National Archives A2A website

BFM/1047 Lease for a year (release missing) 29 Nov 1706 - held at Sheffield Archives
Archival history: Former ref B5

Contents: Waller Bacon of Erlham, Norwich, esquire; to Dame Jane Rawlinson (widow of the late Sir William Rawlinson, knight and serjeant at law) and John Aslaby of Studley, Yorkshire. Estate in Norfolk and Suffolk; all of which were mortgaged by Sir Peter Gleane and Sir Thomas, his son, to the late Samuel Clutterbuck of Ingatestone, Essex, gentleman, from whom Waller Bacon purchased the assignment in 1705; two farmhouses in Grundisburgh and Clopton, Suffolk, a farm in Pledgdon, with lands and hopp grounds and a close called Sandhill, all in Henham parish, Essex.

CR 611/592/1-15 1724-1806 - held at Warwickshire County Record Office

Contents:
House in Bradford Street, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. Deed to declare the uses of a fine, of two houses in Stansted Mountfitchet, from John Bridge of Stansted Mountfitchet, grocer, William Searle of Henham, Essex, weaver, and others, to Richard Clarke of Little Hallingbury, Essex, yeoman, and Peter Cooke of Henham, yeoman, 1724. Conveyance, of two third parts of a house in Stansted Mountfitchet, from Elizabeth Perry of Meesden Herts., widow, and William Searle of Henham, weaver, to Joseph Warwick of Stansted Mountfitchet, maltster, 1753. Conveyance of a house in Bradford Street, Stansted Mountfitchet, from Mary Poole of Great Waltham, Essex, daughter of Joseph Warwick, deceased, to John Say of Stansted Mountfitchet, shopkeeper, 1764. Quitclaim from John and Elizabeth Clements of Little Bardfield, Essex, and from William and Mary Griggs of Great Dunmow, Essex, to John Say, 1764. Mortgage to secure £80, from John Say to Elizabeth Hills of Elsenham, Essex, spinster, 1769. Conveyance from Prudence Say of Stansted Mountfitchet, widow, and Elizabeth Hills, to George Dellow of Ugley, Essex, surveyor, 1779. Conveyance and final concord from James Dellow of Ugley, surveyor, to Nicholas Segar Parry of Little Hadham, Herts., esq., 1806.

D231M/T345-350 [no title] 1768 - held at Derbyshire Record Office
Contents: Family settlement between Samuel Shore of Norton Hall, esq., and his wife, Urith, formerly Urith Offley, Samuel Shore of Broadfeld, Sheffield, merchant, and John Milnes of Wakefield, merchant, by which Shore senior has released to Shore, junior, in consideration of 10 shillings, a moiety of messuages and lands (recited in detail) in Henham, Essex,  11 & 12 May

D1866/T70 1634-1719 Probate copy will of Jn. Watts of Great Leigh (Essex), gent., 1681- held at Gloucestershire Archives. Contents: Messuage called Brome al. Brewhouse Fm. and land (160a.) in Henham and Elsenham;

D/ELe/B20/6 The Henham Estate, Henham, Chickney, Debden and Ugley, Essex [With plans] 30 Jun 1896 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies

D/ETe/B71 Out-County Debden and Henham, Essex [no ref. or date] - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies re Little Lodge Farm 1930, 1939

D/ETe/B74 1931 Out-County Elsenham and Henham, Essex [no ref. or date] - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. These documents are re Elsenham Hall estate

D/ETe/B204 13a 3r 20p called Old Park Field, Perry Green; 17½a and 6 cottages at Allens Green; Pale Gate Farm and 36a, Henham 1931 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies

D/ETe/B326 1933 Out-County. Stansted and Henham, Essex [no ref. or date] -
held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies - Broom Farm, Elsenham, and 132a [plan]

DD/SK/34/24 [no title] 29 May 1564 - held at Nottinghamshire Archives
Contents: Indenture, covenant:

(1) Anthonie Strelley of Strelley, kt.
(2) Richard Kyrbie of Henham, Essex, gent.
(1) and (2) covenant that mortgage raised by Sir Nicholas Strelley on Manor of Oxton due to be repaid on 2 June next (see DD/SK/34/16) is to be repaid by (1) on 29 Nov or (1) is to give reasonable assurance that he will repay £500 mortgage, otherwise land is to pass to (2).

DD/SK/34/29 [no title] 10 Mar 1569 - held at Nottinghamshire Archives

Contents: Indenture, Bargain and Sale:

(1) Sir Anthony Strelley of Strelley, kt.
(2) John Byron of Newstead, esq.

For £200 and for certain sums to be paid to Richard Kirkby (alias Kirbey) of Henham, Essex, (1) to (2)
Manor of Oxton, called Strelleis Manor, with all appurtenances, lands, tenemtns, meadows, pastures, etc.
For use of (2), (1) to pay £390.6.8d. to (2) before 17 Apr and £566.13.4d. to Richard Kirkby by 1 Dec, at times and appointed places.

DD/SK/34/38 [no title] 28 May 1560 - held at Nottinghamshire Archives. Contents: Receipt: Richard Kyrby of Henham, Essex, gent. received from Sir Nicholas Strelley, kt. £66.13.4d., being 1 years rent for Manors of Beauchief and Oxton. (Lease DD/SK/34/18). Sig, seal of R.K. Paper, English.

DE728/614 Conveyance 25th Jan. 1652/3 - held at Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Record Office. Seal (broken) & signature of Lawrence Wright.

Contents:
Parties - 1a) Jas. Winstanley of Grayes Inne (Mddx) esq. & Katherine his wife;
b) John Radcliffe of Ordsall (Lancs) esq. son & heir of Sir Alexander Radcliffe of Ordsall, Kt. of Bath;
c) James Bellew of Holborne in the suburbs of the City of London, gent.
2) Lawrence Wright of Charterhouse (Mddx) doctor in phisicqus;
3a) Carew Mildmay of Markes (Essex) esq;
b) Robert Paynell of Grayes Inne, esq.

For £10,000 paid by Lawrence Wright to Jas. Winstanley, the First Parties bargain & sell to Lawrence the Manor of Henham in Essex with all farms, lands, rights, etc appertaining, & also the Advowson & Rectory of Henham, & all other lands, premises etc of the 1st Parties in Henham, & Debden, Pledgden, & Chickney.

DE728/615 Assignment of Lease 10th Feb. 1652/3 - held at Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Record Office
Seals and signatures of Law. Wright; T. Coke; Robt. Paynell.

Contents:
Parties - 1a) Jas. Winstanley of Grayes Inne (Mddx) esq;
b) Gerard Gore of Tottenham (Mddx) esq;
c) Henry Grice, citizen & merchant taylor of London;
2a) Laurence Wright of Charterhouse (Mddx) doctor in phisick;
b) Thomas Coke of Pedmarsh (Essex) esq;
c) Robert Paynell of Grayes Inne, esq.

Whereas Sir Alexander Ratcliffe of Ordshall (Lancs) K.B. & Dame Joane his wife by deed dated 27th Feb. 8 Chas. I, leased to Nicholas Steward, doctor in Civil Law (since dec’d) the Manor of Henham in Co. Essex with all messuages, lands, rents, courts, etc. appertaining to it & all other their lands etc. in Henham and Pledgden To hold at peppercorn rent for 60 years if Sir Alexander & Dame Joan or either of them live so long, and whereas the lease was assigned to Gerard Gore & Henry Grice in Trust for James Winstanley, Now for £10,000 to James from Laurence Wright, Gerard and Henry at the request of James assign to Thomas Coke and Robert Paynell the said Manor to Hold to them for the remainder of the term of 60 years in Trust for Laurence Wright.

DE/M/150 1418 Grant; 6 Henry V, February 26 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies

Contents: Roger Baltryppe of Henham and Joan his wife, widow of Richd Schort of Stebbyng’ to Andrew Hereward of Felstede: a messuage, garden and 2 crofts of land with a piece of pasture lying in SALYNG,

DE/X980/71295 Administration with Will annexed granted to Edward Johns 4th May, 1768; pr: 5th April, 1762 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Contents: Sarah Rous of Bishop’s Stortford, widow: to (Mrs) Frances Sworder of Henham, £50.

DE/X980/71318 Feoffment 20th June, 1649 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Contents: Arthur Woolward alias Hayward of Chickney, Essex, Cordwayner; John Wilsemer of Stortford, Baker; messuage where Nicholas Morley-doth dwell called Copped Hall in North Street by tenement of John Gostuloe now of John Barnes E, North Street W and S. Which I (then of Henham, Essex) had with Anne my late wife purchased of her father Stephen Chandler, 2nd March, 1630; Witnesses: William Michell Cleric, Charles Hawkins, Ralph Bull, Thomas Barnard, scrivener; Seals. A lion; Endorsements: memo of seisin

DE/Z120/44827 Mortgage 15 May 1679 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Contents: By Daniel Willey of Henham, Essex, yeoman, to Thomas Gowers, of Much Hadham, yeoman, of a messuage called Algoods and land in Thorley. Endorsed with receipt for principal and interest; the mortgage having been assigned to Jane Addams, widow, dated 16 June 1688. Signature. Seal

DE/Z120/44828 Assignment 16 June 1688 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Contents: By Thomas Gowers of Much Hadham, yeoman, with the consent of Daniel Willey of Henham, Essex, yeoman, to Jane Addams, of Sawbridgeworth, widow, of mortgage on a messuage called Algoods, and lands, in Thorley previously made by Daniel Willey to Thomas Gower.

DE/Z120/44830 Lease for a year (release missing) 7 Apr 1699 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Contents: By Daniel Willey the elder of Henham, Essex, yeoman, and Daniel Willey the younger, middle son of the above, to Clement Halls of Henham, yeoman and John Halls of Chickney, Essex, yeoman, of a messuage called Allgoods and lands in Thorley. Signature. 2 seals

DR 149/154/230 Leamington Priors 2 March 1839 - held at Shakespeare Centre Library and Archive. Contents: From Henry Gore of Leamington Priors, carpenter and joiner, eldest son of the Reverend John Gore, late of Henham, co. Essex, dissenting minister, to the executors of the will of the said John Gore; houses in Regent Street and Portland Street

Ep/I/11/16 DEPOSITION BOOK Aug 1637-May 1663  - held at West Sussex Record Office

286ff; ff 1-274 Aug 1637-July 1641; ff 275-282 Oct 1661-May 1663

Contents:

Deponents
f. 275 Samuell Pomphrett, Clerk & Vicar of Bury which he had been for 10 years. Born in Henham, Essex. Aged about 55 years. Witness: signature

FH1014 [no title] 6 Dec 1651 - held at Northamptonshire Record Office

Contents: Indenture quadripartite
Robert Villiers, esq., and others
Sir Alexander Radcliffe of Ordsall, and others
James Winstanley of Grayes Inne, esq.
Gerard Gore of Tottenham, and others
Concerning manor of Henham, co. Essex.
Schedule of leases attached.

FH3026 (no title) 6 Dec 1651 - held at Northamptonshire Record Office
Contents: Counterpart of conveyance

Robert Villiers and others,
to
James Winstanley of Grays Inn, Rectory impropriate of HENHAM, Co. Essex., Sir Alexander Radcliffe of Ordsall, Co. Lancs., concerned.

HB/6/1/[41/17] 9 Oct 1621 - held at Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies

1 item. Related information: See also HB/6/1/41/36 etc below

Contents: Descent of Title:- George Waylett, yeoman and Elizabeth his wife, of Harlow, Essex and Richard Stanes ? and Beatrice his wife of Henham, Essex, to Thomas Throgood, mercer, of Hertford and his sons George Thorogood, draper, of London and Edward Thorogood.

MS 11936/378/586908 1 August 1791 - held at Guildhall Library
Contents:
Insured: Elizabeth Warner, Henham, Essex, farmer
Other property or occupiers: Sandpits Farm; Broom Farm; Cracks Farm; labourers; Dunmow Essex (George Hills yeoman)

1 messuage and adjoining curtilage, with appurtenances in the parish of All Saints, abutting the market place and Back Street, 1 stall in the market place, and 1 leather stall, sometimes called a fish stall, in the market place

MS 11936/525/1107971 (no title) 27 May 1830 - held at Guildhall Library

Contents: Insured: James Nash, 55 Cow Cross Street, gent.
Other property or occupiers: Sandpit Farm, Henham, Essex
MS 11936/386/599387 20 April 1792 - held at Guildhall Library
Contents: Insured: Nathan Nottage, Henham Essex, shopkeeper and higgler
Other property or occupiers: William Stead, labourer

MS 11936/543/1196519 [no title] 7 April 1835 - held at Guildhall Library
Contents: Insured: Hezekiah Groom, Henham Essex, shop keeper

P7/28/48 2 Cutting from Cambridge News on Henham Church, Essex by Gillian Maltby. October 1964 - held at Cambridgeshire County Record Office, Cambridge

Pa D 53 15 Deed relating to Henham, Essex. March 1467 - held at Nottingham University Library, Department of Manuscripts and Special Collections

Contents: The King, for 40 marks paid to him in his hanaper, grants licence to John Dynham, esquire, and Elizabeth, who was the wife of John Rattecliff de Fitzwalter, esquire, to grant to Richard Illyngworth, Knight, John Say, Knight, and Thomas Urswyk, the manor of Hemnalle, Norfolk, the manors of Shymplyng and Thurstonten, Suffolk, the manors of Henham, Wymbussh, Lexden, Sheryng, Burneham, Asshedon, Little Dunmowe, Wodeham Walter and Roydon, Essex. Dated 15 March 7 Edward IV

Par/400/24/7 Declaration of uses May 1642 - held at West Sussex Record Office

Contents: Robert Earl of Essex, Richard Viscount Lumley, Sir Richard Guerney kt., bt., Lord Mayor of London, Sir Christopher Newton of Newton St. Lowe, co. Som., K.B., Sir George Whitmore kt., and Alderman, William Rolfe and Henry Hann, esq., and Henry Jackson, gent., all of London, surviving feoffes of Henry Smith’s Charity, to churchwardens and overseers of Hurstpierpoint.

Whereas foeffees had purchased premises from the estate left by Henry Smith for the benefit of the poor of the parishes in proportion stated:

Co. Essex, Terling, £14; Braintree, £6; Henham, £12; Tolleshunt D’Arcy, £12.
(a) affirm premises to be in trust for parishes aforesaid, and that (b) may resort to premises for payment of £8 yearly and may in conjunction with other parishes remove and put in tenants according to the terms of the trust.

SHILLINGLEE/32/263 - held at West Sussex Record Office. Warrant to the constables of Henham, to convict John Edick, for killing doe in Hatfield Chase, belonging to Sir Edward Turnour. 2 October 1690

WM 1-986 Worsbrough muniments Reference - held by Sheffield Archives
Covering dates1295-1832 Creators Edmunds Family of Worsbrough Hall, West Riding of Yorkshire. Contents: A collection of deeds and papers found at the carpenter’s shop at Worsborough Hall. Many of the deeds concern property of families related to the Edmunds by marriage, passing in particular by the Carrington (1730) and Offley (1767) alliances, which much increased the depleted family fortunes. Title deeds including wills and settlements: Offley Estates: Kentish Town (Middlesex), 1562-1778 (35); Hertford, 1561-1741 (31); Henham

780A/1/2/1 Feoffment [18th century copy] 20 November 1599 - held at Portsmouth Museums and Records Service

Contents:

[i] The Right Honourable the Earl of Sussex Viscount Fitzwater Lord Egremont Burnells and Botort Thomas Kempe of Little Bricett in the county of Suffolk and Thomas Kirbye of Henham in the county of Essex, gentleman

[ii] Jonas Latelais, gentleman, secretary to the Earl of Sussex Feoffment of manor or seigniorye of Northcloake, Eastoake and Westhaye on Hayling Island in the county of Southampton forever

Consideration ‘a certain sum of money’

From British History Online at http://www.british-history.ac.uk

1. Close Rolls, Henry VI - July 1432 , Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI: volume 2 (1933)

June 5. 1432 Westminster.

To the escheator in Essex. Order to give Elizabeth late the wife of Walter lord Fitz Wautier livery of the manors and advowsons with the exceptions hereinafter mentioned; as it is found by inquisition, taken before the escheator, that at his death the said Walter held jointly with her the manor of Wodeham Wautier, with the exceptions of a tenement there parcel of the said manor called ‘Brians tenement,’ all lands, rents and services called the ‘Neweshepen,’ a [field] called ‘Manfelde,’ three parcels of land in Wodeham Wautier and Ultynge called ‘Curleighmersshe, Fordecroft’ and ‘Beryhalle’ parcel of the said manor, a field called the ‘Westfelde,’ a pasture called the Faune, the profit of the second crop of two meadows, one called the ‘Holemede’ the other the ‘Curleighmede,’ a tenement in Wodeham with lands, meadows and pastures called Heywardes parcel of the said manor, a tenement there with appurtenances called Stubbardes, and a meadow there called ‘Bradmede’ parcel of the said manor, by demise of Robert Darcy and Richard Fox, and held likewise the manor of Lexeden, except a tenement called ‘Fraunceys tenement’ in the hamlet of Lexeden within the liberty of Colcestre parcel thereof, by feoffment of John Tyrell and Robert Molynton, the manor of Burnham, except the courts, wards, marriages, reliefs, escheats, the warren and mill thereto belonging, by demise of John Chedyoke knight and others, the manors of Henham and Little Dunmowe with the exception of a messuage and half a virgate of land in Henham sometime of Richard Chirchegate in the tenure of William Couper, a tenement and half a virgate there called Tournoures in the tenure of John Tournour, and a tenement and half a virgate there called Appultounes in the tenure of Richard Mountagu, all parcel of the manor of Henham, and except a tenement and one virgate of land called ‘Stacyesalyne’ and another tenement and 15 acres of land called Hesdes, both in the town of Henham and parcel of the said manor, by gift of the said John Chedyoke and others, and held the manors and advowsons of Wymbysshe and Sherynge by grant of Richard Baynarde and Simon Cisterne clerk to the said Walter and Elizabeth for life made without the king’s licence, that the manors of Wodeham Wautier, Burnham, Henham, Little Dunmowe, Wymbysshe and Sherynge are held in chief by knight service, and the manor of Lexeden of the king in free burgage as is all the town of Colcestre, and that by his death and by reason of the said trespasses those manors and advowsons, with the exceptions aforesaid, are taken into the king’s hand; and for a fine paid in the hanaper the king has pardoned those trespasses; and he has taken the fealty of the said Elizabeth for those and other lands in Norfolk and Suffolk.

2. July 1. 1432 Westminster.

To the escheator in Essex. Order to take the fealty of William Robbesson, and to give him and Joan his wife livery of a tenement with one virgate of land in Henham called Stacyesaleyne, and another tenement with 15 acres of land there called Hesdes; as it is found by inquisition, taken before the escheator, that John Chedyoke knight, Maurice Berkeley, Henry Grey, John Dorewarde, Robert Darcy, Oliver Groos, Richard Fox and Adam May were seised of the manor of Henham which is held in chief, and without licence of the king granted to the said William and Joan for their lives the tenements and lands aforesaid, parcel of the said manor, that those grantees entered the same, and that by reason of that trespass the premises are taken into theking’s hand; and for a fine paid in the hanaper the king has pardoned the said trespass, further granting so far as in him lies that the said William and Joan may have again and hold the premises for their lives.

3. Hendred, East - Henstead A Topographical Dictionary of England (1848)

HENHAM, a parish, in the union of Bishop-Stortford, partly in the hundred of Clavering, but chiefly in that of Uttlesford, N. division of Essex, 4 miles(N. N. E.) from Stansted-Mountfitchet; containing, with the hamlet of Pledgdon, 855 inhabitants. The parish is separated from that of Ugley by the river Granta or Cam, and is about three miles in length and two in breadth; the lands are generally elevated and richly wooded, and the soil is luxuriantly fertile. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king’s books at £17; patrons and impropriators, J. S. Feake, Esq., and others. The great tithes have been commuted for £510, and the vicarial for £331. 16.; the glebe comprises 2 acres, and attached to the living is a farm of 70 acres. The church is in the early English style, with a massive tower surmounted by a lofty spire, and has a nave, separated from the north and south aisles by clustered columns supporting finely pointed arches; and a chancel, divided from the nave by an ancient screen, and containing some old monuments. There is a place of worship for Independents.

4. Houses of Austin Canons - Priory of Little Dunmow

Robert Fitz Richard and Maud his wife confirmed the possessions of the canons and granted lands and tithes in Henham

In the Taxation of 1291 the temporalities of the priory were valued at £40 19s. 2½d. yearly,the principal amounts being £11 2s. 8d. in Little Dunmow, £5 9s. 3½d. in Burnham, £4 5s. 9½d.in Rayne and £3 11s. 8d. in four parishes in London. Property was also owned in Henham. The church of Henham in Essex was also appropriated.
Other subjects mentioned in the register are an extent (fn. 22) of the manor of Henham on Tuesday before Midsummer, 1275; and the order (fn. 23) for consecrating a church.

An interesting book of accounts is preserved (fn. 26) of miscellaneous expenditure by Prior Geoffrey, beginning at the week before Palm Sunday, 23 Henry VIII, and ending the third Sunday after Trinity, 27 Henry VIII. The total amounts to £45 4s. 7d., of which the following are specimen entries:—
First Sunday after Epiphany, my cost to my lord Fywater 3s. 10d., reparations at Henham ‘jauncell’ 4s. 4d.

On 20 July 1536 the king granted (fn. 31) to Robert, earl of Sussex, the late patron, in tail, the site and church of the priory, the manors of Little Dunmow and Clopton Hall, the rectories and advowsons of Little Dunmow, Henham, Old Saling, Burnham, Sturston, Hempnall and Poslingford, annuities from the rectories of Boughton and Barton Bendish and other possessions of the priory in London, Little and Great Dunmow, Tolleshunt Major, Lambourne, Henham, Old Saling and Burnham in Essex, Sturston, Hempnall, Boughton and Barton Bendish in Norfolk and Poslingford in Suffolk; with the exception of the manors of Westwikhall and Estwik and a marsh in Burnham; the whole being of the yearly value of £121 14s. The manors of Westwykehall and Estwyke and lands called Westwyke and Estwyke in Burnham were granted (fn. 32) to Robert Riche of London and Elizabeth his wife and his heirs on 25 November,1543.

A History of the County of Essex: Volume 2 (1907)

5. Close Rolls, Richard II - 1398

Walter lord Fitz Wauter and lord of Wodeham to Robert de Teye, Robert Newport, John Basset, Henry Teye and John Gyffarde, their heirs and assigns. Charter with warranty of his purparty of the manor of Egremounde co. Comberland and the [whole] manors of Reyndoun, Henham, Little Donemowe, Thurstanton and Asshedon co. Essex. Witnesses: John Maldoun, Edmund de Dounne, Thomas Wrenche, John Hamound, John Hokyn. Dated St. Michaels church Wodeham Wauter, 14 Richard II. From: ‘Close Rolls, Richard II: 1398′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Richard II: volume 6: 1396-1399 (1927)

6. Close Rolls, Henry VI - 1425-1426

Walter lord Fitz Wauter and lord of Wodeham, lord of Haydepuys and Rochetisson in Normandy, to Lewis Johan, Richard Baynarde, John Tyrell, Robert Darsy, Richard Fox, William Neulonde, Robert Molynton, William Faukeswelle and Richard Duryvalle clerk, their heirs and assigns. Quitclaim with warranty of the manors of Wodeham Wauter, Ultynge, Burnham, Cage, Crixhicche, Lexden, Great Teye, Little Dunmowe and Henham co. Essex, and of his purparty of the manors of Multon, Flete, Beausolas in Algerkyrke and Skyrbeke with rents and services in Kirton co. Lincoln, and all his lands, rents and services and reversions, with woods, commons, ways, hays, wards, marriages, heriots, reliefs, escheats, knights’ fees, fisheries, warrens, parks, mills, suits of court, franchises, neifs and all that goes with them, advowsons etc. in Wodeham Wauter, Ultyng, Burnham, Cage, Crixhicche, Lexden, Great Teye, Little Dunmowe, Henham, Multon, Flete, Beausolas, Skyrbek and Kyrton which the said Walter by charter gave to them, their heirs and assigns. Dated 16 July 3 Henry VI.

From: ‘Close Rolls, Henry VI: 1425-1426′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI: volume 1: 1422-1429 (1933), pp. 268-269.

7. Close Rolls, Henry VI - 1432

To the escheator in Essex. Order to take the fealties of Henry Stampe and Richard Skylfull, and to give them livery of a messuage and half a virgate of land in Henham in the tenure of William Couper sometime of Richard Chirchegate, a tenement and half a virgate of land there called Turnoures in the tenure of John Turnour, and a tenement and half a virgate of land there called Appultounes in the tenure of Richard Mountagu, parcels of the manor of Henham; as it is found by inquisition, taken before the escheator, that Richard Baynarde and Robert Molynton were seised of that manor, which is held in chief, and for good service of Richard Fox to Walter late lord Fitz Wautier made a grant and livery of the said parcels to the said Henry and Richard Skylfull and to their assigns during the life of Richard Fox, that they entered the same without licence of the king, and that by reason of their trespass the same are taken into the king’s hand; and for a fine paid in the hanaper the king has pardoned that trespass, further granting so far as in him lies that the said grantees shall have the premises again and hold the same to them and their heirs.

From: ‘Close Rolls, Henry VI: 1432′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI: volume 2: 1429-1435 (1933), pp. 143-148

8. Close Rolls, Henry VI - November 1425

Walter lord fitz Wauter and of Wodeham, lord of Haydepuys and Rochetisson in Normandy, to Richard Pynchebeke, RichardWelby, Henry Staumpe and Edward Hager. Letter of attorney, appointing them to give Lewis Johan, Richard Baynarde, John Tyrell, Robert Darsy, Richard Fox, William Neulonde, Robert Molynton, William Fawkeswell and Richard Durivalle clerk, their heirs and assigns, seisin of the manors of Wodham Wauter, Ultyng, Burnham, Cage, Crixhuthe, Lexden, Great Teye, Little Dunmowe and Henham co. Essex, and his purparty of the manors of Multon, Flete, Beausolas in Algarkyrke and Skyrbeke with the rents and services of his tenants in Kyrton co. Lincoln, and all his lands, rents and services, reversions, woods, commons, wards, marriages, heriots, reliefs, knights’ fees, fisheries, warrens, parks, mills, suits of court, franchises, neifs and all that goes with them, advowsons etc. in Wodeham Wauter, Ultynge, Burnham, Cage, Crixhitthe, Lexden, Great Teye, Little Dunmowe, Henham, Multon, Flete, Beausolas, Skyrbeke and Kyrton. Dated 12 July 3 Henry VI.

From: ‘Close Rolls, Henry VI: November 1425′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI: volume 1: 1422-1429 (1933), pp. 257-260.

Hundred of Diss - Introduction

Sir Walter Fitz-Robert, (fn. 16) son of Robert de Tonnebrigge, the fifth son of Richard Fitz-Gilbert, sirnamed de Tonebrigge, the first Earl of Clare, who came in with the Conqueror, of whose gift he had the castle and town of Clare in Suffolk, with Tunbridge in Kent, and divers other great lordships in England. This Earl was son of Gilbert, sirnamed Crispin, Earl of Brion in Normandy, and son of Jeffery, natural son to Richard I. of that name, Duke of Normandy: he bare, as the Fitz-Walters ever after did, the Earl of Clare’s shield varied, which is or, three chevrons gul. The Fitz-Walters being or, a fess between two chevrons gul. He had two wives, Maud de Bocham, (as Mr. Weaver,) or rather Margaret de Bohun, (as Mr.Dugdale,) and Maud, daughter of Sir Richard de Lucy, as aforesaid, in whose right he had this manor, to which he first obtained a charter for a fair, on the eve, day, and morrow after the feast of St. Simon and Jude, and three days following. He was Justice itinerant in Norfolk and Suffolk, and died in 1198, being buried in the midst of the quire of the priory church of Little Dunmow in Essex, of which Robert de Tonebrigge, his father, was first founder; he was sometimes called Walter of Clare, sometimes Robert Fitz-Walter, but mostly Walter Fitz-Robert; he left Robert the Valiant his heir.

Sir Robert Fitz-Walter, Knt. (fn. 17) son of Sir Walter Fitz-Robert, commonly called Robert the Valiant, had two wives, Gunnora, daughter and heiress of Philip de Valoines, and Rohesia or Rose, who survived him, and had the manor of Diss, Hemenhale, (which always went with Diss,) Theye, and Diss hundred in dower. He it was that first divided this manor, by giving a moiety of the two parts which he possessed to Sir Gilbert Pecche, Knt. with his daughter Alice (some say sister) in free marriage, with the third part of the hundred and market, and so there branched a third manor, which was called Pecche’s Fee. This Robert was leader of those barons that rose against King John, the beginning of which was on this occasion, as the book of Dunmow informs us.

“About the year 1213, (fn. 18) there arose a great discord between King John and his Barons, because of Matilda, sirnamed the Fair, daughter of Robert Fitz-Walter, whom the King unlawfully loved, but could not obtain her nor her father’s consent thereunto; Whereupon (and for divers other like causes) ensued war throughout the whole realm; the King banished the said Fitz-Walter, among others, and caused his castle called Baynard, and other his houses, to be spoiled, which being done, he sent a messenger unto Matilda the Fair, about his old suit in love, and because she would not agree to his wicked motion, the messenger poisoned a boiled or potched egg, against she was hungry, and gave it unto her, whereof she died in 1213.” Her tomb was standing between two pillars in the priory church of Little Dunmow, when Mr. Weaver published his book.

In the year following her banished father was restored to the King’s favour upon this occasion. “King John being then in France with a great army, it happened that a truce was taken between the two Kings of England and France, for the term of five years; and a river or arm of the sea being betwixt either host, there was a knight in the English host that cried to them of the other side, willing some one of their knights to come and just a course or two with him; whereupon, without stay, Robert Fitz-Walter, being on the French part, made himself ready, ferried over, and got on horseback, and shewed himself ready to the face of his challenger, whom, at the first course, he stroke so hard with his great spear, that horse and man fell to the ground, and when his spear was broken, he went back again to the King of France, which King John seeing, By God’s tooth, quoth he, (for such was his usual oath,) he were a King indeed that had such a knight. The friends of Robert hearing these words, kneeled down and said, O King, he is your knight, it is Robert Fitz-Walter; whereupon the next day he was sent for, and restored to the King’s favour, by which means peace was concluded, and he received his livings, and had licence to repair his castle of Baynard, and all his other castles. “Notwithstanding this, he afterwards joined the Barons that stood against the same King for their liberties, during his whole reign; and, at the King’s death, by his advice there was an agreement made between them and the succeeding King, from which time he was always in great favour, both in court and country. Holinshed, (fn. 19) (fn. 20) that faithful historian, gives him this character, that he was “both excellent in counsel, and valiant in war.” He went with Ralph Earl of Chester’s army, to aid the Christians against the Infidels, who had besieged the city of Damieta in Egypt, where he performed noble achievements: “After which, (fn. 21) this strenuous knight, this Mars of men, this marshal of God’s army and holy church, (for so he was stiled by the common multitude,) lived in all affluence of riches and honour, till 1234, when he died, and was buried by his daughter in the said church. Holinshed says, (fn. 22) anno 1235, in Advent, died the noble Baron the Lord Fitz-Walter.” (fn. 23)

Robert Fitz-Walter, (fn. 24) his son, often called Walter FitzRobert, succeeded; he was a man of renown in those days, and in great favour with his prince; (fn. 25) he inherited the lands of his father, except this manor and those of Hemenhale and Theye, which were held in dower by Rose his stepmother, who possessed them to 1256,from which time he held them, and dying seized in 1258, was buried in the conventual church of Dunmow, leaving

Robert, his son and heir, then ten years old, who was knighted in1274, and had a great part of his possessions in his own hands before that time, though this manor, with Hemenhale and Theye, was in the hands of Stephen Fitz-Walter, his uncle, (as I take him to be,) as guardian and trustee to the said Robert. This Stephen (fn. 26) in 1286claimed a market every Wednesday and Friday, with all rights belonging to a market, and it was allowed in Eire. It seems that King Henry I. established this market, for he granted it to Sir Richard de Lucy, along with the manor; at this time the jury also find, that the said Stephen held a third part of the hundred, which was worth five marks yearly; that Ernald de Montiniaco (Arnold Mounteny)held of him another third part, which was worth 60s. per annum, and that Richard de Boyland held of the said Stephen another part, which was worth 28s. per annum; and that this Stephen, as capital lord of the whole, paid into the Exchequer a rent of 40d. a year, being entitled, in his part, to view of frankpledge, assize of bread and ale, infangenthef, weyf, and all other liberties which belonged toa hundred, all which soon after came to Robert Fitz-Walter aforesaid, for I find him in possession in his own name. In 1293, (fn. 27) he was summoned to attend King Edward I. into Gascoign, in order to recover his inheritance from the French King, to which place he went, in the retinue of Edmund Earl of Lancaster. In 1296, (fn. 28) he was in the Welsh expedition, and in 1299, in the Scotch wars. (fn. 29) Itwas this man (fn. 30) that aliened Baynard castle in London, and Montfitchet Tower, to the Archbishop of Canterbury, reserving his Barony that belonged to it, to himself and his heirs: he was the first of this family that styled himself Lord of Wodeham in Essex, where he had a seat and a fine park. He had two wives, Devorgil, daughter and coheir of John de Burgh, son of Hubert de Burgh, late Earl of Kent, and Chief Justice of England, and Eleanor daughter of Earl Ferrers, by whom he had Robert his son, who succeeded him. In this year (fn. 31) he obtained a charter of confirmation for a fair every year at his manor of Diss, upon the eve, day, and morrow after the feast of St. Simon and Jude, and three days following. He was one (fn. 32) of those parliamentary Barons that sealed the letter to the Popeanno 1301, denying that the kingdom of Scotland was his fee, or that he had any jurisdiction in temporal affairs. He sealed with his paternal coat, supported by two harpies, which seal of his I have seen affixed to several deeds, and in particular to a grant made in1298, (fn. 33) to William Partekyn of Prilleston, (now Billingford,) dier, by which he granted, for his homage and service, and half a mark of silver in hand paid, two messuages in Diss, with liberty of washing his wool and cloths in Diss Meer, whenever he would, with this reserve, that the gross die should be first washed off, and that heshould not suffer the drain of his dying office to run into the Meer. The Escheat Rolls of the 19th of Edward II. say, that he held Dissat three knights fees, and Hemenhale by barony. Dugdale (fn. 34) and others imagine that he died this year, because we find that from the28th of January the escheator accounted for the profits of his estates till the 12th of February following, when he delivered seizin to Robert Fitz-Walter, son of the said Robert, who was of full age; but this is an errour, for at that time we find that he renounced all the temporal goods of this life, and, as Mr. Weaver (fn. 35) tells us rightly, then entered himself a friar minor in the friery at Colchester, which he himself, in 1309, had founded, and there took upon him the habit of a religious votary, where he spent the rest of his days. (fn. 36)

In the catalogue of emperors, kings, princes, and other potent persons, that have entered into this religious order, this Robert (fn. 37) was one. It seems as if the church of Diss was built by this man, his arms cut in stone still remaining several times on the south porch.

Robert Fitz-Walter, (fn. 38) Lord of Wodeham, his son, married in his father’s lifetime, first (fn. 39) to Joan daughter of John de Botelort in 1304, by whom he had no issue; and after to Joan, (fn. 40) one of the daughters and coheirs of John de Moulton of Egremond, who survived him, and had for her dowry an assignation of the manors of Henham in Essex, Diss, and Hemenhale in Norfolk, &c. In 1361, this Joan (fn. 41) purchased by fine of Nicolas de Walcote and Joan his wife, one messuage80 acres of land, 60 acres of meadow, 6 acres of pasture, 4 acres of wood, and 14s. per annum quit-rent in Diss, Frenze, and Burston, which was added to the capital manor, and was part of Walcote manor that was granted by one of the Mounteney’s, to William de Walcote, the father or grandfather of this Nicolas. She it was also that brought the Castle of Egremond in Cumberland, and a third part of that manor, and many others, to this family. This Robert was in the expedition made into Scotland in 1326, and died the year following, leaving

John, (fn. 42) his son, then 13 years old, possessed of two parts of his estate, the third being held by the said Joan in dower; he was a ward of Henry de Percy’s; but in the ninth of Edward III. by the King’s special favour, his homage was accepted, and livery made to him; Diss manor then was valued at 31l. Hemenhale at 48l. Fincham at6l. 13s. 4d. He was in the French wars in 1359, being one of those appointed to accompany Sir Walter Manny in that skirmish at the barriers of Paris, the Duke of Normandy then lying in that city, and was then knighted. He married Eleanor daughter of Henry Lord Percy, his guardian, was summoned to parliament from the15th to the 34th of Edward III. exclusive, and died upon Monday the feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, anno 1360, leaving Walter, his son and heir, 16 years of age, Joan his mother surviving him; she died in 1362, whereupon Walter her grandson was found to be next heir, and 19 years of age, this manor (fn. 43) being then held at three fees as of the Barony of Baynard Castle.

Walter Lord Fitz-Walter, (fn. 44) making proof of his age in 1362,and doing his homage, had livery of all his lands. In the 44th of Edward III. he was in that expedition made into Gascoign, and there reputed one of the most expert soldiers in the whole realm; but being taken prisoner in those wars, was forced to mortgage his castle and lordship of Egremond for 1000l. towards raising his fine for his redemption. In 1372, an invasion being feared from the French, having raised what power he could for defence of Essex, he was commanded to repair into Norfolk for the safeguard of those parts. In 1379, (fn. 45) he procured the King’s charter for a weekly market every Friday, at his lordship of Hemenhale in Norfolk, and a fair yearly on the eve, day, and morrow after the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. Soon after, in 1381, he did great service in Essex against the rebels under Jack Straw, by suppressing those that endeavoured to make head there. Many other great and noble exploits of this man may be seen in the first volume of Dug. Baron. fol. 222, and in the second volume of Holinshed’s Chronicle, fol.405, 419. He was Lieutenant (fn. 46) to Thomas Duke of Gloucester, Constable of England, in the great cause between the Lords Lovell and Morley, for the arms of Burnel, in the Court of Chivalry, anno 1384,and 1386, in which year he died in Spain, on Wednesday before St. Michael, being one of those that accompanied John Duke of Lancaster, King of Castile and Leon, in his expedition thither, where the English, not able to bear the heat of the country, died in great numbers. “Among (fn. 47) others there died before the breaking up ofthe camp, one of the greatest Barons of all the company, the LordFitz-Walter.” I have seen an ancient deed (fn. 48) of this Walter, in French, by which, as Lord of Diss, he granted a messuage and 8acres of land to one William Moundry; it was dated at Henham40 E. III. to which his seal was fastened, being his paternal coat, and an estoil between two plumes for his crest. (circumscribed, Sigillum Walteri Filtj-Walteri.) His first wife was Eleanor, by whom he had no issue; his second, as Mr. Dugdale tells us, was Philippa, daughter and coheir to John de Mohun Lord of Dunster, and widow of Edward Duke of York; she survived him. But Le Neve, (fn. 49) in his Collections, differs in this point; for, as he justly observes, this Philippa, widow of that Edward Duke of York who was killed in the battle of Agincourt, in the third year of Henry V. could never be the wife of this Sir Walter Fitz-Walter, who died the tenth of Richard II. before that battle was fought: to reconcile this we must observe, that Robert Fitz-Walter, the eldest son of this Walter, lived to be of age, though he died before his father, without issue; and he it was that married Philippa aforesaid, who, after his death, married again to Edward Plantagenet Duke of York, and Earl of Rutland, who held Diss manor, hundred, and market, together with Hemenhale, till he was killed as aforesaid, and from his death she held them till 1431,in which year it appears, by the inquisition then taken, that she died seized, and that

Sir Walter Fitz-Walter, second son, and now heir, of Walter Lord Fitz-Walter, brother and heir of Sir Robert Fitz-Walter, first husband of the said Philippa, had livery of the manors of Diss and Hemenhale, with their appurtenances, all which (except the advowsons) were held in dower by the said Philippa; but they went with the rest of the estate of the said Robert, and had been in possession of the said Walter ever since 1389, when he had livery to them, as heir to Walter his father, and Robert his elder brother; and accordingly I find, he presented to Diss, in 1390 and in 1399; Philippa aforesaid levied a fine, to Alexander Walden, Sir Richard Bouchier, Knight, and others, settling these manors on herself for life, after tothe said Walter and his heirs, as his inheritance. This Walter married Joan (fn. 50) daughter of Sir John Devereux, Knight; he died in1408, and ordered his body to be buried in Henham church, leaving Joan his wife, who soon after married to Hugh Burnel, and two sons, Humphry and Walter, and one daughter named Eleanor.

Humphry Lord Fitz-Walter, his eldest son, was under age at his father’s death, and was a ward of King Henry the Fifth’s, who granted the custody of him to John de Beauford Earl of Somerset; the earl dying soon after, left him to his executor, Henry Beauford Bishop of Winchester, but dying before he came of age, he never was in possession of his inheritance, but it went to his brother,

Walter Fitz-Walter, who was under age, and had not possession of his estate till 1428, at which time he had livery thereof, but not of Diss and Hemenhale till 1431, when Philippa died, who had held them all this time in dower. In this year he settled them in trust on his feoffees, (fn. 51) Richard Baniard, and Simon Cistern, rector of Berningham, who presented here jointly with him; and immediately after that settlement I find a pardon passed the great seal, for the alienation of his manors of Hemenhale, Diss, and Diss half hundred, without the King’s license. (fn. 52) This Walter was one of the most active men in the French wars, in the time of that victorious prince Henry V. who in the eighth year of his reign, for the great services that he had done him, gave to him and his heirs male all the lands and lordships which Sir John Cheney, Knt. deceased, held in the dutchy of Normandy, which reverted to the crown, for default of heirs male of the said John, and were of the value of 5000 scutes. (fn. 53) He was then a very young man, not being of full age till 1422,though in 1421 he was taken prisoner by the French, but soon got released; he died about 1432, (in which year the probate of his will bears date,) and desired to be buried in Dunmow priory, ordering his executors to make an arch in the wall, near his mother’s grave, allowing 40 marks to defray the expense, and requested that his own, and his wife and children’s bodies should be there deposited. (fn. 54) Elizabeth his wife survived him, who held in dower Hemenhale and Diss manors, with the hundred of Diss in Norfolk, the manors of (fn. 55) Shimpling and Thorne in Suffolk, of Wodeham-Walter, Henham, Leiden, Vitring, Dunmow-parva, Burnham, Winbush, and Shering in Essex; she after married to William Massey, and lived to June 14, 1463, (fn. 56) at which time she died, leaving Anne, wife of Thomas Ratcliff, Esq. and Elizabeth, (then single,) her daughters and heiresses; Anne had no issue, but Elizabeth afterwards married to

John Ratcliff, Knt. brother of the said Thomas, who was soon after summoned to parliament as Lord Fitz-Walter, and in right of his wife enjoyed all the honours and possessions of this noble family; and though we have different accounts of this matter, the escheat roll confirms it to me (fn. 57) that this Elizabeth was the wife of John, and not of Thomas Ratcliff, as is said by some.

This family, as Mr. Le Neve thinks, came first into this county in 1411, when John Ratcliff, Esq. father of this Sir John Ratcliff, married Cecily, the widow of Sir John de Herling, by which he much advanced his family. This Sir John, after he was Lord Fitz-Walter, sided with Edward IV. against King Henry VI. (fn. 58) and being by him appointed to keep the passage at Ferrybridge, which the Lord Clifford resolved to gain by surprise, was there slain, on Saturday before Palm Sunday, 1460, as he rose from his bed unarmed, witha poll ax only in his hand, in order to appease the fray, as he thought, among his own men, leaving his estate in possession of Elizabeth his wife, and John Ratcliff, afterwards Lord Fitz-Walter, his son, all which the said

John (fn. 59) enjoyed till 1493, when he was attainted of treason, and being apprehended, was brought into England with several other knights, among which was Sir Robert Ratcliff, who was beheaded, but the Lord Fitz-Walter was pardoned; after that he went to Calais, and being there laid in hold, was beheaded, because he would have corrupted the keepers, with many promises, to have escaped out of the same, intending, as was thought, to have gone to Perkyn, at that time a pretender to the crown against Henry VII. who, at the time of his attainder, seized upon all his revenues, and among them, on this manor, hundred, and advowson, together with the manor of Watton’s, or Cock-street, and Walcote in Diss, both which were become members of the great manor; (fn. 60) and in 1498, the King presented here, by reason of the forfeiture and attainder of John late Lord Fitz-Walter. They remained in the Crown till Henry VIII. restored them to

Robert Ratcliff, son of the said John, who was in so great favour with that king, that he not only restored him in blood and estate, but made him knight of the garter, Lord Fitz-Walter, Egremond, and Burnel, and afterwards, (fn. 61) on the 16th of June, 1523, created him Viscount Fitz-Walter, and on the 8th of December, 1529, Earl of Sussex: he had three wives; by Elizabeth daughter of Henry Stafford Duke of Buckingham, he had Henry Lord Fitz-Walter, who succeeded him; he died at Chelsey the 28th of November, 1542, and is buried in the church of Boreham, in London diocese, with two other earls, his son and grandson, under a sumptuous monument, as appears by their inscriptions in Mr. Weaver’s Funeral Monuments, fol. 635.

From: ‘Hundred of Diss: Introduction’, An Essay towards a Topographical History of the County of Norfolk: volume 1 (1805), pp. 1-39.

9. Close Rolls, Henry VI - 1425

Walter lord Fitz Wauter and of Wodeham, lord of Haydepuys and Rochetisson in Normandy, to Lewis Johan, Richard Baynarde, John Tyrell, Robert Darsy, Richard Fox, William Neulonde, Robert Molynton, William Faukeswelle and Richard Duryvalle clerk, their heirs and assigns. Charter with warranty of the manors of Wodeham Wauter, Ultyng, Burnham, Cage, Crixhicche, Lexden, Great Teye, Little Dunmowe and Henham co. Essex, his purparty of the manors of Multon, Flete, Beausolas in Algerkyrke and Skyrbeke with the rents and services of his tenants in Kyrton co. Lincoln, and all his lands, rents and services, reversions, woods, commons, ways, hays, wards, marriages, heriots, reliefs, escheats, knights’ fees, fisheries, warrens, parks, mills, suits of court, franchises, neifs and all that goes with them, advowsons of churches, abbeys, priories, almshouses and chapels, and other rights etc. in the towns abovementioned. Witnesses: (fn. 1) lord Ferrers, (fn. 1) lord Gray of Wylton, Lewis Robesarde lord Boucer, William Coggeshale, Maurice Bruyn knights of Essex, Ralph lord Cromwelle, Robert Roos, Robert Hakbeche knights, Richard Pynchebeke, Richard Welby esquires of Lincolnshire. Dated Wodeham Wauter, 12 July 3 Henry VI. From: ‘Close Rolls, Henry VI: 1425′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry VI: volume 1: 1422-1429 (1933), pp. 260-261.

10. General Index - D, E

Davies, Thomas alias Johnson of Henham

Samuel Southen and Thomas Davies alias Johnson, yeoman, of Henham, Essex. Appeared and took oath to answer articles, and was admonished to be examined before next court day.

Samuel Butcher [Southen ?], clerk, and Thomas Davy alias Johnson, of Henham, Essex. Counsel for the office had till next court day to signify whether they would insist on defendants’ answers.
Samuel Southton [Southen], clerk, late of Henham, Essex. Time assigned for the promoter to prove his case.
Samuel Southen, clerk, of Henham, Essex. To hear decision concerning the sufficiency of his answers. From: ‘Acts of the Court of High Comission’, Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1635-6 (1866), pp. 81-133.
From: ‘General Index: D, E’, Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1635-6 (1866), pp. 596-602.

11. Index - H, I

Page 457 - Charter of Walter fitz Wauter the elder knight, son of Sir Robert fitz Wauter lord of Wodham, giving with warranty to Walter fitzWauter lord of Wodham, his heirs and assigns, all the grantor’s purparty of the manor of Flete, and all lands, rents and services which he has or ever had in the town of Flete or elsewhere in Lincolnshire. Dated Henham, 1 October 50 Edward III From: ‘Close Rolls, Edward III: November 1376′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward III: volume 14: 1374-1377 (1913), pp. 450-465.

Page 545 - Writing of Sir Walter fitz Wautier lord of Wodeham, granting to Alexander de la Garderobe the office of warrener everywhere in the said Walter’s lordship in the town of Burnham co. Essex, and the fee thereof, taking for his wages one quarter of wheat every eight weeks during his life in the manor of Burnham by the hands of the said Walter’s bailiff there, pasture and keeping (custodiam) for forty ewes with the lord’s ewes at le Redewerde, pasture and keeping for 40ewes with the lord’s ewes at Douniswyk, keeping and pasture for three kine with the lord’s kine, and hay and pasture for one horse of the hay and pasture of the said manor, with power to distrain therein if his wages be fifteen days in arrear, or if he be hindered of the pasture, hay or keeping aforesaid. Dated Henham co. Essex, 1 August41 Edward III From: ‘Close Rolls, Edward III: May 1377′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward III: volume 14: 1374-1377 (1913), pp. 542-547

12. Pleaseley - Plumpton, Wood

PLEDGDON, a hamlet, in the parish of Henham, union of Bishop-Stortford, hundred of Clavering,N. division of Essex, 3½ miles (N. E. by E.) from Stansted-Mountfitchet; containing 162 inhabitants.

From: ‘Pleaseley - Plumpton, Wood’, A Topographical Dictionary of England (1848), pp. 576-578.

13. Index - H, I

Sept. 14. Westminster 1387
To the keepers or farmers of the manor of Henham co. Essex for the time being. Order to pay to John Rekynghale clerk 4l. a year until he be advanced to a benefice, and the arrears since 26 April last, on which day for a fine by him paid in the hanaper the king confirmed letters patent of Walter Fitz Wauter knight, dated in June 8 Richard II long before his death, whereby he charged the said manor, by him held in chief at his death as parcel of the barony of Fitz Wauter, with 4l.yearly payable to the said John until etc., as it is found by divers inquisitions taken by Nicholas Fitz Richard the escheator.
From: ‘Close Rolls, Richard II: August 1387′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Richard II: volume 3: 1385-1389 (1921), pp. 342-346.

April 27. Westminster 1387
To Nicholas Fitz Richard escheator in Essex. Order to remove the king’s hand and meddle no further with a rent of 4l. a year, wherewith by letters patent of June 8 Richard II Walter Fitz Waulter charged the manor of Henham, which at his death he held in chief as parcel of the barony of Fitz Waulter, in favour of John Rikynghal clerk, or with the issues thereof taken since the said Walter’s death; as it is found by divers inquisitions, taken by the escheator, that the said manor was so charged until the said John should be advanced to a benefice, and that he is not yet advanced; and for a fine by him paid in the hanaper the king has confirmed the said letters patent.

From: ‘Close Rolls, Richard II: June 1387′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Richard II: volume 3: 1385-1389 (1921), pp. 237-246.

14. Houses of Austin Canons - Priory of Berden

The priory was leased (fn. 15) in 1537 to Henry Parker; and in January, 1539, it was granted for £100 to him and Mary his wife in tail male, with the rectory of Berden and various possessions in Berden, Manuden, Elsenham, Henham, Takeley, Rickling, Clavering, Ugley, Rochford, Brent Pelham and Stokyng Pelham, of the total yearly value of £23 7s. 0d., at a rent of £2 7s. 0d. From: ‘Houses of Austin canons: Priory of Berden’, A History of the County of Essex: Volume 2 (1907), pp. 143-144.
A History of the County of Essex: Volume 2 (1907)

15. Index - H, I

Aug. 18. Westminster 1378 John Tebaud to Peter Tebaud his brother. Quitclaim of the manor of Plegeden co. Essex, which the said John and Peter had by charter of John Malwayn. Witnesses: John Baryngton, Robert House, William Botiller of Hanham. Dated Plegeden, the eve of All Hallows1 Richard II From: ‘Close Rolls, Richard II: August 1378′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Richard II: volume 1: 1377-1381 (1914), pp. 206-212.

16. Queen Elizabeth - Volume 27 - January 1563

Jan. 28. 1563

28–30. Probates of the wills of William Lambe of Buttisbury,1474; Alan Lambe of Finchley, 1549; and of James Lambe, clerk, Vicar of Henham, Essex, 1563.

From: ‘Queen Elizabeth - Volume 27: January 1563′, Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Edward, Mary and Elizabeth, 1547-80 (1856), pp. 215-218.

17. Theydon Garnon - Parish government and poor relief

Most of the parish business naturally concerned poor relief. When the parish accounts begin it appears that the policy was one of out relief only. In 1715 there was a payment of £3 for badges for paupers. There were similar payments for badges in 1729 and in 1746 it was ordered that badges should be worn by all those receiving weekly doles. In 1728 there were 19 people receiving doles; in 1732 16 people, and in 1733 13 people, were receiving doles totalling respectively£1 13s. 7d. and £1 6s. 4d. a week. There were also frequent payments for the provision of clothing, for nursing at home, and for rents. Occasionally, at least, paupers’ children were bound out as apprentices. In June 1785 it was decided to advertise in the Chelmsford papers in order to get 3 or 4 boys placed as apprentices; in the following month one was apprenticed to a baker at Henham. From: ‘Theydon Garnon: Parish government and poor relief’, A History of the County of Essex: Volume 4: Ongar Hundred (1956), pp. 271-273.

18. Close Rolls, Edward III - August 1328
Aug. 6. 1328 York.
To Simon de Bereford, escheator beyond Trent. Order to deliver to Joan, late the wife of Robert le fitz Wautier, tenant in chief, the following of the said Robert’s lands, which the king has assigned to her as her dower by the assent of Henry de Percy, to whom the king committed the custody of two parts of the lands of the said Robert during the minority of Robert’s heir: the manor of Henham, co. Essex, of the yearly value of 27l. 12s. 8d.; the manor of Hemenhale, co. Norfolk, of the yearly value of 48l. 1s. 10¾d.; and the manor of Shymplinge, co. Suffolk, of the yearly value of33l. 7s. 0¾d From: ‘Close Rolls, Edward III: August 1328′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward III: volume 1: 1327-1330 (1896), pp. 305-319.

19. Close Rolls, Richard II - March 1389

Feb. 28. 1389 Westminster To the treasurer and the barons of the exchequer. Writ of supersedeas in respect of their demand against Thomas duke of Gloucestre to answer for a yearly farm of 180l. 11s. 4d. for the manors of Burneham, Wodeham Wauter, Little Donemowe, Henham and Reyndoun co. Essex late of Walter Fitz Wauter of Wodeham knight, although on 15 July 11 Richard II the king committed to him the wardship of the same at that rent, being in the king’s hand by the said Walter’s death and by reason of the nonage of his heir, from Midsummer then last until the lawful age of the heir, and order to discharge the said duke and other the farmers and tenants thereof; as John bishop of Hereford the treasurer, recollecting a bargain made between him and the duke, has borne witness before the king that the duke should have to farm for 158l. 13s. 8d. (sic) a year the manors aforesaid with a hamlet called Ultynge and a moiety of the lordship of Maldoun, which by inadvertence are omitted in the king’s letters patent; and the duke having given up those letters patent in chancery to be cancelled, by other letters patent of the aforesaid date the king committed to him the wardship of the said manors, hamlet and moiety from Midsummer aforesaid at the rent above mentioned, maintaining the houses and buildings to the same pertaining and bearing all charges,40l. a year being allowed of his farm for maintenance of the heir. Proviso that answer be made by the duke for the farm of 158l. 13s. 4d.(sic) a year. From: ‘Close Rolls, Richard II: March 1389′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Richard II: volume 3: 1385-1389 (1921), pp. 661-665.


20. Acts of the Court of High Commission

Thomas Hanchett, John Cock, of Ugley, Essex, Matthew Edwards, of Stanstead, and Peter Vanson, of Haineham [Henham ?], Essex
Appeared and took oath to answer articles.  Hanchett is examined, and all ordered to answer the articles before any prosecutor is named.

From: ‘Acts of the Court of High Commission’, Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1634-5 (1864), pp. 314-337.

21. General Index - H, I, J, K

June 14. 1654

20. Petition of Lawrence Wright, M.D., patron of Henham vicarage, Essex, to the Protector. The vicarage is only worth 50l., the parish large, and long destitute of a preaching minister; has lately obtained one approved by the Committee for Public Preachers, but is in danger of losing him for want of maintenance. Begs 50l. a year from the trustees for ministers, as the augmentations of 30l. to Mr. Latham of Stifford and 34l. to Mr. Ball of Fornes Pelhams, co. Herts, cease, by both being settled in other livings.

From: ‘Volume 72: June 1654′, Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1654 (1880), pp. 194-232.


22. Close Rolls, October 1261

Pro Galfrido de Lezyniaco. —Rex Ide que fuit uxor Walteri filii Roberti salutem. Cum dudum concesserimus Edwardo filio nostro custodiam terrarum predicti Walteri, quondam mariti vestri, usque ad legitimam etatem heredum ejusdem Walteri, ac idem Edwardus dilecto fratri nostro Galfrido de Leziniaco manerium de Henham, quod fuit predicti Walteri, concesserit habendum usque ad legitimam etatem predictorum heredum, et demum post recessum ipsius fratris nostri ab Anglia manerium illud in manum nostram ceperimus et dimiserimus vobis ad beneplacitum nostrum, nosque nuper eidem fratri nostro manerium illud cum pertinenciis reddiderimus, salvis vobis bladis autumpni ultimo transacti et omnibus aliis exitibus et proventibus ejusdem manerii usque ad festum Sancti Michaelis proximo preteritum una cum firma ejusdem termini; ita quod vos reddatis prefato Galfrido firmam quam nobis reddere debuistis ad dictum terminum pro manerio predicto; vobis mandamus quod prefato fratri nostro vel ejus certo attornato has litteras deferenti de predicto manerio cum pertinenciis plenam seisinam habere et firmam illam sibi persolvi faciatis sicut predictum est. Teste rege apud Sanctum Paulum Lond’ viij. die Octobris.

From: ‘Close Rolls, October 1261′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry III: volume 11: 1259-1261 (1934), pp. 443-449.

23. Deeds - C.1501 - C.1600

C. 1519. Grant by Alexander de Walden, knight, to the reverend Sir Walter Fitzwaiter, lord of Wodeham, Roger de Wylasham, Thomas Tyrell, knights, Richard Upston, parson of the church of Schymplyngges,and Nicholas, perpetual vicar of Henham, of his manor of Riclyngge and all his lands, &c., in Uggelee, Berden, and the hamlet of Bolton, co. Essex, and his manor of Macchyngge, in the same county. Witnesses:—Walter Fitzwalter, Walter atte Lee, Thomas Morwell, William Wauton, knights, and others (named).

Rickling, 8 June, 51 Edward III.

From: ‘Deeds: C.1501 - C.1600′, A Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Deeds: Volume 1 (1890), pp. 536-546.


24. Acts of the Court of High Commission January 1635-6—May 1636 Jan 28th - Peter Banson, of Henham, Essex - Appeared and took oath; to be examined before next court day.

Jan 28th - Samuel Southen, clerk, of Henham, Essex - An attachment decreed against him unless he be examined fully before next court day, and give in his answers perfected and repeated

Feb 4th - Peter Banson, of Henham, Essex - Three days allowed to consider of his answers, and if the prosecutor do not insist thereupon, then the second session of next term assigned to make proof and return commission.

Feb 11th - Samuel Southen, clerk, of Henham, Essex – a commission

From: ‘Acts of the Court of High Commission’, Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Charles I, 1635-6 (1866), pp. 468-521

25. Close Rolls, Richard II - June 1398

Walter lord fitz Wauter and lord of Wodeham to Alexander Walden,William Bourchier knights, Robert Newport, Richard Baynard of Messynge, John Basset of Chishulle, Alexander de la Garderobe and Simon Cisterne clerk, their heirs and assigns. Gift with warranty of the reversions of the manors of Hemenhale and Disse co. Norffolk with the knights’ fees, wards, marriages etc., rents, services of freeholders and neifs, now held for life by Philippa lady fitz Wauter of the said Walter’s heritage, and of the manor of Shymplynge ate Thorne co. Suffolk, the manors and advowsons of Wymbissh and Sherynge co. Essex, and the advowson of Hemyngby church co. Lincoln, with the knights’ fees etc., now held in dower by the said Philippa with reversion to the said Walter and to his heirs. Witnesses: Aubrey de Veer earl of Oxford, John de Bourchier, William Coggeshale, Ralph Shelton knights, Robert Teye, William Rokewode. Dated at his manor of Henham, 29 January 21 Richard II.

From: ‘Close Rolls, Richard II: June 1398′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Richard II: volume 6: 1396-1399 (1927), pp. 311-316. 12 June. June 14. Westminster.


26. Close Rolls, Edward III - May 1377

Writing of Sir Walter fitz Wautier lord of Wodeham, granting to Alexander de la Garderobe the office of warrener everywhere in the said Walter’s lordship in the town of Burnham co. Essex, and the fee thereof, taking for his wages one quarter of wheat every eight weeks during his life in the manor of Burnham by the hands of the said Walter’s bailiff there, pasture and keeping (custodiam) for forty ewes with the lord’s ewes at le Redewerde, pasture and keeping for 40ewes with the lord’s ewes at Douniswyk, keeping and pasture for three kine with the lord’s kine, and hay and pasture for one horse of the hay and pasture of the said manor, with power to distrain therein if his wages be fifteen days in arrear, or if he be hindered of the pasture, hay or keeping aforesaid. Dated Henham co. Essex, 1 August41 Edward III.

From: ‘Close Rolls, Edward III: May 1377′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward III: volume 14: 1374-1377 (1913), pp. 542-547.


27. Close Rolls, Edward III - November 1376

October 24th.

Charter of Walter fitz Wauter the elder knight, son of Sir Robert fitz Wauter lord of Wodham, giving with warranty to Walter fitz Wauter lord of Wodham, his heirs and assigns, all the grantor’s purparty of the manor of Flete, and all lands, rents and services which he has or ever had in the town of Flete or elsewhere in Lincolnshire. Dated Henham, 1 October 50 Edward III.

From: ‘Close Rolls, Edward III: November 1376′, Calendar of Close Rolls, Edward III: volume 14: 1374-1377 (1913), pp. 450-465

28. House of Lords Journal Volume 63 - 20 April 1831

Henham:

Upon reading the Petition of the Protestant Dissenters of Henham, Essex, whose Names are thereunto subscribed; praying their Lordships “to fix on some early Date at which Slavery shall entirely cease, and complete Emancipation be granted to Slaves in every Part of the British Dominions:”
It is Ordered, That the said Petition do lie on the Table

From: ‘House of Lords Journal Volume 63: 20 April 1831′, Journal of the House of Lords: volume 63: 1830-1831, pp. 474-496.

29. St. Pancras Old Church

Joseph Offley of the Middle Temple, esquire, by his will dated 30th June, 1719, and proved 8th March, 1721–2, left his lands in Icklesham and Gestling, Sussex, Kentish Town in St. Pancras, Carrington and Wiltshead, Beds., Clavering, Henham, Cowfield, High Easter and Dunmow, Essex, in trust for his cousin Stephen Offley of Norton, Derby, eldest son of Robert Offley of Norwich, merchant, remainder in tail to his sons.

From: ‘St. Pancras Old Church’, Survey of London: volume 19: The parish of St Pancras part 2: Old St Pancras and Kentish Town (1938), pp. 72-95.

30. Volume 72 - June 1654

June 14. 1654

20. Petition of Lawrence Wright, M.D., patron of Henham vicarage, Essex, to the Protector. The vicarage is only worth 50l., the parish large, and long destitute of a preaching minister; has lately obtained one approved by the Committee for Public Preachers, but is in danger of losing him for want of maintenance. Begs 50l. a year from the trustees for ministers, as the augmentations of 30l. to Mr. Latham of Stifford and 34l. to Mr. Ball of Fornes Pelhams, co. Herts, cease, by both being settled in other livings.

From: ‘Volume 72: June 1654′, Calendar of State Papers Domestic: Interregnum, 1654 (1880), pp. 194-232.


31. Henry VIII - December 1513

14. John Wylde of Henham, Essex, husbandman. Pardon. Del. Knoll, 8 Dec. 5 Hen. VIII. S.B. Pat. 5 Hen. VIII. p. 2, m. 5. [4599.]

From: ‘Henry VIII: December 1513′, Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 1: 1509-1514 (1920), pp. 1102-1121.

Cases before the Committee - November 1650

Claimants on the Estate of Sir Alex. Ratcliffe, Essex
20 Nov. 1650. James Bellew and John Poole complain that the rents of the manor and rectory of Henham, Essex, of which they are seized, are stayed in the tenants’ hands, and petitioners hindered by the County Committee from letting such part thereof as is unlet; they beg to know the cause.

From: ‘Cases before the Committee: November 1650′, Calendar, Committee for Compounding: Part 4 (1892), pp. 2595-2635.


32. Letters and Papers - February 1539, 26-28
February 1539&c., the rectory of Beerden with the tithes, and all possessions of the priory in Beerden, Manyden, Elsnam, Henham, Takeley, Rykelyng, Clavering, Ugley, Rocheford, Pelham Combusta, and Stokyng Pelham, Essex and Herts, in as full manner as _ (blank) the late prior held them. Annual value, 23l. 7s., rent 47s. Westm., 10 Jan. 30 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 23 Jan.—P.S. Pat. p. 7, m. 12.

From: ‘Letters and Papers: February 1539, 26-28′, Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 14 Part 1: January-July 1539 (1894), pp. 143-166.

33. Townships - Salford

Sir Alexander Radcliffe’s estates, apparently in Essex only, were sequestered by the Parliament; this would complete the ruin of the family; Cal. of Com. for Compounding, iv, 2617. The manor of Henham was sold in 1651; W. Farrer’s deeds.

From: ‘Townships: Salford’, A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 4 (1911), pp. 204-217.

34. Alumni Oxonienses, 1500-1714 - Barrowby-Benn

Baynarde, Adiel - s. George, of Basingstoke, Hants, pleb. Magdalen Hall, matric. 27 June, 1623,aged 17, B.A. 22 Feb., 1624-5; M.A. from Balliol Coll., 5 July, 1627; incorp. at Cambridge 1629,D.D. per Literas Regias 1661, vicar of Henham, Essex, 1644, rector of Bartlow, co. Cambridge,1651, of Hadstock, Essex, 1663, and of Newton Toney, Wilts, 1666, until his death in 1669. See Foster’s Index Ecclesiasticus. [5]

From: ‘Alumni Oxonienses, 1500-1714: Barrowby-Benn’, Alumni Oxonienses 1500-1714: Abannan-Kyte (1891), pp. 79-105.

35. Henry VIII - September 1538 26-30

Sept. — Grants.

Sir Thos. Audeley, Chancellor. Licence to alienate the site, ground, circuit, &c. of the late monastery of Walden, Essex, with the manors of Brokewalden, Pounces, Matenys, Seynt Alottys, Abbotys in Thunderley, Mynchon in Arkesden, Chyssyll, Ellesnam and Terlyng, advowsons of the vicarages of Walden, Arkesdon, Magna Chyssyll, Ellesnam and Terlyng, Essex; and all other lands in Walden, Brokewalden, Lyttebury, Newporte, Pounces, Matenys, Seynt Alottys, Thunderley, Arkesden, Beerden, Assheden, Wenden Magna, Wenden Parva, Henham, Depden Elmedon, Terlyng, Leigbes, Hatfeld Peverell, Boreham, Whitteham, Blakenotley, Falborne and Fairsted, Essex, Lynton and Reche, Camb., and Sturmer, Suff.; and the manors of Corney Bury, Braughynge, and Mylkeley, Herts; rectories and advowsons of Braughyng, Leyston, and Alswike; and all other lands in Braughyng, Mylkeley, Corney Bury, Leyston, Buntyngford, Wydyale, Westmyll, Ware, Stondon, Nuttehamsted, Barkewaye, Thorley and elsewhere, Herts; with reservations; to John Eyre and James Vawdye, to be regranted within a month to Sir Thomas and dame Eliz. his wife, and the heirs of the said Sir Thos. for ever. Berechurch, 8 Sept. Pat. 30 Hen. VIII., p. 5, m. 28. From: ‘Henry VIII: September 1538 26-30′, Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 13 Part 2: August-December 1538 (1893), pp. 164-194.