Witherslack, Meathop and Ulpha

WITHERSLACK, MEATHOP AND ULPHA.

The mesne manor of Meathop and Ulpha with land at Crackenthorpe in Beetham was an early feoffment by one of the lords of Beetham in the twelfth century. Henry de Bethum (1251–56), also named Henry de Midhop, was probably son of Roger, son of Orm son of Thor, which Roger is named as early as 1188. Roger, son and heir of Henry de Midhop, was living in 1290. The Chartulary or Coucher Book of Furness Abbey records his arms as: Ermine, a lion rampant azure, crowned or. It may be suggested that, the arms of Pickering being the same as those recorded for Midhop, with the addition for cadency of "vulned, with an annulet argent," and in view of the circumstance that Thomas de Pikering had a grant of free warren in 1304 in his demesne lands in Midehope ("Millehope"), the said Thomas de Pikering had obtained this manor in marriage with the daughter and heir of Roger de Midhop. It descended in Thomas de Pykering's posterity until after the death of Lady Anne Knevet, the last representative of the line, when it was sold by her heirs to William Thornburgh of Hampsfell, esq., who purchased certain freehold estates in High Meathop, known as Meathop Hall and Kendal House, from the freeholding owners, under a free rent of 16d. payable to William earl of Derby. Two messuages in Ulpha, subject to a freehold rent of 8d. were probably acquired from the heirs of Pickering about the same time. The messuage of Low Meathop was also a member of the mesne manor. The freeholds in High Meathop were ultimately acquired by the family of Barrow, and those in Ulpha by the Wilsons of Dallam Tower. The former were acquired in 1916 from the executors of the last representative of the Barrows by the compiler of this history; the latter have descended to Sir Maurice Bromley-Wilson, Bart., the present owner of Dallam Tower.

The customary-hold estates in Meathop were held by a different tenure, namely of the mesne manor of Cappleside, which was in the possession of Thomas Midleton of Leighton, esq., as late as the year 1600. They were enfranchised and the freehold conveyed to the customary tenants in 1762 by Hugh, lord Clifford. Holme Island was alienated at a later date as a freehold. The customary-hold tenements enfranchised in 1762 were:

2 messuages called "Chamleys," owner John Barrow, rent 12s. 11d.;

1 messuage called "Chamley's," owner John Barrow, rent 12s. 11d.;

1 messuage called "Tyson's," owner James Barrow, rent 12s. 11d.

2 messuages called "Taylor's," owner George Taylor, rent 13s. 1d.;

1 messuage called "Pow House," owner late Isaac Wilkinson, (fn. 1) rent 28s.

In 1196 Witherslack was probably a member of the demesne lands of the barony of Kendale for by a fine levied that year in the king's court between Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid and "Aylewise" his wife, plaintiffs, and Henry de Redeman, tenants, respecting "Witeberge," that is Whitbarrow with the appurtenances, the said Henry quit-claimed to them the right which he had in Witeberge, for which they gave him Selesat by the right bounds by which Cospatric de Selesat held it with other privileges (see Selside, vol. i, 239) and granted to Henry and his men of Levenes common of pasture of the moss between Witeberge and Levenes, to be held by Henry and his heirs by the free service of 5s. yearly. (fn. 2) Other documents cited under Levens point to the same conclusion. Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid probably enfeoffed his natural son, Roger de Lancaster, of Witherslack shortly before 1220. It descended to John, son of Roger de Lancastre and was held by Annora, relict of John, at the time of her death in 1338. It had been granted in 1328 to John de Cancefield, as trustee, for settlement upon Roger de Lancastre, brother of John, for life, with remainder to Michael son of Robert de Haverington. Both Roger and Michael were then dead and John de Haverington was next heir after Annora's death, as brother of Michael. From John it descended to his son Michael, and so to Michael's daughter Joan, who married Richard de Roos. In 1374 the manor was assured to Richard and Joan who held it of Ingelram de Coucy, earl of Bedford, and Isabel his wife. In 1408 Richard, son of Richard and Joan, with Joan, daughter of William de Thornburgh passed lands in Witherslack, probably in Foulshaw, to John son of the last-named Joan.

The manor with Foulshaw descended through a family named Ros or Ross, but it is obscure how it came to Sir Thomas Broughton who forfeited it, in 1489, upon his attainder for participation in the affair of Lambert Simnel. It was then granted with other lands of Sir Thomas, to Thomas lord Stanley, first earl of Derby, as from 23 August, 1485, the day following the king's accession. From that time the manor has continued in the posterity of the earl of Derby. For over one hundred years the manor house and demesne appear to have been leased to the Leyburns of Skelsmergh. John Layburne was bailiff and steward, 1628–38; and apparently lessee by rentals of 1638–41. He appears to have lived here during his married life with his second wife Mary, daughter and heir of William Croft of Claughton in Lonsdale, and relict of William Lascelles of Brackenburgh, co. York. The children of this marriage were George, Nicholas, Roger, Charles, William (or John), Frances and Catherine. In 1670 Thomas Layburne, eldest surviving son of John Layburne by his first wife, was resident at Witherslack Hall and paid tax that year on seven hearths. In 1684 a dispute between the Earl of Derby and "my three cosin Layburnes of Witherslack," as Daniel Fleming describes them, was submitted to the arbitration of the Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys. One of these three cousins was probably the daughter of Thomas Layburne who married Marmaduke Witham, 4th son of George Witham of Cliffe co. York. Nicolson and Burn (vol. i, p. 230) state that "The Laybourns continued at Witherslack in possession till the direct male line failed in coparceners; one of whom was married to Dr. Marmaduke Witham of Yorkshire; and the other coparceners died without issue. This estate was settled on the issue of that marriage, and on failure thereof, remainder to the right heirs of Witham. Dr. Witham had by that marriage a son John Witham. Against this John Witham the (then) earl of Derby claimed the estate etc." After legal process described by the same authors the case was determined in the House of Lords in favour of the earl of Derby. An attempt by the Withams to recover the estate failed in 1759.

1150–84 William son of Gilbert de Lancastre granted to Roger his brother in fee the advowson of the church of Barton co. Westmorland; Cal. Pat. R. 1374 p. 422.

1178 Orm son of Thore (fn. 3) accounts for 40 marks of an amercement because he received sureties without the licence of the king's court; Pipe R. (Pipe Roll Soc.). 24 Henry II, p. 75.

1184–90 Orm son of Thore and his heirs gave to the hospital of Cockersand a saltern (salina) in Midhope, where the way enters the wood which comes from Kermel, with common of wood; Chartul. of Cockersand (Chetham Soc.), 1010.

1188 Horm son of Thore proffers 20 marks that Roger his son may be set free by safe pledges. Pipe Roll, Yorks., 34 Henry II.

1190–1210 Roger son of Orm son of Thore gave to the hospital of St. Mary of Cockersand 2 a. land in Mithehop by their saltern, namely where the way which comes from Kirmel (Cartmel) enters the wood. Witnesses named; Chartul. Cockersand (Chetham Soc.), 1011.

1216–72 Henry de Midop gave to the canons of Cockersand his native, Adam son of Thomas of Caplesheved; Chartul. of Cockersand, 1058.

1249 Roger de Lancastre appeared against (1) Alexander le Waleys, (2) Richard son of Adam del Gate, (3) Richard son of Adam le Fevere, (4) Robert Tailor (sutor), (5) Robert the Chaplain's son, (6) Gregory son of Adam, (7) Henry de Ketelestal, (8) William de Croppehuby, (9) Thomas son of Robert, (10) Hugh de Pikering and (11) Robert Le Fraunceys of a plea that by force and arms they came to the said Roger's water of Whytherslak, (fn. 4) which is his free fishery, and fished there without his licence.

The defendants were attached by the following persons:

(1) by Benedict son of Hugh and William de Kerc.

(2) by John Mirieside and Walter son of Gregory.

(3) Richard son of the smith (faber) by Benedict son of Hugh and Samme.

(4) by William Stykes and Reginald le Caret[er].

(5) by John de le Hoye and Nicholas Langate.

(6–8) nil.

(9) Thomas de Brocton by Thomas son of Benedict and Thomas de Madocscales.

(10) by Edward and Ralph.

(11) by Hamon de Lindale and Hugh Fraunceys.

All to be summoned for Easter term; Cur. Regis R. 135, m. 24.

1251 John de Heselslak was attorney for Henry de Bethum in a plea against Roger de Lancastre; (fn. 5) Assize R. 88, m. 72.

1251 Roger de Lancastre demands against Henry de Bethum 100 a. land in Witherslack as his right. Henry prays for a view. Ajourned to Hilary term; Assize R. 1046, m. 75.

1254 Henry de Bethum holds Midhopp with the fishery of Esbricpolle. and Crakintorp with 2 mills, of Ralph de Bethum for 2s. yearly rent; Lancs. Inq. (Rec. Soc.), xlviii, 196.

1256 Roger de Lancastre was attached to answer Henry de Bethum of a plea that he with Hugh Le Esquier, Simon de la Croye, Adam son of Osbert, William son of Osbert, Adam Ballard, Adam son of Samuel, Thomas Schefdor and Thomas son of William, by force and arms came to Henry's wood in Hale Cat and cut down his trees and carried them away, and on Monday alter Mid-Lent, 37 Henry III, came by force and arms with bows and arrows, swords and hatchets and cut down about 200 trees and carried them away to his loss in £20. Roger denies and puts himself on the country; Henry offers one mark for an inquiry. On the morrow of Holy Trinity the jury at Kyrkeby say that Roger and the others did not come by force etc., nor fell trees, nor carry them away. Henry is in mercy; Assize R. 979, m. 8d.

1256 Roger de Lancastre acknowledged that 30 acres of wood in Wytherslak were the right of Henry de Midhop, saving to Roger common of pasture. For this Henry released to Roger 100 acres in the same vill which he recovered against the said Henry by default in the last eyre at Nottingham, and nine acres there, namely in Halekat, about which the said Henry arraigned an assize of novel disseisin against Roger at the last eyre in Westmorland; Feet of Fines, file 4, n. 23.

1283 William de Lyndeseye died in 1282 seised of the manors of Barton and Witherslak which Roger de Lancastre held of him by the service of a sor sparrow-hawk (for Barton) and 1d. yearly (for Witherslack). Cal. Inq., ii, 269.

1290 Confirmation by Roger de Mythop, son and heir of Henry de Mythop, to the monks of Furness of the liberty of free passage with wains, carts etc., with all manner of goods through his lands in co. Westmorland, licence of pasturing and passing the night there when need may arise; adding also that if by reason or the softness of the way owing to usage, passage be found difficult over way or path, it shall be lawful to them to divert the way onto dry ground and to avoid other impediments which may be found, and if any of their animals fall sick they shall be pastured and kept in his pastures until they recover and can return to their own pasture. Witness: Sir Alan de Coupland. Done in the abbey of Furness, on the eve of St. Lawrence, a.d. 1290; Coucher of Furness (Chetham Soc.), ii, 83.

Roger de Methop bore arms: Ermine, a lion rampant azure, crowned or; ib.

1291 Roger de Lancaster held at his death the manor of Werrslak of the heirs of William de Lyndesey for 2d. yearly rent; Cal. Inq. ii, 506.

The manor of Wythirslake, extended to £15 19s. 10d. yearly, and other lands, are assigned in dower to Phillippa, late wife of Roger de Lancastre. See Rydal, p. 21.

Render and confirmation by John de Lancastre, for the souls of Roger de Lancastre his father, Philippa his own mother, and for the health of the soul of Anora his wife and Roger his brother, to the prior and convent of Kertmel of the free fishery in the water called 'Heltonterne," which the prior demanded against him in the king's court as the right of the church of Kertmel, so that the prior etc. may fish there at all times of the year and draw their boat ashore and fasten it both to his land on the Wytherslac side and to their own land of Kertmel and dry their nets without impediment of the grantor or his heirs; saving to the grantor and his heirs their free fishing throughout the said water so that they can draw their boat and nets ashore and fasten them either on the side of Kertmel or of Wytherslac. For this the names of the grantor, his wife and those named above are to be inserted in the "martilogium" [martyrologium] (fn. 6) of the priory and to be received into all the benefits of the house. Witnesses: Sirs John de Hudeleston, Richard his brother, Matthew de Redemane, Roger de Burton, Richard de Preston, knights; Roger de Lancastre, brother of the said John, Roger de Croft, John de Hamesfel, John de Cauncefeld. Seal of brown wax bearing the arms and legend of John de Lancastre; Duchy of Lanc., Anct. D., L. 289.

1293 William prior of Kertmel demands against John son of Roger de Lancastre and Philippa who was wife of Roger de Lancastre his several fishery in the water of Heltontern in Broghton in Kertmel, as the right of his church of Kertmel, in which the said John and Philippa had no entry save by Roger de Lancastre, who unjustly disseised John, formerly prior, who was seised of the said fishery as of fee in the right of his church in the time of Henry III; De Banco R. 101, Trin. 21 Edward I, m. 67d.

1332 Wytherslack. Subsidy of a fifteenth.

1304 Grant to Thomas de Pikering and his heirs of free warren in their demesne lands in Killington and Midehope ("Millehope"), co. Westmorland; Cal. of Chart. R. iii, 47.

1334 John de Lancastre (of Rydal) and Annora his wife, who survives, held the manor of Wytherslake for their lives of Christiana, late the wife of Ingelram de Gynes, for 1d. yearly, by the grant of John de Cauncefelde, with remainders to Roger de Lancastre for life and after his decease to Michael son of Robert de Haverington and his heirs; Cal. Inq. vii, 421.

1338 Annora, late the wife of John de Lancastre, held at her death the manor of Witherslak, except a messuage and 20 a. land, for life, by the grant of John de Cauncefeld, with remainders to Roger de Lancastre for life and to Michael son of Robert de Haveryngton and his heirs. Roger died 10 years ago and Michael died 9 years ago. John de Haveryngton, knt., brother of the said Michael, aged 41 years, is his next heir and the reversion of the said manor after the death of Annora, Roger and Michael belongs to the said John and his heirs. The manor is held of William de Coucy by the service of 1d. yearly; Cal. Inq. VIII, 106; Cal. Close R. 1338, p. 584.

1338 Grant to John de Haveryngton, the elder, and his heirs of free warren in their demesne lands in their manor of Wytherslake, and licence to impark 600 acres of wood, moor and marsh within the said manor; Cal. of. Chart. R. IV, 486.

1347 John de Haveryngton of Aldyngham held at his death the manor of Wytherslak for the term of his life of the king in chief, as of the lands late of William de Coucy by fealty and the service of one penny yearly at the feast of Easter and St. Michael for all service. After the death of the said John the manor shall remain to Michael son of the said John in tail, remainder to Thomas, brother of Michael, in tail, remainder to John, brother of Thomas, in tail, by a fine levied in the said King's court; there are tenants at will who render 40s. yearly, an enclosed park, the herbage of which is worth for agistment 100s., 10 a. meadow worth 20s., other several pastures worth 106s. 8d.; Inq. p.m., 21 Edward III, 1st nos., n. 53; Cal. Inq. x, 30; Cal. Close Rolls, 1347, p. 320.

Fealty of Michael son of John de Haveryngton of Aldyngham for the manor of Wytherslak to be taken; Cal. Close R. 1347, p. 321.

1351 John de Haveryngton, knt., held the manor of Withreslak of William de Coucy, deceased, by cornage which gives homage, wardship and relief, and now Michael de Haveryngton holds it of the king; Cal. Inq. x, 457.

1374 The king committed to Richard de Ros and Joan his wife the custody of the manor of Witherslack in Kendale which is held of the king as parcel of the barony of Kendale and was of John de Lancaster of Stanestedes, chivaler, deceased; Cal. R. Original, ii, 330.

1377 James de Pykering, knt., complains against Thomas Johnson of Bolton in Lonesdale, Adam Robynson and Richard Jhanson of the same that they cut down and carried away his trees at Methop to the value of £10; De Banco R. 460, Mich. I Richard II, m. 139; 469, Hil. I Richard II, m. 158d.; 470, m. 54d.

1374 Be it remembered that John Knyvet, the king's chancellor, by his own hands delivered here in Court a certain Record in these words: The lord the king lately willing to be certified upon the cause of the taking of the Manor of Wythirslake in Kendale with the appurtenances in the County of Westmerland, by Roger Lassels, late escheator, into the king's hand and upon the true value of the same commanded the said escheator to certify thereupon. And the said escheator certified that he took the manor into the king's hand because he found by inquisition taken before himself that John de Lancastre of Stanestedes, chivaler, who held it of the king in chief as parcel of the barony of Kendale, alienated it to Michael de Haveryngtone, chivaler, in the second year of the now king's reign without the king's licence, which said Michael died thirty-three years ago and after his death John de Haveryngtone of Aldyngham, Michael's brother, entered into the said manor and alienated it to Michael his son without the king's licence, which manor is extended by the year at ten marks, as appears by the inquisition abovesaid. Afterwards Richard de Roos and Joan his wife, as tenants of the manor in right of Joan, personally appearing in Chancery at Westminster in eight days of Holy Trinity in the fortyeighth year of the reign of king Edward the Third, say that where it is supposed by the certificate aforesaid that John de Lancastre of Stanestedes, chivaler, held the manor of the king in chief by homage as parcel of the barony of Kendale and alienated it to Michael de Haveryngtone without the king's licence, really the said John held the said manor of Dame Cristiane de Gynes by fealty and service of one penny yearly, payable at Easter and Michaelmas, and gave it to one John de Caunsfelde, to have and to hold to him his heirs and assigns for ever, and John de Caunsfelde, being seised thereof by virtue of the said feoffment, enfeoffed thereof the said John de Lancastre, Annora his wife and Roger de Lancastre, brother of John de Lancastre, to have and to hold the same for the term of their lives, so that after their death the manor should remain to the said Michael de Haveryngtone, chivaler, and his heirs. Then John de Lancastre and Roger his brother died and the said Michael died without an heir of his body and the reversion of the manor after his death descended to John de Haveryngtone of Aldyngham, knight, as his brother and heir, which John afterwards gave and granted the reversion of the manor with other manors, lands and tenements by charter to John de Haveryngtone, parson of the church of Aldyngham, and Robert de Rotyngtone, to have and to hold to them their heirs and assigns for ever, by virtue of which grant the aforesaid Annora attorned to the said John de Haveryngtone, parson, and Robert; and the said John, parson, and Robert granted the reversion of the manor by fine levied in the king's Court to the said John de Haveryngtone, knight, for life, so that after the death of Annora and John de Haveryngtone of Aldyngham the manor should remain to Michael, son of the said John de Haveryngtone of Aldyngham, and the heirs of his body issuing, entailing to other persons the reversion if Michael should die without issue, by virtue of which grant the said Annora attorned and afterwards died, when John de Haveryngtone of Aldyngham entered into the manor and held it for life by virtue of the said fine and died. After his death Michael his son entered into the same, as in the said remainder, and took a wife of whom he begat the said Joan, now wife of Richard de Roos, and died. After his death Joan entered the manor and continued in possession with her husband, Richard de Roos, until by colour of the said inquisition she was removed by the said escheator. They deny that John de Lancastre of Stanestedes, chivaler, or Michael de Haveryngtone, chivaler, held the manor of the king, as supposed by the certificate aforesaid, and this they are ready to verify, and now the manor is held of Joan, who was wife of John de Coupelande, by fealty and service of a penny a year, as abovesaid, as of the fees which were of William de Coucy, praying that the king's hands be removed together with the issues thereof received. And Michael de Skyllynge, who sues for the king, says that John de Lancastre of Stanestedes held the said manor of the king in chief as parcel of the barony of Kendale and alienated it to Michael de Haveryngtone without the king's licence, as found by the aforesaid certificate. And he prays that it be inquired into for the king.

Process was continued until fifteen days of St. Michael unless the king's justices assigned to take the assizes in the said county should first come to Appelby on Monday next after the feast of St. Lawrence etc. At which quinzaine of St. Michael before the king at Lincoln came Richard de Roos and Joan by their said attorney and the said Justices brought here the record of the verdict of the jury in these words:

Afterwards at the day and place within contained, before Roger de Kirkton and Roger de Fulthorpe the king's justices assigned for taking the assizes, came as well Henry de Tesdale subescheator in said county who sues for the king as Richard de Roos and Joan by their attorney and likewise the jurors came, being elected, tried and sworn, who say upon their oath that John de Lancastre of Stanestedes, chivaler, held the said manor of Wythirslake with appurtenances in Kendale in the county of Westmorland, whereof mention is made within, of Dame Cristiana de Gynes by fealty and service of a penny by the year for all service, without this that the said John de Lancastre or Michael or John de Haveryngtone held that manor or any parcel thereof of the king in chief as parcel of the barony of Kendale, or in any other manner in chief or by knight service And further they say that the said manor is now held of Ingelram de Concy, earl of Bedford, and Isabel his wife, as of the fees which were of William de Coucy. Therefore it is considered that the hands of the king shall be removed from the manor aforesaid and that the said Richard and Joan shall have restitution thereof with the issues of the same received in the meantime, saving always the right of the king etc.; Coram Rege R., n. 454, Trinity, 48 Edward III (Rex).

1406 Thomas de Pickeringe held at his death the manor of Methoppe of John de Bethome, chivaler, by fealty and the service of 2s. yearly, worth yearly 106s. 8d.; John de Pickeringe, his son, aged 21 years, is his next heir; Chan. Inq. p.m., 7 Henry IV, n. 27.

1408 Richard son of Richard de Ros and Joan, daughter of Wililiam de Thornburgh, younger, was party to a fine of lands in Witherslack with John son of the said Joan; Feet of Fines.

1420 John Pickeringe was lately seised inter alia of the manor of Ulvay and Methoppe and shortly before his death by charter dated 12 June, 3 Henry v (1415) he granted the same to Peter del Hay, Thomas de Ursewyke, John Carleton, rector of the church of Escrik, and Henry Randoffe in trust. The manor of Methopp with Ulvay, worth 10 marks yearly, is held of John de Bethome, chivaler, as of his manor of Bethome, in socage by the service of 2s. yearly. James Pickeringe, his son, aged six years at the Decollation of St. John the Baptist last (29 August, 1419), is his next heir; Chan. Inq. p.m., 8 Henry v, n. 82. See Killington.

1461 Grant to Richard Wydewyll, lord Ryvers, and Jaquetta, duchess of Bedford, his wife for her life of the dower assigned to her on the death of John, late duke of Bedford, her husband, to wit inter alia Wetherslake; Cal. Pat. R, p. 169.

1486 A commission was issued to Richard Tunstall, knt. and another, to admit into the king's obedience and allegiance James Haryngton, Robert Middelton, Thomas Broughton, John Hudelston and Robert Haryngton, knights; and Richard Middelton, Henry Hodelston, William Thornburgh, Geoffrey Frank, William Ambrose and George Middelton, esquires, and to take an oath of allegiance of them, and to deliver to them letters patent of pardon; Cal. Pat. R., 1486, pp. 119, 133.

1489 Grant in tail male to Thomas, earl of Derby, late lord Stanley, of inter alia the manor of Witherslake forfeited by Thomas Broughton, knt., to hold from 23 August, 1 Henry VII; Cal. Pat. R. 1489, p. 270.

1516 Inquest taken at Kirkby in Kendale, 23 October, 8 Henry VIII, before Geoffrey Middilton, esquire, escheator, by oath of Christopher Pekeryng, knight, James Layburn, esq., Tho⁸ Preston, esq., Richard Gilpen, gentleman, W^m Cairus, Tho. Warde, Ewan Gilpyn, Brian Manser, Robert Phelepson, Edward Bethom, Thomas Strickland, W^m Elton and Oliver Sowrmyr, who say that:

Thomas Roos on the day he died was seised of two messuages in Wydderslak, except one messuage, 40 acres of land, 20 acres meadow, 200 acres pasture, 20 acres wood in Wydderslak, late parcel of the said two messuages of yearly value of 66s. 8d. clear, whereof Miles (Milo) Godmond and Peter Rallandson were then seised to the use of Joan late the wife of the said Tho^s Roos, who still lives, for term of her life and after her death to use of said Thomas Roos and his heirs.

Premises held of king by knight service namely: a tenth part of a knight's fee and a rent of 1d. and suit of the Court of Kirkby in Kendale every three weeks. The messuages except before excepted are worth yearly clear £6 13s. 4d. and upwards.

Thomas Roos died 24 May, 7 Henry VIII (1515) and Thomas Roos is his son and nearest heir and he is aged 15 years and upwards. Chanc. Inq. p.m., ser. ii, vol. 31, n. 88.

1517 Christopher Pykeryng, knt., held of Thomas Middelton, as of his manor of Bethome, divers lands, tenements and wood in Methope by rendering yearly 2s. of fee farm; Exch. Inq. p.m., ser. ii, file 120, n. 2.

1521 Inquest taken at Bethom, 29 August, 13 Henry VIII, before Andrew Wy . . . e, knight, and John Hales the king's commissioners, by the oath of Robert Bellyngham, knight, John Warcop, esq., Gilbert Wharton, esq., Guy Machell, Hugh Machell, Barnabas W . . . . . ., Nicholas . . . ., John Smith, Thomas Birkbeck, William Bird, Adam Warton, Roger Strekeland, Tho^s Roose, Tho^s Dokwray, Henry Thomson, Edw^d Bethom, and Robert Dockwray, gentlemen, who say that:

King Henry VII was seised in his demesne as of fee in right of his Crown of the manor of Witherslake and six messuages, 60 acres land, 40 acres pasture in Witherslake and so seised he by letters patent dated at Westminster 25 February, 4 Henry VII (1488-9) granted the same to Thomas late earl of Derby, father of George Stanley late lord Straunge, by the name of Thomas, earl of Derby, late lord Stanley, husband of the said late king's most dear mother, by the name of the manor of Witherslake in co. Westmoreland and all . . . . . . . .and services there which late were of Thomas Broughton, knight, which by forfeiture came to the said late king's hands. To have and to hold the said manor . . . . . . . advowson of churches, fees. . . . . specified in said letters patent to the said Earl and heirs male of his body issuing, of the king and his heirs for ever for such rent . . . . . . By virtue whereof the earl entered the manor and was seised thereof in his demesne as of fee tail and died so seised. Atter whose death the manor descended to the late earl of Derby, son of George Stanley, late lord of Staunge, as grandson and next heir male of the body of the aforesaid late Earl etc. who entered the manor and was seised thereof in his demesne as of fee tail.

And they say that George Stanley, late lord of Straunge, was seised on the day of his death of the manors of Bethome and Erneshed, otherwise Herneshed and 100 messuages, 2000 acres land, 100 acres meadow, 2000 acres pasture, 200 acres wood, 100 acres furze and moss (?) in Bethom, Erneshed, Quasset, Farleton, Measureshale, Burton in Kendall and Hencaster and died so seised. After whose death they descended to the late Earl of Derby as son and heir of the said George, who entered and was seised thereof in his demesne as of fee and so seised he, on 24 November, 21 Henry VII (1505), by his writing sealed with his armorial seal (sigillo sua ad arma) granted to Charles, now earl of Worcester, lord Herbert, by the name of Charles Somerset, knight, lord Herbert the office of high Steward of all the honours, manors, lands and tenements of which the said earl of Derby then was seised, for term of his life, and by the same writing granted to the said Charles and to Henry Somerset his son and heir a yearly rent of £20 for term of their lives. Deed shewn to Jurors. And afterwards in 21 Henry VII the said late earl took to wife Anne daughter of Edward Hastynges, knight, lord H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . After the marriage, namely on 30 Sept^r, 3 Henry VIII (1511) by his deed he constituted Edward Stanley, knight, lord Mountegle, steward of his lordships and manors in . . . . . Furness, Bolton in Furness, Adherley, Osmonderley, Alythwayt, Breth, Kylett, Osclyf, Torresholme with all . . . . . . . . Bethom Erneshed, Burton in Kendall and Widerslake in co. Westmorland and . . . . .Selcroft and Basyngthwayte in co. Cumberland and Burton in Lonnesdale in co. York. (fn. 7) Chanc. Inq. p.m., ser. ii, vol. 37, n. 146.

1526 Rental of the manor of Beetham. Farm of the fishery of Winsterpole, payable at Michaelmas only, late in the tenure of William Thornburgh, 2s.; Crown Receivers' Acct.

1542 Anthony Roose and Ellen his wife passed by fine to Walter Strickland, esq., tenements in Wytherslake; (fn. 8) Feet of Fines, Easter term, 34 Henry VIII.

1543 Anthony Rose and Ellen his wife and Vincent Rose, passed by fine to John Standisshe, Thomas Bradley, Thomas Singleton and Robert Ugnale a tenement in Wetherslake; ib., Hil. term, 35 Henry VIII.

1593 Ferdinand, earl of Derby, held the manor of Betham and Arnisheade of the Lady the Queen as of the barony of Kendall by service of one knight's fee, worth beyond reprises £60; and the manor of Witherslacke similarly by service of half a knight's fee, worth beyond reprises £13; other manors in Yorkshire and Cumberland named. He died 16 April, 36 Elizabeth, at Thirsk without heir male but three daughters, Ann, Frances and Elizabeth, aged 13, 11 and 7 years respectively. William, aged 32 years and more, now earl of Derby, is brother and next heir male of the said Fedinand, being the son and next heir male of Henry, late earl of Derby, and kinsman and next heir male of Thomas, late earl of Derby late lord Stanley. Inq. p.m. transcribed in Townley's MS.

1609 William Thorneburgh, esq., held at his death two messuages and 40 a. land in Meddoppe and two messuages and 40 a. land in Ouvey, of William earl of Derbie, of his manor of Bethome, by fealty and a rent [of 2s.] in socage, worth yearly clear 50s.; Court of Wards, Inq. p.m., vol. 43, n. 105.

1612 Rowland Thornburgh, esq., held before his death two messuages and 40 a. land in Methopp, and by his writing demised the same to Edward Wilson, "yoman," for a term of 31 years. By his will he bequeathed his tenement called "the Pow house," redeemed, to his wife Jane for her help in the education of his younger children, with reversion to William his son and heir. The two messuages in Methopp are held of William, earl of Derbie, as of his manor of Betham by fealty and a rent [of 2s.] in free socage and are worth yearly clear 30s.; Court of Wards, Inq. p.m., vol. 35, n. 69.

1615 Sir Francis Duckett of Grayrigge, "Knyghte," sells to John Bowes, Rowland Garnett, Roberte Kilner and Thomas Pearsone of Witherslacke, yeoman, for £56 all the tithe corn, grain and hay growing or to grow hereafter on the tenements, intackes and improved groundes in the occupation of the said persons of the second part and others, except of Thomas Metcalfe of Witherslack, Spence Feilde and the grounds situate and lying at Becheheade. Beetham Repository.

1644 December, 21. Bond of John Layburne of Witherslack, esq., and two sureties in £300 to James Bellingham of Levens, esq., that the said John Layburne shall not travel above five miles from his dwelling houses of Witherslacke and Skelsmergh without licence or a ticket from Colonel Bellingham, nor hold any intelligence with any of the party in arms against the Parliament, but be ready to render his body whensoever Colonel Bellingham shall send for him; Kendal Corporation MSS. (Hist. MSS. Com.), 309.

1650 Among Papists sequestered in the Barony of Kendal was John Layburne of Witherslack; Cal. of Com. for Compounding, 176. His children, Nicholas, Roger, Charles, William and John, named; ib. 3210, 3292.

1652 Certificate of the Treason Trustees that the manor of Witherslack had been purchased by Christopher Crosfield and ought to be discharged from sequestration; Cal. of Com. for Compounding, ii, 1116.

1653 John Leyburn of Witherslack petitioned to contract for his estate; ib., iv, 3175.

1654 Among Recusants who petitioned to contract for their estates: Rowland Thurnburgh of Lyndel, co. Lanc., for an estate sequestered for the recusancy of John and Frances Thornburgh; Thomas Thornburgh of Cartmel; William Thornburgh of Methap; Cal. of Com. for Compounding, v, 3198.

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

These are to certefie whom it may concerne thatt Thomas Simpson, Peter Dawson, William Phillipson, Widdow Dawson, John Borrow was presented every one for a harthe and this Thomas Simpson for towe and is nott willing to pay the same, nether hath any goods to destrene upon; wittnes my hand Robert Atkinson, constable. The number in all 6.

1662–74 A rental of Witherslack: Major the Hon. Oliver Stanley's deeds of Beckhead estate, nos. 35–6.

1666 The earl of Derby wrote to Sir John Lowther and Daniel Fleming stating that his tenants at Witherslack had complained that they were very much damnified by the decay of Beathwaite Green "cawsey" and Sampepool Bridge; Le Fleming MSS. (Hist. MSS. Com.), 42.

1669 Hearth Tax Roll. Lay Subsidy 195, n. 73, m. 23d, 24.

Witherslacke, Meadopp and Oupha.

1673 August 31. Daniel Fleming gave 1s. to a man that brought venison from Witherslack. Le Fleming MSS. (Hist. MSS. Com)., p. 384.

1678 Warrant to search the house of John Leyburne of Witherslack, being a Popish Recusant; Le Fleming MSS. (Hist. MSS. Com.), 149.

1684 August 12 "I" (Daniel Fleming) "prevailed this day with the Earl of Derby and my three cosin Layburnes of Witherslack to referr their differences unto my Lord Chief Justice's arbitration"; Le Fleming MSS. (Hist. MSS. Com.), 401.

1694 Court Roll of the manor of Beetham-cum-Arnside: "We present Thomas Barrow for fishing within the royalty of this manor"; "we present Richard Canny for a like fishing"; "we present Robert Canny for a like fishing"; "Thomas Thornburg, gentleman, for fishing within the royalty of this manor; we present Walter Taylor for a like fishing"; Case of Wilson v. Brogden, p. 15.

1722 Witherslack Chapel Salary paid at Midsummer and Christmas.

1724 Mr. George Hilton sold the tithe of wool and lamb, modus and composition for tithes of wool and lamb arising from lands and tenements in Witherslack, Methope alias Medup, and Ulpha, for the sum of £92 0s. 6d., to the following owners of estates: Robert Stainbank, £10; William Bownas, £8; John Harrison, £7; Thomas Bowes, £6; John Pearson, £6; Toby Martindale, £5 10s.; James Barrow, £5; Edward Preston, £4 10s.; George Hartley, £4 10s.; John Dickinson, £4; Edward Strickland, £3 10s.; Robert Crosfield, £3 10s.; Thomas Walker, £3 3s.; John Wilkinson, £3; James Kilner, £2 10s.; John Dawson, £2 10s.; Thomas Dawson, £2; Richard Walker and Robert Walker £2; John Moorcrott, (fn. 20) £2; Richard Saul, 30s.; Robert Powe (Pool), 30s.; John Taylor, 25s.; John Strickland, 22s.; William Kilner, 10s.; Robert Taylor, (fn. 21) 10s.; Hugh Seuart, 5s.; Robert Barwick, 5s.; Robert Kellet, 5s. and Richard Burrow, 3s.; all of Witherslack, yeomen; Deed in Witherslack Vestry.

1740 Tobias Knipe conveys to Daniel Wilson of Dallam Tower, esq., his capital messuage, tenement, demesne lands, mosses and marshes in Ulve alias Uve, parish of Beetham, with the seignory and lord's rights, fishings, customary rents, fines, services and heriots, escheat, wrecks, chattels, waifs, strays, royalties and the tithes of wool; subject to a yearly chief rent of 8d. to the earl of Derby; Case of Wilson v. Brogden, p, 37.

1762 Hugh, lord Clifford, being seised of the manor of Capleside, conveys to John Barrow of Meathop and John Smith of . . . . for £1000 the freehold of inheritance of certain customary messuages and tenements in Betham and Meathop in the manor of Cappleside, except "all that island called Holme Island or Holme-upon-the-Sands and all manorial, seignorial, and other rights, liberties and privileges, fishings and franchises in or within or near to the said island, which said several excepted premises are in part already severed from the said manor or lordship, and the rest of the same premises, consisting of Holme Island with the appurtenances, is now also by virtue of this present conveyance and this exception to be severed from the same manor or lordship, and to be accordingly holden and enjoyed in severalty and apart from, by lord Clifford, his heirs and assigns," . . . "And whereas at the time of the said John Barrow and John Smith contracting and agreeing for the purchase of the hereditaments and premises hereinbefore mentioned to be hereby granted and released, it was agreed that the said Hugh, lord Clifford, should indemnify the said John Barrow and John Smith and their heirs against the said yearly chief rent of 1s. payable to the said earl of Derby out of the said manor or lordship of Capleside or the lands therewith held or enjoyed, and that the said John Barrow and John Smith should indemnity the said Hugh, lord Clifford, and his heirs against the said other yearly chief rent of 8d."; Case of Wilson v. Brogden. pp. 84, 145.

1777 There were 5 estates in Meathop and 6 families; in Ulvah or Ulpha 2 estates. "This . . . . is a little manor under Daniel Wilson of Dallam Tower, one of which he is owner of, himself. Fowlshaw is said antiently to have belonged Sizergh; but latterly to Heversham Hall, now to Daniel Wilson, Esq."; The Beetham Repository, 137.

1782 Hugh, lord Clifford, and others convey to Thomas Sill in fee "all that Island or plot of ground called Holme Island or Holme-uponthe-Sands in the river near Meathop, in the county of Westmorland, containing by estimation two acres customary measure . . . with the rights, members and appurtenances thereof and all the manorial and seignorial and other rights, liberties, privileges, fishings and franchises whatever, in or within or near unto or with respect to the same," to hold to him absolutely, in consideration of £729; Case of Wilson v. Brogden, pp. 147–8.