HAWKHURST CHURCH

In introducing the habitation of a family of Duke, perhaps no better can be done than the following précis , taken from T.D.W. Dearn’s “Account of the Weald of Kent”, pp. 110/11, 1814.

Hawkhurst, situated on the south side of the Weald, is surrounded on the north, east and west, by the parishes of Cranbrook, Benenden and Sandhurst, and bounded on the south by the river Rother, (Kent Dyke) which divides the counties of Kent and Sussex; but a small part of this parish called Haselden, lies within the county of Sussex, or rather on the south side of the Rother; a deviation in the course of the river, having taken place, on the erection of a new bridge over it, on the road from Hawkhurst to Hurst-Green.

Hawkhurst tho’ at present but a village, had anciently a market, by grant of the 5th of Edward I. to the abbey of Battle, kept on Tuesday’s upon the green against Elfords, the former seat of the family of Boys.

The manor of Slipmill, alias Moorhouse, which includes the denne of Hawkhurst, was anciently esteemed as an appendage to the royal manor of Wye, the liberty of which extends over the greatest part of this parish, and passed as such with that manor, in the gift made of it by William the Conqueror, to the Abbey of Battel, at the first foundation of it in the year 1067.

In the reign of King John, Odo abbot, and the convent of Battel, granted by charter, (to which there is no date) to the owners of the lands in this parish, within their liberty of the manor of Wye, by the name of his men of Hawkhurst, “the ville of Hawkhurst”, at a certain rent in money, hens, and eggs. And afterwards the abbot and convent, anno 14th Edward I. granted to them, by the name of their tenants at Hawkhurst, all the tenements there which they held of his fee, in certain dennes therein mentioned, to hold at a yearly rent, reserving suit to their court of Wye from three weeks to three weeks, by two men only.

In this state it continued until the suppression of this abbey in the 30th of Henry VIII. when it came with the manor of Wye, into the hands of the crown, whence the royalty, with the quit-rents at Hawkhurst appendant to that manor, which still continued there, was granted, by the name of the manor of Morehouse, with its appurtenances, anno 33d Henry VIII. to Sir John Baker, of Sissinghurst, to hold in capite by Knight’s service.

(To interject, a précis from William H. Ireland’s “Englands Topographer”, p. 476, 1829: “The manor of Teston continued part of the possessions of the priory (Christ Church, Cantebury) till the dissolution, under Henry VIII., when it was, together with all its lands and revenues, surrendered to the king, who, the same year, granted this manor to Sir Thomas Wyatt, to hold in capite; whose son, of the same name, having raised a rebellion in the 1st of Queen Mary, was attainted, and his estates forfeited to the crown, when the queen granted this manor to Sir John Baker, her attorney general, to hold in capite. In his descendants it continued down to Sir John Baker, of Sissinghurst … Teston House, formerly known by the name of Berham court, was once the mansion or residence of the family of Berham, usually called Barham”.

“Robert de Berham (is first mentioned) in this parish, from whom it descended to John de Berham, who was by Henry, prior of Christ church, created a public notary of the diocese of Canterbury, in 1309. The family of Berham bore for their arms, Argent, three bears passant, sable, muzzled or. There was a branch of this family settled at Wadhurst, in Sussex, of which was Nicholas Berham, serjeant at law; and another branch at Boughton Monchensie, in this county”. Teston is ca. 18 miles N. of Hawkhurst.

(A general point is thus made: the Duke family of Hawkhurst and the Barham family shared the same overlord, which, at this time, meant they shared the same duty of fealty. Shared overlordship was often a pathway to families becoming aquainted, see previous posts – ms).

This parish hath several lands, &c. belonging to it, left to pious and charitable uses, viz.

Thomas Iddenden devised by will in 1556, several messuages and lands at or near Highstreet, in this parish, to be for ever employed for pious uses, and are now of the annual value of being vested in the churchwardens and four other trustees, the produce of which is given away at christmas yearly, in gift money.

Thomas Gibbon, by deed, anno 15th of Elizabeth, granted to trustees for ever, an annuity of 43s. and 4d. perannum out of his messuage and three pieces of land upon the denne of Amboldeshurst, containing seven acres; which annuity was purchased of him by the parishioners, to be employed towards the maintenance of the church.

The only manufactory carnied on in this place is of worsted.

Hawkhurst contains several genteel residences, of which it may be expected some notice should be taken. The most ancient, perhaps, is Elfords, which, passing through the families of Castleman, Conghurst and Roberts, was, in the 12th of Elizabeth alienated by Edmund Roberts to Richard Boys, Gent. in which name and family it remained upwards of two centuries;

On the right of the road from the Moor to Highgate stands Hall House, for upwards of two centuries in the family of Mercer; but which by purchase in 1662 came into the possession of Nathaniel Collyer.

The Church (dedicated to St. Lawrence) was founded by the Abbot of Battle, in the reign of Edward III. and is a very creditable specimen of the improved style of architecture in that reign. The east front of Hawkhurst church, is unquestionably the finest piece of architecture within the Weald, and well worthy the attention of the admirers of this style of building; the windows in the north aisle, and another immediately beyond, on the same side, are also deserving of notice.

The windows of this church were formerly filled with much curious painted glass, which was almost wholly demolished during the civil wars and popular commotions of the sixteenth century. Of the little that now remains, are the mutilated arms of Edward III. and his son, in the farthest window in the north chancel; and the arms of the abbey of Battle, of Etchingham and of Pashley in the first of the three north windows; the latter being still tolerably perfect. The font which appears coeval with the building, has been well preserved, and is a very neat piece of workmanship. In the south chancel of the church was anciently the image of the Virgin Mary : and several tapers or lights were also in this church, called the Beam-light, the Pascal-light, Judas’-candles, St. James’light, and St. Lawrence’s-light; and over the north porch of the church is a room, called the treasury; wherein were deposited in a chest, several antient writings concerning the tenants of the twelve dens in and near this parish in Wye liberty, and concerning other lands and rights of the parishioners. The principal memorials in the church are those to the memory of the Boys’s. (The middle aisle housed) brasses for John Roberts, his wife and children, and to which formerly was an inscription in black letter.

THE DUKES OF HAWKHURST
“Our ‘Dukes,’ ‘Dooks,’ or ‘ ‘Ducs,’ as they are more generally found in our rolls should not be what they represent, or rather then represented. A ‘duke’ was of course anything but what we now understand by the term. Our ‘Ducks’ may thus be official rather than ornithological, being then, as it more literally signifies, “a leader, or chieftain, or head”. (Charles Wareing Endell Bardsley, English Surnames, Their Sources and Significations, p. 544, 1889).

The Dukes were certainly intermarried with the Delmindens:

Ralpl1, clerk of Delminden, acknowledges eighteen acres in Delminden, to Amisius de Betenham and Geoffrey his brother; and thereupon they grant the said land to the said Ralph, to be hold for life, of them and their heirs, by the service that pertains to the said land, which they undertake to do themselves to the chief lord. On the death of the said Ralph the land to revert to the said Amisius and Geoffrey, free of all claim from the heirs of the said Ralph. Apud Westmonasterium, in orastino Sancti Martini, anno regni Regis Johannis. Pedes Finum. In Hawkhurst. November 12, 1206, 8 John.

Conveyance (Gift). Consideration: 21s. Henry son of Simon of Delminden (Delmonden) to William Le Duck “of the ‘Vill’ of Hauecherst” (Hawkhurst, co. Kent), w. Joan, and their sons John William and Robert and their heirs. A field of my land lying in the ‘Denna’ (pasture) of Delminden (in Hawkhurst) on the west side of the street leading from Skelecruche to the cross of Northale, and called Tounstalle as enclosed by hedge and ditch. Dated Tuesday after the feast of St. Hilary, 35 Edw. I. Witnesses: Geoffrey of Delminden, Robert and Ralph his sons, Simon of Loudewele, William ate Forde, John Samedi, Thomas and Henry sons of Robert of Delminden, Walter Dypere, Gilbert Rolf, Robert and Geoffrey Springet, William of Delminden, clerk and others. Jan. 13, 1307. (ESRO, AMS99). Thus, William le Duck is identified as a man and tenant of the Abbots of Battel, and his family may have been since earlier times; to repeat: In the reign of King John, Odo abbot, and the convent of Battel, granted by charter, (to which there is no date) to the owners of the lands in this parish, within their liberty of the manor of Wye, by the name of his men of Hawkhurst, “the ville of Hawkhurst”.

Quitclaim and exchange: Robert of Heselden of Cranbrook, co. Kent., to Simon of Loudewele. Land and woodland (12a.), which the two parties lately acquired from Walter of Heselden in Hawkhurst in a place called Le Wysse enclosed by hedges and ditches. Consideration: all Simon’s part of the land acquired from the said Walter in a place called Outwode. Dated: Hawkhurst, Tuesday, the feast of St. Michael, in the 4th year of Edward son of King Edward. Witnesses: Geoffrey of Delminden, Ralph his son, William Deuck, Gilbert his brother, Walter of Heselden, Thomas, Henry and William of Delminden. Sept.. 29, 1310. (ESRO, AMS100).

Conveyance (Gift). Consideration: 24s. Geoffrey, son of John of Delmonden, to John son of William le Duck and w. Mabel. One field called Nithirweld (4a.) enclosed in hedges and ditches, abutting E. on lands of the abbot and convent of Battle, W. on highway leading from Skelecrouch’ to Robertsbridge, N. on land of said Geoffrey, S. on lands of the heirs of Walter of Wetham. Dated Friday before feast of St. John before the latin gate in 11th year of Edward son of King Edward. Witnesses: Thomas Ate Cherch’, Thomas Willem, Simon Watte, Gilbert Rolf, Walter Diper, Gilbert le Duck, Geoffrey, Henry, and Thomas of Delmendenn’, Simon of Loudewele, Walter of Heselden, and William Fordman. May 5, 1318. (ESRO, AMS101).

Duke v Fordman. Plaintiffs: William Duke, of Hawkhurst. Defendants: Thomas Fordman and William Forde. Subject: Lands, etc in Hawkhurst, enfeoffed by Gilbert Duke. Kent 1426-1432. (C 1/7/41).

Feoffment John Swyft of Etchingham to John Carstrete, son of Robert Carstrete, Walter Fuller of Salehurst, William Burder of Ticehurst and James atte Forde of Hawkhurst. All his lands in Etchingham and Salehurst W: John Duke, Laurence Duke, William Voghyll, William Drynker, Alan Swyft; at Etchingham. Sept. 8, 1461. (ESRO, DUN 20/6).

Quitclaim Robert Braban and Robert Ponte of Salehurst to William at Rede. Lands and tenements, rents and services called Swanteswysele in Salehurst, in which they were lately enfeoffed by Laurence Duke of Hawkhurst (in 1464), Oct. 7, 1476. (DUN 20/11).

Conveyance Robert Braban of Salehurst, Robert Kent, James atte Forde, Robert Funtyner of Hawkhurst, and John Fuller son of Richard Fuller of Salehurst (Feoffees of John Basden of Hawkhurst deceased with John Heansell of Hawkhurst and Richard Wylyng of Etchingham both deceased) to JB’s son Robert B according to JB’s Will, Canterbury consistory 2/200, 1469 The upper part (32a) of Kingesland (60a) in Salehurst, consisting of Kyngyscroft, Myddelfeld or Brodefeld, Spruntegardyn, Yendyrfeld by the Swiftsden Road with 2 adjacent crofts held of the latter and a piece of Great Wood; held of the Lord of Etchingham by 8d and annual suit of court Easement of carriage (limited) and way from the lower gate of Kingesland to the land (details not extracted). W: William Carstrete, Walter Fuller, William Lodynden of Salehurst, George Kent, James Kent, Lawrence Duke, Thomas atte Forde, Richard Godard of Hawkhurst. Jan. 8, 1471. (ESRO AMS5689/4).

Grant From: John Mercer senior, son of Thomas Mercer senior, Thomas Whatman and Richard Benett of Hawkhurst. To: George Mercer, George Congherst, Edmund Robert, Edmund Congherst, John Duke, John Wever, John Mercer junior and Thomas Mercer junior, sons of John Mercer senior (‘filii mei’) Thomas Philpot junior, Robert Forde son of Thomas Forde senior, John Hamon and Richard Battock of Hawkhurst.The lands called ‘Bakeryshyllys’ and ‘Rolvestonnes’ in Hawkhurst (24a, bounds given). Details of previous conveyance made to the grantors for the provision of a light before (‘coram’) the high altar of Hawkhurst church, in accordance with the Will of John Watt of Hawkhurst, deceased, a judgement in the court of Chancery between John Mercer and John Robert, churchwardens of Hawkhurst, plaintiffs, and John Guldeford, knight, deforciant, and other previous conveyances. 2 Seals. Jan. 26, 1487. (Kent History and Library Centre, p. 178/28/28).

Quit claim William Everynden of Benenden to Edmund Chetynden of Cranbrook and William Baseden of Hawkhurst his trustee House, garden with piece of arable and wood in Sesele den, Hawkhurst Endorsed: Seal tag: fragment of bond to Stephen Cutlaff and John Duke, April 9, 1534. (ESRO AMS5689/11).

Feoffment by Stephen Adams of Alborne, esq to Peter Wodgate of Hawkhurst, Kent in consideration of a sum of money (not specified), and appoints Edmund Roberts the elder and John Browne his attornies for livery of seisin. Manor of Delmonden, with all the messuages, buildings, lands called Wellonde, Upbyne, Estlandwyssch, Northale, Northale Wood, Conynger, Teldenysland, Netherover and Bulbroke in Haukhurst; and all other lands tenements and hereditaments of Adams in Hawkhurst and Benenden, Kent. Witnesses to the livery of seisin: Edmund Duke, William Spryngett, William Gybon, Thomas Afforde, George Afforde, William Dewke, Thomas Daker, Thomas Page, James Standen, Thomas Broke. The land is delivered to Edmund Wever and George Standen, the tenants, and Wodgate’s attornies. April 22, 1549. (ESRO, FRE/7033).

Quitclaim by Thomas Woodgate to his father Peter Woodgate of Hawkhurst, Kent, clothier. One messuage, one barn, three orchards, 12 parcels of land and wood (90a) in Hawkhurst lying in the denn of Delmonden, called Delmonden Manor (E: road leading from Skellcrouche to Delmenden Grene, S: lands of John Duke and on a pathway leading from Skellcrouch to Bowlbrooke, S & W: lands of Thomas Duke and Edmund Orglas, N: lands of the heirs of Robert Baseden (and Delmenden Grene), occupied of William Pix and Peter Woodgate. May 10, 1577. (ESRO, FRE/7037).

Boys v Robertes. Plaintiffs: Richard Boys esq of Hawkhurst, Kent. Defendants: Thomas Robertes, Richard Juppe, Richard Palmer, Edward Duke,* and others. Subject: Maintenance of suits as to lands on Sullington and elswhere held of plaintiff Richard Boys’s manor of Thakeham. Sussex. April 1605. (STAC 8/62/9).

THE DUKES OF HAWKHURST
1. William le Duck, “of the ‘Vill’ of Hauecherst”, brother of Gilbert le Duck, received a gift of land in Hawkhurst from Henry son of Simon of Delminden (Delmonden), in 1310.

William le Duck is identified as a man and tenant of the Abbots of Battel, as his family may have been since earlier times; for in the reign of King John, Odo abbot, and the convent of Battel, granted by charter, (to which there is no date) to the owners of the lands in this parish, within their liberty of the manor of Wye, by the name of his men of Hawkhurst, “the ville of Hawkhurst”. The Dukes may have been so enfeoffed by the Delminden’s, or, indeed, may have been Delmindens.

Henry son of Simon of Delminden [Delmonden] to William Le Duck (a gift) of the ‘Vill’ of Hauecherst [Hawkhurst, co. Kent] w. Joan, and their sons John William and Robert and their heirs. A field of my land lying in the ‘Denna’ [pasture] of Delminden [in Hawkhurst] on the west side of the street leading from Skelecruche to the cross of Northale, and called Tounstalle as enclosed by hedge and ditch. Dated Tuesday after the feast of St. Hilary, 35 Edw.I. Witnesses: Geoffrey of Delminden, Robert and Ralph his sons, Simon of Loudewele, William ate Forde, John Samedi, Thomas and Henry sons of Robert of Delminden, Walter Dypere, Gilbert Rolf, Robert and Geoffrey Springet, William of Delminden, clerk and others. 7 January 1307. (ESRO, AMS99).

The Dukes surname was a descriptive one: “Our ‘Dukes,’ ‘Dooks,’ or ‘ ‘Ducs,’ as they are more generally found in our rolls should not be what they represent, or rather then represented. A ‘duke’ was of course anything but what we now understand by the term. Our ‘Ducks’ may thus be official rather than ornithological, being then, as it more literally signifies, “a leader, or chieftain, or head”. (Charles Wareing Endell Bardsley, English Surnames, Their Sources and Significations, p. 544, 1889).

Ralpl, clerk of Delminden, acknowledges eighteen acres in Delminden, to Amisius de Betenham and Geoffrey his brother; and thereupon they grant the said land to the said Ralph, to be hold for life, of them and their heirs, by the service that pertains to the said land, which they undertake to do themselves to the chief lord. On the death of the said Ralph the land to revert to the said Amisius and Geoffrey, free of all claim from the heirs of the said Ralph. Apud Westmonasterium, in orastino Sancti Martini, anno regni Regis Johannis. Pedes Finum. In Hawkhurst. November 12, 1206, 8 John.

1.1. John le Duck, m. Mabel, received a gift of land from Geoffrey, son of John of Delmonden, 1318. Geoffrey, son of John of Delmonden, to John son of William le Duck and w. Mabel. One field called Nithirweld (4a.) enclosed in hedges and ditches, abutting E. on lands of the abbot and convent of Battle, W. on highway leading from Skelecrouch’ to Robertsbridge, N. on land of said Geoffrey, S. on lands of the heirs of Walter of Wetham. Witnesses: Thomas Ate Cherch’, Thomas Willem, Simon Watte, Gilbert Rolf, Walter Diper’, Gilbert le Duck, Geoffrey Henry and Thomas of Delmendenn’, Simon of Loudewele, Walter of Heseldenn’, and William Fordman. May 5, 1318. (ESRO, AMS101).1.1.1. …
1.1.1. ….
1.1.1.1. …
1.1.1.1.1. William Duke, plaintiff in a case of 1426-1432, regarding lands enfeoffed by Gilbert Duke.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Duke, witnessed grants of land in Hawkhurst by John Swyft of Etchingham, in 1461.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Duke, recipient of a grant of land in Hawkhurst from: John Mercer, son of Thomas Mercer senior, Thomas Whatman and Richard Benett of Hawkhurst, in 1487. There may have been intermariages between these families.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Edmund Duke.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Duke.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. *Edward Duke, bapt. Sept. 30, 1550 PROB 11/103/447: Will of Edward Duke of Hawkhurst, Kent, April 27, 1604, mentions his brother, Thomas.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Ducke, bapt. May 20 1551, d. 1614, m. Agnes Pyper, May 5, 1572; probably related to: Eliz. Pyper, who m. (1) Henry Sanders, Oct. 11, 1574 (2) Wm. Iggulden, Sept. 30, 1583. Alice Pyper, who m. Timothy Mercer, Jan. 30, 1580/1.

Quitclaim by Thomas Woodgate to his father Peter Woodgate of Hawkhurst, Kent, clothier. One messuage, one barn, three orchards, 12 parcels of land and wood (90a) in Hawkhurst lying in the denn of Delmonden, called Delmonden Manor (E: road leading from Skellcrouche to Delmenden Grene, S: lands of John Duke* and on a pathway leading from Skellcrouch to Bowlbrooke, S & W: lands of Thomas Duke and Edmund Orglas, N: lands of the heirs of Robert Baseden and Delmenden Grene), occupied of William Pix and Peter Woodgate. 10 May 1577. (ESRO., FRE/7037).

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3. Henry Duke, bapt. Aug. 8, 1552.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.4. George Duke, bapt. Jan. 12, 1555/6, bur. July 22, 1599 – the last parish reg. entry for this family.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. “Margaret Ducke”, m. Rich. Page, June 4, 1559; he probably related to Thomas Page, who m. Joan Waller, on Nov. 28, 1560; dau. Joan Page m. John Hale, Oct. 3, 1578. (Hall).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.3. Wm. Duke, m. Eliz. Turley, Jan. 14, 1561/2.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.4. Edmund Duke, m. Margaret Standen, Aug. 3, 1562.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.4.1. Margaret. Duke, m. Rich. Austen, Sept. 20, 1590; he probably related to Agnes Austen, who m. Rich. Roberts, Feb. 9, 1588/9.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5. *John Duke, d. 1606, m. Margaret Crior, May 21, 1588; perhaps related to Robert Cryer, who m. Margaret Goodman, May 9, 1580.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5.1. Bennett Duke, bapt. March 9, 1588/9.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.5.2. Thomas Duke, bapt. Dec. 8, 1594, in St. Laurence, Hawkhurst; no burial record.

1. *Thomas Duke, bapt. Dec. 8, 1594, in St. Laurence, Hawkhurst, m. Mary Barham, sister of Anthony Barham, husband of Elizabeth Pierce, step-daughter of Thomas Harris, of Wiveliscombe (kinsman of Edward Bennett*, and Thomas Harris, d. 1672). Anthony Barham was the son of Elizabeth Meriwether and Thomas Barham; she was the granddau. of John Merewether and Mary Fillmer, the sister of Sir Edward Filmer, whose son, Henry Filmer, was a burgess from James City county in the assembly of 1642-1643. His sister, Katherine, m. Robert Barham (1598-1648) on Aug. 1, 1620 in East Sutton, Kent (son of Robert Barham (1572-1631) and Susanna Sare), having issue: Charles Barham, much associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672), whose sons John and Thomas were Chukatuck Quakers, much associated with the family of Thomas Jordan Sr.* – who m. Lucy Corker; parents of Thomas Jordan Jr., father of Mathew Jordan, who appraised appraised the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672.

The Filmers were trading with Bristol merchants, notably with John Scott, business partner of Joseph Bridger and Thomas Harris, d. 1672 (B.R.O. depositions, see previous posts). Bill of exchange of Henry Filmer in favour of Mr. Stephen Watts, merchant of Bristol, for £17. 10s., for value received of John Scott, mariner of Bristol. Addressed to “Mr. Rob. Filmer Esq., living near ye talbott at ye sign of ye Goat, London. Your loving uncle Henry Filmer”. Recorded June 16, 1668. The wider family of Anthony and Charles Barham. The Barhams and the Duke family of Hawkhurst shared the same overlord – Sir John Baker, of Sissinghurst – and tenancy in common was a often conduit to familial introduction. Thomas Duke was of a good social standing, one conducive to marrying a sister of Anthony Barham, born ca. 35 miles N.E. of Hawkhurst, in the east Kent district. Hawkhurst is ca, 15 miles S. of East Sutton, the home of Edward Filmer. and where Katherine Filmer m. Robert Barham, above given.

KENTISH CONNECTIONS TO VIRGINIA
1. Richard Merywether, of Shepherdswell.

1.1. John Merewether: Merewether, John, of “Shepersdwolde,” g., and Mary Fillmer, s. p., V. Giles Golding of Bethersden, g., bonds. Feb. 21, 1590. She was the sister of Sir Edward Filmer, who m. (1585) Elizabeth Argall, dau. of Richard Argall and Mary Scott, dau. of Sir Reginald Scott, of Scott’s Hall, in Kent, br. of Sir Thomas Scott. Sir Edward Filmer’s son, Henry Filmer, was a burgess from James City county in the assembly of 1642-1643. His sister, Katherine, m. Robert Barham (1598-1648) on Aug. 1, 1620 in East Sutton, Kent (son of Robert Barham (1572-1631) and Susanna Sare), having issue: Charles Barham, of this account. Richard Argall and Mary Scott had issue, inc. Robert Argall of East Sutton*.

The Filmers were trading with Bristol merchants, notably with John Scott, business partner of Joseph Bridger and Thomas Harris, d. 1672 (B.R.O. depositions, see previous posts). Bill of exchange of Henry Filmer in favour of Mr. Stephen Watts, merchant of Bristol, for £17. 10s., for value received of John Scott, mariner of Bristol. Addressed to “Mr. Rob. Filmer Esq., living near ye talbott at ye sign of ye Goat, London. Your loving uncle Henry Filmer”. Recorded June 16, 1668.

1.2. Edward Meriwether, of Shepherdswell, g., and Ursula Shrubsall of Faversham, v. Anthony Deale of Faversham, g., bonds. Oct. 1, 1593. She was the sister of Richard Shrubsole of Graveney*.

1.2.1. Edward Meriwether Gent, b. 1598, bur. May 18, 1647, Barfrestone, Kent (Tyler Index to Parish Registers); m. Dorothy, dau. of Robert Thompson, bur. in Lenham Church. Brass on chancel floor:— ‘In this bedd of earth sleepes the body of Robert Thompson, sonne and heire to Henry Thompson, of this parish, Esq., sowne in full assurance to be quickened againe at the last day. He marryed Dorothy, the dau. of Thomas Swann, of Wye, Esq., by whom he had 2 sonnes and 6 daughters. Then Sarah ye dau. of George Tucker, of Milton next Gravesend, Esq., by whom he had 6 sonnes and 2 daughters, and dyed great of the 9th. He forewent his parents into Paradise Sep. 5. Etatis 47. Anno Salutis 1642’.

SWANN
1. Thomas Swann, d. 1538.
1.1. Francis Swann, of Wye, Kent, m. (1) Ursula, dau. of Moses Hardiman of Chilham, (2) Catharine, dau. of Roger Twisden. Francis Swann’s Will, probate Nov. 20, 1576 (Francis Swann, draper and Gent of St Peter the Poor, City of London), names son, William, “cousin”, Roger Twisden of Wye, and “brother”, Thomas Twisden of Wye, Gent.
1.1.1. William Swann, of Wye, m. Amy, dau. of John Dering, of Pluckley, on Sept. 26, 1570.
1.1.1.1. Sir Francis Swann, of Denton Court, m. Dorothy, dau. of Edward Boys, of Fredville. Sir Francis Swann’s Will, pr. Feb. 14, 1622, was witnessed by his br.-in-law, John Butcher, whose son and namesake’s niece was the first wife of Thomas Swann, of Virginia. The Boys family of Hawkhurst displayed the same coat of arms as those of Fredville: or, a griffon, segreant, sable, within a Bordure, gules.
1.1.1.1.1. William Swann.
1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Swann, of Virginia, who bore the arms of the Swanns of Denton: az. ermine betw. 3 swans ppr
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Swann, evideced here: William Seward to Nicholas Meriwether, James City Island in Virginia, 300 ac. in Surry Co. commonly called the Indian Spring, being part of a greater quantity taken up by Thomas Swann, Junior, beginning at the White Marsh’ and Indian Spring to Coll. Jordan’s corner tree (May 3 1666). In a Surry Co. record of Oct. 17, 1659, Francis Sowerby, with William Rose, William Browne, son of Henry, and Bartholomew Owen, witness the inquest of William Hawkes, servant of Col. Thomas Swann.

1.2.2. Elizabeth Meriwether, m. Thomas Barham, as his 1st wife, in 1592. He m. (2), on Oct. 12 , 1593, Anna , dau. of Robert Shrubsole of Faversham. (Harl . 42 , p . 151 ). Their son was Anthony Barham of Virginia, who was baptised at Barham on March 14, 1595-6. His Aunt, Ursula Shrubole, obit. Feb. 6 , 1623-24, m. Edward Meriwether, as above given, on Oct. 1 , 1593.

*Richard Shrubsole of Graveney, gent. wills to be buried in the said church near his first wife & children his son Charles, his dau. Anne Shrubsole. Mentions his lands in Graveney, Faversham , and Dimchurch, his sisters Barham & Meriwether’s children , viz . Mary & Anthony Barham, and (their half-siblings), Edward , Bartholomew, Elizabeth, Susan, Mary, Anne, Alfrey, Thomas, and John Meriwether; his wife Dorothy – his sister “Barham”. Also mentioned: Anne Schrubsole who m. Thomas Barham. Will of Anna Barham of the City of Canterbury, decd. nuncupative, proved July 13, 1640: There is in the hands of Mr. William Sumner of Canterbury L 20 which was given by Mrs. Shubsole, her late mother and herselfe to her son (in-law’s) Grove’s child and intrusted with said Sumner he paying eight pounds interest. In hands of Thomas Lyne £ 9. 10 sh . out of which 30 aforesaid she willed to William Groves £ 10 to be paid to him at 21. Robert Groves father of Wm . Groves to hold till then .’To Mrs. Lyne £5, to Mrs. Groves £5. £10 of said £30 to be spent on her funeral. Out of moneys of Shrubsole and Thomas Lyne she gave Anthony Barham “now of Virginia” £5. Moneys to Sibill and Anne Goodman. Thomas Lyne Exr. Spoken in the presence of John Berry and Robert Groves (V. M. 22 , p . 25).

Elizabeth Meriwether, 1st wife of Thomas Barham, had a nephew, John Meriwether of Shepardswell, who m. Alice, dau. of Sir William Crafford, and sister of Anne Crafford who m. John Warren of Ripple. Also, Edward Meriwether son of Ursula Shrubsole and Edward Meriwether, m. Dorothy , dau. of Robert Thompson of Rayton, Lenton, Kent , by his wife, Dorothy, dau. of Thomas Swan, of Wye. Thus, there was a relationship between a number of Kent families who are afterwards found in Surry Co. Virginia

On Feb. 2 , 1663 Charles Barham, gent, of Lawnes Creek Parish bought 300 ac. on Hog Island from Thomas Smith, the deed stating that “the sd. Barham hath put bills of exchange upon his brother, “Mr. Richard Barham of London”. It strongly suggests that Charles and Richard were identical with Charles and Richard Barham, sons of Robert Barham and Katherine Filmer, mentioned in the Wills of their grandparents. (See Mr. Boddie, Southside Virginia Families, 1955).

1. Lancelot Bathurst (1529-96), son of Edward Bathurst (fl. 1558) of Staplehurst, Kent; a citizen and grocer of the city of London; warden of the Grocers Company, 1592; alderman of the city of London (from 1593). He m., March 30, 1573, at St Benet Fink, London, Judith, dau. of Barnard Randolph of London. He acquired the manor of Franks, in Horton Kirby, Kent.
1.1. Randolph Bathurst (1576-1644), m. Sept. 18, 1596 (at St Bartholomew-the-Less, London), Catherine (b. 1575; fl. 1620), dau. of Robert Argall of East Sutton Kent, brother of Elizabeth Argall, wife of Edward Filmer, whose sister, Mary, was the wife of John Merewether, of “Shepersdwolde”.
1.1.1. Sir Edward Bathurst (b. ca.1605), m., Nov. 2, 1624, Frances, dau. of Sir Thomas Wyseman of Rivenhall (Essex). He inherited Franks Hall from his father in 1643/1644. He was probably the man of this name buried at St Giles, Cripplegate, London, Nov. 19. 1680. His widow was buried at Horton Kirby, March 2, 1688/9.
1.1.1.1. Sir Thomas Bathurst (ca.1628-88), only surviving son of Sir Edward Bathurst.

(Duke v Bathurst. Plaintiffs: Henry Duke. Defendants Sir Edward Bathurst and Thomas Bathurst. Subject: property in Horton Kirby, Kent. 1659. (C 10/94/44).
(The connection of a Henry Duke, alive in 1659, to these Bathursts, and they to Edward Filmer, whose dau., Katherine, m. Robert Barham, having issue: Charles Barham, strongly associated with the Harris family of Wiveliscombe and Virginia, suggests that he may have been related to Thomas Duke, who m. Anthony Barham’s sister, and to the Vinson family of Wiveliscombe and Virginia, intermarried to the said Harris family. The devil would be finding the detail, however. A number of possibilities exist.

What is witnessed in the above account is a key element of medieval and post-medieval society: Families deriving from two brothers produced consanguinious cousins; their immediate offspring, cousins of the first, second degree, etc., ad inf. Yet, branches families did not grow evermore distant with each passing generation, instead they maintained “closeness” by intermarriage into the same families, thus creating a continuous network of non-consanguinious cousins, The fact that the Barhams split into two divisions at early times is less important than their “continuation of association”, which made Anthony and Charles Barham of this account of close kinship.

A DUKE CONSTRUCT
1. Edmund Duke.
1.1. Thomas Duke.
1.1.1. *Edward Duke, bapt. Sept. 30, 1550 PROB 11/103/447: Will of Edward Duke of Hawkhurst, Kent, April 27, 1604, mentions his brother, Thomas.
1.1.2. Thomas Ducke, bapt. May 20 1551, d. 1614, m. Agnes Pyper, May 5, 1572; probably related to: Eliz. Pyper, who m. (1) Henry Sanders, Oct. 11, 1574 (2) Wm. Iggulden, Sept. 30, 1583. Alice Pyper, who m.Timothy Mercer, Jan. 30, 1580/1.
1.1.3. Henry Duke, bapt. Aug. 8, 1552.
1.1.4. George Duke, bapt. Jan. 12, 1555/6, bur. July 22, 1599 – the last parish reg. entry for this family.
1.2. “Margaret Ducke”, m. Rich. Page, June 4, 1559; he probably related to Thomas Page, who m. Joan Waller, on Nov. 28, 1560; dau. Joan Page m. John Hale, Oct. 3, 1578. (Hall).
1.3. Wm. Duke, m. Eliz. Turley, Jan. 14, 1561/2.
1.4. Edmund Duke, m. Margaret Standen, Aug. 3, 1562.
1.4.1. Margaret. Duke, m. Rich. Austen, Sept. 20, 1590; he probably related to Agnes Austen, who m. Rich. Roberts, Feb. 9, 1588/9.

1.5. John Duke, d. 1606, m. Margaret Crior, May 21, 1588; perhaps related to Robert Cryer, who m. Margaret Goodman, May 9, 1580.
1.5.1. Bennett Duke, bapt. March 9, 1588/9.
1.5.2. Thomas Duke, bapt. Dec. 8, 1594, in St. Laurence, Hawkhurst; no burial record.
1.6. Mary Duke, m. Thomas Chapman, June 15, 1579.
1.6.1. William Chapman, bapt. April 30, 1592.

BERHAM/BARHAM – COMPONENTS OF A SINGLE FAMILY
1. Thomas Berham held lands at Wadhurst, co. Sussex, in 1441, as appears by an entry on the Court Roll of that Manor. He m. Isabella, living in 1446.
1.1. Richard Berham, admitted to lands in the same Manor, Feb. 20, 1452-3, and d. bef. 1480; m. Anna, dau. and heir of John Busse, Steward of the Manor of Bivelham, 1436.
1.1.1. Nicholas Berham, eldest son, had lands at Wadhurst in 1493, and was churchwarden of that parish in 1487.
1.1.1.1. Richard Berham, of Wadhurst; d. bef. 1533, m. Mary Cradock, and had issue: a son and heir, Nicholas, of Chillington Manor, in Maidstone, co. Kent, b. ca. 1525; sold his lands at Wadhurst in 1547.
1.1.1.1.1. Nicholas Barham, of Maidstone. On Sept. 25, 1562,he purchased Chillington manor in Maidstone from the heirs of Peter Maplesden for £500.
1.1.1.2. John Berham, of “Woodlande and Buttes”, in Wadhurst; a noted ironmaster; Will proved P.C.C., June 19,, 1555.
1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Barham, d. Sept. 26, 1595, in Broughton, Monchelsey, Kent.
1.1.1.2.1.1. Thomas Barham Jr., d. June 6, 1609, in Maidstone.
1.1.1.2.1.1.1. Anthony Barham, bapt. at Barham on March 14, 1595-6.
1.1.1.2.1.1.2. Mary Barham, b. ca. 1600, m. Thomas Duke, bapt. Dec. 8, 1594, in St. Laurence, Hawkhurst, it is suggested.

1.1.2. William Berham, of Stalerege, in Wadhurst, feoffee of Brooklands in Frant, Feb. 10, 1520-1; admitted to lands in the Manor of Mayfield, Dec. 1, 1545; d. bef. 1548.
1.1.2.1. William Berham, of Wadhurst, admitted to his father’s lands in the said Manor, Feb. 20, 1547-8; his Will was proved at Lewes, Oct. 16, 1589. He m. Agnes, sister of William Lorkyn, of Pembury, Kent.
1.1.2.1.1. William Barham, of Skynes, in Ticehurst, held of the Manor of Robertsbridge, as appears by an entry on the Court Roll, Nov. 17, 1603. He m. Barbara, sister of Anthony Gouldsmith, of Framfield, ironmaster. (She m. (2) July 21, 1618, John Walker, of Heathfield). He was bur. at Wadhurst, June 1, 1614.
1.1.2.1.1.1. Mary Barham, mentioned in her father’s Will. Aged under 23. To receive £20 on reaching that age.
1.1.2.1.1.2. Richard Barham, bur. in Wadhurst in Sept. 1638., m. Dec. 15, 1623, Mary Skuller, of Frant, Ticehurst.
1.1.2.1.1.2.1. Anthony Barham, bapt. April 1, 1627.
1.1.2.1.1.3. Anthony Barham, m. Aug. 14, 1626, St Bartholomew, Burwash, East Sussex, Joane Jarvis, of Brasted, Sevenoaks, Kent. 1611, mentioned in the Will of his uncle, Anthony Gouldsmith. Oct. 6, 1614: mentioned at the Court of the Manor of Mayfield. Not mentioned in his fathers Will, 1614.

THE DUKES OF HAWKHURST
1. William le Duck, “of the ‘Vill’ of Hauecherst”, brother of Gilbert le Duck, received a gift of land in Hawkhurst from Henry son of Simon of Delminden (Delmonden), in 1310.

William le Duck is identified as a man and tenant of the Abbots of Battel, as his family may have been since earlier times; for in the reign of King John, Odo abbot, and the convent of Battel, granted by charter, (to which there is no date) to the owners of the lands in this parish, within their liberty of the manor of Wye, by the name of his men of Hawkhurst, “the ville of Hawkhurst”. The Dukes may have been so enfeoffed by the Delminden’s, or, indeed, may have been Delmindens.

The Dukes surname was a descriptive one: “Our ‘Dukes,’ ‘Dooks,’ or ‘ ‘Ducs,’ as they are more generally found in our rolls should not be what they represent, or rather then represented. A ‘duke’ was of course anything but what we now understand by the term. Our ‘Ducks’ may thus be official rather than ornithological, being then, as it more literally signifies, “a leader, or chieftain, or head”. (Charles Wareing Endell Bardsley, English Surnames, Their Sources and Significations, p. 544, 1889).

Ralpl1, clerk of Delminden, acknowledges eighteen acres in Delminden, to Amisius de Betenham and Geoffrey his brother; and thereupon they grant the said land to the said Ralph, to be hold for life, of them and their heirs, by the service that pertains to the said land, which they undertake to do themselves to the chief lord. On the death of the said Ralph the land to revert to the said Amisius and Geoffrey, free of all claim from the heirs of the said Ralph. Apud Westmonasterium, in orastino Sancti Martini, anno regni Regis Johannis. Pedes Finum. In Hawkhurst. November 12, 1206, 8 John.

1.1. John le Duck, m. Mabel, received a gift of land from Geoffrey, son of John of Delmonden, 1318.
1.1.1. …
1.1.1.1. …
1.1.1.1.1. William Duke, plaintiff in a case of 1426-1432, regarding lands enfeoffed by Gilbert Duke.
1.1.1.1.1.1. John Duke, witnessed grants of land in Hawkhurst by John Swyft of Etchingham, in 1461.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Duke, recipient of a grant of land in Hawkhurst from: John Mercer, son of Thomas Mercer senior, Thomas Whatman and Richard Benett of Hawkhurst, in 1487. There may have been intermariages between these families.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Edmund Duke
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Duke, d. 1606, m. Margaret Crior, May 21, 1588, (Cryer).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Duke,* bapt. Dec. 8, 1594, in St. Laurence, Hawkhurst.

1. *Thomas Duke, bapt. Dec. 8, 1594, in St. Laurence, Hawkhurst, m. Mary Barham, sister of Anthony Barham, husband of Elizabeth Pierce, step-daughter of Thomas Harris, of Wiveliscombe (kinsman of Edward Bennett*, and Thomas Harris, d. 1672). Anthony Barham was the son of Elizabeth Meriwether and Thomas Barham; she was the granddau. of John Merewether and Mary Fillmer, the sister of Sir Edward Filmer, whose son, Henry Filmer, was a burgess from James City county in the assembly of 1642-1643. His sister, Katherine, m. Robert Barham (1598-1648) on Aug. 1, 1620 in East Sutton, Kent (son of Robert Barham (1572-1631) and Susanna Sare), having issue: Charles Barham, much associated with Thomas Harris, d. 1672), whose sons John and Thomas were Chukatuck Quakers, much associated with the family of Thomas Jordan Sr.* – who m. Lucy Corker; parents of Thomas Jordan Jr., father of Mathew Jordan, who appraised appraised the estate of John Harris, son of Thomas Harris, d. 1672. The Filmers were trading with Bristol merchants, notably with John Scott, business partner of Joseph Bridger and Thomas Harris, d. 1672 (B.R.O. depositions, see previous posts). Bill of exchange of Henry Filmer in favour of Mr. Stephen Watts, merchant of Bristol, for £17. 10s., for value received of John Scott, mariner of Bristol. Addressed to “Mr. Rob. Filmer Esq., living near ye talbott at ye sign of ye Goat, London. Your loving uncle Henry Filmer”. Recorded June 16, 1668. The wider family of Anthony and Charles Barham. The Barhams and the Duke family of Hawkhurst shared the same overlord – Sir John Baker, of Sissinghurst – and tenancy in common was a often conduit to familial introduction. Thomas Duke was of a good social standing, one conducive to marrying a sister of Anthony Barham, born ca. 35 miles N.E. of Hawkhurst, in the east Kent district. Hawkhurst is ca, 15 miles S. of East Sutton, the home of Edward Filmer. and where Katherine Filmer m. Robert Barham, above given.

MERCER FAMILY OF HAWKHURST
1. … Mercer.
1.1. John Mercer. Baker v Robertes. Plaintiffs: Richard Baker of Cranbrook, Kent esq. Defendants: Edmund Robertes of Hawkhurst, Kent, merchant, Peter Woodgate, Stephen Beaching, Edmund Weyver, John Mercer, Thomas Sisley, Thomas Page, Richard Courtoppe the elder and William Courtoppe, tenants of plaintiff. Subject of decree: Commons and wastegrounds in parishes of Cranbrook and Hawkhurst, Kent, allegedly belonging to plaintiff’s manor of Moorhouse. Jan.. 31, 1568/9. C 78/38/12
1.1.1. Timothy Mercer, b. ca. 1560. Final Concord Between Peter Courthope, plaintiff v. Thomas Gibbons, gent. and Dorothy, his w., Thomas Sheafe. gent. and Mary, his w., Timothy Mercer, sen. and Alice, his w. and Timothy Mercer, jun. and Mary, his w., deforciants. 6a. of meadow and 15a. of pasture in Cranbrook and Hawkhurst, co. Kent Consideration £41. 1638. (ESRO, DAN/1567). Instructions for a lease from year to year at £31. William Gyer to John Roberts. The messuage where WG lives the messuage where Timothy Mercer the elder now dwelleth with barns, stalls, stables, buildings and six pieces of land (20a) in Hawkhurst in Kent. 1630. (ESRO, DUN 45/1/11).
1.1.1.1. Timothy Mercer, bapt. Nov.. 7, 1585. Will of Timothy Mercer, Yeoman of Hawkhurst, probated Sept. 11, 1634. No male heir mentioned. A Timothy Marcer, “gentleman of Hawkurst”, Will probated May 14, 1730. Settlement between (a) Peter Courthope of Cranbrook, co. Kent, esq.; (b) Alexander Courthope. gent., youngest s. of (a); (c) Ann Courthope, relict of Henry Courthope, gent., s. and heir of (a). Iron furnace and forge, 2 messuages and land (6a. each), in occ. of James Standen, 2 messuages and land (10a. and 50a. respectively) in occ. of Samuel Newman; wood land (50a.), land (5a.) purchased by (a) of Timothy Mercer, all in Hawkhurst, co. Kent. April 3, 1644. (ESRO, DAN/144).
1.1.1.2. Thomas Mercer, bapt. March 3, 1587/8. Will of Thomas Mercer, Tanner of Hawkhurst, probated July 27, 1654 son John Mercer Thomas Mercer (exec.) William Mercer (£120)
1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Mercer. Counterpart mortgage (lease for 1000 years) for £300 by Thomas Frewen of Northiam, gent to Thomas Mercer of Hawkhurst, clothier. Manor or reputed manor of Goatley and its appurtenances in Sussex; messuage or farm called Goatly Farm (in Northiam); several parcels of arable, meadow and pasture (200a) etc. Aug. 26, 1692. (ESRO, FRE/419).
1.1.1.3. John Mercer, bapt. April 2, 1598. The last year of any Mercer registry entry.
1.1.2. John Mercer, bapt. April 11, 1563. Will of John Mercer, Yeoman of Hawkhurst, Kent 03 March 1627 – wife Elizabeth, sons Thomas (exec.) and John.
1.1.2.1. John Mercer, bapt. oct. 17, 1591.
1.1.3. Thomas Mercer, bapt. Feb. 10, 1564/5, d. inf.
1.1.4. William Mercer, bapt. March 26, 1575.
1.1.5. George Mercer, bapt. Nov. 18, 1577. William Mercer and George Mercer, both of Hawkhurst. clothiers, at Hawkhurst, assaulted James Osmer. April 6, 1616. (Kent History and Library Centre, QM/SI/1616/4/4).
1.2. Robert Mercer.
1.2.1. Nicholas Mercer, bapt. June 2, 1566.
1.3. Christian Mercer, m. John Iddenden, Sept. 26, 1569.
1.4. Edmund Mercer.
1.4.1. William Mercer, bapt. Nov. 24, 1577.

See part 1 –  https://tinyurl.com/yp5j9423

by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon 2025