.. Glass ■ DA(o g \^ _ Book_ ■'■ /? Hio3 ¥ X i QUE JENS CM OSS , near ^ortkanrpton . THE HISTORY It i,..,.^ _ •-,-.. c^A, , $ AND ITS VICINITY; JSrougfit fco&m to t|)e Present Cinu, SECOND EDITION, REVISED. NORTHAMPTON : PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY JAMES BIRDSAIX. 1831, . '0% * « g e « * « • ' A" \c y A, &q PREFACE. The Editor of the following work, in presenting a second edition to public notice, most respectfully returns his sincere and grateful acknowledgements, for the very liberal and flattering manner in which the former impression was received; the pub- lishers having long since disposed of every copy. There will be found in this edition, when compared with the first, many considerable improvements ; combining whatever was practicable, or could reasonably be effected, without materially increasing the number of its pages, and consequently enhancing the price; on this subject he cannot but avail himself of the present opportunity to suggest, lv PREFACE that in the event of a similar continuance of public favor, he may have it in his power to render a future series equally deserving the distinguished patronage which has already flattered his humble efforts ; being in posses- sion of various sources of information, in all respects calculated for carrying such a design into execution. Notwithstanding every due precaution, some errors and inaccuracies, arising from unavoidable causes, may be discovered in this, as in all works of topography; it being utterly impracticable to render such publications entirely free from them ; — foi* such unintentional failings, it is confidently presumed, the liberal and discerning spirit of the reader will make every possible allowance; at the same time he solicits lenity from literary critics ; desiring to avoid their rigid, though merited censure; Indulging the hope, that his earnest and well meant endeavours, will in some measure atone for faults and imperfections. PREFACE. T It would be highly improper to conclude this address, without offering a respectful tribute of gratitude to those individuals, who have so kindly and materially aided the pro- gress of the work by local communications ; the value and importance of which, will always be duly appreciated. INDEX. Page Page Northampton, Account of 1 Ecton - . - 34 Abinglon - 53 Floore - 85 Althorp - 55 Gayton - 88 Barton-Earl's - - 57 Grendon - 88 Billing, Great - - - 59 Gnilsborough - 89 Billing, Little - - _ 60 Brington 61 Hackleton . - 92 Brix worth » . 63 Haddon, East - 96 Blisworth 65 H addon. West - 92 Bonifhton m 66 '< 1 aiding* tone - 94 Brock hall • 67 Harleston - 100 Brayfield m 68 Harpole - 103 Bugbrook - 68 Heyford • , Hofdenby . 103 . 106 Castlr-Ashby - 69 Horton . 108 Church Brampton • 73 Houghton-Magna . no Chanel- Brampton • 74 Houghton-Parva . m Cogenho . 75 Collinjrtree ; . 76 Kelmarsh . • . 113 Courteenhall . 77 Kiii«?sthorpe . .114 Creaton - 78 Kislingbury • . 116 Daliington - - . 79 Lamport . . . 117 Duston • 82 Maidwell - 119 INDEX. Vll Milton Moulton , Naseby Overstone - Page . 120 . 121 . 122 - 129 Rothersthorpe Spratton - Stow Upton Piddington - - - - - 129: Pitsford ------ 130 ! Weedon Preston - - Qninton Ravensthorpe Road - 130 1 Weston-Favcl - - _ 132 J Winston - - | Wootton - - - 132 - 133 J Yardley-Hastings Page - - 134 - - 134 - 135 - - 136 - 137 - - 139 - 143 - - 146 - - 148 NORTHAMPTON. Nc IORTHAMPTON is situate on a gentle ascent from the northern bank of the river Nyne or Nen, antiently called Aufona, or Avon ; and from this situation it is supposed to have derived its name. In what age, or by whom Northampton was built, is almost impossible to determine. It has been stated that Belinus, a British king, was the founder ; but for the fact there is no cer- tain authority. It is, however, a presumptive proof, that there was a town or settlement in the time of the Britons, as, on the division of the kingdom into shires or counties, the town was of sufficient importance to give its name to the county. In the reign of Edward the elder it was in the possession of the Danes. 2 NORTHAMPTON. In the year 1010, it was almost ruined by the fury of the Danish troops, who in their ravages throughout the kingdom, broke into these parts, burnt Northampton, and nearly depopulated the adjacent country. In 1064, Tosti, who had the government of the Northumbrians, was, for his tyranny and oppression, expelled the province, andMorcar was elected their Earl. Marching southwards in a body they advanced to Northampton, where Harold met them with an army, having been sent by the king to vindicate the royal authority, and do justice to Tosti.\ But find- ing, on their representations, that they had equity on their side, he deemed it more ad- visable to withdraw his forces, and assist their deputies in confirming Morcar in the government. During these transactions they committed great outrages in the town and neighbourhood, killing the inhabitants, burn- ing their houses and corn, and carrying away many thousands of cattle, and several hundred prisoners. Its recovery from these calamities was very slow, as at the time of the general survey, many of the houses were unin- habited; and Simon de St. Liz, who in the Conqueror's reign built the castle, re-beauti- fied the town. From this period, improving in elegance and strength, it was frequently honoured with the presence of our kings, and several Parlia- ments were held here. NORTHAMPTON. 3 In 1106, according to the Saxon annals, Robert Duke of Normandy had here an inter- view with Henry I. his brother ; who, in the twenty- third year of his reign, with his whole court, kept the festival of Easter at North- ampton, in all the state and splendour with which those solemnities were at that period celebrated. In 1138 a council was held here by king Stephen, at which were present ail the bishops, abbots, and barons of the realm, and several promotions were made in the church. Henry III. in the second year of his reign, kept the festival of Christmas at Northampton. In the twentieth year of this reign the king's mandate was sent to the bailiffs of the town, ordering them to see that the fair, which had been usually kept in All Saints church and church yard, should be removed, and for the future held in some open place. This fair, which in honour of the churches dedication, was kept upon All Saints day, was of very antient standing, and probably had its rise before the conquest. About the forty-eighth year of this reign, there was a kind of univer- sity or settlement for students who had left Oxford. In the seventh year of Edward I. the Jews who lived at Northampton, crucified on Good Friday, a christian boy, but who fortunately survived their cruelty. For this atrocious attempt, already odious, they became still b 2 1 NORTHAMPTON. more detestable in the eyes of the nation; and after Easter, many of them in London, were put to an ignominious death. King Edward, in August, resided here some days. During his stay in the town, the friars of the different orders were entertained three days successively, at the king's expense. In the twenty-ninth year of his reign, Edward I. and Margaret his queen kept their Christ- mas here. Soon after the death of Edward I. in 1307, a Parliament was held at Northampton, in October, to consider of the late king's funeral, the coronation and marriage of the prince his successor, and state of the nation. In the fourth year of Richard II. a Parlia- ment, and the last that was ever summoned to meet at Northampton, assembled about the fifth of November. The Parliament, with the convocation of the province of Canterbury, sat in the chancel of All Saints church; and it is supposed that the preceding Parliaments, which were held here, assembled in the same place. The next memorable event that occurred at Northampton, was the battle fought without the town, in the thirty-eighth year of Henry VI. The king was at Coventry, when the account was brought him that the Earl of Warwick and the confederate Lords were landed in Kent. Upon receiving this intelli- gence, he proceeded with his forces to NORTHAMPTON. 5 Northampton, and lodged in the convent of the Grey Friars. The army, having passed the Nyne, was very advantageously posted in the meadows, with the river in their rear, the monastry of Delapre on their right, and strong intrenchments in front. On the 9th of July, early in the morning, the confederate army was perceived advancing in three divisions, under the Earls of March and Warwick, and Lord Falconberg. Before an engagement was hazarded, it was agreed to propose terms of accommodation; but the Earls applying to the Duke of Buckingham, were refused ad- mission to the king's presence, and the pro- posals they offered were rejected with disdain. The following day about noon the battle began; the intrenchments were forced with little dif- ficulty, and the confederates gained the vic- tory; the royalists were totally routed, and ten thousand prisoners taken. During the action, Edmund Lord Grey de Ruthin, who commanded Henry's vanguard, came over to the Earls' party, and by his revolt principally contributed to their success. Previous to the charge orders were given to the Earls' soldiers to spare the private men, and direct their arms against the Lords, Knights, and Esquires. A great number of the King's forces wei^e drowned in the river, and several thousands left dead upon the field. Among the killed were the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Shrewsbury, John Viscouut Beaumont, and (5 NORTHAMPTON. Lord Egremont, who lost their lives fighting near the King's tent. The Duke of Buek- ingham was buried in the church of the Grey Friars, and many others at St. John's Hos- pital within the town. When the battle was over, the Earls in a respectful manner waited on Henry, who had continued the whole time in his tent, and attended him into Northamp- ton. On his entry, he was received in pro- cession, and in a few days after was taken to London. In the ninth year of Edward IV. a commo- tion was raised in Yorkshire, and the insur- gents, headed by Sir H. Nevil and Sir J. Corners, advanced as far as Edgcot, in this county. The Earls of Pembroke and Stafford were sent by the King's orders to suppress them ; the former of whom was routed and slain. The insurgents then advanced to Grafton, where they took prisoners Richard, Earl Rivers, and John his son, whom they afterwards beheaded at Northampton. From this period no transaction of impor- tance occurred, until the year 1563, when Queen Elizabeth, on her progress through the country, came to Northampton. Great preparations were made for her reception, the town gates being painted, and the houses ele- gantly ornamented; and, on her departure, she was presented by the magistrates with twenty pounds, in a purse valued at six pounds. A smilar compliment was paid in NORTHAMPTON. 7 1634 to Charles I. and his Queen, who on passing through the town, had given them, by the Mayor and Corporation, two bowls of silver, gilt, of the price of one hundred marks. In 1637 the town was visited with the plague, of which nearly live hundred persons died in about five months. During this calamity, the market was held upon the heath, to which none of the inhabitants were permitted to go without a certificate from the Mayor. In 1642 Northampton was seized by the forces under the command of Lord Brooke, fortified with cannon, and made a garrison for the service of the Parliament. For the greater security of the town the South and West bridges were converted into draw- bridges, several houses in St. Edmund's End were pulled down to prevent a lodgment of the enemy, and additional works were thrown up in the most defenceless places. At what period Northampton was first in- closed with a wall, cannot be accurately as- certained. It is supposed that the walls were raised by Simon de St. Liz the elder, when he built the castle and repaired the town. In the sixth year of Edward I. it appears they were embattled, and at different places had steps to ascend them; the inhabitants, as stated in the record, when infirm or indis- posed, being accustomed to take the air upon th^ walls, or in the winter season to pass by these means from one part of the town to 8 NORTHAMPTON. another; they were broad enough for six persons to walk abreast. There were also four gates to the town, which, from their situation, were named the South, East, North, and West gates. Over the South, West, and North were chambers, inhabited by poor people; the East gate, much the best of the four, was large and high, embellished with shields of arms, and other ornaments of stone work. Immediately without the South gate stood St. Thomas's Hospital; and to the South of the East gate was a smaller, called the Dern-gate, on the road leading to the river. A little without the West gate stood the castle, upon very high ground, overlooking the meadows, St. James's Abbey, and the country about Duston. On the western side flowed that branch of the Nyne which came from Naseby ; on the other sides it was en- compassed with a deep trench. The keep was large, and bulwarks of earth were raised be- fore the gate. It was built by Simon de St. Liz, the first of that name Earl of Northamp- ton, in the reign of the Conqueror; but no mention being made of it in Doomsday book, it appears not to have beeen completed till after that survey was taken. In Henry the Second's reign it was possessed by the crown; but in the civil war of 1264, between Henry the Third and his nobles, it was occupied by the confederate barons, under the Earl of Leicester, whose son, Simon de Montford, NORTHAMPTON. 9 was governor. The King having received several reinforcements, besieged the castle with great vigour; but the situation and strength of the fortress, Avith the undaunted courage of the garrison, baffled all the efforts of the royal troops, and convincedthem that force was totally inadequate to their arduous en- terprise. At length recourse was had to the following stratagem, which effectually served their purpose. While the barons were en- gaged in a parley, (under pretence of a nego- tiation,) a chosen body of the royal forces was dispatched to make a breach in the walls, at the opposite extremity of the town. The plan succeeded; arid the garrison, thus taken by surprise, were, after displaying the greatest courage, completely defeated, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war. Within the castle was a royal free chapel, dedicated to St. George. Before the year 16/5, the castle was used as the county gaol; part of a round bastion on the south side, formerly the prison, and now called the Castle Ring, is still stand- ing. Part also of a bastion on the east, and another on the west, were pulled down a few years ago. Here likewise were kept the two courts of justice, at some distance from each other; the Nisi-prius court joining the west end, or entrance of the chapel. The ground inclosed within the walls is about three acres. In 1662, pursuant to an order of the king and privy council, the walls and gates, with part 10 NORTHAMPTON. of the castle were demolished. It appears indeed^ from the account given by Norden, who lived in 1593, that the castle was even at that time much decayed, and the walls in a defenceless state. " This towne," says he, " is a faire towne, with many faire old build- ings, large streets, and a very ample and faire markett-place ; it is walled about with a wall of stone, but meane too of strength; neare unto the towne there standeth an eminent castle riiynous." Speed, a respectable historian, in his Abridgement of the different Counties, A. D. 1666, thus describes Northampton and its castle:— " The chief town in this shire is Northamp- ton, whereof the county taketh name, which for circuit, beauty, and building, maybe rank- ed with the most of the cities of our land. It is seated at the meeting and confluence of two rivers, the greater whereof beareth to name Nen. This town hath been built all of stone, as by many foundations remaining to this day is seen, and is walled about both strong and high, excepting the West, which is defended by a river parted into many streams. In the depredations of the Danes, Swen their king set this town on lire, and afterwards it was sorely assaulted by the disobedient Barons of King John, who named themselves The Army of God : But the loyalty of this town stood nothing* so sure unto King Henry his son, NORTHAMPTON. 11 whence the Barons with displayed Banners sounded the battle against their Soveraign. And yet after this a woful Field of England's civil division was fought, whence Richard Nevil, the stout Earl of Warwick, led away prisoner that unfortunate man King Henry the sixth. Upon the West part of this town standeth a large Castle, mounted upon an hill, whose aged countenance well sheweth the beauty that she had born, and whose gaping chinks do daily threaten the downfall of her walls. To this, upon the South, theTown wall adjoyneth, and in a round circuit, meeteth the River in the North, extending in compass two thousand one hundred and twenty paces/' In the year 1535, a market cross was erected on the Market-hill, and burnt down in 16/5. It was of an octagonal form, consisting of eight large pillars of wood, ornamented with carved work, and resting upon a stone pedes- tal, at the height of two feet from the ground; from each pillar was turned an arch of wood as a support to the roof; in the middle were three circular steps of stone, from whence a small pair of stairs led up into a lanthorn or chamber, in which was kept the standard bushel, and other utensils belonging to the market. The whole building was covered with lead and embattled. On the several squares were plates of lead, wrought with figures and gilt, and upon the top of each was an ape holding an iron rod with a vane, c 2 12 NORTHAMPTON. A few years before the erection of this cross, the square was paved for the conveniency of holding the market. In earlier times it was held in the place called the Mayor-hold, or perhaps more truly the Market-hold. Since that period an obelisk has been erected, which becoming a nuisance, was removed, and a handsome pump now occupies its place. On the south of the market-place is the old con- duit, built in 1478, and supplied with water, conveyed in pipes, from the spring called the Conduit "head, in a field on the east of the town. Over this oonduit was formerly a hall, in which the several trades, having constitu- tions or companies, used to meet, for regulat- ing offences committed to the injury of their business, and against their respective con- stitutions. On the 21st of July, 1540, King Henry the eighth, attended by^ a royal train, visited Northampton ; after sleeping at the house of Mr. Humfrie, without the south gate, .he proceeded to York. On the 6th of May, 1663, Northampton and its neighbourhood were visited with a most dreadful storm of thunder and rain, which occasioned an extraordinary flood, much higher than was ever known before, recorded by the name of the May Flood, Many houses and walls were washed down by the water, which flowed into the town as far as St. John's hospital. It burst the NORTHAMPTON. 13 west, and forced away the two chief arches of the south bridge; upon the repairing of which the two arches were converted into one. In 1675 Northampton was almost consumed by a dreadful fire, which laid the greatest part of the town in ashes. Most of the houses at that time were built of timber, which seems to have been the principal cause of so wide and rapid a devastation. An ancient manuscript thus describes this dreadful and distressing calamity:— "On the 20th of September, 1675, hun- dreds of inhabitants of Northampton were driven out of their houses, upon little or no warning, by a most sudden and terrible fire. The notice was so short as not to give many of them time to remove any part of thgir goods, not even a bed to lie on, or a gar- ment to shift themselves with. — The unhappy instrument of this misfortune was an infamous and common woman of the town, who then lived at the end of St. Mary's street, near the castle, and having something boiling in a pot on the fire, left it carelessly while she went to a neighbour's ; and on her return found the house in flames. It was then about half past eleven o'clock in the forenoon, when a strong west wind arose, and blew the flames to the rest of the houses in that street, which were chiefly poor thatched buildings . From thence it communicated to the back of Horse-market, 14 NORTHAMPTON. and soon spread to the south and lower end of the same ; from whence it flew, swifter than horse or man, to Derngate, nearly half a mile from the place where it began. From Derngate it soon spread into St. Giles's-street, and consumed every house therein except one, which was formerly a gate-house, and the end walls being higher than the roof, it was by that means preserved. It then fled over the town and seized upon College-lane; great quantities of oil, tallow, and other combusti- ble matter being deposited in this part, caused it to burn with greater fury than ever, and it soon communicated with the back part of the Drapery. The spacious Market-hill was cover- ed with all sorts of wares and goods, which the affrighted owners were forced to leave one among another, where they were enclosed by a wall of fire, and only one little door left them to escape out at, by Mr. Danvers's house, (now occupied by Miss Greig) which was the only house that remained in the square.— Great quantities of goods were spoiled and consumed and the flames spared neither cross nor pump. It is impossible to describe the distraction of the helpless people, such as old men and wo- men, children and infants, as well as great numbers of the inhabitants who were ill of the small-pox, which was at the time very preva- lent in the place.-— By two o'clock the fire was in all parts of the town, so that the inhabi- tants were entirely driven from their dwel- NORTHAMPTON. 15 lings; and in less than two hours more, up- wards of six hundred houses were consumed, wherein dwelt above seven hundred families. The damage amounted to i?lG2,008 and up- wards, besides the loss of the parish church of All Saints, and many other public build- ings, to the value of fifty thousand pounds more.— It is extraordinary (says the writer) that a fire should break out at noon-day, and get so much strength in such a short time, as to consume so many goods and houses, and a wonderful mercy that only eleven persons perished in the flames, when it is considered with what an amazing force the fire and wind came on in some of the narrow passages — that many people were quite spent and wearied— their eyes dazzled, or blinded with dust and smoke— and that several houses fell down while they were running by for their lives : and here a most singular circumstance occur- red; a man, who lived with an apothecary, brought out of a cellar a barrel of gunpowder, which he carried under his arm, up Gold- street, whilst it was burning on both sides, covering it only with his coat skirts, and, wonderftd to relate, carried it off in safety." For re-building the town, an act of Parlia- ment was immediately afterwards procured by the Earl of Northampton, (the recorder,) appointing commissioners to decide all differ- ences which might arise, with respect to the soil, the adjusting of party walls, &c. About 16 NORTHAMPTON. £25,000 were raised by subscriptions and briefs, for the relief of the sufferers; and the king gave one thousand tons of timber, and seven years' chimney money, collected within the town. Northampton is both a town incorporate and a borough. It was first incorporated by Henry II. and since confirmed by several suc- cessive charters, under different reigns, in which the style of the corporation has been often changed, and the privileges very much enlarged. In the thirty-first year of Henry II. the burgesses of Northampton gave a fine of two hundred marks to hold the said town of the king in capite. By charter, granted in the first year of King John, the burgesses of Northampton were freed from all toll through- out England and the sea-ports, with the privi- lege of not being impleaded out of the town, and of enjoying every other liberty in the same manner as the citizens of London, paying into the exchequer £120, at Michaelmas in every year. By this charter they were empowered to choose annually two bailiffs, who were presented to the chief justice at Westminster, also to ap- point four other inhabitants to determine all pleas of the crown, and see that the bailiffs were careful in discharging their duty. These liberties were again enlarged, and confirmed, in the forty-first year of Henry III. and again renewed, in the twenty-seventh of Edward [I. a privilege having been granted by king Henry NORTHAMPTON. 17 of choosing yearly a mayor and two bailiffs, at the feast of St. Michael, the mayor to be presented and sworn before the barons of the exchequer, within eight days after the said feast. In 1478, the mayor was the first time sworn into his office at Northampton, as have been his successors since that period. By charter, granted in the fourth year of Henry VII, the mayor and his brethren, late mayors, were to name and choose forty-eight persons of the inhabitants, changing them as often as they should think necessary; which forty- eight persons, together with the mayor and his brethren, and such as have been mayors and bailiffs, should hereafter elect all the mayors and bailiffs of the said town. Before this pe- riod, the mayor and bailiffs were elected by the freemen, in St. Giles's church yard, but these annual popular elections were generally attended with tumults, quarrels, and personal rancor. In the ninth year of the same reign, the mayor, bailiffs, and burgesses, obtained the liberty of choosing a recorder, and ap- pointing two burgesses, who, together with the mayor, should be justices of the peace within the town. By charter, bearing date 3d August, 15 Car. II, the government of North- ampton was committed to the mayor and two bailiffs, and such as have been mayors and bailiffs, with a common council, usually termed the company of forty-eight ; these, together with the recorder, his "deputy, the chamberlain, D 18 NORTHAMPTON. town-clerk, and town-steward, formed the collective body. In 1683 this charter was sur- rendered, and a new one issued, dated 20th September, 35 Car. II, appointing* only forty burgesses, reserving to the crown a power of placing or displacing the members at pleasure ; but this surrender, not having been enrolled, the new charter, in the opinion of the Attorney General, (Sir Edward Northey) was void, and the corporation continued by virtue of their former one. The present charter was granted in the 36th year of his late Majesty, George the Third, under the great seal, and bears date the 2d of April, 17^6, in the mayoralty of the late Alderman Thomas Hall. The aldermen consist of such only as have served the office of mayor, consequently their number is indefinite ; the mayor, bailiffs, and town clerk, may be appointed from the first to the eleventh of August, in every year, (but the latter day cannot be exceeded,) and sworn into office the twenty-ninth of September ; the choice of town -clerk is solely vested in the mayor and aldermen ; his first appoint- ment must be approved by the King, as well as that of the recorder and his deputy. The mayor for the time being, his predeces- sor in office, together with three aldermen, usually chosen about the latter end of October in every year, are the acting magistrates, and justices for the town : the recorder and cham- NORTHAMPTON. 19 bcrlain are chosen at the same period, the former appointment is vested in the mayor, bailiffs, and burgesses, the latter solely in the mayor and aldermen. The mayor, recorder, or his deputy, and one other of the justices, can form a sessions; in criminal causes they have power to try all of- fenders, yet their jurisdiction is usually con- fined to petty larcenys. Once in about three weeks the mayor and bailiffs hold a court of record, in which an action may be pleaded without limitation for any sum. Fines im- posed on burgesses before the judges of assize and justices of the county, and all goods and chattels of felons found within the town, with forfeitures of recognizances taken before the mayor are applied to the use of the cor- poration. Northampton returns two members to par- liament; being one of the earliest boroughs which enjoyed that honour. In the parliament which was held at Acton-Burnel, in the twelfth year of Edward I, it was one of the nineteen trading towns which sent two repre- sentatives to attend the meeting. The same number have attended the parliaments since that period. The electors, since the year 1734, are composed of inhabitant household- ers, paying scot and lot 1 prior to that time the elective franchise was solely vested in the resident and non-resident freemen at large, whose rights and privileges from which period d 2 20 NORTHAMPTON. were greatly diminished; this alteration, it is said, took place by reason of the number of honorary freemen, created previous* to that memorable contest, which terminated on the 39th of April, 1734. The writ is directed to the mayor and bailiffs, who are returning officers.™ Thepresent members are Sir George Robinson, Bart, and William Leader Maberly, Esq. Northampton, from about the time of the conquest, has given title to an earldom ; but in the year 1812, the present earl was created a marquis. There are twelve fairs kept here in the year, viz. on the 2nd Tuesday in January; the 20th of February; the 3rd Tuesday in March; the oth of April; the 4th of May ; the 19th of June ; the 5th and 26th of August ; the 19th of Sep- tember, for cheese; the 1st Thursday in No- vember ; the 28th of November; and the I9th of December.-— And three chartered markets, viz. on eyery Monday, Friday, and Saturday. Within the walls of Northampton were for- merly seven parish churches, viz. All Saints, St. Giles's, St. Gregory's, St. Mary's, St. Mi- chael's, St. Peter's, and Sepulchre's. There were besides these, in the town, St. Cathe- rine's, a chapel of ease to All Saints; St. Edmund's church, without the east gate; and St. Bartholomew's, without the north gate : but the only four now remaining are NORTHAMPTON. 21 All Saints, St. Giles's, St. Peter's, and Sepulchre's. The church dedicated to All Saints, is situ- ated about the centre of the town; itsre-huild- ing commenced shortly after the lire of 1675, and the new church was opened on the 5th of September, 1680, the bishop of Peterborough preaching the first sermon in it, to a numerous and highly respectable congregation. It con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel, leaded. In the midst is a cupola, likewise covered with lead., and supported by pillars of the Ionic order. The cupola is supposed to have been built from a model of that of the Pantheon at Rome. At the west end is a square tower, which fortu- nately escaped the fire; there are eight bells; on the top of the tower is a small turret. In 1809 the corporation presented a set of new chimes for this church, made by Mr. Briant, of Hertford. The church is divided from the chancel by a very handsome screen of Norway oak. The roof is supported by four arches, and adorned with frett-work. On the north side is a gallery, built in the year 1714; and a commodious and very extensive one on the south side, has been recently erected; the pulpit is of most admirable workmanship, finely carv- ed with wreaths of flowers and other orna- ments. At the west end of the church is a large elegant organ, built by Green, 22 NORTHAMPTON. and lately elevated from its former situation ; it has been completely repaired and revoiced, with double-bass pedal pipes added, which do great credit to Mr. Nicholls, successor to the late celebrated organ-builder Mr. England. Musical festivals, upon a very grand and mag- nificent scale, combining the united abilities of the most eminent and distinguished professors in the kingdom, have been held in this church, chiefly under the auspices and superintendence of Mr. Barrett, the present respectable organ- ist, who has so ably filled that station, during the last forty-seven years. The walls of the chancel are lined with Norway oak, and the seats made of the same. Near the altar are two fine paintings of Moses and Aaron. Aaron is superbly habited in the dress of the High Priest, having a censer in his left hand, and his right stretched out to receive the law from Moses. They are supposed to have been exe- cuted by Sir Godfrey Kneller. In the body of the church is a large pew for the mayor and aldermen. Over the mayor's seat are the town arms, and under them the following inscription :— anno majoratus ii°. ricardi white, anno dom. 1680. Round the font of white marble, extremely well executed, is in scribed Donum Thomoe Willoughby Armigeri Ecclesioe Omnium Sanctorum Northon. With- out side the church, at the west end, is a fine lofty portico* 27 yards in length, supported by twelve pillars of the Ionic order, and bal- NORTHAMPTON. 23 lustraded at the top. Along the ballustrade are a number of urns ; and in the middle is a statue of King Charles II. standing on a pedes- tal, with this inscription under it, carolus ii ds rex. Under this are the arms of England, with the following inscription on the freize below:— "This statue was erected in memory of King Charles II. who gave a thousand tuns of timber towards the rebuilding of this church, and to this town seven years 5 chimney money collected in it. John Agutter, Mayor." 1712." This church was erected upon the site of the chancel of the old one, ten feet being taken from the eastern end of the church-yard, to enlarge the present chancel. The old church extended to the western wall of the present church-yard, which now stands upon its foun- dation. It consisted of a body and two aisles, the body being very lofty; the chancel exten- sive, having stalls and desks on each side ; the windows of both church and chancel were richly ornamented with coats of arms. On the southern side of the church was a large porch, with a room over it, in which the spiritual court was held,; where the chancel now stands there was formerly a library. In this church are several very neat monu- ments;— in the north aisle is a mural one of marble, with the following inscription : — * * See Hervey's Meditations. 24 NORTHAMPTON. u lie ye not slothful, but followers of Them, who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises." Heb. vi. 12. In Memory of ANN STONHOUSE, A sincere Christian. How lov'd, how valu'd once, avails Thee not, To whom related, or by whom begot j A heap of Dust alone remains of Thee : 'Tis all Thou art!— and all the Proud shall be! She died a few days after the Birth of her fourth Child, Dec. 1st, 1747, in the 25th Year of her Agv. Life how short I ****** Eternity how long! A tablet is erected underneath, to the me- mory of Sir James Stonhouse, Bart. M. D. husband of Ann Stonhouse, a man possessed of the most amiable qualities, with unbounded benevolence, justly described as the projector, friend, and physician of the old county hos- pital, which was established, A. D. 1743 ; he died on the 8th of December, 1795, aged 79 years. In the church, on the right of the north- east door, is a monument, with an appropriate inscription to the learned and pious Dr. Conant, who is interred immediately under : he resigned his rectory of Exeter College, Oxford, in the year 1662, refusing his sub- scription to the act of conformity, but after- wards conforming, he was appointed to the vicarage of this clxurch. On the 8th of June, 1676, he was made archdeacon of Norwich, by the bishop of that see, whose daughter he NORTHAMPTON. 25 married. He was afterwards on the 3d of December, 1681, installed prebendary of Worcester, and died March 12th, 1693, in the 88th year of his age. On Wednesday, the 3d of December, 1817> was opened, in the chancel of All Saints church, a monument, by Chantry, erected by public subscription, in memory of the Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who represented this bo- rough in Parliament, from the commencement to the lamented close of his political career. A statue of that distinguished statesman is elevated upon a handsome pedestal, the atti- tude dignified, yet unaffected] holding in his right hand a roll, and attentively listening to some observations, which he seems anxiously desirous of replying to. —This elegant piece of sculpture, admirable in design, exquisitely chaste and beautiful, forcibly and strikingly evincing the superior talents and genius of the artist, now occupies a distinguished place in the solemn temple and sanctuary of religion, where its transcendent merits will be duly appreciated and applauded by future gene- rations. Under the portico is a plain tablet of white marble, recording a most dreadful calamity occasioned by a fire, which broke out at a public house on the Market-hill (now known by the sign of the Phoenix); and although that was the only house destroyed, not less than eight lives were lost, the landlord being E 26 NORTHAMPTON. the only person in the house that escaped the flames : Thisr Marble vras erected to peipetuate the Memory of the following awful Dispensation of Providence ; At one o'clock in the Morning- of the 17th February, 1792, the lower part of the House of M. Marriot, on the Market-Hill, was discovered to be on Fire, and the flames ascending- with dreadful rapidity, he was obliged to leave his affrighted little ones, hovering round their distracted Mother, and by an extraordinary effort gained the roof of an adjoining house, calling aloud for that help, which alas! could not be procured, for in a few moments his whole family, consisting of a beloved Wife, 5 Children, and 2 Lodgers, perished in the flames ! READER, If the Almighty has hitherto preserved thee from such scenes of deep distress, let thy Heartglow with Gratitude, and at the same time let thy Bosom expand with Eenevolence towards thy suffering Fellow Creatures. The sad remains of this unfortunate Family were carefully collected, and decently interred in this Church- Yard. Upon a small stone, near the north door, Is recorded a wonderful instance of longevity, united to strength of mind and body, viz. Here under lieth John Bailes, born in this Town, he was above 126 years old, and had his hearing, sight, and memory to the last. He lived in three Centurys, and was buried the 14th of April, 1706. NORTHAMPTON. 27 Catherine, daughter of John Bailes, died in this town, at the extremely advanced age of 102 years. All Saints is a vicarage, patrons— the cor- poration residing in the parish. Present in- cumbent, Rev. Charles Henry Tuffnell. St. Giles's church, at the east end of the town, is a handsome modern building, con- sisting of a body, north and south aisle, and chancel, with a cross aisle from north to south. Between the church and chancel, is a fine square embattled tower, which was erect- ed a few years after the sudden falling of the old steeple in 1613 ; there are here eight fine bells, equal if not surpassing in harmony, any in this part of the kingdom. The church in length is one hundred and sixteen feet, breadth of the body and aisles, fifty-seven feet, and length of the cross-aisles about sixty- four feet. Against the east wall of the south- cross aisle is erected an altar monument, in alabaster, with four angels, each holding a shield at the foot and north side, and between each angel a woman sitting on a tomb. Round the verge was a brass inscription, now torn off. This monument is reasonably supposed to have been erected for one of the Gobion family. The chancel is large and extensive, and was, many years since, (through the mu- nificence of Dr. Gray, a physician,) neatly wainscoted. In this, as well as in the church, are several handsome monuments besides e 2 28 NORTHAMPTON. various other inscriptions recorded to per- sons of eminence and merit. Here the bishop of the diocese usually holds his triennial con- firmation. The register of this church began in 1585, and was given to the priory of St. Andrew, in Northampton, by Simon de St. Liz, the founder. Within this church was a chapel dedicated to St. Peter, and a fraternity in honour of St. Clement.-— By deed of the 20th March, 1619, William Andrew, of Denton, otherwise Dodington-Parva, Gent, granted an annuity of £3 per annum, for ever, out of a meadow called the Patches, in the parish of Weston-Underwood, Buckinghamshire, for the more decent interment of poor executed prisoners, in the church-yard of this parish. St. Giles's is a vicarage ; patron and in- cumbent, the Rev. Edward Watkin. St. Peter's church is situated near the western extremity of the town, and being contiguous to the site of the castle, gives every reason to suppose it was erected by one of the Norman Lords, although no existing memorial is preserved of that event.— The internal part of this ancient edifice, and ex- cellent vestige of Saxon architecture, now presents, especially to antiquarian visitors, a truly gratifying and interesting sight, having recently been much improved, by removing the accumulated plaster and whitewash which obscured its architectural beauties, the NORTHAMPTON. 29 columns, capitals, arches, and archivolt mould- dings having now their pristine effect. For this, the public are chiefly indebted to the laudible, persevering, and successful exer- tions of Miss Baker, sister of the Northamp- tonshire historian. The building consists of a nave, and two aisles of equal length, with a square embattled tower, at the west end, in which was placed eight fine musical bells, in the year 1722. The nave is separated from the aisles by eight semi-circular arches, and supported by seven columns, three of which are composed of four semi-columns, and the other four have only single shafts. The centre of the last is ornamented with a band of three mouldings, and all the capitals are decorated with sculptured scroll-work, foliage, &c. All the arches have zig-zag indentations round them, and above these are six small windows, but the most curious part of the interior of this singular building is the great archway be- neath the tower, at the west end of the nave ; it consists of three receding arches, each charg- ed, both in elevation and soffit, with zig-zag mouldings, &c— Some of the pillars are of the Ionic, and others of the Tuscan order. The length of the church and chancel is about seventy -nine feet, and the breadth of the body and aisles about thirty-four feet. The exterior of the church and tower is equally curious, though the architectural and sculptural de- corations are not so numerous. Over the 30 NORTHAMPTON. western door is a blank arch,, consisting of four flat mouldings, wifck a prolusion of ornamental sculpture. Above this are several blank arches; and on the north side of the tower arc two similar ranges. The exterior of the church above the aisles, on both sides, has a continued arcade; and over this are a number of grotesque heads, &c. Among other monu- ments in this church, worthy of public atten- tion, is one to the memory of John Smith, the eminent and celebrated Mctzotinto scraper, who died in January 1742, at the advanced age of 90 years. It was formerly a privilege her <\ that any person accused of a crime, and intending to clear himself by canonical pur- juration, was obliged to do it in this church only, having first performed his vigil and prayers in the said church on the preceding evening. During the recent improvements in this church, an entrance to a vault was dis- covered, at the north-east corner of the chancel, apparently filled with rubbish, which ultimately proved the case; the generous and liberal exertions of some individuals, caused it to be cleared out, upon which, neither vestige or particle among the con- tents, (consisting of several cart loads,) af- forded the least reason to suppose any one had been interred there; on a minute inspec- tion it was found very capacious, being partly under the churchy and partly under the church- NORTHAMPTON. 31 yard, branching in a direct easterly line; the materials forming it are of stone, strongly arched, and well paved, in height about eight feet, its other dimensions nearly in proportion. At what period, and for what purpose it was formed, is completely uncertain, and, from the lapse of ages, must now remain in utter and mysterious oblivion, still it may not be improper to state the opinions of some learn- ed and respectable individuals on the subject, which are, that its existence is coeval with the church, and though never apparently used as a place of interment, was still intended as such, for some eminent and distinguished per- son or family attached to the castle. This living is consolidated with those of Kings- thorpe and Upton. The advowson was given by Edward the Third to the hospital of St. Catherine, near the Tower of London, and still remains under its patronage— present incumbent, Rev. Robert Baxter. St. Sepulchre's church is situated near the northern extremity of the town, and is sup- posed to have been built by the Knights Tem- plars, after the model of the church erected over the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem ; and is one of the four remaining round churches in the kingdom. It is of a circular form, and consists of a body, and north and south aisles, leaded. In the middle is a large cupola, also covered with lead, and supported by eight pil- lars of the Tuscan order; each pillar standing 32 NORTHAMPTON. at the distance of eight feet from one another, and forming an angle with the pillar next ad- joining. At the east end is a very large chan- cel, in which are a number of curious figures and inscriptions of ancient dates. At the' west end is a broad embattled tower, about sixteen feet in length, and eleven feet in breadth, on which is raised a pyramidal spire, about one hundred and sixteen feet high; the tower contains six bells. The diameter of the church and aisles is fifty-eight feet six inches, and the compass of the circle of the eight pil- lars measured outwards one hundred and twelve feet eight inches. The body only was first bpilt, the chancel and steeple plainly ap- pear to have been added afterwards. On the wall of the church, within, on the left hand of the front door, are some curious barbarous figures in relief; but to what subject they allude is hitherto, and in all probability will remain unknown ; and in the wall of a house, adjoining the church- yard, is a figured stone, supposed to be the top of a cross. Upon an ordinary marble in the body of the church is the portrait of a man in brass, be- tween his two wives, hand in hand ; beneath the woman on the right are two sons and one daughter, beneath the other seven sons and two daughters, with the following lines under them: — NORTHAMPTON. 33 FAREWELL TRVE FRIEND, READER VNDERSTAND BY THIS MYSTERIOVS KNOTT OF HAND IN HAND, .THIS EMBLEM DOTH ("WHAT FRIENDS MOST FAYLE TO DOE) RELATE OVR FRIENDSIIIPP AND ITS FIRMNES. TOO. SVCH WAS OVR LOVE, NOT TIME BVT DEATH DOTH SEVER, OV* MORTALL PARTS, BVT ©VR IMMORTAL NEVER, ALL THINGS DOE VANISH HERE BE LOWE, ABOVE SVCH AS OVR LIFE IS THERE, SUCH IS OVE LOVE. And round the border of the stone is inscribed", HERE RESTETH THE BODY OF GEORGE COLES OP? NORTHAMPTON, WITH HIS TWO WIVES SARAH AND ELEANOR, BY WHOM HE HAD TWELVE CHILDREN* HE GAVE TO PIOVS VSES Xll. YEARELY FOR EVER TO THIS TOWNE, AND DECEASED THE FIRST OF JANVARY, .1640. In 1677 Mr. Nicholas Rothwell, of London, mealrnan, by a verbal will gave one hundred* pounds to the use of the poor of this parish. With this money two small closes were pur- chased^ the rent of which is applied to the placing out boys apprentices. The same sum« was also given to each of the other parishes in Northampton, and likewise to the parish of Hardingston, in which he was born. Without the north gate, on the east side of the road leading to Kingsthorpe, was the church dedicated to St. Bartholomew, bestowed by St. Liz on his convent of St. Andrew. At what time it was demolished does not appear ; the church-yard, walled in, is now converted into a close, called Lawless church-yard, a corruption from St. Laurence's church-yard, 34 NORTHAMPTON. by which name it was formerly known. The parish is now united to Sepulchre's. The church dedicated to St. Edmund was situate without the east gate, between the roads leading to Wellingborough and Ketter- ing. This church was also under the patron- age of St. Andrew. The site and church- yard are now converted into an orchard. A row of houses, called St. Edmund's-End, was built on each side the way, from the church to the upper end of Abington -street, but most of them were pulled down in the time of the rebellion, and very few of them re-built. To the east of St. Peter's was the church dedicated to St Gregory, the site and build- ings of which were granted in the year 1577^ for a grammar-school, with the vicarage- house for the use of the master. Part of this church is still appropriated to the school- house, when, on the petition of the parishion- ers, and those of All Saints parish, it was annexed to the latter. Eastward of the castle, in St. Mary's street, was the church dedicated to the Blessed Vir- gin, which in 1 589 was united to the vicarage of All Saints. The church dedicated to St. Michael was situate in St. Michael's lane, now called Wood street: the parish is now annexed to St. Se- pulchre's. NORTHAMPTON. 35 Besides these demolished churches, in the parish of All Saints stood St. Catherine's chapel, in the cemetry of which were buried those who died of the plague when it infested the town. There also appears to have been St. Mar- tin's street and St. Margaret's church without the West-gate. Most of these buildings were annexed to the monastery of St. Andrew, by Hugh Wells, bishop of Lincoln, early in the thirteenth cen- tury. In addition to the established churches, are places of worship for professors of various tenets, viz.— The Independent is generally termed Castle- hill Meeting, such appellation arising from its being near the site, or remains of the castle. Within this place is erected a monument, with an appropriate inscription, to the memory of the excellent Dr. Doddridge, author of the "Family Expositor," and other admirable works; he died at Lisbon, in the year 1751, having been minister of the congregation 22 years. Another Independent meeting, smaller than the above-mentioned, but its interior being very handsomely finished, was opened in King's-head Lane, in the year 1777- The Baptist meeting in College street is very spacious, and capable of containing a large congregation ; the late Rev. John Ry- land was its minister 32 years ; he died at f2 86 NORTHAMPTON. Enfield in 1792, and was interred here, where a handsome mural tablet is erected to his memory. A Wesleyan Methodist chapel was erected in Gold-street, in 1816, upon a very extended scale. The Society of Friends, or Quakers, have a meeting in Kingswell street, but their num- ber is inconsiderable. There is also a small meeting in St. Giles's street, chiefly attended by those professing the religious tenets of the late William Huntingdon. There were formerly many religious foun- dations in this town, the first, in order of time, appears to have been the priory of St. Andrew, for black friars, which stood at the north-western part of the town, near the river, and was founded anterior to the year 1076 ; for in 1084 Simon de St. Liz repaired the buildings and augmented the dowments. Hugh, bishop of Lincoln, confirmed the churches and tythes given to this priory, and Henry the first added his royal assent to that confirmation, and granted the monks many liberties and franchises. This priory, which was for Cluniac monks, had been subordinate to the foreign abbey of St. Mary de Caritate, but had been made denizen in the sixth year of Henry the fourth, and afterwards, at its dissolution, its revenues were valued by Speed, at three huudred and thirty four pounds per NORTHAMPTON. 37 annum ; but by Dugdale at only two hundred and sixty three. The order of Franciscans, or Grey Friars, had a settlement here, soon after their coming to England, in 1224, and originally hired an habitation in St. Giles's parish. Afterwards removing to the north-east of the town, they built a house upon some ground which had been given them by the towns-people, who were therefore said to be the founders. T his convent was built in the thirtieth year of Henry HI, in which year they obtained a grant often oaks, out of Salcey forest, towards its erection. In the church of the Grey Friars Mas buried Fyna, wife of William Fitz-Warine, certain indulgencies being granted in 1292 to all who should say Paternoster for her soul. Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, who was slain in the battle of Northampton, and two of the Salisbury's were supposed tobeburied here. Near this house, to the east, was a priory of Carmelites, or White Friars, founded and endowed by Simon de Mountford and Thomas Chatwood, in the year 12/1 ; it was seated within the walls, and was valued at the disso- lution, at £10 10 per annum. The Dominicians, or Black Friars, were fixed here before the year 1240, in the Horse Market. John Dabynton was either founder or a considerable benefactor to this establish- ment, which at the dissolution was valued at only lb 11 5. 38 NORTHAMPTON. In Bridge street, near the south gate, John Longueville, in the year 1322, gave a mes- suage, with the appurtenances, for a chapel and priory of Augustine Friars. Several per- sons of the name of Longueville were interred here. The college of All Saints, from which College street in this town takes its name, was founded in the year 1459, with liberty of purchasing to the value of 20 marks. It con- sisted of only two fellows. On the east side of Bridge street, is the ancient building of St. John's hospital. It was founded for the reception of infirm poor, probably by William St. Clerc, archdeacon of Northampton, who died possessed of that dignity, in the year 1168. By some he is supposed to have been brother to Simon St. Clerc ; but Leland clearly shews that his fa- mily was never called by that name, but by that of St. Liz. At the dissolution its clear revenues were ghj 19 6. Sir Francis Brian was then high steward of the house, having forty shillings yearly; and eight poor persons were maintained at two-pence per day each. To the south of St. John's, is St. Thomas's hospital ; this owes its foundation in the year 1450, to the respect the citizens had for Thomas a-Becket. It originally maintained twelve poor widows, at an allowanue of Is. lid. per week, with cloathing, firing, and washing. In the year 1654, Sir John Langham NORTHAMPTON. 39 added six others, with an appointment of Ls. 8d. per week ; one other of later years, has been added by Richard Massingberd. The estates attached to this charity, having gra- dually improved for several years past, has encreased the number of poor upon the estab- lishment with an additional allowance to each, in proportion to the greater value and produce of the estates. Each of the poor in the house have now 4s. a week, and the thirty- six out residents have lately had their annuities increased from six, to eight pounds per annum. The government of this institu- tion is vested in a warden, one of the alder- men, and the vicar of All Saints is chaplain. By deed, bearing date 1st June, 33d Henry VIII, Thomas Chipsey, of Northampton, gro- cer, left lands at Holcot, and other places, for the support of a schoolmaster, who should teach grammar free ; and also £10 to the boys singing in All Saints church, and the residue of profits of the said lands, to be ap- plied in repairing the pavement of the market- place, then newly made. The founder not having provided a school house, Cardinal Pool granted the church of St. Gregory, then in ruins, in the year 1557, to be made use of as a school, with the addition of a house for the master. In 1677> Paul Wentworth of Lillingston-Lovell, Esq. charged his estate, in that parish, with a yearly payment of £20 to an usher for the said school. Besides the 40 NORTHAMPTON. profits arising irom the lands at Holcot* the master enjoys the rent of the vicarage house of St. Gregory., and other tenements. The election of such master is vested in the mayor and corporation; and the appointment of usher in the mayor, deputy-recorder, vicar of All Saints* lord of the manor of Lillingston, and the master of the school: In the year 1710, John Dryden, Esq. of Chesterton* established a school here, called the Blue Coat School* leaving (his house) the George inn, for its endowment. In 1800 an act of parliament was obtained, by the trus- tees of this charity, enabling them to sell the house, and invest the money in the funds, and appropriate the interest to the school. The George inn was purchased by a society of per- sons in shares of fifty pounds each, to whom it now belongs. That charity, usually termed the Corpora- tion School, had its origin from a free dona- tion of one thousand pounds, given by James, late Earl of Northampton, to the corporation, without limiting its application to any specific object ; with this and other unappropriated monies, an estate was purchased atBugbrook, the produce of which supports the first estab- lishment, formerly called the Brown school, besides annually clothing twenty poor free- men, with ten shillings in money to each. Another school, formerly the Green school, was established by a rent charge of £26 NORTHAMPTON. 41 per annum, left by Mr. Gabriel NewtOn, of Leicester, in the year 1/61 ; but its funds being greatly inadequate for defraying the annual charges, the corporation made up the deficiency, and the two schools may now be considered as consolidated, their general advantages being reciprocal, and the external appearance of the children in dress, the same ; it would be highly improper to withhold that tribute of respect to which the laudable and assiduous exertions of those meritorious individuals are entitled, who have caused this school to assume its present respectable rank among others. In the year 1738, the munificence of two ladies of this place, Mrs. Dorothy Becket, re- lict of Mr. Thomas Becket, late of Congleton, in the county of Chester, surgeon, and Mrs. Ann Sargeant, both daughters of Mr. Thomas Sargeant, alderman of this corporation, caus- ed a school to be established for clothing and educating thirty poor girls. The revenues hav- ing considerably increased, an additional number has been lately placed on the founda- tion, and its general system considerably im- proved. A new school, and house for the mistress, were erected in 1813. Two other schools are also established in Northampton, both supported by subscription and donations, viz. one in St. Giles' s-street, called the National school, its principle being 42 NORTHAMPTON. that of Dr. Bell's ; the other in Derngate, on the Laneasterian system. Among the public buildings and establish ments of Northampton, there are none more extensively useful, or so conspicuous in mag- nitude as the General Infirmary. It stands on the eastern side, and rather detached from the town, the situation airy and salubrious, being on the brow of a hill, gradually sloping to the south. The prospect from the south front is singularly beautiful, commanding the most delightful views of the surrounding country ; a long range of meadows first pre- sent themselves, through which the river winds its course in various directions, after- wards the fine luxuriant plantations of Delapre Abbey, above which, on a commanding emi- nence, appears the pleasant cheerful village of Hardingstone, the views from which place have been long familiar to all lovers of the picturesque. This elegant and convenient structure was begun in the year 1791, and opened in 1793, at an expenditure exceeding fifteen thousand pounds. It consists of three stories above ground, and one beneath, and is admirably disposed for the reception and accommoda- tion of the sick, one side of the house being appropriated to male, and the other to female patients. The whole was designed and built by Mr. Saxton, architect, and is faced with NORTHAMPTON. 43 white stone from the Kingsthorpe quarries ; the proprietor of which, the late Mr. John Drayton, of Northampton, made a present of the whole. In the building and formation, the strictest attention has been paid to the great object of the establishment, and, al- though the governors have expended so large a sum in the execution of the plan, a spirit of economy is invariably manifested in all their proceedings^ no expense ever being incurred but such as the ends and purposes of the in- stitution require. The establishment is sup- ported by the interest arising from numerous legacies, and annual subscriptions ; and it must aiford much gratification to the benevo- lent and humane mind, to contemplate the ex- tensive benefit that has been afforded by this infirmary. Exclusive of medical and surgical aid, the establishment provides proper accom- modations, constant attention, with whole- some and nutritious food. In short, in this refuge for the afflicted, all the inconveniencies which attended the old one have been care- fully avoided.— In the year 1813, the gover- nors, as a mark of their attachment and good opinion of Dr. Kerr, not only as an able anil successful surgeon and physician to this insti- tution, but as a principal and leading pro- moter of its being executed upon the present system, caused a full length striking likeness of the Doctor, to be placed in the Committee room, the expense of which was defrayed g2 44 NORTHAMPTON. by their own voluntary subscription. The above gentleman has been fifty-seven years superintending surgeon, &c. to this, and the old infirmary, and still continues following the important duties of his laborious profession. At the northern extremity of the town are barracks, erected in the year 1796; they form a very handsome range of building, consisting of north and south wings, with handsome apartments for the officers, and every other requisite appendage : the situation is esteemed peculiarly healthy and pleasant, and being on elevated ground, commands a fine view of the surrounding country. The Town Hall is an ancient building, of moderate dimensions, in which the corpora- tion hold their general meetings, and town sessions ; all other public business is usually transacted here.— In this place are several old paintings, among others, that of Sir Thomas White, Alderman of London, the honoured and esteemed founder of many va- luable and extensive charities, to this, and other public bodies. There was also, placed here, in 1812, a fine whole-length painting of the late Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, M. P. universaEy allowed to be a most striking likeness ; this was presented to the corpora- tion by the late Peter Denys, Esq. — There are also several inscriptions neatly framed, recording different charities, under the the management of the corporation. NORTHAMFfON. 45 The County Hall, a very beautiful structure after the Corinthian order, is spacious and well adapted for its purpose ; the two courts (described by Bridges as forming the Roman letter L,) are now completely divided. Be- sides the assizes and quarter sessions, all other meetings relating to the county are held here. In the hall are good and elegantly framed paintings of William and Mary, Queen Ann, George the First and Second. The ceiling is supposed to be equal, if not superior in splendor to that of any public building in the county, being superbly ornamented with rich foliage, and various hieroglyphics, ad- mirably appropriate. Adjoining the above, is the County Gaol, which was erected in 1794, at an expense of nearly j?16,00G. It is a large modern struc- ture, extremely well arranged for its design, which is according to the plan of the late Mr. Howard, being calculated for containing about 120 prisoners, and is extremely well conducted. The Town Gaol is a small modern building, in Fish-lane, erected within these few years ; by the judicious conduct of the magistrates, many salutary improvements have taken place in its interior. The Theatre, situate in Gold street, is a very handsome modern building, formed after, and much resembling the plan of the Hay- market theatre, in London, though not so 46 NORTHAMPTON. extensive. It was first opened in the year 1806, by Mr. Robertson's company, since which period, its theatrical amusements have been successively conducted by different managers. It is now under the superintend- ence of Mr. Elliston, whose superior excel- lence of professional talent, united to the active exertions of a most respectable com- pany, have caused the performances here to assume a new, lively, and interesting aspect. At the end of the street called Derngate, is a beautiful walk, formed at the expense of the corporation in the year 1783 ; the sides being planted with trees, renders it peculiarly eligi- ble as a promenade, and the fine views over the adjoining meadows, make it remarkably pleasant. Adjoining to this walk is a fine spring of water, usually termed Thomas a Becket's well; at the bottom of the walk is a medicinal spring, called Vigo, some years since in much repute, but now scarcely re- sorted to; the name was first attached to it in the year 1719> from the capture of Vigo, in Spain. T ear this place, was formerly a large building, with a tower at the west end, situate in a close, still called the Tower close. In the barns belonging to this structure, during the rebellion, were set large *vats to receive the salt-petre, which was dug out of old cellars in the town, and prepared for a gunpowder-mill, which stood on the brook NORTHAMPTON. 47 that runs from St. Thomas's Hospital, on the north side of the cow-meadow. On the north side of the town, the distance of a pleasant walk, is the Race Ground, con- taining about 117 acres, and which was allot- ted to the freemen of the town for grazing of cattle. The races are generally held in September, and mostly well attended. Within these few years, there have been others held here, called the Spring Races, generally about the last week in March. There are also various other tracts of land belonging to the freemen of this town, of which the corporation are trustees. On Monday the first of May, 1815, was opened the Branch Canal, between the river Nen, at this town, and the Grand Junction Canal, giving a water communication from this place to all parts of the kingdom ; the first arrival of the boats, several of which were laden with various kinds of merchan- dize, manufactured goods, &c. from Ireland, Liverpool, Manchester, Yorkshire, Lanca- shire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Warwickshire, London, Bristol, &c. besides twenty and upwards with coals, caused an immense number of persons to be assembled from various parts of the country, exclusive of the inhabitants of this place and its vicinity. After mooring the boats, amidst the ringing of bells, and other public testimonies of joy, 48 NORTHAMPTON. different parties spent the remainder of the day with great festivity. Among other recent improvements, may be added, the new south bridge, very handsomely built with stone, having three elliptic arches, the centre considerably exceeding the other in its dimensions ; the finishing of it redounds highly to the credit and abilities of the archi- tect : — many other alterations and additional buildings, such as wharfs, &c. near the south- ern extremity of the town, afford every rea- son to suppose that the inhabitants of this place and neighbourhood, may anticipate considerable future advantage by the increased facilities thus afforded to general commerce. Northampton is very pleasantly situated on an eminence, and gently sloping towards the river, by which it is bounded on the south and west.— The streets are in general handsome, strait and well-built; the market-place in particular, is an ornament to the town, and al- lowed to be one of the handsomest in Eng- land. Amongst late improvements may be noticed the removal of two houses, lately standing at the north-east corner of All Saints church yard, thereby presenting to view another fine square, with the church in its centre. Much of the beauty of Northampton is owing to the dreadful fire of 1675, the houses at that period being chiefly composed of wood, but on its being re-built, they were NORTHAMPTON. 49 rendered more secure and ornamental, through being" erected principally of stone. Nearly all the streets and lanes are paved, both for carriages and foot passengers ; and they are well lighted, which very important improve- ments were effected by an act of Parliament, passed in the year 1778. Being on a descent, the streets are generally particularly clean and pleasant. The distance from London is very easy and convenient, being only sixty-six miles ; to and from whence coaches are passing almost every hour, being the thoroughfare road to Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Manchester, Liverpool, &c. And here it may be worthy of notice to observe a most remarkable change in the celerity of travelling: — a journey to London from this place, which formerly occupied two days, is now performed in eight or nine hours : — at that period, the North- ampton coach was accustomed to leave very early in the morning, not reaching Dunstable, its first day's stage, until late in the evening, where the passengers remained all night, seldom arriving in London before the evening of the second day. The following, literally transcribed from the Northampton Mercury of September the 15th ? 1735, shews the precise period when this expeditious mode of travelling was prac- tised : 50 NORTHAMPTON. 4C Northampton Stage Coach in two Days, Begins on Monday the \ 5th of this instant September, sets out from the Red Lion a fid George Inns Northampton every Monday and Thursday ; and returns from the Bull Inn in Holbom* London, every Tuesday and Friday. Places may be had as usualy The principal trade of Northampton has Jong been the manufacture of shoes and boots, of which great quantities are sent abroad, it being the first mart in England, from whence our army and navy are supplied with those articles ; there is also a consider- able trade carried on here in the manufacture of lace : — it likewise contains a great number of handsome shops of various descriptions ; and as an inland town, Northampton can boast of some excellent well-conducted inns. Pri- vate lodgings are also to be obtained in many genteel families, and which from the situation being in the vicinity of the different hunts, are generally occupied, during the season, by gentlemen of the highest respectability. — The fairs here, especially those for horses and cattle, are particularly well attended. Within the last few years, the weekly markets have amazingly increased; the cattle now exhibited on Saturdays, far exceeding the number for- merly at a public fair ; upon the whole, Northampton market may be considered equal to any in this part of the kingdom. NORTHAMPTON. 51 The mail for London leaves Northampton every evening about ten o'clock ; and the one from London, arrives every morning about half-past four. According to the returns made of the popu- lation of Northampton, in 1801,, the general aggregate was 7020; in 1811, after the next census, it amounted to 8427 ; constituting an increase of 1407 : — from the number of houses that have been built within these few years, added to those now erecting in various parts of the town, and its vicinity, it may be reasonably concluded, that a very great in- crease, in the number of inhabitants has taken place since the year 1811. The following are the names of Gentlemen, who have served the office of Mayor of Northampton, from the year 17/1 to the present period : 1771. William Gibson. 1772. William King. 1773. Henry Tompson. 1774. Edward Kerby. 17/5. John Neweome. 1776. William Chamberlain. 1777. Robert Trasler. 1778. Edward Cole. 1779. James Clark. 1780. William Tompson. 1781. Clark Hillvard. 1782. William Marshall. 1783. James Sutton. h2 52 NORTHAMPTON. 1784. Richard Mills. 1785. William Gibson, anno 2. 1786. Samuel Treslove. 1787. Hill Gudgeon. 1788. Richard Meacock. 1789. Thomas Hall. 1790. John Lacy. 1791. James Miller. 1792. William Francis. 1793. Jeremiah Briggs. 1794. Thomas Hall, anno 2. 1795. Thomas Hall, anno 3. 1796. Charles Smith. 1797. John Matthew Hopkins. 1798. Francis Osborn. 1799. George Osborn. 1800. Thomas Johnson. 1801. Samuel Holt. 1802. Charles Freeman. 1803. William Birdsall. 1804. Francis Hayes. 1805. Thomas Armfield. 1806. Joshua Cooch. 1807. Luke Kirshaw. 1808. Thomas Hall, anno 4. 1809. Nathaniel Jones. 1810. Philip Constable. 181 1 . John Chambers. 1812 Marmaduke Newby. 1813. William Brown. 1814. William Brown, anno 2. 1815. William Brown, anno 3. NORTHAMPTON. 53 1816. Francis Mulliner. 1817. John Barrett. 1818. William Birdsall, anno 2. 1819. Robert Smithson. 1820. William Henfrey. ABINGTON Is a small but pleasant village, about one mile from Northampton, on the road to Wel- lingborough ; it is bounded on the east by Weston-Favel, on the north by Kingsthorpe and Moulton, on the west by Northampton, and on the south by the windings of the river Nine. This village is principally adorned by the seat of John Harvey Thursby, Esq. called Abington Abbey, a handsome commodious edifice, surrounded by a small walled park. It was built in the reign of Henry the Vllth, between the years 1485 and 1509. The grounds are disposed with considerable judg ment, and a water house, displaying much taste of design, and nearly enveloped in cling- ing ivy, is an object of peculiar attraction. A view through an archway in the park, which embraces the neat white-washed inn, and free-school at Weston-Favel, is deserving of particular notice. It was in these grounds that Garrick planted a Mulberry tree ; an ap- propriate inscription, engraved upon copper, is attached to one of the limbs of th^tree, and explains the time at which it was planted, and the motive which led to that 54 NORTHAMPTON. action : — " This tree was planted by David Garrick, Esqre. at the request of Ann Thursby, as a growing testimony of their friendship, .. 1778." In the hail at Abington Abbey is preserved a bust of Gar- rick ; and there are also in the same apart- ment portraits of the late Mr. Thursby, and of his lady, the friend at whose request this memorable tree was planted by the Rosqius of England. The church is a pleasing rural structure, having its south side nearly covered with ivy. It is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, and consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel. At the west end is an embattled tower, containing three bells. At the end of each aisle is a chauntry chapel ; and in the different windows several curious arms and figures, many of them perfect, but others broken ; and in various parts of the church and chancel several memorials to the Bernard, Hampden, and Thursby families. Among other ancient inscriptions, is one in the north aisle, where the figures of a man and woman are represented on a flat stone, habited in the costume of the times, with a brass plate under- neath recording the memory of William Mayle, Margaret his wife, and thirteen of their children. On the north aisle, is a monu- ment to Sir Robert Bernard, serjeant at law, and created a Baronet by Charles the lid, in 1662. Upon several bricks, dispersed in the NORTHAMPTON. 55 chancel, are these arms : three cross erosslets* fitehe, on a chief, a rose, and a mullet of six points, as also the arms of Westminster. On a marble near one of the windows in the south aisle, is the following inscription, in gilt letters : In memory that Mr. Pamer, in 17 18, husband of Mrs. Mary Pamer, left twenty pounds, the interest of it to be given to the poor of this parish on St. Thomas's day, for ever. The communion plate was given by the late William Thursby, esq. and consists of two large silver flagons, double gilt, a chalice and cover, with a cross, and a plate of the same, inscribed " Oblatio Gul. Thursby. Patron of the living — J. H. Thursby, esq. Incumbent — Rev. G. A. Thursby. ALTHORP, The seat of Earl Spencer, has many claims on the notice of the topographer and admi- rer of the fine arts; it is situated about six miles west of Northampton. In the reign of Henry the VHth, Althorp was in the pos- session of John Catesby, second son of John Catesby, of Ledger's Ashhy, Esq. who sold it to John Spencer, Esq. which John levied a fine on it in the 24th year of the same reign. This gentleman, who was afterwards knighted by Henry the Vlllth, was the son of W^iam Spencer, Esq. of Wormleighton, in the cmmty of Warwick, descended from a younger branch 56 NORTHAMPTON. of the Despencers, anciently Earls of Glou- cester and Winchester; the head of which family was John Viscount Constantine, who married Emma, sister to Alan, Earl of Brit- tany, before the conquest. This estate has belonged to the Spencers ever since the reign of Henry the seventh. Lord Robert Spencer was succeeded, in 1627, by his son William, and he, in 1637, by his son Henry, created Earl of Sunderland, after the battle of Edge- hill, in 1642, and slain at the battle of New- bury the same year. The present structure, a large pile of building, occupying three sides of a quadrangle, was erected by the Earl of Sunderland, about the year 1688, and was originally encompassed upon three sides by a moat, now filled up, and levelled with the fine lawns immediately contiguous to the mansion. The extensive park has an inequality of sur- face, greatly conducive to the picturesque, and is adorned by large masses of forest trees. The contents of this mansion are highly interesting and valuable, in its large and fine collection of pictures, and vast library of choice books. In the latter article, tord Spencer is laudably emulous of possessing the most enlarged and select collection inEngland, and it is generally admitted that he has suc- ceeded. The books fill several apartments, and^ieir number is computed at upwards of fort *five thousand volumes ; the book-rooms have been recently extended, by an additional NORTHAMPTON. 57 building*, attached by a corridor to the north- east corner of the house, which is in the gothic style, having externally the appearance of an ancient chapel: — his Lordship has besides, a large and extensive library at his house in London. The pictures at Althorp are also very numerous, and many of them of the first class. EARL'S-BARTON, Is a village seated on an eminence, situated about six miles from Northampton ; it is bounded on the east by Doddington, on the north by Mears-Ashby, on the west by Ecton, and on the south by the river Nine, which divides it from Whiston and Grendon. Here was formerly a wood called Barton Broil. It was named Earl's-Barton, from the Earls of Huntingdon, who were anciently superior lords of the fee. The church, dedicated to All Saints, is a singular, and very curious specimen of ancient architecture ; the tower is divided into four stories, each being constructed with upright stones, disposed like beams, or wood-work, with the spaces between every two filled up with small stones, mortar, &c. The arches and columns are also peculiar, some of the former being very small, and formed bj^piie stone, whilst the latter are larger atPfche centre, than at their bases and capitals. The western door-way, that on the south side, and i 58 NORTHAMPTON. a small one leading into the chancel, have all semicircular arches, with various ancient mouldings. — Its interior part, consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel ; here are also many things entitled to the par- ticular notice of the architectural antiquary. A very handsome monument by Mr. Whiting, is erected in this church. It is adorned with emblematical figures, and greatly admired for its execution and design — representing Grief mingled with GratitudeandBenevolence, hold- ing in her right hand a scroll, on which is engraved " Her own works praise her;" the left hand is placed on an urn, over the ashes ©f which, the figure appears mourning. It has the following inscription :— This Monument wai erected to perpetuate the memory of Mrs.Eliz.Whitworth, who died the 15th day of Nov. 1814, in the 79th year of hei age : — She was the eldest Daughter of Thomas Whitworth, Esquire, late of this Parish, and Elizabeth his wife. By her will, she bequeathed the sum of one hundred pounds to the General Infirmary, at Northampton, and the further sum of one hundred pounds, at the decease of her sister, Mrs. Mary Whitworth ; the interest of the sum of five hundred pounds to the officiating ( lergyman of this parish, in case he resides there, and preaches two sermons eieiy Sunday; — NORTHAMPTON. 69 The sum of fifty pounds to purchase Communion Plate for the use of this Parish, which sum was augmented by her said Sister, and laid out accordingly ; and the sum of twenty shillings yearly, towards the support of the Sunday School, in this Parish, with other charitable donations. Patron of the living — The King. Incumbent — Rev. R. H. Knight. GREAT-BILLING, Is about four miles from Northampton, on the road to Wellingborough. The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel. At the west end stands a plain coped tower, containing three bells. On the north side of the chancel is a burial place be- longing to the Earl of Thomond, who died at his seat here in 1691 ; a large fine monu- ment is erected to his memory. Here is the handsome mansion of Robert Carey Elwes, Esq. formerly belonging to the Cavendish family. John Freeman, Esq. lord of this manor, and sheriff of the county, in the fourth year of James the first, by his will, bearing date the 25th of February, 1614, gave two thousand pounds to found two fellowships in Clare-Hall, Cambridge, of the value of £26 per annum each, and eight scholarships, of £6 per anngm; to which his kinsmen are to be preferred in the first place, and in default of such, then i 2 60 NORTHAMPTON. any scholars in the county, and for want of such; then any scholars born in Lincolnshire. The alms-house in the village was built after his death, by his order, which he had endowed with a yearly provision of six pounds each, for one man and four women. These were for- merly nominated by the two daughters and heirs of Sir William Haslewood, of Maidwell, but are now put in by Lord Hatton. Sir Isaac Wake, employed by king' James the first, as his ambassador to Venice, Savoy, and other States, was the son of Arthur Wake, rector of this parish: he was educated in Merton College, Oxford, and chosen public orator, and member of parliament for the University, in 1623. He was eminent for his learning, ingenuity, and elocution; and author of several orations and discourses. Patron of the living — Bishop of Peterborough. Incumbent — Rev. Dr. Wright. LITTLE BILLING, The residence of the Rev. R. I. Geldart, is situated about one mile from the former. Part of the mansion house, which was formerly inhabited by the Longvilles, (lords of this manor) is still standing, and has great marks of antiquity; the door-cases, of Harlestone stone, are thick and large; and at the south end is a turret, with a stair -case leading to the llads. Part of it is embattled. Patron of the living — -Rev. R.I. Geldart. Incumbent — The same. NORTHAMPTON. 61 BRINGTON, Commonly called Brighton, is situated about half a mile from Althorp. The church, dedicated to the blessed Virgin, consists of a body, north and south aisles, chancel, and north chancel or burying place. At the west end is an embattled tower, in which are five bells, bearing date in 1613, 1614, 1637, 1661, and 1670, besides the saint's bell. There are several large and stately monuments to dif- ferent persons of the Spencer family ; among others, those of Sir Robert, first Baron Spen- cer, of Wormleighton, 1627; William, Lord Spencer, by Nicholas Stone, (cost i?600L) 1636. Here was also buried, Dorothea, Countess of Sunderland, and daughter of Robert Syd- ney, Ear! of Leicester, the " Saccharissa" of Waller, 1684. A monument of John Earl Spencer, by Nollekens, 1783. In 1820, an elegant monument was erected to the memory of the late Countess Spencer, wife of the above, executed by Mr. Flaxman, R. A. equally admirable for the beautiful simplicity of its design, and the elegance of its execution. It consists of a tablet inscribed as follows : To the memory of GEORGIANA, COUNTESS SPENCER, Wife Of John Earl Spencer, 62 NORTHAMPTON. Daughter Of the Right Honourable Stephen Poyntz, Of Midgham, in the County of Berks, By Anna Maria Mordaunt, his Wife, Born 27th April, Anno Domini, 1753, Died 18th March, Anno Domini, 1314. ** She spreadeth out her hands to the poor : yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.** " Her children arise up, and call her blessed." Proverbs, Chap. 31. On either side of this tablet are two exquisite groups, of Religion and Charity. The first is personifiedbyafemale, whose eyes are stedfast- ly fixed on High, holding in her right hand the New Testament, on which she builds her hope; and in the other a cross, on which she rests her faith. Charity is represented by a mo- ther fondly cherishing an infant, sleeping on her bosom, while she is contemplating, with maternal delight, the fond caresses of its bro- ther and sister, indicative of that harmony of affection, which always results from the well- directed care of maternal tenderness — the true source of those charities which are the "very bond of peace" and cement of society, by uniting them in links of reciprocal kind- ness and good will. Under an arch of free-stone in the north chan- cel, curiously embellished, are the figures of a NORTHAMPTON. 63 knight, in armour, with his lady. Upon a black marble tomb, are the figures of a baron and baroness, in their robes of state ; over them is an arch of black and fahe ftiarblej supported by eight pillars of black marble, of the Corinthian order, with white capitals. Under an arch, elegantly adorned, are the figures of a knight in armour, with his lady, lying on a tomb, with their hands raised, and over them is an achievement of arms. Under a gothic arch, on the south side of the church, was recently discovered, a stone figure, of fine sculpture, in the costume of the times, supposed to be that of the founder of the church. Patron of the living — Earl Spencer. Incumbent — Rev. L. J. Vigoureux. RR1XWORTH Is about six miles from Northampton, and situated on the southern verge of the hundred of Orlingbury, on the Leicester road. The church, dedicated to All Saints, has a spacious nave, with a chancel and south ; isle ; at the west end is a small square tower, ter- minated with a spire : not far from the church- yard are slight traces of trenches, and two or three tumuli are seen in the vicinity. In the fifteenth year of the feign of king Henry the third, Simon Fitz Simo ., the lord of this manor, obtained a grant which allowed him to "plant a small spinney adjoining his 64 NORTHAMPTON. garden," on express condition of "not inter- fering with the liberties of the forest :" this alludes to Rockingham forest, now at the dis- tance of some miles, but which then extended to this parish. Towards the close of the same reign, he procured for himself and his heirs, the more valuable privilege of a weekly market every Tuesday at this place, and for an annual fair continued for three days, com- mencing on the eve of St. Boniface; but these privileges, it is supposed, ceased with the extinction of the family to whom they were granted. Brixworth Hall, the seat of William Wood. Esq. is a plain substantial edifice, surrounded by thick plantations, and inclosed by a wall; the grounds are pleasingly diversified in their surface, and afford many delightful views of the distant landscape. In the reign of Charles the second this mansion was the residence and property of William Saunders, Esq. The Wrights were once lords of the manor; and several memorials of that family remain in the ancient church. It was also in the possession of the Nichol, Rainsford, and Strickland families. The village is large and respectable, the buildings are chiefly of stone : a fair is annually held here, on the Monday after the Ascension; in the principal street are the remains of a cross, consisting of part of a shaft, rising from four ranges of steps, In this place are ten or NORTHAMPTON. 65 twelve springs, seldom dry ; one of which, called Bartlet's well, was made up by Marga- ret Bartlet, a maiden, for the use of travellers. About half a mile to the south-west of the vil- lage, is the site of the old manor house of Woolhage, in which Sir James Harrington founded a chauntry, and endowed it with lands in Lancashire. Patrons of the living— Dean &Chapter of Sarum. Incumbent — Rev. J. Hamilton. BLISWORTH, Is about five miles from Northampton, on the road to Towcester, and being on the line of communication between the metropolis and the different parts of the kingdom, on the Grand Junction Canal, is a place of consider- able traffic. The church, dedicated to St. John the Bap- tist, consists of a body, north and south aisles, north porch, and chancel. At the west end is an embattled tower, containing five bells. There are several pieces of painted glass in the windows. In the north windows of the chancel, were small portraits of the twelve apostles, four of which remain complete. Here was formerly the residence of the family of Wakes, with a park and warren. Blis worth wood, so called, is adjoining a large plain, where the inhabitants of Road have also a right of common. m NORTHAMPTON. Ifr this village is that fine stupendous piece of work, the Tunnel, which was completed in the spring of 1805, and opened on the 25th of March in that year. Notwithstanding, this Tunnel completes the line of the canal, and enables boats to pass freely the whole length; several other different works havebeen effected in various places, for the purpose of keeping it in complete repair, where the soil is faulty. Patron of the living— G. F. Hatton, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. J. Ambrose. BOUGHTON, About threemiles and a halfnorth of North- ampton, on the Leicester road, is the village of Boujrhton. — Here was formerly the seat of the Ear] of Strafford, pleasantly situated upon a ribfa$ ground, commanding a very extensive prospect, with a park finely wooded; but, on the death of the earl, the title became extinct, and this portion of his property devolved to W. IL ¥jfwej Iterg son of General Vyse. The mansion, which is nearly rased, was an irregur Jar Equated building, but not very exl« . . \fyfB , dedicated to St. John the Bap- tist, ftw rood upon the Grreu, about, half a xmQe ui- :\i the village:— it is now eco»j)k5tely in pains, no p«rt of the roof with Hie jyrouiidL <}yjbs.e Iuls givei) a: view of it in lij* .Antiquities, with .thetpwer, and an NORTHAMPTON. . fy octangular spire; its internal part consisted of a body, chancel, and north chancel, or chaun- try chapel. In the village is a chapel, where divine service is performed : it consists of a body and chancel, under one roof. At the west-end is a low embattled tower, containing three bells, bearing date 1653. In the twenty-seventh year of the reign of Edward HI, Sir HenryGreen obtained for him- self and his heirs, the grant of an annual fair to be held in this manor, which begins upon the vigil of the nativity of St. John the Bap- tist, and lasts three days: — Since that time the fair at Boughton-Green, has become the most celebrated in this part of the kingdom; being resorted to by great numbers of persons > both for pleasure and business. Patron of the living — W. H. Vyse, Esq. Incumbent — Hon. and Rev. R. Carleton. BROCKHALL, Is a small village, about nine miles west of Northampton, belonging to T. R. Thornton* Esq. whose seat is there. The church, dedicated to St. Peter, consists of a body and two aisles, chancel, and a small southern porch. The steeple is built with a tower, containing two bells, and a saint's bell. In the upper north window of the chancel, is part of a broken portrait, and some labels in Gothic characters; there are also several neat monuments to the memory of different k 2 68 NORTHAMPTON. branches of the Thornton family. Patron of the living — Bishop of Peterborough. Incumbent — Rev. P. Thornton. BRAYFIELD, Usually termed Brayfield-on-the-Green, is about four miles from Northampton. It is bounded on the east by Benton, Whiston, and Cogenho, on the north by Cogenho and the river Nine, on the west by Houghton and the London road from Billing-bridge, and on the south by Hackleton. Its situation is high, being on the extremity of an ascent, beginning from the river. The lands and meadows are intermixed with those of Little Houghton. By a decree in chancery, the common is di- vided, the road being its boundary. Patron of the living — Rev. J. Johnson. Incumbent — The same. BUGBRCOK, Is bounded on the east by Kislingbury, on the north by Heyford, on the west by Stow, and on the south by Gayton ; its distance from Northampton is about six miles. The church, dedicated to St. Michael, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel: — On the south side is a porch, and on the north a small vestry. At the west end is a tower, on which is raised a pyramidal steeple of eight sides) in the tower are five bells. NORTHAMPTON. 69 The sum of twenty-five shillings was given by James Brasegirdle, arising from lands in this parish, according to his will of the 4th of March, 1633 ; such sum ao be annually dis- tributed by the minister and church- wardens, on St. Thomas's day. Patron of the living — Rev. H. B. Harrison. Incumbent — The same. CASTLE ASHBY. About seven miles from Northampton, is Castle Ashby, the elegant seat of the Mar- quess of Northampton. The mansion, which is approached by a noble avenue, near three miles in length, is built on a very spacious and mag- nificent scale, surrounding a handsome qua- drangle, the east side of which was originally open with arcades to the garden, but is now closed. The front, exhibiting considerable grandeur, is chiefly taken up by a gallery of great length, and has the badge of the noble family of Compton, and many military tro- phies profusely displayed ; it is surmounted by a balustrade, formed of the following sen- tences, in Roman capitals, over the entrance : DOMINUS CUSTODIAT INTROITUM TUUM, and within the great court a corresponding in- scription, Dominus Custodiat Exitum Tuum : in other parts, Nisi Dominus Custos Custo- diverit Domiim, Frustra Vigilat Qui Custovit Earn. — Nisi Dominus jEdificaverit Domum, In Vanum Laboraverunt Qui JEdificant Earn, 70 NORTHAMPTON. It terminates in two small high towers, in- scribed in a similar manner, with Nisi Domi- i as, the motto of the family, and the date of L The whole h constructed of stone, and ugh it strongly partakes of the characte- rs- cs of an era in architecture less pure than the succeeding, has much magnificence of ap- pearance. Inigo Jones was employed on the east and south sides, which he finished ; but is said to have been interrupted in his progress by the civil wars. The more ancient parts of the building were erected by Henry, Lord Comp- ton, in the time of Queen Elizabeth. Within, the most ample space is allotted to the hall, staircase, and chambers of state. The drawing-room is remarkably grand, being in length 50 feet 5 inches, 24 feet wide, and 18 feet 10 inches high, and hung with tapestry, the laborious performance of two noble rela- tives. The chimney-piece, from the drawing of Inigo Jones, and composed of Weldon stone, polished, is of enormous size, propor- tioned to the great extent of the room. The library is in the upper part of the house, and contains many valuable books ; among which is a MS. history of England, supposed to be Caxton's ; Coverdale's Translation of the Bible, with a dedication to Henry VIII, printed in 1535 ; and a most beautiful illuminated ge- nealogy of the Howard family, carefully pre- served. NORTHAMPTON, 71 The most remarkable pictures are the following : — in the hall, a Ml length of Henry Compton, bishop of London, the youngest son of Spencer, the second Earl of Northampton. He was firmly attached to the constitution and religion of his country ; and in the reign of the bigoted James 2, underwent the honour of suspension, for not complying with the views of the court ; he died in 1713, at the age of 81. In the hall is also a good head of the Rev; Edward Lye, a learned linguist and antiquary born at Totness ; he was patronised by the Ear^of Northampton, and by him* presented to the vicarage of Yardley Hastings ; his last years wire chiefly employed in finishing for the pressj the Anglo-Saxon and Gothic Dic- tionary, which was published in 1772, 2 vols, folio j by, the Rev. Owen Manning, after Lye's death, which happened in 1767* ate Yardley Hastings. In the gallery are two most curious original portraits of John Talbot, first Earl of Shrews* bury, ami of Margaret his second wife; they are coarse and rudely painted on board. The earl is represented in armour, over which his tabard of; arms, and, the various quarterings onging; to his family are displayed; hig nteHcDice is hard, his hair short, and illr f&ifthedj aid his hands stretched out in the * of prayer. His countess is repre- iQiltedtin xhv same attitude, and with. a, sur* 1 /- NORTHAMPTON. coat of her family arms, lined with ermine, Her head-dress is ornamented with lions ram- pant, alluding to the bearing of the Talbots, and her neck is adorned with a gold chain and pendant. A portrait of Spencer, second Earl of Northampton, the hero of the noble family, represented in armour. His eldest son, James, Earl of Northampton, is also in armour, and with a great dog near him. A portrait of Sir Spencer Compton, the third brother of the last-mentioned earl is dressed in a green silk vest, a laced band, and with long hair. This youth was at the battle of Edge-hill, at a time he was not able to grasp a pistol; yet cried with vexation, that he was not permitted to share in the same glory and danger with his elder brothers. The celebrated Earl of Sack- ville is painted in armour. Here is also a singular head of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, represented as dead. The heads of the Duke of Somerset, Protect- or ; Francis, the first Earl of Bedford, and Sir Thomas More — are beautifully painted in small size. That favourite of fortune, Sir Stephen Fox, is represented sitting in a long wig and night-gown. There is also a picture of the late Earl of Northampton, his Countess, and two children, by West, and three small pictures by G. Dow. In the year 1695, George, the fourth Earl of Northampton, had the honour of entertaining his Majesty King William III, and a numer- ous retinue, at Castle Ashby. NORTHAMPTON- ?3 The present nobleman is the ninth Earl, and first Marquess of this ancient family. He succeeded to the earldom and estates April 7th, 1796; and was created Marquess in 1812* His lordship is Lord Lieutenant of the county, and Recorder of Northampton. Near the mansion-house is the church, dedi- cated to St. Nicholas, consisting of a body, two aisles, and chancel. At the upper end of the north aisle is a chapel, separated from the aisle by a wooden screen. At the west end, is a small embattled tower, remarkably neat, containing six bells. In this place is an alms-house, inhabited by foor aged women. atron of the living— Marquess of Northampton Incumbent — Rev. E. Seagrave. CHURCH-BRAMPTON, About four miles from Northampton. — In old records it is called Brampton Magna, to distinguish it from the adjoining hamlet; and in later ones, Church-Brampton, from the mother-church standing in this lordship. It is bounded on the east by Boughton, on the north by Spratton, from which it is divided by a brook, rising in Coton-field, in the parish of Guilsborough; by Harlestone and Holdenby on the west, and by Dallington on the south. The church, dedicated to St. Botolph, con- sists of a body, two aisles, and a chancel. At the west end is a tower steeple, containing four bells. l 74 NORTHAMPTON. Brampton was the rectory of Richard Cum- berland, author of "De Legthus Naturoe ;" he wa£ afterwards appointed Bishop of Peter- borough, which see he continued to hold until his death, in 1718, his remains being interred in the cathedral. Mr. James Brasegirdle, in 1634, bequeathed the sum of £ 3 annually, to the church and poor of this parish, arising from lands in the parish of Rugbrook, besides various charitable gifts to other places : — a small brass plate is placed within the rails of the altar, containing the following inscription to this worthy and benevolent character : — "Here lieth interred the body of James Brasegirdle, Gentleman, who departed this life, the third day of April, Anno Domini 1634." This living is in the Patronage of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Incumbent — Rev. T. Lock ton. CHAPEL-BRAMPTON, Is a small hamlet, adjoining the above. There are no remains, and but a very imper feet tradition of the chapel, from which this village received its name of distinction. Some years since, a small bell preserved in the town was said to have belonged to it. An ancient manor-house is supposed formerly to have stood in a close, still retaining the name of Hall-Close. NORTHAMPTON. 75 COGENHO, Now generally called Cooknoe, is bounded by Whiston on the east, by Eeton and the river Nine on the north, by Brayfield and Whiston on the west, and is situated between four and five miles from Northampton. The church, which is dedicated to St. Peter, consists of a body, north and south aisles, chancel, and south porch. At the west end is an embattled tower, containing three bells. In the north-east corner of the porch is a re- ceptacle for holy water. The register com- mences in 1558. Under the upper window of the south aisle, lies the figure of a knight templar upon a tomb, completely armed, with a dog at his feet, and on his left arm is a shield, whereon are these arms: — a fess between three mascles. This is said to be the tomb of Sir Nicholas de Cogenho, Lord of this manor, in the time of Edward I, and re- ported to be the founder of the church. The same arms are cut upon the pillars which support the nave. Against the upper pillar of the church, on the western side, is a sin- nister bend. There was formerly here a chauntry, founded by William de Cogenho, for one priest to sing for ever at our lady's altar; this chauntry appears to have been on the north side of the chancel, there being marks of a large arch, now filled up, through which, was probably the entrance into the ckauntry chapel. l2 76 NORTHAMPTON, Roman coins have occasionally been found in th? common fields here, bearing: the head of Faustina : — In a barn was discovered an urn, of a light colour, very thin, containing a mixture of ashes and earth. A stone coffin was dug up in Cogenho church -yard, in 1806, but without either in- scription or date. Patron of the living — Rev. E. Watkin. Incumbent — The same. COLLINGTREE, Is situated about the distance of four miles from the south of Northampton, and is bound- ed on the east and south by Courteenall, and on the west by Milton ; on the north it is divided from Wootton by a small brook, which joins the Nine at Upton-mill. The church, dedicated to St. Columbus, con- sists of a body, two aisles, and a chancel. At the west end is an embattled tower, in which are four bells. It appears to have been for some time united to the church of Middleton, now called Milton. The old parish registers were unfortunately consumed by a fire, which occurred some years since, in the parsonage-house, besides burning a considerable part of the village. Patron of the living — Rev. B. Hill. Incumbent — The same. NORTHAMPTON- 77 COLiTEENHALL* Is a small pleasant village, about six miles from Northampton near the borders of Sal- cey forest. Here is the beautiful seat of Sir William Wake, erected about the year 17--2. Courceeiihaii is bounded on the east by Quin- ton, on the north by Wootton, on the west by Coliingtree, and on the south by Road. It is divided from Wootton by a small brook, rising in Horton Lordship, and which joins the Nine at Upton-mill. r ihe church is dedicated to St. Peter, and consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel, with a north and south porch. At the west end is an embat- tled tower, in which are five bells. The external, and interior part of this church, have recently undergone various alterations and improvements. A very handsome altaj> piece, in the Gothic style, is now finished, and will shortly be placed in the chancel. On the south side of the chancel are three arches, richiy ornamented in the pointed Gothic style; and on the upper end of the north aisle, is a handsome monument of Italian marble, with the effigies of Sir Samuel Jones and his lady, in a kneeling posture. He died in the year 1762, aged sixty -three years. In the same aisle, under an arch leading to the chancel, is a monument, apparently of granite, covered with a plank of black mar- ble, having round its edge the following most curious inscription:— . . . . . 78 NORTHAMPTON. " A Salop's Oseley I, a men Partridge woone, No bir^i? I had her uy, such work with her was doone ; She lit ad, I Turtle sought a Wake in Salsie bred, Twice six Birds she nie brought, she lives, but I am dead. But when ninth year was come, I siept that was a VVrtke Thus yielding to deaths donnie, did here my lodging take." At Courteenhall is a free-school, founded by Sir Samuel Jones, endowed with eighty pounds per annum, to the master, and twenty pounds to the usher. He left by will five hundred pounds, for building the school, and houses for the master and usher, which his executors expended agreeably to his intentions. Be- sides this endowment, the same worthy and benevolent character gave five hundred pounds towards repairing the church, and increasing the number of bells to five. To the poor, he bequeathed ten pounds yearly for ever; and twenty pounds per annum, for binding out apprentices, to be paid to the overseers on every Easter Monday. Patron of the living — The King. Incumbent — Rev. R. W. Wake. CREATON-MAGNA, Is bounded on the east by Brixworth, on the north by Cottesbrook, on the west by Hol- low^ll and Guilsborough, and by Spratton on the south. A brook, which rises from springs in Nuse T >y field, divides this lordship from Spratton. Another brook, rising from springs in Maidwell and Draught-on, bounds it oa NORTHAMPTON. 79 the cast ; and joins the former, between Spratton and Brixworth. It is about eight miles from Northampton, and adjoins the Chester turnpike road. The church, dedicated to St. Michael, con- sists of a body and chancel, with two porches. At the west end is a tower steeple, containing four bells. Patron of the living — R. Young, D. D. Incumbent — The same. CREATON-PARVA, Or Little-Creaton, is a small hamlet, near the above, but in the parish of Spratton. DALLINGTON, A small rural village, about one mile from Northampton, is bounded on the east by the river, which divides it from Northampton and Kingsthorpe, on the north by Harlestone, and on the west and south by Duston. The manor-house stands in a situation re- markably pleasant, the building is capacious, and possesses an air of grandeur in the design; the material of which it is constructed, is the red brick, with pilasters at each angle, of stone, surmounted by a bold corresponding archi- trave and cornice; the casings to the windows are also of stone. The pleasure grounds sur- rounding this seat, are not of great extent, but have been laid out with due attention to the natural beauties, of the retired scene that 80 NORTHAMPTON. presents itself on all sides : — It was formerly the seat of Sir Richard Rainsford, Knight, one of the Justices of the King's Bench, in the reign of King Charles the second, in whose family the estate remained for a con- siderable period : It is now occupied by Sir John Riggs Miller, Bart. Dallington is celebrated in the annals of biography as the birth-place of Sir Joseph Jekyll, in 16^2, an eminent lawyer, and dis- tinguished patriot. On the accession of George th* first, he received the honour of Knighthood, and was made Master of the Rolls : he died in the year 1738. The church is dedicated to the blessed Vir- gin, and consists of a body, north and south aisles, with a chancel, and north chancel or burial-place. At the west end is a low em- battled tower, containing four bells. Here are several very handsome monuments, erect- ed to the memory of different branches of the Rainsford and Jekyll families. Against the north wall of the Rainsford's burial-place, is a beautiful alabaster monument, supported by two black marble pillars : — at the top is Argent a Cross sable. On the pediment, on each side of these arms, is a boy weeping, his hand laying on a scull; and at the bottom ap- pear two other boys, one on the right having a syringe, with which he is drawing up the tears which fall on the ground; the other on the left having in his hand a spade. — In the NORTHAMPTON. 81 centre is a long appropriate inscription to several of the Rainsfords. Near the above is another large elegant monument, on a pedes- tal, resembling a covered table, with a large flamingurn, on each side is aboy, theoneonthe right weeping, and holding a shield, the other in a similar attitude holding the family arms. Underneath, on an oval tablet of black mar- ble, elegantly adorned with foliage, is an in- scription to the memory of the Chief Justice Rainsford. At a short distance from these, are two other beautiful monuments; one to the memory of Joseph Jekyll, Esq. who died in 1752, aged 38 years; and the other to the memory of Lady Ann Jekyll, second daugh- of George, Earl of Halifax, by Mary, his se- cond wife, ^daughter of Richard, Earl of Scar- borough; shl left one only daughter, Ann, who married George Wright, of Gayhurst, in the county of Buckingham Esq. — Lady Ann Jekyll died 20th January, 1766, in the 52nd y^ar of her age. There are also several other handsome monumental records in this church. Justice Rainsford caused an alms-house to be erected in this place for four persons, of an advanced age; viz. two men and two women; and a weekly allowance of two shillings to each of them. The north side of St. James's End attaches to this parish. Patroness of the living — Miss Wright. Incumbent — Rev. B. Bailey. 82 NORTHAMPTON. DUSTON. This village, about one mile and a half west from Northampton, is pleasantly situated on a hill, commanding rich scenery, and exten- sive prospects of the surrounding country. Its boundaries are Dallington and Northamp- ton on the east, Haiieston on the north, Har- pole on the west, and Upton on the south. To the south-east and north-east it is bounded by the different branches of the river Nine : — a small brook, rising from Well-head spring, in Duston field, divides it from Dallington. A part of St. James's End is in this parish. The church is dedicated to St. Luke, and consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel. Between the church and chancel stands the steeple, which is tower built, and contains three bells. ; The internal appearance of this church is rendered pleasing, from its being kept remark- ably neat; its exterior has recently under- gone some improvement. Upon a wall in the efrancelare some ancient carved heads, these from being renovated, assume an original and pristine appearance, highly gratifying to the antiquarian. In this parish was formerly the ancient monastery of St. James's Abbey, founded by William Peverel, natural son of William the Conqueror, for black canons of the Augustine order. By a survey taken of its revenues in the year 1553, the clear annual income amounted NORTHAMPTON. 83 to £175 8s. 2d. and in the year 1559, it was surrendered with its possessions, to the royal commissioners. Some remains of the walls and foundations, are all the present traceable vestiges of this ancient and well- endowed monastery. The precise time of its erection does not appear; but it is supposed to have been built before the year 1112; its founder dying about the end of that year, or early in 1 1 13. Adeliva, his wife, died in 1 1 19. The ground allotted them by the founder for the buildings, was forty acres, to which he added the mill and church of Duston. In the fifty-second year of Henry III, they obtained licence for a fair, to be held at the convent, on the eve of the festival of St. James, and two following days : — This grant was renewed in the fourteenth year of Henry IV. The fair continued in the abbey-grounds, long after the dissolution of the monastery, and was af- terwards removed to Northampton.. The site of the church and church-yard, contains about two acres; and the abbey de- mesnes are on each side of the road leading to Daventry. Approaching the abbey is a cause- way, usually, yet absurdly, termed Cut-throat Lane, the old wall being on the left. In an adjoining close was a mill, supplied by the spring, now called the abbey spring. In this close was held St. James's fair, in which for- merly was a barn and dove-house; and, in all probability, the abbey itself. They appear to m 2 84 NORTHAMPTON. have been situated on a regular descent from Duston, to the south and south east. West- ward is a wall of ashlar-stone, near which are the foundations ef buildings. Here also stood the church of St. Margaret, annexed in the year 1259, to that of Duston. The patronage of Duston living is vested in Lord Melbourne. Incumbent — Rev. J. Greville. ECTQN, A large pleasant village, about five miles from Northampton, on the road to Welling- borough. It is bounded on the east by a brook, which divides it from Earl's Barton, on the north by Mears-Ashby, Sywell, and Overstone ; on the west a small brook parts it from Great-Billing and Little-Billing ; and on the south the Nine divides it from Cogenho and Whifiton. Here is the mansion of Samuel Isted, Esq. a handsome modern stone build- ing, surrounded by pleasant plantations, and grounds of a diversified appearance. The parsonage-house, a very neat and commo- dious structure, is the residence of the Rev. Thomas Whalley ; it was formerly built by Thomas Palmer, rector, in 1693. Here are several of Hogarth's original paintings. The church, dedicated to Mary Magdalen, consists of a body, north and south aisles, north and south porches, and chancel. At the west end is an handsome tower, contain* NORTHAMPTON. 85 ing six bells. A clock was placed here in 1630. and the chimes in 1690. From the difference of the stone and workmanship, it is supposed the upper part of the tower and north porch have been added since the building of the church. As some workmen were employed in Mr. Catesby's garden, in the year 1672, about two hundred yards north-eastward of the church, they discovered several bones and skulls, lying in order, from west to east : — Among them were two silver coins, resembling in size, a silver three-pence. In the year 1752, John Palmer erected a school for poor children. Patron of the living — Rev. T. Whalley. Incumbent — The same. FLOORE, An extensive village, about seven miles from Northampton, on the road to Daventry ; surrounded by pleasant walks, with roman- tic and attractive views of the adjacent country. It is bounded by Upper-Heyford on the east, Brington on the north, Dodford on the west, and Nether-Heyford on the south. A brook taking its rise in Welton field, passes by this lordship on the south and west, and joins the river Nine in Nether-Heyford parish. Within these few years the general appear- ance of Floore has been more cheerful, partly from being in the immediate vicinity ef 86 NORTHAMPTON. Weedon, and also from its proximity to the Grand Junction canal. The church, dedicated to All Saints, con- sists of a hody, north and south aisles, south porch, and chancel; and a vestry on the north side of the chancel : — At the west end is a gquare embattled tower, containing five bells. Dr. Leonard Hutton, a student of Christ- Church, Oxford, was presented to this vica- rage in 1601, a man profoundly eminent for superior knowledge in divinity and general history; a distinguished ornament of the church, and an honour to the age and country in which he lived. He published, in 1605, an answer to a treatise concerning the cross in baptism, which was highly esteemed by the learned of that era. He left in MS. a Dis- course on the Antiquity of the University of Oxford, afterwards printed ; and died in the year 1632, being interred in the divinity cha- pel of Christ Church . In the church and chancel are some curious monumental inscriptions, very ancient, and many almost illegible. At the east end of the north aisle, joining the body of the church, is a raised monument of white marble, on which is extended the figure of a man armed with a coat of mail, his surcoat around hint, and a collar of S. S. about his neck ; at his head, which reclines on a cushion, is an hel- met, and at his feet a lion couchant. — There is no inscription, but it is probably intended for one of the Trussel family. NORTHAMPTON, 87 In the vestry, on the north side of the chan- nel, is a mural monument, and on a gilt tablet the following very curious inscription: Robert Saunders, the second sone of Thomas Saunders, of Sybbertoft Iyeth here buried, To Margaret Staunton, the heyre of Thomas Staunton he was fyrste marryed ; Which Margaret bcyng dead, Joyse Goodwin he t*oke to wyfe, Tiie xm day of November, ao. xv w xlix. he departed thys lyfe, And restethe at God's pleasure tylle the daye of perfection, God send us and hym then a joyful resurrection." Amen* This church and church-yard, have late- ly undergone considerable alterations; the church-yard, in particular, from its hitherto neglected state, has experienced a surprising change; a handsome brick wall encircles it, and gravel walks, with many other suitable additions, embellish its general appearance. Here it would be improper to withhold a pub- lic tribute of approbation, to thosejjvho have been chiefly instrumental in effecting these salutary improvements. It is supposed the interior of this church will also be new- seated. Dr. Richard Gardiner gave to this parish a quartern of land> the rent of which is applied one year in apprenticing a boy; and the other year distributed to widows, natives of the place. John Steer and William Muscotte 88 NORTHAMPTON. severally bequeathed half an acre of meadow ground, for the benefit of the poor of this parish. Gregory Knight left the sum of five pounds to the poor, the interest of which is distributed by the churchwardens. The patronage of this living is vested in the Dean and Canons of Christ Church, Oxford. Incumbent — Rev. K. M. R. Tarpley. . GAYTON, A pleasant cheerful village, about five miles from Northampton, bounded by Milton on the east, Thorp on the north, Pattishall on the west, and Blisworth with Tiffield on the south. The church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin, consists of a body, two aisles and a chancel; with a porch on the south side. The steeple is tower-built, and contains six bells. On the north side of the chancel is a very large place of interment, wherein is deposited the family of Samwell. This living is in the patronage of Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge. Incumbent— Rev. Dr. Butler. GRENDON, Is a small village, about eight miles from "Northampton. -Its' -boundaries are — Bozeat on the east, Strixton north, Whiston west, and Castle Ashby with Yardley south. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Vir- : -giti$ and consists of a body, north and south NORTHAMPTON. 89 aisles, and chancel. At the west end is an embattled tower, with pinnacles at each cor- ner, in which are five bells* The patronage of the living is vested in Trinity College, Cambridge. Incumbent — Rev. J. Boudier. GUILSBOROUGH, A remarkably pleasant village, seated on a lofty eminence, commanding extensive and interesting views of the country to a consider- able distance. It is bounded on the east by Creaton, on the north by Naseby, West Had- don on the west, and Ravensthorpe on the south. Here are two brooks, one rising from a very rapid spring in Camfield's-lodge field, and after parting Guilsborough on the east from Hollo well, flows to Northampton: the other, after dividing this lordship on the south from Ravensthorpe, joins the former in Tee ton field. Guilsborough Hall, the seat of William Zouch Lucas Ward, Esq. is a large pleasant mansion, and from its lofty situation enriched with delightful prospects. Upon the summit of the hill on which the town is situate, are the remains of a Roman encampment, supposed to have been raised by Ostorius, under the Emperor Claudius. The form of it, like the more common Roman camps, is an oblong square; the 90 NORTHAMPTON. shorter sides running from north to south. It seems to have been fenced with a broad, deep single entrenchment. The agger of this for- tification is still visible; and as far as could be judged, from pacing over an uneven bro- ken ground, the longest parallel is between five and six hundred feet, the shortest about three hundred. The area included, it is about eighteen acres. It is called the Burrows or Borough-hill, from which appellation the town is supposed to have received its name. The church, dedicated to Ethelred the vir- gin, consists of a body, two aisles, and chan- cel, to which has been recently added a new south porch : — At the west end, on a plain tower, containing four bells, is raised an octa- gon spire. Very considerable and elegant improve- ments have recently taken place in this church, the whole having been entirely new-pewed, with oak of the finest quality. Tt is after the Gothic style, and modelled according to the internal system of York Minster: the windows, from their exquisite taste are highly deserving of public attention, all of them being of stained glass, forming a diversity of various figures, strikingly depicting ancient grandeur. The present worthy incumbent has voluntarily been at the expense of these various alterations. In Guilsborough is a Free Grammar School, founded by Sir John Langham, for- merly of Cottesbrook, Bart, for the youth of NORTHAMPTON* 91 Guilsborough, Cottesbrook, Thurnby, Cold Ashby, or any adjoining place within four miles. Here is also a Writing School, for- merly endowed with an annual salary arising from the interest of £200, but since augment- ed by a subscription of the principal inhabi- tants. The hamlets of Hollo well and Nortoft are attached to Guilsborough. Bridges relates the following curious be- quest to this parish: — u John Campernon, Esq. formerly Lord of Coton, a hamlet lying in this hundred, but in Ravensthorpe parish, in the hundred of Newbottle, gave a half yard land in his lordship of Coton under Gildesburg, to the vicar of Guilsborough, for the time being, and his successors for ever. But not being given to the alterage of the church, the prior of St. John of Jerusalem, patron of the living, entered upon the said half yard land, and kept possession of it. Whereupon, the said John Campernon gave one other half yard land next adjoining to the former, to the alterage of the said church, on condition that the vicar and his successors should, every Sunday, pray for him in the following words : — " Ye shall pray for the soule of Mr. John Camper- non, sometime Lord of Coton, and all his successors' souls, who gave to the alterage of this church one half yard land." And if his name should not be mentioned in the bead- roll once in three Sundays, the Lord of C ton >2 92 NORTHAMPTON. should peaceably enter upon and possess the said land. " Patron of the living — Rev. T. Sikes, Incumbent — The same, HACKLETON, Is an hamlet annexed to Piddington, about five miles on the London road, between Northampton and Horton. Here is a good mansion house, the property of Thomas Mercer, Esq. who is also proprietor of the manors of Hackleton and Piddington, EAST-HADDON. A village about eight miles from Northamp- ton, so called to distinguish it from West- Haddon. The boundaries are Holdenby on the east, Ravensthorpe north, Long Buckby west, and Brington south, — Here is the seat of William Sawbridge, Esq. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, consists of a body, south aisle, and chancel, with a large south porch, over which was for- merly a room. At the west end is a low tower, containing five bells. Patron of the living— W. Sawbridge, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. J. Sawbridge. WEST-HADDON, So named to distinguish it from the former, is a large village about twelve miles from NORTHAMPTON. 93 Northampton. It is bounded on the east by Guilsborough, by Winwick north, Crick west, and Long Buckby south, Here are two brooks, one bounding this lordship, and dividing it from Guilsborough; the other, parting it from Buckby, and join- ing the Nine at Heyford, The fields of this place abound with excel- lent springs, among others are Nenmore springs, supposed to be one of the sources of the Nine or Nen : and Blackwell spring, which rises from five heads. The church, dedicated to All Saints, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, chan- cel, and south porch. At the west end is an embattled tower, in which are six bells. An- ciently on this tower was a pyramidal steeple, which, falling to decay, was removed in 1648. The roof of the church is lofty and well-wrought. John Cosby of this village, left by will, one yard land and homestead, to erect a free school for teaching children of this parish to read, write, and cast accounts. Mr, Jacob Lucas, of London, gave £-30, Mr. Edward Burnham, £10, and another person of this place £5, the interest of such respective sums to be employed in apprenticing poor children. Patron of the living — J. J. Whitfield, Esq. Incumbent — Rev, J. Chartres, 94 NORTHAMPTON. HARDINGSTONE. About one mile from Northampton, plea- santly situated on the declivity of a hill, is the romantic village of Hardingstone, com- manding beautiful and extensive views of Northampton, with a vast expanse of the surrounding country; and overlooking the fine plantations and meadows which adorn it, through which the river Nen winds its gentle, various, and meandring courses. It is bounded on the east by Houghton-Magna, on the north by the river, on the westbyWootton and Rothersthorpe, and on the south by Preston and Wootton. This healthy and cheerful village, in the immediate vicinity of Northampton, contains several handsome houses, occupied by respectable families; par- ticularly one erected in the Gothic style, by that justly benevolent, and deservedly lamen- ted character, the late Rev. Ashton Vade : — this house, though not very extensive, con- tains elegant and superbly decorated apart- ments, ornamented with windows of painted glass ; upon the whole, not to be surpassed by any in the neighourhood. Delapre Abbey, the seat of Edward Bouve- rie, Esq. is a large modern edifice, of varied architecture, surrounded by a fine park and beautiful plantations ; the house stands on the site of the Abbey de Pratis, or De la Pre, a house of Cluniac nuns, founded by Simon de St. Liz, NORTHAMPTON. 95 the younger, Earl of Northampton, in the reign of king Stephen. It had in it ten nuns at the time of the dissolution. The last abbess, Clementina Stokes, governed it thirty years ; and obtained the king's charter for the continu- ance of her convent; but fearing to incur the displeasure of the tyrant, resigned it into the hands of Doctor London, the king's commis- sioner, and got from him the character of "a gudde agyd woman;" of "her howse being in a gudde state;" and, what was more substantial, a pension of forty pounds a year. By the survey taken in the 26th year of Henry VIIJ, the revenues of the abbey were valued at £119 9s. 7d. over and above all reprizes in quit rents, officers' fees, procura- tions and stipends ; the principal officers of the house being at that time Sir William Gas- coyne, high-steward, whose fee was twenty- six shillings and eight pence per annum: John Spencer, receiver-general, whose fee was twenty shillings ; and Henry Dudley, Au- ditor, whose fee was also twenty shillings. In the 34th year of Henry VIII, the site of the monastery, with the demesne lands belonging to it in Hardingstone, and the two Cottons, were granted to John Mershe. In the 43d of Elizabeth, Bartholomew Tate, Esq. died seized of them; and he was succeeded by his son William Tate, Esq. Zouch Tate, the son and successor of Sir William, was chosen member of Parliament for Northampton, in 96 NORTHAMPTON. 1640. He took the covenant, and became a zealous enemy to the royal cause. In 1644, he first moved the House of Commons, that no member of Parliament should enjoy any office civil or military, during the war; and this was afterwards passed into an ordinance, called the self-denying ordinance. By marriage, the estate passed from the Tates, to the family of Clarke, of Harding- stone; Mary, the daughter of Bartholomew Clarke, Esq. married Jacob Bouverie, Vis- count Folkestone, the grandfather of the pre- sent Earl of Radnor. This estate devolved to his son, the late Honourable Edward Bou- verie, who represented Northampton in Par- liament from 1790* to the period of his death, in 1810; and from him to his son, the present possessor. Adjoining to the park of Delapre, on the London road, and in the finest preservation, stands Queen's Cross, erected by Edward the First, to the memory of his beloved Queen Eleanor, who, when her husband, in his expe- dition to the Holy Land, 1272, was wounded by a Moor, with a poisoned arrow, sucked the venom out of the wound, by which Edward was cured, and she escaped unhurt. The queen died at Herdley, Lincolnshire, Nov. 29th 1290, and the bodv was carried for interment to Westminster Abbey. At every place where the procession rented, king Edward caused one of these crosses to be erected. The other NORTHAMPTON. 97 crosses were at Lincoln, Grantham, Stamford, Geddington, Stony-Stratford, Dunstable, St. Albans, Waltham, London, and Westminster. Hardingstone is memorable for the signal and decisive engagement, which took place in its meadows, adjoining the river, in the thirty-eighth of Henry VI, generally term- ed by historians, the battle of Northampton; in which the Duke of Buckingham, with other noblemen, were killed, and the king taken prisoner; many of the slain were buried in the convent of Deiapre, and at St. John's Hos- pital in Northampton. The anterior portion of this work was com- mitted to press before an occurrence took place, tending to verify the latter part of the pre- ceding sentence. Early in September, 1820, as some workmen were employed in sinking a foundation, on the site of a house, formerly built on ground appertaining and adjoining to St. John's Hospital, they discovered an im- mense number of human bones, promiscuously interred; which circumstance, and various other corroborating appearances, leave but little doubt of such relics being part of the re- mains of those slain in that engagement. In this parish also is the military work, named Huntsborough, but more generally called Danes' camp, situate about a mile to the south west of Northampton, and pleasant- ly seated upon a lofty eminence which over- looks and commands the adioininr country. 98 NORTHAMPTON. /3f^ figured rather aval than circular: it is grounded with a single ditch and double bajik, the outer one very little raised, but the inner one rising upon the borders of the area, which contains about four acres of ground. The ditch is about twelve feet wide, and twenty deep. There seems to have been only one entrance towards the south. The passages at present cross it from east to west, and from north to south. It is supposed to have been a summer camp, raised by a party of Danes, who supported themselves by plunder, and infested these parts about the year 921 ; and to have been pitched about the same period in which To wcester was built, bykingEdward the elder, or a few years before. It has neither the form of a Roman camp, or the usual en- trance to one; and is deficient in the conveni- ence of water, which the Romans were al- a ways remarkably careful to secure. The camps of the Saxons were generally larger, less cir- cular, and not singly trenched; and allowing this to have been raised by the Saxons, (an improbable circumstance,) it could be only for the purpose of securing the corn-fields from the depredations of the Danes. Cambden mentions a tradition that it was raised in the time of the Barons' wars, when they laid siege to king John in Northampton ; but it is too distant to have been useful to them in battering down the walls with their greater engines, much less for their slighter NORTHAMPTON. 99 instruments; and lies on the tvrong side of the river, either for undermining or an assault. This opinion therefore appears highly impro- bable. There are two hamlets in this parish, ad- joining to Northampton, tilled. Cotton-End and Far-Cotton. The church of Hardihgsfrone is dedicated to St. Edmund, and consists of a body, north and south aisles, gallery, and chianeeL At the west end is an embattled tovVei*, Containing five bells. In this church are several monuments of the Herveys : — others to different branches of the family of Tate ; and a tomb by Rysbrack, for Mr. Clarke j besides these, in different parts of the church are various mural tablets, many of them evincing much taste in design, and extremely well executed. In this village was born the excellent and pious James Hervfey, whose baptismal register is thus recorded in the parish book: — "James, son b? William Hervey, rector of Collingtree, was baptifcfed March /th, 1713." Bridges relates the following benefactions to this parish, viz.— Mr. Wadham, of Delaprfe, one pound six shillings annually to the poor, out of a farm at Collingtree.— John Latimer, the increase of six pounds, 'thirteen shillings and four pence. — Mr. Stephen Hervey, citiseh and merchant of London, forty pounds ; ihe annual interest to ^^i^hHfcepbbrc^hUdreh.--- ! \,F> o 2 100 NORTHAMPTON. Stephen Miles, of Milton, three pounds ; the annual interest to the poor. — Richard Hervey, of Morton-Morrell, Esq. son and heir of Sir Stephen Hervey, ten pounds ; the annual in- . terest to apprentice poor children. — Mr. Robt. Green, of Cotton-End, ten pounds; the annual interest to the poor. — Zouch Tate, of Delapre, Esq. thirty pounds ; the interest to apprentice poor children. — Mr. John Green, of this parish five pounds ; the annual increase to twelve poor persons, especially widows, on St. John's and Christmas day. — Mr. Nicholas Rothwell and Frances his wife, one hundred pounds ; the interest to apprentice poor children. The patronage of this living is in the King. The incumbency is now vacant. HARLESTON, Generally termed Halson, a very pleasant village, about four miles west of Northampton, in Newbottle hundred; bounded by Dalling- ton and Brampton on the east, Holdenby on the north, Brington on the west, and on the south by Harpole and Duston, Adjoining the village is that pleasing and interesting mansion, the property of Robert Andrew, Esq. situated on a gentle rise in a well-wooded park ; the well-stocked canal, partly overhung by the luxuriant and spread- ing branches of the oak, extending itself in front of the house, is crossed by a classical bridge of seven arches, which leads to the principal entrance from the park. — The water NORTHAMPTON. 101 here is of sufficient expanse to admit of aquatic parties, and affords a pleasing diversity to the amusements of a retired country residence. The park, well-stocked with deer, is princi- pally inclosed by a very high wall, built with materials procured from the neighbouring stone quarries. At the general survey in the time of William the Conqueror, the Earl of Morton or Mon- taigne had half a bovate of land in Herorol- veston, (so called in Doomsday-book :) it had before the Conquest been the freehold of Leu- rio and Orgar ; Edric also had possessed it, and it then lay waste. In the time of Henry III, Roger de Lomely held lands here; and the ninth of Edward II, Roger de Lomely was Lord of Harleston. Richard Lumley, a des- cendant from him, died in the thirty-ninth of Henry VI, seized of this manor, which he held of the widow of Sir Humphrey Stafford, of Grafton, Knight, by the service of one Knight's fee, and suit of court at Dodford. John Lumley, his grandson, sold the estate to Thomas Andrewe, Esq. In the fifteenth of Henry VII, a fine was levied of the manor of Harlestone, with divers lands and tenements, between Thomas An- drewe, and Thomas Knight, Clerk, demand- ants, and John Lumley of Harlestone, and Alice his wife, deforciants, to the use of the said Thomas Andrewe, who gave the manor to Richard Andrewe, his eldestson by his second wife, whose son Richard succeeded him in the 102 NORTHAMPTON. 31st of Henry VIII; he added to the estate cer- tain rents belonging to the convent of Se wardes- ley, and left it to Robert his eldest son, to whose memory there is a tablet in Harlestoto church, he dying 25th January, 1603. The manor with a considerable estate, descended to Thomas Andrewes, Esq. and in 1650, at his death, it was transmitted to Robert An- drewes, Esq. whose monument is also in thfe north aisle of Harlestone church, with the date of his death, 1667. Thomas Andrewes, Esq. his successor, was twice high-sheriff of Northamptonshire; hi) also purchased a second manor in Harlestone and East-Haddon, of Lord Sunderland. The delves ^as they are called) in this parish, have attracted the notice of antiquaries ; they appear to be stone quarries, worked out and disused. An attempt to prove the antiquity of the quarry, by deriving the name of Har- lestone from Harle, to draw, and stahe, a stone, has also been made. The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, chan- cel, and south porch. At the west end is a tower-built steeple, containing six large fine- toned bells : — each angle of this tower is sur- mounted with a cylindrical turret, which ter- minates in a cone; beneath the parapet h moulding is carried, thickly set with heads, grotesquely carved ; various other parts of the church are likewise adorned with these curi- oxrsspeeimfetis of ancient genius and art. NORTHAMPTON. 103 Patron of the living — R. Andrew, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. F. Montgomery. HARPOLE, Is about four miles from Northampton, bounded by Duston and Upton on the east, Harlestone on the north, Heyfprd and New- bottle on the west, and KLslingbury on the §outh. Harpole is a village in which nothing par- ticularly claims attention \ its situation is low, the soil clay, mixed with gravel. The church, dedicated to All Saints, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, south porch, and chancel. At the west end is a low tower, having a pinnacle at each corner, con- taining four bells. From most parts of the village, a narrow stone causeway leads to the church. The patronage of the living is vested in, Earl Fitzwilliam. Incumbent — The Hon. & Rev. T. L. Dundas. HEYFORD. Of this name are two adjoining village, formerly called Great and Little Heyford, but now usually distinguished by the names of Nether-Heyford and Upper-Heyford. NETHER-HE YFORD, Is situated about seven miles from North- ampton, on the river Nin«, and is bounded on 104 NORTHAMPTON. h the east by Harpole and Bugbrook, on die north by Floore, by Weedon on the west, and on the south by Stow. The Nine divides it fromFloore; and a brook, called Horestone, after dividing part of it from Bugbrook, falls into the Nine. In 1699, in Horestone-meadow, at Nether- Heyford, about half a mile eastward of the Watling-street, was discovered a very beauti- ful tessalated pavement, composed of square bricks or tiles, somewhat bigger than common dice, artificially stained with colours, white, yellow, red, and blue, as smooth as polished marble, and disposed into various regular figures with great exactness. It lay covered with mould and rubbish, in a part of the mea- dow, which is every year overflowed with land-floods. By what was found of the south of the pavement, it appeared to have been fifteen feet long from east to west ; the extent from north to south could not be ascertained, as the discovery was not sufficiently extensive. The whole seemed to have formed a square. When first uncovered it would bear walking on as well as a stone floor; but being exposed to the weather and night dews, the cement became relaxed, and the squares were easily separable. It is supposed to have been the square room in some bouse or other building, of a circular figure, and about twenty yards in diameter. The room that had this floor was in the southern part of the structure. NORTHAMPTON. 105 lii the western and north parts were several lesser rooms or cells, about ten feet in length and four broad. Some of these rooms were floored with a firm plaister of lime mortar, drawn upon pebbles fixed in lime. The sides of the floors were painted with three straight lines of a red, yellow, and green colour. These colours were so very fresh and lively, that when the floors were first uncovered, the strokes of the hairs of the painting brush were plainly visible. In these apartments were found various fragments of antique earthen vessels. One appeared to have been part of a patera, and the other were the remains of urns. There was also found an antique ham- mer head. It is conjectured this building was the manor-house of some eminent Roman, and that some of his family had been buried in it. The church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, contists of a body, north and south aisles, south porch, and chancel. At the west end is a low plain tower, in which are four bells ; round the tenor is inscribed, in Gothic capi- tals: — "Thomas Morgan gave mee to the church of Heyford, frank and free." In this church, is an elegant monument erected to the memory of Francis Morgan, the judge who passed sentence of death upon the amiable and unfortunate Lady Jane Gray. Mr. William Bliss, a native of this parish, founded and endowed a free-school, for the 106 NORTHAMPTON, children of Upper and Nether-Heyford; and fpr those also, being of the name of Bliss, within five miles. Patron of this living— Rev. J. L. Crawley. Incumbent— The same. HOLDENBY, Is about six miles from Northampton, and is bounded by Church-Brampton on the east, by Spratton, from which a small brook di- vides it, on the north; East-Haddon on the west; and Althorp with Harlestone on the south. By a survey of this lordship in 1587, it con- tained seventeen hundred and eighty-nine acres; of which six hundred and six were laid out in the park, site of the manor-house, gardens, orchards, and pastures about it. Holdenby is celebrated for its ancient manor house, a grand and noble structure, built in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, by Sir Christopher Hatton, who describes it as the last and great- est monument of his youth. Some idea of its former splendor and magnificence may be conceived in the following description given by Norden: — "In the hall thare are raised three peramides, very high, standing insteade of a shryne, the midst whearof ascendeth into the roofe of the hall, the other two equal with the syde walls of same hall, on which are depainted the armes of all the gentlemen of the same shire, and of all the iioblemen of this NORTHAMPTON. 107 land. The situation of the same house is very pleasantlie contrived, mouri tinge on a hill en- vironed with most ample and large fields and goodly pastures, manie young groves newly planted, both pleasant and profitable; fishe- ponds well replenished, a park adjoyinge of fallow deare, with a large warren of 'cony es, not farr from the house, lying between Easf- Haddon and Long-Bugbye. Aboute the house are greate stores of hares, and above the rest is especially to be noated, with what indus- trye and toyle of man, the garden hath been raised, levelled, and formed out of a most craggey and unprofitable grouride, now framed a most pleasante, sweete and princely placfc, with divers walks, manie ascendings and des- cendings, replenished also with manie delight- ful trees of fruite, artificially composed arbors, and a destilling-house on the west end of the same garden, over which is a ponde of water, brought by conduit pypes out of the feyid ad- joyninge on the west, a quarter of a myle from the same house. To conclude, the state of the same house is such, and so beautifull that it may well delight a prince." This fine edifice afterwards devolving to the crown, was for sometime a palace, and after- wards a prison for the unfortunate monarch Charles the First, in the year 1646; from whence, after a confinement of some months, he was forcibly carried away to the army. Whilst here, he frequently visited Lord Vaux p2 108 NORTHAMPTON. at Boughton, and often amused himself with the exercise of bowling. Of this structure, which was demolished by order of parliament after the king's death, only some gateways and fragments of the pyramids now remain. The front of the house appears to have been easterly, and the gardens on the southern declivity of the hill. The church, dedicated to All Saints, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel. At the west end is a low embattled tower, which formerly contained five bells, but now only two. The church is divided from the chancel by a carved screen, extreme- ly well wrought. On each side of the chan- cel are six stalls, resembling those of a colle- giate church; the front is an octagon, with a coat of arms painted on each side. In the west window of the southern aisle, is some painted glass, removed from the eastern window. Patron of the living — The King. Incumbent — Rev. J. L. Crawley. HORTON, Pleasantly situated about the distance of seven miles from Northampton, and bounded on the east by Ravenstone in the county of Buckingham, on the north by Brayfield, on the west by Hackletpn and Piddington, and on the south-west by Hartwell. Here is Horton house, the seat of Sir George William Gunning, Bart, The mansion is a NORTHAMPTON. 109 large handsome structure with a fine front to- wards the east, and is seated in a park abound- ing with noble forest trees, and enlivened with a broad piece of water. The manor of Horton anciently belonged to the family of Salusbury. Mary Salusbury married William, Lord Parr, uncle to Cathe- rine Parr, the last queen to Henry the VIII, who was called to the House of Peers on the marriage of his niece, appointed to be her chamberlain, and, during the queen's regency, on the king's expedition to France 1544, had the respect shewn him to be named as a coun- sel to her majesty, occasionally to be called. He died in 1548, and left four daughters, the eldest of whom conveyed this estate, by mar- riage, to Sir Ralph Lane. The Lanes kept it for some generations. — On the death of Sir William Lane, it was found to be held of Sir Richard Chetwood, as of his manor of Wood- hall, by the service of one knight's fee, suit of court, and the annual payment of six shillings towards the guard of Rockingham castle. The present estate passed from the Lanes to Sir Henry Montague, first Earl of Manchester; and by descent fell to the late Earl of Halifax, whose daughter and heiress Elizabeth, con- veyed it, by marriage, to Viscount Hinching- brooke, afterwards Earl of Sandwich, of whom it was purchased by the late Sir Robert Gun- ning, Bart, the father of the present pos- sessor. 110 NORTHAMPTON. The church, dedicated to the Blessed Vir- gin, consists of a body, south aisle, and chan- nel. At the west end is an embattled tower, containing three bells. This church was re- paired by the Earl of Halifax ; and is hand- somely pewed with oak. The chancel is di- vided from the body of the church by a screeii of oak, with fluted pilasters of the Ionic order. There are also in this church some fine old monuments, among others, one in alabaster for William Lord Parr, uncle and chamber- lain to Catherine, the sixth and last Queen of Henry VIII, and to various branches of the Salusbury family, A handsome mural tablet, with an elegant latin inscription, has been lately erected, on the north side of the chancel, to the memory of the late Sir Robert Gunning. The patronage of Horton and Piddington, being consolidated curacies, is vested in Sir George William Gunning, Bart. Present Curate — Rev. S. Parkins. HOUGHTON-MAGNA, Or Great Houghton, a very pleasant village, about two miles from Northampton, the resi- dence of some respectable families, and in a genteel neighbourhood. It is bounded on the east by Houghton- Parva, on the north by the river Nine, on the west by Hardingstone, and on the south by Preston and Bray field. NORTHAMPTON. Ill The church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin, is a handsome modern-built structure, erected about sixty-three years since, by those able and ingenious architects, Messrs. David and John Hiorne, of Warwick. The exterior is singularly striking for the symmetry of its va- rious parts, especially the peculiar and chaste lightness of its neat tapering spire ; the other architectural beauties are also judiciously dis- played ; happily combining the union of ele- gance, with solidity and strength. The interior of this church consists of a body and chancel, and is kept remarkably neat. The patronage of the living is vested in Magdalen College, Oxford. Incumbent — Rev, R. Williams. HOUGHTON-PARVA, Or Little-Houghton, is about one mile from the former place ; and bounded by Brayfield on the east, by the river Nine on the north, and by Houghton-Magna and Brayfield on the west and south. In this parish, on the bank of the river, is Clifford-hill : — Its form is circular, and it is encompassed with a wide and deep ditch, con- siderably larger, yet much resembling the mu- niment at Towcester. Around the top was formerly a mound of earthy-which is reported to have been pared off by William Ward, Esq. for the purpose of using it as a bowling green. It is supposed formerly to have been raised as 112 NORTHAMPTON. a specula dr watch-hill, for observing the mo- tions of the enemy on the other side the Nine, or, possibly as a fortress to guard the ford, by which they usually passed the river in that part of it. There was formerly a ford below the hill, in that part of the river where it is divided into two streams; but it became unfre- quented, and at length lost, upon Billing bridge being erected. Near Brayfield is a hill, usually named the Cliff, which being near the road that led down to this ford, was probably the origin of its being called Clifford. Notwithstanding its present name, the Ro- man coins which have been found on lowering the height of this hill, and also in the neigh- bourhood, unquestionably pi-ove it to have been a Roman work. — Amongst other re- mains of antiquity, in the north part of a fur- long, called Tenyards, being about two fur- longs from the hill, Mr. Ward's servant in the year 1717? cast up in ploughing, a gold medal of Augustus, bearing a remarkable inscription. This hill, excepting on the south where other high hills interpose, overlooks and commands the surrounding country to a very consider- able extant. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, consists of a body, south aisle and chancel. At the west end is an antique embattled tower, containing five bells. The tower is ornament- ed with several archer, supported with small pillars. The upper end of the aisle being parted NORTHAMPTON, U3 #ff from the pest, is called the viear's chan- cel. It appears to be the chapel, which the Lord of the manor had appropriated for himself and family. In this village is a school, founded by one of the family of Ward, for teaching eight boys of this parish, and four from Great-Houghton. Patron of the living — Rev. J. Johnson. Incumbent— The same. KELMARSH. Kelmarsh is a small village situated about twelve miles from Northampton, between that place and Market-Harborough : the parish is bounded on the east by Harrington, on the north by Oxen don, on the west by Clipstone and Naseby, and on the south by Maidwell. In this place is a large commodious man- sion, the seat of William Hanbury, Esq. the building is of brick. The east front consists of a centre, containing the principal apartments, and two wings, in which are the offices; the west front is of a more ancient cha- racter, having less of ornament. This seat is peculiarly interesting to the admirers of painting, being adorned with a numerous and well-selected collection of seme of the finest examples of the various sehools, both ancient and modern. The pleasure-grounis are extensive, and have been diversified fcy the hand of taste; beautifully contrasting the effect of both wood and water. 114 NORTHAMPTON. The church is dedicated to St. Dennis, and consists of a nave, north aisle, and chancel; the tower, at the west end, is surmounted by a spire ; it contains several very fine old monu- ments to the memory of the family of Han- bury, Lords of the Manor. The patronage of this living* is vested in William Hanbury, Esq. and the present in- cumbent is the Rev. George Hanbury. KINGSTHORPE, Is a large pleasant village, about one mile from Northampton on the road to Leicester. It is bounded on the east by Moulton, on the north by Boughton, on the west by the river Nine, and on the south by Northampton. At the southern extremity of this village stood the hospital of St. David, or, as it is styled in some records, of the Holy Trinity; it consisted of one large range of buildings, con- taining three rows of beds, for the poor, the sick, and the stranger, with a chapel dedi- cated to St. David, and another to the Holy Trinity. Bridges mentions the ruins ; but nothing can at present be traced, excepting an arch or two in some cottage walls.^— This hospital was founded in the year 1200, at the instance of Peter de Northampton, and Henry his. son, rector of this parish, and with the ap^ probation of the Prior of St. Andrew, who granted the site, and in whom was vested the appointment of the master. At the dissolu^ NORTHAMPTON. 115 tion, the clear yearly rental was twenty-four pounds six shillings. In this village is an elegant mansion, erect- ed by the late James Fremeaux, Esq. admi- rably shaded by trees, some of them very large and beautiful ; the situation, from being in the midst of a luxuriously fertile country, sur- rounded by various objects of attraction, is highly interesting to lovers of the picturesque. After the death of Mr. Premeaux, this seat became the residence of Lady Cave, and is now in the possession of P. Dwarris, Esq. Here is a very pleasant bowling-green, much resorted to, in the summer season, by respectable parties from Northampton, and its neighbourhood. The church, dedicated to St. John the Bap- tist, consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel: with a chauntry-chapel at the east end of both aisles. At the west end is a spire surmounted on an embattled tower, in which are five bells. The church and chancel are neatly pewed, the former with oak, at the expence of the late Lady Pritchard ; who also new roofed the church, in addition to various other improvements. In this church was formerly a chauntry, founded in the eleventh year of Edward the fourth, by John Bacon, and from him called Bacon's chauntry; to the intent, that a priest might sing for ever at our lady's altar. In 1671, Mrs. Mary Reynolds, widow of the q2 116 NORTHAMPTON. Bishop of Norwich, gave five pieces of plate, to be used at the celebration of the Holy Com- munion. Various sums of money, by indi- viduals, have been left at different periods, to the poor of this parish. There are some curious old monuments in this church, to the memory of different families, and some monumental tablets of a recent date. The patronage of this living is annexed to that of St. Peter's, in Northampton; this church ^though enjoying all parochial rites,) being a chapel belonging to St. Peter's, and in all tax- ations is rated with that church, and has inva- riably the same incumbents. Present incumbent — Rev. R. Baxter. KISLINGBURY, Is about three miles and a half from Nor- thampton, nearly adjoining the road from that Elace to Daventry, and lies on the southern ank.of the river Nine ; it is bounded on the east by Upton, on the north by Ktarpole, on the west by IJpper-Heyford, and on the south by Bugbrook and Rothersthorpe. There is no- thing of peculiar interest in this village; the situation is on low ground. Over the Nine is a bridge with a breast wall. On a cot- tage is a stone about four feet six inches from the ground, there placed, to record a memorable flood; and bearing the following inscription: — "May Flood so high, 1636." The church, dedicated to St. Luke, consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel : NORTHAMPTON. 117 At the west, on an embattled tower, is a spire steeple of eight sides.—- In the tower are fiye bells, cast in 1659. Patron of the living— Kev. R. B. Hughes. Incumbent — The same. LAMPORT, A pleasant village, on the road from Nor- thampton to Harborough, about eight mile6 from the former place; its boundaries are, Paxton on the east, Maidwell on the north, Cottesbrook on the west, and Brixworth on the south. In this place is Lamport Hall, the seat of Sir Justinian Isham, Bart, which has been in the possession of the family of Isham, from the close of the sixteenth century, as appeal* from a brass plate in the church, thus in- scribed :*— " John Isham, one of the twenty children of Euseby Isham, of Picheley, and of Anne, his Wief, Daughter of Giles Pul- ton, of Desburgh, Esquier, maryed Elizabeth, Daughter of Nicholas Barker, Citizen of London, and was once Governor of the Englishe Marchant Adventurers in Flaunders, and thrice Warden of the Mercers of London, purchased the Mannor and Patronage of this Parishe of Lamport, and was twenty-two years Justice of Peace, and once Sheriff of this Shyre ot Northton, and died the seventeenth day of March, Anno Domini, one thousand five hundred ninety-five, aged seventy Years six Monthes,and the said Elizabethe died the • .day e of January, An* D™ 1594, leaving 3 Sonces, Thomas, Henry, and Richard." GOD MAKE US THANCFUL FOR THEM," 118 NORTHAMPTON, John Isham, Esq. their grandson, was knighted by king James the first, at White- hall ; and, in the ninth year of his reign, was made Sheriff of Northamptonshire, in which county he bore great sway. King Charles the first advanced him to the dignity of a baro- net, May 1627. The mansion of this highly respectable family, is a spacious and handsome edifice, originally erected by John Isham, Esq. in the reign of queen Elizabeth, and some traces of the ancient architecture are still to be discerned; the front was built by Sir Jus- tinian Isham in the reign of Charles the first, from a design by John Webb, son-in-law of Inigo Jones: it is of considerable extent, and wholly of stone. The interior underwent many alterations in the time of George the first, under the direction of Sir Justinian Isham, the fifth baronet; he being a gentleman possessed of great literary acquirements, and is said to have been well versed in the heral- dry and antiquities of his country; he built the library, which contains a valuable and choice collection of books. The grounds are beautifully diversified in the surface, and the distant views over a tract adorned with woods, and in a high state of cultivation, contribute to their ornament and beauty. The church, dedicated to All Saints, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, and NORTHAMPTON. 119 chancel. At the west end is a low embattled tower, containing four bells. On the north side of the church, is a chapel or burial-place for the family of I sham, containing many me- morials. — In this parish is the small chapelry of Faxton, in which is a fine monument to the memory of Sir Augustine Nicholes ; composed of black and white marble, with an effigy, representing him in his judges robes, kneeling before a desk, on which is placed a book; on the right is a statue of justice, and on the left another of wisdom. Patron of the living of Lamport — Sir Jus- tinian Isham. Incumbent — Rev. Vere Isham. MAIDWELL. Maidwellis asmall pleasant village, about nine miles from Northampton ; here is the residence of Wentworth Buller, Esq. In this place were formerly two churches, viz. — the present one, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, to which the chapel of Kelmarsh was annexed; and another dedicated to St. Peter, long since destroyed. The church now standing consists of abody and chancel, with north and south porches; at the west endis a low broad tower, and four bells. Near the church is a fine spring called Maid- well, from which, it is said, the name of the Tillage originated. There are Fome ancient monuments in this church, consecrated to the memory of the Haslewood family. 130 NORTHAMPTON. The patronage of this living, is vested in th* representatives of the late J. P. Hungerfortl, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. T. Holditch. MILTON, About four miles from Northampton is the village of Milton, pleasantly situated in a fine country, and respectable neighbourhood. It is bounded on the east by Collingtree, on the north by Wootton, on the west by Rothers- thorpe, and on the south by Rlisworth and Courteenhall. The church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel. At the west end is a pyramidal stee- ple of eight sides, having the corners jagged with small carved stones, and five bells in it, bearing date 1686. It appears formerly to have been united to the rectory of Colling- tree, and presentations were made to the moiety of both churches, until the year 1442. On the south side of the chancel is a tabular monument of alabaster, consecrated to oae of the branches of the Samwell family, and bear- ing date March 30th, 1619. Mrs. Elizabeth Watts, of this place, gave a silver paten and chalice, to be used at the cele- bration of the Holy Eucharist. Patron of the living — Rev. J. C. Miller. J»cuwbept— The same. NORTHAMPTON. 121 MOULTON, A large pleasant village, five miles from Northampton, bounded on the north-east by Holcot, on the north by Pitsford, on the west by Boughton, and on the south and south- east by Overstone and Weston-Favell. In this parish is a place called Castle-hill, where foundations of stone have been discovered, and some vestiges of a trench ; there is also an artificial hill, exactly round, from which flows a mineral water, and two others, called Cross-hills. The church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, consists of a body, north and south aisles, chancel, with north and south chancel. At the west end is an embattled tower, on which was formerly a small wooden spire, covered with lead, destroyed during the rebel- lion. Some fine ancient carved figures, at- tached to the beams of the roof, in the body of this church, were injudiciously destroyed about four years since ; among them were those of our Saviour, the Virgin Mary, and various hieroglyphics — the two former, have been peculiarly admired by antiqua- rians. The following are charitable donations to this parish, viz. — Thomas Loveday, the in- terest of one hundred pounds, for bread to the poor, to be distributed on St. John's day. — Robert Mills, twenty shillings annually, to twenty poor widows; and six shillings and 122 NORTHAMPTON. eight pence, for a sermon on St. Stephen's day. — A person named Lane, four pounds an- nually, for purchasing every quarter, sixty groat loaves, to be distributed among the poor. — There are besides, several minor charities. Patron of the living, — G. F. Hatton, Esq. Incumbent, — Rev. W. Stanton. NASEBY. Where yon blue field scarce meets our streaming eyes, A fatal name for England, Naseby, lies. There hapless Charles beheld his fortunes cross'd, His forces vanquish'd, and his kingdom lost. There gallant Lisle a mark for thousands stood, And Dormer seal'd his loyalty in blood j Whilst down yon bill's steep side, with headlong force, Victorious Cromwell chas'd the Northern horse. Hence Anarchy our Church and state profan'd, And tyrants in the mask of freedom reign'd. — —In limes like these, when Party bears command, And Factioa scatters discord through the land, Let these sad scenes an useful lesson yield, Lest future Naseby's rise in every field. Dr. Bennett, Bishop of Cloyne. Naseby, conspicuous in history for the bat- tle which determined the fate of the royal cause, is situated about twelve miles from Northampton, and stands upon an eminence supposed to be the highest ground in England; it was formerly a market-town, a charter hav- NORTHAMPTON. 123 ing been granted in the fifth year of the reign of King John. The village at thepresent time consists of about one hundred dwelling-houses, and six hundred inhabitants; it is bounded on the south by the lordships of Thornby and Cold-Ashby, on the west by Sulby, on the north by Sibbertoft and Clipstone, and on the east by Kelmarsh, Haselbeech, and Cottes- brook. On the fourteenth of June, 1645, was fought in this field, that decisive battle between the royalists and parliamentarians; which deter- mined the fate of these kingdoms, and cost Charles the first his life: Very little tradition of it is left in the village, and what is singular, the register of the parish makes no mention of it; a circumstance which the present worthy and respectable vicar, in his history and an- tiquities of that place, terms "an omission utterly inexcusable in a resident clergy m an." The following particulars of this memorable engagement may not be uninteresting: — The king, having taken Leicester, intended to have marched to London; but General Fairfax, who pursued him closely, having intercepted a packet of letters, was by them informed that the king expected a reinforcement of two thousand men from Wales. The general availed himself of this circumstance, and the king, finding that if he continued his march, he should be in danger of having his rear cut off, resolved to give Fairfax battle. Both 124 NORTHAMPTON. armies were drawn up to advantage near the village. The main body of th royalists was commanded by the king himself, the right wing by Prince Rupert, the left by Sir Marmaduke Langdale. Fairfax, seconded by Skippon, placed himself in the main body of the oppo- site army, Cromwell in the right wing, Ireton, Cromwell's son-in-law, in the left. The charge was begun with his usual celerity and success, by Prince Rupert. Though Ireton made stout resistance, and even after he was fun through the thigh with a pike, still main- tained the combat till he was taken prisoner, yet was that part of the army broken and pur- sued with precipitate fury by Rupert, who inconsiderately marched hastily forward, and summoned the train of artillery to surrender, with the offer of quarter. The carriages, which he ordered to be plundered, were guarded only by the militia of the county; these, upon the sight of the prince's forces coming up to them, fled precipitately towards Northampton, giving out that the king had obtained the victory. Fairfax and Skippon displayed much valour, and well supported that reputation which they had acquired. Skippon being dangerously wounded, was desired by Fairfax to leave the field, but declared that'he would remain there as long as one man maintained his ground. The infantry of the parliamentarians were pressed upon by the king, till Fairfax, NORTHAMPTON. 12S with great presence of mind, brought up th« reserve, and renewed the combat. Meanwhile Cromwell having led on his troops to the at- tack of Langdah, overbore the force of the royalists, and by his prudence improved that advantage which he had gained by his valour. Having pursued the enemy about a quarter of a mile, and detached some troops to prevent their rallying, he turned back on the king's infantry, and threw them into the utmost con- fusion. One regiment alone preserved its or- der unbroken, though twice desparateiy as- sailed by Fairfax; and that general, excited by so steady a resistance, ordered Doyley, the captain of his life-guard, to give them a third charge in front, while he himself attacked them in the rear. The regiment was broken, Fairfax, with his own hands, killed an ensign, and having seized the colours, gave them to a soldier to keep for him. The soldier after- wards boasting that he had won this trophy, was reproved by Doyley, who had seen the action. "Let him retain that honour/' said Fairfax, " I have to day acquired enough be- sides!" Prince Rupert, sensible too late of his error, left the fruitless attack on the ene- my's artillery and joined the king, whose in- fantry was now totally discomfited. The king exhorted his body of cavalry not to despair, and cried aloud to them, " One charge more and we recover the day." But the disadvan- tages under which they laboured were too eri- 126 NORTHAMPTON. dent, and they could not be induced to renew the combat. Charles was obliged to quit the field, and leave the victory to the enemy. His Majesty's forces in marching and coun- termarching, were very much embarrassed by the bushes in Clipston and Naseby fields ; and Prince Rupert, in retreating from the enemy's cannon, along the hedges of Sulby inclosure, on the west side of the field of battle, was se- vere vailed by Okey's dragoons, who had lined those hedges, but he came too late to re- trieve the confused state of the king's army. The left wing being thus broken and disor dered, the army retreated towards Leicester ; the conquerors fiercely pursuing them, taking in Clipston field one of the king's coaches, and killing besides, many men and several women of distinction, whose coaches were over- turned in their hasty flight. The slain, on the side of the Parliamentarians, exceeded those on the side of the king ; they lost above 1000 men, he not more than 800. But Fairfax made above 500 officers prisoners, and 4000 private men ; took all the king's artillery and ammunition, and totally dispersed his infan- try, so that scarce any victory could be more complete than that which he obtained. The following interesting account is extrac- ed from a second edition of the history of Nase- by, published by the Rev. John Mastin, about two years since :-rr- NORTHAMPTON. 127 "An old man, now living, one Warren, re- members very well to have been told by his grandfather, that he was then a strong boy, about nine or ten years old, and was keeping cows in the field during the whole time of the battle; that he was present at the burial of the dead, which was done by the country people coming in from all quarters; some were strip- ped, others buried in their clothes : but in general so shallow, that the bodies, in a short time, became very offensive, that matter is- sued from the graves, and ran several yards upon the ground, which, having subsided, the cattle ate those spots, for several years, re- markably bare. The graves are still very visi- ble, but are become concave, and water stands in them in the winter season. This is all that is now known in the village." In a subsequent note the same author thus continues : — " The following anecdote, I received from the late Dr. Hill, Rector of Thorpe Malsor, in North- amptonshire, brother to Sergeant Hill. He informed me that he had a near relation, a Mr. Mansell, who fought in the battle of Naseby field, that he was wounded in the breast, and left for dead ; and, being stripped to be buried, a young woman, daughter to an apothecary, happening to be upon the field, and finding his hand to be very soft, exclaimed, this certainly was a gentleman ! she farther observed, that she felt a pulse, and conse- 128 NORTHAMPTON. quently that he was not quite dead. She put off her under petticoat, and wrapping him in it, had him conveyed to a neighbouring vil- lage, where he recovered, and lived some years after. He kept the youftg woman as a companion or housekeeper till the time of his death, when he left her a handsome an- nuity." It appears that in May, 1792, and also in 1794, human bones were found upon M*U- Hill, in digging for gravel. The church, dedicated to All Saints, con- sists of a body, two aisles, chancel, and a porch on the south side. At the west end is an embattled tower, containing five bells. The tower is surmounted with little more than half a pyramidal spire, covered with lead ; an idea prevailed that it was decollated at the time of the battle, but dates have been disr covered upon the lead prior to 1645, which proves expressly the reverse. There are some ancient monuments, in this church, to the family of Shuckburgh, who flourished here for several generations ; the last branch, and heiress, in 1647, married George Ashby, of Quenby hall, in the county of Leicester, esq. An act of Parliament has lately been ob- tained, for inclosing Naseby lordship. Patron of the living — The King. Incumbent — Rev. John Mastin. NORTHAMPTON. 129 OVERSTONE, Is a small village, situated about five miles from Northampton; bounded by Mear's-Ashby on the east, Moulton on the north and north- west, and Great-Billing on the south. Here is Overstone-Hall, a respectable man- sion, the seat of John Kipling, Esq. who purchased it of the late Lord Brownlow. The house is surrounded by a beautiful park, and ornamented with some fine pieces of water. In the year 1804, a new handsome church was erected here, solely at the expense of Mr. Kipling; in the chancel is a very neat window of painted glass, bearing the follow- ing inscription: — "Dua redit nescitil horam. MDCCCIV," Patron of the living — J. Kipling, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. G. E. Hanmer. PIDDINGTON, Is situated about five miles from Northamp- ton ; bounded on the east by Horton, on the north by Preston, and on the west and south by Quinton. This village is small, and contains in it no- thing peculiarly interesting or remarkable. The church, dedicated to St. John the Bap- tist, consists of a body, north and south aisles, chancel, and south porch : At the west end is a low spire, raised on an octagonal turret, in which are six bells. The patronage is attached to Horton. s 130 NORTHAMPTON. PITSFORD, A pleasant village, about five miles north of Northampton; its boundaries are, Moulton on the east, Brixworth on the north, Chapel- Brampton on the west, and Boughton on the south. The situation is dry and sandy, yet remai'kably abounding with springs. In this parish is a sepulchral tumulus, known by the name of Longman's-hill; and on a heath near the village is a small encamp- ment, called Barrow-Dykes, the circumval- lation was anciently of a square form ; but only two sides remain, one of which is about 80 yards in length. In this place is Pitsford- Hall, the residence of Col. Corbett, a good modern building, consisting of a centre, and two wings. The church, dedicated to the Blessed Vir- gin, consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel ; with a porch on the south side. At the west end is an embattled tower, con- taining five bells. Patron of the living — R. H. W. Vyse, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. R. C. Blayney. PRESTON. This small village, about four miles south of Northampton, is generally called Preston- Deanery, from its giving name to the Deanery of Preston in the ecclesiastical division of the county. In this parish, which adjoins Salcey- NORTHAMPTON. 131 forest, is a wood called Preston-Park, in which was formerly the manor-house and residence of the families of Hart well and Edmonds,which is now destroyed; but there is a small neat man- sion, in the occupation of Langham Christie, Esq. who purchased it, together with Preston lordship, of Charles Newman, Esq. Sir Cle- ment Edmonds, a former possessor, purchased this manor of the family ofHartwell; he was the son of Sir Thomas Edmonds, comptroller of the household to Queen Elizabeth, and pos- sessed high literary attainments, added to a thorough knowledge of political affairs; he was elected fellow of All Souls College, Ox- ford, in 1590, and a representative to parlia- ment for the University, in the reign of James the first. The church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, consists of a body and chancel : At the west end is an embattled tower, containing one bell. During the reigns of Queen Eliza- beth and King James, it was in a ruinous state; Jasper Hartwell, and Sir Robert his son, hav- ing, according to report, sold the lead and bells, besides taking down the body and con- verting it to a profane use : It was afterwards restored by Charles Edmonds, Esq. On the south side of the chancel, was formerly a chauntry chapel of St. Saviour, and an altar to the honour of St. Edmond. s2 132 NORTHAMPTON. The old register of this parish, by some mysterious fatality, is lost, and the present one commences in 1678. The church contains several neat ancient monuments, dedicated to the family of Ed- monds ; and a very handsome one to the me- mory of James Newman Newman, Esq. R. N- and Captain of His Majesty's ship "Hero," of 74 guns. This gallant officer, on the 24th of December, 1811, was wrecked upon the Hoak Sands, off the Texel Islands, when every soul on board perished ! Patron of the living — Langham Christie, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. Thomas Watts, QUINTON, Is about four miles from Northampton, bounded on the east by Preston and Pidding- ton, on the north by Wootton, on the west by Courteenhall, and on the south by Hartwell and Saleey forest. The church, dedicated to St. John the Bap- tist, consists of a body, chancel, and south porch; but contains nothing remarkable. Patron of the living — The King. Incumbent— Rev. J. D. M. Mitchell. RAVENSTHORPE, Ravensthorpe is bounded as follows, viz. — t Spratton on the east, Guilsborough on the north, West-Haddon on the west, and East- Haddon on the south. NORTHAMPTON. 133 The church, dedicated to St. Denyis, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, chan- cel and south porch. At the west encHs a tower containing five bells. This living is in the patronage of the Dean and Canons of Christ Church, Oxford. Incumbent— Rev. T* Hornsby. ROAD, Is about five miles from Northampton, situated on low ground, chiefly of a rock- soil, and -well supplied with springs. It is bounded by Ashton and Hartwell on the east, Courteenhall on the north* Stoke-Bruerne and Blisworth on the west, and Ashton on the south. The church, dedicated to the Blessed Vir- gin, consists of a body and chancel, with a porch on the south side. In the middle is a broad embattled tower, surmounted with a pyramid; there are four bells. The porch and tower exhibit marks of very ancient work. An unknown benefactor, long since bequeath- ed the annual sum of three pounds, arising * from lands in this parish, and vested in feof- fees, for the service of such inhabitants as may fall into accidental misfortune. Patrons of the living — Duke of Grafton a#d Rev. J. Risley. Incumbent — Rev. W. Butlin. 134 NORTHAMPTON. ROTHERSTHORPE. Rothersthorpe, now generally called Thrup, is bounded on the east by Milton and Woot- ton, by Kislingbury on the north, Bugbrook on the west, and Gayton on the south. A small portion of ground, called the Berry, amounting to about four acres, and entrenched round, is supposed to have been an ancient fortification. The church, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, consists of a body, with two aisles, and chancel. At the west end is a tower, in which are four bells. Patron of the living — T. S. W. Sam well, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. R. B. Hughes. SPRATTON, Is a large village, about seven miles from Northampton, and bounded on the east by Brixworth, on the north by Creaton, on the west by Teeton, and on the south by Chapel- Brampton. In this parish are nine hills, dis- tinguished by name, with two rocks producing a very different kind of stone. There are va- rious springs; one called Moor's-well is said to be medicinal. Here is a good mansion- house, the residence of Robert Ramsden, Esq. The church, dedicated to St. Luke, con- sists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel, with two porches ; at the west end NORTHAMPTON- 135 is a pyramidal steeple of eight sides, contain- ing five bells. In the south aisle is a vacant place, where formerly stood the statue of St. Luke. In a burying place, or chauntry chapel, on the north side of the church, repaired at the expense of Mr. Chapman, of Newbottle, are two altar monuments, supposed for Sir John Swinford, and his wife : — upon one of them lies the figure of a knight in white marble, with the letters I. S. marked in several places of the girdle; at his feet is a lion, and his head rests on a boar. Spratton contains about 175 houses, and 800 inhabitants. Patron of the living — A. Hacket, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. R. Crowther. STOW, Is an extremely pleasant village, seated on an eminence, surrounded by rich and pictu- resque scenery, and abounding with delightful views of the adjoining country, to a very considerable extent. Stow is distant from Northampton about nine miles, and has been usually called Stow- nine-Churches, from nine churches to which; it has been said, the lord of the manor had a right of presentation. Here are two villages, the one called Church, or Great-Stow, and the other Little-Stow. What was formerly the manor-house, now belongs to the corpo- 136 NORTHAMPTON, ration of Clergymen's Sons. The house of the Rev. Charles Crawley, which is near the church, is a charming residence. The church, dedicated to St. Michael, con- sists of a body, two aisles and chancel embat- tled: the aisles extend the whole length of the chancel, which is divided from the church by an arch, formed by two large pillars:— on the south side is a small porch. The steeple is tower-built, and there are four bells. In this church are some beautiful monu- ments; among others, one described by Pen- nant, as "the most elegant tomb this or any other kingdom can boast of." It commemo- rates Elizabeth, fourth daughter of John Lord Latimer; who died in 1630, and whose effi- gies, a fine piece of sculpture in white alabas- ter, is represented as sleeping on a black mar- ble slab. It was the work of Nicholas Stone, and cost two hundred and twenty pounds. Here is also a large mural cenotaph, by Tho- mas Stayner, to the memory of Dr. Thomas Turner, who left twenty-six thousand pounds to public charities, and died in 1714. Patron of the living — Rev. J. L. Crawley. Incumbent — Rev. C. Crawley. UPTON, Is a very small village, about two miles west of Northampton, bounded on the east and north by Duston, on the west by Harpole, and on the south divided from Rothersthorpe by NORTHAMPTON. 137 the river Nine. — Here is a fine mansion, the seat ofT. S. W. Samwell, Esq. the building is of brick and stone, partaking of the modern, pleasantly situated, and commanding delight- fill views to the south. The internal part contains some very good apartments, adorned with numerous family and other fine portraits : Within these few years, various alterations and improvements have taken place in the house and grounds, displaying considerable taste* The church, dedicated to St. Michael, con- sists of a body and chancel; there is a porch on the south side, and at the west end a plain tower, containing three bells. In the church are several monuments, dedicated to the me- mory of various branches of the families of Knightly and Samwell. The patronage of this living attaches to that of St. Peter, in Northampton. WEEDON, Or Weedon-Beck, formerly called Church-^ Weedon, but now generally Weedon-Royal, from the barracks and depot erected thefe ; it is bounded by Nether-Heyford on the east, Dodford on the north, Everdon on the west, and Stow with Farthingstone on the south. The works of this depot commenced about the year 1805, and consist of barracks, origi- nally intended for two troops of horse artil- lery, but now capable of containing 500 infan- T 13a NORTHAMPTON. try ; they afce strong buildings of brick, erect- ed in the form of a square; near them is a handsome hospital. Upon an eminence, con- tiguous to the barracks, is a most elegant edifice, consisting of a centre, with corres- ponding wings, built of white brick, intended as a residence for the officers of the ordnance department; which is said to have cost i?18,000 in erecting. There are eight store-houses, four being built on each side of the arm ot the Grand Junction Canal, which runs by this place, and a proportionate number of work-shops for the artificers. The upper rooms of these store- houses are capable of containing 240,000 stand of small arms, which are placed under the charge of a store-keeper. The lower rooms are appropriated for field artillery, and may be generally computed as containing about twenty -four brigades, of six guns each, with all necessary stores, ready for service at the shortest notice; these are under the super- intendency of a field-train commissary. At an extremity of the canal branch, in an in- closed square, completely detached from the other buildings, are four powder-magazines, one of which contains nearly 7Q>000 rounds of ammunitioi* for the field pieces ; the re- maining three are adapted for powder and small arms ammunition, containing, when filled, about 5,00Q barrels each. Alternately is a magazine aild traverse, of equal altitude, NORTHAMPTON. 139 filled with earth, for the purpose of preventing extended damage in case of explosion. Weedon has been considerably enlarged and improved within these few years, and now contains several neat dwelling-houses, sotiafc of them being residences for officers, &c. at- tached to the depot. The quantity of ground purchased by government for this establish- ment, is about I/O acres. In this village are six small hills, distin- guished by name ; one called Whitewell-hitt, affords a view of twenty spire steeples at once. Though no present remains of Roman anti- quities are td be met with at Weedon, there is every reason for supposing it to have been a Roman station; it is said Wtdphur, King of Mercia, had a palace here, which was after- wards converted intd a convent, by his daugh- ter Werburgh. The church, dedicated to St. Peter, con- sists of a body, two aisles, chancel, and a porch on the south side. The steeple is towfer built, and there are five bells :— -In the interior of the church, are some plain monuments. Patron of the living— T. R. Thornton, Esq. Incumbent — Rev. R. Thornton. WESTON-FAVEL. About two miles from Northampton^ the distance of an agreeable walk, is situated the pleasant village of Weston-Favel; once con- taining three mansion houses, belonging to t2 140 NORTHAMPTON. the families of Ekins, Holman, and Hervey, now rased, without apparently a remaining vestige. Here lived and died the excellent and learned James Hervey, author of Medi- tations among the Tombs ; — Reflections on a Flower Garden ;• — Descant on Creation ; — Con- templations on the Night and Starry Heavens; — Theron and Aspasio, &c. He was instruct- ed in the free grammar-school, at Northamp- ton, and after making great progress in his studies, entered student of Lincoln College, Oxford, where he took the degree of Bache- lor of Arts, and entered into Holy Orders. Being of a serious disposition, mid his mind endowed with the highest sense of religion, he associated with persons of various sects and opinions ; his natural suavity of manner, with an unsullied sanctity of character, re- commending him to the general esteem of his acquaintance. Until the decease of his fatht r, the Rev. Mr. S. Hervey, he obtained no higher preferment than the curacy of Bidde- for! ; after that event he took his degree of Master of Arts, at Cambridge, entering on the family livings of Weston-Favell and Colling- tree, near Northampton; at that period, not exceeding the annual estimated value of one hundred and eighty pounds. As a minister, he discharged his duties in a manner, which would have been honorable to one of the primitive fathers; and his compassion to the distressed will be long remembered. Among NORTHAMPTON. 141 other instances of benevolence he converted the profits arising from the sale of his works, with a portion of his income, to charitable purposes ; in short he may be justly ranked among the number of those illustrious charac- ters, who have occasionally appeared to en- lighten and bless the world: — he died on Christmas-day, in the year 17&8, and was in- terred in the chancel of Weston-Favel church, near to the communion table; over his re- mains is a stone, unadorned, bearing the fol lowing inscription : — Here lie the Remains of the Rev. James Hervey, A. M. Late Rector of this Parish, That very pious Man And much admired Author, Who died Dec. 25th 1758, In the 45th year of his age. Reader, expect no more to make him known, Vain the fond elegy and figured stone, A name more lasting shall his writings give, There view displayed his heavenly sonl and live. Weston is bounded on the east by Billing, on the north by Moulton, on the west by Abington, and on the south by the river Nine. The church, dedicated to St. Peter, con- sists merely of a body and chancel, the exte- rior consists of a tower, containing five bells: 142 NORTHAMPTON. the chancel was neatly wainscoted with oak by Sir John Holman; over the altar is repre- sented the Passover, in needle-work by his lady; above it is inscribed — Gloria Deo, and ♦below it, PVeston-Favel, December 1698. Her maiden name was Jane Fawtry, and herself of Dutch extraction ; Sir John was younger brother to George Holman, of Warks worth, Esq. Charitable bequests, &c. — The lady of Sir John Holman, a close in this parish, called Furze-close, formerly of the annual rental of seven pounds, but now considerably augment- ed, being let for upwards of fourteen ; the money to be distributed among the poor on Good Friday, the minister first receiving twenty shillings for preaching a sermon, and administering the sacrament on that day. — Mrs. Ekins erected a school, for teaching a certain number of poor children to read and write, with an annual stipend for the mas- ter. — The same lady, through the charitable inclinations of Gertrude, her daughter, made a settlement of seven pounds, annually, for placing out one apprentice ; and sixteen shil- lings to the minister, on the thirtieth of No- vember in every succeeding year, for preach- ing on that day; with a certain quantity of bread to be distributed among the most neces- sitous. — Mr. Robert Travell, clerk, the inter- est of twenty pounds, to be divided between the poor on St. Thomas's day. NORTHAMPTON, 143 Weston is supposed to contain about seven- ty he uses^ and two hundred and fifty inhabi- tants. Patron of the living — Rev. R. H. Knight. Incumbent — The same. WHISTON, Is situated about six miles from Northamp- ton, and in the centre of a pleasant and de- lightful part of the county; but what peculiarly entitles it to notice, is its elegant, uniform: church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, which, embosomed in trees, stands proudly elevated on the brow of a hill, completely de- tached from any other buildings. It consists of a nave, two aisles, chancel, and western tower. The tower is handsome, and appro- priately decorated with panelling, graduated buttresses, windows with tracery, and clus- tered pinnacles of four at each angle, with crockets, &c. In the third tier are the arms of Henry VIII, beneath a double arched win- dow, with a square head. The nave is divided from the aisles by four arches, on each side,, supported by clustered columns^ with panelling, tracery, and shields in the spandrils , the south porch is similarly ornamented; Some inter- esting monuments are preserved within this shell of fine architecture. Bridges appears to have discovered an inscription among the frag- ments of painted glass in the windows, which states that the church was erected by^ Anthony 144 NORTHAMPTON. Catesby, Esq. lord of the maqor, Isabel Kis wife, and John their son, in the year SS34. This was a time when church architecture was approaching its dissolution ; but this building does not display any marks of it, for the whole is in the true andalmostbest style of the Tudor age. The pillars and arches that support the nave are small, but singularly beautiful; over them, in the body of the church, is cut on the wood, "Grase be hower Gyde; '* and against each of the pillars is an angel, holding an open book. Upon a mural monument of marble, on the north side of the chancel, between two pillars of veined marble of the Ionic order, are the busts of a man and woman, standing on a short pedestal underneath; on a square, in basso relievo, are two young women, the one kneeling, with her hands lifted up, and the other kneeling, having one hand upon her breast, and a book open in the other. Behind the first is a girl, with her hands lifted up, and a boy holding a death's head, leaning on an infant in swaddling clothes. Behind the two busts is a long inscription, on black marble, to the memory of Sir John Catesby and eight of his succeeding heirs. Over this monument is an escutcheon with the arms of Catesby impaling Samwell, with the crest of Catesby* Against the north wall of the chancel, is a marble monument, with the following in- scription : — NORTHAMPTON. 145 Sacred to the Memory of The Hon Edward Methuen Ifby, Sixth Son of Frederick and Christian, Lord and Lady Boston, An Ensign in the 3d Regt. of Foot Guards. He was born March 21st, 1788 : He was killed at the battle of Talavera, July 28th, 1809, on the day of the splendid victory gained by The British Arms. As a son he was most exemplary and dutiful 5 As a brother kind and affectionate j As a friend sincere and faithful; To his God and King, most true, In his form graceful and elegant ; In manners courteous and engaging ; attached to, and indefatigable in his profession: By his Regiment universally beloved, and as deeply lamented. His conduct was such As to obtain the high approbation of His Sovereign, To whom he had formerly been one of the Pages of Honour. He was buried with his brave companions Who fell in tl>e field of battle. Whiston is bounded on the east by Castle- Ashby and Grendon, on the north by Earl's* Barton, from which it is divided by the river Nine, on the west by Cogenhoe, and on the south by Brayfield, Cogenhoe, and Denton. — Within the boundaries of this parish is " Place 146 NORTHAMPTON. house/' now a carpenter's shop, but formerly a considerable mansion : It has been long said in the neighbourhood, that this was a seat of King John. Part of the stone was removed to build the manor-house at Ecton. Patron of the living — Lord Boston. Incumbent — Rev. J. Seagrave. WOOTTON. Wootton is a village, situated about three miles j from Northampton, in a respectable neighbourhood, but contains nothing of sin- gular interest, or general notice ; on the east and north it is bounded by Preston and Har- dingstone, on the west by Rothersthorpe, and on the south by Milton, Coliingtree, Courteen- hall, and Quinton. On the eleventh of June, 1645, three days before the battle of Naseby, the Parliament army encamped in this field. — The following account of this circumstance is given in a very scarce tract, called Anglia Re- diviva; England's Recovery: published in 1647, by Joshua Sprigg, M. A. chaplain to Gen. Fairfax, and who was in the battle: — "The army (Fairfax's) being come to Wot- ton, from Stony Stratford, they fowid there none of the best accommodation for quarter; only what was wanting that way, was kindly and respectfully endeavoured to be supplied by the mayor and magistrates of Northamp- ton ; who, the same night, came to the General at the head quarter, ijpon the errand of a congratulatory visit and present." NORTHAMPTON. 147 The church of Wootton, dedicated to St. George the Martyr, consists of a body, north and south aisles, and chancel; at the west end of each aisle is a chauntry chapel; and on the south side of the chancel, two arches, formerly used for confession. — At the west end of the church is an embattled tower, containing five bells. Jeremiah Stevens, who succeeded to this rectory about the year 1626, and educated in Brasen-nose College, Oxford, was the author of several learned works; he was well ac- quainted with ecclesiastical history, and high- ly serviceable to Sir Henry Spelman, in com- piling and composing the first tome of the English councils. In 1642 he was troubled by a person who, under the sanction of the Par- liament committee, defrauded him of his tythes; and in 1644 was formally sequestered from his living. The witnesses produced against him were persons of the vilest charac- ter; and his judges remarkably ignorant. — In his defence, he was severely reproved, for citing a passage from Bracton, language which, they said, they did not understand. His cause was again heard before the Commit- tee in London, Mr. Seldon appealing in his behalf, but without success. — Besides the loss of his benefice, he was plundered and impri- soned; yet after various sufferings, on the res- toration of Charles II, he was reinstated in his former preferments, and made a prebend in the church of Salisbury. u2 148 NORTHAMPTON. Charitable bequest: — John Langford, by will, dated the 28th of April, 1658, left thirty shillings, annually, to the poor of this parish ; and ten shillings to the rector, for preaching a sermon on every Tuesday in Whitsun-week. This living is in the patronage of Exeter College, Oxford. Incumbent — Rev. John Vye. YARDLEY-HASTINGS, Is a large village, about eight miles from Northampton; the situation is low, being chiefly of a clay soil ; it is bounded on the east by Bozeat, north by Easton-Maudit, west by Castle-Ashby and Denton, and south by Olney, in Buckinghamshire. In the twen- tieth year of Henry VIII, Sir William Comp- ton, Knight, died seized of this manor, park, chase, and advowson ot the church, with forty messuages, forty tofts, one thousand acres of arable land, one thousand acres of meadow, one thousand acres of pasture, and two thou- sand acres of wood. He was succeeded by Peter Compton, Esq. his son, from whom they descended Hneally to James, Earl of North- ampton, and from him to the present posses- sor. Yardley-Hastings is famous for its noble chase, which consists of one and twenty cop- ses, abounding with fine timber, and well stocked with deer; three copses are in Den- ton, and a small part in the parish of Castler Ashby. NORTHAMPTON. 149 The church is dedicated to St. Andrew, and consists of a body, two aisles and chancel; the south aisle is embattled, and at the west end is a tower, containing six bells; the internal part, among other improvements, has lately been new-pewed, with the addition of a small organ, presented by the Rev. G. Rooke. Northward of the church, is the old manor- house, in ruins; from the remains of arches, door-cases, and window-frames, of stone, it appears to be very ancient ; in a close adjoin- ing, a fair is held on every Tuesday in Whit- sun-week. In this village from the fifth of June, 1665, to the third of January in the next year, no less than sixty persons died victims to the plague. About three miles from this place, stands Yardley Oak, supposed to be more than seven hundred years old, and in circumference twen- ty feet six inches and a half; the venerable remains of which are beautifully described, by Cowper, in the following lines: — Time made thee what thou wert — King of the woods ! And time hath made thee what thou art — a care For owls to roost in ! Once thy spreading boughs O'erbung the champaign, and the numerous flock That graz'd it, stood beneath that ample cope Uncrowded, yet safe sheltered from the storm. Time was, when settl'ing on thy leaf, a fly Could shake thee to the root, and time has been When tempests could not. At thy firmest age 150 NORTHAMPTON. Thou hadst within thy boll solid contents, That might have ribb'd the sides and plank'd the deck Of some flagg'd admiral, and tortuous arms, The shipwright's darling treasure, didst present To the four quarter'd winds robust and bold, Warp'd into tough knee timber, many a load ! Thus to time The task was left to whittle thee away, With his sly scythe, whose ever-nibbling edge, Nofceless, an atom and an atom more, Disjoining from the rest, has, unobserved, Achiev'd a labour, which had far and wide (By man perform'd,) made all the forest ring. EmhowelPd now, and of thy ancient self Possessing nought, but the scoop' d rind, that seems An huge throat, calling to the clouds for drink, Which it wonld give in rivulets to thy root. The patronage of this living is vested in the Marquess of Northampton. Incumbent — Rev. George Rooke. NORTHAMPTON- HI High Sheriffs for the County of Northampton, from the year 1771- 1771 Sir William Wake, Courteenhall, Bart- 1772 Francis Benyon, Spratton, Esq. 1773 William Hanbury, Kelmarsh, Esq. 1774 Leonard Burton, Denford, Esq. 1775 John Clark, Bulwick, Esq. 1776 Sir Justinian Isham, Lamport, Bart. 1777 Robert Andrew, Harleston, Esq. 1778 John Plomer Clarke, Welton, Esq. 1779 Roger Parker, Peterborough, Esq. 1780 Benjamin Kidney, Knuston. Esq. 1781 Nichols Rainsford, Brixworth, Esq. 1782 Henry Sawbridge, East-Haddon, Esq. 1783 Michael Woodhull, Thenford, Esq. 1784 Richard Kirby, Floore, Esq. 1785 Lucas Ward, Guilsborough, Esq. 1786 Sir Isaac Pocock, Biggin, Knt. 1787 William Walcot, the vounger, Oundle, Esq. 1788 Richard Hanwell, Long-Buckby, Esq. 1789 Joseph Ashley, Ledgers- Ashby, Esq. 1790 John Freke Willes, Astrop, Esq. 1791 Sir William Wake, Courteenhall, Bart. 1792 Samuel Rudge, Tansor, Esq. 1793 Sir John Dryden, Canons-Ashby, Knt. 1794 Richard Booth, Glen don, Esq. 1795 Valentine Knightley, Fawsley, Esq. 1796 Allen Edward Young, Orlingbury, Esq. 1797 Sir William Langham, Cottesbrook, Bart. 152 NORTHAMPTON. 1798 Thomas Reeve Thornton, Broekhall, Esq* 1799 Martin Lucas, Northampton, Esq. 1800 Edward Bouverie, the younger, Delapre> Esq. 1801 Joseph Sibley, Northampton, Esq. 1802 Robert Gary Elwes, Great Billing, Esq. 1803 John Harvey Thursby, Abington, Esq. 1804 Charles Tibbits, Barton-Seagrave, Esq. 1805 John Capel Rose, Cransley, Esq. 1806 Thomas Carter, Edgcott, Esq. 1807 Thomas Tryon, Bulwick, Esq. 3808 George Freke Evans, Laxton, Esq. 1809 Robert Andrew, Harleston, Esq. 1810 William Sawbridge, East-Haddon, Esq- 1811 Walter Strickland, Brixworth, Esq* 1812 Peter Denys, Easton-Neston^ Esq. 1813 George Rush, Farthinghoe, Esq. 1814 John Plomer Clarke, Welton, Esq. 1815 Levison Vernon, Stoke-Bruern, Esq. 1816 Sir James Langham, Cottesbrook, Bart. 1817 Sir Charles Knightley, Fawsley, Bart. 1818 Richard Booth, Glendon, Esq. 1819 Sir John Henry Palmer, Carlton, Bart, 1820 John Cook, Hoothorpe, Esq. JFKOTES. Cordenr, Printer, Northampton. Library of Congress Branch Bindery, 1903