ASHMANHAW,

Was the lordship of the abbot of Holm, and being accounted for under the abbot's manor of Hoveton, or Hofton, is not mentioned in the Conqueror's survey.

Thomas de Helmingham, and Agnes, daughter of Richard de Wicklewood, impleaded the abbot in the 14th of Edward I. for the moiety of 15 messuages, 99 acres of land, 6 of meadow, 10 of marsh, 3s. 6d. rent here and in Hoveton, &c. but the said Thomas soon after released all his right herein, and in the 9th of Edward II. the abbot was returned to be lord, and several other lordships extended into this town.

On the exchange of lands, &c. (made on the Dissolution) of this abbey between King Henry VIII. and the Bishop of Norwich, it was granted to the see, and so continues.

The tenths were 1l. 4s.—Deducted 4s.

The Church is dedicated to St. Swithin, and was a rectory appropriated to the abbot of Holm, and valued in the reign of Edward I. at 5 marks; Peter-pence 12d. and is now in the see of Norwich, and served by a stipendiary curate, nominated by the Bishop; in 1603, 60 communicants were returned to be in the parish.

In the church was the guild of St. Stephen.

On a grave-stone in the church,

In memory of Honor Bacon, daughter of Edmund Bacon, Gent. who lived virtuously, and died godly, beloved, and much lamented, a maiden 18 years of age, on St. Nicholas day, December 6, 1591.

Honori Bacon, fideli amici, suo Nich. Themilthorp, generosus, posuit.