_Robert de Welle_ (Vol. ii., p. 71.).--Not observing that H. W.'s Query
regarding Robert de Welle has as yet been answered, I would refer him to
Blomefield's _Hist. of Norf._, vol. vii. p. 288., edit. 1807, 8vo.,
where under "Bicham-well" he will find a Robert de Welle, lord of the
manor of Well Hall, an. 1326 (20 Edw. II.), which was held under the
_Earl of Clare_, the capital lord. He died circ. 9 Edw. III.
I have met also with a Roger de Welle, in an old roll undated, but about
the time of Hen. III., in which he is entered as holding a manor in
Wimbotsham, co. Norf.:
Rogerus de Welle tenet manerium suum de Winebodesham cum libero
tenemento villanis suis et cotariis ad illud manerium
pertinentibus de comite Warenne per servicium quarte partis unius
scuti et comes de domino rege in capite, per quale servicium
nescimus. Et habet in eodem manerio unum messuagium et unam
carucatam terre arabilis et xiiij acras prati in dominico unum
molendinum ad ventum liberum tauros et verres eidem manerio
pertinentes et facit sectam ad curiam de Castelacre de tribus
septimanis in tres septimanas. Et capit amerciamenta pistorum et
braciatorum et hoc sine waranto ut credimus. Et clamat habere
warennam per cartam domini regis.
The manor passed from him to Ingaldesthorp, under which manor the
continuator of Blomefield mentions (vol. vii. p. 517.) that Roger de
_Frevil_ in 13 Hen. III. had a carucate of land here. This is probably
the same person as Roger de Welle, as it was not uncommon for persons at
that period to be known by different designations.
Thomas Knox, M.P. for Dungannon, was created Baron Welles, 1780. H. W.
will find the history of the family in Lodge's _Peerage of Ireland_, by
Archdall, vol. vii. p. 195., ed. 1789.