Parishes (West Ward): St Laurence, Morland

THE PARISH OF ST. LAURENCE, MORLAND

Including the Manors and Townships of Great and Little Strickland, Thrimby, Newby, Sleagill, King's Meaburn, Bolton and Bewley.

ANTIQUITIES.

Within this parish we have Tumuli on Windrigg Hill; and earthworks south of Thrimby Grange.

THE MANOR.

The manor of Morland was never held of the Veteriponts or the Cliffords, it belonged to the barons of Kendale. Sometime between the years 1092 and 1125 Ketel son of Eltred confirmed Ivo de Tailbois' grant to St. Mary's abbey at York and to the monks serving God there, of the church of Morland with all pertaining thereto, together with the church of Workington in pure and perpetual alms free and exempt from all land service and lay taxation.

William de Lancaster 1, the grandson of Ketel's brother Gilbert, between the years 1160 and 1170, granted to Alexander de Windesore as a marriage portion with his daughter Agnes, all that he had in Morland, Grayrigg and Heversham. In 1283 a William de Windesore held these three manors of William de Lindesey for 15s. 10d. yearly service. Cal. Inquis. ii, 270. The same were held of William de Coucy by cornage, wardship and relief, and on the day of de Coucy's death they were in his custody by reason of the minority of William de Windesore who held the same when he became of full age in 1351. In 1362 this de Windesore obtained the grant of a weekly market and yearly fair at his manor of Morland. Cal. Chart. Rolls., V, 170. In 1375 the three manors were held by William de Windesore, knt., of Joan late the wife of John de Coupland by homage and fealty and the service of 13s. 4d. yearly. Cal. Inq. p.m., 49 Edward III, n. 29. In 1411, William de Windesore, chivaler, held the same of Philippa late the wife of Robert de Vere, late Duke of Ireland, as of her manor of Kirkeby in Kendale, by homage and fealty and the service of 13s. 4d. yearly. They are worth yearly £40. Cal. Inq. p.m., 13 Henry IV, n. 44.

THE CHURCH.

As we have seen Ketel son of Elftred confirmed de Tailbois' grant of this church to St. Mary's of York, but when Hugh, bishop of Carlisle confirmed it, on 20 October, 1220, he stipulated that the church was for the use of the Monks of Wetherhal and for the support of the poor and of strangers. The vicars were to receive 100s. for their maintenance.

In the "Antique Taxatio Ecclesiastica" of Pope Nicholas IV, made in the year 1291, the church is valued at the high figure of £80 and the vicarage at £26. 13. 4., but by the "Novo Taxatio" of Pope Clement v, made in 1318 the value is reduced to £13. 6. 8. and £4. respectively. See p. 22. The next "Valor Ecclesiasticus" made by order of Parliament, 26 Henry VIII, 1535, gives the following:—

During the Commonwealth Mr. Peires Burton, minister of Morland, on 30th January, 1655–6, appeared before "the Commissioners for ejecting scandalous, ignorant and insufficent ministers, "and produced a presentation of his highness the Lord Protector under the Great Seal of England, dated 24 July, 1654, together with an Instrument of Approbation from the Committee for Public Preachers, dated 13 November, 1654.

The Commonwealth Survey of 1657 gives the following:—

That the right of presentation to the church of Morland was heretofore in the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle and now is in his highness the Lord Protector. That the tithe corn and hay of Morland Town is in the possession of Richard Kirkbride and Edward Adminson, esquires, by lease from the late Dean and Chapter and is worth £20 by the year, out of which there is during the continuance of the said lease the yearly rent of £6. 6. 8. paid to the Trustees for Maintenance of Ministers. That the tithe corn and hay of Newby is in the possession of the said Edward Adminson by virtue of a lease from the said Dean and Chapter and is worth by year £20 and of which there is yearly paid during the continuance of the lease the sum of £5. 6. 8. to the Trustees. That the tithe corn of Thrimby and Sleagill is in the possession of Peter Mowson of Penrith a merchant by virtue of a lease from the said Dean and Chapter and is worth by the year . . . pounds and Sleagill £14 out of which there is paid during the continuance of the lease . . . to the said Trustees. That the tithe corn and hay of Little Strickland is in the possession of Christopher Crackanthorpe by lease from the said Dean and Chapter and is worth by the year £10 out of which there is paid during the said lease to the said Trustees the sum of £2. 13. 4. and a third part of the hay to the Minister of Kirkland worth 6s. 8d. by the year. That the tithe corn of Great Strickland is in the possession of Alan Bellingham by lease from the said Dean and Chapter and is worth by the year £18 out of which there is yearly paid to the said Trustees £14 during the continuance of the lease. That the tithe corn and hay of King's Meaburn are in the possession of William Dawes by virtue of a lease from the said Dean and Chapter and are worth by the year £20 out of which there is yearly paid to the said Trustees £8. 5. 4. during the continuance of the lease. That the tithe corn of Bolton is in the possession of William Dawes by lease from the said Dean and Chapter for two lives yet in being that is life of the said William Dawes and Mrs. Theodosia Sisson and are worth by the year £35 out of which there is £8 paid to the said Trustees during the continuance of the lease.

That Mr. Pearce Burton is present incumbent of the vicarage and hath for his maintenance tithes wool, lamb and other small tithes with the tithe of hay of Sleagill worth in all yearly about £30 and that the Glebe land is worth by the year £5. 15. 4. also in the incumbent's hands.

Bishop Nicolson in his Visitation of 20 August, 1703 records that "the south aisle heretofore belonging to Thrimby Grange is deserted by the lord Lonsdale as useless to him, and therefore the parish who have now charged themselves with its repair, have turned it into a school. The church was restored in 1896 at a cost of some £2000.

A list of the Incumbents whose names have been met with during the present research.

BEWLEY CASTLE CHAPEL.

Fithnenin was granted by Uchtred de Botelton with the consent of Adam his heir to the church of Carlisle about the year 1170. Hugh, abbot of Bellus Locus Regis in the New Forest became bishop of Carlisle in 1218 and, doubtless brought the name of Bellus Locus to his residence here. Bishop Silvester de Everdon made his residence here in 1250 and executed two deeds "datum apud Bellum locum in Westmeria die jovis proximo ante festum sancti Georgii, anno domini millesimo CC° quinquagesimo."

Upon the site of this early residence the present building was erected about the year 1325. In 1402 Bishop Strickland restored the building including the Chapel and solar. After the Civil War the manor was sold by the Parliamentary Commissioners but it was repossessed at the Restoration. Between the years 1853 and 1857 it was sold again by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

ALL SAINTS, BOLTON.

On the north side of the fabric built into the wall over a window are two sculptured stones which appear to date back to the time of Henry 11, 1154–1189. In 1326 there was an inquisition held at Appleby as to who ought to furnish the Chantry in the chapel of Bolton. Prescott, Register of Wetheral, pp. 406–8.

The Commonwealth Survey of 1649 gives the chapel as belonging to the vicarage of Morland "with one house for the curate abutting upon the churchyard." The Survey of 1657 says "that there is a parochial chapel at Bolton two miles south-east distant from the parish church of Morland which hath no maintenance belonging to it only the vicar of Morland is to find a Reader there and hath usually paid him yearly £7 out of his tithes and glebe lands."

Nathaniel Beck was curate in 1663; Christopher Knight in 1687; John Breeks in 1694; James Hanson died in 1721; Daniel Hudson was here in 1728, and Edward Jackson in 1829.

The chapel underwent considerable repair in 1848 during the long incumbency of the Rev. William Shepherd who was curate from 1834 to 1880. For the ancient sundial at the south-west corner, and the tympanum and the Norman carved stones on the north side, see Calverley, Early Sculptured Crosses, pp. 56–58.

ST. MARY, THRIMBY.

The Commonwealth Survey of 1657 says, "that there is a Chapel called Thrimby Chapel two miles and a half distant from the parish church of Morland which hath no maintenance belonging to it."

The ancient chapel which had lain waste for a considerable period was restored in 1681 by Thomas Fletcher who also, by deed dated 2 February, 1684, granted to certain feoffees a rent charge of £10 to be paid out of High and Low Sandriggs and Bryam tenement, which is now a part of High Hall farm, for its support and for an English and Grammar school to be taught in the chapel.

In the porch of the chapel is fixed a large slab bearing the following inscription:—

EXPRIMIT . UNDE . DEI . LAUDES . LOCUS . HICCE . BEATUS?
QUIS . DEDIT . HUIC . FORMAM, QUI . MODO . PULVIS . ERAT?
ARMIGER . EFFECIT . FLETCHAR . STRICKLANDICUS . OLIM,
PRAESIDIUM . PATRIAE, LEGIBUS . ALTUS . HONOS
QUI . FUIT, OBIIT : FATIS . CONCEDIMUS . OMNES;
FATA . AT . NULLA . PREMANT . HOC . PIETATIS . OPUS
T.D. L.D. 1695 L.S. (Lancelot Sisson).

The Rev. Joseph Whiteside gave the following as a plain translation:—

"How comes this House of Prayer to declare the praise of God? Who has restored the dilapidated fabric? It was the work of Fletcher esquire, recently of Strickland, A bulwark of his fatherland, an ornament of the law who Alas is dead: We all submit to the fates But may no fate efface his labour of love."

In 1739 the value of the living was still £10 a year but it was augmented by Queen Anne's Bounty in 1741.

On 8 October, 1741, we find, "William Fleming, a literate person was admitted and licenced to read Prayers and Homilies in the chapel of Thrimby in the Parish of Morland in the diocese of Carlisle by the feoffees of the said chapelry, he the said William Fleming having first subscribed all and singular the Articles and taken all and every the oaths by Law in this behalf required before the Lord Bishop of Carlisle in the presence of me Jos. Nicolson Not. Pub. Register."

The Rev. John Webster, curate and schoolmaster, was appointed by the vicar of Morland about the year 1805; but as the chapel was at that time in a dilapidated state and as the expense of repairing it was payable out of the rent-charge of £10, the bishop refused to grant him a licence until the chapel was put in repair. Mr. Webster, however, continued to officiate without fee until 1812 when the following agreement was made.

The site of the old chapel and chapel yard was surrounded by a farm which had been purchased by the earl of Lonsdale, so that it became very desirable to the earl to purchase this site also; he therefore agreed with the inhabitants to give in exchange a parcel of land in Little Strickland and greatly assisted to build a new chapel and school thereon, and at his instance the chapel was consecrated and Mr. Webster licenced.

The chapel paid church rates to the mother church of Morland until 1870 when Great and Little Strickland were constituted a separate parish.

Lancelot Sisson was curate in 1696, William Smith in 1730, William Fleming in 1741, Richard Powley in 1749, John Webster in 1805, John Atkinson Whitehead in 1846, and Stephen Whiteside from 1859 to 1863.

ST. MARY IN LE WYTH.

In 1405 John de Stutton, prior of Wetherhal, appointed Roger Peroy to the chapel of the Blessed Mary in le Wyth in our parish of Morland, reserving the oblations in the same to the priory.

In 1424 a difference arose between the prior and John Richemont, vicar of Morland, concerning these oblations and the right to half an acre of land upon "Litel Aynesbergh" and abutting upon" Commune Banc"; the dispute was referred to the abbot of St. Mary of York who gave his Award in favour of the Priory.

Dr. Prescott says, "Le Wyth is not now known, but there is a place still called Chapel Garth [at Kempley] between Morland and King's Meaburn, close to the river Lyvennet."

SCHOOLS.

Morland School.

The Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in the four northern counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland and Durham directed on 31 March, 1653, that "Whereas there is exceeding great need of a school at Morland in the county of Westmorland it is ordered that the tithes of Scattergate and Burrels of the yearly value of £20, late of the Dean and Chapter's lands be granted to and for the maintenance of a school master at Morland and being satisfied of the ability and due qualification of Thomas Todd for that employment, we do hereby constitute and appoint the said Mr. Todd master of the said school." Certain feoffees were appointed to take care thereof. Todd was succeeded by John Pears, school master and parish clerk who died on 18 January, 1664–5.

In 1699 John Thompson was the schoolmaster and the school was held still in the south transept of the church. On a stone, formerly forming the lintel of a doorway near the south east corner of the transept, was sculptured "Ludus Grammaticus Johannus Thompsonis—anno 1699." He appears to have gone from here to Barton School for on his tombstone a Latin inscription reads "Here are deposited the remains of John Thompson, late schoolmaster of Barton in this county. A man of the most exemplary piety, probity and sobriety. A great admirer of and well versed in the politer sort of literature. In life he lived esteemed by all, and died universally regretted on the 17th of July, and in the year of our Lord, 1736."

Bishop Nicolson in his Visitation of 20 August, 1703, records that "the South aisle heretofore belonging to Thrimby Grange is deserted by the lord Lonsdale as useless to him, and therefore the parish who have now charged themselves with its repair, have turned it into a school."

About the year 1780 the inhabitants by their subscriptions and labour built a proper school house. The endowment arises from an agreement, dated 23 November, 1801, between the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle, as lords of the manor, and the Vicar and tenants. Whereas the tenants and owners of certain customary estates in Morland, and of four tenements in Bolton, claimed the right of cutting wood in the woodlands of the Dean and Chapter for the repair of their houses, buildings and the footbridges over their becks, and that the said tenants had agreed to relinquish such claim, the Dean and Chapter in consideration thereof agreed to give to the vicar of Morland and the said tenants and owners in trust 34 acres of land within the manor. Two acres thereof, on the north of the vicar's allotment for the repairing of the chancel. And five parts out of six of the rents of the remaining 32 acres in trust for the maintenance of the schoolmaster of the school at Morland, lately built there, on condition that the customary tenants and inhabitants would contribute £8 yearly to the said schoolmaster. And one-sixth part to be employed for the repair of foot-bridges and gates across the roads in the said manor, in keeping the school-house in repair and in cultivating and improving the said 32 acres.

Bolton School.

The school-house was built by subscription and the school endowed with £50 by the will of James Hanson dated 1 July, 1721, for teaching four or more of the poorest children of the inhabitants. His widow, Elizabeth, also gave £10. By deed dated 4 December, 1762, Joseph Railton gave £40; and William Bowness at the same time gave £50 for teaching the poorest children and for employing a singing master every seventh year to teach the inhabitants to sing psalms in chapel. In 1765 Dr. Michael Richardson gave £50; in 1782 Nicholas Dent gave £50, it being a legacy left by his uncle Dr. Michael Richardson; and in 1802 John Fallowfield gave £21 the yearly interest of which was for the education of two of the poorest children.

A new building was erected in 1856 by the munificence of Richard Tinkler which contains besides the school room a library and reading room for the use of the township.

Little Strickland and Thrimby School.

As has been said already on 2 February, 1684, Thomas Fletcher settled in the hands of Trustees a rent charge of £10 a year for the maintenance of a well qualified curate and school master to perform divine service in Thrimby Chapel and teach English and grammar there. The person elected was to be an unmarried man. Until about the year 1834 the two offices of curate and schoolmaster appear to have been held by one person, but at that time the then curate and master being desirous of deputing his duties at the school to an assistant to be appointed by himself, a meeting of the inhabitants was held at which it was resolved that the two offices should be held by distinct persons, each of whom should receive £5 a year from the endowment.

It is now a public elementary school.

Great Strickland School.

This school was founded in 1790 and the school house was rebuilt in 1848 at a cost wholly defrayed by Sarah Plumer.

Indenture made 20 February, 1851, between Sarah Plumer, wife of the Rev. Charles John Plumer of Elstree, Herts., of the one part; and the aforesaid Charles John Plumer; Rev. William Rice Markham, vicar of Morland; the Rev. William Holme Milner, vicar of Penrith; Henry Richard Hugh Plumer of Great Strickland, esquire; William Kilner of Fieldstead near Great Strickland, yeoman; the Rev. William Jackson, D.D., Chancellor of Carlisle; and the Rev. John Atkinson Whitehead of Little Strickland, of the other part. Whereas by a deed poll of even date under seal of the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle, all that piece of ground in Great Strickland bounded by the road from Great Strickland to Penrith on the east, by an occupation road on the south-west and by Miss Taylor's land on the north-west, together with the school house and master's house erected thereon at the cost of the said Sarah Plumer was conveyed to the Trustees mentioned in the second part as a school for poor persons in the township of Great Strickland and neighbourhood and residence for the master or mistress thereof, and messuage with smith's shop and garth, and closes called Linelands and parcel of Sacklands, Potlands Field, Starnfoot Hill, Sowfield High, Scarrfoot Close and land called Whoe, Beebounds in New Close and two cattlegates in Little Strickland pasture formerly belonging to the earl of Lonsdale and made free by him to Thomas Thompson, and a Close called Sowfield and a dale in Back of Hill, and Great Flatt Close; now the said Sarah Plumer conveys the same to the said Trustees for the use aforesaid, they to execute all necessary repairs, provide necessary books and furniture and provide a salary for the teacher, such school master or mistress to be a member of the Church of England and competent to teach, etc. Close Roll 14161, pt. 30, n. 7.

King's Meaburn School.

This is a public Elementary School, built in 1831 and enlarged in 1907. It is endowed with £8 yearly arising from a sum of £200 invested by seven trustees.

Sleagill School.

The school-house was built in 1858.

HALLS.

Newby Hall.

Early in the 16th century Richard Nevinson of Kemplees rented from George Vernon a messuage at Newby-in-the-Stones, together with Newby Wood and a parcel of ground called Forty-penny farmhold. John Nevinson rebuilt this Hall and raised his and his wife Elizabeth's initials and date 1685 on several door lintels. The last of the Nevinson family died in 1772, since when the Hall has passed to the Lowther estate. At the end of the courtyard near the west gate is the site of the old Tithe Barn.

Little Strickland Hall.

This Hall was erected about the year 1580 by John Crackanthorpe, the second son of Christopher who rebuilt Newbiggin Hall. After four generations Richard Crackanthorpe sold the property to John Pattinson of Thrimby, from whom it passed to the Lowther estate. The Hall is specially noticeable for its ribbed plaster ceiling in the Lord's Parlour, dated 1585, and for the oak panelling in this room and the room above.

Morland Old Hall.

A portion of this 16th century building is still standing near the mill but it is now occupied as a farm house.

BRIDGES.

Bolton Bridge, over the Eden.

On 29 August, 1807, Quarter Sessions ordered that the High Constable of the West Ward be appointed to superintend the erection by public subscription of a new bridge over the river Eden near the village of Bolton, in a substantial and commodious manner for the passage of horses, carts and carriages. On 9 January, 1809, it was certified as being substantially built and commodious for the use of the public. Yet on 10 January, 1815, whereas Bolton Bridge is so much in decay as to render the taking down of the same expedient, it is ordered that it be rebuilt either on the old site or on any other more convenient to the public but contiguous to or within 200 yards of the present site. On 11 February advertisements were issued for proposals for building a good and substantial Stone Bridge of a width of 21 feet within the parapets; and also for erecting two stone abutments whereon to place an iron bridge of the same width in case a stone bridge should not be adopted. On 2 March Messrs. Gowling offered to build a stone bridge for £2500 exclusive of the materials of the old bridge or £2400 including such materials. They likewise tendered £1800 for building the stone abutments whereon to place an iron bridge. On 3 June a plan drawn by Mr. Smirke of an iron chain bridge was approved and adopted, so that it looks as if one of the following estimates for building stone abutments was also adopted:—Messrs. Gowling's revised estimate of £1000, or Messrs. Douglas of £856 or Messrs. Johnston of £600. It was thirty yards in length and originally only supported by these stone abutments at either end, but the iron work having sagged some two months after its completion, two massive pillars were raised under to support the structure. Then came the great flood of 2 February, 1822, which appears to have washed these supports away.

On 20 November, 1868, the Bridge Master reported that this bridge had been twice re-timbered [in the planking] within the last forty years, that the timber is again rotten and that it would be inadvisable to re-use any of it in the necessary repair. On the following day it was resolved that the Committee appointed be instructed to make enquiry into the expediency of repairing Bolton Bridge, and should it be decided in the negative that they should then obtain an estimate as to the comparative costs of an iron and a stone bridge as a substitute for the present one. On 1 July, 1869, it was decided to advertise for tenders for the construction of a stone bridge of one arch and on 20 October the tender of Mr. Little of Penrith for the sum of £1570 was accepted. Thus ended the life of this poor bridge, which showed that a great artist was not necessarily a great engineer.

Chapel Bridge crosses the Lyvennett on the road between Morland and King's Meaburn.

On 26 April, 1731, Quarter Sessions ordered that 2d. in the pound be forthwith levied in the East Ward as well upon tenant right as demesne lands for the rebuilding of a certain public bridge called The Chapel Bridge in the parish of Morland. The like order to the Surveyor of Bridges in the West Ward. On 12 July, 1743, it was presented as wanting reparation at the expense of the county. On 2 July, 1841, it was ordered that a committee view Chapel Bridge at Morland to ascertain whether it be a foot bridge or horse bridge and also estimate what sum would put it in repair; it was reported on 23 October to be a wooden structure wide enough only for a bridle road. In January, 1869 it was resolved that the bridge should be repaired with cresoted wood.

Force Bridge.

On 16 July, 1717, it was reported that this bridge was about 35 years previously rebuilt a stone bridge at the charge of the County of Westmorland; that it is now fallen into decay and wants reparation, it being a constant Church-way and a market-way when the river is not fordable; whereupon the Court ordered it to stand indicted as a public bridge in decay.

Great Strickland Mill Bridge, over the river Leith.

On 13 September, 1889, it was reported as consisting of one arch of 25 feet span and a rise of 8 feet 7 inches from the water line to the underside of the arch. The width between the parapets is 16 feet and it is a very substantial and well built structure; but the turn on it from the east is almost a right angle whilst on the west it is necessary to have a gate as the north side of the road for a distance of 160 yards is not walled in. The bridge is not of any great utility to the public so that there seems to be no good reason why it should be taken over by the County.

On 15 May, 1902, a second application was made to the County Council to have the bridge taken over, together with 300 feet of approach on the Gt. Strickland side and 63 feet of the Hag Road which led to the main road between Penrith and Shap. The County considered that as it was a District Council road repairable by the whole district there would seem to be no reason for the County at large to take it over. Yet on 20 November, 1903, it was resolved to make it repairable by the County, with its approaches so far as the wing walls extend, a distance of 42 yards, on condition that the two gates upon the road be removed and the land on each side be fenced off. However, the District Council refused to accept the terms.

Mill Bridge in the footway leading from King's Meaburn to Newby Stones.

On 16 July, 1745, this bridge was presented as being very ruinous and in decay, and that the inhabitants of King's Meaburn have from time immemorial repaired the said bridge and still ought to repair the same.

Morland Bridge.

In July, 1878, this bridge was reported to consist of a single arch and that it was only 9 feet wide; that it can be widened easily to 13 feet on the low side as the foundation is rock, at a cost of £144. 14. 6. Captain Markham offered the land on condition that the new portion should be built of stone.

Ousenstands Bridge.

On 13 February, 1819, the Newspapers say that, "A new bridge is about to be built by subscription, over the River Eden, at Oxen Stand, between Morland and Temple Sowerby." On 30 June, 1881, this bridge was taken over by the County. On 14 May, 1902, a tender of £155 was accepted for the rebuilding of the north parapet.

Sandwath.

The Roman Road from Sleagill followed the line of the present highway with only a few yards deviation to Sandwath Bridge at Newby Beck.

Thrimby or Bessie Ghyll Bridge.

On 6 October, 1760, Quarter Sessions ordered the High Constable of the West Ward to contract for the rebuilding of this bridge in stone, it being one of the public bridges belonging to the County.

Walk Mill Bridge, over the Lyvennet.

On 13 July, 1812, Quarter Sessions ordered that the High Constable of the West Ward be appointed to superintend the building of a bridge over the Lyvennet at Walk Mill on the highway towards the village of Morland. On 9 January, 1815, it was certified as being substantially built and in a commodious manner for the use of the public. In 1825 it appears on the list of public county bridges.

Waterfalls Bridge.

This bridge appears upon the list of public bridges made on 28 April, 1679. On 8 December, 1757, Quarter Sessions ordered the High Constables to contract for the repair of the bridge. On 10 April, 1835, it was ordered that Robert Bird should be paid £10. 8. 0. for timber for "Water Faws Bridge" and in April, 1836 a contract was let for rebuilding the bridge at a cost of £440.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Sometime between the years 1231 and 1236 Sir Walter de Stirkeland received permission from the abbot of St. Mary's at York, to have a chantry for the private use of his family in the chapel attached to his house at Stirkeland. As in all similar grants the rights and revenues of the mother church of Morland were retained; the chaplain was to be subservient to the vicar and Sir Walter undertook that he and his entire household would attend the parish church on the four chief Feast Days of the year.

1256

The jurors present that Elyas Hamon of Sleagill and Alexander son of James of the same place were playing together with a ball in the vill of Newby when the aforesaid Elyas, a boy of eleven years of age, wishing to strike the ball struck the aforesaid Alexander, a certain other boy of nine years of age, with his staff on the head by mischance and against the will of the said Elyas. So that immediately after Alexander died and Elyas fled. And because he is under age and struck Alexander unknowingly and unintentionally therefore there is no outlawry and it is reserved by the Court for consideration if he may return. Assize Roll, 1256, m. 12d., 40 Henry III.

1256

Another incident which came before the same Assize was that Aylmer le Escot and Alexander de Newby had a fight in the vill of Morland. Aylmer struck Alexander with a hatchet on the head by which he was killed. Aylmer was arrested by the inhabitants and kept in ward. However he escaped and made for Morland Church where he owned the deed, abjured the realm and was outlawed. On passing along the high road, by which he was to leave the realm, he was attacked by two assailants and wounded with three arrows so that he made for Cliburn churchyard from which they forced him out and decapitated him.

c. 1277

John Gudeberd of Brougham and Margery his wife granted to Richard de Preston, son of Sir Richard de Preston, and Amabil his wife, and the heirs of Richard, a messuage lying between Latuneland and Richard's land in Great Strickland. Also Roger de Barton granted to the same Richard and Amabil a messuage and various lands in the same vill. They further purchased land in Great Strickland from Adam le Hunter, clerk, and Joan his wife. Again Henry de Lynacre of Great Strickland and Christiana his daughter granted a messuage and lands in Great Strickland to the same Richard and Amabil. Deed at Sizergh.

1302

A writ was issued against Nicholas de Cliburn, clerk, to answer Robert de Lowther for taking and imprisoning him by force and arms at Morland.

1313 4 January.

Institution on the king's presentation in right of the abbacy of St. Mary's at York, of John de Warwick with a reservation of a pension to the Prior.

1342

Richard de Hanyngton, vicar of Morland, while on the road to Penrith lost his "journal" which he was carrying for the purpose of saying the canonical hours. The hours of prayer fixed by the canonical rules were Matins, including Venite and Te Deum, after midnight; Lauds, including Benedicite omnia opera and Benedictus Dominus, at sunrise; Prime, including on Sunday the creed of St. Athanasius, at 6 o'clock; Terce, the third hour, at 9 o'clock; Sext, the sixth hour, at noon; None, the ninth hour, at 3 o'clock; Vespers, including the Magnificat, at sunset; and Compline, including the Nunc Dimittis, at 9 o'clock. In practice these exact hours were not strictly adhered to.

1362

Richard de Hanyngton, vicar of Morland, made his will on Tuesday, 23 August, 1362. John Murrays succeeded him on the presentation of the abbot and convent of St. Mary at York. Test. Karl., 66.

1377 Michaelmas.

John del Pray [Brae or Bray] vicar of the church of Morland, by Adam Crosseby his attorney, appeared against Thomas Clerk of Morland in a plea wherefore with force and arms the corn and grass of the said John at Morland worth £10 with certain beasts was depastured, trodden down and consumed. Defendant did not come. Case adjourned until the octave of S. Hilary. De Banco Rolls, 468, m. 151d.; 470, m. 54d.

1377–8 Hilary.

Thomas de Appelby by Adam Crosseby his attorney, appeared against John de la Pray, vicar of the church of Morland, Robert Overdo and Thomas Olifant in a plea that they render unto him 40 marks which they owe. Defendants did not come. Case adjourned until Easter. De Banco Rolls, 469, m. 307d.; 470, m. 225d.; 472, m. 551d.

1378 Trinity.

John de Derwentwater, knt., against John Walker of Meaburn in a plea wherefore with force and arms the corn and herbage belonging to the said John de Derwentwater at Bolton worth 5 marks, with certain beasts he depastured, trod down and consumed. De Banco Rolls, 471, m. 12d.; 472, m. 41.

1378 Michaelmas.

Agnes de Louthre of Great Strickeland, by William de Soulby her attorney, against Robert Dey in a plea wherefore with force and arms a certain mare belonging to the said Agnes worth 20s. was taken away from Great Strickland with other goods worth 40s. De Banco Roll, 472, m. 366d.

1378 Michaelmas.

John Bateson by Adam Crosseby his attorney appeared against William Sandreson of Thrymeby in a plea that he render unto him his cattle worth £20 which he unjustly detains. De Banco Rolls, 472, m. 435d.; 473, m. 201d.; 476, m. 611d.

1379 Trinity.

Juliana who was the wife of Richard Vernon, knt., by Adam Crosseby her attorney, against John de Hothum, knt., and Walter Pedwardyn, knt., for the third part of the manor of Newby with appurtenances, and ten . . . And the said John and Walter, by William de Garton their attorney, come and seek a hearing thereof, and the day given is St. Michael's Day. De Banco Roll, 475, m. 308. John and Walter were the heirs of Margaret one of the sisters of Thomas de Thweng and therefore coheirs of the Lumley Fee of which Newby formed a portion. See Records of Kendale, i, 324 and iii, 214.

1379 Michaelmas.

John de Derwentwater, knt., against John Walker of the Moor, John Torner, William Uttyng and Richard his son, in a plea wherefore with force and arms Robert Hirde, servant of the said John de Derwentwater, being lately at Bolton was taken and carried away, so that for a great time the said John lost the service of his servant and claims damages at £10. De Banco Rolls, 476, m. 12d.; 477, m. 21d.; 478, m. 12d.

1415

Morland paid a fifteenth as a subsidy to the king amounting to 40s.; Neweby, 50s.; Stirkland magna, 33s. 4d.; Stirkland parva, 20s. 2d.; Thirneby, 10s.; Slegill, 30s.; King's Meaburn, 15s.; and Bolton, 60s. 4d.; a total of £12. 18s. 10d. Excheq. Q. R. Miscell. Books, vol. 7.

1571

Final Concord at Westminster, on the Octave of St. Michael, 13 Elizabeth. Between Alan Bellingham, esquire, plaintiff, and Sir Simon Musgrave, knt., and Juliana his wife and Christopher Musgrave son and heir apparent of the said Sir Simon, deforciants, of the manors of Strickland, Great Strickland and Melkenthorpe, and 30 messuages, 20 cottages, 20 tofts, 1 watermill, 1 dovehouse, 30 gardens, 30 orchards, 300 acres of land, 100 acres of meadow, 400 acres of pasture, 200 acres of wood, 200 acres of heath and gorse, 300 acres of moor, 200 acres of turbary, and 2s. rent, with the appurtenances. Sir Simon, Julian and Christopher acknowledged the manors etc. to be the right of Alan. For this release Alan gave them £20 sterling.

1571–2 10 February.

Be it known that we Robert Bunting and Anthony Yate have given, granted and confirmed to Alan Bellingham esquire, all those manors, messuages, lands and tenements in Strickland, Great Strickland and Melkenthorpe which the said Alan lately recovered in the Court of the Lady the Queen at Westminster, as above enumerated, together with two solidates yearly rent. Dated 10 February, 14 Elizabeth.

1669–72 Hearth Tax Roll

1669–72 Hearth Tax Roll, Lay Subsidy 195, n. 73.

MORLAND.

Twenty-five householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

KING'S MEABURN.

Ten householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

BOLTON.

Fourteen householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

SLEAGILL.

Fourteen householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

NEWBY STONES.

Seventeen householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

GREAT STRICKLAND.

Sixteen householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

LITTLE STRICKLAND.

Three householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

THRIMBY.

Seven householders were exempted from paying the Tax by Certificate.

1677 1 October.

Quarter Sessions ordered that a fine of £5 formerly imposed upon the inhabitants of Newby, and £2 upon the inhabitants of Little Strickland for not repairing the way through the Lane from Newby Pasture gate to Bedlam Gate, be forthwith levied upon the obstinate refusers to repair the same and that a warrant be issued to Richard Smith, High Constable of the West Ward, for that purpose.

1678 24 July.

Henry, Richard and Mariam Holme and John Sheerman were presented as being Nonconformists and for not attending their parish church.

1681 3 October.

Ordered that the highway betwixt Sandwath and Sleagill Town Head be repaired, otherwise the township of Sleagill to be fined £5 or show cause to the contrary. On 2 October, 1682, the Court being informed that the same was not yet repaired a warrant was issued to levy £5 of the goods and chattels of the inhabitants of Sleagill for the repairing of the same. On 8 January, 1682–3, it was further ordered that a warrant be issued to levy £5 for disobeying the above order.

1684–5 12 January.

Ordered that the constable of Strickland do forthwith take steps to shut up the Meeting House there. This was during that terrible time after Charles 11 recanted "that no conventicle hath any authority, allowance or encouragement from us," and before James 11 issued his Declaration of Liberty of conscience.

1696 31 July.

William Atkinson, vicar of Morland, and Lancelot Sisson, curate of Thrimby, signed the anti-Jacobite "Association" formed throughout the Kingdom for the protection of William 111.

1697–8 10 January.

Forasmuch as Jennett Tebey of Bolton, spr. stood indicated for petty larceny and was found guilty, it is therefore ordered that she be set in the stocks in Appleby on Saturday next, being Market Day, from eleven to twelve o'clock and then immediately after be whipped naked from the waist upward till blood come, from the High Cross to the Low Cross in Appleby aforesaid and then to be discharged out of custody paying her fees.

1702 13 April.

It is allowed that the house of Henry Lycock of Gatelands be licenced as a house for public assembly for religious worship.

1706–7 2 January.

William Allen of Bolton and William Bland of Myles in Newby Stones were indicted for keeping greyhounds and guns not been qualified so to do.

1728–9 13 January.

Thomas Benson of Harding in Sleagill was ordered by Quarter Sessions to be set in the stocks in Appleby on Saturday next being the public market day from ten to twelve of the clock and from thence be carried to the High Cross stripped to the waist naked and from thence be whipped to the Low Cross.

1770 23 April.

Presentment that from the time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary there was and yet is a certain common and ancient Pack and Prime way leading from the village of Bolton to the village of Gt. Strickland for all the liege subjects of the king on horseback and on foot, to go and return at their will, and that a certain part of that way beginning at a certain place called Little Lane End and so along that way to the high road on Bolton Moor, containing in length 300 yards and in breadth one yard was and yet is very ruinous, miry, deep broken and in decay for want of due reparation. And that the inhabitants of Bolton ought to repair and amend when and so often as it shall be necessary.

1777

An Act for dividing and inclosing the common and waste grounds within the manor of King's Meaburn was presented to Parliament this year. Whereas the Rt. Hon. Sackville, earl of Thanet Island is lord of the manor and as such is intitled to the Royalties therein, and the said earl, John Thwaites, Nicholas Temple, Robert Addison, Christopher Addison, James Thwaites and others are proprietors and intitled to right of common. May it therefore please your majesty, that Thomas Heelis of Appleby Castle, Thomas Harrison of Appleby, and Thomas Gibson of Oddendale be appointed as commissioners for putting this Act into execution.

1796 26 November.

For the provision of soldiers to serve in the army, the parish of Morland, except the two Stricklands and King's Meaburn, but with the addition of the parish of Brougham, having 103 inhabited houses had to provide two men or else pay a fine of £20 for each man missing from the quota.

1803

Whereas an Act was passed in 1777–8 for dividing and inclosing the open wastes and commons lying in the manor of Sleagill containing some 500 acres or thereabouts; John Moore, George Wheatley and Thomas Gibson being the Commissioners appointed. And whereas no division or allotment was made nor any other act done except the appointment of James Wilson of Kendal as a Commissioner in place of John Moore deceased. May it therefore please your majesty that the said Act may be repealed and that it may be enacted that James Wilson of Kendal and John Gibson of Oddendale be appointed as Commissioners, etc.

1806

Whereas there are within the township of Newby several open commons and waste grounds containing by estimation one thousand acres or thereabouts, and also two common stinted pastures called Newby High Pasture and Newby Low Pasture containing together some 300 acres be the same more or less. May it please your majesty that it be enacted that Robert Lumb of Lowther and John Todd of Kendal be appointed as Commissioners for the division and inclosure of these commons and waste places, etc.

1807 31 January.

George, John and Thomas Thompson certified to Quarter Sessions on this day that the Meeting House in Morland was set apart as a place for the meeting of Protestant Dissenters called Quakers for the exercise of religious worship.

1818 3 October.

Indenture between John Bushby of Culgarth, spirit merchant, of the one part, and John Brownrigg of Morland Field and others of the second part. In consideration of the sum of 5s. John Bushby has sold to those of the second part, a freehold piece of ground going back 15 yards in length from the Town Street of Morland and 12 yards in breadth, it being part of James Clark Garth, adjoining the property of Robert Scourfield on the north, land of the said Bushby on the south and west, for the building of a Chapel Meeting House for the Wesleyan Methodists at all times to pay their devotion to Almighty God. Close Roll, 9859, pt. 46.

1820 10 June.

Indenture made between William Dent of Bolton, yeo. of the one part, and John Dent of Bolton and many others of the second part. Witnesses that in consideration of 10s. the said William Dent has conveyed to those of the second part, all that parcel of ground in the village of Bolton upon part of which a newly erected building used as a Chapel and Meeting House of the Wesleyan Methodists now stands. On north-east back from the Town Street 44 feet, on the south-west 47 feet, on the south-east 37 feet and on the north-west 36 feet, together with the said Chapel to hold services there, etc. Close Roll, 9953, pt. 64.

1821 15 October.

William Wilson of Morland, for stealing a coat, a waistcoat, two silk neckcloths, a cotton pocket handkerchief and a pair of leather gloves, was sentenced to Transportation beyond the seas as the Privy Council shall direct for a period of seven years. In the 17th century the practice arose of reprieving felons on their petition that they should be transported. But this could not be done against their consent till the passing of the Transportation Act, which enabled the King in council to appoint places of confinement beyond the seas, and an act of 1827 imposed this penalty for felony in all cases where no other punishment was provided. The colonies protested so strongly that transportation was abolished in favour of penal servitude.

1830 11 January.

William Rice Markham, vicar of Morland, took the usual oaths on qualifying as a Justice of the Peace.

1830 29 May.

Five hundred acres being parcels of commons and waste grounds within the Townships of Great Strickland and Thrimby, were ordered to be divided and inclosed by an Act of Parliament which received the Royal Assent on 29 May. William, earl of Lonsdale was lord of the manor; the Rev. William Kilner, D.D., William Fallowfield, John Kilner, Robert Noble Webster and others were interested parties in the said commons; the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle were patrons of the vicarage and church of Morland; and the Rev. William Rice Markham was the vicar. James Parnell of Lowther was appointed the sole commissioner for valuing, dividing, allotting, inclosing and otherwise improving the said commons.

1853

At Newby the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel was built in 1853, and a Primitive Methodist Chapel in 1874.