Why commence any account of Shropshire families of Harris, Jones, Lee, and Scryme, with a notice of the Whitmores of Claverley, Shropshire? The answer is that they were a family that were neighbours of the Jones and Lee families from ancient times, and it is by noticing the continuation of association between them that the ancestry of such descendants as Sir Francis Jones can be identified.

“John Whitmore, D.D., married twice, his first wife being Anne, daughter of Thomas Marten of Wilcote, Co. Oxon, who was the mother of the John Whitmore. By his second wife, Sarah Allen, who was buried on the 13th April, 1700, he had a daughter, Margaret, wife of William Jones of Ludstone. John Whitmore, D.D., was son of another John Whitmore of Ludstone (who died 1649, ætat. 77), by Frances, daughter and co-heir of Thomas Billingsley of Astley, (obt. 1668), son of Thomas Whitmore of Claverley buried there in 1577, by Agnes Bowdler, who died in 1580. The above-mentioned William Jones was of the same family as Sir Francis Jones of Ludstone, Lord Mayor of London”. (Trans. Shrop. Arch. Soc., p. 42, 1881).

1. John, lord of Whytemere, in the reign of Henry III, Edward I. 1.1. Philip de Whytemere, d. 1300. 1.1.1. John de Whytemere, living in 1361. 1.1.1.1. Richard de Whytemere of Claverley and Whytemere, d. ca. 1385, m. Margery, dau. and heir of William Atterall, of Claverley. 1.1.1.1.1. Richard de Whytemere. 1.1.1.1.1.1. Richard de Whytemere, d. 1442, m. Joan. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Whytemere, of Claverley, d. 1483. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Richard Whytemere, d. 1504, m. Agnes, d. 1522. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Richard Whitmore, b. 1495, m. Frances Barker. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1..William Whitmore, d. 1593, Esq., of London, merchant, m. Anne dau. of Alderman William Bond, of that city, and by her (who died Oct. 9, 1615) had issue: 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Sir William Whitmore. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Thomas Whitmore*. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Sir Thomas Whitmore. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. William Whitmore*.

(Lease (1) Sampson Eure of Grayes Inne, esq. (2) William Skyrme of Ludlow, gent. Recites: Lease, 31 October 1637. (1) Rt. Hon. Robert Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain of England, Martin Bond of London, esq., *Thomas Whitmore esq., s. & h. of Sir Wm. Whitmore of Apley, co., Salop., *William Whitmore s. & h. of Sir Thos. Whitmore of London., Kn., and alderman, and William Bond of London, Merchant. (2) Sampson Eure. Lands including land called “Monsty” … Now Eure has assigned these lands to Skyrme for 19 years 11 months. (Given in more detail as follows, with the ancestry of Edward Skyrme/Skryme of Virginia).Skyrme v Goffe. Plaintiffs: Elsmore Skyrme and Edward Skyrme. Defendants: Robert Goffe, John Butler and Welbeck Swannick. Subject: property in St Giles in the Fields, Middlesex. 1673. (C 6/79/37). Skyrme v Brady. Plaintiffs: Edward Skyrme. Defendants: Robert Brady. Subject: money matters, Middlesex. 1677. (C 6/226/46).

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Thomas Whitmore, ancestor of the Whitmores of Ludstone, in Claverley, m. Agnes, dau. of …Bowdler. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. John Whitmore, of Ludstone, m. Frances, dau. of Thomas Billingsley, of Astley Abbots. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1. John Whitmore D.D., m. (2) Sarah Allen, b. ca. 1620, bur. 1700. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1. Margaret Whitmore, b. ca. 1637, m. William Jones, bapt. in Claverley on March 18, 1626/27, as follows.

THE JONES AND LEE FAMILIES OF CLAVERLEY, SHROPSHIRE

“Sir Francis Jones of Ludstone, Lord Mayor of London in 1620, son of John Jones of the same place. Guilliam says – “Az. a lion passant between three crosses patée fitchée or, with a chief of the same, is borne by the name of Johnes, and was assigned by patent dated November 12th, 1610, by William Cambden, Clarencieux, to Francis Johnes, Esq., Alderman of London, the son of John, the son of Thomas Johnes of Loeston (Ludston) in the County of Salop.” According to the Visitation of Shropshire in 1623, John Jones of Brockton married Jane, daughter of Edward Plowden of Plowden, and had issue William Jones of Astington, father (by Jane, daughter of Hugh Sonkey, and Agnes, his wife, daughter of John Heynes, or Eignes, of Broseley) of Richard Jones,* who married Anne, daughter of John Leighton of Leighton, and was father of four sons and a daughter, Lucy, wife of John Brome. Francis, the eldest son, in 1623 was of Ludlow, and had married Anne, daughter of William Allen of Brocton. Rowland, the second son, “serviens ad arma,” was of Wenlock, and had married Anna, daughter of George Jenks of Wolverton. Edward, the third son, had married a daughter of Richard Baldwyn of Ludlow, and Richard, the fourth son, was apparently unmarried. The arms are the same as those previously given”. (Trans., Shrop. Arch. Soc., v. 6, p. 42, 1833).

The Jones family of Claverley (later of Ludlow and London) can be seen in the context of their early neighbours, the Lees, described by Robert William Eyton, Antiquities of Shropshire, vol. 3/4, pp 99/100, 1856:

Lea Farm. This tenement is adjacent to Hopstone. It is possible that it gave name to a family which is occasionally mentioned in the early annals of Claverley. Therefore I set down here a few facts which, if not relevant to the Lea-farm itself, yet concern the Manor of which it was a member. Reginald de Lega, whom I have named under Aston as an Essoignor in a local Suit of 1221, may have been of this place. Richard de la Lee, first Juror for Claverley at the Manorial Inquest of 1255, was undoubtedly so. Again, one Richard de la Lee was eighth Juror of Claverley at the Assizes of 1272. Thomas, styled the Provost of the Lee (a style equivalent to Thomas de la Lee, Provost), was possibly of this place, and perhaps a Bailiff of Claverley. All that I know of him certainly is that he had two sons, Roger, a Clerk, and John. Of Roger I have much to say.

In the year 1292, King Edward I grants to his beloved Clerk, Roger de Lee, thirty-one acres of the King’s Bosc in Claverley, viz., twenty acres in the heath between Whittimere and Broughton; seven acres in the Kingesmere, between Broughton, Bobbington, and Gatacre; three acres in the heath, between Aston, Ludstone, and the boundary of Shropshire and Staffordshire; and one acre between the King’s waste, near his Forest of Morf, and the Manor of Bobbington. The whole was to be held for the life of the Grantee at a rent of 5s. 2d. (i. e. 2d. per acre).

At the County Assizes next following (Oct. 1292), Roger de Lee was presented for appropriating and assarting these lands. He pleaded the King’s Charter, and the Bailiff of Claverley certified that his rent was not in arrear; so he was dismissed sine die.In October 1293, at Assizes held at Brug, the Abbot of Haughmond sued “Roger, son of Thomas le Provost de la Lee, Clerk, for desseizing him of common pasture in seven acres of moor &c. which pertained to the Abbot’s tenure in Beobridge and Broughton. William de la Lee, as Bailiff of Roger, answered for him, putting in the King’s Charter to Roger, and declining to plead further without the King. An adjournment to Easter Term 1294 at Shrewsbury, and again to Michaelmas Term 1294 at Brug, ended in the Abbot’s failing to appear, whereupon he and his Sureties were declared to be in “misericordid”. At this time Roger de la Lee occurs as a Landholder in Nordley Regis, a matter which will appear in its place. In 1300, Roger du Lee, Clerk, was again a Grantee of Crown lands in Claverley &c. After an Inquest ad quod damnum, held at Brug on June 6, and a Report by recent Arentators of the Royal Forests, the King grants to his beloved Clerk, Roger de Lee, the same thirty-one acres as before, but to be held in fee, and not merely for life, and at the old rent (5s. 2d.). The King adds a new grant of twenty-five acres in the Forests of Morf and Kinver, whereof twenty-two were in Morf and three in Kinver, also to be held in fee at a rent of 4s. 6d. (probably 3s. 6d.). Of the land in Morf, sixteen acres were in the Oldfield between the Blakewall and the Coldewall, and six acres were in the heath between Whittimere, Bobbington, and Broughton.

On Jan. 22, 1306, the King’s Writ of diem clausit extremum issued on the death of Roger de Lee. An Inquest held at Claverley on Feb. 10, reported his tenure in capite most accurately, and how his collective rents to the King were payable through the King’s Bailiff at Claverley. His brother John was his next heir, and aged fifty on Dec. 21, 1305. On May 28, 1306, John de la Leye having done fealty to the King, the Escheator is ordered to take security for his relief, and give him seizin of his inheritance. In 12 Edw. II (1318-9), William, son of Roger de la Lee, fines half a merk with the King for license to enter a certain tenement in Claverley after the decease of John de la Lee.

To Mr. Eyton’s account can be added: John de la Lee to settle the reversion of land and half a messuage in Claverley, which Hugh de Hepham holds for the life of the said John, upon William son of Roger de la Lee and the heirs of his body, remainder to the right heirs of William. Shropshire. William de la Lee to settle his reversion of land and half a messuage in Claverley, which Hugh de Hepham holds for the term of sixteen years, upon William son of Roger de la Lee and the heirs of his body, remainder to the grantor and his heirs. Shropshire. 11 Edw, 1317-1318. (C 143/132/5). Release: Johanna widow of William de Lee grants to Thomas de la Grene de Aston, William son of Richard de Feldehouse and Richard son of Nicholas de Hethton land in Claverley. Sept 1, 1325. (Shrop. Arch., 5735/2/7/1/5). Release: Edmund Lowe, Thomas Broke of Claverley, Thomas Chykenhull, clerk, William Wynnesperry, chaplain and John Lee release to John Broke their claim to a piece of land in Kinver forest. 1 July 1, 1415. (Shrop. Arch., 5735/2/27/3). Claverley Account roll of William Lee, bailiff, by John Ruge his attorney, from Michaelmas 22 Henry VII to Michaelmas 22 Henry VII (1506-7). (Shrop Arch., 4229/2/34).

Photocopy of extract from Patent Rolls (PRO C.66/1019), reciting grant by letters patent of Edward VI to John Seymour of late prebend of Morveld (Morville) in late chapel or college of Brudgnorth and appurtenances in Brudgnorth, Morveld and elsewhere in co. Salop previously demised to Fulk Lee*. With all rents, etc. except great trees and woods, from Easter last for 33 years at £81 5s. 2½d. and £6 at Michaelmas and Lady Day. And grant made to William Whytmore of deanery of free royal chapel of St. Mary Magdalene in the parish church within the castle of Brydgnorth, with the rectory, tithes of hay and herbage in p.Bulvington (Bobbington), tithes of hay and fruit in Hethton, tithes of sheaves in Shepley, Hopston and Draycote, of apples, piglets and geese etc. in p. Claverley late in tenure of William Byllyngesley and all tithes of sheaves, corn and grain in Sutton, Claverley, Fernecott, Woudewall, Bea brydge, Ludston and Aston, co.Salop, tithes of hay in Claverley, Fernecote, Hopston, Ludston, Shypley, Sutton, Beaubridge and Aston, co.Salop, tithes of fruit, flax, piglets, geese, etc. in Whyttymer, Claverley, Fernecote, Hopston, Dodycote and Woudewall, tithes of wool in p.Claverley and p. Bovyngton (Bobbington), co.Stafford, tithes of lambs and calves in same, tithe of mills, tithes in Studdesdon called Luddesdon Tythe now or late in tenure of Thomas Amyas, tithes of mill of Penston (Pendlestone ?), Salop; all Easter dues and oblations in Brydgnorthe, tithes of wool, lambs, pigs, geese, etc. in p.St. Leonard and profits from probate of wills. With rights to profits from annual markets held in Brydgnorth and all tithes, rents, etc in Claverley, Bulvyngton, Hethton, Shypley, Hopston, Draycote, Brydgenorth, Gattager, Whetley.

What is witnessed here is a group of families closely alligned through tenurial association which formed the basis of familial ones. 

FULK LEE

1. *Fulk Lee, b. ca. 1460. He m. (1) Elizabeth (dau. of John Leighton), and sister of Thomas Leighton, father of Margaret Leighton, wife of John Harris of Cruckton. 1487. Fulk Lee, son and heir of Richard Lee of Langeley, Esq. (Langley, 10 miles from Cruckton). Elizabeth his wife, Thomas Leghton, knt. William Leghton and John Horde, gentlemen, feoffees in all the lands and tenements of Richard in the township and fields of Alderton. 2. Walter Amys of Alderton. A messuage in the township of Alderton Witnesses: John Downton of Alderton, Thomas Hochekys of the same, Thomas Draper of Burghton. (S.A., X1514/3/22/1/409)

1.1. Thomas Lee, of Langley, b. ca. 1500; d. 1562; m. Jane, dau. of Sir Robert Corbet, of Moreton Corbet, and Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Henry Vernon and Anne Talbot, dau. of John Talbot, 2nd Earl Shrewsbury and Elizabeth Butler. Jane was the sister of Dorothy, Robert, Richard, and Roger Corbet, witnessed here: Wolrich v Corbet. Plaintiffs: Francis Wolrich son and heir of William Wolrich. Defendants: Dorothy Corbet, and Robert Corbet, Roger Corbet, and Richard Corbet. Subject: Claim under a marriage settlement. The manor of Dudmaston, and lands in Dudmaston, Shropshire, Presthope, Shropshire, Whitley Fields, Claverley, Coton, Astley Abbotts, Alveley, and Quatt, Shropshire, settled on the marriage of the plaintiff’s father with Dorothy one of the daughters of Thomas Poyner. Temp. Eliz.( C 2/Eliz/W12/59). The said Roger Corbet (Sir Roger Corbet, of Morton, ob. 1538), m. Ann, dau. of Sir Andrew Windsor, having issue: Jerome Corbet, ob. 1598, who m. Dorothy, dau. and heir of Thomas Poyner, as her 2nd husband.

1.1.1. Richard Lee of Langley, b. ca. 1530. Feb. 1562. The Hon. Sir William Cecil, knt, Master of the Queen’s Court of Ward and Liveries. 2. Richard Lee, Esq., son & heir of Thomas Lee Esq., decd. The Queen has agreed to grant to Rd Lee livery to be had of & in all the manors, lordships etc. which sd Rd has inherited from sd Thos Lee. Rd has agreed that an account shall be rendered of the lordships by one of the Queen’s auditors at such time as the Queen or the Master or Surveyor shall please.Richard Lee of Langley m. Eleanor (dau. of Walter Wrottesley, Esq., and Isabel, dau. of John Harcourt Esq., and Margaret Bracy); sister of Elizabeth Wrottesley, who m. John Talbot, having issue: Margaret Talbot,* who m. (ca. 1579), (1) Richard Ligon (d. 1584), son of William Ligon and Eleanor Denys; having issue: John Lygon (b. 1581, d. 1644), of Arle Court, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. He m. his cousin. Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Arnold Ligon, having issue: Katherine Ligon, his heir, who m. Sir Fleetwood Dormer, who, as heretofore given, m. (2) Mary Harris, kinswoman of Mary Harris, who m. Thomas Ligon, having issue: Joan Ligon, wife of Robert Hancock.

Grant Arthur Mackeworth and Edward Corbet, Esqs grant to Richard Lee of Langley, Esq. all their lands and tenements in Hurst, Coton, Tydwalespole, Walop, Aston Rogers, Wynnesley and Westbury, once of William Lingen, deceased, and late of John Lyngen, gent. To hold to the said Richard Lee and the legitimate heirs of his body, remainder to the right heirs of the said Richard, forever. Warranty. Signed: Edward Corbett. Dorse: witnesses: Robert Broughton, John Crompe, William Gardner jnr., Humffrey Berwicke, Henry Browne and John Broughton. 26 April 1573. Shrop. Arch., 1514/483

Margaret Talbot was the half-sister of Constance Talbot, who m. George Blount, M.P., having issue: Dorothy Blount, who m. (1) John Purslowe of Sudbury, as his 2nd wife. Their dau., Katherine Purslowe, m. Richard Hill of Bickley, having issue: Dorothy Hill, who m. John Holland of Pickthorn, son of Michael Holland of Pickthorne, the son of Thomas Holland, and Alicia, “fil. Thomas Cocke of Pickthorne”, second-cousin of Richard Cocke, of “Malvern Hills”, Henrico.

1.1.2. Katherine Lee, m. (kinsman) Edward Corbet (her dower being lands in Coton).
1.1.3. Mary Lee, m. Edward Plowden*.
1.1.3.1. Jane Plowden, m. John Jones:

JONES
1…. Jones, probably a son of John Jones: Claverley Account roll of Richard Whitmere, reeve, from Michaelmas 14 Edward IV to Michaelmas 15 Edward IV. Account of John Jones, beadle, for the same period. 1474-5. (Shrop. Arch., 4229/2/15).
1.1. Thomas Jones, b. ca. 1510, of Ludstone, in Claverley.
1.1.1. John Jones, b. ca. 1545, m. Jane, dau. of Edward Plowden and Mary, dau. of Thomas Lee, of Langley. For the will of Edward Plowden (d. 1576), in which he appoints his wife, Mary (nee Lee) Plowden, and his son, Andrew Plowden, as executors, and his brother, Edmund Plowden (c.1518–1585), esquire, and his brother-in-law, Richard Lee (d.1590/1), esquire, as overseers, see TNA PROB 11/58/523
1.1.1.1. Francis Johnes, Esq., Alderman of London for Aldgate ward, b. ca. 1570, Master of the Haberdashers, Lord Mayor of London in 1620. He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Henry Rolfe.
1.1.1.2. Thomas Jones, b. ca. 1575.
1.1.1.2.1. Thomas Jones, bapt. Dec. 28, 1599, in Claverley.
1.1.1.2.1.1. William Jones, bapt. March 18, 1626/27, in Claverley, m. Margaret Whitmore.
At this point it would seem useful to interject records of the Leighton family so as to correct the suppositions of antiquarians by the test of recorded chronologies. Clearly, William the father of Richard Jones of Astanton was a contemporary of Thomas Jones, b. ca. 1510, of Ludstone, in Claverley, supra, and his son, Richard, was a cousin of John Jones (who m. Jane, dau. of Edward Plowden, and Mary, dau. of Thomas Lee, of Langley, supra), and not his son, as “pedigree makers” record, no doubt for reason of aggrandisement. “Visitation” records of pedigrees are full of such artifice, often showing links between different families of the same name, or inserting an “ancestor” (when none is known) as a link to the supposed earliest recorded one; often claimed as a “companion of the Conqueror”. “Visitation” records and those of the various pedigree authors have to be taken with a pinch of salt, and are often not a viable reference. The necessity is to research original source documents and to apply the test of chronological feasibility.

Trans. Shrop. Arch, p. 408, 1885, Notes on Leighton Deeds:
1. Hugh Leighton (b. ca. 1470) of Rodenhurst. Grant to John his eldest son of his lands in Sugdon, Rodon, Roddington, & Acton Reginald. 1539:William Leighton having no issue by Margaret his wife settled his estate upon his nephew Thomas Poyner & Hugh Leighton of Rodenhurst his cosin & next heir male to be equally divided between them. Thomas Lee of Langley, Esq. John Barkley of Cressage & John Barons Vicar of Leighton, trustees.
1.1. John Leighton, b. ca. 1495. A tomb of Alabaster put over John Leighton Esq. & Mary his wife, dated 1540.
1543. Ottley, Lee and Upton made partition of the Lordship of Leighton (after the death of William Leighton) between Thomas Poyner (sister’s son to William) and Hugh Leighton (cousin and next heir male).
1.1.1. John Leighton of Rodonhurst, b. 1536. 1574: John son of Hugh Leighton died (his son John æt 38).
1.1.2. Ann Leighton, b. ca. 1540. 1563: Richard Jones of Astanton settlement upon his marryage with Anne daughter of John Leighton of Leighton Esq. of his part and pp’con of the Man’n of More and More Wood and advowson of More Church and other lands and Messuages in Lee Botwood, Great Wenlock, and Wolstaston. Trustees: John Leighton of Rodenhurst eldest son of John Leighton aforesaid, Richard Leighton of Garmston Gent. Rowland Wilcox of Broseley, and John Heyns of Stretton.

1.2. William Jones of Astanton/Astington, b. ca. 1510.
1.2.1. Richard Jones, of Astanton, b, ca, 1540, m. Ann, b. ca. 1547, dau. of John Leighton, and aunt of Margaret Leighton, wife of John Harris.
1.2.1.1. Lucy Jones, b. ca. 1567, m. John Brome.

1. Thomas Brome of Brome gentleman and Mary his wife. 2. Edward Crowther of Ludlowe gentleman and Anne his wife. 2. Adry Hughes of Ludlowe spinster and John Jones of Ludlow mercer and Joyce his wife Covenant before the feast of Pentecost next at the equal costs of Adry and John, to levy a fine upon the messuage and garden in Brande Lane and land (as S.R.O. 1623/18) and upon the corner shopp with a soller or lofte over it and a seller under the shop (now John Jones) in the town of Ludlowe abutting at the east end upon a streete called the Broadstreete and at the west end upon a new builded house and shop (now Richard Larkin mercer) and lying between a street called the Shomaker Rowe (N) and a lane called the back lane or narrow lane (S), as to the first property, to use of Ardry Hughes her heirs and assigns, and as to the second property, to use of John Jones and Joyce his wife and their heirs. Signatures of Thomas Brome, Edwarde Crowther; marks of Marie Brome, Anne Crowther. Witnesses:- Rychard Skyrme, John Jones, John Walle, Pe: Fowlkes, scriptor 14 February 18 James I (1621). Shropshire Archives, 1623/19.

Parties: Sir Charles Fox of Bromfield co. Salop, kt. Andrew Hughes of Ludlow, co. Salop, spinster. Place or Subject: Lease of a garden with a cottage and pigsty thereon in Meryvale Street, Ludlow; 21years; 20 s. p.a. The Lease not to be assigned to anyone except one of the children of Francis Skyrme, gent., deceased. Salop 30 Sept 1622 E 214/1217

Bargain and Sale. (1) Richard Skyrme of Ludlow, gent. (2) Sir Sampson Eure, esq., the King’s Majesties Attorney within the Principality and Marches of Wales. Consideration: £7. 13. 0. 18 diaper napkins, 1 diaper towel, 1 diaper table cloth, 1 damask table cloth, 1 damask towell, 4 damask napkins, 1 dozen new flaxen napkins 3 flaxen tablecoths, 3 pairs pilowbers, 1 pair flaxen sheets, 1 pair holland sheets, 1 pair hempen sheets. Endorsed: Itemised account of the said linen and tableware. March 5, 1624. (Herefordshire Arch., F76/IV/3).

Lease (1) Sampson Eure of Grayes Inne, esq. (2) William Skyrme of Ludlow, gent. Recites: Lease, 31 October 1637. (1) Rt. Hon. Robert Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain of England, Martin Bond of London, esq., *Thomas Whitmore esq., s. & h. of Sir Wm. Whitmore of Apley, co., Salop., William Whitmore s. & h. of Sir Thos. Whitmore of London., Kn., and alderman, and William Bond of London, Merchant. (2) Sampson Eure. Lands including land called “Monsty” (7.a) and 1 small coppice (4a.) next to the park gate, on Bringewood Chase. Excepting all timber and saplings of oak, all mines and quarries. 21 years.Now Eure has assigned these lands to Skyrme for 19 years 11 months. Rent: £12. 4. 0. Lease becomes void for arrears of rent. Repair clause. Skyrme to pay 6 monthsrent in advance. 30 November, 14 Chas I 30 November 1638. (Herefordshire Archives, F76/II/354). Skyrme v Goffe. Plaintiffs: Elsmore Skyrme and Edward Skyrme. Defendants: Robert Goffe, John Butler and Welbeck Swannick. Subject: property in St Giles in the Fields, Middlesex. 1673. (C 6/79/37). Skyrme v Brady. Plaintiffs: Edward Skyrme. Defendants: Robert Brady. Subject: money matters, Middlesex. 1677. (C 6/226/46).

1.2.1.2. William Jones, bapt. Dec. 24, 1572.
1.2.1.2.1. Jane Jones, bapt. March 27, 1608, m. William Skyrme, attorney of the Council of Marches, church warden of St. Laurence, Ludlow. (See Skyrme, as follows).
1.2.1.3. Francis Jones, b. ca. 1574, of Ludlow, m. (1) Anne, dau. of William Allen of Brocton. (2) Elizabeth.
1.2.1.4. Rowland Jones, b. ca. 1577, m. Anna, dau. of George Jenks, of Wolverton.
1.2.1.5. Edward Jones, b. ca. 1580, m. Elinor, dau. of Richard Baldwin, of Ludlow. Churchwardens: Edward Jones and Henry Blashfield.
1.2.1.5.1. Thomas Jones, bapt. May 29, 1628, “son of Edward and Elinor”. No burial record in Ludlow. He is the most likely candidate for marrying Mary Repps in Virginia.
1.2.1.5.1.1. Repps Jones, m. Mary Skerme/Skyrme.
1.2.1.6. Richard Jones.
1.2.1.7. (John Jones?).

BAKER, JENYN, LEIGHTON, AND HARRIS

1. Roger Baker.
1.1. Ann Baker, b. ca. 1460, the mistress of Thomas Leighton, and neither his ist or 2nd wife. Ann Baker was the mistress of Sir Thomas Leighton before he married Elizabeth Devereux, and, almost certainly, afterwards. As his Will provides for nine children by Anne Baker, he clearly did not form a liason with her at the age of 64, after Elizabeth Devereux died in 1516
1.1.1. Margaret Leighton, m. John Parry (ap Harri), b. ca. 1435, d.1488), old enough to participate in armed conflict by 1456. “The earliest mention of a Harris of Cruckton is in 1463, when it was held by John Harries, who died about 1488. He was succeeded by his son John, who resided there in 1520, and died about 1530. His great grandson John, who inherited the Cruckton estate – had issue: Rowland Harris of Ludlow, Arthur Harris of Prescot,* and Richard Harris of Cruckton**. (Salopian Shreds and Patches, vol. 1 p. 81, 1875).
1.1.1.1. John Parry (b. ca. 1475, d. ca. 1530), m. aft 1516 (almost certainly as his 2nd wife), Margaret dau. of Sir Thomas Leighton (and his mistress Anne Baker), to whom her father left, with her siblings, profits from Cardeston and other manors, for life.
1.1.1.1.1. *Richard Harris of Cruckton, b. ca. 1518, m. Eleanor Jennyns, of Walybone.

(1. Thomas Jennyns
1.1. Rowland Jennyns, m. Elizabeth, dau of William Bromley. (Trans. Shrops. Arch. 1941). He as an adult making a grant 3 Nov. 1511, and was dead by 20 Feb. 1528 when his son Thomas assigned his mother Elizabeth her dower.
1.1.1. Thomas Jennyns of Walybone, bur. at Pontesbury in 1568, m. Katherine, dau of William Oteley of Pitchford, and sister of Thomas Otely, of Ford (in Pontesbury), whose son, William Oteley, m. Margaret, dau. of Edward Leighton, son of Sir Thomas Leighton of Wattlesborough, and Elizabeth Devereux, relict of Richard Corbet.
1.1.1.1. William Jennyns of Walybone, m. Cecilia, dau. of John Leighton of Wattlesborough, likewise son of Sir Thomas Leighton of Wattlesborough, and Elizabeth Devereux).

1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris (b. ca. 1541), held the Cruckton estate of the manor of Pontesbury. He m. Eleanor (b. ca. 1545), dau. Thomas Prowde, of Sutton, near Shrewsbury.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Rowland Harris (b. ca. 1566, 2nd son, d. 1605), of Ludlow, m. (Sept. 14, 1595), Jane Langford, bapt. Oct. 10, 1567, dau. of Thomas Langford, gent. Jane Langford m. (2) Edward Lewis (bur. June 12, 1632, in Ludlow), of Sutton Magna. Edward Lewis was the father by a first wife (Anna, dau. of Thomas Blashfield) of Thomas Lewis, b. 1600, who is most likely recorded here: Hannah Boyse, dau. and heir of Luke Boyse, late of Henrico, decd., patented in Nov., 1635, 300 ac. in Henrico adjoining land of her mother Alice Edlowe; due 50 ac. for her personal adventure and 50 ac. for the personal adventure of her father, and 200 ac. for transportation of servants, viz.: “Thomas Lewis, Robert Hollum, Joseph Royall, Edward Holland, and Oliver Allen”. (Virginia Magazine, v., p. 97).
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, in Ludlow, m. Margaret Holland.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Mary Harris,* bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow. In 1689, Mary (Harris) Ligon gave a deposition in Henrico stating her age to be 64. She m. Thomas Ligon.

Thomas Ligon,* m. Mary Harris. He patented land on Powell’s Creek adj. that of Thomas Jones, who, by wife Mary Repps, had issue, Thomas Jones Jr., and Elizabeth Jones, who m. Philip Turpin. Mary Repps m. (2) Edward Skerme in 1680 in Henrico Co. “We Mary Skerm of Bermooda Hundred, Henrico Co., and Thomas Jones, my son, agree to peacably occupy land which was my husband’s, Thos. Jones, dec’d, bounded by the river and the high road, called The Hundred Path, equally. Mary Skerme to hold the part joining the creek toward Wm Ligon, and Thomas Jones, the part joining the swamp”, Aug. 9, 1684. Thomas Jones Jr. m. Martha, dau. of Joseph Tanner and Mary Shippey. His Will, dated Jan. 1688/9, was witnessed by Edward Skerme. Martha Tanner Jones m. (2), Edward Haskins, in 1686. In 1694, Martha Haskins and her sister, Mary Ligon, wife of William Ligon, conveyed a tract of land bequeathed to them by their father Joseph Tanner, decd., on the S. side of the James River (on Hell Garden Bottom Run) adj. Mr. Richard Kennon, witnessed by Thomas Ligon and Mary Platt.

Had the earliest of Harris researachers had access to the information available in the “computer age”, on this one point alone, they would not have looked further afield for the ancestry of this Harris family, for, diligent and intelligent researchers that they were, had they turned their attention to Ludlow and its environs they would have discovered the intricate relationships of this Harris family to those of Baugh, Cocke, Holland, Hudson, Ligon, et al., and not a single word would have been wasted about the fictitious association to Captain Thomas Harris of earliest Virginia on which fraudulent land claims were based at the end of the seventeenth century, as a previous article documented.

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Joan Ligon, m. Robert Hancock.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Martha Hancock, m. Robert Hudson Jr., first cousin of John Hudson, who m. Elizabeth Harris; see previous posts.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Major William Ligon d. 1689, of “Malvern Hills”, named after the Malvern Hills area of Shropshire/Worcestershire. He m. Mary, dau.of Joseph Tanner, and Mary Platt; she m. (2) William Farrar, of Farrar’s Island, who d. April 3, 1721.

Thomas Jones (Jr.) and Martha Tanner’s, dau., Lucretia, m. Henry Childers, son of Abraham Childers and Anne Pew. On Nov. 26, 1680, Abraham Childers Jr. exchanged lands with John Pleasants Sr. The latter was to receive 548 acres on Four Mile Creek, and 900 lb. of tobacco. In return, he conveyed to Pleasants 140 acres: “being the whole dividend purchased of my father, Abra. Childers of Major William Harris, of Curles” (Swamp). The land Major Harris conveyed was on Curles Neck, on the side of Morgan’s landing: Wm. Harris to Abraham Childers …. “the parcel of land he now lives on-beginning at a pine tree a little above the houses of the said Childers & standing by the river, & on the lower side of Morgan’s Landing, and soe running down the river to the swamp at the old garden, and thence into Morgan’s along the main side to the nutt trees, and thence along the side of the swamp & ye meadow side to an oake tree as one goes into the meadow close by the cart path, from thence on a straight line into the pasture to a parcel of oakes standing in a ridge. Feb. 28, 1656. Wit. John Eppes, Thomas Ligon, (pp. 269-70). This land was neither “Curles” nor “Longfield”, nor “Longfield which later became Curles”, as an elaborate myth attached to the family of Major William Harris suggested. In this transaction there is no mention of a father of Major William Harris.

1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2. William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627/8, in Ludlow. On June 22, 1663, a Major William Harris acquired 450 ac. in Henrico Co., on the N. side of the James River, to a 4 mile creek, called by name “the Slashes”, E. upon the “Malverne Hills” plantation of Richard Cocke, p. 304. His Will was made 20 Apr 1678 and pr. 1 Feb 1678/9 in Henrico.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. Edward Harris, sold Edward Skerme 150 ac. in Henrico Co. on Aug. 20, 1696, p. 648.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.2. Thomas Harris, adjoining entries for Edward and Thomas Harris in 1704 quit rent roll.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.3. William Harris, b. ca. 1670.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.3.1. Elizabeth Harris,* bapt. Nov. 27, 1698, in St Pauls Parish, m. John Hudson,* b. ca. 1690.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.3.1.1. George Harris, bapt. April 13, 1701, in St Pauls Parish; a Vestry meeting there in 1719 connecting him to the lands of George Alvis, who had married the widow of Major William Harris.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.3.1.1.1. William Harris, of Wolf Swamp, probably m. a dau. of John Graves and Lucy, dau of Robert Adams and Mourning Lewis,* or his brother Mathew Graves, who m. Lucy’s sister Susannah.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.1. George Harris (b. ca. 1750), m. Sarah, dau. of William Hudson, of Prince Edward. Their son Graves Harris m. Elizabeth Wheeler; three of their children married Hollands, descendants of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1.2.3.1.1.1.2. Graves Harris, b. m. Elizabeth Baldwin, dau. of John Baldwin Jr.* July 22, 1797: Indenture betw. Thomas Elmore, Efford Bentley, William Wood, James Gills, Thomas Ligon, etc., of Amelia Co., trustees of Ligons Town, sell to Levy Wright one lot situate in the above mentioned town. Wit. Richard Ligon, Thomas Ligon, *John Baldwin. (Amelia co., D.B. 20, pp. 303-4). These Ligons were sons of William Ligon III., d. bef. Oct. 27, 1796, in Amelia Co., son of Wiliam Ligon II, d. 1764, in Amelia Co; son of Maj. William Ligon and Mary Tanner; son of Colonel Thomas Ligon, son of Thomas Ligon and Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow. John Baldwin was a descendant of Charles Baldwyn, of Stokesay Castle (b. 1593), who m. (1617) a sister of Mary Holland, dau. of Francis Holland of Burwarton (fl. 1606), he being a brother of Thomas Holland, who m. Alice Holland, second-cousin of Richard Cocke, of Pickthorne, Shropshire, and Bremo, Virginia.

LEWIS

1. Edward Lewis, gent, of Diddlebury, m. (2) *Jane Langford.
1.1. Edward Lewis, bapt. Sept. 1, 1608. Edward Lewis of London merchant (Shrop. Arch., 11/208); terine half-br. of John Harris, bapt. March 5, 1604, Ludlow, d. 1638, father of (1) Mary Harris, bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow. who deposed to be 64 years og age in 1689, and Major William Harris, bapt. Jan. 13, 1627, in Ludlow; who held land on Curles Swamp, next to his sister, and John Woodson, br. of Robert Woodson.
1.1.1. John Lewis, a neighbour of Mary Harris, and Major William Harris in the Malvern Hills district of Henrico. His Will was proved April 2, 1688. Appraisers: Capt. Wm Randolph, Capt Thomas Cocke, who were both named as “friends” in the Will of Major William Harris.
1.1.1.1. William Lewis, of Henrico, m. Elizabeth dau of Robert Woodson, Sr. “I Robert Woodson acknowledge to my brother-in-law, William Lewis, my full share due my wife Sarah, one of the orphans of John Lewis”. William Lewis deposed that he was aged 28 at the inventory of John Lewis taken Dec. 2, 1689 (Weisiger, p. 105), i.e. b. 1661. He m. Elizabeth Woodson, they the parents of Joseph Lewis, who m. Elizabeth Pleasants. Robert Woodson Sr. of Henrico Co. For good causes to my loving grandson’s, William & Joseph Lewis (children of his dau., Elizabeth Woodson, and William Lewis), 450 ac. patented to me and Richard Farris, Giles Carter, William Harris (son of Major William Harris – ms), and Roger Cummings, Oct. 21, 1687, on White Oak Swamp”. Rec. May 1, 1707.
1.1.1.1.1. Sarah Lewis, m. James Cocke, son of James Cocke, son of Thomas Cocke*. March 20, 1693: “Robert Povall, Giles Carter, Stephen Cocke & William Lewis to appraise the estate of William Cocke, dec’d” (br. of Thomas Cocke).
1.1.1.1.1.1. James Cocke, m. Mary, dau. of Joseph Lewis, and Elizabeth Pleasants.
1.1.1.1.1.1.1. James Cocke, m. Martha, dau. of David Parrish and Judith Holland, on Nov. 25, 1774. (Douglas Register). Judith Holland was the dau. of John Holland, son of Michael Holland of Goochland.
1.1.1.1.2. *Mourning Lewis, m. Robert Adams, Feb. 14, 1712, in Henrico.

HUDSON

1. Richard Hudson. 1.1. Richard Hudson, bapt. March 3, 1638/9, at Neenton, Shropshire, m. Mary Bowman, in 1658. Neenton is 4 miles N.W. of Stottesdon, from whence Richard Cocke of Bremo, and 12 miles N.W. of Ludlow, from whence a families of Bowman and Harris. (Richard Bowman bur. Sept. 22, 1639). 1.1.1. Richard Hudson, b. March 2, 1659, in Henrico Co.; moved to Amelia Co.; 21 years old on May 25, 1681. Dec. 1, 1688: “I Richard Hudson, son and heir of Richard Hudson, decd. late of Roxdale in Henrico Co. state that the will of my father, dated Oct. 25, 1669, gave to my two brothers Robert and *William Hudson, a plantation at Roxdale: My will is that land given me by my (grand) father Bowman be devised between my three sons … I therefore for 1600 lbs of tobacco sell to my brother Robert Hudson my share in said land. Wit: Thomas Cock,* Wm. Cock Jr. S: Richard Hudson. Mary, wife of Richard, relinquished her dower right, p. 29-30. *Thomas Cocke was mentioned as “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris, br. of Mary (Harris) Ligon.* 1.1.2. Robert Hudson, b. in 1662 (19 years old on May 25, 1681), m. Martha. He d. Jan. 25, 1757. Feb. 1, 1712: Nuncupative Will of *Mary Ligon: “Martha Hudson to have charge of daughter Martha“. Wit: James Cocke,* son of the aforesaid Thomas Cocke, Edward Heathcott, and Martha Hudson, p. 138. Robert Hudson of County and Parish of Henrico, planter, to Thomas Powland, Jr.; said Hudson and Powland took up by patent 940 acres on N. side of Swift Cr. 17 Apr. 1705; they have agreed to divide land in two equal parts, the lower half to Powland and upper to Hudson; wit: Elizabeth Cocke, Elizabeth Lester, *James Cocke; signed Robert Hudson, Thomas Powland; Mary, wife of Hudson, relinquishes her dower rights; rec. 1 Apr 1709 (Deeds 1706-1709, p. 160).

Robert Hudson, James Akin, and William Ligon took the inventory of Robert Blankinship’s estate, valued at £26/00/6 rec. 3 May 1714 (Wills and Deeds 1710-1714 p. 258). Robert Hudson to Henry Hatcher, Jr., for £50, ¼ part of mill and ¼ part of two acres on south side of James R. on Beaver Ponds of Swift Cr., formerly created by Henry Hatcher, Jr., John Burton, Jr. Henry Hatcher, and Robert Hudson; wit: Thos. Wooldridge, John Wooldridge, Thos. Gibson; signed Robert Hudson; rec. 5 Apr. 1736 (Wills and Deeds 1725-1737, p. 528). *James Cocke m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Pleasants, and uterine half-sister of Mary, who m. John Woodson, son of John Woodson Sr,* the br. of Robert Woodson, whose dau. m. William Lewis.* 1.1.2.1. John Hudson, of Henrico. John Hudson to Samuel Hudson, for £50, 46 ac. at Roxdale, where Robert Hudson now lives. Wit: William Robinson, Joseph Russell, John Green. Signed: John Hudson; Ann, wife of John relinquishes her dower rights. Rec. May 1732, p. 341. Oct. 21, 1734: Will of Jeffrey Robinson: To son-in-law John Hudson and his wife Anne, ½ of a survey of 400 ac. joining William Bass and Thomas Bass, Wit: John Green, William Baugh, Peter Baugh, pp. 455-56. 1.1.3. William Hudson, b. ca. 1668, in Henrico Co.; he moved to Hanover Co. William Hudson, rec. in account of the stock belonging to the orphans of Richard Hudson presented by Thomas Pouldon, Aug. 20, 1678. Lt. Col. John Farrar enters himself the said Pouldon’s security, presented Thomas Pouldon (Orphans’ Court Book 4). Inventory of William Hudson, appraised by Thomas Chamberlain, Arthur Moseley, Abraham Womeck, Sr., Edward Stanley; presented in court by Elizabeth, relict of William Hudson (Wills and Deeds 1697-1704, p. 261). 1.1.3.1. John Hudson, of New Kent, ca. 1690-1732, m. Elizabeth Harris, granddau. of Major William Harris. William Hudson, of Prince Edward. His will, pr. Apr. 21, 1800, named daus. Francis Wheeler and Sarah Harris. 1.1.3.1.1.1. Frances Hudson m. Mark Wheeler. 1.1.3.1.1.1.1. Elizabeth Wheeler m. Graves Harris, her first cousin. 1.1.3.1.1.2. Sarah Hudson m. George Harris. 1.1.3.1.1.2.1. Graves Harris m. Elizabeth Wheeler.

HARRIS cont.

1.1.1.1.1.1.2. Richard Harris, obit. 1631, m. Anna Smallman, obit. 1650, dau. of Thomas Smalman, of Wilderhope.
1.1.1.1.1.1.2.1. Mary Harris,* second wife of Fleetwood Dormer, son of Sir Fleetwood Dormer, and Mary Isham, aunt of Henry Isham, of Bermuda Hundred, who m. Katherine Banks, relict of Joseph Royal; their issue being: (1) Anne Isham, who m. Col. Francis Eppes, (2) Mary Isham, who m. Col. William Randolph, named as a ‘friend’ in the Will of Major William Harris. Fleetwood Dormer’s first wife was Katherine Ligon, second-cousin of Thomas Ligon, whose son and namesake m. *Mary Harris, second-cousin of Mary Harris Dormer.
1.1.1.1.1.1.3. Arthur Harris, m. Jane Newton, of Prescot, Shropshire.
1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1. Thomas Harris, Esq., of Prescot, m. (1632), Alice Holland, dau. of William Holland, bapt. (1574) at Burwarton, and buried there in 1642 (Will proved P.C.C. 94 Campbell), son of Thomas Holland, bur. (1612) at Stottesden, and Alicia, second-cousin of Richard Cocke, b. 1597, in Pickthorne, Stottesdon; bapt. Dec. 13, 1597 at Sidbury, Shropshire; obit. Bremo Bluff, Henrico, 1665, whose son, Thomas, was named as a “friend” in the Will of Major William Harris.

SKYRME OF LUDLOW AND VIRGINIA

1. Richard Skyrme, gent, b. ca. 1550, of Ludlow, bur. March 23, 1624/5.
1.1. Thomas Skyrme, b. ca. 1575, attorney of the Council of Marches.
1.1.1. William Skyrme, gent, b. ca. 1600, attorney of the Council of Marches; church warden of St. Laurence, Ludlow; bur. Nov. 11, 1645; m. Joan Jones, bapt. March 27, 1608, dau. of William Jones. Lease (1) Sampson Eure of Grayes Inne, esq. (2) William Skyrme of Ludlow, gent. Recites: Lease, 31 October 1637. (1) Rt. Hon. Robert Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain of England, Martin Bond of London, esq., *Thomas Whitmore esq., s. & h. of Sir Wm. Whitmore of Apley, co., Salop., William Whitmore s. & h. of Sir Thos. Whitmore of London., Kn., and alderman, and William Bond of London, Merchant. (2) Sampson Eure. Lands including land called “Monsty”. Now Eure has assigned these lands to Skyrme for 19 years 11 months. Rent: £12. 4. 0. Lease becomes void for arrears of rent. Repair clause. Skyrme to pay 6 monthsrent in advance. 30 November, 14 Chas I 30 November 1638. (Herefordshire Archives, F76/II/354).
1.1.1.1. William Skirme, bapt. Dec. 10, 1636.
1.1.1.2. Edward Skyrme, b. ca. 1638, m. Mary Repps in 1680 in Henrico Co., widow of Thomas Jones, of Ludlow, who patented land on Powell’s Creek adj. that of Thomas Ligon and his wife, Mary Harris, who, to repeat, was bapt. April 3, 1625, in Ludlow, and who, in 1689, gave a deposition in Henrico stating her age to be 64.
1.1.1.2. Elsmore Skryme, b. ca. 1640 m. Katherine, who was bur. in Ludlow on May 8, 1664 – “wife of Elsmore Skyrme”. Skyrme v Goffe. Plaintiffs: Elsmore Skyrme and Edward Skyrme. Defendants: Robert Goffe, John Butler and Welbeck Swannick. Subject: property in St Giles in the Fields, Middlesex. 1673. (C 6/79/37). Skyrme v Brady. Plaintiffs: Edward Skyrme. Defendants: Robert Brady. Subject: money matters, Middlesex. 1677. (C 6/226/46).

What appears at the ecommencement of this account are families connected by tenurial association to the same area in Shropshire, which led to familial associations that grew more intricately entwined over succeeding generations. This appearance is false, in that these families were always so entwined, a fact hidden by the scarcity of early documentation. The English kinship system had always enhanced the interests of interrelated families, and continued to do so in the New World. It had been an era of collectivism that slowly eroded to isolationism. The “now normal” would appear as a nightmare to our ancestors, as much as it does to some today.

Modern Echoes

In rooms apart, we sit alone,
The silence hums, a quiet drone.
Screens light faces, hearts divide,
We share the space, but not the time.

Familiar voices, distant sounds,
The ties that bind, now lost, unwound.
Isolation in the guise of love —
Together, yet we’re worlds above.

by m stanhope, copyright B.T. Shannon 2025