View of frankpledge and court baron, 5 April 1725

Herts RO D/EB 664/M1

Originals in Latin unless stated (individual words are sometimes in English). Only entries concerning Winslow have been summarised here, apart from the lists of jurors and defaulters which also include Little Horwood and Granborough. This document is not the official court roll but a draft version kept among the papers of the Duncombe family.

[p.1] Manor of Winslowe with members. Court of View of Frankpledge with Court Baron of Robert Lowndes esq., held there on 5 April 11 George [I] 1725 by John Markham gent, steward of the manor.

Jurors: John Cox, Joseph Tofeild, Thomas Stevens, John Coles
John Toe, Joseph Gyles, Mark Morris, Daniel Elliott
John Hodgskinns, William Smith, William Heady & William Goodman

Officers elected:
Hayward [custos agrorum] of Winslowe: Richard Humphreys in place of William Green

Court Baron

Essoins: Stephen Bigg, John Goldsworth, William Hobbs, Elizabeth Budd widow, John Henley, John Bowden and Thomas Barton with many others

Jurors: Thomas Foster, Thomas Blake, Simon Hogston, William Shelton jr, Charles Bowler, Joseph Gurney
Richard Gibbs, Thomas Gibbs, Robert Shelton, Thomas Grimes, John Morrice, Henry Firth
John Burrall, Thomas Tharpe, Benedict Holland at Elm, Thomas Mountague, George Illing and Edward Pitkin

Joseph Cox died since the last court, seised of various lands and tenements.

Joseph Turner of Winslowe Chirurgeon out of court on 28 Dec last surrendered his reversion (expectant on the death of Elizabeth Markham, widow of John Markham late of Little Horwood Yeoman) of 3 closes of pasture called the Wood Pastures in Little Horwood, which were bequeathed to him by the last will and testament of John Markham. To the use of Robert Gibbs sr of Winslowe Yeoman and William Gibbs of Winslowe Husbandman (son of Robert), on trust
[p.2] as follows: To the use of Joseph Turner until a marriage is solemnised between his son John Turner and Jane Bigg of Winslow Spinster. Then to the use of Joseph Turner and Emma his wife for their lives. Then to the use of John Turner for his life. Then to the use of Jane Bigg for her life for part of her dower. Then to the heirs of John and Jane, or John's heirs. Robert and William sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 16s.

Jane Bigg of Winslowe Spinster out of court on 28 Dec last surrendered all her undivided half of the messuage then in the occupation of John Thomson and Joseph Tofeild, their subtenants or assigns, known by the name of the Bell Inn, scituate in Winslowe, and of all houses, outhouses, buildings, structures, malthouses, barns, stables, yards, orchards, gardens, backyards, "Sheep penns", etc., and of all the separate pieces of land belonging to the messuage in the common fields of Winslowe. To the use of Robert Gibbs sr of Winslowe Yeoman and William Gibbs of Winslowe Husbandman (son of Robert),
[p.3] on trust as follows: To the use of Jane Bigg until a marriage is solemnised between John Turner son of Joseph Turner of Winslowe Chirurgeon and her. Then to the use of John Turner and Jane Bigg for their lives. Then to their heirs, or to Jane's heirs. Robert and William sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 2s 6d.

Richard Bigg gent. out of court on 1 Jan last surrendered a butt of arable land in Demorum Feild in Town Furlong, extending to the king's highway, containing a half-acre, the land of Thomas Blake gent. north, the land of the Vicar of Winslowe south. To the use of John Stevens, who sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 1s.

[p.4: Little Horwood only]
[pp.5-7 & 9: Granborough only]

[p.8] Joseph Meakes surrendered a messuage in Winslow now in the occupation of Mark Morris, and 5½ acres of arable land, pasture and meadow in the common fields of Winslowe, formerly Dandridges, with all barns, stables, outhouses, buildings, yards, orchards, gardens, trees etc. To such uses as Joseph shall appoint by his last will.

[p.10] Charles Bowler sr of the parish of Winslowe Cordwainer surrendered 4 acres of land in the common fields of Shipton:

1 acre in Licehill Feild at a place called Snouthale, the land of Mr Lowndes east, William Elliott west
1 acre in the Reddfeild at a place called the Slow, the land of Mr Lowndes east
1 land in Blackgrove Feild at a place called Short Blackgrove, the land of Mr Lowndes west
1 land more in the same field at a place called Dirtland, the land of Mr Lowndes east
1 uncultivated land in the same field at Liddenton, the land of Mr Lowndes west
1 uncultivated land more in the same field at Liddenton, the land of Mr Lowndes east and west

To the use of Charles Bowler sr for his life, then to his daughter Frances Bowler. Charles and Frances sought to be admitted. Rent 1s, fine 8s.

Charles Bowler sr also surrendered 4 acres in the common fields of Shipton:

1 land in Licehill Feild in Out Furlong, the land of Mr Lowndes north and south
1 land more in the same field and furlong, the land of Mr Lowndes north and south
6 ridges in The Reddfeild at Shuffles Hedge, the land of Francis Spooner east
1 uncultivated land under the hedge next to the Blackgrove Feild & the "Foreshooter" and "its Fellow" in Blackgrove Feild in Short Blackgrove Furlong, the land of Mr Lowndes
[p.11] east

To the use of Charles Bowler sr for his life, then his son John Bowler and Elizabeth his wife. Charles, John and Elizabeth sought to be admitted. Rent 1s, fine 8s.

Charles Bowler sr also surrendered 4 acres in the common fields of Shipton:

1 land in Licehill Feild at Drymead, the land of Mr Lowndes east and west
1 uncultivated land in the same field at Out Furlong, the land of Mr Lowndes north and south
1 acre in The Reddfeild at Mare Sladd, the land of Mr Lowndes east and west
1 acre in Blackgrove Feild at the Steart, the land of Frances Elliott north, Mr Lowndes south
1 "headland" more in the same field at Dirtland, the land of Mr Lowndes west
1 uncultivated land in the same field at Liddenton extending towards Swanbourne Feild, the land of Mr Lowndes north and south

To the use of Charles Bowler sr for his life, then Daniel Elliott of Grandborough farmer [Agricola] and Ann his wife and Ann's heirs. Charles, Daniel and Ann sought to be admitted. Rent 1s, fine 8s.
[Charles also set down these arrangements in his will, made in 1724 proved in 1735]

[p.12] Joseph Turner and Emma his wife, customary tenants, surrendered a messuage near the Market Place in Winslowe now in Joseph's occupation. To the use of Daniel Gyles, who sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine pardoned. Procedure of common recovery: Peter Stutsbury complained against Daniel on a plea of land. Daniel called to warranty Joseph and Emma. They called to warranty John Thompson.
[p.13] Robert Gibbs, minister of the court, delivered seisin to Peter. All surrendered the messuage to the use of Joseph Turner, who sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 5s.
Joseph Turner and Emma his wife surrendered the messuage to the use of Robert Gibbs sr of Winslowe Yeoman and his son William Gibbs of Winslowe Yeoman in trust for the following uses: To the use of Joseph and Emma for their lives, then to Joseph's son John Turner, then to John's wife Jane Turner "for the Remainder of her Joynture and in full recompence lieu & satisfaction of all the Dower or Thirds which she may or otherwise might clayme"... "other than the Lands Tenements & Hereditaments which are likewise settled and Conveyed for her Joynture". After the deaths of all of them, to the heirs of John and Jane,
[p.14] or to John's heirs. Robert and William sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 5s.

7th proclamation made for John Bayly
4th proclamation for Robert Seaton and Elizabeth his wife
3rd proclamation for Joseph Holloway
2nd proclamation for Peter Lowndes
2nd proclamation for Ann wife of William Hobbs
1st proclamation for Mary wife of Pownall Short

"Itt is ordered att this Co(u)rt upon the request of Matthew Hobbs that Thomas Blake, Simon Hogson, Joseph Gurney, Thomas Gibbs, Robert Shelton, John Morrice, Henry Firth, Thomas Mountague, William Stevens the elder, Benedict Holland att Elme, George Illing, Edward Pitkin & Thomas Grimes thirteen of this Jury do goe forthwith & sett out the Land of Robert Lowndes Esq. in the occupation of the said Matthew Hobbs adjoyinging to the Church Yard of Winslowe aforesaid and also the Ground of the said Robert Lowndes now in the occupation of William Gibbs adjoyning to the Vicaridge Garden & Orchard of Winslowe". They say that on 5 April they set out the lands in Matthew's and William's occupation "with stakes by fixing the s(ai)d stakes the outside of the said Lands". "upon Examination of severall Persons upon Oath they doe find and accordingly have sett out the Land of the s(ai)d Robert Lowndes in the occupation of the said Matthew Hobbs with six stakes and say that from the stake att the West Gate to the upper stake towards Thomas Whiteaves Ground is in length ninety two feet that the breadth from the West Gate to the first stake is three feet eleven inches, the breadth from the house in the occupac(i)on of Nicholas Higgens to the second stake is three feet eleven inches, that the breadth from the same house to the third stake is three feet eight inches, that the breadth from the pales in the occupation of the said Matthew Hobbs to the fourth stake is three feet tenn inches, that the breadth from the said pales to the Fifth stake is three feet, and that the breadth from the said pales to the six and upper stake is one foot nine inches. And likewise say that from the upper Pillaster to the lower Corner of Mr Edmonds Sumerhouse of his s(ai)d Garden in Winslowe aforesaid is ninety four feet in length, and that the
[p.15] said Pillaster doth stand three feet within the Ground of the said Robert Lowndes in the occupation of the said William Gibbs, and that the lower end of the said sumer house of the said Mr Edmonds doth stand five feet within the Ground of the said Robert Lowndes in the occupac(i)on of the said W(illia)m Gibbs, all which the said Jurors Certifie here in open Co(u)rt."
["Mr Edmonds" is the Vicar, James Edmunds. The land in the occupation of William Gibbs must have been Parsons Close.]

Any four of Thomas Foster, Thomas Blake, Simon Hogson, William Shelton jr, Joseph Gurney and Richard Gibbs are to "sett out the Ground of Alexander Markham infant adjoyning to the Ground of Mr Richard Bigg & Robert Shelton in Winslowe", and certify to the court baron, or forfeit 3s 4d each.

End of this court
J.M.

View of frankpledge and court baron, 18 October 1725

[p.1] Manor of Winslowe with members. Court of View of Frankpledge with Court Baron of Robert Lowndes esq., held there on 18 April 12 George [I] 1725 by John Markham gent, steward of the manor.

Jurors: William Stockley, Henry Brind, John Gibbs, William Deblois
Thomas Tattam, John Briten, William Capp, John Bayly
John Gascoyne, Richard Bendboe, William Bence & George Tharpe

Due to the lord as the common fine from the inhabitants of Winslowe 16s 4d, from the inhabitants of Shipton 8s 4d, from the inhabitants of Grandborough 11s 4d, from the inhabitants of Little Horwood 12s 4d, and from the inhabitants of Oveing and North Marston 26s 8d.

Court Baron

Essoins: Stephen Bigg, Charles Bowler, Elizabeth Budd widow, Jonathan Townesend, John Tharpe, Thomas Barton sr & John Hodgskinns with many others

Jurors: Thomas Foster, Samuel Norman, Benjamin Sanders, John Turner, Henry Stutchbury, John Wright
Thomas Whiteaves, Charles Bowler sr, William Elliott, John Henley jr, William Perkins, Henry Emmerton
Thomas Rutland jr, John Mountague, Thomas Barton jr, Thomas Curtice, Robert Gascoyne and Thomas Pitkin

Daniel Norton sr died since the last court seised of various lands and tenements.

Thomas Watts died since the last court seised of a messuage in Winslowe. Due to the lord as a heriot: "a Feather Bedd" worth [blank]. Before he died, out of court on 8 April last he surrendered through William Shelton jr and John Shelton all his messuage
[p.2] in which he then lived in Winslowe with all outhouses, structures, barns, stables, yards, orchards, gardens, backyards etc. To the use of such person or persons as should be appointed in his last will and testament, and subject to such payments and conditions as should be mentioned in it. Whether Thomas made his will the jurors do not know. 1st proclamation made.
[This refers to 6 High Street]

[Elizabeth] Perkins died since the last court seised of half a messuage and of 6½ acres of land in Winslow and Shipton. John Perkins is her eldest son and heir. Due to the lord as a heriot: an oak worth 40s. John was called and did not come; 1st proclamation made.
[This was Elizabeth's share of the estate of Robert Stevens, acquired in 1704]

Ann Worsley, widow and relict of John Worsley late of Winslowe Carpenter deceased, and John Worsley his son out of court on 2 June last surrendered 1 acre of grassland in Nant Ditch Furlong in New Mill Feild in Winslowe, the land of Mr Lowndes north. To the use of John Goldsworth (son of Peter Goldsworth of Winslowe gent.), who sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 2s, fealty respited.

[p.3] Robert Shelton out of court on 4 May last surrendered a messuage with all outhouses, "malthouses", yards, orchards, gardens, backyards etc. now in Robert's occupation, acquired from Elizabeth Stutchbury widow, Henry Stutchbury, Peter Stutchbury, John King and Katherine his wife and Elizabeth Stutchbury spinster. To the use of the said Robert Shelton and Ann his wife for their lives, then to Robert's heirs. Robert and Ann sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 5s, heriot [blank].
[This may refer to 26 High Street, later the King's Head, but Robert Shelton also had property in Horn Street]

[p.4] Jane Kirby widow out of court on 16 August last surrendered her messuage in Sheep Street in Winslowe, now in the occupation of herself, Pomfret Fennimore and Sarah Gibberd, their subtenants or assigns (except the part which is now used and enjoyed by Jane for her life). To the use of William Gibbs, Jane's grandson [nepotis], provided that he pays her an annuity of £5 free of all "taxes" and deductions for the term of her life, in equal instalments at Michaelmas and Lady Day, the first payment to be made next Lady Day at Jane's domicile in Winslowe. William sought to be admitted. Rent [blank], fine 5s.

[p.5] Ann Wyatt spinster sought to be admitted to half of 22 acres of land in Winslowe and Shipton which came into the lords' hands on the surrender of John Deverell and Mary his wife and John Wyatt and Ann his wife presented at the court on 23 April 1701 and on the death of John Seaton jr mentioned in the surrender. Rent [blank], fine 22s.
John Deverell, brother and heir of William Deverell deceased, sought to be admitted to half of 22 acres of land in Winslowe and Shipton which came into the lords' hands on the surrender of John Deverell and Mary his wife and John
[p.6] Wyatt and Ann his wife presented at the court on 23 April 1701 and on the death of John Seaton jr mentioned in the surrender, and on the death of William Deverell presented at the court on 21 Oct 1724. Rent [blank], fine 22s.
The said John Deverell and Ann Wyatt spinster surrendered their various pieces of land in Winslowe and Shipton containing 22 acres to the uses in the following English words: As to eleven acres one moiety or half part of the premises herein after perticularly described:

In Black Grove Feild in Shipton 1 acre at Sleat [=Stirt?] Furlong, Mr Townesend north, Robert Lowndes esq. south
1 acre at Buelesdean, Ann Wyatt widow east, Mr Towndesend [sic] west
Half a Lea in New Lane from the stake to the Brook, Robert Lowndes esq. east & west
In the Redd Feild 1 land at Port Way, Mr Lowndes east, William Elliott west
a head yeard & fellow butting Low furlong, Mr Lowndes east
1 land in Bryar Furlong, Mr Lowndes north & south
2 acres in the Cowpasture
In Lice Hill Feild 1 land in Langland, Mr Lowndes east & west
1 land in Snowt Hale, Mr Lowndes north & John Henley south
2 acres in Woodway lyeing seperate, Robert Lowndes esq. east & west of both
In Winslowe Feilds in Dean Hill Feild 1 acre in Chain Furlong, Mrs Townsend east & Robert Lowndes esq. west
In New Mill Feild 1 acre in Dudslow, Thomas Blake east, the said Ann Wyatt west
In Demorum Feild half an acre shooting towards Bradford Corner, Richard Eden north, Ann Wyatt jr south

To the Use and Behoofe of the s(ai)d John Deverell & his Heires forever And as to Eleven Acres the other moiety or half part of the said two & twenty Acres Herein after perticularly described:

In Black Grove Feild in Shipton 2 lands in Long Black Grove Furlong, Mr Lowndes' land lyeing between them
1 acre at Bueles Dean, Robert Lowndes esq. north & south
half a Ley in New Lane, Robert Lowndes esq. east & west
In the Redd feild 1 acre in Low furlong, Mr Lowndes north & south
1 acre in Slow, Charles Bowler east & Robert Lowndes esq. west
2 acres in the Cow Pasture
In Lice Hill Feild 1 acre in Out Furlong, Robert Lowndes esq. north & south
1 land in Langland, Mr Lowndes east & west
1 acre in Woodway, Mr Lowndes east & west
1 land in Woodway, Mr Lowndes west, William Townesend east
In Winslowe Feilds in Dean Hill Feild 1 acre in Course Furrows, Mr Lowndes north & Mr Edmunds south
In New Mill Feild 1 acre in Dudslow, John Deverell east & Joseph Meakes west
1 ley in Demorum, John Deverell north & Richard Bigg south

To the Use and Behoofe of the said Ann Wyatt & her heires forever. [Latin] Seisin granted as mentioned. Rent [blank], fine 44s.

[p.7] Ann wife of William Hobbs sought to be admitted to a messuage in Winslowe which came into the lord's hands on the death of Jane Glenester widow presented at the court on 21 Oct 1724. Rent [blank], fine 5s.
[This was in the Market Square. Ann surrendered it to Thomas Bowler, wheelwright, in 1771]

Matthew Hobbs and William Hobbs sought to be admitted to a messuage and three-quarters of a virgate of land in Little Horwood which came into the lord's hands on the surrender of John Woodward presented at the court on 12 Oct 1720. Seisin granted on the condition mentioned in the surrender. Rent [blank], fine 45s.
This was the subject of a Chancery case, National Archives C11/1206/6.
Matthew Hobbs of Winslow, grocer, and William his son, in April 1720 lent £160 to John Woodward of Little Horwood, yeoman, son and heir of James Woodward deceased. For security, on 4 May 1720 Woodward surrendered to the Steward a messuage then in his own occupation late the inheritance of Thomas Oakley decd, and “three fourth parts of one rod of Land” lately in occupation of John Sims. to the use of Mathew and William on condition that if he pays the principal of £160 with interest from 18 April last on 19 Oct following, the surrender to be void. The Hobbses in their complaint dated 5 April 1726 said that Woodward had not paid and their estate had become absolute. Woodward's answer admits that he had not paid any money but asks for a reasonable time to raise it. The Hobbses said the premises “are a very weak & scanty security”, but Woodward claimed they were a good security and worth more than the money due. Woodward's deposition was taken by John Markham & John Hartwell.

8th proclamation made for John Bayly
5th proclamation for Robert Seaton and Elizabeth his wife
3rd proclamation for Peter Lowndes
2nd proclamation for William Heady and William Curtice
2nd proclamation for Mary wife of Pownall Short
2nd proclamation for the heirs of Joseph Cox

[English] Thomas Foster, Simon Hogson, William Shelton jr and Joseph Gurney "sett out the Land of Alexander Markham Infant adjoyning to the Land of Mr Richard Bigg & Robert Shelton in Winslowe" ... on 30 June last they "sett out the same in the presence of the said Richard Bigg & Mr John Markham who were both consenting thereto And did find that the Ground of the said Alexander Markham from East to West ranges from the Corner post of the said Alexander Markham Eastwards to the Middle of the Corner post of the said Robert Sheltons Malthouse Westwards upon the straight which they then staked out accordingly".

End of this court
J.M.