THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF REPTON.
The neighbourhood of Repton is full of objects of interest for the
antiquary, geologist, botanist, or the lover of the picturesque.
Beginning with Repton, with its church, camp, &c., which date back to
the 9th century, down to Stretton with its most beautiful 19th century
church, the antiquary will find many objects of interest. The geologist
will find much to interest him in the gypsum quarries and mines at
Chellaston Hill, and the carboniferous limestone quarries at Tickenhall,
Calke, and Breedon Hill. In the pages of “Contributions to the Flora
of Derbyshire,” by the Rev. W. H. Painter, the botanist will find a
list of plants, &c., to be found in the neighbourhood. The lover of the
picturesque will find much to please him in the varied scenery of the
valley of the Trent, and its numerous tributaries. The views from such
points as Askew Hill, Bretby Clump, King’s Newton and Breedon Hill, are
scarcely to be equalled in any county of England. The plan adopted in the
following descriptions of towns, &c., is to group together those which
lie close to one another, so that the visitor may visit them together in
his walk or drive. All are within about eight miles of Repton.
ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH.
What reader of “Ivanhoe” does not remember one scene, at least, in that
well-known romance, “The Gentle and Joyous Passage of Arms of Ashby,”
which has shed such a lasting halo of chivalry over that town? Sir Walter
Scott had often stayed with Sir George Beaumont, at Coleorton Hall, and,
no doubt, had visited all the places connected with the history of the
locality. The Castle of Ashby in which “Prince John held high festival,”
as Sir Walter writes, “is not the same building of which the stately
ruins still interest the traveller,” but the description given of the
field in which the tournament was held, corresponds, in a most minute
manner, with the “Tournament Field,” still so called, at the neighbouring
village of Smisby, and has for ages been identified with that famous
“Passage of Arms.” Eight miles south-east of Repton this very interesting
“habitation among the ash trees” is situated.
The first authentic mention we have of it is about the year 1066, when
William the Conqueror granted the Manor to Hugh de Grentemaisnel, one
of his most valiant captains at the battle of Hastings. In Domesday
Book we read of its having a priest and church. Soon afterwards it fell
into the hands of Robert de Beaumeis, another Norman, whose successor,
Philip, granted “the church of St. Helen of Ashby, with the church of
Blackfordby,” &c., &c., to the Abbey of Lilleshall, Salop. Philip de
Beaumeis, having no son to succeed him, left his estates to his daughter
Adeliza, who married Alan la Zouche, a descendant of the Earls of
Brittany. Alan settled at Ashby, and added the family name to it, to
distinguish it from the other towns of that name. Alan was succeeded by
his son Roger, who was succeeded by his son Alan, the last of the real
Zouches, in the male line, who held the Manor of Ashby, he granted it
to Sir William Mortimer, a distant relative, who assumed the name, and
passed it on to his son Alan, who fought at the battle of Creçy, 1346,
and died in that year, he was succeeded by his son Hugh, who died in
1399, leaving no heir, with him the name, finally, became extinct.
[Illustration: Plate 16.
Ashby Castle. (Page 92.)
Staunton Harold. (Page 135.)]
The property was held by Sir Hugh Burnett for about twenty years, when
James Butler, Earl of Ormond (a Lancastrian noble), by some means or
other, obtained possession of the land, he was executed at Newcastle
after the battle of Towton Moor in 1461. In that year Edward, Duke of
York, became King, and rewarded his partisans with titles and grants of
land. Among them was Sir William Hastings, whom he created Baron Hastings
of Ashby, &c., Steward of Leicester, and ambassador, with the Earl of
Warwick, to treat for peace with Louis XI., King of France, who gave him
a pension of 2000 crowns per annum. The first payment was made in gold,
which Lord Hastings is said to have received with these words, “Put it
here into my sleeve; for other testimonial (receipt) you shall get none:
no man shall say that King Edward’s Lord Chamberlain hath been pensioner
to the French King.” This _may_ be the origin of the crest of the
Hastings’ family, a maunch or sleeve. King Edward also gave him “licence
to enclose and impark 3000 acres of land and wood at Ashby-de-la-Zouch,”
and to erect and fortify houses, &c., there and elsewhere. In the year
1474 he built Ashby Castle, nine years later the Protector (Richard, Duke
of Gloucester) accused him of high treason, and, without trial, had him
beheaded on a log of wood on Tower Green. His remains were interred in
Windsor Castle, where a splendid monument was erected to his memory.
As we are not writing a history of the Hastings family, we must confine
ourselves to those members of that family connected with the history of
the place, which for two centuries centred round its castle and church.
Ashby Castle was, as we have seen, built by the first Lord Hastings in
1474. It stands on the south side of the town. Judging by its ruins, it
must have been indeed a stately pile. Entering from the west we see
the remains of the kitchen, with its fire-places, &c.; it had a groined
roof, over which were rooms, with another storey over them, access to
these was obtained by a spiral staircase in the north-east corner of the
kitchen. The west front of this block has been destroyed, so nothing can
be written about its chief entrance, its height is about seventy feet,
the dimensions of the kitchen are fifty feet long, by twenty-seven broad,
and thirty-seven feet high.
In the kitchen are two doorways leading into the “servants hall,” from
this two doorways lead into the Great Hall, and from this admission was
obtained to a “drawing room.” At the end of this room, a little to the
south, is the chapel, lit by four windows, on either side, and an east
window. At the west end, over the west door, is a gallery, to which a
spiral staircase leads. Adjoining the east end, to the south of it,
were rooms for the chaplain. On the south is a courtyard formed by the
chapel, chaplain’s rooms, a thick wall, and the Great Tower. This tower
must have been an imposing building of, at least, four storeys, with
cellar, kitchen, dining hall, drawing room, and sleeping apartments. Its
southern half is destroyed, but what is left on the north side—turrets,
windows, fire-place, armorial bearings, &c., prove how richly the fabric
was sculptured over. Very probably there was a wall from the Great
Tower on its west side, like that on its east side, which met a wall
built out from the kitchen. The ground plan of the Castle would form a
parallelogram with kitchen, servants’ hall, great hall, drawing room, and
chapel on the north side, chaplain’s room at the east end, Great Tower,
with walls on the south side, and a wall and kitchen at the west end. A
subterraneous passage connects the kitchen with the Great Tower.
The chief historical events connected with the Castle are the visit of
Mary, Queen of Scots, in November of the year 1569. She was on her way
from Tutbury to Coventry. Anne, wife of James I., and Prince Henry were
entertained at the Castle in June, 1603, and King James himself paid the
Earl a visit in the year 1617. The expenses of this visit were so great,
the Earl’s income became seriously diminished, as one of his descendants,
Lady Flora, daughter of the 1st Marquis of Hastings wrote, _a propos_ of
the visit,
The bells did ring,
The gracious King
Enjoyed his visit much;
And we’ve been poor
Ere since that hour
At Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
Again in May, 1645, another Stuart was a guest at Ashby. Charles I.,
flushed with the success of his army at Leicester, spent a short time at
the Castle. Fifteen days later, June 14th, he came again, this time a
fugitive from the fatal and final battle of Naseby Field. The Royalist
garrison yielded Leicester, and marched out, the Governor Hastings (Lord
Loughborough) to Ashby, the officers and men to Lichfield. For months
the Parliamentary army, under Sir Thomas Fairfax, beseiged the town
and castle, which held out bravely for the Royal cause. On the 28th
February, 1646, articles of agreement were drawn up, and signed by Lord
Loughborough, and Colonel Needham. The articles consisted of eleven
“items.” The officers and soldiers were “to march away to Bridgenorth or
Worcester, with their horses, arms, and ammunition, bag, and baggage,
trumpets sounding, drums beating, colours flying,” &c., or they might
“lay down their arms, and have protection to live at home if they
please,” “and the works and fortifications of the town and garrison
should be sleighted,” “after which the sequestrations of Colonel General
Hastings, the Earl of Huntingdon, should be taken off,” or “the Colonel
General, with the said gentlemen, could go to Hull or Bristol to have
a ship provided to transport them to France or Holland, whither they
please.” In 1648 the “sleighting” of the Castle was performed, only
too well, by one William Bainbrigg, of Lockington, in the county of
Leicester. On the north side of the Castle was a green, on the south a
garden, a wall, still existing, surrounded it with towers of brick, with
stone facings, used as summer-houses, or “look outs.” On the east of the
Castle is a triangular tower, triangular in shape, called the “Mount
House,” it is said to be connected with the kitchen by a subterraneous
passage. The “Manor House” on the north-east side, occupies the site of a
suite of apartments made to accommodate King James I. in the year 1617.
Ashby Church, dedicated to St. Helen, occupies the site of an earlier
building, probably Norman. During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries
it was rebuilt, and consisted of chancel, nave, north and south aisles,
with tower at the west end. During the last twenty-three years nearly
£16,000. have been spent in enlarging and restoring it. Now it consists
of nave with two aisles on its north and south sides, all the galleries
have been removed, and the old pews have been replaced by well-designed
oak seats. The choir stalls are placed at the east end of the nave,
leaving the chancel unoccupied. Over the altar there is a fine reredos
of oak, ascribed to Grinling Gibbons. On the south side of the chancel
is the mortuary chapel of the Huntingdon family. A most magnificent tomb
of Francis, 2nd Earl of Huntingdon, and his wife Katherine, occupies the
centre of it. Every detail of it is well worth a very close inspection.
There are also many mural tablets in the chapel.
Within a sculptured recess in the north wall of the church is a finely
executed figure of a pilgrim. Lying on his back, the head rests on a
cushion, just above the right shoulder a portion of a pilgrim’s hat with
scallop-shell is seen. Round the shoulders, and over the breast, is the
collar of SS. The figure is clothed with a long cloak, the feet, which
rest on a dog, are shod with laced boots with pointed toes. Across the
body is a pilgrim’s staff, clasped by the left fore-arm, the hands meet
over the breast, pressed together in the attitude of prayer, his scrip,
ornamented with scallop-shells, is suspended, diagonally, from his right
shoulder. The statue is supposed to be a Hastings, at least the family
claim it, and have had their badge—the maunch—sculptured on the wall
of the recess. Among other monuments in the church are those to Robert
Mundy and his two wives, a very curious one to Mrs. Margery Wright with
high-crowned hat, ruffles and ermine muff! and many modern ones. The most
curious relic of mediæval days is an old finger pillory, formerly used
for the punishment of disorderly-behaved persons in church. It is in
front of the screen which separates the nave from the tower. The windows
of the church are nearly all of stained glass, and illustrate scenes in
the life of our Lord.
The town of Ashby is well known for its baths. In the year 1822 they
were opened, but the great expectations of converting the town into a
fashionable health resort have not been realized. The water is not found
at Ashby, but is pumped from deep coal pits at Moira, some three miles
distant, and conveyed to the baths in tanks specially constructed for
that purpose.
Ashby received quite an unusual class of visitors in the year 1804.
During the prolonged wars between England and France many thousands of
prisoners were landed on our shores. According to Sir Archibald Alison
there were no less than 50,000 French prisoners in Great Britain. For the
accommodation of “the rank and file” such places as Dartmoor prison were
erected, but the officers were quartered in different towns. On Friday,
September 26th, 1804, the first detachment, consisting of forty-two
officers, arrived in Ashby, other detachments followed, till about two
hundred found lodgings there, among them were officers of the army and
navy, and about thirty others described as merchants. They lived on
excellent terms with the good people of Ashby for ten years, they were
allowed liberty to walk a mile in any direction out of the town. Some
escaped, and some were exchanged for English officers imprisoned in
France.
Canon Denton, Vicar of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, has written a most interesting
account of its castle, and this French occupation in “Bygone
Leicestershire.” He obtained the information about the latter, from the
lips of one of his parishioners (Mrs. Whyman), who lived at the time, and
saw them. He also had access to a diary kept by an Ashby physician (Dr.
Kirkland). The church registers contain entries of marriages contracted
between the officers and residents, also entries of baptisms and burials,
which, as the Canon writes, “show, among other things, that the prisoners
of war, who were quartered at Ashby, did not allow national prejudices to
prevent them forming the closest ties with the inhabitants of the place
of their captivity.”
Little more remains to be written about this interesting town. Its
Grammar School, founded in 1567 by the Earl of Huntingdon and others,
augmented about thirty years after its foundation, by an inhabitant who
is said to have lost his way, and was guided to his home by the sound of
the church bell. In gratitude for this he conveyed to the trustees of the
school certain property on condition that the bells “should be rung for a
quarter of an hour at four o’clock in the morning.” This custom was kept
up till 1807, when it was discontinued. The property is still known as
the “Day Bell Houses.” One of the Headmasters was Dr. Samuel Shaw, son of
Thomas Shaw, of Brook End, Repton, blacksmith, and was at Repton School
under Dr. Ullock. At the age of 15 Samuel Shaw was admitted as a sizar
at St. John’s College, Cambridge. In 1658 he was Rector of Long Whatton,
ejected in 1661, and was elected Headmaster of Ashby Grammar School in
1668.
[Illustration: Plate 17.
Barrow-on-Trent Church. (Page 99.)
Swarkeston House. (Page 101.)]
On Thursday, July 24th, 1879, a memorial cross, in design like Queen
Eleanor’s cross at Northampton, was unveiled. It bears the following
inscription, written by the late Earl of Beaconsfield: “In memory of
Edith Maud Countess of Loudoun in her own right, Baroness Botreux,
Hungerford, De Moleyns and Hastings, who sprung from an illustrious
ancestry herself possessed their noblest qualities, the people of
Ashby-de-la-Zouch and the neighbourhood have raised this cross as a
tribute of admiration and of love.” The cross was designed by the late
Sir Gilbert Scott, R.A., and executed by Messrs. Farmer and Brindley at a
cost of £4,500.
BARROW, SWARKESTON, AND STANTON-BY-BRIDGE.
One of our pleasantest walks from Repton is to Barrow, down Brook End,
up Monsel Lane, past the (Canons’) Meadow Farm, and, by a field path to
the left, to the river Trent, over which there is a ferry, to Twyford
village. After passing through Twyford, turn to the right along the road,
or by a field path, and the picturesque old village of Barrow will soon
be reached. Barrow, most probably, derived its name from a barrow within
the parish, which parish includes the villages of Arleston, Sinfin,
Stenson and Twyford. Of these villages little can be written, Arleston
has some ancient buildings and ruins which belonged to the preceptory of
the Knights Templars or Hospitallers. Sinfin is noted only for its moor,
on which the Derby races were formerly run. In the year 1804, it was
enclosed by Act of Parliament, and divided among the adjoining townships.
Stenson and Twyford were manors belonging to the Ferrars at the time of
the Domesday Survey, later on they passed to the Curzons, Findernes, and
Harpurs.
The church at Twyford, dedicated to St. Andrew, is a chapelry of, and
held by, the Vicars of Barrow. A Norman arch divides the nave from the
chancel, the rest of the church is of the Decorated period. It has a
tower terminated by an octagonal spire. There are three bells, and a few
mural monuments to the Harpur, Vernon, and Bristowe families.
_Barrow-on-Trent_, as it is usually called, dates back to Norman days,
when it had a priest and a church. One portion of the manor formed part
of the endowment of the bishopric of Carlisle, the other, and proper
manor, including the church, belonged to the ancient family of Bakepuz,
one of whom, Robert de Bakepuz, gave the church to the Priory of St. John
of Jerusalem, Knights Templars, or Hospitallers, who had a preceptory,
as we have seen, at Arleston in the parish of Barrow. For a full and
interesting account of the connection between Barrow and the Knights, see
“Cox’s Churches of Derbyshire,” Vol. IV., pp. 11-19.
When the Order was dissolved in the reign of Henry VIII., the manor
and advowson of the vicarage were granted to the family of Beaumont,
and remained with them till 1638, since that time the advowson has
very frequently changed hands, by sale, or otherwise. In 1638 Daniel
Shelmerdine (an O.R.) was chosen and elected by the parishioners, and
held the living till he was ejected in 1662. The church, dedicated to
St. Wilfred, consists of nave, chancel, north and south aisles, south
porch, and tower at the west end. There are now no remains of the Norman
church. During the reign of Henry III. (1216-1272), the church was
probably rebuilt, and again, in the Decorated and Perpendicular periods,
alterations and additions were made. There are monuments in memory of the
Bothes, Beaumonts, and Sales.
SWARKESTON.
At the time of the Domesday Survey, Swarkeston (Suerchestune or
Sorchestun) was divided between the King and Henry de Ferrers. In the
reign of Edward I. it belonged to John de Beke, or Beck, and Robert de
Holland. Joan, wife of John de Beck, left it to her son and heir. In
the fourteenth century the manor and advowson was purchased by the
Rollestons, of Rolleston, in Staffordshire, with whom they remained till
about the middle of the sixteenth century when the manor passed into the
family of the Finderns. Jane Findern, daughter and heiress of George
Findern, conveyed it, by marriage, to Richard Harpur, who built a mansion
at Swarkeston. This mansion was fortified, and the bridge defended by
earth-works, for the King, by Colonel Hastings in 1642. In January, 1643,
Sir John Gell marched against it with Sir George Gresley’s troops, the
house was abandoned on their approach, but the defenders of the bridge
only yielded after a stubborn defence.
Swarkeston Bridge is the most famous one in Derbyshire, and from end to
end measures 1304 yards. The modern part of the bridge, over the river
Trent, is about 138 yards, the remainder forms a raised causeway, about
eleven or twelve feet wide, with arches, here and there, so that the
flood water can escape. The greater part of the bridge is in the parish
of Stanton-by-Bridge. There is a legend that the old bridge was erected
at the sole cost of two maiden sisters, who lost their lovers when
attempting to ford the swollen waters, to pay a visit to their betrothed
ones. It is also said that the ladies spent the whole of their fortunes
on the bridge, and lived a life of penury ever afterwards.
The earliest mention of the bridge, discovered by the Rev. Charles Kerry,
editor of the Derbyshire Archæological Journal, is in the _Hundred
Rolls_, and is as follows: “Inquisition held at Derby on the Feast of
S. Hilary, in the Church of S. James, anno 3 Edward I. (Oct. 1, A.D.
1275). The jury reported that the merchants of Melbourne passing over the
bridge had for three years withheld passage money and tolls, unjustly and
without warrant, to the prejudice of our lord the King and the borough of
Derby.”
“The Patent Rolls give three pontages for Swarkeston; viz.:—2nd Pat., 18
Ed. II., m. 31.; 1st Pat., 12 Ed. III., m. 26. This latter was granted to
the men of Swarkeston for four years; the collectors of the bridge tolls
being Hugo de Calke, and John the son of Adam. Given at Westminster,
March 1st, 1338. The 3rd will be found in 3rd Pat., 20 Ed. III., which
refers to the ruinous state of the bridge, and appoints John the son of
Adam de Melbourne, senior, and John the son of Adam de Melbourne, junior,
to receive tolls for the reparation of the bridge for three years. Given
at Reading the 28th of December, 1347.” A long list of things to pay
toll, and the amount varying from ¼d. to 6d. is given.
Another inquisition held at Newark, Oct. 26th, 1503, refers to the chapel
on Swarkeston bridge, and a parcel of meadow land, lying between the
bridge and Ingleby, granted to the Priory of Repton for a priest to sing
mass in the Chapel, which had not been done for 20 years.
In 1745 “bonnie Prince Charlie,” the Young Pretender, marched from Derby,
with his advanced guard, as far as Swarkeston Bridge, but on the 6th
of December was compelled, most reluctantly, to commence a retreat to
Scotland, which ended in the fatal battle of Culloden Moor.
The village, now chiefly known as a fishing resort, with its church, and
posting house, is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Trent. The
ancient church was “restored” in 1876, that is to say, it was rebuilt,
with the exception of the tower and Harpur chapel. Beneath an arch,
to the north of the altar, is a raised tomb on which is fixed a large
alabaster slab, on this is carved the effigies of a man and woman, the
front of the tomb is divided into four compartments, in the two middle
ones are figures of seven sons and seven daughters. Round the margin of
the slab is the following inscription:—
“John Rolston Esquire sūtyme lord of Swarkston dysscysyd the iii. day of
De̅c̅ber ye yere of our lord MCCCCLxxxij, and Susane hys wyffe dysscysyd
the 23ᵈ of De̅c̅ber the yere of our lord MCCCCLX and IV on whose sowlys
God have mcy.”
On the south side of the chancel is the Harpur mortuary chapel. In it are
two large raised tombs, each supporting a pair of recumbent effigies. One
tomb is that of “Richard Harpur one of the justyces of the Comen Benche
at Westminster and Jane the wife, sister and heyre of and unto Thomas
Fynderne of Fynderne Esquyer. Cogita mori.”
The other tomb bears beautifully-carved effigies of Sir John Harpur and
his first wife. Over the tomb, on a tablet, is this inscription:—“In piam
posteritatis memoriam et spem certam futuræ resurrectionis monumentum hoc
struxit Johannes Harpur Miles Filius Richardi Harpur armigeri justiciarii
de Banco Regio. Cui uxorem ducenti Isabellam filiam Georgii Pierpont
militis, Deus amplam et fœlicem dedit filios filiasque duodecium quorum
nomina scutis infra præponuntur, Mortem obiit septᵒ die Octobris Anno
Domini 1627.” In front of the tomb, kneeling at a double prayer desk, are
the figures of seven sons, and five daughters.
STANTON-BY-BRIDGE.
Pleasantly situated on the high ground overlooking the valley of the
Trent is the village of Stanton-by-Bridge (Swarkeston). The De Stantons
were lords of the manor for many generations. In the reign of Edward
III., John Frances of Tickenhall married Margaret, daughter and heiress
of John de Stanton, so the manor passed to the Frances family, and
remained with them till an heiress of that house married Sir Thomas
Burdett, Bart., of Bramcote, Warwickshire. About this time the manor was
divided between the Burdetts and Harpurs, each, in turn, appointing to
the living. Now it is in the sole patronage of the Harpur-Crewe family.
The church, dedicated to St. Michael, is a small one, about 60 feet long,
and consists of nave, chancel, north aisle, south porch with a bell
turret on the west gable. The chancel arch, a plain semi-circular one, is
considered to be Saxon, and the south doorway, ornamented with chevron,
or zizag, and billet mouldings, is of the Norman period, not later than
Stephen’s reign. There are several remains of incised sepulchral slabs,
and also slabs of alabaster bearing incised effigies of the Sacheverell
and Francis families. During a restoration in 1865, some of the older
slabs were discovered, and were placed as they are now.
About a mile south of Stanton is a farmhouse called St. Bride’s, supposed
to be once a grange chapel of Burton Abbey. Built into its walls are many
remains of Norman work, and in the yard are stone coffins, and other
fragments of worked stone.
BRETBY AND HARTSHORN.
Three miles south of Repton is the village of Bretby. Like most of the
land round, it used to belong to the Earls of Chester, from them it
passed into the hands of the Segraves, who possessed, among other manors
and estates, Coton-in-the-Elms, Rosliston, Linton, and Repton.
In 1300 John de Segrave received a license to castellate his mansion at
Bretby. Soon after it passed, with the manor, into the families of the
Mowbrays, Dukes of Norfolk, and, through one of the co-heiresses of that
family, to the Berkeleys, who, in 1585, sold it to Sir Thomas Stanhope,
grandfather of Philip, 1st Earl of Chesterfield, and now, by descent, it
belongs to the Earl of Carnarvon.
[Illustration: Plate 18.
Anchor Church. (Page 123.)
Bretby Hall. (Page 104.)]
It is not known when the castle was pulled down, but most probably in the
days of Philip, 1st Earl of Chesterfield (1585-1656), who built a mansion
on the present site, within the park. The old castle stood on the land
to the south-west of the church, the grass covered mounds indicate the
foundations of a very strong fortress, consisting of two courts.
The stones of the castle were probably used in the building of the
mansion in the park, which must have been a grand place, built “in the
midst of a large park, well wooded, and stored with several kinds of
deer, and exotic beasts; several fine avenues of trees leading to the
house, which is of stone, _though not of modern architecture_, very
regular, convenient, and noble, with a very curious chapel, (designed
in the Grecian (Ionic) style, by Inigo Jones), very good outbuildings.
The gardens, after the plan of Versailles, in the old grand style, with
terraces, leaden images of wild beasts, fountains, labyrinths, groves,
greenhouses, grottoes, aviaries, &c., &c.,” the park, with its chain of
fishponds, and fine timber, must have presented a scene of unsurpassed
natural beauty. Amidst such surroundings, an open-air masque, written by
Sir Aston Cokayne, was “presented at Bretbie in Derbyshire on Twelfth
Night, 1639,” before the Earl and Countess and a great company. The
masque is printed in “Glover’s History of Derbyshire,” Vol. II., part I.,
p 184.
In November, 1642, during the Civil War, the house, which had been
fortified by the Earl, witnessed another scene. Four hundred foot, with
a party of dragoons and two sacres, under the command of Major Molanus,
were sent to Bretby by Sir John Gell. They compelled the Earl, and
his garrison of 40 musketeers and 60 horse, to abandon the house, and
fly towards Lichfield. “Then the Countess was asked by the victorious
officers to give 2s. 6d. to each soldier, to save the house from plunder,
but she said she had not so much in the house; they proposed 40 marks as
a composition, to which she returned the same answer; they then offered
to advance it to her, but she declared she would not give them a penny;
then the soldiers plundered the house, but the officers saved her own
chamber, with all her goods.” (Sir John Gell’s M.S. Narrative).
In the year 1780, the young Earl “was persuaded ‘by an artful steward,’
to pull down this splendid mansion and chapel, as being in a dangerous
state of decay, though it was afterwards proved to have been very
substantial.” The gardens also suffered a like fate. Fortunately the
fine cedar of Lebanon, planted in February 1676-7, on the east side of
the house, escaped destruction. It is considered to be the oldest in
the kingdom, and still flourishes, braced together by iron chains, and
is the chief object of admiration to visitors to Bretby and its park.
The present house was begun by the 5th Earl, who died in 1815, when the
building operations ceased. The architect was Sir Geoffrey Wyatville,
assisted by Mr. Martin, the Earl’s architect. A ground plan of the
house is printed on page 187 of “Glover’s History of Derbyshire,” Vol.
II., signed by W. Martin, architect and builder, September, 1828. When
completed it will form a four-sided building, with a courtyard within it.
The church of Bretby, or rather the chapel, for it is one of the seven
chapelries of Repton, was rebuilt in the year 1877, in the place of a
very old building, built in the thirteenth century. It occupies the old
site with the addition of an aisle, which forms a large pew for the noble
owners, and a vestry, both on the north side. The village consists of
a few scattered houses. To the east of the park is Bretby mill, on a
small stream; which, rising in the Pistern hills, runs in a northerly
direction, through Repton, till it joins the river Trent.
HARTSHORN.
About four miles south of Repton is the ancient village of Hartshorn,
which at the time of the Domesday Survey belonged to Henry de Ferrers.
Later on the Priory of Repton had lands, a moiety of a park, and the
important right of free warren over the manor. According to the list
of patrons of the living, various families succeeded to the manor,
among whom are mentioned the de la Wards, Meynells, Dethicks, the
Earls of Shrewsbury, and the Earls of Chesterfield. One of the rectors
was Stebbing-Shawe, jun., (an O.R.,) editor of the _Topographer_, and
historian of Staffordshire. The church, which is well placed on the
higher part, with the rectory on the east side of it, forms a very
pleasing object from a distance, a closer inspection reveals the fact
that, at the restoration of 1835, when the nave of the church was
rebuilt, cast iron windows, imitating Perpendicular tracery, were
inserted! The east window of the chancel, of two lights, belongs to
the Decorated period. The embattled tower is a fair specimen of the
Perpendicular period, and contains a ring of five bells. Three of them
were placed there during the time of Stebbing-Shawe, sen. The other two
are of pre-Reformation date, and bear well lettered inscriptions: “Hec
Campana Beata Trinitate Sancta Fiat,” and “Ave Maria Gracia Plena Dominus
Tecum.”
Under an arch in the north wall of the chancel is an altar tomb, on
which lie alabaster effigies of Humphrey Dethick, and his wife Eliza, of
Newhall. In front of the tomb are representations of their six children,
three sons and three daughters. The father and one son are clothed in
plate armour. Above the tomb is a shield bearing the quartered arms of
Dethick, Allestree and Meynell; at the east and west ends are shields
quartering Longford with Hathersaye, Deincourt and Solney; Dethick
impaling Longford, and Meynell impaling Longford.
Many other ancient monuments used to be in the church, but they have been
“made away with.” There is a fine old parish chest, seven feet long, in
the vestry.
In Vol. VII. of the Derbyshire Archæological Society there are many
extracts from the parish records of Hartshorn: under the date 1612, an
inventory of the church goods is given, the first item mentioned is “a
Co̅m̅uio Cupp of Silver wᵗʰ a plate of silver having Ihon Baptᵈ head
vppon it.” This plate was photographed by Mr. Keene, of Derby, and a copy
of it, with a descriptive note by Mr. St. John Hope, was published in
Vol. VIII. of the Journal. From it we gather the following facts.
The “plate of silver” is a paten of silver-gilt, 5¼ inches in diameter.
The rim is quite plain, with the exception of four narrow lines engraved
on the extreme edge. The centre has a circular depression, which again
contains a slightly sunk sexfoil with the spandrils filled with a rayed
leaf ornament. The central device is a Vernicle, (_i.e._, the face of
our Saviour, as transferred to the handkerchief of St. Veronica, and
usually called a Vernicle). The churchwardens wrongly described it as
the head of St. John the Baptist. Round the head is a nimbus, with rays
issuing from it. There are three “hall marks,” two of which, the maker’s
name, a Lombardic B in a dotted circle, and a leopard’s head crowned,
are remaining; the third, the date letter, is obliterated, so it is
impossible to say, with certainty, when it was made, but as this type of
paten prevailed between 1450 and 1530, the opinion is that its date is
about 1480.
The communion cup bears the London date mark for 1611-12, and the
inscription:
Justus fide vivet + J + R + C.
1612.
The letters =J. R. C.= probably stand for James Royll, Churchwarden,
1612, who, with Denis Hashard, made the inventory at that date.
EGGINTON, STRETTON, AND TUTBURY.
At the making of the Domesday Survey, the manor of Egginton was held by
Geoffrey Alselin, and had a priest and a church. The Alselins’ estates
passed, through an heiress, into the family of Bardulfs. Under them the
manor was held by Ralph Fitz-Germund, whose son William Fitz-Ralph,
Seneschall of Normandy, and founder of Dale-Abbey, gave it to William de
Grendon, his nephew. In exchange for Stanley, near Dale-Abbey, William’s
wife gave it, as a marriage portion of her daughter, Margaret, to Robert
Fitz-Walkelin, one of whose daughters married Sir John Chandos. At
the death of his descendant, another Sir John Chandos, one moiety of
the manor passed to his niece Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Lawton,
and wife of Sir Peter de la Pole, one of the Knights of the Shire in
1400, from whom it descended to the Chandos-Poles of Radbourne. Another
daughter of Robert Walkelin, Ermentrude, married Sir William de Stafford,
whose son, Robert, left it to five co-heiresses, and so their moiety
became divided into many shares, which were re-united, by purchase, by
the family of Lathbury. A co-heiress of Lathbury brought her moiety to
Robert Leigh, of Whitfield, Cheshire. In the reign of James I., the
estate passed to Anne, daughter of Sir Henry Leigh of Egginton, who
married Simon Every, Esq., of Chard, Somersetshire, created 1st Baronet
in 1641, ancestor of the present owner, a minor, the 11th Baronet.
[Illustration: Plate 19.
Eggington Church. (Page 109.)
Willington Church.]
As the manor of Egginton was divided into two moieties, so was the
rectory. Dr. Charles Cox thus writes, “Early in the reign of Henry
III., the two moieties of the rectory were respectively conveyed to
the newly-founded abbey of Dale by Amalric de Gasci and Geoffrey de
Musters.” In consequence of this division there were two rectors. The
abbots of Dale-Abbey continued to present till the year 1344, meanwhile
the lords of the manor laid claim to it, and, from that time down to
1712, a series of law-suits were carried on, the result of which is that
at the present time the patronage is in five parts; two turns belonging
to the Everys, two to the Poles, and one to the Leighs. An account of
the various claimants, &c., and a list of the rectors, will be found in
Cox’s Derbyshire Churches, Vol. IV. The church, dedicated to St. Wilfred,
consists of chancel, nave, aisles, and low west tower. At various times
the church has been added to, but it chiefly belongs to the Decorated
period, the tower is Perpendicular, as are some of the windows. In the
south wall of the south aisle are two recesses, one contains an effigy of
a lady, holding a heart in her hand, supposed to be Elizabeth, co-heiress
of Stafford, wife of William Tymmore. On the walls, and floor of the
chancel are memorial stones, and monuments of the Everys, and several
rectors.
There are three bells, bearing the following inscriptions:
I. “I was recast again to sing
By friends to country, church, and king.
Thomas Hedderley, founder, Nottingham, 1778.”
II. “Ihe. Ave Maria gracia plena Dominus tecum.”
III. “I sweetly toling men do call
To taste of meats that feeds the soole, 1615.”
Bell mark of Henry Oldfield.
The 2nd bell is supposed to be the only one left when the others were
sold for the repairing of Monks’ Bridge. The third bell is of the same
date, and bears the same inscription as the 2nd bell in Repton Church.
The old Egginton Hall, the seat of the Every family, was destroyed by
fire in the year 1736, and was rebuilt by Sir Edward Every, Bart., from
designs by Wyatt. In the Hall there are five splendid pieces of tapestry,
made at Gobelin’s, in Paris, by order of Sir Henry Every, who died in
1709, before the order was completed. Four exhibit emblematic devices of
the four elements, earth, air, fire and water, and armorial bearings, in
each compartment.
_Earth_ is represented by Ceres (Demeter) in her chariot in a garden,
with fountains in the background. By the side of the chariot stands her
daughter Persephone, wearing a mural crown. Lions and other wild beasts
occupy the foreground, the bordering is composed of fruit and flowers.
_Air_ is represented by Jupiter and Juno throned on the clouds. Boreas
blowing up a storm in the background, birds, storks, pelicans, &c.,
occupy the foreground.
_Fire_ is represented by Vulcan working at his forge, attended by Venus
and Cupid, at the back is a cave with a furnace in its recesses. Weapons,
and instruments of metal form a bordering.
_Water_ is represented by Neptune and Amphitrite, in a chariot drawn by
sea-horses. The bordering is composed of seaweed, shells, coral, &c.
The fifth hanging has a representation of Venus, with a little Cupid
standing before her, and has a pretty bordering of flowers, landscapes,
and medallions bearing symbolical emblems, coats-of-arms, adorn the
sides of the hanging. Le Brun, the famous director of paneling at the
Gobelin’s, is supposed to have designed the tapestry. For many years the
hangings were locked up in “a great chest at Hodges’s, the coachmaker, in
Chandos Street,” where they remained till 1750, thus escaping the fire of
1736, they were set up about the year 1760. In March, 1644, there was an
engagement on Egginton Heath, between the Royalists and Parliamentarians,
when both sides claimed the victory.
STRETTON.
Stretton is a little village about 3½ miles from Repton. Its name is
derived from the Latin _strata_, a street, and as the old Roman Icknield
Street passes close to it no doubt that had something to do with its
name. Within the last two years it has become noted to all who take an
interest in churches, and works of art. Following the good example of his
partners Bass and Ratcliff, and other successful brewers, John Gretton,
father of the M.P. for South Derbyshire, has built a most beautiful
church in his native village.
It consists of nave with aisles, central tower over the choir, and
chancel. The east end of the south aisle is separated from it by an arch
and a stone screen, with wrought iron gates, and forms a small chapel.
The east end of the north aisle is used as an organ chamber, with
vestries for the clergy and choir behind it.
A cross, bearing an appropriate inscription, marks the site of the former
church, a little to the south of the present one. No expense was spared
in the construction of the church, and the greatest praise is due to the
founder, architect, (Mr. J. T. Micklethwaite), builder, (Mr. Halliday of
Stamford), and all concerned in the erection of one of the finest village
churches in England.
Where everything is so well done, it may seem unnecessary to call
attention to anything in particular, but the unusual beauty of design and
material of the font, (Frostely marble,) surmounted by its ornate canopy
of oak, the splendidly carved chancel screen, surmounted by a cross of
exceptional size and beauty, (the work of Mr. J. E. Knox, of Kennington),
the stone screen of the little south chapel, the reredos, of marble and
alabaster, in the chancel, the oak seats in the nave, the choir stalls,
the organ case and pulpit, the pavement of the choir and sanctuary, and
the furniture generally call for more than a passing glance. In the
chancel are three stained glass windows, symbolizing our Lord in His
glory, &c., by Sir William Richmond. The tapestry in the chancel was
designed by the late William Morris. The roof of the chancel is decorated
with angels playing and singing “Gloria in excelsis,” the nave roof is
also painted from designs by Mr. Charles Powell, of London.
TUTBURY.
Sir Oswald Mosley, in his History of the Castle, Priory, and Town of
Tutbury, suggests that the name is derived from Tuisco, a Saxon idol. At
the Norman Conquest the town and castle were granted to Hugh de Abrincis,
who held them for a time till he acquired the estates, &c., of the Earls
of Chester, when the King conferred Tutbury on Henry de Ferrariis or
Ferrers, who was one of the commissioners appointed to make the Domesday
Survey. He rebuilt and extended the Castle, and founded the Priory.
His descendant, Robert de Ferrers, joined Leicester in a rebellion
against King Henry III., which ended in Robert being fined £50,000.
Unable to pay so large a sum, he forfeited his estates to the King,
who granted them to his son Edmund, 1st Earl of Lancaster. Thomas,
2nd Earl of Lancaster, was attainted and beheaded after the battle at
Boroughbridge, A.D. 1322. Tutbury Castle fell into a state of ruin, and
remained so till John of Gaunt, 4th son of Edward III., rebuilt it.
The only parts of this castle now remaining, are the gateway, and the
apartments on the north side which were occupied by Mary, Queen of Scots,
from January to December, 1585. Her son, James I., often visited the
Castle, “not,” as Sir Oswald writes, “to indulge melancholy reflections,
but to gratify an occasional delight which he took in the diversion of
hunting. His feelings were not much affected when he surveyed the late
abode of his unfortunate mother, for extreme sensibility was not one of
his foibles.”
King Charles I. also paid several visits to it, and in 1642 the
Castle was garrisoned for him, and placed under the command of Lord
Loughborough. After many privations, the garrison, at last, yielded up
the Castle on April 20th, 1646. By a vote on the 19th of July, 1647,
the House of Commons ordered that “it should forthwith be rendered
untenable.” Its walls enclose a space of about three acres. On the
elevated mound, at its west side, the Julius Tower used to stand, now its
site is occupied by an artificial ruin. A deep moat or foss surrounds
three sides. Within the walls was a chapel, dedicated to St. Peter, the
site of which cannot now be found.
The _Priory of Tutbury_ was founded by Henry de Ferrers, A.D. 1080, and
occupied the north side of the present church, which belonged to it.
On the 14th of September, 1538, it was surrendered into the hands of
King Henry VIII., when its revenue was valued at £242. 15s. 3d. All the
Priory buildings were pulled down, with the exception of the magnificent
Norman nave and west end doorway of the Priory church, which now form the
present parish church.
The town is situated on the west bank of the river Dove, which used to
drive several corn and cotton spinning mills.
To John of Gaunt, Tutbury owed two of its ancient institutions, viz.:—The
Minstrel’s Court and Bull Baiting. The Minstrel’s Court was held every
year on the day after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, being
the 16th of August, to elect a king of the minstrels, to try those who
had been guilty of misdemeanours during the year, and grant licences for
the coming year. Various, very curious customs were observed, which will
be found in “The Book of Days,” Vol. II., p. 224. The old horn, bearing
the arms of John of Gaunt, impaled with Ferrers arms, on a girdle of
black silk, adorned with buckles of silver, is now in the possession of
the Bagshawes of Ford Hall, Chapel-en-le-Frith.
The Bull Baiting is supposed to have been introduced, in imitation of the
Spanish bull-fights, by John of Gaunt, who assumed the title of King of
Castile and Leon, in right of his wife. A bull was granted by the Prior
of Tutbury, the poor beast’s horns were sawn off, his ears and tail cut
off, and his nose filled with pepper. Then the minstrels rushed after
the maddened beast, and if they could cut off a portion of hair or skin
before it crossed the river Dove, it belonged to the Minstrels, if it
escaped it was returned to the Prior. The proceedings led to very great
rows, and many returned home with broken heads, &c. In 1778 the Duke of
Devonshire abolished the whole proceedings.
[Illustration: Plate 20.
Etwall Church. (Page 116.)
Etwall Hospital. (Page 119.)]
In 1831 some workmen, digging gravel out of the bed of the river, about
thirty yards below the bridge, four or five feet below the surface
of the gravel, discovered “upwards of 300,000 valuable coins,” which
Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, lost, together with his baggage, when he
was attempting to cross the river, in flood. For five hundred years the
coins, consisting of English, French, and Scottish pieces, had remained
hidden below the bed of the river.
The chief attractions at Tutbury are the Castle, Church, and Glass-Works.
ETWALL AND ITS HOSPITAL.
Etwall is about four miles north-west from Repton, and six miles from
Derby.
The manor belonged to Henry de Ferrers at the making of Domesday Survey,
and included the lordships of Bearwardcote (its old moated farm-house
remains), and Burnaston. Etwall was for a time in the possession of the
Shirley family. In the year 1370 it was conveyed to the Abbey of Beauvale
in Nottinghamshire. In 1540, King Henry VIII. granted the manor, together
with the impropriate rectory, and the advowson of the vicarage, to Sir
John Porte, Knight, one of the Justices of the King’s Bench, father of
Sir John, the founder of Repton School.
The church was granted by Roger de Pont l’Evêque, Archbishop of York,
(1154-1181), to the Abbey of Beauvale or Welbeck, and belonged to it till
it was granted to Sir John Porte, from whom, through his son Sir John,
it passed to Elizabeth, his eldest daughter and heiress, who married
Sir Thomas Gerard, Bart., of Bryn, County Lancaster, “who, on account
of his adherence to the Roman Catholic faith, and alleged complicity in
a plot for the release of Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in the
Tower of London, as a recusant, during the years 1567-70, and again from
September, 1586, to August, 1588, when he was removed for some months to
an inferior jail, called the ‘_Counter_,’ in Wood Street.” Sir William
Gerard, grandson of Sir Thomas, sold the estate, and the advowson of the
vicarage, in 1641, to Sir Edward Moseley, who, five years later, sold it
to Sir Samuel Sleigh, whose co-heiresses Margaret and Mary, by his second
and third wives, married James Chetham, and Rowland Cotton, of Bellaport,
Shropshire, the descendants of Rowland still live at Etwall Hall.
The church, dedicated to St. Helen, consists of nave, chancel, north
aisle, south porch, and a low embattled tower at its west end. Originally
the nave was separated from the north aisle by an arcade of four
semicircular Norman arches, supported by round piers with indented
capitals, the two arches, nearest the east end, have been thrown into
one, and a pointed arch substituted. The chancel is Early English,
but most of the church, including the tower, has been rebuilt in the
Perpendicular style. The chancel window of three stained glass lights,
representing the Crucifixion, is flanked by two small square windows, a
very unusual arrangement, they are also filled with stained glass bearing
the arms of the Sees of Canterbury and Southwell. At the east end of
the north aisle is the Porte chapel, fitted up with carved seats and a
reading desk for the use of the “master and poor men” of the Hospital.
The seats used to be between the belfry and north door, and the Porte
chapel partitioned off from the nave. Early in the century the partition
was taken down, and the seats removed to their present position. Built
on to the east end of the north aisle is the Cokburne’s memorial chapel,
which blocks up the east window of the Porte chapel. Two of the
Cokburnes were Vicars of Etwall, their chapel was built about the year
1830, it contains several mural tablets, and is now used as a vestry.
Since Dr. Cox wrote his account of the church, a much needed restoration
has taken place. The galleries at the west end, and the plaster ceiling,
have been removed, and new seats, of pitchpine, pulpit, prayer desk, &c.,
have taken the place of the old ones.
There are several monuments in memory of the Porte family. The oldest
one is a brass in memory of Henry Porte, and Elizabeth his wife, and
used to be on the floor of the chapel. It has been taken up, and used to
block up a door on the north side of the chancel. Only the matrix of the
brass of Henry is left, but his wife, clad in conventual dress adopted by
widows, and his children, nine sons and eight daughters, remain. At the
upper corners of the brass are two shields, one bearing a figure of our
Lord, with the “orbs mundi” in His left hand, and the other the Blessed
Virgin, and Child. Of the two shields at the bottom one bears the arms
of Porte, the other has been taken away. Below, on a brass scroll, is an
inscription:—
“Orate pro an̄abus Henrici Porte, et Elizabeth ūxis ejus, qui
quidem Henricus obiit in festo Sc̄i Thomæ Marturis.
Anno Dn̄i M. V. duodecimo quorum an̄abus propitietur Deus.”
“Under the arche that is bytwene the chancell and the chapell, where I
and my wyff had used commonly to knele,” so did Sir John Porte, justice
of the King’s Bench, by will dated January 19th, 1527, order that his
body should be buried. Over the grave a monument was erected, on which
rest the effigies of Sir John, and his two wives, Jane, daughter and
heiress of John Fitzherbert of Etwall, and Margaret, daughter of Sir
Edward Trafford. The tomb has been much mutilated, the heads of Sir
John and one of his wives have been knocked off. He wears his robes of
office, with a collar and pendant. On the north side of the monument
are shields bearing the arms of Porte impaling Fitzherbert, on the
south Porte impaling the quartered coat of Trafford. The Porte motto,
“Intende prospere,” is frequently repeated on the cornice above, and the
various emblems of the Passion are carved among the other decorations
of the monument. Built against the south wall of the chancel is “the
comely and handsome tomb of pure marble” of Sir John Porte, Knt., son of
Justice Porte by his first wife Jane. “Set and fixed, graven in brass,”
are portraits of Sir John, his two wives, (Elizabeth, daughter of Sir
Thomas Gifford, of Chillington, and Dorothy, daughter of Sir Anthony
Fitzherbert), and his five children, two boys and three girls, all by his
wife, Elizabeth.
Above the tomb, on a square slab, is a shield bearing the arms of Porte,
surmounted by helmet and crest. On the tomb, at the top left-hand corner,
a shield Porte, impaling quarterly of Gifford and Montgomery, in the
right-hand corner Porte impaling quarterly of the two Fitzherbert coats.
Below, set in three quatrefoils, are three shields, (1) Porte, (2)
Porte impaling Gifford and Montgomery, (3) quarterly of four, Stanhope,
Maloval, Longvillers, and Lexington impaling Porte and Montgomery.
Below the figure is the following inscription:—
“Under thys tombe lyeth buryed the Boodye of Syr John Porte
Knyght sonne and heyre unto Syr John Porte one of the Justyces
of ye Kyngs Benche at Westmynstʳ Elsebeth & Dorothe wyves to
the same Sʳ John Porte the sonne whych sonne dyed the syrt day
of June Anno Dni 1557.”
Etwall Hall came into lay hands after the dissolution of monasteries.
It is a very plain building, built, or rather faced, with stone brought
from the ruins of Tutbury Castle. Nothing worth seeing, but, for those
who admire tapestry, there are two beautiful pieces. One representing
a garden scene, with a pagoda-like building, columns, flowers, fruit
and Cupids. At the bottom the goddess Diana and other figures. Another
piece represents scenes in the life of King David: playing before Saul,
Battle scene, Marriage with Bathsheba. The border consists of a series of
figures, chiefly ladies, with dogs, fruit, and flowers.
ETWALL HOSPITAL.
Etwall Hospital was founded by Sir John Porte. By Will, dated March 9th,
1556, he directed “that six of the poorest of Etwall parish shall have
weekly, for ever, 20d. apiece over and besides such lodgings as he or
his executors should provide for them in an almshouse, to be built in
or near the churchyard of Etwall, and that the money so to be paid to
the said poor should be had and received out of the lands and tenements
thereinafter limited for the performance of his Will.” These lands, &c.,
were in Moseley, Abraham, and Brockhurst, in the County of Lancaster.
The Hospital was built as directed. In 1622, (by letters patent, dated
20 June, 19 Jac. I.), owing to the improvements of the lands, &c., and
consequent increase of funds, the number of poor men was raised to
twelve, and a Master of the Hospital was appointed at a salary of £20.
per annum. It was also ordered that “every day twice the poor men should
repair to the church at Etwall, and there continue all the time of divine
service, and sermon, if any, except for some just cause to be allowed by
the master, and should receive the sacrament three times every year at
the least; ... and that every one of them should have for their stipend
or allowance for every week 2s. 6d., to be paid to them monthly.” The
original building having fallen into decay, the present building was
erected in the year 1681. Built on three sides of a square, on the north
side of Etwall churchyard, from which it is separated by iron rails and a
low wall, the Hospital consisted of twelve rooms and a lodge, where the
Master resided, (_i.e._, a room in the north-west corner, (No. 5),) till
1812, when the “Master’s Lodge” was built, about half of a mile away, on
the road to Willington. A nurse used to live in the room, which has its
entrance from the back yard, at the north-east corner, where there is a
washhouse, &c., her duties were to nurse, cook, and wash for the almsmen
who had no wives. This room is now occupied by an almsman, the nurse, if
there is one, living elsewhere.
Over the door in the centre of the north side is the following
inscription:
“Sʳ John Port, Knight, son of Sʳ John Port, one of the Justices
of the Court of King’s Bench, haueing by his last Will left
an Estate for the Erection and Endowment of a Free Schole at
Repton and an Hospital in this place, departed this Life June
VI. MDLVII. the which Foundations hauveing been accordingly
established, this Hospitall, through length of time falling
to decay, was rebuilt, the Sallary’s increased, the Alms Men
augmented from VI. to XII. The Right Honourable Theophilus
Earle of Huntingdon, the Right Honourable Philip Earle of
Chesterfield, and Sʳ William Gerrard, Barronet, Heires Generall
to the Founder, being Governors, MDCLXXXI.”
Over the inscription are three shields, containing the arms of the
governors, quartering, or otherwise impaling, those of Sir John Porte,
over these the shield of Sir John.
The almsmen used to wear blue cloth gowns, with a silver badge on the
shoulder, bearing the arms of Sir John.
In 1825 the number of “poor men” was increased to sixteen, and the four
rooms were added on the east side of the Hospital.
LIST OF MASTERS.
YEAR.
1622-1657 [2]Rev. John Jennings, M.A.
1657-1691 [2]Rev. John Jackson, M.A.
1692-1712 [2]Rev. Ellis Cunliffe, M.A., Jesus Coll., Cambridge,
Fellow, B.A., 1671, M.A., 1675.
1713-1740 [2]Rev. James Cheetham, D.D.
1740-1746 [2]Rev. Henry Mainwaring, M.A., St. John’s Coll.,
Cambridge, B.A., 1732, M.A., 1736.
1746-1785 [2]Rev. Samuel Burslem, M.A.
1785-1809 Rev. Joseph Turner, M.A.
1809-1821 Rev. William Beer, M.A.
1821-1832 Rev. John Chamberlayne, M.A., Formerly 2nd Master
of Repton School.
1832-1842 Rev. William Boultbee Sleath, D.D., Formerly
Headmaster of Repton School.
1842-1863 [2]Rev. William Eaton Mousley, M.A., Trinity College,
Cambridge, B.A., 1839, M.A., 1842.
1863-1866 Rev. John Morewood Gresley, M.A.
1866 [2]Rev. David Crawford Cochrane, M.A., Trinity College,
Dublin, B.A., 1857, M.A., 1860. Ox. Com. Caus. 1861.
FOREMARK AND ANCHOR CHURCH.
_Foremark_, or Fornewerke, as it was called in Domesday Book, when it
belonged to Nigel de Stafford. After passing through the hands of various
families, it finally belonged to the Verdons, through the Verdons to Sir
Robert Francis, who purchased it from them. The heiress of Sir Robert
Francis married Thomas Burdett, Esq., of Bramcote, created a baronet in
1618, and it still belongs to that family. It and Ingleby are mentioned
as Chapels of Repton as early as the thirteenth century. In 1650 a report
was made by Parliamentary Commissioners, from which we gather that
Ingleby was to be disused, and Foremark made the parish church. Owing
to the ruinous state of both chapels, Foremark was rebuilt, and Ingleby
was demolished, its wood and stone were used to build the bell-tower and
churchyard wall of Foremark. On the Feast of St. Matthew, 1662, the new
chapel was consecrated by Bishop Hacket.
The position of Ingleby Church, and the reason why it was not restored,
have been clearly pointed out, in a letter, to Dr. Cox, by Mr. C. S.
Greaves, Q.C., “the chapel of Ingleby stood at the corner of a field,
bounded by the road through the village on one side, and by a wall of a
farm-yard on the other, occupied in my time by Browne. It was the nearest
farmyard to Derby. The course of the walls was plainly indicated by the
raised ground where they had stood. When the present church (of Foremark)
was in contemplation, the then Baronet (Sir Robert Burdett) told the
inhabitants that if they would draw the stone for the church, he would
build it wherever they liked; but if they would not, he would build it
where he liked. They refused, and accordingly it was built where it was
most convenient for the Hall, and most inconvenient for Ingleby.” See
Addenda, Derbyshire Churches, Vol. IV., p. 530.
Dedicated to St. Saviour, the chapel consists of nave, chancel, and
west tower, in the later Perpendicular style. The chancel is separated
from the nave by a high oak screen, glazed with large sheets of glass.
The altar, a large slab of grey marble, supported by a wooden table,
is, according to Dr. Charles Cox (from whose “Notes on the Churches of
Derbyshire” these particulars have been taken), the one consecrated by
Bishop Hacket. There are four five-light windows in the east end, and
sides of the chapel. A gallery was erected in 1819.
In the bell-tower are four bells bearing the bell-mark of George Oldfield
with the following inscriptions:—
I. “Let God arise and his enemies bee scattered. 1668.”
II. “Saint Savior. 1668.”
III. “All glory bee to God on high. Saint Saviours.”
IV. “God save his Church. 1660.”
To the east of the church is Foremark Hall, it occupies the site of
the old hall, “the seat of the Francis family, it was a long, low,
half-timbered structure, with a garden occupying about two acres, in the
centre of which was a large dove-cote.”
In the year 1755 the present Hall was built. To the south-west of the
Hall, in a secluded dell, is a ruined house called “Knowl Hills.” Bigsby
says it was erected by Walter Burdett, younger son of Sir Robert Burdett,
Bart., the first possessor of Foremark. Until the erection of the Hall it
was occupied by another Sir Robert Burdett, Bart. Then a greater portion
of this singularly beautiful retreat was destroyed, but a grove of beech
and lime trees still afford a grateful shade on a lawn where, during the
summer months, “parties” are, or used to be held. There are also some
very curious cellars excavated in the red sandstone rock beneath.
ANCHOR CHURCH.
About two miles to the east of Repton the level meadow-land of the
Trent valley suddenly rises and forms a perpendicular bank, composed of
conglomerate rock, with bands of sandstone. The Trent, which used to flow
close to the bank, now flows at some distance away, the old course is
still indicated by a pool of sedge-girdled water, (close in front of the
rock,) which joins the river a little lower down. The face of the rock
is irregular and broken into picturesque bays, with ivy-covered fissures
between them, the whole crowned with trees, brushwood, and bracken.
Here, ages ago, an Anchorite is supposed to have scooped out of the rock
an oratory and a dwelling, similar to that in Deepdale, (Dale Abbey).
Here he dwelt, far from the haunts of men, in quietness and solitude. Who
he was? who made it? and when? are questions that can never be answered,
the only reference to it is found in the Repton Church Register under
the year 1658. “Ye foole at Anchor Church bur Aprill 19.” In later days
it became the favourite retreat of Sir Robert Burdett, who had it fitted
up so that he and his friends could dine within its cool, and romantic
cells. It has been enlarged at various times, at present it consists of
a series of four cells. Admittance is gained through an arched door-way,
the first cell has been divided into two by a brick wall, plastered over,
a small one on the right hand (10 ft 6 in. by 6 ft. 6 in.) with a small
window, and a larger one (13 ft. by 12 ft. 6 in.) with a window in front,
and two semicircular recesses at the back; between this and the next cell
two arch-ways have been made through the rock, with a pillar between
them, also of rock, this cell is 17 ft. 6 in. by 13 ft. 6 in., and also
has two similar recesses; through another arch the last cell is reached
(18 ft. by 17 ft.), this has three recesses, and two windows. The ground
plan is semicircular, so that the last cell projects some distance out,
and affords most extensive views of the valley of the Trent, and the
country to the north and west, including Twyford and Repton. A little
distance to the west is another cell (6 ft. by 4 ft.) commonly known as
the Anchorite’s “larder.”
The best way to get to the “Church” is, after passing in front of
Foremark Hall, and through a gate which blocks the road, to mount the
hill, and enter a field through the first gate on the left hand, cross
the field diagonally till a grassy glade is reached, which leads down to
a wicket gate on the right, the entrance to the “Church.”
MELBOURNE AND BREEDON.
Melbourne was in very ancient times a royal manor, and is mentioned in
the Domesday Survey as having a priest and a church. It remained in
royal hands, attached to the Earldom and Duchy of Lancaster, till the
year 1604, when King James I. granted it to Charles, Earl of Nottingham,
who conveyed it to Henry, Earl of Huntingdon, from whom it descended to
Francis, Marquis of Hastings, now represented by the Earl of Loudoun.
There used to be a castle here, in which John, Duke of Bourdon, was
imprisoned for 19 years, after his capture at the battle of Agincourt, in
1415. Queen Margaret, wife of Henry VI., is said to have ordered it to be
dismantled in 1460, and it gradually fell into decay, only a few traces
of it can now be seen.
[Illustration: Plate 21.
Breedon Church. (Page 125.)
Melbourne Church. (Page 125.)]
The name Melbourne is derived from Mael-burn, two Anglo-Saxon words
meaning the “brook of the Cross.” A tradition exists that a cross was
erected by the side of the brook, which runs on the south side of the
town, to commemorate the murder of Osthryth, Queen of Ethelred, King of
Mercia (675-704). Later on a small church was erected over the spot,
which was replaced by the present one, “one of the finest and most
interesting Norman churches in England—and the earliest date we are
inclined to assign to its commencement is _circa_ 1090.” Originally the
church consisted of nave with side aisles, central tower, with north and
south transepts, three apses at the east, two western towers, with a
recessed doorway between them. Galleries, supported by groined stone roof
over the western portico, extended over both aisles and central tower,
two spiral stone stairs in the western towers led up to the galleries.
Five “horseshoe” arches, ornamented with chevron or zizag mouldings,
resting on round pillars, 4 ft. in diameter, and 15 ft. high, separate
the nave from the aisles, the capitals are square, with slightly indented
mouldings. The triforium on the north side has triple round arches, that
on the south, of later date, has double pointed arches. The central
tower, on the inner sides, is divided into three tiers of semi-circular
arches. The three apses at the east end were removed probably during
the reign of Henry VII. A square end was then made, and is lit by a
five-light Perpendicular window. The apse arches in the transepts were
built up and a three-light Decorated window was placed in the south, and
a three-light Perpendicular window was placed in the north transept.
Later alterations and additions have been made which certainly have not
added to the beauty of the church, but, in spite of these, the church
remains, as Dr. Cox writes, “one of the finest and most interesting
Norman churches in England,” and well worth a visit.
In the year 1132 Henry I. founded the bishopric of Carlisle, and granted
the church to it as one of its endowments. The bishops built a palace
at the east end of the church, where they lived occasionally. Melbourne
Hall, built on the site of the palace by Sir Thomas Coke, Chamberlain to
Queen Anne, possesses one of the most beautiful gardens in the kingdom,
laid out in the old Dutch style, it affords a favourite place of resort
to many who visit its sylvan retreats during the summer months. They are
open to the public on Wednesday afternoons.
About a mile from Melbourne is the village of _King’s Newton_ with
its picturesque ruin, the remains of an Elizabethan Hall, the ancient
residence of the Hardinge family. About thirty-five years ago it was
burnt down. King Charles I. is said to have been entertained here by Sir
Robert Hardinge. After the King’s departure, some lines were discovered
written on a pane of glass, and signed “Carlos, Newton Regis,” which
accounts for the name. The view from the terrace is a very extensive one,
over the valley of the Trent, with Derby and the high lands of the Peak
district in the distance.
_Breedon_ village is about two miles and a quarter from Melbourne, it
lies at the foot of a singular looking hill which rises suddenly out of
the plain. While all round is marl and sandstone, this hill is composed
of mountain lime-stone. Rising to a height of about one hundred and fifty
feet, it is seen for miles round, and is known as “_the Bulwark_,” and
was once an ancient camp. Its sides have been quarried, and lime kilns
at its base, when at work, do not improve the air. On its summit is a
church, all that remains of a Priory of Austin Canons, built in Norman
times. There is a legend which accounts for its exposed position. It is
said that evil spirits interfered with its erection at the foot of the
hill, and removed the foundations as often as they were laid. In vain
were exorcising prayers offered up, what was done in the day was removed
at night, so the materials were carried up to the top, and the church was
allowed to be built, in it have been laid to rest members of the Ferrers,
Curzons, and Shakespear families. The Ferrers’ pew, separated from the
church by iron bars, surmounted by large escutcheons, is a rare example
of the luxury, selfishness, and exclusiveness which animated the feelings
of “the quality” in bygone times.
MICKLE-OVER, FINDERNE AND POTLAC OR POTLOCK.
The manor _Mickle-Over_ with the three chapelries of Finderne,
Little-Over, and Potlac, was granted by William the Conqueror to Burton
Abbey, and it remained with it till the dissolution of Monasteries,
when Henry VIII. granted the manor to his secretary, Sir William Paget.
Thomas, Lord Paget, sold the manor to the famous Lord Mayor of London,
Sir Thomas Gresham, whose widow married again, and left the property to
Sir William Reade, her son by her second husband. Sir William Reade’s
daughter and heiress married Sir Michael Stanhope, and had three
daughters, co-heiresses, between whom the estates were divided. In 1648,
Edward Wilmot bought two shares, _viz._, Little-Over and Finderne,
which were again sold by Sir Robert Wilmot to Edward Sacheverell Pole
in 1801. The remaining share, Mickle-Over, was sold to Sir John Curzon
in 1648, from the Curzons Mr. Newton bought it in 1789. An ancestor of
Mr. Newton who died in 1619, had previously inherited the manor-house
of Mickle-Over by marriage with the heiress of William Gilbert, to whom
it had been sold by Sir Thomas Gresham. The house is now occupied by the
tenant of the farm.
_Little-Over_ is about two miles from Mickle-Over, and used to be the
seat of the Harpur family, Chief Justice Sir Richard Harpur built the
manor-house, in which the family lived till the days of John Harpur, who
died in 1754, when the property passed to the Heathcotes. In the church
is a costly monument to Sir Richard Harpur, son of the Chief Justice, and
his wife Mary, daughter of Thomas Reresby. The church consists of nave,
chancel, north aisles, and bell turret on the west gable. The blocked-up
Norman doorway in the west end is the only relic of ancient days.
_Finderne_ is a small village, about two miles from Repton. It had a very
interesting old chapel, dating back to its Norman days, but in the year
1862 it was completely destroyed. It must have been like the chapel at
Little-Over. The present church consists of nave, chancel, and tower,
with a spire at the west end. The only relic of the Norman church are the
tympanum of the old south door, carved in chequered pattern, with a cross
_formée_ in the centre, and a recessed founder’s arch in the north wall
of the chancel, which contains a much mutilated effigy of a priest.
The most valued possession of the church is a small chalice and cover,
considered to be the oldest piece of church plate in the county. The
Hall-mark shows it to be of the year 1564-5.
The Vicar of Finderne, the Rev. B. W. Spilsbury, has in his possession a
very curious and rare relic of mediæval times. It is a small sculptured
block of alabaster, 8¾ inches by 7 inches, and 1½ inches thick. There
is a beautifully drawn and painted copy of it in Vol. VIII. of the
Derbyshire Archæological Journal, by Mr. George Bailey, also an article
on it by the Rev. J. Charles Cox.
A little above the centre, resting on a dish, is a head, below it is a
lamb lying on a missal or book. On the right side is a bare-headed, full
length figure of St. Peter, holding a key in his right hand, and a book
in his left. On the left side is a similar figure of an archbishop, with
a mitre on his head, a book in his right hand, and a cross-staff in his
left. The back ground, _i.e._ the surface of the block, is painted a dark
olive green. The head, dish and robes an orange brown. The hair, rim of
the dish, and edges of the robes, books, key, and cross-staff are gilded.
The lining of St. Peter’s robe is red, that of the archbishop is blue.
The head and dish occupy three quarters of the space. Dr. Cox enumerates
ten similar pieces of sculpture, all of which have figures of St. Peter
on the right side, and all, except one which bears a figure of St. Paul,
have a mitred archbishop on the left, which is supposed to represent
either St. Augustine, or St. Thomas of Canterbury. The chief differences
are in the figures above and below the central head and dish. There is
a cut on the forehead over the left eye. Several suggestions have been
made respecting the head. It has been said to represent (1) The head of
St. John the Baptist, (2) The Vernicle, (3) The image of our Lord’s face,
given to King Abgarus, and (4) The First Person of the Holy Trinity.
Which of these is right is a matter for discussion, but “the block, no
doubt, has reference to the presence of our Lord in the Sacrament.”
At the back there are two holes, into which pegs could be inserted, for
the purpose or fixing it above an altar, on a reredos or otherwise, in
oratories or chantries. All the examples known were made about the same
date, at the end of the fourteenth or the beginning of the fifteenth
century.
The Vicar of Finderne also has an old deed, dated 1574, which sets forth
that, in that year, Sir Thomas Gresham sold his property at Finderne,
with manorial rights, to twelve men whose names are given. He had 1272
acres in Finderne, and 378 at Potlock.
_Potlac or Potlock_ was the seat of the old family of Finderns, who for
nine generations lived here (as tenants under the Abbots of Burton),
from the reign of Edward III. to Elizabeth, when Thomas Finderne died, in
1558, leaving all his estates, here and elsewhere, to his sister Jane,
who married Sir Richard Harpur, one of the Justices of the Common Pleas,
ancestor of Sir Vauncey Harpur-Crewe, Bart., of Calke Abbey.
The ancient manor-house, and chapel, dedicated to St. Leonard, have
disappeared. A farmhouse occupies the site of the former, and only a few
cedar trees and Scotch firs remain near the house to connect it with the
past.
NEWTON SOLNEY.
About a mile and a half from Repton, situated on the banks of the
Trent, is the pretty village of Newton Solney. To distinguish it from
the hundred or more Newtons, the name of the ancient owners Solney or
Sulney is joined to it. The manor was held, in the reign of Henry III.
(1216-72), by Sir Norman, who was succeeded in turn by Sir Alured, Sir
William, and another Sir Alured de Solney, who came to the rescue of
Bishop Stretton at Repton in 1364 (_see p._ 52). Sir Alured died at the
beginning of the reign of Richard II. (1377-99), and left a son Sir John,
who died without issue, and two daughters, Margery, who married Sir
Nicholas Longford, and Alice, married three times, (1) Sir Robert Pipe,
(2) Sir Thomas Stafford, (3) Sir William Spernore. During the reign of
Henry VIII., the manor was bought of the Longfords by the Leighs. Anne,
heiress of Sir Henry Leigh, married Sir Simon Every in the reign of James
I.
Abraham Hoskins, Esq., purchased the estates from Sir Henry Every, Bart.,
about the year 1795, and took up his abode there. In the year 1801 he
erected a range of castellated walls, called “Hoskins Folly,” on the
high land between Newton and Burton, as a kind of look-out over the
surrounding country, later on, he converted it into a house and called it
“Bladon Castle.” Mr. Robert Ratcliff is now the owner of the manor and
patron of the living, which is a donative. Besides “Bladon Castle” there
are two principal houses, one occupied by Mr. Ratcliff called Newton
Park, and the “The Rock” occupied by Mr. Edward D. Salt.
The picturesque church, which has been carefully restored, contains
specimens of all the styles of architecture from the Norman, downwards.
It consists of nave, chancel, north and south aisles, with chapels, at
the east end, separated from them and the chancel by pointed arches. The
chancel arch was probably removed during the Perpendicular period.
There are three very ancient monuments of knights, which are well worth a
close inspection.
The oldest of them is now lying under an arch at the west end of the
south aisle, it is the freestone effigy of a mail-clad knight, with a
shield on his left arm, his hands are on a sword, suspended in front on
a cross-belt, unfortunately the effigy is much mutilated, the lower part
has gone.
The second, also of freestone, is under the tower, on the north side,
the head has gone, the figure is clad in a surcoat, girded by a sword
belt, parts of armour are seen in the hauberk, the feet rest on foliated
brackets of Early English work.
The third, on the south side, opposite number two, is a very beautiful
effigy in alabaster, resting on an altar tomb of the same material. On
the sides are eleven shields. The effigy will well repay a very close
inspection, it is one of the most highly finished in the county. From
its head (wearing a bassinet) down to its feet, every detail has been
elaborately worked out. Most probably the monuments represent three
members of the de Solney family, but which is a matter of discussion.
The effigy of Sir Henry Every, Bart., has been transferred from the
chancel and placed beneath the west window of the tower. It is of marble,
and the effigy is clad in a toga and sandals of a Roman citizen, the
contrast, between it and the other two ancient ones, is most striking! On
the front of the monument is the following inscription:—
“Here lies the body of Sʳ Henry Every, late of Egginton in this
county, Baronet, who died yᵉ 1st day of Septʳ 1709. To whose
memory Ann his beloved wife, the eldest daughter and one of the
coheiresses of Sʳ Francis Russell, late of Strentham, Bart. (of
a very ancient family in yᵉ county of Worcester) erected yᵉ
monument.”
The floor of the tower has been paved with encaustic tiles found during
the restoration, they are supposed to have been made at Repton.
Since Dr. Cox wrote his article on Newton Solney Church the restoration,
referred to above, has been made, the whole of the fabric has been very
carefully restored, a new south porch, of stone, has taken the place of
the former brick one, the floor has been lowered and paved with stone,
with blocks of wood under the pews, which are also new, of pitch pine.
TICKENHALL, CALKE, AND STAUNTON HAROLD.
About four miles to the south-east of Repton is the village of
Tickenhall, which was formerly one of the seven chapels of Repton. At
the time of the Domesday Survey its lands were divided between the King,
Nigel de Stafford, ancestor of the Gresleys, and the abbot of Burton.
Subsequently King Henry I. granted it, with Repton, to Ralph, Earl of
Chester. From charters, quoted in Vol. II. of the _Topographer_, we learn
that the Canons of Repton Priory obtained grants of land and permission
to draw a cart load of wood daily from the woods in Tickenhall, also the
right of free warren over the land and fishing in the river Trent, from
later Earls of Chester, and others. From the same source we learn that
the chapel was originally dedicated to St. Thomas à Becket.
After the dissolution of monasteries, the rectorial tithes passed to
Edward Abell, lord of manor of Tickenhall, who died in 1596. From his
son, Ralph, Sir John Harpur purchased the manor and impropriate tithes
in 1625, and they remain in the hands of his descendant, Sir Vauncey
Harpur-Crewe, Bart., who is also the patron of the living, which has been
converted into a vicarage in modern times.
In the year 1841 it was decided, at a vestry meeting, to build a new
church, the old one being so much out of repair. About fifty yards to the
north of the old one the present church was erected, consisting of nave,
with aisles, chancel, vestry, and tower with spire. The picturesque,
ivy-clad remains of the old church in the churchyard, the four-clustered
pillars in the vicarage garden, and other fragments found _in situ_ prove
that the old Chapel of St. Thomas contained portions of Norman, Early
English and Decorated work, and the fact that gunpowder had to be used in
its demolition also proves that a most interesting church, connected with
centuries of the history of Tickenhall, was destroyed. As if to complete
the severance, the name of its patron saint was also changed to that of
St. George, not in honour of England’s patron saint, but after Sir George
Crewe, Bart., lord of the manor, and patron of the living!
Formerly a good trade was carried on in the limestone quarries, but of
late they have been closed. The “caverns” present a most picturesque
appearance, and afford a grand field for the geologist in search of
fossils, which abound in the carboniferous limestone there. There was
also a pottery works, with a kiln, which have also been closed and
pulled down. There is a hospital, founded by Mr. Charles Harpur in the
year 1770, for “decayed poor men and women in the parishes of Tickenhall
and Calke.” It is now only occupied by women. The octagonal brick-built
“round house” still remains by the side of the main street, and forms a
link between the old and the new.
_Calke_ was, as we have seen, celebrated for its “Abbey,” the mother of
Repton Priory. In the year 1547 Calke was granted by Edward VI. to John,
Earl of Warwick. Thirty years later it became the property and seat of
Roger Wendesley, whose successor, Richard Wendesley, sold it to Robert
Bainbrigge, who in 1621 conveyed it to Henry Harpur, who was made a
baronet in 1626. At the beginning of the eighteenth century the present
“Abbey” was built on the site of the old priory, as it ought to have been
called.
The parish church belonged to the Canons of Calke from the earliest
times, and with them was transferred to Repton Priory, with whose canons
it remained till the dissolution of the monasteries, when it passed to
the owners of the estate.
The Parliamentary Commissioners in 1650 describe Calke “as a peculiar
Sir John Harper of the same Baronett is impropriator and procures the
cure supplied. It lyes neare unto Ticknall and may conveniently be
united to Tycknall and the chapell of Calke disused.” There is a seal
of the peculiar, a diamond in shape, with the side view of a man in a
long gown. These words are round the margin, _Sigillum officii pecularis
jurisdictionis de Calke_. As “peculiars” are exempt from the jurisdiction
of the Ordinary or Bishops Courts, no doubt this seal was used for
stamping deeds, &c., issued by the peculiar.
The church is said to be dedicated to St. Giles, who was also the patron
saint of the priory. Sir George Crewe rebuilt, or rather re-cased,
the old church with new stone in the year 1826. Like the windows at
Hartshorn, the mullions and tracery are of cast iron, by Weatherhead,
Glover and Co., Derby. At the west end is a small embattled tower, in
which is a door, the only entry to the church.
The village consists only of a few houses, but it is very prettily
situated.
A little to the south-east of Calke is _Staunton Harold_, the seat of
Earl Ferrers. At the time of the Domesday Book Survey, the Ferrers family
possessed estates in fourteen counties, and no less than one hundred
and fourteen manors in Derbyshire. Their principal seat was at Tutbury
Castle in Staffordshire, where they founded the priory. Robert, the 2nd
Earl, was created Earl of Derby in the year 1138. This title remained in
the family till the reign of Henry III., when another Robert (the 5th
Earl) was deprived of his titles and estates owing to his repeated acts
of rebellion. According to Lysons, the title was conferred on several
Plantagenets. Henry VII. conferred it, after the victory of Bosworth
Field, in consideration of services received, on Lord Stanley, in whose
family it still remains. The present Earl Ferrers is descended from Sir
Henry Shirley, who married Dorothy, co-heir of Robert Devereux, Earl of
Essex, and of the Baronies of Ferrers of Chartley and Bourchier. Their
grandson Robert was summoned to Parliament, by Writ 14th December, 1677,
as Baron Ferrets of Chartley, and was created Viscount Tamworth and Earl
Ferrers 3rd September, 1711. Staunton Harold Hall was built by the 5th
Earl Ferrers. Situated in a lovely valley, overlooking a lake, bounded
by sloping ground adorned with trees, and other shrubs, the house is one
of the finest of its kind among our “stately homes of England.” It is
built in the style of Andrea Palladio (Classical or Renaissance) with a
pediment supported by Ionic pillars, which are upheld with Doric columns.
The material is stone, or brick ornamented with stone. The south-west
front, built in the form of the letter =H=, is surmounted with the statue
of a huge lion. The north-east, or library front, was designed by Inigo
Jones. The entrance gate of the Hall is of most elaborate and beautiful
specimen of iron workmanship. By the side of the lake is a beautiful
little Gothic church, consisting of chancel, nave and two aisles. The
chancel is separated from the nave by elegantly wrought iron gates, which
bear the Ferrers’ arms. From the walls of the church are hung funeral
trophies of the family, like those in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.
[Illustration: Plate 22.
Tickenhall Round House. (Page 134.)]
FOOTNOTES
[1] _See_ Dr. Pears’ address at the Tercentenary of Repton School, 1857.
[2] Also Vicars of Etwall.
INDEX.
Abell, Edward. Ralph, 133.
Abney, James, 26.
Abraham, 63, 119.
Abrincis, Hugh de, 113.
Adda, 8.
Æadwulph (Aldulph), King of E. Anglia, 9.
Ælfthryth (Ælfritha), Abbess of Repton, 9.
Æthelbald, King of Mercia, 9, 11, 14.
Æthelred, 11.
Agincourt, Battle of, 125.
Alfreton, 52.
Alfred, brother of Oswiu, 8.
Algar, Earl of Mercia, 3, 9, 50.
Alison, Sir Archibald, 97.
Allen’s Close, 5.
Alselin, Geoffrey, 108.
“Anchor Church,” 123-4.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, 6, 9.
Anne, Queen, 126.
Anne, wife of James I., 94.
Arleston, 99.
Armour of Repton, 32.
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, 92-9.
Castle, 93.
Church, 96.
Askew Hill, 91.
Astley, William, 24.
Augmentation Office Book, 53.
Augustine, St., 50, 129.
Badow Church, 52.
Bainbrigge, William, 96.
Robert, 134.
Baine, Ralph, Bishop of Lichfield, 63.
Bailey, George, 128.
Bakepuz, Robert de, 100.
Bakewell Church, 74.
Bangor, 2.
Bardulfs, 108.
Barker, Robert, 37.
Barnack Church, 19.
Barrow-on-Trent, 99-100.
Bartholomew, St., 12, 14.
Basano’s Church Notes, 20.
Bath School, 61.
Beaconsfield, Earl of, 98.
Beaumeis, Philip de. Robert, 92.
Beaumont, Sir George, 92.
Beauvale (Welbeck), Abbey of, 115.
Beccelm, 11, 14.
Beck, or Beke, John de, 100.
Becket, St. Thomas à, 129, 133.
Bells of Repton, 42-9.
Bell Marks, 46.
Bennett, Gervase, 66.
Berfurt (cousin of St. Wystan), 9, 15.
Bertulph (uncle of St. Wystan), 15.
Betti, 8.
Bigsby, Rev. Robert, 51, 53, 65, 85.
Birch, Walter de Gray, 13.
Birmingham School, 61.
“Black Book,” 53.
“Black Canons,” 50.
“Bladon Castle,” 131.
Blandee, Thomas, 24.
Block of Alabaster, sculptured, at Finderne, 128.
Blomfield, Sir Arthur, 23, 85, 128.
Blundeville, Randulph de, Earl of Chester, 3.
Bodleian Library, 46.
“Bonnie Prince Charlie,” 102.
Bosworth Field, 135.
Bourdon, John, Duke of, 125.
Brasenose College, Oxford, 62.
Breedon Church, 126.
Hill, 91.
Bretby, 4, 5, 51, 104-6.
“Clump,” 91.
Brewster, Thomas, 63.
Bride’s, St., Farmhouse of, 104.
Bridgenorth, 95.
Brigstock Church, 19.
Bristol, 95.
Brockhurst, 63, 119.
“Brook End,” 4.
Brotherhouse, 14.
Bullock, William (O.R.), 67.
Burdett, Sir Francis (O.R.), 66.
Robert, 4, 51, 81, 123.
Thomas, 103, 121.
“Buries, the,” 3.
Burnett, Sir Hugh, 93.
Burton-on-Trent, 1, 4.
Burton, Abbot of, 129, 132.
Butler, Earl of Ormond, 93.
“Bygone Leicestershire,” 98.
Calke, 134-5.
Canons of, 10.
Abbey, 50.
Cambridge, 12.
Camp, Repton, 3.
Canons’ Meadow, 4.
Canons of Repton, 16.
Canute, King, 9, 16.
Carlisle, Bishop of, 126.
“Causey, the,” 66.
Cedda, 8.
Chad, St., 8.
Chalice and Cover at Finderne, 128.
Chandos, Sir John, 109.
Chandos-Poles of Radbourne, 109.
Charles I., 5, 95, 113, 126.
II., 69.
Charnwood Forest, 1.
Charters of Repton Priory, 51.
Repton School, 64.
Chellaston Hill, 91.
Chester, Hugh, Earl of, Matilda, Countess of, 10, 51.
Randulph, Earl of, 3, 10.
Chester, West, 62.
Chesterfield, Philip, 1st Earl of, 104.
Chief events referred to, &c., 87-90.
“Chronicon Abbatiæ de Evesham,” 15.
Chronicles (Rolls Series), 15.
“Church Bookes,” 36.
“Churchwardens’ and Constables’ Accounts,” 30-41.
Cissa, 11.
Civil War, 5, 105.
Clinton, William de, 3
Cokayne, Sir Arthur, 105.
Coke, Sir Thomas, 126.
Coleorton Hall, 92.
“Communion Cupp” at Hartshorn, 107.
Conquest, the, 3.
Conway, Sir W. Martin, 46.
Cornavii or Coritani, 8.
“Counter Jail,” the, 126.
Cox, Dr. Charles, 17, 30, 50, 117, 122, 126, 128, 129, 132.
Creçy, Battle of, 93.
Crewe, Sir George, 134.
Cromwell, Thomas, 53.
Cross, Repton, 4, 35.
Crowland, 12.
Abbey, 14, 15.
Croxall, 52.
Crypt of Repton Church, 17.
Culloden Moor, Battle of, 102.
Curzon, Sir John, 127.
Cyneheard, 9.
Cynewaru (Kenewara), Abbess of Repton, 9.
Dale Abbey, (Deepdale), 50.
Danes, the, 3, 6, 7, 14, 17.
Dartmoor, 97.
“Day Bell Houses,” 98.
Denman, George, the Honble., 75, 84.
Denton, Canon, 98.
Derby, 1, 63.
Dethicks, 107.
Diuma, 1st Bishop of Mercia, 8.
Domesday Book, 3, 4, 6, 9, 92, 113, 115, 124, 132, 135.
Dove, River, 8, 114.
Dugdale’s Monasticon, 8, 51.
Durdent, Walter, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, 51.
Dutton, Edmund, 56.
Eadburgh, Abbess of Repton, 9, 12.
Ealdwulf, King of E. Anglia, 9.
Edgar, the Peaceable, 9, 17.
Edward III., 103, 130.
VI., 42, 61, 62, 134.
Egga, 14.
Egginton, 108-11.
Elfleda, mother of St. Wystan, 15.
Elizabeth, Queen, 130.
England, 2.
Ethelbald, King of Mercia, 6.
Etwall, 62, 115-21.
Every, Sir Edward, 110.
Henry, 130, 132.
Simon, 109, 130.
Evesham Abbey, Chronicles of, 9, 15.
Evesham Abbey, St. Wystan’s Shrine at, 57.
“Evidences, XVIII pieces of,” 35.
Fairfax, Sir Thomas, 95.
Felix, Monk of Crowland, 1st Bishop of E. Angles, 11, 12, 13.
“Feppingum,” 8.
Ferrariis or Ferrers, Henry de, 113, 115.
Ferrers, Robert, 2nd Earl, 135.
Ferrers, Robert de, 113.
Ferrers’ Pew at Breedon, 127.
Finan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, 8.
Finderne, 128-9.
Family of, 129.
Finger Pillory at Ashby, 97.
Fitzherbert, Anthony Sir, 62.
John of Etwall, 62, 117.
Flora Lady, daughter of 1st Marquis of Hastings, 95.
“Flora of Derbyshire,” (W. H. Painter), 91.
Foremark, 51, 121-4.
Francis (Frances) John of Tickenhall and Foremark, 22, 103.
Sir Robert, son of John, 22, 52, 121.
French Prisoners at Ashby, 97-8.
Fuller’s Church History, 53.
Fynderne (Finderne), George, Jane, John, and Thomas, 3, 4.
Lords of Repton Manor, 20.
Gaunt, John, Duke of, 114.
Gell, Sir John, 5, 101, 105.
Gerard, Sir Thomas, 62, 116.
Giffard, Sir Thomas, 62.
Giles, St., 50, 134.
Glendower, 2.
Glover, S. (History of Derbyshire), 105, 106.
Glover’s Mill, 4.
Godiva, 9.
Gorham, Rev. G. M. (O.R.), 23.
Greaves, C. S., 122.
Grendon, Serlo de, Lord of Badeley or Bradley, 50.
William de, 109.
Grentemaisnel, Hugh de, 92.
Gresham, Sir Thomas, 127, 129.
Gresley, 1.
Gresley, Sir George, 101.
Gretton, John, 111.
Gronta (Grantchester), 12.
Guthlac, St., 9, Chap. III.
Guthlaxton Hundred, 14.
“Gypsies,” 35.
Hacket, Bishop of Lichfield, 122.
“Hall Orchard,” 86.
Hampton Court Conference, 36.
Hardinge, Sir Robert, 126.
Harker, John, 63.
Harley Collection of MSS., 13.
Harpur, Charles, 134.
Sir George, 128.
Sir John, 4, 55, 103, 133.
Sir Henry, 4, 134.
Sir Richard, 4, 101, 103, 130.
Harpur-Crewe, Sir Vauncey, 24, 130, 133.
Hartshorn, 106-8.
Hastings, Francis, Marquis of, 125.
George, Earl of Huntingdon, 62.
Sir William, 93.
Headda, Bishop of Winchester, 13, 14.
Heathcotes, 128.
Henry I., 50, 126.
II., 51.
III., 43, 130, 135.
VII., 125, 135.
VIII., 53, 114, 115, 127, 130.
Heyne, Ann, 67, 68.
Hope, W. H. St. John, 53, 81, 108.
Hoskins, Abraham, 130.
Hotspur, 2.
Howe, Earl, 75.
Hrepandune, Hreopadune, Hreopandune, 6.
Huckin, Dr., 85.
Humbert, 9.
“Hundred Rolls,” 101.
Icknield Street, 111.
Icles, father of St., Guthlac, 11.
Incumbents of Repton, 24.
Ingleby, 51, 52, 121, 122.
Ingulph, Abbot of Crowland, 9, 13.
Infanta of Spain, 39.
“Itineraries,” 3, 7.
“Ivanhoe,” 92.
James I., 36, 75, 84, 113, 125.
Jennings, John, 65.
Jewitt, Llewellyn, 42, 72, 74.
Jones, Inigo, 135.
Jordan, William, 70.
Kale (Calke), 50.
Kenewara, Abbess of Repton, 9.
Kerry, Rev. Charles, 101.
King’s Newton, 126.
Kinton, Godfrey, 66.
Knights Templars, 99, 100.
“Knowl Hills,” 123.
Lancaster, Thomas, Earl of, 115.
Lathbury, 109.
Layton, Dr. Richard, 53.
Le Brun, 111.
Leigh, Sir Henry, 109, 130.
Dr. Thomas, 53.
Robert, 109.
Leicester, 95.
Leland (Collectanea), 8.
Leofric, 9.
Lichfield Diocesan Registers.
Lilleshall Abbey, 92.
Littleover, 128.
Lindisfarne, 8.
Lindsey, 6, 9.
Longford, Sir Nicholas, 130.
Loudoun, Edith Maud, Countess of, 98.
Earl of, 125.
Loughborough, Lord, 96, 113.
Louis XI., King of France, 93.
Lyon, John, 61.
Lysons’ “Magna Britannia,” 3.
Manchester, 62.
Manor of Repton, 4.
Repton Priory, 4.
Margaret, wife of Henry VI., 125.
Marleberge, Thomas de, Abbot of Evesham, 15.
Martin, F. O., 63.
Mary, Queen of England, 53.
Scots, 94, 113.
Masters of Etwall Hospital, 120-1.
Matilda (Maud) Countess of Chester, 10, 51.
Measham, Chapelry of, 51-2.
Melbourne, 124-127.
Memorial Hall, Pears, 83-5.
“Memorials of St. Guthlac,” 13.
Mercia, 7, 8, 9, 15.
Merewald, brother of Wulphere, 9.
Mickleover, 127.
Milton, 4, 51.
“Minstrels Court” at Tutbury, 114.
Moira, 97.
Molanus Major, 105.
Monastery, Saxon, at Repton, 17.
“Monasticon”, Dugdale’s, 51.
“Monks’ Bridge,” 110.
Mortimer, 2.
Sir William, 92.
Mosley, 63, 119.
Sir Oswald, 113.
Motteram, Mr., 69.
Mugliston, W. L., 73.
Muniment Chest, 65.
Mundy, Robert, 97.
Musca(m), Thomas de (Chronicle of), 50.
Musden Grange, 63.
Names of old Repton Families, 28-30.
Naseby Field, Battle of, 95.
Needham, Col., 95.
Newark, 52, 102.
Newton, Alderman Hugh, 67.
Richard, 24, 127.
Newton Solney, 51, 74, 130-2.
Norsemen, 7.
Nottingham, Charles, Earl of, 125.
“Old Trent,” 2.
Osthryth, Queen of Ethelred, 125.
Oswiu, King of Northumbria, 8.
Owen Glendower, 2.
Overton, Prior of Repton, 82.
Pack and Chapman, 47.
Paget, Thomas, Lord, 127.
Sir William, 127.
Palladio Andrea, 135.
Parish Chest, 20.
Map, 2.
Patent Rolls, 101.
Peada, 8.
Pears, Dr., 62, 71, 75, 76, 82.
Memorial Hall, 83-5.
Pega, sister of St. Guthlac, 14.
Peile, Dr., 71, 82.
Penda, King of Mercia, 8.
Perryn, Sir William, 63.
“Pieces of Evidence XVIII.,” 35.
Pilgrim, statue of, at Ashby, 96.
Pilkington, J., 3.
“Pinfold,” 33.
Pipe, Sir Robert, 130.
Pistern Hills, 4.
Place-name Repton, Chap. II.
Pole, Edward Sacheverell, 127.
Pont l’Evêque, Roger de, 115.
Poor Men of Etwall Hospital, 119.
Port or Porte, Sir John, 54, 62, 115, 118.
Potlac or Potlock, 119, 129.
Powell, James and Sons, 23, 112.
Prior, Dr., 21, 82.
Priors of Repton, 60.
Priory of Repton, Chap. VII.
Randulph, Abbot of Evesham, 16.
Ratcliff, Robert, 131.
Rawlins, Rev, R. R.
Reade, Sir William, 127.
“Reliquary,” 42, 46, 71, 72.
Repandunum, 3, 7, 8.
Repton Abbey, 13, 15.
Repton Church, Chap. IV.
Repton Church Bells, Chap. VI.
Books, 38.
Registers, Chap. V.
Repton Common, 1.
Repton Hall, 81-82.
Repton Priory, Chap. VII.
Repton Rocks, 51.
“Repton’s Saints,” (S.S. Guthlac and Wystan) Chap. III.
Repton School, Chap. VIII.
Repton School Chapel, 77-80.
Repton School _v._ Thacker, Chap. IX.
Repton School Tercentenary, 75-77.
Repton Tile Kiln, Chap. X.
Reresby, Thomas, 128.
Rollestons, 101.
Sacheverell, Edward, 127.
Sales, 100.
“Saltpeter men,” 34.
“Sanctus Bell” (St. Guthlac’s), 15.
“Saxon Way, After the,” 8.
Scott, Sir Walter, 92.
Gilbert, 99.
School Houses, &c., Chap. XII.
Seccandune (Seckington), 6, 9.
Segraves, 104.
Selwyn, Bishop, 11.
“Severn Shore,” 2.
Shakespeare, (Henry IV. Act iii.), 2.
Shaw, Samuel, (O.R.), 26, 98.
Shaw, Stebbing-, (O.R.), 3, 7, 8, 22, 107.
Sheriffe, Lawrence, 61.
Shelmerdine, D., (O.R.), 100.
Sherwood Forest, 1.
Shirley, Sir Henry, 135.
Shrewsbury School, 61.
Sinfin Moor, 99.
“Slaughter House Yard,” 70.
Sleath, Dr., 22, 82.
Sleigh, Sir Samuel, (O.R.), 66.
“Sleepy Quire,” 20.
Smisby, 51, 92.
Solney, Sir Alured de, 22, 52, 130.
William de, 130.
Spernore, Sir William, 130.
Spilsbury, Rev. B. W., 128.
Spruner and Menke’s “Atlas Antiquus,” 8.
Stafford, Nigel de, 121, 132.
Stanhope, Sir Michael, 127.
Thomas, 62.
Stanley, 109.
Stanton by Bridge, 103-4.
Stantons, de, 103.
Starkey, Simon, 63.
Staunton, Harold, 135-6.
Stenson, 99.
Stephen, King, 51.
Stocks, Repton, 33.
“Strelley’s part,” 3.
Strelley, Philip de, 3.
Stretton, 111-112.
Stretton, Bishop of Lichfield, 22, 52, 130.
Swarkeston, 100-3.
Bridge, 52, 101-2.
Church, 4.
House, 101.
Tamworth, 6, 9.
Tanner’s Notitia, 8.
Tapestry at Egginton Hall, 110-11.
Tapestry at Etwall Hall, 118-19.
Tatwine, 12, 13.
Taylor, John, & Co., 23, 45, 48-9.
Tercentenary of Repton School, 75-77, 82.
Tette, mother of St. Guthlac, 11.
Thacker, Francis, 46.
Gilbert, 53, 54, 64, 65.
Godfrey, 47, 65.
Jane, 26.
John, 24.
Mary, 4, 54, 81.
Thomas, 53.
“Quire,” 20.
Thorpe, John, 45.
Thurgaton Priory, 74.
Tickenhall, 4, 132-4.
Tile-Kiln, Repton, 71-4.
“Topographer,” 7, 8.
“Tournament Field,” 92.
Towton Moor, battle of, 93.
Tutbury, 113-15, 135.
Horn, 114.
Twyford, 2, 99.
Ullock, Dr., 27, 65.
Uttoxeter, 63.
“Valor Ecclesiasticus,” 53.
Vaughan, Dr., 76.
Verdons, 121.
Wærburh (St. Werburgh), Abbess of Repton, 9.
Wales, 2.
Walkelin, Robert, 109.
Walton, 8.
Ward, John, F.S.A., 74.
Waste, Joan, 63.
“Watchinge and Wardinge,” 34.
Watson, Mr., 66, 69.
Wendesley, Richard and Roger, 134.
West, Chester, 62.
Whitehead, Mr., 69.
Whyman, Mrs., 98.
Wiglaf (Withlaf), King of Mercia, 9.
Wilfrid, Abbot of Crowland, 11.
William Rufus, 50.
Willington, 2, 4, 52.
Wilmot, Edward and Sir Robert, 127.
Wimund, father of St. Wystan, 15.
“Winchester, Statute of,” 34.
Windsor Castle, 93, 136.
Winwadfield, Battle of, 8.
Wirksworth, 9.
Wistan or Wystan, St., 9, Chap. III.
Wistanstowe, 9, 15.
Woodrooffe, Canon, 76.
Woodyatt, Rev. George, 23.
Worcester, 2.
Wright, Mrs. Margery, 97.
Wulphere, King of Mercia, 8, 9.
Wyatville, Sir Geoffrey, 106.
Zouch (Zouche), Alan la, and Roger, 92.
Zouch (Zouche), Ashby de la, 92-99
THE END.
A. J. LAWRENCE, PRINTER, REPTON.