^ I THE HISTORY OF THE Ancient Borough of "Wont eft act, CONTAINING AN INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF ITS CASTLE, AND THE THRE r ." DIFFERENT SIEGES IT SUSTAINED, DURING THE CIVIL WAR, WITH NOTES AND PEDIGREES, OF SOME OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ROYALISTS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS, CHIEFLY DRAWN FROM MANUSCRIPTS NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED, BY B. BOOTHROYD. ' I love Porrifret. Why ? 'Tis in all our histories: They are full of Pomfret Castle." SWIFT. $ontefract: PRINTED BY AND FOR THE AUTHOR, AND FOR J. FOX; AND SOLD BY LONGMAN & CO. PATERNOSTER-ROW, B. CROSBY & CO. STATIONERS-COURT, LONDON; J. HEATON, LEEDS; J. HURST, WAKE- FIELD; Wtl.SON & CO. AND TODD & CO. YORK; SHEARDOWN, DONCASTER; AND MAY BE HAD OF OTHER BOOKSELLERS. 1807. / SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Hi *U- J. ALLOTT, Esq. Hague Hall G. Alderson, Esq. Ferrybridge J. W. Astley, Esq. Duckenfield Lodge, Lancashire Michael Ann, Esq. Burghwallis Mr. J. Arton, Pontefractj J. Ankin, ditto R. Arton, ditto J. Addingley, ditto G. Appleby, ditto J. Ash, ditto J. Ashton, ditto G. Atley, ditto W. Archer, ditto W Atkinson, ditto .c. Airey, ditto r Atkinson, ditto Atkinson, ditto Anderson, ditto Allen, Church Fenton j. . Anderson, Ledstone G. Althass, Brothertoa Ash, Masbro' W. Ashton, Purston Jackling J. Atkinson, ditto B. Atkinson, Knottingley Robert Atkinson, Womersley J. Acaster, Brotherton Rev. J. Acaster, York Mr. J. Aislebie, Ferrybridge Arnald, ditto Rev. G. Alderson, Birkin Mr. D. Askam, Knottingley Acornby, ditto, B T. D. Bland, Esq. Kippax Park R. H. Beaumont, Esq. Whitley-Hall, 2 copies T. Beever, Esq. Queen's College, Cam- bridge, G. Brookes, Esq. Twickenham J.Brookes, Esq. London T. Baxter, Esq. London, 2 copies Mr. T. Barker, Pontefract VV. Barker, ditto T. Barker, ditto VV. Bell, ditto Miss Benson, ditto Mr. W Briggs, ditto W. Brook, ditto T. Belk, Esq. ditto Mr. J. Brice, ditto J. Burton, ditto Mrs. Beckett, ditto Miss S. L. Booth, ditto Mrs. Barnfather, ditto Mr. G. Birkinshaw, ditto Mrs. B. Brown, ditto Mr. T. Berkby, ditto Mr. R. Beaumont, ditto Rev. J. Bindloss, ditto Mr. R. Brown, ditto M. Beaumont, ditto B. Brown, ditto J. Berry, ditto W. Beaidshaw, ditto W Bonner, ditto Thos. Barton, ditto Burton, ditto J. Berry, Jun. ditto Thomas Brewer, ditto G. Ben net, ditto Miss Bennet, ditto Mr. S. Boys, ditto Briggs, Brampton Brown, London T. Brindle, Oldham Boothby, Doncaster Mrs. Brookes, Bedale Mr. W. Burton, Pool Birks, Carleton W. Brown, Purston E. 3ain.es, Leeds IV SUBSCRIBERS 5 NAMES. Rev. ■ — - Braken, D. D. Snauh Mr. G. Rurley, Sherbum Rev. J. Bailey, Knottingley Mr. Thomas Braim, ditto J. Brooke, Kippax E. Brook, Coroner, Wakefield Mr. Booth, Wragby W. Beevor, Claypoole Mrs. Brooke, Grange Miss Brooke, ditto Mr. T. Berry, London C C. Crowle. Esq Curzon St. London J. Cooke, Esq. Camps Mount Nich. Carlisle, Esq. London J. Clayton, Esq. Kippax A Carr, Esq. Rotherham J. Crowder, Esq. Brotherton Serjeant Cockell, Pontefract Mr. J. Cartner, ditto J. Coleman, Attor. ditto, 2 eopiei Mrs. Collier, ditto Mr. Ci ibbs, ditto Thomas Chapman, ditto J. Craggs, ditto J. Carr, ditto J. Calvert, ditto Castkhouse, West Hardwick J. Cockhill, Altoss T. Casson, Minsthorp E. Coaies, Rippon R. Coulsun, Rev. R. Crowther, -Smitheles J. Clarke, Attorney, Barnsley Mr. Carter, Ferry bridge W. Cambidge, Knottingley M. Carter, ditto J. Cawthorn, ditto J, Collinson. Hook G, Collinson, London T. Croyzer, Sakmarsh Mr. Cuttle, Wakefield Mrs. Chapman, Burton Mr. Cuttle, Wakefield T Chamberlain, Carleton, Craven W. Clay, Manchester D Rev. F. Drake, Walkington Mrs. F. Drake, ditto R. Drake, Esq. York N. Drake, M. D. Hadleigh Mrs. Drake, Lincoln Dr. Drummond, Hadleigh D. Dunderdale, Esq. Dunford House- Mr. T. Dickenson, Pontefract J. Dibb, ditto J. Daniel, dttto P. Dunhill, ditto J- Dennison, ditto J. Dickenson, ditto T. Dunhill, Pontefract H. Dunhill, ditto R. Dickon, ditto M'Dowell, ditto Miss Dove, ditto Mr. J. Day, ditto W. Day, Tyers Hill R. DuflEn, Hemsworth Mr. Dickon, Kellington Rev, R. Dyneley, Bui ley Lodge Mr. B. Denis, Cork E Right Hon. Earl of Euston, Francis Edmunds, Esq. Worsborough Mrs Ellison, Pontefract Mr. J. Elliot, ditto J. England, ditto G. England, ditto W. Edmondson, Lancaster D. Emmerson, Upton W. Earnshaw, Roal J. England, Knottingley Erringlon, Grove J. Eatnshaw, Knottingley G. Earnshaw, Hull Ellerton, Surgeon, Kippax H. Eccles, Beverley F Rt, Hon. Earl Fitzwilliam, Wentworth- House Bacon Frank, Esq. Campsall T. Foljambe, Esq. Wakefield J. Flintoff, Esq. Leeds N. Fowler, Esq, Pontefract Major Fox, ditto Mr. F. Fisher, ditto F. Fryer,. ditto R. Foss, ditto J. Faint, ditto J. Fryer, ditto W. Fryer, ditto Foster, ditto subscribers' names. Mr. J. Fisher, Pontefract J. Fox, Heindly Rev. W.Faber, D irrington Mr. J. Fletcher, Witwood Farrar, R. Freer, Knottingley T. FarnhiU, ditto Miss Firth, Gainsbro* Mrs.Fowles, London G Right. Hon. Viscount Gallway, Serlby, 6 copies i T. H. Granger, Esq. Leeds J. H. Gillet, Esq. Lincoln's Inn, Lorw Mr. W. Gelder, Ponttfract Gil), ditto Mrs. Gunning, ditto Mr. Gowthorp, Wakefield C. Green, Holmfiith J. Gill, Ackworth J. Gouthwaite, Fairburn W. K. Gowthorp, Wakefield J. Ganett, Fenybr dge E. Gaggs, Knottingley Gill, ditto J. Garlick, Saltmarsh B. Guy, London T. Graham, Djncaster H Right Hon. Lord Hawke, "Womers'ey Hon. Martin Bladen Hawke, Towton J. P. Heywood, Esq. Wakefield J. Hepworth, Esq. Rogerthorp J. Hill, Esq. Knowsthorp E. L. Hodgson, Esq. Siapleton W. Hutton, Esq. Gate Button, Gainsbro' B. Heywood, Esq. Stanley Hall Mr. Hawcroft, Puntelract R. Hepworth, Esq. ditto John Haxby, M D. ditto Mr. S. Hurst, ditto J. Hiniby, ditto B. Hick, ditto T. Hestletine, ditto Rev. T. Heron, dittto J Hurst, ditto Mr. B. Hupp, ditto T. Hi^gins, ditto R Horncastle, Esq. ditto Mr. T. Hall, ditto W. Hutchinson, ditto Mr. F. C. Halley, Pontefract E. Hattcrsley, ditto Darley Hemsworth, ditto Mrs. S. Hawksworlh, ditto Mr. J. Horner, ditto C. Haigh, ditto J, Hunt. di:to T.Hawksworth, ditto T. Haigh, ditto M. Hutchinson, ditto W. Hunt, ditto G. Hopkinson, ditto B.Hartley, ditto W. Hestletine, ditto George Hesletine, ditto B. Huntei, ditto R. Hail, ditto W. Holme, ditto H. Haigh, ditto S. Hurst, ditto Rev. E. Howard, ditto Mrs. Hanks, Tanshelf Heptinstall ditto 2 copies Mr. Hey, Cridling Park J. Hardcastle, Knottingley J. Hoy land, ditto Rev, W. R. Hay, Ackworth Mr. W. Hurst, Stubbs Harrop, Featherston R. Hurst Esq. Mirfield Mr. F. Hurst, Bentley T. Hobson, Brotherton Hunter, Leeds W. Hick, Micklefield W. Horncastle, Esq. Tanshelf Mr. W, Harrison, Scarthingwell G Hurst, Rotherham Heslop, Rippon J. Henderson, Darrington J.Hutchinson, Wakefield Rev. T. Hale, Heckmondwike Mr. J. Hall, Ferrybridge G. Hurst, Thirsk W Hardy, Knottingley H. Holmes, Leeds W. Hayley, Castleford Hextell, Byram Halliley, Lumby G. Hedley, Gainsbro* Hodgson, Wakefield J.Hill, Malton fi SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES Mr. G. Haltey, Rotherbam R. Hides, Sheffield I Sir John Ingleby, Bart. Ripley Mis. Ince, Pontefract Rev. C. Isherwood, Brotherton J Mr. S. Jackson, Pontefract H. Jackson, ditto J. Jefferson, l/t. D. ditto Mr. J. Johnson, ditto Joseph Johnson, Jun. ditto W. Johnson, ditto Edmund Johnson ditto John Johnson, Newcastle J. Jackson, Esq. Doncaster Mr. W. Jameson, York S. Jackson, Esq. Providence Green B. Jowitt, Esq. Carleton Mr. T. Jackson, Bruthetton T. Jackson, Knottingley Jowitt, Park Mrs. Jennings, Sheffield K Mr. J. Knowles, Pontefract S. Kidd, ditto Mrs. Knowles, ditto Mr. Knapton, ditto M. Kay, ditto Rev. G. Kelly, Featherston Mr. G. Keir, Attorney, Barnsley J. Knutton, Knottingley J. Keathly, Cliff G. Kendall, ditto J. Kershaw, Wakefield L Rt. Hon. Lord Lowther, Westmoreland 3 copies W. Leatham, Esq. Pontefract J. Leatham, Esq. ditto 2 copies Mr. T. Lea, ditto W. Lodge, ditto R. Lindley, ditto G. Linton, ditto Rev. J. Lowe, Wentworth Mr. Liversiege, Minsthorp J. Longwood, Knottingley Long, Birkin W. Long, Leeds Lane, Minerva Office, London W. B. Legg, Ackworlh Long, Methley Mr. E. Lowe, Sheffield Lindley, London G. Long, Mrs. Leatham, Featherston Mr. R, Long, Knottingley D. Lindsay* Ackworth G. Littlewood, Sheffield Loyd, Tewkesbury M Rt. Hon. Earl of Mexborough, Methley, 2 copies Countess of Mexborough, 2 copies Rev. R. Markham, Aichdeacon of York Rt. Hon. Lord Milton, Peterborough R. P. Milnes, M. P. Fryston Mrs. Milnes, ditto Sir W, Milner, Bart, Nun Appleton W. H. Marsden, Esq. Burntwood Lodge Capt. Montague, Royal Dragoons, 2 copies J. Milnes, Esq. Wakefield F. Maud, Esq. ditto Mr. Morvill, ditto J. Marshall, Esq. Pontefract R. Medley, Esq. ditto Mr. F. Moody, ditto Moorhouse, ditto H. Mason, ditto J. Muncaster. ditto Mrs. Marshall, ditto Mr. T. Martin, ditto W. Moody, ditto J. Morley, ditto T. Moor, ditto D. Morley, ditto Miss S. Morley, ditto Mr. J. Mountain, ditto S. Moore, ditto A. Moody, ditto. M. Mitton, Attorney, ditto J. Moody, ditto Mrs. J. Mountain, ditto Mr. Maykin, Leeds J. Moate, Fenwick J.. Maude, Purston Jack lint Miss Mann, Fryston R. Mitton, Esq. Hardwick Mr. B. Moorhouse, Knottingley Maude, Beale J. Muscroft, Surgeon, Kippax Mabson, Birmingham J. Morley, Esq. Beamsley Hall SUBSCRIBERS 7 NAMES. Til • • N Neville, Esq. Badsworth, M. J. Nettleton, Pontefract Nelsthorp, Ackworth G. Nay lor, Purston Tho. Nicholas, London O Rev Mr. Ogle, Castleford C. Oates, Esq. Sheffield Mr. T. Oxley, Surgeon, Pontefract S, Oxley, ditto C. Oldridge, ditto B. Oxley, ditto Malen Oxley, ditto J. Orde, Knottingley J. Oates, Wragby P Sir Tho. Pilkington, Bart. Chevet \V. Pilkington, Esq. ditto J. Pocklington, Esq, Muskham House, Nottinghamshire Pocklington, Esq. ditto W. Payne, Esq. Frickley G. Perfect, Esq. Thorp-Arch G. Pyemont, Esq. Tanshelf W. Perfect, Esq. Pontefract Mrs. Perfect, d tto Mr. J. Purslove, ditto A. Palfryman, ditto J. Petty, ditto J. Pease, ditto J. Patrick, ditto J. Perfect Esq ditto Mr. W. Popplewell, ditto Prince, ditto J. Pottage, ditto R. Petty, ditto Miss G. Pottage, ditto Mr. Price, Camblesforth Phn>h,. Leeds J. Preston, Brotherton Rev. Paddy, Kellington Mr. Pye, Poskitt, Kellington Rev. E. Parsons, Leeds Rev. T. S. Parris, Burghwallis Mr. Pollhill, ditto R. Proudfoot, London, 2 copies Pinder, Methley J. Prince, Castleford B. Pickhard, Houghton Mr. Pelyt, .London Rev. Maurice Philips, Masbro' Mr. J. Parker, Attorney,. Sheffield W. Priestly, Ouseleet R Mr. J. Robertshaw, Pontefract J. Ray, ditto Hurst Rhodes, ditto J. Reynolds, ditto D. Rideal, ditto T. Roberts, Jun. ditto J. Rayner, ditto R. Roebuck, ditto W. Richardson, ditto T. Ramsden, Jun. ditto J Robinson, ditto J Reynolds, ditto Mrs. A Rusby, ditto Mr. T. Roberts, York Rev. W. Richardson, Hardwick Mr. B. Rowley, Smeaton Miss Rawson, Leeds Miss L. Rawson, ditto Mr. C. Rudd. Rochdale R. Robinson, York S. Rusby, Ferrybridge R. Redfearn, Knottingley Redman, ditto W. Roberts, W. Robinson, Jun. Wakefield J. Rhodes, Micklefield R. Rhodes, Knottingley W Rhodes, Epworth, Lincolns. Miss Ryley, Wakefield S Rt. Hon. J. Smyth, Heath, 2 copies J. H. Smyth, E q ditto W. Smithson. Esq ditto Sir Edward Smith, Bart. Newland Walter Spencer Stanhope, Esq. Canon Hall Mr. Steevens, Cleobury Mrs. Sykes, Worsborough J. Stocks, Esq. Kinsley Mr. M. Shilito, Pulsion Jackling Mrs. Sunderland, Pontefract Miss Shilito, ditto, 4 copies Mr. Shirtcliff, ditto Spurr, ditto J. Standish, ditto D. Senior, ditto V1U subscribers' names. Mr. W. Stewart, Pontefract W. Smith, ditto R. Sadler, ditto Smith, ditto J. Seaton, Esq. ditto, 2 copies J. Fox Seaton, Esq. ditto R. Seaton, Esq. ditto Mi. J Shirtcliff, ditto W. Shepheid, ditto Stringer, ditto A. Sadler, ditto J. Scholey, ditto J. Seeker, di:to J. Shepherd, ditto T. Shuttieworth, Esq. ditto Mr. T. Sherwin, ditto R. Smvth : Esq. ditto Mr. T. Shencliffe, ditto T. Summerlon, ditto R. Smith, ditto J. Swallow, ditto W. Silverwood, ditto T- Scholey, ditto B. Shepherd, ditto W. Sharp, Knottingley J. Sharp, ditto S. Smith, Esq. Hambleton Mr. T- Stackhouse, Ack worth Sleddle, Carleton Mrs. Simpson, Fairburn Miss Simpson, ditto Mr. J. Sams, Ackworth T. Sayle, Egq, Wentbridge M. Shencliffe, Merchant, Leeds "W. Swainson, Esq. Halifax J. Smith.spn, Esq. Rothwel), 2 copies W. Sot heron, Esq. Darrington Rev. W. Smith, Haxton Mr. T. Smith, Sheffield W. Smith, Brotherton, 4 copies Mrs. Ann Spooner, Ackworth 0. C. Seaton, Esq. Huddersfield A. Surtees, Esq. Ackworth Mr. Sanderson, Milford J. Shore, Esq. Loscoe Grange Mr. M. Saul, Knottingley J. Stacey, ditto W. Sutcliff, Brothefton Sampson, London T. Shay, Castleford, Miss Sayle, Wentbridge Mr. J. Scholey, Wakefield W. Shipton, Green Hammeiton J. Smith Holbeck W. Simpson, Darrington T. Smithies, Knottingley J. Simpson, Newton Spink, North Elmsall T. Scholefield, Sheffield T T. Taylor, Esq Pontefract W. Townend, Esq. ditto T. W. Tew, Esq. (itto E. Trueman, Esq. ditto Mr. H. Towns, Attorney, ditto T. Tw aits, ditto T. Thompson, ditto t Mis. Torre, ditto Mr. P. Taylor, ditto T. Thompson, ditto Mrs. Townend ditto Mr. J. Tute, ditto J. Tattersall, ditto J. Thompson, ditto C. Thomas, ditto W Thistlehuaite, ditto H. Teal ditto W. Towndrow, ditto W. Thompson, ditto T. Taylor. Tan shelf Mrs. Turner, Eugden T. W. Tottie, Esq. Leeds Mr. x'ownend, Womersley Grove C. Tibbits, Esq Barton Seagrave M. J Taylor, Scarbro' 2 copies Rev. H. Torre, Sr.ydaH W. Thompson. Esq. Ferrybridge Mr. J. Tunon, Ackworth A. Tree, Knottingley Rich. Thompson, Ferrybridge J. Thorp, North Elmsall R. Thornton, Methley V Rev. W. Vint, -Idle Mr. R. Vaux, Pontefract Vaux, Whitley Vaux, Knottingley W Sir Edmund Mark Winn, Bart. Ackton D. Wilson, Esq. Dallam Tower, Westm. Lady Wood, Hems worth E. Wright, Esq. Walton SUBSCRIBERS 7 NAMES. IX P. Wilson, Esq. Methley J. Watson, Esq. Havercroft T. Wormald, Esq. Leeds Valentine Whitwill, Esq. ditto Mrs. Wilson, Elmsall Lodge Col. Wade, Altofts Rev. J. Woodruw, Ashton, Lancashire Dr. Walker, Leeds R. Wilkinson, York. Mr. Woodcock, Surgeon, Hemsworth E. Williams, D. D. Masborough Capt. Wi'son. Queen's Royal Reg. Mrs. Wade, Pontefract Mr. S. Wade, dittto T. Wade, ditto Walton, ditto J. Willott, Esq. ditto Mrs. Whiteford, ditto Mr. S. Wainwright, Surgeon, ditto Whitaker. ditto T. Wilson, Pontefract Mrs. A. Wade ditto Mr. R. Walker, ditto B. Wright, Jun. ditto W. Wood, ditto B. Wright, ditto J. Ward, ditto T. Waishaw, ditto T. Ward, ditto A. Waine, ditto J. Wilson, ditto T. Whitaker, ditto General Waide, Lofthouse Mr. Wigham, Pontefract Ward, ditto R. Wilcock, ditto J. Wadsworth, ditto Mrs. Wilson, Sherburn Mr. R. Wilkinson, Ackworth G, Wornack, Knottingley Wade, Hesle T. Wadsworth, Methley Wilks, Brotherton Workman, Ouston A. Wade, Ackworth Mrs. W. Westwood, Mi. White, Sutton W. Wilson, Sheffield Webster, Methley T. Wheator, Hensall Wyley, Selby J. Wroe, Ferrybridge R. Whitaker, Ackworth R. West Knottingley Wilson, ditto Whitelock, Brotherton T. Whigglesworth J, Williamson T. Wilson, Thornhill R. Winn, Ulleskelf Mrs. Ward, Sheffield Y Mr. Yeamans, Wakefield W. Yates, Paik Subscribers' Names omitted in the aforegoing List, Mr. A. Beaumont, Smeaton W. Brown, Lofthouse Blakey, Pontefract D. Bulgraddery, Cork Rev. Rob. Croft, Rowley Mrs. Colley, Tanshelf Mr. J. Collinson, Kiplin Gudfrey, Snydall W. Goodville, Pontefract Mrs. Heptinstall, ditto Mr. Horsefall, Barnsley R. Hopp. Pontefract W. Horner, ditto J. Hesleiine, ditto G. Haigh, ditto R. P. Hawkesworth, ditto Hill, Leeds Hill, Brotherton Mr. Hartley, Wakefield W. Jubb, Brookman T. Jones, ditto M. Lee, Grove Liversiege, Brotherton Lee, Knottingley Mrs. E. Lindley, Allerton Bywater Mr. Marshall, Britton W. Moor, Knottingley J. Martin, Wood Mills W. Petty, Pontefract W. Pilkington, ditto W. Richardson, Micklefield J. Redfearn, Knottingley W. Robinson, Swinefleet J. Thorp, Womersley Thomas, Sheffield J. Twibell, Badsworsh CONTENTS. Page. INTRODUCTION, ------ l SECTION I. On the State of the Place during the Dominion of the Romans, »_-.---5 SECT. II. On the Saxon Period, and the Introduction of Chris- tianity, - - - - -- -19 SECT. III. Inquiry into the Constitution and Privileges of the Borough under the Saxons, - • - - - 36 SECT. IV. The Norman Conquest, and the changes it produced, 46 SECT. V. On the modern Name of this Borough, and the building of the Castle, ___--- 53 SECT. VI. The History and Pedigree of the Lacies, - - 60 SECT. VII. Inquiry into the Conduct and Character of Thomas Earl of Lancaster, - - - - -84 SECT. VIII. Historical Events till the Death of Richard II. 99 SECT. IX. Historical Events till the Union of the Houses of Lan- caster and Fork, - - - - - -117 SECT. X. Historical Events from the Death of Richard III. till the commencement of the Civil War, - - 139 SECT. XI On the Civil War, the state of Parties, and a descrip- tion of the Castle in its perfect State, - - 143 Xll CONTENTS. Page SECT. XII. Events during the First Siege, - - - - 169 SECT. XIII. Events during the Second Siege, - - - - 185 SECT? XIV. Events which followed the surrender of the Castle, the manner in which it was surprised, the last Siege, and final Demolition, - 249 PART II. Priory of St. John, - - - - - -319 Dominican Friars, - - - - 333 Carmelites, - - - - - - - -340 Austin Friars, - - - - - - -341 Church of All-Hallows, - - - - - 343 Church of St. Giles, - - - - - -364 Chantry of St. Thomas, - - - - -376 St. Nicholas Hospital, - - -- - -378 Lazar House, - - - - - - -382 Jinolles\ or Trinity Hospital and College, - - 383 Bead House Hospital, - - - - - -392 Twaite" s Hospital, - - - - - - 393 Franks Hospital, _«..«-.- 394 Cowpefs Hospital, - - - - - -397 Perfects Hospital, - - - - - -228 Watkhis Hospital, - - - - - -399 The King ] s Free Grammar School, - - -401 Charity School, - - - - - - -411 Talbot s Charity, Sayles Dole, - - - - 414 Corporations Bequest, - - - - - -418 Acastefs Bequest, - - - - - - ib„ Mrs. Dorothy Frank's Bequest - - - - ib. FothergiW s Donation, - - - - - -419 The Park, * 428 Stump Cross, - - - - - -441 Market- Cross, Town-Hall, Theatre, - - - 443 Ancient Cave, - - - - - - -ib. Corporation, - - - - - ' - -445 Parliamentary History, - - - - - 458 Religious Sects, and modern State of the Town, 484 Appendix — Addenda. - - - - - ' - PREFACE, AGREEMENT in language, community of pri- viliges, and a similarity in general habits, form the basis of the virtue called patriotism, or the love of our country; a virtue which grows with our growth, and ripens with our years. The same principles which generate the love of our country, give every man a peculiar interest in the place of his nativity, or in that where he has spent the chief part of his life. The former he recollects in connection with his boyish sports, and the gay and enchanting scenes of his youth, when his mind was free from care, and the illusions of fancy added charms to every object, and converted the world into a paradise ; the latter is impressed on his heart by the toils he has endured, the friend- ships he has formed, and most probably by those tender sympathies and emotions which he feels as a husband and a father. The same principles which attach us to a particular place,, lead us to enquire into its origin, and into the events which have occurred respecting it ; and by connecting the idea of the place with the events, and disregard- ing the time, we feel as if personally interested. Topography is founded on the above mentioned principles ; and while it gratifies a natural desire, it often illustrates and improves general History. Every particular town, is a part of a general whole; an unit of the aggregate number of which a king- dom consists. To describe each separately, and to state with precision the most interesting occur- rences, must tend to render general History more minute and more faithful. XIV PREFACE. The work now presented to the public, origi- nated in the wish of a respectable friend, Richard Hepworth, Esq. . who had made a collection of such materials towards it as he had met with in the course of his reading. These he offered to the Author, and generously promised any assistance which it was in his power to afford ; and during the pro- gress of this work, he has faithfully adhered to his engagement. On perusing these materials, the Author found that much was yet to be done — that beside the task of arranging, diligent research was necessary in order to explain and illustrate various facts which were only noticed en passant by our Historians, He availed himself of all the sources of information within his reach ; and in the course of his researches, he met with materials far beyond what he had expected. The most valuable communication the Author received from the Rev. F. Drake, Lecturer, of Pontefract. This was the ISIS, journal of the siege wrote at the time by his ancestor, Captain Drake, and which had been carefully preserved in the fa- mily. By the aid of this valuable MS. the history of the siege is more particular and interesting than it could possibly otherwise have been. The notes, containing some account of the fa- milies of several distinguished persons in the castle, aud of some in the army of the Parliament, have been derived from Wilson's MS. Pedigrees, in the Leeds library, compared with another valuable copy in the possession of the Rt. Hon. J. Smyth, Heath, near Wakefield. Both these MS. are copies from one in the possession of the late Dr. Richard- son, of Bierly, near Bradford, collected by Mr. Hopkinson, the friend of Dugdale, from the records in Pontefract Castle, previous to its demolition. The Author has to acknowledge his obligations to J. Miines, Esq. for the accurate pedigree of the PREFACE. XV Pool family, and some other communications. Vv r . H. Beaumont, Esq. of Whitley, has honoured the Author with some documents respecting his family ; and as a gentleman and a scholar, he has disco- vered a readiness to impart information from the valuable collection of ancient documents in his possession, which leads the Author to regret, that he had not the happiness of becoming acquainted with him, previous to the commencement of his work. From a letter of Sir Thomas Beaumont, it appears, that the note, page c 2\5, explaining the term Snaphances, is not correct as applied to that period, whatever it may be as now used among the military. Sir Thomas, in a letter dated from Pon- tefract, June 7, 1643, answers one he had recei- ved — " for the Match you write for, I shall shortly send you some ; but I put you in mind once more, to use your Snaphance Pieces to keep centery with, as that will save our Match " This decides the ense of the term as then understood. The note in page 284, respecting Lady Saville, copied from Kimber's Baronetage, is a misrepre- sentation. Sir Thomas Beaumont was the governor of the castle, and in the articles of rendition, there is one, which respects the safe return of Lady Saville, to Thornhill. Some persons will probably conceive that this work is too much connected with the general history of the country. In reply, it may be ob- served that every local history must be less or more so ; and as such a work will fall into the hands of many, whose situation and circumstances preclude access to works on general history, it was judged advisable to relate the causes of those events which more properly belonged to the history of the place. The history of the priory and religious orders might have been rendered more minute, had the Xvi PREFACE. Author had the opportunity of searching the valu- able stores of the Bodleian Library. He found, that his materials were as ample as his plan and proposals would admit ; and he was under the ne- cessity of leaving this to some future historian, that he might give an account of the churches, charities, &c. within the Borough. On the whole, the Author commits this work to the public, sensible that further attention and re- search might have rendered it more perfect. He has had the double task of collecting his materials, and of immediately arranging them for the press. Hence he has rarely had an opportunity of attend- ing to his language, and of giving to it, that polish and grace, which would have enlivened the subject, and rendered the whole more pleasing and inte- resting. He hopes this will disarm critisism of her severity, and excite her to practice the virtue of forbearance, where she cannot smile with appro- bation. P, S. Since the history of the siege was printed ©if, the life of Sir H. Slingsby has been published, in Scotland. In this work, some particulars re- specting the castle, previous to the battle of Mar- ston Moore, are noticed; and a Sir John Red- man, is said to have been the governor. A hard fought battle is described, between the royalists and the parliamentarians, which began at Brother- ton, and extended to Berkin. The royalists were victorious, but Sir J. Redman soon after died. Vid. the Work. INTRODUCTION. xllSTORY it is generally admitted, is not less calculated to afford rational amusement, than to impart useful instruction. It collects the experi- ence and wisdom of all ages; it records useful dis- coveries, and traces the progress of the arts; it notices the influence of civil institutions, in forming the character and regulating the manners and sen- timents of a people; and combining the useful with the agreeable, it never fails to please. A faithful delineation of the conduct and cha- racters of distinguished individuals ; a detail of those great events which have contributed in a considerble degree, to the greatness and happiness of a people, or to their misery and wretchedness, cannot be perused without interest. While reading an animated description of some rencounter, which is to decide the fate of nations, who does not feel the oscillations of hope and fear, while the battle hangs in suspence ? While contemplating the character of those who have ennobled human nature by their distinguished virtues, who is not excited, at least for the moment, to imitation? Who does not wish in whatever situation placed, to dignify that situation by the exercise of appropriate virtues* It is not possible that all should command armies, and by their achievements obtain general renown; no. i. B * 2 INTRODUCTION. but it is possible for eacb individual to obtain a sufficient portion of fame by a virtuous conduct in the station in which he is placed. The examples of excellence which history sets before us, in every science; in every profession and calling, must have a considerable, though it may be an imperceptible influence on our conduct and pursuits. These ex- amples like the dew on the grass, cherish and invi- gorate every virtuous principle. They operate like the sun; nor, after ages have elapsed, is their influ- ence spent. Nor are examples of vice useless. Though on many occasions history pourtrays some of the worst of our species as prosperous, it tends on the whole to establish the maxim, " That the prosperity of the wicked shall destroy them." If it exhibit the character of a Pharoah or a Nero tram- pling for a season on the rights of men; and exulting in the misery their own crimes have created ; it also shews their end ;— that while one for his obduracy, cruelty and oppression, is made an example of divine vengeance ; the other is driven from a throne on which he was unworthy to sit, and falls a just sacrifice to the hatred which his own vices had ex- cited. After having erected a palace, covered with gold wrung from the people by oppression, and coolly observing, " that this was an habitation fit for a man to dwell in ;" Nero was forced to fly to an homely cottage, and there slain. As history shews vice on a throne thus punished; it also displays inferior examples equally wretched ; and one would hope that such examples cannot but afford to mankind the most salutary admonitions. In a word, when virtuous characters excite our esteem, those of vice must excite our abhorrence. INTRODUCTION. 3 and this abhorrence must become a motive to a more amiable and dignified deportment. Ex- amples of vice act by a repellant, as those of virtue by an attractive influence; and unless a man is already decided in his character, and established in criminal habits, it may reasonably be expected, that such examples will, on the whole, be favourable to virtue. The influence of civil institutions cannot be more clearly displayed than in topographical history. As this is confined to a particular district, it is ne- cessarily more minute in its details, it marks every change in the institutions, the sentiments and man- ners of a people; it describes distinguished indivi- dual characters, and by being more particular, it becomes more influential and interesting. Every man is led to reflect that he inhabits the place where the most striking events have occurred ; where the most noble examples of patriotism, valour and prudence, have been exhibited; and he is influenced to become equally patriotic, bold and daring, prudent and circumspect, with those who have been — but alas are no more ! Though this place has not been hitherto honored by a particular history, it is not owing to any want of authentic and interesting materials. Its antiquity, the singular events which have occurred; its connec- tion with the general history of the kingdom, afford ample matter for the historian. To use the lan- guage of a late writer, this place is memorable for the residence of a proud Norman conqueror — for the tragical end of a beloved King — for the noble blood which flowed by the hand of the executioner ; and for the unshaken loyalty here manifested in the defence of that unfortunate monarch Charles the first, THE HISTORY PONTEFRACTo SECTION I. On the state of this place during the dominion of the Romans. xT is difficult, not to say in many cases im- possible, to trace with precision the original founda- tion and establishment of particular places. The lapse of so many ages, and the want of ancient records, are obstacles which no industry or research can surmount Nor can it excite wonder that the origin of particular places should be unknown, when the subject is deliberately considered ; but on the other hand, it is what may reasonably be expected. When objects grand or novel are beheld, they strike the imagination with an irresistable force, and the plea- surable emotions they excite, lead the mind to dwell on them, till they become indelibly impressed on the memory ; but those which are common are seen and forgotten; the impression which they make fades away with the passing moment. While the majestic river, which fertilizes and enriches the country through which it winds its course, is beheld 6 HISTORY OF PONTfiFRACT. with admiration, the spring from which it rises is unnoticed. In like manner the populous town or busy city contains objects which arouse the atten- tion, and the various occurrences and events of such places, afford matter for the historian; while the farm house or the few cottages, from which such town or city arose, are beheld with indifference ; and no one thinks of describing who built them, or by whom they are inhabited. As most places have originated from such small beginnings, years, if not ages, must have rolled away before they became sufficiently interesting to deserve notice; and on this account our inability to produce direct evidence of the time when, and the manner how this ancient town arose, is the less to be regretted. But though we cannot attain what is absolutely certain on this point, by the consideration of collateral circum- stances, we may yet arrive at what is highly probable. The state of Britain before the invasion of the Romans is but imperfectly understood. The enter- prizing spirit of the Phenician merchants of Tyre in the land of Judaea, had early pushed discovery beyond the pillars of Hercules; and to open new sources of wealth and trade, they had reached Britain. At this remote period, the Britons were not unacquainted with the treasures their country contained ; and long before Caesar visited them they knew how to extract the valuable metals of lead, tin, and copper from their ores. These articles they exchanged with the Phenicians for the merchandise of the east ; and the Phenicians gave the name of Cassiterides *, to the British isles. * Vid. Borlace Ant. Cor. 29. p. Five or six centuries before the Christian era, they carried on this trafic. Herodotus, who flourished 440 years before Christ, calls the island from whence HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 7 Julius Caesar about fifty-five years before the Christian era passed over from Gaul, and made a descent on Britian. The Britons not discouraged by the fame of his conquests, and the subjugation of their brethren the Gauls, made a brave resis- tance ; and though compelled to give way to the disciplined legions of Rome, they obtained the praise due to their valour and courage from their enemies. The ambition of Caesar was now directed against his own country; and having received hos- tages from the Britons he departed, and they esca- ped the yoke prepared for them for near a century. Caesar, who amidst the toils of war and the various duties which his high rank imposed upon him, still found leisure for the cultivation of polite literature; and to his elegant Commentaries we are indebted for the best information respecting the laws, customs and manners of the Britons. From these we learn, that the island of Britain was peopled from the Continent, and that our ancestors spake the same language, worshipped the same idols, and were governed by the same laws as the inhabitants of Gaul. The kingdom was divided into a number of inde- pendent and separate states, one of the most con- siderable of which was that of the Brigantes, who inhabited this part of the country. Each state acknowledged one chief or king; but this chief or king was not absolute. He could neither make laws, nor engage in any matters of importance, without the advice and consent of the equites, or leadr tin came Cassiterides, and confesses he knew not where it lay, xtcdj? is the Chaldee name for tin, and it is probable it was sq called by the Phenicians ; as the Greeks cannot be supposed to, have given a name to an island they did not know. 8 tilSTORY Otf PONTEFRACT. ing men, and the druids, or priests *. There appears only to have existed among the Britons these two orders, for the common people were in a state of •vassalage f . Each of these equites enjoyed a cer- tain district of land, where he resided with his re- tainers around him, who attended him in war, and in peace cultivated his ground, and supplied his table with its produce. These districts must have differed in extent, some being larger than others; and it has been supposed these divisions of land, were the foundation of our present parishes. The houses of the Britons were of a round form, and covered with a convex roof; and houses of this form continued in the highlands of Scotland, where the remains of the old Britons still reside, within a few centuries J. They were made by driving stakes into the earth, and watling them with osiers; and the roof was covered with branches of trees* and thatched. They had much the appearance of tents, and w r ere so ca'led by Dion and Zonaras§. At the arrival of the Romans, the population of Britain was considerable. Bed e inform us, there were twenty-eight cities, besides other fortified ■places || . Tacitus expressly asserts, that the Bri- gantes were the most numerous, and formed the largest kingdom of any within the whole island 5f . This people whose capital was called Isurium, (now Aldborough, near Boroughbridge,) were justly ranked among the most warlike of the Britons. * Whitaker, Hist. Man, Vol. 1. p. 6. f Caesar, pefie servorum loco. t B^etius, Scot. Reg. Descrip. Fo. 4. 1575, Paris. j| Eccl. Hist. B. 1G.1. ^j" Tac Agr. c. 17. Brigantes—civitasnumerossissimatotius provinciae. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 9 They had either peopled, or acquired by conquest the whole of that territory now divided into the counties of Durham, York, Westmoreland, Cum- berland, and Lancaster. In the Itineraries of An- tonine and Richard, there are twenty-eight towns mentioned, whose names prove their British origin/ subject to the Brigantes. According to Ninius, Danum, or Doncaster was then a town of impor- tance *. The towns or cities of the Britons were generally built in valleys, upon the margin of a stream or river, for the convenience of water and security from winds. They were not scenes of general and constant residence, but may be considered rather as places of refuge amid the dangers of war, where they might occasionally lodge their wives, children and cattle, and the weaker resist the stronger, till succours could arrive. Surrounded by impervious woods and secured by a rampart and fosse, they were sufficiently strong to resist the ordinary attacks of their enemies. The Britons had a peculiar method of giving alarm and collecting their forces, on the invasion of an enemy. They raised a cry which was caught up, and transmitted from mouth to mouth through all the region, and as the notice passed along the warriors snatched their arms, and hurried away to the rendezvous. When Caesar first invaded Britain the alarm was spread in this manner, in sixteen or seventeen hours, one hundred and sixty miles in a direct line f The partial remains of this custom * Usserii Prim. Eccl. Brit. f Ubi major atque illustrior incidit res, clamore per agroSj regionesque significant ; hunc alii deinceps excipiunt, et proximis tradunt: ut tunc accidit; nam quse oriente sole Genabi gesta > T 0. i. c * 10 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT still exist among us in the' hue and cry Which is raised after a thief who would escape justice. After the invasion of Julius Csesar, a more gene- ral intercourse was established between Britain and the continent, 'and Britain was considered as a field where the generals of Rome might obtain fame, and the empire receive an addition to its territory and wealth. At length they obtained a settlement in the country; and in the progress of their con- quests reached the Brigantes ; and, after numerous and hard-fought battles, reduced them under sub- jection. Unaccustomed to a tame submission our brave countrymen, soon raised the standard of re- volt, and once more committed their cause to the decision of arms* Though possessed of equal valour and courage with their enemies, the Britons were deficient in that steady discipline and order which they had acquired, and were at last compelled to submit to the Roman eagle. This revolt of the Brigantes and the triumph of the Romans over them, happened in the seven- teenth consulate of Domitian, and about the eigh- teenth of the christian era. The fact is establised by a leaden trophy dug up near Ripon, about the middle of the last century *.. Having conquered this part of Britain, they adopted the most prudent methods to keep the people in subjection ; to check the spirit of revolt and to render their conquest useful and lasting. As they could not confide in Britons, they fixed essent, ante primam confectam vigiliam in finibus Arvernorum audita sunt ; quod spatium est millium passuunl circiter 1 60. G je s a r . Com. p. 135. * The inscription of it is, TMP. C AES. DOMITIAN. AVG. VII. COS. BRIG, Phik Tr. 687. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 11 their camps, on the site of their towns or near to them, and a certain part of a legion was there stationed. The camps of the Romans which are supposed to have given origin to man}' of our towns and cities, appear rather to indicate some prior settlement of the Britons. In many instances this is certain, and in others the reason of the thing establishes it. Within two miles of this place the vestiges of a Roman camp or station remained till within a late period, and the Itineraries furnish us with the name Lagecium or Legeolium, now called Castleford. In the Bean-field, or Castle^garth, numbers of Roman coins have been dug up ; a sure indication that the Romans once dwelt there. From this circumstance, and if the above remark be just, we may infer that previous to their arrival, the banks of the Aire and Calder were inhabited; the native Britons there depastured their cattle, while the surrounding woods supplied them with game for the chase, and with food for their tables. Nor is it improbable that the Britons fed their flocks and their herds in the valley where the old town of Pontefract stood. The Romans stationed in this neighbourhood did not only check the ardent and restless spirit of the natives, but gradually introduced among them their own arts, and the comforts of civilization; and thus rendered their conquest equally beneficial to themselves and the vanquished Britons. The Roman soldiers were as much accustomed to the use of the plough as the shield, and were as industrious in peace as they were brave in war. When they had fixed their camps they availed themselves of the advantages the surrounding country presented, in. 12 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. order to secure to themselves tbe necessary sup- plies. Woods were cut down* the ground cleared and plowed up; and roads were constructed from station to station, to facilitate the conveyance of goods* and collect their forces together with more ease and expedition* on any sudden emergency. The great Roman road called Wathling or Wat- ling Street*, which divided England in length* and runs from the port Ritupae, now Richborough in Kent [usque ad lineam valli] to the limit of the Roman wall, and beyond it* unquestionably passed either through or near to the town of Pontefract, It may be traced from Danum, or Doncaster* over Seawsby Leas to Barnsdale; and from thence to East Hardwick* and through Pontefract Park to Castleford. A second Roman road from Chesterfield, by way of Sheffield* Bamsley, Hemsworth and Ackworth, joined Watlihg Street, at Pontefract : as did also a third from Manchester, by Canlbodu- hum, Wakefield* and the Street houses. A vicinal way appears to have passed through the site of the old town in a south direction to Darrington* Wentbridge, Smeaton, Campsail* and Hatfield; and northward to Castleford f. From the circumstance of so many roads meet- ing at or near this place* Leland and Drake were induced to consider it as the ancient Legeoliuni. Although much deference is due to the opinion of * Whitaker and Hearne differ from most other writers respect ing the name of this Roman road. They maintain that Watling Street led from Sandwich directly west into Wales : and that the true name of this street Is Ikening, or Ikinild. -j- The remembrance of this road is still preserved in the name oFthe closes called Street-Furlong, which lies contiguous to it, near Darrington. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTV 13 these celebrated antiquaries on subjects of this nature; they seem in this instance to have been mistaken, and the honour of that ancient station undoubtedly belongs to Castleford *. It is not however improbable, that a secondary and a sub- ordinate station to that at Legeolium was established here, as we find such secondary and subordinate stations usual in other places. These stations were placed at convenient distances for the protection of their cattle; and Whitaker mentions six of this kind in the vicinity of Mancuniensis, or Manches- ter. Before the inclosure and cultivation of the Park, evident vestiges of a Roman camp remained on its ridge f . The Roman custom of grazing in Italy was adopted in the remotest parts of their widely ex- tended empire. The dry ground of the hills, and the moist meadows of the vale were successively the pasture of their flocks and herds. During the sum- mer they confined them to the marshes and low grounds ; and on the approach of winter they drove them up to the hills J. According to this custom the * The greater part of our antiquaries are of this opinion, and the distance in the fifth and sixth Iter of Antonine confirm it, la the fifth, the distance from Danum to Legeolium is said to be sixteen miles ; and from thence to York twenty-one. In the eighth, it is said, from York to Legeolium is twenty-one, and from thence to Doncaster sixteen miles. Besides the coins which have been in such numbers dug up, and are still occasionally found, there have been other monuments of Roman elegance discovered at Castleford. T. Wilson, F. R. S; in a manuscript letter to the author of the Eboracum, now in the pos- session of the writer, remarks that he had seen at Castleford several fragments of a fine tesselated pavement, which had been dug up ity a garden adjoining to the Bean- field. f In the letter mentioned in the last note, the writer, who seems to have examined the ground, gives it as his decided opinion, that a Roman camp had been formed on the Park ridge. % Vegetius, Lib. iii. c. 8. Animalium pascua, 14 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. low and marshy land about Castleford would be deemed unsuitable for their cattle in winter, and the higher ground of this place would be prefered. There have been some Roman coins found in this place, and there are still remaining in many old walls, bricks, which from iheir dimensions, thickness, colour, and texture, appear to be Roman, On the whole it is highly probable that this place derives its origin from a secondary Roman station, and although not equal in magnitude and impor- tance with Legeolium, yet owing to its excellent pasture grounds, the salubrity of its air, its com- manding prospects and beautiful scenery, it would be preferred by the more wealthy Romans as well as by the native Britons ; it became to Legeolium what Baiae was to Rome, the seat of elegance, pleasure, and refinement. The provincial government of Rome, has been censured as severe and oppressive; and it must be acknowledged that in some instances the censure is just. A high territorial impost, a tax on the pro^ duce of land was rendered still more grievous and burdensome by the rapacity of the collectors of the revenue. These oppressions produced the revolt under Boadicea which proved so fatal to the Roman legions, and nearly subverted their dominion in Britain. The towns were governed according to their rank. They were divided into four orders, towns municipal and stipendiary, colonies and cities in- vested with latin privileges. These last were like our present boroughs, enjoying the privilege of chusing their own magistrates, and not subject to a foreign prefect or questor. The stipendiary towns enjoyed no corporate privilege, and were subject to the provincial regimen, like our hamlets and HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT\ 15 villages. Colonies were communities chiefly con- sisting of the veteran soldiers who had served out their legal time. Their government was partly by the civil, and partly by the military law. Every person in a colony was a soldier, and in cases of necessity the whole colony was called to take the field. A colony was established at York, and the chief officer of the government of the province, Flavia Caesariensis, resided there. The municipia were citie senfranchised ; where the natives were allowed the use of their own laws, and at the same time honoured with the privilege of Roman citizens. The Britons were chiefly employed, during this period, in agriculture and in the usual manual occupations. Though numbers enlisted and filled the ranks of the legions, they were denied the advantages conferred on the veterans of Home, and were subject to the disgraceful punishment of being beaten with rods, or scourged*; a punishment humiliating to a brave, and insupport* able to an high-spirited people. At length the Romans began to treat the natives with more respect, and to consider them as a com- ponent part of the empire. Anxious to preserve what they had acquired at the expence of so much blood, they endeavoured to unite the people into one body by the reciprocations of interest, and the participations of similar laws, privileges and immu- nities. In the reign of Antoninus Pius, these rights were conferred on every Briton of property and worth; and the cunning and artful Caracala extended them equally to all. By this wise act the Britons no longer suffered a disgraceful exclusion* but were admitted to a participation of marriages, * Acts xvi. 37. 16 HISTORY OP PONTEFEACT. and a communion of honours with the Romans. They became eligible to every situation and office for which they were qualified ; and to this wise policy Rome was indebted for some of her best commanders and emperors. The Roman station at Legeolium, the subordi- nate one of this place, and the native inhabitants of the country, now became fellow citizens. The distinction which had hitherto existed between the conquerors and the conquered, was now hap- pily abolished; and no other difference was known, but what arose from the inequality of property, in- terest, or the discharge of civil or military offices. Under the influence of just laws, wisely administer- ed, population increased; and Britain could raise and send forth armies sufficiently powerful to obtain the empire of the world. From this province arose Constantine, called the Great; and supported by the British legions, he assumed the purple, and vanquished all his competitors *. From the time the empire was divided into the eastern and western it began to decay. The incessant wars carried on with equal fury and ran- cour by the emperors of the east and west, as well as by the various competitors, exhausted its strength and resources, and rendered it a more easy prey * At a subsequent period the British legions raised Maximus to the throne; and on his passing into Gaul, he took with him the flower of the British youth. The British forces remained with Victor, the son of Maximus by a British lady; and on the defeat of Victor, were left in the most deplorable situation ; in a distant coun- try, surrounded with enemies; without a leader, or ships to convey them home. They pushed forward to the sea coast, then called Armorica, in hope of getting over into Cornwall, but were disap- pointed. They tetded with the Belgae on the coast, and gave their name to the province now called Brittany, in France* Henry's Hist. Vol. 1. p. ??. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 17 to its enemies. The northern nations as if by general consent, issued forth and assailed it through the whole length of its frontiers ; and though often repelled, they reiterated their attacks, till at length they obtained a final conquest. The Romans, un- able to stand before their enemies on the Continent, withdrew their legions from Britain, four hundred and three years subsequent to their first settlement in the country. From their possession of the country for so long a period, ii is natural to infer, that their customs, laws, and arts, had become deeply rooted among the Britons; and that on their departure these would be observed, and continue to maintain their influence. It is not possible for a people in any degree civilized to relapse all at once into a state of barbarism; and it is probable the Britons would adhere to those institutions the Romans had estab- lished among them. The Britons do not appear to have adopted their language. The higher ranks acquired it as an elegant and necessary accomplishment; but the lower orders continued to speak in their native dia- lect. Conquerors find it more difficult to change the language of a people, than their institutions and manners. On the departure of the Remans from this place and neighbourhood, many of their buildings would be left uninhabited, and would soon become ruins: and subsequent events would obliterate the remem- brance of those which had preceded. Few vestiges of the Roman name and greatness now remain; and had not the page of History outlived the works of art, it would have been impossible to have traced the existence of this once famous people either in this place or neighbourhood. 18 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. The Romans flattered themselves with the hope, that their government and dominions would be eternal. And if we consider the wisdom of their institutions; the propriety and equity of their laws; the elegance of their arts ; their military achieve- ments; their high spirit and invincible courage, such a hope may appear to be well founded; but when on the other hand we contemplate their vices, luxuries, and oppression, we see the falacy of their hope and the principal causes of their ruin. The same virtues which acquire dominion are re- quisite to preserve and keep it; and if a people cease to be virtuous, they will ultimately cease to command. While the rise, greatness, and duration, of the Roman state for so many ages, shew what the union of wisdom, justice and valour can accom- plish; their final subversion and ruin shew also what must be the end of every state in which vice prevails over virtue. Vain fluctuating state of human empire ! First small and weak it scarcely rears its head, Scarce stretching out its helpless infant arm s, Implores protection of its neighbour states, Who nurse it to their hurt. Anon it strives For pow'r and wealth, and spurns at opposition. * Arriv'd to full maturity it grasps At all within its reach, o'erleaps all bounds, Robs, ravages and wastes the affrighted world. At length grown old, and swelPd to bulk enormous. The monster in its proper bowels feeds Pride, luxury, corruption, perfidy, Contention, fell diseases of a state, That prey upon her vitals. Of her weakness Some other rising pow'r advantage takes, (Unequal Match !) plies with repeated strokes Her infirm aged trunk : she nods — she totters — She falls — alas ! never to rise again. The victor state upon her ruins rais'd, Runs the same shadowy round of fancy'd greatness, And meets the same certain end. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 19 SECTION II. On the Saxon period, and the introduction of CJirislianiti). iHE name of this place in the time of the Saxons was Kirkby : a name evidently posterior to the in- troduction of Christianity, and imposed on the erection of a christian church. A church is called kirk * in many parts of this country, and is inva- riably so denominated in Scotland. The term Bye, is Saxon for an habitation, and when joined with kirk, signifies the town or hamlet near to or around the church. There is in this neighbourhood a South-Kirby, a place of considerable antiquity, as it is so called in Doomsday-book. It is not improbable that as this name was imposed for a similar reason, it was * The term Kirk is derived from the Greek, (Kvy&xos) denoting what belongs to the Lord; and has been applied to the building in which he is worshipped. The word translated church, in the New Testament, is CE*#w«a) and in no instance denotes a building, but an assembly of people; and in the old versions of the Bible, it was always rendered congregation ; a word which conveys the sense of the original much better than the technical term adopt- ed by King James's translators ; and it has this further advantage over the word church, that the bulk of the common people could not misunderstand it. In the articles, the word church is denned to be, "an assembly of faithful men," but how few are there, who on using the word church, affix to it the same ideas as are contained in the definition. The popular has nearly obliterated the theological sense. Vid. Pearson in Cred, 20 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. called south, to distinguish it from this Kirkby which lay north of it, The Saxons at their arrival in Britain were equally strangers to the doctrines and genuine spirit of Christianity. The idols of their fathers were the objects of their profound veneration and regard; and their mythology while it displays the ; wildness of the untutored mind, strikingly deline- ates their habits and character. It seems wholly designed to inspire a contempt of death and a love of martial glory. By attaching disgrace and infamy to cowardice, both in the present and in a future world, it forcibly operated on all the energies of the mind, and contributed in a considerable degree to form their warlike character. The fear of disgrace prompted to deeds of the most daring valour. This mythology equally flattered the hope and ambition of the brave. It held out to them the never fading laurels of fame, and the enjoyment of the spoil and wealth of their vanquished enemies. Amid the dangers of war and die carnage of battle, they were taught to believe, that though they should fall on the ensanguined plain, they should enjoy in the invisible state, the resurrection. Another of their Gods was called Mara, supposed to terrify people in their sleep, whence comes the wovdnight-?nqre. The doctrines of Eifs and Fairies is purely Saxon ; and to these imaginary beings, they offered a peculiar kind of sacrifice called Alf-blot. Many still ' believe, that the green circles which are seen in meadows, have been the theatre of their midnight gambols ; and that an exudation, frpm a particular species of plant, is the butter they have made. Vid. Brands, pop. Ant. * Tacitus observes, that they accounted it more honourable to take the necessaries of life from others, than by honest industry to provide them for themselves. Their laws and customs had all a tendency to inspire courage, and form them for warriors. No man could bear arms till he was solemnly admitted to the privilege in a general assembly. A man was not suffered to. cut his beard, till he had slain his enemy, or taken his standard from him. If any one quitted the field of battle without success, he was under a temporary disgrace. If any left the field, where his general was slain, he was branded vvidi perpetual infamy. If a soldier lost his shield in battle, he was interdicted their sacred rites, on account of which many committed suicide. For a man to die of disease or in bed, they held to be .dis- honourable, and believed that all such could be excluded from the joys of a future happy state. 22 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. piracies on the ocean and their plundering incursions on the land, they contributed their full share in the devastation and ruin of the western empire of Rome. The Britons finally abandoned by the Romans, and much enfeebled by the loss of their brave youth who had enlisted into their legions, were not long suffered to enjoy peace and tranquility. The Cale- donians who had been with difficulty restrained within the limits of the Highlands of Scotland, during the period of Roman power and greatness, now passed the wall of Severus, and ruin and devas- tation marked their progress. As their inroads were made more for the purpose of plunder than of permanent conquest, when they had obtained their object they retreated to their native wilds, Britain divided inio thirty petty states*, and each state jealous of its neighbour, and only intent on its own interest could never bring its whole strength against its northern foes; and by being thus divided its misery and ruin advanced with the rapidity of a continually accelerated force. After separate states had struggled with the hardy sons of the North for the space of forty years, at length a war-king was chosen as generalissimo of the united troops of Britain. Had this measure been adopted on the departure of the Romans, it is probable the Britons would have been able to repel the Caledonians, nor would the Saxons have been otherwise known than as enemies who had been defeated. This measure was now too late. The spirit of the country was broken, its strength exhausted, and nothing but defeat could be ex- * Vid. Turner's Hist, of the Saxons, Vol. I. 133.— This elegant and ingenuous writer has accurately pointed out the form of government, which prevailed after the departure of the Romans. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 23 pected. Necessity, not choice, impelled the Bri- tish chief to invite the Saxons to repel the Cale- donians; a measure which proved fatal to the inte- rests and independence of Britain. The Saxons once admitted into the country had no wish to re- turn. Allured by the fertile plains of the south, and the riches of the country, they turned their arms against the unhappy Britons, and began the conquest of the land. Though frequently checked and often defeated, yet receiving continual reen- forcements from their own shores, they ultimately succeeded in their design, and Britain once more received the yoke of a foreign power. Daring this unhappy contest the chief monu- ments of Roman elegance and greatness were laid in ruins; and a once cultivated country converted into a desert. " The Saxons destroyed eyery thing with fire and sword. Public as well as private buildings were consumed; the priests were slain whilst ministring at the altar; the bishops with their people were put to the sword; nor ivere there any left to perform for them the rights of sepulture. Many .fled to the mountains for safety, and endured a precarious existence in poverty and want. Others emigrated, and sought peace and safety in foreign climes. Some submitted to their destiny, and were reduced to the most abject slavery *." The kingdom of Northumberland was establish- ed the last in the Heptarchy; and from this circum- stance we may infer that the Britons of our own country made a brave resistance. They contested every inch of ground with the enemy : and when repelled from Yorkshire, they obstinately defended * Bed. lib. I. c. 19. Fro accipiendis alimentarum subsidiis eternum subituri servitium. ^4 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. themselves in Cumberland, Lancashire, arid Che- shire; and a century elapsed before they were driven to the mountains of Wales. From these mountains they often issued forth, and by the slaughter and plunder of the Saxons, retorted on them the cruelties they had exercised. Here they maintained their independence, and have transmit- ted their name and language down to our own days. The Saxons being established in the possession of Britain, attempts were made to impart to them the blessings of revelation, and to bring them within the pale of the christian church: nor were these attempts unsuccessful. Christian societies were certainly formed, and christian bishops are mentioned, anterior to the departure of the Komans* The native Britons had embraced Christianity, and when driven by the Saxons from the fertile parts of the country, they adhered to it among the mountains of Wales. The Saxons who inhabited Kent first received and professed the * It has been maintained that Christianity was introduced into Britain in the time of the Apostles. Claudia, the wife of Pudens, mentioned 2 Tim. iv. 21. is supposed to be a British ladv, whom Martial celebrates for her beauty and virtues. Lib. iv. Ep. 1 3. If any of the Apostles did visit Britain, it was Paul. He was released from confinement at Rome in the year 58, and spent nine years in the western empire ; and as he never returned to the east, it is not improbable that in this space he visited Spain, Gaul and Britain. He particularly aimed to preach the gospel, where no other had been ; and considering his 2eal, it cannot be suppos- ed, but that he would labour in the west as he had done in the east, till his death under Nero, in the year 67. Whatever truth may be in this, it is certain, that Christianity prevailed in Britain under the Romans, as bishops attended at the council of Aries in the year 314. Also at the council of Nice in the year 324. The events, which followed the arrival of the Saxons, nearly obliterated the Christian name ; and excepting a few monks at Bangor, and in Scotland, their churches and institutions were subverted. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 25 gospel. The greater part obstinately adhered to idolatry, and for a considerable time Christianity made very little progress. The zeal and prudence of the christian mission- aries by degrees succeeded in subverting idolatry, and in establishing the empire of truth. A happy combination of circumstances often pointed out the path of duty, and ensured success to their labours. The ignorance, superstition, passions, and vices of men, frequently afforded facilities for introducing the gospel, and became subservient to its establish- ment. Christianity was introduced into the Northum- brian kingdom in the re' gn of Edwin. He had spent the early part of his life in adversity; and though an exile he found protection and favour from Eadbald king of Kent. He saw the beautiful Ethelburga, sister to the king. The accomplishments of her per- son and mind gained the heart of Edwin; and when he had obtained possession of the Northumbrian throne, by a decisive victory over Ethelfred, at Retford, he made her an offer of his hand. She was a christian, and he yet a professed idolater. Like a prudent and sensible woman, she would not re- nounce her faith for the splendor of a throne; nor would she become the consort of Edwin, unless she might be allowed the exercise of her own religion. Edwin submitted to this, and Ethelburga brought with her a christian bishop and christian attendants. ,- For some time the civil and military affairs of the state demanded and occupied the whole atten- tion of Edwin. At length he began to examine the subject of religion; and no one can doubt the influence of Ethelburga in persuading the king to 2$ JflSTORY OF PONTEFRACT. embrace Christianity *. A clay was appointed when the subject was to be discussed; and Paulinus the bishop was to point out the evidences of Christianity, whilst Coisi, Edwin's high priest, was to defend the idolatry of his fathers. Whether Coisi, perceiving the inclination of Edwin, made a virtue of necessity, or whether convinced by the arguments of Paulinus, he was the first to renounce idolatry. The king followed his example, and the nobles imitated the * ''It was a maxim of the Saxons, to undertake no business of importance without consulting their wives, to whose advice they paid the greatest regard". Not to have regarded the tender intreaties of" Ethelburga, not to have been influenced by the advice she would not fail to give; would have been for Edwin to have renounced the gallantry and maxim of his ancestors. It is apparent from this maxim, that our ancestors, however unpolished, appre- ciated more justly the talents and character of the fair, than the soft luxurious sons of the East. These have denied them the possession of intelect, and depriving them of the rank and rights which they ought to enjoy in society, have subjected them to the humiliating condition of slaves; and as slaves they are bought and sold at the pleasure of a stern lord. Immured in an Harem, and never per- mitted to mingle in general society, they bloom unseen ; they remain ignorant because they have no means of information ; their conversa- tion is insipid, and their manners unconciliating, because they have never had an opportunity of polishing the latter, nor of acquiring the talent to render the former agreeable and interesting. A mind as vigorous as Newton's, as delicate and discriminating as Addison *s, if placed in such circumstances, could never have developed its uncommon powers. How different the treatment the ladies have received from the hardy sons of the North. They perceived that though the fair wanted some of the bold features of their own characters, yet they were possessed of others equally useful and amiable — that their caution and timidity were well calculated to repress rashness and precipitancy — that their sensibility and feeling were adapted to soften and humanize — and in a word, that their affection and fidelity; their vivacity and chearfulness rendered them the most agreeable companions in lite ; entitled them to share in the rights of domestic government, and to be consulted on matters ©f the greatest importance. HISTORY OF FOXTEFRACT. 27 king. A wood church was erected at York imme- diately after; and the king and the nobles were all baptized together. The influence of Edwins example and that of the nobles, appeared in the almost general conversion of the lower orders *. The idols and their temples were destroyed, and so great were the crowds who came to be baptized, that Paulinus was fully em- ployed in this pious work. Destitute of modern conveniences, he was under the necessity of resort- ing to the primitive practice, and baptized them in the rivers Gleni and Swale. Edwin's reign is the brightest period in the annals of the Saxon Heptarchy. He was acknow- ledged as the head, and for a period of seventeen years the whole of England enjoyed a profound peace. William of Malmsbury gives him this high character: " Not only, says he, the English, Scots, and Picts, but even the Orcades, and all the British islands, dreaded his arms and adored his grandeur: no public thief nor house-breaker was found in his time; the adulterer was a stranger, and the spoiler of other men's goods afar off: his glory shines even to our own age with splendor." In this manner was Christianity introduced into this county; and it is evident from Bede, that in the time of Paulinus, between the year 620 and 630, wood churches were erected in several towns, and .some in this neighbourhood. One of this descrip- tion he mentions in the royal villa of Campordono. Whitaker maintains that the Campo-dono of Bede is the same as the Cambodunum of Antonine; and * Every intelligent reader will make the inference that con- versions of this kind, are nothing more than compliances with the will of superiors j and that the same cause would turn them agairi to idolatry. . 28 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, was situated above Huddersfield, at a place now called Slack. Watson, in the first volume, Archaeol- ogia, contends that Doncaster is unquestionably the Campo-dono of Bede. This place is called Danum in the Iter of Antonine, as well as in the Notitia; and as in old authors the vowels a and o are used promiscuously, the difference in the orthography will not invalidate this opinion. As the river Trent often formed the boundary of the Northumbrian Idngdom, it cannot be supposed, the Saxon kings would neglect this old Roman station ; but it is natural to believe they would often reside there for the purpose of guarding their frontiers. The term Campo is wholly inapplicable to the place Whitaker assigns; and it must be made a radical part of the appelative name to become in the least degree probable. But if used in reference to Danum it is proper, and explains the situation of the place. It is generally allowed that Edwin was slain at Hatfield ; and Bede represents the victorious army as advancing to Campo-dono; and setting fire to the church erected by Paulinus, consumed it to ashes together with the town ; and that in conse- quence of this the kings of Northumberland removed to Loidis (Leeds). Bede remarks, that the altar of the church being of stone, and sustaining the violence of the flames uninjured, was preserved and then in, the possession of the abbot and priest Trumwulsi, who resided in the wood of Elmet, now called Berwick *. From the above facts, considering that the road from York to Doncaster lay through this * Bed. Thoresby considers Hal ton, near Leeds, as the place where the abbot Trumwulsi resided, and where the Atlar Pau- linus had erected at Danum, was preserved. Due. Leed. 111. p. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 29 place, it is not improbable that the first christian bishop might preach here the first christian dis- course. It is amusing to recall in imagination a primitive scene of this kind. A bishop, like the apostles, endeavouring to instruct, enlighten, and reform a gross, an idolatrous people; this people amazed at what they heard, but unable to compre- hend it — some awed into reverence by the venerable character of the priest — some more rude indulging a smile of contempt — some deliberating, reasoning, and wishing to hear him again on such important topics ! Edwin being slain, Paulinus and Ethelburga fled into Kent ; and the christian churches were destroyed. The short space of time Paulinus had been permitted to labour, will warrant the conclu- sion that little progress had been made in evange- lizing the country in his day. Though uncommonly zealous and active, a period of a few years is too short to accomplish such a task, and on his depar- ture the people reverted again to the worship of idols. Cadwallo, the king of the Welsh Britons, who had vanquished and slain Edwin, was equally suc- cessful against Osric and Eanfrid. He plundered the kingdom and kept it in subjection for some years. At length Oswald, who in the preceding reign had fled into Scotland, commisserating the unhappy condition of his country raised a small, but valiant army ; marched into Northumberland, met Cadwallo, and slew him and the greatest part of his army. By this decisive victory Oswald was firmly established on the Northumbrian throne. Oswald in his exile had sincerely embraced Christianity, and his first concern was to introduce and establish it. He sent into Scotland, and re^ 30 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT: quested the king to find some person, well qualified for the discharge of the duties of a missionary and bishop. The king, in answer to his request, sent Aidan, a person no less venerable for his virtues than respectable for his learning, Aidan founded the see of Landisfarne, which was afterwards re- moved to Durham; and by his indefatigable labours, aided by the good sense, piety, and munificence of Oswald, Christianity was firmly established, and maintained its influence amid all the wars and revo- lutions which succeeded. The reign of Oswald was short, but active and glorious. That precedence which Edwin had ac- quired, among the kings of the heptarchy, Oswald maintained. But neither his piety, wisdom, nor valour could secure, in these turbulent times, tran-, quility and peace. Penda, the pagan king of Mercia, envied his greatness and detested his re- ligion. Not daring to meet Oswald fairly on the field of battle, he endeavoured to accomplish by stratagem and surprise, the iniquitous design he had formed. Oswald had made a progress into Cheshire, attended by few besides his domestic servants, and did not in the least expect any hostile attempts. This security betrayed him. For Penda having secretly raised an army, pushed after him, and finding him unprepared, fiercely assaulted him. Oswald and those with him bravely defended them- selves ; but at length the most determined valour was forced to yield to superiority of numbers, Os- wald was slain, and his treacherous and barbarous enemy had the meanness to treat the corpse with every kind of insult. The christians on account o£ his virtues canonized him ; and the fifth of August is still honoured as the day of his martyrdom in the Jioman martyrology. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 31 The respect and veneration paid to St. Oswald, in this place and neighbourhood, entitles him to particular notice. A cross was erected here to his memory and virtues, at a very early period; probably not long after his death. This cfoss gave name to the division, Hundred or Weapon- take, now corrupted into Osgoldcross *. > It was * This division of land was called the Hundred, as it consisted of ten tythings, and each tything consisted of ten freeholders^ so that the Hundred contained a hundred freeholders together with their families, and persons in a servile condition. To this district belonged a court; called the Court of the Hundred ; and a chief Magistrate, called the Hundredary. It belonged to him to call the court, to preside in it, and put its sentence in execution. All the freeholders attended in arms, according to the manner of their German ancestors ; and as it was the custom to touch the spear of the Hundredary with theirs, in token of submission, it was deno- minated Weapontake from the Saxon, tac, to touch. The Weapontake of Oswald, or Osgoldcross is divided into the Upper and Lower Division, and consists of the following Townships and Parishes. . OSGOLDCROSS, UPPER DIVISION, TOWNSHIPS. PARISHES. A ck worth, Ack worth. Badsworth, Thorp Audlin, \ Eadsworth, Upton, Bramwith, Bramwith. Burghwallis, Burghwallis, Campsall, Norton, Fen wick, ^Campsall. Moss, Sutton and Askorn, Castlefbrd, Houghton, Darrington, Stapleton, Featherston, Purston Jaglin, Water-Fryston, \ Ferry-Fryston, or rather Water- Part of Ferrybridge^ 3 Fryston. Kirksmeaton, Kirksmeaton. Castle ford. Darrington. Featherston. 32 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. equally corrupted at the time of the general survey, in the reign of William the conqueror ; and is called Pontefract, Tan shelf, Carleton, East Hardwick, Knottingley, Part of Ferrybridge, Owston, Carcroft Hamlet, Skellow, Skelbrook, South Kirkby, South Elm sail, North Elmsall, West Hardwick, Hassle, ( Owston. Skelbrooke. i South Kirkby. i Wragby. LOWER DIVISION. Armine, Hooke, * Goole, Rawcliffe, Cowick, Snaith, Gowdall, Heck, Hen sail, Pollington, Balne, Part of Whitley, Keliington, Beaghall, Egbrough, Part of Whitley, Womersley, Cridling Stubs, Little Smeaton, Stubs Walden, * Adlingfleet, Fockerby, * Haldenly and Eastoft, * Whitgift, * Reedness, * Swinfleet, * Ouzefleet, N. B. * These are all in Marshland goes to Thorne and Don caster. ^Snaith. Keliington. Womersley. Adlingfleet. Whitgift. on the South Side of the River that HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 33 in Doomsday-book Osgoodcross. If the name had been recently imposed, it would have been clearly and graphically expressed ; and from this corruption of the name it may be inferred, that the cross had been long erected, and that both the ob- ject and occasion of it were then almost forgotten. It is natural to suppose, that the place where this cross was erected, was then a place of some importance and consideration ; at least, that it ex- ceeded every other within the division. The erec- tion of this cross at so early a period, will establish the fact, that the inhabitants of this Burgh had then embraced and professed Christianity. And is it not probable from this circumstance, that Oswald had honoured the place by his royal presence? that he had conferred some particular privileges on its inhabitants ? May not he be the person who built a church, and as a testimony of their gratitude, they thus honoured him ? It could not be earlier than the middle of the seventh, nor later than the eighth century, when the church was built, which gave the name of Kirkby to this town. Within this period lived the before mentioned Edwin and Oswald ; and afterwards Ceohvolf and Egbert, who abdicated a throne to spend their last days in devotion^among the monks. During this period christian churches were erected in most places of importance, through the Northum- brian kingdom; several monasteries were built and largely endowed, which supplied the churches with a succession of teachers : and it is probable that many of the parish churches may date their origin from about this period * Had they not been now * It is not meant, that the present buildings were erected, but .that structures were raised for religious worship, on the decay of which, others have been built. F # 34 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. built, the turbulence of the succeeding times — the invasion of the Danes — the furious wars between them and the Saxons, would not admit of leisure for works of this kind. Owing to the want of ancient documents, it is impossible to point out with certainty where the first christian church stood ; or what was the form of the structure. It is however most probable that it occupied the site of the present church of All- Saints; and from the veneration paid to the cross, would be built in that form. The ground where it stood would be esteemed sacred; and when the wood church gave place to a more permanent structure of stone, its site would be preferred. What was the precise extent of the parish at this period cannot now be ascertained. As churches were at first built only in towns and cities, parishes would be much more extensive than they now are; and it is not improbable that many of the contigu- ous parishes might then be included in that of Kivkby*. * Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, obtained from the king royal licences, that he who built a church should enjoy the patronage of it; and it became common for every thane to build a church on his own land, for the use of his servants and tenants ; and a law of Athelstan proves that no one could enjoy the dignity of thane without possessing a church. As there were inferior freeholders who were not able to erect churches on their estates ; these gave their tythes, and attended at the church nearest to them ; and as the thanesland constituted a township, over which he exercised civil jurisdiction, all the surrounding districts which brought their tythes to the same church formed a parish. As population, increased, chapels of ease were erected, at this time called Oratories, where the common prayers only were read. The bishops often found it necessary to raise them into parish churches, and to grant them full parochial rights and privileges. In some instance, their dependence on the mother church was perpetuated by the payment of the dues, though they were permitted to admi- nister all the sacraments. HISTORY OF TONTEFRACT. 35 Daring the period of the Saxon dominion, Bri- tain was the theatre of long, bloody, and destruc- tive wars. What from their contests with the Britons, their animosities among themselves, and lastly their fierce and desperate conflicts with the Danes, there were few intervals of peace. Yet amidst all this confusion Christianity was introduced and established; and though its mild spirit, its bene- volent precepts, and genuine principles, appeared during that period to produce little effect, it has gradually prevailed to soften, humanize, and polish this, as well as every other country, where it has been received. The idols of the pagans fell before it, for Not Mars, the lord of wounds, who scatters round The seeds of war, and fills the rancorous heart With Gorgon poisons, can assist his fanes; Nor Venus can avail, nor her vile boy. The golden statues of Minerva fall, Tho' fools proclaim her goddess of the arts ; Nor he for whom, as ancient fictions sing, The leafy vines, their precious branches spread, Can prop the columns nodding with their gods. The marbles tremble with terrific crash, And the vast fabric rushes into dust. Ev'n Neptune rumoured sovereign of the waves, Who by his swelling billows rules the main, He cannot save his sculptur'd effigies, Whose marble brows the golden leaves surround. Not ev'n Alcides who the centaurs crush'd, And dar'd the fiery breath of prowling Cacus, When from his throat his words in flames were pour'd, Tho' his right hand the dreadful club may grasp, Can shield his temples when the Christian prays. 36 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. SECTION III. Inquiry into the Constitution and Privileges of this Burgh under the Saxons. A HAT this was a burgh in the time of Edward the Confessor is certain, from evidence the most decisive; but how long it enjoyed this privilege anterior to this period is uncertain *. If the popu- lation was such as to render it advisable to build a church in the seventh century, it may be presumed it would then be accounted a Burgh, and probably might be so accounted from the time the Saxons obtained possession of the place. The term borough, in its original Saxon borghj is said by Bracton to signify primarily a tything, or a company of ten families of freemen, who were bound or combined together as each others pledge; and hence a pledge is called borh. This territorial division has been ascribed to Alfred, but without any foundation, as it is noticed in the laws of Edgar. By his law it is thus enacted, " Every man shall find and have borh, and the borh shall produce him to every legal charge, and shall keep him, and if he have done wrong and escapes, his borh shall bear what he ought to have borne. But if it be theft, and the borh can bring him forward within twelve months, then what the borh paid shall be returned." * Vid. Doomsday-book, among the possessions of Ilbert de Lacy, under the manor of Tateshall. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 37 From hence it may be inferred that the district mid division of land which they possessed, who found borh, or were pledges for each others good and peaceable behaviour, formed the limits of their juris- diction. "Whatever might be the number of freemen who inhabited a burgh originally, or whatever their number by the increase of population, the limits of the jurisdiction of such burgh still remained. And it is not improbable that the ancient tythings were nearly of equal extent with our present townships, and the bounds of our present boroughs. As castles and other fortifications were built for the defence of towns, the term burgh came to sig- nify a fortified place. According to Verstegan, all places which had this name were one w 7 ay or other fortified. The land and houses within a burgh might belong to the king, or to some of the thanes, or bishops. In Canterbury Edward had fifty-one burgesses*; in Bath sixty-four; and ninety bur- gesses of other men are mentioned f . In Romenel twenty-five burgesses belonged to the archbishop J ? On the authority of the DodsworiU manuscripts, * Doomesday, Fol. 2. f Ibid 100. { Ibid 87. "The burgesses and tradesmen, in great towns, had in the reign of Edward the Confessor, their patrons, under whose protection the)' traded and paid an acknowledgment therefore ; or else, were in a more servile condition, as being, in Doudmo Regis vel aliorum, altogether under the power of the king or other lords." Brady on burghs. This advocate for the prerogatives of the crown, and enemy to the representative branch of our excellent constitution, would lead his reader u> believe, that burges?es were in no better state than the servile, but equally subject to the wiii of some lord. It is true, they were subject to the land proprietors, as renting houses or land belonging to them ; but it does not appear from any authority he has produced, that they were in that degraded state, he has described, till oppressed by the conqueror. 38 HISTORY OF PQNTEFRACT, Camden informs us that one Aske * was the first Saxon proprietor of this place; and that it de- scended by due succession to one Alric, from whom William the Conqueror took it. He had issue, Swayne, who had Adam Fitz Swayne, who had two daughters; one of whom married Gaufrede Neville, and the other Thomas Brough f. Burghs were generally inhabited by tradesmen and mechanics. They enjoyed the exclusive privelege of fairs and markets: and the commerce of the nation centered in them. By this privilege they were distinguished from the villages, which were inhabited by ceorls and viilani, or farmers and husbandmen. Burgesses were not considered in this period as Madox has proved, that the burghs of the king were only subject to a fee-farm rent ; and as this was very moderate, they may be considered as the proprietors, and holding by burgage tenure, which Cooke considers as a species of free socage. * The family of the Aske's, continued in this county till the time of Charles I. The seat of the family was at Aske, in the parish of Easby, in Richmondshire. One Wyhomere, bearing the arms of Aske, was a kinsman to Allen, first Earl of Britain, in the reign of the Conqueror, which Alien had the Earldom of Richmond, given him by the said William the Conqueror, and gave to this Wyhomere the manor of Aske. He married Annabel!, daughter of Sir John Neville, of Hornby and Hooton, Knight, had issue, Conan, Werner, Warine, Roger, Hugh. The manor of Aske continued in this family, and a branch of it married the daughter and heiress of de la Haye, of Aughton, on the Derwent ; by which marriage, they became Lords of Ellerton and Aughton, and patrons of Ellerton Abbey, near Howden. f Stowe's An. p. ] 16. It is difficult to reconcile the above account of the Saxon proprietors, with the silence of doomsday- book. The manor of Tateshall is said to have belonged to the king in the time of Edward, and as the burgh of Kirkby is noticed in connection with Tateshall, without any Saxon proprietor being mentioned, it is natural to infer, that it equally belonged to the king*. The king might indeed grant his right in the burgh, or HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 39 eminent either for their rank or property. A con- siderable part were such as by their good conduct, and the generosity of their Lords, had obtained their freedom. For among the Saxons slavery not only existed, but was acknowledged by the laws, and regularly organized into a system. In conveyances of land, slaves are mentioned with the stock, and disposed of in the same manner*. Many of the slaves were the remains of the conquered Britons ; and others were such persons as had forfeited their freedom by their crimes f. On the conversion of the Saxons, the mild influ- ence of Christianity was felt by this unhappy class of society. It became customary for the bishops and abbots to manumit the slaves attached to the property appropriated to them. Other persons, by being taught to consider acts of benevolence as a religious duty, imitated their example; and in their wills they frequently bequeathed the boon of free- dom to their slaves J. what is now called the fee-farm rent, to the above family; which they might cominue to enjoy without ever obtaining it as a freehold inheritance. In this case, though they would be consider- ed as lords of Kirkby, in a popular sense, the) would not be noticed in Doomsday-book, as not being the propiietors. * In an Enumeration ol property on an estate, it is said there were an hundred sheep, fifty- five swine, two men, and five yoked oxen. 3 Gale's Scrip. 431. A duke of Mercia, in a donation to a church, gave six men, with all their offspring and their family, that they may always belong to the said cnuich in perpetual inheritance. Hicke's Diss. Ep. p. 12. f In the laws tff Ina, it is enacted ", that if a freeman work on a Sunday without his lord's orders, he shall lose his liberty, or pay sixty shilling?. Leg. Inac. 15. t A landholder, in Edgar's time, in his will, directed that thirteen of his slaves should be liberated as the lot should decide. 3 Gale's Scrip. 407. 40 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Those who had thus obtained their freedom were called Frilazin. Some of them became agri- cultural labourers, and took land of the clergy and great, paying them an annual rent; but the chief part went and resided in the burghs, and be- came burgesses. In the burghs, during the Saxon period, every freeman, or freedman, who occupied a house, and paid his gafal, or rent, was a burgess. The theow r s, or such as had lost their freedom, and the hereditary slaves, as being the property of their masters, though they resided within the burgh, were not admitted to enjoy the rights and rank of burgesses,. Freedom deserves to be noticed as the first pri- vilege, the burgesses of Kirkby enjoyed*. While the slave was doomed to toil for his lord, however severe and oppressive, the freeman could work for any employer he chose. This was a valuable right, as it secured to the freeman mild treatment. A slave for the most trifling fault might be whipped; * The Editor cannot but lament, that in the enlightened period in which he lives, when the rights and duties of men are more clearly ascertained ; when a sound philosophy has not only encreas- ed the circle of the sciences, but has enlightened the understanding and enlarged the social affections ; — when Revelation is admitted as the test of truth and duty ; when that maxim, " Whatso- ever ye would, that men should do to you, do ye also to them/* is admired for its conciseness, simplicity, and propriety ; slavery should still be encouraged. He hopes the day is not far distant, when a sense of duty will prevail over personal interest, and this reproach of our nation be for ever done away. Though hitherto, the efforts of a Wilberforce and other friends of humanity, have not been crowned with success ; they have not laboured in vain. They have produced a spirit of enquiry; they have exposed^ the injustice of the slave-trade ; they have laid a foundation for its abolition ; and their names deserve, and will be handed down to posterity, with honour and respect. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 41 but a freeman was exempt from this disgraceful punishment. If any person put a freeman into bonds, the law enjoined a fine of twenty shillings , a great sum in those days, and which demonstrates the high regard the Saxons had for liberty. If a freeman was accused of any crime, he was judged by his peers; while the master was both judge and jury over his slaves. How valuable was the privi- lege of being a burgess, when so many endured the galling yoke of vassalage. Burgesses could acquire property and dispose of it according to their own pleasure. The avenue to wealth and honour was open before them ; and this circumstance could not fail to impart energy to their exertions, which would in many cases be crowned with success. When the condition of a man is such as to preclude the hope of realiz- ing property, and of bequeathing it to the objects of his regard, the noblest motive to industry is de- stroyed; and the mind sinks into an apathy respect- ing both present and future concerns. But bur- gesses and freemen could attain to the highest rank and dignity. By a law of Athelstan it is expressly declared, " that if a ceorl, or farmer, and of course any other freeman, have the full proprietorship of five hides of land, a church, and kitchen, a bell- house, a burgh-gate seat, and an appropriate office in the king's hall, he shall thenceforth be a thane by right. The same laws provide, that a thane may arrive at the dignity of an earl, and a merchant, who went three times over the sea with his own craft, might become a thane *. Though burgesses, as mechanics and tradesmen, did not rank high, yet, as freemen, who might aspire and attain to the * Wilk. Leg. Sax. 70, and 71. y G * 42 HfStORY OF FONTEFRACT. honours of nobility, their condition was reputable. The houses or land which they held of the king or superior lord, they could sell or dispose of, reser- ving the rights of the king or the lord. They had the privilege to devise such houses or land by will, nor Was the devisee, subject to any relief, or other feudal burden, but on the demise of the proprietor, entered into immediate possession of the property devised. The tythings and burghs enjoyed the privilege of choosing their own peace officers, and governing themselves according to the laws of the land. All government is unquestionably derived from parental authority. A family is naturally governed by its parents, and its ramifications by the aged. The father, says Homer, is the legislator of his wife and children. Among most barbarous tribes the aged ancestors have prescribed rules of mutual be- haviour, and have adjudged disputes. That our Saxon forefathers were governed in this manner is evident from the fact, that the words of their lan- guage which denote authority also express age*. The government of the burgh was simple, but efficient. As all the burgesses choose the burgh- reve, so all the burgesses when met together formed the burgh- mote, or court in which causes were tried and determined f. Though the ealdermen would be respected for their age and experience, and their opinion would have considerable influence * In the Saxon version of the Scrip. Gen. xlv. 8. which states, that Joseph was appointed ruler over Egypt, the words are (( sette into ealdre over Egypta land." Caesar is called " cyninga yldest," the eldest king. Vid. Turner, Hist. Ang. Sax. Vol. IV. p. 10. f On account of the circumstance of all the burgesses forming the burgh-mote, this court is often called the fblk-gemote. HISTOR? OF PONTEFRACT. 43 in the decision of the court, they do not appear to have had any legal authority above other burgesses. Any burgess, during this period, might be chosen burgh-reve. The duty of this magistrate consisted in keeping the peace; in calling the court of the burgh-mote, and presiding in it; in putting the sentence of the court in execution; and in collecting the rents due to the king or lord. The time for the meeting of the burgh-mote was fixed by the law, in the reign of Canute, This court was to be held at least three times every year. As all the burgesses together with the burgh- reve, formed the court, the manner of deciding causes was similar to what obtains in our present house of peers, where every peer sits in his own right on any judicial proceeding. The trial by a jury of twelve men did not generally obtain, but every freeman, if a burgess, was tried by the other burgesses his peers, whatever their number might be*. This mode of proceeding answered all the ends of substantial justice; and ultimately led to the grand assize, or trial by twelve honest and substan- tial men; the great palladium of British liberty. Whether the burghs possessed any political im- portance, whether they were in any way represented, * In the documents of the Anglo-Saxon period, which have come down to us, we find, that the principle of a man's being tried by his peers or equals was generally recognized and established. This appears in the laws of Web treed, " where the clergyman is to be acquitted by four of his equals, and the ceorlick by four of his own rank." Leg. Wiht. Wilk. p. 12. In case of plundering the dead, the law required the oath of forty-eight thanes to clear the accused. Leg. Inoe. Wilk. 27. These appear to be chosen from the shire-gemote, for the purpose of investigating the evi- dence of the fact, and whose verdict, like that of a modern jury was to be decisive. 44. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. in the Saxon witena-gemote, or parliament, it is not possible now decisively to ascertain. What were the qualifications of such as attended this assembly; whether they attended in virtue of their own right, or whether as the representatives of other land proprietors, are questions which cannot now be satisfactorily answered. It has been supposed that the burgh-reve became the representative of the burgh in the gemote of the hundred, in the shire-gemote, and in the witena- gemote or Saxon parliament *. As the burgesses enjoyed various privileges, so the imposts to which they were subject were de- finite and easy. In the kings expedition every five hides of land f appear to have furnished one man; * St. Amand's Ess. On the legislative authority. Among the persons who sign to an act of the witena-gemote, at Clofeshoe, in 824-, is one who mentions the circumstance of his being chosen, " Ego Beonna electus consent, et subscrib." Astles MS. charters, No. 12. f As hides of land, oxgangs, and knights fees, will frequently occur, it may be necessary to give, once for all, a general expla- nation of these terms. A carucate of land, a plough-land, or a hide of land, is not of any certain content, but as much as a plough can by course of husbandry plough in a year, and may contain a messuage, wood, meadow, and pasture. The oxgang was invariably one eighth part of a carucate, whatever might be the number of acres contained therein. In Doomsday inquisition, the arable land is estimated in carucates, the pasture in hides, and the meadow in acres. — Skene makes the carucate the same as the hide of land. In a manuscript law book, written by Ambrose Cooper, Esq. a student in one of the Inns of court in the year 1579, it is laid down as a rule, that a hide of land consisted of a hundred and sixty acres, and was made up of the following parts:— ten acres make a ferundel or farding- deal, four ferundels a yard land, and four yard lands a hide, so four hides or six hundred andforty acres, made a knights fee. When a HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 45 and the burghs a number proportioned to their population. Doomsday-book furnishes various in- stances of the number of men different burghs were to raise *. From the state of population in respect to other place, the burgh of Kirkby would not have above one man to raise and support ; a very mo- derate war-tax, if compared with that of the present imes; and particularly so, when it is considered that this^was the only tax the people had to pay \ knights fee was taxed at forty shillings, a yard land paid two shillings and sixpence, and so in proportion, so that six hundred and forty acres of land made one great knights fee, which paid for a relief one hundred shillings. Blount. A. T. Yet, notwithstanding the above account, the learned Selden asserts, that the quantity was doubtless uncertain. He agrees in the above general description of it, and his observation is certainly very just, that it must of necessity vary according to the nature of the soil, and custom of husbandry in every county. He also cites a record, which shews that it had been uncertain for ages before he wrote, which is from an old court book,of the manor of Cran- field, parcel of the possessions of the Abbey of Ramsay, where the homage at a court of survey, held there in the time of Henry III. said they did not know how many acres made a yard land, because, sometimes four hundred and eighty acres, and sometimes fewer made a yard land, and that four yard lands made a hide.— The measure of a carucate, appears to have differed in respect of place, as well as time. In the reign of Richard I. it was esti- mated at sixty acres, and in a charter of the same reign, at one hundred acres. In the time of Edward I. at one hundred and eighty acres ; and in the twenty-third Edward III. at Burcester, one hundred and twelve acres; and in Middleton, one hundred and fifty acres. The carucate plough-land or hide, in general, is estimated at one hundred acres. * Doomsday-book, con. Devon, Exeter, was to serve as for five hides of e. i. land, to raise one man. It is said of Berkshire, " if the king should send an army any where, only one soldier should go for five hides of land, and for his victuals and pay, every hide was to give him four shillings for two months." Com, Berokescire. 46 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. SECTION IV. On the Norman Conquest, and the changes it pro- duced in this Borough. 1 HE conquest, as it is called, of William, the bastard of Normandy, forms a distinguished era in the annals of Britain; and effected such changes in the government, laws, and institutions of this country, as entitle it to particular notice and at- tention. This event, so fatal to the independence, free- dom and happiness of the country, is closely con- nected with the influence the clergy had acquired; an influence founded on the blind submission of the lower, and in many instances of the higher orders of the state, to their usurped authority. From the munificence of kings and private individuals, they had not only acquired a competency, but enjoyed immense possessions. They had not only secured a tenth of the produce of the land, but had become the chief land proprietors ; and as power follows property, their influence in the state may easily be conjectured. Spelman observes, that in the time of William, all the land in the kingdom was divided into sixty thousand two hundred and fifteen knights fees-, and of these the church possessed twenty- eight thousand one hundred and fifteen, nearly one half of the kingdom. Although William had con- ferred some lands on the church for the pious ser- vices its dutiful sons had rendered to himself; the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 47 above fact will support the conclusion, that the clergy had acquired an influence in the state, dan- gerous to its liberties and independence. Property in the possession of lay persons, is not long stationary, but is ever circulating by means of the vices, marriages, or deaths of its possessors. But property devoted to the church, or clergy, as forming a spiritual corporation, which never dies, became inalienable ; so that this body appeared likely to realize in practice what they maintained in theory,- " That dominion is founded in grace." Property extorted from the hopes and fears of men in their departing moments, often at the expence of their dearest connections, was con- tinually encreasing the wealth of the church, which received all, but parted with nothing. At this period the clergy, separated from the vulgar by their general habits, and the sanctity of their calling, formed a kind of independent body in the state, subject to the bishops of Rome. These, on the establishment of Christianity in the empire, had acquired a dignity in the church equal to that of the city in which they resided. On the subversion of the empire, they artfully availed themselves of every circumstance to increase their power and acquire dominion : 'and were so success- ful that they appear to have perpetuated the autho- rity of the Caesars in the exercise of their spiritual power over the nations of Europe. William, who had no legal claim to the crown of England, applied to the bishop of Rome for his warrant, to seize it by force. This warrant was readily granted, and every pious son of the church was enjoined to aid and assist him in the enterprise. He collected an army, invaded England, and on the death of 48 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Harold, at the battle of Hastings, took possession of the throne and kingdom. The Saxons, who were not inferior to the Nor* mans, either in prudence or courage, had to contend for near a century before they effected the conquest of the kingdom. What reason can be assigned, why one partial engagement should now decide the fate of the same kingdom ? The reason is obvious, the clergy betrayed the liberties and interests of their country. To have opposed William, would have been to have opposed the lord's anointed, After the battle of Hastings, they exerted all their influence to prevent the election of Edgar Atheling to the throne; and persuaded the citizens of London to open their gates, and give William the possession of the capital. For some little time William acted with lenity ; but as soon as his power was established, he threw off the mask and displayed the ferocity of his temper. The Saxon kings had enjoyed lands for the support of their crown and dignity. In the time of Edward, the crown lands consisted of one thousand four hun- dred and twenty-two manors, in different counties. In right of the crown these belonged to William. Not willing to alienate his own property to satisfy his needy followers, he soon found some occasion to murder or banish the Saxon nobles, and other inferior land proprietors, and gave their possessions to his friends. On Ilbert de Lacy he bestowed the- burgh of Kirkby, with all that immense territory included within the honour of Pontefract *. * The following is the account given of this burgh at the time of the Doomsday survey, and clearly establishes the above fact. — — HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 49 Had the conquest only effected a change in the proprietors of land, it would soon have been for- gotten. But William, not content with rewarding iJjTn Tate shall, sunt. xvi. car tra? sine geldo. ubi poss. ee„ JL vim. car. Hoc 53 hb rex. Nc ht Ilbtus ibi. mi. car. et. lx. burgenses minutos. vn. coteros et xvi. uill. et. vin. bord. hntes xviii. car. Ibi. e. seccla et pbr. et 1. piscaria, et in. mold redd. xl 1 1. soL et in. ac pti. Silua past. .1. lev Ig. et dim lat. Tot m. 1. lev. et dim Ig. et dim lat. T.R.E. ual. xx. lib. m. xv. lib. Infra banc cera ctinet elemosina paupum. Ad eunde maner adiacet H Soca. Manestorp. Barnebi. Silchestone. Simul. v. car tree et dim ad gld. ubi poss. ee. v. car. Ibi. sunt ix. uilli. et. in. bord. hntes. nn. car. Doomsday-book, Vol. I. p. 316. The following remarks may explain this account: — The manor of Tateshall, is the present township of Tanshelf ; which, though not within the borough, forms a part of the present town of Pontefract. In the time of the Saxons, places derived their names from those who inhabited them ; but after the conquest, a custom the reverse of this prevailed, and persons derived their names from the place where they resided. Some one of the name of Tate enjoyed this manor under the king, and by connecting with his own name the term, Hall, or place of residence, gave denomination to it. The family name of Tate, with the addition of the Saxon Ha?n, home or ville, Tatham, continued in Tanshelf, till within a few years. Some of this family have been respectable for property, and were mayors of Pontefract. Tatham's yard is a name now given to some houses in Tanshelf, and which will probably per- petuate the name of this ancient Saxon family. The modern appellation seems derived from this, by an easy corruption in the pronunciation, as Tatshall, Tanshall, Tanshelf. The burgh of Kirkby is not mentioned by name, but is included as a part of the manor of Tateshall; and what follows unquestion- ably contains a description of its state at that period. In the Dooms- day survey, many places are omitted by name, either through haste or from some other cause, which are clearly described under some ether neighbouring district. The number of burgesses, together with those in a servile s{ate, amounts only to an hundred families ; and reckoning on an average, five to a family, the population of the place at that period, consisted only of five hundred persons, men, women and children. When we reflect on the bloody wars during the heptarchy ; on the H * ^0 HISTOHY OF PONTEFRACT, his followers with the lands of the Saxon proprietors, he subverted the constitution, and introduced and established the feudal system 5 a system of organized Danish invasion, and the contests with the Conqueror, the thin State of population will excite no surprize. There is no thane or lord of Kirkby mentioned, As this survey goes back to Edward, and as in other places, the thanes and earls are specified as proprietors, does not this circumstance imply that it was then in the possession of the king ? The burgesses appear to have been chiefly mechanics and tradesmen, as only eighteen plough-lands were in possession of the burgesses and the servile. The carucate or plough-land, if estimated at 60 acres, the whole will give only 1080 acres, or about 10 to each person. The greater part of the land was culti- vated by persons in a servile condition. The Cotardi, were so called, because they dwelt in small huts or cottages, near to the mansions of their masters. They were persons, who had been instructed, by the direction of their owners, in some handicraft trade, as that of smiths, carpenters, &c. which they practiced for the benefit of their masters. The Bordarii, were a kind of upper domestic servants, who waited at table, (then called bord) and performed other offices in their masters houses. They resided in huts of their own, to which little gardens and parcels of land were annexed, as the fee or. reward of their services. The Villani, were predial slaves, who cultivated the inlands of their lords. Vid. Spelman Gloss, in voci. In this account it is remarkable, that nothing is said respecting the number of burgesses, the quantity of land in cultivation, or who enjoyed it, in the time of the Confessor. The only thing noticed is, that the value of this manor had decreased one fourth, being then worth twenty, and now only fifteen pounds. The whole quantity of land in cultivation, was thirty plough lands, in the hand of the burgesses and the servile, which at sixty acres, will make one thousand eight hundred acres. No waste lands were included in this survey. The land in the present township of Pontefract, according to Mr. Hepworth's survey, is two thousand one hundred and thirty one acres ; and as the townships of Tanshelf, Carlton, and Hardwick, were at the time of Doomsday survey, included within the manor of Tateshall, we may infer, that, not much above one third of the land was then cultivated. The wood which might be depastured, one mile long and a half brGad, most probably stretched along from the site of the HISTORY. OF PONTEFRACT. M tyranny and oppression. In this system the king is sole proprietor of all the land in the kingdom, and the only freeholder. He gives to his friends land to hold of him, on what condition he pleases; but most commonly on condition that they furnish him with a number of men proportioned to the extent of their estate. Those who thus obtained estates, are said to hold of the king in capite, and were called barons. These let off some portion of their estates on like conditions; and thus estates passed through all the various degrees of subinfeudation. The great body of freeholders were now deprived r)f their freeholds, and their land subjected to this new species of tenure. _ The burgesses of Kirkby became subject to Ilbert de Lacy, their feudal lord, and were de- prived of their most valuable rights and privileges. The right of choosing their own burgh-reve, and governing themselves according to law, was now taken from them. The burgh-mote gave place to the court baron, in which he presided, either per- sonally or by his constable. He, and not the bur- gesses, choose the burgh-reve*. They were called present town through Fryer-wood gardens to Carlton, and South Hardwick; on the side of which, the Roman road passed to Legeolium. The church has been already noticed, and the Alms-house for the poor is undoubtedly that of St. Nicholas. * The office of Burgh-reve, bailiff or constable, was put up to sale by the feudal proprietor, as appears by the first charter. Vid. App. Ch. 1. It is said, that the " burgesses should have the preference, if they would give as much for the office as others." When an office is purchased, the purchaser will always attempt to reimburse himself; and if the usual fees are not deemed sufficient, he will find some causes of complaint, in order to impose fines and obtain the sum wanted. When civil offices are put up to sale, justice and equity cannot be expected. 52 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT. burgesses, but deprived of their right as such; and the only privilege they appear lo have enjoyed, was, that as freemen they could not be sold like the servile. The burgesses now became subject to imposts and exactions, which were indefinite and arbitrary. The lord could tallage them at his pleasure ; nor had they any redress. If they had not submitted to pay as an aid what he demanded, they would have been deprived of their houses and tofts. They could neither buy nor sell without his permission ; nor was this permission granted without .some pecuniary fee, or impost, denominated lastage. A people who choose their own peace-officers can never be long oppressed; and William, by subjecting the burghs to feudal lords, put his finger on the great artery of the constitution, and by stopping the vital circulation, paralized and ex- tinguished civil freedom. The burgesses, by this event were stripped of all their immunities, and for a series of years, remained without rights, corpo^ rate privileges, or political consequence. The hostile chief, in conquest's laurels dress'd, Sporting the trophy'd car and pompous crestj, But little thinks, or, thinking, little cares, How hard the tenant of the cottage fares ; By him deprived of all his former toil, And left to starve upon the fruitful soil: Laughs at the churl, and revels o'er his wine, Whilst flatt'rers hail each fiend like deed divine? HISTORY OF PONTEERAQ'T, 5$ SECTION V. On the modem name of this Borough, and the building of the Castle. JtllSTORlANS have differed as much respecting the name as the origin of this place. The fictions of superstition and the reveries of a wild imagination, have been united together to account for it. Hume conjectured, that it derived its name from the fer- tility of its soil, and the excellent produce of its orchards. From Porno fero, he would make Pom- frete. This etymon would not be improbable, if this orthography was established; but is wholly inadmissable when it is considered, that in all the Latin charters, it is written Pontfractus, and not Pomfrete. Thomas de Castleford, who was bred a Bene- dictine monk, and who wrote the history of this place, accounts for its present name from the fok lowing miracle. William, Archbishop of York, and son of the sister of king Stephen, being on his return from Rome, was met by such crowds of people, who were desirous to see him and receive his blessing, that a wood bridge over the river Aire, near to this place, gave way and broke down; by which acci-r dent vast numbers fell into the river. The bishop, who had been invested with the pall *, and who was * The pall which popes were accustomed to send to archbishops, is an ornament worn on their shoulders. It is made of Iambs wool, and spotted with purple crosses, and is considered as a token of their spiritual authority and jurisdiction; 54 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACf. deemed to have an interest equally as great in the court of heaven, as in the Vatican, affected at the danger of so many persons, poured out his prayers with such fervour and success, that not one perished. "Whether this miracle consisted in dividing the stream, or in rendering the gross bodies of those who fell in, specifncally lighter than the fluid, we are not informed; and to reason or form conjectures on so mysterious a point, would be equally vain and impertinent. To perpetuate so striking and so signal a miracle, the pious Normans, says Thomas, gave the name of Pontefract, or Broken-bridge, to this place*. It is unfortunate for the credit of this story, that the topography of the miracle (indulge me in the expression) has been disputed. The metropolis of the county, York, contends with us for- the honour of it. Drake maintains that the bridge over the Ouse fell in, and that it was there the miracle was wrought f. It must be acknowledged there is stronger proof of its belonging to York, than to this place, as Gent describes a representation of it painted in a window of a church near to which it happened. What wholly destroys the credit of this legend, * Polydore Virgil is the first who hath related this story, ^nd Thomas implicitly follows him, though acknowledged to be, an author of small credit. Thomas, in the genuine spirit of a monk, solely intent on the honour of the place where he resided, recites Polydore without noticing Brompton and Stubs, who refer it to the city of York. f " The saint seeing the accident made the sign of the cross over the river, and addressed himself to God with many tears. All ascribed to the efficacy of his prayer, the miraculous preser- vation of the multitude, especially of the children, who all escaped out of the water unhurt." Burton's Lives of the Saints. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 55 is, that this town was called Pontefract half a cen- tury before St. William was made Archbishop of York. In the charters granted by Robert de Lacy, commonly called Robert de Pontefract, to the monks of St. John the Evangelist, it is stiled both Kirkby and Pontfract. — The words are " De Dominio sno de Kirkby, et deo et Sancti Johanni et Monachis meis de Pontfract." The first of wfaich charters Robert says he made by the advice of Thomas Archbishop of York, and the second was signed by Thomas Archbishop of York, which must have been the first archbishop of that name, as Robert de Lacy died in the seventh of Henry I. anno 1 107, and the second Thomas did not succeed to that see till the ninth of that reign. St. William, to whom this miracle is attributed, was not in pos- session of the see of York till the year 1153 ; from which it is evident that this town was called Pon- tefract, at least, fifty-two years before the above miracle is pretended to have been performed. The opinion of a respectable antiquarian that the name Pontefract. was originally given to Castleford, and that on the decay of the place, the inhabitants having fled here, gave the same name to their new abode, is equally unfounded and unsatisfactory. There is no evidence that a bridge had been built at Castleford, at so early a period > but on the other hand, its very name implies, that on account of the breadth of the stream it w T as fordable. When the navigation was cut, the old Roman road was found some feet below the surface of the ground, shelving down towards the bed of the river. From this circumstance it is evident, that no bridge was there in the time of the Romans; . ahd the following fact proves there was none pre- 56 HISTORY 01" PONTEFRAClV vious to the conquest. Mortimer informs lis that William the Conqueror* in the year 1070, receiving intelligence of great devastations committed in the north by the Danes, and the Northumbrian rebels, levied a formidable army, at the head of which he marched towards the kingdom of Northumberland, of which Yorkshire was a part, vowing in the fury of his wrath, that, " by the splendor of God's face" (his usual oath) he would not leave a Northumbrian alive to stir up future insurrections. On his march into Yorkshire he took Nottingham in his way, but when he came to Pontfret, or Pontefract (be- fore this called Kirkbv) he found that the enemy had broken down the bridge over the Aire at Ferry- bridge, and the waters being at that time swelled, he despaired of being able to pass the river for a considerable time. He had waited three weeks with the greatest impatience, when one of his Nor- man knights called Lisois (probably the same per- son afterwards called Lacy, on whom he bestowed the town) discovered a ford, by which William and his army passed the river. Other historians assert, that the name is derived from the decay of an old bridge, which had been, formerly built over an aqueous and marshy place, near to which the old town principally stood. Le- land says, " the ruines of such a bridgyet ys seene scant half a mile est owt of old Pontfract, but I cannot justely say that this bridge stoode ful on Watheling streete;" for the want of which the road was often impassable to travellers, till proper chan- nels were made for the use of two mills, one called the upper mill, and the other the lower, or Bond- gate mill*. * The upper mill was situate within a few paces of the north HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 57 The principal part of the town formerly lay- round the castle, and the place where the town now stands was a wood. Leland says, " the fairest parte of Pontefract standith on the toppe of the hille wher was after the conquest a chapel with a few sparkeled houses. The chapel was caulled St. Leo- nardes in the frithe (wood), and as I can learne this part of the town was called Kirkeby." Cambden says " Saxonicis ternporibus Kirkby vocabatur, sed Normanni a fracto Ponte, Gall ice Pontfract nommarunt," It was customary with the Normans to call their towns and villages after the names of bridges, and this might induce them to do so in England; but as there is not a river within two miles of this place, and before the drains were made, the wash was not only supplied from the high springs, but frequently heightened by ex- cessive rains, it must consequently have been here that the said bridge was built, and came to decay, which gave the present appellation to this ancient borough. And this is rendered the more probable, because by an inquisition taken in the reign of Edward II. it appears that one John Bubwith held the eighteenth part of a knight's fee, " Juxta vete- rem Pontem de Pontfract,' ' and a place at this day called Bubwith-house terminates this wash ; so that it is presumed it must be this bridge, which being broken down, gave occasion to the Norman lord to change the name of this town from Kirkby to Pontefract. That this must have been the situa- tion is the more apparent, when we consider that east corner of the castle, and Is now in a ruinous state ; the lower was situated near the wash, about six hundred yards below the castle, and was internally demolished in the year 17CG, the mate- rials sold, and the large dam filled up and converted into a meadow. 58 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT, before the late alteration of the roads, by which the stream called the Wash is now confined to a narrow channel, upon any violent rains or sudden thaw, it so swelled and overflowed as to be scarce passable, particularly before the drains were made from hence to the river. Nor does there * appear from the high situation of the town to have been any necessity for a bridge elsewhere. Such are the varying opinions respecting the name of this place. The last seems most probable and supported by the clearest evidence. The orthography of the name in the latin charters, would induce the belief, that it must refer to the breaking of some bridge 3 and as there is no other place near the town where a bridge was built but over the wash, the breaking down of this must have given name to the place. But as names are arbitra- tory, and frequently imposed from mere whim and caprice, or from accidental circumstances, which in many instances are not handed down, no cer- tain conclusion can be made; and we must remain satisfied with what is most probable. The castle is supposed to be of Saxon origin; and the site of it is perfectly agreeable to their mode of fortification. While the Homans formed their camps on a plain, or on the level ground, and de- fended them by afoss and a vallum, the Saxons rais- ed the area of their camps and castles, if the ground was level, or selected hills as places best adapted for defence and security. The elevated rock, on which the castle is built, stands wholly insulated, its sides originally steep and craggy, forms one of those appearances, which indicate some great con- vulsion of nature, by which rocks have been rent assunder, and the various strata of earth washed HISTORY OF PO'NTEFRACT. . 50 away. A site like this, without much trouble or expence, might soon be converted into a keep or castle; and it is not probable that the Saxons would neglect it during the period of their dominion. In support of this opinion, since the demolition of the castle, it has been found that the keep of the great round tower stood upon a raised hill of stiff hard clay, of which materials the Saxons usually made their keeps. After the conquest, Ilbert de Lacy having recei- ved a grant of the place, and in the tenth of William, all his vast possessions being confirmed to him, he soon after began to erect the castle. This noble structure cost immense expence and labour, and no one, unless in possession of a princely revenue could have completed it. This formidable fortress and magnificent palace was carried forward for the space of twelve years, with unremitting attention, and in the year 10S0 was finished. Ilbert de Lacy, when he laid the foundation-stone of the castle, called the name of the town Pontfrete, because the situation, as he conceived, resembled the place so called in Normandy, where he was born *. * Vid. M. S. Fed. of T. Wilson, in Biblioth, Leed. This authority is deserving of more credit, as T. W. copied from Hopkinson, who transcribed whatever was valuable from the re- cords of the castle, previous to its demolition. *0 HISTORY GF PONTEFRACT. SECTION VI. The history and pedigree of the Lacies, Lords of Pontefract, till the failure of the male line, and the union of this family with Thomas Planlagenet, Earl of Lancaster. J. HE noble family of the Lacies came in with the Conqueror; and if we are allowed to judge from the extent of their possessions, they enjoyed a con- siderable degree of his favour. Ilbert* received the gift of one hundred and fifty manors, or the greatest part of so many in the west of Yorkshire, ten in Nottinghamshire, and four in Lincolnshire. These possessions were confirmed to him in the tenth of William f. William the Conqueror, after a turbulent and un- quiet reign of twenty years, departed this life; and as his eldest son Robert, who had rebelled against him during his own life, was heir to the Duke- dom of Normandy, he sent William to England previous to his death, desirous, that he might en- joy the British throne. William succeeded, by the favour of Lanfrank, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Eudes, his fathers steward, who delivered to him all the royal treasures, and secured the cinque * His brother Walter, received considerable possessions as a reward for his services, in Herfordshire and other counties. He died before the survey, and all his estates had devolved to his eldest son Roger, who enjoyed one hundred and twenty lordships. Vid. Doomsday, Herf. f Dudg. 99, This account agrees with the Hopk. MS, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 61 ports in his interest. As he expected his right to the throne would be disputed by his brother Robert, he endeavoured to ingratiate himself by every act of popularity. He courted the English, and they became strongly attached to his interests, and reso- lute to maintain his cause against all opposers. He confirmed the grants made by his father to the Norman barons, of alJ the lands they held, that they might be secure in the possession of their pro- perty. Among others, Ilbert de Lacy obtained a confirmation of all the customs belonging to the castle and honour of Pontefract, as he had enjoyed them during the former reign. He founded the collegiate chapel of St. Clement, in the castle; and dying soon after the accession of William Rufus to the throne, left his vast possessions to his eldest son Robert *, called Robert de Pontefract, from the circumstance of his being born here. William Rufus, confirmed to this Robert all the lands ©f which his father died seized; and he appears to have acquired the lordship of Blackburn- shire, now one of the hundreds, in the county of Lancaster, bordering on his own estates in Yorkshire, from Roger de Busli, and Albert de Greslet, and * He left a younger son called Hugh ; but according to the law of primogeniture, the whole estates went to Robert. This law was introduced into Europe by the feudal system ; and was essential to the support of it. The Saxon law of gavel-kind, the original law of all nations, by which a father's property, whatever it was, was equally divided among ail his children, was abolished, as incompati- ble with duties imposed by this system; The clergy had laboured much to introduce the canon law, which sanctioned primogeniture, as divinely appointed ; and as this harmonized with the feudal sys- tem, it became at length firmly established. If the law of primo- geniture be examined, it appears to have no foundation in reason or equity ; and could never have obtained in society, but in con- nection with the factitious system which required personal service to be rendered to the king, for the lands held of him. 62 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. to have held it under them *. He founded the priory of St. John the Evangelist here, and was a great benefactor to the hospital of St. Nicholas. He is said to have added greatly to the strength and beauty of the castle. On the death of Rufus, by the fortunate arrow of Walter Tyrel, Henry, the youngest son of the Conqueror, had interest sufficient to gain possession of the throne. Robert, Duke of Normandy, who in the true spirit of the age, had joined his forces to the first crusade, and had contributed essentially to rescue the holy city, Jerusalem, from the infidel Mahometans, was now absent ; and notwithstand- ing it had been agreed by William Rufus, that if Robert outlived him, he should succeed to the throne, Henry was solemnly crowned. What he had thus acquired, Henry endeavoured to retain, by conciliating the affections of the people. He punished the instruments of his late brothers op- presion; he rectified the abuses of government, and secured the regular administration of justice. He revived the laws of king Edward, and granted a charter of liberties, according to which his go- vernment was to be regulated, Robert, on his return to Normandy, made pre- parations for putting his claim to the crown of Eng- land to the decision of the sword. He collected a body of troops, and having crossed the channel, landed at Portsmouth. Although the barons had taken the oath of allegiance to Henry, and he had not given them the least cause for complaint, many joined Duke Robert, and among the chief of these was Robert de Pontefract f. * At the time of the survey, these are mentioned as the tenants in capite. Vid. Whit. Whailey. f It is difficult to assign any reason sufficient to justify the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. G3 Henry marched against Robert with the utmost dispatch, resolved to give him battle. The two armies approached and faced each other for several days without coming to action. During this state of awful suspense, some common friends of both interposed and effected an accommodation, on condition that Robert should resign all claim to the crown, unless Henry should die without issue ? and for which he should receive an annual pension of three thousand marks. It was also stipulated that those nobles who had joined Duke Robert, should be indulged with pardon, and the full resto- ration of all their lands and estates, to which Henry very readily consented. Promises made in a time of danger are often forgot in a season of security and peace; and Henry no sooner saw the storm which had threatened him dispersed, than he began to shew his resent- ment to Robert de Pontefract and his son Ilbert, and the several nobles who had taken part with his brother. A brave man knows no malice, but at once Forgets in peace the injuries of war, And gives his direst foe a friend's embrace. According to Dagdale*, Henry banished Robert de Lacy, and his son Ilbert the realm, seized the castle and honour of Pontefract, and gave them to Henry Traverse. Whatever might be the gratifi- conduct of the barons. It is probable they were governed by motives of personal interest. As most of them had large estates in Xormandy, they apprehended that if Robert held Normandy, without being raised to the British throne, he would deprive them of the estates they had there. Their design appears to have been to have united the two crowns in one person, that they might se- cure their possessions in both countries Vid. Littl. Henry II. * Bar. v. 1. p. 99. 64t HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. cation H. Traverse might feel on this advancement to power, wealth, and dignity, he was permitted to enjoy it only for a few days. One Pain, a wicked servant of his own, whether intentionally or accidentally is not clear, mortally wounded him; after which, to atone for his crime, he became a monk, and died three days afterwards. This circumstance did not tend to the benefit or restoration of Robert de Lacy. The king on the demise of Traverse, bestowed his castle and lands on Hugh Del aval, who enjoyed them for some time. During Delaval's temporary possession of the castle and honour of Pontefract, he made several grants of churches to different religious houses. He bestowed on the priory of St. John here, the church of Whalley * ; and gave lands to the priory of Nostel f. Dugdale gives a confused account of Robert de Lacy, and informs us, he was never restored to his possessions, but died in exile; that his son Ilbert was treated with the same severity, and experienced the same fate, — that Henry, the son of Ilbert, after the death of king Henry I. taking advantage of the troubled state of the kingdom, in the be- ginning of Stephen's reign, returned, — expelled Delaval from the castle of Pontefract, and took possession of it as his lawful patrimony. He cor- rects the above statement, on the authority of an old historian, who averred, that Ilbert, the son of Robert, was restored during the reign of Henry I. and who calling to mind the sufferings of his father, strenuously supported the cause of king Stephen, with whom he obtained great favour, * Vid. Whit. Whalley. f Burton, Monastioon Ebor. 304. Whitaker, Wh. Vol. I. 140. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 6a The above account is unquestionably inaccurate. Indubitable evidence can be produced, that Robert de Lacy, after a few years exile, was restored to all his estates and honours. We find him con- firming some of the grants of churches, made by Delaval during his possession*. He built the castle of Clitheroe, previous to his exile. This may be fairly inferred from the circumstance, that it did not exist at the time of the survey, and Delaval, during his possession, granted a charter, under the dependencies of the church of Whalley, of the capellam Sci. Michaelis in Castro de Clyderhow. Robert de Lacy, called also de Pontefract, died in the latter part of Henry I. reign, and left two sons, Ilbert and-Henry; the first of which iaherited all his vast estates f . On the accession of Stephen, 1135, Earl of Boulogne to the throne, the friends of Matilda, the daughter of Henry, who had married to her second husband Geoffry Platagenet, Count of Anjou, made various attempts to obtain for her the crown as her just inheritance. Ilbert de Lacy espoused the cause of Stephen, and greatly contri- * Vid. Burton, Mon. Eb. in Nostel. The following are grants and confirmations between these parties, CHURCHES. GRANTORS. CONFIRMATIONS. Batley, Robert de Lacy, Hugh Delaval, Hen. 1. Alex. 3 South Kirkby, Hugh Delaval, Robert de Lacy, Featherston, Hugh Delaval, Robert de Lacy, Step. Alex. 3, Huddersfield, Hugh Delaval, Robert de Lacy, do. Rothwell, do. do. Warmiield, do. do. do. f The Townley MS. pedigree of this family, mentions a Gilbert Lacy as the successor of Robert ; but as this disagrees with the pedigree taken from the hospital of Pontefract, with that of the Lacies of Cromwelbottom, and others, jt appears to be arj error. W. MS. K * 66 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. buted to his success and triumph over David, king of Scotland, uncle to Matilda, who, to support her pretentions, entered the northern parts of England, with a formidable army, and penetrating as far as Northalerfon, ravaged the country, and wantonly murdered the inhabitants. Stephen was at this time engaged in quelling an insurrection in the south, headed by the Earl of Gloucester; he therefore appointed Thurston, Arch- bishop of York, assisted by Ralph, Bishop of Durham, his lieutenant of the north of England. On their arrival in Yorkshire, they represented to the barons and principal inhabitants, the indispen- sable necessity of raising troops, and exerting their united efforts, to repel the invaders. Animated by the presence of this gallant and martial archbishop, they unanimously embarked in the common cause of liberty, and assembled their troops under the command of William, Earl of Albermarle, assisted by Robert cle Lacy, Robert de Ferrers, Walter Espec, Roger de Mowbray, and other northern barons, determined to stand or fall hy one another. They advanced as far as North- Alverton (Northallerton) in Yorkshire, where they drew up in order, expecting the enemy, and where the venerable Thurston had caused to be erected a famous standard, at the top of which was placed a silver cross, and under this the banners of St Peter, St. John of Beverley, and St. Wilfred of Ripon, from whence the battle that ensued was called the battle of the Standard. The English forces were drawn up in a firm compact body round the standard, when Ralph* Bishop of Dur- ham (Thurston as that time being ill) made a suit- able oration, and absolved from sin all such as should HISTORY OF PONTEFIIACT. 67 be slain in battle. Thus encouraged they fell upon the Scots with such bravery that they totally routed them, killing ten thousand upon the field of battle,. The place where this battle was fought, which was on the twenty-second of August, is called Standard- hill to this day*. llbert de Lacy, after the above battle, obtained a pardon on behalf of all his servants, and for all forfeitures whatsoever f. He married Alice, daugh- ter of Gilbert de Gant, a benefactress to the monastry here. Amidst the confusion of Stephen's reign, in which, the greatest barons changed sides as interest or caprice might lead, llbert continued faithfully attached to the king. Whether he outlived Stephen, or died before him, we are not informed. As he had no children by Alice de Gant, his estates came to his brother Henry. The sudden death of Stephen left Henry, the son of Matilda, without a competitor for the crown. Though young, Henry II. possessed talents equal to the arduous duties of government. He had the wisdom to select for his ministers, some of the best statesmen in the kingdom ; and instead of banishing those nobles who had been faithful to Stephen, he had the greatness of mind to overlook this fault, and to raise them to places of trust and honour. Henry de Lacy received from him a confirmation of his whole honour of Pontefract, with a charter * See a correct account of this important victory in Littleton's history, Henry II. f This llbert, with the consent of his brother Henry, gave the mill and land at Campsall to the knights templar of St. John, of Jerusalem, as appears from the original grant in the possession of Burton, W. MS. 6* HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. for an annual fair, to be held there, and to begin on St. Giles' day, the first of Sept. (O. S ) and to continue eight days following. Henry de Lacy, in pursuance of a vow he had made during a painful and dangerous indisposition, founded the monastry of St. Mary, at Bernoldswick, in Craven, He assigned over this town, which he held of Hugh Bigot, Earl of Norfolk, at the yearly rent of five marks, and a present of a hawk, to the monastry. The Scots having ravaged the lands belonging to the monks, and other unfavourable circumstances occuring, induced them to seek a more safe and fertile retreat. Alexander, the abbot, travelling along the banks of the Aire, came to a woody spot, where some anchorites had fixed their humble habitation. The site of the place pleased the abbot ; and he persuaded his patron, Henry de Lacy, to remove the monastry from Bernoldswick to Kirkstall. Henry obtained a grant of the land from William of Poitou, and founded the once magnificent abbey of Kirkstall, near Leeds. At his death *, in the latter part of Henry II. reign, he was succeeded by his son and heir Robert de Lacy. He was one of the barons who attended at the coronation of Richard I. and dying without issue, in the twelfth kal. Feb. 1193; the estates and honour of Pontefract descended to Awbrey de Lisours. She was his sister by the mother's side, who was the daughter of Eudo de Lisours, by Awbrey his wife, who was the widow of his father Henry, and therefore his nearest relation. Awbrey claimed as her right, not only the barony of Pon- tefract, but all the lands of Robert, by virtue of a * He was buried in the abbey of KirkstaH. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 69 grant from Henry de Lacy to Awbrey, her mother*. She also as heiress 10 her father's large possessions was immensely rich; and by marrying Richard Fitz Eustace, constable of Chester, and baron of Hal- ton, enjoyed a rank equal to her ambition. Richard Fitz Eustace, having died before Robert de Lac}', the estates of both noble families came to John. John animated by the spirit of the times, joined Richard in the third crusade, together with his eldest son Roger. Whether he fell by the hand of the enemy, or by the fatigues and changes of climate, is uncertain ; but he is said to have died at Tyre, in the land of Judeaf, Roger, his eldest son, who had accompanied him in this expedition, now became entitled to all his estates. Fie continued with Richard I. and contributed to the success of his arms against the Mahometans. He was present at the memorable siege of Acre, which, after an obstinate defence, was surrendered to British valour J. Roger was accompanied in this crusade by William Bellamonte, ancestor of the Beaumonts of Whitley, near Fluddersfield, to whom, after his return, he gave eight oxgangs of land at Fludders- field, and who appears to have been his inseparable * Saxaginta Feoda Militum (of the honour of Pontefract) undo ilia post Roberti de Lacy mortem utramque Hereditatem, frater- nam de Lacy et Paternam de Lisours occupavit." f He left issue by Alice de Mandeville, Roger, Richard, and Peter. X See Whitaker Wh. It is amusing to consider, that this same Acre, where English and French, although not much better friends than now, united their forces to combat Saladin, and where so many of both nations perished, should, after a lapse of seven hundred years, become again memorable by the gallant defence ©f Sir Sydney Smith, and the repulse of Bonaparte. 70 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. companion ever after, as he generally attests the charters which Roger granted. Chester, being contiguous to Wales, often suf- fered greatly from the incursions of the hardy moun- taineers of that country. Although the kings of Wales, did homage to the kings of England, and paid an annual acknowledgment, they were ever ready to rush forth and plunder the adjoining districts. Koger Fitz Eustace, fierce in his temper, and in- nnred to a state of warfare, repelled their aggres- sions, and treated them with such severity, that they surnamed him, Hell*. He was the first of his family who took upon him the name of Lacy, and in the fifth of Richard I. he came to an agreement with Awbrey his grand- mother, for all the lands belonging to the honour of Pontefract ; and by a fine levied at Westminster, before H. Archbishop of Canterbury, W. Bishop of Eli, Chancellor to the king, and others, she quit claimed to him all the lands which did belong to Robert de Lacy. In the same year Roger granted a charter to the burgesses of Pontefract f . He also granted to those burgesses who had lands in the moor J one hundred and ninety-four acres, to hold, * " There is evidently something allusive to the temper and achievments of Roger de Lacy, in his great seal, some drawings of which have been preserved. On the obverse side, instead of the equestrian figure, usual in that situation, is the spirited figure of a griffon grinding the body of some other animal ; and on the en- dorsement, an armed man trampling on the body of an enemy, whose head he holds up triumphantly with his right hand, while the left sustains an antique heater shield." Whit. Wh. Vol. 1. 142. f Vid, App. Charters. No. 1; J Where did this lie ? Is it not the land now called the West- field ? This w r as a common field in which the burgesses had sepa- rate lands, till within late years ; and what establishes the fact is, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 71 to them and their heirs for ever, paying to him and his heirs, at the feast of St. Michael, fourpence per acre annual rent. In the sixth of Richard I. he answered £k5. Ids. for the scutage then levied, on account of the king's redemption. While the feudal system con- tinued, the military tenents, were obliged, in case the lord of whom they held was taken prisoner, to contribute, in proportion to their land, towards his ransom. .Richard I. returning from the third cru- sade, and willing to take the nearest rout home, travelled incognito through Germany. He was however recognized, and the emperor treacherously seized him, and detained him a prisoner. To obtain his ransom the above scutage was levied. In the seventh of Richard I. he paid a fine of two thousand marks to the king, for livery of all his lands and castles belonging to the barony and honour of Pontefract, except the castle of Ponte- fract, w T hich the king now retained in his own hands- Are we to consider the above fine as '-he relief which Roger paid for admittance to his estates? 1£ we are, it is certainly exorbitant *, and affords one, among many other proofs of the tyranny and that some proprietors of land here, now pay to the mayor four- pence per acre, as being the lord of the manor. What origin can be assigned of this tenure, if it did not spring from this charter? * The mark is estimated at thirty shillings, and the fine now levied would amount to three thousand pounds. When the compa- rative value of money is considered, this sum then, would be equal to thirty thousand pounds now. In the reign of William the Con- queror, and down to Richard I. commodities were on an average ten times cheaper than they are at present. Bishop Fleetwood has shewn that in the year 1240, four pounds thirteens shillings and ninepence was worth fifty pounds of our present money." Ency. in. mon. 72 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. oppression of the feudal system. For as the king thus arbitrarily fined the tenants in capite, on enter- ing into possession of their baronies and honours; the barons imposed fines in like manner on all their under-tenants; and nearly the whole land of the kingdom was subject to a tenure, in many respects similar to the worst of our modern tenures, that of holding by copy of court-roll, usually called copy- hold. By detaining the castle of Pontefract in his own hands, Richard appears, either to have doubted the fidelity of Roger de Lacy, or to have kept it for the purpose of extorting from him another sum of money. On the death of Richard I. and the accession of his brother John, Roger de Lacy had livery of all the lands and castles belonging to him. As John's title to the crown might he disputed by Arthur, Duke of Bretagne, he like most of Wil- liam's successors, began his reign by conciliating the barons. He did not admit Roger de Lacy to possess his estates till he had agreed to pay five hundred marks, and to give his son and heir as an hostage for his future fidelity. It appears however that Roger de Lacy had not paid the five hundred marks in the fourth of John, as he then came to a new agree- ment to pay the whole by instalments, of a hundred marks per annum, and to give the king annually, ten palfrys, and ten lease of greyhounds. When king John had most wickedly put to death Prince Arthur, his nephew, and who was the real heir to the throne, a general defection of his barons in Normandy, and other foreign provinces, took place; and Philip king of France took them under his protection, and assisted them in their enterpises. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 73 The principal castles in Normandy had been surren- dered io Philip; and John, instead of repelling the enemy, conscious of his own crimes and of theabhor- ence of the Normans, shamefully fled to England. The only place which made any resistance to the arms of Philip and the barons, was Chateau-Gaillard, in the Vexin. This place was bravely defended by Roger de Lacy, for the space of six months, against all the power of Philip; and when Roger de Lacy was compelled to surrender, he was treated with great respect, and allowed to live at liberty in Paris upon his parole, but he could not obtain his release until he had paid six thousand marks for his ransom. Roger de Lacy, after having obtained his liberty, was actively employed in arranging his own private concerns; and in the sixth scutage of John, he answered for forty three knights-fees and a half. He died October 1, 1211, and was interred in the abbey of Stanlow, leaving by Maude de Clare his wife, a daughter married to GeoiTry, dean of Whalley ; and John de Lacy who succeeded to his possessions. At this period the oppressions, cruelties and crimes of the king, had incensed the whole kingdom against him. Every one secretly wished his deposi- tion; and some avowed their wish, that such a pest to society and scourge to the nation, might be removed. While men's minds were thus agitated, Peter de Pontefract, commonly called the zvise hermit, on account of his various predictions of seve- ral strange things, which were to come to pass, prophesied openly of king John, and said, u that on the ascension day following, there should be no king, and that the crown on that day should be translated to another." The king hearing thereof, T * 74 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT; commanded the hermit to be brought before him, and on his arrival, the king demanded whether he should die on that day ? or in what manner he should be deprived of his crown ? The hermit answered, " know this most certainly, that at that day thou shalt not be king, and if I should be found a lier, then doe with me what ye will." On which the king replied, " it shallbeeeven so as thou hast saide," and instantly ordered him into prison there to be kept till the time *, * " According to M. Paris, his prediction was, " that John should not be king the next Ascension-day, nor afterwards, but that the crown of England should on that day be transferred to another." The original runs thus ; " Sub his quoque diebus, erat in pfovincia eboracensi, heremita quidam Petrus nomine, qui eo quod multis futura multa praedixerat, sapiens dicebatur. Hie, in* ter alia quae spiritu prophetiae tactus videratde rege Johanne; palam coram cunctis astantibus, illud praedicando publice aserebat : Quod nonforet rex in die dominicce Ascensionis proxime sequentis* nee de- inceps : sed die ilia coronam Anglice ad alium transferri prcedixit. Cujus assertio cum ad regis notitiam devenisset, et, ipso jubente, ad ejus praesentiam adductus fuisset, quaesixit ab eo rex ; si die illo esset moriturus, vel quo ordine a regni solio privaretur ; Qui res - pondit ; N over ids certissime quod die pr&dicta rex non eris, Et si de mendacio convictusfuero, de me quod placuerit faciatis. Cui rex, fiat, inquit, secundum verbum tuum. Tunc rex tradidit ilium Willielmo de Harecurt, custodiendum, quern idem Willielmus, custodibus et arctioribus vinculis constrictum, apud corricum incar- ceravit, donee probaret quern exitum res haberet." Matt. Par. p. 195. Wikes treats this hermit as an impostor for pretending to the knowledge of future events, which our author says belongs to God only ; ascribes his popularity to the ignorance of the vulgar; and represents him as foretelling expressly, that John should die in the fourteenth year of his reign. His words are too remarkable to be omitted. " Eisdem temporibus erat qu idem laicus in Anglia, no- mine Petrus de Pun/ret quern vulgo Petrum sapientem anglice nun- cupabant, cui laicorum rusticaria simpiicitas, pro eo quod multa praedixeral, quae postea rei exitus approbavit, prophetias spiritum asserebat inesse, tribuens ei praescientiam futurorum, quce^ secun- dum fldeni catholicam soli deo creditur ascribenda; diu autem HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 75 predicted was expired. In the mean lime, the pope had excommunicated the king, and laid the king- dom under an interdiction, which obliged the king to resign his crown and dominions into the pope's hands, which he did by charter; dated the 15th of May, (being the ascension day) in the fourteenth year of his reign to Pandolph the pope's vicegerent, who kept the crown four or five days, by which the hermit's prediction was in some measure fulfilled, but as it was the king's prerogative to make his own interpretation, it cost the poor hermit his life. As- cension-day was no sooner past than the king ordered the hermit out of prison, and condemned him to be tied to a horse's tail, and drawn through the streets, and that both he and his son should be hanged on a gibbet, which sentence was instantly executed. proedixerat post annum quartum decimum regni regis, regnandi potestatem regi finaliter eximendam, quod quidem contigit, sed ailo modo quam putabat. Alludebat etiam huic praesagio revelatio facta cuidam monacho viro sancto transmarino in somnis : quod ultra annos xiv. non regnaret. Et quidem anno regni sui quarto decimo (ut praetactum est) se et regnum suum sedi apostolicse sub- jugavit," Our author, after expounding and confirming the truth of the hermit's prediction, by the king's submission to the apostolical see, proceeds to inform us, that John having enquired of Peter the day before he made his submission, how long he thought he should reign, was answered, « till three o'clock the next day at farthest :" and John was so highly exasperated by his reply, that he ordered him to be closely confined in Corf-castle, with a firm resolution of bringing him to punishment, and the next year he was torn to pieces by horses, after having been hung upon a gallows. Chronic. T. WiKEsadan. 1213 and 1214. This extraordinary prediction is authenticated by the manu- script of Wendover ; and Polydore Virgil imputes it to the dis- coveries of magic, " magicis artibus." But Speed judiciously sus- pects the whole of i nposture, and imagines that the hermit was suborned, to lessen the attachment of the people to the king. Speed b. ix. ch. 8. p. 558. w HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, John de Lacy, the lord of Pontefract, who, after the death of Alice de Aqirila, his first wife without issue, married Margaret, daughter and coheiress of Robert, son of Sa her de 2uincg y Earl of Lincoln. This Robert married Hawys, fourth sister and coheiress of Randal Blundevil, Earl of Chester and Lincoln, who gave to her, in the distribution of his lands and honors, the latter earldom, scilicet quan- tum ad me pertinuit id inde comitissa existat-— from her it descended to Margaret her daughter, who, by marrying John de Lacy, brought the earldom of Lincoln into that family. In the fifteenth of king John, John de Lacy engaged to pay to the king seven hundred marks, in the space of four years, for livery of all his lands as inherited by his father, and to be discharged of all his father's debts due to the exchequer; obliging himself by that oath, in case he should ever fall from his allegiance, and adhere to the king's enemies, all his possessions should be forfeited to the crown. It was also by this agreement stipulated, that the king should retain the castles of Pontefract and Dunning- ton in his own hands, and that Johnde Lacy should allow forty pounds per Annum, for the custody of them. Under the influence, and by the direction of Archbishop Langton, a number of barons associated for the purpose of obtaining a redress of grievances. The archbishop had found a copy of the charter granted by Henry I. on his accession to the throne. He shewed this to the barons, who engaged, to ob- tain a renewal of it, and a full restoration of the laws of Edward the Confessor. They collected their forces, and ultimately obtained the famous charter, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 77 called Magna Charla *, which is considered as the foundation of British liberty. The barons, who had obtained this important charter, were too wise to leave this work unfinished. They knew too well the king's character, to think that he would ever agree to the performance of this charter, unless compelled by necessity. They chose twenty-five of their number to see the charter carried into execution. John de Lacy was chosen one of this number; and on their cantoning the kingdom among themselves, he had Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire allotted for his share. The barons, in this struggle for liberty, incurred the displeasure of the pope. John having disgrace- fully given the crown to the see of Rome, and now holding it as a fief of St. Peter, was considered as a dear son of the church, while the wicked barons were doomed to suffer all the penalties which the church could inflict. They were solemnly excommunicated, aud all the pious were separated from them. This had such an effect on John de Lacv, that on ob- taining letters of safe conduct, he went to the king and made his peace. In the first of Henry III. Lewis, the son of Philip, the king of France, who had been invited f by the barons, to come and accept the crown, being expelled by the prudent conduct of the great Earl of Pembroke, the regent, John de Lacy was admitted to favour. He, together with many other English * This important charter ascertained the reliefs for earldoms, baronies, and knights fees, which had been arbitrary ; it stipulates, that no aid, scutage, or tax should be levied without the consent of the common council of the natron ; and that no person should be taken, imprisoned, or disseized of his freehold and liberties, without legal process, and the lawful judgment of his peers, f Matt. Par. p. 303, or 30. 78 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, nobles*, took the cross, and went to the holylajid, in the year following, Richard, the king's brother, assisted by John de Lacy and others carried on the war against the Saracens with vigour, and covered with laurels, at length returned. John de Lacy appears not to have continued long abroad, but to have returned with him. We find him among the barons in the great council assembled in the twenty-third of this reign; and in that year he had a grant of the sheriffalty of Cheshire, and was appointed governor of the castle of Chester. He had returns of all the king's writs through- out the wapontakes of Staincross and Osgoldcross, in this county ; and obtained the further privilege, " that all merchants and strangers, coming by wa- ter to the town of Pontefract, should be free from payment of any tollf. John de Lacy, died July 22, 1240, and left issue by Margaret his wife, two daughters, and Edmund his only son and heir. The daughters were sent for to court, and educated with the king's own daughters. Edmund de Lacy, appears to have been at the time of his father's demise under age, and conse- quently a ward of the king. His great possessions, excited in the queen, the desire of marrying him to one of her own relations. Accordingly, a daughr ter of the Marquis de Saluces, was brought over from Italy, and Edmund was forced to marry her; a circumstance, which occasioned no little discon- tent among the English nobility. In the 3oth of Henry III. Edmund obtained a charter for free warren J in all his demesne lands, * Pal. 21. Henry III. f Rol. de Ebor. t Free Warren, is a franchise granted for preservation or HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 79 belonging to his honour of Pontefract. He also obtained another charter from the same monarch, for a weekly market, to be held every Wednesday at TansheJf, within his lordship of Pontefract ; and a fair yearly for three days, viz. on the eve, day and morrow of the feast of the Holy Trinity. Edmund dying in the life-time of his mother, never assumed the title of Earl of Lincoln. He founded the house of the White Friars in Ponte- fract, and was succeeded by his son and heir, Henry de Lacy, the last and greatest man of his line. He married Margaret, daughter and sole heiress of William Longespe, son of the Earl of Salisbury. By her he had two sons, Edmund and John. It is said that Edmund was drowned in a well at Denbigh castle - y and that John, when young, running hastily upon a turret in Pontefract castle, fell down and was killed. It is scarcely pro- bable, that two children should perish in this man- ner; and it is more natural to believe that the two accounts have originated from the fall of John, and custody of beasts and fowls of warren ; which, being ferae naturae, every one had a right to kill as he could ; but upon the introduction of the forest laws, at the Norman conquest, these animals being looked upon as royal game, and the sole property of our savage monarch s, this franchise of free warren was invented to protect them ; by giving the grantee a sole and exclusive power of killing such game so far as his warren extended, on condition ot his preventing other persons. Manwood informs us, " that the hare, the coney, the pheasant and the partridge, were beasts and fowls of warren ; and no other. Sir Edward Cooke, mentions as beasts and fowls of warren, roes, rails and quails, woodcocks, mallards and herons. Henry I. granted to Henry Keighly, knight, the privilege of free warren within his own manor," ita quod melius ineret terras Mas ad fugandum in its, vel ad aliquid capiendum quod ad Warrennam pert/neat sine licentia et voluntate ipsius Hcnrici et successorum ejus. Free warren gave to the lord of a manor an exclusive right to hunt and kill the game therein. 80 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. the early death of Edmund. He had two daughters, Alice and Margaret ; the former of which only sur- vived, and was married to Thomas, son of Edmund, Earl of Lancaster. Henry de Lacy was the confidential friend of Edward I. whom he seems not a little to have re- sembled in courage, activity, prudence, and every other quality which can adorn a soldier or a states- man. His services began with the reign of Edward. In the first of Edward he beseiged and took the castle of Chartly, in Staffordshire, which Robert de Ferrers had entered and detained by force from Hamon L'Estrange, to whom i- had been granted by Henry III. upon the attainder of Ferrers. In the sixth of Edward I. he granted a * charter to his burgesses of Pontefract, confirming the grants and charters of his ancestor, Roger de Lacy, and also f another charter respecting the right of erecting stalls. In the year 1290, he was appointed the first commissioner for rectifying the abuses which had crept into the administration of justice, especially in the court of common pleas; an office in which lie behaved with the most exemplary fidelity and strictness. He was sent in 1292, Ambassador to France, to demand satisfaction for plundering the English merchants by the subjects of that kingdom. He obtained a charter in the year 1294, to hold several markets in different places, and among them a market every Wednesday at Pontefract, and a fair upon the eve of Palm-Sunday, and the three days following. After the death of Edmund Earl of Lancaster, he was appointed commander in chief, of the army of Gascony and Viceroy of Aquitaine. * Char. 2. .Appd. f Char. 3- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 81 In 1298, he raised the sjege of St. Catherine, near Thoulouse, and expelled the French from the confines of that country. In 1299, he led the van- guard, at the memorable battle of Falkirk, in Scot- land, in which the Scots lost one thousand two hundred men, and Edward obtained a victory the most brilliant and decisive. Henry having been long married, and not having any male issue living, did in the twentieth of Edward I. render up his castle and barony of Pontefract, with all the manors, hamlets, and other rights there- unto belonging, into the king's hands; but condi- tionally it seems, for that monarch, by his charter, dated at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 28th December, in the twenty- first of Edward I. regranted the castle and honour of Pontefract unto the said Henry de Lacy, and the heirs of his body, with remainder to his royal brother, Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, and the heirs of his body, and for want of such issue to the king and his heirs. In the year 1294, the king granted him a charter to hold several markets at different places, and amongst them, a market upon every Wednesday at Pontefract, and a fair upon the eve of Palm Sunday, the day and three days following. In the twenty eighth of Edward I. Queen Marga- ret resided at the castle of Pontefract, while the king was engaged in an expedition to Scotland. Several of the nobility who attended her, fond of the chace, went a hunting in the neighbourhood. The Queen, who was then in a pregnant state, took a ride for the benefit of her health; and being drawn on by the sport of the field, as far as Brotherton, was there taken ill, and safely delivered of her fifth son. The royal infant was therefore at the queen's desire, *i HISTORY OF PONTEFRAC'rl from St. Thomas of Canterbury, to whom she prayed in her extremity, called Thomas de Bro- therton*. He was afterwards by king Edward the second, his brother, made Earl of Norfolk, and the office of marshal of England was conferred by parliament on him, and his heirs male lawfully begotten, which his descendent, the present Duke of Norfolk enjoys. Not far from the church at Brotherton, was a piece of ground of about twenty- acres, surrounded with a trench and a wall, where (as tradition informs us) stood the house in which queen Margaret was brought to bed, and the tenants were obliged by the tenure of their land, to keep it surrounded by a wall of stone. In the parliament of Carlisle, ult. Edward I. Henry de Lacy had precedence of all the peers of England after the Prince of Wales; and after the death of his old master, he seems to have retained the confidence of his son; for in the important expedition of Edward II. into Scotland, he who had shared the triumphs of Falkirk, was spared the dis- grace of Bannockburn, by being left protector of England. He died February 5. 1310, aged 60, and was buried in St. Paul's, London. * In the Cotton ian library is a book of grants, beautifully illuminated, among which, there is one of Edward II. giving a commission to Thomas de Brotherton, appointing him his marshal of England. Over this painting is written, Literoe, K. Edwa'di, constituentes Thomam de Brotherton, Comitem Nottingham Marescallem Anglise. This curious painting is richly embossed with gold and ele- gantly coloured ; the king sits on a light red throne*, dressed in a blue robe, lined with ermine ; the armour of Thomas h a light blue, except the body, which is painted red; and the lion argent, and the joints of the armour at the elbows, and knees, which are gold ; the back ground is a deep sea green ; the letter is white, shaded with red, inclosed in a gold square. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 83 Thus terminated the once noble name of Lacy. Whatever anxiety men may feel to transmit their name to posterity in that of their children, in a few generations, it is probable, that very name will be forgotten. All has its date below ; the fatal hour Was registered in heav'n ere time began. We turn to dust, and all our mightiest works Die too : the deep foundations that we lay, Time ploughs them up, and not a trace remains, W T e build with what we deem eternal rock : A distant age asks where the fabric stood ; And in the dust, sifted and search'd in vain, The undiscoverable secret sleeps. All flesh is grass, and all its glory fades Like the fair flow'r dishevel'd in the wind ; Riches have wings, and grandeur is a dream : The man we celebrate must find a tomb, And we that worship him ignoble graves. Nothing is proof against the gen'ral curse Of vanity, that seizes all below. The only amaranthine ftow'r on earth Is virtue ; th' only lasting treasure,, truth. 84 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT^ SECTION VII. Inquiry into the conduct and character of Tho??ias f , Earl of Lancaster, commonly called St. Thomas. 1 HOMAS, Earl of Lancaster, was the son of Edmund, who was the fifth son of Henry III. Henry de Lacy, on the failure of male issue, had bequeathed to his daughter and heiress, Alice, who had married Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, all his estates; and on a failure of issue from this marriage, he entailed them on the king and his heirs. Henry de Lacy, who had been the ornament of the court of Edward I. and one of those, whose fidelity and courage had contributed to the glory of* his reign, by this entail of his vast possessions, gave a remark- able proof of his 'strong attachment to the royal family. Edward II. previous to the death of his father, had given too many indications of that weakness which characterized his reign, to escape notice; and his attachment to Piers Gaveston, the companion of his crimes and pleasures, it was foreseen, would one day become a source of calamities to his kingdom. It is said, that Henry de Lacy, after the death of his old friend and master, Edward I. and the acces- sion of Edward II. particularly charged Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, to watch the conduct of Gaves- ton, and strenuously to defend the liberties of the people. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, with other barons HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 8$ of public and independent spirit, had soon to con- tend against this unprincipled minion. Edward II. gave him the earldom of Cornwal ; and he disposed of all offices and places according to his pleasure. By his advice all the faithful servants of the late king were removed from their posts, and their place supplied with his creatures. The favourite could not bear his good fortune with moderation; he became haughty and overbear- ing, and looked down on the English nobility with the most supercilious contempt. In the splendor of bis dress, he endeavoured to outshine, not only the nobility, but even the king himself. The insults which the barons received, excited them unanimously to seek redress, and to insist on the banishment of Gaveston. The king supported his minion to the utmost of his power, but finding it impossible to vanquish the spirit of the barons, he at length complied with their request, and Gaveston was banished the realm. He was sent into Gascony, where the king made him a grant of a large estate, and even be- stowed the honour of Cockermouth, in England. The king could not endure his absence; and having obtained the assistance of the pope, to absolve him from his engagements, this favourite was recalled. He was no sooner restored to power, than, for- getting his late banishment, he exercised it in the same wanton manner he had previously done* He appeared to think his authority so well established, that he had nothing to fear from the future attempts of the barons ; and he not only neglected to con- ciliate their esteem and regard, but attacked the character of the leading nobles by personal reflec- tions*. * He characterized the Earl of Lancaster, by the title of $6 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The prodigality of the king and the favourite soon exhausted the treasury, and a parliament was called to grant an assessment for the supply of the king's necessities. The barons went prepared to destroy the favourite, and to regulate and reform the administration. They insisted that a certain number of their own body should be chosen to correct the abuses of government, and to whom the administration should be given. The persons thus chosen were called Ordalners, and among them was Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. While the king was intent on prosecuting the war against Robert Bruce, the renowned leader and king of the Scots, the ordainers were drawing up ordinances for preserving the peace of the church, collecting the customs, and calling the late collectors to an account; for regulating the court of exchequer, and for redressing all griev- ances. Piers Gaveston was banished the realm, for having embezzled the king's treasure, procur- ing blank charters, which he filled up according to his own pleasure, protecting robbers, and arro- gating to himself the regal power and dignity. Edward had no desire to comply with any of these ordinances, and least] of all with that which banished his favourite. The barons insisted on his complying with every ordinance; and not having the power to resist, he submitted, and Gaveston was again banished. The king having no sources of enjoyment in his own mind, and being accustomed to draw his pleasure from his favourite, found life insupportable without him. He privately invited him to return, and meeting him at York, restored him to all his honours. stage player; the Earl of Pembroke, by that of Joseph the Jew; and the Earl of Warwick, he called the wild boar of Ardenne. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 87 The barons, who appear to have formed the design of abridging the prerogatives of the crown, were incensed at this instance of folly in the king, and presumption in the favourite; and having collected troops, the Earl of Lancaster marched with such expedition and secrecy, that he nearly surprized the king and Gaveston in Newcastle, to which place they had retired. Edward not being able to contend with Lancaster, fled to Tinmouth, and going on board a vessel with his favourite, put to sea. He landed Gaveston at Scarborough, and having put him in possession of the castle, departed to York. Lancaster was jio sooner informed of Gaveston's retreat, than he sent Pembroke, Piercy, and Clifford, with a body of troops to besiege the castle; while he took post with the rest of his army between that place and York, in order to cut off all com- munication between the king and his favourite. Gaveston, finding himself thus pent up, and the king unable to afford him any assistance, was forced to capitulate, and surrender himself to his enemies. He was conveyed to Dedington. and was taken by Guy, Earl of Warwick, and carried to his castle there. The Earls of Lancaster, Hereford, and Arun- del, repaired to Warwick to decide his fate. They soon came to a determination to put him to death as a public enemy. The next day he was accordingly beheaded, and Lancaster is said to have viewed the head with marks of brutal joy. The news of his death gave general satisfaction, and few beside the king lamented him. He vowed vengeance, and a civil war would have been the consequence, had not common friends interposed, and effected a reconciliation. 88 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. It was the misfortune of Edward, that he could not live without favourites. On the death of Gaveston, the Spencers were admitted to en- joy his place; and by a similar spirit and con- duct, excited the same general resentment. The ordinances continued to be disregarded, and Lan- caster on this account maintained his opposition to Edward. To mortify Lancaster, the Countess was carried off from her house at Caneford, in Dorsetshire, to the castle of Ryegate, by a knight of a most deformed figure, being lame and hunchbacked. He claimed the lady in con- sequence of a contract previous to her marriage with the earl; alledged he had cohabited with her as her husband; and, by an action brought in the king's court at Westminster, demanded the earldoms of Lincoln and Salisbury, of which she was heiress*. This singular transaction appears to have been a contrivance of the king; and what must for ever entail infamy on Alice de Lacy, now the countess, she joined in the prosecution. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, enraged at this * This lady, the heiress of the family of Lacy, at an early period, was infamous for her amours and intrigues. She was married to Lancaster when only nine years old, and when arrived at the age of nineteen, carried on an illicit amour with the Earl of Warren. He built Sandal castle, near Wakefield, where, having taken the Countess of Lancaster, he detained her for some time. In an affray concerning this lady, be- tween the retainers of Lancaster and Warren, commenced that fatal trpgedy in which Sir John Elland, of Elland, and so many other valiant knights lost their lives. Vid. Watson's, Halifax, p. 176. and Whit. Whalley, p. 146. This lady survived her husband, and married one Eubulo le Strange, a man with whom she had before cohabited. She died without issue in the sixty-seventh year of her age, and was buried at the conventual church of Berling, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 89 cruel attempt against his honour and fortune, applied to the king for redress. The king re- fused to , grant his request, and even threatened to punish him for his arrogance and presumption. Lancaster resolved to do himself right by force of arms, and with that view collected a body of eighteen thousand men. The king, conscious of his own inability to contend with this powerful nobleman, had recourse to the legates of the pope, to ward off -the blow and effect a reconci- liation. They went to Lancaster, and managed matters so well, that he and the king were once more made friends. The conduct of the Spencers in seizing some of the castles of the barons, and persuading the king to resume some grants he had made; and especially depriving John de Mawbrey of an estate, which had been bequeathed to him, pro- duced a general union of that body, who were determined to obtain redress. They applied to Lancaster for assistance, the only person who could give effect to their schemes. Thus strengh- ened, they demanded the restoration of their pro^- perty, and the removal of the Spencers; and not finding the king ready to comply with this demand, they collected their forces, attacked the castles of the Spencers, laid waste their lands, burnt their houses, and took away their cattle. Alarmed at the danger of his favourites, Edward issued out a proclamation, commanding the barons to lay down their arms, and to sub- mit their grievances to the decission of a par- liament, which should be called. The barons, in the mean time, assembled at Sherbum, near Pontefraof, drew up an instrument, and engaged N 90 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. not to lay down their arms, till they had expel- led the Spencers* After this they marched forward towards Lon- don, and fixed their quarters on Clerkenwell- green* They presented their demands to the par- liament which was then sitting; and a bill was brought in and passed", banishing the Spencers. This sentence was immediately published, That the Spencers, would be accounted public enemies, if seen in the kingdom after the 29th of August. The barons, on having obtained pardon for their proceedings, dismissed a part of their forces, and returned to their own estates; but being doubtful of the king's sincerity, kept themselves in a posture of defence. A circumstance now occurred, which, in its consequences, proved fatal to Lancaster, and to the cause of the barons. The queen, according to the spirit of the times, going to pay her de- votion at Becket's tomb, being near to the castle of Leeds* belonging to Badlesmere, sent her servants to demand lodging for a night. Badlesmere was not in the castle; but his wife told the servants they must go and provide lodg- ing for their mistress in some other place; for without an order from her husband, she would neither admit her majesty, nor any other person, into the castle. The queen not believing that such an answer had been returned, repaired to the gate of the castle, but was rudely repulsed, and six of her attendants slain by the garrison. This insult, offered to the queen, roused the spirit of Edward. He immediately raised an army and invested the castle, which had it been sup- plied with provisions, was well furnished with every other requisite for a long siege. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 91 The lords of the marches considered this as a commencement of hostilities, and collected their troops in order to raise the siege. Lan- caster refused to support them, considering that such an insult, offered to the queen, ought to be avenged, and her honour vindicated. The castle surrendered at discretion, and the governor, and eleven principal officers were executed. The king encouraged by this success, recalled the Spencers, and set the barons at defiance. Lancaster was no sooner apprized of this event, than he inveighed with vehemence against the arrogance of the favourites, and the perfidy and baseness of the king, who sacrificed his honour to gratify his ruling passion. Determined to oppose this violation of the late statute, be summoned the barons in his inte- rest to meet him at Doncaster, on the 29th of November; and circular letters were sent over all the kingdom, representing the danger to which the nation would be exposed by the return of the Spencers. Many of the barons had espoused the cause of Edward against Badlesmere, in order to vindicate the honour of the queen. This circumstance strengthened the king's party, and contributed to the fall and ruin of Lancaster and his friends ; for deserted by many, on whose support he had relied, he was unable to maintain the con- test. The king having subdued the castles in the west marshes, advanced to attack Lancaster. In the mean time, Bruce, the king of Scot- land, invaded Northumberland, and Lancaster, conscious of the weakness of his party, resolved to conclude an alliance with him; and for this 92 HISTORY OF PONTETRACT. purpose sent Mawbrey and Clifford with pro- posals. Bruce embraced this overture with alacrity, and the barons encouraged with a prospect of assistance, laid siege to the castle of Tickhill, belonging to the crown. Edward came to its relief, and Lancaster drew his forces together, determined to hazard a battle; but when he saw the vast superiority of the king's army, he judged it more wise to retreat north, in hope of being reinforced by his Scottish allies. To oppose the Scots, Simon Warde, governor of York, and Harcla, governor of Carlisle, had imited their forces near Boroughbridge. Edward, detached the Earls of Surry and Kent after Lancaster, invested the castle of Pontefract, where Lancaster had intended to have defended himself*, but being threatened with death by Clifford, had gone north. The castle of Ponte- fract surrendered to the king on the first sum- mons; and at Boroughbridge, Lancaster found the passage guarded; and was tinder the neces- sity of either surrendering himself to his enemies, or of hazarding an engagement, and by fighting his way, escape to Scotland. He endeavoured to force the bridge, but failed iji the attempt. Harcla, being reinforced in the night by the sheriff of Yorkshire, with the posse comitatus, entered next morning the town and took Lan- * Le land informs us, "that Lancaster and the lords, met in the house of the Black Fryers at Pontefract, to consult what they ought to do. They advised him to march north to Danstanburgh, one of his castles in Northumberland ; while he declared his resolu- tion to stay at Pontefract. On this, Roger de Clifford drew his dagger, and swore he would kill him^ unless he went with them. 5J Col. Vol. I. mi\ HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 93 caster, and above a hundred barons and knights, beside many gentlemen, prisoners. The king being at the castle of Pontefraet, when he heard of this event, sent orders for Lancaster, and some others, to be brought to him. The third day after their arrival, the king sitting himself in judgment, with Edmund, Earl of Kent, his brother, the Earls of Pembroke and Warren, Hugh Spencer, created Earl of "Winchester and others, sentence of death was passed on Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, to be drawn, hanged, and beheaded as a traitor. The king remitted the two first punishments, in considera- tion of his being a prince of the royal blood. It is related, that when he was brought as a prisoner to Pontefraet, he was rudely insulted by his own vassals, and called, king Arthur ; a name, which it is said, he had once ironically applied to Edward. He was put into a tower, which Leland * * The following account of this matter, extracted from the Chronique of William de Pakington, is contained in the 1st vol. Lei. Col. p. 461, &c. — About this tyme Henry Lacy Erie of Lincoln dyed, and charged Thomas of Lancastre his sunne yn law and heyre, that he should maynteine his quarelle agaynst- Peter Gaveston. Be whos meanes after, and the Counte of Warwickes, was Pers Geveston behedid at Gaverishith by Warwick the xxix of Juin yn the yere of our Lord 1312. King Eduarde lamenting and desiring God that he might ons be revengid of Peter Gave- stons dethe. The Nobles of England seing the infinite covetousness of the Dispenser, came to Thomas of Lancastre to treate a meane for it. And after of one assent made assemble at Shirburne yn Elmede. And sending the Kings supplication, and not hard, the Barons went into the Marches of Wales, and destroyid the Dispensars landes. Then King Edward, at the motion of the Dispensars, banishid John Mountbray, Roger Clifford, Goseline Dainville, and dy vers others. And after the Barons calid by brief to a par- lament cam with 3 battayles in order, having ten colourid bandes 94 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. says 5 he had newly made towards the abbey. It is most probable, this was the tower afterwards called on theyr sieves, whereof it was caullid the parlement de la Bende. and yn this company were Humfre de Bonn Counte of Hereforde, Syr Hugh de Audeley, Sir Roger Dam are, &c. &c. The Barons hering (the King had taken the Castle of Leeds) both the Mortymers toke Bridge-north, for which the King banished, by proclamation, Thomas of Lancastre and Humfrede Boun with al theyr adherents. And after the King cumming agayn his Barons with a strong hoste, both Mortymer the uncle, and Mortymer the nephew, put them self yn the Kinges grace, and were sent to the Toure of London. The Barons hering this cam to Pontefract, to Thomas of Lancastre, and there gathering theire poure, assauted the Kinges castel of Tickille, but not wynning it. And hering of the Kinges hoste, went to Burton apon Trente, keping the Bridge to let the Kinges passage. But the Kinge pas- sid perforce, and thens wente the Barons with Thomas Lancastre to Tuttebyri, and thens to Pontefract. And yn this gorney Syr Roger Dainmore dyed yn the abbay of Tuttebyry. After this Thomas Lancastre and the Barons counselid togeth- er in Blake Freres in Pontfracte, and the Barons concludid to go to Dunstanburg, a castel of Thomas Lancasters in Northumberland: but he utterly refusid that counsel, lest it might have be thought, that he had, or wolde have intelligence with the Scottes. Where- fore he intendid toremayne at his castel at Pontfract. Syr Roger CI y fiord hering this, toke out his dagger, and sayde, that he wolde kille him with his oune handes in that place, except he woold go with them. Then Thomas Lancastre a force granted, and went with them, having in company VII. C. menne to Borowbridge. To Borowbridge came Syr Andrew he Harkeley Warden of Cairluel and that Marches, and Syr Simon Warde, to encountre with the Barons. Where Thomas Lancastre told Harkeley his juste quarel agayne the Dispensers, promising hym, if he would favor his cause, one of the V Countes that then he had in possession. But Herkeley refusid his offre. Then Thomas prophetied that he wold sore repent, and that shortly, so fair, and that he should dy a shameful deth that is to say, to be hangid, drawn and quartered. Then Harkeley, whom Thomas of Lancastre had afore tyme made Knight, made his archiers to shote, and so did the Barons HISTORY OF PO^TEFRACT. 95 Swillington tower*, and which seems to have been designed as a place of close confinement. upon the bridge. And emong al other, one gotte unde the bridge, and at a hole thruste with a launce the renounid Knight thorough oute al Christentye Humfrede de Boun yn the foundemente, so that his bowels cam oute. And Syr Roger Clifforde was sore wonded on the hedde. And Syr William Sulley and Syr Roger Bernefeld were slayne. And then wente Thomas Lancastre into a chapel, denying to rendre hymself to Harkely, andfsajd, looking on the crucifix, "Good Lord, I render myself to thee, and put me yn to thy mercy/' Then they toke of his cote armures, and put on hym a ray cote, or goune, one of his mennes ly veryes, and carried hym by water to York, were they threw balles of dirte at hym. And the resi- dew of the Barons part were pursuid from place to place, and to the church hold was no reverence gyven, and the father pursuid the sunne, and the sunne the father. The King hering of this discomfiture, cam with the Dispen- sars and other Nobles his adherentes to Pontfracte. Syr Andrew of Herkeley brought Thomas of Lancastre to Pontfracte to the Kinge, and there was put in a towre that he had newly mad toward the abbay, and after juged in the haule soden- ]y by thes Justices, Syr Hugh Dispensar the father, Syr Aimer Counte of Pembroke, Syr Edmunde Counte of Kent, Syr John de Britayne, and Syr Robert Malmethorp, that pronouncid his judgement. Then Thomas Lancastre sayd, " Shaul I dy withowtanswer ?" Then certayne Gascoyne toke him away, and put a pillid broken hatte or hoode on his hedde, and set hym on a lene white jade with owt bridil, and he than cryed thus, " King of heaven have mercy on me. For the King of Herth nous ad querpi/' And thus he was caryed, sum throwing pelottes of dirt at hym, and having a frere Precher for his Comessor with hym, on to a hille withowte the toune, where he knelid doune toward the este, on tille one Hughinde Muston causid hym to turne nw face towarde Scotlande : wher kneling, a \illayne of London cut of his hedde, 11 Cal. Aprilis anno D. 1321. And after the Prior and the Monkes required his body, aud got it of the King, and buried it on the right i/and of the hy altare. Lel. Col. vol. 1. p. 464, &c. * Part of. this tower has been lately cut away, in order to widen the public road. The tower was square; its walls of great 96 HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. After sentence was passed upon him, he said Shall I die without answer? He was not how- ever permitted to speak in his own defence, but a certain Gascoigne took him away, and having put an old hat or hood on his head, set him on a lean white mare, without a bridle. Lan- caster then said, King of heaven have mercy on me, for the king of earth, nous ad querpi. At- tended by a fryer-preacher, as his confessor, he was carried out of the town, suffering the in- sults of the people, who continued to throw dirt at him. ■Nay then farewel ! I have touchM the highest point .of all my greatness ; And, from that full meridian of my glory, I haste now to my setting. I shall fall, Like a bright exhalation in the evening, And no man see me more. At length he reached the hill where he was doomed to suffer, and having kneeled down, with his face toward the east, one Hugin de Muston, caused him to turn his face towards Scotland, and the executioner severed his head from his body. The prior and monks having begged his body of the king, took and buried it on the right hand of the high altar, in the church of the priory. Thus fell Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, the first prince of the blood, and one of the most power- fulJhoblemen that had ever been in England. mil nojolen His death involved many others in the same strength, being ten feet and a half thick, nor was there ever any other entrance into the interior, than by a hole or trap door, in the floor of the turret; so that the prisoner must have been let down to this abode of darkness, from whence there could be no possible way «f escape. The room was twenty-five feet square. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 97 fate; and all their estates were confiscated, and according to the will of the Spencers given to others. Daniel, has made the remark, " That this is the first blood of nobility, that ever was shed in this manner in England, since William I. which being such, and so much as it was, opened veines for more to follow, and procured a most hideous revenge, which shortly after en- sued *." It is difficult to delineate the character of Thomas, as he has been by one party charged with every crime, which can add disgrace to human nature; and by another, not only ex- culpated, but adorned with every quality, which can add dignity to man. If we judge of the man by his actions, he seems to have been high- spirited and passionate, and wholly destitute of that self-command which accompanies true great- ness of mind. The ordinances, drawn up under his influence, and by his direction, exhibit him in the most amiable light, as the advocate and decided friend of liberty, and as the avowed enemy of those prerogatives of the crown, the exercise of which, particularly in a weak reign, was alike injurious to the true interests of the king, and of the people. Time has sanctioned the wisdom and propriety of these ordinances, and no king thinks now of advancing to the highest offices, men to whom a majority ofi^he legislature is confessedly inimical. V^ It may be doubted whether Thomas possessed any qualities which entitled him to the charac- ter of saint; unless his liberality to the religious orders, be admitted as sufficient to constitute * Daniel's Col, of especial affairs of government, p. 180, $8 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, such a character. It is said indeed, That many miracles were wrought at his tomb; — that blood continued to issue from it; and that such was the fame of St. Thomas' tomb, that Edward placed a guard to restrain the people. When repulsed from the tomb of the Saint, the people flocked to the hill where he was beheaded, and where afterwards a church was built. Not- withstanding these miracles, it is doing more jus- tice to his character, to consider him as a mar- tyr in the cause of liberty, than to honour him with the apotheosis of a saint. For, if invaded rights the task demand, If men behold oppress'd their native land, By foreign despots, wand'ring far for prey Who, locusts like, with ruin mark their way ; Or, see their Prince direct the nation's helm, In ruin's surge, his people to o'erwhelm : Reward for foulest deeds a venal tribe, Nor shun to blacken whom he cannot bribe ; Engaged his meanest subjects to defend, Yet, prove their tyrant, rather than their friend 5 On pow'r despotic, rear a rush-built throne : And, crown'd for all, live to himself alone : 'Twill then be right to grasp the blazing spear, Be duty then the banner'd staff to rear, To dare the fight at freedom's sacred call, Maintain her rights, or with her bravely fall. ♦ V % HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTo 99 SECTION VIII. Historical events till the death of Richard II. IN the moment of triumph, Edward, instead of displaying the god-like virtue of clemency, and conciliating the affection of the barons, manifest- ed the weakness of his mind, by yielding himself up to the passion of revenge. On the day Lan- caster was beheaded, the following barons, his ad- herents, were hanged here*: Lord Warren de Lisle, Lord William Tochet, Lord Thomas Man- dute, Henry de Bradburne, Lord Fitzwilliam the younger, and Lord William Cheyney. On the day following, the Lords Clifford, Mawbrey and Deynville, were executed at York, and hung in chains, and considerable numbers in other parts of the kingdom. While the king remained at Pontefract, he created Andrew de Harcla, Earl of Carlisle, for the good services rendered him in taking the Earl of Lancaster, granted a special charter to him and his heirs male of an annuity of twenty pounds per annum, to be paid by the sheriff of Cumberland for the time being; and also lands and rents in Cumberland and Westmoreland of the value of one thousand marks per annum, and five hundred marks per annum, out of the marches of Wales. This is the first creation of honour, wherein any preamble importing the merits of the person so LoFC. * Speed. 675« 100 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. dignified was ever used, and beareth date at Ponte- fract castle, the 25th March, 1322, (15th Edward II.) being three days after the execution of the above mentioned persons at Pontefract. According to the will of Henry de Lacy, the castle and honour of Pontefract, with all his other possessions, ought to have descended to Henry, the brother of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster; but Ed- ward for some time kept them in his own hand* and then gave them to his favourite. The conduct of the Spencers, and the cruelties of Edward, produced a complete change in the public mind; and even those barons, who had assisted against Lancaster, were highly incensed on account of the unequal division made of the spoil. The common people revered the memory of Lancaster, as their patron and protector, and who had fallen in their cause. His character, by being contrasted with that of his enemies, ac- quired additional lustre ; nor could the royal au- thority itself, restrain the populace from expressing their veneration for him. The king appears to have been much alarmed with this state of the public mind, and to have ap- prehended, that some attempts would be made by the Lancastrian party, against his favourites and himself. He had hoped, the death of Lancaster Would have been the death of his party ; but now found his mistake. He came down to Pontefract, and then went forward to Craven, where the Clif- fords had great power, to check the spirit of the people, and frustrate the design of his enemies *. * It appears from " the Fruyt of Tyme/' printed by Wynlcyn de Warde, 1528, that the king was at " Craven at Scipton, because he should undo the pilgrimages made at the tomb of Lancaster/' which threatened to end in an insurrection. HISTORY OF PONTEF1UCT. 101 The insults of the Spencers to the queen her- self, sister to the king of France, induced her to join the Lancastrian party; and effectually to ruin the Spencers, she went to France, under the pretence of bringing about a peace between Edward and her brother. Being joined by the disaffected barons, and assisted by her brother, she set sail and landed at Orwell, in Suffolk, the latter end of September, 1326. She was no sooner landed, than she was joined by Thomas de Bro- therton, Earl of Norfolk, John Bretagne, Earl of Richmond, and Henry Plantagenet, brother and heir of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and the chief part of the nobility. The king forsaken by all his people, was soon seized together with his favourites, the cause of his disgrace and ruin. The Spencers were condemned to be hanged for Robbery, drawn for treason, and beheaded for invading the pri- vileges of the people; and this sentence was executed with the utmost rigour. They were hanged on the common gallows, their bodies cut to pieces and given to the dogs for food, their heads exposed, the elder at Winchester, and the younger on London bridge, where- the citizens received it with marks of joy. We are told their execution was ordered on a Monday, in revenge of the death of the late Earl of Lancaster, whose royal blood was shed upon that day. The Earls of Surry and Arundel, two of the principal lords who beheaded him, now suffered the same fate, with a great many others of the king's party. The king himself was soon after deposed, and after suffering the. most unheard of cruelties, was at last most 102 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. inhumanly murdered in Berkley castle, with the consent of his queen and son, by the order of the Bishop of Hereford, in the night of the 21st of September, 1327> eight months after his deposition. The sentence of the late Earl of Lancaster was now reversed, (7th March 1327,) because he was not tried by all his peers, and his bro- ther Henry, Earl of Leicester, succeeded him in his honours and estates. The people still retaining their veneration for the late earl, and the parliament begun on the morrow after the feast of the Epiphany, in the the first of Edward III. having vacated and annul- led all the proceedings relating to his attainder, began to flock from all quarters once more in pilgrimage to his tomb. The king wrote letters to the pope to solicit the canonization of the said earl, but this favour was not obtained till the following reign. The queen also joined her influence, and wrote to the pope in the king's name, but did not prevail. The people notwith- standing reverenced him as a martyr, and the king granted a permission in the first year of his reign, dated at York, at the desire of the queen, to make a collection for the building a chapel on the very spot where the earl was beheaded. All proceedings of attainder against the late Earl of Lancaster, and his adherents, being annulled in parliament, and Henry, his brother and heir, restored to the lands and honours, he was the same year made high steward of Eng- land, entrusted with the guardianship of the young king, and captain general of all the king's forces in the marches of Scotland. y HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 103 In the second year of his reign the king was resident at Pontefract, when he granted full powers to commissioners, dated at Pontefract castle the 22d of August, 1328, to demand of the Duke of Brabant, that he should engage to serve him as well in peace as in war, against any king or prince whatsoever. In the fourth of Edward III. Henry, Earl of Lancaster, had a confirmation of all his ho- nours and estates, and he died in the nineteenth year of the same reign. He was buried at Leicester, the king, the queen, and almost all the bishops, earls, and barons of the realm honour- ing his funeral by their attendance. He was succeeded in his lands and honours by Henry, Earl of Derby, his son and heir. He was absent, at Bourdeaux, at the time of his father's death, having a great command in the king's army there. In the twenty-third of Edward III. (1349) this Henry was by patent created Earl of Lin- coln, and elected into the honourable society of the knights of the most noble order of the gar- ter, then newly formed. In the twenty-fifth of Edward III. for his prudent conduct and valour in the late wars, he was advanced to the highest pitch of honour by the king's special charter, dated the 6th of March, 1351, viz. to the dignity of Duke of Lancaster*, by the consent of all the prelates * This is the first duke created since the Norman conquest, except Edward the black prince, who was created Duke of Cornwal fourteen years before. As William enjoyed only the title of Duke of Normandy, previous to the conquest, and his successors were honoured only with the same title, they appeared jealous of advancing any to this dignity, least they should aspire also to the crown. 104 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and parliament assembled, and was invested therewith by the cincture of a sword, with power to have a chancery in the county of Lancaster, and to issue out writs there under his own seal, as well touching pleas of the crown as any other relating to the common laws of this realm, as also to enjoy all other liberties and regalias belonging to a county palatine, in as ample a manner a& the Earls of Chester had within that county. By this charter the earldom of Lancas- ter became a duchy. In the thirty-fifth of Edward III. a great pestilence prevailed in England, which car- ried off numbers of people, and amongst them the Duke of Lancaster, who died thereof at Leicester, upon the eve of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary, and was buried on the south side of the high altar in the collegiate church, founded there by himself. Not having male issue he left his two daughters, Maud and Blanch, by Isabel his wife, daughter of Henry, Lord Beaumont, his coheiresses; Blanch, hy virtue of a dispensa- tion from the pope in regard of their alliance, Was married to John of Gant, so called from his being born at Gant or Ghent, in Flanders, Earl of Richmond, the fourth son of King Edward III. and on the 16th of July, in the same year, par- tition was made of all the lands and honours of the late Henry, Duke of Lancaster, between the coheiresses, Maud and Blanch, when John of Gant had been married two years, and having issue, had livery in right of his wife of several lord- ships whereof her father died seized, viz. and (amongst others) of the castle and manor of Pon- tefract, with the bailiwick and honour of Pontefract, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 105 In the thirty-sixth of Edward III. Maud, sister to Blanch, died without issue, on which John of Gant, in right of his wife, had all the remainder of the lands, &c. that the late Henry, Duke of Lancaster, died seized of, and was advanced to the title of Duke of Lancaster, in parliament assembled, on the thirteenth of No- vember following, by girding with a sword, a cap of fur on his head, with a circlet of gold and pearls. Both he and his heirs for ever, were made free, and all his vassals, or whosoever were resiants on his lands and fees whatever, which were the property of Henry, formerly Earl of Lancaster, progenitor of Henry, late Duke of Lancaster; and it was further granted that the said John and Blanch his wife, and their heirs on the bodies of them the said John and Blanch begot- ten, and all their vassals, and lands, and fees whatsoever, should be for ever exempted from pannage, passage, paage, lastage, stallage, tollage, carriage, pesage, piccage and terrage, throughout the whole kingdom. The above mentioned Blanch, his wife, died of a great pestilence, then raging in the king- dom, and was buried in St. Paul's cathedral. In the forty-sixth of Edward III. the Duke of Lancaster married Constance, the daughter and heiress of Don Pedro, king of Castile, in whose right he thenceforth bore the title of king of Castile. In the fourth of Richard II. happened a dangerous insurrection, headed by Wat Tyler and Jack Straw. The expences attending the French wars, and the prodigality of the court, had exhausted the exchequer; and in order to 106 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. procure a present supply, the parliament was obliged to impose a tax of three groats on every person, male and female, above the age of fifteen; and they decreed, that, in raising the tax, the rich should relieve the poor, by reasonable com- pensation. This imposition, in consequence of the im- prudence of one of the collectors of the tax*, excited the above-mentioned insurrection, which nearly proved the overthrow of the government. The lower class of the people rose against their rulers, committed the most terrible outrages, and took a severe vengeance for all the calami- ties and hardships with which they had been oppressed. Become formidable by their numbers, they entered the city of London, and committed great outrages. The Duke of Lancaster at this period was unpopular, and his fine house, called the Savoy, accounted the most beautiful structure in the kingdom, became the object of general re- sentment. It was instantly assaulted, set on fire, and reduced to ashes. Nothing escaped the fury of the flames. The rich furniture which graced the interior of this place ; charters, deeds, and other valuable records belonging to the duke, were all destroyed. This event spread a general terror through the kingdom, and it was expected that the popu- lace would rise in other places, and be guilty * The brutal officer, collecting the tax of a poor black- smith, insisted that a daughter of his ought to pay, as being above the age specified ; and to prove the fact, seized the maid and proceeded to acts of indecency, which so enraged the father, that he knocked out the ruffian's brains with his hammer. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 107 of equal violence and outrage. TJie duke's castle at Leicester was not considered safe. The most valuable goods were removed to the church there; and Lady Constance fled with precipita- tion towards Pontefract castle, as being a place of greater security. When she arrived here, such was the terror excited, that her own servants re- fused her admittance. They expected that Wat Tyler and Jack Straw were in pursuit, and that if they received her, they would soon have to endure all the hardships of a siege, or to sustain all the fury of an immediate assault.' Lady Constance was under the necessity of proceed- ing by torch-light to Knaresborough castle, where she was received with the respect due to her rank, and where she remained till the insurrec- tion was quelled, and the duke returned from Scotland. The vast possessions of the Duke of Lancas- ter, and his authority over his own tenants, ren- dered him nearly equal to the king, both in wealth and power. Some of his courtiers buzzed it into the weak head of Richard II. that it was necessary to destroy the duke, before he could enjoy the crown in security. The king guided by the counsel of favourites, entered into a plot, laid by the infamous Trisilian, for accomplish- ing this design. He had not only devised offences, and already set on foot a private pro- secution, but had also fixed the time for the duke's arrest, when he was forthwith to have been arraigned, condemned and executed. But the duke having private information thereof from one who was in the plot, retired to his castle at Pontefract, and put it in the best posture of 103 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 'defence. He supplied it with men and provisions, and determined to stand upon his guard, if he found it necessary. But the princess Joane, mother to the king, dreading the fatal consequences of this breach, took uncommon pains to effect a recon- ciliation; which required no little address, as the whole kingdom was greatly dissatisfied with the administration; and the duke, on account of his opposition to the oppressive measures of govern- ment, was more than ever the favourite of the people. The princess, though very corpulent, travelled to and from the parties, till she at length accomplished her design, and Richard and the duke became friends. In the twelfth of Richard II. the duke obtained divers charters, confirming his chancery court and duchy of Lancaster, together with others, giving him for life, the sole jurisdiction and sovereignty within the same, and his honour of Pontefract. In the seventeenth of Richard II. died Constance, his wife, and two years afterwards he married Catherine Swinford, his kept mistress, and a foreigner. She had been brought up in his house, and waited on his wife Blanch, in whose service she married one Sir Hugh Swinford: her maiden name was Roe, and after Sir Hugh's death, she became the duke's concubine. The Duke of Lancaster, called John of Gant, died on the third of February, 1399, in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and was buried near his first wife, Blanch, in St. Paul's cathedral. By his death the duchy of Lancaster, and the honour of Pontefract, fell to his son and heir, Henry de Bolinbroke, Duke of Hereford,' then in exile. The king, previous to his departure, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 109 had granted letters patent empowering him, though in exile, to sue by attorney for livery of all lands descending to him. But on the death of the duke his father, Richard, by an incre- dible act of injustice, not only revoked those letters patent, but also decreed that his banish- ment, which was originally only for six years, should be perpetual. He confiscated all his paternal estate, nay, he even stretched his iniqui- tous power so far as to condemn to perpetual banishment, one Bonner, the duke's attorney, who had sued in his name for the livery of his lands. It is not to be supposed that a nobleman of Hereford's character and rank would patiently suffer such a complication of injuries. Possessed of a bold and enterprising spirit, he had often signalized himself, both at home and abroad, and was regarded with respect by the people, and adored by the soldiers. Always cool, and having the perfect command of his temper, he could not be easily provoked to a rash action, or even to use an unbecoming expression. He had likewise the great advantage of being related either by consanguinity or affinity to all the principal nobility of England, and his sufferings made him more than ever the idol of the people. On the other hand, Richard's flagrant injustice had opened every mouth against both him and his government; and the citizens of London in particular, were highly enraged at the injuries done to their favourite. The folly, extravagance and injustice of the king, made them turn their eyes toward the Duke of Hereford, (now by Tight Duke of Lancaster) as the only person 110 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, who could retrieve the lost honour of the nation. "With this view they secretly invited him to re- turn to England, promising to assist him in the recovery of his lawful inheritance at the hazard of their lives and fortunes. The duke, thinking this a favourable opportunity (the king being then in Ireland) embraced the generous offer, and with a retinue of about eighty persons landed at Ravenspurg, in Yorkshire, on the 21st July, 1399, where he was immediately joined by the Lords Wilfoughby, Ross, D'Arcy, Beaumont, and several gentlemen of distinction, attended by an army of forty thousand men. Richard now found the whole kingdon was alienated from him ; few of the nobles, and fewer still of the people, retained their allegiance. He was at length taken, sent to the tower, and obliged to resign the crown and kingdom to Lancaster. The parliament confirmed the depo- sition of Richard, on account of his incapacity; and though Lancaster was not the next heir to the crown, yet on account of his blood, and his superior talents, he was considered as the only person worthy to wear it. From the Nor- man conquest down to this period, the law of descent had not been regularly observed, but the parliament had at times disposed of the crown to any branch of the royal family, which they thought proper. Lancaster's best title rested in this act of the parliament, as expressing the sense of a large majority of the people. The parliament having deposed Richard, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, placed Lancaster on the throne, amidst the general ac- clamations of the people, and Richard was im- prisoned in this castle. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Ill Some assert that as soon as he was deposed, Henry sent him from the tower to Leeds castle, in Kent, and from thence down to Pontefract castJe. But John Harding*, the old rhyming chronicler of the north, who lived in the same cen- tury? and may be therefore supposed to have been better acquainted with the transactions of this coun- try, affirms that he was sent by King Henry IV. to the castle of Leeds, in Yorkshire, from thence to Pickering castle, thence to Knaresborough castle, and from thence to Pontefract castle. Richard deprived of his crown, and immured within the walls of a prison, now became a prey to his own desponding reflections. Having en- joyed the highest elevation of rank, he was more sensible of his present humiliating condition. Accustomed to command, he found it difficult to obey; and still more difficult to submit to those restraints under which he was laid. Feel- ing the miseries of a prison, and expecting an unhappy end, he could not avoid the painful re- flection, if he had any conscience left, that in the time of his prosperity, he had been deaf to the claims of justice, and steeled to the milder influence of compassion and mercy. The ghosts of those nobles he had unjustly murdered, and the cries of a plundered and an oppressed people, could not fail to haunt his guilty mind, Shake- * The king then sent King Richard to Leedis There to be kept surely in previte Fro* thens after, to Pykering went he needis And to Knaresburgh, after led was he But to Pauntfrete last, where he did die Both therles of Kent and Salisbury Therl of Huntingdon and Spencers sothely. Harding's Chron. 112 HISTORY OF PONTEFKACT, spear, with his usual propriety, justness and ele- gance, has described the reflections of Richard in the castle of Pontefract. I have been studying how to compare This prison where I live unto the world ; .And, for because the world is populous, And here is not a creature but myself, I cannot do it, yet I'll hammer on't. My brain shall prove the female to my sou!, My soul, the father ; and these two beget A generation of still-breeding thoughts ; And these same thoughts people this little world : In humour, like the people of the world, For no thought is content. The better sort, (As thoughts of things divine,) are intermixt With scruples, and do set the word itself Against the word; as thus; Come, little ones; and then again. It is hard to come, as for a Camel To thread the postern of a needle' 's eye. Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot Unlikely wonders; how these vain weak nails May tear a passage through these flinty ribs Of this hard world, my ragged prison-walls, And for they cannot, die in their own pride. Thoughts tending to content flatter themselves, That they are not the first of fortune's slaves, And shall not be the last. Like silly beggars, Who sitting in the stocks refuge their shame, That many have and others must sit there; And in this thought they find a kind of ease, Bearing their own misfortune on the back Of such as have before endured the like. Thus play I, in one prison, many people, And none contented. Sometimes am I King, Then treason makes me wish myself a beggar, And so I am, Then crushing penury Persuades me, I was better when a King; Then am I king'd again ; and by and by Think that I am unking'd by Bulingbroke, And straight am nothing The Earl of Salisbury, the Bishop of Carlisle, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. US Sir Thomas Blount, the abbot of Westminster, and several other persons of power and interest, entered into a conspiracy to dethrone Henry, and restore Richard; and engaged as their tool one Maudlin, who had been chaplain to Richard, and resembled that prince so exactly, in his shape and features, that they thought they could easily impose him upon the public for the true monarch. They clothed him in royal attire, and boldly asserted that he was Richard, who had escaped from prison, and was come to implore the assistance of his faithful subjects. This had considerable effect upon the lower orders, who are generally found soon to forget their com- plaints, and ready to aid the unfortunate. They flocked to the royal standard, and the conspira- tors found themselves at the head of an army of twenty thousand men, and marched toward London. Being encamped near the walls of Cirencester, the mayor with a valiant band of about 400 men, boldly attacked a body of the rebels, took some of their leaders prisoners^ and dispersed the rest. This conspiracy is justly supposed to have hastened the death of Richard. Henry could not but perceive, that so long as Richard was living, the factious and discontented would be ever ready to rise under the pretence of restoring him to the crown. To put an end to all future attempts of this kind, Richard was put to death in the castle of Pontefract; but the manner in which he met his fate, is variously reported by historians, though all agree as to time and place; Fabian and Rapin inform us, " that on Rich- ard's arrival at Pontefract castle, Sir Piers Exton Q * 114 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, is related to have murdered the king in the following manner. On the king's arrival at Pon- tefract castle, he was closely confined in the great tower; soon after Sir Piers Exton, a domestic of .Henry's, was sent down with eight ruffians to imbrue their hands in the blood of this unfortunate king. On the day of their arrival, Kichard perceived at dinner that the victuals were not tasted as usual. He asked the reason of the taster, and upon his telling him that Exton had brought an order against it, the king took up a knife and struck him on the face, saying, " the devil take Henry of Lancaster and thee." Exton with his eight attendants en- tering his chamber at that instant, and shutting the door, attempted to lay hold of Richard; he immediately perceived their fatal errand, and knew he was a lost man. With a noble reso- lution he snatched a halbert, or poleaxe, from the foremost of them, and defended himself so bravely, that he slew four of his assailants. Whilst combating with the rest of the- murderers, Exton got upon a chair behind him, and with a poleaxe discharged such a blow on his head as laid him dead at his feet, where the miserable king ended his calamities, on the 14th February, 1399. Before he expired he faintly uttered the following words, " My great grand father, King Edward 11. was in this manner deposed, impri- soned and murdered, by which means my grand- father, King Edward III. obtained possession of the crown, and now is the punishment of that injury poured upon his next successor. Well, this is right for me to suffer, but not for you to do. Your king for a time may joy at my HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 115 death, and enjoy his desire, but let him qualify his pleasure with the expectation of the like justice, for God who measureth all our actions by the malice of our minds, will not suffer this violence unrevenged." The above account is most credited, though Stow and other historians say that the most pro- bable opinion is, that he was starved to death by order of King Henry IV, suffering the most unheard of cruelties, keeping him for fifteen days together in hunger, thirst and cold, before he reached the end of h s miseries. Polydore Virgil says, " That at all times his victuals were served in, and set before him in the same princely manner as usual, but that he was not suffered to taste any one thing." This account is certainly more consistent with the story which says that King Henry caused his dead body to be brought to Loudon, and exposed in public, both on the road and at St. Paul's church, with his face uncovered, and that no marks of violence were observed upon it. After being exposed three days in St. Paul's, he was interred at King's Langl°y, in Hertfordshire, but afterwards removed to Westminster Abbey, by order of King Henry V. where Irs tomb now remains. The account of his being starved to death, has moreover the advantage of being confirmed by the declarations of the Earls of Northumber- land and Worcester, and Lord Piercy. These were the likeliest persons of any to know the truth of the fact, it having been perpetrated in their neighbourhood*. It is however alto- * To decide in what manner Richard died, whether by the hand of Exton, or by want of support, his tomb in West- minster Abbey was opened in die presence oi' a respectable body 116 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. gether uncertain in what manner he ended his days. In general murders were perpetrated in castles, in such a secret way, that few, if any, excepting such as were employed as agents, knew any thing more concerning them, than what they might learn from public report. of the members of the Antiquarian and Royal Societies ; but as the royal corpse was not disturbed, nor the bandage on the bead removed, so as that the skull might be examined, the sub- ject continues yet uncertain, Gough makes the following judi- cious remarks, " concerning the death of this unfortunate prince. Mr. King (Archseol. 4. 314.) notices, it has been accurately enough observed by Hume, "that the account of his having been starved to death, is more consistent with the public exposure of his body after his death, with the face uncovered, (Holingshed 3. 517.) in all the places and towns between Pontefract and London, where those that had conveyance of it did stay all night, for we do not find that any external marks of violence were perceived or visible on that occasion. — It was exposed, as Froissart tells us, in Cheapside.— How he died, and by what means," says that circumstantial author, " I could not tell when I wrote this chronicle; but this King Richard dead, was laid in a litter, and set in a chaire covered with baudkin, four horses, ail black, in the chaire, and two men in black leading the chaire, and four knights, all in black, following. Then the chaire departed from the Tower of London, and was brought along through London fair and softly, till they came into Cheap- side, Adhere the chief assembly of London was, and there the chaire rested the space of two hours. Thither came in and out more than twenty thousand persons, men and women, to see him, as he lay, his head on a black cushion, and his visage open. Some had pity on him, and some had none, but said he had long ago deserved death." But if we consider the temper of the times and of the spectators, and the difficulty in such a croud of discerning with accuracy, not to insist that we may be sure any wound in the head would be carefully concealed, though the face' was left open, the conclusion will not be so obvious, as Mr. King imagined from the examination of the skulls in the tomb, at which I was present, arid recollect the circumstance of the small cleft on the left side of one of them, mistaken for a fracture, but pointed out to be a suture of the os temporis, apart easily concealed, though the face was left open. • Cough's Sepul. Mon. HISTORY. OF PONTEFRACT. 117 SECTION IX. Historical events till the union of the houses of Lancaster and York. XlENRY IV from his accession to the throne, and during the whole of his reign, honoured the castle of Pontefract, the paternal inheri- tance of his family, by his frequent residence. At this period, Scotland was the common assy- lum of all who were disaffected to the reigning prince; and from this country they readily received assistance, and by making incursions into the northern parts, they disturbed the peace and often threatened to subvert the govern- ment. To guard against danger from this quar- ter, it may be presumed was the principal reason, why Henry so often visited and dwelt at this rlace. In the first of his reign, he granted a passport for the Earl of March then in Scotland, dated at Pontefract castle, 21st June, 1400. After the battle of Shrewsbury, in which fell the valiant Piercy, called Hotspur, and near six thousand of the rebels, the king marched to Pontefract, to watch the motion of the Scots and the Earl of Northumberland. He granted a full power to certain persons, to treat with the king of Scotland, which is dated at Pontefract castle, August 6, 1403. On the loth of the same month, an act passed at Pontefract castle, requiring an oath from the inhabitants of Northumberland, US HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT; that they -would not obey the earl of that name any longer, he having joined the insurgents. But we find that soon afterwards on his disavowing his son's conduct, he was pardoned, and committed to safe custody. In the year 1404, Henry granted full powers to treat with the king of Scotland for the ran- som of* Mordac Stewart, Earl of Fife, and Archibald, Earl of Douglass, both taken piisoners at the battle of Halladon-Hill, dated at Ponte- fract, the 6th of July. Also the same year a truce was signed between England and Scotland by the king, dated as above, at Pontefract. An insurrection being feared in the north, in consequence of its being reported that Richard II. was still alive in Scotland, the king again directly marched to Pontefract, where he no sooner arrived, than the Earl of Northumberland, anxious to keep on good terms with Henry, brought his grand children and nephews as hos- tages for his loyalty. The king at this time held his court at Pontefract castle. In the year 1405, an insurrection actually broke out in the north, and Henry again mar hed to Pontefract, where he granted a power to compound with the rebels for their pardon, dated at Pontefract castle, 25th April, 1405. An order was likewise granted to take and seize the Isle of Man, which belonged to the Earl of Northumberland, who had joined the insurrection. This order is also dated at Pontefract castle, June 3, 1405. The rebels still increased, and the city of York declared in favour of them ; Scroope, Archbishop of York and his party declared the king an/usur- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 119 per, and prepared articles of impeachment against him. They raised an army of twenty-thousand men; against whom the king sent the Earl of Westmoreland, and Lord John, Duke of Lancaster the king's third son, but finding the rebels so strong and advantageously encamped, they did not think it prudent to attack them. Westmore- land desired a conference, at which pretending to commiserate the soldiers, who had been under arms the whole of the day, he persuaded the archbishop to agree that their forces might be disbanded. The deluded prelate had no sooner complied, than Westmoreland, who had also dis- missed his troops, gave orders to a troop of horse suddenly to return and wheel about, and by this manoeuvre took the archbishop and the Earl Marshal prisoners. Westmoreland plighted his faith to them, that they should not suffer in their lives, but meeting the king at Pontefract on his way to York, the prisoners were there brought before him. Henry soon ordered them to appear before a mock tribunal, who condemned them to die, and they were forthwith executed. This is the first instance of an archbishop being tried and condemned by the civil power. Henry now resolved to take ample vengeance on the citizens of York, for siding with their arch- bishop, and in consequence directed a mandate, dated Pontefract castle, 3d June, J 405, in the sixth year of his reign, to two of his officers *, * The king to his chosen and faithful servants John Stanley and Roger Leeehe, greeting: Know ye that for certain special causes, intimately con- cerning us and the state of our kingdom of England, we do assign you, together or separately, our city of York, together 120 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT.' authorizing and commanding them immediately to seize the liberties and privileges of the city for his use. In this year also, the Earl of Northumber- land, who had been restored by parliament to all his possessions, came at midsummer to the king at Pontefract The Earl of Northumberland, notwithstanding the lenity with which he had been treated, con- tinued to foment disturbances, and encourage the spirit of revolt. He, together with Lord Bardolph, being closely pursued, fled from Wales into Scot- land, raised a small army and entered England. They took some of the earl's castles; and encou- raged by this success they entered Yorkshire. At Thirsk they set up the standard of revolt, and publishing a manifesto, declared their object to be to punish Henry as an usurper. Sir Thomas Kokesby, the sheriff of Yorkshire having assem- with all and singular liberties, franchises, and privileges to the citizens of the said city, by our progenitors or predecessors sometimes kings of England, or ourself, before this time granted and confirmed, to take and seize into our hands; and the said city thus taken and seized, till further order from us, in our name to keep and govern. And therefore we command you, or either of you dili- gently to take heed to the premises, and that you should do and execute them in the manner aforesaid. Also we command all and singular high sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, and other officers, and all other our faithful subjects, as well within liberties as without, by the tenor of these presents, strictly to aid and assist you, or either of you, in the execution of the premises, being helpful, advising, and obedient to you as they ought. ... In testimony of which, &c. Witness the King at his Castle of Pontefract the third day of June, 1405, in the sixth year of his reign. By the KING. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 121 bled a large army, watched all their motions, and on February 19, 1408, brought them to action on Bramham Moor, in which the Earl of Northumberland and Lord Bardolph were both killed. Henry was on his march when he received the agreeable news of this victory. He came to Pontefract castle, April 8th, and resided there for about a month, employed in trying and punishing some of the unhappy persons, who had been engaged in the late insurrection, and com- pounding with others for their delinquency. Among those who were capitally punished was the abbot of Hales, because he had been taken in arms. In the ninth of Henry IV. a truce was granted for one year for Guyenne, signed also at Pontefract castle, the 30th April, 1408. Henry IV. died at Westminster in the four- teenth year of his reign, and was succeeded by his son, now Henry V. Henry V. ratified and confirmed all the grants, declarations and franchises, contained in all the former charters granted to this borough, the honour of Pontefract and duchy court of Lancaster, by his letters patent, with the consent and authority of both houses of parliament. In the year 1415, Henry obtained one of the most splendid victories recorded in the annals of history, over the French at Agincourt, where the Duke of Orleans and several other persons of the highest rank were taken, and by his order sent prisoners to Pontefract castle; nor were they re- leased till the fatal disasters of the following reign had destroyed the English interest in France. In the third of Henry VI. (1424) the Duke 122 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT^ of Bedford/ protector of the realm during the king's minority, enlarged the young king of Scots, James the first, from his imprisonment in Pontefract castle. When a boy, Robert his father, to preserve him from the snares of his uncle, who had murdered his elder brother David, put him on board a vessel* with a design to send him to France; but the ship falling into the hands of the English, he had been detained a prisoner seven- teen years. On his release he did homage and fealty for the crown of Scotland. In the seventh of Henry VI. the king granted a charter, confirming the rights, liberties, customs and privileges of the duchy of Lancaster and honour of Pontefract * dated 4th June; 1428. The weakness of Henry VI. the arrogance of his queen, and the dissension and quarrels of the court, emboldened Richard, Duke of York, to assert his claims to the crown, and the whole kingdom was divided into two hostile factions, the partisans of the red and white rose, the dis- tinguishing emblem of the houses of Lancaster and York. The contest which followed, spread desolation and slaughter through the land. There were few of the nobility who ended their days in peace. They either fell on the field of battle, or by the hand of the executioner. For the laws which regulate the conduct of nations, who are in a state of hostility towards each other, in civil war have no place; and such as escape the carnage of the sword, when they fall into the hand of their enemies, are doomed to the block. Meek-eyed mercy is unnoticed and unregarded; and the noble and the brave are immolated to the demon of revenge. HISTORY OF PQNTEFR ACT. 12 3 It would be foreign to the purpose of this work, to enter into the detail of all the events of this interesting period. Such only can be noticed as are connected with the history of this place. The first battle, in this destructive contest, was fought at St. Alban's, where the Duke of York was vicr torious. The Duke of Exeter, who had the good fortune to escape the slaughter of that day, fled for sanctuary, to the Abbey of Westminster ; but he was taken from thence, and sent a prisoner tp the castle of Pontefract *. After the battle of Northampton, in which the forces of Henry were vanquished, and him- self taken prisoner, Queen Margaret fled to Dur- ham. Through the interest of the Earls of Nor^ thumberland and Westmoreland, an army was soon collected to support the house of Lancaster. Richard, Duke of York, who had marched to London, and who had, by act of parliament, been declared Henry's successor, hearing of the design of the queen, hastened to meet her with an army of five thousand men. When he reached Wakefield, he was surprised to hear that the queen was advanc- ing against him, at the head of twenty thousand men. He took refuge in Sandal castle, resolved to stand on his defence, till Edward his son should come to his assistance. Margaret, by a success- ful stratagem, induced him to venture on a gene- ral engagement. Having detached a considerable body of troops, who lay in ambush, the Duke of York rushed forth, and commenced a violent attack on the main body of the queen's troops •> but those in ambush coming upon his rear, the most determined valour on his part was una- vailing. * Stowe, p. 400. 124 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. This battle, called the battle of Wakefield, was fought on the 21st December, 1460, in which Richard Pla'ntagenet, Duke of York, was killed, the Earl of Salisbury was dangerously wounded, taken prisoner, and in a very bleeding condition sent to Pontefract castle, where he was beheaded along with Sir Ralph Stanley, Sir Richard Liui- bricke, Captain Hanson, then Mayor of Hull, Mr. John Harrow a valiant gentleman, and seve- ral other persons of distinction, whose heads were exposed on the gates and towers of York. The head of the Duke of York was severed from his body, and being put upon a long pole, was placed on the top of Micklegate-bar, on which Clifford at the instigation of the queen, placed a crown of paper in derision of his title, with his face towards the city. — Shakespear makes the haughty Margaret opprobiously order, "Off with his head, and set it on York Gates; " So York may overlook the town of York." The duke's body was brought and interred in the church of the priory at Pontefract. The triumph of Margaret, and the house of Lancaster, was disgraced by the cruelties they exercised on their enemies. Instead of improving the victory by rapid advances towards the capi- tal, they spent their time in the execution of their prisoners. Edward, Earl of Marche, son of the Duke of York, who had raised a strong body of forces, on the borders of Wales, when he heard of the defeat and death of his father at Wakefield, marched for London; and after encountering a party of the enemy, which he totally routed, he reached the capital. The citi- zens declared for him, and he was crowned king, by the title of Edward IV. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 12o III the mean time Margaret was not inactive. She had collected an army of sixty thousand men. Edward, conscious that success frequently depends on prudence and celerity, at the head of about forty thousand men, set out from London March 12, 1461, scarce resting till they came to Pontefract, where they encamped, the king residing in the castle, and his army around him. The day after his arrival, Lord Fitzwalter was detached to seize the pass at Ferrybridge, upon the river Aire, who executed the order with equal celerity and success. Henry understanding Edward had gained and guarded the pass at Ferrybridge, sent Lord Clifford with a party of light horse to dislodge him ; who made such expedition that he attacked him on the night of the 28th, with superior numbers, and drove him thence with great slaughter. Clifford found the guards asleep, and not in the least expecting the approach of an enemy. The Lord Fitzwalter, awakened by the noise, supposing it to arise from some tumult amongst his own men, jumped out of bed, and with only a battleaxe in his hand, went to ap- pease them. But too J ate aware of his mistake, the bastard of Salisbury and himself, both lost their lives in the action * Warwick was no sooner informed of the issue * There was found in digging a grave in Brotherton church yard, May 21, 1781, a chalice, very much mutilated, and its lid, a spur and part of a stocking. These most pro- bably belonged to one of the lords slain at Ferrybridge, before the battle of Towton, on Saturday the 28th of May, 1461. It was usual to inter the lords who fell in this contest, near the place where they were slain ; and it is not improbable, that the chalice, spur and stocking might belong to Fitzwalter, ArhseoL Vol. ix. 55. 126 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. of this rencounter, than alarmed at this misfor- tune, and dreading the consequences at so cri- tical a juncture, when a general battle was every moment expected, he rode with the utmost speed of his courser to the castle of Pontefract, and spoke to the king, who was reviewing his troops, as follows, cc Sir, I pray God have mercy on their souls who in the beginning of your enterprize have lost their lives. I see no succour but in God, to whom I remit the vengeance.' ' On which he had recourse to a measure as brave as extraordinary. Alighting, he instantly stabbed his horse in the sight of the whole army, say- ing, " Let him flee that flee will, I will tarry with him that will tarry with me." So saying, he kissed the cross on the hilt of his sword in confirmation thereof, and swore he was firmly resolved to share the fate of the meanest soldier, and die in the field or conquer. This noble declaration of an officer so idolized by all the soldiery, awakened in every breast an insuppressible ardour ; and in order to inspire them with greater courage, Edward issued a pro- clamation, " That every man who was unwilling to stay, or was afraid to fight, had leave to depart," but denouncing the severest vengeance against those who in the ensuing action should betray the least sign of treachery or cowardice. He commanded such to be slain by his own men, and promised that they who executed this command should receive a great reward, besides double pay. But they cried out as with one voice to be led on, declaring their resolution to gain the day, or die at the feet of their king and general. The valiant Lord Fakonbridge, with his friend HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 127 and companion in arms, Sir Walter Blount, un- dertook to regain the pass at Ferrybridge; and crossed the river at Castleford, in order to in- close the troops under Lord Clifford, then laying, on Brotherton marsh, which Clifford perceiving drew off his men and retired in great haste to the main body. In his retreat he fell in with a party of the enemy, and whether it was by acci^ dent, owing to the confusion into which they were thrown on the approach of Lord Falcon- bridge, or from some other cause, he had either put off or lost his gorget, when an headless arrow, from one in ambush, pierced through his throat, and immediately put a period to his life. Thus died the implacable Clifford, one of the most inveterate foes of the house of York. The Lan- castrians no sooner beheld their leader dead, than they fled with the utmost precipitation. John Lord Clifford, who was born April, 8, 1430, held the title and estates five years, eight months, and seven days. His hands * were early dipped in blood ; for he was engaged in the civil war of the houses almost three years before his father's death. In the second battle of St. Alban's, the king was brought to meet the queen in Clifford's tent. This nobleman, partly from the heat of youth, and partly in the spirit of revenge for his father's death, pur- sued the house of York with a rancour which rendered him odious even in that ferocious age. His supposed slaughter of the young Earl of Rutland in, or perhaps after, the battle of Wake- field, has left a deep stain upon his memory; and his own untimely end, which happened the next year, is remembered without regret. In the I2S HISTORY' OF PONTEFRACT; MS memoirs of the family at Appleby this is said to have happened at Deindingdale, a place un- noticed -.in any map; but a respectable friend, resident near this place, has discovered the evanes- cent and almost forgotten name of Dittingdale, in a small valley, between Towton and Scar- thingwell. Here therefore, John Lord Clifford, fell. The place of his interment is uncertain; but the traditional account" of the family is pro- bably true, that his body was thrown into, a pit with a promiscous heap of the slain. Ditting- dale. is so near the field of Towton that it proves at least the advanced posts of the two armies to have been close to each other on the evening preceding the battle*. The next morning by day break the army begun its march from Pontefract, headed by the king and the Earl of Warwick, and advanced towards the Lancastrians, who, to the number of sixty thousand, occupied the fields betwixt Towton and Saxton, and about nine o'clock on Palm Sunday, the 29th March, 1461, the two armies met, when a desperate battle ensued. Whether it was because the enemy were so much -superior in numbers, or out of revenge for the cruelties exercised by them at the battle of Wakefield, Edward published an order through- out his army, that his soldiers should not en- cumber themselves with prisoners, which seems to have been the principal cause of the carnage of that day. In the beginning of the battle, whilst the Yorkists were advancing to the charge, it began to snow, and a sharp wind drove the sleet full in the face of the Lancastrians, and * Whitaker's Craven, p. 224. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 129 disordered their sight in such a manner, that they could not discern the just distance between them- selves and the enemy. The Lord Falconbridge, an old and experienced officer, made an admi- rable use of this accident. He commanded the van, and ordered his men to advance as near the enemy as they possibly could, and discharge a volley of arrows upon them ; and then to retire with all speed out of the reach of those of the enemy. This stratagem had a wonderful effect, the Lancastrians galled by this attack, and think- ing their enemies were not many yards dis- tant, and on account of the snow, not per- ceiving them fall back, plied their bows till their quivers were emptied without doing the least execution, the Yorkists all the while keeping theirs in reserve. Lord Falconbridge judging their shot was nearly spent, and seeing them advancing sword in hand to begin a close fight, advanced again with his archers, and gave them another furious discharge, which obliged them to fall back to the main body, where they now assailed them without opposition, and slew a great number with the very shafts they picked up from the field after their own quivers were empty. The Lancastrian generals, finding the disadvantage they laboured under in this way of fighting, pressed on to nearer combat, and then the battle became firm, obstinate and bloody. The sword decided the fate of the day, which after ten hours obstinate fight, with equal and unremitting fury, ended in the total defeat of the Lancastrians. Edward pursued them towards Tadcaster with such impetuosity, that numbers were drowned 130 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. in attempting to pass the •■ narrow, ■' but deep, river Cock, which lay in their way. Many miles of the country round were stained by the blood of thirty-six thousand seven hundred and six Englishmen, who were slain by the hands of Englishmen-*./ The Earl of Devonshire, who had but lately espoused the cause of Henry, was the only pri- soner -taken. Edward marched directly to York, hoping to find Henry and Margaret there, but they had set out for Scotland before his arrival. He immediately ordered the heads of the Duke of York, his father/and the Earl of Salisbury to be taken down and interred with their bodies, and that of the Earl of Devonshire, who was beheaded by martial law, to be put in their stead. Edward being established on the throne, prepared to discharge the duties of a son, by taking up the corpse of his father, and honour- * In the Paston letters, the number of those who fell, is stated to have been twenty-eight thousand men. This appears to have been a copy of a letter, sent by Edward to his queen, to inform her of this happy event. " On the king's part, Fitzwalter and Lord Scroop wounded, J. Stafford and Home of Kent were killed." " On the enemies part killed at Ferrybridge, the day be- fore the battle, Lord Clifford. Then fell in the field of battle, H. Piercy, Earl of Northumber- R. Wells, Lord Willoughby, land, Sir Ralph Bigot, T. Courtney, Earl of Devon, Gray, Viscount Beaumont, Sir Richard Jeney, Lord Neville, Sir Harry Belingham, — — Dacre, Sir And. Trolop ; — — Clifford, With twenty-eight thousand — — Stafford, men, numbered by heralds. Lord Wells, Fenns, Lett, first Edward IV. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 131 ing it with a splendid and magnificent funeral. The form of this funeral is thus described, by Sandford, from a manuscript preserved in tho college of arms. On the 22d July, 1466, his bones were re- moved from the church of the priory of St. John, at Pontefract, and put into a chariot covered with black velvet. They were richly wrapped in a cloth of gold, and royal habit. At the feet of the corpse stood a white angel, bearing a crown of gold, to signify, that of right he ivas king. The chariot was drawn by seven horses, trapped to the ground, and covered with black, charged with escutcheons of the said prince's arms. Every horse carried a man, and on the foremost rode Sir John Skipwith, who bare the banner of the prince displayed. All the bishops and mitred abbots honoured this solemnity by their attendance. Dressed in their pontifical robes, they went two or three miles before the procession, to prepare and con- secrate the churches for the reception of the corpse of the prince. Richard, Duke of Glouces- ter, followed next after the chariot, accompanied by the principal noblemen of the kingdom, and a number of officers at arms. In this order the procession departed from Pontefract, followed by an immense concourse of spectators, and the first night they reached Doncaster; and from thence proceeded by easy journeys to Blythe, Tuxford, Newark, Stamford, and then to Fother- ingay, where they arrived on July 29- Edward IV. the queen, and officers of state, met the procession as it entered Fotheringay. They proceeded into the church, near to the 132 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, high altar, where there was a hearse covered with black, and furnished with a number of ban- ners, bannerols and pensils; and under the said hearse, were laid the bones of the prince and his son Edmund. Over the hearse was a cloth of majesty, of black sarcenet, with the figure of our Lord sitting on a rainbow beaten in gold, having in every corner escutcheons of the arms of England and France quarterly. Around the hearse was a valance of black sarcenet, fringed half a yard deep, on which were three angels of beaten gold, holding the arms within a garter. Upon the 30th several masses were said, and then at the Offertory of the mass of requiem, the king offered for the prince, his father; the queen and her two daughters offered afterwards; then Norroy, king at arms, offered the prince's coat of arms; March, king of arms, the target; Ire- land, king of arms, the sword; Windsor, herald at arms of England, and Rovenden, herald at arms of Scotland, offered the helmet, and Mr. de Ferrys the harness and courser*. In the year J 470, the Earl of Warwick and several others, having taken up arms, proclaimed Henry king, and assuming the government in his name, obliged Edward to fly to Holland for safety f. Here he endeavoured to collect some forces, and landing at Ravenspurg with twenty * Bib. Top. Vol. VI. Fotheringay. f In the Paston letters there is an account of several persons who were taken and confined in Pontefract castle. " John Pilkington, Mr. W. at Cliff, and Fowler are taken, and in the castle of Pontefract, and are like to die hostily- Sir T. Montgomery and Jourdane be taken, what shall fall of them I cannot say." Fenns. Lett. Vol. II. p. 45. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 133 thousand soldiers, gave out that he only came to claim his dukedom of York. He arrived at York, on the 19th March, 1471, where he was well received as Duke of Y r ork, but not as king. Having got possession of the city, he assumed the regal title, and began his march southward. Warwick sent orders to his brother the Marquis Montacute, who then lay at Pontefract with a great army, to march immediately and fight him; but one would suppose the marquis was all this time asleep, as he never once attempted to op- pose him in his march. Edward, conscious of the strength of his enemies, wished to avoid a battle if possible till his friends had joined him. The irresolution, not to say cowardice or trea- chery of Montacute, suffered Edward to pass the river Aire, at Castleford, without the least re- sistance. The battle of Barnet soon after fixed Edward once more on the throne for life. In the fourth of Edward IV. a safe conduct was granted to John Lord de Lanoy of France, at the request of the Duke of Burgundy, dated at Pontefract castle, the 10th December, 1463. On the 26th September, (nineteenth Edward IV.) 1478, Edward made a progress into the north, accompanied by a very numerous suit of dukes, marquisses, earJs, barons, and a great croud of other courtiers. He was met on his journey by all the public officers and gentry of these parts, amongst the rest by the lord mayor of York, and many of the richest citizens, who went as far as Wentbridge to meet him, and escorted him to Pontefract, where the king re- mained a week, and then set off for York. Edward the IV. died on the 9th April, 1483, 134 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and was succeeded by his elder son Edward V* Edward was only in the thirteenth year of his age, at the death of his father. He was imme- diately proclaimed king; and kept his court at Ludlow castle, being under the tuition of An- thony Woodville, brother to the queen of Edward IV. He had been advanced to the dignity of a baron, by the title of Lord Scales, and was afterwards honoured with the title of Earl of Rivers. He became a most distinguished warrior and statesman; and was accounted one of the most learned men of the age. The friends of the queen enjoyed all the offices about the per- son of young Edward. The court had been divided into two factions, during the reign of Edward IV. The old nobility were headed by the Duke of Buck- ingham, and the queen's friends by Earl Rivers. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, had the address to secure the friendship of the queen and her party, by outward marks of respect, while he entered into a secret agreement with Buckingham and his party. On the death of his brother, Richard laid claim to the office of protector; and insisted on it as his right. Earl Rivers, Sir Richard Grey, and Sir Thomas Vaughan, aware that the Duke of Gloucester, would attempt to seize the person of young Edward, and as- sume the government of the country in his name, raised a body of troops for his defence. Glou- cester, by pretending a regard for his nephew and the welfare of his country, so far imposed on the queen, that she gave orders to her bro- ther, Earl Rivers, to dismiss the forces he had col- lected, and to bring his nephews to Westminster. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 135 In obedience to her orders he set off, but when he had reached Northampton, was met by Glouces- ter and his friends, who seized the young kin^ and his brother, and sent Earl .Rivers, Sir R. Grey, and Sir Thomas Vaughan, under a strong guard, prisoners to Pontefract castle. Sir Richard Radcliffe was governor of the castle, a creature of Gloucester's, and every way qualified for the perpetration of deeds of crueltv and blood. On the loth June, first of Edward V. he went to York, and delivered a letter from the duke to the lord mayor, requesting him to raise forces to aid and assist him against the queen and her adherents; and it was agreed that such forces as the city could raise on such a sudden, should be on the Wednesday night then next at Pontefract, where the Earl of Northum- berland waited to conduct them and others to London. Richard, true to his purpose of seizing the throne, on the day that Edward V. should have been crowned, when they met in the tower, pre- tended Lord Hastings and others had assaulted him in order to murder the king and subvert the government, and commanding him immediately to be beheaded, the coronation was put off till, as he pretended, this alarm had ceased. He had, however, so ordered and arranged his plans, that on that very day Earl Rivers, his uncle, and other friends, in Pontefract castle, were executed, with- out any crime being proved against them. The following is the account that Grafton gives of this transaction. " Nowe was it devised by the protectour and his counsaile, that the same day that the Lord Hastings, chamberlayne, 136 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. was headed in the tower of London, and about the same hour should be beheaded at Pounfrete, the Earle Rivers, and the Lord Richard, the queens son, Sir Tho. Vaughan and Sir Richard Hawte; whiche execution was done by the ordre, and in the presence of Sir Richard Racliff knight, whose service the protectour specially used in the execution of such lawlesse enterprises, as a man that he had been long secrete with, hav- ing experience of the worlde and shrewed wytte, shorte and rude in speech, rough and boysterous of behaviour, bold in mischief, as far from pytie as from fear of God." cc This knight brought these four persons to the scaffold at the day appointed, and shewed to all the people that they were traitours, not sufferying the Lords to speake and declare their innocency, least their wordes might have inclyned men to pytie them, and to hate the protectour and his part, and so without judgement and processe of the lawe caused them to be beheaded without other yearthly gylt but only that they were good men and true to the king and to nye to the queen, insomuch as Sir Tho. Vaughan going to his death sayd, A wo worth them that tooke the prophecy that G. should destroy King Edwards children (meaning Lord G. Duke of Clarence) which for that suspicion is now dead, but nowe remayneth Richard, Duke of G. whiche nowe I see is he that shall and wyll destroy kyng Ed. children and all their alyes and frendes, as appeareth by us this day, whom I appele to the highe tribunal of God for his wrongful murther and oure true innocencye, and then Racliff sayd, you have well apeled, lay downe HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 137 your head, ye sayd Sir Tho. I dye in wright, beware you dye not in wrong, and so that good knight was beheaded and the other three and buried naked in the monastery at Pounfrete." Many a crime, deem'd innocent on earth, Is register'd in heav'n ; and these no doubt, Have each their record, with a curse annexed. Richard having seized the crown and usurped the throne, by the title of King .Richard III. in the second year of his reign granted a charter to this town, whereby he incorporated it, and ap- pointed John Hill the first mayor thereof, in July, 1484. This charter was confirmed by par- liament the 9th of August following. Richard, who, to the most consummate hypo- crisy, added the most ferocious cruelty, and ascended the throne by the murder of his king, was not permitted to enjoy it long in peace. The Duke of Buckingham, a character equally depraved as his own, by whose assis- tance Richard had hitherto met with success, soon formed a scheme to dethrone him, and unite the houses of York and Lancaster. Thus it frequently happens that associates in guilt, become the instruments of each others punish- ment; and the ways of providence are justified in rendering to them their deserts. The scheme devised met with general appro- bation; and measures were soon adopted to carry it into execution. Buckingham lost his life in the first attempt, and many of his friends were taken and executed. Richmond, the heir of the house of Lancaster, not discouraged by this event, but having collected some troops in France, at length landed at Mil ford -haven, T ^ 138 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The people flocked to his standard, and he soon found himself at the head of an army suf- ficiently powerful to encounter Richard. The two armies met at Bosworth, where Richard lost his crown and his life. This battle was fought on the 22d August, 1485. At this time was also slain the above mentioned Sir Richard Ratcliffe, the governor of Pontefract castle, with many other persons of rank. The crown being found in the field of battle, Lord Stanley put it upon the head of Richmond, who was immediately proclaimed king, by the title of Henry VII. amidst the acclamations of the whole army; and, by his marriage with the princess Elizabeth, he put an end to the dread- ful contests of the kingdom, by the union of the houses of York and Lancaster. No more the thirsty entrance of this soil Shall damp her lips with her own children's blood I No more shall trenching war channel her fields, Nor bruise her fiowrets with the armed hoofs Of hostile paces. Those opposed files, Which like the meteors of a troubled heaven, All of one nature, of one substance bred, Did lately meet in the intestine shock And furious close of civil butchery, Shall now, in mutual, well-beseeming ranks, March all one way ; and be no more oppos'd Against acquaintance, kindred and allies : The edge of war like an ill-sheathed knife, No more shall cut his master. HISTORY OF POXTEFRACT. J 39 SECTION X. Historical events from the death of Richard III. till the commencement of the civil ivar. W HEN raised to the throne, Henry VII. might justly have concluded, that as he had no com- petitors to fear, his reign would not be disgraced by those intestine feuds and animosities which had so long prevailed. He, however, soon found that the spirit of enmity had acquired strength by time, and nothing but the strong hand of power could repress or subdue it. The nobles had been so Jong accustomed to assume and ex- ercise an authority above all law; and the people to follow them implicitly as leaders and com- manders, that the former could, whenever they chose, excite commotions, disturb the peace, and endanger the throne. Though the houses of York and Lancaster were happily united, by the marriage of Henry with Elizabeth, the same factions still continued, and the friends of the latter naturally expected that the king would reward their fidelity, and re- store their forfeited estates and honours. The Yor- kists, who had feasted on the spoils of their ene- mies for near twenty years, and had no wish to relinquish what they had obtained, soon perceived their danger ; and by encouraging false pretenders to the throne, and raising partial insurrections, in- volved themselves in those very calamities they wish- ed to avoid, and lost both their lives and fortunes. 140 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. In the second of his reign, Henry made a tour into the northern countries, and visited Ponlefract, the ancient patrimony of his family, where he resided some days. He then hastened to York, and while he remained there, an insurrec- tion broke out, headed by the Staffords in the south, and by Lord Lovel in the north, who pursued Henry with a body of three or four thousand troops. This insurrection was soon quelled, and tranquillity for a short season restored. In the fourth of Henry VII. (1488,) a rebel- lion broke out in the northern counties, in con- sequence of a heavy tax imposed by parliament. The people instigated by a popular incendiary, named John a Chambre, a man who delighted in war and plunder, rose in arms; and choosing one Sir John Egremont, a factious partisan of the house of York, they declared they would march to London, and give battle to the king. Henry was no sooner informed of this distur- bance, than he sent a body of troops against the rebels, under the command of the Earl of Surry, whom he had lately received into favour. That nobleman marched with all speed against the insurgents, who had reached the village of Ackworth, near this place, on their way to London. On the first attack they were routed, and John a Chambre taken prisoner; but their commander, Sir John Egremont, had the good fortune to escape. John a Chambre and the rebel captains were executed at York; but the rest were pardoned at the intercession of the Earl of Surry, by which he gained the favour of the country. Henry this year renewed and confirmed the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 141 above mentioned charter of Richard III. to the borough of Pontefract, dated 1st Dec. 1488. During the latter part of the reign of Henry VII. and the former of that of Henry VIII. few events of importance occur respecting this place. Henry VII. had the felicity to have out- lived the spirit of faction, and to leave the king- dom in peace. In the course of his reign he had amassed much wealth, of which his son and successor, Henry VIII. was extremely prodigal. His amours and intrigues, his cruel and unjust treatment of those he denominated his wives, ultimately led him to quarrel with the pope, and to encourage the reformation. Henry had emptied his coffers by extrava- gance and dissipation. Some measure was neces- sary to relieve his pressing wants; and the spirit of the times according with his inclination, he determined to seize the wealth of the religious, and wholly to suppress the monastic orders. The authority which the pope had hitherto en- joyed, Henry assumed and exercised; and he and his successors were declared to be the supreme head of the church of England. The religious orders could not behold with indifference the gathering storm, which threatened to overwhelm their elegant mansions, and their richly ornamented temples; and to strip them of all that wealth which had been conferred by the piety or superstition of past ages. They were not disposed to give up their all without a struggle; and had not various circumstances favoured Henry, this struggle might have proved fatal to his crown and life, and also to the reformation in this kingdom. 142 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, On the establishment of the king's supremacy, and the allowing of the service of the church to be read in English, in the year 1536, the spirit of disaffection and revolt particularly appeared in the counties of Lincoln and York. Most of the heads of religious houses took up arms in defence of the church and their own orders; and a body of forty thousand * men was soon collected, well furnished with arms, horses and artillery. Sir Robert Aske, of Aughton, was chosen commander. This formidable army, ani- mated with all the enthusiasm of religious zeal, surrounded the castle of Pontefract, and obliged Thomas Lord D'Arcy and the Archbishop of York, who were therein, to deliver it to them. These insurgents called themselves the u Pilgri- mage of grace," Lord D'Arcy and the archbishop took their oath, viz. " To enter into the pilgrimage of grace for the love of God, the preservation of the king's person and issue, the purifying of the nobility, expelling all evil blood and evil counsellors, for no particular profit to themselves, nor to do displeasure to any, nor to slay nor murther any for envy ; but to put away all fears and to take afore them the cross of Christ, his faith, the restitution of the church and the supression of heritics and their opinions." Cer- tain it is, that though Lord D'Arcy and the archbishop pretended want of provisions to hold out the castle, yet they were suspected pf favour- ing the rebels, for they continued with Aske, and were named as two of his deputies to treat for peace. A general pardon being granted, the rebels dispersed, and Aske being ordered * Sir Richard Baker says forty-five thousand. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 143 to court was well received, but Lord D'Arcy not complying, was taken and sent to the tower, and afterwards beheaded. Aske * leaving the court without leave, was also taken and executed, and hung in chains on a tower in York. At the dissolution of abbeys, one William Tindall, Esq. of Brotherton, raised a tumult in this borough. When the persons who were ap- pointed by government to appraise the goods in St. Giles' church, had entered the church to discharge their office, W. Tindall, attended by a servant with a spade and mattock, went through the town and up to the market-cross, and made the following ludicrous address, which at least indicates his spirit and attachment to the super- stitions which had hitherto prevailed. " If there be any person/' cried he, " that Jesus Christ is indebted to, let him come and make his claim, for Jesus Christ is dead, and J have brought my man to make his grave and bury him." The appraisers came out of the church and asked what was the matter? W. Tindall told them, cc he was come to bury the body of Christ." The appraisers were angry, and bade him take care what he said, but he replied, " Surely Jesus * It has been noticed, that the family of the Askes were the original lords of Kirkby, in the time of the Saxons. This Sir Robert Aske, was a person of great abilities, though much attached to popery, and an avowed enemy to the refor- mation. Christopher, the son of this Sir Robert, built the steeple of the church at Aughton, which is yet standing, and contains an inscription, which indicates the impression which the death of his father had made upon his mind. Christofer, le secound flls de Robert Aske Chr oblier ne doy anno D'i. 1536 Vid Gentleman's Mag. 1754. vol. 24*. 144 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Christ is dead. Was it ever heard that goods were appraised before the owner is dead? Ye are appraising his goods, therefore I thought he Was dead, and what more likely *." In the year 1540, King Henry VIII. visited the castle of Pontefract. After this period, Talbot, Earl of Salisbury, commanded the English troops in the marches of Scotland. The English army entered Scotland, Oct. 21, 1542, and having desolated the west marches, returned to Berwick. On the 24th Nov. the Scots invaded England with fifteen thousand men, and were totally routed at the battle of Solway Moss, by a small band under the com- mand of Sir Thomas, afterwards Lord Wharton. Many persons of the first rank in Scotland were taken prisoners; and according to the hospitable custom of that time were committed to the custody of different nobility. In the quaint stile of the Talbot letters, we have an account of the following persons being committed to our castle. " The Lairde of Makreth, of 1001. land in the year, to Sir Henry Saville, governor of Pontefract castle." " The Lord Carlishe, a man of 300 marks and more, but hath little in his own hands, be- ing witheld from it by rebels; himself remaynith in Pontefract castle under Sir H. Saville." " The Lairde Johnstone, a gentleman of 100 marks per ann.; for whom the king's majesty hath paid an 100 marks in part of payment to ■his taker, for his ransom, and himself remainith in Pontefract castle." * Wilson's MS. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 145 " Lairde of Grutney and Newbve, between them of 40 marks or more, their pledges their brother, with Sir H. Saville, for 122 marks*." In the year 1545, Lord Maxwell was a pri- soner in this castle, concerning whom the fol- lowing letter from Henry VIII. was sent to the then governor: BY THE KING. " Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well; and, for certain causes and considerations, us and our council specially moving, we will, and straitly charge, and command you, that ye, with all possible diligence, do send the Lord Maxwell to our town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in safe and sure custody, so that he may be here with our trusty and well-beloved counsellor, the Earl of Hartford, our lieutenant-general in these north parts, on Friday or Saturday next at the farthest; and these letters shall be unto you a sufficient warrant in that behalf, — and to the intent ye may the more surely accomplish our pleasure herein according to our expectations, we do send unto you herein inclosed a commission for taking post-horses by the way, as the need shall require. Not failing hereof, as ye tender our pleasure, and will answer the contrary at our ut- most jeopardy and peril. — Given under our signet, at our town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the 22d day of September, at eleven of the clock before noon, of the 38th year of our reign. To our trusty and right-well beloved counsellor, Sir Henry Savil, Knt. Steward of our Honour of Pontefract, and Constable of our Castle * Lodged Illustrations of British history. U * 146 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. there; and in his absence, to his Deputy or Deputies there ; in haste, post-haste— for life, for life, for life, Delivered to the Post the day and year aforesaid." No fact of importance occurs during the reign of Edward VI. whose piety has embalmed his memory, and whose charity schools have con- tributed to the instruction of thousands. The plague prevailed in the second year of his reign, of which many died in this place. The bloody reign of Mary, or the more vigo* rous, active and glorious one of Elizabeth, is equally barren of topographical history. The inhabitants of this borough have however one improvement, or public convenience* to commemorate, — the erec- tion of the conduit in the market-place, for sup- plying the inhabitants with water, which was finished in the year 1572. Queen Elizabeth, some little time before her death, repaired and beautified the castle, and ordered the chapel of St. Clement, within it, which had gone to decay, to be rebuilt. In lb03, King James I. in the first year of his reign, visited this town on his return from Scotland; and after his departure a grievous pes- tilence broke out, of which many died. He granted the castle and honour of Pontefract to the queen, as part of her jointure. Power was given in this grant to make leases of her ma- jesty's lands for twenty one years, reserving the old rents*. In the year 1616, the king again visited Pontefract in his progress to Scotland, and * Lodge's Illustrations. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 147 viewed the late established college in the castle, which still retained its original name of St. Clements. The year 1625, King Charles I. visited this town in his way from Scotland. He also created Sir John Saville, Knight, high steward of the honour of Pontefract, and by letters patent, dated 21st July, the fourth of Charles I. advanced him to the dignity of a baron of the realm, by the title of Lord Saville, Baron of Pontefract. His son inherited the title, and was created Earl of Sussex, and the family became extinct in his grandson James. I4S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, SECTION XL On the civil war, the state of parties, and a description of the castle in its perfect state. VV E have now reached the period, when the war between Charles and the parliament com- menced; an event which various causes operated to produce, and which, though for a season it convulsed, if not destroyed, the regular motion of the machine of government, in its conse- quences, has tended to adjust its parts; and to establish and consolidate that constitution which is justly the pride and boast of Englishmen. During the vigour of the feudal system, the mass of the people were without property and without rights. The king and the nobles enjoyed the supreme power, and the house of commons had no legislative existence. By degrees the lower order of the people acquired property; and in the struggles between the crown and the nobles, their influence was sensibly felt, and gave victory to the party they espoused. The people became gradually of more weight and consequence; and at last attained a part in the government by their representatives in parliament. The commons, as emanating from the people, like the tribunes in Rome, became the constitu- tional guardians of their rights and privileges. In the reign of James, the representatives of the people were respectable for their property, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 149 their virtue and talents 5 and displayed a firmness in resisting the encroachments of the crown, which justly entitles them to the admiration of a grateful posterity. Not convinced by the potent arguments James produced, for establishing the divine right of kings, and their absolute power to do what they pleased with the persons and property of their subjects, they defended the rights of the people, and evinced that spirit of liberty, which, in the reign of Charles, burst forth like a torrent, and swept away whatever impeded its course. In a word, the increase of trade, the spirit of inquiry excited by the reformation; the revival of literature, and the diffusion of knowledge by the invention of printing; the weakness of James, and the arbitrary, impolitic and unconstitutional conduct of Charles; all united to kindle the flames of this unhappy war, which spread deso- lation through the country, subverted for a season the church and the throne, and brought Charles to a disgraceful end. In the year 1542, Charles erected the royal standard at York; and called on his subjects to aid him in subduing his rebellious parliament. The lower orders, for obvious reasons attached to freedom, warmly espoused the cause of the parliament: whilst the old noble familes generally supported that of the king. Most of the lead- ing persons in the county of York, in order to supply the king's necessities, gave according to their ability, some one hundred, others two hundred pounds, and up to ten thousand. They inlisted men and supported them at their own expence. They seized the castles 150 HISTORY OF PQNTEFRACT. within this county, and supplied them with pro- visions. The following is a list of the distinguished persons who formed the garrison in the castle of Pontefract; and signalized themselves by their bravery and valour. It is given in the style of the writer, who contributed his share in the de- fence of this important fortress. " A true list of the manner of our watches, undertaken by the knights, gentlemen and volun- teers in the first siege, with the names of them as they were inlisted in their squadrons and divisions." " The standing officers of the garrison were Colonel Lowther*, the governor, advised by the pains of his brother, Mr. Robert Lowther." " Lieut. Col. Wheatley, Lt. Col. Middletonf . * Sir William Lowther of Leeds and Swillington, who was the governor of our castle, was a younger son of Sir John Lowther, of Lowther, in Westmoreland. The family was ancient and respectable. This Sir William Lowther mar- ried Jane, daughter of William Busfield, of Leeds, merchant. He was one of the council of the north. He purchased the Swillington estates of Coniers Darcy, Earl of Holderness, which have continued in the family, and are now the property of Lord Lowther. He died February 1689, aged eighty, and left issue, Sir William and Richard. Sir William Lowther married Catherine, daughter of Tho. Harrison, of Dancer's Hill, in Hertfordshire, by his wife Ca- therine, daughter of Sir John Bland, of Kippax park. This Sir William Lowther was sheriff of this county in 1681. f Of the family of Lieutenant Colonel Wheatly, the editor can give no account. The original seat of the family of Middleton, was at Middleton, in Wharfdale. The family is very ancient. William Middleton, Esq. in the reign of Henry V. removed to Stockeld, near Wetherby. From him descended William, who was Lieutenant Colonel of a regiment of horse, and among others threw himself into our castle, and with his brave colleagues nobly defended it. Attachment to the same cause united this family to that of Sir Marmaduke Langdale* who after the restoration, was created Baron Langdaie, of HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 151 Major Dinnis,- Capt. Cartwright, Capt. Munroe, Capt. Gerrard Lowther, son of the governor, and captain of horse, as was also Capt. Mus- grave, bat these have now turned foot, and are commanded by Mr. Lowther." " The gentlemen volunteers were inlisted into four divisions. The first commanded by Col. Grey, the second by Sir Richard Hutton, the third by Sir John Ramsden, and the fourth by Sir G. Wentworth, who had in their divisions the following gentlemen." First, Colonel Greifs Division. Colonel Grey, brother Lieut. Colonel Darcy, to Lord Grey, of son to Lord Darcy, of Warke *, Hornby f , Holme. Peter Middleton, the son of the colonel, married the daughter of Marmaduke Langdale, Esq. son and heir of Lord Langdale. * The Greys were settled in Northumberland, as early as the reign of Edward II. This family has produced many distinguished warriors and statesmen. William Grey, Esq. [of Chillingham, was advanced to the degree of baronet (seven- teenth of James) loth June, 1619: and afterwards to the honour of the peerage, by the title of Lord Grey, of Warke, Feb. 11, the twenty-first of James. He espoused the cause of Charles with ardour; and his son followed the example. Whether this son was Ralph, who afterwards enjoyed the estates and title of his father, is not certain, as Lord Grey "had other sons, though none but Ralph survived him. t The family of the Darcies came in with the conqueror, and received from him the gift of thirty three Lordships in Lincolnshire. Different branches of this family settled in the county of York. Sir Coniers Darcy was restored to the barony of Lord Darcy and Meinell, and to the barony of Hornby castle, where he resided, by Charles I. He was strongly at- tached to the royal cause; and his son, it appears from the command he enjoyed, was animated by the same spirit of loyalty. 152 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Sir Edward Radcliffe, Capt. Huddleston, Bart *, Rob. Portington J, Sir Francis Radcliffe, — — Grimstone, Lieut. Col. Portington f, Vavasour §, pa §. Major Huddleston, — — Croft, pa. * The family of Radcliffe was settled at Threshfield, in Craven. Ralph Radcliffe, Esq. was made high constable of the Wapentake of Staincliff, the thirty-second of Elizabeth. He left the estates to his son and heir, Charles, who was clerk of the peace in the West-Riding, and associate before the judges in the northern circuit. He left issue, Edward, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Hesketh, of Hes- lington, near York. It is probable this Edward was advanced to the degree of baronet, by Charles ; as the sale of titles was one method he adopted to obtain money from his subjects. It ■was probably the son of this Edward who volunteered in the defence of this castle. f Portington of Barnby Dunn, an ancient and respectable family. Roger Portington was justice of the peace, and suf- fered much in the royal cause. He was fined in the time of Oliver, the sum of one thousand eight hundred and ninety pounds for his delinquency. He enjoyed the rank of colonel, and shared in the duties of the brave defenders of this castle. He was interred in the church of Barnby Dunn: and a mo- nument still remains, recording his virtue, his sufferings and his hopes. Vid. Miller's Don. 133. | Robert Portington was brother to Roger, and resided at Arksey. He was major in Sir William Saville's regiment of horse, and distinguished himself by his courage as an officer. After the war was over he returned to Arksey, and lived some time in retirement ; but after Oliver became Protector, he was taken prisoner, and sent to Hull, where he remained till the restoration. Being set at liberty, in crossing the Hum- ber he was bit by a monkey, and not regarding the wound, it gangrened and carried him to the grave. In Arksey church, on a stone, near the altar, is the following inscription. Hie sepultus Robertas Portington, Strategus, miles insignis, Principi q. fidelis; obiit 23 die Decembris, A. D. 1660. § It is necessary to inform the reader, that pa. annexed to any name, denotes the person to have been a papist. § The family of Vavasour, of Haslewood, derives its HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 153 Capt. Wheatley, Capt Fumsdale,^o , Hoult, ■ Seaton, j C0 ' Sayle, pa. • — — Wheatley, Mr. John Thimbleby, Smith, Mr. Charles Clarkson, Tat hum, Mr. TakefieJd, Perry, Mr. Hammerton f , pa. *, Mr. Stapleton J, pa. origin and name from the office they discharged. Qui ex munere (Regii enim ohm Valvasores erant) hoc assumpserunt. Cambden. It is a very ancient family, and the pedigree may be traced up t) the conquest; and several of the family have been distinguished as valiant commanders. Sir Waiter Vava- sour was born in the year 1613. He raised a regiment of horse, and supported them at his own expence. A branch of this family resided at Weston, near Otley. Vavasour of Weston, married the widow of Edward Saville, Esq. the second son of John Lord Saville, Baron of Pontefract, and it is pro- bable that one of these was the captain noticed as a volun- teer in the castle. Another branch of this family settled at Fryston near this place. In the computus of the honour of Pontefract, p. 19. it is said William Vavasour paid five pounds to the honour for one knights-fee, in Fryston, after the death of his brother Henry, the thirty-second of Edward III. .1357. In the seventh of Henry IV. Sir H. Vavasour paid ten pounds relief for two knights-fees, at Water-Fry ston. * The MS. is imperfect, where the dotted lines are, and the names cannot be made out. t The family of Hammerton resided at Purston Jaglin. The old hall fronting the public road was their seat. Attached to the superstition of their fathers, they continued in the catholic church. It is most probable the person here noticed, was one of this family; and the other under Sir G. Wentworth's division, his brother. t The family of Stapleton is ancient; and has been long settled at Carieton, near Snaith. A branch of this family un- questionably resided at Stapleton, near this town, and either gave their name to, or received it from, that of the place. This family has continued in the bosom of the catholic church, down to the present day. Brian Stapleton is mentioned under Sir G. Wentworth's division, a name still continued in the family. X * T5-4 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTi Mr. Anne *, pa. Mr. Hi^ford, Mr.CiuhbutMedcaulph, Mr. Wilkes, Mr. John Medcaulpb, Mr. Burton, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Hey, Cornet Spurgion, Mr. Mast. French, — . Harrington, Clergy to this Division, Ensign Hearbert, Mr. Hey, Mr. Stables, Alderman f, Mr. Oley, Mr. Smith, do. Mr. Buchanan, Scotus, Mr. Taytam, do. In all forty-eight. Second. Sir Richard Huttoris Division. Sir Richard Hutton J, high-sheriff of Yorkshire, * This is an ancient catholic family; and branches of it have settled at Fiickley, Bolton, and Burghwallis. Philip Anne took a decided part with Charles, and contributed two hundred pounds to the support of the common cause. f The loyalty of the corporation of this Borough, was strongly displayed by its members. Nine aldermen with the mayor, ten out of thirteen, of which number it consists, left their houses, and volunteered their service in the. castle. Many of them became great sufferers; as their houses were seized by the troops of the parliament, and suffered most during the siege. t The original seat of this family, is Hutton in Cumber- land, from which it derived its name. A branch of it settled at Goldsborough, near Wetherby. Sir Richard Hutton was sergeant at law, and one of the justices of the common pleas. He was a man of great legal knowledge; and was justly honour- ed for his uprightness and integrity. King Charles used to call him the honest judge. His son and heir Sir R. Hutton, in the beginning of the war, along with some other gentlemen, seized and garrironed Knaresbro' castle, of which he was made gover- nor. He did not long retain this post, but either resigned or was superseded by some other person, as we find him amongst the garrison of York, which surrendered to the forces of the parliament, Aug. 16, 1644. Sir Richard Hutton must have departed with the honours of war, as he entered our castle im- mediate! v, and obtained command of the second division of the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 155 Capt. Constable*, Musgrave, Srandenen, Fair burn, Croft, Lieutenant Smith, Antrobus, Cornet Nay I or, — Bam ford, Matthevvman, Mr. Toyton, George Wentworth, James Ellison, John Longwith, Steven Grammenden, James Kendrick, M. Burchill, M. Hopgood, Matthew Suttoiv Robert Halyfax, Robert Burton, William Watson, Thomas Walker, Edward Gauthrope, John Farram, Sergeant Fletcher, siege, and afterwards joined the Mr. Grovener, Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Preston, Mr. Jonstone, Mr. Massey, Mr. Maddock, garrison. He survived the king. In the battle of Sherburn, where Lord Dgby and others were taken piisoners, he lost his life. * Constable of Flamborough, was descended from Fitz Eustace Constable, of Chester; and of course sprung from the stock, and was connected with the Lacies of Pontefract. Sir Robert Constable, in the reign of Kenry VIII. was concerned in the rebellion, called the pilgrimage of grace. For this he was pardoned, but engaging in another commotion, he was beheaded at Hull, and his body hung in chains, June 1537. His son Sir Wm. Constable, was, however, admitted to favour, and advanced to the degree of Baronet, June 29, 1611. He re- membered the death of" his father ; and in the reign of Charles, distinguished himself by his enmity to the royal cause. He adhered to Cromwell, and was one of those who signed the warrant for the king's execution. A branch of this family settled at Everingham, in the East Riding of this county. Constable of Everingham, ma ried into the family of Langdale, and warmly espoused the royal cause. He was the Capt. Constable who entered this castle. In many instances, we find persons of the same family engaged against each other, and the ties of blood and kindred forgotten through the influence of political animosity, and rancour. 156 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Jonathan Heslam, John Oxley, Robert Moore, Walter Steele, Thomas Senior, Clergy to this Division. Mr. Binnes, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Mankenhole, his Thomas Monke, peculiar chaplain. Third. Sir John Ramsden' s Division. Sir J. Ramsden, Bart. * Lieut. Col. Tindall J, Sir Jarvis Cutler f, Major Warde*, * Sir John Ramsden, of Longley, near Huddersfield. This is the original seat of this ancient and respectable family. A branch of it resided at Lasscel Hall, near Kirk-Heaton ; and the ancient seat was forsaken for the more agreeable one of Byram. This family ha? intermarried with the Savilles and Lowthers. Sir John Ramsden, the son of William of Longley, married first, Margaret, the daughter of Sir Peter Fretchvill, of Stovely, in Lancashire, and had issue William and John. To his second wife, he married Anne, widow of Alderman Pool, of London, This Sir John engaged in the royal cause ; and after the sur- render of the castle of Pontefract, at the close of the second siege, he entered into that of Newark, where he died. The estates and name of this respectable family have descended to the present baronet, Sir J. Ramsden, of Byram. f Sir Jarvis Cutler resided at Stainbrough , near Barns- ley. He fell a sacrifice to his zeal in the cause, and died in the castle. t The family of Tindall resided at Brotherton. The colo- nel was the son of William Tindall, Esq. who excited some disturbance in our borough, as was noticed in the time of Henry VIII. He was zealously attached to the king, and gave 3001. at the meeting at York, to support the war. He outlived his royal master, and in the time of Oliver paid 3401. for his com- position. t Wade, (or Warde) of New Grange, near Leeds, an ancient and respectable family. Benjamin Wade rebuilt the family seat of New Grange; and was so warm in the royal cause, that he considerably involved his estate to support it. He sold an estate of 5001. per ann. and spent not less than ten thousand pounds in the service of Charles. Was this the major in our siege? HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 157 Major Wentworth, Capt. Pilkington*, Morrett, Horsfold, Swillovant, Stand eanen> Clough, Beale, Shaw, Cornet Herrington, Nunnes, Lieut. Saville f, . Flemming, Mr. Barton, Mr. Baumforth, Mr. Warwick, Mr. Stringer, Air. Safrone, * Pilkington, of Pilkington, in the county of Lancaster. One of this family purchased Stanley, near Wakefield ; and a branch of this family has resided there ever since. It is pro- bable this Capt. Pilkington was a younger son of Sir Lionel Pilkington, of Stanley. f The Savilles is a very ancient family, in the West- Riding of this county. The Savilles of Bradley Hall, near Halifax, have married with the best Yorkshire families; and the eldest branch of this family has long resided at Methley, and was advanced to the honour of the peerage. It is not certain, whether Lieut. Saville mentioned in the list belonged to the Savilles of Methley, or some other family of that name. In Watson's pedigree of the Savilles of Hullenedge, near Eland, there is noticed a Gabriel Saville, who was Captain of foot under King Charles, and who married the daughter and coheiress of Capt. Ralph Rokeby, of Skiers, near Rother- ham. Perhaps he was the person who volunteered in the de- fence of the castle of Pontefract. t It is to the industry and labour of this Capt. N. Drake, the editor and the public are indebted for this list of the per- sons who defended this castle ; as well as for the very parti- Mr, Peary, pa. Mr. Will Tindall, Mr. Hodgson, Mr. Pearry, pa. Mr, Keeper, Mr. Clarkson, Mr. H. Tindall, Mr. Foster, Mr, Hitchin, Mr. Shilito, Mayor, Mr. J. Wilkinson, Alder- man, Mr. E. Wilkinson, Alder- man, Mr. Lunn, Alderman, William Strickland, Nathan Drake J, Peter Heaton, 158 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Daniel Morret, Clergy to this Division. Steven. Standenen, Mr, Pickrin, George Shilito, Mr. Hirst, John Oxley. Mr. Cocker, In all forty-six. cular account of the various events of the siege, which will be given. The original seat of the Drakes was Shibden Hall, near Halifax; and the family is said to come out of Devonshire, where a family of this name had been long settled, and of which the famous Sir Francis Drake, whose naval achieve- ments have rendered his name illustrious, was a branch. The pedigree is traced f.om the time of Edward I. in Watson's Hali'ax, down to Thomas, who lived in the time of Henry "VIII. who had issue, William, Gilbert, Humphry and Isabella. William had issue, four sons and four daughters, of whom the second was Nathan, who lived at Godley. The part he look in the civil war exposed him to the resentment of Cromwell, who deprived him of his estate at Godley. Nathan had issue, Samuel, who was bred up to the church, but was expelled from his fellowship in St. John's Cambridge; and afterwards served the king at the siege of Newark. A'ter the restora- tion, this Samuel was admitted to the degree of D. D. was made rector of Handsworth, and vicar of Pontefract. He wrote the life of his tutor and friend, Mr. Cleveland. He married daughter of Mr. Abbot. His eldest son, Francis, was M. A. and succeeded him in the vicarage of Pontefract. He married to his first wife, Hannah, daughter of Paylin, of York, merchant, by whom he had John, B. D. prebendary of York, and who succeeded his father as vicar of Pontefract. The above Francis to his second wife married Elizabeth, the daughter of John Dixon, of Pontefract, by whom he had Francis, a fellow of the Royal Society, author of the history of York, the parliamentary history of Eng- land, down to the restoration ; and also of several tracts in the philosophical transactions. He married Mary, the daughter of Wood) ear, of Crookhill, near Doncaster, by whom he had a son Francis, who was vicar of VYomersIey, lecturer of Pontefract, and fellow of Magdalene College Oxford. This Francis married a daughter of Joshua Wilson, Esq. of Ponte- fract, by whom he had the Rev. Francis Drake, of Walking- ton, near Beverley, who is the present lecturer of Pontefract, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 159 Fourth. Sir G. Wentworth's Division. Sir G. Wentworth*, Colonel Vaughan, Sir Thomas Bland f , Lieut. Col. Wentworth, * Wentworth, of West Bretton, a branch of the ancient family of the Wentworths, of Wentworth Wooclhouse, near Rotherham. Sir Thomas was a deputy lieutenant of the West- Riding of this county, and a captain of the train bands for Charles I. He suffered much for his loyalty; but living till the restoration he was knighted 27th September. \QQ±. Sir G. Wentworth, of Woolley, a bianch of the above family. He married to his first wife Anne, daughter of Tho- mas Lord Fairfax, of Denton : to his second wife the daughter of Christopher Maltby, Esq. and had issue two sons, who died young, and three daughters ; Averil, who married John Thornton, Esq. ; Frances, who married John Grantham, Esq. ; and Ann, who married W. Osbaldiston, Esq. ; S;r Geo. suffered much in consequence of the part he took in the war. He was fined for his delinquency 31881. f Bland, of Blands-Gill, in the North-Riding. Arms, Argent on a bend sable, three Pheons Or. Sir Thomas married Ca- tharine, daughter of John Lord Saville, of Pontefract and How- ley, and sister of Thomas Saville, Earl of Sussex. He had issue, first Thomas, second Adam, who married the widow of John Girlington, of Thurgoland castle; and two daughters, Catherine, who married Thomas Harrison, Esq. of Dancer's Hill, in Hertfordshire, and Frances, who married John Belton, Esq. of Rawcliffe. Sir Thomas Bland, the son and heir of the above Tho- mas commanded in Sir G. WentworuYs division, and his brother Adam was a major of horse, and one of those who issued from the castle and surprised Rainsborough at Doncaster. This Sir Thomas married Rosamond, daughter of Francis Neville, Esq. of Chevet, near Wakefield. By her he had issue, Francis, Adam, Rosamond, and Catharine. Rosamond married Martin Headley, Alderman of Leeds, and Catharine married John Frank, Esq. of Pontefract. Sir Thomas, like most of Charles' friends, suffered greatly in his cause, and was lined 405l. by Oliver. As a compensation for his loyalty, Charles II. honoured him with knighthood. Sir Francis Bland, his son and heir, married the daughter of Sir William Lowther, of Preston. He w r as succeeded by 160 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Major Copley*, Mr. Emson, sen. pa. Beaumont, Mr. Hammerton, pa. ; — Mountain, Mr. Stokes, Baron Killowson, Mr. Richard Fisher, Capt. Harris, Mr. Rusby, Alderman, Ramsden, Mr. Gates, do. Benyon, Mr. Austwick, do. Hardwicke, Mr. Glitennor, Washington*)*, Cornet Andshoy, Mr. Jervise Neville, — Sanderson, Mr. Thimbleby, sen. pa. Lieut. Cooke J, Mr. Andrew East, pa. Cutbert, Mr. B. Stappleton, pa. Mr. Fairmaine, Sir Thomas Bland, who dying young the estate came to Sir John Bland, who was for many years a worthy representa- tive of this borough, and built a new steeple to St. Giles* church. * The family of Copley has been long seated at Sprot- brough ; and intermarried with that of Fitzwilliam. Sir George Copley was knighted by Charles II. and it is probable was the person who engaged in the cause of his royal father, and was major in our castle. -)• A family of the name of Washington enjoyed a large estate at Adwick-le Street. The register of baptisms in the church there, proves that this family was there settled as early as 1548, and many of this name are also interred there. The Wash- ington who contributed to the defence of our casde, was most probably one of this family. N. B. It has been said that the famous General Wash- ington, sprung from them. It is certain, that the ancestors of the general emigrated from Yorkshire; and like many who departed to America, were zealous friends of religious and civil liberty. + Lieut Cooke, might probably be one of the respectable family of that name, which has been so long in, or near Don- caster. Branches of this family have intermarried with the most respectable families in that neighbourhood; and a considerable part of the estate belonging to the Yarboroughs, originally of Snaith Hall, came to the present G. Cooke Yarborough, Esq. of Streetthorpe. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 161 Mr. Allot *, Richard Dobson, Mr, Fenton, Richard Beaumont, Joseph Oxley, Clergy to this Division. Richard HelklifFe, Dr. Bradley, Daniel Fielding, Mr. Lister, Thomas Wiggleskirke. Mr. Mason, Thomas Motherby, Mr. Barley, Gilbert Grey, In all forty-four. The list which has been given cannot fail to gratify a laudable curiosity, by imparting considerable information respecting the brave defenders of our castle. Many of the respectable families, whose ancestors distinguished themselves, by their loyalty, prudence and courage, still re- main in this neighbourhood; and the more humble names of many others continue likewise in the borough and surrounding villages. Before we come to detail the event of that siege which ultimately led to the demolition of the castle, it is deemed necessary to give a des- cription of it in its perfect state ; that the reader may form some conception of the strength and grandeur of this celebrated fortress, once esteemed one of the greatest and strongest in England. * Allot of Crigglestone and Bentley, a family respectable for property, and united by marriage with the Wentworths and Copleys. The Allot who volunteered in the defence of our castle was most probably Edward, the son of John Allot, of Crigglestone. A Richard Allot settled at Bilham Grange, and married Grace, daughter of G. Wentworth, Esq. of Bretton. Part of the Crigglestone estate is now the property of J. Allot Esquire, of Hague HaJI, the eldest male branch of this family. 162 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, THE CASTLE OF PONTEFRACT Is built on an elevated rock, and commands the most extensive and picturesque views of the sur- rounding country. The north-west prospect takes in the beautiful vale, along which flows the Aire; skirted on each side with woods and plantations, and ornamented with several elegant and beau- tiful seats. It is bounded only by the hills of Craven. The north and north-east prospect is more extensive, but the scenery not equally stri- king and impressive. It presents little more than a view of farm houses and villages; and all the bolder features of a fine landscape are wanting. The towers of York minster are distinctly seen, and the prospect is only bounded by the limits of vision. The east view is equally extensive, but more pleasing. While the eye follows the course of the Aire towards the Hum- ber, the fertility of the country, — the spires of several churches, and two considerable hills, Bray ton Barf and Hambleton Haugh, which rise in the midst of a plain, and one of which is co- vered with wood, relieve the prospect and consider- ably add to its beauty. The south-east view, which takes in a part of the counties of Lincoln and Not- tingham, though extensive, has nothing deserving of notice. The south and south-west prospect comprises a rich variety of grand and sublime objects. The towering hills of Derbyshire, stretching towards Lancashire form the horizon; while the fore- ground is enlivened by a view of gentlemen's seats and a picturesque country. K S^ K ..' HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 163 The situation of the castle contributed greatly to its strength, and rendered it almost impreg- nable. It was not commanded by any contigu- ous hills, and the only way it could be taken was by blockade. In its perfect state, the state-rooms of the castle were large, and accommodated with offices suitable for the residence of a prince. The style of this building shews it to be Norman; though it has received various additions and improvements of a later date. The first member of this castle which merits notice, is the Barbican. This was situated on the west side of the outer yard (13) * beyond the main guard. Barbicans, were watch towers, de- signed to descry an enemy at a distance, and were always outworks, and frequently advanced be- yond the ditch, to which they were joined by draw bridges. This Barbican formed the en- trance into the castle, called the west-gate house. A similar tower with a draw bridge stood near the Booths, (12) and formed the entrance on the east, and was called the east gate house. The third gate, (14) was called the south gate, and opened into the road leading to Darrington and Doncaster, at the bottom of what is now called the castle garth. This gate led to another in the centre of the wall, which runs across the area from the east to the west gate; and was called the middle gate (15). The north side of this area was formed by the south wall of the ballium or great castle yard ; in the centre of which wall was the * The figures refer to the plate of the castle, and point out the situation of the part described. 164 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. porter's lodge, (8), the grand entrance into the yard of the castle. All these gates might be, and were frequently used as watch towers. The whole of this area was sometimes called the Barbican ; and within it stood the king's stables, (10) and a large bam, (11). Near the Barbican, and close by the west entrance into the castle was the main guard, (17) a place of considerable magnitude and strength. A deep moat or ditch was cut on the west side of the castle extending from the west gate, round the great tower to the north ; and another on the east, extending from the constable's tower along to the east gate. The wall of the ballium or great castle yard was high, and flanked with seven towers, i called (1) the round tower, (2) the red tower, (3) trea- surer's or pix tower, (4) Swillington tower, (5) queen's tower, (6) king's tower, and (7) consta- ble's tower. The walls of the ballium had a para-' pet, and the merlons were pierced with long chinks, ending in round holes, called oilets. Within the ballium, were the lodgings and barracks for the garrison and artificers, the cha- pel of St. Clement (16) and the magazine (9). The magazine is cut out of a rock, the descent to which is by a passage of four feet wide, and forty-three steps to the bottom, Jt is six yards over and three broad, with six cavities cut out of the sides of the rock, and nine yards in depth from the surface of the earth. Near this place was a large dungeon, the entrance to which was at the seventeenth step of the passage, and was a yard in breadth, but it is now stopped up by the falling in of the ruins. The wall, as you descend HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 165 these steps, is inscribed with many names evi- dently cut by the soldiers at the time of the siege of the castle, and amongst others, we find the fol- lowing, who were officers in the castle at that period, as will appear hereafter. 16 Geo. 48 1648 John Smith, Beale, John Grant, 1648. So strong the zeal t' immortalize himself Beats in the breast of man, that ev'n a lew, Few transient years, won from the abyss abhorr'd Of blank oblivion, seem a glorious prize, And even to a clown. The entrance into the ballium was usually through a strong machiolated and embattled gate, between two towers, secured by a herse or port- cullis. Over this w 7 ere the rooms intended for tlie porter of the castle, the towers served for the corps de garde. On an eminence at the western extremity of the ballium, stood the keep or dungeon, here called the round tower. — It was the citadel or last retreat of the garrison. — In large castles, it was generally a high tower of four or five stories— having turrets at each angle, and here we find there were six, three large and three small ones. When these towers were round instead of square, they were called Juliets from a vulgar opinion, that large round towers were first built by Julius Cassar. The walls of this edifice were always of an extraordinary thickness, and having in conse- quence withstood the united injuries of time, and weather, now remain more perfect than any other part of the castle. Here commonly on the second story, were the state rooms for the governor. The light was 166 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. admitted by small chinks which answered the double purpose of windows, and served for em- brasures, whence they might shoot with long and cross bows. These chinks, though without they had some breadth, and carried the appear- ance of windows, were very narrow next the cham- bers, diminishing considerably inward. The different stories were frequently vaulted, and divided by strong arches ; on the top was generally a platform with an embattled parapet, whence the garrison could see and command the exterior works. The annexed plate, figure 1 . is a plan of that corner of the area of the castle, where the keep or dungeon, just mentioned * is situated, and also of the principal entrance. (a a) Are the, first outward steps; ascend- ing from without to the area of the castle. (b b) A second very steep flight of steps, with- in the ballium, ascending up the artificial mount to the entrance of the keep. (cc) Is a narrow loop, well secured ; and made through a wall no less than eighteen feet in thickness. On entering the keep, on the right hand, at d, are remains of a great staircase, going up to the state apartments above, which are now all destroyed. At e, is a small square room $ probably design- ed for the captain of the guard. It is within one of the three round towers, mentioned by Leland : and all the substance of that tower, beneath this room, is solid stone work, quite to the bottom of the mount. A circumstance which shews the vast * See King on* ancient castles. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 167 strength of this building, and the improvement made on the original mount ; and at the same time exhi- bits a curious device for deception, something like that of the round tower at Rochester The other small tower, being in like manner continued down to the ground, beneath the mount, contains a very singular, narrow, and most irregularly winding, zig-zag staircase ; which goes down from the door at /to a small sally-port at x ; and moreover leads to what appears to have been a well at g, and besides this it terminates in one part, in a very frightful small dungeon, at z. There do not appear to have been even loop- holes, or any admission for light or air, unless from the door, into the great lower apartment of the keep ; only there was a small window in the -captain of the guard's room. The diameter of the keep is about 63 or 64 feet. And between f and h is a very re- markable appearance ; for after you have as- cended a ladder, against the inside of the wall, for a few feet, you then look down into a dismal square cavity, at h ; about 14 or 15 feet deep, or rather more ; but only about five or six feet square ; which cannot be conceived to have been applied to any other purpose than that of a dun- geon ; since t?here is neither loop, nor door be- neath ; or any outlet whatsoever : nor does there appear the least possibility of there ever having been any ; nor could it from its shape and dimensions, have served for a staircase, or, for drawing up timber and machines of war, or for any other purpose, than that of a place of severe confinement. In short, it reminds one of the 168 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. description, given by Sallust, of the Tullianum,, in the ancient capitol at Rome : and as it even now very well answers to that description, must have done so still more, before the upper part of the building, with the arches, was destroyed. But this is not the only strange place, within the inclosure of this formidable castle : for, front- ing the foot of the stairs, at a little distance, at i, is the square mouth of another well, of a most extraordinary kind ; having been either a very horrid dungeon, or the inward mouth of jsome very singular subterraneous sally-port. It is very deep, but quite dry ; the sides are neatly lined with stone, and on that which is nearest to the foot of the stairs, on looking down, appears at a great depth, a very high arch, leading to some vault, or passage, as represented, (Fig. 2); where it leads to, or for what purpose it actually served, may be well worth examining. At k, is a very small, wretched chamber ; formed in the thickness of the wall ; which had two very narrow windows next the court. Here tradition says, Richard II. was confined, and murdered : but the smallness of the room hardly agrees with what is related of the manner of his death, by a blow, with a battle-axe, from Sir Piers Exton, as his being so murdered was a story ge- nerally received and believed. By comparing the correspondent members of the remains of this castle with the above de- scription, a tolerable judgment of what it has bee» 5 may be formed. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 169 SECTION XII. Events^ during the first Siege. -I HE war, which had commenced in the year 1642, between the king and the parliament, had been carried on with various success ; in some places the advantage appeared to be on the side of the former, and in others, on that of the latter. In the month of June 1644, was fought the de- cisive battle of Marston-moor, near York ; in which the king's army was completely routed, and many of his best troops and officers slain. In this action Cromwell equally displayed his invincible courage, and his admirable talent for command. After having vanquished that wing of the enemy, to which he was opposed, he pru- dently checked the ardor of pursuit; and wheel- ing round, found the main body and the other wing, of the army of the parliament, had given way, and the enemy ready to take possession of the baggage and amunition. Having collected the troops together, and occupying the same ground the enemy had occupied at the commence- ment of the action, he made an irresistable charge and decided the fate of the day. The enemy lost their ordnance and artillery, and were pur- sued with great slaughter to the gates of York. It is computed that near 8,000 fell on the field of battle. The appearance of Cromwell in the political z * 170 HISTORY OF POHTEFRACX. hemisphere like that of a portentous comet, shed a deadly influence on the royal cause. Victory attended his course; and from an inferior officer, he rose to the rank of chief commander; and at last, having put down the powers which raised him, he assumed the supreme government of the kingdom. The victory of Marston was followed by the speedy surrender of York; and detachments of troops were sent to besiege the castles occu* pied by the king's friends; and among the rest that of Pontefract. The command of the de- tachment sent here was given to Colonel Sands, who, in the month of August, 1644*, fell in with a party of the enemy, sent out to protect some cattle, routed them, took all the cattle, and made forty horse prisoners. Col. Sands, for some time, rather watched the motions of the enemy, and endeavoured to cut off their foraging parties, Hhan to form a regular siege of the castle. The strength of the place, and the courage and prudence of the royalists, rendered a much greater force than he possessed necessary, to undertake the siege with any prospect of success. To have done more than he did, would have been rashly to expose his men to the fire of the enemy, with- out being able to return it with effect. The success of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and others, in subduing the castles of Helmsly and Knaresborough, set the troops which had been on that service at liberty; and they soon marched to the assistance of Col. Sands. Sir Thomas Fairfax, as the superior officer, now enjoyed * Whit. 100. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 171 the command: and in the beginning of December, 1644, he drove in the garrison, took possession of the town, and on Christmas day closely be- sieged the castle *. Some of the besieged, protected by the fire of their friends from the castle, kept for a few days possession of the low church. The enemy, sensible of the importance of the church, as a place of defence and security, prepared to dislodge the royalists; and on the 29th December, 1644, they drew up and commenced their attack. The royalists defended the church for some time with resolution and courage; and their friends in the castle made there sallies, in order to repel the enemy, or at least to cover the retreat of their brave comrades. Their efforts were not crowned with success; for the enemy obliged them to re- treat, and obtained possession of the church. In this action the royalists lost Capt. Waterhouse, of Netherton, three privates, and eleven wounded. The loss of the enemy, though victorious, was much greater. They are said to have had sixty killed and forty wounded f. On the retreat of the royalists, eleven men and boys, who had been stationed in the steeple, were left to defend themselves. They could ea- sily withstand the superior force of the enemy from the nature of their situation. They had however an enemy to encounter which threatened soon to subdue them. They were destitute of provisions ; and unless soon relieved must of ne- cessity surrender at discretion. They endured the force of hunger and thirst for five days and nights, and at length, effected their escape by a * Whit. 102. f Drake's MS» 172 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, method as bold as dangerous. By means of a rope, which they had probably taken from the belfry, having descended to the roof of the western part of the church, they let themselves down to the ground. While engaged in this at-- tempt they were discovered by the enemy, and though exposed to a hot fire, only one was killed, and Capt. Joshua Walker wounded in the thigh: the rest escaped to the castle in safety f. No day passed without some effort on the part of the besieged to annoy the enemy. By the fire of the musketry from the towers, aud by frequent sallies they cut off numbers, and ob- tained partial advantages over their opponents. At length the cannon which had been employed in the siege of Helmsly and Knaresbro* castles arrived; and the besiegers being in possession of the ris- ing grounds around, began to erect their bat- teries in order to storm the castle. They oc- cupied the house of Alderman Lunn, who, in the cause of royalty, had relinquished all the sweets of domestic repose for the toils and dangers of war. In his back yard the first battery was erected*. Previous to the commencement of their attack, Lord Fairfax, who had now joined his son Sir Thomas, sent the following letter to the governor of the castle. u To the commander in chief of Pontefract castle. " In performance of the trust reposed upon me by the parliament for the service of the pub- lique, and particular safety and preservation of this f Drake's MS. * Another was raised on Baghifll, which afterwards did the most execution. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 173 country, / have marched part of the troops under my command to Pontefract for the recovering of that castle, which hitherto hath opposed the par- liament and enfinitely prejudiced the country, to obedience of the king and parliament, the zvkich I desire may be effected without the effusion of blood, and to that end now send you this sum- mons to surrender the castle to me for the sei> vice of the king and parliament, which if you presently doe, I will engage my power with the parliament for your reception unto mercy and favour therewith, but your refusing or deferring the same will compel me to the trial of success which I hope will prevaile for the publique good. I shall expect your answer to be returned to me by Col. Forbes, to whom I have given farther instructions in that behalfe." « FER. FAIRFAX*." On the receipt of this summons, the governor, who only wished to gain time, answered the mes- senger verbally, with the loss of one cow and two horses. The governor, hearing nothing satisfactory of the king's affairs, and perceiving the increa- sing force of the enemy, came to a resolution to send four of his officers to Newark, to inform his Majesty of the state of the garrison, and to obtain, if possible, relief. In the night of the 29th the four officers departed from the cas- tle, attended by twenty musketeers, who at- tacked the enemy up Northgate, while their friends pushed forward and cleared their lines. On the 30th the besiegers relieved their guard on Baghill, .with one hundred and fifty men at least, and through the whole of the day 200, HISTORY OF' PONT EFRACT. a heavy fire was kept up on both sides.; The besieged had one horse killed in : the barbican, and the enemy had several men killed ' and wounded by the musketry from the round tower. During the night the besiegers burnt a house, called Hill hall house, occupied by one * Gates, on Monkhill; and another small house near the castle walls. The poor inhabitants were thus expelled from their cottages; and at this unhap- py period were not only exposed alternately to the rapacity of the besiegers and the besieged, but compelled to seek a peaceable abode else- where. The 1st of May the enemy relieved their guard on Baghill, and began to erect a strong triangular work, which they walled with stone and filled with earth. The besieged planted their cannon against this work, and by a well-directed shot greatly annoyed the enemy. -Within the work the officers and men were regaling them- selves with ale, but on the discharge of -the cannon they betook themselves to their deep trenches. Several sallies were made by small parties against the besiegers at Monkhill; and as these parties were covered by the fire of the castle, their loss w T as commonly much inferior to that of the enemy. The troops of Sir J, Saville were this day several times driven from their works, with the loss of some killed and more wounded. In the afternoon three of the garrison, without orders, issued forth against the enemy. They gave fire freely, and displayed the greatest personal courage and resolution. They continued their -assault, till the enemy- began -to collect, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 201 when they retreated, exposed to their fire. One of them, Nathaniel Sutton, a barber, was shot through the shoulder into the body, and in- stantly fell. Another, Capt. Dent, was wounded, ■receiving a fracture in the skull, but recover- ed again. A ball entered the doublet and grazed up the back of the third, who had stooped to avoid the fire of the enemy, by which his life was preserved. The enemy cut down branches of trees, and made blinds at the ends of their work on Baghill, where they placed a long drake, belong- ing to Sir J. SavihVs troops, and on the fol- lowing morning opened a fire on the castle, but after having fired about eisrht times it was re- moved again. The besiegers lost in killed and wounded this day near twenty men; and the besieged had one man shot in the head, who instantly expired. They also suffered a loss in one of their oxen, which the enemy shot whilst grazing; but a party from the castle suc- ceeded in bringing it off. On the 3d there was little firing on either side. The enemy kept close in their trenches, and the besieged, in the castle. The latter however were more straitened, and the loss they sustained from the destruction of their cattle began to be more severely felt. "They had two oxen and a mare shot on this day, but secured the carcases. A deserter fled into the castle, on the fol- lowing day, and gave the besieged information respecting the state and numbers of the enemy. A number of royalists who har 1 been taken pri- soners, near Newark, were brought to Ponrefract, d d * 202 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and exchanged for an equal number of the enemy within the castle. On the 5th, and some following days, the enemy relieved their guard on Baghill, with not more than thirty or forty men, and from this part of their works there was very little firing. On Monkhill they made ways through all the houses which they had burnt, till they came to one which had been occupied by a widow Tup- man, where they kept their centries, and from whence they continued a constant lire. From their works in Paradise Orchard, in the Trinities, and from Alderman Lunn's and Rusby's houses, they continued a heavy and vigorous fire against the round tower, and the north part of the castle, which the besieged returned, and partial losses were sustained on both sides. Having in a measure rested on their arms for a few days, on the 9th each party recom- menced a strong and galling fire. The besieged shot an officer and one soldier at their works, at the top of Broad Lane, The name of the officer was Capt. Coulartes. The besiegers, in order to complete their lines, about four o'clock in the afternoon, set fire to several houses and barns in different parts of the town. From North- gate towards Micklegate, they set on fire two barns, which were joined together, the one be- longing to Mr. Shilito, the mayor, and the other to Mr. Batley. From thence they pro- ceeded in consuming all the houses aud malt- houses, till they reached Micklegate, amongst which were several excellent buildings; particu- larly one newly erected, belonging to Mr. Bat- ley. They then crossed the street, and set fire HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 203 to Alderman Wilkinson's house. The fire of these houses and barns, raged with violence du- ring the whole of the night ; and the besieged fired several cannon into the town, which did considerable execution, and added to the horror of the scene. The besiegers had suffered much from the sallies of the besieged from Swillington tower. They now determined to confine the garrison by the erection of strong works on Monkhill. Having once formed the resolution, they soon carried it into execution. The work was in the form of a half-moon or crescent, and while it afforded protection to the besiegers, it consider- ably annoyed the besieged. If they made a sally up Northgate they were exposed to the fire of the enemy, from Monkhill; and the most determined valour of the besieged was unavailing. It is impossible to ascertain what human na- ture can endure, when supported by the plea- sing delusion of hope, or animated by the energy of a party spirit. The more men suffer in the cause they have espoused, the stronger their attachment frequently becomes; the importance or glory of the cause is thought sufficient to justify all the sacrifices they make, or all the sufferings they indure in its support. The truth of this remark is established by the spirit of the garrison on the evening of the 12th. While recounting their deeds of valour, and conversing on the cause they had hitherto maintained, a general enthusiasm was enkindled; and not hav- ing any more reviving liquors, they drew water from the new well, and drank the health of the king, and of all his good friends. They pledged one 204 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. another, and engaged to be faithful, and hold out the castle to the last extremity. On recei- ving these pledges, they rent the air with shouts and halloos. The besiegers, on hearing the noise of rejoicing, run to their arms, drew up their horse, and doubled their guards, supposing that either a vigorous sally would be made, or that the garrison had received some good news. The tattoo in the castle, at length relieved the ene- my from their fears, and the night passed in tranquillity. The following day a strong fire was kept up on both sides. The besiegers had two killed and several wounded. The loss they daily sus- tained, made them keep close within their trenches; and they rarely made their appearance unless when they relieved their guards. The besieged observed the enemy send off toward Ferrybridge three or four waggons loaded with goods, which led them to believe that they were preparing to depart. What strengthened their be- lief was, that on the following day the enemy drove a considerable number of sheep and cat- tle the same road ; but it was afterwards found, that these were sent to York, for supplying the troops there with victuals. The garrison on this day were deprived for a season of the ser- vices of Cornet Thurley, who, while standing in the Barbican, was wounded by a shot in the arm. The enemy received a reinforcement of a troop of horse from Doncaster, which joined the main guard at the New Hall. The whole of the enemy's horse was afterwards drawn up in the park; aad their number appeared const* HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 205 derable. The losses the besiegers sustained were soon made up by the arrival of fresh troops, while the garrison was gradually diminished in numbers, and still more weakened by the pri- vations they suffered. On the 15th a party from the castle sallied out of the east gate to the low church, in order to obtain some wood for firing. Two lieute- nants of the enemy observed them, but before they could retreat, or bring up any of their own men to their assistance, they were at- tacked, aud Lieutenant Thompson, after being wounded, was taken and brought a prisoner into the castle. About two hours afterwards a drum was sent to propose an exchange of Mr, Thompson for an officer of the same rank, wiio was a prisoner at Cawood. About twelve o'clock at night Belwether, who had been sent to Newark seven days before, returned and brought letters from his majesty containing joyful news. As the king had now a re- spectable army, and was pushing forward into the southern counties, where it was conceived he would possess a decided superiority, it is pro- bable the letters received had a reference to this subject. The news the garrison received inspired them with fresh courage, and on the following day a vigorous sally was made to Monkhill, and the enemy were driven from their works to their mam-guard, at New Hal!. Another party at- tacked the work below the old church, on per- ceiving which, the enemy drew about thirty men from the barn in the grange, and com- menced a brisk fire upon them. The party 206 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. from the castle retired to a close and thick orchard, from whence they returned the fire for near half an hour, and then retreated into the castle. In the night another party issued from the castle, intending to destroy a new work the enemy had raised at the bottom of the abbey closes. The besiegers had by some means received information of their design, and had lined all the hedges with infantry; so that the moment the party from the garrison sallied out, they were exposed to a brisk and heavy iire. They returned the fire for some time with spirit, and then retreated in safety, having only two men slightly wounded. It was supposed that a woman, who had gone out of the cas- tle, had given intelligence of their intended at- tack, and thus frustrated their intentions. The next day the besiegers had one man shot from the round tower, in the market-place; and the besieged suffered a similar loss of a man, who was going out of Swillington tower. A drummer was sent from the town, and a trumpeter from the Lord Montgomery's brother, to the castle. The latter was ordered to the governor's chamber, and after a stay of half an hour was sent back. He informed the besieged that the parliamentary troops did not exceed eight thousand men, in all the surrounding country. On Sunday the 18th, after attending prayer, and sermon in the castle, the governor ordered all the men to their arms. Old Major Warde was sent to the mount in the barbican to watch the towers, that none might make any signal with hat, hand, or handkerchief, or any other thing, to give the enemy notice of their pro- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 207 ceedings. Capt. Smith, Capt. Flood, Ensign Killingbeck, and Sergt. Barton, went first over the drawbridge towards MonkhiJl. Capt. Smith, with thirty men, went up Denwell Lane, to the outworks at the back of Monkhill, and hav- ing beat the enemy from thence, scoured the trenches to the lowest work. Capt. Flood and Ensign Killingbeck charged up the High Street to Monkhill top, where they fired the houses and demolished the works of the enemy, and were joined by Capt. Smith and his party. Another party, under the command of Capt. Munroe, Ensign Otway, and Sergt. Coupland, consisting of seventy men, sallied out by the old church to the lowest works of the enemy, and beat them from thence. Having set fire to an adjoining house, they charged up the lane to the grange barn, and there found several, who were sat after their dinner drinking healths to the upper house of parliament; these were in- stantly attacked, and every man slain. They next proceeded towards Monkhill, and joined the other parties at Cherry-Orchard head, near New Hall. Lieut. Gilbreth, Lieut. Willowby and Lieut. Warde, with seventy men, were sta- tioned at the low church, and Major Warde and Lieut. Favell, with forty men, lined the walls in the low barbican. These formed a corps de reserve, designed to assist their friends in case the enemy had marched to the aid of their companions, either from the town or from Bag- hill. The different parties succeeded in every direction, and being all united, near the New- Hall, charged the enemy at the very gates, and drove them from all their trenches over St. 208 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Thomas* Hill, towards Ferrybridge. In this at- tack the enemy Jost about sixty men killed, and as many wounded. The party from the castle, on their return, seized the hats, arms, &c. of those they had slain. They likewise rifled their pockets, and as their own pay was much in arrear, the little they ob- tained afforded a seasonable supply. They brought also into the castle a quantity of swords, muskets, halberts, drums, saddles, spades, &c. and in every trench was found a bag of pow- der and some match which had been left by those who fled. The garrison lost, in this sally Cornet Blackley, a brave and enterprizing officer, and had one man wounded, and another taken prisoner. In the evening the enemy sent two waggons loaded with the wounded to Ferrybridge. The loss the besiegers had sustained checked their ardor and abated their courage. The fol- lowing day they lay close in their trenches, and scarce one man appeared. The besieged encouraged by the success of the preceeding day, raised great shouts from the towers, and by crying out a " prince, a prince," alarmed the enemy, who fetched up their horses from grass, saddled them and drew up in Grange Lane. A strong party came from the town -to Baghill, and another to New-Hall, to strengthen their guards there. During these movements the besieged shot several of the enemy. The besiegers had their losses soon repaired by the arrival of considerable reinforcements, both of foot and horse. They came from Fer- rybridge by a circuitous march, under the hill from Darrington to the West Field, and from HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 209 thence into the park. The besieged had their eye upon all their motions, and fired their can- non from Treasurer's tower against them. The shot killed two men, and the rest marched off behind the park ridge, where they abode. The fire of muketry from the round tower annoyed the enemy in their works at Baghill, and several fell there. The 21st be : ng a very rainy day, both parties continued quiet till the afternoon. A small party of the besieged w T ent to the low church to obtain wood, and the enemy imme- diately opened a vigorous fire in all directions upon them, which compelled them to retreat without accomplishing their object. At the same time about five hundred men, with drums beating and colours flying, marched through, the lower part of the park, in single files, to the New Hall, to relieve their guards there. The troops commanded by Sir J. Saville, since their arri- val, had been kept on constant duty. They had scarce ever enjoyed a night's repose, and suf- fered severely by the different sallies the garri- son had made. They now quitted the danger- ous post they had for some time occupied, and in the evening marched into the town, where they found the repose and refreshments nature demanded. The governor received letters from his Ma- jesty and Sir M. Langclale on the 22d, con- veying the pleasing information that a royal army was advancing for the relief of the castle. On receiving this intelligence the expectation of the garrison was raised, and they accompanied their friends coming to their assistance " with e e * 210 v HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. hearty desires and earnest prayers for a prosper- ous blessing upon their endeavours." One Han- son also arrived from Sandal castle in the night, confirming this information. Whether the king, at this period, had any real intention of sending a part of his troops to raise the siege of the castles of Pontefract and Sandal, or whether the letters sent were only designed to raise the hopes of the garrison, and encourage them to a vigorous defence, till op- portunity occurred of affording them effectual assistance, is not certain; but the latter ap- pears most probable, as the king was now marching with all his forces into Leicestershire. On the following day the enemy kept up their fire from Baghill against the castle, but did no execution. The besieged received infor- mation from Skipton Castle and Latham Hall, that these places which had been reduced to the greatest distress for want of provisions, had been happily relieved, and had obtained a supply of sixty head of cattle and other necessaries. On the same day there came into the castle, one Blag- bourn, a clothier, and another tenant of Major Beaumont's, who rejoiced much at the welfare of their landlord. The garrison considered this as a favourable sign, that they should soon be relieved, as these tenants evidently came to regain the the favour of their landlord, in case such an event should restore him to his estates and liberties. In the night a fire was made on the top of Sandal Castle, which was answered by one from Pontefract .Castle, by which it was con- sidered that good news had been received. The governor received information that the gar- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 211 rison in Scarboro' Castle bad made a vigorous and successful sally, in wbicb the besiegers had lost three hundred men, and that all their can- non had been spiked. The 24th, as early as three o'clock in the morning, the besiegers commenced a dreadful fire against the round tower, which continued for the greatest part of the day. It was sup- posed they were irritated on account of the fire the besieged had kindled on the round tower the proceeding night, and the joy they disco- vered on receiving intelligence of his Majesty's success. The besieged were in suspense, and did not know whether the enemy were now preparing to take the castle by storm, before the army of the king came up to their assist- ance; they however resolved, in case of such an attempt, to defend it as long as possible, and to surrender it only with their lives. On this day a poor woman, who was ga- thering potherbs, was wounded in the thigh by a shot of the enemy, but not dangerously. In the afternoon four men from the castle went down to the old church, where a small party of the enemy were stationed. They did not wait the attack, but all shamefully fled except one lieutenant, who threw stones at them so fast that for some time they were not able to enter. At length one Thomas Lowther, a bold and courageous soldier, closed in upon the lieu- tenant, and would have taken him prisoner, had he not been at that moment wounded by a shot in the leg, which the enemy perceiving hastened to take him, but his three companions with much difficulty brought him to the castle, where he suffered amputation and recovered. 212 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The besieged received letters this day, in- forming them that the army of the king which consisted of fifteen thousand men was divided, and that one half, under the command of Prince Maurice, was marching to raise the seige of Carlisle, and the other under his Majesty, was coming to their assistance. The enemy continued their fire all the night, and the next morning, they poured in whole vol- lies, from every quarter against the castle. They rent the air with crying, a Cromwell ! a Crom- well! They had received intelligence that Crom- well was marching in his Majesty's rear. Thus the hopes of each party were alternately encouraged, and depressed. The besiegers set fire to two or three houses in Northgate, and to the water- mill in Bondgate, together with a few other houses. The reason of this severity is supposed to have been, to compel the inhabitants to pay a contri-^ bution, which the enemy had laid upon the town, and with which they very reluctantly complied. On the 26th, being Whitsun-Monday, the great gun in the castle was removed from the mount before the gates, and planted on the platform, without the upper gates, from whence in was discharged against the sentry house, near Alderman Rusby's; the shot struck the house with great force, and from forty to sixty per- sons ran out in great consternation. They also planted a little drake on Swillington tower, which they played against the enemy's guard at Paradise orchard, but did little execution. On this day a man called V. Tubb, and a boy, along with many others, went out of the castle to cut grass for the cattle, and impru- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 213 dently venturing too near the enemy, the boy was wounded by a ball, which entered side-wav his mouth and went through his cheek, and the man was taken prisoner. The enemy perceiving that he was an ignorant clown, gave him ale till he was nearly intoxicated, and then tried to obtain from him an account of the number of the garrison, the quantity of their ammunition, provision, &c. but he either gave an exaggerated account, or evaded the questions put to him, and as they were conveying him to their prin- cipal guard-house, at New-Hall, he slipt from them and regained the castle. The besieged on the 27th played their can- non against the enemy's trenches, near Mr. Rusby's, and at Mr. Oates' house in the Mar- ket-place. One of the enemy, whilst carelessly walking on Primrose Close, under Baghill, and smoaking his pipe, was killed by a musket shot from the castle. A poor lit'Je girl, who was feeding a cow under Swillington tower, was wounded by the enemy in the thigh, but reco- vered. In the night of the 27th, about twelve o'clock, Lieut. Wheatley arrived, who had been sent along "with Capt. Washington, a few days before, to Sandal Castle. He had brought with him forty or fifty horse, who in their way had met with two of the enemy's scouts, taken them prisoners, and brought them to the castle. They had also met with one hundred and twenty or thirty head of cattle, which they had driven before them, and if they could but succeed in getting them into the castle, they would be supplied with provisions for some time. It was no easy thing 214 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. to effect this on account of the enemy's works and strong guards, with which the castle was now surrounded. Necessity prompted the gar- rison to make the attempt, whatever it might cost them, or whatever might be the event. Capt. Wbeatley had left the cattle at some distance, while he had pushed forward with all the speed of his horse to give the garrison information. It was agreed that the cattle should be brought from the Chequer Field, by way of Carleton, and on the public road to Bag- hill; and that when they came near he should cry out a prince! a prince! to arms! to arms. All was ready in the castle an hour before the cattle arrived. At length they arrived, and Capt. Wheatley came riding as fast as he could, crying a prince ! a prince ! to arms ! to arms. Some played the cannon against the enemy's works, and different parties sallied forth to aid in bringing in the cattle. Capt. Flood, Capt. Ogleby, and Lieut. Killingbeek, with fifty mus- keteers were sent to Baghill, with orders not to enter the enemy's works, but to remain under the hill-side, and keep up a constant fire upon them, to prevent them from sallying forth. Lieut. Col. Gilbreth, Lieut. Smith and Lieut. Warde followed them up the hill, with forty musketeers, to the enemy's works at Primrose Close, under Baghill, from whence they soon compelled them to retreat to their strong tren- ches on Baghill. Next went Capt. Smith and Lieut. Ogleby, with thirty musketeers, and at- tacked the enemy at Broad-Lane end, to pre- vent them from affording any assistance to those on duty at Baghill. Another party under the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 215 command of Capt. Munroe, Capt, Barthrome, and Sergt. Barton sallied forth from the east gate to the enemy's works below the church, and prevented them from coming from Monk- hill, or New-Hall. The different parties having reached their stations, and fully succeeded in checking the enemy, Capt. Joshua Walker, with about twenty snap-hanches*, went up the closes, on the south side of the low church, to Bag- hill, where he met the cattle. The Sandal men then returned, except about ten who assisted Capt. Walker to drive the cattle clown to the cas- tle. Anxious to place the cattle in safety, be- fore the enemy could collect in numbers suffi- cient to prevent it, they drove them down the hill with such haste, that they lost thirty or forty, which of course Fell into the hand of the enemy. They however secured the possession of ninety-seven, which would enable them to hold out the castle for some time. The cattle having reached the castle, the drums beat a retreat, and all the different par- ties of the garrison returned in good order, with- out having suffered the loss of a man killed, having only one wounded. The besieged now gave vent to their joy, for having obtained such essential relief, and in a manner so unexpected. They kindled bonfires on the tops of all the towers in the castle, and commenced a heavy fire against the enemy's works in all directions. The orders which the governor had given to * Snap-Hanches, the editor has been in formed, is a term derived from the Iri^h, and is applied, among the military, to persons not regularly (rained to the art of war. 216 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. the different parties, demonstrated his prudence and the solidity of his judgment. Had the dif- ferent parties, instead of keeping the enemy in check, fallen upon them, it is probable they would have been compelled to retreat, and thus have failed to accomplish their design. The men whose zeal and courage were not always regulated by wisdom, expressed a strong desire to attack the enemy, and their commanders had much to do to restrain them; they however did obey orders, and to this circumstance they, most probably, owed their success. The besiegers the next day commenced a heavy fire against the castle, but did not the least injury to the besieged. They seemed to be ashamed of their conduct on the past night, in suffering the castle to be so easily relieved. They informed their govenor, Overton, that five hundred men had escorted the cattle. Fear, as it magnifies danger, often multiplies the number of an enemy, and justifies the inactivity, not to say cowardice, of those under its influence. The besiegers might have found a better rea- son for their conduct than what they assigned. They might with truth have said, " That being ignorant of the strength of the enemy, they judged it more proper to remain on the defen- sive, than to desert their lines, and expose themselves wholly to their fire." Overton, the governor, sent a drum and three women, who were owners of part of the cattle, with a letter to Governor Lowther, either to deliver up the cattle, or make composition for them in money. The governor, conceiving the letter to be an insult, as it was written in a HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 217 peremptory and commanding stile, replied, If he could take the castle, he should have the cattle, otherwise he should not have the worst beast brought in, under forty pounds. In the ni«Tit the. men who came from Sandal, went out of the castle, with an intention to re- turn, but some of the garrison, who attended them, having their matches lighted, the enemy took the alarm; and, commencing a brisk fire, compelled them to return to the castle. The enemy, during the night, raised a strong baricado across the lane, leading to Baghill, in order to prevent the garrison from sallying forth in that direction. They also set fire to an house at the lower end of Northgate^ which continued to burn for above two days and nights. The following day the garrison lost one of their number. The governor in order to preserve the cattle alive, allowed four pence to each man who cut and brought into the castle a burden of grass. Some, to obtain this trifling reward, exposed themselves to the fire of the enemy. The man who was this day killed, had cut six burdens of grass, and brought them to the cas- tle. Resolved to cut one more, he was shot by the enemy, and afterwards run through with the bayonet. The enemy relieved their guard at New- Hall with three hundred men from the town; and there came back to the town three hundred and eighty men, marching in single files, through the Abbey Closes. During the night they erected a new triangular work, in the upper closes above Denwell, near to Swillington Tower, to check the garrison from sail v in g forth from that quar- " F f 218 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. ter. On the following day the besieged fired their cannon against this work, and compelled the enemy to flee to their trenches. They how- ever returned during the night and repaired the damage which had been done to their work, and rendered it tenable for the future. A wo- man on this day standing in the Market-place, was unfortunately killed by a musket ball from the round tower. On the 31st the besieged kept a constant fire from the different towers of the castle against the enemy. They played their cannon against the guard-houses, which it was supposed did considerable execution. The 1st of June was a joyful day to the garrison. Having attended divine service, the governor informed them, that he had received letters from Sir M. Langdale, which contained the intelligence that he had beat in the enemy at Derby, and summoned them to surrender, and that the king and his friends were every where successful. The garrison considered this information as the prelude of their own speedy relief, and final triumph over their enemies. On the 2d Governor Lowther sent Mr. Massey into the town, to Governor Overton, to propose and agree concerning the exchange of prisoners, who had been taken at Hull and other places. Overton granted all that was de- manded, and sent for them with speed. During the time Massey continued with the governor, an officer came and informed him that the men were almost in a state of mutiny, and that it was with difficulty they could be induced to obey orders. In the night the enemy threw up HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 219 another work in the closes below Baghill, against the low church, in the form of a half- moon. They had now formed double lines around the castle, and were kept on such con- stant duty, that a spirit of disaffection generally prevailed, and many deserted. On the 3d the governor received letters from Newark, which conveyed the intelligence of his Majesty's success at Leicester. The country people, on the approach of the royal army, had carried all their moveables into that city, conceiving that a vigorous resistance would have* been made; and that before the city could be taken, the army of the parliament would relieve it. The king no sooner appeared before the city, than he began to batter the walls; and a breach being made, he assaulted the town on all sides, and after a desperate attack, the soldiers rushed in sword in hand, and commit- ted great cruelties on the garrison and inhabi- tants. An immense booty fell into their hands, which they took and divided among them. The loss of the enemy was great, and fifteen hun- dred prisoners were taken. On this success, his Majesty wrote to the queen, that his affairs were never in so hopeful a posture since the re- bellion. The hopes of the garrison here, were highly raised on hearing of this splendid victory, and the spirit of the besiegers was proportion- ably depressed. The garrison had a few wounded this day by the enemy's musketry; and the enemy had several killed by grape shot, discharged from the cannon in the castle. The following night the besiegers began ano- 220 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. ther work at a little distance from the former, at the top of Mr. Stables' orchard, in the fields below Baghill ; and the besieged seeing a fire on Sandal Castle, answered it by another from the round tower. From this circumstance they in- ferred that his Majesty's forces had obtained another victory. On the 5th, a boy, an apprentice to Mr. Richard Stables, went from the castle to cut grass for the cattle, and was unfortunately wounded by a shot, which went through the arm, and part of the shoulder. He however recovered without suffering amputation. The enemy had five ensigns killed and several privates. The besiegers received a reinforcement of horse on the 6th, from Doncaster; and several troops were drawn up about the town. The garrison discovered four of the enemy in the mill under the castle, who were stealing the iron from about the works; and a few running to the mill, three of the men fled, but one was taken pri- soner. He informed the garrison that a body of the king's troops were pushing forward to their relief, and had already reached Tux ford; — that in consequence, the troops of the parlia- ment were retreating, and would probably as- semble in this neighbourhood, where a general engagement was expected. This intelligence was confirmed by the arrival of about four hundred horse on the 8th, who in consequence of the approach of the king's forces had judged it ad- visable to withdraw from their quarters at Tick- hill, Rossington, and other places beyond Don- caster. Some troops of these horse were sta- tioned at Cridling-Stubbs and Knottingley, and HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 221 a part went over Methley Bridge, towards Leeds. On the 9th the besieged heard distinctly the firing of cannon, which they supposed to be near Sheffield, and of course concluded their friends were drawing near. What encouraged the garrison and confirmed them in this opinion, was, that in the night they beheld a fire on the top of Sandal Castle, the usual sign of good news. The besieged had one man slightly wounded, and by their fire from the castle killed several of the enemy. The besiegers kept a strong guard of horse at New-Hall; which they relieved in the evening. At the same time came two horsemen at full speed into the town. They brought letters to Governor Overton; and a drum reported at the lower Barbican wall, that the troops of the king had taken Derby. The enemy, on the 10th, began another work in a close near Baghill, called Moody's Close, designed to check the garrison, and pre- vent any relief being afforded. They began also another nearer Swillington Tower, but the fire of the besieged compelled them to desist, and to flee to their other works. They al.-o received a reinforcement of eight troops of horse from Doncaster. These drew up in a body at Carle- ton, and one troop marched to South Harclwick ; another came from Darrington, and marched into the town; a third came from Ferrybridge, and marched into the park. On the 11th, the forenoon was spent without much firing on either side. About two o'clock, the governor ordered all the men in the castle 222 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. to arms, which they readily obeyed. A heavy shower of rain compelled them to seek shelter for some time. After having received their orders, they sallied forth in different directions. Capt. Munroe led out the first company consisting of Lieut. Moore, Sergt. Barton, and thirty muske- teers. These went down to the church, but find- ing no men in it, they passed through it to Mr. Kellam's House, where a party of the enemy was stationed. Here Captain Munroe remained to prevent the enemy from sallying forth from their lower works ; but at his approach they fled. Capt. Smith, Capt. Flood, Ensigns Killingbeck and Otway, with eighty musketeers, followed Capt. Munroe through the church, to the lowest work the enemy had erected, at the top of Mr. Stables' orchard. Capt. Smith led his company first to the work, and then passed along the hedge, where he took his station to prevent the enemy coming from their upper works to the assistance of those in the lower. Though exposed to a brisk fire from the enemy, he continued his post with great bravery. During this time Capt. Flood and his company approached, and attack- ed the work, which they found very strong, and exceeding difficult to enter. There was but one place of entrance, and that so low and narrow as to admit only one man at a time. They however began a heavy fire against the work, and shot in at the port-holes. Those within returned the fire, and bravely defended the work, till Capt. Flood having forced the entrance, some escaped over the wall, and the remainder were taken pri- soners, consisting of one captain, one sergeant, one corporal, and eight men, who were severely wounded. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 22S Col. Gilbreth, Lieut. Wheatley, and Lieut. Ward, with forty volunteers and soldiers, with clubs and muskets, formed a corps de reserve, and were stationed in the orchard, near the work, in case the enemy should sally to the assistance of their comrades. Lieut. Willowby, Lieut. Middleton, and Sergt. Parker, with forty musketeers, took post at the houses on the north-side of the church, near the Star Inn, and prevented the enemy from coming from the Grange-Laith and their adjoining works. Lieutenant Monkes, with Sergt. Barton, and twenty musketeers, were sent towards Monkhill, to prevent the enemy from sallying forth from thence. Here a warm contest ensued; each party endeavouring to gain possession of a wall and a hedge, but the party from the "garrison ultimately prevailed. Lieut. Monkes ordered bis men to attack in files, which having fired fell back, and another came up and fired, after the manner of street firing, which led the enemy to believe that their number was much greater than it actually was. The besiegers at last retreated to their works on Monkhill, and left Lieut. Monkes and his party in possession of the pass. Capt. Joshua Walker with about twenty snap- hanches and firelocks, sallied with the first party into the church, where, according '.o their orders, they were to remain for the space of twenty- four hours. They took with them sufficient provi- sions, match, powder and. ammunition. They entered the steeple, and kept up a fire against the enemy on every opportunity. After Capt. Flood had taken the work, a party of the enemy came down to re-occupy it. The party within 224 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. the steeple fired upon them and killed twelve men, among whom were three officers, and wounded several others. The musketeers, snap-lianclies, and volunteers which remained in the castle, were commanded to the top of the towers and battlements, to watch the motions of the enemy., to annoy them in every direction, and to cover the different parties, who had sallied forth, by a steady and constant fire. The besiegers lost from this sally forty killed, eleven taken prisoners, and a considerable num- ber wounded ; the besieged had only two men wounded, one of whom afterwards died, and the other recovered. The besieged brought into the castle a quantity of muskets, pikes, powder, match and ammunition, which they found in their works. The siege of Fontefract Castle had now been carried on for several months, and there did not appear any prospect of its being taken by storm, or surrendered by capitulation. The parliament was dissatisfied with the commanding officer, and the manner in which the siege had been hitherto conducted. An order came to Lord Fairfax, to remove Sands, and to appoint General Foyntz, to the command. On the 12th Lord Fairfax, and General Poyntz, came from York, attended with a guard of four troops of horse, but they returned again in the evening. They came to take an account of the number of the effective men, and to view the works of the besiegers. On this day, they lost several men by the discharge of grape shot from the castle. The besieged kept posses- sion of the low church, and regularly relieved HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 225 their guard there, consisting of a captain and twenty or thirty men. Capt. Ward was slightly wounded in the arm. On the 13th, Gen. Poyntz came post from York again, and took upon him the command. The besieged, in order to relieve their guards at the church without danger, began a trench from the east gate, and continued it down to the churchyard. They also made blinds of boughs and sods, from the church to Mr. Kellam's, un- der the cover of which they cut grass for their cattle, and brought in not less than one hun- dred burdens on this day. The guard in the church steeple kept up a constant fire against the enemy's works, and effectually prevented any attack on their own men. The next day the besiegers relieved their guard at New-Hall, with three hundred and twenty men from the town; and on the return of the other, three men were killed in the closes below the Headlands, by a shot of a cannon from Treasurer's Tower. They also played their cannon into the town, and shot through the houses near Alderman Wilkinson's, where many of the enemy were assembled. A woman, who was carrying a stand of ale from Monkhill to the Grange guard, was killed, together with three or four men by the musketry of the guard from the church steeple. Capt. Hemsworth, with twenty-six men, was sent to relieve the guard in the church. On the 15th a troop of horse passing along Bondgate, the besieged played their cannon full upon them from King's Tower, killed three men and their horses, and wounded, many others, G g * 226 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The enemy this day sent several waggons loaded with the sick and wounded towards Ferrybridge. Capt. Cartwright, with twenty-six men, relieved the guard in the church this evening, aud du- ring the night the enemy formed a trench on the south side Mr. Kellam's, to prevent the be- sieged from cutting grass for their cattle. The besieged had, on the morning of the 16th. a boy and a man shot, as they were get- ting apples in an orchard adjoining the castle. The boy had been shot through the cheek about a week before, but was now nearly well. He foolishly called to the enemy from the tree, and dared them to shoot at him. One of them fired, and the same ball went through the body of the boy, and entered the thigh of the man. The boy soon died, but the man afterwards recovered. On the 14th was fought the decisive battle of Naseby, in which the royal army was com- pletely routed, near one thousand being left dead on the field, and five thousand taken pri- soners; all the king's train of artillery, bag and baggage, fell into the hands of the enemy. On the 16th the news of this important victory was conveyed to General Poyntz, who imparted it to all the men under his command. In conse- quence of this information they fired whole vol-, lies against the castle, and rent the air with shouts of triumph and exultation. Gen. Poyntz sent an officer, with a drum, conveying a letter to Governor Lowther, to in- form him of this event, and to summon him to surrender the castle, while there was hope of mercy; as considerable reinforcements were coming HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 227 to his assistance, and he must at last be compel- led to surrender. The governor no sooner read the letter than he answered verbally, " That he neither feared the forces that might come against him, nor valued the mercy which was now offered," and instantly ordered the officer to be gone, and impart this information to his general. The governor appears to have wholly dis- credited the information, as he had received let- ters from Col. Washington, dated June 14th, from Newark, conveying the intelligence that his Majesty was at that period at Melton- Mowbray, and intended marching north, and in the space of ten days, if all succeeded, would relieve the castle of Pontefract. On this ground the garrison concluded that the enemy had recei- ved false intelligence, or invented the whole in order to intimidate the governor, and induce him to capitulate. The besiegers received in the afternoon a considerable body of forces, which were quartered in, and around, the town. They continued a brisk fire against the castle, which the besieged as briskly returned. They fired grape shot against the enemy's works at Baghill, but what execution was done was not known. The be- sieged sent Capt. Smith, with twenty musketeers, to relieve their guard in the church. On the 17th the besiegers began to enlarge the work, east of I3aghill, in the closes south of the church, where they lost so many men, in the last sally made by the garrison. The guard of the besieged, in the church, discovered their intention, and by a regular fire of mus- 22S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. ketry from the steeple, compelled them to de- sist, and retreat into their trenches. The garrison continued to disbelieve the in- formation respecting the defeat of the king. They received letters, which supported their hopes, and fully convinced them, that there was no truth in it. It is happy for man, that in some circumstances, at least, he has the power to believe what he pleases; and can indulge hopes, which, though without foundation, afford Rim some present gratification. The besieged felt the influence of this power, at this period; and hallooing and shouting in the castle, as if they had received some good news, the enemy run lo arms in all quarters, and thus afforded the besieged an opportunity of powering in a heavy fire among them, which did considerable exe- cution. On the 18th the besieged received two let- ters from Newark, dated the 15th, wherein it was stated that the king, at the head of his army, was at Melton-Mowbray, as before men- tioned; that he intended to be at Newark on the Tuesday, and to march forward to the relief of Pontefract. They also brought information that great dissention prevailed in the House of Commons, and in the city of London, which, it was conceived, would tend to the advantage of the royal cause. Whether the letter contained this false intelligence, or the whole was an ar- tifice of the governor, to keep up the spirit of the garrison, is impossible to decide. As the battle of Naseby was fought on the 14th, it is scarcely possible, that those in the confidence of his Majesty should be suffered to remain so long; HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 229 in ignorance; unless it be supposed that the fatal overthrow had so deranged his Majesty's affairs, as to cut off all communication. Gen. Poyntz, Overton, the governor of Pon- tefract, and other general officers, met at Don- caster, and held a council of war, to order and arrange the plan of their future operations. The besiegers remained in their works, and the besieged sent Capt. Kitchin, with twenty mus- keteers, to relieve the guard in the church. On the 19*h Gen. Poyntz and Overton, the governor of Pontefract, returned from Don- caster. Thev drew up their men in the Market- place. On seeing which the besieged played their cannon full among them, but what execu- tion it did was not known. Through the whole of the (lay, the besiegers appeared to be uncom- monly busy, and to be preparing for some eiir terpiize of importance. At the relieving of the guard in the church, four or five of the enemy were killed, and many wounded, which they conveyed into Mr. Kellam's house. The go-* vernor sent Capt. Washington, and Lieut. Empson out of the castle, to Newark, most probably to obtain correct information, as well as to learn whether any thing could be done for the relief of the castle. Gen. Poyntz called a council of war, on the 20th, in the town. In the afternoon there arrived several loaded waggons at the New-Hall, in one of which was a cannon. There came also a party of infantry, which marched in single files through the park into the town. The garrison, on descrying the waggons which came on the lane above St. Thomas' Hill, played their 230 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. cannon among them, but did not perceive any damage done. The besieged received on this day an account of the battle of Naseby; but the account, like a modern Gazette of a defeat, was palpably incorrect, and favourable circumstances were add- ed, so as to render it rather a victory than a defeat. It was stated that the king had been defeated, and lost his cannon and baggage; but that on the day following, Gens. Goring and Jarrett, had come up with Fairfax and Crom- well, and after a furious and bloody contest, they had put them to flight, recovered the can- non and ammunition, and had pursued them nearly to Northampton, and to conclude all, that Cromwell was slain. On the following day a poor man, whose house had been burnt down at Monkhill, and who had fled to the castle for refuge, was shot whilst cutting grass near Monkhill, and instantly expired. The body was fetched into the castle, and there interred in the evening. The enemy this day began to form a plat- form at Monkhill, for the cannon which had been brought two days before. The garrison played at them from the King's Tower, but their efforts were not successful. The enemy were protected by the works they had already raised, and they wrought with such diligence, that be- fore night they had completed the platform. Governor Overton himself superintended the work; and on the following night they brought up the cannon from New-Hall, and planted it against the church. The garrison sent Lieut. Willowby, with HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 231 twenty musketeers to relieve the guard at the church; and a deserter came into the castle bringing his firelock and his sword. He in- formed the besieged, that it was reported that the troops of the parliament, though successful against his Majesty, had since been routed. On the 2 c 2d, as soon as the day dawned, the enemy made a strong attack upon the guard in the low church, which they entered with an hundred men. Another party went into the trenches of the besieged, and up the High- street towards the castle. The guard within the church defended themselves with the greatest bravery, and compelled those who had entered to retreat. Those in the steeple, by ringing the bell, gave the alarm to the garrison ; and a continued fire being kept up from the steeple, and from the east tower of the castle, rendered the attempt of those who had entered the trenches useless ; on which they retreated to their works, carrying the killed and the wounded with them. This attempt to obtain possession of the church, and to expel the guard which the be- sieged had for some time kept there, indicated the wish of Gen. Poyntz to preserve, if pos- sible, that fine Gothic structure from injury. The failure of this attempt, and the destructive fire of the guard, rendered it necessary to dis- lodge them by the battery of the steeple. After some time, the cannon planted at Monk- hill, carrying a ball of eighteen pound weight, began to play against the lanthern of the steeple. In about an hour and a half, they played thir- teen times, but did not make any impression. 232 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The besieged, to preserve the church, and pro- tect their guard there, played their cannon from King's Tower against the enemy's works at Monkhill, and at the fifth discharge dismounted the cannon of the enemy. During the remain- der of the day, the enemy were employed in remounting their cannon, and throwing up works for its security. In the afternoon they relieved all their guards, and brought down four hundred men from the town to New-Hall, and as many returned. The besiegers in the evening conversed freely with some of the besieged, and informed them of Cromwell's success, and the almost final destruc- tion of the forces belonging to his Majesty. The besieged, happy in their incredulity, con- sidered this information as designed to induce them to surrender, and they still hoped that they should soon be relieved. On the 23d the besiegers, as early as two o'clock in the morning, began to play their cannon against the church. With some little intermission, they continued their fire against the lanthern of the steeple till near six o'clock, when a breach was made, and a part of it fell down. They then directed their shot to the steeple below the bells, for some time, but as no impression appeared to be made, they dis- continued their fire till the afternoon. The garrison had one man shot in the arm whilst he lay asleep in the lower Barbican. They watched the motion of the enemy, but owing to the works they had raised at Monk- hill, they were not able to make any diversion, nor could again dismount their cannon. The HISTORY OF PONTEPRACT. 233 enemy recommenced their fire against the church, and in the course of the afternoon, poured in- to the steeple and body of this structure, fovty eighteen pound balls. The steeple was so much injured that the besieged considered it no longer tenable. They however sent Lieut. Moor, with twenty mus- keteers, to relieve their guard; but he was ordered to occupy the houses round the church, and only to place two or three men within it. The besieged concluded that the enemy would make an attempt in the night to obtain possession of it, and either to take or drive in the guard to the castle. They had loaded their cannon with grape shot, and as they expected, enemy about one - o'clock, made an attack upon the church. The party of the besieged stationed in the houses began to fire briskly upon them; and those in the castle discharging the cannon, compelled them to retreat to their works. On the following day both parties rested on their arms, and few shot were fired till towards evening, when the different guards were relieved. Lieut. Ojway was sent down to the church with two tiles of musketeers, to relieve those who had been stationed there, and in the ad- joining houses. It was expected that the enemy would make another attack in the night, and as the governor was convinced they would carry their point, he ordered Lieut. Otway, with his racketeers, to return to the castle at the beat- ing of the tattoo. The enemy, as was expected, about one o'clock entered the church, and the lower pait of the town; and as they found none to resist them, remained in possession. h h * 234 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The garrison did not permit them to enjoy much rest; but by a steady and constant fire of musketry greatly annoyed them. They also played their cannon from King's Tower against the steeple, and fired five shot from the garden into the body of the church ; so that the enemy never appeared in the steeple. They were em- ployed in digging up the dead, and making a work within the church for their own defence and security. From this circumstance it appears that the body of the church was much injured, and the interior wholly destroyed. The besieged experience a severe loss this morning, in the death of Sir Jarvis Cutler, Knight. He was seized with a fever, and being destitute of good advice and necessary support, it carried him off. The enemy would not per- mit any fresh provisions to be obtained for him in the town. They only once indulged his lady with permission to visit him, and convey to him one chicken and one joint of meat. When dead, they would not permit him to be buried in the church, or suffer him to be con- veyed to his own home to be interred among his ancestors. On the 26th they prepared to inter the body of Sir Jarvis in the chapel within the castle. The body was first put into a coffin of wood, and the whole covered with lead, that his friends, after the siege might take him up and convey him to the family vault. The resident chaplain in the castle preached his fu- neral sermon, and the garrison honoured his interment by firing three vollies. The enemy would not permit Lady Cutler to depart after HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 235 the funeral, but obliged her to remain in the castle; and though often solicited to permit her to return to her house and children, they refused. The besieged began now to suffer severely. They could not obtain relief from any quarter. They were wholly destitute of fresh provisions. This produced its natural effect : the men were discouraged, and desertion became frequent. In the night of the 26th a person of the name of Medcalf, who had waited on one Alexander Med- calf, who vvas confined by the gout, deserted to the enemy, and took with him whatsoever he could convey. He informed Gen. Poyntz that the surgeon who w T ent to the castle to dress the wounds of the prisoners, and the drum who car- ried their provisions, communicated intelligence to the garrison, and supplied them with tobacco and other articles; in consequence of which in- formation they were taken up and imprisoned. The 27th was observed as a day of thanks- giving by the besiegers, for their late success and victory over the king. They had two discourses delivered suitable to the occasion ; and afterwards fired whole vollies from all their works around the castle. They twice played their cannon; and the first ball went through the drawbridge and the lower castle gate; the second fe]\ short of the bridge, but shivered to pieces a large beam of timber against which it struck. The besieged had two men wounded in the Barbican, from the enemy's works on Baghill; and the besiegers had one man killed from the round tower, while standing at the back of Mr. Rusby's house. Lord Fairfax, after the battle of Naseby 3 236 HISTORY OF PONTEFHACT. marched to relieve Taunton, which had been long besieged by General Goring, and was re- duced to the last extremity. The Scotch troops advanced to Newark, and began the siege of the town and castle there. The besieged re- ceived, on the 28th, the news that their friends at Newark had made a successful sally, killed five hundred of the enemy, taken their cannon, and completely dispersed their forces. This news afforded them some consolation amidst the disasters which had attended the royal cause. On til is day the governor, Overton, sent a drum to the castle, to inform Lady Cutler that she might depart, if she pleased, to her own home. Anxious to revisit her mourning family, and administer comfort to her children, she im- mediately availed herself of the opportunity. On her arrival at the first guard of the enemy, she was however seized, together with her maid, chaplain, and a tenant who had come to meet her, who were all stripped in order to discover any let- ters which might be concealed about them. Though no letters were found, yet they detained the lady and her maid till next day at noon without any provisions, the governor having countermanded the order for her departure. They then sent her back to the Barbican gates, but Governor Lowther considered it as improper again to admit her, as the enemy had given her leave to depart. In consequence of this determination the lady, her maid, and her chaplain, "remained without shelter in the street till ten o'clock at night, when they were permitted to go into the town, where they "remained till next day, and then de- parted. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 237 What could be the reason of the severity exercised towards Lady Cutler, is impossible to devise. It was surely unbecoming the character of the governor, as a gentleman and a soldier, to insult a lady on account of the part her departed husband had taken? To order her to be strip- ped in the presence of the guard, and to detain her without supplying the demands of nature, discovers a total disregard to propriety, and a cruelty bordering on barbarism. On the 30th the enemy had a general ren- dezvous of all their horse in this part, on Bro- therton marsh, which amounted to one thousand, After they had been drawn up there, they de- parted in companies to different villages. A company remained at Ferrybridge, another was stationed at Knottingley, and a body of about four hundred came up to Pontefract, facing the castle, and then wheeling off into the closes to- wards Darrington, beyond Baghiil, there turned their horses out to grass. The enemy relieved their guard at New-Hall with at least six hun- dred men, and different bodies of infantry were in motion in all directions. This led the go- vernor to conclude that they now seriously in- tended to assault the castle; and in consequence he gave orders that the guard should be doubled, and the strictest watch kept. The night passed in tranquillity; and the enemy seemed so far from intending to storm the castle, that they were employed in making barricadoes to restrain the besieged, and to prevent them making any more destructive sallies. The garrison poured a heavy fire against the enemy's works in all directions, which they as visourouslv 23 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. returned. On both sides, during the day, some were killed and many wounded. On the 1st of July, towards evening, the besieged beheld the enemy carrying fagots and scaling ladders down to the church, which again raised their suspicion of an intended assault. The guards were again doubled, and about twelve o'clock most of the troops in the garrison were under arms, to be ready to receive the enemy should they make the attack. It did not however appear that they had formed any such design, as during the night they remained within their works. The number of the besiegers, and the strength of their different works, rendered any sally of the garrison more dangerous to themselves than the enemy; and from this period the besieged made no sallies against the enemy's works. On the other hand Gen. Poyntz did not wish to expose his men, and sacrifice the lives of num- bers by an assault; as he was fully convinced, that in a few weeks the garrison would be forced to capitulate. Thus each party rather watched the other than carried on any vigorous enterprises. On the 3d and 4th, at different times, a brisk fire of musketry was maintained on both sides; the enemy had several men shot in their works around the church, and the besieged in like manner sustained some loss. Towards even- ing on the latter day the enemy's horse, which had been drawn up in the West Field most part of the day, began to depart to their quar- ters. A considerable body however remained there all night, and kept up very large fires. No occurrence deserving notice took place HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 239 till the Sth, when Gen. Poyntz went down to the Barbican gate and asked to speak with the governor. The governor's son, who happened to be present, informed him " that his fatlier was not there, or he would not have refused to see him." Gen. Poyntz then demanded the sur- render of the castle, and promised " that if they complied within three days, they would obtain the most honourable terms; but if they de- layed eleven or fourteen days, they might ex- pect nothing but to walk with a white rod in their hands, as soldiers did in the low coun- tries when they marched away on compositions. " Capt. Lowther then answered him, " that the castle was kept for the king, and that if they stayed fourteen days, and fourteen days after that, there were as many gentlemen in the castle as would make many a bloody head be- fore they parted with it." The general then be^an to use harsh language, and told him the soldiers behaved in the most rude and unbe- coming manner, and applied to him the most reproachful terms. Capt, Lovvther replied " that neither he nor his father could govern the tongues of the soldiers, but they would speak what they pleased." On this the general departed. On the 9th the enemy began a fence from their works opposite Swillington Tower, along the hedge 10 Denweil Lane; and from this fence they greatly annoyed those who came from the castle to cut grass. The besieged sent out some men to Sandall, and some to Newark, to bring them intelligence or to join the king's troops, which it was supposed were now coming to their relief. 240 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. On the 10th the besieged received an account of the engagement between Sir Tho. Fairfax and Gen, Goring; when it was said that Goring routed Sir Thomas, and that Taunton was taken. A drum came from Newark to know whether the castle was surrendered or not, as the enemy had spread such a report. The drum was detained in the town, and kept a prisoner in the house of a Mrs. Washington, whose husband was in the castle. He communicated to her the message he brought, and sent her down to spf ilk with her husband, and desired her to tell them to be of good cheer, as forces were coming to their relief. .Accordingly Mrs. Washington got a drum to go with her to the Barbican sally- port, where she told her husband the news; and while the drum was engaged in conversation with another, she, pretending to shake hands with an old acquaintance, contrived to deliver to him two letters. These letters named the day and hour when Sir Marmaduke Langdale intended to come to their" relief, and confirmed the account of Goring's victory over Sir Tho. Fairfax. Thus were the garrison vainly encouraged while their privations and wants were every day accumulating. They did not cease however to employ all the means in their power to annoy the enemy; nor did their fortitude or courage in. the least abate. The}^ maintained their loyalty unsullied by the imputation of cowardice, weak- ness or treachery. On the 13 th letters were received from Sandall Castle, in which the same accounts were given as in those which have already been no- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 241 ticed, that Langrlale was approaching. The enemy on this day raised some fortifications near Ferrybridge, on Brotherton marsh, and some cannon were conveyed there to secure that pass; which circumstance led the besieged to hope the information which they had received was correct. From some cause the enemy had an alarm in the night, and both horse and foot remained under arms till morning. About four o'clock they were seen in the West Field, drawn up as if expecting an attack. As it was nearly in this direction that Sir Marmaduke Langdale came before to relieve the castle, it was now hoped he was again approaching. At this period an infectious and destructive malady prevailed in the town, which was called the plague. It is not improbable, that the crowded state of population within the town, the putrescence of animal bodies, and other circumstances might generate malignant com- plaints, whose ravages would be nearly equal to that of the plague, and which would be so denominated. Thus is the scourge of war usually followed by pestilence. In consequence of this Gen. Poyntz withdrew most of his troops from the town, and formed an encampment in the West Field, where the general himself now always slept. The enemy still kept under arms, and it was reported to the garrison that the Skipton horse had pushed through Wakefield and by Sandall, in order to join Sir M. Langdale, and that this had given the alarm to the enemy. Ou the 15th similar rumours of relief i i * 242 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. reached the castle; and various contradictory re- ports were spread about. Some of the garrison ventured into the orchards, and obtained a con- siderable supply of apples. In these attempts they exposed themselves to the enemy's fire, aud two were killed this morning, and others wounded. In the afternoon the enemy sent a drum, with a note in his hand, which he read to the soldiers as he passed along to the gate, informing them, that both Gens. Goring jjand Langdale were routed, and that Cromwell, Fairfax, and Rossi ter were coming to their assistance. This note he afterwards delivered to those in the cas- tle. The last hope of the garrison was now destroyed; and they found themselves surrounded by enemies whom it was impossible to van- quish, nor had the king one army left which he could send to their relief. Geo. Poyntz, soon after this information had been communicated, and while the impression it had made still remained * sent in a trumpeter with a letter from himself and the committee at York. In this letter, the governor was again summoned to surrender the castle, while he might obtain honourable terms, which was to this effect, " that whereas they had heretofore sent to sum- mons the castle which was still rejected, but now taking into consideration the great care and love to so many gentlemen soldiers in the castle, and the misery they lived in, the effusion of so much innocent blood which was likely to be made, and many a sackless man in it, they thought once more to summons them, and give them to understand., that if they pleased to come to a HISTORY OF PONTJEFRACT. 243 treaty about surrendering the same, they would treat with them upon honourable terms, with conditions fitting for such a garrison, and would give hostages for the same." To this, the gover- nor replied, " that it was a matter of too great consequence to treat or give answer at first, but he would confer with the knights and gentlemen of the castle, and return an answer as speedily as possible." Whereupon the trum- peter was dismissed. On the next morning, both parties kept up a strict watch, and several were killed with the fire of musketry. The governor of the castle, considering the impossibility of maintaining much longer the fortress, gave permission to some of the leading gentlemen and officers to meet some of the enemy, for the purpose of ascertaining the conditions, on which they expected the castle to be surrendered. On this business were employ- ed, Sir Rich. Mutton, Sir Thomas Bland, Major Copley, and Mr. Tindall. They met in the Half-penny House, which had been burnt, being too hot to remain without some shelter. They continued to converse freely together for the space of two hours; and the officers of the enemy treated them liberally with sack and ale, which were brought down from the town. During the time that these gentlemen re- mained together, the governor sent for all the captains, and gentlemen volunteers into the hall of the castle, to consult what measures ought to be adopted; whether they ought to hold out to the last extremity, or to surrender on equitable and honourable terms. As it was deemed impossible to hold out Iong A they agreed that the follow- 244 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. ing persons should be chosen for treating with the enemy, Sir Rich. Hutton, Sir John Ramsden, and Sir George Wentworth for the gentry. — Mr. Hirst and Mr. Key for the clergy — Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Hearbread for the volunteers and reform madoes, — and Mr. Austwick and Mr. Lunn for the townsmen — and Lieut, Col. Wheatley, Capt. Hemsworth and Capt. Munroe for the soldiers. During this period, there was a general in-r tercourse between the besiegers and the besieged. All firing ceased, and men and women from the town came to converse with those in the castle. The soldiers on both sides formed into friendly parties, and agreed to go and rob several or^ chards together. The next morning Governor Lowther sent a drum with a letter to Gen. Poyntz, inforn> ing him that they were ready to treat as soon as the place and the time should be appointed. Gen. Poyntz had gone to York, and Overton, the governor of the town, took no notice of this, till about four o'clock in the afternoon, when he sent a drum with a note, " that they should take time to treat, and not be so hasty as they were." This was an insult, which betrayed the pusillani^- mity of him who gave it, and was justly and pro- perly resented by Governor Lowther. Overton had been induced to make this weak, imprudent and unmanly reply, in consequence of the information which a captain from the castle had conveyed, that the garrison had not provisions for more than five days. It was like- wise reported among the soldiers, that the ene- my intended to starve out the garrison, to strip them as they came out, and to seize whatever, the castle contained as lawful pillage. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 245 At this critical juncture, Governor Low t her made use, most probably, of an artifice to revive the hope of relief, to inspire fortitude, and en- courage the soldiers to make a brave resistance. He produced a letter from Newark, informing him that Sir M. Langdale on the 1 2th, had with all his own forces, and four thousand Irish set off to raise the siege of Pontefract Castle, and that Mr. Jarvis Neville had been also sent to hasten his march. This information produced the effect intend- ed , and though they were now suffering all the miseries with which a protracted siege is gene- rally attended, their spirit was unbroken, and their resolution and courage unabated. An account being taken of all the provisions in the castle, it was found that they could hold out for * days, the gentlemen and soldiers being allowed the same portion; and they all cheerfully agreed to suffer any privations rather than to submit to disgraceful terms. The governor, being confined to his room de- sired Sir Richard Hutton, and Sir G. Went- worth, to assemble the garrison, and impart to them an account of Overton's letter, the quan- tity of provisions, &c. and they replied, that they were willing to endure any hardships, and even to sacrifice their lives rather than basely and dishonourably surrender, — and that if relief did not arrive according to their expectations, they would consume all the goods in the cas- * In the MS. the number of clays is obliterated, and it is impossible accurately to supply it. It could not be many, as at the time of their surrender, the whole was nearly spent. 246 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. tie, set the castle itself on fire, and either cut their way sword in hand through the ranks of the enemy, or nobly fall attempting it. After having come to this resolution, they threw up their hats and gave three huzzas in confirmation of it. After these transactions the governor ordered two -flags .of defiance to be displayed * y one from the King's Tower, and the other from the round tower, and this was left standing. Quickly after command was given to assail the enemy in every quarter with the musketry and cannon; and a steady and destructive fire was for some time maintained. Towards evening a drum was sent wi^h pro- visions for the prisoners, but the besieged re- fused to admit him. On this Overton sent another drum with a letter, desiring that the provisions might be sent to the prisoners, and also excusing his former note, and declaring that they were ready to treat as soon as Gen. Poyntz returned. The next day Gen. Poyntz returned, and immediately sent a trumpeter with a letter to the governor, to inform him at what time and place the persons appointed to treat, concerning the surrender of the castle, should meet. The place agreed on was a close under Baghill, a little above Broad Lane end, where a tent was pitched for the accommodation of the persons appointed to bring the treaty to a final conclu- sion. The committee for the garrison were the gen- tlemen before noticed, Sir R.Hutton, Sir J. Rams- den, Sir G. Wentvvorth, the Rev. Mr. Hirst, and HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 247 Mr. Key, with Lieut. Col. Gilbreth. Those ap- pointed on the part of the enemy, were Mr. L. Was tell, a lawyer, Col. Bright, Lieut. Col. Fair- fax, and Lieut. Col. Copley. About four o'clock Gen. Poyntz, Col. Overton, and nine officers came to the Barbican gate, and the committee from the castle went down, and marched with them to the tent. They continued in close debate till nine o'clock, but did not come to any agreement. At length the committee for the besieged rose and departed, declaring that they were determined to fight it out, as they did not value their lives so much as their honour; and could not submit to the terms offered without sacrificing it for ever. The deputies of the enemy followed them to the castle, and desired that they would meet again the next day, when it was hoped an adjustment might be made. Accordingly the next day, 20th of July, each party met, and abating in their demands, a treaty was made and signed for the surrender of the castle, upon honourable terms. The siege had lasted five months, from the time it was relieved, and the enemy could not have lost fewer in killed and wounded, before this fortress, than a thousand men. The garrison had dis- played a courage, which did equal honour to themselves and the cause they had espoused. Their sallies had been planned with judgment, and were executed with promptness, vigour and success. Though on every hand surrounded by superior numbers of the enemy, and almost destitute of every necessary, they were not in- timidated, nor could be induced to make a dis- graceful capitulation. 245 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The following letter which the speaker of the House of Commons received from the com- mittee at York, will give the terms on which the castle was surrendered. cc The enemy in Pontefract Castle were last week summoned to surrender, which caused them to desire a treaty. Accordingly the Colonels Wastell, Copley, Overton and Bright, were au- thorised to treat. " " The castle is to be delivered up to the parliament to-morrow at eight o'clock, with every thing therein, save that the officers are allowed to carry away what is properly their own, so that it exceeds not what a cloak bag will con- tain, and the garrison are to march to Newark." " We are in treaty for Scarbro', which we hope shortly will be reduced. This you will please to communicate to tjie House, from Sirs, &c. Francis Pierrepoint, York, July 20. 1645. Wilfred Lawson, Henry Cholmley." HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 249 SECTION XIV. Events which followed the surrender of the Castle; an account of the manner in which it was surprised, the last Siege, Surrender, and final Demolition, ON the surrender of the castle to the troops of the parliament, the House of Commons im- mediately appointed Sir Tho. Fairfax governor. The lords, considering that Col. Poyntz had the honour of terminating the siege, and as a reward for his services, thinking it was but just to ap- point him governor of the castle, sent a mes- sage to the commons desiring that they would honour him faith this mark of their favour and confidence; but being informed that they had al- ready appointed Sir Tho. Fairfax, the lords ac- quiesced *. Sir Thomas being fully employed in pursuing the dispersed and almost vanquished royalists, appointed Col. Cotterel as his sub- stitute, to the chief command of the castle, with an hundred men to attend him. There were few places but what now sur- rendered to the victorious arms of the parlia- mentary forces. Sandall Castle surrendered a few days after that of Pontefract. The troops which had been employed in the siege of these places w 7 ere now at liberty to march against any of the small parties of the royalists, which still * Whitlock, p. 162. K k * 250 HISTORY OF PONTEFRAGT, remained unsubdued. A small party of these was collected at Worksop, and were engaged n fortifying the manor house there. Colonel Copley, who now commanded Major General Poyntz's horse, marched from Pontefract to at- tack them ; but on his approach they were so intimidated that they fled with the utmost pre- cipitation. Some, however, of the cavalry and pioneers fell into his hand *. While the towns and fortresses, which were oc- cupied by the king's troops in England, were falling before the rapid movements of Fairfax and Crom- well, the astonishing achievements of the Marquis of Montrose, in Scotland, afforded some consola- tion, and shed a gleam of hope among the roy- alists. Lord Digby received a commission from the king, as Lieutenant General of all the forces north of the Trent, and had under him, Sir Marmaduke Langdale, Sir Rich. Hutton, and others. He was at the head of a body of horse amounting to fifteen thousand; and with these he resolved to push north, and if possible to join Montrose, who had scarcely any cavalry. The design was bold, and if it could have been executed, might have supported the royal cause, and prevented the defeat of Montrose, at Philip-Haugh. Lord Digby made the attempt, and had successfully led his valiant horse from Oxford to Ferrybridge, where he surprised four hundred of the parliamentary forces which lay there, took their arms from them and shattered Col. Wren's regiment of horse. He then pur- sued his march to Sherburn, where he halted. Col. Copley, who most probably lay at Ponte- * Whttlock, p. 177. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 251 fract, on receiving information of the enemy, im- mediately pursued with his cavalry, and soon came up with the rear, near Sherburn. Copley occupied a commanding ground, near Milford, and waited the attack of the enemy. Digby sounded to horse, and having collected some of his troops, rushed forward to the attack without waiting for the remainder. Copley's horse sus- tained the charge with firmness, but was after- wards compelled to fly. They took the road to Sherburn, and Lord Digby 's horse pursued them. On seeing the horse flying, those troops which had remained in Sherburn considered the day as lost, and mounting their horses fled in all directions. A troop of Col. Copley's horse, which had continued unbroken, now fell on the rear of Lord Digby's, whilst the horse he was pursuing rallied; and wholly unable to sustain this attack, he was routed and pursued three miles. Lord Digby had however the good fortune to escape, and after having encountered many difficulties, he reached the Isle of Man, and from thence got safe into Ireland. In this ren- contre Col. Cornaby, Sir Kichard Hutton, and several other officers were kiliecl ; and four Colo- nels, many inferior officers, gentlemen and re- formadoes, and between three and four thousand troopers ; were taken prisoners. The Countess of Nidesdale, the Lord Digby's coach, the king's surgeon, and much good pillage, were also taken. In Lord Digby's coach many letters were found, and some to a member of the house of com- mons, who in consequence was dismissed*. * The account given of this engagement is taken frora 252 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, This victory was deemed of such importance that a special messenger was dispatched to in- form the House of it, who voted forty pounds as a reward to him. From this period the arms of the parliament were every where victorious. The city of Ox- ford only, where the king shut himself up du- ring the winter, remained unsubdued. In this hopeless state Charles fled to the Scotch army which lay before Newark, and continued in effect a prisoner. The royalists were disbanded, and those gentlemen, who had enjoyed commissions under his Majesty, retired to their own estates and lived in privacy. The year 1647 passed over in fruitless trea- ties between the king and the parliament, and in contentions between the latter and the army. The army secured the king's person, and directed by their officers, overawed and entirely attained dominion over the parliament. Amidst the con- fusion which arose from these contests, the king fled; but not finding a ship to convey him to the Continent, he surrendered himself to Ham- mond, governor of Carisbrook Castle, in the Isle of Wight, where he remained till he was brought up for his trial. The kingdom in general was dissatisfied at the proceedings of the army, but there was no Clarendon. The editor suspects his lordship had been led to mistate the facts by receiving incorrect information. It is most probable that Digby was attacked at unawares, and that before he could bring up his remaining troops, the few he had were routed, on seeing which the .rest fled. It is not probable that Copley's horse, if they had been routed, would have fled to Sherburn, into the hands of the enemy, when they might have fled either to the right or left. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 253 power sufficient to counteract them. The Pres- byterians endeavoured to liberate the king, and the cavaliers and moderate men of all parties joined with them. The Scotch declared in his favour, and preparations were made to invade England, join the Presbyterians and others, and immediately to attempt the restoration of the king to his throne, on terms consistent with the liberty of the subject and the spirit of the constitution. While these events engrossed the attention of the nation, Cotterel, the governor of Ponte- fract Casrle, which on account of its strength and importance had been preserved from that ruin to which many others had been devoted, ex- ercised a severe jurisdiction over his neighbours. From the details of the first and second sieges it will appear, that most of the gentlemen in this neighbourhood took an active part in sup- port of the king and his prerogatives. On the conclusion of the war they had retired to their estates, but as they were known to have had commissions from the king, and to retain the same principles of loyalty, they were narrowly watched, and under various pretences fined con- siderable sums of money for their delinquency*/ * The following list of gentlemen who compounded for their estates, or paid fines to the government, and who either resided in this part of the country, or took an active part in the defence of the castle, will establish the fact stated above. This account is taken from a catalogue of such lords, Jtnights and gentlemen, as compounded for their estates, printed for Thomas Dring, 1655, and from Wilson's MS. pedigree. £. s. d. Beaumont, Sir Thomas, Whiteley Hall, fined 700 Bunnv, Francis, Newland, near Wakefield, . 90 254 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Cotterel, from the information he received, which might not be always deserving of credit, sent for several of the neighbouring gentlemen, £. s. d. Bland, Sir Thomas, Kippax Park, who com- manded in the siege, . . . . . . . 405 Beverley, John, of Selby and great Smeaton, who was major of a regiment of foot for Charles, . • 200 3 Cutler, Sir Jarvis, Stainborough, .... 192 00 Copley, Godfrey, Sprotborough, .... 1543 Cook, Bryan, of Doncaster, fined o£l87 : 6 : 8, Settled on . 1833 11 10 Dalston, Sir George, of Heath, was a member of parliament the 16th Charles I. He took part with the King, and was fined, 700 Downey, Christopher, of Cowick, near Snaith, was created a Baronet in May 19, 1642. He supported Charles in the war, but was not fined. Sir John, his son, was created by Charles II. Viscount Downe, of the kingdom ot Ireland. Jackman, Matthew, Empsall, 45 Lowther, Sir William, Governor of our castle, 200 Margison, Richard, Armin, 30 Mountain, Isaac, and his son George, of Wistow, £50 per annum, and .... 155 Neville, Francis, Chevit, 1000 Nuttal, John, Rawcliff, 320 Oates,. Richard, Alderman, Pontefract, . . 22 Stile, Thomas, Kellington, 100 O Stringer, Esq. Thomas, Charleston, . . . 485 Stables, Wm. Alderman, Pontefract, ... 12 Tatham, John, do 1J4 1 William, do 75 Thompson, William, Brotherton, .... 109 Wentworth, Sir George, Wolley, .... 3188 Yarborough,, Sir Nicholas, of Baine Hall, . . 600 ' This was a branch of the Yarboroughs of Snaith Hall. Sir Nicholas was in the commission of array for Charles 1. and on his : death he was fined the above HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 255 and detained them prisoners for some time in the castle. However this conduct might be jus- tified on the ground of prudence, and however necessary it was to watch the motions of the royalists, it had an unhappy influence on their minds. They felt they were always suspected, and always insecure, on account of the part they had already taken; and were in consequence disposed to avail themselves of the first opportu* nity to avenge the insults, which they supposed they had received, and aid in any attempt to restore the king. Sir Alarm ad uke Langdale, had received pri- vate intelligence that the Scotch were ready to invade England, and having received his Ma- jesty's commission, he collected what royalists he could to give success to the attempt. In his way north, he visited several of his old friends in this neighbourhood, informed them of the design of the Scotch, and that with a view to aid and assist in the enterprize he was now hastening £. i d. sum. His son, Sir Thomas Yarborough, was High Sheriff in the tenth of Charles II. 1673. Woolstoneholme, of Woolstoneholme, Lanca- shire, having purchased Nostel Priory, built a house there. This son and heir, Sir John, carried plate to York, for the use of the king, to the value of £10,000, and it appears from his own papers that he was fined an equal sum for his delin- quency 10000 His son Henry was slain in the battle of Marston Moor; and Sir Thomas, his brother, was killed in the battle of Naseby. Being reduced by the war, he sold Nostel to the family of Gargreaves, of whom it was purchased by Sir George Wynn, Bart, in which family it stiil continues. 256 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. to join them. Some of them noticed, " that it would be possible to take the castle of Ponte- fract by surprize," and that as the troops of the parliament must be drawn from London to meet the Scotch, and there would be risings of the people in all directions, to reobtain possession of the castle, would occupy a part of the ene- my's forces, and might contribute to the general success." In consequence of this a resolution was made, that when the Scotch under the Duke of Hamilton should invade England, the gentle- men should surprise the castle, and hold it for the king. Langdale gave them a commission to execute the plan, when it should be deemed advisable, and settled a method of correspondence between himself and them. After his departure, they informed him of all their proceedings and receiv- ed his directions. They endeavoured to conci- liate Cotterel, the governor of the castle, and were so successful, that he treated them with more humanity and discovered less jealousy than he had been accustomed to do. Among those who agreed to surprise the castle, was one Col. Morrice. He is said to have been in his youth, page to Thomas Went- worth, of Wentworth Woodhouse, Earl of Staf- ford; one of the most able statesmen in the kingdom, but the chief adviser of those unconsti- tutional measures, which brought on the civil, war, of whom Lord Digby said, " I believe his practices in themselves have been as high and tyrannical as any subject ever ventured upon ; and the malignity of them are greatly aggrava- ted by those abilities of his, of which God has: HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 257 given him the use, but the devil the applica- tion. " In his service Morrice was trained up, and on the breaking out of the war he entered into that of the king. He enjoyed the rank of an officer; but whether he had received some affront, which he could not forgive, or whether he thought that he did not enjoy a rank equal to his merit, he quitted the service of the king in disgust, and joined the army of the parlia- ment. During the first three years of the war, Morrice often distinguished himself by a re- solution and courage, which the greatest dan- gers appeared rather to increase than subdue. Naturally bold, he was often placed in the post of honour and difficulty, and obtained such renown, as to be noticed and caressed by his superior officers. As a reward for his services as well as an incitement to his fu- ture exertions, he was advanced to the rank of colonel. He did not disappoint the expectations which his past conduct had raised; but when engaged in the most difficult enterprises, he was crowned with success. Morrice, though respected for his military talents, gave offence to the serious part of the army, by his dissipation" and licenciousness. He did not, like some others, put on the mask of seriousness as a cover to the most enormous crimes, but whatever his vices were, they were notorious. Fie was the devotee of sensual °rati- fications, and in his conversation, gay, humorous and pleasing; and in consequence became the associate and friend of those of a similar taste. On new modelling the army, and the intro- L 1 * 258 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. duction of strict discipline, Morrice was left unemployed. Fairfax and Cromwell would admit none to command, but who either were, or ap- peared to be, sober and religious men. They however dismissed Morrice wuh professions of the highest respect, and promised that as soon as a proper occasion occurred, they would again call him forth into active service. According to Lord Clarendon, Morrice was not displeased at being dismissed from the ser- vice of the parliament, as he had already begun to repent of his late rebellious conduct. Being a gentleman possessed of a competent estate in this part of Yorkshire*, he came and resided up- * The editor laments that his researches to find out the place where Colonel Morrice resided, and the estates which belonged to him, have been without success. Could this have been ascertained, it might have thrown some light on the following narrative; and by connecting time and place, would have rendered the whole more complete. An historian has frequent reason to regret his want of materials, which are sometimes locked up in the libraries of the great, and to which all access is denied. Castilion Morrice, a son of Col. Morrice, whose daughter Ann married William Sykes, of Stockholm, merchant, is mentioned in the Milnes' pedigree, Vid. Beet ham. This William Sykes was brother ot Richard Sjkes, of Leeds and Ledston, whose eldest daughter and coheir mar- ried Tho. Wilson, grandfather to the late bishop of Bristol, whose second son, Christopher Wilson, Esq. of Elm sal, in right of that marriage, possesses the very valuable estate of the Park, at Leeds, formerly an appendage to the ancient castle of that name. The mother of William Sykes, who married Ann, the eldest daughter of Castilion Morrice, as above mentioned, mar- ried to her second husband Joseph Poole, Esq. of Sykehouse, in the parish of Fishlake, a Captain in the army of the par- liament, and who frequently hazarded his life, in various at- tempts to scale the walls of our castle during the last siege. He resided some time after the castle was surrendered and HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 259 fon it; and resolved to wipe of the stain of rebellion by opposing the cause of the parliament, the first opportunity which presented. That such a dismantled, in the house now called the Castle Chain House ; and various letters directed to him there, are still in the possession of John Mi'nes, Esq. Wakefield- He afterwards went and resided at Chapelthorp, near Wakefield, and at last retired to that town, where he ended his days. He was buried in the Quakers' burying ground, where a stone still remains to his memory. He died Sep. 16, 1704. The family of Poole, of Sykehouse and Drax, sprung originally from the Pooles of Spinkhill, in the county of Derby. Baxter informs us, that the ancestor of Matthew Poole, was one of the first to embrace the reformation ; and was in consequence driven away from Spinkhill, by another branch of the family who was as zealous for popery. There is a pedigree of this family in the Herald's Office, which traces the family for nineteen generations. Richard Poole, of Sykehouse, had issue Francis Poole, Esq. of York, who married the daugh- ter of Toppin. Alderman of York; and a second son called William. Francis had issue Matthew Pool, the industrious author of the Synopsis Criticorum. He succeeded Dr. Tuckney at St. Michael's, London, where he faithfully discharged the duties of a pastor for fourteen years, till he was silenced by the Bartholomew Act. He retired to Holland, where he died, greatly lamented by all who knew him ; for " he was pleasant in his conversation, true to his friends, strict in his piety, and universal in his charity." William Poole, the younger son of the above Richard, had issue Capt. Samuel Poole, of Leeds, and Capt. Joseph, of Wakefield. They had commissions in the army of the par- liament. Joseph was engaged in the siege of our castle, as above stated. Capt. Samuel had issue, by Silence, daughter of Peter Saxton, vicar of Leeds, David Poole, | Josiah and Obadiah. David Poole married Mary, relict of Masse y, Esq. by whom he had Josiah Poole, of Liverpool, merchant. Josiah Poole married and had issue David Poole, of Young sbury, Herefordshire, Prime Sergeant at Law. This David married Jane, daughter and heir of John Bird, Esq. of Youngsbury, and had issue Josiah Poole, Esq. of Knol- tingley, who dying unmarried, at Bath, the estate has descend- ed to his younger brother, David Poole, Esq. of Ackworth. 260 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. resolution should be formed at the time of his dismissal, clearly indicates that he sensibly felt the mortification of disappointed hope in the career of ambition ; and it is probable that his future conduct was regulated as much by a spirit of revenge as by the impulse of loyalty. As an officer who had hitherto distinguished himself in the cause of the parliament, he was readily admitted to the confidence of Cotterel, the governor of our castle. A continual inter- course produced on the part of the governor a sincere friendship, and he honoured him with e\evy mark of genuine esteem and regard. Morrice visited the castle when ever he pleased, and sometimes remained there for a week, eat- ing at the same table, and sleeping in the same bed, with the governor. By the sprightliness of his temper, and the vivacity of his wit, he banished the tedium of military duty, and gained such an ascendancy, that the governor parted from him with reluctance, and was impatient for the repetition of his visits. While Morrice had the address to secure the friendship, and render himself almost neces- sary to the comfort, of the governor, he had entered into an agreement with the royalists to surprise the castle. When these met together in considerable numbers to devise means to effect their purpose, he never appeared among them; and only the three PauJdens seem to have known his intention. To keep clear of all suspicion he associated with some of the most zealous friends of the parliament. To try the spirit of the country, he w r ent to all the neighbouring towns on market-days HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 261 and at their fairs, and entered into free conver- sation with men of every description. The information which he collected, he communicated to the royalists for their direction, and in like manner to the governor to preserve his confi- dence and favour. The royalists were accustomed to meet at the house of the Rev. Mr. Beaumont, rector of South Kirkby. At one of their meetings, one of the Pauldens informed them, " that a gentleman on whom they might rely with the utmost con- fidence, would surprise the castle whenever they should think the season ripe for it." He there- fore advised them to desist from any attempt, and wait till they should receive directions how to proceed, and assured them of final suc- cess. He observed, that if time, place, and other circumstances were fixed, and communicated to all engaged so long beforehand, it was probable the design would be detected and finally frustrated. They agreed to enlist men who should be ready to take arms when required; and they soon ob- tained about three hundred foot and fifty horse, who had served under them in the preceeding war. While measures were thus adopted without, Morrice was no less active in carrying on his design within the castle. He corrupted Major Ashby, Ensign Smith and Sergeant Lloyd, and a corporal, who entered into his plan, and en- gaged to assist in surprising the fortress. The garrison did not exceed one hundred men, and many of these were quartered in the town -, so that it appeared not difficult to seize the fort- ress, provided the design should not be discovered. 252 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, To prevent all suspicion on the part of the governor, Morrice, as if concerned for his safety informed brm, " that he ought to take great care that he had none but faithful men a the castle, as he was confident there were some men who did not live far off, and who many times came to visit him, who had some design upon the place." He however assured him, " that there was a false brother amongst them, who would not fail to give him timely notice of their design; and that whenever they should be ready to make the attempt, he wou!d throw himself into the castle with forty or fifty resolute men, whom he had engaged for that purpose, and who with the garrison would be sufficient to de- fend the place, and repel any attack. The persons whom Morrice privately enga- ged were zealous adherents of the parliament ; and some of these he occassionally brought with him to the castle, and mentioned them to the governor, as the persons who were prepared, whenever it should be deemed necessary to come to his assistance. The governor had no suspi- cion of the insincerity of Morrice ; and his pre- tended zeal for the cause, in endeavouring to detect the design of the royalists, and in adopt- ing prudent measures to prevent its accom- plishment, encreased his confidence in him. The state of the country, and the meetings of the royalists in different parts, at length raised a general suspicion of some design against the castle*; and Cotterei received several * Nov. 30, 164-7, letters from Major Gen. Povntz in- formed of a design to surprise Pontefract for the king. Vid. Whitlock. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 263 letters from his friends requesting him " to take care of Col. Morrice, who had resolved to be- tray him," for he had been at the meetings of some men who were most malignant. Morrice, who now attended the meetings of the royalists, pretended to inform the governor of what passed, so that on the reception of such letters, the go- vernor shewed them to him and they both smiled. On such occasions Morrice said, " that though the governor had no mistrust of his friendship, and knew him too well to think him capable of such baseness, yet for his own sake, he ought not to slight the information, as it would make] his friends less careful of him; and that if he had not informed him respecting them, there would be just reason to suspect him of an intention to betray the castle; that on this account it would be better for him to retire j^to his own house, till such time as jea- lousy and suspicion had subsided." In this artful manner he managed the go- vernor, and by making pretended discoveries of the royalists, he rendered it necessary for him- self to be consulted in order to frustrate them. General Poyntz, who formed a true estimate of the character and principles of Morrice, faithfully warned Cotterel to guard against his duplicity and treachery; but he, judging of the sincerity of Morrice's profession of friendship and zeal from his own, neglected the warning. At length the time for this bold and enter- prising man to strike the blow he had long meditated, approached. The daily risings of the royalists in England, and the alarms of the Scottish invasion, led the party who had confe- 264 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. derated with Morrice to make the attempt. They had waited some time impatiently for an express order N from Sir M. Langdale, who had in the north surprised Carlisle and taken Ber- wick; bat none arriving, they supposed that one must have been sent, but had miscarried. They waited on the Pauldens, and maintained that to delay the attempt longer would be dangerous; and the Pauldens waited on Morrice to fulfil his engagement. The time agreed upon was a certain night* when the corporal, whom Morrice had corrupted, should be upon guard, and when the gentlemen engaged were to be ready near a particular part of the wall, where the corporal would place sentinels acquainted with the design, and who were to aid in the attempt. Morrice himself hastened to the castle, and on that very night slept, as usual, with the governor. The gentlemen, to the number of eighty on horseback, each carrying a footman behind him, came accord- ing to appointment, but a circumstance, which could not be foreseen, occurred, and prevented the accomplishment of their scheme. The cor- poral had got drunk the evening before, most probably with the intention to render himself more bold and daring, in the proposed assault. Overpowered by sleep he forgot his engage- ments, and being unfit for duty, another person was appointed sentinel on that part of the wall which was to be scaled. The gentlemen had brought with them sca- ling ladders, and whatever they conceived ne- cessary to the success of their enterprise. On * May 22, 1648. Vid. Whitlock. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 26 S mounting their ladders, the sentinel discovered them, called out to them, ran to the court of the castle to call for assistance, and gave a general alarm. Supported by the other men on duty he returned, and commencing a vigorous fire on the assailants, they were compelled to fly, leaving a ladder in the ditch. On the alarm being given Morrice arose, and finding the design defeated, took an active part in the castle. Being with the governor at the time this attempt was made, was a cir- cumstance to which either suspicion or confi- dence might be attached; and Morrice and his accomplices had the good fortune to escape de- tection. The next morning the ladder which the as- sailants left' in the ditch, was a sufficient proof that a real attempt had been made to surprise the castle. The troops collected for this attack, on being discovered, dispersed. One half of the horse marched north, and joined Langdale; the other kept in the woods, while they sent spies into the castle, to gain information whether their friends within were safe, or whether the whole plot had been detected, and they were secured and confined. The spies soon returned, and brought them the pleasing intelligence, that the enterprise had only failed through the in- toxication of the corporal, but that neither Mor- rice nor any of his accomplices were in the least suspected. They now departed to their own homes, to take other measures for the accom- plishment of their design. The governor now became more vigilant, and ordered all those soldiers, who had slept in the Mm * 266 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. town, to repair to the castle. But this vigilance proved the very means of the castle being surprised, and himself made prisoner. For granting warrants to fetch beds and provi- sions, against an appointed time, out of the country for the accommodation of the garrison, Morrice and Capt. William Paulden, disguised like country gentlemen, with nine others like plain peasants and constables to attend and guard them, having pocket pistols, daggers, &c. concealed under their garments, appeared at the castle gate, with carts loaded with provisions, Beds, &c. On their arrival the draw bridge was soon let down, and the beds and provisions having been delivered at the main guard just within the gate, money was given to some of the sentinels to fetch ale, on pretence to make them merry. Scarce had these departed when Morrice and his friends seized on and mastered the main guard, made way for their friends horse and foot to enter, and then drew up the draw bridge; they forced most of the guard into a dungeon about thirty steps in depth, which would hold about three hundred men. One of the confederates, reserved for that purpose, went to shew Captain William Paulden, and a few others, the sub-governor's appartment, whom they found newly laid down on the bed in his clothes, with his tuck or long sword beside him. The captain told him the castle was surprised and himself a prisoner. Cotterel suddenly arose and made a home thrust at the captain, who parried the attack, and equal valour was displayed on both sides, till the governor, finding himself sorely wounded in the head and arm made a HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 267 desperate lunge at Paulden, but missing his aim, had the misfortune to break his tuck against the bedpost. At this moment entered Morrice and the other officers and gentlemen, of whom he had been so often warned. To attempt a longer defence against such numbers would have been vain and useless; and nothing now remained but to beg quarter, which was readily granted. Morrice comforted him with the assurance cc of good usage, and that he would procure his pardon from the king for his rebellion." However he was sent to his men in the dungeon. Notice of the affair having been sent to Capt. Tho. Paulden, he marched into the castle with thirty horse; and about five hundred foot, part of the king's scattered troops joined them soon after. This happened the 6th of June, 1648, which being the market- day, afforded them an opportunity of furnishing themselves with all manner of provisions from the town. They found in the castle a good quantity of salt and malt, with four thousand stand of arms, a good store of ammunition, some cannon, and two mortar pieces. The conduct of Morrice towards Cotterel merits general infamy. He had been the object of his sincere regard, and unsuspecting confi- dence. He had eaten his bread, and on all oc- casions had been treated with such kindness as ought to have unnerved the arm of an enemy, and subdued malignity itself. Nor let it be sup- posed that the end justified the means. He might have been loyal without being treacherous; he might as a friend to the king have thought it his duty to surprise the castle, but he ought 268 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. to have preserved sacred the claims and the rights of friendship. The man, who had by turns betrayed all parties, whatever his talents might be, can have no claim to be considered in any other light, than as totally destitute of principle, and governed solely by caprice, revenge, or ambition. The regular troops of the parliament were principally under the command of Gen. Lam- bert, who had been sent to watch the motions and check the progress of Sir Philip Musgrave, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale, in the north. The committee of the militia in Yorkshire, imme- diately appointed Sir Edward Rodes * and Sir * Rodes, Sir Edward. Wilson derives the pedigree of this family from the Rodes', Barons of Horncastle, in the county of Lincoln. In the Milnes Pedigree, (Beetham's Baronet- age,) there is no notice of any connection between the two families; and the account begins with Francis Rodes, of Staveley Woodthorpe, in the county of Derby, Esq. one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in the time of Eliz. He died Jan. 7, 31st year of Elizabeth. The judge was twice married, and had issue by both his wives. The eldest son of the first marriage, was Sir John Rodes, of Balborough, whose second son, Sir Francis Rodes, was created' a Baronet, August 14, 1641. The second son of the first marriage, was Sir Peter Rodes, of Hickleton, in this county. Sir Godfrey Rodes, of Great Houghton, in the county of York, the fourth son of the Judge, but eldest son of the second marriage, had issue Sir Edward Rodes, of Great Houghton, Knt. In the Civil war, he took an active part in favour of the parliament. The great Earl of Strafford married his daughter, and on this account he was suspected of not being hearty in the cause. He was taken into custody, and with the Hothams committed to the Tower, but as nothing could be proved against him, he was liberated. He seems however, to have acted on principle, and we find him enga- ged throughout^? this contest in the support of the parliament. After the battle of Preston, he was ordered by Cromwell to HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 269' Henry Cholmley, to levy troops, with orders to draw near to Pontefract, and if they found themselves not sufficiently strong to form the siege of the castle, then to endeavour to keep in the garrison, and preserve the surrounding country from being plundered. A week elapsed before these orders of the committee could in any degree be executed; collect what troops he could, and pursue the flying Duke of Hamilton. He lived till after the restoration, and in the 2d of Charles II. was High Sheriff of this county. As he con* tinued a Dissenter, it is probable his connection with Went- worth, Earl of Strafford, whose attainder was reversed after the restoration, was the reason why he was permitted to fill this office. His house became an Assylum to the ejected Ministers, who refused to comply with the act of Uniformity. He had issue William Rodes, of Great Houghton, Esq. his third son, and at length heir, who married Frances, daugh- ter of R. Wilson, of Leeds, merchant, who was great-grand- father to Christopher Wilson, late Bishop of Bristol, father of Christopher Wilson, of Elmsal Lodge. William Rodes, had Richard Rodes of Great Houghton, Esq. who married Martha, daughter of Elkanah Rich, of Bull-house, in the parish of Penniston, Esq. and only sister of the whole blood of Aymer Rich, Esq. of the same place. The said R. Rodes, died February 4, 1720 — 1, and had issue by the said Martha, his wife, two daughters coheirs, of whom Mary, the eldest died unmaried, March 14-, 1789, and was buried at Darfield; Martha, the younger, married Hans Busk, of Leeds, merchant, and had issue by him, Mary Anne, married to the late James Milnes, oi Thornes House, Esq.; Martha, who died unmarried ; and Rachel, who married R. Slater Milnes, of Frystone, Esq. The family of Milnes, to which the Rodej' estates have descended, is originally from Ashford, in the county of Derby, and in the court rolls of the manors of Ashford, can be traced back as chief copyholders, to the time of Edward I. The pedigree of this family exhibits a most striking instance of commercial enterprise and success ; and it may be questioned whether it can be equalled in this respect, by any other family in the kingdom. Vid. Beetham. 270 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and in this period the royalists put the garrison in good order, and repaired and renewed such fortifications as they judged necessary for their defence. They supplied themselves with piovi- sions of all sorts; and such numbers of their friends came into the castle from the counties of York, Nottingham, and Lincoln, that they became sufficiently powerful, not only to defend the castle, but commence offensive operations against the enemy. Among those who now entered the castle were Sir John Digby, Sir Hugh Cartwright, his son and a nephew, who had all been good officers in the royal army, during the preceding war, and were now rea- dily joined by many of the soldiers who had been under their command. The gentlemen and soldiers who formed the garrison chose Col. Morrice to be their governor. His military talents were well known, and no one appeared more fit to enjoy the command; but he had too much experience wholly to com- ply with the wishes of bis fellow soldiers. He was aware, that as there were gentlemen of rank and fortune in the castle much superior to him- self, jealousy and discord might be the conse- quence of his acceptance. He therefore recom- mended Sir John Digby, who had received a commission as commander of these parts, to the honourable rank of governor. Sir John, though hearty in the cause, was sensible that he was not equal to the command, which led him to refer all things to the counsel and conduct of those officers who were under him; and as Morrice was one of the most distinguished among them, he may be considered as the real, and Digby as the nominal, governor. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 271 At the time the castle was surprised, the gar- rison had not provisions for more than a month ; but such was the success of different parties sent out to forage, that they soon obtained supplies for several months, in case they should be hemmed in, and have to sustain a siege. Before the troops under Sir Henry Cholmley were sufficiently powerful to keep in the gar- rison, a party from the castle seized on three hundred cattle from the north, at Knottingley. They were under a. guard of two troops of horse, commanded by Capt. Clayton. The party from the garrison consisted only of thirty horse and six foot, who sallied forth in the night, attacked and routed the enemy, and took many prisoners. The contest was desperate between the horse on each side, and the royalists, in being so much outnumbered by the enemy, gained greater honour in the victory *, Another party from the castle had, on the 3d of July, pushed forward as far as the Trent, and taken the Island of Axholm. They after- wards proceeded to Lincoln, where they plun- dered the friends of the parliament, and took Capt. Bret, Capt. Fines, and Mr. Ellis pri- soners, and killed Air. Smith, an officer of the * The above is the statement of Lord Clarendon. Paul- den gives a more credible account of 'this affair. "Having notice that there were at Knottingley three hundred Lead ot cattle from the North, going South, under a guard ot five troops of horse, we marched forth at night with thirty horse, and half a doz?n foot, with half-pikes to drive the cattle. We faced the troops, that guarded them, while our foot drove the herd towards the castle ; then we followed, and kept be- twixt them and danger, the enemy not daring to charge us, and we all came safe to the castle." Paulden's Letter. 272 HISTORY OF P0NTEFRAC7. sequestrations. The conduct of this party was highly imprudent, in pushing forwards to so great a distance, unsupported by any body of reserve. Had they retreated precipitately, they might probably have reached the castle in safety; but instead of adopting this line of conduct, regardless of danger, they remained for some days in Lincoln, and its vicinity. In their pro- gress numbers of royalists had joined them, and the horse now amounted to one thousand, besides the infantry. Col. Kossiter fell in with them on their return, at a place called Wil- loughby Field, routed the whole party, took both horse and their riders, the commander in chief and all his officers, with all their bag and baggage ; the remainder fled, and there were not many slain*. The disaster which befel the last mentioned party, did not prevent other parties from issuing forth on similar plundering expeditions; and by raising contributions, they rendered themselves terrible to the adherents of the parliament. They took many substantial men prisoners, whom they carried to the castle and detain- ed there, till they redeemed themselves by the payment of large sums of money for their ran- som. Sir Arthur Ingram f was carried off from * Whitlock, p. 318. f Ingram, Sir Arthur, a wealthy citi2en of London, pur- chased the manor of Temple Newsome, and other lands in Yorkshire, and was High Sheriff of the county of York, in 1619. He had a son Arthur, who was also High Sheriff in 1630. On the commencement of the Civil war, he took the part of the parliament, and continued to adhere to the same cause. The royalists paid him this domiciliary visit, and re- torted on .hiin the conduct of the parliamentarians. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 273 his own bouse at Temple-Newsome, by a maraud- ing party; nor could be regain bis liberty un- til be bad paid fifteen hundred pounds. While these events occurred in this place and neighbourhood, Cromwell had completely subdued Cols. Langhorn, Powel, and Payer, and the whole of Wales. He afterwards pushed through Cheshire and Lancashire, and joined Lambert about Knaresborough. The Duke of Hamilton, with the Scotch, had entered Eng- land and joined Langdale, and they had marched by way ot Kendall, towards Lancashire. Crom- well pursued them, and coming up with the horse under Langdale, at Preston, immediately commenced an attack. The charge was so vi- gorous that the royalists were driven from their posts, with the loss of about one thousand slain., He had a son, Sir Thomas, who was in favour with Charles II. ; and was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and sworn one of his Majesty's privy council. He married Francis, daughter of Viscount Falconberge ; but dying without issue, was succeeded by his brother Sir Arthur, and he by his eldest son, Sir Henry, who having manifested his loyalty to King Charles I. and II. was by the latter created Lord Ingram, and Viscount Irvine or Irwin. He married Lady Essex, eldest daughter of the second Earl of Manchester, J and had issue two s'.ns and a daughter. Arthur, who succeeded him as second Viscount, married Isabel, daughter of John Mitchel, of Horsham, in Essex, E^q. by whom he had issue seven sons, Richard, Edward, Arthur, Henry and Charles, successively Viscounts Irvine ; Geo. canon of Windsor, and chaplain to the House of Commons ; and William, an eminent merchant in Holland. By the failure of the male line, the title became extinct ;n J 7 82. The female branches have married into some of the first families in the kingdom. -, A younger branch of the Ingram family settled at Knott tingley, which has now become extinct. n n * £74 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, and numbers taken prisoners. Capt. Timothy Paulden, one of those gentlemen who had first agreed to surprise our castle, added to the number of the slain. He was major in Col, Boynton's regiment, under the Earl of Derby, and was unfortunately shot as he was crossing a small stream. Hie successive defeats of the royalists at Vigan, Warrington, &c. destroyed the hopes of that party. The garrison here were sensibly affected with these events; and particularly at what had befallen their old general, Sir Mar- maduke Laogdale. He and some others, with a part of the Scotch army, had fled to Utox- eter, in Staffordshire. Gen. Lambert pursued them with such rapidity that they were imme- diately assaulted, and Duke Hamilton with most of the officers taken prisoners. Langdale, 'it is fcaid, disguised himself, and with a few others, made his escape; but was taken soon after near Nottingham, and committed to the castle there. The garrison now began to foresee the ca- lamities to which they would be soon exposed. The king had not an army in his whole domi- nion to which they could look for relief; nor was there another 'fortress, except Searbro', which hejd out for him. The only circumstance, which .eould brighten the general gloom, was the un- settled state of the country. In a period when the most uncommon and extraordinary events daily occurred, it might be hoped that something of a favourable nature would arise, and that at least peace would be established between the the king and his parliament. About this period the garrison was suitt- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 275 moned to surrender the castle, but either the terms offered were deemed dishonourable, or the spirit of the garrison was too high to sub- mit. It appears that a treaty of some kind had been entered into betwixt the besieged and the besiegers, as letters directed to the parliament from the committee at York, informed the House " that the treaty about Pontefract not taking effect, they desired twenty thousand pounds for the soldiery," and the house ordered twelve thou- sand *." Lord Fairfax, general in chief, appointed Gen. Rainsborough to command the troops be- fore the castle of Pontefract. Sir Henry Cholm- ley f, who had been appointed to this command * Whitlock, p. 336. f The family of Cholmley has long been seated at Whitby, Goldston, and Roxby, in the North Riding of this county. Sir Richard Cholmley, of Whitby, was high sheriff of this county, in the first of Edward IV. He married two wives, first, Margaret, daughter of William Lord Coniers, and by her had issue three sons, Francis, Roger and Richard, and three daughters, Margaret, (who married Sir James Strange- ways, of Great Smeaton,) Elizabeth, (who married Roger Beck with Esq. son and heir of Sir Leonard Beck with, of Selby, Knight,) Ann and Jane. His second wire was the daughter of Henry Lord Clifford, the first Earl of Cumberland, and the widow of John Lord Scroop, of Bolton. By her he had issue John, who died young, Henry, and Catharine, who married R. Dutton, Esq. of Whitby. Francis, son and heir of Sir Richard, married Joan, daugh- ter and coheir of Sir Richard Bulmer, Knight, but died with- out issue. Sir Henry Cholmley, Knight, second son by his second wife and heir to Francis, inherited the estate and married Margaret, daughter of Sir William Bapthorp, of Bapthorp, Knight. He had issue Sir Richard, Henry, John, and Barbara, (who married Sir Tho. Bellasis, Bart, afterward created Visct, 276 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. by the committee of the militia, was highly offended at this appointment, and petitioned parliament against it. He seems to have con- sidered it as a reflection on his honour and talents, and in his letter asserts " that the dis- paragement to him would be great." The House referred the letter and the whole of the busi- ness to General Fairfax, to settle it as he should Falconberg) Margaret, Dorothy, Hilda, and Mary, (who married Henry Fairfax, Rector of Bolton Percy, and second brother to Ferdinando, Lord Fairfax, of Denton,) Ann, Susanna, and Arabella. Sir Richard, son and heir of Henry, married two wives; first, Susanna, daughter of Ledyard, of Gatton, Esq. by whom he had issue, Sir Hugh, Sir Henry, (who c carried Katharine, daughter of Henry Stappleton, of Wighill, Esq. widow of Sir George Twisleton, of Barlow, near Selby,) and two daughters, Mary and Ursula. His second wife, was Margaret, daughter of Wm. Cobb, Esq. and by her, he had issue Sir Richard, (who married Margaret, daughter of John Lord Powlet.) This Sir Richard Cholmley, was High Sheriffe, 1623. Sir Hugh, his son and heir, (married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir William Twisden, of East Peckham, in Kent,) and had issue Sir William, Sir Samuel, Hugh, Elizabeth and Ann. This Sir Hugh was created a Baronet in the year 1641. On the breaking out of the Civil war, he threw himself into Scarborough Castle, of which he was governor for some time. He attended on the queen, with eight thousand horse and foot, which cost him c£lOOOO, and for which he afterwards suffered a tedious banishment, and paid for his delinquency oflSoO. Sir Henry, his younger brother, espoused the cause of the parliament; was appointed one of the committee of the militia for Yorkshire, and commanded the troops before our castle. This is a singular instance of the unhappy divisions made in families during these troublesome times ; brother literally rose up against brother. The baronetage has become extinct; and the male line of one of the branches has ended in an heiress, whose husband has by licence again taken the name of Cholmley, and re- sides at Housham. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 277 think proper, but to take care to preserve the honour of -Sir Henry Cholmley, and that the business be carried on against the enemy *." Cromwell, having settled the affairs of Scot- land, and left Gen. Lambert there with a few regiments, marched at the head of the rest of his forces into England. When he reached New- castle he was received with every mark of re- spect and honour; and he continued there for some time to settle the affair of the northern countries. He however dispatched a body of troops to Fontefract, to strengthen the besiegers; and on the 30th of October the troops of the parliament, in and about Pontefiact, kept a day of thanksgiving for his success in Scotland f. While the besiegers were thus exulting in the victories they had obtained, the besieged were suffering the vexation of disappointed hope, and envy ng the superior felicity of their enemies. They did not however sink into a state of apathy and indifference, but retained their usual valour and prudence. They were as bold and courageous to attack their enemies, by well conducted sallies, as they were resolute and firm to resist when attacked. A party from the garrison issued forth on the 3 1st, and fell on the besiegers with such impetuosity as to bear down all before them. In this rencontre they slew many, and made some prisoners t. On some occasions both the besiegers and the besieged rested on their arms, and drank to one another by the name of brother Roundead, and brother Cavalier; epithets which distinguished * Whitlock, p. 344. f It>id- p. 346. j; Ibid. 346. 27fc HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. the adherents of the parliament, and of the king*. The besiegers had not hitherto made any impression on the garrison; nor had they strait- ened and confined them in 'any great degree, as they still kept possession of the New Hall, as an outwork to the castle. The little progress made in the siege, notwithstanding the numbers of men employed, sufficiently proved that either Sir Henry Cholmiey was unequal to the com- mand, or that he was negligent in the. discharge of the duties of his office. It is probable that Gen. Fairfax, who knew the strength of the castle, considered a more able and experienced officer necessary to reduce it; and that on this account he adhered to his former appoint- ment of Gen. Rainsborough to the chief com* mand. Whether Rainsborough ever came to Ponte* fract, to take the command, is not clear. It appears from letters sent from York to the parliament, that the difference between Sir H. Cholmlev and Rainsborough gave great advantage to the enemy f. From this it should seem that Rainsborough did come, and that Sir H. Cholmiey would not give up the command to him. If Rainsborough did come he must have soon departed, and left Sir K. Cholmiey again to conduct the siege.' The unsuccessful manner in which the siege was carried on, at length compelled the gene* ral in chief to send Rainsborough, with two regiments of horse and twelve hundred foot, to take the command. He had reached Doncas- * Whitxock,. p. 344, f Ibid- HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. 2^9 ter, where most part of the infantry were lodged, and the horse lay east and west of the town. On his arrival Capt. ffl. Paulden formed a scheme to surprise and take him prisoner, with an intention to exchange him for Sir M. Lang- dale, his old I general. The scheme, on reflec- tion, would seem rash and wholly impracticable. How could a few men surprise a general in the midst of his troops ? What seems improbable on the ground of reason is often rendered cer- tain by the united efforts of prudence and courage. At midnight, on the 31st of October, Capt. Paulden, taking twenty-two select men in whom he could most confide, well mounted, rode> through the open gate over the meadows be- tween two of the enemy's horse guards, whom by favour of the night, they passed. They were all good guides, and understood the ways public and private very exactly. At break of day they reached Mexborough, from whence they sent a spy to Doncaster, to know if there was any previous caution sent against them, and ordered him to meet them at Conisborough when the day was closed. In the mean time they refreshed themselves and their horses till about noon. At night the spy returned, and assured them there was no mistrust, and at sun- rise a person would come with a Bible in his hand, as a silent indication that all was right according to their earnest desire. On the fol- lowing morning, by break of day, the man ac- cordingly came; and Capt. Wm. Paulden then divided his twenty-two men into four parties, six were to attack the main guard, six the guard upon the bridge, four were ordered to 280 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Gen. JRainsborough's quarters, and the captain with the remaining six., after he had seen the four men enter the general's lodgings, was to beat about the street and keep the enemy from assembling. On their approach to the town, attacking the first barricadoes, the soldiers fled into the country, and the guard on the bridge, having flung their weapons into the water, scam- pered for their lives. The main guard was sud- denly surprised by an interposition between them and their arms; and the men were or- dered to disperse and make the best of their way out of clanger. In the mean time the art- ful captain and his men were tracing the town, to prevent their enemies from joining together. Those royalists who came to the general's lod- gings, pretended to the guard and the lieute- nant, who were on duty, that they had brought letters from Oliver Cromwell. The gate of the inn being opened, three of them only went in, the other rode to the bridge, leading to Ponte- fract, where he expected and found a guard of horse and foot, with whom he entered into dis- course^ telling them " that he stayed for his officer who was gone in to speak with the ge- neral," and called for some drink. The guards making no question of his being a friend, sent for drink and talked with him of news, and it being now broad day, some of the horse alight- ed, and the foot went over to the court of the guard, conceiving that morning's work to be over. Of the three who entered the inn gate, two only went up, and the other remained be- low and held the horses, and talked with the spldier who had walked with them from the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 281 guard. The two, who went up stairs, were in- troduced by the lieutenant into Rainsborough's chamber. He had been awakened by the noise of opening the door, but was still in bed. They delivered to him a packet containing only blank paper. While he was employed in opening it, one of them seized his sword, and the other dis- armed the lieutenant, and then informed him, "that he was their prisoner; and ihat if he would arise and without resistance or delay, put on his clothes and go along with them, they assured him not a hair of his head should be hurt ; but if he should delay or resist, they declared, they would instantly put him to death." Not hav- ing the means of resistance, nor knowing the strength of the enemy, and astonished at this unexpected event, the general yielded to the necessity of his circumstances, and prepared to go with them. Having dressed himself as speedily as possible, he was led down stairs and conducted into the street. Expecting to find the whole town oc- cupied by the troops of the enemy, and on coming into the street, perceiving only one soldier, who held the horses of the other two, impelled by his native courage, he felt indignant at the thought of submitting to be led away like a captive, and immediately called out for assistance. The royalists now siezed him, with the resolution of binding and placing him behind their companion, who had already mounted his horse, and had designed in this manner to have conveyed him to the castle of Pontefract. Rainsborough, although without arms, exerted his utmost efforts to disengage oo * 282 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. himself; and during the struggle, one of thtf royalists unfortunately let bis sword and pistol fall. The latter instrument of death was instantly seized by Rainsborough's lieutenant; who immedi- ately prepared to discharge its contents at Capt. W. Paulden. Lieutenant Austvvick, who was the person that had mounted his horse, in or- der to take Rainshorough behind him, no sooner observed the pistol in the hand of an enemy, than he sprung from his horse, and run him through the body. The pistol was already cocked, and had not Austwick prevented its discharge, its contents would have been fatal to Paulden. Rainsborough still continued the unequal contest. His opponents found him to be a brave and a veteran soldier, who respected his honour more than his life. He had already received a wound in his neck ; but springing upon his feet, and having seized the fallen sword, would have slain his opponents, had not Austvvick, enraged at so desperate a resistance, once more come to the assistance of his companions. He ended the contest by a home thrust of his sabre, which laid Rainsborough dead at his feet. On this they mounted their horses, and rode towards their companions, before any of the troops of the enemy could collect together. The different parties of royalists having joined, marched towards the bridge; and dispersing the guard in all directions, took the shortest course towards Pontefract. • This unexpected attack had thrown the town of Doncaster into the utmost consternation. Some of the soldiers rose from their beds, and fled across the fields undressed. Others came into HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 283 the street; and on seeing their general and the lieutenant weltering in their blood, but meeting with no enemies, were wholly at a loss how to act. As they did not know what direction they had taken, they could not with propriety pursue. So that the royalists, without the least injury to man or horse, and having taken in their return forty or fifty prisoners, reached the castle in safety. Had the design of the royalists been to have murdered Rainsborough, they ought to be considered as no better than midnight assassins. In this case the whole transaction will appear barbarous and cruel, and altogether unbecoming the character of the valiant and the brave. As one * of the actors in this fatal ftragedy has assured the public this was not their design, truth compels us to acknowledge the whole jus- tified by the laws of honour and of war. Their old general had been taken prisoner, and the garrison had been threatened, " that unless they surrendered the castle, he would be brought and executed before its walls." Love to him prompted them to take Rainsborough prisoner, that in case any violence was offered to him, it might be retorted on Rainsborough, or at least the one be exchanged for the other. Such was the design, and it appears from the detail, that the tragical event that occured, arose from particular circumstances. It is ob- vious that if the general had made no resistance his life would have been spared; but as he did resist, the law of self-preservation compelled the royalists to act as they did. Had they left * Paulden's Letter. _ 284 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. him to have collected his troops, their number was too small to have withstood the charge ; and they must either have fallen by the sword, or have been made prisoners. On their return from this expedition, they had the satisfaction to hear that Sir Marmaduke Langdale had fortunately made his escape * from Nottingham castle. He fled to Prince Charles, then in exile; and on his return with him at the restoration, in remembrance of and gratitude for his services, was made a baron of the realm, by the title of Baron Langdale, of Holm, upon Spaldingmoor, in this county. But a few days turned their joy into grief, for the loss of the courageous and heroic Capt< W, Paulden who died in the castle of a high fever, and was buried in the chapel of St. Clement. * Sir Marmaduke Langdale owed his escape to Lady Saville, wife of Sir William Saville, ofThornhill, in this county, the daughter of Thomas Lord Coventry, Lord Keeper of the Great Sea!. This lady was uncommonly attached to the royal cause. She relieved many of the royalists in distress. She was always suspected by Cromwell's party to be the author of many of* those plans for liberating some of the most dis- tinguished royalists, which so frequently proved successful. She conducted her designs respecting Langdale with such secrecy and address,, that he was liberated from prison, and got saie abroad, before his enemies knew that he was missing. This lady was as heroic as prudent. She had entered into Sheffield Castle, when far advanced in a state of pregnancy. The castle Was closely besieged, and battered with some heavy ordnance. The besiegers refused to permit a proper person to go and attend her in that situation, hoping she might be in- duced to favour the surrender of the castle ; but she wholly disregarded her own life and rejected every proposal, deter- mined to hold out the castle for the king. At length the soldiers mutinied, and obliged her to capitulate; not through disaffection to her, but in order to save her life. The night after the castle was surrendered she was safely delivered. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 285 After this singular event, the besiegers do not sepm to have been more successful than they had hitherto been. Sir H. Cholmley sent letters to the house, complaining of the misma- nagement, and ill success of the siege. From this it should seem that there was either a spirit of insubordination among the troops, or a general disagreement among the officers. The vigilance, activity and courage of the garrison, put them on severe duty as well as exposed them to severe losses ; and it cannot excite surprise, that both officers and men should disrelish the service *. At length Cromwell himself arrived here, and adopted every measure to restrain the excursions of the garrison, and to reduce them to surren- der the fortress. The name of Cromwell, like that of the modern scourge of Europe, inspired terror, and nearly of itself gave success to his enterprises. Relying on this and the general circumstances of the country, he summoned the governor to surrender the castle to the use of the parliament f. The governor did not think it prudent to treat this summons with absolute indifference, but replied " That if General Cromwell was authorized to treat with the garrison, and was possessed of powers to perform the conditions, he was ready to enter into such treaty." As Cromwell had no particular powers given to him for this purpose by parliament, the governor was not satisfied; nor did he think it prudent to treat with Cromwell, on the authority which he possessed as lieutenant general. An conse- * Whitlock, p. 346. f Ibid - P- 348. 286 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, quence of this the siege was prosecuted with greater vigour. Lines of circumvallation were drawn wholly around the castle, and forts erected in places deemed most proper to check the garrison, and prevent them obtaining any sup- plies *. On the I5th of November, Cromwell sent letters to the House, stating the necessities of his troops before Pontefract Castle, and requested immediate supplies. This letter was referred to the committee of the army to consider of the particulars, and to supply them. An order was given for two hundred and fifty barrels of pow- der, with match and bullet proportionable, to be sent for the forces before the castles of Pon- tefract and Scarborough f . An order was also given, on the 18th, for two great cannon to be sent to the same troops, in order to facilitate the reduction of these places. At this period both the king and parliament were placed in the most critical circumstances. On the departure of the army from London, the parliament had resumed its usual vigour, and unawed by the presence of the army, had acted with its usual spirit of independence. The lead- ing members had exerted themselves to bring about an agreement with the king; and as the army had now wholly subdued the Scotch, it seemed the interest of both parties to come to an immediate agreement, in order to prevent the dreadful catastrophe which soon followed. The king, in the conference at Newport, re- mained fixed to the Adage of his Father, No bishop, no king; and on the other hand the * Whitlock, p. 348. t Ibid p. 349. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 287 House was equally resolved to establish the Pres- byterian form of church government. Thus by the unyielding spirit of both parties the time was spent and nothing concluded. The army, under the direction of a council of their officers, now began, not to petition the House, but by their general in chief " to demand justice upon the king." This language clearly indicates that the design of putting the king to death was already formed ; and the petitions of the army were intended only to prepare the pub- lic for the event. Every regiment engaged in the siege of our castle, presented petitions to Crom- well, which he forwarded to the general, breathing the same spirit. On the remonstrance of the army at St. Albans, and the seizure of the king by Col. Ewer, Cromwell wrote, from Knottingley, expressing his approbation, of what the officers and army had done *. Ihe superior number of the forces of the enemy to the besieged, and the vigorous manner in which the siege was conducted, began now to produce its natural consequences. Some of the garrison were dispirited, as they could not have the least foundation to hope for any re- lief, Others, by deserting to the enemy, equally betrayed the cause they had espoused, and the fears which influenced their conduct. The gar- rison however contained many whom no dan- gers could appal; nor any circumstances induce to forfeit their honour. At this period they made a desperate sally; but after an arduous contest, in which many were slain, they were compelled by superior numbers to retreat to the castle f. * Rvshwoth, Vol. 7. f Whitlock, p. 357. 288 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Cromwell, who had now remained a month before this fortress, and who doubtless would have been glad to have had the honour of terminating: the siesre, found it necessarv to de- part, and join the grand army under Fair- fax, in order to accomplish the design which had been formed. Previous to his departure he had sent for General Lambert out of the north, and appointed him to the chief command of the forces before the castle. Lambert arrived here on the 4th of December *. Instructions had been given by Cromwell to Lambert to take vengeance on the garrison for the loss of Rainsboroughf ; and having brought with him what forces he thought neces- sary, the castle was more closely surrounded than ever. He raised some new works, and by regular approaches towards the castle, effectually cut off all correspondence and supplies, hoping the garrison would at last yield to famine, if nothing else could subdue them. Although the garrison made several bold and vigorous sallies, in which many lives were lost on both sides, these efforts were unavailing, and they were uniformly compelled to retreat. During these transactions Col. Pride had de- * Whitlock, p. 359. f There was not an officer in the army whom Cromwell would not more willingly have lost than this man, who was bold and barbarous to his wish, and lit to be entrusted in the most desperate interest, and was the man to whom that party had always intended to commit the maritime affairs, when it should be time to dismiss the Earl of Warwick; he having been bred in that element, and knowed the duty of it very well, though he had the misfortune before mentioned. Cla- rendon. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 289 stroyed the independence of parliament, by guarding the House and preventing those mem- bers, who were inimical to the designs of the army, from entering. The House of Commons, if it now deserved that name, under the direc- tion of the general and the officers, resolved to bring the king to a public trial. Lambert, and the officers under him, sent a letter from Pon- tefract, expressing their approbation of what had been done, and acknowledging " that the present proceedings of the army was the work of God alone *." On the 30th of January, 1648—9, Charles I. was beheaded ; and the report of this event had no sooner reached Pontefract, than the gar- rison loyally proclaimed his son Charles II. and made a vigorous and destructive sally against their enemies. They struck silver coins expressive of similar sentiment sf. Notwithstanding the sallies of the garrison, and the occasional losses the besiegers sustained, the activity, prudence and perseverance of Lam- bert precluded all hope of deliverance. He now discovered many of the country people who held * Whitlock, p. 370. f It is a circumstance well worthy of record, and a fur- ther proof of the loyalty and zeal of the garrison, that the first monies coined in this kingdom bearing the name of King Charles II. were struck in this castle by Col. Morrice, the governor. The impression is a crown at the top, and under- neath it, " Hanc deus dedit, 1648," upon the field: and round it, Carol II. D. G. Mag B. F. Hi. R. The reverse, is an impression of a castle, and on the sinister side thereof the letters, obs, and above, on each side the central tower, the letters P. C. and round the whole the motto, " Post Mortem Patri Pro Filio." This coin is very scarce, and now not to be met with, except in the museums of the curious. P p * 290 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, correspondence with, and gave intelligence to the garrison. Among these were two divines, and some women of rank, friends and relatives of the besieged. The Rev. George Beaumont*, being judged one of the most criminal, was seized and executed. He was chaplain to the garrison at this period, and rector of South Kirkby in this neighbourhood. His zeal for the royal cause had led him to engage in the attempt to sur- prise the castle. He was one of Morrice's first associates; and at his house was held the meet- * The Rev. George Beaumont was cousin to Sir Thomas Beaumont, of Lascelles Hall and Whitley. Sir Thomas was governor of Sheffield Castle till its surrender to'General Crau- ford on the 4th of August, 16-14. He had before been sum- moned to surrender by the Earl of Manchester, but refused. He accepted the conditions offered by General Crauford, and enjoyed his liberty by taking the engagement oath, to demean himself as became a good subject. It appears from the fol- lowing affidavit that he was sent for to London. " Eliz. Beaumont doth depose, that her husband Thomas Beaumont is att this time soe ill and infirm in body by reson of several bruises and hurts which hee hath gotten in the castles of Sheffield and Pomfrer, that hee is not able to travill to London without danger of his life; and doth further depose, that shee sawe him take the negative oath before the committee at York, and doth depose that there is yearly paid out of his lands, &c. &c. Jurata, 9th Feb, 1645, coram Eliza. B. Beaumont." Me Edwino Riche. He however engaged a second time in supporting the royal cause, and his estate was sequestered. His wife compounded for the estate, and the sum paid was seven hundred pounds. Being a suspected character and a notorious delinquent, he was kept a prisoner at York, from the 18th of January, 1655, till the 16th of August following. His cousin, the Rev. Geo. Beaumont, was equally zealous in the royal cause, and engaged in it so far as unhappily to lose his life. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 291 ing, when the plan was laid how to effect it. He afterwards kept up a correspondence with the garrison in characters, which were discovered by an intercepted letter. He was seized and imprisoned by order of Lambert; and after be- ing loaded with heavy irons, he was tortured to discover his characters, and those who were concerned with him in the conspiracy. Con- stant and faithful to his principles he refused to make any discovery ; in consequence of which he was tried and executed before the walls of the castle; and to render" his punishment more severe, it is said, that one of his own relations, was compelled to assist at his execu- tion. He left a wife and four small children, with little to support them, to mourn his loss. The besieged, having lost many of their brave comrades, and many others being confined by sickness; their provisions almost spent, and having no prospect of relief, at length of- fered to treat for the surrender of the castle, on honourable terms. They however declared, Ki that unless the terms were such as they could in honour accept, they had provisions for some time; that they were not afraid to die; and if compelled, they would sell their lives at as dear a rate as they possibly could. " Lambert receiving these hints, answered by throwing letters over the wall, in which a stone was wrapped, " that he knew they were gallant men, and that he was desirous to preserve as many of them as he could, but that his hands were bound, and he was obliged to except six of them, whose lives he could not preserve, nor could he mention their names till after the 292 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. treaty was signed by the governor. As to the. rest, he said, he was content to release them, that they might return to their own homes se- cure and unmolested, and that he would do them all the good in his power, by applying to par- liament for an easy composition for their delin- quency. " On receiving this answer, Col. Morrice called the officers in the castle together, and it was unanimously agreed, not to deliver up any per- son without his consent." They therefore re- plied to General Lambert, " that they were sen- sible of his kindness and civility, and would gladly have embraced his offer, if they could have done it with honour; but declared that they could never be guilty of so base a thing as to deliver up their companions." Whatever might be the fortitude or attach- ment of the besieged to each other, necessity soon compelled them to enter into a new treaty with Lambert. The garrison, which at first consisted of more than five hundred men, was now reduced, by losses sustained in different sallies, desertion and sickness, to one hundred * ; and some of these were in such a state of weak- ness as to be unfit for duty. Six officers on each side were chosen to settle the terms of surrender. Col. Bright f, the principal of Lambert's ccm- * Paulden's Letter, f The family of Bright, which settled at Badsworth, near this place, sprang from Thomas Bright, who married daughter of and had issue, Stephen and John. John was M. A. and vicar of Sheffield, 1636, (married Joanna, daughter of Mr.. Smales, of Whaley, in Derbyshire,) he had issue, Ste- phen who. died beyond the sea. John,; Bright, Esq. one of the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 293 missioners, informed them, " that he had autho- rity to engage, that none of those gentlemen, named to treat for the capitulation, were of the lords of the manor ot* Leeds, married Eleanor, daughter of Mr. Wm. Bagnall at Buryhi.ll, in Staffordshire, widow of Mr. John Medea! f, of Leeds, merchant, but died sans issue. Ruth, who married Thomas Dixon, Esq. James, third son. and Eliza- beth, who married Mr. Parker, of Derbyshire. Stephen Bright, of Carbrook, Esq. the son and heir of Thomas, married two wives, first Joanna or Sarah, daughter of Mr. George Westby, and widow of Mr. Smaies, by her he had issue, Sir John, and Thomas and Stephen, who both died young. Mary (who married William Jessop, of Broomhalf, Esq.) and Ruth (who married Edward Gill, of Carhouse, Esq ) Hi^ second wife, Barbara, was daughter of Mr. Ralph Hitfield, of Laughtou-en-le-Mothem, by her he had issue, Hannah, who died unmarried, and Martha (who mar- ried William Lister, of Thornton, Esq.) This Stephen died 6th June, 164-2, aged sixty, and was buried at Sheffield. His patent from Sir John Borough, Garter for his arms, is dated 17. Car. I. His second wife survived, and married Thomas Westby, of Gilthwait, Esq. Sir John Bright, of Badsworth, Bart, son and heir of Ste- phen, married tour wives, first Caiharine, daughter of Sir Richard Hawksworth, of Hawksworth, Knight, by her he had issue, three children, one son who died young, John, and Catha- rine (who married Sir Henry Lyddall, of Ravensworth Castle, Bart, and had issue, Thomas Lyddall, John, who took the sur- name o" Bright, Henry, George, Michael, and Elizabeth. His second Lady, was Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas NorclifFe, of Laughton, Knight, by her he had issue, Dorothy, who died young. His third wire, Frances, was daughter of Thomas Lyddall, Bart, father of the above' Sir Henry Lyddall, and widow of Thomas Vane, of Raby Castle, Esq. His fourth wife, was Susanna, daughter of Michael Wharton, of Beverley, Esq. S. P. Whose first lady was widow of Sir William Lister, of Thornton. This Sir John was created a baronet 1 6th July, 1660, was sheriff oi York, 1656, and 1657. He died 1 3th Sept. 1688, and was buried at Badsworth, where he has a fine monument. He was baptized at Sheffield, 14-th Oct. 16 IP. He in his last will left his name and estate to John, his grandson, second son of Sir Henry Lyddall above mentioned. He was a colonel 294 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. number of excepted persons." Some of them then said, perhaps the governor was one? Col, Bright evaded giving a direct answer, and said, under Oliver Cromwell, and sheriff of York, 1650 and 1751, after Oliver's death he promoted the restoration. John Bright, Esq. of Badsworth, eldest son of Sir John, married Lady Lucy Montague, daughter of Edward Earl of Manchester, but died without issue. John Bright, Esq. of Badsworth, grandson and heir of Sir John, married < daughter of — Clutterback, of London, had issue, John Bright, Esq. of Badsworth, who married Marga- ret, daughter of William Norton, of Sawley Park, Esq. had issue his daughter and heir who married, Feb. 1752, Charles Watson Wentworth, of Wentworth Wood- house, Marquis of Rockingham, a worthy young nobleman, by which marriage the Bright's estate, of Badsworth, went into the Wentworth family, and is now the property of Earl Fitzwilliam. This John died the 13th Oct. 1735, and his widow mar- ried, August 1748, Sir John Ramsden, of Byrome, Bart. She was heir to the Lowther's estate, at Ackworth Park. The following account of the funeral of Colonel Sir John Bright, from the above Thomas Dixon's common place book, (an Alderman of Leeds,) is curious. " Sir John Bright, of Badsworth, Bart, having languished a year and a half, of the stone, died on Thursday, the 13th Sep. 1688, soon after, about noon, Mr. Chambers^ of Ripon, took two stones out of his bladder, which weighed near four ounces; he was buried on Friday, the 21st, following, aged near seventy. He married lour wives, and yet left but one daughter, married to Henry Lyddal, Esq. eldest son of Sir Thomas Lyddal, Bishoprick, Bart., who had six children living at his death, the second of which, John Lyddal, he made his heir, but he is to change his name from John Lyddal to Bright; he was chief mourner at the funeral. — The twelve knights, baronets, and gentlemen that bare up the pall had mourning hatbands, shammy gloves, black scarfs and rings, the rest of the gentlemen had cordivant gloves, black scarfs and rings; and many others had scarfs and gloves, and all the others had gloves. The ladies and gentlemen, had rings and two pair of gloves, and those that had not rings had HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 29 S iZ that the major general did not so much look upon the governor as some others who had de- livered up the castle to them." On this they parted, without concluding any thing. Having returned to the castle, the commis- sioners for the garrison acquainted Morrice with all that had passed. Some told him that Col. Bright had engaged, that he should not be one of the excepted persons. On referring to Captain Thomas Paulden, who was one of the commis- sioners, he told him, that it was his opinion he would be excepted ; and repeating the expres- sions of Col. Bright, observed, that his opinion was grounded on the circumstance, that the gloves . There was biscuit cakes, cold meat, and wine of all sorts. He lay in state in a dark room, with twelve wax candles burning, the room hanged with black cloth and escut- cheons round it, and six mourners stood by the corps, and his arms, in mourning, was set on the outside, on the top of the hall. Sir John Kaye was executor, and he and his family was in mourning as well as his own family. Mr. Hunter preached for him, Matt. x. 28, the pulpit and round the church, and three pews, were hung in mourning; the minister gave him a great character, for indeed he had ma- naged his domestic affairs for fifty years with great prudence, by which he had augmented his estate. He was born to one thousand a year besides money, he had thirteen or fourteen thousand pounds by his wives. He was two years toge- ther high sheriff, when no liberties were allowed. He had a colonels pay in die army several years, was governor of Shef- field Castle and justice of the peace. He left a legacy of forty pounds to my wife, thirty pounds to my son Bright Dixon, and ten pounds to my daughter Ruth, which was paid a fortnight after the burial. If my brother Bright had outlived him it had certainly been much better for my wife and children than it was, for Sir John lo!d me that the an- cient estate was settled in our family, but my brother Bright dying before him, h ; s daughter Lyddal had that given her by her father's will, which should have come to my brother, and then to my wile and children, but God's will be done." 296 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. colonel had not engaged that the governor should not be one, as he had, respecting those gentle- men who were employed to treat. Another of the commissioners replied, that Lieut. Crooke had assured him, that the governor was not one of the excepted persons. On this, Col. Morrice said, fC that, if he should be one of the excepted persons, he would take his chance-— that he could not endure the thought, that so many brave gentlemen should perish for his sake," He then ordered the commissioners to return, and conclude the treaty. Capt. Paulden requested that some other per- son might be sent in his place, as he had so- lemnly resolved never to consent to deliver up the governor. They therefore departed to meet Lambert's commissioners, and having speedily concluded and signed the articles of capitulation, brought back with them, the names of the six persons, who were excepted from mercy, which were Col. Morrice ; Lieut. Austwick and Cornet Blackburn, two of the persons concerned in the death of Rainsborough '; Major Ashby, Ensign Smith and Serjeant Floyd, the three persons who had been Morrice's confederates in the castle. Ihe troops in the garrison were sensibly af- fected when they heard tile names of those ex- cepted. They sent again the commissioners to Lambert, and requested that he would allow them six days, in which time the unfortunate victims might endeavour to escape, and that it might be lawful for the rest of the garrison to assist them. To this proposal General Lambert consent- ed, " provided the rest would surrender at the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 297 expiration of the time, and engage never again to advise or take up arms against the parlia- ment, " to which the commissioners agreed. On the first day after this agreement, the garrison appeared twice or thrice as if they were resolved to make a sally, but retired every time without charging. On the second day, they made a strong and vigorous sally in a different direction, and drove the enemy from their post with the loss of several men. Although the attempt was made at the time the guards were relieving, and when the number of men was doubled, yet such was the resolution with which the charge was made, that Col, Morrice and Cornet Blackburn, two of the excepted persons, pushed through the troops of the enemy and made their escape*. The other * About a fortnight after the surrender of the castle, Colonel Morrice and Cornet Blackburn were taken in Lan- cashire, as they were inquiring for a ship, with an intention to get abroad. They were put in safe custody, and conveyed to York Castle, where, at the next assizes, it was intended to try them. They made an attempt once more to obtain their liberty, and effect their escape from the hands of their enemies. Col. Morrice had succeeded, by means of a rope, in sliding down the castle wall, but Blackburn, in trying the same method, had the misfortune to fall and break his leg. The generous colonel would not desert his friend, but remained with him till they were both retaken. At the ensuing assizes they were tried for having levied war against the king. Had they been tried by martial law, the conduct of the government might have been justified. As they had been excepted from mercy, when the garrison capi- tulated, if tried on this ground, there would at least have been more appearance of justice in their condemnation and execution. On their trial, they excepted to the jury, and pleaded Q q * '29$ HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT* four were compelled to retreat with their friends to the castle. The garrison now remained still for two whole days ; but early on the night of the 4th day they made another attempt. In this at- tempt they were wholly unsuccessful. They were driven back to the castle, having Ensign Smith, another of the excepted persons, killed. His friends conveyed his body into the castle, and he was interred in the chapel of St. Clement. The three excepted persons who now re- mained, considered it in vain to make any more sallies in. order to escape. Several lives had already been lost in the attempts made; and they contrived a different method in order to secure themselves. The buildings of the castle were large and extensive, and owing to the sieges, some of these had become ruins. Among the ruins, they found a place, where the three ex- cepted persons might be concealed, and from whence they might easily make their escape. Accordingly their friends walled up the place after they had entered, leaving them apertures sufficient for the admission of air, and furnishing them with provisions for a month, in which time, it was not doubted, but they would be able to make their escape. The next morning (24th March, 1648 — 9) the statute of Henry VII. which indemnifies every man, who takes up arms in defence of the king. Their exceptions against the jury were not admitted, nor did Judge Puleston admit their construction ot the above mentioned act. After a tedious trial, they were both found guilty, and sentence of death was passed on them. On the 23d of August, 1649, they were executed at Tyburn, near York, asserting their loyalty, and dying with hope, constancy and resignation. See Slate Trials. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 299 the garrison pretended to rejoice, and sent the governor word, that as their six friends had made their escape, they would surrender the next day. At the hour appointed, the garrison marched out of the castle. Lambert narrowly inspected each individual, not believing that any of the six excepted persons had escaped; but being satisfied, that thev were not anions: those who now surrendered, he treated them with great civility, and punctually performed all his pro- mises; nor did he seem displeased " that the brave soldiers had happily escapecl. ,, Lambert did not pay any attention to the castle, so that the three excepted persons, the night after threw down their inclosure, and securely decamped *. Letters were sent by Lambert to the house, informing them of this event; and also from General Lord Fairfax, containing the articles of capitulation. There was found in the castle pro- visions for two months, and forty barrels of pow- der. The committee at York, also sent letters to the house, desiring that they would order the castle of Pontefract, and some others in the county, to be demolished. On the receipt of these letters, the house immediately ordered and resolved, cc That JS3Q0. per ann. out of the demesnes of Pornfret, be settled on Major General Lambert and his heirs for ever, in respect of his many great and emi- nent services performed, with much care, courage and fidelity, by the said Major General in the northern parts, as well against the Scots' army the last summer, as against the forces of Sir Marmaduke Langdale and others, and in redu- * Austwick and Floyd, lived till after the restoration. 300 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. cing the castle of Pontefract, being the last gar- rison in England, that held out against the par- liament; and in respect of his extraordinary charge therein, he not having been allowed any pay as Major General. Ordered that this vote be sent with a letter of thanks and respect, from the house, and that Mr Chaloner prepare it." It was also ordered, that the castle should be dismantled and rendered wholly untenable for the future. In compliance with this order, Lambert soon rendered this stately and princely fortress, which had long been considered the honour of Pontefract, a heap of ruins. The build- ings were unroofed, and all the valuable mate- rials sold. A true account of the value of all the materials, belonging the Castle of Pontefract, sold: And of the money received and debts owing, also the charge of demolishing the same, the 5th of April, 1649*. £. S. D. IMPRIMIS, an agreement made" with John Harrison, for demo- lishing the Round Tower, for which paid him An agreement made the same" time with Thomas Lake and others, for the pulling down the Barbacan Wall, for which paid Paid Thomas Thurstan for level-' ling the Earthen Mount, called Nevili's Mount, and the Barbacan }- 10 Wall, from the Great-stable to the Low Drawbridge, * Gent published the following account, from papers in the possession of the Fairfaxes, of Denton. 80 10 20 5 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 301 «£. S. D. Paid Jasper Ellis, by an order "^ from the committee of the 27th of | April, for monies laid out about \ , removing ihe ammunition from Pontefract Castle to York, and for • carrying it up in Clifford Tower, J .£114 19 Lancelot Lamb and others, for' taking down the timber from the Round-Tower, Queens-Tower and y 35 Kings-Tower, and other buildings about the same, Paid John Harrison and others, "\ for demolishing the two skreens/ from the Gate-house to the Round V 34 Tower, and thence to the Treasurer I Tower, j Paid Thomas Tayler and others, for the timber taking down from the Chapel, Constable Tower, and all )- 35 2 6 the rest of the buildings to the Gate House, Paid Tatersall and others, for' taking down the timber from off^ 2 the two Gate Houses, Paid Tattersall, John Smith and others, for taking down the timber of the Treasurer's Tower, Gascoygne)- 34 5 Tower, the Great Kitchen, and so to the Great Hall, Paid them more for the Great ^ Hall timber, and the Gate House > 12 5 taking down, ) £ i 5% 1 2 6 Paid Simon Procter, for demo-' lishing the King and Queen's Tower * and ail the buildings betwixt the > same, the sum of 302 HISTORY OF PONTEFHACT, Paid Thomas Lake and other s,"\ for demolishing the two Out Gate f Houses and the Skreen, by thef Constable Tower, ) Paid Edward Wilson, for de-1 molishing the Constable Tower, and all the other buildings from the King's Tower to the Gate House, as also the Treasurer Tower, Gas- coign e Tower, the Great Kitchen, and all the other buildings from the Skreen unto the Great Hall, the sum of Paid Edward Handson, for pul-*\ ling down the Skreen between the f upper Gate House, and the Round t Tower; also for the Guard House, J Paid James Jolly, for pulling oft the iron from off the three Gates two Drawbridges, and the timber the low Drawbridges taking up Paid for filling up the Graff at the low Drawbridge, and pulling down part of the Skreen close by the Constable Tower. S. D. 15 6 8 V 201 use, J goftS ;, thef er oft ! 1 10 2 16 1 7 4 £3°26 5 6 Paid three labourers for remov- ing timber out of the fall of a Tower, Paid for taking down the timber") from Swillington Tower, j Paid John Oxley and Tho. Lee, ) for melting of lead into pigs, | Paid for filling up the Graff at the upper Drawbridge, and the Chapel Walls pulling down, Paid Simon Procter, for felling ) down Swillington Tower, ) 1 3 1 13 4 4 10 4 10 8 10 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. ;o3 Paid Simon Procter more, in re--x gard we did conceive that he had af losing bargain upon former workf done by him, -* Monies expended upon severaP messengers sending abroad into se- veral parts of the country, to seek out experienced workmen, for the speedy demolishing of the castle: and also for monies expended at several contracts making: as also monies given to workmen for their encouragement at the falls of se- veral towers, with other incident charges, S. D. 4 ► SO Paid for baring of timber from) under the fall of Constable Tower, ) Paid for two paper books, and to the justice's clerks for drawing the orders betwixt the committee and the trustees, Given to a maimed workman that was to return to his own home at Malton, towards his charges, Given to Lancelot Lamb, for his care and good services in the work, Paid seven soldiers, by order from Captain Ward, for work clone by them, Paid for 5 stone and 5 lb. of iron, for making crows for pulling off lead, Paid Francis Bradley, for crows) making and shovels shoeing, J» } } } «£42 17 4 2 14 10 5 10 7 14 S 4 4 304 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Paid several labourers for work'l done, as appears by a note in Mr. > Long's hands, J Paid John Smith, for work done | by him, j Paid six carpenters for loading timber that was secured from burn- ing by the soldiers, and surveying the rest of the timber, £. S. D. 3 11 5 2 10 Paid George Rennard, for tak-) ing crooks out of the walls, f Paid Lake and Hanson for de- molishing the Great Hall, and the Inner Gate House, Paid John Oxley and his three men for several days work, for tak- ing the lead of the castle down, Paid for lime and workmanship, for the two drawbridges walling up of either side, Paid Richard Lyle, for the loan of his beam and weights for weigh- ing of lead, Paid for cools to several guards) to secure the timber from burning, j Paid several draughts for leading timber out of the castle garth, to secure it from the soldiers, Paid labourers for several bul- warks pulling down, about and near the castle, Paid two counsellors their fees^ for advice how to proceed in suit, and in whose names, for materials sold and not paid for, £16 6 1 } } $ ! } lo 37 6 8 1 lo o o 18 2 8 \2 o £$o 4 8 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 305 Paid by Mr. Robert Moore, to several workmen and labourers, as appears by his note of par- ticulars, as followeth : £. S. D. For the first week, - 1 3 10 For the second week, "- 5 15 6 For the third week, - 6 19 9 For the fourth week, -- - - 14146 For the fifth week, - - - - 9 l6 10 For the sixth week, - - - - 6 2 For the seventh week, - - - - 4174 For the eighth week, - - - - 17160 For the ninth week, - 4 2 For the tenth week, - - - - 3 15 4 £W \9 5 Lead taken off Pontefract Castle, and sold as followeth : Sold to the church-wardens of Barnsley, 20 cwt. at £. S. D. 10 2 6 10 2 6 } Sold unto Mr. Richard Wilcock,) 20 cwt. at j Sold unto Mr. Samuel Childe, oH Leeds, forty fother of Lead, at 1 1 /. > 4o0 5s. comes to ) Sold him more, 9 fother 12 cwt.) ,~„ , Q q 241b. at the same price, comes to J He rests indebted for M'ood, for) 9 in o smelting of lead, j Sold unto Mr. Winter, of Hull,) ,* n x 4 fother of lead, at j 4 ° Sold unto Mr. John Skurr, one) web of lead, 21 stone, l21b. at ] Sold unto Mr. Edw. Rhodes, 84) fother of lead, 1 4 cwt. 2 qrs. 5 lb. at ] 1 10 940 £ 1567 4 9 r r * } 306 HISTORY O? PONTEFRACT. Sold unto Grace Briggs, three) webs of lead, &c. 9 cwt. 13 lb. at ) Sold unto Sir Tho. Wentworth,) one fother of lead, I Sold unto Lieut. Ward, 11 stone) 5 lb. at j Sold unto Bryan Fosteard, 30 stone of lead, Sold unto Lord Savile, 20 cwt. ) of lead, at ) Sold unto Mr. John Savile, of) Methley, 3 fother i31b. J Sold unto a porter, 18 stone 1 3 lb. at J Sold unto Francis Bradley, Sil stone of lead, at is. 6d. &c. J Sold unto Mr, Robert Moor,1 11 cwt. 1 qr. l71b. at lis. 5d. &c. J Sold unto Mr. John Clayton,! 18 stone 4 lb. at J Sold unto Edw. Field, 43 stone 1 10 lb. at J £. Si D. 5 11 5 17 2 5 10 2 6 33 16 l 7 10 l li 6 5 15 6 1 7 2 15 lo <£76 3 2 The total of all the lead sold,! amounts to the sum of ^1640: 16: 11. > l54o 7 2 whereof received in money, J Monies owing for lead, to balance the accounts above written, as follows : Sir Edward Rhodes, debtor fori . lead, J Mr. Samuel Childe, of Leeds, 1 57 rests indebted for lead, J Further, Mr. Childe rests in-i debted for wood, for smelting his K 2 10 o lead, J 06*100 1) 9 HISTORY OF PO^TEFRACT. 307 £. S. D. The total of all the iron belongA ing to the castle, is 79 cwt. 3 qrs. f 27 lb. sold at 10s. per cwt. amounts V 37 2 4 to the sum of 40/. whereof received l in money, ) Monies owing for iron to ba-^ lance the account as abovesaid. Col. Overton, by an order from the Lord General, for the public service \ 2 17 8 for the drawbridges for Hull, had iron teams delivered him to the va- lue of in money. May the 7th, 1649. Money received for timber as follows : Col. Thomas Rookeby, Mr. Birkebecke, - William Nicholson, William Jennings, Mr. Leonard Ward, .Robert Howson, - Thomas Thwaytes, Richard Smith, - William Farrowe, Grace Brigge, - Philip Austwicke, William Hill, Thomas Tayler, Edward Fielde, - .Richard Lyle, - Robert Sutton, - William Brame, Francis Bradley, Zechariah Stable, 7 1 3 2 1 1 6 8 23 1 1 4 Q 6 5 8 1 2 18 4 10 22 8 2 11 3 10 12 1 10 4 6 8 <£102 12 10 308 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. John Potter, - - * Thomas Jackson and Robert Farrowe, William Wright, Thomas Jackson, - - Charles Tootle, - - John Killingbecke, - Richard Turner, - Thomas Boswell, - - - Peter C nth wait, - John Watt son, - Francis Lee, - - - . - Robert Bawlderton, - William Ward, - Mary Rothwell, Thomas Fielde, - For timber for the church, Timber for the windmill, Mr. John Skurr, John Wildman, For the remainder of the timber! in Brame Garth, J X S. D. 10 6 15 4 6 8 i 10 10 18 2 13 9 10 2 , 12 5 12 9 13 4 20 2 3 2 8 5 £9S 15 Monies received for glass, - - i o o Debts owing for timber, as follows: William Farrowe, Col. Overton, by an order from the Lord General, for the publi service of Hull for timber, George Wrigley by assignment! from John Potter, J Thomas Farrowe, iicf l 3 4 8 6 o 300 300 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Thomas Farrowe and Thomas 1 Jackson jointly together, J Thomas Jackson, - Richard Cattle, - John Hodgshon, - John Box, - Thomas Eaden, - Thomas Boswell, John Ambler, - - - Mr. John Lambe, Bryan Fosteard, - Richard Fosteard, - • j Monies received for lead, Monies received for timber, Monies received for iron, ■ Monies received for glass, The charge for demolishing, Monies allotted unto the town, - The rest due to the common wealth, 309 A S. D. 3 5 o 4 l 6 l 17 2 ■8 8 2 10 o l 10 2 3 6 8 2 16 1 10 1 10 £^ 4 2 £. S. D. 1540 7 2 201 7 10 37 2 4 1 £1119 17 4 £. S. D. in 4 6 100O 2 12 10 £\119 17 4 Debts owing for materials, which are due unto the common wealth: For lead, - For timber, For iron, - £. S. D. 100 9 9 42 4 2 o 17 8 <£l45 11 7 310 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The preceding account of the expences of its demolition, and the monies raised by the sale of the materials, will furnish the best idea of the strength, and grandeur of this fortress. Thus fell the castle of Pontefract, which, had successively been the strong hold of the brave and warlike Saxons ; the residence of a proud and imperious Norman conqueror ; the turretted seat of the high aspiring Dukes of Lancaster; the palace of princes and of kings; at some periods, a nest of treachery and re- bellion, and at others the last hope of van- quished royalty. Here the Lacies, attended by their knights, esquires and vassals, lived in splendor and dignity, scarcely inferior to the king upon the throne; and enjoyed the abso- lute property of all the land included within the honour of Pontefract; an extent of territory equal to many of our modern counties. Of the Lacies, every person within the honour held his land, subject to such conditions as they were pleased to grant. They enjoyed the same rights, and exercised as absolute an authority within their demesne, as the king did within his ; and they claimed the same obedience, subjection and privileges. When this castle and its de- pendent territory passed into the house of Lan- caster, impelled by ambition, or urged by the more generous motive of redressing the grie- vances of an oppressed country, the dukes often called forth their vassals, put on their armour, unsheathed the sword, and bid defiance to kings. In these unhappy times what lives were destroyed, -and doubtless the appartments of this castle, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 3li have often been stained with the blood of many an innocent victim. When the wars of the barons, and the contests of the houses of York and Lancaster were happily terminated, then commenced religious animosities; which led to the destructive civil war, in which the castle of Pontefract holds a distinguished place. Before its massy walls three or four thousand men must have fallen. It is now in ruins, a memento of fallen grandeur ; and may it ever remain as a mere ornament of antiquity. The lover of antiquity may lament when he views such stupendous works nearly levelled to the ground, but the friend of rational freedom will re* joice when he reflects on the design for which such fortresses were erected, and on the many calami- ties to which they have given occasion. It is pro- per for a nation to have its frontiers guarded, and to have fortresses to resist the attempts of an hostile and ambitious neighbour. But when such fortresses are erected in the interior of a king- dom, it must be with the design to deprive a people of their liberties, or to keep in subjec- tion and slavery a people already vanquished. Hence castles in the bosom of a country clearly indicate, either that the people are about to lose, or have already lost their freedom. These places have sometimes become equally dangerous to the government as to the people. The disaffected have availed themselves of their strength to raise the standard of rebellion, dis- turb the public tranquillity, and plunge a na- tion into confusion and war. Sometimes an in- vading enemy, by the treachery of their go- vernors, has been admitted into them, or by a 312 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, sudden attack has surprised arid gained possession^ and thereby been enabled more effectually to resist the most vigorous efforts of a nation. Secured by the strength of such a bulwark, an enemy which would soon have been subdued in the field, has- repelled repeated attacks, and at last only yielded to famine. We may therefore consider it as one good resulting from the civil war, that the many castles and fortresses in the interior of this country, the remains of the Nor- man conquest and feudal oppressions, were re- duced, dismantled and destroyed. A nation, in the possession of equal rights and liberties, governed by law, not by force; in which the poor man's ewe lamb is equally- protected and secure, with the rich man's wealth; where the same punishments attach to the same crimes, whatever be the rank of those who commit them; and where justice is equally and impartially administered; in such a nation there is no need of castles to keep the people in obedience. Obedience to the law becomes the interest of all orders; and •« when it is the gene- ral interest, it cannot fail to be the general practice. Such is the happy state of English- men ; and such may it for ever be, is the prayer of one, who considers the era since the revo- lution and the accession of the house of Bruns- wick, as the most glorious and distinguished period of freedom and prosperity recorded in the annals of Britain, or in those of any other nation. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 313 The following poems, the one written by Dr. Drake, in his younger years; the other by the celebrated Dr. Langhorn, on the various events which have been detailed in the forego- ing pages, are deemed too interesting to be omitted. OX POMFRET CASTLE. O Pomfret! Pomfret ! O thou bloody prison ! Fatal and ominous to noble Peers. Within the guilty closure of thy walls, Richard the Second here was hack'd to death; And for more slander to thy dismal seat We give to thee our guiltless blood to dri?ik. Shakespere's Rich. III. " Look round this vast, and venerable place, Whose ruin'd pile still shines with awful grace, Yet nobly great, 'midst all its faded charms : See the wide waste of all-consuming age, The wreck of ruthless wars, and hostile rage, And all the dire effects of more than civil wars/' " View savage time with cankering tooth devour The solid fabric of yon mouldering tow'r, Which now in undistinguished chaos lies ; Where erst the noble Lacey's Norman line Plann'd the w r ide w-ork, and form'd the vast design, And bid with gothic grace, the stately structure rise." " When lo ! on high the vaulted domes suspend, On lofty columns the wide arches bend, And massive walls the vast domain inclose; In vain the hostile warriors nervous art With missive fire directs the barbed dart, Or with enormous strength the ponderous jav'lin throws." " For many an age the Lacey's noble race, =• With arms, and arts, adorn'd the splendid place, As heroes triumph'd, or as patriots shone; Till with the great Plantagenet's fair bride, In nuptial dower these ancient honors glide, The seat of future kings that grae'd the British throne." s s 314' HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. " On yonder hill, as early annals tell The holy hero, and the martyr fell, Which still great Lancaster thy mem'ry bears. There 'midst the saints enroll'd with rites divine, The pious pilgrim sought the sacred shrine, And bath'd thy hallow'd tomb, with sympathizing tears. " With holy zeal, and blameless morals arm'd, With all the pow'r of conscious virtue warm'd, 'Midst deaths sad scenes, the pious patriot smiles; By thee proud Mortimer the hoary sage Bleeds the sad victim ot thy brutal rage Lost by thy lawless love, and all a woman's wiles." " Look there, where erst, yon mould'ring turret stood, Whose moss grown stones are ting'd with royal blood; 'Midst civil broils the hapless Richard bled, There cruel Exton's vile assassin dart, With bloody treason pierc'd the monarch's heart, And flx'd thetott'ring crown on haughty Henry's head.' " Here vaunting Bolingbroke, thy feeble foe, Felt in each whispering breeze the fatal blow, Or heard death's herald in each guilty stone — Short is the date of captive monarch's doom J Twixt the dark prison, and the yawning tomb For bold ambition bears no rival to the throne." " See yonder tow'r still blush with crimson stains That flow'd in plenteous store from noble veins, Where Vaughan, and Grey, by Gloster's arts expir'd ; Where Rivers fell, who with his latest breath These mournful mansions dignified in death, With love of letters warm'd, and dawning science fired.' " 'Midst the wide flames, that civil discord spread, When by base arts the royal martyr bled, Still loyal Pomfret spurn'd the tyrants hate, Last in these northern climes that scorn'd to pay A servile homage to his lawless sway, And in inglorious ease survive the monarch's fate." " Long haughty Lambert did thy vet'ran povv'rs With iron tempest shake these solid towVs, And round the walls the missive murder send; In vain brave Morrice did thy martial train With loyal arms the hostile shocks sustain, And 'gainst rebellious sons these loyal domes defend." HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 313 m Hark ! the loud engines tear the trembling walls And from its base the massive fabric falls, And all at once these ancient honors fade, These lofty towers, and all these royal spoils Sink into silence, 'midst intestine broils In prostrate ruins lost, and dark oblivion laid." Francis Drake, S. T. P. Lecturer of Pom fret, 1750. WRITTEN AMOiVC THE RUINS OF PONTEFRACT CASTLE, BY DR. LANGHORN, 1756. Right sung the bard, that all-involving age, With hand impartial deals the ruthless blow ; That war, wide-wasting, with impetuous rage, Lays the tall spire, and sky crown 'd turret low, A pile stupendous, once of fair renown, This mould'ring mass of shapeless ruin rose, Where nodding heights of fractured columns frown, And birds obscene in ivy-bow'rs repose: Oft the pale matron from the threat'ning wall, Suspicious, bids her heedless children fly ; Oft, as he views the meditated fall, Full swiftly steps the frighted peasant by. But more respectful views th' historic sage, Musing, these awful relics of decay, That once a refuge formed from hostile rage, In Henry's and in Edward's dubious day. He pensive oft reviews the mighty dead, That erst have trod this desolated ground; Reflects how here unhappy Sal'sbury bled, When faction aim'd the death-dispensing wound. Rest, gentle Rivers ! and ill-fated Gray ! A flow'r or tear oft strews your humble grave, Whom Envy slew, to pave Ambition's way, And whom a monarch wept in vain to save. Ah ! what avail'd th' alliance of a throne ? The pomp of titles what, or pow'r rever'd } Happier ! to these the humble life unknown, With virtue honour'd, and by peace endear'd. 316 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Had thus the sons of bleeding Britain thought, When hapless here inglorious Richard lay, Yet many a prince, whose blood full dearfy bought The shameful triumph of the long-sought day ; Yet many a hero, whose defeated hand In death resign'd the well -contested field, Had in his orT?piing sav'd a sinking land, The Tyrant's terror, and the Nation's shield, 111 could the muse indignant grief forbear, Should Mem'ry trace her bleeding Country's woes ; 111 could she count, without a bursting tear, Th' inglorious triumphs of the vary'd Rose ! While York, with conquest and revenge elate, Insulting, triumphs on St. Alban's plain, Who views, nor pities Henry's hapless fate, Himself a capuve, and his leaders slain ? Ah prince 1 unequal to the toils of war, To stem ambition, Faction's rage to quell ; Happier 1 from these had Fortune plac'd thee far, In some lone convent, or some peaceful cell. For what avail'd that thy victorious queen Repair'd the ruins of that dreadful day ? That vanquish'd York, on Wakefield's purple green, Prostrate amidst the common slaughter lay ? In vain fair Vict'ry beam'd the gladd'ni»g eye, And, waving oft her golden pinions, smil'd ; Full soon the flatt'ring goddess meant to fly, Full rightly deem'd unsteady Fortune's child. ilet Towton's field — But cease the dismal tale : For much its horrors would the Muse appal, In softer strains suffice it to bewail The Patriot's exile, or the Hero's fall. Thus silver Wharf*, whose crystal sparkling urn Reflects the brilliance of his blooming shore, Still, melancholy-mazing, seems to mourn, But rolls, confus'd, a crimson wave no more. * Dr. Langhorn is evidently incorrect, in referring to the Wharf. The battle was fought at too great a distance from that river, lor it to be tinged with the blood of the slain, It was a small river called the Cock, which was near the scene of action. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 317 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE OF THE Ground Plan of the Siege, CASTLE, 8cc. 1 Round Tower. 2 Red Tower. 3 Treasurer's or Pix Tower. 4 Swillinsrton Tower. 5 Queen's Tower. 6 King's Tower. 7 Constable's Tower. 8 East Gate House. 9 South Gate. 10 Main Guard. 11 Barbican. 12 Ail Saints' Church. 13 St Nicholas' Hospital. BESIEGERS WORKS. 14 Major General Lambert's Fort Royal, 15 Horse Guard. 16 Horn Work, 17 Pinfold Guard. 18 Main Guard. 19 School House Guard. 20 Fairfax's Royal Horn Work. 21 North Horn Work. 22 Colonel Bright's Fort. 23 Lieutenant General Cromwell's Fort. 24 Colonel Dean's Fort. 25 Tanalian Guard. 26 East Guard. 27 Baghill Guard, PART II. CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE PRIORY, RELIGIOUS-HOUSES, CHURCHES, HOSPITALS, CHARITIES, &c. THE PRIORY OF ST. JOHN. IN taking a survey of the most remarkable places which are, or have been, within this borough, the priory of St. John, deserves our first attention. Although nothing remains to give a complete idea of the extent or beauty of this structure, we may justly conclude from the liberality of its founder, the donations con- ferred upon it, and its general reputation, that it was a place of considerable extent and im- portance. The plot of ground, now called Monkhill, and which continues extra-parochial, clearly ascertains the grange and the homestead of the priory. If it did not equal the abbies, in the Gothic magnificence of its church, and in the number and grandeur of its separate apartments and offices, there can be little doubt but it was built on a similar plan. The fol- 320 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. lowing description of such houses may lead the reader to form a tolerably correct idea of what this priory once was, The first appendage of these houses was the clausum or close, varying in dimensions, accord- ing to the dignity of the house, surrounded by a- high wall, entered by one or two magnifi- cent gateways; and that such a wall once sur- rounded the ground above mentioned, called Monkhill, there can be no doubt. Beyond the inclosure the monks were not permitted to walk or ride, but on the necessary business of the house. Within the close were included all the ap- pendages of a large domain, occupied by the owners, as a grange, or farm house, barns, stables, mill, &c. The reason of this is obvious, and was for the protection of their property. . Next was the house itself, situated generally in the lowest and warmest part of the inclosure, consisting usually of a large quadrangular court, into which the various offices and apartments opened; and to all these a warm and sheltered access in every season was provided, by means of a penthouse cloister surrounding the whole. The north side ot this quadrangle was formed by the nave of the church, and was intended by its height and bulk to afford shelter from the north, as well as to admit sunshine into the cells of the monks. Attached to the end of the south transept, and with it forming in part the east side of the quadrangle, was > the vestry, and in the large monasteries, the chapter house. The chapter house was often highly ornamented, and consi- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 321 dered as a part of the church. Here all elec- tions were made, — hence commenced all proces- sions after elections, and here all arts of disci- pline were performed. Opposite to the church, and forming the south bide of the quadrangle, were universally placed, the refectory, or dining room, locutorium, or parlour, kitchen, butteries, sculleries, &c. The western side consisted generally of the dormitory, or bed rooms, on the higher story, often supported by a line of columns beneath, which branching out into groined arches formed a magnificent and gloomy walk. This part was immediately connected with the south-west corner of the church, in order that the monks might pass to their late or early devotions with the least possible exposure to the external air *. Whether this description will altogether apply to this priory it is impossible to determine. On examining the site, in the field called the Grange, the rising ground points out the south side of the quadrangle, and the level area from thence north clearly indicates that the church and different apartments were extensive. The priory was founded by Robert de Lacy, usually called Robert de Pontefract, in the year 1090, during the reign of William II. for the health of the soul of King William the Con- queror, and also for the souls of Ilbert his father, Hawise his mother, and of all his an- cestors and posterity. The abby of Clugny, in France, enjoyed at * Whitaker's Whalley, and Burton's Abby of Fountaines. T t * j22 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. that period an unrivalled fame, for the regularity of the house, and the sanctity of its discipline; The monks were of the order of St. Benedict; but as this order, by the influx of wealth, had considerably relaxed its severity, and conformed too much to the spirit of the world, the rule had been amended and the order reformed by St. Berno, and other abbots of CJugny. The rule of this order was principally founded on silence, solitude, prayer, humility and obedi- ence. The monks were enjoined a total absti- nence from all kinds of flesh-meat. A pound and a half of bread was allowed to each, per day; and wine was wholly prohibited. Seven hours a day were allotted the monks for manual labour, and two for pious reading, besides meditation from matins till break of day. As the wealth of particular houses increased, manual labour was exchanged for sacred studies*. The habit of these monks was a black loose coat, or a gown of stuff reaching down to their heels, with a cowl or hood of the same, and a scapulary. Under the long black gown they wore another equally as large, made of flannel, with boots on their legs. From the colour of their outward garment they were generally called black monks f. The prior and monks were brought here from the abby La Charite sur Loire ; and the priory generally contained more French than English. This convent could not choose the prior, receive the profession of their novices, nor settle any differences which arose among * Tanner's Not. f Butler's Life of St. Benedict, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 323 themselves; but were obliged to go beyond sea, to the abby from which they came, on all such affairs; and a considerable part of their revenue was claimed and sent to their superiors*. In the reign of Edward III. this priory, and all others of the same order, were discharged from all manner of subjection and obedience to any foreign abbyf. In erecting the priory, the monks had to contend with various difficulties. Their friend and patron, .Robert de Lacy, incurred the dis- pleasure of Henry I. and was deprived of all his possessions, and banished the realm. Al- though Hugh Delaval, his successor, renewed the charter granted by Robert, and gave seve- ral churches to the convent, it may be questioned whether he assisted them in that effectual man- ner, which might have been expected from their patron and founder. Little was done after the re- storation of Robert de Lacy to the patrimony of his father, till the time of Henry, his second son. From the period when the first charter was granted, 1090, to the time when the church be- longing the priory was finished, and solemnly dedicated by Archbishop Rogers, 1159, had elapsed sixty nine years. Considering the pro r perty conferred on this house, and the facilities the monks generally enjoyed to accomplish their designs; and from their industry and perseverance, we may form some conjecture of the ancient grandeur of this priory. * The house of Clugny had a pension out of every house of that order in England, called apportus ; and Cotton Smith says, that the abbot of Clugny received not less than two thou- sand pounds annually. f Reyner's App. p. 192. 324 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, It is impossible to give any account of the number of which this convent consisted \ of the domestic servants, the internal economy of the house, &c. as no compotus has been preserved. From comparing its revenues with those of other houses, a full detail of whose expences has been given, it may be conjectured, that it contained an establishment of more than two hundred persons *. One part of the annual expences of these houses consisted in presents made to the great, whose favour they wished to conciliate. What- ever was delicious to the taste or fashion- able in dress, they purchased for this purpose. Another part consisted in their hospitality and charity. As such houses were furnished with provisions of all kinds from the produce of their lands, herds and flocks, it was as usual then for gentlemen and travellers to go to such houses as it is now for them to go to an inn. Here also the poor, the sick, the aged and infirm resorted, and their wants were regularly sup- plied. Adam Fitz Swain, who was a considerable benefactor to the - priory, founded Lund, or Monk-Bretton, dedicated to Mary Magdalene, as a dependent cell to it; and endowed it with all his lands there, the mills of Derne and Lund, and whatever he possessed between Derne and Meresbruck, (now Masbroughj ; in Brampton, the churches of Newhall (now New- hill), Raynberg and Lyntwayte. Also he gave the chapel of St. Andrew, near Culcoit, (in * Whitaker, on Bolton Priory. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 325 Cumberland) ; and appointed Adam, Prior of Pontefract, to be Custos thereof, after whose decease, the prior and monks of Pontefract were to appoint other fit ''persons to the government, who should pay yearly one mark of silver to the said priory, for an acknowledgment of its subjection. By the liberality of several individuals the revenues of this cell were increased; and the brethren soon be^an to find the voke of sub- jection galling, and to aspire after complete in- dependence. On the demise of their superior, a dispute arose between them and the convent of Pontefract. Whether the convent of Pontefract appointed a person to be their governor, whom they disapproved of; or whether they chose another in opposition, does not appear. The brethren of Bretton sent some of their number to the abbies of Clugny and La Charite, to state their grievances; and applied to the Pope also for redress. Their interest in these abbies was not equal to that of the convent of Pontefract, as the persons sent were detained there as prisoners. It should seem they had better success at Eome, as a bull was obtained rather in favour of their cause. After having incurred immense expence, the business was finally put to reference by the mutual consent of both parties; and a judgment may be formed o^ the importance attached to this cause from the rank and dignity of the persons chosen to settle it. Their decision was, that the monks of Bretton should pay annually nine marks to the priory of Pontefract; and twenty shillings as an acknowledgment of their 326 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. subjection ; and that the convent of Brett on should hereafter enjoy the right of choosing their own superior, who was to be installed by the prior of Pontefract, within three days after his election. It was also agreed that those bre- thren detained in the abbies of La Charite and Clugny should be liberated, and that the bre- thren should hereafter enjoy the whole internai management of their own house *. According to the above decision the convent of Bretton assigned over to the priory of Pon- tefract, for the payment of the nine marks, a mediety of the tithe of corn, and the whole tithe of hay in the village of Nottona. Also five acres of meadow in Smyethall, and a rent- charge of five shillings in Pontefract; After this time.no event of general impor- tance occurred respecting the priory. It con- tinued to flourish till that period, when the re- vival of literature and the spirit of free inquiry effected, in a considerable part of. Europe, one of the most surprising, and happy revolutions in the public mind. The priory was surren- dered by James Twaytes, the prior, and the convent, into the hands of the king, on the 24th of November, in the thirty-first of Henry VIII. It appears by returns into the Court of Augmentation, that the king gave the prior the deanry of St. Clements, in the castle, with all its possessions, rights, tithes and emoluments, during the term of his natural life; and the * S. C. Monast. N. B. For a more particular ac- count of Lund, or. Monk Bretton, see Burton's Monasticon. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 321 site of the priory, with all the houses, buildings, gardens, orchards, and the demesne lands to the same belonging, was let on a lease to Peter Mewtas, Esq. at the annual rent of twenty- three pounds seventeen shillings and eightpence*. The same gentleman held on lease the lands and tenements, in the town of Pontefract, which belonged to the said priory, at the annual rent of six pounds fifteen shillings and five pence; and eighteen acres of arable land in Ferry field, (Ferrybridge Field) at eighteen shillings f per annum. Also Darrington mill, belonging to the deanry, at twenty shillings per annum. Amount of the whole eight pounds thirteen shillings and fivepence. Also for one messuage at Swineflete forty shillings per annum; and for the whole of the rectory of Pontefract, the sum of thirty two pounds fourteen shillings. Also for four acres and two roods of land, in Carlton, twelvepence. Also for the rents and farms of divers lands in Knott ingley, the sum of one pound eighteen shillings and sevenpence. The site of the priory, its demesne, tithes * Returns in the Court of Augmentation. f It is amusing to compare the nominal value of property at the beginning of the sixteenth and at the conclusion of the eighteenth century. Land which was then rented at one shil- ling per acre, is now worth from fifty shillings to three pounds. It cannot however from this be concluded that the value of property has risen in this proportion. The value of land de- pends equally on its state of cultivation, as well as en the worth of its produce; and should it therefore be in poor con- dition, it must be of less value. Allowing for this it is pro- bable that the nominal value of land has increased in a pro- portion of twenty to one. 328 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and emoluments, continued to be farmed out on leases to different individuals, till the seventh of Edward the sixth ; when a grant was made of all the propert\ T , belonging to the priory within the township of Pontefract, to George Lord Talbot *. Thus that property, which had been accu- mulating for five centuries, and hitherto had been deemed so sacred, that almost to touch it was considered a crime of such magnitude, as to expose the delinquent to all the thunders of the church and all the miseries of hell, was finally alienated. The following is an imperfect list of the lands, tithes, &c. which belonged to this house; and such lands- as are marked with an asterism, un- der the word Pontefract, are what were conveyed to Lord Talbot, and which have descended from him to the present possessor, Lord Harewood f . * Grant in the Court of Exchequer. f In the grant to Lord Talbot, the New-Hall is not mentioned; and from this circumstance it should appear it was not then erected. The style of this building is decidedly j that which prevailed in the reign of Henry VIII. and near to/ that period. The date on the arms is 1591, but it must have ' been erected prior to that time. There can be little doubt but it was erected by a branch of the Talbot family, and designed as a suitable mansion for their residence. The principal rooms are on a large scale ; and there are suitable offices and conveniences for a considerable establishment. What- ever was the reason, this building was never completely finish- ed within ; nor does it appear that any of the Talbot family resided in it. It was occupied as a farm house, by different tenants, till within a late period. It is said that the last branch of the Talbot family was a lady, who bequeathed the rectory and lands in Pontefract to the late Archbishop Dawes, whose only daughter marrying Edwin, late Lord Harewood, the whole came into that family. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 329 ALTOFTS, one carucate of land here was given to the priory, by W. Folioth, and confirmed by the charter of Robert de Lacy*. BARNSLEY. This town was given by Radolph de Casprecurice, the proprietor, with the woods, meadows, mill, and rights belonging to the same, on condition that the convent should appoint one monk to pray expressly for his mother, another for his sister, and a third for himself after his death. He also reserved to himself the privilege of being admitted a member of the convent, in case he should request it; and according to the spirit of the age he prays, that if any one should attempt to deprive the monks of this property, *' God would blot him out of the book of life." His son confirmed the above grant, for which the convent gave him ten marks of silver, and promised to give annually peiliceam et botas monchi, i. e. the black robe and the boots of the order f. The priory of Monk Bretton had some property here. In the year 1469, Richard de Leeds the prior, and the convent granted leave to those of Pontefract, to make a new-miildam for a corn-mill, in the close called Le Manroid and Pageroid, lying on the south east part of, and adjoining to the bridge, for which the monks of Pontefract were to pay annually a rose, if demanded t. BARNSETE, now called Barnsed, in a high and naked situation, contiguous to the moors of Yorkshire, belonged to this priory ; a circumstance which has given to a neighbouring house the name of Monkrode, upon the same estate. It was held under the priory for two or three generations by the TownIeys§. BEXALE, or Beale, Henry de Lacy granted the fishery here ||. BRACKENHILL. Roger de Lacy gave all his lands here; and Hugh Delaval confirmed the same, specifying the quantity as being fourteen acres. BRETTON. See Lund. BROCTUNE, in the county of Cumberland. Alice de Romeley, daughter of Robert de Romeley, Lord of Skipton in Craven, gave a carucate of land here; and a house in the same town, where the monks might reside occasionally, when they went to receive their rents or the prodiue of the land. She also granted them, or those who held the land under them, all common rights and privileges which the town enjoyed^". * Ch. Mon. f Ibid. JBurton's Mon. 95. § Whit. Whalley. (j Ch. Mon. ^ Ibid. U U * 330 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. BURNLEY. Hugh Delaval gave the church here. CATWYK, or Catwick. By the advice and with the consent of Roger, Archbishop of York, who was a great friend to the monks, Peter de Falkenbe'rg gave the rnedieiy of the church here, on the condition of his obit, and that of his wife, being annually celebrated ; and that himself and his heirs should be admitted to the privileges of the house*. CASTLEFORD. Two mills were given here by Hugh Delaval; which Henry de Lacy confirmed, and gave in ad- dition the benefit of the ferry. W. Folioth gave here one. carucate of land, lying before the castle. COLTHORN, or Cawthorn. See Silkstone. CLITHEROE. The chutch within the castle was given to the priory, as well as the church of St. Mary Magdalene, in the town, by the charter of H. Delaval; with the tithes of all his lands there f. COLNE. The church here with whatever belonged to it, the above Delaval gave to this house. CRAVEN. In the first of Henry II. Alice de Romeley, daughter of Robert de Romeley, Lord of Skiplon in Craven;, gave to these monks free chase in all her lands and woods within her fee, with liberty to hunt and take all manner of wild beasts there. Furthermore, she bestowed on them the tenth of all the deer taken within her own lands and chase in Craven. Also a certain piece of ground in each of her lord- ships, to make a grange for their tithes, with common of pasture for their cattle, together with her own, in all her woods, moors and fields, during the whole time of autumn j. DARDINGTON, or Darrington. Robert de Lacy gave the church with all its privileges; H, Delaval, during his temporary possession of the estates of the Lacies, confirmed the above grant, exempting from the authority of the monks, one carucate of land, and an hospital for the sick and aged. H. de Lacy, by his charter, confirmed the above, with the chapel of Stapleton §. DODWORTH. The founder of the priory, Robert de Lacy, gave the manor and all his land here, reserving to himself only the spernarii of a certain water. The boundaries are accurately * Ch. Mori, f Ibid. + Ducc. Baron. §. Stapleton must have been, at this early period, a considerable village. It is uncertain at what time the chapel was destroyed. The village itself has given place to an elegant seat, late the property and residence of Lord Stouiton, who has sold it to £. L. Hodgson, Esq. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 331 defined. On one hand a certain valley separates it from Thur- goland and Stainburgh ; and on another a stream called Mer- vinbrook, which falls into the same valley. On the third side it is bounded by a place called Wolf-Hole, and by another stream, which runs through Heliley, and falls into the water which comes from Silkstonc ; and lastly along the valley beyond a place called Huggesides, and following the watercourse to- wards Barnsley, then turning along the hill called Ravenslcu, which divides Dodworth from Beck. The above grant was made to supply food for their horses, and those of their friends "*. Two brothers of this place, Richard and William, sons of Uif de Doddewrda, gave to the convent, for the love of God and the salvation of their own sculv, all the men they had on the land, with their houses and chattels for ever. How degraded was the state of these men, who could be transferred like cattle from one proprietor to another ! The love of God ought to have prompted these devotees rather to have given liberty to their villain, than to have transferred them to a convent. Such was then the state of society, and such then the spirit of the age. FAIRBURN. One Ada gave half an oxgang of land here, to supply the monks with bread and wine when they celebrated mass, for the redemption of his own soul, and those of his wife, parents and friends. FEREBY-SOUTH, in the county of Lincoln. Gilbert, the Earl of Lincoln, gave the ferry here, and three and a half oxgangs of land, together with fourteen houses, reserving to himself the annual payment of six pounds. In a contest be- tween him and Henry Lacy, he had injured the monks, and trampled on the sacred rights of the church. Conscious that he had been guilty of a great crime, he made a vow to be- stow the above mentioned property, either to purchase for them a lamp, or to supply them with oil to keep one con- tinually burning. FERRYBRIDGE. Jordan de Sancta Maria gave a mea- dow here. The boundaries are defined, but owing to the di- vision of fields, it is perhaps now nearly impossible to ascer- tain it. One head was above Longlathes, and stretched to • the Aire, Another towards Haliwell, was beyond the stream which comes from Pontefract, between the meadow belonging to the abbey of Fountaines on the north, and Ferrybridge Field * Ch. A. M. 332 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, on the south. Another past joined the meadow belonging th©> hospital of Fulsnaph, and the last a field belonging to Robert de Hiekleton. FRYSTONE. The same Jordan gave the Foredales, or headlands of a meadow here, which joined the stream that di- vides this township from Ferrybridge""-. FOXHOLES. H. Delaval gave six oxgangs of land here. 1 As this is noticed after Dodworth, it is probable it lay there. See Dodworth f. FEATHERSTONE. See Whitwood. INGOLVESMELES. Alice de Gaunt gave one carucate of land here, which had been given to her as her dowry by Ilbert de Lacy, It was confirmed by Roger de Malbrai, her second husbandj. KESWICK, in the county of Cumberland. Simon de Mohaut gave two oxgangs of land here, consisting of twenty acres, together with a toft of one acre in the same town, with all rights and privileges thereto belonging, on condition of enjoying the prayers of the house, and liberty to become a brother when he should demand it §. KELLINGLEY. Henry de Lacy gave this whole village, with all the land from Knottingley on one hand, and Beale on the other, to the piiory. The boundary on the side of Knottingley is said to be a ditch called Post Leiesic ||. KIPPIS. H. Delaval granted the church here, the tithes and whatever belonged the same. Henry de Lacy confirmed this grant *f[. KIRKBY. See Pontefract. KIMBERWORTH, near Rotherham. One John Bouilli gave half an acre and a toft here **. LEDESHAM. One half of this village was given by Robert de Lacy, together with the church, which was con- firmed by the charter of H. de Lacy ff. LEDSTON. Robert de Lacy gave the whole of his land here, which grant was confirmed by H. de Lacy it- LUND, or Monk-Bretton. Lands had been left here to the priory. On some account a contest arose respecting these lands between the priories of Pontefract and Bretton ; and the affair was pat to reference. William Bradford and Robert Chaloner, referees, decided that the convent of Monk-Bretton * Ch. Men. f Ibid. j Ibid. § Ibid. j| Ibid. f Ibid,, f* Ibid. ff Tanner's N f +J Ch.Mou, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 333 should have the lands in question; they paying to Rich. Brown the prior, and the convent of Pontefract, fifty-five marks*. MEER, or Maram. See Whitwood. M1NSTHORP. See Silkstone. NORTON. Jordan Foiioth gave the west mill here, with the land on which it stood, and a toft of one acre, between the mill and a garden near to the road, on the north, with the soke and suit of the said mill, paying to the chaplain of Norton one mark of silver annually, on the feast of St. Dionisiusf. PONTEFRACT. Rohert de Lacy gave the ground on whL-h the priory was erected, and the closes around, which in the charter of Delaval are estimated at seven acres £, ALLrSAINTS' CHURCH was granted by the said Robert. St. MARY's CRURCH, now called St. Giles', in the market-p'ace, was aho granted by H. Delaval. One half of this church had been given by Ilbert de Lacy to the canons of St. Oswald, but Archbishop Thurston granted Delaval per- miss.on to bestow it wholly on this convent. * Arable lands in the Common-Fields, amounting to twenty- one acres, were enjoyed by the monks. * BaghUL One carucale of Iand§ lying here was given to the convent by W. Foiioth, and afterwards confirmed by his son Jordan. * BayUJf-Yard, a small close mentioned among the lands granted to Lord Talbot. * Carter Closes, mentioned in the same grant, and estimated at twenty-four acres. * East-Field, and a part of Darrington field, also men- tioned, estimated at sixty-two acres and a half, * Gallows-Hill Close, of which no estimation is given, * Hudercrft, containing by estimation six acres. * KellingUy, containing by estimation twelve acres. * New-Close, containing six acres. * North-Field, containing sixty-one acres and a half. * Spittle-Close, no estimation given. * Vestry-Close, containing ten acres. * Wattflat and Watfall Closes, containing six acres and a half. * Burton's Mod. p. 93. +M. A. + Cart. § This caruca.e is most probably the closes called in Talbot's grant, Baghill-field, or Burton Fiat and Bene Flat, and Baghill and Flaghill, which are there eitimated at fijiy-four acres. $34 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. * Well-Close, near Milldam, containing one acre and a half. St. NICHOLAS' HOSPITAL. The custody of this, for the uses intended, was given to the priory by its founder, Rob. de Lacy, and confirmed by- Delaval and Henry de Lacy. St*. CLEMENT'S CHURCH, in the castle. Robert de Lacy gave this also to the convent, expressing in the strongest terms that it should not be hereafter given to any other house. WEST- MILL, he also granted for the use of the priory. EAST-MILL was granted by Henry de Lacy*, and aixty shillings annually to be paid by his bailiff, thirty at Easter, and thirty at Michaelmas f . The convent had a turvery in the park. Their right to a road here seems to have been disputed, and to settle which they entered into an agreement with one John Scot, to have a free passage to the said turvery, through the land of the said John Scot, in Hal i well %. Houses and lands in this town, were given through the piety and zeal of several of its inhabitants to the priory. They enjoyed * twenty acres of pasture in the park, which were taken from them about the 10th of Edward IV. but by due course of law, had them restored §. In the fines of Yorkshire, they paid for two houses and thirty-eight acres of land in Pontefract ||. PECKFIELD. The convent enjoyed some land here, as sn agreement was entered into between the convent and Hubertus and Gaufridus, sons of W. de Boelter, concerning the middle part of Peckfield f. QUELDALE, or Weldale. See Witwood. ROTHERHAM. The convent enjoyed some land here, in the reign of Richard II **. " * They are called the East and West Mills in reference to the situa- tion of each other, and not with respect to the town. The East Mill is that usually called Bondgate Mill ; and the West is that under the castle. Robert gave this latter in his first charter, and it was contained within the clausum, and formed the boundry of the south and west angle. -f* Trifling as this sum may now appear, it will be considerable if the comparative value of money be recollected. According to some authors, a shilling then, was worth a pound now. % Vid. A pp. ad Steventii, vol. 2. p. 219. This appeals to warrant the observation, that no coal mines had been opened in this part of the country as late as the fourteenth century, but that "turf and wood were the fuel commonly used. § Vid. Beb. Harleiana. mo. 433. p. 121. In Talbot's grant, the Park Close is estim ted at twenty-two acres. U Tanner's N. *$ See Tanner's N: ** Pat, 13, Trin. Rot. 22d Richard II. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 335 RUGHALA, or Raul. Henry de Lacy granted two ox- gangs of land here. RANGBROOKE. See Silkstone. STAPLETON. See Darrington. SLADEBURN, in Craven. Delaval gave this church, with. the lands and chapels thereto belonging. Henry de Lacy con- firmed the grant. After this grant, the prior and convent pre- sented die first six rectors ; and enjoyed undisturbed whatever belonged to it. John of Gant deprived the house of this part of their property, nor could they ever recover it. The convent however made the attempt, and assigned the advow- son of the church to Booth and Byron, who gave it to the church of St. Catherine of Eccles, Though this gift was con- firmed by a Papal bull, the crown disregarded it and kept possession *. SILKSTONE. Swain, the son of Alricus, gave the church here, with six oxgangs of land lying near to it, and the chapels, lands and tythes, and whatever belonged thereto. His son, Ada, confirmed the above, as well as the grant ot the chapel of Cawthorn, with two oxgangs of land in the same village ; and two parts of the tithes ot all his demesnes, in Cawthorn, Kexburght, Gunultvvayt, Penyingstone, Wyrkes- burgh, Carleton, Newhall, Brereiy, Walton, Manesthorp, Wrangbruk, Midleton, Garbarum et cum omnibus ad eas per- tinentibus. SMITHELES, or Smithale. John Fitz Adam gave thirteen acres of meadow here, and two oaks in his wood of Byrkin, and one buck annually, out of his park, at the feast of St. John, ente partam Latinam. STAINBURGA, or Stainburgh. Adam Fitz Petre, gave one moiety of the mill here; and his brother John gave the other. SWINEFLETE. Here was a house belonging the priory, which at the dissolution was let for forty shillings per annum f. THORP. Henry de Lacy gave two oxgangs of land here. WITEWDE, or Witvvood. Robert de Lacy gave all his lands here, and at (Maram) or Meer to the priory, with all common rights and privileges. Also, the fishery from Whit- wood, to (Queldala) or VVeldale. The canons of St. Oswald* * Whit. Craven. •£■ Return of Rents in the Court of Augmentations. 336 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. or Nostel, possessed in Witwood and Meer, thirty acres of arable land; and the tithe of hay in other fifteen acres, which they exchanged with the prior and convent of Pontefract, sav- ing the rights of the churches of Featherstone and Castieford, for two parts of their corn tithes in Brerely, Maynesthorp and Wrangbruck, which they enjoyed from die grant ot Adam Fitz Swain, and which belonged to the church of Silkstone* though within the parishes of Felkyrk and Southkjrkby. WHALLEY, in the Hundred of Blackburn, Lancashire. The church was given by H. Delaval, but was not confirm- ed by Robert de Lacy, or any of his successors. Being a place at that time of little importance, the prior and convent here continued to enjoy the patronage, and successively pre- sented four vicars. When the Lacy fee came to the Con- stables of Chester, they claimed the advowson of this church, and .afterwards conferred it on the abbey of Whalley. The prior and convent of Pontefract defended their right, but were altogether unsuccessful. According to the law which then ob- tained, any grants made by the possessor of a fee, when the lord of such fee was under an attainder, in case the attainder was reversed, were deemed invallid, unless the lord confirm- ed the grant. On this principle, the claim of the convent was rejected. LIST OF PRIORS. Temp. Confirm. Priors loci. Vacat. Adam, Oliver Daincourt, 126— Godefridus, 2 Id. May, 1311 Furnhardus de Cherley, 145— Nic. Halle, Johannes Flynt*, R. Brown, James Twaytes. ALTAR CONSECRATED, 27th Martii, A. D. 1352. A commission was granted to John Bishop of Philippi, lo consecrate a certain Altar within this conventual church of the priory of Pontefract, lately erected on the south side thereof. * MS. Inquis. in possession of J. Smyth, Esq. M. P. An. Undecinjo Hen. Septimi. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 337 TESTAMENTARY BURIALS, August 13, 1391. William de Bayley made his will, (pro- ved Dec. 20, 1391,) giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All-Saints, and his body to be buried before the altar of St. Benedict, in the monastery of St. John, apostle and evangelist, of Pontefract. Jan. 6, 1435. John Awtee, rector of the parish church of Castleford, made his will (proved Jan. 20, 1445,) giving his soul (ut supra) and his body to be buried in the monastery of St. John, the apostle and evangelist, of Pontefract. Archbishop Thurston, who had intended to have commen- ced a monk of this monastery, was buried in the church of St. John the Evangelist, in February 1143. Goodwin informs us, he made a search for his grave near a place in the wall, on the south side of the choir of this church, then in ruins, but instead of the prelate, found a vast number of human skulls and bones, all regularly piled up, and laid in admirable order. A pious action of the monks, which has been met with in the ruins of several monasteries in this kingdom, well worthy of imitation at the present day. X 33 S HISTORY OF POSTEFRACT. BLACK, DOMINICAN, PREACHING FRIARS. 1 HIS order came into England in the reigft of Henry III. in the year 1231. They settled a house here, which is said to have been found- ed by one Symon Pyper. The seat of this house was nearly in the centre of the garden, now called Friar-Wood. A draw-well, and va- rious foundations which have been removed in the low garden, now in the occupation of Mr. Halley, ascertain the place where it once stood. A more delightful spot could not have been well selected. Embosomed in a wood, screened from the cold northern and westerly winds, by high grounds, the brothers enjoyed all the advantages of privacy and retirement, in a warm and well sheltered abode. This order was founded by St. Dominic, a Spaniard, who was raised to the dignity of Bishop of Osma. Of course he performed numerous miracles to entitle him to the honour of a Saint; and it would not be esteemed one of the least, that he instituted an order, whose chief object was, to convert heretics by the power of their eloquence, and to support the Roman hierarchy*. * This saint was chiefly employed in converting the AU bigenses and Waldenses, who inhabited Piedmont. The here- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 339 This order was called Dominicans from their founder; preaching friars, from their office; and black friars from their dress. They wore a white cassock with a white hood over it, when within; but when they went abroad, they wore a black hood and a black cloak over their white vestments. The rule of this order obliged the friars to study the sacred scriptures, and devote them- selves to prayer continually. It allowed them to enjoy property, but recommended poverty as most favourable to devotion. They were enjoined perpetual abstinence from fleshmeat, and obliged to live on the coarsest fare. This austerity procured them the reputation of sanctity, and gave them a degree of pow^r and influence equal, if not superior, to any of the other religious orders. As their wealth in- creased they relaxed in discipline; and at length became odious in many catholic states. Thomas de Castleford was a brother in this house. He wrote the history of it, and of the other religious houses in the town, respecting which Leland remarks, he had found in it much more than he expected. Edmund de Lacy, constable of Chester, gave to these friars some lands, called East-Crofts, which adjoined to their house *, sues of these consisted in their denial of purgatory, and their rejection of prayers for the dead, invocation of saints, venera- tion of images and relics, absolution, exorcisms, sureties in baptism, and the canon of the mass. The success of St. Dominic, numerous as his miracles were, did not avail to ex- terminate these heresies; and a more effectual method was soon found necessary, that of exterminating by fire and .sword those who held them. * Memorandum preserved among the charters, 340 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. In this house was interred Roger de Mow- bray, who died hi the fifty-first of Henry III. On the suppression of the lesser religious houses, in the twenty-eighth of Henry VI1L this house was surrendered by the prior, seven friars and one novice. The house and land belonging to it were granted to a W. Clifford and Michael Wildbore. TESTAMENTARY BURIAL. 10. March, 1448, Thomas Box, gentleman, made his will, proved 6 May 1449, giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All Saints, and his body to be buried within the house of the friars, preachers, of Pontefract, The Carmelites, or White Friars. This order was brought into England in the same reign as the preceding, and Edmund de Lacy, constable of Chester, built a house for them here* At present no vestige of this house remains, nor any tradition of the place where it stood. This order took its rise in Mount Carmel, in the Holy Land; and is said to have been founded by Almericus, bishop of Antioch, in the year 1122. As this mount had been ho^ noured by the residence of the prophets Elijah and EHsha, this order pretended to derive its origin from them, by an uninterrupted succession of brethren. From their dress they were called White * Ch, Mon. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 341 Friars; and from their poverty they were num- bered among the order of mendicants, or beg- gars. Their rules were given them by St. Albert, patriarch of Jerusalem, about the year 1205.* • They practiced the greatest austerities as essentially necessary to subdue the flesh and se- cure final happiness. They rose at four o'clock in summer, and five in the winter. They slept every night in their coffins upon straw, and every morning dug a shovelful of earth for their graves. They walked, or rather crept, to their devotion on their knees. They imposed strict silence on themselves from vespers till the tierce next day. They ate twice a day, but never tasted fleshmeat. They were en- joined confinement to their cells, and to conti- nue in prayer. They fasted from the feast of the holy cross till Easter. The rigour of this discipline was relaxed by Innocent the 4th. and the pious brothers, who had grown weary of mortification, were permitted to taste again the flesh-pots of Egypt. The Austin Friars. The brethren of this order had a house here; and it is probable, their house was the one which Edward III. granted William L, Tabou- rere leave to found as an oratory for eight indigent persons, with an independent chaplain of the order of St. Augustine, or Austin. There can be little doubt, that the hospital, now called Bede houses, was the residence of these brethren. The name Bede, which is from the Saxon * Butler's Lives of the Saints. S42 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, (bidan) to pray, is synonimous with the Latin term oratory, or house of prayer. This order derives its origin from Augustine, the celebrated bishop of Hippo, near Carthage, in Africa. On his conversion he retired to his own house, in the country, with his friends. Here they enjoyed all things in common, and spent their time in devotional exercises. When he was raised to the priesthood his friends fol- lowed him to Hippo, and a house was then erected for them. The habit of these monks was a white gar- ment and scapulary, when they were in the house, but when in the choir or abroad they had over the former a caul and a hood, both black, which were girt with a black leathern thong. This order was one of the mendicants, and their rules were sufficiently precise and singular. They enjoyed all things in common ; and the rich, who entered this order, sold their possessions and gave the money to be equally appropriated to the use of the brethren. They were not allowed to receive alms without delivering the whole up to their superior. They employed the first part of the day in labour, and the re- mainder in reading and devotion. Saturday was allowed to provide necessaries, and on the Sab- bath they were permitted to drink wine. When they went abroad they were always obliged to go two together; nor were they per- mitted to eat out of their convent, let the calls of nature be ever so urgent. The least sexual desire was deemed a mortal sin, and the strictest chastity was enjoined. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 348 s ; ALL-SAINTS' CHURCH, OR ALLHALLOWS. 1 HAT a church existed here long anterior to the conquest has already been rendered probable, if not certain; and the doomsday survey esta- blishes the fact, that one did exist at that period. The present church of All-Saints cannot, however, be referred to a period so remote. The style of its architecture is wholly what is generally denominated Gothic; and though it is probable that it has been erect d at different times, there is no appearance of the Saxon style in any part of it. It is altogether uncertain by whom the church was built*. The present structure, most probably, may be referred to the reign of Henry III. a period in which most of our Gothic parish churches were erected. This church is in the form of a cross, with * A late writer (see Miller's Doncaster) informs the public that this church was founded by Robert de Lacy, who gave it to Kirkstall Abbey. In his researches the editor has met wiih nothing to support such an opmion ; but from the former part of this history it will appear, that Kirkstall Abbey was not founded till the time of Henry de Lacy, the second son of Robert, who was the only person of the fa- mily interred there. The gentleman above referred to, it is probable fell into this mistake ihrough inadvertence, confound- ing the church of the priory ot St, John with the church of All-Saints. 344 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. a handsome tower in the middle, which was crowned with a magnificent lantern, enriched with sculpture. Gent informs us, on the au- thority of other writers, that the four outward corners of the belfry (in which there were twelve t bells) were adorned with four images of the Evangelists. The lantern is said to have been ornamented with the effigies of the eight apostles standing on pedestals joined to the several cor- ners. The ground plan will give the best idea of the interior. The length from east to west is fifty-three yards, and from north to south twenty- seven yards. This place is remarkable for the two entrances of a double staircase ascending to the belfry, and from thence to the top of the second battlement. The staircase is in the northwest corner, adjoining the column, but not within it. Both gradations turn round on one centre, and are both circumscribed within the same space. The chancel was double, extending farther north, and a little farther south, than the eastern parts. A cross ile, from two opposite and pro- portionable doors, equally divide it, and run the whole length of its boundaries. Above the doors are two large Gothic windows. The western part was not so broad as the eastern. The roof of the side iles was much lower than that of the nave or body, form- ing a kind of penthouse to the nave, like many of our old parish churches. From the arches of the columns, which form the side iles, a wall was carried up, and a range of windows was made, to give light to the nave or body. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 345 A parapet wall was carried round the nave of the western part, so that any person might walk upon the roof with safety. The windows in the east and west afford a fine specimen of the magnificence and peculiar effect of the Gothic style of architecture. They are of large dimensions, and the stone mulions exceedingly slender. These windows must have thrown a flood of light along the whole body of the church. The cross iles and chancel only seem to have been furnished with pews and appropriated to the use of the parishioners. The whole wes- tern part, with its beautiful pointed arches, formed only a magnificent entrance to the part employed in divine service. In this respect this fine parish church strongly resembles our cathedrals and minsters. An intelligent Roman catholic gentleman, on viewing the remains of this venerable structure, immediately pointed out the southeast part, as having been what is called, in the churches abroad, the crypt. This part evidently appears to have been lower than the chancel and the cross iles ; and was separated from the chancel and high altar by a range of columns. In this part there was also a small altar, with a fine sculptured figure above it, in a devotional attitude. Nothing now remains of the figure but the leg; but even this specimen does such honour to the sculptor as to excite regret, that the misguided zeal of the reformers, or the fatal effects of the civil war, should have mutilated and nearly destroyed one of the best proofs of the state of the fine arts, Y y * 346' HISTOHY OF PQNTEFRACT. The crypt, as its name imports, was a kind of church under ground \ and here some impor- tant ceremonies were performed. The design of the catholic church seems always to have been to dazzle and charm the imagination, by the pomp and magnificence of its ceremonies. Hence those events, which the Evangelists have narrated with so much simplicity and pathos, this church has converted into scenic represen- tations. The passion of the Saviour has employ- ed the pencil of the best artists; and to ren- der this event more striking and impressive, the crypt in churches was devised. On Good-Friday, the supposed day on which the Saviour died, the host, the emblem of his person and sacrifice, was solemnly carried into the crypt, which on that occasion was covered with black, and laid on the small altar, to represent his body laid in the tomb. From Good-Friday till Easter sab- bath morning all was silent as death. No masses were celebrated. The priests performed their devotions in secret. On Easter day the scene was changed. The host was brought from the crypt, and pomp- ously conveyed to the high altar, to represent the resurrection. To give effect to this cere- mony, the priests wore peculiar dresses; high mass was performed \ and gazing crowds were charmed with the scene, and regaled with the vibrating notes of the loud sounding organ. During the siege this church received such injuries as could not easily be repaired. Its fine lantern was battered down, its interior destroyed, and the whole roof considerably damaged. Al- though the parliament allotted a thousand pounds, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 347 out of the money arising from the sale of the ma- terials belonging to the castle, towards its re- pairs, little appears to have been done. Above the top of the square tower an octagon was raised, with spires at each angle, instead of the ancient lantern; and this seems all that was then effected. It would not be generous to charge the parishioners with negligence and inattention to this magnificent church. It is more consonant to charitv to believe, that they found themselves incompetent to restore it, to its former grandeur; and at length reluctantly resigned it to the cank- ering tooth of all devouring time. After the re- storation one effort more was however made to save it from ruin. A brief was granted within the county, and the sum of fifteen hundred pounds was raised; which was unfortunately entrusted to a man, whose name as an ant quarian deserves respect, but whose conduct in this instance will cover it with reproach: for he embezzled the whole sum *. It has been above observed, that this church had once no fewer than twelve bells. One of these only now remains; and some of the parishioners once wished to have it removed, and conveved to the church of St. Giles, which at that period was without. The vicar who seems to have been partial to this venerable structure, though in ruins, called the whole of the parishioners toge- ther, to determine whether the bell should re- * A contract deed is now in the possession of the author, between certain workmen, on the one part, and Dr. Nathaniel Johnson, the gentleman above reierred to, on the other part, for the repairs of the said church. 348 HISTORY GF PONTEFRACT. main or be removed. The inhabitants of Knot- tingley, who belong to the parish, came in con- siderable numbers, and a great majority decided in favour of the bell remaining. The following inscriptions, in old English letters, are cast round the bottom of the bell. H&C campana beata sacra Trinitati fiat. May this blessed bell be sacred to the Trinity. Hcec est tuba Dei. This is the trump of God. IHE nomen ei*. The date is 1598. Various coats of arms are also cast on the bell. Gn the termination of the siege, the lantern of the church had been injured so much, that it is probable some of the bells had been destroyed, and others taken down. There is a tradition that Col. Bright, who was a distinguished officer in Lambert's army, and who was deputed to treat for the surrender of the castle, availed himself of his interest with the general to obtain some of these bells, for his own parish church of Bads- worth, where they now remain f . The church of All-Saints was given to the priory by its founder, Robert de Lacy. The brethren of this house performed divine services, and enjoyed all the tithes, firstfruits and obla- tions of the parish. The rectory continued in * The author leaves it to the learned reader to make out this part of the inscription. Had the last letter been an S, as we generally find I. H. S. the initials of Jesus hominum Salvator, the sense would have been, " May Jesus the Saviour of men be the name given to it." But as it stands the author readily acknowledges his inability to explain it. f Having examined these bells, it does not appear from the dates that more than one bell could have been removed, unless they have been recast. The tenor is dated 1582, and the three others date after the restoration. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 349 their possession till the surrender of the house to the king; when it went as part of their property, to the augmentation of the king's revenue. It was leased off to Peter Mewtas, Esq. at the annual rent of twenty two pounds fourteen shillings. It now makes one hundred and seventy- one pounds nineteen shillings, although some parts of it have been sold to other persons. In the forty-third of Queen Elizabeth there was a suit instituted in the court of Exchequer, about the reparation of the chancel of the church of Pontefract; and by the proceedings in the suit it appears, that the different parts of the rectory were still in the possession of the crown, but under lease in separate parcels to the following gentlemen, Baron Saville, Edward Talbot, Esq, Thomas Beverley, Esq. Thomas Riccard, gent. Robert Frank, gent, and William Stables, gent. The whole rectory continued in the posses- sion of the crown, till the beginning of the reign of James I. when the following portions of it were alienated, The tithes of grain in Hardwick Roods, ralue six shillings and eightpence, and the tithes of grain in Pontefract, value eight pounds, were granted to Lawrence Baskerville, John Styles, Humphrey Bunhel, in fee by letters patent, dated the 29th Oct. the second of James I. The following abstract of leases of various parts of the rectory, now remaining in the Augmentation office, will shew what tithes then formed the rectorv. 350 history of pontefract. Lessees. Rent. £, s. d. 1562, Tithes of bay de Villa de • Pontefract, John Bathe, 118 8 1567, Ditto of grain, do. Fran. liempe, 8 1569, Do. of hay and grain of Ferrybridge, John Beverley, 5 13 4 1578, Do. of grain, Knottingley, Bob. Art lung ton, 9 1591 , Do. of hay, East-Ings,do. /, Belhouse, 1 1 4 6 Eliz.Do. hemp and flax do. Bob. Cooke, ) Q Do. hay West-Ings, do. do. j 1565, Do, of grain, Hardwick Roods, B. Erringto7i, 6 8 6 Eliz.Do. corn and hav of Soul hf Hard wick, Bob. Cooke, 4 6 8 1594, Do. of corn and hay, Spit- tle-Hardwick, Wm. Stables, % 10 £. 30 15 8 Whether the monks, who enjoyed the rectory, became negligent in the discharge of their spi- ritual functions, or whether it was deemed more proper for one of the secular clergy to discharge such duties, we find a vicar appointed as early as Edward III. John, Archbishop, ordained Nov. 20, 1461, that the prior and convent of Pontefract, and their successors, should for ever entirely receive all and singular the fruits, rents, profits, tithes, oblations and emoluments, of this church of All Saints, And pay to M. Adam de Scargill, then vicar of that church, and to his successors, thirty marks per annum quarterly in the same church, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 351 in the name of the whole and entire portion of his vicarage ; And shall bear all burdens ordinary and ex- traordinary incumbent on the same, excepting synodals only, which the vicar shall pay for the time being. August 1, 1459, the archbishop made this new ordination of the vicarage of All Saints, of Pontefract, viz. That John White, then vicar, and his successors, should have for their habitation one house situate nigh the said church, called vulgarly Balay-Piace, with the garden to the same adjoining, And that the prior and convent of Ponte- fract should receive all the fruits, profits and tithes thereof, &c, and pay to the said vicar, and his successors, twenty marks, in English money, per annum, quarterly in the said church of All-Saints, And bear all burdens ordinary and extraor- dinary, whatsoever incumbent on the said church. In the year 1533, an agreement was made between the mayor and commonalty on one part, and the prior and convent on the other, respecting the finding and sustaining certain chaplains within the church of All-Saints, who should celebrate divine offices therein, and ad- minister the sacrament to the parishioners. In consequence of this the archbishop ordained that there should be within this parish church of All-Saints, two chaplains perpetually found and sustained by the said prior and convent. One of which should celebrate in the chapel of St. Giles, at the cost of the e.aid prior and convent, and the other should celebrate and administer 352 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. the sacrament and sacramentals in the said church of All-Saints, &c. Are we to consider this as evidence that the vicarage now ceased? Or is the vicar to be considered as one of the chaplains? This latter supposition seems most probable. On the suppression of the monastery the vicar- age was suffered to remain, but without any aug- mentation or fresh endowment. The only change the vicarage underwent was, that the crown, in lieu of the sum of thirteen pounds six and eightpence, permitted the vicar to receive the small tithes. Although this fact is unsupported hy any express grant of the crown, it cannot be questioned. In the accounts of the rents of the rectory, there is nothing deducted for the vicar, as there would have been had any sum been paid; and in the leases of tithes, there is no mention whatever of the small tithes, which undoubtedly belonged to the rectory, as well as those of grain and hay. From this it may be inferred that on the suppression of the pri- ory, and the impropriation of the rectory by the crown, the vicar received the small tithes in lieu of what had before been allowed. This vicarage was so poorly endowed, that when the commission of enquiry into the true value of all ecclesiastical benefices was executed, it was discharged for ever from the payment of tenths and first fruits, and at that period could not be above the value of fifty pounds per ann. In Bacon's Liber" Regis it is stated at the clear yearly value of ninety pounds. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 353 Vicars of All-Saint i Church, down to the Restoration. Temp. Inst. 1267. 16kal.Julii,1302. 6kal.Aug. 1316. 4kaI.Maii, 1329. 16kal. Sep. 1338. 2 Feb. 1349. 16 Mar. 1349. 24 Jan. 1350. 2 Jan. 1355. 17 Nov. 1361. 25 Nov. 1-361, 15 Apr. 1364. 5 Maii, 1437. 23 Feb. 1438. 20julii. 1465. 3 Aug. 1483. 15 Sep. 1483. 24 Mar. 1485. 7 Junii, 1486. 3 Junii, 7 Mar. 12 Feb. 26 Nov. 12 Apr. 1438. 16 Julii, 1568. 12 Dee. 1588. 24 Junii, 1595. 21 Junii, 1597, SMar. 1624. Viearii. Patroni. Vacat. Dns. Hugo de Birkesburgh. P.&C.deP. p.mort. 1489. 1490. 1503. 1506. Dns. Tho. Beks, CI. lidem. Dns. Adam Polit, Pr. . lidem. Dns. Nic. de Erghes, Pr. lidem. p. resig. Dns. Will, de Sutton, Cap. lidem. p. resig. Dns. Rog. Paxton, Cap. Rex. &c. p. mort. M. Adam de Scargill, Diac. Rex. &c. p. resig. Dns. Will. deSt. Albano. E. 3 Rex. p. resig. Dns. Hugo de Saxton, Cap. Rex. &c. p. resig. Dns. Joh. del Becks, Cap. Rex. &c. Hugo de Saxton. p. resig. M. Adam de Scargill O.C.E lidem. Dns. Ric. Douks. lidem. p. resig. Dns. Will. Danke, Cap. lidem. Dns. Joh. Thornton. lidem. p. mort. Dns. Joh. Cud worth, Pr. lidem. p. resig. Dns. Joh. White. lidem. p. mort, Mr. Tho. Challoner, Cap. J.Lathu,h. v. p.mort. Dns. Ric. Bervman, Cap. P.&C.deP.p. resig, Dns. Joh. Stodfolde, Cap. lidem. p. mort. Dns. X'topher Bargh, Cap. lidem. p. mort. M. Tho.Harryson, M.A.Pr lidem. p. mort. Dns. Peter Beke, Cap. lidem. p. resig. M. Rob. Cutteler. lidem. p. mort. M. Tho. Bromflete, M. A. lidem. p. mort. M.Rob.Wombersley,M.A. lidem. p. mort. Dns. Joh. Barkar, Pr. lidem. p. mort. Ric. Asheton, CI. J. Botenian, &c. Tho. Haman, CI. Eliz.Reg. p. resig. Laur. Barkar, CI. M. A. Eadem. p. resig. T.PulIeyne,Cl.M.A.ob.l627.Eadem. p. resig. Will. Stiles, CI. B. A. Rex. Jac Joseph Ferret. p. resig. z z 354 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, Chantry. In this church there was one or more chan- tries*. In an account of the tithes belonging to the deanry of St. Clement, in the Augmenta- tion office, this chantry is mentioned as founded by Rob. Rish worth, who endowed it with lands within the parish of Pontefract. This appears to have been on the north side of the east part of the church* where the place for the altar still remains. Testamentary Burials , from Torre's Manuscript. Die Jovis prox. post festu St. Nici, 1387, Job. de Gay ton. of Pontefract, made his wiH, (proved ) giving his soul to God Al- mighty, St. Mary and All-Saints, and his body to be buried within the church of All-Saints, in Pontefract, Die Lunas prox. post festu St. Petri ad vin- cula, 1390, Rob. de Beghall, of Pontefract, made his will (proved Feb. 1390,) giving his soul to God Almighty, and his body to be bu- ried in the church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. Die Jovis in festo St. Matthei, April, 1391, Roger Silkston, of Pontefract, made his will, * These foundations were possessed of great wealth, de- rived from the pious pretence of saying masses for departed souls. The chantries were generally annexed to churches, and we are told that there were no less than forty-seven within St' Paul's Cathedral: each of these had a separate, generally landed, estate. They were given to the king by the parlia- ment, in December 1547, though not without much opposi- tion, as well from Protestants as Papists; and thus went the last remnant of that immense mass of property, which had been wrested from the Romish clergy in the course of the last fifteen years. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 355 (proved Oct. 15, 1591,) giving bis soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All-Saints, and his body to be buried in the church of All-Saints, in the town of Pontefract. Die Jovis ante festum St. Nici Epi, 1427, William Carlell, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved Jan. 2i, 1497,) giving his soul (at supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, in Pontefract. Dec. 7, 1434, William Cawdray Physitian, made his will, (proved Feb. 15, 1434,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, Pontefract, November 17, 1435, John Saxton, of Pon- tefract, made his will, (proved Dec. 5, 1435,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the church of All-Saints, Pontefract. April 29, 1437, John Thornton, vicar of Pon- tefract, made his will, (proved May 5, 1438,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, Pon- tefract. April 12, 1443, Rob. Methley, of Pontefract, Fisher, made his will, (proved May 8, 1443,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. Oct 14, 1443. John Sharp, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved Dec. 10, 1443,) giving bis soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and AhV Saints, and his body to buried in the parish church of Pontefract. June 10, 1445, John Devyas, of Pontefract, made his will (proved June 19, 1445,) giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All- 356 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Saints, and his body to be buried in the church of All-Saints, of Pontefract, before the image of St. John, the Baptist. August 23, 1446, John Finney, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved Oct. 10, 1446,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. December 24, 1446, John Thomlynson, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved Feb. 11, 1446,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. November 14, 1447, Joanna, wife of Tho. More, of Pontefract, made her will, (proved March 22, 1448,) giving her soul to God Al- mighty, and her body to be buried in the church of All-Hallows, of Pontefract. February 1, 1452, Richard More, of Ponte- fract, made his will, (proved March 8, 1452,) giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All-Saints, and his body to buried in the parish church of All-Saints, of Pontefract. May 3, 1454, William Danby, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved Aug. 7, 1454,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in his parish church of All-Saints. Jan. 9, 1461, Robert Roper, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved Jan. 14, 1461,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, of Pontefract, June 8, 1462, John Medlay, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved Aug. 14, 1462.) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the church of All-Saints, Pontefract. John Balne, of Pontefract, made his will, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. S57 (proved May S, 1464,) giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Alary' and All-Saints, and his body to be buried in the parish church of All- Saints, Pontefract. July 24, 1471, John Swillington, of Ponte- fract, made his will, (proved Sep. 5, 1471,) giv- ing his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the church of All-Saints, Pontefract. May 20, 1482, Tho. Challoner, vicar of All- Saints, Pontefract, made his will (proved July 29, 1482,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the chancel of the said church. May 29, 1489, Tho. Harryson, M. A, vicar of the church of All-Saints, Pontefract, made his will, (proved June 6, 1489,) giving his soul (ui supra,) and his body to be buried according to the custom. July 15, 1407, Roger Hartop, of Pontefract, made his will, (proved June 28, 1499,) giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and All- Saints, and his body to be buried in the church of All-Saints, before the image of St. Peter. Ult. March. 1547, Ric. Thwaytes, of Pon- tefract, made his wiH, (proved July 21, 1.547,) giving his soul to God Almighty, St. Mary and Alt-Saints, and his body to be buried in the church of All-Hallows, in Pontefract. July 18, 1548, William Arthyngton, of Knottingley, gent, made his will, (proved May 8, 1549,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his bo- dy to be buried in the high quere, before his stall, within the church of All-Hallows, of Pon- tefract. July 27, 1600, Bridget Eltofts, of Brother- 35 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. ton, gentlewoman, made her will, (proved Fc?b. 26, 1600,) giving her soul to God Almighty, her Creator and Redeemer, &c. and her body to be buried in the parish church of All-Hallows, in Pontefract. March 4, 1600. Leonard Healaighe, of Pon- tefract, gent, made his will, (proved April 30, 16 >1 ,) giving his soul to God Almighty his Creator, and to Jesus Christ his Redeemer, and his body to be buried in the parish church of Pontefract, nigh his wife. January \5. 1606, Henry Kaye, of Knot- tinsley, gent, made his will, (proved April 21^ 1607,) giving his soul to God Almighty, and his body to be buried in the parish church of Pontefract, September 7, 1613, Christopher Sands, of Pontefract, gent, made his will, (proved Dec. 18, 1615,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of Pon- tefract. January 8, 1616, William Stables, of Ponte- fract, made his will, (proved May 8, 1617,) giv- ing his soul to God Almighty, his Creator and Redeemer, and his body to be buried in the parish churchyard of All-Hallows, in Pontefract. January 16, 1618, John Frank of Ponte- fract, alderman, made his will, (proved July 2, 1522,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Hal- lows, Pontefract. 1619. William Holgate, of Pontefract, gent, made his will, (proved May 4, «1 620,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Hallows, in Ponte- fract, near his father. HISTORY OF, PONTEFRACT. 359 May 9, 1620, Richard Twaites, of Pontefract, gent, made his will, (proved June 15, 1620.) giving his soul to God Almighty, and hoping through Jesus Christ to be saved, and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Hal- lows, in Pontefract. December 19, 1621, Allen Aire, of Ponte- fract, gent, made his will, (proved May 9, 1622,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of All-Saints, in Pontefract. * January 17, 1626, Henry Franke, of Pon- tefract, made his will, (proved April 13, 1627,) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the south alley of the church of All- Hallows, in Pontefract, near his sister Twaites. July 27, 1627, Administration of the goods of Tho. Pulleyn, late vicar of Pontefract, de- ceased, was granted to Francis Pulleyn, his son. April 18, 1638, John Grymesditch, of New- hall, Esq. made his will, (proved ) giving his soul (ut supra,) and his body to be buried in the parish church of Pontefract, near his father. December 12, 1672, John Ayscough, of Pon- tefract, gent, made his will, (proved Oct. 8, 16790 giving his soul to God Almighty, his Creator and Redeemer, and his body to be buried in the parish church of Pontefract. St. Clement's Chapel, within the Castle* This chapel was built by Ilbert de Lacy, in the reign of William Rufus, and was doubt- less designed as a place of worship ior himself SCO HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. and his attendants, including those who dwelt in the park and St. Nicholas' hospital *, It appears from the foundation which still remains, to have been on a small scale/ and not capable of containing more than three hundred people. Situated close to Constable Tower, and extend- ing towards the King's Tower, it was securely protected from the hostile attacks of an enemy. This chapel was amply endowed by its founder, He gave two parts of the tithes of the demesne lands of Camaselle f , liodewell J, Barwica §, Partington, Chipsey cum Arleton, and Ledston, for which the said church had one mill in Newsome. Also the tithes of his demesnes in Octon|[, and Wolmersley; Chamsale and Emesale, in Linsey, Lincolnshire. Also in Cherisbery, ancj Frisbery, in the county of Nottingham ; and in Hickleton, Stainton, and Lusham, in the 'county of Oxford. Also the tithes of his own herds, and of his fishery of Knottingley, together with five oxgangs of land there. Also the tithes of ap- ples in JRodewell, Cherwist, and Went *[, and of one mill in Burgo**. Robert de Lacy gave in Knottingley the sixth part of an oxgang of land, in lieu of which, he afterwards gave two parts of the tithes of Norton, great Emsala, and Hemelswurd. * In the certificate of colleges, first of Edward VI. it is 3aid that in St. Nicholas' hospital was made all their offerings and privy tithes to the dean. f Campsall. J Rothwell,. § Barwick, in Elmet. || Houghton, now called Glass-Houghton. % Probably the village now called Wentbridge, ** Now called Burgh wallis. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 361 He also gave two oxgangs of land in Feria, (or Ferrybridge;) and Roger Pictavus gave two parts of the tithe of grain in Altofts. Ilbert de Ramosvilla gave two parts of the tithes of grain, of his own land, in Chamsala. Ernnlphus gave also two parts of the tithe of grain in Prestona, (or Purston Jaglin;) and the same in Rovedena. Gilbert, the son of Dama, gave two parts of the tithe of grain in Stapiltona, and Rodulphus, the same in Thorpe-Audlin, and the tithe of the mill there. Radulphus, the son of Edelina de Stubs, near Enecelam gave two parts of the tithe of grain; and one Cheini the same out of his demesne. Henry de Lacy gave one half of the tithe of Seel broke. William Pictavus gave two parts of the tithe of grain in Scaliella. Ansgotus Ruff us gave the same in Hanpole, and Girardus de Ramosvilla gave the half part of his own tithe in Smeadetona; and Gerbadus two parts of the tithe of one carucate in Fry- stona. Umfrid de Villeio also gave two parts of the tithe of the corn in Snetela, and Newtonia*. Robert de Somerville gave the third part of one carucate of land in Seacroft f. * The villages ot Smithals and Newton. f It appears from these grants that the proprietors of land considered tithes as personal property, and gave them in what proportion and to what place they thought proper. At this period it is evident parish churches only received such tithes as were freely granted, and had. no claim to any portion of tithes arising from other lands within the parish. In process •f time the church extended her claims, and by degrees suc- a a a * 362 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. This chapel was collegiate and free*, and governed by a dean. It is said to have had three prebends* In the charter of Ilbert, the son of Robert de Lacy, two persons are only mentioned, Kanulphus Grammaticus and God- fridus, the presbiter; and in the rental no prebend is mentioned, but that of the son of Theobald de Luce. This chapel was given by the founder to the priory* At the ,disolution of the priory, an inventory was taken of the goods, ornaments and plate, belonging to this chapel. The goods were va- lued at two pounds eight shillings and tenpence; and the plate used in celebrating divine service, at four pounds fourteen shillings and eightpence. The rental of the deanry is stated to have been twenty-two pounds twelve shillings and seven- pence f. A part of the tithes which belonged to the deanry, within the parish of Pontefract, are now in the possession of Bacon Frank, Esq. and covered by a modus. This chapel, in the sixteenth century, was in such a delapidated state that it was found neces- sary to rebuild it. Queen Elizabeth had the honour of this work. She completely rebuilt it, but suffered it to retain the name given at its dedication. ceeded in obtaining the tithes of the whole parish. Without any positive law, usage has .founded a right, on which the incumbent of every parish now demands his tenths. * Free chapels were places of religious worship exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary. They were mostly built upon the manors and ancient demesnes of the crown, whilst in the hands of the king, for the use of himself and retinue, when he came to reside there. When the crown parted with these estates the chapels went along with them, and retained their first freedom. t Certificate in the Augmentation office. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 363 At the surrender of the castle, this chapel suffered the same fate with that fortress, and nothing now remains but the foundation, A Catalogue of the Deans of this Chapel. TEMP. DECANI CAPELLE. 142. P js Tho. Wvkersley. 14 c 2. M. John de Wayneflete, 143. M. Joh. Thorneton. 144. M. Joh. Lathom. 15. . lac Thvvaytes, (obiit Oct. 1545.) As the deanry of Pontefract forms one of the ecclesiastical divisions of the county, it is deemed necessary to give the following list of the churches included within it *. The Names of the Parishes and Chapelries within Pontefract Deanry* Ackworth, Cumberworth Chap, Adlingfleet, Castleford, Almondbury, Calverley, Armin Chapelry, Crofton, Batley, Coley Chap. Birstall, Crostone Chap. Bradford, Chapelthorp Chap. Briars Chapelry, Carlton Chap. Cleckheaton Chap. Darrington, * Visitations are held annually within each deanry in the county; and at these visitations the clergy within the division are bound to attend. Ti^e visitations were formerly held here, but, to suit the convenience of the clergy, are now held at Wakefield, 364- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Dewsbury, East Ardsley, Em ley, Elland Chap. Featherston, Flockton Chap. Ferry-Fryston, Goole Chap. Flonley Chap. Haworth Chap. Flartishead: Chap. Huddersfield, Halifax, Holy Trinity, Halifax, Heptonstall Chap. Holmfirth Chap. Hooke Chap. Horbury Chap. Idle Chap. Illingworth Chap. Kirkburton, Kirkheaton, Kellington, Knottingley Chap. Lightcliffe Chap. Luddenden Chap. Longwood Chap. Marsden Chap. Meltham Chap. Morley Chap. "] Methley, Mirfield, Normanton, Osset Chap. Pudsey Chap. Ponrefract, Rastrick Chap. Ripponden Chap. Rothwell, Roecliffe Chap. Scammonden Chap. Slaithwaite Chap. Sowerby-Bridge Chap. Sowerby Chap. Sandal Magna. Snaith, Swinfleet Chap. Tong Chap. Thornhill, Thornton Chap. Wibsey Chap. Womersley, Warm field, Wragby, Woodkirk, Wakefield, St. John's, Wakefield, Whitgift. The Church of St. Giles. This church is mentioned as early as the time of Flenry I. in the charter of Hugh Dela- val ; and from circumstances noticed in the S* Giules 1 Chto-Cb: MAlRKBT-ClROSS l, s .f.-..T.«.li __ HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. 365 charter, it must have been built some time before. A part of it is said to have belonged to the canons of St. Oswald, but he, by the hand of Archbishop Thurston, deprived the canons of their part, and gave the whole to the priory of St. John here. It is singular that the name given to this church in the above mentioned charter, is that of St. Mary. The same name is given to it in the will of William Hagwyk, as late as the beginning of the fifteenth century. As there was a chantry to s ,the blessed virgin, is this the reason why it is called by her name? Or is this the original name, and that of St. Giles only given to it, because situated near the ground where the annual fair was kept on St. Giles' day? Leland informs us that it was called St. Leo- nard's * in the frith, or wood ; from which it may be inferred that at the time of its erection, the town lay around the church of All-Saints. This must have been long anterior to the time of Leland, as he informs us that the fairest part of the town w 7 as here. In Delaval's charter it is called St. Mary de foro ; from which it fol- lows, that the markets and fairs were then held there. This church appears to have been originally of very small dimensions. It has been enlarged both in breadth and length. The south ile as well as the present chancel, seem to have been added to the original structure. The length of the church, from east to west, is forty-two yards * As no other writer has mentioned this name, it is pro- bably an error, and ought to have been St, Mary's. 566 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and three quarters ; and the breadth, from north lo south, is eighteen yards and two feet. The old steeple was about seven yards square, and thirty-six yards high to the top of the spire. After the siege the ruined condition of the parish church of All-Saints, rendered it necessary to perform divine service in this of St. Giles; and from that period this church has undergone various alterations and improvements. It had only a small broach steeple without any bells, previous to the year 1707- At that period Sir Tho. Bland, of Kirjpax Park, the member for this borough, gratified his constituents by build- ing, at his own expence *, the steeple, which on account of its shattered state, was lately- pulled down and the present erected. This church is now in excellent repair, and its interior yields to few in neatness. The chancel has been lately ornamented with a fine painting by John Standish, a native of the town, and a self taught artist of eminent merit. The subject is the crucifixion; and as far as the pencil can realize the awful scene, it is here realized. The attitude of the Saviour, when he had yielded up the ghost, is finely conceived and well expressed. The groop of pious women, who stand around the cross, among whom Mary, our Lord's mother, is distinguished by her looks, and the poignancy of her sorrow, adds consi- derably to the effect, and the whole lives on the canvas. With all the improvements this church has received, it cannot bear a comparison with what the mother church of All-Saints once was. Con- * It cost him one hundred pounds. HISTORY OF POXTEFRACT. 367 traded in its dimensions, and built without re- gard to any order of architecture, it bears, the steeple excepted, a strong resemblance to what a modern reverend author, in the abundance of his charity, calls a conventicle. The artist, or the man of ta^te, will find none of those sub- lime and awful impressions while contemplating this church, which he cannot fail to experience while beholding even the ruins of that of All Saints. The ordination of the vicarage has been no- ticed; and a list of the vicars down to the restoration of Charles II. has been given. Cir- cumstances which have occurred since that period, and which more properly regard this than the mother church, are now to be detailed. The church of All-Saints being deserted as a place of worship, and only used as a part of the burying ground, and this of St. Giles being appropriated to the use of the parish, was gene- rally considered as a parish church, and as en- joying all the rights of one. It had been usual for the different townships, within the parish, to contribute a proportionate sum annually, as a church assessment. Owing to some extraordinary expences, the township of Knottingley refused to pay this assessment, and a suit commenced between that township and Pontefract. After considerable sums of money had been spent by both parties, and much ill will excited, it was found that the assessment in dispute, though purporting on the face of it to be for repairing the parish church, was actually applied to re- pair that of St. Giles; but as such application could not be supported by law, the contend- ing parlies entered into an agreement, in which 368 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. it was stipulated that the township of Knot- tingley should for ever hereafter pay the sum of twelve pounds annually, to the churchwardens of Pontefract, and that this sum should never be increased. This trial discovered to the parish its humi- liating condition. Its parish church was in ruins, and never likely to be restored. It had a church, but it was not the parish church; and could not enjoy the same sanctity, rights and privi- vileges. The parishioners could not be compelled to pay the assessment for the repairs and sup- .port of the church. It was happy for the parishioners that the parliament possesses that plenitude of power, that it can, by its sole act, consecrate or desecrate; can raise a church from a state of insignificance and dependence, to the privilege and honour of being the head of a parish. To this power application was made, and the poor despised church of St. Giles* in the wood, was by act of parliament, the 29th George III, constituted the parish church of Pontefract. The uncertainty of the law has become pro- verbial, but in no case is the uncertainty of it more apparent than in respect to tithes. As the right to tithes is founded on usage and prescription, which are in some things contra- dictory, in others obscure, and in many uncer- tain, hence have arisen those feuds and litiga- tions respecting tithes between a parish and the incumbent, which often continue for years, and at last are terminated without satisfaction to either party. When the usage is best established, the desire of the incumbent, on the one part, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 369 and a spirit of resistance, on the other, which the parish displays, produce the same unhappy effects. In some cases rather than enter into a contest the parish submits, and thus new customs and usages arise and become established. The above reflections naturally arise, on considering the claims which have been made by successive vicars of this parish. In a statement given in at the visitation by the most reverend Father in God John, by di- vine providence, Lord Archbishop of York, and Primate of England and Metropolitan, Oct. 10, 1684, the churchwardens of this parish describe the property of th. T ., T T oi -11- > Churchwardens, John Lee, Jar. Shilhto, C Roger Jesop, Knotting. Jam. Hurst, ) In the statements given in by the church- wardens, at the visitations of the primate, from the above date down to a late period, there is observable a variation and a gradual increase in the claims of the vicars. By a claim delivered to the parish, dated vestry April 26, 1796, the present vicar claimed the following dues. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 371 For every messuage, 6d.< Gardens, per acre 10s. For each person above Nursery and seed ground, sixteen years old, Sd. per acre 10s. For each pound in ser- Cabbages, for feeding vants' wages, Id. cattle, per acre 7s. 6d. For each pigeon cote, 5s. Rapes, each pound in 7s. 6d. or 10s. accord- price, Is. 6d. ing to value, Do. when eaten, p. acre 3s. For each cow, 3d. Hemp and line,per acre 5j. Eor each calf, Id. Potatoes, per acre 5s. For each litter of pigs, Clover Seed and wood,each Qs. 6d. pound in price, Is. 6d. For each foal, !-*. Turnips according to value For each turkey, Id. or per acre 3s. Goose, Id. For each Lamb, 6d. Duck, \d. For each fleece of wool, Qd. For each plow, 6d. For each acre of pasture, Orchards Is. in the allowing for the suste- pound, price or value, nance of profitable Licorice 1.9. in the pound, stock. 3s. price or value, On presenting the above statement a consi- derable degree of irritation was excited. It was obvious that some of the dues claimed were wholly unsupported by previous usage and cus- tom, such as agistment tithe, clover seed, nur- sery and seed ground ; and that ot Tiers were considerably augmented, as houses, closes, gar- dens and turnips. It is not surprising lhat the parishioners should feel inclined to resist such claims; but considering the expence and uncer- tainty of litigations of this nature, the leading gentlemen deemed it most prudent to adopt conciliatory measures; and finally to determine 372 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. all disputes, it was agreed to obtain an act of parliament, by which the claims of the rectory, deanry and vicarage should be regulated in fu- ture. Accordingly the different parties agreed to receive certain sums of money in lieu of their respective claims; which sums are always to be regulated by the average price of corn for the last seven years, as will appear by the follow- ing extract from the act, entitled An Act for Dividing, Allotting, and Inclosing certain Open and intermixed Lands and Grounds, within the Township of Pcntefract, in the West Riding of the County of York, and making Com- pensation for the Great Tithes cf the said Lands and other Lands in the Townships of Pontefract, Tanshelf and Carleton, within the Painsh of Pontefract, and also for the Vicarial tithes of the said Parish. " It was enacted that the tithes of corn, grain, and hay, and tithes of every denomi- nation whatsoever, moduses or other pay- ments in lieu of tithes, arising within the town- ships of Pontefract, Tanshelf, and Carleton, due and payable to Lord Hare wood, should cease and be for ever extinguished, and that in lieu thereof there should be paid to him, in the nature of corn rents, the sum of one hun- dred and fifty pounds per annum ; also that the tithes of corn and grain, and tithes of every denomination whatsoever, belonging to Lord Hare wood and Bacon Frank, Esq. arising from and within a certain disputed district of land, should also cease and be for ever extinguished, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 373 and that in lieu thereof there should be paid such yearly sum of money per acre, in the na- ture of corn rents, as should be equal upon an average to the other rents payable to the said Lord Hare wood in lieu of tithes within the said Townships of Pontefract and Tanshelf, and that for the purpose of ascertaining such sums of money or corn rents, the commissioners should value all lands and grounds within the town- ships of Pontefract, Tanshelf, and Carleton, and by their award declare what proportion the lands and grounds within each of the said town- ships of Pontefract, Tanshelf, and Carleton, should raise and pay in a gross sum ; and then rate such lands and grounds according to the proportion of the said annual sums which the township wherein such lands and grounds are situate should be declared to raise and pay; and should in their said award ascertain and set forth what quantity of wheat would amount and be equal to the said yearly sums distinguish- ing the quantity of such wheat payable by each township ; and then apportion, settle, and ascer- tain the respective annual sums of money or corn rents at the rate per acre, which each and every proprietor of lands and grounds should or ought, upon such valuation, to be charged and chargeable with : And that an annual sum of two hundred and seventy pounds, free from all taxes and deductions whatsoever, should be assessed and raised in like manner, and paid to the vicar of the said parish for the time being, in lieu of and as a full compensation for the vicarial or small tithes, of every denomination, belonging to the vicar, and Easter offerings -> 374 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and that the said commissioners should make a valuation of all houses and lands in Pontefract, Tans h elf, Carleton, Knottingley, East Hard wick, Spittle Hardwick, and Monkhill, and in such part of Ferrybridge as lies within the said parish of Pontefract, and should apportion, settle, ascer- tain, and assess the respective annual sums of money which each owner and proprietor of such houses, and lands ought to be charged with, and should then ascertain and declare what quantity of wheat should be equivalent to the proportion of the said annual sum which each respective owner and proprietor of houses and lands should by such award be assessed to pay, in lieu and full satisfaction and compensation of all vicarial or small tithes, and Easter offerings thereby ex- tinguished." According to the purport and intention of the above act commissioners were appointed, a va! tuition of the parish was made, and the following award rendered final. The commissioners, on inquiry, found that the average price of wheat, for the fourteen years preceding the passing of this act, was six shillings and three halfpence per bushel, and that 490te, \p. 5lqts. would be equal to one hundred and fifty pounds, the sum to be paid to Lord Harewood, in lieu of his rectorial tithes, which they proportioned amongst the several townships in the parish as follows, Bus. p. qts. £. % d. Pontefract, - - 203 Vi or 62 2 4 Monkhill, 3 51 or ,5 8 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 375 Bus. p. qts. £. s. d. Tanshelf, - - 76 2 6 or 23 9 Carleton, - - 209 3 1 or 64 3 490 TTi < £\50~~0~b They also settled that the said disputed dis- trict should raise eighty three bushels and seven quarts, equal in value, at the rate aforesaid, to twenty-five pounds eight shillings and ninepence, which they awarded as follows, Bus. p. qts. £. s. d. To Lord Hare wood, 71 3 II or 21 19 To Bacon Frank, Esq. 11 1 5i or 3 9 9 83 7 ,£25 8 9 These commissioners also awarded that eight hundred and seventy-three bushels one peck and three pints of wheat would be equal to two hundred and seventy pounds, the sum agreed to be paid to the vicar, in lieu of his vicarial tithes and Easter offerings, which they spread over all the houses and lands in the pa- rish, each township bearing the following pro- portions, Bus. s. qts. £. s. d. Pontefract, - 401 71 or 124 10 11 Tanshelf, 79 1 2§ or 24 9 2 Carleton, 100 41 or 30 17 6 Knotringley, 186 3 3i or 57 12 2 East. Hard wick, - 51 2 4 or 15 \S 2 Settle H.rrhvick, 33 or \0 1 9 Port of Eery bridge, 17 1 9,1 or 4 6 10 Monkeill, - 3 3 21 or 4 1 5 6 873 I 2x £270 376 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT. A List of Vicars since the Restoration, Temp. Instit. Vicarii. Patroni. Vacat. 12 Junii, 1661. Sam. Drake, CI. Rex. C. 2. p. mort 22 Jan. 1678. Francis Drake, A. M. Idem. p. mort. .19 Oct. 1719. John Drake, S. T. B. Rex. G. 1. p. mort. 6 Dec, 1742. Timothy Lee, A. M. Rex. G. 2. p. resig. 10 Jan. 1744. John Sturdy, A, B. Rex. G. 2. p. mort. llJulh, 1777. Thomas Heron. Rex. G. 3. Chantry, or Church oj St. Thomas. This church was erected on the very spot where the Earl of Lancaster was beheaded. No part of the building remains. The site may yet however be distinguished in the close, through which a footpath leads to .Frystone, on the hill which still retains the name of the saint, and which will most probably convey it down to the latest posterity. Judging from the site, this church appears to have been of small dimensions; but from the opulence of the family to whose honour it was raised, there can be no doubt of its elegance and interior decorations. The chantry was founded on the 20th of November, 1361. in memory of Thomas Earl of Lancaster, who had been a considerable be- nefactor to the priory, by the archbishop of York; who ordained that the prior and convent should find a secular chaplain to celebrate in the chapel, newly erected on the mount of Pontefract, every day for the soul of St. Thomas, which chaplain should in future be presented by the said religious, a month after the first notice of any vacation, and that the said chaplain HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 377 should have for his support the sum of one hundred shillings per annum, paid by the said prior quarterly. And on the 24th May, 1373, John Arch- bishop of York confirmed the ordination of the chantry, in the chapel upon the hill, against Pontefract, founded by Symon Symeon, by con- sent of the priory and convent of Pontefract, &c. which said Symon appointed this perpetual chantry, consisting of one monk to celebrate in the said chapel upon the hill, whereon Thomas, ]ate Earl of Lancaster, was beheaded, for his soul and the souls of Elizabeth his wife, and of John and Henry, Dukes of Lancaster, which should be called the chantry of Symon Symeon, and wherein there shall be one monk of the said priory, assigned by the prior and convent, to celebrate masses and divine offices in the same, &c. For whose sustentation he gave in frank almoigne, to the said priory and convent all his messuages, tenements, land and rents, which he had in the town of Kothwell, viz. one mes- suage and twenty-four acres of land. And in Oulton one messuage and twenty acres of land. And in augmentation thereunto, John Duke of Lancaster, &c. gave five messuages and sixteen oxgangs of land in Midelton, juxta Rothwell. All which was likewise confirmed by the chapter of York, May 2o, 1373. The religious (as the monks were called) do not appear to have been satisfied with the ap- pointment of a secular priest to celebrate in this Chapel, nor with the ordination which im- posed on them the sum specified for his sup- c c c * 37$ HISTORY OF PONTE-FRACT. port. On the 12th January, 1418, a new ordi- nation was made, that instead of a secular priest a monk of the said monastery should be placed here to celebrate, and who should only receive the sum of forty shillings per annum from the same house *. A Catalogue of the Chantry Priests, Temp. Instit. Cappellani Canit. Patroni. Vacat. 7 Dec. 1361. Dns. Joh. F.yther, Cap. P&CdeP.p.resig. 13 Mar. 1367. Dns. Joh. Thorparch, Pr. Iidem. 1 Maii, 1381. Dns. Tho. Spellar de Acorn Cap. Iidem. p.mort» 6 Julii, 1409. Dns. Will. Sunnyng, Pr. Iidem. p.resig. 16 Maii, 141 2. Dns. Rob. Killeston. Iidem. St* Nicholas' Hospital. This hospital existed before the conquest, but by whom built or endowed does not appearf. Robert de Lacy, or, as he is also called, Robert de Pontefract, was a considerable bene- factor to the hospital, in the time of Henry I. and has by some writers been considered the founder of it ; but it is clear that it was built before this period, as the Cluniac monks, who were brought here in the preceeding reign, resided in it till their own house was fit for their reception. He gave to the monks the warden- ship of this hospital. Henry de Lacy, son of Robert, confirmed the grant of the hospital to the priory, for the use of the poor ; and granted to the monk, who should have the custody of it, one mark of silver, twelve hopes of bread corn, and twenty- four of oats, on the feast of St. Alartin, yearly. * Torre's MSS. Collect. f Leland's Itin. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 379 III the eighth of Edward I. the king granted free warren to Robert Woodhouse, the keeper of this hospital, in certain lands within the ter- ritory of Castleford, which privilege was after- wards given to the canons of Nostall. In the thirtieth of Edward III. Henry Duke of Lancaster granted the gift of a certain livery to the two recluses in the house of St. Helen, in Pontefract, called the Blanch Liveries, which belonged to his donation, as lord of the honour of Pontefract, to be paid every day out of this hospital, for the finding of a priest to celebrate divine service in the chapel of St. Helen for ever*. In the eighteenth of Henry VI. 1438, the king, by letters patent which were confirmed by the whole of the parliament, gave this hospital to the prior of Nostall, with the advowson and all the estates thereto belonging, amounting to ninety-seven pounds thirteen shillings and ten pence per annum, to be converted to their own use, the canons paying out of the profits thereof, to the king and his heirs, as Dukes of Lancas- ter, twenty marks per annum. They maintained here till the dissolution a chaplain and thirteen * Dudg. Bar. It appears from what Dugdale has related, that the house dedicated to St. Helen was only the habitation of two recluses. Tradition has not even conve)ed the name of this house, much less the particular spot where it stood, down to posterity. Two closes, in the commission of enquiry respecting the tithes belonging to the deanry, made in the reign of Henry VIII. are called St. Helen's Flats, and ap- pear, from the boundaries specified, to join the township of Darrington. Was the habitation of these recluses situated here? This is not improbable, and will account for the name imposed on these flats. 380 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. poor people. Their revenue is stated at that time to be the same as above mentioned. A Catalogue of the Wardens of this Hospital. Temp. Instit. Magri. Hosp. Patroni. Vacat, Dns. Tho. Tawton. P.&C.deP. p.mort, 10 Mail, 1435. Dns. Will. Bothe, CI, Rex.H.4. Dns. Tho. Toveton. M. Will. Bothe After the dissolution of the religious houses by King Henry VIII. this place seems to have been entirely neglected, and its purposes and institution much perverted and abused, which caused the corporation to endeavour to obtain powers for its better government and re- gulation, and in the charter granted by King James, in the year J 60.5, there is a clause for vesting it in the corporation *. By a deed, dated Sep. 19, 1650, made be- tween Thomas Cook and twenty-four other gentlemen, appointed trustees by an act of par- liament passed for selling the fee farm rents be- longing to the commonwealth of England, for^ merly payable to the crown of England, duchy of Lancaster and duchy of Cornwall, or any five or more of them, on the one part, and Matthew Frank, Robert Frank, John Scurr and others, comburgesses of the borough of Ponte- fract, on the other part. In consideration of eight hundred and twelve pounds seventeen shillings and threepence halfpenny paid to the said trustees, by the said comburgesses, the. said trustees granted several sums of money to be paid yearly for ever, to such persons as were * See Charter, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 381 therein named, out of divers fee farm rents, pay- able for divers houses and lands, in Winterset, Crofton, and West Hardwick; and all that tenement called Saint ingley Grange, &c, and all other lands, tenements, meadow-fields, and pastures belonging or appertaining to the late monastery of St. Oswald, at Nostel, &c. Also all the rectory of Clifton* with all the tithes of hay, grain, pullets, eggs, hens, and ducks in Clifton aforesaid. Also all the tithe of grain of East Hard wick Roods, being a ^parcel of the rectory of Pontefract, &c. viz. (amongst others) £. s. d. To the curate of this hospital, - - 5 To eleven poor people £\.§s. 8 d. a year, 14 13 4 To two servants to attend the poor people, 4 Mr. Edward Holcots gave the annual sum of twenty shillings, ' to be paid out of the rents and profits of a close in Bailygate, late Mr. Richard Saltonstalls -, this twenty shillings is paid every old Christmas day. The following lands also belong to this hos- pital. Eight half acres of land lying in Ferrybridge Field, with a stone at the end of each marked N. H. now rented by Mr. Peter Dunhill. A garden at the back of this hospital, and two other parcels of land lying east of the brewery, near the castle, late in the occupation of "William Need ham. December 29, 1671, Mr. Nicholas Stables, by his will, gave to the poor of this hospital thirty shillings yearly, to be paid out of the tithes of Blind Hardvvick, on every Christmas- 382 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. eve for ever; and on the 11th Feb. 1704, Mr. William Stables, by his will also, gave a farther sum of twenty shillings out of the above tithes. April 4, 1748, Mr. William Stables, having sold the said tithes to Lord Gallway free from the above incumbrances, he by deed in lieu of and in full satisfaction for the said fifty shillings, granted and conveyed to the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, and their successors, a yearly rent of fifty shillings, issuing and payable out of certain closes, called Baghill Closes, in Pontefract, free from all Deductions whatsoever, in trust nevertheless for the poor of St. Nicho- las* hospital, to be paid yearly at Christmas, with power to distrain on nonpayment. Also a reserved rent of fifteen shillings per annum, paid by the vicar out of the rents and profits of a close at Darrington, exchanged with the Reverend Mr. Drake for a house near St. Giles* church, now pulled down. June 8, 1673. Mr. Thomas Sayle, of Pon- tefract, chandler, by his will gave one hundred pounds towards rebuilding and reedifying this hospital, which was done soon after. Lazar House. In the fourteenth of Edward I, 1286, Henry de Lacy built a Lazar House here, and dedi- cated it to St. Mary Magdalene. The order of St Lazarus, of Jerusalem, seems to have been founded for the relief and support of lepers and impotent persons of the military order. Archbishop John Romain granted an indul- gence to all those who contributed to the relief of the lepers therein. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 333 It appears probable that the hospital called Frank's Hospital is either the Lazar House, or has been built on the site of it. The figure of a knight, cut in stone, in the wall, nearly as big as life, seems to justify this conclusion. This figure is now much defaced; the arms have been broken off and the head nearly destroyed. Knolles', or Trinity, Hospital and College. This hospital and college was founded in the reign of the unfortunate Richard II. by Sir Robert Knolles, a gentleman as illustrious for his valour and military achievements, as for his liberality to the indigent, and his regard to the claims of piety*. According to Leland, he had * This family is of Saxon origin, and the name derived from the term Knoll, a hill, where some of the race resided. In the reign of Edward III. Robert Knolles was considered as one of the best generals of the age, and the honour and glory of the country. In 1350, he was sent into France with an army, where he drove the French before him like sheep, overwhelming their towns and cities in such numbers, that years after the sharp points, and gable ends of overthrown houses, cloven asunder with instruments of war, were com- monly called Knolles' mitres. The French styled him Le veri- table Demon de Guerre, or the true thunderbolt of war. He "was made Senescal of Guienne, by Edward, and commissioned to assist John de Montfbrt, in the duchy of Bretagne, in which service he was completely successful: and was ap- poined Lieutenant of Bretagne, and rewarded with a fine estate in the duchy by Mont or t. He assisted the Black Prince in the conquest of Aquitain. He afterwards joined the Prince of Angaulesme, and drove the French to the gates of Paris. In the midst of all his successes, a combination of young noblemen, who envied his renown and talents, was formed against him ; and all the arts of intrigue, calumn> and misre- presentation, w r ere made use of to withdraw the favour of the prince from him. False accusations were brought against him 384 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT* intended to erect it on his manor of Scoulthorp, three miles from Walsingham, but influenced "by the desire of his lady, he changed his inten- tion, and to do her the greater honour, erected it on the very spot where she was born. Whatever might be the respect and honour Sir Robert intended to confer on his lady by this act of piety, the above mentioned historian has left a stain on her memory, by describing her as a woman of mean birth, of loose morals, of unchaste and dissolute conduct. Meanness of birth is not imputable to any one as a crime; nor can descent from respectable ancestors be con- sidered as a virtue; it can only properly be accounted a blessing. A lady destitute of the virtues of modesty, chastity and rectitude, justly forfeits the respect due to her sex; and how- ever elevated her rank, her vices will cover her name with reproach. Let us hope the historian has ^retailed scandal, and that the meanness o^ Lady Robert Knolles' birth, gave occasion to a censorious world to charge her with crimes of which she never was guilty. The charter of the foundation of this house for embe2zling the public property, and which, by the inquiry instituted, tended more to his fame and his honour, than to his disgrace. After being covered with glory as a conqueror, he retired to his family residence, and on the accession of Richard II. he was honoured with the order of the garter. In the tumult excited by Watt Tyler, which threatened to subvert the go- vernment, Sir Robert was one of those, whose prudence, cou- rage, and good conduct, contributed essentially to preserve the king, and to subdue and disperse the enraged populace. The city of London enfranchised him a member thereof, in expression of their gratitude for the service he had rendered on this occasion. Kimber's Baronetage. HISTORY OF PONTEFKACT. 385 Was granted on the 30th April, 1385. It is called a chantry or college, and intended to contain seven chaplains or fellows, one of which to be appointed warden. Also an almshouse or hospital adjoining, dedicated to the Holy Trinity and Blessed Virgin Mary, " for two clerks and thirteen poor persons, so made by mischance or scarcity, and two servitors to attend them." In consequence of the charter and licence of King Richard II. Sir Robert Knolles and Con- stance his wife, obtained a like licence of John, King of Castile, and Duke of Lancaster, Lord of the Soil, to purchase of Thomas Shirwood one messuage in Pontefract, on the site of which this collegiate house was built, and dedicated to the honour of the Holy Trinity. The founders liberally endowed the college and the hospital. They granted to the custos, master, or warden, the sum of twenty marks per annum, ten to each of the seven chaplains, and five to each of the clerks, for their main- tenance and support. The sum of thirty-four pounds four shillings and fourpence halfpenny was allotted to the thirteen poor persons, and the two servitors in the hospital; and it was ordered that every one should receive out of this sum three halfpence per day, for his sup- port. They also appointed fourpence to be paid to each of the said poor, and their ser- vitors, on each of the ten principal feasts. — The feasts of the Holy Trinity, Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, All-Saints, and the five feasts of the Blessed Virgin. The founders, not satisfied with providing for the comfortable subsistence of the poor, granted D d d . * 386 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. ten marks per annum, for their clothing and other necessaries, to be equally divided among them. They allowed to the two servants, for their attendance, the sum of twenty-five shillings and eightpence per annum. They assigned for the endowment of this bouse, after the decease of either of the said founders, one hundred and two pounds ten shil- lings, issuing out of their lands and tenements in London; appointing the residue of the value of these lands and tenements, to be yearly ap- propriated to the use of this house, in repairs and buildings. They also ordained, that the master, chap- lains, clerks, the poor and their servants should receive a pittance of six shillings and eightpence, on the day of either of their anniversaries. Also they willed that the prior and canons of Nostal, and their successors should enjoy the right of presentation to the wardenship of this college; and that they should present on every vacation a fit chaplain within the space of fifteen days* It was likewise appointed that the master should have a seal appropriated to his office, whereon should be engraven a rose, and the image of the Holy Trinity. This ordination was confirmed by Richard, Archbishop of York, on the 5th Oct, 1404. This college and hospital was built in a style suitable to the purposes for which it was in- tended. A considerable part of the buildings still remain, and give some faint idea of what it once was. The place now called the galle- ries was the residence of the master of the col- lege and the six chaplains. Each had his sepa- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 387 rate chamber or cell, where he could retire for the purpose of devotion; and like other reli- gious houses, it is probable there was a com- mon refectory, or dining room, where they all met together. What are now called the brother and sister houses must have been the hospital, where the poor were provided with every comfort, and the sorrows of old age were alleviated by the kind hand of charity. The church was on a small scale, but ap- pears to have been a neat, if not an elegant structure. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, it was esteemed peculiarly sacred; and here the wardens, chaplains, clerks, and poor, united in their daily devotions. What was once hallowed is now become profane; and the place where the sacrifice of the mass was offered, and where the Holy Virgin was worshipped, where the reli- gious, by their interest with heaven, delivered souls from purgatory, is now degraded to a shed for cattle. At the suppression of religious houses, the revenue of this house, according to Speed, was one hundred and eighty-two pounds thirteen shil- lings and sevenpence*; and Sancroft, M. S. * It was endowed by the grant of a manor in Burnham- Overy; the Lordship of Dunton and Doketon, and the advow- son of the vicarage ; of Hanvilles manor, in Kellestone ; of the manor and advowson of the rectory of Sculthorp; of a water- mill and lands in Sheerwood ; of the manor of Talterford, and of lands in Tattervile, all in the county of Norfolk. Bloom- field's Norfolk. In London thirty-four shops, in the parish of St. Mary on the hill, belonged also to this hospital, as well as land in Pontefract and Darrington. Tan. N. In Pontefract six acres of meadow, in Potwells, belonged to this house. 3S-S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Valor, saith there were at that time a master, six brethren, and a sacrist. Willis asserts, that the master and five fellows enjoyed pensions. A Catalogue of the Masters of this Hospital. Temp. Instit. Custodes Domus. Patron i. Vacat. Dns. Joh. de Newthorp, alias P.&C.deN .p.resig. Studeman. 17 Maii, 1410. Dns. Joh. de Stretton, Pr. lidem. p.mort, 18 [unii, 1418. Dns. Alex. Rawden, Cap. C.A.p.lap . p.mort, 18 Dec. 1419. Dns. Joh. Cudworth. P.&C.deN. 10 Mar. 1447. M, Joh. Latbome, Iidem. p.resig. 28 Jan. 1467. Dns. Jac. Clapeham, Cap. Iidem. p.mort 17 Junii, 1494. Dns. Rob. Cooke, Cap. Iidem. p.mort. tilt. Apr. 1513. Dns, Tho. Baghill, Pr. Iidem. p.mort. 4 Jan. 1524. M. Tho. Huchon, L. B. [chantries. Iidem. p.resig. Besides the master there were six chantries of seven chaplains in this hospital, each pre- sentable by the founder Sir .Robert Knolles, and after his decease by the master of the college, for the time being, and brethren thereof A Catalogue of the first Chaplains* Temp. Instit. Capellani Imi. Patroni. Vacat. 20 Aug. 1397. Dns. Will. Spycer, Cap. D.R.N.Mil.p.mort, 20 Mar. 1 42 1 . Dns. Joh. Sadylworth, Pr, M. & C. D, 5 Dec. 1419. Dns. Joh. Wyles, Pr. Iidem. p.mort. 7 Apr. 1462. Dns. Ric. Blackburn, Cap. Iidem. p.mort. 10 Nov. 1467. Dns. Joh. Botall, Cap. Iidem. p.mort, 9 Junii, 1486. Dns. Tho. Baghill, Pr. Jidera. p.dismis. 13 Maii, 1513. Dns. Will. Cubberd. Pr. Iidem. p.resig. 15 Mar. 1515. Dns. Jac. Tutyll, Cap. Iidem. p.resig. 2 Julii, 1517, Dns. Joh. Parkyn, Cap. HISTORY OF PONTETIUCT. •i 89 Temp. 20 Aug Instit. 1397. 14 Oct. 1423. 2S Junii, 1464. J 8 Feb. 1467. 28 Maii, 1484. 27julii, 1494. 13 Jan. 1524. The Second. Capellani 2di. Dns. Joh. Parlyngton. Dns. Joh. Pounteireyt, Pr. Dns. Jac. Clapham, Pr. Dns. Joh. Sokburn, Cap. Dns. Robert Cooke, Pr. Dns, Tho. Grone, Cap. M. Tho. Hochon. Dns. Rog. Marshall, Pr. Patroni. Vacat. D.R.N.Mil. M.&C.Col. lidem. Iidem. Iidem. Iidem. Iidem. Iidem. p.resig. p.dismis. p.resig. p.resig. The Third. Temp Tnstit. Capellani Stii. Patroni. 20 Nov. 1398. Dns. Alex. Rawden. R. K. Mil. £8 Junii, 1418. Dns. Joh. Cudeworth, Pr. M. & C. 20 Dec. 1419. Dns. Joh. White, Pr. Iidem. 16 Feb. 1447. M. Joh. Lathum. Iidem. Dns. Will. Foster. Iidem. 20 Jan. 1483. Dns. Joh. Sokeburn, Cap. Iidem. 26julii, 1481. Dns.Joh. Burton, Pr. Iidem. 22 Dec. 1526. Dns. Walt. Brown, Pr. Iidem. 19 Maii, 1529. Dns Edm. Gibson, Pr. Iidem. Vacat. p.resig. p.mort p.resig. p.morL p.resig. The Fourth. Temp. Instit. 12 Nov. 1392. 4 Feb. 1446. 18 Dec. 1453. 4 Maii, 1468. 16 Oct. 1488. 2 Oct. 1505. Capellani 4ti. Dns. Will. Hall. Dns. Joh. Cooke, Pr. Dns. Robert Falne, Cap. Patroni. Vacat D.R.K. M.&F.&C Iidem. p.resig. Dns. Joh. Leyes vel Lete, Cap. Iidem. p.mort. Dns. Joh. Blake, Cap. Col. p. Lap. Dns. Robert Moxon. M.&C.&c.p.mort, Dns, Tho. Howthon, Pr. Iidem. Temp. Instit. 13 Nov. 1398. 29 Junii. 1444. 3 Junii, 1479. 3 Jan. 1511. The Fifth. Capellani 5ti. Dns. Robert Freston, Cap. Dns. Robert Benet, Cap. Dns. Joh. Carver, Cap. Dns. Rad. Dicson, Cap. Pali-oni. Vacat. D.R.K.Mil. M. &F. &c. p.mort. lidem. p.mort. Iidem. 390 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The Sixth. Temp. Instil. Capellani 6ti. Patroni. Vacat, 8 Maii, 1403. Dns. Robert de Hill, Pr. D.R.K.Mil. 2 Jan. 14*8. Dns. TJio. Melsamby, Cap. M. & F. &c. Dns. Joh. Lile. Iidem. p.resig, 4 Mar. 1468. Dns. Joh. Sharp, Pr. Iidem, p.mort. 5 Mar. 1228. Dns. Joh. Cowkepage, Pr. Iidem. p.resig. 9 Apr. 1537. Dns. Joh. Dykson, Cap. Iidem. October 23, 1.563, Queen Elizabeth, in the sixth year of her reign, by grant under seal of her duchy of Lancaster, after reciting that her commissioners appointed for the c ntinuance of grammar schools, fresh appeals and other things, had appointed to continue one almshouse, called Knolles' Almshouse, in which were maintained fifteen aged people, whereof two of the said fifteen were servants to the rest, and that every one of the said fifteen should have yearly two pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence, did autho- rize the mayor and comburgesses, or chief bur- gesses, for the time being, from time to time, as the rooms of the alms people should happen to be vacant, to place other aged, impotent and needy meet persons in the same rooms, accord- ing to the ancient foundation thereof, as should fte thought most expedient, May 20, 1574, Mr. John Mercer, by his will, gave to this hospital half the rents arising from a house, orchard, garden, edifices and buildings at Whitechapel, in London ; and the other half was given to the poor of Whitechapel. The churchwardens and overseers of Whitechapel are appointed trustees for the same. The money received is divided equally amongst the poor people in the said hospital. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 391 By the deed mentioned under St. Nicholas* hospital, dated Sept. 19, 1650, is also granted the yearly sum of forty-one pounds five shillings, which is paid to the poor people in this hospital. This sum, which has since been advanced to the annual sum of sixty pounds, is usually paid by the king's receiver to the mayor, for the time being, at Michaelmas, who gives a treat to him and such of the aldermen, &c, as he thinks proper, at which entertainment are provided some fine red apples and nuts; as it has been an ancient custom to present some of them to the duchy of Lancaster, this has given rise to an erroneous idea that the corporation hold their charter by this service. The mayor immediately distributes this sum of sixty pounds, in equal shares, amongst the poor people in the hospital. This hospital will, in the course of a few years, receive an addition to its revenues. John Whiteman, brickmaker, has bequeathed the rents of certain houses, and the interests of certain monies to this hospital for ever, after the de- cease of his widow, brother and sister; who are to enjoy the profits thereof, during the term of their natural lives. The following is the clause of his will, in which this bequest is made. " And lastly at my said wife's death, I give and bequeath all rents and interests, to be paid in half-yearly payments by my executors, or their heirs, as before named, to the Trinity Hospital in Pontefract, to be distributed to the brothers and sisters of the said hospital, share and share alike for ever, subject only to the use- ful and necessary repairs of my aforesaid houses." 322" HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. From the provisions of the will of the said John Whiteman*, it appears that on the demise of his widow, the rents are to be appropriated to the use of the poor of the said hospital, paying out thereof the sum of two shillings per week to his sister, and the like sum to his brother, if living. The poor of this hospital will, from this be- quest, gain a clear income of twenty pounds and upwards per annum ; a sum which, added to their other resources, will contribute much to alleviated the anxiety of old age, and to ren- der the winter of life more serene and peaceful, Bead-House Hospital. This hospital is situated at the bottom of Micklegate, and has eight rooms, in which are placed sixteen poor people. There is a small parcel of ground at the back of this hospital belonging thereto. Also Mrs. Favel gave a garden at the bottom of Slutwell Lane, called Favel Garden, which is now part of Mr. Seaton's grounds, anu for which he pays the poor of this hospital four pounds per annum. This payment is paid to the vicar, who distributes the same amongst the widows, who are exclusively entitled thereto. * John Whiteman was a native of Pontefract, and had by diligence and labour acquired the property specified. Having no children, nor any relatives likely to preserve what he had industriously acquired, lie was induced to leave all to the hospital, in which two of his uncles and his brother had found an assylum ; and he hoped should any of his remote re- lations be reduced to want, the town would provide for them in the same house. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 393 Thwaltcs' Hospital, in Newgate. May 20, 1620, Mr. Richard Tbwaites, by his will, gave two cottages, divided into four rooms, and also two gardens threreto belonging and adjoining, for an hospital for four ancient poor women, who shall be single women, to dwell severally in the said four rooms, and have equal shares and profits of the two gardens. Also an annual rent, to be paid by his heirs, out of the rents and profits of a close, called Tanshelf Well Close, adjoining to Pontefract Park, of twelve horse loads of coals to each poor woman in the said hospital, for their fire, yearly; and also forty shillings a year, to be paid quar- terly, on the feast of St. John the Baptist, St. Michael the archangel, St. Thomas the apostle, and the annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary, to them and their successors for ever, towards their relief and maintenance. Three of the said poor people to be placed in the said rooms to be taken out of the town of Pontefract, and the fourth of them out of Tanshelf, at all times for ever. And in case the said coals should not be brought regularly to the poor people by his heirs, or the purchaser of his copyhold estate, then the trustees therein after mentioned should receive three pounds every year, out of the rents and profits of the said Tanshelf Well Close, and therewith procure the said coals for them for ever. The trustees appointed by the said will were his heirs and their successors, so long as there should be any of them remaining. And in case of a failure therein, then the mayor. and vicar of Pontefract, for the time being, and e e e 394 HISTORY OF FONTEFRACT. Henry Frank, his brother m law, and two senior aldermen, during the life of the said Henry Frank; and the three senior aldermen, after his death, to have the sole direction of the said hospital. It was decreed by the commissioners of pious uses, by an inquisition taken at Snaith, April 10, 1674, that Mr. Thomas Ward, the then possessor of Tanshelf Well Close, his heirs and assigns, and the owner and occupier of the said close, shall for ever thereafter pay and stand charged with the payment of three pounds yearly, to the poor women of the said hospital; and the mayor and vicar of Pontefract, for the time being, and three senior aldermen, or the greater number of them, be perpetual trustees for the said hospital. Frank's Hospital. This hospital is situated at the bottom of Micklegate, and formerly contained only one apartment, in which were placed two poor women. It is supposed to have been left by Mr. Matthew Frank, formerly an alderman of this borough, and the donations of it are — One garth at the back thereof; a liquorice garden, near St. Nicholas' hospital, called the Bull Garth; and an house at the bottom of Micklegate. There is also another hospital adjoining to the above, supposed to have been built by Mr, Kobert Frank, upon part of the ground left by Mr. Matthew Frank, above mentioned-, and is endowed as follows. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 335 November 16, 1629, By a deed made be- tween Leonard Ward, of Pontefract, on the one part, and Robert Moor, gentleman, then mayor, Matthew Kay, of Beghall, Richard Frank, of Campsall, gentlemen, and Dorothy Frank, of Pontefract, widow, on the other part, reciting that Mr. John Frank, alderman, deceased, by his last will, in writing, bearing date January 16, 1618, did give to the poor of Pontefract fifty pounds, to be paid by his son, Mr. Rich. Frank, within two years after his death, out of lands in Fen wick and Norton, to the church- wardens of the town of Pontefract, for the time being, to be bestowed in lands or otherwise, to and for the use aforesaid, by the mayor of Pontefract, for the time being, and by Matthew Kay, of Brotherton, and by Henry Frank, his brother, and Richard Frank, his son, or by so many of them as should be then living. And his will was that the said fifty pounds, or lands and profits thereof, should yearly remain to the use aforesaid for ever, to be distributed by the consent of the said mayor, and his heirs. And further reciting that the said Richard Frank had already paid the said fifty pounds into the hands of the said Dorothy, his mother, by the consent of the said churchwardens; and that she, of her own free will, had given ten pounds more to the use aforesaid, which said sums made together sixty; with which the said mayor, Mr, Kay, and Richard Frank, with the assist- ance of the said Dorothy, had agreed with the said Leonard Ward for the purchase of the lands thereafter mentioned. The said Leonard Ward, in consideration of the said sixty pounds, 396 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. did convey one acre of arable land at Beckhill, and two acres of inclosed land, called Long Close, in St. Thomas' Hill Field, abutting upon: Monkhill Lane, to the only use and behoof of the said Robert Moore, Matthew Kay, and .Richard Frank, and their heirs for ever, upon trust, that they and the survivor or survivors of them should stand and be seised as feoffees in trust, to the only proper use of the poor people in Pontefract, for the time being, for ever, to be distributed by the mayor, for the time be- ing, and by the heirs of the said John Frank. Although the above donation is to the poor of the town generally, the rents of the land have been distributed to the poor people in this hospital, out of respect to the donor. Robert Frank, Esq. by his will, dated Dec. 26, 1737, devises to his daughter Margaret and her heirs, the above mentioned cottage or tene- ment, which he had lately built in Micklegate, in Pontefract, for an almshouse, wherein he had placed or put Susanna Firth and Ann Porter, two poor widows, for their lives. And also all his, the said testator's trust, estate and interest of and in the closes of land above mentioned, to have been purchased with the said sixty pounds*; for the use, and in trust, and to the intent that the said Margaret Frank, her heirs and as- signs, should pay and distribute the rents, issues, and profits thereof, to the said Susanna Firth and Ann, Porter, for their lives; and after their decease to such widows as should thereafter be placed in the said almshouse, in the room and * By what right had he the disposal of this land. See the before mentioned deed, Nov. 16, 1629. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 397 place of her or them so dying, for ever, such rents to be paid halfyearly, at Whitsuntide and Martinmas. The electing, placing, and dis- placing of the said widows for misdemeanors, to be in the said Margaret Fiank, her heirs and assigns, the mayor and three senior aldermen, or comburgesses, of Pontefract, resident in the said town, for the time being, and their suc- cessors, or the major part of them. The testator also appoints the same persons and the vicar of Pontefract, and his successors, to elect and place the poor widows, upon vacan- cies, into the almshouse in Micklegate aforesaid, founded by his great grandfather or great uncle, or one of them, as also in the almshouses in Naut Market, in Pontefract, founded by Mr. Cowper. And he also declares that if the rents and profits of his close, called Rancal Pits, should be let for four pounds a year, then he charges the same with the payment of ten shillings a year, to the said poor widows, in the said alms- house for ever, to be paid by his said daughter, Margaret Frank, her heirs and assigns, out of the rents, issues, and profits of the same close. Cooper's, or Butt's, Hospital Mr, Robert Cowper, of Darrington, by his will, dated May 20, 1668, gave two cottages or tenements, in Pontefract, for the use of four poor widows of the to'.vn of Pontefract, and appointed Samuel Drake, D. D. John Ramsden, John Frank, and Robert Tatham, gentlemen, feoffees, to elect poor widows, of the town of Pontefract, 39$ HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. when and as often as vacancies should happen in either of the said two tenements; and did like- wise desire and appoint that when any of the said feoffees die, that the surviving number shall have power to elect another to act in his stead. And he also gave unto the said four poor widows for ever, twenty shillings each yearly, to be paid by his heirs, out of his close at Purs- ton Jacklin, for the repairs of the said cottages, and their relief for ever. N. B. This twenty shillings each to the above poor widows, is now paid out of the rents and profits of a close, in Bailygate, in lieu of the above lands in Purston, every Christmas-Eve. Mr. Robert Frank, son of John Frank, by his will*, appointed the following persons trustees for the above hospital, (but query by what power) — viz. Mrs. Margaret Frank, his daughter, the mayor, for the time being, the three senior aldermen, and the vicar, for the time being, of Pontefract. This hospital was situated at a place for- merly called Boner Hill, in the middle of the Beast Fair, where the Corn Market is now held, but being in a very ruinous state, as well as inconvenient in point of situation, in the year 1765 it was pulled down, and a new hospital erected at the Butts, at the expence of the town, in lieu of the old one, which cost the sum of ninety pounds. Perfect's Hospital. This hospital is situated at the bottom of Micklegate, and was built in the year 1667, * See the clause of his will under Frank's Hospital. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 399 at the joint expence of the town and the cor- poration. It is called Perfects Hospital from the endow- ment thereof by the late Alderman Wm. Perfect, who by a deed gave to the corporation several houses and gardens thereto, situate near to the said hospital, in trust for the poor persons in the same hospital; who were to be three poor antient decayed housekeepers belonging to the town of Pontefract, and their wives. The placing and displacing the said poor persons in the said hospital was vested in the said William Perfect, during his life, and after his death in the mayor and aldermen of Pontefract, for the time being, for ever, who were made perpetual trustees for the same. It is the custom when any of the poor peo- ple in this hospital die, to remove the sur- vivor into Knolles', or Trinity, Hospital, upon the first vacancy that shall happen there, in or- der to make room here for another poor married couple, and so from time to time, in order that it may be always enjoyed by three poor ancient decayed housekeepers and their wives. Dr. Watkinsoiis Hospital, The late Edward Watkinson, of Ackworth, M. D. by his will, dated April 1765, gave (af- ter payment of some small legacies) all the re- sidue of his personal estate, after the death of his wife, unto the rector of Ackworth, the rector of Hemsworth, and the vicar of Pontefract, fop the time being; the mayor, recorder, and two* pernor aldermen, of the borough of Pontefract, 400 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. for the time being, upon trust, that they and his friend Mr. Alderman Samuel Saltonstall should put the same out at interest, and pay and apply the produce thereof (after payment of some annuities) for the maintenance, support and comfortable living and subsistence of nine poor unmarried persons, of the protestant reli- gion, for ever; to be nominated, chosen and elected as follows, viz. the said trustees to nomi- nate and chuse two poor men and two poor women, who should live in Ackworth, and two poor men and two poor women, who should live in Pontefract, and also one other women, who should live in either of the said townships, to be the servant of the said eight poor persons, and to wait and attend upon them as such; and which said eight poor persons, and their servant, should from time to time have the said interest, produce and dividends, paid equally amongst them, share and share alike. And the said testator wills and declares that no married person shall be capable of being elected one of the said nine persons, and that if any of them do afterwards marry, that such person shall cease to have any share in the said produce and dividends, and be displaced from having any benefits or advantage. And he also gives the said trustees power to displace any of the said persons guilty of any immorality, misconduct or bad behaviour. And also to fill up vacancies, so as there shall always be therein two poor men and two poor women, belonging to each of the said townships of Ackworth and Pontefract, and a maid servant. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 401 And he gives the said trustees a discretionary power as to the best method of perpetuating and performing the trusts of his will, and all matters and things relating thereto. On Feb. 9, 1778, the trustees held their first meeting, to put the said will in execution, and soon afterwards purchased a piece of ground in Northgate, and built a handsome house thereon, under the direction of the said Mr. Saltonstall. On Oct. 25, 1779, the said hospital being ready for the reception of its intended inhabi- tants, the trustees nominated eight poor persons and a servant to dwell therein, according to the said will, and ordered them to be? paid ten shillings each every calendar month. The vacancies arising by death or otherwise have been regularly filled up from time to time, and the trustees have laid out the testators estate in the purchase of South Sea annuities, the dividends of which are paid monthly to the poor people of this hospital, now amounting to fifteen shillings each person; and the trustees take care to keep their respective apartments clean and in good repair, rendering this place a desirable and comfortable retreat to old age and infirmity. The King's Free Grammar School. Few of our kings deserve so much the grate- ful remembrance of the nation as young Ed- ward VI. If the importance of a reign be es- timated from the general good that results from it, his reign, though short, is one of the most important in the annals of Britain. It is true Fff * 402 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. it was not distinguished by splendid conquests; by the enlargement of the national territory, at the expence of thousands of its inhabitants; but it is rendered remarkable by the progress of the reformation; by the piety and benevo- lence uniformly displayed; by the wisdom of those establishments, which yet continue to in- struct and bless the rising generation. His father, Harry, capricious and inconstant, acted rather from the impulse of passion, than from the cool and delibeiate dictates of wisdom; and though he threw off the yoke of the pope's supremacy, he assumed it himself, and unmercifully shed the blood of those subjects who ventured in the least to deviate from the creed which he prescribed. The spoils of the Catholic Church filled his coffers; and the patronage he enjoyed, as head of the church he established, gave him additional power, and every thing in church and state was subject to his despotic will. Ed- ward, in every thing the reverse of his father, temperate, chaste, humble and pious, had the wisdom to follow the advice of his counsellors, and the inclination to execute the plans which they formed. Hence arose those excellent insti- tutions, Free Grammar Schools ; and ^ew were the towns of any importance, but what had in this reign such schools erected and endowed. One was erected here, in the second year of his reign, and various others within the Honour of Pontefract. The endowment of this school was small; the sum of fifty-nine shillings only being annually al- lowed to the schoolmaster. It continued without any alteration till the fifth of Elizabeth, wlien com- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 4o3 plaint was made of the inattention and negligence of the schoolmaster, to the Chancellor of the Dut- chy, and in consequence the right to present a suitahle master was vested in the mayor and alder- men. The following is an abstract of the grant* " And forasmuch as we are credibly in- formed that the schoolmaster, which now ser- veth in the same, does not his endeavour and diligence in the due education and bringing up of young children there, according to the trust committed to him. We therefore considering the same, minding reformation thereof, and also good education and bringing up of young chil- dren in virtue and godly learning. And having a trust and confidence in our mayor and com- burgesses, or chief burgesses, of the said town, now for the time being, and which hereafter shall be. Do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, by the advice and consent of our chancellor and council of our said dutchy, authorize our said mayor and comburgesses of our said town, for the time being, and which hereafter shall be, that they from time to time from henceforth shall by their di- rection and wisdom appoint such a sober, discreet, learned, able person to serve and be a schoolmaster in the said town, as to them shall seem good and best for the education and bringing up of young children there from time to time, in virtue and godly learning and edu- cation, as they will answer for him from time to time at their peril. " No addition was made to the endowment till the twenty-fifth of Elizabeth, when on the petition of Boniface Savage and others, several 404 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. small endowments of schools, which had been wholly neglected, were appropriated to this, that a master every way qualified to teach and in- struct the rising generation might be obtained. This grant is too curious to be omitted, as it contains some interesting particulars respecting the town and castle. After reciting what had been done by Edward, and noticing the small salary allowed to the master, it goes on, " Whereupon the chancellor and council of this court persuading themselves that if the small stipends were collected and put together, the same would maintain a meet, learned and sufficient schoolmaster and usher, which were not only a matter very laudable, but also a great benefit to the country, and weighing and considering how the Queen's most excellent Majesty is and always hath been, of her princely disposition naturally inclined, and ready to nur-< ture and further the education of youth in learning, virtue and godly life. And for that the said borough and town of Pontefract, is one of the greatest and most populous boroughs of her Majesty's said dutchy in those parts, in which town there is the most stately castle and meetest house for her Majesty, her heirs and successors, to resort unto in those northern parts of England, and yet the said town of late is very poor and most decayed, being the most meet and convenient place in those parts to have and maintain a Free Grammar School, which shall greatly tend to the honour and dignity of her Majesty, And that hereby her Majesty's lenity there shall in respect thereof daily have most occasion to remember her highness's godly, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 405 charitable, virtuous and princely acts, and be daily moved up and stirred continually to pray for the long and happy continuance of her most royal person. In consideration whereof the chancellor and council of this honourable court, bavins: well and deliberately considered of the premises, and thinking it very meet and con- venient as well for the maintenance and augmen- tation of the said Free Grammar School in Pon- tefract, as for the causes and considerations afore- said, at the humble suit of Boniface Savage and others, the inhabitants of the said town of Pon- tefract. And forasmuch as the said Boniface Sa- vage, as well for himself as in the name of all others the inhabitants of Pontefract aforesaid, hath undertaken and faithfully promised unto the said chancellor and council at his or their own cost to make and furnish a fair school-house within the said town of Pontefract, which shall be a sufficient, meet and able place for that purpose; and the said school-house so furnished from time to time to maintain, repair and continue for ever; Do in this present term of Easter in the five and twentieth year of her Majesty's reign, order and decree in manner and form following, first that there shall be a Free Grammar School continued within the said town of Pontefract, and a godly learned school- master and usher to be chosen from time to time to teach and instruct the youth there, and that the same Grammar School for the better memorial of her Majesty's most gracious, vir- tuous and princely disposition for the careful bringing up of j'outh in learning, piety and godly life, shall be called by the name of The 406 HISTORY OF PONTEfRACT. most excellent Princess Queen Elizabeth's Free School in Pontefract. And that the said yearly Stipend and pension, amounting to the sum of twenty-five pounds seven shillings and twopence of lawful money of England, shall hereafter du- ring the continuance of the said Grammar School be yearly paid and allowed to the mas- ter and usher of the said school and their suc- cessors there for the time being, in manner and form as hereafter by this present decree is set down and declared. Also that The Right Ho- nourable Sir Ralph Sadler, Knight, now chan- cellor and all others which hereafter shall be chancellors of the said dutchy shall from time to time nominate and appoint one sufficient meet and able man to be schoolmaster there, during the pleasure of the Queen's Majesty her heirs and successors, who for his stipend and wages shall have twenty pounds parcel of the said twenty-five pounds seven shillings and two- pence, to be paid unto the said schoolmaster by the hands of the particular receiver of the Honour Of Pontefract for the time being, at two usual terms in the year, that is to say, at the feast of St. Michael the archangel and the annuncia- tion of our blessed Virgin Mary, or within ftfty days next after either of the said feasts by even portions, and that the residue of the said sum of twenty-five pounds seven shillings and twopence be paid in manner and form aforesaid to one meet and sufficient man to be usher there, to be from time to time elected and chosen by the mayor and brethren of the town of Pon- tefract, with the advice and consent of the school^ master there for the time being. And that this HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 407 order and decree shall be a sufficient warrant and discharge as well to the said particular receiver of our said Sovereign Lady the Queen's Majesty her heirs and successors of her and their pos- sessions, parcel of her Highnesses dutchy of Lan- caster in the said county of York for the time being, both for the true payment yearly to the said schoolmaster of and in the said town of Pontefract and his and their successors for the time being, being schoolmaster of the said Grammar School for the said sum of twenty- pounds, during so long time as he or they or any of them shall continue schoolmaster or schoolmasters of the said Grammar School. And also to the usher there for the time being for the true payment yearly of the said sum of five pounds seven shillings and twopence, during so long a time as the said usher shall -continue there. And also to the auditor of the posses- sions of the dutchy in the north parts for the time being, to make unto the receiver due and reasonable allowance yearly of and for the pay- ment of the said sums or yearly pensions ac* cordingly. Provided always that if at any time hereafter it shall be thought good to her Ma- jesty her heirs and successors to determine after- wards to withdraw or diminish this her Majesty's most gracious gift, or that the said mayor or brethren shall be negligent or remiss in the well repairing or maintenance of the said school -house, or in furnishing of the same as is before premised and appointed, that then it ghall and may be lawful for the chancellor and council of the said dutchy for the time being either to see the same redressed and reformed, 408 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. or else to call in and make frustrate this pre- sent order and decree, any thing herein con- tained or specified to the contrary notwithstand- ing. We have given and specified by these pre sents the form of the aforesaid decree and or- der, at the request of the aforesaid Boniface Savage and other inhabitants of Pontefract. In witness of which we have made these our let- ters patent. Given at our palace at Westminster, under the seal of our dutchy of Lancaster, the last day of April in the twenty-fifth year of our reign. " From this period the school continued to flourish, or otherwise, according to the talents and industry, or inattention and neglect, of the various masters appointed. The above grant or charter took from the mayor and comburgesses the right of appointing the schoolmaster, and such right remained with the chancellor of the dutchy. The schoolmaster was only to be pro- perly qualified for his office; nor was he in the least bound or restricted to any particular branches of instruction. In the lapse of a century the school again fell into deca}^, and for some years no school- master applied for the appointment. The inha- bitants, desirous to restore this foundation, and to render it permanently useful, again petitioned the dutchy court, and engaged to rebuild the school and to purchase or erect a house for the residence of the schoolmaster. The petition of the inhabitants was graciously received, and in the thirty-second year of his present Majesty, the school was refounded; and a charter was granted containing rules and regulations for its better government in future. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 409 Byr this charier the mayor, recorder, alder- men, and the vicar are appointed curators; and their office is to superintend the said school, and to see that the rules and regulations an- nexed to the said charter are strictly observed. The appointment of the schoolmaster is re- served to the chancellor of the dutcby; but as a necessary qualification for such appointment, he must have taken the state and degree of mas- ter of arts or bachelor of laws in one of the universities *. The number of boys on this foundation is fourteen, one of which is to be taken from the Charity School, and educated free from all expence; the remainder are to pay one guinea per annum for being taught the Greek and Latin languages; and such as learn writing and arithmetic are to pay one guinea more. The admission of such boys is by ballot among the curators, and the boy that has a majority is elected. But no boy can be chosen unless the parents are legally settled in the townships of Pontefract or Tan shelf. The schoolmaster is not permitted to teach * This clause of the charter, by limiting the objects of choice, must uniformly operate against the prosperity of the institution. Those clergymen who have been trained up in the habit of teaching, and to whom the instruction of youth has become the chief object of attention, are generally much better qualified for such an office than graduates in the uni- versity. Should such graduates have devoted their time to the study of the classics, and should they have attained general knowledge, their inexperience in the art of teaching will ren- der it an irksome task, in which they engage with reluctance, and from which they depart with pleasure. Whoever framed this charter, if they had consulted the interest of the town, should have appointed any clergyman, properly qualified, eligible to the office. Cgg 410 HISTORY OF PONf EFRACT. the English Grammar, Writing arid Arithmetic, separate from the learned languages *; but is obliged to take any other boys, besides those on the foundation, belonging to the towns of Pontefract and Tanshelf, for the additional sum of one guinea. All the children are to be instructed in the Protestant religion, according to the rites and ceremonies of the church of England. John Frieston f; of Altofts, in this county, gave some lands in this town to the University College, Oxford, for the maintenance of one fellow or exhibitioner, to receive out of them ten pounds a year; besides the use of a chamber and exemptions from all decrements. He built and endowed a Free School at Norm an ton. He left five hundred pounds to purchase twenty five pounds a year, for the maintenance of one fellow and two scholars in Emanuel's College, Cambridge; the said fellow and scholars to be sent out of Normanton, and for want of such there, then out of the Free Schools of Ponte- * This rule narrows and confines the advantages of this shcool. Many in the town might wish to have their children taught English, writing and arithmetic, Without being put to the expence of a classical education. By this rule the children of the greatest part of the inhabitants are wholly deprived of any benefit from this Grammar School. Would it riot be a general advantage to this school if such clauses Were disannul- led? Would it not be wise and prudent in the inhabitants to apply to the Dutchy Court, that such other regulations might be adopted as would render the Free Grammar School ah institution of general utility? While this charter remains, ar?d the limitations it contains are in practice regarded, it will never be of any essential advantage to the town. f He was descended from an ancient family, the Lords of Mendham, in Suffolk, and died the 37th 6f Elizabeth, 1594, HISTORY OF pONTEFRACT. 411 fract, Wakefield, Leeds and Rotherham, or any part of the county. The Charity School. It is not certain when, or by whom, this school was first erected. There is no mention of such a school prior to the year 1709. Wil- liam Earl of Strafford, by will, dated the 9th of September, 1695, out of his favourable and charitable disposition to this town, gave and devised unto the mayor and aldermen the sum of two hundred pounds, towards the repairs of the great church, if the trustees, named in his will, should be well assured on payment thereof that the said church would be repaired, and constantly used as other churches were for the performance of divine service. In the year 1709, there being no likelihood of this church being repaired, the Honourable Thomas Went worth, the residuary legatee of the said Earl of Strafford, in regard to the memory and pious intentions of the said Earl, and wish- ing that the said two hundred pounds might be employed for charitable purposes, for the benefit of the poor of Pontefract, instead of applying it to his own use, as he certainly might have done, paid this sum to the cor- poration, on their giving a proper indem- nity, to the intent that the interest thereof might be annually employed in and about some good charitable undertaking within the said town, either in setting up a school or a workhouse. in consequence thereof the corporation, by 412 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. deed dated the 25th August, 1709, after reciting the above particulars, did grant the; three closes, called Town's Closes, to the said Honourable Thomas Wentworth, and his legal representa- tives, as an indemnity for the payment of the said sum ; and it was by the same deed de- clared that the mayor, recorder, vicar and the two senior aldermen of Pontefract, for the time being, should be trustees to manage, expend and lay out the said interest monies for the benefit of such Charity School or Workhouse. The said trustees were also impowered to lay out the said two hundred pounds in the purchase of land, and apply the rents to the purposes aforesaid, and in case the said church should be rebuilt, the lands so purchased were declared liable to the payment of the said two hundred pounds. This bequest appears to have laid the foun- dation of the Charity School. It cannot be doubted but the persons mentioned laid out the money in land, for which land they of course became trustees. The following is a list of the donations, inclusive of the above, which have been made to this school ; and whatever lands were purchased with such dona- tions they must have been invested in the same trust *. * Though there can be no doubt that the persons men* tioned in the deed of release are the legal trustees of the lands belonging to this charity, it is singular that they are not in possession of any one deed of conveyance. Is it not pro- bable, that on the death cf Recorder Frank, when the office which he had kept here was given up, and all the writings in his possession were conveyed to CampsalJ, such deeds were conveyed also? HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Hon. Tho. Wentworth, Aug. 25, 1790, 200 Patientius Ward, Esq. Feb. 7, 171 1, Mr. Wm. Stables, Alderman, Mr. Joseph Lodge, Sep. 3, 1712, Mrs. Elizabeth Adams, Dec. 12, 1713, Madam Savil, Wife of J. Savil, Esq. Jun. Mrs. Sarah Sharpass, Widow, Aug. 1716, Patientius Ward, Esq. to put out ap- ) prentices, Aug. 2, 1717, S Patientius Ward, Esq. for the same) purpose, Aug. 2, 1719, j Mrs. Catherine Favil, 1722, Mrs. Anne Vickers, by will, May 21,) 1722, j" Mr. Richard Shillitoe, late of Sharl-) ston, Sep. 21, 1724, j" Patientius Ward, Esq. Oct. 1, 1725, Mrs. Sarah Cayley, Nov. 26, 1725, Mr. John Staveley, Nov. 26, 1728, Prom an unknown person, Dec. \8,\ 1728, j Airs. Dorothy Frank, by will, May 3, ) 1728, j" Mrs. Anne Lowther, April IS, 1729, Mr. Wilson, July 2, 1729, John Lowther, Esq. by will, Oct. 16,\ 1731, j Mrs. Elizabeth Perfect, Jan. 5, 1731, Mr. Solomon Dupeir, June 4, 1732, Mrs. Mary Kellam, Dec. 28, 1732, From an unknown person, May 27, ) 0r . 1736, J J0 ° ° Mr. Scholey, educated as a Charity) inA _ Boy, ^ \ 10 ° ° ° £&)H 14 o 413 £. s. d. 200 2 7 3 2 2 10 2 3 20 2 2 2 2 2o 3 10 10 10 10 10 1 1 30 5 21 20 3 3 100 5 414 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. This Charity School, besides the donations made to it, has received considerable support from annual subscribers; and every annual sub- scriber of one guinea, has acted in conjunction with the proper trustees, in the regulation and management of the said school. The conduct of the trustees, in relinquishing their exclusive right of management, deserves commendation. They have acted on the obvious principle, that when men voluntarily give their money for any charitable purpose, they have a right to see that it be properly applied. By this conduct annual subscriptions are encouraged, as the subscribers have full liberty to recommend the children of the poor to the benefit of this charity. After the establishment of this institution, for some time the children of the poor were only instructed in reading, writing and arithmetic, free from all expence; but the donations and private subscriptions at length enabled the trus- tees, not only to educate, but to clothe the boys and girls admitted on this charity. A house, situate in Micklegate, was pur- chased for the master of this school; and in the year 1779 the present spacious school- room was erected on the ground behind it. When the King's Grammar School was re- founded, the trustees of this charity appropriated one hundred and fifty pounds from its funds towards the erection of the said Grammar School. The number of boys and girls admitted on this foundation is regulated by the state of its finances. It is usual for the children admitted to receive their coats and gowns, and one pair of shoes on St. Thomas' day; their shifts, shirts HISTORY OF PONTEFfcACT, 415 and another pair of shoes at Midsummer; the girls their aprons, handkerchiefs and caps at Easter; and the two oldest girls alternately at- tend in the house of the master, in order to learn the necessary work. Children are admitted into this school at the age of eight years, and remain until they are fourteen; and if then put out apprentice it is the custom to give one guinea along with them. The following is an account of lands, &c. now belonging to this Charity School, exclusive of the annual subscriptions. lands, &c. A close in Purston Row, Do. do. Do. and piece in Bennet Ings, Do. at Baghill, Do. in Darrington Lane, Do. in Upper Taythes, A Garden in Bailey-gate, Do. northward, Three eights of a close at Dar-) rington, let for j£8. per .aim.) A close at Darrington, Do, under "Wenthill. Do. at Cutsyke, Lady Betty Hasting, annually, An annual payment out of land) at Ferry b. by Dv. Jefferson,) Do. by Mr. Popplewell, out of ) land at Spittle-Gap, $ RENT. A, R. P. £. s. d % 3 36 12 12 2 16 7 10 1 1 25 5 3 11 16 4 1 13 17 1 1 32 6 1 1 IS 9 1 22 1 1 4 3 5 3 31 11 11 2 3 4 3 6 5 .0 7 1H 8 4 34 10o£'l04 19 416 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. BEQUESTS AND DONATIONS. Talbot's Charity. In the thirty-second of Elizabeth, (1.5 90, J" George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, by his will of this date, appointed the sum of two hun- dred pounds, to be yearly employed for ever unto the benefit of the poorest artificers in the town of Pontefract, for the increase of trade and occupations there, that is to say, that the mayor of the said town and his brethren, or the major part of them with the mayor, by the assent of the Earl of Shrewsbury, for the time being, shall upon Monday in Whitsun week, pay and lend to every poor artificer of the same town, so far as the said money will extend, five pounds for the term of three years next fol- lowing, putting in good and sufficient security for the repayment thereof*. Sayle's Dole. Mr. Thomas Sayle, mentioned as a benefactor to St. Nicholas* Hospital, by his said will, June 8, 1673, gave one hundred pounds to the poor of Pontefract, the interest of which to be distributed * Dug dale's Baron. Whether this bequest of the Earl of Shrewsbury was ever paid to the ma) or, and disposed of in the manner directed, is not known. There is not a word relating to the above bequest in any of the books now belong- ing to the corporation ; and if the two hundred pounds has ever been appropriated according to the will of the said Earl, it has been lost either for want of sufficient security for the re- payment thereof when lent to poor artificers, or unjustly ap- plied to some other purpose. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 417 amongst them by the mayor and vicar, for the time being, every Christmas for ever. The said Thomas Sayle omitted to appoint trustees to receive the said one hundred pounds, on Which account a commission for pious uses was held at Snaitb, and an inquisition taken the 18th April, 1674, and it was decreed that John Frank, Esq. then mayor, Samuel Drake, D. D. and William Wilkinson, should stand and be trustees to receive the same, and that it should remain a stock for ever, and the income and profits thereof be distributed yearly, by the mayor and the minister of the town, for the time being, and their successors for ever. Some years afterwards the trustees applied the money to different purposes than those in- tended by the donor, and another commission for pious uses was held at Barnsley, on the 2nd June, 1678, and a decreetal order was then made that the said one hundred pounds should be paid to Mr. Thomas Jackson, then mayor, Mr. Drake, then vicar, Richard Lyle, Hastings Sayle and Thomas Sayle, who soon after the receipt thereof should purchase land of inherit- ance of the clear yearly value of six pounds, to the use of the said Richard Lyle, Hastings Sayle and Thomas Sayle, the mayor and vicar of Pontefract, during the natural lives of Richard Lyle, Hastings Sayle and Thomas Sayle, and after their decease to the use of the said mayor and vicar for the time being, and their succes- sors for ever, in trust, nevertheless to and for the charitable use aforesaid. The said one hundred pounds was afterwards received by the said Hastings Sayle, who pur- h h h * 418 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. chased the close hereafter mentioned therewith, and by his will, dated July 23, 1721, did give and devise unto the poor of Pontefract, one close in Furston Jacklin, called Lady Close, then in the possession of Robert Lorryman, in lieu and consideration of and satisfaction for the said one hundred pounds, so received by the testator, Hastings Sayle, and given by the said Thomas Sayle as aforesaid. To the intent and purpose that the mayor and vicar of Pontefract, for the time being, and their successors for ever, might annually re- ceive the rents and profits thereof, then about six pounds, and distribute the same yearly at Christmas. September 11, 1722, Mr. William Kitching- ham, by deed, confirmed the title of the above close to the said mayor and vicar, and their successors for ever, in trust for the uses before mentioned. The Corporation's Bequest, The corporation of Pontefract purchased eight acres and a half of land, (query if not a close at Purston-Row of six acres two rood and ten perches, and a close in West Field, of two acres one rood and twelve perches,) in the West Field, of William York, Esq. and Mrs. Heptinstall, for the use of the poor for ever. ■Mr. John Acaster's Bequest. Mr. John Acaster, by his will, gave three bushels of wheat, to be paid annually out of the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 419 rents and profits of his house and garden in Micklegate, (now the eastern part of Mr. Sea- ton's house and yard,) to be distributed every Christmas, by the overseers of the poor, for ever, to as many poor widows in Micklegate as they shall think most needful. Mrs. Dorothy Frank's Bequest. Mrs. Dorothy Frank, by her will dated the 29th of March, 1728, gave one hundred pounds to be laid out in land, the rents and profits thereof to be distributed as follows, thirty shil- lings to the Charity School of Pontefract, and the remainder to be annually distributed to the poor people of tha town of Pontefract, at Christ- mas, at the discretion of Robert Frank, Esq. Nicholas Torre, Esq. and the vicar of Ponte- fract, for the time being, who are appointed trustees for the same. A close at Darrington was purchased of Joshua Wilson, Esq, with the above one hun- dred pounds, and thirty shillings is paid to the Charity School, and the remainder of the rent, it is presumed, is distributed yearly at the dis- cretion of Mr. Frank. Mr. $ other gil's Donation for the Appointment oj a Catechist or Lecturer. The Reverend Marmaduke Fothergil, the proprietor of the land called Frier Wood, not having any children, and considering the duty of the parish too great to be discharged by the vicar, conveyed the land above mentioned 420 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. to the Archbishop of York, Sir ¥m, Dawes, in trust for the support and maintenance of a catechist to serve in the church of St. Giles. By deed, bearing date Jan. 3, 1716, after specifying the reasons which had influenced him to make the bequest, and pointing out the pro- perty, he then adds, " To have and to hold the said messuages or tenements and cottages, garths, gardens, lands, tenements, and premises above mentioned, with all their rights and ap- purtenances whatsoever to the said Sir William Dawes, and his successors in the see of York, to and for the only proper use, benefit and be- hoof, of him the said Marmaduke Fothergil and Dorothy his now wife for and during their na- tural lives, and from and immediately after the deaths of them the said Marmaduke Fothergil and Dorothy, then to and for the several uses hereafter mentioned and declared of and concern- ing the same (that is to say) to and for the use of his Grace the Lord Archbishop of York and his successors for ever, in trust, that never- theless all the rents, issues and profits thereof may half yearly be paid to for. and towards the support and maintenance of a chatechist in the* chapel of St. Giles within the town of Ponte- fract aforesaid, or in the parish Church of Pon- tefract when rebuilt, whom the said Archbishop of York and his successors, from time to time, shall and may always nominate after the deaths of the said Marmaduke Fothergil and Dorothy his wife; provided that the said archbishop and his successors shall and may impose such further obligation of duty as in his wisdom he shall think most reasonable for the catechist to dc< HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 421 and perform in the discharge of his office, and for neglect or omission of such duty of the said catechist, the said archbishop and his successors shall and may from time to time proceed against such catechist and catechists by what ecclesiastical censure, even to deprivation, as he or they in their great wisdom shall think most expedient, provided always, and it is the true intent and meaning of the said Marmaduke Fothergil, that the said Frier Wood and the houses, garths, gardens, orchards, lands, tenements and premises, and all their appurtenances shall from time to time and at all times be let and disposed of without any foregift at the utmost and full improved extended yearly rent and income by his Grace the Lord Archbishop of York for the time being. And whereas the parish of Ponte- fract aforesaid is too great for the sole discharge of the vicar thereof, therefore the said vicar of Pontefract shall not at any time be catechist, neither at the same time shall the catechist he vicar of Pontefract aforesaid, but the respective discharge of their duties shall always he distinct and executed by two different persons. And the said Marmaduke Fothergil for himself and his heirs doth hereby covenant, grant and agree to and with the said Sir William Dawes, Archbishop, fe and his successors, that the said Marmaduke Fothergil, at the time of sealing and executing of these presents, is and standeth lawfully seized of a good estate of inheritance of and in the houses, garths, gardens, orchards, lands, tene- ments and premises thereunto belonging, with their and every of their appurtenances, and hath in himself good right and full power and lawful 422 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. authority to convey, assure and dispose of the same and every part thereof, in trust as afore- said, to and for the several uses and under the several provisoes, conditions, restrictions, and limitations above mentioned, for and notwith- standing any former or other act or thing whatsoever by him the said Marmaduke Fothergil or his assigns done or acted to the contrary. In witness whereof the parties to these presents interchangeably have set their hands and seals iirst above written." cc Also a lease for a year, bearing date the 22nd of January aforesaid, made between the said Marmaduke Fothergil of the one part, and the said Sir William Dawes, Archbishop of York, of the other part, of the said messuages or tenements, cottages, garths, gardens, orchards, lands, tenements and premises. Which said in- denture of lease and release are witnessed by Arthur Gargrave, Nathaniel Stavely, Matthew Wilkinson, John Dickson, and Robert Staveley, gentlemen, all of Pontefract aforesaid*." MARMADUKE FOTHERGIL. Signed and sealed by the above named Marma- duke Fothergil in the presence of us, M. WILKINSON, JOHN DICKSON, NATH. STAVELEY, Jun. * The two lecturers, which have been appointed on this donation, are noticed in the Drakes' pedigree, page 158. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 422 THE PARK. Uncivilized man, impelled rather by his wants than allured by pleasure, ardently pursues the beasts of the forest. Hunting may be consider- ed as his necessary employment; and the game caught by his agility, dexterity and cunning, as being the chief part of his subsistance. This employment, toilsome as it is, yields however but a precarious and uncertain support; and when man has been taught to supply his wants by the cultivation of the ground, if it be not wholly relinquished, it will only be pursued as an amusement, or as an healthful exercise. The Normans were passionately devoted to the sports of the field; and nothing can more strongly establish the fact, than the conduct of William, who laid waste the county of Hamp- shire, and made it a forest for wild beasts. The nobles, like their leader, within their do- mains inclosed extensive districts to preserve the ferce nature, to afford them the pleasures of the chase. Parks have been defined forests enclosed*, and were called Haiae dominicales. This word Haice appears in the composition of a variety of local names, under its dialectical differences of hey, hay, how, haigh. It is the Saxon Hceg, and means an hedge. Hence parks were called haighs, on account of being inclosed with hedges, as Rothvvell Haigh, which was the park belonsrins: to the Manor House of the Lacies. Hence Houghton, the village now called Glass * See Whitakek's Wholley. 424 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Houghton, seems to derive its name, as being originally within the inclosure of the haigh or park. To our royal and baronial castles usually be- longed two parks, one inclosed with a wall for fallow deer, the other for red deer, fenced around with an hedge. To the parks as well as the forests were appointed keepers, and the game was secured by the forest laws. A family of the name of Hippon *, which came in with the Conqueror, were hereditary keepers of Pontefract Park, This family resided at Featherstone, and con- tinued in their office under the Lacies and Plantagenets, down to the time of Queen Eliza- beth, when an account was taken of the deer and wood in the park. Parks were usually driven twice in the year, once before fence month, and secondly about Holyrood Day. Fifteen days before Midsummer, and fifteen after were called fence month, in which all hunting was strictly forbidden, the hinds being then either big with young, or having calved. On Holyrood Day the agisters began to take in cattle, and all who had common right, came to the pounds, where a roll of the gates they were entitled to was kept. It appears that however tenacious the barons were of their game, they allowed their tenants the advantage of common right for their cattle, as well within their parks as in their waste * This ancient family, though its hereditary office was neither honourable nor lucrative, for ages continued to be re- spectable. It is now become extinct in this neighbourhood $ and the only branch of it remaining resides at Dewsbury. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 425 lands. From this custom has originated the claims of freeholders to a proportionate share of waste lands in a manor, and of landholders to gaits for their cattle in common lands. In the thirtieth of Elizabeth a commission was issued to inspect and survey this park, as part of her Majesty's inheritance of the Dutchy of Lancaster, within the county of York. The following gentlemen were appointed Commis- sioners, Anthony Thorney, John JRidial, Ed- mond Tyas, Thomas Austwick, Thomas Ether- ington, John Leatham, Willam Dillock, Stephen Crosby, John Milner, William Holgate, Ralph Airy, and Allen Andrews. Certain articles of inquiry were given to these commissioners, to which they returned the following answers. " To the first article, the said park is distant from Pontefract Castle half a quarter of a mile, but how long the same hath been a park we cannot tell, but so far we have heard said, it was sometime called Pontefract Moor*." " To the second article, the same rout within the whole circuit of the pales, seven hundred acres, whereof we think there is none may be employed for meadow j*, one hundred acres for arable ground, and all the rest for pasture." " To the third article, we say that every of * It should seem from this, that the extensive tract of land called the park, prior to the conquest, was fenny and waste; and most probably depastured by the cattle of the burgesses. When the Lacies became the proprietors of the burgh, this district was then surrounded by a loss and paled. f Such were the sentiments of gentlemen and farmers in the reign of Elizabeth? This land now produces as good crops of grass and hay as any land in the neighbourhood. i ii 426 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. the one hundred acres of arable land and every acre of pasture is worth by year twelvepence." " To the fourth article, there is in the pales about the said park, and within the premises of the same, one thousand three hundred and seventy timber trees, whereof we think four hundred of the best are worth ten shillings a piece, other four hundred of the next sort worth six shillings and eightpence a piece, and the rest at five shillings a piece. In fuel trees one thousand seven hundred and sixty, whereof five hundred of the best are worth to be sold at six shillings and eightpence a piece, of the second sort other five hundred at five shillings a piece, and the rest at three shillings and fourpence a piece, Also four hundred saplings worth sixteen pence a piece, one hundred ash at sixteen pence a piece*," " To the fifth article, there is no manner of mines to our knowledge f." * At this period the best timber trees were only worth ten shillings; at present they are not worth less than ten pounds. Wood was then plentiful; nor did the navy, the pride of Britain, though then strong enough to defeat the Armada, consume one thousand part of the timber which is now found requisite. An increased population has turned de- serts into fruitful fields; and though the country is shorn of its stately oaks, other countries are ready to cut down their forests, and exchange them for the produce of British industry. f It is evident that these commissioners were not com- petent judges on the subject. Their answer however implies, that hitherto no mines had been formed. Since then coal has been gotten, and there is no doubt, but a bed of coal runs nearly through the whole extent of the park. It is probable the whole might be got by the mean of one steam engine. By the act for dividing the park, the inhabitant* are debarred from working any mines; and the coal can only be got by a grant from the dutchy of Lancaster. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 427 " To the sixth article, there is growing within the precinct of the said park certain underwoods, thorn, maples, hazles, allers, and other brush* ment, but what acres the same be or what age the same be of, we know not, but we say that they are worth to be sold at sixty pounds. " " To the seventh article, there was in the park in anno primo of the Queens Majesty's reign three hundred deer, and at this present five hundred fourscore and fifteen viewed by William Mallet, John Tindal and Robert Hip- pon, keepers and others." " To the eighth article, we say that George Lord Talbot hath the said park by indenture, under the seal of the Dutchy of Lancaster, pay- ing therefore by year four pounds three shillings and fourpence. And further saith, that the town and inhabitants of Pontefract and Tanshelf have by custom common in the park, with their horses and kine yearly time out of man's mind, from the feast of St. Ellen, called the inven- tion of the cross, unto the feast of St. Michael, and so hath this present, paying therefore yearly unto the herbage or farmer of the said park for every cow one shilling, and for every horse or mare two shillings for the whole jist, and for a cow if she lies in the park nightly one shilling and fourpence. For a circle for brackens twopence, for a swine in pannage time four- pence. And further saith the King and Queen's Majesty's tenants, or copyholders of Carleton, Hardwick and Tanshelf, have common in a close called Carleton close in the said park, with their draughts, oxen or cattle yearly from the said feast of St. Ellen unto the said feast of St, 428 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. Michael, paying therefore yearly for every beast fourpence, for which custom and common the said tenants are bound by the tenure of their lands to carry the queen's timber and others to their highness's castle or mills, having therefore for every carriage according to the custom paid by the receiver there, which said close has been so used and occupied until four years last past, and since then the pales there taken by the keepers and the ground laid into the new close adjoining to the same, whereby the same tenants are not able to serve the Queen's Majesty as they have done in times past. And further saith, that the farmer of the said manor of' of Hardwick hath had time out of man's mind common in the park yearly, as well in winter as in summer, for sixty beasts and ten horses or mares. Also in pannage time swine without number, for which custom the late priory of St. Oswald, before the dissolution of the house, hath paid to the keepers of the said park six quarters of wheat and to the palace four quarters, and since the dissolution thereof, the receiver here has paid } r early in respect to the said wheat three pounds six shillings and eightpence until now of late. And also says that the farmer of the capital messuage of Houghton, called Houghton Hall, have had time out of man's mind, and also since thence the first year of her Majesty's reign in the said park common for sixteen beasts and four horses from the feast of St. Ellen until Michaelmas yearly, and also hath had one key of custom delivered unto him by the keeper of the said park at the said feast of St, Ellen until Michaelmas, of one HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 423 gate, called Houghton Carr Gate, for the dri- ving out of their cattle, paying yearly unto the said keeper at the delivering of the said key fourpence, and in pannage time swine without number. And further says that the queen's Majesty is charged with certain fees payable forth out of the said park, that is tc say, to the keeper for his fee one pound six and eight- pence for carriage of pale and rail, and making pales thirteen shillings and fourpence.' ' " To the ninth article, there is built in the said park three lodges or houses, whereof two of them are in good reparation and the third partly in decay, but who is charged with the reparation thereof we know not. Also there is a barn built in the said park to lye hay in that is gotten for the deer, the reparation whereof is at the queen's charge." " To the tenth article we cannot depose." " To the eleventh article, there is in the said park one close called the New Close, ano- ther called Vicar's Close, the most part thereof of the pales are in good reparation and also of the said park. Also there is another close in the said park called the Carr, granted by inden- ture to William Mallet, Esq. forth out of the exchequer and before belonging to the late dis- solved monastery of St. John, in Pontefract. And further saith that there are fifteen acres of meadow in Allerton Ings belonging to the said park for the deer, gotten yearly at the Queen's charge. Every acre worth by year three shillings and fourpence." " To the twelfth article we can say nothing." " To the thirteenth article, the same is a prince- ly park and meet before any other to be preserved." 430 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. It does not appear, notwithstanding the re* commendation of the commissioners, that much attention was paid to the park after this period. When the wood was cut down and the deer sold, the author has not been able to ascertain. It is however most probable, that this was done during the civil war. For after this time, as the castle was destroyed, the park was in a great measure neglected, and a considerable part left to the operations of nature^ unaided by tbe hand of man. In the park, there were three houses erected and occupied by the keeper and his servants. One was called the Upper Park-House, now in- habited by Mr. Jones; the other the Lower Park-House, now that which M^ D. Denison occupies; and the third was the lodge, where the keeper resided, and in which Mr. Mumforth now dweils. It is probable it was at the Upper Park-House a scene of cruelty and plunder was ex- hibited, not often equalled in the annals of New- gate. The Reverend Leonard Scurr, who had been ejected by the Act of Uniformity from Beeston Church, where he had assisted the Rev. Mr. Cudworth, lived in the above-mentioned house, with his mother and a maidservant. He enjoyed a considerable estate in the neighbourhood, and it is probable, that the respectability of the family led his neighbours to permit him to re- side there, though contrary to the five-mile act. Whether he became the object of resentment on account of his nonconformity, or whether he fell a victim to a lawless banditti, who merely wished to secure his property, it is im- possible to determine. Whatever might be the HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 431 motives of the actors in this tragedy, they en- tered the house, in the night of the 22nd of January, 1680, murdered Mr. Scurr, his mother, and the maidservant, then plundered the house, and on departing set it on fire *. The Upper Park-House being so near to the town of Pontefract, this horrid transaction could not be loner unknown. An active search was made after the murderers; and circumstances occuring which led to suspect a party at Hol- beck, near Leeds, they fled to Ireland. They were however pursued, and two of them taken; and being tried at the next assizes, were found guilty. One was executed and hung in chains on Holbeck-Green f ; the other was reprieved, in hope that he would make a further discovery, * See Palmer's Non. Mem. Vol. 3. page 42-t. f A narrative of this tragedy was printed. The editor regrets that he has not been able to meet with it, as it might have thrown some light on the transaction. On repeatedly perusing Palmer, the editor doubts whether this transaction took place in Pontefract Park, or in some place called the park, near Beeston. The following is the account Palmer gives. " Mr. Scurr, Of Sidney Col. Camb. Born in Pontefract. He had a good estate in this neighbourhood. Some time after being silenced here (where he assisted Mr. Cudworth) he and his mother, with a maidservant, lived retired at a house in the park, where thieves broke in, robbed and murdered them, set the house on fire. Jan. 22, 1680, and then fled into Ire- land, whither they were pursued. Two of them were taken and condemned ; one was hanged in chains, on Holbeck Green ; the other was reprieved, in hopes of a further discovery, which he could never be brought to make. A narrrative of this tragedy was printed. It was said that Mr. Scurr, though a good preacher, was a man of a bad character, and a scandal to his profession." 432 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. but he resisted every attempt to obtain any information from him *. * A few years ago an atrocious murder was committed in the forenoon of the day, id a newly erected farm-house in the park, accupied by Mr. Denison. A servant lad re- turning home with his cart, near noon, and his foot being hurt by a nail, which came through the heel of his shoe, went into the house to find a hammer to knock it down. In searching for the hammer, he discovered blood in different places, and at last turning his head to the cellar door, de- scried the body of Mrs. Denison in the cellar, which was then half full of water. He drew her out of the water, and laid her near the fire, and then ran and called his mas- ter, who was plowing in a close at some little distance, with a servant man. On the alarm being given, that Mrs. D. was killed, Mr. D. hastened to his habitation. Mr T. Oxley, Surgeon, was sent for, and considerably within an hour from the body being found he examined it, but could not discover an) signs of life, nor so much as the least animal heat remaining. It appeared that the murder had been per- petrated by a stroke with the crow end of a hammer, by which a deep wound was made in the forehead, and the body afterwards thrown into the cellar. The coroner's inquest was taken, and every circumstance minutely examined, in order to fix the guilt of this foul mur- der on its real author. Nothing however occurred decisive. The servant lad, who found the body, was suspected, taken up and tried; but the evidence of the surgeon saved his life. He considered it impossible for the body to become cold in so short a space of time as had elapsed from the lad be- ing seen to enter the house, and his examination of the corpse. It was his opinion that the murder had been committed much earlier. Suspicion arose, from other circumstances, that the perpe- petrator of this nefarious deed, must have been either a branch of the family, or some one intimate with it. There was a mastiff in the house, which would suffer no stranger to enter, unless checked by some one acquainted with him ; and as Mrs. Denison was the only person left in the house, it is not pro- bable, that this dog should permit a stranger to attack her, without making a strenuous defence. As the dog was unin- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 433 After the revolution the park was leased off to the Moncton family, with a reservation of the rights of the inhabitants of the borough of Pontefract, and of the township of Tanshelf, to their usual gates and strays. It wholly re- mained in the possession of this family till an act of Parliament was obtained in the year 17S0, for dividing and improving this extensive district of land. By this act three hundred and twenty-five acres were allotted to the inhabitants of Pontefract and Tanshelf, in lieu of all their rights; and provision was made for its cultivation and management. In the preamble to the act, the reasons for passing it, and the agreement en- tered into by the parties interested, are men- tioned: then follows the enacting clauses, in which trustees are appointed for that portion of the park allotted to the inhabitants of Pon- tefract and Tanshelf. The following are the words of the act. " And to the end and intent the said portion or allotment of three hundred and twenty-five jured, and in the house when the body was found, it is natural to infer, that some person, who had an equal com- mand over the dog with Mrs. D., was the murderer. Had the murder been committed for the sake of plunder, whatever could have been secretly conveyed away, the murderer or murderers, would not have left behind. On examining the house, the goods were found unmo- lested. No drawers had been opened; no search had been made after any valuables, the house might contain. The lad, though acquitted of the heinous crime, has since manifested a depravity which renders the suspicion stronger, that he perpetrated the deed. He has been guilty of theft, for which he was tried and sentenced to transportation. It is singular also, that the vessel in which he sailed was lost, and every person on board perished.. k k k * 434 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. acres hereinbefore assigned to and for the bene- fit of the said inhabitants, householders resiant in the said township of Pontefract and Tanshelf, may be appropriated and converted to the best advantage, and the pasturage thereof taken and enjoyed in the most beneficial manner, and un- der proper regulations and restrictions; Be it further enacted, That thirty-three male inhabi- tants of the township of Pontefract for the time being, of the age of twenty one years or upwards, whose respective estates shall be the highest assessed to the poor rates, within the same township* and four male inhabitants of the said township of Tanshelf for the time being, of the age aforesaid, whose estates shall be highest assessed to the poor rates within the same township of Tanshelf, such estates being freehold or copyhold, or being leasehold, for ninety-nine years or a longer term, and held in the person's own or bis wife's right, shall be and are hereby constituted and appointed per- petual trustees for the cultivation, improvement and future management of the said portion or allotment; and that such trustees, or any seven or more of them, assembled at the times and places hereinafter mentioned, shall have the full exercise of the powers hereinafter contained. " " And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawful to and for a major part of the trustees, who shall be present at any meet- ing to be held under the authority of this act, to elect a chairman to preside at such meeting, so as such election be made previous to the proceeding in or discussing all other business : And in case at any meeting where a chairman.. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 435 shall have been so elected to preside, there shall happen to be an equal number of voices for and against any question then put to the vote, the said chairman shall have a second or casting vote, for the purpose of deciding such question " " And be it further enacted, That the said trustees shall meet at the town's hall in Ponte- fract on the twentieth day of April in every year, from and after the passing of this act, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, and shall then and there decide what number of cattle may be proper to be taken into the said portion or al- lotment the then ensuing summer; which de- cision shall, within three days after the said twentieth clay of April, be publicly made known in the said towns of Pontefract and Tan shelf by the common cryer or bellman, and by notice to be affixed on the door of the upper church in Pontefract aforesaid : And the said trustees shall also on the said twentieth day of April in every year, choose a proper person to be clerk or treasurer, and also another proper per-? son to be the Herdsman for the several pur- poses hereinafter mentioned , and shall also then settle what salary, not exceeding five pounds per annum, shall be paid to the said clerk or treasurer, and what salary, not exceeding twenty- five pounds per annum for the first fifteen years from the passing of this act, and not exceeding twenty pounds per annum from thenceforth, shall be paid to the said Herdsman ; and shall also on the said twentieth day of April in every year inspect and settle the accounts of the clerk or treasurer and herdsman for the preceding year." 436 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. " And be it further enacted, That the said Trustees shall meet again on the first day of May in every year, at the town's hall aforesaid, by ten of the clock in the forenoon, when such of the said inhabitants as are desirous of put- ting cattle into the said portion or allotment shall appear at the said town's hall by them- selves or proxies ; and in case a greater number of persons shall appear and apply for cattle gates in the said portion or allotment than the number of cattle decided to be taken in as above-mentioned, that then the said persons shall write, or cause to be written, their names on scrolls of paper, and deliver the same, wrap- ped up, to the said clerk or treasurer, who shall put them into a box provided for that purpose; and after all the said scrolls of paper shall be put into the said box, the same shall be drawn out by any two of the said trustees; and the first drawn scrolls, to the amount of the number of cattle decided to be taken in, shall have the right to stock the said portion or allotment with one gelding, mare or cow each the then ensuing summer; and in case there shall not be so great a number of persons ap^ plying for cattle gates as the number ol cattle decided to be taken in as aforesaid, that then all the persons so applying shall every one re- ceive a ticket to put in one gelding, mare or cow, and a ballot shall be taken in manner above mentioned which of them shall have a right to turn in a second head, and so on in like manner for a third, fourth, or greater number, until the whole number decided to be taken in shall be completed; and from and immediately HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 437 after it shall have been decided who shall have a right to put in cattle as aforesaid, every per- son so decided to have a right shall declare the species of cattle he or she proposes to put into the said portion or allotment ; and each such person shah, for evevy gelding or mare, immediately pay down to the said clerk or trea- surer the sum of ten shillings, and for every cow the sum of eight shillings, for the herbage or eatage for that season; and that the like rates or sums shall be paid in every future year by the persons who shall be decided to have a right to turn on any geldinq-, mare or cow for each season respectively, until the end and ex- piration of the term of fifteen years from the passing of this act, and afterwards such sum or sums, not exceeding the sums above mentioned, as the said trustees shall, from time to time, order and direct; and in case any person or persons shall neglect to pay such money as afore- said at the time aforesaid, then the person or persons so neglecting shall have no right to stock, but the vacancy or vacancies occasioned thereby shall be immediately filled up by ballot in manner aforesaid out of the persons there ap- pearing, who shall not have obtained a right to stock, or have obtained a right of stocking with the smallest number. " " And be it further enacted, That the persons who shall have obtained a right of stocking in manner aforesaid shall and may put their cattle into the said portion or allotment on or after the twelfth day of May in every year, and con- tinue them there until the tenth day of October next following, but not longer; and in case the 43 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. gelding, mare, or cow of any person shall hap- pen to die, or be sold or exchanged, or if it shall happen to be convenient to any such per- son to take out such geld'ng, mare or cow, that then he or she shall have a right to put in another gelding, mare or cow in the stead of such gelding, mare or cow, so dying, sold, ex- changed, or taken out." " And be it further enacted, That another meeting of the said trustees shall be held at the said town's hall, on the twentieth day of Sep- tember in every year, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, in order to decide what number of sheep only shall be put into the said portion or allotment from the tenth day of October to the thirteenth day of February in every year, and in order to give such directions to the herdsman respecting the manner of stocking the said portion or allotment with sheep during the time aforesaid as they may think proper and neces- sary ; and no person whatsoever shall have a right to put any kind of stock into the said portion or allotment, from the said thirteenth day of February to the said twelfth day of May;" " Provided, always, and be it further enacted. That no person shall be permitted to ballot for or have a cattle gate in the said portion or allotment, who is not, at the time of his or her appearing to claim the same, an inhabitant, householder resiant within one of the said town- ships of Pontefract and Tanshelf; and that all fresh cattle put into the said portion or allot- ment shall be shewn to the herdsman at the time of their being first put in; and that no HISTORY OF PONTEFttACT. 439 cattle shall be put into or continue in the said portion or allotment except mares and geldings three years old and upwards, and cows in milk or with calf, intended to be kept milch cows for the owners own use, and not intended to be fattened for sale or slaughter; and that no person shall take out of the said portion or al- lotment his or her gelding* mare or cow, and put in another in the stead thereof, oftener than twice in a summer, (except in the case of the death of such gelding, mare or cow) and that no exchange shall be made, except for one of the same species; and that no scabbed, infectious, or other uncommonable cattle, shall be put or continued in the said portion or allot- ment on any account whatsoever, nor any cat- tle which are not bona fide the property of the persons appearing or pretending to be the owners thereof, nor any mare having a sucking foal." In case any person is convicted of putting into the park scabbed, infectious, or other un^ commonable cattle, or such as are not bona fide his, or her own, such person becomes liable to a penalty of five pounds. The trustees have a power to grant short leases for four or seven years, of certain parcels of the park, for the improvement thereof such parcels not exceeding one hundred acres. They have also a right to make brick; but are wholly restrained from digging mines, or getting coals. The whole of the above mentioned parcels of land have been cleared, and after producing large crops of grain, converted into excellent pasture-ground. The trustees have this year ad- mitted three hundred head of cattle. 440 HISTORY OF PONTEFKACft A few years ago, the innkeepers, joined by a considerable number of the inhabitants of the town, set on foot annual races. Numbers of sporting gentlemen, residing in the neighbour* hood, encouraged the scheme, and it has been carried into execution. The ground of the park is considered highly eligible as a course; and the ridge above the course as affording one of the finest prospects for an immense concourse of spectators. A grand stand has also been erected ; and hitherto the races have been well attended, and the stand filled with fashionables. That part of the park which continues to belong to his Majesty, as parcel of his dutchy of Lancaster, was, by the ahove mentioned act, made a new district, to be called Pontefract Park District, for which constables, overseers, &c. are appointed, and assessments made and levied as in other townships. This has been in* closed and formed into several good farms. The entire park consisted of one thousand three hundred and sixty-one acres three roods and thirty-seven perches, and is divided and held as under. A. R. p. Allotment belonging to the inhabitants') p.. ft resiant of Pontefract and Tan shelf, j Rt. Hon. Earl of Gallway, on lease, 871 39 Mr. Appletree, do. - - 62 0, 36 Mr. Thistlewaite, do. - - 32! 20 J. Leatham, Esq. do. - - 33 % Roads and drains, - - - - - 171 22 Amount of the whole, - 136 i 3 37 His Majesty's portion, - - - 1036 3 37 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 441 Stump Cross, Is on the road from Ferrybridge to Pontefract. The shaft of this cross has perished long ago, and nothing but the base now remains. At what period it was erected, or for what particular purpose is uncertain. Browne, in ancient sculp- ture and painting, observes, " that the sculptures which were on the shaft of this cross, bespeak it Roman". These consisted of a circular-headed recess with an eagle; foliage, twisted bands, paterae, &c*. It is not probable that this cross was erected so early as the time of the Romans. The shaft indeed might be Roman, and erected by that people, as a monument of some victory obtained; and after the introduction of Christianity, it might be chosen to form part of the cross, on account of its antiquity and the elegance of its workmanship. The veneration paid to the cross soon con- verted it from its original design, and it was made to answer a variety of civil purposes. The Romans had their Terminus, the god who presided over bounderies and land-marks, and in honour of this god they kept the feast termi- nalia. The Christians rejecting this profane idol, substituted the cross in its place ; and hence crosses were erected to mark the boundaries of townships and parishes. The Stump-Cross now * Vid. Gentlem. Mag, March, 1806, In Gough's edition of Camden's Britannia, the figures on three sides or this cross are given, but nothing is said from whence they are taken. They are, most probably, engraven from some drawings in the possession of the Antiquarian society. ill * 44? BISTORT OF! POKTEEHACT. answers this end, and was probably erected for this purpose, as it is a boundary-stone between the townships of' Ferry fry ston and Pontefract. Market-Cross. Gough reprobates the removal of; St. Os- wald's ..cross!, and the erection of the present. He says, " and, as if Pontefract was to shew no evidence of its former splendor, St. Oswald's cross gave place, within these thirty years, to an unmeaning market-house." The inhabitants of the town and country are* of a very different opinion to this celebrated antiquary. They enjoy essential benefit from the latter, while the former, if it had been suffered to remain, would be wholly useless. The plate will furnish the reader with an idea of this structure; and the only circum- stance which merits notice, is some account of the man by whose munificence it was erected. The following is the inscription. "Erected by Mrs. Elizabeth Dupier, relict of Solomon Du- pier, gentleman, in a cheerful and generous compliance with his benevolent intention, 1734. Solomon Dupier is said to have been one of the garrison of 'Gibraltar,- at the time it was taken by Sir G. Rooke. It is probable that there had been some good understanding between the admiral and this gentleman, previous to the attack made on that place; and the success of the attack might in part be owing to 'the' ser- vices which he rendered. Whatever truth there may be in this conjecture, he came over to- England, and together with a, Capt. Lay, who THE TO"W^-JEEAUL '.Tjftriiw,Litii I< L«eds HISTORY- OT PONTEFRACT, 443 had been with Rooke, came and resided here. Tradition makes him a pensioner; and consider- ing all things, it is not improbable. On the first erection of the cross, the roof was flat, and surrounded with a balustrade; but the roof decaying it was new roofed in the style in -which it is now seen. ; Town's Hall, "This .is. an elegant modern structure. On entering the market place from the west, this building catches the. eye and arrests the attention. The lower part is in the antique style, and gives to it the appearance of great strength. In this part are two rooms for prisoners. The pilJasters which grace the front are of the Doric order, and the cornice of the Ionic. It was erected on the site of the old Mote-Hall, partly at the expence of the corpo- ration, and partly of the. county. The quarter sessions for the wapentake of Osgoldcross are held here. The business done at this sessions exceeds that of any other within the Riding. Here the cloth searchers are examined and ap- pointed; the accompts of the Riding audited and settled. The sessions usually continue four or five days. Theatre, m r ) Anxjcus to render the town equal to others in the amusements of the age, a number of gentlemen built by subscription the theatre. It is small but neat. The York company of .come- 444 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. dians visit the place annually; and since the races have been established, they attend at that season. Ancient Cave. In a garden belonging to Mr J, Leatham, Banker, is an ancient cave, which has been, with great labour, cut put of a fine and solid rock. There was anciently over the door the word Ditis. It is now wholly obliterated, and not the least trace of it remains. This word has led some of our antiquaries to suppose, " that this cave is druidicai, and was formed to be a place of worship, where the old Britons invoked Du, whom they believed to rule in the lower places." This opinion approaches the extravagance of fixion. What has the term Ditis to do with the Du of the Druids? If this term had any meaning, why not affix to it its usual import?* On entering, the first thing which is observ- able is the cave, extending three yards forwards, and four from the right side to' the left. From this room directly forward is a descent of thirteen steps; and from thence there is a de- scent of fifty-nine steps, regularly turning round a center, and which terminates in a small bason containing excellent water. On one side the rock, out of which the whole is cut, a fisure is observable, which descends to the bottom. * As the word is in the genitive case, it is evident some other term must have been connected with it. It is not im- probable that the word Domus ought to be supplied, and the sense will be " the house of Pluto ; M an inscription which perfectly suits any cave or dark recess. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 445 It is doubtful for what purpose this place was formed. Some have conjectured that it was intended to be a mansion for the dead. The least reflection will convince any man, that this conjecture is wide of probability. Is it not more natural to suppose, w-Sunday Fair, Trinity Fair, and St. Giles* Fair, for their stand 4d each. On the market-day before Christmas, called Castle-Farm, each butcher pays 6d for his stand. Every butcher that has only a stall in the market on Christmas-Eve pays 12d each. If any . person come on St. Giles' Monday, who was not there on Saturday, he pays 4d, but all persons that paid on Saturday are exempt on Monday. If any butcher die, or neglect to make use of his stall for six months, the corporation has the disposal thereof. A toll, called Gate Law Toll, of one Id for every waggon or wain bound with iron, and one halfpenny for every bare wain. Out of these rents and tolls, the corporation pay a reserved rent of «£49. 13.?. formerly be- longing to the crown, but now to the Right Honourable Lord Elliot. They also pay various small salaries to their officers. Since the incorporation of the borough, the following is the list of the mayors down to the present time. RICHARD III. HENRY VII. 1 John Hill, - - 1484. 2 Nicholas Green, 1485, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 453 9. 1500. 1. 3 William Sadler, i486. 4 Richard Jackson, 7. 5 William Strother, S. 6 Robert Austwick, 9. 7 Jos. Springail, 1490. S Robert Gellis, 1. 9 John Adams, - 2. 10 Richard White, 3. 11 Thomas Butler, 4. 12 John Hill, - - 5. 13 John Hill, - - 6. 14 John Hill, - - 7. 15 John Watson, 8. 16 John Hodgson, 17 Robert Moor, 18 Richard Grave, 19 Tho. Huntingden, 2. 20 Wni. Wakefield, 3. 21 Henry Austwick, 4. 22 Thomas Smith, 5. 23 William Purser, 6. 24 Robert Ward, 7. 25 Dionis Austwick, 8. HENRY VIII. 26 Thomas Cook, 9. 27 Thomas Ellisley, 10. 28 Robert Gibson, 11. 29 John Hodgson, 12. 30 Henry Butler, 13. 31 John Strother, 14. 32 Thomas Ynce, 15. £3 William Purser, 16. 34 John Iilingworth, 17. 35 Thomas Smith, 18. 36 William Hodgson, 19. 37 Roger Chapman, 20. 38 John Grave, 1521. 39 William Nelson, 2. 40 William Purser, 3. 41 Rob. Harrison, 1524. 4;2 Roger Jackson, 5. 43 Joim $ akerkld, 6. 44 Thomas Hodgson, 7. 45 Lionel Ronlston, 8. 46 William Hodgson, 9. 47 Wdiiam inwms, 1530. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 1540. 1. 48 William Norton, 49 Roger Wedderton, 50 Robert Harrison, 5 1 Vv m. Wilbore, 52 Peter Wakefield, 53 Lionel Roulston, 54 Wm. Hodgson, 55 Richard vViibore, 56 Robert Farnell, 57 Edmund Tyas, 58 John Skipton, 59 Tho. Austwick, 2. 60 John Wakefield") and Rob. Farmer, ) 6 1 Allen Airey, - 4. 62 William Hodgson, 5. 63 John Atkinson, 6. 64 John H(;dg'son, 7. 65 Richard Wdoore, 8. 66 Tho. Wakefield, 9. 67 William Norton, 1550. 68 Alien Airev, - i. 69 Robert Robinson, 2. 70 Thomas Holgate, 3. 71 Richard Wilbore, 4. 72 Tho. Ednngton, 5. 73 John Oidfield, 6. 74 Boniface Savage, 7, QUEEN ELIZABETH. 75 Richard Wilbore, 8. 76 Tho. Austwkk, 9. 77 Stephen Eldsley, 1560. 454 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. QUEEN ELIZABETH. 78 Rich. Wilbore, 1561. 79 Rowland Savage, 2. 80 John Skipton, 3. 81 Tho. Holgate, 4. 82 Leo. Heaiaugh, 5. 83 P. Etherington, 6. 84 John Skipton, 7. 85 Richard Wilbore, 8. 86 Boniface Savage, 9. 87 Tho. Wakefield, 1570. 88 P. Etherington, 89 P. Etherington, 90 W. Colebeck, 91 Peter Skelton, 92 Boniface Savage, 93 P. Etherington, 94 Ralph Airie, 95 John Skipton, 96 John Eldsley, 97 W r m. Colebeck, 1580. 98 Thomas Crosby, 99 Edward Rusby, 100 Robert Cook, 101 Henry Farnell, 102 Rich. Tn waits, 103 Wm. Savage, 104 Henry Farnell, 105 Boniface Savage, 1Q6 Allen Austwick, 107 Richard Thwaits, 1590. 10S John Bramhall, 1. 109 Tho. Robinson, 2. 110 Wm. Stable, 1 1 1 Allen Austwick, 112 W. By water, 113 Henry Farnell, 114 Rich. Thwaits, 115 Wm. Savage, 116 Allen Eldsley, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 117 John Frank, 1600. 118 James Moore, 1. 119 John Bramhall. 2. JAMES i. 120 Tho. Chattel, 3. 121 Josh. Wakefield, 4. 122 John Skipton, 5. 123 Tho. Stable, 6. 124 Peter Rodgers, 7. 125 William Tatham, 8. 1 6 Allen Austwick, 9. 127 Wm. By water, 10, 128 Rich. Thwaits, 11. 129 Rich. Bullock, 12. 130 Josh. Wakefield, 13. 131 John Frank, 14. 132 Wm. Ta ham, 15. 133 John Eastwood, 16. 134 L onard Ward, 17. 135 Wm. Wilkinson, 18. 136 Peter Skipton, 19, 137 Tho. Austwick, 20. 138 Tho. Raisin, 1. 139 William Oates, 2. 140 Stephen Co wper, 3, 141 Tho. Hitchin, 4, 142 Maxim. Adams, $. CHARLES I. 143 Rich. Clement, 6. 144 Edward Rusby, 7. 1 45 Robert Moore, 8. 146 Matt. Hard wick, 9. 147 Rob. Moore & 7 j 63Q Maxim. Adams, j 148 Wm. Tatham, 1. 149 Wm. Gates, 2. 1 50 Leonard Ward, 3. 151 Tho. Hitchin, 4, HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 455 CHARLES I. 1 52 Nich. Stable, 1635. 153 Maxim. Adams, 6. 154 Robert Frank, 7. 155 Tho. Wilkinson, 8. 1 56 Tho. Austwick, 9. 157 John Tatham, 1640. 1 58 John Wilkinson, 1. 159 R chard Oates, 2. 160 Jarvis Shillito*, 3. 161 Ditto, - 4. 162 John Skurr, 5. 1 63 John Ramsden, 6, 164 Edward Field, 7. 165 Matt. Frank, 8. CHARLES II. 166 John Cowper, 9. 167 Leonard Ward, 1650, 168 Robert Frank, 1. 169 Christ. Long, 2. 170 William Oatcs, 3. 171 Christ. Long-, 4. 172 Richard Oates") and Rob. Moor**, j 173 John Ramsden, 6. 174 Robert Cowper, 7. 175 Rich. Wiklman, 8. 176 John Frank, 9. 177 Nich. Stable, 1660. 173 Rich. Smith, 1. 179 Wm. Wilkinson, 2. 180 Rich. Austwick, 3. 181 Rob. Tatham, 1664. 182 Ditto, - 5. 183 Geo, Shillito, 6. 184 Tho. Jackson, 7. 185 John Rusby, 8. 186 Francis Kellam, 9. 187 John Johnson, 1670. 188 Samuel Taylor, 1. 189 John Frank, 2. 190 Edward Holcott, 3. 191 Christ. Hay ford, 4. 192 William Oates, 5. 193 Francis Farrer, 6. 194 Rich. Austwick, 7. 195 Rob. Tatham, 8. 196 George Shillito, 9. 197 Tho.^Jackson, 1680. 198 William Oates, 1. 199 John Rusby, 2. 200 Ditto, - - 3. 201 John Knowles, 4. JAMES IT. 202 William Coates, 5. 203 Francis Kellam, 6. 204 Hastings Sayle. 7. 205 John Johnson and Sam. Tay ison 7 dor, j WILLIAM AND MARY. 206 Peter Mason, 9. 207 William Stables, 1690. 208 Thomas Taylor, 1 . * On the commencement of the civil war, Jarvis Shillito, the mayor, fled to the castle; and it appears he continued in office during the year 1643 and 164-4. Though some one of the aldermen was regularly chosen mayor, yet their civil au- thority within the borough, during the different sieges of the castle, was wholly annulled by that of the military. 456 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 209 Jarvis ShiUito, \692» GEORGE II. 210 Wm. Burgess") and John Frank, 3 3. 242 W. K itchingman, 1 72 5, 243 Wiiiiam Lee, 6. 211 Thomas Sayle, 4. 244 W. Kitchingman, 7. 212 Wiiiiam Brame, 5. 1^45 John Keilam, 8. 21S Banno. Bateman, 6. 246 Lawrence Fox, 9, 214 Thomas Routh, 7. 247 W. Harvev, Esq. 1730. 215 Hastings Sayle, 8. ,248 JosephKitchingman, 1. 216 William Coates, 9. 249 John Kitchingman, 2. 117 William Stables, V '00. 250 John Lee,- 3. 25 1 Joshua Wilson, 4. QUEEN ANNE. 252 John Perfect, 5. 218 Thomas Taylor, 1. 253 Lawrence Foxl and John Keilam, 3 6' 219 Sir J. Bland, Bart. 2. 220 Hastings Sayle, 3. 254 John Stephenson. 7. 221 George Holcott, 4. 255 William Crewe, 8. 222 Thomas Sayle, 5. 256 Ld. Vic. Gallway, 9. 223 Richard Routh, 6. 257 John Bruce, ] 1440. 224 Thomas Taylor, 7. 258 John Stephenson, 1. 225 John Keilam, 8. 359 Tho. Whiteman, 2. 226 George Skipton, 9. 360 Joshua Wilson, 3- 227 Mich.Waterhou.se, 10. 361 William Lee, 4. 228 Thomas Taylor, 11. 262 William Drake, 5. 229 Rob. Sharpass) and Wm. Coates, 3 12. 263 J. Kitchingman, 6. 264 John Kitchingman, 7. 265 Joshua Wilson, 8. GEORGE 1. 266 Sam. Sahonstall, 9. 230 Robert Lowther, 13. 267 Joshua Wilson, 1750. 231 William Lee, 14. 268 William Crewe, 1. 232 HastmgsSayle, 7 and Law. Fox, 3 15. 269 John Perfect, 2. 270 John Bruce, 3- 233 William Lee, 16. 271 Richard Sugden, 4. 234 George Skipton, 17. 272 John Bright, 5;. 2 35 Thomas Mason, 18. 273 Butler Lucas, 6. 236 George Skipton, 19. 274 Lawrence Fox, 7. 237 Wm Kitchingman ,20. 275 George Swiney, 8, 238 Lawrence Fox, L 239 George Jenings, 2. GEORGE III. 240 John Keilam, 3. 276 William Perfect, 9* 241 George Jenings, 4. 277 J. Kitchingman, 1760 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 457 GEORGE III. 278 William Lamb* 1763. 279 Thomas Taylor, 4. 280 Joshua Wilson, 5. 281 Sam. Saltonstall, 6. 282 T o. Popplcwell, 7. 283 William Crewe, 8. 284 R chard Sugden, 9. 285 Thomas Taylor, 1770 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 2S6 William Cockell, 287 John Perfect, 288 Thomas Taylor, 289 William Cockell, 290 William Perfect, 291 Butler Lucas, 292 Law. Fox, and ") Sam. Saltonstall, J 293 Rob Davison, 294 William Perfect, 295 William Cockell, 1780. 296 John Seaton, 1. 297 Wm. Tomlinson, 2. 298 John Seaton, 3. 299 William Cockell, 4. 7. 9. 300 Wm. Tomlinson, 1785. 301 John Perfect, 6. 302 Thomas Taylor, 7. 303 John Seaton, 8. 304 Wm. Tomlinson, 9. 305 John Willott, 1790, 306 Thomas Taylor, 1. 307 William Cockell, 2. 308 Jchn Perfect, 3. 309 John Seaton, 4. 310 John Hepworth, 5. 3 1 1 Wm. Tomlinson, 6. 312 John Willott, 7. 313 Grosvenor Perfect, 8. 314 George Alderson, 9. 315 Joseph Marshall, 1800. 316 Thomas Taylor, 1. 317 Wm. Cockell,! and John Seaton, j 318 Win. Tomlinson, 3. 319 Robert Seaton, 4. 320 John Willot, 5. 321 Joseph Marshall, 6. * In printing from another copy of the list of mayors, and on comparing it with the old corporation book, it was found that an error of two years had been admitted. In the old corporation book, no mayors are specified for the years 1688 and 1689, the period of the glorious revolution; so that the reader is desired to observe, that the mayoralty of John Johnson and Samuel Taylor was in the year 1690, and that of the rest in regular succession. ^ a n * 458 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACTi Parliamentary History of the Bo? y ough* From the era of the conqtiest, the oppres* sions of the crown compelled the barons to unite in defence of their own order and privi- leges; and to give success to their effort s* they associated their own cause with that of the people. Hence they obtained the Magna Charta* the foundation of British liberty. The people however had no security for the punctual exe- cution of this charter, while they were destitute of any legislative authority. During the long reign of Henry til. the charter was neglected; and the barons and the people had no other way left to enforce the observance of it, than by drawing the sword. Henry, always in need of supplies, conceded to their wishes in appear- ance, till he had obtained what he wanted, and then reverted again to his usual tyranny and oppression. At length the barons took the chief part of the executive power from the crown, and lodged it in the hands of a council, formed of twenty-four of their own body. Thus, after a considerable struggle, the ari- stocracy seem to have triumphed, and the crown was sufficiently humbled. The aristocracy had prevailed through the assistance of the people; and the great Earl of Leicester, as well to se- cure his own power as to gratify the nation, adopted the expedient of summoning to parlia- ment, two knights of each shire, and two bur- gesses for each borough. Edward I. had seen the kingdom rent by the weakness and profligacy of his father's reign. Prudent to discern defects, and prompt to ap- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 459 ply proper remedies, in his reign numerous and excellent laws were enacted; laws which gave to the House of Commons its legal origin, and which have been justly considered s the bul- warks of liberty. The Magna Charta secured the persons of Englishmen, and the law of the twenty-fourth of Edward enacts, " That no tax should be laid, no impost levied, without the joint consent of lords and commons." Fiom this period, kinghts of shires and bur- gesses were regularly summoned to parliament. The journals of the house incontestablv prove, that as early as th's reign, this borough returned members. The contests between the houses of Lancas- ter and York, and the part the burgesses took in them, reduced them to such poverty, that they were unable to support their representa- tives; and for some reigns ceased to send any*. In the tenth and eleventh of Henry VI. writs were sent to the mayor, but the return made was, that they could not send burgesses by reason of their poverty. The borough continued without representatives till the reign of James I. who granted them " all their former liberties * Glanville, who is probably more accurate, though his account is of less technical authority, says, " That Pontefract discontinued b^ing a parliamentary borough From the time of King Edward 1." and he adds, " That by reason of the long discontinuance of the borough, there did not appear any known u>age or prescription by whom the election should be made." Glan. p. 141. Is it not more probab'e, that the borough sent members after the reign of Edward I. tnan that it should discontinue from that period? Indeed, it would be more pro- per to say, that it never sent any, than to maintain it dis- continued to send burgesses to parliament, as the House of Commons was only then regularly formed and assembled. 460 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and customs, notwithstanding they had been forfeited or lost." By whom were the burgesses or representa- tives chosen? None of the charters regulate or even mention by whom or in what manner, the members of parliament should be chosen. Different customs prevail in different places. In some boroughs, the members are chosen by the freemen; in others by burgesses, in possession of burgage tenure freehold; and in others by the inhabitants resiant. By the charters of the Lacies, a person who possessed a toft, and paid one shilling to the lord as a fee-farm rent, is styled a burgess; and the toft thus held, was held by burgage tenure. In these charters, he who held half a toft, or any part of a toft, is declared to be free as if he held a whole toft. He who dwells in a mansion house, is declared to be as free as if he were a burgess*. In the charter of incorporation, the burgesses only who were in possession of a burgage ten- ure, are invested with corporate privileges. But as this merely relates to the internal govern- ment of the borough, it does not determine who had the right to vote for members to serve in parliament. Is it improbable, that as members of parliament, at that period, received w ? ages from their constituents, the burgesses allowed * Does this clause justify the inference, that any respect- able person, who rented a house of a burgess, was treated as if he held a burgage freehold ? — that he enjoyed the same pri- vileges and rights? Such appears to be the sense of the pas- sage ; and should it be admitted, it will follow, that every free person, every person who was not in slavery, who had a will of his own, became by residence a burgess. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 461 the inhabitants at large to vote, in order to throw a part of the expence on them * ? In the eighteenth of James I. Geo. Skillet and Edmund Sandys, Jan. were returned the first members after the borough was restored. There is no account on record of any opposi- tion to these gentlemen, nor how or by whom they were elected. In the general election the twenty-first of James I. the oid members de- clined, and Sir Thomas Went worth and Sir H. Holcroft were returned. The latter gentleman had the honour to be elected the representative of another borough; and as being doubly re- turned, he was under the necessity of choosing for which of the boroughs he would sit. He waved Pontefract, in consequence of which a new writ was ;sMied, and two candidates offered. These were Sir John Jackson, and Sir Richard Beaumont. The sheriff made this return to the house, iC Two days after the writ, the mayor and aldermen told him thev had chosen Sir J. Jackson. Afterwards, the 11th of March, di- vers other aldermen told him they had chosen Sir Richard Beaumont." The sheriff returned * For more than a century the wages of the commons were sometimes higher and sometimes lower ; but in the reign of Edward III. they were fixed tor knights of the shire at four shillings per day, and tvco shillings for a citizen or bur- gess. They thought this reasonable, that as they served the public, the public ought to pay them; nor had they any notion that tins custom would ever be considered dishonourable and abolished. It was attended with one good effect, as it secured the attendance of members of the House of Commons ; be- cause those who did not attend from the first to the last day received no wages. The celebrated Andrew Marvel, member for Hull, was the last person who received wages from his constituents. Hen. Hist. 462 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. two indentures. That for Sir John Jackson was signed by the mayor, aldermen and burgesses. That for Sir Richard Beaumont by four or five aldermen, and upwards of twenty burgesses. Sir John Jackson, though the returns,, of the sheriff were irregular, was permitted, if he chose, to take his seat in the house; and Sir Richard Beaumont and his friends petitioned. Sir Thomas Wentworth, the sitting member, pre- sented the petition; and it appears from what was stated in the petition, that there was as much animosity, intrigue, and party spirit, dis- played then at elections as now. The mayor, before any writ came, undertook to secure the return of Sir John Jackson. A number of recu- sants and Papists were brought into the town; and about forty of them were made burgesses, in order to carry the election. From this fact it appears, that the practice of making sham conveyances of burgage tenures, which after- wards prevailed in this borough, was then re- sorted to; and the number of burgage tenures possessed by persons who were not inhabitants, exceeded that of the resident burgesses. When the day of election came, the mayor, and those in his interest, treated their opponents with insult. They would not permit the friends of Sir Richard Beaumont, to enter the Mote- Hall, but shut the doors against them. Sir R. Beaumont, had ground to petition against such outrageous and arbitrary proceedings. The peti- tion was referred to the committee of privileges; and Mr. Glanville, on the 28th of May, 1624, reported for Pontefract two points. " First, who the electors. Resolved by the committee, there HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 463 being no charter, nor prescription for choice, the election is to he made by the inhabitants, house- holders, resiants. Secondly, the committee re- solved, that no burgess duly chosen, and a new warrant should issue for a new choice!'* This decision must have been sanctioned by the house, as nothing is said to the contrary. According to Glanville, Sir R. Beaumont pre- tended that the right of election was in the free- holders resiant in the borough only. From this it should seem, that the resiant burgesses claimed the right in exclusion of out-dwellers. The deci- sion of the house against both parties, shews at least that there was then no prescriptive right or usage, either for the resiant burgesses, or for persons in the possession of a burgage freehold, to choose the members to serve in parliament. But whether the inhabitants at large did actu- ally vote, according to this decision, is uncer- tain. It is also uncertain who was returned, in consequence of a new writ being issued. In the first of Charles I. Sir John Jackson and Sir R. Beaumont were returned without opposition; but the latter gentleman dying in the same year, Francis Foljamb was chosen in his rlace. From this period a few neighbouring gentle- men divided the borough, ancf there was no contest previous to the civil wars. Henry Ar- thington and William White, were the repre- sentatives of the borough in the long parlia- ment. On Cromwell becoming Protector, John Lord Lambert and Sir John Hewley were re- turned. In 1660 there was a warm contest, and three members were returned; they were however returned on the burgage tenure interest, 464? HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. and the right of election dbes not seem to have been in litigation. On the 16th of May the committe reported, " That upon examination of the fact, it appeared, that Sir George Saville and William Lowther, Esq. had the greatest number of voices, and ought to sit;" and the house resolved accordingly. In the year 169-5 a similar contest arose, on the same interest. Sir William Lowther, Mr. Moncton and Sir John Bland stood can- didates. The two first gentlemen were returned, and Sir John Bland petitioned, stating, " That several undue practices were used by the mayor and others, in threatening several that would have voted for the petitioner; and denying others; and by setting down several for the sitting mem- bers, who were not qualified to vote." Whe- ther the parties came to an agreement, or whe- ther Sir John Bland, on examination, found that be had not sufficient ground to proceed on, he withdrew his petition. In the year 1698 a warm contest took place between John Bright, Esq. Sir John Bland, and Robert Moncton, Esq. Sir John Bland was supported by the Lowther interest, and the contest lay between Sir John Bright and Robert Moncton. The two parties seem to have been nearly equal in strength ; J. Bright having seventy-two votes and R. Moncton seventy. The members returned of course were Sir John Bland and J. Bright, Esq. R. Moncton, Esq, petitioned; and it appeared from evidence pro- duced in the committee, that one burgage had been split into four by sham conveyances, and that on both sides the most scandalous and illegal ; HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 465 practices bad been used. It was resolved by this committee, " That the right of election was agreed to be in such persons as have inherit- ance, or freehold of burgage tenure within the said borough." The house, on the report of the committee, considered, that neither J. Bright nor R. Moncton had been duly elected, and a new writ was ordered to be issued. The same candidates again offered, the same persons voted as before. J. Bright was again returned, and R. Moncton again petitioned. Before the petition was investigated the parlia- ment was dissolved, and at the general election, 1701, Sir W. Lowther and Sir John Bland were returned without opposition. These gentlemen were chosen in three short successive parliaments, and no contest arose till 1713, when four candidates offered for the bo- rough. These were Mr. Dawney, Mr. Frank, Sir W. Lowther and Mr. Bethel. The two lat- ter opposed the two former. After a long and violent contest, Dawney and Frank were re- turned, and the other two petitioned. When the petition came to be examined, it appeared, " that Robert Lowther, the mayor, and Mr. Frank, who was the recorder of the borough, and Mr. Abbot, the town's clerk, had refused to admit many legal votes for the petitioners; and had admitted many illegal ones for the sit- ting members. Abbot, who as town's clerk had the making up of the fee-farm book every year for the mayor, wherein the different tenures were distinguished, and all the burgages truly entered, had marked several as burgage tenants who were not so 5 and omitted others who were. 000 466 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. The committee came to the resolution, that the two sitting members were not duly elected, and that the petitioners were; which the house agreed to. From this period the burgage freeholds were chiefly engrossed by one or two families; and these either sat for the borough them- selves, or sent whom they pleased. Tfce Low- ther family had the "greatest number, and of course the greatest interest. Sir William Lowther about the year 1734 sold his burgage tenures and property to William Moncton, Lord Gallway, in whose family they have con- tinued. At the general election, 1768, several bur- gesses resiant in the borough, began to question the right of persons who did not dwell in the said borough, though in possession of a bur- gage freehold, to vote for members to serve in parliament. The burgesses resiant were highly dissatisfied with the prevailing practice of making sham conveyances, and bringing men from a distance, who had no connection with the town, to vote. They stated their views and wishes to a worthy neighbouring baronet, Sir R. Winn; and he generously undertook to try the merits of the cause. He appeared in the town, and was hailed as a deliverer. As the cause of freedom is generally the cause the people ardently espouse, this gentle- man received all the popular support which could be expected. Possessed of an ample for- tune, and naturally liberal and generous, he spared no expence. Before the Lion Inn a sheep was roasted whole, balls were given, and HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 467 the spirit of the party kept up by the methods generally adopted on such occasions. To in- dicate the downfall and political death of the Sham interest, the bells were muffled, and the dumb peal rung. The other candidates were W. Moncton, Lord Gallway, and H. Strachey. When the poll commenced, the most violent and unjustifiable measures were rursued by the populace. Many out-voters were prevented from appearing and exercising what they judged their right. Numbers of sailors and others from Knottingley came to the town, and in connec- tion with some of the inhabitants, disturbed the peace, and raised a furious riot. The. houses of the mayor and recorder were assaulted; and all the windows in front wholly destroyed. Much damage was done, and the personal safety of those in the sham interest endangered. The mayor was compelled to return Lord Gallway and Sir R. Winn, An action was brought against several of the more active rioters; and at the next assizes they were tried and convicted. Lord Gallway and H. Strachey, Esq. petitioned, statins: " that the returning officer had been compelled by force to return Sir R. Winn with Lord Gallway; and that a great majority of legal voters would have presented themselves, and voted for Mr. Stra- chey, if they had not been intimidated by the violence of several hundred rioters, armed with bludgeons and other offensive weapons. " When the matter of these petitions came to be tried at the bar of the house, the house resolved, <" That the counsel be confined to proceed only upon the allegations of the said petitions, which 468 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. complain of the freedom of the said election being disturbed by rioters." After hearing coun- sel and examining witnesses, the election was declared to be void; and a new writ was or- dered to be issued. On this determination of the house, a gentleman in the lobby, who had been searching the journals of the house, and had met with Glanville's report concerning Pontefract in the year 1624, said, " That the right to vote was neither in the burgesses resident, nor non-re- sident; but in the inhabitants, householders re- siant." Some gentlemen, warm in supporting Sir R. Winn's interest, on hearing this, took new spirit; the journals were examined, and the report found to be as stated. Having taken the opinion of counsel and of friends, the worthy baronet posted down; and, together with his brother Mr. Edward Winn, offered himself a candidate to represent the bo- rough, on the right of the inhabitants. Lord Galiway and H. Strachey, Esq, again stood on the burgage tenure interest; and were of course returned, as the mayor, the returning officer, was obliged to make the return in the usual manner*. Sir K. Winn and his brother now became the petitioners, together with certain in- * By 7 and 8 Will. III. cap. 7. § 1. it is enacted, " That, in case any person or persons shall return any mem- ber to serve in parliament, for any county, city, borough, cinque-port, or place, contrary to the last determination in the House of Commons of the right of election in such county, city, &c. such return so made shall be adjudged to be a false return." This made the last determination of the house binding on returning officers. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 469 habitants, householders, in their interest, Dec. 14, 1768, on the ground of the resolution in the year 16^24. At this period election causes were referred to a committee of privileges and elections; and rejected or confirmed by the whole house. From this it is evident, that whatever might be the merits of the cause, the candidate who had a majority of the house in his favour, would be triumphant. In most election litigations the house did not so much consider the justice of the claims as to what party the candidates be- longed. If the sitting members were in the in- terest of the ministers their right was almost uni- formly established; and the claims of the peti- tioners disregarded. If, on the other hand, the petitioners were on the side of the ministry, their claims were established, and the sitting members rejected. In short, to bring in the favourite candidate, and strengthen the majority by a new voice, every fence of law, justice, and even decency was broken down. Sir R. Winn waited on the Duke of Grafton, the minister, who referred the case to the law officers, and was favourably inclined to it; but the duke going out of office, Lord North succeeded as Chancellor of the Exchequor. Sir R. Winn waited on this gentleman, who assured him that he was also favourable to the claim of the in- habitants of Pontefract, but observed, that he could not take it up as a ministerial measure. He recommended to this gentleman to make what interest he could by personal application to the members of the house, that when the petition came to be considered they might un- 470 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. derstand the grounds of it. The worthy baronet not having been in the house, his personal inte- rest with the members was inconsiderable; nor could he, after every possible exertion, succeed in procuring that attention to his cause which its merit deserved. The hearing of the petitions was by repeated adjournments put off to Feb. 6, 1770. By an act of the second of George II. the last determination of the house respecting contro- verted elections was rendered final*. When the petition came to be considered, a doubt arose how far the entries in the two journals of May 28, 1624, were to be considered as the last determination of the house, within the meaning of the act of George II. counsel was heard to that point, after which, " A motion was made, and the question being put, the two entries of the 28th day of May 1624 of resolutions concerning the right of election for the borough of Pontefract, appearing in two several journals, be admitted to be read to the counsel at the bar, as the last determination of the house, touching the legality of votes for members to serve in par- liament for that borough; the house divided, and it passed in the negative, 161 to 32." On this the counsel for the petitioners desired that leave might be given to withdraw their petitions, but this was objected to by the counsel on the other side, who desired to offer evidence to * The clause of the statute runs thus, "That such- votes shall be deemed to be legal which have been so declared by the last determination in the House of Commons, which last determination concerning any county, shire, city, borough, cinque-port, or place, shall be final to all intents and purjwses whatsoever, any usage to the contrary notwithstanding."- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 471 establish the right of election. The house re- solved, That the petitions should not be witl> drawn. The counsel for the petitioners declined giving the house further trouble. The counsel on the other side examined a witness to prove the right to be in the freeholders of burgage tenure; and produced several returns to shew that the elections were made by the mayor and burgesses. They then read the entries in the Journals of 17th Jan. 1699—1700, and of 24th of March 1715 — 16, on which the house came to a resolution determining the right as follows : 6 February, 1770. Resolved, " That the right of election for members to serve in par- liament for the borough of Pontefract, in the county of York, is in persons having within the said borough a freehold of burgage tenure, pay* ing a burgage rent." Thus alter an arduous struggle, and after having spent a sum of money equal to what might have supported a contest for the county, the burgage interest appeared to be more firmly established, by the efforts which had been made to overturn it. It did not seem probable that any future attempt would be made on the right of the inhabitants. Their cause appeared now to be hopeless and desperate; nor was there the least probability that it would ever be established. In the year 1770 the Grenv'lle act was pas- sed. By this act a committee is appointed by ballot, to consist of fifteen members, to settle controverted elections, two of which are nomi- nees. This committee has power to examine 472 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. witnesses on oath; to hear counsel; and its de* cision is final. The committee being chosen by ballot, the minister cannot avail himself of his majority to support the candidate in his inte- rest. As the appeal to the house, hitherto al- lowed, is taken away, no undue influence can be used ; for the committee, it is probable, will consist of men of different parties; and the me- rits of the cause, it may be presumed, and not the men, will regulate its determination. At the general election in 1774 Sir R. Winn, though strongly solicited by the inhabitants, and by his friend, the Hon. C. Fox, declined offering himself as a candidate, on the right of the inhabitants. The expences he had already in- curred, and the probability that he would not suc- ceed, appear to have induced him to adopt this determination. The Hon. C. Fox and his friend James Hare, Esq. then offered themselves on that right. The other candidates, on the bur- gage interest, were Sir J. Goodricke and C. Mellish, Esq. These were of course returned, and the other gentlemen, with some of the in- habitants, petitioned. Their petitions were refer- red to a committee under the Grenville act; which met and took the petitions into consider- ation, on the 1st of March, 1775. The two petitions being read, it appeared, that the only question in the case was the right of election in the borough of Pontefract; and whether a resolution of 1624, or one of 1770, was to be considered as the last determination in the Flouse of Commons, within the meaning of the statute of George IF After some dispute among the counsel whe- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 475 ther any, or which, of those two resolutions should be read, the committee agreed, that both should be read; and the counsel of the peti- tioners maintained that as the resolution of 1624 was the last determination of the house in 1729, when the statute of George II. passed, no subsequent act of the house can annul it: for that statute is binding on the House of Commons, and every last determination is to be considered as incorporated with, and making part of, the statute, as much as if it was therein recited. By giving a history of all the contests, the counsel contended that there had been no re- solution, no determination of the house on the right of election; nothing but the agreement of parties; and neither the agreement of parties, nor even the resolution of a committee, unless ratified by the house, can alter the law of elec- tions. The counsel for the sitting members contended that the resolution in 1770 was the last deter- mination of the house; and that the right of election was not finally settled till then. They endeavoured to invalidate the resolution as sta- ted in Gianville's reports; and contended from the charters of the Lacies that the burgesses had always enjoyed the right. They argued from the returns, that the mayor, aldermen aud burgesses only had a right to vote; and which right they only had exercised. In reply the counsel for the petitioners main- tained, that the charters of the Lacies do not contain any regulation touching the right of election; so that though they had been known p p p 474 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. to the committee in 1624, their judgment would have been the same; and that their hy* pothesis is still true, there was no charter for choice. They concluded by observing, " That if the committee should decide on the present oc- casion as the house did in 1770* the decision will not bind any future committee, nor annul the rights of the inhabitants; which, as they depend on an act of parliament, and are secured by it, cannot be taken away by the determination of any particular case like this, but will be still as valid as ever on a new election." On Friday > the 3rd of March^ the committee, by their chairman, informed the house, that the two sitting members were duly elected. This determination, while it seemed to perpetuate the burgage interest, dispirited the friends of the popular cause, and nearly led them to relinquish it as an impracticable attempt* At the general election in 1780, though urgent application was again made to Sir R. Winn, he continued to adhere to the opinion he had before formed, and refused to stand. Several neighbouring gentlemen were also soli- cited, but none could be found who would again stand on the right of the inhabitants. At this time a deputation of the town proposed the business to J. Smyth, Esq. but having no knowledge of the nature of their claim, he also declined. Lord Gall way and Mr. Needham were returned without opposition. The application which had been made to J. Smyth, Esq. led him to investigate the nature and grounds of the claim of the inhabitants of this borough. The result of this investigation HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT* 475 was, that he was fully satisfied, e < That the right of election was in the inhabitants, house- holders resiant." Lord Gallway accepted the envoy ship to Munich, in the year f?83, and in. consequence vacated his seat. No oppo ition was expected; and it was then supposed that the popular cause would he finally abandoned. A gentleman or two, who had been hitherto most active iri the attempts which had been made to obtain the freedom of the borough, consulted what was now to be done, but could not determine to whom to apply, or in what manner another effort should be made. One of these, without informing any person of his intention, rode over, and again applied to j. Smyth, Esq. The answer of this gentleman was favourable; and he engaged, that in case his friends in London, to whom an express was sent, were of his opinion, he would offer himself as a candidate. The ex- press returned before the day of election, and his friends encouraging the attempt, his steward was sent before to announce his approach to the town. The bells rung, and the inhabitants instantly assembled. Nothing could exceed their enthusiasm when they found that this gentleman had undertaken the cause of their freedom and liberties. On the burgage interest J. Smith, an East India Director, was proposed, and returned by V. Tomlinson, Esq. mayor. J. Smyth, Esq. polled a few of the inhabitants, ami petitioned. The period when this petition was presented was auspicious. Mr. Pitt, by his commanding eloquence, had roused the spirit of the nation in favour of a parliamentary reform. The con- 476 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. duct of the house, during the American war, furnished unanswerable arguments to prove the corrupt influence which prevailed; and numbers of liberal and well informed gentlemen met m the different counties to consult on the measures necessary to be adopted in order to obtain a reform *. Many members of the house advocated the cause; and it was generally hoped that a temporate reform would have been effected. Such being the spirit of the country, and of numbers in the House of Commons, when the petition was heard before a committee, April the 8th, the more attention was paid to it; and the counsel ably and forcibly supporting it, on the 11th the committee decided that J. Smyth, Esq. was duly elected, and he took his seat accordingly. When the news of this tri- umph was received in the town, the people were transported with jov; and indulged their feelings by public rejoicings of every kind. On the return of J. Smyth, Esq. into the country in summer, he came to congratulate his consti- tuents on their triumph in the establishment of their just rights. He was received with every possible mark of respect; and scenes of festivity and merriment succeeded each other, till the ebulition of the popular mind gradually sub- sided into the tranquil emotions of gratitude and self-satisfaction. * It deserves to be recorded to the honour of Lord Gall* way, " That in different county-meetings, he declared his rea- diness to relinquish his interest in the borough of Pontefract, provided other noblemen and gentlemen would relinquish theirs His Lon ship's proposal met with the warmest ap- probation among the friends of reform ; but not one borough proprietor followed his noble and patriotic example." See Wyville's Tracts, &c. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 477 At the dissolution of Parliament in 1784, J. Smyth, Esq Col. Sotheron and Sir R. "Winn, offered themselves on the right of the inhabi- tants. The two former gentlemen had canvassed th^ town before the worthy baronet made his appearance. He had not even given the least hint, that, he intended to offer himself; nor had he engaged any law-agent. He met with such support, as to leave no doubt what would have been the event, had he commenced his canvas as earlv as the other gentlemen. The two for- mer were returned by J. Seaton, Esq. mayor, on the right of the inhabitants; and the Honourable W. Cockayne and J. Walsh, Esq. stood on the burgage interest, and petitioned against the le- gality of the rerurn. In June the petitions came before a committee, which after hearing counsel, who entered into the same arguments as before, decided that the return was legal, and the members enjoyed the possession of their seats in peace. In the year 1788, an act passed to amend the GrenviJIe act, respecting the trial of con- troverted elections. By this act, where the right of election is in dispute, the parties are al- lowed to petition; and if the committee decide against the petitioners, an appeal is to be made "within twelve months; a committee is again to be formed, and its decision is to be conclusive, binding and final. Previous to this act there was no law to put an end to petitions and contests, and though a committee had decided a case against the petitioners repeatedly, still the house might be pestered with fresh peti- tions on every new election. Finally to settle 47 S HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. disputes of this kind, and with a particular re- ference to the case of Pontefract, was this act brought in and passed. The general election in 1790 brought for- ward the old members again on the same right; and Lord Gallway, to the surprise of all his friends, also offered himself on the same right. J. Anstruther, Esq, and C. Mellish, Esq. stood on the burgage interest. The late members were returned; and the two last gentlemen, as usual, petitioned. On the first of March, 179', a committee was appointed, and the petitions ta- ken into consideration. Counsel for the peti^ tioners defended the burgage right by the same arguments which had been on a former occasion produced ; and the counsel for the sitting mem- bers in like manner answered them. On the 8th of March the committee decided in favour of the inhabitants. In June 1791, J. Smyth, Esq. vacated his seat, by accepting the office of one of the lords of the Admiralty, and was returned without op- position, except from the burgage interest. J. Walsh, Esq. in right of his burgage freehold, petitioned; and as this was the last time the subject could come before the house according to the provisions of the above-mentioned act, every possible effort was made to establish the burgage right. Owing to a pressure of public business, the hearing of the petition was put off till February 1793. On the 1 9th of that month the committee sat, and coutinued till the 27 ? when after the fullest investigation, it was again decided in favour of the inhabitants. The counsel for the petitioners established HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 479 by the clearest evidence, that from the year 1624, till the late decision, persons possessing a bur- gage freehold had claimed and exercised the right of voting, and that the inhabitants, house- holders resiant, had not in one instance exer- cised that right, nor had they claimed it prior to the year 1770. They could however produce no proof that persons in possession of a bur- gage freehold, exclusively enjoyed and exercised that right prior to the year 1624, nor could they prove that the right of election had been litigated after the above period, till the act of George 1L which makes the last determination of the house of commons finally decisive re- specting the right of election. The whole efforts of the counsel were directed to invalidate the decision of the house in* 1624. The counsel for the sitting members replied, and with much force and perspicuity stated the circumstances respecting the resolution of the house at the above period, and clearly demonstrated, that no subsequent usage ought to establish a right, and according to the constitution of parliament could not. They maintained, that the determi- nation of the house in 1770, though last in point of time, yet, that in 1624 was last when the act of George II. passed, and consequently that the committee was bound to consider the right of the inhabitants as fully and legally esta- blished. Thus after a ten years contest, a contest which cost large sums of money to both par- ties, did the inhabitants see their cause finally prevail, and their rights and liberties firmly and unalterably established. 430 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. In 1794 J. Smyth, Esq. vacated his seat by accepting the office of one of the lords of the Treasury, and was reelected without opposition from any quarter. The general election in 1796 brought forward Lord Gall way. The long connection of his Lordship's family with the borough, the liber- ality of the family to the inhabitants, as well as bis Lordship's property, gave him a considerable interest, and Col. Sotheron judged it most pru- dent to decline offering himself as a candidate. In consequence of this his Lordship and the Hon. J. Smyth were returned, May 30th, with- out opposition. At the general election 1802, Lord Gall- way declined, and R. Ben yon, Esq. offered on his interest. The Hon. J. Smyth stood again. After these gentlemen had commenced their canvas W. Wrightson, Esq. offered himself as a candidate. He was supported by several neigh- bouring gentlemen; but finding when he had finished his canvas that he should not succeed, he declined previous to the poll commencing. The two other candidates were of course re- turned. At the general election in 1806, R> P. Milnes, Esq. supported by Lord Gallway's in- terest, offered himself, together with the Hon. J. Smyth. No opposition was at first expected. From a concurrence of circumstances, a third candidate at length came forward, the son of the ancient and noble family of Saville. His Lordship's connection with the volunteer corps rendered him a formidable opponent. Although he had the disadvantage of commencing his can- HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 481 vas after the other two gentlemen had nearly finished theirs, yet he met with considerable sup- port; and the assurance his Lordship received from such as had previously promised their votes, rendered it certain what would have been the re- sult, had he offered himself earlier. The contest chiefly lay between his Lordship and the Hon. J. Smyth. After a warm and violent contest, and carried on till his Lordship had not a man to poll, the old member, together with K. P. Milnes, Esq. was returned. The number of votes stood as follows, Lord Pollington 324, R. P. Milnes, Esq. 484, Hon. J. Smyth S?l, At the general election in 1807, the same candidates again offered for the borough. Flat- tered by the reception he had before met with, Lord Pollington again came forward; and becom- ing the popular candidate, nearly received a vote from every one of the electors. The contest be- ing between the two late members, as might be expected, was arduous and sufficiently violent. The two parties w, re nearly equal in strength; the one being supported in general by the te- nantry of Lord Gall way, and the interest which his own respectable family, residing near the town, naturally creates; the other by the at- tachment of old friends, and the important ser- vices he had rendered to the borough. Every art, usual on such occasions, was tried by each party to turn the popular mind, and bring the struggle to a successful conclusion. At last the poll commenced, and during the first day the two parties kept so near to each other, that there was only a difference of one vote at the conclusion. The next day the battle was equally Q q q 482 HISTORY OP PONTEFRACT. well fought; and when the poll closed, R. P. Milnes was only nine a head of his opponent. He and Viscount Pollington were returned. Thus terminated the arduous struggle; and the Hon. J. Smyth, who by his persevering ex- ertions had secured to the inhabitants their rights, after having been in parliament twenty- three years as their representative, found him- self the unsuccessful candidate. This event did not arise from want of attachment in his friends, but from circumstances which no prudence could avoid, nor any influence counteract. In the course of twenty years a new race had sprung up; many strangers had come to reside in the borough; and it is natural to suppose that these would not feel all the respect for the old re- representative which his tried friends might wish. In short these being wholly indifferent to past transactions, were ready to give their votes as their connections, prejudices, or expectations might influence. The friends of this gentleman have testified the highest respect for his past services; and so long as fair freedom is esteemed the Eng- lishman's birth-right, so long as the elective franchise, shall be deemed a privilege; so long will the name of Smyth be associated witfo free- dom in the borough of Pontefract. The following is a list of the Members returned for Pontefract. 16th JAMES I. 1620, George Skillet, — Edmunds Sands, Jun. 21st JAMES 1. 1624, Sir Tho. Wentworth, — Sir John* Jackson. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 4$ 5 1st CHARXES I. 1625, Sir John Jackson,— Sir Rich. Beaumont, 1st CHARGES I. 26, Sir John Jackson, — Francis Foljambe. 3rd CHARLES I. 29, Sir John Jackson,— Sir John Ramsden. 15 th CHARLES I. 40, Sir John Ramsden, — Sir G. Wentworth, I6tll CHARLES I, 41, Sir George Wemworth, (Woliey) — Sir G. Wentworth, (of Wentwonh House,) 46, Henry Arthington,- — William White. I lth CHARLES II. 58, John Lord Lambert, — John Hewley *, 60, Sir Geo. Saville, — William Lowther, 61, Sir John Dawney, — William Lowther, 78, Sir John Dawney, — Sir Patient ins Ward, 81, Sir John Dawney, — Sir Patientius Ward, 85, Lord Dovvne, — Sir Thomas Yar bo rough, #8, Lord Downe, — Sir Thomas Yaiborough, 90, Sir John Bland, — Henrv Dovvne, 95, Sir William Lowther, — Robert Moncton, 98, John Bright,— Sir John Bland, 1701, William Lowther, — Sir John Bland, . 2, Wlliam Lowther, — Sir John B'and, 5, William Lowther, — Sir John Bland, 8, William Lowther, — Sir John Bland, 10, Robert Frank, — Sir John Bland, 13, Robert Frank, — John Dawney, 14, Hugh Bethel,— Sir William Lowther, 22, John Lowther, — Sir William Lowther, 27, John Lowther, — Sir William Lowther, 34, Lord Gallway, — Sir William Lowther, * The above list is taken from Willis's Notitia Parliai mentaria. 484 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 1741, Lord Gall way, —George Pitt, 47, William Moncton, — George Pitt, 54, Lord Gallway, — Sambroke Trueman, 61, Lord Gallway, — Wm. Gerard Hamilton*, 68, Lord Gallway, — Henry Strachey, 74, Sir John Goodrick,— C. Mellish, 80, Lord Gallway,— William Needham, S3, J. Smyth, 84, J. Smyth, — Colonel Sotheron, 90, J. Smyth, — Colonel Sotheron, 96, J. Smyrh, — Lord Gallway, 1802, J. Smyth,— R. Ben yon, 6, J. Smyth,— R. P. Milnes, 7, R. P. Milnes,— Lord Pollington. RELIGIOUS SECTS. Within this town there are the ususal and prevailing denominations of professing christians, — Catholics, Dissenters, Wesleyan Methodists, and a society of friends, commonly called Quakers. Catholics Several ancient famlies, respectable for their property in this neighbourhood, maintained an unshaken attachment to the catholic cause, tho* exposed to all the rigour of the penal statutes; and when the lenient and tolerent spirit of the age, outrun that of the law, the Catholics emer- ged from their obscurity, and assembled to wor- ship according to their own modes and opinions. They ventured publicly to. address the Virgin- * From the restoration the list is taken from Wentworthj and the remainder from the journals. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. 485 Mother, and to revere the hallowed relics of past ages ; to offer the sacrifice of the mass, and again to celebrate their holy mysteries *. Their number in this place has never ex- ceeded thirty or forty persons. Their place of worship, till lately, was a room in the house occupied by their teacher. They have now erected a place of worship on a more enlarged scale; and adapted to all the peculiar ceremo- nies of their worship f. The building is a neat structure, and its interior well finished. Protestant Nonconformist Dissenters. The rise of the Dissenters, as a distinct body, dates from the time when the Act of Uniformity was passed. A considerable num- ber of the clergy, who then filled the churches, were either Presbyterians or Independents; and were thus denominated from their opinions re- specting the nature of a christian church, and the mode of its government. The former of these maintained, that in the New Testament the terms hi hop, elder, or presbyter are applied to the same person, and that there is no proof of a bishop enjoying any superior sanctity or * In the year !791, an act was passed to repeal the penal laws against this body, and to allow the general privi- leges or* Oihor sect% on taking certain prescibed oaths. f The ground on which this building has been erected is in old deeds, called Halywalls. As in the times of the Saxons, lands were often held of the church, on the condition of the tenant keeping the church in repair &c. is it not pro- bable, that this land was held by such a tenure? That the proprietor was bound to keep in repair the holy walls, i. e. the church ? It was either held by such tenure, or otherwise it has been the site of some religious house. 486 HISTORY OT PONTEFRACT. authority over the presbyter, while the church continued separate from the state. They con- tended, that there ought to be no difference of rank among the clergy ; and that the church ought, according to scripture and the purest ages, to be governed by provincial synods and a general assembly. The Independents agreed with the Presbyterians on all subjects, except the last. They maintained that each christian society had a right to choose its own minister, and to regulate its interior affairs, una wed by any superior influence, and without being amen- able to any earthly tribunal. On passing the Act of Uniformity, * those who held these opinions could not in consci- ence comply with the provisions of the act; and were therefore compelled either to make a false declaration, or finally to leave the establishment. They chose the latter, and on the 24th of Au- gust, 1662. two thousand clergymen quitted their livings, and voluntarily submitted to po- verty, disgrace and persecution, rather than sub- scribe to declarations they did not believe. No other age, no other country, ever witnessed * This bill was hastely brought into the house, and ob- sequious a> the parliaments of Charles were, it met with such violent opposition, that every exertion of the crown, and all the direct and indirect influence which could be used, was found necessary in order to get it through the House of Commons. At last this act passed in the House of Commons, by a majo- rity of only six, the yeas being 186, and the noes 180. The reader who wishes to know how tar the object of this act has been attained, may consult Archdeacon Black- burne's Confessional ; Overton's " True Churchman ascertained," and the publications to which this work has given rise within these few years past. HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT, 437 such a sacrifice of interest to principle; and while the love of truth, honour, integrity and liberality is cherished, these men cannot fail to receive their due measure of praise. The Rev. Joseph Farret, who had laboured for some years, in the church of St. Giles' here, was one of the respectable number of sece- ders from the establishment. Though far advan- ced in years, Calamy says, " He was a constant, laborious preacher, of competent gifts and learn- ing." He had an excellent library, and though on quitting the church he was reduced to great straits, like most men of letters, he chose to part with any thing rather than his books. He met with a kind friend in a Mr. Ward, who resided in the old mansion, called the court, in Tanshelf, in which township he also enjoyed a considerable estate. Under his hospitable roof Mr. Farret, and those Christians who adhered to him, met to worship God according to the oppinions they held respecting the nature of a christian church. This respectable scholar and divine, worn out with labour, was the year following removed out of a tempestuous world to a state of rest. He died in the sixty-fourth year of his age. The little society he had formed, and to which he had preached during the last year of his life, still subsisted and remained firm to its principles after his demise. The Rev. J. Noble succeeded him as minister ; and continued to la- bour among them as much as the persecuting spirit of the times would permit *, for the space * From the restoration of Charles II. to the revolution, the Dissenters were persecuted with a severity which will re* 488 HISTORY OF PONTEFRACT. of sixteen years. He died Feb. 11, 1679, aged sixty-eight years. Calamy gives the following ac- count of him. " He was bo er within the village or borough aforesaid, and tne precinct thereo in any manner whatsoever acciuing or arising, and which in any manner have been or shall happen to be depending lor the time to come. Mayor, coroner, frr. and mayor's oath. — Moreover, we have granted to them, the said mayor and burgesses, that they and their successors may have in the said VI APPENDIX. village or borough power aud authority, jurisdiction and liberty, to perform and ex- ecute all and singular things which to the office of a coroner there appertain, to be performed and executed as the rest of the coroners of us and our heirs in other places have had, and shall hapaen to have for the time to come, so that at no fu- ture time, any coroner of our said kingdom of England (^ave the mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, for the time being) within the said village or borough and the precinct thereof may enter: neither that any sheriff, eschaetor, steward, feodarv, or minister of us or our heirs, may enter the village or borough aforesaid, or the precincts thereof, there to perform or execute any office, butoniy in default of the mayor himself : and that the said mayor thus elected, or to b? elected, by his comburgesses aforesaid, immediately after this his election before his said com- burgesses in the Moot-Hall aforesaid, shall take his solemn corporal oath as well duly aud truly to perform and execute the office of a mayor as the office ot a coroner. Mayor dying or removed, unotker to be chosen in eight days. — And if a mayor of this borough so elected in manner above, within the year after his election, shall happen to die, or shall for his bad administration of the village or borough aforesaid, or for any offence, or for some reason be by some means or other deprived oi or re- moved from the office of mayor ; then the comburgesses aforesaid, and their suc- cessors may chuse and appoint, within eight days next after such death, discharge or removal, out of themselves one other comburgess for the mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, in the place of that mayor deceased, discarded or removed, for the remainder of that year, to rule and govern the said village or borough afore- said, who in like manner shall take the oath as above prescribed. Non-resident not to be mayor. — And we will and command that no out-dweller, or foreigner dwelling without the village or borough and precincts thereof, by vir- tue or colour of a burgess, or for that because he is a burgess there, be not neither may he be chosen a mayor of the said village or borough, in times to come, upon any account whatsoever. Mayor to be a justice of the peace. — And likewise out of our special grace, we lave granted, and by these presents do grant, to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses and their successors, that the said mayor and his successors, be justices and conser- vators of our peace, to be kept within the said village or borough aforesaid. And that the said mayor and his successors may have for ever authority and power with- in the said village or borough, to pieser e the peace as other justices and conserva- tors of our peace in this behalf, have in any county of our kingdom of England. Assize of bread, 8fc. — Moreover, we will and grant for us and our heirs and successors to them, the present mayor and burgesses, that the said present mayor and his successors, mayors of the ullage or borough aforesaid, may have for ever the superimendency, correction and punishment of the assize of bread and ale, and of all other victuals whatsoever, from time to time within the village or bo- rough aforesaid, precincts or liberties thereof, so'd or to be sold, as to them shall seem convenient and necessary in times to come. And that the said mayoi and burgesses and their successors may have a common seal, for measures and weights of every kind to be sealed therewith, within the said village or borough, precincts and limits thereof, so that the clerk of our market, either upon search or examin- ation of measures and weights within the said village or borough, and precincts and limits, or for any cause, may not upon any account introduce any other seal than this, though heretofore made use of, uuder a very heavy penalty. APPENDIX. - Vll Watch. — "Moreover, out of our special grace, we will and grant, for us and our heirs, for ever, to the said mayor and comburgesses, and iheii successors, that the said present mayor and comburgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, for the time being, as Ion,; as they shall remain mayors and comburgesses. may have power and authority to call together, convene and embody all and singular, our sub- jects of the Ullage or borough, of whatsoever degree or condition they be, and those who to them appear the more likely, and that they cause them and every of them acccording to his degree, well and sufficiently to be armed and accoutred, and that they and every of them armec and accoutred in this manner, be kept and held day and night to watch and search within the said village or borough, precincts orliberties, thereof, for the saieguard. preservation, and delence of the said borough or village. Mayor to have return of writs, &c. Mayor and burgesses not to be sued hit in the borough court. — And also, out ol oui abundant grace and mere motion, we have granud to them the mayor and 'uigesses and their successors, that they may for ever have ihe return of all our writs and summonses of our exchequer, and of our heirs, and the execution of them. And that neither the said mayor nor burgesses and their successors, nor any ol them may plead or be impleaded before us or any of our justices, or ol our heirs, without the village or borough aforesaid, concern- ing lands and tenerm n:s lyi g within the said village or borough, nor of trespasses, agreements or contracts made in the said village or boiough, or concerning any other things whatsoevei there arising. But all pleas of this kind which may happen to be by summons or a.tachment before u>, our justices, or our heirs, or before any of our justices or of our heirs, ol the bench or elsewhere without the village or borough, are to be impleaded befote the mayor of the said village or borough for the time being, and within the said village or borough they shall be pleaded and de- termined, unless the matter itself affect us and our heirs, or the community of the said village or borough. Mayor and aldermen exempted from offices. — And that the said mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, for the lime being, nor any of the comburgesses afore- said, or their successors, may be appointed or assigned a manager, searcher or collector or any customary taxes, tribute, dues, subsidies, dues for knights' ser- vice, tenths, fifteenths, or any other taxes whatsoever, to be gi anted in any manner whatsoever to us or to our heirs, without the village or borough .'.foresaid. Also Willing and granting to them ihe present mayor and burgesses, that neither they nor their heirs or successors, or any of them, in time to come, may be a bailiff, con- stable, headborough, or other officer or minister whatsoever, of us, our heirs without the village or borough aforesaid, against iheir own inclination. And that neither they nor any of them may be forced or compelled to undertake any charge of the offices afoiesaid, upon any account whatsoever, without the village or bo- rough aforesaid. Not to serjf on juries. — And that neither the aforesaid mayor and burgesses nor their successors, may be impanneiled upon juries, at the assizes, or upon any inquisitions, by reason of their tenements without the borough, or upon any other juries whatsoever, which upon account of their tenements or trespasses, or any of their other foreign concerns, service is required beioie cur justices or other mi- nisters, or of our heirs, tu be done, which will occasion disorder in the said village or borough. And all foreigners may not be impanneled with our burgesses upon juries of assize, or upon inquisitions, which by reason of their lands and tenements Vlll APPENDIX. being in the said village or.borough, or of trespasses, contracts, or their other foreign businesses, service is required to be done. To hold sessions , — And further, out of our abundant grace, we have granted, and by these presents do grant and confirm, to them, the said mayor and bur- gesses, that they and their successors be our justices for the peace, and for felonies, trespasses, and other misdemeanors whatsoever. And that as justices for the peace within the village and borough and precincts and bounds thereof, together with one learned in the law, at the appointment of the mayor of that village or bo- rough for the time being, they may hold fiom time to time by mandate or warrant, to be made by the mayor of the said village or borough for the time being, and un- to one of the Serjeants at mace of the mayor of the said village or borough for the time being, to be directed or made sessions's, to inquire for us and our heks, aS often as shall be necessary, Gallows and goal, &c. — And that the said mayor and burgesses, and their successors, may have a gallows and a proper prison or goal within the said village or borough of Pon refract aforesaid, and the precincts and limits thereof, for felons and other offenders whatsoever, within the village or borough and precincts and limits aforesaid, taken or to be taken in the said prison or gaol, safely and securely to be kept until from the same, according to the law and custom of our kingdom of England, they shall be discharged. And that the setjeant at mace, so appoint- ed within the village or borough aforesaid, for the time being, all receipts anj war- rants of the sessicnses so held, in all things may do and execute, or the one of them may do and execute, and they and the one of them may attend upon the said justices in their sessions for inquisitions, and other things whatoever in the premises to be taken or done, and the executions oi judgments and mandates of them the said justices in all things may execute and do, or the one of them may execute and do as fully and effectually as the sheriff of our county of York, and other our sheriffs, justices in this behalf elsewhere, in our kingdom of England, ought to attend and the precepts and warrants, ought or shall execute or order to be executed ; so that Ho sheriff of our said county of York, for the time being, may in any manner en- ter for the execution of these kind of precepts and warrants of the said justices, within the village or borough, precincts and limits aforesaid, neither may he in any manner enter into the said village or borough, upon this or upon account of any of the premises. Pozver to determine all offences within the borough. — And also, we will and Lave granted, that the said mayor and comburgesses of the village or borough of Pontefract aforesaid, for the time being, twelve, eleven, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three or two, of them, together with the mayor of the village or borough afoiesaid, and one skilled in the law, may have full correction, punish- ment, power and authority, to take cognizance of, and inquire, hear and deter- mine all matters and things, as well touching all felonies, trespasses, misprisons and extortians, as ot all and all manner of other causes, complaints and offences what- soever, within the same village or borough, and liberty, and precincts and limits thereof, howsoever happening or arising, so fully and effectually as conservators of the peace and justices assigned, and to be.assigned to hear and determine felonies, trespasses and other misdemeanors, and justices of servants, labourers, artificers, within our county of York, without the village or borough, liberty and precincts aforesaid, haye or shall in any manner have for the tune to come.. APPENDIX. IX Mayor to collect fee farm rents and tolls. — Provided always, that the said mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, for the time being, be constrained either by himself or by his deputy or their deputies, yearly to collect or cause to be collected, as well the rents of our village or borough aforesaiJ, as the rents called Castle-Farms, Andrew-Farms, and Piowland farms, with all tolls, escheats and other profits whatsoever, to us belonging. And further — Whereas, torty-nine pounds thirteen shillings and tourpence only have been used to be paid to us and our predecessors, out ol the profits oi the farms aforesaid, and now lately we have been informed, that fifteen pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence thereof, out of certain profits of the farms aioresaid, within the precincts of the village or borough, cannot be levied because several tenements through decay are totally destroyed. Know ye, that we out ot our abundant grace, mere motion and certain knowledge for the bettering of our said village or borough, do acquit, remit, and release by these presents to the said mayor and burgesses, and their successors for ever, the sum of fifteen pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence due to us annually; so that the said mayor and burgesses and their successors of the village or borough of Pontefract aforesaid, who may happen to be in time to come, are bound to answer and pay to us and our heirs lor ever, out of the profits of the farms, the sum of thirty-lour pounds and no more. And that neither we, nor our heirs have any right to the said fifteen pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence, nor any part thereof shall for the time to come, exact or claim. Market on Saturday, and two fairs. — And moreover, we have granted and do grant, and ,by these presents do confirm to the said mayor and burgesses of the said village or borough of Pontefract aforesaid, that they and their successors may have within the village or borough aforesaid, one market to beheld there ever}' week for ever, on every Saturday ; and yearly two fairs there (to wit) the one fair of them upon a Palm Sunday in Quadragesima, and to continue lor six days next proceeding ; and the other fair thereof upon the feast and Lord's day of the holy undivided Trinity, and to continue for six days next preceeding, to- gether with all liberties, rights, privileges, and appurtenances to these fairs and markets, or any of them belonging, so that these fairs and markets be not to the detriment of other neighbouring lairs and markets. Ordering of the stalls, 2fc. Exemption from toll, (two fairs excepted.)—^ Also, we will and grant for us and our heirs aforesaid, and by these presents confirm to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and their successors for ever, that they may have by the mayor of the said village or borough for the time being, and two or three of the more creditable and dis = creet comburgesses of the said village or borough, assistants to the said mayor, they being foi this purpose yearly elected or deputed by the said mayor, for the time being ; the management, ordering, and appointment of the stalls and booths in all these fairs anc. markets, or any of them to be had or placed, and the whole direction of the markets, fairs, and of all and singular liberties, and other usages to the said markets and fairs belonging, without the hinderance or disturbance of us, or our heirs, or of other our officers whatsoever. Therefore, we will, and srictly order and command the aforesaid mayor and burgesses for the time being, that none of our subjecis for the future coming into the said village or borough, to the markets or fairs (save only in the ttme above specified) be bound or constrained to pay any toll or other duty to the said mayor and burgesses for our, T t t * X APPENDIX. or their use. But that all, and singular our subjects in this manner for the time to come, resorting together by reason of our grant aforesaid, be therefore free, unmolested and exonerated for ever. Mayor, &\c. to make! laws, rules, *gc. in the borough. — And moreover, we will and grant, and by these presents have granted for us and our heirs to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses, and their sucessors, that the said mayor for the time being, together with twelve honest men of the said village or borough of Pontefract, and the piecincts thereof, for the time being by the said mayor to be nominated, with other of the burgesses aforesaid, and by them the mayor and honest men convened, if they are so pleased in the Muot-Hall of the village or borough aforesaid, as often as they please to meet together, and laws, rules, and ordinances legal and beneficial for the public good of the -ullage or borough aforesaid, and the precincts thereof from time to time, to ordain and make, and those in their wise and prudent government use, and, in the said village or borough, and the precincts thereof put in execution. Also, that they may for ever revoke and alter them, and every of them, as to themselves it shall seem the more expedient. Enjoyment of ancient liberties and customs. Burgesses exempted from paying toll. — And further, out of our abundant grace, we will, and grant, and by these presents confirm for us and our heirs, that the said mayor and burgesses and their successors may have, and peaceably enjoy all the liberties and customs by them the burgesses and their successors within the village or borough of Pontefract afore- said, anciently enjoyed. And that the burgesses aforesaid, and their successors and all the inhabitants within the said village or borough, shall be exempted from toll, murage, passage, pannage, pontage, and sedage, through our whole King- dom of England, and our dominion for ever. Tower to mayor and burgesses to hear causes, £fc— Wherefor e we will, and strictly command for us and our heirs, that the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough of Pontefract aforesaid, and their successors may have, hold and use, all and singular, the powers of hearing and judging causes, fran- chises, liberties, immunities and privileges, and all other the premises as above specified, and that them, and every of them, they may fully, freely, intirely, peaceably, and quietly occupy and enjoy without the let, interruption, molesta- tion, or obstruction of us, or our heirs, of any of our officers or ministers, or of our heirs whatsoever, as is above-mentioned, in the manner and form above- declared. In witness whereof, we have caused these our letters to be made patent. — Gtven under our seal, of our Dutchy of Lancaster the twenty-eighth day of July, in the second year of our reign. By THOMAS METKALFF, Chancellor. The above charter was confirmed by another in the same year. Similar charters were granted by Henry VII. and Edward VI.; but as they contain no additional clauses, it is unnecessary to print them. CHARTER OF JAMES, TO REGULATE THE CHOICE OF THE MAYOR. JAMES, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King defender of the faith, &c. To all persons, to whom these present letters patent shall come greeting, APPENDIX. XI Part of Henry VII. charier recited, relative to the chusing the mayor.-*- Where- as, his Majesty, Henry Vil. late King of England, by his letters patent under the seal of his Dutchy of Lancaster, made, bearing date the fust day of December, in the fourth year of his reign, granted (amongst other things) to the then mayor and burgesses of the village or borough pf Pontefract, and to then- heirs and successors for ever ; that the said then present mayor and burgesses, and their heirs and successors, mayor and burgesses, upon the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, then next ensuing, the date of those said letters patent, and afterwaids from year to year, upon the said feast day, amongst the said burgesses, in a certain hall, called Moot-Hall, might chuse out of themselves thirteen cura- burgesses of the more lepu-ab'e sort of men, burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, one of which burgesses always then should be chosen for the mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, and remain mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, foi one year next following such election, as by the said letters patent, may and doth more fully appear. Disputes arising, concerning the elect/on of mayors. — And whereas, we are credibly informed, that the election of the mayor cf the village or borough afore- said, heretofo-e, hath been made by the greater number of votes and suffrages of the burgesses of the said village or borough, by reason of which sort of form and manner of election, hhnite contentions, animosities and disputes have arisen, and been propagated betwixt the mayor, comburgesses, and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, for, and in respect of the suffrages and votes given in the election of the mayor of the said village or borough, by means whereof, very often great hatred, revenge and resentments, and many other evils have ensued to the disturbance of our peace, and exceeding bad example of others. Maijor to he chosen the lAtk Sept. and sworn into office on Michaelmas day.— - Know ye, therefore, that we, in order, that all animosity, contention, and quar- jelling about the elecJon of the mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, may from henceforth be intirely removed, and that peace and good neighbourhood be- twixt the mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, may revive, and increase ; and also at the humble request of the present mayor and burgesses of the village o- borough aforesaid, — Have willed and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do grant to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and to their successors ; that the election of the mayor of the said village or borough, in every year, and from year to year, for the time to come, forever, must and shall be upon the feast day of Holy Rood, thai is to say, in and upon the fourteenth day of September, in the manner and lorm, in these presents under-mentioned arid precribed, And that the person who as aforesaid, shall so be elected and appointed mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, shall take his corporal oath bet>e the late mayor, his predecessor and the comburgesse-s, and burgesses of the >aid village or borough, or so many of them who at that time shall be present, in and upon the feast of St. Michael the Arch-angel, then next following, such his election and nomination aforesaid, well and truly to execute.and d^charge the office of mayor, of the village or boiuugh aforesaid, in all those duties relating or apper- taining to. the same. Comburgesses not to vote in the choice of a mayor. Suffrages to be zo.ole on paper, and [ml into a box. — And that after his so taking the aforesaid oath, he Xll APPENDIX. must, and may be enabled to execute the office of mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, for one whole year, then next ensuing. And to the intent, that the aforesaid election may be without any contention and malice in any shape,- — We will, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors do grant to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and to thoir Successors : that in the above said time of election, every mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, for the time to come, every burgess of the village or borough aforesaid (except the comburgesses ot the said village or borough) shall write himself, or cause to be wtitten in a little scrole of paper, his suffrage and vote, and the said scroie of paper, together with the said suffrage and vote in- scribed thereupon, shall put into a certain bagg or box for this kind of busi- ness to be provided, by the mayor and burgesses of the village or borough afore- said. Which said scrole of paper, indeed shall not contain the name of that person giving his vote and surTrage, but the incription thereupon shall be in the manner and form following, that is to say, " on the fourteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord, &c. such a person is elected mayor ot the village or bo- rough aforesaid," and that always the day and year, and name of the person so to be appointed mayor as aforesaid, must be named and specified thereupon. Votes equal the three senior aldermen to vote. — And if it shall happen that the number of vote's and suffrages, so as aforesaid to be written upon the small scroles of paper, be even and equal, that then three of the senior comburgesses who then shall be present, shall join and inscribe their suffrages and votes in like manner, upon a scrole of paper, and shall put the same into the aforesaid bag or box. And that from time to time, forever, every person for whom the most votes shall be given in the manner and form aforesaid, may upon his taking a corporal oath, to discharge the office of mayor of the village or borough afore- said, and all other things thereunto belonging, or appertaining upon the feast day of St. Michael the Arch-angel, next following such election and appointment of every such person to the office of mayor aforesaid, in the presence of the mayor for the time being, and the comburgesses and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, or so many of them, who shall please to be present (one of which, we order the aforesaid mayor to be) before that he undertakes the office of mayor of the village or borough aforesaid, have, execute and perform the same for one whole year, then next following the aforesaid feast of St. Michael the Arch- angel, upon which, so as aforesaid, he shall be sworn into the said office of mayor, of the village or borough aforesaid, the aforesaid letters patent above- mentioned, or any other letters patent whatsoever, or any other matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding. The sa oles of paper, or votes, to be inspected by the three senior aldermen, and burnt by them.— And we order that the aforesaid scroles of paper thus inscribed, only shall be inspected, and the votes thereupon inscribed, only shall be read by the three senior comburgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, who at such election there shall be present. And that after every such election in the manner aforesaid, to be fully complete and perfected the said scroles of paper so as above, mentioned, to be put into the said bag or box immediately, shall be burnt by the three senior comburgesses of the village or borough aforesaid. Power to arrest, ftc — Andwheieas, the said late King Henry VII. by his said letters patent above-mentioned, granted to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses a d their successors, that they, by their sergeants at mace, should have power APPENDIX. X1U and authority to attach, and arrest all men and women whatsoever, less sufficient (or proper objects) by their bodies, in all manner of plens, plaints, contracts, and demands, or other actions peisonal, real, or mixt whatsoever, within the vi'lage or boiough aforesaid, and the precincts thereof, in any manner howsoever transacted or arising, which in any manner were commenced, or might from thenceforth for the time to come, happen to be Commenced, as by the said letters patent (amongst other things) it may, and doth mure fully appear. We out of our abundant special grace, and out of our certain knowledge, and mere motion, do will, and grant to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and their successors by these presenis, that they, by their Serjeants at mace, may have, and shall have power and authority, as well to attach and arrest all men and women whatsoever, less sufficient (or proper objects) by their bodies to answer any person or persons complaining or to complain of, or concerning; any actions, personal or mixt, in the court of the village or borough aforesaid pleadable, as to take and execute any execution and executions, oi' or concerning any goods and chatties, within the village or borough aforesaid, to be found, for a satisfaction of any debts or debt, or any sum of money, which in the rourt of the village or borough aforesaid, shall from time to time, be duly recovered in any such actions or plaints, determinable in the court of the said village or borough. And in all, and singular such actions, to put into force, and use aft such processes, judgments, and executions, as by the law and custom of this, our Kingdom of Engltnd, in such like actions are used, and ought to be used, and that in ai extensve a manner and form, as in any other our courts ol record, in any other borough, city, or village, incorporated within this our Kingdom of England, is used and accustomed, or ought, or can be done. Gate law toll. — Aid further, we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do gent to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or bo-ough aforesaid, aid their successors, that the mayor of the village or borough, aforesaid, for the tiie being, or any other person or persons by him, to be deputed for the tine to come for ever, may have full authority and power, by- virtue ol these presM*, to have, ask, demand, take, receive and retain of every person or persons vith every cart (in English) a wayne, cart, or shodd, bound with iron (in Englh) called a bound, wayne or cart, or shodd, wayne or cart loaden, and in, thnigh or beyond the streets of the village 01 borough aforesaid, or in, through or>eyond any passage or way, within the liberty or precincts of the said village or trough, coming or passing, one penny ; and for eve;y cart (in English) called a bre wayne, cart, or a shodd cart, one halfpenny of lawful money of England, for, and towards the repaii and support of the ways, pavements, passages, and otfer places within the borough aforesaid, and the precincts thereof, to be applied acording to the discretion of the mayor, and comburgesses of the village or boroua aforesaid, for the time being ; and these our letters patent, or the inrollment tsreof, shall be from time to time, as well to the aforesaid mayor for the time beir;. as to all such persons by him aj aforesaid to be deputed, a sufficient warran and discharge in that respect. Grant and enfirmation of ancient liberties. — And further, we will, and by these presents for us,jur heirs and succsssors do grant, give, ratify, confirm, and allow unto the aforesid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and to their successor, all and all manner of liberties, franchises, immunities, exemptions, privileges, re'iquishments and jurisdictions, which the mayor and burgesses of the village oborough afore-.aid, now have, ob:erve, use and enjoy, or which XIV APPENDIX. any of them, or their predecessors by whatsover name or names, or by what- soever incorporation, or upon account of any manner of incorporation whatsoever, heretofore, have, had, used, or enjoyed or ought to have, hold, use, or enjoy by heredirary descent, by leascn, or in pursuance of any chatters, or letters patent, by any of our progenitors or ancestors, late King'*s or queen's of England, in any manner heretofore, made, confirmed or granted, or by reason of any other lawful means, right, tithe, custom, use, or prescription, heretofore, lawfully used, had, or accustomed, although the same, every, or any of them heretotbie, ha\e or haih not been used, misued, or wrongfully applied, or have, or hath been discontinued, and although the same, every, or any of them, are, or have been lorfeited, or extinguished ; — To have, hold, and enjoy the same unto the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and to their successors for ever. And therefore, Yielding and paying to us, our heirs and successors yearly, so many, so great, such like, the very same, and the same kind of rents, services, sums of money and demands whatsoever, as many, as great, such as, and which heretofore they have used to yield and pay to us, for the same, or ought to yield and pay. Where- fore, we will, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, do grant that the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, and their successors may have, hold, use, and enjoy, and may be enabled and im- powered, fully and effectually, to have, hold, use, and mjoy for ever, all the liberties, freedoms, customs, privileges, authorities, jurisdictions, and exemptions aforesaid, according to the tenor and true meaning of theie, our letteis patent, without the hindetance or obstruction of us, or of our heirs or successors whatsoever. Forbidding, that the said mayor and burgesses of the vilhge or borough afore- said, and their successors, or any of them, or any others, by reason of the premises, or any of them, may be therefore harrassed, disturbed, vered or distressed, or in any manner molested by us, our heirs or successors, or bvcur justices, sheriffs, cschaetors, or other bailiffs, feodaries, or other, our officers o ministers, or of our heirs and successors whatsoever. Willing, and by these >resents for us, our heirs and successois, commanding and enjoining, as well>ur treasurer, chan- cellor and barons of our exchequer, and of our heirs and succe5ors, as our attorney and solicitor general for the time being, and every of them, and all others, our officers and ministers whatever, that neither they, or any of hem, or any other persons may prosecute, or continue, or cause, or procure tc be prosecuted, or continued any writ, or summons, for which they have our wrrant, or any other writ or writs, or processes whatsoever against them, the mayr and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, or any of them, or against any ther persons, for any profits, matters or things, offences, claims or customs, ofor any of them due, claimed, challenged, used, enjoyed, or had by prescriptio from them, or one of them, before the day of the granting these presents. Witng also, that the mayor and burgesses of the village or borough aforesaid, or ar of them, may not by any person, or any oi the justices, officers, or ministeraforesaid, be in the least oppressed or incumbered, for or in respect of any det, profit, claim, enjoyment, or misuser of any o( the liberties, franchises or juisdictions, before the granting of these our letteis patent, or that they may e compelled to answer for the same, or any of them. (Then follows the regulations of St. Nichalas' Hospital, as sited under that; Atticle.) APPENDIX. XV We will, also, and by these presents, do grant to the aforefaid mayor and burgesses of the village or borough, that they may have, and shall have, these our let ers patent, under our great seal of England, in due form, made and sealed without tine, or great or small fee, in any manner, by reason thereof, to be yielded, paid, or rendered to us, in our hanaper, or elsewhere, for our use, notwithstanding express mentioned, is not above made of the annual value, or of any other \aiue, or a certainty of the premises, or any of them, or of any other gifts or grants heretofore, made by us, or by any of our ancestors or progenitors, to the aforesaid mayor and burgesses of the villages or borough aforesaid, is at leaNt ascertained in or upon these presents. Any statute, act, law, proviso, proclamation, or restriction to the contrary thereof," heretofore, had, made, pub- lished, enacted or provided, or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever, in any wise notwiihstanding. In witness whereof, we have made these our letters patent; witnes> ourself at Westminster, the 2d day of March, in the fourth year of our reign, of England, France and Ireland, and of Scotland the fortieth. By writ from the private seal, &c. TOPPiN. No new grant is made in the Charter of Charles II. The following clause re- git ates the choice of the Towns-Clerk and Recorder : Also, we will, and by these presents, we declare our royal meaning to be, that John Dickson, the now common clerk, or clerk oi the peace of the borough aforesaid, may be, and shall be the common clerk and clerk of the peace there, during his natural lile. And that no recorder or common clerk of our village or borough aforesaid ; lor nhe future to be elected jr appointed into this kind of office or offices, or either of them may respectively enter before, thev, and each ...fthem is, are, or shall by us, our heirs or successors, by a warrant in that behalf, under our sign mannual ; and of our heirs and successors be respectively appioved of, any thing in these presents contained, or any other matter, cause, or thing whatsover to the contrary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding. The Charter of James II contains no new grants, and it is deemed unnecessary to print more than the following clause : Officers removpuble at the will of the King. — Provided always, and by these presents, we reserve to ourself, our heirs and successors, full power and authority from time to time, and at all times hereafter, at our, at the will and pleasure of our heirs and successors, to remove and to declare them to be removed, the mayor, recorder, common clerk, and any other, or others ot the aldermen of the village or borough aforesaid for the time being, by any order of us, or of our heirs or successors, ma e in the piivy counsel, and under the seal of the privy counsel aforesaid, respectively notified. And as often as we, our heirs and successors, by any such order in our privy counsel, made, shall, in this manner declare the mayor, recorder, common clerk and any other, or others of the aldermen of the village or borough aioresaid, lor the time being, to be removed from their re- spective offices that then, and Irom thenceforth, the mayor, recorder, common- clerk and any other, or others of the aldermen of the village or borough aforesaid, for the time being, thus declared, or to be declared, to be removed from their several and respective offices, may be, and shall verily, and without any further process ; i tally, and to all intents and purposes whatsoever, be removed, and this must be done as oft as occasion shall so require, any thing to the contraiy thereof notwithstanding. XVI APPENDIX. CHARTRR FOR THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. GEORGE THE THIRD, by the grace of God, of Great Britain.. France and Ireland, King, Defender of ihe Faith, and so forth ; and to all to whom these our letters shall come, greeting Whereas, it hath been represented to us that the Free Grammar School in our town of Pontefract, in our county of York, hath of late been going rapidly to decay, and that particularly for several years past, there hath been no master of the said Free Grammar School appointed by us, to whom, in right of our Dutchy of Lancaster, the patronage of the said school of right belongs ; nor hath any proper or tit person, for several years past, appeared to solicit the ap- pointment to that office. And, whereas the mayor, aldermen and burgesses, of our said town of Pontefract, and divers inhabitants of the said town, have humbly represented the several matters aforesaid, to us, for our royal consideration and as- sistance therein, and have expressed themselves ready and willing, by, and at the expence of the inhabitants of our said town of Pontefract, to rebuild the said Free Grammar School, together with a convenient residence for the master thereof, to be appointed by us and our successors, in right of our said dutchy of Lancaster, in the same manner as heretofore hath been done; and they have also humbly requested us, for the better carrying into execution the several purposes aforesaid, to re-found the said Free Grammar School, and to make and enact, or cause to be made and enacted, by some proper and fit persons or person, by us appointed thereunto, some constitutions, rules, statutes and ordinances, for the regulation of the conduct of the master and scholars of such Free Grammar School ; and for electing, limit'ng and defining the number of Scholars to be educated upon the said foundation; and for the introduction and permanent regulation of such other matters as may tend to the advantage of the said school, as to our royal wisdom shall seem fit. Now, Know Ye, that we being willing and desirous to promote the welfare of our said town of Ponteftact and our township of Tanshelf, in the county of York, and to re-establish the said school, in such manner as may hereafter encourage and pro- mote the education of youth of the description herein-after mentioned, within our town of Pontefract and township of Tanshelf; of our special grace, certain know- ledge and mere motion, will and grant, for ourselves, our heirs and successors, that the said Free Grammar School, situate and being within the said town of Pontefract, in the said county of York, shall for ever hereafter be called The King's School ; and shall be deemed and taken to be a Free Grammar School of ©ur own royal foundation, for the teaching and educating o( seventeen boys, ail of ■whom (except the boy to be elected, nominated, and appointed from the charity school in the town of Pontefract, as herein-after is mentioned) at the time of being elected and appointed to be of the said foundation, shall be children of resident in- babitants, legally settled within the township of Pontefract, or the said township of Tanshelf, or of any deceased inhabitants or inhabitant, who were legally settled therein at the time of their or his decease; and for the teaching and educating of Such children, we further Mill, direct and appoint, that a fit and discreet person, as soon as conveniently may be, and foT ever hereafter upon the happening of any "vacancy within three calender months from the happening of such vacancy, shall be nominated and appointed in the name, or names of us, our heirs and successors, by the chancellor of our dutchy of Lancaster, by letters patent under the seal of our said dutchy, to be master of the said Free Grammar School during the good-will and pleasure of us, our heirs and successors, in the manner heretofore accustomed ; which person, as a necessary qualification for such appointment, shall have taken upon him, previous to such appointment, the state and degree of a master of arts, APPENDIX. XV11 or bachelor of laws, at one of our Universities of Oxford or Cambtidge, and also shall have had oidination as a priest or deacon of ;he church of England; and who, at the time of such his appointment, or at any time afterwards, during his conti- nuing master of such Free Grammar School, shall not have or possess any benefice, within fifteen m.les of the town of Pontel'ract, the lectureship of the said town, or preacher of the Sunday afternoon sermon, in the said town only excepted. And for the fetter regulation of the said foundation, we further direct, appoint, and order, that the seventeen boys to be educated upon the said foundation, shall be elected, nominated, and appointed by the pet sons, and in the manner herein- after more particularly specified, (that is to say) Our royal will and pleasure is, thai two of the said seventeen boys, of the de- scription aforesaid, shall be nominated and appointed by the chancellor oi the dut- chy of Lancaster, for the time being, in his own name in writing, under his own proper hand and seal, when and as often as such boys, or either of them, shall in any manner make a vacancy, by dying, or leaving, or being removed from the said foundation ; so however that such boys or boy, so nominated and appointed, at the time of such nomination and appointment be made fn the manner aforesaid, within three calendar months from the time such vacancy shall have been announ- ced, and certified in writing, signed by th« master of the said foundation, and two of the curators, (herein-after to be appointed) or if there shall be no master at the time of such vacancy, by two of the curators ; and in default of such appoint- ment within the time aforesaid, then we will, direct and appoint, that such nomi- nation and appointmeit shall, for that vacancy only, be made by the curators of the said foundation ; so however, that such appointment and nomination be made in writing, and signed by the greater number of such curators for the time being, the mayor of the town for the time, being one of such signing parties; and that such appointment express, that the boy so nominated and appointed, is made in default of appointment, by our chancellor of our dutchy of Lancaster for the time being, within the time herein-before specified. But we hereby further declare our royal will and pleasure to be, that no informality in the manner or form of appointment, provided it be made within the time before specified, by our chan- cellor of the said dutchy of Lancaster, shall entitle the said curators to make such appointment. And our royal will and pleasure further is, that fourteen boys, to be of the said foundation, who shall also be seven years of age at the least, at the time of appointment, shall be of the nomination, election and appointment of the curators of the said foundation, or the major part of the complete number of such curatots, living at the time of such nomination, election, or appointment ; such nomination, election, or appointment, to be made pusuant to the constitutions, statutes, rules and ordinances, to be ordained by the attorney general of our dutchy of Lancaster for the time being, by writing under his hand and seal, or as they may hereafter be altered or added to, by the curators herein-after mentioned; so however that such alteration in the said constitutions, statutes, rules and ordinances, from time to time, be approved by our said attorney general, of our said dutchy of Lancaster for the time being, under his hand and seal. And that such nomination, election, and appointment, be made within three calendar months, from the time of the vacancy happening, which is to be filled up by such curatots, and which ultimate time for making such election or appointment, we will and direct, shall not be subject to any alteration by our said attorney general, or curators, or either of them ; and in delault of such nomination, election and appointment of the said last-mentioned fourteen boys, or any of them, within three calendar months from the time of any vacancies, or vacancy, happening j our royal will and plasure is^ u u u * XVlll APPENDIX. that our chancellor of our Dutchy of Lancaster, for the time being, after the time of the lapse of the said three months, shall, in his own proper name, nominate and appoint, in writing under his hand and seal, to such vacancies, ar vacancy, so as aforesaid suffered to lapse. But our royal will and pleasure is, that no informality in the mode of electing, nominating and appointing of the said four- teen boys or any of them, by the said curators, shall entitle our said chancellor of our Dutchy of Lancaster, to nominate and appoint to such last-mentioned vacan- cies, or vacancy, or any of them ; provided the mode of -electing, nominating and appointing of such fourteen boys, or any of them, by the said curators, shall be substantially corresponding with, and pursuant to, the directions far such election, nomination and appointment, contained in this our royal charter, and in the con- stitutions, rules, statutes and oidinances made by our attorney general, of our Dutchy of Lancaster, for the time being as aforesaid, or as altered by the said curators, and approved as aforesaid by our s id attorney general. And our royal will and pleasure further is, that the one other boy to be of the age and desci iption aforesaid, shall be elected, nominated and appointed out of, and from amongst, the boys maintained and educated at the Charity School within our said town of Pontefract, called or known by the name of the " Town School," by the trustees of the said Charity School, for the time being, or the major part of them , such election, nomination and appointment, to be made or certified in writing, and signed by the major part of such trustees ; and such boy, so nominated, elected and appointed, shall be taught and educated in the same manner as the other boys upon the said foundation shall be ; (free fiom all fees or expences whatsoever) for a term not exceeding five years, or for such other time and no longer, within the space of seven years, as shall be specified in the said certificate, or appointment of the said trustees, or major part of them, in case any time shall be therein specified ; and at the end of such period of time so specified, or at the end of five years, or within thiee calendar months after either of such times, the said trustees, or the major pait of ■ them, shall again in manner aforesaid nominate, elect and appoint, and certify the election, nomina- tion and appointment of one other boy, out of, and from amongst, the boys of the said Town Charity School, to be taught and educated in manner, and during the time aforesaid. And our further royal will and pleasure is, and we do ordain, nominate and appoint, the mayor, recorder and aldermen of our said town of Pontefract, and the vicar of the vicarage within the parish of Pontefract, for ever hereafter, to be the curators or guardians of our said school ; and that they shall have full power and authority to enforce and carry into execution, in such manner as to them shall seem fit, and consistent with the law of the realm, and this bur charter; all such constitutions, statutes, rules and ordinances, as shall be made by our attorney general, of our Dutcy of Lancaster for the time being, under his hand and seal, for the regulation of the said foundation and school, and of the master and scholars thereof; and to regulate and direct what books, or authors, shall be taught in the said Free Grammar School, and to appoint and distribute the times of teaching the same 5 and what sums; or sum of money, shall be paid by the boys, to be educated upon the said foundation, to the master of the said Free Grammar School, and the times and time of payment thereof, and their continuance upon the said foundation, and the time of quitting the same ; and the discipline of the said school, as well of correction as expulsion : and the im- posing of such conditions or performances upon the said master, consistent with the provisions aforesaid, as the said curators shall think for the benefit of. the said Free Grammar School, and of all other matters and things, touching the APPENDIX. XIX regulation and management of the said foundation in the first instance, and subject to the controul, reversal or alteration, by the visitor of the said foundation. And also from time tu time to alter, amend, or new model such constitutions, statutes, lules and ordinances, with the approbation of our attorney general for the Dutchy of Lancaster, lor the time being, testified by his signing and sealing the same ; so however that such alterations in n > manner 4mpugn, contradict, or be in any wise inconsistent with this our royal charter. And our royal will and pleasure is, and we do hereby d'rect and appoint, that our chancellor of our dutchy ol Lancaster for the time being, shall be the visitor of the said Free Grammar School, herein. before erected and founded ; and that if the said master and scholars, or any of them, shall think themselves, or himself, aggrieved by the determination or judgment of the said curators, upon any subject entrusted hereby to theii judgment or regulation, unassisted by the attorney general of our Dutchy of Lancaster, for the time being; such master and scholars, so thinking themselves aggrieved, shall have a right of appealing to our said visitor, who shall ha re full power and authority to decide such appeal, and to make such order and regulations therein, as shall in his judgment be light and expedient ; and that he may exercise such powers and authorities as be- longing to the office of visitor 10 do. In witness whereof, we have caused these our letters to be made patent. — Given at our palace of Westminster, under the seal of our Dutchy ot Lancaster, the thirteenth day of February, tn the thirty- second year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninty-two, JOHN ORD. VILLIERS. Inrolied in the Dutchy Court, the 25th day of February. F. RUSSELL, Register. •®S3>3@|<^g)]©©®©(S( Constitutions, Rules, Statutes and Ordinances ; to be kept, maintained^ar served, by the master and scholars of the Free Grammar School of the of Pontefract, ot the foundation uf his most excellent Majesty the Third, duly made, and signed by John Ord, Esq. his Majesty's attorney general of the Dutchy of Lancaster, pursuant to powers lor that puipose to him given, in and by, his said Majesty's letter- patent, under the >eal ol the same dutchy, bearing date the 13th day of February, in the thirty-second year of his reign, and in the year of our Lord 1792. (That is to say) First. J- HAT the boys educated at the Free Grammar School in the town of Pontetract, under and by virtue of, his Majesty's said letters patent, shall be assembled and instructed, in the school-room erected for that purpose, and not elsewhere; at such hours of the day as the master shall think fit, in the Latin and Greek Grammais; and at suitable periods, in the Latin and Greek Classics. The master of the said school shall have the appointment and regulation of the periods, at which such books and authors shall be taught and exp'a'n d to the boys upon the said foundation ; and of the several hours of the day when such boys shall be assembled together and taught; and of the distribution, and order of reading or teaching such books, and of e\ery regulation touching the teaching and instruction of such boys, subject to the controul herein-after mentioned, (that is to say.) That the master shall put down in writing, the scheme and plan of instruction which he means and intends to pursue, and lay the same before the XX APPENDIX. curators, who shall be summoned to take the same into consideration; and the said curators, or the major part of them, of whom the vicar or recorder of Ponte- fract shall be one, shall have lull power and authority to alter, vary or new model, such plan of instruction and teaching, and every thing relating thereunto; and when such plan of instruction shall be approved by the said curators, or the major patt of them (of whom the vicar or recorder of Pontefract shall be one) the same shall be fairly ttanscribed, and signed by the curatots, allowing avid ap- proving the same; and such plan of instruction shall from thence-forward be continually used at the said Free Grammar School, by every succeeding master of such school, subject only to such alterations as may be made therein at any time, by the curators or guardians of such foundation, or the major part of them. Secondly, That the discipline of the school, so far as relates to the censure, punishment or reward of the scholars, shall be left wholly to the discretion of the master; but in case of any cruelty, or immoderate punishment oi any kind, upon the complaint of the parents or parent, guardians or guardian, or any other person who may have the management and superintendance, of the education of any boy upon the said foundation, not having any parent or guardian, to the mayor j or, in his absence, to the senior alderman of Pontefract, then resident in the said town : which said mayor, or in his absence, the said senior alderman, shall, within two days from the time of such complaint, summon a meeting of the curators, or so many of them as shall be within a reasonable distance, to meet within twenty-four hours, from the time of such summons, and shall hear the complaint in the presence of the said master, and of the parent., guardian, or person standing as aforesaid in the place of parent and guardian ; who shall have notice in writing of the time and place of such meeting, and examine into the circumstances thereof, and shall determine and resolve, whether such grievance or complaint is well or ill founded generally, without stating any special circum- stances whatsoever ; and shall put down, or cause to be put down in writing, and signed by the curators present, or the major part thereof, such their resolution, and preserve, or cause the same to be preserved, until a general meeting of the curators shall be called, or had ; and such resolution shall be laid before such general meeting ; and at such general meeting, if the complaint shall be resolved to be well founded, the said master may be admonished and reproved by the mayor, in the name of the curators, and an entry shall be made in a book, and preserved of such admonition and reproof; and the curators, if they shall think fit, shall represent the same to the visitor of the said school, for his disci etion and judgment therein. Thirdly, That the master of the said Free Grammar School, shall have no power whatsoever, to expel any offending boy of the said foundation, from the said school, for any offence whatsoever ; but that upon any offence committed by any of the said boys, which shall in his discretion be worthy of punishment, or notice to that extent, the master shall with all convenient speed, apply to the mayor for the time being ; or in his absence to the senior alderman, then resident in the said town, and request in writing, that he would summon a meeting of the curators, or so many of them as may live within a reasonable distance, within two days from the time of such rsquest, to consider of the offence of such boy ; during which interval, and until such meeting &hal! be had, the said master shall be at liberty to suspend the education of such boy, and to prohibit his coming to be taught at the said school : And at such meeting of the curators, so to be had, the said boy so offending and the parent, guardian or person having the direction of the education of such boy, if he hath no parent or guardian, shall have notice in writing, signed by the mayor, or in his absence by the senior alderman of the APPENDIX. XXI town, then resident, to be present ; and such order shall be then and there- made, for the admonition, punishment, suspension or expulsion of such boy, as to the curators present, or the major part of them, (the vicar or recorder being one joining in the making of such order) shall seem just, and such admonition or punishment shall be can ied into effect with all convenient dispatch, publicly in the school -roum, in the presence of the other boys upon the same foundation, as tar as the same may be consistent with the right of the visitor therein. Fourthly, There shal be paid bv the parent, guardian or person taking upon him the expence of the education of the said foundation boys, (except the boy chosen out of the chanty school in Pontefract, by the trustees of the said charity) to the master of the said Free Grammar School, one guinea a year, by equal quarterly payment ; and for such cf the said boys who shall learn writing and arithmetic, (except such one chatitv boy) one guinea more a year, by such quarterly payments, and it shall be at the option of the parent, guardian or other person taking upon him the expence of the education of such boy, to chuse whether he shall, or not, be instructed in writing and arithmetic. But the boy elected, nominated or appointed to the said foundation, from the charity school at Ponte- fract, shali he taught writing and arithmetic, and nothing shall be paid for such his instruc.ton, nor tor any other instruction he shall receive upon the said foundation, v, Tnat the master of the said Free Grammar School, shall be obliged to receive the sons of any of the inhabitants of the towns of Pontefract and Tan- shelf, and instruct and educate them in the same manner, and in the same authors, and with the like discipline, and subject to the same rules, orders and restrictions. • ith those herein-before specified relating to the said seventeen boys, upon the said foundation, (except that of expulsion, which shall be at the discre- tion of the master, as to such boys as are not o! the said foundation) upon being paid tor the education of each boy, two guineas a year by equal quarterly pay- ments : and in case any of such boys shall be taught writing and arithmetic, which shall be at the option of the parent, guardian or person taking upon hira the expence of the education of such boy, there shall be paid by quarterly pay- ments, for such instruction in writing and arithmetic, one guinea a year and rm more : Over and above the fees of salary paid to the master for the education of the said boys, he shall be paid for the latin and greek books necessary for their instruction and lor the paper, pens and ink used by them, a fair and rea- sonable price, to be ascertained and settled by the curators, or any three of them, the mayor and vicar be'ng two, in case of any difference or dispute about the price or charge for such articles made by the said master. Stxt&hf, No boy, whether of the said foundation, or not, and whether he be the son of an inhabitant or the town of Pontefract and Tanshelf, or not; shall be taught bv, or under the direction or permission of the master of such school, wri ing a d arithmetic, or either of them, unless he is also instructed in the latin and greek languages, or one of them, in the same manner with the boys upon the said foundation. :h ;/, That the master of the said Free Grammar School, be permitted to take into his house boarders and lodgers, and instruct any other boys, although they mav not be the sons ef inhabitants of the towns of Pontelract and Tanshelf. upon such terms as he shall think fit, so th^t such boys be educated at the same times, and in the same authors, and in the same school-room as the boys of the said foundation, and be mixed and intermingled with them, according to their ages af proficiency in learning; but the said master shall, on no account, be per- mitted to take any beys to educate privately, and separate from the othei boys, or any of them, nor shall any distinction be made between the said boys upon th XXII APPENDIX. said foundation, or any of them, and the other boys educated by the said master, or any of them ; either by any badge or mark, or by the place of their silting in such school-room, or by any other mode of treatment, whatever, except so far as relates to the expulsion, which, as to such boys who are not upon the said foundation, shall be left to the discretion of the said master. Eighth/, That an annual meeting shall be held by the said curators upon Tuesday next alter Easter day, i n the school. room ; at which meeting the master shall, without any notice or request for that purpose ; lay before the curators pre- sent at such meeting, the number of all the boys under education at his school, and the number of assistants or ushers which he, then, and for six months before hath had constantly in employ, and for the teaching of what branches or branch of education ; and in case the curators, or the major part of them, at such meeting, shall resolve that the number of such assistants or ushers, is nisufhcient for the teaching and instructing of the said boys, then the said master shall, upon the order or request in writing, signed by the said curators, or the major part thereof, add so many assistants or ushers, within one calendar month from the date of such request, as such curators, or the major part thereof, shall direct and speciiy ; whose salaries or recompence shall be paid by the said master. Ninthly, That no boy shall be taken and educated at the said school, whether he be of the said foundation, or not, unless he be of the age of seven years complete, at the time of his first coming to be educated; nor shall- any boy upon the said foundation, be permitted to stay at such school beyond the full age of sixteen years, unless it is intended to send any of the boys to any of the universities of Ox- lord or Cambridge; and in such case, upon the representation of such intention by the master, and upon the request, in writing, of the parent, guardian or person taking upon him the expence ot the education of such boy ; or in case of the said charity boy, upon the request of the trustees of the said charity school, in writing, signed by themselves, or the major part of them, the curators at their annual meeting; such boys or boy, upon the special permission, in writing, figned by the said curators of such meeting, or the major part of them, may be continued at the said school to the full age of eighteen, and no longer. Tenthhj, That every election of the fourteen boys to be elected, nominated and appointed by the curators, to be Upon the foundation of the said Free Gram- mar School, be made by ballot, whereof every curator shall have eight days pre- vious notice, in writing, exclusive of the day of giving such notice, and of the day for such balloting ; and no one boy shall be elected without having, on the bal- lot, a majoiity of the curators present in his favour. Eleventhly, That on every vacancy amongst the fourteen boys of the said foun- dation, appointed by the said curators, a notification thereof in writing, within two days, shall be given by the master of the said Free Grammar School to the mayor, or in his absence to the senior alderman for the time being, resident in the said town of Pontelract; and that the said mayor, or in his absence the said senior alderman, shall, within seven days after such notification given by the said master, summon a meeting of the said curators, to be held at the school-house, to ballot for and elect another boy to supply such vacancy ; and that on every vacancy made by either of the two boys, nominated and appointed by ihe visitor of the said founda- tion, the like notice in writing, sha'l be given by the master to the mayor, or in his absence to the said senior alderman, and the mayor or senior alderman, then resi- dent, shall give notice thereof in writing, to the visitor of the said foundation, who shall, by the said mayoi or the said senior alderman, be respectfully requested in writing, to fill up such vacancy ; and upon the vacancy of the boy appointed from the charity school of the said town of Pomefract, the like notice in writing. ADDENDA. XXUi shall be given to the trustees of the said charity school, for the time being, or such of them as shall be then in England, and capable of acting in the said trust, of such vacancy, and a request shall be made by be said mastei, in writing, to them, to fill up ilu j vacancy., with all conv ient expedition. Tzoelfthty, That over and above the aforesaid fees and allowances to the said master, tor the instruction of the said boys, elected and chosen to be upon the said foundation, and o\ such other boys as shall be the sons of inhabitants living and re- siding within the town of Pontefract and township of Tanshelf; there shall be paid to the master yearly, for each buy, (except fjr the said boy chosen from the cha- rity school in Pontelract) after the Christmas Holidays, beginning after Christmas next, after each b >ys coming to school, two shillings each, for the expence of a fire in the said school room,' and the further sum of one shilling each, for repair- ing the school-room a d school-house ; and the master shall regularly account for, and deposit such monies in the hands of the town clerk of the town of Pontefract, and the same shall be kept by him, as a fund for repairing the said school-room and school-house, and shall be applied for those purposes in such manner as the curators, or the greater part of them, shall at any time direct : But the boy nominated by the tiustees otthe said charity school in Pontefract, shall pay no part of such expence ot tire and repairs, or any other expence of education whatsoever Thirteertlhiy, That all the children during their education in the said school, shall be instructed in the Protestant religion, according to the rites and ceremonies of the church ot England, as by law established ; and every scholar, unless im- peded by bodily indisposition, shall regularly, as well on Sundays as on such other of the day-, ser apart by the church lor public worship, as shall be specially dire- ted by the master, resort to the parish church of Pontefract, or some other parish church in the neighbourhood thereof, to be allowed by the master ; and there abide orderly and soberly, during the time of common prayer and preaching the sermon. p. RTJsSEL, Register. ADDENDA. To the Chapter on Donations. 1VJ.RS. ANN HTRST, of York, by deed of gift to the mayor, recorder and \icar of Pontelract, gave fifty pounds in trust, to be lent out to two poor tradesmen in equal shares of twenty-five pounds, without interest, for seven vears, on find- ing two sufficient bondsmen for the payment thereof; and in case one cr both the bondsmen snouid die, the tradesmen to whom the money has been lent, are to find other hond^en, within one month, or to pay in the money to the tiustees. Ann Hirst was a native of this place, and made the above donation as a testi- mony of her respect, prompted by a wish to encourage honest industry. The deed is dated in tne year 1781. Leonard Healeigh's Bluest. Mr. LEONARD HE A LEIGH left by will, I600,?twenty shillings per annum, to the poor of Pontefract, out o; a house in Neat Market, vested by commission of pious uses in 1682, m the dear, and distributed every Good Friday. Richard Horncastle, Esq. now distributes the above. John Eastwood's Bequest. Mr. JOHN EASTWOOD left by will, 1621, forty shillings per annum, to the poor of Pontenaci, charged on a close in Skinner Lane, and distributed every Shrove Tuesday, by Richard Horncastle, Esq. whose house and garden, in Roper- gate, are now made chargeable. XXIV ADDENDA. The Park, IN a manuscript of Mr. Astle's, giving an account of the dutchy of Lancaster, it is observed, that the chancellor, attorney-general, receiver and auditor, of the said dutchy, enjoyed the privilege, in right of their office, of having their tables well supplied with vension, summer and winter, from Pontefract Park. Lord Rivers. The following ballad, as it is called, composed by Earl Rivers, in Pontefract Castle, is too curious to be omitted. It will shew, among other evidences, the state of the English language in the time of Richard III. It is contained in a histoy of the Kings of England, by John Ross, the Warwick antiquary. He introduces it in the following terms, Dominus comes de Rivers Antonius Woodvyle . . . in tempore incarcerations apud Pontemfractum edidit unum balet in Angiitis, ul mlhi monstratum est, quod subsequitur sub hiis verbis : Sumwhat musyng and more ruornyng In remembring the unstydfastnes, This, world being of such whelyng Me contrarieng, what may I gesse r I fere dowtles remediles Is now to sese my wofull chaunce, Lo in this traunce, now in substance, Such is my dawnce. Wyllyng to dye me thynkys truly Bowndyn am I, and that gretly, To be content. Seyng playnly that fortune doth wry All contrary from myn entent. My lyfF was lent me to on intent, Hytt is ny spent Welcome fortune. But I ne went, — Thus to be shent But sho hit ment — Such is hur won. King's School. THE Gentlemen of this town, willing to obtain for the master of this school a suitable residence, generously exerted themselves to accomplish so benevolent a design. The corporation gave the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds, and others in the town handsomely contibuttng, a good spacious house and garden, adjoining the school, was purchased, and invested in seven trustees ; who posses the power of admitting the said school master to enjoy the premises according to their discre- tions. The present trustees are J, Seaton, J. Leatham, T. Taylor, G. Perfect, R. Seaton, R. Smith, Esqrs. and the Rev. T. Heron. Parliamentary history. — The number of burgage freeholds is about 321, of which 190 were in the possession of Lord Gallway ; a few belonged to the late- Sir R. Winn, Bart. ; 44 to Mr. Pitt, which were sold to Mr. Walsh ; and the remainder to other individuals. When members were returned on the right of burgage freeholds, it is obvious, that Lord Gallway could return whom he pleased ; nor could the other freeholders make any effectual opposition to his in le rest. FINIS. B. BoQtbroyd, Printer, Pontefracft LBJa ? 07 ^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 021 382 650 5