Minute Book: November 1661

Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 1, 1660-1667. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1904.

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'Minute Book: November 1661', in Calendar of Treasury Books, Volume 1, 1660-1667, (London, 1904) pp. 167-174. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-treasury-books/vol1/pp167-174 [accessed 26 April 2024]

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November 1661

Nov. 6. Petition from John Sealy, merchant, for release of a hogshead of ordinary tobacco seized. Referred: to the Customs Commissioners. [Early Entry Book X. p. 11.]
Same from Richard Mann, for discharge of a parcel of lead seized. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid.]
Nov. 7. The Surveyor General's report, read and entered, on the petition of Arthur Bainbrigg ut supra, p. 162. Order to the Surveyor General to enable petitioner to enter upon the forest of Teesdale and chace called Marwood Hagg as custodian for His Majesty's use for the present, taking care that no further waste or spoil be committed; the Surveyor General not thinking it fit at this time, when the improvement of the King's forests and waste grounds is under the consideration of Parliament, to make any lease of the premises. [Ibid. VII. p. 106.]
Same from same, read and entered, on the petition of Humphry Wise, ut supra, p. 164. Order for the steward of the manor of Shippon to pass the estates accordingly. [Ibid. p. 107.]
Same from same, read and entered, on same from John Wiat, ut supra ibid. Ordered: ut supra. [Ibid.]
Nov. 8. The Surveyor General's report, read and entered, on the Viscountess of Guildford's petition for a further term in certain houses in the Strand, usually reputed as belonging to Denmark House, and of which the said Viscountess Guildford and Mrs. Hodges claim the benefit during the Queen [mother's] life, the said Queen [mother] on her part claiming the benefit thereof by virtue of her grant of Denmark House from the late King. Ordered: the Surveyor General to confer with the Attorney and Solicitor General as to Her Majesty's legal pretensions thereto. [Ibid. p. 141.]
Petition from William Oglethorpe (on reference from the King of the 4th inst.) for a lease of a quay and wharf called Old Wool quay, in the parish of All Saints, Barking, London, with all the edifices and advantages thereunto belonging, as granted by Queen Elizabeth to Walter Cox, Esq., 1600–1, Jan. 21. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid. p. 106.]
The Surveyor General's report, read and entered, on the petition of John Fotherly, ut supra, p. 42. The proposed rates approved of and orders to be given to the steward of the manor of Farrington Gurney to grant the estate accordingly. [Ibid. p. 108.]
Petition from Robert Long, Esq. (on reference from the King of the 28th ult.) for a reversionary lease of Worcester Park, co. Surrey, after termination of the Queen mother's interest therein, with power to dispark the same and to compound for the interest of the keeper-ship of same so that petitioner may have a clear estate in said park. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid. p. 109.]
Same (on reference from the King of July 12 last) from Sir Edward Ford and other adventurers in the waterworks at Strand-bridge, near St. Giles in the Fields and Wapping. Set forth that they have been at great expense in inventing, contriving, and maintaining the waterworks for the public good, to serve the inhabitants with water and the prevention of fire, that the charge thereof is heavy and the profit falls short of expectation. Therefore pray a lease of said waterworks for 100 years. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands to confer if need be with the Attorney General thereon. [Early Entry Book VII. p. 109.]
Petition from Richard Winsmore, Cornet to the Earl of Carlisle's regiment of horse (on reference from the King of the 4th inst.), for a lease of 66 acres of land near Windsor, which he purchased, and of which he is in quiet possession by order of the Commissioners [for inquiry into the sales of Crown and Church Lands]. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid. p. 110.]
Same from Thomas Savage, Lieut. in the said Earl of Carlisle's regiment, for same of 53 acres of land near Windsor, of which he is possessed, &c., ut supra, and for a further settlement whereof he has attended. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid.]
The matter in difference between Mr. Rookes and Mr. Pine touching the orchard in Exeter is ordered to be heard on Tuesday next at 2 p.m. [Ibid. p. 111.]
Nov. 9. The Surveyor General's report, read and entered, on the petition of Sir Herbert Price ut supra, p. 165. Order for a particular or constat of the premises in question, being buildings, &c., and ground unjustly withheld from the King in the manor of East Smithfield. [Ibid.]
The memorial of the 4th inst. from the Commissioners [for Arrears of Excise], read and entered in full, proposing an allowance of 60l. to Israell Jackson, Edward Huchenson, and Scroope Tirwhitt, late Sub-Commissioners of Excise for co. Lincoln, for their passing and clearing their accounts to March 25 last. Approved of. [Ibid. XI. p. 63.]
Same of the 6th inst. from the Excise Commissioners, read and entered, prefixing the petition of John Tibbie, innkeeper of Chalfont, co. Bucks, concerning his arrest by a sergeant at arms for non-payment of Excise. Propose to discharge him on his satisfying the Excise. Minuted as follows by Treasurer Southampton. "By your own advice the sergeant was sent down. Let the person be discharged and the fees moderated." [Ibid. pp. 66–7.]
[?] Same of the 2nd inst. from same, read and entered, concerning the state and management of the Excise in Northumberland, Durham, Westmorland, Cumberland, Berwick, and Newcastle, and proposing to manage same in future by only three of the former four sub-commissioners, viz., Sir William Blakeston, Sir Gilbert Gerrard and William Christian, as the revenue is too small and disordered to support four sub-commissioners and their officers. Approved of. [Ibid. p. 63.]
Same of the 4th inst. from same, read and entered, concerning the petition from Raph Pemberton and Thomas Kent, late Sub-Commissioners for Excise for co. Berks, who complain of the insufficiency of the poundage to bear the charge of the officers. Propose to allow them 30l. on the quarter to March 25 last. Approved of. [Ibid. p. 64.]
Same of the 31st ult. from same, read and entered, proposing to similarly allow 17l. 7s. 0d. to Gerard Fowke and Thomas Fisher, Sub-Commissioners for Excise for co. Derby, as the poundage of 2s. per £ will not wholly pay their officers and contingents owing to the smallness of the receipt. Approved of. [Early Entry Book XI. pp. 64–5.]
The memorial, undated, from the Commissioners of Excise read and entered; proposing to continue to William Herbert, Sub-Commissioner of Excise for the Isle of Wight, the former establishment of 30l. per an. as the receipt from the Excise will not otherwise defray the charge of two officers, which of necessity must be kept, and profit to the Sub-Commissioner. Approved of. [Ibid. p. 65.]
Same of the 6th inst. from same, read and entered, proposing to allow to Newark Beckwith, late a Sub-Commissioner of Excise for co. Derby, 10l. over and above his poundage in view of his extra-ordinary charges by the death of his partner. Approved of. [Ibid. pp. 65–6.]
Same of same date from same, read and entered, proposing to allow to Richard Betts and Thomas Fisher, late Sub-Commissioners of Excise for co. Stafford, 50l. in view of their great charge upon the new settling of the Excise from and after Dec. 25 last, and in view of their dismissal March 25 following. Approved of. [Ibid. p. 66.]
Nov. 11. Petition from Martyn Wright, one of the children [of _] of the city of Oxford, for re-grant to his nominees of the reversions of certain copyhold estates in the manor of Shippon, co. Berks, which he had granted: the said manor having been purchased in his name for 1,450l. from one John Hemsdell, who purchased it from the late Trustees for [the sale of] King's lands: petitioner having been referred from the King and the Commissioners for inquiry into the sales of Crown and Church Lands to the Lord Treasurer for relief herein. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid. VII. p. 115.]
Same from Oswald Ryly, mariner, who had commission as commander of the Custom House smack "Industry" from the Duke of York, but finds himself thwarted therein by the Customs Commissioners, who have put one James Nuttall aboard the said smack. Ordered: the Customs Commissioners to reply hereto. [Ibid. X. p. 2.]
Nov. 13. The Surveyor General's report, read and entered, on the petition from Edward Couch for lease of a tenement specified. Order for a constat with a view to a lease. [Ibid. VII. p. 117.]
Nov. 14. The report of the Surveyor General of Lands, read and entered, together with that of Sir Richard Prideaux, Surveyor General of the Duchy of Cornwall, on the petition of Lancelot Tomlyn ut supra, p. 36, concerning the tenement called Wringford, parcel of the manor of Tinten. Ordered: the rates proposed approved of, and the steward of the manor to pass the estate accordingly. [Ibid. p. 116.]
Same from same, read and entered, on the petition of William Congdon for a lease of two parcels of land specified. Order for a constat with a view to a lease. [Ibid. p. 117.]
Petition from Richard Webb, John Edghill, James Sheppard, William Lockyer, copyholders of the manor of Widcombe, now forced to be tenants under the purchasers from the late pretended Parliament, praying to be admitted to re-compound for their estates, said petition being recommended by the Commissioners for inquiry into sale of Crown and Church Lands. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Early Entry Book VII. p. 117.]
Nov. 18. Petition from Anne Clarke, widow of William Clarke (on reference from the King of the 8th inst.), for a lease of some houses in the market town of Cerne Abbas, co. Dorset. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 118.]
Same from Roger Palmer for a lease of the commotes or manor of Perfedd ("Perverth"), with several other commotes or manors in co. Cardigan. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 120.]
Nov. 19. Memorial of the 13th inst., read and entered, from the Commissioners for the arrears of Excise proposing certain allowances, detailed, to the various Sub-Commissioners of Excise, detailed, for the counties of Wilts, Gloucester, Devon, Warwick, and Essex for extraordinary pains and service, law costs, money disbursed to soldiers for their assistance, &c., &c. The allowances approved of, and the persons concerned recommended to the Barons of the Exchequer for discharge of them and their sureties. [Ibid. XI. pp. 68–9.]
Same of the 2nd inst. from same, read and entered, similarly proposing allowances, detailed, to the Sub-Commissioners, detailed, of Berks, Lincoln, Gloucester, and Kent. Approved, &c., ut supra. [Ibid. pp. 69–70.]
Same of the 6th inst from same, read and entered, concerning the arrear of rent due from John Chabnor and Thomas Stevens, late farmers of Excise for Hants and Berks, and proposing to take 250l. in settlement of said arrear in view of the fact that the said farm was actually re-assumed to the State from 1659, March 25, when Sub-Commissioners were appointed for the said county by an order of the late Commissioners for Appeals of date 1658–9, March 18. The proposed terms approved of, and the persons recommended to the Barons of the Exchequer for discharge. [Ibid. pp. 70–1.]
Same of the 15th inst. from the Excise Commissioners, read and entered, similarly proposing to allow 60l. to Peter Antrobus, James Smith, Paul Amyas, and John Bent, late Sub-Commissioners for Excise for cos. Lancashire and Cheshire, in view of their extraordinary charge in the new settling the Excise in those counties. Approved of. [Ibid. pp. 72–3.]
Same of the 23rd ult., read and entered, from the Commissioners for the arrears of Excise, proposing to accept of 150l. as composition for the arrear of rent of the farm of excise of spirits and strong waters within the city and port of London, due from Humphry Beane, farmer of same, in view of the fact that within three months of his entering upon the said farm the powers then in being by an act of theirs discharged the merchants of five-sixth parts of the spirits imported and resting on their accounts, which was the most considerable advantage looked for in said farm. Approved of. [Ibid. pp. 73–4.]
Petition from John Boddington to be admitted to compound for two estates in reversion in copyhold messuages and lands in the manor of Shippon, co. Berks. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Early Entry Book VII. p. 119.]
Same from John Thatcher for same in the case of a messuage and lands in said manor. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid.]
Same from Edward Weston for same in the case of certain lands, detailed, in said manor. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. pp. 119–120.]
Same from Thomas Watkins for a lease of a discovery of certain lands, &c., in Little Brandon and Colton, co. Norfolk, being left to the Crown by the will of Robert Funnell, of Little Brandon, of date Feb. 5 last. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 120.]
Same from Robert Aldridge, of Eton, co. Bucks, for lease of a small parcel of land there. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 128.]
Same from Robert Hutt to be admitted to compound for two reversionary estates in a messuage and half-yard land in the manor of Shippon, co. Berks. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid.]
Same from Peter Harris, mariner, master of a small ketch called the "Speedwell," of Dover, praying discharge of his vessel seized under the Navigation Act. Referred: to the Customs Commissioners. [Ibid. X. p. 10.]
Same from Jonathan Claridge for a discharge of 60 firkins of old decayed butter seized. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid.]
Same from Thomas Rowe and Richard Thomas for a same of a parcel of dried suckets and Bengal silk seized. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 11.]
Same from Thomas Aylewey (on reference from the King of Sept. 5 last) concerning the office of head searcher in London port, granted by letters patent nearly 30 years since to him and Edward Watkins, lately deceased, a certain John Markham having obtained a warrant for said office by alleging that petitioner, who lives 90 miles from London, was dead. Petitioner was employed for about 25 years in the Star Chamber as chief clerk to the Register and Clerk of the Office of Rules and Affidavits and so continued till the Court was taken away. Ordered: the Attorney General to hear petitioner and Markham hereon. [Ibid. p. 18.]
[?] Memorial of the 13th inst. from the Excise Commissioners, read and entered, proposing to allow 40l. to Somerset Draper and John Feild, Sub-Commissioners for Excise for co. Worcester, in view of their great charge. Approved of. [Ibid. XI. p. 72.]
Nov. 20. The certificate from the Navy Office, dated the 19th inst., and signed by Sir William Batten and Sam Pepis, read and entered, relating to the Dutch ship from Archangel, laden with hemp for the King's special service, which is now in the Thames, but prevented unloading; and enclosing a copy, likewise entered in full, of a commission made by Mr. Thomas Bryan, merchant, residing as His Majesty's agent in Russia, of his having freighted and laded said ship called the "Maid of Enkhuizen" ("Enchiusen") with hemp for the King's service, the King having given full assurance under his own hand and seal that it should without any molestation come into the port of London. Ordered: that the Customs Commissioners give order for the discharge of said ship and her unlading, and afterwards for her free return to Holland, in respect she was freighted for the King's service and imports hemp, a commodity of so much necessity and use. [Early Entry Book X. pp. 12–13.]
Nov. 21. Petition from Thomas Foley for renewal of his estate in the hundred of Botloe, co. Gloucester, wherein he has several Courts Leet, but is interrupted by the sheriff's officers. Also for a grant of the bailiwick [of same], as formerly granted to Francis Finch of Kempley. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid. VII. p. 133.]
Same from Robert Viscount Cholmondeley, of Kells, in Ireland, for extension of grant of the hundred of Wich Malbank, co. Chester, or office of bailiwick of that hundred, as held by his uncle, Robert Earl of Leinster, whose heir he is. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid.]
Same from Sir Richard Braham (on reference from the King of the 17th ult.) for a lease of the manor or farm of Shaw, co. Berks, of which he and his ancestors have been tenants for above 100 years. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 135.]
Nov. 23. Petition from Peter Gifford (on reference from the King of the 22nd May last) praying that Edw. Tookey, William Cox, and Samuel Foxley, who purchased his estate during the late usurpation, may be obliged to account for the 12,000l. which they forced him to pay for the redemption of same, a considerable part of which still remains in their hands unaccounted for. Referred: to the Attorney General. [Ibid. p. 134.]
Same from Francis Oxley, of Hemel Hempstead, for a lease of the benefit of a market at Hemel Hempstead, co. Herts, he having served under the late Earl of Northampton. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid.]
Same from the mayor, burgesses, and commonalty of Wallingford, for renewal of the fee farm rent of said borough, which they have held by several letters patents from Hy. VI, Hy. VII, Eliz. and James. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 135.]
Nov. 25. Petition from Sir Oliver Boteler for a reversionary lease of the custody of the hundreds of Biggleswade, Wixamtree, and Willey, with the half hundred of Bucklow, as granted by the late King to Ounslow Winch, Esq. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 137.]
Nov. 27. Petition from Edward Progers (on reference from the King of July 30 last) for a grant of the tithes of certain lands in the level of Hatfield Chace, extending into the counties of York, Lincoln, and Nottingham, which are not within any parish and answer nothing to the King for tithes, although the tithes of all lands not lying in any parish do of right belong to the King. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. p. 136.]
Nov. 28. Petition, on reference from the King of the 6th inst., read from Ann Lichfeild, widow of Leonard Lichfeild, late of Oxford, printer, for 676l. 8s., 458l. 11s., and 160l. 0s. 4d. owing to her husband from the late King for printing. Minuted by Treasurer Southampton as follows. "I meete often with references of this nature, but I returne still one answer that I will not singly take on myself the stating of debts which are pretended to now and were due in former times without those debts bee considered by such persons whom his late Majesty intrusted in ordering the same ... For that part which was formerly allowed by Privy Seale I cannot except unto, only the Privy Seale being by the death of his late Majesty necessary to be renewed I pray Mr. Secretary Nicholas to informe His Majesty so much: and if that Privy Seale bee renewed I shall consider the petitioner as farr as His Majesties other occasions shall give mee leave." [Early Entry Book III. p. 51.]
Petition from divers Scotch shipmasters for release of ships and goods now under seizure. Referred: to the Customs Commissioners, although "the trade of the petitioners is understood to be contrary to the Act of Navigation and it hath been so represented to His Maty by myselfe and other lords to whom it was referred." [Ibid. X. p. 14.]
Nov. 29. Petition from William Christian, Customer of Carlisle port, concerning his charges in coming to London to prevent the taking of the subsidy and customs due to the King for Scotch cattle, in riding over the borders and other services, whereby His Majesty's revenue has been augmented over 3,000l. this year. Referred: to the Customs Commissioners. [Ibid. p. 20.]
Same from Col. Marmaduke Holtby (on reference from the King of June 14 last) for a grant of a commission for felling and selling such old decayed oaks as are now left standing in Shulihay, Old Shulihay, Shortwood, or elsewhere, in the forest of Rockingham, "there having been within 2 or 3 yeares last past neere a fourth part wasted and imbezilled and will in a few yeares come to little or nothing: the petitioner engaging to preserve all the timber trees there standing to His Majesty's use and is content to be accountable for the full value of the said old decaied trees for which he praies to receive some competent allowance" as reward for his pains, sufferings, and expenses in His Majesty's service. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid. VII. p. 137.]
Nov. 30. Petition from Arthur Spry, Member of Parliament and Auditor of the Accompts for disbanding the Army and Navy, for a copy of an estate in a tenement in the manor of West Anthony, parcel of the Duchy of Cornwall, purchased by him from William Smith, the predecessor in said tenement having died before the sealing of the copy. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid. pp. 138–9.]
The Surveyor General's report, read and entered, on the petition of William Champners and William Webb for a lease of the scite, farm, and capital messuage of the manor of Welton, alias Welverton, in the parish of Midsomer Norton, co. Somerset, parcel of the Duchy of Cornwall. Order for a particular with a view to a lease. [Ibid. p. 142.]
Petition from Robert Savage for a reversionary estate in a small tenement in the manor of Midsomer Norton, parcel of the Duchy of Cornwall. Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Ibid. p. 147.]
Same from George Stedman to be admitted to change his interest in a customary tenement in the manor of Stratton super Fosse, part of the Duchy of Cornwall. Referred: ut supra. [Ibid.]
Petition from Thomas Blaney and Lewis Trethewey for a lease of the Manor of Blisworth, co. Northampton, and certain lands in the manor of Lillingstone Dayrell, co. Bucks, called Briers and Blackspit Coppice, Hollibrooke Coppice, and Cartwell Hill Coppice, Referred: to the Surveyor General of Lands. [Early Entry Book VII. p. 148.]
Same from Abraham Lawton, of Youghal, co. Cork, concerning the seizure by the customs officers of his moneys with which he was returning to Ireland after selling his cattle in England. Referred: to the Customs Commissioners. [Ibid. III. p. 55.]
Memorial of the 25th inst. from the Commissioners for arrears of Excise, read and entered, proposing certain allowances, detailed, to the Sub-Commissioners of Excise, detailed, of the county of Stafford, and one other county, for their extraordinary pains, law costs, and disbursements to soldiers. Approved of. [Ibid. XI. pp. 74–5.]
Same of Sept. 11 last from same, read and entered, similarly proposing allowances, detailed, to the Sub-Commissioners, detailed, of Hants, Portsmouth, Bristol, Bucks, and Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland, Westmorland, and Newcastle. Approved of. [Ibid. pp. 75–6.]
[?Nov. 30.] "It is desired that the Lord Treasurer would order that Sir William Hickman should have the nomination for the four beadsmen of Gainsbrough, as his predecessors formerly had, and that the Auditor of co. Lincoln do give allowance of the pension due to them" out of Crown revenues in said county as formerly accustomed. With Treasurer Southampton's minute. "Let the Auditor allow the payment to these four bedesmen as formerly and let Sir William Hickman name the persons as any place falls void, until further order." [Ibid. III. p. 50.]