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Aug. 20. London.

Sept. 7.

HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION:

450. Sir Edward Barrett to the Duke of Buckingham. Auditor Saney having died without will or heirs, his lands escheat to the Crown. He is not worthy of such a gift, but would deserve anything given to him.

451. M. de Ville-aux-Clercs to the 17. Duke of Buckingham. Letter of comSt. Germains- pliment. en-Laye. Sept. 7. 17. Sept. 10.

20.

Sept. 26.
Oct. 6.

Oct. 13. Flushing.

Oct. 17. London.

Oct. 18. Walwyk.

452. Marshal Schomberg to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

453. A. Valaresso to the Duke of Buckingham. Begs him to listen to the bearer.

454. M. de Beaulieu to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

455. Captain John Chudleigh to the
Duke of Buckingham.
Has landed
Mansfield at Flushing to-day.

456. Sir Thomas Chamberlain to the Duke of Buckingham. Wishes, although he is made Justice of Chester, to keep his Justiceship of the Courts at Westminster.

457. The Earl of Oxford to the Duke of Buckingham. Reminds him of his request that if any one were to be Colonel General under Mansfeld over the English troops, he might be chosen. The entrenchment at Walwyk finished.

Oct. 19. 458. Lord Keeper the Bishop of Lin. Westminster coln to Mr. John Packer. Sends Sir Thomas Chamberlain's request to be a supernumerary Judge of the Common Pleas.

College.

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463. Sir Thomas Roe to the Duke of Buckingham. Begs him to recommend to the company a fit man to succeed him in the embassy.

464. Charles Emanuel, Duke of Savoy, to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

465. Victor Amadeus, Prince of Piedmont, to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

466. M. de Cortenuo to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

467. M. de Ville-aux-Clercs to the Duke of Buckingham. Father Berulle will soon be here. Admires Buckingham's prudence and generosity in confirming his words about Mansfeld's passage.

468. The Count of Verrue to the Duke of Buckingham. Incloses letters from his master [the Duke of Savoy] and the Prince.

469. Madame de la Tremouille to the Duke of Buckingham. The storm has not only stopped the passage of the French cavalry, but has injured the vessels of war which were to have escorted it.

470. Christian, Duke of Brunswick, to the Duke of Buckingham. Begs for ships to take over the French cavalry.

Feb. 17.

27. London.

Feb. 20.
March 2,
London.

Feb.

March 12.
22.
London.

March 15.
25.
London.
Und.

March 22.
Sprang.

March 28.
Newark.

April 1.
Edinburgh.

April?
Paris ?

21.

April 11.

April 20.
30.

Und.
Paris.

May.
Donghen.

May 31.

June 10.

The Hague.

May 31.
June 10.
The Hague.

June 12.
22.

Amiens.

Aug.?

Aug. 22.
Chestford

Park.

471. The Marquis of Effiat to the Duke of Buckingham. Our ships having been wrecked, it is hoped that the English will send ships to take over the cavalry.

472. The Marquis of Effiat to the Duke of Buckingham. Asks for an audience to announce the arrival of the dispensation. The persecution of the Catholics continues.

473. Lord Keeper the Bishop of Lincoln to Mr. John Packer. There is general satisfaction at Sir G. Coke's appointment to a Justiceship of the Common Pleas. Sends warrants for the new King's serjeants. Thanks for his pension.

474. The Marquis of Effiat to the Duke of Buckingham. Has always expressed his contentment with the letter of the Archbishop of York, or such a one as the Lord Keeper promised him. Begs for a permission to take the ships of which his secretary has given a list.

475. The Marquis of Effiat to the Duke of Buckingham. Asks what news has been brought by Walter Montague.

476. James I. to the Prince of Orange in favour of Nicholas Rabbe.

477. Sir Thomas Dutton to the Duke of Buckingham. The army is in a miserable plight.

478. The Earl of Exeter to the Duke of Buckingham. Expresses his readiness to devote himself to his Lordship in the new reign.

479. The Earl of Melros to the Duke of Buckingham. He never wished to outlive his master, but is comforted by knowing who is his successor.

480. The Earl of Carlisle to the Duke of Buckingham. Wishes he were here but can conceive that he is more wanted at home.

481. Elizabeth, ex-Queen of Bohemia, to the Duke of Buckingham. Has sent Nethersole to condole with her brother.

482. Wolfgang William, Count Palatine of Neuburg, to the Duke of Buckingham. Is sorry to have missed him at Paris.

483. The Prisoners at the Conciergerie to the Duke of Buckingham. They have not yet been set at liberty.

484. Count Mansfeld to the Duke of Buckingham. Explains the reasons which make it impossible for him not to dismiss some of the officers of the Earl of Lincoln's regiment.

485. Elizabeth, ex-Queen of Bohemia, to the Duke of Buckingham. Expresses her satisfaction with her brother's messages. Has asked Sir Henry Vane to speak to him. Commends to him "her servant Ashburnham."

486. Frederick, ex-King of Bohemia, to the Duke of Bohemia. Has no other consolation for the late King's death than the good will of the present one.

487. Mary, Queen Dowager of France, to the Duke of Buckingham. Having informed the King's son of the proposals of the King of Great Britain, has sent his answer. Hears that her daughter has been hindered by a storm from crossing.

488. M. de Bonouil to the Duke of Buckingham. Recommends M. de Blainville to him.

489. Lady Howard de Walden to the Duke of Buckingham. Thanks him for procuring the grant of her "first request to the King.'

Aug. 24.

Und. Fontainebleau. 1625 ? Nov. 10.

20.

Und.

Und.

1626. Jan. 10. Dover.

May.

1627. May.

May.

Und.

Und.

Feb. 24.

Und.

Und.

Und.

1644. Sept. 3. Boconnoc.

1671? Und.

1708. July 18.

490. M. de Barodat [?] to the Duke of Buckingham. Regrets not having been visited by him at Compiègne.

491. The Duke of Chevreuse to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

492. The Duke of Chevreuse to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

493. Charles Emmanuel, Duke of Savoy, to the Duke of Buckingham. Letter of compliment.

28. Fontainebleau.

494. M. de Bautru to the Duke of Buckingham. Expresses his satisfaction at his proceedings.

495. Abbate de la Scaglia to the Duke of Buckingham. Thanks him for his favours.

496. The Marquis of Effiat to the Duke of Buckingham. Acquaints him with his appointment as intendant des finances.

497. The Duke of Buckingham to Frederick, ex-King of Bohemia. Sir D. Carleton will communicate to him what he has to say.

498. The Duke of Buckingham to the Prince of Orange. Sir D. Carleton will tell him his resolution about the voyage on which he is entering.

499. The Duke of Buckingham [?] to the Prince of Condé. Has taken no part in what His Majesty has done with respect to his affairs.

500. James I. or Charles I. to the Count of Joinville. The horses bought for him in England were justly confiscated. An attempt was made to export them without a license.

501. Lord Ruthin to [the Duke of Buckingham ?]. The Queen's cough is so bad that she could not answer His Majesty's letter.

502. Examination of witnesses about some land at Blackfriars.

503. The Duke of Chevreuse to the Duke of Buckingham. Recommends Mr. Chisholm.

504. List of Knights of the Order of the Saint Esprit.

505. Charles I. to [Prince Rupert]. Sends news of his victory over the Earl of Essex, and information about the position of the troops.

506. The Earl of Clarendon to the Duke of York. On the supposed intention of the Duchess to change her religion.

507. The Earl of Clarendon to the Duchess of York. On the same subject.

508. Madame de Maintenon to the Countess de Caylus.

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believed contain matter which would be found highly interesting to the student of modern English history. They fall into eight groups :

(1.) Pamphlets relating to the escape of Charles II. after the battle of Worcester.

(2.) Relating to the events of James II.'s reign. (3.) Relating to the intrigues of the Jacobites during the reign of William and Mary, and of Anne.

(4.) Relating to the risings under the old Pretender and the young Pretender in 1715 and 1745.

(5.) Relating to the life and times of Alexander Pope. (6.) Relating to the political career of Wilkes, and the writings of Junius. These two collections are considered to be very complete.

(7.) Relating to the life of Mr. Burke.

(8.) Relating to the political history of Ireland, and the rebellion of 1798.

These collections were formed by the late Mr. Dilke, grandfather of the present Baronet.

EDMOND FITZMAURICE.

SIR HENRY DRYDEN, BART., OF CANONS ASHBY, Co. NORTHAMPTON.

Sir Henry Dryden possesses a number of letters of the 17th and 18th centuries, addressed to or written by members of the Dryden family.

There is only one letter by the poet. This is ad dressed to W. Walsh (author of a Dissertation on Virgil's Pastorals), and is a reply to a request for a criticism on his Essay. Dryden tells him to avoid shan't and can't, not to end a sentence with a preposition, and not to say that when who is proper.

A large proportion of the letters are on business and purely family matters; from the others I made notes.

1640, Nov. 26-Westminster. Sir John Dryden writes to his uncle Richard Knightley, that he shall have his prayers, tho' he can not be so serviceable either to him or the country that hath set him (Dryden) in that place of trust. He can only bring straw or stubble to that great work. God be praised, here want not skilful agents for this great work; it hitherto goeth on fast..... The walls go up fast tho' they can not be suddenly finished; the ruines be such, both in Church and Commonwealth, that some years will hardly repair all breaches. I suppose that the petitions that come from several counties will take up some weeks, if not months, and then you may suppose what time they will take up in the thorough reformation of the grievances. The great business of the week has been the raising of the 100,000l. for the maintenance of the King's army and the relief of the northern counties. The money is borrowed, some part from the city of London; 50,000l. is offered to be lent by one Mr. Hamson, one of the fermors of the Customs; for so many thousand pounds that shall be lent they are to be secured by bond of some gentlemen of the House until the Act be passed, and then the gentlemen are to have in their bonds. Yesterday the great charge the House of Commons has against the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was deliverea to the Lords in the Painted Chamber by Mr. Pim. This day is appointed to displant the cannons of the "late sinod with their unlegal oath. Saturday for ship money."

66

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1656, June 16-Ashby. Sir John Dryden to (apparently some apothecary in London), respecting the illness of his son Richard.

1656, August 17-Ashby. Sir John Dryden to Sir John Trevor at his house in Channel Roe, Westminster. He has appointed John Pasmore, the bearer, to the parsonage of Chesterton, co. Hunts, and asks Sir J. Trevor to recommend him to Mr. Nye or some other of the Commissioners for the approbation of ministers. In a postscript he thanks Sir J. Trevor for favour shown to his kinsman at Westminster school.

1655, July 14. William Driden to his brother Sir John. "My nephew Driden is in election of a fair, virtuous lady."

1655, July 23. John Hewett to his uncle Sir John Dryden, respecting the disposal of some "household stuffe" in which they were jointly interested, and an offer by Lord Manchester to purchase it.

1656, Oct. 9. Richard Dryden to his father Sir John. Asks pardon for an offence, and in a postscript asks for a new sute and coat."

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1656, Oct. 9-London. Erasmus Dryden to his father Sir John. His master does not allow him anything, and will not for three years, and then only 101. per annum, which is as much as he ever allowed to any apprentice.

[1656], Oct. 3-London. William Boteler to Sir John Dryden. Account of Captain Stayner's action against the Spanish fleet; on one of the ships taken, a prisoner related that in Lima it rained fire from heaven, and other storms and tempests, and that the city was consumed with 12,000 persons. (The writer was a Major-general.)

1657, Jan. 4-Venice.

Erasmus Dryden to Sir John. He says that his last letter was from Franckfurt.

Letters by Richard Knightley to Sir John. In one without date, about 1640, he says his cousin tells him he will give but 30s. the acre, abating taxes; he says it would yield 508. in better times; complains of agistment rents being liable to taxes, which were inforced out of the rent, and the surplus paid to the landlord.

Some of the letters to Sir John are from his sister Mary Hartopp, his nephew John Cave, and his daughter Honour Dryden. There is a letter by the latter in which she alludes to her cousin (the poet, who wished to marry her) as "Mr. Conceit.'

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In a folio of letters to Edward Dryden, 1704–1715, is one from Aylworth Freeman, Inner Temple, 11 Oct. 1709, in which he says that the possessions of the Monastery of Canons Ashby were accounted for in 28 Hen. VIII. and till 33 Hen. VIII. as of a monastery suppressed, and that if it had been continued it would not have been accounted for.

Among the miscellaneous letters is one from Atterbury to his son whom he addresses as dear Obby. It is on composition, the choice of phrases, and sincerity in writing (3 pp.)

Another letter by Atterbury is dated from the Tower, 26 April 1723, and is addressed to Viscount Townsend. He is thankful for the favour of seeing his daughter, but was in hopes that the restraint of an officer's presence might have been judged needless at a time when her husband was allowed to be as often and as long as he pleased without a witness, especially since they had been parted for eight years, and if the Bill takes place might be separated for ever. He pleads hard for pri

vate talk with her.

A fine large folio missal of the latter end of the 14th century, written on vellum, bears evidence of having, in very early times, belonged to All Souls' College, at Oxford.

A paper roll, temp. H. VIII. contains copies of bill and answer in Chancery. The petition is addressed to the most Reverend Father in God Thomas Lord Cardinall, by Humfry Mapurly, son and heir of John Mapurly late of the county of Nottingham deceased. He states that John Mapurly, his grandfather, was seised in fee of 40 acres of arable land in the parish of St. Mary in Nottingham in the county of Nottingham, and enfeoffed Thomas Turnour, clerk, and others, to the use of the said John Mapurly the grandfather and the performance of his will;-he sets out the will under which he claims;-states that the deeds, &c. have come to Nicolas Quarnby and Juliana his wife....... The Answer is that Nottingham is within the county of the town of Nottingham, and not in Nottingham as stated in the Bill; the defendant prays abatement and dismissal of the Bill, and appoints an attorney.

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One of the early deeds (13 Edw. II.) is witnessed by the master of the hospital of St. James of the Red Cross (de cruce roys) in the county of Cambridge.

Four documents of the time of Queen Elizabeth relate to the militia.

The first is the Boke of harnes, 31 Dec. 1 Eliz. for the hundreds of Sutton, Warden, Norton, and Towcester, showing the number of men and the kinds of arms with which each township was charged.

The second is the list of demi-lances and light horses mustered and viewed by Sir John Spencer and Sir Richard Knightley at Daventry, 20 Sept. 1583.

The third and fourth are directions in 1584 to the bailiffs of the hundreds of Cleely and Wymersley, by Sir J. Spencer, and Sir R. Knyghtly (in consequence of the receipt of a Council letter), to cause certain persons named to appear with arms at Daventry.

In 1864 these four documents were printed in the Northampton Herald with illustrative and explanatory notes by Sir H. Dryden.

I must be permitted to return my thanks to Sir H. Dryden for his hospitality at Canons Ashby. ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR BALDWIN LEIGHTON, BART., OF LOTON PARK, NEAR SHREWSBURY.

Among the ancient deeds at Loton Park, where Sir Baldwin kindly made me his guest, is one dated in the 13th year of Edw. 2, being a quitclaim of the manor of Alberbury by Fulk Fitzwaryn of Whitynton, to Fulk the son of Fulk Glas of Alberbury. It has a fine seal of a man on horseback with a shield on his arm and a legend; the arms on the shield are worn off. The remains of the old castle of Alberbury are in the grounds of Loton.

A deed, dated 29 Edw. 3, is a license by Wm. son of Henry de Ferrars to Richard de Frome to amortize land to the chaplain of the vill of Weston, near Yarkhull (as an endowment). He agrees not to take advantage of the Statute of Mortmain.

A quarto volume, paper, 16th century, contains instructions by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Henry Sidney, K.G., Lord President of Her Majesty's Council in Wales and the Marches, and to all thereafter to be appointed to be of the Council; dated 30th June, 16 Eliz. It gives the names of persons to be of the Council, their duties and fees. In cases of murders, felonies, burglaries, rapes, riots, rowts, unlawful assemblies, &c., the quorum might put any person violently suspected of any treasons, murder, or felony, to tortures when they should think convenient. Upon false and seditious tales they are to be apprehended and examined, and if it touch treason, to be punished according to the laws; and if of less moment, then to be punished by pillory, cutting off their ears, whipping, or otherwise, according to the discretion of the Council. The Council are to punish those that have two wives and those that be notoriously known to live in adultery. The records of the court were not to be taken out of the court, but copies might be delivered. At the end are copies of orders made at Ludlow, 14th Feb., 18 Eliz., for the regulation of court practice.

A folio volume, paper, 16th century, contains portions of the proceedings in a suit between Jane Heath and Ann Heath (plaintiff's) and Roger Thomas (defendant). The subject of dispute were two oxen, one black and the other brown, worth 41. The proceedings here are,replication of the plaintiffs;-order of court, 20th March, 33 Eliz., that the matter should stand over until the 9th of June then next;-acknowledgment by Edward Lloyd and Thomas Owen, dated 29th May 1591, that they had received the Queen's commission to exainine witnesses in the cause, that they had done so and transmitted the depositions;-order of court, dated Beawdley, 10th June, 33 Eliz., directing that the matter should stand over until the 27th January ;-order dated Hereford, 1st December, 34 Eliz., that a letter with the depositions be sent to Sir Edward Leighton, Kt., one of the Council of the Marches of Wales, desiring him to make a final order, with the assent of the parties if he could, in the suit; and if, through the obstinacy of the parties, he could not, then to certify on the 27th of January next the state of the case, when a final order should be made; the Queen's commission, dated Ludlow Castle, 21st March, 33 Eliz., to Edward Lloyd and Thomas Owen, to examine witnesses and transmit the depositions by the 9th of June then next;-interroga.

tories for the plaintiffs ;-depositions for the plaintiffs, taken at the parish church of Melverley in the county of Salop, 27th May 1591. Each deposition is signed by the deponent (by mark) and his examiner. Interrogatories on behalf of the defendant;-depositions for the defendant, at the same place and day with these for the plaintiff; imperfect at the end.

Records of proceedings in the Marches Court rarely

occur.

A copy of the Decree made by the Lord Keeper on the 2nd of May 1670, in the cause Elizabeth Hearne and others, v. Sir Henry Thynne, Kt., and Bart., and another. This was a suit to determine the customs of the manor of Stratton in the county of Salop. The customs alleged are set out and confirmed. The manor was of the ancient demesne.

A folio volume, paper, 18th century, contains careful copies of ancient deeds, including those in the possession of Sir Baldwin Leighton. The first is a copy of a grant, circa 1200, by William fitz Alan to Richard de Lecton (Leighton) of the vill of Lecton with its advowson and appurtenances.

Court rolls for Stapleton, temp. Edw. 3 and Elizabeth; for Conede, Wattleburgh, Alberbury, and other manors, temp. Edw. 3.

Accounts of the bailiffs of Elizabeth Corbet beyond Severn, 49 and 50 Edw. 3, and other bailiffs' accounts, in the 14th and 15th centuries, for Bradenhall, Bretchel, Loughton, Wattlesborough, and other places.

ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

',

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR GEORGE OSBORN, BART., OF CHICKSANDS, COUNTY BEDFORD.

A most valuable and interesting collection of letters and papers relating to the defence of Castle Cornet in Guernsey (for the King) during the civil war, temp. Charles 1st, and a few papers (copies) relating to the island of Guernsey in the reign of Elizabeth and James 1st, and an account of the storm which damaged the castle in the time of Charles 2nd, when Lord Hatton was the governor.

After having made a calendar of these papers, I found on looking at Mr. Hoskins' work on "Charles the 2nd "in the Channel Islands," that the letters had been printed at Guernsey* in a book called "The Chronicle "of Castle Cornet;" a fact of which I was not apprised when the papers were laid before me. Under these circumstances I do not feel justified in appending the calendar which I had prepared.

ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE LATE SIR RICHARD PULESTON, BART., AT WORTHENBURY, Co. FLINT.

a very ancient

The Pyueslesdons (Pulestons) are family. Roger de Pyuelesdon was Sheriff of Salop temp. Edward I., and, pursuing the King's interest too closely in matter of money, was seized by the Welsh and hung. Among the deeds at Worthenbury is a long one in French, 20 Edw. 1, being an agreement between two of the Pulestons before four persons (two of whom were also Pulestons) regarding wastes and woods in Pulesden.

The manuscripts are as follow:

A folio volume, paper, 16th century, 115 leaves, Bouche of Courte. A declaration of Bouche of Courte of every perticular thing to be served to every person being of the ordinary of the King's honourable house, accordinglie to every one of them for ther degryes as hereafter doth ensewe.

This is a copious and minute picture of the household regulations and diet of the King H. 8. and his officers and servants: and after fol. 70 occur illustrations of the households of Edw. 6. and Queens Mary and Elizabeth. A few notes of the contents follow.†

Fol. 1. A Duke or a Duches. Every of them for their Bouch of Courte in the morning, one cheat lofe, one mancheat, one gallane of ale; for afternoune one manchet, one gallane of ale; for after supper, &c.

Fol. 26. The messes of meat to be served to the King's highness.

Fol. 9. Meases of meate to be served to the Queene's grace and hir side, according to the number comprised in a book of the ordinary made for the same.

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Fol. 11. Rotulus nominorum (sic) Officiariorum omnium Domini Regis, H. 8. (The names are given.)

Fol. 226. Fares of the dyets to be served to the King's highnes and the Queene's grace, and the Syddes with the household. (The different courses, with prices, for dinner and supper.)

Fol. 26. A diet for a mease to the Lord Privie Seale and other Lords; fol. 276, the same to a gentleman of the Privie Chamber; fol. 286, the same to the physicians and surgeons; fol. 29, the Quenes boards ende; 31b. The Queens Lord Chamberlain and other servants.

Fol. 31. Articles devised by the King with the assent of his Councell for regulation of his household. Eltham, Jan. 17, H. 8. (A proeme and 29 articles).

446. Ordering of the King's and Queen's Chambers. Fol. 47, the Kings Privy Chamber. Fol. 52, for kepyng of the haule and orderinge of the Chapell. A table follows.

Fol. 55. The appoyntement of herbigage to be ordinarie for all noble prelates and others as follows, appointed by the King at Eltham 19th January, 17 H.8. (About the stables.)

Fol. 60. Thereafter enseweth the number of all the Kings horses, as courssers, hobbies, moyles, mulletts, and carr horses, and other &c., &c., for one daie and so by the space of one hole year by estimation.

Fol. 70. Purveours of the buttrie :-Wheat, beasts, muttons, &c., &c., bere brewers, grocers, bochers, dogg keper (the last is dated 26th May, 3 Edw. 6.), &c.,

Fol. 73. Various orders in Queen Mary's reign regarding servants of the household.

Fol. 746. Copies of Councel Letters to Justices of the Peace, in Queen Mary's reign, about the price of wheat for the Queen's household.

Fol. 75. Proclamation, 15th June, 5 Edw. 6. for payment for victuals taken for the King's service.

Fol. 75b. Oct. 9th, 6 Edw. 6. for avoiding of excess of sundrie artificers (against tradesmen of certain kinds setting up shops near the King's residence.)

Fol. 76 and 77. Ordinances 5 Hen. 8., 35 H. 8., 1 Edw. 6., and 5 Mary, about prices; one against hawking and hunting.

Fol. 78-82. Other ordinances of household,

Fol. 84-5. Estimate of the wages of 1,000 men, with captains and pettie captains.

Fol. 88. A proportion of spice for the banket on Twelfth day at night, for the Queens Majestie in the 12th year of her reign.

Fol. 110. Number of the household of the Queens highnes.

Fol. 113. Account of Edward Peckham, Esq., Cofferer to the King's household for expenses, last day of September to 1st of April, in the 30th year. Receipts and payments.

Fol. 1146. Do. of Thomas Weldon, late Cofferer of the Queens household, 1st October in the 8th year to the last day of March following. Receipts and payments.

Folio, paper, 15th century, 90 leaves. Extent (in Latin) of the Lordship of Chirkesland, by Robert Egerley, 15 Ric. 2., from the bounds of Powis on the south, to the confines of the lordship of Bromfield and Yule on the north, and in breadth between the demesne of Oswaldestre and Whitington by well-known bounds on the east, and the county of Merioneth on the west; which by metes and bounds the Earl of Arundel holds of the King by military service.

Foi. 1. Near the Castle is the free burgh of Chirk, 25 burgages, each at 12d per annum.

Fol. 2. The nature of the tenure of the burgages stated, and the amount of the tolls and people of markets.

Fol. 3. The ringildres are to collect rent, and execute the office of bailiff. The holdings at rents are called gavella.

Fol. 636. The nature of the tenures of the tenants is stated.

(Besides this volume there are a great number of old papers and copies of charters concerning Chirk).

A 4to volume, paper, 16th century; contains thirteen homilies in Welsh, of these, ten seem to be the composition of John Harpsfeld, Archdeacon of London, in the time of H. 8 (well known as author of an Ecclesiastical History of England), and two seem to be by H. Pendilton, and nearly all to be transcribed or perhaps preached by John Tregear. The 12th and 13th are much tattered, many words and phrases throughout the homilies are in English.

A 4to volume, paper, 16th century, 38 leaves. The descrypcion and knowlege of the Astrolop as following. -Whych is the ryght syde, and whych ys the lyfte syde. The east syde of thas trolabye ys clepid the right syde,

..... Ends divided after the four principall plages or quarters of the fyrmament. (This may be of use in illustrating Chaucer's treatise on the Astrolabe.)

A 4to volume, paper, 16th century. A miscellaneous collection. Copies of Latin poems. Disputationes theologica Cantabrigia habita coram Regali Majestate, 9 Aug. 1564. Quæstio prima. Major est scripturæ quam ecclesiæ authoritas (4 leaves). The interlocutors are D. Stafford and M. Hutton, Dr. Pearne, Dr. Henton, and Dr. Baker. Another in 2 leaves, where the interlocutors are Dr. Stokes, Hutton, and Beumant. A congratulatory oration of Thos. Coventrie, fellow of Balliol College on the visit of Queen Elizabeth, 14 pp.

Latin poems to the Earl of Bedford by P. B. begins "Gloria sponte sua fugientem quærit et illum.”

Latin poem to W. Drury, by P. B. Italus, begins “Te Mars a puero semper nutrivit in antris."

Another to the same, beginning Mars tibi progenitor. A Latin poem to Peter Bostoc," Tremanorum mortem deplorantem," by Peter Bissarus.

It

A folio volume, paper, 15th century, 227 pp. The valuable portion of this volume was well edited by Mr. Cecil Monro, for the Camden Society in 1863. consists of copies of letters by and to King Henry 5th and others in his reign, copies of letters by and to King Henry 6th and others during his reign, a number of letters by Bishop Beckington and Queen Margaret (of Anjou). The contents of the volume are described by Mr. Monro in his preface. Besides the documents printed by the Camden Society, there is at pp. 143-150 a Welsh rental for Gavel Kynrayn, Trevor Issa, and other places; p. 163, Prognostications of events from the weather in the twelve months; p. 162, Modus irrotulandi Curiam Letæ et visus franci plegii seriatim; p. 171, Form at holding a court for Lady Margaret, Duchess of Clare, in Essex, Latin religious tracts, and recipes for hawks and horses.

A folio volume, paper, about A.D. 1600. Seems to be a register for inquisitions or deeds. In the left margin are the names of places nearly all in Cheshire, in the centre of the page are the names of holders, the property holden, and the nature of the tenure, and in the right margin are the respective dates.

A folio volume, paper, 15th century, 94 leaves of stout paper. A Latin note on the second page says that the book belongs to John Edwards, junior, of Chirkeslond. The first 80 leaves contain several treatises on Latin grammar and composition, with English interlineations, such as would enable a person in the 15th century to acquire the use of the Latin language.

Fol. 2a.-11a. Rude Latin hexameters showing Latin verbs in alphabetical order, in the four conjugations; interlined are the English meanings.

Fol. 11a.-17a. Instructions for Latin composition by way of question and answer (in English). Begins “In "how mony maner of wyse shall thu to make latten "and to construe." At the end "Explicit "Informacio secundum Leylonde, Rosa flos florum Ley"londus grammaticorum.'

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Fol. 17a.-216. Latin hexameters giving the Latin names for things of ordinary occurrence, with the English meanings interlined. At the end "Explicit et citera, Nunc scripsi totum pro Christo, da mihi potum: Pro tali precio nunquam tibi scribere volo." Fol. 21.-31a. Ortographia. A Latin treatise so headed. Begins "Gramatica vel Gramatice quid est," with examples in hexameters. Some doggrel lines at the end give the name of the scribe, John Fullalove (Johannes plenus amoris).

Fol. 31b.-34a. A Latin treatise in hexameter verse on versification. Begins "Scandere preposui per versus "sillaba queque."

Fol. 346.-456. Hexameters shewing how the vowels are long or short in various positions.

Fol. 456.-47b. A Latin poem on confession and penitence. Begins "Peniteas cito peccator cum sit miserator." Fol. 48a.-54b. Rhyming Latin, giving nouns with English meanings interlined.

Fol. 55. Short common phrases in English and Latin. Haylle Sir, Avete domine, &c. &c.

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Fol. 56a. Theodulus. Begins "Quoniam hic opere sumus agressuri. Ends "Desine quos restat ni desperacio ledat."

(This work was printed by Wynkyn de Werde, under the title of Liber Theoduli, cum commento.) Fol. 77. The adverbs according to Donatus (with English meanings).

Fol. 776. Verbs with English meanings.

Fol. 78. On heteroclite and indeclinable nouns. Fol. 81a.-826. Several verbs conjugated throughout.

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The early deeds are numerous.

Copy of a charter, dated Overton, 1218, whereby Mudoc at Griffin, lord and heir of Pouys grants, the vill of Hatchton to God and St. Mary, and the Cistercian monks of Vale Crucis.

18 Edward 2, May 1. Grant by Edward, Earl of Arundel to his burgesses of Chirk of a free burg, with privileges.

Four grants of lands in Conway, and one grant of burgages in Beaumaris by Edward 2 as Prince of Wales.

8 Edward 3. Inspeximus in French by Richard, Earl of Arundel of a charter by Edmund his father, dated 18 Edw. 2, which gave to the freeman of Nanthud Moghenant Kinleche and Carrecan rights of turbary in certain woods (Offa's dyke is mentioned,

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usque ad fossam Offæ "). He allows the charter and releases a Treth called Trethmolyn with which they were charged for certain mills (part of seal remains).

22 Edward 3. Madoc filius Jor, Vicar of Llangollen gives to Llewellyn, son of Llewellyn and his wife Margaret (daughter of Grufford, son of Madoc) according to the law and custom of England, certain lands, to hold for ever to the said Llewellyn and Margaret, and the heirs of Llewellyn on Margaret begotten, according to the law and custom of England, of the chief lords, &c. If Llewellyn die without heir by Margaret, then the lands are to revert to his right heirs, according to the law and custom of England.

22 Edward 3. (Directly afterwards) the same Madoc, son of Jor grants to the same Llewellyn and Margaret his wife, certain other lands, to hold to the said Llewellyn and Margaret and the heirs of Llewellyn by Margaret, according to the law and custom of Wales, except the heir he enfeoffed (feodavi) of certain excepted lands.

By the first charter the heir, according to the law of England, was to take; by the second charter the heirs, according to the law of Wales, except such as would inherit under the first charter, would take.

16 Richard 2. Several mortgages. As security for the loan the borrower demised the land to farm by way of pledge (nomine pignoris) for four years, and so on for four years until the money was paid. The lender, it would seem, held the land and took the profits without account, the borrower having the privilege of redeeming it at the end of any four years on payment of the principal money. (There are specimens of this kind of mortgage in the collection of Mr. Wynne of Peniarth). One mortgage in 9 Edw. 3 is for one year and so on. A mortgage dated at Ruthyn, 14 Edw. 3, witnesses the mortgagor "ad tirprit tradidisse" the land for four years to secure a sum which the mortgagee in hand, nomine prit," had paid to the mortgagor.

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1467, April 4 or 14. Grant by several cardinals of remission of 100 days to those who should go to the chapel of St. Goddvarch, confessor and abbot, or to the cemetery at Chirk of St. Tissilio, confessor, and hear mass of Richard ap John ap David], priest of the said diocese, or give to him support, or say Pater noster and Ave Maria for the souls of his parents on certain days. Grant by Henry 6 of land in Kellokesdey in Flint3 Edward 4, Sept. 21. Grant by Henry, Duke of Somerset, Marquis of Dorset, Lord of Chirk and Chirkeland, of land in Chirkeland.

shire.

14 Edward 4. Grants by Edward first-born of Edward 4, and Prince of Wales, of licence to David ap Jevon to hold lands to him and his heirs "nomine Kynnowys."

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Large original charter of King Henry 7, to the people of Chirkeland, allowing them to buy land in England and English burghs, in Wales, and to hold offices there. Dated, 21 July, 21 Hen. 7.

22 Henry 7, Aug. 4. Sign manual of the King; a letter to Launcelot Landor, receiver of the lordships of Bromfield and Yale, and Mr Edwards, deputy constable of the Castle of Chirk. Recites that the inhabitants of Chirkeland had given 1,000 marks for privileges granted by his letters patent, and that some had been paid; authorizes them to levy the remainder, "trusting in your sadnesses and wisdomes." Dated at the Manor of Somersham.

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