The notes that follow concern the Cresett family of Upton Cresset, Shropshire.

As in any area of enquiry that demands references for what is claimed, it is not their number or the format used to display them that is important; what is, is their validity. In this regard, the researcher must assume the role of ‘devil’s advocate’ and question everything claimed, whether that derives from, in the case of genealogy, an antiquarian of old, a researcher of the modern age, or the often used ‘Visitation’ records, which are full erroneus and contradictory material.

A major test that must be passed is the one of chronological plausibility.
Another is proof of a ‘continuation of association’ – intermarriages – between the same families – the medieval norm.

Initial quotation from Mr. Eyton, Antiquities of Shropshire, vol 8., p. 287, 1857, then as given.

1. Thomas Cresset, b. ca. 1190.
1210.
“Of undertenants in Haughton the first to be noticed are the Cressets. About the year 1210, as I guess, Thomas de Costentin grants to Thomas Cresset, for a rent of one pound of cummin, a half and a third of a virgate in Halghton. Witnesses, Stephen de Staunton, Robert and William his sons; William de Hedleg; Robert fitz Aer; Hugh de Hopton; Philip de Peninton; Helias de Costentin; William, Ralph, and Richard his brothers”.
1230
“About the year 1230 William de Staunton acknowledges that he and his heirs are bound to pay the Canons of Haghmon 12d. rent for the “impounding of water by Roden Mill,” which rent Robert, his brother, had bequeathed to the Canons with his body. Witnesses, Hugh English (Anglicus), Hamo Marescote, William Banastre, Wido de Hadenhale, and Thomas Cresset“.

1.1. William Cresset. b. ca. 1215. “From his attestations of deeds I conclude Thomas Cresset to have been living in the year 1235 and somewhat later. His successor seems to have been William Cresset, who attests two Charters between 1240 and 1250”.

1.1.1. William Cresset, b. ca. 1245. “Debtor: William Cresset, of Wytheford, William de Upton, merchant and burgess of Shrewsbury, Hugh Loteby, John de Sugdon, Adam le Beere, William Brid, William, the son of Hugh de Rodenhurst, Hugh Byssope, William de Lawley, and William Abewys. Creditor: Walter de la Barre, burgess and merchant of Hereford, and Sibyl his wife. Amount: £7. 19d. Nov. 11, 1285″.

1.1.2. Thomas Cresset, b. ca. 1245. “About 1270-80 I find mention of another Thomas Cresset of Haughton, and in August 1331 I find Thomas Cresset* attesting a deed of the then Earl of Arundel. This I presume to be the same Thomas Cresset to whom, with Edith his wife, Isolda, daughter of William Wiley of Halghton, gave two seilions in Halghton, one of which was bounded by land, late Richard de Leighton’s. By a subsequent deed, Edith Cresset, widow, gave these two seilions to Philip her son; and on January 17, 1339, Philip Cresset quitclaimed them to Nicholas, Abbot of Haghmon. Witnesses, Thomas Cresset of Withiforde, Thomas Cresset of Halghton (probably Philip’s elder brother), and Walter Cresset of Uffington”.

1.1.2.1. *Thomas Cresset, b. ca. 1275. m. Edith, probable dau. of William Wiley of Halghton. 1300. Debtor: Thomas Crasset of Haughton (Halghton), Thomas, the son of Gilbert de Haughton, John de Haweston, and William, son of Thomas David of Grinshill. Creditor: Hugh le Donsowe, of Shrewsbury. Amount: £12. At Shrewsbury. Nov. 11, 1300. (C 241/35/433).

1.1.2.1.1. Walter Cresset. The i.p.m. of Thomas de Berewyk, Feb. 6, 1355, was attended by “Walter Cresset, aged 50 years and more”, and “Richard Cresset, aged 50 years”. Inquisitions Post Mortem, Edward III, f. 125). Walter Cresset and Alice, his wife, querents, by John de Penynton’, put in their place by the lord king’s writ, and William de Stokyete of Uffynton’ and Avice, his wife, deforciants. Property: 1 messuage, 9 acres of land and a moiety of 1 acre of meadow in Uffynton’. (Jan. 26, 1326).
Debtor: Walter Cresset, of Eaton Constantine, and Richard his son. Creditor: The Abbot and Convent of Shrewsbury. May 12, 1363. (C 241/144/60).
1.2.1.1.1. Richard Cresset. Debtor: Richard, the son of Walter Cresset, of Eaton Constantine, Roger Aleyns, of Morton, and Richard, the son of Roger de Burton, next to Morton. Creditor: William de Burton, chaplain (deceased). 1348. (C 241/134/37).

1.1.2.1.2. Richard Cresset.
1.1.2.1.3. Philip Cresset.
1.1.2.1.4. Thomas Cresset, b. ca. 1305, of Withiforde. Mr. Eyton, vol. 7-8, p. 210, 1858: Lilleshall: “That the Burtons were seated here long before any extant account of that family would lead us to suppose, I know from the best authority; but I presume that they held under the Haughtons and their successors the Greys. Be that as it may, a deed is still preserved at Longner, which bears date at Leighton, May 28, 1346. By this deed Edward Burton of Longner gives to Thomas Cresset of Leighton an acre of land at Garmeston in exchange for 1 acres there, and also concedes to the same Thomas license to enclose, and build upon, a parcel of ground in the said Edward’s common-pasture. This deed mentions John le Costantyn and Thomas Alemon of Garmeston, as existing, and William de Harley as former occupants, of adjacent lands. It also mentions adjacent lands of Edward Burton, and is attested by John Lord of Leighton, John le Constantyn, Walter le Spencer, Henry de Garmeston, and Ivo Cresset,-names which are very consistent with its ostended date”.

“Agreement: The Lady Aline, widow of Edward Burnell, of the Manor of Smethcote under the Longmynd holds one of the three parts in dower of the Lord John de Handle, who retains the reversion of that third part, William de Smethcote holds a third part of the same manor, and John de Acton Scot and Richard, son of Richard Tristrem hold the remaining third part of the same manor. With the assent of John de Handle, a final concord between the above is made, whereby the woods are divided by William de Lenerychesete, Thomas Cressett and Richard de Hoghton for Aline, John de Handle, William de Smethcote, John de Acton Scot and Richard, son of Richard (Tristrem) in person at Smethcote 10 July 14 Edward III (1340). Witnesses: Sir William de Erchalewe, Robert de Harley, Roger Corbett de Caus, knights, Edward Burnell, Lord of Longeley, Richard de Eton, John de Lee, Lord of Biriton, and Edmund de Longedon. (Shrop. Arch. 2922/10/3/1/1-2).

1.1.2.1.4.1. Thomas Cresset, b. ca. 1335, m. “Constance daughter and heiress of John de Upton, lord of that place, since called Upton Cresset”. This Thomas was probably the brother of Ivo.
1371.
Feoffment. Longeley Monday after the feast of the Exaltation of Holy Cross, 21 Edward III. William de Longeley Rector of the church of Upton grants to Sir Thomas de Asteley, chaplain, all lands and tenements of his in Longeley, Othales, Rokley and Acton Burnel, to hold to Thomas, his heirs and assigns of the chief lords of the fee for due forever. Witnesses: Sir Robert de Harley, knt., Philip de Harley, clerk, Reginald de Leye, Ralph de Wylyley, William de Swyney, clerk, Ivo Cresset, John de Prene. Sept. 17, 1347. (Shrop. Arch., 1514/122).

Mr. Eyton, vol. 1-2, p. 141, 1854:

The next whom I find in this succession was Thomas de Upton, who, on 2d January, 1246, was a Juror in a great Inquest as to the Forest-rights of Thomas Corbet, of Caus.
In 1255, the Stottesden Jurors returned Thomas de Upton (who was himself one of them) as Lord of Upton, in which were 3 hides of land, which said Thomas held in capite of John Fitz Alan, for half a knight’s fee
in July, 1256, Hugh de Upton, and William de Upton, successor of Thomas, appear as concerned in an assize of novel disseisin in Upton Rot. Pat. 40 Hen. III, dorso.
This William de Upton was a Verderer of the Royal Forests. He occurs in that office 22 October, 1259, and March, 1262, and as a Juror in several Inquisitions of January, 1259. September, 1263; and February 1, 1283; soon after which he must have died. This William, Lord of Upton, granted to Robert Niger, of Criddon, half a virgate in Stepleye. Witnesses, Geoffry de Criddon, Hugh de Holicote (his son), Alan le Harpur. His successor was John de Upton, who is returned about 1284 as holding Hopton of Richard Fitz Alan, by service of half a knight’s fee. (Kirby’s Quest).
On Oct. 1292, this John served as a Stottesden Juror, and also on the Jury which tried pleas of warranty at Salop. At the Assizes he was reported as of full age, and not yet knighted. He occurs twice as a Coroner in 1297. He was a Juror on the great Forest perambulation of June, 1300, and in the following year was deceased, leaving John, his son and heir, under age; but who had livery of Meadowley, Oct. 3, 1306. (Rot. Forinsec. penes Rememeratorem Reginæ).
In March, 1316, this John is duly returned as Lord of Upton.
He was living in 1344, and had by Jane, his wife, three sons, John, Guy, and Nicholas, and a daughter, Constance, who, marrying Thomas Cressett, left descendants; which descendants, after failure of the male line of “Upton,” succeeded to this inheritance, and conferred on the Manor that distinctive name by which it is still known”.

1. Roger the miller of Lethton. 2. Edward Burnel, lord of Longley and Margaret (w.) Quitclaim, in fee simple, of rent-charge of 3pl, with appurts., from a certain tenement that one William de Scheviton formerly held in Lechton, and of which William enfeoffed said Edward and Margaret and their heirs. Witnesses John Honald, lord of Fredusley, William de Morton, William son of Eva de Crislegh, Thomas son of Thomas Cresset, Thomas son of Ivo Cresset and many others. Sept. 7, 1371. (Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Arch., D938/721).

THE FAMILIES OF COYNE AND CRESSET WERE ASSOCIATED IN 1381

1. John, son of Roger le Hiendem a dwelling in Garmeston. 2. Robert le Coyne and Huwelina (w.) Indenture of bond in 20 marks of lawful money by a certain writing of obligation. Nevertheless said Robert and Huwelina desire and grant for selves, heirs and exors. that if they are kept in peaceful possession of all lands etc. said obligation to be nul and void.
Witnesses John Costantyn lord of Leghton, William de Thornhull lord of Eton, Richard de Leghton, Thomas Cresset, William Horleye (Harley), and others. 8 May 1381. (Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive, D938/722b).

1.1.1.1.4.1.1. Thomas Cresset, b. ca. 1365. Record of an inquisition taken before Richard, Earl of Arundel, during the sessions of the peace held at Shrewsbury on Tuesday 18 March 1393, by oath of Corbet and others, into the attached petition. The jurors stated that the Prior of Chirbury received the King’s writ reverently, and did not assault Middelton, as alleged, but that an argument broke out, and Middelton called the Prior a peasant. When the Prior accused Middelton of lying, Middelton drew his sword, which led to Weston drawing his bow in defence of the Prior. Others then intervened to prevent injury. Those present inc. Edward de Acton; Thomas Cresset.
1. John Burgh, knight. 2. Thomas Stafford, Margaret (w.) and William (s.) Counterpart of indenture of lease for lives of tenement in vill of Halghton. Witnesses Thomas Banaster de Hadnall esq., Thomas Charleton, esq., Thomas Cresset and many others. March 26, 1457. (Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Arch., D938/706).

CRESSETS OF LUDLOW

1. William Cresset (b. ca. 1370), probable br. of of the aforesaid Thomas Cresset. Will of William Cresset of Ludlow. 1429. (Shrop. Arch. Parcel 45).
1.1. William Cresset. Cresset v Hory. Plaintiffs: Julian, late the wife of William Cresset. Defendants: John Hory and Thomas Persones, priests, feoffees. Subject: Lands, etc in Ludlow. Shropshire. 1452-1454. (C 1/19/427).
1.1.1. Nicholas Cresset. Quitclaim. 1. Wm. Koo and Alice his wife. 2. Agnes Andrewe. 1. to 2. all 1’s rights in 2 tenements in Halghton Priors of which one lies between the tenement of David Stowe of Ludlow, tailor and the messuage of the lord of Richard’s Castle, and the other lies between the tenement of the said lord and the tenement of the Prior of Bromfield called Kingeslande. Witnesses: John Dale and Rich. Sherman, bailiffs of Ludlow, Nicholas Cresset, John Botiler, Rich. Backehous, John Blethewyn and others. Oct. 27, 1466. (Shrop. Arch. 20/6/68).
Feoffment by William Hochekys of Ludlowe, ‘baker’ to Thomas Gryme of Seete and Margaret his wife of 2 acres arable in Wolveley in the fields of Assheford Carbonell, co. Salop. Witnesses: Nicholas Cresset, bailiff of the town of Ludlowe, Roger Norton, Hugh Stury, John Russell, Richard Laurens. May 10, 1470. (E 40/8542).
Johan Cresset former wife of Nicholas Cresset, of (Lode)lowe, 1 in my pure widowhood, have given all my lands and tenements in the township and fields of North Clebury which I received by the gift and feoffment of Nicholas Cresset my late husband (Will proved April 17 1482). (Deeds of the Palmers’ Gild of Ludlow).
1.1.1.1. Nicholas Cresset. Clerk v Lane. Plaintiffs: Robert Clerk. Defendants: John Lane. Subject: Detention of deeds relating to a messuage and houses in Ludlow of the bequest of Elizabeth Rouland, cousin of Nicholas Cresset. Shropshire. 1518-1529. (C 1/484/51).
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Cresset.
1.1.1.1.1.1. William Cresset, m. Elinor Noblet, Jan. 9, 1573/4. Given the rarity of her name, she was almost certainly related to Margret Noblet, who m. John Holland, on Nov. 25, 1561, in Ludlow. Cornwall v Holland. Plaintiffs: Francis Cornwall, esq of Tenbury, Worcestershire (son and heir of Thomas Cornwall and Baron of Burford, in Shropshire). Defendants: George Holland, gent, William Bowles, John Noblet and Martha Noblet his wife alias Martha Holland, widow. 1723. (C 11/2228/22). Cornwall v Stirropp. Plaintiffs: John Cornwall Defendants: Elizabeth Stirropp, William Holland, William Moulton, Samuel Holland, Edward Walker and Elizabeth Walker his wife. Subject: property in Tenbury, Worcestershire. 1668. C 6/192/30
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Cresset, bapt. April 2, 1577).

CRESSET cont.

1.1.1.1.4.1.1.1. Hugh Cresset, b. ca. 1395.
1423.
Settlement indenture. 1. Hugh of Dudmaston. 2. William Wolriche. Hugh has confirmed to William his manor of Dudmaston and all lands, tenements, rents and reversions in the vills of Dudmaston, Nordley, Astley Kynges and Quatt within the County of Salop. Witnesses: Hugh Harnage of Schynton, Hugh Cresset of Upton, Richard Horde of Bruggenorth, Hugh Lowe, William Perchey. Given at Dudmaston. August 19, 1423. (S.A., 2922/3/4). Agreement and counterpart. 1. Sir Thomas Abbot of the Monastery of St. Peter, Salop., 2. Ralph Lee, Lord of Langeley. Sir Thomas grants to Ralph and his heirs his cultures called Havekely lying between the townships of the said Ralph called Rokeley, and his Manor of Langleye, and whatever else he has there by the gift once made by the ancestors of Ralph. Witnesses: William Boerley, John Wynnesbury, Hugh Cresset, John Corbet of Longenor, John Skryven. 30 Sept. 30, 1439. (Shrop. Arch., 1514/160 & 161).

1.1.1.1.4.1.1.1.1. Robert Cresset, b. ca. 1420, m. Christiana, granddau. of John Stapleton. “The curious inquirer will find a copy of the “Notarial Instrument,” in Latin, in Blakeway’s collection (MS. Bodl., Salop, 10, f. 249). Robert Cresset, Sheriff in 1469, was son of Hugb, Sheriff in 1435 (Cp. Blakeway’s Sheriffs). Christiana, his widow, was, it appears, re-married to one Coyney, whose daughter Joyce married Edward Burton of Longnor (Ibid., p. 165). (Trans. Shrop., p. 180, 1894). Robert Cresset was probably the brother of Richard Cresset: Quitclaim. 1. Richd. Cressett. 2. Richd. Sherman, and John Dale. 1. quitclaims to 2. all his rights and title to the Manor of Ocley and all lands and tenements etc. in Ocley. 2 to hold for ever of the chirf lord of the fee. Witnesses: Wm. Griffith, Geof. Baugh then bailiffs of the town and liberty of Bridgnorth, John Adams, Walter Hobbold, John Sparcheford. 1473. (Shrop. Arch., 20/6/126).

“1524. the 24th of Aprill, dyscessyd master Edward Burtoon, gentil, and lyethe buryed in St. Chadd’s churche within St. Gorgys chappell there. Longnor, or as it is sometimes written, Longner, at which this gentleman was seated, is an insulated part of St. Chad’s parish, and Mr. Burton’s tomb continued in this church till its fall, when it was removed to Atcham. It is a flat alabaster stone, engraved with the figures of a man in a long gown with wide sleeves, and a woman in pointed head-dress, lying in the act of prayer under two Gothick tabernacles, with three shields; that over his head bearing, per pale, B. and G. a cross engrailed O. between 4 roses A. Burton; that over her’s, O. on a bend S. 3 trefoils slipped A, impaling A. a lion rampant S., the centre one, probably once containing their joint arms, defaced. Under their feet the effigies of seven daughters, and this inscription: Hic jacent corpora Edwardi Burton & Jocose uxoris ejus qui quidem Edward, obiit in festo St. Georgii die aprilis anno d’ni M ccccc”. Whence it seems probable that Christina daughter* and coheir of John Stepulton, esq., after the death of her first husband Robert Cresset, married, 2dly, a person of the name of Coyney, thus given by Dugdale in his Church Notes, and was mother by her of Mrs. Joyce Burton, genealogists call this Jocosa or Joyce. This would explain her arms on the tomb-stone, Coyney, of Weston Coyney, co. Stafford. The Will of Thomas Cresset (dated 1521 by Mr. Owen) calls Mr. Edward Burton his brother: husband of his half-sister”. (Hugh Owen, A History of Shrewsbury, vol. 2, p. 230, 1825). It is suggested that he was the husband of his second-cousin, see anon. *Chronologically she must have been a granddaughter.

1484
“For diverse expences made for the honour of the town upon John Leighton, Thomas Hord, John Lawley, Robert Cresset, and other gentlemen, concerning a discourse and treaty between the lord abbot of Salop and the burgesses of the town, for the liberty and franchises of Murivale and the bridge there, now hanging in dispute between them, £7.19s. 4d.”
“John Leighton, esq. of Stretton-in-le-Dale, where his grandfather had acquired property by the heiress of Cambray, was nearly connected with the town, having taken to wife one of the daughters and co-heirs of a principal inhabitant, sir John Burgh, with whom also he obtained Wattlesborough castle, and extensive estates in that vicinity. Thomas Hord, esq. was of an ancient family long seated at Hord’s Park near Bridgenorth; he was nearly related to Mr. Leighton, his lady, Joyce Stepulton, being sister to that gentleman’s mother. Mr. Cresset married another co-heiress of the Stepultons. This gentleman was of an ancient family, whom we first find at Little Withiford: but his great-grandfather, Thomas or Tomkyn Cresset, obtained Hopton or Upton near the Clee-hills, by his wife Constance daughter and heiress of John de Upton, lord of that place, since called Upton Cresset”. (Hugh Owen, John Brickdale Blakeway, A History of Shrewsbury, vol. 1, p. 243, 1825).

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Thomas Cresset, b. ca. 1450 (possibly d. by Jan. 15, 1499/1500; certainly by 1507/8), m. (1) Jane Corbett, d. ca. 1483. (2) Alionor Milewater. Husey v Milbourne. Plaintiffs: William Husey, attorney to the King. Defendants: Simon Milbourne. Subject: Obtaining possession of *Alionor, heir of Thomas Milewater, deceased, late tenant in chief of the manor of Stoke Edith. Herefordshire. See Inq. p.m. 12 Edw. IV. No. 14. 1467-1472. (C 1/39/47). Alionor was b. ca. 1466. She m. (2) John Lingen, d. 1530. Harl. Soc. Vis. Heref. 1634, p. 135: “John Lingen of Stoke Edith married before 15 Jan. 1499/1500, Eleanor, dau. and heiress of Thomas Milwater”. The various accounts that quote marriage dates of John Lingen and Alionor Milewater (1512, 1522) confound these dates with citations for them being married at these times, not on these times. John Lingen had m. (1) … ca. 1489; his heir, John, being b. ca. 1490, see i.p.m, as follows.

Thomas Cresset, “of Westminster in Middx, esquire, formerly of Upton in Salop.”, is recorded in a Chancery Inquisitation regarding his debt of £500 to Sir Reginald Bray, and Sir Thomas Lovell. et al., the first recognisance of which is dated to July 26, 1497. The inquisitation returned (Feb. 17, 1501) that on the day of the recognisance he held the manors of Gymbres and Tremollegh in Cornwall. (C 131/85/32); and that he had extended his manor of Upton, and purchased other tenements. (C 131/85/12). His eldest son, Richard Cresset, held these Cornish manors in 1507/8, see as follows.

Feet of Fines: CP 25/1/83/58, no. 26.
One week from St Hilary, 20 January 1508, Thomas Leyghton, knight,* John Danvers, knight, Robert White, esquire, William Rudhale, Henry Lavain, esquire, Richard Vaughan, esquire, Thomas Englefeld, esquire, Thomas Bodenham, Richard Tyler, clerk, and Thomas Latham, clerk, querents, and John Lyngan, knight, and Eleanor, his wife, deforciants. The manor of Weston, and 12 messuages, 1 mill, 1 dove-cot, 12 gardens, 600 acres of land, 50 acres of meadow, 300 acres of pasture, 200 acres of wood and 4 pounds of rent in Weston. Plea of covenant. John and Eleanor have acknowledged the manor and tenements to be the right of Richard Tyler, as those which the same Richard, Thomas, John Danvers, Robert, William, Henry, Richard, Thomas, Thomas, Richard and Thomas have of their gift, and have remised and quitclaimed them from themselves and the heirs of Eleanor to Thomas, John Danvers, Robert, William, Henry, Richard, Thomas, Thomas, Richard and Thomas and the heirs of Richard Tyler for ever. Warranty. Thomas, John Danvers, Robert, William, Henry, Richard, Thomas, Thomas, Richard and Thomas have granted to John Lyngan and Eleanor the manor and tenements and have rendered them to them in the court, to hold to John and Eleanor for their lives, without impeachment of waste, of the chief lords. After the decease of John Lyngan and Eleanor, the manor and tenements shall remain to John Lyngan, esquire, and Margaret, the daughter of Thomas Englefeld, knight, and the heirs of their bodies, to hold of the chief lords for ever. In default of such heirs, successive remainders (1) to the heirs of the body of Eleanor, (2) to the heirs of John Milewater, uncle of Eleanor, namely the brother of Thomas, the father of Eleanor, and the heirs of his body, (3) to the right heirs of Roger Dodenham of Reytherwes and his heirs: Thomas Leighton, John Danvers, Robert White, William Rudhall, Henry Lovain, Richard Vaughan, Thomas Englefield, Thomas Bodenham, Richard Tyler, Thomas Latham, John Lingen, Eleanor Lingen, Margaret Englefield, John Milewater, Thomas Milewater, Roger Dodenham Weston, Rotherwas. Herefordshire. *By his first wife, he was the father of Margaret Leighton, of this account.

Sir John Lingen died in 1522, and was buried at Amestry church, near Lingen, by the side of his wife, and their beautiful monumental brass yet remains on their tomb. The sisters of Sir John married well. Isolda espoused Brian Harley, an ancestor of the Earls of Oxford; Matilda married Thomas Devereux.The fortunes of the family still continued to rise: the son of Sir John and Isabel, the second Sir John Lingen, of Sutton, was sheriff in 1505, 1516, and 1520. He married in (as given) Eleanor, daughter and heiress of Thomas Milewater, of Stoke Edith, and acquired thereby that beautiful and picturesque estate. A third John Lingen succeeded his father in 1530, and married Margaret the daughter of Sir Thomas Englefield, of Englefield, co. Berks, K.B., Speaker of the House of Commons and Chief Justice of Chester. (The Archaeological Journal, vol. 34, p. 381, 1877).

On May 20, 1508, John Newporte, Lord of Travegarie (Trefgarn) demises to David ap Owen, of Logh Meyler, Esq., a mill called Travegarie is mille, to which are witnesses Thomas Leighton, Knight, John Lyngen, Knight, and William Mytton, Esq. John Newport, Esq., Lord of Trefgarie Owen, in the Lordship of Har’ford (Haverford West) died in October, 1512, Thomas Newport was his son and heir and 24 years of age and more on April 12, 1513, the date of the Haverford Inquisition post mortem. The wife of John Newport and mother of his son Thomas was Alice, daughter of Sir Thomas Swinnerton, Knight. Thomas Newport, of High Ercall Esq., the son of John and Alice, was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1542-3. He married Anne, daughter of Sir Robert Corbet, of Morton Corbet, co. Salop, Knight, by whom he had a numerous family. Richard Newport, of High Ercall, Esq., their eldest son, was Sheriff of Shropshire in 1552. Sir Richard Newport greatly increased his estates by marrying Margaret, the only daughter and heiress of Lord Chief Justice Sir Thomas Bromley, Knight. The Lord Chief Justice, Sir Thomas Bromley, was the second son of Roger Bromley by Jane daughter of Thomas Jennings.* (George Thomas Orlando Bridgeman, History of the Princes of South Wales, p. 279, 1876). *”Thomas Jennings of Wellibourne”. (Trans. Shrop. Arch., p. 14, 1889).

1. William Jennyns.
1.1. Thomas Jennyns of Wallibone, m. Eleanor, dau. of Roland Jay.
1.1.1. Rowland Jennnyns m. Elizabeth, dau. of William Bromley
1.1.1.1. Thomas Jennyns, of Wallibone, m. Kathryn Ottley.
1.1.1.1.1. William Jennyns, of Wallibone, m. Cecilia, dau. of John Leighton, of Wattlesborough, son Thomas Leighton and his 2nd wife, Elizabeth Devereux. William Jennyns was the brother of Jane Jennyns, who m. Roger Bromley, having issue Sir Thomas Bromley.
1.1.2. Eleanor Jennyns, m. Richard Harris, son of John Harris and Margaret Leighton, dau. of the said Thomas Leighton and his ist wife, Ann Baker/Barker.

HARLEY AND LINGEN

1. Ralph Lingen.
1.1. Sir John Lingen, b. ca. 1440, d. 1522.
1.1.1. Sir John Lingen, b. ca. 1465, m. (ca. 1499) Alionor Milewater, b. ca. 1466.
1.2. Isolda Lingen, m. Bryan Harley. “Bryan Harley (br. of. Eleanor, m. to Sir John Bromwich, of Bromwich Castle), m. Isolda, dau. of Sir Ralph Lyngen, of Stoke Edith, in the county of Hereford, knight.
1.3. Matilda Lingen, m. Thomas Devereux. (The Archaeological Journal, vol. 34, p. 381, 1877).

1. Sir Richard de Harley, Sheriff of Shrop. (d. 1321), m. Burga, dau. of Sir Andrew de Willey/Willsley/Willeagh.
1.1. Sir Robert de Harley, Sheriff of Shrop. (d. 1349), m. Margaret, dau. of Sir Brian de Brampton.
1.1.1. Robert de Harley m. (1341) Joan, dau. of Sir Robert Corbett.
1.1.2. Brian de Harley, m. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Robert Corbett.
1.1.2.1. Brian de Harley, m. Isolda, dau. of Sir Ralph Lingen.
1.1.2.1.1. Jeffrey de Harley, of Brampton, m. 2. Julian, dau. of Sir John Burley.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Sir Thomas Harley, Sheriff of Shrop., m. Joan, dau of Sir John Hackluit, of Eyton.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1. Richard Harley, ‘of Brampton Brian’, Sheriff of Shrop, m. Catherine, dau of Sir Thomas Vaughan, of Tretower Castle.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. John Harley of Brampton (b. 1491, d. 1542), m. 1. (1520/1), Anne, dau. of Sir Edward Croft. On March 30, 1541, John Harley covenanted for the marriage of his son John, then a minor, with Maud, daughter of Richard Warncombe, of Hereford, esquire . (Camden Society, Issue 58, xlii. 1854).
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harley, Sheriff of Herefordshire (b. 1521), m. Maud, dau of Richard Warncombe.
1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Katherine Harley, relict of John Cresset,* m. Thomas Cornwall.

JOHN LYNGEN

Copy inquisition taken at Acheam co Salop before William Charlton, esq., the escheator for the County of Salop and Marches of Wales adjacent to that county, on the death of *John Lyngen knight, by oaths of William Leighton, esq., William Witcome, Thomas Acton, Thomas Poynor, John Barkeley, David Younge, Roger Boyste, Thomas Nicholls, Richard Smith, Robert Hodde, William Ragdon, Richard Jurden, Rugh Burley, Roger Gowre, Robert Tibbey.
Lyngen was seized of the manors of Yoculton and Stretton in the said county and by his deed of 12th January, 16 Henry VIII (1525) he confirmed to Richard Croft, esq., Edward Acton, esq., Robert Jones, clerk, Richard Mories clerk and Thomas Havard gentleman the said manors and capital messuages called Yoculton and Stretton to use of John Lyngen knight and Alianor his wife and his heirs.
By an indenture produced to the jurors in evidence (1) John Lyngen (2) Thomas Englefield, a Justice of Common Bench, Lyngen agreed that the trustees (after the deaths of himself and Alianor) should be seized of the manors etc. to use of John Lyngen, esq., his son and heir for his life, after the deaths of both father and son, to use of John Lyngen son and heir apparent of John Lyngen, esq., and his heirs for ever; by virtue of which the trustees entered the manors and are seized of them to the said uses. Elianor is still alive. … . He died the penultimate day of April last past John Lyngen, esq., is his son and next heir aged 40 or more. October 15, 1530. (Shrop Arch., 1037/2/9).

1. Walter Devereux (d. 1420), m. Maud, dau. of Sir Thomas Bromwich.
1.1. Sir Walter Devereux, d. bef. 1459), m. Elizabeth, dau of Sir John Merbury
1.1.1. Sir Walter Devereux, d. 1485, at Bosworth Field. m. 1. (1446), a dau of William Ferrers, 7th Lord of Chartley.
1.1.1.1. Thomas Devereux, m. Matilda Harley.
1.1.1.2. Elizabeth Devereux, m. 1. Sir Richard Corbet,* of Morton Corbet; 2. Sir Thomas Leighton of Watlesborough.

1. Anne Baker, m. Sir Thomas Leighton, 1443-1519. He m. (1) Elizabeth Devereux, dau. of Walter Devereux, obit. 1485, and Anne Ferrers, dau. and heir of Sir William Ferrers of Chartley, and relict of Sir Richard Corbet, 1451-1493, of Morton Corbet.
1.1. Margaret Leighton, m. John Harris.
1.1.1 John Harris of Cruckton, d. ca. 1550.
1.1.1.1. Richard Harris, m. Eleanor Jenyns, dau. of William Jenyns, of Wallyburne, Salop.
1.1.1.1.1. John Harris of Cruckton, bur. Apr. 12, 1614, burgess of Shrewsbury, m. Eleanor, dau. Thomas Prowde of Sutton, son of John Prowde, tenant of the Onslows, and grandson of Thomas Prowde, of Ludlowe.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Rowland Harris, of Ludlow, obit. 1605, m. Jane, dau. of Thomas Langford.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris, bapt. March. 16, 1604, St Lawrence, Ludlow.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Major William Harris, b. Jan. 13, 1627/8, St. Larence, Ludlow; neighbour of Richard Cocke in Virginia.

(1. Roger Corbett, m. Elizabeth Hopton.
1.1. Jane Corbett, m. Thomas Cresset.
1.1.1. Richard Cresset, eldest son.
1.1.1.1. Henry Cressett. His Will, dated Jan. 23, 1562,
1.1.1.1.1. Cecily Cressett, bur. Jan. 11, 1581, at Morville, Shrop., m. William Acton, of Longnor.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Acton m. Adam Detton.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Jane Detton m. (1611), Michael Holland of Pickthorne.
1.1.1.1.2. Robert Cressett, m. Katherine, dau. of William Charlton, of Apley.
1.1.1.1.2.1. *John Cressett Esq., of Upton Cressett, m. Katherine Harley.
1.1.2. Thomas Cresset, Will dated 1520, in which he named Edward Burton as a kinsman.

CORBETT AND CORNWALL

1.2. *Richard Corbett, m. Elizabeth Deverux, who m. (2) Thomas Leighton. Debtor: Richard Corbet, of Moreton in Salop., knight, Richard Lea, of Longley in Salop., esquire, John Newport, of High Ercall in Salop., esquire, Richard Charleton, of Apley in Salop., esquire, and Thomas Cresset, of Upton Cresset in Salop. (Stottesdon Hundred), esquire. Creditor: Henry Vernon, knight. Amount: £2000 of good and legal English money. July 12, 1492. (C 241/268/24).
William Holland “serv’d Sir Richd. Corbet at the Battle of Bosworth field 1485, in which Battle Wm. Holland gained so much honor yt ye sd. Sir Richd. Corbet gave him a messuage and yard land in Burwarton in Com. Salop. And his Capital Messuage and Demeasne in Lease; all amounting to half ye manor. And his posterity have enjoyed it ever since. Sir Richd. Corbet was mad governor of Cales in France thither this Holland waited on him and there”. Mr. Blakeway (Bodl. MS. 5, fol. 353a).

1.2.1. Ann Corbett, m. Thomas Cornwall, son of Sir Edmund Cornwall (d 1489) and Maria, dau of Thomas Horde, “b. 1472/74, s. of Sir Edmund Cornwall of Burford by Margaret, da. and coh. of Thomas Horde of Bridgnorth. m. by 1499, Anne, da. of Sir Richard Corbet of Moreton Corbet, 2s. inc. Richard 3da. suc. fa. 8 Dec. 1489. Kntd. 17 June 1497, banneret 1513. The Cornwalls of Burford were the younger branch of an ancient family which traced its descent from an illegitimate son of Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother of Henry III. ( S.. Bindoff, ‘Hist. Parl., 1982).
1.2.1.1. Richard Cornwall, “b. by 1502, 1st s. of Sir Thomas Cornwall. m. Aug. 15, 1523, Jane, da. of Sir Henry Wogan of Wiston, Pemb. 2s. 1da. suc. fa. 20 Aug. 1537”, ibid.
1.2.1.1.1. Thomas Cornwall, b. May 21, 1538, m. Katherine, dau. of John Harley, and Maude Warncombe, relict of John Cresset of Upton Cresset. (Vis. Shropshire, p. 147).

1.2.1.1.1.1. Sir Thomas Cornwall, so called “12th Baron Cornewall of Burford”, m. Anne, dau. of Gilbert Littleton.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Sir Gilbert Cornwall. “A Presentment made the 19th of April 1642 unto the Grand Jury for our Sovereign Lord the King against Sir Gilbert Cornewall one of His Majestie’s Justices of the Peace for the County of Worcester and others the inhabitants of Tenbury in the County aforesaid for ale selling. Imprimis I present Sir Gilbert Cornewall for taking as much as 2s. 6d. a piece of certain alesellers in Tenbury for licenses and maintaining of them to sell ale without licenses from the last of April 1641 until the day of the date hereof contrary to the Statute. I present unlicensed (29 names). The persons names that he received the half-crown of, inc. George Holland, John Holland. April 19, 1642. (Worcestershire Arch., 1/1/79/5).
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Cornwall.
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Francis Cornwall. To repeat: Cornwall v Holland. Plaintiffs: Francis Cornwall, esq of Tenbury, Worcestershire (son and heir of Thomas Cornwall and Baron of Burford, in Shropshire). Defendants: George Holland, gent, William Bowles, John Noblet and Martha Noblet his wife alias Martha Holland, widow. 1723. (C 11/2228/22).
1.2.1.1.1.1.1.2. John Cornwall. To repeat: Cornwall v Stirropp. Plaintiffs: John Cornwall Defendants: Elizabeth Stirropp, William Holland, William Moulton, Samuel Holland, Edward Walker and Elizabeth Walker his wife. Subject: property in Tenbury, Worcestershire. 1668. (C 6/192/30). Holland v Holland. Plaintiffs: William Holland. Defendants: Samuel Holland. Subject: property in Tenbury, Worcestershire. 1667-1677. (C 6/152/98). Recognizance before Sir James Pytts by Samuel Holland of Tenbury Tanner to appear at Sessions and prosecute John Bullocke of Ludlowe in the County of Salop Labourer for feloniously taking four or five ells of hurden cloth of the goods of John Holland. Aug. 20, 1634. (Worc. Arch. 1/1/63/63).
1.2.1.1.1.1.2. Robert Cornwall, bapt. Aug. 24, 1607, in the parish of Burford. Buried March 25, 1676. Will dated Nov. 25, 1675.

Mary Cornewall survived her husband more than twenty years, and was buried 8 June, 1698. Her Will “as of Tenbury, widow”, is dated 4 June, 1698. To be buried in the chancel of the parish church of Burford. To daughter Martha Holland of the parish of Tenbury widow moiety of the tithes of Wolverley co. Worcester. Grand-daughter Ann Holland daughter of said Martha Holland. Grandchild Jane Holland. My two grandsons George and Samuel Holland. Grandchild MaryTathwell the daughter of Ann Tathwell of Raventhorpe in the co. of Lincoln widow. My daughter Ann Tathwell. Grandsons Thomas Holland and Cornewall Tathwell. Appoints Martha Holland executrix. She proved in P.C.C. 5 January, 1699/1700. (Noel 4)
Martha, bap. March 14, 1658, married … Holland. (Genealogist vol. 4, p. 79, 1880).

1. John Holland, m. Margret Noblet, on Nov. 25, 1561, in Ludlow; she almost certainly related to Elinor Noblet, who m. William Cresset, on Jan. 9, 1573/4, in Ludlow, 5 miles from Tenbury. John Hall sold this manor in 1581 to Edmund Cornwall (Feet of F. Worcs. East. 23 Eliz.).
1.1. …
1.1.1. John Holland, b. ca. 1595. Recognizance before William Walshe by John Holland of Tenbury to appear at Sessions. Discharged endorsed, “As he has undertaken to pay the costs”. (1619). (Worcestershire Arch., 1/1/32/21).
1.1.1.1. George Holland, b. ca. 1620. Recognizance before Henry Ingram by George Holland, tanner, Jane Holland, widow, and Humphrey Walker, blacksmith, all of Tenbury for the appearance of the said George Holland at Sessions Feb. 14, 1643. (Worcestershire Arch., 1/1/80/14).
1.1.1.1.1. … Holland, b. ca. 1650, m. Martha Cornwall.
1.1.1.1.1.1. George Holland, b. ca. 1680. Cornwall v Holland. Plaintiffs: Francis Cornwall, esq of Tenbury, Worcestershire (son and heir of Thomas Cornwall and Baron of Burford, in Shropshire). Defendants: George Holland, gent, William Bowles, John Noblet and Martha Noblet his wife alias Martha Holland, widow. 1723. (C 11/2228/22).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. George Holland, Sheriff, m. Hannah, dau. of Thomas Downes of Ashford, near Ludlow. She m. (2) Thomas Holland.
1.1.1.1.1.2. Samuel Holland.
1.1.1.1.1.3. Jane Holland.
1.1.1.1.1.4. Thomas Holland.
1.1.1.2. William Holland. (1) William Holland, late of Tenbury, Worcestershire, tanner, and second son of John Holland late of Tenbury, yeoman, deceased. (2) Sara Holland, sister of the said William.Consideration: £30. Property: Messuage or tenement in Miles Hope [Middleton-on-the-Hill], now in the occupation of James Pembridge. Conveyance from (1) to (2). 11 July 11, 1674. (Heref. Arch. Ref. P41).
1.1.1.3. Samuel Holland. Holland v Holland. Plaintiffs: William Holland. Defendants: Samuel Holland. Subject: property in Tenbury, Worcestershire. 1667-1677. (C 6/152/98). Cornwall v Stirropp. Plaintiffs: John Cornwall Defendants: Elizabeth Stirropp, William Holland, William Moulton, Samuel Holland, Edward Walker and Elizabeth Walker his wife. Subject: property in Tenbury, Worcestershire. 1668. (C 6/192/30).

Holland, of Kyrewood, Tenbury. A family of this name resided at Tenbury at least as early as the seventeenth century: for, at the Visitation of 1634, the name of John Holland of Tenbury appears in the list of disclaimers. George Holland of Tenbury (descended probably from John) was High Sheriff of the county in 1751; he married Hannah, daughter of Thomas Downes of Ashford, near Ludlow, but appears to have died without issue. His widow married, in 1753, Thomas Holland, one of the sons of John Holland of Ludlow, solicitor, and proprietor of Brimfield Court, co. Hereford, by his wife, a daughter of Dr. Rogers, Canon of Hereford. How this gentleman was related (if at all) to George Holland the Sheriff is not known. (Henry Sydney Grazebrook, Heraldry of Worcestershire, p. 291, 1873).

CRESSET cont.

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1. Richard Cresset,* b. ca. 1480, “son and heir of Thomas Cresset of Upton co. Salop, esquire, to Richard Page, Nicholas Hardyng and John Trelawny clerk, their heirs and assigns. Release and quitclaim with warranty of a fourth part of Degembre, Tremollegh, and Corvagh manors, 1507/8 (Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1494-1509). He m. Jane Wrottesley (b. ca. 1480), dau. of Richard Wrottesley Esq., (b. 1457, d. bef. June 3, 1524), sherrif of Staffs, latterly in 1516/17, and Dorothy Sutton, d. 1517.

1. John Stapleton.
1.1. Christiana Stapleton, m. (1) Robert Cresset.
1.1.1. Thomas Cresset.
1.1.1.1. Richard Cresset
1.1.1.2. Thomas Cresset, Will dated 1520.
1.2. Christiana Stapleton, m. (2) … Coyne.
1.2.1. Joyce Coyne, m. Edward Burton. She was the second-cousin of Thomas Cresset, Will dated 1520, who named Edward Burton (loosely not literally) as his “brother-in law”.

COYNE/COYNEY

1. John Coyne, living in 1292, m. Margaret, dau. and heir of William de Erdington, and acquired thereby lands in Wettley, in the co. of Stafford.
1.1. William Coyne, Lord of Weston, was witness to charters of 24 June, 1316.
1.1.1. Robert Coyne m. Sibella, and dying about 1343, was s. by his son.
1.1.1.1. John Coyne, living in 1370.
1.1.1.1.1. Robert Coyne m. Hugolina, third dau. and coheir of Edward Burnell, of Langley, in the co. of Salop, and sister of Catherine Stapleton.

Chanc. Inquis p.m., Nov. 18, 1400:C 137/22/25 mm. 1-2. Writ 375.

He held by the courtesy of England after the death of Hugelina his wife, who held in her demesne as of fee:

Langley, a third part of the manor with the advowson, of the king in chief by knight service as a twelfth part of a knight’s fee, annual value 51s.9d.
Shrewsbury, a burgage with garden, of the king in free burgage, annual value 6s.3d.
Leighton and Garmston, various lands and tenements, of the lady of Leighton, service unknown, annual vaue 46s.9d.
Brockton, certain lands and tenements, of the king in chief, service unknown, annual value 13d.
He held in his demesne as of fee:
Various lands and tenements of the inheritence of Thomas Cresset, deceased, of the same lady, service unknown, annual value 49s.7d.
A pasture called ‘Banasteresclos’, of William Banastre by a rent of 13s.4d., annual value beyond the rent 12d.
He died on 12 Oct. last. Robert his son and heir is aged 8 years and more.

Writ 376. Dec. 13, 1400.

He held in his demesne as of fee:

Weston Coyney, the manor, of the earl of Arundel by a rent of 6s.8d., annual value 106s.
Holme, the manor, of the lord of Careswall, service unknown, annual value 46s.2d.
Bucknall Marsh, various lands and tenements, of John Delves, service unknown, annual value 18s.9d.
Smytheslond’ in Halfhide, a toft and lands so called, with other adjacent lands, of the lord of Alton, service unknown, annual value 29s.3d.

Date of death and heir as above.

Hugelina, wife of Robert Coyne. Writ Nov. 18, 1400. Inquisition, Market Drayton, Shropshire 13 Dec. 13, 1400/
She held in her demesne as of fee a third part of the manor of Langley with the advowson, lands in Leighton and Garmston, a burgage and garden in Shrewsbury and lands in Brockton [as described in no. 375 above]. She married Robert Coyne and had issue Robert, both of whom survived her, and so Robert Coyne the elder held them by the courtesy of England.
She died on 4 Sept. last. Robert her son and heir is aged 8 years and more.

1.1.1.1.1.1. Robert Coyne m. (June, 1415), Margaret, dau. of Robert Halghton. Joan late wife of Walter Hopton son of John Hopton knight quitclaims all right to the manor of Prilleston co Northf, Overstaunton and Netherstaunton co Hereford and the Marches of Wales adjoining the same; and all right to lands and tenements, rents and services in the township of Yatton in the lordship of Wyggemore. Dec. 2, 1415. (Shrop. Arch., 52/73). Witnesses:- Robert Coyne, Robert Swynarton, Robert Lee of Uffynton, Robert Rodynton of Rodynton, Robert Byrton of Moreley. Lease for life: Robert Coyne and Margaret his wife grant to Ralph Lee, Esq. all their lands and tenements, rents and services in the lordship of Longeley, except wood and the pool of Bokeley. To Ralph for his life, paying p.a. to Robert and Margaret and their heirs or assigns. Witnesses: John Skryven, John Corbet of Longenore, Thomas de Acton, Thomas Typton, Hugh Horde. March 25, 1440. (Shrop. Arch., 1514/156).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. … Coyne m. Christiana Stapleton.

STAPLETON AND ACTON

1. John Stapleton, of Stapleton, and Oaks Manor, Pontesbury, Salop.; d. aft. 1391, Sheriff of Shropshire in 1383, m. Catherine Burnell.
1.1. John Stapleton, b. ca. 1375, d. bef/ 1450, of Stapleton. Knight of the Shire for Shropshire in 1421.
He m. (1) Margaret, dau. of John Deviock and Margaret, dau. and co-heiress of John de Longland, Esq. (2) Margery …
By either wife, he was the father of Joyce, wife of Thomas Horde; Mary, wife of Walter Acton;* and Leonard Stapleton, b. ca. 1400, who m. (1) Mary (alive 1442), by whom he may be presumed to have been the father of Christiana Stapleton.

1. *Walter Acton
1.1. William Acton
1.1.1. Thomas Acton, of Longnor, Will probated Feb. 9, 1514
1.1.1.1. John Acton. Acton v Acton. Plaintiffs: Benedicte (Benet), late the wife of John Acton. Defendants: Edmund Acton and Jane, his wife. Subject: Detention of deeds relating to the manor of Aldenham. 1515-1518. (C 1/379/1).
1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Acton of Aldenham m. Elizabeth Dryland.
1.1.1.1.1.1. William Acton, of Aldenham, m. Cicely, dau of Richard Cressett, of Upton Cressett.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Francis Acton*.

CRESSET cont.

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Henry Cressett. His Will, dated Jan. 23, 1562, named is nephew, Francis Acton.

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.2. Cecily Cressett, bur. Jan. 11, 1581, at Morville, Shrop., m. William Acton, of Longnor.

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.2.1. Elizabeth Acton m. Adam Detton.

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.2.1.1. Jane Detton m., Jul 30, 1611, Michael Holland of Pickthorne.

1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Ctresset, Will dated 1520, mentioning his “brother-in law”, Edward Burton., who with Richard Lane stood security in 3000 marks for the performance of covenants of marriage between his son Richard and Richard Wrottesley’s daughter, Joan. (Trans. Shropshire Arch. vol. vi.. pp. 215-216).

Families of the upper class were strands in a dense spider’s web, the function of which was to exclude the lower orders, and promote their own interests.

by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon, 2023