| Description | The deeds are clearly from the same Collection as those purchased earlier from Messrs. Sotheby.
As before, the majority of the deeds relate to the Wilbraham family of Nantwich. Other parties include members of the families of Brayne, Clutton, Fouleshurst, Hassall, Hockenhull, Mainwaring, Maisterson and Minshull. Places mentioned are: Acton, Alvaston, Brindley, Chester, Clive, Congleton, Crowton, Cuddington, Edleston, Faddiley, Henhull, Hockenhull, Middlewich, Nantwich, Newton iuxta Tattenhall, Newbold, Shotwick, Stapeley, Sound, Waverton, Wettenhall and Worleston.
Fifty five of the deeds are of Mediaeval date, and in some cases the original seals are still extant. DWN/2/21, - a pre-nuptial settlement of 22. July 1340 - has a seal depicting the Virgin and Child; part of the legend ".. Sancta Ma(ria)" is still visible.One of the earliest deeds, which is undated but from the names of the parties and witnesses should fall between the years 1260-1290 (DWN/2/2), is a Grant from William son of Jurdan of Wich Mauban' (Nantwich) to William son of Rondle Brun, for his homage and service and for 4 marks of silver, of all that piece of ground which lies between his house and the house which belonged to Robert son of Roger de Stapelegh. The seal, a large fragment of which is extant, shows a fleur de lis and part of the legend "S. Roberti F..." An unusual feature of this deed is the small shield drawn on the fold of the document in a 17th Century hand.
Several of the deeds relate to salt pits in the Nantwich area. DWN/2/46, for example, is a Letter of Attorney from Randle Maynwaryng Esq. to Thomas Broke of Wich Malban', to deliver seisin to William son of Robert Hassall of Wich Malban', of and in 1 piece of ground of a salt pit of 6 leads in Wich Malban'.
An example of a 17th Century plan is DWN/2/135. This small plan, dated 1637, is of an orchard and meadow in Nantwich, in dispute between Thomas Wilbraham of Nantwich Esq. and Richard Wixsteed of the same place, gentleman. An agreement, dated 1 June 1637 (DWN/2/138), sets out regulations for the making of a pale or fence in the field and for the maintenance of the fence.
One or two documents relate to Nantwich charities. DWN/2/162, for example, is a deed of gift by Randle Lightfoote of Weston, yeoman, to the Churchwardens of Namptwich for the time being, of a sum of £14 in ready money and a bond of £60 for payment of £30, the interest whereof is to be disposed of in the purchase of 12 1d loaves to be given every Sabboth day yearly to the poor of the town of Nantwich. DWN/2/165 is one of a number of Accounts of sums of Mr. Roger Wilbraham from Mr. Roger Wilbraham and distributed to the poor of Nantwich. Entries in the Account include the following: "To old prynce distracted vjd", "Ann Vaughins gerle vjd", "To Rich. Wright not vjd", "To Kath. Minshulls buryall that was drowned vjd", "To Joane Lea very aged & weake vjd", "To poore widow Deane for her Children 6d".
Loose, is a fine example of a Palatinate Seal of Queen Anne's reign, dated 1706. |