.

Monday 31 March 2014

Mill Green Ware

I have lived a lifetime in the Ingatestone area but had never heard of Mill Green Ware.  So when I saw a booklet within a pile of ephemera in the Society's former Librarian's Office my immediate thought was that this could not be true, or there must be another Mill Green.  But it is. 

Mill Green Ware dates from the late thirteenth and the first half of the fourteenth century, was fired in kilns around the Ingatestone area and supplied to London.  According to the article – an offprint form the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society (LAMAS) – the pottery was dated by reference to tree-ring dating the timbers from the wharfs along the River Thames where it was landed.  These revetments changed position every thirty to fifty years thus making it possible for archaeologists to track the frequency of pottery types as well as their age.

Having been involved in a tree-ring dating project ten years ago - when the bell tower at the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore was dated - I found this fascinating.

Examples of Mill Green Ware can be found on the Museum of London website: http://archive.museumoflondon.org.uk/ceramics/pages/subcategory.asp?subcat_id=702&subcat_name=Mill+Green+ware

The article is entitled ‘A Dated Type Series of London Medieval Pottery. Part One; Mill Green Ware’ by J E Pearce, A G Vince & R White with C M Cunningham, and was published in 1982. 

It appears in Volume 33 of the Transactions of the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society and may be downloaded free of charge from their website: http://www.lamas.org.uk/archives/transactions/volume33.html


Sunday 30 March 2014

Bequests Relating to Essex (5): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 4

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX
EXTRACTED FROM Calendar of Wills proved and enrolled in the Court of Husting, London.
WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES BY A. BENNETT BAMFORD, V.D.

{Part 5}
{A transcription of an article taken from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘new series’ Volume 13 part 4, published in 1914. Items in curly brackets { } have been added for the convenience of the modern reader on the Internet.  Your feedback on this article would be appreciated, especially if you have referred to it in the course of research.}

264. BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX.

1353-4. Monday next after the Feast of Conversion of S. Paul (25 Jan.)
JOHN CIIARTENEV. — To be buried before the altar of S. Mary in the church of S. Clement, near Candelwykstrete. To Margaret, his wife, for life, tenements and rents in the parishes of S. Clement aforesaid and S. Edmund the King, in Lombardestrete; remainder to the maintenance of a chaplain to serve at the altar aforesaid, who is to be appointed by the Abbot and Convent of S. Mary de Stratford of the Cistercian Order .... Dated London, next after the Feast of S. Laurence (10 Aug.), A.D. 1332.

1354. Monday next after Feast of S. Luke (18 Oct.)
JOHN DE SHIRBOURNE, clerk. — To be buried in the church of S. Mary, Aldermannebury, near the altar of S. Peter. Bequests of money and tapers to the said church. To Margery, his wife, he leaves all his goods in the City of London, with the exception of an entire new robe of red cloth of the livery of the Mayor, which he leaves to his clerk. To Richard, his son, who is on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he leaves his dwelling house, if not otherwise disposed of by his said wife, and if his son die abroad, the same to go to Andrew, his son. Also to his aforesaid wife, his goods at Little Hallyngbury {Hallingbury}, in co. Essex. Dated London, Thursday next after the Feast of Exaltation of H. Cross (14 Sept ), 28 Edward III., A.D. 1354.

1354-5. Monday next after the Feast of S. Hilary (13 Jan.)
WILLIAM DE BERKYNGGE, fishmonger. — To be buried in S. Paul's churchyard, near the tomb of Lucy, his wife. Bequests to ministers of the churches of S. Nicholas, Coldabbeye, and S. Thomas de Acon, the Canons of Lesnes, the Abbess and Convent of Berkyngge {Barking}, the work of London Bridge, etc. To the shrine of S. Ethelburga de Berkyngge he leaves a gold ring and forty pence. A certain silver cup and a sum of money, then in the hands of Agnes Genee, to be enjoyed by her for life, but after her death to be devoted to charity for the good of his soul. To John Seman, his apprentice, he leaves forty shillings and his best robe; to William de Kendall, saddler, his tenement in the parish of S. Nicholas, Coldabbeye, in the Old Fish Market; and the residue of his goods to pious uses. Dated London, Tuesday next after the Feast of S. Luke (18 Oct.), A.D. 1345.

1355. Monday the morrow of the Feast of H. Trinity (31 May.)
GILBERT DE STEYNDROP, goldsmith. — To be buried in the church of S. Mary de Stanynglane, near the body of Leticia, his late wife .... To the nuns of the vill of Stratford he leaves certain rents in Holbourne. Dated London, 24 January, 28 Edward III., A.D. 1354-5.

1355-6. Monday, the Feast of Conversion of S. Paul (25 Jan.)
ISABELLA CORP, relict of Thomas Corp, late pepperer. — To be buried in the new churchyard of S. Mary without Aldrichesgate .... To Margaret, his sister, a nun at Berkyngge {Barking}, a silver plated cup with covercle, twelve silver spoons, two cups of mazer, and a silver enamelled pix, together with three gold rings, one having a sapphire, another an emerald, and the third a diamond, and divers household goods. Also to the said Margaret, Katherine de Sutton, and Dame Johanna de Homilane, a piece of blanket, to be divided equally among them .... Dated London, Monday next after the Feast of S. Bartholomew (24th Aug,), 1354,

1357. HENRY ATTE WODE, de Hatfield Regis {Hatfield Broad Oak}. - To be buried in Hatfield churchyard. To Elizabeth, Alice, and Katherine, his daughters, his messuage in Milkstrat in successive tail, remainder to William, his (son?). Dated Friday next after the Feast of S. John ante portam Latinam (6th May), A.D. 1349.

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX. 265

1359. THOMAS DE ALGATE, Rector of the Church of Scherryngge (Sheering) in the diocese of London. — To be buried in the Churchyard of H. Trinity, within Algate, near his father and mother. To his brother, Sir Nicholas, the Prior of H. Trinity aforesaid, and convent of the same, and his successors, he leaves tenements and rents in the parishes of S. Katherine within Algate, S. Andrew upon Cornhull, and S. Botolph without Algate. To Hugh, son of John le Skynnere, ten pounds sterling. The residue of his goods, movable and immovable, he leaves to the aforesaid Prior for pious uses. Dated London Saturday the Feast of Purification of V. Mary (2nd Feb.), A.D. 1358.

1361. IDONIA CAUNTEBRIGGE, daughter of Stephen de Cauntebrigge. — To be buried in the Churchyard of Donemowe {Dunmow} near her father. Bequests for covering the said church and to the minister thereof. To Avice, her mother, she leaves certain rents in the parishes of All Hallows de Bredstret and S. Faster (Vedast or Vaster) for life; remainder to Thomas her brother. Dated London, 12th September, A.D. 1359.

1361. RICHARD ATTE MOURE, draper. — To be buried in the church of S. Michael upon Cornhull, to which church and ministers thereof he leaves sums of money; as well as to the old work of S. Paul's; the fabric of the chapel of Neucherchehaw, in West Smythfeld ; the fabric of the chapel of H. Trinity de la Newchirchehawe, near the Tower ; the Sisters of S. Katherine, near the Tower; the poor in the hospitals; lepers, etc. To Richard, his son, he leaves twenty pounds sterling and divers household chattels, including a Nhutte with silver stand and covercle (a cocoanut {coconut} mounted on silver), and half the proceeds of the sale of a certain tenement, the other half being devoted to pious uses. Symon atte Moure, his brother, appointed guardian to his said son. Further bequests to his said brother; Walter, his brother; Agatha and Alice, his sisters; Richard, son of Walter atte Moure; John atte Moure, John Daundelion, and others. Provision made for a chantry in the church of Wyvelesfeld {Wethersfield}, co. Essex, for the good of his soul; the souls of Isabella, his wife; John his father; and Agnes, his mother. Also to the said church he leaves a scoppe (a scoop for holding holy water,’benitier') of latten of the value of four shillings, and a cope. To the Fraternity of S. Christopher, six shillings and eightpence. Dated London, Monday next before the Feast of SS. Philip and James (1 May), A.D. 1361.

1361. RICHARD DE ESSEX, draper. — To be buried in the church of S. Mary, Bothawe. Bequests to the said church and ministers thereof; to the Preaching Friars for celebrating two hundred masses for the good of his soul within a year alter his decease; to the Friars of the H. Cross for one hundred masses; also for the maintenance of a chantry in the church of 'Heclyngham Sibille' (Sible Hedingham), etc. … To Matilda, his wife, one hundred marks by way of dower, and her entire chamber (that portion of her husband's tenement or dwelling house which they had jointly occupied, viz., the hall, principal chamber, the cellar; and the use of the oven, the stable, privy and yard, as long as she remain unmarried), reserving to each of her children one entire bed. Bequests also to John, his son; Isabella, his daughter; and Thomas, his son; to which last he also leaves a seld in Westchepe. Guardians appointed for his said children. Dated London, Thursday next after Feasts of Apostles Peter and Paul (29 June, A.D. 1361.

266 BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX.

1361. RICHARD DE KISLINGEURY, draper. — To be buried in the church of S. Mary-le-Bow, near the tomb of Matilda his wife. Bequests to the said church, etc. .... He wills also that the whole of the wool he bought at Berkyng {Barking}, viz., nineteen sarpeler (a sarplar or pocket of wool = half a sack or forty tods) be distributed among the poor, viz., to each person one fleece, To Alice, his wife, a moiety of all his movable goods by way of dower, and the residue of the term of service of his apprentices. Provision made for chantries in the churches of S. Thomas and S. Mary aforesaid out of the rents of tenements in the parishes of S Mary, Holy Trinity-the-Less and S. Botolph without Algate. Also to Alice, his wife, his leasehold interest in the manors of Berwyck and Cardenz, co. Essex, for life remainder over. (The manor of Berwick, in Rainham parish; ‘Cardenz' may be Cardons in Chishall or Gardens in Hornchurch). Dated London, Tuesday next before the Feast of S. Margaret, Virgin (20th July), A.D. 1361.

1361. RICHARD DE PLESSVS, clerk. — For the maintenance of four chantry priests to celebrate for the good of his soul, the souls of William, his father, Mariota, his mother. Master Richard de Clare, Dame Elizabeth de Burgo. Sir Simon de Islip, Archbishop of Canterbury, and others he devises certain tenements in the parishes of S. Benedict Fink and S. Margaret de Sothebury, and the socage of divers tenements in Bradestret and elsen here, saving a certain socage due from the Archdeacon of Colchester, which he remits. Two chantry priests to serve in the parish church of Staundon in the diocese of London, and one in the churches of S Bartholomew-the-Less in London and S. Mary-le-Bow respectively. Dated London, 17th April, A.D. 1359.
A codicil annexed to the above testament to the effect that certain tenements should be assigned to the above chantry priests for pious uses. Dated at Staundon 26th July, AD, 1361.

1361. MICHAEL, unworthy minister of the church in London. — (Michael de Northburgh, Bishop of London, 1354). To be buried at the entrance of S. Paul's' church .... Bequests to religious houses at Lesnes, Chesthunte, Wykes, Stratford, Berdene {Berden}, and Thele. To the chamber of London, ten pounds, and a similar sum for the repair of roads in Essex .... and to his successor, his best mitre and pontifical ring. Dated X. Kal. June (23 May) A.D. 1361.

1361. HUGH DE BLOUNT, knt., To John, his son, his tenement in Conynghop lane, parish of S. Mildred in the Poultry, in tail; remainder over. To Thomas, his son, tenements within the gate of the scolding-hous, and tenements lately recovered from Johanna, wife of John Auncel, in the parish of S. James de Garlikhuth, by writ of Gravelet, together with other tenements, rents, etc., in the parishes of S. Mildred, S. Vedast, S. Mary de Wolcherchehawe, and elsewhere, to hold, in tail; remainder to the testator's right heirs. Further bequests to Andrew Grauntcourt, goldsmith, and John Lucas, clerk. Dated at 'Gengetoriberd laundry' (Butsbury) {Buttsbury}, Saturday next after the Feast of Exaltation of Holy Cross (4 Sept.), A.D. 1361.

1361-2. Monday next before the Feast of Conversion of S. Paul (25 Jan.)
RICHARD ATTE WOOD, de Herlawe (Harlow). — To be buried in the parish church of Herlawe. To Sir John Clobbe, chaplain ; William Aylmer; Walter, son of John Campioun; and John Page, he leaves a tenement called 'Redebachous,' in S. Clement's Lane Dated III. Nones October (13 Oct.), 1361

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Transactions 'Third Series' Index. Volumes 31 to 40

Members of the Essex Society for Archaeology and History have just been sent a copy of the final instalment of the Index to the 'Third Series' of 'Essex Archaeology and History'. This covers Volumes 31 to 40 produced between 2000 and 2009.  

The cover illustration is an engraving of Nicholas Tindal (1687 - 1774), historical writer and translator, and Rector of Great Waltham from 1722 to 1740.  Having translated and annotated fifteen volumes of Rapin's History of England, he was employed in 1731 to edit and publish the manuscripts history of Essex that William Holman had left in manuscript at his death in 1730.  Two parts of Tindal's History of Essex were published in 1732 but the project than collapsed due to the failure to attract a sufficient number of subscribers. In spite of this, Tindal was the first writer to have got into print the beginnings of a detailed parish by parish history of the county, and to have established the high standards, with referenced sources, that were followed by later historians. Between 1724 and 1732, Tindal employed the young Philip Morant as his curate, and doubtless had a strong influence on the future county historian. 

This index volume is dedicated to the late Major W A Hewitt T.D., A.C.I.B. in recognition of his work in establishing the Publications Development Fund, which has helped finance many articles in the Society's Transactions and other publications.

    This index for the last ten volumes of the Third Series of the Society's Transactions (Essex Archaeology & History) was generously supported by funding from the Hervey Benham Trust, the Essex Heritage Trust and the Marc Fitch Fund

Sunday 23 March 2014

Bequests Relating to Essex (4): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 4

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX
EXTRACTED FROM Calendar of Wills proved and enrolled in the Court of Husting, London.
WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES BY A. BENNETT BAMFORD, V.D.

{Part 4}
{A transcription of an article taken from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘new series’ Volume 13 part 4, published in 1914. Items in curly brackets { } have been added for the convenience of the modern reader on the Internet.  Your feedback on this article would be appreciated, especially if you have referred to it in the course of research.}

REQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX. 261

1342. Monday next after the Feast of S. Luke, Evangelist (18 Oct.).
MATILDA, relict of Amiel le CHAUNDELER. — To Johanna, Christina, and Margaret, her daughters respectively, divers specific chattels, and all her tenements and rents in the parishes of S. Botolph without Alegate and Stratford-atte-Bowe, the same to remain in the hands of Alexander le Mareschal until the said daughters come of age. Dated Monday next after the Feast of Epiphany (6 Jan.), A.D. 1341-2.

1345. Monday next after the Feast of Translation of S. Edward (13 Oct.)
OLIVE MYNGY (de Northone Maundevile {Norton Mandeville}). — Her tenements in Holebourne, in the suburb of London, to be sold to pay the aforesaid (sic) legacies, the residue being devoted to the maintenance of chantries at the discretion of John de Refham, fisherman, and Friar Thomas de Heyroun of the Order of Friars Minors. Dated, 27 August, A D. 1345.

1348. JOHN DE CLAVERING, canon of the church of S. Martin le Grand. — To be buried before the altar of S. Stephen in the said church. Bequests of an annual rent in the parish of S. Michael le Quern, to the vicars, ministers, etc., of the said church of S. Martin A brewery and shops, in the lane and parish of S. Swithin, to be sold for the maintenance of a chantry in the said church of S. Martin, for the souls of Roger de Depham, and Margaret, wife of the same, the soul of the testator, and others. To Sir Edmund de Wymondham, Vicar of High Estre ('Alta Estre') {High Easter}, and John Baude de Derteford, his executor, he leaves certain tenements and rents in the parish of S. Alphege, in Martelane, and in the aforesaid lane and parish of S. Swithin, so that they keep all covenants entered into respecting them. Dated London, Sunday next after the Feast of Translation of S. Martin (4 July), A.D. 1348.

1349. ROGER VYNE, mercer. — To John and Johanna, his children, the reversion of a moiety of a shop in Soperelane, parish of S. Pancras, after the decease of Agnes, his wife. To his said wife, all his rents and tenements in the hamlet of Manytree (Manningtree), for life; remainder to his right heirs. Dated London, Monday after the Feast of S Valentine (14 Feb.), A D. 1348.

1348-9. JOHN HAMOND, pepperer. — To be buried in the church of S. Mary de Bothawe .... Provision made for chantries for the souls of Adam de Salesburi, late pepperer; Hamo and Christina, the father and mother of the testator; Agnes, his wife; and others ; in the churches of S. Mary aforesaid and S. Margaret 'zynge' in co. Essex ... John 'zynge' the testator's kinsman .... To his niece, the daughter of Thomas Hamond (kinsman), residing with the nuns of Stratford, he leaves a sum of money for her maintenance … and twenty shillings to be distributed among the poor parishioners of S. Margaret 'zyng' in co. Essex; thirty shillings for the purchase of a portifory (an office book containing the offices for the canonical hours) for the use of the said church of S. Margaret; and one mark to the rector of the church of Chelmersford {Chelmsford}. Dated London, Monday next after the Feast of S. Michael (29 Sep.), 1346.

1349. JOHN SONDAY, de Hatfield Regis (Hatfield Broad Oak), rector of the church of S. Mary de Wolcherchehawe. — To be buried in the chancel of his church or where God shall dispose. To Sir Richard Vincent, rector of the church of S. Benedict, Shorhogge, and Sir John David de Hertford, chaplain, all his books, robes, beds, vessels of brass and wood, and utensils, etc. To the Abbot and Convent of Waltham Holy Cross, all his tenements in the town of Waltham, for pious uses, and all his houses in Soperlane, in the ward of {…}

262 BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX.

{…} Cordewanerstrete, acquired from the executors of Johanna de Maundeville, to provide chantries therewith for the souls of the said Johanna; Robert Priour, her father; and Emma, her mother; and others; at the altar of S. Thomas the Martyr, in the church of the monastery. Dated London, 6 March, A.D. 1348.

1349. THOMAS DE MARYNS, apothecary. To Dyonisia, his wife, all his tenements in the City of London and suburbs, and reversion of tenements in the parish of All Hallows de Honylane, for life, charged with an annuity of twenty-six shillings and eightpence to Katherine, his daughter, a nun of Berkyngge {Barking}  Dated London, Wednesday next before the Feast of S. Mark, Evangelist (25 April), A.D. 1349.

1349. JOHANNA YOUN, late wife of John. — To the canons and convent of the church of H. Trinity, London, for providing medicines, she leaves her tenement in Rethereslane, in the parish of S. Botolph, charged with maintaining one canon or secular priest, to celebrate in their own church, for the space of two years, for the souls of Robert and John Youn, John, her son, and Margery, her daughter. Richard, the husband of the said Margery, and others. To the Abbot and Convent of Waltham, tenements in the parish of S. Andrew, on similar conditions. The residue of her tenements to be sold according to the terms of the testament of her late husband. Dated London, Monday next after the Feast of S. John ante portam Latinam (6 May), A.D. 1349.

1349. JOHN MAKENHEVED, goldsmith. — To be buried in the church of S. Peter de Wodestret .... To Elena, his daughter, a nun at Stratford, one mark, annual rent of his shop situate opposite the stone cross in Westchepe, in the parish of S. Peter aforesaid .... Dated London, VII. Ides of April (7 April), A.D. 1349.

1349. LAURENCE DE BRAGHYNGG. — To Elena, his wife, all his tenements, shops, wharves, cte., in the parish of S. Dunstan, for life. To Laurence, his son, the reversion of certain of the above, situate in Thamisestrete, in tail, charged with the payment to the nuns of Berkyngg {Barking}, as chief ladies ('capitalibus dominabus') of the fee, of ten shillings sterling for all services, etc., remainder to John, his son, in tail   Dated London, Tuesday next after the Feast of S. Ambrose (4 April), A.D. 1349.

1350-1. WILLIAM DE THORNEYE, pepperer. — To be buried in the church of the house of S. Elena, London, near the tomb of Johanna, his late wife, if he should happen to die in London; should he die elsewhere he is to be buried where God shall ordain .... Provision made for a chantry in the chapel of S. John the Baptist, in the street called 'Brodedrone' in Whappelode, in Holland (Lincoln) where the testator was born, for the service of which he leaves the portifory which he bought of Sir John, the Vicar of Claveryng {Clavering}. Dated London, 20 June, A.D. 1349.

1351-2. Monday next after the Feast of Purification of V. Mary (2 Feb.)
JOHN DE HOLEGH, hosier. — To be buried in the chancel of S. Nicholas the Bishop, in the church of S. Mary le Bow, in the tomb of Alice, his late wife, over which tomb he wishes a marble stone to be placed with the two images of latten (a hard yellow, mixed metal closely resembling brass), having letters written around asking for prayers for the benefit of their souls. A tenement in the parish of S. Pancras to be devoted to the maintenance of chantries in the {…}

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX. 263

{…} same church, for the good of his soul, and the souls of Alice, his late wife, John de Holegh, Gilbert, father of the said John, John de Godeston, and others; (Stow mentions the Hawlay Chantry in Bow Church) for the service of which he leaves money for the purchase of a missal, a silver cup weighing forty shillings to be fashioned into a chalice, and divers sums of money for the purchase of vestments, towels, and other ornaments. Provision made for other chantries in the said church, and also in the church of S. Matthew de Fridaystrete {Friday Street}, the churches of South Wokyngdon (Ockendon) and Kyngeston-on-Thames, for the souls of Henry, his father, Isabella, his mother, John de Holegh, his uncle, and others .... To Thomas de Burton, mercer, he leaves twelve dishes, and twelve saltseras (salt-cellars) weighing seventeen pounds, and a 'faldyng album' Of the residue of his vessels of silver, he wills that three chalices be made and gilded, each weighing thirty shillings, one of which he leaves to S. Mary-le-bow, another to the church of S. Mary Magdalen de Milkstrete, and the third to the church of South Wokyngdon {South Ockendon}. Pecuniary legacies to Nicholas de Molland de Wokyngdon ('Molands' is an old farmhouse in South Ockendon), and John and Nicholas, sons of the same, on condition that they endeavour to recover the manor of Holegh.  Dated London, 12 March, A.D. 1348.

1352. Monday next after the Feast of S. James, Apostle (25 July.)
BARTHOLOMEW DENMARS or DAUMARS, corder. — To be buried in the chancel of the church of S. Lawrence, opposite the tomb of Beatrix, his late wife. Pecuniary bequests to the said church .... To the work of the church of South Beamflet (Benfleet) where the testator was baptised .... Lawrence, his son, .... Cecilia, his wife, … first wife Beatrix .... Dated London, Monday next after the Feast of Ascension (24 May), A.D. 1352.

1352. Monday next after the Feast of S. Luke, Evangelist (18 Oct.)
THOMAS DE WARE, fishmonger. — To be buried in the chapel of S. Margaret de Briggestrete, to the fabric and ministers whereof he bequeaths certain sums of money. To Edmund, his son, a shop in Breggestrete. To John atte Nassh de Grenewych a moiety of a ship called 'la Christmasse,' as well as of her outfit and apparel, in payment of all debt due to him from the testator, and similarly to William Mannyng he leaves a batel (boat) with outfit and apparel. To Margery, daughter of William Malmayn de Berkyng (`Malmayns,' a farm belonging to Barking Manor, formerly near 'Eastbury') one hundred shillings of merchandise on board the aforesaid ship, when she shall have arrived at a port safely …. Brother Henry .... Margery, his late wife .... Dated London, Tuesday next after the Feast of S. Bartholomew, Apostle (24 Aug.), 26 Edward III., A.D. 1352.

1353. WALTER NEEL, blader. — Provision made for chantries in the church of S. James de Garlechuth for the good of his soul and the souls of Katherine, his former wife; Alice, his wife; his father and mother; John de Oxenford; and others; charged on his tenements in the parish of Castle Baynard, S. Mary de Aldermarichirche, H. Trinity the Less, and elsewhere … Further bequests .... for the repair of the roads between Algate and Chelmsford, etc. … Dated London, Friday the morrow of Nativity of V. Mary (8 Sep.), A.D. 1351.


1353. JOHN DE BESEV1LE, tailor. — To be buried in the church of S. Thomas de Acon, near the conduit … Bequests to … the Abbot and Convent of Waltham Holy Cross; … Dated London, 14 March, A.D. 1352.

Friday 21 March 2014

Books Purchased 2013

The Essex Society for Archaeology and History has one of the most important local history and archaeology reference libraries in the country.  We are pleased to have it housed at the Albert Sloman Library at the Colchester campus of the University of Essex.   The Library may be used by any Society member who has a Readers Card.  Books are added constantly about the county of Essex with other publications relating to or having a bearing on the study of the County.  Our Library Committee has recently purchased the following books for accession to add to the several hundred books and periodicals sorted and donated this year.

E. Stafford, Goodburn, D. and Bates, M. Oxford Archaeology Monograph 17.  Landscape and Prehistory of the east London wetlands (2012)
Subtitled ‘Investigations along the A13 DBFO Roadscheme, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Barking and Dagenham, 2000-2003. Softback. 313 pages including index.

Bates, M. and Stafford, E.  Thames Holocene: A Geoarchaeological Approach to the Investigation of the River Floodplain for High Speed 1, 1994-2003 (2013)
With discussion of High Speed 2 in the news, this 2013 hardback book – 428 pages with index – considers the archaeology of the London end of High Speed 1. There are chapters devoted to the Lea Valley, Dagenham and Hornchurch Marshes, Rainham and Wennington Marshes – where the line appears above ground having left St Pancras International , Aveley Marsh, The Thames River Crossing and The Ebbsfleet Valley – designated as a new garden city.

E. Biddulph, S. Foreman, D. Stansbie and R. Nicholson  Oxford Archaeology Monograph 18  London Gateway, Iron age and Roman Salt Making in the Thames Estuary: excavation at Stanford Wharf Nature reserve, Essex  (2012)
Stanford Wharf, a nature reserve in Essex, is said to be an important milestone in the development of London Gateway. The reserve was created from farmland to the west of the new deep container port site.  Hardback, 209 pages including index.

R. Cowie, L. Blackmore, with A. Davis, J. Keily, and K. Rielly Monograph Series 63  Lundenwic: excavations in Middle Saxon London, 1987–2000 (2012)
Lundewic is the site of a Middle Saxon trading port just north of the former Roman town of London. It was active between the late seventh century and ninth century. The book contains reports of excavations of several sites. Hardback, 361 pages, index, and CD ROM of artefacts.

A. Cooper  British Archaeological Reports 577  Prehistory in Practice: a multi stranded analysis of British Archaeology, 1975-2010 (2013)
A book about archaeology rather than archaeology itself. 166 pages. Huge bibliography.

Thursday 20 March 2014

Essex History Group meetings 2014

Essex History Group meetings at
Essex Record Office, 2014

Wednesday 19 March 2014

ERO Conference: Saturday 12 July 2014

News from the Essex Record Office: 

Our next conference will be Essex through the ages: tracing the past using manorial documents Saturday 12 July 2014, 10.30am-3.30pm. Further details can be found on the ERO Blog: 


Tuesday 18 March 2014

Chadwell Heath History Fair: Saturday 26 April 2014

CHADWELL HEATH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
4th
CHADWELL HEATH HISTORY FAIR
Saturday 26th April 2014
St. Chad’s Church Hall, St. Chad’s Road, Chadwell Heath, RM6 6JB
10am -  4pm
Explore the history of Chadwell Heath and surrounding areas, local history society stalls, Barking and Dagenham Heritage Service, Newham Bookshop, Barking Photographic Society and much more.  Light refreshments on sale.
ADMISSION FREE
Chadwell Heath rail station is 10 minutes walk away and buses 62, 86, 173, 362 and 368 all stop nearby.

or phone 0208 597 7210 for more information

Monday 17 March 2014

BBC Essex: Great War

Recently the BBC local radio network ran a short series on the impact of the Great War in their local communities.  This is the contribution for BBC ESSEX: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01p341w

Sunday 16 March 2014

Bequests Relating to Essex (3): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 4

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX
EXTRACTED FROM Calendar of Wills proved and enrolled in the Court of Husting, London.
WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES BY A. BENNETT BAMFORD, V.D.

{Part 3}
{A transcription of an article taken from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘new series’ Volume 13 part 4, published in 1914. Items in curly brackets { } have been added for the convenience of the modern reader on the Internet.  Your feedback on this article would be appreciated, especially if you have referred to it in the course of research.}

258 BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX.

1307. Monday next after the Feast of All Saints (1 Nov.)
SIMON DE ABENACH, de Havering.—To John and Nicholas, his sons, certain of his houses and shops in the parish of S. Edelburga. Other houses and shops in the same parish to be devoted to the maintenance of two chaplains, one to celebrate at the altar of S. Peter in Hornchurch (Ecclesia Cornuta), and the other to celebrate where his executors shall choose. (No date.)

1311. JOHN DE BRYNKELE, blader, i.e. corn merchant. — To Isabella, his wife, his tenement in the parish of S. Michael, Queenhithe, for life; remainder to Stephen, his son. Sons: William, John, Henry .... To Dame Johanna de Brynkele, his daughter, a nun of Berkynge {Barking}, a house upon la Roumlonde, in the said parish of S. Michael, for life. Daughters: Idonea, Margaret, Margery, and Beatrice. (No date.)

1316. THOMAS DE BOLONIA or BOLOIGNE. — His messuage called 'Cokedon halle,' in the parish of S. Dunstan towards the Tower, to be sold, and chantries to be provided out of the proceeds in the said parish church, as well as at Briche (Birch), and Stistede {Stisted}. Bequests of five marks out of the same to the Prior of Berdene {Berden} for pious uses for the souls of the testator, Mary, his late wife, Ralph, the moneyer of Chileham, and others To Thomas, his son, a moiety of his ship, called 'La Margerie,' and ten pounds of silver; and to Johanna, his daughter, his leasehold interest in a tenement at Billingg(esgate), together with a leaden cistern and utensils therein. (No date,)
(The manor of Birch was holden of the Honour of Boulogne).

1323. Monday next before the feast of S. Barnabas (11 June.)
RICHARD DE GLOUCESTER. — To Johanna, his daughter, a nun of Berkyngge {Barking}, and to Idonea, his daughter, a nun of S. Elena, certain rents of a tenement in the parishes of S. Mary de Colcherch and S. Pancras, between a lane called ‘Bordhawe' and a lane called 'Gropecuntelane' .... (No date.)

1323. Monday next before the Feast of S. Margaret, Virgin (20 July.)
WILLIAM DE TILLEBIRI, Rector of the church of Heitfeld (Hatfield) —To Ralph de Thedmersh, rents in the parish of S. Edmund, King and Martyr, in Lumbardestrete and elsewhere. (No date)

1328. Monday next before the Feast of S. Luke, Evangelist (18 Oct.)
WALTER DE HERLAWE. — To Agnes, his daughter, divers specific chattels and the whole of his stock in the parish of Eppinge {Epping} in co. Essex. To Johanna, his wife, his tenement in the parish of All Hallows, by London Wall, for life; remainder to the said Agnes. Dated London, Monday next after Feast of S. Luke, Evangelist (18 Oct.), 1327.

1328-9. Monday next after the Feast of S. Hilary (13 Jan.)
MASTER RICHARD DE GLOUCESTRE. — To his kinsman, John de Gloucestre, a certain tenement. To Katherine, daughter of Geoffrey de St. Alban, his house in Fridaistrete {Friday Street}, near the church of S. Margaret, for life ; and to John, his son, a certain hall erected on a stage over the street, together with a shop .... The reversion of a tenement in Fridaistrete to be devoted to the maintenance of London Bridge, saving an annual rent of ten shillings left to the lord of the manor of 'Southalle Marreis' (manor of South Hall in East Tilbury), for the repair and preservation of the walls of the Thames within the said manor, with power to distrain for the same .... Dated London, VIII. Kal. December (24 Nov.), A.D. 1328.

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX. 259

1329-30. NICHOLAS DE PERUNDENE Or PERUNDON {Parndon}. — His shop in the parish of S. Nicholas de Colemanstrete (sic), and also a certain brewhouse, to be sold for pious uses. The same to be done with ten acres of land in the vill of Perundon (Parndon), and two shops in the vill of S. Alban, in the stret called 'Spitelstrate,' in the parish of S. Stephen. Dated London, Wednesday next before the Feast of S. Katherine, Virgin (25 Nov.), 1329.

1331. Monday, the Feast of S. Mary Magdalen (22 July.)
HUMFREY DE WALDENE, knt. — To Humfrey, Adam, and Alexander, his sons. a messuage and rents in the parish of S. Peter the Less, in successive tail. To John, his son, 'de Laufare,' ten pounds. To Joanna wife of William Sturmyn, his messuage in the vill of S. Edmund, in fee. Dated 'Riclinge,' April, 5 Edward III., A.D 1331.

1332. MATILDA DE CAUNTEBREGGE. — To Thomas atte Pyrie, son of Stephen de Cauntebregge, her rents in the parish of S. Mary de Stanynglane, until Stephen, her son, shall pay to the said Thomas twenty marks of silver; remainder to her said son. Also to the same Thomas, in tail, the tenement in Fletestrete, he paying to Alice, her daughter, an annuity of twenty-four shillings ; remainder to Stephen, her son, in tail ; remainder to Katherine, daughter of Anketin Gesors. Dated at Donmawe (Dunmow), Wednesday next before the Feast of S. Alphege, Archbishop (19 April), A.D. 1332.

1333. Monday next before the Feast of S. Martin (11 Nov.)
Sir JOHN DE ST. PHILBERT, knt. To Hugh, his son, all his houses in the City of London, and in the vill. of S. Edmund, in tail ; remainder to the testators heirs, in tail male. Dated Canefeld {Canfield}, in the diocese of London, Thursday, the Vigil of S. Luke, Evangelist (18 Oct.), A.D. 1331.

1335. HENRY DE BYDYK. — To William de Ilford and Sir Thomas de Karlel, rector of the church of Bassyngeshawe, sixty-five marks annual quitrent, charged on all his rents in London and the suburbs, for providing seven chantries for one year after his decease, to wit, two in the church of Aldermannebury, two in the church of Bassyngeshawe, two in the church of Fynchesle, and one in the church of Welcomstowe (Walthamstow) … To the aforesaid William de Ilford, rents in the parish of S. Margaret de Lothebury, for life, and also annually one robe or twenty shillings, to be given to him on the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord … Dated at his manor of Fynchesleye, Sunday, the Octave of Easter (16 April), A.D. 1335.

1338. Monday next after the Feast of S. Martin (11 Nov.).
THOMAS HARDEL. — To William, his son, four shops in the parish of S. Mary de Fencherehe. William de Eppyng {Epping}, tapicer, appointed guardian to the said son. To John, his son, a garden in the above parish near the garden of the Priory and Convent of Ware. Dated Leyton, Sunday the Feast of H. Trinity (15 June), A.D. 1337.

1338. Monday the Feast of S. Clement, Pope (23 Nov.)
WILLIAM DE PARYS, de Northwelde {North Weald}, co. Essex. — To Roger de Waltham, corder, a chamber built aloft in and beyond the lane called 'Cosineslane,' in the parish of All Hallows at the Hay. To Sir Ralph de Spigurnel, knt., and Alice his sister, wife of the testator, two tenements and certain rents in the same lane and parish. A parcel of land in the parish of S. Mary Magdalen, at the Old Fish Market, to be sold for the good of his soul. Dated London, Monday the Feast of S. Clement, Pope (23 Nov ), A.D. 1338.

260 BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX.

1338-9. Monday next after the Feast of S. Hilary (13 Jan.)
ROBERT DE MUNDENE, rector of Stifford, in the diocese of London. - A certain tenement in the parish of S. Mary Magdalen, near the old Fish Market, to be devoted to the augmentation of a chantry in the church of S. Paul, for the soul of John de Mundene, formerly canon of the same church. The residue, however, etc. (sic). Dated London, Thursday next after the Feast of Conception of V. Mary (8 Dec.), 1338.

1341.—J0HN DE OXON, Rector of the church of S. Peter upon Cornhill. — To Robert de Clare, chaundeler, a tenement in the said parish of S. Peter. To the Prioresses and nuns of Cheshunte, Clerkenwell, and Stratford-atte-Bowe, divers tenements and rents in the parishes of S. Stephen, Colmanstrete, and S. Martin de Oteswyche, for keeping in mind his name and the name of Juliana (his wife?). Dated London, Friday next after the Feast of S. Mark, Evangelist (25 April), A.D. 1341.

1340. —RICHARD MARTYN (de Westbiry), called 'de Burgstede,' rector of the church of Chelmersford {Chelmsford}. — Three tenements (situate in Bradestrete, parish of S. Benedict Fynk; in Shitebournelane, parish of S. Mary, Wolnoth; and in the parish of S. John Zakary, respectively) to be sold by his executors to fulfil his testament if his other goods do not suffice. Dated London, the Feast of S. James, Apostle (25 July), A.D. 1338.

1341. Monday next after the Feast of All Saints (1 Nov.).
ROGER DE PARYS, goldsmith. — To Leticia, his wife, a brewery in the parish of S. Alban de Wodestrete, and a tenement in Goldynglane, parish of S. Giles without Cripelgate, for life, so long as she remain chaste and unmarried; remainder to Katherine and John, his children, in tail. To Margaret, his daughter, a tenement in the parish of S. Olave the King, in Silverstrete. Also to his said wife a tenement in Redecrouchestrete, in the aforesaid parish of S. Giles, for life; remainder to the Prior and Convent of Latton, near Waltham Holy Cross, in co. Essex, for pious uses. Another tenement in the same street and parish to be sold for pious uses. Dated Thursday, the morrow of S. Ambrose, Bishop (4 April), A.D. 1341.

1342. JOHN DE OXENFORD, vintner. — His body to be buried in the church of S. James de Garlekhuth, or elsewhere, according to the direction of his executors; one hundred pounds, and more, if necessary, to be expended on his funeral ; one hundred pounds to be given to the poor of London on the day of his funeral … Bequests of measures of red, wine and money to the various orders of friars in London; the convents of S. Mary de Suthewerk, S. Bartholomew de Smethefeld, Faveresham, S. Alban, Waldene {Walden}, Waverle, Hurlee, Lesnes, Bermondeseye, Tiltey {Tilty}, and Stratford; the nuns of Halywell, Clerkenwell, Kelebourne, Chesthonte, and Bromhale, and the Minoress Sisters without Alegate, in return for their prayers … Dated 1 May, A.D. 1340. (Lord Mayor, died in office)


1342. GEOFFREY ALEYN, fishmonger. — To be buried in the church of S. Dionisius, before the rood there, to wit, between the two doors of the said church. To Matilda, his wife, all his tenements and rents in the City of London, for life. To Alan, his son, the reversion of a tenement in Grascherche Street, in tail, charged with an annuity to Isabella, sister of the said Alan, a nun of Stratford … Sons: Robert and William; daughters: Margery, Leticia, and Agnes .... Dated London, in the said parish of S. Dionisius, Monday, the Feast of Nativity of S. John Baptist (24 June), A.D. 1342.

Thursday 13 March 2014

Fighting Essex Soldier

A large number of people attended a one-day Conference at the Essex Record Office last Saturday (8 March 2014) entitled ‘The Fighting Essex Soldier: Recruitment, War and Remembrance in the Fourteenth Century’.  Information on the papers read is given in the attached document.  http://www.essexrecordofficeblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Fighting-Essex-Soldier-programme.pdf



Wednesday 12 March 2014

Book Review: The A - Z of Curious Essex, by Paul Wreyford

The A – Z of Curious Essex. Strange stories of mysteries, crimes and eccentrics. Paul Wreyford. The History Press. 2013. ISBN 978 0 7524 8986 5.  160 pages (illustrated). £12.99

Paul Wreyford, by his own admission, writes that that his “is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on your development of your intellect”.  Whilst the book is not highly academic, it is an interesting read.  Set out in alphabetical form by parish, short pieces of just a few paragraphs are each subtitled.  Audley End was “Too grand for a King”; Borley has “The most haunted house in England” and Cressing’s “Mysterious knights were the order of the day”.  This is a book for the magpies of Essex history.  I have previously read about the Colchester earthquake, with its epicentre at Abberton; William Byrd of Stondon Massey; the Zeppelin which was brought down at Great Wigborough during the First World War; William Webb Ellis, the rector of Magdalen Laver, who invested the sport of rugby; and smuggling at Paglesham.  But there was material which was unfamiliar too.  Tom Keating, the art forger is buried at Dedham, the place associated with landscape painter Constable.  Harwich’s misleading lights – the low and high lighthouses – became redundant in 1863 when the river silted up.  Charles Haddon Spurgeon, born at Kelvedon, preached to as many as 6000 at a time.  Sandon became the Gretna Green of Essex during the first half of the seventeenth century: Revd Gilbert Dillingham was willing to marry any couple.  Margaret Allingham is buried at Tolleshunt D’Arcy, a village whose physician, Dr John Henry Salter kept a diary for over 80 years from the early Victorian era.  Enjoyable.  This is a book which will have wide appeal.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

High Country History Group: Journal No 51 (March 2014)

High Country History Group: Journal No 51 (March 2014): The 40 page quarterly magazine is now available to members of the High Country History Group. Two new series commence in our second 50 o...

Monday 10 March 2014

Strethall: The Thankful Village

Strethall, in the north west of Essex, is the only parish in the county where all men who went to the Western Front and elsewhere during the First World War returned safely. Such places are known as "thankful villages". 

This fact comes from a wide-ranging article, entitled 'World War One commemoration lasts four years', in 'The Month' (March 2014) which is the Chelmsford Diocese newspaper of the Church of England.  Canon John D Brown, the chairman of the Churches Visitor and Tourism Association, encourages congregations to open their churches at advertised times so that relatives might view any war memorial standing therein. ... but don't go to Strethall for that purpose.

Sunday 9 March 2014

ESAH160: Essex Society for Archaeology and History: Morant ...

ESAH160: Essex Society for Archaeology and History: Morant ...: Mark Bailey, Professor of Late Medieval History at the University of East Anglia, gives the Morant Lecture for the Essex Society for Archa...

Bequests Relating to Essex (2): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 4

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX
EXTRACTED FROM Calendar of Wills proved and enrolled in the Court of Husting, London.
WITH ADDITIONAL NOTES BY A. BENNETT BAMFORD, V.D.

{Part 2}
{A transcription of an article taken from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘new series’ Volume 13 part 4, published in 1914. Items in curly brackets { } have been added for the convenience of the modern reader on the Internet.  Your feedback on this article would be appreciated, especially if you have referred to it in the course of research.}

ABSTRACT FROM WILLS

1258-9.  Monday next before the Feast of S. Gregory, Pope (12 Mar.)
WILLIAM DE BURGOYNE – His large house to be sold for payment of his debts … To Isobel, his wife, two other mansions for life; also quit-rents of land held by William de Dagenham and others at Writele {Writtle}, so long as she be unmarried; remainder to Easilda, his daughter. (No date.)

1252. Anno. 44 Henry III. Monday the Vigil of the Feast of S. Martin (11 Nov.)
WILLIAM DE COLCESTRE, Clerk. – To the brethren of the Penance of Jesus Christ, a dove-cot with pigeons.  To Alice, his sister, and Christina, his daughter, all the houses formerly belonging to his father. His houses to be sold and provision made thereout for some honest chaplain, a scholar studying in the university, to celebrate for the good of his soul, and the souls of others, and on his ceasing so to study, then for some other student, at the hands of his executors, and so in perpetuity. (No date.) Christiana Heyrun put her claim upon a tenement with which the executors of the testator had enfeoffed the Abbess and nuns of Berking {Barking}, saying it was her right and inheritance.

1259-60. Monday, the morrow of the Feast of Conversion of S. Paul (25 Jan.)
ROBERT LE POLETER (Poulterer), de Arcubus – To the Abbey of Tyletey {Tilty}, his house on Cornhill, purchased of John Newman, and also his body …. (No date.)

1277. Monday next after the Octave of the Holy Trinity (31 May)
LAWRENCE DE FROWYK. – To the Earl of Aubemare, certain rents without Neugate due from the sister of Nicholas Ferbraz, humbly praying the said earl to remit all arrears. To Laurence his (son and) heir all the tenements within the City and suburbs of London, saying to Alice, his wife, the dower, and excepting lands at Haveringes {Havering} granted to his son John.  Also the said John, shops, etc., in the parish of S. Michael le Quern and certain rents reserved in London, in case he fail to get possession of the lands and tenements at Haveringes, granted to him by deed … Sons William and Reginald …. (No date.)

1278. JOHN DE FROWYK, rector of the church of Great Horkesle {Horkesley}. – To Nicholas, son of Margaret his sister, and to Joanna, sister of the said Nicholas, certain quit-rents in the Goldsmithery of London. To John, son of Peter de Frowyk, one mark quit-rent. To Stephen, his brother, Katherine his sister, and each child of Walter de Frowyk, his deceased brother, half a mark respectively.  His houses and rents in Colchester to be devoted to the maintainance of the chantry in the church of Great Horkesle, and a certain house in the vill of Great Horkesle, with which he had many years enfeoffed the said Church by livery of seisin, to be a residence for the chaplain. (No date.)

256 BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX.

1278-9. PETER DE EDELMETON, draper.—To Isabella his daughter, a nun at Hingham (Hedingham), for clothing and shoes, eighteen shillings, annual rent of houses in Kandelwistrete. To Hawisia his wife, tenements in Estchepe, and his capital mansion in Athelingestrate in the parish of S. Andrew at Castle Baynard, as also a house in the parish of S. Giles without Crepelgate, for life; remainder to Peter his son. Also to his said wife rents in the parish of S. Antonin, for providing food and clothing for Richard Purcel. (No date.)

1286. ROBERT DE CORYNGHAM.—Bequests to the following religious houses. and to the Abbot and convent of Byle, for pittances, etc  To the conduit of Berknyke (Barking) two shillings annual quit-rent of shops in the parish of S. Olave .... (No date.)

1287. GODFREY ROSAMUND.—To the Prior and Convent of la Blakemore {Blackmore}, five shillings annual rent in the parish of All Hallows de Fancherche, on condition that his name be put in their obituary (martilogio), and his obit kept. (No date.)

1288. JOHN DE WYLEHALE.—Various houses, shops, etc., in the parishes of S. Mildred, S. Sepulchre, S. Magnus, S. John de Walebrock, and elsewhere, to be sold, and the proceeds given to the hospitals of S. Mary without Bissopesgate, etc.; the nuns of Kilburn; the Priory of S. Mary de Suwerk ; the nuns of .... and Berkinge {Barking}; the hospitals of S. Bartholomew de Smethefeud and S. Thomas de Suwerk; the service of S. Mary at S. Pauls'; the nuns of Stratford, etc (No date.)

1291. WALTER LE BLOND - To Tiffania and Alice, his daughters, nuns of Haliwelle, certain rents. To Henry le Wyte, his nephew, a tenement in the parish of S. Michael de Kandelwystrete. To Robert and Henry, his sons, his leasehold interest in certain manors held under the Abbot of 'Thyletoya' (Tiltey) {Tilty} in co. Essex, and Giles le Plays in co. Kent. Johanna, his daughter, certain rents. Adam de Foleham, senior, and Edmund Horn appointed guardians of the said children during their minority. To Richard, his brother, a certain house for life; to the Prior and Convent of H. Trinity in pure alms a release of rent of a tenement in Bassingeshawe, and of his leasehold interest in their manor of Brambele. (No date.)

1291. WILLIAM HERVI. - To the Prior and Convent of BIakemore {Blackmore}, his shop, so that his servant John hold the same for a term of three years after his decease, rendering to the said prior half a mark for pittance. (No date.) (Afterwards let on lease to Sir Richer de Refham.)

1294. JOHANNA VYEL, daughter of John Vyel, senior … To Sir John de Chyvele {Chigwell}, chaplain, for life, rents in Bredstrete, in the parish of S. Mildred, formerly belonging to William Vyel, her brother. To the Prioress and Convent of Stratford, rents in the same street, and a pittance on the day of her anniversary and that of her father, so that they perform the service for the dead on the day of receiving the pittance. Should this legacy be opposed by the king or anyone else by reason of any statute, the said rent is to be realized and the proceeds given in its stead. (No date.)
(Whereupon came Isabella de Basinges and Johanna, her sister, and challenged the said testament, saying that the said Johanna Vyel had only a life interest in the above tenements)

BEQUESTS RELATING TO ESSEX. 257

1297-8. SIMON MARESCALL (Simon of the new Temple). - A house and rent in the parish of S. Brigid to be devoted to the maintenance of a chantry in the church of Bromfeld {Broomfield}, near Chelmeresford {Chelmsford}, in co. Essex, for a term of four years; remainder to Sewall de Bromfeld, his brother. To Amabilia, his sister, a tenement in the parish of S. Sepulchre without Neuwegate. Rents in the parish of S. Mary de la Stronde to be sold by his executors and disposed of as they may think fit. (No date.)

1298. Monday next after the Feast of S. James, Apostle (25 July).
WILLIAM DE WAUTHAM, cordwainer. - To the Abbot and Convent of Wautham (Waltham) and their successors, his rents in the parish of Berking {Barking} Church in Chicken lane. (No date).

1298. WILLIAM, Rector of Westillebyri. — His house in the parish of S. Matthew de Frydaystrate {Friday Street} to be sold and a portion of the proceeds devoted to a chantry in the church of S. Paul, and to provide a pittance for the canons, minor canons, secondary chaplains, rector of schools, vicars, clerk of the vestibule, collector of rents, and others of the said church, on the day of his obit. (No date).

1298. Monday next after the Feast of S. Barnabas (11 June).
WILLIAM DE HAVERYNGE — His tenement in the parish of St. Botolph; William de Manhale and Juliana, the daughter of the testator, to be preferred as purchasers, on condition that they continue to provide a wax taper of one pound weight, which he (the testator) used to maintain before the altar of the Blessed Virgin in the said church, and another taper in the church of S. Leonard in the vill of Strateford (S. Leonard's, Bromley.) To Agnes, his wife, another tenement in the above parish for life. (No date.)

1299-1300. Monday next before the Feast of S. Gregory, Pope (12 Mar.)
GEOFFREY DAVY. - To London Bridge, sixpence .... To Beatrix, daughter of Thomas le Vynter de Chelmeresford {Chelmsford}, his shop in the parish of S. Nicholas, at the Shambles .... (No date.)

1301. WILLIAM DE WOOLECHERCHEHAWE.—To the monastery at Stratford, one hundred marks of silver, so that they provide a chantry in the chapel of S. Mary .... (No date.)

1306. Monday next before the Feast of S. Margaret, Virgin (20 July).
JOHN DE ARMENTERS — Sixty marks sterling for the maintenance of a chantry at the altar of S Nicholas in the church of All Hallows upon the Cellar, for the good of his soul, the souls of Idonia, his late wife, and others. If interment be denied him there, he desires to be buried in the church of S Mary de Suthwerk, and the above sixty marks are to go to the Prior and Convent of the said church for similar uses. To Johanna, his wife, by way of dower, various cups of silver and mazer, among them being a standing cup with three lions and two silver cups made in the form of a nut, and all the utensils of his shop near Soperes lane. Also to his said wife his tenement in the parish of All Hallows upon the Cellar. To Robert, his son, a shop underneath the said church of All Hallows; and to Stephen, his son, the reversion of a tenement in the same parish. Also to the said Robert one hundred marks sterling; a set of three silver cups of Flemish manufacture, each bearing four lions upon a shield; also his term in a messuage at Wodeham fereres {Woodham Ferrers}, in co. Essex. To Richard, his son, various silver cups and a tenement in the said parish of All Hallows; and to Idonia, his daughter, various cups and a large caldron, which used to stand in a furnace in his house. To the fabric of London Bridge, forty shillings. (No date.)


Friday 7 March 2014

Cressing Temple: "slight improvement but no real change"

Cressing Temple: Verdict on ECC -
"slight improvement but no real change"
One of our members writes: 

"The good thing is that the casual visitor, the traveller from Yorks, Holland, USA etc, interested in barns or Templars or buildings (and people do turn up who have come a long way), who drops in between April and October, will have access to the the buildings as in theory there will be a member of staff who will open them in the morning and then padlock them at the end of the day.  But there will be no advice, guide books, wands, or other information, or anything to make them feel at all welcome.  The other type of casual visitor who wants to look at the gardens during the seasons, or wants some brief diversion, will in the absence of refreshment or information or a welcome feel positively discouraged.


"Whilst this is a welcome development, it does not really change the situation. The press release was misleading, as explained by Elphin Watkin.  So on the blog, you could say slight improvement but no real change."

Another writes: 

"Visit Britain say that people will stay at an attraction if there is - excuse the phrasing - 'a view, a loo, and a brew'.  The closure of refreshment facilities at Cressing Temple means that one of the three elements is missing.  Such places are handy stops for people who don't want to go to a pub, for walkers, or for coach and minibus parties.  As yourself: why do garden centres these days have eating facilities and toilets? Isn't it obvious: people will stay longer and spend longer. 

"'Slight improvement but no real change'. That is what my optician tells me.  Essex County Council's decision is clearly short sighted."