The Earle & Welford Families of Yorkshire, England 1268 - 1911
The Earle & Welford Families       of Yorkshire, England               1268 - 1911

Earle Family of Spofforth & Kirk Deighton

Yorkshire Deeds

 

1 Edward III [28th October 1327]

Lands in Walton Head[0] in the parish of Kirkeby Oreblauers that once belonged to [quondam] Willelmi Erle were granted by John, son of John Spink of the same place to Sir Thomas Fox, parson of the church of Gilling in Ridale, his heirs and assigns

 

Subsidy Roll (Poll Tax) 1379

 

Spofforth (Claro) - Plumpton

William Erell & his wife - assessed for 4d.

 

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Court of View of Frankpledge[1] and Court Baron[2] held 7th October 2 Elizabeth I [1560]

Peter Erle made rescue[3] on William Wodburne and was amerced 3s. 4d. [Spofforth Verdict]

 

List of Tenants – 7th October 3 Elizabeth I [1561]

Peter Erle and 59 others listed as ‘Tenants at Will’[4] in Spofforth each paying 4d. for greenwood, except those exempt from the charge

 

The Boundary of Ye Lordship of Spofford transcribed from the Yorkshire Archaeological Society Journal – Volume XIII under note LVI on page 318 dated 1st April 1577 in the 19th year of the reign of Elizabeth I

 

‘Imp’mis begining at a Stone Bridge east from the Manor House called Deighton Bridge and soe from ye sd Bridge south upp ye sd river or becke called Crimple as ye midstream runneth to a certain meadow of Mr Will’m Middleton’s called Bagwith and there on ye said Cremple southward along the East side of ye Demaines of Stockell grounds as the long Inge goeth and ye River commeth downe unto a place called Bairarse Ing and soe South along ye East side of ye sd Bairarse about Bairarse lease Parcell of ye said Lordshipp of Stockell as ye hedge goeth unto a gate at ye south end & head of ye sd Bairarse lease and soe along as ye Hye Street lyeth unto a small Baulke having Thorne Bushes upon the same lying east from ye sd High Street called the Draile Baulke lying betwixt ye Lordshipp of Linton upon the West and ye Lordshipp of Kirkedighton and soe alond ye sd Baulke as it lyeth turning somewhat upon the North unto a Place where ye said two Lordshipps doe meete and bounder with ye Lordshipp of Weatherby at the North End of ye sd Draill Baulke turning upon ye South from thench southward as ye sd Baulke lyeth betwixt ye sd Lordshipp of Linton and ye said Lordshipp of Weatherby unto a meare Stone on the South side of ye Queenes High Streete lying upon a Hill called Draincall Hill & from thence South along a Thorny Baulke called Draincall Baulke south unto ye Midle Streame of ye River of Wharffe and soe South West as ye sd streame cometh downe unto ye head and West end of ye Cow Pasture of Linton and from thence still West ye Midle Streame of ye sd River betwixt the Lordshipps of Woodhall and Keiswick untill a Place called the Awste Holme and soe still up ye Streame of ye sd River unto a place called the Strand and soe to a place called ye Cow Holme & from the Cow Holme as ye said Streame runneth unto Natherby and still up the sd River unto a Place called Gilkecroste at ye South Corner of ye sme whereas a sike called ebb sike runneth into the said River of Wharffe & from thence North West upp ye sd ebb sike until it turns plaine North and soe along ye sd sike untill ye West Nowke of Gilnaker and soe along the West hedge of ye sd Gilnaker uto ye West Corner of of one Ing Close of Thomas Gelstropps called the becke Ing and soe upp along the West hedge of ye sd Ing untill a little Becke called ye Blacke Becke and then upp along ye sd Becke unto a Yate called the Bawghill Yate there adjoyning upon Swindon, and soe up ye sd Blacke Becke unto Stringfellowes House, and soe up ye Becke to Swindon Gate and from thence up ye West side of Skailber and soe along the west side of ye said Scailber as ye River runneth unto a place called the Waire hoyll and from ye sd Waire hoyll along the South West Hedge of ye uttermost Closes of ye Wynd Mill at Walton Head still adjoyning upon ye Comon of Swindon unto ye South West Corner of ye Browe Close where ye Wind Milne standeth and under ye sd Milne and soe North as ye Hedge of ye sd Brow Close goeth toward ye head house of Walton Head unto ye end of one old tarne of one Ditch or Hedge west from the said Wind Milne and soe Westward along ye said Tarne unto a small running sike wh’ commeth from ye aforesaid Walton Head, and then by ye sd’ sike unto one other old tarne of a ditch on ye West side of ye sd Riv or Sike and from thence full West as ye sd Tarne goeth unto ye five Stones in the head of Butter sike and from the sd five stones North as ye sd Butter Sike runneth unto ye Milne Dame and soe streight over ye sd Dame unto a small Riv or Becke called Cremple and there turning full upon ye Easte down ye Middle Streame of ye sd Cremple as ye Water runneth betwixt the sd Lordshipp of Spofford and ye Forrest of Knaisborow downe to a Ford called Almeford and from thence still as the sd Middle Streame runneth unto the Brockhill & from thence still as ye Streame runneth unto the Duck nest house & from thence still along the Streame as it runneth unto the head of Aickton Moore and soe over ye sd river or Becke called Cremple unto the South West Corner of ye West Hedge of Breame Barress, and soe North East, as ye sd hedge goeth up the Craggy Hill unto a Gate called Lolly Gate and soe east on the Hyghe Street, and on the sd Hedge south east as the Hedge goeth betwixt the Breame Ground and ye Lordshipp of Plumpton unto ye South West Corner of ye Wood called Loplay and soe still South East on ye South side of ye sd Wood and through the Wood unto a Pasture Close called Firbary lease, and soe along ye North Hedge of ye sd Firbary lease unto a Pasture Close of Ribstone Ground called Ribston lease and there turning North alonge the Hedge unto ye Gate in ye Queenes High Streete going towarde Knaisborow and soe streight on ye Streete and downe the Hedge to ye River of Nidd and soe downe ye Midle Streame south east as the sd River runneth an south to the Mouth of Cremple whereas ye sd River or Becke called Cremple runneth into the said River of Nidd and soe up ye sd Cremple West unto ye Black Stones at the foote of Ribston Moore and soe up the Midle Streame of ye saide Becke unto North Dighton Water Mill and soe up still along ye sd Streame unto a Stone Bridge called Ribston Bridge and on soe up to ye North East Corner of a Close now called ye Hollyn Close and soe forth as ye said Becke boundereth ye sd Close until the North West Corner of North Dighton Pke and soe West along ye sd  Becke unto ye Southwest Corner of ye said Parke and soe still up ye sd Becke to ye first named Stone Bridge where wee first began.’

 

Yorkshire Feet of Fines of the Tudor Period (copy of original in Archive Documents)

 

Michaelmas Term 27 Elizabeth I [1585]

Hec est finalis concordia facta in curia domine Regine apud Westmonasterium in octava Sancte Michaelis Anno regnorex Elizabeth Dei gratia Anglie, Francie et Hyburnie regine fidei defensoris a conquestu vicesimo septimo corham Edwardo Anderson, Francisco Wyndham, William Peryman and Francisco Rodes justiciariis et allis domine regine fidelibus tunc ibi presentibus inter Matthew Hardcastell, Thomas Hudson, Thomas Eldesworth, Cutbert Simpson et Leonardus Erle querentum et Willms Middleton Esq et Mariam uxor eius et Arthuris Southell, ingenuus deforciatores: de quattior messuagio, quattior horreis, quattior toftis, quattior gardino, quattior pomarius, sexaginta et septem acris - tre triginta et duodeviginte acris prati et duodecim acris pasture cum pertinenciis in Little Ribston et Foresta de Knaresbourgho unde placitum conventionis summonitum fuit inte eos in eadem curia scilicet quod predicti William, Mary et Arthurus recognoverunt tenement cum pertinenciis esse jus ipsius Mathew et illa quo iidem Mathew, Thomas, Thomas, Cutbert et Leonardus gent de dono predictorum Willmus, Marie et Arthuris et illa remiserunt et quietumclamaverunt de ipsis Willo, Maria et Arthuro et heredibus suis predictis Matheu, Thome, Thome, Cutbto et Leonardo et heredibus ipsius Mathew imperpetuum. Et preterea iidem Wills’ et Maria concesserunt pro se heredibus ipsius Wills’ quod ipsi warantizabunt predicto Matheo, Thome, Thome, Cutbto et Leonardo et heredibus ipius Mathew predicta tenement cum pertinenciis cont predictus Willm’ et Maria et heredibus ipius Willm’ imperpetuum et preterea idem Arthurus concessit pro se heredibus suis quod ipsi warantizabunt predicto Mathew, Thome, Thome, Cutbto et Leonardo et heredibus ipius Mathew predicta tenement cum pertinenciis cont predictus Arthurus et heredibus suis imperpetuum. Et pro hac recognicione remissione quietaclamancia warantia fine et concordia iidem Matheus, Thomas, Thomas, Cutbtus et Leonardus dederunt predictis Willo’ et Maria et Arthuro octoginta libras sterlingorum.



Ebor

Translation of the fine...

This is the final agreement made in the court of the Lady Queen at Westminster in the octave of St. Michael in the twenty seventh year of the reign of Elizabeth after the conquest, by grace of God Queen of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, before Edward Anderson, Francis Wyndham, William Perryman and Francis Rhodes, and other faithful subjects of the Lady Queen then there present. Between Matthew Hardcastle, Thomas Hudson, Thomas Eldesworth, Cuthbert Simpson and Leonard Erle, querents and William Middleton Esquire and Mary his wife and Arthur Southell, gentleman – deforcients: concerning four messuages, four barns, four crofts, four gardens, four orchards, sixty-seven acres - thirty three and eighteen acres of meadow and twelve acres and four of pasture with appurtenances in Little Ribston and the Forest of Knaresborough. Whereupon a plea of covenant was summoned between them in the same court, that is to say that the aforesaid William, Mary and Arthur have acknowledged the aforesaid tenements with the appurtenaces to be the right of him the said Matthew as those which the said Matthew, Thomas, Thomas, Cuthbert and Leonard have of the gift of the aforesaid William, Mary and Arthur and those they have remised and quitclaimed from them the said William, Mary and Arthur and their heirs to the aforesaid Matthew, Thomas, Thomas, Cuthbert and Leonard and their heirs forever. And moreover the said William and Mary have granted for them and the heirs that they will warrant to the aforesaid Matthew, Thomas, Thomas, Cuthbert and Leonard and their heirs the aforesaid tenements with the appurtenances against all men forever. And Arthur has granted for them and the heirs that he will warrant to the aforesaid Matthew, Thomas, Thomas, Cuthbert and Leonard and their heirs the aforesaid tenements with the appurtenances against all men forever. And for this recognizance remise quitclaim warranties fine and agreement the said Matthew, Thomas, Thomas, Cuthbert and Leonard have given to the said William, Mary and Arthur eighty pounds Sterling[5]

York

 

Chapter Note

 

Freehold land was and is held 'in fee simple'. In other words the land was owned absolutely by the owner, who was free to sell it, pass it by will, or settle it, so that it passed to anyone he, or she chose. If no other arrangements were made, the land would pass to the heir of the owner after his or her death.

 

From the time of Henry II to 1834 (when more simple modes of assurance were adopted) property transfer was recorded on Fines, or final concords. These were conveyances of land by means of a fictitious legal action that resulted in a copy of the final agreement, or concord, between the purchaser, known as the querent, and the seller, known as the deforciant, being filed with the records of the king's court and open to public inspection.

 

This final agreement was normally written out three times on a single sheet of parchment - two copies side by side and one copy across the bottom of the sheet, separated by an indented or wavy line. The purchaser kept one copy, the seller the other and the final copy - 'the foot of the fine'- was kept by the court as a central record of the conveyance. It was a means of having title registered to guard against subsequent fraud or forgery as copies of this three piece jig-saw would only fit together if genuine. Fines date from a period when the only other common mode of transferring freehold lands was by charter of feoffment, which did not possess the great advantage which a fine had of being a matter of record, and therefore always available as evidence when a feoffment might be lost or destroyed.

 

There was no legal obligation to have title registered in this way. Often the fine was one of a series of conveyancing deeds some of which may give more detail about the property - such private deeds are less likely to have survived with the public records.

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Baptism – about 1597

Robert son of Leonard Earle

 

Baptism – about 1599

Francis son of Robert Earle [Follyfoot]

 

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Court with View of Frankpledge held Monday 10th October 1 James I [1603]

Leonard Earle sworn in as court deputy [Rybston Pva][6]

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held 14th April 2 James I [1604]

Leonard Earle sworn in as court deputy [Rybston]

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held 5th October 2 James I [1604]

Leonard Earle sworn in as court constable [Rybston]

 

Robert Earle, plaintiff presented himself against Lawrence Bland, defendant for debt of 1s. for a pair of bedposts. Lawrence denied the debt. To Jury

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held 4th October 3 James I [1605]

Leonard Earle sworn in on the Jury [Rybston Parva]

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held 30th September 5 James I [1607]

Leonard Earle and 24 others amerced 2d. for watering hemp

 

Saxton map of Spofforth dated 1608

 

The following map extract of the Manor of Spofforth made in 1608 by Christopher Saxton shows the layout of the village little changed from the modern day Spofforth with the main road from Wetherby taking the same sharp right turn past the church and parsonage before heading out to Little Ribston. Other buildings of note are also shown on the map such as the castle and corn mill.

 

However more interestingly the land is marked out as either freehold or copyhold and some names are also written on the pieces of land indicating ownership. In the top right hand side of the map, east of the river Crimple marking the boundary of Spofforth in the west and the lands of Little Ribston in the east, the name "L Erle" can just about be made out perhaps showing the portion of land he Leonard Erle purchased in 1585 in the above Fine. It is worth noting the river now runs on a course closer to the church though the old river bed on Saxton's map can still be seen on Google Maps

Saxton map of Spofforth dated 1608
Magnified and rotated view of the above map showing the name "L Erle" just below centre

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held 3rd October 8 James I [1610]

Leonard Earle sworn in on the four-man Jury [Rybston Parva]

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held Thursday 16th April 10 James I [1612]

Leonard Earle and three others named sworn in as officials for Rybston Parva

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held Monday 5th October 10 James I [1612]

Leonard Earle and three others named sworn in as officials for Rybston Parva

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Burial – 30th August 1612

? Earlle [register decayed] 

 

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held 27th April 12 James I [1614]

Leonard Earle to get rid of Arthur Stead before Whitsuntide - 20s.

 

Court Baron held 6th February 13 James I [1615]

Leonard Earle and 11 others named sworn in onto the Jury

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held Wednesday 4th October 13 James I [1615]

Leonard Earle and 54 others named presented from watering hemp in running water contrary to law

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held Friday 6th April 17 James I [1619]

Widow Earle and 4 others amerced 2d. each for selling ale beyond the assize [Follyfoot]

 

List of Tenants – 8th April 1620

Leonard Earle and 11 others listed as ‘Free Tenants’[7] in Ribston Parva owing suit to the court within the lordship of Spofforth

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held Sunday 22nd April 18 James I [1620]

Leonard Earle sworn in on the four-man Jury [Rybston Parva]

 

Great Court with View of Frankpledge held Wednesday 4th October 18 James I [1620]

Leonard Earle along with 24 others amerced for watering hemp in the Cremple[8]

 

Dent of Ribston Archive - YAS DD59/R/5C/20 (copy in Archive Documents)

 

William Lobley &c to Robert Earle &c - 8th & 20th April 1622 (transcript)

THIS INDENTURE maide the eight and twentye day of Aprill 1622 and in the twentyeth yere of the reygn of our Sovereign Lord James by the grace of God Kinge of England, Scotland, Ireland and Britons defender of the faythe. Between William Lobley of Lytle Ribstone in the Countye of Yorke, younger; Purcyvall Gibson of Burton Leonard in the said Countye and Richard Gibson sonne of the said Purcyvall Gibsone of the sayme place. And Roger Brownerigg of Lytle Ribstone aforesaid; Robt Earle of the sayme and William Thresher of Copynthorpp in the said Countye of the Citie of Yorke as the said parties. Wytnesseth that whereas the said Willm Lobley, Purcyvall Gibson and Richard Gibson by their several Indentures of bargaine and saile and for good sum of money in the said several Indentures mentioned. Hayth bargained, sould and granted to the several persons and parties to these Indentures and to their heires forever severill arrable lands, meadows and pastures in Lytle Ribstone aforesaid. And in the said several Indentures to them made as memorial and by process with covenant therein mentioned other the said William Lobley, Purcyvall Gibson and Richard Gibson, William Lobley the elder and Eleanor wife of the said William Lobley the younger shall within three yeres next ensuing the dayte of the said Indentures levy a fyne on the said several lands to the said several parties. Yt is therefore now fully conditional, concluded and agreed between all the said parties to these presents that the said William Lobley the younger; Eleanor his wife, Purcyvall Gibson, Richard Gibson and William Lobley the elder shall before the falle of Pentecost next comyng after the daye of this levy applying as above relinquish possession of all the said arable land, meadow, pasture and tenements and hereditaments in the said severall Indentures mentioned to be granted and the said fine to be levied on the said lands and other they shall be and ??? to their only use and uses of all the said severall parts to these Indentures and to their heirs for ever according to the tennor, accord and forme and meaninge of the said Indentures. In witness whereof the said parties to these Indentures above sette their hands and seales the daye and yere above wrytten.

 

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Court Baron held 26th February 21 James I [1623]

Robert Earle against William Hardcastle for 20s. for a suit of clothes – attached[9]

 

Marriage

 

About May 1623

Robert Earle and Ann ?

 

Chapter Note

 

Could the suit of clothes Robert purchased from William Hardcastle for 20s. in February 1623 (approx £100 in todays money) be for his forthcoming wedding to Ann. There is no record of the outcome of his court action against William, but it is hoped the disagreement was amicably resolved before his big day

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Baptism - 16th March 1624

Leonard son of Robert Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

 

Baptism - 10th April 1625

Anne Jepson ye daughter of Jeames Jepson, of North Dighton

Baptism Register, All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Baptism - 19th March 1626

William son of Robert Earle

Baptism - 9th March 1628

Francis son of Robert Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register, All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 27th March 1631

Ann daughter of Robert Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register Extract - All saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 12th July 1633

John son of Francis Earle, of Follyfoot Township

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 29th September 1634

Robert son of Robert Earle of Ribston

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Court Baron held 30th January 1636

Arthur Godfrey vs Robert Earle for 20s. debt – reconciled

 

Court Baron held 20th March 1636

Robert Earle and 12 other men sworn in on the jury for this court

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 20th April 1636

George Lasinby’s wife threw stones at Robert Earle and so broke his head and shed blood. So George and his wife are in mercy 3s. 4d.

 

Robert Earle let his style be in disrepair against paine and is amerced 6d.

 

Fines and Amercements at the View of Frank Pledge Court held 12th October 1636

Robert Earle has not repaired the stile between Rie Croft and William Maunby’s close and is amerced 6d.

 

Robert Earle and 3 others amerced 6d. for rating[10] hemp

 

Court Baron held 23rd November 1636

William Foster, plaintiff against Robert Earle, defendant for 3s. by an agreement in that Robert was to buy a hat with this sum. Defendant asks for a day till next court

 

Court Baron held 10th November 1637

Nicholas Exelby, plaintiff against Robert Earle, defendant - for 9s. 7d. debt. Robert denies the debt and essoins to the next court by Leonard Earle where he confesses 1s. 1d. only. Jury finds for the plaintif 2s. 3d.

 

Court Baron held 25th February 1638

Martin Archard against Robert Earle for 3s. 9d. debt for 1½ measures of corn

 

Court Baron held 20th January 1639

Robert Earle and 9 others named appeared at the court

 

Robert Earle and 11 others named sworn in on the jury between the parties

 

Court Baron held 24th April 1639

Robert Earle named with 13 others as officials are sworn in on the jury between the parties

 

Court Baron held 1st December 1640

Richard Wright, plaintiff against Robert Earle, defendant for 3s. part lent and part ‘for stuffe’ – defendant essoined by Ann Earle, his wife

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 30th September 1641

Robert Earle and several others named as court defaulters with Robert amerced 6d. for his absence

 

Court Baron held 28th October 1641

Robert Earle and 11 others named sworn onto jury between the parties

 

Court Baron held 23rd January 1642

Peter Wilkinson against Robert Earle for 20s. loan - distrained

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 21st April 1642

Robert Earle and 11 others sworn onto jury between the partie Robert Earl and 3 others sworn in as a
new constable was elected for Little Ribston

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 17th October 1643

Robert Earle and 37 others named in default. Robert and 2 others are fined with Robert paying 3s. 4d.

 

Robert Earle appeared as a witness as Thomas Parke, plaintiff sued Thomas Sharpe in a case of debt amounting to 39s. 11d. for part price of a gelding due last Michaelmas. Defendant confesses. Costs 1s. 6d.

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 1st October 1644

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 14th April 1645

Robert Earle and 3 others sworn in as a new constable is elected for Little Ribston.

 

Robert Earle and 12 others also sworn in as they are elected onto the jury between the parties

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 5th July 1645

Robert Earle and 7 other free tenants appeared at court

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 16th October 1645

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn onto the jury between the parties

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 8th June 1646

Robert Earle and 7 others named appeared at court

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 24th August 1646

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn onto the jury between the parties

 

Robert Earle and 3 others sworn in as a new constable is elected for Little Ribston

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 14th March 1647

Robert Earle and several other free tenants in default

 

St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

 

Baptism - 10th April 1647

John son of Leonard Earle

 

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 9th January 1648

Robert Earle and 8 others appeared in court whilst all other free tenants made default

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 30th May 1648

Robert Earle and several others in default

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 23rd October 1648

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 18th April 1649

Robert Earle and 11 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 17th October 1649

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 29th April 1650

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 19th October 1650

Robert Earle and 11 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 26th November 1650

Robert Earle and 20 others in default

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 10th February 1651

Robert Earle and 13 others appeared

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 22nd April 1651

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Robert Earle and 3 others sworn in as a new constable is elected for Little Ribston

 

Court Leet of the Right Honorable Algernonne Earl of Northumberland held at Spofforth 18th October 1651

 

Robert Earle and 3 others sworn in as a new constable is elected for Little Ribston for the forthcoming year

 

Court with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held 27th April 1652

Robert Earle and 12 others sworn in as a new jury is elected between the parties

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 29th May 1652

Robert Earle and 11 others appeared

 

Court Leet and View of Frankpledge held at Spofforth 6th July 1652

Robert Earle complained against Nicholas Sysson in an action of debt amounting to 39s. 11½d.[11]
continues to the next court

 

Court Baron held at Spofforth 14th September 1652

Robert Earle appeared at Court with 6 others and was elected onto the twelve-man jury

 

Court Leet and Court Baron held at Spofforth 5th October 1652

Robert Earle and 3 others sworn in as a new constable is elected for Little Ribston for the forthcoming year

 

Robert Earle elected onto the twelve-man Jury serving the parish between the parties

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Marriage - 20th December 1656

Francis Earle & Ann Jepson - both of Little Ribston in the parish of Spofforth after publication in the church of Spofforth three several lords days were married in the presence of William Dawson and John Park, Ro: Barwicke

Marriage Register, All Saints Church, Spofforth

St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

 

Burial - 25th February 1657

Isabel, wife of Leonard Earle

 

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Court Leet with View of Frankpledge & Court Baron held at Spofforth 20th October 1657

Robert Earle and 3 others hath broken the lords foulde – each amerced 3s. 4d.

 

Court Leet with View of Frankpledge held at Spofforth 19th April 1658

Robert Earle assaulted Elizabeth Beane and was amerced 1s. 4d. Also Elizabeth Beane assaulted Robert Earle and was also amerced 1s. 4d. [Ribston][13]

 

Court Leet & Court Baron held at Spofforth 15th April 1659

Robert Earle made an affray on Elizabeth Bean and was amerced 3s. 4d. and Elizabeth Bean made an assault on Robert Earle and was also amerced 3s. 4d.

 

Court Leet & Court Baron held at Spofforth 26th October 1659

Robert Earle hath made an affray upon the body of Richard Poole and Richard Poole hath likewise assaulted Robert Earle – each amerced 3s. 4d.

 

Court Leet & Court Baron held at Spofforth 30th April 1660 before Edmund Hanson, gent

Robert Earle and 3 others sworn in as a new constable was elected for Little Ribston                  

 

George Earle and 3 others sworn in as Thomas Hawkesworthe elected constable of Midleton

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Burial – 7th October 1661

Ann Earle [check]

 

St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

 

Baptism - 12th February 1662

Maudlin, daughter of Leonard Earle, of Knaresborough

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Burial – 12th April 1662

Maudlin, the daughter of Leonard Earle

Burial Register Extract, All Saints Church, Spofforth

All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

 

Burial – 8th May 1662

Ann Beeston of the supposed father Leonard Earle of Knaresborrow

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Marriage - 19th September 1662

Robert Earle & Elizabeth Beane - both of the parish

Marriage Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Note

 

Robert Earle and Elizabeth Beane are named in the Court Rolls a few years before their marriage charged with assaulting one another. Did true love blossom over the years? Perhaps the Elizabeth Beane named in the Court Rolls was the mother of the Elizabeth Robert ended up marrying and she was chasing Robert away from her daughter

 

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Court Leet & Court Baron held at Spofforth 15th October 1663 before Edmund Hanson, gent

Robert Earle and 7 others sold ale by unlawful measure and each amerced 4d.

 

Court Leet & Court Baron of Elizabeth Dowager Countess of Northumberland held at Spofforth 6th October 1668 before John Blakison, steward

Robert Earle and 5 others let their goods pasture in the average and each amerced 1s.

 

St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

 

Burial - 29th September 1664

An infant child of Leonard Earle

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Burial – 19th November 1664

John son of Robert Earle

All Saints Church Spofforth Burail Register

Baptism – 1st December 1666

Catherine ye daughter of Richard Spinke was baptised December first

Baptism Register, All Saints Church, Spofforth

St John's Church, Leeds

 

Burial – 16th March 1667

Ann the wife of Leonard Earle of Brigait buried at St John's Church

 

St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

 

Baptism - 30th January 1668

Leonard son of Leonard Earle

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Burial – 25th December 1671

Robert Earle of Spofforth was buried December ye twentye fifth

Burial Register, All Saints Church, Spofforth

Hearth Tax – Claro Wapentake – Lady Day 1672

 

Spofforth

Robert Earle – 1 hearth

Richard Spinke - 1 hearth

 

Ribston

Francis Earle – 1 hearth

 

Kirkby Overblow

Elizabeth Earle – 1 hearth

 

Hearth Tax – Claro Wapentake – 1676

 

Knaresborough

Leonard Earle – 1

 

Kirk Deighton Inventory of Tithes, Rents & Fees

 

North Deighton - 1684

‘There are severall garths that payes 2d. yearly, viz. Earle's, Snowden's, Burton's, Maud's, Loury's, Wyn's and Robinson's, but Brown's and Edward Mountain's pays 3d. a piece’

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

August 1688

Catherine Earle made oath before Mt Froggatt that George Simpson was burried in woollen

Extract for Burial Register for All Saints Church Spofforth

Burial - 4th May 1689

Francis Earle of Ribstone was buryed ye fourth daye of May

Baptism - 26th May 1689

Edward son of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

 

Burial - 28th May 1689

Edward son of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Burial Register for May 1689 All Saints Church Spofforth

May 1689

Elizabeth Lazenby made oath that Edward son of Leonard Earle was buried in woollen only before Mr Shipley – witnessed by Francis Whitrock and Richard Wou Elizabeth Lazenby made oath that Francis Earle was buried in woollen only before Mr Shipley – witnessed by John Smith and Margaret Thornton

 

Chapter Note

For centuries the woollen trade had been important to the wealth and prosperity of England, but with the introduction of new materials and foreign imports, some people thought that the industry was under threat. Many of these sat in Parliament as members whose constituencies were in the woollen cloth and yarn producing areas, or as landowners whose incomes came from rents paid by tenants whose living relied on wool and sheep. They combined together to pass an Act to try and maintain the demand for domestically produced wool. The first Act was passed in 1666 (18 & 19 Cha. II c. 4 1666), and the second, and rather more famous, in 1678 repealing the first (30 Car. II cap.3). Its aims were "for the lessening the importation of linen from beyond the seas, and the encouragement of the woollen and paper manufacturer of the kingdom. The Act required that when a corpse was buried it should only be dressed in a shroud or garments made of wool. "No corpse of any person (except those who shall die of the plague) shall be buried in any shift, sheet, or shroud, or anything whatsoever made or mingled with flax, hemp, silk, hair, gold, or silver, or in any stuff, or thing, other than what is made of sheep’s wool only. Failure to comply resulted in a £5 forfeiture. One-half of this went to the informer, the other half to poor of the parish where the body was buried. Within 8 days of the burial, an affidavit had to be provided attesting that the burial complied with the Act. The affidavit had to be sworn in front of a Justice of the Peace or Mayor by two creditable persons. If the parish did not have a JP or Mayor, the parson, vicar or curate could administer the oath In practice, the affidavit would often be sworn at the same time as the burial and certified by the officiating priest.

 

St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

 

Marriage - 17th November 1690

Francis Earle and Katherine Spinke

Marriage Register, St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Baptism - 9th August 1692

Francis son of Francis Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 18th March 1694

Elizabeth daughter of Francis Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register for All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 11th October 1696

Ann daughter of Francis Earle, of Ribston                                                                                       

Baptism Register for All Saints Church, Spofforth

Bond

 

The condition of this obligation is such that if the above bounden John Earle, his executors, administrators or assigns shall well and truly provide for and give to the above named Mary Earle sufficient meate, drinke, washing and lodging at all times as need requires during her natural life and also five shillings of lawful English money at the end of each quarter of a yeare all along during the said term of her natural life or upon her dislike give her in lieu of that above siad allowance fower pounds per annum, viz. one pound of lawful English money at the end of each quarter of a yeare during the said term of her naturall life without any drift, fraud or further delay then this obligation to be voyde and of none effect or else to stand remaine and be in full power, force and vertue

 

Written in a six penny stamp pay and sealed, signed and delivered in front of us: -

 

Bryan Berkwith

John Browne

All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

 

 Baptism - 29th August 1700

Ann, daughter of John Wilson

Baptism Register, All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

Chapter Note

 

Ann Wilson, the future wife of Francis Earle of Boroughbridge

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Baptism - 25th October 1700

Catherine daughter of Francis Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register All Saints Church, Spofforth

All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

 

Marriage - 26th November 1700

Leonard Earle & Eleanor Armsteed

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Baptism - 28th October 1701

Leonard son of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 20th June 1703

Mary daughter of Francis Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 12th August 1704

John son of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register All Saints Church Spofforth

Burial – 12th August 1704

John, an infant son of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Burial Register All Saints Church, Spofforth

18th August 1704

Ann Earle, of Ribston made oath before John Froggott, rector of Kirk Deighton that John son of Leonard Earle, of Ribston was buried in wool

Burial Register All Saints Church Spofforth

Catherine Earle made oath that George Simpson was buried in woollen

 

5th November 1705

Catherine Earle made oath before John Froggatt that Ann, wife of Richard Brownridge was buried in woollen only

Burial Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

29th October 1706

Catherine Earle made oath that Roger Brownrigge of Ribston was burried in woollen only before John Froggatt rector of Kirk Deighton

 

Baptism - 14th May 1709

Isabel daughter of Francis Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 8th July 1710

Mary daughter of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register All Saints Church, Spofforth

Burial – 2nd October 1712

Ann Earle, widow of Ribston

Burial Register All Saints Church, Spofforth

Wakefield Registry - Ref: H/188/238

 

Leonard Earle to William Whitaker - 25th April 1715

AN INDENTURE dated the twenty fifth day of April in the first year of the reign of King George Anno Dom 1715 and made between Leonard Earle of Little Ribston in the County of York, Yeoman and Eleanor his wife of the one part and William Whitaker of Goldsborough in the said County, Yeoman on the other part. WHEREBY for the consideration therein expressed they, the said Leonard Earle and Eleanor his wife do promise release and quit claim unto the said William Whitaker a proviso or condition mentioned to be invested in a certain Indenture of Release made between the same parties and bearing date the ninth day of March in the tenth year of the reign of our late sovereign Lady Queen Ann and also of the estate, right, title, equity and power of redemption, claim and demand whatsoever of them the said Leonard Earle and Eleanor his wife of, in and all that messuage or tenement with its appurtenances then in the possession of the said Leonard Earle or his assigns - one Close called Bank Close; one acre of arable land lying in the West Field on a furshott called the Bank Four lands with outlying lands containing two acres; one rood of meadow in the middle of the Ings in the East Field; half an acre of arable land lying in the Horse Pitt; one rood lying at the Bridge End; one fourth part of a rood lying in a place called the Stakes; one land of meadow containing half an acre, one acre of arable and meadow ground in the Stoupe Fields and one acre of arable land in the Shadwell Field all which said premises are situate and being in the township and territories of Little Ribston aforesaid and at the time of making the said Release were, and now are in the possession of the said Leonard Earle and his assigns subject to a proviso for the same to be void upon the said Leonard Earle and Eleanor his wife payment of sixty pounds with interest to the said William Whitaker at, or upon the twenty fourth day of April next ensuring the date of the first above mentioned Indenture, which said Indenture is witnessed by Francis Collins, William Bilton and Robert Waddilove, all of Knaresborough in the said County, Gentlemen.

 

Signed and
sealed by the above

Named William
Whitaker in the

Presence of us:                                   

 

Chris: Dobson            

William Whitaker

Will: Bilton    

Thomas Dent

Chapter Note

 

In 1704 an Act of Parliament established a ‘Registry of Deeds’ allowing land holders to publicly register deeds relating to their property. Records of the land transactions for the West Riding of Yorkshire are held in the Registry of Deeds at Wakefield. This Registry is one of the oldest in England.

 

It was customary to register deeds, but as with Fines not compulsory and between 1704 and 1914 some 1.5 million deeds were registered. The growth of owner occupation led to an increased rate of registration adding several million more deeds between 1910 and September 1970 when the registry was finally closed. Large areas of land in the West Riding were however copyhold, ie subject to the jurisdiction of the lords of the manor and were not therefore registered in the Registry of Deeds.

 

The deeds held at Wakefield are not originals but summaries or ‘Memorials’ of the important parts of the deed. They give the date of the deed, the names and addresses of the parties (buyers/sellers) and a brief description of the property. Other details sometimes included are land boundaries and any restrictive covenants, plans or rights of access.

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Marriage – 1st May 1718

Elizabeth Earle & William Reynard - both of this parish

Marriage Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Marriage – 27th November 1718

John Earle & Margaret Pretius - both of this parish

Marriage Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism - 9th September 1719

John son of John Earle, of Wetherby

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Burial – 22nd September 1719

John son of John Earle, of Wetherby

Burial Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Burial – 4th December 1719

John Earle, of Wetherby

 

Inventory

 

An Inventory of the goods and chattels of John Earle of Weatherby, farrier who departed this life the 2nd day of December 1719: -

 

 

£

s

d

Firstly

His purse and apparrell

1

1

0

Item

The coles & irons

4

10

0

         

 

Goods in the house stead

 

 

 

Item

One dresser

 

10

0

Item

40 pcs pewther

1

6

0

Item

One small dresser

 

2

0

Item

Two brass potts

 

12

0

Item

Six small chairs & 1 arm chair

 

5

0

Item

Two small pans and one brass ladle

 

2

0

Item

One range, one reckan, one pair of pot crookes with other husslement

 

10

0

         

 

Goods in the shop

 

 

 

Item

The anvill

2

5

0

Item

One paire of vices & the bellows

 

10

0

Item

Three large hammers, 2 hand hammers, 4 swallows, six pair tongs, 2 pairs of pincers

 

5

0

Item

4 socks, 3 sock moulds

 

8

0

Item

One trough, shoos & other husslement

 

10

0

         

 

Goods in the best chamber

 

 

 

Item

One chest of drawers

 

10

0

Item

One pair of bed stocks & bedding

 

10

0

Item

One table and two chestes

 

7

0

         

 

In the chamber over the smithy

 

 

 

Item

One pair of bed stocks and a chest with other husslement

 

8

0

Item

Stair bed chamber one bed & other huss'mt

 

12

0

Item

His debt book in all

12

0

0

         

 

Omitted off the inventory and so added

 

 

 

Item

One suite of clothes

1

8

0

Item

Five pewter dishes 16 lb @ 7d a pound

 

9

4

Item

One chamber pott

 

2

0

Item

One basin, two porringers

 

2

0

Item

Six pott plates att 3d

 

1

6

Item

One bed and hangings

 

15

0

Item

One old chaff bed

 

5

0

Item

Three candlesticks

 

1

6

 

Sum

£30

18s

0d

 

December the 15th 1719 - the true and perfect inventorie of the goods within the household according to the best of our judgement as witnessed our hands: -

 

Thomas Smith

Bernard Banks

John Horner

Thos. Banks               

 

Asst.

 

Willm. Barkwith

John Umpleby

 

Burial – 2nd January 1720

Mary Earle, of Wetherby

Burial Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

York Cause Papers - Referenced CP-1720-3 dated 14th July 1721

 

The above parish register entries record the sad events in Margaret Earle's life - her family seemingly struck down by illness that in a short space of time since her marriage took the life of her first-born child before claiming the lives of her husband, John and John's mother, Mary

 

A subsequent dispute over John Earle's Intestasy brought by his mothers executor, Richard Browne against  Margaret is recorded in the York Cause Papers revealing a little more of the family

 

The details of the dispute appear to hinge on the agreement made by John some twenty-two years prior to his death (see above Bond) to look after his mother financially until her eventual death. For whatever reason it was alleged this annual payment did not happen. Perhaps because Mary had been living with her son and young family and being well looked after the matter was not an issue. We can only summise.

 

However once Mary Earle died her executor and son-in-law, Richard Browne sought to gain control of John's estate from Margaret, who by then had seemingly set up home with a soldier. Richard was no doubt aware of the financial promise made by John to his mother and in the absence of a will which would have perhaps superceeded the earlier Bond perhaps he, as Mary's executor, wished to claim back-dated monies for himself. The several allegations noted in the Cause show Richard was keen to ensure Margaret wasn't squandering the estate and took issue with her on both the value of the inventory and her subsequent spending. Margaret responded with an account of her own showing the debts and spending outweighed the value of John Earle's estate no doubt attempting to cut off Richard Browne's action by showing her husband was insolvent at the time of his death. Margarets account as appearing in the Cause papers now follows: -

 

The Account of Margaret Earle, widow relict and administrix of the goods and chattels of John Earle late of Wetherby of the Diocese of York deceased as forthwith - viz: -

 

Firstly this accountant chargeth herself with all and singular the goods, rights, credits, cattells and chattels of the said deceased mentioned and comprised in an inventory thereof made and by her exhibited into this venerable Court amounting in all to the sume of £30 18s 0d Out of which this accountant hath paid and craveth allowance for the several sumes following, viz: -

 

 

 

£

s

d

Firstly

Paid to Mary Bankes for rent due by the said deceased att the time of his death, the sum of

4

6

0

Item

Paid for a coffin for the said deceased

 

12

0

Item

Paid for cloth for a burying suit & making

 

2

0

Item

Paid for burial fees to the minister

 

?

?

Item

Paid for cakes and bread att the funeral

1

0

0

Item

Paid for ale att the same time

1

9

4

Item

Paid for three pounds of sugar

 

?

?

Item

Paid and expended in victualls, etc for the supperafter the said deceased funeral according to custom

 

?

?

Item

Paid to the Apothecary in part of his bill due to him for physick for the said deceased

 

5

0

Item

Paid to Joseph Strickland being a debt due by the said deceased at the time of his death, the sum of

15

0

0

Item

Paid to Paul Royson for the like, the sum of

 

14

0

Item

Paid to Richard Browne the plaintif in this Cause for the like, the sum of

5

0

0

Item

Paid to James Fearne in part of a debt due to him by the said deceased att the time of his death

1

0

0

Item

Paid to Thomas Bankes for the like

2

7

0

Item

Paid to Abraham Allerton for the like

1

10

0

Item

Paid to Walter Wildboar for the like

1

10

0

Item

Paid for letters of Admon and charges in coming over to take the same

1

12

0

Item

This accountant travel allowance for drawing and ingrossing this account, exhibiting the inventory in this Cause, fees and other charges incident, the sum of

2

0

0

 

Sum

£39

11s

6d

 

So that this Accountant has paid and craveth allowance for more than has come to her hands by the same £8 13s 6d

 

Whatever the outcome of the action, Margaret Earle and her soldier friend, John Spencer appeared never to have married as Margaret's burial is recorded in 1729 in the nearby parish of Barwick-in-Elmet where she is named as 'Margaret, wife of the late John Earle of Weatherby'

Burial – 30th September 1720

Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Burial Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Burial – 21st October 1724

Ellen Earle, widow of Ribston

Burial Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

All Saints Church, Barwick-in-Elmet

 

Burial – 23rd December 1729

Margaret wife of the late John Earle of Wetherby

Burial Register - All Saints Church, Barwick-in-Elmet

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Burial – 7th June 1730

Francis Earle, of Ribston

Burial Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

 

Marriage – 1st June 1732

Leonard Earle & Jane Snowden

Marriage Register Extract - All Saints Church, Kirk Deighton

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Marriage – 30th November 1732

Mary Earle & William Birdsall, both of this parish

Marriage Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism – 19th August 1733

Ann daughter of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Baptism – 21st November 1735

Helen daughter of Leonard Earle, of Ribston

Baptism Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Presentments made to the Court Leet and Court Baron held at Spofforth 9th October 1740

Leonard Earle from Little Ribston & six other men named made no presentment[14] at the Court [Bills]

 

St John the Baptist Church, Knaresborough

 

Marriage - 11th February 1741

Mary Earle and Peter Armistead

 

Poll Book & Electoral Registers, 1741

 

Voters Name: Leonard Earle

Qualification: Freehold Land, Ribston

Residence: Ribston

Voted For: F

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Marriage – 17th January 1742

Isabel Earle, of this parish & Richard Graceton, of Hunsingore

Marriage Register Extract - All Saints Church, Spofforth

Court Rolls for the Manor of Spofforth

 

Presentments made to the Court Leet and Court Baron held at Spofforth 13th April 1744

Leonard Earle from Little Ribston & seven other men named made no presentment at the Court [Bills]

 

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Burial – 20th November 1752

Catherine Earle, widow of Ribston

Burial Register, All Saints Church, Spofforth

All Saints Church, Spofforth

 

Marriage - 20th April 1756

Ann Earle & Thomas Ingham, blacksmith - both of the parish married after banns – witnessed by Roger Houseman and Robert Houseman

Banns of Marriage between Thomas Ingham & Ann Earle

Marriage - 28th April 1758

Helen Earle & Robert Houseman

Banns of Marriage between Robert Houseman & Eleanor Earle

Burial – 18th May 1761

Leonard Earle, of Ribston

St Mary's Church Spofforth Burial Register

Burial – 7th July 1773

Jane Earle, widow of Ribston

 

Marriage – 20th April 1794

Francis Earle[15], of Aldborough & Nancy Burley, of this parish (Banns)

Banns of Marriage between Francis Earle & Nancy Burley

Burial – 22nd March 1847

James Erle, of Spofforth aged 23 [likely to be the same James Earle born to Stewart & Elizabeth Earle of Leeds]

 

Burial – 17th May 1887

Sarah Earle, of Spofforth aged 6 months 

 

Baptism – 19th June 2011

Oliver George Earl, born 2000, son of Richard Earl, quantity surveyor &
Amanda Earl (nee Topham), cake designer, of Harrogate

 

Thomas Welford Earl, born 2002, son of Richard Earl, quantity surveyor &
Amanda Earl (nee Topham), cake designer, of Harrogate

 

[0] Walton Head located east of the turnpike road between Harewood Bridge and Harrogate

[1] Manor courts with Court Leet and View of Frankpledge were required to meet twice a year and were
empowered to act as an arm of the Royal Court having the wider remit to implement Tudor statutes

[2] The Court Baron dealt largely with internal matters on the estate such as infringements of the lords
rights and prerogatives and agrarian disputes amongst tenants both free and villein

[3] A physical attempt to recapture livestock being taken to the common pound, or pinfold by an officer of the lord

[4] Tenants at Will were un-free men with no tenancy rights. Land was held by copy of court roll at the will of the lord according to the customs of the manor

[5] Current worth [2005] about £12,000

[6] Little Ribston

[7] Free men who could own their own land, chattels, etc owing no service obligation to the lord though they often rented from the lord. They had to attend the manor court

[8] River Crimple

[9] The suit of clothes were taken into the custody of the Court

[10] Process used to treat hemp and flax by laying it in a pond or ditch to soak for a prolonged period of time. Offenders were often fined on account of the obnoxious smell

[11] Only civil pleas under 40s. could be dealt with in the Manor Court so often sums were kept just under the limit to keep the dispute resolution local

[12] Deleted

[13] Robert Earle married Elizabeth Beane on 19th September 1662

[14] A ‘presentment’ was a statement made on oath by the jury or by an officer of the manor court accusing an individual of breaching a rule or byelaw (paine)

[15] This Francis Earle is the grandson of Francis Earle born in 1692 in Little Ribston



News

Please feel free to contact me with your requests or questions, or if anything you find conflicts with your own research. I would also welcome your help if you think you can add to my collection with any of your own findings.

 

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contact me in the two years since this website was created and for all the interesting and wonderful information you have provided. I regulary receive messages from all corners of the world showing just how far the family have spread over the years and I really look forward being able to assist with your queries where I can.

 

Do you have any old photographs of Earle and Welford ancestors tucked away in your albums? If so I would really love to hear from you. Perhaps you would allow them to be added to this website as its so much better when you have a face to go with a name.

 

Remember new material is constantly being added to the website so do come back soon and see what's new!