The manuscripts of Sir Walter O. Corbet

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WALTER O. CORBET, OF ACTON REYNALD, BART.

At Acton Reynald, Shropshire, the seat of Sir Walter Orlando Corbet, Bart. (representative of a Norman family settled in the same county from the time of the Conquest), there is a small collection of early documents, out of which all that belong to the period ending with the close of the reign of Henry III. are noticed in the following list, with a selection from those of later date. The total number preserved amounts to 287 up to 1507, the year of the accession of Henry VIII., while of subsequent reigns, especially of that of Elizabeth, the number of title-deeds is large. But the results of examination are, on the whole, somewhat disappointing, although much of local interest occurs. There are no materials for general history. Of the Civil War period there is nothing; a period which from the part taken by different members of the family on different sides might have been expected to have rewarded search. But possibly there may have been destruction of documents and papers when the chief house of the family at Moreton Corbett (which still testifies in its ruins to its former importance and beauty) was, after occupation by a parliamentary garrison in 1644, dismantled and abandoned.

The charters relating to the abbeys of Haughmond and Lilleshall, and the little known one of Stratt Marchell in Montgomeryshire, are of special interest, and help to supplement the meagre accounts found elsewhere. And the small and obscure hospital of St. Leonard at Clattercote, near Cropredy, in Oxfordshire, said by Tanner to have been for leprous brethren, is here found described as a hospital for sick women. Examples of manumissions are found in 1350 and 1406. The lease of parish property at Shawbury in 1533, and the license for the churchyard at Broseley in 1595, are interesting. The deeds relating to the town of Northampton would not have been looked for here.

W. D. MACRAY.

August 1895.

The earliest deed is one of the reign of Henry I.; a grant of Hortun (near Wem) by Hugh Fitz-Richard to William Macer, or Macrus:— "Hugo filius Ricardi omnibus hominibus suis Francis et Anglicis salutem. Sciatis me dedisse et concessisse Willelmo Macro et heredibus suis adtenendum de me et de heredibus meis in feudo et hereditate Hortunam pro servicio unius militis, et si plus valet quam x libras in bene (sic) et in pace teneat, si minus de mea propria hereditate ei perficiam. Hujus donationis et concessionis sunt testes: M. uxor ejus, Willelmus filius suus, et Ricardus filius suus, et Adeliza filia sua, et Reinaldus frater domini, et Engenulfus, et Walchelinus, et Osbertus de Luncecumba, et Henricus filius ejus, et Rogerus Pincerna, et Rogerus Cocus, et Willelmus de Herefordia, et Efrardus, et Piritunus, et Herveus Guun, et Randulfus Macrus, et Ruellanus Macrus, et Iwennus Macrus, et Lanbertus, et Rodbertus de Duneuic, et Willelmus de Fretai, et Gaufredus de Clint.'" A small fragment of a large white seal is attached.

The next is probably of the time of Henry II., early in his reign; a grant from Simon de Beauchamp (who died 9 Joh. 1207) to Simon de Pateshille of rent from the mill at Linslade, Buckinghamshire:—"Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Simon de Bello Campo dedi et hac carta mea confirmavi Simoni de Pateshille pro homagio et servicio suo duas marcatas redditus in molendino meo de Linchelade, tenendas, de me et de heredibus meis sibi et heredibus suis libere et quiete et solute ab omni servicio per una (sic) calcaria deaurata, vel per quatuor denarios, annuatim reddendo ad Pascha, pro omni servicio. Has autem duas marcatas redditus ego et heredes mei warentizabimus prefato Simoni et heredibus suis, et si forte eis warentizare illas non poterimus, eis escambium plenarie faciemus inde de aliis terris nostris in Bedefordsire, et de hoc redditu ipsum Simonem saisivi, et homagium suum inde cepi. Coram his testibus: Waltero Ruffo, Roberto de Barentin, Henrico de Boheles, Galfredo Ruffo, Pagano filio Brien, Eustachio le Mordand', Jerino de la Lega, Godefredo Ruffo, Rogero de Wichetone, Radulfo de Grimescote, Willelmo Druelle, Nicholao filio Michaelis, Roberto de Langeforde, Radulfo Druelle, David de Haclntone (sic), Henrico de Norbois, Henrico de Haclintone, Roberto de Arundel, Hugone de Blosseville, Roberto de Wahille, Michaele de Raustone, et multis aliis. Item Johanne de Panpbenham, Simone Parcesvil, Waltero de Boheles, Michaele Hachun, et multis aliis."

Confirmation by Henry II. to Haughmond Abbey of grants from William Fitzalan, the founder:—"H. Rex Angl. et Dux Norm. et Aquit. et Com. And. archiepiscopis, episcopis, abbatibus, comitibus, baronibus, justiciariis, vicecomitibus, ministris, et omnibus hominibus et fidelibus suis Francis et Anglis, salutem. Sciatis me concessisse et carta mea presenti confirmasse ecclesie Sancti Johannis Evangeliste de Hageman et canonicis in ea Deo servientibus quicquid Willelmus filius Alani rationabiliter eidem ecclesie dedit et carta sua confirmavit, videlicet terram de Pipringues cum omnibus pertinentiis suis et omnibus libertatibus ejus in campis et pascuis et aquis, liberam ab omnibus terrenis consuetudinibus, auxiliis, operacionibus, scutagiis, exercitibus, danegeldis, hidagiis, hidegeldis, et placitis, et communitatem propriis animalibus suis in omnibus pasturis que pertinent ad villam de Stoches, in besco et plano, et alneto, sicut animalia A veline matris Willelmi filii Alani aliquo tempore eandem communitatem melius habuerunt, et ecclesiam de Stoches cum terra que ad eandem ecclesiam pertinet, et terram de Donstona quam tenuit Marescot, cum omnibus pertinentiis suis, quam ipse Willelmus eis dedit assensu Isabel uxoris sue, (fn. 1) et Naguinton cum pertinentiis suis, et Hopelege cum pertinentiis suis, Quare volo et firmiter precipio quod predicti canonici teneant hec predicta bene et integre et libere et quiete et honorifice, sicut carte ejusdem Willelmi filii Alani testantur. T. Thoma Canc., Roberto de Donstanvilla, Man. Biset, Joscelino de Baillol, Roberto filio com. de Legr.; Apereo (?) Leons."

Fitz Alan's grant of Hopley, confirmed in the preceding charter, is found here, but not the other grants. It is as follows: "W. fil. Al. omnibus filiis matris ecclesie salutem. Notum sit vobis Osbertum de Hoptun concessisse et dedisse quod sui juris erat in Hopeleia fratribus Hamonensis ecclesie in perpetuam elemosinam, et Hugo Hose pro anima Ricardi de Marchemerle, et Heldestoc pro animabus patris et matris sue calumpniam quam habebat in predicta terra dimisisse in sempiternum, ut libere et quiete ab omni seculari servicio, in bosco et plano, in viis et in aquis, et in omnibus locis, quantum ad istos et ad predicram terram pertinet, prenominati fratres possideant. Et scitote Osbertum de Hopt[un] etiam de terra sua de Hop[tun] dimidium ferdellum dedisse in elemosinam tam liberam et quietam sicut ipse liberius in elemosinam dare potuit, me hoc concedente et confirmante quantum ad meum servitium pertinet, R. filio Aluri concedente et testificante, cum his aliis, Johanne Extraneo, Hemming sacerdote, et Waltero Hose, et R. filio Siwar, et Al. filio Oliver, et Hugone filio Albert, cum aliis pluribus. Valete." And the grant of Hopley is made also to the church and canons of "Hagamon" by John de Merchemelega, who leaves his body "predicte ecclesie de Hagamon ubicunque obiero, nisi in Essexia tantum, sepeliendum." The witnesses to his charter are William fitz Alan, Hugh Panton, Hugh de Sai, Peter de Mortun and Bartholomew his son, Odo de Hodenent (sic), Robert de Sai, Jordan de Hespele, Hugh de Lescofort, Roger de Hefkeston, Walter de Hoptun.

Temp. Hen. II.—Grant to Haughmond from Walter de Clifford (II., 1170–1220). "Sciant omnes tam presentes quam futuri quod ego Walterus de Clifford filius Walteri filii Ricardi, filii Puncii, concessi et hac carta mea confirmavi Deo et ecclesie Sancti Johannis Evangeliste de Hagemon et canonicis ibidem Deo servientibus donacionem quam dominus meus Hugo de Sai et soror mea Lucia uxor illius dederunt et concesserunt in molendino de Bechesford et carta sua confirmaverunt. His testibus: Hugone de Sai, Ricardo de Clifford, Gileberto Giffard, Willelmo Carbonello, Achille de Beche et Rogero fratre ejus, Tery de Haia et Ricardo de Haia, Ricardo capellano et alio Ricardo capellano, Thoma capellano, Waltero clerico Hugonis de Sai, Hugone de Kattford." A large green seal is attached, but broken; a knight on horseback, "Sigill'. Will'. Clifford."

1174–1179. Agreement between abbot Walter of Lilleshall [abbot 1174–1203] and Richard de Charlton. "Hec est conventio inter abbatem Walterum de Lillesh.' ejusque conventum et Ricardum de Cherletun. Ipse Ric. cognoscit et testificatur se tenuisse tenementum quod Cherl.' dicitur per gratiam Willelmi abbatis quam diu ipse abbas Willelmus viveret, et nichil juris in eodem tenemento habuisse aut adhuc habere. Quapropter reddidit totum tenementum Waltero abbati et conventui, et ipse abbas et conventus concesserunt ei tenere tres virgatas predicti tenementi in vita sua, reddendo annuatim ecclesie de Lillesh.' in die S. Michaelis unam petram cere. Quartam vero virgatam retinuit abbas in dominicum suum. Predictus autem Ric. fide et sacramento coram conventu se obstrinxit quod neminem suorum predictam possessionem invadere aut ab ecclesia de Lillesh.' alienare permittet. Quod si ipse Ric. memoratam terram in manu sua tenere noluerit aut nequiverit, nulli tam tenendam aut colendam nisi abbati committere poterit. Si vero vitam suam mutare voluerit, apud domum de Lillesh.' religionis habitum induet, et moriens corpus suum cum terra sepedicta libere et quiete committet. His testibus: Widone vicecomite [sheriff until 1179], Marscote, magistro Alano, magistro Rodberto decano, Hugone filio Noel, Simone de Perepont, Petro filio Thoreth et Philippo filio ejus, Rodberto de Scageburie et Widone filio ejus, Ricardo Picot et Nicolao filio Marscot, Rodberto de Sugenhul, Helia Coudrel, Radulfo de Bromhale, Rodberto de Bruge, Rein. clerico vicecomitis, Herberto filio Adam, magistro Ricardo de Curchun, Rodberto de Actun, et Adam de Andreslawa, et Hundredo de Pebenhul, cum multis aliis."

Circa 1200.—Grant from William L'Estrange to Lilleshall Abbey. "Universis sancte matris ecclesie [&c.] Magister Willelmus Extraneus filius Johannis Extranei salutem in vero Salutari. Noverit universitas vestra me pro salute anime mee et omnium antecessorum et successorum meorum concessisse et has presenti carta mea confirmasse Deo et ecclesie Beate Virginis Marie de Lilleshalle et canonicis ibidem Deo servientibus venditionem quam Rogerus Capellanus de Sancta Maria predictis canonicis fecit de quodam mesuagio cum pertinentiis juxta ecclesiam Sancte Juliane in Salopesburia, illo scilicet quod est inter terram que fuit Ernaldi de Coventre et terram Herberti filii Walteri, salvo redditu meo, videlicet sex denarios, quos predicti canonici mihi et successoribus meis annuatim in die Sancti Michaelis pro omni servicio seculari et exactione persolvent. Et ut hec mea concessio rata, stabilis, et inconcussa in perpetuum permaneat, eam presentis scripti munimine et sigilli mei appositione corroboravi. His testibus: Ricardo Pigot, Willelmo filio Fromundi, Petro clerico, Roberto Scot, Joseph clerico, Willelmo fratre ejus, Ricardo le Vilain et Willelmo filio Willelmi tune prepositis, (fn. 2) Reginaldo de Hibernia, Herberto de Bruge, Philippo filio Jurdani, Petro filio Ricardi, Roberto Plummario." A small fragment of a green seal, bearing the word "Sigillum," remains attached.

Temp. Rich. I. ? Grant from Roger de Egbaldesham, son of Roger, to "Hagamon" Abbey of one virgate of his land at Egbaldesham in the parish of Saubure, which is held by Osbern. Witn. Will. de Hethlega, Reginald de Tyrna, Baldwin Wischar, Stephen de Stantun, Henry the clerk of Witheford, Wido de Saubure, Roger de Begessowre, Robert son of Aer, Reiner de Hacton, Michael de Withintun.

Confirmation of this grant by Vivian de Roshele. With., Ralph Hose and William his brother, Hamo son of Marescoth, Wido de Saubire, Reginald de Tirne, Rob. le Poer, Henry the clerk, Henry Hose, Ovieth, Rich. de Muclitun, Simon de Jagedune, Philip de Gulidone. Large green seal, a knight on horseback. Insc. broken: ". . . . viani fil . . . ." See Eyten, Antiq. of Shropshire, IX., 323.

Temp. Hen. III., early in his reign.—"Sciant presentes et futuri quod ego Thomas filius Roberti Corbet vendidi et quietum clamavi, et hac presenti carta mea confirmavi, de me et heredibus meis imperpetuum Johanni seniori filio Johannis Extranei et toto comuni de burgo Salopesberie totam terram cum omnibus edificiis et pertinenciis suis in burgo de Salopesberie que fuit quondam Roberti Bangorensis episcopi, pro xx^ti libris argenti quas mihi dederunt, reddendo inde singulis annis ecclesie Beate Marie Salopesberie in festo Pasche debitam firmam pro omni servitio, videlicet xi. denarios et obolum." Witn. Robert Lenfant (fn. 3) and Andrew son of Hubert, provosts of Shrewsbury, Richard le Vilein, Clement son of Peter, Herbert de Atingeham the official of Shrewsbury, John Pooer, Richard Pride, Reiner Ruffus, Thomas son of William the Coroner, Peter le Vilei[n], John Cnotte. Green seal of arms, broken; shield bearing a raven; "Sigill' . . . . Corbet."

Grant from Hugh son of Gollan the Knight of Stowe to God, SS. Mary and Leonard, and the canons and brethren of the order of Semp[r]ingham "custodientibus infirmas de Claterecote" (Oxon) of a rent of ten shillings which Sir Symon de Croppria (Cropredy) was accustomed to pay him annually. Witn., William, chaplain of Croppria, Richard de Grimescote, Anselm his son, Fulk Basset, Rich. de Prestecote, Rich. de Willcote, Will. de Stokes, Rich. Thaillard, Will, Ulger, Thomas Smarth.

1239, Nov., 24 Hen. III.—Fine by which Richard Corbet agrees to do service for one knight's fee to William de Skalebroc for the tenement which Peter son of Oliver holds of the said Richard in Haseleye, and for the tenement which John de Seyvile held of him in Skalebroc in Yorkshire, and also the said Richard gave the said William sixty shillings.

Temp. Hen. III. or Edw. I.—Grant by Henry de Erdintone to Rob. de Stantone and Emma his wife, for the sum of 24 marks, of his mills at Schaweburi. Witn., Sir John de Ercalewe and Sir John fitz Aer, knts., Rob. Corbet of Morton, Reyner lord of Acton, Philip lord of Penynton, Roger of Preston below Brochurst, Will. Cresset of Little Wythiford, John le Wrothe of Morton Toret, Albert son of John of Estleye.

Temp. Hen. III.—Quit-claim by Emma Banestre, after divorce from her husband Adam, to the canons of Haghemon of one virgate of land in Egebaldeham which Rob. Wercce formerly held. Witn., Sir Rich. Corbet, Richard son of Geoffrey of Egebaldeham, Wido de Hadenhale, Thomas Crasset, Reginald de Wythiford. Oval green seal; a floriated device; "Sigill' Emme uxoris Will'i Banast'."

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant by Robert lord of Espele to Haghemon abbey of the agreement which he made with Thomas Bosse, son of Thomas Bosse, respecting "illa warda" of land in Hopton which Alexander son of Helias had. Witn., Henry de Pechesey, John de Soces, Roger son of Tho. de Hopton, Robert de Winekeshul, John de Cliva.

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant by Reginald de Stanwardin in le Felde to Sir Rich. de Lehtone of leave "ad faciendum probum suum et aprucat[um]" at his will in his wood of Wolvinewode. Witn., Will. de Ondeslawe, Will. de Fennimara, Will. de Eytone, Rich. Knit de Walleford, John de Mere.

1241.—Grant from Jewaff Vachan, son of Jewaff, son of Henry, to the abbot and convent of Strattmarchell (in Montgomeryshire) of all the lands which were sold to them by his father; and also "de terra "extirpacionis proxima acre que vocatur Grofftadam plenariam quanti"tatem ejusdem acre in longitudine et latitudine prout discreti viri "melius indicaverint mensurandam"; and also all his right in the land called Kenew Elhameston. Witn., Kadugan prior of Strattmarchell, John, Kadugan, monks of the same house; and of secular persons, Eynnius son of Maredud, Jorwhert son of Madauc and Griffin his brother, Eynnius son of Griffud and Heylin his brother.

1249, Oct., 33 Hen. III.—Grant from Richard the abbot and convent of Lilleshull to Robert Corbet of Morton of "quandam placiam in Cherletone ad pratum faciendum subtus castrum suum de Mortone"; with minute conditions, and description of boundaries. Witn., Peter Corbet, Alan Corbet, Rich. de Pectone, Nich. de Fortone, clerk, Geoffrey de Mockleston, clerk, Rob. de Costentin, Will. de Doniton, clerk.

1252, Nov., 37 Hen. III.—Release from the lady Mabel, widow of Sir Walter de Harpecote, to Rich. Pride, burgess of Shrewsbury, of her right in the mill of Harpecote for the term of eight years. Witn., Sir Odo de Hodenet, Rob. Corbet of Morton, Roger de Preston, Rob. de Acton, Rob. Pride, John son of Ivo, Henry Partriche, Will Pochelac, Ivo son of John, Peter son of Clement, Roger son of Reiner.

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant from Roger de Langleberge to Hugh de Croft in marriage dowry with Hysobella his eldest daughter of his land in Bradefeld which he held of Ralph de Sudintoue and John de Credewelle. Witn., Will. fitz Warin, Brian de Brauntone, Gwarin de Grenedene, Rob. de Ely, Walter fitz Peter, Roger fitz Adam.

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant from Robert de Harperchote to Bertram Griffin of rent, &c. in Harpernchote (sic). Witn., Will. de Erkalewe, Rich. Corbet, Peter Corbet, Thomas del Lee, Reiner de Actone, Wido de Hadenhale, [and seven others.]

Temp. Hen. III.—Acknowledgment by Osbern Barath of the receipt from William the abbot and the canons of Haghem. of the mill of Bechesford, paying to them annually sixteen shillings and to the Hospitallers of Dunemore half a mark. Witn., John Carbunel, Pagan Charb.', Simon chaplain of Bureford, Geoffrey de Bureford, and Geoffrey his son. Green seal of arms; . . . horse-shoes (?); "Sigillum Osbert . . ."

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant from William the lord of Upton (son of Hugh) to Richard son of Roger Wercock of Egebaldeham and Margery his wife of a virgate of land in that village. Witn., Sir Adam, priest and vicar of Scaubure, Reginald de Withiford, Rich. Wercoke, Rich. de la Hul and Rich. his son, [and three others of that name].

Temp. Hen. III.—Sale by Roger Sprenghose, lord of Longenolre, to William called le Budel of Longenolre, for 44l., of land which Will. Twychelone and Agnes wife of Adam de Bottefeld held of him in Longenolre. Witn., John Honane, Roger Smethecote, John Champeneys, [and others].

Grant from John son of Robert de Esplege, lord of Esplege, to the infirmary of Haughmond abbey of four shillings of annual rent in Hopton. [Eyton, IX. 285. The name of Odo de Hodnet is correctly given in this original deed, and there are four more witnesses.]

Temp. Hen. III.—Exchange of land between John of Little Wythifort and Will. Cresset of Wythifort. Witn., Roger de Preston, Will. Banastre, Ivo de Sulton, Rich. de la Hul of Mukliton, Thomas of the same, Rich. Coc of Egebaldunham, William the clerk of Acton. Seal, a fleur de-lis; "S' Joh'is d' Wyefort."

Grant from Thomas de Hopton, son of Walter, to his son Roger of half a virgate of land in Hopton. Witn., Rob. de Esple [and others].

Grant from Robert son of Adam de Prestone to Richard the Cook of Hopton of half a virgate in Hopton. Witn., Will. Tuder, Rob. de Bekeshulle, Rich. de Lakyn, Philip de Hopton, Henry de Pecchey.

Grant from Stephen de Stantone, son of Stephen de Stantone, to his uncle Robert de Stantone, of land in the vill of Rodene. Witn., Phil. de Penyntone, Rob. de Blektlee, Will. Cresset of Halnton, Reg. de Wythyford, Tho. fitz Alan of Rodene, Tho. de Wythynton. Seal of arms: two hounds courant, "S' Henrici de Helinfor'." (?)

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant from John Stopel de la Biflote and Eva his wife to Robert son of Adam de Preston of a messuage and land in Hopton. Witn., Odo de Hodenet, Roger de Putlesdon, Thomas Corbet of Tassel, knts., Adam de Prestone, Rob. de Stauntone, Will. de Prestone, clerk. Two seals: one armorial, a bend between two stars.

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant from Lucy widow of Elyas Botte to David son of Brun of four acres of land between Portwey and land formerly hers. Witn., Will. de la Punde, Will. Tope, [and others]. Seal: a fleur-de-lis, "S' Luce relicte El' Bote."

Temp. Hen. III.—Release from Will. Cnotte to Sir Giles de Erdintone of all his right in the wood of Hemmele within the park of the said Sir Giles. Witn., Sir Rob. de Halectone, Sir Thomas de la Huge of Whitchurch, Adam the Vicar, Bertram Griffin, Robert Corbet, Thomas de Pixstoke.

Temp. Hen. III.—Grant from Rob. de Esplege to Haughmond abbey of two shillings of rent in Hopton. [Eyton, IX., 284, with witnesses' names.]

Temp. Hen. III.—Release from Richard Smethe son of Thomas Wedirkok, to Haughmond abbey of all his right in half a virgate, &c. in Hopton. [lb. IX., 286, where for Smere read Smethe, and add to the witnesses' names, Robert de Hefilchawe and Philip Fremon.]

The undated deeds recited above appear to belong to the reign of Hen. III. Of that of Edw. I. there are about 42, and of Edw. II., 19. From these I select the following for notice:—

Grant from Ralph lord of Sonford to Richard son of Agnes de Aldelym of half a virgate in Aldelege. Witn., Master Rich. de Pyvele, Sir Hen. de Schauntone, [and others].

Grant from Sir Henry lord of Erdynton of a messuage and 16 acres of land for support of a chaplain in the church of Chawburi. [Eyton, VIII., 144, where to the witnesses add, Adam vicar of Chawburi, and Sir Reyner de Acton, knt.] Seal of arms.

"Sale by John lord of Espelege to William Tuder of his land in Hopton, for 20l. "in mea necessitate." Witn., Sir Rob. Corbet of Morton, Sir Thomas Corbet of Tassalee, Sir John fitz Aer, Sir Rich. de Lefnton, Rich. Hord, Will. Hord, and others. The deed is mentioned in Eyton, IX. 285 as not being preserved.

1274.—Lease from Robert Corbet of Morton to Will. Silion "de Veteri Campo" of half a virgate in Aldele, for the term of 23 years beginning "ad Assenc. Domini proximo coronacionis reg. reg. E. fil. Henr. reg." (sic). Witn., Rob. de Say of Mortun, Tho. de Stuche, Hugh fitz James, Henry son of Will. de Mortun, Rich. de Aldele. Oval white seal, a fleur-de-lis; "Sigill' Will'i Silion."

1286.—Deed of sale by Roger Pride, burgess of Shrewsbury, to Sir Rob. de Corbet and Matilda his wife, for the sum of 200l. of the vill of Besseford. Witn., Sir Walter de Hopton, Sir John fitz Aer, Sir Willde Tituelege, Sir John de Lee, Sir Tho. Boterel, Sir Roger de Acton, Sir Peter de Eyton, &c. Notice by Pride to his tenants of the sale, with seal of a shield bearing the letter R between three fleurs-de-lis; "Sigil' Rogeri Prude." Grant by him to the same of land in Schaweburi.

Grant from John L'Esirange ("Extraneus"), lord of Ercalwe, and Matilda his wife, to Sir Philip de Say, rector of Hodenet, of one virgate in Harpecote, which he had from Sir Will. le Botiler of WemmeWitn., Sir Fulk L'Estrange, Sir Will. le Botiler, Sir Rich. de Harleye, Sir Rich. de Pouelesdun, knts., Tho. Corbet, Roger Corbet, Rich. Hord, Ivo de Sulton, Will. de Preston.

1288, 2 June.—Agreement between the abbot and convent of Haghemon as rectors of Sawebure and Sir Reyner, lord of Acton. Reyner, by which the latter acknowledges the chapel of Acton to be dependent upon the mother church of Saweburi, and that the tithes and one virgate of land belong to that church; and in return he is to have the services of a chaplain celebrating in the chapel at Acton on the Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday in each week; to which during his life a fourth day is to be added. Seal of arms; three roundlets: "S. Reineri de Actun."

1297, 15 July.—Release from Sibilla de Schauintone, formerly the wife of master John de Espeleie, to the canons of Haghemon of 16d. of yearly rent paid to her as dowry from half a virgate in Hopton bought by them from her husband. Witn., Will. Tuder, Rich. Sinethen, Will. Hord, [and others].

1298, 7 Feb.—Grant from William son of Baldewyn de Montegomere to Richard Hord and Eva his wife of a messuage, bakehouse, and land in Montegomere. Witn., Nicholas Bruseboy, bailiff of Montegomere, [and six others].

1309, 14 Oct., 3 Edw. II.—Grant from John Lestraunge of Erkalewe to Sir Thomas Corbet and Robert his son of the manors of Morton Toret, Hemme Hynton, &c.

1311, 25 Sept., 5 Edw. II.—Grant-from Sir Roger Corbet, knt., to Roger Pichard, clerk, of his capital messuage (excepting a part held by Tho. Gregori) with 60 acres of the waste, and his part of the moor called Rodmor, in Hatton super Hynehet.

1312 17 May, 5 Edw. II.—Grant from William Tudur to his son Thomas, and Alice daughter of Sir John Giffard of Chelintone, of all his land in Hopton, with the meadow of Elimorthyn called Quabbe medue, and another near Stoke upon Tyrne called Othelas medue, &c.

Grant from Thomas Tudur of Hopton to the abbey of Haghmon of all his land in Hopton and Espeley, as contained in the charter of master John, formerly lord of Espeley, to William Tuder his grandfather. Witn., Sir William le Boteler, lord of Wemme, Sir Rob. Corbet, Sir Laurence de Lodelowe, and Sir John his son, knights, John de Leghtone, Philip de Peynton, Walter Cresset. This deed is noticed in Eyton, IX. 287, from a copy in the Cartulary of Haughmond, and is dated by him "about the year 1350, as I suppose"; but the handwriting of this, the original, appears to be considerably earlier.

A small parcel of deeds in these reigns relates to the town of Northampton. They are as follows:—

i. 1293, 19 Apr., 21 Edw. I.—Grant from William, son of William de St. Alban, parchment-maker, of Northampton, to Philip le Rous, burgess of Northampton, of sixpence of annual rent from his house in St. Sepulchre's street. Witn., William Catour, Thomas fitz Ralph, Will. Grilli.

ii. Grant from Robert son of John de Byfeld of Northampton to Philip le Rous, burgess of Northampton, of two shillings and four pence of rent from a forge in Abyndonestrete. Witn., Robert fitz Henry, mayor, Will. Mount and John Gervays, bailiffs (and others).

iii. Grant from Alice Sefoul, widow of Michael de London, and Robert her son, to Philip le Roys and Lecia his wife, of one penny of annual rent from the house of Stephen, the corner house in Butchers' street. Witn., Robert fitz Henry, mayor, Hugh de Stanford and John de Campedene, bailiffs, (and others). Two seals: i. a bird standing, "S' Alicie Sefoule": ii. a star, "S' Rob'ti f' Micaelis."

iv. 1301. 3 Oct., 29 Edw. I.—Lease from Philip le Rous and Lecia his wife to Ralph de Dingle and Alice his wife, for their lives, of two shops in Strauschepinge. Witn., Pentecost de Kersalton, mayor, John de Staundford, and Adam de Waltham, bailiffs (and others).

v. 1302, 24 Aug., 30 Edw. I.—Grant from Ralph Monce to Philip le Rous and Lecia his wife of 27 pence of annual rent from a house formerly Rob. de Keylmers beyond the south gate of Northampton. Witn., Pentecost de Kershalton, mayor, John de Stanford and Adam de Waltham, bailiff (and others). Small seal.

vi. Lease from Margaret daughter of Philip le Rous to William de Ahscheby and Juliana his wife, for their lives, of two shops in the Drapery. Witn., W. Pentecost de Kersalton, mayor, William le Sotele and William Baron, bailiffs, &c.

vii. 1316, 4 Apr., 9 Edw. II.—Grant from John Burnel and Matilda his wife, daughter of John le Mynsmyth, to William le Rous, son of Sir Philip le Rous, knt., of a messuage in le Berewardstrete. Witn., Henry le Garlecmongere, mayor, Henry de Westone and Barthol. de Reyni, bailiffs, &c.

viii. 1316, 18 Apr., 9 Edw. II.—Grant from Firmyn le Rous to Roger Mahew of Hargrave and Margaret his wife, of his tenement in the Drapery. Witn., Henry le Garlekmongere, mayor, Henry le Deystere and Barthol. Reyner, bailiffs, &c.

ix. 1326, 28 Feb., 19 Edw. II.—Release from William son of Will. le Rous to Firmyn le Rous of all his right in the lands, &c. which the latter had by the gift of Sir Philip le Rous and Lecia his wife in Northampton, Wodeford near Hinton, and Fardingston. Witn., Walter de Tekne, mayor. Adam de Cotesbrok and John de Hochecote, bailiffs, &c. Seal, a fleur-de-lis; "Si' Will' le Rous."

A few other deeds relating to Northampton are found under later dates. One in 1355 is witnessed by John de Sibford, mayor, and John Dalyngton and Thomas Horpol, bailiffs; and in 1382 there is a good impression of the town seal. There are also occasional documents relating to lands at Linslade, Bucks.

An exemplification by the bailiffs of Shrewsbury of a confirmation of three short charters granted by Henry III. to the town is dated 5 July, 11 Edw., but the word "undime" is substituted for some words erased, and there is some confusion in the dates. The charters are dated respectively 20 March an. 11 (1227), 10 Aug. an. 40 (1256), and 22 Sept. an. 42 (1258 or rather an. 41, 1257), and the confirmation by Edward, which describes them as being granted by his grandfather ("avus"), must therefore belong to Edw. II.; but its date is given as being 2 Oct. an. 21, while the reign of Edw. II. ended on 20 Jan. an. 20. There is therefore some mistake made by the scribe. The copy is given by the bailiffs to "Nicol le fiz Richard Crouwe, burgeys de Salop" in order that he may be "conu et tesmoine pur notre comburgois de totes partz la ou il vendra," and has the town seal attached, but partly broken (the lion passant, "Sigillum . . . orum Salopesberie").

For the reign of Edw. III. there are 94 deeds. They are almost entirely deeds of title relating to various estates, but amongst them is a license to Haughmond Abbey (misspelled "Hamuon") to have the following grants in mortmain, viz., the moiety of Wynterton from Rob. de Clifford, a virgate in Hopton from John le Walshe of Shrewsbury, and four shillings of rent in Haston from Rob. de Preston; of a total value of 39s. 2d., out of 10l. which they have leave to acquire; dated at Kenyngton, 20 Feb. an. 14,1340. In 1334 and 1340 land is exchanged by Henry the abbot and the convent of Lilleshull, but of the abbey seal only a small fragment remains. In 1342 the singular female name of Gilhana occurs. Agnes, daughter of William Payne of Linslade, Bucks, is manumitted by Symon le Rous of Pelyng, "ab omni jugo et onere servitutis" in 1350; and another instance of manumission is found in 1406, when one Sibil Gregory is freed by Sir Robert Corbet of Hadley. Provision is made by Richard de la Clyve in 1356 for the saying of mass by his brother Nicholas before the altar of the Holy Cross in the church of St. Mary Shrewsbury, for the souls of their father, Thomas de la Clyve, their mother and brothers and sisters. In 1364 there is a bond in 200l., dated at Buckingham, from Geoffrey de Lucy, Robert Botevilleyn, and Thomas Darderne, to Sir John Bardolph of Mapledurham, Sir John de Bracebrugge, and Sir Giles Darderne, for payment of 220 marks by half-yearly payments of 22 marks "a Oxenford en la meson de seynt John," for the debts of Sir William Botevilleyn, deceased, of which a schedule is attached. Amongst them is one of 10l. "a frere Thomas Burele, prior del Hospital de Irland." The seal of arms of John de Bracebrigge remains.

In the reigns of Rich. II.—Henry V. there are 39 documents. A curious example of a forgery is found in one well-written deed, ostensibly dated 12 Aug. 19 Rich. II., which professes to be a grant by Robert de Kendale, son and heir of Robert Kendale, knt. (a name not previously met with), to his daughter Alana, of the manor of Soulton, in the hundred of Bradford, and to which an armorial seal is attached (of which the bearing is not clear), "S' Robertus (sic) de Kendel." This has the following endorsement:—"Memorandum quod ista carta confessa fuit fore fabricata per Thomam Burdon coram justic. dom. regis de banco, prout patet termino Sancte Trinitatis anno r.r. E. iiij^ti post conq. Angl. nono, ro. ccccxxxiiij." In 1421 Alice Webbe of Harlascote grants to Roger Yve, clerk, Master of the new college of St. Mary Magd. near Shrewsbury [i.e., the collegiate church of Battle], and to his successors as masters of the said college, four butts of arable land called Madynnes buttes in Chromgrenes in the Wodefeld of Harlascote.

Of later documents the following are all that appear to require notice:—

1524, 12 June, 16 Hen. VII.—A lease from Sir John Tuchett, lord Audelay, to Robert Richardson, gent., of the township of Keaston, for 99 years, at an annual rent of 4l. 14s. 9d., has a good impression of the grantor's armorial seal, with the inscription, "Sigillum Johannis domini de Andeley," a mis-spelling of the title which is also distinctly given in the document itself, and in the grantor's signature which is subscribed.

1530, 1535.—Three leases of small holdings from Haughmond abbey are all unfortunately without the abbey seal.

1533, 8 Nov., 25 Hen. VIII.—Lease, in English, from Robert Dichar and William Peplow, wardens of the parish church of Scabery [Shawbury], and the whole parishioners of the same, to dame Elizabeth Corbet, of Paynton, widow, of "oone mese place sett and lying within Schabery callid the hall," for 61 years, at an annual rent of ciiij^s, paying also a heriot ["an herald"] of vi^s viij^d "at anny suche tyme as dethe schall fortune."

1534, 2 Jan., 26 Hen. VIII.—Lease from William Prowde, prior of the monastery of St. Leonard at Wombridge, and the convent, to John Aydney, of a messuage at Acton Hynehethe, for 61 years, at an annual rent of ten shillings. The priory seal represents the B. Virgin and Child under a canopy; inscription partly broken, "S . . . d' Wembrugge."

1546, 12 Feb., 37 Hen. VIII.—Grant by the Crown, under the Great Seal, to Andrew Corbet, esq., of Morton, of the manor of Redcastell, for the sum of 553l. 6s. 8d.

1557, 16 March, 3 and 4 Phil. and Mar.—Reversionary lease from Richard Walker, prebendary of Preece, to Sir Andrew Corbett, of his prebend and rectory of Preece, for 70 years at an annual rent of 20l.

1595, 20 May.—The original license granted by the archbishop of Canterbury to the parish of Broseley (which is described as having been always, within the memory of man, a parish of itself), at the petition of James Clifford, esq., the patron, John Vyley, rector, and the parishioners, to have the right of burial in the churchyard, bodies having been hitherto carried for burial to Much Wenlock, about three miles off. This license is confirmed by letters patent from the Queen, dated 24 May, which are attached, and which have the Great Seal.

1599.—Certified extracts from the episcopal registers of Coventry and Lichfield of the presentations to the vicarage of Morton Corbett from 1313 to 1372. There are also two lists on paper which begin at 1300, one of which gives also the presentations to Cardeston 1304–1412, from the Hereford registers.

162¾.—Letter "to my lovinge servant Samuel Woodd at Hopley" from "your assured lovinge master," Sir Andrew Corbet, written from London, where he was attending Parliament, at "St. Clement's Churchyard in the East, March 2." After directions about the letting of farms, the writer mentions the hearing in Parliament the Prince's and the duke of Buckingham's narrative respecting the treaty for the Spanish match. But "upon Friday morninge we had a messwage from the Lordes, delivered by Sir Randulfe Crewe, the effecte whereof was this, that the Spanish ambasador the day before had binne with the Kinge at Hampton Court, and their tould his Majestie that the duke of Buckingham in his relation at Whithall conserninge the treaty had doone his master the Kinge of Spaine that dishonour as noethinge could expiate the same but his need; and withall he tould us the Lords had allready cleared the duke, and desired to know what our oppinion was, and whether wee would joyne with them in the clearinge of him. After halfe an howre spent, in which were many pritty passwages, and good speeches to this poynt, we returned this answer, that we did not only cleere the duke from this imputation that was laid upon him, but allsoe did give him thankes, and thought him worthy of highe commendation for his carriadge in this treaty."

1623.—Inventory and valuation of the goods and chattels of Sir Andrew Corbet, deceased, taken 14 May. On a parchment roll. (Printed in Shropshire Notes and Queries, 1894, III., 60–67.)

1637.—Similar inventory of the goods of Sir Vincent Corbet, deceased, taken 20 Aug. On a parchment roll.

1649–1664.—Folio account-book of the overseers of the poor for the parish of Shawbury.

1646–1650.—Order of the committee for compounding with delinquents, 3 Dec. 1646, that a fine of 2,822l. be set upon Sir Vincent Cerbet, but that if he settle 80l. per an. for the maintenance of the ministry in the church of Linslade, Bucks, that the fine be reduced to 2,022l. The full fine was paid, but then on 3 May 1650, 800l. are returned by William lord Munson and George Fleetwood, and Sir V. Corbet conveys to them the impropriate tithes of Linslade to pay out of them 80l. annually to the minister appointed by lawful authority to officiate there and his successors for ever, as of the free gift of Parliament.

1696, 18 May.—Letter to Richard Corbet, esq., at Shawbury Park from W[illiam Lloyd] bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, "concerning the pile of building which you propose to erect, and to join it to the church," of Morton Corbet, "as a burying place for your family. You are pleased to say, and therefore I doubt not, it will be an ornament to the church. I hope you will order it so, that this addition may bring no manner of prejudice or inconvenience to the church. And on that condition I not only consent to your building but thank you for it." He gave license to the vicar of Staunton to serve the chapelry of Weston as well, worth 16l. a year, on account of his poverty, and because there were but 14 families in his parish, provided he heard no complaint of him; but now thinks he ought to retract it, "since I find his life and conversation does not answer his function. Onely I hope it may be better since the reprimand that I sent him. If he has not mended upon that, I desire you would be pleesd to let me know it, and I shall forbid him Weston: more I cannot do unless I had articles against him."

1698, 1 Dec.—The same to the same, "Capt. Rich. Corbet," claiming payment of a pension and procuration due to the bishop of Lichfield from the rectory of Stanton, payment of which has been refused, but which was made by the abbot and convent of Heighmond before the Dissolution. He is bound to preserve the rights of the see, and therefore is now, after so many years of forbearance, about to put a bill into the Exchequer for compelling those to pay such dues who have hitherto unjustly detained them.

172½, 3 March, Whaddon Hall.—Letter from Browne Willis to Andrew Corbet, esq., M.P., at Westminster, giving, in reply to enquiry, notes, from his collections, respecting the members of Parliament for Shropshire.

In 1768–70 there is correspondence between Mr. Rowland Hill of Hawkstone and Mr. Andrew Corbet, upon the attempt of the former as a magistrate to put down races on Shrewsbury Heath, and the observance of a village wake, which were alleged to cause scenes of extreme disorder, profanity, and riot; an attempt resented by Mr. Corbet in the strongest terms as unwarrantable interference with his tenants. The latter retorts upon Mr. Hill (the well-known supporter of Whitefield) that if he finds any of his own tenants deserting their parish church and attending conventicles, they will be treated as breakers of decency and good order.

A MS. of Samuel Garbett's History of Wem and the neighbouring district exists in a quarto volume, which appears to be a copy later than the date of the compilation between 1750–60. The book was printed in 1818.

Among a few court-rolls is a book of the courts of the Princess Elizabeth and the duke of Somerset, for Banbury, Cropredy, and Wardington, in Oxfordshire, in the time of Edward VI. On a fly-leaf in the second of two books of court-rolls of Morton Corbett and Besford in 1588–1615, are these lines, written probably by a steward of the court:—

"To the memory of the ladye Francis Corbett, late wief of Sir Vincent Corbet. "Thither she's gon whither she did addresse Herself, unto the place of happynes. Eache action duly fitted in her lief, Zeale of a Christian, kindness of a wief, A mother's care, an heart compassionate To them that languish'd in distressed state. Eache vertue that might be requir'd to grace Her sex, her mynde, her birth, her matche, her place, Serv'd as a step to lifte her up on high Out of this world to blest eternitie, Where she, good sowle, no want of ioy can fynd, Though we poore mortalls that are left behinde Want her, and (if our losse we value well) Want, and are like to want, her parallel. Andreas Woode, complorans, posuit."

A few of the earlier deeds bear endorsements by Mr. G[eorge] M[orris], who examined them in 1824.