A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER WITH SHORT ACCOUNTS OF SOME NEIGHBOURING PARISHES BY THE REV. JOHN RICHARD BURTON, B.A., Head Master of Kidderminster School. " Deo juvante, arte et industria floveat." LONDON : ELLIOT STOCK, 62, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G. 1890. LIBRARY UNWERSITY 01'"^ CALIFORMA SANTA BARBARA (iii. ) PREFACE NCOU RAGED by the favourable reception of the History of Bewdley, I have attempted a similar production illustrating the rise and progress of Kidderminster. Excepting some account of the town in Nash's Worcestershire (1782), an interesting lecture by the Rev. B. Gibbons, and a few chapters of a history by the Rev. Dr. McCave, which appeared in the Kidderminster Sim news- paper — all of which are now very difficult to obtain — there is no publication to tell the story of the past. This Work is derived largely from manuscripts which have never before been published. Next to the Saxon Charters in the British Museum, the most valuable portion of our earlier history is contained in a copy of the Maiden Bradley Chartu- lary lent to me by the late Rev. William Hallen, and bequeathed by him to Lord Foley. The Borough archives elucidate the progress of municipal and social life in the dark ages : my thanks are due to Mr. James Morton, the Town Clerk, for permission to inspect and copy them — a task rendered easier by a transcript previously made by the experienced antiquary, Mr. de Gray Birch. In searching the Public Records I received valuable help from the late Mr. Walford D. Selby. To Mr. W. H. St. John Hope I am indebted for permission to consult the Habingdon and Prattinton MSS. belonging to the Society of Antiquaries. Through the kindness (iv. ) of Mr. and Mrs. Fenwick, I have had access to the valuable MSS. of the late Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bart., of Thirlestaine House, Cheltenham. The Rev. T. W. Greenall has provided me with several excellent photographs for illustrations. My thanks are also due to the Rev. J. F. Kershaw, and Messrs. J. Amphlett, M. Tomkinson, J. Brinton, Everard Barton, T. F. Ivens, W. H. Talbot, J. H. Hooper, W. M. Roden, R. Grove, C. E. Flowerdew, and others for help in various ways. Several lists of names are given with the object of helping those who may wish to trace local families ; and I have also introduced more general information than is wanted by many readers, because I find that our artisans take a keen interest in the history of their native town and its neighbourhood. BONTDDU, J. R. B. August ^oth, i8go. (v.) LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. LIBRARY EDITION. (Fifty Copies Printed.) 1. Abergavenny, Most Hon. the Marquess of, K.G., Eridge Castle, Sussex. 2. Adam, Mr, Peter, Cairndhu, Kidderminster. 3. Amphlett, Mr. John, Clent House. 4. Barton, Mr. Everard, Warstone House. 5. Baldwin, Mr. Enoch, The Mount, Stourport. 6. Beauchamp, Right Hon. the Earl, Madresfield Court. 7. Blencowe, Rev. C. E., Marston S. Lawrence Vicarage. 8. Blencowe, Canon A. J., West Kirby Rectory. 9. Burton, Mr. George H., Markby, Stamford. 10. Burton, Mrs., Woodfield. 11. Burton, H. J. Chandos, Woodfield. 12. Crane, Mr. John H., Oakhampton. 13. Crowther, Mr. W. E. A., The Spennels. 14. Fisk, Rev. T. , Highcliffe. 15. Fletcher, Mr. Tom, Falling Sands. 16. Foley, Right Hon. Lord, Ruxley Lodge, Esher. 17. Foley, Mr. P. H., Prestwood. 18. Gibbons, Rev. B., M.A., Waresley House. ig. Grosvenor, Mr. G. W., B.A., D.L., Broome House. 20. Harvey, Mr. J. J., The Grove. 21. Howard, Mr. Henry, Stone House, near Kidderminster. 22. Jenkins, Mr. R., Mill Street. 23. Morton, Mr. E. J., Heathfield, Wolverley. 24. Norris, Mr. W., The Mount, Tenbury. 25. Salisbury, Very Rev. the Dean of. The Deanery. 26. Tempest-Radford, Mr., Bevere Manor. 27-36. Tomkinson, Mr. M., Franche Hall. 37. Walcot, Rev. John, Bitterley Court, Shropshire 38. Walcot, Mr. Owen C, St. Leonards. 39. Walcot, Capt.. R.N., H.M.C.S. Protector. 40. Wilson, Mr. Jas., Birmingham. ( vi. ) Adam, Mr. W., Linden Avenue Addenbrooke, Mr. E. H., Mill Street. Antiquaries, Society of, London. Aiiwood, Mr. C, M.A., Carlsruhe, Malvern Wells. Awdry, Mr. W. C, The Bank. Ayscough, Rev. T. A., M.A., The Vicarage, Tenbury. Baldwin, Mr. A.. VVilden House. Baldwin, Mr. J. Gough, Stourport. Baldwin, Mr. E. .\rthur, Astley Town. Baldwyn-Childe, Mrs., Kyre i'ark, Tenbury. Barlow, Mr. John, Crescent Villa. Barrington-Ward, Mr. M. J., M.A., Worcester, Barton, Mr. Everard, Warstone House. Barton, Mr. Charles T., The Hill, Wolverley. Barton, Mrs., Astley Hall. (2.) Bathe, Rev. Stephen B., Kushbury Rectory. Beach, Mr. T., Areley Kings. Beddoe, Mr. H. C, Hereford. Bennett, Miss C. E., High School for Girls. Bennie, Mr. John, Oak Grove. Binnian, Mr. James, Blakebrook. Bradley (the late). Rev. E., Lenton Vicarage. Brinckman, Mrs. WilUam, Ribbesford House. (2.) Brinton, Mr. John, Moor Hall. (2.) Boughton, Sir C. H. Rouse, Bart., Downton Hall, Ludlow. Broadfield (the late), Mr. E., Post Office. Bioome, Mr. E. A., Areley Kings House. Bucknall, Mr. T. S., Summer Bank. Burcher, Mr. F., Kidderminster. Carter, Mr. H. G., Chester Road. Carter, Mr. Henry, Lome Street. Cawood, Rev. John, Bayton Rectory. Chesshire, Rev. J. L., Wribbenhall Vicarage. (3.) Claughton, Rev. Canon, The College, Worcester. (2.) Cobham, Right Hon. Viscount, Hagley Park. Cole, Mr. Moses, Farfield House, Collins, Mr. Sam., Franchise Street. Cooper, Mr. S. Jehu, Bewdley Street. Cooper, Mr. T., Wollaston Street, Stourbridge, Corbet, Mr. Miller, Swan Street. Cornish Brothers, Birmingham. Cotton (the late), Mr. W. A., Bromsgrove. Cowell, Mr. Albert, Broomfield. Coxon, Alderman, Kidderminster. Crowther, Mr. Clement, Green Hill. ( vii. ) Davies (the late) Mr. D. Lloyd, Wyre Court, Bewdley. Day, Mrs., The Woodlands, Habberley. Dixon, Mr. H. Jecks, Kidderminster. Dougall, Mr. A., Blakebrook. Downing, Mr. J. Marshall, Dowles. (2.) Downing, Mr. W., Birmingham. (2.) Elkington, Mr. F., Sion Hill, Wolverley. Fawkner, Mr. VV., Avenue House. Fenwick, Rev. J. E. A., Thirlestaine House, Cheltenham, flinch. Rev. W., The Monks, Chaddesley Corbett. Flowerdew, Mr. C. E. , School of Art. Gabb, Mr. L. A., Bewdley. Gibbons, Rev. B., M.A., Waresley House. (5.) Gibbs, Rev. W. C, M.A., Hagley Rectory. Godson, Mr. A. F., M.A,. M.P., Westwood Park. Goodwin (the late), Mr. D. W., The Elms. (3.) Goodwin, Mr. J. R., The Laurels. Grant, Mr. Charles, Roden Avenue. Grazebrook, Mr. H. Sydney, Chiswick. Green, Mr. W. Howe, Blakebrook. Greenall, Rev. T. W., M.A., Bishampton Rectory. Grindon, Miss, Comberton Road. Grosvenor, Mr. G. W., D.L., Broome House. Grove, Mr. R., sen.. Church Street. Grove, Mr. R., jun., Church Street. Guest, Mrs. Bird, Blakebrook. Harvey, Mr. J. J., The Grove (2.) Hall, Lieut. F. R. N., R.N., Broadway. Hallen, Rev. Cornelius, Alloa, N.B. Haycock, Mr. Harry E. , Manchester. Hemborow, Miss, Woodfield. Hepworth, Mr. Benjamin, Comberton Villa. Herring, Mr. Henry, Yew Tree House. Hill, Mr. T. Rowley, St. Catherine's Hill, Worcester. Hodgson, Rev. John, F.S.A., Kinver Rectory. Holdsworth, Mr. G., Kidderminster. Holland, Mr. John B., Farfield. Hooper, Mr. J. H., M.A., Diocesan Registry, Worcester. Homfray, Mr. Alfred, Broadwaters House. Hughes, Mr. Edward, Town Carpet Mills. Hughes, Mr. F. , Trimpley. Hughes, Mr. Fred., Trimpley. Hughes, Mr. Thos. W., Lome Street. ( Vlii. ) Ingram, Rev. K. H. Winnington, M.A., Ribbesford Rectory [saac, Mr. Charles, The Limes. Ivens, Mr. T. F. . Comberton Road. James, Rev. Alfred, M.A., Burwarton Rectory. Jenkins, Mr. R., Mill Street. (lo. ) Jobson, Mr. Howard C, Summerhill. Kershaw, Rev. J. F., M.A., St. John's Vicarage. Killingbeck, Mr. John, Lark Hill. Knight, Mr. J., Ettingshall, Wolverhampton. Knight, Sir F. W. , K.C.B. , Wolverley House. Landon, Mr. Whittington, Bewdley. Lane, Rev. C. A., Forest Gate, E. Lea (the late), Venerable Archdeacon, Droitwich. Lea, Rev. F. Simcox, M.A., Tedstone Delamere Rectory. Lea, Rev. T. Simcox, M.A. , Tedstone Delamere. Lea, Rev. Josiah T. , Far Forest Vicarage, Lea, Mr. J. W. Birmingham. Lea, Mr. Thomas, M.P. , The Larches. Lea, Miss Isabella, Whitville. Lloyd, Mr. S. Zachary, Areley Hall. London Library, St. James's Square, S.W. Lymington, Right Hon. Viscountess, Hurstborne Park, Hants, Manby, Mr. Cordy, Wassell Wood. Mark, Mr. T., Brookfield. (6.) Mayne, Mrs., Oaklands. Meredith, Mr. J. T., Bank Buildings. Moore, Rev. O. A., M.A. , Summer Place. Morton, Mr. E. J., M.A., Heathfield, Wolverley. (2.) Morton, Mr. James, Dairy mple. Mottram, Rev. C. P., M.A., Doverdale Rectory. Ouseley (the late). Sir F. G., Bart., St. Michael's College, Tenbury. Penny, Mr. W., Church Street. PhiUipps (the late), J. O. Halliwell, F.R.S., Hollingbury Copse, Brighton. Phillips, Rev. Sidney, M.A. , The Vicarage. (2.) Phillips, Miss, The Infirmary. Pritchard, Mr. C. A., Upper Norwood, S.E. Piirdey, Mr. W. B., Kidderminster. Robertson, Rev. D., M.A., Hartlebury Rectory, (2,) ( 1^- ) Robinson, Mr. Brooke, M.P., Barford House, Warwick. Ryland, Mr. J. W., Rowington, Warwick. Sanders, Rev. Canon S. J. W. , LL. D. , Northampton. Sharpe, Rev. John, D.D. , Elmley Lovett Rectory. Shaw, Mr. Edwin, The Newlands. Simpson, Rev. G. A. K., M.A., Sutton Coldfield. Smith, Mr. W. H., Hagley. Southwell, Mr. T. Martin, Bridgnorth. Spencer, Mr. W. F. , Spring Grove. Taylor, Mr. W., Mus. Bac, Church Street. Tempest-Radford, Mr. T., Severe Manor, Worcester, Thompson, Mr. R. J., Park Lane. Tomkinson, Mr. M., Franche Hall. (lo. ) Tucker, Mr. W., Franche Road. Vawdrey, Rev. D. , M.A., Areley Kings Rectory. Waddell, Mr. A. R., M.D., Kidderminster. Wadely, Mr. W., F.C.O., Blakebrook. Warner, Rev. C, M.A., Clun Vicarage, Watson, Mr. John, Waresley Court. (2.) Watson, Mr. R. Talbot, Honeybrooke. (2.) Whitcombe, Mr. R. H., Bewdley. Whittall, Mr. A., Kidderminster. Wilding, Rev. C. J., M.A. , Arley Vicarage. Wilson, Rev. J. Bowstead, M.A., Knightwick Rectory. Wilson, Mr. James, Birmingham. Woodward, Mr. Robert, M.A., Arley Castle. Woodward, Mrs. H. Toye, Franche Court. Worcester, Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of, Hartlebury Casile. Worcester, The Public Library. (X. ) CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The Monastery ., The Villenage .. The Baronage The Borough The Church The Nonconformists The Schools The Charities The Celebrities... The Manufactures CHAPTER n. CHAPTER HI. CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER V. CHAPTER VI. 3 ... . . . CHAPTER VII. CHAPTER VIII. CHAPTER IX. CHAPTER X. CHAPTER XI. The Neighbourhood : — Clent Wolverley Hagley Stone Chaddesley Corbet Hartlebury APPENDIX. Domesday Book (Latin)... Charter of Henry II. (Latin)... The Parish Registers ... Bailiffs, High Stewards, Recorders, &c. Page. I 9 28 54 86 134 141 146 150 171 189 193 195 197 ig8 201 203 203 204 222 (xi. ) LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Map of Kidderminster (1753), by John Doharty, JuN. ... ... ... ... ... ...Frontispiece. Map of Land near Bewdley Heath (1704) ... Faces p. 16 Memorial Brass of Maud Harmanville, Sir John Phelip, and Walter Cokesey ... ,, Monument of Sir Hugh Cokesey and Wife... ,, Monument of Thomas Blount and Wife 40 40 40 Monument of Sir Edward Blount and his Wives ... View of Kidderminster (1780) \ View of Kidderminster (i8go) ) Tower of All Saints' Church... All Saints' Church — North Side Richard Baxter ... Between pp. ( 40 80 (81 ... Faces p. 88 ... „ 89 The Right Rev. T. L. Claughton, Bishop of St. Albans St. George's Church — North Side ... St. John's Church — S.W. View The Grammar School Sir Ralph Clare ... Sir Rowland Hill I2Q 124 128 132 141 152 162 ( xii. ) ADDENDA. As an illustration of the system of frankpledge (p. 56), the following is of interest ;— " In 30 Henry II. (1184) the villata of Kideministra was fined two marks, because it concealed before the Justices what was afterwards found out." (Madox: Firma Burgi, p. 57 h.) The remnant of the mediaeval churchyard cross has been moved to a more eastwardly position, and is replaced by a massive one with the following inscription :— " In piam memoriam Patris Matris Majorum Cognatorum intra sacros hos fines quiescentium Signum Fidei Spei Salutis asterna; Crucem jampridem labefactatam Filius reficiendam curavit. A.D. MDCCCLXXVI." Lower Mytton. — The population of the parish in 1881 was 4997, the acreage 2106, and value of benefice ;^6oo with residence. The flagon, two chalices, and two patens were presented by the Rev. Charles Turner Farley. The handsome lectern was given by the Rev. B. Gibbons. Incumbents. I 193] • . Philip. 1779 John Grubb. 1552 . . W. Spytull. 1781 Francis Baines. 1663 . . Timothy Kirk. 1782 . David Davies, M.A. 1669 . Edward Thomas. 1829 . Charles Wharton, M.A. I67I . John Brown. 1850 . . Stephen Rd. Waller, 1692 . Nathaniel Williams, 1861 Benjamin Gibbons, B.A. M.A. 1694 . Jonathan Cotton. CORRIGENDA. Page 34, line 21, for " Suffold " read Suffolk. Page 82, line 15, for " 1828 " read 1830. Page 85, lines 9, 10, correct census returns appear to be : — 1851. Borough, 17,033 ; Foreign, 3,819 : total, 20,852. 1861. Borough, 13,978 ; „ 3,932 ; „ 17,910. Page 126, line i, for " Rectors " read Vicars. Page 128, last line, for " Heming " read Hemming. Page 157, line 6, for " vimamus " read vivamus. CHAPTER I. ^bc noonaetcr^. T is believed that Kidderminster may lay some claim to British origin ; and that Roman forts existed at Sudwale (near Sutton) and at Wribbenhall, on the " Portway," a road leading from Wor- cester to Wroxeter, the ancient Unconiuni. (Hardwkk Add. MSS., British, Museum, No. 31,003.) " Wal " in a place-name is often an indication of Roman occupa- tion. The " Portway" ran through Upper Arley, and in Wul- frune's Saxon grant to the Canons of Wolverhampton it is called " The Street," In Arley Wood, near this path, a vast Roman Camp, square and treble-ditched, is yet remaining, (Nash, vol, ii,, app. i.) Another Roman road out of Salop passes Stourbridge, Hagley, Clent, Bellington House in Chaddesley, and through part of Kidderminster parish, towards Worcester. (lb., app. cviii,, and Midland Antiqiiavy, vol. ii., No. 6.) Some ancient querns or millstones, supposed to be Roman, were dug up in 1879 under the floor of an outbuilding of the " Three Tuns," about 30 yards from the Stour. In the same place was found a Roman coin of the Emperor Constantine II. (A.D. 337- 340), Sepulchral urns containing calcined bones were also found in Dowles brick-yard in 1882, and a coin of Tiberius at Button Oak about 1780. These are indications that in Roman times a civilised people had already taken up their abode in this neighbourhood. 2 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. After the departure of the Romans came the struggle between the Britons and the Saxon invaders, which was especially fierce on the Severn Valley. By the battle of Deorham in A.D. 571 the West Saxons were able to penetrate up the Severn as far as Shrewsbury ; and for several miles along the river side their course would be through the district afterwards included in the great parish of Kidderminster, then chiefly consisting of woods, swamps, heather, and gorse. Perhaps on their way the Britons made a stand at the old entrenched camp near Trimpley, still bearing the name of Wassell or Wars-hill. In A.D. 626 various tribes of Saxons and Angles who had come more recently to our shores were united under Penda in the last of the Saxon kingdoms, the Mercia or boundary kingdom which afterwards stretched from the Fens to the Severn, and from the Thames to the Humber. The greater part of Worcestershire (including Kidderminster), and parts of Gloucestershire and Warwickshire, formed the subordinate province of the Wiccii or Hwiccas. Mercia was the last of the Saxon kingdoms to embrace Christianity. In A.D. 635 Penda, its heathen king, was defeated by Oswald of Northumbria at Winwood. His successor, Peada, married a daughter of the Northumbrian King, and was baptized by Finian and brought back four priests to evangelise his Mercians. Two Wiccian princes were baptized in A.D. 661, and before A.D. 675 religious buildings were founded in the principality, at Deerhurst and Tewkesbury. In A.D. 680 Bosel was consecrated first Bishop of Worcester, his jurisdiction extending over all the ancient province of the Wiccas, until Henry VIII. founded the Bishopric of Gloucester. The Christianity of the Midlands was consequently derived from Lindisfarne and lona, not from Canterbury. Amongst a people rude and violent in character, destitute of all learning, almost ignorant of agriculture, and whose heaven was supposed to be a perpetual hunting-ground, the religion and manners of the Christian teachers worked a most beneficent change. Green (Conquest of England, page 8) speaks of " the revolution which was wrought by the planting of a Church on the soil with its ecclesiastical organization, its bishops, its priests, its court, and its councils, its language, its law, above all the new impulse given to political consolidation by the THE MONASTERY. building up of Britain into a single religious communion. From the cradle to the grave it forced on the Englishman a new law of conduct, new habits, new conceptions of life and society. It entered above all into that sphere within which the individual will of the freeman had been till now supreme, the sphere of the home ; it curtailed his powers over child and wife and slave ; it forbade infanticide, the putting away of wives, or cruelty to the serf. It proclaimed slavery an evil, war an evil, manual labour a virtue. It met the feud face to face by denouncing revenge. It held up gluttony and drunkenness, the very essence of the old English feast, as sins. It interfered with labour-customs by prohibitions of toil on Sundays and holy- days." The Kings of Mercia soon saw how good it was for their people that centres of religion and learning should be planted throughout their dominions ; and so it came to pass that on the banks of the Stour, amid the tangled woods, the homes of wolves and other wild animals, there was heard the sound of the axe, and a little wooden church arose — the mother church of Christianity in this district. Rude houses clustered around it, with gardens and open field, the felled part of the woods ; and^thus originated the monastery of Ceadde or Cedd, of which all the traces here have long been swept away, except only the name Kidder-minster, which has survived to tell the story. The monks in those times, like many missionaries in our own day, did not disdain to wield the axe and follow the plough ; they built bridges ; they set up mills ; they were the best gar- deners and farmers ; they knew something of medicine and painting ; and some of them could read and write. At their head were often to be found princes and princesses and men of noble birth. Men and women who longed for the higher life of religion and peace in a turbulent age found within them an asylum and shelter. Of course, before the minster was founded this wild district must have had some other designation, derived from its natural features. It was on the Stour (probably the Celtic Ys, flowing, Dwr, water). But as the Stour is 30 miles in length, some further appellation must be added to denote the locality, and A HISTORY GF KIDDERMINSTER. this was supplied by a succession of large pools, now called " Broadwaters," through which a brook passes. This the Saxons called Us-mere (Us=Ouse, flowing water, and Mere, a pool or lake). In the time of William the Conqueror in a deed describing the boundaries between Kidderminster and Wolver- ley, the "Broadwaters" is called Us-mere. There is also a house near Hurcott still called " Ismere House," The original name, then, was " at-Sture-in-Usmere," and in the British Museum (Vitellius C 9, fol. 126) there is fortunately preserved for us a Saxon deed which throws a clear light on the origin of our town. It runs as follows : — " 1 Ethelbald, by the gift of the Lord, King not only of the Mercians but of all the provinces which are called by the general name of South-Angles, for the benefit of my soul, do grant to the possession of the Church a certain portion of land, to wit ten cassats, to my venerable Earl Cyniberht to build a monastery in the district of the Husmers, near the river which is called Stour : so that as long as he lives he shall have the power of holding it, or of giving it up to any one he wishes whilst he lives, or at his death. And the aforesaid land is on both sides of the above-named river having on the north a wood which they call Cynibre [ ? Kinver ] , and on the west another called Moerheb [perhaps Eymore] of which the greatest part belongs to the said land. " But if anyone shall be tempted to violate this gift let him know that he shall render a terrible account to God for his tyranny and presumption. This charter is written in the year from the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ 736 and in the 4th of our reign. " I iEthelbald the King subscribe, confirming my own donation " I Wor Bishop agree and subscribe " I Wilfrid Bishop [4th Bishop of Worcester] " I .iEthelric Subregulus of Aethelbald " I Ibeacsi unworthy abbot " I Heardberht brother and duke of the aforesaid King " Ebbella Ovoc comes Cusa " Bercol Sigebed Pede " Oba Ealduuft." • Power was given in the above charter to Earl Cyniberht to leave the property to whom he would ; and about forty years later (A.D. 775) we find that his son Abbot Ceolfrith devised to the Church of Worcester, " where presided the venerable Bishop Milred " (5th Bishop, 743 — 775), twenty manses at a * Printed in Heming, vol. ii., p. 555 ; Dugdale Mojias., i., 121. The readings are somewhat different. THE MONASTERY. famous place called Heanberi, together with fourteen cassats at Sture in the province of Usmere. {Dugdale, i., p. 608 ; also in Hemmg, and Kemble's Codex Diplomaticus.) Another charter, beautifully written on vellum, and preserved in the British Museum (Tiberius A 13, fol. 106), tells of the settlement of a dispute- six years later between King Offa and the Bishop of Worcester concerning lands at various places, including Stour-in-Usmere. It may be translated thus : — " + In the name of God most high. Times succeed to times, and through constant changes it comes to pass that words spoken long ago become in vain unless we confirm them by writings. Wherefore I Heathored by the dispensation of God the suppliant [supplex) Bishop of the Huiccii, most diligently inquiring jointly with the consent and advice of my whole house- hold, which is founded in Huugerna city, have thought and examined concerning its peace and ecclesiastical state. We have had indeed a dispute with Offa King of the Mercians and our most dearly beloved lord. For he said that we without any hereditary right unjustly kept the inheritance of his relation to wit King Aethelbald that is in a place which is called aet Beathum xc manses and in many other places, that is at Stretforda xxx cassats, at Sture xxxviii. In like manner he claims at Sture in Usmere xiv manses, at Breodune xii, in Homtune xvii cassats. But the aforesaid cause of contention was settled in a synodal council held in a place which is called at Bregentforda. We have therefore restored to the aforementioned King Offa that very celebrated monastery at Bathum without any dispute to hold or to assign to any one he should think proper & to be enjoyed for ever by his proper heirs : and we have also added on the South side of the River which is called Eafen (Avon) xxx cassats, land which we purchased for a fair sum of Cynewulf King of the West Saxons. Wherefore the aforesaid King Offa, in satisfaction of this compensation made to him, & for unanimity of the strongest peace, hath granted the aforementioned places at Stretforda, at Sture, at Breodune, in Homtune, at Sture in Usmere, beyond all cause of contro- versy, with that liberty to our abovementioned church that is in Uugenta city, that they shall not be subject to any greater cess than the obligation of the building of forts, the constructing of bridges, and pasturage for the King and his attendants. " Now therefore I Ofifa by the grace of God have subscribed with my own hand the sign of the most sacred Cross of Christ, for assurance of its being confirmed, lambertus Archbishop sitting with me, and all the Bishops Abbots & Princes have consented & subscribed to the same. " This deed is written at Bregentforda in the year of the Incarnation of Christ DCCLXXXI. " Offa King of the Mercians " laenberht Archbishop 6 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. " Berhtwald, Brorda, Princes " Eudbald, Esne, Eadbald, Eadberht, Presbyters " Eadbcrht, Hygeberht, Aethelmod, Ecgbald, Ceolwulf, Diera, Aethelwutf, Heardred, Heathoredus, Gisthul, Eadberht, Aldberht, Bishops."* It is not easy to reconcile the King's conduct in now laying claim to Sture-in-Usmere with his previous approval of Ceol- frith's bequest ; but from other sources we know that he was a violent, unscrupulous man with whom *' might was right," and that this act was quite in keeping with his character. Under the rule of the Bishops of Worcester for 40 years the monastery must have prospered ; and many spots of waste land were reclaimed, forming the " tons " or enclosures for farm buildings that we find in Domesday Book, such as Wanner-ton, Mede-ton, Sud-ton, Olding-ton, Bristi-ton, Pokels-ton, &c. If Kinver Wood was the boundary on the north, the old district of Sture-in-Usmere must have included Wolverley and Cookley, which were also being settled. On the other extremity Ribbesford and Wribbenhall (including the land whereon Bewdley now stands) formed part of this extensive domain. In A.D. 816 Deneberht, Bishop of Worcester, made an exchange with Kenulph, King of Mercia. In return for liberties at Hmiitinton, Speacleahtun, Teoluualdicotan, Weogornea-leage, and Ceaddes-leage the Bishop assigned to the King xiv. manses in two allotments at a place called " at Sture." We may feel a certain doubt as to whether this refers to Kidderminster from the omission of the " In Usmere." But, as Dr. McCave well puts it, " we are satisfied with Bishop Tanner that it is Sture-in- Usmere. On the one hand the land in question belonged to the Church of Worcester, and Deneberht was resigning it for liberties in four places, one of which was neighbour to Sture-in- Usmere, Ceaddesleah or Chaddesley, On the other hand, the amount of land was precisely fourteen manses ; and fourteen at Sture-in-Usmere had been granted by Abbot Ceolfrith to the Church of Worcester ; fourteen under the same description had been confirmed to Worcester diocese by King Offa. These fourteen, according to Kenulfs charter, were in two allotments, * Also printed in Heming, pp. 224-227 ; Kemble, Cod. Dip., i., p. 170. See also Dugd. Monas., i., p. 138. T^E MoMASTIiRV. ' duobus in curtis ' ; and similarly Ethelbald's grant at Sture-in- Usmere consisted of two allotments, ten original cassats near the river Stour with additional land in Moerheb Wood." If further confirmation is needed, we find that Wolverley and Kidder- minster henceforth appear as Crown property. In A.D. 854 Burhred, King of Mercia, gave the Wolverley portion to Bishop Aelhun ; W^illiam I, gave Cookley (Culleclive) " a certain member of Wolverley" to St. Wulstan ; and Kidderminster itself remained Royal demesne till the time of Henry II. For more than 200 years from A.D. 854 there is almost a complete blank in our history, and these two centuries are more sad than any that England passed through since she became a nation. The country was devastated by hordes of heathen Danes, who especially wreaked their vengeance on the religious buildings and their occupants. There is no express mention of Kidderminster, but we can easily conjecture its fate from what befel its neighbours. Nearly all Mercia lay prostrate at the feet of the Danes ; and Burhred the King and Werefrith the Bishop both fled the country in despair. Everywhere the monasteries were destroyed and their inmates murdered. But this is a matter of general history. Coming nearer home we read in the Chroyiicles of Worcester Church (Heming, ii., p. 406), " Meanwhile the Countess Godgiva [the famous Lady Godiva of Coventry] hearing of S. Wolstan's goodness, loved him exceedingly, and assisted him in the divers needs of this age ; and at her entreaties her husband, to wit Earl Leofric, gave the church of Worcester two estates called Blakewell and Wolver- ley, which heretofore the Danes and other adversaries of God had seized upon with violence, and had totally alienated from the said church." Again, (Heming, p. 251), " In the time of King Ethelred Clifton, Ham, Eastham, Burford, Tenbury, and Kyre, with all the surrounding districts, were subject to our church of Worcester. But when this province had been plun-" dered and most mercilessly devastated, and the Danes had taken and violently kept possession of nearly all that province : Earl Hacun and his soldiers invaded the aforesaid lands and many others with cruel violence, and kept them when seized for their own property. But finally his wife Gunhilda, seeing that it had been done unjustly, instead of the service of the 8 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. land, caused to be made for us a certain gilded image of St. Mary. But nevertheless even until now the lands have been alienated from sacred uses." A further extract from Heining (i., p. 256) refers to one of the Domesday hamlets of Kidder- minster itself:— "The Danes took away by violence from the monastery the village of Ribbesford, v/hose villeins were required to provide us with fishing nets and hunting imple- ments as often as we required them." Ribbesford apparently had not changed its owner with the rest of the manor; for in about A.D. 1002 it was given by Bishop Wulfstan the " Reprobate " as part of the dowry of his sister for her life. We see that Wolverley and Ribbesford were devastated during the Danish invasion, and we may wonder why no men- tion is made of Kidderminster, which lay between them, and which undoubtedly shared the same fate. But the omission is a natural one. The monkish historian is writing the annals of his own monastery ; and we have seen above that in A.D. 816 Kidderminster (Sture) was given to the King ; consequently the monastery had no further interest in its fortunes. If as this work proceeds the reader is inclined to think an undue propor- tion of it is devoted to ecclesiastical matters, he should remember that we are indebted to the clergy for nearly all we know about the ancient history of our country ; and that they would naturally write most about matters coming under their own observation or concerning themselves. Tanner in his Notitia Monastica catalogues the monastery of Sture (Kidderminster) as a " destroyed monastery." Its destruction was without doubt wrought by the Danes — a destruction so thorough that we never again meet with a single line to tell us the monastery had ever existed. Where the building stood we know not ; what scenes of horror were per- petrated here when it perished we know not ; but the minster that lay a heap of ruins nearly 1000 years ago has left a name behind it now known throughout the world. ^y^/h^^j^ THE VILLENAGE. CHAPTER II ^bc IMllcimijc. URING the three centuries which elapsed between the foundation of the monastery and the Norman Conquest many of the most fertile spots in the wild district at-StJire-in-Usvieve had been brought into cultivation, and had received those distinc- tive place-names which we know so well. The minster as paramount in importance naturally gave its name to the whole parish. The etymology of the word Kidderminster is a moot point. It is markworthy that the letter R in the second syllable does not appear earlier than the time of Henry III.''' The most probable conjecture is that it denotes the minster either of St. Chad or his almost equally famous brother St. Cedd. Both were the great Apostles of the Midlands, the former being ist Bishop of Lich- field (A.D. 665), the latter afterwards Bishop of London (A.D. 664). In Somerset, Chedesforda (Domesday) has become Kittis- ford. The Saxon form of Chad was Ceadde, and the letter C being pronounced hard, the name would sound as Keadde- minster. The neighbouring parish of Chaddesley was formerly spelt Ceaddesley, but the initial letter has been softened. In Domesday Book, where the name first occurs in a written form, it is Chideminstre, but Ch was used by the Norman scribes to express the K sound, e.g., Chent (Kent), Chenfare (Kinver), Chemesey (Kenisey), &c. Another supposition is that Earl Cyniberht the founder gave his name to the monastery, which was thus called Cyniberts-minster. Others again go back to * In Great Roll of 30 Henry II., Kideministra ; 11 John, KUleministre ; 17 Henry III., Kidaininistr' . Not till 54 Henry III. (1270), Kcdirmiiistye. B lo A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. the Celtic Kid, a hill, and Dwr, water ; whence we get " the minster on the hill near the water." About 800 years ago the curtain is drawn aside for a moment, and we have a most interesting peep at Kidderminster under its new name. In A.D, io85 the Domesday Book was compiled by order of William I., and the original is still preserved at the Chapter House, Westminster. As this is by far the most valuable record of our past history, the exact Latin text will be given in an appendix. The translation runs as follows : — " King William holds Chideminstre in demesne with sixteen Berewicks : — Wenvertun (Wannerton), Trinpeli (Trimpley), Worcote (Hurcote), Fre- nesse (Franche), and another Frenesse, Bristitune (Puxton ?), Harburgelei (Habberley), Fastochesfelde, Gurbehale (Wribbenhall), Ribeford (Ribbes- ford), and another Ribeford, Sudtone (Sutton), Aldintone (Oldington), Mettune (Mitton), Teulesberge (Agborovv ?), and Sudwale. " In these lands there are, together with the manor, 20 hides. This manor was all waste. There is one plough in demesne, and 20 villeins, and 30 bordars with 18 plough-teams, and 20 ploughs more may be employed there. There are 2 serfs and 4 serving women, 2 mills of 16 shillings, 2 salt works of 30 shillings, and a fishery of 100 pence. A wood of 4 miles. " The Reve holds the land of a Radknight in this manor, and has a plough of five orse. One house in Wich (Droitwich), and another in Worcester, rendering ten pence, belong to this manor ; the whole of which paid 14 pounds rent in the time of King Edward. It now pays 10 pounds 4 shillings by weight. The King has afforested the wood belonging to this manor. " William holds one hide of the land of this manor, and the land of a Rad- knight, and has one villein there and eight bordars having four ploughs and a half. It is worth eleven shillings. Aiulf holds a virgate of the same land. There is a plough and two serfs. It is worth two shillings." King William the Conqueror was the owner of nearly all the parish. His land contained 20 hides, that is about 2400 acres of arable land, together with extensive commons and four miles of wood. The rental of the land was £10 4s. by weight annually — ^just one penny per acre. This rental was derived from a number of tenants who were in the condition of bond servants, and attached to the soil, but in different degrees of servitude. The money payment formed but a small part of the lord's dues. The villeins held their land on the obligation of working for the lord so many days each week, according to the custom of the particular manor. In the King's demesne or home farm, which probably comprised the present borough of THE VILLENAGE. n Kidderminster, as distinct from the " foreign," was only one plough-team. But there were 20 villeins and 30 bordars, having amongst them 18 plough-teams. Each villein or bordar had his own piece of land, and was also expected to plough, harrow, sow, and reap the lord's demesne. The Provost, Reve, or Bayliff was the head man of the village, and under the direction of the lord's steward he regu- lated the work due from the villeins on the lord's estate. At Kidderminster he held as a special privilege the land of a Rad- knight, an officer whose duty was to ride in attendance upon his lord when he went from manor to manor. It was easier, when roads were bad, for the lord to move with his retinue from place to place, and stay at each till he had consumed the year's pro- duce of the land. William son of Ansculf, Lord of Dudley, had about 160 acres cultivated by one villein and eight bordars with four and a half plough-teams. Aiulf had 30 A. with a plough - team and two serfs. The exact enumeration o{ ploughs (carucae) was made on account of a tax called Canicagitim, levied on every plough. Under the liability to such a tax there must have been a temptation to conceal the real number of ploughs employed. Hence the surve3'ors are careful to note that " 20 plough-teams more may be emplo3'-ed there." (Hale.) It is strange that we have no mention of a church or priest, though less than 100 years after this we find a rector here with considerable endow- ment, and Kidderminster giving its name to a very extensive Rural Deanery. There were two bondmen and four bond- women, who were of the lowest scale in social position : they were at the arbitrary disposal of their lord, only their lives and limbs being under the protection of the law. Some were slaves by birth ; others, who could not pay the wer or damages awarded against them, or criminals whose lives were forfeited, became slaves to escape the punishment of death. A valuable appen- dage to the manor was a house at Droitwich, and this will help us to understand the mention of " 2 salt works of 30 shillings " included in the manor. It is not likely that the salt works were at Kidderminster ; and we have three similar instances in Domesda}^ of Burgenses of W'ich attached to distant manors. Another tenant was allowed to live in Worcester for the pur- poses of trade, but he still remained a member of the manor of 12 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Kidderminster. Mills were of the first necessity in a manor, and were a source of revenue to the lord, by whom they were sustained for the common benefit, and in return enjoyed the monopoly of grinding for the manor. Heavy penalties were exacted for any breach of this rule. In olden times the miller was next in importance to the lord and the rector. One of the mills mentioned was undoubtedly our Town Mill, which after grinding by water power for looo years, has lately called in the more powerful aid of steam ; the second was probably the mill at Mytton. If Domesday Book gives a complete list of the households of Kidderminster in 1086, we may make a guess at the population. We have — Radknights 2, suppose an average of 4 in household ... 8 Villeins 21, Bordarii 38, Servi 4, Ancillse 4, 84 152 16 4 264 Winter roots and artificial grasses were then unknown in England, so the valuable fertile meadows regularly watered by the Stour were kept exclusively in the lord's hands, and became the " borough," while portions of the outlying district or " foreign " were assigned to the villeins. Our Mill Street and Church Street were probably the first to be settled, and the Town Bridge would be a necessity to connect the Mill with the district on the other side of Stour. To this centre the main roads would converge. As Royal demesne Kidderminster in very early times enjoyed various privileges, and its tenants were " quit of toll, pannage, murage, stallage, carriage, picage, lastage, pontage, and passage throughout our whole realm of England, and to be quit of con- tributions of the expenses of knights coming to our Parliaments, and ought not to be placed in assize, juries, or recognizances, except only in those which ought to be made in the courts of the manor." As a counterbalance to the power of the great nobles, the Kings of England fostered the growth of towns, especially those in their own domains ; and the mere produc- THE VILLENAGE. 13 tion of a copy of Domesday Book by Queen Elizabeth's Treasurer of the Exchequer in 1586, wherein it was recited " King WiUiam holds Chideminstre in demesne," was consi- dered as satisfactory proof that all these privileges belonged of right to the town. After Domesday Book there is a complete blank in our history for 70 years. The manor, administered by a steward and bailiff, descended in turn to William IL, Henry I., and Stephen ; and as this district was not apparently disturbed by the civil wars, the population would be gradually increasing, and more of the waste land would be taken into cultivation. In 1 154 Henry H. came to the throne, and soon afterwards he granted a charter conveying the manor of Kidderminster to one of his faithful followers, Manser Biset, his Dapifer, Cupbearer, or " Gentleman Sewer." The original charter, on vellum, is still in the possession of the Corporation of Kidderminster, and reads thus : — Translation. " Henry the King, Duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, Earl (of Anjou), to the Archbishops, Bishops, Earls, Barons, Sheriffs, Ministers, and all his faithful ones of France and England greeting. Know ye that I have given (and) granted (in fee) and inheritance to Manser Bysett, my steward, for his service, in Worcestershire, Kidderminster for /'ao ; in Wiltshire, Combe for £26 ; in Gloucestershire, Wikewood for ;^io ; in Hampshire, Dounreston for /8 ; and the Burgage of Rokebon with the Hundred and with all its appur- tenances for £j^i, and the appurtenances of Lechedesham. And furthermore I have given him Wadersey, which used to pay to my mother yearly 20 sh. to wit, in Wichenford. Wherefore I will and firmly command that the same Manser and his heirs have and hold these lands aforesaid of me and my heirs, well and in peace and honourably and hereditarily, in wood, in plain, in meadows, pastures, in ways and paths, and in all places, with soke and sake, and toll and theam, and infangthief and outfangthief, and with all liberties and free customs wherewith any of my Barons of England holds best, and most quietly, and most honourably. Witness me myself, Thomas the Chancellor, Reginald Earl of Cornwall, William Earl of Leicester, Henry of Essex the Constable, R. de Ham, Robert de Lacy, Warine son of Bernard, Josceline Baret, Robert de Dunstable. At Canterbury." The privileges conferred on Manser Biset by this charter are very extensive. Soke and sake authorised him to administer justice within his lordship, to try causes arising among his tenants and vassals, and impose fines on them for their offences, 14 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Tol gave liberty to buy and sell within the precincts of the manor, and to charge a duty for passage, buying, and selling in it; and also freedom from toll in other markets. Tlieam gave him power to try bondsmen and villeins in his court, and to dispose of them, their wives and goods, at his pleasure. Infangthicf and outfangthief permitted him to punish thieves com- mitting theft in his liberty, whether they resided in it or not. The first witness of the charter next to the King is Thomas the Chancellor, that is the famous Thomas a Becket, who held the office from 1155 till 1162, when he resigned on becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. This fixes the date within a narrow compass. The reader will have noticed in Domesday Book that " the King has afforested the wood belonging to this manor," More was implied in this than the mere preservation of the game. " The common law ran only where the plough ran. Marsh and moor and woodland knew no master but the King, no law but his absolute will." (Green.) This was a serious limitation to the lord's power, so in 11 John (1210) we find that Henry Biset, a successor of Manser, stood charged /"loo to the King for having his wood of Borlese (Burlish) ; and that that wood and his manor of Kedeministre might be de-afforested, as they were perambulated by the view of H. de Nevill and knights of the county. {Maj. Rot. 1 1 John, rot. 6 b. See Nash, Introduction Ixix. f.) Leaving a more detailed account of the Biset family for another chapter, we will follow the fortunes of the town and its people. Henry Biset, son of Manser, before A.D. 1200, granted to Ralph de Auxeville, probably a Norman knight, " one hundred shillings worth (solidatas) of land, to wit 14s. from my lord's mill of Kedemynstre, my whole mill of Mytton, the whole vill of Oldyngton, and the whole vill of Comberton, to be held by him and his heirs of me and my heirs, by rendering annually one Hostorium-soer or 55. ; and it shall rest in the choice of the aforesaid Ralph to pay which of the two he prefers. Witnesses : Geoffrey Talbot, Hugh de Augere, Robert de Brinkworth, &c." (Wanley MS., page 166.) Manser Biset in his lifetime had founded a convent for THE VILLENAGE. 15 leprous women on his wife's property at Maiden Bradley, in Wiltshire ; and we shall see how, through what was at first only a slender thread, the monks gradually gained a firm hold in Kidderminster, and ultimately owned nearly half the parish. Their first acquisition was from the above-named Ralph de Auxeville of " one Native, with his sons, daughters, house, land, tenement, and appurtenances." The Kidderminster man who was thus transferred with all his belongings was named William de Acheborne, and the convent in return was to pay 2s. 8i. a year to Ralph de Auxeville. (Wanley MS.) A time of peril soon came to the lord of Comberton and Oldington. Either in John's wars with the French or in the quarrel with the Barons, Ralph was imprisoned and threatened with death. The leprous sisters and monks of Maiden Bradley came to the rescue, and provided him with the ransom of 100 marks, and in return for this kindness he made the following grant : — " Know all men present and to come, that I Ralph de Auxeville have given to the Leprous Sisters of Bradley and to the Brethren serving God there, one virgate [30 acres] of land in Oldington which Thomas the son of Gilbert and William the Turnur held, and another virgate of land in the same vill which Edred and Brien held ; and moreover two virgates of land in jJie same vill which Esebern and Osbert his brother, and Osbert Wade and William de Freinsh held. And also at Comberton one virgate of land which Edred and Reginalda the widow held ; and 14s. to be received annually from the Great Mill of Kideminstre, and the whole Mill of Mytton with its appurtenances. And the aforesaid Leprous Sisters shall have these lands and rents, with the men holding the lands and their services, by rendering thence to me and my heirs one pound of cumin annually at the feast of S. Michael or twopence ; and to the Lord of Kideminstre 5s. And in return for this my donation the aforesaid Leprous Sisters and Brethren have given to me 100 marcs sterling to redeem my body from prison and from death." (Wanley MS., pp. 51-53.) A portion of Comberton and Oldington still remained to Ralph de Auxeville ; but soon these acres followed the rest, and in 1227 we find a further grant : — " I Ralph dc Auxeville have given to God and the Blessed Mary and the Leprous Sisters of Bradley one virgate of land in Comberton which Geoffrey de Freinsh and Osbert son of Orderic held, and half a virgate of land in the same vill which Edwin son of Edwin held ; and one virgate of land at Oldington which Thomas the son of Edwin held, and one virgate which Ivo i6 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. held in the same vill, and one virgate which William and Edred Snel held, and. half a virgate at Comberton which William the Smith held, &c., for the soul of my lord Henry Biset, and for my soul, and for the souls of all my ancestors and heirs. Witnesses, Hugh de Aug., Henry de Ribelf., William Chaplain of Beverel, Hugh Mustell, Calixtus, Dean, Adam de Hurecot, Adam Penstant." Endorsed : " This Charter was enrolled in the presence of Stephen de Segrave and his fellow Justiciaries at Worcester. In the reign of H. son of King John xi." (Madox : Form. Anglic, p. 255,) Upon this follows the confirmation of Walter de Auxeville, brother and heir of the aforesaid Ralph. After this short tenure of the unfortunate Ralph de Auxeville, Comberton, Oldington, and the Mill -of Mytton were the pro- perty of Maiden Bradley convent, and so remained for more than 300 years. The monks appear to have managed their property well, and it was probably for the convenience of their tenants that previous to A.D. 12 14 there was founded the chapel of S. Michael at Mytton. One of the brethren would be pre- sent on S. Michael's day to pay the lord's rent, and this would enable him also to attend the dedication festival at the same time. Shortly afterwards other portions of Oldington came into the hands of the monks : — " I Nicholas son of Ivo de Oldington have released to Sir John Prior of Maiden Bradley, &c., all that messuage which Nicholas Balle held of me in the vill of Oldington, as it is enclosed with a wall and a ditch, also that house in Oldington which Goditha the widow held, &c." On Aug. I, 1226, King Henry III. visited the town; and again in 1233, June 3, he was here, and issued an order in which he commanded the Sheriff of Hampshire to cause a wainscotted chamber in his palace of Winchester to be painted with the same figures it had been ornamented with before. Where he lodged we do not know. Probably at the Hall between Hall-street and the church. In A.D. 1235 an agreement was made between William, Prior of Maiden Bradley, and Geoffrey Stertwine, of Nether Mytton : " The Prior and Convent delivered to Geoffrey their mill at Mytton on the Stour with a portion of Oldington and a portion of Comberton at a rent of one mark of silver. • But Geoffrey shall make the whole mill fit for work, and keep it in repair at ^5g?;:tyj!;?ti?y;;tySt^;5S^^ s 5 w5 13-€AjJ^Syy dULaJJu . JaAoj)\ an. 1104 ijyof.ofow oujC. m THE VILLENAGE. 17 his own expense, being assisted by the men of the convent when it is necessary, as has been the custom." Another deed without date shows that the convent had acquired an interest in a different part of the parish. " Know all, that we Brother John, Prior of Maiden Bradley, &c., have given to Thomas Biset all the land which was formerly William Becke's at La Horestan ; an 1 3 acres of land situated a.t Hen - leghe which were formerly John de la More's, &c., for an annual rent of 35. 5^." In 22 Henry III. (1238) John Biset obtained a charter of free warren in all his demesne lands at Kidderminster, and a fair yearly for two days, viz., on the eve and day of St. Bartholomew. Other fairs have been granted for Ascension-day (now changed) and Corpus Christi. Fairs and markets were valuable acquisi- tions in these times ; and the privilege was eagerly sought for by the lords of manors on account of the tolls which they were able to exact from traders. Thus Kidderminster was steadily rising in importance, and was beginning to acquire a considerable share of self-government. Between 1237 and 1241 the town succeeded in maintaining its independence from all authority of the Sheriff of the county except " attachment of the Crown, when occasion shall arise." The charter of Walter de Beau- champ, Earl of Warwick, written on vellum, is still preserved in the archives of the Corporation. It is to this effect : — " Know present and future men, that I Walter de Beauchamp, have enquired by men worthy of credit, that no Sheriff hath entered into the manor of Kidderminster to hold the Sheriff's turn there, or to take any money in the name of the turn of his Shrievalty there, before the time of William de Cantilupe the elder who was Sheriff of Worcester for the Lord King [1202-— 1215] . And therefore I have released to John Biset and his heirs as his right, for me and my heirs, or any one who shall be our Sheriff for the time being, to enter into the manor of Kidderminster, to hold the Sheriff's turn there, or to take any money by name of the turn of his Shrievalty, as is aforesaid, there : nor will I Walter, nor my heirs, nor any Sheriff for the time being, enter in the manor aforesaid, to make any attach- ment there, or to take distress there, which belong to the Sheriff, except attachment of the Crown, when occasion shall arise. And for this release and quit-claim the aforesaid John has given to me 16 silver marks. And that the present writing for ever may obtain the strength of confirmation, I have strengthened the same with the impression of my seal. These being the witnesses Lord Walter Bishop of Worcester, Lord Richard Abbot of c 1 8 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Evesham, Roger le Power, Peter de Wike, William de Corbett, Geoffrey de Warm', Alexander Dapitot, Thomas de Stoke, Robert de Parco, and many others." Leaving the development and organization of the " borough" for future consideration, we will now examine some records which, with the aid of Seebohm's valuable book on The English Village Community, enable us to form a notion of the system of husbandry then almost universal in England. From the annexed tracing of a map (belonging to Mr. T. F. Ivens) made in 1704, and showing a portion of Lord Foley's estate, we see that the land is cut up into a number of little narrow strips. The strips vary more or less in size and shape, but each has an area of rather more than half-an-acre. The ancient form of the acre was "40 rods in length and 4 in breadth " (33 Edw. L), and it was thus set out for convenience in ploughing — in the first instance by using an actual rod. " The furlong is the ' furrow-long,' i.e., the length of the drive of the plough before it is turned ; and this by long custom was fixed at 40 rods. The word ' rood ' naturally corresponds with as many furrows in the ploughing as are contained in the breadth of one rod. And four of these roods lying side by side made the acre strip in the open fields, and still make up the statute acre." (Seehohm.) Two or three furrows were left unploughed between each half-acre division, forming boundaries of turf called halks. At the ends of the strips was another larger piece of turf called a headland, where the ploughs could turn. " When a hill-side formed part of the open field the strips were made to run horizontally along it ; and in ploughing, the custom for ages was always to turn the sod of the furrow downhill, the plough consequently always returning one way idle. The result was that the strips became in time long level terraces one above the other, and the balks between them grew into steep rough banks." (Secbohm.) These banks are generally called lynches or linces, and some may be seen in this neighbourhood, notably at Hartlebury and Abberley, near the road from Stourport to the Hundred House. Lord Foley's estate in 1704 at Wribbenhall, Oldington, Hoar- THE VILLENAGE. 19 stone, High Habberley, and the Lea was divided into these half-acre strips ; and this survival from remote ages is a valuable guide to the right understanding of our old records, since by the Enclosure Acts of 1774, &c., the ancient system of open fields was swept away for ever. In 10S6 there were apparently (except perhaps the Rad- knights) no free men in Kidderminster. The villeins, who were the highest class of serfs, made up 30 per cent, of the popula- tion, the bordars or cottars were 54 per cent., and the slaves 11 per cent. All of them were bound to join in cultivating the lord's demesne or home-farm of nearly 1000 acres, forming " the borough." But each villein had a virgate (or yard-land) of 30 acres, or a bovate of 15 acres, in his own occupation, on which he could work when not on dut}^ for the lord. These virgates or bovates were not all in one piece, but scattered through the outlying hamlets or " foreign " in half-acre strips. Except the mill at Mytton, and a house or two at each of the sixteen berewicks or enclosures for farm produce, the people probably lived in the town, partly for mutual protection and partly to be on the spot for the lord's work. Ploughing was then done by teams of four or eight oxen ; but as no one villein was rich enough to possess a team of his own, each tenant of a bovate contributed one ox to the team, and had his proper pro- portion of the land when ploughed. The acre was the quantity that a plough-team could get through in the morning's work. At first the ownership of the strips varied from year to year, but in time became fixed to each individual. When a slave or a cottar was raised to a villein, his lord usually provided him with his ox, a cow, six sheep, and seven acres sown on his virgate, so that the " heriot " at his death would be originally a return to the lord of his own " outfit." The Smith and the Carpenter, who appear in the list of villeins, had their strips ploughed free in return for keeping the ploughs and harrows in working order. The cottars held a similar holding — usually a house and a few acres of land ; and as they had no plough or oxen, they were more like our day-labourers. The services required from all the tenants were (i) iveehly work at ploughing, reaping, carrying, usually for two or three days a week, and most at harvest-time ; (2) precaria, special or extra services 20 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. when the lord required them ; and (3) payments in kind or money at specified times, chuych shot, &c. (Seebohn.) The best husbandman each year was chosen by the villeins as Prcspositus, Provost, or Bailiff. He was to regulate the work due to the lord ; and his office has been handed down, amid all the silent social changes, through perhaps a thousand years to our present Mayor. The title of Bailiff as Chief Magistrate was retained down to A.D. 1835. The arable land was generally divided into three fields repre- senting the rotation of crops, viz. — (i) Tilth-grain ; (2) Etch- grain (oats or beans sown in spring) ; and (3) Fallow. In Lord Foley's map of Wribbenhall we find the " Over Field," " Middle Field," and " Lower Field." Thus each villein would have yearly 10 half-acre strips of wheat or rye, 10 of oats or beans, and 10 would lie fallow. When all the corn was housed, the tenants could let their cattle feed at random over the open field, where there were no hedges, only balks or narrow strips of turf. On Lord Foley's map there are "Running Doles;" these were similar strips of meadow land, which could be grazed in common after Lammas Day (August i). The earliest list of any Kidderminster tenants with their holdings is contained in Ralph de Auxeville's grant (p. 15), where each tenant holds half a virgate. In his second grant (p. 15) Thomas and Ivo each hold a virgate, and the rest is in half-virgates. The date of the latter deed is 1227. In the Maiden Bradley chartulary is a list of the tenants of Oldington some years later. This is interestmg as containing the first direct mention of a//w man holding land in the manor. Freemen. Nicholas holds one virgate of land by charter, and pays iiis. RusTici OR Villeins. Richard Balle, Bailift, holds a messuage and half a virgate and pays iis. viii(^. Other tenants holding a messuage and half a virgate, and paying 25. 8^., are Robert Balle, Osbert 'Wade, William Gamulde, Roger le Lay, Thomas Wade, Algar Wade, Thomas THE VILLENAGE. 21 Hupehulle, Waller Snel, Thomas Black or Blake (Niger), and Osbert Balle. Thomas Wade also holds a fisher}^ at a rental of 6d., Roger le Lay a fishery at 3^., and Osbert and Robert Balle a fishery at 3^. The cottars were Philip Muller and Petronilla daughter of Edwin, each having a house with three acres of land and a small piece of meadow at 25. rental ; Margery daughter of Godiva a house at 8i. ; and Nicholas Hidde a house with six acres of land at is. 6d. The whole land in Oldington contained in this list amounts to 6-|- virgates with 12 acres and some meadow. This agrees almost exactly w'th the 7 virgates given to Maiden Bradley by Ralph de Auxeville. Taking the virgate at 30 acres, there would be 210 acres in cultivation at this time, divided amongst 16 tenants, at a total rental of £1 igs. per annum, or rather more than 2d, an acre. In 1704 Lord Foley was owner of Oldington. The acres under cultivation had increased in the 500 years to 328, with only nine tenants ; but there were still 264 acres in Oldington Common, much of which is now " Oldington Wood," skirting part of the road between Kidder- minster and Stourport. The chartulary at the same time gives the names of two tenants at Mytton (Mutona) : — William de Stour holds one Corn-Mill (Blarecum) and one Fulling-Mill (Folcyecum), and pays xiiis. iv^. John le Brile holds one messuage and half a virgate of land and pays iiis. In the Public Record Office (Excheqtiev Ministers^ Accounts \?i''), there is fortunate^ preserved a more complete list of the villeins of Kidderminster made some 20 or 30 years after the preceding. It is undated, but from the handwriting appears to be of the time of Edward I., and is endorsed CUSTUMAR' ET REDDITA DE KEDEMINYSTER. Villain Prime Excanhie. Haberlegh (Habberley) 5. d. Henry le Proude holds i virgate . . . . per annum . . 58 Editha de la Hulle holds one house and one noke .. .. .. .. .. .. ,. .. 22(/. Hugh Bedellus holds i messuage and half a virgate ,, •• 3 io^(/. 22 A tllSTORY GF KIDDERMINSTER. POKELESTON (Puxton) Henry Black (Niger) holds i messuage and half a virgate. . Thomas Godrih holds i messuage and half a virgate Roger de la Grave holds i messuage and half a virgate. . William Pokel holds land SoTTON (Sutton) William Thorkil holds i messuage and half a virgate Henry Chancellor (Cancellarius) holds i messuage and half a virgate Walter Tekle holds i messuage and half a virgate . . Robert Cortys holds i messuage and half a virgate.. Margery de Ris, daughter of Robert de Ris, holds I messuage and half a virgate holds land of Richard de Smal- broc, I messuage and half a virgate Agberue (Agborow) Adam son of Petronilla holds i messuage and half a virgate . . Henry de Holie holds i messuage and half a virgate Lea Henry de la Lee holds his mansion . . Muriele holds a certain meadow at Schirenewere. . Juliana relict of Robert le Bercher holds i messuage and half a virgate Ketherton Robert Hawis holds i messuage and half a virgate.. William le , land and messuage of Suecus Richard de Grange, i messuage and half a virgate.. William Agemon, i house and curtilage Richard Smith (Fahcr) holds one butt, and suit of court, and pays four horseshoes with the nails. per annum 5. d. 3 4 5 3 3 loi 2 •• 3 I0± •• 3 lOj •• 3 loi •- 3 loi •• 3 loi •• 3 lO-i 3 loj 4 o 1 6 izd 3 loj 3 lo^ 4 o 3 loj Srf. THE VILLENAGE. n Wrobbenhale (Wribbenhall) 5. d. Henry da Eldenhale, i house and i croft . . per annum . . \oi. John de la More, i messuage and half a virgate ,, • • 4 3l William Colemon, i messuage and i noke.. ,, • • 5 9j Frainis (Franche) Henry Drin, i messuage and i virgate . . ,, . . 6 \o\ Maude de la Grave, i messuage and half a virgate ,, . . 4 4J Walter Red, i messuage and i virgate . . ,, . . 6 loj Trempel (Trimpley) Thomas Young (Juvcnis), i messuage and half a virgate. . .. .. .. .. ,, • ■ 3 7i Richard Hervi, i messuage and half a virgate ,, . . 4 3J Agnes Hereward, i messuage and 3 nokes. . ,, . . 6 o| Robert de la Pucce, i messuage and half a virgate.. .. .. .. .. .. ,, ..70 Editha Godrih, mansion .. .. .. ,, .. 2.od. Thomas Carpenter, mansion and i croft . . „ . . 2od. holds land of Elwald .. .. ,, ..30 John Wicling, I croft .. .. .. .. ,, .. ^d. Comberton Richard Scherewind, i messuage and half a virgate.. .. .. .. .. .. ,, John le Kay, i messuage i J virgates . . „ Robert Smith (FaberJ, i house , I messuage and half a virgate ,, Simon de Arderne, i messuage and half a virgate.. .. .. .. .. •• ,, Robert de Winkleover, i messuage and half a virgate . . . . . . . . . • ■. Mutton (Mytton) William de Sture holds one mill and pays. . ,, Richard de le Bole, i messuage and half a virgate, and pays . . . . . . . . ,> Thomas Balle, 3 acres at Simareshert . . , Oldinton Robert Young, i messuage and half a viig.Uc •• 7 3 • • 5 9 • • 3 •• 5 9 •• 5 9 •• 5 9 I mark and homage and suit • • 3 and suit. • • 3d. ■ ■ 30 homage and suit. 24 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. s. d. per annum . 3 lo • 4 I . 3 lo . 3 lo n ' . 3 lo ») .. 3 lo )> .. 3 lo Wife of Richard Ball, i messuage and half a virgate Nichol-is le Kay (? Lay), i messuage and half a virgate with a weir John Hill (de Monte), i messuage and half a virgate.. Thomas le Challoner, i messuage and half a virgate . . Galfrid son of Thomas, i messuage and half a virgate. . William Snel, i messuage and half a virgate . . Algar Wade, i messuage and half a virgate . Thomas Wade, i messuage and half a virgate.. .. •• •• •• •• " ••4 4 Juliana Wade, i messuage and half a virgate.. .. •• •• •• •• •■ • • 3 lo Osbert Ball, i messuage and half a virgate . „ . . 3 ii J Henry Ball, i messuage and half a virgate . „ . . 3 ii^ Editha Goumill, i messuage and half a virgate.. .. •• •• •• •• » .. 3 10 COTTARII Alicia Molloc, i mansion, 6 acres, with i rood of meadow . . . . • • • ■ .. ..20 Henry son of Nicholas Ball, i mansion and " witebut," 6 acres with witebut .. .. ,, ..29 Petronilla daughter of Edwin, i mansion, 6 acres, i rood of meadow . . . . • . >. • • 22jfl. William le Smocare, i mansion . . . . „ • • lorf. Robert le Troyere, i house of Robert Young, rendering annually for having warranty . . • • • • • • • • " • • ^^■ By comparing this list with the previous one, it is seen that William de Stour is still occupying the mill at Mytton at the same rent. Algar Wade, Thomas Wade, and Osbert Ball are still at Oldington, but their rental is increased from 25. 8i. to 3s. lod. The 6d. extra paid by Thomas Wade is no doubt in consideration of his fishery, though it is not specially men- tioned. Robert Ball is dead, Henry Ball now shares the fishery with Osbert, so each pays i^d. additional rent on that account. Nicholas le Kay (? Lay) has succeeded to the fishery of Roger le Lay. The "weir" for catching fish is full y described in Seebohm (p. 152). Walter Snel has been succeeded THE VILLENAGE. 25 by William ; and Richard Ball's widow now holds by courtesy the acres formerly cultivated by her husband. Of the cottars, only the aged Petronilla daughter of Edwin still holds her man- sion and bit of land, while her son Adam has become a villein and has his half-virgate at Agberow. Comparing the latter lists with that of Ralph de Auxeville's tenants, the growing use of surnames may be noticed. By a comparison with the Domes- day record we find that the slaves have disappeared, the cottars have decreased from 38 to 5, while the higher class of villeins has increased from 23 to 59, and, as already noticed, there is a freeman holding book-land. The rental has increased, but this is probably owing to the substitution of money payments for some of the more burdensome obligations due to the lords, and is a step towards complete freedom. From the following summary of the tenants and rentals of these hamlets, it is noteworthy that the property of the monas- tery in Oldington, Comberton, and Mytton has been so well developed that the rental is nearly equal to the total of the 1 1 other hamlets. The manor of Hurcott at this time belonged to the Rector of Kidderminster, and does not appear in the list. Tenants. Rent. £ s. d. Habberley . . 3 II 4j Puxton 4 12 7j Sutton 6 I 3 i§ Agborow 2 7 10^ Lea . . 3 6 4I Netherton . . 5 12 4^ Wribbenhall 3 10 II Franche 3 18 of Trimpley 8 I 7 6| Comberton . . 6 I 10 6 Mytton 3 16 7 Oldington 13 2 10 Cottarii . , 5 7 7i Total 64 ;^II 14 II The lists of tenants given above belong to a period before the terrible Black Death (1349) wrought such ravages in England. More than one-third of the population died, and in many places 26 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. the corn lay rotting on the ground for want ot reapers, while cattle and sheep roamed over the country for want of herdsmen. Three Archbishops of Canterbury died in one year, and a large proportion of Worcestershire parishes lost their incumbents. The demand for labour was much greater than the supply, the labourers were masters of the situation, and a death blow was given to the old system of villenage. The " Statute of Labourers " ordered them to work for the same wages that had been paid before the Plague, viz., id. per day, with extra allowance in harvest time ; but this ordinance could not be enforced, and many of the landowners were impoverished. We have no particulars of this sad time as it affected Kidder- minster ; but in 135 1 John le Bottiler handed back to Prior Thomas of Maiden Bradley all his life interest in " one toft which adjoins a tenement of the said Prior near the church of Kedermynstre, and 11 acres of arable land in the open field between the church and Hurcote." (Wanley MS., p. 171.) About the tmie of Richard II. the monks have left us another rent-roll, and it is of interest as showing that all the villeins and bordars had now developed into liberi or free-men ; and also that " new land " had been taken into cultivation : — " In the vill of Comertone are 4 vir gates of land of old feoffment, and one of new land which contains 48 acres with its appurtenances. " Free Men. " Richard Derewynde holds one messuage and half a virgate of land, and 6 acres of new land by charter, to wit that land which Nicholas son of Edwin of Cumerton formerly held and pays thence per annum 7s. ^d." Twelve other free tenants are named, and " the sum total of the rents of Oldington and Cumerton are ^4 195. 10^." In " Kidemester Borough " the Prior and Convent make the following payments to the lords of Kidderminster : — " For Oldington and Comberton 5s. [This payment was reserved by Henry Biset when he made the grant to Ralph de Auxeville. (See page 15)] " For new land near Burlase, 5s. " For 2 Woodcrofts and a Grove 25. " For 2 Tenements, and for Liberty of the Borough ; 2 capons or 4^. ; and 2 pairs of gloves, or 2d. " To Henry de Caldwell for new land near Buries, a half-penny. THE VILLENAGE. 27 " To Master Henry de Kent for a Tenement, formerly Reginald Tugge's, near the Mill, 4(f. " To Thomas Chaumpeneis for the tenement of John de Horspole 3s. id. " To Thomas Balle of Mytton for 3 acres of land near Merdene id." From their tenants in the borough the Prior received as follows : — " The Lady Lucy [probably the wife of Sir John Attwood, who founded Trimpley Chantry] holds a certain tenement which was Robert de Alvedeleghe's, 6s. " The said Lucy pays for a certain land called Cranesmore id. " The said Lucy pays for an oven situated between the house of Henry Pitt and a new house built by Robert de Alwedeleghe id. " The same pays at the Feast of S. Michael a half penny for a curtilage which is near La , and a half penny which Aldyne son of Osanne used to pay. " Roger Lowe holds a burgage and pays 2s. " William Wheelwright holds a house with a little place and pays 2s. " Simon de Kent holds a burgage, and pays zs., and for the enlargement of his house on the other side izd." The " mansion " of the villein in these times was a thatched one-roomed building of wood, with its crevices plastered up with clay. Glass was an unknown luxury, and there were no windows. Chimneys were not used, and the fire was in the middle of the room against a hob of clay, and the smoke escaped through the door, or where it could. The floors were of bare earth, strewn with rushes and dried herbs, which became a receptacle for bones and filth. " A few chests were ranged round the walls, the bacon-rack was fastened to the timbers overhead, and the walls of the homestead were gar- nished with agricultural implements. Sometimes there was an upper storey of poles reached by a ladder. Close by the door stood the mixen, a collection of every abomination — streams from which in rainy weather polluted the stream." (Rogers' Six Centuries of Work and Wages.) The oxen generally lived under the same roof as their owner. Such were the " good old times " of 600 years ago. 28 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. CHAPTER III Z\K Baronaijc. ^*i(*»« HE family of Biset came over with the Conqueror, and was settled in Nottinghamshire. Manser Biset, son of William Biset, was a faithful adherent of Henry Fitz-Empress before his accession to the throne. Under the title of Dapifer he was witness to a deed of gift made by Henry to Randle Earl of Chester in 1152 (Sir Peter Ley- cester's Cheshire) ; in ig Stephen he was witness to the accord made between Henry and Stephen touching Henry's succession to the Crown ; and in reward for his services he received the royal manor of Kidderminster, with estates in Hampshire and Gloucestershire soon after Henry's II. 's accession (page 13). Manser married Alice heiress of Bradley in Wiltshire, and his wife's home became his principal residence. There he founded a convent for Leprous Women, to which he gave the Rectory of Kidderminster, He was succeeded in the lordship of Kid- derminster by his son Henry; and in ist John another Henry, nephew of the foregoing, became his heir (Dug. Bar., i., 632, a) and gave to the King 500 marks for livery of the lordships of Kidderminster and Sandhurst. (Ibid. Oblata i John, m. 23.) After him it appears that William Byset died seised of the barony of Byset (Madox, Baron. Aug., 52) ; and to him suc- ceeded John Biset (Dug. Baron., [., 632, a), who in 4 Henry III. was charged with ;^ioo for his relief, for the lands and tene- ments which William Byset, his brother, whose heir he^-as, held at the day of his death. John Biset married Alice daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Basset of Headendon, Oxfordshire, and had three daughters, Margaret, Ela, and THE BARONAGE. 29 Isabel. He obtained charters for free warren and a fair in Kidderminster (1238). In 1241 he was made Chief Forester of England, and attended the Grand Tournament held at Norihampton at Easter in that year, occasioned by Peter of Savoy, Earl of Richmond, against Earl Roger Bigod. (Matt. Paris, 550, n. 30.) Shortly afterwards he died, and in a plea between the Abbot of Roucester and Albreda de Basingbourne in 27 Hy. III. (1243), Albreda called to warrant Margery, Ela, and Isabella, daughters and heirs of John Biset. Margery was of full age, Ela and Isabella under age, and in the custody of John de Plessetis. (Thoroton's Nottinghamshire. PI. de Ban. cor. Rob. de Laxington et Soc. Pasch. 27 Hy. HI., rot. 1 and 2.) Margaret Biset (perhaps a sister of John) gave to the Leprous Women of Bradley 6s. 8d. yearly rent in Kidderminster. (Mon. Ang. ii., 409.) Matthew of Paris (635, 30) tells us that in 1238, when an assassin came in at midnight through the window at Woodstock with a drawn dagger in his hand to kill the King, one of the Queen's maidens, Margaret Biset by name, saved his life " For she was holy and devoted to God, and by chance was awake, singing her Psalter by candle light, and at her terrible cries the royal servants rushed in." She died in 1242 — ■ " of an illustrious family, more illustrious by her character." (lb., 786, 46.) After the death of John Biset his property was divided in equal shares between his daughters ; and consequently the manor of Kidderminster was broken up into three portions. John de Rivers, lord of Burgate in Hampshire, married the eldest daughter Margery. He gave in 1267 to Brother John, Prior of Maiden Bradley, all the lands which Hugh in the Grove formerly held, and the said Hugh with his whole retinue, &c. Witnesses — Walter Scamnel Archdeacon of Berkshire, Sir Hugh de Plessetis, John de Wotton, Hugh Attwood, Henry de Caldwell, William de Eymore. Sir John de Rivers, kt., lord of Ongar, Essex, granted a rent of 13s. 4^/. to John Stacy, clerk, in 1329. (Morant's Essex i., 128, b.) 30 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Either by gift or purchase the one-third share of Kidder- minster faUing to Rivers was soon acquired by Maiden Bradle}', The monks had before this received a grant from Sir John of the advowson of tlie church. Isabel, the second daughter, married Hugh de Plessetis. He was son of John de Plessetis, who in 1242, in consideration of 200 marks, obtained a grant of wardship and marriage of the heirs of John Biset, and was in such favour with the King (Dug. Bar., 772, a. b.) that he forced Margery, sister and sole heir of Thomas Earl of Warwick, to marry him. Hugh was son and heir by a former wife Christian, daughter and heir of Hugh de Sandford, lord of Stoke Norton, Oxon, and at the death of his father (1263) was 26 years old. He died 1291, leaving issue Hugh his son and heir, 25 years of age. (Dugdale.) Another one-third part came to John de Wotton and Ela, which John died seised of Kidderminster of inheritance of Ela Biset in 28 Edw. I. (luqiiis. 28 Edw. I. in Nash, vol. ii., app. Ixxvi.) John de Wotton and Ela had a son who took his mother's name, and as John Byset was charged for his relief 31 Edw. I. (Hil. Fin., &c., p. 52, c. i, 1. i.) In 33 Edw. I. an exchange of land was made between Thomas, Prior of the Convent of Brommore, and Sir John Byset, kt., to which Sir John de Riveres, kt., was a witness. (Madox : Fovnml. Angl., n. cclxxiv.) There was an office held 35 Edw. I. in vvhich John Biset held within the manor of Kidderminster the moiety of one messuage with a close, the moiety of one water-mill, 10 acres of meadow, 160 acres of land, and two woods. {Nash ii., 236, b.) By the title of " Sir John Byset, kt., lord of Kidderminster, together with the community of the whole borough," a chaplain was presented to the chantry of the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Kyderministre in 1305. (Ry. Geynes in Nash ii., 57.) Sir John had a daughter Margaret, who in 1324 was a minor in the King's custody. (Hutchins' Dorset, ii., 458, b.) She was married to Romsey, and died in 1374, leaving a son. Sir Walter Romsey, kt., who inherited from his mother a certain manor in Kidderminster which heretofore was but a third part THE BARONAGE. 31 of the said manor of Kidderminster whole. [Walterus de Romeseye chivaler, films MaygaretcB filicd cujiisdam Joh^nnis Biset,filii et heredis Johannis de WoUon et Eke Bysct. (Hil. Fin. 17 Rd. II., rot. 5 in Madox : Baron. Angl. ^^^ ^- 37-)] ^'^^ ^^id Walter did homage and fealty to the King Feb. 22, 47 Edw. III., the estate being held in capite. (Hil. Fin., p. 51.) He paid part of his relief for it in 17 Rd. II., another part in 3 Hy. IV., and died in 1404. (?Iutchins' Dorset ii., 458a.) In 13S5 and 1386 (see "Final Concords") Sir John Beaii- champ of Holt, a favourite of King Richard II., becan: ) possessed of so much of Sir Walter Romsey's estate in Kidder- minster that when on 10 Oct., 1387, he was by patent (being the first instance of the kind) summoned to Parliament, he took the title of Lord de Beanchamp, Baron of Kidderminster. This Sir John Beauchamp, son of Richard Beauchamp of Holt, suc- ceeded his father in 1327, being then eight years old. He served in the French wars, was an Esquire of the King's Chamber, received Knighthood in Scotland, was Justice of North Wales, and subsequently (1387) Steward of the King's Household. He married Joane daughter and heir of Robert le Fitzwith. (Dugdale's Baronage, and " New Peerage " in Genealogist.) In the Corporation archives is an inspeximus on vellum by Henry VIII., 1530, of a charter of Richard II., 1386, previously inspected by Henry VI., 1427 : — " Richard by the Grace of God, &c. " Know ye that we have granted and by this our charter have confirmed to our beloved and faithful Knight John Beauchamp of Holt and Joan his wife and his heirs free chace as well in vert and venison as in all manner of other things which appertain to such a free chace wiihin the manor demesne and fee of Kedermestre, and infangthief and outfangthief and the chattels of felons and fugitives, &c., and let all his tenants and residents therein be quit of toll, panage, and murage, throughout the whole of our realm, &c. These being witnesses R. Bp. of London, J. Bp. of Durham our Treasurer, W. Bp. of Winchester, W. Bp. of Coventry and Lichfield, keeper of our privy seal, Thomas Bp. of Chichester, J. Bp. of Hereford, Edmund Duke of York and Thomas Duke of Gloucester our very dear uncles, Robert de Veer, Marquess of Dublin, Thomas de Mowbray, Earl of Nottingham, Edward de Courtenay Earl of Devon, Michael de la Pole Earl of Suffolk, our Chan- cellor, John de Montacute, Steward of our Household, and others. Given at Osney 7 August in the loth year of our reign, A.D. 1386." 32 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. A few months after his elevation to the Peerage the Baron of Kidderminster was attainted by the " Wonderful " Parliament, and beheaded on Tower Hill. He was buried in Worcester cathedral, 1388, and left a son, John de Beauchamp, ten years of age, who, by the reversal of the proceedings of 11 Rd. H. in 1398, became second Baron of Kidderminster. In 1399 he accompanied the unfortunate King into Ireland ; and when in 1400, under Henry IV., the proceedings of 11 Rd. II. were re-affirmed, his honours again became forfeited. He was, how- ever, Escheator of Worcestershire 1406. He died in 1420, leaving only a daughter Margaret, who married firstly John Pauncefort, and secondly John Wysham. Thus the Barony became extinct, after having been for 20 years under attainder. (The New Peerage, J PEDIGREE William Biset of Nottinghamshire OF BISET. Hawisia William = Susanna Manser = Alice, of Henry Carpentarius Bradley Henry = Albrega Henry = Isoud d. 1200 Ausold Margaret Henry = William d. 1220 John = Alice Baset d. 1241 Margaret = Richard Isabel = Hugh de Plessetis de Rivers d. 1291 Sir John de Rivers Hugh de Plessetis ELA = John de Wotton d. 1300 Sir John Biset = . . . d. before 1324 MARGARET = Romsey d. 1374 Sir Walter de Romsey d. 1404. The lovds of Kidderminster in small capitals. ^Xii--. IXiiJu... THE BARONAGE. 33 For some reason, of which I have not yet met with any explanation, one-third of Kidderminster had in the time of Edward I. come into the possession of the Burnells. It could not be the Rivers portion, for this had fallen into the hands of Maiden Bradley. It could not be the inheritance of John de Wotton and Ela, for this was possessed by their descendant Sir Walter Romsey in the time of Richard II. It would seem then that Hugh de Plessetis, who succeeded to his portion in 1 29 1, and of whom we hear nothing afterwards, alienated it almost immediately, for in 1292 Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells, died seised of part of Kidderminster manor. (Inq. p. Mort., 21 Edw. I., n. 50, cal. p. 115.) The Bishop was a trusted adviser of the " English Justinian," Edward I., and resided at Acton Burnell in Shropshire, where the famous Parliament was held. He was not of noble birth, and his chief ambition was to found a great baronial family : he " added field to field," and at his death was in possession of estates in ig counties, and the holder, in whole or part, of 82 manors. He died at Berwick, and was conveyed to Wells cathedral for burial. Philip Burnell, the Bishop's nephew, was his heir, and did homage to the King for all the lands and tenements which his uncle had held in capite. He rapidly wasted his uncle's hastily gotten patrimony, and was one of the first to suffer by the facilities for recovering traders' debts which the statute of Acton Burnell had afforded. (National Biography.) His wife was Maud daughter of Richard Earl of Arundel, and he had a son. Sir Edward Burnell, who succeeded to the estates in 1293. (Inq. p. Mort. 22 Edw. I., n. 45, cal. p. 120.) During his minority he was in the wardship of Maculinus de Harle. He served in Edward's Scottish campaigns (131 1 — I3i4)» ^"^i is said to have always appeared in great splendour, attended by a chariot decked with banners of his arms. He was summoned to Parliament as Lord Burnell from the 5th to the 8th year of Edward II. In 1 313 King Edward II. gave licence to Edward Burneley to grant 160 acres of wood, with the appurtenances, in the manor of Kidderminster, to the Prior and Chapter of Wor- cester, and confirmed the donation. (Heming ii., 547, and Nash, Ixxv. a.) The said Chapter had power from the King to charge E 34 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. their manor of Quinzehides (?) with the payment of ^lo yearly rent to Edward Burnell and his heirs ; and the King's charter for loo acres of land, 3 acres of meadow, 10 acres of pasture, and 60 acres of wood in Kyderminster ; and also another for one carucate of land, 20 acres of meadow, 10 acres of pasture, one weir (gurgitemj, and 3s. rent in the manor of Kidderminster. [This land is still in the possession of the Dean and Chapter of Worcester.] Lord Burnell married Olivia da'ighter of Hugh le Despencer, and died 1315 without issue, leaving Maud, his sister and heir, then 24 years of age. She was wife of John de Handlo, of Tishmersh, Northants, who died in 1346 seised of the manor of Kidderminster. Their son Nicholas Handlo assumed his mother's name of Burnell, and having served in the wars with France, was summoned to Parliament as a Baron (Lord Burnell) in 1350. He died in 1383, and was succeeded by his son, Hugh Lord Burnell, aged 36. He was Governor of Bridg- north Castle 1386, and was one of the Lords who received the abdication of Richard H. in the Tower of London. In 1406 he was made a Knight of the Garter. He married (i) Philippa daughter of Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of SufFold, (2) Joyce Baroness Botetourt, who died in 1406, and (3) Joan Dowager Baroness Fitzwalter. In his time the Prior and Convent of Worcester had the King's charter for what they held in Trimpley. (Nash, Ixxviii. b.) The figure of his second wife was formerly in a window of Kidderminster church, having on her mantle or, a saltire engrailed, sable ; and also a shield of those arms supported by two angels, and these words written over them : " Yes ben Bottowrt Armes." In 141 7, his only son Edward being dead, he made an arrangement for the marriage of his grandchild Margery with Edmund Hungerford, son of Sir Walter Hungerford, kt. He then prepared a beautiful alabaster tomb for Joyce and himself in the choir of Hales Abbey, Salop ; assigned portions of his large estates to his three grand-daughters, Joyce, Katharine, and Margaret, and gave the rest, which included Kidder- minster, to Joane de Beauchamp, Lady Bergavenny. (Dug. Bar., ii., 62.) He died 27 Nov., 1420, and the Barony of Burnell fell into abeyance. THE BARONAGE. 35 PEDIGREE OF BURNELL. Burnell Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells Philip d. 1293 Maud Fitzalan, d. of Richard Earl of Arundel Sir Edward = Olivia d. of died 1315 Hugh la Despencer (i) John Lovel: : Maud = (2) John Handlow d. 1346 Nicholas Burnell = U SSs'F'S.fatrl ==^- H-„ B„nHB.. = (., Joyce Bo..=,o.,n ^~" ' d. 1420. The lords of Kidderminster in small capitals, ■a Joan Baroness Bergavenny was daughter of Richard Fitz- Alan Earl of Arundel, who was beheaded by Richard II. Her brother, Thomas Earl of Arundel, was a zealous partisan of Henry IV., and as Governor of the Tower of London had the custody of the captive King. Lord Burnell, as we have seen, belonged to the same party, and there was also a distant relationship between them, his great-grandmother being a daughter of another Richard Earl of Arundel. But Kidder- minster-Burnell was not the first possession of the Bergavenny's in this manor. In 1403 Joan's husband. Sir William de Beau- champ, Lord Bergavenny, 4th son of Thomas Earl of Warwick, presented to the Chantry of S. Mary in Kidderminster. He had probably received part of the estates of his namesake, John de Beauchamp 2nd Baron of Kidderminster, after his attainder in 1400. He died 8 May, 141 1, and was buried at the Black Friars, Hereford. His widow was then 36 years of age, and held the Castle of Abergavenny and his other estates in dower ; and presented to the Chantry of Kidderminster in 1420, 1422, 1424, and 1435. In 1428 (by record in Scaccar, Nash Ixix.) she held that part of a knight's fee in Kidderminster which Nicholas Burnell before held, and died 14 Nov., 1435. 36 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Their son Richard Beaiichamp was 14 years old when his father died in 141 1, and in 1420 vv-as created Earl of Worcester. He married Isabel Le Dcspencer, daughter of Thomas Earl of Gloucester, was mortally wounded at Meaux, in France, and was buried at Tewkesbury 1422. His only child was the Lady Elizabeth Beauchamp, born at Hanley Castle Dec. 16, 1415. She carried the estates and title of Lord Bergavenny to her husband. Sir Edward Nevill, 6th son of Ralph ist Earl of Westmoreland, and died 18 June, 1447, aged 32. Her husband survived her, and died 18 Oct., 1476, seised by courtesy of the manors of Kidderminster-Biset and Kidderminster-Burnell. Their son, George Nevill 4th Lord Bergavenny, was the next heir, and constituted William Lord Hastings steward of Kidder- minster. About 1485 the Prior of Maiden Bradley, owner of one-third of the manor, complained to Lord Bergavenny of the high-handed conduct of his officers in Kidderminster, and received a very fair and straightforward answer. (Wanley MSS.) " Peticio Domni Prioris ad Dominitm de Bergaveny, " To my Good and Gracius Lord George Nevil Lord of Bergevenee, Shewith unto your Good Lordeship William Priour of the Church of oure Lady of Mayden-Bradley in the Countie of Wiltshyre, That wheras one John Byset was seysed of a maner of Kedermynstre with a Lete and a Wareyn in a Wast Grounde, Parcel of the same Maner appendant, with the appurte- nances in the Countie of Worcetur, in his demeane as of Fee : and so seysede had Issue Three daughters ; That is to say Margery, EHzabeth and Ela. Which Margery took to Husbounde one John de Ripariis : Elizabeth toke to Husbounde one Hugh de Plessetes : and Ela toke to Husbonde one Rondolfe Nevile. And after the seid John Byset gave one parte of the seide Maner, divided in Three Partes by Metes and Boundes (except^he seid Lete, Warreyn, and the Wast Grounde, and the Grounde of the Comyne High- Weyes within the Precinfts of the seid Planer remayning unparted) to the seide John de Ripariis and Margery, To Have to theyme and to ther Heyres in Fee : And in like wyse gave another Parte of the said Maner to the said Hugh of Plessets and Elizabeth his Wyffe and their Heyres in Fee : And aftur, gave the residue of the same Maner to Rondolfe Nevil and Ela his Wyffe, and ther Heyres in Fee. By Force whereof the said John de R. and Margery his Wyffe, Hugh de P. and Elizabeth his W^yffe, and Rondolphe Nevile and Ela his Wyffe, were eche of them severally se}'sede of ther Partes of the said Maner in Form aboveseide : and of the said Lete, Wareine, Wast Ground and Highe Weyes in Comyne, Undividede. The Estate of THE BARONAGE. 37 wiche Hugh de Plessets and Elizabeth, Rondolphe Nevile and Ela your Lordeship now hath : and the estate of wiche John de Ripariis and Margery his Wyffe the seide Priour now hath, and he and his Predecessours of long time have had. There your Bayliffes and Officers of your partes of the seid Maner have of late Distourbed, Lettede, and Denyede the seid Priour and his Officers to Take and Felle the Woodes growinge one his parte, as is aforeseid Dividede of the Maner ; and to have perceyve and take his parte of the Wayfes, Strayes, Fynes, and Amerciaments of Blode-shedinge, Affrayes, and other Profetts commynge in the Hie wayes and the Ground wich your seide Lordship and the Priour holden in comyne : And over that, your seid Bailiffs and Officers distreyneth the Tenants of the same Priour uppon ther Tenures ol the Parte of the seid Priour of the seid Maner, to come and appere in your Court of your Burgh of Kedermynstre to answere there to Playntes and other processes, when as Ye have no Jurisdidlion uppon theme, Contrary to Right and Good Conscience. For Reformacion whereof Please it your seid Lordship in consideration that the seid Priour and his Bretheren bene men of Religion, and Bounden to the Service of God, and unable to Sue for ther Ryght ageyne your seyd Lordship by the Law of the Londe ; that it wolde Please your same Lordeship to sett such Diredion in this Premissis, as Right and Good Conscience in that Behalfe shal Require- And thei shal dayly pray to God for the prosperous Contynuance of your same good Lordship." " Copia litere misse a Domno de Bergeveny ad Ballivum situm ibidem per Petitionem Domni Prioris. " Trusty and wel-bcloved I grete you welle ; letting you witte that it showed unto me by the humble peticion of William Prioure of the churche of our Lady of Mayden-Bradeley in the county of Wilteshire, which in the right of his seid Churche is seised of the third parte of the Maner of Keder- mynstre, with certayne Libertees and Franchesis unto his seid thirde parte belonging ; How that ye and oder myne Officers there have of late letted and denyed the said Prioure and his Officers to Take and Felle their woods growing in his parte of the seid Lordship ; and also to perceyve and take his part of the Wayfes, Strayes, Fines and Amerciaments that He there accordinge unto the old Customarie ought of right to have, by reason of his seid thirde part of the seid Maner ; and moreover how that ye distrayne the Tenaunts of the same Prioure upon there Tenures of the seid Thirde parte of the seid Maner, to come and appere in my Court of the Borow of Keder- mynstre, and to answere thereto Pleynts and other Processe, where ye ought not so to do, as I am enformed by my Councill Lernede. Wherefore I will and also charge you, as ye intende to do me Pleasure or to have my Good Lordship, that ye from hensforth suffre the seid Priour and his Officers to Felle ther Woodes there without any Lett or Disturbance ; and also to have and Perceyve his parte of such Wayfes, Strays, Amerciaments, and other casuelleties and Profights as he ought of Right to have ; and also that ye Distrayne not his Tenaunts to answere to any Pleynts otherwise than the 38 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Law Requireth. For I wolde be loth to Renne in the censures of the Church, to mayntenne or Favour you or any other of mine Officers to Hurt, Prejudice, or Wronge Hym or any other Person ; otherwise than may stond with my Right, the Lawe, and Good Conscience. Yeven under my Signet and sign Manuelle, at London, the 13th day of May. " SUBSCRIPTIO LiTERE. " To Thomas Forest Bayly of my Maiier of Kydermynstre . ' In 1530 Henry VIII. inspected the charter of Richard II. (see p. 31), and ratified and confirmed anew all the privileges therein granted " to our beloved and faithful George Nevyle, knight, Lord Bergavenny, now tenant of the aforesaid manor demesne and fee of Kedermestre, and to his heirs. Witness me myself at Westminster the first day of February, in the 21st year of our reign." To the charter is appended an impression of the second great seal of Henry VIII, in dark green wax. Kidderminster continued in the descendants of this Lord Abergavenny until John the loth Baron parted with some of it by sale to Richard Foley, of Stourbridge, 12th Dec, 1660. (Hardwick.) In Lord Foley's Map of Wribbenhall, made in 1706, part of the land is still marked as belonging to "me Lorde Aburgavenny," Space will not permit of a detailed account of this illustrious family, which, including the Burnell relationship, had a large interest in the town for more than 400 years. From it there sprung six Earls of Westmoreland, two Earls of Salisbury and Warwick, an Earl of Kent, a Marquess Montacute, Barons Ferrers, Latimer, &c., one Queen, an Arch- bishop of York, five Duchesses, and many Countesses and Baronesses. (Camden.) It is now represented by Wilham Nevill 2ist Baron, 5th Earl, and ist Marquess of Aber- gavenny, of Eridge Castle, Kent. The Bisets, Burnells, Beauchamps, and Abergavennys, as we have seen, were in their turn lords of Kidderminster ; but they all had large estates in other counties, and it does not appear that any of them resided here except occasionally, and none were buried here. But as early as 1347 a knightly family was settled near the town, and had acquired the sub-manor of Cald- well, where a moated castle was built, of which some portions still remain. In the Book of Aids, 20 Edw. III. (Nash ii., 37, a), Hugh de Cokesey is said to hold lands in Kidderminster THE BARONAGE. 39 which John Biset formerly held ; and in 1357 he died seised of Kidderminster and Kaldewell. (Nash ii., Ixxvii., b.) By an inquisition it was found that he held at the day of his death within the manor of Kidderminster one messuage, half a yard- land (virgate), two acres of meadow, with appurtenances. (Nash ii., 47.) He was a younger son (Dugdale Warwicks,, i., 359) of Sir Walter Cokesey, of Cokesey, kt., and married Dionysia, eldest daughter of William le Boteler, of Wemme, and co-heir to her brother Edmund. His figure, wMth that of his wife, was formerly in the fourth N. window of Kidder- minster church, with " Orate pro Animahus . . . Cokesey et Dionisie," subscribed to their arms — Argent, on a bend azure between two cotises dancette gu. three cinquefoils or ; impaling gu. a fess counter compony arg. and sa. betiveen six crosses formee or. He lived in the time of the Black Death, and presented to the Chantry of S. Mary in 1349 and 1350 ; and departing this life 1356, " lies buried under an arch in the N. wall of the church in a raised tomb whereon is his effigy with the legs crossed. The arms on his breast show him the same Cokesey as in the window : the brisure denotes him a younger brother." (Hayley.) The tomb thus described is no doubt that engraved in Nash (appendix, p. 50), having an arch with elegant Decorated tracery ; but, sad to say, during the last 90 years it has entirely disappeared. Our 19th century zeal for " restoration " has much to answer for ! Dionisia, surviving her husband, presented to the Chantry twice, and died m 1376 seized of Kidderminster and Caldwell. (Inquis. in Nash, Ixxviii., a.) Sir Walter de Cokesey, kt., presented Hugh de Caldwell to the church of Witley in 1287, which looks as if he had some connection with Caldwell at that time. (Hayley.) Sir Walter bequeathed his body to be buried with the Friars Minors in Worcester. (Dugd. i., 359.) " To the said Friars I leave ten marks of silver in place of all my arms borne with my body, and these arms shall remain entirely to my son Walter ; but the horse conveying my body and arms shall belong to the said Friais." (Dug. Warw., ii., 930.) After the death of Dionisia, the maror of Caldwell only appears among the local possessions of Cokesey. Maculinus 40 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. de la Mare presented to the Chantry in 1391, 1395, and 1400 ; and in 1402 Alice wife of M. de la Mare died seised of Kidder- minster. Walter Cokesey, son and heir of Hugh and Dionisia, was under age at his father's death, but in 1365, making proof of his age, had livery of his inheritance (Dug. Way., i., 359), and being a knight in 1375, married Isabel, daughter and heir of Sir Urian St. Pierre, kt. According to Habingdon, his portrait with gilded spurs, and that of his wife, were in the same window with that of his father, with " Orate pro animabus Walteri Cokesey et Domine Isabelb," and his arms (without cotises) impaling arg., a bend sa. with a label of three gu. His arms were also in the great W. window of Worcester cathedral, and sub- scribed " Monseur Walter de Cokesey." He died 1405 seised of the manor of Caldwell, and leaving Walter his son and heir of full age. In the same window of Kidderminster church, with the foregoing, were likewise the portraits of this last- mentioned Walter and his wife, with " Orate pro animabus Walteri Cokesey et Matildis Uxoris ejus,'" and his arms (as before) impaling or, two bars gu. He died (Inq. Nash. Ixxix., b) 8 Henry IV., and his widow Matildis was married to Sir John Phelip in or before 1409 ; for in that year John Fhelip, as lord of Witley — a lordship belonging to the Cokeseys — presented to that church. Consequently, in the same window, her figure appears again by the side of her second husband, and her arms impaled with his : quarterly, gu. and argent, in the first quarter an eagle displayed or. Sir John Phelip is said by Dugdale (Bar., ii., 212) to have been a valiant soldier under Henry V. In Rymer's Fcedera, ix., 646, is a safe conduct granted Nov. 13 by John Duke of Bedford, Protector, for Alexander de Carnys, attended by eight men and eight horses, to come from Scotland into England to pay the ransom of James Douglas, lately a prisoner of Sir John Phelip, deceased. Sir John was present at the siege of Harfleur in 1415, and died ten days afterwards, probably of the dysen- tery which was so fatal to the English at that place. His seat was at Dennington, in Suffolk, but having married Walter Cokesey's widow, he probably lived at Caldwell, and his body i BRASS IN KIDDERMINSTER CHURCH, Representing Maud Harmanville and her Two Husbands, Sir John Phelip and Walter Cokesey. o ON 00 M -v* ■^ t-l -^ C/J t-H ^ 'O ■^ Q s~. /-^ ,^ ■•' ^ ^ t, O ^ ;ij THE BOROUGH. 8i John Watson Pochin Lister John Jefferyes Joseph Austin Joseph Lea Matthew Jefferyes Timothy Dobson Josiah Lea William Lea John Cowper William Best William Roberts Edward Crane Christopher Hunt Samuel Crane Serjeant Crane John Crane William Yate Thomas Crane William Doelittle Nicholas Pearsall George Boraston Benjamin Pearce Nicholas Pearsall, jun. John Bracknell John Spencer (Hurcott) Timothy Brookes Thomas Woodward John Mole Matthew Wilson John White Andrew Cooper John Cooper Thomas Cooper Joseph White Joseph Patrick John Spencer Benjamin Cottrell Benjamin Lea Samuel Lea John Ingram Francis Lea Rev. Thomas Wiggan William Watson Ralph Powell Henry Darby John Hinton James Hilman Samuel Harris Stephen Miles Samuel Stokes John Davies John Cartwright Stephen Miles, jun. John Cole Thomas Wright Henry Chellingworth Joseph Hancocks Joseph Baker Thomas Jones Henry Bird John Newcomb John Read Joseph Child William Taylor Joseph Baker, jun. Josiah Patrick. George Hallen Abraham Thomas John Pearsall John Acton Henry Perrins Matthew Thomas Jeffrey Jolly Thomas Fry William Banks Francis Hornblower John Broom, jun. Joseph Broom Samuel Crane Edward Griffiths John Griffiths John Richardson John Stringer Thomas Richardson Joseph Orton Thomas Jones Serjeant Hornblower Benjamin Hanbury William Hornblower Richard Colley, jun. Ale.xander P'atrick Jacob Esthope John Yearsley Samuel Talbot Thomas Beck Edward Bellamy Samuel Hill Nicholas Penn John Steynor, jun. Henry Penn Richard Barford Samuel Southall Samuel Evans John Pearsall, jun. Henry Matthews John Wallis James Wynde " Three or more are authorised to meet once in every fortnight by the name and stile of the Court of Requests for the Borough and Foreign of Kidderminster. Thomas Jacob White (Gentleman is appointed Clerk to the Court and John Steynor jun. Beadle. Persons may sue for Debts under 40s. Nothing in this Act shall prejudice the Jurisdiction of an Ancient Court Baron held by the Lord of the Manor of the Borough of Kidderminster and his Predecessors, Time immemorial, within the e-aid Borough." The patriotic spirit of the Burgesses was displayed in 1798 by the eiuohiuuL of a strong baiiJ of \'oluntjcis uiuler Captain 82 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Boycott : they were disbanded in 1825. The Volunteer move- ment was again taken up here in 1859, and there are tjow 280 men in the ranks, under the command of Col. \V. H. Talbot, Lieut. -Col. R. T. Watson, Majors J. Morton and J. R. Good- win, Capt. J. Watson, and Lieuts. Dixon, Mossop, Thursfield, Batten, and E. Talbot. In 1812 wheat Avas 185. and 205. a bushel, ^^500 \.'as sub- scribed in the town to buy potatoes for the poor. In 18 1 3 an Act was passed for paving, cleansing, lighting, and watching the town. In 1818 gas w^as introduced. In 1821, after Queen Caroline's acquittal, 3000 weavers subscribed is. each, and presented her with a carpet 10 yards square. In 1825 a public meeting was held to pass a vote of confidence in Wakeman and Turner's Bank. A new charter was granted to the town by George IV. in 1827. In 1828 there were serious riots, and damage to the amount of ;^30oo was done before the 14th Dragoons appeared on the scene. The winciows of Messrs. Cooper, Simcox Lea, Best, Brinton, Kallen, and Talbot, arid of the Town Hall and Black Horse, were broken. In 1832 the Reform Bill re-allotted a Member of Parliament to the town. Tlie Kiddermmster Messenger was started on Juty 8, 1036, by Mr. Arthur Brough. The title was afterwards changed to Ten Toivns Messenger. The paper was discontinued 30 Jime, 1849, and revived as the Sn:i in 1876. It advocates the Conser- vative side in politics, and is now owned by Mr. Joseph Mears. The Shuttle was started as the Radical organ in 1870, with Mr. E. Parry as editor and proprietor. It gives special promi- nence to all matters connected with the carpet trade. The Kidderminster Times is neutral in politics, and is only partly printed in the town. By the Municipal Corporations Act, passed in 1835, the title of Bailiff was changed to Mayor, and the Council was to be elected by the popular voice. There are 18 Councillors, who hold office for three years each. TJie Councillors elect six Aldermen, who sit for six years. Previous to 1887 there were two wards— North and South. There are now six wards, each of which chooses one Councillor yearly. THE BOROUGH. 83 The old Town Hall, which had been used for municipal pur- poses for some centuries, stood at the bottom of High Street, and the site is now occupied by a cab stand. The spacious and convenient new Hall was opened 19th Jan., 1877. It stands on the site of the old vicarage house, and Avas designed hy Mr. J. T. Meredith. The older borough archives are carefully preserved in a glass case in the " Maj'or's parlour." On the staircase are portraits of William Butler Best, William Boy- cott, and Thomas Tempest-Radford. The silver-gilt " loving cup " is a very handsome specimen of Elizabethan work, standing with cov^er nearly 2 feet high. The chief ornamenta- tion consists of arabesques of dolphins and shells in repoussee work. The H.M. is 1592, and the maker's monogram A.B. The inscription runs : — " Given formerly/) Thomas Jennens of Kitterminster and inlarged p his Granchild Thomas Jenens of the Ciity of London Grocer A° Dni. 1623." The arms are : A chevron between 3 gryphons' heads erased ; on a chief a lion passant. The original donor, Thomas Jennings, was probably church- warden in i^;53. In 1542 he married Agnes Benbowe. The grandson, Thomas Jennings, married Elizabeth Edgeley, of Park Attwood, in 1602. They are both mentioned as bene- factors on the boards in the chantry. The Mayor's chain and badge of office was presented to the borough in 1875, in the mayoralty of Daniel Wagstaff Goodwin. The names of the donors — former mayors of the town — are engraved on the links. A large shield in the centre bears the arms and motto of the borough, and there are also various emblems representing "Art" and "Industry." The massive silver gilt mace was presented by Mr. G. Holdsworth in the " Jubilee Year of Queen Victoria, 1887." The design is based upon that of the cup before-mentioned. The vase portion has in enamel a raised shield with the arms and motto of Kidderminster. The Corn Exchange and Music Hall were opened 4th Jan., 1855. The Corporation Waterworks \/ere erected in 1872. The cemetery of 16 acres was opened June i, 1878. To do justice to the remarkable expansion of the town in the present century would require volumes, and such a task is beyond the scope of the present work. Two views of the town 84 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. taken from the same spot (" The Copse ") in 1780 and i8go will show how the meadows by Stour-side have been covered with factories, and how the town has pushed its way outward and covered the surrounding hills. Lists of the Members of Parliament, census returns, and a few local statistics may be of interest, and with these we must conclude this long chapter. ELECTIONS OF MEMB ERS OF PARLIAMENT. (Electors : 1832— -390; 1868 2465 ; 1874—3365 ; 1889— 4184.) 1832 — Dec. 1862 Godson Rd (L C ).. 172 White Hon. Luke (L.) . . . . Talbot John G. (C.) .. .. 229 2ig Phillips Geo. R. (L.) • 139 1S35 — Jan. 1865 Phillips Geo. R. (L.) . . • • 197 Grant Albert (C.) 285 Godson R. (L.C.).. .. . . 121 White Hon. L. (L.) .. .. 270 1837— Aug. 1868— Nov. Godson R. (L.C.) . . • 195 Lea Thomas [l^.) 1272 Bagshaw John (L.) .. . • 157 MakinsW. T. (C.) .. .. 821 184 1 — July 1874— Feb. Godson R. (L.C.) . . . . . 212 *Grant A. (C.) 1509 Ricardo Samson (L.) , . 200 Lea Thos. (L.) 1398 1847 1874— July Godson R. (L.C.) Fraser Sir W. A. (C.) .. .. LeaG. H. (L.) 1651 1318 1849 1880 — March 31 Best John (P.) 217 jBrinton John (L.) Grant A. (C.) 1795 1472 Gisborne T. (L.) . . .. , . . 200 1852 1880— May 7 Lowe Robert (L.) . . • • 1 , . 246 Brinton John (L.) Best John (C ) IS2 1857 1885 Lowe Rt. Hon. R. (L.) ,. 234 Brinton John (L.) 2172 Boycott W. (C.) .. ., , .. 146 Godson Aug. F. (C.) .. .. 2024 1859 — April 1886 Bristow Alf. R. (L.) .. 216 Godson A. F. (C.) 2081 Huddleston John W. (C.) . . 207 Blunt W. S. (G.L.) .. .. 1796 Void. t Accepted the Chiltern Hundreds. THE BOROUGH. 85 POPULATION. Date. Houses. Borough Foreign. Total. 1793 • • • — 6,199 ... 1519 ... 7.718 1801 . . . 1295 ••• 6,110 . . . 1926 . . . . 8,036 1811 ... 1606 8,038 . ... 19S7 .... 10,025 1821 ... — 10,709 . . . . 2043 . . . . 12,752 1831 ... 2768 . . . 14,981 ... 2932 ... 17.913 1841 ... — 17.500 — — 1851 ... — 20,852 — — 1861 ... — 15.399 — — 1871 ... — 20,814 — — 1881 ... 4468 . . . 22,299 . . . 5376 . • . 27.675 Stourport and Lower Mitton are not included in the above figures. The progress of Stourport and the foreign may be seen from the following table : — Houses. P°P"'^- tion. 1831 .. Stourport,. 545 .. 2952 1881 682 .. 3358 Houses. Pf.P"'^- tion. 1831 . . Foreign 1881 .. 591 1022 2932 5376 86 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. CHAPTER V. Zbc Church. HEARE should I begin," says Habingdon, " in thys faire churche but with the founder ihereof, who appearethe in the middest of the highe and stately East window of the Quyre consistinge of seaven panes, in a long robe uppon his knees offeringe in his hand the portrature of the churche to God : neyther are we ignorant of hys name beeinge Johannes Niger de Kidderminster." We have already twice met with the name of Niger (pp. 21, 22), the Latin form of Black or Blake, but the owners of the name were then in a condition of villenage. The architecture of the present chancel of the church (Middle Pointed) corresponds with the date of the con- secration of the greater altar by Walter de Maydeston, Bishop of Worcester (Reg., f. 29), 5th June, 1315. For his fee the Bishop received four marks in the pure currency. Within a few days of his visit here the Bishop consecrated the altar of Hadsor, and the churches and great altars at Kineton and Kinwarton. It is suggestive that the Rector of Kidder- minster from 1305 to 1 312 was Robert Niger or le Blake, and that the chancel — the gift of John Niger — was consecrated in 1 315. Possibly the work was done by a relative as a memorial of the Rector. There were also peculiar circumstances in the appointment of Robert le Blake to the Rectory, leading to the conclusion that he may have been a man of wealth ; for when the monks presented him he was a layman, and after taking minor orders at Bredon on Dec. 19th, he was instituted Feb. 12, whilst still an acol3'te. At the Trinity ordination, 1306, he was advanced to the sub-diaconate with 68 others, and amonirst THE CHURCH. 87 them \vere three more — two of them at least of noble families — who had been holding rectories whilst onl}- in minor orders, viz., Sir Roger Corbet, of Chaddesle}' Corbet, William de Dalby, of Atherstone, and Richard de Stafford, of Behi Bronghton. The Diocesan Register shows that Robert le Blake was further ordained Deacon in Worcester Cathedral ; and Priest at Hartlebury on the Sunday after the Feast of S. Lucy, 1306. But there must have been a church here long before this. About 1 1 70 we find Robert of Hurcott in possession of the Rectory; and in 1256 Richard, i^wra/ Dean of Kidderminster, held his court at Broome, and gave a verdict in the suit between the Prior of Hales Owen and the Chaplain of Frankley. More- over, the church must have been a large and important one, for in 1303 William, Bishop of Worcester, held his Whitsuntide ordination in Kidderminster parish church, and ordained 29 sub-deacons, 68 deacons, and 46 priests. Some of the sub- deacons were " villeins," who, by the Constitutions of Clarendon, could not take orders without their lord's consent, so we find appended to their names de precepto doinini. (Reg. Geynes, f. 38a.) There is nothing to guide us as to the date of the present nave and tower except the architecture. The fine old massive tower, 85 feet high, is a good specimen of the Third Pointed style, and was at first detached, but now occupies the western bay of the south aisle. The nave and aisles are rather late Third Pointed, measuring 84 feet by 62 feet, having six bays divided by channeled octagonal piers with stilted bases. On the north side are eleven square-headed clerestory windows of two lights ; and on the south are eight windows, the tower taking the place of the three others. In 1464 Bishop Carpenter granted forty days' indulgence to those who contributed to the building of the parish church of 5. James, near (juxia) Kidder- minster. This date would suit the architecture but not the dedication of the present church — unless, indeed, there was a re-dedication at the time of the erection of the nave. For only six years later we have an entry preserved in the I'.K.O, (Pardon Roll, 8 and 9 VA. \\ .. Ojj. nitinbiane 9) of a j^ardon 88 A HISTORY GF KIDDERMINSTER. granted to " John Laweher of Kedermester clerk alias Sir John Lagher of Kedyrmynster clerk, alias Sir John Lagher perpetual chaplain of the Chapel of the Blessed Mary of Kedermynster within the churchyard of the parish church of All Saints of Kedyrmester &c. Feb. 5th, at Westminster." The various wills (see pp. 67, 68) refer to the church of All Saints, and it is thus designated in Doharty's map of 1753. In quite modern times the chantry of S. Mary appears to have superseded the ancient and proper dedication of the parish church. In 1850 a south aisle was added to the chancel of good Middle Pointed character, and divided from it by an arcade of three arches with clustered piers. In 1874 ^^ organ chamber was erected on the north side of the chancel, and the side galleries were removed. In Baxter's time there were five galleries, reduced to three in 1787 ; but by way of compensa- tion the church was beautified (?) by a flat plaster ceiling, which gave w-ay in 1850 to a panelled one. In 1887 a cloister was attached to the south side of the chancel in memory of the late Earl of Dudley, whose restoration of the chancel is thus recorded : — ■ " In gloriam et laudem DEI honoratissimus Gulielmus Baro Ward totum hunc Chorum Instrumentumque ejus reparavit refecit et ornavit anno Incarnationis Dni MDCCCXLVII. Tua sunt omnia et quae de manu tua accepimus dedimus Tibi." Previous to 1850 the place of the east window was occupied by a copy of Raphael's cartoon of the Stoning of S. Stephen, which had been presented by Dr. Butt. The new east window is of six lights, and this, together with the other chancel windows, and the large Third Pointed west window, is filled with stained glass by O'Connor. The westernmost window of the north side of the nave, representing " Faith, Hope, and Charity," was given in i88g by Mr. T. S. Bucknall m memory of his father and mother. The east window of the chancel aisle was presented by those wdio had been ordained " Deacons " of the church. In 1880, June 6th, a new reredos was unveiled, from the design of Mr. Hopkins. It extends the whole length of the east window, and is executed in alabaster. The central subject OKX ii ^r^^,..-^" ■ '^-i ■ -** 4 .^.^ ■ / ALL SALNTS' CHURCH, KH)DEKM1NSTE1<, 1890. (View of Tower fyom the Si'ulli-Iuist.J I o X oi D X u in H C/5 'n X ^ THE CHURCH. 8g is the Lord's Supper in alto-relievo, and in compartments on either side are figures of Moses and Elijah. In the chancel are three sedilia and an aumbry. A beautiful stone pulpit, having niches with figures of our Lord and SS. Peter, Paul, and John the Baptist, replaces a wooden Jacobean one, presented to the church in 1621 by Mrs. Alice Dawkes, and now preserved at the " New Meeting." The octagonal font is modern : on its sides are sacred symbols — Christ the Good Shepherd, Christ blessing little children, the Ark, the Dove, and the Lily. Looking eastward the view is very impressive, showing an uninterrupted space of 147 feet. The external length of the building, including vestry and chantry, is 215 feet. The value of the benefice in 1288 was ^20 13s. 4^. ; in 1334, £2S IS. 8d. ; in 1536, ;^3o 155. y^. ; and in 1890, ^1034 (gross) and ;^322 (nett). In 1774 an Act of Enclosure was passed whereby the Vicar was allowed 150 acres on Kidderminster Common in lieu of the small tithes east of Stour. THE BELLS. There is a melodious peal of eight bells, and on these, with four additional bells presented by the Freemasons in 1882, various tunes are played every three hours. The diameter of the tenor bell is 4ft. 5in., and its weight i ton gcwt. 3qrs. i4lbs. The inscriptions on the bells are as follows : — Treble. The : Gift : of the Rt : Hon : Ld : Foley : A : R : 1754 : 2. When : you : us ; Ring : we'll sweetly sing A : R : 1754 : 3- Fear God Honour the King : A : R : 1754. 4- Peace : and : Good : neighbourhood : A R : 1754. 5- Prosperity : to this : Parish : and : the : Trade : thereof : A : R : 1754 : L Churchwardens April 20 ; 1867 90 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. 6. We : were : all : cast : at Gloucester : by : Ab : Rudhall : 1754 : 7- Non : Clamor : sed : amor : Cantat : in : urbe : Dei : The Rev. Legh Claughton Designate Bishop of Rochester Henry Toye Woodward James Minifie Charles Bannister John G. Boraston Tenor. I : to : the : Church : the : living : call : and : to : the : grave do : summon ; all : C : and : G : Mears : founders : London ; The Revd Legh Claughton Vicar. Herbert : Willis : Moses : \ William ; Knowles : I Churchwardens Joseph : Page : f 1857 William Richd Morton -' Sanctus Bell. : Come away : make no delay : 1780 New Bells. I. I : Taylor : and : Co : Founders : Loughborough : 1882 Redeem : the : time ; that : flies as : we : chime T L Claughton Vicar Samuel Stretton Harry Taylor Chas Bannister Michael Tomkinson Jas Chambers 2. In : Terra Pax : 3- Gloria : in : Excelsis : Deo Churchwardens THE PLATE. The plate, as described by Archdeacon Lea, consists of three cups, three patens, a flagon, and an ahiis dish. The cups are THE CHURCH. 91 of modern mediaeval pattern, with the h.m. of 1849. Each of them has the following inscription in a band on the exterior : — " Calicem salutis accipiam et norae Dni. invocabo." Of the patens, two are salver patens. One of them is inscribed, " Given by Thomas Jennens of the City of London Grocer anno 1623." This paten has an interest of its own, as it must have been one of the sacred vessels of the church during Baxter's ministry. The third paten is a small one, and bears the h.m. of i860. The flagon and alms dish are also of modern date. Round the alms dish is the inscription : — " All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given unto Thee." There is also a per- forated spoon with the h.m. of 1796. The following benefactions are recorded on the board in the chantry : — "Thomas Jennings gave a Cup to be used in the Communion Service and to be carried before honest people of this town when married." " Thomas Jennings his Grandson gave a cover and plate to the Cup." The paten only is now left at the church. The cup and cover appear to have been lent to the Corporation. (See p. 83.) THE MONUMENTS, &c. The monuments of the Cokeseys, Philips, and Blounts have been described in the " Baronage." Other memorials of the dead who rest in or near the church are these : — On a brass on north wall of chancel : William Butler Best Esq. d. Feb. i, 1865 aged 73. He was first Mayor of the Borough. Thomas Ingram the last surviving son of John Ingram Esq. of Ticknell near Bewdley d. i May 1817 aged 75. Jacob Turner of Park Hall Esq. d. Jan. 6, 1820 aged 65. William Lea late of Areley House Esq. For many years an active magis- trate of this county b. Jan. 14, 1781 d. July 12, 1S40. He married Eliza Frances Turner dr. of the late Jacob Turner of Park Hall Esq. by whom he had 8 children, who together with his widow survive to lament his loss. As Chairman of the Bench in this his native town he was laborious impartial and affable. He was of a cultivated mind and deeply read in the Sciences. Remarkable for the extent and accuracy of his knowledge, benevolent 92 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. charitable, upright, and of gentle manners. As husband, father, brother, friend, beloved and respected. He died in peace Relying on his Redeemer's merits in hope of a better resurrection. A brass tablet on the south wall of chancel aisle records the names of several members of one family : — Joseph Lea d. 1780. Susannah his wife d. 1781. Stephen Lea 1788. William Lea 1801. Josiah Lea 1805. Elizabeth wife of Wm. Lea 1830. Joseph Lea 1821. Ann wife of John Lea 1833. William Lea 1840. Sarah Lea 1844. Susanna w. of John Corrie 1851. Hannah Lea 1852. John Lee 1858. On marble tablets on north wall : John Soley of Sandbourn d. Feb. 14, 1775. Elizabeth Soley d. Aug, 18, 1761 dr. of Chancellor Lloyd and granddr. of Bishop Lloyd. [Arms of Soley imp. Lloyd.] Elizabeth wife of John Soley son of above d. Oct. 29, 1784. Elizabeth d. of John Soley widow of Rev. Joseph Brooksbank d. Feb. 27, 1786. John Soley of Sandbourne House d. Sept. 25, 1836 aged 69. Joanna his wife dr. of late Sam. Skey Esq. of Spring Grove d. March 24, 1843 aged 85. [The arms of Soley imp. Skey.] Joseph Butler draper d. 18 Dec. 1752. John Taylor sergeant in the 4th or Queen's Own Regiment of Dragoons d. at Elvas in Portugal Nov. 14, i8og aged 27. Robert and Elizabeth Cooper ; This Remembrance is humbly made by their 2nd son Robert in the 8ist year of his age. A.D. 1731. On an alabaster monument on south wall of chancel aisle these arms : Arg. on a fess between 2 chevrons gu. 3 mullets of the field. " M.S. Henrici Toye Bridgman, gen. qui honesta stirpe oriundus prseclaram indolem feliciter expolivit, nee minus aliis vixit quam sibi : legis peritiam summa probitate, pari modestia, singulari pacis studio, ceteris demum bonis artibus ornavit ; prudens, integer, plus, suis charus, amicis jucundus, omnibus semper bene- volus facilisque, post vitae spatium cum laude merita peractum senio con- fectus morbo simul correptus (eheu) paralytico placide . . . agebat animam : Vir, si quis alius, desiderabilis obiit die 7 Novemb. ann. Di. 1713-" On an oval monument of white marble : " In memory of the Rev. John Martin M.A. late rector of St. Helen's and Oddingley, head master of the Free Grammar School, and near 50 years curate of this parish — much esteemed as a friend, a scholar, and a clergyman. He died 7 December, in the 73rd year of his age, 1775." THE CHURCH. 93 Some other monuments, now destroyed, are recorded in Nash : — Simon Wood d. 7 May 1725 aged 59; Ellen Wood his wife 9 Jan. 1721 aged 67. John Farr d. Dec. 24, 1694 aged 46 ; Frances his wife d. Dec. 27, 1694 aged 46. William Toye, gent. d. 2S Jan. 1728 aged 40. [Arms Toye, imp. ten roundels ; on a chief a lion passant.] Mrs. Frances Toye, ob. 26 Apr. 1706 aetat. 63. Henricus Toye, gen. ob. 7 Nov. aetat. 78. H.S.E. Johannes Reynolds gen. 7 Sept. 1710 aetat. 51. Hie defessi quicsciint. [Arms, 3 cocks, imp. a leg between two spears.] Mary wife of Joseph Cox gen. d. 13 April 1727 aged 52. Joseph Cox : he was bred an attorney, and practised near 40 years in this borough. A man so dexterous in business, and withal so faithful to his clients, that the late Lord Chancellor Talbot in a public manner from the bench declared him to be, both for ability and integrity, an honour to his profession. Born 28 Feb. 1677 d. March 1737. Mrs. Hester Jefferys d. Jan. 8, 1722 aged 66. Mrs. Elizabeth Spilsbury, wife of Mr. James Spilsbury d. Ap. 27, 1710. [Arms : a bend engrailed cotized a mullet in sinister chief.] Capel Hanbury Esq. d. 14 Jan. 1704 in his 79th year. [On a bend a star.] Kal. Maii 1676 febre obiit Simon Degge filius unicus ex conjugatis Sim. Degge Equ. et consiliario insigni, et Alicia uxore vere Christiana. William son of Thomas Cox, late Rector of Market Orton, Rutland, d. 4th May 1715 aged 51. Hie situs est sub spe resurrectionis Adamus Hough generosus ; ob. 26 Apr. 1681 aetat. 78. Elizabeth wife of Adam Hough gent, who died 20 June 1731 aged 54 ; and Adam the son of Adam Hough and Elizabeth his wife, d. 9th Feb. 1731 aged 18. Edvardus fil Joannis et Eliz. Cotton, ob. 18 Sept., 1688. William Brittol 14 March 171 1 aged 79. Sarah his wife 25 May, 1703. Mr. Thomas Crane of Haberley, d. Nov. i, 1728 aged 48. Thomas s. of Edward Burton minister of Shrawley d. Nov. 20, 1689 aged 2. John Penn late of Trimpley, d. 31 March 1729 aged 25. Dorothy wife of William Waldrcn minister d. Aug. 26, 1662. H.S.E. Reverendus Joannes Best ; Scholae Kederministeriensis per 30 plus annos archididascalus, ad seros usque posteros, mortuus licet, vivendi 94 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. recte magister futurus ; vir antiquae fidei, et pietatis simplicis ; mores ne ipsa unquam incusavit calumpnia : Doctrina sibi soli semper visa est parvula : Charitatis vix plures audivere famam quam senserunt fructum ; hanc autem singularem sibi laudem potuit vendicare, nisi in eo omnia assent singularia, quod spretis mollioris vitas otio, utilioris questu, difficilem docendi provin- ciam quam juvenis nactus est non deseruit senex ; obiit 7 die Augusti A.D. 1729, aetatis suae 59. John his eldest son was buried in St. Edward's chapel in the University of Cambridge Apr. 13, 1726 aged 18 years. In the churchyard : " Here lie the remains of Mr. William Greaves, citizen and weaver of London, whose generous endeavours for the benefit of the trade of this place procured him esteem while living, and his death sincerely lamented. . . . He died 28 July 1725, aged 52. His mother Mrs. Elizabeth Greaves Sept. 17, 1729 aged 89." Mr. John Spilsbury, an eminent dissenting minister d. Jan. 30, 1727, aged 60. Mr. Matthew Bradshaw his son-in-law and successor d. 4 Nov. 1742 aged 42. Tradition says that the grandfather of the great Lord Somers was buried near the cross in the churciiyard. THE CHANTRIES. There were formerly three chantries connected with the mother church of Kidderminster. Towards the end of the thirteenth century the cult of the Virgin Mary received a great impetus, and "Lady Chapels" were founded extensively in England. In 1305 we have the first presentation of a chantry priest to the chapel of the Blessed Mary of Kidderminster (Reg. Geynes.), which appears to have been built in the churchyard (infra cimiterium ) , a few yards to the east of the church. The present building was restored or built by Simon Rise in the early part of the sixteenth century, and after the suppression and confiscation of the chantries in 1549, it was used as a Grammar School. In 1848, when the new Grammar School was built at Woodfield, the chantry was improved by Lord Ward, and given back to the Church for parochial uses. On the north wall is a rude inscription : — " Here lieth Simon Brotherton Belman Buried June ye 17th 1628." On the same THE CHURCH. 95 wall may still be seen shot holes made by the bullets of the Parliamentary army. The chantry priests, according to Nash, were as follows : — Patrons. Priests. Sir John Byset, Lord of Kidder-] minster, with the Community I Robert de Ryppel, 2 Id. July 1305 . r ■ of the whole Borough . . . . j William Bacoun, 4 March 1347 Hugh de Cokesey j John Symondesde Grafton, 22 Nov. 1349 ° ■' (John de Feckenham, 13 Oct. 1350 Dionsia de Cokesey | Philip Belenger, 14 Dec 1358 •' ( Henry de Penne, i April 1365 Maculinus Delamare j j^f'^ Hankys, 5 Jan. 1391 (John Pottare, 10 Jan. 1395 William Malpas, 12 May 1400 Sir Wm. de Beauchamp . . . . Brian Ricardes, July 1403 Joane Beauchamp, Lady Ber- f™^,!;^ Sn^g^^' ^5 April 1420 gavenny .. .. .... .. "j John Westbury, 23 Aug. 1422 ° (Robert bcnvener, 4 May 1424 Anna, Lady Bergavenny (wife of) T,,.,,. tth o . the " Kingmaker ") . . . . . ) ^^^^^^"^ ^'^^' ^^P^' ^435 The Bishop (jur. dev.) . . . . Thomas Gilbert, 3 June 1446 Lady Joyce Beauchamp, sister ) John Lawher, 5 April 1468 and heir of Sir Hugh Cokesey. j Thomas Strynger, 21 April 1469 Joyce Beauchamp, widow . . . . William Wakeman, 29 March 1473 Sir John Grevil John Notynham, 30 Dec. 1479 Sir John Mortymer, Thomas\ Jenyns, Bailiff, William Col- 1 sell, and other more worthy - Nicholas Wright, 27 June 1499 parishioners of the Church of 1 Kydermyster j Sir Edward Grevil, cousin and] heir of Sir John Grevil, son - Roger Charouse, 26 May 1515 and heir of Joyce Beauchamp. ) King Henry Vni William Tomyns, 6 June 1542 The chantry of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the chapel of Trimpley, within the parish of Kidderminster, was founded by Sir John Atwood in 1370. The ancient family of Atwood, de Bosco, or Boys was seated at Wolverley as early as Henry III. In 22 Edw. I. (1294) Peter Sebright granted to John de Bosco one parcel of land in Kidderminster. In the time of Edw. I. or Edw. II. Edmund de Luttelton (ancestor of Lord Cobham) married Lucia daughter ot John dc Bois. 96 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. (Collins' Peerage, vii., 420.) Robert de Bosco had the wardship and marriage of John de Beauchamp, son and heir of Richard de Beauchamp, late Lord de la Holte (died 1327), and in right thereof presented to the church of Holt Jan. 27, 1329. John Boys had the Bishop's licence to celebrate divine ser- vice in his oratory or private chapel at Wode Acton, Wol- vardle, and Trympeleye for a year, Jan. 19, 1357. The same Sir John built the chapel of Trimpley, and founded the chantry, and gave one messuage and one virgate of land, 4 acres of meadow, and 4 acres of wood in Trimpley, and one messuage and one virgate of land, with rent and reversions, at La Lee, in the manor of Wolverley, Friday after S. Mark, 44 Edw. IIL (1370). By another charter, dated Wolverley, Sunday after feast of S. Ambrose, 46 Edw. III. (1372), he gave 405. of silver ) yearly rent out of land in Rusholte (Rushock), which John de London then held, to William de Pedmore, chaplain of the chapel of the Blessed Mary of Trimpley, and his successors, who shall celebrate divine offices therein for ever. If the chaplain exercise traffic, tavern keeping (tabernas), or frequent any plays (ludibria) or unlawful shows (illicita spectacida) for three months, another must be presented in his room. He must reside in the house in the churchyard, and shall have a clerk to assist at mass at his own charge. The books, vest- ments, ornaments, &c., are to be found by Sir John and his successors, who shall keep the chapel and house in repair. Sir John Atwode was buried at Wolverley 15 Rd. II. (1392), and John Beauchamp, son of Sir John Beauchamp, of Holt, was found to be next heir. The incumbents of the chantry were these : — Patrons. Priests. Sir John Atwode William Pedmore, 10 Feb. 1 381 John Atwode William Pranke, 3 Aug. 1450 Sir Walter Skull [Y-^u^'^a Li"■ the parishioners, wlio also subscribed ^2000 towards the building. The (iisl stone was laid by llic \'icar ot Kidtlcr- I30 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. minster, the Ven. Archdeacon R. F. Onslow, and the conse- cration took place 13 Sept., 1824. It has since become a Vicarage, with a population in 1881 of 8554, and yearly income of ^500. When " Broomfield " was purchased for the Vicarage of Kidderminster in 1888, the old parsonage house (near The Copse) was sold to the Vicar of St. George's. In 1832 a musical festival was held in the church for the benefit of the National Schools. The total receipts were ;^I242 — nett ;^45o. The reredos of alabaster represents the Ascension in alto- relievo in the centre, with medallions on each side symbolical of the Four Evangelists. It was erected (1874) ^^ memory of " Charles John MacQueen Mottram 31 years a Minister of Christ in this town." The handsome silver-gilt alms dish was " presented by a former Curate " (Rev. B. Gibbons) 1854. A beautiful window, representing the " Good Shepherd " and the " Light of the World," is dedicated in memory of Charles Harvey (born 25 May, 1812, died 5 April, 1889), " a true Son of the Church of England, who loved the place where God's honour dwelleth." On marble tablets : — In memory of Charlotte Mary Key dr. of Sir Kingsmill Grove Key Bart. and sister of the Rev. John Kingsmill C. Key M.A. She was for 3 years a Sunday School Teacher and earnest Church Worker in this parish, and was suddenly called away from earth on the day before she intended to set sail to work with her brother in the Central African Mission at Zanzibar Oct. 26th 1881. Jane Hooman the beloved wife of James Hooman of Franche d. 11 Nov. 1825 aged 40 years. Edmund Yates Peel son of Robert John Peel of Burton upon Trent Esq. d. at Waresley 20 Feb. 1826 aged 7 months. Incumbents of St. George's. 1824 William Villiers, M.A. 1842 John Downall, M.A., Magdalen Hall, Oxford. 1848 T. Baker Morrell, M.A., Balliol Coll., Oxford. 1852 Chas. James Macqueen Mottram, B.A., Magdalen Hall, Oxford. 1872 Frederic Rawlins Evans, M.A., Exeter Coll., Oxford. 1876 Stephen Browne Bathe, M.A., Balliol Coll., Oxford. 1887 Theobold William Church, M.A,, Keble Coll., Oxford. THE CHURCH. 131 The mission church of St. Andrew in this parish was built in i88g at the sole cost of the Rev. Clement Newcomb, one of the Curates. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST The parish of St. John, though the youngest daughter of the Mother Church, is inferior to none in activity for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the people. One of Dr. Claughton's first plans for adapting Church work to modern times was the division of the old town parish into three districts, independent of each other, but all looking to the Vicar of Kidderminster as their patron. All Saints was in the centre, and St. George's on the east, so the new church of St. John was planted at the west end of the town. It is built of blue brick with Bath stone dressings, in imitation of the Norman style, but with a lofty spire. There are sittings for about iioo persons, Soo being free. The cost of such a large building was only ^4000, and it is hardly to be expected that it could be of very solid structure. In fact, it is not weather proof ; but during its fifty years' existence it has welded together the parishioners, and brought about a unity of feeling which is now showing itself in an active attempt to make their spiritual home more worthy of the honour of God and more suited to the wants of the people. The arms of Bishop Pepys (who consecrated the church June 24, 1843) and Lord Ward are in the east window. Another window com- memorates the chief benefactor : " Bless ye the memory of the late John Woodward Esquire by whose pious aid this church was in part built and the adjoining schools founded. He died April 7, 1838 cBtat. LIX." The reredos surrounding the apse is of alabaster in diaper work, with recesses enclosed by semi-circular arches. The central sculpture represents The Last Supper : other recesses form sedilia, aumbry, and piscina. " In honour of Ajlmighty God and of the passion of His dear Son, and in pious memory of Edward and Ann Elizabeth Morton, this Keredos is dedicated by their loving children. AD. MDCCCLXXX.' 132 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. The north window of the apse was given by the Rev. Melsup Hill in memory of his wife. The window in the south transept commemorates Mr. Joseph Kiteley, who died 5 August, 1880. Two mission chapels have been built in this parish — (i) St. Stephen's (1887), for the benefit of the very poor dwelling in the courts of Mill Street ; and (2) The Holy Innocents (1888), for the more distant residents of Sutton Common and Foley Park. The population in 1881 was 7462, and the value of the benefice ^^400 with residence. Incumbents of St. John's. 1843 Richard Pritchard, B.D. 1844 Melsup Hill, M.A., Jesus Coll., Cambridge. 1857 George Robinson Kewley, M.A., Fellow of Univ. Coll., Durham. 1882 John Frederick Kershaw, M.A., Trinity Coll., Cambridge. When the districts of the four daughter churches have been deducted, there still remains a population of 11,000, occupying an area of 8000 acres, or nearly 13 square miles, who look up to All Saints as their parish church. The hamlet of Trimpley, deprived of its chapel about 300 years previously, was again provided with its own House of God in 1844. The chapel is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is built in the Norman st3de, and will accommodate 120 worshippers. There is a graveyard attached. St. Barnabas, Tranche, consecrated in 1871, was erected in memory of the late Rev. H.J. Fortescue by his daughters, on a site given by Mr. Joseph Chellingworth. There is a day school attached to the church, for which Mr. M. Tomkinson provided a teacher's residence as a " Jubilee " gift in 1887. St. James's Church (1872), near the Horse Fair, was the generous gift of the Rev. H. J. Fortescue (Curate of Kidder- minster 1867-1876, and now Vicar of St. George's, Leicester). It is a centre of vigorous work in a crowded district. CHURrTT OF St. JOHN THE HAl'TIST, Kll >1 >1:KM INS'IKK (.V.l). 1890). 4 4 4 THE CHURCH. 133 The Church of England Working Men have lately started a mission in a room on Larkhill. In 1800 there was one working clergyman (a Curate) resident in Kidderminster : there are now thirteen. The Church service is celebrated ui no less than fourteen buildings within the area of the old parish. V 134 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. CHAPTER VI tTbc IRonconformists. HE " Old Meeting " is, as its name denotes, the oldest Nonconformist congregation in the town, and has lately replaced the plain barn -like building of 1824 by a handsome edifice in the Decorated Gothic style ; and has changed its name to " Baxter Church," This is considered to be the most handsome building possessed by the Indepen- dents in the county. It is 74 feet long by 48 feet wide, and affords accommodation for 1000 people. At the north end is an apse, with organ chamber on the left side. The spire, 140 feet high, forms a striking feature in the centre of the town. The windows are of cathedral-tinted glass, that on the north being of five lights, with symbols of " Charity," " The Beatitudes," " The Holy Trinity," &c. Mr. F. W. Tarring designed the building, which was erected by Mr. R. Thompson at a total cost of ^8400. The first stones were laid 30 Sept., 1884, by Mr. T. Lea, M.P., and Mr. T. Banks ; and the opening ceremony took place 8 Sept., 1885, when the sermon was preached by the Rev. E. R. Conder, D.D., of Leeds. The original trust deed bears date ii Aug., 1694 : it states " that a dwelling house, with the garden and backside there- unto belonging, situate in the Bull Ring Street near the Town Bridge had been purchased of John Radford jun"" by Sam. Bowyer, Sam. Read, Wm. Smith and Thos. Doolittle of Kidder- minster, and a meeting-house erected thereon for the worship and service of God." The total cost of this first building was ;^383. Tradition THE NONCONFORMISTS. 135 states that the Rev. Thos. Baldwin, sometime one of Baxter's assistants, had previously held services in a room in Mill Street ; but the first minister of the meeting-house was John Spilsbury, son of the Rev. John Spilsbury, M.A., Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, and nephew of Dr. Hall, Bishop of Bristol. In the diaries of Joseph Williams and Mrs. Housman there are many references to the earnest way in which he dis- charged his spiritual duties. He died 31 Jan., 1727, aged 60, and was buried in All Saints' churchyard. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Matthew Bradshaw (1726 — 1742). After a vacancy of two years, Benjamin Fawcett, M.A., a pupil of Dr. Doddridge, was appointed : his success was great, and in 1753 a larger meeting-house was built on the old site at a cost of £1200. Mr. Fawcett died 18 Oct., 1780. He published an abridgment of some of Baxter's works, and was the author of twenty-four publications, including sermons, of which a list is given in his funeral sermon, preached by the Rev. Thos. Taylor, a native of Kidderminster, and prefixed to the last edition of his work. The Grand Enquiry. His Sermon on the Murder of Francis Best is in the town library. Mr. Best, of Caldwell Mill, was robbed and murdered 8 June, 1771, while walking along the footpath through the fields to Bewdley market. The murderer, John Child, of Wribbenhall, was hanged at "Worcester. Towards the end of Mr. Fawcett's ministry a strong minority of his congregation had accepted the Unitarian views which were then spreading so rapidly among Nonconformists, and which almost shattered the Presbyterians as an independent body in England. Thomas Wright Hill, a native of Kidder- minster, and father of Sir Rowland Hill, tells us in his Remains (page 30), " My parents were of a very strict sect of Dissenters. The congregation [Old Meeting] with which we worshipped had the Presbyterian discipline, and was very much mixed as to doctrinal opinions. A considerable number, among whom were my mother and her nearest relations, were Calvinists ; a considerable number, of whom my father was one, were Armi- nians. My father too, and some of the Arminians, were like- wise Arians." The next minister was John Barrett (1782 — 136 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. 1798) ; but forty-six members refused to sign the invitation on account of their Arian behefs, and decided to secede. They asked to be allowed to hold their services in the meeting-house during the intervals of public worship, and were requested in return " to resign up one of the parsonage houses for which they were in trust, agreeably to the intentions of the trust reposed in them by the congregation, at whose expense the said houses had been built." This they refused to do, and were therefore denied " the use of the Meeting House by the major part of the Trustees." They accordingly began to hold their services, 24 Feb., 1782, in a vacant warehouse, till the " New Meeting" Unitarian Chapel was opened 18 Oct., 1782. The ministers of the " Old Meeting " who succeeded were Alexander Steill, 1798; Thomas Helmore, 1810 ; Joseph John Freeman, 1820; Robert Ross, M.D., 1827; Thomas Greenfield, 1840; Albert Creak, M.A., 1850 ; Thomas Greenfield, 1853 ; J. Marsden, B.A., i860; George Hunsworth, M.A., 1872; Ben- jamin Bryant Williams, 1881 ; Francis Henry Blanchford, 1886. The Society of Friends had at one time a meeting-house in Kidderminster. In 1659 Robert Widder, " for speaking the words of truth to Baxter in the steeple-house at Kidderminster was imprisoned there, as also was William Pitt of Worcester who accompanied him ; and Nicholas Blackmore, \Yilliam Pitt and John Waite passing from Worcester to Kidderminster were set in the stocks there, under pretence of their having broken the Sabbath by travelling on that day." The Quakers would stand in the Market-place, and under Baxter's window year after year crying to the people, " Take heed of your priests ; they deceive your souls," and if the}' saw any one wear lace or neat clothing they cried out to him, " These are the fruits of thy ministry ! " (Noake : Wovcestev Sects, page 216.) The secession of the Unitarians from the " Old Meeting," and the building of the " New Meeting" in 1782, has already been noticed. The chapel, situated in Church Street, received THE NONCONFORMISTS. 137 a new stone " Perpendicular" front, &c., in 1883, at a cost of ;^26oo, and will accommodate 700 persons. There are stained windows — " The Sower," in memory of Mr. William Talbot (by Pearce), and " Jesus as Teacher, Friend, and Risen Lord " (by Hardman), in memory of Miss Annie Stooke, Also the following tablets : — To the memory of Nicholas Pearsall Founder of the adjacent Schools d. 2 July 1798 aged 71. Ann relict of the above and the last survivor of the family of Fincher of Shell in this county d. 5 May 1806 aged 82 years. George Willey born 14 March 1791, d. 4 Aug. 1875. Rev. Richard Fry 25 years Minister born 5 Nov. 1759 d. 12 March 1842. In loving memory of my grandparents Henry Talbot who died 23 Oct. 1873 aged 70 and Caroline his widow who died 15 Jan. 18S9 aged 87. Erected by C.E.W. In memory of George Talbot J. P. born 14 March 1792 d. 4 Sept. 1868, and of Charles Talbot b. 26 Aug. 1804 d. 25 March 1841. In whose memory this Chapel was repewed and improved July 1870. The ministers have been — R. Gentleman, 1782 ; — Severn, 1796; J. Lane, 1806; J. B. Smith, 1810; J. Ward, 1813 ; Richard Fry, 1813 ; John Taylor, 1836 ; Matthew Gibson, 1842; Edward Parry, 1855; Abraham Lunn, i86g; W. H. Fish, 1875 ; W. E. Mellone, 1876 ; W. Carey Walters, B.A., 1879 ; James Hall, 1888 ; Priestley Evans, i8go. On 30 July, 1766, a petition was presented at the Quarter Sessions by John Pearsall, John Hill, and Josiah Butler, under the denomination of " Gospel Believers," certifying a tene- ment in the Park Butts as a place of divine worship. John W^esley first visited Kidderminster in 1771, when it was included in the Gloucestershire circuit. " The brother that goes on circuit from Woycestey goes on Wednesday to Stourpoyt, Mr. CoivcWs ; Thursday, to Beivdley, Mr. James Leivis, near tlie church, shoemaker ; Friday to Kidderminster, Mr. James Bdl, shopkeeper, Mill Street ; Saturday evening, preach here also and Sund.w morning." 138 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Wesley preached May i6, 1780, at Kidderminster, where he sometimes spent an hour with " that good man Mr. Fawcett." On March 22, 1782, he came again from Worcester through roads ahiiost impassable with snow. On March 23, 1787, he was at Stourport, " a small, new built village," where he speaks of Mr. Heath, " a middle-aged clergyman and his wife and two daughters, whose tempers and manners, so winning soit, so amiably mild, will do him honour wherever they come." Again, 20 March, 1788, Wesley went to Stourport, " where," he says, " twenty years ago there was but one house ; now there are two or three streets ; and as the trade swiftly increases it will probably grow into a considerable town. A few years since, Mr. Cornell largely contributed to the building of a preaching-house here, in which both Calvinists and Arminians might preach ; but when it was finished the Arminian preachers were totally excluded. Rather than go to law Mr. Cornell built another house, both larger and more convenient. I preached there at noon to a large congregation, but to a much larger in the evening. Several clergymen were present, and were as attentive as any of the people. Probably there will be a deep work of God at this place. On the 22nd breakfasted at Mr. Liste/s in Kiddcyminster, with a few very serious and pious friends." He was at Stourport for the last time on the i8th March, 1790, and found it " twice as large as two years ago." He died in March, 1791, at the age of nearly 88. The Kidderminster Wesleyan Chapel in Mill-street was erected in 1803, and enlarged in 1821 : it will seat 600 persons. t The Baptist community of Kidderminster is an offshoot from that founded at Bewdley in 1646 by the famous John Tombes, B.D., the great opponent of Richard Baxter. In 1800 the Countess of Huntingdon's chapel in Mill Street was sold to the Wesleyans, but a few of its members kept together under the leadership of Thomas Price, and met for worship in the private house of Catherine Best. In 1807 four of their number were THE NONCONFORMISTS. 139 baptised in tlie meeting-house at Bewdley by Mr. George Brooks : these constituted " the church," and in iSog John KimberHne's house in The Square (between the Grammar School and New Chapel Street) was licensed for worship. In 1813 a chapel was built in Union Street, of which George Griffin, cooper, of Bewdley, was appointed pastor. He was succeeded by T. R. Allom 1817, William Downes 1821, Henry Smith 1826, J. G. Stephens 1836, John Mills 1841, WiUiam Wright 1856, John Henry Jones 1857. In 1862 the present pastor, Rev. Thomas Fisk, commenced his ministry, which has been so successful that in 1867 a new chapel with seats for 600 persons was built at a cost of ;^3000, on a site formerly belonging to Sir Ralph Clare in Church Street. The Roman Catholic mission in Kidderminster was com- menced in 1 83 1 b_v tlie Rev. Charles James O'Connor in a building in Chapel Street, formerly belonging to the Methodists, and now forming part of St. John's Infant Schools. In 1834 a new chapel, with accommodation for 240 persons, was erected at Leswell. Mr. O'Connor was succeeded by Peter Holland 1836, Ambrose Courtenay 1853, Alban Craddock 1859, Michael Power i86g, James McCave, D.D., 1870, Alfred Hall 1883, and Charles Ambrose Wheatley 1885. Father Courtenay obtained two years' absence, during which he travelled over the world collecting funds for the nev/ church of St. Ambrose, which was built in 1858, together with school and residence. It is of brick, in the Early English and Decorated styles, and consists of nave, chance), aisles, and Lady chapel. There are 400 sittings. It cost nearly ;^40oo. The east window was erected by Dr. McCave, and has figures of SS. Ambrose, Helen, Augus- tine, and Thomas of Canterbury. In the Lady chapel is a window by Hardman in memory of Mrs. Shepherd. The Countess of Huntingdon's plan of 3 ^larcli, 1790, formed Worcester, Evesham, and Kidderminster into the twelfth dis- trict. In 1800 llieir chapel was sold to the W esleyans, and a I40 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. few became Baptists. The rest held together, and, being strengthened by a secession from the Old Meeting in 1818 under Mr. Helmore, were able to build " The Countess of Huntingdon's Free Church " in Dudley Street, at a cost of ;^IIOO. The Primitive Methodist Chapel, built in 1824, has 250 sittings. "Catholic Apostolic" services were held in Oxford Street ; and the Christadelphians meet in the Co-operative Hall, Worcester Street. The Salvation Army have " barracks" near the Horse Fair. t I 0:5 H CO Q Q C/3 W -; <; o o o o o o m c« ''I THE SCHOOLS. 141 CHAPTER \^ I I Z\K Scbool£5. m. HE Grammar School is by far the oldest educa- tional institution in the town, but its origin is involved in obscurity. The earliest deed is a feoffment made by Henry Benton, High Bailiff of Kidderminster, and others, conveying lands to the school, and bearing date 12 Oct., 20 Elizabeth (1578), Sir Edward Blount was another benefactor 8 Jan., I Cog. From time immemorial the chantry was used for the school, and possibly some of the chantry lands may have been given as an endowment. The common seal still in use is dated 1619, and was affixed to municipal deeds before the present borough arms were adopted. In 1636 King Charles I. granted a charter, in which he ordered the school to be called by his name, and bestowed upon it various privileges. The Corpora- tion were made Governors, but administered its affairs so badly that they were superseded by a body of Feoffees specially appointed for the purpose. The earliest minute book com- mences 6 Feb., 1704, with a list of 28 Feoffees. By a new scheme drawn up by the Endowed School Commission in 1873, the management is vested in 12 Governors, viz. : The Chair- man of the Magistrates (ex-ojfficio), four elected by the Town Council, three elected by the School Board, and four Co- optative. In 1785 masters' houses were built on the west side of Church Street close to the churchyard. In 1807 these houses were pulled down and converted into gardens, and the new houses (still standing) were erected on the opposite side of the street. In 1847 the Greenhill Farm of 51 acres, belonging to tlie school, was exchanged for Woodheld House and estate, 142 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. with the new school built thereon. Some ill-feeling was created in the town by fears that the town boys would be neglected for the sake of the boarders, and litigation ensued. During its 300 years' existence the school has had a chequered career — the numbers having fallen occasionally as low as six — but it has sent out many scholars who have done good work in Church and State, and the present number of boys is about 80. The building has playing fields, gymnasium, and lives - courts attached. An annual medal has been endowed by John Brinton, Esq., M.P. ; and challenge cups for the " Victor Ludonim " and " Senior Fives" have been given by A. F. God- son, Esq., M.P., and M. Tomkinson, Esq. Scholarships are annually awarded after competition to the best boys from the Elementary schools ; and the great want of the school now is a scholarship which would enable clever boys of narrow means to continue their studies at some place of still higher education. The income for 1889 was: — From rents, ;^3 79 8s. iid. ; from dividends and interest, ^293 us. ; and from fees, ;^338 135. 8d.: total, ^loii 13s. yd. The following is a list of Headmasters compiled from the minute books and other sources : — [1650] John Pitt. [1667] Simon Potter. 1699 Rev. John Best, M.A. 1729 Rev. Thomas Cooke. 1753 Rev. James Cooke. 1757 Rev. John Martin, M.A. 1776 Rev. Henry Matthews, B.A. 1780 Rev. William Miles, M.A. 1795 Rev. Thomas Morgan, M.A. 1843 Rev. William Cockin, M.A. 1852 Rev. George John Sheppard, D.C.L. 1869 Rev. Lionel Bankes Penley, B.A. (Second Master). 1873 Frederic Hookham, M.A. 1885 Rev. John Richard Burton, B.A., F.G.S. The Parish Church Schools may be proud of their origin, the founder being William Lloyd; Bishop of Worcester, one of the famous " Seven Bishops " of English history. At his visitation in 1702 he urged the formation of schools in the diocese, and promised to add a tenth part to the subscriptions. The Vicar, John Howard, was generously helped by the Society for Pro- inotmg Christian Knowledge, and soon 50 children were being THE SCHOOLS. 143 taught and partl}^ clothed. Sir Henry Ashurst and Edward Harley, Esq., as executors of Richard Baxter, contributed ^20 from money left by him for charitable purposes. Other bene- factors were Madam Rebekah Hussey, Lad}^ Langham, Lady Bellamont, James Bruges, Mr. Ligon, the College at Wor- cester, Henry Hoare, John Hanbury, John Soley, Harry Gray, Sir Thos. Lyttelton, Lord Thanet, Sir John Thornicroft, Bowater Vernon, &c. In 1739 James Gilbert left ^50, wliicli was laid out in the purchase of the site of some of the present school premises. William Brecknell, in 1787. conveyed pro- perty exchanged in 1S16 for the Crabtree Close, which in 1X20 was sold as a site for St. George's Church. William Lea, of Stone House, in 1817, gave land on which a new school-room was l)uilt. In 1831 the two schools were educating 140 boys and 161 girls on the Madras system. Simon Potter, Master of the Grammar School, conveved land in 1667 to Nevill Simmons and others for a school for the children of godly poor parents to be taught to read the Bible and say the Assembly's catechism, Elizabeth Bowyer, in 1701, left property for the same purpose, and from these two bequests the Old Meeting Schools in Orchard Street were founded. Samuel White, in 1772, left ;^i50, the interest to be applied in teaching six Church children and six Dissenters. Nicholas Pearsall, in 1795, " being desirous of promoting the welfare of his. fellow-creatures, and persuaded that their welfare both in this world and another depended, under Almighty God, ■on their being taught to practice virtue and abstain from vice, resolved to establish a school to teach youth this important truth in the first place, and secondly so much of the arts and sciences as might enable them to fill up with advantage their respective stations in life." This foundation, known as " Pear- sell's Grammar School," has since been merged in the " New Meeting" Schools. The School Board of nine members was established April, 1871, and has had the following Chairmen : — 1871 The Rev. G. D. Boyle, M.A. 1S86 Edward Parry, Esq. 1880 John ]5rinton, PZsq., M.P. 1889 The Rev. S. Phillips, M.V. Mr. \\ . M. I\oden, solicitor, is Clerk to the Board. 144 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION, 1890. VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. •;: Name of School. Accommodation. Cost of Boys. Girls. Infants. Mixed. Total. Buildings. tin 1704 All Saints' (Church- fields) 340 • , . 300 . . — .. — . . 640 . , , Unknown. 1873 All Saints' (Broad street) — . .. — .. 297 .. — . • 297 .. ;^IOOO 1874 St. Barnabas (Franche) . . — . ,. — . . — .. 140 . . 140 . . ;^I250* 1827 St. George's (Off- more Road 265 . . 250 , . . 180 .. — ., , 695 .. Unknown. 1850 St. George's (Wor- cester Cross) . . 120 . . — . . 100 . . — • . . 220 . . ;^I200 1835 St. John's (Chapel Street) . . . . — . . — . , . 300 . . — . . , 300 . . Unknown. 1850 St. John's (St. John Street) . . . . 310 . . — .. — .. — .. . 310 .. Unknown. 1855) St. John's (Brook 1885) Street) . . . . — . • 357 ■ .. — .. — . . • 357 •• ^^1650 1795 New Meeting (Church Stieet) . 180 . . 180 . . — . . — . . 360 . . Unknown. 1858 St. Ambrose (Les- well) 100 . . 100 , . . 100 . . — • . , . 300 . . Unknown. 1S53 Trimpley (Holy Trinity) — . . — . ,. - .. 36 .. 36 .. Unknown. 1842 Stourport 278 . . 246 . ■ 245 .. — .. 769 .. Unknown. 1882 Stourport (St. John's) — . . — . . 175 .. — .. ^75 •• Unknown. 1850 Wribbenhall (National).. — . . — . . 62 . . 140 . . 202 . . Unknown. 1881 Wribbenhall (British) .. .. — . . — . •• — •• 335 •■ 3^5 •• ;^l800 Total . . . . 1593 • ■1433 ■ ..1459 .. 651 .. 5136 Including ;^300 for house, given by M. Tomkinson, Esq. THE SCHOOLS. 145 SCHOOL BOARD. ° o Accommodation. Name of School. Cost of (^ Ji Boys. Girls. Infants. Mixed. Total, buildings. 1873 Coventry Street 1877 Hume Street . . 1883 Lea Street 1883 Mill Lane Total.. 304 129 153 SS6 215 • • 233 — . . 121 129 . • 131 156 . . I5G — •• 752 .. ^5367 151 .. 272 .. ^^1740 — .. 389 .. ;^4282 500 .. 641 .. 151 ..1878 The School of Art was originally held in " Commercial Buildings ;" but in 1879 Mr. D. W. Goodwin gave the site for the new building in Exchange Street. It is in the Early- Renaissance style, and Mr. J. M. Gething was the architect. It contains a hall 62 feet by 39 feet for 120 students, master's and modelling rooms, antique room and painting room, &c. Under the able management of Mr. W. Tucker, this institution has proved most valuable to the town. The School of Science was completed in 1887, at a cost of /'4000. It forms the central portion of an intended triple insti- tute of Literature, Science, and Art. Only the reading-rooms and library are now w^anting to complete the full scheme, which is likely soon to be carried to a successful issue. The Public Libraries Act has been in operation for some years, and it is expected that advantage will be taken of recent legislation to place the schools, library, and museum under the fostering care of the Corporation, The School of Science contains class- rooms for physics and languages, lecture rooms, chemical laboratories, dye house, cooking range, and reference library. In the rear is a museum 52 feet by 41 feet, with a gallery all round it, having excellent light for pictures. Some paintings, drawings, fossils, minerals, coins, and curiosities have already been presented by local donors ; and these are supplemented by a'collection from South Kensington, changed from time to time. Mr. W. Ray, F.C.S., is the first Headmaster. The Earl of Dudley is President, and G. W. Grosvenor, Esq., B.A., D.L., is Chairman, of both schools. In 1887 two " Jubilee Scholar- ships " were founded for the most proficient student each year in " Art " and in " Science." Mr. Cooper, of Kidderminster, in 1888, bequeathed ^284 to each school as the nucleus of an rndow nient. 146 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. CHAPTER VIII Z\K (Tharitice. T is a delicate task to speak of generous deeds in the lifetime of the doers ; so that although there are now living among us many men who have shown a public spirit equal to that of the benefactors of past generations, the details must for the most part be left to future times. By the help of the Charity Commissioners' Report we record the names and mention the gifts of SOME BENEFACTORS. ^^ E« wi r^ ^M ^ Edmund Brode, of Dunclent (1597). Rent-charge of 65. 8^. for poor. Sir Edward Blount (1630). Six almshouses. Thomas Butcher (1643). £2 12s. annually for bread. William Seabright (1620). £-^. os. Hd. annually for bread. Thomas Cook, of Bewdley (1693). £2 12s. annually for bread. John Oldnall. £2 annually for bread. Joseph Read, of Atterley. £1 annually for bread. Edward Crane, of Hurcott (1820). ;^ioo for bread. Dr. John Hall, Bishop of Bristol (1718), ^Tyoo for Bibles. By an inquisition taken 20th April, 1641, it was found that Thomas Lewes, of Kidderminster, held two barns and little closes in Barn Street, 4 acres of arable land lying in one of the common or leete fields, called the Church Field (i^ acre near the churchyard, one acre near Whorwood Shipton, half an acre THE CHARITIES. 147 near Low Hill Style, and half an acre called W'hitemarsh), which lands then were, and time out of mind had been, com- monly called by the name of Whitnell's Alms. Other pro- perty belonged to the same charity in Ellarne Field, Cole Field (near the two gates), &c. [The name " Whytnyll " occurs in the Registers as early as 1545.] The High Bailiff was to collect the rents, and pay the money to the churchwardens and over- seers of the town or foreign tor distribution among the poor. With Whitnell's alms, which now produces nearly ^200 per annum, arc incorporated gifts left by other donors, viz. : — John Gower, of Stone (1641), £1 yearly for poor; Edward Mills (1615), £2 yearly for poor ; Elizabeth Mills (1626), £2 yearly for poor ; Thomas Dawkes (161 1), £1 yearly for poor ; Edward Dawkes (1632), £1 yearly for poor ; Alice Dawkes (1615), 13s. .\d. yearly for poor ; William Bucknell, £^ ; Thomas Burton, £^ ; Randell Griffin, 205. ; Henry Benton, £6 13s. 4^'. ; Joyce Radford, ^4 ; Hugh Atwill, ^i 65. 8(/. ; William MosELEY, £12, 65. M. ; William Child, ^10 ; Nicholas Freestone, £10. Sir Ralph Clare (1670). Six almshouses, and ^"30 to be lent to poor tradesmen. Henry Higgins (1684). Four almshouses, and ^12 for poor children's shoes and stockings. Abraham Plimley (1664). ^3 yearly to one honest person. Richard Barker (1665). ;^2oo for apprentices or poor. Elizabeth Bowyer (1701). £2, yearly to one poor person. Rev. Joseph Read, of Oldswinsford (1709). £^ yearly for a poor widow or education of a poor boy. Edward Butler (1710). 405. yearly for six poor persons. Dr. John Hall, Bishop of Bristol (1708). £s yearly to five poor men ; £^ yearly to teach five poor children in the Christian religion ; £^ yearly for clothes for aged and infirm ; and residue in books to instruct poor persons in the Christian religion. John Spakkv 11717). £^ 5s. yearly for one poor honest man. 148 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Thomas Doolittle (1723), Interest of ^50 to one poor person. Mrs. Mary Glynn, widow of William Greaves (1734). ;^20o to be invested in land for repair of William Greaves' vault in churchyard, and residue for ten poor ancient and decayed women of the Church of England. John Waldron. £1 yearly to poor. W^HiTiNG. Ten farthing loaves weekly. Mrs. Bridgeman. ^50 for bread. John Wright (1771). £2^ for ten widows. John Brecknell (1776) by his will reciting that there had for time immemorial existed in the Church Street a certain society for the promotion of friendly intercourse among the inhabitants of the street, bequeathed ;^i50 to John Watson, Nicholas Penn, and William Lea in trust to provide and give to every child or unmarried person, or an inhabitant of the Church Street aforesaid, one two-penny plumbcake upon the eve of every Midsummer day ; and further to provide pipes and tobacco and ale, &c., for the entertainment of the male inhabitants which should then assemble ; the residue to be given to the poor of the street. Humphrey Burlton (1645). 405. yearly for poor of the foreign. Edward Burlton, of Shrawley (1694) gave to the Foreign the tenement and nook of land at Netherton on which Humphrey Burlton had previously charged the 405. There were other charities which are supposed to be lost. With the changed circumstances of the times and the improved administration of the Poor-laws, the old dole system of charities often does more harm than good, and the beneficent spirit of later years has run in new channels. In 1 82 1 the Dispensary was founded near the churchyard : tens of thousands were benefited by it ; and it led to the erec- tion in 1870 of a spacious and handsome Infirmary at the top of Mill Street, costing ;^io,ooo, of which the memorial stone w^as laid by the Countess of Dudley. In 1886 the fever wmg THE CHARITIES. 149 was transformed into a Children's Hospital, the cost being defrayed by Thomas Lea, Esq., M.P. The average yearly number of in-patients is 420, and of out-patients 1500. The President for 1890 is S. Stretton, Esq. The honorary surgeons are E. H. Addenbrooke, Esq., W. H. Moore, Esq., Dr. Preston, and J. L. Stretton, Esq. A thriving town has generally to pay a penalty for its success in the rapid seizure of all its open spaces for building purposes ; and soon monotonous rows of houses shut out every vestige of nature, forcing the little children to play their games in the dangerous streets. Well would it be if Corporations could in good time secure a plot of ground in each proposed street, plant it with trees, and leave it open for the recreation of the district. Future generations will appreciate even more than the present the generous foresight of one of Kidderminster's most energetic sons in presenting to his native town the " Brinton Park " of 24 acres. It has been tastefully laid out, and each succeeding year will add to its beauty. Mr. Brinton was born 25 Jan., 1827, and has been one of the foremost men of his time in raising the special industry of the town to its pre-eminent rank. He has also devoted much time and his great business expe- rience to the public affairs of the borough. He was member of the School Board (1871 — 1886), Chairman of the School of Art (1863 — 1889), Borough Magistrate (1856), County Magistrate (1876), and is still Chairman of the Board of Guardians. In 1889 he was appointed High Sheriff of Worcestershire ; and in 1890 was unanimously chosen an Alderman ot the County Council. In 1880 he was elected Member of Parliament for Kidderminster (page 84), but retired in 1886 after a serious illness. He has also presented to the town a handsome clock tower and drinking fountain. John H. Crane, Esq., of Oakhampton, whose family have been for centuries connected with the neighbourhood, and who was High Sheriff of the count}- in 1S.S8, has made a generous offer to hand over the lovely " Habberley Valley " to the Corporation for tlie perpetual use oi the town. I50 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. CHAPTER IX, ^be Celebrities. ICHARD KIDDERMINSTER, D.D., was born here in the latter half of the fifteenth century. When about 15 years of age he was received into the Benedictine monastery at Winchcombe, in Gloucestershire. After four years' , study at Gloucester Hall, Oxford, he was recalled to the monastery, and made principal chaplain, and in 1487 was chosen Abbot. He had considerable reputation as a scholar and a promoter of learning, and was a reformer of the discipline of his house. He took the degree of D.D. at Oxford in 1500. He also visited Rome on some business pertaining to his order, and on his return acquired much reputation as a preacher in the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII. In 1515 Abbot Kidderminster contended in a famous debate that "benefit of clergy" should be extended to the minor orders. In 152 1 he wrote Tractatus contra doctrinam Ltitheyi. His best work was a History of Winchcombe Monastery ; a List of its Abbots, and its Charters and Privileges. He died m 1531. Richard Jervyes, born in Kidderminster of mean parents, was apprenticed in London, became wealthy, and was made an Alderman of the City. He purchased the manor of Bedcote Stourbridge in 1538 (Nash, ii., 209), and was grandfather of Sir Thomas Jervois, Kt., who sold the manor in 1625 to Nicholas Sparry, Esq. Sir Ralph Clare, of Caldwell, eldest son of Sir Francis Clare, was a famous old Cavalier, and might have stood for the portrait of Sir Peveril of the Peak. He was for many years lessee of the manor of Bewdley under the Crown, and repre- THE CELEBRITIES. 151 sented the borough in the Parhaments of 1623-5-6-8. In 1624 he bestowed a buck upon the Bayhff and Burgesses, when £^ 135. 4^. was spent " for making five pasties thereof, and for other meat provided when it was eaten, and for wine." He was " servant " to Prince Henry, and was made a Knight of the Bath at the Coronation of Charles I. When the charter was granted to Kidderminster in 1636 he was named first High Steward of tlie new created borough. He was a dignified and courteous gentleman, plain and downright in speech, but kindly in heart and ready to help, the founder of six almshouses, and the donor of money to lend to poor tradesmen. As a zealous Royalist he spent much of his fortune in the King's cause, was taken prisoner at the battle of Worcester, and was committed to Worcester gaol in 1655. As an earnest Churchman he dis- approved of Richard Baxter's innovations ; but liis firmness of principle and courtesy of behaviour led even his great opponent to draw a pleasing picture of the noble old man. " One knight Sir Ralph Clare, who lived at Kidderminster, did more to hinder my greater successes than a multitude of others could have done, though he was an old man of great courtship and civility, and very temperate as to diet, apparel, and sports, and seldom would swear any louder than by his troth, and shewed me much personal reverence and respect beyond my desert, and we conversed together with much love and familiarity, yet having no relish of this prtciseness and extemporary praying ; his coming but once a day to church on the Lord's-day, and his abstaining from the sacrament, wdiich he refused to receive, unless I would give it to him kneeling and not sitting, as if we kept not sufficiently to the old way, did cause a great part of the parish to follow him, and do as he diil. And yet civility, and yielding niucli l)eyond others of his party, sending his family to be catechised and personally instructed, did sway "with the worst among us to do the like." Sir Ralph is buried in All Saints' church under a slab close to Lady Beauchamp's tomb. The arms are Three chevrons, crest a buck's head cabost. " The memory of the just shall be blessed. * ■'= zealous in his loyalty to his prince, exemplary in his charity to the dis- tressed, and of known integrity unto all nun, full of days and fame, he departed this life in the fourscore and fourth year of 152 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER, his age, 2ist April, 1670." Caldwell continued in the Clare family till 1777. John Somers, baptized here 26 Nov., 1620, was son of Richard Somers, Low Bailiff of Kidderminster, by his wife Joice Child, a member of an old Kidderminster family (buried in All Saints' churchyard 26 Aug., 1626). He was brought up an attorney, and lived chiefly at the White Ladies, near Wor- cester, " where he was instrumental and assistant to Bishop Fell in recovering the rents of St. Oswald's Hospital for the poor men and women." He and his wife (Catherine Severne) were buried in Severn Stoke church, where there is a marble monument to their memory erected by their son, John Lord Somers, Lord Chancellor, one of the most famous natives of the county, who defended the " Seven Bishops " and drew up the Bill of Rights. John Somers' elder daughter Mary married Charles Cocks, Esq., M.P., of W^orcester, and is ancestress of the present Earl Somers, the Earl of Hardwicke, and Earl Beauchamp. His younger daughter Elizabeth married Sir Joseph Jekyll, Master of the Rolls. John Somers had also a sister Mary, baptized at Kidderminster 8 July, 1624, and married to Richard Blurton, Esq., who purchased the White Ladies. The Registers give the following additional records of the family : — 1658 Sept. 6 married Thomas Sommairs of Worcester and Rebecka Climar. 166J Feb. 28 buried Rebeckath wife of Thomas Somars of Worcester. 1669 buried Ann daughter of John Sumers and Ann. Robert Cooper, M.A., was the son of Robert Cooper, of Kidderminster. He entered as a servitor at Pembroke College, Oxford, where in 1666 he took his degree, and was made Fellow of his College. He proved a good scholar and preacher, and was well skilled in mathematics ; and by the favour of John Lord Ossulton, he became Rector of a parish near Kingston- upon-Thames, Surrey. He wrote Pyoportions concerning Optic Glasses and A General Introduction to Geography of much merit. In the 81 St year of his age (1731) he put up a monument to his parents in Kidderminster church. (P. 92.) SIK J\AI.1'|[ n.AK'K. Knkiiii- of the Ji.vTH. (From an Old Print.) THE CELEBRITIES. 153 Edmund Waller (1605 — 1687) is a singular and jiiquant figure in the seventeentli century — a poet, courtier, and water- drinker among the bibulous Restoration wits. lie was born at Coleshill, Herts, of an ancient family. His mother, an ardent Royalist, was connected by blood with Hampden, and by marriage with Cromwell. His father died when he was 11 years old, and at 16 he entered Parliament. Soon he married a rich widow, retired to his estate at Beaconsfield, and studied literature. He was the owner of The Hall, a handsome brick house near Kidderminster church, as well as of the hamlets of Hurcott and Comberton. In 1635 he sold The Hall to Daniel Dobbins, Esq., of London ; and a few years later (1643) he dis- posed of his other property here. Hurcott was bought by George Evelyn, who resold it in 1648 to his famous brother John, of Wotton and Sayes Court, one of the founders of the Royal Society, and author or translator of 30 works, including Sylva, and whose Diaiy is so well known. John Evelyn soon afterwards sold it to Colonel John Bridges for ;^34oo. Waller was arrested by order of P^ari May 31, 1645, for complicity in a plot against the Parliament. By turning informer he saved his life, but was fined ^10,000 and banished. He lived at Paris till 1654, when Cromwell allowed him to return, and he com- posed a lofty panegyric in his praise. At the Restoration he expressed his joy in a poem " Upon His Majesty's Happy Return." He met the King's complaint that his congratulation was inferior to his panegyric with the famous retort, " Poets, sire, succeed better in fiction than truth." He entered Parlia- ment again, and became the delight of the House by his lively sayings. Pie died in 1687, aged 82. (National Biography.) Andrew Yarranton was born at Larford, in the parish of Astley, 1616. Several members of his family were bailiffs of Bewdley. In his sixteenth year he was apprenticed to a Wor- cester linen draper. When the civil wars broke out he joined the Parliamentary army, and rose to be captain. In 1652 he began manufacturing iron at Ashley, near Bewdley. At the Restoration he was imprisoned for a time. As soon as he regained his liberty he formetl })lans for ini|>in\ing inland navi- gation. His fust sclicine was to deepen the Salwarpe, and T 154 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. connect Droitwich with the Severn : this was not carried out. His next design was to make the Stour navigable, and join it by a canal with the Trent. Some progress was made with this undertaking. The Registers mention that " Coales were brought by Boates to ye Town on ye gth of March 1665." Some of the barges used in this navigation have since been discovered imbedded in mud. Yarranton was in advance of his age, and the scheme then came to a stand still for want of money : though it was carried out more than 100 years later by James Brindley at a cost of £10^,000. Yarranton 's fertile brain was busy devising plans for the good of his country. He introduced clover seed, and supplied it largely to the farmers of the western counties, whence it soon became adopted throughout the country. He then went to Saxony and learnt the art of making tin plates, but some patent was " trumpt up," and he was not allowed to continue his operations. In 1677 he published the first part of his England's Improvement by Sea and Land : to Outdo the Dutch withont Fighting, and Pay Debts without Money, wherein " he chalks out the future course of Britain with as free a hand as if second-sight had revealed to him those expansions of her indiistrial career which never fail to surprise us, even w'hen we behold them realised." Inland navigation, harbours, the extension of the iron and woollen trades, the linen manufacture, a public bank, fisheries, a land registry, employment of the poor, a plan for preventing fires in London, &c., all were well thought out by him ; but " his voice sounded among the people like that of one crying in the wilderness." His name and his writings have been nearly forgotten, though Bishop Watson said that he ought to have had a statue erected to his memory because of his eminent public services. The reader will find a fuller account of this remarkable man in Chapter IV. of Dr. Smiles' Industrial Biography. Thomas Foley w-as born at Kidderminster, and baptized 12 Nov., 1673. Hs showed great aptitude in learning, and also very much improved himself in the knowledge of men and things by his travels beyond sea for several years. On his return in 1695 he was elected M.P. for Stafford. He distin- guished himself in a becoming regard for his religion, his Prince, THE CELEBRITIES. 155 and his country, in consideration whereof he was (Dec. 31, 171 1) created Baron Foley of Kidderminster. He married Mary, daughter and sole heir of Thomas Strode, Esq., serjeant-at-law, by whom he had issue four sons and two daughters. He died 22 Jan., 1733, and was buried at Witley, where an elegant marble monument is erected. A younger brother, Edward Foley, was also baptized at Kidderminster 23 Sept., 1676. He was several times elected M.P. for Droitwich, and died April, 1747. Richard Foley was born here 19 Feb., 1681 : he was one of the protonotaries of the Court of Common Pleas, and M.P. for Droitwich. He died unmarried, 27 March, 1732. Anne Foley, who married Sahvay Winnington, Esq., of Stan- ford Court, was baptized at Kidderminster 28 March, 1670. Mary Foley (baptized 14 Jan., 1678) married Sir Blundel Charlton, Bart., of Ludford, near Ludlow. John Jones, schoolmaster, of Kidderminster, wrote The New Art of Spelling, Lond., 1704, 4to. Joseph Williams, " the Christian Merchant," was born at Kidderminster Nov. 16, 1692, and was son of a " clothier " who lived in Church Street. He was educated at the Grammar School, where he acquired a good knowledge of Latin and Greek. He married (1719) Phoebe, sister of the Rev. Richard Pearsall. He was a man of eminent piety, as is well shown in his life and writings, edited by the Rev. B, Fawcett and Benjamin Hanbury. In 1745 he was one of a band of about 100 volunteers who associated to defend their country against the invasion of the Young Pretender, and who were accoutred chiefly at his expense. He died 21 Dec, 1755, aged 63, and was buried on the north side of Kidderminster cliurchyard. The Rev. Richard Pearsall, born at Kidderminster 29 Aug., 1698, was educated at Tewkesbury, and became a minister at Bromyard for ten years, and then at Warminster sixteen years. In 1747 he settled at Taunton, where he died 10 Nov., 1762. He edited the diary of his sister Hannah (Mrs. Housman). He also wrote Contemplations on the Ocean. Two volumes of Rcliquics Sacra of Mr. Pearsall were edited by Tliomas Gibbons, D.D., 156 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. and a brief account oi him, with portrait, is in the Evangelical Magazine for October, 1810. John Baskerville was born at Sion Hill, Wolverley. In the Parish Register we find this entry : — " 1706. John y^ son of John Baskervile by Sara his wife was baptised January y'^ 28." When 20 years of age he went to Birmingham, and taught wa-iting and book-keeping. In 1737 he kept a school in the Bull Ring. In 1740 he started at 22, Moor Street, as a manu- facturer of japanned goods, by which he made a considerable income. He then took a lease of a small estate of 8 acres, on which he built a house, and " made a little Eden." About 1750 he began type founding; but it was not till 1757 that the famous 4to Virgil appeared — " the first of those magnificent editions which went forth to astonish all the librarians of Europe." (Macaulay.) In 1763 was published his famous Bible, one of the finest ever printed. He also brought out fine editions of the Prayer Book, Greek Testament, Milton, and several classical authors. He died 8 Jan., 1775, and, being an infidel, directed his body to be buried in his garden. His works are still prized. " Every book was a masterpiece ; a gem of typographic art. Baskerville's type was remarkably clear and elegant. His paper was of a very fine thick quality, but rather yellow in colour. His ink had a rich purple black tint." (Printers' Register, 6 Jan., 1876.) William Greaves, citizen of London, settled in Kidder- minster about 171 7, and started the manufacture of striped tameys and prunellas, and afterwards of various kinds of figured and flowered stuffs, such as starrets, barley corns, &c., and the trade made a considerable figure in foreign markets. His tomb, of very durable stone, may still be seen in the churchyard. The arms are an eagle displayed impaling a lion rampant, with inscription : — " Here lie the remains of Mr. W'illiam Greaves, citizen and weaver of London, whose generous endeavours for the benefit of the trade of this place procured him esteem while living and his death sincerely lamented. He was a dutiful son, a loving husband, a sincere friend, a loyal subject, and a good christian. He departed this life 28th July 1725 in the 53rd THE CELEBRITIES. 157 year of his age. Mrs. Elizabeth Greaves his mother 17 Sept. 1729 aged 89." Job Orton, a famous Dissenting divine (1717 — 1783), was resident at Kidderminster for 17 years. He wrote a life of Baxter, and another of Dr. Doddridge, wherein occurs the epigram on the motto Dum vivimus viiiiainus, mentioned b}^ Dr. Johnson as one of the finest in the EngHsh language : — " Live while you live, the Epicure would say, And seize the pleasures of the present day : Live while you live, the sacred Preacher cries, And give to God each moment as it flies. Lord, in my views let both united be, I live in pleasure while I live in Thee." James Johnstone, M.D., was fourth son of John Johnstone, Esq., of Galabank, an ancient branch of the Jolinstones " of that ilk." He was born at Anandale April 14, 1730, and received the degree of M.D. in Edinburgh University 1750. In 1 75 1 he settled as a physician at Kidderminster, where he soon gained a great reputation in his profession. He published An Historical Dissertation concerning the Malignant Epidemic Fever of 1 756, from which he appears to have been the first to generate hydro- chloric acid gas as a means of destroying contagion b}' pouring sulphuric acid on conmion salt. In the 54th volume of the Phil. Trans, he published the first sketch of his opinions of the uses of the ganglions of the nerves. He attended George the " good " Lord Lyttelton in his last illness, " and was not only his physician but his confessor." He also wrote treatises on Angina, Scarlet Fever, The Slave Trade, Hydrophobia, Sec, for which he was voted the honorary medal of tlie Medical Society, He sent much information about Kidderminster to Dr. Nash for his History of Worcestershire. He died at Worcester 28 April, 1802, in the 73rd year of his age. A monument was erected in Worcester Cathedral, but he was buried in Kidderminster churchyard, James Johnstone, M.D., son of the above and of Hannah daughter of Mr. Henry Crane, of Kidderminster, was born here August, 1754. He was educated at the Grammar School under 158 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. the Rev. John Martin, and graduated as M.D. at Edinburgh in 1 773- Next year he was unanimously chosen a physician to the Worcester Infirmary, and soon reached great eminence in his profession. When called on by the Magistrates of Wor- cester to visit the prisons, where many laboured under the gaol fever, he went into cells and dungeons full of pestilential con- tagion, and his life fell a sacrifice to duty. He was seized with the dire contagion, and was conveyed to his father's house in Kidderminster, there to receive the last attention of parental skill and affection. He died i6 Aug., 1783, and was buried in Worcester Cathedral, where on a tablet is an inscription to his memory from the classical pen of Dr. Parr. John Howard, the philanthropist, mentions this sad case as " one incentive to my endeavours for the extirpation of the gaol fever out of our prisons." (Chambers' Biography.) Edward Johnstone, M.D., born at Kidderminster 1757, was the third son of Dr. James Johnstone. He settled at Birming- ham, where he soon became the first physician of the Midland Counties, He served the General Hospital for 22 years, and acquired the highest professional and social position. He retired early, and enjoyed a ripe old age at Edgbaston Hall. His principal works were on puerperal fever and hydrophobia. He died at the great age of 94 in 1851. (Tunmins' Warwick- shire.) John Johnstone, M.D., F.R.S., F.R.C.P., &c., was brother of the above, born here 1767. He was not only professionally famous, but scientifically also. He was a personal friend of Dr. Parr, whose life and works he wrote and edited. His works on Mineral Poisons, on Medical Jurisprudence, and on Madness : Hereditary and Partial, are excellent proofs of his skill and know- ledge. He died near Birmingham in 1836, aged 69. (Ibid.) Thomas Wright Hill (1763 — 1853) was born at Kidder- minster. His earliest tastes were scientific, largely influenced by Ferguson's lectures when he was only nine years old. He was first apprenticed to a brassfounder in Birmingham ; but the work was uncongenial, and his experience as a Sunday- THE CELEBRITIES. 159 school teacher under Dr. Priestley led him to devote himself to teaching. He established first the Hill Top School in Birming- ham, and afterwards the Hazelwood School at Edgbaston, where many eminent men received their early training, and pupils came to him from all parts of Europe. He had a very remarkable and original power of interesting boys. He made his school a small republic, and trained the boys for the work of life. He encouraged manual labour, as well as games and sports. He not only proposed a magazine, but the l)i)\s printed and illustrated it also, and many etchings and earlv lithographs were produced. His five sons trained by him had most successful careers. The third was Sir Rowland, of the Post Office ; Matthew Davenport was an eminent jurist ; Edwin, at the Stamp Office, made maiiy inventions ; F"rederick was an inspector of prisons ; and Arthur carried on the school at Bruce Castle, Tottenham, after Hazelwood was closed. He died in 1853, full ot honours as well as years, and has been remembered by three generations of pupils and friends, who owe to his teaching and example the culture and success of their lives. (Timmins' Waywicks/iiye.J Lant Carpenter, LL.D., born at Kidderminster 2 Sept., 1780, was third son of George Carpenter (died 12 Feb., 1839, aged 91), carpet manufacturer, by his wife, Mary Hooke (cbed 21 March, 1835, aged 83). Ann Lant was the maiden name of George Carpenter's mother. The father failed in business, and removed from Kidderminster, but Lant was left behind with his mother's guardian, Nicholas Pearsall, who a(loj)ted him with a view to his becoming a minister. Pearsall was a strong Unitarian of much practical benevolence, and had fouiukd a school in Kidderminster, at which Lant received his early edu- cation. In 1797 he entered the Dissenting Acadenu- at Northampton under John Horsey. This was broken u]), and he then went to Glasgow University. In 1801 he became assistant in the school of his connection, the Rev. John (^orrie, at Birch's Green, near IJinniiigham. I'rom i.Soa to 1.S05 he held the librarianship of the Li\erjH)()l Alluiiaaiin. Oii 9 J.iii., 1805, he accepted a co-pastorate at George's Meeting, Exeter. He brought out next year a pojuilar manual of N.T. ( Icoi^raj ihy. i6o A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Applying to Glasgow in 1806 for M.A. by special grace, he was at once made LL.D. In 1817 he removed to Lewin's Mead Chapel, Bristol, on the retirement of Dr. Estlin. The congre- gation was large and wealthy, but had lost cohesion. Carpenter drew its various elements together, developed its religious and philanthropic life, and gave it a hold upon the neglected classes of society. Of Carpenter's own catechumens, a considerable number, including' some of his favourite pupils, ultimately joined the Church of England. Many of the sterner Uni- tarians regarded his influence as too evangelical. The rite of baptism he rejected altogether as a superstition, substituting a form of infant dedication. In 1833 the Rajah Rammohun Roy, in whose monotheistic movement Dr. Carpenter was strongly interested, died at Bristol, and he preached his funeral sermon. He gave up his school in 1829. James Martineau was one of his pupils. No master was ever more adored by his scholars, or more effective in the discipline of character. Till 1836 he took a leading part in all public work in Bristol, and was one of the chief organisers of the Literary and Philosophical Institution in 1822. By 1839 his constitution was completely exhausted under his unsparing labours. He was recommended to travel on the Continent, but was drowned on the night of 5 April, 1840, while going by steamer from Leghorn to Mar- seilles. He was not missed till morning, and it is supposed that he was washed overboard. His body was cast ashore two months afterwards near Porto d'Anzio, and was buried on the beach. He married 25 Dec., 1805, a daughter (died 19 June, 1856) of James Penn, of Kidderminster, and had six children, of whom the eldest was Mary, the distinguished philanthropist, the chief organiser of industrial schools and the friend of Indian education. The fourth was Dr. W. B. Carpenter, F.R.S., Registrar of London University, and a famous physiologist, who left five sons, including W. Lant Carpenter, B.Sc, and Dr. P. H. Carpenter, F.R.S. The youngest son, Philip Pearsall Carpenter, B.A., was at first a minister at Warrington, but is best known as a conchologist. The other son, Russell Lant, was his biographer. Dr. Lant Carpenter's works were — (i) Unitarianism the Doctrine of the Gospel ; (2) Systematic Education ; (3) An Examination, of the Charges made against Unitarians by Rt. THE CELEBRITIES. i6i Rev. Dv. Magee ; (4) Principles of Education ; (5) A Harmony of the Gospels ; and (6) Sermons on Practical Subjects. [These facts are chiefly taken from the National Biography.] A marble monument is erected to his memory in the New Meeting, Kidderminster. Sir Josiah Mason, Kt., was born in All!! Street 23 Feb., 1795, of humble parentage. The family apparently had been long settled m Kidderminster, for the name occurs in the Registers as early as 1559. The future philanthropist had a hard uphill struggle, and was obliged to commence his indus- trial career at the age of eight by selling cakes and vegetables in the streets. When about 21 years old he removed to Bir- mingham, where after several trials and disappointments prosperity at length dawned upon him. His greatest difficulty was to save his first five pounds : when this was done the rest was comparatively easy. Through the kind offices of Mr. Heeley, a steel toy manufacturer, he was engaged by Samuel Harrison to superintend a manufactory for the production of split rings, of which, when only twelve months had elapsed, he became the purchaser at the price of ^500, a sum he was enabled to pa}^ out of the profits of the first year. Harrison had made for Dr. Priestley the first steel pens recorded. Mason saw that these rude efforts could be improved, and that pens could easily be made by machinery. In conjunction with Mr. James Perry, he took up this new branch of industry, which prospered wonderfully, and laid the foundation of a splendid fortune for the Kidderminster carpet weaver's son. About 1840 he joined the Messrs. Elkington, and brought ;^8o,ooo to aid in developing their patents for electrotyping. Wealth flowed in upon him, until the very disposal of it in the future became a subject of anxious deliberation between himself and his wife (Annie Griffiths), for they were childless, and he had not a relative in the world. So they resolved to make desolate orphans heirs to part of their accumulated wealth ; and the friendless widows and homeless spinsters were not forgotten. In 1858 he established at Erdiiigton an almshouse for 30 women and an orphanage for 50 girls. Soon afterwards a new orphanage was erected in the same village at a cobt of ;^6o,ooo, u i62 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. and endowed with property worth ;^2oo,ooo. In 1874 ^^ ^^^^ enlarged so as to render it capable of accommodating 300 girls, 150 boys, and 50 infants. The original orphanage has been devoted to the purpose of an almshouse, with which is com- bined a houie for girls who have gone into domestic service from the orphanage, but are temporarily out of a situation. Some of the orphans are always to be chosen from Kidder- minster. The " Mason Science College " in Birmingham was opened 23 Feb., i(S8o. About ;^6o,ooo was spent on the building, and the total endowment is estimated at nearly ^250,000. Sir Josiah, upon whom the Queen bestowed the honour of knighthood in 1872, died 16 June, 1881, in the 87th year of his age. He was buried in a mausoleum by the side of his wife in the orphanage grounds at Erdington. A marble statue of him is erected near his College in Birmingham. (Worcester Journal, Kidderminster Shuttle, &c.) Sir Rowland Hill, K.C.B., D.C.L., F.R.S., &c., was born Dec. 3rd, 1795, in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, in a house that had belonged to at least three generations of his family. In the time of Edward I. John Hill (de Monte ) held a messuage and hall a virgate of land in Comberton. The name appears in the Registers in 1539 — the first year recorded. The distinc- tive Christian name also occurs in 1628, June 3d : — " Baptized Marryan daughter of Rowland Hill and Mary." From his father, Thomas Wright Hill, Sir Rowland is thought to have acquired the largeness of his conceptions, but from the judicious training of his mother (Sarah Lea) he imbibed more important qualities — firmness and shrewdness, patience and prudence. When he was five years old the French war ruined his father's manufacture, and he left Kidderminster for Wolverhampton, In 1802 Thomas Hill gave up trade, and started a school at Hill Top, Birmingham. Here Rowland was a school-boy, but in his twelfth year he became an assistant master. The straightened circumstances in which his family found them- selves in his early days did nuich to develop in him the important quality of self-help. He worked at mathematics, navigation, astronomy, architecture, electricity, &c., with great zest. " Most of all was he indebted for that first of all know- SIR ROWLAND HILL, K.C.B., D.C.L., I- R.S., ^c. 'B 'I'n at Kiddcyininster Dec. 3, ijysj THE CELEBRITIES. 163 ledge, the knowledge of self, to an eminent physician, Dr. Johnstone (see page 158), who had engaged him to give lessons to his son. ' I heard matters talked of which I could not in the least understand. This discovery of my ignorance was at first very painful to me, and set me to work very hard.' " In con- junction with some friends he formed a " Society for Scientific and Literary Improvement." In 1822 Rowland and his elder brother Matthew brought out Plans for the Government and Liberal Education of Boys in Large Numbers. Drawn from Experience. In this work is set forth a complete scheme for the government of a large school on a novel plan. He gave his pupils a constitu- tion, and established a court of justice, of which the boys were themselves the officials. When a boy above 12 left the school a sub-committee drew up his character, entered it in a book kept for the purpose, and it was read aloud before the whole school. Counters were given for " voluntary labour," so as to stimulate all tastes — working the printing-press, penmanship, drawing, etching, painting, music, modelling, learning orations and poetry, reports of lectures, debates, &c., composition in prose and verse. Fights were common at first. The plan adopted as a remedy was this : For six hours every attempt was made to appease the boys : if all was in vain the other boys were kept in school while the two combatants settled the matter in the presence of a master as marshal of the lists. Fighting was soon unknown. The system was of a highly stimulating character, but from Rowland's eagerness and great inventive powers the rules of the school were in a state of continual flux. The publication of Public Education aroused much attention to their work. Distinguished philosophers, such as Jeremy Bentham, Joseph Hume, Grote, Brougham, De Quincey, Malthus, Dr. Gilchrist, &c., crowded to the scene, and the school almost at one bound sprang into fame. The book was translated into foreign languages, and a similar system was tried in other lands. Men of rank and learning sent their children to be educated at " Hazelwood "—a house which the Hills had built when Hill Top became too small for the increased number of scholars. In 1826 a sucker from Hazel- wood — now well known as the Bruce Castle School — was planted m London. Here Rowland brought home liis bride. 1 64 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Caroline daughter of Mr. Pearson, of Wolverhampton, and here he spent the first six years of his wedded life. Nothing in the biography of the Hill family is more interesting than the wonderful feeling of unity and the spirit of co-operation which prevailed among them. " As they trusted each other for aid in case of need, so at all times did they look to each other for counsel. The affairs of all were known to each. At every important turn each sought the judgment of all." By 1833 the strain of teaching had begun to tell so severely upon Rowland's health that he had to give up the work and travel abroad. The territory of South Australia — then a waste — was about to be colonised under the auspices of Mr. E. G. Wakefield, who offered him the post of secretary in England, This he accepted, and occupied it for four years with " conspicuous success." His brother Matthew had been elected Member for Hull, and aided materially in getting an Act of Parliament authorising the colonisation. In January, 1837, Rowland drew up the famous pamphlet on Post-office Reform, which brought him into contact with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Spring Rice. All his knowledge of the postal service was derived from Parliamentary reports. The charge for conveyance of a letter from London to Edinburgh was 15. i^d. ; but from Hill's calcu- lations it appeared that the actual cost for this distance of 400 miles was to the Government only one thirty-sixth part of a penny. " Hence," he says, " I came to the important conclu- sion that the existing practice of regulating the amount of postage by the distance over which an inland letter was con- veyed, however plausible in appearance, had no foundation in principle ; and that consequently the rates of postage should be irrespective of distance. I scarcely need add that this discovery, as startling to myself as it could be to any one else, was the basis of the plan which has made so great a change in postal affairs." In his pamphlet he advocated the use of stamped covers for the prepayment of letters — a plan first suggested by Mr. Charles Knight. For the benefit of illiterate persons Rowland made the happy suggestion of the adhesive stamp, now used throughout the world : " A bit of paper just large enough to bear the stamp, and covered at the back with a glutinous wash, which the bringer might, by applying a little THE CELEBRITIES. 165 moisture, attach to the back of the letter." Hill's scheme of penny postage was at first treated by the heads of the Post- office with contempt. The Postmaster-General declared that " of all the wild and visionary schemes which he had ever heard or read of, it was the most extraordinary." For two years the strongest opposition was given to the plan ; but public opinion soon began to speak out loudly in its favour, and in May, 1838, a deputation, consisting of 150 Members of Parliament, urged the Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne, to adopt it. On 17 Aug., 1839, the Bill for establishing the Penny Postage received the Royal assent, and on Sept. 16th following Mr, Hill received an appointment in the Treasury, at a salary of ^1500, to enable him to carry it out. On 10 Jan., 1840, the penny postage was extended to the whole kingdom. The issue of stamps, or " bits of sticking plaster for dabbing on to letters " as they were derisively called, began on May ist. The " M already enve- lope " caused so much ridicule that nearly all the issue was destroyed. Difficulties innumerable sprang tip connected with the forgery and incomplete obliteration of stamps, the cumbrous routine of the old officials, the increased expenditure caused at first by the introduction of railways, &c. ; but Rowland Hill's energy and inventive genius surmounted them all. In 1842, owing to a change in the Ministry, he was dismissed from his ofiice. He was soon appointed managing director and then chairman of the Brighton Railway Company, of which the afTairs were in an unsatisfactory state. W'Ikmi he took office in 1843 the £^0 shares were as low as ^35. In 1845 they had risen to ^75. At his suggestion two institutions were adopted till then unknown, viz., excursion trains and express trains. In 1846, as a national benefactor, he was presented with a cheque for ;^i 3,000, and in the same year was reinstated in the Post- ■ ofiice as secretary to the Postmaster-General. In 1854 he was appointed sole secretary to the Post-office. In 1857 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, and early in i860 Her Majesty conferred upon him the honour of Knight Commander of the Bath. In 1864, owing to ill-health, he retired. Parlia- ment granted him ^20,000 and an annual pension ol ^2000, «' not merely as a meritorious public servant, but as a bene- factor of his race ; and feeling that his tilting reward is to be i66 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. found not in this or that amount of pension, but in the grateful recollection of his country." The rest of his life was spent in quiet retirement, and when he died 27 August, 1879, he was buried in Westminster Abbey. His interesting biography, in two volumes, written by his nephew, George Birkbeck Hill, D.C.L., was published in 1880. Birmingham, where he spent his youth and early manhood, has set up his statue ; and a similar honour was done to him in his native town of Kidder- minster at a cost of ^1800, contributed by 200,000 people chiefly in penny stamps. The statue was executed by Mr. T. Brock, R.A., and unveiled in June, 1881, by the Mayoress (Mrs. H. R. Willis), when an eloquent eulogy was pronounced by Sir Rupert Kettle. A charity for the relief of the widows and orphans of the servants of the Post-office will keep his memory green. " But so long as men keep warm feelings, and the name of home has still its charm ; so long as there are sorrowful partings and hearts that need comforting ; so long as our high aim is towards peace on earth, good will toward men, Rowland Hill is not likely to be forgotten. For he has done almost more than any other man to bring near those who are far off, to bind the nations together, and to make the whole world kin." William Lea, M.A., son of William Lea, Esq., of Kidder- minster (p. gi), was born at Stone House ig Nov., i8ig. He was educated at Rugby and Brasenose College, Oxford, B.A. (2nd Class Lit. Hum.) 1842. In i84g he became Vicar of St, Peter's, Droitwich, which he resigned in 1887. In 1881 he was made Archdeacon of Worcester, and filled the office with con- spicuous tact and abilit}^ For more than 40 years he earnestly promoted the cause of education in the diocese as secretary of the Worcester Board of Education and hon. secretary of Saltley College. He was also a great authority upon fruit growing, recommending it especially to cottagers. In addition to his published Charges, he wrote Catechisings on the Book of Common Prayer, On the Life of our Lord, Sermons on the Prayer Book Preached in Rome, Small Farms, and Chtirch Plate in the Archdeaconry of Worcester. He was also collecting materials for an account of the church fonts in the Archdeaconry. He died at " Orchard- lea " 24 Sept., i88g, and was buried in St. Peter's churchyard, Droitwich. THE CELEBRITIES. 167 Humphrey Price, born at Kidderminster, and educated at the Grannnar School, was afterwards minister of Christ Church in Needwood. He was a mm of exceedingly benevolent dispo- sition, but somewhat eccentric and misguided in his chivalrous support of the cause of the weavers during the great strike of 1828. Nearly 2000 looms were standing idle from March till the end of August, entailing a loss upon the operatives of about ^50,000. This produced great distress in the town : Mr. Price composed a pathetic poem, " A Kidderminster Weaver's Wife's Dream," and also published highly infiaminator\- letters addressed to John Woodward, John Broom, James Hooman, and George Hallen (High Bailift), which were considered to be the cause of some riots which endued. J. iJowyer, of The Copse, and " Oppitlanus " replied to these letters (printer, T. Pennell, High Street). Sir James Scarlett moved in the King's Bench tor a rule to show cause why a crinnnal mtorma- tion should not be filed against the Ivew 11. Pnci'. He was tried at Hereford, and sentenced to twelve months' imprison- ment. In the end the men returned to work at lower wages, and received 205. each as a present. Rebecca Swan was the last ot the Kidderminster witches. She lived in Clunxli Street, where a signboard made known lier qualifications: — "Town and Country Letter Writer to All Parts. Gives Advice in all Periods. No need to Apply with- out recommendation. I have been wrongfully used. Wishes to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. " A number of fine cats assisted her in lier extensive trade of fortune-teller and recoverer of stolen property : but when her- self robbed of tweK'e half-crowns and six gold rings lier mystic art failed to regam the articles. She was burnt to death while intoxicated on a tempestuous night in November, 1850, when all her cats mysteriously disappeared. [Richard Baxter was a believer in witchcraft, and from the Townscnd MSS. it appears that in 1660 four persons accused of the black art were brt)ught from Kidderminster to W orcester gaol. " The eldest daughter had said that if they had not been taken, the King should never have come intt) lingl.ind : and though he now amit"acturc£\ ^M ADOX'S Fovmulare An^licaniim (Nash, ii., 42) contains the earliest reference to manufactures in the town : it is the release of a messuage and land \n W'ich, made by one Alured, son of Ketelbern, a fiilley of Kidderminster. The deed is without date, but Hugh le Poer, one of the witnesses, was under sheritf in the eighth, fourteenth, and nine- teenth years of Henry HI. Taking the latest period, we get 1235 as the date when the clothnig trade was undoubtedly in operation here. In the VVanley MS. mention is made of Alured the Fuller as holdmg land " on which the Hospital was formerly situated, near the great Mill of Kiddeminster." Other deeds of the time of Henry HI. refer to " Margery widow of Richard the Fuller," and " an annual rent of 25. to be paid by Simon the Fuller my man." One of the earliest fulling-mills set up m England was that at Bradford-on-Avon, in Wiltshire, a few miles from Maiden Bradley. Its advantages would not escape the keen eyes of the monks ; and before long they were the owners of a fulling-mill worked by water power at Mytton, in the tenancy of William de Stour. (Page 21.) Before 1334 the manufacture of cloth was so well established that regulations were made respecting it. " FOR THE MAKING OF WOOLLEN CLOTH. " Alsoe we woll that no manner of man within tlie Manner and Burrow oft KlIIk rniinster shall iiinkc any v\uullen cluih 172 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Broad nor Narrow without the Baylieffs Seall in payn of XX5. tor every defauite, the one haulfe to the prince and the Lord and the Other to the Bayliefe." From the wording of the above there can be no doubt that the cloth was made in the town itself. Kerseys were probably made here also, but the following regulation relates only to the sealing of such as were exposed for sale : — " FOR THE SEALING OF CARSEIES. " Alsoe wee woll that noe man nor woman shall Bring to the ffayr or Markett Any Carseies for to sett to sale without a seall for dought off the Catchpowles for all such Carseyes or Cloth are fforfeyted, the one halfe to the prince and the lord And the other halfe to the baylyffe and his Catchpoles." Wool was abundant in England, and the prosperity of the Flemish burghers depended entirely on this important raw staple. In the valuation of the Rectory of Kidderminster, made in 1335, the tithes of wool amounted to the large sum of ^4 — three times the value of the hay and four times that of the oats. The tithe of lambs was 135. 4^., whilst that of calves was only I2d. The sheep, however, were small, and each fleece averaged only i^lb. (Rogers.) The foreign wars of the Edwards and the Henrys were carried on almost entirely by the tax on wool. The heavy export duty on this article induced many Flemings to take up their residence in England — just as in our own times carpet manufacturers have gone to the United States. From the names of some old Kidderminster Burgesses we may con- clude that a few of them found their way here : we have for instance Delph, Fleminge, Holland, and Flanders. Flax was extensively grown in this district in the middle ages, and in 1335 the tithe was valued at 135. ^d. Its importance will be understood when we remember that cotton was unknown. Leather was very largely used for clothing, but Bewdley was the chief seat of the tanneries, having an abundance of oak bark from the Wyre Poorest. In 1533 the cloth trade of Worcestershire was passing through a crisis ; and a paternal government interlered to protect the THE MANUFACTURES. 173 towns from ruinous competition, though in a manner somewhat contrary to oiu' modern ideas of political economy. John Leland about this time records : " The Tow ne standelh most by cloathinge."' The Act 25 Henry VIII., cap. 18, runs thus : — " i Sheweth unto ttio Kin,;,' oar Sovereign Lord, and to the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and to the Commons in this present I'arh assembled, the Citizens, Burgesses, and Inhabitants of the City of Worcester, and the towns of Evesham, Droitwich, Kederminster, and liromisgrove within the County of Worcester. That where the said City Boroughs and Towns ha\e been in times past well and substantially inhabited, occupied, maintained, and iij)holden by reason of making of woollen CMoths, called long Cloths, short Cloths, and other Cloths, as well whites, blues, and brown blues, and the poor people of the same Towns and of the country adjoining to them, daily set a work, as in spinning, carding, breaking, and sorting of Wools, and the Handicrafts there inhabiting as Weavers, Fullers, Sheremen and Dyers, have been well set a work, and had sufficient living by the same, until now within few years passed, that divers persons inhabiting in the hamlets, thorps, and villages adjoining to the said towns, for their private wealths, singular advantages and commodities, nothing regarding the maintenance and upholding of the said Towns, ne the commonwealth of the said handicrafts, ne the poor people which had living by the same, have not only ingrossed and taken into their hruids divers and sundry farms, and become farmers, grasiers, and husbandmen, but also do exercise the mysteries of cloth- making, weaving, fulling and sheering within their said houses to the great decay and ruin of the said Towns. " ii For remedy whereof and for the amendment and good advancement of the said towns be it enacted . . . that after Sept 30, i53() only such persons inhabiting within the towns of Worcester, Kvesham, Droitwich, Kederminster, and Bromisgrove shall make any manner of woollen cloths to be sold upon pain of forfeiture for each Cloth xls. " iii No higher rent shall be imposed tor houses in the said towns than was given within 20 years next before the making of this Act. " iv Persons may make cloaths for their own wearing, their children or servants wearing. " V That in every town there be due search made of every such cloth beforesaid there made, and that they be meted both length and breadth, being wet from the mill, before they be set upon the rack and dried : (2) and that they shall be sealed with the seal of the searcher of the same town, which seal shall have a stamp containing the true numbers for the length and breadth of the same cloth being wet, on pain of forfeiting for every cloth put to sale, not having the said seal of the searcher xx.?. ... (4) and the searcher shall have for the sealing of every cloth a peny, and not above." 174 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. In 27 Hy. VIII., cap. 12, is a further " Act for the true making of cloth." In 4 and 5 Philip and Mary, cap. 5, § 2, it is enacted that every white cloth and clothes commonly called long" Worcesters shall weigh 751b. at the least. From the Borough archives we extract the following :— " Ordinances and By-lawes agreed uppon, and made at Kiddern>inster, under ye Common Scale of ye said Burrough, by John Elsmore the nowe Baylive, and the Major p;irt of the Capitall Burghesses thereof, Assembled to y' end in the Guild- hall of that Burrough the xxiij"^*^ day of August, A.D. 1650. " I Imprimis whereas the Burrough of Kidderminster aforesaid hath bine, and is an Auncient Burrough and hath auntientHe had in it divers Fraternities, Companies,, or fellowshipps of ye Tradesmen and Inhabitants thereof known by severall names — That is to say, the Societie or Companie of Weavers, The Societie of Taylors The Societie of Smithes and the Society of Shoemakers, And whereas also the said severall Fraternities. Societies, Companies, or Fellowshipps, have each and every of them had two persons- respectively elected yerelie out of the said severall Fraternities, upon the Munday next after Midsummer day, by ye greater of the said respective Fraternities, which are called, and so auntiently were called, by the name of Wardens of the said several Fraternities, which said Wardens were, and are for ye next yere following their eleccion to doe ye best of their skill, and power, and to execute and accom- plish all things whatsoever by all good wayes for ye maintenance, and continuance of good Orders for the generall good of ye said Burrough, and for ye particular good and benefit of their respective Fraternities or Societies. It is therefore now agreed upon and ordeigned by ye' foresaid John Elsmore Baylive of ye said Burrough, and ye Major part of ye Capitall Burghesses thereof. That the said severall Fraternities, Societies, Companies, and Fellowships still continue, be, and remayne as before they have bine. " 3 Item it is ordeyned That at every such Eleccion such person of the severall Fraternities as shall last come before Eleven of ye Clock to the place of ye Assembly is, and shalbe made for the yere then next following a Beedie or messenger unto ye savd respective Wardens, to summon ye said respee-- tive Fraternities together as often as he shall by the sayd respective Wardens be commanded [penalty 35. 4^.] " 5 It is ordeyned that no person of any of the particular trades belonging to any of the said Fraternities shall set up any shop or house of trading within the said Borough or exercise any of the said Trades unless he be first THE MANUFACTURES. 175 admitted into one of the said Fraternities by the respective Wardens and Companies, paying for his admittance such reasonable summe as shall then be agreed upon by him and them, and not exceeding Twenty Shillings ; the one halfe to goe to ye said Baylive and Capitall Burghesses for the use of the said Burrough, and ye other halfe to ye use of the said respective Frater^ nities. And it is further ordeyned that no person shall exercise any of the said Trades there unlesse he hath bine bound an Apprentice to ye same by the space of Seaven yeares [penalty Ten Pounds] " 14 Item for asmuch as the Society of Weavers of the Stuffes called Kidderminster Stuffes have received of late much dammage in their repu- tacion of trading by the Covetousnes and irregularity of some others of ye same profession and Trade within ye said Burrough who for their own advantage have driven a privat Trade of ye same Stuffes deceitfully made both for measure and workmanship. By which means a scandall is fastened upon ye said Trade, the Traders therein much disparaged, the Trade decayed, and the poore increased, who formerly by their Labour therein were supported and mainteyned. For the regulating hereof and to th'end ye said Trade, and profession may regaine its credit (now so much impayred), the poore as formerlie set on worke, and releeved, and that each man may in love and charity live neighbourly one with another. It is therefore thought fit, and ordeyned that from henceforth no Master of and in the said Trade of Weavers, nor likewise of any the Trades belonging to ye severall Companies or F'raternities as aforesaid shall take any Apprentice to any their severall trades but he shall first acquaint ye Wardens of the said severall Fraternities Companies and Fellowships therewith, who shall take care to have him bound according to ye Lawes of ye Realme, And shall enroll his name, age, and time of his service in their book, for which they shall be allowed 2sh. 6d. and not above, to be payd by him or her that shall procure the same Apprentice to be bound as aforesayd. And likewise yt all and every Master of the said Trade of Weaving within the sayd Burrough be required to take no Apprentice to ye foresayd trade for ye space of Seven years after ye Confirmacion hereof according to ye Statute in that behalf made, except only poore boyes necessarily cast upon the Towne (if so many there be) or a Townsman's owne sonne, if any such be ; And also not to take an Apprentice till he that taketh him hath been a Master at ye sayd Trade sne whole yere ; And that to and for each Apprentice that any man shall take in ye sayd Trade he doe keep Two Journymen, which shall be such, and none others, and so qualified, as ye Lawes of this nation doe allow of, and that shall be approved of to worke in the said trade by ye sayd Frater- nitie Societie Company or Fellowship of Weavers. And that in case any Tradesman within the said Burrough shall fall into decay having an Appren- tice The same person so decayed shall not take money to make his sayd Apprentice free ; But with the consent of ye same Fraternitie, Company or Society shall turne him over to some other of the same profession, and trade ^o work out the residue of his time then undetermined. W 176 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. " 15 Item it is thought fit, declared, and agreed upon, That for and during the space of three years next after the confirmacion of these present Ordi- nances as aforesaid, no one Master of the sayd Trade or Fellowship of Weavers doe keep at work at once any more Loomes of Linsey Woolseyes than onelie three, except he be (for good causes by him alleaged, and so approved) admitted and alowed to keepe more by the Wardens and Fellow- shipp of the same profession at their comon hall, or meeting. Nor shall any person setting up the sayd Trade of Weaving of Linsey Woolseys, and other stufFes made of Linnen and Woollen within the sayd limit of time in the sayd Burrough be permitted to worke upon more than one Loome till the sayd time of three years be expired, nor to weave unto or for any that is not free of the sayd Trade. And that each Loome shall if conveniently it may weave a piece a week of six quaters wide and Twentie fower yards long, for which peece the Journyman that workes thereupon shall weekly have five shillings during the sayd time and so proportionally for other breadths and lengths." The charter of Charles I. (1636) recites that Kidderminster is an ancient borough of great commerce for the working and manufacture of cloths. Baxter says : — " My people were not rich ; there were among them very few beggars, because their common trade of stuff weaving would find work for them all, men women and children, that were able, and there were none of the tradesmen very rich, seeing their trade was poor, that would but find them food and raiment ; the magistrates of the town were few of them worth ^40 per annum, and most not half so much ; three or four of the richest thriving masters of the trade got but about £"500 or ;^6oo in twenty years, and it may be lost ;^ioo of it by an ill debtor. The generality of the master workmen lived but little better than their journey men, but only that they laboured not quite so hard." In 23 Charles 11. (1671) an Act was passed for regulating the manufacture of Kidderminster stuffs : — " Whereas divers abuses and deceits have of late years been had and used in the making of stuffs, called Kidderminster Stuffs, within the borough and parish of Kidderminster, tending to the debasing of the said manufacture, and to the great prejudice of the publick. " For the prevention of which abuses and deceits, may it please your Majesty that it may be enacted : that there shall be chosen one president, four wardens and eight assistants, all which shall be master weavers within the said Borough the first Monday after Pentecost, in the year of our Lord THE MANUFACTURES. 177 1671, and from thenceforth yearly and every year, by the master weavers of the said borough or the greater part of them then present. " And for the regulation and good government of the said trade and manu- facture, the said President, Wardens and Assistants or any seven or more of them whereof the President and three or more of the said Wardens are to be present, shall and may from time to time meet and consult together for the good and benefit of the said trade and manufacture and for the due execution of the powers and authority given by this Act, and to make and ordain Bye-laws Rules and Ordinances for the better regulating of the said trade and manufacture, and the artificers of the same ; and to make seals from time to time for sealing of the same stuffs : which Bye-laws Rules and Ordinances being ratified and confirmed by the Justices of Assize for the County of Worcester for the time being, shall be published at least twice in the year, at two publick assemblies for the said trade and manufacture and by the several persons using the same within and under the said Regulation. And the said President, Wardens and Assistants or any seven or more of them shall have and hereby have power to impose a fine or penalty upon any person or persons using the said trade, or that shall be under the regulation thereof, as shall not conform to such Rules so made. Provided that the said fine or penalty upon any person for not conforming as aforesaid shall not exceed forty shillings for any one Offence. " And for the better regulation of the said trade and manufacture, and the avoiding of fraud and deceits therein ; be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all linen yarn reeled, and usually bought and sold, or esti- mated by the lea to be hereafter used by any of the said artificers and stuff weavers within the said borough or parish of Kidderminster or liberties thereof shall be made without fraud or deceit, and be openly bought and sold in some publick market place on the market day within the said borough to be appointed by the Bayliff of the said borough for the time being : and before the same be exposed to sale, shall be reeled on a reel four yards about, every lea of the said yarn containing two hundred threads. And in case any person or persons shall hereafter sell or expose to sale any the yarns afore- said, made or reeled in any other manner then as aforesaid ; it shall and may be lawful to and for the said President, Wardens and Assistants to seize and carry away all such deceitful and defective yarns, which said yarns within - twenty days after such seizure shall be tried by a jury of twelve honest and able artificers of the said trade who shall be from time to time impannelled and summoned by a precept under the hands and seals of the Bayliff and any one Justice of the Peace of the said borough to appear at the Guild-kail of the said borough to try whether the said yarns be made and reeled according to the true intent and meaning of this act. And if the said jury impanelled and sworn as aforesaid shall find any of the said yarns not made and reeled according to the intent and meaning of this act, that then the said Bayliff and Justice of the peace of the said Borough shall impose such fine upon the owner of such defective yarns in their discretions shall be 178 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. thought meet not exceeding the value of the moyety of such defective yarns : which said fine the owners of the said defective yarns shall pay to the said President for the time being (to be disposed of as the said President, Wardens, and Assistants or the major number of them shall seem meet at their next publick meeting within thirty days after the said tryal) and in default thereof the said yarns to be sold by the President or any two of the said Wardens and the overplus of the moneys thereof coming after the fine or fines deducted to be restored to the said owner or owners upon demand. " And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all sorts of clothes and stuffs woven with wool! onely, or of wool! and other materials within the said borough or parish of Kidderminster or the liberties thereof shall be under the Power, Government, and regulation of the said President, Wardens and Assistants, in such manner, as by this act, and the Bye-laws and ordinances made or to be made by vertue thereof or by the laws or statutes of the Realm, are or shall be established. " And that all clothes and stuffs made or to be made under the regulation aforesaid before the same shall be exposed or put to sale, shall be brought to some convenient place within the said Borough to be appointed by the said President and Wardens to be viewed and searched by the said President, and any one of the said Wardens, or by any two of the said Wardens, and if the same shall be found to be well and sufficiently made and wrought, according to the rules and ordinances of the said trade and manufacture ; then all such clothes and stuffs shall be by the said President and any one ot the said Wardens sealed and allowed accordingly ; and if upon such search and view any clothes or stuffs shall be found or conceived not to be well and sufficiently made and wrought according to the rules and ordi- nances of the said trade ; then such clothes and stuffs shall be seized by the said President and Warden, or any two of the said Wardens, and be brought to tryal and the owner or owners fined in such manner and form as in this present Act is before limited and appointed for the tryal of defective linen yarn. " And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid ; that the said President, Wardens and Assistants, or any two or more of them, shall have and hereby have power and authority to enter into and search the houses and work-houses of any artificer, under the regulation of the said trade, at all times of the day, and usual times of opening of shops and working ; and into the shops, houses and warehouses of any common buyer, dealer in, or retayler of any of the said clothes or stuffs, and into the houses and work- houses of any dyer, sheer-man and all other workmen's houses and places of sale or dressing of the said clothes, stuffs, and yarns and may there search and view the said clothes stuffs and yarns respectively, whether they be made and wrought according to the laws, orders, and ordinances of the same trade and if any cloths stuff, or yarns shall be found faulty or defective to seize and carry away the same to be tryed by a jury as afore in this Act is appointed. THE MANUFACTURES. 179 " And be it also enacted by the authority aforesaid, that it shall not be lawful for any person or persons to buy any piece or pieces of clothes or stuffs, made, or to be made within the said borough or parish or liberty thereof, before the same be sealed as aforesaid, and if any piece or pieces of such cloth or stuff, shall be found in the possession of any person or persons unsealed (except in the possession of the first owner or maker thereof) the person or persons in whose custody the same shall be found, shall be adjudged guilty of deceit shall forfeit for every such piece of cloth or stuff so found in his or their possession unsealed as aforesaid, the sum of four shillings, and the maker and seller of the same who shall deliver the same out of his or their possession before the same be sealed, shall likewise forfeit for every such piece other four shillings to the use of the poor of the same trade. " And if any person shall counterfeit any seal of the said trade or shall seal any piece of cloth or stuff made under the regulation of the said trade with any counterfeit seal, or shall remove a seal of one piece and set it unto another piece which hath not been sealed, as before in this Act is appointed to be sealed ; every person so offending and being thereof convicted by his own confession or by the oath of two or more witnesses, shall forfeit for every such offence the sum of twenty pounds. " And for the better providing that poor journeymen who have served in the said trade, and are not able to set up for themselves may be imployed in work ; it is hereby enacted, that every person under the regulation of the said trade, who shall imploy two apprentices in the said trade, shall likewise imploy and set on work two journeymen in the said trade during the time he shall have or imploy two apprentices upon pain that every person shall forfeit for every moneth so offending as aforesaid the sum of twenty shillings. " And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the one moiety of all fines, forfeitures and penalties before in this Act mentioned, other than such as are expressly otherwise appointed shall be to the use of the Kings Majesty his heirs and successors, the other moiety to the use of the poor o{ the said trade ; and shall and may be levied by distress and sale of the goods and chattels of the offender or offenders by warrant under the hands and ^eals of the i-!ayliff and one of the Justices of Peace of the said borough, or be recovered by action of debt bill, plaint or information in any of his majesties courts of record wherein no essoin, protection, or wager of law shall be allowed. " And be it also enacted that all Bayliffs, Justices, Sheriffs, Constables and all other officers shall be aiding and assisting to the said President, Wardens and Assistants or any of them, as often as they shall be thereunto required and in all Actions and Suits that shall be brought against any person or persons for what he or they shall do in persuance or in execution of this Act or any of the authorities hereby given, the person or persons so sued or i8o A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. molested shall or may plead the general issue of not guilty and give the special matter in evidence and shall recover double costs in any such case if the verdict pass for such person or persons or that the plaintiff or plaintiffs be Nonsuit therein or forbear further prosecution or suffer discontinuance ; for which costs the said person or persons shall have the like remedy as in any case where costs by the law were given to the defendants. " Ifi the Savoy " Printed by the Assigns of John Bill and Christopher Barker, Printers to the Kings Most Excellent Majesty leyi." In 1677 the number of looms of all sorts was 417 ; master weavers, 157; journeymen, 187; apprentices, 115. Only one of the masters had seven looms ; most of them had two or three. In the parish accounts of St. Michael's, Worcester, for the year 1623, eight yards of Kidderminster stuff at 14^. a yard were bought for the clothing of two pauper lads. At the Restoration 14 yards of " Kidderminster stuff," value £-^ js. 6d., were purchased for Worcester Cathedral. At Wen- lock, in 1687, it was resolved to have a carpet of " Kidder- minster stuff" for the Council Chamber. Judge Jefferies alluded to the distinctive trade of the town when he inveighed against poor Baxter'^s " linsey-woolsey doctrine." The linsey woolseys, or " Kidderminsters," were printed linseys in use for hangings of rooms and beds. When this industry declined, the manufacture of a rough cloth called frieze, chiefly sold to the Dutch, was taken up. In the early part of the eighteenth century cheneys and ratteens were made. On the decline of the clothing trade the town was reduced very low for want of business, yet a few employed themselves in making worsted stuffs, or stuffs composed of worsted and silk mixed, called Spanish poplins ; the breadth of these was half a yard. (Nash.) Other fabrics manufactured here were arras, woollen camlet^ glossanett, Irish foplin, and several kinds of crape. About the year 1717 Mr. Greaves, of London, encouraged a manufacture of striped tameys and prunellas. In 1748 yard- ■wide silk and worsted stuffs were made to great advantage. In THE MANUFACTURES. i8i 1755 was established a manufacture in silk alone, figured and flowered for women's cloaks. "The invention of quilting worsted in looms for bed-quilts and petticoats, in imitation of Marseilles quilting, is to be ascribed to the Messrs. Pearsall, and is executed by those ingenious weavers Freestones, who have likewise invented a loom for weaving nets of all kinds." In 1772 there were 1700 silk and worsted looms at work. In 1767 a journeyman's wages were from los. to 125. a week. In 1776 an advertisement in Berrow's journal announced that on Feb. 3rd (Bishop Blaze) the Woolcombers of Kidderminster intended making a grand Cavalcade round the town dressed in the following manner, viz. they will be completely dressed with Caps and Sashes of their oimi maimfacture : to be preceded by an Orator, then the God Jason bearing the Golden Fleece, a Shepherd and Shepherdess, the Patron Bishop Blaze in a single-horse chair, attended by two Pages ; the Woolcombers on Horse-back two and two : Band of Music. To start from the Rose and Crown about 10 a.m. On 27 Feb., 1794, '^h^ woolcombers presented a petition to Parliament setting forth their certain ruin by the invention of a machine, which, when worked by one person and four children, would do as much as thirty men. At the time of the American War of Independence trade had been so bad that nearly the whole of the 87th Regiment and part of the 88th were raised in Kidderminster : few of them ever came back. By 1 83 1 the silk and worsted looms had decreased from 1700 to 340. Bombazine was being made, but not so much as formerly. " The old order changes, giving place to new," and any manufacturing town that is content to rely on its present success, without making constant efforts to improve its indus- tries and develop new ones, will soon find itself left behind in the race. Fortunately for Kidderminster, at nearly every period of its history it has had men of sagacity, enterprise, and forethought, who could read the signs of the times. In 1735 1 82 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. the first carpet factory was erected on Mount Skipet, Kidder- minster. From an article by Mr. Joseph Mears, of The Sun, we learn some interesting details of the early history of this impor- tant industry, with which the fortunes of the borough are now so closely interwoven. A local poet mentions the names of Pearsall and Broom as those of the founders of the carpet trade. It is probable that to Pearsall belongs the honour of weaving the first " Kidderminsters," a flat carpet, now made chiefly in Scotland, though keeping the old name. The master weavers in the town, however, had carefully noted what had been done at Wilton, Wiltshire, under the patronage of Henry Herbert, ninth Earl of Pembroke. That nobleman had been a traveller for years through Flanders and France, and had inspected splendid products of the Continental carpet looms, and had patriotically resolved to have weavers, artists, managers, and everybody essential to the use of the carpet trade near his Wilton mansion. He therefore persuaded Anthony Duffory, Pierre Jernaule, and others to leave France for England, and in 1745 those famous weavers began at Wilton to revolutionise the carpet trade of the empire. In 1755 Axminster began to work side by side with the industry of Wilton. It was a tr3ang hour for carpet masters on the banks of the Stour — everything depended on a bold and rapid resolve to wrestle with W^ilton for the cut carpet market. Three years had proved that Kidder- minsters could not hope to compete with Wiltons, and instead of pausing to see what the next three years would bring forth, a brave townsman quitted Kidderminster and crossed the Channel, determined to make or mar his fortune as a carpet weaver. John Broom, a middle-aged man of enterprise, whose tomb may still be seen in the old churchyard, travelled first to Brussels and next to Tournay , studying with desperate earnest- ness the " mystery " of Brussels carpeting, and bent on finding for Kidderminster a first-class adept in the Brussels trade. At Tournay he made the acquaintance of just the weaver he wanted, and losmg no time in embarking with him for England, Mr. Broom settled his Belgian stealthily in the neighbourhood of Mount Skipet. In an upstair room master and man built forthwith the first Brussels loom A.D. 1749, and they worked the machine with as much secrecy as though they were coun- THE MANUFACTURES. 183 terfeiting coin. Gradually the secret carpet weaving was on everybody's lips, though as yet none but Broom and his Belgian could pretend to produce a Brussels. But as the weavers drove their loom by candle-light as well as by sunlight, another manu- facturer in the town engaged a workman night after night to climb a ladder and watch their proceedings, until he was able to bring out a Brussels loom. The plot succeeded, and a second firm — or, rather, several firms — were the consequences of the conspiracy. The trade expanded so much that, in 1753, Lord Foley laid out new streets and built 200 new houses. The master weavers of Wilton were so alarmed by the rising carpet trade at Kidderminster that they resolved to sink large sums over and above their common profits in order to crush it. liut the Brussels carpeting had taken root, and in less than fifty years it was found to flourish exceedingly, and became the chief industry of the town. In 1807 the silk and worsted looms had decreased from 1700 to 700, while the carpet looms had increased from 250 to 1000. But nearly all other weaving except that of carpets was swept away in 1825. when Jacquard machines were introduced for the manufacture of carpets by Messrs, Lea, Broom, and Sons. In 1828 a severe competition arose with the Scotch manufacturers. Wages were reduced, and a ruinous strike ensued. In 1830 the ill-feeling between masters and men culminated m some very serious riots. By 1838 there were 2020 carpet looms — 1765 for Brussels, 210 for Kidderminster, and 45 for Venetians. There were 24 employers and 4016 ■weavers in the town. It would appear, however, that the manufacturers had not the same enterprising spirit that distin- guished their forefathers. When the celebrated Mr. Whytock invented and patented his new fabric called tapestry or printed "Brussels, he offered to sell the patent to the carpet masters of the town, but they would not purchase it. A similar thing happened when Mr. Bigelow, of Massachusetts, offered to Kidderminster the sale of his power loom, first shown in the Great Exhibition of 1851, and afterwards erected on trial at the Hoobrook mill. Eventually the Messrs. Crossley, of Halifax, at the price of ^10,000, became the purchasers of the Patent Rights for Great Britain, with the result that for a period they almost monopolised the trade. They offered the invention to X i84 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Kidderminster on payment of a royalty, and the privilege was soon secured by Messrs. Worth, Brinton, and Jecks Dixon. The firm of Messrs. Pardoe, Hoomans, and Pardoe saw the fatal mistake that had been made in the rejection of the power loom, and they did what they could to make amends by applying it to the manufacture of tapestry carpets in this town in 1851 ; while Messrs. James Humphries and Sons applied steam power to the manufacture of Brussels carpets in 1852. The development of the movement for the introduction of the power loom was exceedingly rapid, and the late Earl of Dudley gave it an immense impetus by erecting spacious works, with steam power and plant, in what is now known as Green Street. In this way many of the manufacturers were allowed to have their work carried on in what was popularly known as •' Lord Ward's shed." Power looms were placed there by Messrs. H. Woodward and Sons, Morton and Sons, Samuel Fawcett, Thomas Humphries, and John Lloyd Dobson. The population, which had decreased nearly 4000 in the decade 1851 to 1861, began rapidly to rise again, and the trade increased to an enormous extent. Many acres of ground were soon covered with large and well-appointed factories, affording employment to thousands of workmen, and keeping the builders busy in the erection of new streets. The railway was opened in 1852. In 1854 George Price Simcox (firm formerly Lea and Simcox) obtained a patent for prmcmg a twill tabric which was woven plain colour, then printed with blocks, and called " Beaver Carpet." Works were erected on the Worcester Road for weaving and printing this fabric, and are still called the Beaver works. The carpet was not a success, and was followed by a one-irame white Brussels fabric printed with a pattern from blocks in the same wa}' as the beaver carpet. This firm also introduced a low quality Brussels carpet called "Stouts:" it was made by hand in some factories at Mount Pleasant, now occupied by Messrs. Tomkinson and Adam. A most important development of the trade, and one of far- reaching intiuciice on the luture fortunes ot the town, was the THE MANUFACTURES. 185 introduction into En-^land in 1878 01 the Royal Axminster power-loom. Messrs. Tomkinson and Adam acquired the patent rights for Great Britain, and the first looms were erected in their factory on Arch Hill. They also granted licenses for the use of the patent to Messrs. Southwell of Bridgnorth, J. W, and C. Ward of Halifax, and H. J. Dixon and Sons, Woodward and Grosvenor, and Morton and Sons, of Kidderminster. This loom was invented by Halcyon Skinner, and became the pro- perty of the Alex. Smith and Son's Carpet Company, Yonkers, New York. The power Chenille Axminster setting loom was invented by Mr. William Adam ; and m 1880 the firm of Tom- kinson and Adam licensed James Templeton and Co. and J. Lyie and Co., of Glasgow, and R. Smith and Sons, of Kidder- minster, to use the patent. The first looms were erected at " The Sling " in the shed formerly used as a tapestry weaving shed by Messrs. Pardoe, Hoomans, and Pardoe. The American patent was disposed of to the Alex. Smith and Sons" Carpet Company, Yonkers, New York. The great Jubilee banquet of 1887 was held in a new shed built by Tomkinson and Adam at Mount Pleasant. In 1889 an attempt was made to combine nearly all the carpet factories of the town into one huge undertaking under the control of a " Syndicate." The large scheme tell through, but led to the comoination of some firms, and the transformation of others into limited liability companies. The value of the carpet factories here now is estimated at fully ^2,000,000. The "Carpet Manulactunng Company'" is a combination of two very successiul undertakings — " Morton and Sons "' (founded 1809) and "" Richard Smith and Sons' (founded 1855) — which owns 702 looms for Brussels, Axminster, Royal Axminster, Chenille, and other carpets. The firm of " John Everard Barton and Sons " has been in existence for over 100 years. In 1807 a deed of partnership was drawn up between Charles Wright, George Gower, and John Gough. Later on the firm became " Wright, Crump, and Crane,"' relatives of the founders. In J855 John Everard Barton and Thomas E. Crane took over the business, and carried it on together until Mr. Crane's death i86 . A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. in 1865. Mr. Barton died in 1885, and was succeeded by his sons. i The famous firm of " John Brinton and Co." employs 1500 hands, producing Brussels, Wilton pile, tapestry, and velvet carpets, and hosiery and carpet worsteds. Mr. William Brinton, grandfather of the present head of the firm, began in the carpet trade in 1784. His son Henry, in 1821, started the existing works on some small premises originally owned by him, and which haye since been so much extended that six acres of land are coyered by the buildings of the company. In 1848 Mr, Henry Brinton took his third son (the present head) and another son (Henry) into partnership. Both the Henry Brintons died jn 1857, and the survivor, Mr. John Brinton, carried on and developed the business in a marvellous manner, until in 1880 he merged it into a limited liability company, of which he con- tinues to hold the chief management. " Henry Jecks Dixon and Sons " was founded by Mr.Bowyer, who was joined in 1823 by Mr. H. J. Dixon. In 1886 it was formed into a limited company. Besides Brussels, Wilton, and Axminster carpets, this company manufactures saddle bags, moquettes for furniture coverings, carriage linings, &c. " Woodward, Grosvenor, and Co. (Limited) " is an old- established firm owning the Stour Vale Mills, and manufacturing high-class Brussels, Wilton, and Royal Axminster carpets. " Edward Hughes and Sons " (founded 1850) produces Patent Aubusson carpets and beam rugs, in addition to all the best varieties of carpets. The premises at Worcester Cross, now occupied by the firm of " H. R. Willis and Co.," were built by Mr. James Holmes, who had previously been partner in " Butcher, Worth, and Holmes," of Callows Lane. Mr, Holmes afterwards sold the works to Messrs. John Crossley and Sons, of Halifax, and became their manager. In 1869 the pre- mises were purchased by Mr. H. R. Willis, who has consider- ably improved and extended them. His " speciality " is superior Brussels and Wilton carpets. " Messrs. M. Whittall and Co." {1868) make Brussels and Wilton carpets and Patent Afghan THE MANUFACTURES. 1S7 squares. The " Chlidema Company " manufactures a carpet 01 seamless border without mitre, cross-join, or false shading. Other well-known manufacturers (1890) of all the best kinds of carpets are Messrs. John Bennie and Co., of the "Jubilee Works,' Exchange Street ; W. Green and Sons, New Road and Mill Street; W. J. Bannister, Hartlcbury Road; C. Har- rison and Son, Stourport ; Humphries and Sons, Mill Street; Naylor and Lloyd, Mill Street ; T. and A. Naylor, Green Street; G. W. Oldland and Co., New Road ; Potter and Lewis, New Road ; Purdey and Co., Vicar Street ; M. Whittall and Co., Exchange Street ; and T. B. Worth, Stourport. Mr. Thomas Lea, M.P., has extensive mills for spinning all kinds of worsted yarns for the carpet, hosiery, furniture, and clothing trades. The same industry is carried on by Mr. Edwd. A. Broome, of the Castle Mills, and Messrs. Watson Brothers, Pike Mills. Mr. Richard W'atson, whose family has been con- nected with the trade of Kidderminster for upwards of 200 years, and Mr. Samuel Broom, commenced worsted spinning at Drayton Mill in 1843. In 1847 Mr. Broom retired, and in 1854 Mr. Joseph Naylor joined Mr. Watson. In 1859 the Pike Mills were built, and Drayton Mill given up. Mr. Watson retired in 1873, and his son, R. Talbot Watson, joined Mr. Naylor, and subsequently J. Harold Watson and Mr. Naylor's sons, Thos. F. and Arthur Naylor, were admitted partners. The partner- ship was dissolved 111 1883, when R. T. and J. H. Watson carried on the worsted spinning, and T. F. and A. Naylor took up the woollen spinning and carpet manufacturing, which had been added to the business in 1868, The Pike Mill was totally destroyed by hre on July ist, 1886, but was rebuilt and work resumed in September, 1887. Messrs. Crowther Brothers carry on extensive iron manu- factures at the Stour Vale and Falling Sands works. At Stourport and Wilden are the Anglo-American Tin Works. Stourport also has vinegar works, and does some boat- building. Other industries carried on in Kidderminster are maltings, breweries, wire works, brickfields, tanyards, &c. The paper manufacture at Hurcott is of long standing: the 1 88 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Registers record the burial of Robert Gough Aug. 20, 1653, " whoe dyed at Hurcoate papar myll." For six centuries and a half the looms have been busy at Kidderminster in the manufacture of textile fabrics of various kinds. When the demand f.or one product passed away another product took its place. In this way the town has more than held its own in the manufacturing world. With one or two exceptions a good understanding has existed between those who have risked their capital in the development of the various industries and those who have co-operated with them by manual labour. Whilst other nations are straining every nerve to drive England from her pre-eminent position, it was short-sighted policy on the part of some of the weavers that led them a few years ago to oppose the introduction of a new manufacture by Messrs. Jecks Dixon. The striking improvement in artistic skill that has charac- terised the last quarter of a century has now enabled native talent to supply the designs required by the carpet trade, whereas in former years Frenchmen were generally employed for the work. In this respect the local School of Art has done most valuable service. The scientific teaching of chemistry and dyemg recently started will no doubt have equally bene- ficial results, and enable the town to keep abreast of every development in the future. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 189 CHAPTER XI ^bc 1Rcil3bbourboo^, CLENT. (By John Amphlett, Esq.) HIS parish is situated at the highest part of the range of high land that forms the north-eastern boundary of the valley of the Severn. Among these hills, which attain a height of over 1000 feet, rise the head waters of the stream which, flowing through Hurcott and Broadwaters, joins the Stour at Kidderminster, after a course of some seven miles. The name of Clent, no doubt, is Danish, though it would be more applicable from its meaning to jagged precipices than to rounded outlines such as those of the Clent hills. It is true that the legend of St. Kenelm would assign the name of Clent to this locality in 821, the year of his murder, while the Danes did not come into England until 30 or 40 years after. But the legend is told us not in contemporary writings, but in histories compiled by monks who lived 300 or 400 years after the event, by which time the Danish name would have become well established. The earliest mention of Clent, apart from its connection with St. Kenelm, whose legend is so well known, is that in the year 1016 it was bought, with Kingswinford and Tardebig, from Ethelred II. by /Egelsi, Dean of the church at Worcester, for 200 pounds weight of silver. During the disturbances con- sequent upon the seizure of the English Crown by Canute, the Sheriff of Staffordshire, whose name was ^Evic, " quidam tgo A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. malignus homo " says the chronicler, took possession of these villages. It was from the fact that the levies due to the Crown were- paid to the Sheriff of Staffordshire that Clent, with the adjoining village of Broom, then portion of the manor of Clent, came to be considered within that county. But at the time of Domesday its ancient connection with Worcestershire had not been forgotten, and it gave its name to a large hundred in the northern part of that shire. In later days it has come back to Worcestershire again, having been made a portion of that county by a Boundary Act passed after the first Reform Bill of 1832. At the time of Edward the Confessor and of Domesday^ Clent was a manor belonging to the Kmg, and it remained in the possession of the Crown till the time of John, who exchanged it with Ralph Somery, Baron of Dudley, for the manor of Stow- heath, near Wolverhampton, reserving to himself a small chief rent. For 120 years the manor remained with the Someries,, when it passed through a female to. Lord Bottetourt, and after his death to his granddaughter, the wife of Lord Burnell. When she died childless there were several claimants for it, and after much litigation an agreement was come to by which Clent became the property of the Earl of Wiltshire. During the Wars of the Roses the Earl of Wiltshire's estates^ were confiscated, and the manor of Clent fell into the possession of the Staffords, of Grafton Manor ; but on the accession of Henry VII. it was restored to Thomas Butler, the late Earl of Wiltshire's brother. From him it descended to Ann wife of Sir John St. Leger, of Annary, in Devonshire, aunt of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated Queeft of Henry VIII. ; and her grandson, another Sir John, sold it in 1564 to Sir John Lyttelton, of Frankley, in whose family it has smce remained. There is another small manor in the parish, consisting of Calcott Hill farm, the glebe land, and one or two other fields. It is known as Church Clent Manor, or the King's Holt. Its history is obscure, but it in some way originated with the neigh- bouring Abbey of Halesowen, whose property it was at the dissolution of that monastery. Afterwards it remained some THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 191 time in the possession of the Crown, whence its second name ; and then was granted to the notorious John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. When this nobleman lost his head, his possessions again came to the Crown. Church Clent was, after some time, sold, since which it has passed through the hands of several proprietors. No church is mentioned as being in the parish at the time of Domesday, and we do not hear of a Rector of Clent till 1205. The parsons of Clent were Rectors till 1345, when, following a usual proceeding with such establishments, the Abbey of Hales- owen took possession of the great tithes of the parish, and deputed a Vicar to serve the church. After the dissolution the advowson and the tithes were granted to the Duke of Northum- berland, and after his attainder were sold by the Crown. Before very long a dispute arose concerning them, and both advowson and tithes got into Chancery. By some means the tithes came out of this Court, and after passing through several owners were bought by the Amphletts ; but the advowson still remains in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor. The present church is dedicated to St. Leonard, and was thoroughly restored in 1866. The first parson of Clent is called" Master Herbert of St. Peter's," so that the first church has either disappeared or the present one has changed its patron saint. It should be noted, however, that the church of Broom, a parish which formerly formed part of the manor of Clent, is dedicated to St. Peter. Little original work remains in Clent church, but the tower and chancel are conii)aratively untouched. The south arcade is Early English, and the roof of the chancel is of typical Early English work. Strange to say, nevertheless, the roof rests on walls of the most debased Per- pendicular work at least 300 years later in date, and so must have been transferred to its present position from some other part of the church. The tower is of plain Perpendicular archi- tecture of late date. The north aisle is quite modern, of the date of the restoration in 1866. One of the most curious things about the church is the orientation of the chancel, the axis of which in reference to the axis of the nave bends considerably Y I 192 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. towards the south. Instances of orientation are not uncommon, but the bend is usually towards the north. The registers begin in 1562, and are fairly continuous to the present date. The earliest legible inscription in the churchyard is i6gi. There are few antiquities in the parish. The four stones on Clent Hill are quite modern, all tales to the contrary notwith- standing. They were erected by the first Lord Lyttelton about 1760, and formed part of a general scheme for the decoration of the neighbourhood carried out by that nobleman. It is some- times said that the stones stand each in a different county, but this statement has no foundation in fact. All over Clent Hill the traces of old hedge banks may be seen, showing that culti- vation was at one time more extensive on the slopes than at present. It is probable that the land went out of cultivation at the time of the Black Death in 1348. One of these hedge banks, running up the hill near the road from Clent church to St. Kenelm's, is called St. Kenelm's furrow, and there is a legend attributing it to the running away of an old woman's cow, dragging the plough behind it, through her persistence in working on St. Kenelm's day. There are records of the enclosures of two commons in the parish — Calcott Hill about 1678, and Clent Lower Common in 1788. On Clent Lower Common, called formerly also Clent Heath, there used to exist several barrows, which were explored during the last century, and bones were discovered in them ; faint traces of them still remain. Of the remaining common land in the parish, altogether about 260 acres, 170 acres on Clent Hill were placed under the control of a body of conser- vators, and dedicated to the public b}' Act of Parliament in 1880; and in spite of the poor accommodation and the com- parative difficulty of access, increasing numbers of visitors in each year come to this parish to enjoy the bracing air, the open commons, and the distant views. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 193 WOLVERLEY. OR more than a thousand years this pretty village has pertained more or less completely to the Bishops and Cathedral of Worcester. In the Saxon charters the name is spelt in eighteen ways. The earliest name apparently was Seckley — " Secceslea, which the country people call also Uulfordilea " (Heming, p. 410), most likely from the droves of wolves that had then their lairs in these wild regions. Originally forming part of the district of Sture-in-Usmere, it was given by Bishop Deneberht to Kenulph, King of Mercia, in 816, and restored to Aelhun, eleventh Bishop, fifty years later, by King Burhred. As we have seen (page 7), it was ravaged and seized by the Danes, but was afterwards given back to Worcester by Earl Leofric, at the intercession of Lady Godiva. The charter invokes the fate of Judas Iscariot on all who should presume to infringe this gift. The Cullecliffe (Cookley) portion was given by King Edgar (964) to Earl Beorthnots and his heirs, which land William the Conqueror gave to Worcester 1066. The bounds are marked as " From the river Usmere to Mount Hesecande, thence to Cuthred's tree, thence along the dyke to Stour, &c." The Horsebrook, Keningford, Kinver-stone, Hoccanstige Road, Mere- well Spring, Meredeune, Indosse, Stapol, and Mount Litlan- dune are also mentioned in the bounds. In Domesday we read : — " The church of Worcester holds Ulwardelei ; there are five hides. In demesne are two ploughs and four villeins, and five bordars with four ploughs. There is a priest having half a carucate, and one freeman having one hide, and paying two sextaries of honey ; there are six slaves, some men and some maids, and a mill of six shillings. In the time of King Edward it was worth £^ ; at the survey 405." King Stephen gave leave to the monks of Worcester " re- edificare Burconam terram suam apud Wlverdela."' King 194 ^ HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. John (1208) granted to them here Soc and Sac, Thol and Theam, and Infangethef, with judgment of fire and water, of gallows and sword, fines for murders, &c., freedom from attend- ance at the Hundred and County Courts, &c. In 1240 the monks cultivated for themselves two carucates of land, which they had previously let for ;^4 yearly. They also held the mills, which used to pay 105. The fulling-mill was let for 13s. 4^. Twelve freemen held lands chiefly in virgates. There were eight cottars : three paid a rental of id. a quarter ; four paid three farthings a quarter ; and " The smith makes the iron of one plough for his own land, and for another receives lod., and for a bill 8d." Five villeins, holding half a virgate each, paid 10^^. a quarter. (Reg. Prior. Wig.) The Rectory of Wlverslawe was given to the Priory of Wor- cester by Bishop Roger, who died 11 79. The reasons assigned afterwards by the monks as a pretext for its impropriation were the ruinous condition of their buildings and the cathedral tower, and the heavy law expenses they had incurred in defending their rights. Pope Clement issued a bull in their favour from Avignon, and the ordination was made in 1354 by John Bishop of Hereford, " having special power from the Apostolic See." The Register begins with the year 1539, when there were 17 baptisms, 9 burials, and 3 marriages. In 1563 a return gives 72 families. In 1776 there were 120 houses and 500 inhabitants. In 1 881 the population had increased to 3343. The oldest family in the parish was the Attwoods (page 95), of which the elder branch became extinct in 1726. The Sebrights go back as far as Henry III. William Sebright, Esq., in 1620, founded and endowed a grammar school, and left money for repairing the church and four bridges, &c. Colonel Sir F. Winn Knight, K.C.B., of Wolverley House, and Major A. T. Hancocks, of Wolverley Court, are the representatives of families of long standing here. John Baskerville (p. 156) was born in this parish. The Enclosure Act was passed in 1775, but Nash mentions 1456 acres of common land as still unenclosed in 1782. The THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 195 old church of St. John the Baptist was pulled down in 1769, and a new one, built of brick, was opened 20 Sept., 1772. In 1882 the chancel was restored by the Ecclesiastical Commis- sioners. The altar table and cloth were given by Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Morton, of Heathfield ; the pulpit is a memorial to Mr. John Saunders, of Sion Hill ; and the east window is erected in memory of Mr. William Hancocks. In the nave is a fine mural tablet by Flaxman in memory of Helen Charlotte wife of Mr. John Knight, of Lea Castle. The nave was thoroughly restored and beautified in 1889. The Vicarage, in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter of Worcester, is valued at ^300 with resi- dence, and is now held by the Rev. C. B. Rowland, M.A., St. John's College, Oxford. Edmund Green, Abbot of Hales Owen, was Vicar 15 10 — 1520. The well-known linguists and anti- quarians, Dr. Hickes and Dr. Hopkins, held this benefice in the seventeenth century. ^M HAGLEY. OPE and Shenstone, Thomson and Gray, have sung in famous verse the beauties of this charming spot. But a still greater renown arises from its being the home of the distinguished famil}- of Lyttelton, which has shown for generations how the feudal leaders of mediaeval times can adapt themselves to modern circumstances, and still take the lead in all that is best for their country. The late Lord Lyttelton (George William, fourth Baron) will be long remembered for two great improvements wrought by his influence, viz., the reformation of grammar schools and the increase in the Episcopate. There are Roman and British remains in this parish. On Wichbury Hill is a large camp occupied by the Romans before fighting the Britons who were posted on the Clent Hills. An earthen pot full of Roman coins was taken out of a pool close ig6 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. to the hill. Sepulchral urns have also been found. The Roman Road is now called the King's Headland. Hagley is mentioned in Domesday as one of 14 Worcester- shire manors of William Fitz-Ansculph, of Dudley. There were 5^ hides, having one plough in demesne, a priest, five villeins, ten bordars, with five ploughs, and land sufficient to employ eight more, two serfs, and a wood. Before the Con- quest Godric, a thane of King Edward, held it — now Roger under Fitz-Ansculph. The Paganels and Somerys succeeded Fitz-Ansculph. In the time of Henry H. William de Haggaley held it as a knight's fee of Gervase Paganel. In 24 Edw. III. Edmund de Hagley gave up the manor and advowson to his lord paramount, Sir John Botetourt, for 100 marks. Twenty-three years later Henry de Haggaley, heir-at-law to Edmund, recovered the manor : he was High Sheriff in 1398 — 9 and 1403. In 141 1 he sold it to Thomas Walwyn, who alienated it to Jane Beau- champ, Lady Bergavenny, and she devised it to her grandson, Sir James Boteler, son and heir of the Earl of Ormond, created Earl of Wiltshire in his father's lifetime. He was a Lancas- trian, was taken prisoner at Towton, and beheaded. The confiscated land at Hagley was granted by Edward IV. to Fulke Stafford, but it soon reverted to the Crown, and was granted to Queen Elizabeth Woodville. In 18 Edw. IV. the King and Queen conferred it upon the Abbot and Convent of Westminster, for two monks to celebrate masses for the repose of their souls. But soon Thomas Butler recovered the for- feited lands of his brother, the Earl of Wiltshire, and his great- grandson, Sir John St. Leger, sold them in 1564 to Sir John Lyttelton, of Frankley, Kt., in whose family they still remain. In 1600 John Lyttelton, Esq., was implicated in the Essex rebellion, for which he was tried, condemned, and imprisoned. His estate was forfeited, and complete ruin threatened the family, when his noble wife Muriel, daughter of Lord Chan- cellor Bromley, came to the rescue. She threw herself at the feet of King James I. at Doncaster, and obtained a grant of her husband's estate, and soon an Act was passed whereby Mr. Lyttelton's attainder was reversed. After the Gunpowder Plot THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 197 two of the conspirators, Stephen Lyttelton and Robert Winter, were concealed in the old Hall at Hagley, but were betrayed by an under-cook. The present Hall was erected by George first Lord Lyttelton. The oldest part of the Church of St. John the Baptist is of the time ot the Somerys, about Henry 111., hut it has been much enlarged. About 1858 it was restored .at a cost of ;^230o, as a county testimonial to the high character of the fourth Baron Lyttelton. Afterwards a tower and spire were added from the designs of Mr. J. E. Street. The Registers commence in 1538. The present Rector is the Rev. W. C. Gibbs, M.A., of Jesus College, Cambridge. The patron is Viscount Cobham, who lately inherited this title from one of Marlborough's famous generals, at the death of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. STONE RSO D'ABITOT, in Domesday, held Stanes in Creslau (now Halfshire) hundred, containing six hides ; Turni and Euchil held it for two manors. Herlebald held it of Urso. In demesne are two ploughs and sc\cn villeins, and fifteen bordars with six ploughs. There arc tour slaves and a mill of three ovx. ; one lewe and a half of wood. In the time of King Edward it was worth 405., now 305. Emmeline, Ursos daughter and heir, carrietl the manor to her husband, Walter de Beauchamj). Some time after it belonged to Ralph de Somery. A family, " de Stanes," flourished here as early as Henry II., taking their name from the place. Thomas Foliot inherited the property in tlu' lime of Edward 111., h\ his marriage with a daughter of Richard de Stone. Su- Jolin h'oliot sold it to Sir Williaiii ('ourttyn ; it igS A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. afterwards passed to the Rushouts, and then to Mr. Cox, attorney, of Kidderminster, whose daughter sold it to Mr. John Baker. Mr. James Holcroft, of Stourbridge, is now lord of the manor. The hamlet of Dunclent, in the time of the Conqueror, was the land of St. Guthlac, and was held by Nigel. It afterwards became the property of the Beaucharaps, and was held under them by the Dunclents. (Pp. 55, 64.) Later on it came to the Barons of Abergavenny. Edward Broad, of Dunclent, had much influence at Kidderminster in the time of Charles I. From the Foleys it passed with the other estates to Lord Ward, and the Earl of Dudley is the present owner. The *' Monks' furlong " formerly belonged to the Abbot of Bordesley. Henry VIIL gave it to John Maynard, who conveyed it to Edward Broad. The church of St. Mary, consecrated by Bishop Gifford in 1269, and originally dependent upon Chaddesley, was appro- priated to the College of Warwick. Thomas Forest, in 151 1, left land for the Lady Chapel. (Page 68.) The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1831. The Register dates from the year 1601. vi CHADDESLEY CORBET. DDEVE, a woman, held Cedeslai of the King at the time of the Domesday survey. She had held it in the reign of Edward the Confessor. There were 25 hides with eight corn farms. Ten of these hides were free from geld, as appeared by the testimony of the county. In demesne were three ploughs and 33 villeins, and 20 bordars, and two priests with four bordars. Among them all they had 25 ploughs. The number of bondmen and bondwomen was eight. Three mills paid 12 seams of corn. Two houses in THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. igg Worcester paid i2.d. In Wich five salt pans paid 21s. ^d. There was a wood of two lewes, and another wood of one lewe, T.R.E., and at the time of the survey, it was worth £12. Chaddesley was formerly included in Pyperode Forest, the name of which still survives in Peper Wood. The Corbets afterwards came into possession of this parish. Edward I. issued a mandate " to our beloved and faithful Peter Corbet " to take and destroy wolves wherever he could find them within the counties of Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Salop, and Stafford. From the Corbets Chaddesley passed to the Beau- champs, Barons of Bergavenny, and afterwards by purchase to John Pakington. Humphrey Pakington, his son, was seated at Harvington, a hamlet of the parish, and left by his wife, Abigail Sacheverell, two daughters co-heirs : Mary, who inherited Chaddesley, was married to Sir John Yate, Bart., of Buckland, Berks, and Anne to Sir Henry Audeley, of Bere-Church, in Essex. Lady Yate died 12 June, i6g6, aged 86, and was buried in the Lady Chapel of Chaddesley Corbet church, where may be seen a quaint epitaph by her daughter ApoUonia. She built and endowed three almshouses for widows. She was a strong supporter of the Roman Catholics, and sent a village lad, Sylvester Jenks, to Douay, who in 1686 returned to Harvington as missionary priest, and was made Chaplain to James II. In 1688 a " Protestant mob" from Kidderminster attacked Har- vington Hall ; but the drawbridge was up, and they could do little damage. The old Hall is still standing, though its glory has departed, and soon it will become a complete ruin. At the top of a fine old oak staircase is " Lady Yate's Nursery," which communicates by a latticed door with an inner chamber, formerly decorated with foliage, vine stems, and pomegranates. This was the chapel, from which a narrow doorway gives an outlet to the roof and many little secret rooms, providing a refuge for the priest, and where even now one could play a good game at " hide and seek." Under the boards was a small secret closet for the sacred vessels. On the first floor was a large banqueting-hall, lately despoiled of its oak wainscotting. By lifting up a step in the staircase, entrance is gained to another InddLii room, 5fl. yin. by 5ft., and 6i"t. high. On its z 200 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. floor lies to this day the self-same thick sedge mat bed on which the hidden priests lay. Air was admitted by a curious contri- vance in the roof; and in a small cupboard close at hand was a chink through which a message or food could be passed. In 1743 a new chapel was built, much used by the foreign artisans of Kidderminster and Stourbridge. This became a school-room, and was replaced by the present chapel, opened May 29, 1825. Father Wall had charge of Harvington for 12 years : he was taken prisoner at Rushock, tried at Worcester for high treason by Judge Atkins, and suffered death 22 Aug., 1679. His body was buried in St. Oswald's churchyard : his head is kept at Douay in the cloister of the English Friars. In 1879 a memorial crucifix was erected in the graveyard at Harvington. Charles Dodd, D.D. (Hugh Tootle), wrote his Church History, in 3 vols., at Harvington. He died Feb. 27, 1744. The sweet sedge (A corns Calamus), used formerly for strewing upon the floors of halls and chapels, grows abundantly in the moat of Harvington. Sir N. W. Throckmorton, Bart., the lord of the manor, is des- cended from Mary Yate, granddaughter of Lady Yate, who married Sir Robert Throckmorton, of Congleton, Warwickshire. The church of St. Cassyon at Chaddesley is very fine, and contains some good Norman and Decorated work. The font is very ancient. There is a recumbent figure of a Crusader, sup- posed to be a Corbet ; also a brass to Thomas Forest, keeper of Dunclent Park, his wife, and eleven children. There is no date, but by turning back to the will (page 68) it would appear to be about 151 1. William Beauchamp, Lord Bergavenny, gave to the collegiate church ol Warwick, of his ancestor's foundation, the advowsons of the churches of Spellesbury and Chaddesley Corbet. At the dissolution of religious houses the tithes were granted to the Corporation of Warwick, in whom they continue. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 20I HARTLEBURY. URHRED, King of the Mercians, gave Hartlebury to the see of Worcester about 850. It is thus described in the Domesday survey : — " The Church of Worcester holds Huerteberie with six berewicks. There are 20 hides, and in demesne four ploughs, and 24 villeins, three bordars, and a priest ; among them all they have 21 ploughs. There are 12 bondmen and 3 bondwomen, and two mills worth four shillings and 10 seams of corn. A wood one lewe long and half a lewe broad. In VVich five houses pa3ang five mitts of salt. In the time of King Edward it was worth sixteen pounds, now thirteen pounds and ten shillings." Bishop Walter de Cantilupe, a supporter of Simon de Mont- fort, began to fortify the Castle, which was embattled and finished by his successor, Godfrey Giffard, 1268. The gate- house was added in the reign of Henry VL by Bishop Carpenter. In 1646 the Castle was strongly fortified and held for the King by Captain Sandys and Lord Windsor, with 120 foot soldiers and 20 horse, and had provisions for twelve months. When summoned by Colonel Morgan for the Parliament, it surrendered in two days without firing a shot. The Parliamentary Com- missioners seized the Castle and manor, and sold them to Thomas Westrowe for ^3133 65. 8i. At the Restoration they were given back to the Bishop. The avenue of limes in the park was planted by Bishop Stillingfleet. Bishop Pepys made a present of the deer, which had been kept here from time immemorial, to Queen Victoria. The library was built by Bishop Hurd, who also presented to it the choicest works from the libraries of Pope and Warburton. The copy of the Iliad from which Pope's translation was made is among them. Some of the Castle moats have been filled up and laid out as flower gardens. In November, 1269, Bishop Giffard consecrated the church of St. James the Apostle. Bishop Sandys, in 1575. erected the 202 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. present tower, and the chancel was rebuilt by a late !• Rector, the Rev. Samuel Picart, early in this century. The rest of the church was rebuilt in the Early English and Decorated styles in 1836, from the designs of Mr. Rickman. In 1877 the church was partially restored and refitted. In the churchyard is a stone coffin lid with floriated cross, supposed to be that of John de Rodeborewe, Rector in 1290, who founded a chantry in honour of tiie Blessed Virgin Mary, and endowed it with lands in Waresley, Whittying, Stone, and Shenston, in this manor. The communion plate is of gold, being the gift of good Bishop Lloyd and his wife in 1714. The font belonged to the old church. The Registers are interesting, and commence with 1540. In them is this entry : — " A.D. 1553. Bishop Hooper was called before the Privy Council, August 22. He was sent prisoner to the fleet, September i. 1555, February g, burnt. Richard Patey, whom ye Pope has made Bishop in 1534, was now restored." The Rev. James Stillingfleet, when Rector in 1700, built the present parsonage house, a good specimen of the Queen Anne style. Among the Rectors have been some famous men, including Miles Smith, one of the translators of the Authorised Version of the Bible, Richard Bentley, the famous critic, &c. In the churchyard are the tombs of three Bishops of Worcester, Richard Hurd (1808), Robert James Carr (1841), and Henry Pepys (1861). A pretty half-timbered mission church was pre- sented to the parish in 1882 by the present revered Bishop, for which Mrs. Philpott provided the interior fittings. The Rectory of Hartlebury, in the patronage of the Bishop, is now held by the Rev. D. Robertson, Rural Dean of Kidderminster, who has a very interesting collection of portraits of former Bishops of Worcester. The Hartlebury Grammar School is mentioned as early as Richard II. ; but was refounded by Queen Elizabeth, who granted it a charter in 1558. In a secluded part of one of the glebe meadows is a curious hermit's cell, 18 feet by 12 feet, cut out of the rock. APPENDIX. 203 APPENDIX iDomec1^a^ 1&oo\{, a,2). 1080, Rex Willielmus tenet in dominio Chideminstre, cum xvj Berewiches, Wenuerton, Trinpelei, Worcote, Frenesse, at alia Frenesse, Bristitune, Harburgelei, Fastochesfelde, Gurbehale, Ribeforde, et alia Ribeford, Sud- tone, Aldintone, Mettune, Teulesberge, Sudwale. In his terris, simul cum Manerio, sunt xx'i hida:. Hoc Manerium fuit totum wastum. In dominio est j caruca et xx villani et xxx bordarii cum xviij carucis et adhunc xxti carucae plus ibi possunt esse. Ibi ij servi et iiij ancillae et ij molini de xvj solidis et ij salinae de xxx solidis et piscaria de c. denariis. Silva de iiij iewis. In hoc Manerio tenet Praepositus terram unius Radchenistre et ibi habet j carucam et molinnm de v. oris. Ad hoc Manerium pertinet una domus in Wich et alia in Wirecestre reddentes x denarios. Totum Manerium T.R.E. reddebat xiiij libras de firma. Modo reddit x libras et iiij solidos ad pels. Silvam hujus Manerii posuit Rex in foresta. De terra hujus Manerii tenet Willielmus j hidam et terram unius Radchenistre et ibi habet j villanum et viii bordarios habentes iiij carucas et dimidiam. Valet xj solidos. De eadem terra tenet Aiulfus unam virgatam. Ibi j caruca et ij servi. Valet ij solidos. Charter of Ikino 1bciir\> tbc Scco^^. Henricus Rex, Dux Normannias et Aquitaniae, Comes, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis Comitibus, Baronibus, Vicecomitibus, Ministris, et omnibus fidelibus suis, Franciae et Angliae salutem. Sciatis me dedisse concessisse (in foedo) et hereditate Mansero Bysset dapifero meo, pro servicio sue in Worcestershere, Kedemynster pro xx//. in Wiltes, Combe pro xxvi//., in Gloucestershire Wikewood pro x//., in Hampshire Dounreston pro viij//. et Burgagium de Rokebon cum Hundredo et cum omnibus suis pertinentiis pro xli//. et pertinentiis de Lechedesham. Et praeterea dedi Wadersey que reddebat matri meo (sic) per annum xx5. scilicet in Wichenford. Quare volo et firmiter precipio quod ipse Manserus et heredes sui has terras predictas habeant et teneant de me et heredibus meis, bene et in pace, et honorifice, et hereditarie, in bosco, in piano, in pratis, pascuis, in viis et semitis, et in omnibus locis, cum soca et saca, et tol et them, et infantethef et outefantethef, et cum omnibus libertatibuE et liberis consuetudinibus, cum quibus aliquis Baronum meorum Anglie melius et quietius, (et) honorificentius tenet. Teste me ipso, Thoma Cancellario, Reginaldo Comite Cornubiae, Willelmo Comite Leicestriae, Henrico de Essex Constabulario, R. de Ham, Roberto de Lacy, Warraino hlio Barnard, fosclino Barrete, Roberto de Donstapell. Apud Cant [ujariam. 204 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. " The Regester Boke of Weddings Christenings and Buryings made and kept in the parish Church of Kidderminster, from and beginning in January in the year of our lord 1539 unto this present yeare of our lord 1614 newly written at the special! Commandment of the right reverend father in god Henry Parry then Lord Byshopp of Worcester, John Colombine Clerke then being Viccar ther, John Clymar, John Peersall, Thomas Crane and Robert Hawkins, Churchwardens." [The entries of baptisms, weddings, and burials are all mixed up together, just as they happened to occur. Our fixed rules of spelling were not then in force. We first give a list of the surnames occurring in the registers in the period from 1539 to 1565. The figures after the name show the date of its first entry. Few families could have been living here in the above time without the birth, wedding, or burial of some one or other of their members. Probable variations in the spelling of a name are indicated by brackets.] N.B. As these names are arranged accord ing to the alphabet, they will not be repeated in the Index. Aslow • 1540 [Bucknell] • 154I Brincklow . . ■• 1542 Arche • 1540 [Bucknyll] • 1546 Bradburne • 1542 Agraven . . . 1540 Betenson . . • 1539 Bolas . . . . • 1542 Allen ■ 1540 Blount • i539 Brooke •• 1543 Agborow . . • 1541 Butler • 1540 Barnard • 1545 [Abarowe] • 1542 Boucher • 1540 Brodwey . . • 1546 Alchurch . . • 1542 Bennett • 1540 Bowyer • 1546 Arthure • 1543 Browne • 1540 Bocher • 1546 Apen • 1543 Barnisley . . • 1540 Brushwood • 1547 Adams • 1545 Barbor • 1540 Ballard • 1550 Avery • 1548 Burfield ,. • 1540 Burnell . . • 1550 Amys • 1550 Burlton • 1540 Bradeley . . • 1550 Ayre • 1552 Bytham •• 1541 Blysse •• 1551 Abintone . . • 1559 Badger • 1541 Bourne • 1553 [Abbington] • 1565 Bancks • 1541 Bache.. • 1560 Aston • 1559 [Banks] . . • 1547 Bradford . . • 1560 Astley • 1559 Brotherton • 1541 Bayleis • 1560 Alridge . 1560 Barret • 1541 Benton • 1561 [Albridge] • 1563 Buckman . . • 1541 Brocke • 1563 Allden .. . • 1563 Burdnyll . . • 1541 Blassard . . • 1563 Bowky ■ 1539 Baker . . . . • 1541 Blythe .. . • 1563 Buckenyll . . • 1539 Benbowe . . • 1542 Burrows • 1564 APPENDIX. 205 Barnes • 1565 Dawley • 1539 Gossard • 1542 Cowp • 1539 Dolman • 1540 Goodman . . • 1543 Clymer • 1539 Doolittle. . . . . 1540 Goppe • 1544 Carpenter . . • 1540 Dawks • 1540 Greene • 1545 Cowall . . . • 1540 Dallow , . . • 1541 Gorst • 1546 Clemens . 1540 Dunclent . . • 1541 Gerye • 1547 Cooke • 1540 [Duncklen] • 1542 Garnat • 1549 Cownde • 1540 Dison • 1541 Gyles • 1560 Chapman . . • 1540 Denson • 1541 Gosnell • 1560 Clarke . . . • 1540 [Denston] . . • 1551 Gouldsmith . 1560 [Clearke] .. . • 1545 Deane • 1542 Gest • 1563 Crompe • 1540 Dike • 1543 Glover • 1563 Combes • 1540 Dyplowe . . • 1543 Gurden • 1564 Capullwood • 1541 Dangland . . • 1545 Grayshill . . . • 1564 Comber • 1541 Delph • 1545 Gillam • 1565 Colbe • 1541 Dicke • 1548 Hay ley . . . • 1539 Collett . . . • 1541 Dedicote . . • 1550 Hill ■ 1539 Costen • 1542 Dunston • 1553 Hoggeson . . • 1540 [Coston] . . • 1545 Done • 1559 Howseman • 1540 Clent • 1542 ' Dennis • 1559 Hoggins . . . • 1540 Cleyter . . . . 1542 ap David . . • 15^ Hey • 1540 Coke • 1543 Davies • 1565 Hurtill .. . • 1540 Comberbach • 1545 Elyatts . . . • 1539 [Hurtyll] .. . • 1546 CoUe • 1546 Eyre • 1540 Hancox • 1540 Clemeford . . • 1546 ap Evans . . • 1540 Hulley . . . • 1541 Carme • 1546 Egeley • 1541 Hondye • 1541 Cowden • 1546 [EugeleyJ . . • 1545 [Handye] .. . • 1550 Compayne.. • 1546 Edmonds . . . 1560 Heath • 1541 Colyns • 1547 Foxsall ■ 1539 Holyman . . - 1542 Clare • 1547 [FoxallJ . . . • 1541 Haskett . . . • 1542 Churchyard • 1547 Fisher • 1540 Hadley . . . • 1542 Cully • 1547 Fyndon • 1540 Hassould . . • 1542 Cokesey • 1547 Fox • 1540 Harries • 1543 Crakeford . . • 1547 Fearne • 1541 Holmer • 1544 Clemson • 1547 Fleminge . . • 1543 Hockham . . • 1545 Calvert . . . • 1547 Foster • 1544 Hadgley . . . ■ 1545 Chaunce . . . 1548 [Forster] . . . • 1550 Hastings . . . 1546 Crane • 1552 Fowler • 1547 Hullam . . . • 1546 Cocke • 1559 Fayrefield . . • 1550 Hope • 1546 Cagier ■ 1559 Freestone . . • 1559 Hyweye • 1546 Coppe • 1560 Fartlowe . . • 1561 Hewett . . . • 1547 Cutler . . . . 1560 Fawkner . . • 1565 Has well • 1548 Corbett . . . • 1563 Grigorye . . • 1540 Hall • 1550 Cley • 1563 Gryffith .. . • 1540 Higgins .. . • 1550 Cauke • 1564 Gryffyne . . • 1541 Hannsor . . • 1551 Churchman • 15(^5 Gnowsall . . • 1541 Hawke ■ 1552 Cawdry . 1569 Garden • 1542 Holbecke .. . • 1559 2o6 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Harrisone . . • 1559 Lyrrocke . . .. 1560 Pyggyne . . . • 1547 Hayles • 1559 Lyneall .. 1564 [PiggineJ .. . • 1551 Hansett . . . • 1560 Myson .. 1540 Pyle • 1547 Hardye • 1560 Mill . . . . .. 1540 Parker . . . • 1548 Hullbye . . . • 1560 Mershe .. 1540 Pickthorne • 1548 Hopton • 1561 Mychell . . .. 1540 Pyke . 1548 Hanburye . . • 1563 ap Morgan .. 1541 Patricke • 1550 Hynston . . • 1563 Moore .. 1541 Page • 1552 Hardwicke • 1563 [More] •• 1550 Person . 1560 Horneblower . • 1563 Mylls . . . . .. 1541 Portman . . . 1560 Hulkey .. . • 1564 Malpas .. 1541 Payton • 1561 Heyes • 1564 Manning . . .. 1542 Player • 1 561 Heminge . . • 1565 Monnynge. . .. 1542 Parkins • 1564 Heyld • 1565 Moundye . . •• 1543 Rice • 1539 Insall . . . . . . 1548 [Monndy] . . .. 1546 Rawlynes . . • 1540 Jennyns • 1539 Manneringe •• 1553 Russell • 1541 Jones • 1540 Mathew •• 1559 Rose • 1541 Jewks • 1540 Mason •• 1559 Robins • 1542 Jorden - 1541 Middlehoppe .. 1560 [Robynnes] • 1549 Johnson • 1543 [Middleshopp ] • • 1564 Riddle . . . • 1542 Jokine • 1549 [Middlesop] •• 1565 Raibold .. . • 1542 Jerves • 1564 Machyne . . •• 1563 Radford . . . • 1542 Kynnerton.. • 1540 ap Maddocke .. 1564 Rogers • 1542 Kempstowe • 1540 Maynard . . .. 1564 Richardsone ■ 1543 Kyles - 1545 Mather .. 1565 Kugg • 1548 Kynrowe . . • 1545 Morris .. 1565 Rowland . . • 1549 Kysone • 1547 Overton •• 1559 Richmond . . • 1559 Kyrrye ■ 1548 Ap Powell . . •• 1539 Ratcliffe . . . • 1561 Kelleye • 1551 Pirry . . •• 1539 Reynolds . . • ^564 Kyteley • 1549 Potter.. .. .. 1540 Ryste • 1564 [Kiteley] .. . • 1551 Parkes .. 1540 Sharratt • 1540 Kinderdale • 1559 Penson .. 1540 Skyler . . . • 1540 Knotsfoord • 1559 Perkes .. 1541 Sturnye • 1540 Kirkmans . . • 1560 Parkeyate . . .. 1541 Stone . . , . . • 1540- Karolynes . . • 1564 Penn . . •• 1541 Smyth • 1540 Lyle ■ 1539 Pytt . . . . .. 1542 Shelley . . . • 1540 Longmore . . • 1540 Pereson .. 1542 Stampes • 1540 Leycet ■ 1540 Pardoe •• 1543 Stanley • 1541 Latwey • 1540 Purslowe . . •• 1543 Serjeant • 1541 Lee ■ 1540 Pynner •• 1545 Scott • 1541 Lache • 1540 Pralle . . . . •• 1545 Stowre • 1542 Lowe • 1540 Pargett •• 1545 Shingleton.. • 1542 Lyndon • 1542 Plevey •• 1545 Sherwood . . • 1542 Launder • 1545 Parsone .. 1546 Sowthall . . • 1547 Lydeyate . . • 1547 Pellett .. 1546 Somerfeild • 1547 Lovell • 1550 [Pillet] .. 1551 Sebright . . • 1549 Lake • 1559 Pope . . •• 1547 Sadler • 1551 1 APPENDIX. 207 Stanfield . . Stanford . . Sare . . Sampson . . Smalle [Smalej Symonds . . Standishe . . Symkes Stapull Skytt .. .. Sanford Sutton Tyllyate [Tyllet] . . Thomyns . . Tyler .. .. Thruston . . Taunton Tayler Togood Tudge.. .. Turner Troughton . . Towneclarke Thatcher . . 1552 1553 1559 1559 1560 1564 1561 1563 1563 1563 1564 1364 1565 1539 1551 1539 1539 1540 1540 1540 1540 1541 1541 1542 1542 1543 Tyrer . . Tyncker Thatchem Tymkins Trussell Toy Underhill Vernam Vaughane Ware . . Wryte [Write] Warroll Wilks . . Wannerton Wordle [Woordyll Whytefoot Wynyatt Weston Walker Walton Wood . . Wats . . [Watts] Wynsham •• 1545 •• 1559 •• 1559 . . 1 560 •• 1563 .. 1563 .. 1548 .. 1546 •• 1559 •• 1539 ■• 1539 .. 1541 •• 1539 .. 1540 .. 1540 .. 1340 .. 1546 .. 1540 •• 1541 ■• 1541 .. 1541 .. 1542 •• 1542 •• 1542 •• 1543 ■• 1542 [Vynsham Whyte Warton Willmotts [WolmottJ Wilcoxe Wilkinsone Wakeman Whytnyll Woodward Wyckins Whyttell Whytaker Watkys Wall .. Waynwright Waringe Whytmore Whytfeild Welshman Woldnall :01dnall] Whystone Wawyne Yorksheire 1543 1542 1543 1543 1546 1543 1545 1545 1545 1545 1548 1548 1550 1550 1550 1550 1559 1557 1560 1561 1563 1540 1564 1564 1543 [Previous to the adoption of the Gregorian or New Style in Enfjland in 1752, the les 198, 220, 224 FoUiott, 80, 127, 197 Forest, 38, 67, 68, 198, 200 Forster, 97, 98 Fortescue, 124, 132 Franche, 10, 23, 25, 55, 62, 132, 144 Frankley, 87 Eraser, 77, 84 Freeman, 136 Freeston, 66, 73, 147, 181, 209, 211, 213, 214, 222 Frome, 104 Frost, 70, 223 Fry, 81, 137 Furnivall, 41, 42 Fylldust, 215 Galabank, 157 Caret, 67 Garmson, 115 Garnett, 100 Geligoe, 221 Gentleman, 137 Gething, 145 Gibbons, 124, 130, 155 Gibbs, 197 Gibson, 137, 184 Giffard, 136, 201 Gilbert, 95, I43 Gilis, 68 Gisborne, 84 230 A HI STONY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Glasbrooke, 214, 215 Glynn, 148 Godiva, 7, 193 Godson, 84, 142 Goodwin, 82, 83, 145, 169, 224 Gough, 105, 188, 223 Gower, 147, 185, 212, 223 Grafton, 63 Grant, 84 (rranville, 50, 51 Gray, 143 Greaves, 94, 148, 156, 157, 180 Green,_ 73, 187, 195, 224 Greenfield, 136 Greville, 42, 43, 95 Grey, loi Grice, 97, gS Griffin, 100, 139, 147, 209 Griffith, 168 Griffiths, 81, i5i Grosvenor, 145, 169, 185, 186, 223, 224 Grove, 66, 126, 215 x*^ Gunhilda, 7 Gurney, 129 Gyldon, 97 Gyll, 100 Habberley, 10, 19, 21, 25, 62, 64, 149, 213 Hacun, 7 Hagley, i, 55, 56, 66, 195, 196, 197 Hale, 65 Hales Owen, 34, 87, 126, 190, 191 Hall, 135, 137, 139, 146, 147 Hallen, 81, 82, 129, 167, 223, 224 Ham, 7 HanLury, 48, 66, 93, 143. i-DD Hancocks, 81, 169, 194, 195, 220 Handlo, 34, 35 Hankys, 95 Hanley Castle, 36 Harding, 214 Hardman, 136, 138, 139, 219 Hardwicke (Earl), 152 Harley, 33, 114, 125, 143 Harmanville, 41, 43 Harper, 80 Harris, 81, 222 Harrison, 161, 187 Hartlebury, 18, 68, 78, 99, 106, 112, 201, 202 Harvey, 130, 224 Harvington, 199, 200 Harward, 66 Hnssall, 129, 211, 217 HassoU, 222 Hastings, 36 Hawkins, 214 Haye, 66 Hayle, 62 Hayley, 207 Heath, 128, 138, 213 Heathy, 55, 56, 62, 109 Heathored (L'p.), 5 Helmore, 136, 140, 168 Hemming, 128, 129 Henleghe, 17 Henry II., 13 Henry HI., 16 Henster, 65 Herdson, 97 Hereford, 35, 69 Heryng, 62 Hickes, 195 Hickeson, 62 Higgins, 147 Hill, 24, 65, 68, 81, 95, 132, 135, i37> T^5^, 159, 162-166, 210, 213, 214, 215, 219, 221, 222 Hinton, 81 Hoare, 143 Hoarstone, 18, 48, 66 Hobday, 66 Hodgetts, 51, 208, 215 Holcroft, 198 Holdsworth, 83, 224 Hole, 221 Holland, 139, 219 Holloway, 2x7, 221 Holmes, 186 Holt, 95 Hook, 159 Hookham, 142 Hooman, 130, 167, 184, 185, 223 Hooper (Bp.), 202 Hopkins, 88, 195 Hore, 65 Horewode, 62, 222 Hornblower, 81, 209, 221, 222 Hough. 48, 66, 80, 93, 220 Housman, 135, 155, 221 How (Bp.), 124 Howard, 51, 80, 125, 142, 158 Huddlestone, 84 Hugh3s, 186 Hulpole, 62, 222 Humphries, 184, 187, 220 Hunsworth, 136 Hunt, 66, 81 Hurcott, 10, 25, 26, 46, 48, 67, loi, 106, 112, 153, 187, 188 Hurd (Bp.), 201, 202 Hurtill, 53, 100, 115 Hussey, 143 Hyheway, 68 Ibery, loi Ingram, 50, 81, 91, 122, 210 Inkberow, 213 Ivens, 18, 52 Jambertus, 5 Jefferies, 81, 93, 121, 180, 224 Jekyll, 152 Jenks, 199 Jennings, 62, 83, 91, 95, 98, 100, 114, iig, 125, 207, 208, 209, 211, 212 Jernaule, 182 Jervice, 222 Jervyes, 150, 210 John (King), 15 Johnstone, 80, 157, 158 Jolly, Si Jones, 81, 129, 139, 155, 223 Jordan, 125 Jukes, 53, 100, 127 Kempsey, 102 Kempstowe, 209, 222 Kendal, 65 Kenelm, 189, 192 Kendrick, 218 Kent, 55, 56, 62, 221 Kenulph, 6, 193 Kershaw, 132 Ketelbern, 171 Kettle, 166, 218, 219 Kewley, 132 Ivey, 130 Kidderminster Abbot, 150 Kimberline, 139 Kineton, 86 4 INDEX. 231 Kinlet, 46 Kinsale, 127 Kinver, 4, 6, 64 Kinwarton, 86 Kiteley, 132, 208, 223 Knight, 194, 195 Knocker, 222 Knowles, 90 Kynfare, 224 Kyre, 7 'Kyrle, 216 Lacon, 74 Lacey, 66 Lake, 222 Langton (Abp.), 102 Lamb, 97 Lane, 137, 210 Lant, 159 Laud (Abp.), 115 Laweher, 87, 95 Lea, 19, 22, 25, 81, 82, 84, 90-, gi, 92, 129, i34> 143, 148, 149, 162, 166, 184, 187, 214, 216, 220, 221, 222, 223 Le Hunt, 125 Leland, 43, 61, 70, 173 Lechmere, 55 Leitleye, 64 Lewes, 146, 222 Lewis, 66, 137, 187 Ley, 2oy Lichfield, 121 Lickhill, 65, 127 Lihtfot, 54 Lindridge, 122 Lincroft, 96 Lister, 81, 138 Lloyd (I3p.), 92, 142 Lloyd, 187, 202 Logwardyne, 106 Longmore, 66, 100, 214 Lorde, 62, 65 Lowe, 64, 84, 98, 212 Ludford, 155 Ludlow, 117 Lugg, 127 Lunn, 137 Lutlev, 66 Lye, 68 Lygon, loi, 143 Lyle, 185 Lyttelton, 77, 95, 143, 157, 190, 195, 196, 197 McCave, 6, 139 Maddocks, 97 Madeley, 209 Madstard, 117 Maiden Bradley, 15, 16, 20, 21, 26, 33, 36, 45, 46, 70, 101, 104, 105, no, 112, 113, 125, 171 Makins, 84 Mai, 62, 125 Malpas, 62, 66, 95, 217 Marsden, 136 Martin, 80, 92, 142, 158 Martineau, 160 Mason, 161, 162, 210, 211, 217, 221 Matthews, 56, 81, 142 Mauger (Bp.), 102 Maunsell, gS Maydeston (Bp.) 86 Maynard, 198 Mears, 82, 90, 182 Mellone, 137 Meredith, 83 Merrick, 218 Miles, 81, 129, 142, 222 Milred (Bp.), 4 Mills, 139, 147 Miniiie, go Mitton, ID, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 65, 66, 71, 85, 98, 103, 107, 108, 109, no, 114, 116, 120, 126, 127, 128, 171, and addenda Moncrieffe, 51 Montacute (Bp.), 106, 109 Morgan, 142, 201 Morley (Bp.), 115, 120 Moore, 17, 149 Morrell, 130 Moreton, 222 Morton, 82,90, 13:, 184, 185, 195, 223, 224 Mortymer, 95 Moseley, 147 Moses, go Mossop, 82 Mottram, 130 Mountt'ord, 79, 125, 219, 222 Mountjoy, 48 Mundye, 100 MuslcU, 55, 64 M\dk)pp, 100 My 11, 67 Myllton, 2ig Mytton, 208 Nash, 72 Naylor, 187, 224 Needvvood, 167 Nelme, 65 Netherton, 22, 25, 98, 148 Newchurch, 122 Newcomb, 81, 131, 222, 223 Newland, 125 Newman, 125, 209 Newnham, 80 Newton, 70 Nevill, 14, 36, 47, 4g, 72 Nichols, 223 Niger, 21, 22, 86 North, 71 Northampton, 159 Northumberland (Duke of)> 45, 46, 114 Noake, 136 Notgrove, 122 Nott, 211 Notynham, 95 Noy, 72 Oakham pton, 64 O'Connor, 88, 139 Odell, 115, 125, 126, 213, 214 Odhams, 66 Offa, 5, 6 Oftinore, 107, no Okv, 62 Oldefelde, 62 Oldington, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 46, 65, 66, III, 1 12 Oldland, 187 Oldnall, 53, 63, 68, 146, 21 1, 222 Onslow, 122, 126, 130 Orton, 80, 81, g3, 151 Ossulton (Lord), 152 Oswald, 2 Oxford, 114 Packington, 65, 66, 199 Pagan el, ig6 Page, 90 Pagett, n5, 217 Pardoe, 53, 184, 185, 20S, 218, 222 Parkes, 68 Parlour, 65 Parr, 158 232 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Parry, 82, 137, 143 Paston, 77 Patchett, 221 Patrick, 81 Pauncefote, 32 Payne, 125 Peada, 2 Pearce, 81, 137 Pearsall, 66, 72, 73, 79, 81, ii5> i37» i55> 159, 181, 182, 214, 217, 218, 219, 222 Pearson, 164, 222 Pedmore, 96, 98 Peel, 124, 130 Peinton, 64 Penda, 2 Penley, 142 Penn, 62, 81, 93, 95, 148, 160, 220 Pennell, 167 Pepys (Bp.), 131, 201, 202 Perrin, 222, 223 Perrins, 81, 217, 220 Perry, i5i, 222 Pershore, 54 Phelip, 40, 41, 43 Phillipps, 44, 64, 67 Phillips, 84, 124, 125, 126, 143 Philpott, 121 Phipps, 122 Picart, 202 Pickerell, 97, 98 Pinches, 224 Pipard, 64 Pirry, 96, 208 Pitt, 45- 55> 79, 100, 136, 142, 210, 212, 213, 214, 215, 217, 222 Plessetis, 29, 30, 33, 36 Plimley, 147, 220 Poer, 171 Pole, 34, 41 Polton, 62, 222 Ponet, 62 Pope, 97, 100 Portes, 64 Porter, 125 Porto d'Anzio, 160 Portway, i Potter, 66, 73, 95, 142, 187, 209, 214, 215, 222 Powes, 70 Powell, 81 Power, 18, 139 Powys, 66 Poyntz, 70 Pranke, 96 Preene, 221 Preston, 149 Price, 138, 167 Priestley, 159, 161 Pri'tchard, 132 Pritty, 79 Pryntour, 62, 222 Purdey, 187 Puxton, 10, 22, 25, 62, 64 Pykenham, 114, 125 Pymp, 64 Quinzehides, 34 Radford, 66, 73, yg, 134. i47> 211, 222 Rammohun Roy, 160 Ramyston, 100 Ratsey, 65 Ray, 145 Rayson, 212 Reade, 79, 81, iig, 134, 146, 147, 219 Reve, 97 Reynolds, 93, 218, 221 Ribbesford, 6, 8, 10, 64, 65, 169 Ricardes, 95 Ricardo, 84 Rice, 44, 45, 65. 68, 94 Richard II., 26 Richardson,, 81 Ripariis (see Rivers) Rivers, 29, 30, 32, 36, 103 Roberts, 81, 223 Robertson, 202 Rock, 64, 65 Roden, 143, 224 Rodeborowe, 202 Rogers, 63, 219 Rokebourne, 13, loi Ross, 136 Romsey, 30, 31, 32, 33, 65 . Rouse, 48, 118, 221 Rowden, 79, 219 Rowland, 195 Rowley, 2'2i Rudhall, 90 Rugge, 63 Rupert Prince, 77, 78 Rushock, 96, 100 Rushout, 198 Russell, 43, 98 Ryppel, 95 Sacheverell, 199 Sadler, 79 Sale, 221 Salter, 97 Salwarpe, 153 Salway, 219 Santon, 65 Sandbourne, 92, 107, 109 Sandford, 30 Sandys, 201 Saunders, 195, 223, 224 Savage, 72 Sawyer, 66, 99 Scott, 126 Sebright, 53, 74, 95, 146, 194, 208, 210, 212, 215 Seckley, 193 Seelee,' 213 Selwood, 104 Sergeant, 66, loi, 210, 211, 213, 218, 2ig, 222 Severn, 137 Severne, 152 Severn Stoke, 152 Seymour, 124 Shakespeare, 219 Sheldon, 45, 98 Shenston, 214 Shepherd, 139 Sheppard, 142, 170' Sherman, 68 Sheiwood, 121 Shirley, 222, 223, Silk, 222 Simmons, 79, 118, 143, 219 Skey, 92 Skinner, i8'5 Simcox, 170, 184, 210, 214 Snel, 21, 24 Soley, 53, 66, 91, 127, 143, 213, 219 Smith, 66, 100, 114, 125, i34> 137. 139, 185, 202, 209, 210 Somers, 94, 152, 213, 214 Somery, 190, 196 Sommers, 222 Smiles, 154 Southall, 81 Sparry, 147, 150. Speerels, 219 Spencer, 81, 22a Spicer, 53, 64 INDEX. 233 Spilsbury, 93, 94, 135 Spi-igg, 223 Spring Grove, 61, 92 Spyttell, 98, 208 Stacy, 29 St. Albans, 124 Standish, 100 Stanhope, 51 Stanley, 121 Stapleton, 42, 43 Steill, 136 Stephens, 139 Stephyn, 66 Stepkin, 215 Steynor, 81 Stillingfleet (Bp.), 201 Stokes, 81 Steward, 53, 212 St. Leger, 190, 196 St. Pierre, 40, 43 Stooke, 137, 211 Stringer, 81, 95 Strode, 51, 155 Stourton, 70 Stoughton, 121 Stratford, 71 Stretton, 90, 149 Sugge, 62, 222 Sutton, I, 10, 22, 25, 51, 63, 125 Stone, 64, 68, 102, 166, 197, 198 Stour, 8, 12, 24, 171 Stour-inrUsmere, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 193 Stourbridge, i, 77, 78, 150 Stourport, 18, 21, 85, 137, 138, i44> 187 Stafford, 63, 190 Stanford, 121, 122, 155 Symonds, 63, 95 Syner, 73 Taillour, 224 Talbot, 14, 64, 81, 82, 84, 137, 218, 223, 224 Tanner, 6, 8 Tarring, 134 Taverner, 47 Taylor, 64, 81, 90, 92, 129, 135, 137. 214 Tempest-Radford, 52, 83, 224 Templeton, 185 Tenbury, 7 Tewkesbury, 2, 36, 155 Th.inet (Lord), 143 Thatcher, 79 Thomas, 55, 81, 97, 220 Thompson, 52, 134 Thomason, 219 Thornborough (Bp.), 117, 126 Thorn, 222, 223 Thornycroft, 143 Throckmorton, 65, 200 Thursfield, 82 Thurston, 100 Thynne, 124 Ticknell, 91 Tillyatt, 100 Timmins, 158, 159 Tombes, 119, 138 Tomkinson, 52, go, 132, 142, 144, 184, 185, 224 Tompkins, 66 Tomyns, 95, 99, 100, 125, 208 Tovey, 224 Townclarke, loi Townshend, 53 Toye, 53, 66, 93, 209 Trimpley, 10, 23, 25, 34, 48, 63, 77, 95, 96, 97, 108, no, 132 Tucker, 145 Turner, 80, 82, 91, 126 Turton, 223, 224 Ubeton, 104, 125 Upton, 102, 114 Urban IV., 103 Uriconium, i Usmere, 4, 193 Vernon, 53, 220 Villiers, 130 Vincent, 66 Wacna, 69 Wade, 66, 213 Wadersey, 13 Waite, 136 Wakeman, 63, 82, 95, 100 Waldron, 93, 148 Walker, 66, 98, 214, 220 Wall, 66, 200, 214 Waller, 48, 153 Wallis, 80, 81, 216, 222 Walter, 220 Walters, 137 Wannerton, 10, 53, 58,66 Wantner, 222 Ward, 48, 51, 88, 94, 124, 126, 131, 137, 185, 198 Waresley, 66, 130 Warm', 18 Warminster, 155 Warner, 124, 129 Warren, 46, 218 Warrington, 160 War ton, 129 Warwick, 30, 35, 100, 198, 200 Wassell, 2, 77 Watkms, 80, 224 Watt,' 98 Watson (Bp.), 154 W'atson, 8i, 82, 148 Webb, 209 Weaver, 66 Wenlock, 180 Werefrith, 7 Wesley, 137, 138 Westbury, 95 Westminster, 10, 196 VVestrowe, 201 Wharton. 77 Wheatley, 139 Wheeler, 80 Wheler, 66 White, 65, 81, 84, 121, 125, 145, 220, 221 Whitefoote, 218 Whitehouse, 52 W'hiting, 148 Whitnell, 147 Whittall, 186, 187, 209, 220 Why took, 183 Whyston, 100 Wiccii, 2, 5 Wich, 10, II, 171 W'ichenford, 13 Wickens, 126 Wickstead, 117 Widdcr, 136 Wiggan, 81, 129 Wigmore, 49 Wike, 18 Wikewood, 13 Wilberforce, 124 Wilder, 128, 187 Wilde, 53 Wildgoose, 212 Wilkes, 66, 126, 209, 216 Willets, 66 Willey, 137 Williams, 80, 135, 136, 155, 220 Willies, 68 Willis, 166, 186, 224 Willoughby, 114, 125 234 A HISTORY OF KIDDERMINSTER. Wilmot, 49, 53, 78, 127, zio, 214, 220, 221 Wilson, 81 Wilton, 182, 183 Wiltshire (Earl of), 190 Winchcombe, 150 Winchester, 16 Winford, 66 Winnington, 50, 131, 155 Winter, 43, 70, 100 Wintour (see Winter) Witfield, 54, 55 Withers, 113, 114, 125 Witley, 39, 40, 50 Wodehouse, 129 Wolseley, 75 Wolverhampton, 162, 164 Wolverley, 6, 7, 8, 54, 95, 96, 100, 102, 122, 193-195, 213 Wood, 93, 100 Woodfield, 94, 141 Woodward, 81, 90, 119, 131, 167, 184, 185, 186, 208, 213, 214, 219, 222 Worcester, r, 7, 10, 11, 17. 33. 34. 36, 39, 4i> 44, 54, 55, 67, 72, 77, 78, 100, 105, 108, 114, 122, 124, 136, 137, 139, 143. r57. 158, 169, 173, 180, 194, 200, 201 Worth, 184, 186, 187, 223 Wribbenhall, 6, 10, 18, 20, 23, 25, 38, 48, 65, 66, 128, 144, 213 Wright, 81, 95, 139, 185, 207 Wroxeter, i, 117 Wulstan (Bp.), 7 Wyld, 74, 100 Wyldye, 67, 213 Wynde, 81 Wyre Forest, 172 Wysham, 32 Yarrington, 66, 126, 153, 219, 220 Yate, 199, 200 Yates, 73, 81 Yearsley, 81, 222 Yonkers, N.Y., 185 Stamford : Printed at the Old Lincolnshire Press. (/ 07- THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. Series 9482 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 241 699 8 .■i'i;v;r''T '} ' ■' ■ ■ ■;'.■'■! Py *■■;',;-„;! >•• i'.i- :-aEig; ^'■'!' ':^:';';'::i-' ;.'■/» -:'V.\V.»K.;; :;U;■M'■ ■•-:■• ■■:-'-'^^^:5::S:?