Winslow in the 17th-18th Centuries

This page will contain information about events in Winslow in the 17th-18th Centuries. More contributions welcome!

Grant by James I to Francis and John Fortescue enabling them to alienate the manor to Timothy Cartwright and Francis Curson, 1 April 1613

Taken from a free translation by Arthur Clear (1894, 38-9). The document is signed by Francis Bacon, Attorney General. This was part of the dispute between the Fortescues and their tenants, 1603-13.

Know ye that we of our especial favour, and for £11 13s 4d paid into our Treasury, have by virtue of our letters patent, granted and given licence, and for ourselves, our heirs and successors, as far as in us lies, do grant and give licence to our beloved and faithful Francis Fortescue, Knight, and our beloved John Fortescue, Esquire, son and heir apparent of the aforesaid Francis Fortescue, to enable and empower them to give and grant, alienate, and demise, the Manor of Winslowe, Shypton, Greneburrowe, and Horwood Parva, with all that appertains and belongs to the same, in our County of Buckingham, which they hold from us in chief, (as it is termed), either by the agent of our Court before our Justices of the King's Bench, or in any other manner whatever, at the will of these our beloved Francis and John, to Timothy Cartwright (gentleman), and Francis Curson (gentleman), to have and to hold by the same Timothy Cartwright and Francis Curson, and the heirs and assigns of the same Timothy, for the use of the aforesaid Francis Fortescue, for the term of his natural life without impediment; and after the decease of the same Francis Fortescue, for the use of the before mentioned John Fortescue, and his heirs and assigns, to hold of us, our heirs and successors as is due and according to law. And to the same Timothy Carwright and Francis Curson, to empower them to receive the aforesaid Manor from the before-mentioned Francis and John Fortescue, and to hold the same for themselves, and the heirs and assigns of the same Timothy, for the use of the aforesaid of us, our heirs and successors on the terms aforesaid, in accordance with the tenour of these presents we have given …

Apprenticeship agreements

It was a common practice for Winslow families to send their younger sons to London. That was how William Lowndes made his fortune. The following list is taken from the London Livery Company Apprenticeship Registers which have been transcribed by the Society of Genealogists, so far:

Dates are given 'new style'.

Date Apprentice Father (of Winslow, unless stated) Master Company
6 Dec 1613 Joseph Lownes Thomas, clerk, Swanbourne [Vicar 1578-1624] Peter Jackson Vintners
2 June 1624 William Jackson not given - from Winslow? Stephen Jackson Vintners
5 Sep 1632 William Shilburne Thomas, merchant tailor Peter Weston Vintners
7 June 1659 Thomas Pime Henry, innkeeper Samuel Turner Vintners
10 Sep 1679 William Glenester Thomas, weaver (dec.) Richard Sheefeild Armourers & Brasiers
13 June 1688 Thomas Jones Thomas, clerk (dec.) John Bayley Vintners
3 Jan 1693 John Crofts Thomas, doctor in physic Charles West Apothecaries
12 Nov 1706 Joseph Dandridge Francis, cordwainer John Knapp jr Vintners
5 Aug 1708 Richard Croft John, clerk John Gerrard Ironomongers
6 July 1708 John Rodes William, glazier (dec.) Samuel Mackerell Vintners
3 Dec 1718 Joseph Turner [Joseph], surgeon Lawrence Gregory Vintners
7 July 1730 William Turner Joseph, surgeon John Derrick Garnum Apothecaries

Manor Court records

The manor of Winslow passed from Sir John Fortescue (d.1607) to his son Francis, who sold it in 1619 to George Villiers, Marquis (later Duke) of Buckingham. After his assassination in 1628 it was held by his widow Katherine (d.1649), from 1635 with her second husband, Randal McDonnell, Earl (later Marquis) of Antrim. In a document of 1638, there are also listed as lords of the manor Philip Earl of Pembroke & Montgomery (1584-1650, a friend of Buckingham's), Sir Robert Pye of Westminster (1585-1662, Buckingham's executor) and George Feildinge of London (probably the brother-in-law of Buckingham's sister Susan); these three men were probably trustees appointed when Katherine remarried.

12 Sep 1638
Centre for Bucks Studies, D175/2 [Translated from Latin]

To this court came Peter Fige gent, bailiff of the manor, and Elizabeth his wife and Peter Fige gent his son and heir apparent and Martha his wife (Elizabeth and Martha were examined by the Seneschal) and surrendered into the lord’s hands through the Seneschal’s all the capital messuage in which Peter and his wife now dwell and four closes of pasture in Winslow, of which one is called the Great Close, another Hobhutchin Close, another Rose Close and another Pondclose in all containing 15 acres of pasture, and a windmill, and all their customary lands in the parish of Winslow containing by estimate 63 acres of arable land, leys and meadow, to the following separate uses:  half the messuage, namely the great chamber, storeroom [aula promptuar’] and the Milkhowse with chamber over, one bay of barn at the north end, and half the garden adjoining the messuage extending to the White Bullis Tree with one part of the outer hedge[?] in width from the bay to the window of the hall and extending to the upper corner of the gardin hedge next to the pond in the hall [iuxta stagnu’ in Atrio] and 50 acres of land, meadow and pasture lying scattered in Winslow, lately in the tenure and occupation of Thomas Hogson and John Seaton and now of John Seaton (except for free ingress egress and regress for Peter jr and Martha, their servants and workers and carts and carriages) to the use of Peter sr and Elizabeth for their life, with reversion to Peter jr and Martha, or in default of heirs to Valentine Fige.  The residue of the messuage and land to the use of Peter jr and Martha.

George Kirbey and Mary his wife surrendered a bay of a structure situate in the Sheep Street of Winslow estimated at 15 feet in length and 16 feet in width and a parcel of land lying over the backside adjoining the bay estimated at 40 feet in length and 16 feet in width.  To the use of John Bedles[?].  Annual rent: 2d.  Fine: 5s.  John and Elizabeth his wife then mortgaged  it, now in the "Sheep Marke" of Winslow, to Maurice{?] Griffith[?].

24 Sep 1639
British Library, Add.Ch.53942 [Translated from Latin]

To this court came Robert Wallis, clerk, and Hester his wife (who was examined alone and secretly by the Seneschal of the manor) and in full court surrendered into the lord's hands through the hands of the Seneschal a messuage or tenement containing three bays of structure situate in Winslow, now in the tenure of Robert Holt, to the benefit and use of Richard Hodgkin and his heirs forever. And now to the court came Richard and sought to be admitted to the premisses. Seisin was granted by the Seneschal to Richard Hodgkin and his heirs, to hold by rod at the lord's will, according to the custom of the manor, for an annual rent of 13½d, suit at court, heriot and other previously due and accustomed services. And he paid the lord as a fine 5s and 2s 6d for heriot by composition, and he did fealty.
By William Rushton, deputy of Richard Lane, Seneschal.

9 Oct 1646
British Library, Add.Ch.53944 [Translated from Latin]

It was found at the court held on 29 April 1645 by the homage on oath that previous to the court John Snow, lying on his deathbed, surrendered into the hands of the lord through the hands of William Norman and John Sheffeild, two customary tenants of the manor, outside the court according to the custom of the manor: one messuage and all his customary lands in the fields of Shipton, containing by estimate 28 acres, for the benefit and use of Joan Snow, then his wife, and Alice Snow then wife of Richard Snow, for the term of their lives and the life of the one living longer, and after their decease to the use of John Snow, son of the aforesaid Richard Snow and Alice, and his heirs in perpetuity. To that court came the aforesaid Alice and was admitted to the premisses to hold according to the surrender, and afterwards she died. And hence to this court came the aforesaid Joan and sought to be admitted, and seisin was granted to her for the term of her natural life, with reversion to John Snow and his heirs, to hold by rod at the lord's will according to the custom of the manor, through rendering suit at court, heriot, and other previously due and rightly accustomed services. She paid the lord as a fine £2 16s, and as heriot one cow worth £1 6s 8d was paid at the death of John Snow. And she did fealty.
By William Rushton, Seneschal.
[on front] Maynes Estate.

23 April 1647
British Library, Add.Ch.53945 [Translated from Latin]

To this court came Valentine Fige, gent., and Peter Fige junior, gent., Bailiff of the manor, and Martha his wife, who was examined alone and secretly according to the custom of the manor, and in full court surrendered into the lord's hands through the hands of the Seneschal of the manor all the eastern part or half of an enclosure of pasture in Winslow called the Rose Close next to the highway towards the east, as it is now divided from the other part, containing by estimate 2½ acres of land, to the benefit and use of Richard Hodgkyn and his heirs forever. Richard was present in court and sought to be admitted to the premisses. Seisin was granted to Richard Hodgkin and his heirs, to hold by rod at the lord's will, according to the custom of the manor, for an annual rent of 15d, suit at court, heriot and other previously due and accustomed services. And he paid the lord as a fine 5s and heriot when it arises. There was no heriot in this case because they hold other lands. And he (RH) did fealty.
By William Rushton, Seneschal.

Rose Close was on the north side of what is now Verney Road.

The following documents have been summarised.

27 Oct 1650
British Library, Add.Ch.53946 [Translated from Latin]
Anthony Holden and Mary his wife surrendered 2 acres of land in Old Mill Furlonge, Winslow, to Richard Hodgkins and his heirs. Rent: 6d p.a. Fine: 4s. Heriot: 2s. By Oliver Lawrence, steward.

14 Nov 1651
British Library, Add.Ch.53947
Court Baron of Rt.Hon. Major-General Phillipp Skippon
William Lowndes, gent., surrendered "One Messuage commonly called the Angell in Winslowe and a Close thereunto belonginge called Albons Close and Ninety & three acres of land arrable pasture and meadowe thereto belonginge (except sixe acres which are now in the possession and occupation of Thomas Pitkin)".

Fine: £8 13s. No heriot. Rent: 16s 9d p.a. By OIiver Lawrence, steward.

Philip Skippon (d.1660) acquired the manor after the death of the Duchess of Buckingham. According to his ODNB entry, "When the so-called delinquent or royalist estates came onto the market in 1651 Skippon purchased the manors of Bletchley, Whaddon, Eaton, and Winslow in Buckinghamshire, but then sold them off in small parcels to the tenants." He was a leading officer in the Parliamentary Army, and in action at Boarstall in 1645. He was commander-in-chief of the forces around London during the Commonwealth. In his will (National Archives, PROB 11/300, 21 Feb 1659/60), Philip Skippon referred to an annual payment of £3 6s 8d to the poor of Winslow forever, which was to continue to be paid by his son Philip from the manors of Eaton and Bletchley.

27 Oct 1653
British Library, Add.Ch.53948
Court Baron of Rt.Hon. Major-General Phillipp Skippon
Nicholas Sponer surrendered "a Messuage with thappurtenances wherein he nowe dwelleth Thomas Snow (being on the) east" and 4 score acres of land in the fields of Winslowe and Granborowe. To the use of William Sponer and his heirs forever. Fine: £8. No heriot. By Oliver Lawrence, steward.

This appears to have been a marriage settlement in favour of Nicholas's son William Spooner.

17 Oct 1655
British Library, Add.Ch.53949
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron of Rt.Hon. Major-General Phillipp Skippon, "one of the Counsell of his highnes the Lord Protector".
Robert Lowndes, who held one cottage "att the townesend in Winslowe" has died. Robert Lowndes his grandson is his heir. Fine: 5s. No heriot. By Oliver Lawrence, steward.

7 Oct 1657
British Library, Add.Ch.53950
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron of John Bouden, William Coleman and Michaell Norman, lords of the manor, held by Francis Clerke, gent., steward. Robert Elliott surrendered one acre "in a furlong called Ryefurlonge, John Robinson lyinge North", to Thomas Grant otherwise Miller. Fine: 2s. Rent: 5[?]d p.a.
Note: "This came after to Mr Halfpenny"

The three men named here as lords of the manor had evidently purchased it from Philip Skippon.

7 Oct 1657
British Library, Add.Ch.53951
John Sheiffeild and Mary his wife surrendered "Fower ridges of land lyinge in a Feild called Redfeild & in a furlonge called Morefurlonge the land of John Miller south & Richard Bingly north & alsoe one headland lyinge at the west end of the sayd Ridges the land of Thomas Halloway west", estimated at 1 acre. Granted to Richard Phipps. Fine: 2s. Rent: 3d p.a.

6-8 & 29 Sep 1658
British Library, Add.Ch.53952
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron of John Bouden, William Coleman and Michaell Norman, lords of the manor, held by Francis Clerke, gent., steward. John Miller and Judith his wife mortgaged 15 acres of land to Rebecca Gerrard, widow, for £118, to be repaid: £3 on Lady Day 1659, £3 more at Michaelmas, £3 on Lady Day 1660, £3 more at Michaelmas, £3 on Lady Day 1661, £103 to be paid in Winslow church porch at Michaelmas 1661. Details of the land:

5 Oct 1659 & 27 March 1660
British Library, Add.Ch.53953
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron of John Bouden, William Coleman and Michaell Norman, lords of the manor, held by Francis Clerke, gent., steward. Robert Lounds the younger and Elizabeth his wife surrendered 1 acre of land consisting of 2 ridges in Winslow "lyinge at the Worge[?] in Demeram feild the Licaresland[?] lyinge one the west parte thereof". Granted to William Smyth alias Cave, son and heir apparent of Thomas Smyth alias Cave, aged 4. "The Court hath elected Thomas Smyth alias Cave his father to be his gardian". Fine: 2s. Rent: 3d.

This odd transaction (why didn't Thomas Smyth take the land himself?) was perhaps a legal device to enable him to get custody of his son.

5 Oct 1659 & 27 March 1660
British Library, Add.Ch.53953
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron of John Bouden, William Coleman and Michaell Norman, lords of the manor, held by Francis Clerke, gent., steward. John Miller mortgaged 11 acres of land in Shipton to Christopher Rooks the elder of Calverton through his deputy Oliver Laurence [formerly steward of Winslow] for £59, to be repaid in Calverton church porch: 30s next Michaelmas; 30s on 29 March 1661; 30s the following Michaelmas; 30s on 29 March 1662; 30s the following Michaelmas; £51 10s on 29 March 1663. Details of the land:

5 Oct 1659 & 27 March 1660
British Library, Add.Ch.53955
Same courts. Thomas Miller mortgaged various property to Christopher Rooks the elder of Calverton for £177, to be repaid in Calverton church porch: £4 10s next Michaelmas; £4 10s on 28 March 1661; £4 10s the following Michaelmas; £4 10s on 28 March 1662; £4 10s the following Michaelmas; £154 10s on 28 March 1663. Fine 19s[?], annual rent 2s[?] 4½d.

On the verso is a statement by Christopher Rooks the younger dated 8 Jan 1671 guaranteeing to Sir John Busby of Addington that neither he nor his father had granted any estate or title in the property to anyone else.

Later in 1660, following the restoration of the monarchy, the manor was returned to George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham (d.1687). A court of survey held on 8 Oct 1660 gives some details of the manor as it was then. After Buckingham's death it came into the hands of Nicholas Goodwin, probably a mortgagee, who sold it to William Lowndes in 1697. The entries below concern purchases of land and buildings by William Lowndes prior to the building of Winslow Hall. Note that parts of the open fields had gone out of arable use by this time.

27 April 1694
British Library, Add.Ch.53985
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron held by James Hayes, seneschal of Nicholas Goodwin, gent.
Robert Mitchell surrendered 2½ acres of land or meadow in Demeram Field, adjoining 12 acres of Mr Willmott[?] on the south and the land of Thomas Hogg on the west. Granted to William Lowndes of Westminster, gent., through his attorney Richard Phipps. Fine 5s. Signed by Nicholas Merwin, deputy seneschal.

Robert Scott and Anne his wife, Benjamin Scott and Elizabeth his wife and William Gyles junior surrendered about 5 acres called Coldrum Close, with the land of Robert Wyatt on the south and the land of Mr Merwin on the north. Granted to William Lowndes of Westminster, gent., through his attorney Richard Phipps. Fine 10s. Signed by Nicholas Merwin, deputy seneschal.

9 July 1694
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron held by Nicholas Merwin, deputy seneschal of Nicholas Goodwin, gent.
Richard Wootton and Abisia his wife surrendered a messuage in the Sheep Street occupied by Richard Wootton, with the messuage and postern gate of John Chandler to the east, messuage and postern gate of William French to the west, with 9 lands containing about 3 acres adjoining the premises, and the reversion on death or remarriage of the adjoining messuage occupied by Hannah Brandford. Granted to William Lowndes of Westminster, gent., through his attorney Richard Phipps. Fine 10s.

25 April 1698
British Library, Add.Ch.53986
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron of Charles Twitten and Samuel Brewster gent, fiduciaries of William Lowndes, held by Nicholas Merwin, deputy seneschal.
The jurors presented that Thomas Willmott of Stepney, Middlesex, weaver, brother and heir of William Willmott, deceased, who was eldest son and heir of Thomas Willmott of Whitchurch, tailor, deceased, along with Thomas Simpson of Stepney, tailor, and Hester his wife (examined by William Cherry esq., chief seneschal), on 14 April surrendered a tenement in or near the Sheepstreete then or lately occupied by William Daniell, with yard and garden, and 2½ acres of meadow or pasture in Demeram Field near the meadow which William Lowndes acquired from Robert Mitchell deceased, and 2 acres of arable land in the common field of Winslow occupied by William Short, and all Thomas Willmott's customary lands within the manor. Granted to William Lowndes.

Richard Whitehead and Anne his wife and William Short surrendered a messuage in or near the Sheepe Street now or lately occupied by William Daniell (other details as above). Granted to William Lowndes for rent of 1s 1½d p.a. and fine of 9s.

Richard Letman and Anne his wife and Thomas his son surrendered a piece of land previously acquired from Robert Gibbs and Rose his wife , with the land on which a house now stands of lately stood, containing ⅓ acre. Granted to William Lowndes for rent of 1d p.a. and fine of 8d.

Henry Hughes and Elizabeth his wife surrendered a tenement in the Sheepestreete adjoining the lane called Astons Lane, and a selion with a small piece of land containing ½ acre in Old Mill Feild in Alderswell furlong. Granted to William Lowndes for rent of 2½d p.a. and fine of 5s.

William Lowndes continued to accumulate land; see his notebook and roll for more details.

4, 13 & 16 Oct 1701
British Library, Add.Ch.53987
View of Frankpledge and Court Baron of Charles Twitten gent., fiduciary supervisor of William Lowndes Esq., held by Nicholas Merwin gent., deputy seneschal.
Richard Martin of Southwarke clerk, Charles Shales of London silversmith, William Gyles jr of Winslowe draper [lanarius] & Peter Lowndes jr of Winslowe yeoman (through Peter Lowndes sr his attorney) sought to be admitted tenants to 2 acres of land lately John Godwin's in the common fields of Winslow which William Lowndes esq. surrendered on 18 Aug. They "should stand and be seized" subject to the provisions of an indenture of 26 Nov 1698 between them and William and Rebecca Lowndes. Rent 6d p.a., fine 4s.

They also sought to be admitted to a piece of pasture land called Albons Close and a piece of meadow called Blackthorne Platt, containing 5 acres, lately Thomas Arnett's in the common fields of Winslow, which had been surrendered by Thomas Spratley, John Markham and Thomas Arnett on 18 Aug. Rent and fine [blank].

They also took, according to the same indenture, the following holdings which Thomas Kerbie surrendered:

Fine 21s, heriot by composition 30s.

The following entries are summarised in a notebook of William Lowndes the great-grandson of the above, Centre for Bucks Studies BAS 376/22 no.117

31 Oct 1757: admitted to 5 leys of sweard ground in Hollow Furlong, land of William Burrell on the east and William Norman west, and a close of pasture containing 2 acres shooting down to Dovehouselane, land of the lord of the manor on both sides. Surrender of John Turner & Katherine his wife.

20-21 April 1759: admitted to Stoney Close containing 3 acres in Stone Furlong, Old Mill Field, and 12 butts in the same furlong, and 20 acres in the common fields. Surrender of Daniel & William Gyles

12 Oct 1759: admitted to a messuage, home close and 105½ acres of land in the common fields of Winslow occupied by William Gibbs. And a messuage now or late occupied by William Hale. And 2 closes of pasture in Shipton containing 105 [sic; this seems to be an error] acres occupied by George Maydon. Surrender of William Guy & Mary his wife.

5 June 1760: admitted to a messuage at the Towns End of Winslow called Sheepcoathouse, and 3 acres adjoining it called Sheepcoat Leys, the highway lying on the east and the land of Thomas Blake on the south. And 39½ acres of land in the common fields of Winslow heretofore the estate of George Blake and Mary his wife. And 11½ acres of land in the common fields of Winslow heretofore the estate of John Brown & Margaret his wife. And 8 ridges of arable land lying together in Bubblesgore, New Mill Field, the king's highway on the north, east and west, heretofore the estate of [blank]. And 2 acres formerly purchased of Margaret Deeley, widow. Surrender of Robert Bigg.

29-30 Oct 1764: admitted to 10 acres 2 roods "lying dispersedly in the Commonfields called Millfield Hollowfurrow Field & Demoram Field in Winslow". Surrender of Elizabeth Budd.

28-29 Oct 1765: admitted to 6 acres 3 roods of customary land lying together in Snout & Stoney Stitch Furlong in the Redfield of Shipton, land of Mr Guy & John Henley north, land of the lord of the manor & William Hobbs west, land of the lord of the manor east, highway leading from Swanbourn south. Surrender of Robert Lowndes esq.
Admitted to messuage in Sheepstreet now or late occupied by William Glenister. Surrender of Robert Lowndes

Sale of stage-waggons used for transport to London, 1783

Northampton Mercury, 10 March

To be SOLD by AUCTION, in separate lots, on Thursday, the 20th March, 1783, on the premises of Mr. JOHN CLARK, Carrier, at WINSLOW, in the County of Bucks, unless being disposed of by Private Contract, of which Notice will be given in this Paper.

The Common STAGE-WAGGONS, &c. of the said Mr. Clark, to and from London twice a Week: Consisting of two Broad and three Narrow Wheel Waggons, three carts, 16 Horses, and Harness; a large number of Butter Flats and Cloths; with various other Articles in the above Business, all in exceeding good Condition.

N.B. Mr. CLARK being determined to leave this Branch of Business, the Whole may be a desirable Purchase for any young Person of active Spirit; the Waggons being now, and have been for 60 Years, in full Trade, with a good Set of Customers, and no other in the Town.

*** If required, a Purchaser for the Whole may be accommodated with the Dwelling House and Offices.

A week later a further advert added that the whole had been disposed by private contract. These waggons may have been kept at the former Tithe Barn, as mentioned by Clear (1894, 118). John Clark is found in the fire insurance records, graduating from "carrier" (1782) to "maltster" (1784, apparently still in the same premises) and "gentleman" (1786, now in a house belonging to John Tookey).

Copyright 21 February, 2013