Middleton

MIDDLETON.

Middleton was held of the barony of Kendal, partly of the Concy, later of the Richmond Fee, partly of the Ros, and later the Marquis Fee. The respective rents were 4s. 4d. and 26s. 8d., sometimes stated as 4s. and 27s. respectively. The descent of the Concy fee is fairly clear for a period of two centuries, after which it is lost in a number of free-holds. Adam son of Alan de Milneburn died before 1202, leaving by Eva his wife a son, Alan, from whom descended Gilbert de Milneburn, who held lands in Middleton in 1283 of William de Lindeseye for 4s. 4d. rent. Seventy years later Thomas son of Adam son of Mariota held the same estate, namely 3 bovates, jointly with John de Hoseham, as of the lands late of William de Concy. The same Thomas held it in 1370 and 1375. It was held jointly by William son of Thomas de Whitington and Thomas Ward of Rigmaden in 1390-5, and by the same William, and Alice relict of Thomas Ward in 1411. From that date no tenements in Middleton can be traced as held of the Richmond Fee.

The origin of the local family of Middleton is obscure, nor is it possible to ascertain with certainty which of the various families bearing the local name held the estate which was afterwards known as the manor of Middleton. William son of Ketel de Middleton and Juliana his wife occur 1180–1200; Adam son of William son of William de Midelton occurs in 1239 William son of Alexander de Midelton about 1280-90. John son of Gilbert de Midelton held of William de Ros in 1310 a messuage and a third part of a carucate of land (probably a third part of the vill) for 14s. cornage and 9d. for puture of the lord's serjeants. He was living in 1332, when he, William de Midelton, Thomas by Lune, and Thomas Mustel were the largest contributors to the subsidy of a fifteenth of movable goods which was collected in that year. Adam son of William de Midelton occurs in 1346 and 1356. Gilbert de Brunolvesheved held at his death in 1346 a moiety of the vill of Middleton, but he probably held this estate for life only, as his daughter and heir did not own it in 1351.

In 1346 a commission was issued on the complaint of the abbot of Furness that, contrary to the statute of Northampton, (fn. 1) Alexander de Midelton, Euphemia his wife, John de Twyselton, Hugh de Thorneton and 22 others (named) came armed to Ingelton and by force broke his close and dykes there etc.; Cal. Pat. R. 1346, p. 233. Alexander de Midelton was one of those who trespassed in William de Coucy's park at Troutbeck in 1336; ib. 1336, pp. 290, 294.

Thomas son of Alexander de Midelton held an estate here in 1359, which had been impoverished by his guardian, John de Ullathornes, the elder. Henry de Ullathornes, the elder, held the manor of Middleton in the years 1390, 1404 and 1407, of the Parrs (Marquis Fee) by the yearly service of 27s. This service indicates that he was in possession of fully two-thirds of the vill. The nature of the Ullathornes' ownership is not clear. They may have alienated their interest to the Middletons, or, as seems more likely, their ownership may have been due to a lease from the Middletons.

The following details illustrate the descent of the family of Middleton who came into prominence as the chief landowners in Middleton in the fifteenth century. In 1378 a commission was issued on the complaint by Richard Cayrus of Dent to try Thomas de Midelton of Lonnesdale and Thomas his son, William de Hayber, William de Stokdale and Adam del Bowre of Dent for assaulting and maiming the said Richard at Dent; Cal. Pat. R. 1378, p. 305. In 1397 and 1398 three several commissions were issued to Ralph earl of Westmorland, Thomas de Tunstall, James de Pykeryng and Alan de Penyngton, knights, Richard Roos, Richard de Croft, Richard, Oliver and William de Hodeliston (and others), to arrest and bring before the king, John son of Thomas de Middelton, and Richard brother of the said John, William Ridere, Adam Toke, William de Thornton John de Bland, William de Bland and Roger de Bland, charged with unlawful assemblies in the counties of York and Westmorland and lying in wait to kill John Preston and his friends; Cal. Pat. R. 1397, p. 310; 1398, pp. 434, 503. In the year 1430 a commission was issued to several knights and to John Langton and Nicholas Layborn to arrest John Middelton and Thomas, Reginald and Geoffrey, (fn. 2) his sons and to bring them before the king in Chancery; ib. 1429 p. 41. In the same year it was found by inquest taken at Preston co. Lanc. that John de Middelton of co. Westmorland, esquire, recovered by an assize of novel disseisin against Ralph de Langeton, knt. and others at the sessions held at Lancaster on Friday before St. Lawrence, 7 Henry VI (1428) a messuage 40 a. land 12 a. meadow and 100 a. pasture in Little Harewode co. Lanc. and damages of eight marks and was seised thereof when he was outlawed, being of divers felons, at London; Lancs. Inq. (Chetham Soc. xcix) 27. In 1434 John Midelton of Lonesdale, Esq., was one of many in co. York who made oath not to maintain breakers of the peace; Cal. Pat. R. 1434, p. 378. Thomas Midelton was the chief contributer of tithes in Middleton in 1431 and again, another of the same name in 1459. In May and November, 1461 Thomas Middelton was on the commission of the peace for Westmorland, ib. 1461, pp. 66, 575; Thomas Middelton (probably son of the last named) in 1475 and 1476, ib. 1467–77, p. 635; and again in 1480 and 1481, ib. 1476-85, pp. 214, 577. By deed dated 18 October, 17 Edward IV (1477), Richard Musgrave, esq., enfeoffed Richard, late duke of Gloucester, Thomas Middelton (fn. 3) of Lonysdale, esq., Joan Musgrave, widow, his mother, William Musgrave, esq., and Richard Middelton, esq., (deceased before October, 1515), and John Musgrave, then esq., now (1515) knight, of his castle and manor of Hertlay and other lands; Cal. Inq. Henry, VII, i,291.

The subsequent descent of the family is described by Nicolson and Burn (vol.i, 254–5).

1150–70 William de Lancastre with the consent of William his son and heir confirms to Gospatric son of Orm his land of Caupland viz: the vill of Wirkington and the vill of Lamplogh which latter the grantor gave him in exchange for the vill of Medilton in Lonesdale etc. Witness: Ketel son of Ulf; Reg. of St. Bees, 539. Copy of the orig. deed at Workington Hall. See also Trans., o.s. v. p. 312.

1180–1206 William son of Ketel de Midelton, with the consent of his wife, Juliana, and his heirs grants to the brethren and sisters of the Hospital of St. Peter, York, six acres land in the fields of Midelton, namely 4½a. between Sate-arngrim and Blabec by the bank of Lon, 1½a. above Holmside-ric, to hold in alms with liberty to grind where they will. Witnesses: Adam parson of Burton, Adam de Manserge, William de Killington, John son of Adam de Kirkbye, Adam son of Ketel, Adam son of Orm, Gilbert son of Archil, Bernard son of Orm, Peter the smith; Bodleian Lib., Rawlinson's MS. B. 455, f. 87.

1190–99 Adam son of Alan de Milneburne gave to the Canons of Coningesheved three acres, one rood land in Midelton; Mon. Anglic, VI, 557b.

Gilbert son of Arkil de Midelton gave to the canons of Coningesheved seven acres in Midelton with the exit from Brunnels croft and pasture belonging to half bovate. ib.

1200–46 Grant by Richard de Barbon with the consent of his wife and heirs to the canons of Cockersand of an acre of land in Middleton in Lonsdale, with pasture for 100 sheep and their offspring, with provision for an equivalent gift within the bounds of Barbon if he should not be able to warrant this gift. Chartul. Cockersand, 927.

1202 Augustin de Middelton proffers three marks that he may be put to sureties; Pipe R. Cumb. and Westm., 190.

Eva relict of Adam releases to Alan son of Adam, tenant, her dower in the said Adam's late tenement in Middleton and Milnebrun. Feet of Fines, file 1, n. 4.

1239 Ivo de Kendal releases to Adam son of William de Midelton, tenant, and Matthew de Laesich and Emma his wife, tenants, one bovate in Midelton; Feet of F., file 3, n. 33.

1280 Adam del Eskes brought an assize of novel disseisin against Ralph de Berburn and Walter le Mowner touching a tenement in Middleton; Dep. Keepers' Rep. 49, app. 119.

1280–90 Grant by William son of Gilbert de Lahfyte in Mydelton to Ralph son of Gilbert de Berebrun of the donor's lands in Eskeholm and Eskeholmbanc, to hold in fee with liberties etc., of the vill of Midelton. The grantor and his heirs will find a mill for Ralph and his heirs to grind their grain growing on the said land without multure, by rendering yearly to the grantor one root of ginger ("Cyncybery") at Christmas. Witnesses: Gilbert de Quiteby, Gilbert de Berebrun, William son of Alexander de Mydelton, John son of Adam of the same, Roger son of Adam, Adam de Layrwatholm. Endorsed: "Mydilton"; XII(?); E; orig. in possession of Dr. Farrer's executors.

1283 Gilbert de Milneburn held land in Middilton of William de Lindeseye for 4s. 4d. rent; it is worth half mark; Lancs. Inq., pt. i, 256.

1290–1300 Grant by Henry son of Alan son of Bernard de Medilton to Alan son of John de le Norhend of his land lying between that of John son of Roger de Medilton and that which is called..... de Hulhaicthorns under Helm, half bovate of meadow in Birkerig-sice and half bovate of meadow at the upper head of Birkerig; the said Alan shall grind the grain growing on this land at the mill of Medilton without multure; the residue of the grantor's land will acquit this land of all secular services; to hold by rendering a rose at Midsummer. Witnesses: Henry de Haiberg, Gilbert son of William, John son of Roger de Medilton, Alan son of Alan, Adam de Hesaim, Adam the clerk. Endorsed: VIII. c. Seal in canvas; orig. in possession of Dr. Farrer's executors.

1296 Christiana late the wife of Adam de Larwatholm demands against William de Berwyk the third part of one messuage etc., in Meddelton in Lonesdale; and against Henry Haybergh the third part of one messuage in the same place; and against others (named) the third part of divers lands in the same place; and against Christiana daughter of Matthew de Laghfet and Mary sister of Christiana the third part of four acres land in the same place. She recovers her seisin by default of William and the others, who are in mercy; De Banco R., Trin., 114, m. 84d; 115, m. 96d.

1296 The same Christiana demands against Gilbert de Bronolfesheved the third part of one messuage etc., in Middelton in Lonesdale as her dower. Gilbert calls to warranty William son of John de Burgh. The same Christiana demands against William de Wenyngton the third part of one messuage in Middelton in Lonesdale; and against Adam de Burton and Sigrid his wife the third part of six acres land and one acre meadow in the same place and the third part of the 16th part of a mill there, as dower; De Banco R., Easter, 118, m m. 74d. 59d. She recovered seisin against William, Adam and Sigrid by default; ib. 119, m. 90.

1297 Gilbert de Brunolvesheved and Christiana his wife demand against William de Wenyngton three messuages, 22 a. land and four acres meadow in Casterton and Midelton; De Banco R., Mich., 121, m. 179d.

1298 Gilbert de Brunolvesheved demands against William son of John de Burgh the third part of one messuage, 16 a. land and three acres meadow in Middelton in Lonesdale, co. Westmorland, which Christiana late the wife of Adam de Layrwatholm claims in dower; De Banco R., Hilary., 122, m. 170.

William Kentessone and Emma his wife demand against William de Laghefit of Lunnesdale that he render to them the third part of one messuage and 3½a. land in Mililton (sic) in Lunnsdale as dower of Emma; ib., Trinity, 124, m. 79d.

1300 Grant by John son of Adam de Gille of Middelton to Adam son of William de Layfite of four acres of land in Middelton in exchange for a parcel of land which the same Adam gave him there lying in Langest. . . banke with meadow and waste. The said four acres lay in three places: upon Sourounrerig, upon Bounecroft, upon Thornhou, upon Gridilbut at Horsebusk, nigh Christian's acre, half acre abutting upon Milnemirekelde, on the north (?) side of Milnemire, abutting to the thorns of Mereslek, upon Milnebernes, abutting at one end on "altam" at the other on Sulton mire, one and a half roods lying between the ways; to hold of William de Layfite in exchange, rendering yearly to the Lady de Ros for Bounecroft a silver halfpenny at Christmas. And the grantor warrants the premises under pain of 40s. sterling to be levied to the use of the sheriff of Westmerie. Given at Middelton on Sunday after St. Matthew the Apostle, A.D. 1300. Witnesses; Gervase de Quiteby, Henry de Hayberge, William son of John de Middelton, Adam de Layfite, Gilbert son of William, Gilbert de Bereburne, Thomas de Holme; Endorsed: "Nota, Socage to Kirkby Castell"; IV, 28 E. 1, and marked "AA". Orig. in possession of D¹. Farrer's executors.

1301 William son of Margaret de Ros obtained part of Midelton by his mother's gift; Lancs., Inq. (Record Soc.), pt. i, 215.

1310 John son of Gilbert de Middelton holds of William de Ros a messuage and one third carucate in Middelton for 14s. cornage and 9d. puture; Cal. Inq., v, 118.

1310–20 Grant by William son of William de Middelton to Adam his son of a messuage with lands and waste which the donor had by the gift of Robert de Sedbergh, and the messuage with the whole tenure of land etc., which William Liolfsone formerly held of the donor at farm in the vill and field of Middelton; to hold in tail for two silver pennies at Christmas yearly, with reversion in default of issue to the donor. Witnesses: William de Hoton, Adam de Bigginges, Gilbert de Berbrun, William de Laghfit, William de Haybergh, Alan de Haybergh, John son of Thomas. Endorsed: "Donum Willelmi de Medylton"; xi; D; (fn. 4) orig. in possession of Dr. Farrer's executors.

1310–20 Grant by Adam del Gille of Middelton to Roger de Brunoleshefd of the grantor's capital messuage and tenement, meadow, waste, wood and pasture in the vill of Middelton, to hold of the chief lords etc. Witnesses: William de Hoton, Gilbert de Berburne, William de Maneshergh, William de Layfite, William de Haybergh, William de Middelton, John son of Thomas, Roger de Kendale. Endorsed: xvi; H; orig. in ib.

1332 Midelton. Subsidy of a fifteenth.

1339 John de Mansergh, clerk, complained against John son of William de Mansergh, Adam de Laghfet of Middelton, William Treuerman of Middelton and others for felling and carrying away his trees at Mansergh to the value of 60s.; De Banco Roll, Trin. 319, m.363d.

1340 The sheriff was commanded to distrain Roger de Brounolfesheved, Alan de Holm and Nicholas de Kirkeby by all their lands, and to have their bodies, to recognize by what service the said Roger holds his tenements of Gilbert de Lancastre, in Stirkeland Ketel, Berbourne, Middelton and Neuby etc. See Strickland Roger, vol. i, p. 267.

William de Lone demands against Henry de Haybergh one messuage and four acres land in Middelton which Gamel son of Edmund gave to Adam de Lone in free marriage with Christiana daughter of the same Gamel. He gives this pedigree; De Banco R., Trin., 323, m. 70d.

1344 Thomas Ward of Kendal held at his death a messuage and six acres in Midelton in Lonesdale of Gilbert de Brounolfesheved for 10d. yearly; Cal. Inq. VIII, 364.

1346 Grant by Christiana relict of William de Layrwatholm to Adam son of William de Middelton of one bovate of her meadow in le Langmire, and her meadow lying between le Apelgarth and Berburnebek in the vill of Middeltonn, to hold of the chief lords etc. Witnesses; Sir Robert de Pikering, knight, Alexander de Middelton, Henry de Ullaythornes, William de Haybergh, Thomas..... Given at Middelton on the feast of St. Katherine the Virgin, a.d. 1346. Endorsed: "Langmire et pratum inter Apelgarth et Berburnbeck." 20 E. 3; H.H; orig. in possession of Dr. Farrer's executors.

1348 Gilbert de Brounolvesheved held at his death a moiety of the vill of Midleton of Thomas de Ros by fealty, worth 60s. yearly; Chan. Inq. p.m., 22 Edward III. See Strickland Roger, vol. i, p. 267; Cal. Close R. 1349, p. 124.

1351 John de Hoseham and Thomas son of Adam son of Mariota held of William de Coucy, deceased, a messuage and three bovates in Middelton by cornage of 4s. 4d., wardship and relief and they still hold them of the king; Cal. Inq., ix, 458.

1355 William de Laghfete impleaded Alan de Haybergh for breaking his close at Midelton and carrying away his goods to the value of 100s; De Banco R., Easter, 381, m. 29.

1357 Hugh Ward of Kendale demands against Robert de Radeclif and Christiana his wife three messuages, 64 a. land and 24 a. meadow in Midelton, Kirkeby in Kendale and Strickland Ketill, which Roger de Kernetby, clerk, gave to Thomas son of Thomas Ward of Kendal and his issue etc. See Strickland Kettle, vol. i, p. 283; De Banco R., Easter, 390, m. 156 d.

Henry de Ullaythorne impleaded William de Laghfet, John Rider and Thomas his son that, whereas the same Henry at Midelton took a beast and impounded it, the defendants broke into that park and took away the said beast; ib., Trin., 391, m. 162 d.

1358 William de Holme, bailiff of the king of his hundred of Kendale and Lonesdale impleaded Alan de Haybregh, William Jakson of Kirkeby in Lonesdale, John de Thornhow, William son of John Emson and William son of William de Manser[gh] that, whereas the same William took certain goods at Midelton for issues and amercements due to the king, the same Alan and the others forcibly carried away the same goods and assaulted and beat the said William; De Banco R., Trin., 395, m. 233d.; 397, m. 208 d.

1359 The sheriff was commanded to summon John de Ullethornes, the elder, of a plea that he answer to Thomas son of Alexander de Middelton of a plea of waste, sale and destruction of lands, houses, woods and gardens which he had in his custody of the inheritance of the same Thomas in Middelton; De Banco R., Easter, 398, m. 77.

1359 The sheriff was commanded, if Robert de Martyndale and Alice (fn. 5) his wife should make him security of their claims, to summon John de Rydale to show cause why, in as much as the same Robert, Alice and John hold together and undividedly one messuage, 100 a. land and 20a. meadow in Midilton of the inheritance of Thomas Mustel, grandfather of the said Alice and John, whose heirs they are, the same John would not allow a partition to be made between them; De Banco R., Easter, 398, m. 240 d.

1361 Thomas son of Alexander de Middelton appears against John de Stenton (see above) in a plea of waste made; De Banco R., Hil., 405, m. 156 d.

1370 William de Midelton for his tithe of Midelton, six windles, (fn. 6) 8s.; Thomas son of Adam Mariotson for his tithe, seven windles, 9s. 4d; John son of Gilbert son of Richard, six windles, 8s; John de Haybergh, five windles, 7s. 8d; Albrecins de Coton, five windles, 7s. 8d; Thomas Annysone, one sieve, 10s. 8d; Alan de Haybergh, six windles, 8s; William Watsone, two windles, 2s. 8d; Roll at Levens.

Mydelton: John del Northend, six windles, 8s; Thomas Tolle(?), four windles, 5s. 4d; Adam del Holme, one sieve, 10s. 8d; John son of "Atte yate," one sieve, 10s. 8d; Hugh son of William and his fellow for tithe of his plough, nine windles, 12s; Thomas del More, four windles, 5s. 4d; John Rider, one sieve and a quarter IIs; Adam de Laufet, six windles, 8s; Thomas son of Alan for tithe of Le Holme, three windles, 4s; Adam de Laufet, elder, 10 windles, 13s. 4d; Adam del Northend, one sieve, 10s. 8d; William de Lambirton, and his fellows, six windles, 8s; Thomas Denes, four windles, 5s. 4d; John Page and William del Filt and their fellows, 10 windles, 13s. 4d;.... de Wisteley, five windles, 6s. 8d;.......lane (?), three windles, 4s; .......[and] Robert son of Michael, six windles, 8s; ......dby, four windles, 5s. 4d;........., 10 windles, 13s. 4d; Roll at Levens.

1375 Thomas Adamson held of Joan late the wife of John de Coupeland divers tenements in Middleton by homage and fealty and the service of 4s. 4d. yearly; Chan. Inq. p. m., 49 Edward III, 1st. nos., n. 29.

1381 Pardon for John Todde and John Whitehode, both of Sedbergh in Lonesdale, and Richard Wylkynson of Blande for the death of John de Stokedale of Middleton in Lonesdale, killed in the year 2 Ric. II; Cal. Pat. R. 1381, p. 26.

1386 Grant by Henry son of William de Hayber of Midelton in Lonesdale to Thomas de Kyrkeby of all his lands in co. Westmorland. Witnesses: Henry de Ullathornes, William Peyton, William Rider, John Manser. Dated at Kirkeby in Lonesdale, on Ascension Day, 9 Richard II (31 May, 1386); orig. at Sizergh.

1390–95 Henry de Ullaythornes, elder, held of Thomas de Ros, chivaler, the manor of Midleton for 27s. rent at Easter and Michaelmas, worth 20s.; Henry de Ullaythornes, younger, similarly held a tenement and six acres land in the vill of Midelton for 1d. rent, worth 6s; John Cade similarly held a tenement and six acres land in Midleton for 10d. rent, worth 40s; Chan. Inq. p. m., 14 Ric. II, n. 41.

1390–95 Thomas Warde and William son of Thomas Whittyngton (sic) held lands and tenements in Myddylton for 4s. 4d. (Richmond fee); Roll at Levens.

1404 At the death of William de Parr, chivaler, the same Henry de Ullaythornes the elder and the younger and Adam (sic) Cade held the tenements recorded in 1390; Chan. Inq. p. m., 6 Henry IV, n. 37.

1407 At the death of John Parr the same persons as those recorded in 1390 held the tenements in Midleton; ib. 9 Henry IV, n. 38.

1411 William de Whittington and Alice late the wife of Thomas Warde held of Philippa, late the wife of Robert de Veer, late Duke of Ireland divers tenements in Midleton which sometime belonged to Thomas Adamson, by homage and fealty and the service of 4s., worth beyond the rent 6s. 8d; Chan. Inq. p. m., 13 Hen. IV, n. 44.

1431 Thomas Midleton paid for farm of the tithes of Midelton £2 per annum; Roll at Levens.

1459 The same Thomas Middelton paid £2 as above; ib.

1523 Inquest taken at Kyrkby Landisdall 25 Nov^r, 15 Henry VIII (1523) before Cuthbert Musgrave esquire Escheator, by the oath of Walter Strickland, knight, etc., who say that: Edward Middelton esquire long before his death was seised of the manor of Capilsyd and divers lands and tenements in Crakynthorpe, and the manor of Denysbyggyng and two tenements in Casterton, one tenement in Hegholme, two tenements in Middelton, one tenenemt in Holme in Kendall, and one tenement in Preston Patryk, and also two tenements in Burton in Lonysdall in co. York, and also two tenements in Burugh, two tenements in Cottgren and one tenement in Yeland Storthes in co. Lancaster. So seised he by his charter, granted the manors of Capylsid and Denysbyggyng and all the other premises in Westmorland, Yorks and Lancaster to Gervase Strickland, Thomas Preston, Roland Thornburgh, Richard Curwen, esquires, Roland Preston gentleman, Christopher Johnson yeoman, Edmund Middelton and Rouland Garlyke chaplains. To have and to hold to them and their heirs for ever to use of said Edward Middelton for his life and after his death to use of his right heirs for ever. By virtue of which feoffment the feoffees became seised in fee to the use aforesaid.

The manor of Capilsid and lands and tenements in Crakynthorpe are held of the manor of Bethome by fealty and 12d. rent for all services, payable yearly at St. Martin in winter, worth yearly besides reprises eight marks. The manor of Denysbyggyng is held of the Castle of Thurland by fealty and a rent of 2d. yearly for all services, worth yearly besides reprises 26s. 8d. The tenements in Casterton are held of Roger Bellyngham knight by rent of 1d. yearly for all services and are worth yearly 18s. The tenement in Hegholme is held of Prior of St. John the Baptist of Jerusalem in England by fealty and rent of 1d. yearly for all services and is worth yearly 4s. The tenements in Middelton are held of Geoffrey Middelton by fealty and a rent of 2 ½d. yearly for all services and are worth yearly besides reprises 12s. The tenements in Holme and Preston Patrik are held of the heirs of Thomas Preston esquire deceased, by what services the jury are ignorant and are worth yearly besides reprises 16s. 8d. The tenements in Burton in Lonysdall co. York held of heirs of Earl of Derby by fealty and rent of 5d yearly, worth yearly 8s. The tenements in Burugh co. Lanc. held of the Castle of Thurland by fealty and rent of 2½d. yearly, worth yearly 19s. 4d. The tenements in Cotgren and Yelandstorthes in said county held of Joan late the wife of Thomas Myddelton esquire deceased, service not known, worth yearly 40s.

Edward Middelton died on 24^th Sept^r, 15 Henry VIII (1523). And Oliver Middelton is his son and heir aged 10 years and upwards. Exchq. Inq. p. mort., ser.ii, file 126, n. 2.

1574 John Mydleton held certain lands in Mydleton as of the castle of Kendall and rendered a free rent of £1. 6s. 8d. Rental and survey of lands late of the Marchioness of Northampton, 7 September, 16th Elizabeth.

1581 Inquest taken at the Borough of Kyrkbie in Kendall 27 Sep^r., 23 Elizabeth 1581 before George Sowlkeld esq., Edward Lancastre esq., Tho^s Brathwaite esq., deputy feodary of co. Westmorl^d, by the oath of Lancelote Pickeringe, esq., Richard Dudleye esq., Rich^d Duckette esq., Ralland Phillipson, Robert Sowkelt, Richard Bouskell Randall Wasshington, Randall Batman, Milo Foxe, Tho^s Ward, Brian Edmundson, Richard Tunstall, William Bethome, Tho^s Bethom, and Tristian Man, gentlemen, who say that: John Middletoun at the time of his death was seised in his demesne as of fee tail namely to him and heirs male of his body by virtue of a conveyance made by Geoffrey Myddletoun his father of the manor of Middletoun in Middletoun and 80 messuages there; and 80 messuages in Kyrkby Lonesdall; and 16 messuages in Hutton Rouf; and eight messuages in Lupton; and 16 messuages in Castertoun; and eight messuages in Barbone; and 10 messuages in Manserghe.

And the said John Middletoun at the time of his death by virtue of a conveyance by said Geoffrey was seised in his demesne as of fee tail namely to him and the heirs of his body and of the body of Anne wife of the said John Myddletoun then deceased of 30 messuages in Kyrkbie Lounesdall before purchased from John Readmayne; and by the last recited conveyance the said John Myddeltoun was seised in his demesne as of fee tail namely to him and the heirs male of his body and of the body of the said Anne his wife of 12 messuages in Sedbraghe and of 12 messuages in Dente in co. York.

The said John Myddletoun at time of his death was seised in his demesne as of fee of 9 messuages in Myddletoun purchased by him from Thomas Ward gentleman; and one messuage in Kyrkbie Lounesdall purchased by him from Tho^s Newtoun gent.

The manor of Myddletoun held of Queen as of her castle of Kendall late parcel of the possessions of William late Marquis of Northampton late of high treason attainted in free socage namely by fealty and a rent of 6s. 8d. yearly for all services suits exactions and demands. The said manor and other the premises in Myddletoun are worth yearly clear £40. The messuages and other the premises in Kyrkbie Lonesdall and Hutton Rouff are held of Christiopher Cayrus esq., as of his manor of Kyrkbie Lonesdall in free socage namely by fealty only for all services etc., and are worth yearly clear £6. The messuages in Lupton are held of William Gascoigne esq., as of his manor of Luptoun in free socage namely by fealty only for all services etc., and are worth yearly clear 6s. 8d. The messuages in Castertoun are held of the Queen as of her manor of Castertoun in free socage namely by fealty only for all services etc., and are worth yearly clear 6s. 8d. The messuages etc., in Barbonn are held of Lady Anne Knevett widow as of her manor of Barbonn in free socage namely by fealty only for all services etc., and are worth yearly clear 6s. 8d. The messuages etc., in Manserghe are held of Marmaduke Readman esquire as of his manor of Manserghe in socage namely by fealty only for all services etc., and are worth yearly clear 5s. The messuages in Dente and Sedbreighe are held of the Queen as of her manor of Sedbreghe in co. York in free socage namely by fealty and suit of Court at the said manor once a year for all services etc., and are worth yearly clear £7.

John Myddletonn died 8 Feb. last (1580–1) and Edward Myddletonn esquire is his son and heir and he is heir and heir male begotten of the bodies of John Myddletonn and Ann his wife and was aged 37 years and upwards at the time of his father's death. Chan. Inq. p. mort., ser.ii, vol. 192, n. 34.

1593 John Midleton paid yearly £1 6s. 8d. for Middleton Hall (Marquis Fee); Survey at Levens.

1604 Inquest taken at Kirbye Kendall 1 Sept^r, 2 James I (1604) before Henry Sandes Escheator in co. Westmorland, by the oath etc., who say that: Christopher Bainbrigg esquire (in recte, clerk.) was seised on the day he died in his demesne as of fee of two messuages or tenements called Hayberland and Wardland and divers acres of arable land meadow and pasture thereto belonging in Midelton, and of two other messuages or tenements in Midelton and divers acres of arable meadow and pasture thereto belonging, and a close there called "le Hall terne," otherwise "le Terne closse," containing five acres, and of two messuages or tenements in Manserghe and divers acres of arable meadow and pasture thereto belonging, and certain other lands tenements and hereditaments in Manserghe called "Haslerig" containing 30 acres.

Heyberland and Wardland held of John Middleton esq., as of his manor of Middleton in free socage by fealty and suit of court of the said manor and by payment of ½d. and "one le broad arowe head" at Nativity of our Lord yearly and are worth yearly, clear 20s. The two other messuages in Middelton are held of the king as of his manor of Kirkby Kendal called "le Marques Fee" by fealty in free socage and are worth yearly clear 20s. The three messuages etc. in Manserghe are held of Henry Brabyn gentleman as of his namor of Manserghe by [fealty and suite] at the Court of the said manor and by payment of a certain portion (parcel) of Franckincense and are worth yearly clear 26s. 8d.

Christopher Bainbrigg died 29 May last (1604) and [Edward] Bainbrigg is his son and nearest heir aged now [20] years six months. Court of Wards Inq. p. mort., vol. 28, n. 2.

1610 Inquest taken at Kirkby Kendall 13 April, 8 James I (1610) before Christopher Wood esquire Escheator, by the oath etc., who say that: James Moore on the day of his death was seised in his demesne as of fee of two messuages and tenements in Middleton in a place there called "Bendsbancke" in Middleton and divers acres of land, arable meadow and pasture to them belonging. The said premises are held of the king as of his manor of Kirkby Kendall called "le Marquess Fee" by fealty and a rent of 6d. yearly in free socage and are worth yearly clear 24s.

James Moore died 29 Oct. last (1609) and Roger Moore is his son and heir and he is aged 26 years and upwards now. Court of wards Inq. p. mort. vol. 34, n. 64.

1611 Inquest taken at Kirkbie Kendall 27 Sept^r, 9 James I (1611). before John Lowther esquire Escheator as to whether two messuages and tenements in Middleton called "Heyberland and Wardland" with divers acres of land meadow and pasture in Middleton thereto belonging and two other messuages and tenements in Midleton with divers etc., etc. (as above), and also one close in Midleton called "le Hall terne otherwise le terne close" containing five acres of land and also two other messuages and tenements in Mansergh with divers etc., etc., (as above), and certain other lands and tenements in Mansergh called "Haselrigge" containing 30 acres of land, are held, or any parcel thereof, of the king in chief by knight service or otherwise by knight service or not, by the oath etc., who say that: the messuages and tenements were held as given in the 1604 Inquisition. Court of Wards Inq. p. mort., vol. 36, n. 198.

1613 Inquest taken at Kirbye Kendall 20 Sep^r, II James I (1613) before Roger Otwaye, esq., Escheator, by the oath of Thomas Wilson, William Benson, James Buskell, Miles Eskrigg, Peter Mawson, John Chambers, Ambrose Etherington, Nicholas Cocke, Anthony Gilpin, William Collinson, George Fleeming, William Thwaites, and Charles Benson, who say that: Miles Buskell was seised in his demesne on the day he died of one messuage and tenement in Middelton and 16 acres of land thereto belonging. Premises held of the king as of his manor of Kirbye Kendall called "le Marques Fee" in free socage by fealty and a rent of 2d. yearly and are worth yearly clear 5s.

Miles Buskell died 8 November last (1612) and James Buskell is his son and heir, aged 40 years now. Chan. Inq. p. mort., ser. ii, vol. 676, n. 134.

1618 Inquest taken at Kirkbikendall 27 March, 16 James I. (1618) before Roger Otwaie esq., Escheator, by oath of Robert Phillipsone of Hollinghowe, Samuel Knipe of Fairebanke, James Strickland of Helfell, Robert Wilkinsone of "towne eind Hall," Henry Kitching of Aikrigge, Peter Mowsone of the same, Allan Stephenson of the same, Thomas Atkinsonn of Skelsmer, William Denison of the same, Anthony Gilpin of the same, John Harisonn of Staveley, Thomas Gilpin of Skellsmer and Peter Birkett of Hugill, gentlemen, who say that: John Bailiffe was seised in his demesne as of fee on the day he died of two messuages and tenements in a place called Eskhame in Midlton in the parish of Kirkbilondsdall, and seven acres of land to one of the said messuages and 17 acres of land to the other messuage belonging.

Premises were held of the king as of his manor of Kendall in free socage and a yearly rent of 5d. for all services at the time of John Bailiffe's death and they are now held of Charles prince of Wales as of his said manor of Kendall in free socage and a yearly rent of 5d. for all services. And they are worth yearly clear 20s.

John Bailiffe died 11 May, 15 James (1617) and Geoffrey Bailiffe is his son and heir and he is aged 10 years now. Chan. Inq. p. mort, ser. ii, 676, n. 136.

1619 Inquest taken at the Borough of Kirkbie Kendall 11 Aug^t, 17 Chas. I (1619) before John Senehouse esq., Escheator, by the oath of Anthony Duckett, Henry Warde, Edward Wilson esquires, Tho^s Kitson, Tho^s Wilson, Henry Fisher, W^m Langbaine, Thomas Wharton, Rob^t Skaif, James Warde, Rob^t Richardson, Robert Corney, Mathew Wilson, John Baliff, Miles Walker, Richard Atkinson, Thomas Birkett, gentlemen, who say that: Edward Middleton long before and on the day of his death was seised in his demesne as of fee of the manor or lordship of Middleton and one capital messuage and tenement called "Middleton Haule" and 200 acres land, 200 acres meadow, 400 acres pasture, 40 acres wood, 1000 acres moor, 200 acres furze and health called "Middleton demesne," and one water grain mill, in Middleton, together with common of pasture for all cattle there, to the said manor capital messuage and tenements belonging.

All held of the king as of his Castle or manor of Kendall called "Marques Fee" in free socage namely, by fealty and a free rent of 26s. 8d. for all services etc., and worth yearly clear £4.

Edward Middleton died 17 Nov^r last (1618) and John Middleton is his son and heir, aged 19 years and six months then. Chan. Inq. p. mort., sel. ii, vol. 608, n. 12.

1629 Inquest taken at Kirkbie Kendall 20 Oct. 5 Chas. I (1629) before John Cowper esquire, Escheator, by the oath of Isaac Gilpin, Thomas Brigges, Christopher Phillipson, Christopher Bainebrigge, gentlemen, Nicholas Cocke, Adam Shepheard, Thomas Wilson, William Hodgson, John Jackson, Anthony Todde, Miles Williamson, Thomas Maskewe, Henry Baitman, John Harrison, Charles Johnson, yeomen, who say that: Thomas Robinson of le Holme in Middleton, yeoman, long before his death was seised in his demesne as of fee of one messuage or tenement in Middleton and 10 acres of land thereto belonging. So seised he by his will dated 18 July 1627 granted the premises to Issabella Robinson his daughter and next heir, now wife of James Rowecrofte and her heirs for ever "to enter to thone half Immediatelie after my death and to enter unto thother half at the death of my nowe wief Emmett Robinson."

Premises held of the king as of his manor of Kirkbie Kendall called "le Marquess Fee" in free socage by fealty and a rent of Id. and are worth yearly clear 3s. 4d.

Thomas Robinson died 31 July last (1629) and Issabella wife of James Rowecrofte is his daughter and next heir and she is aged 20 years and upwards now. Chan. Inq. p. mort., ser. ii, vol. 713, n. 195.

1636 Inquest taken at Kendall 6 Sept^r, 12 Charles I (1636) before Henry Harrison gentleman, Escheator, by the oath etc., who say that:

Thomas Baines, father of William, long before the death of the said William was seised in his demesne as of fee of one messuage or tenement in Midleton and nine acres of land meadow and pasture in Middleton thereto belonging and usually occupied therewith. So seised the said Thomas on 24 May, 5 Charles I (1629) at Midleton in consideration of a marriage to be had between the said William his son and heir apparent and Jane Robinson daughter and coheir of Henry Robinson of "le Holme" in Middleton, yeoman, and in consideration of £1500 to be paid by Henry Robinson to the said William Baines as a marriage portion with Jane and in consideration that William Baines should provide Thomas Baines his father with food, drink and other necessaries or pay Thomas Baines his father £4 yearly during his life, agreed then and there that from thenceforth the said William Baines should have the messuage or tenement and lands in Middleton to himself and his heirs for ever, to enter into possession after the marriage, as by the evidence of divers witnesses at the agreement of marriage. The marriage was immediately afterwards solemnized and William Baines entered and was seised of the premises in his demesne as of fee.

The said William Baines long before his death and on the day he died was seised in his demesne as of fee of three inclosures containing one and a half acres of land meadow and pasture in Middleton, lately purchased from Roger Moore, in Middleton.

All the above mentioned premises are held of the king as of his manor of Kendall called "le Marquess Fee" in free socage and are worth yearly clear 10s.

William Baines died on 4^th February, II Charles I (1636) and Agnes aged five years on 24 Sept^r last (1635) and Margaret two years on 23 February last (1635–6). are his daughters and coheirs. Court of Wards Inq. p. mort., vol. 88, n. 21.

1641 Inquest taken at Kirkby Kendall 15 Sept^r, 17 Charles I (1641) before John Senhouse esquire, Escheator, by the oath of Henry Fisher, William Jeninges, Robert Robinson, John Toweres, Myles Walker, Henry Becke, Robert Walker, Edward Benson, Thomas Strickland, William Helme, Thomas Wilson, James Bell, Thomas Birkett, Richard Becke and Giles Speight who say that: John Thirnbecke long before his death was seised in his demesne as of fee of one messuage and tenement in Middleton in a place there called "le Ellers" with the barns, houses, buildings and gardens thereto belonging and eight acres of land, four acres meadow, eight acres pasture, 40 acres furze and heath and common of pasture for all cattle in Middleton.

So seised he in consideration of his love for his son Christopher Thirnbecke and for £70 paid to him by the said Christopher by his charter 22 August, 1626, granted to said Christopher all his said messuages and lands in "le Ellers" of the ancient rent of 19s. then in his own tenure and occupation and all the houses buildings, lands etc., etc., thereto belonging. To have and to hold to Christopher his heirs and assigns for ever, except and reserved to said John Thirnbecke a moiety and half part of the said messuage, lands and other the premises.

Premises held of the king as of his manor of Kendall Castle called "le Marquis Fee" in free socage by fealty and payment of 2d. yearly for all services and are worth yearly clear 10s.

Christopher Thrinbecke so being seised died 16 Dec^r. 1638, and his father John Thirnbecke afterwards died on 17 March last (1640–1).

John Thirnbecke son and heir of the said Christopher, was and is nearest heir of said John Thirnbecke deceased and he is aged two years and eleven months. Chan. Inq. p. mort., ser. ii, vol. 702, n. 50.

1662–4 Schedule of defaulters to Hearth Tax. Lay Subsidy Roll, 259, n. 13.

A list of all y^e names of those which have unpaid their harth moneyes untill now, 1662.

Mr. Robert Westby, 7s.; Joseph Harrison, Is.; Edward Cooke, Is.; and Henry Bradelay, Is. Widow Barker behind her hallfe yeare one chimne. Acknowledged by me James Tayeler late constable for the yeare 1662.

Robert Westby, gent., for seven hearths due Lady Day 1663, 7s. Joseph Harrison, Edward Cooke, Henry Bradlay and widow Barker for one each, 4s. Thomas Geslinge and William Ashe for two each, 4s.

The names of those that did refuse to pay the harthes money in 1662 and now refuseth to pay the arrears then unpayed.

Thomas Geslinge, 2s. William Ashe, Is., but he is now soe poore he hath nothing to pay with. October 27, 1664, Giles Moore then constable.

1669–71 Hearth Tax Roll. Lay Subsidy R. 195, n. 73, m. 27d.

1676 Mr. John Middleton pays yearly £1 6s. 8d. for Middleton Hall, (Marquis Fee). Survey at Lowther.