LONDON SHAKESPEARES
By far the most interesting search can be made in London, that great
centre where congregate representatives of all the families and counties
of the kingdom.
It is strange that a William was one of the earliest recorded burials in
the registers of St. Margaret's, Westminster. "William Shakespeare was
buried April 30, 1539." A comparatively modern hand has written against
this the foolish scribble, "Query if this be the poet or not?" He may
have been in the service of the Court, but there are no signs that he
was a man of wealth. In the churchwardens' account[312] he was only
charged 2d. for the candles at his funeral, a common charge, but not for
great people. He may have been the son of the fifteenth-century William,
or of Peter of Southwark, and father or brother of Roger the royal
yeoman.
The discovery that _Shakespeare_ lived in St. Helen's Parish,
Bishopsgate, has been claimed for an American, though Hunter mentioned
in his "Life of Shakespeare," 1845, that in the Subsidy Rolls of London
a William Shakespeare was assessed in 1597 in that district.[313]
[Illustration: NORDEN'S MAP OF LONDON, 1593.
_Between pp. 142, 143._]
The entry is: "Affid. William Shakespeare on v^li goods,[314] assessed
xiii iiii^d." The "affid." affixed to it shows that the Shakespeare
named tried to avoid payment on some grounds. It has surprised many, and
satisfied others as suitable, that the poet should have lived in this
neighbourhood, near so many of his theatrical friends. But I do not
think it is certainly proved that it was our Shakespeare at all. Two
references of Collier seem to locate him in Southwark in 1596, and in
1609, near the site of the Globe Theatre. Several of the name lived near
Bishopsgate before and after his death.
John Scatcliffe, of St. Botolph's, Aldersgate, cook, bachelor,
twenty-four, and Mary Shakespeare, of the same, spinster, twenty-four,
at St. Botolph's, December 20, 1637;[315] in later years, Nathaniel[316]
Shaxspere and Elizabeth ----, widow, married August 18, 1663, in St.
Botolph's, Bishopsgate; Henry Shakespeare, of St. Botolph's,
Bishopsgate, bachelor (twenty-five), and Elizabeth Hartwell, of same,
spinster (twenty), her parents dead, with consent of her grandmother,
Elizabeth Gaye, of same, at St. Botolph's, March 26, 1663; William[317]
Winch and Abigail Shaxpere, married September 30, 1680; Francis Hill and
Saray Saxspere, September 28, 1682; John Shakespeare and Edith Murry,
married at St. Botolph's, Bishopsgate, January 2, 1699; William
Shakespear and Anna Maria Carter, both of this parish, July 9, 1733.
There was a Matthew Shakespere who, on February 5, 1566-67, married
Isabel Peele in Christ Church,[318] Newgate Street. She was probably
daughter of James Peele, Clerk of Christ's Hospital from 1562 to 1585,
and sister of George Peele,[319] the dramatist, educated in the Grammar
School there. They seem to have had a large family.[320] On January 18,
1569, Johanne, daughter of Matthew Shakespere, was baptized, and buried
on February 11. On March --, 1574, Francis, son of Matthew Shakespere,
baptized; on August 27, 1578, Jane; on April 7, 1583, Thomas. There was
also a Humphrey entered as son of _Hugh_ Shakespeare, August 5, 1571.
But as among the burials there appears "Humphrey, son of Matthew
Shackspere, Aug. 30, 1571," it would seem to be an error. Johanne,
daughter of Matthew Shackespere, was buried December 26, 1572, the
second of the name; Jayne, on September 5, 1577, the first of the name.
Robert, son of Matthew Shackspeare, was buried May 5, 1580. Besides
these were buried Francis Shakespeare, October 7, 1571, and Robert
Shakespeare, May 24, 1577. These might be grandfather and uncle of the
family, which might have reckoned a William among its members.
There was a Thomas Shakespeare, royal messenger, in 1572, payments to
whom I have found in the State Papers.[321] And in "Archæologia" there
is printed his request for payment, in 1577, for carrying letters from
the Privy Council to the Bishop of London at Fulham, the Bishop of York
at Tower Hill, the Bishop of Chichester at Westminster, the Bishop of
Durham in Aldersgate Street, and to the Bishop of Worcester in St.
Paul's Churchyard.[322]
Mr. Hunter and many others supposed that at the time of the poet there
was only _one_ other of the name in London--John of St.
Martin's-in-the-Fields.
In the churchwardens' accounts there were found notices of a John
Shakespeare about 1605. Mr. French thinks that he might be the John, son
of Thomas, of Snitterfield.[323] I have worked through these books and
the registers, and have gleaned a good many scraps about him. He appears
there too early. John of Snitterfield was born in 1581-82. John of St.
Martin's, on January 22, 1589, was married[324] to Dorothea Dodde,
daughter of the Vestry Clerk (her sister Jane had, the year before,
married a Christopher Wren) of that parish; and on December 23, 1593, it
is to be supposed he had a daughter, "Maria Shakespeare," christened,
mentioned there, as is customary in that register, without the name of
her father.
In 1594 Mrs. Shakespeare's sister was staying with her, as among the
burials is entered, "Elizabeth Dod, from Shakespeares."
John[325] Shakespeare, "on the land side of the parish," in 1603,
contributed to the new casting of the bells five shillings, and in 1605
was one of the sidesmen. "Paid to John Shakespeare, one of the sidesmen,
that he laid out at the registers office for putting in the Recusants
Bills 3s. 4d." In 1609 "Dorithie Shakespeare" was buried, and her
expenses brought in to the churchwardens 32s. 2d., relatively a large
sum, as Sir Thomas Windebanck's funeral cost only 16s. In that same year
John contributed also ten shillings to the repair of the church. On June
20, 1613, the churchwardens "received from John Shakespeare, by the
hands of Edward Thickness, the sum of £10, given as a legacy by Mrs.
Dimbleby, deceased" (which suggests that he was her executor), and in
1617 they "gave to John Shakespeare's daughter 7s. 6d."--a curious
entry, which I cannot explain. She may have done some work for the
churchwardens, as they often employed women; it may have been a debt due
her father, a present on her marriage, or an aid in sudden poverty. The
death of a "John Shakespeare, a man," is noted in 1646, in apparent
poverty, as the funeral cost only 1s.--a different cost from that of
Mrs. Dorothy Shakespeare in 1608. I had thought it possible that this
sum represented only a fee for a burial in another parish, but I find
that theory is untenable. Whether the John of 1646 was the same as the
sidesman of 1605 or not, he was certainly buried in the parish. From the
vestry books I found many notices of John Shakespeare as contributing to
the expenses of the poor, first on the "waterside" of the parish, and
then on the "landside"; and I believed, reasoning from a State Paper
Bill, that he was referred to in the entry, "received for a pewe, from
the Princes' Bitmaker 30s., 1639-40." His name disappeared from the
books long before 1646; and I fancied he had gone farther east to the
parish of St. Clement's Danes, which joined that of St. Martin's at
several points. "Paid to William Wright for a stone engraved with
letters on it, which is sett in the wall of the Earl of Salisbury at his
house at Ivie Bridge to devide the two parishes of St. Martin's in the
Fields and St. Clement's Danes in that place." I gave up theorizing
until I could see the registers of St. Clement's Danes, and from various
causes three years passed before I had an opportunity of clearing up the
puzzle. These registers prove that in London, as in Stratford-on-Avon, I
had been confused by double entries, and that there was _another John
Shakespeare_. The St. Martin's John lost his wife Dorothy in 1608; the
St. Clement's John married his wife Mary in 1605. "3rd Feb. 1604-5,
Johne Shakspear and Mary Godtheridg." _He_ was the wealthy bitmaker to
the King, of whom I had discovered notices in the State Papers and wills
that turned my attention to St. Clement's Danes, a hitherto unsuspected
locality for Shakespeare finds. I thought at first that he might have
been John the shoemaker who vanished from Stratford. But it was hardly
likely that he should have changed his trade from shoemaking to
bitmaking, or that he would have been successful in it. The St.
Clement's John might have been a son of the St. Martin's John, but there
is no christening of a John in that parish, or in any other London
parish that I know. So here I thought I might justly theorize, and state
my opinion that he really was the John, son of Thomas, of Snitterfield,
born 1581-82, of whom is no record of further life or burial in his own
neighbourhood. He would be of a suitable age, and there was in his case
a _reason_ for Court success.
William Shakespeare the poet had by this time made his mark, not only in
literature and the drama, but in Court influence and financial
possibilities. His patron, the Earl of Southampton, was in favour with
the King. Supposing this John was Shakespeare's first cousin, as I
believe he was, what more likely than that the poet, who had lost his
only son, would help, as far as he could, his nearest male relative? I
trust to find further proof of this some day, but I may state what I do
know about this St. Clement's John. He had a large family. The registers
record in the baptizings: "John Shaxbee sonne of John 28th Aug. 1605."
"Susan Shasper daughter of John 19th Feb. 1607." "Jane Shakespeer the
daughter of John 16th July 1608." "Anthony Shaksbye son of John 23rd
June 1610." "Thomas Shackspeer son of John 30th June 1611." "Ellyn
Shakspear the daughter of John 5th May 1614." "Katharine Shakspeare
daughter of John 25th Aug. 1616." Now, to set against these we have the
burials of: "Anthony Shakesby the son of John 26th June 1610." "Thomas
Shakspeer the son of John 1st July 1612." "Susan Shakspere daughter of
John 3rd Aug. 1612." "Katharine Shakespeare d. of John 26th Aug. 1616."
Of two of the remaining children, John and Ellen, we have further
information; concerning the other, I believe we have an interesting
error, bearing on the credibility of parish clerks.
Among the burials appears that of "_Jane Shackspeer, daughter of Willm,
8. Aug. 1609_." Now, this might have been a daughter of the Bishopsgate
William, or of some country William up in London for a holiday. It might
even have been a hitherto unknown daughter of the poet himself. But I
believe that the clerk's mind was wandering when he wrote, and that he
was thinking of "William" when he should have written "John," because
John's family seem to have been delicate and have chiefly died young,
and his daughter "Jane" would have been just about a year old at the
time. No other notice of "William" or of "Jane" appears in the register.
The phonetic varieties of the spelling of the name may have been
noticed, but it is as well I copied all such. Among the Bishop of
London's marriage[326] licenses I find on "May 28, 1631, John
Shackspeare of St. Clement's Danes, Bittmaker, Bachelor, 26, had a
license to marry Margaret Edwards of St. Bride's Spinster, 28, at same
Parish Church."[327] The age of John Shackspear coincides with the age
of John Shaxbee, which is the only resembling entry near the date, and
the trade and the parish are the same. He was duly married in St.
Bride's,[328] and soon afterwards christenings began in St. Clement's
Danes. "12th April 1632, John Shackspeare son of John Shackspeare
Junior, and Margaret, ux." "4th May 1633, Mary Shackespeare, daughter of
John Shackespeare, and Margaret, ux." "17th Aug. 1634, Mary Shackspeare,
daughter of John Shackespeare and Margaret, ux." "3rd March 1635-6 John
Shakespear son of John and Margaret his wife." The reason for the
repeated names lies in the burials: "John Shackspeare son of John 17th
May, 1632." "Mary Shakespeare daughter of John 16th Julie 1633." "Mary
Shakespeare, infant, 1st May 1635." The more important entry of the
burial of their grandfather is fortunately clear--"John Shackespeare,
the King's Bitmaker, 27th Jan. 1633."[329] The name of trade or
profession was but rarely mentioned in this parish, and in this case it
fixes the State Paper entries. A large sum (£1,612 11s.) due to her
husband by the Crown was paid to a widow Mary after the death of her
husband, John Shackespeare,[330] His Majesty's bit-maker, 1638, for
wares delivered to the royal stables, and she had already been paid £80.
"Warrant to pay to the Earl of Denbigh Master of the Wardrobe £1612, 11
0, to be paid to Mary Shackspeare widow & executrix of John
Shackespeare, his Majesty's Bitmaker deceased, in regard of her present
necessities, in full of a debt of £1692, 11 for sundry parcels of wares
by him delivered for his majesty's service in the Stables, as by a
certificate appeareth, whereof there has been already paid unto her £80.
Subscribed by order of the Lord Treasurer procured Dec. 18th, 1637, and
paid Jan. 21, 1637-8."
For some reason her daughter Ellen was made her heiress. Among the State
Papers at Dublin Castle relating to settlements and explanations after
the Restoration there is a reference to this lady, and there was some
dispute about what she was entitled to receive. "It appears by an order
of the Revenue side of the Exchequer[331] that Ellen, daughter and
heiress of Mary Shakespeare, of ye Strand, widow, was married to John
Milburne." In Mary Shakespeare's will, December 24, 1553, she left to
her daughter, Ellen Milburne, £60; money to her grandchildren Milburne;
£50 to her grandson, John Shakespeare, son of her son John; 10s. to her
sister, Anne Brewer; 5s. to her daughter-in-law, Margaret Shakespeare;
2s. 6d. to Sarah Richardson, her brother's daughter; and the same to
Mary Shakespeare, wife of Thomas Allon (proved March 2, 1654).[332]
The Mary Shakespeare of St. Martin's parish does not seem to have died
there. She may have been the Mary Shakespeare, wife of Thomas Allon, of
the above will, or the Mary Shakespeare who was buried in the Church of
St. Thomas Apostle,[333] November 14, 1644. There was a John
Shakespeare, who might have been one of those three now mentioned, or
who might have been a fourth of the name, not very far off, mentioned as
one of the defaulters by the Collectors of the Loan in the Hundred of
Edmonton, and part of the Hundred of Ossulton, County Middlesex, in
1627.[334]
There were Shakespeares further west and further east than the Strand.
Adrian Shakespeare, of St. James's, within the liberty of Westminster,
left £550 on trust with his brothers-in-law, William Gregory and William
Farron, for his daughter Elizabeth and an unborn child; his father,
Thomas Shakespeare, and all his brothers and sisters to have a guinea
apiece, residue to his wife Christian, November 26, 1714.[335] Perhaps
he descended from the William of 1539.
At St. George's, Hanover Square, William Fellows, widower, and Margaret
Shakespear, spinster, were married May 28, 1730;[336] at St. George's,
Hanover Square, William Guy and Rebekah Shakespeare, of St.
Mary-le-Bone, March 29, 1758;[337] at St. George's Chapel, Hyde Park
Corner, William Shakespeare and Mary Waight, of St. Giles, Cripplegate,
July 29, 1751;[338] James Barnet, of St. James's, Westminster, and
Elizabeth Shakespear, February 9, 1760.[339] A George Shakespeare, of
Westminster, Arm., matriculated at Wadham College, June 10, 1785, aged
twenty-seven.[340]
Manasses Shakespeare, of St. Andrew's, Holborn, widower, and Mary
Goodwin, spinster, of same, married at St. James's, Duke's Place, April
27, 1710.[341]
Benjamin Shakespear, of the parish of St. Christopher, painter, made his
will 1707, and bequeathed to his father, Benjamin Shakespear, of
Tamworth, in Warwickshire, his wearing apparel, and left a legacy to his
mother Joyce, his wife Judith being sole executrix[342] (proved December
4, 1714).
In the records of the Leather Sellers' Company is preserved the
apprenticeship of George, son of Thomas Shakespeare, of Arley, county
Warwick,[343] October 12, 1693. George, son of William Shakespeare, also
of Arley, was apprenticed 1732. Thomas Shakespeare, son of George,
citizen and leather-seller of London, was apprenticed to William
Jephson, vintner.[344]
An important branch of the family settled in the east. John Shackspeer,
of Rope Walk, Upper Shadwell, appears in 1654. His father has still to
be found, but his posterity believe he descended from the poet's
grandfather. I had hoped to satisfy them through the St. Clement's Danes
registers. But his age at his marriage precludes this, for it gives the
year of his birth as 1619. The only John that I know to be born in that
year was John, son of Thomas Shakespeare, gent., baptized July 18, 1619,
in St. Gregory by St. Paul's. I had taken him to be the son of Thomas,
the Staple Inn student and lawyer of Leicester, but I cannot prove it.
On June 14, 1654, John married Martha Seeley,[345] and had four sons and
four daughters, of whom survived Martha, Samuel, Benjamin, Mary, John
and Jonathan. A trade token of his still exists.[346] Ropemaker
Shakespeare was summoned, with others, to appear before the Admiralty
regarding a breach of contract for ropes, January 26, 1656-57.[347] John
Shakespear, son of John of Shadwell, ropemaker, was apprenticed to John
Grange, of Upper Shadwell, chafer, 1663-64.[348] Jonathan, the youngest
son, born February 6, 1670, succeeded his father, who died 1689. He
married,[349] April 26, 1698, Elizabeth Shallet, of Clapham, aged
nineteen, and had thirteen children. Samuel Wilton was apprenticed to
Jonathan Shakespeare, citizen and _broiderer_ of London, April 7, 1725.
He died 1735. The business of ropemaking was carried on by the eldest
son, Arthur, born 1699, who died 1749, leaving the property and business
to his youngest brother John, on condition he brought up his heir to
ropemaking. This John, twelfth child of Jonathan, born 1718, married,
1745, Elizabeth, daughter of Colin Currie, and Anne, daughter of the
Honourable John Campbell; and had eleven children. He became Ropemaker
to the Board of Ordnance in succession to his brother Arthur, May 12,
1749; Trustee of Middlesex Turnpike Roads 1751; Ranger of Waltham Forest
1761; Deputy-Lieutenant for Middlesex 1763; alderman of the ward of
Aldgate 1767; sheriff 1768. He was originally of the Broiderers'
Company, as was his father, but was translated from that guild to the
Ironmongers', of which he became master 1769.[350] He died 1775. "_The
alderman used the same coat of arms as the poet, there being but the one
known._" It is engraved in Noorthouck's "History of London," ed. 1773.
The Shakespear tomb in Stepney Churchyard records his death, and that of
Bennet Shakespear, son of Jonathan, 1756, and Jonathan, son of Jonathan,
1768, brothers of the alderman; also Mrs. Elizabeth Shakespeare, his
widow, February 15, 1807, aged eighty, at Bramdean, co. Hants; Arthur
Shakespear, eldest son of the alderman, M.P. for Richmond, in Yorkshire,
1818, aged seventy; his wife Jane, 1805, aged fifty-five; Matthew John
Shakespeare, son of Arthur, April 2, 1844; and several children who died
young. The sons of the Alderman John Shakespeare and Elizabeth his wife
were I. Arthur; II. John; III. David; IV. Samuel; V. Colin.
I. Arthur, the M.P. for Richmond, married Jane, daughter of Sir Matthew
Ridley, and had two sons, Matthew John, and Arthur William. His wife
died in Pall Mall in February, 1805,[351] and he died June 12, 1818, in
Albemarle Street,[352] aged seventy. His son, Matthew John Shakespeare,
willed away the Shadwell property to his cousins, the children of Mary
Oliver, 1844. The rope-factory was destroyed by fire in the autumn of
1860, but a street in the neighbourhood is still called Shakespeare's
Walk.
II. John. The second son of Alderman John was born May 6, 1749. He
married, in 1782, Mary, daughter and heir of the Rev. William Davenport,
of Bredon, co. Worcester, and of Lacock Abbey, co. Wilts, by his wife,
Martha Talbot, of the old family famed by Shakespeare the poet.
The sons of John Shakespear and Mary Davenport, his first wife, were:
(1) John Talbot; (2) William Oliver; (3) Henry Davenport; (4) Arthur.
1. John Talbot Shakespear entered the East India Company's service, and
had four sons by Emily, eldest daughter of William Makepeace Thackeray:
(1_a_) John Dowdeswell Shakespear, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Bengal
Artillery, who married Margaret, only daughter of Joseph Hodgson, F.R.S.
He died without issue, April 6, 1867, aged sixty.[353] (2_a_) William
Makepeace Shakespear, (3_a_) George Trant Shakespear, who both died
unmarried. (4_a_) Sir Richmond Campbell Shakespear, 1812-61, "youngest
son of John Talbot Shakespear, of the Bengal Civil Service. He came to
England with his cousin, William Makepeace Thackeray, for his education.
He served with distinction in India, was knighted in 1841, the only
occasion on which he returned to England. His cousin, Thackeray, in the
'Roundabout Papers' (Letts's Diary), paid a tribute to his chivalry and
liberality. He married Marian Sophia Thompson in 1844, and died at
Indore, October 28, 1861, leaving a family of three sons and six
daughters."[354] A memorial-stone is raised in memory of him in the
cloister walls of Charterhouse Chapel.[355] Thackeray drew the portrait
of Colonel Newcome from his elder brother, Colonel John Dowdeswell
Shakespeare. His eldest son, Richmond Shakespear, Captain H.M. 36th
Regiment N.I., died in India, August 12, 1865. His daughter, Selina,
married, in 1868, Lieutenant Ninian Lowis, Bengal Staff Corps.
Mr. John Talbot Shakespear had also four daughters--Emily, Augusta,
Charlotte, Marianne.
2. The second son of John Shakespear and Mary Davenport, William Oliver
Shakespear, was Judge of the Provincial Court of Appeal in the Madras
Presidency. He married Charlotte Maxton, and had five sons and two
daughters, (1_b_) William, who died young; (2_b_) Henry, a Lieutenant in
the Royal Navy, who was shipwrecked in a frigate in the Indian Seas,
1833; (3_b_) Charles Maxton Shakespear, Lieutenant-Colonel in the Madras
Army; (4_b_) Arthur Robert, who died in 1844; (5_b_) George Frederick
Shakespear, Lieutenant-Colonel Madras Staff Corps, who was married, and
had a son born in 1865.[356]
3. The third son, Henry Davenport Shakespear, was member of the Supreme
Court of India. He married Louisa Muerson, and had three sons and seven
daughters. (1_c_) Henry John Childe Shakespear, Commandant of the
Nagpore Irregular Horse; (2_c_) Alexander Shakespear, a Judge in India;
(3_c_) William Ross Shakespear, Madras Cavalry, who married Fanny
Isabella, daughter of Sir Robert North Collie Hamilton, of Alveston, co.
Warwick, 1854, and had two sons, William and Robert; he died in 1862.
The daughters of Henry Davenport Shakespear were Louisa, Harriet,
Augusta, Jane, Agnes, Mary, Henrietta. He died in 1838.
4. The fourth son of John Shakespear and Mary Davenport, Arthur
Shakespear, was Captain in the 10th Hussars, served as aide-de-camp to
Lord Combermore during the Peninsular War, and was Brigade-Major of the
Hussars at Waterloo. He married, April 19, 1818, Harriet Sophia,
daughter of Thomas Skip Dyott Bucknall, of Hampton Court. He died in
1845, leaving six sons and two daughters, (1_d_) George Bucknall
Shakespear, Colonel Royal Artillery, who married Henrietta Panet. His
eldest son was Arthur Bucknall Shakespear. (2_d_) William Powlett
Shakespear[357] was a Lieutenant in the 2nd Bombay Fusiliers, and lost
his life at Samanghur in trying to save a wounded sepoy. (3_d_) Colonel
John Talbot Shakespear, who married Emma Waterfield, and had a son,
Leslie, born 1865. (4_d_) Lieutenant-Colonel John Davenport Shakespear,
served in the Crimean War. He married, in 1855, Louisa Caroline,
daughter of Robert Sayer, of Sibton Park, co. Suffolk, and had a son,
Arthur Franklin Charles Shakespear, 1864, and a daughter, Ida Nea. He
claimed descent from the poet's family in 1864.[358] (5_d_) Rev. Wyndham
Arthur Shakespear, fifth son of Arthur Shakespear, of Boxwell, co.
Gloucester, Arm. Exeter College, matriculated May 29, 1855, aged
nineteen, B.A. from Litton Hall, 1860, and M.A. He has held various
curacies.[359] (6_d_) Robert Henry Shakespear, who married, in 1858,
Octavia, daughter of Charles Fenwick, Consul-General for Denmark. He has
a son, Lionel Fairfax Shakespear. His elder daughter, Harriet Blanche,
married, 1868, Lieutenant-Colonel James Edward Mayne, Deputy-Judge,
Madras; the younger, Rosaline, married William Sim Murray, M.D.,
surgeon, 66th Foot, 1867.
II. John Shakespeare's first wife, Mary Davenport, died in 1793; and he
married, secondly, Charlotte, the daughter of ---- Fletcher, Esq., by
whom he had a son--
5. Owen, who died unmarried, and two daughters, Georgiana and Henrietta
Matilda. His second wife, Charlotte, died in 1815, and he died January
16, 1825, and was buried at Lacock Abbey.
III. The alderman's third son, David, settled in Jamaica, and left a
family, whose descendants still exist there. In 1867 the Hon. John
Shakespear, grandson of David, was a member of the Legislature and
proprietor of Hodges-Penn, St. Elizabeth's parish.
IV. I have been unable to find particulars of Samuel, the fourth son.
V. Colin, the fifth son of the alderman, was in the East India Company's
Civil Service, as collector at Saharapore. He married Harriet Dawson,
and his daughter Harriet married William Woodcock, Esq.
The alderman's eldest daughter Sarah married Joseph Sage; his second
daughter, Anne, John Blagrove, of Cardiff Hall, Jamaica; his third,
Martha, the Rev. John William Lloyd, of Aston Hall, co. Salop; his
fourth, Mary, Laver Oliver, Esq., to whose children the rope-factory
descended.
Whatever may have been the fortunes of the other branches, it is very
clear that the chief modern Shakespeares have descended from the
Shadwell stock. John Shakespear, the second son of the Alderman, left a
memorandum declaring his belief that the family was derived from the
poet's grandfather. There has as yet, however, been found no proof of
any such connection, though it is perfectly possible that it existed. If
Richard, of Snitterfield, was the father of John, Henry, and Thomas,
there were two possible lines of descent. Henry may have had children
christened at other places than Snitterfield, whose descent no one has
traced. Thomas had a son John, born in 1581-82, clearly too old to have
been the first John of Shadwell. He _may_ have had a son of the proper
age; but, as I have stated above, I have found no John of the right age,
except John, son of Thomas.
A Hannah[360] Shakespeare, born 1777, is mentioned in the pedigree of
Esterby and Sootheran.
Henry Shakespear, of London, was a broker Loriner, 1775, connected with
Hertford (see p. 137).
On June 29, 1794, was baptized Joshua,[361] son of Thomas and Ann
Shakespeare.
A warm eulogy of the charity and virtues of William Shakespeare, Esq.,
of Hart Street, Bloomsbury, who died in January, 1799, aged
seventy-three, is given in the _Gentleman's Magazine_[362] of that date;
and in May of the same year the death is noticed, in Paddington, of
George Shakespeare, Esq., son of the late George Shakespeare, Esq., of
Walton-upon-Thames, and Pimlico, Middlesex.[363]
M. L. Jeny, in _L'Intermédiaire_, March 25, 1889, states that "he had
read in _L'Abeille du Cher_ of Friday, November 18, 1836, that a poor
old man of seventy-seven, named George Shakspeare, was found dying with
cold and hunger in the middle of the frightful night of Wednesday
preceding, in Clarence Street, London, and was taken to the Hospital,
and died there. He was one of the poet's descendants."[364]
So late as November, 1880, there was a Mrs. Anne Shakespeare who died at
Brighton, aged 102.[365]
There are several American branches of Shakespeares, some of them
literary, and two of the name are settled in Vancouver's Island.[366]
Among the list of authors[367] we find the names of Alexander
Shakespear, on the "North-West Provinces of India," 1848; Edward
Shakespear, "A Book of Divinity," 1740; and Sophia Shakespear, 1753, a
biography; Henry Shakespear, "Province of Bengal," 1824, and "Wild
Sports of India," 1860; H. W. Shakespear's "Refutation of Mr. Tryon,"
1847; John Shakespear's Hindustani books; Emily Shakespeare's "Tennyson
Birthday Book," 1877; and Mrs. O. Shakespear, a novel, in 1895. Edward
O. Shakespeare, of Washington, U.S.A., has a medical work on
"Inflammation."
Mr. Russell French, from whose pages I have gleaned the bulk of the
facts concerning these modern Shakespeares, expatiates on the glories of
the later Shakespeare marriages. By the Currie alliance he traces back
descent to the royal Scottish families of the Bruces and the Stewarts;
by the Talbot alliance he traces back their pedigree to Edward I.; by
the Davenport alliance he again connects them with the Ardens, through
Sir Thomas Leighton and the eighth Lord Zouch, who married Joan,
daughter of Sir John Denham, by his wife Joan, daughter and heir of Sir
Richard Archer, who married Joan, the second daughter and coheir of
Giles de Arden, grandson of Sir Robert de Arden, the descendant of
Turchil; but these rather tend to glorify the modern branches than the
poet's name.
It were to be desired that there were more concerted study of registers
and other records concerning the name. Much more might thus be found,
and much of the energy now dissipated in futile searches might be
utilized in connecting the scattered links, because the study of
genealogy is the ancient form of the very modern inquiries into heredity
which interest so many followers of Mr. Francis Galton. It is after all
worth knowing who were the ancestors of William Shakespeare, what
heroic, chivalric, poetic, philosophic strains went to form the nature
of the perfect poet; and it is of mildly sentimental interest to us that
we should know whether any of his line is left on the earth. Of
sentimental interest, I say, for rarely, if ever, does genius repeat
itself, nor do different environing circumstances weld and mould genius
in the same way. Its nature is very easy to kill, or dwarf, or distort,
but it is our excuse for being concerned with those who bear the
honoured name.
In the unsatisfactory inquiries relating to Shakespeare's ancestors I
have exhausted all that I can find concerning his father's family; but
so much remains to be said concerning his mother's family, that in
consideration of the old proverb, "like mother, like son," it has seemed
to me worth incorporating into this volume some account of the Ardens.
FOOTNOTES:
[312] Churchwardens' Accounts of Thurston Amere and William Combes, from
June 8, 1538, to May 8, 1540, 48th week, 1st year.
[313] _Notes and Queries_, Seventh Series, vii. 483, June 22, 1889.
Compare Third Series, iii. 318; Third Series, viii. 418; Savage's
"Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers in New England," ii. 528;
John Timbs' "Curiosities of London," ed. 1855, p. 238, and ed. 1867, p.
297; "Annals of St. Helen's, Bishopsgate," 221, 322.
[314] Subsidy Rolls, London, Ward of Billingsgate and others, 39 Eliz.,
146/369, P.R.O.
[315] Marriage Licenses, Faculty Office, Harl. Publ.
[316] Bishop of London's Marriage Licenses, Harl. Publ.
[317] Register, St. James's, Clerkenwell.
[318] Registers of Christ Church, Newgate Street, Harl. Soc. Publ.
[319] He died 1598, and was at one time connected with the Theatre as
shareholder. _Notes and Queries_, Seventh Series, vii. 188.
[320] Registers of St. James's, Clerkenwell, Harl. Publ.
[321] Account of the Treasurer of the Chamber, 1572, _et seq._
[322] "Archæologia," vol. xiii., appendix, p. 403.
[323] _Notes and Queries_, Seventh Series, ii. 247.
[324] Registers of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields.
[325] Churchwarden's Accounts, St. Martin's-in-the-Fields.
[326] Bishop of London's Licenses, Harl. Soc. Publ.
[327] Registers of the Church of St. Bride's.
[328] Registers of the Church of St. Bride's.
[329] Among the expenses of the Royal Household are entered: 1621--"To
John Shakespeare for one gilt bit for the sadle aforesayd £3 13s.
6d. To John Shakespeare for fourteen bittes, guilt silvered and
chased, at £5 10s. a peice. For one payre of bosses, richly enamelled,
52s. 6d_, £73 12s. 6d. For 7 bittes for the sadles aforesayd at
52s. 6d. each, £18 7s. 6d."--"Early Illustrations of
Shakespeare," published by the Shakespeare Society.
[330] State Papers, Dom. Ser., Car. I., ccclxxiv. 20, Docquet.
[331] State Papers, Irish, Dublin Castle, Vol. M., p. 338. _Notes and
Queries_, First Series, vi. 289, 495.
[332] Somerset House, 268, Aylett.
[333] The Registers of St. Thomas Apostle, London.
[334] State Papers, Dom. Ser., Car. I., lxxvi. 41.
[335] Somerset House, 249, Aston.
[336] Lic. Fac. Office, Harl. Publ.
[337] Reg. of St. George's, Hanover Square.
[338] Marriage Licenses, Bishop of London, Harl. Publ.
[339] Bishop of London's Licenses, Harl. Publ.
[340] Foster's "Alumni Oxonienses."
[341] Bishop of London's Mar. Lic., Harl. Publ.
[342] Somerset House, 248, Aston.
[343] _Notes and Queries_, Third Series, vii. 175.
[344] "Book of Apprentices," 1666-1736, f. 756
[345] His son stated that he was seventy-seven at the time of his death,
in 1689, but his marriage certificate makes him younger. "Publications
and Marriages, 1654: John Shakespear, of Ratcliffe Highway, ropemaker,
aged thirty-five, and Martha Seeley, of Wapping Wall, mayde, nineteen
years. Married before John Waterton, Esquire, on ye 14th June. Richard
Mathews, Robert Connolly, witnesses" (French, 547). He might have been a
son of John, son of Thomas of Snitterfield, b. 1582.
[346] _Notes and Queries_ Second Series, x. 188, 402; Third Series, vii.
498.
[347] State Papers, Dom. Ser., 1656-57, Commonwealth, cliii., Nos. 55,
56.
[348] "Misc. Gen. et Herald.," Second Series, v., 371, and Merchant
Tailors' "Book of Apprentices."
[349] Bishop of London's Marriage Licenses, Harl. Publ.
[350] Herbert's "Twelve Livery Companies."
[351] _Gentleman's Magazine_, 1805.
[352] _Ibid._, 1818.
[353] French, 551, and _Times_, April, 1867.
[354] "Dict. Nat. Biog."
[355] Register of Charterhouse Chapel.
[356] French, p. 556.
[357] A writer in _Notes and Queries_, Sixth Series, i. 494, speaks of a
"large silver salver bearing a lion passant and a leopard's head
crowned. In the centre are the arms and crest of Shakespeare, and on an
escutcheon of pretence three stags' heads caboshed. It bears the
inscription, 'William Powlett Powlett, Esq., D.D. William Powlett
Shakspear, 1821.' There is a legend this was made from plate owned by
the poet. What is the date of the salver?"
[358] _Times_, June 13, 1864, and _Notes and Queries_, Third Series,
vii. 498.
[359] Foster's "Alumni Oxonienses."
[360] "Misc. Gen. et Herald.," New Series, i., p. 143.
[361] Register of St. Bartholomew the Less.
[362] _Gentleman's Magazine_, vol. lxix., p. 83.
[363] Manning and Bray's "Surrey," vol. ii., under Walton-upon-Thames,
mentions the tomb of Matthew Shakespear and of George, aged fifteen,
August 8, 1775; John Shakespear, of Weybridge, January 3, 1775, aged
sixty-seven; William, January 23, 1783, aged seventy-seven; also of
George Shakespear of Oxford Street, London, late of this parish,
architect, who died March 29, 1797, in the seventy-fourth year of his
age.
[364] _Notes and Queries_, Seventh Series, viii. 89.
[365] _Ibid._, Sixth Series, ii. 53.
[366] _Ibid._, Third Series, ix. 346, 398.
[367] British Museum Catalogues.
_PART II_
CHAPTER I
THE PARK HALL ARDENS
"No Saint George was born in England:
He was but an Eastern saint;
And the Dragon never vexed him,
As the later legends paint.
"But our Saint was born in Berkshire,
And to Warwick linked his name;
'Twas _Saint Guy_ who killed the Dragon--
Quenched the Giant Colbrand's fame."--C. C. S.
Few families in the country have a descent so nationally interesting as
that of the Ardens. Great Norman families who "came in with the
Conqueror" are numerous enough, but there are few that claim to be
"merely English," and have such a record to show. The fables that have
grown around the memory of the hero do not invalidate the pedigree.
Rohand was Earl of Warwick in the days of King Alfred and King Edward
the Elder, when the title was an official one, not necessarily
hereditary, save of the King's will. Rohand was a great warrior, and was
enriched with great possessions. He dwelt in the Royal Castle of
Warwick,[368] said by Rous to have been founded by the British King
Cymbeline, enlarged by his son Guiderius, and repaired by Ethelfleda,
daughter of King Alfred, the Lady of Mercia. Rohand had one fair
daughter and heir, Phillis, or Felicia, who demanded great proofs of
valour in her suitors. She at last consented to marry the famous hero
Guy, slayer of the Northern Dragon,[369] son of Siward, Baron of
Wallingford, whom the Welsh claim as British by descent. Dugdale[370]
says that in her right Guy became Earl of Warwick, though of course this
was only possible through the King's favour. Some difficulties are
brought forward by Mr. Pegge.[371] Some time after his marriage, says
the legend, Guy went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and on his
return, in the third year of King Athelstan, 926, he found the kingdom
in great peril from an invasion of the Danes. They were, however, secure
in their faith in their champion, Colbrand the Giant, willing to leave
the issue to the result of a single contest between him and any of the
King's knights. King Athelstan's chief warriors were either dead or
abroad, and he mourned in his spirit. A vision revealed to him that he
must welcome at the gate of Winchester an unknown pilgrim as the
defender of the country. The King obeyed the vision in faith,
unwittingly welcomed Guy, and laid on him the responsibility of becoming
the national champion.
[Illustration: WARWICK CASTLE.
_To face p. 162._]
Footsore, half-starved, and far from young, the pilgrim required rest
before he dared prudently attack the Danish opponent. At the end of
three weeks, however, he triumphantly encountered the giant, and the
Danes kept their promise and retired. The pilgrim, who refused to reveal
his name or receive any reward, also departed. He found that his son and
heir, Raynborn, had been stolen away, and that his faithful servant
Heraud was abroad in search of him. Affected by the strange religious
notions of the day, he returned to Warwick, not to gladden the heart of
his sorrowing spouse, but to receive charity at her hands among other
poor men for three days, and then to retire to a hermitage at a cliff
near Warwick, since called Guy's Cliff. There he remained till his death
in 929, in the seventieth year of his age.[372] He sent a herdsman with
his wedding-ring to tell his wife of his death, bidding her come to him
and bury him properly, and she should shortly afterwards follow him. She
fulfilled his wishes, set her house in order, left her paternal
inheritance to her son Raynborn, and within a fortnight was laid beside
her ascetic hero.
Heraud succeeded in finding young Raynborn in Russia, to whom, on his
return, the grateful King Athelstan gave his beautiful daughter Leonetta
in marriage. He, too, seems to have been of a wandering disposition. He
died abroad, and lies buried in an island near the city of Venice. He
left a brave son, Wegeat, or Wigatus, at home to succeed him, who was
noted for his liberality to the Church, in which virtue, however, his
son and successor, Huve,[373] or Uva,[374] seems to have exceeded him.
Huve died about the beginning of the reign of King Edward the Martyr,
and Wolgeat, his son, succeeded him. In early life[375] he enjoyed the
special favour of King Ethelred, but was deprived, at least for a time,
of his honours and possessions about 1006. It was probably during the
disorganized state of the earldom, in consequence of his "evil courses,"
that the Danes ravaged it so frequently. Wigod, or Wigotus, his son, a
potent man and a great warrior, succeeded to the earldom, and enjoyed it
during the latter part of the reign of King Ethelred, and through the
reigns of King Edmund and the Danish Kings. He married Ermenhild, the
sister of the famous Leofric, Earl of Coventry and Leicester in the time
of Edward the Confessor. His son, Ailwin, Earl of Warwick, was
contemporary with King Edward the Confessor and William the Conqueror.
Turchil, son and heir[376] of Ailwin (Harleian MS., 853, says
"grandson"), was Earl at the Conquest. His first wife was the Countess
of Perche; his second, Leverunia, grand-daughter of Leofric. In the
Conqueror's Survey he is called _Vice-Comes_ rather than _Comes_, but
this seems to have arisen from the royal interest in the castle, and the
direct service he owed the King, though some authorities state that he
was under Leofric, Earl of Mercia. He fought with William against
Harold, and was ostensibly left in full possession of all his lands,
rights and privileges. He is called Turchil of Warwick by the Normans,
but Turchil of Eardene, or of the Woodland, by himself, being one of the
first to adopt the Norman habit of local names. In Domesday Book, begun
in the fourteenth year of the Conqueror, he is entered as in possession
of forty-nine manors in Warwickshire, among which were Curdworth,
Coughton, Rotley, Rodbourn, Compton (Winyate), Nuneaton. Warwick town
and castle were recorded as belonging to the King. He had but a
life-interest, however, his son, Siward, receiving none of them as his
heir, but by favour of the King.
The title of Earl of Warwick was given by William the Conqueror to Henry
de Novoborgo, or Newburgh, younger son of Roger de Bellomont, Earl of
Mellent, and William Rufus added to the gift the whole of Turchil's
lands, including even those given away by himself and his ancestors to
the Church. It was a hard lesson to friendly Saxon noblemen. A gloss of
justice, or at least of consideration, was shown in the marriage of
Henry de Novoborgo to Margaret, one of the daughters of Turchil, and
sister of Siward de Arderne.[377]
Turchil's sons were Siward de Ardena, Ralph of Hampton,[378] William,
and Peter the Monk of Thorney, by his first wife, and Osbert by his
second wife. Some of their lands were left to the Ardens by grace of the
Novoborgos, who became their overlords. These lands were gradually
diminished by devotion to the Church, by the increase of the family, and
division of the properties, though this was somewhat balanced by wealthy
marriages.
Siward by his wife Cecilia had a large family: Hugh de Rotley[379]
(dapifer or sewer to his kinsman William de Newburgh), Henry de Arden,
Joseph, Richard, Osbert, Galfridus, a monk of Coventry, Cecilia,
Felicia. Osbert, his stepbrother, was the father of Osbert, Philip,[380]
Peter de Arden, and Amicia, who became the wife of Peter de Bracebridge,
and the ancestress of the Bracebridges of Kingsbury, seat of the Mercian
Kings. Her brother Osbert had daughters only, Amabilia and Adeliza, who
left no children.
The main line was carried on by Henry de Arden, son of Siward, who
married Oliva, and whose eldest son and heir was Thomas de Arden, of
Curdworth (9 John). He had also William de Arden of Rodburn, Herbert,
and Letitia. Thomas de Arden married Eustachia, widow of Savaricius de
Malaleone, and had a son of his own name, Sir Thomas de Arden of Rotley
and Spratton, who took part with Simon de Montfort and the rebellious
Barons, 48 Henry III. This cost him dear. In 9 Edward I. he handed over,
either in sale, lease, or trust, his lands in Curdworth to Hugh de
Vienna; to the Knights Templars the interest he had in Riton; in 15
Edward I., to Nicholas de Eton the manor of Rotley, and to Thomas Arden
de Hanwell and Rose his wife, Pedimore, Curdworth, Norhull, Winworth,
Echenours, and Overton, and made a covenant with William de Beauchamp
and Maud, his wife, of all his fees throughout England.
It is not probable that Turchil, the last Saxon Earl of Warwick, bore
anything that might be strictly called armorial bearings. When the
heiress of the Novoborgos married into their family, the Beauchamps
added to their own the Newburgh arms. But they used them in a peculiar
way, as if they considered they were associated, not so much with the
family as with the earldom. Only the eldest sons bore the Chevron
chequy, the rest of the family bore the Beauchamp crosses crosslet. In
some such way the Ardens also seem to have made a similar distinction,
though in later times the meaning was occasionally forgotten, and the
usage became confused.
Drummond suggests that the Ardens might also have borne these arms to
suggest that they, too, had a claim to the earldom of Warwick. The arms
Thomas bore were Chequy or and azure, a chevron gules, which his
ancestors assumed to show they held their lands from the Earls of
Warwick, whose Chevron was Ermine on the like field.[381]
The descendants of William of Rodburne,[382] the second son of Henry de
Ardern, were more fortunate than their cousins. Thomas de Draiton was
the elder, and William de Rodburne the younger. Thomas married Lucia (6
John), and had Thomas de Arden of Hanwell, Sir Robert de Arderne de
Draiton, and Ralph.[383] Thomas,[384] who bore as arms Ermine a fesse
chequy, or and azure, as now borne, married Rose, daughter of Ralph de
Vernon, with whom he obtained the lordship of Hanwell. He was living in
1287, and had a son, Thomas, who presented to the church of Holdenby,
1334. This Thomas married Johanna de ---- (?), and had an only daughter,
Joan, who married Sir John Swynford. Ralph married Alicia de Bellocampo.
Sir Robert de Arderne de Draiton married Nichola,[385] widow of William
de Boutvilein. His son, Sir Giles, had a son, also Sir Giles. This
latter had an only daughter, Margaret, who married Ludovic Greville, and
carried Draiton into the possession of that Warwickshire family.
Ralph, son of Ralph, the second son of Thomas of Hanwell, married
Isabella, daughter of Anselm de Bromwich, and lived at Pedmore,
Warwickshire, 16 Edward II. In 17 Edward II. he was certified to be one
of the principal esquires in the county. His son, Sir John, was knighted
33 Edward III., and bore for his arms the same as his ancestor, Thomas
of Hanwell: Ermine, a fesse chequy or and az. He had only one daughter
and heir, Rose, who married Thomas Pakeson, afterwards an outlaw. To
John succeeded in Curdworth his brother Henry, whose wife was Elena, the
first to establish himself in Park Hall, which was confirmed to him by
Sir John de Botecourt, 47 Edward III., releasing him of all service,
save only of an annual red rose. He was devoted to Thomas de Beauchamp,
then Earl of Warwick, who granted him several other manors, also on
payment of a red rose. In 4 Richard II. his niece, Rose, released to him
her interest in Pedmore, Curdworth, Winworth, Sutton, and Norhull, of
her father's inheritance. Sir Henry bore the fesse chequy or and az.,
with three crescents for difference,[386] before his brother's death
(see Roll, Edward III., and arms in Lapworth Church). He left his son,
Sir Ralph, heir, who served under the Earl of Warwick at the siege of
Calais.
Ralph settled on his mother, Elena, for life, the manors of Wapenham and
Sulgrave, in Northamptonshire, with remainder to his brothers Geoffrey
and William. He married Sibilla (2 Henry V.), and left by her two sons,
Robert and Peter.[387] Robert was from the age of eight years a ward of
Joan Beauchamp, Lady of Bergavenny. He married Elizabeth, daughter and
heir of Richard de Clodeshall; was in the King's service, was Sheriff of
the County, and Knight of the Shire. He sided with the Yorkists in the
Wars of the Roses, was taken, attainted of high treason by James, Earl
of Wiltshire, and other judges appointed to try such cases, and was
condemned. He was executed on Saturday after the Feast of St. Laurence
the Martyr, 30 Henry VI. The custody of his lands was granted to Thomas
Littleton, Serjeant-at-Law, Thomas Greswold and John Gamell, Esquires.
Two years after his death his son Walter obtained the King's precept to
his escheator to hand over the lands of his mother's inheritance to him,
and shortly afterwards he secured his father's also. He married Eleanor,
daughter of John Hampden of Hampden, in Buckinghamshire, and appears in
the register of the Guild of Knowle, 1457, with his "wife Alianore." He
had a large family, each of them in some special point interesting to
the genealogist, and therefore worthy of some attention and of careful
detail. It must not be forgotten that his father's attainder and the
Wars of the Roses had temporarily crippled the resources of the family.
Walter Arden's will, July 31, 1502, is preserved at Somerset House,[388]
an interesting will in many ways. His eldest son and heir was John,
Esquire of the Body to Henry VII., who was to pay 20 marks for his
funeral. "Item. I will that my sonne Thomas have during his lief x marc,
which I have given him; and that my sonne Martyn have the manor of
Nafford during his lief, accordyng as I thereof made him astate yf it
canne be recorded, and yf not, thenne I will that the same Martyn and
every of my other sonnes, Robert, Henry and William have eche of them 5
marc by yere during eche of their lives, and that my feoffees of my
landes make eche of them a sufficient astate of londes & tenements to
the yerely value of 5 marc during every of their lives." He left his
wife, Eleanor, executrix, Edward Belknap and John Bracebridge, Squiers,
and John Boteler of Solihull, overseers, "Richard Slystre, Vicar of
Aston, John Charnell[389] & Thomas Ardern,[390] Squiers, witnesses."
Dugdale seems to have read the will, and is interested in the mortuary
bequest, but, curiously enough, supposes Martin to be older than Thomas.
Perhaps this error arose from the testator's desire to settle Natford
upon Martin. This does not seem to have been so settled. Martin had his
five marks, married an heiress, Margery East, settled at Euston, in
Oxfordshire, and appears in the Visitations there, associated with the
Easts and the Gibbons. Robert was the Arden made Yeoman of the King's
Chamber, a presumption made definite by Leland's[391] remark that "Arden
of the Court was younger brother to Sir John Arden, of Park Hall." On
February 22,[392] 17 Henry VII., he received a Royal Patent as Keeper of
the Park at Altcar, Lancashire; another, as Bailiff of Codmore,[393]
Derby, and Keeper of the Royal Park there; a third gave him Yoxall for
life,[394] apparently, however, for a payment of £42.
A Robert Arden, who had been Escheator to the Crown for Nottingham and
Derby under Henry VII., received a new patent 2 Henry VIII.[395] On June
28, 7 Henry VIII., order to cancel five recognizances amounting to £200;
one made by Robert Arderne, of Holme, co. Notts, may concern the same
gentleman.[396]
Henry seems to have died young. William settled at Hawnes,[397] in
Bedfordshire, bore as arms three cross-crosslets fitchée or, on a chief
of the second, a martlet for difference. He seems to have died before
his eldest brother. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Francklin of
Thurley in County Bedford, and widow of George Thrale. His son Thomas
married Anne, daughter of Richard Bowles of Wallington and widow of
Thomas Gonnel. His daughter Joan married John Moore; his daughter
Elizabeth married John Lee of Harlington.
Thomas certainly survived Sir John, Henry, and possibly also William.
Sir John married Alice d. of Richard Bracebridge of Kingsbury, and died
in 1526. His will was drawn up on June 4 of that year.[398] After
various bequests to churches, he left some special heirlooms to his son
and heir, Thomas, to his son John an annuity from Natford of five marks
a year for life, with other land, and gifts to him, his wife, and _their
heirs_. "Item. I will that my brothers Thomas, Martin & Robert have
their fees during their lives." That is, it may be remembered, ten marks
for Thomas, and five marks each for the other two. "Item. I will that
Rauf Vale and Hugh Colyns[399] have their fees as they have had during
their lives." Bequests of furniture were left to "my daughter Geys
Braylys," "my daughter Katerine _Muklowe_,"[400] "my daughter Brown,"
"my daughter Margaret Kambur," "my sister Margaret Abell," "my sister
Alice Buklond," "my son Thomas Bralis." To Joane Hewes, Agnes Abell,
John Charnell, various remembrances, his son Thomas to be sole executor,
Sir John Willoughby overseer; witnesses, Martin Ardern, Robert Ardern,
Symon Broke, clerk; John Charnell, John Croke, Rauf Vale. The will was
proved June 27, 1526.
Where was Thomas, son of Walter, meanwhile? I have only been able to
find two of the name contemporary with the cadet of Park Hall. A Thomas
Arden of Saint Martin's Outwich, London, citizen and clothworker, on
November 29, 1549, drew up a short will,[401] leaving his wife, Agnes,
his sole heir and executrix, proved January, 1549. I endeavoured to
learn if by chance he had come from Warwickshire, but the
apprentice-books of the company do not begin early enough. There was a
commercial family of Ardens in London, of whom he more probably was a
member. The possibility of his being a Warwickshire man I thought worthy
of careful consideration, but have been able to bring no further facts
forward.
There was also a Thomas Arden of Long Itchington mentioned in the
Subsidy Lists, whose will is preserved at Lichfield.
The other Thomas Arden was settled at Wilmecote, in the parish of Aston
Cantlow, on lands formerly owned by the Beauchamps. There is no record
how he acquired them. Aston Cantlow[402] had been settled, with the
castle and Honour of Bergavenny, upon Sir William de Beauchamp, second
son to Thomas, Earl of Warwick. He died 12 Henry IV., and Richard
Beauchamp, Earl of Worcester, his son and heir, inherited all his lands.
Richard's daughter and heir, Elizabeth, married Sir Edward Neville, a
younger son to Ralph, Earl of Westmorland, who was forthwith summoned to
Parliament as Lord Bergavenny. Dugdale gives us the arms depicted on the
roof of the chancel of Aston Cantlow Church, three varieties: "Gules, a
fesse betwixt six cross-crosslets or" (Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick);
"Argent 6 cross-crosslets fichée Sable, upon a chief Azure two mullets
or" (Clinton, Earl of Huntingdon); "Argent, 3 cross-crosslets fichée
Sable upon a chief Azure a mullet and a Rose Or." But Dugdale does not
know the family this represents. Could it be a variety of the Ardens?
The Thomas Arden who resided here paid subsidy of 26s. 8d. on £10 land,
being one of the largest landholders in the parish. He bought certain
lands at Snitterfield on May 16, 16 Henry VII., associated with certain
gentlemen whose names are suggestive, as I have shown on page 28. John
Mayowe transferred his property to Robert Throgmorton, Armiger,[403]
afterwards knight, Thomas Trussell[404] of Billesley, Roger Reynolds of
Henley in Arden, William Wood of Woodhouse, Thomas Arden of Wilmecote,
and Robert Arden, the son of this Thomas Arden. We know that Robert
Throgmorton was an intimate friend of the Ardens of Park Hall, and his
association with Thomas of Wilmecote strengthens the supposition that
the latter was the son of Walter. We know that this Thomas was the
father of Robert Arden, who was the father of Mary, Shakespeare's
mother, and her six sisters. It does not seem unlikely he bore arms, and
was the Esquire witness of Walter Arden's will, _who has never been
located elsewhere_. If he bore arms, it is more than likely that, as a
younger son, they were derived from _the Beauchamps_, and might even
have been those found by Dugdale in the Aston Cantlow Church, where he
was buried. It is probable that Robert bore the cross-crosslets with a
difference, as did his contemporary, William Arden of Hawnes. We have at
least Glover's[405] testimony that among the arms of Warwickshire and
Bedfordshire are "Arden or Arderne gu, three cross-crosslets fitchée or;
on a chief of the second a martlet of the first. Crest, a plume of
feathers charged with a martlet or." When, therefore, John Shakespeare
made application to impale the arms of his wife in his new coat, it
might seem natural that the fesse chequy, arms of the head of the house,
should be struck out, and those substituted more customary for a younger
son, and probably borne by Thomas, his wife's grandfather, or by Robert
Arden, his wife's father.
Thomas Arden, the son of Sir John, succeeded to Park Hall and the other
family estates in 1526. He married Mary, daughter of Sir Thomas Andrew
of Charnelton, by whom he had a large family: William, the eldest;
Simon, the second; George, the third, slain at Boulogne; Thomas, a
student of law; and Edward. His daughter Jocosa, or Joyce, married
Richard Cade, of London (see visitation of Hertfordshire, 1634);
Elizabeth married--Beaupré, Cicely married Henry Shirley, Mary married
Francis Waferer.
William, the eldest son, died before his father. Simon, the second son
of Thomas of Park Hall, was a wonderful man, of whom there will be more
to say elsewhere. He was elected Sheriff of the County in 1569,
and bore, while in Warwickshire at least, the arms three
cross-crosslets[406] and a chief or, without a difference. Shortly after
that time he purchased the property of Longcroft, in the Manor of
Yoxall, Staffordshire, and his descendants bear the fesse chequy, and
are noted in another county history.
The will of William Arden does not seem to have been noted by the family
genealogists, probably because it was drawn up in London. The Calendar
at Somerset House enters it as "William Arden,[407] of St. Brigyde,
London, and Saltley,[408] Warwickshire," 7 July, 36 Henry VIII. Its
details shed much light on the fortunes of the family, especially in
relation to the other family wills. He had married Elizabeth, the
daughter of Edward Conway, of Arrow, and left two sons and eight
daughters. He desired to be buried in the "Parish Church of Saint
Brigyde in Fleet Street, within the suburbs of London," and left "to my
youngest sonne, Francis Arden, all my purchased land, which I purchased
of my grandfather's youngest son, John Arden, and another part lying
within the Lordship of Saltley.[409] Item, I bequeath to him the lease I
have taken of my Lord Ferris for 31 years, which also lyeth within the
Lordship of Budbrooke, so that he come to his full age, and during his
nonage, the profits thereof to be taken up by mine overseers to the use
of my daughters. If it happen the said Francis to dye without lawful
issue, then I will my eldest sonne and heire, Edward Arden, when he
cometh to his full age, to enjoy the said purchased land and lease to
his heires. Item, I bequeath to the said Francis £6 13s. 4d., to be payd
yearely during the term of his naturall life, by the hands of my eldest
sonne, Edward Arden, when he cometh to his lands. Item, I give unto my
eight daughters, Anne,[410] Ursuley, Brigid, Barbara, Joyce, Jane,
Urseley, and Fraunces Arden the whole rent that my ferme beareth me,"
etc. "I bequeath to my brother, Edward Arden, my black Satin cote." "I
bequeathe my long gowne eggyd with velvet to my father, Thomas Arden, in
recompense of the money which he lent me, whom I make the Overseer of
this my will, with my father-in-law, Edward Conway." Edward Arden, his
son and heir, was to be sole executor. The witnesses were: Christopher
Drey, Francis Waferer (his brother-in-law), and John Tayloure, Vicar of
St. Brigyde, and it was proved April 14, 1546, by John, afterwards Sir
John Conway, uncle of the heir.
William's father, Thomas, died in 5 Elizabeth, 1563. I have not traced
his will. Edward, son of William, succeeded him. This Edward had been
ward to Sir George Throckmorton, of Coughton (though his grandfather was
alive), and he married Mary, third daughter of Sir Robert Throckmorton.
Brodesley,[411] Dudston, and Hybarnes were delivered to him 7 Elizabeth,
and in 15 Elizabeth he was called upon to prove his title to Curdworth
and to Berewood[412] Hall, which had been given by Hugh Arden to the
Canons of Leicester (Henry II.), and after the Dissolution purchased by
his grandfather, Thomas, and uncle, Simon, for £272 10s., with a yearly
rent of 30s. 4d., and settled on William, 37 Henry VIII. Various
purchases of land are recorded in Coke's "Entries."[413] He impaled the
park of Minworth on the other side of the Tame, to add to that of his
own Park Hall.[414]
Edward seems to have been highly respected in his time, and was Sheriff
of the County in 1575.[415] But he had offended Leicester[416] by
refusing to wear his livery (as many of the gentlemen of the county were
proud to do) and by disapproving openly of his relations with the
Countess of Essex before her husband's death. Leicester waited his time.
Edward Arden's sons were Robert (who married Elizabeth, daughter of
Reginald Corbet, Justice of the Royal Pleas, about 1577), Thomas,
Francis. Of his daughters, Catherine married Sir Edward Devereux, of
Castle Bromwich; Margaret, John Somerville, of Edreston; Muriel, William
Charnells, of Snareston, Leicestershire; and Elizabeth, Simon
Shugborough, of Napton, co. Warwick.
Edward Arden bore the family arms: Ermine, a fesse chequy or and azure.
Crest: On a chapeau azure, turned up erm., a boar passant or. Motto:
_Quo me cunque vocat patriam._
He appointed Edmund Lingard to Curdworth Church, 1573.
Edward Arden was a temperate follower of the old faith; but his
son-in-law, John Somerville, an excitable youth, seemed to chafe under
the increasing oppression of the Catholic Church and its adherents.[417]
The evil reports concerning the Queen and Leicester increased the
friction. Shut out from travel or active exercise, as all Catholics then
were by law, he studied and pondered, and his mind seemed to have given
way in his sleepless attempts to reconcile faith and practice. He
started off suddenly one morning before anyone was awake, attended only
by one boy, who soon left him, terrified; and when he reached a little
inn on the lonely road by Aynho on the Hill, he spoke frantically to all
who chose to hear that he was going to London to kill the Queen.[418]
Then followed arrest, examination before Justice D'Oyley, a march to
London with twelve guards,[419] examination in the Gatehouse,
imprisonment in the Tower. Thereafter went forth the mandate to arrest
Edward Arden, his wife, Francis Arden, of Pedmore, his brother,
Somerville's wife and sister, and the priest, Hugh Hall. Sir John
Conway, his wife's grand-uncle, was also commanded up to London, and
seems to have been confined for a time. Examinations, probably under
torture, followed fast on each other. John Somerville, Edward Arden, his
wife and brother, and the priest, Hugh Hall, were tried, found guilty,
and condemned to the traitor's death. Hugh Hall is said to have turned
Queen's evidence, but I have found no proof of it. Somerville and Arden
were carried forth from the Tower on December 19, 1583, to Newgate, in
preparation for their execution on the morrow; Somerville was found two
hours afterwards strangled in his cell; Edward Arden suffered the full
penalty of the law December 20, 1583.[420] Robert of Leicester had his
revenge. Mrs. Arden and Francis[421] seem to have suffered a term of
imprisonment, and then to have been released.
This first noble victim of the tyrannical Royal Commission was praised
by all the writers of his time, and pitied by all Europe. Burleigh lived
to be ashamed of his part in his death; and in his "Life" one can still
read in the index "On the Case of Arden" an explanation which has been
excised from the text.
It is more than probable that the active part that Sir Thomas Lucy took
in his arrest told more on the fortunes and feelings of young
Shakespeare than the fabulous deer-stealing story. The touching tragedy,
to which Froude has given but little attention or study, is given in
full detail in the State Papers. The _traitor's_ lands, of course, fell
to the Queen, and were granted to Edward Darcy.[422] But Robert
Arden,[423] "who was a prudent person" (doubtless fortified by his
brother-in-law's interest, and his own knowledge of the law), by virtue
of an entail executed on his marriage got back by degrees most of his
father's lands. He found, however, every tree in his parks had been cut
down by Darcy, who seems to have been a difficult person to deal with,
as may be gathered from Simon Arden's petition (p. 185); this Robert
lived to a great age, dying on February 27, 1635. His son and heir, Sir
Henry, who had been born April, 1580, had predeceased him in 1616.[424]
He had married Dorothy, daughter of Basil Fielding, of Newnham, and had
one son, Robert, and four daughters. Robert seems to have been a
brilliant youth, but he died single at Oxford. In the Bodleian[425] are
some verses deploring his loss. His four sisters were his coheirs:
Elizabeth, wife of Sir William Pooley, of Boxsted, in Suffolk;
Goditha,[426] wife of Herbert Price; Dorothy, wife of Hervey Bagot;
Anne, wife of Sir Charles Adderley, of Lea.
In Worcestershire, near Stourbridge, there is a parish of Pedmore, and a
hall of the name that seems at one time to have belonged to the Ardens,
as well as the Pedmore Manor, near West Bromwich, Warwickshire. By the
kindness of Mr. W. Wickham King, now resident there, I am told that
"Mistress Joyce Arden" was buried there in 1557; Jane Ardern and Hugh
Hall were married in 1560; Alice Ardeney and Thomas Carter married 1578;
while John Arden, son of Mr. Robert and Mistress Elizabeth, was
christened there in 1578. Frances Arden and Edward Wale married 1658;
Arthur buried 1668, and Judith Arden, widow, 1682. The arms in the
church are those of the Park Hall Ardens, and "Mr. Robert" was the heir
of Edward (p. 41 and notes).
The Pakingtons of Worcester quarter Ermine on a fesse componé or, and
az. an annulet for Arden.
FOOTNOTES:
[368] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," 372; Drummond's "Noble British
Families"; "Guy of Warwick," ed. Zupitza, Early English Text Society,
etc.; Harl. MS., 1167, f. 57; "Dictionary of National Biography."
[369]
"Guy of Warwick, I understand,
Slew a dragon in Northumberland."
Romance of Sir Bevis of Hampton.
"In Warwick the truth ye shall see
In arras wrought full craftily."
Romance of Sir Guy.
"Gy de Warwic ad a noun
Qui occis le Dragoun."
Legend round the Mazer Bowl, at Harbledon Hospital, Canterbury.
[370] "Warwickshire," p. 374; Drummond's "Noble British Families";
Leland's "Itin.," iv. 63; Heylin's "History of St. George," p. 63.
[371] Nichols's "Bibliotheca Topographica Britannica," iv. 29.
[372] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," 372-374; Drummond's "Noble British
Families"; Cox and Jones' "Popular Romances of the Middle Ages," pp. 63,
64, 297-319; Ward's "Catalogue of Romances in British Museum," i. 470.
[373] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," p. 373.
[374] Drummond's "Noble British Families," ii.
[375] Harleian MS., 853, ff. 113, 114.
[376] "Guthmund, Ailwin's second son, held Pakington under Turchil; his
son was Sir Harald de Arden, Lord of Upton" (French, "Shakespeareana
Genealogica," p. 432).
[377] According to Dugdale and Drummond; Harleian MS., 853, differs.
[378] Ralph and William are witnesses to a charter from Henry de Clinton
to Kenilworth Priory, Henry I. ("Monasticon," vi. 3).
[379] Hugh de Arden and Adela; William de Arden and Agnes were witness
to Henry's gifts ("Monasticon," v. 210-212).
[380] Philip, Osbert's second son, who took the name of Compton
(Drummond; Dugdale's, 'Warwickshire,' 549).
[381] Novoborgo: or and az., er. Thomas Arden de Rotley: or and az., gu.
A fesse betwixt 6 cross-crosslets or--Beauchamp. The Warwickshire
Visitation gives the coat of Sir Herald de Arden as three
cross-crosslets fitchée and a chief or. See Drummond, p. 5.
[382] Whalley's "Northampton," p. 464; Baker's "Northampton";
"Parliamentary Roll of Arms," 862. "Sire ... Ilm de Arderne ... de
ermyne a une fesse chekere dor e de aszure" (_Genealogist_, New Series,
xiii.). I do not know which William this refers to.
[383] He married Isabella, daughter of Sir Roger Mortimer of Chirk. She
afterwards married John Fitzalan (Berry's "Essex Genealogies").
[384] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," p. 927.
[385] "This lady seems to have married for a third time. Robert de
Wyckham sued Thomas Wake and Nicholaa, his wife, and Giles de Arderne
for the next presentation to the church of Swalclyve. Robert, father of
plaintiff, had given the advowson to John de Arderne, and John had
enfeoffed Robert de Wyckham and Elizabeth his wife. Nicholaa had been
married to Robert de Arderne" (_Genealogist_, New Series, ix.).
[386] See Visitation, 1619.
[387] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," p. 928; Harleian MS., 1992, f. 121, "The
Ancient Family of Arderne." Ralph died 8 Henry V.
[388] 17 Blamyr.
[389] Walter Arden's son-in-law.
[390] The decision of the residence of this Thomas would solve a knotty
question.
[391] Leland's "Itinerary," vi. 20. See also admin. of goods, granted to
his sister Alice Buklond and his nephew John, son of Sir John.
[392] Patent 17 Henry VII., February 22, second part, mem. 30.
[393] Same series, September 9, mem. 35.
[394] Patents 23 Henry VIII., September 24, first part, mem. 12.
[395] Pat. Henry VIII., p. 1, m. 16.
[396] Letters and Papers, Henry VIII., Gairdner.
[397] Bedfordshire Visitation, 1566. (See Glover.) There was in Edward
VI.'s reign a William Arderne, Clerk of the Market of Struton
Oskellyswade, Bedford (Est. of Office, Edward VI. to Elizabeth). And in
the accounts of the Treasurer of the Chamber there are mentioned among
the "Extraordinary Yeomen of the Guard, 1570," "William Arden and his
son Robert Arden."
[398] Somerset House, 8 Porch.
[399] The name Collins appears in connection with the Ardens in
Wiltshire also.
[400] See Visitation of Worcester, 1569: "Richard Muklowe of Hodon,
Worcestershire, married Katherine, daughter of John Arden." The
Gloucester Visitation records that Richard Cotton of Sedenton, married
Agnes, daughter of Sir John Arden of Park Hall, sister of Thomas.
[401] Commissary Wills, Somerset House, 31^a Clyffe.
[402] Dugdale's "Warwickshire."
[403] "Stratford-on-Avon Miscell. Papers," see p. 410, _Genealogical
Magazine_, 1897. He was also trustee in a settlement made by Sir John
Arden of Park Hall, in association with Sir Richard Empson and others.
See Petition of Simon Arden, p. 184.
[404] It is curious that in a will of Sir William Trussel of Cublesdon,
1379, there is a bequest mentioned as having been made to him by his
"cousin Sir Thomas d'Ardene" (Sir N. H. Nicolas, "Testamenta Vetusta,"
i. 107).
[405] Glover's "Heraldry," vol. ii., ed. 1780.
[406] Fuller's "Worthies."
[407] 7 Alen. Inquis. P.M. at Warwick, June 27, 37 Henry VIII., Edward,
son and heir, aged twelve.
[408] See Close Roll, 32 Henry VI., m. 11. Saltley came into the family
with Elizabeth Clodshalle (who married Robert Arden in the time of Henry
VI.), and remained in it till the death of Robert Arden, 1643, when it
fell to the share of his sister Anne.
[409] By some family arrangement, the old family seat of Pedmore seems
to have been settled on him, as he was always styled Francis Arden of
Pedmore.
[410] Anne married John Barnesley of Barnesley (see Visitation of
Worcester, 1569); Bridget, Hugh Massey; Barbara, Richard Neville, son of
the last Lord Latimer, and claimant of that title and the earldom of
Westmorland; Joyce, John Ladbrooke. Was this Jane Arden the lady of this
name who married into the Brownlow family about 1553? See Pedigree of
Brownlow.
[411] "Originalia et Memoranda." Lord Treasurer's side of the Exchequer,
Hilarii Recorda, 7 Elizabeth, Rot. 82.
[412] _Ibid._, Hilarii Recorda, 15 Elizabeth, Rot. 55.
[413] Coke's "Entries," f. 39_b_.
[414] In an account of the Grevilles, when the eldest son still resided
at Drayton, it is noted: "Though a great part of the Lands of Sir Giles
Arden came to Lewis Greville through his wife, yet there is one Arden at
this time in Warwickshire that is a man of three hundred marks land by
the yeare." Addit. MS., 5937, f. 88, British Museum.
[415] See "Liber Pacis," Eg. MS., 2345.
[416] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," 884, 927.
[417] See _Athenæum_, Feb., 1896, p. 190, and my little volume on
"Shakespeare's Warwickshire Contemporaries" (Stratford-on-Avon Press),
p. 48.
[418] State Papers, Dom. Series, Elizabeth, clxiii., 21 _et seq._
[419] Accounts of Treasurer of the Chamber, 1583-84.
[420] Burke makes an extraordinary error in stating that Shakespeare's
mother was a daughter of Sir Edward Arden, of Park Hall ("Hist. Landed
Gentry," edition 1882, vol. i., p. 34). Now, Edward was never knighted,
and must have been born about the same year as Mary, daughter of Robert
Arden, who married John Shakespeare.
[421] The Accounts of the Wardens of the Tower mention Francis Arden's
board, up to June 24, 1585, and he sued shortly after for Pedmore, on
the death of Sir George Digby, to whom it had been granted (State
Papers, Dom. Series, Elizabeth, ccii., 40).
[422] State Papers, Dom. Series, Elizabeth, clxxi. 35; also Patents,
Elizabeth, 28, c. 10.
[423] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," 927. I find also several pensions
allowed by the Crown to a Robert Arden, early in James I. These may
refer to Robert of Park Hall (Book of Patents, xi. 212).
[424] Inventory of his property is at Lichfield, where also is that of
his wife, Lady Dorothy Arden, 1635-36, and will of his son, Robert
Arden.
[425] Ashmolean MSS., 36, f. 125: "Robert Arden, Colonel and Sheriff of
Warwickshire." An elegy upon his death in Oxford of small-pox, August
22, 1643: "Seeing these tapers and this solemn night," etc. Signed,
"Peter Halstead."
[426] She was a Lady of the Privy Chamber to the Queen-mother, and
survived her husband. See the burial of her daughter, Mrs. Henrietta
Maria Stanhope, October 23, 1674.
CHAPTER II
THE ARDENS OF LONGCROFT
This main line of Ardens having thus become extinct, we have to go back
some generations to find the younger branch that carried on the name.
Simon, the second son of the Thomas Arden who died in 1563, brother of
the William Arden who died 1546, and uncle of Edward Arden, who was
executed 1583, seems to have been an important man in his own day. He
was much trusted by his father and nephew, and was elected Sheriff of
Warwickshire in 1569, when he bore as arms three cross crosslets
fitchée, and a chief or.[427] His first wife was Margaret; his second
Christian,[428] widow of Thomas Bond, of Ward End. In a catalogue of all
the noblemen and gentlemen resident in Warwickshire, 1577-78, by Henry
Ferrers, of Baddesley, is mentioned Edward Arden, of Park Hall, and
Simon Arden, of Saltley, his uncle;[429] and in the Subsidy for
Warwickshire, 1581, he is mentioned as one of "those collecting, and not
assessed themselves."[430] During the first half of Elizabeth's reign he
purchased Longcroft, in the parish of Yoxall, Staffordshire, a property
that had previously been in the family. In 18 Elizabeth (1576) he found
one light horse for the royal service there, and paid to the Subsidy of
1590, 26s. 8d. for his lands at Yoxall, valued at £10.[431] He seems,
however, to have got into trouble in his old age. The draft of a
petition of his (_circa_ 1595-98) is preserved among the Longcroft
papers,[432] which is well worthy of being transcribed:
"_To the most honourable the Lord High Treasurer of
England._
"The most humble petition of Simon Arden, of the age of 100
years or thereabouts, praying your good Lordship's aid in
his owld age against the great wrongs and oppressions
offered by Edward Darcie, Esquire, one of the grooms of her
Majestie's Privy Chamber.
"As by the enclosed may plainlie apeare:
{The Pedigree. John Arden had issue Thomas.
{Thomas had issue William, Simon, George, Edward, Thomas.
{William had issue Edward & Francis.
{Edward had issue _vivens_ Robert.
"The said John Arden did infeff John Kingsmel,
Sergeant-at-Lawe, Sir Richard Empson, Sir Richard Knightley,
Sir Robert Throgmorton,[433] Knights, and others, of the
manor of Crudworth, and other lands in the county of
Warwick, to divers uses; the said Thomas, being seized in
fee, granted to me, and his said other sons, dyvers several
annuities, being all the patrimony he provided for the same
his younger sons. The said Thomas did afterwards make other
assurances to the said William. The said annuities were paid
unto all the said younger sons during their lives, and unto
me till the attainder of Edward Arden. By which means the
premises came into the hands of her Majestie, in what time
that the same remained in her hands, by your Honor's order I
was paid mine annuitie, being 20 marks by the year. And
after that the same was granted to the said Edward Darcie,
your Lordship did likewise very honorably apporcion how much
thereof should be yearely paid unto me by the said Edward
Darcie, and how much otherwise, according to which
aporcionment the said Edward Darcy paid his part thereof
unto me foure or five yeares, and about six yeares sithence
denyd so to do, urging me with seutes in the Court of
Requests, and in the Honourable Court of Exchequer Chamber,
and at the Common Law. Also for the space of vi yeares now
together seeking by this countenance to oppress me. The said
Robert Arden payeth unto me the porcion of the said annuity
apointed by your Lordship's order, or rather more thereof
than he was charged with by your order, and I have desired
but ye residew of Mr. Darcie. I have had judgment against
him in the Common _Place_, he hath removed the record into
the King's Bench by writ of Error; so yt by injunction out
of the Court of the Exchequer Chamber to entertain time and
delay me til death hath wholy interred my ancient bodie
already more than half in grave, knowing, _Mors solvit
omnia_, by my death my cause wil be remeadiless.
"Be therefore so much, my good Lord, as to take my cause
into your own hands, and for God's sake to end it. I protest
mine adversary hath caused me to spend more then such an
annuity is worth to purchase. Age wold have ease, which is
expedicion in causes of suit and molestacion, and expedicion
in justice is the most Honour that may be; which is no small
part of your Honor's comendacion. Almighty God long preserve
you in all felicity, that this Realm of England may more and
more long take profit of your most wise and grave counsels."
Perhaps on his coming to Longcroft he found the old Arden arms there.
Before the grant to his grand-uncle Robert there had been Ardens in
Yoxall.[434] Certain it is that after that date they appear in Longcroft
Hall and in the parish church. The headship of the family fell to his
heirs in 1643. Simon's son[435] Ambrose[436] married Mary Wedgewood
1588, and died 1624. His son Humphrey[437] married Jane Rowbotham at
Marchington, December 1, 1630. Of his family, Henry married Catherine
Harper, but died without children, November 26, 1676; John, of Wisbeach,
married Anne, and died without heirs, April 2, 1709, aged 84;[438]
Humphrey, of Longcroft, who married the daughter of ---- Lassel, and
died January 31, 1705, aged 74. His daughters Elizabeth and Katharine
died unmarried. His son Henry married Anne Alcock, and died 1728, aged
63. Humphrey's son and heir, John, was born 1693, and died 1734, aged
40. He married, first, Anna Catherine Newton, and second, Anne, daughter
of the Rev. John Spateman, Rector of Yoxall, 1730. He was High Sheriff
of the County in 3 George II. His son, Henry Arden, of Longcroft,
married Alethea, daughter of Robert Cotton, Esq., of Worcester, and died
June 22, 1782. The full pedigree is given, and the monuments at Yoxall
are described in Shaw's "Staffordshire," and in French's "Shakespeareana
Genealogica." Descendants still survive in this country and the
Colonies.
FOOTNOTES:
[427] Fuller's "Worthies."
[428] Administration of goods of Christian Arden, wife of Simon, 1563
(Lichfield Wills).
[429] Nich., "Col. Top. et Gen.," vol. viii., p. 298.
[430] Lansdowne MS., xxx. 27, 30.
[431] Subsidy Rolls, Yoxall, 1590; Shaw's "Staffordshire," i., pp.
100-102 and 499; and Talbot Papers, Heralds' College, Dugdale p. 932.
[432] See also manuscript notes on the copy of Shaw's "Staffordshire,"
by Samuel Pipe Wolferstan, Esq., of Statfold, preserved in the British
Museum, p. 102.
[433] Note that this is the same man appointed trustee by Mary
Shakespeare's grandfather.
[434] "Nichola, d. of Geff de. Shenton, sued Joan, formerly wife of
Ralph de Anderne, of Yoxhale, for a messuage in Yoxhale" (De Banco,
Trin., 23 Ed. III.).
[435] His will proved 1625 at Lichfield. Simon's daughter Elizabeth
became second wife of Clement Fisher of Wincote, addressed by Sir Aston
Cokaine in verses alluding to Shakespeare (Dugdale's "Warwickshire,"
1140).
[436] Shaw's "Staffordshire," p. 102; MS. notes of the author, Brit.
Mus.
[437] Ambrose had another son Ambrose, whose family appears in the
registers of Barton:
Frances, daughter of Ambrose Arden, bapt. February 19, 1631, buried June
7, 1634.
Humphrey, son of Ambrose Arden, bapt. November 2, 1634.
Henry " " " " October 7, 1637.
Benjamin " " " " July 19, 1642.
John " " " " September 3, 1643.
William " " " " January 8, 1647
(buried Sept. 18, 1666).
Robert Masson and Elizabeth Arden were married December 22, 1644.
Ambrose Arden, gent., buried July 15, 1656.
[438] His father had been married twice; but this second Humphrey is the
son of Jane Rowbotham. See Registers of Marchington.
CHAPTER III
OTHER WARWICKSHIRE ARDENS
It would be interesting to know more of some of the other Warwickshire
Ardens, particularly those mentioned in the Register of the Guild of
Knowle, as some have suggested that Shakespeare's mother may have
descended from them:
"1460. John Arden and Agnes, his wife, of Longehychyngton.
"1504. Richard Arden and Margaret, his wife, and for the souls of John
and Johanna, their parentes, of Longeychyngton.
"1506. For the souls of John Arderne and his wife, of the same.
"... Richard Salway, and Estell his wife, and for the soul of John
Arderne.
"1512. Alicia Arderne, and for the soul of William."
On turning to the Subsidy Rolls to find any further notice of the Ardens
of Long Itchington, I found only the following: "14 and 15 Hen. VIII.
Co. Warr., Knighton Hundred, Bilton [the next parish to Long
Itchington].[439] Thomas Arderne, land, 4 marks, 2/6. Solks. Henry
Arderne in goods 40/- 4d." The latter is twice repeated.
In the same Guild Register appears as member:
"1496. Robert Arderne, Master of Arts, Rector of Lapworth."
He does not appear in the preserved pedigree, as Robert, the son of
Walter, who died 1502, was in the King's service. The Warden and
scholars of Merton College appointed Robert Ardern, Master of Arts, to
the Rectory of Lapworth, January 10, 1488. On the rood loft of the
church are the arms of Sir Henry Arden:[440] Ermine, a fesse chequy, or
and az., with a crescent for difference, arms, by some thought to be the
parson's.
Henry de Arden,[441] in the time of Henry II., had two sons: Thomas of
Curdworth[3] and William de Rodbourn.[442] The descent of Thomas we have
already noticed, as well as the descent of Thomas Arden, of Drayton,
elder son of William Arden de Rodbourn. The second son of William was
another William of Rodbourn, killed in 17 Henry III. He married Avisia,
daughter of Robert de Kyngeston, and had also a son, William of
Rodbourn, whose heir was William, who sold the manor in 1369.
Dugdale says that Little Grafton was called Arden's Grafton because it
was bought by William de Arden in 10 John. In 52 Henry III. William de
Arden was certified to hold it of the Earl of Warwick; but he
transferred it to Edward I. in exchange for Offord, near Aston Cantlowe,
in the parish of Wootten Wawen.
A seal used by William D'Arderne, clerk, of Offord, Warwickshire, is
preserved in the British Museum,[443] appended to a deed in which he and
John D'Arderne were concerned, 1366. It has a shield of arms, three
cross-crosslets fitchée, on a chief a lion passant, on the border: "S.
Nicholai de Ardena." I have not traced a Nicholas. But Nichola de Arden
presented John de Arden to Cotesbrook Church, Northampton, May, 1361
(see p. 195).
Among other charters in the same collection occur the seals of--
Thomas de Arderne, of Newton, co. Warwick, 1280-90, on a shield, a fesse
chequy Ardern, "Sigillum Secreti."[444]
Thomas de Arderne, Lord of Peddymore, co. Warwick, 1281, on a shield
chequy, a chevron, "Sig. Thome de Arderne."[445]
Thomas de Arderne, 1286, a shield chequy, a chevron, "S. Thome de
Arderne."[446]
William de Ardena de Hamtune (_i.e._, Hampton in Arden, Warwickshire)
used a seal with a pointed oval shield thereon, a lion rampant
contourné, _circa_1188-98.[447]
Dugdale says concerning Hampton in Ardern,[448] that it is not _quite_
certain that Ralph de Arderne was a son of Turchil.[449] He is mentioned
in 5 Stephen and in 33 Henry II. as a Justice Itinerant. Hampton in
Arden was not altogether his own, but his son Robert purchased it for
500 marks. Robert was a clergyman, Archdeacon of Lisiaux, in Normandy,
and gave his estate here to his brothers Peter and Roger. Peter became a
clerk also, and gave his share to Roger, whose sons were William de
Ardena, 5 Henry III.; Walter, a Clerk; Roger, a Clerk. William's
children were: Hugo de Ardena, a Justice of Assize, 35 Henry III.;
Oliva, who married Robert le Megre; and Hawisia, who married Richard
Peche. Hugh's sons were William and Richard. William sided with the
Montforts, was pardoned, but was soon after slain by Richard de l'Isle.
He left no family; his brother Richard was an idiot; and his estates
went to the heirs of his aunts, John Peche and William le Megre[450]
(Plea Rolls, Ed. I.).
There is so much confusion regarding the most distinguished of these
early Ardens, that I would like to examine his story more closely.
Dugdale, as I have already noted, is not absolutely certain that Ralph
de Ardern, of Hampton, was a son of Turchil, but believes it
sufficiently to put him in the pedigree. Yet he goes on to state that
this Ralph was a justice itinerant in various reigns. Now, it is not
only dates that make this impossible: Turchil had married, first, the
Countess of Perche, and, second, Leverunia; and Ralph de Arderne, of
Hampton, is given as of the first family. But the mother of Ralph the
justice was a De Bohun. I propose, therefore, tentatively, to consider
that the first Ralph de Hampton married a De Bohun, and hope to find the
records true of an eldest son Ralph, brother of Robert, the Archdeacon
of Lisiaux, of Peter the clerk, and of Roger of Hampton. This view is
supported by many facts, and it gives _time_. Ralph was at the height of
his power in 1188, the very date at which William de Ardene, of Hampton,
the son of Roger, draws up a deed and affixes his seal.[451] According
to Dugdale, this should be his grandson. The name of Ralph's son and
heir is Thomas, not Roger. It was very unusual for a noble family to
bring up the eldest son to the Church, and yet the Archdeacon of Lisiaux
is considered by Dugdale as the eldest son of Ralph, who gives up his
inheritance to his brothers. But if we find a Ralph to be the eldest
son, we can easily account for his giving up the Hampton in Arden home.
He had made his fortunes elsewhere. Ralph was in high favour with the
King,[452] Henry II., and had married Amabilia, daughter and coheir of
Ranulph de Glanville,[453] the great lawyer, author, statesman, soldier,
and crusader, who, while Sheriff of York, had made prisoner William the
Lion of Scotland, and laid the King of England under an obligation.
Ralph's mother was a daughter of Savaric FitzCana, and sister of Ralph,
Gelduin, and Savaric FitzSavaric. Ralph FitzSavaric having died without
heirs, on the death of his uncle Savaric, Franco, the son of Gelduin,
laid claim to his vast possessions in England and the fief of Bohun in
Normandy. It is believed that Gelduin had married within the forbidden
degrees, without dispensation, and that this was the reason that Ralph
de Arderne put forward his mother's claims. Henry II. decided in his
favour at a court at Caen in 1187. But on the accession of Richard I.,
Ralph fell into disgrace, ostensibly through some delay in rendering his
accounts at Westminster while Sheriff of Hereford, and Henry's decision
was reversed 1189.[454] But it was evidently a doubtful question. Franco
died in 1194, and when his son and heir Engelger came of age, 1198,
Ralph de Arderne revived his claim, which was settled by a compromise.
After the disturbances in Normandy, 1208, a new dispute arose between
Engelger, the son of Franco FitzSavaric, and Thomas, the son of Ralph
Arden, which ended in a new compromise.
The offices held by Ralph were numerous. He was Sheriff of Hereford
1184-89,[455] and also justice itinerant. He married a second wife in
1194, Agnes de la Mara, heiress of the Barony of Holgate in Shropshire,
after which he regained royal favour. He received a gift from the King
of land in Essex, for which he paid[456] £362 16s. 8d. He was made
custodian of the temporalities of Canterbury at the time of the troubles
there Bailiff of Pont-Audemar in Normandy, 1198; in 1202 attended King
John at La Suse in Anjou; in 1203 was sent on an embassy to Otho, King
of the Romans; in 1204 went to Flanders on the King's service. He was
said to have acted as justice at Shrewsbury, 1208, but Foss[457]
believes this was his grandson, and states that Coke says so. Ralph de
Arderne endowed the Priory of Butey, Sussex, founded by Ralph de
Glanville, with half the town of Bawdsey. He founded the Priory of
Shulbrede, near Midhurst, and endowed it with half a knight's fee in
Lavington. His son Thomas was engaged in a lawsuit[458] with his aunt
about the partition of his grandfather Glanville's property. "Thomas de
Ardern, et Radulphus filius Roberti ponunt loco suo Mag. Will. de Lecton
_versus_ Will. de Auberville et Matilda uxorem ejus," etc. There is no
mention of Thomas after 14 John, 1213. Lands in Hereford, Sussex, Essex,
and Yorkshire were known to have belonged to him, and many scattered
branches in later periods may represent his descendants. I have not
found his arms; were they the same as William de Ardern of Hampton's,
already referred to?
Though Shakespeareans are only concerned with the Ardens who remained in
their own county, genealogists are interested in the fortunes of the
whole family. A volume would be necessary for a complete account, and at
present I only attempt to collect and preserve the scattered facts I
have found in various printed and manuscript authorities.
It is too often taken for granted that individuals do not belong to a
family because their names do not appear in the pedigrees collected at
the Visitations. We know that the descendants of younger sons and
daughters are frequently omitted, and the sons and daughters themselves
occasionally ignored. For instance, the Sir Robert Arden who was
executed in the time of Henry VI., 1451, is stated[459] to have left
seven children, but the name of his heir, Walter, is alone preserved.
Such omissions are more likely to have occurred in earlier times. The
Ardens frequently held land in more counties than one, and thus may
appear in county histories as doubles; while their general use of common
Christian names at other times makes it difficult to separate recorded
incidents. Wills, inquisitions, and other records often strangely bring
into closer relationship individuals not known to be connected, and the
severe test of dates often separates those supposed to be near in blood.
The main line had estates in Northampton. Robert de Arden had a charter
of free warren in Wapenham and Sudborough.[460] In 7 Henry IV. Wapenham
was assigned as dower to Elena, widow of Sir Henry de Arden, by Ralph
his son, with remainder to Geoffrey de Arden, his brother (see p. 170).
After the death of Elena and Geoffrey it reverted to Ralph, and to
Robert, his son, who in 20 Henry VI. received the King's pardon for
alienating it without licence. The manor of Sulgrave[461] was sold by
the Traffords to Sir Henry Arden, and it remained in the family until
Sir Robert sold it in 20 Henry VI. Laurence Washington, Mayor of
Northampton 1538, had a grant of the dissolved priory of St. Andrews
there. On April 26, 1564, William Arderne of Sulgrave[462] left to his
sister Mary all the portion his father, Richard Arden,[463] had left
her, and all his own goods. He left a legacy to Robert,[464] son of
Laurence Washington, and Laurence was the overseer of his will. There is
preserved a bond by John Ardern, Laurence Washington, and others for
£100, July 4, 1587.
An Adam de Arden, clerk, was incumbent of Croughton 1218. Another Adam
was Rector of Thornhagh and Bolewyck 1336 and of Barby 1361. Nichola de
Arden presented John de Arden to Cotesbrook Church, May, 1361.
Thomas de Arderne was incumbent of Laxton, July 9, 1310, and of
Clopton-on-the-Wold, 1325. Robert de Ardern, clerk, is mentioned August
16, 1322. Thomas de Ardern, diac., was presented to Nether Heyford,
1455. Eustachia de Ardern, patron of Holdenby, 1263, presented Ralph de
Ardern, and Thomas, son of Thomas Ardern, of Hanwell, recognised as
co-patron Thomas Ardern, of Rotley.
FOOTNOTES:
[439] The will of Thomas Arden of Long Itchington was proved 1552, at
Lichfield. Sons, Edmund, William and Thomas, and six daughters.
[440] Dugdale, 926.
[441] Baker's "Northampton"; Whalley's "Northampton."
[442] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," 927.
[443] Add. Charters, 21, 492.
[444] Cotton MS. Charters, xxii. 15.
[445] Egerton Ch., 368.
[446] Brit. Mus., Ch. lxxxii. 15.
[447] Cott. Ch., xi. 36.
[448] Dugdale's "Warwickshire," 952.
[449] I think the dates show that there must have been two generations
of Ralphs. One appears in another county.
[450] See _Genealogist_, New Series, XIII.
[451] A lion rampant contourné. See Brit. Mus., Ch. lxxxii. 15.
[452] Nichols's "Herald and Genealogist," vi. 432, and vii. 299-311.
[453] Foss's "Lives of the Judges," i. 379. Campbell's "Lives of the
Chief Judges," i. 19.
[454] Pipe Roll, 1 Richard I., pp. 208 and 145, Charter, Richard I.,
signed at Gorron in Maine, March 31, 1190.
[455] Fuller's "Worthies of Hereford."
[456] Pipe Roll, Essex, 6 Richard I.
[457] Foss's "Lives of the Judges," i. 338.
[458] Coke, 8th Report, ii. 29, and Blomfield's "Norfolk," viii. 341.
[459] Harleian MS., Visitation of Warwickshire, 1167, f. 57.
[460] Concerning forest rights in Clyve, Northamptonshire, Gilbert de
Arden appeared for the Prior of Markyate, Cherchebikenhull, Kynesbury,
26 Edward I. (55, Inquis. P. M.).
William de la Zouch de Haryngworth enfeoffed Adam de Arderne and Simon
Ward in Boroughley Manor of the Honour of Peverel, Northampton; Eton,
Weston, Ing, Houghton Manors, Bedford; Calston Manor, Wilts; Totnes
Castle, Devon; Weston-in-Arden Manor, Wolfareshull, Foulkeshull, and
Kelpesham Manors, Warwick, probably as trustees, 33 Edward III. (79,
Inquis. P. M.).
[461] Whalley's "Northampton," i. 25, 263.
[462] 7, Crymes, Somerset House Wills.
[463] Of Whitfield, 29, Street, Somerset House.
[464] Robert's son Laurence sold Sulgrave, went to America, and became
the great-grandfather of George Washington.
CHAPTER IV
THE ARDENS OF CHESHIRE
In the Conqueror's time the Manor of Watford, Northamptonshire, was
recognised as belonging to Gilbert the Cooke, to whom his son Baldwin
succeeded. But the next owner was Eustace de Arden,[465] son of
Alexander and Agnes Arden, in the time of Henry II. The first Eustace,
born about 1140, was probably the Eustachius de Arderne who granted
Watford Church to the Abbey of St. James. His son, also named
Eustace,[466] died in 1213. The dower of his widow Hawisia was in
Watford and Silvesworth, and Ranulph III., Earl of Chester, became her
security that she would not marry again without license from the
King.[467] Her two sons were Eustace[468] and John de Arderne. Eustace
died in 4 Edward I., 1221, leaving a son Eustace. The line ended with
four daughters, coheiresses--Aveline, Mary, Jane, Elena, 1275. The arms
of Eustace were: Gules, on a chief argent, a label azure.[469] I have
wondered if the following entries concerned younger sons of this family:
"To Master William of Watford 50 marks for his expenses going as a
messenger to the King beyond the sea";[470] and, "Paid to William de
Watford, Keeper of the Queen's palfreys."[471]
John, the second son of the second Eustace and brother of the third,
received either an original grant, or the confirmation of a grant, from
the Earl of Chester of the Manor of Aldford, in Cheshire. He was
probably the son-in-law of the Richard de Aldford who preceded him.[472]
As the Earl of Chester was Hawisia's surety, he may have been her son
John's guardian. John afterwards granted part of this fee to Peter, the
Earl's clerk, and another part to Pulton and Chester Abbey. On November
28, 1213, he compounded with the King for his father's annual payment
for lands in Watford, and granted to Eustace, his brother, the lands he
had received there from his father. He executed this deed in Aldford,
August, 1216. In that year he received, as a Knight of Ranulph, Earl of
Chester, then in the Holy Land, a grant of the lands of Geoffrey de
Sautemaris. Sir Walkelyn, his son, succeeded him in or before 1237-38.
Through his wife, Agnes de Orreby, he acquired Elford, in Staffordshire,
with Alvanley, Upton, and other manors in Cheshire. He was frequently at
Court, as his attestations to various charters prove, about 41 Henry
III. In 1264-65 he granted the Manor of Alvanley to his eldest son, Sir
Peter, who succeeded to all the family estates on the death of his
father, about 1268. He bore arms based not on those of Eustace de
Watford, or on those of the Earl of Chester, from whom he held land, but
on those of William de Beauchamp, who had succeeded to the Earldom of
Warwick in 1257, as if to claim descent from the Warwickshire family.
His seal appears first in 17 Edward I. in a release to Sir John de
Orreby of a debt due.[473] It bore a shield with three crosses crosslet
pattées, a chief Arderne, with the motto, "Frange, lege tege." See also
the charters in the British Museum.[474] His son and heir by Margery,
his wife, was Sir John, who married Margaret, daughter of Griffin ap
Madoc, Lord of Bromfield, of royal Welsh extraction.[475]
Sir John de Arderne at the tournament at Stepney, 2 Edward II., in the
retinue of the Earl of Lancaster, bore "Gules, 10 crosses crosslet, and
a chief or."[476]
But it is said that after his marriage the Arden arms were temporarily
varied to gules, crusule or, and a chief or.[477]
In 9 Edward II. he purchased part of Haselover from Geoffrey
Salveyn.[478]
In that year the "Nomina de Villarum" gives the name of "Sir Henry de
Ardena" as Lord of Elford. John's name, however, is given in the list by
the Lieutenant of the Knights and men-at-arms of the county, 17 Edward
II., 1324; and he was one of the Knights summoned to attend the great
council at Westminster, 17 Edward II. John and Margaret had two
sons--John, who succeeded to Aldford, Alderley, Alvanley, and Elford, 19
Edward III., and Peter, afterwards of Over Alderley. John married,
first, Alice, daughter of Hugh de Venables, and had by her two sons,
John and Peter, and a daughter Margaret. His second wife was Joane,
daughter and heiress of Sir Richard de Stokeport, by whom he had no
issue; and his third wife was Ellen Wasteneys, by whom he had two sons,
Thomas and Walkelyn, born before marriage, and two daughters, Isabel,
wife of Sir Hugh Wrottesley, and Maud, wife of Robert Leigh, of
Adlington, and a son, born after marriage (about 1341), who evidently
died soon.
Then occurred an extraordinary hitch in the history of primogeniture.
His eldest son, John, had died without issue before his father. Peter,
the second son, and natural heir of his brother and father, then aged
twenty-four, on his father's death found by the inquisition[479] that he
died possessed of "no lands,"[480] all his vast possessions being
settled on himself and his wife Ellen only for life, and secured by a
deed of gift, in reversion to Thomas, the elder illegitimate son of
Ellen Wasteneys. By an appeal, however, to the courts, based on the
previous settlement on his great-grandfather, Peter, the legitimate heir
recovered Alvanley. He married Cicely,[481] daughter and heiress of Adam
de Bredbury, who inherited Hawarden from her father, and henceforward
Alvanley and Hawarden were the chief seats of the Cheshire Ardens. It is
evident, therefore, that the root-meaning of Hawarden, or Harden, has no
relation to the family name.
The favoured Thomas received Aldford, Etchells, and Nether Alderley,
Cheshire; and Elford, Staffordshire. He was knighted before 1359, and
died 1391. He married Katherine, daughter of Sir Richard Stafford,
heiress of Clifton Campvile, Pipe, Haselover, and Statfold, and was
buried in Elford Church, where his beautiful marble monument still
remains. He is represented in full knightly armour, wearing a rich
collar, with the letters "S.S." interwoven, his basinet bearing the
words "The Nazarene." His wife lies by his side, richly robed, and also
wearing a collar with "S. S." His son and heir, John, born at Elford,
March 12, 1369, was over twenty-one at his father's death,[482] 15
Richard II. He married Margaret Pilkington, and died in 1408, leaving no
male heir.[483] A large monument in memory of him in Elford Church is
almost decayed.
In his inquisition, his nearest male relatives are stated to be Robert
de Legh, of Adlington, aged forty, and Hugh de Wrottesley, aged eight.
His only daughter was Matilda, aged twelve, who was granted Alderley and
Etchells only. She married Thomas de Stanley.[484] John's widow,
Margaret, took for her second husband Sir Robert Babthorpe, and died
1423. Her Inquisition Post Mortem is very interesting. She died seized
of Nether Alderley only, which reverted to her daughter, Matilda
Stanley.
"The Prince of Wales as Earl of Chester _versus_ Margaret, formerly wife
of John, son of Thomas de Arderne, to determine the right to the manors
of Aldford, Alderdelegh, and Echells, the advowsons, and 10 marks a year
from the manor of Upton, in Wyrehale. It mentions that Thomas and
Walkelyn were illegitimate; but Walkelyn died _s.p._, and pleaded the
settlement" (Chester Pleas, 10 Henry IV., m. 9, _Genealogist_, New
Series, vol. xv.).
Another Chester Plea Roll records the suit of Richard, son of John de
Radcliff and Matilda his wife, against Isabella, formerly wife of John
de Legh, Chivalier, for land in Modberlegh, which John de Ardene gave to
John de Legh for his life, with remainder to John, son of John de Legh
and Matilda, daughter of John de Ardene, and to the heirs of the bodies
of John de Legh and Matilda (_Genealogist_, New Series, vol. xiii.).
Sir Thomas Arden and Sir John bore as arms the three crosses crosslet,
and the chief or, the same as the legitimate family.
Hugh, the son of Peter Arden, of Alvanley and Hawarden, carried on the
main line, and had full possession of his estates by 1372. He married
twice--first, Agnes Hulme, by whom he had Peter and Ralph;[485] and
second, Cicely de Hyde,[486] by whom he had John, who lived in the
service of the King. The seal of Peter, son of Hugh de Arderne, of
Macclesfield, co. Chester, 1372,[487] is preserved in the British
Museum, and bears three crosses crosslet and a chief Arderne. Old and
infirm, Hugh was granted exemption from military service in 1408.
Charles Arden, son of John, son of Peter, married Elizabeth Radcliffe in
Edward III.'s time, and through her inheritance became owner of
Timporley, and founded the Timporley branch of Ardens.
The pedigree of the family is given _in extenso_ in Drummond, Earwaker,
Ormerod, and the Visitations of Cheshire, so that it is unnecessary to
repeat it here. Further intermarriages with the Hydes[488] are recorded.
Ralph Ardern, of Harden, led his tenantry against the Royalists, 1642,
and died 1657. Sir John, head of the family, in 1660 was Sheriff of
Cheshire. One of his brothers was the Rev. James Arden, Dean of Chester,
1691.
John, who was Sheriff in 1760, married Sarah Pepper, who brought Pepper
Hall into the family. Their son, Richard Pepper Arden, Chief Justice of
the Common Pleas, was created Baron Alvanley[489] 1801. He had three
sons, John, William, and Richard. The title became extinct 1857.[490]
The arms were the three crosses crosslet and a chief or; crest, a double
row of ostrich feathers out of a ducal coronet.
There is a curious will at Somerset House[491] (January 9, 1614) of
Thomas Arden, of Hornsey, gentleman, who seems to have been connected
with this family. After trifling legacies, he leaves his lease in
Cheshire of Melton Farm to his dear and well-beloved sister, Ann Ardern.
"Executors, my beloved sister Anne Arderen, ever faithful friend, and
Richard Drape of Hornsey gent."--proved January 17, 1614. But another
similar will of the same man was again proved, 1615, by Anne and another
co-executor.
In Berry's "Sussex Genealogies" we find that George Ardern, son of
George Ardern, born in Chester, came to Chichester, married Catharine,
daughter and coheir of Robert Palmer, Esq., and had three sons--George,
John, and Richard. Richard married Margaret, daughter of Thomas Green,
and had three sons and a daughter--Thomas, George, Richard, and
Catherine.
An important official Arden was John, who in the reign of Henry V. was
Clerk of the Works.[492] His patent was renewed under Henry VI., and
payments are recorded to him for making the tomb of King Henry V.[493]
in St. Peter's, Westminster, of Caen stone, £23 6s. 8d.; for repairs in
the Tower; in the palace of Westminster; and in the castle of
Wallingford. He was also Clerk of the Works at York, and in 22 Henry VI.
was made Baron of the Exchequer, and had various grants.
Foss believes him to be the father of Sir Peter Arderne,[494] also in
royal service. In 18 Henry VI. he was deputy of William de la Pole, Earl
of Suffolk, chief seneschal of the Duchy of Lancaster. He took the coif
February 14, 1443, and was made King's Serjeant and Chief Baron of the
Exchequer May 2, 1448. Dugdale does not mention him as a Judge of Common
Pleas, but he received his patent July 7, 26 Henry VI., and must have
held double office. In 1461 his patents were renewed, but in the
following year there was a new Chief Baron, though Sir Peter retained
his other offices. He had a tun of wine annually for life. His will[495]
is so interesting from a literary point of view, as well as a
genealogical one, that it is worthy of fuller notice. He and his wife
Katharine had founded a chantry in Netteswell, Essex, and a chapel in
the parish of Latton, Essex, where they resided. He left to these and
many other charitable purposes handsome legacies; and to his wife, Dame
Katharine, he left his "daily Primer," much plate and furniture, a
crucifix, the furniture of a chapel, his "book of legends in English,
and his English translation of 'Bonaventura de vita et passione
Christi.'" To his "son, John Bohun," armour, and his book in English of
"Boys de Consolacione Philosophiæ, with the booke of Hunting therein."
To his daughter, Anne Bohun, furniture, and a French booke, "Giles de
Reginum Principii." To his daughter, Elizabeth Skreene,[496] furniture
and a mass-book. To his son, John Skreene, "myne owne volume of old
statutes with the Register, and ye new Lawes therein; my newe statutes
and a boke of termes of parchemyn, and a good boke compiled of Law with
a yallow leather covering, and a booke of law of termes of 2 Ed. II. in
parchemyn, a greate booke of gramer, with the Siege of Troy borded, a
greate booke called Catholicon borded, and a good new bounden fair
little book compiled of Assises." "To my ward, Thomas Bibbesworth, his
own marriage free to himself,[497] my best Register of Lawe, my owne
gret compiled booke of Lawe covered with red leather, and a horn upon it
... a booke of lawe in parchemyn compiled and bokeled, a boke of terms
of Law on paper, with A^o 32-A^o 39 and other yeares therein." "To my
niece, Margaret Newport, a table of ivory with the Salutation of our
Lady in ymages of silver. To my brother, Master Thomas Arden, my scarlet
gowne furred, my book flowered Barthm. his own booke of Lucerna,
conscience, his Sawter glosed, my booke of the Life of St. Thomas of
Canterbury." To his cousin, Master John Roclif, a hoode; to his brother,
parson of Hadham, a cloke; to his nephew, Guy Arden, a gowne. Other
remembrances follow. His interest in the forest of Galtuce, in
Yorkshire, in the towns of Hoby and Esmeswold, to be sold to pay his
debts. His wife to have all the residue if she remain unmarried. The
manors of Monkhall and Enfield to his wife, reverting to his daughters;
the manor of Swale in Godilston to his wife, and to any heir she
chooses. Executors: Dame Katherine Arden, his wife, and Master
Thomas[498] Ardern, his brother, and others, February 20, 1466, proved
July 10, 1467. A rubbing of the sepulchral brass in memory of Sir Peter
and his wife[499] at Latton is preserved in the British Museum. His arms
were: Or, three pellets azure on a chief gules, three lozenges
argent.[500] Bobbingworth Hall, Ongar, Essex,[501] was conveyed to
Richard Ardern 1423, and to Sir Peter Ardern 1446. In that year also
Gregory Wery released Latton Hall, Harlow Half Hundred, to Peter Ardern
and his heirs for ever.[502] The will of the Guy Arden,[503] nephew of
Sir Peter, was drawn up July 24, 1498. He left legacies to the master,
every brother, and every servant of St. John's College, Cambridge; to
Sir Christopher Wright, Fellow of St. John's, his journal; to Mr. Bowes,
of King's College, his great beads; to the Lady Prioress of Crabhouse,
"2 portuess of written hande and x^s, and to her convent 6^s 8^{d}." The
residue to Dr. William Robinson and Master John Basse, Bach. of Civill
Lawe.
A curious group of wills seem to prove that the Alice Green who married
John Holgrave, one of the Barons of the Exchequer, must have previously
married an Arden,[504] and had children by him. Sir John Holgrave's will
was drawn up on August 6, 1486.[505] After church bequests, he leaves to
his son Thomas some plate, "of the gift of Elizabeth Greene, my
mother-in-law," forty marks to his son John, and fifty marks to his
daughter Elizabeth. "To the brotherhood of the Clerkes of London, wher I
am a brother, 13/4." To Katherine Coleyn, 100^{s}; to Alice Green,
100^{s}; to _Richard Arden_, towards his learning, 10 marks, and one of
his best gowns; to Master Walter Ardern, parson of Cheyham, 100^{s}; the
residue to his wife Alice. Executors: Alice, his wife, Thomas Holgrave,
his son, Master Walter Arden, and Richard Ardern. If his sons and
daughters die without heirs, his estate to go to Richard Arden, his
son-in-law, and Master Walter Arden. His wife Alice made her will in
1487.[506] Her son Thomas was to have fifty marks, her son John £100,
and her daughter Besse £100. "Also to Richard, my son, 100 marc; to Mr.
Wat, my son, 100 marc; to Katerine, my daughter,[507] £40; to Elizabeth,
my daughter, 10 marc." "_Cousin Alice Skreene_"[508] was to have 10
marks also. There were gifts of plate to her sons Thomas and John and
daughter Besse, to Richard and Mr. Water, her sons, and her daughter
Katharine. Executors: My son Mr. Walter Ardern, my son Richard Ardern,
my son Thomas Holgrave. Overseers: Master Litton and my daughter
Katharine. Proved September 21, 1487.
The above-mentioned Master Walter Arden,[509] parson of Cheyham, Surrey,
September 13, 1482, left legacies to every household in his parish; and
10 marks each to Richard, my brother, to Thomas, my brother, to John, my
brother, to Elizabeth Ardern, my sister, to Elizabeth Holgrave, my
sister, to the daughters of my sister Collyns, and to various cousins.
Also to the daughters of Mr. Codyngton, and 10 marcs to poor scholars.
Twenty shillings to reparation of St. Mary's, Cambridge. The residue to
Richard Arden, my brother. Executors: John Deye, Sir John Norwood, and
John Codyngton, the younger, with 10 marks each. Proved October 2, 1492.
Seven years afterwards Richard Arden, of Bosham,[510] Sussex, and of
Bermondsey, left legacies to various churches, and to his brothers
Thomas and John Holgrave. Johane, his wife, sole heir and executor,[511]
with reversion to John Holgrave. Overseers: John of Lee, of Addyngton,
Richard Culpepper, of Ardyns Lee, and John Chaloner, Huwild, 1499.
The name "Collins" makes one think there may be some connection with the
following: Walter Arden,[512] of Hampton, in Highworth, Wilts, makes his
will on April 1, 1540. He leaves to Thomas Ardern, the elder son of my
brother, Richard Arden, £40 and farm stock; to Johane Arden, my servant,
sister to Thomas, £20; to Margaret Sewell, my daughter, £100 and all my
lands; to Elizabeth Palmer, my sister's daughter, and to other
grandchildren, money gifts. My daughter Elizabeth sole executrix; Simon
Yate supervisor.
The goods of Edith Arden, Hampton Turvil, Wilts, were administered in
1578, and those of Richard Arden, of Chilton, 1641.
John Arden,[513] of Hampton Turville, Highworth, Wilts, yeoman, August
16, 1585, leaves half his goods to his wife Amy as long as she is
unmarried, reversion to Thomas Arden, his son; to Editha Collyns, £6
13s. 4d.; to Agnes Collyns, 20s.; to Elizabeth Collyns, 20s.; to Walter
Arden, my godson, 10s.; to Elizabeth Arden, the daughter of my brother,
Henry Arden, a sheep; to each of the children of my brother Richard a
sheep. All the residue to my son, Thomas Arden, executor. Overseers,
brothers Thomas and Virgill Arden, who were also witnesses. Proved
November 28, 1585.
The will was proved of Thomas Arden, of Hampton Turvill, Highworth,
Wilts, yeoman, February 3, 1621. His wife Agnes to live in the house in
convenient rooms and have £10 a year, payable out of the manor of
Westthroppe, in the parish of Heynes; or, if she does not like her diet,
£20 a year. He stands possessed for a terme of 1,000 years in the moitie
and one-half part of one-fifth of the manor of Westthropp, to be given
to eldest son, Thomas Arden, and heirs male; if no heirs, to John Arden,
his second son; then to Edward Arden, his third son; to Nicholas Arden,
his fourth son, each of which are to have £100. To Henry Arden, my son,
£4 a year, and his dwelling in the house at Hampton and good usage
there, and if he does not like his treatment, to have £10 a year. To
John, my son, my tenements in Birdlip, Gloucester; to Edward, my son, a
house in Highworth and the Chantrey House. My kinsman, Thomas Arden, of
Fairford, Gloucester, oweth me £40. I give this to Agnes, my daughter,
wife of Henry Gearinge. Thomas, his son, sole executor. His loving
brother, Thomas Stratton, and Henry Gearing, overseers.[514]
The Ardernes of Cottesford and Kirtlington, Oxford, bore the same arms
as the Park Hall Ardens, with a mullet for difference;[515] but the
relationship is not given in the pedigree of the Visitation. It only
starts with Robert Arden of Cottesford, whose son William[516] married
Agnes Stotesby of Evenley, and he had, first, Thomas, second, John,
third, William, fourth, George. His daughter Alice married Thomas Thorne
of Northampton. Thomas predeceased his father and John succeeded, who
married, first, Isabel Woodward, widow of Richard Swillington, who bore
him a son, Leonard, who became a priest, and Eleanor, married to Anthony
Yate. John married, second, Isabell, daughter of John Gifford, of
Twyford, Bucks, by whom he had John Arden, of Cottesford (who married
Catharine, daughter of John Cheyney, and whose son was John Arden),
Richard, and Anthony, who married Margery, daughter and heir of Walter
Coxe, of Kirtlington, through whom he acquired this property. Anthony's
family consisted of John, Thomas,[517] Henry,[517] Alice, Margaret, and
Mary.
There were Indentures drawn up between Henry VIII. and "John Arderne, of
Cotisford" (see Cromwell's "Remembrances," 1534).
The will of John Arden, of Cottesford, Oxfordshire, gentleman,[518]
November 12, 1557, furnishes us with some particulars. He wished to be
buried before the cross in Cottesford beside his father's tomb. To
Katharine,[519] his wife, if she claimed no jointure, an annuity of £13
6s. 8d. (to be paid by brother Richard Arden, in the lordship of
Willaston), 300 marks, and the house they dwell in, with half the
furniture, etc. "To every of the children of Roger Arndern, of Evynley,
now living, twenty shillings." To his cousin, Robert Thorne, to his
cousin, Nicholas Thorne's wife, to his sister, Eleanor Yates, legacies.
"To John Ardern, son of Anthony Ardern,[520] my young brother,"
tenements, etc.; failing whom, they were to pass to Henry Ardern, third
son of his said brother. To the wives of Richard and Anthony, his
brothers, four angels. To Richard, his brother, all his titles to
Cottesford and Willaston, and to Anthony, his younger brother, the title
of his lease of Shelliswell. Residue to his brothers, the executors;
desiring Mr. Walter Wright, Doctor of the Civil Law and Archdeacon of
Oxfordshire, to be overseer. Witnesses, Nicholas Thorne, Walter Prior,
and John Tench. "Memor.: Laurence Pate, parson of Harwicke, had to hide
the will in his coffer till Arden's death."[521]
Robert Arden, of Berwyck, writes to the Earl of Leicester about Mr.
Arden, of Cotesford, March 1, 1588.
John Arden in 1595 prays some Court service. But in January, 1595-96, he
has been sent to the Marshalsea on suspicion of treason, when he was
about to marry. Nicholas Poutor, in October, 1601, promises to pay £100
to John Ardern, of Kirtlington, in October, 1602.
These Ardens are evidently connected with those of Evenly in
Northamptonshire. Thomas Arden, of Evenly, died between 1520-26; Roger
Arden, of Evenly, 1537-40; William Arden, of Norton, 1548-61.[522] The
Inventory of the goods of John Arden, of Evenley, gent., was taken
November 9, 1559. On the back of this is a settlement, dated 1576,
between John and Thomas Arden, and others.[523]
It is not clear whether the Cottesford Ardens are in any way connected
with a family residing at Henley-on-Thames, co. Oxon. In a will of
Robert Arden he left everything he had to his wife Margery, August 8,
1493;[524] and on February 24, 1525, John Arderne, of Henley,[525] drew
up a will leaving to his daughter Margery £6 13s. 4d.; and to his wife
Johane all his lands and tenements, with remainder, first to his son and
heir, Humphrey Arderne, after him to his son Robert, after him to his
son John, after him to his son Edmund or their heirs. His wife Johane,
executrix; James Hayles, overseer. Proved May 4, 1526.
Beyond the more important habitats, we find Ardens in many English
counties. John Yate, the elder, of Bockland, Berks, gent., in his will,
January 12, 1578,[526] mentions his son-in-law, Mr. John Arderne, and
Anthony Arderne, son of his daughter Bridget, deceased. John Daubeney,
of Woolmeston, gent., April 6, 1625, mentions his brother-in-law, Guy
Arden, of West Chinnock.[527]
The State Papers mention this family.
The names of such of the guard under the Earl of Leicester "as have been
lately preferred to your excellency in Holland, and by whom:
"John Arden, by Mr. Thomas Dudley, January 12, 1585."
"The names of the Household, Flushing, July 21, 1585, Clerk Comptroller,
Thomas Arden."[528]
John Arderne, will June 5, 1605; ob. s. p. December 17, 1605. Inq. at
Woodstock, 5 Jac. I. Oxford and Berks. Thomas, brother and heir, æt. 60.
Thomas Arderne, ob. s. p. August 31, 9 Jac. I. Inq. at Oxford, November
12, 14 Jac. I., Oxford. Henry, brother and heir, æt. 60.
Henry Arderne, ob. May 4 ult. Inq. at Oxford. August 22, August 20, 20
Jac. I. Oxford and Somerset. Margaret, d. and h., æt. 10 years 11 months
14 days.
Of this family probably sprung the Arden mentioned in Bishop Scory's
letter from Whitborn:[529] "Messrs. Mug, Blaxton, Arden and Gregory,
popish priests, were driven out of Exeter, but received elsewhere, and
feasted in the streets with torch-light."--August 17, 1561.
In a search for Arden and other prisoners who had escaped, Popish relics
were found in the house of Francis Yeates, of Lyfford,[530] February 12,
1587. "The examination of John Arden,[531] gent., son of Laurence Arden,
of Chichester, concerning an attempt made against the King of Spain, and
his dealings with Dr. Hall and other fugitives. His brother Robert had
been 24 years a Canon of Toledo in Spain."--December 27, 1590 (?). A
prisoner named Arden is noted for years among the accounts of the Tower
for the boarding of prisoners, and a Mr. Arden[532] escaped thence with
Father Gerard by the assistance of John Lily and Richard Fulwood,
October 8, 1597.
Thomas Arden, Canon of Worcester 1558, was deprived for Catholicism in
1562. (See Wood's "Athenæ Oxonienses"; and also "John Arden(?), late
prebendary of Worcester, accused of heresy 1561.")
FOOTNOTES:
[465] Ormerod's "Cheshire." Ormerod's "Miscellanea Palatina," 72.
[466] Earwaker's "East Cheshire."
[467] Close Roll, 1213.
[468] Bridge's "Northampton"; Whalley's "Northampton," i. 568; Baker's
"Northampton."
[469] Nichols's "Top. et Gen.," i. 47-480.
[470] Issue Roll. Michaelmas, 41 Henry III.
[471] _Ibid._, 9 Edward II.
[472] Ormerod's "Miscellanea Palatina," 73; Nichols's "Coll. Geneal. et
Topog.," i. 47.
[473] Nichols's "Top. et Gen.," vi. 324.
[474] Charters lxxxii., 14.
[475] Earwaker's "East Cheshire," i. 324.
[476] Nichols's "Top. et Gen.," iv., p. 67.
[477] Nicolas's "Roll of Shropshire," 27 Edward II., p. 98, and
Nichols's "Top. et Gen.," vi. 324. No. 967, Parliamentary Roll of Arms
(_Genealogist_, New Series, xii.).
[478] Shaw's "Staffordshire."
[479] Inquis., December 23, 23 Edward III., 1349. See also Shaw's
"Staffordshire."
[480] Ormerod's "Miscellanea Palatina."
[481] Earwaker's "East Cheshire," i. 13, 324.
[482] See Inquis. P. M., 15 Richard II., Sir Thomas of Elleford,
Haselor, Kingsbromley, etc.
[483] See Will at Somerset House, 17 March. Inquis. P. M., 10 Henry IV.,
John of Elford, Lichfield, Kingsbromley, etc.
[484] A Cecilia de Arderne also appears as wife to a John Stanley.
[485] Ralph married Catharine, daughter of Sir W. Stanley, and had a son
Thomas, from whom the Leicestershire Ardens descended.--"Cheshire
Visitations."
[486] Drummond's "Noble British Families."
[487] Add. Ch., 20, 492.
[488] Ashmolean MSS., Bodleian Library. 833, f. 51-59. The family of
Hyde and Arderne, 837, f. 128, and 1137, f. 135 (Arderne pedigree.
Harleian MS., 2074, f. 113). Frances Marbury, née Arden, married Thomas
Marbury, Esq., Marbury (Chester Funeral Certificates, 1634). Earwaker's
"East Cheshire," i. 472.
[489] Earwaker's "East Cheshire," 472.
[490] Burke's "General Armory."
[491] Commissary Court of London, vol. for 1614, ff. 387 and 443.
[492] Foss's "Lives of the Judges," iv. 281. Was he son of Peter of
Alvanley and Cicely de Hyde?
[493] Issues of the Exchequer.
[494] Foss's "Lives of the Judges," iv.
[495] 19 Godyn, Somerset House.
[496] See in 1510 pardon and release to Elizabeth Skreene, _alias_ widow
of Richard Harpur, _alias_ widow of Andrew Dymock, daughter of Sir Peter
Ardern (Papers, Henry VIII.).
[497] Thomas de Bibbesworth, who died 1485, held a moiety of the manor
of Latton (Morant's "Essex," ii. 487).
[498] Newcourt, ii. 543. A Thomas Arden, S.T.B., Prebend of Reculverland
in St. Paul's; Rector of Hadham Magna, exchanged for St. Bride's,
London; Rector of Stambridge Parva 1472. One of the masters of the
college of Pleshy was also called Thomas Arden, 1477, but seems to have
been another of the name. William Arden was presented to Stambridge,
1474.
[499] Add MS., xxxii. 490 (u. 9).
[500] Morant's "Essex," ii. 487.
[501] _Ibid._, i. 148.
[502] Close Rolls, 24 and 25 Henry VI.
[503] 24 Horne. Vicar of Littlebury, February 16, 1463; Strethall, April
25, 1467; Upminster, March 2, 1483 (Newcourt, ii. 394).
[504] Could it have been John Arden, executor of Walter Green? See Will
of Walter Green, Lord of the Manor of Hayes in Middlesex, December 6, 35
Henry VI., 1456, proved on February 12 by Elizabeth his wife, John
Gaynsford, his son-in-law, John Arden, Robert Green, his son, and John
Catesby, his son-in-law. His daughter Alice was wife of Sir John
Holgrave (Nichols, i. 211).
[505] 4 Milles.
[506] 5 Milles.
[507] Katharine Collins. See previous will.
[508] See will of Sir Peter Arderne, p. 203.
[509] 9 Dogett.
[510] Moone. Commissary Wills.
[511] Byfleet Manor in Busselagh parish, Surrey, belonged to John de
Arderne, 2 Edward III. (see Close Roll, 2 Edward III., m. 24), and
Mitcham (Inquis. P. M., 22 Edward III.). Leigh Place, near Reigate,
belonged to the Ardernes _temp._ Henry VI. John Arderne was Sheriff of
Surrey and Sussex in 1432. In Leigh Church is a sepulchral brass in
memory of John Arderne and Elizabeth his wife and six children, without
date. Also one to the memory of Richard Arderne and Johanna his wife,
which Richard died November 22, 1489(?). His arms were a Fesse chequy
between three crescents impaling a chevron three stags. Among gentlemen
12 Henry VI., "John Ardern of Lye," arm. (Fuller's "Worthies of Surrey,"
33; in Rot. Capella. Inquis. P. M., 15 Henry VII., Richard Arden).
Brayley's "Surrey," iv. 282.
[512] 8 Alenger.
[513] 54 Brudenell. See "Berkshire Wills." The Loan, 1523. The
certificate of Simon Yate, Highworth, and of Westropp, Walter Arden.
Pap. Henry VIII., P.R.O. In 1539 Simon and Thomas Yate each find a
horse, harness, bill, sword and dagger, and Walter Arden a horse and
harness with bows and arrows; Thomas Arden a harness.
[514] 53 Dale.
[515] See Harl. MS., 1095, f. 93. Harl. Public., Visit. Oxford. Sir
Thomas Phillipps' "Oxfordshire Visitations."
[516] Fuller's "Worthies of England," Oxfordshire, 343, gives among the
county gentry of 12 Henry VI. a William Anderne(?). Fuller thinks the
Commissioners passed too many gentry for this small shire. In others it
was the cream, here the thin milk.
[517] Inquis. P. M. of Thomas, 14 James I., of Henry, 20 James I.
[518] 52 Wrastley.
[519] Katharine, daughter of John Cheney of Woodaye, Esq., married to
John Arderne of Cottesford, co. Oxon. See Visitation of Wiltshire, 1565
(_Genealogist_, New Series, xii.).
[520] He had to prove his right to Kirtlington and Jackley,
Oxfordfordshire (Hil. Rec., 10 Elizabeth, Rot. 38).
[521] Anthony's will was proved in 1572, 3 Peter, Somerset House.
[522] Northampton and Rutland Wills.
[523] Inq. P. M., 1 & 2, Ph. & M.
[524] 11 Vox, Somerset House Wills.
[525] _Ibid._, 6 Porch.
[526] Somersetshire Wills, printed, Fourth Series.
[527] _Ibid._
[528] Cotton MS., Galba, c. viii.
[529] State Papers, Dom. Ser., Eliz., xix. 24.
[530] _Ibid._, cxcviii. 12.
[531] _Ibid._, ccxxxiv. 66.
[532] "Life of Father John Gerard," by John Morris, p. cxv.
CHAPTER V
BRANCHES IN OTHER COUNTIES
An interesting Arden whom I have not been able to connect with any
relatives was John Arderne, of Newark,[533] a physician who practised
with distinction at the time of the plague, 1349, and whose medical
books were freely quoted by Johannes Argentein and succeeding medical
writers.
I have not found his arms. There is, indeed, the seal of a John Arderne,
son and heir of Sir Adam de Arderne, of Lincolnshire, 1312, in the
British Museum, bearing a shield[534] "Ermine, on a bend three crosses
crosslet, depending from a tree of three small branches," who might have
been the same person.
Richard Arderne owned a messuage in Stanford, Lincoln, 27 Edward III.,
Inquis. P.M. As late as 1501 an Edmund Arden,[535] of St. Martin's,
Lincoln, left a gown to his brother Thomas, a gown to Pierce Arden, and
other legacies. John Gedney married Mary, daughter of John Arden, of
Sibsey, co. Lincoln (Visitation, 1592). In the neighbourhood there was a
noted Robert de Arderne, of co. Norfolk, 1315, whose seal bears two
shields side by side in fesse; Dext. ermine a fesse chequy Arden;
Sinist. on a fesse three garbs with cabalistic letters, explained in
_Journ. Brit. Arch. Ass._, xl. 317.[536]
Nothing brilliant is recorded of the Ardens of Yorkshire. Sir ---- de
Arderne, bearing arms Arg. a lion ramp. az. debruized by a baston gu.,
appears in Planché's Roll of Arms of Henry III.[537] John de Ardern, of
Yorkshire, is in the list of gentlemen of 43 Edward III. He is mentioned
also as witness for Haselden, of Goldyngton, 41 Edward III. Thomas
Arden, of Marton, near Bridlington, 1455, and Margaret, his wife, 1458,
were buried in Bridlington Priory.[538] William Ardern, of Belthorp, was
among the gentlemen of 12 Henry VI.[539] John Arderne, of Kelingthorpe,
secured an exemption from serving on juries, April 1, 8 Henry VIII., at
Greenwich.[540] There are many documents in the Record Office concerning
the sale of the lands of John Ardern, of Kelingthorpe,[541] York; and a
receipt from Thomas Perpoint, draper, London, of £516 paid him by John
Arden; also a release to Perpoint and John Arden by Thomas Hennage of
the Cardinal's household. To this Hennage, Arden grants the wardship of
his son Peter; and, if he should die, the wardship of Raffe; failing
whom, the wardship of John, his third son, 1533. His wife was Margery.
Sir Raff Ellerker married Jane, daughter of John Arden, Esq.
(Visitation, Yorks, 1563). There is also noted the Inquis. P. M., of
Peter Arden, of York, 22 Henry VIII.,[542] and William Arden's lease of
Yaresthorpe, Yorks. The priory of nuns at Arden, founded 1150, was
suppressed in 1536.[543]
[Illustration: SWAN THEATRE (BY DR. GAIDERTY.)
_To face p. 214._]
The Ardens appeared also early in Essex. At the Conqueror's Survey, Earl
Eustace of Boulogne owned Horndon-on-the-Hill,[544] but the next owners
were Ardernes, who built Ardern Hall. In 1122 Thomas Ardern and his son
Thomas gave to the monks of Bermondsey the tithe of the corn in their
lordship of Horndon. Sir Ralph de Ardern, of Horndon, was Sheriff of
Essex, 39 and 40 Henry III.[545] His seal bore on a shield a fesse
chequy between two roundels.[546] Sir Thomas de Arderne, the son of
Ralph, used "a seal, bearing two trumpets, mouthpieces in base, between
nine crosses crosslet in fesse, three and three, in pale S. Thome de
Arderne."[547] John Lovetot, who died in 1295, held land of him in
Horndon, by the service of one rose of yearly rent; and John de Arderne
granted lands in Rochford 33 Edward I.[548] The manor of Walkefares, in
Clavering, Essex, belonged to Walter Arden some time previous to
1340.[549]
The property of Timothy Arden, Somerset, was administered 1631.[550]
There was an Inquisition Post Mortem of William de Arderne, of
Chelesworthy Manor, Devon, in 56 Henry III. (39). Another of Adam de
Ardern, 53 Henry III. (35), owner of Colverden, Walesworth, and Berton
juxta Gloucester.
In 1 Edward VI. Inquisition Post Mortem of William Arden, Wig, the
administration of the goods of Richard Arden, of Worcester, was granted
his wife Margaret, 1636 (Admins., 1636-38, f. 116, Worcester).
William Arden, parson, of Wennington, in 1582, left small legacies to
his sister-in-law, Bridget Doulton, and all the rest to his two
daughters, Alice Arden, who married a Stevenson, and Margaret
Arden.[551]
In the Visitation of the Cheshire Ardens, it is stated that from Thomas,
son of Ralph and brother of John, the Leicestershire Ardens are
descended.[552]
In the great "History of Leicestershire," edited by Nichols, there are a
few notices of the name, and these chiefly of the Warwickshire Ardens,
who held property in the shire. Baldwin Freville owned certain lands at
Ratcliffe held by Roger de Ardern 1387.[553] Sir Robert of Park Hall was
Sheriff of Warwickshire and Leicestershire 16 Henry VI.
"Thomas Ferrars holds of the heirs of Roger Arden the third part of the
feod of Radcliffe, Leicestershire," 37 Henry VI., Inquis. P. M. (34).
Simon de Ardern and Hugo de Arderne were priests 1387.[554]
In Bedford, the earliest entry I have found is the record of lands of
Sir Thomas de Arderne, "utlagatus pro feloniis et transgressionibus,"
Rokesden Manor and Bereford Cottage in Bedfordshire, 21 Edward III.
(Inquis. P. M. 60).
[Illustration: THE BEAR GARDEN AND HOPE THEATRE]
[Illustration: SWAN THEATRE.
_To face p. 216._]
William Ardern of Struton, in Oskellyswade, co. Beds, Clerk of the
Market to the King's household, Crest a boar quarterly, or and az.,
granted by Barker (Stowe, 692; "Misc. Gen. et Her.," Harwood, New
Series, xii. 13).[555] A William Ardern wrote to Cromwell, from Hawnes,
May 27, 1535, on behalf of Mr. Franklyn, cited before my Lord of Lincoln
(Letters and Papers Henry VIII., Gairdner). Can these be the same?
Compare pp. 171, 172, 188 and notes.
There was an Inquisition Post Mortem on the property of Isabel Arden,
Ideot, Bedfordshire, 10 Elizabeth.
The manor of Lyesnes, in Kent, was released to Thomas Ardern in 37 Henry
VIII.[556] There are many notices of the Kent Ardens in Hasted's
"History of Kent." But perhaps public attention was drawn most to the
member of the family who was murdered.[557] The story is closely
followed in the "Tragedy of Arden of Feversham," by some attributed to
Shakespeare, though with little probability.
Burke[558] gives many other branches; as, for instance, Arden of Sunbury
Park, Middlesex, and Rickmansworth Park, Herts; arms: Ermine, two
barrulets compony or and azure, in chief three boars' heads erased of
the last, armed of the second, langued gu.
Ardens of East Burnham, Bucks, same arms. Arden of Blackden Hall, co.
Chester, Ermine, a fesse chequy or and az.; same crest as the Park Hall
arms, but with different motto.
Various Ardens drifted to London, but there seems to have been one
business family settled there from early times. Thomas of Plumstede left
rents and a cellar, called Drynkwater Taverne, in the parish of St.
Magnus, to John Arderne, fishmonger, September 26, 1361.[559] John
Hanhampsted left the reversion of tenements held for life by John
Arderne, Esquire, in the parish of St. Mary Aldermanchurch, May 4,
1424.[560] An administration of goods of John Arderne, of St.
Sepulchre's, was granted February 15, 1508.[561]
In May, 1534, a pardon was granted John Appowell for abetting John Done,
a thief, who stole a gown and a piece of cloth belonging to Thomas
Ardrenne from the house of Thomas Chief, May, 1534.[562]
Thomas Arden, September 29, 1549, citizen and clothworker, left all his
goods to Agnes, his wife; will proved January 27, 1549.[563]
Robert Arden, of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, vintner, and Agnes Mather
of the same, were licensed to be married at any church in the
jurisdiction of Westminster, November 27, 1568.[564]
A Robert Arden was assistant to the Clerk of the Accatory, 1577.[565]
Several deliveries to him of Government victuals are noted in State
Papers, 1594-97.
I do not know whether or not he is the Robert Arden who writes a letter
to the Government about the composition of ling and cod from the Iceland
fisheries, landed in Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, September 14, 1593, a
letter interesting as showing the relative trade of the towns at that
date.[566]
At St. Saviour's, Southwark, Robert Stillard and Bridget Arden were
married August 21, 1618.[567]
Among marriage licenses[568] are those of Richard Bromfield and Jane
Arden, February 14, 1564; John Arden and Dorothy Hazard, of the city of
Westminster, June 16, 1639;[569] Hugh Phillips, gent., of St.
Margaret's, Westminster, and Elizabeth Arden, of same, November 17,
1641;[570] Henry Arden, of Chelmsford, Essex, gent., widower, and Mary
Boosie, of Writtle, spinster, at St. Magnus the Martyr, London, February
22, 1664;[571] Thomas Arden, of the city of Westminster, Esq., to
Theodosia Long, October 10, 1664; William Ardern, junior, gent., Bach.,
of St. Martin's, Ludgate, and Mrs. Margaret Smith, of Great Wigborough,
Essex, widow, to be married there, March 21, 1665-66;[572] John Arden,
of St. James's, Westminster, widower, aged about fifty, and Mrs.
Elizabeth Wright, spinster, twenty-two, January 12, 1687-88.
Gabriel Josselyn, gent., of St. Michael, Bassinghall,[573] and
Elizabeth, daughter of ---- Arden of same, deceased, December 1, 1587.
John Brown, of St. Olave's, Hart Street, London, haberdasher, and Anne
Arden, of St. Andrew's,[574] Holborn, widow of John Ardern, Fletcher,
February 10, 1595.
The will of Robert Arden, gent., Deptford, was proved 1579.[575]
An Alexander Arderne, of Deptford, wished to be buried in the churchyard
beside the hawthorn-tree; he had a wife, Elizabeth, a brother-in-law,
William Inson, and no children, February 26, 1639.[576] Administration
of the goods of James Arden, London, was granted his wife Anne,[577]
1639. Thomas le Barber, from Peter de Arderne, held tenements in the
parish of St. Clements Danes.[578] Alicia Arderne, who was wife of
Richard Hampton, left tenements in the parish of St. Mary in the Strand
and in the parish of St. Clement's Danes, 1466.
It seems wiser to group a set of records not generally accessible to
students, which, though preserved in London, concern the Ardens of many
branches--I mean a set of deeds, charters, and conveyances preserved
among the Guildhall Records of London:
"Johanna Arden, wife of Roger de Arden, tailor, 1295. Roll 24.
"Henry de Arderne, A.D. 1305. Roll 34 (35).
"Cecilia, wife of Henry de Arderne, 1307. Roll 36 (26).
"Agnes, wife of William de Arderne, 1307....
"Henry, son of William de Arderne....
"John, son of William de Arderne, 1337 and 1345.
"Hugh de Arderne, 1321. Roll 50 (5); A.D. 1342. Roll 70 (2).
"Alice, wife of Hugh de Arderne ... Johanna, wife of ...
"Giles de Arderne, 1351. Roll 80 (29).
"John Arden, called Mordon, Stockfishmonger, 1363.
Roll 91 (87) (93); also 1371, 1373, 1374, 1377.
"Margaret, wife of John, called Mordon....
"Isabella, wife of Richard Arden, and widow of John Melbourne,
co. Surrey, 1392. Roll 121 (143).
"Alice, wife of Thomas de Arden, Brewer, 1371. Roll 99 (83).
"... 1372. Roll 100 (54) (55), 1373, 1376; 104 (145).
"Alice, widow of Richard de Arderne, 1403. Roll 131 (61).
"John Arden, Esq., 1413. Roll 141 (25-36); 1421 (Roll 149).
"... 1426. Roll 154 (50); 1457, Roll 185 (32).
"Margaret, wife of John Arden, gent., 1413 and 1421; same Rolls.
"Peter Ardern, chief Baron of the Exchequer, 1459. Roll 188 (37).
"Thomas Arden, clerk, 1466. Roll 196 (17).
"John Arden, of Creechurch, merchant tailor, 1625. Roll 302 (15).
"Francis Arden, son of Richard, Cit. and Loriner,
of London, 1646, Apprentice."
The Royalist Composition Papers,[579] 1644-57, mention as "Delinquents,"
"Mr. Arden," "John," "Robert" is mentioned twenty-three times, "Thomas,"
"Ann," "Elizabeth," "Godetha," "Mary," "Mrs. Arden," "John and Mary
Arderne." And many other allusions could be added to the list of
references to the various members of this distinguished family.
COLONIAL ARDENS.
In speaking of the Ardens of Victoria, Burke[580] disclaims their right
to arms, but nevertheless derives them from Humphrey Arden. He says:
"The first recorded ancestor, Humphrey Arden, of Longcroft, co.
Stafford, died in 1705, and so far from being able to show descent from
Siward, they are unable even to prove connection with the extinct family
of Arden of Park Hall."
Here Burke is clearly in the wrong. If they can prove their descent from
Humphrey of Longcroft, they can through him claim descent from the
Ardens of Park Hall and from Siward, as can be seen from all pedigrees.
FOOTNOTES:
[533] Ashmolean MS., 829, iii., and 1434, i.; also Sententiæ, 1437, Art.
xv., alluded to in Gerard's "Herbal," 657.
[534] Harl. Chart., 45, D. 9.
[535] 23 Moone, proved May 26, 1501.
[536] "Misc. Gen. et Her.," N. S., iv. 21; "Yorksh. Archæo. Journ.," xi.
12.
[537] Burton's "Monasticon Eboracense," p. 250.
[538] Fuller's "Worthies of Yorkshire."
[539] Letters and Papers Henry VIII., 1524, _et seq._, Gairdner.
[540] Pat. 9 Henry VIII., p. 1, m. 14.
[541] Add. Chart. 8069. See also Blomfield's "Hist. of Norfolk," viii.
533.
[542] Peter Arden, son and heir of John, ob. May 20, 21 Henry VIII.;
Inq. at Poklyngton, York. Ralph Arden, brother and heir of Peter, then
aged eighteen.
[543] Burton's "Monasticon Eboracense," p. 90.
[544] Morant's "History of Essex," i. 216.
[545] Fuller's "Worthies of Essex," 341.
[546] Harl. Charters, 45, D. 8, Brit. Mus. See also p. 193.
[547] Add Chart., 19,967.
[548] Inquis. Post. Mort., 33 Edward I., 117.
[549] Morant's "Essex," i. 148. John Arderne was Vicar of Harwich
Chapel, March 23, 1388. Will Arderne, Vicar of Tolleshunt Darcy, April
4, 1676.
[550] Administrations, Somerset, f. 4, 1631-33.
[551] Consistory Court, f. 162, Sperin, and 291, Bullock.
[552] Visitation of Cheshire.
[553] "History of Leicester," iv. 939.
[554] _Ibid._, 19.
[555] This William Arden left a son, Thomas, who had no heirs ("Grants
and Certificates of Arms," _Genealogist_, New Series, xiii.).
[556] Originalia et Memoranda on the Lord Treasurer's side of the
Exchequer.
[557] "Receyved of Mr. Arden for a payer of wheels and the hedd of an
old pageant, 2s. 8d. 1504." "Payd. For the charges of brenning Mrs.
Arden, and the execution of George Bradshaw, 43s."--Chamberlain's
Accounts, City of Canterbury, 1550-1.
[558] Burke's "General Armory."
[559] Wills of the Court of Hustings, ii., p. 63.
[560] _Ibid._
[561] Commissary Court Admins., 1508.
[562] Papers of Henry VIII., P.R.O.
[563] 31^a Clyffe, Commissary Court Wills.
[564] Chester's "Marriage Licenses of Bishop of London."
[565] State Papers, Dom. Ser., Eliz., cxx. 34.
[566] Brit. Mus., Add. MS., 34,729.
[567] Registers of St. Saviour's, Southwark.
[568] "Marriage Licenses of Dean of Westminster," Harl. Publ.
[569] _Ibid._
[570] "Marriage Licenses of Dean of Westminster," Harl. Pub.
[571] _Ibid._
[572] _Ibid._
[573] Chester's "Marriage Licenses."
[574] _Ibid._
[575] 35 Bakou.
[576] 5 Stevenson, Somerset House.
[577] Administrations, 1639, f. 36, Somerset House.
[578] Inquis. P.M., 1 Edward III. (12).
[579] See Index Library (12).
[580] Burke's "Colonial Gentry," _Genealogist_, New Series, xiii.
TERMINAL NOTES.
Page 2.--Mary, Countess of Southampton, was the mother of Shakespeare's
patron, the Earl of Southampton, to whom he dedicated "Venus and Adonis"
in 1593, and "The Rape of Lucrece" in 1594. In both of these poems,
probably corrected by himself, his name is spelt _Shakespeare_. In 1594
the Countess married Sir Thomas Henneage, the Vice-Chamberlain of the
Household, and that same year Shakespeare was invited to act at Court.
Sir Thomas died the following year, after a lingering illness, and his
widow had to superintend the making up of his official books, and check
the bills. And thus it happened that it was she who introduced the
_first official record of Shakespeare's name_, and probably spelt it
correctly, according to the contemporary usage.
Page 5.--Mr. Nanson, the town clerk of Carlisle, has in his possession
the deed which concerns the Shakesperes of Penrith, 21 Richard II.
Page 22.--Shakespeare's shield bore an ordinary _canting_ pattern, or
one that was based upon the supposed meaning of the name. But the use of
the falcon in the crest requires explanation. French says: "The falcon
was one of the badges of Edward IV., father of Henry VII.'s Queen
Elizabeth. No person would venture to adopt this without special favour"
("Shakespeareana Genealogica," p. 523). There is something keenly
suggestive of expected objections in the motto, "Non sanz droict." Some
day, perhaps, it may be discovered why this crest and motto were
assumed.
Page 27.--Aston Cantlow, with the castle of Abergavenny, was settled on
Sir William de Beauchamp, second son of Thomas, Earl of Warwick, 12
Henry IV. It descended to his son, Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Worcester,
whose daughter Elizabeth married Sir Edmund Neville, and brought it to
him (Dugdale's "Warwickshire").
Page 27.--Another opinion of the derivation of Thomas Arden has been
discussed. It has been supposed possible that he might have been
descended from Thomas Arden of Leicestershire, son of Ralph Arden of
Alvanley, by his wife Catharine, daughter of Sir William Stanley, of
Hooton. This would account for the grant of the Cheshire arms, and would
not thrust him out of the Arden pedigree; but the theory is not
satisfactory on other grounds. One main objection is that there was no
known Thomas of suitable date in that family. But in the Park Hall
family there was a Thomas known to be alive during the period between
1502 and 1526, who has _never been traced_, if he did not go to Aston
Cantlow. Members of the Arden family accept him as the missing brother
of Sir John, and believe that it was through a careless mistake of the
heralds that the fesse chequy was struck out, and that the Shakespeares
resented the substitution of another in place of the arms to which they
had a right, and never accepted the grant. During the discussion John
Shakespeare died.
Page 27.--The pedigrees of those associated with the Ardens are worth
noting, and their wills might suggest connections.
Page 32.--It would be interesting to find and group the Warwickshire
Ardens who bore the three cross-crosslets and the chief or, for it has
never been done.
Page 35.--Thomas Arden was presented for owing suit of Court in 1526,
1529, 1531. (See Portfolio 207, Court Rolls, No. 88.)
Page 36.--Thomas and Robert Arden's purchase at Snitterfield had been
witnessed by John Wagstaff,[581] Richard Rushby, of Snitterfield,
Richard Atkins, of Wilmecote, John Alcokkes, of Newenham. The overseers
of Robert Arden's will were Adam Palmer,[582] of Wilmecote, Hugh
Porter,[583] of Snitterfield, and John Skerlett, of Wilmecote; the
witnesses, Sir William Bouton Curett, Adam Palmer, John Scarlet, Thomas
Jenkes, William Pitt. Adam Palmer was overseer of Mrs. Agnes Arden's
will, in conjunction with George Gibbes, who had, later, the lease of
Asbies from the Shakespeares at the time of its mortgage to Lambert.
Page 45.--A Thomas Mayo had a seat in the Church of St. Nicholas,
Warwick, 1595; an Elizabeth Mayo was buried there in 1596; and Henry
Maio in 1601. (See Churchwarden's Accounts of St. Nicholas, Warwick,
edited by Mr. Richard Savage.) The Webbes of Snitterfield appear among
the gentry of the country in 1580 (State Papers, Domestic Series, Eliz.,
c. xxxvii. 68).
Page 51.--It is difficult to imagine John Shakespeare making up the
bills for the other Chamberlains, or conducting so many financial
responsibilities, if he was unable to read and write, as well as reckon
well--as Halliwell-Phillipps says he was.
Page 52.--The goods of Richard Shakespeare were prised at £35 17s., and
the bond for their just administration entered into by John Shakespeare
and Thomas Nicols, of £100, seems disproportionably large, unless there
were some unusually heavy responsibilities attached. John Shakespeare
may very well have been termed a farmer if he had been brought up as
one, and if he had been superintending his father's farm at the time of
his death. In the description of a neighbouring farm, Ingon is mentioned
as "now or late in the occupation of John Shaxspere or his assignes." It
is quite possible that he was the responsible farmer, and that Henry his
brother was his "assigne." Ingon, though in the parish of
Hampton-on-Avon, was very near Snitterfield.
Page 56.--Henry Shakespeare probably quarrelled with Mr. Cornwall, the
second husband of Margaret Arden, about the resettlement of Snitterfield
farm, and went to reside at Ingon, though taken in his brother's name.
The Court Rolls show that he was "contumaceous" in not paying tithes,
May 22, 1582, and was "excommunicated." "Of Henry Shaxper, for not
labouring with teems for the amending of the Queen's Highway, 2/6." "Of
Henry Shaxper for having a dich between Redd Hill and Burmans in decay
for want of repair, Oct. 22nd, 1596." Probably the man was ill and dying
then. He was buried two months later.
Page 58.--The petition of the burgesses of Stratford-on-Avon for relief
of burdens shows that the borough had fallen into decay through the
decline in the wool trade. From this general depression John Shakespeare
probably suffered.
Page 61.--"The Book of John Fisher of Warwick" shows that the master of
the Grammar School there had a salary of £10 a year. Seeing that the
master of Stratford-on-Avon Grammar School had £20 a year, it is
probable that the burgesses had a better selection of scholars as
candidates.
Page 62.--It is too often forgotten that Anne Hathaway lost her father
in the summer of 1582. It is probable that the betrothal would therefore
be a quiet one. It is also more than likely that she went to reside with
a friend or relative after her father's death, and that this caused the
confusion in the address in the marriage bond. The bridegroom in general
only required one guarantee for a bond of the kind; but Shakespeare
being under age, the one became his representative, and the other
guarantor for that representative.
Page 67.--"The Comedy of Errors" was doubtless one of the plays
performed before the Queen at Christmas, 1594, seeing that it was ready
to be put upon the boards at the Gray's Inn Revels on the spur of the
moment. I have discussed this at full in my paper, "The Earliest
Official Record of Shakespeare's Name," Berlin (a copy at the British
Museum); also in a long letter to the _Times_, January, 1895.
Page 70.--James Burbage bought the part of a house in Blackfriars from
Sir William More, February 4, 1596, which he afterwards converted into a
theatre. Regarding the quarrel with Allen and "the Theatre" lease, see
the depositions in the case of Burbage _v._ Allen taken at Kelvedon, in
Essex, August, 1600, reproduced in Halliwell-Phillips's "Outlines," i.
350. Further illustration of the earning proportions of players and
proprietors may be learned from the article by Mr. James Greenstreet,
"The Whitefriars Theatre at the Time of Shakespeare" (The New
Shakespearean Society's Transactions, 1888).
Page 77.--In John Combe's will there is mentioned a field in Ingon Lane,
called Parson's Close, or Shakespeare's Close. This may have been one of
the poet's minor purchases, or merely a name come down from Henry's
time.
Page 78.--A petition was sent up to the Lord Chief Justice from the
Corporation of Stratford-on-Avon, to restrain William Combe, Esq., son
and heir of John Combe, March 27, 1616. He overthrew the Aldermen who
came peaceably to hinder his digging, whereof great tumult arose. In
spite of orders to the contrary, he continued his enclosures, and
another petition was addressed to the Privy Council, describing "Mr.
Combe of so unbridled a disposition," etc. On February 14, 1618, a reply
came signed, "Francis Verulam," "Pembroke," "Naunton," "Fulke Greville"
(Wheler Collection, Stratford-on-Avon).
Page 82.--From the town clerk's account of what took place at the Halls
during Shakespeare's lifetime, we are sure that his position must have
been anomalous.
"The Halle, 17 Dec., 45 Eliz. Plays. At this Halle yt ys ordered that
there shalbe no plays or enterludes played in the Chamber, the Guild
Halle, nor in any parte of the House or Courte, from hensforward, upon
payne that whosoever of the Baylif, Aldermen, and burgisses of this
boroughe shall give leave or licence thereunto shall forfeit for everie
offence 10s.
"7 Feb., 1611-12, 45 Eliz."
"... The inconvenience of plaies being verie seriouslie considered of,
with their unlawfulness, and how contrarie the sufferance of them is
against the orders heretofore made, and against the examples of other
well-governed cities and burrowes the Compaine here are contented, and
they conclude that the penaltie of 10s. imposed in Mr. Baker's year, for
breaking of the order shall from henceforth be £10 upon breakers of that
order, and this to holde until the next common council, and from
henceforth for ever, excepted that be then finally revoked and made
void." This was the period of Shakespeare's retirement to
Stratford-on-Avon.
Page 84.--It may be noted as a coincidence that the plays were published
in folio the year of Mrs. Shakespeare's death. Some change among the
leases, or the termination of the connection with his family through the
death of his widow, may have suggested this.
Page 93.--A Robert Hall rented the old School House in
Stratford-on-Avon, and paved the Guild Hall, 1568. A Richard Hall was
churchwarden of St. Nicholas, Warwick, in 1552, who died in 1558, and
among the churchwarden's accounts are notices of Richard Hall the
younger, Nicholas Hall, John, Alice, Simon and "Eme Hall." "Received of
Ric. Hawle the younger for the benevolence that Richard Hawle gave unto
the poor out of his lands in Church Street, World without end," 1566-67.
Richard Hall was churchwarden in 1600 and in 1606 (Churchwarden's
Accounts, St. Nicholas, Warwick, Mr. Richard Savage).
Page 99.--Michael Drayton frequently visited Sir Henry Rainsford at the
Manor House, Clifford Chambers. This gentleman had married Anne Goodyere
of Polesworth, whose parents were Drayton's patrons. She was the "Idea"
of his sonnets. (See introduction to "Michael Drayton," by Oliver Elton,
1895.)
Page 103.--Susanna Hall's signature appears on the settlements of 1639,
and on that of 1647, in which her daughter joined.
Page 104.--"15th Dec., 1648. Tithes: Mrs. Elizabeth Nashe for Shottery
Corne Tithes, being of the yearly value of one hundred pounds, £5."
"28th June, 1650. Mrs. Elizabeth Barnard for Shotterie Corn tythes of
the yearly value of one hundred and twentie pounds, £6." (Wheler's
Notes, Stratford-on-Avon.)
Page 107.--There are many Bagleys in the parish registers of St.
Martin's-in-the-Fields, and also Hathaways. It _may_ be they were
connections.
Page 110.--Halliwell-Phillipps states that in the "Coram Rege Roll of
1597, Gilbert Shakespeare is named as one of those standing bail for a
clockmaker of Stratford"; and adds that he is described as "Haberdasher
of St. Bridget's Parish, London." Through the kind permission of the
Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, I have been allowed to go through
their books at leisure, and find that there is no trace of a Shakespeare
anywhere, and in the sixteenth century, no trace even of a _Gilbert_,
except "Gilbert Shepherd," who took up his freedom in 1579. Neither is
there any trace of him in the registers of St. Bridget's or St. Bride's,
nor in the Subsidy Rolls, but in both places appear Gilbert Shepherd. I
am, therefore, forced to the conclusion that Halliwell-Phillipps misread
"Shepherd" as "Shakespeare." See my article in the _Athenæum_, Dec. 22,
1900, "John Shakespeare, of Ingon, and Gilbert of St. Bride's."
Page 112.--William Hart, the hatter, died a week before his
brother-in-law, probably of the same epidemic. Joan Hart, his widow,
survived till November 4, 1646. Their eldest son William was an actor.
(See Royal Warrant, May 17, 1636; Halliwell-Phillipps, i. 129.) In
William Hewitt's "Visits to Remarkable Places," 1839, he mentions
Stratford and a boy whom he had noticed from his likeness to the poet.
He turned out to be a descendant of his sister Joan Hart, and was called
William Shakespeare Smith (_Notes and Queries_, 5th Series, VIII. 475).
Probably the same referred to on page 109.
Page 116.--Thomas Shakespeare seemed to have been somewhat like Henry in
character. He was entered on the Court Roll at a rental of £4 in 1563.
"At the Court 31st March, 23 Eliz., he incurred a penalty of 4d. for not
having and exercising bows; for not wearing cappes 4d.; for leaving his
swine unringed in the fields 12d." He appears also as a juror several
times in court.
Page 121.--Mr. Rylands' "Records of Rowington" supply many details, as,
for instance:
"In 1576, a lease by feoffees, among whom was Thomas Shakespeare, was
granted Richard Shakespeare of Rowington, weaver of the 'Tyinges.'"
In the same year a lease of "the Harveys" was granted to "Elenor
Shakespeare, widow, of Rowington," 20 Feb., 18 Eliz.
The customary rent of Rowington, 1605, mentions "Thomas Shakespeare, one
close, 2/; one tofte and 16 acres, 13/4; one messuage, etc., 10/4."
"George Shakespeare, one cottage and 2 acres, 2/."
"Richard Shakespere, one messuage, half a yd land (14
acres), 14/."
"John Shakespeare, one cottage and one quarter yd land (9
acres), 6/8."
The Court Rolls, 1633, give:
"Imprimis of Jane Shaxper for default of sute of court
fined, 4d."
"Thomas Shaxper, vitler, for breaking assize of ale and
beer, 4d."
"1634, Richard Shaxper, for encroaching on common, 2d."
"1647, fine of admittance to land, Thomas Shaxper, 6/8."
"Exchequer lay subsidies," Thomas in 1595, 1598, 1599,
"assessed on goods valued £4,8/."
"Lay subsidies 1668," Thomas, "assessed on land, 30/ and
4/."
In 1674 John Shakespeare, in the name of the other tenants of Rowington,
was empowered to bring an action against enclosures.
A grant of a fee of 20/ a year by will of Humphrey Shakespeare, 1794,
was payable out of premises in Kingswood.
This cottage was the subject of a lawsuit in which Jane Lord and John
Slye _v._ Humphrey Shakespeare and one Culcup were at variance. Humphrey
had a 200 years' lease, and left it to the poor of the parish.
SHAKESPEARES FROM THE REGISTER OF ROWINGTON.
"1616, Mar. 16. Baptisms: Thomas Shaxspere, son of William
Shaxspire."
"1619, Ap. 28. William Shakespeare, son of John
Shakespeare."
"Aug. 13. William Shakespeare, son of Thomas Shakespeare."
"1621, Aug. 18. Thomas Shaxper, son of Thomas Shaxper."
"Nov. 4. Elizabeth, dau. of John Shaxper."
"1622, William Shaxpere was Churchwarden."
"1624, April 26. Clement Shaxpire, son of John Shaxpire,
bapt."
"July 23. John Sheldon and Jone Shaxspear married."
"1630, Ap. 4. Baptisms: Elizabeth Shaxspeare, d. of Thomas
Shaxspire."
"1633, Ap. 20. Thomas Shaxspeare, son of Thomas Shaxspeare."
"1634, Dec. 30. Thomas Shakspeare, son of John Shaxspeare."
"1635, May 5. Burial: John Shakespear buried."
"1637. Baptisms: July 18, Mary, dau. of Thomas and Elizabeth
Shakesper."
"1638, Aug. 17. Burial: Christopher Shakspeare buried."
"1639, Mar. 8. Baptism: John, son of John Shakespeare and
Mary bapt.
"William Shaxspere Churchwarden."
"1640, Aug. 3. Burials: Anne, d. of Thomas Shakespeare,
buried."
"1641, April 10. Thomas Shakespear, son of Thomas Shakespear
and Margaret, bur."
"Oct. 30. Mary, daughter of Thomas Shakespear, buried."
"1642, Feb. 14. Thomas, son of John Shakespeare, buried."
"1643, June 14. Clement, son of John Shakespeare, buried."
"1645, Sept. 18. Anne Shakespeare, widowe, buried."
"1646, July 12. William Shakespeare buried."
"July 24. The wife of William Shakespeare buried."
"Feb. 20. William Shakespeare, senior, buried."
"Mar. 8. Thomas Shakespeare buried."
"1647, Sep. 20. Mary, dau. of William Shakespeare, junior,
and Elizabeth his wife, buried."
"Oct. 1. Elizabeth, d. of John Shakespear, buried."
"Nov. 4. Elizabeth, dau. of William Shakespeare, jun., and
Margaret his wife."
"1649, Oct. 5. William Shakspeare, junior, buried."
"1650, Dec. 25. John Shakespeare, junior, buried."
"1651, Mar. 3. Widow Shakspeare buried."
[A gap in the registers.]
"1662, Feb. 17. John, sonne of John Shakspeare of Kingswood,
bapt."
"1663, Mar. 29. Thomas, son of John Shakspeare of ye hill,
bapt."
"1664, Feb. 8. Josiah, sonne of John Shakespeare of ye hill,
bap. Feb. 8, buried Feb. 17."
"1665, Ap. 3. Richard, son of John Shakespeare of Kingswood,
bapt."
"1665, Dec. 3. Mary, dau. of John Shakespeare, bapt."
"1666, Mar. 18. John Shakspeare of Kingswood brook buried."
"1667, Aug. 6. Old William Shakespeare of Brookfurlong
buried."
"Nov. 23. Margaret Shakespeare of Whitehall, widdow, buried.
John Shakesper Churchwarden."
"1668, June 1. Samuel, son of John Shakespeare and Rebecca,
his wife, bapt., buried June 6."
"June 28. Rebecca, wife of John Shakespeare of the Hill,
buried."
"1669, Nov. 20. Old Thomas Shakespeare of Whitley Elme,
buried."
"1670, Sep. 29. Widdow Shakespeare of ye Hill buried."
"Oct. 20. Thomas Shakespear the weaver was buried."
"1672, Ap. 9. Ann, dau. of Mr. Shakespeare of ye Hill,
bapt."
"1676, Mar. 18. (Mary) the wife of Thomas Shakespeare, of
Lowston End, buried."
"1677, April 21. Widdow Shakespeare of Whitley Elme,
buried."
"1679, July 31. William Shakespeare and Alice Jennings
married."
"1679-80, Jan. 27. Thomas Shakespeare of Lapworth buried."
"1680, Nov. 9. Alice, wife of William Shakespeare, buried."
"1682, Oct. 19. William, son of William Shakespeare, of
Lowston ford, bapt., and buried Dec. 27."
"1683, Ap. 24. Thomas Shakespeare and Anne Biddle married."
"1686, June 21. William Shakespeare of Brookfurlong buried."
"Dec. 12. John, son of Thomas Shakespeare, bapt."
"Feb. 19. Thomas Shakespeare of Rowington buried."
"1687, Sep. 15. William, son of John Shakespeare, jun.,
bapt."
"1688, Dec. 10. Thomas Shakespeare buried."
"1693, Nov. 14. John, son of Thomas Shakespeare of Lapworth,
buried."
"1695, Aug. 10. William Shakespeare, senior, buried."
"1696, Nov. 11. Thomas, son of William Shakespere, bapt."
"1697, May 12. Henry Shakespeare of London buried."
"1707, July 1. Thomas Shakespear buried."
"1710, July 13. John Shakespeare, senior, buried."
"1721-2, Jan. 30. (By licence) Francis Chernocke, of
Killingworth, co. Warr., gent., about 24, and Mary
Shakespeare, of Rowington, about 24, maiden, his father
consenting, her parents dead. He sealed ... within ... on a
bend ... three crosses crosslet[584] in sinister ... chief a
mullet for difference" (see Worcester Marriage Licenses).
From overseers' books: "Buried in Woolen":
"1695, Aug. 10. William Shakespere, senior."
"1697, May 12. Henry Shakespere of London."
"1707, March 24. Edward Shakespeare."
"1710, July 13. John Shakespeare, senior."
"1716, Dec. 4. William Shakespere, Blacksmith."
Page 131.--In "The Book of John Fisher, Bailiff of Warwick in 1580,"
edited by Mr. Thomas Kemp, deputy-Mayor of Warwick, are several notices
of Shakespeare. In the first page he is mentioned, and later on we find
that he lived in the Market-Place Ward, and was assessed 1d. weekly for
relief of the poor.
A "Thomas Shakesper" lived at the same time in West Street Ward, and was
assessed the same amount. These may be the Thomas and John, sons of
Thomas Shakespeare, shoemaker, of Warwick, who made his will in 1557.
There is also a casual allusion to Shakespeare the turner, of Rowington;
and in 1580-81 John Fisher notes: "I paid to ---- Shakesper, servant to
Mr. Humphrey Catheryns, for fees for the discharge of 39/7-1/2 charged
upon the Church of St. Maryes, in Mr. Boughton's account for subsidy
supposed to be due in the 5th yere of Queen Elizabeth, 9/-."
"Thomas Shakespeare of Warwick's son John was apprenticed to William
Jaggard the Stationer of London 1609" (Rylands's "Records of
Rowington").
"John, son of Thomas Shakespeare of Coventry, co. Warwick, pleb. p.p.
St. John's Coll., matric. 18th Oct., 1662, aged 18; B.A. from St. Mary
Hall 1666 (subscribes serv.)"--(Oxford Alumni and graduates). "Vicar of
Anstrey, co. Warwick, 1670" (Foster's "Index Eccles.").
Page 134.--The registers of All Saints', Oxford, date from 1549; St.
Michael's, 1559; St. Peter's-in-the-East, 1563; St. Martin's Carfax,
1569; St. Giles', 1576; St. Peter-le-Bailey, 1585; St. Mary's, 1599; St.
John Baptist's, 1616.
Page 134.--"Thomas Shakespeare and Jane Toupe married ye 2nd Maie,
1625." (Register of Mere. _Notes and Queries_, 9th Series, iii. 109.)
The county not named. It may be either Cheshire, Wiltshire or
Lincolnshire.
Page 141.--One, at least, of the Irish Shakespeares was a suspicious
character. "William Shakespeyre, formerly of Kilmaynham Hibernia,
laborer, arrested for suspected felony 6 Ed. VI." ("Chester in the
Plantagenet and Tudor Reigns," Canon Rupert Morris; also _Notes and
Queries_, 8th Series, x. 192).
Page 147.--I find that "Gutheridge" was a Stratford-on-Avon name. Mr.
Gutheridge was a dealer in leather there (see will of Joyce Hobday,
1602); and John Milburn was a Rowington man (see the Records of
Rowington)--which two facts much increase the likelihood of John, of St.
Clement's Danes, being at least a Warwickshire man, if not the
Snitterfield one.
Page 151.--"Edward Shakespear, Clare, A.B. 1728; A.M. 1736"
("Cantabrigensis Graduati").
"Joh. Jos. Art. Shakespear, Trin., A.B. 1844; A.M. 1848"
("Cantabrigensis Graduati").
Page 162.--The first Earl of Warwick, Arthgal, was said to have slain a
bear with a blow from a young tree which he had pulled up, and
afterwards he used as a badge "the bear and the ragged staff"--a device
borne by succeeding earls.
Page 166.--Osbert de Ardern granted an estate near Tamworth to Walter de
Somerville, 2 Henry II. (Shaw's "Staffordshire," i. 118).
Page 168.--Among the Rowington charters is (No. 11) a grant by Robert de
Arderne, son and heir of Thomas le Hayward, of Shrewley, 2 Edward III.
No. 12 is a "Grant from Nicholas Wylemyn de Shrewely to his son John of
his Shrewley tenements and lands, which Thomas de Arderne formerly held
of John, Lord of Shrewley, 2 Edward III." Mr. Rylands thinks these refer
to the same people and property.
The Nottingham Visitation (under Blondeston) refers to the pedigree. Sir
Thomas Arden, 9 Edward II., married Elizabeth, daughter of Roger
Swinford; their son was Roger Arden, whose wife was unknown, but his
daughter and heir Beatrix married William Chamber.
Page 171.--William _may_ have been the member of the Guild of Knowle for
whose sake masses were said in 1512. "Alicia" may have been his wife, or
his sister Alice before she married "Buklond." But I confess I am
puzzled with this William.
Page 171.--The tombs of Walter and Eleanor are well preserved in
Erdington's Chantry of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, at Aston, near
Birmingham. He died August 5, 1502.
Page 173.--The Shropshire Visitation gives: "William de Chettleton m.
Katharine, d. of Sir John Ardern; Elizabeth, d. of Reginald Corbet of
Stoke, Justice of the Royal Pleas, m. Robert Arden of Park Hall."
"Katharine Mucklow" also is mentioned; and "William Wall m. Elizabeth,
d. of Thomas Ardren, of Billingsly, in co. Salop."
Page 173.--Sir John Arden's will is long and interesting. It directs
that the furniture of the King's chamber should be kept as heirlooms,
also "the silver cup." "It is said that it was Henry VII. who honoured
him by staying in his house, and that he then granted Sir John a Cap of
Maintenance, purpure turned up crimson, upon which the wild boar is
represented instead of on a wreath as before" (Arden MSS.).
Page 175.--The indenture of a lease by Thomas Arderne, Esq., and Mary
his wife, to William Wilmer, of Longly, co. Warwick, husbandman, of a
messuage, lands, etc., in Wilmer, late in the tenure of Robert Wilmer,
deceased, was drawn up July 15, 23 Henry VIII., 1541. The lease was for
thirty years, the yearly rent 10s. 3d., with a heriot of the best beast,
the lessee to "furnish a sufficient horse for a harnesseman to ryde
upon, when the King shall call upon the said Thomas Arderne for
harnessyng of men." This is Thomas of Park Hall (Wheler Collection,
Stratford-on-Avon).
Page 178.--The tomb of Sir Edward Devereux (died 1622), and of his wife,
Katharine Arden (died 1627), are preserved in the church of Aston, near
Birmingham, beside those of her ancestors, Walter and Eleanor.
Page 181.--In the "Visitation of Warwickshire," published by the
Harleian Society, there are many evident slips in proper names, which
must be checked from other sources. It makes one extraordinary
statement: "The younger house of the Ardens were Lords of _Upton in
Warwickshire_, and grew to be surnamed Uptons. The heire generall of
them was married to one Fenne of Banburie, who, removing his dwelling to
Hungerford in Wiltshire, was there called by the name of Moeles, of whom
the Moeles, ancestors to the Lord Hungerford, seem to be descended." It
gives the coat of arms as, Chequy or and azure, a chevron ermine.
Stow MS. 692 contains the arms of the gentry and the grants by Sir
Christopher Barker, 1536-49. Among these are: "Ardern goules, a cheff
engrayled and three cross crosslets fitchée in gold. Ardern silver, a
fesse chequy, gold and azur between three cressards gules. Arderne, Sir
Robert, Ermine a fesse or and azur, Warwickshire." Among the grants is
one to William Arderne, of Struton, Oskellyswade, Bedford, Clerk of the
Market to the King's most honourable household. It omits the shield and
only gives, "Crest a boar quarterly, gold and silver and Fleurs de luce,
goules." As the Park Hall Ardens had a boar on their crest, he may have
claimed connection.
In Dugdale's account of Clodshalle's Chantry, near Birmingham, he says
it was founded by Walter de Clodshalle of Saltley, 4 Edward III. The
patronage remained with the Clodshalles until Robert Arden's marriage to
Elizabeth Clodshalle. Robert Arden, arm., was patron in 1441, 1449,
1455; Walter Ardern, arm., in 1468, 1469, 1489; John Ardern de Lee
Lodge, presented in 1510; and Nicholas Cotterell, of Yardley, co. Wig.,
through concession of Thomas Ardern, 1537.
According to Dugdale, Upton was possessed by the Ardens in Henry II.,
one Haraldus filius Gunfridi having made sale to Godfrey de Arden, a
monk of Coventry, and son to Siward de Arden, of certain lands for the
Monastery. In Richard I., Thomas de Ardern granted certain lands there
to the canons of St. Sepulchre's, Warwick. A family who _assumed_ their
name from their residence there held it of the Ardens, but Thomas de
Ardern sold it to Guy de Gyllebrok, who passed it to Will. de Beauchamp,
Earl of Warwick.