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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION

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3 1833 01432 3759

NOTES ABOUT THE FA^IILY OF STONE

LIVING SOME TIME IN THE PARISH OF ARDLEIGH, ESSEX.

NOTES ABOUT THE

i FAMILY OF STONE

LIVING SOME TIME IN THE

PARISH OF ARDLEIGH, ESSEX.

;e.//. 4/eyBB^

PUBLISHED BY THE STONE FAMILY ASSOCIATION.

BOSTON:

PRESS OF DAVID CLAPP & SON. 1907.

1596281

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE STONE FAMILY ASSOCIATION.

In the following pages are presented a series of extracts from tlie Court Rolls of the Manors of Bovilles and Pigotts iu Anlleigh, Essex County, England, compiled by Rev. Reginald H. Grublje. the Vicar of Ardleigh ; a list of entries of the name of Stone oa the Parish Registers of Ardleigh, Little Bromley and Wyvenhoe, in Essex ; and a copy of the will of WU- liam Stone of Much Bromley, i. e. Great Bromley, dated Dec. 9, 1533. Mr. Grubbe has also kindly furnished some interesting notes on au estate called Barrons in the Parish of Ardleigh, which was once in the posses- sion of the Stone Family, and some memoranda relating to the Stones of Colchester, Esses Co. The Little Bromley, Wyvenhoe and Colchester items are included because those places are all in the immediate vicinity of Great Bromley and Ardleigh. All this material was gathered by Miss Agnes "W. Lmcoln, our Corresponding Secretary, during a recent visit to England.

For the information of those not familiar with the English ancestry of the Stones of this country who first settled in Watertown and Cambridge, Mass., it should be stated that Simon Stone of Watertown and Gregory Stone of Cambridge, the original Emigrants, were born in Much Bromley, now Great Bromley, Essex County, England, and their ancestry has been traced beyond reasonable doubt to Symond^ Stone of j.Iuch Bromley who died in 1510. Symond'- Stone of ^luch Bromley owned a property called "AValles," situated in Ardleigh, which he bequeathed to his second ^on, Walter^ Stone. Ardleigh and Great Bromleigh are adjoining parishes and their churches are only three miles apart. There can be no doubt that the Stones mentioned in the Court Rolls of Ardleiyh are of the same family from which Simon and Gregory the Emigrants descended.

The will of William Stone of Much Bromley here given is interesting, as confirming to a certain extent the theory of SVm. E. Stone, in his pam- phlet on the '• English Ancestry of Simon and Gregory Stone." that tliey (Simon and Gregory) were descended from Symou(P Stone through the eldest son, DaviiP Stone.* Symond^ Stone, of 3Iuch Bromley, iu his will dated May 12, 1506, and probated Feb. 10, 1510, names four sons : David,'^ to whom he left " my tenement called Godewyns," in Much Bromley; Walter,- to whom he left " my tenement in Anlleigh called Wallcs '" ; My- hyll,^ [i. e. Miles) ; and William,^ Avhom I suppose to be the William Stone of Much Bromley of this will. As Walter- Stone inherited an estate in Ardleigh. his sons, if he had any, would naturally he residents of Ardleigh rather than of Great Bromley. Of Mihyll,^ the third son, not the slightest further mention has yet been found, either in the Essex wills

•The line of descent is supposed to be Symond' Stone of Much Bromley, David' 8tone of Much Bromley, SymomP Stone of 5luch Bromley, Daviil* Stone of Much Bromley, SimonS and Gre^'ory* Stone the Emigrants.

or in the Parish Registers that have thus far been examined, and it is quite probable that he died unmarried. William'- Stone, the younirest son. as we learn from this will, had only one son, who was also named William.' It seems fair therefore to assume that Symond^ Stone of Much Bromlev. who is known to be the father of Dayid^ Scone who was the father of Si- mon* and Gregory-^ Stone, the Emigrants, was the sou of Symond^ Stone'3 eldest son, Dayid.-

The grateful thanks of the Association are due to Rev. Reginald H. Grubbe, the Vicar of Ardleigh, to Rey. Arthur P2. Graham, theRector of Great Bromley, and to Rey. Alfred D, Cope, the Rector of Little Brom- ley for their courtesy and kindness in furnishing information from the records in their possession.

Note by the Courespoxdin-g Secretary,

Since our President in his foreword aboye has credited me with gath- ering the material for this pamphlet, I wish, besides emphasizing our thanks to each of the clergymen aboye-uamed, who have all interested themselves most cordially in us and our researches, as all members of the Associatiou who have visited our old home will testify — besides this, I wish to place the especial credit for the unique material of the Manor Rolls in this pamphlet where it belongs, viz., to the historical research as well as the thoughtful kindness of the Vicar of Ardleigh. Being on a pilorimawe to Great Bromley in 1903, I called at Ardleigh on Mr. Grubbe in search of Ardleigh Parish Records and Walter Stone's " tenement called Walles " in the Ardleigh of loOC. Mr. Grubbe was then indexing the old records, and readily promised to send me all the Stone entries he could find. (The Stowes were iucluded at my request, because the names looked so very much alike in the old writing.) Not only did Mr. Grubbe promptly send the Vital Records (refusing recompense), but when more than a year later, in copying the Manor Rolls (a work due to his interest in preserving local records), when he there came across several mentions of early -'Stones;," he remembered our interest and sent me the careful '' 2sote's about the family of Stone" here printed. In later correspondence came the notes about '-Barrous" and on Mr. Wm. E. Stone's -English Ancestrv." When I was again in England, in July, 190G, Mr. Grubbe took me to the supposed site of " Barrons " and to see Rev. Mr. Cope, who gave me the Little Bromley data. 3Ir. Cope told me of the raising of the stars and stripes on the Great Bromley church tower while the Stone Association window there, in memory of Gregory and Simon Stone, was beincr dedi- cated in 190L

The Manor Rolls are still the private property of the Lord of the Manor, and except for such effort as this of Mr. Grubbe would not come within the reach of genealogist or antiquarian. These Manor Rolls date back to 1360. They do not, of course, show the relationship of father to son, but such mention as they do make is authoritative, and antedates the Church records still preserved by nearly two hundred years, and the earliest Stone will we have found by nearly a hundred years.

On p. 20 I have condensed some notes concerning the ownership of the Manors from a pamphlet on Ardleigh by Mr. Grubbe.

Medford, Mass., Xov., 1907. ' Agxes W. Lixcolx.

NOTES ABOUT THE FAMILY OF STONE LIVING SOME TIME IN THE PARISH OF ARDLEIGH, ESSEX.

Bv Rev. E. II. Grvbbe, Vicar of Ardleigh.

The following information is gathered from the Court Rolls of the 3Ia- nors of Bovills and Pigotts in Ardleigh. The originals were kindly lent me by the late C'harringtou Nicholl, Lord of the Manor of Bovills in Ard- leigh, and I copied out many of them myself an<l had others — the more illegible ones — copied and bound by a professional archaeologist.

The hrst mention is:

1416 (S Henry V) At a Court Baron held at Bovills on the day of Mars next after the Festival of the Holy Trhutv:

"Itiquisicio ex of^.cio capta et jurata per sacrainentum Wellehiil Meller, Jo- haunis Eccle. Thome Baker, Johannis Huiitte senioris, Jotiaimis Ilimtte atte Wode, Willelmi Burstalle, Wilhlmi atte Stone. Willelmi Xevarcl et Johannis Clerk, qui dicuut super sacrainentum suura quod Tenentes^Jd terre et tene- menti de Gunnotekintl, Tenentes^JJ terre et teuementi de PavnesLaud uuper Walter! Badele, Willelmus"J^ Stansor, Robertas Robvn^J'^ pro'uua roda t.n-re apud le Cherche, Johanues''J^ Huutte atte .Mer=.h, Kobertus Xee'^-i . . . . , Jo- hannes^'i Brook et tenentes'-JJ terre et teuementi quondam Willelmi Robvn 'sunt sectatores Curie et faciuut defaltam Ideo ic."

rr(7;!s/a<io«.—" Inquisition taken according to office aud sworn on the oath of Wdliam Meller. Johu Eccle. Thomas Baker, Johu Hunt the elder, John Hunt atte Wood, William Bwrstall, William atte Stone, William >:cvard aud John Clerk, who say on their oath that the Tenants of the land and teueuicut of Gunuotelaud, the Tenants of the laud and tenement of Pavnesland (lately belonging to Walter Badley), William Stansor. Robert Robvu for oue rood of land at the Church, Johu Hunt at the Marsh, Robert Nee ."..., John Brook and the tenants of the laud and tenement formerly of William Robvu are Suit- ors of this Court [owe suit to this Court] and make default. Therefore, ic."

The above men ought to have been present at this Court Baron. They are fined the sums of money written over their respective names.

No doubt William at the Stone is an ancestor of the Stone familv and 6hows the derivation of the m\nie. There is no remarkable stone iu' Ard- leigh from which the name could be taken. Probably it would be some stone laid down as a landmark.

The Badleys here mentioned were an old familv in Ardlei^^h who have given their name to BaiUey Hall. " °

The Hunts were a large family at this time. Thev are designated Hunt, Hunt at the Wood, Hunt at the Marsh. Over the beautiful Church Porch of Artlleigh in the flint work we read :

" Orate : p' animabus Johis Hute : at ye Wode et Alicie : uxoris eius, Johis Hute: Willi: Hate."

" Pray for the souls of .John Hunt at the Wood and Alice his wife— of John Hunt, William Himt."

Probably the Hunt family built the Porch, which is said to date from about 1-160.

1417 (4 Henry V). " Inquisicio ex officio capta et jurata per sacramentnm Johanuis Gile, Willelini Bur.-talle, Wi'ltcri atte ."^tone, JohannLs Clerk, Johannis Huiitte alte :\Iei-sli, Willt-lmi Iluiitte, Thome Iluutte, Gilbcrti Huiitte, Thcjme Baker, Koberti Kykke. Willelini Raulyn, Johaiiuis Huutte atte Wotle. Walter! TVliytyiiLr, ct Rieardi Meller, (jui dicuiit [ler satramentura smiin quod Gilbertus Dedliam ocjiipavit torrani '"t teiit-inouta cum pertineuciis vocata le E^thous in villa de Dedham post mortem Willelmi Dedli:nii patris sui. que dimisit Willelmo Sturtou ad tirmam pro xxxiij S. iijd ut iiiteUiijiint quos idem Willelmns solva- bat dicto Gilberto antetjuam exivit ultra mare cum domino ReLre, et ibidem ultra mare obiit seisitus de predictis terris et tenementis, et dicunt quod quidam Jo- hannes est tilius et heres propiuquior dicti Gilbert! patris sui et etatis quatuor decim anuorum, quern preceptum est cum predictis terris et teueuieutis cum pertineuciis in custodiam seisire, ic."

Here mention is niade of "Walter atte Stone." He and others say on their oath that Gilbert Dedham occupied kuul and tenements with ap- pertinences called the East House in the viHage of Dedham after the death of William Dedham his father, — which lauds, &c., he [demised or let] to William Sturton at a rent of oo shillings and i pence as they understand. AVhich money the same William payed to the said Gill)ert be- fore lie went beyond the sea with the lord king and there died beyond the sea, seised of the aforesaid lands and tenements, and they say that a certain John is sou and next heir of the said Gilbert his father and of the ag^ of 1-i years, whom it is [now] ordered to take into custody [ i. e. under guarclianship being under age] with the aforesaid lauds and tenements with apperti- nences &c.

There is still a house in Dedham called the East House.

The reference to Henry Vs war in France is interesting. Perhaps Gilbert Dedham died at Agiucourt on Oct. 25, 1415,

1465 (4th FAw. IV). In a Court roll of this year reference is made to laud called '• Stoneland." This may take its name from being a stoney piece — or being near the Stoue, from which perhaps the Family took its name, — or from the Family itself. There are a large number of names of pieces of land given in the Court Iiolls, and certainly most of the names are derived from their owners. It is not improbable therefore that the throe fields called Stoneland, were fields which at one time belonged to a man named Stoue.

"Ad banc Curiam doraini per eorum scnoscalluni tradiderunt et ad tlrmara dimiseruut Roberto Raude tres campos terre vocatos stone land, parcellam de Bovylys. Tenendum sibi et assiirnatis suis a Festo saucti Micliaelis archangel! proximo futuro post datum preseucium usque ad tinem et termiuum xx" an- norum extunc proxime sequeucium et plenarie completorum, &c."

Translation. '' At this Court the lords [of the Manor] through their Steward handed over and let at a rent to Robert Rando three fields of laud called Stone- land, a parcel of Bovills:— to hold for him self and hi.s assignees from the festival of the Holy Archangel Michael next coming after the present date up to the end and terminus of 20 years then following and fully completed, &c."

1478 (1 7th Edw. IV). One of the duties of the *' Homage " — or jury or assessors of a Court Baron was to present offenders. At the court Baron held this year we read —

" Et presentant quod Johannes Newman'1'^ de Ardley husboudman, et Jo- hannes Stone de Ardeley. wever, sunt communes venatores in warrenna domini capiendo phasauos ibidem sine liceucia. Ideo in misericordia, &c."

Translation. " .\nd they (the llomatre) present that Johu Newman" of Ard- ley, husbandman and John Stone of .\rdfley. Weaver, are common hunters [C. e. hunters on the common] in the Lord's warreu by taking pheasants there without licence. Therefore they are flued, ^c." [in misericordia].

From this wo learn that John Stone of that date was both a "Weaver and a poacher. John Newman was lined Gd. but we are not tohl how much John Stone had to pay.

I imagine every place had its Weavers in those days. In the next cen- tury however Dedham became a great place for the manufacture of Bays and Says, two kinds of woolen cloth. This was chiefly due to the arrival of foreigners from the Low countries who fled from the persecution of Philip II and Alva.

1488 (3rd Henry VII). In the list of the Homage (or jurymen) sworn at a Court in this year occurs the name of " "Walter Stone."

To this court, we are told, came Walter Stone to do fealty to the Lord of the Manor for two crofts and a garden which he had lately inherited from his father. Unfortunately the name of the father is illegible.

" Ad banc Cnriam veuit "Walterus Stone, et fecit doraino fidelitatem pro duobus croftis et uno ^ardino adjacent! vocatis Barons libere per carcam, que nuper fuit patris sui."

Translation. "To this Court came Walter Stone and did fealty to the Lord for two crofts and one ijardeu adjaceut called Barons [held] freely by copy [of court roll] which lately was [held by ] his father."

The name "Barons," I believe still is attached to this piece of land. It occurs constantly through all the court rolls down to modern times. I have not yet located it, but if I can presently do so and there is any land- mark to photograph, I shall hope to photograph it.

1492 (7th Henry VII). Among those sworn in at the Review of Frank Pledge this year was " Symond Stone."

1501 (IGth Henry VIII). I read—

"Essonia — "Willelraus Forde de communi per Johannem Cole: Simon Stone de communi per Willelraum Moys, &c."

Essonia means "An excuse for not being present at a Court Baron." There are a list of Essouiatorts at almost every Court mentioned in these Rolls. I think the meaning here is that Simon Stone, one of the common- alty [de communi] sent his excuse to the court for not being present by Williams Moys.

1523 (14th Henry VIII). In the list of the Homage of the Court Baron j and for the Review of Frank Pledge this year occurs the name " Walter

I Stone."

j 1524 (15th Henry VII.) The name Walter Stone occurs in the list of

i the Homage.

! Further we read — at the same court —

Finis " Dominus per Senescallum suum concessit extra mauiis suas Waltcro Stone Jerraxijd unam croftam terre dorainicalis contiuetitem per estiinaciouem uiiam acram ot

! dimidiam terre vocataui Barous, habendum sibi heredibus et assii^iiatis snis de

I domino per virgara ail voluutatem domiiii secundum consuetudinem mauprii

j per redditum annuatim vjd et sectam Curie. Qui fecit fluem et fidelitacira ut

> patet, &c."

I Translation of the above.—'' The Lord of the ^Lano^ through his Steward

I granted out of his hands to Walter Stoue one cn>ft of the Lord's laud contain-

1 ing by estimation one acre and a half of land called Barons, to hold for himst-lf,

', his heirs and assiirnees, from the Lord by the rod at the will of tlie Lord ac-

i cordini^ to the custom of the manor at a rent annually of Gd and suit of Court.

\ Who [(. e. Walter Stone] paid the tine [of admisssion] and did fealty as lies

j stated [in the margiu]," i.e. the xij d mentioned above.

Here vre have the regular formula quoted some hundreds of times in these Court Rolls, by which a new owner was admitted to the ownership of any land or tenement within the domain of the Lord of the Manor. He was required to come to the Court and pay a fine and do fealty. The Lord — or more often his steward — touched him with a rod, — a little twi^', and thus investeil him with the right to own land within the domain. Now if Walter Stone, in 1488 — as we have seen — did fealty for this land called " Barous " and was admitted tenant, it is evident that this Walter Stone in 1524 was another Walter, — probably his son. certainly his heir. As the Court Roll for 1488 tells us of two generations holding this land, we may now see that three generations of Stones so far held il. The line mentioned in the margin is xijd.

1514 (5th Henry YIII). In the list of the Homage at the Court, held on the 14th day of December this year, occurs the name "Walter Stone."

1534 (25th Henry VIII). In the list of the " Essoniatores " — i. e. those who excused themselves from being present at a Court held on Au^-ust 19 — comes the name "Walter Stone."

1555-1556 (2nd and 3rd Philip and Mary). In the list of the Homage present at a Court held on the 28th of May, occurs the name Johannes Stone, which i.-, scratched through.

1554 (1st of Queen !Mary). In the list of the Homage at a court held on April 12, occurs the name "Johannes Stone."

1584 (26th Elizabeth). In the list of the Homage occurs the name " Ricardus Stone."

Further I read at this Court —

"Johannes Allyn, Thomas Parker, Johannes Stevyn, de Bromley, Ricardus Stone et Petrus Moysc attoraaverunt se teiientes domiui per solucionem uuins denarii per eorum singulos separatim solutos {sic) pro diversis terris et teue- mentis suis de isto manerio tcntis per liberam cartam."

Translation. — "John Allyn, Thomas Parker, John Stevyn of Bromley, Pilch- ard Stone and Peter :Moyse made themselves tenants of the Lord by their at- torneys by the payment of one penny ■ through each one of them separately released (?)' for diverse lands and tenements held of this manor by free roil [j. e. copy of Court roll]."

I cannot quite understand the above — but the drift of it is plain, that they went through the formality of being admitted tenants, either by themselves or through their attorneys, which latter method was not unfre- quent.

At the same Court we read —

" Et quod Ricardus Stone perquisivit sibi et heredibus sais de Johanne Byrd de Colcestria unnm mesuagiuni et quatnordecim acras terre quondam Benjamin Clere, tenta de isto manerio per liberam cartam. Qui quidem Ricardus fecit domino iude fidelitatem."

Translation of tJte above. — "And because Richard Stone purchased for him- self and heirs of John Byrd of Colchester one messuage and li acres of land formerly [bclontring to] Benjamin Clere, held of this manor by free roll. Which Richard indeed did fealty now to the Lord."

1586 (28th Elizabeth). In the list of the Homage of the Court held on August 16 occurs the name Richard Stone.

1589 (31st Elizabeth). In the list of the Homage of the Court held on August 4 appears the name Ricardus Stone.

1599 (41 Queen Elizabeth). In the list of the Homage at a Court held on August 8 occurs the name Kichard Stone.

[1.588. Digression. — "We may wonder whether Richard Stone was among the many Ardleigh men who went to Tilbury to join the army and navy on the famous occasion when Queen Elizabeth rode about among her troops, when the Spanish Armada was daily expected to arrive o±i" our shores.

At a Court held on August 5, 1588, there were only 3 men to form the Homage out of the usual number of 16 to 21. The Court Roll then goes on to say —

" Et quod multi tenentes de isto manerio fecerunt defaltam ad hauc curiam, sed quia videtur homagio qnod sunt in servicio dicta domine Regine apud West Tylbnry in defeucioue regni Anglie contra Hispanos, Ideo defalte eorum par- donautur."

Translati07i. " Aud because many tenants of this manor have made default at this Court, but because it seems to the Homage that they are in the service of the said Lady [our] Queen at West Tilbury in defence of the kingdom of England against tlie Spaniards, Therefore their defaults are pardoned."

Richard Stone's name does not appear either in the small list of Homage nor iu any of the business done that day. He had no doubt goue to Tilbury.]

160G (3 James I). In a list of the Homage of the Court held on Jan. 7 of this year we find the name of " Richard Stone " iu the Homa<Te. 1G07 (4 James I). At a Court held on Sept. 30 we read —

" Ilomagiura presentant videlicet we do presente that Richard Stone hath sould his land called Xcwmans, holden of this manuor by the yerelie Kent of xxd and suite of courte nnto Xathauiell Heckford. ideo preceptum est Ballivo distringere predictum Xathauiell quod sit ad proximam Curiam ad faciendam fldelitatem sectam Curia; et solvendura Relevium doniino, &c."

The Purchaser in this case had ignored the Court of the Lord of the Manor and had not done fealty. '•' Therefore order is given to the Bailiff

to < y ". y the aforesaid Nathaniell that he may be at the next Court

to make fealty, suit of Court and pay a Relief to the Lord."

1608 (oth James I). In a Court Roll of this date—

Xij'^. Et quod Xathauiell Heckford non venit ad banc Curiam ad faciendum domino Servicium debituui pro certis terris per prufatam Xathaniel duduia empttis de quodam Ricardo Stone, ideo idem Xathaniel iu misericordia xij^.

And because X'athaniel Heckford has not come to this Court to do service to the Lord due for certain laiuls lately bought by the said Xatlianiel from a cer- tain Richard Stone, therefore the same Xathaniel is tiued xijd.

Extracts made from the Old Court Rolls of Ardleigh, I^ssex, and commented on by me.

Reginald H. Grcbbe, May, 1905. Vicar of Ardleigh.

10

Xotes concerm'ng an estate called Barrons in Ardleigh, Essex. In the Court Rolls of the Manor of Bovills in Ardleigh, in the yecOr 1361 (34: VAw. ill.), occurs the following entry: —

" Preceptum est distringere Robertum Porter, Stepbaniim Parson, Galfridum Baron.

Galfridus Baron dicit qnod nou fecit trausizressiouera in bruera sicut prre- dictum per vuluntatem suam et petit, oic. Et Inquisitio dicit quod depascit dictam bruerain volontarie, et Ideo in misericordia, &c."

Translation.— '-It is ordered to distrain PiObert Porter, Stephen Parson, Geoflrey Baron.

**♦♦**

Geoffrey Baron says tliat he did not make trespass on the heath as aforesaid of his own will and" he set-ks, ^c. [presumably acquittal]. And the Enquiry says that lie does pasture [his cattle] on the said Heath of his own will, and therefore he is lined, ic."

The fine seems to liave been Sd. This proves the existence of a family named Baron livin^ in Ardleigh in loGl.

In the Court Rolls of 14^9 (37 Henry VI) we read —

''Et ad hauc Curiam dominus per Seuescallum suura similiter tradidit et ad flrmam dimisit Galfrido Doryvall duas croftas terre cum alneto vocatas Bar- ouuysland et unam parcelhun terre de novo inclusam. parcellam cauipi vocati MotegoUefeld cum suis pertiueuciis absque iude facieudo [s('c]. Et licet eidem Galfrido sepes circa diclam terrara crescentes sesiouabiliter loppare et . . . heddare. Tenendum eidem Galfrido aut ejus certo Attoruato a Festo Sancti MicLaelis archangeli proximo luturo post datum preseucium usque ad fluera et terminum decern anuorum ex tunc proxime sequencium, ic. Reddendo inde domino vel heredibus suis decern et novem solidos lesalis monete ad pracdictos terminos equaliter, ic. Et dat de fine, &.c. Et fecit hdelitatem, &c."

2'ranslation.—'' And at this Court the Lord [of the Manor] through his Steward iu like manner handed over and let oat to farm to Geoffrey Doryvall two cn)fts of laud with an alder grove called ' Baronnysland ' [i. e., Barou-his- land, Baron's land] and one parcel of land newly enclosed, a parcel of the lield called MotegoUefeld, with its pertinences [the" next 3 words make no sense]. And it is permitted to the same Gt_-offrey to -lop and head' iu-the-risht-season the hedges growing round the said land' To be held by the same Geoffrey or by a cer^taiu Attorney of his from the Festival of Saint Michael the Archangel next coming after tlie date of these presents until the end and terminus of ton years from thence foUowiug. ^c. [It is terrible Latin I] By paying renc to the Lord or his heirs ten^and nine shillings of legal money equally at the aforesaid terms, ic. Aud he gives for a tine, ic. And he does fealty, ic."

The margin says that the fine (paid on entering into possession) was •' 1 capo." 1 Think tliis means •• one chicken " ; but no Latin dictionary seems to give the word.

The family of Baron liad evidently owned land and given their name to it.

In 1483 (3 Henry VII) is the following entry in the Court Rolls—

"Ad hanc Curiam venit Walterus Stone, et fecit domino fidelitatem pro duobiis croftis et uno gardino adjacenti vocatis Barons libera per cartam. que nupcr fuit patris sui.

Ti-anslntAon.—-' To this Court came Walter Stone and did fealty to the Lord [of the Manor] for two crofts and one garden adjacent, called '■ Barons ' [held] freely by copy-of-court-roU, which lately was^ of his father."

11

It is unfortunate that part of the oriijinal document is illegible here — but the plain inference is that Walter Stone had just come into the pos- session of the two crofts and garden called Barons — having inherited it from his Father. lie now comes to do the ordinary fealty and pay the fine that he may be established in his estate as a tenant of the Manor.

1524 (15th Henry VIII). An extract from the list of the Homage for this year, uhich has already been given on page 7, shows that Walter Stone was still in possession of Barrens.

In this extract the expression ''by the rod" (per virgam) is the tech- nical expression used for admitting a tenant. The Lord of the 3Ianor — or his steward — held in his hand a piece of stick and touched (I believe) the tenant with it on the shoulder. Probably the tenant knelt and put his hands between his Lord's hands. This is the usual way of doing feixlty, and is the ceremony still performed at Oxford and Cambridge when men take their degree. Tliey do fealty to the Vice-Chancellor. The '• suit of court " means, I think, that he is pledged to come to the Court when the Lord holds it, and is tiued when he does not come.

Probaldy this "Walter Stone had just succeeded to this property, follow- ing the Walter Stone of 1488. Or it might be an additional bit of land is now being added.

It seems possible that the Stone family owned " Barons " all these years. (See page 12.)

The next three entries are dated 1514, 151(3 and 1520. They, therefore, should have come before the preceding one. The tirst two are of value as they give some indication of the locality of '* Barons." The entry of 1514 speaks of a ditch called Barons; that of 1516 certainly refers to the same ditch, and is described as being near Barons.

In the Court Roll of 1514 (5 Henry VIII) —

" Preceptura e^t Willelmo Mo3'se emendarc et scarare xl perticatas fossati vocati Barons versus 3Iowstrett duceutis u-que Dunlionf;; broke, citra proxiinara Curiam sub pena xld."

Translation.— '' Oi:i1gv is griven to William .Morse to mend and sconr out 40 perclie.-^ of tiie ditch called • Barons' towards ' .Nlowstrat' leadinj^ ui) tu Duu- hom's brook, before the uext Court under penalty of 40 pence."

In the Court Roll of 1510 (7 Henry VIII) —

''Preceptuin est Willelmo MoysC^i scurare xl perticatos fossati juxta B;\/on3 versus .Movj-tret •iuceutis usque Uownhams Hoke "

Translation. — '• Order is given to William .Moyse to scour out 40 n-rche-i ot the ditch near Barons towards Movstreet, leadki? up to Downiia'iu'a tioka [? Brook]."

Williau] Moyse was lined 20 pence for n<it havitiLj cleaaed the ditch ov.t.

In 1520 (11 Henry VIII) occurs the following entry — "Ad hanc curiam venit Willelmus .Moysse et sursnm reddidit ia nianus domini ij Crofta torrae cum quodam alneto vocato Baronsland p[arcellam]

manerii de Pycotts ad opus Kicardi Warrc et herednin siiornm

sub condieione sokicioais uti unde xl s pre manil)us soUiti et xl s in Fe.-to Sancti Michat-lia ArchauLceli proximo lutiu'o Et in I'esto Sancti .Miciiaelis .Archaiii^elL extunc proximo sequuuti xxs. Et si deiiciat in soliicioue alicujn-i summe predicte iu parte aut in loto ad aliquod Feslum Festorum predictoVinn in quo solvi debeat, quod tunc bene licel)it praeuicto Will.'lriio in ilicto Cr.iito terra cum ceteris premisses reiutrare et in priscino statn suo po«:sidere, ista sursnm reditioue in aliquo uon obstante. El fecit finem et fldelitatem, iic"

12

Translation. — " To this Court came William Moysse and surrendered into the Lord's bauds two crofts of land with a certain alder-srove called Barousland

[part] of the Manor of risotts to the use of Richard Warre and

his heirs on condition of the payment [two or three words hero make no meaning] of 40 shiUinL's in liand i)efore and 40 shillings on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next coming, and on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next following after that [another] 20 shillings. And if he fails in payment of any of the aforesaid sum in part or in whole on any Feast day of the aforementioned Feasts on which he ought to pay, that then it shall be lawful for the aforesaid William to re-enter on the aforesaid croft of land with the other premises and to possess it in its ancient condition, in spite of this sur- render. And he paid a flue and did fealty, ic."

It looks rather as if tins '• two crofts and alder grove," called " Barous," was the same as that mentioned in 1450 and 1-183 ; and if so, the laud was not always in the hands of the Stone family. It is possible, however, that the "Baron's" estate included more than the two crofts and alder strove.

In copying out the later Court Rolls I have extracted the substance without copying the exact words. Here is another note, dated 1772 —

"The death of John Lugar was presented, who had held lands called 'Barons.' His sou Edward Lugar now came, and was accepted Tenant."

Here is another extract of my notes on the Court of 178-4 —

"Edward Lugar has aliened and sold to James Vince of Ardley, yeoman, a messuage with barn and stable, and three crofts of laud — about 7 acres — called Barons. James Vince acknowledges the Tenure and pays the alienation Fine."

I am convinced from these extracts, and especially the last one, that I can now locate " Barou>." It is a very tumble-down old farmhouse, known cfenerally as " Old Shields," and thus denominated on the Ordinance

Map. The present freehold owner and occupier is ^'ince, who is

the grandson of the James Vince who bought it of the Lugar family in 1784. James Vince bought at least one other plot of land in Ardleigh ; but I am fairly certain that the little homestead now called " Old Shields " is the original Barons. The laml borders on a lane called *" .Morrits," "jMorrity," or -Morris" lane. This must be the "Mow-street" ot' 1514 and the "Moy-street" of I51G. Further, I understand from the present Vince that the tield at the back of his house is still called '• ^Motegellfield," or something like it, as mentioned in the Court Roll of 1450.

Dunhom's Brook I have not been able to identify. There is notoriously much less water in this neighborhood than there was GO or 70 years ago.

The old house is much neglected by its present owner, who says he shall spend nothing on it and let it tumble. It might, I think, be a seven- teenth century house. There is a large old tireplace tilled up (if I re- member right) with a modern grate.

The owner is a very shy man and dislikes visitors.

This little estate is on the S.E. of Ardleigh parish, and very near to the borders of Great Bromley. It may be that the Stone property in Great Bromlev was somewhere near.

In reading the pamphlet entitled " The English Ancestry of Simon and Gregory Stone," 1 am strvn^k with the fact that not a little information can be found out about the names mentioned in it. Evidently many of those mentioned were Ardleigh people.

13

1. On page 1, meution is maile of Stephen Day. I find there was a Stephen Day, sou of John and Margaret, baptized at Ardleigh in 1631.

2. On page 6, mention is made of "William Littlebury, whose will was dated 1.571. I feel sure this is the "William Littlebury mentioned eight times in the Court Kolls. He is mentioned in 154D (twice), 1-3.51, 1552 (twice), 1553 (twice) and 1555. He lived at Burnt Heath, which is the point where Ardleigh borders on Great Bromley. He did fealty for a tenement called Rands. He was fined lid. on one occasion for not being present ; and 2*/- on another occasion for not having cleaned out a ditch as the Court had ordered. He was also elected to be " Bailiti of the Common."

3. On page 7, John Laveren's marriage with Mercy Stone is men- tioned (1581). In the Ardleigh Registers occur the following entries : —

1593 George Lo%-eron, son of John and Mercy, baptised. 1596 Mercy Loveron, daughter of John and Mercy, baptised. 1600 John Louerou, ye elder, buried.

Loveron or Loueron is a name occurring frequently in the earlv Court RoUs and Registers. There are so many " Johns "' that they confuse. Probably this is the John Loueron who was Church "\Varden at Ardleigh for several years and whose " mark " is made on every leaf of the Register for several years. There are 37 references to a ''John Loveron" in the Court Rolls, the first being in the year 1450, when one did fealty for a tenement called " Clerkys."' The death of a John Loueron is reported in 1605, when his son John is stated to be his heir and successor, and accord- ingly does fealty. (The Loverings of New England come from this family.— W. E. S.)

4. On page 9, mention is made of John Xewman. It occurs in a will "probated " in 1510.

This may be identical with a .John Newman mentioned in the Court Rolls of Ardleigh in 1478, who together with John Stone (weaver) are fined for hunting pheasants. The name occurs again in 1496. when he is fined for not having cleaned out his ditch at Burnt Heath. Again, in 1505, he is ordered to clean out the same ditch.

5. On pages 9 and 11, mention is made of a "tenement called Walles in Ardleigh." This tenement, no doubt, took its name from a familv of "Wall, who lived at Ardleigh in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. "Gilbert at Wall" is mentioned iu the Court Roll of 1370, and attain in 1379. Constant reference to the family follows. The first reference to " "Wallysland " is in the Roll of 1418, when Robert "S'eyse is fined two pence for cutting off one branch of an oak tree growinsf on land called "TTallyslaud." In 1459, Johanna Wylegh, widow, and .John Pache, "chaundeler," surrendered a messuage and 30 acres of land, called "Wallys, to the use of John Baker of Bentley [and] Johanna "Wylegh, daughter' of the aforesaid Johanna and of "\Mlliam Wylegh, and their heirs. In 1478, "William "Wheler, senior, surrendered o^ut of court into the hands of the Lord of the Manor, through the hands ol' John Patch, Tiler, now present, and of John Patche, senior, and William Patche and other tenants of the Lord, who bear witness to it, — one messuage and 30 acres of land, with appertinences, called Wallys, to the use of "William Wheler, his son, and his heirs.

14

_ lu 1519, the PTomage present that John Cole, latelv of Ardleidi. before his death, surrendered into the hands of the Lord, through his~bailiff, in the presence of Ht-ury Perepoynt and John Patche, tenants of the Lord, who bear witness, . . . one messuaire and 30 acres of land and 3 rooils of meadow, with appertinences, called Walles alias Harvey, ... to the use of John Cole, his son, of Dedham, 6cc.

To the same Court came John Cole, Junior, son of the said John Cole, and did fealty for one tenement called " Ilyhouse " alias Walles with two crofts of land, &c.

After this " TValles " and "Hyhouse" are not mentioned a^-aiu ; but "Hawies" is mentioned frequently — even as late as 1788.

Eegls'ald H. Grubbe,

Vicar of ArdJeigh.

Entries of the name of Stone, or Stoic, in the Baptismal Registers of Ardleigh, Essex, up to the year ISOO.

15 CO Tliomasiu Stone.

1560 Ellen Stow, dau. of Thomas.

15G2 Grace Stow, dau. of Thomas.

1563 John Stone.

1565 Ann, dau. of Thomas Stow.

1567 Elizabeth, dau. of Thomas Stow.

1567 Thomas, son of Thomas Stow.

1569 John Stow, s. of Thomas and Xarion.

1574 Antony, s. of Thomas and INIarion.

1595 George, s. of John and Margaret.

1598 Elizabeth, d. of John and Margaret.

1602 John Stow, s. of John.

1612 Stephen Stow, s. of John.

Entries of the name of Stone, or Stow, in the Marriage Registers of Ardleigh,

Essex, to ISOo.

1559 Thomas Stow married 3Iarian Fisher.

1588 John Suowden " Mary Stowe.

1589 Thomas Stowe " Frances Heckforde.

1590 Eobert Hall " Grace Stow.

1594 John Stow, Widower, " Margreat Brewster.

1625 "Woodhousf Wrench " Elizabeth Stone.

1635 Richard Stone " Susan Gery.

1674 Nathaniel Stone* " Elizabeth Pettitt.

1695 ditto* ditto

1776 William Merchant, Bachelor, " Ann Stow, Spinster.

1805 Sullin Stone, Bach., of Hatfield, Herts, and Elizabeth Cook, Spinster.

*By some error in copying, a few marriages are entered identically in both these years.

Entries of the name of Stone, or Stoic, in the Burial Registers of Ardleigh,

Essex.

1557 Roger Stow.

1560 Alice Stone. ^i CrQ£*O0 ■«

1561 Anuis Stowe. XOC7t>/C04i

1562 Thomazin Stone.

1566 Alice Stow.

1567 ffayth Stone.

1576 Thomas Stow, Senior,

1580 Simon Stone, Bachelor.

1588 Marian Stow, wife of Thomas.

1591 Richard Stow, s. of William,

1591 William Stone.

1593 Thomas Stow, '"an ancient man."

1593 An Stow, wife of John.

1599 Francis Stone, servant.

1605 ffrancis Stow, widow.

1607 "Mother" Stone.

1618 Elizabeth Stow, dau. of John.

1632 John Stow, "an old Housholder."

1637 John Stone, s. of John.

r .'»i;cH:c

1^

Little Bromley Parish Register.

Records begin — 1538. Burials. " " 1533. Baptisms.

" " 1539. Marriages.

Baptisms.

1540 Johan Stoue daughter unto "William baptised the 16 daie of De- cember iu the said 32"'^ yere of King Ileury's reign. [The name Stone is not certain in this entry, a. w. l.]

1544 Edmund Stone sonne unto George Stone the seventh day of April baptised in the said thirty-five vere of Kiiig Henry's reign A.D. 1544

1544 William Stone and Befsen . . se [this name very doubtful to de-

cipher] Stone being twin children of [blank] baptised the 22 of July in the 36 year of King Henry the VI II

1545 Margaret Stone daughter unto John, born in marriage by his wife,

bapt. the G"^ day of March in the said 37 year of King Henry

1546 Luke Stone sou unto George Stou baptized the 16 day October in

the 38^*^ year of King Henry's reign Anno Dom. 1546 1550 or 1551 Anne Stone daughter of John Stone bapt. the 13 day of

May in the s*^ 4"^ year of King Eldward the Sixth 1552 Catheryn Stone daughter of George Stone bapt. 19 day January in

the said 6^^ year of King Edward's reign A.D. 1552

1563 Awdry stoue daughter of Williaili Stone bapt the XIII day of

Aprill in the said V year of Queen Elizabeth's reign. A.D. 1563

1564 Barbara Stone daughter of AVilliara was bapt. the XXII day of

October in said VI year of Queen Elizabeth's reign 1568 Edeth Stone daughter of "William Stoue was baptised 19 September in 8*^ 10 year of Queen Elizabeth's reign

The above entries were noted from the Little Bromley Parish Register (.July, 1906) by Agnes W. Lincoln largely at the dictation of the rector, Rev. Alfred D. Cope, with care as to names and dates, and with general intent to preserve the quaint phraseology and spelling; but owing to haste and lack of revision, the transcript is doubtless somewhat inexact in the latter respect. As a rule, abbreviations presumably made by A. "V\'. L. for speed have been extended in modern form, so that the older form is to be trusted where it occurs. Some names doubtful in the original are so noted as they occur. AVilliam in the last two entries seemed to be spt-lled Willian. The name Edeth was bliuilcst of all, but was later identified by Mr. Cope by comparison with its use elsewhere.

The following entries from the Little Bromley Parish Register were copied less hastily later by the Rev. Alfred D. Cope and sent Miss Lin- coln. Unfortunately he omitted a more careful copy of the items already taken by her.

17

Stone Baptisms in Little Bromley continued : —

Baptisms. ffrancis stone was baptysed the x^ day of IMarch iu the sayd xix*^ yeare

of the raigue of Queene Elizabeth anno dui 1576 Henry Stone sonne of AVilliTi stone was baptysed the xiii"' day of november

ill the said xxi*' yeare of the raigne of Queene Elizabeth anno dui 1579 Robert stone sonne of Thorns stone of lytle Bentley was baptysed the

xxviii"^ day of October in the xxiiii^'^ yeare of the raigne of Queene

Elizabeth anno diii 15S2

3Iarnagcs. John Payne senior and ^Margaret Stone marryed the x\i^ day of Aprill

in the sayd second year of King Edward the vi anno dni 1548 George Stone wydower and Joan payne marryed the xvi* day of 3Iay

[? 1550]

"Willm Stone singlciuan marryed to E . . . Cowye the daughter of Robert

Cowye the vii^'^ day of June in the ffowrth yeare of Queene Elizabeth's

raigne anno diii 1562 William stone and Joan ? Ecler marryed the ffirst day of October in the

said xii''^ yeare of Queene Elizabeth's raigne anno diii 1570 Willm Stone and Suzan IMarch marryed the vi*^^ day of february in the

xvii'*^ yeare of Queene Elizabeth's raigne anno diii 1575 William Mount of Much Bromley and Mary Stone of this parish, marryed

togeather on the xxii"'^ day of October in the sayd xxvi^'' yeare of

Queene Elizabeth's raig-ne, anno diii 1583 Leonard Rolfe of this parish and ffrauncys stone of much bromley marryed

the xv^^ day of december in the xxxii"'^ yeare of Queene Elizabeth's

raigne, anno dhi 1589 Peter Sallys of Much Bromley, singleman and Edeth Stone of lytel

bromley, singlewoman, marryed by lycens of M^ Comissary of Essex

the viii"^ day of february in the xli*"^ yeare of Queene P^lizabeth's raigne,

anno dni 1598 John Gy(?)rard and Barbara Stone marryed the xvii*'' day of January in

the forty year of Queene Elizabeth's raigue anno diii 1597

Burials.

Edward Stone buryed the xii"^ day of december in the sayd xxxvi'^year

of the raigne of King Henry the viii anno dni 154:4 John Stone buryed the xxiiii"^ day of May in the sayd ffirst year of King

Edward the vi"" raigne anno dni 1547 Elizabeth Stone buryed the xxvii''' day of June in the sayd tfirst year of

the raigne of King Edward the vi anno diii 1547 John Stone buryed the third day of february in the second year of the

raigu of King Edward the vi anno dni 1547 William Stone buryed tlie xxix'^ day of October in the sayd third yeare of

the raigne of King Edwanl the vi"^ anno drii 1549 Alyes Stone wyf of georg stone buryed the xxiii'"'^ day of January in the

sayd sixth yeare of King Edward the vi^^ raigne anno dni 1552

18

Edward Stone sonne of Willm Stone was buryed the xi'^'' day of november

in the said ffirst year of the raigne of Queen Mary, anno dui 1553 Alyes Stone daughter of John Stone was buryed the xix'^ day of Aprill

in the sayd third yeare of Queeue Elizabeth's raigne anno dui loGl Mary Stone daughter of John Stone was buryed the xiii^^ day of december

in the sayd v"^ year of Queene Elizabeth's raigne anno diii 1562 Penuel (?) Stone buryed the third day of July in the sayd xii"" yeare of

the raigne of Queene Elizabeth, anno dhi 1570 Jone Stone wydow buryed the xi'^ day of June in the sayd sv*^ yeare of

the raigne of Queene Elizabeth anno diii 1573 "William Stone buryed the sxvii'^' day of March in the xxiv'^ yeare of the

raigne of Queene Elizabeth anuo dui 1582 Joan Stone wyf of Jhn Stone was buryed the last day of June iu the sayd

xxxiv'*^ yeare of Queene Elizabeth's raig-ne anno dni 1592

Eev. Mr. Cope adds in his letter : " Do you know that about five or six miles from here [Little Bromley] there is a hamlet called Stone's Green in the parish oi Great Oakley? Xo doubt the rector, the Key. D. S. Ingram, could tell you something of its history."

Wyvenhoe Registers.

1595 Jone Stowe married Thomas Darrell. 1650 'WUliam Stone " Eliz. I\Echell. The marriages from 162-4 to 1647 are missing.

The following, from the Parish Register of Great Bromlev, Essex, is the record of baptism of Joan Clarke, theVife of Simon^ Stone, 'the Emigrant : Jone Clarke, dau. of William Clarke, bap. the 21'' of Mail, 1596.

/?

01

^r Extracted from the Principal Hegisfnj of the Prolate Divorce and Admiralty

\ Division of the High Court of Justice.

of t In the Archdeaconry of Colchester.

\ Testm Willi Stone De bromlegh mag

; IN THE NAME OF GOD A:\rEN the ix'^^ daye of Decerabre the yer of our lorde God m' v= xxxiijth— I WILLIA STONE of the Parishe of moche

le , bromk\2g iu the Couutie of Essx husbaudraau syke in l)ody but hope in myude

; thanks to Jhu make & ordey tliis my psent testamet & laste will in the man &

forme foUowyng First I bequith my soule vuto almighti God to o^ blessed lady

^Q ; saynt Mary >£ to all the holy copauy of hevyn and my body to be buried in the cli'urchyarde of moch bromlegh be forsaide Also I bequeath to the hie avrt of

■ the forsaide church of bromlHih for my tithes forgoton xijd Also y do bequeth to the mother Church of PouUis iu loudon ijd Item y bequeth vnto eny one of

'■^ my god childeru a larabe or els xviij in mony Item I bequeth to "Willia

S. Mannyug of the same pish a dublet of bukke>kyue Item to John Stone of Wyly'ray best cote except one Item I will that all souch lands & tents with

\ the appurteuncs whirhe I hane or herafter shall fortune to haue iu moche

I bromlegg Ardlegh or clswher within Essix or other place that Jane my wiile

[ shalhaue them asloug as she levys kepyng and ordry'w.g my childeru as thei

I Bliulde be kepte And if it fortune that Jane my wiile depte oute of this pseut

\ liff before Willia my sone come to laAvfuU age then I will that John Monte

\ shalhaue the disposicou of all my saide lands & tents to the moste best pfith

i to thentent to se the orderyng & kepyng of all my childeru vuto the tyme thei

[ come to ther lawf uU age Also after the decese of Jane my wiff I will that my

1 forsaude sone Willia Stone shalhaue all my lands i tents a boue named wt all

i ther ptennce iu fee symple for eumore when he comyth to lawfuU age as is

Q I aforesaide paying to eny one of his v susters xxvjs viijd thus to be paide first

;' after his entest a twelve monyth he shall paye or cause to be paide to eny orie

* • of his susters vjs viijd And euy yer next ensuyng to eny one of them vis

■ viijd vnto the tyme that euy suster haue to her pte xxvjs viijd And if it

; fortune any of Ids susters to depte before that her parte be diuided amongs

i the saide Willia and his susters they being alive be equall porcons Prouided

\ alwey that if the same Willia depte this worlde afore he come to lawfuU age

I withoute issue of his body lawfully begoton that they my dought Elizabeth

» shal have my tent called Masons lying in Ardlegh w' the space of vj yers At

f her entryng xxs that tyme xij month aft xxs and so euy yer next ensuing xxs

* vuto the'tvme the said"( ) of vijs be truly content and paide Also I will

t that my dought Jane shallhaue myne other tents called Martyns & Mablotts

\ lying in moche bromlegh wt ther apptenncs paying vnto :Mar^aret & yong Jane

i xiiijli sterling thus to be paide The liest xij monyth after her entryng to en of

i her ij susters aboue named xiijs iijd and then so forth euy yer then next

I folowyng to either of them xiijs xiljd Vnto the tyme that the full sm of iijii

I be truly content & paide Also I orden & make Jane my wiile and John Monte

l Taylor myne execut And I will that the saide John Monte ou i aboue all his

{ costs sha'lhaue vjs viijd to se that this my testamet i laste will be fultilled

I The residue of all my goods cattelles & detts before not bequeathed or assigned

I I give them to Jane wide to se this my testamet cc last will f uliilled to pay my

« detts to se my body brought honestly to the yerth and to dispose for me in

) deds of charite as it'shall seme her mo^t best to" the plesuer of God oi helth of

\ my soule and all crsten souUes These being witnes— Sr WILLIA BOYLEIl-

] STAF-JOIIN STANEWEN-WILLIA AMNNYNG- JOHN SOLLE j JOHN

i DAVY wt others.

FOB. 10, O.B. HEB.

Francys 1514

20

Colchester items in a letter from Rev. R. II. Gruhhe.

" I was looking tlirough some old deeds at Colchester the other day, and found the follovvkig entries, which show that there was a family of Stone of some importance resident there in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. I should make a note of these names, as it is always possible something may turn up to connect the Colchester Stones with the Great Bromley Stones. They, probably, have a common origin.

1461-83 In the list of inhabitants of Colchester, who did fealty to Ed- ward IV., is John Stone. 1521 John Stone was sworn in as a "Tithing man" (Decennarius). 1534 In the list of inhabitants who swore fealty to Henry YIII. this

year are James, John, TTalter and "William Stone. 1538 John Stone's sigTiature is on a deed making certain surrounding

lands '' Several." [Perhaps this means surrendering public or

common land to some individual for private ownership. I am

not sure-]

1548 John Stone is a common Council Man for the Bouroagh of Col-

chester.

1549 John Stone is ditto ditto.

" I fear I have exhausted all the Ardleigh records now, but I am always on the look out to find anything about the place, and it will give me great pleasure to let you know if I should ever find anything about the Stones."

From "A Feio Notes on the Parish of Ardleigh, in Essex, and Its Neigh- borhood," a pamphlet by Rev. R. H. Gruhhe. 1905.

\ Condensed and in several places a few words substituted for fuller detail by A. W. Z.]

Ardleigh and the Manors.

Ardleigh is a British name signifying '' high pasture land." ... In the days of Edward the Confessor the land in Ardleigh belonged to six gentlemen (Freemen). Shortly afterwards it all belonged to two, whoso names were Osbert and Scapie. When "William I. made his survey of Ardleigh for the Domesday Book, the Saxon landowners liad been turned out, and we find the parish di\-ided among four of "William's Norman fol- lowers. Their names were Roger de Kamis, who owned that part where Ardleigh Hall now stands ; Hugh de Gurnai, who owned Bovills Hall and the lands around : Robert Gernon, who owned the neighborhood of Moze Hall ; and Geofi'ery de Magnaville, who owned the part where MartelU Hall now stands.

The Manor of " Pigotts," now called Ardleigh Hall.

Roger de Ramis was one of those Norman nobles who came over from France with "William the Conqueror, and after helping him to conciucr England, was rewarded with several estates. To him was given the houso and lands now known as Ardleigh Hall, formerly called '• Pigotts." His chief residence was at Raines, in Essex. He had to pay to the king, yearly, enough money to support ten knights with their horses and armour, in re- turn fur his estates. . . . The second Roger de Ramis . . . paid the king a half knight's fee, i. e., sufficient for the support of half a knight.

21

for his estate in Ardleigh alone, whicli must have been considerable. He gave the church in Ardleigh over to the care of the monastery of St. John's, Colchester, which probably means that he built the chm-ch. Thig was in King Stejjhen's reign. But . . . the family of de Kamis . . . had so many other estates that they '*let" Ardleigh, as we should say, to a family of the name of Picott.

Sir Ralph Picott lived here in the reigns of Kings Richard I. and John. lie also held an estate called Picotts in Saliug, Essex. His son, Sir "William, in Henry III.'s reign, was bound to provide, yearly, one sparrow- hawk to the king in return for holding the estate or manor of Pigotts, in Siding. In H9-i . . . Ralph Picott paid 50/ as the equivalent for providing his half-knight to the king. And about 1210 we find he ten- anted one carucate of land ; i. e., about 100 acres, in Ardleigh, belonging to Roger de Ramis. . . . His great-grandson, Sir Ralph Pycott, sold the manor in 1329 to William de Tey. Five generations of Tey held it before Thomas, who inherited Picotts, and was a knight. He died Dec. 31st, 154:0. He used to pay King Henry VIII. twelve shillings a year for the estate. All his large estates were divided among his four dauahters. His land in Ardleigh went to his daughter Mary, who married Sir Thomas Nevill. Her son . . . Thomas Nevill seems to have parted with Pigotts Hall, for the next owner we find is William Cardinall, Esq., of Great Bromley, who died Aug. 7th, 15G8, leaving it to his son William. He seems to have sold it, and there were three families before the present ow"ner, Mr. John Fenn. The house is now an old farm house, with a modern red-brick front.

The Manor of Bovills.

The Manor of Bovills, or Bradvills, derived its name from some owners who owned it in the reign of King Henry II. . . . Richard de Bovill, from whom the manor takes its name, was a rich man in the place, and a Benefactor to St. Botolph's Priory in Colchester, in the year 1189. . . . Afterwards this manor, also, came into the possession of the Tey family, before-mentioned. It was held of the Honor of Clare ; i. e., the holder, instead of paying his due to the King, as was the case in the Manor of Pigotts, paid it to the Baronial Family, who held the estates of the Earldom of Clare. . . . After Thomas Tey died, in 1540, his youngest daughter, Frances, brought it in marriage to her first husband. Thomas Bonham,

Es.

rhose sou. Thomas Bonham, sold it in 1582. After some nine sales

mingled with various inheritances, in 1892 it was purchased by Charriugton Kicholl, Esq., of Colchester, who died in 1905, greatly regretted in Ard- leigh, where he will be long remembered for his kindness and beneficence.

The Church.

The first mention of a Church at Ardleigh is in King Stephen's reign (1135-1154), when Roger de Ramis, Lord of the Manor of Pigotts, gave the Church to the Abbey of St. John's, Colchester. . . . Probably the Church has been many times rebuilt. Tlie Tower and Porch now standing are said to date from 14G0 . . . the whole Church excepting the Tower and Porch were rebuilt by the efforts of Cauon Perry, \'icar of Ardleigli, in 1882. The Church is dedicated to St. 3Iary. Tlie Porch is "large and handsomely built, with a mixture of free stone and tliuts."'

There are no monuments of any age.

22

From a letter from Rev. Alfred D. Cope, Hector of Little Bromhn, Feb

1Q07.

" I am sending you three photographs of our Church. ... It must have borne the same appearance externally to most of the Stones who lived here, and the altar rails, put up by the order of Laud, when he was our Bishop, must have been familiar to all the Lincolns who lived here, and no doubt some of them have knelt at these same rails, which have been most carefully preserved for more than 2oO years.

"The Body of our Church dates from about 1100, and the Tower was built between 1400 and 1500 — probably somewhere very early between the two.

" Our East window is the first in England in which St. Cedde, the mis- sionary Bishop of the East Saxons, was represented. I hear that another Church has followed suit. He was, I believe, the first Bishop of these parts who was canonized, and was brother to the celebrated St. Chad of Lichfield."

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