The History of the Worthies of England

Anno

EDWARD III.

1 Johannes de Hinkele, et Henricus de Bishburn.

2 Idem.

3 Johannes de Hinkele.
4 Idem.

5 Henricus de Bishburn.
6 Idem.

7 Richardus de Peshal.
8 Idem.

9 Johannes de Hinkeley.
10 Simon de Ruggeley.
11 Richardus de Peshal, et
Simon de Ruggeley, for
four years together.

15 Adam de Peshal.

16 Thomas de Swinerton.
17 Idem.

18 Johannes de Aston.
19 Henr. Com. Derby, for se-
venteen years together.

36 Johannes de Swinerton.
37 Robertus de Grendon.

38 Johannes de Perton.

39 Philippus de Lutteley, for four years together.

43 Henricus Pius.

44 Johannes de Perton.
45 Idem.

46 Johannes de Gresley.
47 Nicholaus de Stafford.
48 Johannes de Verdon.
49 Johannes Bassey.
50 Nicholaus de Stafford.
51 Petrus de Careswel.
52 Walterus de Hopton.
53 Williel. de Canereswel,

HENRY III.

1. RANUL. com. CESTR. et HENR. de ALDICHELEIA.-This Henricus of Aldicheleia was the first lord Audley in this county, and founder of that noble family so long famous for martial achievements. I meet with a record extant in the Tower, too long to transcribe, wherein king Henry the Third confirmed unto him not only many lands of his own donation, but what other persons of quality in this county had bestowed on him.*

Sampson Erdeswicke, MS.

Nich. de Verdun gave him Aldithlege; Hugh de Lacy, Coulton; Eutropius Hastang, Cold Norton; Will. de Betleigh, Betleigh; Harvey de Stafford, Heleigh; Egidius Erdington, Shagbourn; Herbert Rusbin, Stanweare; Eugenulphus Greasly, Tunstal, Chaderley; Alice his wife, Chell, Normancot; Margaret Strange, Nerle, Brudnap; Alice Hartoate, Weston; Joan Noel, Weston; Peter Morton, Hauksley, Bagley, and Morton.

All or most of these were great manors cum pertinentiis. What man of men was this Henry, that so many of both sexes should centre in their bounty upon him? was it for fear, or love, or a mixture of both? But I have no calling to inquire into the cause thereof; and if they were pleased to give, none will blame him for receiving them.

Heleigh, the fifth manor here mentioned, was afterwards the prime seat of the lord Audley, who also had great lands in Devonshire, where formerly we have spoken of him. Their heir-males failing about the reign of king Henry the Sixth, Joan one of their heirs was married to Sir John Tutchet, whose son Sir John assumed the title of Baron Audley, and was ancestor to the present lord Audley earl of Castle-haven* in Ireland.

EDWARD III.

18. JOHN de ASTON.-I have not met with a more noble family, measuring on the level of flat and un-advantaged antiquity. They have ever borne a good respect to the church and learned men, and not without just reason, seeing Roger de Molend, bishop of Litchfield in the reign of king Henry the Third, gave Haywood in this county "Rogero de Aston+ Valecto suo," (to Roger de Aston his servant.) This Roger was son to Ralph Aston, and father unto Sir John Aston, whose succession is thus ordered:

son.

1. Sir John Aston, aforenamed. 2. Sir Thomas Aston, his son. 3. Sir Roger Aston, his son. 4. Sir Robert Aston, his 5. John Aston, his son, esquire. 6. Sir John Aston, his son, knight banneret. 7. Sir Edward Aston, his son. 8. Sir Walter Aston, his son. 9. Sir Edward Aston, his son.

Walter Aston, his son.

10. Sir

This last Sir Walter was employed by king James ambassador unto Spain. He married Gertrude sole daughter of Sir Thomas Sadler of Standon in Hertfordshire.

Nor must it be forgotten, that that pious poet, master Michael Drayton,‡ confesseth, that his muse oft found safe and sweet retreat at Tixhall, the habitation of this family; and thus windeth up his well-wishing for them;

"Whose bounty still my muse so freely shall confess,

That when she lacketh words, then signs shall it express."

This title became extinct in 1777.-ED.

In his Polyolbion, the 12th Song.