In the north wall of the nave are a couple of two-light windows, in the Perpendicular style; in the south wall are three two-light windows; all these having bands of red and black brick alternately. In the west wall are two single-light lancet windows, with an ox-eye window above. In the chancel there is a small lancet window in the north wall, and a square aumbrey. The east end has a three-light plain lancet window; beneath which is a stone reredos, having three compartments filled with encaustic tiles, having, as their designs, in the centre a cross in gilt, and Alpha and Omega, within ox-eyes, on either side. In the south wall in front of the vestry is a lancet-shaped doorway, and, west of it, an arcade of two lancet apertures, supported by four columns of serpentine. Within the vestry is a two-light lancet window; and let into the eastern wall is a small slab, having four grotesque figures, one blowing a kind of bagpipe, the others dancing. This is said to have been a portion of a "minstrel pillar," it is apparently Saxon, and is probably a relic from the original fabric. The chancel arch is of red and black bricks, in alternate bands, the capitals nicely carved in stone, supported by small serpentine columns. The pulpit is of Caen stone, having a cross within a circle on the front panel, and one serpentine column. The chancel choir stalls are of good modern oak; the sittings in the nave and the roof being of pitch pine.

The font is the most remarkable feature of the church. It has a large square bowl; the device on the east side is a skeleton being drawn from the tomb by two angels, doubtless emblematic of the "death unto sin and new birth unto righteousness," accomplished in baptism. On the north face is the virgin and child, with the sun and moon in the corners above. On the south side is a figure in long vestment, apparently sitting on an altar, much defaced. On the west are six figures, much defaced, in the attitude of prayer. At the four angles are quatrefoiled niches, having at their bases, alternately, a crowned head and a mitre. This may have been of the 14th century. The shaft is square and modern, with columns at the angles.

The communion plate is modern, except the paten, which bears the inscription "Matthew Sympson, M.A., instituted Rector of Moorby, Feb. 28, 1705, collated Prebendary of Lincoln, June 25, 1718, Rector of Wenington, May 29, 1728." The present Rector is the Rev. R. C. Oake, late Vicar of Broughton, Manchester. The rectory of Moorby is consolidated with the vicarage of Wood Enderby.

By deed dated Nov. 24th, 1855, the guardians of the poor, by consent of the ratepayers, gave certain land in Moorby for the site of a parish school to the minister, churchwardens, and overseers, and their successors; and more recently a school district has been formed for the parishes of Moorby, Wood Enderby, Claxby, and Wilksby; the school, which was built in 1855, being enlarged in 1872, to provide the accommodation required by this union.

Moorby was one of the "thousand four hundred and forty-two manors" which William the Conqueror took as his own portion, when he divided the lands of England among his Norman followers. Being in the Soke of Horncastle, it was doubtless granted, along with that manor, and those of West Ashby, High Toynton, and several others, to Adelias or Alice de Cundi, daughter of William de Cheney, Lord of Caenby ann Glentham, and wife of Roger de Cundi. As she took part against King Stephen, in favour of the Empress Maud, he took the property from her; but eventually restored it to her, on condition that she should demolish her castle at Horncastle; this however was only for life, the estates again reverting to the crown. Henry II. made a grant of them to Gerbald le Escald, a Fleming noble, who was succeeded by his grandson and heir, Gerard de Rhodes. His son, Ralph de Rhodes, in the reign of Henry III., sold the manors to Walter Mauclerke, Bishop of Carlisle, and until recently the patronage of Moorby benefice belonged to the Bishops of Carlisle. After the creation of the See of Manchester, the patronage, with that of High Toynton, Mareham-le-Fen, &c., was transferred to the Bishops of Manchester.

Domesday Book, describing the soke of the Manor of Horncastle, says "In Morebi there are 3 carucates of land (or about 360 acres). There are 6 soc-men, and 10 bordars, who have 4 carucates (or 480 acres). There is a church and a priest (evidently a resident; of whom, according to Sir Henry Ellis, there were only 130 in the country), and 240 acres of meadow and 6 acres of underwood." In the old record, Testa de Nevill (circa 1326-1328), the benefice of "Morby" is said to be "of the gift of the lord the king," i.e. Edward II. or III. The original charters of Henry III., granting these manors to the Bishops of Carlisle, were confirmed by Henry VI.; but in course of time they passed to the Brandons, and to various other proprietors, until the ancestor of Sir Joseph Banks became lessee of the Manor of Horncastle, and also acquired the Manor of Moorby; to which James Banks Stanhope, Esq., and the late Right Hon. Edward Stanhope succeeded; although T. Elsey, the Artindale family, and the trustees of Bardney school, own portions of the parish.

In the year 1554 (Aug. 6th) Thomas Bewley, Clerk, was admitted to this benefice by Robert, Bishop of Carlisle, it being "vacant by deprivation." This was the 2nd year of the reign of Queen Mary, of ill memory. Doubtless the offence of the ejected predecessor was that he was married, which was contrary to the papistic ideas, revived in that brief reign. Numbers of beneficed clergy were deprived at that time for this offence.

A few old records of some interest are preserved connected with Moorby, of which we give two or three samples here. First we have a family of the name of Moreby, of whom more than one mention is made. Roger Moreby, by will dated Saturday after the Feast of St. Botolph, 1394, commends his soul to St. Mary and all the saints; he requests that his body may be buried in Croyland parish church; he leaves 40s. to be given to the poor on the day of his burial, and money to provide torches and wax for the church, and the altars of St. Katharine, St. John the Baptist, and Holy Trinity; he bequeaths 10 pounds of silver to his wife, and other items. Again, by will dated the Feast of St. Thomas the apostle, 1368, Gervase de Wylleford bequeaths 100s. to John Moreby his cousin.

The family of Ayscough, formerly so widely represented in the county, were connected with Moorby. By will, dated 16th Nov., 1601, Henry Ascoughe, Gent., desires to be buried in the parish church of "Morebie," leaving to his sister "Elizabeth Aiscoughe (his) hereditaments in Morebie for life, then to go to his brother Matthew." His sister is also to have lands which he had leased to Sir Henry Glenham, Knight. {201a} He further leaves to her, as executrix, "10 pounds to be good and to my poor sister Margarette." To his brother Simon he bequeaths "the best apparrell of my bodie, with riding furniture, and my baie gelding, rapier, dagger, and pistol," and further bequests. The testator was son of Christopher Ayscough, of Bliborough, and married, apparently without issue, Margaret, daughter of Symon Battell, of Denham, Suffolk.

Like the not very distant Wildmore Fen, in which it now has a modern allotment of 14 acres of glebe land. The name of Moorby tells of its condition at the time when it acquired that designation, which means the "by," i.e. "byre," or farmstead on the moor. {201b} The moorland has now entirely disappeared under the plough, and only young plantations represent its former wild, woodland character.



WOOD ENDERBY.

Wood Enderby lies about four miles south by east from Horncastle. Letters via Boston arrive at 10.30 a.m.

The church, dedicated to St. Benedict, consists of nave, north aisle, and chancel, a low tower, with graceful broach spire, containing one bell, and small vestry. It is built of a warm-tinted green sandstone, with free stone dressings; the style of its architecture is a combination of the early English and Decorated periods. It was almost entirely rebuilt in 1860, at a cost of about 1,000 pounds. The south door, which is in the tower, has an Early English arch of five mouldings. There is a plain trefoiled window above in the tower; the lower part of the spire having two lancet windows, with a circle above them, and a small single-light window on each side, half way up. In the west wall of the tower is a three-light window, with two trefoils and a quatrefoil above. This is filled with coloured glass, having the texts "I am the way, the truth, and the life," "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them," and "No man cometh unto the Father but by Me." There are similar windows, but without coloured glass, in all four faces of the tower. At the north-west angle of the tower is a staircase turret. Within the south door, against the west wall, is an old stone coffin, with broken lid, ornamented with an incised floriated cross; this was discovered at the time of the restoration.

The arcade of the north aisle is of three bays, being part of the old church, in Early English style, with plain arches, supported on one octagonal pier and one shafted pier, with dog-tooth ornament, the former having foliage on the capital. In the north wall of the nave are three square-headed windows of three lights, with trefoils above, the glass being plain, except a border of red, purple, and yellow. In the south wall are three two-light windows, with trefoil and circle above; the glass being modern, with various coloured scripture texts.

The sittings are of deal, with plain poppy-heads. The pulpit is of modern oak, of five panels, each panel being divided into two trefoiled arched partitions; the central panel having a trefoil above, and below it a square piece of carved old oak, representing Elijah blessing the cruse of oil for the widow of Zarephath. The vestry, at the east end of the north aisle, has one small trefoiled window. The tower and the spire were added at the restoration. The chancel has a decorated east window of three lights, with three quatrefoils above. It is filled with modern coloured glass, the subjects being, in the centre the Saviour risen from the tomb, on the left an angel seated at the tomb, and on the right the Magdalen. There is an inscription, "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God. John xx, 17."

The north and south chancel walls have each one two-light trefoiled window, with quatrefoil above; plain glass, except the coloured band. In the south wall is a curious square projecting Norman piscina, with fluted basin, and fluted sides. In the north wall is an arched sepulchral recess. The chancel arch is plain Early English. The roof, like the sittings, is of pitch pine. The font has a plain octagonal large bowl of Barnack stone, its upper rim being modern, the shaft plain quadrilateral, with plain square columns at the angles; base and pediment octagonal.

The register dates from 1561. It begins with the note "The Register booke of Woodenderbye, containing herein ye names of all such as have been married, burried, and christened, from Michaelmas 1561, to Michaelmas 1562." The first five or six entries are illegible, and the others contain nothing of special interest. The benefice, a vicarage, is consolidated with the rectory of Moorby, and is now held by the Rev. R. C. Oake.

As the name of Moorby indicated the character of the locality in former times, when that name was first acquired, so Wood Enderby means the "bye," i.e. "byre," or farmstead "at the end of the wood," as it borders on what was once the forest tract of "Tumby Chase"; Haltham wood, near at hand, being a relic of that former wild region. {202}

W. H. Trafford, Esq., is Lord of the Manor. The Hon. Mr. Stanhope owns a large part of the land; and portions belong to the Rev. G. Ward, and other smaller owners. The late Miss Trafford Southwell founded an infant school in the village; the older children attending the Moorby school. The poor parishioners receive 6d. each at Christmas, left by an unknown donor, out of the farm now owned by Rev. G. Ward, of Mavis Enderby.

The ancient history of Wood Enderby is much the same as that of Moorby. It was one of the minor demesnes, within the Soke of Horncastle, and attached to that manor; as were also West Ashby, High Toynton, Mareham-on-the-Hill, and other parishes. It would thus also be among the estates of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and when his main line became extinct, and the property was divided among collateral branches, Wood Enderby, with Wilksby and Revesby, fell to the share of Mr. John Carsey, or Kersey; his wife, the daughter of Sir Thomas Lovell, Knight, being grand-daughter of Margaret, sister and co-heir of the Duke of Suffolk. He owned the property from 1552 to 1575, and he and his son Francis jointly sold it to Thomas Cecil, Lord Treasurer Burleigh. He held it from 1575 to 1598, when it passed in succession to the 1st and 2nd Earls of Exeter, and to Elizabeth, Lady Howard, wife of the Earl of Berkshire, in 1640, and so in 1658 to Henry Howard; in 1663 to his cousin Craven Howard, who built the former residence at Revesby; and, after his death, the property was sold by the daughters of Henry Howard to the Banks family; whence the manor has descended to the present proprietors of Revesby.

The manor, like that of Moorby and other parishes already named, would at one time belong to the Bishops of Carlisle, and they were till recently patrons of the benefice; the patronage, within late years, being transferred to the Bishops of Manchester, after the creation of that See in 1848.

At an earlier date, being an appendage to the Manor of Horncastle, this demesne would be owned at one period by Gerard and Ralph de Rhodes; and this is shewn by the following records among the Final Concords, date 3rd Feb., 1224-5, whereby an agreement was arrived at between Henry del Ortiay and Sabina his wife, on the one part, and Ralph de Rhodes on the other part, as to certain lands in Moorby, Enderby, Horncastle, and other parishes, that the said Henry and Sabina should recognise the said lands as belonging to the said Ralph; he, on his part, granting to them other lands there, specially designated, they rendering to him "therefor by the year, one pair of gilt spurs, at Easter, for all service and exaction." {203a} This agreement was settled "at the court of the Lord the King at Westminster on the morrow of the purification of the blessed Mary, in the 9th year of King Henry III. {203b}

In the old records, Testa de Nevill (circa 1326-28), it is stated that "the churches of Horncastre, Askeby (West Ashby), Upper Thinton (High Toynton), of Meringes (Mareham-on-the-Hill), and of Hinderby (Wood Enderby), are of the gift of the lord; and Osbert, the parson, holds them of King Richard."

In Domesday Book it is stated that at the time of the Conqueror, there were "400 acres of wood pasturage" in the parish, a sufficient reason for its designation. Like Moorby, it was among the manors seized by the Conqueror, for his portion of the plunder taken from our Saxon forefathers. In Saxon times the Thane, Siward, had land here; which was given by the Conqueror to his steward, Robert Despenser, brother of the Earl Montgomery. {203c}



CONINGSBY.

This is a large village, about 8 miles from Horncastle, in a southerly direction. It is bounded on the north by Tattershall Thorpe, on the west by Tattershall, on the south by Wildmore, and on the east by Tumby and Mareham-le-Fen. Its area is 3,442 acres, including the hamlet of Hawthorn Hill; rateable value 5,160 pounds; population 1,192. Apart from a limited number of shops and three inns, the people are engaged mainly in agriculture. The soil is mostly a light sand, with a subsoil of gravel deposits and clay. The nearest railway station is at Tattershall, distant about 1.5 miles.

The owners of over 50 acres are Lord Willoughby de Eresby, M.P., Lord of the Manor; Sir H. M. Hawley, Bart., J.P.; F. Sherwin; J. Rodgers; J. Burcham Rogers, J.P.; Mrs. Evison; the rector, Rev. Canon A. Wright, M.A., J.P., Rural Dean and Canon of Lincoln. Smaller owners, about 50. The only gentleman's seat now existing is the hall, the residence of J. B. Rogers, Esq., J.P.

The old custom of ringing the pancake bell on Shrove Tuesday is still kept up. The annual feast is held in the week after St. Michael's Day, the patron saint. The "Ignitegium," or curfew, was rung within the last 35 years, but has been discontinued, the parish being now lighted by gas.

There are a few field names, indicating the former "woodland and waste" {204} character of the locality. The Ings, or meadows, so common throughout the district; Oatlands; Scrub Hill, scrub being an old Lincolnshire word for a small wood; Reedham, referring to the morass; Toothill, probably a "look-out" over the waste; Langworth, probably a corruption of lang-wath, the long ford; Troy Wood, may be British, corresponding to the Welsh caertroi, a labyrinth or fort of mounds. The hamlets are Dogdyke, a corruption of Dock-dyke (the sea having once extended to these parts); Hawthorn Hill, Scrub Hill. There is an enclosure award in the possession of the clerk of the Parish Council.

The parish register dates from 1561. The church plate is modern, chalice and paten dated 1870; the flagon is older and more massive, but has no date. The Earl of Ancaster is patron of the benefice, a rectory, with good house, enlarged about 30 years ago, and 500 acres of glebe.

The National School was built by subscription and government grant in 1836, at a cost of about 230 pounds, exclusive of the site, which was given by the late Sir Gilbert Heathcote. It was enlarged in 1875 at cost of 300 pounds. The master has 3 pound per annum, left by the Rev. R. Kelham in 1719, also the dividend of 100 pounds 3.5 per cent. reduced consols, bought by the bequest of the Rev. Mr. Boawre, Rector, in 1784.

The charities are Banks, viz. 2 pounds a year from land in Haltham, for bread for the poor; Metham's, for poor widows, from houses and land in Wisbech, left by Geo. Metham in 1685; Lawrence's, for coats for poor men, from land in Leake, left by Robt. Lawrence in 1721.

The Horncastle canal traverses the parish, but is now a derelict.

There was formerly a castle in this parish, the residence of a family of the name of Coningsby, but no traces of it remain, unless it be in an ancient dovecote, placed among some fine trees to the east of the village.

The church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a large, and originally a fine, church, consisting of nave, with north and south aisles, an apsidal modern chancel, and a massive western tower. This latter is of Perpendicular date, very plain, but of excellent ashlar work; it has a clock and six bells. The ground stage has open arches to the north and south, with a groined roof above, and a thoroughfare through it. In the eastern wall of the south porch is a stoup, which was formerly open, both within the porch and outside it. Over the porch is a parvis or priest's chamber. Outside the church, near the top of the wall of a cupola-shaped finial of the rood loft turret is an old sun dial. The interior of the nave has a massive heavy roof of beams somewhat rudely cut, with traces of former colouring.

The four western bays of the arcade are Early English, with low arches, the easternmost bay seems to have been added at a later date, the arch higher and wider. The moulding between two of the north arches terminates in a head, on each side of which an evil spirit is whispering. Another terminal is the head of a woman wearing the "branks," or "scold's bridle." On the south side of the chancel arch is a rood loft staircase turret, of which both the lower and upper door remain.

At the restoration in 1872 the clerestory windows were spoilt by being reduced in height; externally their original design remains. In the centre of the nave are two large sepulchral slabs, once bearing brasses, which are now gone, representing two civilians and their wives. The apsidal chancel is quite out of keeping with the rest of the fabric. There are some remains of the old carved oak screen, and south of the communion table is an Early English capital, with piscina behind it.

[Picture: St. Michaels Church, Coningsby]

The Notes on Churches, by Gervase Holles, shew that in his time (circa 1630) the windows of this church abounded in coloured glass, of which not a vestige remains. He gives, among the devices, the arms of Marmyon, Dymoke, Hillary, Welles, Hattecliffe, Umfraville, Willoughby, Ros, Tateshale, Bernake, Crumwell, Huntingfield, Rochfort, Beke, Boucher, Waterton, Hebden, Deyncourt, France and England, &c. {205}

Among the rectors of this parish have been two poets, one the laureate of his day (1718), the Rev. Laurence Eusden, who died 1730. The other, John Dyer, was born 1700, appointed to the benefice in 1752, by Sir John Heathcote, was the author of Grongar Hill, The Fleece, and The Ruins of Rome; he was honoured with a sonnet by Wordsworth.

A congregation of Baptists was formed here under the Commonwealth, with an endowment for a minister. The society still exists, their present chapel being erected in 1862; they have also a day school, built by Mr. John Overy in 1845. The Wesleyans have a chapel, built in 1825, and others at Hawthorn Hill, Haven Bank, Moorside, and Meer Booth. The Primitive Methodists have a chapel, built in 1854, and others at Reedham Corner and Scrub Hill.

Of the early history of this parish we have scattered notices in various documents. In Domesday Book we find that Sortibrand, son of Ulf the Saxon, who was one of the lagmen of Lincoln, held a Berewick in Coningsby. Land here is mentioned among the Conqueror's possessions. The powerful favourite of the Conqueror, Robert Despenser, laid claim to a fishery and lands in Coningsby; and the juryman of the wapentake of Horncastle decided that his claim was good, because Achi, his Saxon predecessor, had held the same in the time of Edward the Confessor. From the same source we find that two other powerful Normans held land here, viz. Hugo d' Abrincis, surnamed "Lupus," or "The Wolf," from his fierce character; and Drogo de Bruere, who had the Conqueror's niece to wife.

As with other parishes in this soke, we find from a Feet of Fines, 9 Henry III., No. 52, that Ralph de Rhodes then held lands here. Subsequently the Marmyons, Dymokes, and Taillebois, all connected in the blazonry of the former memorial windows (as before mentioned), held property in the parish. {206a} By a Chancery Inquisition post mortem, taken 31st May, 10 Henry VII., No. 72 (A.D. 1495), it was found that Robert Taillebois, Knt., with John Gygour, Warden of the college of Tateshale, was seized of the manor; while, further, in a Feet of Fines, 19 Henry VII. (1503), John Mordaunt is acknowledged by Sir Edward Poynings, Sir Thomas Fynes, and others, to be the owner of lands in Coningsby, and elsewhere in the soke. He held at least four other manors, and lands in many other parishes. Also a Feet of Fines, 21 Henry VII. (1505), it was agreed before Humphrey Coningsby, Sergeant at Law, Sir Giles Daubeney, and others, that the Bishop of Winchester held certain property here.

The Dymokes were patrons of the benefice; Sir Charles Dymoke presenting in 1682, after which the patronage passed to the Heathcote family (Liber Regis and Ecton's Thesaurus). But an earlier connection with the Dymokes is shewn by a tombstone commemorative of "Anna, daughter of Thomas Dymoke, and his wife Margaret, que obijt . . . Ao Dni 1462."

In connection with the Humphrey Coningsby, named above, we have already mentioned that a castellated residence in this parish belonged to a family of that name. This Humphrey was Judge of the King's Bench, and bought Hampton Court, co. Hereford, of Sir Thomas Cornwall, about 1510; where was preserved a painting of the old mansion at Coningsby. {206b} Thomas Coningsby was knighted by Elizabeth in 1591. Sir Fitz-William Coningsby was Sheriff of the county, 1627; and for his loyalty to Charles I. his estates were confiscated by the Puritans. His son was rewarded with a peerage by Charles II.; and saved the life of King William at the battle of the Boyne; but his two sons dying early, and he having no further issue, the title became extinct.

In the List of Gentry of Lincolnshire, made at the Herald's Visitation in 1634, we find the name of Clinton Whichcote, of Coningsby, a member of an old county family, still occupying a good position. {207a}



WILKSBY.

Wilksby lies about halfway between the parishes of Wood Enderby and Moorby, at a distance of about five miles from Horncastle, in a south-easterly direction. Letters from Boston via Revesby, arrive about 10.30 a.m.

The ancient history of this parish is much the same as that of the adjoining parish of Moorby on the east, and Wood Enderby on the west. It is called in Domesday Book Wilchesbi, and Wilgesbi. At the date of that survey (1086) there were four soc-men and five bordars, who had one carucate (or 120 acres) of land, and 20 acres of woodland; while the lord of the manor had one carucate in demesne, and five villeins, with two oxen in another carucate; with 20 acres of meadow and 40 acres of underwood; so that, like the neighbouring Moor-by and Wood Ender-by, this parish also was largely of a forest character.

In this parish there was also "a Berewick of 1.5 carucates" (or 180 acres); a Berewick meaning an outlying farm (from "bere" barley, and "wick" a village) belonging to another manor.

The parish was one of the estates taken by the Conqueror for himself, probably then forming part of the great Tumby Chase. He afterwards granted the manor to his steward, Robert Despenser, a powerful Norman noble, the ancestor of the Earls of Gloucester, brother of the Earl Montgomery, and of Urso de Abetot, hereditary sheriff of Worcestershire. He held 15 manors in Lincolnshire, and 17 in Leicestershire, beside others elsewhere.

Being in the Soke of Horncastle, it would be connected with that manor, as were so many other neighbouring parishes; and doubtless by a similar process, to the cases of Moorby and Wood Enderby, it belonged successively to the Brandons, Dukes of Suffolk; the Cecils, Earls of Exeter; the Howards, Earls of Berkshire; and finally, by purchase, passed to the Banks family, and through them to the Stanhopes.

Among the Assize Rolls (No. 319, m. 9 d) is a plea, made at Hertford, 10th May, 1247, in which "Joan de Leweline (with another) offered herself against Silvester, Bishop of Karlisle," in a suit concerning "20 pounds of rent in Enderby, Moreby, Wilkesby and Cuningby, and the advowson of the church Moreby," in which the bishop failed to appear. But in a Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 32 Henry III., No. 131, an agreement was made (21st July, A.D. 1248) by which the said Joan de Lewelyn (and others) did homage to the bishop, for these lands in Enderby, "Welkeby," &c., and the advowson of "Moresby," the bishop in turn granting to them "the homage and whole service of Ivo, son of Odo de Tymelby"; and they holding the land, &c., "in chief of the aforesaid bishop; and doing therefor the fourth part of the service of one knight." {207b}

In another document, a Final Concord, dated 27th May, 1240, between Alan de Dauderby and Alice de Lysurs, it was agreed that Alice should "acquit him of the service which Robert de Theleby exacts . . . of half a knight's fee, for which she is mesne." She further agrees that Alan and his heirs shall hold certain tenements of Alice and her heirs; to wit, 12 oxgangs and 80 acres of land, two messuages, with a rent of 12s. 8d., and two parts of a mill in Theleby, Wilkeby, Burton; and a meadow called Utemyng, for the service a fourth part of a knight's fee; and for this Alan gave her 10 marks.

The former of these records shews that, like the other parishes connected with the Manor of Horncastle, the Bishops of Carlisle were at one period patrons of the benefice (and probably owners of the manor) of Wilkesby; but, while in the case of several other parishes, this patronage continues (only transferred to the Bishops of Manchester) to the present day, the patronage of Wilksby passed to others. According to Liber Regis in 1711 and 1720 Lewis Dymoke presented to the benefice. In 1764, by some arrangement, George Willows, Gent., presented; but again, in 1833, it was in the patronage of the Hon. the Champion, H. Dymoke, who appointed to the rectory a relative, the Rev. J. Bradshaw Tyrwhitt, one of a very old, knightly, Lincolnshire family, the Tyrwhitts of Stainfield, Kettleby, &c. A tablet to his memory is erected in the church at Scrivelsby. {208a} The patronage was subsequently acquired by J. Banks Stanhope, Esq., and is annexed to the chaplaincy of Revesby, which has no permanent endowment.

Among the List of Gentry of Lincolnshire, made at the Herald's Visitation in 1634, and preserved at the Heralds' College, along with the Dymocks of Scrivelsby, Haltham, Kyme and Lincoln, is Paganell Hartgrave of Wilksby. {208b}

The church, dedicated to All Saints, is a mean structure, erected in the 18th century, of brick and Spilsby sandstone, standing on the site of an earlier church, of which nothing seems to remain except the font. It consists of nave and chancel, both on a very small scale, and a wooden bell-turret, with one small bell. The north and west walls are of sandstone, the former covered with a thick coating of tar to keep out the moisture; the east wall has alternate layers of brick and sandstone. Some improvements have been made in recent years, much needed to make it even a decent place of worship. The two two-light trefoiled windows in the south wall of the nave have been framed in stone instead of wood, and filled with green glass. The east window of the chancel has wooden mullions interlaced, and it has been adorned with paper representations of, in the centre the Ascension, to the left the Saviour holding an infant in his arms, to the right the child Jesus sitting among the doctors in the temple.

The roof of the chancel is apsidal, externally, as well as the nave, covered with modern house tiles. Internally the nave has a flat ceiling of deal boards. The pulpit and seats are painted wainscot; there is a small modern oak reading desk, and a lectern to match it. The chancel arch is a plain semicircle, but on its eastern side has a pointed Early English arch. The chancel rails are of modern oak, slightly carved; and there is a deal credence table. The 14th century font has a massive octagonal bowl, with large trefoils in each face, and grotesquely carved heads at the angles; the shaft being plain octagonal. The improvements were made in 1896, at the cost of the late Mrs. Stanhope.

The register dates from 1562. In recent years the incumbency of Claxby Pluckacre, where the church had gone to ruins, has been annexed to the rectory of Wilksby, the joint value of the two being about 300 pounds a year. They are held by the Rev. P. O. Ashby, Chaplain of Revesby.



LANGRIVILLE & THORNTON-LE-FEN.

These are modern accretions to the Soke of Horncastle, made in the early years of the 19th century. They are distant southward from Horncastle about 13 miles; situated in a tract of land called Wildmore Fen, lying about midway between Coningsby to the north, and Boston to the south. At various periods inundated by the sea, this continued, to the end of the 18th century, more or less a region of morass; available in the summer for grazing, but generally during the winter under water; when all cattle had to be removed for safety to the lands under cultivation at the homesteads of the farmers; and if by chance the farmer was behindhand in removing them, and the floods became frozen, it was a common thing for his cattle, while slipping about on the ice, to be split up, or, as it was locally termed, "screeved," and so become helpless, and fit only for slaughter. {209}

An Act of Parliament was passed in 1787 or 1788, and commissioners were appointed, for the drainage of this and adjoining similar tracts; but little was done until 1800, when the able engineer, Mr. John Rennie, submitted his plans for the drainage to the commissioners. His first report, dated April 7th, 1800, estimated the cost of draining Wildmore Fen alone at 29,702 pounds; the total outlay, for that and adjoining fens, being put at nearly 215,000 pounds. By 1812 these operations were completed; and in that year an Act was passed making these lands parochial, and assigning the two portions above named to the Soke of Horncastle.



LANGRIVILLE.

Langriville, so called because it is near Langrick (or Long Creek) on the Witham, has an area of 2,514 acres, including Langrick Ferry; rateable value 3,300 pounds. The population is entirely engaged in agriculture. The nearest railway station is at Langrick, in the parish.

It consists of the southern portion of Wildmore Fen, which at the enclosure was allotted to the Earl of Stamford and Warrington, in lieu of his manorial rights over Armtree and Wildmore; with other lands sold by the Drainage Commissioners, early in the 19th century. The Earl's estates afterwards passed, by purchase, to the late J. Fretwell Bramley and others. The present Lord of the Manor is Lord Malcolm, of Poltallock; and he, the Rector of Coningsby, the executors of Lady Ingram Watkin, J. Linton, Esq., of Stirtcoe, Buckden, Herts., Harrison Hayter, Esq., W. Goodenough Hayter, Esq., Mr. Jonathan Fox, of Boston, E. Harrison, Esq., and Mr. William Pepper are the largest land owners.

A small brick church was erected in 1831, consisting of nave, chancel and bell turret; and repaired and improved in 1885, by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The Bishop of Lincoln is patron; and the Rev. W. Fitz-Harry Curtis is the incumbent, who has here a residence, with an income of 320 pounds a year.

The Wesleyans have a chapel at Langrick Ferry, also in Armtree Road. By an order in council, dated 26th August, 1881, Langriville and Thornton-le-Fen were united, under the title of "The Consolidated Chapelry of Wildmore." There is a church at each place. At the time of the enclosure fen allotments were assigned to various of the older parishes, and these are many of them now included in this modern district, comprising parts of Fishtoft Fen, of Coningsby, of Kirkstead, Scrivelsby, Woodhall, Dalderby, and Martin. The entire area is now 10,500 acres, and population 1,470.

The National School, erected in 1857, is at Gipsy Bridge, now under a School Board.



THORNTON-LE-FEN.

Thornton-le-Fen adjoins Langriville, lying to the east of it, about three miles from Langrick railway station. The area was originally about 1,425 acres, including Bunkers Hill, part of Gipsy Bridge, and other scattered farms, which were sold by the Drainage Commissioners early in the 19th century, when it was made, by Act of Parliament, a parochial township. Rateable value 1,979 pounds. It has its name from the former chief proprietors, the Thornton family; but the chief land owners now are Lord Malcolm of Poltalloch, the Pepper, Ireland, Creasey, Ward, and Wilcock families. The soil is clay, and very fertile.

The church, which was built on the Fen Chapel Estates in 1816, is a small brick building, containing 200 sittings; the benefice, valued at 100 pounds a year, is in the gift of the Bishop of Lincoln, and by order in council, dated 26th August, 1881, was consolidated with the chapelry of Langriville; the two being of the united yearly value of 320 pounds, and held by the Rev. W. Fitz-Harry Curtis, who resides at the latter place.

A good school and master's house were erected in 1880, by the School Board of Wildmore Fen, at a cost of about 1,200 pounds, to accommodate 168 children. The Wesleyans have a chapel at New York and Bunkers' Hill. The Primitive Methodists have also a chapel.

The Ecclesiastical Commissioners, to whom the Fen Chapel Estates were transferred in 1876, pay 120 pounds a year for a curate, who now is the Rev. Harold E. Curtis. The total area is now 10,500 acres, and population 1,470.

* * * * *

NOTE.—Other parishes have once been in the Soke of Horncastle, which no longer belong to it. Domesday Book gives Scrivelsby, "Langton and (its) Thorpe" (from which I write; "Thorpe" being doubtless the outlying district recently known as Langton St. Andrew), and also Edlington. How these became separated is not known. As suggested by the author of Scrivelsby, the home of the Champions, Scrivelsby, as a barony of the Marmyon and Dymoke families, would probably be separated by payment of a fine; such powerful families preferring not to be sub-ordinated to another manor. Several Dymokes, however, were buried at Horncastle, where are their monuments.



INDEX.

A

Abrincis, Hugo de, "The Wolf," 206.

Accident, remarkable, of Dr. J. B. Smith, 94.

Adelias de Cundi, 1, 16, 17, 200.

Albemarle, Earl of, 166.

Aldrich, Bishop of Carlisle, 30 and note.

Allison, Henry, wealthy, in Hull, 158.

Allenby, Henry, Chemist to H.M.S., 157.

Allerton, Lord, Horncastrian, 152.

Ancaster, Earl of, 204.

Angevine, family of, 27, 28.

Angus, Earl of, 168, 181.

Arms of Charles I., 191. ,, temp. Charles I., 192. ,, of Marmyon, Dymoke, Umfraville, Willoughby, &c., in Coningsby Church, 205.

Ashby, West, 176-180. ,, Church described, 181, 182.

Ayscough, Clynton, 198. ,, Elizabeth, 201. ,, Henry, 201. ,, Walter, 198. ,, William, 197.



B

Babington, Miss, window to, 59.

Bage, i.e. sod, 189.

Baieux, Bishop of, 165, 166.

Bain, river name, meaning of, 2.

Baker, Thomas, cricketer, ventriloquist, &c., 159.

Banks, Sir Joseph, 31, 181, 194 and note, 196, 209.

Baptists, sect of, 84-86. ,, Chapel, 84.

Barkham, Sir Robert, 187.

Barracks at Queen's Head Inn, 162.

Bavent, Eudo de, 27, 196. ,, Close, field name, 27.

Beaumont, family of, 190.

Bell and Lancastrian Schools, 111, 112.

Berewick in Coningsby, held by Sortibrand, 206. ,, in Wilksby, 207.

Bertie, Hon. Charles, 187. ,, Richard, 182, 186.

Bevere, Drogo de, 166.

Bishop of Carlisle, 12, 30 and note.

"Black Death" at Horncastle, 51, 189.

Bocher, Arthur, Esq., 188.

Bolle, Charles, 187. ,, George, 187.

Bolles, Sir Robert, 171.

Boucherett, Ascoghe, 198.

Boulton, Dr. Barnard, window to, 37. ,, Henry, window to first wife, 38. ,, "Billy," anecdote of, 160.

Bourne, The Venerable Hugh, 73-76. ,, College, 77.

Brackenbury, Mr. Carr, Wesley's friend, 66, 68, and note.

"Branks," or "scold's bridle," 205.

Brandon, Charles, Duke of Suffolk, 196, 200, 202, 207.

British words still used, 3.

Britons, Caesar's description of, 2, 3 and notes. ,, good workmen, 3.

Britons, Tacitus account of, 5.

Brown, Rev. Benson, 153. ,, John, "Laureate," 158, 159. ,, Martin, and press gang, 156.

Brownists, sect of, 78.

Bunyon, John, 84.

"Butts," field name, meaning of, 174.



C

Calthrop Lieut. Richard, window to, 180.

Camville, Gerard de, 26.

Canal, Horncastle, history of, 126-129. ,, opening ceremony, 127-128.

Canals recognised by Magna Charta, 128.

Caparn, Rev. W. B., 153.

Capella, Henry de, 178.

Carlisle, Bishops of, 46, 167, 168, 181, 196, 200, 203, 207.

Carsey (or Kersey), John, 202.

Catherine, St., altar of, 200. ,, ,, chantry of, 36, 37.

Cecil, Sir Thomas, 29, 30, 203.

Chamerlayn dole, 189.

Chapel, St. Laurence's, 33, 34.

Charles I., arms of, 191.

Charters of markets and fairs, 18.

Chattels of felons granted to bishop, 19, 45.

Cheney, family of, 16, 17.

Church, St. Mary's, 33-45. ,, not original, 33. ,, plate, 55, 56. ,, restored, 56. ,, Holy Trinity, 57-59. ,, ,, architect of, 57. ,, Lads' Brigade, 63. ,, Schools, National, 63. ,, service, absence from, fined, 48.

Clarke, Rev. T. J., Vicar, account, 60.

Claribel, Mrs. Barnard, 180.

Clerical Club, 63, 137, 138.

Clinton, Lord, and family, 12, 20, 21, 92 and note, 188.

Clinton, Lord, engraving of, 97. ,, Sir Edward, 12.

Clitherow, Mr. Robert, window to, 38.

Clowes, William, 75, 76.

Cock and Breeches Inn, 162.

Cock-fighting, 164.

Coins found at Mareham-on-the-Hill, 184.

Coningsby, 203-207. ,, Church, 204-7. ,, land owners of, 204. ,, Rector of, Poet Laureate, 205, 206. ,, Sir Fitz-William, Sheriff, 206. ,, ,, at battle of the Boyne saved the king's life, 206.

Coningsby, mansion of, 206.

Conyngsby, Humphrey 187, 206.

Constable, an old smuggler, 162.

Coppuldyke, Thomas and wife, guild of, 42 and note.

Corn Exchange, 140-142.

Court House, account of, 135, 136.

Craycroft of Craycroft, 187.

Cressey, Nicholas, gent., 198.

Crispus and Crispinianus, window, 37 and note, 42 and note.

Cromwell visits Horncastle, 32.

Cromwell, Ralph de, 190.

Cussons, John, Confederate General, &c., 158.



D

Danish Conquerors, 10.

Despenser, Robert, 191, 195, 205, 206, 207.

Despensers, Earls of Gloucester, 195.

Destructive storms at Horncastle, 51.

Dispensary, history of, 119-125. ,, balls, 124. ,, dispensers, 124. ,, legacies, 125. ,, present building, 124, 125. ,, presidents, 123, 124. ,, sermons, 122, 123. ,, vice-presidents, 124.

Dixon, Miss Annie, artist, 151.

Dogdyke, i.e. Dock-dyke, 204.

Dole, Chamerlayn, at Roughton, 188.

Drill Hall, 148-150.

Drogo de Bruere, 206.

Dymoke, Edward, 188. ,, John, of Haltham, 191. ,, John, Rev., 190. ,, Lionel, curious will of, 183-184. ,, Robert, 187. ,, Sir Henry, 189. ,, Sir Lionel, monument to, 41. ,, ,, engraving, 42. ,, Thomas, 187.

Dymokes, 205, 206, 208, 210.



E

Eastwood, family of, 190.

Editha, Queen, 180.

Elmhirst, General Charles, window to, 179. ,, William, Esq., 180.

Enderby, Wood, 201-203.

Escald, Gerald de, 11, 17, 200.

Eusden, Rev. Laurence, Poet Laureate, Rector of Coningsby, 205.



F

Fast, solemn, at Horncastle, 51.

Felons, right to try, of Bishop of Carlisle, 45.

Fighting Cocks Inn, 164. ,, foxhounds kept at, 164. ,, scythe fair at, 164.

Fitz-William, family of, 28, 29.

Forests, extensive, 2, 3 and note, 18 and note, 202 and note, 207.

Fox, Mrs. Salome, window to, 38.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs, in church, 44.

Franklin, Sir John, 156.

Freshville, Peter, Frances, daughter of, 42 and note.

Fynes, Norreys, Esq., 189. ,, Thomas, 206.



G

Gairmaro, Geoffrey, chronicler, 16 and note.

Gallows of Bishop of Carlisle, 19. ,, at Thimbleby, of Abbot, 170.

Gaunt, Walter, 166 and note, 167.

George, Dr. Hugh, window to, 59. ,, Inn, 162. ,, ,, incident at, 163.

Gibson, Thomas, Vicar, 39, 40 and note, 51, 52.

Giles, Prebendary, window to, 39.

Gilliat, Rev. Edward, author, &c., 152.

Glenham family, 196, 201.

Goldie, Rev. C. D., Curate, account of, 62.

Goodrich, Robert, 187.

Grace, Pilgrimage of, 47, 48.

Grammar School, history of, 91-107. ,, distinctions of old boys, 105. ,, distinguished boys, 95, 96. ,, games and customs, 99-104. ,, Governors, 92. ,, Madge, Dr., late Master, 105. ,, Masters, former under, 97-99. ,, modern, 105. ,, new buildings, future, 107. ,, origin of, early, 91, 92, 106. ,, property of, 92. ,, White, Rev. T., 99. ,, Worman, Mr. A. N., 105.

Grosvenor, Rev. Francis, 98, 99. ,, F., 152, 153.



H

Hallgarth, interesting old house in Thimbleby, 172.

Haltham, 190-192. ,, church, interesting, 191.

Hamerton, John, Churchwarden, 39. ,, family, 52, 53.

Hangman's Corner, 19, 46.

Hardingshall, Sir William, 187.

Hartgrave, Paganell, of Wilksby, 208.

Hartwell, Lady, 188.

Harwood, Mr. F., window to, 38.

Hawley, Sir Henry M., 189.

Heald, George, Chancellor, 163. ,, and Lola Montez, incident, 163.

Healey, A. H., athlete, 154.

Heathcote, Sir Gilbert, 204. ,, Sir John, 205.

Heneage family, 190.

Henry IV., visits Horncastle, 32.

"Hoblers" for the army, 14.

Holles, Gervase, description of church windows, 42 and note.

Holles, Gervase, wife buried at Horncastle, 37 and note.

Holme, i.e. island, Danish, 2.

Hopton, Sir Ingram, 40, 41.

Horncastle, British settlement, 1. ,, Manor, owners of, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 22, 24. ,, market tolls, 13, 14. ,, Benefice, King appoints to, 46. ,, Rector murdered, 46. ,, Rector changed to Vicar, 47. ,, Peter de Galicia appointed to, 47. ,, Rectors and Vicars, list of, 50, 51. ,, rectory house, former, 55.

Hotchkin, family of, connected with Thimbleby, 172.

Hounds kept at Fighting Cocks, 164.



I

Independents, sect of and chapel, 77-83.

Islep, Simon de, Rector, 19, 46.



J

"Jack" Musters kept hounds at Fighting Cocks, 164.



K

Keane, Charles, and Horncastle, 156. ,, Edmund, 156.

Kemp family and Thimbleby, 173, 175. ,, meaning of name, 173 and note.

Kent, John, owner of Horncastle Manor, 24.

King's Head Inn, thatched, 164.

Kirkstead, Thimbleby belonged to Abbot of, 169, 170. ,, Abbot of, arbitrary action of, 170.

Knyght, questionable action of, 169.



L

Lancastrian and Bell Schools, 111, 112.

Langley, Ambrose, footballer, 157.

Langton, John de, Rector of Horncastle, Bishop of Chichester, 46.

Langrick, meaning of, 209.

Langriville, 209. ,, Church, 209, 210. ,, School, 210.

Langworth, meaning of, 204.

Leweline, Joan de, 207.

Leych, William, curious will of, 197.

Lincolnshire Rising, 47, 48, 187. ,, William Leche, "begynner" of, 47.

Lindsey, Earl of, 187.

Literary Society, 138.

Lizures, William de, 26, 27.

Lodge, Canon S., lectern given by, 39 and note. ,, ,, Master of Grammar School, 99.

Lola Montez, incident, 163.

Lord, Rev. Thomas, centenarian, 82, 89-90.

L'Oste, Rev. S., Rector of Langton, 93.

Lovell, Sir Thomas, Knt., 202.

Lysurs, Alice de, 207.



M

Madely, Dr. Clement, tablet to, in St. Mary's, 44 and note.

Malcolm, Lord, of Poltallock, Lord of Langriville Manor, 209, 210.

Malingars, field name, 191.

Mareham-le-Fen, 192-198. ,, church described, 192-194.

Mareham-on-the-Hill, 183, 184. ,, Church, 184.

Marwood, hangman, 154, 155.

Massingbird, Thomas, 187.

Mechanics' Institute, 139, 140.

Milner, Canon, W. H., Vicar, 61.

Moorby, 198-200. ,, church described, 198. ,, communion plate, 199. ,, minstrel column, 199.

Mordaunt, John, owner in Coningsby, 206.

Moyne, Thomas, rebel, 188.

Murder at Queen's Head Inn, 162.

Musters, "Jack," kept hounds, 164.



N

Newcomen, family, 187, 190, 198.

New Jerusalem, sect of, 86-89. ,, Chapel, 88. ,, first resident minister, 89.

Ninian, St., in window of St. Mary's, 37, 42 and note.

Nonconformist places of worship, 64-90.

Norman Conquerors, 11, 13.



O

Oddities of Horncastle, 160, 161.

Organ, fine, of parish church, 36.

Ortiay, Henry del, tenure by spurs, 180, 181, 203.

Ouseley, Sir F. Gore, of Wesley family, 64 and note.

Oven, public, 134 and note.

Overseer, a woman appointed, 188.



P

Paganell, Ranulph de, 177.

Palfreyman, of Horncastle, 52.

Palmer, Rev. E. R. H. G., 184.

Pancake bell, 34.

Paynell, 178.

Penance done in church, 186.

Pilgrimage of Grace, 47, 48.

Pingle, field name, 191.

Plague, 188, 191.

Plesington, Henry, Knt., 187.

Primitive Methodists, sect of, 71, 77. ,, chapel described, 72.

Publichouses, 161-164. ,, now gone, 162, 163, 164.



Q

Quarrington, Canon E. F., late Vicar, window to, 37.

Queen's Head Inn, murder at, 162.



R

Raengeires, British leader, 9.

Railway, 130-132. ,, opening ceremony of, 131, 132.

Ravennas, Geographer, 5 and note.

Rayne, Bishop's Chancellor, slain, 48.

Rennie, Mr. John, Engineer, 209.

Rhodes, Gerard de, 184, 203. ,, Ralph de, 12, 17, 18, 19, 180, 184, 191, 192, 200, 203, 206.

Rinder, Mr. Joseph, 178.

River names, celtic, 1.

Rivett, Mr. John, 70.

Robber taking refuge in church, 45.

Robinson, Miss, and Queen's dresses, 157, 158. ,, Rev. John, 78-80.

Rolleston, Edward, Esq., 186. ,, family, 186.

Rolston, Edward, 187.

Roman coffins, 7, 8. ,, coins, 4. ,, commanders, 3, 5. ,, milestone, 5. ,, pipes, 8. ,, pottery, 6, 7, 134 and note. ,, roads, 5, 6. ,, tomb at Thimbleby, 174. ,, urns, 6. ,, walls, 6. ,, wells, 6.

Rose, Rev. W., 82, 83.

Ross, Sir John, 156.

Round House, the (prison), 135.

Roughton, 188. ,, church described, 188. ,, plague at, 188.

Rushton, "Aty," 160. ,, Thomas, fisherman, 160.



S

Salt, a property, 182.

Sanctuary in church, right of, 45.

Sapcote, Sir Richard, 186.

Savile, 22, 25, 26.

Saxon conquerors, 9. ,, minstrel pillar, 199.

Schofield, John, marries bishop's daughter, 157.

Science and Art School, 112. ,, great efficiency of, 114. ,, lectures on special subjects, 115-118. ,, origin of, 112. ,, teachers of, 114, 115.

Scrope family, 20.

Scott, Sir Gilbert, at Horncastle, 134.

Scythes in church, probable history of, 41 and note. ,, engraving of, 48.

Scythe fair, 164.

Sessions House, former, 135.

Sewer, common for drain, 190 and note.

Sharp, Rev. W. Heneage, 154.

Shepherd, Capt., "old salt," 156.

Ship-money, complaint of, temp. Charles I, 14.

Skynner, family of, 169.

Slated house, first in Horncastle, 164.

Smith, Captain, Surgeon, 157. ,, Dr. J. Bainbridge of Grammar School, 93, 95, 99, 101.

Snowden, Bishop of Carlisle, 30. ,, Rutland, "delinquent," 54. ,, ,, benefactor to Horncastle, 54. ,, ,, among Lincolnshire gentry, 55.

Socmen, bordars, and villeins, 183 and note.

Somercotes, Sir William, 187.

Southey, Rev. T. C., Curate, 62.

Southwell, Miss Trafford, 202.

Spinning School, 134 and note.

Spranger, Dr. R., 186. ,, Chancellor, 186.

Spurrier, Rev. H., 189. ,, H. C. M., 189.

Spurs, tenure by, 181, 203.

Stanhope family, 31. ,, J. Banks, Esq., 192. ,, Memorial, 136, 137.

Swedenborg, Emanuel, 86.



T

Tailboys, Sir Walter, 181.

Taillebois, family of, 206.

Tanning formerly chief trade of Horncastle, 53.

Tennyson, A., and brother married in Horncastle, 44, 162.

Thatched publichouse, by will, 164.

Theft from St. Mary's Church, 42 and note, 47, 48.

Theleby, 208.

Thief to catch thieves, 161.

Thimbleby, 165-176. ,, church described, 175, 176. ,, engraving of, 171.

Thornton-le-Fen, 210. ,, Church, 210. ,, School, 210.

Thornton family, 210.

Three Maids' Inn, 164.

Thymelby family, 24, 25, 168, 181.

Tibetot, Robert, 12, 19, 20.

Tom Cat Inn, 164.

Toynton, High, 180-184. ,, ,, Church, 181, 182. ,, Low, 184-188. ,, ,, Church, 184-186. ,, ,, ,, engraving of, 185.

Trafford, W. H., Esq., 191, 202.

Train-bands, arms of, 14.

Trinity Church Horncastle, 57-60. ,, engraving of, 59.

Trunyan's, light of, our Lady's light, &c., 44, 45.

Tumby Chase, 202.

Turner and Cato Street Conspiracy, 155, 156. ,, Sir Edmund, 184.

Tymelby, Ivo de, 207.

Tyrwhitt, Douglas, a lady, 52. ,, old county family, 29, 208.



U

Umfraville, Earl of Angus, 168, 181.

Union, the, or workhouse, 133-135.

Union, early laws concerning paupers, 133, 134.



V

Volunteers, history of, 145-148. ,, Drill Hall, 148-150. ,, practiced on Edlington Road, 162.



W

Walter, Rev. H., B.D., History of England, 64.

Waring, river name, meaning "rough," 2.

Watson's Free School, 108-111. ,, property of, 110. ,, Governors, original, 110 and note.

Well-syke, field and wood name, 190 and note.

Wesley, John, 65-67. ,, Charles, 65.

Wesleyan, sect of, 64-71. ,, Chapel, 70. ,, ,, engraving of, 65. ,, circuits, 66. ,, centenary, 71.

Whelpton Almshouses, 142-144.

Whichcote, Clinton, of Coningsby, 207.

Wildmore Fen added to Horncastle, 209.

Wilksby, 207. ,, Church, 208.

Williams, Thomas, missionary, 69, 70.

Willoughby, William de, and family, 167. ,, de Eresby, Lord, 204.

Winchester, Bishop of, held land in Coningsby, 206.

Wood Enderby, 201-203. ,, Church, 201, 202.

Workhouse, before Union, 134. ,, village, 134.



Y

Young Churchmen's Union, 63.



Z

Zouch, Eudo la, bequest to, 197.

* * * * *



Printed by W. K. Morton & Sons, Ltd., 27, High Street, Horncastle.



Footnotes:

{0} His father, for about 12 months, occupied the house in North Street, of late years known as the "Red House," distinguished, it is said, as being the only house in the town having a front door of mahogany.

{1a} Mr. Jeans, in his Handbook for Lincolnshire, p. 142, says "the Roman station (here) probably utilized an existing British settlement."

{1b} Words and Places, p. 13, note. Ed. 1873.

{1c} There are probably traces of British hill-forts in the neighbourhood, as on Hoe hill, near Holbeck, distant 4 miles, also probably at Somersby, Ormsby, and several other places.

{1d} In the name of the near village of Edlington we have probably a trace of the mystic Druid, i.e. British, deity Eideleg, while in Horsington we may have the Druid sacred animal. Olivers' Religious Houses, Appendix, p. 167.

{2a} Words and Places, p. 130.

{2b} The meadow which now lies in the angle formed by the junction of the Bain and Waring at Horncastle is still called "The Holms," which is Danish for "islands."

{2c} The name Bain, slightly varied, is not uncommon. There is the Bannon, or Ban-avon ("avon" also meaning "river"), in Pembrokeshire; the Ban in Co. Wexford, Bana in Co. Down, Banney (i.e. Ban-ea, "ea" also meaning water) in Yorkshire, Bain in Herefordshire; Banavie (avon) is a place on the brightly running river Lochy in Argyleshire; and, as meaning "white," a fair-haired boy or girl is called in Gaelic "Bhana."

{2d} The name Waring (G commonly representing the modern W) is found in the Yarrow, and Garry in Scotland, the Geirw, a rough mountain stream, at Pont-y-glyn, in North Wales, and in the Garonne in France.

{2e} Ars Poetica, l 59.

{2f} An account of this urn is given by the late Bishop Trollope, with an engraving of it, in the Architectural Society's Journal, vol. iv, p. 200.

{2g} De Bella Gallico, bk. v, ch. 12-14.

{2h} Some idea of the extent of these forests, even in later times, may be formed from the account given by De la Prime (Philosophical Transactions, No. 75, p. 980) who says "round about the skirts of the wolds are found infinite millions of the roots and bodies of trees of great size." Pliney tells us that the Britons had "powerful mastiffs" for hunting the wild boar, and Manwood in an old Treatise on Forest Laws (circa 1680) states (p. 60) that the finest mastiffs were bred in Lincolnshire. Fuller, in his Worthies of England (p. 150) mentions that a Dutchman (circa 1660) coming to England for sport, spent a whole season in pursuit of wild game "in Lincolniensi montium tractu," by which doubtless were intended the wolds. A writer in the Archaeological Journal (June, 1846) says "the whole country of the Coritani (i.e. Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, &c.) was then, and long after, a dense forest." The name "Coritani," or more properly Coitani, is the Roman adaptation of the British "Coed," a wood, which still survives in Wales in such place-names as "Coed Coch," the red wood, "Bettws y Coed," the chapel in the wood, &c. This was their distinguishing characteristic to the Roman, they were wood-men.

{3} To the skill and bravery in war of the Britons Caesar bears testimony. He says, "They drive their chariots in all directions, throwing their spears, and by the fear of their horses and the noise of their wheels they disturb the ranks of their enemies; when they have forced their way among the troops they leap down and fight on foot. By constant practice they acquire such skill that they can stop, turn, and guide their horses when at full speed and in the most difficult ground. They can run along the chariot pole, sit on the collar and return with rapidity into the chariot, by which novel mode (he says) his men were much disturbed." ("Novitate pugnae perturbati.") De Bella Gallico, lib. iv, c, 33, 34.

{5a} An account of this milestone is given by the late Precentor Venables, in his Walks through the Streets of Lincoln, two Lectures, published by J. W. Ruddock, 253, High Street, Lincoln.

{5b} Stukeley, Itinerarium curiosum, p. 28; Weir's History of Horncastle, p. 4, ed. 1820; Saunders' History, vol. ii, p. 90, ed. 1834; Bishop Trollope, Architectural Society's Journal, vol. iv, p. 199, &c.

{5c} Ravennas, whose personal name is not known (that term merely meaning a native of Ravenna), was an anonymous geographer, who wrote a Chorography of Britian, as well as of several other countries, about A.D. 650. These were confessedly compilations from older authorities, and were, two centuries later, revised by Guido of Ravenna, and doubtless by others at a later period still, since the work, in its existent form describes the Saxons and Danes, as well, in Britain. As Gallio, also of Ravenna, was the last Roman general in command in these parts, it has been suggested that he was virtually the original author (Horsley's Britannia, 1732, chap. iv., p. 489; also The Dawn of Modern Geography, by C. Raymond Beazley, M.A., F.R.G.S., 1897, J. Murray). Messrs. Pinder and Parthey published an edition of Ravennas, or the Ravennese Geographer, as did also Dr. Gale.

{5e} Life of Agricola c. xxxi.

{6a} This is a thoroughly provincial word for highway or turnpike. It is of course a corruption of "Rampart," a fortified passage. In the marsh districts the main roads are called "rampires." See Brogden's Provincial Words.

{6b} The name Baumber, again, also written Bam-burgh, means a "burgh," or fortress on the Bain, which runs through that parish.

{7a} These urns are fully described with an engraving of them in vol. iv, pt. ii, of the Architectural Society's Journal, by the late Bishop Dr. E. Trollope.

{7b} Architect. S. Journal, iv, ii, p. 201.

{8} Gough, Sepulchral Monuments, Introduction, p. 59, says "coffins of lead and wood are believed to have been used by the Romans in Britain."

{9} The first Danish incursions into England were in A.D. 786 and 787, specially in Lincolnshire in 838. In 869 was fought the decisive battle of Threckingham in this county, which made the Danes paramount. The name Threckingham is said to be derived from the fact that 3 kings were slain in this battle, but we believe this to be an error, and that the place was the residence, the "ham" of the Threcginghas.

{10} The prefix "Horn" is also found in Holbeach Hurn, an angular headland on the south coast of Lincolnshire. In the monkish Latin of old title deeds, we also find the patronymic Hurne, Hearne, &c., represented by its equivalent "de angulo," i.e. "of the corner."

{11a} Dr. Mansell Creighton, late Bishop of London. Essays, edited by Louisa Creighton, 1904, pp. 278-9.

{11b} The palace of the Bishop was on the site of the present Manor House.

{11c} Dugdale, vol. ii, p. 336. Monast. Angl., vol. ii, p. 646.

{12a} Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No. 14, m. 1.

{12b} Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No 14, m. 1, 3 Edward I., 1274-5.

{12c} This sale was confirmed by the King, as shewn by a Charter Roll, 14 Henry III., pt. i, m. 12 3 Ed. I., 1274-5.

{12d} Patent Roll, 14 Richard II., pt. i, m. 3. A.D. 1390.

{12e} Patent Roll, 6 Edward VI., pt. iii, m. 1.

{12f} Patent Roll, 1 Mary, pt. 8, m 2, (44) 28 Nov., 1553.

{12g} Memoirs of Sir Henry Fynes Clinton. Annual Register, 1772, p. 2.

{12h} Coram Rege Roll, Portsmouth, April 20, 14 Chas. II.

{13a} Exchequer Bills and Answers, 11 Charles V., Lincoln, No. 185.

{13b} The carucate varied in different parts of the country, in Lincolnshire it was 120 acres. Gelt was a land tax, first imposed by the Danes in the reign of Ethelred, about A.D. 991, being 2s. on the carucate. Villeins and bordars were under-tenants of two different classes, bordars being superior to villeins. (Introd. Domesday Book, by C. Gowen Smith, 1870).

{13c} Barristers are said to have been first appointed by Edward I., A.D. 1291.

{16a} Among the Lincoln Cathedral Charters is an imperfect one, which mentions her "Castle of Tornegat (can this be a corruption for Horncastle?), her land at Wicham in Chent (Kent?), at Carlton and Torleby (Thurlby) in Lincolnshire," Architectural Society's Journal, 1901, p. 22. There is a notice of her in the Dictionary of National Biography, vol. I.

{16b} This Geoffrey Gairmar is himself rather an interesting figure in local history. He is mentioned in the Rolls Series, 91, i, ii (Ed. Hardy and Martin, 1888-9), as the author of L'estorie des Engles, a rhyming chronicle, based chiefly on the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and Geoffrey of Monmouth (between A.D. 1135 and 1147). He undertook his work at the request of Custance, wife of Ralph Fitz Gilbert; the latter held the manor of Scampton near Lincoln, and Geoffrey was probably a Norman who lived in that parish. He quotes The Book of Washingborough and The Lay of Haveloc the Dane, relating to Grimsby. He does not directly mention Horncastle, but shews acquaintance with the neighbourhood by celebrating the burial of King Ethelred at Bardney.

{16c} Camden's Britannia, pp. 45, 288, 529.

{16d} History of Lincoln, 1816, p. 138.

{16e} Camden, p. 88. A Lincoln Chancery Inquisition (Oct. 31, 1503) shows that on the death of Anne, daughter and heir of Edmund Cheney, owning the manors of Tothill, Gayton, Riston, and Theddlethorpe, Robert Willoughby, Lord Broke, was declared to be her kinsman and heir.

{16f} Dugdale, vol. ii, p. 336. D. Mon, ii, p. 646. (Architectural Society's Journal, 1895, p. 23).

{17a} Dugdale Baronage, p. 39.

{17b} Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, No 14, m. 1, 3 Ed. I., A.D., 1274-5. A Pipe Roll also, 1 Richard I., A.D. 1189-90, mentions "Gerbod de Escalt as paying a tale of 80 pounds in Horncastre."

{17c} Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 37 Henry III., No. 36 (3 Nov. 1252), and ditto, No. 38, same date. Gerard de Rhodes is also named in a Chancellor's Roll, 3 John, A.D. 1201-1, as paying certain fees for Horncastle. He is also named in the document above quoted (Hundred Rolls, Lincoln, 14, m. 1) as succeeding to the manor on the demise of Gerbald de Escald.

{17d} Feet of Fines, 9 Henry III., No. 52, Lincoln.

{18a} Quo Warranto Roll, 9 Ed. I., 15 June, 1281, quoted Lincolnshire Notes & Queries, vol. v, p. 216.

{18b} Coram Rege Roll, 13 Ed. I., m. 10, 12 May, 1285. Lincs. Notes & Queries, pp. 219-20.

{18c} The transfer of the manor to the bishop is further proved by a Carlisle document, a chancery inquisition post mortem, dated Dec. 11, 1395, which states that a certain John Amery, owner of a messuage in the parish "by fealty and the service of 16d. of rent, by the year, holds of the Bishop of Carlisle, and the said Bishop holds of the King."

{18d} The bishops of those days were sportsmen. It is recorded of a Bishop of Ely that he rode to the Cathedral "with hawk on wrist," and left it in the cloister while doing "God's service." There it was stolen and he solemnly excommunicated the thief. Aukenleck MS., temp. Ed. II., British Museum. The extensive woods in the soke of Horncastle abounded in game, as we have already shown by the tolls charged on roebuck, hares, &c., brought into the town. The punishment for killing a wild boar, without the king's licence, was the loss of both eyes. These ferae naturae became extinct about A.D. 1620.

{18e} These and other privileges granted to the Bishop are first specified in a Cartulary Roll, 14-15 Henry III.; they are renewed in a Memoranda Roll of 4 Ed. III.; again in the 25th year of Henry VI., and further in a Roll attested by Charles II., in his court at Westminster, Feb. 26, 1676. The August Fair was, in late years, altered by the Urban Council to begin on the 2nd Monday in the month, and to end on the following Thursday, it really however begins on the previous Thursday.

{19a} Roll 104, Hilary Term, 24 Ed. III. (1350). County Placita, Lincoln, No. 46.

{19b} De Banco Roll, Michaelmas, 41 Ed. III., m. 621, Aug. 3, 1368, Lincoln.

{19c} Coram Rege Roll, Trinity, 13 Ed. I., m. 10, Westminster, 12 May, 1285. Given in Lincolnshire Notes & Queries, vol. v., p. 220.

{20a} Patent Roll, 14 Richard II., pt. 2, m. 47, 8 Dec., 1390. Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. v., p. 221.

{20b} Fuller's Church History of Britain, vol. i, pp. 240, 242.

{20c} Camden's Britannia, p. 484.

{20d} Camden's Britannia, p. 522.

{20e} Ibid, p. 978. The name of Tibetot may possibly still survive in the family of Tibbot, who till quite recently held the manor of Thimbleby in the soke of Horncastle.

{20f} Ibidem, p. 489.

{20g} Ibidem, p. 88.

{20h} Ibidem, p. 760. This castle was built by Richard, Baron le Scrope, Chancellor of England under Richard II.

{20i} Ibidem, p. 99.

{20j} Ibidem, p. 722.

{20k} Patent Roll 6 Ed. VI., pt. 3, m. 1, 21 Nov., 1552, witnessed by the king at Westminster.

{21a} Patent Roll, 1 Mary, pt. 8, m. 2 (44), 28 Nov., 1553.

{21b} Historical MS. Commission. Calendar of MS. of the most Honble. the Marquis of Salisbury, K.G., &c., p. 179.

{21c} This Earl of Lincoln would seem to have been of a particularly hot temperament. I have mentioned in another volume (Records of Woodhall Spa, pp. 14.0, &c.) several of his actions of gross violence against the Saviles of Poolham Hall, in this neighbourhood, about the same date (1578). I will merely state here that he, with a party of followers, attacked Sir Robert Savile, when on a hunting excursion, seized several of his hounds and hanged them, as Sir Robert says, "upon my own tree within my own ground." He forced his way into the parlour at Poolham and challenged Sir Robert to fight "six to six" of their dependents. After an entertainment at Horncastle his followers, at his instigation, got hold of an unfortunate tailor, "drew their swords and sore wounded him," saying he should "have that and more, for his master's sake," Sir Robert Savile's son. One Robert Fullshaw, of Waddingworth, prayed the justices for protection against his "horrible outrages," and it was said that his conduct "savoured of insanity." (Illustrations of English History by Lodge. Lansdown MS., Brit. Mus., 27, art. 41.)

{21d} Patent Roll, 6 Ed. VI., pt. i, m. 11. Date 8 Dec., 1554.

{22a} Esch. Inquis. post mortem, 3-4 Henry VIII., No. 14.

{22b} It does not appear where this "Parish-fee" was situated, doubtless it was subordinate to the main manor of Horncastle, such "fees" were generally named after the owners once "enfeoffed" of them, as we have at Spalding Ayscough-fee Hall, once owned by the Ayscoughs, Beaumont-fee at Lincoln, owned by the Beaumonts, Panell-fee by the Paganels, Nevill-fee by the Nevills in Middle Rasen, &c. Architectural Society's Journal, 1895, p. 19. There is a family named Parish at Horncastle but they are a modern importation.

{22c} Inquis. post mortem, 6 Edward III., held at Haltham, Sep. 21, 1333.

{22d} Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 32 Henry III., 21 July, A.D. 1248. Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iv. p. 120. This is repeated in a Final Concord of the same date between Silvester, Bishop of Carlisle, and other parties. Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. vii., p. 114.

{22e} Cottonian Charter, v., 61, quoted Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iii, p. 245.

{22f} Architectural Society's Journal, 1896, pp. 254-257.

{22g} Court of Wards Inquis. post mortem, 3, 4 and 5 Ed. VI., vol. v., p. 91. Architectural Society's Journal, 1896, p. 258.

{22h} Chancery Inquis. post mortem, 20 Henry VI., No. 25. Architectural Society's Journal, 1899, p. 257.

{22i} Ibidem.

{22j} Ibidem, p. 258.

{24a} Lincs. Notes & Queues, vols. i., p. 183, and ii., p. 219.

{24b} Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. i, p. 47.

{24c} Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 27 Edward III., No. 158.

{24d} Originalia Roll, 34 Edward III., m. 35, A.D. 1360-1.

{24e} Feet of Fines, Lincoln, 41 Edward III., No. 94.

{24f} Inquis. post mortem, 10 James I., pt. i., No. 11.

{25a} Chancery B. and A., James I., R., r, 10, 1, 8 October, 1623.

{25b} These details are all taken from Camden's Britannia, Gibson's Edition, 1695.

{26a} Chancellor's Roll, A.D. 1201-2.

{26b} Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iii., pp. 244-5.

{27a} Ibidem.

{27b} Camden's Britannia, p. 712.

{27c} Pipe Roll, 1160-1.

{27d} Pipe Roll, 1161-2.

{27e} Testa de Nevill, folio 348. He also held the advowson of Mareham, which was transferred to the Bishop of Carlisle, as Lord of Horncastle, in 1239 (Final Concords, p. 304) by his successor, William de Bavent.

{27f} Cathedral Charters (Calcewaith), folio 106 (a), quoted Architectural Society's Journal, No. xxvii, p. 14.

{27g} Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 18 Ed. I., No. 34.

{27h} Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 12 Ed. II., No. 22.

{27i} Chancery Inquisition post mortem, 44 Ed. III., No. 32. These trustees were John Amery of Horncastle; Simon, Parson of Wilksby; John of Claxby Pluckacre; and others.

{27j} De Banco Roll, 5 Henry VII., Hilary, M., A.D. 1490.

{28a} Architectural Society's Journal, 1894, p. 190. Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iii., p. 204, vol. vii., p. 3.

{28b} Maddison's Wills, 1st series, p. 360, No. 96.

{28c} Lansdown MS., British Museum, 54, 62, &c., quoted in Old Lincolnshire, vol. i., p. 118. In All Saint's Church at Theddlethorpe is a fine brass of an Angevin and his wife of the 16th century.

{28d} De Banco Roll, 5 Henry VII., Hilary, M., A.D. 1490.

{28e} Chancery Inquisition post mortem, taken at Alford, April 28, 14 Henry VIII., A.D. 1522.

{28f} Bridge's History of Northamptonshire, quoted Architectural Society's Journal, 1879, p. 45, note.

{28g} Patent I Ed. IV., pt. 2, m. 59, quoted Old Lincolnshire, vol. i., p. 124.

{29a} Chancery Inquisition, 18 Henry VII., No. 34., taken at East Rasen, 26 Oct., 1502.

{29b} Commission of Peace, 13 July, 1510, quoted Lincs. Notes & Queries, Jan. 1896, p. 15.

{29c} Inquisition post mortem, 6 Henry VIII., 20 Jan., A.D. 1515. Old Lincolnshire, vol. i, p. 221.

{29d} Circa A.D. 1536. Architectural Society's Journal, 1895, p. 14.

{29e} Architectural Society's Journal, 1894, p. 192.

{29f} Architectural Society's Journal, 1894, p. 215.

{29g} Architectural Society's Journal, 1894, p. 221.

{29h} Architectural Society's Journal, 1879. Pedigree of Fitz-Williams, p. 44, &c. A Douglas Tyrwhitt of this family, daughter of George Tyrwhitt, Esq., in 1703 left a dole of 10/-, charged on land at Belchford, to the poor of Horncastle.

{29i} Patent Roll, 19 Elizabeth, pt. iv, m. 13, 2 May, 1577.

{30a} Privately printed, from Burghley Papers, by Right Hon. Edward Stanhope of Revesby Abbey, 1892.

{30b} Works of Thomas Becon, Parker Society, p. 480, note.

{30c} Bishop Aldrich died at Horncastle in March, 1555, he was a distinguished graduate of King's College, Cambridge, Provost of Eton, a correspondent of the great Dutch scholar Erasmus; afterwards made Archdeacon of Colchester, Canon of Windsor, Registrar of the Order of the Garter, and consecrated to the See of Carlisle 18 July, 1537.

{31a} Exchequer Bills and Answers, Chas. I., Lincoln, No. 36. Among the charges brought against Rutland Snowden (as already stated elsewhere) one was, that, besides having aided the forces of the Parliament, he had more than one wife. The Snowden Arms are given in "Yorks. Union of Honour," Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. iv., p. 16.

{31b} Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. i., p. 106.

{31c} The valuable collections of Sir Joseph Banks are still carefully preserved at Revesby Abbey, and form in themselves almost a museum.

{32a} Leland's Collectanea, 66, p. 300.

{32b} The stables of John of Gaunt's House still exist adjoining the High Street.

{33a} Quoted Weir's History of Horncastle, note p. 29, ed. 1820.

{33b} On Saturday, next the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, 21 Jan., 1384-5, held by John de Feriby, Escheator of the King, in the County of Lincoln.

{34} Most of these fragments were removed by Mr. Stanhope to Revesby Abbey. Two of them are preserved in the garden of Langton Rectory, near Horncastle.

{36} The origin of this Chantry is shewn by the following documents:—In the archives of Carlisle Cathedral is a copy, in Latin, of a Privy Seal State Paper, Domestic, vol. i, 5039, of date 5 May, 6 Henry VIII. (A.D. 1514), slightly imperfect, but running thus: "The King to all . . . greeting. Know that we, of our special grace . . . by these presents do grant . . . for us, our heirs and successors . . . to the devout woman, the Lady Margaret Copuldyke, widow, and Richard Clarke, tanner, of Horncastle, that they found a fraternity, or guild, to the honour of St. Katharine, and for the extending of divine teaching, in the Parish Church of the blessed Virgin of Horncastell, and mortain licence to acquire land of the annual value of 25 marks" (16 pounds 15s. 4d.). Another document, a Chantry Certificate, Lincoln, No. 33 (55), Ed. VI. (1552), states that "the Guild of St. Katharine, in Horncastell, was founded by Joan Copuldyke, widow, and others, with the intention that one Chaplain for ever, should celebrate divine services in the church, for the souls of the founder, and others; the profits of the land and possessions are received by the Alderman of the Guild." They are described as "worth yearly 13 pounds 8s. 8d., with fees, wages, rents and other reprises, 7 pounds 15s. 3d. The clear value, reprises deducted, yearly, 5 pounds 13s. 10d.," with "goods, chattels and ornaments worth 1 pounds 10s." It is to be observed that Gervase Holles says, that at the time of his visit, she was named "Margaret," in a window then existing in the church. A Patent Roll, 3 Ed. VI., pt. 5, m. 4, gives various lands and tenements, with which this chantry was endowed, in Horncastle, Spilsby, Thornton and Roughton, occupied by about 100 tenants; and states that all these were granted "by the King to Robert Carr, gent., of Sleaford, and John Almond, their heirs and assigns." Witness, the King, at Westminster, 15 July, 1549. This is further confirmed by an Inquisition post mortem, 5 Eliz., pt. 1, No. 67. [This was 'in return for a payment by them of 1,238 pounds 11s. 10d.'] Among the signatories to a declaration of the Royal supremacy (Lincoln Chapter Housebook, B. 3, 14, p. 39) are the names of Robt. James, Vicar of Horncastle Michel Whithed, Curate of Horncastle Hugh Doddington, "Cantuarista" of Horncastle (probably Chaplain of this Chantry). It was also served by Robert Geffrey in 1552. Chantry Certificates, Lincoln 33 (55).

{37a} Harleian MS. No. 6829, p. 241. In a window in the north aisle was the inscription "Orate pro ai'a Thomae Coppuldike armig., et D'nae Margaretae, Consortis suae, fundatoria gildae cantar . . . fenestram fieri fecit. Ano D'ni 1526." In the eastern window of the south aisle was the inscription "Orate pro benefactoribus artis sutorum, qui istim fenestram fieri fecerunt. sc'ae Nemanae cum sera et catena. Item S'ci Crispinus et Crispinianus cum instrumentis calceariis." Here it is distinctly stated that a Guild of Shoemakers gave the window, and that Crispinus and Crispinianus the patron saints of shoemakers, were there represented. A note in the same MS. states that Frances, wife of Gervase Holles, died at Horncastle and was buried there. (These passages are quoted in Weir's History of Horncastle, pp. 30, 31, note, edition of 1820).

{38} Mr. Dee had formerly been a Clerk in Mr. Clitherow's office, as Solicitor.

{39a} This was formerly the altar-piece below the east window of the chancel, before the present reredos was placed there, and dedicated at the Harvest Festival, 22 Sept., 1870.

{39b} It may here be stated, that the former font was quite as good as the present one, octagonal in form, and of perpendicular design, in harmony with older portions of the church. It was, however, discarded at the restoration, and, for some time, hidden away among rubbish, but eventually presented to the restored church of the neighbouring parish of Belchford. The bowl of the present font is too small to answer the requirements of the Rubric, and is not in keeping with the architecture of the church.

{39c} A Lectern, consisting of a large eagle, of cast iron, bronzed, on the model of one in St. Margaret's Church, Lynn, was presented by the late Prebendary Samuel Lodge, Rector of Scrivelsby. This is still preserved in the south chancel chapel.

{40a} Walker in his Sufferings of the Clergy (1714) gives an account of Thomas Gibson, which we here abridge. Born at Keswick (in the diocese of Carlisle), he went to Queen's College, Oxford, was appointed Master of the Free School at Carlisle, there promoted to the similar post at Newcastle, and finally preferred by the Bishop of Carlisle to the Vicarage of Horncastle in 1634. In consequence of a sermon preached by him, at the Election for Convocation, he was seized, in 1643, and carried as a prisoner to Hull. Being released after four month's detention, and returning to Horncastle, he was charged with teaching "ormanism" (arminianism), and committed to the "County Jail" at Lincoln, a Presbyterian minister being appointed in his stead at Horncastle. In 1644 Colonel King, the Governor of Boston under the Parliament, ordered a party of horse to seize him (apparently having been released from Lincoln) and to plunder his house, but an old pupil, Lieut. Col. John Lillburn, interceded for him with his superior officer, Col. King, and the order was revoked. In the subsequent absence, however, of Lillburn in London, the order was repeated, and Mr. Gibson was made prisoner, his house plundered, and his saddle horse, draught horses, and oxen carried off. He was imprisoned at Boston, Lincoln and "Tattors-Hall Castle," where he had "very ill-usage for 17 weeks." He was sequestrated from his benefice and an "intruder," named Obadiah How, put in charge. He was now accused of defending episcopacy, "refusing the covenant," &c. He retired to a "mean house," about a mile from Horncastle, supposed to be at "Nether (Low) Toynton," where he and his family "lived but poorly for two years, teaching a few pupils." He was then appointed Master of the Free School at Newark, two years later removed to the school at Sleaford, being presented by Lady Carr. There he lived until the Restoration, and then resumed his Vicarage at Horncastle, until he died in 1678, aged 84. "He was a grave and venerable person (says Walker), of a sober and regular conversation, and so studious of peace, that when any differences arose in his parish, he never rested till he had composed them. He had likewise so well principled his parish that, of 250 families in it, he left but one of them Dissenters at his death." (Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy, pt. ii, p. 252, Ed. 1714).

{40b} There is an error in the date, which should be Oct. 11. Further, the term "arch rebel" is inappropriate, as Cromwell was, at that time, only a Colonel, far from having attained his later distinction; the term "skirmish" is also inadequate, as the Winceby battle was a decisive engagement, with important consequences.

{41a} The origin of these scythes has of late years been a vexata questio. It has been suggested that they are not, as generally supposed, relics of the Parliamentary War, but of the earlier so-called "Pilgrimage of Grace," or "Lincolnshire Rising," a movement intended as a protest against certain abuses attending the Reformation, in the reign of Henry VIII. The evidence, however, gathered from various directions, would seem to be strongly corroborative of the old and more general opinion. History shows that, for many years, about the period of the Commonwealth, scythes were among the commonest, rude weapons of war. The artist Edgar Bundy, in his painting "The morning of Edgemoor," recently (1905) purchased for the National Gallery by the Chantry Trustees, represents a soldier armed with a straight wooden-handled scythe. The battle of Edgemoor was fought Oct. 23, 1642, one year before that of Winceby. We have also contemporary testimony in the Memoirs of the Verney Family (vol. i, pp. 109-118 and 315), members of which took part in the civil war of that period, that King Charles' forces consisted largely of untrained peasants, "ill-fed and clothed . . . having neither colours, nor halberts . . . many only rude pikes . . . few a musket." To such the scythes used in their farm labour would be handy weapons in emergency. As a parallel to these cases Sir Walter Scott, in his preface to Rob Roy, states that "many of the followers of MacGregor, at the battle of Prestonpans (Sep. 21, 1745), were armed with scythe blades, set straight upon their handles, for want of guns and swords." It is not without interest to note, that about 60 years ago there were exhumed, on the farm above Langton Hill, in Horncastle, the remains of 6 bodies, lying buried in a row, with scythe blades beside them. It is known that skirmishes between Royalists and Roundheads took place in this locality, and it can hardly be doubted that these also were relics of the Winceby fight. The then tenant of the farm, Mr. Dobson (as the writer has been informed by his granddaughter, Mrs. H. Boulton of St. Mary's Square, Horncastle), carted these remains to the town and they were re-buried in the south side of St. Mary's Churchyard, while the scythes were added to those already in the church. An incident, which further confirms their connection with the Winceby fight, is that the present writer has in his possession a pair of spurs, which were found on the field of Winceby, remarkable for the long spikes of their rowels; and he himself once found the rowel of a spur, with similarly long spikes, within a few yards of where the bodies were discovered; and in the year 1905 he also examined several bones, pronounced by a doctor to be human, which were found near the same spot, while workmen were digging for the foundations of a house since erected there. On the other hand, as against the theory of the scythes having been used in the earlier "Pilgrimage of Grace," we are distinctly told that the mobs concerned in that movement were deprived of all weapons before they could use them. In the Lincoln Chapter House books (c. i, 20, f 193) is a letter from Richard Cromwell, dated Oct. 29, 1586, which says that he, and Admiral Sir John Russell, went to Louth, where "all the harness and weapons were seized, and conveyed to Lincoln," and that for the same purpose Mr. Bryan had been sent to Horncastle, and Mr. Brown to Market Rasen. On the whole, therefore, the preponderance of evidence is strongly in favour of the connection of all these scythes with the neighbouring Battle of Winceby—the original tradition.

{41b} Weir, in his History of Horncastle gives the quarterings of these shields as follows:—

(1) Sable, 2 lions passant in pale, ducally crowned, or, Dymoke impaling Barry of 6 ermines, and gules, 3 crescents, sable, Waterton; a crescent for difference.

(2) Dymoke impaling Vaire, on a fess, gules frette, or. Marmyon, in chief, ermine, 5 fusils in fess, Hebden, a crescent for difference.

(3) Argent, a sword erect, azure, hilt and pomel gules.

(4) Dymoke impaling quarterly, gules and argent, a cross engrailed. Countercharged, Haydon, a crescent for difference.

{42a} The only other theft from the church of which we have record, was when the vestry was broken into in December, 1812, and the money collected for parish purposes was stolen. A reward of 50 pounds was offered for information of the thief, but without result. (MS. notes by Mr. T. Overton in possession of Mr. John Overton, of Horncastle.)

{42b} Details of these are given by Holles as follows:—

In fenestra Insulae Borealis.

"Orate pro a'ia Thomae Coppuldike Armig. & D'nae Margaretae Consortis suae fundatoris Gildae Cantar . . . Fenestram fieri fecit Ano Dni 1526."

In superiori fenestra Borealis Cancelli.

'Gules a lion passant guardant. Arg. . . .

Sable, 3 flowres de lize betw: 6 crosses botony fitchy Arg. . . .

Gules, a cross sarcelly Arg." . . . Bec.

In fenestra Orientali Insulae Australis.

"Orate pro benefactoribus artis sutorum, qui istam fenestram fieri fecerunt stae Ninianae cum cera et catena. Item sti Crispinus et Crispianus cum instrumentis calceariis." (N.B. The feminine is an error of Holles, as St. Ninian was a man. Collier's History, vol. i. p. 100).

Fenestra Borealis superior.

Empaled: Sa, 2 lions passant arg. crowned or. Dymoke

Empaled: Or, a lion rampant double queue sa. Welles

Empaled: Quarterly: Arg. a chevron betw: 3 bulls passant sa. Tourney

Empaled: Quarterly: B. a fesse betw: 3 goats' heads erased arg.

Empaled: Quarterly: Arg. a chevron gobony sa.

Empaled: Quarterly: Arg. on a bend g. 3 roses arg.

Quarterly: Arg. chevron betw: 3 griphons' heads erased, g. Tilney

Quarterly: Arg. 3 bars g. over all a bend engrailed, sa. Ros

Quarterly: Quarterly or and g. a border sa bezanty. Rockford

Quarterly: Arg. 3 crosses botony fitchy B. semy of flowres de lize

Quarterly ermine and chequey or. and g. Gipthorpe

Arg. a chevron betw: 3 roses, g.

Taylboys &c

Fenestra Australis superior.

G. a fesse betw. 3 water bougets ermine Meres

Empaled.: Marchants Mark.

Empaled.: Arg. on a Bend, G. 3 ferniers of the first

Hic jacet Francisca filia primogenita Petri Fressheville de Stavely, in com. Derb. arm [ex priore uxore sua Ehzabetha filia Gervasii Clifton de Clifton, in com. Nott. Militis] et quondam uxor Gervasii Holles de Burgh in cum. Lincoln. Militis, cui peperit Freschvillum Holles, et Margaretam, gemellos, et Franciscum Holles filium juniorem. Obijt Horncastell. Harleyan MS., No. 6829, p. 241.

{42c} Mr. Sellwood lived in a house on the west side of the Market Place, now occupied by R. W. Clitherow, Esq., of a family long established in Horncastle.

{44a} Mr. Fretwell was Curate of Horncastle and Rector of Winceby, (Directory of Horncastle, 1791-2). He would appear to have been, for a time, in sole charge of Horncastle, as we find that on one occasion (Feb. 23, 1790) "sensible of the distresses of the sick poor, he gave 1.5 g. from the communion money to be laid out in Salop sago and Bowen's sago powder, to be distributed at the discretion of the Faculty." (See account of the Dispensary.)

{44b} The vault of Dr. Madeley is within the chancel rails, beneath the tablet. His son was an officer in the 68th Regiment of Foot, in which also a Horncastle man, named Walker, was sergeant.

{46} There is still, in Westminster Abbey, a chantry named "The Islip Chapel," which is used as a Robing room, at the consecration of the Bishops.

{50} A List of Institutions given in Lincs. Notes & Queries, vol. v, p. 236 has the date of C. Monke's appointment, 24 Oct., 1558, and gives his predecessor as Henry Henshaw. In a previous notice (Ibidem, p. 201) the latter is given as Henry Henshoo.

{57a} The patronage and manorial rights (as already stated) were transferred to the Bishop of Lincoln, on the death of the Bishop of Carlisle in 1856.

{57b} We may add that Dr. Madely also left a bequest of 50 pounds towards a much needed church at Woodhall Spa; where through the energy of the Rev. H. Walter, Vicar of the parent parish of Woodhall St. Margaret, and Rector of Langton, the Church of St. Andrew was built before that of Holy Trinity, Horncastle, the foundation stone being laid by Sir H. Dymoke, April 2, 1846, and the consecration by Bishop Kaye taking place Sep. 14, 1847; the architect in this case also being Mr. Stephen Lewin, of Boston, a vicarage being built at the same time.

{59} All the coloured windows are by Messrs. Clayton & Bell.

{60} The sister of the present writer, who was a brilliant pianist, frequently went to play to Mr. Clarke, and, as she touched the piano, he would rouse himself and take his flute and try to accompany her. It is not a little remarkable, that Mr. Clarke's widow, after a few years married again, a Medical Practitioner, near Windsor, and committed suicide by placing herself on the railway line, near that place, her mangled remains being afterwards found on the line. Whether her mind had been affected by her first husband's tragic death, who can say?

{61} To show Mr. White's energy of character the writer may mention that he frequently, as a healthy diversion from his professional work, walked up to Langton Rectory before breakfast, and plied his spade in the garden, and then enjoyed a hearty breakfast with the Rector, returning to Horncastle in time for the daily service at 11 a.m. As an instance of his kindly nature we may give the following: At Horncastle a poor girl was suffering from a "white swelling" in the knee. The doctor declared that her life could only be saved by the leg being amputated above the knee. She dreaded the operation, but consented, if Mr. White would support her in his arms during the process. He was greatly averse to painful scenes, but reluctantly consented. Those were not the days of anaesthetics, when such operations can be performed without the patients feeling it; but he said to her "Let us pray," and while the doctors were at work they prayed so fervently that she was too much absorbed to notice what was done. At length she said, "Dear Mr. White will they never begin?" His reply was "My good girl, your leg is off, and the Lord has spared you all the pain." She lived to be a strong healthy woman and always blessed the curate.