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Title: Historical and descriptive sketches of the town and soke of Horncastle - in the county of Lincoln and several places adjacent
Author: Weir, George
Language: English
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SKETCHES OF THE TOWN AND SOKE OF HORNCASTLE IN THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN AND
SEVERAL PLACES ADJACENT***
Transcribed from the 1822 Sherwood, Neely, And Jones edition by David
Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
[Picture: Public domain book cover]
[Picture: Remains of the Roman Wall, Horncastle. Drawn by Tho.s Espin
F.S.A.]
HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE
SKETCHES
OF THE
TOWN AND SOKE
OF
HORNCASTLE,
IN THE
COUNTY OF LINCOLN,
AND SEVERAL
PLACES ADJACENT,
EMBELLISHED WITH ENGRAVINGS.
* * * * *
BY GEORGE WEIR.
* * * * *
SECOND EDITION.
* * * * *
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR BY SHERWOOD, NEELY, AND JONES,
PATERNOSTER-ROW.
SOLD AT HORNCASTLE BY WEIR AND SON.
* * * * *
1822.
* * * * *
Printed by Weir and Son,
Horncastle.
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE first impression of this work being sold off, and copies still
enquired for, a second edition has been prepared for publication. In
this edition the Author has taken care to insert such additional
information respecting the places described in the former impression, as
he has been able to procure. A view of the Monastic Remains at Tupholme,
together with a short description of the place, is also added; and for
the drawing from which this view is engraved, the Author has to
acknowledge his obligation to Mr. Espin, of Louth, who kindly furnished
several of the former views.
In order to reduce the price of the book as much as possible, the ancient
and modern plans of Horncastle, together with the Appendix, consisting
chiefly of charters, which were included in the first edition, in this
are omitted.
August 15, 1822.
CONTENTS.
HORNCASTLE, Situation Page 1
During the Roman and Saxon Governments 3
The Manor 6
During the Civil Wars in the Reign of 10
Charles the First
Antiquities 22
The Church 26
The Grammar School 33
The River Bane and Navigable Canal 35
The Present State of the Town, Fairs, 37
Markets, &c.
SOKE OF HORNCASTLE 41
Thimbleby 41
West Ashby 42
Low Tointon 42
High Tointon 43
Mareham on the Hill 43
Roughton 44
Haltham 44
Wood Enderby 46
Moorby 46
Wilksby 46
Mareham le Fen 46
Coningsby 47
Langriville and Thornton le Fen 50
Population 51
BAUMBER 53
EDLINGTON 55
TUPHOLME 57
SOMERSBY 59
SCRIVELSBY 61
BOLINGBROKE, Situation 66
The Manor 66
The Castle 69
The Church 71
The Town 72
REVESBY 74
Memoir of the Right Hon. Sir Joseph 76
Banks, Bart.
KIRKSTEAD, 81
TATTERSHALL, Situation 84
The Manor 84
The Castle 86
The Collegiate Church 89
The Town 95
TOWER ON THE MOOR 96
GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY 97
EMBELLISHMENTS.
Frontispiece, Roman Wall at Horncastle, to face the title.
Roman Urns found at Horncastle 22
Ancient British Coin 25
North-East View of Horncastle Church 26
Monument of Sir Lionel Dymoke 27
Seal of the Grammar School at Horncastle 33
Seal of the Horncastle Navigation Company 35
Stourton Hall, Baumber, Seat of Joseph Livesey, Esquire 53
Edlington Grove, Seat of Richard Samuel Short, Esquire 55
Remains of Tupholme Abbey 57
Ancient Cross at Somersby 59
Ancient Monuments in Scrivelsby Church 63
Remains of Bolingbroke Castle, from a drawing taken in 1813 71
Revesby Abbey, Seat of Lady Banks 75
Kirkstead Chapel 82
South-West View of Tattershall Castle, with a Ground Plan 87
Chimney Pieces in Tattershall Castle 88
Tattershall Church and Castle, from the South-East 91
Tower on the Moor 96
Geological Map 97
HORNCASTLE.
SITUATION.
HORNCASTLE is pleasantly situated at the foot of that bold and even range
of Hills, which, from their openness, have been termed the wolds. It is
nearly in the centre of the Lindsey division of the county of Lincoln,
and is the chief of a soke of fifteen parishes to which it gives name.
The principal part of the town is built within an angle formed by the
confluence of two rivers, the Bane and the Waring, where an ancient
fortification formerly stood, the scite of which is still visible,
denoting it in early times to have been a station of importance.
The character of the place however is now completely changed. From a
military station it has become a situation of trade; and owing to its
being surrounded by a considerable number of villages, possesses one of
the largest markets in the county.
Its distance from the city of Lincoln is twenty-one miles, and eighteen
from the town of Boston.
HORNCASTLE DURING THE ROMAN AND SAXON GOVERNMENTS.
BEFORE the invasion of Britain by the Romans, whilst yet the island was
divided into independent states, the present scite of Horncastle with its
immediate neighbourhood was doubtless appropriated, like the rest of the
country of the Coritani, to the pasturing of herds and flocks. In the
formation of settlements no other circumstances influenced the Britons
than the conveniences which might be afforded them in their accustomed
occupations. Vallies fertilized by streams, and the contiguous hills
would supply food for their cattle and sheep, whilst the neighbourhood of
forests invited to the pursuits of the chase. The rich tracts of open
grass land stretching along the banks of the river Bane, and its
tributary stream, would be populously occupied by the pastoral
inhabitants of this district. Hence it may be presumed, that when the
weak efforts of the Coritani for independence had left them vanquished by
the victorious arms of the Romans, under Ostorius Scapula, and finally a
tributary state by the more efficient achievements of Suetonius Paulinus,
this portion of the country was soon secured by fixing on the present
scite of Horncastle a military station. From the almost imperishable
masses of the ancient wall which still remain, and by the numerous coins,
urns, and other vestiges of the Roman people which have been found in
this place, and are still met with in turning up the soil, it evidently
became in process of time a station of considerable importance. It is
difficult however to make any definite suggestions as to the period at
which the fortifications were erected, no inscription having been found
to throw light upon the subject.
To secure by effectual barriers against insurrections, the conquests
which had already been made, whilst yet the bordering people to the
north, the fierce and powerful Brigantes, remained unsubdued, might be
deemed by the Romans a sufficient inducement for raising frequent and
effectual military works among the inhabitants of this state: for it was
not until Petillius Cerealis was appointed by the emperor Vespasian to
the command in the province of Britain, that this hitherto unbridled
nation were either conquered or involved in all the calamities of
warfare. Though there be no precise data by which the decision may be
guided, as to the time of the earlier military erections which were
formed at this place; yet it cannot be ascribed to a much later period
than the above occurrences so intimately connected. At all events, it
may not be considered posterior to the effects which resulted from the
wise policy of Agricola. Immediately on his arrival to assume the
command, he placed along the frontiers of the several subjugated
districts, a chain of fortresses: these were constructed with so much
care and judgment, that the inhabitants of those parts where the Roman
arms had not then penetrated, could never consider themselves secure from
the vigor of the conqueror. {4a} The people, soon after this, completed
their submission to the yoke by yielding to the allurements of Roman
manners. Their ferocity was tamed: from a savage people running wild in
woods, they became cultivated, acquiring knowledge, and dwelling in
towns; and finally sweetened their slavery, by indulging in the pleasures
of polished life.
From the circumstances of this station being situated on the river Bane,
several antiquaries have concurred in fixing here the BANOVALLUM of the
Roman geographer Ravennas. This opinion has been the more readily
adopted from the etymology of the name; the latter part of the word being
Latin, and the whole collectively signifying a fortification on the Bane.
It is indeed probable that the Romans were induced at first to make a
station at this place, from its convenient situation, easily rendered
defensible by a _vallum_, or temporary barrier, drawn across the aperture
of the two rivers from one bank to the other, and thence came its
designation. Afterwards they built the indissoluble stone wall, whose
vestiges after the lapse of ages are manifest nearly the whole compass
round. {4b} It is to be regretted that Ravennas gives no distances: he
merely places BANOVALLUM next after LINDUM, so that nothing decidedly
certain can be gained from his work.
But, though it cannot be positively ascertained that this spot was the
Roman BANOVALLUM; yet, as the name most evidently points out a
fortification on the river Bane, there appears little reason to question
it; both from its contiguity to the colony of LINDUM, with which place it
had communication by means of a military road; as also from its
situation; particularly as no other remains of the Romans have been
discovered on that river, nor yet any near to it, except some coins at
the village of Ludford, where the Bane has its source; and traces of an
encampment at Tattershall, more than a mile distant from its banks. {5a}
In what circumstances this station was involved from the final
subjugation of the Britons by Agricola, under whose paternal government
the province felt some portion of enjoyment in cultivating the arts of
peace, is not known: but, from the evidence of antiquities, it is
perceptible that it continued a place of importance down to the period
when the Romans in the decline of their empire had withdrawn from
Britain; though probably, in the security of a long abstraction from war,
its military strength was somewhat disregarded. No sooner however had
the necessities and the mistaken policy of the enervated inhabitants,
again left to themselves, called to their assistance the warlike Saxons,
against the eruptions of the northern barbarians, than we find this place
agitated, in common with the rest of the country, by all the calamities
which were connected with the desperate contests which ensued: the
Britons having to struggle for liberty, against the eagerness for
dominion on the part of the victorious Saxons. These people, according
to the practice which prevailed amongst them of changing the names of
Roman stations, gave to this place the appellation of HYRNCASTRE or
HORNECASTRE, from its situation in an angle formed by the junction of the
two rivers, which denotes a fortification in a corner, of which the
present name HORNCASTLE is evidently a corruption.
The Roman fortress was at that time either destroyed, or in a very
dilapidated state: for Horsa, the Saxon general and brother of Hengist is
stated to have enstrengthened the fortress of Horncastle. This
fortification however did not continue long; for Horsa being defeated in
an engagement with the Britons, under the command of Raengeires, at the
neighbouring village of Tetford, Vortimer king of the Britons caused it
to be beaten down and rendered defenceless. {5b}
THE MANOR.
BY the record called Domesday, compiled towards the latter end of the
reign of William the Conqueror, it appears that the manor of Horncastle,
previous to the close of the Saxon Government, belonged to Editha the
queen of Edward the Confessor; but at the time of making that survey, it
formed, together with the soke, part of the possessions of the king. {6a}
When the manor was separated from the crown does not appear; but in the
reign of Stephen it was the demesne of Alice or Adelias de Cundi, who
resided at her castle here, which leaves it to be concluded that she held
it by inheritance from her father. {6b} As she took part against the
king in his contention with the Empress Maud, he seized her lands, but
restored them again on condition that she should demolish her castle, the
means which had served to render her political alliance formidable to his
interest. {6c} What may have been the extent and nature of the structure
possessed as the mansion of Adclias is not now discoverable, no traces
being to be found; but its strength most probably consisted in a
restoration of the walls of the Roman fortress, which encircling some
convenient and less durable edifice, gave to the place of her residence
the security of a castle.
The restitution by Stephen of these lands to Adelias de Cundi, seems to
have been only for life, as her heir did not succeed thereto; for this
manor came again to the crown, and was afterwards given by Henry the
second to Gerbald le Escald, a Fleming, who held it for one knight’s fee,
and who was succeeded by his grandson or nephew and heir Gerrard de
Rhodes. {6d} Gerrard was succeeded by his son and heir Ralph de Rhodes,
who, in the reign of Henry the third, sold the manor to Walter Mauclerke,
the third Bishop of Carlisle, who also held the office of Treasurer of
the Exchequer. This sale being made in the spirit of these times when
the feodal system prevailed, the bishop and his successors were to hold
the estate by the performance of suit and service to Ralph de Rhodes and
his heirs. In the fourteenth year of the same reign, the transfer to
Walter Mauclerke was confirmed by the king, who in the same year also
granted to him three several charters, conferring those immunities upon
the manor and soke, which served to raise the town of Horncastle from the
dependence of a village, to become in some degree the mart of the
surrounding country.
The first of these charters gave to the bishop free warren over the manor
and the soke: the second the liberty of holding an annual fair at this
place, which was to commence two days before the eve of the feast of St.
Barnabas, and to continue eight days: the third had for its objects the
empowering of the bishop to try felons, and to hold a court leet; also
the exemption of the inhabitants of the manor and the soke from toll, and
several other payments and services, beside protecting them from arrest
by the officers of the king and the sheriff. {7a} An additional charter
was granted in the following year enabling the bishop to hold a weekly
market here every Wednesday; and also another annual fair to commence on
the eve of the feast of St. Lawrence, and to continue seven days. {7b}
The custom of holding a fair on the anniversary of this festival appears
to have prevailed at an earlier period, it being alluded to in the
charter granting the former fair.
In the same reign, Gerrard, the son and heir of Ralph de Rhodes, appears
to have preferred his claim to this manor, which had been sold by his
father; perhaps in consequence of some omission in the performance of
those services by which the estate was to be held. {7c} His claim does
not appear to have been successful; for in the seventeenth year of the
same king, the bishop fined to hold the manor in fee, but not to alienate
without licence. {7d}
Walter Mauclerke resigned the see of Carlisle in 1246, and as the manor
devolved to his ecclesiastical successors, it may be inferred that it had
been purchased to increase the revenues of the bishoprick, and not to be
appropriated as his private property. The privileges of such essential
interest to the estate, which had already been conferred by the preceding
charters, were in part strengthened by fresh acknowledgments to the
Bishops of Carlisle, in the reigns of the two succeeding kings; Edward
the first confirming the grant of free warren, and Edward the second that
which exempts the inhabitants of the manor and soke from certain payments
and services. {8a}
At the period of Richard the second, Roger le Scrop and Margaret his
wife, with Robert Tibetot and Eve his wife, heirs and descendants of
Gerbald le Escald, appear to have advanced a claim to this manor, and to
have succeeded in obtaining letters patent, confirming to them homage and
service from the ecclesiastical possessor. {8b} At that time also when
the border contests had laid waste the see of Carlisle, and divested the
bishops of their seat of Rose Castle in Cumberland, they were
necessitated to take up their residence at Horncastle, which continued
for some time to be their principal place of abode.
In the twenty-fifth year of Henry the sixth, that monarch confirmed the
several charters granted to the bishops as lords of this manor, by Henry
the third, and also conferred on them numerous other privileges. {8c}
The manor continued in the possession of the Bishops of Carlisle, until
the reign of Edward the sixth, when under the authority of a licence from
the crown, it was sold by Bishop Aldrich to Edward Lord Clinton, who,
during the time he held it, compounded with the copyhold tenants, and
enfranchised their estates; but after Mary had ascended the throne, he
was compelled to re-convey his purchase to the see of Carlisle, to which,
since that time, it has continued to belong. {8d} Bishop Aldrich died at
this place in March, 1555, the second year of the reign of Queen Mary:
from which it appears, that the estate had either been restored previous
to his decease; or, in the conditions of the sale he had reserved to
himself the privilege of residing in the manor house. {8e}
In the sixteenth year of the reign of Charles the second, the several
charters which had before been granted to the possessors of this manor
were again acknowledged, and the privileges further extended. {9a}
Queen Elizabeth had a lease of this manor from the then possessing
bishop, in which she was succeeded by James the first, who assigned it to
Sir Edward Clinton, knight; but owing to a neglect of enrollment, it
proved void. {9b} For nearly a century the lease was held by the late
Right Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet, and his ancestors, and it is
now held in trust for the benefit of his devisees.
The large tract of fen land, situated between this place and Boston, at a
very early period belonged to the lords of this manor, in conjunction
with the lords of the manors of Bolingbroke and Scrivelsby; but by the
grants which they gave to the neighbouring abbies at Revesby and
Kirkstead, their right therein became comparatively small. {9c} On the
enclosure of these fens, pursuant to Act of Parliament, in 1801, about
six hundred acres were annexed to the parish of Horncastle, eighty-one
acres of which were allotted to the lord of the manor; the remainder to
the owners of common-right houses.
The parochial extent of Horncastle, exclusive of the fen allotment, is
about one thousand three hundred acres, two hundred and fifty of which
are contained in the manorial estates.
The house where the bishops used to reside, a spacious structure, but
destitute of architectural merit, was situated at the north-west corner
of the ancient fortress. It was demolished about the year 1770, when the
present manor house was erected on its scite.
HORNCASTLE DURING THE CIVIL WARS IN THE
REIGN OF CHARLES THE FIRST.
NOTWITHSTANDING that in this part was born that individual of the family
of Plantagenet, whose assumption of the throne plunged the country, for
half a century, into the civil wars which nearly exterminated the ancient
nobility; yet had the soil here been unstained by the blood so profusely
shed. Partaking, in common with all, the miseries of the land, it seemed
peculiarly exempted from beholding those contentions of the houses of
York and Lancaster, which sprung from the elevation of Henry of
Bolingbroke to the sovereignty of England. It was however otherwise when
the usurpation of unlimited power on the part of Charles the first had
urged a war between the people and the king. As peculiar circumstances
of policy and interest had brought the military operations into these
parts, it will be necessary in their detail to revert to the conduct of
the parties opposed in the opening of the war.
No sooner had the commons demanded concessions from the royal
prerogative, as the only security against the repeated encroachments
which had been made on the privileges of the people, than they were
impelled, by the insincerity of the monarch, to protect the interest of
the subject by every possible means. The right of the sword was looked
upon as the exalted claim of the patriot alone; but as either party
considered themselves influenced by the sacred love of their country,
both made gradual advances to an appeal: the one to protect the liberties
of the people; the other, those general interests which seemed connected
with upholding the authority of the king. As the commons were sensible
that the monarch would seize the first favorable opportunity to reinstate
himself in the former excess of his power, the earliest precautions were
taken in regard to the military establishments of the country. Amongst
these was secured the important fortress of Hull, containing the arms of
all the forces which had been levied against the Scots: with these the
parliament also assumed to themselves the disposal of the militia, a
force indeed collected, but totally untried in the conduct of war. The
king, on erecting his standard, opposed to this, as a resource of
strength, his Commission of Array. The call of the monarch was obeyed by
each county, as the political inclinations of individuals led them, or in
submission to the influence and example of those men of fortune, with
whose interests that of their tenantry was intimately connected. {11a}
The contest carried on in the south and in the west with vigor, already
appeared favorable to the royal cause. In the north, however, it
sustained a decided check, by the strong hold which the parliament
possessed in the garrison of Hull, then commanded by Lord Fairfax, who,
unable to maintain the field against the Marquis of Newcastle, had there
retired, determined to repel a siege with courage and ability; and to
diminish the strength of his enemy by sudden incursions.
The disposable forces of the parliament, not immediately required for the
defence of Hull, were too inconsiderable to oppose the march into the
south. Notwithstanding this, the affairs of the king were ruined by
confining the efforts of a powerful army to investing this fortress;
while the active enemy, though few in number, acquired by their boldness
and intrepidity, an effective strength in the field. When Oliver
Cromwell, then beginning to signalize himself as the companion in arms of
the young and gallant Sir Thomas Fairfax, had by a signal victory at
Gainsborough, routed the royal troops; the Marquis of Newcastle,
beholding his brother Cavendish dead, amid the noblest and bravest of his
soldiers, seemed as if awakened by the calls of vengeance to the
necessity of more extensive exertions. He therefore suddenly decided on
harassing his opponents, while weak and inefficient, by dispatching a
competent force into the heart of Lincolnshire. Cromwell, though a
conqueror, was obliged to make a precipitate retreat; and as Lincoln was
not defensible, he hastened on the day succeeding his victory to Boston;
intending there, with the young Sir Thomas Fairfax, who was proceeding
with additional horse from Hull, to concentrate their forces with those
of the Earl of Manchester. {11b}
The division of the royal army, destined for these parts, was entrusted
to the command of Sir John Henderson, an old and valiant soldier, and to
Sir William Widdrington, who was appointed governor of Lincoln. As these
leaders were anxious to requite themselves for the defeat which had so
recently crowned the conquerors with the applause of heroism, they
determined to draw the enemy to an engagement before their reinforcements
should arrive: ere this however could be effected, Manchester, upon
advice of their intention, after possessing himself of the strong
fortress of Lynn, had advanced with the disposable part of the army of
the associated counties. Such appeared to be the mutual disposition of
affairs in the north, at the beginning of October, 1643, in the first
year of the civil war.
The army of the parliament, about six thousand foot, and thirty-seven
troop of horse, being concentrated at Boston, it was determined that
companies should be distributed into such parts as might secure their
early co-operation whensoever occasion should require. Bolingbroke,
defended by a castle held by the partizans of the king, called forth into
exertion their vigor and the alacrity of their courage. {12} This they
decided upon as the place of military operation; whilst as the
neighbourhood promised the most favorable circumstances for a field, they
would there invite the enemy on to battle. Accordingly ten companies
commanded by Major Knight, an officer under Sir Miles Hobart, were
disposed of at this place. A regiment commanded by Colonel Russel, was
quartered at Stickford, about two miles distant; and three companies of
the Earl of Manchester’s own at the village of Stickney. The cavalry
were all distributed into the country round, for about eight or ten miles
distance.
In the evening after their arrival, the castle of Bolingbroke was
summoned. The answer in effect was, that “the commander need not expect
that the demands of arrogance alone should win the castle.” From this
determined reply promising a strenuous defence, dispositions were
immediately taken to acquire it by a regular siege. The church and a
neighbouring house were occupied by the assailants, earth works were
thrown up, and the assault commenced, but without much effect.
During this time, the royalists, bold, eager, and trusting that a
generous heroism would nerve them for victory, waited only the
opportunity for attack. Upon learning the arrival of the Earl of
Manchester, they lost no time in drawing out all their military from the
several garrisons of Lincoln, Newark, and Gainsborough, still stimulated
by an undaunted resolution to find out the enemy, and advance to the
combat. Hastening on, they arrived, early on the day previous to the
battle, at the out-posts of the parliamentary forces.
No sooner had a detachment from the king’s army, advancing on the western
road, been observed at Edlington, reconnoitring the lines of their enemy,
than word came to Sir Thomas Fairfax, the commandant of the cavalry at
Horncastle, that a surprize was expected. Information was accordingly
dispatched to the Earl of Manchester: it found him at East Kirkby hill,
with Colonel Cromwell, and the Lord Willoughby of Parham, intently
observing the progress which the besiegers made against the castle of
Bolingbroke, and assiduously ordering the dispositions of attack. Roused
at this communication, Cromwell immediately hurried to collect the troops
dispersed around. Fairfax was still every where distributing horsemen
for the purpose of enquiry, cautious to ascertain and forward such
accounts as might be obtained of the progress and number of the royal
forces; who though eager for battle, were careful to deliberate on the
promises of success. As the party who caused the alarm, suspecting
themselves seen, had drawn off with such intelligence as they gathered,
there seemed reason to suppose that the main body of the royalists were
yet at a considerable distance: Fairfax therefore about sun set, learning
nothing additional, proceeded to the quarters at East Kirkby, to confer
on the measures proposed for the expected conflict. In the mean time,
the Earl of Manchester, with Lord Willoughby and some other officers, had
with the like object hastened to Horncastle, previously appointing that
at that place the forces should be immediately collected; where, being
drawn together, the most effective resolutions might be taken for
ensuring a victory, or lessening the calamities of a defeat.
It was not until the dusk of the evening that the royal army, under Sir
John Henderson, moved rapidly on to the station of their enemy. They had
judged that the dubious light would serve to conceal their true numbers;
and that as nothing was known of them with certainty, but their anxious
readiness for the encounter; so their opponents, whether few or many,
deeming them prepared for every casualty, might, by their indecision,
leave an easy conquest to their arms.
The out-posts were surprized by the precipitate advance of these hostile
forces; and in the unprepared circumstances of those who maintained them,
and the disparity of their numbers, there was afforded them no means of
encountering their difficulties, but the hardihood of a cool intrepidity.
This indeed was a stern calmness which always pervaded the breast of a
Puritan who was a soldier. He did not untremblingly bare his bosom to
the steel because, like a Roman, he abstractedly considered fear
inconsistent with the nobler qualities of human nature; but because the
factitious enthusiasm of his religion had taught him to look with
indifference on temporal things. If the general good required the
sacrifice of his life, the particular calamities of his family were
dismissed with scarce a thought beyond a pious supplication. It was this
feeling which finally rendered the parliament victorious in the contest.
However in this unlooked-for state the soldiers at the out-posts were
exposed to much perplexity, and many were the dangers recited amongst
them on the morning of the gathering of their strength for the field of
battle. Some finding themselves surrounded, out-numbered, and in all the
perilous circumstances of desperate warfare, were obliged to supply by
politic conduct the helplessness of their condition. These therefore,
hastily mounting their horses, agreed with much resolution to break
through the opposing ranks, sword in hand, with the words of mutual
encouragement, “Come on! come on! all is our own,” thinking that the
royalists, by these ambiguous shouts, fearing an ambuscade, would leave
to them an easy passage by the sudden confusion of their alarm. In this
manner about four companies encountered two thousand cavalry, with the
loss of only three men.
Though these warriors, taking the advantage of the darkness of the
evening, were enabled by their resolute conduct to overcome these
difficulties; yet as the royal army had already advanced onward to
Horncastle, in strong and numerous detachments, they were exposed in
their retreat thither to fresh and obstinate encounters. Perceiving, as
they approached the town, that they had come up to another party of the
royalist’s horse, they determined, after saluting them as friends, to
hurry onward as if destined for some urgent duty. They had, however,
scarce passed them, when flushed with the success of their stratagem, and
feeling the pride and bravado of soldiers, who deemed their individual
preservation as of little value to their common strength, if purchased
without the blood of their enemy, they turned to the attack of the unwary
royalists. “For whom are ye?” said they. “For the king.” “We are for
the king and parliament.” Scarcely had these declarations been
interchanged, when rushing precipitately on the unsuspecting royalists
and throwing them into disorder, the assailants fled towards the town,
deeming themselves secure in the quarters of their comrades, and
considering their valour rewarded in the acclamations that would greet
them from their friends. But Horncastle, surprized at the approach of
numerous hostile forces, had been evacuated by the detachment of horse
which possessed it; and the inhabitants as soon as the town was seized by
the troops of the king, having secured the entrances and roads through
it, by forming barriers with carts and timber; the cavalry found
themselves again obliged to exert their unyielding valor in turning upon
their pursuers. Desperately therefore they burst through them with the
full energy of their courage, sustaining the loss of some few men, among
whom was a cornet; but bringing away prisoners as the evidence of their
perils and their triumph. {15a}
At this period of hurried confusion, and the setting in of the night, the
Earl of Manchester reached the town. He heard the rejoicings of the
troops, thus victorious in the dangers of their retreat; taunting the
royalists with their shouts, as they drew off undefeated from their
toils. Finding now that the place designed for the assembling of his
forces was already possessed by the enemy, he hastily recalled the orders
for the general rendezvous at Horncastle, and appointed Bolingbroke in
its stead. Thither at night repaired the dispersed soldiery of the
parliament, except three or four troops of horse, who, in the
difficulties of retreating before superior forces, had been obliged to
proceed by the circuit of Tattershall, and did not arrive until the next
morning.
At Bolingbroke, Manchester designed to wait for the royalists; but
Cromwell, actuated by prudence, urged the delaying of the battle, since
the troops, upon whose prowess and exertion success depended, were
wearied, and little able to sustain the ardour of the fight. {15b} The
royal army were however too eager to secure the promises of a victory, to
permit their adversaries to renew their strength by avoiding the contest.
As soon as the morning had dawned and the silence of the surrounding
country assured them that their enemies were withdrawn from near them,
and were assembling together at Bolingbroke, they arrayed themselves for
the encounter. Before the middle of the day they marched out, in
strength about seventy-five troops of horse, and five thousand foot, to
meet the soldiers of the parliament. Foreboding with certainty that this
would be their determination, Manchester was constrained to the
resolution of giving them battle, and immediately advanced towards them.
The spot upon which the contending armies engaged was a gently rising and
broadly extended eminence, at a village called Winceby, midway between
Horncastle and Bolingbroke. It commands an extensive prospect of the far
stretched fen-lands of the county; whilst to the westward is seen those
cliffs, on the summit of one of which magnificently rises the cathedral
of Lincoln. This the royal army had contemplated as a district, which by
victory was either to be restored to the authority of the king; or by
defeat to afford an effectual check to the military operations in the
north, and to be ensured as a further resource to the parliament. The
noon was already passed when the armies came in sight of each other. The
royalists trusting with confidence to their mutual ardor, rejoiced when
they beheld the adverse soldiers advancing to meet them, though amid the
wild chant of hymns for mercy and for victory. In the fields immediately
before them they fixed the order of their battle: formed into closely
compacted lines, the cavalry was placed in the advance, and covered the
infantry. The left wing of this array, was commanded by the general Sir
John Henderson. {16a}
The Earl of Manchester, pressed for ground in the marshalling of his
forces, presented alone his cavalry to the fight; the infantry, headed by
himself, being stationed so far in the rear that they were unable to
second the exertions of their horsemen. {16b} The disadvantages arising
from fatigue, with the closeness of ground, and inequality of numbers,
were apparent to the warriors of the parliament. In the doubtful
promises of the contest, their leaders sought to replenish their
strength, and supply their situation by words and by actions, infusing
into them an energy and martial ardour rivalling their own. Fairfax, who
knew by experience that the undaunted intrepidity of a few was more
efficient in its achievements than the impetuosity of those who relied
for security on their numbers, pointed to his men the imposing array of
his adversaries, exclaiming “Come let us fall on; I never prospered
better than when I fought with my enemies three or four to one.”
Cromwell, by the apparent bravery with which he was animated, promised
them that examples of heroism should not be wanted, whilst life was given
him to lead them. {17a}
On the other hand, the commander of the royal forces did not lose the
opportunity which was afforded him of reminding his fellow soldiers that
vengeance was yet due for the defeat at Gainsborough; and that now was
supplied them a time to requite themselves for the blood of the
illustrious brother of Newcastle. He set before them the necessity of
strenuous exertions and important sacrifices, by pointing to the example
of one, who exalted amidst the mighty of the land, lately fighting among
them, did not hesitate to devote himself to death for the cause of his
sovereign. At the moment therefore when the armies were ready to engage,
the royalists raised the cry of “Cavendish! on for Cavendish!” which was
as loudly answered by the enthusiastic shout of “Religion!” the zeal
which animated those who proclaimed it, by inspiring them with hopes of
immortality, rendered death less to be dreaded than the misfortunes of a
defeat. {17b}
Scarce had the words of onset been given, when the divisions of cavalry,
under the command of Cromwell and Fairfax, were led to the charge by
Vermeydun, a soldier of valour, who headed the first detachment as a
forlorn hope, aspiring to the honor of directing his comrades on to
victory. Already the horsemen of the royalists, with a well directed
precision, had vigorously poured into their ranks the second discharge of
their fire arms. These did some execution among them; and Cromwell thus
early had his horse shot under him. A minute had elapsed before the
parties fiercely met in the close encounter, arm to arm. Cromwell for a
time was compelled to grapple on foot with his enemies, entangled amid
the trappings of his dying charger. Though felled to the ground as he
attempted to extricate himself from this perilous situation, he rose
uninjured. This singular man, bold and intrepid, animated by zeal,
foremost in the fight, struggling with disasters, seemed peculiarly
preserved in all his dangers to fill that situation in the page of
history, where, though elevated by violence, he powerfully commands our
admiration by his success, his prudence, and the daring of his genius.
Sir Ingram Hopton, who at this moment had attempted to seize him, was
killed. {18} Cromwell, now recovering a horse from a soldier near him,
bravely led on his companions to the combat, strengthening their stern
courage by the most signal proofs of his personal bravery.
Not with less valor was the conflict sustained on the part of the
royalists. Sir John Henderson, the hardy veteran of former battles, firm
as a rock amid the rushing of the waves, resisted every impetuous
assault. His adversaries were driven back in disorder; but these men,
not readily to be repulsed, returned, with a cool bravery and redoubled
vigor to the attack. For half an hour, firm and undecided, continued the
contest, sword against sword, and fortitude repelling courage. The
resolute warriors, who sustained the furious charges of Fairfax and
Cromwell, for the whole were not engaged, relinquished not a portion of
their ground. At last, a division commanded by Sir William Saville
wavering, though reluctant to give way, became routed and completely
disordered. Yielding, they struck confusion into the other bodies of
their own horse; and these again were hurled with precipitance upon the
mass of their infantry. All being alike borne down in this part of the
field, none were left to second the broken and disordered, in again
advancing to the combat. The division of Sir John Henderson and Lord
Ething alone maintained itself unyielding and unsubdued. The exulting
army of the parliament, now taking advantage of the discomfiture of the
other troops, and the tumult of the infantry, assailed with a desperate
charge the yet unrepulsed. In vain did the royalist commander exhort his
men to be resolute and undismayed; but no prudence could uphold the
advantages which valor must lose. Their fortitude was giving way to
despair; and the successful, elated with the promises of victory, found
no equal disputants in men dismayed by the certainty of a defeat.
Perplexed amid the various and ineffectual efforts of the other bodies of
the royal troops, the disheartened defenders of the field yielded beneath
the shock of the adverse weapons. The victorious soldiers now fiercely
plunging in amidst the routed dragoons, many of whom at this time were on
foot and in the most appalling confusion, saw them quickly disappearing
beneath the havoc of their swords and the fury of their horses. The
infantry were for the most part destroyed; for being intercepted by a
body of cavalry, scarce a man survived the carnage. {19a} There was now
no safety but in a dishonorable flight. The pursuit continued beyond
Horncastle with unremitting fury; and along the road were strewed the
horse and the rider, the dead and the dying. {19b}
The soldiers under the command of Manchester, who as yet had partaken in
no respect in the glory of the blood-shed, reserved their efforts for
securing the prisoners, and assisting the scarce breathing wounded of the
royal army, who were scattered about the field in groups. Such partizans
as had recently been embodied by the commission of array, were pitiably
supplicating the mercy of their conquerors. Cursing with deep execration
that little regard which had hurried them to the fight, without a feeling
of interest in its issue, they cried out that the commission of array had
brought them thither against their wills, and blessing the cause of
liberty and religion, added “We die as true servants of the parliament as
any in England, and woe be to those who were the cause that Lincoln and
York became the prey of such a war.” {19c}
Though the battle was fought with determined obstinacy; yet, whilst the
parties maintained their ground, the loss was comparatively small: the
havoc that ensued was among the routed and the flying. There were killed
but few on the side of the parliament. Those of rank who were slain of
the royal forces, were Sir George Bolles, and Sir Ingram Hopton. The
prisoners, about one thousand in number, were the wounded on the field,
and those parties of the dispersed fugitives, who to avoid the
overwhelming carnage of their pursuers, had secreted themselves amongst
the rugged and winding banks of a neighbouring river: many indeed were
taken whilst seeking refuge in the very waters, where some had already
perished, bleeding and wearied in their armour, overcome in their
inability to recover themselves from the deeper parts of the stream. The
trophies which the conquerors obtained in the fight of Winceby field,
were arms for fifteen hundred men, and thirty-five standards. {20a}
Returning from the pursuit, the exhausted cavalry rested for the night in
the villages around Horncastle. The infantry occupied quarters in the
town, where they found two hundred horses left by their fugitive enemy.
Of the wounded, the Earl of Manchester ordered especial care to be taken,
whilst the dead were hastily consigned to the nearest graves. The body
of Sir Ingram Hopton was brought to Horncastle and buried in the church:
for Cromwell, who did not permit his political resentment to render him
callous or insensible to the generous feelings of a soldier, experienced
some sympathy for the individual whose ardor in attempting his
destruction, for what was deemed the welfare of his country, had cost the
sacrifice of his own life: he therefore, upon his arrival in the town,
commanded the inhabitants to fetch the body of Sir Ingram Hopton, and
inter it with the honors due to his rank; observing, that though an
enemy, he was a gentleman and a soldier. {20b}
Of those royalists who escaped the slaughter, there were scarce a
thousand efficient for the field; and these were destined to sustain
another overthrow at the battle of Lincoln close, which completed the
warfare in this county. Bolingbroke castle had already yielded; and this
with Tattershall, the principal places of defence in this neighbourhood,
were soon after devoted to the dismantling policy of the parliament,
which doomed them with the noble edifices of the country, to that
destruction which left them but ruins in silent and lingering decay.
Although this victory afforded a cause for so much rejoicing to the
friends of the parliament; yet were its consequences mightier for the
interests which it strengthened, by the defeat, on the same day, {20c} of
the Marquis of Newcastle before the fortress of Hull. The Lord Fairfax
and Sir John Meldrum, making a desperate sortie, had completely
overthrown the royalists with much slaughter; forcing them, though
protected behind strong entrenchments, to abandon the siege with the loss
of all their cannon. The impolicy of the royalist commander was now
perceptible too late. This ruin of the affairs of the king seemed at
once to have obliterated all the generous services which the faithful
Newcastle had made in the cause of his sovereign; and shortly after these
disasters, he retired to the continent, {21} where he spent a life of
indigence, until the restoration gave again the royal authority to
Britain. These actions, though inconsiderable in themselves, were yet
great in their effects. The expectations of the royalists in Yorkshire
were now nearly blasted: Lincolnshire, after the occupation of its city,
escaped the further deluge of blood; and the defeats served to assist in
hastening the fight of Marston Moor, where the hopes of Charles were
reduced to that one gleam, which was finally extinguished at the battle
of Naseby.
ANTIQUITIES.
[Picture: Roman Urns found at Horncastle]
AMONGST the remains of antiquity at this place, the vestiges of the Roman
fortress are the most worthy of attention; and although they are too
small to give an adequate idea of the original structure, are yet
sufficient to show the form and extent of the space enclosed, which
appears to have been nearly a parallelogram, of about six hundred feet in
length, and in breadth three hundred and fifty on the east, and three
hundred on the west. {22} The wall by which this area was surrounded was
fifteen or sixteen feet in thickness, and composed of small blocks of a
loosely aggregated sand stone, dug from the neighbouring hills. It was
formed with casing stones on the outside, the internal parts being filled
up with courses laid diagonally, which according to the customary and
substantial mode of building among the Romans, were run together by
mortar disseminated through the interstices in a fluid state, forming a
cement which has acquired by time an imperishable induration. Of the
casing stones none are now to be seen, except in cellars which have been
formed by the side of the wall. Where the fragments are sufficiently
high, those portions of the Roman masonry, which remained after the
destruction of the fortress, may be perceived rising to about six or
seven feet above the ground, the diagonal courses of stone then ceasing.
Above this the construction is marked by masses of larger dimensions than
the lower parts; a circumstance evincing that another structure of a
different period has been erected on the original foundation: this was
probably a reparation which was made in the time of the Anglo-Saxons. At
the north-east corner of the enclosure the remains of a circular turret
are still visible; but of the towers or gateways no traces are left.
Near the junction of the two rivers, on the south-west of the town, was
formerly one of those mazes common to Roman stations, called the Julian
Bower. In these the youth were exercised in a martial game, called Troy
Town, which in after years, though divested of its martial character,
continued to be amongst the healthy pastimes of the young, in their
evening assemblies of pleasure and sport. {23} Cultivation has long
since effaced every vestige of the maze; but the piece of land on which
it stood still retains the name of the _Julian Bower Close_.
A peculiar rustic ceremony, which used annually to be observed at this
place, doubtless derived its origin from the Floral games of antiquity.
On the morning of May-day, when the young of the neighbourhood assembled
to partake in the amusements which ushered in the festivals of the month
of flowers, a train of youths collected themselves at a place to this day
called the May Bank. From thence, with wands enwreathed with cowslips,
they walked in procession to the may-pole, situated at the west end of
the town, and adorned on that morning with every variety in the gifts of
Flora. Here, uniting in the wild joy of young enthusiasm, they struck
together their wands, and scattering around the cowslips, testified their
thankfulness for that bounty, which widely diffusing its riches, enabled
them to return home rejoicing at the promises of the opening year. That
innovation in the manners and customs of the country, which has swept
away the ancient pastimes of rustic simplicity, obliterated about the
year 1780 this peculiar vestige of the Roman Floralia.
In the fields on the south side of the town, the ground abounds with
fragments of cinerary urns, and several perfect ones have also there been
discovered. From these circumstances, together with the appearance of
the soil, it seems certain that in this part the Romans used to burn
their dead on the funeral pile. Of the urns found, only two are known to
exist in the neighbourhood; one being in the collection of the late Right
Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, at Revesby Abbey, the other in the possession
of Mr. Crowder, an inhabitant of the town.
It is much to be regretted for the advancement of researches into local
antiquities that the chief part of the urns, coins, fibulæ, and other
Roman vestiges discovered at Horncastle, have been sold to strangers who
have visited the town, or to dealers elsewhere. The coins which have
been found here are numerous, and though chiefly of small brass and
denarii ærei of the lower empire, yet they include many extremely fine
and varied specimens of the earlier imperial coins, both of a larger size
and of other metals, several of which are in the possession of different
individuals of the town. Amongst these may be particularized the silver
coins of Vespasian, L. Septimius Severus, Alexander Severus, and
Volusianus; the large brass of Trajan; and the middle brass of Caligula,
Claudius, Nero, Trajan, Hadrian, Domitian, Antoninus Pius, Faustina the
elder, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, and Faustina the younger. The small
brass and denarii ærei form nearly a complete series of the emperors from
Gallienus to Valentinianus the second, and include also within that
period, coins of some of the tyrants of Britain and Gaul. Beside these
are some others in the collection of the late Reverend Charles L’Oste,
now possessed by his son, but unfortunately no memoranda exist by which
they are to be distinguished from those obtained at other places. This
gentleman also had in his collection several fibulæ and stiles which had
been discovered here.
A British coin found at this place has on its concave side the horse and
symbolic circles; on the convex is the representation of an animal
apparently intended for a stag, with similar ornaments around it, to
those the other side possesses. Many of the early English silver
currency have been found here, and also a specimen of the Scottish
coinage of David the second.
In deepening the bed of the river Bane, to complete the navigation, in
1802, an ornamental brass spur, part of a brass crucifix, and a dagger,
were found together at a short distance from the north bason of the
navigation. The spur is now lost; the part of the crucifix and the
dagger are in the possession of the author.
[Picture: Ancient British Coin]
THE CHURCH.
FROM the silence of the Domesday Book respecting a church at this place,
it may be concluded that there was not one erected when that survey was
made; there however appears to have been one in the reign of Richard the
first. {26a}
[Picture: North-East View of Horncastle Church]
The present structure, which is dedicated to Saint Mary, stands in the
centre of the town, and possesses but few attractions for the antiquary
or the architect. It consists of a square tower, a nave and chancel,
with north and south aisles. Being for the most part built with the soft
and imperfectly aggregated sand-stone of the neighbourhood, which yields
easily to the moisture of the atmosphere, it has suffered much from the
effects of time; and the decayed parts being repaired with brick, gives
to the building a motley and unprepossessing appearance.
The few portions of the original architecture which have escaped the
silent ravages of years and the hands of the innovator, bespeak the
building of no higher antiquity than the period of Henry the seventh.
The aisle on the north side of the chancel is ornamented with
embattlements, on which quatrefoils and blank shields are sculptured. It
was probably used as a chantry, one of the windows having formerly
contained an inscription justifying such a supposition. {26b} This aisle
does not extend the whole length of the chancel, and in the space so
left, the remains of an oratory and confessional are still visible; this
space formerly appropriated as a depository for coals to distribute among
the poor, is now occupied by a building to contain the fire engines; a
corresponding part of the south aisle being used as a vestry. The aisle
on the south side of the chancel was rebuilt in 1820; but the original
windows were restored and again inserted. Part of the aisle on the south
of the nave was rebuilt in the following year.
The interior of the church is remarkably neat and well pewed. A gallery
at the west end of the nave contains an organ which was purchased by
subscription in 1810. Galleries are also erected in each aisle of the
nave.
In the wall of the north aisle is a stone, containing the figure in brass
of Sir Lionel Dymoke, in armour, kneeling on a cushion, and holding in
his hand a label, on which is written, in black letter,
“Sc’ta trinitas unus deus miserere nob.”
On each side of him are two shields containing arms, at one of the lower
corners are the figures of his two sons, and at the other those of his
three daughters, and under him this inscription in black letter:
“In honore sc’te et individue trinitatis Orate p’ a’ia Leonis Dymoke
milit’ q’ obijt xvij die me’se augusti aº D’ni mº ccccc xix cuj’ a’ie
p’piciet’ de’ Amen.”
The shields contain these arms:—1. DYMOKE, sable, two lions passant
argent in pale, ducally crowned or; empaling WATERTON, Barry of six
ermine and gules, three crescents sable; a crescent for difference. 2.
DYMOKE; empaling MARMYON, Vairè, on a fesse gules frettè or; in chief,
HEBDEN, Ermine, five fusils in fess; a crescent for difference. 3.
Argent, a sword erect azure, hilt and pomel gules. {27a} 4. DYMOKE;
empaling HAYDON, Quarterly gules and argent, a cross engrailed
counterchanged; a crescent for difference.
On the floor beneath this monument is a brass, on which is the following
inscription in black letter, nearly obliterated:
“Leonis fossa nunc haec Dymoke capit ossa
Miles erat Regis cui parce Deus prece matris
Es testis Christe quod non jacet hic lapis iste
Corpus ut ornetur sed spiritus ut memoretur
Hinc tu qui transis senex medius puer an sis
Pro me funde preces quia sic mihi fit venie spes.” {27b}
[Picture: Monument of Sir Lionel Dymoke]
On the floor of the vestry is a stone, with this inscription, in black
letter, around the verge:
“Here lyeth the Boyddes of Thomas Raithbeck & Ame his wyf ye founders
of the Beidhous Departed thys world in ye fayth of Christ ye last day
of October in ye yere or lord mdlxxv.”
On the wall over the door of the vestry is a shield containing three
storks proper, on an azure field; the crest a stork; and under the arms
this inscription:
“Sacred to the Memory of the Rev. Mr. THO: GIBSON, A.M. Forty four
years Vicar of this Parish. He liv’d in such times when Truth to the
Church, and Loyalty to the King, met with Punishment due only to the
Worst of Crimes. He was by the Rebellious Powers carried away
Prisoner, four times, from his congregation, once exchanged into the
Garrison of Newark, for a Dissenting Teacher: afterwards Sequester’d,
and his family driven out by the then Earl of Manchester. He
survived the Restoration, and was brought back at the head of several
hundreds of his Friends, and made a Prebendary in the Cathedral
Church of Lincoln. As his Enemies never forgave his Zeal to the
Church and Crown: so nothing but the height of Christian Charity
could forgive the insults he met with from them. He Died April the
22d, 1678.”
Against the wall on the south side of the chancel is a lozenge shaped
piece of canvas, on which are painted these arms: Argent, two bars sable,
each charged with three mullets of six points or, pierced gules; and
under them the following inscription:
“Here lieth the worthy and memorable Kt. Sir INGRAM HOPTON, who paid
his debt to nature and duty to his King and Country in the attempt of
seizing the Arch-rebel in the bloody skirmish near Winceby, October
the 6th, A.D. 1643. {29}
“—nee tumultum
Nec mori per vim metuit, tenente
Cæsare terras.
“Paulum sepultæ distat inertiæ
Celata virtus.”
On a stone in the floor of the chancel is this inscription, in capital
letters:
“M. S.
THOMÆ LODINGTON, LL. D.
Qui Vicarii jure usus
Sacra apud Paganos de Horncastle
De More Ecclesiæ Anglicanæ
Annos perpetuos XLV peregit
Annorumque LXXIII Curriculo
Confecto Morti cessit
Mar. XXI A.D. MDCCXXIII.
Posuit Pientissima Conjux
Prudentia Lodington.”
Beside the sepulchral memorials already detailed, are a number of others
on the floor, and a few of recent date, on marble tablets, against the
walls.
At the end of the north aisle of the chancel, is the following table:
“The BENEFACTORS to the CHURCH and POOR of this Town, the Clauses of
whose Wills may be seen at large in a Book in the Town Chest. Note
these Tables were erected 1724.
“WILLIAM EVERITT and JOSEPH BROWN Churchwardens.
“Anno 1611, October. Mr. Robert Clark of Woodhall gave to the Poor
of this town . . . Shillings a year, to be paid to vicar on St
Thomas’s, and by him to be distributed every Christmas-day for ever,
out of his lands in Thimbleby, now belonging to John Hutchinson,
Gent.
“Mrs Ann Smith gave to the poor of Horncastle twenty shillings a year
out of her lands there, now in the possession of Mr. Thomas Coats: it
is given in brown bread every Good Friday.
“George Acham of Asterby, Gent. gave also one hundred and forty
pounds, to purchase lands, the rents thereof to be disposed off
yearly to the poor of Horncastle, at the discretion of the governors
of the free-school (for the time being,) which lands are in the
parish of Burgh in the Marsh.
“Anno 1629 May the 2d. Mr. William Hurtscroft gave one house the
yearly rent of fifty-two shillings; to be given weekly (viz.) twelve
pence in bread every Lord’s day to poor fatherless and motherless
children in Horncastle, by the Overseers for the poor; the said house
now in the possession of widow Scamon.
“The same year. Andrew Kent, gent. gave six pounds thirteen
shillings and fourpence, to be a stock for the poor of Horncastle,
which is applied accordingly in coals for their use.
“Anno 1661, June the 6th. Thomas Bromley of Conesby gent, left to
the poor of this town forty shillings per annum (viz.) twenty
shillings every good Friday, and twenty every St. Thomas’s day, to be
paid out of his lands in Haltham super Bane; now the said lands
belong to Thomas Hammerton gent.
“Rutland Snowden, gent. gave to the poor of Horncastle one house of
the yearly rent of twenty-six shillings; but being decayed is now
reduced to thirteen, paid in bread sixpence every other Sunday: the
said house belongs now to Mr. William Dawson.
“Anno 1673, December the 5th. Thomas James, gent. gave to the poor
of Horncastle twenty shillings yearly in white bread on every
Christmas day for ever payable out of his lands there, which lands
are now the estate of Thomas Howgrave, Esquire.
“Anno 1702, December the 20th. Captain John Francis gave two
chaldern of coals yearly to be given to the poor, appointed by the
governors of the school, out of lands in this town now the Rev. Mr.
John Francis’s of Sibsey.
“Anno 1703, December the 14th. Mrs Douglass Tyrwhitt of Gaiton on
the would gave ten shillings yearly to the poor of Horncastle on St.
Thomas’s day, out of her lands in Belshlord, now the lands of Joseph
Sutton of the same.
“Anno 1696, May the 26th. Nicholas Shipley, gent. gave to this
church one brass candlestick of twenty-four sockets, and Fox’s three
books of martyrs. He gave also to the poor five pounds, which was
immediately given amongst them, and thirty shillings yearly for ever,
(viz.) twenty on St. Thomas’s day, and ten every good Friday, in
brown bread, to be paid out of his lands adjoining to this church
yard, now purchased by Mr. Thomas Hammerton. He gave also to the
governors of the school one hundred pounds the interest thereof to
put out poor boys apprentices to trades; but their then treasurer
dying insolvent, that money was lost. We mention this here because
this misfortune doth not lessen the charity of that well disposed
gentleman.
“Anno 1719 Mrs. Mary Hussey, widdow, gave one silver plate to the
communion table for ever.
“Anno 1721. Mrs. Dorothy Parker of Boston, gave to this church one
brass candlestick of sixteen sockits, and to the poor widdows and
widdowers of this town she gave sixty pounds, the interest or rents
thereof to be given amongst them on St. John’s day, in Christmas, and
St. James’s in July, yearly for ever.
“Anno 1724. Mrs Mary Waters, widdow, gave to the overseers of the
poor, five pounds, to be by them put out at interest, and the said
interest to be given to the poor yearly on Christmas day for ever.”
Against the wall over the north entrance are several scythes and hay
knives, some of which are yet remaining in the shafts to which they have
been affixed, in order to render them instruments of warfare. The
occasion for which they were so prepared is unknown, the traditionary
accounts of them being both vague and contradictory.
In the steeple are six bells, bearing the following inscriptions in
capital letters:
1. Lectum fuge discute somnum. G. S. I. W. H. Penn Fusor 1717.
2. In templo venerare Deum. Hen. Penn nos fudit Cornucastri.
3. Supplicem Deusi audit. Daniel Hedderly cast me 1727.
4. Tho. Osborn fecit Downham Norfolk 1801. Tho. Bryan and D. Brown
Churchwardens.
5. Dum spiras spera. H. Penn Fusor 1717. Tho. et Sam. Hamerton
Æditivi.
6. Exeate busto auspice Christo. Tho Lodington LL.D. Vic. H. P. 1717.
The fourth bell previous to being recast bore this inscription:
Fac et spe. Henri Penn Fusor Peterburgensis.
The benefice is a vicarage, in the presentation of the Bishop of
Carlisle, valued in the King’s books at £14. 4_s._ 2_d._
The registers commence in the year 1559. In them are contained the
following singular entries:
“On the vth daie of October one thousand six hundrete & three, in the
first yere of our Souvraine Lord King James was holden in Horncastle
Church a solemnn fast from eight in the morning until foure a clock
in the afternoone by five preachers vidz. Mr Hollinhedge vicar of
Horncastle, Mr Turner of Edlington, Mr Downes of Lusbye, Mr Phillipe
of Salmonbye, Mr Tanzey of Hagworthingha’, occasioned by a general
and most feareful plague yt yeare in sundrie places of this Land, but
especially upon the Cytie of London.
Pr. me Clementem Whitelock.”
“Thomas Gibson Clerk Master of the Free Schoole of Newcastle uppon
Tine one of the Chapleines of the Right Reverend Father in God
Barnabas by Divine P’vidence Lo. Bpp. of Carliol, presented by the
said Lo. Bpp. was inducted into the Vicarage of Horncastle, April the
xiiij 1643.”
“The said Mr. Thomas Gibson being outed of Horncastle by Cromwell
Commissiner removed to Nether Toynton, lived ther one yeare. After
returne again taught some gentlemen sonnes in his owne house, was
afterwards called to ye schoole at Newark where he continued one
yeare, then was importuned to Sleeford whether he went the week after
Easter 1650, continued there until May ye first 1661 then the King
being restored he returned to his vicaridge and was by Doctor Robet
Sandeson Bishop of Linkcoln made Preban of Sant Marie Crake Poule in
the Church of Linkcoln,”
“Septr. 28, 1662.
“Memorandum the Day and yeere above written that the Booke of Common
Prayer lately set forth by the Authority of the King’s Majestie and
his court was read in the Parish Church of Horncastle by me Thomas
Gibson Vicar there, and freely and willingly assented unto according
to an act of Parliament in that case made and provided. In witness
whereof the said Mr. Gibson with other of the inhabitants whose names
are hereunto subscribed have sette their hands.
THO: GIBSON, Vicar.
JOHN HARDING, Parrish Clerk”
[Picture: Seal of the Grammar School at Horncastle]
THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
THE Grammar School is situated at the south-east corner of the church
yard, and is a spacious and well-constructed edifice of brick. It was
founded and endowed by Edward Lord Clinton and Saye, the Lord High
Admiral of England, under the authority of letters patent, dated the 25th
of June, 1652. By these letters it was ordained, that this institution
should be denominated “The Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth, in the
Town or Soke of Horncastle, of the foundation of Edward Lord Clinton and
Saye,” for the education, training, and instruction of boys and youths in
grammar, and to be appropriated to this object for ever.
The school was to be conducted by a master, and a sub-master, or usher:
ten governors were also appointed and incorporated, with perpetual
succession, and a common seal. These governors were empowered on the
death of any of their body, to elect others in their places; also to
nominate the master and usher on any vacancy; and to make such statutes
concerning the preservation and disposal of the revenues, as
circumstances at any time might dictate. Besides holding the endowments,
they were authorized to purchase and receive lands and other possessions,
not exceeding £40. per annum.
The estates by which the establishment is maintained, consist of houses
and land situated at Horncastle, Hemingby, Sutton, Huttoft, and
Winthorpe. The lands in the last three named parishes being subject to
inundations from the sea, the annual revenue is rendered precarious; but
in the more favorable years it amounts to about £200.
The salaries for a long time were £40. per annum to the master, and £30.
to the sub-master or usher: but on the appointment of the present master,
in 1818, the salary was advanced to £80. per annum, to which was also
added a house for his residence; the salary of the sub-master remaining
as heretofore, at £30. The sum of £2. 2_s._ per annum is charged for
those scholars who are instructed in writing and arithmetic. There are
at this period about twenty boys on the foundation.
The governors of this School have also the management of another school
in the town, for the instruction of poor children in reading, sewing, and
knitting. A house, with a salary to the teacher of £17. per annum,
charged upon certain estates in Horncastle, having been bequeathed to
them in trust, for that purpose, by Mr. Richard Watson, a native of this
place, who died in 1784.
[Picture: Seal of the Horncastle Navigation Company]
THE RIVER BANE AND NAVIGABLE CANAL.
THE river Bane, rising at the village of Ludford, takes its course in a
direction nearly south to join its waters with those of the Witham.
After meandering through an extent of country about fourteen miles, it
receives at Horncastle, the tributary stream of the Waring, and
abundantly supplies the town, conveniently situated at the confluence of
the two rivers. From hence continuing a gently winding course, it washes
Tattershall and its moorlands, before it falls into the larger river to
increase its waters to the sea.
In the year 1792, an act of parliament was obtained for making the Bane
navigable from the river Witham, through Tattershall to Horncastle. {35}
The act, after reciting the names of the original subscribers,
incorporates them by the name of “The Company of Proprietors of the
Horncastle Navigation in the County of Lincoln,” giving them perpetual
succession and a common seal, and empowering them to raise £15,000. in
three hundred shares of £50. each. The interest of these was not to
exceed £8. per cent. No person was to be the possessor of less than one
share, nor to hold more than twenty. As circumstances might require,
they were authorized to raise £1,000. more, by shares or mortgages of the
tolls.
The tollage allowed by this act was, for goods passing the whole length
of the navigation, 2_s._ per ton; from the Witham to the seventh lock,
1_s._ 9_d._ per ton; and from the Witham to the fourth lock, 1_s._ 3_d._
per ton; excepting lime, lime-stone, manure, or materials for roads, for
which, only half the already mentioned tolls were to be taken.
The works were commenced in the year 1793; but, when about two thirds
were completed, the whole of the funds to be appropriated to their
execution were already expended. After suffering the canal to remain
several years in this unfinished state, the company applied again to
Parliament, and in the year 1800 another act was obtained, enabling them
to raise £20,000. more by subscription amongst themselves, by admission
of new subscribers in shares of £50. each, by mortgage, or by granting
annuities. The limitation of shares and interest were repealed by this
act; and the tonnage rates advanced to 3_s._ 3_d._ per ton for the whole
length of the navigation, 2_s._ 7_d._ to the seventh lock, and 1_s._
8_d._ to the fourth; lime, lime-stone, manure, and materials for roads
excepted as before from the payment of full rates.
Shortly after the works were recommenced, the plan of completing them by
an entirely new canal was adopted in preference to that which they had
before pursued of rendering the Bane navigable. It was therefore at the
village of Dalderby diverted from the course of the natural stream, and
carried on in a less varied track to the point of junction between the
waters of the Bane and Waring: from hence it was continued in the
divergent courses of these two rivers, to the more extreme parts of the
town of Horncastle. It was completed in September, 1802, and on Friday
the seventeenth of that month the vessels entered the town. The canal is
sufficiently deep to navigate vessels of fifty tons burthen.
From this town to the river Witham the distance is about eleven miles, in
which the stream has a fall of eighty-four feet.
THE PRESENT STATE OF THE TOWN, FAIRS, MARKETS, &c.
ALTHOUGH this place was favored at an early period with a charter for a
market, which in the time of Henry the eighth appears to have been well
frequented, yet it remained for many years little more than a
considerable village. {37} From the earliest accounts it seems to have
been gradually encreasing; but it was not until later years, when a new
impulse was given to the agricultural interests of the country, that it
began to exhibit material evidences of extention and improvement.
From a plan of the town drawn by Dr. Stukeley, in the year 1722, it
appears at that period of time, now the lapse of a century, to have been
little more than half its present extent. This plan, not having been
made from actual survey, cannot be considered as an accurate
representation: nevertheless it is calculated to give a tolerable idea of
the state of the town at the time it was executed. It is traditionally
asserted that at that period scarcely a brick house was to be found in
the parish; the early erected dwellings being all constructed with clay
walls and covered with thatch; thus evidencing that common character
which Leland the antiquary assigns to the towns of this part. The clay
buildings have for the most part disappeared, and brick structures are
now erected in their stead; and from the spirit of improvement which has
lately been evinced, they will doubtless in a few years be entirely
removed. The rebuilding of many houses in the principal streets in a
handsome manner, within the last twenty years, has given to the town an
air of respectability; but the effect which would be produced by these
buildings in its general appearance, is materially diminished by the
narrowness and irregularity of the streets. At this time the number of
houses may be computed at about seven hundred, and of inhabitants, about
three thousand five hundred.
The entrances to the town, as well as its general aspect, have also been
improved by the inclosure of the fields by which it is surrounded. To
accomplish this an act of parliament was obtained in 1803, and carried
into effect the following year.
In no respect has the town changed more than in its trade; a large
proportion of its inhabitants having formerly been employed in the
tanning of leather, in which manufacture the yards on the south side of
the Far-street were almost exclusively occupied. About fifty years ago
the number of these establishments began rapidly to decline, and are at
this time reduced to two. Since the completion of the canal in 1801, a
considerable trade in corn and wool has been carried on here; about
thirty thousand quarters of the former, and three thousand sheets of the
latter being annually sent from this place. The town also from its
situation in a well inhabited district enjoys a large retail trade.
There are now three fairs for horses, cattle and sheep, held here
annually. The first, which concludes on the twenty-second of June, has
of late years declined very much, and though chartered for eight days
seldom continues more than three. The second, which terminates on the
twenty-first of August, has long been celebrated as the largest fair for
horses in the kingdom, perhaps it may be said in the world; it continues
about ten days, being three days more than the time expressed in the
charter. To this fair are brought for sale horses of all descriptions
from every part of the kingdom, to the number of many thousands; and
beside the most extensive dealers of this country, there are to be found
in the fair purchasers and dealers from different parts of the continent
of Europe, and even from America. The third fair, which is held on the
twenty-eight and twenty-ninth days of October, was removed to this place
in 1768, from Market-Stainton, a decayed market town, about eight miles
distant, two hundred pounds being given to the lord of the manor of that
place, to permit the removal, one half of this sum was raised by
subscription amongst the inhabitants of this town, the other by William
Banks, Esquire, the then lessee of the manor. The market is now held
every Saturday, to which it was changed from Wednesday, the day mentioned
in the charter, probably in consequence of the markets at Boston and
Louth being also on that day; but the time at which the alteration took
place cannot now be ascertained.
On the south side of the church-yard is a building appropriated for the
purposes of a Dispensary, which is supported by public subscription.
Those to whom medical aid is administered are such of the sick poor, in
the town and neighbourhood of Horncastle, as are recommended by
subscribers; and the many to whom assistance has been afforded, evince
its utility in a striking degree. The Dispensary is attended every
Tuesday and Saturday morning by a physician, whose service is gratuitous,
and by an apothecary who receives a salary. These gentlemen visit such
patients as are unable to attend at the Dispensary. A female accoucheur
also belongs to the establishment. The number of patients admitted from
the commencement of the institution in September 1789, to September 1821,
was 9389.
In the year 1790 a Literary Society was established in this town, and
which since its commencement has occupied a room at the Dispensary as a
library. The property of this society is permanent and unalienable;
excepting that books considered unworthy of being preserved are disposed
of at the next anniversary but one after their purchase. The library
contains about eleven hundred volumes, and is open to the members two
days in the week. For several years the subscription was only ten
shillings and sixpence per annum; it was afterwards advanced to fourteen
shillings, and subsequently to one pound. Subscribers are now also
required to pay one pound on their admission. The society at present
consists of about forty members.
In the year 1807 the inhabitants of this town in conjunction with several
other towns and villages, in the county of Lincoln, made application to
parliament, and obtained an act for the recovery of debts not exceeding
the sum of five pounds. The commissioners hold their courts at this
place every fourth Thursday.
The education of the poor which has lately excited so much attention in
various parts of the kingdom, has not been neglected here. A school on
the Lancasterian or British system was established at a public meeting
held in October, 1813; and but a few days subsequently a meeting was held
at the church, when it was resolved to establish also a school on the
plan of Dr. Bell. Early in the ensuing year, buildings were erected, and
each system began to be acted upon. Both schools are supported by
voluntary contributions, and each contains about two hundred children.
Beside the established church, there are in this town a society of
Wesleyan Methodists; a small congregation of Calvinistic Baptists; a
society of Primitive Methodists, or ranters; and a congregation of
Independents.
THE SOKE OF HORNCASTLE.
AT the time of compiling the Domesday record, there appears to have been
included other parishes, in addition to those now comprised in this soke;
but it cannot now be ascertained at what time the alteration took place.
{41} Beside the parish of Horncastle it at present contains the
following townships:—Thimbleby, West Ashby, Low Tointon, High Tointon,
Mareham on the Hill, Roughton, Haltham, Wood Enderby, Moorby, Wilksby,
Mareham le Fen, and Coningsby. To these have lately been added
Langriville and Thornton le Fen, portions of the fen district, which had
been sold by the commissioners appointed under an act of enclosure, and
rendered parochial by act of parliament in 1812. On the enclosure of
these fens, under the act which was obtained in 1801, the whole of the
parishes in this soke, excepting the two newly formed ones, had portions
of land allotted to them, in lieu of their right of common.
West Ashby, High Tointon, Mareham on the Hill, and Wood Enderby, were
formerly hamlets of the parish of Horncastle; but have for several years
been considered as distinct parishes, and have appointed their own
churchwardens and overseers of the poor.
THIMBLEBY,
In Domesday Book Stimelbi, and in old writings Thimelby, is about a mile
north-west from Horncastle, the parishes adjoining each other. The manor
which in the reign of Charles the second was the property of Sir Robert
Bolles of Scampton, is now possessed by Thomas Hotchkin, Esquire, of
Tixover, in the county of Rutland, in the possession of whose ancestors
it has been for many years. In this parish is also the manor of
Hallgarth, which formerly belonged to a family named Bolton; but is now
the joint property of Richard Elmhirst, Esquire, of Uzzleby, and Mr. Kemp
of Thimbleby. The church rebuilt in the year 1744, is a small stone
edifice, possessing a considerable share of architectural merit: a stone
over the door points out the year in which it was rebuilt, but besides
this it exhibits no other inscription. {42a} The advowson of the rectory
belongs to the lord of the manor.
WEST ASHBY,
In Domesday called Aschebi, and in old writings Askeby, is a parish
adjoining to the north boundaries of that of Horncastle, from which town
the village is about two miles distant. In this parish is the manor of
Ashby Thorpe, now belonging to the devisees of the late Mr. Joseph
Rinder; but the possessor of that of Horncastle claims manorial rights
over the other parts of the parish. Previous to the dissolution of
monasteries in the reign of Henry the eighth, the abbey of Kirkstead had
a grange in this parish, which, in the fifth year of Edward the sixth,
was granted amongst other estates to William Cecil Lord Burghley, Lord
High Treasurer of England; and now forms part of the Ashby Thorpe estate.
The church consists of a tower, a nave with a north aisle, and a chancel.
{42b} The benefice is a curacy, in the presentation of the Bishop of
Carlisle.
LOW TOINTON,
In Domesday Todingtune, and in old writings Nether Tointon, is about a
mile eastward from the town of Horncastle, the parishes adjoining. The
manorial estates, which comprise nearly the whole parish, are the
property of Lancelot Rolleston, Esquire, of Watnall, in the county of
Nottingham, by whose ancestors it has been possessed for several
generations. The church, which is a small modern erection, being rebuilt
in 1811, contains a very curiously sculptured font, and the following
inscription on a plate of copper in the north wall:
“Heare lyeth the Body of EDWARD ROLLESTON Esquir who departed this
Life the twenty-third of July in the thirtey-fourth year of his age
interr’d underneath this place the fourth of August Anno Domini
1687.”
The patrons of the rectory are Lord Gwydir, and the Baroness Willoughby
of Eresby, his mother.
HIGH TOINTON,
In old writings Over Tointon, is about a mile and a half eastward from
Horncastle, to which parish and also that of Low Tointon it adjoins.
From only one place of this name being mentioned in the Domesday record,
it is probable that at the time of making that survey both High and Low
Tointon were included in one parish. The manorial estates, which have
descended with those of Horncastle, belong to the Bishop of Carlisle, and
are leased to different individuals. The church is a small uninteresting
building. The Bishop of Carlisle is patron of the curacy.
MAREHAM ON THE HILL,
Anciently written Maringe and Mayring, is about a mile and a half
south-east from Horncastle, the parishes adjoining each other. The manor
once belonged to Edward Marsh, Esquire, of Hundle House, in the county of
Lincoln, by a descendant of whom it was sold to William Hudson, Esquire,
of Gray’s Inn. In 1659 it was sold to a person named Duncombe, of whom
it was purchased, in 1688, by Sir Edmund Turnor, of Stoke Rochford,
Knight, and is now possessed by his descendant of the same names. {43}
The chapel is completely destitute of interest. On repairing it, about
fifteen years ago, two nobles of Edward the fourth, two angels of Henry
the seventh, and several silver coins of different reigns, contained in a
leathern purse, were discovered concealed in the wall. The patron of the
curacy is the Bishop of Carlisle.
ROUGHTON,
In Domesday Rocstune, and in old writings Ructon, is about four miles
from Horncastle. The manorial estates belong to Lady Banks. The church,
which is a small building, consisting of a tower, nave and chancel,
contains a marble tablet, on which is the following inscription:
“Here lies the Body of NORREYS FYNES, Esq. Grandson to Sir Henry
Clinton, commonly called Fynes, eldest Son of Henry Earl of Lincoln,
by his Second Wife, Daughter of Sir Richard Morrison, and Mother of
Francis Lord Norreys, afterwards Earl of Berkshire. He had by his
much beloved and only Wife Elizabeth, who lies by him, Twelve
Children, of which Four Sons and Two Daughters were living at his
decease, which happened on the 10th of January 1735–6 in the 75th
year of his age. From the Revolution he always liv’d a Nonjuror,
which rendered him incapable of any other Publick Employment (tho’ by
his Great Abilitys and Known Courage equal to the most Difficult and
Dangerous) than that of being Steward to two great Familys, wherein
he distinguish’d himself during his Service of 40 years a most
Faithful and Prudent Manager, of a most Virtuous and Religious Life.
His paternal Estate he left without any addition to his Son KENDAL
his next heir. His eldest Son CHARLES was buried here the 26th of
August 1722, aged 36 years, whose Pleasant Disposition adorn’d by
many virtues which he acquir’d by his Studys in Oxford made his death
much lamented by all his Acquaintance.”
There also occur two other tablets; one to the memory of the Rev. Arthur
Rockcliffe, who died in 1798, aged 71; the other to the memory of Charles
Pilkington, Esq. who died in 1798, aged 75, and of Abigail his wife, who
died in 1817, aged 80. {44} The rectory, united to that of Haltham in
1741, is in the presentation of the Honorable and Reverend Champion
Dymoke.
HALTHAM,
Called in the Domesday survey Holtham, is about five miles distant from
Horncastle. The manorial estates, which comprise almost the whole of the
parish, once belonged to the Marmyons of Scrivelsby, and are now
possessed by the Champion Dymoke, a descendant of the female branch of
that family. The church, which appears to have suffered much from time,
has in its pristine state possessed a considerable share of architectural
merit. A large window at the eastern end contains very fine tracery, and
at one time, together with some of the other windows, exhibited a large
portion of stained glass, of which only one piece, containing the arms of
La Wane, is now remaining. {45} The rectory, united to that of Roughton
in 1741, is in the presentation of the lord of the manor.
WOOD ENDERBY,
In the Domesday record written Endrebi, is about five miles distant from
Horncastle. The manor is the property of Lady Banks. The church is a
small uninteresting building. The Bishop of Carlisle is patron of the
curacy.
MOORBY,
In Domesday Morebi, is about five miles distant from Horncastle. The
manorial estates, comprising the principal part of the parish, are the
property of Lady Banks. The church is totally destitute of interest.
The Bishop of Carlisle is patron of the rectory.
WILKSBY,
In Domesday Wilchesbi, is about six miles distant from Horncastle. The
manor is the property of Lady Banks. The church is a small modern
erection. The Champion Dymoke is patron of the rectory.
MAREHAM LE FEN,
In the Domesday book called Marun, and in old writings Marum, is about
seven miles distant from Horncastle, and situated on the verge of the
recently enclosed fenny district, from whence it has received its
appellation. The manor is the property of Lady Banks; it having been
purchased, together with the three before mentioned manors, by an
ancestor of the late Sir Joseph Banks, above a century ago. The manor
house, which has for several years been occupied by Mr. James Roberts,
possesses from its adjoining gardens, a considerable share of interest.
Having accompanied Sir Joseph Banks, in the first voyage of Captain Cook
round the world, Mr. Roberts has sought to associate with the rural
simplicities of an English garden, such objects of curiosity as a
pleasurable recollection of those scenes had furnished. In addition to
numerous rustic and ornamental seats, the gardens are embellished with
huts resembling those of Terra del Fuego and New Holland; and also a
small museum of curiosites, principally from the South Sea islands. A
visit to this spot is always an agreeable recreation. The following
lines were written after a visit here, by a native of Jamaica.
SONNET,
WRITTEN AFTER A VISIT TO THE GARDENS AT MAREHAM.
Dear is the rural scene that Fancy loves,
Where tuneful Rapture chants th’ enliv’ning song,
In wildest warblings to the darkling groves,
Pouring in wildest mood the strains along;
While Echo, from the leafy bowers among,
Gives a soft cadence to the songster’s tale,
A mingled sweetness to the warbling throng,
That comes in whispers on the balmy gale.
These, Mareham, with thy spreading greenwood shade,
Thy silent waters, and thy mossy cell,
Breathe such a charm, that oft Delight has strayed,
With ling’ring steps, ’mid scenes she lov’d so well;
And when fond Mem’ry shall thy joys renew,
She’ll tell with musing voice her sweet, her last adieu.
The church consists of a tower, a nave with north and south aisles, and a
chancel. {47} In the chancel is a tablet to the memory of the Rev. Henry
Shepherd, who was rector of this parish thirty-four years, and died in
January 1764, aged 62. The advowson of the rectory belongs to the Bishop
of Carlisle.
CONINGSBY,
In Domesday Cuningesbi, is a considerable village on the banks of the
river Bane, about eight miles from Horncastle. The manor, which was once
possessed by the Marmions of Wintringham, has for many years belonged to
the Heathcote family, and is now the property of Sir Gilbert Heathcote,
Baronet, of Normanton in Rutlandshire. The church consists of a tower of
excellent masonry, a nave, two aisles, and a chancel. {48} The rectory,
which is in the presentation of the lord of the manor, was for several
years held by the Reverend John Dyer, the poet. It was here that he
finished his didactic poem of “The Fleece.” He died at this place in
1758, and lies buried in the church; but there is no inscription to
perpetuate his memory. A congregation of General Baptists was formed at
this place, during the government of Cromwell: the society still exists,
with an endowment for the minister.
LANGRIVILLE AND THORNTON LE FEN.
The lands composing these parishes were chiefly those sold by the
commissioners appointed under the act for draining and enclosing Wildmore
Fen; Langriville also contains the portion allotted to the Earl of
Stamford and Warrington, in lieu of his manorial rights over Armtree and
Wildmore. In 1812, an act of parliament was passed, rendering these
lands, with others, parochial, and approximating these two parishes to
the soke of Horncastle.
POPULATION.
Parishes. No. of In 1801 In 1811. In 1821.
Families in
1588.
Houses. Persons. Houses. Persons. Houses. Persons.
Horncastle 164 424 2015 553 2622 672 3058
Thimbleby 40 50 224 65 316 75 384
West Ashby 44 67 297 76 370 91 378
Low Tointon 12 9 49 16 98 15 95
High 18 14 93 24 121 33 159
Tointon
Mareham on 22 22 110 23 122 23 133
the Hill
Roughton 30 23 110 22 106 23 110
Haltham 25 29 115 29 143 37 196
Wood 24 30 153 31 183 31 178
Enderby
Moorby 19 24 79 24 105 21 118
Wilksby 6 9 54 9 53 9 58
Mareham le 87 98 383 104 487 126 609
Fen
Coningsby 221 302 1301 326 1658 349 1651
Langriville 36 195
Thornton le 23 141
Fen
BAUMBER.
THE village of Baumber or Bamburgh is situated in the hundred of Gartree,
about four miles northward of Horncastle, on the turnpike road leading
from that place to Lincoln. In the Domesday survey it is called
Badeburgh, which perhaps may signify Bane-burgh, or a town on the Bane,
that river forming the eastern boundary of the parish. At the period of
making that survey, Ulf and Gilbert de Gand are mentioned as proprietors.
{53a}
[Picture: Stourton Hall, Baumber, Seat of Joseph Livesey, Esquire]
The manor, together with the adjoining hamlet of Stourton parva, once
belonged to Thomas Dighton, Esquire, whose daughter and heiress was
married to Edward Clinton, second son of the first Earl of Lincoln. On
failure of male issue in the elder branch, the earldom devolved to the
son of this Edward, whose successors afterwards had the Dukedom of
Newcastle conferred on them. These estates continued in the possession
of this family until the latter part of the last century, when they were
sold to Thomas Livesey, Esquire, of Blackbourn, in the county of
Lancaster, whose son, Joseph Livesey, Esquire, the present proprietor,
resides thereon, in an elegant mansion, which was completed in 1810.
Part of the residence of the Earls of Lincoln is still standing.
The church at Baumber with all its appurtenances, and eight oxgangs of
land, were given by Gilbert de Gaunt to the monks at Bridlington, which
grant Pope Innocent the fourth, and the Bishop of Lincoln confirmed.
{53b} It is now a donative, extrajudicial. It was rebuilt about sixty
years ago, and is a very neat brick structure, consisting of a tower, a
nave with side aisles, and a chancel. {54} Under the chancel is the
vault of the Newcastle family, which was their place of sepulture
previous to disposing of their estates in this parish. Over the vault
are the following inscriptions:
“Here lieth the Body of Francis Clinton al’s Fynes Esq. Grandson of
Henry Lord Clinton Earl of Lincoln who departed this life Feb. 5 Anno
Dom. 1681.”
“Here lieth the Body of Priscilla the Wife of Francis Clinton al’s
Fynes Esq. who departed this life Febr. 15 Anno Dom. 1679.”
In the north aisle is a stone with this inscription in black letters
around the verge:
“Orate p’ a’iabus Joh’es Eland armig’i Alicie et Elisabeth uxor
ejusde’ qui Joh’es obijt xix die marcii aº d’ni millo cccclxxiii cuj’
q’rs a’iabs p’pciet’ de.”
In 1821, the population of this parish amounted to 319, and the number of
houses to 51.
EDLINGTON.
AT the time of forming the Domesday survey, this place, then called
Tedlintune formed part of the soke of Horncastle; {55} but is now
comprised in the hundred of Gartree. It is very pleasantly situated
about two miles northward of Horncastle, near to the road leading from
that place to Lincoln.
The manorial estates comprising the chief part of the parish, are the
property of Richard Samuel Short, Esquire, a descendant of a female
branch of the family of that name, which he adopted on coming into
possession of the estates. The manor house, the seat of the proprietor,
though not of regular architecture, acquires an agreeable effect from the
grove in which it is situated. From the house the prospect to the
south-west, over the adjacent level country, is both extensive and
pleasing.
[Picture: Edlington Grove, Seat of Richard Samuel Short, Esquire]
The church is a small building possessing no claim to attention. The
vicarage is in the gift of the Duchy of Lancaster. The rectorial tythes
belong to the grammar school at Oakham, in the county of Rutland.
On under-draining a field in this parish, in the latter part of the year
1819, several heaps of ox bones were dug up, and with each heap an urn of
baked clay, apparently of Roman manufacture; but unfortunately none of
the urns were taken up whole. To account for these relics being found
here, it is probable that on this spot a Roman sacrifice had been
celebrated, in honor of some deity, on the occasion of a victory, or in
the exercise of other pagan rites.
Annexed to this parish is the hamlet or manor of Poolham, anciently
called Polum. It formed part of the barony of Gilbert de Gaunt until
about the thirty-fifth year of Edward the first, when Robert de
Barkeworthe died seized of it; {56a} and it appears to have been the
residence of Walterus de Barkeworthe, who died in 1347, and was buried in
the cloister of Lincoln cathedral. Afterwards it was the residence of
the family of Thimbleby, a branch of the Thimblebys of Irnham, {56b} who
probably built the mansion house within the ancient moat, about the time
of Henry the eighth. The Savilles of Howley in the County of York,
enjoyed the estate in the reign of Elizabeth, and in 1600, Sir John
Saville, Knight, sold it to George Bolles, Esquire, citizen of London,
whose descendant Sir John Bolles, Baronet, conveyed the same to Sir
Edmund Turnor, of Stoke Rochford, Knight, and it is now the inheritance
of Edmund Turnor, Esquire. {56c}
Within the moat, beside the mansion house, are the remains of a chapel,
built of stone, a font, and a grave-stone with the date 1527.
In 1821, the parish of Edlington contained 37 houses, and 263
inhabitants.
TUPHOLME.
THE village of Tupholme stands nearly a mile from the north bank of the
river Witham, at the distance of seven miles west by north from
Horncastle; and is contained in the hundred of Wraggoe. {57a}
In the time of Henry the second, an Abbey of premonstratensian canons,
dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was founded here, by Allan de Nevill and
Gilbert his brother, and endowed by them with their possessions in this
place, together with estates in other parts of the county. This abbey
also had numerous benefactions in lands and churches, from other persons;
and the king gave a canal, so large, that ships might pass between the
Witham and Tupholme. These gifts were confirmed to the abbot and canons,
by charter, from Henry the third, in the twentieth year of his reign.
{57b} At the dissolution of monasteries, this abbey contained nine
religious: and in the thirtieth year of Henry the eighth, the scite was
granted to Sir Thomas Henneage.
[Picture: Remains of Tupholme Abbey]
Of the abbey, a wall only is now remaining, the upper part of which
appears to have formed a side of the refectory or dining hall. It
contains lancet windows, and a small gallery, in which the person sat who
read to the brethren during their meals: a practice which was common in
all monasteries, and anciently in colleges. The story beneath the
refectory appears to have been vaulted, and was probably used as a
cellar. Adjoining to the ruins is a farm house, which has been built out
of part of the materials. The gate house, now gone, was standing when
Dr. Stukeley visited this place in 1716. A view of it is engraved in the
Itinerarium Curiosum.
The manorial estate, comprising the whole parish, is the property of
Robert Vyner, Esquire, of Gautby, by an ancestor of whom it was purchased
in the early part of the last century.
The church has been long since demolished. The benefice is a vicarage in
the patronage of the Bishop of Lincoln.
[Picture: Ancient Cross at Somersby]
SOMERSBY.
THE village of Somersby is pleasantly situated on the wolds, in the
hundred of Hill, at about the distance of six miles east from Horncastle.
The manorial estates, which comprise the whole parish, have for many
years been the property of a family named Burton. The present proprietor
is William Raynor Burton, Esquire, which latter name he assumed on coming
into possession of the estates on the death of his uncle, Robert Burton,
Esquire, of Lincoln.
On the south side of the church, near to the porch, is an elegant stone
cross, which having escaped both the ravages of time, and the destruction
of the Puritans, remains in so perfect a state as to be justly esteemed
of unrivalled excellence and beauty. The extreme height of it, including
the subcourse, is fifteen feet. The shaft is octagonal, and decorated
with a capital, surmounted by a coronal of small embattlements. The
cross, with its pediment, which rises from this, is ornamented on the
south face with the representation of the crucified founder of the
christian faith, and on the opposite side with that of the virgin and
child.
The church is a small building, consisting of a tower, nave, and chancel,
and is void of architectural interest. {59} In the wall at the end of
the chancel is a plate of brass, on which is sculptured the
representation of a person full robed, kneeling on a cushion, before a
reading desk, in the sinister upper corner is a shield containing arms,
and under the figure this inscription:
“Here lyeth GEORGE LITTLEBVRY of Somersby seventh Sonne of Thomas
Littlebvry of Stainsbie Esq. who died the 13 daye of Octob. in ye
yeare of our Lord 1612 being abovt the age of 73 yeares.”
The shield contains these arms:—1. Two lioncels statant guardant in pale.
2. Quarterly, 1 and 4, Barry of six; 2 and 3 A bond. 3. Three shackle
bolts. 4. A mullet between three crescents, a dexter canton. On the
fesse point a rose for difference.
Against the skreen between the nave and chancel is a marble tablet
surmounted by a shield containing the arms of BURTON, Sable, a chevron
argent, between three owls argent, ducally crowned or; the crest, an owl
argent, crowned as before. Under the arms is this inscription:
“Here lieth Mrs. KATH. BURTON Daughter of Richard Langhorne Esq. She
died Aug. 25 A.D. 1742. Also ROBERT BURTON, Esq. Citizen of London,
Husband of the said Mrs. Katherine Burton. He died Nov. 30 1753.”
The advowson of the rectory belongs to the lord of the manor.
In a woody dell in this parish is a spring, gently bursting from the
rock, called Holy-well, but the name of the saint to whom it was
dedicated is not preserved.
According to the returns of 1821, this village at that time contained 12
houses and 96 inhabitants.
“The Topcliffes were an ancient family at Somersby, of which family
Richard Topcliffe was the representative in 1592. He was the eldest
son of Robert Topcliffe, by Margaret, one of the daughters of Thomas
Lord Borough, and married Jane, daughter of Sir Edward Willoughby, of
Wollaton, Nottinghamshire, and had issue Charles his heir, and three
other sons who died infants, and a daughter Susannah. He was a most
implacable persecutor of the Roman Catholics, so much so, that the
use of the rack and other tortures were called Topcliffian customs.”
{60}
SCRIVELSBY.
ABOUT two miles south of Horncastle, on the road leading from that place
to Boson, stands the village of Scrivelsby, which is included in the
Hundred of Gartree.
At the time of compiling the Domesday survey, it appears that part of
this parish, then called Scrivelesbi, was annexed to the Soke of
Horncastle, which was then retained by the conqueror. {61a} By the same
record, the manor appears to have been then holden by Robert de Spenser,
but by what service is not said. How it passed from De Spenser to the
family of Marmyon; whether by inheritance, or escheat of the crown, and
subsequent grant, cannot now be ascertained. It was however shortly
after in the tenure of Robert Marmyon, whose male descendants enjoyed the
same until the twentieth year of Edward the first, 1292, when Philip the
last Lord Marmyon died seized of this manor, holden by barony, and the
service of champion to the kings of England on their coronation day; and
seized also of the castle of Tamworth in Warwickshire, held therewith as
parcel of his barony, but by the service of knight’s fees, to attend the
king in his wars in Wales. {61b} This Philip had only female issue, and
between them his great estates here, in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and
elsewhere, were divided. By this partition, the manor and barony of
Scrivelsby were allotted to Joan, the youngest daughter, by whose
grand-daughter and heir the same passed in marriage to Sir John Dymoke,
who, with Margaret his wife, had livery thereof in the twenty-third year
of Edward the third.
At the coronation of Richard the second, Sir John Dymoke claimed in right
of his wife, to perform the office of champion: this right was
counterclaimed by Baldwin Freville, who, as lord of Tamworth, also
claimed to perform that service; but the commissioners of the court of
claims deciding in favor of Sir John Dymoke, he performed that office;
and from that period to the present time, nearly five hundred years,
their male issue have continued in possession of the same inheritance.
The present champion, the Reverend John Dymoke, is the seventeenth of his
family, from Sir John Dymoke, who has inherited that high and singular
office. {62}
The chief part of Scrivelsby Court, the ancient baronial seat, was
destroyed by fire, between fifty and sixty years ago. In the part
consumed was a very large hall, on the pannels of the wainscottings of
which were depicted the various arms and alliances of the family, through
all its numerous and far traced descents. The loss has been in some
degree compensated for, by the addition which the late proprietor
recently made to those parts which escaped the ravages of the fire.
[Picture: Ancient Monuments in Scrivelsby Church]
The church is a small building, consisting of a nave, with a north aisle,
and a chancel. At the eastern end of the aisle are two tombs, on one of
which is the figure of a knight, in chain armour, cross-legged; on the
other that of a lady, with a lion at her feet. By the side of these is
the tomb of Sir Robert Dymoke, who was champion at the coronations of
Richard the third, Henry the seventh, and Henry the eighth; by the last
of whom he was made a knight banneret. On the top of the tomb is a plate
of brass, on which is sculptured his figure in full armour, in a
recumbent posture, with his helmet under his head, and a lion at his
feet. Above him is a shield, containing arms, and under him is the
following inscription, in black letter:
“Here liethe the Body of sir Robert Demoke of Screvelsby knight &
baronet who departed owt of this present lyfe the xv day of Apryl in
ye yere of our lord god mdlxv upon whose sowle almighte god have m’ci
Amen.” {63}
The shield contains these arms:
1. DYMOKE. Sable, two lions passant in pale argent, ducally crowned
or.
2. MARMYON. Vairè, a fesse gules, frettè or.
3. HEBDEN. Ermine, five fusils in fesse gules.
4. RYE. Gules, on a bend argent three ears of rye proper.
5. WELLES. Or, a lion rampant double tailed sable.
6. ENGAINE. Gules, a fesse dauncette between six crosselets or.
7. WATERTON. Barry of six ermine and gules, three crescents sable.
8. HASTINGS. Or, a manche gules.
9. LUDLOW. Azure, three lions passant guardant in pale, argent.
10. SPARROW. Argent, six martlets sable, three, two, and one; on a
chief indented gules, two swords in saltire, points upwards, proper,
between two lions heads erased.
Beside these arms, the sides and ends of the tomb were ornamented with
others contained in eight shields of brass, none of which are now
remaining.
On the floor of the aisle is a stone which has once contained a brass
figure, with corner shields and an inscription, all which are now gone.
On the floor at the south side of the communion table is a plate of
copper, on which is this inscription:
“Under this Stone lyes Sir Charles Dymoke, Knight, who was Champion
at the Coronation of King James the 2d. On his left hand lyes the
Lady Dymoke; next to her, the Honourable Lewis Dymoke, their youngest
son; next to him lies Capt. Dymoke, the eldest son of Sir Charles,
who died in France; next to him, Mrs. Dymoke, Daughter of Sir
Charles; at the head of Sir Charles lyes Mrs. Eliz. Dymoke, the
youngest daughter of Sir Charles Dymoke.”
On the floor at the north side of the communion table, is a stone,
containing this inscription:
“Here lyeth the Body of the Honourable CHARLES DYMOKE Esq. of
Scrielsby, Champion of England, who departed this life the 17th day
of January, and in the year of our Lord, 1702.
“This Gravestone was laid at the proper cost and charge of His widow,
Jane Dymoke, and in the year 1726.”
Against the south wall of the chancel is a very handsome marble monument,
ornamented with a bust of the individual whose memory it perpetuates, at
the top is a shield containing the arms of DYMOKE, with the crest, a
sword erect; and underneath is the following inscription:
“Near this place lieth Interr’d the Body of the Honourable LEWIS
DYMOKE, Esq. late Champion of England, who performed that service at
the Coronation of King George the 1st and King George the 2d. He was
the youngest Son of Sir Charles Dymoke and Eleanor his wife, eldest
Daughter of the first Lord Rockingham. He departed this Life on the
5th of February 1760, in the 91st Year of his Age.”
On the north side of the chancel is a mural tablet containing this
inscription:
“Sacred to the Memory of the Honourable JOHN DYMOKE of Scrivelsby, in
this county, Champion of England, who performed that service at the
Coronation of His Majesty George 3d, and whose body lieth interred in
a Vault near this place: He departed this life, March 6th. 1784.
Aged 52 years.”
Against the south wall is the following inscription on a small marble
tablet:
“Sacred to the Memory of LEWIS JONES, Esquire, of Great Hale in this
County, who departed this Life May 1st 1786. Aged 71 Years.”
The rectory, united in 1741 to that of the adjoining village of Dalderby,
is in the presentation of the lord of the manor.
On the inclosure of Wildmore Fen, pursuant to an act of parliament
obtained for that purpose in 1801, a portion thereof was allotted to this
parish, in lieu of right of common.
By the returns of 1821, this parish at that period contained 24 houses,
and 153 inhabitants.
BOLINGBROKE.
SITUATION.
BOLINGBROKE, a decayed market town, is distant about eight miles south
east from Horncastle, and gives name to the soke wherein it is situated.
The town is seated on a clear, rapid brook, from which the name is
derived, and which runs along a peculiar deep recess of rugged sand-stone
hills, which suddenly terminate at the northern border of the adjacent
fen district. Embayed amid these deep declivities, and having but one
narrow outlet into the level land, it is a matter of no surprize that its
importance as a place of security was not overlooked in the feodal times,
when it became further strengthened by a castle.
THE MANOR.
The manor appears to have been, from an early period, connected with the
dignity of the Earldom of Lincoln. Ranulph, an illustrious nobleman,
marrying Lucia, widow of Roger de Romara, sister, and heiress of Morcar,
the Saxon Earl of Northumberland and Lincoln, delivered the estates,
amongst which was this lordship, to Henry the first, for the dignity of
the Earldom of Chester. Against this, William de Romara, son of Lucia by
her former husband, appealed to the king, but in vain. William however
strengthening by his interest the rebellion in Normandy which had been
raised by Robert, the eldest son of the conqueror and brother of the
king; Henry, to appease his wrath, and obtain his favor, was in the
twenty-second year of his reign, induced to restore to him the estates of
his mother Lucia, and invest him with the Earldom of Lincoln. After
this, exchanging certain lands in Normandy with Robert de Tillol for the
lordships of Hareby, Enderby, and Hundleby, parts of this soke, William
was invited by the security of the situation, to erect his castle at
Bolingbroke. About the same time asserting the rights of the Empress
Maud, in her contentions with Stephen for the throne, he greatly
contributed to her early successes, particularly at the siege of Lincoln.
By his wife Maud, the daughter of Richard de Redvers, he had issue a son
named William, who married Hawise daughter of Stephen Earl of Albemarle;
but dying in the life time of his father, the estates descended to his
son, also called William. This William, the third of that name, to
further improve his fortress, and add to the advantages of its situation,
procured from Simon Briton, who also held lands in these parts, remission
of all his claims in the whole marsh of Bolingbroke, and from Jeffrey
Fitz Stephens, the superior of the Knights Templar, a full release of
their interest in all the fens belonging to this manor, and its soke,
which William de Romara his grandfather had given to them.
This last mentioned individual of the family of Romara died without
issue, and in him the male line of the family ceased; which appears from
Gilbert de Gaunt, after being a suppliant prisoner when fighting on the
side of Stephen at the siege of Lincoln, and compelled by the first
William de Romara to marry his daughter Hawise, becoming in her right
possessor of this manor, and receiving also the Earldom of Lincoln.
Gilbert de Gaunt, died in the second year of the reign of Henry the
second, and left issue, two daughters, Alice and Gunnora; the former of
whom was married to Simon de St. Liz, Earl of Huntingdon, who is said to
have enjoyed, during her life time, the Earldom of Lincoln, and with it
this lordship. Alice as well as her sister Gunnora dying without issue,
their uncle Robert de Gaunt, though unallied by blood, became their heir,
and possessed himself of these estates. Gilbert his son succeeded him;
but joining the cause of the barons against King John, and afterwards
against his son and successor, Henry the third, he was defeated at
Lincoln, taken prisoner, and these estates conferred upon Ranulph de
Meschines, surnamed de Blundeville, Earl of Chester, who being third in
descent from Ranulph Earl of Chester, by his wife Lucia, the widow of
Roger de Romara, had, independent of the claims on his sovereign for
aiding in firmly establishing his family on the throne, a natural right,
superior to that of the family of de Gaunt. Ranulph de Blundeville dying
without issue, his sisters became his co-heiresses; but he had during his
life time assigned by charter to one of them, named Hawise, the Earldom
of Lincoln, and with it this manor and castle.
Robert, son and heir of Sayer de Quincy, Earl of Winchester, marrying
Hawise, left issue, a daughter, Margaret, who was married to John de
Laci, a descendant of the Barons of Pontefract. John de Laci received
from Henry the third a charter of confirmation of the Earldom of Lincoln,
and the inheritances which he possessed by his wife Margaret de Quincy.
Edmund his son dying before his mother, did not inherit the Earldom,
though he received the tertium denarium of the county. He left issue,
Henry, John, and Margaret, the former of whom succeeded to this manor and
the Earldom of Lincoln; and is said to have been the most exalted
nobleman of his time. He is stated to have been illustrious in counsel,
undaunted in the fight, chief among the warriors of his country, and in
fine, the brightest ornament of the reign. {68} His sons dying young, he
bequeathed by will all his possessions to the heirs of Edmund
Plantagenet, in case of failure of issue by his daughter Alice. Thomas,
Earl of Lancaster, son of Edmund Plantagenet, marrying Alice, held in her
right, the estates of her father Henry de Laci, who, on his death bed,
desirous that his son in law should be ennobled not only by the attendant
riches, but also by the influence of his example, enjoined him to devote
his power to secure the liberties of his country. But the proud and
resolute spirit of the Earl of Lancaster needed no such injunctions to
spur him on to action. Indignant that Hugh de Spenser should enjoy the
favor of his sovereign, Edward the second, he after effecting the
destruction of Piers Gaveston, broke out into open rebellion: defeated
however at Boroughbridge, he was ignominiously put to death at his castle
of Pontefract, and his estates forfeited to the crown. The inheritances
which were, as has been before noticed, the right of his wife, were still
reserved to her: but having borne an indifferent reputation for chastity;
following the impulses of her amours in the life time of her late
husband, and after his death marrying without the consent of the king to
Eubold le Estrange; the king, with whom but trivial pretences were
sufficient for abridging the powers of any individual allied to his
haughty relatives of the house of Lancaster, seized for this breach of
fealty, or homage, all the inheritance which she held of the crown in
chief, among which were this manor, and that of Denbigh, and conferred
the whole on his favorite Hugh de Spenser.
Henry, brother of Thomas the late Earl of Lancaster, procured in the
first parliament after the accession of Edward the third, a remission of
the forfeited estates of the family; and upon the death of the countess
Alice, the wife of his late brother, her honors and splendid inheritances
devolved to him, partly by the will of her father Henry de Laci, and
partly by reason of a render made by him to Edward the first, and a
re-grant by charter from that monarch to the heirs of Henry de Laci, with
remainder to the heirs of Edmund Plantagenet.
Henry Earl of Lancaster died without male issue, but left two daughters
Maud and Blanche; the former of whom married William of Bavaria, and left
no issue; but Blanche became the sole heir of her father, and married
John of Gaunt, who, by reason of the inheritances, was created Duke of
Lancaster. By her he had issue, at the castle at this place, the
celebrated Henry of Bolingbroke; upon whose accession to the throne, the
whole patrimony, through the line of Lancaster, became invested in the
crown; and in his reign was counted one of the manorial possessions of
the king, denominated honors.
THE CASTLE.
On the south side of the town is the scite of the castle, which is now
only to be distinguished by the traces of its foundations, encompassed by
a moat.
The seclusion of this spot amongst steep hills, with only an opening to
the level country, southward, rendered it in the early mode of warfare a
desirable situation for a place of defence, since it was at all times
secure from the emergencies of a sudden surprise. The advantages of such
a situation were not overlooked by William de Romara, who about the early
part of the reign of king Stephen, erected his castle at this place.
From the testimony of Mr. Gervase Holles, who is the only person that has
left us a description of this castle, it appears to have been a very
spacious square edifice, characterized in its construction by strength
and uniformity, and containing beside numerous apartments, all the
conveniences of warfare. {70} By queen Elizabeth it was improved by
elegant and extensive erections, and though afterwards neglected, yet it
remained a place of importance down to the time of the civil wars in the
reign of Charles the first, when for some time it withstood a siege by
the parliamentary forces.
After the defeat of the royal army at Winceby, this castle was compelled
to yield to the army of the parliament, who, after dismantling it, left
it silently to decay. For a many years part of a circular building, said
to be the gate-house, continued standing; but in May 1815, the last
remaining fragment of this once formidable structure fell to the ground.
To the east of the enclosure may be seen the entrenchments, behind which
the assailants, in 1643, protected themselves in their attack on this
castle.
[Picture: Remains of Bolingbroke Castle, from a drawing taken in 1813]
THE CHURCH.
The church being occupied by the parliamentary forces when they stormed
the castle, was almost entirely demolished by the cannon of that
fortress.
The part now remaining, is situated a short distance north of the scite
of the castle, and consists of a tower, and a part appropriated for
public worship, which was once the southern aisle of the original
edifice. It is built of sand stone, and if the delicate tracery of its
windows be excepted, it contains but little architectural beauty. These
windows were once ornamented with richly stained glass, of which not a
fragment is now remaining. {71}
There is yet preserved in this church the mutilated remains of an
embroidered cloth for the communion table, said to have been wrought by
one of the Duchesses of Lancaster.
Two chantries, which formerly were attached to this church, were
suppressed at the dissolution of religious houses, in the twenty-sixth
year of the reign of Henry the eighth.
The rectory is in the presentation of Lady Eyre of Mortlake, in Surrey.
THE TOWN.
At so early a period as the time of forming the Domesday survey, this
town appears to have arisen into some consideration as a place of trade,
being possessed of a market, which however is in that record denominated
a new one. {72}
For a many years it was considered one of the principal market towns of
the county of Lincoln; but its trade, for some time previous to the
destruction of the castle, had been gradually withdrawing to other places
more conveniently situated; and afterwards the town fell rapidly into
decay, and its market became wholly unfrequented.
Although it may be at present identified as a mere village; yet its
widely detached houses, partially paved streets, and grass grown market
place, connected with the mounds of the castle which once adorned the
spot, evince sufficiently that there has been a time when destitution was
not the characteristic of the town of Bolingbroke.
An attempt has lately been made to revive the market, on a portion of
land allotted to this parish on the enclosure of the fens, in lieu of
right of common thereon. An annual fair on the tenth of July, is held
both at this town and on the fen allotment.
There is a free school at this place, founded and endowed in 1588, by a
Mr. Chamberlain.
In 1821, this parish contained 158 houses, and 753 inhabitants.
Bolingbroke gives the title of viscount to the family of St. John, of
Lydiard Tregoze, in Wiltshire.
REVESBY.
REVESBY is situated at the distance of six miles south from Horncastle,
on the road from that place to Boston, and is included in the soke of
Bolingbroke.
What now constitues the parish of Revesby, appears formerly to have been
three distinct manors, Revesby, Thoresby, and Seithesby; the greater part
of which was the property of William de Romara, Earl of Lincoln. In the
year 1142 he founded a Cistertian monastery at this place, and previous
to endowing it with the whole of his possessions here, he negotiated
exchanges with the other proprietors, by which he was enabled to give the
entirety of the three manors to his new monastery. {74}
To add to the solemnity of the ceremony of foundation, the Earl on this
occasion manumitted several slaves, who had petitioned for their liberty.
One of them, called Wilhelmus Medicus, was doubtless a physician;
another, Rogerus Barkarius, probably a shepherd: the surnames of persons
at that time being derived from their professions. A person named Roger
Barker resided until lately at a place called Stickney Wydale. This
place belongs to the parish of Revesby, though about four miles distant,
and is supposed to have been given to the monks, on condition of their
keeping Nordyke Causeway, formerly a dangerous pass, in repair.
Beside the endowment of William de Romara, the monastery was enriched by
numerous other benefactions. At the dissolution of religious houses, its
possessions with all its rights were granted to Charles Brandon, Duke of
Suffolk; and on the death of his two infant sons, who survived him only a
short time, their extensive possessions were divided among the heirs
general. On this division, Revesby fell to the lot of the Carsey family,
who resided here several years, and afterwards sold it to the Lord
Treasurer Burleigh, from whom it descended to the first and second Earls
of Exeter; the latter of whom settled it on his grandson, Henry Howard,
the third son of the Earl of Berkshire. About a century ago it was sold
by the descendants of Henry Howard, to Joseph Banks, Esquire, the great
grandfather of the late Right Honorable Sir Joseph Banks, Baronet, whose
widow is the present possessor.
[Picture: Revesby Abbey, Seat of Lady Banks]
The seat of the proprietor was built by Craven Howard, nephew and heir of
Henry Howard; but has been much enlarged by the family of Banks. Part of
an ancient mansion, formerly the residence of the abbots, now forms the
offices. The monastery, which stood at a considerable distance, has long
been entirely demolished.
The church, which is a small neat structure, was re-built by the before
mentioned Joseph Banks, Esquire. It is a donative of exempt
jurisdiction.
At the east end of the chancel is a tablet containing this inscription:
“Dedicated to the Memmorie of NEHEMIAH RAWSON, Esq. A Member of this
Common Wealth, and a Justice of Peace. Hee Married Frances the
Daughter of Thomas Knightley of Brough Hall in the County of
Stafford, Esq. By Whoome hee had Issue Sir Daughters, Elizabeth
Married to Richard Parkes of Lutton, Gent. Hanna to Theophilus Hartt
of Birkwood Esq. Abigal to Daniell Hartt of London Grocer, Sarah,
Rebecca and Mary, Dyed Younge, he Departed this Life in January 1657.
Aged 80 Yeares.”
At the same end is another tablet, with the following inscription, and a
shield containing a bend, in the sinister chief three crosses fitchy:
“To the perpetual Memorie of HENRY HOWARD third Son of Thomas Howard
Earle of Barkshire by Elizabeth Daughter and heiresse to William
Cecill Earle of Exeter his Wife who departed this Life in the XLIIII
Yeare of his age in December MDCLXIII.
“This Monument was Dedicated and Erected by his Nephew whom hee made
his heir and successor to this Mannor of Revesby and his Lands in
Lincolnshire, Craven Howard Son of William Howard who was 4th Son of
the Earle and Countesse of Barkshire (before mentioned) in the yeare
1691.”
On the north side of the chancel is a large marble monument, surmounted
by the bust of the individual whose memory it perpetuates, and ornamented
with a shield containing the arms of BANKS, Sable, a cross or, between
four flowers de luce argent. This monument contains the following
inscription:
“H. S. E.
“JOSEPHUS BANKS Armiger ex antiqua familia apud Bank-Newton, in agro
Eborac Oriundus. Juris prudentiæ studio operam dedit illamq.
feliciter exercuit.
“In honorem Dei Ecclesiam hanc vetustate collahentem, a solo
restituit Vicinium Ptochotrophium in X Senum aut Mancorum subsidium a
fundamentis extruxit.
“Bis ad suprema Regni Comitia Senator Grimsbeiæ in Lincolnia, et
Totenesiæ in Devonia. Electus, Regi suo et Patriæ utriamque vicem
fideliter inservivit.
“Maritus et Pater benignus Amicus sine fuco Pacti et Promissi sui
observantissimus Annos LXII. vixit XXVII Septemb. A.D. MDCCXXVII
obiit.
“Liberos vidit adultos Josephum et Mariam Quorum hanc Dno Francisco
Whichcote Barnto. nuptam, Patre superstite præpropera mors abripuit;
Optimo Parenti superstes Itle.
M. H. P. C.”
Near to the church are ten alms-houses, on the centre of the front of
which is the following inscription:
“Joseph Banks Esq. Lord of Revesby by his Will Directed the Building
of these Almshouses for Ten poor People & Endowed the Same with Fifty
pounds a year. He Departed this Life the 27th of Sept. 1727 Leaving
Joseph Banks Esq. his only Son Heir who in Pursuance of his Father’s
Will erected this Anno 1728.”
In this parish are two tumuli, each about one hundred feet diameter, and
about one hundred feet apart, which have been formerly surrounded by a
fosse. Dr. Stukeley supposes them to have been either the places of
sepulture of two British kings, or places of religious worship. {76}
A fair is held at Revesby on the second Monday after old Michaelmas day
annually.
In 1821, the parish contained 113 houses, and 572 inhabitants.
THE RIGHT HONORABLE SIR JOSEPH BANKS, BARONET.
The subject of this memoir was born in London on the 13th of December,
1743. He was the only son of William Banks, Esquire, of Revesby, who
died in 1761, leaving him, at the age of eighteen, possessed of an ample
fortune. He was at that time a member of the University of Oxford; and
it was in the retirement of collegiate studies that he acquired his taste
for natural history.
Immediately on his leaving the University, in 1763, he made a voyage to
the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador, and returned with those habits
of investigation which are induced by a contemplation of rare and novel
objects.
Having become a member of the Royal Society, his desire for further
investigation of new worlds was again excited by the plan proposed by
that learned body, for observing the expected transit of Venus, from one
of the South Sea islands. No sooner did Mr. Banks understand that the
Endeavour, commanded by Captain (then Lieutenant) Cook, was equipping for
her voyage, and intended to prosecute further discovery after the
observation of the transit, than he determined to embark in the
expedition. Mr. Banks entered upon his preparations with a most generous
spirit; providing himself with two draughtsmen, a secretary, and four
servants, together with all the necessary books, and instruments. He was
also accompanied by Dr. Solander, a Swedish gentleman, who had been the
pupil of Linnæus.
On the 26th of August, 1768, the Endeavour sailed from Plymouth, on this
great expedition. In the passage to Madeira, Mr. Banks and his
companions discovered many marine animals, which no naturalist had
described. At Madeira, and as they sailed on to Rio Janeiro, their
vigilance was still eagerly awake, and sufficiently gratified by
observations and specimens new to science. The jealousy of the
Portuguese greatly disappointed their curiosity, by forbidding their
researches at Rio Janeiro.
On Wednesday, April 12, 1769, the Endeavour arrived at Otaheite. For
three months the voyagers continued at this and the contiguous isles,
making the astronomical observations, for the sake chiefly of which
Lieutenant Cook was sent out; surveying, as navigators, the coasts of the
different isles; collecting specimens of the natural productions peculiar
to them; and studying the language, manners, and arts of the islanders.
In August, 1769, the Endeavour sailed from the last isle of the group.
In October they made New Zealand, which had not been visited since
Tasman’s voyage. They next sailed to New Holland, chiefly along the East
coast, and gave the name of New South Wales to the adjacent territory.
The ship here struck upon a rock, and was saved only by extraordinary
skill. In laying her down for repairs the sea broke in, and spoiled the
greater part of Mr. Banks’s specimens of natural history: but he was
recompensed by the discovery of the kangaroo. In August, 1770, they
sailed for New Guinea. On their homeward voyage, their short stay at
Batavia was nearly fatal to the expedition. Mr. Banks and Dr. Solander
caught the fever. Tupia, a priest, and a boy named Tayeto, both from
Otaheite, who were proceeding to England, died. Every person of the crew
but one was taken ill. Seven died at Batavia, and twenty-three more
within six weeks after. On the 12th of June, 1771, the vessel anchored
in the downs.
Early in 1772 an expedition was prepared under the command of Captain
Cook, to proceed in search of the so much talked of Southern Continent,
in which Mr. Banks most anxiously took a part, intending to perform the
voyage; and he accordingly prepared his establishment upon the most
extensive scale. On this account orders were given by the Admiralty for
fitting the ships out with every possible accommodation that Mr. Banks
could desire; but when the Resolution sailed from Long Reach for
Plymouth, she was found so very crank, from the additional upper works,
that she was obliged to be carried into Sheerness to have the additional
cabins cut away, with such other alterations as were necessary to make
her sea-worthy. This of course struck at the very root of Mr. Banks’s
project, in curtailing him of the space and accommodation absolutely
necessary for the establishment which he had formed; and he was
reluctantly compelled to give up his plans.
Disappointed in this expedition, Mr. Banks was prompted to engage in some
other active research, and accordingly determined on a voyage to Iceland
and the western islands of Scotland; partly for the purpose of scientific
observation, and, as Van Troil states, who accompanied him, in order to
keep together and employ the draughtsmen, and other persons, who had been
engaged for the South Sea expedition.
They sailed from the river in July, and called at Portsmouth, thence to
Plymouth, and proceeded up St. George’s Channel, to the Western Islands,
visiting Oransay, Columbkill, Scarba, and Staffa, so remarkable for its
basaltic columns, but until then comparatively unknown. They passed the
Orkneys and Shetland islands without any particular investigation; and on
the 28th of August, 1772, arrived off the coast of Iceland. After
completely investigating every thing curious, they left Iceland, and
arrived at Edinburgh in November, from whence they set off by land for
London.
After his return Mr. Banks passed his time principally in London, or at
his paternal seat at Revesby, surrounded by men of letters, and by
persons of the first rank and fortune; and dedicating his time and
fortune to scientific pursuits.
Sir John Pringle having retired from the office of President of the Royal
Society in 1777, Mr. Banks was called to fill the vacant chair, when his
ample fortune enabled him to commence a system by which his house became,
through a long series of years, a scene of hospitality, to genius of
every country, and of every rank in society.
The close attention which the President now paid to the duties of his
station, induced him to select a rural retirement nearer to London than
his seat at Revesby; he therefore, in the year 1779, took a lease of the
premises, which he afterwards purchased, at Spring Grove, in the parish
of Heston, in Middlesex; and on the 29th of March in the same year, he
married Dorothea, daughter and co-heiress of William Weston Hugeson,
Esquire, of Provender, in the parish of Norton, county of Kent.
In 1781, Mr. Banks was honored by his Sovereign with a baronetcy; as he
was some years afterwards, by being created a Knight of the Bath, and
sworn one of his Majesty’s Honorable Privy Counsel.
Sir Joseph was re-elected to the Presidency of the Royal Society, for
several years, with an unanimous feeling; but the jealousies of some
members of splendid and commanding talents began to be developed. It was
charged against him, that in the recommendation of candidates, he bowed
rather to the pretensions of rank, than to the unobtrusive, but undoubted
claims of eminent ability. This feeling so far extended itself, that in
1784, a dignitary of the church, distinguished for his mathematical
learning, threatened a secession in the following terms:—“If other
remedies fail, we can at least secede. When the hour of secession comes,
the President will be left with his train of feeble amateurs, and that
toy upon the table, the ghost of that society in which Philosophy once
reigned, and Newton presided as her minister.” The very temper of this
burst of eloquence is a proof of the causes of the schism. The pride of
genius was opposed to the pride of rank, and the conflict was as
obstinate as it was violent. The President maintained his position
firmly, and he lived to behold that intimate union which ought ever to
exist between the patrons and the votaries of learning.
Beside devoting his attention to the duties of the chair of the Royal
Society, Sir Joseph became an active member of all the public societies
of the day; and to his care in a great degree the African Association
owes its origin. He also liberally encouraged and assisted those who
undertook voyages or travels of discovery. In his attentions to the
breeding of sheep and cattle, and to the improvements in husbandry, he
gave many instances of scientific patriotism; and to his exertions may be
attributed the drainage of the Fens in the immediate vicinity of Revesby.
To the Horticultural society, which he assisted in forming, he was a
contributor of several papers. In politics he took no ostensible part,
and had not even a seat in parliament.
During the latter years of his life, Sir Joseph was so severely afflicted
with the gout, as to be deprived of the use of his lower extremities, and
consequently unable to take his accustomed exercise. In 1817 he was by
death deprived of his sister, a loss which he severely felt. In April,
1820, in consequence of increasing debility, he expressed a wish to
resign his office of President of the Royal Society, but this resignation
the society were unwilling to accept of, and he continued to hold the
office until his death, which took place on the 19th of the following
month. His remains were interred in the church yard at Heston. Having
no issue, his title is extinct. After the death of his widow, his
estates in Lincolnshire go to the Honorable James Hamilton Stanhope, and
Sir Henry Hawley, Baronet; the remainder of his estates to Sir Edward
Knatchbull, Baronet. His valuable and extensive library he bequeathed to
the British Museum.
KIRKSTEAD.
KIRKSTEAD, anciently called Cristed, is situated on the east bank of the
Witham, in the hundred of Gartree, and is about three miles distant from
Tattershall, and eight from Horncastle. Formerly it was a hamlet of
Kirkby super Bane, but for many years it has been considered as a
separate parish.
The manor, with that of Tattershall, was among the several estates given
by the conqueror to Eudo, one of his Norman followers. His son Hugh fitz
Eudo, called the Breton, founded a Cistertian Abbey here in 1139, and
endowed it with his possessions in this place. Afterwards the monks,
considering the situation unhealthy, petitioned Robert, the son of the
founder, to allow them to remove the abbey to some other place; but
though they obtained permission, yet it does not appear that the affair
was proceeded in any further. The abbey had subsequently many
benefactors, and acquired very extensive possessions.
At the dissolution of religious houses, the Kirkstead estate was given by
Henry the eighth, to Charles Duke of Suffolk; and on the division of his
estates after the death of his two sons, who survived him but a short
time, it reverted to the king at one of the heirs general of the family,
and was subsequently given to Lord Clinton and Saye, afterwards Earl of
Lincoln. This estate descended to Mr. Daniel Disney, in right of his
wife Catherine, the youngest daughter of Henry Fynes Clinton, Esquire,
and grand-daughter of the second Earl of Lincoln. In the year 1792 it
was sold by Mr. Disney Fytch, grand-son of Mr. Daniel Disney, to the
present possessor, Richard Ellison, Esquire, of Sudbroke Holme, near
Lincoln.
Of the Abbey a small ruin only remains: but from a plate of “The
Ichnography of the Monastery of Kirsted Linc.” in Stukeley’s Itinerarium
Curiosum, the buildings appear to have been extensive.
South of the ruin of the Abbey is the Chapel, a very curious building,
which according to tradition was built previous to the monastery. It is
of early English architecture, having lancet windows at the sides and
east end, and an ox-eye window over the entrance at the west end. The
roof is beautifully groined, the ribs springing from corbel tables; and
against the south wall on the inside, is a rude figure in stone of a
knight templar, with the front part of his helmet in the shape of a
cross. For many years the roof of this building was covered with thatch,
but in 1790 it was removed and a covering of tiles substituted. At that
time also the bell, which had previously hung in a tree, was placed over
the west end of the building.
[Picture: Kirkstead Chapel]
This chapel is a donative of exempt jurisdiction, but appears to have had
no stipend for the officiating minister until it came into the possession
of Mr. Daniel Disney, who being a presbyterian, appointed a minister of
that persuasion to perform service there, with a salary of £30. per
annum. {82} In order that the tenets which he professed might not want
support in his parish, in 1720 he settled certain lands upon five
trustees, the profits of which were to be applied to the maintenance of a
presbyterian minister at this place. This gift he afterwards confirmed
by his will in 1732, and in addition, bequeathed to the trustees the use
of the chapel and chapel ground for the same purpose. On the death or
alienation of the minister, the trustees were to present the names of two
to the lord of the manor, who was to appoint one of them, and on his
neglect or refusal, the trustees themselves were to make the appointment.
Ministers continued to be nominated by the prescribed form until the
death of Mr. Dunkley, who had for many years received the bequeathed
stipend, and whose demise took place in 1794. On that occasion the
present owner of the manor took possession of the estates which had been
conveyed to the trustees, and appointed to the chapel a minister of the
Church of England, paying him £30. per annum. The trustees recovered
possession of the estates, by an action of ejectment, tried at Lincoln
summer assizes, 1812; but not of the chapel. A new chapel was erected
and the presbyterian form of worship re-established here in 1822.
This village gave birth to the celebrated monk Hugh de Kirkstead, who is
styled by Fuller “a Benedictine Cistertian Bernardine Monk, or, as it may
be termed a treble refined Christian.” He, and Serlo, one of his own
order, joined in composing a chronicle of the Cistertians from their
first arrival in England in 1131, to their own time, about 1210.
In the fourteenth volume of the “Archeologia of the Society of
Antiquaries” is an engraving of an ancient iron candlestick of a very
singular construction, six of which were found in cleaning the bed of the
river Witham near this place.
This village contained, according to the returns of 1821, 24 houses and
132 inhabitants.
TATTERSHALL.
SITUATION.
TATTERSHALL or Tateshall is a small market town in the wapentake of
Gartree. It is situated on the banks of the river Bane, near its
junction with the river Witham, and is distant nine miles south west from
Horncastle. It is a place of considerable antiquity, having been a Roman
military station; traces of two encampments of that warlike people being
still visible, at a short distance from the town, in a place called
Tattershall park. Several Roman coins have also been found in different
parts of the parish.
THE MANOR.
Shortly after the conquest, the lordship of Tattershall, together with
the hamlet of Tattershall Thorpe, and several other estates, was given by
King William to Eudo and Pinço, two Norman nobles, who had attended him
into England, but who, though sworn brothers in war, were not otherwise
related. On the division of the estates between these chieftains, this
manor became the property of Eudo, who fixed his residence here. Upon
his death his estates descended to his son, Hugh Fitz Eudo, who, in the
year 1139, founded an abbey for Cistertian monks at the neighbouring
village of Kirkstead.
Hugh was succeeded by his son Robert, who left issue a son named Philip.
Philip, after serving the office of sheriff of Berkshire in the seventh
year of the reign of Richard the second, and also of Lincolnshire in the
eighth, ninth, and tenth years of the same king, was succeeded by his son
Robert, the second of that name, who, in the year 1201, procured from
King John, by means of a present of a well-trained goshawk, a grant to
hold a weekly market on Thursday, on this manor. Robert was followed by
his son of the same name, who about the year 1230, obtained from Henry
the third a licence to build a castle at this place, together with a
grant of free warren in all his demesne lands. The male line of Eudo was
continued in regular descent, by Robert the fourth, fifth, sixth, and
seventh; upon the death of the latter of whom in his minority, it became
extinct, and the inheritance was divided between his three sisters.
Tattershall became the portion of Joan, one of the co-heiresses, who
married Sir Robert Driby, and who had issue by him a daughter and heiress
Alice, afterwards married to Sir William Bernack. John, the son of this
latter marriage, was succeeded by William, who died a minor, and left his
sister Maud his heiress.
The Fitz Eudos, from the place, assumed the cognomen of Tateshall, and by
that title had summons to parliament among the great barons of the realm.
Maud, the heiress of the Bernack family, married Sir Ralph, afterwards
Lord Cromwell, who, in her right, became lord of this manor; and upon his
death, which happened on the twenty-seventh day of August, in the year
1398, left his son Ralph his heir, who died in 1416, and was succeeded by
a son of the same name. In the year 1433, this latter Ralph was by Henry
the sixth appointed Treasurer of the Exchequer. He died without issue on
the fourth of January, 1455; whereby his two nieces, the daughters of his
sister, the wife of Sir Richard Stanhope, became his co-heiresses.
It does not appear into whose hands the Tattershall estate fell after the
death of the Lord Treasurer Cromwell, until the year 1487, when Henry the
seventh granted the manor to his mother, Margaret Countess of Richmond,
and in the following year entailed it on the Duke of Richmond. The Duke
dying without issue, Henry the eighth in 1520, granted it to Charles Duke
of Suffolk, by letters patent, which were confirmed by Edward the sixth,
in the year 1547.
On the death of the two infant sons of the Duke of Suffolk, who survived
their father only a short time, this manor again came into the possession
of the king, as one of the heirs general of the family. By letters
patent, dated the fifth of September, 1551, Edward the sixth granted the
castle with the manor, in fee, to Edward Lord Clinton and Saye,
afterwards Earl of Lincoln. The Earl dying in 1584, was succeeded by his
son Henry, who died in 1616, leaving issue a son and heir Thomas, who
survived his father only two years, and was followed by his son
Theophilus, who died in 1667. The next possessor was Edward, who was the
grandson of Theophilus, and who died at Tattershall in 1692; in him
terminated the male line of the Clinton family. Upon his death, without
issue, the Tattershall estate became the property of his cousin Bridget,
who married Hugh Fortescue, Esquire, by whom she had a son and heir Hugh,
created in 1746, Baron Fortescue, and Earl Clinton. Upon his death in
1751, his half brother Matthew succeeded him, but dying in 1785, the
Tattershall estate descended to his eldest son, Earl Fortescue, the
present possessor.
Besides the liberties of the parks, chases and free warrens, belonging to
the castle and manor of Tattershall, it also appears in the several
grants of Henry the third, Henry the fourth, Henry the seventh, Henry the
eighth, and in the grant of the liberties of Richmond fee, whereof the
castle and manor of Tattershall is a part, that to the said castle and
manor also belong the liberties of stallage, tolls of markets and fairs,
together with the privilege for all tenants and inhabitants of
Tattershall to be discharged of any tolls in fairs and markets abroad;
also the sole liberties of fishing, fowling, hawking, and hunting, in all
the said manor, chases and the precincts of them; also suits of courts
baron, waifs, estrays, treasure trove, goods and chattels of felons,
fugitives, men outlawed, and felones de se, deodands, bondmen, villains,
with their sequels; and also that neither the sheriff of the county, nor
his bailiff shall arrest within the said manor, and that no distress
taken therein shall be delivered, nor replevins granted by the sheriff,
but only by the steward of the lord of the said manor.
THE CASTLE.
About two hundred and fifty yards south-west of the town stands the
remains of the castle, a stately edifice, erected by the Lord Treasurer
Cromwell, about the year 1440.
William of Worcester states, that the Lord Treasurer expended in building
the principal and other towers of this castle above four thousand marks;
his household there consisted of one hundred persons, and his suite, when
he rode to London, commonly of one hundred and twenty horsemen; and his
annual expenditure was about £5000. {86}
This castle was originally intended as a place of defence, and was
surrounded by two fosses, the inner one faced with brick, great part of
which is now remaining. Formerly it was of great extent, but was
dilapidated in the civil wars between the unfortunate Charles the first
and his parliament: for the damages thereby sustained, Theophilus, fourth
Earl of Lincoln, petitioned parliament in the year 1649.
The part now remaining, is a rectangular brick tower of exquisite
workmanship, about one hundred feet in height, divided into four stories,
and flanked by four octagonal turrets; and is raised on ponderous arches,
forming spacious vaults, which extend through the angles of the building,
into the bases of the turrets. {87} Under the crown of these vaults was
a deep well, which is now filled up.
[Picture: South-West View of Tattershall Castle, with a Ground Plan]
The walls are of great thickness, particularly that on the east side, in
which are several galleries and narrow rooms, arched in a curious manner,
through which communications were obtained with the principal apartments
in the several stories, from the great stairs in the south-east turret.
The east wall also contains the chimnies.
The windows are of the pointed order, well-proportioned, and contain
tracery; those on the south, west, and north sides are large, and from
them the principal apartments received light; those on the east are
smaller, being designed to give light only to the rooms and galleries in
that wall.
The main walls were carried to the top of the fourth story, where the
tower was covered by a grand platform, or flat roof, which, together with
the several floors, is entirely destroyed. Surrounding this part of the
tower are very deep machicolations, upon which, and part of the main
walls, is a parapet of great thickness, with arches, intended to protect
the persons employed over the machicolations. Upon these arches is a
second platform, enclosed with a parapet and embrasures; above which the
embattled turrets rise to a considerable height; three of them
terminating in cones covered with lead. The cone on the fourth turret is
demolished.
On the ground floor is an elegantly carved stone chimney piece,
embattled, and ornamented alternately with arms, and treasury purses with
the motto “nay je droit.”
_First Row_.
1. Ten roundels.
3. A lion rampant. FITZ ALAYN, or BELLERS.
5. Vairè a fesse. MARMION.
6. Ermine a fesse. BERNACK.
8. A bend and chief, CROMWELL, quartering a cheque and chief,
TATESHALL, impaling a fesse dauncette between ten billets, DEINCOURT.
10. CROMWELL and TATESHALL quarterly.
_Second Row_.
2. Bendy of ten. CLIFTON.
4. DEINCOURT.
5. Three cinquefoils. a dexter canton. DRIBY.
7. Barry of six, a bend, GREY of ROTHERFIELD.
In the point of the surbase arch of this chimney piece is the coat of
CROMWELL.
Over this is another embattled chimney piece adorned with the following
arms and devices, in circles:
1. Treasury purse and motto.
2. TATESHALL.
3. Saint Michael and the dragon.
4. Quarterly, CROMWELL and TATESHALL, impaling DEINCOURT.
5. CROMWELL quartering TATESHALL; crest, a helmet; supporters two wild
men.
6. Under an arch, a man tearing a lion.
7. A lion rampant.
8. Treasury purse and motto.
Above, between these circles, are seven small shields, with these arms:
DEINCOURT, DRIBY, CROMWELL, one broken, CROMWELL, TATESHALL, and
DEINCOURT; and below seven purses.
The two upper stories also contain ornamented chimney pieces, but they
are inferior to those described.
From the top of the castle is a very extensive view of the surrounding
country.
[Picture: Chimney Pieces in Tattershall Castle]
Between the castle and the church stands an ancient brick building,
which, from the stile of architecture, appears to be coeval with the
castle, and is now inhabited. On the west of the castle is another
remain, apparently of the same date. Each of these buildings is situated
between the outer and inner fosse.
The principal entrance to the castle, with its portcullis and towers, was
standing at the north-east corner of the enclosure, when Buck made his
drawing in 1726.
THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH.
In the seventeenth year of the reign of Henry the sixth, a licence was
obtained from that monarch, directed to Ralph Cromwell, Knight, Henry,
Bishop of Winchester, Cardinal of England, William Alnewick, Bishop of
Lincoln, John Scroope, Knight, Walter Hungerford, Knight, Walter Talbois,
Esquire, and William Paston, patrons of the parish church of Tattershall,
in the county of Lincoln, empowering them to convert the said church into
a collegiate church or college, in honour of the Holy Trinity, the
blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Peter the Apostle, Saint John the Baptist, and
Saint John the Evangelist. The establishment was to consist of seven
chaplains, one of whom to be custos or master, six secular clerks, and
six choristers. The licence further authorized them to erect a perpetual
alms-house on their own ground, being parcel of the castle and manor of
Tattershall, next to the church-yard, containing ten acres, for thirteen
poor persons of both sexes; with mansion houses and buildings for the
said master, chaplains, clerks, choristers, and their servants; with
cloisters, enclosures, gardens, orchards, and all other conveniences; and
to assign the same to the said master and chaplains; who were to be a
body corporate, and have a common seal for the execution of all business,
with power to sue and be sued, and to purchase, receive and hold lands,
tenements, and other revenues, ecclesiastical or secular, to the value of
£200. per annum, over and above the advowson and yearly value of the said
church of Tattershall, and the houses and ten acres of land aforesaid,
without fine or fee to the king or his heirs.
The Lord Treasurer, in pursuance of this licence, began to convert the
parish church into a college; but it appears that he died before it was
finished, as, by his will, dated a short time previous to his decease, he
bequeathed his body to be buried in the collegiate church of Tattershall,
until the whole fabrick should be re-built, and then to be removed into
the midst of the choir.
The church was afterwards finished nearly as it remains at this time; and
mansion houses and other necessary buildings were erected for the use of
the foundation, as well as the alms houses mentioned in the licence.
Among the inscriptions in the MS. of Lincolnshire Church Notes, taken by
Mr. Gervase Holles, are the names of several persons who belonged to this
establishment.
This college received several benefactions, and its possessions
progressively increased to a considerable magnitude. In the thirty-sixth
year of Henry the eighth, the whole was granted to Charles, Duke of
Suffolk, who at that time was possessor of the castle and manor.
The church stands about eighty yards east of the castle, near the outer
fosse, and is a beautiful and spacious stone structure in the form of a
cross, consisting of a square tower, a nave with five arches on a side,
and eight clere-story windows placed in pairs, a transept, and a choir.
On the north side is a porch, on which are sculptured the arms of William
of Wainflete, Bishop of Winchester; formerly there were two porches on
the south side also bearing the arms of the same bishop; but these have
been some time since removed. Over the great eastern window is a richly
ornamented niche, in which a statue once stood: the wall above the
western door is likewise ornamented with thirteen blank shields. The
cloisters, which were on the south side of the chancel, are entirely
demolished.
In the south wall of the choir are three stone stalls and a piscina, with
a cornice charged with various animals; on each side of the transept is
also a piscina. There is a handsome rood-loft between the nave and
choir, now used as a singing gallery.
The windows of the choir were once enriched with beautiful stained glass,
which was removed in the year 1754, by the Earl of Exeter, on condition
that it should be replaced with plain glass: but this being neglected to
be done, the choir remained about fifty years with un-glazed windows; and
being thus exposed to the weather, the elegantly carved oak stalls, the
rich screens, and other ornamental work, fell entirely to decay. {90}
The choir has, within these few years, been repaired by the present Earl
Fortescue, and fitted up in a plain but neat manner.
The windows of the nave and transept were also enriched with stained
glass containing the legendary histories of St. Guthlake, St. Catherine,
and other saints, a few fine fragments of which are preserved in two of
the transept windows.
[Picture: Tattershall Church and Castle, from the South-East]
On the floor before the communion table is a stone which once contained a
rich brass figure of the Lord Treasurer Cromwell, habited in full plated
armour and a flowing mantle and cordon, the gauntlets reaching to the
middle joint of the fingers, a long sword across him from the middle of
the belt, and at his feet two wild men with clubs his supporters; by his
side the figure of Margaret his wife; and over them a canopy charged with
saints, and under them the following inscription in black letter:
“Hic jacet nobilis Baro Radulphus Cromwell Miles D’ns Cromwell quo’dm
Thesaurarius Anglie et fundator hujus Collegii cum inclita consorte
sua Margareta una herede d’ni Dayncourt qui quid’m Radulphus obiit
quarto die mens Januarij Anno d’ni Mill’o cccclv. Et p’dicta
Margareta obiit xv die Septe’br Anno d’ni mill’io ccccliij Quor’
A’iab’ pp’ietur Deus Amen.”
The whole of these figures, the canopy, and the arms are gone, and only
half the inscription is now remaining.
On the north side of the Lord Treasurer, is the figure in brass of Joan
Lady Cromwell, {91a} under a canopy adorned with saints, and under her
this inscription in black letter:
“Orate p’ a’ia Johanne d’ne Cromwell que obijt decimo die martij Anno
d’ni mill’mo cccclxxix cuj’ a’ie p’piciet’ Deus Amen.”
On the other side of the Lord Treasurer is the figure in brass of Matilda
Lady Willoughby, {91b} under a canopy charged with saints, and at her
feet the following inscription in black letter:
“Hic jacet d’na Matilda nuper d’ni Willughby quondam uxor Roberti
d’ni de Willughby militis ac consanguinea et heres illustris d’ni
Radulphi nup’ dn’i Crumwell militis fundatoris hujus collegii ac
specialis benefactrix ejusdem collegij que obijt xxxo die aug’ Anno
Domini Mill’imo cccclxxxxvij cujus anime p’picietur om’p’ns deus
Amen.”
The corner shields from this stone, and also those from that of Joan Lady
Cromwell are gone. The canopies have sustained but little injury.
In the middle of the floor of the choir is the figure in brass of a
priest, under which is the following inscription, in black letter, to the
memory of William Moor, the second provost of this college:
“Vir virtute vivens Will’us vulgo vocatus
Hujus Collegii de Tateshale secundus
Hic Eboracensis fuit eccl’ie cathedralis
Sacre Scripture baccalaurius arte p’batus
Octobris dena mensis cu’ luce novena
Mil’ d’ni C quater 1 sexto continuat’
Moor micuit more mitis bene morigerat’
Prudens p’positus et egenis semp’ habundus
Canonicus Rector et de ledenham specialis
Jam sub tellure fit vermibus esca paratus
Mente pia morit’ cujus corpus sepelitur
S’pus in celis ejus sine fine locator.”
A brass figure of a priest, about five feet long, with the figure of the
deity on his breast, and several saints down his robe, is now loose in
the choir. Mr. Gough, in his “Sepulchral Monuments,” describes this as
the figure of William Moor, and attached to the above inscription. {92a}
On the floor between the nave and the choir is a brass figure much worn,
under which, though scarcely legible, is this inscription in black
letter:
“Hic jacet Hugo . . . quondam . . . d’ni Rad’i de Cromwell Militis
d’ni de Tateshale qui obiit ultimo die Septe’bris A’o d’ni mill’mo
ccccxi cuj’ a’ie p’piciet deus Amen.” {92b}
In various parts of the floor of this church are traces of brass figures,
which are now gone, one, in particular, against the door in the north
aisle appears to have been exceedingly rich.
The south side of the transept is now partitioned off, and used as a
school, in which the children are instructed on the plan of Dr. Bell.
The living is a donative, extra judicial, in the presentation of the lord
of the manor. It was once held by the Reverend Obadiah How, D.D. a man
of considerable learning, and the author of several theological
treatises; he died in 1685, and was buried in the church of Boston, of
which he was vicar. It was afterwards held for more than forty years by
the Reverend Michael Taylor, who died in 1730, and was buried in the
midst of the nave of this church.
The college, which was situated on the north side of the church, is
entirely gone. The alm-houses still remain with a small endowment.
An old building in the town, supposed to have been the parish chapel, now
forms part of a malting office.
THE TOWN.
The parish of Tattershall contains about 1555 acres of land, and the
hamlet of Tattershall Thorpe about 2589 acres, the principal part of
which is the property of the lord of the manor.
The town has derived considerable benefit from the navigable canal, which
passes through it from the river Witham to the town of Horncastle. A
fine bridge of three arches having been thrown over the Witham, in the
place of the ferry, with a turnpike road to Sleaford, has also
contributed to the improvement of the place.
From a manuscript account of the diocese of Lincoln, taken in the year
1588, it appears that at that period Tattershall contained 236 families,
and the hamlet of Tattershall Thorpe 68. By the returns made in the year
1821, it appears that the number of houses in Tattershall was 120, and of
inhabitants 627: Tattershall Thorpe, at the same time, contained 39
houses, and 269 inhabitants.
There are two fairs holden annually at this place; one on the fifteenth
of May, the other on the twenty-fifth of September. The market is now
held on Friday weekly.
In the market place stands an octagonal column or shaft, which was once
surmounted by a cross. The cross has however long since been removed and
an urn substituted in its place. On three of the shields with which this
column is ornamented these arms are sculptured, viz. CROMWELL, CROMWELL
and TATESHALL quarterly, and CROMWELL and TATESHALL impaling DEINCOURT.
The arms on the fourth shield are obliterated.
TOWER ON THE MOOR.
ON an extensive moor, about four miles north of Tattershall, and about
six miles south west of Horncastle, stands the remain of a brick
building, called from its situation the _Tower on the Moor_. It was
built by the Lord Treasurer Cromwell, and is supposed to have been an
appendage to the castle at Tattershall, from which place it is plainly
visible, by reason of the flatness of the intervening country. {96}
[Picture: Tower on the Moor]
Of this tower only an octangular turret remains, to which fragments of
the walls adhere; it is about sixty feet in height, and contains winding
stairs of brick, now in a very ruinous condition. Traces of the fosse,
by which it was surrounded, are still visible.
GEOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY
OF THE
SOKE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD OF HORNCASTLE.
GEOLOGY.
ALTHOUGH the Soke of Horncastle does not possess much variety in its
geological structure, yet a considerable diversity is to be found in the
formation of the adjacent elevated country, called the wolds. On the
annexed map the denudations of the various strata in this district are
traced out, and distinguished by different colours: the order of
stratification is also exemplified by a section, of imaginary elevation,
but on the same scale as the map with respect to horizontal distance.
The section too shows a greater extent than the map to the east, where,
on account of the dip of the strata towards that quarter, it is necessary
to commence the description; although in point of distance it cannot be
properly considered within the prescribed limits of this work.
[Picture: Geological Map]
The tract of marsh land between the sea and the wolds, (No. 1.) consists
principally of unstratified clay, with admixtures of sand, and various
marine depositions. These circumstances, together with the old sea
banks, evidence that this mass of earth has been left by the gradual
receding of the ocean.
On the west of these marshes is the rough elevated denudation of chalk,
(No. 2.) which forms the highest stratum of the wolds, and gently dips
underneath the marshes; for in boring in them for water the chalk is
always found. The chalk is of two colours, white and red, each lying in
regular strata, which alternate frequently, the red bearing but a small
proportion to the white. In the white, compact seams of flint, of a
light grey color, from two to six inches thick, are often met with. In
the chalk several extraneous fossils are found.
The stratum immediately below the chalk, (No. 3.) is a coarse, brown,
pebbly sand, consisting of quartz and oxyd of iron, varying in thickness
from six to ten yards, and of uncertain appearance at its denudation.
While the different strata in these parts were exposed to the action of
the water, the sand would naturally be more affected by that element than
the superincumbent stratum of chalk; and the latter being thus left
projecting, would from the decomposing effects of the atmosphere, crumble
down, and form those various declivities which now present themselves to
view.
Beneath the sand is a bed, about fourteen yards in thickness, (No. 4.)
containing equal proportions of oolite limestone and calcareous clay of a
light grey colour. In some parts the stone is divided by the clay into
regular strata, whilst in others it occurs in large detached pieces
imbedded in the clay. Fossil shells, and lumps of pyrites, or sulphuret
of iron, are frequently met with in the stone.
The next stratum (No. 5.) consists of grains of quartz, for the most part
agglutinated into sandstone of different degrees of induration, and
varying in colour from a light grey to a dark brown, whilst in some parts
loose sand predominates. In the grey variety of this stone, marine
shells of different kinds, are found in great abundance: in the brown
they occur very seldom, and not at all in the sand. This stratum is
considerably thicker than the two incumbent ones.
Beneath this is the shale, {98} (No. 6.) which generally makes its
appearance in vallies; but it no where exhibits a denudated termination.
On sinking a shaft in the parish of Woodhall, about six miles south-west
of Horncastle, it was found to be one hundred and fifty yards in
thickness. A great variety of organic remains are also found in this
stratum.
Under the shale is a stratum of forest marble, which denudates about
sixteen miles westward of Horncastle.
The last division to be considered is an alluvial collection of earth,
almost entirely consisting of the spoils of the neighbouring strata in a
state of decomposition, wherein however detached pieces of the different
strata are to be found unaltered. From this it appears that when these
parts were deluged by the water, the current set in from east to west.
As the chalk and the shale would present the largest surfaces to the
erosion of the water, they would be more extensively acted upon than the
other strata: hence the greatest part of the alluvial deposition consists
of white marle and blue; the former (No. 7.) being of the least specific
gravity, has covered the hills, while the latter with sand and gravel
(No. 8.) occupies the lower parts.
NATURAL HISTORY.
In the department of Natural History, this district possesses but little
which is deserving of particular notice.
Of BIRDS there are none which can now be considered peculiar to this
part, the drainage of the fen lands having entirely banished the great
variety of aquatic birds which used, previous to that event, to be found
here.
The PLANTS, indigenous to this district, are very numerous. From a list
of several hundreds which are to be found in the neighbourhood, the
following interesting ones are selected.
_Botanical Names_. _English Names_. _Where found_.
Arabis thaliana Codded mouse-ear Horncastle
Asplenium adiantum Black maiden-hair Tattershall
nigrum
Asplenium ruta Wall-rue Somersby Church
muraria
Atropa belladonna Deadly nightshade Miningsby
Borago officinalis Borage West Ashby
Butomus umbellatus Flowering rush Horncastle, Thornton
Carduus marianus Milk thistle Stovin Wood,
Kirkstead
Chlora perfoliata Yellow centaury Edlington
Chironia pulchella Small chironia Horncastle
Cistus helianthemum Little sunflower Scrivelsby
Comarum palustre Purple West Ashby furze-hill
marsh-cinquefoil
Convallaria majalis May-lily (double Highall Wood
fl. pl. flower)
Daphne laureola Spurge laurel Poolham
Digitalis purpurea Purple fox-glove Holbeck, Salmonby,
Drosera longifolia Long leaved sun-dew Tattershall
Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved sun-dew Tattershall
Empetrum nigrum Blackberried heath Moor
Erica cinerea Fine-leaved heath Ditto
Erica tetralix Cross-leaved heath Ditto
Galeobdolon luteum Yellow nettle Tetford Wood
Gentiana amarella Autumnal gentian Greetham, Hemingby
Gentiana pneumonanthe Calathian violet Tattershall-park,
Moor
Malaxis paludosa Marsh tway-blade Moor
Nuphar lutea Yellow water-lily West Ashby
Nymphæa alba White water-lily Ditto
Ophrys apifera Bee orchis Mareham-le-fen
Orchis conopsea Aromatic orchis Thimbleby, Edlington
Orobus tuberosus Wood peas Daw Wood
Oxalis acetosella Wood sorrel Tetford Wood
Paris quadrifolia Herb Paris Ditto
Parnassia palustris Grass of Parnassus Horncastle
Pinguicula vulgaris Butterwort Ditto
Polygonum bistorta Greater bistort Horncastle
Sanicula Europea Sanicle Stovin & Tetford
Woods
Saponaria officinalis Soapwort Baumber, Horncastle
Spirea filipendula Dropwort Bridle road to
Hemingby
Turritis hirsuta Hairy tower mustard High Tointon
Vaccinium oxycoccus Cranberry plant Moor
MINERALS occur rarely in this part, and in very small quantities. Lumps
of sulphuret of iron in the oolite stratum; earthy oxide of iron and a
singular blue pulverulent mineral, which is a carbonate of iron
containing some earthy impurities, in a valley at Salmonby; and a
stalactitic oxide of iron in the ferruginous gravel; comprise all the
varieties which have yet been found.
Although ORGANIC REMAINS are to be found in some parts of this district
in considerable quantities, yet they do not include many varieties. The
following list of those now in the possession of the author, comprises
one of almost every species which has yet been found.
_From the Chalk Stratum_. No 2.
Teeth of the Squalus or Shark.
An Impression of a Vertebræ.
A Terebratula subundata.
A Terebratula subrotunda.
A cast within some bivalve Venus.
A cast within a Terebratula semigloboso. _Sowerby’s Mineral
Conchology_, 15.
An Inoceramus Cuvierii.
An Echinus.
_From the Oolite Stratum_. No. 4.
An Ostrea, curious and not named.
A bivalve, not named.
A piece composed of the Serpula auricula.
_From the Sand Stone Stratum_. No. 5.
Ad Ammonites, curious and not named. It is without a keel; else like
Ammonites inflatus.
A Cardita. _Sowerby’s Mineral Conchology_, 197.
An Inoceramus.
An Unio.
A Terebratula approaching glaber.
A Terebratula approaching acerminatus.
A Lucina concentrica.
A cast within a bivalve, not named.
A cast within a Trochus.
A cast within a Trigonia.
A cast within a Venus.
A cast within a Pecten.
A cast within a Cardium.
Several Bellemnitæ.
_From the Shale or Clunch Clay_. No. 6.
An Os Femoris of the Ichthyosaurus or Giant Lizard.
Several Vertebræ of the same animal.
An Ammonites, not named.
A Venus equales. _Sowerby’s Mineral Conchology_, 21.
A Cardita.
An Ostrea crista galli. _Linnæus_.
An Ostrea under valve, with a cast of the inside of the upper valve.
A Gryphæa bullata
A Gryphites incurva. _Sowerby’s Mineral Conchology_, 112, 1 _and_ 2.
An Ammonites seratus. _Sowerby’s Mineral Conchology_, 24.
An Inoceramus Cuvierii hinge.
An Unio hybrida. _Sowerby’s Mineral Conchology_, 154, _fig._ 2.
Several Unios.
A piece composed entirely of shells, the chief part of which are the
Serpula auricula. It also contains an inside cast of a small turretted
shell.
A Tellina.
A Pentacrinite.
A Mytilus.
Several Bellemnitæ.
_From the beds of Ferruginous Gravel in Alluvium of Shale_. No. 3.
A Tooth of the Elephant or Mastodon.
An Inoceramus Cuvierii.
An Ostrea, with a cast of the upper valve.
A cast of an Unio indistinct.
A chama.
A cast of Shell, not named.
An Echinus.
Several bellemnitæ.
A Madrepore.
An Alcyonium.
An Astarte.
A part of a Spongites.
An impression of a Cactus, or an Euphorbia, or some other Oriental
plant. _Sowerby’s Mineral Conchology_, 40.
A piece of Wood similar to the Fossil Wood of Wooburn, Bedfordshire.
In the valley at Salmonby, near to the spot where the earthy oxide of
iron is found, is a chalybeate spring, the water of which is of the same
nature as that of Tunbridge, but much stronger.
* * * * *
* * * * *
Printed by Weir and Son,
Horncastle.
FOOTNOTES.
{4a} Taciti Breviarum Vitæ Cn. Julii Agricola. sec. xx et xxi.
{4b} Stukeley’s Itinerarium Curiosum, p. 28.
{5a} The Roman road from Lincoln to Horncastle did not vary materially
from the present road between these places. Another Roman way branched
from this road at the distance of about four miles from Horncastle,
leading nearly in a straight line to Caistor, and from thence to the
Humber: it bears the name of the _High Street_, and several tumuli are to
be seen on its sides.
{5b} Leland’s Collectanea, tom 1, part 2, p. 509.
{6a} Domesday, folio 339.
{6b} Adelias de Cundi, was the daughter and heiress of William de
Cheney, Lord of Cavenby and Glentham in the county of Lincoln, at the
time of the conquest. By her husband Roger de Cundi, whom she survived,
she had a daughter and heiress Agnes, afterwards married to Walter, son
of Walter de Clifford, of Clifford Castle, in the county of Hereford.
Dugdale vol. ii. p. 336. Monast. Ang. vol. ii p. 646 a n. 50.
{6c} Dugdale’s Baronage, p. 39.
{6d} Hund. Rot. 19. Horne. Wap.
{7a} On the eastern boundary of the parish is a place called _Hangman’s
Corner_, where those convicted of capital offences in the court of the
manor were executed.
{7b} Cart. Rot. 14 et 15. H.S.
{7c} Hund. Rot. ut antea.
{7d} Mag. Rot. 17. H.S.
{8a} Cart. Rot 18. Ed. 1. m. 39 12. Ed. 2 no. 17.
{8b} Pat. 14 Ric. 2. pars. 1 m. 3.
{8c} Cart. Rot. 25 H.S.
{8d} Parliamentary Survey, made in the years 1647 and 1648.
{8e} Robert Aldrich was born at Burnham in Buckinghamshire, educated at
Eton, and elected a scholar of King’s college, Cambridge, in 1507, where
he took the degree of M.A. afterwards became proctor of the university,
schoolmaster of Eton; fellow of the college, and at length provost. In
1523 he was one of those who were sent out by the university of Cambridge
to preach in different parts of the nation, as the judges now go their
circuits. In 1529 he retired to Oxford, where he was incorporated B.D.
About the same time he was made archdeacon of Colchester. In 1534 he was
installed canon of Windsor, and the same year he was appointed register
of the most noble order of the garter. July 18, 1537, he was consecrated
bishop of Carlisle. He was a correspondent of Erasmus, who termed him
when young, “blandæ eloquentiæ juvenis,” and appears to have associated
with him during his residence at Cambridge. Leland was his familiar
acquaintance, and gives him a high character for parts and learning. He
was the author of a volume of epigrams, and several theological
treatises.
{9a} Cart. Rot. 16 Car. 2.
{9b} Memoirs of Sir Edward Fynes Clinton, Annual Register 1772,
Characters, p. 2.
{9c} Fenman’s Vade Mecum, Harleian MS. No. 4127.
{11a} Clarendon, Rapin, and Hume.
{11b} Ludlow’s Memoirs.
{12} Vicar’s Parliamentary Chronicle.
{15a} Vicars’s Parliamentary Chronicle.
{15b} Ibid.
{16a} Intercepted letter from Sir William Widdrington. Rushworth’s
Collections, 8vo. edit. vol. v. 78.
{16b} Ibid.
{17a} Vicars’s Parliamentary Chronicle.
{17b} Ibid.
{18} Some say this was a Captain Portington, who afterwards told
Cromwell that he aimed at his nose, when he hit his horse on the head.
Life of Cromwell. See also Ludlow, Vicars, and Hume.
{19a} The road adjoining to Winceby field bears the name of _Slash
Lane_, where it is traditionally related great numbers of the royal army
were slaughtered, owing to their retreat being obstructed by a closed
gate.
{19b} Vicars’s Parliamentary Chronicle.
{19c} Ibid.
{20a} Vicars’s Parliamentary Chronicle.
{20b} This anecdote the author has repeatedly heard from several of the
old inhabitants of the town.
{20c} October 11, 1643.
{21} It is said accompanied by Sir William Widdrington. Rapin.
{22} Dr. Stukely has incorrectly described this fortress as a complete
parallelogram: Gough, too has erroneously stated it to have enclosed
twenty acres.
{23} The Roman youth were first instructed in the game of Troy Town by
Ascanius, called also Julus, the son of Æneas, and from him the maze in
which it was performed took the name of Julian Bower. A very animated
description of this game is given by Virgil in the fifth book of his
Æneid. See also Stukeley’s Itinerarium Curiosum, p, 91.
{26a} “Ecclesia de Horne Caster, & de Askeby, & de superiore Toynton, &
de Mering, & de Hinderby sunt de donac’oe d’ni Regis, & Osbertus Persona
tenet eas de dono Regis Ricardi.” Testa de Nevill.
{26b} See the note in page 28.
{27a} This shield is merely painted in a cavity where a brass has been
fixed.
{27b} In the Harleian collection of manuscripts, in the British Museum,
is a volume of Lincolnshire Church Notes, taken about the year 1640, by
Mr. Gervase Holles, a native of Great Grimsby, and a representative of
that place in several parliaments. Beside noticing the above monument
and epitaph, it contains the following account of arms and inscriptions
at that time in this church, not a vestige of which is now remaining.
_In Fenestra Insulæ borealis_.
Orate pro a’ia Thomæ Coppuldike Armig & D’næ Margaretæ Consortis suæ
fundatoris Gildæ Cantar . . . Fenestram fieri fecit Ano Dni. 1526.
_In superiori Fenestra boreali Cancelli_.
G. a Lyon passant guardant Arg.
Sa. 3 Flowres de lize betw: 6 Crosses botony fitchy
Arg.
G. a Crosse sarcely Arg. Beke.
_In Fenestra Orientali Insulæ Australis_.
Orate pro benefactoribus artis sutorum, qui istam Fenestram fieri
fecerunt sc’æ Nenianæ cum sera et catena. Item sc’i Crispinus &
Crispinianus cum instruments Calcearis.
_Fenestræ borealis superius_.
Empaled. Sa. 2 lyons passant arg. crowned or Dymoke.
Empaled. Or a lyon ramp. double queue sa. Welles.
Empaled. Quarterly. Arg. a chevron betw. 3 bulles Tourney.
passant sa.
Empaled. Quarterly. B. a fesse betw. 3 goates heads
erased arg.
Empaled. Quarterly. Argent a chevron gobony sa.
Empaled. Quarterly. Arg. on a bend G. 3 roses arg.
Quarterly. Arg. a chevron betw 3 griphons heades Tilney.
erased G.
Quarterly. Arg 3 bars G. over all a bend engrayled Ros.
sa
Quarterly. Quarterly or and G. a border sa. bezanty Rochford.
Quarterly. Arg. 2 crosses botony fitchy B. semy of
flowres de lize
Quarterly Ermine and chequy or and G. Gipthorpe.
Arg. a chevron betw. 3. roses G.
Taylboys, &c.
_Fenestra Australis superior_.
G. a fesse betw. 3 waterbougets ermine Meres.
Empaled. Marchant’s Marke
Empaled. Arg on a bend G 3 ferniers of the first
Hic jacet Francisca filia primogenita Petri Frescheville de Staveley
in Com. Derb. Arm. [ex priore uxore sua Elizabetha filia Gervasii
Clifton de Clifton in Com. Nott. Militis] et quondam Uxor Gervasii
Holles de Burgh in Com. Linc. Militis, cui peperit Freschevillum
Holles, & Margaretum gemellos, & Franciscum Holles filium juniorem.
Obijt Horncastell.
Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 241.
{29} It is observable that Cromwell is here stiled the arch-rebel,
although at the time mentioned he was only a colonel, and by no means an
illustrious individual in the war. The date given to the battle is
wrong, it having been fought on the 11th of October; and the signal
defeat of the royalists is diminished in its importance, by stiling the
conflict a skirmish.
{35} The same Act also empowered the commissioners of the river Witham,
in conjunction with the Horncastle and Sleaford Navigation Companies, to
complete the navigable communication between the Witham and the Fosdike
canal through the High Bridge at Lincoln.
{37} “Horne Castelle, as far as I can lerne, is now most builded withyn
the Circuite of an old waullid Toune, or sum hughe Castel, as apperith
from divers Ruines of a Waulle. It hath one fair Paroche Chirch.
Alluitur Bano et Verino qui paulo infra op Banum. Dr. Thybleby of the
Queen’s College hath Landes aboute the olde Walles of Horn Castelle.
Warig risith of divers springis aliquot passuum millibus ab oppido. Pons
ibidem super Verinum flu. The market is very good and quick occupiers in
the town.” Leland’s Itinerary, vol. 7. p. 51.
{41} Domesday, folio 339.
{42a} Mr. Holles, in the Church Notes before quoted, mentions the
following inscription at this place, which now no longer exists:
_On a Gravestone_.
Hic jacet Gulielmus Brackenburgh, & Emmotta uxor ejus, qui quidem
Gulielmus obiit 6 die Januarii An’o D’ni 1476 quorum a’iabus
p’pitietur Deus Amen.
The pictures of themselves upon the stone, & of ten children, all in
brasse.
Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 177.
{42b} Mr. Holles. notices the following arms and inscriptions on the
bells in this church, the first of which are now gone, the latter still
remaining:
_Fenes_. _Boreal_. _Cancelli_.
Sa. a crosse betw. 4 cinquefoyles arg.
_Campane_.
[1] Sit nomen Domini benedictum.
[2] Intonat e cœlis vox campana Michaelis.
[3] Sum rosa pulsata mundi Maria vocata.
Ibid. p. 342.
{43} From the information of E. Turnor, Esq. F.S.A.
{44} Mr. Holles notices the following arms once in this church, but now
gone:
_Fenestra Australes Cancelli_.
G. 3 lyons passant guardant or England.
Verry a fesse G. fretty or Marmyon.
Argent a plaine crosse B.
Or a lyon rampant purpure Lacy.
Chequy or & G. a chiefe ermyne Tateshale.
_In Campanili_.
Arg. a sword sheathed proper, a buckler appt.
with girdle wrapped, hilte pomel, & neuf or
Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 244.
{45} In the windows were the following arms when this church was visited
by Mr. Holles:
_In Fenestris Cancelli_.
Verry a fesse G. fretty d’or Marmion.
G. a Crosse sarcely Arg. Beke
Sa. 2 lyons passant arg. crowned or, Dymoke.
Or a lyon ramp. double queue sa. Welles.
Sa. 3 Flowres de lize betw: 6 crosse crosselets
fitchy arg.
G. 3 bars ermyne Kirketon.
Barry of 6 or and sa.
_Fenestræ boreales_.
B. a lyons head erased betw. 6 crosses botony arg. Touthby.
Arg. 2 bars G. a border sa.
Dymoke each lyon charg’d sur l’espale with an Dymoke.
annulet
Ermyne on a bend G. a cinquefoil or
G. crosse crucilly fitchy a lyon rampant arg. La Warre.
Or a lyon rampant double queue sa. Welles.
_In Fenestræ australes_.
G. 3 waterbougets arg. Ros.
Or on fesse G. 3 plates Huntingfield.
Quarterly or and G. a border sa. bezanty Rochfort.
Rochfort with a garbe in the 2d quarter arg. Rochfort.
Rochfort with an annulet in the 2d quarter arg. Rochfort.
Or a manche G. Hastings.
G. a bend ermyne Ry.
Rochfort with an eagle displayed in the 2d quarter Rochford.
arg.
Arg. fretty of 6 pieces G. a canton ermyne
_In Fenestra borealis Navis_.
G. crosse crncilly fitchy a lyon rampant arg. La Warre.
Arg. on a bend G. 3 gryphons heads erased or
_In Campanili_.
Joh’es Staines W. Jo.
Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 245.
{47} The following arms and inscriptions, now gone, are noticed by Mr.
Holles, as being in this church when visited by him:
_In Fenestra Australi_.
Empaled. Arg. on a crosse sa.
Empaled. Arg. a crosse G. a bezant
Empaled. Arg. a crosse sa.
Empaled. Quarterly arg. and G. on the 1st and 4th
quarters a popinjay vert. membred and beked G.
_In Fenestra Occidental ex sinistra Campanilis_.
Orate pro a’ia Joh’is Tott, Agnet, & Helene uxorem ejus, &
specialiter pro Andrea Tott Artium Baccalaureo, qui istam Fenestram
lapidari, nec non vitreari fecit.
_Sup Fulchrum ex p’te Australia_
Quarterly Ufford & Beke Willughby,
3 Crosses portate
2 Chevrons betw. 3. roses
A crosse
A lyon passant
Domus mea domus Orationibus vocabitur. 1591.
Harleian MS. No. 6829. p. 213.
{48} By the following extract it appears that in the time of Mr. Holles,
the windows of this church abounded with stained glass, of which not a
single vestige is now remaining.
_In Fenestris Orientali Cancelli_.
Quarterly. Verry a fesse G. fretty d’or Marmyon.
Quarterly. Sa. 2 lyons passant arg. crowned d’or Dymoke.
Empaled. G. a frett of 8 pieces d’or
Empaled. B. 3 garbes d’or
G. a lyon rampant d’or
Sa. a sword in pale arg.
Sa. 2 lyons passants arg. crowned d’or Dimoke.
Arg. 3 flowres de lize bet. 6 crosse crosselets Hillary.
fitchy sa. a border G.
Arg. a playne crosse G.
G. a playne crosse arg.
_Tumulus lapidus_
Hic jacet Anna fillia Thomæ Dymoke Militis D’ni . . . et Margaretis
consortis suæ quæ obiit Ao. D’ni 1462 &c. &c.
Empaled. Verry a fesse G. fretty or Marmion.
Empaled. Or a lyon rampant double queue sa Welles.
_In muro boreali eræ sculptum_.
Orate pro a’ia M’ri. Joh’is de Croxby, quondam Rectoris istius
ecclesiæ, qui dedit annualem redditum xx_s_ annuatim impetuum, et in
secunda feria primæ hebdommadæ quadragessimæ habitantibus in
Conningsby sc’am formam evidentiæ suæ distribuendorum.
This charity hath ceased for many yeares, the evidence having been
sacrilegiously stolne out of that monument within the wall, as by the
loosening of the plate of brasse may appeare.
_In Fenestra Occidentali Capellæ Orientalis_.
Orate pro a’iabus . . . Hatcliffe . . . Uxis suæ Fenestram.
Sa. 3 welles arg. bis Wellis.
Empaled. Sa. 3 welles arg. Wellis.
Empaled. B. 2 bars d’or over all a lyon rampant Hatcliffe.
Sa. a sword in pale arg.
Arg. a fesse daunce betw. 3 talbots heades erased
sa.
Arg. a fesse betw. 3 cootes sa.
B. 2 bars d’or over all a lyon rampant G. Hattecliffe.
Orate pro bono statu H. Wellis notoria publici . . . Hatcliffe uxoris
suæ et sequelis eorum . . . hanc fenestram fieri fecerunt A’no D’ni
1460.
_In superioribus Fenestris Borealibus_.
G. a cinquefoil peirced betw. 8 crosse crosselets Umframville.
d’or
Quarterly. Sa. a cross engrayled d’or . . . Willughby.
Ufford.
Quarterly. G. a crosse sarcely arg. . . . Beke.
G. 3 waterbougets arg. Ros.
Or a lyon rampant double queue sa. Welles.
Arg. a crosse patonce G.
Arg. a chiefe G. over all a bend engrayled B.
Chequy or and G. a chiefe ermyne Tateshale.
Ermyne a fesse G. Bernake.
Arg. a chiefe G. over all a bend B. Crumwell.
Sa. 2 lyons passant arg. crowned or Dymoke.
Or on fesse G. 3 plates Huntingfield.
Quarterly or and G. a border sa. bezanty Rochford.
G. a crosse molyn arg. Beke.
Quarterly or and G. a border sa. bezanty on the 2d Rochford.
quarter a garbe arg.
Quarterly &c. an annulet on the 2d quarter Rochford.
B. crucilly a lyon rampant arg. bis
Argent 3 shell snayles sa.
Dymoke Crumwell Holland
Quarterly France and England a label of 3 arg.
Quarterly France and England a label of 3 ermyne
_In Fenestra Orientali_.
Orate pro a’iabus fratrum & sororum Gildæ be’æ Mariæ de Cunningsby,
qui istam fenestram fieri fecerunt.
This is a fayre Window, adorned with the Genealogy of the Kinges of
Israel and Judah, David lying along through the whole bottome, from
whose roote branch out the several stems. In one part of it below
the Picture of King Edward the first, crowned, &c. &c.
Edwardus primus regnavit annos . . .
Orate pro Matilda de Padeholme, et Alicia
_On a Gravestone_.
Hic jacet D’nus Thomas Butler, quondam Capellanus Gildæ be’æ Mariæ
Cunningsby, qui obiit 10 die Mensis Decembris, A’no D’ni 1510. Cujus
aiæ &c. &c.
_On another_.
Pray for the Soule of John Smith of Cunsby sometimes M’chant of the
Staple of Calis, which died in the yeare of our Lord God 1470, &
Jonet his Wife which died the 24th Day of November in the yeare of
our Lord God 1461.
And all good people that this Scripture reade or see
For theire soules say a Paternoster, Ave-Maria, & a creed for
Charity.
On another the pourtraytures of a man and his two wives on either
side of him in brasse with this inscription vizt.
Pray for the soules of Richard Whetecroft of Coningsby M’chant of the
Staple at Calice & sometimes Lieutenant of the same, & Jane &
Margaret his Wives, which Richard deceased the 23d day of November,
Ao. D’ni 1524.
_In the Parlour of the Parsonage House_.
Arg. a crosse engrailed G. betw. 4 waterbougets sa. Bourchier.
Quarterly & Quartered with Quarterly . . . Gules Lovayne.
billetty d’or a fesse arg. Crumwell and Tateshale
B. a manche d’or
Empaled. Sa. 3 lyons Passant guardant arg. Dymoke.
Empaled. Sa. 2 lyons passant arg. crowned d’or
Empaled. Dymoke
Empaled. Marmyon
Verry a fesse G. Marmyon.
Or a lyon rampant double queue sa. Welles.
Empaled. A coate defaced
Enpaled. Welles.
Empaled. Verry a fesse G.
Empaled. B. a manehe d’or
All these Escocheons are in 2 Windowes, in which two Windowes also
are these Verses:
Alme Deus cœli Croxby tu parce Johanni
Hanc ædem fieri benefecit sponte Jo Croxby
Anno Milleno quater. c. L. x. quoq. terno.
_In the other Windowes_.
Barry of 6 ermyne and G. 3 csescents sa. Waterton.
Quarterly Ufford & Beke Willughby.
Verry a fesse G. Marmyon.
Ermyne 5 fusils in fesse G. Hebden.
Arg. a crosse sarcely sa.
Empaled. Quarterly Crumwell & Tateshale Crumwell.
Empaled. B. a fesse betw. 6 billets d’or Deyncourt.
Empaled. Dymoke
Empaled. Welles
Sa. an arming sworde pile in poynte arg.
Empaled. Arg 3 bulls passant
Empaled. G. on a chevron arg. 3 pomeis
Empaled. Arg. a fesse dauuce betw. 3 talbots heads
erased sa.
Empaled. Arg. a fesse betw. 3 cootes sa.
Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 178 to 182.
{53a} Domesday, folio 354.
{53b} Burton’s Monast. Ebor. p. 215.
{54} The following arms and inscriptions, now gone, were in this church
when it was visited by Mr. Holles.
_In Fenestra_.
Arg. a plaine crosse G.
G. a fesse betw. 6 crosselets botony fitchy arg. charged
with as many mullets or pierced G.
Sa. a bend betw. 6 mullets or pierced G. Briton.
_In the Church on a flat marble stone in Saxon Characters_.
ICI : GIST : MARGARETA : DE : LACI : QE : FVLA : FEME : GWILLEAMA :
DE ; MOVSTE . . .
Harleian MS. No. 6829. p. 177.
{55} Domesday, folio 331.
{56a} Escheat Rolls.
{56b} Cook C. Herald, MS.
{56c} From the information of E. Turnor, Esq. F.S.A.
{57a} Tupholme is not mentioned either in the Domesday survey or Testa
de Nevill.
{57b} See the Charter in Dugdale’s Monasticon, p. 596.
{59} The windows were formerly embellished with the following heraldic
bearings in stained glass, of which no vestiges are now existing.
_In Boreali Fenestra Chori_.
Arg. 3 chaplets with roses gules Lascels.
G. 3 mascels argent
G. 4 fusils in fesse arg. a border engrailed or Nevill.
Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 140.
{60} Lodge’s Illustrations, vol. ii. 191.
{61a} Domesday, folio 331.
{61b} In the forty-second and forty-third years of Henry the third,
Philip Marmyon had grams of a market, fair, and free warren, at his manor
of Scrivelsby. In the ninth year of Edward the first, he showed that he
had those rights, and that of gallows at Scrivelsby, with the other
privileges incident to one of the great barons of the realm; and also
right of free warren in the soke of Horncastle.
{62} On account of the present possessor of the manor of Scrivelsby
being a clerk in orders, his son, Henry Dymoke, Esquire, was allowed to
perform the service at the coronation of His present Majesty George the
fourth, in 1821. The following is a description of the ceremony on that
occasion.
Before the second course was brought in, the Champion, in his full
suit of armour, mounted on a horse richly caparisoned, appeared under
the porch of the triumphal arch, at the bottom of the Hall. Every
thing being in readiness, the procession moved in the following
order:
TWO TRUMPETS with the Champion’s Arms on their banners.
THE SERGEANT-TRUMPETER, with his Mace on his shoulder.
TWO SERGEANTS AT ARMS, with their Maces on their shoulders.
THE CHAMPION’S TWO ESQUIRES, in half armour, one on the right hand
bearing the Champion’s lance, the other on the left hand with the
Champion’s target, and the arms of Dymoke depicted thereon.
A HERALD, with a paper in his hand containing the challenge.
THE DEPUTY EARL THE CHAMPION, on THE LORD HIGH
MARSHAL, on Horseback, in a CONSTABLE in his
Horseback, in his complete Suit of Robes and
Robes and Bright Armour, Coronet, and
Coronet, with the with a Gauntlet Collar of his
Earl Marshal’s in his Hand, his Order, on
Staff in his Helmet on his Horseback, with
Hand, attended by Head, adorned the Constable’s
a Page. with a Plume of Staff, attended
Feathers. by two Pages.
FOUR PAGES, richly apparelled, attendants on the Champion.
At the entrance into the Hall, the Trumpets sounded thrice, and the
passage to the King’s table being cleared by the Knight Marshal, the
Herald with a loud voice proclaimed the Champion’s Challenge, in the
words following:
“If any person, of what degree soever, high or low, shall deny or
gainsay our sovereign lord King George the fourth, of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, defender of the faith, son and
next heir to our sovereign lord King George the third, the last king,
deceased, to be right heir to the imperial crown of this United
Kingdom, or that he ought not to enjoy the same, here is his
Champion, who saith that he lieth, and is a false traitor, being
ready in person to combat with him, and in this quarrel will
adventure his life against him on what day soever he shall be
appointed.”
Whereupon the Champion threw down his gauntlet; which, having lain a
short time upon the ground, the Herald took it up, and delivered it
again to the Champion.
They then advanced to the middle of the Hall, where the ceremony was
again performed in the same manner.
Lastly, they advanced to the steps of the throne, where the Herald
(and those who preceded him) ascending to the middle of the steps,
proclaimed the challenge in the like manner; when the Champion having
thrown down his gauntlet and received it again from the Herald, made
a low obeisance to the King: whereupon the Cupbearer, having received
from the Officer of the Jewel-House, a Gold Cup and Cover filled with
Wine, presented the same to the King, and his Majesty drank to the
Champion, and sent to him by the Cupbearer the said Cup, which the
Champion (having put on his gauntlet) received, and having made a low
obeisance to the King, and drank the Wine; after which, making
another low obeisance to his Majesty, and being accompanied as
before, he departed out of the Hall, taking with him the said cup and
cover as his fee.
{63} In this inscription Sir Robert Dymoke is, by mistake of the
sculptor, styled _knight_ and _baronet_ instead of _knight banneret_.
{68} “Vir illustris in consilio, strenuus in prælio, princeps militæ in
Angliæ, et in omni regno ornatissimus.” Wever’s Fun. Mem. p. 366.
{70} The MS. vol. of Church notes, so often before quoted, contains the
following description of this castle:—
“The castle of Bullingbrooke was built by William de Romara, Earle of
Lincolne, and ennobled by the birth of King Henry the 4th, who from
thence took his sirname. Heretofore it was a famous structure, but
now gone much to ruine and decay.
“The towne standes in a bottome, and the castell in the lowest part
of it, compassed about with a large moat fed by springs. It is most
accessible on the south-west part, the rest being encompassed by the
hills.
“As for the frame of the building, it lieth in a square, the area
within the walls conteyning about an acre and a half, the building is
very uniforme.
“It hath 4 strongc forts or ramparts, wherein are many roomes, and
lodgings: the passage from one to another lying upon the walles,
which are embattled about. There be likewise 2 watch-towers all
covered with lead. If all the roomes in it were repayred, and
furnished [as it seemes in former tymes they have bin] it were
capable to receyve a very great prince with all his trayne.
“The entrance into it is very stately over a faire draw-bridge. The
gatehouse a very uniforme, and strong building. Next within the
porter’s lodge is a payre of low stayres, which goe downe into a
dungeon, in which some reliques are yet to be seene of a
prison-house. Other 2 prisons more are on either side.
“The building itselfe is of a sandy stone hewen of a great square out
of the rockes thereby, which though it abide the weather longe, yet
[in processe of tyme] it will moulder, especially if wett gett within
it, which hath bin the decay of many places of the wall where the
roofe is uncovered.
“There be certaine roomes within the castle, [built by Queen
Elizabeth of freestone] amongst which is a fayre great chamber with
other lodgings.
“In a roome in one of the towers of the castle they usually kept
their auditt once by the yeare for the whole Dutchy of Lancaster,
having ever bin the prime seate thereof, where all the recordes for
the whole countrey are kept.
“The constable of the castle is Sir William Mounson Lord Castlemayne,
who receaveth a revenue out of the Dutchy lands of £500. per annum,
in part of payment of £1000. yearely given by the king to the
Countesse of Nottingham his lady.
“One thinge is not to be passed by affirmed as a certaine trueth by
many of the inhabitants of the towne upon their owne knowledge, which
is, that the castle is haunted by a certain spirit in the likenesse
of a hare: which att the meeting of the auditors doeth usually runne
betweene their legs, and sometymes overthrows them, and soe passes
away. They have pursued it downe into the castleyard, and seene it
take in att a grate into a low cellar, and have followed it thither
with a light, where notwithstanding that they did most narrowly
observe it [and that there was noe other passage out, but by the
doore, or windowe, the roome being all close framed of stones within,
not having the least chinke or crevice] yet they could never finde
it. And att other tymes it hath been seene run in at iron-grates
below into other of the grotto’s [as their be many of them] and they
have watched the place, and sent for houndes, and put in after it;
but after a while they have come crying out.”
Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 162.
{71} The following arms and inscriptions were in the windows of this
church when it was visited by Mr. Holles.
_In Fenestra Orientali Cancelli_.
G. 3 lyons passants gardants d’or a labell of Comes
3 each charged with 3 floures de lize of the Lancastr.
second
Empaled. Castile and Leon quarterly A label of 3 arg.
Empaled. France & England quarterly each charged with 2
de lizes sa.
Or a lyon rampant purpure Lacy.
B. 3 garbes d’or Meschines.
Com. Cestr.
Quarterly. Sa. a crosse Ufford Willughby.
engrayled d’or Beke
Quarterly. G. a crosse
molyn arg.
Argent a fesse G between 3 bugles trippant
sa.
_In Fenestra Orientali ad dextram Navis_.
B. 6. lyoncels rampant d’or. 3. 2. 1. Longspeee.
Lancaster.
England, and France quarterly.
Lacy.
G. 3 lyons passants arg. a labell of 3 d’or,
each charged with a lyon rampant purpure
_In_ 1_ma Fenestra australi_.
B. 3 garbes d’or Meschines.
Chequy d’or & B a bend G. Clifford.
Quarterly arg. & G. the 2d & 3d charg’d with Spenser.
a frette d’or over all a bend sa.
Femina gestans in veste sex leones aureos Longespee.
erectos una cum leone purpure conjunctos Lacy.
_In_ 2_da Fenestra Australi_.
G. a fesse verry betw. 3 leopards heads Cantilupe.
jesant floures de lize d’or
G. a crosse molyn arg. Beke.
B. a fesse daunce betw: 10 billets d’or Deyncourt.
_In Campanili_.
Quarterly France, and England
Quarterly or and G. a border sa. bezanty Rochford.
Or, a chevron betw: 10 crosses botony sa. Slight.
Orate pro bono statu . . . Ducis Aurelie. Ad hoc Campanile . . . Ao.
r. r. Hen.
Quarterly. Arg. a chevron betw: 3 martlets
sa.
Quarterly. Chequy or & G. on a chiefe arg. a
lyon passant sa.
Harleian MS. No. 6829. p. 163.
{72} Domesday, folio 351.
{74} See the Charter in Dugdale’s Monasticon, vol. i. p. 822.
{76} Stukeley’s Itinerarium Curiosum, p. 28.
{82} Dr. John Taylor of Norwich was one of the earliest ministers
appointed by Mr. Disney. He held his appointment from about 1715, for 18
years, and at this place composed his justly valued “Hebrew Concordance,”
in two vols. folio.
{86} Itinerarium, p. 162.
{87} Gough, and others who have copied from him, erroneously state this
tower to be two hundred feet in height.
{90} The principal part of the stained glass taken from this church was
placed by the Earl of Exeter in the church of St. Martin, Stamford Baron,
with some other richly stained glass, procured from the churches of Snape
in Yorkshire, and Barnack in Northamptonshire.
{91a} Joan Lady Cromwell was one of the daughters of Sir Richard
Stanhope, and niece and co-heiress of the Lord Treasurer Cromwell. She
married Humphry Bourchier, third Son of the Earl of Essex, who was
created Lord Cromwell, in the first year of Edward the fourth.
{91b} Matilda Lady Willoughby was the other daughter of Sir Richard
Stanhope, and niece and co-heiress of the Lord Treasurer Cromwell.
{92a} Sepulchral Monuments, vol. ii p. 179.
{92b} The MS. volume of Lincolnshire Church Notes, notices all the
foregoing inscriptions, though not in a very correct manner. It also
contains the following account of inscriptions and arms in this church,
which are now gone:
_In the upper ende of the Chancell_.
Next under another fayre monument of blew marble [as the former] the
picture of one also inlayd in brasse, adorned rounde aboute with a
border of curious workemanship in brasse, with the pictures and names
of some prophets in the Old Testament, and of other saintes, and some
Saxon kinges, as Edmund, Edward, Etheldred, Ethelbert, there is noe
inscription, onely this ensuing escocheon upon either side of him.
[Picture: Coat of arms]
_On the north Side under a Marble_.
Orate pro a’ia M’ri Joh’is Gigur baccalaur. Theologiæ custodis hujus
collegii, ac etiam . . . Collegij Marton in Oxonia qui obijt 12º.die
. . .
_On the Wood Worke in the lower ende of the Quire_, _curiously carved
in capital l’rs this_,—
Ad honorem & gloriam Dei opt. Max. & decorum domus ejus hoc opus
factum est Anno D’ni 1424.
_In Fenestris_.
The history of the passion depainted. In another Hell’s torments,
where are divers creatures bound together in a chayne; amongst whome
one with a crowne, another with a mytre on his head, the divell
tormenting them, and under them is written—
‘Sic affliguntur pœnis, qui prava sequuntur.’
The history of Hermogenes that raysed up devills, and of Guthlake
[the saint of the fens] and of Catherina, who cast them into the sea,
that Hermogenes and Philetus raysed.
The history of Cosdre with his decollation.
_In Fenestris ex latere Australi_.
Arg. a chiefe G surtout a bend B. Crumwell.
Quarterly. Crumwell with chequy d’or Tateshale.
and G. a chiefe ermyne
G. a lyon rampant d’or Fitz-Alane.
Arg 3 cinquefoyles and a canton Driby.
Bendy of 10 pieces arg. and G.
Ermyne a fesse G. Bernake.
B. a fesse daunce betw: 10 billets d’or Deyncourt.
G. 10 annulets d’or
Chequy d’or and G. a bend ermyne Clifton.
Quarterly.—Crumwell and Tateshall
Empaled. Arg. a chiefe G. surtout a Crumwell.
bend B
Empaled. Arg. a chevron B. a file with
3 lambeaux d’or
Barry of 6 arg. and B. a bend G. Grey of Rotherfield.
Verry a fesse Marmyon.
Arg. a chiefe G. surtout a bend B. a
labell of 3 ermyne
Lozengy arg. and G. Fitz-William.
_Ex latere boreali_.
Empaled. Chequy d’or and G. a bendlet
B.
Empaled. Lozengy arg. and G. Fitz-William.
B. a crosse patonce arg.
Party p. pale G. and sa. a lyon rampant
arg. crowned d’or
Arg: 3 water-pots covered G. a border Monboucher.
sa. bezanty [ut opinor.]
Empaled. Arg. a chiefe G. over all a
bend B.
Empaled. Party p pale G & sa. a lyon
rampant arg. crowned d’or
Arg. a chevron betw: 3 pots covered G a
border sa. bezanty
Arg. a chiefe G. surtout a bend B. a
labell of 3 d’or
Barry of 6 arg. and G. a bend engrayled
d’or
Crumwell with a labell of 3 ermyne
_In Fenestris utrimq. supra portas Australem et Borealem_.
Orate pro a’ia Radulphi nuper D’ni de Crumwell & Tateshale
Thesaurarij Angliæ, et fundatoris hujus Collegij.
_The Roode Loft_, 1524
G. a saltier arg. a file with 3 Nevile.
lambeaux B.
Lozengy sa. and erm. on a chiefe sa. 3 Wainflet
lillies arg. Ep’us Wint.
Wainflet Ep’usWinton cujus insignia sculptata sup. utranq. porticum
in saxo.
Thomas Howard gen. & Beatrix consors ejus vitriaverunt fenestram
borealem in honore s’cæ Catherinæ, cujus passio ib’dm.
Empaled. Arg. a chevron chequy d’or & G betw 3 flesh-hookes sa,
Empaled. B. a fesse betw. 3 storkes arg.
Arg. a chevron betw. 3 catherine wheels d’or
Deyncourt sup. portam collegii.
Sup. crucem in foro ville Crumwell & Tateshall paling Deyncourt & p.
se 3.
_Gravestones in the Church_.
Hic jacet Thomas Gibbon Artium Liberalium M’gr. Rector nuper de
Wiberton Socius & precentor hujus collegij qui obijt 16º. die mensis
January An’o D’ni 1506 cujus &c.
_Another_.
Orate pro a’ia D’ni Henr. Porter capti quondam Socij Collegij de
Tateshall ac præcentor ejusdem Eccl’ie, qui obijt 12º. die Martij
An’o D’ni 1519.
_Another_.
Hic jacet Edwardus Okey nup. unus sex clericorum hujus Collegij qui
obijt 29 die Januarij An’o D’ni 1519, cujus &c.
_In Insula Australia_.
Hic jacet Ric’us English artium liberalium Mgr. socius ac p’centor
huj. Collegij & Vicarius Eccl’iæ de Burwell qui obijt 27º. die Martij
A’o D’ni 1522.
_Another_.
Orate pro a’ia M’ri Rob’ti Sudbury sacræ Theologiæ Baccalaureus nuper
Rector . . . ac quondam p’centor & socius hujus Collegij qui obijt
19º. Decembris An’o 1482.
_Under the arched worke of the Partition betw. the Chancell and the
body of the Church_, _this_,
Orate pro a’ia Rob’ti de Whalley . . . hujus collegij qui hoc opus
fieri fecit A’o D’ni 1528. cujus a’ie p’pitietur Deus. Amen.
_Within a Chapel on the North side_, _a fayre flat Marble_, _on which
this Epitaph_,
Have mercy on the soule [good Lord] we thee pray
Of Edward Hevyn, lay’d here in sepulture,
W’ch to thine honour this chappel did array
With ceeling, desk, perclose and pourtrayture,
And paviment of marble long to endure.
Servant of late to the excellent Princesse
Mother to King Henry, of Richmond Countesse.
_The Armes on the Gravestone are_
Empaled. A chevron betw. 3 boares heades couped, having so many
pomeis in their mouths; on the chevron a cresc. . . . Hevyn
Empaled. A chevron betw. 3 bulls heades.
Harleian MS. No. 6829. p. 184–189.
{96} “One of the Cromwelle’s builded a preaty turret caullid the Tour of
the Moore; and thereby he made a faire greate ponde or lake, brickid
about. The lake is commonly caullid the Synkker.” Leland’s Itinerarium,
vi. 58.
{98} By some called _Bind_, by others _Clunch Clay_.
*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "Historical and descriptive sketches of the town and soke of Horncastle - in the county of Lincoln and several places adjacent" ***
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