel, Ralph, 92
Porte, Sir John, 129
Powell, Sir Thomas, 223
Poyning, Sir Thomas, 34
Price, Job, 283
Priest, Thomas, 263
Priestfield, 230
Prime, Walter, 221
Quayle, Thomas, 266
Quene, John, 59
Queen Phillipa, 74
Radcliffe, Thomas, 207
Radmore, 6
Rasgyll Park, 212
Ranisham Manor, 204
Ravenhill, John, M,A,, 254, 265
 Sarah, 254
Reading, 208, 237
 Almshouses, 213
Rees, Philip ap, i8g
Rennes, 175
Rent Roll, Copy of, 41
Restoration of Church, 248, 257, 260
Resumption, Acts of, 2og
Reve, William le, 118
Rewel, Jordan de, in, 112
Richard the Blacksmith, I4g
Richardes, William, ig4, ig6
Rider, William le, 159
Rideware, Mauveysn, 94
Risburgh, 75
Robardes, Hugh, igg
Sackville, Edward, 131
Sadler, Sir Ralph, 221
Salisbury, Earl of, 20, 173, 178, 219
Salop, 116, 122
Saltmoor, 298
Saltwood, 20
Salt, Rev, Edward, 241
Samburne, Mill of, 142
Sampson, Dean, 16, 65, 245, 263
Sandwell, Prior of, 72, 73
 Edmund of, 73
 Richard, 73
Schools, The, 283
Scoteney, Thomas de, 32
Scrope, Gervase, go
 Elizabeth, go
 Lady, 212
 Sir John, 238
 Margaret, 238
Segrave, Stephen de, 148, I4g
Seisdon, i, 30, 105, 121, 125, 154,
163, 224, 229

Prime, Richard, 221, 239
 Margaret, 224
Prior, Hugli,'i07
 J., 286
Priory of St. Thomas, 94, gs, 96, 121
Pritchard, Col. E., 288, 292, 2gs
Purefoy, Col., 226
Purslow, Roland, go
Pyot, Richard, 48
Pype, Robert de, 160
 Thomas de, 167
 Samuel, 217, 238
 Walter, 221
Queen Anne Boleyn, g6
 Anne's Bounty, 7g, 2g7
 Katherine, g7
Robaston, i2g
Robines, John, 165
Robie, William, 265
Rodesford Mill, 30
Rogers, Phoebe, 300
Roggesson, Thomas, ig4, ig6, ig8
Romesleye, 2g
 Thomas de, 155
Rous, Thomas le. 120, 166
Rovehede, Richard, 207
Rowley, Hugh de, gs
Rudge, 29, 86
 William, 170
Rushall Hall, 229
Russell, John, 172, 173, 188
 Charity, 29g
 Elizabeth, 299
Rush, George, 242
 Ellen, 242
Ryecroft, William de, 58
Rutland, Earl of, 35
Selveyn, John, 112
Sewer, Roger le, 151
Shaw-Hellier, Thomas, 86, 87
Shaw, C, E., 285
Shareshull, Sir William de, 123,
172—174, 180—188
 Elizabeth, 180, 186
 Robert, 188
Sheldon, John, 43, 59
 Thomas, 41
 Will, 42
Shelton, John, S9
Shepey, Great, 217, 238
Sheynton, William de, 73, 74, 263
Shifnal, 229
Shipley, 130
Shirard, William, 162
Shirelond, Almaric de, 78, 264
Shire Oaks, 150, 238
Shrewsbury, 48, 227, 23g
 Earl of, 210, 215, 238
Siddons, Richard, 41, 42

Index.

325

Simpkins, R,, 2g5, 301
Smith, W., 254, 2gs, 2g9
 Walter le, 32, 128, 298
 Richard, 41, 29g
¦  John, 216, 252, 280
 Adam, ig4, ig8, 201, 280
Smith's Charity, 2gg
Sneyd, William, 222, 23g
 Ralph, 223
Smestow Brook, 2, 3, 13, 14, 2g4
Sodington, Thomas de, 157, 160
Solihull, 125
Somerford, Robert de, 2g, 95
Somery, John de, 69, 162, 167
 Roger de, 93, 96, 162
 Margaret, 162
Somerville, Sir Philip de, 120
 Roger de, 147, 162
Southwick, Walter, 42, 43, 59
 Henry, 42, sg, 85, 250, 264, 2g7
 Richard, sg
 Thomas, 295
Sprenghose, Roger, 152, 309
St. Amand, Sir Anthony, 238
Stafford, 24, 30, 54, 64, 83, 94, in,
116, 118, 122, 184, 187,
188, 207, 209, 225
 Robert de, 12, 137, 141, 14S,
178, 234
 Ralph de, 121, 122, 175, 187,
188
 Humphrey, 127 — I2g, 133
 William, 128, 160, 162, 237
 Thomas of, 128
 Richard of, 87, 128, 188, 200
 John of, 128
 Sir John, 135
 Nicholas, 157, ig2, 200
 Edmund, 157
¦  Elizabeth, 128
 Anne, 128
 Alianora, 128
Stamford, Earl of, 231, 240
Tamworth Castle, 34
Tankerville, Earl of, 232, 240
Talbot, Thomas F,, 247
 John, 7g, 215, 238
Talgarth, Manor of, i8g, ig3
Taylor, Adam, 70
 James, 87
 John le, 171
Tettenhall Regis, 10, 15—63
 Church, 64, 244 — 260
 Clericorum, 64 — 90
 Constable's Accounts, 292
 Lands, 2g7
 College, 285
 Towers, 270
 Wood Church, 267
 Henry, Clerk of, 6g
 John de, 77
 Ralph, Canon of, 70, 263

Standish, Sir Robert de, 200, 202,
237
-Elizabeth, 237

Standiford Bridge, 2g8
Stanley, Alexander, sg
Stephen, Launcelot, 26g
Stevens, Roger, 118, 172
Stillwell, Agnes Mabel, 241
Stirchley, 114, ng
 Margaret de, 125, 126
Stockwell End, 4, 59
Stodley Manor, 143
Stoke, 142
Stokes, John, 247
 Edith, 268
Stottesdon, 17
Stourton, Lord, 238
Straubenzee, Henry Van, 242
 Rev, A. J., 266, 288
Stretton, Henry de, 67
 William de, 117
 Thomas de, 117, 184
Stubbs, Richard, S9
 Humphrey, 49
 Lucy, 49
 P. E,, 286
Sutherland, Duke of, 211, 275
SuttOD, 280
 Sir Edmund, 209, 238
 Richard de, 29
 John de, 72, 121, 209
Swane, William, 31, 57
 Richard le, 32, 58, 122
 John, 58
 Agnes, 58
Swindon, 30
Swynnerton, Roger de, 172, 187
 John de, 166, 170
 Humphrey, 210
Sydington, William de, 27g
 Joan de, 279
Sydnalle, William, 59

Tettenhall, Elias de, 67, 77
 Lines on, 5
Tettebury, Walter de, 58, 183
 William de, 58, 130, 182, 186
 John de, 123, 170, 180, 185
Tewkesbury, 2o5
Thacker, Robert, 56
Thornes, Richard, 215, 238
Thorpe, Constantine, 240
Throckmorton, John, 127, 206
Thorneycroft, Lieut, -Col. T., 4, 30,
270
 Pedigree, 279 — 282
 G, B., 271, 281
 Charity, 274, 297, 300
 Hall, 271
Tilbury Camp, 7
Time, William de, 141
Tipton, 220, 272

326

History of Tettenhall.

Tomkys, Francis, 297
Tothill Fields, 8
Toure, Anthony, 207
Townesend, Stephen atte, 165, 173
 William, 172
Tramway, 3
Traunter, John, 88, 135
Trescott, 2, 10, 14, 30, 83, 90, 105,
117, 119, 129, 133, 296
 Richard de, 31, 57
 Nicholas de, 51
 Ralph de, ng
 Roger de, 81
 Michael de, 107, 109, 132
 Hugh de, 119
 Julia de, 133
 Grange, 134
Tringham, Rev, Thomas, 241
Ulstan, 91
Ulverscroft Priory, 33
Valence, Alymer de, 165
Valois, Philip de, 171, 178
Vannes, 175
Verdun, Henri de, 2g
 Theobald de, 33, 160
 Bertram, 141
 Guy de, 141
Wakefield, Battle of, 35
Wale, Sir Thomas, I7g
Wall, 3
Walsall, 134, 136, 236, 290
Walshe, Sir Thomas, 203
Ward family, 250, 256
Ware, Robert le, 25, 68, 263
Warren, John de, 166
 Fulk Fitz, 162
 William, rog
Walker, Rev, Thomas, 56
 Thomas, 2g5
 G, W., 287
Warwick, 92, 139, 239
 Earl of, 35, 127, 178, 193. 205
Waterfall, 147, 162, 170, 220, 236
 Robert de, 159, 160
 Hawyse de, 147, 159
Wattlesborough, 217, 239
Watling Street, 6
Watson, Owen, 129
Wednesfield, g
Wengham, Henry de, 25, 67
 Ralph de, 68, 263
Wenlock, in, 269
¦Wergs, 2, 10, II, 14, 52, 56, 59, 208
 Mill, 19s
Westbromwich, 167
Weston, Hugh de, 29, 158
 John de, 162
 Richard, 233
Westminster, 203
 Abbot of, IOI, 104, 122, 135

Tringham, Anne, 241
Trussell, William, 162, 173
Trysull, 30, 82, 286, 298
 Manor, 125, 134, 220, 229
 William de, 121, 132
 Ermyntrude, 121
 Thomas de, 115, 121
 John de, 2g, 113
Tryt, Thomas le, 171
Tuncks, Fraunce, 2g7
Turnpenny, Thomas, 4g
Tutbury, 118, 208
Twemlowe, Thomas de, 201
Twt-hill, 8
Tyndede Meer Ok, 157
Tythe Barn, 84
Tyrer, Christopher, 265

Unfrieston, William de, 153
Uxacona, 7
Verdun, Roland de, 141
 Richard de, 155
 Simon de, 15s, 232, 236
 William de, 236
 Arms, I7g
Volunteers, 286

Wheen, F. T., 282
Whetehyll, Richard, 207, 217, 238
White, Charles, 48
 Sir John, 238
Whitehouse, John, 41
 Jeremiah, 49
Whiteladies, 8g, 236
Whitelaw, Jane, 282
Whitmere, Philip de, 180, 183, 187
 Agnes de, 186, 188
Wicklakesford, Robert de, 107, 144
Wigan, Rev. S,, 267
Wightwick, 2, 10, 13, 15, 25, 27, 83,
172, 208, 220, 22g, 2g8
 Manor House, 4, 45
 Mill, 7, 42
 Pedigree, 46 — 49
 Charity, 266, 298
 Adam, 55
 George, 45, 47
 John, 45, 47, 58, 124
 Humphrey, 47
 Samuel, 45, 48
 Osbert de, 26, 31, 46
 Oliver, 31, 6g, 263
 William, 46, sg, 6g
 Laurence, 46, 57
 Walter, 26, 31, 47, 57
 Thomas Devey, 4g
 Stubbs, 49
 Elizabeth, 48
 Dorothea, 49
 Lucy, 49

Index.

327

Wilkes, Dr., g, 240
 Thomas, 41, 58
 Richard, 88
Willenhall, 213, 240, 274
Willet, Thomas, 48
 Martha, 48
Willey, Nicholas de, 149
Williams, Sir Henry, 48
Wilts, Earl of, 209
Winchester, 160, 206
Windsor, 179
Winter, W. H, T,, 295
Witheley, 142
Wode, Roger atte, 32
Wodenham, Robert de, 107
 William de, 115
Woodford, 216, 220, 238
 Grange, 230
Woodhall, 240
Woodhouse, 279
 Rev, G. W., 265
Wollaston family, 124
 Charity, 296
 Sir William, 134
Wollmere, Richard, 177
Wolrich, Sir Thomas, 231, 240
 Sir Francis, 23g
Wolseley, Ralph, 2og
Wolstanton, 18
Wolverhampton, 2, 18, 22, 30, 48,
50, 64, 76, 8g, 220, 22g,
273, 2g2
 Dean of, 76, 208, 215, 218,
263, 273, 281
Wombourn, 4, 30, 56, 217, 220, 224,
22g, 286
Worcester, 113, 122, igi, 237
 Bishop of, 144, 245
Worfield, 217, 238
Wotton, 32
Wrateler, Richard, sg
Wrottesley, 7, 10, 13, 27, 41, 67, 80,
84, g2, 104, 109, 118
 Hall, 233
 Manor, 137 — 243
 Monuments, 258
 Pedigree, 236—243
 Family, 232
 Deeds, 234, 302
 Simon de, 142
Yates, Elizabeth, 235
Yate, William, 29, 171

Wrottesley, Adam de, 145
 William de, I., 146 — 148
 Hugh de, 24, 32, 150, 15s, 236
 William de, II., 2g, 53, g6,
no, ng, 155, 164, 237
 William de. III., 161 — 164
 Hugh de, K.G., 123, 168—201
 John de, 201 — 202
 Hugh de, 202—204
 Sir Walter, 204— 2og
 Richard, 2og— 212
 Walter, 27, 212 — 215
 John, 27, 215 — 217
 Sir Hugh, 217, 23g
 Walter, 217, 223, 264
 Sir Walter (ist Bart.) 223—231
 Sir Walter (2nd Bart,) 231 — 240
 Sir Walter (3rd Bart.) 231
,  Sir John (4th Bart.) 231
 Sir Hugh (sth Bart.) 240
 Sir Walter (6th Bart.) 240
 Rev, Sir Richard (7th Bart,)
231, 240
 Sir John (Sth Bart,) 46, 232,
240
 Sir John (ist Baron) 232, 241
 John (2nd Baron) 232, 242
 Arthur (3rd Baron) 232, 284,
296, 298, 301
 Rev, Charles, 265
 Rev, Edward Jolin, 252, 266
 Hon. Charles, 232, 286
 Hon, George, 232
 Lady Frances, 2gg
 Henrietta, 2g8
-Mary, 2g7

Wroxhall, I3g, 211
Wroxeter, 6, I3g
Wyate, John, 41
.  Richard, 88
Wybaldeston, Robert de, g6
Wydonis, William, 133
Wylders, Robert de, 73
Wyldy, Richard, 115
Wymer, William, g2
Wynde, John atte, 122
Windsor, 7g
Wynton, Peter de, 6g, 262
 Robert de, 6g, 262
Wyston, Robert de, g2
Yates, Sergt., 288
York, E, A,, 2g6

Zatton, Roger, 154

Zouch, Lord de la, 212

PRESS OF
JOHN STEEN AND CO.,
QUEEN SQUARE,
WOLVERHAMPTON.

08854 1884

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